The Darling Physique: Fitness Goals for 2018

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   Bonjour!   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

To kick off the start of my new wellness plan for the year, I composed my first fitness flatlay of 2018. Why am I focusing on exercise and healthy workout habits when I barely tip the scales over 100 lbs? Let me tell you a little story about my previous brushes with *shudder* athleticism. 

First of all, I was often one of those pick-for-last type of players at recess/PE. Why? Because my sport skills stink and my ability to show myself in excellent shape is about as likely as a squirrel who has been hit by a car or two and left along the side of the road. Sound depressing? Wait until my later years. 

In college I decided to ride my bike 3-5 miles into town on my way to participate in a research study. This decision was made hastily after a night of potato-couching and a lifetime of MUCH smaller bike expeditions. Also, I hadn't even eaten breakfast before I left. Yet here I was, pedaling my little legs to death trying to make it across a city previously never traversed by myself and my bike. I got as far as the downtown police station before I had to stop and vomit on the sidewalk; fortunately, there were no officers dutifully patrolling the grounds at that moment. UNfortunately, a lady happened past in her motorized wheelchair, saw me clinging to whatever was left of my couch-potatoed life, and asked concernedly if I was alright. Because I was afraid this would happen, I had pulled out my cellphone (which at that time was neither connected to Internet nor had any potential of increasing my dignity as a young adult) before she rolled up and I began feigning distraction to cover up that I was not, in fact, okay. I glanced up from the screen to see embarrassment cross her face as she fell for my ploy, thinking that she had merely imagined the pale green color of my face. She quickly recovered herself and moved along. I, on the other hand, drooped back into the bench like a green bean left out in the sun to wilt away, realizing I would have to cancel my plans for the day and call for a shame-filled ride back home.

Thus, we come to the purpose of this year's fitness goals. I am not in it to lose weight, as the majority of Americans are planning hoping to do, and I am not trying to jump on the Better Body Now! bandwagon. Rather, my resolution is to get in shape so that I can be more active in my adventures and less fearful of my body's very limiting limitations. To do this, I hope to challenge my core, tone my arm and leg muscles, and prepare my body for a more pleasurable and longer-lasting lifestyle.

Workout Tech:

• Smartwatch to monitor water intake, track steps/activity, keep time
• Pandora-playing device for upbeat workout playlist

 Workout Snacks:

• Granola for upping energy levels and maintaining organ health (along with a multitude of other benefits)
• Water and fiber powder mix for attaining and maintaining healthy weight, along with promoting positive digestive health (as well as other benefits)

 If I have time in the morning, I like to do a 30-45 minute workout using 15 minutes for cardio (Zumba-style with videos found on YouTube), 15-20 minutes using my Fit Girl's Diary: Diamond Abs Workout, and wrapped up with a round of arm-targeted weightlifts, pushups, and squats. Once I have sweated enough for a day's worth of labor, I pamper myself with a nice long shower followed by a peppy breakfast of oats and granola and my fiber drink.

As I just started this workout routine with the Fit Girl's Diary abs challenge, I am still on the first training and practically dying after 3 rounds of straight leg raises, but I am relishing the pain as a sign of progress. After all, if you aren't feeling the burn, you aren't trying to earn.

What are your fitness goals for 2018?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   Shop this Look:   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hello Goodbye Panda: Ross  | Smart Watch: Jane  | Diamond Abs Workout: Fit Girl's Diary

xoxo,

Sara

2017 in Review!

Bonjour!

It has been one busy year! Within the confines of 2017, the blog has undergone a new look and new name, changing from its former Cover It Girl title to The Darling Petite in hopes of better representing style from the petite perspective. As the header says, "Though she be but little, she is FIERCE!" :D

Despite these changes, the reach of The Darling Petite covers the same bases as before- style and fashion being number one. Read on to see the top outfits of the year.


-----------------------------------------Darling Outfits--------------------------------------------

It was a cold start to the year, but January and March also had enough share of warmer days to get dressed up and head out.

What I Wore in January:

http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/01/dreamland.html

What I Wore on St. Patrick's Day:

http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/03/shamrock-shenanigans.html

What I Wore in St. Louis:

http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/04/st-louis-in-2-days-arch-city-museum.html

February was a favorite month of mine because it allowed me to highlight my wardrobe's preferred color: pink!

What I Wore in February: 

http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/02/february-ootds.html

 And no capsule wardrobe to a tropical paradise is complete without nautical staples! Stripes and straw accents were a must with these three OOTDs.

