HOW WE WORE IT // Fall Transition

I am so excited to be involved in yet another How We Wore It with my friend Brooke (go say hi and you can sign up for next month's How We Wore It!). 

I am so grateful for all of the support that I have received from all of you regarding my Health Plan. I have already lost five pounds (yay! But it's not just about weight for me). With that being said, I am still not comfortable in front of a camera, but I am working on it! 

See my other awesome (ha!) How We Wore It and Fashion Posts below:

Keepin' It Casual (HWWI)

Pleated Skirt  (HWWI)

Vest It Up (HWWI)

Top 10 Reasons Why I Should Be a Fashion Blogger! 

Flowers & Dresses! 

Puppies & Dresses

White Plum

Here's the third grade version of how this thing works: We take a picture from a fashion blog and make our own twist to it. 

Here is the original photo: 

via Life with Emily

I don't have a peplum-like, top (WHAT? HOW DO I LIVE IN THE BLOGGING WORLD, RIGHT?). But I do have lots of peplum-like dresses. I love dresses more than jeans anyway, so I opted for a dress this go-round. It has the same flow and material as the shirt above. 

Also, I am in front of my beautiful first home. How adorable is that brick, am I right? I am also making the look into more of a "Fall transition" because, even though is 80 degrees here, it is basically October,  and Fall is here, dang it. I demand it. So I am wearing a cranberry color, which fits the season more to me. I am wearing this dress for my brother's wedding in a few weeks, so how perfect, right? :) 

This dress from here. 

Come see my other ladies and how they flaunted their hot selves below: 

Brooke at Silver Lining

Robin at Penn and Quill

Kyla at FordOlogy

Bekah at These are the Days

Sharlee at My New Lines

Aubrey at Aubrey Zaruba

Jennifer at The Pepper Express

Amy at Harris, Inc.

Ashley at Absolutely Ashley

Berkley at Berkley Anne

Riley at Riley Jo

Tayler at The Morrell Tale

Jacqui at Drink the Day

Stephanie at The Artist + The Architect

Tori at The Doing Things Blog

Ashley at Practically Imperfect

Maren at Mark and Maren

Brooklyn at Brooklyn Jolley

Sarah at My For Real Life

Kallie at Life Through a Lens

Madison at Madison Custer

Amy at Lamb and Ivy

Alicia at Snowstorm

Shelby at R + S Brereton

Alexa at He and I

Health Plan, Here We Go!

As many of you know, I have struggled with my weight over the past few years. It is a combination of many different factors: My PCOS, my hormones, my career, my mental illness, and my eating habits. I would never consider myself a lazy person, but I know that there are MANY steps needed to change my health. It has been a very discouraging path because of all my factors due to PCOS, anemia, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism and Depression.  I got to the point, after a long night of bawling to my sister due to frustration and sadness for the way that I felt, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to figure out what was going on with my body!!! 

So, over the past two weeks, I have been making phone calls, text, doing research, and going to appointments to plan out an entire Health Plan for my body and all the confusing parts of it. The goal of this health plan is to change me, in all facets: emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual, not just to "get skinny" (although that would be nice, as long as I'm healthy! Ha.). I will be documenting my progress on this blog for another place to be held accountable every week, or at least bi-weekly. I will talk about what aspects of this plan have worked fabulously for me and maybe some things that may not be as beneficial. 

I would love for all of your support, love, encouragement and good thoughts, prayers, and vibes coming my way! It is going to be a very long, very exhausting process, but I am determined to do it. 

And, as always, if anyone wants to walk, hike, bike, with me, I am ALWAYS looking for people to exercise with! :)  Follow the hashtag #GetSisiHealthy to join me on this journey to happiness and health! 

Sierra’s Health Plan Details

MEDICINE AND SUPPLEMENTS

**Here are the medicine and supplements that I have started taking. I have noticed a SIGNIFICANT difference when I am taking all of my vitamins and supplements. My energy level spikes up and I am motivated to get more done. 

-PCOS Specialist to manage hormone testing and other results. 

