Monday, December 19, 2011

Remembering Haiti

Last night at my church we had a homemade soup and bread social, gotta love the Baptists and their food!  The night was dedicated to Haiti and the members of our church that went there for a week over Thanksgiving break. They all shared about their experiences and it was incredibly moving. I am hoping to get myself out there either this March or this summer, depending on my school schedule. I have felt lead to go there on a mission trip through my church for at least a year now. I am just trusting God to make it possible and to open up the way for me if He desires it. 

The necklace you see below is a gift that was given to me and it was made by a Haitian out of the ruins from the devastating earthquake that struck not too long ago. Every time I wear it I am going to remember how blessed I am to have everything that I don't deserve. The ministry that my church goes to Haiti with is called Brent Gambrell Ministries. If you are interested more in this ministry and what they do, here's the link! http://brentgambrell.com/

One thing that Brent (the founder) emphasizes is that, we are not going to give the beggars mentality. We are there to teach not to just build and give. It is important to teach them how to do it themselves. It's like the saying, "Teach a man how to fish and he can live forever."






I know around this time of year everyone is worried about getting their Christmas shopping done and it's all based on presents and buying and etc. I want to encourage you all to remember what CHRISTmas is truly about. The birth of Jesus Christ and the never-ending love He has for every single person on the planet. Presents won't last forever, build relationships with your family and friend and give to the less fortunate. That is was my aim is going to try to be this Christmas and every Christmas to come. Have a wonderful Monday my loves. Can't wait to tell you all about the Christmas party I'm planning and all the details it entails. 

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT





Thursday, December 15, 2011

A Very Exiting Purchase!

Okay Ladies are you ready?!
 I got this pair of Miss Me Jeans yesterday for.................. $45!!! Normally they were $99, but all the Miss Me Jeans were 25% off yesterday at Macy's plus with the other coupons my mom had we got them for a such this very exciting price.  I could go on more about the story but it is my moms birthday today and I need to go give her her present, get showered and ready, and then take her to Starbucks! 




Hope you all have a lovely Thursday! I have one massage today and then I will either be going out to dinner with my family and another family for dinner, or hanging out with Vince. xox

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Surprise!

I think I have found my Christmas dress!! And... it is not from the list I showed you all before... I'm so sorry. If you didn't get a chance to read the post about my original Christmas dress ideas, you can here if you would like! I am also sorry that I don't have a picture of the dress I have in mind right here for you to see, but here is a link and you can look at it to let me know what you think. This dress is perfect for me and is exactly what I'm looking for. I'll be going out shopping in the next few days or so since this semester is finally over with!! Can I get a huge AMEN?

Click here to see the dress! (in cream color)

Side note:
Today is my boyfriend Vince and I's anniversary! It has been 1 year and 5 months and we both couldn't be happier or more in love:) 
Also, it is exactly 1 month away from my birthday!! 


Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT

Monday, December 12, 2011

Favorite Song of The Week!

Put Your Records On, by Corinne Bailey Rae


I wanted to share this song with you all because I can't get enough of it. I have a new favorite song just about every week or two, because I basically love every genre of music! I hope this song makes you happy and smile because that's exactly what it does for me.

I am going to be studying Buddhism and The Nervous System of the human body the rest of the day because I have my 2 last finals tomorrow and then I'm done with my first semester of college (except for 1 online final on Wed. but I don't really count that one since I can do it at mi casa)!! I'm still fighting off a cold and it's rainy outside which is actually great because it makes it easier for me to stay inside and focus. Have a wonderful Monday my lovelies!

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Get In Shape In Only 8 Weeks!




I saw this routine on Pinterest and decided to go for it! This is originally from tanandtoned.tumblr.com (giving credit where credit is due). It is the perfect way to build up my running strength and cardio again! Which is something I have been wanting to do ever since Track and Field in.... high school.... sad I know. Today was the first day I did it and I feel great. Even though I am getting a cold, I am not letting sickness get in my way! Plus I have been drinking a nasty concoction that consists of tea, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and  honey. It's extremely gross but works wonders I promise! If you want to know more about it, just shoot me a quick email I would be more than happy to share the love, and some other ways to help fight off a cold as well. 


