Leading a More Minimal Lifestyle

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Happy Tuesday! This burst of warm, springy weather in the Midwest has sure been welcomed. I've been enjoying opening the windows, walking without my winter coat on, and soaking up the sunshine. I'm appreciating this warm weather as best I can.


This year is slowly flying by. I can't believe it's almost March. I've been busy with a lot of school work lately, so I haven't had as much time to type up a blog post. I did not want to put too much pressure on myself to write down a plethora of new year's goals rather I wanted to focus on making myself happy, but I did find a goal that has slowly been making me happy: trying to lead a more minimal lifestyle. Over winter break and the beginning of this year I did a bit of research on living a less wasteful lifestyle. I have slowly adopted some new practices in my life and I wanted to share them with you.

I have found by focusing on helping the planet and reducing my wasteful impact on the world I am happier, and I can find joy from the items I do have. Simplicity in our lives can be hard to find with so much technology and advertisements trying to grab our attention. I hope a few of the minimal practices I have been doing inspire you!

1. I always have good intentions to use reusable bags as I keep a few stocked in my car, but this year I have remembered to bring & use my reusable bags at the grocery and other stores where plastic bags roam. Don't worry if you have plastic bags because you can easily recycle those at your local grocery store!

2.  Instead of using the small produce plastic bags, I invested in some mesh produce bags to take to the store with me. I don't have to tie the bags as there is a drawstring, which saves me the hassle of trying to untie the bag and resulting to stabbing a hole to reach my apples.

3. Using bar soap. There is nothing wrong with using bar soap. There are so many locally made bars of soap full of lavender, oats, honey, or whatever else makes you happy!



4. Getting rid of clothes that I haven't worn in over a year. As a college student, I try to keep my wardrobe to a minimum due to moving frequently, but I still have some items that I have been hanging on to. I watched the documentary Minimalist on Netflix, and I was inspired to clean out my wardrobe and focus on having less, but more versatile items.

5. Use plastic or glass tupperware more often than snack or sandwich bags. I know it can be easy to grab a sandwich bag to stuff your turkey sandwich in, but it can be just as easy to find a tupperware container for the sandwich too! I use a bento box for my lunch and dinner, and it's easy to pack a wrap or sandwich, vegetables, and fruit in one neat box.

6. Wool dryer balls in place of dryer sheets. These are great because you can add essential oils to them to freshen up your clothes and the dryer balls also decrease drying time!

7. Using a bamboo toothbrush. Alright, you may think I'm a bit crazy for doing this, but the bamboo stick and the brussels lined with charcoal are compostable. That's right you can just throw it in your stick pile!

I find it refreshing to work on acquiring less items in a society where items and various "stuff" is always being waved in our faces. It's not easy when you see something online or in person and you are drawn to have that item. Typically we don't always need it, but sometimes little things can make us happy, so don't restrict yourself from it if you know you'll use it!

Enjoy your day today!

2016 Through the Lens

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Goodbye 2016,

What a year full of ups and downs, new adventures in adulthood and everything in between. This year I learned more about myself and who I am as a person. I am by no means perfect, but every struggle I had this year I believe I have learned from. I still have new struggles to work through, but I hope I can be a better person through each one. I have gained many new friendships that have shown me different views and guided me to new passions. This year I wanted to learn to appreciate myself more, and I fully believe I have followed that path. I try my best to do yoga, write, and take time for myself each day by enjoying my morning tea, appreciating the little things and finding joy when I am running. Our world is ever-changing and full of many dangers, and I hope that in the coming year we can find more peace, happiness and love for one another.

These are some moments I have captured through my lens which inspire me, make me happy, or mark new experiences.
One of my favorite places, Lake Michigan

My first win in a college track race, a small one,
but nonetheless something that inspires me 
My journey to North Carolina to work at a new running camp.
I learned a lot here and made many new friends.

My cross country team's vision board for the season.
We had some big goals for the season after losing some
 key members to our team, but we accomplished them! 

Here we are after placing Top 3 in the
conference for 2 years in a row!

My first wedding for my good friend, Emily!

Joining FCA this year was one of the best decisions I have made in college.
 I am so thankful to learn from new friends and grow as a person. 
Trips to the dunes always make me happy


Another year with my best friend
Cheers to a new year and new experiences! Thank you 2016 for allowing me to grow into the person I am now and allowing me to appreciate life a little more each day.


