There are many obvious things in life that make me happy like my family, my friends etc. but lately I have been trying to pay attention to the smaller things that truly bring me joy. One of those things are Taco Stands, (the one on 9th east and State Street to be exact.) I know it seems silly, but it is true. I could be having the worst day and just one chicken taco from Phillip's stand makes my day. Food really is the way to my heart and there aren't many things that are more tasty than one of these taco's.

You might be wondering why I am talking about taco stands and its simple. They make me happy. 

Life is truly such a beautiful gift.  Each day we should be grateful to be alive. Sometimes life brings us hard times. We go through things that seem so unfair. Its important to keep an eternal perspective and understand why we are here. "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they may have joy" (2 Ne. 2:25)  We came to Earth to have experiences. In order to appreciate the good and happy times in life, it is vital for us to experience sadness and heartache. 

Even on the hard days it is important for us to notice the good. There is so much for us to be grateful for and so many things that can and should make us happy. Consider the simple things in life that make you happy. Make a list of those things and pull it out on those not-so-perfect days. Focus on the small and simple things. Even things as small as going to a taco stand, if it makes you happy then write it down.  The more we focus on the positive things in life, the more positive things will happen. 

We want to know what makes you happy! Email us at bewisemag@gmail.com with a list of your happy things and we will share some of our favorites!

I have been such a slacker lately, it has been forever since I last posted. I just recently graduated from the University of Utah and that along with tons of finals completely consumed my life. Fortunately, I now have way more time on my hands so I will be able to be better about posting. 

Lately I have been obsessed with smoothies. They are so tasty, quick and easy to make, super healthy and perfect for these nice warm days. I tried out these new recipes for pre/post-workout smoothies and loved them! 

Pre-Workout

30-60 minutes before workout. 

Offers energy for maximum performance and is easily digestible.

Strawberries, Banana, Yogurt, Milk, Ice

Add all ingredients to your liking, blend, enjoy! 

Post-Workout

Within 1-2 hours.

Helps to jumpstart recovery and restores electrolyte balance.

Peanut Butter, Banana, Yogurt, Cinnamon, Milk

Add all ingredients to your liking, blend, enjoy! 

NEW BEGINNINGS // WORD OF THE WEEK

Spring is easily my favorite month. I love the anticipation and excitement that comes. I love seeing all the nature that was dead and dreary come back to life with radient beauty. I love spring because it reminds me that we can all start over. It is a time of new beginnings for all the world around us and it can be a time for new beginnings within our own lives.

The focus word for this week is 

Forgiveness. 

 1.To excuse for a fault or an offense; pardon.

2. To renounce anger or resentment against.

This week think of someone in your life who you may be upset with or holding a grudge against, for whatever reason, and forgive them. It is not worth it to hold on to that anger and resentment. The poison in you is not killing them. Learn to let go and forgive. Practice giving others the benefit of the doubt. I'm convinced that if we were aware of how often we unintentionally offended others we would be shocked. Do not be so easily offended by others. Once we understand that everyone around us is human and will make mistakes, just like you will, it is easier to forgive. Just as you would like to be forgiven, you need to forgive. 

Also, forgiveness is not only important to offer to others, but also to ourselves. Quit being so hard on yourself. Cut yourself some slack every once in awhile and understand that you too are not perfect. We are our worst critics. We are fully aware that we should be kind to others but too often we forget that we should be kind to ourselves as well. If you are doing all that you can to be the best you can be, if you are repenting for your wrong doings with a sincere heart, the Savior and our Heavenly Father will forgive you. You need to forgive yourself as well. 

“We are not perfect. The people around us are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal life it will always be that way. Nevertheless, we must let go of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn how to let go of such things. That is the Lord’s way. Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive.” -President Uchtdorf 

CHOBANI

I seriously cannot get enough of this stuff! The generous people at Chobani sent us a huge supply of some of their most delicious products. If you are a yogurt fan you will love their all natural products. They are so delicious and healthy! What could be better?

Here are a few of my very favorites! 

Chobani Bites

I love these! they are the perfect size for an on-the-go snack. My favorite flavors are the Raspberry with Dark Chocolate Chips and the Carmel with Pineapple Chunks. They are seriously soooo tasty! 

Chobani Flip Yogurts

These are my absolute fav! I eat them like there is no tomorrow! My favorite flavors are the Strawberry Sunrise, Almond Coco Loco, and the Key Lime Pie (unfortunately I loved the key lime pie so much I ate them all before I was able to get a picture of them.) 

Be sure to get yourself some of this tasty yogurt. You will not be disappointed! Check them out here to find a store near you! 

I CAVED

I don't normally spend very much money on cosmetics, but.... I caved. I got lucky and was able to purchase all these products for great package deal at the makeup event at Nordstrom. To be honest, it was such a great decision! I am so pleased with these products! I would definitely recommend them. They are incredible for contouring/highlighting. The blush is just the right color, not too pink and helps to achieve a beautiful healthy glow. Best blush Ive ever used. The lip gloss is a pretty pink color and IT ISN'T STICKY! I typically refrain from using lip gloss cause they always seem to be so sticky and I finally found one that isn't!  If you are looking for good contouring/highlighting products, an awesome blush and pretty lip gloss and are willing to splurge just a bit (in my opinion it's a bit of a splurge) I definitely recommend these products from Nars Cosmetics! 

Find Them Here:

1.  2.  3.  4. 

STYLE WISE // OUTFIT OF THE DAY

The end is finally in sight and I will be done with school forever! I cannot wait to graduate! All I can think about is being able to enjoy my summer knowing I won't have to stress about going back to school. I am really excited for all that is in store and hope to spend some time traveling. California seems like a nice place to start. Let the good times roll! 

Denim Jacket: Pacsun, Top: Cotton On, Pants: Pacsun, Boots: c/o Cents of Style, Necklace: c/o Tripp Boutique, Watch: c/o Neuvo, Bracelet: c/o Glamour Me Jewels, Aztec Ring: c/o Hello Fab, Cosmic Rays Ring: Urban Outfitters 

WORD OF THE WEEK

This weeks focus word is Balance. 

As finals are approaching and I am finding myself spending tons of time on school work. Since I am graduating this semester I am putting most of my focus into homework and studying. While this is important, I try to maintain some sort of balance in my life so I am not completely consumed by school. This week the focus word is balance to remind me, and everyone who reads this blog to stay balanced. Try your best to balance your time out with the things that are important and need to get done while still enjoying your day. Take a few moments out to do something that makes you happy. Doing this makes it easier to accomplish the things that must get done and you will have more energy and willingness to do so.