SOCIAL MEDIA


I haven't been here in awhile so I am just going to write. I'm not sure why I haven't blogged in forever and a day, I guess it's harder to fit into my days these days. But I miss it so how about we catch up for just a minute here? How the hell are you guys???

I never thought I would be a blogger that only used IG but apparently that is what I have become. Aka not really a blogger that writes an actual blog. Hopefully you all follow along and see that I am alive and well. Really well actually. It is almost the end of April and I am still taking good care of myself. My Whole30 journey continues to be the best it has ever been for me. I applied and got accepted to the coaching program and am currently studying to take the first track of tests toward certification. Track 1 is a 100 question multiple choice test. You guys, I am scared. I can't remember the last time I had to take a test like this, I mean, we are talking a long ass time. And I know this stuff backwards and forwards but still, I can stump myself just by overthinking it. If I make an 80 I pass and if I don't I get one shot at a re-take. But how could I fail? See... overthinking.  It's the finer points and the science-y stuff behind Whole30 that I don't think about every day that worry me. So what do I do... just pick a day as my "test day" and commit to take it that day? A weekend, evening, first thing in the morning? Give me your best test-taking strategies people.

Aside from that I am actually kinda-sorta quietly "coaching" someone I know from the blogosphere of yore on her first Whole30 and I have to say she is freaking killing it. I don't know how much I am helping since I don't even know what I am doing but just trying to be available to her for support and Q&A, food/recipes and motivation. This has helped tremendously to see that I have to have a plan. So in addition to all the test taking going on over here I am trying to come up with ideas for running this business like coaching packages, how and when I will be available, private FB groups, meal prepping/planning and maybe some one-on-one options for locals. If you have used any type of  online coaching I would love to hear your thoughts on anything you loved, found really helpful or even didn't like at all.



Aaaand... I just had the most awesome weekend like ever. Sweetwater 420 Fest rolled into Atlanta and all of my favorite bands and music came with it. One of my besties and I stayed at my friends condo in Inman Park for free all weekend long rather than doing the hotel thing and it was sooooo much better.  I'm telling you, airbnb is the way to go y'all. This was a little different since I know the owner but I just love having a place and not just a room somewhere. We had great food, drinks, music and weather, until Sunday when it rained. But... it always rains so I was prepared with my trusty Ikea poncho. I swear to God you guys this is one of the best investments I have made. I have used this thing countless times for kids sporting events and now a festival.

   KNALLA Rain poncho IKEA The poncho folds into its own pocket and easily fits in your backpack or briefcase.KNALLA Rain poncho IKEA The poncho folds into its own pocket and easily fits in your backpack or briefcase.

I am so proud of myself because I was uber prepared this time with all of my festival needs. You can laugh if you want to but I went to the dark side this year and wore a fanny pack all weekend long and it was glorious. Having something on your shoulder, back or cross body gets old after a day or so of sweating and rubbing on your skin soooo I went there. I opted for this super festive Sojourner Festival Fanny Pack and it was perfect. I crammed a lot of crap in it too and it worked like a charm.


Image result for sojourner festival fanny pack




The other best idea I ever had was to purchase a super compact fold up blanket because I am old and I like to sit on my ass when I am watching concerts. I mean I'll stand a bit but mostly festivals are for popping a squat on the grass and chilling. And I don't do grass or damp ground or bugs so the Mighty Monkey blanket was worth every penny and then some. Seriously, if you go to outdoor events this thing is the bomb.

Image result for mighty monkey blanket


Image result for mighty monkey blanket


And on that note I'll leave you with some pictures. I saw A LOT this weekend. This 420 was one of the best ever from a music standpoint and the fashion was undeniably epic. I hope you saw my stories but just in case you missed it... go back, I saved a few good ones.

The nights were magical by the fountain.


Food and drinks did not disappoint either...


But mostly the stages and the music were just out of this world. Hard to choose favorites but Sturgill Simpson, Tedeschi Trucks, Anders Osborne, Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters probably topped my list. 


Oh and then there was this kid... Brandon "Taz" Niederauer who played his own set and killed it but the proceeded to jam on stage with all of the acts that followed him. What were you doing when you were 14?


I have so many pics I might have to do another post but that's it for now. It was a fabulous weekend and I am so glad I went. And that I took Monday off. I am still pooped so I am gonna leave this right here. Thanks for stopping by!

Time for me to go study!!


Weekending & A Big Catch-Up...

Tuesday, April 24, 2018


I haven't been here in awhile so I am just going to write. I'm not sure why I haven't blogged in forever and a day, I guess it's harder to fit into my days these days. But I miss it so how about we catch up for just a minute here? How the hell are you guys???

