30 Days of Thanks | Day 1: God's grace

A friend of mine recently took on an interesting challenge in honor of her recent birthday. This challenge entails 1 year/365 days of finding something in her day to be happy about. From finding joy in the mundane to the spectacular, she's documenting it all.

Hence this post. A challenge as long as a  year loooong makes me a little nervous, but perhaps that just goes to reveal the level of doubt I am a little embarrassed to admit I carry too much of. Almost as if I can hear an audible whisper that wonders if I'll even find something to be thankful for during the rest of this week. Well, how 'bout 30 days? Game on. 

Day One. I am thankful for God's grace. Seriously. Because whether I feel like being thankful or not, whether I "feel" deserving of it or not, whether my circumstances show happiness, sadness, apathy, joy, struggle, or triumph, heck, whether I believe it or not, it is always God's grace that remains a constant. I know that as a human, I am as fickle as the direction of the wind, yet God's grace is this rock-like anchor that remains present like crazy in my life. 

And I can't live without that crazy, rock-like anchor kinda of grace.

#30daysofthanks

Bay Area Love

The brilliant colors and alleys of San Francisco's Chinatown never get old. The hustle and bustle, even the crowds and cars to navigate through. It is such a blessing to live close enough to enjoy these Bay Area gems.

I still love the random walks through this historical part of this beloved city....

But what I love even more is being able to share these random adventures with this fellow right here...

Happy Wednesday, folks!

The Inner Thoughts of A Gangster

I think randomly dancing around at home or even in public is the cure to shaking off the grumpies.
I listen to rap music and secretly think I'm sooo gangster. WEST SIIIIDE!!

I wish I didn't love cheese so much.

Color-coded files make me clap my hands in excitement. And colorful Post-Its?? Ooooh, talk to me...
It amazes me that at my age, my mom already was raising 3 daughters. Especially since I feel like I'm 10 years old most days.

Earrings? The bigger, the better.

The random white hairs on my head make me look like a a walking television with antennae.

I sometimes wish I had a tattoo. The kind that celebrates my inner-wannabe-gangsterness.
I one time thought it would be funny to let my puppy lick a lemon slice. And that's all I gotta say 'bout that.
I love the smell of books. No Kindle for me. Show me the library!!!

I believe it is still a valuable skill to know how to look up a word in the dictionary...not through Google.
I think inappropriate humor is the best. One time, I even snorted while laughing.
Heel height on shoes matter after you turn 30.

I've grown to love Icy Hot. Again, the life of a 30-something.

CDs.
Lionel Richie's greatest hits. 'Nuff said.
#sogangster

Happy Wednesday, ya'll!

Look Up

You know how you have those distinct memories as a kid that you remember in ridiculous detail but you're not exactly too sure why? A few days ago, a memory like this came flooding back to my brain suddenly, very similar to the way an unforeseen tropical shower blankets an undisturbed beachfront.

My dad was always on duty to drop us kids off at school in the morning. And on one particular day, sometime in the 5th or 6th grade, I got out of the car and started walking towards my classroom as my dad looked on from the car to make sure I got there safely before driving away. Later that afternoon when I came home, my dad randomly asked me why I walked with my head down. I wasn't sure what he meant, mostly because I never noticed that I did that in the first place. I guess my dad was watching a lot more closely than I thought because he then proceeded to tell me that whenever I walked, I should keep my head looking up, not down.  I can recall hearing his words as a kid, giving the automated "uh-huh" response of most pre-teens and moving on without giving my dad's words any further thought

Until last week.

We all know that days are up and down - that's just the infallible truth of life as a human. Not sure if it was the stifling heat of the afternoon sunshine, or that I was simply feeling bored and unmotivated creatively, but whatever it was, one particular day was little more glum than I hoped for I happened to have my camera with me and  stepped outside to practice observing/photographing my environment. Exercise the eyes, observe the light, think creatively outside the box a bit please let this be the magic pill that makes my glumness go away.

I photographed everything I saw around me with an increased amount of frustration that nothing was standing out to me. Everything around me was the same old thing - people milling about, buildings that looked the same as they did everyday, cars driving by. I found shade from the unforgiving sunlight and did something I hardly ever do - look up.

Looking up, I found the afternoon light glowing wildly behind the intricate textured leaves of an old palm tree. Looking up, I saw funky brown leaves mixed in with leaves that still survived long enough to show off their green hue to onlookers. Looking up, I felt the often overlooked amazement of what it's like to stand next to something that seemed to touch the vastness of the sky. Looking up, I became enthralled once again at the majestic nature that soars high and above the sometimes too fast-paced life around me.