What I Wore in Florida: 

#1

http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/08/by-canal-story-in-stripes.html

#2

http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/09/at-beach-relaxing-in-true-nautical.html

#3 

http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/09/port-roma-docking-in-italian-inspired.html


-------------------------------------------Darling Trips-----------------------------------------------

No year is complete without a trip away! 2017 brought The Darling Petite to museums and gardens in a major metropolitan port city as well as to the beaches and charming canals of Florida.

Where I Went in St. Louis:

http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/04/st-louis-in-2-days-arch-city-museum.html

Where I Went in Florida:

 http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/09/at-beach-relaxing-in-true-nautical.html

----------------------------------------Darling Creations---------------------------------------

Creativity (and sugar) was flowing from the start when holidays in February and March came along!

What I Made for Valentine's Day:

#1 http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/02/sweet-and-spicy-scentsy-valentines.html

#2  http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/02/valentines-day-mini-tea-party.html

What I Made for St. Patrick's Day:

http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/03/shamrock-shenanigans.html

-----------------------------------------Darling Reviews-----------------------------------------

Another year, another opportunity! The Darling Petite reviewed major event planner Eventbrite's Tampa Bay comic con, as well as a new start-up craze for sweet-toothed subscribers.

What I Tried (to do): 

http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/07/how-to-be-comic-con-ner.html

What I Tried (to eat): 

http://thedarlingpetite.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-darling-review-universal-yums-boxes.html


You can also follow me on Instagram @petite_est_belle for daily style, food, travel, and more!

As always, thanks for following! I am excited to begin a new year of blogging and hope to keep The Darling Petite at the top of its game. It would be my pleasure to have you all as readers in 2018 and to share many more moments and much more style inspo in the future!


xoxo,
Sara

She Returns

Bonjour again, mes amis!

It has been forever and a day since I have had an ample opportunity to indulge in the world of blogging. Since the last post, I have lived the French life, graduated from the college life, and begun the adult life. And it has been AMAZING. (I just regret being gone from the blog during that time. :/)

Because I have been gone so long, I am going to try to catch up on Cover It Girl in the space of a few posts. (That's right, I'm baaaack!) I am also a regular on Insta, so catch me there as well. Thanks for continuing to be a part of my journey!

Tout mon amour!

xoxo,
Sara

She's Going to France

Bonjour!

I've been SO elated all break trying to hold myself together. Researching, studying, preparing- all of it only causes me to break out in little episodes of hysteria. I'm not talking about the stressing/crying/hair-pulling hysteria that comes with college studying, either. This is all self-inflicted education.

Why am I putting myself through such seemingly horrible torture, you ask?

It's because I'm going to France.

There. I said it without an exclamation point.

I'M GOING TO FRANCE, PEOPLE!!! And I can't say it without having a shipload of glitter and unicorns popping out either. Maybe I better tell you how this all got started.

You see, for years I've been fascinated by the architecture of the Eiffel Tower. It's just like one day I woke up and thought to myself, "You know, I kinda like that weird tower in France. I think I'll start collecting it." And then I started becoming enraptured by the French language, the little patisseries and cafés, and just about everything else involved in the French way of life.
I became a Parisian wannabe.
Several years and a roomful of Paris-themed decor later, my love for France continued to flourish. A little too much, one might think. Some of you may recall reading the post in which I discovered a macaron shoppe in Florida and was almost in a stupor when I realized the employee was French. (Um, yeah. That was a little awkward.) 
In fact, this whole stinking blog is riddled with little tributes to France! (i.e. the opening of every post, the blog logo to the left of the blog name in the browser tab, etc. etc.) So it would come as no surprise that I have ALWAYS wanted to go to France. 

Enter in a VIP member of the Education program at my U. This was how I first stumbled on the idea of study abroad-ing, though the notion was brought up in an art history class 2 years previously (an offer for Intro to Museology in- where else- Paris, France. At the Louvre. *insert ugly sobbing*). She brought in a flier for a study abroad to Argentina and I started thinking "Hm. This is my last year in college. My last chance for a structured/guided/non-touristy visit to another country. My last chance to visit another country with a generous discount via kind scholarships and student financial aid." My sister had just finished up a study abroad to Italy during the summer, so the opportunity was practically screaming at me. I started doing a little research on the Study Abroad website for my school, and that's when it happened.

Between Ecuador and Hong Kong sat the love of my life.

 France! It was there, waiting for me, calling my name, singing my song. I knew it must be a sign.

I signed my little behind right up for that trip and waited for an answer. Before long, I received the glorious news that 

 Could it be so? Do dreams REALLY come true???
I started going through the paperwork and necessary registrations. France, it seemed would become my reality during the spring of 2016. Everything was falling into place.

