Stop.

I was about to post a status complaining about the stupidity of the people in this world (as I had just driven through typical ATL traffic and gotten angry at several rude or ridiculously-slow drivers). Then I realized a few things; #1 a simple status read by only a miniscule fraction of the world's population wouldn't help anything, #2 who actually cares about my venting via social media (no-bo-dy), #3 I would be hypocritical if I didn't include myself in original said-people, beacuse I too have my not-thinking moments, and, finally, #4 I have way too much to be thankful for than to sit and have a mini selfish, pathetic moment.

Two of my focuses for this next year are to be more thankful and to slow down. Far too often I rush into immediate frustration or impatience, leaving behind a moment that God could have used for something good. Who am I to accuse someone of idiocy when I have NO idea their story or reason for being in my life at that precise moment? I am a sinner, deserving of hell but saved by grace, and loved unconditionally by a God who cares.

So, as I sit in a Publix parking lot, embarrassed by my lack of self-control and allowing sin to have a small victory, I am thankful. I am thankful to have a car (that is a true gift from Jesus), a job that allows me the freedom to finish school, God's goodness and grace in every part of my life, my health, that I live in a city that I love, and for the small moments that remind me this world is not my home.

~

Let your kindness be so evident that the blind see it and the deaf hear it:

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." - Mark Twain

Remebering Its Not About You

   The dream I have spent the past nine years working towards, this crazy adventure of pageantry, is now over. Now that I have had a solid three weeks to sleep, eat, think, play with my puppy, pray, work, nap, eat more, get intense sunburn lines and not care, unpack more than I admit to have packed, sleep even more, cry, laugh, air-dry my hair every day, not put on any makeup, do awesome outdoorsy things, read for pleasure, run because I wanted to, and sit down for hours doing nothing, all while trying to get back to this thing called reality in the real world, I have had a lot of time to reflect on what an incredibly beautiful journey God has taken me on. It truly has been that: an incredible, stunning, beautiful, wild journey. I will always and forever believe that things happen for a reason (Romans 8:28) and Miss Georgia is no exception. Everyone's journey is different, every story is unique. Here is mine...

Some of my favorite ladies. The friendships I have gained in this organization are irreplaceable. 

This was your last year before aging out of Miss America... how did you feel after it was over?

Phi Mu sisters & MAO sisters! 

   After not hearing my name called out for top ten on finals night I was heart broken. I have given my all since I was sixteen years old to a dream of being Miss America... and that door was shut. It was hard, y'all, really hard, to accept that. I wanted to be a role model of confidence and integrity to teen girls; I wanted to help girls build their self esteem and know what they are worth; I wanted to help define what it means to be a real, beautiful woman. I was being silly thinking that being Miss Georgia was the only way to make that happen. While the top ten were doing their thing, I sat down backstage, enjoying some of the cookies friends/family brought me (thanks guys!) and selfishly questioned God. "Why didn't I get to that group?!" "You couldn't let me, on my last year, make top ten at least?!" "Now I can't be a role model!" "What did I do wrong??" - then I had a reality check; it wasn't about me, it never was. Ha, oh yeah! That took a moment. After I collected my thoughts and let out some tears (it was such a stressful week... it makes you cry just because you spilled a tiny bit of coffee), I became extremely relieved. Its a bit weird, being absolutely devastated while also being ecstatic and peaceful. Ecstatic for what lied ahead, peaceful for where I was. Without a doubt, I wanted this job, this title, more than anything. But in my preparation leading up to Miss Georgia I really felt God placing on my heart to be at peace with not hearing my name called. I forgot about that and His promise to me for a little bit there:

Isaiah 26: 3 - You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.

The above verse leaped and ran to me on a daily basis in the weeks leading up to the big competition. After hard days trying to balance life while getting ready for a huge competition, I would see this verse and be reminded to keep my focus on Him. And it was that verse that helped me stay confident and strong throughout Miss Georgia week.