Happy New Year! 

Staying Safe on the Run

Sunday, December 11, 2016



Running and the roads sometimes just don't mix. Staying safe while running next to large vehicles or trying to avoid tripping over roots isn't always easy, but it is something that is very important for one whether one is running in a local neighborhood or running in the middle of a big city. Sometimes when I am running in a familiar area I get in the zone and just run, which can be healthy, but it can also lower my senses to certain dangers that I should be more aware of. One of the biggest threats to be aware of is of drivers who may be backing out of a driveway or turning into a driveway from the road. I always try my best to be aware of drivers even when they are not aware of me. This is something that my teammates and I are constantly conscious of for each other because one of us may see a car coming, but another may not.

Last month was National Running Safety month, but it is always important to be aware on the run, and Vegas.com is working to help carry on the conversation about running safety. 

Here of some tips that I try to use to stay safe on the run no matter where I am. 

1.   Run with someone or find a local group to run with

2.   If you are running alone, tell someone what time you left to run, where you’re going and when you will be back. I sometimes leave a post-it note for my roommate or family letting them know when I left. 

3.  Write your name, emergency contact and other important health information in the sole of your shoe. OR Check out: Road ID

4.  Carry your phone with you. I typically do not do this, but if you are more comfortable having your phone with you, then by all means bring it!

 5.   If running at night wear bright, reflective colors. Invest in gear such as a headlight or reflective running gear

6.   Change up your running route if you run the same route every day at the same time as others may figure this out. 

7.   Run where you feel most comfortable. If I am running in a new location I always try to find a route that is commonly used by runners, even if it may not be the most scenic. 

8.   If you are running in a new location carry a map with you or plan out your route before you head out the door. As I am sure my dad can attest, I have made plenty of wrong turns when we have gone out to run when on vacation. When I ran at Mt. Rainer a few summers ago, the path I was on crossed the road and it mysteriously disappeared. I'm pretty sure I ran up and down the same trail five times because I was convinced the right trail would should up. It never did, so I asked a friendly couple for some help. 

9.   ALWAYS run on the left side of the road, unless the road has many blind turns and it would be safer to run on the right side. 

10.  Try to avoid listening to music when running, especially in a highly populated area   with traffic. I am not a fan of running with music as I would much rather be in tune with nature and my surroundings. Don't get me wrong I love to listen to some good tunes before a big race or workout, but a long run in the middle of a busy area is not the time. 

I hope your next run is a great and safer one! Enjoy your day!

Thanks to Vegas.com for continuing such an important conversation and keeping us 
runners safe. Good luck to those who are running in Las Vegas later this month! After  
your race, be sure to check out these great Vegas deals!



Never Give Up

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Writing and life sometimes collide together and the two can create something beautiful. I know I haven't kept up with my blog as much as I would have liked to this year. Sometimes I channel my energy into homework, running and taking care of my self, which is important. However, I believe that writing can help to motivate and transform our lives. Maybe you are searching for something to brighten your day or a few words that motivate you in a difficult part of life and that is why I enjoy writing. I hope someone will stumble across the assortment of words that I have typed and they will strike a chord within you.

This year of my life has really flown by, and tomorrow I will run the last cross country race of my junior year. I cannot believe that I only have one more season of cross country left. I love this sport so much and all it has brought me. I would not be the person I am today if I didn't lace up my fist pair of running shoes. I fully believe the lessons I learn in running translate into life. 

Sometimes the results do not always end up the way we desire they would. We may have spent countless hours, moments running along the trails and roads to be honked and hollered at by random passerby, days where we begrudgingly pulled on our running clothes and walked out the door, and days where we felt fully alive in the moment that have prepared us to fight on race day. No matter how the race may go we get up the next day and log more miles on our shoes.

In life, we cannot give up and must always keep fighting no matter the outcome. This is one of the greatest lessons I have learned from my sport. We all are full of so much potential, greatness, and desire to change the world. I challenge you today to share a kind word, go out of your way to brighten someone's day, and to never give up no matter what happens.

Go out in this world and believe in yourself and all that you are capable of. Never stop fighting and chasing down the goals you envision. 

Healthy Snacking Options

Saturday, September 24, 2016





The fall season is upon us and that means cross country meets, tailgate parties, packing school lunch and many more needs for some healthy snacks that keep us fueled for the day!

