A Health Update | Week 5

ood morning! Today, I am so excited to be writing this post, because I have never done anything like this before. Back in January, I started a no sugar challenge that lasted 45 days (read about it here)! I ate whole foods, barely exercised, cut out all sugars, and drank lots of water. I lost 17 lbs. I felt really good those two months, and then things started to slip up again. My birthday is in March and with a few bites of sugar, I slowly gave up all my good habits. Well, it took me until July 1st, to really commit to the lifestyle I was so thriving in.

I am ending week 5 of my whole food and exercising health journey. So far you guys, I have lost 10 lbs. I definitely had a few weak moments, but I still walked at the end of the night. That is something I would have never done. I'm trying to change my overall eating habits and realize that a few splurges will be apart of my week, rather than lose it all fast for a quick fix.

So, here are a few things I've been doing and feeling....

My go-to meals | A few of my favorite meals lately has been; lime bbq chicken tacos with guacamole / green pineapple smoothie / apples and almond butter / oatmeal and peaches / egg salad / quest protein bars / zucchini fries.

Joined the gym | After two weeks of the 100 degree heat wave and four straight days of no walking, because of the heat, I got a gym membership. I'm super excited, as my sister loves it, and my friend just joined as well. I was so nervous about going. I've had two memberships before, and I did great. But, this time it took courage, and lots of convincing from my sister to join. I've been going almost daily now for three weeks, and my anxious thoughts are disappearing as we speak.

Craving lifesavers | Sugar is my thing. My first week was easy, second week is when I splurged. So, I thought I'd share a few drinks and snacks I go to while craving something sweet. I love making my own unsweetened iced tea. I recommend Trader Joe's black mango tea and pour it over ice. I also will chew gum instead of candy, haha. I've only made it once, but banana ice cream is super delicious. I blended 3 frozen bananas, and 1tbs of peanut butter, then stick it back in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Exercise routine | I am half way through my 100 squat challenge!! I found it through Blogilates, and I love it so far. Everyday for 30 days, I have to do a 100 squats. The hard part is that everyday is a different form of squat. Who knew there are 30 different ways to squat?! Well, let me say it challenging but so far I'm feeling some muscle. As for the gym, cardio has been my best friend. Oh, and I bought a yoga mat to do some workout videos in my room.

Improvements moving forward | I need to drink more water. I've always had this issue, but now eating whole foods that aren't dripping with sugar or salt, I'm not very thirsty. Maybe I need to keep track on paper every day!

The Heart Of It | Authenticity

veryday it seems like my side hustle 'blogging' isn't so uncommon like it was six years ago when I started. When I went to my University it was strange to find someone who didn't blog, haha. I love blogging. The community has always been kind to me. And now it's growing like crazy. Unless I check my bloglovin' account everyday, I can't keep up with the amount of content that comes through my feed. Sometimes it doesn't matter, though.

For as much content I read on a daily basis, I can't recall much. Not a lot these days seem to stay with me. Weekly link up's, latest brands that are on sale, and world travels are the only type of posts bloggers know how to produce. And I'm sorry (I'm not really) any more 'swipe up' comments from anyone on Instagram is going to lose my following.


Why doesn't anyone share important life updates anymore? I'm not talking about the ones during graduation, him down on one knee, or the wedding ceremony. I'm suggesting the moments of our lives that seem scary or sad.


Believe me, I'm so guilty of this. I shared photos of my time at University, but not so much about the roommate troubles or the scene in the cafeteria of my ex-roommate attacking my reasons for switching dorms. It's hard to allow strangers into our stories, because our experiences are unlike anyone else's.

Most situations in our lives already require us to be vulnerable, so why would we put ourselves in that place all over again in a blog post, Instagram photo, or story time in video format?

All I know is that I'm tired of content that becomes undistinguishable.


To me, the joy of reading a blog, compared to social media, is the personality that shines through. I genuinely love learning about people's family, their dog, or hometown. Reading their experiences and how they managed to breakthrough. That to me is worth reading for years to come.

I hope that my blog right here is one that displays true authenticity. I want you all to be able to connect with me on some level. This is a small blog, no brand deals, sponsored content. No presents on my images or luxury trips to Europe. Just a girl who is beginning her senior year in college online (just this last year), in her beachy/PotteryBarn inspired bedroom, learning the joys of single-hood, all while trying to lean on the Lord for guidance. That's it. My content is probably simple, and my site isn't crazy with links or colors. But, it's me.

Blogs are changing and while advancement is always neat, let's not lose our sense of authenticity online anymore. Let's connect through our personal stories, not common interests such as fashion trends or bucket list travel destinations.

