Earlier today, I was on Facebook and I saw that Laura of The Life We've Imagined, nominated me for a Liebster Award. I am really touched that Laura nominated me for this award because I haven't been blogging for a while and have been in the dark in the blogging world. I really appreciate the nomination from the sweetest person I know. So let's get to the questions: 

1. If you had to choose one blogger out there who has really inspired you, who would it be?

I think the one blogger that inspired me to join the blogging world would be, Laura. I remember sitting at work with nothing to do and I would get on Facebook and see Laura posted something on her blog and I would read it and comment on it all the time. I decided to get blog when I was coming back from South Carolina and was talking to my fiancé and he really pushed me to join blogging. Blogging to me is helping me with my stress; by writing my thoughts and emotions down and getting them off my chest I’m able to let go of my stress.

2. Do you have a favorite place to visit in the summer time?

My favorite place to visit in the summer time is probably my aunt Sharon and uncle butch’s house in Bel Air. It’s so nice to just relax up there by the pool with a drink in my hand and grilled veggies on my plate. Matt and I both really enjoy hanging out with family.

3. Have you ever lived in a different country? If not, where would you move if you could?

I haven’t lived in a different country, but I have traveled to several countries before. I’ve been to Spain, England and South Africa. Out of all the countries I have visited I would say that if I could move to one of these countries it would probably be South Africa. I loved it there.  People they’re super friendly and always want to learn about our culture, while I’m trying to learn their culture. I would love to learn one of their twenty-seven different languages.

4. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Well very girl wants to grow up to be a princess, so of course, I definitely wanted to be a princess. Life would be great. Honestly, I don’t know what I still want to be when I grow up, and I’m almost 24. But if I could get the job of my dreams it would be social worker specializing in helping children of domestic violence/abuse.

5. Has blogging turned out to be all that you expected? What are your favorite and not so favorite things about it?

For me blogging is has been great, for the times that I've actually kept up with it. But I feel that blogging is definitely a way for me to relieve stress and to get thoughts/ideas off of my mind and just to put it out there and not be judged. It’s kind of like a private diary, only online. My favorite thing about blogging is reading other bloggers thoughts and ideas. My not so favorite thing about blogging would be trying to keep up with it. I need a notification or a reminder to blog daily.

6. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

Keep your head up. Everything works out in the end. Don’t lose faith. Keep working hard and the rewards will be endless.

7. What's the story behind your blog name?

My blogger name is “Journey of Our Love” and this blog is about my fiancé and I and our journey.  A journey is a winding road and we both are committed to each other on this road. The journey starts from the day we met till the day we will say “I Do”, and wherever life takes us. We are both very excited to start this journey together.

8. Do you have any pets?

Yes, I have one cat, Mittens. But my sister Autumn has one cat that lives with us, Squeakers and another cat that she takes with her back to school, Jack. Mittens and Squeakers were litter mates and we found them they were only a few days old. I still remember when we first found them. Mittens was half of pound and squeakers was 1 pound. They were so cute!

9. What is your favorite type of post to write and why?

I really enjoy writing about motivational things that help me to keep going each day. If I see a quote or a picture on tumbler or on Pinterest that I think has meaning behind it I will take a picture of it and just reflect on it. I love seeing the responses from my blog followers and all the positive comments about my post.

10. If you had a super power what would that be?

My super power would probably be the power to flight. I think that would be awesome to just wake up in the morning and fly to Tropical Island for the day or going hiking in the mountains. I think it would be fun. Plus you save a ton on gas, which helps the earth.

11. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Well 5 years from now I will be 29 and I see myself married to my best friend and travelling the world. I hope to have a better job by then and living in our “dream house”. Maybe talking about starting a family at the end of the year or something. I definitely do not want to rush into starting a family because you never know what life will throw at you and you don’t want to start taking on more responsibilities than you already have. Probably get a pet (if it’s in the budget), and just enjoy married life. 

My nominees: 
1. Alicia, The Finding Years
2. Laura, The Life We've Imagined


Their questions:

1. If you could make a 30 second speech to the entire world, what would you say?
2. What are three words you would use to describe the last three months of your life?
3. Would you break the law to save a loved one?
4. Who do you admire and why?
5. If happiness were a currency, how rich do you think you are?
6. If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow that person to be your friend?
7. What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life?  

