It was gorgeous out, I got my friend-fix and my Starbucks fix, all in the sunshine.

 p.s. if you have Instagram – find me! I’m megmo7. Let’s be Instagram pals.

This morning it was also nice to wake up with that “normal” feeling, rather than that freshly-run-over-by-a-bus feeling. It’s the little things. I finally made it back into the gym as well. Keeping in mind that I couldn’t go balls to the walls, I kept it pretty simple and a little lighter than usual. I think it’s important – especially after having something such as the flu – to ease back into a routine at the gym, especially when it comes to lifting. The last thing I’d want to do is prolong my gym absence by pulling something.

I’ve worked out sick in the past, but now I just take it as a time to completely rest my entire body. You can absolutely work out sick, depending on your symptoms and if you honestly feel like it, but I know for me (especially this time) I really just wanted to rest. It also gave me something to look forward to when I got well again. Even if you aren’t sick, it’s good to take a few days off every now and then to give your body time to fully recover (and your brain, too!) Read more about my thoughts on rest here.

 I did a little bit of everything to create a “warm-up” per say, for the rest of the week where I’ll be doing my upper body/lower body splits. Kind of felt like a carnival, I wanted to ride all of the rides. I also did about 10 minutes of abs at the end of my workout. 2 minute plank, side planks, bicycle crunches and captain’s chair leg lifts followed by a 5 minute cool down on the elliptical.

What are your thoughts on working out sick/easing back into your routine?

Peace and love!

Meg

Good evening, friends Hope your weekends are all going swell! I’m still sick as a dog, but keeping myself entertained with bubble baths, sleeping, bubble baths and more sleeping. Not at the same time, though, not trying to turn my house into Noah’s Ark quite yet. I’ll do that the day that Adam Levine gets married. I’m really, really missing the gym. Taking a few days off here and there is no big deal, but forcing myself to be absolutely sedentary is not something I’m used to – but it’s for the best. Hopefully I’ll be well enough sometime next week to get back into the swing of my workout routine. Believe it or not my abs are actually more sore than they’ve ever been from coughing so much – DOMS from the flu? How about them apples?

As I was catching up with my bookmarked blogs, I came across this post from the twins that I’m totally going to copy. Hope you two don’t mind I found all of these shenanigans on Pinterest, of course. Sometimes I wonder how much harder it is these days for high school students to focus on their homework because of social media/sites like pinterest. It was already hard enough for me to concentrate in highschool…I mean come on, who wants to figure out ‘x’ when you were busy figuring out who you were going to marry and what kind of car you’d be driving using MASH? Somehow I always got stuck with the ice cream truck and the kid who sat in the back of the classroom pretending to beatbox to try and mask the noise coming from his flatulent ass. Not a joke. I’m sure he’s got it under control now, really, probably a great guy with great beatboxing skills.

Anyways, if you need an excuse to procrastinate, I recommend making a list of your own! Here’s my little list:

As long as I don’t wear these anywhere there’s potential cracks in the sidewalk, we’ll be peachy.

Yogurt covered frozen strawberries – delicious! Better than froyo? Probably not, but a good sub!

An awesome idea for broken necklace pieces/earring mismatches.

Neato!

LOVE this, especially the color.

Like a mermaid.

Perfect for an old tank. Bleach & cut the bottom.

I desperately need a new pair of trainers…need AND want.

Oh come on, you know it’s gotta be ridiculously good.

Did you discover your future with MASH?

What are a few things you’d like to invest in/do?

Peace and love!

Meg

Stay healthy, eat your greens and take your supplements When I returned home from California last week I realized that if I ever did want to move I’d have to get rid of a lot of stuff. Throughout the past year or so I’ve developed a system in which I rid myself of clothes/accessories/jewelry/etc. that I just don’t wear or use anymore. You may not realize this unless you’ve seen an episode or two of Hoarders, but stress can often be caused by living with too much stuff. Yes, ladies, there is such a thing as too many pairs of shoes or one-too-many dresses. I know, I know! Just trust me. So here’s my nifty little system.

