Be the Change

I spent the last two days at a Healthy Equity and Social Justice workshop surrounded by social workers and health care providers all coming together with a common desire -- to find a way to diminish disparities and inequities in our community.

It just reminded me that we have two options in life: to live in silence and let the world move around us or to make our voice known and fight for what we believe in.

I challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone and chose the latter of the two. Strive to make a change. There is no such thing as not doing enough; small actions create the stepping stones of a larger movement. Don't be afraid.

The Countdown

First off, let me just give a great big THANK YOU to all you lovely ladies who gave your opinion on the Save the Dates yesterday! Your opinions were greatly appreciated and valued. J and I sat down last night to make a decision on which one we like more and the winner is......

I'm not telling!

Don't worry, I won't leave you hanging forever. I'll share a picture of them once we send them out. I don't want to ruin the surprise for those who will be invited and read my blog!

I'm not feeling very creative today -- which normally means Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday -- but I decided to switch it up and take an idea from the lovely Erin. On Monday she posted a Countdown of Me post, and well, I'm doing the same! Enjoy getting to know me a little bit better!

TEN of my favorite foods

Pasta -- any type. I could live off of it.

Sweet Potatoes

Shredded Buffalo Chicken -- a new favorite, thanks to the crockpot

Queso Dip a.k.a. liquid gold

Dutch Apple Pie

Hummus w/ Pita -- I may or may not have ate my weight in hummus while at a Social Justice Workshop yesterday

Mac and Cheese

Dill Pickles

White Cheddar Popcorn

Bananas -- and to think I spent most of my life hating them

NINE of my all-time favorite movies

Forrest Gump

Shawshank Redemption

Pearl Harbor

Elf

The Wizard of Oz

The Blind Side -- tears, just tears

Shutter Island
The Dark Knight Rises
The Proposal -- Justin and I have watched this movie at least a million times

EIGHT celebrities I'd like to marry
Ryan Reynolds
David Beckham
Johnny Depp -- Pirates of the Caribbean version
Colin Farrell
Christian Bale -- minus his obnoxious Batman voice
Cristiano Ronaldo
Shemar Moore
Ben Affleck-- J has a striking resemblance to my man Ben

Shmexy

SEVEN things I'm loving right now
Chocolate covered raisins
Snuggling with my fat cat
Fleece sheets -- my room happens to be an igloo
Moccasin boots with fringe
Pretty Little Liars
Wedding planning -- it's a love/hate relationship
Pixi Lip Tint in Happy Thoughts

SIX places I'd love to visit someday
Greece
The Dominican Republic
Cambodia
Australia
Uganda
Hawaii

FIVE games I played as a child
Ouija Board -- I still don't know why my mother let me have one, pure nightmares
Ker Plunk!
Oregon Trail -- best "educational" game EVER
Mancala
Monopoly -- I never finished a game

FOUR things I'd rather never see again
Public make-out sessions -- you know those awkward couples...
Men's buttcracks hanging out of their Levi's
Curvalious women in booty shorts
Kim K's crying face

 

THREE things I'd like to do this year

Go on vacation -- honeymoon???

Learn to crochet

Get married -- oh, I'm already doing that!

TWO facts about me

Bath and Bodywork's Sun Ripened Raspberry is my least favorite scent ever. It makes me gag.

I had a reoccuring dream as a child of one of those rubber spike balls chasing me through underground tunnels

 

ONE meaning behind my blog name

Honestly, there really isn't a reason behind it. When I was thinking of blog names Yours Truly just kinda came to me, so it stuck! I can almost guarantee it will change at some point. 

Save the Dates

Yesterday at 6 o'clock in the morning, I received the glorious news that work was closed for a snow day! Let me tell you, snow days are so much better when you're an adult. Since I had all day to do as I pleased, I decided it was time to get down to business on some wedding plans. I spent a majority of my time researching a photographer (holy expensive), a photobooth, and linens (not fun...). After wanting to pull my hair out over the prices of everything, I decided it was time to do something fun.

It's almost time to send out Save the Dates! I've already decided that I want our Save the Dates to be in postcard form -- cute, simple, and cheap to send! So of course, I took to Etsy. P.S. Etsy makes decision making so much harder. There are way too many ah-maze-ing options out there!

