DIY Queen and the Weekly Reads

Lately, I've been a bit more selfish about things that I like to do. For example, reading and DIY. DIY is things are so fun to do. I have been making more masks from ingredients that I have at home and smoothies too! I made a really good kale/spinach/banana/lemon juice/yogurt/water smoothie tonight and it was fabulous. The two books I've been reading this past week are You are a Badass by Jen Sincero and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling. Each book is for a different reason.

• You are a Badass is to help me figure my life out, basically to help me figure out what my life's purpose is. I've been doing some of the exercises in the book so far to help me figure out my conscious and subconscious mindsets. I guess you could say that it helps me embrace the 100% of potential I am when I am only channeling 45% of it each day. If I want the life I want, I need to work hard and use the entire amount of awesomeness that I have inside of me. I need to not be lazy and get down in the nitty gritty of the work in order to get to the rank I want.

• Harry Potter is just a fun read and a challenge I have for myself, which is to finish the series this year. It has so far taken me almost one year to finish the first three books. I am a huge Harry Potter nerd and reading the books has been interesting because there are parts of the books that aren't in the movies and vice versa. I long to go to Harry Potter World one day and be immersed in Hogwarts and everything. I love the movies and it has made me want to read the books, especially since the books are now giant picture books!

The Week Ahead

Outside my window... It's cloudy!

I am thinking... That I need to think of more ways to save money and make staying in more appealing.

I am thankful for... Everything and everyone around me.

From the kitchen... I am having some waffles for breakfast.

I am hearing... My computer keys clicking as I type and the tv playing.

I am watching... New Girl. 

Always one of my favorite things... To spend time with friends.

I am reading... Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban and my textbooks.

I am making... Nothing.

I am writing... This blog post.

All the plans I have for this week... I work at St. Paul's every day and nanny. I have a job interview today, so wish me luck!!

MudLynn Update... MudLynn is doing wonderful! She is on Dasaquin and Proin and now on some Omega chews every day to help her stay fit and healthy. She spent the weekend with me house sitting and I can tell that she is happy to be back in her house again.

Life Update... I am starting to have more and more doubts about becoming a teacher. Part of me thinks I really should pursue fashion. I don't know. We'll see. I'm still having a ton of mixed feelings.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone. It wasn't very eventful here in Bellingham as far as Easter celebrations. I spent my morning at the barn cleaning paddocks for Suzy and having some good old barn time. Suzy was impressed with how fast I cleaned the paddocks.

Don't we look like a cute family?! 

Suzy taught me some tricks to help Ginger and I gotta say, I am so implementing them into my routine when I come out to ride her more often. She taught me some massage techniques, stretches for her front legs, how to tell between a secure saddle fit and a loose one, and some advice on liniments and ointments to keep in my grooming box.

Since this week is Spring Break for the public schools, I'm going to be going out to the barn every day this week. Gives me my dose of horsey heaven and gets me outside and off the couch. Plus, it gives me a chance to dive into my passion more and more, which is one thing I am really wanting to focus on. Time to make what used to be my number one priority number one again.

I started writing down my goals for the year and the steps I need to do in order to accomplish them, one step at a time. So far, I've crossed off one step on the goals lists I wrote out tonight. Stay tuned for updates on my goals!

I Graduated!

I did it guys! I finally did it! I graduated college last Saturday, basically three days ago. It feels weird to say "Oh yeah, I went to school at Western" now. Plus I still feel like I have assignments to turn in, but really, I'm just waiting for my final grades to come through. So far, I have one B-, just waiting on the last two classes to have grades submitted.

Since, I am graduated and taking a little break until I start up my masters in May (and finish the enrollment by April), I've decided to do a series on being a girlboss/self care on here and on my Instagram. I'm going to start it April 1, so right now, I am going to start planning out what a girlboss means to me. We all have our own definitions of girlboss, so I am going to figure out what it measn to me.

Stay tuned for April 1st!

Two Week Countdown to Graduation

Wow. In two weeks, I will be graduating and walking to get my diploma. It's crazy! I still feel like I've only been in school for a quarter and it shocks me that I am walking in two weeks.