I go face-first into my closet and fiercly rip everything off the hangers like an ape and throw it onto my floor into a massive pile, stare at it for a second and ask myself why I need all of it. The answer? I don’t. So I made three sections to pile off:

1) Keep – the things I wear daily/weekly or things that I know I’ll eventually wear or get use out of.

2) Consign – I have a membership to a consignment shop where I paid $25 to open an account and on average I make about $150 every several months.  Totally worth it and let’s be honest here: extra cash is better than extra jank all up in my business, taunting me at night.

3) Donate – all of the other stuff that I’d feel bad about consigning – for example, things that were given to me as gifts that I’d feel guilty about selling. Just being truthful – sometimes you get a really sweet gift from a friend or family member but what good use is it to just sit around and collect dust? I also donate things that I don’t think the consignment shop would take (but anything they decide not to sell does get donated by them anyways.)

The number one rule in the procedure is to be honest with yourself. If you’re finished sorting and you’re “keep” pile could fill a pool, you’re a hoarder. Get help immediately. Or just go through the pile one last time and really make sure you’re not just keeping things to keep them.

I do this every 6 months or so, or before I take myself shopping for new clothes. Works like a charm!

Oh, how nifty! To read the 1st nifty post, click here!

Peace and love!

Meg

Even the plane ride was out of this world. As my friend Liz said, it looked like the ocean floor. Waking up from a complete knock-out session on my flight to this was awesome:

I did get a job offer, but I have a lot of thinking to do and considerations to…er..consider. But damn is my life beautiful, and I can’t think of any other wayt to put it. For right now I think God is really speaking to me and giving me the yellow light. I know I need to slow down, think a lot about things and then take baby steps. I did tell them I was certainly interested in the job, but I also told them I’d need a little bit of time. I’ve got finances to figure out more than anything and to be honest for an entry level salary, I may not be able to live on my own out there quite yet. I still have my job here and I still adore it. The people I work with are like a family to me, so I am more than ok with not immediately jet-setting off, especially because I know I would probably  be living paycheck to paycheck – something I’m just not used to and something I want to try to always avoid.

She got a sweet little puppy while I was there – he was precious. Even his poop was cute.

If anything it was an incredibly eye-opening experience and I was able to take away from it so much more than I could have ever imagined. I also made a few new beautiful friends! I could not have asked for a better trip and I can’t wait to be back – whether it be sooner or later. All of the interviews went well and I felt totally confident, which was pretty new for me, but I definitely took advantage of it. I’ve always felt as if I belong out there and I know I’m in the process of making it happen. Slowly, steadily and with sanity. Well, some sanity.

Every morning I went for a run along the ocean.  Just as I experienced before, my heart was at peace (even though my shins were certainly not by the last day.) I tried to keep up with a little of my cstrength training as well, in bursts I’d do push ups and some ab work during breaks on my runs. Nothing strenuous, so I just took it as a light week for lifting. It felt good to get back to the gym at home, I missed my weights, but I realize that sometimes a rest/light week is a good idea.

Anyways, I hope you all had a fantastic Easter! I spent mine with the people that mean the most to me, ate some delicious food and just relaxed.

I’m really not that tall, nor am I graceful enough to pull off those shoes yet, but I tried.

Unfortunately now I’ve got some kind of virus that I’m pretty sure is the flu. My bed was in absolute shambles this morning from my fits of hot and cold flashes. I felt like I was going through menopause today when I was waiting for my prescription. Instead of reading Cosmo, I used it as a fan…highly recommended, great air flow. The doctor put me on quite a few prescriptions and I’d be lying if I said they didn’t make me feel way too fantastic. I think I need to decrease the dosage, for real. I was cooking myself some dinner and poured vinegar in the pan instead of olive oil. I wish I was kidding. I also wish vinegar wasn’t such a distinct taste that is extremely hard to cover up. Glad I’m stuffy and vinegar is healthy.

Off to enjoy some hot flashes. Stay well, friends

Peace and love!