Here are some of the options that I'm loving:

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So, ladies, give me your opinion! Which Save the Date do you like the most? I'm leaning towards the last one. I think the style and font will go well with the theme we have going for the wedding. But let's be honest, they're all great choices!

All of you married women or brides-to-be, where did you get your Save the Dates?

Spring Fever

I know I'm not the only one itching for Spring to arrive. Maybe it's watching the Kardashian sister's living it up in Miami or the longing to kick this albino skin color I have going on. I've been obsessed. I bought a neon pink infinity scarf and a Carribean Sea Salt scented candle from Target yesterday and then gave myself a hot pink pedicure. I know -- hot pink toes don't exactly go well with see-through white skin -- but my little feetsies will be hiding in boots for quite a while longer.

Spring is the perfect time to put away all of your dark and neutral colored clothing and bring out the bright and bold! Here are some looks that I can't wait to wear -- just as soon as this Michigan winter gets over itself...

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Are you ready for Spring?

Happy Monday, lovelies!

Happy Birthday, Boo!

 

Today is a very special day; my very handsome fiancee turns 24 today!

Happy Birthday to my best friend and future husband.

I love you more than you know. Here's to celebrating many more birthdays together.

Glow Baby, Glow

As someone who has suffered from pretty bad eczema my entire life, skincare has always been important to me. Because of my eczema, my skincare routine doesn't just involve my face, but my whole body. It has taken me just about 18 years to find a skincare routine that works well with my skin type. And since sharing is caring, I thought I would share it with you!

Face Cleanser

I've tried oh-so-many face cleansers, but nothing has worked better than Cetaphil. This cleanser was recommended by my Dermatologist years ago for the reason that it's a mild, non-irritating cleanser. It removes my makeup well and has never caused any breakouts or rashes.

Toner

 
 I'm currently using a Vitamin E toner from The Body Shop, but I'm not a fan so I'll be switching back to Witch Hazel soon. Witch hazel is an all natural astringent that will help unclog pores without being to harsh. I've noticed that because my skin is so dry and my skin cells turn over more quickly than normal, my pores get clogged easily. Using witch hazel as toner has really helped to keep my pore smalls without irritating my skin.

Face and Body Moisturizer

I've tried so many different face and body creams to keep my parched skin happy, but nothing compares to Aveeno Skin Relief. I swear by this stuff. It's all natural with no dyes or perfumes. It's even gentle enough to use on your face. I put this lotion on every single day -- when I get out of the shower and after I wash my face. My dull, dry skin stay moisturized and glows! I've recommended this lotion to friends who don't have skin issues and they love it just as much!

I also use a special eczema cream for troubled, dry patches -- a miracle cream really. For anyone who may be interested or who may suffer from eczema as well, it's called Dermarest. It comes in a green and white box and I've only been able to find it at CVS. It's perfect for feet, knees, elbows, and other pesky dry spots you have -- I've even used it on my face before.

It's so important to take care of your skin. You don't need top of the line products to make your skin glow. Just because one person says a product works for their skin doesn't mean it will work for yours. Do your homework! Find out what your skin type is and research different products that are known to work well with your skin type. But remember, skincare products alone won't change the appearance of your skin; a healthy lifestyle of exercise, healthy eating, and lots of water will help you to glow like a goddess.
 

Throw It In The Crockpot

I've been working on getting all domesticated these days, since I'm getting married and all. This domestication training includes making some bomb.com meals for my boo, almost all of which were made in the crockpot.

Ladies, if you don't have a crockpot, go out and get yo'self one. Your life will be changed. I mean, come on, what's easier than throwing a bunch of food in the crockpot and having a gourmet meal 4-6 hours later?! The answer is absolutely nothing.

I'm here today to share with you all a couple of meals I've made recently in the crockpot, and in my humble opinion, they all turned out delicioso. Justin agrees.

Shredded Buffalo Chicken

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I made this shredded buffalo chicken this weekend and it was a hit. The leftovers were even better -- I may or may not have had it twice yesterday. The recipe is super simple:
Ingredients:
Chicken, frozen or raw
1 packet of dry ranch dressing mix
A bottle of buffalo sauce
2 Tbsp of butter

Place the chicken in the crockpot and sprinkle the entire packet of dry ranch mix on top. Pour the buffalo sauce over everything (I used about half a bottle for four medium sized chicken breasts). Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. With half an hour remaining, shred the chicken. It should be so tender that you can easily shred it in the crockpot. Add 2 Tbsp of butter, let melt, and stir in. Let the chicken sit in the mixture for another half hour to soak up all the goodness.

