During the self-love reflection topics, we have discussed many varying ideas that relate to living our best life and loving ourselves fully in the process. We discuss aspects of our minds (perspective), our bodies (trusting their intuitive nature), and our hearts (love from others motivating love for self).

Our inner workings truly make us beautiful. Our outward characteristics do so as well…and not just because what our bodies can do, like we share in the gifts of the body posts.We must also believe the term “beautiful” can be an accurate way to describe our physical appearance.

No two people on this Earth share the exact same physical characteristics. Even identical twins up close display different features thanks to different experiences and preferences. The uniqueness of you alone is enough to make you beautiful. We each have alluring qualities in which we can build our confidence and recognize as attractive.

[Dove campaign]

We cannot definitively define beauty, as each culture and every individual within that culture holds a distinct opinion of what classifies beauty. Do not allow the trap of popular opinion to ensnare you into thinking you lack beauty. That simply is not true. Find what you think makes you beautiful and take pride in it. What feature do you deep within your gut know makes you physically beautiful? Do not believe any different and bask in the gratification of honoring your unique appeal.

We must not forget that outward appearance does not define our worth as a whole. However, me must also feel free to declare our beauty on the outside. We all desire it…and we all have it.

What physical characteristic makes you beautiful? I have always received compliments on my eyes and I truly think they are beautiful. They are big and a vibrant green. I love how unique they are to me.

As usual, I started my weekend with a challenging workout at the gym. I did a repeat of last week’s “doozy” cardio and weights circuit but with different weight moves. It felt just as good today as it did then. Of course, I came home and refueled right away.

A yogurt bowl with Chobani peach yogurt, blackberries, coconut, cheerios, and butter toffee almonds. With a refreshing iced coffee on the side. Food always tastes better after a good sweat session. This…well, this was downright moan inducing. It included two favorites I excitedly grabbed up when grocery shopping yesterday afternoon. Blackberries, my favorite fruit, were on sale and these almonds were also on sale.

Plus, I had a coupon. Otherwise, these two things would not have appeared in this morning’s bowl.

Allow me a bit of a tangent. Grocery prices are driving me crazy lately! It seems every week gets more and more expensive. I spent $140 (yes, $140!!!) on our grocery trip yesterday. The trip did include stocking up on some things that I had coupons for or were on sale that will last awhile, plus some toiletries, but I would still put our weekly grocery tab at $100-$115. I know I have expensive tastes on some things (my dear Chobani, organic/local chicken), but still. Grapes should not cost $7! Spinach should not cost $5! When did bread become $3/loaf? Whew. I feel better now.Although I fear the day B is a teenage boy eating us out of house and home.. 

Now that I’ve successfully brightened your mood with talks of grocery bills (sarcasm), its time for the features!

Featured Workout: Full Body Weights Circuit – I created this workout for my friend Danielle when I “played trainer” earlier this week. Remember – I am not a personal trainer, so if you choose to take the ideas from this, or any, workout I share you do so at your own risk.

• Squat into Overhead Shoulder Press
• Pushups
• Mountain Climbers
• Deadlift
• Two Arm Dumbbell Back Row
• Plie Squat
• Tricep Dips
• Reverse Lunge with Bicep Curl

I set the moves up as a circuit, so completing each move and moving immediately into the next. Complete 15 reps per exercise at a moderately challenging weight. Rest for 2 minutes and then repeat the circuit. Aim to go through the circuit 3 times total.

Featured Cuteness: M Hamming It Up

Featured Meal: BBQ Tofu Wrap

Although, don’t forget to check out the Spinach & Goat Cheese Meatballs or Mushroom & Parsnip Beef Stew if you missed those!

Featured Quote:

“Aim for achievements and forget about success. The former will lead to the latter.”

Featured Reading: Sandra @ Absolutely Narcissism – Here A Hair…

I don’t think I have read a single one of her posts that doesn’t leave me chuckling. Sandra has some serious sarcastic wit. And I love that about her and her blog!

Question of the Day – Any good funny blogs out there you want to share? Are you pissed at grocery shopping too?