A Glimpse of Glam

Hey everyone!

I’ve mentioned this many times before, but I love food. Food is literally life. What makes this relationship between me and food imperfect is my food intolerances. Dairy and gluten. This can be a hassle at times when eating on the go. While it is easy to find things that are gluten and dairy free, they may not be the best choice in terms of price or food option. Sure you can bring an apple or banana with you, but fruit can get bruised easily. Plus, you need protein to really keep full. Protein bars are a good option for most, but aren’t always made with good ingredients. Do you really want to eat something that is chock full of chemicals and artificial ingredients you don’t even know of?

I have been trying to fit in more workouts into my daily life, as the summer is quickly approaching us. I definitely slacked off a bit on my workouts during this past winter because of school, work, and an overall busy schedule. While I haven’t neglected my diet, I do want to get back into better shape.

One thing I like to do to maintain a healthy diet easily is to meal prep. It’s the easiest, most convenient thing that saves you so much time. People say it over and over again, and you probably have read or heard about this tip many times before. But, if you aren’t doing it already, clearly you haven’t heard it enough times yet.

One of my favorite breakfasts to make when I got a more relaxed schedule. Poached eggs with mashed avocado on toast. So filling and delicious! It's super easy to make too. I am still learning how to cook (as I really know more about baking), and this isn't too difficult to put together. Yet still tastes AMAZING

I personally like to wake up with enough time in the mornings to eat breakfast before heading off to wherever I have to go, whether that be school or work. One, it saves money to eat at home instead of heading out with a growling stomach. Two, you can guarantee you are eating something that will be good for you, rather than some random breakfast sandwich you bought at a fast-food place. Three, it feels so damn good to start your morning this way because then you feel more accomplished. It’s definitely a great way to make you feel like you started your morning on the right foot. (Or the left if you are left dominant. Dumb joke? My apologies)

I love these single serving size packets of Justin's nut butters because they make it way easier to add into oatmeal or as a dip with apples or something. The chocolate one is my favorite!

Every Sunday, I find the time to cook a huge batch of oatmeal that would last me throughout the entire week. I generally like to have oatmeal for breakfasts on weekdays because it is really comforting and filling. It’s so easy to jazz up with fruit, nuts, nut butters, seeds, whatever you so please. I like to top mine with sliced bananas, mixed berries, walnuts, and a splash of almond milk. When I’m feeling fancy I use chocolate almond milk because it adds a touch of sweetness and flavor without being overly so.

I generally cook my oatmeal with water, then add in a dash of almond milk when I heat it up again to make creamier. I find that overnight oats is not my thing because I like my oats when cooked. The texture is way better. Plus, it really absorbs the liquids way better, which means they can actually fill you up without you having to eat a huge portion. Adding in chia seeds is another way to really make oatmeal filling, and fiber and omega-3 fatty acid rich, which all helps you overall. As I’ve mentioned in the past, soaking chia seeds beforehand to allow it to absorb the liquids help to make them ten times more filling with a better texture than just eating them sprinkled on top.

As mentioned previously, I have been trying to workout more often in order to get back in shape. I used to workout every other day, with the days between spent doing stretches and core strengthening. Due to my busy schedule these last several months (as you all probably are aware of because of my decreased frequency of posts), I have only managed to squeeze in one workout a week or at most two. I like to workout in the afternoons because it helps wake me up a bit more to continue on at night doing homework or studying or working on projects or all of the above. Some people like to workout in the mornings, but for me I need that energy boost more in the afternoon. Or else I probably will collapse on the couch and nap instead.

Working out can definitely leave you incredibly energetic, glowing, and high… and also HUNGRY AF. After chugging water like I just crawled through the Sahara Desert, I like to think about what foods I want to eat. It’s not just important to have a good post-workout meal, but to also keep in mind to fuel your body with good foods as a pre-workout meal too. All of that taken into consideration along with wanting to fill your body up with nutritious, organic, whole foods can be a lot to remember.

Veggies is always a great option for snacks. Plus the complementary colors are so gorgeous.

Trail mix is something I always like to have on hand to snack on when I need to. But I try to have something with it as well because they are good for a quick pick-me-up but don't necessarily last long.

