As most of you know we're going to be moving back to Kentucky very soon and absolutely can not wait. As I type this we're actually waiting for someone to come look at our apartment!! YAY!
I decided to make a list of goals that I hope to achieve and develop into a daily routine and lifestyle once we move back.
1. Save more money. I have been doing great at using coupons. This also means no unnecessary expenditures--pedicures, manicures, hair coloring--I can do all of this myself and have been for a few months now. I do desperately miss these little treats though.
2. Saving money ties into my second goal which is to cook 6 out of 7 nights a week (normally we cook about 5 nights of the week), taking my lunch to work (instead of eating out) 4 out of 5 days a week, and bringing my breakfast and coffee from home, rather than stopping at McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, or Starbucks. This also gives me the opportunity to try out all kinds of new recipes!
3. Cooking more should also help with the big goal of losing weight. I know weight loss seems like a mandatory point for a to-do list, so I'm going to be honest for the sake of my readers. I have gained more weight and weigh more since moving to Maryland last August than I ever have in my life. Although this seems like an excuse I'm ready to be back with real friends who will work out with me (Amanda) so I can get on a good exercise regimen. I am ready to put clothes on and them fit... rather than be too tight. I'm ready.
4. I would also like to start working on looking more polished. Those days where I feel very put-together and polished, I radiate confidence and I love that feeling. Feeling good about how you look to the outside world only helps with all smarts you may possess! I expect Sarah to help me with this!
I love and would appreciate all of the help and support I can get in accomplishing my goals. Does anyone else have goals they need support or motivation to help achieve? Let's share!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Relationships
I have been putting this blog post off for quite some time. And I haven't a clue why. I'm afraid of starting controversy I think, so I'm trying my hardest not to. I don't consider myself an expert... no where close. (Chad & I celebrated our 6 year anniversary just last month but if you know me/us at all you know it hasn't always been easy. We've been through a lot and even broke up once, but we've made it work. It's all I want. I know that. I try not to make excuses, but people change a lot from age 16 to almost 23 and changing together is a big struggle, so needless to say, I'm very proud of us.) But I participate in and observe romantic relationships daily. They intrigue me. Why do some work? Why don't others? Why do some people date for years and then suddenly break up, or divorce soon after marrying? Why do marriages that occur a mere 2 months after meeting last forever?
I don't know. And I don't claim to know. But I do have girlfriends. And my girlfriends, aside from being the rocks of my life, like to gab about relationships. Our relationships. Other people's relationships. Come on, we are girls, and we definitely aren't perfect.
I sent a text message to Emily the other day asking why some second marriages seem to work out better, produce happier couples/families, and last longer than first marriages? The answer she replied with may seem obvious... that she thinks people mature and have a better idea of what they're looking for in relationships. It does seem as though people get married very quickly and young, and who am I to say that this is true, but I sometimes wonder if they don't go into the marriage with a little voice in the back of their head reminding them that "it's okay to leave and get out if they're 'unhappy'." I have to assume at least some people go into marriage with this thought, considering our divorce rate in America.
I'm a far cry from a DOMA supporter, but I like the idea of marriage, or at lifetime-lasting relationships. We see them. We see people who weren't always the happiest, but is that really that important? (You're probably beginning to judge me, but wait... I'm making a point, I promise.) How on earth is one expected to be happy every single day in a 50+ year marriage? That's ignorant and unrealistic. A friend of mine celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary a month or so ago and I sent her a text (you noticing that I text a lot?) congratulating her and then asking for advise. As I said, I want that relationship, ya know? I'm a child of divorce so I like talking to good marriages and figuring out the hows and whys. She told me that the grass is rarely greener on the other side, but that anytime I should feel like leaving, wait 6 months. Relationships will always go through ups and downs, but if you're ready to check out during a downswing, and then you wait 6 months, there will usually be an upswing in the distance. I am not (nor was she) advocating staying in marriage when things aren't going to get better. That's a personal choice and I would never want someone close to me to stay in an abusive (in any form) marriage, but rather I am referring to staying in a marriage in which you aren't necessarily on-top-of-the-world, feel like jumping his bones, obsessed/passionate/etc. every single morning when you wake up. Catch my drift?
