Tutorial Thursday-How to keep your New Years resolution!

1.      Stay motivated! Many people after a month, or even a week, claim that they don't have enough time or makeup some kind of excuse to stop doing their resolution, but I think they aren't motivated enough, because I believe if you are motivated enough, you can do anything! For example, last year in 2013 during the first week of the new year when I went to the gym, it was PACKED. There were people everywhere, however as time went by, like 1-2 weeks after, the gym was nearly, completely empty!

This year my goal is to lose weight/eat healthy, I only wish to lose about 10 pounds, but I know I'm not the type of person to say, oh it's such a small amount, it doesn't matter, but the truth is it does matter if I made the resolution in the first place, it has to have some kind of meaning. Someways I like to stay motivated with my goal is instagram, there are MANY accounts dedicated to posting pictures of workout plans or perfectly toned bodies that make me think, 'Ok, if I work hard enough, I can look like this' because you can't get what you want just by laying around! 

2.    Make it fun! I know sometimes before I workout, I DREAD it because it's always the same, boring routine. That's why you should change it up a little! For example grab a friend and go running on a beautiful trail instead of running in place on a sweat covered treadmill. Also, a little competition never hurts! Trust me on this, when you challenge your friend on a run, it makes you want to run faster, or push your body, it's extremely helpful! Lastly, make a playlist of music to play as you workout, clean, or whatever your resolution is, it can distract you from the task at hand, and it makes time pass by, SUPER quickly! 

3.    Get the right equipment! I'm still going to continue using the workout resolution example, but anyways, the right equipment can assist you GREATLY in the process of your goal. For example, if you want to put healthy in your body, buy a juicer! These lovely things can make a yummy + healthy juice for you to consume that usually consist extremely healthy veggies and fruits! Also a fit bit is a little device that tracks, steps taken, calories burned, distance traveled, stairs climbed, hours slept, and quality of your sleep. This little device starting at 60 US dollars is extremely useful because it tracks your progress and you can see for yourself how you are doing!

I wish all of you the best of luck in this new year that brings many promises!

Good luck in 2014! <3

Tutorial Thursday- How to Stay Healthy This Winter!

Hello everybody! Welcome to another week, THE ONE RIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, AHHH! 

Well anyways, today I will be teaching you guys a health thing Sarah and I came up with!

Benefits of being healthy!

Okay to start off, let me state the benefits of staying healthy this winter!

-If you stay hydrated, so will your skin! Because of the dry air, skin drys out and can become dull.

    But if you drink a lot, your skin will show with a glow! 

-Your body will be more than ready for summertime!

-Acne caused by bad eating habits can heal!

-Dry hair can look and feel more healthy!

-Makes you happy and stress free!

-Food like strawberries makes your teeth appear whiter!

-It actually does prevent diseases! 

                                    And overall, eating healthy makes a person happy!

Junkfood Cravings?

Don't worry, once you get in the habit of eating healthy

all your cravings for junk food will just disappear-POOF!

Fruits usually can get rid of a junk food craving, in my opinion, 

apples work the best!

How do I Start?

For Sarah and I, it was pretty hard, but our secret is to find replacements! 

Here is a list of foods that we made up to replace, yay!

Junky Drinks (Soda, sports drinks, artificial juices)- REAL fruit juice-or water

Chips- Pretzelzs (Don't have this one to often, the sodium isn't that good for you!)

Chocolate-Dark Chocolate (Don't have this one too much eighter!) 

Ramen- Since it is empty calories, add veggies! 

French Fries- Slices of potatoes baked in the oven with seasoning! or sweet potato fries!

Canned soup- Homemade soup!( It's yummier too!)

All purpose flour- Wheat Flour

Candy- Fruit

Pudding-yougurt 

Potatoes- Sweet Potatoes

Butter Popcorn- Plain Popcorn ( Make sure it has no trans fat-it leads to HEART ATTACKS!)

The list goes on and on! Just replace your everyday junkies, with the perfect replacement, it's that simple! Well thanks for tuning in to Tutorial Thursday! Have a great Friday tommorow!

 

Quick Notice

I know our last two posts were very short, it is because of our tight schedule lately. I mean hey, a little is better than nothing, right? Well thank you for putting up with it. Have a great evening! :)

Food Friday - Starbucks Recipes: Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Super Quick Salted Caramel Hot Coco Recipe!

First add the desired amt. of chocolate syrup to a glass of milk!

Then stir it all up!

Now add some Caramel to add some flavor!

Now heat your beverage in the microwave, for about 1 min.

Now top your hot coco with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and JUST a pinch of sea salt!

I hope you enjoy this SUPER quick and delicious recipe, it is perfect.

Tune in next week for food Friday!

Tutorial Thursday - DIY Christmas Gifts: Chalkboard Candle!

Quick note: I know we are a day off, we apologize, ALOT. But don't you worry, we have an excuse!

On Thursday, both Sarah and I had to attend a band concert that took 3 whole hours! But here is a day late Tutorial Thursday!

DIY Chalkboard Candle

This is the finished product (above.)

First, pick out the candle you would like to use. This candle works well because the container is made of glass. It is by Glade and part of their winter holiday collection, it was $3, not bad, right?

Fold a piece of paper in half and draw half of a heart.

Then cut it out and unfold it so it's in the shape of a symmetrical heart.

Cut and tape a few more hearts where you would like them.

Get out some chalkboard paint now. You can find this at any hardware or art store!

Paint the whole outside area of the container with 2

coats, I made the mistake of going over the hears, (Its harder to peel off!) so try

to avoid them as much as possible! 

When it dries, peel off the paper and tape, and you're done! Enjoy your chalkboard candles. They are

a great gift everyone will admire!

Food Friday - Starbucks recipies: Caramel Brulee Latte!

Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte! 

I absolutely love the Starbucks' Caramel Brulee Latte! However, I live so far away from Starbucks! That is why I love this recipe, so I can enjoy Starbucks at home anytime! 

First, add caramel syrup to a mug or cup, just enough

to cover the bottom.

Next stir in a shot of espresso into the cup, I just

used a shot of extra strong coffee.

Now just place a cup of milk in the microwave for about 45 seconds, then when you take it out insert a whisk and place flat hands on the handle and then quickly move your hands back and forth until a nice foam forms. 

Pour the foamed milk in, LOOK AT HOW BEAUTIFUL IT IS!

(Optional)

Place caramel candies into a plastic bag, this is for the topping.

Here comes the fun part, smash it all up!

Now just add some whipped cream and your topping, YUM!
Enjoy & indulge!

Tutorial Thursday - DIY Christmas Gift: Cookies in a Jar!

Adorable DIY Cookie Mix in a Jar!            

Everyone will fall head over heels for this

amazing & creative gift idea, because you know what? Who doesn't

LOVE chocolate chip cookies?!

First, you will need a glass jar, I just found this one randomly.

This one is quite decorative and will work nicely for a present.

Just set aside the jar, and

in a bowl combine 1/2 tsp of baking soda,

1 1/4 cups of all purpose flour, & 1/4 tsp of salt.

Now set THAT bowl aside, and in a separate bowl combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar & 1/2 a cup of brown sugar. 

Now with a spoon, just start to layer

the two different mixtures.

And don't forget to add your chocolate chips! 

Now just complete your finished product with

a candy cane and some ribbon! Enjoy!