But you didn't win!
   But I did :) I really did believe I could be the next Miss Georgia. I finally realized that I was worth the best, His best, and if that was His plan for me than I could do it and do it well because of Him. However, if that wasn't His plan then I was going to be content with that too. Having a feeling in my heart that I wasn't going to be the next Miss Georgia, I was reminded to take time to realize what else I wanted out of the week coming up. If I didn't walk away with the sparkly crown or banner yelling my new job title, what would I walk away with?

    

#1 // Confidence. I wanted to walk away knowing I was 100% myself; day or night, when the spotlight was on me or when I was sitting on a bus with the other thirty-nine other amazing women, on facebook or in real life. I wanted people to know and see the real me, the genuine me. I went to Miss Georgia with my best; with the best representation of 'Shelby' that I could be. After every phase of competition - interview, swimsuit, talent, evening gown, onstage question - I knew I gave my best. I would leave the end of the week without a doubt that I should have changed anything... I was confidently myself.

#2 // Humility. There is so much stereotyping in the world. Even more so with pageant girls. I am Miss Atlanta; too long has this been a "coveted" and "prestigious" title. Yes, it is pretty rockin' getting to say you're the state's capital. This does not make me better than you. I got here... you can too. I wanted the other girls I competed with at Miss Georgia (mostly those who were new) to realize just because I have a title that sounds cooler or that this was my third trip to state it does not make me better than you. That goes for those not competing as well; just because I have a crown on my head does not make me any better than you. I am indeed in a unique league or extraordinary women who are investing their lives to bettering themselves and their community, but you are a unique, incredible, treasured individual. Don't forget it. Humility goes a long way.

#3 // Faith. How would I grow in my faith, whether in Christ or in life, through this week? I was here for a reason and that big reason was to bring Christ glory. Thank you, Heather Burgess, for reminding me of this during the week. And thank you, Lord, for reminding me of this yet again after the top ten were called. I could name countless reasons why I did not make it to top ten... but my favorite theory was so I could join my three other dressing room girls help Taylor Voyles (Love you!) get ready to sing her heart out for talent and then start screaming and crying (again with the tears...) when she made it top five. Honestly though, I don't know the real reason God had me where He did that week or that night. Whatever it was, I am tremendously thankful. As long as He was glorified that entire week my job was completed.

#4 // Strength. What type of strength would I gain? This year alone was one that pushed me like I have never felt pushed. It was a hard year that I struggled with so much and I had to fall on my face multiple times. Looking back, those moments were the ones that God provided me strength like I never knew. Strength that I had in me that seemed to burst forth....
   I love playing the piano. I love my talent. I wanted to play my talent piece with such fire and passion like I have never played before. And I wanted God to be glorified and worshiped through my playing. After I walked off stage from playing during my talent night I cried... because I felt so strong about it and about the fact that I played my heart out to an audience of One; for God. It gave me chills because I realized how much me playing that piece was parallel to me finding strength in myself. Receiving non-finalist talent was not a pat on the back for me but a thunderous clap to God for providing an illustration of the strength I finally saw in myself and the strength He provided me with.

So blessed to call each of these girls my sister queens, or as we call our selves, the Fantana Atalantas. We were seriously the most perfect group for each other. I love yall!!

Any regrets?
   Pageants are no joke. If you're reading this blog I hope you have picked up on that. They are stressful and they stretch you more than you ever want to be. They make you say things or do things that you thought never in a million years you would. They make you learn how to balance (or at least try to balance): school, multiple jobs, relationships, family life, social life, paying bills, paying for all that coaching, political knowledge, staying fit (which means working out at 5 am or 11pm, whichever your schedule allows), eating healthy (healthy food on a tight budget + finding time to prep your food which is eaten on the go = ah), looking great with only 30 minutes to be ready, everything else you can imagine (like doing laundry or cleaning your house), and being normal. It's tough. But no regrets. None. The rewards are unquestionably immeasurable. The Miss America Organization has helped me find out what it means to be Shelby and what I can do, as Shelby, to change lives. I mentioned above how I "couldn't be a role model anymore" because I didn't become Miss Georgia. That was the emotions speaking from that night. I am more of a role model now than ever before because I didn't become Miss Georgia. Our platforms are meant to change the world, with or without a title. Its the what we do with them without the spotlight on us that means the most. 