Metformin (PCOS meds) 
Hypothyroidism meds 
Anti-Depressants 
Liquid Iron (Floradex) to help with my anemia. 
DoTerra Probiotic (PB Assist) to help with my GI track and digestion.
DoTerra Terraenzyme to help process and break down food the way that my body needs to.
Magnesium to help with the overall process of hormones and weight loss. 
DoTerra Vitality Pack-Cell help, omegas, Food Nutritnet Complex, Energy Lifter. 
Essential Oils: Emotional Therapy Kit (amazing!!!!), Slim & Sassy, and others. 

(DoTerra Essential Oils will change your life, people. If you are interested in trying these for your physical or emotional well-being, let me know. They are AWESOME!) 

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

**Taking care of my emotional and mental well-being is a huge factor in this process. If I taking care of that aspect of my life, I am more likely to see results. 

Acupuncture/Chiropractor Once a Month 

Counseling (Weight Management/Emotional Counseling)

Weight Management Support Group.

Stress Management

       Sleep: at least 8 hours a night. Be in bed by 10 pm on weekdays.

        Baths, journal, writing (blog), reading.

EXERCISE

**I don't mind exercising and I do it already, but I want to focus more on finding exercise that will actually benefit me specifically so that I can see results. 5-6 days a week. 

 Healing Yoga instructor private session will help with emotional and physical well being, twice a week. (30 minute electromagnetic therapy to help with alignment, and another actual power yoga session). 

Personal trainer for weights/intense Cardio. Will meet with trainer once a week; specialized exercise plan for other days.
Walking, hiking, biking, swimming on Fridays and Sundays (days off). 

DIET

For me, this is the BIGGEST factor in order to see changes. I don't binge eat, but I do tend to be an emotional eater. I, also, am going gluten and lactose free. This should help results. 

Nutritionist/Dietician. Meet with once a week to go over meal planning; have a regimented food outline. 

        No soda, juice (only water)

        No gluten, dairy or processed sugar; 35% protein, 35% carbohydrates, 35% fat. 

        No junk food: candy/sugar/granola bars/chips/cookies in house.

        Eat smaller meals often to manage hypoglycemia & manage energy

Chart calories on Fitbit App.  

Other Aspects to Help: 

*Read a Self Help Book Recommended by support people in this process. 

*Rewards: Shopping, massages, manicures/pedicures. 

*Spirituality: Temple at least once a month, prayers&scriptures (conference talks) daily. 

*Socially: Socialize with friends at least once every two weeks (this is not an issue. I may need to do LESS of this!) haha. Reach out and do service to the members in my ward, neighbors, other family members, etc. 

UnderWarrior.

Being a girl can be challenging sometimes.
I went out to lunch with some friends the other week and we were talking about all of the complications that happens to our bodies, physically and emotionally during "that time of the month."
Not only do we have to deal with lots of physical issues, we have to be uncomfortable in what we wear. Just recently, I bought the CleanWear Ultra Thin Regular Pads to wear on days when I find that I am more active. I love them. They are thin enough where they don't bother me while I am hiking, but strong enough to do it's job. I like to call myself the "UnderWarrior" while I am wearing them. I am strong enough to do what needs to be done in my day! Boo ya!

I try not to let "Mother Nature" determine if I am physical or do what I want to do. So I put on my CleanWear Ultra Thin Regular Pads and set out on my fun to continue my UnderWarrior ways! I just recently returned from Hawaii and I did not let my period bring me down. So I celebrated my UnderWarrior ways by being outside and seeing these sights by swimming, walking, hiking, in the beautiful state etc. See for yourself :) 

I'm so grateful that I got this product! 

Also, you can get FREE SAMPLES!!!  (because who doesn't love free samples? And let's be honest…we all need these!) of this awesome product by clicking here! You can sign up with your mailing information to become an "UnderWarrior" for yourself. 


What do you do to be an UnderWarrior during your special time of the month?