I'm excited to be finally graduating but then I'm nervous about becoming a real adult. I sometimes wish I could just be a little kid again, but I know I need to grow up. So right now, I'm gonna tell you the tips and tricks I'm using to help motivate myself into getting my last 3 undergradute classes done.

1. Write all your assignments out on a paper so you can visualize what you have left.
I have all my last assignments listed out and color coded in a notebook so that I can easily cross them off when I finished one. It is so helpful to color code and visualize everything as you're nearing the end of the quarer.

2. Keep your space tidy to help lower stress levels.
My room is spotless 99% of the time because I like it that way.

3. Always have a stocked snack shelf. 
Okay, just thinking about food is telling me to make a quesidilla for lunch so at least I know what I'll be eating for lunch! But yes, always have a lot of snacks. When you're doing homework, you struggle finding time to make dinner - or at least I do.

4. Take brain breaks every so often.
Trust me, you're not going to be able to get everything done if you don't take a break.

So far, I am doing my self-paced course as one assignment a day so that I don't get too overwhelmed. My other classes only have two assignments left so I am doing very well. I can't beleive I graduate in 11 days now. It's insane.

The Week Ahead

Outside my window... It's sunny!

I am thinking... That I have 12 days until graduation.

I am thankful for... Everything and everyone around me.

From the kitchen... I am having some toast and a yogurt for breakfast.

I am hearing... My computer keys clicking as I type, MudLynn snoring in her crate, and the tv playing.

I am watching... Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Always one of my favorite things... To spend time with friends.

I am reading... Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban and my textbooks.

I am making... Nothing.

I am writing... This blog post.

All the plans I have for this week... I work at St. Paul's every day and nanny. I have the day off nannying so I am going to either come home and do homework or go to the barn. I don't really have a lot planned for the week as I am on a no-spending promise again this week. I know I am going to trivia on Wednesday with my friends.

MudLynn Update... MudLynn is doing wonderful! She is on Dasaquin and Proin and now on some Omega chews every day to help her stay fit and healthy. She spent the weekend with me house sitting and I can tell that she is happy to be back in her house again.

College Update... I think I'm ready for the end my last quarter at Western. Then, I am going to eventually get a Master in Teaching English lit for 5-12 grade.

Riding Update... I went and hung out at the barn yesterday with Mariah and played with Andy in the round pen. I took some photos of the ponies too! We also talked to Suzy about camp and I will say I feel a little more at ease about my financial side.

My Best Childhood Memory

This photo is my best childhood memory. It was the day I fell in love with horses. I was in pre-school and it was picture day. A photographer had brought a pony and a little western outfit for all the kids to take their picture in. 

I still remember seeing the pony, how my face just lit up with pure joy. I want to one day have a little pony for my kids to grow up with. My mom wishes she had gotten me into horses at a younger age. I plan to do that with my kids.

This sweet little pony turned me into a horse loving girl who grew into doing 4-H, riding lessons, leasing horses, IEA riding team, IHSA riding team, camp wrangler, and now I will be co-running a riding camp this summer with my close friend.

Whenever I don't feel positive, I always look at this picture to perk my mood up and reminds me of who I am and what made me become the person I am to this very day.

What Makes Me Happy

There are many things that make me happy. I would say that the first thing that makes me happy every morning would be MudLynn. Her wiggly butt and her cute "wake up Mom" whines make me smile every morning, which gives me a positive outlook on the morning.

But really, just looking at her sweet face makes me happy every moment of the day. I honestly, do not know what I would do without my sweet pup. I'd probably be still asleep at this hour.


Another thing in my life that makes me happy is going to the barn to see the horses and go for a ride. If I'm feeling down or have a massive headache, I go to the barn and I instantly feel better. There is just something about horses that instills that sense of calm and peacefulness inside me. I love just feeling the wind on my face when I am cantering out in the backfield at the barn and seeing Mt. Baker say hello on a sunny day. Today it is sunny, and it would be the perfect day to ride in the field and maybe catch a peak of Mt. Baker.