Okay so here's the routine:



  • Week 1: Run one minute. Walk 90 seconds. Repeat eight times. Do three times a week. 
  • Week 2: Run two minutes. Walk one minute. Repeat seven times. Do three times a week. 
  • Week 3: Run three minutes. Walk one minute. Repeat six times. Do three times a week. 
  • Week 4: Run five minutes. Walk two minutes. Repeat four times. Do three times a week. 
  • Week 5: Run eight minutes. Walk two minutes. Repeat three times. Do three times a week.
  •  Week 6: Run twelve minutes. Walk one minute. Repeat three times. Do three times a week. 
  • Week 7: Run fifteen minutes. Walk one minute. Run fifteen minutes. Do three times a week. 
  • Week 8: Run thirty --This works great!



I hope this is something you all will be willing to try if you aren't in the best shape because it is the perfect way to slowly build yourself up again and begin a healthier life style. And always remember, just because someone is skinny, does not mean they are in shape! That is something I always try to remember. 
Let me know if you try it! 


Have a wonderful Saturday lovelies ;)


Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT

Friday, December 9, 2011

Brag About a Product Friday!

Today I will be "bragging" about a product I definitely cannot live without!


The Hydrating Cleanser & Freshener Face Wash from ARBONNE
with fresh strawberry cell extracts and Moisture Fresh Complex
This is a moisture-enriched facial cleanser. It freshens skin to help keep it looking more youthful and revitalized! 
Here are some key ingredients that I love seeing on a product because I actually know what they mean, amen!:

  • fresh strawberry cells
  • Moisture Fresh Complex of cucumber 
  • birch leaf
  • clover blossom
  • rose geranium botanical plant
  • lemon verbena botanical plant
  • golden jojoba oil
  • shea butter
  • Vitamins A,C and E 
If you are interested in this product and the package of other amazing products that tie together with it, please click here! I promise you will not regret it. All of the Arbonne products I have purchased have been well worth the money. I use this face wash every morning and it always leaves my skin feeling healthy and fresh! And who doesn't want that? I also use many other Arbonne products but you'll have to check in another Friday to hear all about them ;)

Have an amazing Friday my darlings! I would love to hear what plans are in store for you! I will be spending my Friday..... working and studying. Finals are THIS WEEK and I am not prepared at all! I'm planning on mozzying down to good ole' Starbucks later today with my lappytop sipping on a hot drink, and studying my booty off. 

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT






Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Christmas Dress Ideas

Okay ladies I need some help! Here are some dresses that have caught my eye for a Christmas dress to wear this year to an annual Christmas Party my 3 best girlfriends and I put on every year! I would LOVE to hear your opinions and thoughts about these dresses and which one is your favorite! I am going to go out shopping this weekend or next, and hopefully find the perfect dress and post about it afterwards.  Also, you will see I have mostly picked black dresses. I don't know why but this year I am leaning more towards classiness rather than BAM this is a Christmas dress! I would dress the more simple black dresses with fun accessories of course though ;)

Dress #1



Dress #2




Dress #3



Dress #4



Dress #5



















 Can't wait to read what you all think! 

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Apologizing in Advance

Hello lovelies!

I just wanted to write up a quick post explaining why I won't have many new exciting posts the rest of this week and next. I am a full time college student and finals are... next week! I have a crazy amount of studying and work to do in order to be fully prepared to pass all my finals. I am so so sorry especially to my new followers! I promise I will have some wonderful posts in the near future whenever I am blessed with some down time. Words cannot express how ready I am for winter break! Can I get an amen? 

Here is a visualization of what I will look like the rest of this week and next: Studying in my bed with coffee in hand, as Serena from Gossip Girl beautifully models for you!


 I would love to hear some tips of how to stay motivated or focused while studying. If you have any, please do share!

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT

Sunday, December 4, 2011

An Emotional Purchase and Surprise!

I saw this purse at Target the other day and literally screamed. Yes, this was the emotional purchase... it was around $27 including tax and I probably shouldn't be spending my money on myself right now, it should be spent on Christmas presents! However, this was one of those times I couldn't bare to say no to myself. I had to buy it because I knew if I didn't, I would regret it....forever. I walked out of Target confident in my purchase and grinning from ear to ear! My mom could do nothing but giggle at me bouncing out of the store, but I didn't care, I was now the proud owner of a sparkly beautiful purse ;) 
I will be posting about my first outfit with this fabulous baby sometime soon! 


I would love to hear a story about a purchase that you couldn't bare to say no to!

Now for the "surprise"




This incredible bouquet of roses was given to be yesterday from my amazing boyfriend Vince. I had been studying all day and stressing about a huge test I have tomorrow (prayers please), and he surprised me by bringing me this breath taking arrangement of roses. They smell so sweet:) My dad said, "he better slow it down, he's starting to make me look bad!" haha I love my dad. Vince always makes me smile or laugh and feel 100% better whenever I need it. I thank God everyday for the wonderful man he has blessed me with.

