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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

So What Wednesdays!

So What Wednesday
Today I am linking up with the lovely Shannon over at L.A.I.D for another edition of
So What Wednesday!

Today I am saying "So What" to:
 
The fact I missed my "10 Things on Tuesday" post yesterday.....just kidding, I am bummed about that, I look forward to that one for some reason!
 
That I eat chicken pretty much 6-7 nights out of the week. I am suppose to be sticking with lean protein and limiting red meat. Soooooo chicken is what it is usually!
 
I took back stuff to Target that I have been meaning to return since Christmas. Since they were gifts and they didn't have receipts, it probably worked out since they were most likely on sale when they were bought. $40 on a target gift card? Yeah I won't complain.
 
I spent that gift card last night! Yup it didn't last long!
 
This weekend is our tax free weekend on school supplies and clothes. I really do have intentions on going out to save the 5.3% sales tax. But part of me wonders how crazy it will get and if it will be worth the frustration and anxiety from all those people. At least we just need a book bag and school supplies from Target. I finished clothes shopping already.
 
I went to Giant to use my free eggs coupon and all the free eggs were gone! Go figure! Now I need eggs!
 
Kenny says it amazes him the measures that I go to save a buck! Ummmm those bucks add up! He then reminds me that I probably spend that in gas going that extra mile. Do boys always feel a need to rain on our parades?!?
 
So what are you saying "So What" to this Wensday?!
 
 
 

WW: A Beach Day!


We did it! Hailey and I packed up Saturday and drove to the beach for the day!
 Post and more pictures to come another day!
 
 
And come on, how could we leave without a hermit crab?!?
Meet Lucy! Hailey's very own hermit crab!
(She keeps reinforcing the fact that this one is just hers, we aren't sharing this time! Ha!)
 
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Weighing in Wednesday- Week 29


This week's weight loss:
-1.8

Total weight loss since Jan. 2, 2013:
-19.7
Thoughts for the week:
I was glad to see the scale was down today! I have worked so hard this past month and during the 24 day challenge, so I really have earned these lost pounds! Now to just keep going, many more left to lose!

See you next week!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

So What Wednesdays!

So What Wednesday
Today I am linking up with  the lovely Shannon over at L.A.I.D for another edition of
So What Wednesday!

Today I am saying "So What" to:

I have been driving myself nuts with watching everything I eat and following the my plan, just so that I can have a gain today! Boo!
 
Another blogger has been following the Target clearance sections for summer products. She hit her store yesterday and got a bunch of stuff for 90% off. I excitedly went there yesterday and nothing in my store was on clearance. I even scanned some things!
 
My weeds were looking pretty green this morning. I guess it will be round two with the Round Up tonight. It says "kills weeds guaranteed", I will be calling if it doesn't live up to that guarantee!
 
Kenny decided that 1:30am was a good time to argue with me about leaving the light on outside. He said it attracts bugs and he has to fight to get in the door when he gets home. Well I leave at 5:00am. It is very dark and I need the light on to see. He said then I need to turn the light off when I get home from work. I told him that if that is the case, then he should turn it off at 9am when he wakes up and lets the dog out. I mean why leave it on an extra 9 hours until I get home if it is such a problem? Also it will ensure that it is off. See my point? He did not!
 
The cat has been getting into everything lately! She knocked a box over and got a ton of those green packing peanuts all over the floor. I seriously thought about leaving them there and pretending she did it after I had gone to bed so I wouldn't have to clean them up and Kenny would ha! But, I did the right thing and cleaned them up.
 
Is it pay week again? NOPE! Almost a week and a half left! Boo!
 
So what are you saying SO WHAT to this Wednesday?


 

WW: Birthdays!

 
Hailey's 1st Birthday!
 
 
2nd Tea Party Birthday!
 
3rd Hello Kitty Birthday Party!
 
 
4th Monkey Birthday Party!
 
 
5th Cowgirl Birthday Party
 
 
And just 23 more days until Hailey's Lalaloopsy 6th Birthday Party!
 