{ p.s. my little series "coffee talk" is now changing into "the heart of it." I thought it fit better with the branding of A Beautiful Heart. Coffee photos to start off the post, though, will probably be leaving! } 

A Makeup Find | Cream Eyeshadows

very time I go to Carlsbad my makeup collection grows, haha. The outlets have a BareMinerals shop with great deals, so swiping my credit card is easy to do! This summer I have enjoyed the simplicity of cream eyeshadows. I feel like I don't have to worry about darkening my crease line. I just put the cream eyeshadow all over my lid and it's good to good!

Do you have any favorite go-to cream eyeshadows? I would love to add more into my makeup routine! A neutral color palette makes everything look so flawless. Light browns just seem to compliment my skin tone.

My detail shader brush works perfectly to apply a creamy texture (instead of using your finger to dab it on). Many don't use brushes for application, but I find it helps everything look more smooth.

Life Lately

appy Friday! I hope you are all doing well. I have been loving my blog as of late. Documenting my thoughts has always felt right. My summer has been a great one. When I came home from college I was mainly focused on unpacking and resting. I binged the entire season of Parenthood (I loved it so much), traveled to Ventura with my family, bought a desk for my room, and enjoyed shopping trips with my friend Emily. Now, I'm back in school mode and busy with homework deadlines, which I don't miss at all (okay, kinda not true but it's July).

Anyways, so much has been going on and I've been terrible about posting photos or even mentioning it all here on the blog and my Instagram. So, I thought I would break it up and share a few topics that have been a part of my life lately (see what I did there, ;).

Health // It's been 3 weeks after this weekend since I began eating healthy and walking. So far I lost 4 lbs. in the first week (I haven't weighed since). I'm so proud of the achievements I've made in such a little time frame. I joined the gym, something I had so much fear over. I can't exactly pin the anxiety over walking into the gym, but it's getting easier every time. Maybe I'll write up it's own post sometime soon about that, because I already have a lot to say (just not today, haha).

My Room // As you can see in the photo below, I bought a desk. I absolutely love it, and I'm really trying to plan out how I'm going to blog an official tour of it. My bookshelf is also super organized, which makes me so happy. When I came home this summer, my foiled windows were replaced by actual blinds (score!). It makes my room lighter, but natural light is my favorite so I don't mind.

College Courses // Well, I started two courses this summer that are going to last 8 weeks. I just finished week 2, so 6 more to go! One is an English course, which has so much reading involved. Everything is online and I have to say how happy I am with my professors. It's crazy to think that after I graduate, I will have completed more units online, than inside actual classrooms. But, it works for me and working at my own pace is wonderful. Oh, and did I mention is ended up being the least expensive option for me to complete my degree? Yes, I believe that makes it all worth it! :)

Looking Forward To // I cannot wait until July 20th, because Mama Mia 2 comes out!! Oh, and I still haven't seen Incredibles 2, is it worth seeing?

Finding Inspiration // Changing my lifestyle patterns and bad habits is tricky. I still have hard days, and times when I think 4lbs. isn't putting a dent into anything. I have found that the key is to change my social media feed to fit my new lifestyle, so I won't be tempted of the old one. I've been pinning more healthy recipes on Pinterest, and following girls on Instagram who talk about their weight loss journey through sharing their workouts, smoothie bowls, and daily tips. I cannot tell you how much this motivates me to stay on track!

What have you been up to lately? 

San Buenaventura Mission

kay, I promise this is the last of my vacation photos! It was such a relaxing week, and I am desperately wishing I could rewind time and go back. I started my two summer courses for college this week and it's kinda torture (not really, I'm dramatic). So, looking back on these photographs it makes me extra nostalgic to have those deadline free summer days back! 

Anyways, my visit to San Buenaventura Mission was my favorite part of my trip. My dad was so kind and patient to do a little photoshoot for me! Favorite photos ever, probably of this entire year! I found out there are 21 mission in the state of California, and I was very excited to make this one my second. I now want to visit them all, starting with San Juan Capistrano (it's only an hour away from me). I just love how every state has a natural piece of history waiting to be explored, and I think I've found California's! 

A California Bucket List For Summer

ummer is the perfect time for me to clear my head and be refreshed before the college semester (even though my courses begin in July, uhh). I have to be honest and say that summer isn't my favorite season, as Southern California is pretty much summer all year round, haha, which is probably why I feel that way. Yet, there are a few things that make this time very special and exciting. I always look forward to family vacations, 4th of July, and time to binge on Netflix.

I just got back from a week long vacay with my family up in Santa Barbara, so a few things below have already been done (oops), but I still added it anyways. What's left on your list?