Now for the rest of my day, it will be spent studying the whole nervous system of the human body because I have a practical test in my Bio lab tomorrow and need at least a 95%... Lord help me. I hope you all have an wonderful Monday and jump start your week in a good way!


Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT



Friday, December 2, 2011

Time to Get my Brag on

Okay, so I have officially decided that Fridays are going to be my "Brag About a Product" day. Each Friday I will tell you all about a product that I cannot live without. I hope you enjoy!


Todays product is Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Time Restore Q10 Satin Spray Conditioner. What a mouth full right? This product is something I use every single day. I spray it in my hair when it's still damp after I shower and it keeps the frizz down and the silkiness at its best! I always spray more heavily on the tips of my hair because if you spray it directly on the roots, your hair will get greasier much faster. And let's be real, no one likes greasy hair! Click here if you are interested in giving this product a whirl. I highly recommend it! I have been using it for about 6 months now and I don't think I could live without it. It's a keeper ladies, I promise!



I hope you all enjoyed my first "Brag about a Product" day! Today is finally Friday.... whoop whoop! Enjoy it lovelies:) 

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT



Thursday, December 1, 2011

Hello December, I love you.


I welcome you with open arms this year.

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain, and where I live that is a sound you don't take for granted! What a perfect way to start out this magical month.

I would have to say December is one of my favorite months for sure! I love the feeling when you walk into a store and the Christmas decorations are everywhere. I love driving around at night admiring all the Christmas lights, and noticing that every night more and more get put up. I love Christmas shopping and thinking of new creative ways to make my gifts or what to wrap them in. I love being able to wear a coat! I love listening to Christmas music without getting made fun of. I may or may not listen to it all year round... I love visiting my cabin and playing in the snow. I love the toasty feeling of my home with candles lit and the Christmas tree decorated and shining its beautiful lights.

There are a million other reasons why I love December but it would be way too long of a post and you all would probably spend your whole day reading it be bored!

Here are a few of my favorite bits from last December:

 My family cutting down our Christmas tree for our cabin! So sorry about my terrible attire... it was freezing and I mean really who needs to dress up while cutting down a Christmas tree? Let's be real ladies. 

Morgan (who you may recognize from big grins make laugh lines) Rachel, McKenna, and I. They are my 3 best friends who I have been friends with my whole life and I adore them! This is a picture of us last December at our annual Christmas party! I can't wait to tell you all about what we are planning for this year. 

My boyfriend Vince and I snowboarding.



I want to know what your favorite part about December is, and why you love it? Or maybe don't?

Hope you had a beautiful first day of December my lovelies!

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT

Monday, November 28, 2011

The Perfect Gift

This little baby was the email blast I sent out early this morning. There is more info in the email but I didn't feel comfortable putting my cell number and such open to the world wide web, ya know!? No hard feelings...Anyways, I'm super excited about this holiday season and am hoping business will bloom as it gets closer and closer to Christmas! I'm in need for some present spending moolah. If you want to get on my mailing list for these email blasts, please let me know and I'll get on it! Hope you all have a wonderful Monday, I'm about to go take power nap or just chill for a bit while I can. I have a lot of homework and an intense workout ahead of me and I definitely need some extra energy! 

If you have any tips for a HEALTHY energy boost, feel free to share the love!



Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT

Friday, November 25, 2011

Gobble till You Wobble, Shop till You Drop

Hello loves!

So this Thanksgiving I woke up around 8am and went to the Thanksgiving day parade that my town puts on every year with my boyfriend Vince. I keep realizing more and more how much of a small town this is... you are ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS going to see people you know everywhere you go. It's a love-hate relationship.

After the parade my family and I took a 2 hour drive down to meet most of my dad's side of the family for the day. We had a great time stuffing ourselves with mashed potatoes, turkey, spoon bread, and so much more! There is a new baby in the family, her name is Savanna Rose and is such a sweetie pie. My mom bought her the hot pink boots you can see below, way too cute for her own good. And the lady holding her isn't my mom btw, she is my dad's cousins wife, Shari and she's awesome. 


So after Thanksgiving dinner I had to take a nap in the guest bedroom because I literally could not keep my eyes open for the life of me! And most importantly, to prepare myself for the all nighter shopping extravaganza that waited ahead for me.

