Reading

(go to the bottom to see some great books to buy!)

I love reading and I'm not ashamed either. I think that if you don't read you should seriously consider starting because it's amazing. If you don't read, ask yourself why you don't. and be honest too. Is it because you just overly busy or stressed? Is it because you never actually considered reading for fun? Or is it because you don't think reading is "cool"? It's most likely the last one. I honestly don't understand why people making reading as an "uncool" activity. But I have done some thinking. People don't appreciate things they already have. I mean people in 3rd world countries who don't have the chance to get an education wish they could read. Let's go back in history also when America had slaves. I think everyone heard a story about a slave wanting to learn how to read and sometimes people would teach them secretly. They didn't know how to read, but desperately wanted to. This is an amazing gift we humans have that our brain can remember these words and understand what they mean when we see them. That our brain allows us to string these words together to make beautiful poems, stories and books that could literally change a person's life. I mean if you don't think that's amazing, I don't know what will. I just think its sad because people used to read all the time and now for some people the most they read are text messages and twitter posts. Now, I used to be guilty of this. When I used to seriously care what people think about me, i would hide that i liked to read. It was also because I was scared people would think i was uncool for reading. It even got to the point where I stopped reading all together. This was in 7-8th grade, but now I'm much more confident with reading. Mostly because I don't think its uncool, but even if it is I don't care! I think reading is a great way to expand your mind and ways you think on life. Some books can give you a whole new perspective on a variety of things. I know a few that have done the trick for me. I think I could go on forever about the outstanding world of reading. It really is a whole other world that can take you on awesome adventures. When I come home from a tough day, the thing that takes my mind off of reality is reading. Books have done amazing therapy for me, that I could never repay. Lazy Saturday? I know my best lazy Saturdays are when I can just get a good book, comfortable spot, a delicious snack and maybe even some music and i just read. Book will make you laugh, smile, on edge and even cry. A lot of books make me cry, but most of those books are my favorite because they really make me feel something. What I'm trying to say is that reading is amazing and has changed my life for the better and everyone should do it. 

Speaking of reading

My mother is an author and she has two women contemporary novels out right now! If you, your mom, aunt, grandma, neighbor, friend or anyone else likes to read or anything please buy her book, it would mean the world to me! If you want to have it signed personally, without extra charge, then email me at spiritmindbody123@gmail.com or if you wanna buy it online for kindle or paperback, go here:

Strangers: http://goo.gl/oeiGGZ

The Return: http://goo.gl/Pg0TA0

ALSO go and follow her on her social media:

www.alparksauthor.com 
www.facebook.com/ALParksAuthor 
www.Twitter.com/almparks2012

Please go buy some and pass some on to your friends and family! The books a real killer. :)

Hope you have a lovely rest of the day, and happy reading!

xoxo,

court

Quick Afternoon Snacks!

Hey! So after a long morning at church I'm usually super hungry once I get home. Especially after standing in a room with very tempting glazed donuts to my right (it's okay to have a fatty sweet every once in a while, but I gave up desserts and candy for lent.) So i wanted something that would hold my hunger, but also healthy. 

Simple Strawberry-Banana Smoothie

I usually try to have smoothie everyday, especially in the morning. But I was running late this morning so i didn't have time to make one. I think everyone should try to have smoothie everyday because they taste good, they're healthy, they make you feel good and they subdue your hunger. 

In this smoothie there are no exact measurement, its more of make/ put in however much you please recipe.

- 1 or more sliced banana (can freeze)

-handful or more frozen strawberries (can be unfrozen)

-few ice cubes (optional b/c they strawberries and bananas can already be frozen and provide the ice the smoothie needs)

-enough milk to cover the ingredients already in the blender 

Blend to your desire! you can also add a little bit of sugar or yogurt to sweeten it up.

Bell Pepper Chips and Dip

You need to remember that there is always a healthy alternative to every food! I love bell peppers because you can use them in many delicious ways. Here i wanted some chips and dip, and bell peppers are a great alternative for chips because they are crunchy and bursting with amazing flavor. 

Here I have sliced yellow, red and green bell peppers. (make sure to wash them)

and as the dipping sauce I have Marzetti Classic Ranch.

You can use any dipping sauce you want, i was just in the mood for ranch. Just dip the bell peppers in the sauce and viola! you got yourself bell pepper chips and dip!

I love this combination because its so simple but so good! You got your sweet, strawberry-banana smoothie, and your salty, bell pepper chips and dip. PLUS its healthy! I love this snack and wanted to share it with you all. (: have an amazing rest of the day, and remember to be kind and love your body!

xoxo, 

court

P.S follow me on my tumblr! 

spirit--mind-body.tumblr.com

First Post!

hey its Courtney here and this is my first post if you cant already tell by the title. I cant wait to start a brand new blog, i had one last year but i didn't keep up with it obviously. Also, it was anonymous and this one isn't. I'm just gonna have it all out in open cause why not! On my blog, I'm basically going to just give advice on how to maintain a healthy spirit, mind, and body (Hence the blog name). I'm also planning on posting some pictures i take and little updates on some adventures i go on. I have lots of ideas for blog posts and just cant wait to share them with you ahhh! I know this first post is pretttty boring but it'll get better i promise. My blog is also boring looking right now, but i'll spice it up soon. okay, well im going to read till i fall asleep, I hope everyone here has a lovely night sleep.

happy first blog post!

xoxo,

court

p.s. im posting this at 11:11, make a wish!