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Weighing In Wednesday- Week 28


This week's weight loss:
+.08

Total weight loss since Jan. 2, 2013:
-17.1
Thoughts for the week:
I was so excited to get on the scale this morning and that quickly ended when I realized it was a gain this week! Ugh! I knew for sure this week would have been a lost! Especially since I have been checking each morning. Last Sunday I was down an extra pound and then today I am up! But, with me it happens. It seems I like to yo yo back and forth. The only thing I can do is continue doing everything I have been doing and hope for a better result next week. I am going to stay determined!

See you next week!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

10 Things on Tuesday!

tues
It's Tuessssssday again!!!!!
 
1. I have spilt water on myself 3 times today! And not just a little bit either! Good thing that's all I am allowed to drink!
 
2. Day 16 on the challenge which means 8 more to go! I am rocking this thing! Plus I have been using My Fitness Pal the entire way, logging in every bite I take. And not one day have I been over! Usually it's fussing at me saying I'm not eating enough calories! Can't wait to see what the scale says tomorrow!
 
3. I really want to go to the beach this weekend with Hailey, but the closer we get to the weekend the more nervous I get. Though I know I can do it, it still makes me nervous going places I've never been by myself (and Hailey). I'm sure it will work out fine!

4. I gave blood this past Saturday and I'll admit it really feels good knowing something so small can help so many people. I have done both a normal one and the double reds before, this time was just a normal one. I'll be seeing the Red Cross again come September for my next donation!

5. I really need to start hitting the gym. Why is it so hard?!?

6. I've done much better this month on my budget! I've really been watching what I've been spending my money on. That is not always an easy task!

7. I soaked the "garden" by the front of the house with weed killer. It was my first time buying something like that and doing it myself. Fingers crossed my weed garden will be gone tomorrow morning!

8. Rosie turned 1 on the 11th. For some reason I thought it was this week. We realized Saturday that we missed her birthday so Hailey and I made a special stop to get her a new comfy bed and some new toys. We even sang her happy birthday! Hopefully she didn't notice we were a little late. Opps!

9. I have already bought Hailey a couple presents. I'm hoping that I'll have enough money to get all her party supplies towards the end of next week, I already have a cart full. I decided to start early this year with buying stuff since August usually kills me with her Birthday and money.

10. Hailey and I have been working on homework books every night that she is home. She really needs the refresher especially with the sight words. I'm glad we started now instead of waiting until school was ready to begin!

What 10 things would you like to share this Tuesday?!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Thursday Thoughts!

Thursday Thoughts
 
 
Look a new link-up today! I never have one for Thursday! And we all know I like to think! Today I am linking up with the wonderful Jennifer at Ramblings of a Suburban Mom!
 
So what are my thoughts this Thursday?! Well for starters......
 
- Today I started the max phase of the 24 day challenge. You know why it is exciting?! Because it means I made it through the 10 day cleanse part! Yup! I did it!
 
- I never understand why people have to post on facebook how they are taking a "break" and this will be their last post. Okay, good for you, butttttt then you post something like 30 minutes later, than an hour later, then like 10 more times throughout the day? I thought you quit? But, don't worry you will post about quitting again tomorrow!
 
-Zumba last night was a blast! It was a mess for sure, but it was fun! A great workout and I am feeling it today!
 
- Hailey brought home some fake, but realistic looking snakes she got from my Mom's. I thought it was funny to put one on the top of the steps for Kenny to see when he got home. To make it even funnier he said the cat was laying on the step with it sleeping, so it kind of freaked him out! Ha! I had to laugh!
 
- I don't understand why cat's are so bad! Rosie is driving me crazy with getting on the counters! I HATE IT! And to add insult to injury this is day TWO that she has stolen a part of my lunch that I had sat out the night before. She takes me whole grain English Muffins! Yesterday I left it just laying on the counter in a baggy, okay so lesson learned. So last night I thought I would put all my stuff on top of it so it was hidden and I even put my banana on top of all that. I figured she wouldn't see it and then she wouldn't move everything around. Wrong! Thanks for eating my complex carbs jerk cat!
 
- I wore capris today.......forgot to shave. Yup, I am "that" girl today!
 
Any thoughts you want to share this Thursday?!
 

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

So What Wednesday!