Another thing that makes me happy is my planner. No, not cause it is a planner but because of the stickers I put in my planner that I order from Bottle Tea Designs on Etsy. I love my planner stickers. Every week is a different theme!

Lastly, my friends and family make me happy. Being surrounded by people who love you and enjoy your company is just wonderful. They not only make you feel happy all the time, but you feel loved all the time as well.

My Favorite Quotes

These would have to be my top three favorite quotes of my entire life.

The first is basically saying lipstick and a nice cocktail makes the day better. I will admit that lipstick has made my mood perk up substansially. Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn are my favorite classic actresses. They were the style icons back before Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone become the modern icons.

The last is a no brainer. I love my horses and one day I will have a kingdom where I can have as many horses as I want to. Plus I love my Shakespeare. I think this year I am going to try and get back into seeing shows again. Mt. Baker Theatre always has some show or ballet.

What is your favorite quote?

The Week Ahead

Outside my window... It's a little cloudy today.

I am thinking... That I have 19 days until graduation.

I am thankful for... Everything and everyone around me.

From the kitchen... I am having a toast for breakfast.

I am hearing... My computer keys clicking as I type, MudLynn snoring in her crate, and Netflix playing.

I am watching... Sons of Anarchy.

Always one of my favorite things... To spend time with friends.

I am reading... Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban and my textbooks.

I am making... Orange Chicken in the crockpot. Mmm yum!

I am writing... This blog post.

All the plans I have for this week... I work at St. Paul's every day and nanny. I have the day off nannying so I am going to run errands to Fred Meyer and to Costco. I don't really have a lot planned for the week as I am on a no-spending promise this week. I know I am going to trivia on Wednesday with my friends and then having a movie night after.

MudLynn Update... MudLynn is doing wonderful! She is on Dasaquin and Proin and now on some Omega chews every day to help her stay fit and healthy. She spent the weekend with me house sitting and I can tell that she is happy to be back in her house again.

College Update... I think I'm ready for the end my last quarter at Western. Then, I am going to eventually get a Master in Teaching English lit for 5-12 grade.

Riding Update... With graduation looming in, I haven't had time to go ride. I'm trying to end my quarter really well and then I will have the time to go ride on the weekends again.

5 Facts About Me

Hey guys! I am starting a blogging challenge to help inspire and motivate me to blog more consistently. So here goes nothing!

Fact #1
I can do both: go camp in the woods/ride some horses but then go to full fashionista. I love both lifestyles, I can't live just one. I like being immersed in nature and not caring if my hair is greasy or if my face has dirt on it, but then I also love looking cute and stylish.
Fact #2 
I'm obsessed with Christian Louboutin shoes. There is just something about the red-bottomed soles that just draw me in. (P.S. if anyone knows someone selling a pair that is a 6.5, let me know!). I've been looking at pairs on Poshmark and really REALLY want to buy a pair.

Fact #3
I LOVE THE THEATRE. I love going to see Broadway shows, plays, operas, symphonies, dances, ballets and so much more. I collect the big programs that they sell. I'd like to frame the ones I have and hang them up in my apartment. I need to find a couple that I don't have (La Luna - Sarah Brightman, River Dance, and Lion King).

Fact #4 
My main dream dog is a Doberman Pincher. I fell in love with the breed when I pet sat for one of my
neighbors who had a Doberman who was a show/stud dog. God, he was a gorgeous dog. I like how much of a velcro dog they are. Shows how loyal they are to their owner. I also just honestly felt so safe with him because of their amazing hearing - especially when sleeping in a huge house all by myself. My goal is the adopt as many Dobermans as I can when I have my own house.

Fact #5
I hate beer. I guess that isn't a fascinating fact but hey. I don't like the hoppy taste and aftertaste that you get from beer. I like my ciders a lot. Right now, I am currently loving the Lemon Basil Cider at McKay's Taphouse and Pizzeria when I go to trivia on Wednesday and the Seattle Cider Company's Semi-Sweet Cider when I am at Paws for a Beer on Monday's for trivia. I guess the other fun fact is that I love going to trivia at the local bars, I won one with my friends which got MudLynn a free two-month pass.

