July Conclusions...Changes

6:11 PM Unknown 0 Comments


Happy Friday my lovely readers!

It is absolutely crazy how quickly July passed. I feel like my summer is almost over unfortunately. Even though I was in school for most of it, I still had a great summer and I made many amazing memories. 

I started this month with my two best friends sleeping over at my apartment and I ended it the same way. 

As much as I love to talk about fitness, college, traveling, recipes, etc.... I consider my blog to be my online diary at times. 

Actually, it's a bit intimidating when I think about it that way. Imagine having your deepest thoughts published on the internet for anyone to see. 

But

I'd like to think that my readers are genuinely interested in my perspective plus I consider you guys my online fam <3 


Many things on my mind this month. 

The number one question that is constantly popping in my head is, "who am I?"

Seriously, who am I and who do I want to be? Practically everyday I'm asking myself this question, but I think this is healthy. I believe in this stage of life, you should question yourself. 

Really ask yourself why do you like the things you do, why do you call your friends your friends?

There is no right or wrong answer, but don't be afraid to question these things. 

There is a beautiful quote that goes: 

"A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there" 

As individuals we should step out of what we find familiar and try new things. You'd be surprised on what you might like. 


Most importantly, don't let anyone make you feel bad for wanting to grow as a person. 

The picture above, when I see it, I see two completely different people. 

I'm not even focusing on the aesthetics portion of it, but look at what growing in confidence can do. 

The one on the left seems a little scared and a little sad where as the one on the right seems happier and more sure of herself. 

Granted in one I'm studying for finals and in the other I was on the way to a club, but I remember liking both pictures when I took them. I'm wearing make up in both pictures as well. 

The physical is of the least, I still wear my glasses from time to time. But I'm not hiding behind the glasses and baggy clothes anymore. 


I'm happy on the changes i've made in my life.

Physically and mentally. 

I'm not going to stop trying to develop myself as a person, every day. 

By the way, 

I've officially lost 20 lbs! 

I'm feeling so accomplished with myself and my fitness journey. Excited to see where I'll be in a few months. 

I wish you all a wonderful weekend and remember, 

you are enough. 

-m

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Fitness Friday: Sneak Some Exercise

4:56 PM Unknown 0 Comments


Hello and happy Friday everyone!

These past few months I have been searching for ways to squeeze in some exercise during my daily tasks. Honestly it is all about leading an active life and having a stronger body so why not? 

Also, shout out to my model and awesome gym partner above!

These are just a couple of changes I've made:


1. Park far away 
  • I work Monday-Friday on campus and since I go to the gym at night, I'm usually already in gym attire. There is a computer parking lot closer to my job, but instead I choose to park as far as I can forcing me to walk over a mile to and from work. Keep in mind I usually have multiple shifts in one day so I am easily walking 2 or 3 miles through out the day at least. On top of that I choose a route that has more slopes and inclines giving my quads a little work to do. I also bring my school bag everyday even if I don't need it, adding an 10 extra pounds to carry around. The only downside of this is that because I live in the south, the heat and humidity does not always make this walk enjoyable so I'm usually pretty sweaty......but then again just about everyone is. 

2. Make stairs your best friend
  • If you know me, then you know I have quite an "obsession" with butts. I do not discriminate based of gender either. I appreciate a good booty when I see one. So naturally, I am busting my ass (literally) to get mine in great shape. Gone are the days of taking the elevator. One thing I have noticed is that I can actually go up four flights of stairs without losing my breathe. Months ago, I would take the same stairs and I would be panting by the end. I also try to take the stairs when I am carrying something such as stacks of textbooks or my schoolbag. 

3. Talk and squat
  • Ask my roommates or my parents, I will be holding a conversation with someone and I will start randomly doing variations of squats and lunges. I might be in the kitchen waiting for something to come out of the microwave and instead of just waiting normally, I'm squatting. Whenever I have the chance, I do something. My roommate and I even keep our weights out in the open in case anyone wants to do a set of hammer curls, for example. Fun fact, whenever I pull an all nighter in the studio, if I find myself falling asleep, I will do a set of push ups or other exercises to wake myself up. It may sound a little excessive, but I don't have the bad habit of being a couch potato and sitting on my ass for hours like I use to. 