I also had a friend tell me recently that she and her husband made a pact that as long as ONE of them was still working to make the relationship work, they would stay together. I think that's a nice "relationship contract" to have. If both of you are ready to leave, then maybe you should, ya know? But if you're unhappy, but can see that your partner is still willing to try, then maybe it's a worth a shot.
This is one of those posts where I would looooooooooooove comments/responses/etc. so we can get a sort of dialogue going. sooooo, come on followers... Monique, Emily, Megan, Amy... I love you guys and I'd really appreciate follow-up.
:)
I don't know. And I don't claim to know. But I do have girlfriends. And my girlfriends, aside from being the rocks of my life, like to gab about relationships. Our relationships. Other people's relationships. Come on, we are girls, and we definitely aren't perfect.
I sent a text message to Emily the other day asking why some second marriages seem to work out better, produce happier couples/families, and last longer than first marriages? The answer she replied with may seem obvious... that she thinks people mature and have a better idea of what they're looking for in relationships. It does seem as though people get married very quickly and young, and who am I to say that this is true, but I sometimes wonder if they don't go into the marriage with a little voice in the back of their head reminding them that "it's okay to leave and get out if they're 'unhappy'." I have to assume at least some people go into marriage with this thought, considering our divorce rate in America.
I'm a far cry from a DOMA supporter, but I like the idea of marriage, or at lifetime-lasting relationships. We see them. We see people who weren't always the happiest, but is that really that important? (You're probably beginning to judge me, but wait... I'm making a point, I promise.) How on earth is one expected to be happy every single day in a 50+ year marriage? That's ignorant and unrealistic. A friend of mine celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary a month or so ago and I sent her a text (you noticing that I text a lot?) congratulating her and then asking for advise. As I said, I want that relationship, ya know? I'm a child of divorce so I like talking to good marriages and figuring out the hows and whys. She told me that the grass is rarely greener on the other side, but that anytime I should feel like leaving, wait 6 months. Relationships will always go through ups and downs, but if you're ready to check out during a downswing, and then you wait 6 months, there will usually be an upswing in the distance. I am not (nor was she) advocating staying in marriage when things aren't going to get better. That's a personal choice and I would never want someone close to me to stay in an abusive (in any form) marriage, but rather I am referring to staying in a marriage in which you aren't necessarily on-top-of-the-world, feel like jumping his bones, obsessed/passionate/etc. every single morning when you wake up. Catch my drift?
I also had a friend tell me recently that she and her husband made a pact that as long as ONE of them was still working to make the relationship work, they would stay together. I think that's a nice "relationship contract" to have. If both of you are ready to leave, then maybe you should, ya know? But if you're unhappy, but can see that your partner is still willing to try, then maybe it's a worth a shot.
This is one of those posts where I would looooooooooooove comments/responses/etc. so we can get a sort of dialogue going. sooooo, come on followers... Monique, Emily, Megan, Amy... I love you guys and I'd really appreciate follow-up.
:)
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Blog Topics
I have been thinking of a post to rejuvenate and jump start this blog. My first thought was a "Relationships" post that I've (with the help of friends) been working on for a while, but with all of this Casey Anthony drama (since I'm still waiting for Emily to post her blog on this topic) I have considered that as well, or I could just go for a full-on political blog, since I try to stay away from that on Facebook and Twitter.
I'd like some help from you guys... which of these topics would you prefer? Or do you have any other ideas that you've seen elsewhere or just thought of?
I'd love your ideas!!
I'd like some help from you guys... which of these topics would you prefer? Or do you have any other ideas that you've seen elsewhere or just thought of?
I'd love your ideas!!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Favorite Things: Summer Foods
I am always looking for fresh and tasty summer cooking ideas. We grill nearly every single night from April to October and it's hard to keep the meals new and interesting. When I think of summer meals I think of salads, sandwiches, and light desserts. We either have pork tenderloin, sausages, cheeseburgers (and we recently tried turkey burgers for the first time...I was pleasantly surprised) or brats grilling most nights.
