Happiness = The Little Things

I remember seeing these 'little things' before and Celia reminded me on her blog so I decided to do my own post about my favorite 'little things'. :) Check out the blog and let me know your favorites! There are so many good ones, I haven't even looked at them all yet!

Future Obsessed

I have a problem that probably most people have. Especially post grads. A bad case of being "Future Obsessed".

What is future obsessed you might say? Most of the time I am pretty much thinking about the future. What job am I going to have? Will I be happy doing said job? Is my boyfriend going to graduate soon? Will he find a good job? Will I be able to save to buy a new car? Will I be able to move out of my parent's house? Who will I live with? Etc. Etc.

Now let me hit myself in the head. It is definitely good to have the future in mind. If you didn't think about your future, you wouldn't be motivated to do anything for yourself or think about how you'd like your life to turn out. But thinking too much and dare I say, worrying so much about it is not healthy.

I have to sit back sometimes and think, I'm 21. I do need to find a way to make money and save up for things. I need to find out what I want to do with my life. But I really do not need to worry about it so much right now. I don't need to worry so much about what my boyfriend is doing. I love him and I want him to do well, but he should be worrying about himself.

So here I am letting this go and feel free to tell me what's up if I start obsessing about the future again. Anyone else have problems thinking too much about the future?

Silenced?

Sometimes I wish only strangers could read this blog. Don't get me wrong, I love that my friends and family like my blog and that I can send it to potential employers but I really feel stifled by this sometimes.

I just wish I could really open up about my feelings, but I can't because people's feelings get hurt. Even when I talk about a problem I'm having or a feeling I'm feeling, I've had people assume I'm talking about them and get upset. Even when I'm not.

Any other bloggers out there encounter this problem? I wanted to make this blog as real as possible and follow my journey, but I essentially can't. I rarely talk about my personal life on here because of this. I'd love to hear what other bloggers have to say about this!

A Little More About Me...

{one} how often do you do laundry?

Whenever I start running out of clothes!

{two} what is your favorite type of cookie?

Chocolate chip! Bad obsession of mine.

{three} what would you do with an extra $2000 per month?

That would be amazing. I would be able to save up for a new car.

{four} what was/is your favorite subject in school?

In high school it was creative writing. In college it was an online class called What's on your playlist.

{five} have you ever ridden in a hot air balloon?

No but I'd love to!

{six} what was your high school mascot?

Falcons!

{seven} if you had the chance to go into space, would you?

No way, that really freaks me out honestly. The lack of oxygen and being in such a small space for a long period of time.

{eight} how often do you go dancing?

Pretty much never.

{nine} would you rather drive or fly?

I guess drive. I haven't been on a plane since 2000!

{ten} have you ever been caught re-gifting?

Nope, I don't think so!

Bike During National Bicycle Month!

You may not know it but May is National Bicycle Month! So here at “Greener By The Minute” we’re giving you some reasons to get out your bike and ride instead of drive this month.

1. Gas prices are steadily going up almost every day! Many people are having to cut back on recreational activities and going out because they have to use more of their paycheck to pay for the growing gas prices. While it may be impossible for most to drive to work because of distance, there are other ways you can swap your car for your bike. Heading to the local store to get a few things? Bike there! Going to the movies a few miles away? Bike there! Think of ways you can bike places instead of driving whenever you can. Every little bit helps. Riding your bike instead of driving your car not only saves you money, but it helps our environment.

2. It is great for your health! Little things like walking or riding your bike can help you lose weight, feel better, and reduce your risk for deadly diseases such as heart disease. Even if it doesn’t feel like you’re working out, riding your bike for a mile to the store goes a long way!

3. It saves our environment! Like I said earlier, cars are the biggest source of pollution in our world. If everyone chose to ride their bike instead of driving even once a week, it would go a long way to helping cut down on pollution and keeping our air clean and in turn, keeping us healthy.

4. It is fun! It can be a great date idea or just a nice way to catch up with a friend while you ride around town. It doesn’t cost anything if you already own the bike and any accessories you need, so it is a nice way to spend time alone or with someone and save money.