I am far from perfect, but that is why its so amazing to me why God called me to be Miss Atlanta this year and to take one last trip to Miss Georgia. A year ago I didn't even think I would be back in pageant land. I would have had regrets if I didn't go back once more.

Couldn't have asked God for more amazing, supportive, selfless directors or board. You guys are the absolute best - the new Miss Atlanta is going to be so spoiled!

So, what is next since you are aging out of the Miss America system? 
   The past weeks since that crazy one have allowed me to relax and seriously think about where God is taking me next. A weight has literally been lifted off my shoulders. I have been planning all kinds of awesome things and I can't wait to see where God takes me next. I am loving my new job at J. Crew (woot! woot!) and my new obsession for iced coffee (I am a former coffee hater). A big change is that I am no longer pursuing nursing. Doors have opened up for me to run towards physical therapy/kinesiology. If you know me then you probably know why I am making the change. Its not about "I could see you doing this/you would be good at it" but rather "your heart is in that... I can see it." I am also excited more than every to be working with teen girls and Girl Talk. I am thrilled that I get to focus more on building confidence and strength in women and girls instead of thwarting my energy and focus elsewhere (i.e. interview prep, studying the news, walking lessons, ect). God has called me into a ministry to females. I have no doubt in my mind of this. Now I get to fully pursue that :) One more thing, I get to settle down and enjoy where I am. Since I have moved to Atlanta, I have been so busy that I have forgotten to see my city and take in all it has to offer. I am challenging myself to visit new spots and find the ones I love; to take my puppy on new trails and to find cool hipster coffee shops; to take multiple trips down the river and to start rowing or playing tennis; and to develop new friendships and work on the ones I already have.

My WONDERFUL roomies

   Thank you to those of y'all that have been on this journey, encouraging me and providing prayer and steady hands. Its been an interesting one, but you've made it so worth it. I had the most supportive board, family, boyfriend, best friends, and friends while I was at the big competition. Y'all rock. I managed to accumulate five dozen cookies... thanks, you guys. They lasted me all of two days, maybe three. The amount of love and thoughtfulness I was showered that week and since then has been enough to make me cry more than I should tell. I could never thank you enough.

Remember wherever God takes you, it isn't about you.

Find out who and what it's really about.

Always in Christ and with much love,

   Shelby 

Keeping it Real.

Lauren Fleshman. A running role model for me... and now a role model of strength. Its amazing that even those we deem "most fit" or "most beautiful" struggle with self image. Negative self image effects women of all ages, shapes, lifestyles, and popularity. It's such a real thing. I encourage you to take Lauren's words. Also, take her challenge to post 2 pictures side-by-side: one that you love, at your best, and one when you feel not-at-your-best. #keepingitreal

Click here for the link to her original post that is posted below. And here for her post that started the fire.

You ARE worth it.

You can do this. You've got this. You are worth it. I believe in YOU. Believe in YOURSELF.

These were all comforting words I felt God told me over the past weekend. And for once, I believe them and I believe in myself. For once in my life, there isn't a doubt in my mind that I can achieve the dreams and goals God has placed in my heart. You see, I struggle with knowing who Shelby is. I've struggled with believing I am worth the best and that I will ever be good enough to achieve my goals. Because I see all my faults, my imperfections, my dirty little secrets, my "cellulite", I don't think I am ever worth the best. But praise God, I had a huge turn around this past weekend as it finally hit me (hard... and left a mark :P) that I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I want to share a personal story with you guys that has been on my heart to open up about for some time:

Rewind to a eight years ago. The first clear moment I can remember where my self confidence had hit an all time low. I read an article written by a celebrity that claimed she went through an eating disorder and how she "overcame" her issue. Problem with the article was that it seemed to glorify eating disorders, almost making it look cool, and how not eating to feel better about your body was not as bad as it seemed. I, in the weaken state I was in at that time, thought to myself maybe I should try this not eating thing too. I completely ignored the fact that I felt in my heart that was not the right thing to do. But, I was just beginning to like fashion and having the attentions of others calling me "beautiful" because of my looks (so I thought, wrongly again) that I thought it would be a good idea to try this. I figured I would look better in my clothes. I figured since this celebrity made it look "cool" then it had to be. Eating disorders are not cool in any way, shape, or form. Do you hear me? They are not cool. And they are extremely negative on the way female view themselves.

There were a few months after I read that article where I limited how much food I ate. I certainly did not loose an excessive amount of weight or start to look bony, but my inner self was caving in. Because I did not see any "improvement" in the way my body looked from limiting eating, I realized that I actually did need to eat so I went back to eating. However, as time continued on, I began to be genuinely scared of food. I avoided so many things because I didn't want them to have a negative effect on how I looked. It wasn't me trying to be healthy because being healthy is a wonderful thing; it was me cutting out things I felt would make me "skinny." Just for the record, I cannot stand the word 'skinny'. It was also during this time where I felt like people really didn't care about me or what I thought, so I began keeping thoughts inside. I began pretending to be someone I really wasn't. I was not comfortable in my own skin at all.

Skip ahead a couple of years, I started competing in pageants... these pageants included the swimsuit portion. If you do not know me personally, you should probably know at least this one thing about me: I have a love/hate relationship with the swimsuit portion of Miss America. It can certainly be very beneficial to many girls, and I am not dissing this part of pageants, but personally, for my life, it has been more on the negative side. I feel there is a huge part of this part of pageants where you are being looked at, up and down, and critiqued in every way possible. As a woman who has struggled with many negative thoughts about her and her body, this is not a good thing. As a woman who has sought after perfection, this is not a good thing. [How can people really tell in an instant how "fit" someone is based on ten seconds of walking around on stage in a bikini and heels? Anyone can get on medication to make her body loose tons of weight and she can do all kinds of plastic surgery to make her body look good. Give me a treadmill and I'll show you the amount of hours I've put in to be able to run a marathon.]

Keeping going forward to a few months ago. I continued struggling with my self image off and on, but I finally reached a point of loving my body. However, I was not fully comfortable with myself - not confident in my opinions or views, always looking to see who has better style, etc. Getting to mentor girls about having positive self image has greatly helped me with my own. But there was still something inside of me that hasn't been right. January 20014... I had someone enter my life who challenged me to really take the time to figure out why I wanted to be Miss Georgia and Miss America, and further, challenged me to figure out who Shelby is. I have an amazing support system - my mom, my dad, my sisters, my brothers, my relatives, my dear man, my boards, my friends... I really am so blessed. But I think God uses specific people to say one thing that thousands of others have been saying for it to really stick. And that's what happened with this person. He told one of my directors that after ourfirst coaching session he thought I really didn't want to be Miss Georgia. My initial thought was, whaaaaattttt???! Of course I do!!!! But then it hit me; he doesn't think I do, because I genuinely don't know why I truly, deep down inside want this. I want it, but I feel like I am not worth it. I want this, but because I am still trying to figure out who I am, I am not able to convey it.

