Category Archives: Proud
Liebster Blog Award
I’ve been confronted with a wonderful opportunity from two of my fellow bloggers. They have nominated me to receive the Liebster Blog Award. I feel honored and privileged to have been chosen and can’t wait to choose my nominees. May I just say that the support from the IFB community is outstanding!
So what is this award? The Liebster Award is meant to recognize the work done by upcoming bloggers and show support within the blogging community.
How does it work? When you have been nominated, you have 11 questions to answer. Answer them, then create 11 questions and nominate 11 other bloggers that you think need some recognition for their work!
Because I was nominated twice, I would like to answer both sets of questions. Please take some time to check out the blogs of those who nominated me, “Sweet With Envy” Be Inspired and Taticeballos. Thanks again, ladies! I truly appreciate it.
First Set
- I started this blog about 2 1/2 years ago after I graduated from college. I was feeling anxious about graduation, life after college, and what would come next. I started reading and compiling articles and realized that this information could not only help me, but others in a similar situation as well.
- I absolutely love high heels. I work in a corporate office, so I’m constantly having to dress the part. When I’m not in heels, you’ll find me in Nike gear, especially their Lunarfly running shoes. I’m a fitness fanatic, so when I’m not working I’m either in the gym, going for a bike ride, or at a bikram yoga class.
- I have a lot of favorite designers. Alice & Olivia, Elizabeth & James, Paper Crown, Phillip Lim, and Sam Edelman all top my list. However, my absolute favorite designer right now is Tory Burch. I love every collection she showcases, from the purses to the jewelry to the shoes. Her style is so simple, yet it’s elegant and crisp. Her collections stand out in a way that differs from most in the industry.
- My favorite magazine is FitnessRx. I always find what I’m looking for and it’s not bogged down with ads like most magazines these days. They always feature new work-outs that are perfect when I feel like I’m doing the same mundane routine!
- Simply put, I want to inspire. I want to act as a beacon of hope, inspiration, and motivation. Good things happen to people everyday, and I feel very fortunate to be able to share my wonderful journey along the way.
- Yes, I used to volunteer all the time. My most recent volunteer activity was “Rebuilding Together”, an event where we rebuilt run-down houses in the Houston community. I was also an active member in Junior Achievement, a program designed for working professionals to go to schools and teach children important lessons learned from the corporate world. I haven’t volunteered much lately, but I plan to be more active in 2013.
- A dance lesson like tango or salsa? No. But I did dance for many years when I was little as well as throughout high school. It’s definitely one of my favorite past times. I miss it greatly.
9. How often do you post on your blog?
- I try to post everyday. If I miss a day, I always try to catch up. We’re all human and we’re all busy, but I do my best to stay on top of it!
- Yes, I love shopping online. Lately, I’ve been too lazy to drive to the mall and park knowing that I have to deal with crazy herds of holiday shoppers. Surprisingly, I’ve never ordered a “wrong size”. I think that’s because I know my body type and what will look good, as well as what won’t.
- I love Urban Outfitters. I always seem to enter the store with one thing in mind and end up walking out with multiple bags. Not to mention, their shoes are to die for.
Second Set
1. Why did you start your blog?
- Same as #1 above 
2. How did you decide your blog’s name?
- I wanted to choose a name that would be different and unique. I found myself asking, “Now what?” quite often my senior year, so “College Graduate, Now What?” seemed to fit just right.
3. Which of the four seasons do you look forward to the most?
- Winter. I absolutely love cold weather and everything that comes with it- building snowmen, making snow angels, skiing & snowboarding. And my favorite holiday is Christmas, so it all works out!
4. What’s your biggest pet peeve?
- People who pretend to be someone they’re not. It sounds very cliche, I know. When you make poor choices in the past, it’s extremely hard to make up for them in the present. Own up to your poor choices. Admit your mistakes, learn from them, don’t repeat them, and move on.
5. What is your favorite item in your closet?
- My Tory Burch riding boots. I love them. A lot.
6. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
- London. Hands down. The location, the culture, the atmosphere. It is perfection.
7. What is your secret indulgence?
- Kolaches. My mom, sister, and I always make these cookie-like treats around the holidays. They’re filled with apricot jelly and they’re absolutely delicious.
8. Your least favorite color?
- Army green. I just don’t think it looks good on anyone.
9. What did you want to be when you grew up?
- A writer. Still a dream in progress
10. Who takes the photos for your blog?
- Yours truly.