Ten Things that I've Done Right: Persevering with Passion

Last week, my good blogging friend, Rachael, posted about things that she has done right in her life. I was inspired by this post for a multitude of reasons. I think, so often, we are so conflicted with the bad decisions we are making in our lives (because we all make them!) that we are bombarded with guilt or frustration towards our not-so-smart decisions. I know that I am generalizing here, but I know that I tend to focus on the negative things that I can improve on rather than focusing on the good qualities and choices that I am making in my life at that precise moment. I went out with some girlfriends from college last night and as I sat and listened to all of us become down on ourselves for gaining weight or not being "far enough in life", etc, I started thinking: "Wait! What about all the things that all three of us are doing right? Because there are so many aspects that each of us, separately, are succeeding at!" I think, sometimes, I become blinded by those positive or right choices.

I have a lot of things that I am passionate about and I try everything to reiterate those things in my life. Whether that be decorating my home, writing on this blog, finding creative ways to teach my students, or singing in a choir, I allow my passion to help my self confidence and remind myself that I am doing things right.

And I don't like the guilt that I see in myself and in others. You are doing things right! I have and am currently doing a lot of things right. I am persevering my passion by doing these things right: 


1. I graduated college. 
Education has been, and always will be, a huge part of my life. I value education in myself, in the people I associate with and for my future children. I know that more education equals more success.

My brother and I graduated on the same day, at different, nearby schools :) 

2.  I married a good man in the temple.
T Money is hardworking, kind, loyal husband and I am grateful for my best friend every day. Plus, he's such a cutie :)

3. I have used the Atonement in my life. 
I make a lot of decisions that are dumb. I am so grateful that I know that I have a Father in Heaven who still loves me and accepts my apologies!

4. I love my career as a sixth grade teacher and am doing what I love and am good at. 
And I get to hang out with twelve year olds. An INFP's dream, I tell ya! I get to stay young at heart.


5. I have an adorable home with old, gorgeous trees in the backyard. 
And its all brick and its mine and its adorable and perfect. :)

6. I have traveled the world and taught in many different countries. I have been to Kenya, Hawaii, Mexico, Fiji, Puerto Rico, and all across the United States.

7. I have been a loyal friend to many others.
Once you are a friend, you're stuck with me.

What? Like 5 years ago? Look how skinny I was. Ha. 

8. I laugh. A lot. 
I try everything to enjoy my life and try everything possible to not take it too seriously.

9. I deal with my emotional, physical, and mental battles. 
i allow myself to feel things and I work on healing myself every way possible. That, in itself, is a hard feat that many other people don't even acknowledge, let alone, strive to change and deal with it.

10. I heal with music. 
I know that music is the closest way to feel close to the Lord, to heal when you are depressed, and to connect with others. I love to sing and am a trained singer. Singing and listening to music allows me to do something that I love.
One current artist that I have recently found is named Pete Scobell Band. He is an old Navy Seal who now sings Country. He has used his passion to start a new path in his life and I love that. And I love his voice!

One of my favorite songs from his album is "Wild"



You can find his amazing album on iTunes now.

Also, you're in luck!!! IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

You can win a Pete Scobell Band, you can win an Orca Cooler and this album for free. This is valued at $270 right now. These coolers are seriously amazing--they are perfect coolers to take with you while you are camping!!! Click HERE.  It will take you two seconds to enter to win. Good luck! I will let you know who wins. Giveaway ends Sep. 29!!

How to Avoid Life's Uncomfortable Moments: Back to School Survival Pack

Well, the first month of school is basically over.  I love my students, but I can't believe that it's already in full swing! And yet, people in Oregon, where I am from are just NOW going back to school (right after Labor Day!) So I have put together another Back to School Survival Supply pack for those people who are just starting school now. 

"Cycle Survival" can sometimes not be the most fun thing in the world. Period symptoms are not very fun, I will tell you that much. But there are so many remedies nowadays that can help with this process, and for that, I am VERY grateful! I always keep a little basket of Survival Supplies for me (and for my girl students if they need!) just in case. Teaching 6th grade means you get to watch out for the girls in this manner! Having a "monthly visit" is super awkward for these girls and I want them to know that I am there to support them no matter how awful it is! Ha. 

Sometimes it is challenging to deal with these side effects. Yet, there are also so many POSITIVE aspects of being a woman. I always remind myself how grateful I am for the opportunity to have things that help me every month, instead of just living in pain constantly. I am grateful that I can have supplies that make me feel more confident as I deal with this process every month! 

