Thoughts for Thursday- My Weight

So I decide to go deep this Thursday. Most women cringe at this topic and I am definitely one of them.. my weight! I used to be obsessed with shopping. I loved getting dressed every morning. The past 2 years I can say, this is not the case. I seriously dread shopping! Nothing looks right, fits right, or makes me feel good. Seeing the size #'s go up and up definitely doesn't help. I'm amazed at what 15-20 pounds can seriously do to one's self esteem, self image, and life. I'm really struggling on portion sizes. I am an overall pretty healthy eater. Don't get me wrong- I definitely have my binge moments of ice cream, cookies, etc. but on the daily- I say I do ok. But even though I'm having grilled salmon and veggies when I'm doubling your portion size.. there is an issue. The Hubs and I are both suckers for those last little bit of dinner. We don't want to throw it out and waste it but it's not what we would for another meal. I also used to work out for an hour at least 4-5 days a week (keep in mind I was a single gal at this time). Well I fell off the wagon and I have never officially got back to a true routine. I will get back on for a month or so.. then fall off again. Finding that extra hour with keeping up a house, making dinners every night, working full time, and keeping up a social life is just plain hard! I've decided to get creative with my workouts and see how it goes. By creative I'm thinking going for a 15 minute walk during lunch. Or simply doing a set of cruches, jumping jacks, burpees, and some planks before hopping in the shower. I'm not saying it's going to change my life but at this point every little thing can only help. I know I shouldn't judge myself by my pants size but just overall I haven't felt all that great. If I was really honest I haven't felt all that great in about 2 years. I have days I feel ok, maybe a great day here and there, but not consistent. I see other bloggers posting about their cute outfits and amazing sales. I look and wish I felt like doing the same. I know to others I look fine but I miss my old body. I haven't even had kiddos yet so lord help me if that ever happens! At the end of the day it's not so much the numbers on the scale but how I feel. I'm also amazed that those 15-20 pounds all seemed accumulate around my stomach and thighs. I've even had people ask if I am pregnant! Talk about self esteem spiral!

On a comical note.. I saw this and thought maybe I should try this! Talk about motivation..

Coming-soon-a-fitness-tracker My luck I would die of shock!

I'm seriously debating a fitbit. Maybe add it to my Christmas wish list. I've also seen that Tory Burch is teaming up for some pretty cute bands. Anyone tried the fitbit? Thoughts?

What do you do to keep yourself at a "happy" weight for you?

Linking up with Nat and Annie.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game..

Happy Tuesday!

Last night a group of us went to the Durham Bulls Game. We had a great time. The weather could not have been more perfect! Get ready for picture overload!

Me and the Hubs.. I still haven't mastered the selfie pictures yet.

Lindsey, Hannah, Me, the Hubs, and Jill

Logan, Drew, Ryan, Christine, Malissa, and Steve

Christine, Drew, Malissa, and Steve

Jill and Ryan- gotta love that Ryan's eyes are closed!

Ryan, Erin and Camden- Camden was enjoying dipping his nugget in sauce!

Ryan, Erin, Camden and Jason

Towards the end I guess the boys got bored and decided to braid Christine's hair!

We had a good time and I would definitely go again. I'm definitely dragging at work today though. I'm old these days! Hope you're having a good week!



Weekend Recap- Dad's 60th

Happy Monday Lovies! Here is my weekend recap..

Friday night I went for a walk while the Hubs put out some replacement sod in our back yard. Our neighbors sent us a text that they were going to the club for dinner. We met them for a quick dinner and then crashed on the couch for a lazy night.

Saturday started off with yogalites for me and golf for the Hubs. We had a quick pool visit so I could enjoy one of Miss Charlotte's yummy drinks!

We ran back to get ready for dinner for my Dad's 60th birthday. Long story short we had planned to go to the beach to celebrate. Well my Dad ended up working so we stayed here. It was going to be a regular dinner as far as I knew. Well Saturday morning my Mom called. My cousin that lives in Asheville was coming home for the night. She was dropping her daughter off for her annual week with Grandma before school started back. My cousin wanted to do dinner since she was in town having no idea that it was my Dad's birthday. Talk about cool timing. My grandparents on my Dad's side were invited but said they weren't feeling well. We had a great time. This might be picture overload!

The group

The parentals and me

the Hubs and Me

Me and My God- grandparents

me and Miss Emma- she said.. let's take a selfie! Love her!

Me with Cole and Emma- So this picture makes me feel old! How is Cole taller than me? I still remember rocking Emma as an infant and watching "Cheaper by the Dozen" with Cole (he was 4 at the time!).

Dad got 60 twinkies for his 60th birthday from Cole and Emma. Dad used to love Twinkies. The kids had never tried one. They loved them! Cracks me up!

Sunday we were off to church. We go to the early service- the Hubs likes that we're done by 10am. One of my besties from college was at the early service with us. She and her sweet boy joined us for breakfast at the Farmer's Market after church.

