Last Tuesday In January

So I know this is supposed to be my link up day but, it is also Day 30 of my Whole30 so I am technically not quite done yet. Rather than recap today I would rather wait until later this week when I can give you actual numbers as in pounds and inches that have officially been kicked to the curb. Girl bye. Stay tuned for all of that later this week.

I was just thinking about all of the things I did and didn't do this past month that made it a successful one for me. Some of these, to me at least, are big and meaningful for a variety of reasons. Not the least of which most of them are things that I intentionally set out to do. This makes me happy. So here are a few of the highlights...

• I did not, not even once, eat out. I can not wait to figure out how much bank I saved.
• I did have a 100% perfect Whole30. Provided I don't have a complete breakdown today. 
• I did not go out with my friends at all. No bars. Not even a coffee. I was a hermit and I loved it.
• I did do one new thing which is a monthly goal of mine for 2017. I took my son to an FSU Basketball game at Georgia Tech's new-to-me arena. 
• I did pretty well on my spending freeze until about week 3. Baby steps. I needed the cocktail napkins with big gold lips I found at HomeGoods.
• I did not get suckered into joining a gym, cross-fit or Orange Theory. Phew... made it thru another January.
• I brought my lunch to work every single day this month. 
• I did not buy any clothes or shoes. 
• I got my eyebrows microbladed. Need to blog about that.
• I started cleaning out my old office and getting ready to create a whole new and beautiful work from home space.
• I played more tennis.
• I booked a February Botox appointment. 
• I shut down all of my online dating apps to focus on myself, because it's really all about me. 
• I didn't drink a drop of alcohol. My wine/liquor store probably thinks I died. 
• I did buy tickets for a Yoga class/Brewery Tour, the Atlanta Brunch Festival and Zac Brown.
• I slayed at my job, finally finished the video I had been tasked with producing and aced it. 
• I started a bullet journal and I am obsessed. 
• I officially have my February plan of attack on paper in said journal. Stay tuned...

I will be back later this week to officially debrief my January Whole30 experience but do link up with Nadine and I to share how you did with getting back on track!!

An InLinkz Link-up

Back On Track Link Up

Last Tuesday In January

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

So I know this is supposed to be my link up day but, it is also Day 30 of my Whole30 so I am technically not quite done yet. Rather than recap today I would rather wait until later this week when I can give you actual numbers as in pounds and inches that have officially been kicked to the curb. Girl bye. Stay tuned for all of that later this week.

I was just thinking about all of the things I did and didn't do this past month that made it a successful one for me. Some of these, to me at least, are big and meaningful for a variety of reasons. Not the least of which most of them are things that I intentionally set out to do. This makes me happy. So here are a few of the highlights...

• I did not, not even once, eat out. I can not wait to figure out how much bank I saved.
• I did have a 100% perfect Whole30. Provided I don't have a complete breakdown today. 
• I did not go out with my friends at all. No bars. Not even a coffee. I was a hermit and I loved it.
• I did do one new thing which is a monthly goal of mine for 2017. I took my son to an FSU Basketball game at Georgia Tech's new-to-me arena. 
• I did pretty well on my spending freeze until about week 3. Baby steps. I needed the cocktail napkins with big gold lips I found at HomeGoods.
• I did not get suckered into joining a gym, cross-fit or Orange Theory. Phew... made it thru another January.
• I brought my lunch to work every single day this month. 
• I did not buy any clothes or shoes. 
• I got my eyebrows microbladed. Need to blog about that.
• I started cleaning out my old office and getting ready to create a whole new and beautiful work from home space.
• I played more tennis.
• I booked a February Botox appointment. 
• I shut down all of my online dating apps to focus on myself, because it's really all about me. 
• I didn't drink a drop of alcohol. My wine/liquor store probably thinks I died. 
• I did buy tickets for a Yoga class/Brewery Tour, the Atlanta Brunch Festival and Zac Brown.
• I slayed at my job, finally finished the video I had been tasked with producing and aced it. 
• I started a bullet journal and I am obsessed. 
• I officially have my February plan of attack on paper in said journal. Stay tuned...

I will be back later this week to officially debrief my January Whole30 experience but do link up with Nadine and I to share how you did with getting back on track!!

An InLinkz Link-up

Read More

My Top 10 Staples For Whole 30/Healthy Eating

I was talking to a girl at work the other day and telling her how much I loved Whole30 and she said "but don't you love wine"? Ummm yes, as a matter of fact I do!! And believe you me I am looking forward to some of that.

But, I have really honestly grown to love the actual Whole30. Does that sound crazy? I know it does a little but I personally love having really strict rules imposed upon me for the 30 day reset phase. I don't' want to think. I don't want to have to weigh, measure, count macros, calories, figure out percentages or pee on a stick and make it turn purple. No. Just tell me what I can't have. Keep it simple. Don't tell me what I can have in moderation because moderation is not my thing. I'm either all in or all out. Yes you can eat it or no you can not. Thanks.

The other thing that's cool about Whole30 that really melts my ghee (see what I did there) is that if it's on the yes list you an eat as much as you want. I'm serious. And before anyone freaks out that I just said you can eat 10 pounds of bacon a week if you want, although that is technically true it really won't happen. You can eat as much of the good stuff as you want but in reality you won't go crazy on it trust me.

I have 2 more days left in this, my third round of Whole30. Yikes!!! I am about to start the really hard part... again, the re-introduction phase. Crap. I have to start thinking again. There are some things that have really worked for me during this round and over the course f the last 2. My recurring favorites if you will. I thought I would share a few with you today because I reach for them over and over again when I am trying to stay on track. I find if I always have my essentials on hand I can make better choices even when I am not on Whole30. I recommend figuring out what your essentials are and doing the same. I think sometimes just seeing one of these items is a bit of a mental trigger for me that says "hey... I'm good, pick me".


ONE
LaCroix Water - I like drinks, especially with alcohol. Since those are off limits for Whole30 and anytime you are trying to achieve maximum health I have adopted LaCroix water as my go to mocktail. It comes in tons of amazing flavors and if you add a splash of 100% juice, a few berries or a wedge of citrus you've got yourself a refreshing zero calorie treat. I go through about 12 or 18 a week but it's water so...

TWO
Whole30 Mayo - I never thought I would say mayonnaise would be something I couldn't live without but yeah, true story. Not just any mayo but the Whole30 Mayo that you make yourself is something I reach for just about every day it seems. It is the base for  any type of sauce you can think of and also Dump Ranch which is the bomb. My personal favorites are Frank's Red Hot for a buffalo sauce or just straight fresh horseradish. Side note, I use an immersion blender now and make it right in a quart size wide mouth mason jar, not in my food processor, but you could do either.

THREE
Guacamole. I pretty much eat this or some form of avocado at least every other day. I put it on chicken, burgers, sweet potato nachos, lettuce wraps,  dip my veggies in it, it goes with everything. I love the Goodfoods brand they sell in singles and tubs at Costco. I guess I could make my own but why? I think all this good fat may be the reason my hair looks so awesome right now.

FOUR
Kirkland Almond Butter is like having coffee in the morning to me. I can't really live without it Whole30 or not. Truth be told I use this in place of something sweet and I know that is kind of a no no but I don't give a shit. It works for me when I am craving a cookie or a piece of chocolate or a cheesecake so it's a keeper!

FIVE
Horseradish might be kind of a weird one for some but I grew up on it. Being Polish we always had it around the holidays especially but, it's kind of like ketchup, it's a basic condiment. I love it on any kind of protein especially burgers and sausage. It makes an amazing sauce when you mix it up with some Whole30 mayo too! Just make sure you buy real ground horseradish and not the prepared or creamed variety. If you have a cold just eat a spoonful and your sinuses will be all good!