Meg

p.s. connect with me on Facebook

 The more I free myself from thinking about the consequences of what could happen if I do things I want, the more I realize that it’s all a matter of just being. I never again want to look back and ask myself “what if?” I would much rather know the answer, experience the answer. So many individuals live in a bubble of what they think is safe and refuse to take risks because of the outcome of failure. A simple rule I’ve given myself lately is that if I do fail, at least I live with the experience, at least I know I gave it my all and most of all – I have even more strength to pick myself back up and carry on. Life doesn’t stop just because you’re wallowing in your own self pity because you tried something and failed. Pick your damn wedgie of failure out of your butt and keep walking, cause the good Lord knows you can’t walk proud with something shoved up your ass. So, what am I getting at with all of this? I’ll get there. Bless you if you’re still reading my novel. It’s nowhere near over

Two summers ago when I left San Francisco, I promised myself I’d be back, whether it be vacation, for a job or another internship. I fell in love with California, I fell in love with the people, the atmosphere and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and discovered myself as an individual, I came back with more confidence and craving to learn and really throw myself out there more than I ever had before. I left for California with a wardrobe of summer dresses, shorts and tanks; little did I know I’d be cupping my tits the second I stepped off the plane. That was the first lesson I learned when I arrived in California, but with the purchase of a few cardigans and some sweaters, I took on what was the best and most gratifying summer of my life. And I was able to wear a dress or two when the weather was milder. I didn’t expect it to be cold, but you know what? Life is full of unexpected things, you have to make the most out of them.

An ink painting I started this week.

For the past few months I’ve been endlessly applying for jobs, looking for a good fit. I’ve attended a few interviews, I’ve had offers, but none that have really stuck out and I can honestly say that none of the companies are something I’d be passionate about. It’s just not in my character to take on something if I know I can’t give it my everything. I had decided to look out west before graduation and applied to quite a few places, without really mentioning it to any family or friends, although I know most of them realize how much I’ve wanted to try to go back out there. In fact, I really began to tell myself that people would think I was nuts. I mean, I am nuts, but anyways…you know, when you tell people of your plans, some will doubt you, some will pretend to doubt you, some will be totally for you and some will even make snark remarks. I’ve never been great at taking criticism, but I’ve also never not done something that I said I would. Jobs in my major and interest are a lot more vibrant, more abundant than they are here it seems. So two days from now – Monday – I’ll be flying out to California for three interviews with three different companies. This has been a long time coming and I’ve never been more terrified, excited and ready to just absolutely pee my pants in my entire life. I’m making my life happen, and it feels really good, yet anxiety-provoking at the same time. I’m hoping for the best, but in the end I know that God has a plan for me and if this is it, then I’ll be more than ready. I keep my promises, especially the ones I make to myself. I’m a young, intelligent and passionate woman and the world is mine to uncover.

Oh and by the way, updates on this soon….

Peace and love!

Meg

The more I research, the more I discover how awful some ingredients are for our bodies and our environment, which is currently suffocating from the pollution farts that we’re all tooting. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve left the bath water running longer than need be, but I know I do other things that can help, and it’s the little things that really do add up. Becoming conscious of what I put on my body, in my body and into the environment as trash has really changed my life – and dare I say it, my skin has been clearer, hair has been shinier and my mood has been more content than it ever had when I relied on things like Clearasil, Robitussin and synthetic vitamins.

Without completely overwhelming myself and you with a spew of shenanigans, I’m going to share things 1, 2 or 3 at a time, just to get the word out there on natural products that I like, love and hate (cause let’s be real, some things just suck, no matter how ethical or natural they may be.) Hopefully I’ll persuade you to try to naturalize your routine as well.