I never thought I would be a blogger that only used IG but apparently that is what I have become. Aka not really a blogger that writes an actual blog. Hopefully you all follow along and see that I am alive and well. Really well actually. It is almost the end of April and I am still taking good care of myself. My Whole30 journey continues to be the best it has ever been for me. I applied and got accepted to the coaching program and am currently studying to take the first track of tests toward certification. Track 1 is a 100 question multiple choice test. You guys, I am scared. I can't remember the last time I had to take a test like this, I mean, we are talking a long ass time. And I know this stuff backwards and forwards but still, I can stump myself just by overthinking it. If I make an 80 I pass and if I don't I get one shot at a re-take. But how could I fail? See... overthinking.  It's the finer points and the science-y stuff behind Whole30 that I don't think about every day that worry me. So what do I do... just pick a day as my "test day" and commit to take it that day? A weekend, evening, first thing in the morning? Give me your best test-taking strategies people.

Aside from that I am actually kinda-sorta quietly "coaching" someone I know from the blogosphere of yore on her first Whole30 and I have to say she is freaking killing it. I don't know how much I am helping since I don't even know what I am doing but just trying to be available to her for support and Q&A, food/recipes and motivation. This has helped tremendously to see that I have to have a plan. So in addition to all the test taking going on over here I am trying to come up with ideas for running this business like coaching packages, how and when I will be available, private FB groups, meal prepping/planning and maybe some one-on-one options for locals. If you have used any type of  online coaching I would love to hear your thoughts on anything you loved, found really helpful or even didn't like at all.



Aaaand... I just had the most awesome weekend like ever. Sweetwater 420 Fest rolled into Atlanta and all of my favorite bands and music came with it. One of my besties and I stayed at my friends condo in Inman Park for free all weekend long rather than doing the hotel thing and it was sooooo much better.  I'm telling you, airbnb is the way to go y'all. This was a little different since I know the owner but I just love having a place and not just a room somewhere. We had great food, drinks, music and weather, until Sunday when it rained. But... it always rains so I was prepared with my trusty Ikea poncho. I swear to God you guys this is one of the best investments I have made. I have used this thing countless times for kids sporting events and now a festival.

   KNALLA Rain poncho IKEA The poncho folds into its own pocket and easily fits in your backpack or briefcase.KNALLA Rain poncho IKEA The poncho folds into its own pocket and easily fits in your backpack or briefcase.

I am so proud of myself because I was uber prepared this time with all of my festival needs. You can laugh if you want to but I went to the dark side this year and wore a fanny pack all weekend long and it was glorious. Having something on your shoulder, back or cross body gets old after a day or so of sweating and rubbing on your skin soooo I went there. I opted for this super festive Sojourner Festival Fanny Pack and it was perfect. I crammed a lot of crap in it too and it worked like a charm.


Image result for sojourner festival fanny pack




The other best idea I ever had was to purchase a super compact fold up blanket because I am old and I like to sit on my ass when I am watching concerts. I mean I'll stand a bit but mostly festivals are for popping a squat on the grass and chilling. And I don't do grass or damp ground or bugs so the Mighty Monkey blanket was worth every penny and then some. Seriously, if you go to outdoor events this thing is the bomb.

Image result for mighty monkey blanket


Image result for mighty monkey blanket


And on that note I'll leave you with some pictures. I saw A LOT this weekend. This 420 was one of the best ever from a music standpoint and the fashion was undeniably epic. I hope you saw my stories but just in case you missed it... go back, I saved a few good ones.

The nights were magical by the fountain.


Food and drinks did not disappoint either...


But mostly the stages and the music were just out of this world. Hard to choose favorites but Sturgill Simpson, Tedeschi Trucks, Anders Osborne, Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters probably topped my list. 


Oh and then there was this kid... Brandon "Taz" Niederauer who played his own set and killed it but the proceeded to jam on stage with all of the acts that followed him. What were you doing when you were 14?


I have so many pics I might have to do another post but that's it for now. It was a fabulous weekend and I am so glad I went. And that I took Monday off. I am still pooped so I am gonna leave this right here. Thanks for stopping by!

Time for me to go study!!


What could be more motivation than stepping on the scale on a Monday and finding 5.5 more pounds got kicked to the curb in the month of March? Well for me that is pretty damn motivating. I think I laid out my goals here for the next few months but for a mini re-cap I basically decided to shoot for 5 lbs. a month to reach -30 lbs by June 1-ish. I say "ish"  because the key for me so far this year has been reasonable expectations. In the past I think that one of my sources of weight loss frustration has been setting really specific goals. Maybe not totally unattainable but frustrating for me when I missed the mark. I don't want to be crazy strict about every little thing I eat or drink 24/7. When that is what I need I have Whole30 to turn to and I know it works every time.

So.... I have lost 22.5 lbs so far this year. I have gained a lot too, a lot of insight that is, into a way of eating that I really think I can maintain long term. What I have learned this year is that a shift in perspective seems to be making a difference for me. I proved to myself this last month that I can eat whatever I want and I don't have to plan super far ahead, write everything down or track it in a fitness app. I just have to decide if it's worth it. This has been pretty life changing if you want to know the truth because I am a planner. It's part my personality but also, when it comes to food, part not trusting myself to make those decisions in the moment. I am not sure why exactly but as it turns out I can make those decisions in the moment and I can be satisfied with whatever I decide and not beat myself up over it. Who knew. After January Whole30 and February Re-Introduction I made March all about not planning a damn thing to see if I could do it and still stay focused.

Image result for crushed it gif


And what I mean by that is I didn't predetermine what I was and wasn't going to have for the month. I didn't scour menus before heading to a new restaurant,  I ate girl scout cookies 2 at a time, I drank black and tan's on St. Patty's day, I shared an order of blue cheese chips with a friend at a bar and each of these times I stopped and thought... "do I really want this and is it worth it?" I know there were other things I passed up that weren't, like pizza, chicken biscuits and donuts. On my radar but still, didn't feel like pulling the trigger in the moment. Having what I want and completely letting go of the guilt has been 1000% liberating.

Here is what else I know. On the positive side...My pants are loose, like all my favorite jeans are constantly needing to be pulled up. My tennis skirts are looser and way more comfy, also the undershorts stay put instead of constantly rolling or riding up. Shocker. I have more bras... that fit. I don't miss beer anywhere near as much as I thought as I thought I would.  On the other hand... not gonna say negative because anything you learn along the way is positive, I can clearly identify some slippery slope/no brakes foods for me and they are not changing AT ALL. Wine is a biggie, I have to be really careful to stop myself at a certain point. Gluten free crackers/chips are another one. Just as easy to eat a bag of those as it is Doritos Jacked. Maybe not exactly but still. Dairy free cream-type cheeses are also like a trigger. Is it somehow better to eat dairy free if you still eat the whole tub in 2 days? That would be a no.

In other news my application to be a Whole30 Certified Coach was officially accepted and I am really excited. I also am anxiously waiting to see who the New Primal chooses to receive the scholarship toward the certification fees and praying I win! That will be announced this Wednesday so send me all the positive winning vibes you can muster.

Hope you all are having a fabulous Monday!

















































Monday Motivation - Here's What I Know

Monday, April 2, 2018

What could be more motivation than stepping on the scale on a Monday and finding 5.5 more pounds got kicked to the curb in the month of March? Well for me that is pretty damn motivating. I think I laid out my goals here for the next few months but for a mini re-cap I basically decided to shoot for 5 lbs. a month to reach -30 lbs by June 1-ish. I say "ish"  because the key for me so far this year has been reasonable expectations. In the past I think that one of my sources of weight loss frustration has been setting really specific goals. Maybe not totally unattainable but frustrating for me when I missed the mark. I don't want to be crazy strict about every little thing I eat or drink 24/7. When that is what I need I have Whole30 to turn to and I know it works every time.

So.... I have lost 22.5 lbs so far this year. I have gained a lot too, a lot of insight that is, into a way of eating that I really think I can maintain long term. What I have learned this year is that a shift in perspective seems to be making a difference for me. I proved to myself this last month that I can eat whatever I want and I don't have to plan super far ahead, write everything down or track it in a fitness app. I just have to decide if it's worth it. This has been pretty life changing if you want to know the truth because I am a planner. It's part my personality but also, when it comes to food, part not trusting myself to make those decisions in the moment. I am not sure why exactly but as it turns out I can make those decisions in the moment and I can be satisfied with whatever I decide and not beat myself up over it. Who knew. After January Whole30 and February Re-Introduction I made March all about not planning a damn thing to see if I could do it and still stay focused.

Image result for crushed it gif


And what I mean by that is I didn't predetermine what I was and wasn't going to have for the month. I didn't scour menus before heading to a new restaurant,  I ate girl scout cookies 2 at a time, I drank black and tan's on St. Patty's day, I shared an order of blue cheese chips with a friend at a bar and each of these times I stopped and thought... "do I really want this and is it worth it?" I know there were other things I passed up that weren't, like pizza, chicken biscuits and donuts. On my radar but still, didn't feel like pulling the trigger in the moment. Having what I want and completely letting go of the guilt has been 1000% liberating.

Here is what else I know. On the positive side...My pants are loose, like all my favorite jeans are constantly needing to be pulled up. My tennis skirts are looser and way more comfy, also the undershorts stay put instead of constantly rolling or riding up. Shocker. I have more bras... that fit. I don't miss beer anywhere near as much as I thought as I thought I would.  On the other hand... not gonna say negative because anything you learn along the way is positive, I can clearly identify some slippery slope/no brakes foods for me and they are not changing AT ALL. Wine is a biggie, I have to be really careful to stop myself at a certain point. Gluten free crackers/chips are another one. Just as easy to eat a bag of those as it is Doritos Jacked. Maybe not exactly but still. Dairy free cream-type cheeses are also like a trigger. Is it somehow better to eat dairy free if you still eat the whole tub in 2 days? That would be a no.

In other news my application to be a Whole30 Certified Coach was officially accepted and I am really excited. I also am anxiously waiting to see who the New Primal chooses to receive the scholarship toward the certification fees and praying I win! That will be announced this Wednesday so send me all the positive winning vibes you can muster.

Hope you all are having a fabulous Monday!

















































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