Improving Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

In today’s world, the concepts of holistic health and beauty from within are quite prominent. But what do these concepts truly entail?

The aspects of mind, body, and spirit are all interdependent. Therefore, to practice true self-love and self-care, we must work to improve ourselves in all three areas.

Mind • Try to learn something new each day, in order to challenge yourself  intellectually.

Body • Each time you work out or use your body, push yourself a little bit more than the last time, and try to reach new physical peaks.

Spirit • Do whatever makes you happiest in life. Surround yourself with people and things that make you feel wonderful.

Practicing holistic self-care helps us to feel balanced and radiate confidence. True self-love is the first step to being beautiful on the inside and out. Self-love exudes from those who practice it. It makes us shine with joy. It shows love to all.

This is something I truly believe in. Sometimes, it can feel discouraging when I am unable to care for all aspects of myself. But I have to remind myself that self-deprecation is counter-intuitive to self-care as a whole. I’m trying each day to fulfill my needs in all three categories! Will you join me?

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Adulting! Scheduling! Getting Sh*t Done!!!

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FINALLY.

I’M DOING THIS ADULTING THING RIGHT.

For all of my adult life, I’ve struggled with managing my life on my own. I’m sure it’s partially due to my struggles with OCD. But I also know that most people seem to struggle to get down this “adulting” thing themselves. 

In the past, I’ve especially struggled with motivating myself without a schedule. But then, if I had too specific or rigid of a schedule, my OCD would flare up, leaving me “stuck” if I messed up in the slightest. I’m sure you can image how that might be a problem. 

But with the help of my trusty planner and a little bit of hard work, I’m starting to feel productive every day. I’ve learned that bumps in the road aren’t equivalent to failures. They are instead practice at strengthening my mind and improving myself.

I hope you are finding ways to improve yourself every day as well!

Don’t forget to check out my Twitch channel, and say hello the next time I’m live.

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Hooping!

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In my last post, I shared about losing my ability to play lacrosse. But I like to believe that with every ending, comes a new beginning.

Once my injuries had healed, I had lost my lacrosse friends and my main source of exercise. I stumbled across something online that interested me - hooping. I did some more digging and found that, true to its word, UF had a club for everything…even hooping. I joined the group, got my first hoop, and began to learn. I made so many new friends this way, and was getting stronger and back in shape. Hooping also acts as a sort of meditation. The rhythmic and repetitive movements are calming to my anxiety. I even learned how to make my own hoops for myself and friends! It is such a healthy and creative outlet.

In my opinion, everyone should give something like hooping a try. And yes, I’ve met a bunch of male hoopers, too. So, none of you have an excuse! If not hooping, maybe look into some of the other “flow arts” or a different creative outlet. Take the opportunity to incorporate something new into your daily life!

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The Last Game ☹

To tell you the truth, I’ve been mourning the loss of something intangible for quite some time - my ability to play lacrosse.

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In fifth grade, I joined the very first lacrosse team in my area. I was a natural. My lacrosse stick quickly felt like an extension of my body, and I was able to learn quickly. When I went to high school, I was a starter on the varsity team…as a freshman. I gave up one of my other sports, basketball, my senior year to focus on lacrosse before heading to college. One major influence in my college decision-making process was if I would be able to play on my future college lacrosse team. UF, my current university, had both a NCAA Division 1 women’s lacrosse team, in addition to a women’s club lacrosse team. A club team is like the JV (junior varsity) team to the NCAA’s varsity equivalent. My plan was to join the club team and improve my skills while completing my undergraduate studies. Then, I would try out for, and hopefully make, the NCAA team during my graduate schooling. Unfortunately, that didn’t all go as planned.

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Long story short, some third degree burns caused swelling in one ankle, tearing a ligament. After recovering, I twisted my other ankle during practice, tearing a tendon. Suddenly, I was not just a year behind in my lacrosse skills, but over two years behind. In addition, my eligibility to play on the club team was about to end, since I had played in games in my first two years at college. Once you play in a game, you are only eligible to play for 4 years on the team. Ding, ding, ding. My timer was up. I was left with 2 weakened ankles, out of practice and rusty with my lacrosse skills, and no chance for ever making that NCAA team.

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Lacrosse was such a big part of my life. It was something I truly loved. And it was taken from me. I still mourn its loss to this day. I’m not sure if I could have worked harder at physical therapy or done something different. But, I think I’ll always feel like a part of my heart is more empty now. Lacrosse taught me that love for the intangible is still just valid as love for other living things. 

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Turning My Cat Into A Bat

For one of my recent Twitch streams, I turned my porch-cat, Grayson, into a bat!

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If you want to make your own bat cat costume, follow the instructions below!