The three products I’d like to share with you today are:

Garden of Life Probiotic Smile

Nature’s Way Ginseng (or any well-sourced form of ginseng)

Hyland’s Arnica Muscle Gel

Garden of Life Probiotic Smile is something I’m experimenting with currently, but it’s certainly got my liking so far. After 30 days (2 tablets a day) it says you’ll have a noticeably brighter smile: the claim that had me sold. I do notice my teeth looking brighter, believe it or not. I’m about 3/4 of the way through the 30 day supply and so far I’m smiling ha! From the website:

“Probiotic Smile works at the source to inhibit the growth of bacteria that causes bad breath and compromises oral health. With daily use, the probiotics in Probiotic Smile create hydrogen peroxide that naturally and comfortably whitens teeth with noticeable results in just 30 days – and all this without the use of harsh chemicals or the inconvenience of expensive procedures. “

Not only does this whiten teeth, its super good for the health of  your mouth, which translates to gut health as well. Its a supplement with side benefits instead of side effects. Something you’ll find a TON of in the holistic medicine realm.

Ginseng! I swear by this for energy, especially on those days where my bladder simply can’t handle another cup of coffee. This may be way TMI, but there have been days where I swear my pee smells like I’m dripping coffee. I wish I was kidding. I think that’s the good Lord’s way of telling me to lay off the bean and get some sleep, or find something else to prop my eyelids open. I’m really not all that deprived of sleep, but there are days when I can use an extra boost, and this does it for me quickly.

Hyland’s Muscle Rub: freakin’ awesome! End of story. Ok, almost. This stuff is great for DOMS, or any kind of muscular soreness. Arnica (a homeopathic remedy) is great for arthritis and pains from prettymuch anything. It’s an all around good thing to have on hand, whether in pellets or of a topical form. I use this whenever I feel any sort of soreness, usually from working out, and it works better than any other topical remedy I’ve ever tried – although I haven’t tried them all yet. I like to pair this with Traumeel pellets – again, another homeopathic remedy.

Can’t wait to share more

What are some natural remedies that you swear by?

Peace and love!

Meg

For now, I’d like to introduce you to a new series I’d like to incorporate – the ”Oh, How Nifty!” series. Cute or neat little inspirations I’ve gotten from other people or my own noggin that I think would be worth sharing. Enjoy!

I was talking to the manager at my gym the other day about job opportunities and good ways to show potential employers that you really do care to work for their company and are passionate. We were swinging ideas back and forth and he suggested buying a fresh (so fresh and so clean!) pair of shoes and sending one to the company – I haven’t lost you yet, have I? Keep reading - and keeping the other one. In the box with the shoe, write something like “just wanted to get my foot in the door, once I’m hired, I’ll be sure to take another step and walk (or run) with the company” or “I’m more than ready to take the next step when you are!” Just make sure if you use the term “run” that you aren’t sending a heeled shoe, that’s an automatic cue for imagery of face-plants.

I thought that was just a splendid idea. Depending on the company, you can play around with the whole shoe idea, too. Maybe think of some other paired item to send instead of a shoe, too. The options are endless!

What’s one nifty idea someone has shared with you today?

Peace and love!

Meg

p.s. make sure the shoes you send are new. Getting a breeze full of stank feet when you open up a box isn’t a good way to get your foot in any door.

It’s finally the weekend! I’ve got work today, but only til 7, then I plan on going out and spending time with some pals and a few drinks That’s what Friday nights are for, touche?

Anyways, I’ve got a little recipe to share with ya’ll today

Sweet & Spicy Peanut Tofu and Shrimp

3 oz peeled/cooked shrimp

3 oz tofu (I used Nasoya extra-firm) pressed and sliced

Chopped carrots & onions, brocolli  and sugar snap peas

1 tbsp coconut oil

2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter

1 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot

1/2 tbsp brown sugar or agave

1/4 tsp cayenne

dash salt + pepper

For the sauce: mix together peanut butter, hot sauce and agave/sugar, mix in cayenne. Complicated, I know.

Heat oil in a frying pan and add tofu, fry until brown and crispy. Set aside. Cook vegetables and heat shrimp in the same pan (add more oil if needed) until warm, then add tofu back in. Top with sauce! Enjoy!

Hope you all have a splendid FRIDAY!

Peace and love!

Meg

Megern? Megzn? Megerz? I give up? The java was delicious, though, props.