Work close to home and interested in biking to work but not sure what to bring? First map out an easy route and be aware of all safety signals, such as using your arms to signal going right or left. Next make sure you own a helmet because even the best bikers can get into accidents. Make sure you have lights and reflective gear if you have to ride when it gets darker. Also be sure to have a lock if you have to park your bike outdoors to ensure no one steals your sweet ride. You can also carry a backpack with a change of clothes for work and a water bottle (you need to stay hydrated!).

What do you think of biking instead of driving this month? Will you try it?

See the original article on ASKinyourface.com!

You Are What You Eat

Lately I have been really interested in changing my eating habits, but haven't done much about it yet. All my life, I've been very thin and can eat whatever I want without gaining weight. But we all know that being thin doesn't always equal health.

I've also been a very picky eater and don't eat a ton, but like most people, the foods I mostly crave are sweets and desserts. The other day I went to two different Subways with my friend just to get chocolate chip cookies I didn't really need! I have problems with anxiety, digestion, and get a lot of colds/allergies and I am starting to realize all of this has to do with my eating habits.

So I decided to buy a book called "You Are What You Eat" to find some tips on eating healthier. I chose this book because it wasn't a typical "diet" book, it gave tips on foods to eat for different ailments and stories of real people.

The first things on my list to buy are as follows: a water filter pitcher (I try to drink a lot of water and I don't even want to know what junk is in the tap water I drink.), sunflower seeds, more organic fruits and veggies, whole grain cereal, different snack foods with less sodium and sugar, lemon for water, ingredients for salads, soy milk, and maybe flaxseed oil.

I'm going to try to eat better throughout the day and I will keep you posted on my progress! Anyone else going on this journey to better health? Tell me your thoughts!

Coconut Oil Is Amazing For Your Hair!

You’ve learned that coconut oil is a good fat for your health. Did you know that it is great for your hair to make it healthy and beautiful? Coconut oil uses natural nutrition to help your hair grow, make it shiny, and with regular use it keeps your scalp free of dandruff, lice, lice eggs, even if you have a very dry scalp. Many people use coconut oil instead of a conditioner because it makes your hair so soft and touchable and helps to repair damaged hair.

There are three basic types of coconut oil: virgin, cochin, and RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorized). Good quality virgin coconut oil is white in color and has a light coconut scent and taste. Most prefer to use the virgin coconut oil for their hair. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and can be stored safely without refrigeration for 2-3 years. It liquefies easily. Small amounts to use as conditioners or moisturizers melt easily in the palm of your hand.

We’ve dug up some tips for you to use to make your hair look the way you always dreamed it could look:

1. Apply directly onto scalp massaging from roots to ends, leave on for at least 30 minutes before washing. For best results, leave on for as long as you can and apply at least three times a week.
2. For Deep Penetration: Apply directly onto scalp massaging from roots to ends before bed, leave on overnight. Shampoo and rinse well when you wake up.
3. Coloring your hair: Apply a couple drops in your dye bottle mixing it well to protect your hair from getting damaged from chemical used.

If you need more tips, use this step by step guide for using coconut oil as a conditioner:

Step 1

Pour 1 cup of hot water into a small bowl.

Step 2

Scoop 2 tsp. coconut oil out of the jar, using a clean spoon, and put it into a glass cup.

Step 3

Place the cup of coconut oil into the bowl of warm water. Leave the cup in the bowl until the coconut oil melts. Pure coconut oil is solid at cold temperatures but melts quickly at 76 degrees F or above.

Step 4

Massage the coconut oil onto your scalp and throughout your hair. If your hair is long, you may need to use additional coconut oil. You can apply the coconut oil to dry or damp hair, whichever you prefer. The oil spreads more easily through damp hair.

Step 5

Comb your hair to distribute the coconut oil evenly through your hair.

Step 6

Put a shower cap on your head and tuck all of your hair inside of it. Leave the coconut oil on your hair for one hour or overnight. The longer you leave the coconut oil on, the more it will condition your hair.

Step 7

Shampoo your hair twice to remove the coconut oil completely.

Step 8

Melt a pea-sized amount of coconut oil in the palms of your hands, by rubbing your hands together and apply it lightly throughout your hair for extra conditioning, concentrating on the ends of your hair. Skip this step if your hair does not need extra conditioning.

Step 9

Style your hair as normal.