So What Wednesday
 
Today I am linking up with Shannon over at L.A.I.D for another edition of So What Wednesday!
This week I am saying So What! to.......
 
If our camping trip got canceled due to Kenny's overtime project. Hailey and I will spend the day swimming instead!
 
If all I do is obsess over food and nutrition facts at the moment, I used to pretty much know the calorie count and weight watcher point of almost every food during high school! That was 8 years ago, I need to catch up!
 
That I just realized I have been out of school for 8 years now. GASP!
 
That I have been getting quotes from some of the daycares near by for infant prices. I have no clue if we can afford to have a baby and it really is upsetting me.
 
I feel like alot of people I know are stay at home moms and I hate that I am jealous. Not because I just don't want to work, but because I can't do the things they do and have the quailty time they have with their kids. I feel left out and like I am not as good of mom.
 
I have put in two applications this week for jobs in my agency, now it's time to play the waiting game. I will take what I can get now, but I hope to move closer to home soon.
 
That my finances are a mess. The harder I try to save even a penny and get a head the slightest bit, the more bills and problems come up.
 
What are you saying "so what" to this week?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Weighing in Wednesday- Week 27


This week's weight loss:
-3.2

Total weight loss since Jan. 2, 2013:
-17.9
Thoughts for the week:
I was so excited when I got on the scale this morning. I have been working sooooooo hard these past couple weeks. Completely revamped the way I have been eating, cutting out everything but water, and eating completely clean. I chose a salad with chicken instead of the buffet (which out of like 20 people, I was the only one who didn't get it) at an Italian restaurant. I sat next to Kenny as he ate a piece of chocolate cake. I went on a whole day trip and brought healthy snacks and choose steamed shrimp and water for dinner when we did stop. I have been to Starbucks 4 times on coffee runs with my co-worker and have walked out with nothing! I even have passed up those fresh baked cookies that were left sitting right by my desk for people to eat yesterday. I have tracked every calorie that I have consumed in My Fitness Pal! I have stayed very determined and worked so hard. It really is beginning to pay off! Hopefully I continue to focus and really work towards a healthier life!

See you next week!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

10 Things on Tuesday!

tues
 
It's Tuessssssday!!!!!
 
1. I started thinking about what I was going to write last night, but now I have forgotten it. Ha!
 
2. I'm doing zumba on Wednesday with Heather and I am pretty sure it's going to be a big mess! Nothing about me is coordinated! I watched some videos online at some zumba classes last night and.......yeah.....I can only imagine what tomorrow is going to look like!
 
3. Tomorrow is day 10 of the cleanse part and I am so excited I made it through it without even a tiny slip! Since starting I have loss a little under 5lbs and I was looking at the scale disappointed this morning. Then I was like "ummmm it's only been 9 days!" so that's amazing!!!! Cut yourself some slack Nicole!
 
4. I just signed up to donate double red blood cells on Sunday at our mall! I have been over due and they have been blowing my phone up trying to schedule something with me! The Red Cross just lovessss my O blood!
 
5. I just heard someone say they were going across the street and would be bringing back a big box of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies! Ahhhhh temptations!
 
6. Hailey asked for an Easy Bake oven for her birthday. I looked up some of the stuff. Number one it plugs in now and doesn't use a light bulb. Number two you can create so many yummy stuff! I'm excited for her to make me desserts to eat!!! haha!
 
7. It looks like our camping trip is a no go for this weekend. Kenny has mandatory overtime now that he has to complete. Whomp Whomp!
 
8. I am addicted to the series Friday Night Lights on Netflix! Literally addicted to watching episode after episode! The last show was in 2011, so I am pretty behind! I still have three seasons left to watch!
 
9. This past weekend we drove all the way to the Outer Banks in NC, another place I have never been, for a nasty (in my opinion) looking station wagon thing. We literally drove there and came right back home. I didn't get to put my feet in the sand or even dip my toe in the ocean. It was a fun trip (minus the minor car accident), but that part was pretty disappointing. I will be going there one day when we finally can take a vacation!
 