On November 13,  I was just about to check my email when I my eye caught one of AOL's trending headlines. Paris was under attack. In a panic I began reading as many updates and articles as I could find before catching onto a live newsfeed from Canada. I watched in devastation as the events unfolded before me and the death toll rose higher and higher, the city of my dreams coming under the siege of heartless terrorism. I was eventually pulled away from my post at my computer to take my sister to her birthday present, a concert on campus. Even there, thoughts of France raced through my mind, molding themselves to the music and creating meaning out of the emotion underlying each melody; before performing the next song, the conductor came off his pedestal to offer a moment of silence for the victims and their families in Paris, and the audience respectfully obliged. Even in America, we became united for the people of France. 

 Throughout this painful period, I felt sadness for the innocent people who were killed that night. On the backburner of my mind, consequently, sat the question: Would I still be going to France? My family were understandably not favorable to the idea. They saw France, particularly Paris, as a place no longer safe for their daughter to travel, and the idea of studying abroad was never a comfortable one. Weeks after tributes were being made and funerals were being held, I knew.

I still wanted to go to France. Maybe even more after seeing the bonds being formed by nations across the world for the hundreds killed and wounded in this peaceful country. The murderers had managed to tear a hole in the fabric of the country, but the world came together to help it mend and offer support. We were united. 

Today, I continue preparations to visit my beloved country. It will be my first time out of America without family (and with complete strangers). It will also be the first country I visit where the primary language is not English. Sometimes the enormity of the language barrier and differences in customs tries to overwhelm me, but I could not be more excited for this new adventure. It's a piece of my life that will change me forever for the better. Most of all, I can't wait to share this part of my life with my fantastique readers. Listen people, don't be afraid to dream a little bigger! Life is only so long, you know? 

You can follow my adventure here or on Insta as I make a dream a reality. <3

 C'est la vie. Make it fabulous.

 xoxo, Sara

(PARIS top: Rue 21) 

New Face, Same Space

Bonjour!

After months of consideration and deliberation, I have decided that it is time for a fresh new face for the blog! What can you expect to see from Cover (It) Girl? It's the same blog, same purpose, and same personality as The Ladyhood, but with a new snazzy outlook. Specifically, I want to focus more on fashion and modesty as well as the importance of natural beauty, because girls, we don't need products to be beautiful!

This is not to say that the blog is solo style, because I never know what is coming next (I mean, constant bombardment of random thoughts, ideas, inspirations, etc. etc.) so stay tuned! Things are about to get exciting. :)

xoxo,
Sara

Big City, Little Lady + Giveaway!!!

Bonjour!

I am so excited to announce that the Ladyhood will be traveling to a major city tomorrow! Can you guess which one? Details coming soon!

I am also jumping up and down for a giveaway we are having here within the week!! Our first one, YIPPEE! This is to share the celebration of my 21st birthday, and I can't wait to get started on it. Be sure to check back regularly for your chance to win! Prize announced and entry submission begins Thursday, winner announced April 2.

My Street-Style (O.o)

 Bonjour! I thought today would be a good time to go beyond the usual WIW posts. I wanted to get an official picture of myself in front of my new college, though I realized afterward that I did it in what I refer to as my "grunge" outfit. That's right folks, this is what I look like on a regular day when I'm not student teaching or dressing up. Sigh.

 On Fridays (these were taken yesterday), I have a Kinesiology class which teaches us how to teach P.E. Thus, I have to wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothes that can be stretched and run ragged while we do our activities. I don't particularly like wearing leggings, because a lot of people use them like pants, but I'm also not going to compromise my femininity by wearing something besides a skirt in this class. See? Modesty can always prevail in the end!

I have never had so much fun in a college class before. I mean, sure, we're graded on how well we can teach games and activities, but even so, what class lets you run around a gym, play tag with a group of other girls  in Education, and get in a good workout just by attending??  I wish I could take this every semester!!

From one lady to another, modesty does not always have to be compromised and tag in college is underrated. :)

xoxo, Sara

A Peek at Destiny

Bonjour!!!!!!!!!

 I am excited to announce that *finally* I can say I am officially in the College of Education!

I started out at the U of I in General Studies, because I didn't know what I wanted to do.
Last spring, I was admitted to the School of Art and Design with the plan of becoming an art teacher. Only a few months later, I decided that teaching more subjects was where my passion lies (though I still very much love art), and thus had to transfer back to General Studies until this spring.
 Last month, I applied to the College of Education, hoping beyond hope that I didn't just throw away a career in art only to be turned down in Education, but today I got the message that I was accepted *!!!!!!!*
And now I am on my way to becoming an elementary teacher!! I have thus coined the phrase "TNT" to describe my current position (Teacher N Training). I can't WAIT to be able to take classes in a college that will be all mine for the rest of my college career.