11. What is your favorite quote?
- “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” – E.E. Cummings
Now for my 11 questions:
1. What is the purpose of your blog?
2. What is your favorite past time?
3. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
4. If today was your last day, what would you do?
5. What is your favorite book?
6. What is your favorite holiday and why?
7. What is your dream job?
8. If you could take back one thing in your life, what would it be?
9. Share a pearl of wisdom or piece of advice that has benefited you.
10. If you could turn back time, where would you go?
11. How do you hope to be remembered?
And my 11 nominees:
Puggle Wears Prada
Undiscovered Worth
Fashion Edible
Fashion Love Unlimited
Really Risa
Jodie’s Closet
The Vanity Effect
Soul of a Fashionista
That Fashion Chick
Crime of Fashion
J’Adore La Mode Chic
Wishful Wednesdays
I’ve been on cloud nine ever since yesterday afternoon at work. I was sitting at my desk working on numerous spreadsheets and project data analysis, as per usual, when I noticed an email notification pop up in Outlook. I briefly saw the email address of the sender and realized that it was from the admissions director for a Master’s program I had applied to. Let me tell you, there’s nothing like fear and anxiety to completely break your concentration. My heart started beating rapidly and I literally thought it was going to burst out of my chest.
After taking a deep breath, I finally had the nerve to open the email. This was it. The moment I had been waiting for for a solid month and a half. I scanned the email for the word “accepted”, and there it was on the second line. I let out a sigh of relief, sat back and smiled, then reread the email just to be sure. Yep, there it was:
Hello Kristen,
This email is to confirm that you have been accepted into the MID Program. Congratulations!
You are an excellent candidate for the program; the directors were very impressed with how much you have accomplished at such a young age! You should be receiving your welcome packet within a week or so. I am looking forward to working together.
Talk about a Merry Christmas to me, a couple weeks early! In a previous post, I had mentioned that I’d been accepted into The University of St. Thomas and planned to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA). Surely enough, those plans have changed. I am proud to say that I will be attending Texas A&M University’s Master of Industrial Distribution (MID) program beginning in Fall 2013. Aggie Class of 2015, I’m comin’ for ya! Whoop!
For this Wishful Wednesday, I already got my wish. But as always, my excitement took over and I started making a list of things I wanted with my new school’s logo (nerd status). I may or may not have already bought an Aggie blanket. Yeah, that definitely happened.
Here’s what I’ve come up with:
Texas A&M Aggies Ladies Maroon Team Player Racerback Tank Dress - $25.46
Texas A&M Aggies Women’s Heather Adidas Original Shirt – $20.39
Texas A&M Aggies Black Arch Crewneck Sweatshirt – $27.99
Texas A&M Aggies Charcoal Huddle Up Hooded Sweatshirt – $44.99
Texas A&M Aggies Pillow Pet – $22.74
Thank you, BodyRock!
Wow.
I woke up this morning to an email in my inbox from Frederick with BodyRock. He told me to check out their Facebook page and what do you know? They chose to post my fitness story! To say I was shocked, stunned, and over the moon are severe understatements.
It’s been about 2 1/2 months since I began my fitness journey and over that time, I’m down 10lbs. As I’ve stated before, it’s not the number on the scale, but how I felt every day. I was bogged down with no energy; I felt low and heavy. Now I feel full of energy, happy, and motivated. As you start to make working out part of your daily routine, it won’t feel like a chore anymore. It’ll become a habit, and a good one at that
I plan to continue sharing my journey through my Fitness Fridays posts. My only hope is that I am able to motivate and inspire other people as much as BodyRock has inspired me!
Check out BodyRock’s Facebook page, as well as the BodyRock website.
They have amazing workouts, food & diet advice, fitness tips, as well as a large, supportive community. They helped me get to where I am today, and I know they can help you too!
Self-Reflection Sundays
My family members are in my thoughts each and every day, especially today. I am so proud and inspired by my cousin, Jake, and his dad, mom, and brother.
To my Uncle Scott: You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday and I admire your strength through your fight with cancer. My heart goes out to you. Thank you for being such an incredible person and for never giving up! I love you.
Watch this amazing story: Coaches vs. Cancer Studio
Self-Reflection Sundays
I’m finally feeling back to my old self. It’s easy to fall into a funk every now and again, so it’s important to find a way to lift yourself up and start anew.
I started a pretty rigorous exercise routine last week. Today will be my 7th consecutive day of bikram yoga, and my 4th consecutive day of twoadays (2 workouts in 1 day). I’ve been eating nothing but lean protein, lots of veggies, and fruit, drinking only water and hot tea, and I must say that I feel younger, leaner, and better than I did when I was 8 years old. Your body is a temple- why litter it with junk and fatty foods? Not worth it.
I’ve also noticed an increase in the amount of energy I have in conjunction with how quickly I fall asleep at night. I woke up at 4:30AM this morning with ease, went to the gym for an hour, then got ready for work. My mind is sharper, more focused, and ready for anything. I can only hope these feelings will last forever.
It’s not a diet. It’s a lifestyle change.
Fitness Fridays
As stated in a few of my previous posts, I recently got back into bikram yoga. My goal is to attend classes for 7 days straight; today will mark day 4. After a week of attending classes, I will resume a regular running and weight lifting routine, then head back to bikram yoga for a 3rd full week. I’ve completed this work-out schedule before and I remember being 10 pounds lighter, healthier, fit, and more toned. I figured it was time to get back in the swing of things, especially since Thanksgiving meals and Christmas sweets are quickly approaching.
Here’s a quick history of bikram yoga, for those who don’t know what it is or want to learn more about its benefits:
Bikram Yoga is a system of yoga that Bikram Choudhury synthesized from traditional hatha yoga techniques and popularized beginning in the early 1970s. Bikram Yoga sessions run for exactly 90 minutes and consist of a set series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. Bikram Yoga is ideally practiced in a room heated to 105°F (≈ 40.6°C) with a humidity of 40%,and is the most popular form of hot yoga.
The goal of Bikram Yoga is general health; Bikram Choudhury states that a heated studio helps deeper stretching and injury prevention, while reducing stress and tension. Bikram claims that his system stimulates, and restores health to, every muscle, joint, and organ of the body, while at the same time increasing circulation to all organs in the body. This supposedly helps in the prevention of heart disease and organ failure. According to Choudhury, many people only use up to 50 percent of their lung capacity, and thus the lungs must be stretched in order to withstand holding more air. In a 2007 interview, Choudhury stated that when one is practicing pranayama, he or she will eventually be able to enhance oxygen absorption, as well as improve blood circulation, as in many other forms of cardiovascular activity.
It’s important to switch up your exercise activities. It definitely makes working out more enjoyable when you have multiple activities to partake in. I recommend yoga, bikram yoga, biking, kickboxing, hiking, and running. If you’re more motivated by deadlines, try signing up for a 5K or cycling race. That way, you’ll have a deadline to meet and can create your training schedule accordingly.
Don’t be afraid to try something new! Chances are you’ll enjoy it more than you thought.
Racin’ For The Cure
Yesterday, I signed up for my first competitive, timed 5K – Susan G. Komen’s Race For The Cure. The race is on October 6th, which is only 3 weeks away. Needless to say, I needed to hop on my training plan right away. I started training yesterday and planned on “easing into things”. But of course, being me, I dove into it head on. I ran the full 3.1 miles yesterday with 2 one-minute walking breaks, for a total time of 33 minutes. I told myself to relax today, but I didn’t. Running is my nirvana. It’s my stress reliever. It’s the only thing that makes me feel really good after a long, busy, productive day at work. Mostly people like to sit in front of the TV and eat junk food. I run 3 miles and then dig my hands into an over-sized bag of carrots. Silly wabbit.
Today was day 2 of training and I’ve already improved my time by 2 minutes (ran straight through, no walking breaks)! Now the time to beat is 31 minutes. I’m taking this very seriously and hope to reach my goal time of 28 minutes. If you want to join me and support the fight against breast cancer, please click on the link below to donate. Even $1 or $5 goes a long way. Think of it as your charitable contribution for the week, month, year, or what not Thank you to my mother for being the first to donate!! Any and all support is greatly appreciated!
Join the fight against breast cancer!
US Women’s Gymnastics Takes the Gold
Congratulations to the Fab 5 for joining the Fab 7 and taking the gold in the 2012 Olympics for women’s gymnastics. It’s the first time the U.S. has won gold since 1996! If you missed it, head over to NBC for full coverage. You won’t want to miss McKayla Maroney’s flawless vault and Jordan Wieber’s incredible balance beam and floor routine.
The Fab 5 (2012)
The Fab 7 (1996)
Photos via Google
The beginning
There are things that we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn’t the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new life.
-Anonymous
Thank you for always being there. Thank you for letting us shine.
MBA & The Bigger Picture
After many months of studying for the GMAT & GRE, countless hours writing graduate school application essays, and obtaining the necessary documents for the application process, I finally did it. Submission of my MBA applications. Every application was submitted in its entirety by May 12, 2012. I didn’t think I’d start hearing back for awhile, but boy was I wrong.
Two days ago, I received an email from Rice University’s Admissions Board. They requested a formal campus interview with me starting as early as next week. Of course I agreed to this request, but the excitement didn’t fully register until five minutes after I’d sent my response. I became even more excited as I searched their website and stumbled across the snippet below. Interviews are mandatory, but not all applicants will receive an invitation to interview.
My father always says that getting the interview is the hardest part. It feels incredible to say that I officially have one foot through the door.
For the rest of that day, I felt as though I were walking on clouds. I never thought that Rice University would be an available opportunity for me, but this just goes to show that anything truly is possible. Today and tomorrow will be solely dedicated to researching potential interview questions for graduate school. It’s funny to think that this blog was born through my endless research of preparing for job interviews and accelerating careers; now I’m researching for school. Even more proof that everything really does come full circle.
