Monday, May 4, 2015

Lunch? We've Got This in the Bag!!

I have to admit.. I actually enjoy packing my lunch for school. Its kind of like a game. I hate eating the same thing over and over again, and I like eating relatively healthy. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a teenager and I still eat junk food (there was a brownie in this lunch) but I try to just eat a balanced meal, and not obsess over calorie counting.

This meal was actually SO good that I made it again for dinner. For the dinner rendition, I just added a little chicken on top.

So what is this incredible food you ask? A mini flatbread pizza.
 
It all started when I found this naan bread at Costco. I just so happened to have some mozzarella, grape tomatoes and basil from Trader Joe's. So, I got creative. I preheated my oven to 350 and chopped up the basil and tomatoes fairly small. Once the naan had a layer of mozzarella on it, I put the tomatoes on and just crisped it up in the oven for about 10 minutes. 
After the cheese was melted and the naan was a little crispy, I turned off the oven and sprinkled the basil on top (as you can tell, I'm slightly basil obsessed. You, of course, do not have to put this much on!) I popped it back into the oven for less than 2 minutes and after, drizzled some of this AMAZING artisan fig balsamic vinegar on top. Its from this adorable shop here in downtown Bethesda, Secolari. The store itself was beautiful, but the taste of their olive oils and balsamic vinegars was what really sold me. I definitely recommend checking them out. 

Now, for the rest of my lunch. As I said, I try to get a good variety. These mini peppers from Mucci Farms are non GMO and really, I just love peppers... Definitely my vegetable of choice.
Then I added a little fruit salad with pineapple, blueberries, and strawberries. For a salty snack, veggie straws are a favorite of mine... plus they're gluten free! 

I really try every day to put effort into my lunches. During a long day at school, its just the thing I need to keep going or feel good. If I eat well, I often just feel better all around! It might seem difficult at first, but really making the choice and following through is SO worth it in the end.

If you're inspired to put a spin on your lunch or dinner, let me know! Comment below what you've come up with, or if you tried my recipe. I'd love to hear from you.

xoxo,
B

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Sick Day

Happy Saturday! Today I am feeling under the weather, but using it as an excuse to do things that make me feel better. I think its important to do this kind of thing even if we aren't sick, just to check in with ourselves. My favorite yogi Adriene (check out her youtube channel "Yoga with Adriene" here) uses this phrase "check in" and I really like it. Its different than saying you need to fix whats wrong in your life. We all go through spots where things just aren't going well (whether its as simple as being sick, or your entire life is on its head) and "checking in" is really about noticing those things. Its good to notice and embrace every part of them, and do what we can to make it a more pleasant experience.

ALSO... side note (: Finally a picture of my favorite tea cup.

So to jump into today's post. 
I'm trying to approach this whole sickness deal with the "rest and relaxation" process. 
If you know me, you know I have long blonde hair. I've donated it 3 or 4 times (I've lost count) and so many people ask me how I grow it so fast. The answer is.... HAIR MASKS. I know it may sound crazy, but honestly... It. Works. To make it grow  I use an egg mask (2 egg yolks, 1 tbs olive oil, leave in for 30 min) but to make it strong I use coconut oil. I find that using coconut oil also makes my hair grow because its not as fragile and the ends aren't breaking off. I used Trader Joe's coconut oil for two years and it was okay. But THEN I discovered this stuff.
It seriously goes in my hair so easily. Its more like a lotion texture instead of being hard and chunky (ew I hate that word). 

So yeah I just cover all of my hair with this stuff, put it in a bun or a braid, and leave it in for as long as possible. I usually leave it in for a few hours but you should give it at least 30 minutes. Some people sleep in it but I personally think that's kinda gross plus I would never be able to sleep in a shower cap. Just shampoo it out when you've soaked up all the time you can (it usually takes me about 3 shampoos just to be safe).

I then took a hot bath, did my nails, and did my hair for tomorrow (yes, i really am so lazy that I occasionally do my hair the night before).  Here are the products i used: 

Beauty Protector's Protect & Oil.... Can I just say, this stuff is AMAZING. By far the best hair oil I've tried! 

xoxo
B



Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Relaxed Wednesday

I'm not much of a quote person... But yesterday while I was drinking a {killer} cup of hot tea (if I do say so myself) I looked down and realized my mug said

Make tea, not war

And I just love that. Not only because I found it ironic that I read it as these Baltimore riots were going on, but just life in general. It doesn't have to be military combat, but just applying that to your daily life. When difficulties or disagreements come up, make something delicious and calming out of it 😜 

On another note, I continually woke up thinking I overslept my alarm last night because the night before, I overslept. That was fun... Ha! 