10. I had no clue that VA beach was so close to us. I mean it's 2 and a half hours away, but I commute that to work some days! Kenny is going to Baltimore next weekend to help a friend move, so I told Hailey we will be getting up early and heading to the beach for the day! We can stay all day and head back that night! I have never been and I am excited!
 
So those are my ten things on Tuesday, what are yours?!?
 
 

Monday, July 15, 2013

And a new week begins!

So another weekend has come and gone! Who gave it permission to fly by so fast?!? This weekend is camping so I am sure the work week with creep by since something exciting is going on!

I wanted to update you a little bit on my 24 day challange! I have been kicking butt! It's been a week now and I am still going strong. Wednesday will be the last day of the "cleanse" phase which is the strictest part of the challange. Then it will start the "max" phase for 14 days. This whole challenge revoles around eating clean. And believe me it's not the easiest, especially when everyone around you eats normal. During the first part I had to give up three things that are my favorite........soda of any kind (diet included), coffee, and dairy (no more milk before bed!). But it's actually gone easier then I thought.
You also can't have any fried, fattening, no sweets or chips, sugar, anything processed, and no white wheat! So what has a normal day been looking like for me?

Before Breakfast
-Sparks energy drink

Breakfast

2 hard boiled eggs (protien)
Strawberries (fruit)
Plain Oatmeal made with water (complex carb)

Snack
Banana

Lunch

3oz baked chicken (protein)
Plain garden salad-no toppings (veggies)

Snack
Peach

Dinner

3oz baked chicken (protein)
plain garden salad-no toppings (vegetables)
baked potato- no toppings (complex carb)
Steamed broccoli (vegetable)

Snack:
Watermellon

And with my meals and in between meals I am drinking about 120 ounces of water. Some nights I make salmon for dinner instead of chicken. Friday I spiced things up, I fixed Kenny and Hailey their speghetti with ground beef and ragu and then I baked chicken for mine and used a different sauce with had less sugar and the most natural ingredients. Then I used whole wheat noodles for both of our meals. I finished it off with a garden salad. It was really good and the noodles weren't to bad either!

At this point I'm pretty proud of myself! I powered through the first few days where I was feeling pretty rough. This is when your body is adjusting to the new way of eating and detoxing from the junk it's used too. I'm feeling better and have noticed a difference in my stomach. I'm not so bloated and I'm more energetic then normal. I can't wait to see my final results and to keep the healthy habits going!



Tuesday, July 9, 2013

10 Things on Tuesday

tues
 
And it's Tuesday again! So here we go!
 
1. I can't believe that it is already July and even more so that it's already the 9th of July!
 
2. I have something on my mind that I really shouldn't talk about since I'm not involved, but it someone I know really well. It just surprises me at things people do and think they can get away with. I mean come on, you had to know that it was a criminal offense! 

3. Today was day two of the 24 day challenge. It's definitely doable but it's mind over matter for sure. I kept thinking about food all day long! I'm told its your body detoxing off of sugar. But I ended up feeling pretty crappy by the time I got home. Luckily one carton of tomatoes consumed and I was good to go! I'm 1/5th of the way through the hard part!

4. I'm seriously thinking about being a cheerleading coach for Spotsylvania this fall, but its such a big commitment! They are practically begging for coaches and they said no experience is necessary, they will have instructions for everything. But my issue is with work and my commute, I'm not sure how dependable I can be.

5. Speaking of cheer, games are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every Saturday. They want 1-2 practices a week also for at least an hour........we wont know alot until August but it makes me nervous with school starting. On the bright side Hailey is excited so I'm excited for her!

6. I noticed my hands were kinda looking oldish today.......sigh

7. Hailey wants a puppy for her Birthday. Apparently poor Pixie isn't making the cut anymore. When I asked "well what about Pixie?!?" the response was "she's three now, and I want a puppy!" 

8. I walked to Starbucks with a coworker today (yup I didn't get a thing!) and I always give the chick behind the counter a hard time about us not being "customers of the week".........so guess who gets to be customers of the week this time! They took our pictures and everything! Hahaha! Ps. Nothing free is included! Bummer!

