Alabama vs. Arkansas

I don't even know what to say about this game except that we crushed the Razorbacks last night 52-0! Even though it was a blowout it was a lot of fun to be at. We yelled, screamed, and chanted and everyone was so excited, it was electric! It was also pretty cool when we started the wave, it was an actual Crimson Tide wave last night! I'm so proud to be a tide fan! So far we are undefeated and I'm already excited for our next game this saturday October 26, 2013 against the Tennessee Volunteers. I hope we crush them because I HATE Tennessee! Roll Tide Roll!

Bryant Denny Stadium

My Momma

My momma is unlike any other mother I've ever met. She is strong, she is beautiful, and she never takes crap from anyone. And that's just how she raised me. She's taught me to never loose sight of what is important...family, faith, and friends. She raised me to be independent and strong, and because of her I know that I can take care of myself. I have always been more sensitive than my mom, but there are times when I'm so much like her. I may be weak sometimes (and who isn't?) but I'm tough and I am strong there is no question about that.

Me & Momma in Charleston, SC

I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for my mom. I know that no matter what I do in life she will support me and love me. She may not agree with me, but she supports me. She is my inspiration to push on and she makes me believe that everything will be okay. 

Mom in Madison, WI

She is my rock and I know that she will be there for me when I run crying to her. She might not always understand me, and I can't expect her to fully understand me...but I know she tries, and that's all I can really ask for. We might fight sometimes and we argue, but that's because we are so much alike and we but heads, but we always get over it pretty quickly because I know I'm lucky to have her.

Mardi Gras Hat in New Orleans, LA

When I look at other girls and their moms, some seem to have a good connection but nothing like I see with my mom and I. She isn't just my mom, she's my friend too. She always tells me that her job is to be my mom not my friend, but deep down her and I both know she sees herself as my friend too.

Mom in New Orleans, LA

I know she wants whats best for me, and I know she wants to protect me but some things I have to do on my own. I currently live more than 2,000 miles from her and I know she misses me, but she's also excited for me as well. I don't want her to worry about me, because she has raised me right. I might be moved out, and she might feel like she is loosing me...but she could never loose me. I'm always gonna need her. I'm gonna need her when I graduate from college, when I get married, when I have my own children, and for the rest of my life. 

Mom & I in Malibu, CA

My mom doesn't let things bother her, she isn't jealous, and she trusts with her whole heart. I wish I could be like her, and every time I let something bother me my mind races to my momma..."How would she handle this?"

At the Shooting Range with Momma

One day I hope I can be the woman my mom is and I want her to know how much I appreciate her and how grateful I am to have her. She can always make me laugh and we have so many silly moments together. Some girls I know don't even have a mom and my heart breaks for them because I can't imagine life without my mom. 

Hiking in Malibu, CA

She can be harsh, and she can be tough, but she has a great heart and I know she doesn't want to be thought of as the bad guy. People judge my mom off of what they first think of her, but how is that fair? They don't see her cry after getting her heart broken, or smile when her daughter comes home after being away for so long, they never see the emotions because they don't know her, and some don't even give her a chance.

Charleston, SC

I love my mom so much, and I regret not telling her more often how much she means to me. My mom and I used to do so many things together, like go to movies, or hang out, or go shopping....but now that I'm older we don't do as much of that stuff anymore because I'm not at home as much as I used to be. And I miss it...I know it's because I'm getting older and I'm busier with friends and school, but I want my mom to know that I have time for her too, and I love her. 

Boone Hall Plantation, SC

At times I know my mom feels like I'm pulling away from her, shutting her out, and that I never include her in my life, but she needs to know that it isn't anything she has done. I might be going through something, or I might just be tired and stressed. And I know that that's no excuse and I'm trying to work on that. 

Mom Adding to the Rock Wall in AZ

My mom is far from perfect, but who would want that anyway? My moms imperfections make her who she is, and I wouldn't want her to be anyone else. She is my family and you can't pick them, my family might be a bit crazy, but I love them because of that. 

 My Senior Prom

My mom accepts me for who I am and never expects me to do anything or be anyone I'm not. She trusts me and I trust her, and she knows I'm not like other people my age.

Momma in AZ

Whenever I have had problems with anything or anyone she's always there to tell me how beautiful I am inside and out. She gave me the confidence I never had. I never used to think of myself as beautiful, just an average regular girl. But she taught me that beauty isn't what people look like, it's what's in their hearts. If you have a beautiful heart, then you are a beautiful person. 