See my original article on ASKinyourface.com!

Grab Your Girls & See A Chick Flick This Weekend!

This weekend is the perfect weekend to grab your best girlfriends and see a chick flick! Head to a local theater like Emagine where you can have a cocktail while you bask in the glow of girly movie bliss! Here are a few recommendations that you and your girls will love to see, where you like more of a comedic performance or a sappy love story.

Tell me what movies you’re dying to see!

“Bridesmaids”

This spring, Universal Pictures and producer Judd Apatow ‘(Knocked Up,’ ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin‘) invite you to experience ‘Bridesmaids’. Kristen Wiig leads the cast as Anniem a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony.

Annie’s life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian’s maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she’ll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you’ll go for someone you love.

MPAA Rating: R for some strong sexuality, and language throughout.

Genre(s): Comedy

Theatrical Release Date: 05/13/2011

Director(s): Paul Feig

Starring: Kristen Wiig , Maya Rudolph , Rose Byrne , Wendi McLendon-Covey , Ellie Kemper

To watch the trailer or read more, check out Moviefone.

“Something Borrowed”

Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a talented attorney at a top New York law firm, a generous and loyal friend and, unhappily, still single…as her engaged best friend Darcy (Kate Hudson) is constantly reminding her. But after one drink too many at her 30th birthday party, perpetual good girl Rachel unexpectedly ends up in bed with the guy she’s had a crush on since law school, Dex Colin Egglesfield), who just happens to be Darcy’s fiance. When Rachel and Darcy’s lifelong friendship collides with true love, it leads to unexpected complications and potentially explosive romantic revelations. Meanwhile, Ethan (John Krasinski), who has been Rachel’s constant confidante and sometimes conscience, has been harboring a secret of his own, and Marcus (Steve Howey), an irrepressible womanizer, can’t keep his mind out of the gutter or his hands off any girl within reach.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexual content including dialogue, and some drug material.

Genre(s): Romance, Comedy

Run Time: 112min.

Theatrical Release Date: 05/06/2011

Director(s): Luke Greenfield

Starring: Kate Hudson , Ginnifer Goodwin , John Krasinski , Colin Egglesfield , Steve Howey

To watch the trailer or read more, check out Moviefone.

“Prom”

At ‘Prom,’ every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; Prom portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite. For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it’s a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her perfect prom. Fellow seniors Mei (Yin Chang) and Tyler (De’Vaughn Nixon) harbor secrets, while others face all the insecurity and anticipation that surrounds one of high school’s most seminal events. There are hundreds of nights in high school, but there’s only one Prom.

MPAA Rating: PG for mild language and a brief fight.

Genre(s): Comedy, Drama

Run Time: 103min.

Theatrical Release Date: 04/29/2011

Director(s): Joe Nussbaum

Starring: Aimee Teegarden , Thomas McDonell , Danielle Campbell , De’Vaughn Nixon , Nicholas Braun

To watch the trailer or read more, check out Moviefone.

“Water For Elephants”

Based on the acclaimed bestseller, ‘Water for Elephants‘ presents an unexpected romance in a uniquely compelling setting. Veterinary school student Jacob meets and falls in love with Marlena, a star performer in a circus of a bygone era. They discover beauty amidst the world of the Big Top, and come together through their compassion for a special elephant. Against all odds — including the wrath of Marlena’s charismatic but dangerous husband, August– Jacob and Marlena find lifelong love.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for moments of intense violence and sexual content.

Genre(s): Drama

Run Time: 121min.

Theatrical Release Date: 04/22/2011

Director(s): Francis Lawrence

Starring: Robert Pattinson , Reese Witherspoon , Christoph Waltz , Hal Holbrook , Paul Schneider

To watch the trailer or read more, check out Moviefone.

“Last Night”

Set in New York City, ‘Last Night’ is the story of a married couple that while apart for one night, is confronted by temptation that may decide the fate of their marriage. Joanna (Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley) and Michael Reed (Sam Worthington) are 7 years into a successful and happy relationship. They are moving along in their lives together until Joanna meets Laura (Eva Mendes), the stunningly beautiful work colleague whom Michael never mentioned. While Michael is away with Laura on a business trip, Joanna runs into an old but never quite forgotten love, Alex (Guillaume Canet) and agrees to have drinks with him. As the night progresses and temptation increases for the couple, each must confront who they are inside and outside of their relationship. ‘Last Night’ is ultimately a film about choices — the choice you make to be with someone, to give yourself physically and emotionally, and how to survive all three.