Look up. It's pretty amazing.

Happy Monday!

Doggy Dentists

She scratches herself into a frenzy so much so that at the right speed of scratch, her hind leg looks more like she's kicking herself in the face. At, like, Olympic speed.

It is allergy season at it's finest and like humans, my poor baby suffers with sneezes and itchiness just like the rest of us. An allergy skin test from our vet confirmed she was allergic to almost everything that found it's way onto her body. To top it all off, my husband reminded me that in the next week, Kona is also set to go in for a dental procedure. Yes, to a doggy dentist to fix a cracked tooth. Whaaaaaaaat???? 

I know. 

Dentists for dogs are real. And so are their price tags.

That one time I was doing laundry and thought it be the funniest thing to put my jacket on her. 

That look on her face? BEYOND worth it.

Happy Monday, folks. 

Because Everyone Is About Something.

I’m about encouragement. Especially with words.

I’m about learning to live and love others like Jesus. I wish this were easier.

I’m about meaningful hugs.

I’m about making others feel listened to.
I'm learning to be more about praying.

I’m about being different, even on the days when I still long to fit in.

I’m about laughing long after the punch line has been told.

I'm about bookstores and color.

I'm not about Kindles.

I’m about hand-written notes.

I’m about snail mail letters.

I wish I wasn’t about procrastinating.

I’m about journaling.

I'm about holding hands even after a gazillion years of marriage.

I’m not about whining.

I'm not about crafting or sewing.

I’m about having imperfect girlfriends who will love, pray, and cry with you even when you’re being slightly nuts.

I’m about fathers that love and protect their daughters.

I’m about reading the Bible. I wish I were better about listening to what it says.

I'm about cards more than the present.

I’m about spreadsheets and budgeting.

I wish I were more about takings risks.

I’m about loving my husband, my friends, my family. I wish I were way better about this.

I’m about dark chocolate.

I’m about the gym.

I’m about a good burger and McDonald’s fries.

I'm about vegetables and city lights.

I wish I were less about others’ opinions about me.

I’m about respecting the women whose husbands are in leadership roles.

I’m about interesting hair and makeup and colorful outfits and accessories.

I wish I were more about courage.

I’m about loving those who aren’t about hair/makeup and colorful outfits and accessories.

I’m about comfortable sweats and shirts and messy- I don’t really care I haven’t washed it - hair.

I wish I were more about confidence and security in who I am.

I’m about folded laundry.

I’m about talking to your dog and letting them know every day that you love and cherish them.

I’m about telling the quiet kid in back of the class that they are seen, they are loved, they are valued, they are cool.

I’m about Christian music, rap music, Frank Sinatra music, throwback music that makes you wanna sport a mullet and a white turtleneck music.

I’m about all thins clean, disinfected, organized. 

I wish I were more about asking for help.

I’m about printing out photographs, not just saving them on a phone or computer.

I wish I were more about patience.

I’m about writing words, speaking words, and sometimes struggling with the bad words.

I’m about singing out loud. In the car. With the windows rolled up.

I wish I were more about singing out loud. In public.

I’m about dogs and puppies because I think they are one of the most unconditional creatures created.

I wish I were more about running.

I am not about women being physically or verbally abused.

I’m about relationships where you can ugly cry and you’ll still be loved and accepted. 

What are you about?

Boston Strong 2015

I'm not a runner. But I love a good lobster roll and rumor had it that Boston was among the best places on the East Coast to have one. Or two. Or THREE.

This past week we were fortunate to have the opportunity to cheer some friends on who had qualified to run among the best in the 2015 Boston Marathon. Both my husband and I had never visited this city, so needless to say were super excited to share great memories with friends on a new adventure.

Like I said, I'm no runner. But I have mucho R-E-S-P-E-C-T for those who train hard and run for this big event, especially in the wind, rain and 43 degree weather that the skies released on race day. It was interesting to be at the 24 mile line and see a crowd of supporters cheer their hearts out for each runner that fought hard to make their way to the finish line. To be inspired and learn about the stories and reasons why people ran. To be a witness and see that though the tragic events a few years back were far from forgotten, it did not stop the spirit of the city from coming together for this special event. People ran for personal fitness goals, for loved ones with cancer, to guide blind individuals through the entire 26.2 miles - I wanted to high-five, fist-bump, raise my voice and cheer every single one of them.

