Thursday, December 31, 2015

December Favorites

December has been an emotional month for me. I didn't expect it to be as difficult for me as it was, but I continue to move forward. I just take it a day at a time. Here are my five December favorites:

1. Coloring the Psalms - I have been reading the Psalms and found this coloring book on amazon. To say I like the adult coloring books might be an understatement. A few people received coloring books from me for a Christmas present this year.





2. Minion PJ's - I love minions! I bought some fleece minion pj pants on Black Friday. A couple of nights I have put on my minion pj pants and just colored. I needed to shut my mind off and relax!


3. Christmas Lights - I love Christmas lights. Can't help it. There is something magical about the twinkling lights in the evening. Love them.



4. Naps - I love naps! It has been nice to enjoy them over the past few weeks. I need to get my schedule in check for the New Year; however; it has been nice to enjoy them!


5. Podcasts - I have been enjoying listening to podcasts. I have been enjoying multiple podcasts while working, driving, getting ready in the morning, and running (when it happens). Some of the podcasts I have been enjoying is All the Books!DetectiveCriminalThe Jillian Michaels Show, and Serial.

What are your favorites this month?

Sunday, December 6, 2015

December Goals & November Recap

It is hard to believe it is December. Christmas is in less then 20 days and my living room is littered with boxes of gifts being delivered from Amazon and my tubs of Christmas decorations waiting to be put up. I really enjoyed going on vacation, but it has left me feeling behind. I am hoping to "catch up" this next week. 

I'll begin by posting my goals for December. :)

November Goals:
  • Re-write my list of why I want to loose weight & be healthy
  • Continue to get up & get workouts in 5+ times per week
  • Write blogs more frequently about rebuilding myself, divorce, weight loss
  • Read at least 2 books on health & nutrition

The only goal in November completed was reading two books on health and nutrition. I read Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst and The Habits of 7 Highly Successful Juicers by Angela VonBuelow and Shane Whaley. They were both good and I will do a short review later this week. 

   
source                                                                       source

Prior to leaving for vacation I realized that I have been waiting to just go back to where I was prior to Brandon leaving. This whole time I have just been waiting for the click to get back into my workouts, to eat healthy, to blog again, etcetera. Cooking for one has been difficult for me too. Thankfully I am not where I was when I originally started three years ago, but I need to go back to some of my older goals and work my way up to where I living healthier. So here are my goals for the next month.

December Goals:
  • Have my Christmas Cards ready to mail by 12/14/15
  • Get under 180 pounds and stay there
  • Cook and/or back 2-3 times per week
  • Workout 4 times per week
  • Blog once a week
  • Read 2 or more books 

What are your health goals this month? General goals?

Monday, November 30, 2015

November Favorites

This month flew by for me personally. I cannot believe it is Christmas time! I love the twinkling lights and the Christmas spirit. Here are my November favorites:

1. Scorpion - I haven't watched this TV show since Season 2 started this fall. I forgot how much I love this show. It is about a group of geniuses who help the FBI. The situations they get into and the things they say crack me up though.


2. Apricot Oil - This is amazing! I have sensitive skin. It has been awful this past year. I have realized over the past year that when I am extremely stressed I break out in hives. Sexy, I know. It is itchy and awful. This spring when I broke out in hives I had to take steroids, use a steroid cream, shower every other day, and take two antihistamines. So when it happened again with splotches of eczema I was concerned I would have to go on the hated steroids again.

I was trying everything when I went to visit my step-sister. She manages a Resort & Spa and they recommended Apricot Body Oil. It is the only thing I have come across that has stopped the itching and my skin has started to heal for the first time since September. Thank you God!


3. Starbucks Carmel Hot Apple Cider - I have enjoyed two of these this past week. It tastes like an apple pie! Yummy! Generally I only have them a couple times in a year so two times in a week is my limit.



4. "Leggings Ain't Pants" - Have you seen this? She is hilarious, but she is telling the truth.


5. Dark Chocolate Almonds - I am not an almond, peanut, cashew, or pecan person. They are okay, but I would personally rather have something else. However, these Dark Chocolate Almonds are delicious! They help kill my craving and I don't feel like they are horrible for me. You should try them! Tell me what you think!