SIX
Raw Nuts are my go to snack food. I am a huge salty snack food person. Chips, crackers, pretzels... those are the things I would reach for first if I could eat anything and be healthy. I started buying everything raw so I could roast, salt and season my own. Nuts are super filling and I like to portion them out for the day so I know if I get a little hungry I have a bag or two in my purse or work bag. I also love them on my fruit in the morning. You can overdo them though and if you are really trying to eat for weight loss I would recommend going easy on the nuts. If not, have at em!

SEVEN
Eggs. I mean any sort of Paleo or Primal eating plan is heavy on eggs. Good thing I like them. I do get sick of them for breakfast but let's face it, it's about the easiest thing you can do in the morning so sometimes I just choke one or two down to get some quick easy protein in. Deviled are my fave because the options for what you put in them are endless. I love pickles, horseradish, bacon and Frank's Red Hot.

EIGHT
Bacon is life. I make bacon several times a week for breakfast and for snacks. If you can get something like Pederson's that is ideal but I buy Kirkland brand as well because it has no added sugar and it comes in a 4 pack. Bulk bacon is even better. I also save the fat and reuse it for cooking. If you are spending all the money on top quality pork with no hormones, antibiotics, sugar or nitrates don't throw the fat away... cook with it!!!

NINE
Frank's Red Hot is also a no brainer. I like spicy so I basically do "put that shit on everything".

TEN
Chicken Sausage is another one I can't live without. When you are short on time it's perfect to pull out of the freezer. It's a great portion size for weekday lunches too. Add a couple of veggies and you're done. I love all of the Aidells flavors but Chicken Apple is the bomb! Split one open and load it up with some fresh sauerkraut, onions and mustard and you'll kind of feel like you are at the ballpark, kind of.

Honorable Mention: Coconut Milk is another one of those things that you can also do a lot with. It is a main ingredient of my beloved Dump Ranch and I have been using it to make my chia pudding. I would have a hard time getting by without it, it's so, so good!!

So those are the products that get me through my Whole30's and pretty much any time I am really focused on eating as healthfully as possible. As I always say the key to success for any long term health goal is to surround yourself with the things you need to be successful... plan and keep whatever works for you at the ready!

Top 10 Whole 30 Foods • Whole 30

My Top 10 Staples For Whole 30/Healthy Eating

Monday, January 30, 2017

I was talking to a girl at work the other day and telling her how much I loved Whole30 and she said "but don't you love wine"? Ummm yes, as a matter of fact I do!! And believe you me I am looking forward to some of that.

But, I have really honestly grown to love the actual Whole30. Does that sound crazy? I know it does a little but I personally love having really strict rules imposed upon me for the 30 day reset phase. I don't' want to think. I don't want to have to weigh, measure, count macros, calories, figure out percentages or pee on a stick and make it turn purple. No. Just tell me what I can't have. Keep it simple. Don't tell me what I can have in moderation because moderation is not my thing. I'm either all in or all out. Yes you can eat it or no you can not. Thanks.

The other thing that's cool about Whole30 that really melts my ghee (see what I did there) is that if it's on the yes list you an eat as much as you want. I'm serious. And before anyone freaks out that I just said you can eat 10 pounds of bacon a week if you want, although that is technically true it really won't happen. You can eat as much of the good stuff as you want but in reality you won't go crazy on it trust me.

I have 2 more days left in this, my third round of Whole30. Yikes!!! I am about to start the really hard part... again, the re-introduction phase. Crap. I have to start thinking again. There are some things that have really worked for me during this round and over the course f the last 2. My recurring favorites if you will. I thought I would share a few with you today because I reach for them over and over again when I am trying to stay on track. I find if I always have my essentials on hand I can make better choices even when I am not on Whole30. I recommend figuring out what your essentials are and doing the same. I think sometimes just seeing one of these items is a bit of a mental trigger for me that says "hey... I'm good, pick me".


ONE
LaCroix Water - I like drinks, especially with alcohol. Since those are off limits for Whole30 and anytime you are trying to achieve maximum health I have adopted LaCroix water as my go to mocktail. It comes in tons of amazing flavors and if you add a splash of 100% juice, a few berries or a wedge of citrus you've got yourself a refreshing zero calorie treat. I go through about 12 or 18 a week but it's water so...

TWO
Whole30 Mayo - I never thought I would say mayonnaise would be something I couldn't live without but yeah, true story. Not just any mayo but the Whole30 Mayo that you make yourself is something I reach for just about every day it seems. It is the base for  any type of sauce you can think of and also Dump Ranch which is the bomb. My personal favorites are Frank's Red Hot for a buffalo sauce or just straight fresh horseradish. Side note, I use an immersion blender now and make it right in a quart size wide mouth mason jar, not in my food processor, but you could do either.

THREE
Guacamole. I pretty much eat this or some form of avocado at least every other day. I put it on chicken, burgers, sweet potato nachos, lettuce wraps,  dip my veggies in it, it goes with everything. I love the Goodfoods brand they sell in singles and tubs at Costco. I guess I could make my own but why? I think all this good fat may be the reason my hair looks so awesome right now.

FOUR
Kirkland Almond Butter is like having coffee in the morning to me. I can't really live without it Whole30 or not. Truth be told I use this in place of something sweet and I know that is kind of a no no but I don't give a shit. It works for me when I am craving a cookie or a piece of chocolate or a cheesecake so it's a keeper!

FIVE
Horseradish might be kind of a weird one for some but I grew up on it. Being Polish we always had it around the holidays especially but, it's kind of like ketchup, it's a basic condiment. I love it on any kind of protein especially burgers and sausage. It makes an amazing sauce when you mix it up with some Whole30 mayo too! Just make sure you buy real ground horseradish and not the prepared or creamed variety. If you have a cold just eat a spoonful and your sinuses will be all good!

SIX
Raw Nuts are my go to snack food. I am a huge salty snack food person. Chips, crackers, pretzels... those are the things I would reach for first if I could eat anything and be healthy. I started buying everything raw so I could roast, salt and season my own. Nuts are super filling and I like to portion them out for the day so I know if I get a little hungry I have a bag or two in my purse or work bag. I also love them on my fruit in the morning. You can overdo them though and if you are really trying to eat for weight loss I would recommend going easy on the nuts. If not, have at em!

SEVEN
Eggs. I mean any sort of Paleo or Primal eating plan is heavy on eggs. Good thing I like them. I do get sick of them for breakfast but let's face it, it's about the easiest thing you can do in the morning so sometimes I just choke one or two down to get some quick easy protein in. Deviled are my fave because the options for what you put in them are endless. I love pickles, horseradish, bacon and Frank's Red Hot.

EIGHT
Bacon is life. I make bacon several times a week for breakfast and for snacks. If you can get something like Pederson's that is ideal but I buy Kirkland brand as well because it has no added sugar and it comes in a 4 pack. Bulk bacon is even better. I also save the fat and reuse it for cooking. If you are spending all the money on top quality pork with no hormones, antibiotics, sugar or nitrates don't throw the fat away... cook with it!!!

NINE
Frank's Red Hot is also a no brainer. I like spicy so I basically do "put that shit on everything".

TEN
Chicken Sausage is another one I can't live without. When you are short on time it's perfect to pull out of the freezer. It's a great portion size for weekday lunches too. Add a couple of veggies and you're done. I love all of the Aidells flavors but Chicken Apple is the bomb! Split one open and load it up with some fresh sauerkraut, onions and mustard and you'll kind of feel like you are at the ballpark, kind of.

Honorable Mention: Coconut Milk is another one of those things that you can also do a lot with. It is a main ingredient of my beloved Dump Ranch and I have been using it to make my chia pudding. I would have a hard time getting by without it, it's so, so good!!

So those are the products that get me through my Whole30's and pretty much any time I am really focused on eating as healthfully as possible. As I always say the key to success for any long term health goal is to surround yourself with the things you need to be successful... plan and keep whatever works for you at the ready!

Read More

Whole30 Week 3 Update - Back On Track Link Up

Heyyyyy.... I'm just over here living in leggings and hibernating my January Whole30 away. The real living spree starts in February, out in the world anyway.  How is your reset going? Are you back on track, getting on the course or already off the rails? My week 3 pretty much flew by and was non eventful but let's recap the interesting things that did happen. 

