Goals for August (and Further)

I've been feeling a little defeated lately (what else is new). I apologize if it seems like that is all I say lately; it seems a bit that way to me. But this time of year has always been rough for some reason. See, I wasn't kidding when I said I was ready for Fall. The last month of this season always seems so much longer for some reason. This is an attempt to get through this last month of summer and the coming months too, I suppose. Small goals are also a way for me to feel like I am making progress or change or just something, even if it is just something small. To combat my anxiety and stay sane. I want to make a habit of setting more small goals for myself, and as such I may be sharing some of them from time to time on here. After all, above anything else, I want this to be my space. I'm putting these goals here because maybe you're like me and need a little inspiration to keep moving forward. It's also a way to keep myself accountable.

A random old (favorite) picture, where I appear to have been sleeping on that dock for weeks. 

Goals for August (and Further):

1. Eat better. To feel better; it's pretty simple. Honestly, since I last posted about Revolt, I have not held myself to the high standard I had before. I haven't been eating very clean, I mean not terrible, but I can tell a huge difference. I'm feeling sluggish and bloated (gluten is most likely the culprit). I am returning to a better regime, starting today. I'll indulge in things from time to time, like a glass of wine or two, but I need to remember to eat clean and complete meals.

2. Yoga. DAILY. Even if it's just for five minutes right when I wake up. Nothing makes me feel as calm and collected as yoga does. And nothing makes me feel stronger. Don't make excuses to not get some in, I feel so much better if I do.

3. Run. For some reason I've decided to run a 9k with my mom and sister in September. I have no idea why. I hate running. I hate how much stress it puts on my body. Cardio wise, I could run forever, but my legs (knees) won't allow it. And I'd just much rather do ANY other form of exercise. But, for some reason, I think it will be good for me.

4. Figure out school. Return to school, even if it is just taking a few classes to begin. I need to challenge myself. Getting a degree would be so fulfilling and the only real next step for what I see ahead for myself right now. But I am afraid of returning, after the experience I had before. Talk out my doubts and my anxiety. Make plans.

5. Get outside. Take walks after the sun sets. Go for an early morning hike. Explore some place near the water, it will be cooler there. Stop using the heat as an excuse. Get outside, breathe, stay true to myself.

6. Get out in general. Go to all the cool, free events in this town. Find cheap shows I'm interested in (there is no lack of them in Boise) and actually go to them. Explore places that have changed from when I use to live here. Take Will to more of my favorite spots/places. Try (at least try) to be social.

7. Take more pictures. Of the dog. Of my walk. Of my love. Just document. And use those cool cameras I have. By the way, does anyone know where I can develop film without paying a shit ton for it?!

8. Keep reading. Reading is just a great escape for me. Luckily I have such great books to read at the moment that really let me lose myself in them. Don't loose this.

9. Draw just for fun. I'm not much of an artist, despite what people have told me, but there are some things I miss about drawing and painting and creating in general. Things never turn out as beautifully as I see them in my head, but I don't want that to stop me anymore. Draw just because. Find inspiration again.

10. Sleep more, enjoy mornings. I really enjoy mornings; the quiet calmness of everything. I don't so much like waking up in the mornings, though. Just get out of bed. Yes, when the alarm goes of. I know I feel so much better when I do.


Do you set small goals for yourself? Doing so and planning little everyday things seem to help me with my anxiety. I also recommend listening to this (First Listen of Typhoon's White Lighter) all day. At least that's what I'm doing; it's helping.

Also, the lovely Boise folk of the band Hollow Wood released a single today which is very much worth listening to. You can do so below and visit their site because they're that good.



Good tunes, good vibes, good thoughts, ya know?

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Summer Go Away: August Wishlist

blazer / scarf / hat / sweater / bangles / oxfords / pants / turntable

Now you may be thinking I am jumping the gun a bit here, with my very fall like wishlist, but I have a feeling that the only way I am going to make it through this last, long month or so of summer is to day dream constantly of colder days. Summer, you've gone on long enough for my liking. I'm so ready to be wrapped up in scarves and sweaters again. For crunchy autumn leaves and cool breezes. For pumpkin and cinnamon everything. Maybe if I start planning fall outfits now it will get here faster? Doubtful, but a girl can dream. And there is plenty of fall apparel to swoon over. I've wanted a blazer for years and have yet to add one to my wardrobe. This corduroy blazer from H&M is super cute. I'd love a few new fall/winter essentials in my wardrobe, like this cute slouchy beanie and this pretty scarf that has all the right colors. Oxfords and gold hues are fall favorites of mine, and new pants are a need. All my pants are getting pretty old and sad. That turntable is so cute, and not anything I see myself buying anytime soon, so I'll just continue to lust after it.