Prior to workouts, I like to eat a light snack to make sure I actually have energy. I like to have a cup of coffee and some kind of fruit to get me going. The coffee gives me a kick of caffeine, which I definitely need because I also workout in the afternoons as that’s the only time I got free. Fruit has the carbs needed to give me a boost of energy as well. I like to add in some protein too because just straight up carbs would not keep me full for long!

Lately been OBSESSED with poke bowls! They are like a deconstructed sushi Hawaiian style. Sooo good and soooo filling. I love raw fish, aside from the whole potential parasite fear.

After I workout, it’s usually around dinner time by then. My pre and post workout meals are not that exciting. They just help to get the job done. Dinner can vary from night to night, but they always are centered around a type of protein, veggies, and a side of rice or other carbs. I try to keep my carb intake lighter at night, and to up my intake of veggies and proteins. Carbs are generally best eaten earlier in the day, hence why I focus more on proteins and veggies. Protein helps to build muscle, which I’m sure you guys already know. Muscle equals protein.

When people say things like “Oh I’m so full”, and all they have eaten was like a handful of trail mix, I want to punch them. It’s such an obvious lie! I mean, sure trail mix can be filling, but not THAT filling! You gotta pair it with something! I’m more of someone who needs food that adds volume to bulks things up. Something like a huge pile of carrots and hummus is better than a small little packet of trail mix. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some trail mix. That’s one of my go-tos that I always got in my purse or backpack for emergencies. But, I need foods that actually take up space in my stomach to fill me up. Foods of real substance. Which is why, unlike most people’s post-workout meals, I don’t reach for a protein shake. I don’t like to drink my calories because they never really do much for me. I like to chew and eat real food. Like a baby who is teething, I gotta have something to gnaw on. Okay maybe not that extreme.

One thing that has caught my attention as of late are GoMacro protein bars. They are gluten free, organic, and vegan. It’s hard to find foods like that these days. Foods that are fair trade, organic, and good for you. For people who have dietary issues like me, gluten and dairy if you got short-term memory loss and forgot what it was in the span of reading this post, these bars would be a great choice for you. Not a lot of companies actually have gluten-free, vegan, and organic protein bars. They usually have some sort of dairy or gluten product in them that makes them not a great match for those who avoid ingredients as such. Protein bars, such as the GoMacro ones, are such a convenient option to throw in your bag before you head out the door. They work as an easy snack to have before your hangry self strikes. Plus, they won’t throw you off track in attaining your beach bod.

I generally like to eat three real meals a day, with a couple snacks when needed. As my mornings start pretty early and my days end quite late, eating every 3-4 hours helps me function and keeps me going. I’m one of those people who likes to eat at specific routine times every day. Having that kind of routine down helps me to remember to eat, and not go past the point of hunger where you just become hangry and want to eat everything in site without considering what you are actually eating.

I've recently been getting into drinking kombucha. I'm still trying out different brands, but I really like the light, fizzy flavor of these fermented teas.

Comment down below if you like drinking kombucha! It's so tasty, and a great way to get in some probiotics.

This summer one of my goals is to try to go on a sugar detox for a month. I read about that before, how the effects left people feeling way more energized and more aware of the ingredients in their foods. Obviously I won’t be cutting out natural sugars like apples and oranges, but added sugars even honey would be cut. I am really curious how that would help me. Not just to get in shape, but to feel better in general. I have a MAJOR sweet tooth, so let’s see how this will go. Have you ever tried going on a sugar detox? 

I cannot wait for summer! The weather has warmed up considerably, and I’ve already gotten to wear shorts and sandals several times these past couple weeks. I love when the sun is shining, and the skies above are blue. Granted, I will still be taking summer quarter classes, there is still a completely different feel in the air when it is summer.

Thanks for reading! I hope you all enjoyed my recount of how I eat. It almost ended up being more like a What I Eat in A Day post, except less specific. Lemme know in the comments below some of your tricks to getting in shape for the summer, and to eat healthier! What is your go-to healthy food hack?

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!


Til next time,
~A

Hey everyone!

We all know that Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Literally this coming weekend. I don’t know about you, but I tend to procrastinate when it comes to buying gifts. Occasionally, I would have preplanned out what I want to buy for gifts, whether they be for birthdays or holidays or situations as this upcoming weekend. But let’s be honest. It’s not possible to always plan out everything in advance. Don’t fret my friends. I’ve got some last minute Mother’s Day gift ideas that won’t hurt your wallet too much, and will still do the deed of showing your mother how much you love and appreciate her presence in your life. (Stick around til the end because I've also got something special for you guys that I think you will like)

Something I always like to do when I can’t think of a gift idea is to bake some goodies. Making some sweet treats (or savory if she prefers salt over sweet) shows that you are willing to put in the effort. It takes time and patience to make something edible that also tastes good. One could easily go out to the store and buy a box of cupcakes or assorted cookies (which isn’t a bad idea if you truly lack cooking skills), but the fact that you went out of your way to make something yourself is what makes it a gift. Homemade goodies definitely helps to elevate a basic dish into a gift. 

Homemade four ingredient gluten free peanut butter cookies Recipe HERE

I personally would make cookies because I love baking sweets. It’s a good gift for my mother, plus there will be so many I can have some for myself too. Win win, am I right? Last year my sister and I cooked up an entire brunch for our mother. We made French toast with a berry sauce, a side of bacon and scrambled eggs, and coffee. Everything was homemade and from scratch. Who can resist food? People say food is the way to win over a man’s heart, but frankly I find that food is the way to win over ANYONE’S heart. Food is life. Literally.

Or perhaps going out is more up your alley? Spend the day with your mother doing something fun. Maybe watch a movie you’ve been wanting to watch for awhile. Going to the movie theater and buying the largest size popcorn and watching a movie is always really fun. If there’s nothing interesting currently playing, you could rent a movie or just stick to Netflix. And hey! That food I mentioned earlier that you should make? Yeah, that can come in real handy here as a movie snack. There you go. You’re welcome.

The ferris wheel down by the waterfront in Seattle is always a great choice for a fun activity.

In all honesty, just simply spending the day with the woman who raised you and shaped you into who you are is what’s best. I suggest doing anything that is a favorite activity for the both of you. Don’t feel the pressure to abide to the Hallmark standards of what Mother’s Day has to be. If you guys don’t like getting dressed up and going out of the house to do something, then don’t. Stay at home in your pajamas all day and chill on the couch if that’s what you guys prefer. Or maybe you guys like to sit in cafes and people-watch. And judging all the people walking by. Oh is that last part just me? Oops. My bad. Point is, don’t feel the need to do something to make that day special. It will be special in itself just because you took the time to show her that you appreciate all that she does. All those other cliche cheesy acts can just be shoved out the door.

Wait, now that I think about it… There IS something out there that isn’t too cliche, that I feel your mothers will definitely like. I mean, definitely go and spend the day with your mom. But, there is definitely a gift out there that I guarantee she would appreciate.

We all love to smile big toothy grins for selfies, am I right? But, don’t you ever scroll through your option after the photoshoot and find that all looks good aside from one minor detail? Your smile. More specifically, your teeth. Your hair could be shiny and on point, and your outfit might be the snazziest you’ve ever worn. But your smile is what’s the focal point. If your teeth have taken on a slight yellow-ish hue, that will definitely ruin the effect you are going for. Do you want to look like you have a mouthful of corn?

Yeah… no.

Several months ago, I got the chance to test out Smile Brilliant products. Or rather, I had one of my friends try it out. Smile Brilliant is a brand that offers at home teeth whitening kits with custom-fitted teeth whitening trays. They are made to be personalized for each customer. As in you get to make custom impressions of your teeth for custom fit molds. This at home teeth-whitening kit works well even for those with sensitive teeth, like my friend. If you haven’t read my review before, definitely check that out! 

Before Treatments

After Treatments

Lucky for you guys, I’ve got a $25 off coupon code for you to use to purchase some Smile Brilliant products. Whether they be for your mom, or just for yourself. Who knows. Either way, it is the perfect gift for anyone who is having some trouble maintaining a gleaming white grin.

I get that the kit might not come in time for this coming weekend, but if you end up buying it for your mother there are other ways of presenting it to her. Perhaps getting a box and slipping in a note that says “Your gift is currently being processed and will arrive soon”. She will hate that you are building up the anticipation, but she definitely will appreciate that you bought something that would actually benefit her. Even if it isn’t actually ready for the using on Mother’s Day.

I mean, how useful is a vase of flowers? Or another mug to add to your already growing collection of mugs? Pair this kit with a detoxifying/hydrating/brightening face mask and you’ve got yourself a quick and easy at-home spa day. Done and done.

Here is the $25 off coupon code for the Smile Brilliant at home teeth whitening kit that I’m sure your mothers will love:

aglimpseofglam25

Y’all can thank me later.

A rare selfie with my mother

What do you have planned for Mother’s Day? How are you planning on spending this weekend? Have you ever tried out Smile Brilliant teeth whitening treatments? Lemme know in the comments below!! 

I hope you enjoyed reading! Thank you all for stopping by! I wish you have a wonderful Mother’s Day, and weekend.


Til next time,
~A

Hey everyone!

You read that title right! I recently made a YouTube video with one of my best friends. We had some (more like a lot) of time on our hands, and a perfectly working DSLR. We figured, why not do a video? As we are both fairly new to this YouTube thing, filming a video where we answered some questions as sort of an introduction was the best way to go. And, thus the TMI tag was chosen.



For the longest time ever, I’ve contemplated starting a YouTube channel. Not to join the mass of new YouTubers who recently started because of the supposed promise of fame and wealth. No. Rather it’s because it’s another platform, another medium in which I can express myself and utilize as a creative outlet. I’ve wanted to create some videos as a way to showcase another side of me, one that cannot be shown simply through visuals and writing.

Us being us

A couple weeks ago, I stayed up for over 36 hours because of a photography assignment where we documented changes in light over a 24 hour period. Luckily, I wasn’t stuck alone. I had one of my best friends with me. What started as something that seemed really tiring and annoying ended up being really fun. A new adventure.




I met my friend Jake early in January, as we were both taking a printmaking class. That’s where I also met Justin, who I’ve featured before in my post with JORD wood watches. The three of us hit it off quickly, and we soon became really close. There are times when you meet someone, and you just know right away things click. Jake is pretty much like my other half, the brother I never had, as we both are so incredibly similar it can be shocking at times.

I swear he brings out the crazy in me. When the two of us are together we CANNOT stop laughing! Our craziness and high energy is literally insane. He is incredibly funny and sassy, as am I. Those who say best friends take time is wrong because the two of us became close so fast.

Laughing like crazy exhibit A

Laughing like crazy exhibit B

You know you’ve got a friend for life when you spend the time not with them glued to your phone talking to them. The reason why my phone battery drains so easily is because we are literally ALWAYS on Snapchat. We definitely utilize those ridiculous filters to the max!

As Jake has a YouTube channel (called Thatsrightitsjj), we decided to fill the time between the photos during the 24 hour period by filming a video for his channel. We’ve been wanting to do a video together for awhile now, and we decided when would be better than then?

Cuz we from da hood. Hahaha kidding

Oh look us laughing yet again. We can't ever hold it in for normal photos

Through Jake's YouTube channel you will definitely get what I mean about his humor and sass. He creates comedic content, whether it be rants, reaction videos, or other random bits.

Thus we decided to do the TMI tag. Even though no one actually tagged him. But, that’s the fun of it. Answering a bunch of random questions as a way to awkwardly (or perhaps slightly not awkwardly) introduce yourself.

After watching, you might like me more, or you just might hate me. We literally filmed it at 5 am, after being half done with the project. It's a different side to me you've never seen before. Filming is surprisingly not awkward to me. I didn't feel weird being in front of the camera or anything. I wonder if it's perhaps I've been blogging for awhile now, so I feel comfortable in front of a camera? I have no idea.




Comment down below what you thought! Did you like watching this YouTube video? Lemme know in the comments what you thought of the TMI tag! 

Also, if I were to start a YouTube channel, would you want to watch? Lemme know in the comments below! 

I may just stick with being featured in his videos because then I don’t have to do the editing haha (I’m so lazy I know) but who knows?



Thanks for stopping by! I really hope you enjoyed reading, and that you enjoy watching the video! 

Definitely go and subscribe to his channel! I will probably be featured more in the future too. If you wanna see more of my face, GO SUBSCRIBE! As I said in the video outro, it won’t kill you to subscribe so why not? I’m clever I know.

Have a wonderful day!!


Til next time,
~A