Once I got home, I had an hour to get ready and freshen up for.......... yes, Black Friday! I went with two of my best friends, Rachel and McKenna. We grew up together and have been best friends our whole lives. 

Our first stop was Target, at midnight. The line out the door was extremely long... so we decided to wait in the toasty car to stay warm before we made our move. 

I bought this 10 piece picture set for $12!!! What a deal right? 


Also this chair, on sale for $15! McKenna said she has one and it's the most comfortable chair.. so I'm hoping it doesn't end up only collecting clothes in my room (whenever I find a place for it) and I actually sit on it! I won't have this baby until Christmas though because my mom said to get buy some things as Christmas presents for myself and she'll just pay me back. That's basically how it works with my fam when it comes to buying gifts. 


Our next stop was the MALL! We shopped there for about 5 hours... and I finally bought something for someone other than myself. It's terrible but it's hard for me to do sometimes! The hand soap at Bath & Body was 4 for $15, and the mini lotions, 2 for $5. Pretty awesome right!? Now I just have to decide who to shower these blessings with. 


Forever 21... I will always find something to buy there! This jacket was another smokin' hot deal because it was $15! And I was in dire need of a nice black jacket. 


Next, I found this super cute pair of studded ankle jeans for $29.80. Sadly, they weren't on sale, but I fell in love, and we all know when that happens, you can't just abandon them! That would be straight up cruel. I sported them for the first time today and couldn't be more pleased:)


I found this photo album that I will be turning into a gift for someone, but I can't say who! Because they could possibly be reading this, right. this. very. second. I'm super stoked about it! Pictures are always special, no matter what. 
Black Friday was an utter success! I always love spending time with my girls, we have such a blast together and I am extremely blessed to have them in my life. They are truly forever friends. 


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

These next next two purchases were made today (Sunday) when I was shopping with mah mamma! 
I wore these shoes with my studded jeans tonight, so perfect. I found these suckers at TJ Max and they are extremely comfortable, and totally stylish.


I bought this pair at Famous Footwear with a 20% off coupon! Also a smokin' hot deal because they were already on sale for $30 to begin with.




I made quite a few other purchases, but I can't share them just yet because they are going to be Christmas presents! You'll have to wait until after the big day to hear all about them, since I'm sure you're dying to know right?! Anywho, I am starting to get into the Christmas spirt for real now since we broke out the decorations and Christmas tree today!
 This is such a special time of year that I absolutely adore. Enjoy it and take in every single moment you possibly can.

What was your Thanksgiving and Black Friday experience like? I would love to hear about it!


Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT





Thursday, November 24, 2011

Turkey Day!



Happy Thanksgiving loves! 



This is going to be a super short and to the point post.

I hope you all have a beautiful Thanksgiving filled with love and times of laughter! I will be writing about my Thanksgiving and BLACK FRIDAY (I am so stoked to get my shop on) hopefully by tomorrow or Saturday, so make sure you check in!

Now go and stuff your bellies with delicious food! I believe today is one day that you can stuff yourself and not feel guilty about it, so go for it!



Love Always,

Samantha, LMT

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Changing My Major (say what?!)

I have decided to change my major everyone! I am actually super excited now about college! I am calling to make an appointment with my advisor tomorrow to make the change official... I AM SO EXCITED! I was going to major in Kinesiology, but NOW I am going to get my Associates in Applied Science (AAS) in Hospitality and Tourism/Spa and Wellness Center Management, then go to ASU to get my Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree. Which can help me focus on business and communications. BECAUSE my ultimate goal is to open a spa of my own one day. I am happy now. I was stressing for months about my major and future career. I wanted to become a physical therapist for soooo long, literally since I was around 11 years old. I think it was just something that since I thought I wanted to do it for so long that I thought I had to do it and because it "sounded" good and would bring in good money. But I need to do something that I am passionate about because that is the only way I will truly be able to be successful. I AM HAPPY NOW. Thank you LORD for answering my prayers for clarity, you always do:) 


Hope you all are having a wonderful Monday! 


Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT 

A Date Relived & Breaking Dawn Review

Okay loves I thought it was necessary to write a review for the new Breaking Dawn movie! Also, yesterday my boyfriend Vince and I were able to "relive" our first date!

For our first date we ate at one of our favorite Italian restaurants to eat a high carb, but highly worth it spaghetti calzone. After our first dining out experience together we went to see the second Twilight movie "New Moon", when it was out in theaters. I knew already he was going to be an incredible boyfriend because he was willing to see that movie with me! Our first date was absolutely perfect.