My New 8 Habits to a Successful New Year

I spent a long time reflecting on 2017 and have taken up 8 habits that I know will help me in the year to come and make myself more successful. A lot of things happened last year and I want to make myself a better person than I was last year.

1. Eating healthy and consistent.
I have done so well the past two weeks of 2018 by eating consistent and wholesome meals. I pretty much have dinner either ready to be made or already made and just needs to be heated in the microwave. My roommate is so proud of me.

2. Going to the barn more.
I am still kicking myself for not going to the barn and missing out on time with Fiesta so I am trying to go to the barn whenever I can, even if it is just to do chores for Suzy.

3. Putting more money into my savings.
I am trying to get myself to stick to my budget and I am doing very well. I have only shopped for things I need or at places that I have gift cards to. I bought some groceries with a Fred Meyer gift card that I got in a Christmas card from the middle school families at work. It was so sweet of them to do that for me.

4. Not wasting food and eating up my leftovers.
I have two Tupperware of leftovers that I have left to eat. I also made sure I ate my Boundary Bay leftovers. I spent good money on that food, so I must eat up my money.

5. Being more selfish about what I want.
I decided that I am tired of not achieving what I want or what I want to do at night. Lately, I have been staying in more and more during the weeknights and I sleep better each time.

6. Take care of things before they need to be fixed/ paid.
I pretty much wait until the last minute to get things fixed or paid, so now I am making sure I pay my bills ahead of the due date and not on the day it's due.

7. Making more connections within my sport and other passions.
If you didn't know, I am going to co-running my trainers camp with a close friend of mine this summer. She and I are so excited about this challenge and journey. We are hanging out more together and planning. It's so much fun!

8. To photograph moments more.
I want to create an album with all the Fuji film photos I have taken so that I can remember fun moments with all my friends.

My Valentine's Day

My Valentine's Day was pretty great. I spent it watching kiddos perform at school during lunch, got a valentine from one of the teachers and then took my nanny kids to Rukus Room for Duckie Day (basically they just go to a machine with a claw and try to get as many rubber ducks as they can).

I bought my friend's flowers and made cards for them but the cutest thing I did for my roommate was writing little notes on sticky notes and put them on her mirror in the shape of a heart. I know, it's so cheesy, but at least I know what a cheesy thing I would do for a boyfriend next time. I came home to flowers, chocolates and a card from my roommate and then I got a candle and KitKats from Jayme! I love my friends, I am so glad I got to spend the holiday with them. I spoiled myself with a bubble bath with a candle and Safe Haven on my Laptop while I sipped on a Seattle Cider.

We then spent the night dancing/playing Just Dance on the Wii and playing Wii Sports. Then we moved into playing Clue! I was obviously Mrs. Peacock, Haley was Ms. Scarlet, Trev was Colonel Mustard, and Jayme was Ms. White. Games are so much fun with friends, I love my board game collection!

Valentine's Day is so much more than going out with a SO and whatever. When you're single, it's about celebrating your friendships and having fun with your friends. And that is exactly what I did last night with my girls, we toasted our friendships to mimosas in fancy champagne saucers I bought from Marshall's.

Other than that I hope everyone had a wonderful night! 

The Week Ahead

Outside my window... It's finally sunny again! Spring is upon us!

I am thinking... That this winter quarter is my last quarter before I graduate and what I will do next year and where I am going to live.

I am thankful for... Everything and everyone around me.

From the kitchen... I am having a Yoplait yogurt for breakfast, and I am making dinner.

I am hearing... My computer keys clicking as I type and Netflix playing.

I am watching... Nothing.

Always one of my favorite things... To spend time with friends.

I am reading... Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban and my textbooks.

I am making... Shrimp Stir Fry in the crockpot.

I am writing... This blog post.