You can serve this however you would like. I served mine on a toasted bun with some pepperjack cheese. You could eat this stuff using a ladle, it's that good!

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

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 Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1c salsa
1 can of cream of chicken
Packet of taco seasoning
1/2c sour cream

Place the chicken in the crockpot and sprinkle the entire taco seasoning packet on top. In a bowl, mix together the salsa and cream of chicken. Pour the mixture on top of the chicken and taco seasoning. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. With half an hour remaining, shred the chicken (like above) and add the sour cream. Mix together and let cook for remaining 30 minutes.

This can either be served as a chicken taco or as a dip -- delicious either way! You can also take out the cream of chicken and add more salsa for a healthier option!

Chicken Taco Chili

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 Ingredients:
1/2 onion, chopped
1 can of black beans
1 can of kidney beans
1 8 oz can of tomato sauce
1 can of corn
2 cans of diced tomatoes with chilies
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp chili powder
3-4 chicken breasts

Don't let all of the ingredients fool you, this chili is super simple. Put the chicken in the crockpot first and then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. Like the other two recipes, shred the chicken with 30 minutes remaining, stir the shredded chicken in with the rest of the ingredients and let cook for the remaining time. You can serve it over rice, as the picture shows, or with some cheddar cheese and sour cream.

If you have an ah-maze-ing crockpot recipe, please, do share! I will be forever grateful -- and I'm sure Justin will be too!

Pearly Whites

If there's one thing I've been obsessed with longer than the train wreck that is the Kardashian's, it is extremely white teeth.

I miss the Florida sun on my skin....sigh

I honestly think my mother threw me on the white teeth train. I remember being a teenager, getting ready for Spring Break with the fam, slapping on those Crest white strips. It was like a drug for me; I was hooked from the very first strip. Well that sounded scandelous.

Unfortunately, for the past couple years, my coffee addiction has skyrocketed. And while it has made my mornings a whole lot more productive, my chompers have suffered. Coffee stained teeth are not cute. I ran out of my trusty Crest White Strips and being the more frugal adult that I have become, I wanted to find a more wallet friendly teeth whitening system.

So of course, I took to Pinterest; it's like Google these days. That's when I stumbled upon something mind blowing. One of those "Why did I NEVER think of this before?!" moments. Would you believe me if I told you that you can get some gorge pearly whites for $1??? Well, you best believe me...

The magic juice? Hydrogen Peroxide.

Yup, that lovely liquid in the brown bottle from the drugstore. Think about it, the active ingredient in all whitening products -- strips, toothpaste, mouthwashes -- is hydrogen peroxide, so why would you spend upwards of $40 for a teeth whitening system when you can just snag a bottle of that goodness for a dollar.

Don't worry, hydrogen peroxide is completely safe to use as a mouth rinse as long as your not drinking the stuff. Simply mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water and swish around your mouth for at least a minute. Don't use too much -- the mixture will foam in your mouth -- I usually use a cap full of each. Try not to eat or drink for the next 30 minutes.

I've noticed drastic results since using this mouth rinse. Dare I say I think it works better than expensive white strips? My teeth were noticeably whiter in a few days, whereas it usually took at least a week to notice results with white strips.

Now, do your chompers a favor and swish around some hydrogen peroxide. You can thank me later!

Fearless Fashion Friday

When Kelly told me about this brand new link-up, I knew I had to get in on the action. Fearless Fashion Friday is all about the latest trend you're loving but scared to try. While I'm usually not timid when it comes to fashion, there is one trend that I'm loving but I just can't get up the courage to try. And that trend is.....

A fur vest.

I don't know what it is about the fur vest that scares me, but it does! Maybe it's just me but a fur vest + Michigan just doesn't go together. I feel like I would get the strangest stares strutting down the street in ma' fur vest....

Or maybe I'm just over thinking things. Which is probably the case; I'm notorious for over thinking.

There are two things I know for sure about a fur vest, though:
1) They are definitely not office appropriate.
2) I would never hear the end of it from Justin. Men don't understand fashion.