My Senior Prom

Mom, I love you and I always will.

Mother's Day in Malibu, CA

This one's for you momma.

My First Lease!

Well it's official! I signed my first lease today at The Avenue! I feel so grown up, and I'm so excited. This place is beautiful and it's a town house so it feels like a home. I have so many decorating ideas already in my head and we don't even move in until August 1, 2014! Here's just a few pictures of what the model looks like!

PGA Golf Simulator

This place is so nice it even has a PGA golf simulator room! All you have to do is ask for clubs and practice your swing!

Movie Theater

Oh yea...I will definitely be spending time in this room. This is there movie theater room where you can come in at any time and relax on the huge couch up front or sit in the swivel stadium seating chairs. This is so cool!

Game Room

This is the game room complete with: Pool Table, Shuffle Board, and Foosball. There's also a Starbucks! Right to the left is a study room (that will come in handy for midterms) and a bar that has 2 mini fridges, a mini oven, sink, dishwasher, and ice maker. Perfect room to watch our away football games!

The TV Room

This is what I call a gamers heaven, under the TV there is every game console you can think of: PlayStation, Xbox, Wii, anything you can imagine. All you have to do is bring the games! You can also just relax and watch your favorite TV shows if you need to get away from your roommates.

The Gym

I'm so excited about the gym! This is where I'll be spending a lot of my time! They have brand new state of the art equipment. There's a spin room and also a private room to do yoga, or anything else you'd like to. But by far my favorite part is the towels...I know, sounds weird but get this! They keep their towels refrigerated, cold, and...wait for it...infused with Eucalyptus oil! They smell soooo good! And it's good for your muscles after working out. If you can't find me, chances are I'll be in here. And you can't see from this picture but the treadmills and ellipticals each have their own TV and a view of the pool (from a one sided window, we can see the pool but the people at the pool can't see us) Good way to check out the cuties? I think yes.

The First Floor

This is the view from the front door looking in. Here you can see part of the living room and the kitchen. The washer and dryer and in the double white doors and the door at the other end of the kitchen is the door to the balcony.

 

Living Room

Absolutely love the living room, it's so cute! Plus it comes with the furniture (the couches are actually really comfy). In the right corner is the door to the first bedroom (and only bedroom on the ground floor).

Kitchen

Here is our beautiful kitchen with stainless steel appliances. I love how big the island is! And a cool feature about the island is there are two outlets on either side of it to plug in laptops and phones while studying.

Bedrooms

Here's an example of a bedroom layout (this one happens to be on the ground floor, there are three more on the second floor). The beds are full sized and pretty comfy. 

Bedroom

Here's another angle of the bedroom. Every bedroom comes with two closets (some rooms have bigger closets than others). You can't see it from this picture but to the right is a door that leads to the bathroom. Every bedroom has their own bathroom which is really nice.

The Guest Bath

What I really love about this town house is the fact that there is a guest bath on the first floor.

Well there it is! Can't wait to actually move in in the summer!

Healthy Lifestyle Challenge

Everyone knows about the dreaded "freshman fifteen" when they go off to college. And let me tell you what, there's a reason they call it that. My first month at the University of Alabama I gained about 10 pounds....no joke. And I didn't even feel like I was eating that much. But what I realized was it wasn't how much I was eating, it was what I was eating, and also the times I was eating. I would come home at 8:30 at night and throw a hot pocket in the microwave cause I was too tired to make anything that was better for me. And it was just a cycle. Sooner or later I looked in the mirror and and thought to myself "What the hell happened here!? I couldn't have gained that much in just 5 weeks!" And then I made a choice. To be healthy. And I started yesterday! Here's the game plan:

Phase 1: The Diet

Drinks:

Tea

Water

Rice Milk

Orange Juice

Coconut Water or Milk

Grains:

Whole Grain Breads

Brown Rice

Quinoa

Granola Cereal

Steel Cut Oatmeal

Whole Wheat Flour

Pita Bread

Corn Tortilla

http://www.ideafit.com/fitfeed/object/2059302

Dairy:

Greek Yogurt

Mozzarella Cheese

Feta Cheese

Cottage Cheese

Parmesan Cheese

Proteins:

Lean Ground Beef (grass fed)

Lean Beef (grass fed)

Bone-In Pork Chop

Turkey (cage free)

Chicken (cage free)

Salmon (wild caught)

Albacore Tuna (wild caught)

Rainbow Trout (wild caught)

Beans (black, red, etc.)