4.  Bust a move
  • Alone? Have a dance party to yourself! I usually always have my headphones, I listen to music practically all day. Especially if I'm at work or school. So whenever I have the chance, I will break down dancing in the elevator, in the middle of an empty library, an empty office. You name it. I'll admit I have gotten carried away and I have been caught multiple times, but if you do, it is okay just brush it off! If I am home at the apartment I'll just play music on my laptop and I'll dance in my room or in the shower. Plus you can practice those dance moves before going out!

5. Carry you water bottle EVERYWHERE
  • Even if I am just watching TV, I have my water bottle by my side and I am constantly keeping myself hydrated. Plus, you're less likely to buy a soda or juice if you already have your water bottle with you. I honestly even put it in my purse and bring it into the movie theatre. Hey, I have no shame in my game. 


Every little bit counts. These may seem silly and excessive, but I feel like these have only helped me with my fitness. Plus, if you're feeling down, bust a move and tell me you won't be smiling after. 

Anyway, I wish you all a fun weekend, I'll be studying, but I may take a dance break Saturday night. 

Remember, you are enough.

-m

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Final Exam Prep + Updates

1:58 PM Unknown 0 Comments


Hello my lovely readers! 

July is quickly coming to an end, I know, crazy right? That also means my summer class is ending and thus, my final exam is near. The 28th to be exact.

My final exam however is not just a normal test I take with a professor, it is an exam I take at a designated testing center in order to receive my first professional accreditation as LEED Green Associate. Granted I've been pretty stressed out about it because it is a pretty big deal plus I have a lot riding on it. So wish me luck!

If you're unfamiliar with what LEED is ( Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design), it's a green building certification program. As a future interior designer, I strongly believe in the importance of sustainable designs and doing all we can to lessen the harmful effects we cause on Earth. 

The summer class I've been taking is all about LEED and this exam so I have technically started studying for this since the beginning, but it is a lot of material to cover. The main way I have been studying is by taking practice tests that our professor had us purchase. 

Earning this title would be a great opportunity because it would be a huge boost for my resume and I can put to practice what I have learned on future projects in my professional career. 



I did want to talk about my birthday for a quick second. It was so. much. fun. I rented a karaoke room at a sushi and hibachi restaurant with my closest friends and family. Everyone enjoyed themselves, we sang all night. Honestly the best birthday I've ever had and I am so unbelievable grateful for the amazing people in my life. I couldn't have asked for a better night, these people support me and make me feel so loved. 


I also wanted to make a quick shoutout to my twin brother Francisco. He is my absolute best friend and the most amazing guy I have ever met. We are six days apart so we celebrated his birthday a week after. We danced all night and we finally got to see what a casino was like. It was honestly our first time at a club. He holds a very special place in my heart..


Apart from work and school, July has brought out the extrovert in me. Which to be honest I never realized I had. Months ago if you asked me if like clubbing and going out to dance I would have said no. Now, I honestly love to go out and dance with my friends. Last week for example, I went out with my girlfriend and we had a ladies night at a latin club. We were both sober and we both had an amazing night dancing until 4. By the way, I realized I am actually an amazing dancer! My whole life I thought I was that Latina with stiff hips, but quite the contrary. I believe a big reason is because I have grown confidence and I am more comfortable in my own skin. Also, I just don't care of what others think anymore. 



I still consider myself quite the introvert, but I have had a lot of fun getting to know the extrovert side of me. I had a serious conversation with my cousin Saturday night in a cute restaurant in New Orleans where she confessed to me that I was a very boring person. Honestly, she had a point, I really wasn't living. I'm not saying you have to go out clubbing every weekend to "live," but be open to new experiences and have fun especially at this age in life. Step out of your comfort zone. At least every once in a while. Not only have I met some amazing people this way, but I have made new and amazing memories with my loved ones.



I wish you all a lovely week and remember,

you are enough.


-m


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