Seeing Our First House

I have not been very good about keeping up with this blog, but I do have some exciting news. Matt and I will be seeing our first house today after work. We are both very excited about seeing this house. Matt and I are always looking at houses and this house really caught our attention.

I cannot wait to start this amazing journey with Matt. Here's to wishing everything goes well. :)

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Frozen Workout

I saw this post and I had to repost it. I love the movie Frozen so the next time I watch the movie, I'm going to try this workout!!

Be Happy.

On my way up to my grandmother's, this past weekend, I did some thinking on what makes me happy. Immediately, the first things that came to my mind were my family and friends. But I started thinking what are some key ways to stay happy. So I saw a blog were someone came up with 15 things that make them happy and I came up with my own list. I hope my list brings a smile to your face or makes you happy. :)

1. Appreciate Life.

It’s a gift to be alive right now. Make the most of it. Live the Life you Love. Love the Life you Live.

2. Stay Positive.

Keep the haters out of your life. You don’t need the drama and stress that haters bring to your life. Stay away from people who are always negative. Surround yourself with inspiring people who motivate you to be a better person every day.

3. Learn Something New Every Day.

Never stop learning. Never stop expanding your mind. What’s that old saying, “Knowledge is Power; Power is the key to Success.”

4. Give Compliments.

Being able to see the beauty in others, and letting them know means that you are confident with yourself.

5. Look for the Solution, Not the Problem.

Be a creative problem solver. There is always an answer.

6. Laugh!

Laughter is best medicine. Laughing makes you feel better!!

7. Enjoy the Moment. Stop and See How Far You've Come.

Take a break from going through the motions and actually take the time to realize and ENJOY what you’re doing. Embrace every experience you encounter because you can’t ever come back to it again.

8. Forgive. Stop holding Grudges.

Listen to the hit song from Disney’s Frozen soundtrack, “Let it Go” by Idina Menzel. Forgive others so that you can move on with your life. Holding on to the past is like holding onto old stuff. It has no value and it slows you down. Keep moving forward and being a better person.

9. Keep Your Promises.

Never break a promise (or a pinky promise). You’re word and you’re trust is the most valuable form of human currency.

10. Live Clean. Live Honestly.

Don’t lie. Stop being Fake. Never be shady about anything. Being truthful allows you to live a less complicated life.

11. Love Unconditionally.

Again, listen to Katy Perry’s hit song “Unconditionally”.  Give your whole heart. That is the only true way to love.

12. Spend Time with People You Love.

Believe in others. Believe in their Dreams. Have faith in them. It can be the difference between someone chasing their dreams or giving up on them. You can be the promoter of making their greatest goals happen.

13. NEVER GIVE UP!

Keep going. Embrace the Journey. You will get there. Breathe.

14. Exercise.

Apparently, working out releases endorphin's that chemically make you happy; Laura would be so proud. College Bio Study Buddy!! Yay!

15. Believe in Yourself.

You are capable and powerful enough to do anything you can set your mind to. It’s your life. You are in control because yes, you CAN turn your dreams into reality. If you need someone to believe in you, I believe in you. 

One more thing before you go, if you ever watch the Ellen D show, Ellen says something at the end of every show. "Be kind to one another." I honestly believe that sends a powerful message to everyone. So my message to the world is "ELE" which stands for Everyone Love Everyone. 

Hakuna Matata

Trying to stay positive on this Tuesday afternoon; keeping the negativity away from me. So everyone knows that I've been on a weight loss journey ever since I got engaged. My goal is to get down to a size 6 or 8 (my size my senior year of high school) by my wedding day.  However, I’m not going to be upset if I’m not that size. My ultimate goal is just to tone up all over and look great in my dress. That’s it. However, I’m finding that there are certain people who I just need to cut off from my world.

This morning my company bought donuts into the office. Not just one box of donuts but four boxes. Seriously Health Stream? I mean it is so tortuous. But I have my self-control. I did not eat a donuts, I had my special K protein shake and an apple this morning and that was it. But this is what has me all fired up. A coworker of mine came up to me and asked why I wasn't eating a donuts. I explained to him that I was on a diet because for my wedding. This person then decides to go off on me because my wedding is two years away from now and that one donuts is not going to kill me. If that’s not rude, they then start to bash the fact that my wedding is two years away and that they believe that my relationship with my fiancé is not going to last because “most people who are engaged for more than a year never follow through.”