Items Needed:

  • Tape measurer
  • Old black sock (men’s)
  • Black foam (12" x 18")
  • Black aluminum wire (16 gauge)
  • Triangle cosmetic sponges
  • White and black acrylic paint
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Take your cat’s measurements. Measure around their neck, upper front leg, and chest. Ensure that the sock you are using can stretch wide enough for these measurements.w
  2. Cut a bat’s wings out of the foam. Using a sponge, apply the white paint to give the illusion of the curvature of the wings. Clean up the edges with black paint. Let dry.
  3. Cut the toe off of the sock. This will be the area around your cat’s chest. Cut the heel area off of the sock, to provide a large hole for both legs to go through.
  4. Cut two half circles of wire, the length from one end of the wing to the other. Slide these wires through the sock, on the opposite side from where you cut the leg hole. Leave a bit of space between them.
  5. Poke both sides of one wire through the top middle part of the wings. Leave about a centimeter of space between the two poked holes. Your wire should enter through the painted side, putting the sock next to the painted side of the wing. Repeat this process with your other wire on the bottom middle part of the wings.
  6. For both wires, you will now poke them through the foam in a sewing-like motion, to provide a sturdy base for the wing. On the top and bottom of each wing, I recommend doing one “stitch” at the middle of the wing and one at the end of the wing. Trim off any excess wire. Fold the sharp end of the wire back in on itself, and gently push it into the foam without going all the way through. This is to help ensure your cat doesn’t injure themselves on the sharp edge.
  7. Carefully put the costume on your cat, with the wings on their back. If your cat is uncomfortable or tries to get away, do not force the costume onto them. Safely remove it, and leave them be. Never leave your animals unattended in a costume. Remember. costumes and clothing on animals typically causes anxiety and stress for the animal, so please only costume your pet rarely and for very brief periods!

You can watch the full video of me crafting the costume and putting it on Grayson below (or click here if you’re on mobile)! Enjoy!

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From Fallout to Black Ops 3: My Descent Into The Abyss

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Before I dive in here, I owe you all an apology. I went missing without notice, and I’m very sorry! But I have a good explanation, I swear!

This past semester, I completed my first class since I medically withdrew about 3 years ago. I was a long and tiring journey, as those of you who follow my blog probably know. But I did it! And this semester, I’m on track to complete two classes! Hence, my lack of posting was (hopefully) justified.

In other news, today I wanted to admit to my newest addiction - video games. My boyfriend re-introduced me to the world of gaming. I hadn’t played any video games since I was in middle school. Let’s just say that I was really into Grand Theft Auto (GTA) and GTA II back in those days.

This time, it started with a little bit of Minecraft, followed by some Bioshock 2, tossed in with Fallout 3, and topped with Call of Duty: Black Ops III. That last one on the list, Call of Duty (COD), is my current favorite. As silly as it may sound, there is something really satisfying about going on a multiplayer game and “shooting” other players to relieve your stress. Plus, you get to unlock cool gear to use, which is honestly the game’s way of keeping you hooked. (It’s working, by the way.)

I have noticed that I’m in a minority when I play, though. Other players see my username, realize I’m a girl, and tend to have various types of shocked reactions since gamer girls seem to be a rarity. I don’t mind; in fact, the reactions are usually pretty funny. But it was something interesting that I felt was worth noting.

Oh, and if any of you play COD (or any other cool games), feel free to follow me on Twitch here! I hope to see some of you in Nuk3town!

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Halloween 2015: Black Cat Costume

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This Halloween, my costume was a classy take on the “black cat” look. I paired a furry capelet with black cat accessories and some fun costume makeup.

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Get the Look:

Cat Accessory Kit - Halloween Megastore (similar)

Cat Tights - Hot Topic (here)

Meow Necklace - Hot Topic (similar)

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Halloween Q&A - Part 3

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What is your favorite fall time date activity?

Fall festivals are great date spots. They usually have a pumpkin patch, haunted corn maze, and other fun fall activities.

What would you wear to go apple picking with your family?

To start with, don’t wear heels of any type! Wear cute booties or Wellington rain boots. Bundle up by wearing layers. To accommodate a scarf, wear your hair up in a bun or ponytail. Accessorize with cute fall-themed earrings. Keep your makeup simple.

What would you wear to attend your homecoming football game with friends?

I would wear a school-spirit sweatshirt with jeans and Converse.

If all of your school-spirit clothing items were dirty or not weather appropriate, what would you wear instead?

I would wear a sweater in my school’s colors instead!

What would you wear on a haunted house tour with your crush, plus his best friend and best friend’s date?

I would wear something warm, but with a girly touch. I would probably wear a looser sweater (so I could hide my face in it if necessary), a skirt with tights, and boots I can run in!

Where do you get your Halloween costume and makeup inspiration from?

I check out Pinterest, YouTube tutorials, blogs, and magazines.

What beauty or style advice would you give regarding Halloween (or even fall in general)?

Be true to yourself and wear what makes you happy! Don’t feel the need to cake on tons of makeup.

What are your dos and don’ts for Halloween makeup?