He loved the tractor!

My aunt brought Emma to our house for a some pool fun during the afternoon. Sorry no photos on that.  Another weekend down! We had such a good weekend! I hope everyone else did too!

Friday- Confessional of 5 things

- I confess that I bought three boxes of cookies on Wednesday. I opened every single one of them and had 2 cookies each.

- I confess that I hate being late. I loathe it! I was late to my YPN meeting yesterday morning. It was my first time being late and I was mortified! Luckily no one seemed to notice but I have got to get up earlier next time.

- I confess that everytime I see a certain coworkers number pop up on my caller ID that I intentionally ignore it.

- I confess I still swear terribly! I have improved but not nearly as I should. I actually kinda enjoy it honestly. I feel like I've released tension and express myself when throwing around an f- bomb. I should be embarasssed about this but I'm not really.

- I confess that love the Kardashians! I know everyone says they are fake- I don't if they are. I know they are rich spoiled biotches but it's mindless tv. I can sit laugh and forget about the world. It's my guilty pleasure!

Linking up with Leslie.

Linking up with Amy and Karli.

Thoughts for Thursday- Things to Look Forward to..

Saturday my Dad will be 60! I used to think 60 was really old but my parents make it look really young. I had a beach weekend planned but now he supposedly has to work. So it will just be a simple dinner. I would love to have thrown him a party but if you know my Dad he would have hated that. He even joked that if I attempted such things he wouldn't show up. Hopefully we will have a good dinner. I can't wait for him to see him present!

The Hubs and I played tennis Tuesday night. It was finally a night that wasn't miserably hot around here. I haven't actually played since high school. Let's just say we got a good workout. I'm sure the kiddos on the playground near the courts were laughing at us! I do hope to start making this a routine, it was fun even though we aren't very good.


I made an appointment to go paddleboarding! I'm so excited! Now I'm anxiously awaiting Saturday August 23rd. Believe me- I'm sure there will be an interesting story after this adventure and pictures too!


I know I've said this before but I'm such a sucker! This again is another example of why I need to stay out stores. We were out of bottled water. I ran out during my lunch yesterday to pick some up. Well.. the aisle next to the water had cookies. It was lunch time afterall and I was starving! I came out with not one, not two, but THREE bags of cookies!

And I wonder why I can't lose weight or save money?! SIGH!



Linking up with Natalie and Annie

Spinach Lasagna

Happy Tuesday Lovies! As promised from yesterday's post- here is the spinach lasagna recipe! This was the very first recipe I found on my own when I started getting interested in cooking. I just had my practice test when one of my dear friends had her baby girl. I will have to say I had a few hesitant when were planning this girls night baby dinner. Everyone is so used to have some kind of meat but this was a HUGE hit! My friends coined this my "signature dish." I will have to say I'm flattered and I kinda like it :). I can't take all the credit, I found this at The Fresh Market Recipes. I do a few modifications to their original so see below.

Ingredients:

1 pound small curd cottage cheese (you can also use ricotta)

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (I usually end up using a smidge more!)

1 egg

10oz. fresh spinach (you can use frozen but I just prefer fresh)

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

40 oz. of Marinara Sauce (I use The Fresh Market brand marinara or anything organic)

8 oz. of lasagna noodles, uncooked

1 cup of water

1/2 Parmesan cheese

I also usually add mushrooms and other veggies we have at the house at the time (totally optional)

Prep:

In a large bowl mix the cottage cheese, 1 1/2 cup mozzarella, egg, spinach, salt, oregano, pepper, and other veggies. In a 13X9X2 inch baking dish, layer 1 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce, 1/3 of noodles, and 1/2 of cheese-spinach mixture. Repeat layering. Top with remaining noodles then remaining 2 cups of sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Pour water around the edges. Cover tightly with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 15 mintues (1 hour for pre-cooked noodles) or until bubbly. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

The Hubs and I actually think this is better if I make it the night before and reheat when ready to serve. It's my go-to dinner when taking baby dinners these days. It also freezes very well!

Monday AGAIN..

Happy Monday Lovies! I was not exactly looking forward to Monday. We had such a good weekend that I just didn't want it to end.

Friday night was a lazy around the house night. I enjoyed a glass of wine and made a spinach lasgana. I will post the recipe for this tomorrow!

Saturday was a rainy morning. We went to run a few errands and the sun came out. We rushed back to enjoy some pool time! We met some of my favs downtown for drinks and dinner at the Pit. We started off at Crank Arm brewery since the Pit told us an hour and a half wait.

Erin bought a wheel so we could sample. I would recommend it! About 15 minutes into our tasting we got a text that our table was ready. So much for that hour and a half wait!

At the Pit we started off with soul rolls and deviled eggs. Both were delightful!

They brought out the carbs.. so good!

