Things I Cannot Wait To Do Once I'm Employed

Being on a budget isn't easy, especially if you are used to a certain lifestyle. I've learned this the hard way. I never had to budget before so this was a rude awakening. While I was in college I lived at home, and I had a full time job when I first moved out so I never knew what it felt like to constantly worry about money. It's not a fun feeling, and it can cause some serious stress. You never realize how expensive groceries are, or how much a hardcover book is.

In no particular order, here is just a small list of things I cannot wait to do once I'm employed.

I cannot wait to...

1. Renew my Disneyland annual pass. I'm having withdrawals.

2. Take my family and boyfriend out to a celebratory dinner. Putting up with me these past months couldn't have been easy.

3. Update my wardrobe. Do you know how long it's been since I bought any clothes?

4. Go see all the movies I've been wanting to see. It's been a while since I've paid to see a movie.

5. Have a guilt free shopping day. I cannot wait to no longer experience buyer's remorse.

6. Fully stock my fridge. Ever try to eat healthy on a budget? It's not cheap.

7. Buy all the books I've been wanting to read. I never realized how expensive books are.

8. Get health insurance! I've been pretty lucky (knock on wood) that I haven't had any serious health issues these past months.

9. Pamper myself. Manicures, pedicures, and facials, OH MY!

10. See my bank account increase. I'm most excited about that.

Good Reads

So far this year I have read four books. May I remind you that it is the beginning of February? Now, I know I spend a majority of my time at home, but I'm still impressed with myself. I don't remember the last time I flew through four books so quickly. Below you will find the book covers as well as a quick review! Hopefully you will keep them in mind the next time you are looking for a new book.

Enjoy! 

I finally finished this bad boy! You don't know how many times I picked it up and abandoned it (Repeat x3). I love a good period piece book, I do, but for some reason, this was a tough read for me. I don't know whether it was because I already was familiar with the plot, or because it was about 85% of the original text from 1813. But I must admit, throwing zombies into the mix did spice things up a bit for me. 

This one has been my FAVORITE so far. I seriously could not put it down. It's one of the best love stories I have ever read. And believe me, I have read my far share of romance novels (I'm looking at you Nicholas Sparks). It tug at my heartstrings for all 315 pages and left me bawling by the end. It's one of those books that you will honestly sit there afterwards and just reflect on. Although it is considered a Young Adult novel, it's probably one of the best books I've ever read. It's going straight to my top all time favorites. 

After reading The Fault In Our Stars, I needed to read another John Green novel. This definitely was a great one, but didn't live up to my expectations. Don't get me wrong, it's a well written novel about a teenager coming of age and has a touching message, but it just didn't do it for me. I guess I was expecting something spectacular to happen at the end, but was I was just left sad and disappointed. Maybe if I hadn't read it right after The Fault In Our Stars, I would've felt differently. 

I honestly don't know where to start with this one. I usually don't go for thrillers, but after reading the back of this book, I was hooked. Gone Girl starts off with a husband coming home to realize his wife is missing and crazy story unfolds from there. It is told from two points of view, and you are left wondering how the heck it's all going to end. Oh, and the twist! I definitely did not see that coming.  

....

I'm planning on making this a series, writing up a new post every time I finish a handful of new books. So keep an eye out for new Good Reads of 2014! 

One Big Step

Crop Top: Forever21, Skirt & Purse: H&M, Sweater: Line & Dot, Sandals: Target, Bracelets: DIY, 

Rings: LA & Ventura County Fair, Necklace: Gifted

I consider myself a pretty shy, reserved girl. Well, I had a breakthrough! These pictures were taken while we were out in town, overcoming my fear and timidness of taking pictures out in public. I am still completely shocked that I was able to ignore the crowds and stares. I am usually not so out in the open with my blog pictures. Most of the time I am tucked away so no one can witness my awkwardness in front of the camera, or I take them in front of our apartment. So, taking pictures out in a crowded area while people are watching was a pretty big deal for me. It may not seem like a hullabaloo for most people, but this is one big step for this blogger!

Wish Me Luck

Shirt: Forever21, Button-up: Target, Leggings: Nike, Shoes: Converse, Watch: Fossil

Many of you may know that I have been unemployed for a while now (going on 6 months, but who's counting?). And those closest to me know how hard it has been for me. Well, hopefully that is all about to change...

I have an interview this Friday! I don't want to disclose too much about it only because I don't want to jinx it. I am just hoping that I can prove myself to this company. I know I am fully qualified for this position, and I have a couple years of experience in this field to boot. I just have to go in there with confidence and show them that I would be a great asset to their team. Only problem is, confidence and shyness DO NOT go hand in hand. Hopefully I'll be able to overcome my timidness and rock this interview. Goodness knows how much I need/want this job. It would seriously make my year. 

So, if you happen to have some extra luck lying around, by all means, feel free to send some my way. 

Blogilates

I've never been able to find a workout routine that I really liked and could stick to. Well, after being introduced to Cassey Ho's Blogilates, I have finally found the perfect regimen for me. It's not too high impact, but gets the blood flowing, muscles working, and the sweat dripping. 

I started the POP Pilates Beginner's Calendar last week and so far I am really enjoying it! All of the videos are available on YouTube, and Cassey even made a playlist of workout videos for each day.

You can access the beginner's calendar online, as well as on the Blogilates App. I personally use both, the app to check off my daily workout and online to access the videos. 

This calendar is the perfect way to ease into a workout routine. I am just starting my fitness journey and I knew I needed something not too hardcore, but something still challenging. This 4 week plan is just that, and all the while I am learning and understanding the basics of Pilates. And Cassey is a great instructor! She is just so fun and encouraging in all her videos. It really feels like you are working out with a friend. 

Even though I'm only on day 10, I feel amazing. It feel so good to be back on a routine. Everyday I feel 10x's stronger than the day before. Hopefully after these 4 weeks, I'll be able to jump into the monthly calendar workouts! Who knew that working out could be so exciting? I sure didn't, but I'm glad I discovered Blogilates. Now my yoga mat can stop collecting dust. 

Fab Five

{My red hair & heart tattoo}

Even though I'm not particularly busy during the week, I always look forward to the weekend. There is usually something planned that allows me to get out of the apartment and spend some quality time with Adam. This weekend, though, we really don't have any big plans. Frankly, I'm quite fine with that. We have a couple of shows (The Originals, American Horror Story, and The Vampire Diaries) that we need to catch up on, and I'd love to finish reading Gone Girl. Words spoken like a true homebody. 

{Getting back on a workout routine}

{Trying out a new local restaurant}

{Overlooked mosaic at the LA Zoo}

{Popcorn and Gone Girl}

Snapshots From The Los Angeles Zoo

 {We took the Indian Rhino Encounter tour where we were able to pet and feed Rhonda the Rhino!}

{Look at that hippo belly!}

{Enjoying the beautiful weather}

{Far off in the distance a tiger naps}

{Monkey hugs}

{One huge leaf}

{Giraffe family}

{Momma and baby chimpanzee}

{Can you spot the elephant?}

{One big orangutan}

{Another momma and baby}

{Love me some stripes}