My Cycle Survival Supplies usually rotate in and out, but there are always three products that are constantly repeated: 

U by Kotex Curves® Liners  

EOS Lip Balm

The U by Kotex Curves Liners has protection, but it doesn't even feel like you are wearing anything, that is why I love them so much!! It has a 3d Capture so you don't have to deal with embarrassing period stories (Oh my…I can't even begin to tell you some of mine) while being very comfortable. 

I usually add in some Excedrin Migraine (because headaches and migraines always come during the special time of month) and a yummy treat. Pop Tarts are perfect to have in the basket in my classroom because I can warm them up in my faculty room. And is it just me or do we all need a little something sweet during those "sweet times." ;) 

I love the U by Kotex liners because they don't get in the way of the uncomfortable feeling. 

Also, you are in luck: 
You can visit bringcomfyback.com where you can upload your own #bringcomfyback selfie for a chance to win amazing prizes and get a $1 off coupon to try the liners!!! Click HERE to Enter! 


#bringcomfyback 

Empathy.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.  #WorldSuicidePreventionDay 

And I feel the need to talk, or well, write. 

Those of you who are currently struggling or have struggled in the past, I encourage you to write and share your story as well. I am inspired by all of the tweets and posts that I have seen today. There is good in the world! 

This is my story. 

Talking can be challenging for me sometimes. I know that this may come as a surprise to many of you because I tend to have no problem with this on a regular basis. But, when life gets the best of me, when I am feeling incredibly down or anxious or even angry  it is hard for me to find the words to say. No words that I express out loud convey the deep, emotional battle that I face sometimes. And, often times, it’s hard for me to speak out loud because emotion overpowers me. And as sad as this makes me, we live in a world where tears make other people uncomfortable. We live in a world that struggles with tears. Tears, in a sense, equals weakness. The last thing that I want to convey to others is that I am weak or to make someone else uncomfortable. 

It is also challenging to speak out loud because ultimately, when I do, the other person doesn’t have any thing of true value that makes me feel better. That sounds negative, I know. But what I mean by that, is the down episodes of my life, the hard times, if you will, are only ultimately overcome when I, Sierra, get through it with my own willpower and fight. Talking sometimes helps, but unless it’s to a therapist (and even then), the other person doesn’t help me feel much better. Only I can work on myself and grow from challenging experiences, such as my Depression Moments.

But I urge those of you who are struggling, to talk to someone. Anyone.  If you are feeling depressed, sad, anger, frustrated, alone, or a compilation of all of those feelings, go talk to someone. Share your feelings. Don't be afraid. 

I know what it's like to survive the roller coaster of mental illness. 

I know what it's like to want to end that roller coaster ride.

I want you to know that I have empathy for your struggles. 

I've been there. 

I feel empathy for what it's like to wake up in the morning and feel like it will take every last bit of energy to put your foot down on the ground and step out of that bed. 

I feel empathy for your frustrations in trying so hard to make others feel better that you forget to defend your own convictions. 

I feel empathy for you for feeling like a mental illness, or depression, or bi-polar is a trivial matter and that no one really cares. 

I feel empathy for feeling silly in sharing your struggles because so many others are dealing with exponentially more challenging issues, such as death, cancer, divorce, and the horribly crippling issues of this life. I know it's hard to feel like your issues are important. 

I feel empathy for working and going to school with people who don't understand. 

I feel empathy for working so incredibly hard at something and then feeling like the effort has not paid off. 

I feel empathy for those of you who even struggle to talk to a spouse. Having a mental illness and being married is very challenging. 

I feel empathy for the discouragement that you feel when you look in the mirror and hate what you see; whether thats weight gain, weight loss, or just a matter of physical changes. 

I feel empathy for feeling like you are losing control of all aspects of your life. 

I feel empathy for being frustrated and angry at the Lord. 

I feel empathy for those of you who have dealt with suicide of a loved one. I have watched it alter my family's life, and I know that it has changed yours. 

I feel empathy for when your life seems so bleak and meaningless that the last thing that you want to do is keep living; for when you want to take your own life. 

