The Importance of Being Still

This past weekend I took a step out of my comfort zone. I never have been an outdoorsy person that would crave walking around with the trees, bugs, and mud. I wouldn’t even know where to start when it comes to gathering the right equipment and gear that would be necessary for a camping trip or even just staying up in a cabin.

This weekend was a bit different though. I consciously made the decision that I would spend a weekend up North with six other people.

I wasn’t quite sure what I would be getting myself into, considering I knew it was going to be cold and it seemed as though most of our time would be spent in the toasty cabin.

I couldn’t be more wrong.

It was about a five hour drive from Minneapolis to get to Bear Head State Park. It was the perfect time to finish any projects and watch the service on my phone dwindle.

It’s always hard to think about unplugging when you feel that staying connected and current is the only way to go. Feeling like you’re forced to disconnect can be terrifying.

I know all my thoughts kept rushing back to, “what if someone at work needs something from me?” or the classic, “what happens if someone gets hurt and I can’t be there?” It’s really difficult for these ideas to escape my head.

I’m a major culprit when it comes to bringing work home with me and all these scary excuses for me not to disappear for a weekend kept running into my head. It wasn’t until we the day we went on a hike in the state park when I started to realize the importance of being still.

Lately media and fake news are thrown in our faces. It becomes difficult to even realize what’s real and what’s not. Who can we believe anymore if our own opinions seem to not matter anymore?

Being still gives an opportunity to redirect your own truth and reflect on your own thoughts.

Being in this environment was a new experience. I have never strapped on snowshoes before and I have never spent time on a four hour hike. I found myself getting frustrated about the amount I was falling over. I wasn’t sure if it was my coordination or possibly the hangover that was setting in throughout the afternoon. Luckily there was always someone there to help me back up and ensure that I wasn’t going to die.

So next time you get the chance, be still.

Get outside and listen.

I promise you, you’re not going to die and I hope you have someone that will be able to help you back up.

xx- Sarah

Week Two // WeRow

It’s week two of my adventure of not paying for a gym membership. I’m already feeling revitalized from a week of hot yoga and was ready to purchase a membership to Core Power Yoga, but this isn’t what this challenge is about.

This week I spotted a little place called WeRow that is place that only conducts high intensity row machine classes.

The row machine is probably one of the most underrated machines at your gym. It’s easy on the knees, builds strong arms, and great cardio. One of the main misconceptions about the rowing machine is that it isn’t a total body workout, but oh trust me, I was hurting. It’s strength and cardio all rolled into one. It’s one of those few workouts that will incorporate every muscle in your body and it’s a hell of a lot more exciting that a treadmill. It’s also been said that indoor rowing can replace  “spin” class.

When I first walked into WeRow I was greeted by a singular person excited to teach me the wonders of rowing. I was the first one in and didn’t know what to expect. She sat me down on a rower and taught me the proper form of rowing before class even began. It took a minute to get all the steps down correctly, but it felt empowering that I was able to keep up during my little crash course on form.

As I was chatting with the instructor, she mentioned that she started using the row machine when she injured herself running and hasn’t switched back to using a treadmill.

Others began to show up to the class. There was a range of ages from mid twenties to late forties. I noticed that everyone was wearing gloves and was a bit confused about it, but after my second class, it was clear that I should have hopped on the glove wagon.

I had massive calluses form within two classes and it was almost too painful to go anymore, but I taped up my hands and sucked it up.

Overall the class was intense and worth it and probably worth the membership if you actually put the time in it. If you’re self motivated add the rowing machine at your local gym to your routine. Worried about form? Check out this link here.

If you’re looking to get advice from an expert, try checking out a rowing class. Check out the studio I went to here.

Fight through the calluses. They’ll only build character.

xx- Sarah

Valentine's Day Playlist

As this holiday rolls by, I always have mixed feelings. I never know if I should get into the spirit or mock the couples throwing money at corporations for cheesy gifts and crappy coconut filled candies. It’s hard not to feel sour when you see people going through these large gestures that could absolutely mean nothing in the end besides a giant pile of clutter.

I’ve worked in the restaurant industry my whole life and I have seen 9 years of Valentine’s days. I’ve seen the stress, the ridiculous wait times, and disappointment. Valentine’s day is a day of love that has astronomical expectations that have the possibility of not being met. The media has taken over and puts ideas in people’s heads, when this holiday can be plain and simple. Keeping it as a day filled with love, appreciation, and happiness.