Go all out. Practice before the night of. Make sure you like what you’re wearing! Be careful to ensure that your makeup doesn’t get all over your costume. Don’t use poor quality face paint. Use primer and setting spray. If you aren’t do a full face of makeup, try going all out with your eye makeup.

What is the worst Halloween costume that you have seen on a celebrity?

It’s not a Halloween costume, but Lady Gaga’s meat dress just grossed me out.

What do you think is considered going overboard when it comes to Halloween makeup?

Too much gore! If your gory makeup is too realistic, I will not be hanging around you that night!

Have you ever had costume makeup that you had to practice beforehand?

Yes, I practiced twice for my Bambi costume.

What is your favorite Halloween costume of all time?

My favorite costume is always my last year’s costume. So as of now, Bambi is my favorite costume. But on November 1, it will likely change to this year’s costume!

What are you favorite stores for sweater shopping, and what is your favorite type of sweater?

Target is my go-to. I love looser, boyfriend-style sweaters that I can pair with leggings.

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Halloween Q&A - Part 2

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Welcome back to Part 2 of my Halloween Q&A tag! Let’s dive right in, shall we?

What costumes have you done in years past?

My costumes since I started college include a flapper, French maid, nurse, Katy Perry, and Bambi.

To you, what is the most annoying thing about Halloween?

Getting scared is the worst! I’m so easily frightened, so everyone takes advantage of it.

When is it too much in terms of gore or fake blood on Halloween?

I’m easily scared by things like that, so I prefer it to be kept to a minimum!

Where is the line draw with a costume that is just too sexy?

It’s just too much when someone wears a bra and panties with animal ears. At that point, it seems like an excuse to wear minimal clothing. Costumes can be sexy without having it all hang out. Be respectful of the situation you’ll be in when planning your costume.

How old is too old when it comes to trick or treating?

Once you’re 18 or in college, it seems like that is considered too old for trick or treating. But no matter your age, you need to at least be in costume! If you feel too old, you can take a younger sibling or cousin out trick or treating. If you really want candy, the grocery stores put it all on clearance the day after Halloween!

Have you ever gone to haunted theme parks or similar events?

I’ve gone to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens, which was terrifying. I’ve also gone to the haunted corn maze near me.

Share your answers in the comment section below, and stay tuned for more in this series!

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Halloween Q&A - Part 1

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It’s almost Halloween, so I felt it only appropriate to take part in the Halloween Q&A tag. Here is Part 1 of the the series!

Where do you get your Halloween inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from magazines, blogs, and online tutorials.

Are you a person who goes gory or sexy for Halloween?

I never really go gory, simply because I would end up scaring myself! I try to find a happy medium by picking a cute costume.

Which celebrity has the best Halloween costumes year in and year out?

Heidi Klum is definitely committed to her costumes. But they can be a bit too gory for me sometimes. Kim Kardashian also has some pretty great costumes, and they are more my taste.

What is your favorite Halloween theme of all time?

I love Disney princess costume themes!

What are you going for as Halloween this year? Or, if you don’t know yet, what ideas do you have?

I have no idea yet. I have a list of about 10+ ideas in my head, and honestly just can’t narrow it down.

What are you biggest beauty challenges with Halloween makeup?

I have a bad habit of touching my face, so I always end up smearing my hard work!

What did you go as for Halloween last year?

I went as Bambi!

Where do you buy your Halloween costumes?

I check out the costume stores, like Spirit Halloween. But usually I end up at Michael’s and Walmart to find supplies to make different parts of my costume.

Where do you go for Halloween makeup?

I check Target, since they have both costume makeup and regular makeup. I also go to Ulta or Sephora for any other makeup items I’m missing.

Where do you find Halloween details or props for your costume?

If I have time, I look online at Etsy or Amazon. If I’m crunched for time, I check the Halloween stores or try to DIY it with items I find at the craft stores.

Let me know your answers in the comments section below. Stay tuned for the rest of this series!

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Hoop Dance Flow: Finding Myself Within The Hoop

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I’m so excited to tell you all about my latest hobby and passion - hoop dancing! About a month ago, I picked up a hoop after being inspired by a friend, and I haven’t looked back since. I am still, by all accounts, a beginner in the hooping practice. But I must tell you that there is something calming, centering, and euphoric about being in the hoop.

I’ve been working hard to expand my bag of hoop tricks, in the hopes of experiencing “flow” in my dance. In the hooping community, “flow” refers to the moment when a hooper is freely dancing. They are not planning their next move, but instead their mind enters an almost meditative state while the body flows freely from one move to the next. And I am so excited to share that I experienced flow for the first time the other night! It made me fall in love with hooping all that much more.

I continue to practice as I work towards gaining a solid foundation and natural fluidity in my hoop dancing. I love learning so many amazing skills, while also getting an incredible workout! I’ve even begun making hoops, in an effort to spread the hoop love.

Stay tuned for videos and updates on my journey. And please join me in this therapeutic experience. Come find yourself in the hoop!

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