ONE

So, one odd thing happened last week, my hunger just kind of disappeared. The feelings of being ravenous and thinking about my next meal or three have completely gone. What I think this really means is that I am no longer obsessively craving things like alcohol, dairy, sugar and grains ... aka wine, cheese, cookies, nachos and pizza . These are my demons and they kill me. I am one of those people that a lot of times will just eat because it's there or it sounds/tastes good, not because I am hungry. This is one of the really big things I have been trying to focus on this round of whole30 and I think it's working. Everytime I think about eating something I am consciously asking myself "are you hungry, like for realz"? Lately the answer is no, and it's weird. I remember this happening to a lesser degree in previous Whole30's but now I am really only eating my 3 meals and very small snacks infrequently. I even skipped a few dinners last week. Not advocating that but I can stand to miss a few meals. For the first couple of weeks I was eating constantly  trying to stay full to keep the cravings at bay but.. no more. Woohoo!

TWO

The whole meal prepping thing is totally saving my life right now. I have not really been in the mood to cook after work so making a whole bunch of stuff on Sunday last week was key. My weeknights have been busy as have my workdays so having 5 lunches in the fridge also a lifesaver. I still have not eaten out at all this Whole30!!! Can you believe that? Not even a coffee. At this point in the month I feel totally confident and that's a good thing because I have a meeting on Thursday with catered lunch. I am proud to say that I spoke to the meeting planner today and placed my request for something Whole30 friendly. He didn't even blink and was happy to make sure that I would have a meal to fit my needs. Previously I have opted not to say anything and just eat whatever they were serving. This is a major non scale victory. Knowing what you need to have around you to be successful at home is one thing, being comfortable enough to carry it out into the world is another, at least for me it has been.

THREE

One of the things that I am enjoying most this Whole30 is that I am sleeping like a freaking rock and waking up like a everyday is Saturday. And by that I mean happy, refreshed, rested and relaxed. I am not struggling to pry my eyeballs open and clear my head. I am not clamoring to chug the water on my nightstand because I am dehydrated AF. I am not popping an advil with my coffee because one glass of red turned into 3 the night before. I am not fighting to stay awake and focused at work in the afternoon and I am 100% more productive and effective. It's pretty amazing.  

FOUR

My clothes no longer make me feel like a stuffed sausage about to pop. This one seems to be slower going than in Whole30's past. Maybe that's because I am starting smaller than in the past. Maybe it's just because I am getting older and it's hard as balls to lose actual pounds anymore. Seriously though my tennis clothes, which are supposed to be tight anyway, are actually feeling comfortable and not constricting. I am starting to think about getting the scale out of the cabinet next week with a tiny bit of trepidation. Just to recap, I lost 20 lbs. during my first round and 14 during my second. I don't know what the difference was but I was mildly disappointed with 14 lol, which is pretty insane I know. I am trying very hard not to focus on the numbers at all but I will weigh and measure on day 31 just so I know. I am seriously considering taking my scale to goodwill after this though. I truly believe that unless you're needing to lose a certain amount of weight for a medical procedure or something similar the number on the scale is completely irrelevant. 

FIVE

Now the big question is how to finish strong but not really finish if you get what I am saying. In 2015 I made it to May before I had a slice of pizza. I still consider that one of my greatest accomplishments. Not really but kinda sorta. In 2016 I am not sure what really happened but basically I fell right off the wagon when life got stressful again a couple months post Whole30. I feel like this year I have done more of the mental and emotional work that I maybe hadn't quite done in the past. I think I have developed some of the tools that I need to achieve some kind of food freedom forever just like the book says. The first big challenge will be Superbowl Sunday. In case ya missed it the Atlanta Falcons are going to the superbowl so there might be a party or two going on around here. I am going to allow myself some drinks but I really don't see the need to mess up the food anytime soon. I really want to wait for something special like one of the restaurants on my list or a special occasion.

So that's where I am right now. One week from today will be my Day 30. I already feel a huge sense of accomplishment and that is very motivating. Part of the problem with falling off the wagon is that the minute you start to fall it gets stuck in your head that you're done and it's over. Conversely it takes a couple of weeks of being on track to really convince yourself that you can do it and that's where I am today. 

Link up with Nadine and I to tell us how you're doing!

An InLinkz Link-up

Back On Track Link Up • January Whole30 • Whole 30

Whole30 Week 3 Update - Back On Track Link Up

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Heyyyyy.... I'm just over here living in leggings and hibernating my January Whole30 away. The real living spree starts in February, out in the world anyway.  How is your reset going? Are you back on track, getting on the course or already off the rails? My week 3 pretty much flew by and was non eventful but let's recap the interesting things that did happen. 

ONE

So, one odd thing happened last week, my hunger just kind of disappeared. The feelings of being ravenous and thinking about my next meal or three have completely gone. What I think this really means is that I am no longer obsessively craving things like alcohol, dairy, sugar and grains ... aka wine, cheese, cookies, nachos and pizza . These are my demons and they kill me. I am one of those people that a lot of times will just eat because it's there or it sounds/tastes good, not because I am hungry. This is one of the really big things I have been trying to focus on this round of whole30 and I think it's working. Everytime I think about eating something I am consciously asking myself "are you hungry, like for realz"? Lately the answer is no, and it's weird. I remember this happening to a lesser degree in previous Whole30's but now I am really only eating my 3 meals and very small snacks infrequently. I even skipped a few dinners last week. Not advocating that but I can stand to miss a few meals. For the first couple of weeks I was eating constantly  trying to stay full to keep the cravings at bay but.. no more. Woohoo!

TWO

The whole meal prepping thing is totally saving my life right now. I have not really been in the mood to cook after work so making a whole bunch of stuff on Sunday last week was key. My weeknights have been busy as have my workdays so having 5 lunches in the fridge also a lifesaver. I still have not eaten out at all this Whole30!!! Can you believe that? Not even a coffee. At this point in the month I feel totally confident and that's a good thing because I have a meeting on Thursday with catered lunch. I am proud to say that I spoke to the meeting planner today and placed my request for something Whole30 friendly. He didn't even blink and was happy to make sure that I would have a meal to fit my needs. Previously I have opted not to say anything and just eat whatever they were serving. This is a major non scale victory. Knowing what you need to have around you to be successful at home is one thing, being comfortable enough to carry it out into the world is another, at least for me it has been.

THREE

One of the things that I am enjoying most this Whole30 is that I am sleeping like a freaking rock and waking up like a everyday is Saturday. And by that I mean happy, refreshed, rested and relaxed. I am not struggling to pry my eyeballs open and clear my head. I am not clamoring to chug the water on my nightstand because I am dehydrated AF. I am not popping an advil with my coffee because one glass of red turned into 3 the night before. I am not fighting to stay awake and focused at work in the afternoon and I am 100% more productive and effective. It's pretty amazing.  

FOUR

My clothes no longer make me feel like a stuffed sausage about to pop. This one seems to be slower going than in Whole30's past. Maybe that's because I am starting smaller than in the past. Maybe it's just because I am getting older and it's hard as balls to lose actual pounds anymore. Seriously though my tennis clothes, which are supposed to be tight anyway, are actually feeling comfortable and not constricting. I am starting to think about getting the scale out of the cabinet next week with a tiny bit of trepidation. Just to recap, I lost 20 lbs. during my first round and 14 during my second. I don't know what the difference was but I was mildly disappointed with 14 lol, which is pretty insane I know. I am trying very hard not to focus on the numbers at all but I will weigh and measure on day 31 just so I know. I am seriously considering taking my scale to goodwill after this though. I truly believe that unless you're needing to lose a certain amount of weight for a medical procedure or something similar the number on the scale is completely irrelevant. 