You see, for as long as I have competed in pageants, {which has only been since 2009 (minus the two times I competed as a teen in high school)}, I have never felt like I genuinely was good enough or worth being Miss Georgia or Miss America. I thought all the other girls had more than I did; they were prettier, they had stronger talents, their interviews were better. What lies! I think finally figuring out years ago that I actually was good enough may have saved me a lot of time and money :P But, that is the beauty of God taking us out of ashes and turning our story into something truly magnificent. The path that He has taken me on has been hard. It's been a personal struggle every single day I have woken up. I am grateful for the person who told me and that it finally clicked, only a few months ago, that yes - I was worth it, and yes, I am worth it. It's my dream to be Miss Georgia. I think God has definitely given me this dream. This year is my last shot at trying to achieve that dream. And what if I don't achieve it? What then; will I be a failure? Thanks to God finally helping me I am worth it, not in the least bit.

Miss Georgia forum was this past weekend. It's where all of the title holders and their parents and boards get together for two full days of sessions and meetings. Its where you are sized up and the comparing of the girls begins... who is going to be the next Miss Georgia, who will be in the top 10/5, who has the best talent, who looks like they are ready, etc. In the large scheme of things, it's a bit ridiculous. The past two years this has brought intense pressure, having to look and act your complete best. This year, however, was a totally different story. I told God I wanted to walk in acting like the real Shelby and looking like the real Shelby. There was to be no gimmicks or fake-ness. What you saw was what you got. And, thanks to finally realizing who Shelby is and being comfortable with the real Shelby, that is exactly what happened. Technically, I am a grandma in the pageant world... so I took this time to meet the new girls and love on the ones who I already knew. I made sure to have fun while being comfortable to be me. It was an exhausting weekend, but in a good way; it was an amazing weekend. And ending it off with a comment from a girl I have been competing with since the beginning definitely topped it off: "Shelby... you look like Shelby." And that is what I wanted. I wanted to jump up and down right after she said that, but my heart was doing so for me. I wanted to run to God and yell, "Mission Accomplished!"

I am grateful for the Miss America Organization. It's helped me know more about myself (especially in the last few months) than I ever thought could be possible in a lifetime. I know I'm not perfect, but being imperfect is what makes me beautiful. I'm learning that it's what people want to know about. You never know what connections you'll make until you open up and allow others to see you, the real you. You'll never know what kind of impact you can make on others until you believe in the worth that you have.

It is my desire as Shelby, as Miss Atlanta, as a nursing student, as a big sister, or as anything else God is calling me to be, that I will be a positive image and role model for females (young or old). I want to help girls realize that they matter, that they are amazing, and their uniqueness is their beauty.

You too... take opportunities to find out what you love, what your weaknesses are, what your talents are, and what your favorite things are. You'll be surprised at how many things you may find out about yourself :) Be willing to laugh at yourself. Write down every success you feel you had... and then some. Open up to others. Look at those imperfections and realize that you. are. worth. it.

Xoxo, Shelby.

You don't have a thigh gap?! .... {Gasp}

Hello, my name is Shelby and I do not have, what females are calling in this modern age, the glorious "thigh gap." And I am finally comfortable with saying it and actually meaning it.

A year ago, I secretly wanted it. I saw it on women I was pinning on Pinterest and thought to myself, "if only!" I see girls in the pageant system winning swimsuit preliminary awards and thinking to myself that I will never be able to achieve that because I don't have the best legs. I know now, such silly thinking. I've always struggled with thinking my lower curves are what I needed to lose {hellooo, where my body fat jumps to}. Ha, right. Again, quite silly. Such thinking comes from the pageant territory {I have such a love/hate relationship with the swimsuit competition}. It comes with being a perfectionist. It comes with a desire to join the modeling world {think J.Crew retail model, not runway model}. It comes with being a woman in the 21st century. Heck, it even comes with being a female, period. But mostly, it comes from allowing thoughts of not being "good-enough" to creep their way into my head. 

Its one thing if your natural body shape is more straight, less curvy, or you were born with petite limbs. It's another if you make it your goal {as I have done in the past} to center your whole exercise routine and dieting plan around how to get smaller legs. I use to let finding the perfect pair of jeans be measured by if they gave me slimmer looking curves and the thigh gap. I use to measure my body {sexiness} status by if I has smaller legs or not. And none of that is okay.