Lentils

Eggs

Peanut Butter

http://www.millerranchenterprises.com

Fruits:

Apples

Mangos

Bananas

Strawberries

Oranges

Lemons

Dragon Fruit

Acai

Blueberries

Avocados

Pomegranate 

Kiwis

Red Grapes

Papaya 

Watermelon

Raspberries

Figs

Asian Pears

Guava

Red Grapes

Grapefruit

http://www.pinterest.com

Veggies:

Carrots

Spinach

Cucumber

Tomatoes

Broccoli

Asparagus

Brussels sprouts

Eggplant

Squash

Sweet Potatoes

Onions

Garlic

Bell Peppers

Celery

Cauliflower

Kale

Zucchini 

Edamame

Ginger

Nuts:

Walnuts

Almonds

Pistachios

Hazelnut 

http://www.dreamstime.com

Seeds:

Flaxseed

Sunflower Seeds

Chia Seeds

Oils & Vinegars:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Balsamic Vinegar

Sweets & Misc:

Dark Chocolate

Low Sugar Ice Cream (occasionally)

Apple Sauce (low sugar)

Popcorn

Humus

Smoothies


Spices:
Cinnamon
Cayenne Pepper
Black Pepper
Mustard Seed
Ginger
Garlic Powder

Water:
Drink LOTS
At least 8 glasses
1 glass after waking up
2 glasses before exercise
2 glasses during exercise
2 glasses after exercise
1 glass before bed

I also researched a list of healthy fast food restaurants here in Tuscaloosa:


Pita Pit
Zoe's Kitchen
Blimp
Panera
Jason’s Deli
Au Bon Pain
Noodles & Company
Corner Bakery
Chipotle
Atlanta Bread
Einstein Bros Bagels

While eating is a huge part of being healthy you also need to exercise, and being that most of my classes are about health and fitness we do a lot of research with exercise. So using what I've learned in school I've put together an exercise plan for myself! Here it is:

Phase 2: The Exercise

Yoga in mornings
Stretch everyday
Run (min. 3 hours a week; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays)
Arms (Tuesdays)
Legs (Mondays & Thursdays)
Core (Wednesdays)
Full Body (Fridays)

Phase 3: The Habits

I've also added a section for some general health habits I need to start getting into. For example taking care of my skin. I already cleanse my face twice a day and moisturize it but I'm also adding "1. Wear sunscreen everyday" to my list. People don't realize that even in the winter or on cloudy days your skin is still exposed to those harmful UV rays. Protect it by wearing sunscreen everyday. Soon it will become habit! Sleep is also a big factor in being healthy. Everyone needs about 8 hours of sleep a day and when we don't get those 8 hours we don't realize how much it affects our bodies. So from here on out sleep is one of my top priorities (which let me tell you is not easy while being a college student). Also if you're feeling tired in the day take a power nap (20-30 minutes max) and you'll wake up rejuvenated and ready to go! Sleep longer than that and you will end up more tired than you were before and groggy. I've also decided that stress is another thing that's bringing me down. To combat stress I've found that meditating is the ultimate stress reliever. After my morning yoga I sit and meditate for a good 10 minutes at least (sometimes longer) and it makes such a huge difference in how I feel the rest of the day! I'll be sure to keep y'all updated in how it goes! Wish me luck!

Cupcakes!

Okay everyone loves cupcakes...I don't care who you are. They are like a small piece of heaven that you can eat! I've made all kinds of crazy flavors like strawberry cheesecake, Reese's peanut butter cup, and even apple pie! (which happens to be one of my favorites)

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

I can't explain how I feel when I'm baking cupcakes, I don't make cupcakes from a box (no offense to anyone that does) so starting with nothing and ending up with a beautiful cupcake is so rewarding. It calms me down and I get to throw myself into the creation of something not only delicious by beautiful too. Decorating them has to be my favorite part though! It's like a blank canvas, and you can make it into anything you want....and it doesn't hurt that you can eat too!

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Chocolate Garden Cupcakes (Took 6 hours!)

And since it's Fall (one of my favorite seasons) I'm going to put up my famous Apple Pie Cupcake Recipe so everyone can enjoy them!