This trip, this experience was a fantastic memory made with friends - one made complete with delicious lobster rolls and the best clam chowder.

I am thankful.

#bostonstrong2015

"Why ya'll scared to be different?"

"Why ya'll scared to be different?"

Fear is a lot of things. It can be big, scary, disabling, rough, etc. You've heard it all. But one thing that I'm being reminded of lately that fear is the most? Fear is tiring.

I love the inspiration of other artists, especially musicians. One of my latest favorites is a song called "Say I Wont'" by Lecrae and Andy Mineo. In light of the new year, 2015 resolutions, goals and all, I found myself really thinking about not only how fear is tiring, but also asking myself why am I scared to be different? As an artist, as a person, as a friend, as a follower of Christ? I get that it's a little weird, even suspicious, when you not only say you're Christian but also an entrepreneur, an artist who loves photography, hair and makeup stuff? You can almost hear an audible "Eh......no."

But that's ok, I get it. And at the same time I also can't hide that it's my hopes and dreams integrated with a desire to want to to big things with God that drive me, that fill me with hope, that keep me from making wrong things my idols, that make me want to share with people I meet through photography that they are loved, valued, and forgiven by God. No matter what their past, present, or future tells them. No matter what this world tells them. More and more I hope and pray that 2015 grows this desire in my heart and leaves less room for tiring fear.

Because really, why are we scared to be different?

Be Light.....Be Hope

I think one of my favorite things about the art of photography is the fact that light plays such a huge part in each photo created. Beautiful light makes my heart squeal in joy and reminds me of the endless possible photos that surround me. 

Light also reminds me of hope. And hope, in my opinion, is a major game changer to just about everything in life. It shatters limits, replaces lies with truth, allows for big dreams, makes possibilities generously overflow beyond what the human mind can comprehend. 

Recently, I had the privilege to photograph the owners of San Francisco-based company, Future Glory. This company is doing huge things not only by providing their customers with gorgeous, locally hand-crafted bags and accessories, but also with their active support and partnership with Freedom House and Because Justice Matters. These phenomenal organizations combat human trafficking as well as exploitation and violence against women. 

The best part? Future Glory is a company owned by women. And women entrepreneurs who use their gifts, their talents, their business savvy to be light and hope to other women deserve nothing less than a high-five/fist bump in my book.

Below was just one snapshot from the photo shoot - stay tuned for more!

Happy Monday!

Because I Can Sing. Kinda. In my dreams....kinda.

I had a strange dream last night that I somehow entered a singing competition with my little sister and the moment it got closer to having my turn up on the stage, I think I told my sister she was on her own and found myself edging my way towards the Exit sign in sudden stage fright.

The song I was slated to sing? A Natural Woman by the great Aretha Franklin. Ooooh, that soulful tune still has a way of digging out something rich and deep from my wannabe musical soul.

I personally think that every woman - whether she's black, white, yellow, green, purple, a mother, a single, a wife, a girlfriend, a sister, 20 or 80 years old - should/absolutely must have, at least once, the experience of having that pretend microphone in her hand as she sings this Aretha classic from her heart and soul. Off-key, on-key, whatever. Rock it out, sing it out, girlfriend, in your kitchen, at that karaoke bar, when you have that moment at home mopping up the muddy footprints of your kids on living room floor, when you're getting ready to face the day again in the morning.

Anywhere.

I think that all women are a mix of kinda crazy, kinda strong, kinda weak, sometimes insecure, sometimes superwoman confident and all sorts of beautiful and complex, all human. And singing this song, this high-five/fist bump to Ms. Aretha, in the midst of traffic and rain, from the depths of my all-woman crazy heart and soul - well, it made me just wanna remind other women to do the same. To sing crazy and allow themselves to have those moments in the midst of whatever their day looks like right now.

To feel alive.

Happy Friday, girlfriend.

"Whoa, They Make Those?" - Christmas Gifts & The Internet

You start off with good intentions trying to research good Christmas gift ideas and before you know it, a little bit of curiosity mixed with the ability to be easily amused...and you get this:

I'm not going to lie - I kinda want these.

And this, too.

Just when I thought this bacon craze couldn't get any more weird, you get Bacon Strips for your boo boos. 

This is where my immaturity kicked in again.

For the life of me, I still, still, still, don't understand the craze over Star Wars. And even as I typed that, it's almost as if I can hear the collective gasp  of shock from my friends and husband whose first words as children weren't "mama" or "daddy" but were quotes from Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.