FIVE

Now the big question is how to finish strong but not really finish if you get what I am saying. In 2015 I made it to May before I had a slice of pizza. I still consider that one of my greatest accomplishments. Not really but kinda sorta. In 2016 I am not sure what really happened but basically I fell right off the wagon when life got stressful again a couple months post Whole30. I feel like this year I have done more of the mental and emotional work that I maybe hadn't quite done in the past. I think I have developed some of the tools that I need to achieve some kind of food freedom forever just like the book says. The first big challenge will be Superbowl Sunday. In case ya missed it the Atlanta Falcons are going to the superbowl so there might be a party or two going on around here. I am going to allow myself some drinks but I really don't see the need to mess up the food anytime soon. I really want to wait for something special like one of the restaurants on my list or a special occasion.

So that's where I am right now. One week from today will be my Day 30. I already feel a huge sense of accomplishment and that is very motivating. Part of the problem with falling off the wagon is that the minute you start to fall it gets stuck in your head that you're done and it's over. Conversely it takes a couple of weeks of being on track to really convince yourself that you can do it and that's where I am today. 

Link up with Nadine and I to tell us how you're doing!

An InLinkz Link-up

Read More

Oh Hey Friday

Happy Friday! I have to say I am loving my January Whole30 weekends for the most part. It's kind of liberating to be able to just decline every invitation using the guise of Whole30 but knowing damn well you selfishly want to just be home in PJ's all weekend with your dog. And by you I mean me. I do sort of miss going out but the real deal is I just need to find other things to do. Things that don't involve, eating, drinking or spending money. Basically I can go places and walk around, that's it. There is a 90% chance of rain for Saturday and Sunday so... yeah. Looks like another weekend of not doing much at all except getting shit done around the house. That's ok too, always lots to do! Anyway here are 5 things for this Friday...

As I think I previously mentioned, my office is moving in a few months which will allow me some more work form home time so I have en entire room to clean out. My old at home office has been a defunct dumping ground for years since I went back to work outside the home. Time to get it up and running. Slightly obsessed with ideas for my new home office like finding the perfect glass top saw horse desk with a metal base like this:

So looks like the first concert of the season is going to be Zac Brown in May. It's about damn time since he didn't tour here last year at all. I bought my tickets today! This is always a huge tailgating party event and will be the perfect way to kick off the summer concert season!

One of my least favorite holidays is once again upon us and once again I am not going to the candle light dinner at Waffle House. They do this at certain locations all over GA every year. You actually make reservations and they transform the restaurant into a regular lover's lane. Gag.. but still, I think it would be a great way to spend V-Day because bacon and waffles.

In Whole30 Recipe news I have to share this one with you guys. If you like/love ranch and you don't mind making your own to avoid all of the nasty chemicals and shit, you must try this Dump Ranch from whole-sisters.com. Omg, I have been putting it on errythang and it is glorious! And actually not bad for you at all!

Dump Ranch

Ingredients:

• 1 egg (room temperature)

• 1 cup "light" olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder

• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk

• 1 handful cilantro or parsley (or herb of choice)

Directions:

Blend with an immersion blender for approximately one minute! Lasts in fridge up to one week, if you still have any left!

In other news I am finally getting my eye brows micro bladed today!!! I am so super excited not to have to fill in and draw them on to make them perfect everyday. I really have no idea how long it will take or what to expect but since my max tattoo sitting time to date is about 6 hours I think I'll be fine. So excited to tell you guys all about it when it's done! Here is the jist of what's about to go down.

Happy Weekend!

Linking up with the farm gals... Karli & Amy!

Oh Hey Friday

Oh Hey Friday

Friday, January 20, 2017

Happy Friday! I have to say I am loving my January Whole30 weekends for the most part. It's kind of liberating to be able to just decline every invitation using the guise of Whole30 but knowing damn well you selfishly want to just be home in PJ's all weekend with your dog. And by you I mean me. I do sort of miss going out but the real deal is I just need to find other things to do. Things that don't involve, eating, drinking or spending money. Basically I can go places and walk around, that's it. There is a 90% chance of rain for Saturday and Sunday so... yeah. Looks like another weekend of not doing much at all except getting shit done around the house. That's ok too, always lots to do! Anyway here are 5 things for this Friday...

As I think I previously mentioned, my office is moving in a few months which will allow me some more work form home time so I have en entire room to clean out. My old at home office has been a defunct dumping ground for years since I went back to work outside the home. Time to get it up and running. Slightly obsessed with ideas for my new home office like finding the perfect glass top saw horse desk with a metal base like this:

So looks like the first concert of the season is going to be Zac Brown in May. It's about damn time since he didn't tour here last year at all. I bought my tickets today! This is always a huge tailgating party event and will be the perfect way to kick off the summer concert season!

One of my least favorite holidays is once again upon us and once again I am not going to the candle light dinner at Waffle House. They do this at certain locations all over GA every year. You actually make reservations and they transform the restaurant into a regular lover's lane. Gag.. but still, I think it would be a great way to spend V-Day because bacon and waffles.

In Whole30 Recipe news I have to share this one with you guys. If you like/love ranch and you don't mind making your own to avoid all of the nasty chemicals and shit, you must try this Dump Ranch from whole-sisters.com. Omg, I have been putting it on errythang and it is glorious! And actually not bad for you at all!

Dump Ranch

Ingredients:

• 1 egg (room temperature)

• 1 cup "light" olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder

• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk

• 1 handful cilantro or parsley (or herb of choice)

Directions:

Blend with an immersion blender for approximately one minute! Lasts in fridge up to one week, if you still have any left!

In other news I am finally getting my eye brows micro bladed today!!! I am so super excited not to have to fill in and draw them on to make them perfect everyday. I really have no idea how long it will take or what to expect but since my max tattoo sitting time to date is about 6 hours I think I'll be fine. So excited to tell you guys all about it when it's done! Here is the jist of what's about to go down.

Happy Weekend!

Linking up with the farm gals... Karli & Amy!

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Thursday Thoughts...

Hello, I was going to do a confessions sort of thing yesterday then I got sidetracked by my bullet journal on Tuesday night. So today is your lucky day for random things in my head and in my life.

I drank a shot of apple cider vinegar Wednesday morning. I did. Ok, I mixed it with water and held my nose and drank it so not exactly a shot but still. I have been reading for years about all of the benefits of it so I figured why not try it out? Disclaimer, it tastes fucking horrible and my stomach felt a little queasy afterward but other than that no issues. Among about a billion other things it helps weight loss so seems like as good a time as any to give it a shot. Anyone do this?

I deleted my Bumble profile the other day. I had been talking to 3 or 4 guys  and I just decided to shut that shit down. This one, seemingly normal dude in an appropriate age range, invited me to go here with him on a first date and I was like you know what? I'm out. A Korean sauna. What? No. Goodbye.

I swear to God if I say I am going to start online dating again anytime in the near future someone please just message me the words "Korean sauna." Thanks.

I am really annoyed with people that keep telling me carbs are good, fat is the devil and that I need to track macros. Ok, it's my daughter. My 18 year old daughter and possibly her 18 year old boyfriend thinks she knows more than I do. I generally don't get annoyed by that but when it comes to food, diets, healthy eating... sorry but I have like 35 years of experience here. Teens are annoying. Payback is a bitch.

Speaking of my healthy eating experience, You guys know how I'm a fancy donut connoisseur?  I am both happy and irritated that the recently crowned "best donut in Atlanta" is coming to my section of the burbs. Damn it to hell but Sarah Donuts is opening up a store like a minute from my house. This is the one that they are famous for, the Sunflower. Ugh. It's so pretty though.

Just when I think they can't make anymore shows that will suck the ever loving life out of my soul and make me cry, they do this. Anyone else?

I am starting to have that panicky feeling that I will step on the scale in 2 weeks and there will be no progress. Kind of like this. I died...

I am supposed to be all full of Tiger Blood this week and feeling all invincible at this point in the Whole30 and I am kind of blah. I think I am starting to get a little stir crazy. I haven't been to any of my places or out with my squad in weeks. I am missing muh fraands. I'll resurface in a few weeks, till then I am laying low.

Happy Thursday!!

Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts...

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Hello, I was going to do a confessions sort of thing yesterday then I got sidetracked by my bullet journal on Tuesday night. So today is your lucky day for random things in my head and in my life.

I drank a shot of apple cider vinegar Wednesday morning. I did. Ok, I mixed it with water and held my nose and drank it so not exactly a shot but still. I have been reading for years about all of the benefits of it so I figured why not try it out? Disclaimer, it tastes fucking horrible and my stomach felt a little queasy afterward but other than that no issues. Among about a billion other things it helps weight loss so seems like as good a time as any to give it a shot. Anyone do this?

I deleted my Bumble profile the other day. I had been talking to 3 or 4 guys  and I just decided to shut that shit down. This one, seemingly normal dude in an appropriate age range, invited me to go here with him on a first date and I was like you know what? I'm out. A Korean sauna. What? No. Goodbye.

I swear to God if I say I am going to start online dating again anytime in the near future someone please just message me the words "Korean sauna." Thanks.

I am really annoyed with people that keep telling me carbs are good, fat is the devil and that I need to track macros. Ok, it's my daughter. My 18 year old daughter and possibly her 18 year old boyfriend thinks she knows more than I do. I generally don't get annoyed by that but when it comes to food, diets, healthy eating... sorry but I have like 35 years of experience here. Teens are annoying. Payback is a bitch.

Speaking of my healthy eating experience, You guys know how I'm a fancy donut connoisseur?  I am both happy and irritated that the recently crowned "best donut in Atlanta" is coming to my section of the burbs. Damn it to hell but Sarah Donuts is opening up a store like a minute from my house. This is the one that they are famous for, the Sunflower. Ugh. It's so pretty though.

Just when I think they can't make anymore shows that will suck the ever loving life out of my soul and make me cry, they do this. Anyone else?

I am starting to have that panicky feeling that I will step on the scale in 2 weeks and there will be no progress. Kind of like this. I died...

I am supposed to be all full of Tiger Blood this week and feeling all invincible at this point in the Whole30 and I am kind of blah. I think I am starting to get a little stir crazy. I haven't been to any of my places or out with my squad in weeks. I am missing muh fraands. I'll resurface in a few weeks, till then I am laying low.

Happy Thursday!!

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Half Way There - January Whole30 - Back On Track Link Up

Day 16 of my January Whole30 journey is here today which means I have officially passed the half-way-there mark and I am now on the down hill side of the journey. Not really if I am looking at the big picture but I'm not, I am really mostly focused right now on the Whole30 aspect of it. The past week was really good for me. I won't bore your with the blow by blow everyday recap but just give you the highlights!

Food - I have been pretty consistent with my cooking and planning. I spent 4 hours roughly this past Sunday making a crap ton of things so I don't have to do much this week. As much as I get cranky pants about it, it is so worth it not to have to think or be tempted to eat out or order in. I still have not eaten out!! I hope I can make it the whole month. I only had one day last week that I didn't bring enough food to work and was really hangry. Other than that I seem to be much less hungry than during week one. The junk cravings have stopped. Speaking of cravings, here's a good way to test if you are really hungry or not. Ask yourself "am I hungry enough to eat a plate of broiled fish and steamed broccoli?". If the answer is yes, you are truly hungry, if the answer is no you are just craving. I have been using this strategy and oddly, it works. On another food note I did get thru 2 tennis matches this week that required me to be around people drinking and eating. I brought some LaCroix and ate before my matches so all I grabbed off the buffet table was one banana per match. Success.

Emotions - This goes right hand in hand with the cravings for me. I had 2 instances this week where I got stressed/angry/anxious over something and my first thought both times was I can't wait to get home and have a glass of wine and a nice snack. Emotional eating. I know I do this but catching myself in the moment was kind of weird, like omg, that is really where my mind just went automatically. Not good. On a positive note, I have been practicing just taking 4 or 5 deep breaths and getting settled inside and usually within the hour or less not only does the anxiety or feeling dissipate but so does the craving.

Exercise - I played tennis 3 times this past week so that's something. My new coach is really good and my Thursday night lesson required a follow up Epsom salt bath just for my feet. He has a us running a lot and the constant stopping and starting is brutal after taking the last 6 weeks of the year off. I tend to focus less on working out during the Whole 30, I just really want to get the food part under control and ramp up the physical part next month.

Other Awesome Side Effects ...

I am saving money. Yes, even on top of all of the organic, fancy pants specialty things I have been treating myself too which are not cheap, I am still saving hand over fist by not eating out at all or drinking alcohol. I know this is not a surprise but couple that with my general spending freeze and I am feeling like I have a second job.

I have been super productive. No napping or couch slobbing at night or on the weekend. I got shit done and I wasn't even tired.

I'm reading every night again or working on my blog or bullet journal. I'm less distracted and more focused. All of this is enabling me to sleep a lot better and wake up feeling rested.

My nasal congestion is gone. For months at work I was having sneezing and sniffling attacks every morning about an hour after I got in. To the point where people would walk by my desk and ask if I had a cold. All. The. Time. And I hardly ever get colds. I do however like  adding cream to my morning coffee and eating cheese like they are not making anymore. Boom, no dairy, no problem. This is a glorious thing!

So that is about it for last week. I expect this week to be even better. My clothes are feeling a bit looser and if memory serves this will be the week when that really starts becoming more obvious, at least to me.

How are you doing with your January goals? Link up with Nadine and I and tell us about your journey to get Back on Track!! Cheers!

An InLinkz Link-up

Back On Track Link Up • January Whole30 • Whole 30

Half Way There - January Whole30 - Back On Track Link Up

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Day 16 of my January Whole30 journey is here today which means I have officially passed the half-way-there mark and I am now on the down hill side of the journey. Not really if I am looking at the big picture but I'm not, I am really mostly focused right now on the Whole30 aspect of it. The past week was really good for me. I won't bore your with the blow by blow everyday recap but just give you the highlights!

Food - I have been pretty consistent with my cooking and planning. I spent 4 hours roughly this past Sunday making a crap ton of things so I don't have to do much this week. As much as I get cranky pants about it, it is so worth it not to have to think or be tempted to eat out or order in. I still have not eaten out!! I hope I can make it the whole month. I only had one day last week that I didn't bring enough food to work and was really hangry. Other than that I seem to be much less hungry than during week one. The junk cravings have stopped. Speaking of cravings, here's a good way to test if you are really hungry or not. Ask yourself "am I hungry enough to eat a plate of broiled fish and steamed broccoli?". If the answer is yes, you are truly hungry, if the answer is no you are just craving. I have been using this strategy and oddly, it works. On another food note I did get thru 2 tennis matches this week that required me to be around people drinking and eating. I brought some LaCroix and ate before my matches so all I grabbed off the buffet table was one banana per match. Success.

Emotions - This goes right hand in hand with the cravings for me. I had 2 instances this week where I got stressed/angry/anxious over something and my first thought both times was I can't wait to get home and have a glass of wine and a nice snack. Emotional eating. I know I do this but catching myself in the moment was kind of weird, like omg, that is really where my mind just went automatically. Not good. On a positive note, I have been practicing just taking 4 or 5 deep breaths and getting settled inside and usually within the hour or less not only does the anxiety or feeling dissipate but so does the craving.

Exercise - I played tennis 3 times this past week so that's something. My new coach is really good and my Thursday night lesson required a follow up Epsom salt bath just for my feet. He has a us running a lot and the constant stopping and starting is brutal after taking the last 6 weeks of the year off. I tend to focus less on working out during the Whole 30, I just really want to get the food part under control and ramp up the physical part next month.

Other Awesome Side Effects ...

I am saving money. Yes, even on top of all of the organic, fancy pants specialty things I have been treating myself too which are not cheap, I am still saving hand over fist by not eating out at all or drinking alcohol. I know this is not a surprise but couple that with my general spending freeze and I am feeling like I have a second job.

I have been super productive. No napping or couch slobbing at night or on the weekend. I got shit done and I wasn't even tired.

I'm reading every night again or working on my blog or bullet journal. I'm less distracted and more focused. All of this is enabling me to sleep a lot better and wake up feeling rested.

My nasal congestion is gone. For months at work I was having sneezing and sniffling attacks every morning about an hour after I got in. To the point where people would walk by my desk and ask if I had a cold. All. The. Time. And I hardly ever get colds. I do however like  adding cream to my morning coffee and eating cheese like they are not making anymore. Boom, no dairy, no problem. This is a glorious thing!

So that is about it for last week. I expect this week to be even better. My clothes are feeling a bit looser and if memory serves this will be the week when that really starts becoming more obvious, at least to me.

How are you doing with your January goals? Link up with Nadine and I and tell us about your journey to get Back on Track!! Cheers!

An InLinkz Link-up

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Friday Faves ... Things I'm Doing Soon

Somehow in the last week of December I came to the conclusion that I needed a self imposed January spending freeze. That means for me no extraneous "fun" purchases. Only necessary items for life and/or Whole30, and by that I mean nutpods Whole30 compliant non-dairy coffee creamer from Amazon Prime because coffee is life. Oh and I decided to allow event ticket purchases because if you miss those they only sell out or go up in price and we can't have that. Either which way there will be no eating or drinking out (easy because Whole30), trips to HomeGoods, planner shiz, random crap I can't live without on Amazon, makeup, clothes, shoes or accessories. I'm 12 days in and wow, what a difference I see in my wallet right now. I have a daily text alert set up from my bank as long as  my balance is over a certain threshold. It usually stops coming sometime in the week prior to payday. Not this month, I have received that text alert everyday, some days the balance is unchanged. Success. How long can I keep this up? Good question.

On top of that I read about this fun little idea for a savings plan courtesy of  local consumer expert and well known Atlanta radio personality/tightwad, Clark Howard. Seriously, if you love getting deals and saving money check out his website for all kinds of good stuff. I think I can swing this for awhile anyway. I foresee the later half of the year being very challenging for me to stick with but I'm gonna give it a shot!! If I could sock away almost $7000 by the end if the year I would be so happy!! He's got some great general tips on how to find more money to save and get thru the challenge too. Check it out here.

Clark Howard $5 Savings Challenge

One of my aspirations this year is to do something new every month. Hopefully get out of my comfort zone, go to a new place, try a new activity, maybe even all by myself! This will be documented in the Bullet Journal. I hope. I got February and March covered this week with the purchase of tickets to these 2 events:

Namaste for a Beer Tour

Jekyll Brewing is 10 miles from my house and they are having this super cool yoga class/beer tour event next month. Happy V-Day to me... for $20 I get a class and a whole buncha beer. #Winning

Atlanta Brunch Festival - Atlantic Station

I don't think I really need to say too much about this one. I mean, you know how much I adore brunch, day drinking and bloody Mary's. I missed it last year, this year I'm in. Check it out here if you are local!

Making Bullet Journal Lists

I am a total list maker and I am getting a little obsessed with all of the list possibilities for my bullet journal. This might be the most perfect way for me to use it... lists for restaurants to hit, places to go around Atlanta, perfect gift ideas for each of my kids noted all year long, Paleo recipes to try, wines and beers I have sampled and new ones I want to purchase. The list for the lists is endless lol, see:

I think this is one would be really cool... basically a bucket list for every day stuff in to-do format, prioritized.

And last but not least, somebody shoot me because I signed up for another season of singles tennis. $35 for seven matches is totally justifiable to me. After all I will be running my ass off and about to croak at least once a week which is great cardio. I did so poorly last summer that they moved me down to the lowest level of play lol, so who knows, maybe I'll even win some this time.

                                                              We hope you don't die.

                                                  

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Linking up with Karli at Sept. Farm & Amy at The Farmer's Wife...

Friday Favorites • Friday Five

Friday Faves ... Things I'm Doing Soon

Friday, January 13, 2017

Somehow in the last week of December I came to the conclusion that I needed a self imposed January spending freeze. That means for me no extraneous "fun" purchases. Only necessary items for life and/or Whole30, and by that I mean nutpods Whole30 compliant non-dairy coffee creamer from Amazon Prime because coffee is life. Oh and I decided to allow event ticket purchases because if you miss those they only sell out or go up in price and we can't have that. Either which way there will be no eating or drinking out (easy because Whole30), trips to HomeGoods, planner shiz, random crap I can't live without on Amazon, makeup, clothes, shoes or accessories. I'm 12 days in and wow, what a difference I see in my wallet right now. I have a daily text alert set up from my bank as long as  my balance is over a certain threshold. It usually stops coming sometime in the week prior to payday. Not this month, I have received that text alert everyday, some days the balance is unchanged. Success. How long can I keep this up? Good question.

On top of that I read about this fun little idea for a savings plan courtesy of  local consumer expert and well known Atlanta radio personality/tightwad, Clark Howard. Seriously, if you love getting deals and saving money check out his website for all kinds of good stuff. I think I can swing this for awhile anyway. I foresee the later half of the year being very challenging for me to stick with but I'm gonna give it a shot!! If I could sock away almost $7000 by the end if the year I would be so happy!! He's got some great general tips on how to find more money to save and get thru the challenge too. Check it out here.

Clark Howard $5 Savings Challenge

One of my aspirations this year is to do something new every month. Hopefully get out of my comfort zone, go to a new place, try a new activity, maybe even all by myself! This will be documented in the Bullet Journal. I hope. I got February and March covered this week with the purchase of tickets to these 2 events:

Namaste for a Beer Tour

Jekyll Brewing is 10 miles from my house and they are having this super cool yoga class/beer tour event next month. Happy V-Day to me... for $20 I get a class and a whole buncha beer. #Winning

Atlanta Brunch Festival - Atlantic Station

I don't think I really need to say too much about this one. I mean, you know how much I adore brunch, day drinking and bloody Mary's. I missed it last year, this year I'm in. Check it out here if you are local!

Making Bullet Journal Lists

I am a total list maker and I am getting a little obsessed with all of the list possibilities for my bullet journal. This might be the most perfect way for me to use it... lists for restaurants to hit, places to go around Atlanta, perfect gift ideas for each of my kids noted all year long, Paleo recipes to try, wines and beers I have sampled and new ones I want to purchase. The list for the lists is endless lol, see:

I think this is one would be really cool... basically a bucket list for every day stuff in to-do format, prioritized.

And last but not least, somebody shoot me because I signed up for another season of singles tennis. $35 for seven matches is totally justifiable to me. After all I will be running my ass off and about to croak at least once a week which is great cardio. I did so poorly last summer that they moved me down to the lowest level of play lol, so who knows, maybe I'll even win some this time.

                                                              We hope you don't die.

                                                  

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Linking up with Karli at Sept. Farm & Amy at The Farmer's Wife...

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Back On Track Link Up - First Week Of January Whole30 Update

Well that went by pretty quickly! One week down and 3 to go. Can't wait to hear how everyone is doing with their goals. I am feeling different... like this particular reset is going to be more about the emotional side of Whole30 for me than the mechanical but I guess I'll get more clarity on that as the month goes on. If you follow me on all of my social media outlets you have seen me cooking in my snapchat and IG stories, posting pics of all of the delicious food I have been making and eating, touching on some of the tools that I am using on this leg of the journey and talking just a little about how I am feeling. So in the spirit of re-capping let's get to it. I have been keeping a little day to day diary that I was going to share at the end but who in the hell wants to read 30 days in the life of Amy on Whole30? No one currrr. Eight days may be a stretch but it does kind of illustrate the first week so here it is. If you are not doing a Whole30 or ever plan to feel free to skip it or skim it. Otherwise it might be interesting to you.

Day 1 - Not Good. I am hungover from the holiday and not just the alcohol but the food too. I am seriously dehydrated and tired. My stomach has been queasy all day and I'm overly irritated. A couple of times I have found myself thinking about walking into the kitchen for some cheese and crackers or a cookie. Damn. I am not happy about spending the entire day cooking, shopping and meal prepping for the week  but it's done. I know if I do not prepare I will likely make a crappy choice. I'm freaking exhausted.

Day 2 - Better this morning. Not as dehydrated, much easier to get up and out. I felt more rested even though I stayed up pretty late last night. Not happy about going back to work but that has nothing to do with Whole30. Not really all that hungry but I ate throughout the day a little here and there. Late afternoon and I am feeling like a headache is starting. No, a headache is definitely starting. I just want to get the hell out of my office and lay down on my bed. Up too late but an amazing and satisfying bunless greasy burger for dinner.

Day 3 - Felt great this morning. Decidedly less pissy but I am practicing some deep breathing techniques from Food Freedom Forever and I think it's helping. It's weird but I swear it works. So nice to wake up without a hangover of any kind. Hunger average. Food tastes so good right now. When will I feel less ginormous? Sitting in a meeting this morning tugging at my shirt to keep it in place, not a good feeling.

Day 4 - I woke up feeling great again today but an hour after my alarm... wierd. I think my face looks better (I'm hypersensitive about fat face), some of the bloat seems to be going down. Food was very similar to all other meals this week and everything really tastes awesome. Navigated through a busy work day  with out of office meetings just fine with my packed lunch and snacks. Tennis in the evening, my tennis clothes look and feel like shit. Gonna be a few more weeks till things start to feel looser. I can not wait!

Day 5 - Got up on time, feel energized and not tired at all. Loving getting in bed early and reading. Snow coming today which means all of my friends and neighbors will be boozing it up around the fire. That sucks for me. My bestie fell off the Whole30 wagon on Tuesday with a cheeseburger at lunch. SHE MADE IT ONE DAY. I have to admit I was disappointed. I kind of knew she wouldn't be able to hang with me but I was so hoping for a local pal. Thank God for my brother, sister in law and blog land buddies to lend lots of support!

Day 6 - Last night was kinda rough. Friday night no wine, snow, fire in the fireplace. My friends were at the bar and/or home drinking and I was just hanging out puttering around my house. Today I was kind of grumpy and hungry all day for this things I can't have. Put away Christmas and cooked all day for myself and for my daughter's 18th birthday dinner... all things I can't have on Whole30. Ugh. Too cold to go out and do anything. I'm just pissy. And I still feel fat.

Day 7 - Sunday morning coffee with Nutpods is growing on me! I felt good all day and was nonstop getting shit done. It felt so good to just be home this weekend. I spent zero money (self imposed January spending freeze) and rocked Whole30. I'm not following the timeline this time in terms of how I should be feeling... it's weird. I was not super tired all weekend and my pants don't feel tighter... thank God. I am still craving sweets pretty badly though. Feels good not to wake up with a wine hangover though. Meal prep and planning is a real chore, not gonna lie. I just keep trying to focus on the fact that once I do this for awhile it becomes habit and it does get easier.

Day 8 - I think my face definitely looks better! Not so puffy. I stayed up kind of late last night but still, woke up feeling very refreshed. I know it says my pants might feel tighter on Day 8 & 9 but they don't really feel any different. Hard to believe a week is done already. Making it through the first weekend was tough but I think the end is actually harder, yay something to look forward to. I had a moment today when I got really pissed off and the first thing I thought of was having a glass of wine tonight.... uhhh whoops. Not gon do it. I miss wine.

FOOD

Here is what I know... I'm a pro at this. Round 3 and I don't even really have to think, refer to the book or even look up the recipe for Whole30 Mayo anymore. I want snacks. They say no snacking for the most part and here is why.... there is no snack food. Snacks in my mind are cheese and crackers, nachos, oreos, chili cheese fries... getting off track here... the point is carrots are not fun snacks. Skipping it. A few walnuts or almonds on occasion is sufficient. I'm a bit tired of cooking though.

ENERGY

On the rise. It's official, I am no longer a complete slug.

MOOD

Up and down. I'm happy that I am doing this so well again... but I am also a little bit sad. I feel to be successful long term I really need to make lifestyle related changes.Which obviously, I have known all along. I kind of had a mini epiphany this weekend about what that is going to entail and I am not thrilled or sure how to really do it. Getting pizza and beer texts from my friends this weekend made me think about the junkie that gets out of rehab and starts hanging out with his or her junkie friends again. I'm weak.

SLEEP

Like a rock.

DIGESTION

Ummm... I typically have all kinds of issues. Yeah... they are gone.

BODY

Don't ask. I see no changes.

How are you doing??

An InLinkz Link-up

Back On Track Link Up • January Whole30 • Whole 30

Back On Track Link Up - First Week Of January Whole30 Update

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Well that went by pretty quickly! One week down and 3 to go. Can't wait to hear how everyone is doing with their goals. I am feeling different... like this particular reset is going to be more about the emotional side of Whole30 for me than the mechanical but I guess I'll get more clarity on that as the month goes on. If you follow me on all of my social media outlets you have seen me cooking in my snapchat and IG stories, posting pics of all of the delicious food I have been making and eating, touching on some of the tools that I am using on this leg of the journey and talking just a little about how I am feeling. So in the spirit of re-capping let's get to it. I have been keeping a little day to day diary that I was going to share at the end but who in the hell wants to read 30 days in the life of Amy on Whole30? No one currrr. Eight days may be a stretch but it does kind of illustrate the first week so here it is. If you are not doing a Whole30 or ever plan to feel free to skip it or skim it. Otherwise it might be interesting to you.

Day 1 - Not Good. I am hungover from the holiday and not just the alcohol but the food too. I am seriously dehydrated and tired. My stomach has been queasy all day and I'm overly irritated. A couple of times I have found myself thinking about walking into the kitchen for some cheese and crackers or a cookie. Damn. I am not happy about spending the entire day cooking, shopping and meal prepping for the week  but it's done. I know if I do not prepare I will likely make a crappy choice. I'm freaking exhausted.

Day 2 - Better this morning. Not as dehydrated, much easier to get up and out. I felt more rested even though I stayed up pretty late last night. Not happy about going back to work but that has nothing to do with Whole30. Not really all that hungry but I ate throughout the day a little here and there. Late afternoon and I am feeling like a headache is starting. No, a headache is definitely starting. I just want to get the hell out of my office and lay down on my bed. Up too late but an amazing and satisfying bunless greasy burger for dinner.

Day 3 - Felt great this morning. Decidedly less pissy but I am practicing some deep breathing techniques from Food Freedom Forever and I think it's helping. It's weird but I swear it works. So nice to wake up without a hangover of any kind. Hunger average. Food tastes so good right now. When will I feel less ginormous? Sitting in a meeting this morning tugging at my shirt to keep it in place, not a good feeling.

Day 4 - I woke up feeling great again today but an hour after my alarm... wierd. I think my face looks better (I'm hypersensitive about fat face), some of the bloat seems to be going down. Food was very similar to all other meals this week and everything really tastes awesome. Navigated through a busy work day  with out of office meetings just fine with my packed lunch and snacks. Tennis in the evening, my tennis clothes look and feel like shit. Gonna be a few more weeks till things start to feel looser. I can not wait!

Day 5 - Got up on time, feel energized and not tired at all. Loving getting in bed early and reading. Snow coming today which means all of my friends and neighbors will be boozing it up around the fire. That sucks for me. My bestie fell off the Whole30 wagon on Tuesday with a cheeseburger at lunch. SHE MADE IT ONE DAY. I have to admit I was disappointed. I kind of knew she wouldn't be able to hang with me but I was so hoping for a local pal. Thank God for my brother, sister in law and blog land buddies to lend lots of support!

Day 6 - Last night was kinda rough. Friday night no wine, snow, fire in the fireplace. My friends were at the bar and/or home drinking and I was just hanging out puttering around my house. Today I was kind of grumpy and hungry all day for this things I can't have. Put away Christmas and cooked all day for myself and for my daughter's 18th birthday dinner... all things I can't have on Whole30. Ugh. Too cold to go out and do anything. I'm just pissy. And I still feel fat.

Day 7 - Sunday morning coffee with Nutpods is growing on me! I felt good all day and was nonstop getting shit done. It felt so good to just be home this weekend. I spent zero money (self imposed January spending freeze) and rocked Whole30. I'm not following the timeline this time in terms of how I should be feeling... it's weird. I was not super tired all weekend and my pants don't feel tighter... thank God. I am still craving sweets pretty badly though. Feels good not to wake up with a wine hangover though. Meal prep and planning is a real chore, not gonna lie. I just keep trying to focus on the fact that once I do this for awhile it becomes habit and it does get easier.

Day 8 - I think my face definitely looks better! Not so puffy. I stayed up kind of late last night but still, woke up feeling very refreshed. I know it says my pants might feel tighter on Day 8 & 9 but they don't really feel any different. Hard to believe a week is done already. Making it through the first weekend was tough but I think the end is actually harder, yay something to look forward to. I had a moment today when I got really pissed off and the first thing I thought of was having a glass of wine tonight.... uhhh whoops. Not gon do it. I miss wine.

FOOD

Here is what I know... I'm a pro at this. Round 3 and I don't even really have to think, refer to the book or even look up the recipe for Whole30 Mayo anymore. I want snacks. They say no snacking for the most part and here is why.... there is no snack food. Snacks in my mind are cheese and crackers, nachos, oreos, chili cheese fries... getting off track here... the point is carrots are not fun snacks. Skipping it. A few walnuts or almonds on occasion is sufficient. I'm a bit tired of cooking though.

ENERGY

On the rise. It's official, I am no longer a complete slug.

MOOD

Up and down. I'm happy that I am doing this so well again... but I am also a little bit sad. I feel to be successful long term I really need to make lifestyle related changes.Which obviously, I have known all along. I kind of had a mini epiphany this weekend about what that is going to entail and I am not thrilled or sure how to really do it. Getting pizza and beer texts from my friends this weekend made me think about the junkie that gets out of rehab and starts hanging out with his or her junkie friends again. I'm weak.

SLEEP

Like a rock.

DIGESTION

Ummm... I typically have all kinds of issues. Yeah... they are gone.

BODY

Don't ask. I see no changes.

How are you doing??

An InLinkz Link-up

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S'Monday Folks...

And I hardly left my house all weekend. It was glorious. In all fairness we had ice, followed by snow, followed by ice which makes navigating around here challenging so fuck that noise, I stayed in. I wore no makeup, fuzzy socks, slippers, leggings as pants and sweatshirts all weekend. I got all of my Christmas decor taken down except the tree. I drag that into the woods behind my house because nature is the best recycler and I am sure some creature can make a home out of it or something. That will have to wait a few more days until the ice thaws.

I cooked a bit, just a bit. Seriously y'all I feel like I am living in the kitchen right now. But that's ok. Finding the groove takes a minute or two.

My daughter turned 18 on Saturday so we celebrated a little at home with her favorite meal, fettuccine alfredo,  which I didn't even take a picture of because I didn't eat any. It just feels wrong to photograph someone else's plate and honestly I didn't want to smell it... cheese is my kryptonite. I also made a Mocha Chocolate Chip Cheesecake because she loves coffee, chocolate and cheesecake most of all. The kids all said it was the best ever. Check out the pin here.  I bought my younger daughter a store bought cake for her bday in December for $18.99 and ended up throwing half of it away, so dumb to try to save time and waste money. I can make something 1000x better for a fraction of the cost. I am putting a piece in the freezer so that I can enjoy a little after my Whole30 is done. Isn't she beautiful? This girl works 2 jobs, is dual enrolled taking all college classes as a senior and will start college in the fall in a pre-veterinary program with a year of credits already complete. I have to brag on that, she is amazing!!

Speaking of Whole30, we will officially be linking up with all of the resetters tomorrow so grab this button if you are getting Back on Track with Nadine and I and tell us how your first week went! I have things I am itching to get off my chest about this round!

<a href="http:// http://www.crazywisewoman.com/"><img src="<a href="http://s1352.photobucket.com/user/Nadine708/media/back%20on%20track_zpsshveu21l.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q660/Nadine708/back%20on%20track_zpsshveu21l.png" border="0" alt=" photo back on track_zpsshveu21l.png"/></a>" alt="button" width="150" height="150" /></a>

I am trying to start a bullet journal to sort of track food, health, fitness and goals primarily this year. It's such a cool concept for lists, goals, journaling, sketching, etc.  Does anyone use one of these? I say I'm trying because although they say it's easy to set up I am finding it a bit labor intensive mostly because I am a Virgo and I want perfection. I want it to look pretty... like this:

source

Cause I am sure I have time for this right? But I bought the book so I am going to at least attempt it. I mean it's a constructive and creative use of my time if I am not going out eating, drinking and socializing for awhile. Idle hands and all that. Honestly, I might have cramped hands at the end of this but whatevs. I spent zero time on it this weekend by the way. Go Me.

And just a few random snaps of my weekend...

Happy Monday!

Linking up with Biana!

Weekending

S'Monday Folks...

Monday, January 9, 2017

And I hardly left my house all weekend. It was glorious. In all fairness we had ice, followed by snow, followed by ice which makes navigating around here challenging so fuck that noise, I stayed in. I wore no makeup, fuzzy socks, slippers, leggings as pants and sweatshirts all weekend. I got all of my Christmas decor taken down except the tree. I drag that into the woods behind my house because nature is the best recycler and I am sure some creature can make a home out of it or something. That will have to wait a few more days until the ice thaws.

I cooked a bit, just a bit. Seriously y'all I feel like I am living in the kitchen right now. But that's ok. Finding the groove takes a minute or two.

My daughter turned 18 on Saturday so we celebrated a little at home with her favorite meal, fettuccine alfredo,  which I didn't even take a picture of because I didn't eat any. It just feels wrong to photograph someone else's plate and honestly I didn't want to smell it... cheese is my kryptonite. I also made a Mocha Chocolate Chip Cheesecake because she loves coffee, chocolate and cheesecake most of all. The kids all said it was the best ever. Check out the pin here.  I bought my younger daughter a store bought cake for her bday in December for $18.99 and ended up throwing half of it away, so dumb to try to save time and waste money. I can make something 1000x better for a fraction of the cost. I am putting a piece in the freezer so that I can enjoy a little after my Whole30 is done. Isn't she beautiful? This girl works 2 jobs, is dual enrolled taking all college classes as a senior and will start college in the fall in a pre-veterinary program with a year of credits already complete. I have to brag on that, she is amazing!!

Speaking of Whole30, we will officially be linking up with all of the resetters tomorrow so grab this button if you are getting Back on Track with Nadine and I and tell us how your first week went! I have things I am itching to get off my chest about this round!

<a href="http:// http://www.crazywisewoman.com/"><img src="<a href="http://s1352.photobucket.com/user/Nadine708/media/back%20on%20track_zpsshveu21l.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q660/Nadine708/back%20on%20track_zpsshveu21l.png" border="0" alt=" photo back on track_zpsshveu21l.png"/></a>" alt="button" width="150" height="150" /></a>

I am trying to start a bullet journal to sort of track food, health, fitness and goals primarily this year. It's such a cool concept for lists, goals, journaling, sketching, etc.  Does anyone use one of these? I say I'm trying because although they say it's easy to set up I am finding it a bit labor intensive mostly because I am a Virgo and I want perfection. I want it to look pretty... like this:

source

Cause I am sure I have time for this right? But I bought the book so I am going to at least attempt it. I mean it's a constructive and creative use of my time if I am not going out eating, drinking and socializing for awhile. Idle hands and all that. Honestly, I might have cramped hands at the end of this but whatevs. I spent zero time on it this weekend by the way. Go Me.

And just a few random snaps of my weekend...

Happy Monday!

Linking up with Biana!

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