Happy Valentine's Day!

Since I am not in a relationship and will be going on a mission soon, I didn't think I'd receive any gifts from ANYONE today.

Guess what?! -  I was WRONG.

Yesterday, I sent this text (mainly for good humor) to my good friend Sara:

Today, I was delighted and surprised to receive this:

Sara had left me a door of hearts, letters, and a fruit tart!! When I found these gifts, I about cried!!!  

I owe SO MUCH to every single one of my friends, but today, I am ESPECIALLY grateful for my friend Sara, who went out of her way to make me feel loved and important.  I don't think she knows HOW MUCH those sweet letters and cut-out hearts mean to me!

I just have to take this moment and brag a little about this lady:

Above is a picture of when I first met Sara. We were both selected to play with the Utah Symphony in their annual Salute to Youth concert... Who knew we'd become such wonderful friends?!

On top of being an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind violinist, Sara plays tennis like a champ, and has the most amazing naturally curly hair and gorgeous looks.  She'll also knock you senseless with her sense of humor and adorable personality. 

 Let's just say she's REMARKABLE, and it's hard to be as caring and lovely as her!!

SO, here is what I wanted to say:

THANK YOU, SARA!!

I LOVE YOU!

Happy Valentine's Day

And the COUNTDOWN begins

DRUMROLL:

22 Days

So, it's getting real close to my report date (alright, I still have 22 days, but still)!

I updated my blog, changed the title, added a few gadgets here and there, and asked my mom to update this blog when I'm on my mission, so we're set to go! 

Also, in case we aren't friends on Facebook, I'm giving my farewell talk in 2 weeks (February 24)! I hope you can make it.  It's gonna be an awesome program.  

Okay!

Peace and Blessings, Everyone!

Health/Dieting Tips

Hi guys!!

I just realized how cheesy my recent posts have been... Sorry! Sorry!

Haha I think I go through phases, and I don't realize 'til later that I've been through another one of my "Oh my goodness.  I have to tell the world how much I love them. (slash) I feel like crying right now.  I should post what I am feeling right now." phases.

RIGHT.

So, if you're one of my close friends, you've probably heard me complain about how chubby my face is getting and how fat I feel right now.  DON'T WORRY. I'm not anorexic or anything.  I've currently just been eating a lot more than I should, exercising less than I should, and I need to re-evaluate my dieting/exercising habits.

SO.

Today, I came across this really helpful video, and wanted it to share it with all you out there who need an extra push, like me, to improve health.  Her name is Jenn Im, she's a fashion blogger, and SHE'S ASIAN.  Whew!

ANYWAY, she has TONS of quick, easy, and "do-able" tips that absolutely anyone can do!! Watch it, live it, share it, and check out her other videos! She's awesome!!

OH, And in case you're not the video-watching type of person, I made a list of the steps she suggests for health/dieting in her video:

"1. Take a picture of everything you eat.  The conscious effort of taking a picture of your food makes a difference.  Every week, you can see what you're eating and what you can do to improve your diet!

2. Avoid/limit carbohydrates! Instead, use those calories on veggies or protein! Don't over-indulge.

3.  Re-mix your meals.  You can modify recipes, add things in, or take things out.  Add vegetables, tofu, and fiber to your meals! If you're eating sodium-packed meals, add some steamed veggies or broccoli to the side! You'll feel better about yourself seeing more color in your meals.  Focus on the nutrition your eating.  

4.  WATER IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.  Get a canteen, or always have a water bottle by your side.  Drink water 3-4 times every hour!  When it comes to soda and juice, it's better to just eat the actual fruit because you are getting the vitamins and fibers!  

5.  Excersize!! Losing weight is 80% of your diet and 20% exercise.  Look up "blogilates" on youtube! Do whatever you can to motivate yourself to exercise.  Park further away from your destination and walk the longer distance!! Every step counts!"

Keep in mind that every small thing you do builds up to something greater!! Results take time, so stay consistent and stay healthy!

HAPPY DIETING!!