Healthy eating, and shopping

In addition to keeping up with my daily workouts, I'm also making an effort to eat better. A lot better. Having my gallbladder removed last summer should have been quite the wake up call, but while I don't eat nearly as much fried food, I still have some room for improvement. For example, we had Mexican for dinner tonight. While it was nice to get out of the house and out together, our meals were less than healthy (and frickin delicious). However, we don't eat like this all the time. With the small changes I've been making, meals like this (in moderation) won't knock me off track too much.

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I've been able to find a lot of inspiration on the web and wanted to share it with y'all. With New Year's resolutions coming up, these might help... or light a fire under some bums to actually make some changes.

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This yummy looking smoothie was invented by a nutrition and lifestyle coach, who has her own blog with more recipes, etc. It claims to give you a "glow" after two weeks of drinking daily. I made my own version the other morning and while I need some variety in my morning routine, it was pretty dang good. And filling! Which is great, since portion control is something I'm also working on. I don't know if I could make myself drink it every single morning, but it's certainly a nice alternative to a chalky diet shake.

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In keeping with the theme of breakfast, I've learned that fruits and vegetables are a great snack, can easily make a whole meal, or become a healthy addition to a larger meal. This morning I had strawberries, bananas, and cantaloupe cut up on a plate. Simple. Small portions, but still filling. And full of nutrition with no fat. There are so many variations and possibilities.

Which brings me to my next find. This website is full of beneficial and informative articles. I've found all sorts of things from hair styles for fall to ways to make working out more fun. But the one I was really excited about was the 50 Healthiest Foods for Losing Weight. Not only do they explain why each food is healthy and can help you lose weight, but they've put together a shopping list to take right to the grocery store. I picked about 40 foods from the list a couple days ago and was able to fill up our fridge and pantry with nothing but healthy food. What a simple but smart way to eliminate the opportunity to eat junk?

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Happy shopping, eating, and working out!

One of those days...

Ever have one of those days where nothing goes the way it should, according to you? Everything makes you grumpy and irritated? It feels like there's a million things to do and you only have the time and resources for maaaaybe one or two? And you end up kicking wrapping paper across the living room?
I had one of those days yesterday and could not, for the life of me, figure out why.

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It lasted all day and ended in yelling and eventually tears. Anyone in this house would've run for the hills and called the men in white coats. But my boyfriend, who continues to amaze me, became a human straightjacket and held me until I was able to stop crying (after a bit, I was crying happy tears) and get a grip.

Needless to say, I felt ridiculous for being so angry about... I don't even know what... when, clearly, I have it pretty good and am truly blessed to be with this man. I fall in love with him all over again and even more every day. Especially days like yesterday.



Blake says it all. (I played this song over and over while cooking dinner last night. I loved this song before, but now, it will always remind me of yesterday's happy ending.)

Things I NEED

With work not being nearly as busy as it usually is and the boyfriend going hunting every chance he gets, I've had a little (okay, an obscene amount of) time to browse the net. When I started my blog, I called it "research" and "work". But it's become somewhat of an obsession. I just cannot seem to stop looking at pictures. Tumblr and Pinterest should get restraining orders. And while I'm expanding my horizons in many aspects, like home decor, diy, style and beauty, sometimes I feel like I'm doing more harm than good. Because now, I've created a list of things that I feel like I need. Why? To keep up with the trends? To make me feel better? To make me happy? Who cares?! There are cute things out there and I need them.
I'll focus on style for now, because I just got done drooling over the Daybook blog again. Love that girl.
Here's what I'm currently after:

- Longer jeans and/or pants.
Now that I've become comfortable and some days actually prefer wearing heeled boots and shoes, I need longer jeans (and pants- to shake things up) to avoid the high-water affect.

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- Tights and/or leggins to go under jeans or wear with shorts or skirts. And again, something to go with my new shoes. And to have something different to wear in these winter months besides jeans every day.

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- Skinny Belts
This is more of a challenge for myself. If I buy them, I'll have to lose weight in order to not look like a stuffed sausage with one on. And Charlotte Russe just came out with glitter belts. Score.

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- Trench coat and or/ a blazer
Something different for this weather. I had very few (like, 2) winter coats to begin with. Now that they no longer fit, or look relevant, I need something new.

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- Nude heels
I have seen these things everywhere and love, love, love them. They go with anything and everything. And make you look tanner. Hopefully.