Are you still crazy about summer or are you dying for fall yet?

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Quinoa Garbanzo Burgers

I love a good burger. You know, just minus the meat. But really, it is a well known mission of mine to find and devour good veggie burgers. They are hard to find out in the real world; there are only a few places here in Boise that manage to make them well. Mostly I have resorted to making them at home but (given my limited culinary experience) they are hard to get just right. Recipes I have tried tend to be a little, um, mushy. As in nothing even closely resembling a patty. And they also can be a bit bland. Now, I have found a pretty damn good black bean burger recipe, but I had yet to successfully create a good quinoa patty.

Those days are over, friends. Because I decided to make a burger of my own. If recipes just aren't working out for you, I'd recommend taking this approach. Just wing it! It's so much fun to get creative in the kitchen. It is even more fun when that creativity is successful and delicious. I mean, the worst thing that could happen is that it doesn't turn out (again). Or you could always give my recipe a try! These burgers were so good, filling but light too and full of flavor. The patties formed perfectly and there was none of that 'refrigerate the mixture for such and such a time' nonsense either. I literally mixed these up and then grilled them. The best.

Quinoa Garbanzo Burgers, makes 4 large patties:

1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
1 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup garbanzo beans
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup spinach, chopped
1/4 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup GF oats, blended (you could also use breadcrumbs)
Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste

Toppings-
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
4 large mushrooms, thinly sliced
1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Romaine lettuce
Mayo and Dijon mustard
Thin slices of mozzarella cheese

Directions: Cook the quinoa in the vegetable broth and set aside. In a large bowl, use the back of a fork to mash the garbanzo beans into a paste. Mix in the chopped spinach, onion, and garlic. Thoroughly combine this mixture with the cooked quinoa (which should be a little cooler by now). Add the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, combining thoroughly. In a blender or food processor, pulse half a cup of oats into a grainy powder. I use this instead of breadcrumbs, as I prefer the taste, but breadcrumbs should be just fine to use. Add this powder and a beaten egg to the mixture. On a griddle, heat up a thin layer of olive oil over medium high heat. Form patties in your hand and place on the heated oil. Cook each side thoroughly, at least five minutes, before flipping or you'll end up with a broken patty. Cook both sides until golden brown.

Toppings, if desired: Lightly grill thin slices of mushrooms and onions in a pan with olive oil over medium heat. Once slightly tender, add 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar to the pan and cook for another minute or two. Layer your quinoa garbanzo burgers, on (gluten free) bread or buns, over thin slices of mozzarella cheese and top with the onions and mushrooms. Finish with a leaf of romaine lettuce and a spread of mayo and Dijon mustard.

These are also delicious just wrapped up in a big leaf of romaine lettuce or simply eaten alone. Enjoy!

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Currently Obsessed

Reading: A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin. This is the third novel is his popular, well received series A Song of Ice and Fire. I am, embarrassingly, one of those people who did not hear about A Song of Ice and Fire until everyone on Tumblr was obsessing over the first season of the show created for the series, called Game of Thrones. I am a huge fantasy nerd, so I was shocked to not have heard of it sooner. I quickly watched the entire first season and was instantly hooked and enthralled by the human stories. My brother gifted me the first four books after that (because he is the best brother), and I've been reading them ever since. The show is really really good. And for good reason, George R.R. Martin is pretty involved with it's production. But the books are so much better. I know everyone always says that, but they do it for good reason. I cannot get over these stories. I'm now almost done with A Storm of Swords, as I've had difficulty putting it down (even more so than the first two novels); all 1128 pages have had me on the edge of my toes. It is the series I recommend to everyone, especially fantasy lovers, but just book/story lovers in general. George R.R. Martin is a magnificent writer and story teller. I even got Will's mom reading the series, and she's reading them faster than me! Once I've finished this one, I'll probably binge watch the 3rd season of the show (that follows the first half of this book) before starting the fourth. Oh goodness.