All the plans I have for this week... I work at St. Paul's now MTW and I now work as a nanny every day of the week except for Monday's, I have the day off nannying. I don't really have a lot planned for the week as I am on a no-spending promise this week. I'm going to trivia at Paws for a Beer in Fairhaven tonight with some friends and Mud gets to come along! I have a dinner on Tuesday with my friends and then I think a friend of me and my roommate is coming to visit this weekend.

MudLynn Update... MudLynn is doing wonderful! She is on Dasaquin and Proin and now on some Omega chews every day to help her stay fit and healthy. We have done so much physical activity lately, it is wonderful. We hiked Teddy Bear Cove, Fragrance Lake and today we went walking with Harper and Lily.

College Update... I am ready to begin my last quarter at Western. Then, I am going to eventually get a Master in Teaching English lit for 5-12 grade.

Riding Update... I haven't ridden since my birthday, so I think I might go ride sometime this week.

Living in Bellingham, WA: A Dog Mom's Struggles

We all know that there are those college towns that are difficult when it comes to finding a place to live that fits all of our needs.

I was lucky that at the end of my year of living in the dorms, I had found an apartment to live in close to campus that allowed my dog. My current apartment is a nice beginner apartment, had all the basics in the apartment but laundry. But laundry was no issues, just a few dollars a month to do what was in my hamper.
Now that I have lived here for about three years, it's time to move on to a better place (one that has landry in the unit). As I am looking at studios, it baffles me that so many landlords do not allow dogs, yet they allow cats. Don't get me wrong, I am not hating on cats but they tend to urinate on everything and scratch up the carpets. Basically dogs and cats are equal when it comes to apartment damages. But that is when landlords can charge pet rent, pet deposits, and other things in order to allow dogs in their apartments.

I think this has come to be because we live in a college town where landlords think college students are kids who party all night, damage properties, and aren't responsible when that is clearly not the case at all. I have met so many college students who are hard working and responsible and also are pet parents. Yes, they do go party sometimes, but they are more responsible with their alcohol intake because they know they have a dog waiting for them at home.

In all honesty, Seattle is way more pet-friendly than Bellingham, but it balances out with Seattle's living expenses (higher rents). It's such a debacle for me when it comes to living right now. I'm checking craigslist every day looking to see if there are new listings, checking every rental company's listings and the housing group on Facebook. I guess I shouldn't worry right now since it is only February and lease signing is usually late March/April. So we will see. 

January Empties

Hello everyone! We are rebooting the monthly empties posts! I have a small amount of empties this month! I'm so proud of myself because I am slowly trying to use up the products I have under my bathroom sink.

Last month, I used up my Micellar Water by Simple Skincare. I live and breathe this product because it is so gentle on my skin and takes all my eye makeup off in a few swipes. I highly recommend this product. What is awesome about this product is that more and more companies are coming out with their own version of micellar water.


I've used up one of my Bath and Body Work's hand soaps that my mum passed on to me when they were getting ready to move back to Virginia. I still have about 3-4 more to go! It's the goal to use up all the soaps before I can buy new ones even if sales call out to me.

I've then used up one of my many bottles of OGX hydrating tea tree mint shampoo. This is the stuff to have in your shower especially when you are working with kids because ya know, live and nits don't like tea tree oil that much. Also, buy the conditioner as well if you want extra defense and hydration.

I also used up my latest bottle of Dr. Teal's bubble bath. It has been my weekly goal of taking a bubble bath at least once a week. It's been going well so far, gotta keep up with the self care routine. Bubble baths are just so therapeutic and relaxing in their own way.

Paws for a Beer Trivia! Disney Style!

So last night, my friends and I all went to Paws for a Beer - by far the coolest bar ever cause it's a doggie bar - for Disney Trivia. And guess what, we won! I think we only missed 3 questions. Like, I never knew Walt Disney wanted to name Mickey Mouse as Mortimer Mouse, that Woody was originally supposed to be a vantriliquist doll (scary.. right?), that in the 1950s a general admissions ticket was $1 and now they're $85. Everything else my friends and I knew very well.