What is one of your favorites this month?



Sunday, November 15, 2015

Excuses

I have been listening to podcasts lately and listened to an interview on Half Size Me with Biggie Fit. It was an interesting podcast so I watched some of his videos. I came across his video about making a list of excuses. Honestly, I am continuing to have trouble with getting my workouts in and eating back on track. So, I made a list.

  1. I'm tired!
  2. Headache/Migraine
  3. Time - I'm buy with other things
  4. I just don't feel like it
  5. It isn't easy (especially food)
  6. Divorce Crap
  7. Because I don't have to
  8. I deserve to take time off
  9. I deserve to eat what I want
  10. I don't feel well (sore, nauseas, etc)
  11. Weather
  12. I am not ready
  13. There isn't enough time (less than 60 minutes to workout)
  14. I'm hungry & don't want to prep/cook
  15. How do I cook for one
  16. Negative thoughts (I'm not worthy; feeling like a failure)
  17. Depending on when I do have time; I'm gross afterwards (sweaty)
  18. I seem to have a mental/emotional block
  19. No self control
I am not sure if this had any impact on me. I know these are all just excuses. The headaches/migraines I believe to be legitimate; however, the rest are crap. It was interesting to see them all written out and where my focus needs to be from this list.


I believe the one that is hurting me the most are the negative thoughts. This is something I thought I would just snap out of and go back to the way I was doing things before my ex-husband left me. I have realized this week I am going to have to rebuild myself again. Thankfully I do not have to start from where I was 2-3 years ago, but I will have to begin again. 

What are your excuses?



Monday, November 2, 2015

November Goals & October Recap

I have to say I am sick of writing these posts. I am tired of telling everyone about how I fail at my weight loss and goals every month. At the same time, I realize I have been through a lot. Either way, I keep going. Eventually I will write about my successes and I will begin to loose weight again. One day. Sigh!

Either way here is how my October went and what I hope to accomplish in November.


October Goals:
  • Concentrate on being & eating healthy
  • Continue to workout 5-6 times per week
  • Re-write a list of why I want to reach my goal weight
  • Write 5 posts in October

October sucked! Let's just be real. My divorce was final this month and there were multiple nights of emotional eating and pity parties. I have been doing better with working out, but I have a long way to go to be back where I was at before my ex-husband walked out on me. 



November Goals:
  • Re-write my list of why I want to loose weight & be healthy
  • Continue to get up & get workouts in 5+ times per week
  • Write blogs more frequently about rebuilding myself, divorce, weight loss
  • Read at least 2 books on health & nutrition

What are your goals for the next month?



Sunday, November 1, 2015

October Favorites

I previously said in my July Favorites post that Quest bars were a favorite. However, they have recently changed their ingredients making them not as healthy and not a favorite for me anymore. To be honest, it sucks! These were a healthy treat for me and I went for them to help my unhealthy cravings. Hopefully they hear the complaints of everyone and go back to their original ingredients. Here's hoping! 

Anyways... my favorites for October:

1. Cookie Butter - I went to Trader Joe's for the first time and had to get the Cookie Butter after hearing so much about it. Apples dipped in cookie butter have been one of my favorite snacks. 


2. 100 Thank You's - I saw this video on A Blog About Love and loved it. We don't take time to 
appreciate each other nearly enough. This is something we should all strive to do more.

3. Bible Pens - I ordered these off the great Amazon due to their reviews and love them. They do not bleed through the pages and they don't smear if you don't swipe them immediately. Personally, I only use the purple to underline and the black pen to write notes.


4. Aveeno Lotion - This lotion is one that actually works for me and I am extremely picky. I am sensitive to smells and I hate greasy lotions. My skin is dry and sensitive though so I need to keep it hydrated. It has taken years, but I love this one. 



5. Nyx High Voltage Lipstick - I am not a lipstick person, but have been on a search for a great one. I really like this one! The color actually stays on where I feel a lot of other lipsticks come off immediately. I love the colors Wine & Dine and the French Kiss.

October was a little crazy. I was emotional with my 7 year wedding anniversary on October 4th and our divorce being finalized five days later on October 9th. It was an emotional time. I am working to find myself again as this year comes to a close and I begin to think of a new year beginning soon. :)

How was your October? What were your favorites this month? Leave me a reply below on what I need to check out! 