Watching: Orange is the New Black is another discovery I have made thanks to Tumblr. Seriously, Tumblr, I love you. Orange is the New Black is based on a memoir of the same name, by Piper Kerman, about her own experiences in federal prison after being convicted for a decade old crime. To be honest, I was completely shocked by this series. It is way better than I thought it was going to be (I don't know why I wasn't confident that it would be good). It is raw and human and funny and sad. All of the characters are so unique and well written and significant (rightfully so, as it is a true story). It is so wonderful to see a show completely made up of women, doing so well. I mean, this show kicks the Bechdel test's butt so easily. The feminist in me is super happy about it.

"The strength of [Orange is the New Black] isn’t that it’s universal and isn’t even that it’s women-specific, but that it tells the stories of the types of women who don’t get their stories told in our culture: black women, Hispanic women, fat women, butch women, bi women, old women, immigrant women, uneducated women – and even a trans woman’s story. When the season is done, you will be astonished at the vast range of women you've been exposed to and if you reflect on it, will probably be a little depressed that such stories are so rare in our culture."

                   - You Need to be Watching ‘Orange is the New Black’ | Tom & Lorenzo

If you're interested, the first season of the show is available to watch on Netflix.




Listening: This band has had me smitten for quite awhile, but Radiation City's latest album Animals in the Median has gotten me in a full on swoon. This Portland band has a sound that is retro, romantic, and fun. They kill me every time. They released the video for the song Zombies from Animals in the Median a few weeks ago and I love the feel of it. The dreamy, eery, pop feel of the song was perfectly captured. This song makes me sad but also want to dance all at the same time. But mostly dance. Give it a listen!

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A Case of the Mondays and No More Passionfruit

I'm having a terrible case of the Mondays today.

follow me on instagram @ohwhimsicalme

Who am I kidding, I do most Mondays. Why do they always seem longer than every other day? There is a lot I would like to get done within the next 9 hours but I'm having a difficult time finding motivation. I'm sure I'll dig some up at some point. Until then I'll be endlessly sipping on coffee and listening to good tunes to try and get some creative juices flowing.

In the mean time, I want to share with you another little change I'll be making around here. This is mostly just a heads up to my current sponsors/swap buddies, and to anyone who is interestied in swapping with me in the future. I will no longer be using the services offered by Passionfruit to coordinate the swaps/sponsor spots I offer here on Oh Whimsical Me.

It seems like just about everyone is using Passionfruit to manage their ads these days (rightfully so). So I'm sure you've heard of the killer updates they have introduced. You can now not only sell banners, but also sponsored posts (guest posts, product reviews, giveaways), social media shoutouts, sponsorships, and even services (ad design, blog design, consilting, etc.). In other words, if you want to sell it, Passionfruit can mange it all for you! So awesome!  they've even updated the Ad Shop into a Shopping Cart style. Plus so many other updates that I'm envious to not be having. The updates are live now, and free to use until September 1st. You can read about all of the updates here.

image source

I've loved using Passionfruit. They have done nearly all the work for me and have made editing ads so easy peasy. Adding the ad shop onto your blog is as simple as copy and pasting html; it is all so effortless. So why am I stepping back from Passionfruit? To be honest, I wish I could keep Passionfruit. But with all of the new updates I am drooling over, there also comes a price. Up until now, Passionfruit has been completely free for me to use. The updated version costs $9 a month for unlimited access.

I get it. I do. I was surprised that I could use it for free to begin with. And for established bloggers who are working with other bloggers and companies all the time, that low monthly fee probably seems like nothing. But realistically, at this time, I cannot afford it. I am still such a new blog, and such a small blog, that I only am comfortable offering swaps. I am fine with that. In fact, I love it. I have met some wonderful bloggers. I just can not keep using Passionfruit. Their monthly fee is small, but because I make no money from this blog I would just be paying for people to swap with me.

What does this mean for my current sponsors?

You don't have to do anything, dears :) I will simply use you current button image and link to your blog when I make the transition. This may require some adjustment and cropping of your current button. If you are unhappy with the adjustments I make, please let me know and send me a button sized 270x100 to replace it. Your ad/button will be "renewed," giving us all a fresh start, and I will email you in a month or so to make sure you want to keep your swap up. If at anytime, you do not want your button up on my blog anymore, for any reason, please email me (ohwhimsicalme@gmail.com) and I will take care of it.