Better yet, use it as a day to appreciate yourself and show a little self-love.

It's just like RuPaul said, "If you can't love yourself, how the hell are you going to love somebody else?"

I created this playlist for you today. This isn’t your typical Valentine’s Day playlist filled with Michael Bublé. This playlist holds the beats that will make you want to dance around the house and feel the love within.

Sending out my love to you!

xx- Sarah

Week One // Core Power Yoga

In the beginning of every new year one of the average person will make a resolution to eat healthier, exercise more, and try to be a better “them”. Most people end up getting locked into a gym contract without spending a solid 6 weeks with the program.

If you ask me that’s a waste of money.

I personally like to save a few bucks and get a good sweat.

While thinking about what  I can do to include a gym membership in my budget, I noticed that the local Snap Fitness offers a 30 day free trial. I began the trial two days after Christmas.

I went a couple times a week to lift weights and maybe go for a little bit of a run. I ended up finding myself procrastinating and not wanting to drag my pitiful ass to the gym. I always was too tired, achy, or just plain didn’t want to go. When it came time to actually pay for the membership, I thought about how exciting it was to go to Snap Fitness for the first two weeks when I started the free trial.

My goal for 2017 this year is to go to as many free trials at gyms.

Gyms may vary. It can be open classes that teach yoga or dance. It can be high intensity groups like cross fit or spin.

I’ve been excited listing out the next place I am going to test out.

The first place I started with is a staple.

Core Power Yoga

Core Power Yoga was actually wonderful. I already have a yoga background, so this was right up my ally to get back into the swing of a routine while getting a sweat with the heated classes.

As I told the front desk people that I was doing the one week free trial, they were very welcoming. Acting like I was already a member and that they’ve had me in for multiple classes in the past. The locker rooms were calming and quiet.

As I walked into the class I saw that everyone was so prepared. They all had their own mat, non slip towel to put over their mat, blocks, straps, water bottle, and a clear mentality. I decided to be a part of the C2 class since it required familiarity of poses. I sat cross legged and examined the room I noticed it was filled with people that seemed to know who are comfortable in their skin, yet they really cared what they looked like. Once class started, it was simple to get into the correct head space.

Feeling relaxed wasn’t hard to do.

I’m happy I started with Core Power Yoga to mark my free one week trial with.

If you get a chance to take a couple classes, give it a shot.

Find your nearest Core Power Yoga here: http://www.corepoweryoga.com/

I promise you won’t regret it.

xx- Sarah

It's good to be back.

Well it's been almost a year since I posted last. This post is even a month too late to talk about all the wild and not so crazy adventures I've been having in Minneapolis.

I started a new job, added a new feline to my family, and started cross stitching. I have eaten plenty of good things and have seen some pretty awesome places.

Who could forget about addressing everything that has been happening in the country, but let’s not talk about that.

I've been having a hard time feeling creative lately and have been put in a little bit of a rut. It's almost like I've been telling myself that I can't do what I truly feel happiest doing. This is where all the excuses begin.

There’s not enough time.

What if people don't like what I have to say?

What happens if I stay in a rut?

Sometimes it’s time to give yourself a kick in the butt and realize that these are all excuses to not do what I want to do.

Procrastination is a real issue and it’s so difficult to overcome. You get comfortable and choose to stay in your own routines and won’t take a step out of your own head. There becomes a voice in your head and you need to choose if you are going to listen to that voice by letting it control you.

I have come to a point in my life where I decided that I’m not going to let this procrastination bug hold me back any longer and I’m going to get what I want in 2017.

I have plenty in store for my readers (and hopefully future) coming up this year. Bringing back everything Fabricated Splendor is: Creating your own happiness.

It’s good to be back, finally.

xx-Sarah

Sometimes Sleep is Nonexistent

Sometimes I lay awake tossing and turning wondering what's wrong with me. Sometimes I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night thinking that I totally forgot something that I needed to do during the past day or panicking that when I wake up for the day I won't be able to get anything accomplished. 

There's feeling of self doubt, anxiety, self pity, and sometimes anger. 

My imagination gets the best of me. I begin to think about what it would be like if I punched so and so in the face spiting them for the ways they fucked me over. I begin the think about what if something didn't go as well as I planned at work. What if everyone hates my ideas and laughs in my face. Thoughts like this run rampant in my head wondering all the possible outcomes of my actions. 

I think about all the friends I had, have, and have drifted away and seem to far to even reel back into my life. It's sad actually, because I begin to count the people I fell close to and realize I give too much of myself to everyone that I don't really pay attention to those who really matter.

Other times I just wake up thirsty and need to chug 80oz of water. 

It's hard to think you're not crazy when you're lying awake for 5 hours and you know you have a crazy day ahead of you and you want to do is sleep.Slumber is  hard thing to come by every once in a while. 


Oh the things that keep you awake at night.

Anger. Anxiety. Fear.

Stress.

The one thing I will never understand is how parents did it. I was an emotional child and teenager who panicked about everything and tried to control what I could around me. My mother is a god send for dealing with her own stress and then dealing with me crying to her and hoping she could piece me back together. I still rely on her to this day to tell me that everything is going to be okay and I'm lucky to be alive. Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommas that birthed people like me. 

Everyone deals with stress in a different way.  If stress is keeping you up at night, the worst thing to do is lay in bed and try to force your eyes to shut and your mind to drift into dream world (sadly, this wont work).

This is how I try to put my stress to rest and try to get myself back to sleep and say good night to stress. 

• Inhale while counting to 8. Pause. Exhale while counting to 10. 
• Take a moment and read a couple chapters of your current read. 
• Go to your yoga map and do a 15 minute calming practice. 
• Rest your legs against the wall and take deep breaths.
• Light a candle and put your focus on the flame.

Any form of meditation will greatly help you put your mind at rest and get rid of the possible negative thoughts in your mind. 

If all else fails, might as well do something productive.  

Right?

That's how this blog post came about!

Now try to get some beauty rest, because I know I need it. 

-xx Sarah

Save Your Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar!

I’ve always been asked how do I take care of my hair. I’ve never been one to dye my hair (even though I bleached my ends not too long ago), apply intense amounts of heat, or purchase expensive shampoos and conditioners.I just can’t stand the idea of purchasing an over commercialized hair product that never follows through on what it promises. I decided to say no to the expensive products and find other alternatives. So how do I keep my hair healthy without the over priced and chemical ridden products?

Apple Cider Vinegar.

I know that the idea of it can be a little odd and apple cider vinegar doesn’t have the best smell, but sometimes beauty is pain.

Apple Cider Vinegar has so many benefits, but my favorite has to be that’s it’s great for your hair.  An ACV hair rinse might be just what you need if you find that your hair is looking dull, brittle, overly dirty because of hair product, or have a couple dandruff issues!

Washing your hair with ACV can restore the pH balance balance in your hair. Most commercial hair products will have a negative effect on your hair (that’s what makes it dry and brittle!). Apple Cider Vinegar removes the build up but keeps the hair healthy without stripping the natural oils. That’s what will close up the cuticles of your hair and give you that glamorous shine that celebrities have talked about when they’re endorsing cosmetic companies.

It’s just all around great for your locks. I suggest you give it a shot to naturally treat your hair and to feel free of the cruddy build-up that’s been settling on your head.

All you need is Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and tap water.

What you nee:

2-5 tablespoons of organic raw apple cider vinegar

1 cups of water

How to:

1. Decide how much apple cider vinegar to use. If you have short/finer hair, use 2 tablespoons. If your have thick/coarse hair use up to 5 tablespoons. Then mix with 1 cup of water.
2. Wash hair with your regular shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
3. Slowly allow the apple cider vinegar mixture pour over your head while avoiding your eyes.
4. Massage the mixture into your scalp.
5. Leave for 2-3 minutes and rinse.
6. Dry and style like normal!

There might be a slight odor when you are done washing your hair, but no worries, it will go away after a couple hours. Doing this technique twice a week may help increase hair growth and assist your hair health without taking vitamins that promise hair health. It’s also a great inexpensive way to keep your hair in great shape.

I remember the first time I tried this rinse, I felt like my waves and curls came back to life.

Just trust me on this one.

I promise you won’t regret it.

xx-Sarah