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Divorced

As of October 9th, I am divorced. Thankfully I did not have to go to court and sign papers. I believe this made it easier for me since I did not have to see or talk to him. I actually worked all day, which I think helped.

It was a shock when I received the email that it was completed. I believe part of me didn't think he would go through with it. No one has really divorced in his family. Thankfully, I needed to take something to a friend of mine a few blocks from where I work. It was good to go for a walk and see a few friends. I don't know if I ever knew I loved hugs so much.



After work I spent Friday and Saturday with my three younger brothers and my sister-in-law. It was an amazing weekend and great to be around all of them. We haven't all been together since the beginning of the year so it was great to spend time together. Plus I was surrounded by people I love and who love me! 


I wasn't as emotional as I expected. I did ask for thoughts on prayers on Facebook that Sunday night. My emotions were running high since it was our 7 year anniversary that Sunday (October 4th) and the divorce would be five days later. I am blessed for the family and friends that are in my life. On Tuesday I needed to text him and was able to say some things to him. It allowed me to close a door or at least begin to shut it prior to divorce being finalized. 


Currently I am doing okay as far as emotionally and mentally. There will be up days and there will be down days. However, the up days are becoming more frequent. In regards to my weight loss it is not going well. I have gained approximately 20 pounds, but I am trying to not get the best of me. There has been some emotional eating and I am currently trying to work through it. This has unfortunately ruined a lot of my self esteem and I realized this past week that I have felt unworthy. So, I am working on building my self esteem back up because I deserve to be healthy and happy. 

I am sorry for not writing a post sooner. I had started one and then my internet went out. Thank you to my friend Kate who has my back! I am hoping to post more and plan on writing on the things I have done to get through everything over the past 6 months. I hope you are all having a great weekend!


Wednesday, September 30, 2015

October Goals & September Recap

I believe fall has arrived in Michigan. If only fall would stay until spring. I love fall!! I am ready for hot apple cider, boots, scarves, tights, vests, soups, and chilis. I have already made chicken enchilada soup, turkey quinoa chili, and I have chili on the stove. There is cider in the fridge too. Delicious! 

My October goals are not very specific. However, I want to concentrate on my health and not the number on the scale. Unfortunately, it will be an emotional month for me with my divorce being final the beginning of this month. 

October Goals:
  • Concentrate on being & eating healthy
  • Continue to workout 5-6 times per week
  • Re-write a list of why I want to reach my goal weight
  • Write 5 posts in October


September Goals:
  • NO DRINKING!!! - (glass of wine at my Thirty One Party in late September)
  • Get workouts in; Plan for 6-7 days a week 
  • Plan & prep food for lunch and dinner
  • Win bet with Mom! :) We have a bet to get to a certain weight by the end of the month. Basically I have ten pounds to loose by the end of the month. 

I did not win the bet with my Mom. The truth is I have gained weight again this month. So I have decided to focus on just being healthy this next month. There was no drinking in September other than my glass of wine during my Thirty One party. I did continue to get my workouts in and have done better with my planning and prepping. It needs to improve though. 

How was your September? What is one of your goals in October?



Tuesday, September 29, 2015

September Favorites

Every month I plan on posting more and instead, I post less. I promise to get better at this. My divorce is supposed to be final in a couple weeks and I have been just trying to deal with all of the emotion I feel towards it. Even though he has been gone for five months it is still a shock to me. So I take it one day at a time and am focusing on finding my "new normal." I'll have to get into everything in more detail in October.

Here are some of the things I have been loving this month!

1. Happier Podcast - This was on Peanut Butter Fingers blog and I started listening to it a couple of weeks ago and am loving it. Gretchen Rubin and her sister, Elizabeth Craft, give tips on how to be "happier" in approximately thirty minutes. For example, if you can do something in 60 seconds or less just do it.

2. Almond Butter Pancakes - What isn't to love about a healthy pancake! These are healthy, easy to make, and taste delicious! My ex-husband would NOT eat breakfast after 11am so I have been breaking the rules and eating breakfast for dinner. Plus they are great warmed up or you can freeze them. Rockstar status!