What does this mean if you want to swap with me in the future?

My advertisement page will be updated with all the details really soon. Please look there for specifics. We'll be doing things the old fashion way; I'll upload them myself manually and you can always coordinate with me over email (ohwhimsicalme@gmail.com).

I hope you understand the changes I am making and why. If my blog expands as I hope it to in the future, will I go back to using Passionfruit? Perhaps.

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Summer Woes and Day Dreams

Prepare yourself, I'm about to complain a lot.

Well, I hate summer. I really do. There, I said it. I've been feeling pretty down lately and I'm blaming the heat. I feel shut in and trapped. I want to be outside. I want to go exploring with nothing but my camera. I want to drive around with the windows down, with no real destination, letting the river guide us. I want to sit outside for longer than 2 seconds without my hair catching on fire, my skin blistering, and sweating balls. Exaggeration? Not in the slightest.

It's a well known fact that summer is my least favorite season. The only season, in fact, that I don't enjoy vigorously. I know a lot of people get seasonal depression in the winter; I think I am the opposite. Give me the cloudy and the cold, please. I can complain a lot, but at least I have an air-conditioned house to mope around in. And cold showers to enjoy. I can also just day dream about living in beautiful, coastal, temperate British Columbia. Sorry, Boise, but I don't want to live in you forever. There are much prettier, colder places out there. Take me north, please.

image source

How do you beat the heat? I mostly just complain on my blog. And drink smoothies. And read fantasy. And listen to dreamy tunes.




Are you being hit by a heat wave? If not, can I come live with you?

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My Revolt Fitness 12 Week Results

Does anyone else find it hard to believe it has been over 12 weeks since I started Revolt?

It has been quite the journey. I have learned so much about myself along the way. I've learned that I actually do love fitness and working out. I've learned that exercise is the best stress reliever. I've learned that there is no better way to eat than clean; nothing will make me feel better. Most importantly, I've learned that I am truly as strong as I allow myself to be. I'd be lying if I didn't say that this program has changed me completely. And I don't just mean because of the loss of fat from my body and the muscle I have gained. I've learned to take charge of my health.

Here's where I started:

Chest: 36 around bust
Waist: 29 smallest part
Hips: 36 above butt
Thigh: L 24 / R 24.5
Calf: L 14.25 / R 14
Bicep: L10 / R 10 ;  L flexed 10.5 / R flexed 11

Weight: 140 lbs
Body Fat: 26.6%

And this is where I am now:

Chest: 34.5 around bust
Waist: 26.5 smallest part
Hips: 34 above butt
Thigh: L 21 / R 21
Calf: L13 / R 13
Bicep: L 9.25  / R 9.25 ; L flexed 10 / R flexed 10.25

Weight: 130 lbs
Body Fat: 19.8%

Here is my progress so far (excluding before pictures), side by side, for easier viewing:

Well I wasn't expecting to get this far in 12 weeks. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to see results at all. And full disclosure, I am feeling very bloated and crampy today (thanks period) and didn't even want to take these pictures because of that. Even bloated, the difference and the progress is noticeable. It is not a perfect body. It is not my 'dream body.' But it is my body; I like it! I worked hard for it, and will continue to take care of it.

Now, I may be done with the 12 weeks I signed up to blog about, but this is definitely not an end for me. I still have so many goals to reach! And I am certainly not done with Revolt. I love the program and see myself integrating so many of it's aspects into my daily life, for life. Most certainly the food, as I've never felt better eating any other way. I would just like to get back to a more strict plant-based diet. I may expand my workouts a bit, too. I do plan on still sharing my progress with you from time to time, don't you fret. Fitness has become a passion and such a huge part of my life that it is bound to happen :)

Remember, you can sign up for a free week of Revolt and try it all for yourself! And a monthly membership is only $10, or a full year for $50! For such an all inclusive, supportive program, you really can't get a better deal.

Disclaimer: I was chosen as a Revolt Fitness Program blogger and received free membership to try the fitness program. All results are real and my own. All opinions expressed are my own. 

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