Most every 20- to 30-something girl I know have said something about this to or are dealing with it. It's all over my social media dash - Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook. Its a major issue that needs some serious addressing. What is an even bigger issue is the fact that middle school girls are now seeing and wanting the infamous thigh gap. That hit me hard recently. I don't want my little sisters {who are 13 and 15} thinking they have to have it. I am a role model. A role model who is wanting to promote self-esteem and confidence in yourself. Not just to my little sisters, but to every five year old princess, middle school lady, college girl, or business woman I come in contact. How can I encourage them to have confidence in their bodies if I am not doing the same? You too are a role model. Think of at least one person you have made a difference on. Got them in your head? Bet there are at least 100x more than you know about. But even so, that one person makes you a role model. And if you are a role model, what you do makes all the difference in the world.

Do you know who one of my favorite female figures is? Jennifer Lawrence. Do you know why? Because she loves, absolutely loves, her body and is so confident about the way she looks. She radiates confidence. She is my role model. {And come on, she is also Katniess Everdeen. Who couldn't want to be JL}

Also, on a side note... the only way to achieve a healthy body is to eat healthy, be active, and to mentally exercise. Don't let anyone lie to you letting you know diet pills are the way to go. Don't lie to yourself with cheat, quick methods to getting fit or reaching your fitness goals. Don't think skipping meals will benefit you by shrinking your waist - tried that one and trust me, it doesn't work because you body needs that fuel. Cheating never helps anyone, especially not in the long run. Even more so, because you and I are role models, what people see us do and hear us say is hugely influential on how they decide to do things. Trust me on that one too. Have fitness goals, but do not let them swallow you up or control you. It's hard not to at times, but try. Remember, you are a role model. People are watching you... what you say, how you act, what you watch, ect. How do you want to leave an impact on someone, even if its for the thirty seconds you come in contact with them?

I want to be strong. 

I want to be physically strong, but also mentally strong. No more of this talking myself down or comparing myself to others. I too want to radiate such strong confidence in myself. 

I want to have a strength in myself like no other.

After all, strong is the new sexy.

So, let me ask you... how can you be stronger?
What are your current fitness goals?
What are you doing to achieve them?
Who are your role models?
Why are they your role models?
How are you a role model for someone?

Take time to answer these for me! I love hearing how you have been inspired and how you are seeking to inspire others. Just post in the comment section below. And follow my pinterest board [BE: inspired] for more positive encouragement. 

I am good enough. You are good enough. Believe it. Claim it. 

Exhausted, but content.

Busy, but so thankful.

Overworked, but beyond blessed.

God is doing some big things. It just took some time for me to realize it.

Bisous, SLR

Clean Eating. Nom.

I am fairly healthy compared to the average American: I don't drink carbonated drinks, I rarely dive into a bag of Cheetos, I walk to work every day, I run at least once a week, and I don't consume an obnoxious amount of fast food (or even Starbucks drinks). My problem is I'm not quite sure what exactly I am eating. I am quite confident, however, whatever it is it includes a lot of sugar and isn't the best for my body. I'm certainly not even close to being overweight, but I would love to get away from processed and chemical-loaded foods.

I want to be extremely comfortable with my body knowing what I am putting in it are things that will help it and give it nutrients. It goes along with the simplicity I am trying to achieve; be healthy... get moving... and quit putting all that junk and unnecessary stuff in my diet. A quote that you may hear often keeps sticking in my head: If you eat garbage, your body will show it. I decided last week that it was time to get back to eating clean and trying to be a bit more active.

What is clean eating?
There are a few definitions out there. For me, eating "clean" means consuming tons of fresh veggies and fruits, eliminating all processed foods/preservatives/additives and refined sugars, eating five to six small meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two to three snacks in between meals), and enjoying lean meats and whole grains.