3. Truth Jar - I may have mentioned this before, but my brother's wife, Emily, made me a truth jar. I love it! It is a mason jar stuffed full of "truths" for me to read whenever I need one. I take one whenever I feel I need a boost or a little love. These are marvelous. Some days it is exactly what I need! Today's truth was "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you." Isaiah 43:2

 

4. Downton Abbey - I just started watching this show recently. I don't know why I am so late to this, but I have been enjoying it.


5. Hot Apple Cider - Nothing says fall like a glass of hot apple cider. I made some this past weekend and it was marvelous! I am looking forward to a couple more glasses.


What have your favorites been this month? 

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

September in Review

I cannot believe we are half way through September. It is amazing to me how time goes by so quickly now. So here is how the month has gone so far me.

September 2nd - I was supposed to get together with my brother, sister-in-law, and my sister-in-laws sister & husband for cake for my brother's birthday. However, my sister-in-laws sister's water broke early that morning. They had a beautiful baby girl!

Labor Day Weekend - I planned on ordering pizza on Friday night and watching a movie. I did order pizza, but my friend Phoebe came over. We indulged in pizza and enjoyed some great conversation. It was great to see her! When I woke up Saturday I still wanted to watch a movie so I watched three!!! It was a very lazy day, but so marvelous. The week before I had gone to see War Room with some friends from church so I watched some of the Kendrick brother's other movies. I ended up watching Fireproof, Heat, and Courageous. I also did some coloring, watched the last two episodes of Psych, and did a little bit of reading.


On Sunday I went to church and then ran some errands. My air conditioner is broke and it was hot and humid so I went shopping. I also stopped by Lowe's to price some things and get some paint samples. Later that evening my brother and sister-in-law stopped by for a quick visit after visiting their beautiful new niece. Labor Day I went to lunch with my Mom, did some grocery shopping, food prep, and some other things around the house. 


It is hard to tell with the bad lighting, but there are a lot of blues in there. My final decision may be made this week. We will see. I am so indecisive when it comes to this kind of stuff. 

Monday morning I also made my new favorite... Almond Butter Pancakes! I love these! I had some turkey sausage with them for a little added protein. I have made them in a skillet and the oven. Baking them in the oven is a lot quicker and easier! So delicious!!!


I started getting up at 5am the first week of September to do morning workouts! Just so you know... I am NOT a morning person. I generally get up between 9-10am on the weekends. This has been an adjustment for me. However, I really like getting my workout done first thing in the morning. It also means I am doing my workouts. The week of September 1st I worked out four times and this past week I worked out 6 times. Boom!

September 10th - We had a golf outing at work supporting a local charity. It was my first time really being on a golf course and seeing people golf. It was also my first time driving the golf cart. Look at all of the things I am learning/trying. 

September 12th - Saturday morning I stayed home and worked out. It was almost a 2 hour workout! My trainer dared my to do 100 burpees. She does this on purpose because she knows I will do it or do my best to do it. They weren't all at once, but I did 100 bosu burpees. I believe she does it so I remember how far I have come. 


Later Saturday afternoon my power went out. Apparently a squirrel wanted to play in the substation and killed the power for over four thousand of us. Bet he regrets it now! Either way I got ready for my friends surprise party in the dark and called a cab.  My garage doors are electric and there is no other way in the garage. I made it to the surprise party in plenty of time and loved seeing how surprised she was with her family and friends surrounding her. 

How has the first part of your September gone? Have you tried anything new?

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

September Goals & August Recap


Another month gone by wtihout a lot of progress. I keep going though. Every step is progress back in the right direction. There were a few life lessons learned this month, but I have a feeling it will be like that for a bit. I wouldn't mind if they were more of a tap on the shoulder lesson instead of a punch in the face lesson though. Just sayin'...



August Goals:
  • Workout 4 times per week 
  • No fast food
  • Eat healthier & cook/prep food more
  • Loose weight (I would like to get back into the 160's) 

So in all honesty I don't think I did any of these. I haven't looked at the times per week I have worked out, but I don't believe I did 4 times each week. I know I ate Burger King and McDonald's this month. :( I am not going to lie there was a night of drinking (one of my "punch in the face" lessons) and McDonald's was the next day. 

There was more food prep in August than there has been previously, but not as much as I wanted or intended. I also did not loose weight this month. Sigh... With that said it is still up and down for me emotionally. There were some heartbreaking things discovered, Brandon moved all of "his stuff" out, I was tired of thinking and drank one night, and more. 


Somedays it feels like every day I fall apart, but I know I will be okay. One day at a time; moment by moment. I will get through it. With that said... September goals!

September Goals:
  • NO DRINKING!!! - (glass of wine at my Thirty One Party in late September)
  • Get workouts in; Plan for 6-7 days a week 
  • Plan & prep food for lunch and dinner
  • Win bet with Mom! :) We have a bet to get to a certain weight by the end of the month. GULP! Basically I have ten pounds to loose by the end of the month. I gained weight after last weekend. It was 7 pounds. (head smack) BOO! 
Whoever wins the bet pays for a pedicure, movie, or dinner. :) Nothing huge, but a little competition never hurt anyone. 

What did you accomplish in August? What do you have planned for September?

Monday, August 31, 2015

August Favorites

I kind of liked doing July Favorites so it may be a monthly post for me. Let me know what you think. So here are some of the things I have been loving lately.


1. Veggie Chips/Veggie Straws - These may not be allowed in my house for a little while. I have been loving a sandwich with some veggie chips/straws. My problem is with chips, I just can't stop. Once I start I just keep eating them.


2. Optimum Nutrition - Essential Amino Energy - When Lyndsey mentioned this as a favorite of hers on Broccoli & Barbells I knew I had to try it. I have gone through 3 of the grape flavored. The other day I forgot mine and Lyndsey let me try her Blue Raspberry before she kicked my butt. I liked it and got the Blue Raspberry for a change.

I actually have a Blue Raspberry at home and a Grape right now. It is nice to prepare it before I leave work so by the time I get home and change my clothes I am ready to go!


3. Unity Christian Music Festival - This was amazing! I went Friday and Saturday this year and can't wait to go again next year. It was amazing to see Francesca Battistelli, Matthew West, and so many more. It was one of the best weekends and I am so glad my Mom and Aunt Mary urged me to tag along. 





4. Sweaty Bands - I love these. It is a little embarrassing to say how many I have and I want more. These are one of the only headbands that work for me. They actually work for me and I have thin, fine hair. Headbands have never worked for me. I was tired of hair in my face though and gave these a try. They work! LOVE!


5. Bosu - I love this! There are so many exercises you can do with it. I even prefer to do burpees with the bosu. After using it with my trainer I knew I wanted one.



What have you been loving this month? 

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

What's been going on?

I thought 2015 was going to be a phenomenal year for me. Every year I make a goal list and this was the year for me to accomplish all of them! My weight loss goal, my reading goal, and the dreams I had for my marriage. Unfortunately, this has been one of the most difficult years of my life. 

In the beginning of May my husband walked out on me. He told me Monday night he "was done" and while I was at work on Tuesday he packed his stuff and moved in with his parents. It is one of the most devastating things I have ever experienced. He would not talk to me and asked for time to think things through. I still don't understand a lot of what happened during that time. 


I have been devastated. I never thought he would do this or treat me this way. He was my best friend, my husband. We were together 13 years and would have been married 7 years in October. Brandon walked out and will hardly talk to me. He even filed for a divorce on my birthday. It has been hell to go through all of this these past few months and to be honest I didn't want to write about it because I didn't think he would go through with it. I hoped he wouldn't, but our divorce will be final soon. 


I am not going to lie... this has been awful. However, one night while sitting at my Mom's dining room table sobbing I told her one my blessings during all of this. "You did a really good job! People really like me!" I have the most amazing family and friends. They have all been here for me. I don't know what I would do without all of their love and support. 

I know I still have a long way to go. There will be times where I am doing okay, other times where I don't think I can do it anymore, and other times where I am doing great. As I have learned it is all part of the process. Everyday is a new day. And you know what? I am going to be okay. 