But this right here?? Sure, I'll give you a little high-five, Princess Leia. Star Wars fan or not, this is waaay too fun not to sport. Do they make ones for puppies, too????

Happy Thursday and happy shopping, folks.

Grace abounds...even at the airport.

The rain came down relentlessly on the highway as I sat in traffic, moved in traffic, stopped in traffic. Stop, move, go, stop...rinse and repeat!

I was on my way to the airport during the early evening hours of rush hour traffic to see a friend off before she moved back to London. The decision to relocate back  and all the packing and wrapping up had been quite an emotional one for her these past 6 months. Having worked together as colleagues, we'd gotten to know each other over the years and because I hate changes in general, I was sad to see her go knowing how much she loved her life here in California. Because really, you can't beat Cali weather when your other option is London grey skies. I'm just sayin'....

                       

I made my way through the parking lot and terminals of San Francisco International anticipating I was definitely at the right location, only to find out I wasn't and on top of that had taken the airport shuttle in the opposite direction of where I was supposed to be. Between traffic, the rain, and a sudden mis-step in directional accuracy, alas, I arrived just a tad too late to see her off. I frantically called and found out though she waited for as long as she could, it was just one of those things that couldn't be helped as the long security lines and boarding of a plane back to Europe beckoned her to be on her way. 

Ughhh, is an understatement.

It was as if I could hear the gloomy music in the background as I sat on the cold shuttle back to the parking lot, with a birthday/going away present rumpled sadly in a colorful bag I had hoped to surprise my friend with before she left.  

As I sat on that shuttle, all that ran through my head was "failure". I had failed to get there on time, failed to give one last hug to someone I knew could use it, failed to bring some cheer for someone that was leaving her California life behind for reasons she couldn't control. And it was right then and there on that slow moving shuttle and later drudging back to my car that I wanted to do what I never like doing in public - cry.

Though I'm still very bummed about how everything played out, I tell this story because in the midst of it, I was reminded of one important thing, one huge aspect that is so hard for me to grasp in negative situations like this.

Grace.

Like most folks, I hate knowing I came up short, hate knowing that I didn't quite get it, hate knowing I didn't do something quite right. This is tied deeply to much of my own personal struggles with the need to perfectly perform, the difficulty I have accepting that in both minor and major life stuff, grace abounds abundantly on me, covers me lavishly, even if I refuse to see it or believe it. 

I sometimes foolishly think that grace has to be earned or I have to at least feel worthy of it, but the truth in my life is that, nope, grace from God is immeasurable and given freely regardless of what I think or feel, even if the situation calls for gloom and missed opportunities. Over and over and over again I need these reminders of grace, even if the reminders come about from situations that involve traffic, rain, and airport farewell plans gone awry. 

Do I always like these reminders? Heck no. But like I said, in the end, looking at the big picture, the answer is always seems to remain the same - I still need them.

And the birthday present? *sigh* Well, there's always good ol' U.S. mail, right?

Happy Thursday!

Random Schmandom

Sometimes, I think I feel this odd obligation to say something deep and profound whilst desperately staring at a blank screen that seems to taunt me in my writer's block.

It's in these moments, that I realize that my random human thoughts of this past Thanksgiving week in general are probably the best route to go. Take THAT writer's block!

1. We traveled to Las Vegas to visit family and while the visit was fun, it took, oh, ONLY 12 HOURS TO GET HOME. I fell asleep in the car as my husband drove, woke up and realized that we moved about 3 feet from when I first knocked out. It was right about then that our dog barfed in the back seat and I had a strong urge to weep miserably into my pillow.

Yes. My roadtrip pillow.

2. One of my oldest friends came by to visit while we were in Las Vegas. She brought chicken wings to the Thanksgiving shindig. I am thankful for chicken wings and for friends that know you all too well.

3. I scored my first pair of Chuck Taylors during the Black Friday shopping madness. You are never too old for a classic pair of white Chuck Taylors. 

4. I re-discovered my love for journaling. Most of my best conversations with God involve a pen, a brightly colored journal, and freedom. 

5. My sister and brother in law are due to visit in December. I can't wait and am practically doing the happy dance in my Chuck Taylors. The happy dance, at my age, involves a little bit of Cabbage Patch with a touch of Running Man.

6. Sharing how broken and flawed I am with other people is hard. Like, ehhhhhhh, do I have to??!?!? But even harder than that is really believing that grace covers me. But I'm learning. Slowly.