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- Sparkly nail polish
Just a simple top coat would do. To update my current stash of nail polish.

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- Self-tanner/ a place to get a spray tan
Ha this is something that I struggle with in the summer. Winter brings out my true ginger shade of pale.

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- To stick to my workout "plan"
Surprisingly, I've done well with this. It's only been a few days, but I've been able to work out for half an hour everyday. Yesterday was my first morning off since the boyfriend didn't got hunting and we were able to sleep in and I'm feeling it. I'm cramping up and want to work out. Good sign. (PS- I've been doing this 30 day challenge every day- it only takes about half an hour. So doable.)

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- To make what I have in my make-shift closet work for now and focus on more important things...
This is ultimately what I will have to settle for, as money is tight during the holidays and I really shouldn't be worried about such silly things. But it's fun to plan dream, right?

My Best Friend's Bday!

Today is my best friend's birthday. I feel like "best" doesn't even begin to cover it. We met my junior year of high school and, like some kind of fate, ended up being in yearbook class and working at an organic grocery store together senior year. We quickly recognized something in each other and became fast friends. We then went to college together, almost got a dorm together (neither of us regret that decision), went on several family vacations (both of our families excepted the other like another daughter), watched/ stalked several local bands together, dressed up as Lola and Hannah Montana, cooked and ate, gotten through a lot with each other, and have managed to keep in touch even though I moved to PA over three years ago. When she came to visit a couple months ago, I was so nervous. I didn't know if we would still have "it" after not seeing each other for so long. It was like I never left. And while some days, I wished I hadn't, she is my one constant, and no matter how far away, will always be.
She understands me like no one else can, or is willing to. She has stuck by my ridiculous stages in life, my ups and downs, has helped me get over a lot, learn, grow and become the person that I am today. We're silly, serious, dark-humored, mean girls, opposites, the same person, just a couple of kids, too old for our age, beautiful and like no one else.
She is truly my family and I cannot imagine my life without her.

The beginning.

Dorm life.

Eating. One of, if not our favorite thing.

Touring the Colorado mines, in style.

Family vacay in Colorado.

 

 Her recent visit to PA!

Our song.

It's true.

Have an amazing day! I wish I could be there to celebrate with you but soon enough you'll be a nine hour drive away and we'll have more to celebrate than just birthdays.

New 'Do

So my morning is supposed to consist of a trying some new workouts to my long, lost ipod that I found in my sewing stuff last night (no explanation), followed by a new haircut. My hair's needed a trim for a while, but I have so much hair and it makes such a mess, I figured if there's any changes I want to make, I might as well better do it then. I've been wanting to play with shorter layers, while still keeping the length (the boyfriend forbids me to cut my hair any shorter, and I can't argue; I hated having short hair and will never go back). I looked through my "blog pics" folder that I've been adding to since about a year ago, as well as my Pinterest collection of past inspirations and turns out, I've been wanting it for a while. Here they are!

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I've always loved LC, her style, and her hair. She has the contrast of layers, side swept bangs and amazing length (even if they are extensions).

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Another one of my faves- Emma Stone. Her hair color is enough to get you, but those eyes! Gorgeous, and funny gal. Her bangs are good example of what I wouldn't be afraid to try (again-I've had em before).

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I've had this pic of Rachel McAdams for a while. My hair is longer than this, but I love the face framing layers.

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This is such a darling pic in itself, but the bangs are another example of what I'm going for, maybe a bit longer.

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This is probably the best example of the layers that I'd like. Beginning right under the cheekbone. She clearly has extensions, but my hair's only (and surprisingly so) a few inches shorter than that.

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Zooey Deschanel! Love, love, love her. And her new show. Her hair is adorable and so girly. Again, love the bangs. I want my layers to start just a little below those.

Wish me luck! PS- don't worry. This def isn't my first attempt at cutting my own hair. With my mother's training, I've been doing it myself since age 14 after a disaster of a haircut given by a trained professional. 

I got this. :)

Bedtime

I feel like I've gotten away from the interior design aspect of this blog. And with all this free time, I've been able to peruse through even more inspirations for our home. My latest focus has been the bedroom. As most of the downstairs is done (or as done as it's gonna get), I'm moving my attention to the upstairs. I often find myself craving my new favorite part of the day- climbing into bed and pulling the covers up to my chin, letting a deep breath out, and finally feeling relaxed. Maybe this is why my body has been deciding lately to get tired two hours earlier than my normal bedtime. Especially with this chillier weather, I just love getting into a nice, warm bed at the end of the day. The boyfriend, his dad and brother are planning to build closets this winter which means I can finally get some paint on the walls and some furniture up there. So excited! Here are some of my recent inspirations.