But…

I also know that life is ALWAYS, always worth living. 

I also know that your trials are YOUR OWN. Your emotions are okay to feel. 

I know that your issues are real, even if they feel "less than" compared to others. 

I know that the feeling of waking up and walking your dog on a brisk fall morning is one of the best feelings in the world. 

I know that a hug from your spouse or significant other can help that lonely feeling, if only just for a moment. 

I know that a kind gesture, letter, or compliment from a co-worker, friend, or family member can lift your entire day. 

I know that seeing the sunset every night is one of the most 

I KNOW that your pain will make sense to you one day. 

I know that things will get better. 

I know that you are a fighter. 

I know that you are loved. 

I know that the ups and downs of the roller coaster ride of mental illness is exhausting, but the fighting and getting through it makes you so much stronger. 

I know this and I empathize with you because I fought. And I am still fighting. And I am so happy because of it. I am grateful for the life that I have been given. I am not perfect, and I am continuously working on all facets of my life. But I'm living. Truly living. And I am so so so happy because of it. 

I'm Feeling 25!!!

This is me. On my 20th birthday. Playing volleyball at a local gym to celebrate. I'm cool. 

I don't know if it's just because I'm in the T Swift kind of mood (went to her concert on Friday for my early birthday present) or what, but it's my birthday today. Yep. 9/9. The best day ever. And my friend, Marie, wanted to take over this blog today. Here is a picture of my good friend and me. :)

We are cute. At the rodeo. Yee haw.

K. All you, girl…..

Hey guys! Marie here! I love Sierra so much that I am attempting to do a blog post which is not exactly my forte. Sierra knew I needed the practice writing things for my English class, so here it goes!

I am not a huge blogger, but I always make time to read Sierra's. I love reading Sierra's blog because it is down to earth and real. I love all the pictures and how creative her blogs are. One of my favorites is the anniversary blog. I loved the idea of asking Tanner questions about himself so we are going to do the same thing for her. Sierra needs some limelight too! She is always taking pictures and writing about others, so it is time that we do something for her.

1. If you do have any superpower what would it be and why?
To teleport because I want to travel all over the world. It would make my life so much easier!

2. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?
Ohhh! My favorite thing about being a teacher is watching the kids' light bulb go off when they finally get something. I also love hanging out with the kids and joking with them. It is nice to be around people that are truly themselves.

3. What is your favorite late night snack?
Crushed ice. I have an iron deficiency so I crave crushed ice.

4. What would you say the perfect date would be?
April 26, it is not to hot. Not too cold. All you need is a light jacket. Jk jk jk when my husband surprises me and takes me to Europe just kidding. When my T Money and I just get to spend time together.

5. Why is Marie your favorite friend of all? Just kidding! What is one of the biggest fears that you have? 
Being poor. In more detail, not being able to give my children the opportunities that they want due to lack of money. Or not being able to have children. Stupid PCOS.


Happy Birthday, Sisi!

T SWIFT!!!!!!!!

Well, after months of trying to find Taylor Swift tickets, Jen and I finally found some for a decent price, even though "decent price" is a relevant term. We had great seats and it was such a fun concert. It was well worth the price. It was so much fun to sing along and enjoy her concert. She is so incredibly cheesy on stage and she is not a fluid dancer and moves super awkwardly, but she is beautiful and her music is so fun. It was so great to be around all of the screaming girls! They were so cute and excited. I love that she has not been super affected by fame and you can tell she does what she does because she truly loves it. 

After attending this concert this weekend, it made me want to be up on stage with her. I dream about being a singer or actress or even one of these: Maybe that's just the 6th grader in me. Please tell me that I'm not the only one who daydreams about this?! Can Taylor Swift and I be best friends already. My birthday is on Wednesday and this was an early birthday present. Perfect present, if I do say so myself. Huzzah! 

Let's start off with some fun clips of the show, shall we? I don't have snap chat (gasp! And I'm a blogger. HOW?! I'm sort of boycotting it) so this will have to do. :) 

Vance Joy opened for her and he was fabulous, as I was expecting. He is an amazing singer, songwriter, guitar player…and he's adorable. I love his music. 

 

I just love her.