 It was nerve racking waiting to hear our team name be called (The Dirty MudButts - hence MudLynn inspired), until they came to the last trivia sheet and our name was called! We've never won a trivia so this gave us confidence for all the future trivias!

MudLynn won a 2 month pass to Paws for a Beer, so we will definitely be going there more.

I bought Mud a bandana cause it was time she needed to represent our favorite bar spot. I can see summer weekend afternoons hanging out there with all our friends. It will be great.

The Week Ahead

Outside my window... It's been rainy for so long, I may go insane. I need sunshine.

I am thinking... That this winter quarter is my last quarter before I graduate and what I will do next year and where I am going to live.

I am thankful for... Everything and everyone around me.

From the kitchen... I am having a Yoplait yogurt for breakfast.

I am hearing... My computer keys clicking as I type and Netflix playing.

I am watching... Nothing.

Always one of my favorite things... To spend time with friends.

I am reading... Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban and my textbooks.

I am making... Beef Stew in the crockpot.

I am writing... This blog post.

All the plans I have for this week... I work at St. Paul's now MTWF and I now work as a nanny every day of the week except for Monday's, I have the day off nannying. I don't really have a lot planned for the week as I am on a no-spending promise this week. I'm going to trivia at Paws for a Beer in Fairhaven tonight and Mud gets to come along!

MudLynn Update... MudLynn is doing wonderful! She is on Dasaquin and Proin and now on some Omega chews every day to help her stay fit and healthy. Even though it is rainy, we still go on our daily walks in the morning and evening.

College Update... I am ready to begin my last quarter at Western. Then, I am going to eventually get a Master in Teaching English lit for 5-12 grade.

Riding Update... I last rode last Thursday on my birthday and it was good even though it was raining cats and dogs. Ginger was a great girl.

The Week Ahead

Outside my window... It's been rainy for so long, I may go insane.

I am thinking... That this winter quarter is my last quarter before I graduate.

I am thankful for... Everything and everyone around me.

From the kitchen... I .

I am hearing... My computer keys clicking as I type and Netflix playing.

I am watching... Wynonna Earp.

Always one of my favorite things... To spend time with friends.

I am reading... Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban and my textbooks.

I am making... Nothing.

I am writing... This blog post.

All the plans I have for this week... I work at St. Paul's now MTWF and I now work as a nanny every day of the week except for today, I have the day off nannying. I don't really have a lot planned for the week as I am on a no-spending promise this week.

MudLynn Update... MudLynn is doing wonderful! She is on Dasaquin and Proin and now on some Omega chews every day to help her stay fit and healthy. Even though it is rainy, we still go on our daily walks in the morning and evening.

College Update... I am ready to begin my last quarter at Western. Then, I am going to eventually get a Master in Teaching English lit for 5-12 grade.

Riding Update... I had a ride yesterday on Ginger and it was good. It was more of a workout since it was so windy. Ginger enjoyed getting spoiled with carrots and brushings.

Game Day!

What a crazy day, weather wise. I went out to the barn this morning (I left at 8:05, yay me being an early bird) and it was so windy! My ride was more of a workout cause we had to ride against the wind. It was a good morning though. Did some paddocks and a stall and then got Ginger ready to ride. She was really good during our ride. Little antsy cause of the wind since it blew down a lot of branches.
I really loved on her during our grooming session, she's such a sucker for some pampering.

We worked on transitions today and they were really good. I need to have a lesson with Suzy to help tweak my position and everything since I haven't ridden for months before.

Yes, I wore my jersey during my ride today. The Patriots were playing today so I had to bring in some good juujuu. I made Ginger pose with my hat on her ears, I don't think she was too thrilled but she was a good girl and posed for the camera.

But holy smokes, what a game today! The Jaguars put up a good fight, but my Patriots are unstoppable. The Patriots were at 10-20 and I was slowly losing hope, but then they came back and bam! 24-20! They are going to the Super Bowl again! They're such a great team, I love so many of the players.

We shall have to see who they go against, Eagles or Vikings.