CHRISTMAS LIST 2015

I remember returning home for winter break during my first year in college.  I was excited about seeing my family, but more excited to write out my Christmas list as I had been directed to do by my mom for many years prior.  Once I completed my list, I handed it over to my mom who quipped, “you are 18 now, you get whatever I give you."  Sigh.  It quickly became apparent to me that I was an adult.  Bring on the onslaught of not so awesome Christmas gifts! 

So, just to humor myself every year, I still write out a Christmas list.  Some things I buy my own damn self.  Others, I just hope and pray a fairy Godmother (or sugar daddy) will provide.  If you are expecting a list with stuff like “peace on earth” etc., please keep scrolling.  This is all about things, stuff, and vanity.  LOL Here is my top ten list for 2015:

1.  BaubleBar Rhiannon Ear Crawler Set.  My new short haircut requires edgy earrings.

2.  A housekeeper.  I have a 4 year old, I work full time, and I just don’t like cleaning.  Need I say more?

3.   A Cook.  See number 2 above.

4.  Sissy Squat Bench.  For those days I really want to kill my quads.

5.  Under Armor Leggings.  I love their leggings. 

6.  Uggs Bailey Button Boots.  I have never owned a pair.  I go back and forth between thinking they are ugly and super cool.  This year I think they are cool.

7.  Any pair of leggings on www.carbon38.com.  If you haven’t figured it out yet, I love leggings.

8.  New Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag.  The strap broke on the Neverfull I have had for years.  I am traumatized. 

9.  Adidas Lite Racer Winter SG Shoes.  I don’t think you can really workout in these shoes, but I like them nonetheless. 

10. A pair of black high heeled Stuart Weitzman boots.  I have been eyeing a couple styles this year.  Even though I will probably only wear them once or twice, I may get a pair.

What is on your list this year?

You Have Not, Because You Ask Not

Over the last year, my spiritual mother has constantly stated to me, "You have not, because you ask not." Every time she would tell me this, I would get mad. I would reply, "Who is going to help me? So why bother asking?" Well, after a year of drilling this in my head, I finally get it. God works through people. We can and must pray, but we also need to take action. You have to ask for what you need. The worst that can happen is that someone says "no."  What are you waiting for?

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Matthew 7:7-9 (KJV)

JOY

For so long, I have sought "happiness."  I thought that if I just had a certain job or made a certain salary or lived in a particular neighborhood I would then be "happy."  I have recently come to the realization that happiness is temporary and fleeting.  The key is to have joy in every situation.  The reality is that in life there will always be challenges.  There will be periods of great happiness and great pain.  But, through it all we must have joy.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

-Philippians 4:11-13

I keep seeing a lot of  posts about how people plan on "doing me" in 2015 and not helping others any more, etc.  As Christians, we should know that this is contrary to what God desires.  Christian or not, one should understand that everyone was created and placed on this earth for a divine purpose. And I'm going to go out on a limb and say that purpose probably does not involve "doing me."  We are here to help, care for and inspire.  If someone does not appreciate your help, so what.  That does not mean you should stop.  Yes, take care of yourself first, for if you are depleted you cannot fully give to others.  But, don't make your life just about you.  It is a recipe for failure.

-Ase.

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MARY KATRANTZOU FOR ADIDAS

Images via Glamour and Milk Made

Although this blog is primarily about health and fitness, I do love fashion!  I must admit, that most of the time, I am dressed in workout clothing that is not too stylish.  But, recently, I have started to improve my fitness wardrobe with some stylish kicks and the like.  Active wear fashion is on the rise.  More and more women are not only wearing fashionable active wear to the gym, but everywhere!  It is definitely a trend that I love considering my lifestyle.

I recently learned that Adidas has teamed up with luxury fashion designer Mary Katrantzou. Mary Katrantzou is known for her beautiful embellished prints. This collaboration features brightly colored patterns which are both feminine and vibrant. This collection will debut on November 15 at Adidas stores and online, and pieces will retail from $170 to $250.  I cannot wait for this collection to drop.  I have my eyes on a pair of these sneakers.  

BEWARE OF FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP