Blogging

Thursday Thoughts

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I don’t know about you, but I often get stuck in my own head. If you know what I mean, then you share this affliction. If you are scratching your own head thinking, what the heck is she talking about, then you don’t have this problem. MMKAY?

I’ll try to explain for the less crazy among you. I sometimes have these long, drawn out conversations in my head. It’s not so much like talking to myself, but more like musing on and mulling over what I’m observing, what I’m feeling, what is going on around me, and what has happened, so much so, that I stare off into space that a little drool starts to flow down the side of my mouth. Okay, that’s not really what happens, but I definitely get that glazed over look. Hello, earth to Samantha!

So I thought I’d start this new series called Thursday Thoughts. Just so I have a little space to have a brain dump every once in a while. I may be asking for advice, I may be offering advice. I may be pondering the universe in an existential crisis, or just musing over why bananas turn brown (I know…it’s deep stuff).

ON DRIVING 

Okay, I would not call myself a bad driver. But I do have my faults. According to my family, I drive a little fast. But lately I’ve noticed that I am completely uncomfortable with parking. I find myself circling more and more trying to find the perfect spot to slide in to. I know, crazy for San Francisco. I might as well give up and go home.

ON FARMER’S MARKETS 

I have an obsession with farmer’s markets. I’ve officially turned into an urban yuppie. New farmer’s market in town? YUP I’M THERE, let me grab my reusable tote bags and appetite. Truthfully, I go there for the samples. I have also noticed that there are really only three types of vendors.

1. The my-produce-speaks-for-itself vendor. They usually have a wide variety of fruits and veggies and people flock to these booths because everything looks yummy and/or they just really need some baby bok choy. 

2. The samples-are-my-middle-name vendor. They are handing out samples like it’s going out of style. I can easily fill up on the Middle Eastern breads and chutneys at these places. I love you. Don’t ever change.

3. The stink-eye-market-purest vendor. I tend to avoid these booths. Maybe they are just having a bad day. But usually they are grumpy or unfriendly and think that their booth is God’s gift to mankind. No thank you, ma'am, I do not need 10 lbs of blueberries. Stop looking at me that way! 

ON POST-BABY BODY IMAGE

Throughout the day, I constantly jump between, HECK YEAH I made a baby, look at this goddess temple body and WHY DOES EVERYTHING JIGGLE?? Do ya know what I mean? Hashtag face palm.

ON AUDIOBOOKS

I absolutely luuurve audiobooks. I love reading but time doesn’t always permit me to curl up with my (ever-growing) stack of books and a cup of tea. Audiobooks really allow me to read while I’m on the go. I have a few favorites that I always circle back to (good old Harry Potter). But I’m always looking to find something new. Unfortunately, audiobooks are so dang expensive. If any of you want to donate to my audiobook fund, let me know. Child care and groceries or audiobooks. WAHH. Do any of you know a place where I can get audiobooks for cheaper?? Pleaseandthankyou.

I hope you enjoy this new series! What are your random thoughts lately?

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

On blogging: Blog tour

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Happy Monday my friends!

One of the best things about being a blogger is the amazing people I meet in this community. I have met some wonderful ladies from all over the country (and other countries too) as we share our little spaces on the good ol’ world wide web. Although I am sure most of you think I’m one big dork (okay, I am a huge dork), I love when a reader reaches out to me so we can get to know one another better.

When Kristina over at A Mom In Need Of Advice blog reached out to me to do this blog tour, I, of course, jumped at the chance. She wrote her post last week and invited me to answer the same four questions.

So hurr it goes… 

1. WHAT AM I WORKING ON? Well… lately I’ve been working on raising a tiny human, so that does take up a good chunk of time. Really though, I’ve been working on trying to balance school, motherhood, marriage, and life. Although difficult, it is important to work on that balance. I feel like I am standing on an exercise ball… on one leg… with a stack of books on my head… while spinning plates… so that’s pretty tough. I use this blogging space to connect with others who experience the same thoughts&feelings word vomit that I do on a general basis (I am gross today). This blogging space has been an incredibly cathartic outlet. I’ve always had a difficult time being open about my emotions/everything, so this is a good start. 

2. HOW DOES MY WORK DIFFER FROM OTHERS OF ITS GENRE? While I am sure there are other ladies out there in a similar situation, I have not come across another dental student/wife/mother/lifestyle blogger. I hope to offer this unique perspective. While I created this space to share the day-to-day moments, I have also made myself available for questions and advice about dental school, academics, mommyhood, and life in general. I hope y'all enjoy it. (I don’t use y'all that often, that was weird for me ha) 

3. WHY DO I WRITE/CREATE WHAT I DO? Well, like many, I started this little blog to keep my family up to date on what’s going on in my life. My friends and family know that I am a HORRIBLE phone person, but I still wanted a way to tell them what was going on. So voilà! I know, I have issues. But over the years, this blog has evolved into much more. I still keep to my roots with sharing photos and tidbits from my life, but also offer study advice, recipe ideas, and general merriment over on this here bliggity blog. I truly enjoy writing and this whole crazy process. (But I still need to remember to actually call people.) 

4. HOW DOES YOUR WRITING/CREATIVE PROCESS WORK? Because I would classify my blog as a lifestyle blog, my writing process is pretty simple, I start with my life. I write about what I am up to, where I am going, what I am eating, etc. It’s a great foundation because I just write what I know (very little headache involved). Although I’ve taken my blogging perspective in multiple directions over time, I think I’ve finally settled into a realistic style and voice which remains true to myself. My husband has told me that my writing truly mimics the way I speak and act in real life. Thanks hon, you’re a doll! But really, I think it’s important for lifestyle bloggers to find their voice and stick to it. 

Any who… I’ve hope you enjoyed getting to know me a little better and reading about my process (that sounds really funny, but thanks anyways haha). 

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! The next stop on this tour (all arms inside the bus at all times please) is on July 21st over at Nicole’s blog!

Nicole is a new mama too! We went to the same university and she’s one lovely lady. She’s over at Nicole Kelly blog and is a California girl who has always had a love for fashion. She has evolved Nicole Kelly to share more about herself and her life through her family, her faith, and her fashion choices. Nicole Kelly is a place to be inspired. Go check her out! Right now, do it!

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Blessed Is She Network

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Okay everyone, I am really excited to announce Blessed Is She.

What is that you ask? Well, I’ll tell ya… It is a network of amazing women from around the country who wanted empower ourselves to take on the Word every day. We wanted a way to hold ourselves accountable for having a relationship with God and living out His word. We wanted to be here for each other as we are called to the table, in good times and bad, day in and day out.

Us ladies have been hard at work getting the website up and running. Our goal is to reach out to our communities near and far and call you all to be enriched by His word. Each day, we will post devotionals and conversations about that day’s reading. Our words will come from our hearts and we will call others to action. 

I know for myself, I am sick of waiting on the sidelines. I am ready to jump into another aspect of my relationship with God and dive into His scripture.

Not only will we have daily devotionals on the beautifully designed site, but we will be out there in the trenches having conversations with all you daughters (and sons) of the King. We can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Bloglovin! Follow along!

We are single, married, raising families, working hard, and are alongside all of you!

I will be posting on the Blessed Is She Instagram every Tuesday, so don’t forget to follow along!

The readings are already being posted daily and the devotionals launch in September. I feel incredibly blessed to be involved in this project. I have met some amazing women so far and I cannot wait to share more with you.

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Summer wish list

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Holy chocolate starfish batman, it’s June! May went by incredibly fast for us as you could imagine. This is my last month of maternity leave, sad face. I hope to get as much out of this month as possible before I head back to school.

Summer is my favorite season. I love Christmas time the best when it comes to holidays, but the summer time holds a special place in my heart. I have always loved the long summer days and all that they hold. Although I will be in school all summer, I still hope to have a great time with friends, family, and sweet baby Emma. Summer in San Francisco is much different than the summers of my youth in the heat of LA, but I hope to still celebrate with my favorite activities.

1 :: Go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the San Francisco Zoo.

2 :: Make homemade peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream.

3 :: Spend many weekends walking to the Ferry Building farmer’s market and Fisherman’s Wharf.

4 :: Play tennis (and spend as much time outside as possible). 

5 :: Go to the beach.

6 :: Head down to LA to visit family.

7 :: Take a drive down the coast and hit up some beach towns (Santa Barbara, if we can swing it).

8 :: Eat lots of fresh seafood, especially peel-and-eat shrimp.

9 :: Have many happy-hour-at-home nights with friends.

10 :: Go shopping for some new postpartum outfits. 

I cannot wait to expose Emma to my favorite summer activities. I hope she loves this season as much as I do.

What is on your summer wish list?

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM