Sweeter than Serenity: May 2014

Friday, May 30, 2014

Fast Facts Friday: You Did Not Eat That

I've recently came across an account on Instagram called "You did not eat that" (check it out here). The basic idea of this account is that it calls out people who use junk food (like ice cream, donuts, macarons, etc.) as props to get more likes on their photos, particularly in the blogging world. If you've spent any time on Instagram going through some bloggers photos, then you know what I mean. Honestly, I applaud the person behind this account (who remains anonymous). I think it's about time someone calls people out, because it's causing a problem for the rest of the women in our society. So, why is it so wrong?

1) Basically, it's wrong because it's false. The struggle to lose weight or feel satisfied with body image is a real struggle for almost every single woman on this earth. Think it's not true? Think again. The problem with our society is that it does not matter how far we get in our weight loss/health journey, we always want to be better, therefore we are never satisfied. Our culture feeds us the lie that we must be smaller to be pretty, which is honestly just a giant load of crap to put it plainly. So when a tiny girl in a bikini gets in a picture that has a giant hamburger that looks like it's about to be devoured, obviously there's something wrong with the picture. It's telling us that she ate the hamburger, but by looking at her, you know she really did not eat that giant 1,000 calorie hamburger. It makes it look like you can eat a hamburger and look like her, when in reality, that's nearly impossible to do. So when someone trying to lose weight comes along and sees that picture and actually believes that the girl ate the hamburger, she'll get down on herself because she'll either eat it too thinking it won't affect her, or she'll wonder what's wrong with her that she can't eat that way and look like that girl in the picture. See the problem?


When you look at the picture above, you really see the problem, and you can especially see just how ridiculous it looks. We all know it's fake. Stop trying to fool people.


Again, a bit irrational to believe this. However, I'm sure she got tons of likes on her photo, because after all, it is cute, it just probably isn't quite accurate. (photo creds to "you did not eat that" on Instagram). I mean, notice how there are no actual bites taken out of either donut. 


Oh look, another dessert with no actual bite taken out of it. Seems to be pretty common (photo cred to "You did not eat that" on Instagram). 

If you want to read an interview with the owner of the "You did not eat that" account (which I highly recommend), you can read it here. 

2) So, why did I feel the need to make a post about this? I like to look at weight loss in a Biblical way. The Bible talks about how your body is a temple of God. If I'm stuffing my body with things that are bad for me, then I'm not honoring God with my body. If I'm not working out and trying to stay in shape so that I can do any labor intensive activity that God wants me to do, then I'm not honoring God with my body. However, if I am working out, eating healthy, and taking care of my body, then I am honoring God with my body, and nothing else matters. We are created in His image, and we are made in the exact way that God intended for us to be. If I'm following God's commands and honoring Him with my body and yet I still hate my body, then ultimately I am hating God, because He made me. Everything that God made He said was good, and that includes man and woman, meaning you and I. You are good and so am I, so why don't we all stop bashing each other with false pictures of bad food that misleads people and makes them feel bad about themselves? I would rather see a skinnier girl than me eating a salad than a cookie in a photo, because then it makes sense to me why she's small! Plus, if you are being healthy, then that's something to share with others! Bottomline, don't be fake! If you're a health nut and drink green smoothies for breakfast (totally guilty over here, I made an Instagram post on Tuesday about my breakfast smoothie), don't pretend to eat a donut. Simple.

3) On another note, if you post a photo and you actually did eat that cookie, maybe you should add a disclaimer if you're one to not eat hardly anything else in the day because of that one cookie. That's the other side of this problem. Some girls that are smaller simply eat only junk food, and just small amounts of it, and nothing else. First of all, that is not healthy. You size does not measure your health, and the sooner you figure that out, the better off you will be (literally, because healthy people will live longer). So, again, the basic idea here is that you do not want to be misleading. Most people view a cookie as dessert, but if that one cookie was actually your entire lunch, then maybe you should re-think making that post to Instagram that will make people believe things that aren't true. 

Now I don't want to seem like I am hating the people that make these posts, because more than likely they are NOT aware of the issues that may be rising from these photos. I simply want, along with the owner of the Instagram account "You did not eat that," to raise awareness of what the outcome of these photos might be.  I believe that people are ultimately good at heart, and so if they really understand what these photos cause, I believe they wouldn't happen anymore, or at least I like to think that would be the case.

What do you think about these photos? How do you feel about the messages they send? I hope everyone has a great weekend, and don't forget to follow me on GFC and Bloglovin! (plus, did you see that cool new facebook tab on the right!? You should definitely like my page!)

God Bless!
Hannah

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Laidback Grunge





Top: Forever 21 (old) (similar different color) // Jeans: Hudson // Shoes: Converse All-Stars
// Sunnies: Forever 21 // Necklace: old // Bracelet: Target (old)

These jeans have to be one of my favorite finds ever. Scoring Hudson jeans for under $50 is incredible, but scoring them for just $33.40 just doesn't get any better. I've been wanting some for a long time, and finally finding some at a price I could definitely afford has been great! 

I love 3 day weekends, because they also mean a 4 day work week! I can't believe it's already Thursday, this week has flown by! I hope everyone has a great rest of the week!

God Bless!
Hannah

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

A Little Birdie Told Me...









Top: OASAP // Skirt: OASAP // Wedges: Chinese Laundry 
// Bag: Tory Burch // Bracelet: Belle Boutique // Sunnies: Forever 21

I've been really loving clothing that has great, yet slightly unique patterns on it lately. From the anchor pants to the pineapple button-down to now a little birdie top, you could say that I am feeling satisfied with my patterns selection. This particular top is one of my favorites because it is just so fun!

I hope everyone is having a great week! Happy Hump Day!

God Bless!
Hannah

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Pineapple Express








Top: Target // Shorts: J.Crew Factory // Wedges: Chinese Laundry (similar) (similar) 
// Clutch: Tory Burch // Bracelet: Belle Boutique // Sunnies: Forever 21 

The minute I saw this shirt I completely fell in love with it. I think I may have literally picked up my walking pace to get to it faster when I spotted it in store. The price almost didn't matter to me when I picked it up (I was prepared for a splurge!), but when I saw it was only $23, I did a little dance inside! C's reaction when he first saw me in it was pretty priceless: "um, are those pineapples on your shirt?" in the most serious voice, haha. When I smiled real big and said yes, he then complimented me of course! 

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend! Unfortunately, it rained here in Fayetteville yesterday, so I couldn't get outside much. Instead, I spent a large portion of my day preparing a fruit/veggie smoothie/juice cleanse! I'm excited to bring some of the recipes to you soon!

God Bless!
Hannah 




Perfectly Coutured

Monday, May 26, 2014

A Nautical Memorial Day










Top: Riffraff // Pants: J.Crew Factory (50% off today!) // Clutch: Groopdealz // 
Shoes: Charlotte Russe // Bracelet: Alex and Ani

A few weeks ago, I spotted these pants on the J.Crew Factory website, and I completely fell in love with them. They are pretty crazy, but I was ready to shake things up a bit in my wardrobe and try something new! At 50% off, I decided to take the leap, and I love them! Lucky for you, they are back at 50% off again today for the Memorial Day sale! What do you think of them? Have a great week!

I would love it if you would follow me! Links to GFC, Bloglovin, Facebook, and Instagram are on the right! 

God Bless!
Hannah

Friday, May 23, 2014

A Date Night Look









Dress: eShakti c/o // Bag: Tory Burch // Bracelets: Alex and Ani Very Jane //
 Sandals: Target (old) // Earrings: Target (old) 

eShakti is a great online shop that I have recently come to love. eShakti offers clothing in sizes 0-36W, and the best part is that they will customize your clothing to your particular taste! Whether you want your dress cut above the knee or below the knee, tight fitted or loose fitted, eShakti has just what you need in order to take a look you love and fit it to your body comfortably. The particular dress that I am wearing turned out to be incredibly comfortable, and the cut is a perfect modest length for me! I particularly love the embroidered detail at the top of the dress. If you haven't checked out eShakti before, I highly recommend it!

Last night C came up to visit me in Fayetteville before heading to Columbia, MO to help with a church plant there. I sure am going to miss him this summer, but I am incredibly proud of him for what he is planning to do with his summer. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend! How is everyone doing with that squat challenge?

God Bless!
Hannah

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Wish List Lately

Wish List Lately


I generally like to keep a wish list going at all times in order to keep myself on track when I have extra money for shopping. If I don't keep a wish list, I usually end up coming home with items that I really don't need or that are too similar to other items that I already own, so having an up to date wish list keeps me on track and keeps my spending in check. 

My current top 10 picks include:

1) Kate Spade Black Handbag: functional for everyday use and excellent quality
2) Brooks Brothers Seersucker Scalloped Shorts: seersucker and scalloped are on my wish list, and these shorts fit the bill with the perfect color!
3) Fashionably Late top: this pretty much sums me up
4) Jamberry Nails: nail polish literally hates me, so I really want to try these out!
5) Ray-Ban Sunnies: my glasses are Ray-Ban and I love them, so I really want to try their sunnies!
6) Michael Kors watch: I mean, come on, every girl needs one of these!
7) Tory Burch Wedges: I fell in love the moment I saw these!
8) Bearpaw Wedges: These wedges look so comfortable, and the color is great!
9) Floral Kimono: I get cold a lot, so this summery kimono would keep me warm with the cool AC this summer!
10) Kate Spade Lemon Bag: I am loving the looks with lemons and oranges on them, and this bag is just perfect!

Which item is your favorite?

God Bless! 
Hannah