MPAA Rating: R for some language.

Genre(s): Drama, Romance

Run Time: 90min.

Theatrical Release Date: 05/06/2011

Director(s): Massy Tadjedin

Starring: Keira Knightley , Sam Worthington , Eva Mendes , Guillaume Canet

To watch the trailer or read more, check out Moviefone.

The Lowdown on Epilators

I'm always looking for cost-effective ways to cut down on shaving time. Shaving gel and razors really add up and let's be honest - they aren't that effective. This becomes glaringly obvious in the summertime when you need to shave every day in order to maintain a perfectly hair-free existence. The daily shave-routine in various areas of your body is time-consuming, annoying, and sure to irritate your glowing skin.

I've tried it all: electric razors, at-home waxing strips, and that disgusting chemical cream you leave on 3-5 minutes then scrape off. None of it really worked for me, and left me feeling defeated and discouraged; ultimately forcing me to pick up my razor again.

Flash forward to last week when going through the latest Ulta catalog: I discovered they had epilators on sale…color me intrigued. I wasn’t really sure what an epilator was, other than it promised to “leave you smooth for four to six weeks” and that one costs around $50. Being constantly on the prowl for new and long-lasting hair removal methods as I was, I decided to do a little further research. Here’s what I found: An epilator is a device that looks very similar to an electric razor, but is basically lots of tiny tweezers that plucks the hairs out, giving you a similar effect to waxing.

With the incentive of a sale (who doesn’t love a sale?), I decided to try it out, knowing if it doesn't work for me, I could return it. I got the Remington Smooth & Silky Epilator Kit for $47.99 at Ulta, and so far I'd give it about a 7/10. It does do what it says: pluck the hairs out, and I really had minimal pain even though I am not used to waxing or a similar sensation. Sounds great right? Well before you all run out and buy your own epilator kits, here’s the downside: the time it takes.

That said, I am hoping some of the slow process was due to the fact that it was my first time using it, and next time will be a bit speedier. I found that I spent a lot of time going over the same sections and it kept missing the same hairs. My plan for the next attempt at epilating is to get as much as I can with the kit, and then shave over the problem areas later to ensure prime smoothness. Other downfalls were the noise (my parents both coming in my room..."What is THAT?") and the small red bumps of irritation that came afterwards (but luckily the red bumps go away fairly quickly. I found that the trick is to use it at night so any lingering irritation is gone by morning.) Despite these reasons, for once I don’t feel hopelessly pushed back to my razor! I plan to stick with it in the hope that it will practice what it preaches: smooth skin for up to six weeks with the added benefit of lightening and thinning hair growth over time.

As summer quickly approaches (fingers crossed!) with promises of sun-soaked and pool-filled days, I will keep testing this product and hopefully I’ll be able to ditch my razor once and for all! To give you full discretion: I haven't been brave enough to test it on any other area besides my legs yet, but I have faith it will produce similar results.

Tell me about your experiences with epilators and any tips or tricks you may have!

Giveaway winner!

And the winner of the organic lip balm is.....

Alyssa from justnonsensical.blogspot.com!

Congrats girl - please email me (lrstewar@gmail.com) your address & what flavor you'd like and I will get that out to you! :)

I Love Lush!

I've become completely obsessed with Lush cosmetics! I want to try everything! I recently went to their store for the first time after looking at their website all the time. I got a bath bomb (unfortunately, I found out the drain in our bathtub was broken so it went down the drain, boo!), an emotibomb (you put it in the bottom of your shower and it releases an amazing scent), and shower jelly. They have so many fun cosmetics and bath/shower products and it is all organic, natural, and not tested on animals.

Check out their website & let me know what you buy! The button is a link for a free bath bomb - hopefully it works, please let me know!

Get Ready For Summer With Fun Makeup!

First of all, don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY!