I have already been teaching in an elementary school (it was required for applying to the college). Above is one example of what goes on when a *major* Jeopardy fan/art enthusiast/TNT is put in charge. Sometimes I have an idea that I think would be a lot of fun (for the students AND myself :D), and I have to really put my thinking cap on to try to relate it to a lesson. School should be about learning and having a good time doing it, shouldn't it?

I am currently working on creating a page specifically for lessons we do in Social Studies, and maybe sharing a bit of my teaching journey here on the blog. If you are a teacher, Teacher N Training, or just a student who knows what they want in a teacher, I would love to hear from you!

xoxo, Sara

January Snapshots

 Bonjour! It's been a SUPER busy month (more excuses,right?), but here are some little things that stood out in January.

 First, the plunging temperatures that gripped the area and froze the snow cold in its tracks (my attempt at a pun). For some reason, my sister and I decided to go out and capture the beautiful sunset when it was below 0 outside. And I was stupid enough to go out with only shoes and boots on my lower legs (I advise not trying this at home). But it may have well been worth it when we saw the results. :)

 Second, after weeks of dealing with someone's vulgar graffiti on the rock in our yard, I finally got around to covering it up. And I think the neighborhood likes this graffiti better.

 Third, I got on my Valentine's Day wagon and started decorating already. In January. Above is the result of a pleasant Sunday afternoon with watercolors and a little inspiration. (I didn't notice until a week later that the splattering I had done on this had somehow reached my curtains. Oh well. At least they have a little more life in them now ;) ).

 Finally, the snowstorm that hit after the last outfit post left a beautiful white covering over the landscape, but unfortunately these were the best pics I got, considering I wasn't about to put myself outside of the front door unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. My solar-powered monkey seemed to enjoy the scenery too. :)


Until next time, which is likely to be after we are hit with yet another crazy snowstorm, and I am trapped inside with nothing else to do besides homework and blogging. May the best one win, as the unfortunate reality seems to be. I really should work on my procrastinating.

xoxo, Sara

Au Revoir, 2013

Hello!

I can't believe 2013 is only two days away from being over. It will probably take months for me to be able to write "2014", as happens every year. It's been lovely, this year, with my first trip to Florida, the birth of my first nephew, admittance into the School of Art and Design, my second year of college (but my first year with my sister attending), etc. etc. 2013 has had its rough spots as well, as I had to say goodbye to a couple of close friends and relatives.

I just found this video today and thought it quite nicely summed up the year. It was very considerate of Google + to put it together. :)

Hope you have had a perfectly perfect year as well.

xoxo, Sara

A Sunday Afternoon Stroll

Did I mention I'm obsessed with polka dots? Just a little bit. There is nothing better than a good floppy hat, a breezy skirt, and a Sunday afternoon in Florida.  Except for finding a church that rivals the one back home in belief and in practice, which we were unfortunately unable to do. I searched all of the churches in the area and finally settled on one that I felt would be satisfactory enough for a Sunday service. When we got there, however, we found a church that was different from ours in several aspects, the drums, the NIV, and the wishy-washy preaching. However, during the service the pastor gave us a warm welcome, and afterwards members of the congregation flocked to us to offer their own personal welcomes and best wishes. It was one of the friendliest churches I have ever been to, but I couldn't wait to get back to my home church. You never realize how good something is until you are away from it for a little while.

From one lady to another, once you've found a good church, it's like coming home. It just feels right.

Floppy hat: Walmart, Top: Thrifted, Skirt: Deb, Belt: Icing

xoxo, Lady S.

A Trip, A Caddy, and a Craft Exchange

St. Louie it is! I decorated a shower caddy especially for the event...

which I will provide more details about upon my return home. I will say that I decorated it to match my duffel bag, so they make a nice pair. However I did use mod podge on it, so we'll see how long it lasts.

As it stands now, I am unfortunately unable to bring my computer. Goodbye, virtual reality. Until Friday at least. I shall post all the juicy tidbits about the trip (hopefully including some outfit ideas as well).

Also, for anyone who is interested in intense crafting, Coral Reef Island (a fun blog whose authors will also be in St. Louis) is hosting a Craft Gift Exchange on Elfster. THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, JULY 10!!! so if you are interested please sign up before Wednesday. The names will be drawn on Friday, July 12.