Thank you to Chobani for teaming up with me to help spread some creative, healthy snacking ideas! If you are looking for a new healthy dip to try their new line of Meze dips are quite tasty! I tried the Three Pepper salsa flavor, and I thought it went really well with the zucchini and even the sweet potato chips I made. I think the dip would be a great substitute for sour cream on tacos or a Mexican dish.

In the last few years, I have become a big fan of sweet potatoes. I always used to gravitate away from them because the flavor seemed strange to me. I guess I have overcome that strange flavor, and I now love eating sweet potatoes with cinnamon, greek yogurt or peanut/almond butter! I thought making my own sweet potato chips might be neat. I cut up two larger sweet potatoes, placed them on a baking sheet and poured melted coconut oil over them. I also added some sea salt for a little extra flavor. If you're interested in making some the recipe I followed is here.

The second healthy chip idea I tried was with zucchini. I love going to the farmer's market and getting some fresh veggies and fruit from local farmers. Zucchini are still in season, but they are going to be gone soon! I cut up two zucchini and sprinkled the slices with olive oil, salt and pepper. Using two zucchini made about two servings, as the zucchini shrinks quite a bit in the oven! I followed this recipe.


I hope this inspires you to try making your own veggie chips! They are really easy to make and are a healthy snack to have throughout the week.

Enjoy your weekend!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Goodbye, summer. Thank you for the many adventures, new friendships and relaxation. The best part of my summer was working at two running camps and making countless new friendships. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet many people who share similar interests, but expand my horizons. I enjoyed spending my days running in some of the most beautiful trails in North Carolina, relaxing by Lake Michigan, sharing lunch with friends and learning to be the best person I can be with my good friends in Culver.

Here are some of my wonderful fellow counselors in NC!


My friends Megan and Katy and I looking over John's Rock

Simple beauty in nature! 


After this week I will have completed one month of my junior year! Life sure does seem to go by faster each year. I am always working on embracing each year and taking each day as it comes. It can be a bit difficult to get caught up thinking about the future and where I will be in two years, but I'm trying my best to take it all in stride. This year I officially have my own place to share with my roommate! I have been having fun decorating and putting together the various rooms.
My first place!
Our living room
Kitchen area
My bedroom-the biggest room I've had!

My study space

I have spent a few years collecting items and decorations to add to my own home, and it was nice to finally set up what I have accumulated over the years! A few of the furniture pieces I have I repurposed this summer. I stained the crates that I have in my bedroom and made a shelving unit for my books with them. I also painted and added new knobs to a dresser my grandma gave me that she bought for $1 when she was my age. It's neat to have some furniture pieces that have a story behind them.


My teammates and I completed our second meet of the season at home this past weekend. It is always nice to race at home and have fans scattering the course.We have been working hard all summer and since we have been back at school to chase after our goals for the season.

I have been keeping quite busy with cross country, my classes and various clubs! I am enjoying my classes this semester. I have a nice mix of journalism and exercise science classes that I am trying my best to balance.

Thank you for reading and following along with my journey!

I hope everyone has a great week!





Road Trips

Saturday, July 16, 2016

The view from the Biltmore Estate

Excessive snacks, naps, rest stops and some great music lead to the perfect road trip. This past weekend my dad and I drove down to North Carolina and needless to say, we enjoyed listening to some good tunes!

My dad has always been the one to show me some classic alternative songs and I enjoy trying to guess the artist when he asks me. I usually end up not remembering, as I am not always the best with various artists and songs names. However, I look forward to singing along with my dad, which makes long trips on the road go by much faster.

I've always been one to flip through the radio when I'm driving, but after asking my dad for some good road trip songs, I put together a road trip playlist.

Below you will find the link to the playlist I made.
https://open.spotify.com/user/12180509429/playlist/37FRX42Br2Ph3b5NYlokui

These are some songs that I enjoy listening to and that have a catchy beat when your driving! I hope you find some songs you like or hear a new one you haven't before.

I hope everyone has had some time to go on a road trip this summer, and if not one great service to keep in mind is Turo. This is a peer to peer car sharing company that allows you to list your car and rent from another local car renter at a specific destination. It sure sounds like a great service that beats waiting in line to rent your car!

Enjoy the sunshine and some warm weather! 





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