As it snows and rains outside my window the past few days, I long for summer. For longer and warmer days spent by the pool, walking to get ice cream, or simply being able to work on my laptop outdoors instead of freezing inside. Is your beauty regimen prepared for humidity after a long dry winter? Here are some fabulous makeup tips to get you ready for the sun!

1. Use a makeup primer to keep your face oil-free and fabulous. I've tried Too Faced Primed & Poreless and Urban Decay Primer Potion. If you like a makeup setting spray, try Urban Decay's line of setting sprays for oily or dry skin. While these don't always work perfectly in the heat and humidity, they definitely can help keep your makeup looking flawless. Get an invisible powder for touch-ups too!

2. Get glowing with bronzers and blushes. I love using combo packs that come with a bronzer and a blush in the same package - you can use one or the other or combine them for a beautiful glow. I also like the new Physician's Formula Happy Booster blush and bronzers for a cute, summery look.

3. Break out the bright polishes! You've been using nude or dark colors all winter long, now is the time for fun nails. Start using bright and bold colors like pink, orange, blue, yellow, and even neon shades. Try new nail stickers in the brightest color or pattern you can: anything that screams "summer fun"!

4. Make sure you have light foundation or even better, tinted moisturizer that matches your skin now... and when you get a little color. This is one of the biggest mistakes girls often make. They only have one color of foundation or powder and the second they get a tan, they look washed out with makeup on. Try to always keep on hand a few shades for when you're lighter and darker. Tinted moisturizer is the best for summer because it isn't heavy (you probably don't need a lot of cover-up in the summer!) and stays put.

5. Invest in some waterproof mascara and cream eye shadow. You'll be happy you did on that spontaneous pool adventure when all your friends have dripping black eyes and you still look fresh.

Remember that makeup in the summer doesn't have to be caked on and is more about fun than about coverage. Keep it natural and let your glowing beauty shine through!

See the original post I wrote for Love Twenty!

"Your Voice In My Head" By Emma Forrest - NEW BOOK!

I got the opportunity to get a free book called "Your Voice In My Head" by Emma Forrest. It sounded like a good book, so I decided to give it a read. I actually finished it in about five nights! It definitely brought out a lot of emotions in me.

At times it was jealousy and I thought, "Wow I wish I could write as beautiful as she can!". At times it was a bit scary and troubling. Honestly, I usually read light and comical books before I go to sleep because if I read anything with serious issues, I can get nightmares.

Halfway through, I realized this book was actually a memoir and a true story. The first part of the memoir, I thought it was imaginary, filled with struggles, pain, cutting, eating disorders, and depression. Not the kind of storyline you hope actually happened to someone. But Forrest was extremely brave to write about such personal and heart-breaking themes.

The story revolves around Forrest's journey when she spiraled out of control and tried to kill herself to when she met her beloved therapist, Dr. R., to his surprising death. It follows her as she works to heal and fight depression through the mourning of her therapist and broken love stories.

It is a story that anyone can relate to even if you're lucky enough to be free of depression and other disorders; everyone experiences broken hearts, loneliness, and death of loved ones. It is a book so beautifully written that you grow to care what happens to this troubled young woman. You want to cry when she does and laugh along with her in her happiest of times.

While it was not a book I would normally read, I would recommend it to those who love a quirky and emotionally driven memoir. It was very interesting and I think I may have to read it again, just to thoroughly understand it all!

If you're interested in buying this book or learning more, check out the book on Amazon.com. It comes out TODAY!

The Way It Started...

"I saw them standing there pretending to be just friends, when all the time in the world could not pry them apart."

I found this quote on the blog, Novelista Barista and fell in love with it. This could describe my relationship about three years ago, before my boyfriend and I started dating. For a while I knew he liked me and I just wasn't sure. He was so sweet but becoming one of my good friends and I was just so nervous about getting into a relationship after getting hurt before.

I went back and forth with my feelings, convincing myself I didn't like him that way but always going back to the idea of dating him. And finally, I took the leap and didn't take it back. We started hanging out more, slowly but surely.

Then one night, he asked me to come over after one of his hockey games. I was tired and cranky and really didn't want to, but I agreed. I went up to his room and he said he had to get something and a few minutes later he came back and asked if I had a text. A second later I did.

"Will you be my girlfriend?" I said yes and I never looked back. That was almost three years ago. :)

Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY!