Thursday This N That - Midsummer Goals Check In

So I have been thinking about my summer goals a lot lately which is very unlike me. I couldn't really remember what all I set out to accomplish but the ones I could remember it seems like I am making progress on. So I thought it would be a dandy time to take a gander at the list and see where I am winning and losing. Since I have all this time on my hands and so forth. If you missed the long version of this post where I linked up with Steph you can take a peek here. 

Meal Prep Well no, but only because I am currently not working and thus the need for meal prep is pretty much non-existent. I have been keeping a good supply of healthy food on hand though so ...Winning

Mail Totally mostly Winning on this one. I have gone from 3 stacks on the cocktail table (which is not a good look) to 1.5 stacks in the kitchen. Sometimes I move things around just to make it feel like progress but I did really sort and condense and trash/file about half of it so far. So good. 

Purge Clothing 50/50 on this so far. I have bags and piles ready to go. Ready to go being the 50% fail part. Now to get them gone. 

Read A Book On My Nightstand Omg... I finished that one book I started forever ago. Yeah, it was not that great which is why I put it down in the first place but I wanted to see how it ended. And I started another one... so far it is really good. Winning

Brunching yes I am but nowhere new so this is still a Fail.  

Braves Nope.

Birthday Dinner Well... not yet but if I land a job before then I am making the Reservation at Gunshow. Right now fine dining doesn't seem prudent.

Blog 3x A Week Holy balls... I just looked and I am actually one hundo Winning on this one. Go blogger me. 

New Thing I can't really think of anything blogworthy so I am going to say No. Losing, but there is time yet!

Huh... I am actually feeling pretty good about myself now. 

How is everyone else doing on their list?

Summer Goals • Thursday Thoughts

Thursday This N That - Midsummer Goals Check In

Thursday, July 28, 2016

So I have been thinking about my summer goals a lot lately which is very unlike me. I couldn't really remember what all I set out to accomplish but the ones I could remember it seems like I am making progress on. So I thought it would be a dandy time to take a gander at the list and see where I am winning and losing. Since I have all this time on my hands and so forth. If you missed the long version of this post where I linked up with Steph you can take a peek here. 

Meal Prep Well no, but only because I am currently not working and thus the need for meal prep is pretty much non-existent. I have been keeping a good supply of healthy food on hand though so ...Winning

Mail Totally mostly Winning on this one. I have gone from 3 stacks on the cocktail table (which is not a good look) to 1.5 stacks in the kitchen. Sometimes I move things around just to make it feel like progress but I did really sort and condense and trash/file about half of it so far. So good. 

Purge Clothing 50/50 on this so far. I have bags and piles ready to go. Ready to go being the 50% fail part. Now to get them gone. 

Read A Book On My Nightstand Omg... I finished that one book I started forever ago. Yeah, it was not that great which is why I put it down in the first place but I wanted to see how it ended. And I started another one... so far it is really good. Winning

Brunching yes I am but nowhere new so this is still a Fail.  

Braves Nope.

Birthday Dinner Well... not yet but if I land a job before then I am making the Reservation at Gunshow. Right now fine dining doesn't seem prudent.

Blog 3x A Week Holy balls... I just looked and I am actually one hundo Winning on this one. Go blogger me. 

New Thing I can't really think of anything blogworthy so I am going to say No. Losing, but there is time yet!

Huh... I am actually feeling pretty good about myself now. 

How is everyone else doing on their list?

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So I've Been Thinking... To Whole30 or Not?

The first time I did a Whole30 was a few years ago when I was unemployed and it was a huge success for me for many reasons. If you don't know you can read about it here. I went back and recently read that post searching for inspiration and I immediately felt that this might actually be the perfect time for me to do another one. Have I lost my mind? Ummm.. it's summer time, pool time, concert time. It's really not the perfect time to go hard on the eating and drinking things. Or is it?  I am between gigs right now and fighting the fight to stay upbeat and positive but I feel the stress starting to grate on me. The stress of not being in control of things, big things, and letting certain other big things get out of control again. So I am thinking while I have a lot of time to devote to actually managing a Whole30 and rocking it I probably should and here is why:

• As I mentioned here I am out of control. When I found out back in April that my contract position would likely be coming to an early end I let the "woe is me's" take over and gave myself permission to self medicate with all the things I could put in my mouth. Meh... it is what it is. 
• I'm a control freak in certain aspects of my life. Not in regards to others but just me.  I don't have to control all of it all the time and I usually let my job fill that need so when there is no job I need another thing to take it's place and that thing needs to just be about me. I am a firm believer that in large part our health is completely within our control very simply by making changes in food and exercise. 
• I flipped through the calendar and noticed that August 1 lands on a Monday. I mean, I like logical things. Starting something new on  Monday and on the first of the month is just too perfect to pass up, isn't it? If the first was on a Friday I would be a lot less jazzed. This is my sign...
• You can totally have a 100% successful Whole30 while working full time in an office setting it just takes more planning and prepping. Being at home and being able to be in the kitchen whenever to whip up perfect Whole30 meals is a gift. I kind of don't want to pass that up. 
• My shorts don't feel good and unless I want to go out and buy a size bigger I need to buckle down and man up. Stop the insanity. 
• I have been wondering if not really feeling my best or fitting into what I want to wear is affecting my interview vibe in a negative way. It's really not good when you walk into a room feeling like you don't look your best. Sadly people judge you on your looks. 
• My new oven is coming soon remember? Apparently it takes a minute weeks to ship giant things across the country but it is coming. That means massive amounts of cooking amazing things is immediately on the horizon. Perfect time to be immersed in food. 
• I feel gross all of the time and I want to feel the Tiger Blood again. It happens to me every time and it's something that stays with you. If you don't know what I'm talking about it's basically getting to the point in the program where you physically feel the effects of the Whole30 mind, body and spirit. 
• I need something positive to focus on. Something that, don't take this the wrong way, but something that makes me feel superior if even  only in my own mind. I get down on myself and I tend to sometimes take responsibility for things that are really out of my control. Fatal flaw. This is always a positive experience and makes me feel empowered! 

Here's the thing though, I have a few dates on my August calendar that are going to be extremely challenging to navigate and stay on Whole30 100%. Like a private wine tasting that I PLANNED for a group of friends. How do I get through that? Two concerts, possibly a third. A really good friend's birthday that usually means going out and getting mildly shit faced and Ubering all over town. All things to think about but honestly none of these would be worth giving up the end result of feeling 100% better and more in control in 30 short days. Yes, the immediate gratification whore in my soul loves this most about doing a true Whole30... it works fast and the results are palpable in so many ways. 

I have 5 more days to decide and commit. What do you guys think I should do? 

Whole30 • Whole30 Alumni

So I've Been Thinking... To Whole30 or Not?

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

The first time I did a Whole30 was a few years ago when I was unemployed and it was a huge success for me for many reasons. If you don't know you can read about it here. I went back and recently read that post searching for inspiration and I immediately felt that this might actually be the perfect time for me to do another one. Have I lost my mind? Ummm.. it's summer time, pool time, concert time. It's really not the perfect time to go hard on the eating and drinking things. Or is it?  I am between gigs right now and fighting the fight to stay upbeat and positive but I feel the stress starting to grate on me. The stress of not being in control of things, big things, and letting certain other big things get out of control again. So I am thinking while I have a lot of time to devote to actually managing a Whole30 and rocking it I probably should and here is why:

• As I mentioned here I am out of control. When I found out back in April that my contract position would likely be coming to an early end I let the "woe is me's" take over and gave myself permission to self medicate with all the things I could put in my mouth. Meh... it is what it is. 
• I'm a control freak in certain aspects of my life. Not in regards to others but just me.  I don't have to control all of it all the time and I usually let my job fill that need so when there is no job I need another thing to take it's place and that thing needs to just be about me. I am a firm believer that in large part our health is completely within our control very simply by making changes in food and exercise. 
• I flipped through the calendar and noticed that August 1 lands on a Monday. I mean, I like logical things. Starting something new on  Monday and on the first of the month is just too perfect to pass up, isn't it? If the first was on a Friday I would be a lot less jazzed. This is my sign...
• You can totally have a 100% successful Whole30 while working full time in an office setting it just takes more planning and prepping. Being at home and being able to be in the kitchen whenever to whip up perfect Whole30 meals is a gift. I kind of don't want to pass that up. 
• My shorts don't feel good and unless I want to go out and buy a size bigger I need to buckle down and man up. Stop the insanity. 
• I have been wondering if not really feeling my best or fitting into what I want to wear is affecting my interview vibe in a negative way. It's really not good when you walk into a room feeling like you don't look your best. Sadly people judge you on your looks. 
• My new oven is coming soon remember? Apparently it takes a minute weeks to ship giant things across the country but it is coming. That means massive amounts of cooking amazing things is immediately on the horizon. Perfect time to be immersed in food. 
• I feel gross all of the time and I want to feel the Tiger Blood again. It happens to me every time and it's something that stays with you. If you don't know what I'm talking about it's basically getting to the point in the program where you physically feel the effects of the Whole30 mind, body and spirit. 
• I need something positive to focus on. Something that, don't take this the wrong way, but something that makes me feel superior if even  only in my own mind. I get down on myself and I tend to sometimes take responsibility for things that are really out of my control. Fatal flaw. This is always a positive experience and makes me feel empowered! 

Here's the thing though, I have a few dates on my August calendar that are going to be extremely challenging to navigate and stay on Whole30 100%. Like a private wine tasting that I PLANNED for a group of friends. How do I get through that? Two concerts, possibly a third. A really good friend's birthday that usually means going out and getting mildly shit faced and Ubering all over town. All things to think about but honestly none of these would be worth giving up the end result of feeling 100% better and more in control in 30 short days. Yes, the immediate gratification whore in my soul loves this most about doing a true Whole30... it works fast and the results are palpable in so many ways. 

I have 5 more days to decide and commit. What do you guys think I should do? 

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Weekending...

How is it the last week of July exactly? I just can't wrap my brain around school starting in less than 2 weeks. I am sad, I am really loving the relaxed pace of the summer. The weekend was just exactly that... relaxed and pretty awesome although not super exciting. I kicked it off a little early with dinner out at a new local spot Tam's Tupelo and it did not disappoint. It's super close to my house and I have a feeling that the bar will become a regular spot for me. It's in a weird little strip mall but one of those places that you walk into and say "wow... I never would have guessed it would look like this" really nicely done.  We had  the Fried Green Tomato BLT Sliders, Gold Coast Shrimp, Shrimp & Grits and some amazing sweet potato biscuits... all pretty damn good. I had my favorite cocktail, an old-fashioned and it was delicious. We even ran into some of our local politicians... too much fun was had. Friday was a recovery day. And maybe a little Saturday too... maybe. 

I ate really clean all week long and admittedly indulged... but worked out, over the weekend. Met one of my best guy friends out for an awesome Greek omelette Saturday morning and no bloody Mary's... whaaaaat? I was good then but later Deep dish pizza and the best 7 Layer Bean Dip like ever made an appearance. Dun dun dun.  It was my last summer ladies tennis match of the season on Sunday so I thought I would make something extra good to eat. Check out the link to the original pin here and make it next time you need a quick and easy crowd pleaser. I mean, who doesn't like 7 Layer Dip? Using refried black beans instead of pinto is key, so much better! I also cheated and used a package of store bought spicy guac so it wouldn't get brown and gross overnight and it stayed perfect. Definitely the way to go if you are making ahead. 

I also finished a book that was not really worth even talking about, binged on season 2 of Vikings, did massive amounts of laundry so that the kids will come home to everything clean and fresh including sheets, blankets, pillows and had a date on Sunday night. I have been cleaning out closets, and bagging up clothes and shoes for days. Trying to decide if I want to donate, sell to consignment or Let Go. Honestly, I am just psyched to be making progress on that summer goal. So that's my weekend in short. Hope you all had a good one!

CHEERS!

Linking up with Biana.

Weekending

Weekending...

Monday, July 25, 2016

How is it the last week of July exactly? I just can't wrap my brain around school starting in less than 2 weeks. I am sad, I am really loving the relaxed pace of the summer. The weekend was just exactly that... relaxed and pretty awesome although not super exciting. I kicked it off a little early with dinner out at a new local spot Tam's Tupelo and it did not disappoint. It's super close to my house and I have a feeling that the bar will become a regular spot for me. It's in a weird little strip mall but one of those places that you walk into and say "wow... I never would have guessed it would look like this" really nicely done.  We had  the Fried Green Tomato BLT Sliders, Gold Coast Shrimp, Shrimp & Grits and some amazing sweet potato biscuits... all pretty damn good. I had my favorite cocktail, an old-fashioned and it was delicious. We even ran into some of our local politicians... too much fun was had. Friday was a recovery day. And maybe a little Saturday too... maybe. 

I ate really clean all week long and admittedly indulged... but worked out, over the weekend. Met one of my best guy friends out for an awesome Greek omelette Saturday morning and no bloody Mary's... whaaaaat? I was good then but later Deep dish pizza and the best 7 Layer Bean Dip like ever made an appearance. Dun dun dun.  It was my last summer ladies tennis match of the season on Sunday so I thought I would make something extra good to eat. Check out the link to the original pin here and make it next time you need a quick and easy crowd pleaser. I mean, who doesn't like 7 Layer Dip? Using refried black beans instead of pinto is key, so much better! I also cheated and used a package of store bought spicy guac so it wouldn't get brown and gross overnight and it stayed perfect. Definitely the way to go if you are making ahead. 

I also finished a book that was not really worth even talking about, binged on season 2 of Vikings, did massive amounts of laundry so that the kids will come home to everything clean and fresh including sheets, blankets, pillows and had a date on Sunday night. I have been cleaning out closets, and bagging up clothes and shoes for days. Trying to decide if I want to donate, sell to consignment or Let Go. Honestly, I am just psyched to be making progress on that summer goal. So that's my weekend in short. Hope you all had a good one!

CHEERS!

Linking up with Biana.

Read More

I'm Out Of Control... Confessions of a Fatass

I have been on a huge bender and I am not proud of it. Yesterday I was forced to take a long hard look at myself AGAIN in the mirror when I was trying to find an outfit to wear to my interview.  I can't zip a skirt I bought in April. I want to kick myself in the ass. Everything is tight. EHV-REY-THING. And that is not even the worst part. I just don't feel good. I'm tired, achy, moody, my stomach is a mess and my sinuses are going nuts.  I just generally feel like crap and it is all food related. 

Does anyone else do this? I am on point for months at a time and then boom, some stupid thing goes awry in my universe and I derail like a  freaking locomotive eating and drinking all of the things.

Does anyone else gain 10 pounds in like 5 minutes when it takes like 30 days of blood, sweat and tears to lose 10 pounds?

I really lost my shit yesterday. It was not a good day despite the fact that I had what I think was a good interview. I think... I don't really put much stock in what I think in that arena these days though. But about losing my shit, my clothes are all tight again and I am disgusted. Disgusted that I feel like I can't get off the hamster wheel of trying to get healthier succeeding and then failing over and over again. I am an active person, I eat a lot healthier than most people I think. What the fuck is my problem? I know how to do this, I know what works for me. Isn't that a huge part of the struggle for most people? I figured that out several years ago, for real, through various diets, eating plans, trial and error. I've done the work. I just can't stick with it. 

So what are the real problems for me? Because it's really not just one thing but the perfect storm of events that lead to my downfall every time.

Stress

Certainly that is huge, I eat and drink to feel better when I am stressed out, I know that is a fact. 

Poor Planning 

Absolutely, no plan is a plan to fail... cliche but true. 

Laziness 

Yes... I don't always want to shop and cook and prep healthy meals for myself and my family especially when I am down in the dumps about stuff. 

Alcohol

I have a social life that revolves around drinking. Sad but true... I know I am not alone here but being single definitely doesn't help matters on this one.

Shitty Food Choices

This is in direct correlation to the previous one. Even one glass of wine or a beer gives way to making really bad food decisions for me personally. I went to bars and restaurants during both of my Whole 30's and made good food choices. As soon as alcohol is in the picture the odds of that happening diminish drastically.  

Lying to Myself

Saying things like: 

"I totally didn't eat anything today so I can totally eat Nachos and drink Beer for dinner." 

50/50 is really not so bad. 

I worked out today so...

But I never eat fast food. Just fancy doughnuts. And pizza. And not like every day so it's ok. 

So I guess it's time to stop the madness again. Tears and frustration don't fix anything. I should do another Whole30. Yesterday was a perfect Whole30 day really, this could be day 2. But ugh... it's hard. And I hate even saying that but... Summer weekends at the pool and the lake, birthdays, concerts all coming up quickly. will present challenges but nothing I haven't done before. I am not sure what I am doing yet but I just felt like I wanted to write it down here, it makes me feel better. Sometimes that alone gives me some clarity and focus. 

In other news my new double oven shipped yesterday. I cannot wait to do some serious grain free baking! Also I have a date tonight. Write it down it's a record... 3 dates in 3 weeks. Wish me luck on that too. 

Confessions

I'm Out Of Control... Confessions of a Fatass

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

I have been on a huge bender and I am not proud of it. Yesterday I was forced to take a long hard look at myself AGAIN in the mirror when I was trying to find an outfit to wear to my interview.  I can't zip a skirt I bought in April. I want to kick myself in the ass. Everything is tight. EHV-REY-THING. And that is not even the worst part. I just don't feel good. I'm tired, achy, moody, my stomach is a mess and my sinuses are going nuts.  I just generally feel like crap and it is all food related. 

Does anyone else do this? I am on point for months at a time and then boom, some stupid thing goes awry in my universe and I derail like a  freaking locomotive eating and drinking all of the things.

Does anyone else gain 10 pounds in like 5 minutes when it takes like 30 days of blood, sweat and tears to lose 10 pounds?

I really lost my shit yesterday. It was not a good day despite the fact that I had what I think was a good interview. I think... I don't really put much stock in what I think in that arena these days though. But about losing my shit, my clothes are all tight again and I am disgusted. Disgusted that I feel like I can't get off the hamster wheel of trying to get healthier succeeding and then failing over and over again. I am an active person, I eat a lot healthier than most people I think. What the fuck is my problem? I know how to do this, I know what works for me. Isn't that a huge part of the struggle for most people? I figured that out several years ago, for real, through various diets, eating plans, trial and error. I've done the work. I just can't stick with it. 

So what are the real problems for me? Because it's really not just one thing but the perfect storm of events that lead to my downfall every time.

Stress

Certainly that is huge, I eat and drink to feel better when I am stressed out, I know that is a fact. 

Poor Planning 

Absolutely, no plan is a plan to fail... cliche but true. 

Laziness 

Yes... I don't always want to shop and cook and prep healthy meals for myself and my family especially when I am down in the dumps about stuff. 

Alcohol

I have a social life that revolves around drinking. Sad but true... I know I am not alone here but being single definitely doesn't help matters on this one.

Shitty Food Choices

This is in direct correlation to the previous one. Even one glass of wine or a beer gives way to making really bad food decisions for me personally. I went to bars and restaurants during both of my Whole 30's and made good food choices. As soon as alcohol is in the picture the odds of that happening diminish drastically.  

Lying to Myself

Saying things like: 

"I totally didn't eat anything today so I can totally eat Nachos and drink Beer for dinner." 

50/50 is really not so bad. 

I worked out today so...

But I never eat fast food. Just fancy doughnuts. And pizza. And not like every day so it's ok. 

So I guess it's time to stop the madness again. Tears and frustration don't fix anything. I should do another Whole30. Yesterday was a perfect Whole30 day really, this could be day 2. But ugh... it's hard. And I hate even saying that but... Summer weekends at the pool and the lake, birthdays, concerts all coming up quickly. will present challenges but nothing I haven't done before. I am not sure what I am doing yet but I just felt like I wanted to write it down here, it makes me feel better. Sometimes that alone gives me some clarity and focus. 

In other news my new double oven shipped yesterday. I cannot wait to do some serious grain free baking! Also I have a date tonight. Write it down it's a record... 3 dates in 3 weeks. Wish me luck on that too. 

Read More

Weekending... Dates, Drinks and Vikings

Sooo, here we are on Monday again and I am getting a late start. My laptop decided to be an asshat and restart and do some bullshit update about 5 minutes after I sat down to finish this post with my coffee today. So.. time to bang this out before my next interview at 3:00 pm. Another 2 hour ordeal. Wish me luck!!

My weekend was pretty nice and chill. It started out with a Bumble date for lunch on Friday. So far I am liking this new app, two not horrible dates in 2 weeks is maybe a record for me. We met at a little mexican place near my old office and had a quick lunch and it was nice. Cool guy, super tall and bearded, very cute. I would like to get to know him a little more so we will see how it goes. 

I went out to my local spot on Friday for beers and live music as usual. Saturday morning tennis was brutally hot and of course, I ended up playing 3 sets but winning because... hot Tinder partner still kicks ass on the courts. We decided it just takes us a set to warm up. We grilled out and chilled out but my team as a whole lost and we killed our shot at going to play offs. Oh well, on to the next season! 

Sunday was about the same. Ladies tennis in the morning which was awful. I am having the worst time with the ladies tennis. I think I need to stick to mixed, it's a better pace for me and then there are men so... duh. One of my girlies and  went for a loser brunch of filet benedict and bloody mary's because when you lose you might as well treat yo'self. 

After a shower and a nap I rounded out the weekend with laundry, wine and my newest addiction. Vikings. Remember how I said I was looking for a new bingeworthy show? Yeah, I decided on Vikings and I got through all of season 1 between Saturday and Sunday. Omg you guys, it's so good. Forget about how fucking gorgeous Travis Fimmell and the entire cast is but I love a good historical drama. It's a really good choice if you like that sort of thing. Can't wait to plow through the next 4 seasons!

Cheers to Monday!

Weekending

Weekending... Dates, Drinks and Vikings

Monday, July 18, 2016

Sooo, here we are on Monday again and I am getting a late start. My laptop decided to be an asshat and restart and do some bullshit update about 5 minutes after I sat down to finish this post with my coffee today. So.. time to bang this out before my next interview at 3:00 pm. Another 2 hour ordeal. Wish me luck!!

My weekend was pretty nice and chill. It started out with a Bumble date for lunch on Friday. So far I am liking this new app, two not horrible dates in 2 weeks is maybe a record for me. We met at a little mexican place near my old office and had a quick lunch and it was nice. Cool guy, super tall and bearded, very cute. I would like to get to know him a little more so we will see how it goes. 

I went out to my local spot on Friday for beers and live music as usual. Saturday morning tennis was brutally hot and of course, I ended up playing 3 sets but winning because... hot Tinder partner still kicks ass on the courts. We decided it just takes us a set to warm up. We grilled out and chilled out but my team as a whole lost and we killed our shot at going to play offs. Oh well, on to the next season! 

Sunday was about the same. Ladies tennis in the morning which was awful. I am having the worst time with the ladies tennis. I think I need to stick to mixed, it's a better pace for me and then there are men so... duh. One of my girlies and  went for a loser brunch of filet benedict and bloody mary's because when you lose you might as well treat yo'self. 

After a shower and a nap I rounded out the weekend with laundry, wine and my newest addiction. Vikings. Remember how I said I was looking for a new bingeworthy show? Yeah, I decided on Vikings and I got through all of season 1 between Saturday and Sunday. Omg you guys, it's so good. Forget about how fucking gorgeous Travis Fimmell and the entire cast is but I love a good historical drama. It's a really good choice if you like that sort of thing. Can't wait to plow through the next 4 seasons!

Cheers to Monday!

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Oh Hey... Friday

Oh Hey... It's Friday again. Ready for the weekend. Last summer mixed match of the season tomorrow and we are playing for all of the marbles or the second place spot in our division so we can go to playoffs next weekend. May the tennis God's shine down on me and my team. I think I have a date tonight, another Bumble thing. Hopefully a little more exciting than the last one. Other than that who knows what the weekend will bring. Grilling, chilling and dranks... Linking up with Karli & Amy for the Oh Hey partay... 

PERFECT SUMMER JAM

Could these 2 be any cuter? Oh and can you hear the resemblance to this old jam in the background? They could too so they added the original writers of Low Rider to the song credits. Stay Classy Thomas Rhett... I dig it!

SUMMER SNACKY STUFF

Do you love radishes? I do. This pin for Whipped Dill Cream Cheese Snack Plate from Uproot Kitchen will be making an appearance on my deck this weekend or very soon at least. Cucumber, radishes, cream cheese, dill and crisp light wafers sound like the perfect thing to pair with a crisp cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc on a summer evening. And it's so pretty too.

UNNECESSARY PURCHASE  - DGAF

I spend a decent amount of time sitting at my vanity every week so I finally bit the bullet and ordered my Ghost Chair so I can start working on revamping the whole area. I want it to be pretty. Can't wait to get it. 

NECESSARY PURCHASE

I know you must be thinking I have lost my mind making major purchases while unemployed but... I got a guy... and said guy got me a hell of a deal. Seriously tho, one of my tennis buddies is a veep at Build.com and he worked his magic. The truth is their price blew Home Depot out of the water anyway but all told with their sale and his extra help I saved approx. $700. New oven in route!! Thank God! 

SPLURGE

Ok so Starbucks unveiled a new summer iced coffee drink with coconut milk this week and of course I had to try it because lactose free and dairy free is my jam. The Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato did not disappoint. Don't be fooled, it's not really any healthier calorie wise at 220 for a grande but  no icky stomach feels afterward that I get from dairy. Winning. Oh and also its pretty.

Happy Weekend My Friends!

Oh Hey Friday

Oh Hey... Friday

Friday, July 15, 2016

Oh Hey... It's Friday again. Ready for the weekend. Last summer mixed match of the season tomorrow and we are playing for all of the marbles or the second place spot in our division so we can go to playoffs next weekend. May the tennis God's shine down on me and my team. I think I have a date tonight, another Bumble thing. Hopefully a little more exciting than the last one. Other than that who knows what the weekend will bring. Grilling, chilling and dranks... Linking up with Karli & Amy for the Oh Hey partay... 

PERFECT SUMMER JAM

Could these 2 be any cuter? Oh and can you hear the resemblance to this old jam in the background? They could too so they added the original writers of Low Rider to the song credits. Stay Classy Thomas Rhett... I dig it!

SUMMER SNACKY STUFF

Do you love radishes? I do. This pin for Whipped Dill Cream Cheese Snack Plate from Uproot Kitchen will be making an appearance on my deck this weekend or very soon at least. Cucumber, radishes, cream cheese, dill and crisp light wafers sound like the perfect thing to pair with a crisp cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc on a summer evening. And it's so pretty too.

UNNECESSARY PURCHASE  - DGAF

I spend a decent amount of time sitting at my vanity every week so I finally bit the bullet and ordered my Ghost Chair so I can start working on revamping the whole area. I want it to be pretty. Can't wait to get it. 

NECESSARY PURCHASE

I know you must be thinking I have lost my mind making major purchases while unemployed but... I got a guy... and said guy got me a hell of a deal. Seriously tho, one of my tennis buddies is a veep at Build.com and he worked his magic. The truth is their price blew Home Depot out of the water anyway but all told with their sale and his extra help I saved approx. $700. New oven in route!! Thank God! 

SPLURGE

Ok so Starbucks unveiled a new summer iced coffee drink with coconut milk this week and of course I had to try it because lactose free and dairy free is my jam. The Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato did not disappoint. Don't be fooled, it's not really any healthier calorie wise at 220 for a grande but  no icky stomach feels afterward that I get from dairy. Winning. Oh and also its pretty.

Happy Weekend My Friends!

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Thursday Thoughts... The Upside to Unscheduled Time Off In the Summer

My kids go back to school 3 weeks from today. Yes, August 4th, and I literally want to cry when I think about it for several reasons. As you all know I am currently on a bit of a hiatus from the working world and although part of me was dreading being home with the kiddoes all day erryday I am finding that I actually enjoy it. It has only happened a few times over the last few years and never in the summer. The slow relaxed pace of our days right now has been such a treat. And here's a few of my thoughts on why:

Bedtime? Nope. Sleep till noon? Yup. Not me of course, them. My teenage son has one inch to go before he is taller than me and I am convinced that if he just sleeps till noon every day he will be there in 3 weeks, I shit you not! They are like little weeds right now. 

So I had all of these plans to get things organized around the house but I think for the next few weeks until they go back to school I just want to be with them and do fun stuff sprinkled with some nothing much at all. I can organize rooms and clean closets if I am still unemployed when school starts.

I have been getting crap done that just needs to be done though. you know the things you never have time for because ... work. Yesterday I went in for a  oil change/tire rotation and ended up with 2 new tires... I knew that was coming. My little and I got Starbucks and did  little browsing at Target. The dollar spot was calling our name.

I have been researching finally getting a new oven to replace my old piece of shit. I am pretty sure that is happening this month thanks to a friend who works for a big company and offered to help me get a sweet deal. I don't want to jinx it but I am stoked. 

I can sleep til whenever I want but I started setting my alarm again this week. I took a week off and that was really nice but I like getting up and making my coffee and keeping my schedule more like a real work day. I do not mind  getting up and "working" at my kitchen table with coffee and not wearing real pants. Not one bit.

I grilled burgers for lunch yesterday. Why not fire up the grill at noon on a Wednesday?

Tennis every day. Working out every day. Ok maybe not both but one or the other. How do you people incorporate working out into your everyday schedule with work? It's so much easier to fit in without that pesky little 8 hours of work getting in the way. I am loving it but damn it sure does create a lot of nasty sweaty clothes for me to wash!

Netflix. I just finished OITNB and I didn't realize I was on the last episode until the next one didn't start playing. Sadness. What should I binge on next? Seriously I don't even watch real TV anymore, the Amazon Firestick was an awesome investment.

43. The number of days until NCAA college football season kicks off. This has nothing to do with any of this but being off work gives me more time to think about how quickly my favorite time of year will be here!

Other reasons I am really enjoying being off in the summer... pool time, book and magazine reading cause I have stacks to get thru, no set meal times, flat ironing my hair like once a week instead of every day, not wearing makeup for days, staying up late, wine, shopping during the weekdays when everyone else is at work and most of all just doing a whole lot of nothing with my people.  

Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts... The Upside to Unscheduled Time Off In the Summer

Thursday, July 14, 2016

My kids go back to school 3 weeks from today. Yes, August 4th, and I literally want to cry when I think about it for several reasons. As you all know I am currently on a bit of a hiatus from the working world and although part of me was dreading being home with the kiddoes all day erryday I am finding that I actually enjoy it. It has only happened a few times over the last few years and never in the summer. The slow relaxed pace of our days right now has been such a treat. And here's a few of my thoughts on why:

Bedtime? Nope. Sleep till noon? Yup. Not me of course, them. My teenage son has one inch to go before he is taller than me and I am convinced that if he just sleeps till noon every day he will be there in 3 weeks, I shit you not! They are like little weeds right now. 

So I had all of these plans to get things organized around the house but I think for the next few weeks until they go back to school I just want to be with them and do fun stuff sprinkled with some nothing much at all. I can organize rooms and clean closets if I am still unemployed when school starts.

I have been getting crap done that just needs to be done though. you know the things you never have time for because ... work. Yesterday I went in for a  oil change/tire rotation and ended up with 2 new tires... I knew that was coming. My little and I got Starbucks and did  little browsing at Target. The dollar spot was calling our name.

I have been researching finally getting a new oven to replace my old piece of shit. I am pretty sure that is happening this month thanks to a friend who works for a big company and offered to help me get a sweet deal. I don't want to jinx it but I am stoked. 

I can sleep til whenever I want but I started setting my alarm again this week. I took a week off and that was really nice but I like getting up and making my coffee and keeping my schedule more like a real work day. I do not mind  getting up and "working" at my kitchen table with coffee and not wearing real pants. Not one bit.

I grilled burgers for lunch yesterday. Why not fire up the grill at noon on a Wednesday?

Tennis every day. Working out every day. Ok maybe not both but one or the other. How do you people incorporate working out into your everyday schedule with work? It's so much easier to fit in without that pesky little 8 hours of work getting in the way. I am loving it but damn it sure does create a lot of nasty sweaty clothes for me to wash!

Netflix. I just finished OITNB and I didn't realize I was on the last episode until the next one didn't start playing. Sadness. What should I binge on next? Seriously I don't even watch real TV anymore, the Amazon Firestick was an awesome investment.

43. The number of days until NCAA college football season kicks off. This has nothing to do with any of this but being off work gives me more time to think about how quickly my favorite time of year will be here!

Other reasons I am really enjoying being off in the summer... pool time, book and magazine reading cause I have stacks to get thru, no set meal times, flat ironing my hair like once a week instead of every day, not wearing makeup for days, staying up late, wine, shopping during the weekdays when everyone else is at work and most of all just doing a whole lot of nothing with my people.  

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Weekending...

How is it Tuesday already? My days are flying by. How does being at home go faster than being at work? I think I already asked that last week but seriously, I look up and it's noon already. I think I need to start setting my alarm and getting up like I am going to the office. Losing 2 hours by getting up later is killing me. I need the structure, it's calming to me to stay on the same schedule and  feel like I get a lot more done. Well, because I do.

The weekend was pretty fun and relaxing. I didn't really do much because my kids came back on Friday night. We stayed in and grilled, well I grilled for myself because I was dying to make the Enchilada Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms I talked about here. They actually turned out really good, and if I had been paying closer attention this would not have happened.

But they tasted great. So here's what I learned: find the mushrooms that are most bowl shaped and not flat at all and don't go too far away from your grill. They go from zero to a hundred real quick!