Click here for a deeper explanation from The Gracious Pantry. I like her explanation :)

So... what do you eat?
Food. Sorry, had to throw in a little smarty pants comment there. Really though, here is a menu plan for what I ate this week {from what I could remember}.

Sunday

Breakfast - Steel cut oatmeal, single serving.
Snack - banana
Lunch - ??
Snack - almond butter
Dinner - Leftover Thanksgiving food... don't remember, and I feel like I shouldn't.

Monday: Finally, a day off.

Breakfast - Missed, slept in :)
Snack - banana, almond butter
Lunch - dressing, sweet potatoe casserole
Snack - N/A
Dinner - Cup of Royal Wedding tea.

Tuesday

Breakfast - skipped
Snack - SPARK
Lunch - Protein bar, banana
Snack - N/A
Dinner - Salad with spring greens, spinach, tomatoes, turkey, lemon juice, olive oil, carrots.

Wednesday

Breakfast - Banana. Rushed to work without eating breakfast. Fail.
Snack - SPARK. Go Lean cereal (dry, no milk).
Lunch - Apple slices and almond butter.
Snack - leftover dressing (1 cup), leftover mac & cheese (1 cup) - yay for cleaning out the fridge!
Dinner - green beans (seasoned with mrs. dash table blend), cubed sweet potatoes (seasoned with olive oil, nutmeg, mrs. dash italian blend, garlic power), and slice of ezekial bread.

Thursday

Breakfast -Advocare meal replacement shake (chocolate), made with almond milk
Snack - celery sticks, banana
Lunch - protein bar
Snack - gluten-free cinnamon cupcake | leftover sweet potatoes from last night.
Dinner - salad with spring greens, spinach, turkey, cherry tomatoes, carrots, orange bell pepper, cranberries, lemon juice, and olive oil. Glass of red wine.

Friday

Breakfast - Egg white omelet with spinach and tomatoes
Snack - N/A
Lunch - Turkey and mustard sandwich on ezekial bread
Snack - Protein Bar
Dinner - Tuna with some weird sauce that I don't remember, hehe.

Saturday

Breakfast - Egg white omelet with spinach and tomatoes, hot tea (white), cantaloupe
Snack - Protein Bar
Lunch - Celery sticks, cucumber slices
Snack - Uh... let's just say it was a cheat meal.
Dinner - buffalo chicken sandwich w/ tomatoes, lettuce, spicy mustard. {Best. Sandwich. Ever}

Remembering to pack food and eat it work seems to be the hardest part of sticking to clean eating. I work around carb-loaded pastries all day. Its hard to say no to those Pain au Chocolates... especially with the ten-hour shifts I have at times.

The past week was decent. I am finding that with healthy eating and clean eating it really is alright to have a little splurge every once in a while. As my boyfriend puts it, enjoying the once a week cheat meal makes the rest of the week more enjoyable.

 {VIA PINTEREST}

Grocery List
Sunday morning I went grocery shopping. Here is what $75 got me:

Oatmeal, old fashioned rolled oats
Stalk of celery
Almond milk
Almond butter
garlic powder
bell peppers - three pack of red, yellow, and orange
carrots
cherry tomatoes
spring greens 1/2 spinach 1/2
tuna
tilapia
mustard
lemon juice
detergent, 2
egg white blend
green beans
cucumbers
Kashi Go Lean
bananas
apples
sweet potatoes
onion
cantaloupe
bag of frozen mixed berries

Mostly all of the above was organic. I feel like I could have spent much less if I didn't get organic, but in trying to avoid the chemicals I just picked up the 'ganic. The above list should be able to last me at least two weeks. Over the next few weeks its my goal to be able to spend less than $30 to buy groceries for a single week.

And there are my thoughts for the night. Now go eat some oatmeal.

{PS - Will expand upon my work out schedule and running plan later this week!}

{VIA POSTHEROES}