I’m off of work today so I’m cramming as much socializing in as I possibly can. I hit the gym early, grabbed lunch, applied for some jobs (a workout in itself…) and headed out. I had a post planned for yesterday, then I realized it was Valentines’ day and I doubt anyone would wanna hear me rant about the large mop-like creature living on my head. Sometimes I refer to it as my hair, but only when it’s well behaved. I know hair care goes much deeper than just products, but I’ll get into that aspect in another post.

People often ask me what products I use on my locks, and to be honest, it changes all the time. There are only a few things that I’ve been absolutely loyal to for a while. Just like my love life at the moment, I just can’t commit. I’ll share with you the three that I have stuck with for the longest amount of time, though. I should also mention that Dr. Bronner’s hair lotion is awesome as well, but I’m currently out of it and I really haven’t missed it all that much so I really don’t have any reason to purchase more until I run out of something . Not wanting to  buy something? What am I, a dude or something? How unladylike of me.

1) The Body Shop Cottenseed Serum. This stuff is apparently “heat activated” but I use it whether I’m heating up my hair or not. Truth be told I’d never let a blow dryer near my hair if I’m wearing it naturally because if I did, I’d have Jeff Corwin trying to wrangle it.

I love this when I’m on the run and just letting my hair air-dry, cause it gives it a nice glossy finish without feeling heavy and greasy and you only need a teeny bit. It’s also super lightweight (just like me!) and won’t get crunchy like some curly hair products do. Crunchy curls are sooo 1999.

2) Josie Maran Argan Oil (or any argan oil for that matter.) It’s like a leave-in conditioner for me. Argan oil is beneficial to hair and skin. Although I’ve never used it on my skin, I swear by it for my split ends. I trim my own hair most of the time, but when I don’t have time to, this does a pretty legit job of hiding the frayed ends. It smells really good, too. I apply this evenly to my ends about once a week – I usually use 2 pumps for all of my ends.

3) Goldwell Shine Spray. Definitely my go-to when I straighten my hair, it gives a nice gloss and has literally no texture or feel to it, it’s kind of like hairspray without the hold if that makes any rational sense whatsoever. After I’ve done a nice singe-job to my locks, I spray about 2-3 pumps and swoosh my hair through it like a fancy hair commercial. Classy!

I’m off to spend some time with my fam!

What’s your favorite hair product at the moment?

Does Starbucks ever butcher your name?

Peace and love!

Meg

So, anyways, happy Sunday. I don’t know about you guys but I am absolutely pooped. Kind of a whirlwind of craziness since I’ve gotten back from the beach, and by craziness I mean doing nothing but working, eating, sleeping, exercising and snuggling with this turd machine:

As much as I love her, the dog has a butthole comparable to a kid after a Taco Bell bean burrito. Don’t act like you didn’t think those things were the jam when you were younger, with a side of cinnamon twists and a Mountain Dew. Kickass!

Speaking of Taco Bell and wannabe Mexican things, I’ve got a simple recipe to share with ya’ll today, cause it’s been on my to-post list for probably the past month.

Zesty Lime Tortilla-less Bowl

6 oz chicken breast, cooked and diced

2 cups spinach

1 cup mixed veggies (I used a frozen blend, cause I’m classy like that)

Juice and zest of 1 lime

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp chili powder

Pinch cayenne pepper

Cheese for topping

Slice lime into 4 squeeze-able, zest-able sections. Save half of the zest and juice  and mix with the chili powder and cayenne. Coat the chicken and veggies with the seasoning – or if you’ve got time, let it marinate for a while. Sautee the spinach over medium heat in the coconut oil and zest/juice of the rest of the lime for about 5 minutes until soft. Place in a bowl, top with veggies, chicken and cheese and pop in the oven or microwave ’til cheese is melted to perfection. Ole!

Cinnamon twists and Mountain Dew optional, but recommended.

I’m off to do my taxes. But since that sounds terribly repulsive: I’m off to do productive things. That sounds pretty bad too.

Were you a Taco Bell child?

How ’bout that chihuahua…

Peace and love!

Meg