Sunday, August 2, 2015

August Goals & July Recap

It is crazy to me that it is August already. Why does summer always go by so quickly? I hate to say it, but I think August is going to go by quickly too. It is going to be a rough month for me personally, but I will be okay. My main goal is to keep working to get back to where I was before everything happened at the beginning of this summer. I didn't do great at my goals in July, but I am doing better every day. 


July Goals:
  • Workout 3-5 times per week 
  • Eat healthier & cook/prep food more
  • Blog 2 times a week
  • Sign up for DietBet & try to hard to win

My workout and blogging goals did not go as I wanted. Although I did blog more than the past couple of months. It just wasn't as much as I had wanted. Workouts weren't great either. I was just trying to distract myself from dealing with life (Feeling Switch Blog Post). 

Cooking and prepping has gotten better this month. Definitely not where it had been, but better. This week I even made a couple new recipes. They were healthy, easy, and delicious. I will be putting both of them in my rotation. This past week I tried a new protein shake that I have been loving. I did a five day trial and will be ordering more soon so I will let you know more about that once I try it a little longer. 

August Goals:
  • Workout 4 times per week 
  • No fast food
  • Eat healthier & cook/prep food more
  • Loose weight (I would like to get back into the 160's) 

I have gained weight these past three months and am back in the 170's. It sucks, but I am not going to beat myself up. This year has been one of the most emotional and most difficult years of my life. So I will just be happy that through it all I haven't quit or given up. It make take longer to get to my goal than initially planned, but I will do it. 


What are you proud of that you did in July? What goals do you have for August?

Thursday, July 30, 2015

July Favorites

I don't normally do these since I can never think of a list of things to post. This past month I have thought of a handful of things I am loving and thought you should know about!

1.  Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt - I love these! I have tried the Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate
     Fudge, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. They are 80 calories for one bar! Plus they are helping
     my ice cream cravings. Delicious!

2.  Minion Glass - Two of my favorite people, Addison & Nylah (Lyndsey's daughters) gave me a   
     minion glass for my birthday! LOVE IT! How can you not love minions? 


3.  PB&J - Yes. I am serious. For some reason I am back to my 1st grade years and I am eating 
     Peanut Butter (Creamy Jif & strawberry preserves). I felt like a giant kid on Sunday with my 
     PB&J and minion glass. It's easy and delicious. 

4.  Quest Bars - The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough one is my favorite, but I am loving them! When 
     I went through one of the most difficult weeks these were the only thing that I could eat. I like the 
     Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Brownie, S'mores, and more. I have a White Chocolate Raspberry to 
     try later this week and I would love to get my hands on a Strawberry Cheesecake. :)


5.  Rachel Platten - I love her "Fight Song." I can't stop listening to it. 



What are you loving? 



Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Feeling Switch

Happy Tuesday! I got a beautiful surprise at work today! My friend Angie sent me flowers! They were even my favorite flower... Roses! As you can see below I definitely stopped to smell the roses. She has been an amazing friend through this whole process. Don't know what I would do without her and my other family & friends!



This evening I came home and again I did NOT work out. Why? I didn't feel like it. Is that an excuse?  Absolutely not!! I came to realize something while sitting here watching TV and coloring though. I am avoiding trying to feel my emotions. I am so tired of dealing with all of these raw emotions that I have been distracting myself. I napped, read, watched TV, and colored most of last week and the entire weekend. I did have a cold so I didn't go out like I had initially planned to avoid getting others sick.


I am tired of feeling everything! I have asked multiple people if there was a way to just stop feeling, even for just a day. There isn't. So I have been distracting myself. Most of the time it has been TV and coloring. I am watching a TV show while focusing on coloring and the colors I am using. This is generally while also texting friends and family. So I shut my coloring book and turned the TV off tonight. I picked up some clutter that has accumulated and cried for a while. It sucked. I am not going to lie, but I did it.


It may be hard, but I am going to try and stop distracting myself right now. Allow myself to feel and try to be okay with how I am feeling. I don't know what this means for my workouts and eating. Working out always makes me feel better; however, I believe I have been avoiding it because of what I think about during that time. I need to get back on the wagon though. I just need to remind myself I am strong and I will get through it. I have a feeling it is going to be me picking myself up and falling for a few more months, but I will NOT QUIT!