Must-Read Novels

Hello Everyone!
I know I have been MIA but this semester got the best of me and I had to give up my blogging time for school. BUT now it is summer YIPPEE and that means I will be back posting things I enjoy that might possibly brighten your life.

Today I am going to share with you some of my all time favorite novels. I know some of you think reading is awful and that it's something only to be done in a classroom (and even that doesn't always actually happen). But sitting outside, sipping on your preference of caffeine, and reading a chapter or five of a great novel is an outstanding way to start the day.

Forewarning: These books are not my favorite for their exceptional diction or intriguing metaphors, they are my favorite because the stories being told excite me or are relate-able.

1. The Maze Runner by: James Dashner
Yes, Maze Runner is another science fiction series that has a movie coming out this year BUT it is different and dare I say, better than the others. The different lingo used by the characters might throw you off at first but once you get passed that you will get caught up in all the action and mystery that lies within The Maze Runner.

2. The Giver by: Lois Lowry
This is a classic but now that a movie is being released this summer I think we all could use a refresher from our middle school literature class. I read this novel in 6th grade and it was the first book I actually enjoyed reading.

3. Cuckoo's Calling by: Robert Galbraith (J.K Rowling's Pseudonym)
This came out a while ago but it was by far the best mystery novel I have read in a while. It has a lot of pages and might look intimidating but I promise it is a quick read and worth every minute of your spare time. It will keep you guessing who really did it till the last chapter which, many times, is not the case with mystery novels.

4. A Bend in the Road by: Nicholas Sparks
How this has yet to be made into a movie I do not know. It was published in 2001 and although I have not read the other novels written by him, I think this would win hands down. Its semi-mystery and of course lovey dovey but wonderful all together. If a movie were to ever be made obviously Ryan Gosling should play Miles and Rachel McAdams should play Sarah, but I'll let you decide.

5. Lea Michelle: Brunette Ambition
I have not read this because it isn't going to be published till May 20th but it is definitely on my must-read list. Lea Michelle has been through a lot this past year and manages to continue to wow people with her talents, she seems to be a great role model for us 20-something girls.

6. Fault in our Stars by: John Green
 I actually purchased this book today and have yet to start but have heard so many wonderful things about it. Also, the movie is coming out and the trailer made me cry so I figured I had to read it before watching the film.

New Years Resolutions

It's December 31st which means that a brand new year begins at midnight and a notion that you can start brand new as well comes along with it. There are plenty of resolution lists circulating around the internet so I am going to hop on the band wagon and share my resolution list. 

1. Keep perspective as much as possible. Sure, I will have a bad day, but instead of letting it ruin my mood I am going to think about all of the things I am blessed with. So when you think "well my life sucks" think about  your loving family/friends, your comfy bed, the education you are able to receive, the three meals you might have had that day, etc. 

2. Try new things. As long as it isn't illegal or harmful, go for it! I actually tried doing this a lot this year and the most out-of-my-element thing I did was competing in the Miss North Carolina USA pageant. It turned out to be an unbelievable experience and I learned a lot about myself through the competition. 

3. Don't hold grudges. This can be extremely difficult for people but seriously it is not worth the time and energy. You don't have to be friends with them again but let go of whatever happened and move on!

4. Eat healthier. Notice I didn't say "eat healthy food all day every day" because that is so not realistic or fun! I would say what really helps kick start healthier food habits is by doing a detox where you only eat natural, non-processed foods (meats, fruits, vegetables) for a week. This helps diminish your cravings for those chips and cookies. 

5. Be able to talk about your feelings. This is a huge one for me because I really don't like talking about my feelings with other people. If you are like me there a couple of things you can do, 1. write it all in a diary. I know that sounds so middle school but if you aren't comfortable talking to someone else about it let it out in writing. 2. Talk to God. If you're not religious you might find this kind of weird to do but when your laying in bed and can't sleep or you're in the shower, just start talking about whats going on and what you need help with. If you don't believe in a higher power this is still a very relieving thing to do, for some reason when you let your feelings out in the open its like a huge weight is lifted from your shoulders. 

I hope you all have a fun and safe New Years Eve!! 

Rush Outfits 101

One week before school starts back up and only two weeks till sorority recruitment begins!! Since it is coming up so soon I wanted to do a special on what all you potential new members should wear during rush weekends. You all have met with your mentor and they have told you the description of what to wear but I like visuals so here are a couple examples for each night:


Party 1: Philanthropy

Party 2: Skit

For skit you want to be in "business casual" so a cute 

shirt/skirt combo with a light sweater and some ballet 

flats work well and again is comfortable for most

everyone.