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I'm really into canopy beds, but with sheers like this. Still provides a retreat like feel, without breaking up the room too much.

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Love the crispness of the simple white. And the his and hers robes.

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This is from an IKEA catalog. 'Nuff said.

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Again, I'm finding myself drawn the white bedding. I like the sconces above the bed as opposed to bedside tables with lamps.

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I like the luxury and glamor of this space. It looks small, but the lighting and colors make it seem much larger, while still keeping it inviting.

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White down comforter and earthy reading chair. Aaaand fireplace. And! A balcony. And vaulted ceiling. This room has it all.

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In the spirit of Christmas, here's a much cozier room, complete with a live tree and puppy.

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More than Enough

Today, we are supposed to take a step back (from the mounds of food) and look at everything in our lives and what we are grateful for. Even though my attitude is less than desirable most days, I truly do have a lot to be thankful for.
 
My Family. Without whom I would not be where I am today, or anywhere close. I don't even like to think about where I would be. They are my ever constant support system and I cannot imagine my life without them in it. I am so lucky to have such a close-knit family that I can talk to anytime of day, everyday. (Can't wait to see them tomorrow- so glad I moved up here!)

 

My friends. Most have come and gone. And even though the best are thousands of miles away, I love them even more than when we were minutes from each other. Danielle has been and will be my best friend, forever. She is family (my parents favorite daughter) and I am ever thankful for our ridiculously committed, silly and beautiful friendship.

My boyfriend. Another part of my support system and someone who changed my life forever. I can't imagine my life without him, and also don't like to think about where I may have ended up had he not saved me. I truly don't know how he puts up with me on a daily basis and has intentions of doing so for a while. Like for the rest of our lives. I love everything about him and cannot wait to spend my forever, and ever with him.

My boyfriends family. It may have taken a while, but I love them too. They are one of kind but good people. I am ever grateful for what they have done for the boyfriend and I and love that we can spend so much time with them. Like the majority of the time, we had a blast with them today.

My job. Going on my fourth year at the resort at the lake, I have gone from an intern without a clue to a supervisor. While some days are better (waaaay better) than others, I am incredibly thankful for what they have done for me. I have grown and matured as well as found a career with this organization and look forward to the seasons to come.
PS- my job (and parents) allowed me buy my first car this week. Which I am also really, really grateful for and excited about. And the boyfriend is too. ;)

So, really, when I look at it, I've got it pretty good. Instead of only looking at things in this light one day a year, we should make an effort to see things this way everyday. Then we will be happier, healthier, and see that we truly have more than enough.

{All images via Pinterest}

Healthy

I've created a new board on my Pinterest in the spirit of "dressing the part". I'm also (still finally) attempting to lose some of the 30+ pounds I gained last summer after my unexpected surgery left my tummy scarred and sore... and a bit pudgy. Yesterday, upon getting in the Jeep, my jeans gave up on my thunder thighs and ripped. A lot. In several places. If that's not a wake-up call to get in shape, I don't (wanna) know what is.
However, I do not plan to just lose the weight. I want to be healthy. I'm sick of being sick and tired, with daily headaches, back aches, muscles cramps and crabby moods. It's exhausting. And not a walk in the park for my ever-patient boyfriend, friends and family.
While I am aware that I'll probably never look the way I did in high school ever again, I'd like to get rid of the not-so-cute muffin top and previously mentioned thunder thighs. I don't think losing 30 or more pounds would help my "healthy" cause. So I'm not going to go by the numbers. I'm going by how I feel. When I feel more energized, lighter, happier, and proud, I'll know I'm on the right track.
So wish me luck! I'm sure you'll hear about how it's going (or not going- great week to start this, with TWO Thanksgiving dinners in the next 6 days).
Here are some of my inspirations/guidance to get started.

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Not only do I get SELF magazine, but I signed up for their weekly emails with new workout and advice for a healthier, fitter lifestyle. Their fitness section is my new favorite.

Log cabin

I wouldn't mind taking a drive to wherever this is, and spending about a ...forever there. Or a couple nights.

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