YOU CAN RSVP HERE ->   http://www.elfster.com/exchange/view/9160292/6ec470/

Featured Blog: Coral Reef Island

Christmas is quickly approaching, and still there's so much to do! Finding the right Christmas recipes to make for family get-togethers, decking the halls, mailing Christmas cards, the list goes on and on! So in between prepping the ham or tinseling the tree, check out Coral Reef Island. With frosty recipes, holiday how-tos, and more, Coral Reef Island has it all! (including cute little penguins all over the place!)

Check Out... All You Can Chew

Bonjour! 

Today I thought I would share this blog, All You Can Chew, that I just joined. It's pretty new, but it has some cute and random stories as well as die-for recipes. So be sure to visit when you can and tell her what you think!

"Slow Cooker Corn Beef"  with added vegetables and herbs

Goodbye, Summer...

Hi again! Sorry, I 've been a little behind on my posts and I'm afraid it's only going to get worse... but I'll try to post whenever I can. Everything's going as well as can be expected at school. Hope you are all having a good week too. :)  It's a little depressing thinking about the dog days of summer being almost over, but I'm pretty sure life would be even more intensely boring without the changing of the seasons... fall's coming, and bringing its beautiful colorful settings!

Until next time, keep those wheels spinning!

Are you an Obsessed Blogger?

Do you love to blog, or love to see what others blog? Do you find yourself staying up til the wee hours clicking and typing away? Or maybe you just do it to pass the time. Either way, if you want to find out if you're that obsessed blogger that you think you may be, answer these simple questions. It may save your life. Or at least social life.

1. You get on every five minutes to see if your favorite blogger has posted anything new.
                A. Definitely. That blog is just so creative!
                B. Occasionally when I'm bored
                C. Five minutes? Try five months!

2. You're one of those bloggers that has to post right now, even if you have to maneuver around the cat that's on your lap just to get to the keyboard.
               A. It's now or never!
               B. That only happens on weekends
               C. I don't even have a cat!

3. Whenever someone asks you a question while you're on the ol' blog, they get a mumbled "mmhm" and if they're lucky, a glazed look up from the computer.
              A. Don't bother me when I'm in the zone!
              B. I'm fully coherent when I'm blogging
              C. No one catches me when I'm blogging- I'm on and off in the blink of an eye

4. The only time you stop blogging is when you fall asleep at the computer.
              A. Nope. I sleep-blog!
              B.  I don't blog that early/late
              C.  I fall asleep when I blog!

5.  Everybody knows what you're doing when you're doing it from your blog.
              A. I like to keep people informed
              B. I only post what I'm doing when it's interesting!
              C. Not me

6.  You even have a blog for your dog.
              A. No, for my cat. Her life is more interesting than any mutt's!
              B. Not quite there yet
              C. I don't even have a dog!

7. You manage ten different blogs and have joined more than you can remember.
             A. What's wrong with a blog for each of my interests?
             B. I manage what I can handle and no more
             C. You can have more than one blog?

8. You believe that if a blog doesn't have over one hundred members, it's not worth joining.
             A. I find this to be completely true.
             B. I'm happy being the first member
             C. If it's my kind of blog, I don't care how many members it has.

9. You are popular for having the most up-to-date blog. How many other bloggers post 8 times a day?
            A. Up-to-date is great!
            B. I only post once or twice a day
            C. I try to get in a post a week. Or twice a month.

10. You are an awesome blogger!
           A. That's what everyone tells me
           B. Aw, thanks!
           C. I don't really consider myself a blogger
              ..................................................................................................................................

Mostly A's:
If you answered mostly A's, you may want to reconsider how much time you spend blogging. Do you exhaust yourself staring at a screen all day?Too much screen time is bad for anyone, and is sure to keep you from doing the things that really need to be done. Is the sink loaded with dirty dishes?  Are the trash cans overflowing? If so, put down the laptop and walk away quickly. Life is calling!

Mostly B's:
If you answered mostly B's, good for you! You carefully balance the virtual world with reality. You know how to take breaks, but also when to get off. You also realize that too much computer time can be bad for you, but, when used wisely, can be good for you too!

Mostly C's:
If you answered mostly C's, I'm surprised you're still reading this! You obviously are busy with life and fit in a blog or two when you feel like there's nothing else to do. But a little blogging isn't bad. After visiting a few blogs, you may find yourself wanting to do that project that's been sitting there all those years, or wanting to redecorate that old piece of furniture in the living room. Blogging can bring out the creativity in all of us! Just be careful not to be over-bloggy, or you may end up like the person who answered mostly A's!
You may also want to consider getting a furry companion, even if you don't blog about them. They can be a person's best friend when humans won't (can be. that's not a 100% guarantee. Just ask my mother, whose cat despises her ;D).