As I sit there and listen to what he has to say, I’m thinking in my head “um why are you commenting on my relationship when you do not have a girlfriend or a fiancé, your 30 years old and still live at home with your mom and you don’t even pay her rent. She paid for your brand new Honda accord and makes the monthly payment for you because you can’t make them yourself. Maybe if you would stop spending all your money on damn Xbox 1 and all the video games, maybe I would have a little more respect for you as a person. However, I don’t. And I don’t give damn what you think either.  So do me a favor and never speak to me again, because you are a piece of shit.

To all my future brides out there do not let anyone tell you that your plans or ideas about your wedding, health or even your life affect you. There are always going to be haters out in the world and you just got to let the haters hate. In my situation, I understand why his person hates on me. 

1. I’m awesome 

2. I’m getting married 

3. I live with my mother for now; however, I’m in the process of getting a house of my own by the end of year. 

4. My pay all of my bills on time and do not let my mother pay for anything for me. I could honestly see the conversation with my mom in my head now. “Hey can you pay for my car payment this month? My mom would look at me and laugh in my face “yeah ok.” My mom taught me that if I wanted something I needed to work for it and I needed to be able to live within my means; and not live pay check to pay check. Learn to balance your money out! 

5. I live with mom and sisters but my family is better than yours. 

6. I have to best support system (family and friends) in the world.

7. I do not give a damn what you think.

It just amazes me how petty and low life some people can be. I honestly, hope that some people have the common sense to keep all of their opinions to themselves. Some people just do not want to hear what you have to say, so shut up. I'm only surrounding myself around people who have positive energy and who believe in me. People who encourage me to keep going for goals every day. People who join me by helping me choose better foods and different workouts to do so that I keep continue to reach my goal. All I'm going to say is "Hakuna Matata- it means no worries for the rest of our days." 

Photo Session With Alicia

This past weekend Matt and I went and had a photo shoot with, my old college roommate, Alicia. Alicia is starting up her photography career and needed us for some engagement shots. Matt and I had a great time on Saturday. We met Alicia at 1p.m. in downtown Annapolis to take some great pictures. The weather was absolutely perfect for us; the sun was shining, blue skies everywhere and a little windy. Alicia took the time to make us some props for the photo session as well. She made us a heart with the letter “H” in the middle of it with our wedding colors (wine: burgundy and mint green) and she also made us a sign with our wedding date on it.

Matt and I had a blast shooting pictures with Alicia. I know we were really entertaining for her because we were just laughing and being goof balls the entire time.  I know she had a great time working with us. Alicia was also able to get another contact while we were out. We are really excited and happy for her. We hope she is able to get her photography career off the ground. Below I have attached some of the pictures that Alicia has already sent to us. I cannot wait to see the rest of the pictures once they are finished.

 If anyone wants Alicia’s contact information please let me know and I will shoot her a message for you :)

Love Your Body

At some point in your life, everyone looks in the mirror and doesn't like the person that they see. We all have imperfections. Some of my imperfections is that when I was in the 3rd grade I was diagnosed with ADHD and I have been taking medication since. I have big legs from playing field hockey since middle school. My hair is always uneven. With curly hair you always have to stay on top of getting it cut or you end up with uneven hair lengths, like me. I have scaly dead skin on the bottom of my feet. I bite my finger nails whenever I get nervous about something. Finally, I have golf ball size fibroid sitting at the top of uterus. 

We all have imperfections and we just need to learn to accept what God gave us. He made us in his imagine and in his eyes we are perfect. God put Matt into my life because he knew that he was the perfect person for me. Matt loves every imperfection that I have and all of my flaws. I accept all of Matt's imperfections and flaws. We give each other confidence and balance in our lives to keep each other going every day. That confidence and balance in our lives is love. Love that we have for each other runs so deep between us that we know we will last forever.  

My message to anyone who has ever had low self-esteem, or insecure about anything in their life is "No one is perfect. Love your body. Embrace your imperfections. Accept your flaws. Because you are beautiful, strong and confident."