Can I just say... I tried this today and it is SO. COMFY. Like more comfortable than half back because the ponytail isn't so tight or on my head. Plus it's great for no-heat! I have naturally wavy hair and it works well with this style. Check out Barefoot Blonde's tutorial!


Also, I changed up my blog! I am in LOVE with this design and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! haha. 

Thinking of starting a blogging schedule.. although i enjoy this free spirited stuff! (; We shall see!


Xoxo
B
























Tuesday, April 28, 2015

For the Second Time...

So I was stupid and wrote a really long blog post but didn't save it and, in the process of restarting my phone, lost the blog post. *cries*

Today I go get my picture for my passport taken! One step closer to Spain. It's good for 10 years after Wednesday so when I'm 26 I'll probably look back and think "what on earth was I thinking?" But I chose a plain shirt and curly hair so hopefully those things are relatively in style then :P 

*skims Pinterest for something interesting to share*

DESK INSPIRATION
ahh I'm in the process of personalizing my desk and these definitely inspire me but I just don't know WHAT to do with these creative thoughts haha






I originally had a paragraph complaining about Tuesday's here but I'm trying to stay positive! Ha!

I need to go to Marshall's to pick up a cute notebook. Just FYI (;

Xoxo
B








Monday, April 27, 2015

Another Monday...?


Ahhhh it's hard to believe it's Monday AGAIN. This weekend went by wayyy too fast. My missions team had a car wash on Saturday, which I think was pretty successful, but left me without sleeping in :P I'm trying to stay optimistic by knowing there's only a few left before summer is over. With AP testing coming up its the final cram before exams. Trying to study, trying to eat right and exercise, trying to maintain somewhat of a social life, trying to get enough sleep... Hopefully tonight I can get in bed by 9. That's why I'm trying to get this blog out by noon! I kinda like blogging while in school. It lets me get my thoughts out throughout the day. When I get home, I just want to shut down and have time to myself. 

So anyways, my goal this week is to plan. I'm an avid planner anyways, but I find that by following a schedule when I get home from school, even if it varies day to day, I feel so much more put together. I usually plan out what I'm going to do while I'm at school, so that when I get home I have something to work with. I get so much more done too. Because it's almost exam time, I need to make sure I do this so that I can maximize the amount of studying I can get it while still functioning in life, haha. 

Also, I need to start tackling this project of learning Arabic! I'll be in IB Arabic next year so I NEED to learn it before I enter the class! I'm hoping to find a good program I can use to learn on my own. I wish Duolingo had Arabic. 

Finally, I'm sending out the prayer and support letters this week! I'm so thankful for my mom who is addressing them for me. She such a blessing in so many ways!

I hope you have a wonderful start to your week. 

"May your Monday's be short and your coffee be strong"

Xoxo
B


This weeks hair inspiration:


This weeks outfit inspiration: 


Friday, April 24, 2015

About That...

Helloooo internet. Ive been wanting to do a blog for a really long time now... I just never knew what i would blog about! I felt like people would want to see something specific.. But then i realized, I just need to do this for me. I think this will be good for my mental health, haha! I dont really expect anyone to read this but if you happen to have found it... congrats (;

So, about me.
Recently I've moved to Silver Spring, MD. (That's just outside of DC) I seriously love living right by the city, which is one of the things that inspired this blog. I feel so much more creative! Moving from a very rural town, this has been a huge change but definitely one for the better. I never really felt like Chambersburg was where i would spend the rest of my life. I love my friends there and i really miss all of the things i was involved in (band, really :) but hey, God has bigger plans for me!

Im sitting here typing this after a 2 hour exam in school... just to put this into context :P

Anyways, I'm sure there will be all kinds of things on here. I take random adventures into the city all the time with my family, so I'm sure that will be on here. My style is very preppy (hence Sunday Prep) and I am a daughter of the Lord Jesus Christ! (hence Sunday Prep ;) You can find a link to my pinterest HERE whichhh is pretty amazing if i might add.. haha!

SO, yeah.. Ive just wanted a way to document my life that isnt all over social media or in a diary, haha! Like i said, this blog is really just for me but if youre here and you enjoy it, Im glad. (:

I hope your day is better than sitting in an exam room.

xoxo