7. My dog is suddenly getting picky with her food - all she wants to do is play. And my mommy paranoia is setting in. OH MY GOSH, SHE'LL STARVE!!!!!!!  I sometimes wish I could carry her around and feed her through a bottle. My husband won't let me, I'm sure. How do I know? I already asked about a stroller for her. Kinda half joking. Kinda.

8. I love crab. It's so good. I just don't know how to pick it out live crab at the market. So, what's a girl to do? Call her mommy and give her the money to buy it for me and cook it. =)

9. I'm reading a book by Tim Keller at the moment called Prayer. And daaaaang. It's good. Really good.

10. The Christmas season is upon us Oh, man my heart smiles just at the thought of it.

11. Why do old coffee grinds smell like cigarettes?

Happy Monday!

Sometimes, There Are No Words

Sometimes, there are simply no words to describe God's awesomeness, vastness, greatness. And I think that's ok.

Because in the precise moment I'm left dumbfounded and utterly speechless is when I think I actually understand it the most.

Happy Thursday!

My Little Assistant and a Fancy Schmancy Skirt

Being a creative doesn’t always come easy. Especially when you are fairly skilled at one medium of artistic expression such as photography, but are completely lacking in another creative skill that’s needed to allow your vision to become real.

This is my fancy way of saying I have been wanting to do a photo shoot that incorporated a fluffy and flowing tulle skirt but have zero skill in making fabric, needle, and thread come together and unite happily ever after.  I can’t sew a button to save my life (sorry, Mom), but the vision of a fashion-inspired, Vogue for the everyday woman kind of photo session just wouldn’t go away. Hence, you suck it up, YouTube, and try, try, try.

The best part of sewing something this fancy is that my little assistant was right by my side and cheering me on as I sweated through/threaded through/sewed my way to tulle skirt heaven. There was so much fluffy material everywhere. I’m surprised she didn’t get lost in the sea of tulle, thread, and ribbon. Ah, but despite the minor tangles and constant reminders not to eat/chew/drool on the fabric, I think someone approves of the final result.

Absolutely can’t wait to try this out for the next fabulous woman I photograph. Stay tuned!!

Happy Friday!

Lights

"Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph."

 - Matt Hardy

Beautiful light just makes my Monday.

The Peanut Booger Kid

When my youngest sister was a kid, she once thought it would be a good idea to shove a peanut up her nose. It was a really fun idea for about 2 seconds before she started crying and we all realized a trip to the doctor's office was the only way to remove the peanut booger she created. And ironically, the she's allergic to peanuts.

Go figure.

When my parents splurged and bought my siblings and me a Nintendo game system with only two controllers, guess who often got left out of the Mario and Luigi adventures? You guessed it - the youngest, peanut booger sister.

During our teenage years, whenever I was missing a cool blouse or some favorite accessory from my closet, it was almost always found in the possession of my youngest sister who loved fashion as much as I did. Oooh, and did that lead to some historical fights! And let's not forget that time we both went to the salon together to get our eyebrows waxed for the first time. I was a little scared and she was a lot scared, so of course I made her go first. In case it hurt, she could warn me, right?

Or did I ever tell you about that time my other sister thought it would be funny to stuff the younger sister into the clothes hamper and sit on the lid so she couldn't get out? Yeah, that was freakin' hilarious, too. (Calm down, folks, it was a wicker hamper with plenty of semi-breathable holes of ventilation.)


And when she got all grown up enough to get married, I made sure to record a video of her on the morning of her wedding when she soon discovered a pimple right on her nose. Purely out of big sister evil laughter love, of course. We have to treasure these memories, after all.

Throughout life's ups and downs, she's been my best shopping buddy, my don't-tell-mom-and-dad cover up.

My biggest rival to my best homie.

A huge pain and a huge pain-reliever.

I've lost count of the fights, laughs, and tears we've shared as sisters and looking back, there is absolutely nothing I would change.

Today is my sister's birthday and there's a good chance that she's stuffing her face with ice cream and prancing around in a new pair of shoes right now (because she's kind of a nerd like that). Needless to say, I love the booger kid and am thankful to call her my sister and celebrate her life today.

Peanuts, anyone?

Uphill, Downhill, Stuttering and Creatively Running with God

Let Your love be my companion

In the war gainst my pride

Long to break all vain obsession

Till you're all that I desire

-Hillsong United

When I started writing in this blog, I set out with the intention of having it be as honest as possible, sharing my work as a photographer, a woman wanting to inspire and encourage others, especially other women. While this endeavor sounds noble in itself, can I just be honest and say it hasn't always been easy to live up to and has sometimes felt like most uphill battle ever? Like, there were moments it just plain sucked.

