The Little Things

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When your job requires you to work every other weekend, you tend to go hard(er) than usual on the ones you have off. 

I'm in somewhat disbelief that June is nearly over--but my sunburned nose and sand-covered futon are a refreshing reminder that we still have 2 months of summer left :)

Besides working and starting nursing school, I've tried to soak in as much summer-y things as possible. Tennis, beaches, pools, exploring, vacation planning...it's the little things about summer that always make me smile :)

xoxo

<33holly

Summer Lovin'

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Do you ever have those days, or weeks, that you're head over heels for? Days that go exactly planned, or even better? Today is one of those days. Nothing in particular happened, but I've been thinking about this coming summer and I am so excited!

I am finally in nursing school, I have a wonderful (albeit, quite difficult at times) job; both of which are setting the foundation for my career. I am looking forward to birthdays, pool parties, catching up with old friends (I've been doing that a lot lately---I feel beyond blessed!), making new friends, and long summer days. August will be the highlight of my summer; I'm headed to the big apple (first time!!) to reunite with my 2 best friends that I met in Australia (LITERALLY pee in my pants pumped for this trip!!!), followed by a long weekend road trip to North Carolina with my boys. How could I not love this summer?

What are you head over heels for today? Any fun summer plans? 

xoxo

<33holly

Getting My Fitness On

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Before I started my nursing journey, I was a personal trainer for 2 years. I lala LOVED teaching people the benefits of exercise, showing them techniques, and being there each step of their fitness journey. 

Since then, my exercise routines have been coming and going. I'll be pretty consistent for 2-3 months, then something will happen (usually an illness or finals) and I'll lose all motivation. 

I'm (finally) starting to get back into it---and it feels AWESOME! Despite my busy schedule (especially once clinicals start), I am determined to stay active as much as I can! Here are a few things that I'll keep in mind that will help me stay on track:

*I'll have more energy!! I've been lacking this lately. I don't want to be come a caffeine addict again!

*I'll feel strong

*My clothes will fit better

What gets you  motivated to exercise? What are some of your fitness and lifestyle goals?

(sidenote: The image above always makes me laugh. I'm a very slow runner...slow and steady, right?)

xoxo

<33holly

Things I'm Loving Right Now

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*Iced green tea

*My new Tom's knock offs 

*The summer sunshine

*Yellow nail polish

*E-mails from old co-workers

*Braided buns

*The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin

*Long walks

*Farmers markets

What are you loving right now? :)

xoxo

<33holly

Even Though Series

I've noticed myself lately (okay, maybe for the last 7 years) start sentences with the phrase 'Even though (insert problem/negative thought/annoyance here), at least (insert silver lining here). I try to be as positive as possible, but sometimes it can be tough, especially when I'm going through a rough few days (or months...)

Which is why I like this phrase. You say what you're unhappy with, then you say what good can come/is coming out of it. For me, it helps if I vent. If I explain everything that's bothering me--all of my paralyzing fears, how the entire world seems to be against me--or whatever the issue may be, I feel lighter. But, the key for me, is overshadowing the problem with what good will come out of it. What, out of this problem, will make me a happier person? A stronger person? Wiser? That sense of comfort- the light at the end of the tunnel- is what keeps me going. It's what keeps me sane.

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And one of those current predicaments is---what else? Debt. Mostly from student loans. Even though I have thousands (THOUSANDS) of dollars in debt from student loans, I am getting a wonderful education that will give me the opportunity to secure a meaningful career in a few years. And you can't put a price on that :)

xoxo

<33holly

Starting With A Song

I'm 71% terrible about updating my blog. I never seem to have anything interesting to say, so I just brush it off most of the time. [or, you know, life catches up with me and I'm just too busy]

But then I thought about creating a new blog; one that I can share my thoughts, feelings, musings--maybe it'd spark some inspiration? Maybe I'd have that lightbulb flickering over my head more than once a month?

In tying in with 2012's theme theme, I was inspired to create the Carefree & Sparkly blog! In keeping with its name, Meatless with Mia will continue to be active, but purely reflect vegetarian/vegan/nutrition/recipe updates :)

So, to celebrate my new carefree & sparkly blog, I want to share with you one of my favorite songs right now! It's been on constant repeat for almost a month now; it always brings a smile to my face. Enjoy! :)

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xoxo

<33holly