9. My tootsie roll turns 6 next month! Sheesh! No wonder my hands are looking oldish!

10. I have known about needing time off for a funeral onThursday since Saturday. I still haven't asked to work from home and take some time off for the day. It's not a happy place right now to say the least! (This has to do with my #2 on this post)

So that's my ramblings for Tuesday! What would you like to share?

Monday, July 8, 2013

July 4th and Our Weekend!

This weekend was actually a really nice relaxing weekend for us! On July 4th we went to my Grandmother's house for a cook out! My cousin was organizing the whole shindig this time since her inlaws were in town. My job was to bring a dessert! I spent the whole week looking on Pinterest for some ideas, but finally settled with just a plain old cake that I made the morning of. I did at least put some red, white, and blue, sprinkles around the edges!
 
That day was perfect! Sunshine the whole day, which has become kind of rare for us lately since we have been having rain and storms almost every day for weeks. We swam in the pool and talked and laughed. Dinner was steak which is a very rare occasion for me to have! So that made me even more excited! After swimming we did dessert and then hurried over to the fireworks, which is like 10 minutes away. We put the top down in the jeep and all sat on top and watched the fireworks. This year we parked up on the side of the road instead of dealing with all the crowds and traffic. It was the best seats and view we have ever had. After that we headed home and climbed into bed! It had been a fun day, but very long!
 
Friday we slept in and then got up and ready to run Pixie to the vet. We came home and did lunch and literally laid around the rest of the day. It was so nice and relaxing not to do anything! We finished the night with Red Robin for dinner and watching tv on the couch together!
 
Saturday we got up and did some things around the house. Then we headed back over to my grandmothers. My cousins had received some sad news on Friday, so I was glad we could be there for them and cheer them up some. We swam until late and then headed home and pretty much watched a little tv and went to bed!
 
Sunday was kind of bittersweet thinking that it was our last day home! Kenny was off for the day so we both got up in the morning and did things around the house. I did another load of dishes and finally got my clothes put away and my laundry done! Yup, that's the same task I have been talking about for how long? It finally got done! I then went to the grocery store and stocked up on all healthy fruits, veggies, proteins, and whole wheat carbs for my exciting new adventure that I started today! I cam home and washed and put all my veggies and fruits away! I decided on my "last meal" being taco salad since I won't be able to have that for a while. By the end of dinner it was time for baths and get ready for the week. I finally got in bed around 10 and was sleeping soon after!
 
This weekend was just what we needed! It was relaxing and we got things done! We got to spend time with people and now I can officially say I have been swimming three times this summer! Wahoo! After I laid down last night, I reflected on this whole weekend and just couldn't help but smile. It was an all around nice holiday and great weekend!
 
How was your weekend?!
 
Photo: Top down on the Jeep, waiting for fireworks at Charles County fairground!
 
Photo: Hope everyone had a happy and safe fourth of July!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Weighing in Wednesday- Week 25


This week's weight loss:
-3.8

Total weight loss since Jan. 2, 2013:
-14.7
 
Thoughts for the week:

Wahoo! Yup, you read that right! I am back on my game and just 3 ounces away from 15lbs gone! I was beyond excited when I saw that this morning! I am switching things up this coming week and the rest of the month. I decided that maybe I needed a reboot for my system. I am doing a 24 day challenge which includes a 10 day cleanse then a 14 day recharge. It focuses on detoxing and clean eating. The first 10 days you have no dairy, no soda, and no caffeine, which those will be the hardest part for me. I am determined though! So hopefully this will be exactly what I need to really jumpstart my weight loss and to get back some energy that I have been really lacking lately!

See you next week!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Ten Things on Tuesday!

* I'm being lazy and not turning the computer on so I don't have my usual little 10 Things picture. 

* Yesterday I had a panic attack as I was getting off the van. It wasn't fun and I was trying to hide it and get to my car as fast as I could without anyone talking to me. The night went down hill from there!

* I spent the night wide awake and sick to my stomach. I couldn't figure out if it was nerves or something I ate. I finally started to doze around 7am. 

* The nauseous feeling started to make me wonder if I was missing something, especially with how tired I've been. My cycle has been a little strange the past couple months, but I figured it was from birth control. I googled for 24 hour pharmacies in the area so I could go at 2am when Kenny got home. I was at Rite Aid at 9am buying a test. 