As with many creatives and artists wanting to share their work and inspire others for the sheer joy and meaningful-ness of it, sometimes the tangled web of wanting approval traps and tragically chokes even the most innocent of our intentions, blurs our vision of what we hope the end result will be. Photographer, writer, sculptor, painter, videographer, musician, person who builds stuff out of random things you name it, I can guarantee you we have all felt this at one point or another as a creative.

For me, this trapping, cunning web stops the creative flow in my photographs, the click of my camera, causes a writing stutter as the words of my heart can't seem to find it's way to the freeing surface of a page, stops the happy tapping sound of a keyboard, can't find it's way to reach deep into the heart of a reader and encourage them the way I had hoped.

Though I can't speak for everyone else in this world, I believe that the very best of anything and everything happens when the main reason a person is doing it is to honor God, whether it it's big or small task. I believe this because even as a photographer, I recall how many of my favorite photos were a result from when my eyes were simply and freely looking for the beauty in God's creations around me (in people, things, colors, shadings of light, small and overlooked details) - not for the world's approval, not for what it could possibly yield in comments, not for any other reason than for the sheer joy of being free to creatively run. 

Simply put - I found that my best work only happens when I am free from the chains of my pride and instead am clinging on to a loving God who has not only allowed me to capture the beauty around me but also is refining my character in the process as a photographer, a writer, an artist, a woman, an entrepreneur, a human.....and most of all, as His daughter.

God can use anything and anyone to communicate how much He loves the world. Even a rambling and imperfect person like me. It's pretty fantastic.

Happy Monday!

Churro Scouting and Disney Memories

This past Labor Day weekend, my husband and some of our best friends participated in the Disney Half Marathon. I, of course, participated in scouting out the closest churro stand.

It was a fantastic experience and needless to say, the excitement of the whole event was palpable and contagious for every participant there whether you were a runner, part of the cheer squad, or churro-scouting like me.

My husband, with the help of our friends, had been training for this since January so to be there and celebrate with him after crossing the finish line was indeed memorable. Plans to roam the park after the race then followed and we all rode loony-screamed on all our favorite rides and ate expensive fried food like it was going out of style. The warm night sky soon beckoned the end to a crazy-fun day in Disneyland and we soon found ourselves exhausted but happily walking back to the hotel.

And in this weekend, I was reminded that sometimes the best inspiration for my dreams and hopes in this life come from the awesome memories you make with your loved ones and friends.

Happy Friday!

A Health Journey: Cool Books That Advise Making Your Own Junk Food

"Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food."

-Michael Pollan

Food Rules

For the past month and a half, as many of you know, I have been working with a trainer in an effort to be more intentional about getting stronger, being challenged to break away from exercises that are too easy, and overall to just be more intentional about my overall health.

Fifteen sessions later, I am thankful and happy to say I am already feeling and seeing the results. Has it been easy? No, but it's definitely been worth it. Just the fact that more weight-lifting has been incorporated into my workout routine is in and of itself a huge accomplishment as I was always the person to default to sticking with the lightest weights that required the least amount of effort. Am I all beefed up like Schwarzenegger or Popeye? No and I have no desire to be because, truthfully, I kinda like having a neck. However, there's something rewarding about taking the weights up a notch and knowing it's also a great preventative method for us women, especially when it comes to risks of osteoporosis.

Logging everything I eat (including the occasional cookie or cup of ice cream) has also been tremendously helpful as it's made me more conscious about what I am putting into my body, if I'm eating out of boredom or stress, and if I am consuming a healthy amount of water on a daily basis. There's something eye opening about writing things out and looking back at it and a food journal is no different. If anything, it's simply made me more aware.

In a recent health workshop I attending, I was given a fantastic book called "Food Rules" by Michael Pollan. Is it chock full of bland and boring recipes? No. Is it saying to eat a salad for the rest of your life. Thankfully, heck no. (Because trust me, I'm a not a huge fan of that method either. I love me my hamburgers with fries once in a while, thank you very much.)

Rather, this book outlines a ton of simple and fun tips on how to make better decisions with what you buy at the grocery store, easy ways to remember what foods to avoid and why, and best of all, it's written by a regular journalist who simply saw the need for people to have simple and understandable guidelines on how to eat healthier in a world full of fad diets and confusing health advice.

Simply put, it's good. Go get it and read it. Your health will thank you.

Happy Wednesday!