Wisdom Wednesday

We all have felt times when we have been misshapen into something we did not recognize. Maybe it was because of something that happened, maybe it was because of someone that happened. Regardless of what changed you, I hope you know how to put yourself back together into something new and into someone you are proud of. Remember to always keep yourself as the most important thing in your world and may you never feel second best to anyone or anything. You do not have to be bent or broken to fit into a world that doesn't appreciate your beautiful shape. 

Week in Review

I love to write. I love to learn new things. I love it when both of these come together!  This week, I have been doing a lot of research for an article I am writing and it was fun to dust off old books, dive into them and use them as a resource for my article. My cousin gave me a older edition of Joy of Cooking a while ago and I really thought it would just be a pretty book on my shelf I would never use. I guess I was wrong. I am also extremely luck to know Chef Stacey who is not only verbally a great resource, but she has loads of culinary books I could use too. It is thrilling to my nerdy self to see it all come together and I will be sharing it very soon!

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This weekend was my hometown church's celebration of All Saints Day/All Soul's Day and they have family members who had someone in their family pass away this past year, carry up a candle in their honor during mass. My Mom and I carried up a candle for our sweet Kate. I cannot believe it has almost been a year since we lost her. It was a lovely way to spend the day with my Mom and to be present to celebrate my sissy. Mom also decided to whip up a batch of her homemade pasta sauce with the last of the garden tomatoes. I was trying to remember the last time I had her yummy spaghetti and it had been at least 3 years. Too long!  I did snag some to take home with me and had a pretty kick ass lunch the next day. Only thing that would have made it better would be if Dad and Kate would have been there. 

Workout Playlist of the Week

This week, I decided to slow it down, so I did not feel the need to do my reps so fast. Also, I am really diggin Lady Gaga's new album Joanne after watching Carpool Karaoke with James Corden, so had to include one of songs.

Listen to Workout Playlist of the Week by Anne Elizabeth on Apple Music.

What I Love Right Now

Now that I am gracefully in a new decade of my life, I notice my makeup was not. It is amazing how every decade things just change a bit with my skin. I had been using the same products I had used in my 30's and I noticed they were not quite working so hot. I decided to make an appointment at Sephora and get some expert advice. Kelsi was fantastic and spent an hour with me and my face to find the right products for this new decade. I am truly embracing my "paste" when it comes to my skin color and learning to add color without tanning. Since I have always been scared of trying new products on my face due to the feared breakouts, she helped me overcome my fears when it comes to new things. I am bravely trying an oil primer, since my oily face tends to get extremely dry in the winter (what in the world???) and learning to use a foundation brush to pat and not swoop with my foundation to add radiance. My bronzer is not brown or orange at all, smells like chocolate (which is dreamy) and contours nicely. The eyeshadow I got is the perfect palate, not too many colors and are the perfect shades for my baby blues. I also learned one of the colors works well as an eyeliner, who knew? The less harsh the better, I was told.  I am giving this new regimen a white and so far so good! No noticeable pimples and less noticeable wrinkles.  I know I'm ridiculous, but I think I am sold.   

~AE

Wisdom Wednesday

There is no other joy in the world than when someone does something nice for you, just because. It can be as simple. There is no other joy in the world than doing something nice for someone else. It too, can be simple. You never know when you make someones heart smile. Never hesitate to perform an act of kindness. It can be as simple as slicing an apple. 

Week in Review

When I was in Boston, my 4th godchild turned 1! I am sad I was unable to attend Lucy's day of celebration but I am very excited for the many more birthdays to come. Let's face it, she will never remember that I wasn't there and if necessary, photo shop could always place me there. 

While I was gone and walking The Freedom Trail (in cute shoes, I might add), I was thinking about what I would get her for her birthday. Not only would she not remember me being there, but she would probably easily forget about any gift I could bestow upon her. Then it hit me. I love to write, why not share one of my favorite things with her?  So, each year on her birthday, I am going to write her a letter.  Who knows what I will include in each letter (which could get interesting as time goes on) but it will be my way of giving her a gift of history, memories, stories and a sincere piece of my heart. Each letter will be left un-opened and tucked away until her 18th birthday. Hopefully, this will be a gift she will never forget and it will be something I can give her, just-in-case I miss another day of celebrating Lucy. 

Holiday season is quickly approaching with the kick-off with Halloween. Since I do not fancy a lot of decor when it comes to the holidays, I usually bypass the seasonal items available for purchase. This past Saturday, I just couldn't walk by this adorable white pumpkin. In pure Anne style, I spruced this tiny creature up with some polka dots and a sad attempt at a fancy bow. It comfortably sits on my mantle and I enjoy it's small but adorable presence in my home. Thanks to my friend Barb for hooking me up with the pretty ribbon and paint for my dots. 

The rest of the week will be filled with calls and preparation for the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting in Ames, IA this year. I am excited to spend time with Iowa Registered Dietitians next week in our pretty kick-ass conference we have each year. This year is about passion!  I am all about passion friends! There is nothing better than hanging out with Registered Dietitians (this is a fact) and even better when we are focusing on our passion and purpose.  I am sure I will have many inspiring and fun things to share from the conference in the next couple weeks. 

Workout Playlist of the Week

Since being back from traveling, I am GETTING AFTER IT this week and let me tell you, I need all the motivation I can get!  You can't see from the picture what the last song is, but it is my favorite in the playlist this week. Are you ready?

Listen to my Workout Playlist of the Week by on Apple Music.

What I Love Right Now

While I was meandering through the grocery store, I could stop craving something sweet. My mouth was watering for a candy bar, kettle corn, ice cream, chocolate chips, pretty much anything with sugar in it. I came across these pouches in the applesauce aisle and instantly was curious. Big Slice kettle cooked apples are not your average pouches of apples. There were numerous flavors and the one that jumped out at me was cherry vanilla. Ingredients are simple (cherries, apples, Madagascar Vanilla, yum, yum and yum) and the taste is awesome. I had this grand idea of warming it up in the microwave and tossing Quaker Oat confetti on the top. It was the exact curbing I needed for my sweet tooth. Almost like warm cherry pie and satisfying. It would be even better with a little vanilla ice cream, but next time, I am going to freeze some vanilla Siggi's yogurt and top it off. These are going to be a great treat for the winter months, without the guilt. There is also 12 different flavors from chai (whattttt?) to banana mango & hemp seed. Another really great thing I love about this product is for every pouch purchased, a donation is made to Sparkle, to provide hope and help to women in need. Love it!

It is that time my friends, slumber is calling my name. May your Wednesday be full of greatness and joy!  

~AE

Wisdom Wednesday

I love mornings. It is a gift that comes in soft and sweetly each day. It is full of hope and joy.  The present and the future start each morning as you open your eyes with gratitude that another day has been bestowed upon you. You decide what the day will bring. Listen. The morning will tell you everything you need to know.

~AE

Wisdom Wednesday

I have officially reached the point in my life where I know I can be comfortable and confident being me. 

When you stop worrying about what other people think of you, freedom reigns. Be the best version of you, every day. And when something or someone just doesn't quite "go with your outfit" well...that is just fine. 

AE