Yesterday we decided to "relive" our first date again since Breaking Dawn Part 1 finally came out in theaters!! This time however, we had to switch up the order of restaurant and movie due to time constraints, since we are both working adults now and have responsibilities at wee hours in the morning (yay for growing up)... We had a wonderful night full of laughs like always, and time together that we will always treasure. Vince makes me laugh more than anyone else can and is the perfect man for me to spend my time with, I love you Vince (if you are reading). I wish I had a picture up of our first date next to the one below that was taken yesterday, but we have always been really bad a taking "couples" pictures and probably always will be!

Sorry for our "squinty" eyes, it was so bright out! 
Now for the movie review!!

Breaking Dawn Part 1 definitely met all my expectations. There were a few cheesy scenes, but would it really be a Twilight movie if there wasn't? It just made me giggle throughout the whole movie. In my opinion, a movie that can make you laugh and cry throughout it is a winner.

The wedding scene was exquisite... definitely classy Cullen's as usual.  I mean come on, gorgeous right??


Her dress was a little bit of a downer for me though, and I'm sorry but I couldn't find a picture. There is a dream that Bella has the night before her wedding and her dress and hair in the dream definitely look better than in the real wedding scene, in my humble opinion. The only part about her real wedding dress that I like is the back, if when you see the movie, you'll know what I mean.

So, overall the movie was a 9 out of 10 for me. I would definitely suggest seeing it! Can't wait for Part 2! Hope you are having a relaxing Sunday, enjoy it.

Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Enjoying Peace in His Presence




I just wanted to take some time to share the devotional I read this morning with you all.
It is from the book "Jesus Calling" written by Sarah Young, subtile: Enjoying Peace in His Presence. This little book has helped me through many hard times by encouraging me and telling me exactly what I need to hear. It is written as how God would be talking to us, and each page is designed for a specific day.
 Hope you enjoy!

November 19
LEAVE OUTCOMES UP TO ME. Follow Me wherever I lead, without worrying about how it will all turn out. Think of your like as an adventure, with Me as your Guide and Companion. Live in the now, concentrating on staying in step with Me. When our path leads to a cliff, be willing to climb it with My help. When we come to a resting place, take time to be refreshed in My Presence. Enjoy the rhythm of life lived close to Me. 

You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me. 

Scripture to read that goes a long with it:

Psalm 27:13-14 (ESV)

13 "I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the Living! 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!"


Exodus 15:13 (ESV)

13 "You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode."

I hope you all enjoy this beautiful Saturday and the rest of your weekend! I'm spending my Saturday working out, studying...., and seeing Breaking Dawn with my incredible boyfriend who I love sooo much for coming to my girly movies since all my best girlfriends are away at college (sad..) BUT they come back  anywhere from 2-3 days from now!! I am beyond excited! 
Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT 









Friday, November 18, 2011

My New Lovelies

I just wanted to take the time to appreciate my lovely new followers!


If you are not a follower of her blog, become one RIGHT NOW! Her blog is amazing and her online boutique is to die for. Click here to shop! I am going to be making some purchases as soon as I possibly can! These earrings are on the top of my list. Here are the details about them. 




Liesl is a fabulous blogger and has an amazing sense of style. The best part is, all her fashion tips are affordable! Praise the LORD for saving money! "Kindness is always fashionable" is one of her favorite quotes. She is super sweet and kind, which is the best sense of fashion in my opinion. Hope you follow her blog if you don't already! You won't regret it, I promise. 



Miranda is a very creative blogger and has a great sense of humor! I love reading about her family and so many other fun facts or tips! If you are not following her, I extremely suggest you do! She is a wonderful wonderful blogger:)


(sorry no picture) :/

Okay! So Trish started blogging because she wanted a place to get away from everyday life, which can get pretty intense sometimes, as we all know! I completely agree with her because after school and work when I get home the first thing I want to do is read my favorite blogs and relax. I'm with you girl! She explains more about herself here, so go check it out! 

I hope you all have an incredible Friday night! I'm spending mine at the moment, drinking a wonderful hot cup of coffee, studying the nervous system (yayy for college), and waiting for my boyfriend to come over so we can watch The Biggest Loser. We are very much addicted to a couple shows... and T.B.L. is definitely one of them! 

I would love to know what shows you are addicted to!?



Love Always, 

Samantha, LMT 











 
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