Saturday was fight night. UFC200 and Brock Lesnar, one of my faves, did not disappoint.  He's a beast. UFC201 is in Atlanta on July 30th. Cheap seats are $300... yeah, guess who is not going.

So this week is pretty well booked up too. I have a singles match tonight for my weekly ass kicking, Tons of errands and 2 interviews. I am checking shit off my list. Kids dental appointments, trips to goodwill, getting the tires rotated and carpets cleaned. Don't hate me cause you ain't me. It's so glamorous I know. I might squeeze in a lunch date too, who knows.

Random snaps from the weekend! Yes, I am the Mom that caved and bought the mermaid tail. You're only 10 once when it's totally acceptable to splash around the neighborhood pool pretending to be a mermaid. I keep threatening to squeeze into it and give it a try though lol. 

Hope everyone's week is off to a great start!

Weekending

Weekending...

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

How is it Tuesday already? My days are flying by. How does being at home go faster than being at work? I think I already asked that last week but seriously, I look up and it's noon already. I think I need to start setting my alarm and getting up like I am going to the office. Losing 2 hours by getting up later is killing me. I need the structure, it's calming to me to stay on the same schedule and  feel like I get a lot more done. Well, because I do.

The weekend was pretty fun and relaxing. I didn't really do much because my kids came back on Friday night. We stayed in and grilled, well I grilled for myself because I was dying to make the Enchilada Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms I talked about here. They actually turned out really good, and if I had been paying closer attention this would not have happened.

But they tasted great. So here's what I learned: find the mushrooms that are most bowl shaped and not flat at all and don't go too far away from your grill. They go from zero to a hundred real quick!

Saturday was fight night. UFC200 and Brock Lesnar, one of my faves, did not disappoint.  He's a beast. UFC201 is in Atlanta on July 30th. Cheap seats are $300... yeah, guess who is not going.

So this week is pretty well booked up too. I have a singles match tonight for my weekly ass kicking, Tons of errands and 2 interviews. I am checking shit off my list. Kids dental appointments, trips to goodwill, getting the tires rotated and carpets cleaned. Don't hate me cause you ain't me. It's so glamorous I know. I might squeeze in a lunch date too, who knows.

Random snaps from the weekend! Yes, I am the Mom that caved and bought the mermaid tail. You're only 10 once when it's totally acceptable to splash around the neighborhood pool pretending to be a mermaid. I keep threatening to squeeze into it and give it a try though lol. 

Hope everyone's week is off to a great start!

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I mean... Does the day really matter?

This just reminded me of most of the men in my life.

So it's Friday again. To me, at this particular time, just another day. So goes week one of not getting up and going to a job. I say not going to a job because I did actually do some work, just housework. Not a ton of progress was made because my kids are at the beach and I took the opportunity to be a bit of a lazy slob. I slept in every day, no alarms, no worries. I worked out, I ate breakfast for lunch, I drank wine at 4 o'clock... it was a glorious week. Zero fucks. I even had a date! Remember that? On Tuesday I met a guy from Bumble for coffee and, well, zero chemistry was felt on my part and guessing on his too since I haven't heard from him since the obligatory thank you text. I liked it though, a coffee date is really quite perfect in that you waste the minimal amount of time and/or precious evening hours. This is going to be my new thing, the coffee date.

But since it is Friday and I am here, how about 5 things with the Oh Hey ladies Karli and Amy? Go...

MAKEUP

Not only is my tattoo artist young beautiful and insanely talented she also has ridicuously long lashes. I hate her. I kid but she does use this so of course I bought it and I love it! Better Than Sex Mascara from Too Faced did not disappoint. So I am back on the expensive mascara train, mine need serious help. Try it!

RECIPE

So I am back on my mostly Paleo-ish Whole30 eating plan because why not do it while I have time to cook and experiment in the kitchen. I am a big fan of Portobello mushrooms in lieu of buns or just in general on the grill in the summertime. This pin for Enchilada Stuffed Grilled Portobello Mushrooms spoke to me! I can't wait to try it this week!

SONG

I am a huge Blake Shelton fan and I especially love it when artists write songs about their life experiences. It makes them so much more relatable. Given his recent divorce from Miranda I just have to love this song. Who knows what really happened but I am Team Blake, never really got a great vibe from her as a personality. Either way... great tune!

DRINK

I made Pina Coladas last weekend and now I am kind of obsessed. It's been so hot here and they are just such a cool, frosty treat. Don't buy the mix, make your own. Get out your big fancy blenders out this weekend! The perfect Pina Colada:

1 part white Rum

3 parts Pineapple Juice

1 part Coco Lopez (or other coconut cream) 

I use the Coco Lopez can as the measure for the "part". Fill up your blender with about half ice and pour everything on top of that. Blend it then put your face in it. Cheers!

KIDS

My kids will return from the beach this weekend. On my immediate agenda is figuring out where I can ship them off to next.... hmmmmm

Happy Friday!

Oh Hey Friday

I mean... Does the day really matter?

Friday, July 8, 2016

This just reminded me of most of the men in my life.

So it's Friday again. To me, at this particular time, just another day. So goes week one of not getting up and going to a job. I say not going to a job because I did actually do some work, just housework. Not a ton of progress was made because my kids are at the beach and I took the opportunity to be a bit of a lazy slob. I slept in every day, no alarms, no worries. I worked out, I ate breakfast for lunch, I drank wine at 4 o'clock... it was a glorious week. Zero fucks. I even had a date! Remember that? On Tuesday I met a guy from Bumble for coffee and, well, zero chemistry was felt on my part and guessing on his too since I haven't heard from him since the obligatory thank you text. I liked it though, a coffee date is really quite perfect in that you waste the minimal amount of time and/or precious evening hours. This is going to be my new thing, the coffee date.

But since it is Friday and I am here, how about 5 things with the Oh Hey ladies Karli and Amy? Go...

MAKEUP

Not only is my tattoo artist young beautiful and insanely talented she also has ridicuously long lashes. I hate her. I kid but she does use this so of course I bought it and I love it! Better Than Sex Mascara from Too Faced did not disappoint. So I am back on the expensive mascara train, mine need serious help. Try it!

RECIPE

So I am back on my mostly Paleo-ish Whole30 eating plan because why not do it while I have time to cook and experiment in the kitchen. I am a big fan of Portobello mushrooms in lieu of buns or just in general on the grill in the summertime. This pin for Enchilada Stuffed Grilled Portobello Mushrooms spoke to me! I can't wait to try it this week!

SONG

I am a huge Blake Shelton fan and I especially love it when artists write songs about their life experiences. It makes them so much more relatable. Given his recent divorce from Miranda I just have to love this song. Who knows what really happened but I am Team Blake, never really got a great vibe from her as a personality. Either way... great tune!

DRINK

I made Pina Coladas last weekend and now I am kind of obsessed. It's been so hot here and they are just such a cool, frosty treat. Don't buy the mix, make your own. Get out your big fancy blenders out this weekend! The perfect Pina Colada:

1 part white Rum

3 parts Pineapple Juice

1 part Coco Lopez (or other coconut cream) 

I use the Coco Lopez can as the measure for the "part". Fill up your blender with about half ice and pour everything on top of that. Blend it then put your face in it. Cheers!

KIDS

My kids will return from the beach this weekend. On my immediate agenda is figuring out where I can ship them off to next.... hmmmmm

Happy Friday!

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Currently... July

It's the beginning of another month so time for some Currently business with Anne and Jenna.

TOASTING

I think I am becoming a bit of a beer snob. The only way I really enjoy my old Miller Lite or Coors Light is as an outdoor beer if you know what I mean... pool, tennis, lake, golfing beer. Other than that I want something that really tastes interesting. here a couple of current faves!

Bell's Oberon Ale is a wheat ale with a slight spicy and fruity taste. Perfect for summer! Oh and it's a Michigan beer from my home state...love that!

Abita Strawberry Harvest is a lager brewed with pilsner so  a little lighter. The addition of real strawberry juice after brewing gives it a slightly lightly sweet flavor and still a little nice tartness!

GOING

Crazy? Nah... not for reals but a little bit maybe. Since I am currently home for a bit I am going to be taking just a few days off this week to make plans. To not stress too too much over the job sitch. But while focusing on that check some shit off my house to do list. Goodwill, closet cleaning, Let Go (selling some crap)... purging unnecessary things around me goes along way for me in being able to think clearly and focus on the things I really need to.

SMELLING

I am addicted to Bath and Body Works Room Sprays mainly for the bathroom but anywhere really. Bowties and Bourbon is my current favorite. It is heavenly! It's a little manly but you know me, I like that shit.

WEARING

New boots... Adelphie by Steve Madden in Taupe. I wore these out in the ankle version last fall. This color is pretty much perfect with everything I swear! Yes, I know it's summer but I couldn't resist. I still do wear jeans a good bit and these actually look pretty cute with shorts too. The cut outs make them look very fresh and current. I get tired of seeing feet all the time. I hate feet. And flat sandals kill me.

WISHLISTING

Lash extensions or just longer lashes in general. My eyelashes are getting less and less by the day and it is driving me nuts! I know lash extensions can ultimately be very damaging but they look so pretty. All the research I have done leads me to this product... neuLASH. All the reviews pretty much say it works in just 3 weeks or so but a little pricey. Anyone have any experience with this or any other eyelash growth serum product?? It's currently on my Amazon wishlist for now...

What are you up to currently?

Currently • Currently Link Up

Currently... July

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

It's the beginning of another month so time for some Currently business with Anne and Jenna.

TOASTING

I think I am becoming a bit of a beer snob. The only way I really enjoy my old Miller Lite or Coors Light is as an outdoor beer if you know what I mean... pool, tennis, lake, golfing beer. Other than that I want something that really tastes interesting. here a couple of current faves!

Bell's Oberon Ale is a wheat ale with a slight spicy and fruity taste. Perfect for summer! Oh and it's a Michigan beer from my home state...love that!

Abita Strawberry Harvest is a lager brewed with pilsner so  a little lighter. The addition of real strawberry juice after brewing gives it a slightly lightly sweet flavor and still a little nice tartness!

GOING

Crazy? Nah... not for reals but a little bit maybe. Since I am currently home for a bit I am going to be taking just a few days off this week to make plans. To not stress too too much over the job sitch. But while focusing on that check some shit off my house to do list. Goodwill, closet cleaning, Let Go (selling some crap)... purging unnecessary things around me goes along way for me in being able to think clearly and focus on the things I really need to.

SMELLING

I am addicted to Bath and Body Works Room Sprays mainly for the bathroom but anywhere really. Bowties and Bourbon is my current favorite. It is heavenly! It's a little manly but you know me, I like that shit.

WEARING

New boots... Adelphie by Steve Madden in Taupe. I wore these out in the ankle version last fall. This color is pretty much perfect with everything I swear! Yes, I know it's summer but I couldn't resist. I still do wear jeans a good bit and these actually look pretty cute with shorts too. The cut outs make them look very fresh and current. I get tired of seeing feet all the time. I hate feet. And flat sandals kill me.

WISHLISTING

Lash extensions or just longer lashes in general. My eyelashes are getting less and less by the day and it is driving me nuts! I know lash extensions can ultimately be very damaging but they look so pretty. All the research I have done leads me to this product... neuLASH. All the reviews pretty much say it works in just 3 weeks or so but a little pricey. Anyone have any experience with this or any other eyelash growth serum product?? It's currently on my Amazon wishlist for now...

What are you up to currently?

Read More