your typical twenty-something

Haley. 23. Christian. Traveler. Teacher. Terrible photographer. Sometimes healthy eater. Overall nerd.

[biodegrade]

when the back of my neck gets tickled

[hello-its-haley-blog]

I'm still learning how to take a decent picture, but I'm crazy excited about my new toy. #photography #canonrebel #canon50mm #itakebadpictures

[hello-its-haley-blog]

Whole 30 day 1, meals 1 and 2. Breakfast was 2 hard boiled eggs (pre-made from Trader Joe's), a mini cucumber, and mango topped with unsweetened shredded coconut. Lunch was TJ's southern greens sautéed with onion and garlic in olive oil, Aidell's chicken apple sausage, and 1/2 an avocado, all topped with TJ's hot sauce.

[ofedmundandlucy]

[hello-its-haley-blog]

Amos Diggory's reaction to Cedric's body hurts SO MUCH.

[nomnompaleo]

Thai Curry Chicken

I’ve got a recipe that’s quicker, healthier, and tastier than ordering takeout from your neighborhood Thai joint.  Just grab some chicken (or whatever quick-cooking protein on hand) add some frozen and leftover vegetables, and stir in some curry paste and coconut milk. After a few minutes on the stove, you’ll have a fragrant, flavorful curry. Instead of tipping the delivery guy, you can give yourself a pat on the back instead.

My PSA of the day: Make sure your pantry is stocked with a few Thai curry pastes. My favorite brands are Aroy-D and Mae Ploy and I like yellow, red, and green. You can buy these pastes at most Asian markets, but choose the ones that only contain herbs and spices. Read your labels, folks.

Ingredients (Serves 4 people):

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

½ teaspoon kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon coconut oil or fat of choice

1 small onion, chopped medium

1-2 tablespoons Thai curry paste (whichever color you prefer)

1 cup full-fat coconut milk

10 ounces frozen vegetables

2 cups leftover roasted kabocha squash

2 tablespoons apple juice (optional)

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Keep reading

[jamausis]

please protect mashed potatoes. they’re just. the softest and gentlest form of potato. they warm. they nice. just a kind lovely angel potato trying to find it’s way in life

[hello-its-haley-blog]

BE MY FRIEEEEND

I joined tumblr yesterday. Want friends.

I’m a Christian, a teacher, a traveler, a wannabe photographer, a Hufflepuff, a Gleek, a member of the Supernatural family, a Darren Criss fan (AKA a really nice person), and a whole30-er.

[hello-its-haley-blog]

I'm still alive! I've gained almost 7 pounds in 2 weeks. I'm assuming some of that is bloat, but I'm glad I planned this #whole30 weeks ago. Starting tomorrow! I took inventory of my groceries last night. I haven't tracked #weightwatchers in a few weeks. Whoops. And obviously I won't be tracking with whole30. But it's time to reset my body. #weightlossjourney #jerf #iswf #itstartswithfood

[hello-its-haley-blog]

Why am I doing the Whole 30?

I'm starting on Sunday. I'm reading recipes and tips on Pinterest, and a tip I just read is to know your why. To REALLY know it. I have several reasons. Listing them here gives me a place to refer back to. -I've been unhappy with my weight for years, and I'm tired of fad diets. -All 4 grandparents + my mom have dealt with diabetes. I've lost one set of grandparents, and my Grandaddy is currently in the hospital with cirrhosis of the liver and failing kidneys, all from weight issues. -I want to improve my sleep -I have allergies that give me a cough reminiscent of a chain smoker -I have Achilles tendinitis, and this lifestyle can heal inflammation -My skin is dull and gross -I'm tired of feeling bloated and disgusting from my current lifestyle. This is me pressing the reset button. It's time to do something for me. I want to live my life, not just survive it. I'll be able to live much more fully if I take care of myself.

[hello-its-haley-blog]

Starting on Sunday. Taking inventory of all my food so that I can start meal planning. Since school starts back January 6, I decided to start my Whole30 a bit early to beat some of the "carb flu" & sugar withdrawals before heading back to my classroom.

[hello-its-haley-blog]

Merry Christmas!

I've already started thinking about New Year's Resolutions, which is funny cause I never EVER keep them. But I'm posting them and I'm gonna do my darndest to keep most of them. There are a lot of them, but I don't think they're necessarily hard to accomplish. 1. I'm starting a Whole 30 (whole30.com) on Sunday (December 27), and it will end on January 25. I'd like to transition to cleaner eating rather than weight watchers. (I'll try and post my progress/updates through the 30 days) 2. Reach my goal weight (55 more pounds. I'm already down about 30). 3. Stop drinking soft drinks/sugary drinks. 4. Take one photo every day (I'll post them). 5. Be more intentional with people- make plans with friends, cook dinners for my family, get to know more people at church, etc. 6. Finish my books to read list. 7. Consistently use my journaling Bible. 8. Hand letter at least one thing per week. 9. Daily, meaningful, time in the Bible/prayer (listening, not just talking).

[hello-its-haley-blog]

The view from El Shaddai Children's Home, just outside of Mbabane, Swaziland.

[passport-life]

Rome | Italy