* It was negative, which at this very moment I was relieved. 

* While at Rite Aid I pick up 3 new nail polishes that were on clearance. They are very pretty! I didn't realize they were on clearance until I got to the register. I might have to make a trip back for the other two colors I liked. I mean $1.50, who can beat that!

* I let Hailey sleep with me like twice until Kenny got home. The first night she had a nightmare and the other night was when we had no air conditioning, since my room was the only house with a fan. Now every night is a fight to get her to go to her bed because she wants to sleep with me. She has NEVER done this before! Ugh!

* I need to figure out what kind of dessert I'm going to make for Fourth of July. Pinterest has some interesting ideas, but a lot involve fruit. I'm pretty much the worse fruit cutter in the world, so no way could I make them turn out that great.

* My house party Paper Pumpkin kit will be here tomorrow! I'm super excited!

* I'm working from home tomorrow and I'm off Thursday for the holiday, and then took off Friday. I'm hoping that will be at least a little time to get my nerves worked out, so I can go back Monday less stressed.

Hope everyone had a great Tuesday!  


Monday, July 1, 2013

Favorite Things: Beauty Edition

Favorite things

 
 
So it's no secret........I love makeup! And though I don't get to splurge on it as much as I used to when I was a teenager, I still have some of my favorites. Every holiday and Birthday there is always something either fragrance or makeup related on my wish list!
 
These though are some of my current favorites. Most of these are ones that I have had and have been using on a daily basis. And as you can see, I like a mix of brands!
 
The first one is an amazing bronzer I found by Smashbox. It has a slight shimmer to it and works great for contouring. It has a mix of colors and when swirled together it makes the perfect cheek color! Mine right now has a big hole in the center so it's coming to a end soon, but it has lasted me a good 6 months and probably will last me through July.
 
Benefit's High Beam and Girl Meets Pearl are both ones I got in a benefit's sample pack. I use them both as a highlighter when I am contouring my cheek bones and highlighting under my eyes. A little bit goes a long way!
 
Urban Decay's Naked palettes are my favorite! I just love the colors in there and the amount you can play with them. You can use one color for an all day look or many colors for a smokey brown look. Though I am a bright color kinda gal, I never get bored with these!
 
Marc Jacob's Daisy Fresh smells amazing! It is a summer edition and I instantly fell in love with it. Luckily one of my work buddies pays really good attention to what I look at when we take a lunch trip to Macy's because this was my gift from her for my Birthday! I was super surprised.
 
Maybeline's Clean Express is nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. It is like a gel formula so it is kind of refreshing when you are taking your eye makeup off!
 
Betsy Johnson's Too Too and Too Too Pretty are some of my favorite smells! And who could pass up that bottle!
 
Juicy Couture's perfumes are an older favorite of mine. I love the Couture Couture and the Viva La Juicy ones! I usually always have a sample in my car so I can give it a quick squirt and smell nice!
 
Maybeline's Dream Bouncy Blush is also a fun way to give your cheeks some color and to help contour your face. I have had this one for a long time and still have a good amount of it left. And with Maybeline, don't forget your coupons! They normally have sales and a couple dollars off!

I can't say that this is the best thing ever, but the Rocket Boost mascara by Maybeline is what I am currently using and I like it. I have such a hard time with mascara and what I am looking for. I definitely like volume and length. This one does pretty good with the volume at least.

Eyeliner! This is my favorite piece of eye makeup! I am not picky with my eyeliner. The one shown is an Urban Decay 24/7 in black. These eyeliners are really awesome and come in some great colors! I love their purple and aqua and it seems to go well with my green eyes. They are fun colors to play with. They also have a nice copper color that goes on well with the Naked colors. The only problem is that they can be kind of pricey. I got lucky and found a kit of 6 minis on clearance so that wasn't too bad. I think it was left over from the holiday sets! And the nice thing is they can be sharpened, so even those minis last a good long time! To be honest though, I normally stick with maybeline or covergirl ones due to prices. I use anything that is black, creamy, and has a nice point to make a defined line.

So there you have it! These are some of my favorite things when it comes to beauty finds!
What are some of your favorite things?