Party 3: Pref night

My favorite night by far, you get to dress up! I wore

this pink dress and grey booties during my rush. 

So many girls wear black dresses and if that is all

you have then by all means wear it. But, if you do 

have a colored dress I would wear that. Again, it makes you stand

out which is always good! You can step up your

jewelry game as well by adding a nice statement 

necklace or larger earrings. 

Minus the sash of course ;) I actually wore this when I went through rush. A great pair of jeans, boots, shirt and a blazer with a simple pair of stud earrings is perfect for the first night of rush. You want to be comfortable!















I really love colored jeans so if you have a pair that are a good fall/winter color I would say wear them!          

 Hope this helps!! Also, if you have Instagram, go follow me: @streichslist 

The Reason for the Season

During the winter holiday season it is easy to lose sight of the essential reason for the season: giving. Giving is more than buying presents for your friends and family, it's about giving something to the less fortunate in our world. While you are doing any last minute online shopping, think of a charity or cause that speaks to your heart and visit their website (you can always Google it); they will 99% of the time have an online donation section where you can donate as little as $1. Below I have selected some of the organizations I will be donating too in case you don't have a specific one in mind, check them out!

1. Operation Smile:

Operation Smile helps children born with Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate. 

 

2. Doctors Without Borders

This sends medical help to countries in need.

3. American Cancer Society

Helps pay for the fees cancer patients have as well as cancer research.

4. Feeding America

Helps feed the hungry people in our country.

Just HIIT it

Today I am going to share with you the thing that has changed not only my workout routine but my life.  HIIT (high intensity interval training) is seriously a miracle, at least for me, and I urge you to give it a try and see if it works wonders for your life as well. The type of HIIT I do is on a treadmill where I run super fast (for me) for a minute and then rest for 30 seconds. Basically this exercise spikes your heart rate and REALLY makes you sweat; I'm talking looks like you just got out of a pool sweat. This not only makes you sweat but it energizes you for the rest of the day unlike any caffeine you could possibly consume. I feel like I could be almost as awesome as Beyonce after I do HIIT and hopefully you will too! The best time to do it would be early or mid-morning time so hop up out of your bed and go HIIT!!

HIIT Treadmill routine:
30 minutes
4 minutes walking on maximum incline at 3.5 speed
1 minute walking on 0% incline at 2.0 speed
1 minute running at 0% incline at 6.0 speed
30 seconds walking at 0% incline at 2.0 speed
1 minute running at 0% incline at 6.5 speed
30 seconds walking at 0% incline at 2.0 speed
1 minute at 7.0 speed
30 seconds walking at 2.0 speed
1 minute run at 7.5 speed
30 seconds walking at 2.0 speed
1 minutes run at 8.0 speed
5 minutes at maximum incline at 3.5 speed
1 minute walking on 0% incline at 2.0 speed
start the interval training again but start at 6.5 and go up by .5 increments like before until you hit 30 minutes!

Wavy Hair Tutorial!

Okay it is finally here! A couple of notes: 1. I am sorry the video is blurry for some reason the camera didn't focus but I thought you were still able to see what I was doing. 2. Since I didn't mention this, I did not use the clamp of the curling iron so essentially I used it as if it were a curling wand. 3. You want to do about 3 "sections" total, I only show you one section in the video. 4. Make sure ALL of your hair is touching the curling iron, don't wrap the strand of hair in a big bunch. 5. Spay hairspray at the end of each section! 

Hope this helps :)

Wavy Hair Tutorial 

Finished look :)

Good Morning!! Time to rise and shine and make yourself a healthy, yummy breakfast. My breakfast this morning was Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal and it turned out so delicious I thought I would share the recipe. Now, just because November is over does NOT mean you have to stop eating pumpkin flavored things. Since pumpkin is my favorite flavor I firmly believe in eating it year round if possible. 

To make Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal you need: Pumpkin puree (1 tbs), cinnamon and pumpkin spice, and oats! 
1. Boil water on the stove (how much water depends on your preference of chewy or soupy oats).
2. Put oats into a bowl and sprinkle cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice on top along with 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree. 
3. Pour boiling water over the oats and cover with a plate to trap in the heat for 1-2 minutes. (This could also be done in the microwave instead of using the stove, cook time would be indicated on the oats packaging)
4. Stir and Enjoy!

I used this brand of oats since it was all I had in my cupboard but any kind will work just as well.