The Hubs and I split a dinner plate. It was still a ton of food! We split fried chicken, BBQ, and mac and cheese. He had some sweet potato fries and I ordered some brunwick stew (my fav!).

Of course I had to take a few pictures of us! Sorry that the lighting isn't great in these.

 Erin, Hannah, and Me

We had a great night! Shout out to Hannah and Erin! :) Our friend Kelly was sick so she and Jeff missed this dinner. We'll have to do it again soon! The food and company were fabulous! I highly recommed the Pit if you're ever in downtown Raleigh.

Sunday was another lazy morning. Lunch at the club with the drenched golfers, yes they got soaked in the rain! Then the sun came out again.. YAY! We had some pool time with some of amazing neighbors. A few cocktails by the pool- thanks to our talented bartender Charlotte- and we decided to have pizza delievered for dinner.

All in all a perfect weekend! So we meet again Monday! I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

Five on Friday- Home Wish List

It's FRIDAY Lovies!

The best thing about this Friday is I'm off work today. I have a morning of cleaning house and an afternoon pool date with 2 of my neighbors- YAY! Bonus- I really don't have any definite plans for this weekend. We rarely have a weekend that isn't planned down to the minute. I'm excited to see where this weekend takes us! Although we don't really have the funds for any of these at this time, here are 5 things I would love to cross off our list this weekend.

1- Barstools. We have barstools that I had in my townhouse. These sat in storage after we were married and my townhouse sold. When we moved into our new home, I just brought them out of storage. Well they are barstool height, we now need counter height. Everything I find I want is too expensive or not what I want or BOTH! This is what I've envisioned.

This Broyhill barstool only comes in barstool height.. BOO!! I debated buying it and cutting the legs but I feel it's too much of a risk- SIGH!

2- Ceiling Fans. We are in dire need of a ceiling fan in our bedroom and living room. The Hubs is dreading putting up a ceiling fan in our bedroom. We have 12 foot ceilings and a tray ceiling. Not to mention our bed is in the middle of the room. We are also at a disagreement on color. For the bedroom I think it should be all white to distract any attention. He disagrees. For the living room we agree on a medium wood and brushed nickel finishes. Now to just pull the trigger to buy these and install them. These are what I envision below. Thoughts about our bedroom fan are appreciated!

3- Patio and Porch Furntiure- If you've been following me or reading any of my past blogs you know I bought a table at Target for $40 the other week. Just a table. We put this on our porch but I think it should be moved onto our patio. We need to add 4 black chairs, cushions, lantern, and umbrella. I think we should buy a bistro set or 2 chairs and a coffee table for our porch. Our dog lives on our porch so her house and things take up most of the space. I'm ok with it but I don't want to be too cluttered. This is what I'm envisioning..

For our patio..

For our porch..

4- A Rug- for our eat in kitchen. I snagged a table. 

 But now I think I need a rug to complete the space. I have no idea what kind of rug. I had thought black and cream but I don't want a black background. I want to stay away from too much darkness. Thoughts?

5- Laundry Room- Our laundry has white cabinets. They don't fit wall to wall because we bought these at Lowe's and installed them ourselves. Our laundry room we pass thru a million times a week. We have to walk through the laundry room to get to our garage. I am picturing a corkboard on side with invites and reminders. And a mail sorter with key hooks for mail and other random things. Our island has become a hoarder of these things and I would like to clean it up. I'm envisioning..

These are some of the MANY things on my to do list. One day we'll have the funds and these little projects complete!

Linking up with Amy and Karli.

Thoughts for Thursday- Trial Gardener

Thoughts for Thursday!- Fingers crossed my flowers don't drown!! I've killed everything I've ever planted until recently. Fingers crossed I don't jinx myself since my flowers/plants are struggling since our 4th of July vacay. I actually never really cared about flowers. Yes- they are pretty but I just didn't care to do anything with them myself. I also think part of the reasoning is I'm allergic to most flowers. I love flowers but within 30 minutes of those suckers in a room with me- my eyes are watering, I'm sneezing, and I'm congested! No fun! I felt horrible when someone would send me flowers and I would have to give them away because they would make me miserable!

This year being in our new house- I wanted a few flowers. This is serious a baby step for me and I'm by no means an expert or have a yard filled with flowers. One day maybe.. just not today!

These were my very first attempt for our front porch! Red tulips with purple pansies!

 Once these flowers died down due to the heat, I replaced them with these petunias. They were so pretty!

 I also tried herbs this year. I still haven't figured out the right way to trim these but they seem to be doing ok.

The Hub's step Mom gifted me this little rose. It was a tiny pot. I repotted it in a pot that Nick's Grandmother Parker made for him. It's growing like crazy in this pot!

I also attempted some hyndrangeas this year. Here is my little white one trying to bloom.

 What did you plant this year?? Any suggestions on what I should attempt next?

Linking up with Natalie and Annie.