But come on! How cute are they?! I've seen so many of you lovely ladies rocking a fur vest on Blogland and I just sit there...and stare...and think about how badly I need one...but then second guess myself over and over again.

Let's be honest, I'll probably never buy one. And then by the time I get up the courage to rock one, the trend will be long gone. So instead, I'll just live vicariously through you all and my Pinterest pins.

So, what trend are you loving but too scared to try? Link up with Kelly and Lindsey to share!

**Don't forget to enter my current giveaway for a chance to win a free pair of glasses or sunglasses of your choice from 39 Dollar Glasses!**

Hump Day Pins

It's Hump Day, y'all! Only two more days of work and this girl has a four day weekend! Ah, the perks of working for a federally funded program!

Well ladies, it's our favorite day of the week. Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday! Link up and share with everyone the amazeballs pins you've pinned this week.

Okay, so I have a lot of pins to share this week. Blame it on my new iPad....

**Don't forget to enter my current giveaway for a change to win a free pair of glasses or sunglasses of your choice from 39 Dollar Glasses!**

Wedding Details: Colors

I finally decided on a color palette for our wedding. I had an idea of the color scheme I wanted but was too afraid to commit. If you really knew me, you would know that I'm the most indecisive person. It terrifies me that there might be a possibility that I hate whatever decision I make. Or even worse, that other people hate the decision I make. But I finally came to realization that this day is all about J and I. It doesn't matter if people hate our color scheme or decorations or what have you. So I made my decision, and I'm sticking to it!

I've fallen complete in love with these light and natural colors. Grey, peach, pink, champagne. I can visualize these colors blending so perfectly with our barn reception.

I've thought about adding touches of burlap, twine wrapped mason jars, white hydrangeas, peach peonies. Lots and lots of candles and twinkle lights wrapped around the beams of the barn.

If only you all could step into my mind and see the vision I have. I can't wait to bring this vision to life.

**Don't forget to enter my current giveaway for a change to win a free pair of glasses or sunglasses of your choice from 39 Dollar Glasses!**

My Newest Accessory + A Giveaway

Happy Monday, ladies! Monday's can be such a drag, so I have a little somethin' somethin' to turn your day around.

The online eyeglass store, 39dollarglasses.com, recently sent me the most amazing pair of prescription eyeglasses. I'm seriously in love.

 

Seriously, don't you love these Ernest Hemingway tortoise shell frames? They're the perfect combination of trendy and classic. I wore them to work Friday with a comfy, oversized sweater, leopard print scarf, jeans, and my tall fringed moccasin boots. 39dollarglasses.com has a large range of prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses for an amazing price. As the name of the online store suggests, most of their frames are $39; I believe the frames I chose were $59....still, an amazing deal! 

I had plans to do a fab photo shoot sesh this weekend for this post, but I was sick so you get this uber awkward selfie instead...enjoy!

I had a great experience working with 39 Dollar Glasses. Their customer service was amazing and I received my glasses so fast. The wonderful people of 39 Dollar Glasses are giving a pair of prescription glasses or sunglasses to one lucky reader! (Up to $75.) Yours Truly readers can also use the promo code YT2013 for 10% off any purchase on their website. Use Rafflecopter below to enter for your chance to win! Good luck, lovelies!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Confessional Friday

Oh, Confessional Friday, it's been too long. Join me and link up with Leslie to confess. The truth shall set you free!

1. I was thisclose to falling asleep on my desk yesterday. They hired another Family Service Assistant, and while I LOVE having someone to finally talk to and I think we'll be the best of friend, we now have even less to do. To keep myself awake, I took some flour and cornstarch from the kitchen and made slime. That's real social work-y if you ask me!

2. I've eaten more cookies this week than the dang Cookie Monster. I have zero self-control.

3. I'm beyond confused at all this hype over this new Buckwild show. I watched an episode thinking maybe it's as good as everyone says it is... nope. It's terrible. Sorry I'm not sorry.

4. Ever since little Owen was born last weekend, I've had a major MAJOR case of Baby Fever. I mean, how can you not?! Look at the little man!

5. My body has been fighting something terrible all week. I can't eat anything without my stomach turning into knots and feeling nauseous. I wish I would just get sick and get it over with. Who says that?!

6. We found out there's a mouse on the loose in our office when he ran out from under my desk earlier this week. I think he's cute.......