Apple Pie Cupcakes:

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

1 cup milk

1 stick unsalted butter

2 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 3/4 cups sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Filling:

5 granny smith apples (peeled, cored, and diced)

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

dash of nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons butter

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup sugar

Frosting:

5 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

Milk (add 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach the consistency you want)

2/3 cup butter softened 

1 vanilla bean

Granny Smith Apples

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin pan with paper liners. 

Heat milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until melted, set aside. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, set aside.

Beat eggs and sugar for 5 minutes with electric mixer. Add flour mixture and beat on low just until blended. 

Add milk and vanilla until blended.

Divide evenly in tins. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes and transfer to cooling racks. Cut centers out of cupcakes.

For filling mix all ingredients except butter in a medium bowl. 

Put mixture over medium-low heat in a saucepan with butter. Toss, and stir occasionally. After about 2 minutes cover and let cook for about 2-3 minutes or until tender. (It's ok for filling to be gooey)

Set aside to cool. Spoon filling into center of cupcakes.

For frosting beat butter and sugar together. Add vanilla, vanilla bean, and milk.

Tip: When using whole vanilla beans cut bean in half lengthwise and use knife to scrape seeds out.

Frost cupcakes once cupcakes are cooled. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

It's Fall Y'all!

I'm so excited it's finally Fall! It's one of my favorite seasons! Sweaters, boots, scarves, bonfires, and hot cocoa. The beautiful changing colors of the leaves and the crisp air,  it's my favorite! Now that the weather is starting to change I'm so excited I finally get to wear my boots and knit sweaters. These are just a few of my favorite must haves for Fall from Pinterest!....and my personal wish list.

Super Cozy Sweater
http://www.shepiner.com/?via=HardPin&m=HardPin&u=type16

I absolutely love this sweater! It's perfect for getting cozy by a fire or just sitting hot cocoa at home. I'm all about being comfy and cozy this is a definite Fall staple.

Perfect Fall Outfit
http://www.polyvore.com/fall_outfit/set?.embedder=856964&.svc=pinterest&id=61678017

The combo of plaid and a puffy vest is probably one of my favorite Fall looks, not to mention how cute the boots are!

Loving the Fur Scarf
http://www.shepiner.com/?via=HardPin&u=type416

Anyone who knows me knows I have a love affair with white and this white cozy sweater looks amazing with the faux fur scarf....yes please!

Love This!
http://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp

I want this sweater! It's perfect for Fall. Layer it up or wear it around the house. I love pieces that can go either way, plus it looks super soft!

Love the Color
http://www.laposhstyle.com/these-boots-are-made-for-walking-9731.html

These boots are super cute and the color goes with pretty much everything. Every girl needs a good pair of boots in the Fall.

Love Everything About This!
http://www.polyvore.com/puffer_vest_boots/set?.embedder=3958219&.svc=pinterest&id=62370374

Being a southern belle I love the pearls paired with this NorthFace jacket and puffy vest!

Monogramed? Yes Please!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/127542185/monogrammed-quarter-zip-sweatshirt?utm

I have an obsession with monogrammed things and this quarter zip sweatshirt is perfect for Fall!

For Rainy Days

Can I have these all? I love love love Hunter rain boots!

Love This Look
http://www.thebluedoorboutique.com/The-Sierra-Sweater.html

Love the pattern on this sweater, super cozy and definitely reminds me of Fall and Winter! The thing I love about this sweater is you can dress it up or down. Wear it with some leggings and a tank top (like to the left) or some nice jeans, scarf, and heels.

http://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp

Puffy Vests are perfect for the Fall and Winter season, not only do they keep you warm but they're cute too!

http://www.polyvore.com/elbow_patches/set?.svc=copypaste&embedder=3590605&id=65414147

I love how effortless and simple this is but it's still really cute and comfy!

The Beginning

Well, here it goes. To start I guess I should tell y'all a little bit about myself. My name is Dakota and I go to the University of Alabama, Roll Tide Roll! I love to write (obviously) and I like to help people whether it's with advice or moving boxes, which is why I guess I decided to start this. I have LOADS of makeup and hair secrets (thanks in part to my very talented momma who has been a hairstylist and makeup artist for about 25 years). I've also picked up some really helpful fitness and health tips from my major, which is General Health Studies, and from my Pinterest addiction. Really though..it's bad. I've planned everything from my dream wedding to my dream closet on Pinterest. Anyways enough about me lets get started!