Chad likes to say he's not picky when it comes to food and maybe he technically isn't, but it's VERY difficult to come up with side dishes that he seems enthusiastic about. I love pasta salad that my mom always makes.
It's so simple, but summery and yummy:
Boil a box of your favorite pasta... we use Rotini because it holds the flavor of veggies and dressing well. After boiling soak in cold water until cool and drain. Mix in a bottle of your favorite Italian dressing (I use Kraft Zesty Italian). Finally, put in your favorite veggies--onions, red and green peppers, or whatever else you can think of. Chill. Soooo good!
One of my favorite loves from summer is also corn on the cob. I recently bought 10 ears for $2 at the grocery store (I'm also super into couponing right now, but that's for an entirely different post). I usually just boil it because it's so easy, but sometimes we grill it. A friend of mine recently told me about microwaving corn in the husks. Has anyone heard of this? She said it's great!
Finally, today I made my favorite summer dessert. My mom always makes this cake in a flag design for the 4th of July.
Break an entire angel food cake up into small pieces and line the bottom of 9x13 inch cake pan. For your next layer mix completely together 1 cup of confectioner's sugar, 1 tub of cool whip, and 1 small tub of plain cream cheese. Let this mixture cool.
Next mix strawberries, blueberries and 1/2 cup of sugar with 1/4 cup water. Mix well. Let this mixture cool.
Once both layers are cool, layer your white cream mixture on top of the cake layer. And then spoon out your fruit mixture on the top. Let cool in the fridge for at least an hour prior to eating.
Enjoy!!
P.S. If anyone has any other ideas for great summer recipes, please post them in a comment below this post! :)
Chad likes to say he's not picky when it comes to food and maybe he technically isn't, but it's VERY difficult to come up with side dishes that he seems enthusiastic about. I love pasta salad that my mom always makes.
It's so simple, but summery and yummy:
Boil a box of your favorite pasta... we use Rotini because it holds the flavor of veggies and dressing well. After boiling soak in cold water until cool and drain. Mix in a bottle of your favorite Italian dressing (I use Kraft Zesty Italian). Finally, put in your favorite veggies--onions, red and green peppers, or whatever else you can think of. Chill. Soooo good!
One of my favorite loves from summer is also corn on the cob. I recently bought 10 ears for $2 at the grocery store (I'm also super into couponing right now, but that's for an entirely different post). I usually just boil it because it's so easy, but sometimes we grill it. A friend of mine recently told me about microwaving corn in the husks. Has anyone heard of this? She said it's great!
Finally, today I made my favorite summer dessert. My mom always makes this cake in a flag design for the 4th of July.
Break an entire angel food cake up into small pieces and line the bottom of 9x13 inch cake pan. For your next layer mix completely together 1 cup of confectioner's sugar, 1 tub of cool whip, and 1 small tub of plain cream cheese. Let this mixture cool.
Next mix strawberries, blueberries and 1/2 cup of sugar with 1/4 cup water. Mix well. Let this mixture cool.
Once both layers are cool, layer your white cream mixture on top of the cake layer. And then spoon out your fruit mixture on the top. Let cool in the fridge for at least an hour prior to eating.
Enjoy!!
P.S. If anyone has any other ideas for great summer recipes, please post them in a comment below this post! :)
One Favorite Thing
I love learning all about others favorite things/products/items/foods so I wanted to give credit where credit is due and post a few of my own. I'm going to post one at a time so I am making sure I'm only writing about and commenting on products I truly love, rather than trying to fill up a post.
A new product I have come across and am instantly obsessed with is L'Oreal Paris Go 360 Clean Deep Facial Cleanser. If I'm being honest, and this is my blog so I am, I have used cleanser from the Velocity line in Mary Kay for as long as I can remember. Upon moving it has been difficult to find a Mary Kay consultant so I've been shopping for a new cleanser. I am OBSESSED! Weirdly obsessed with this L'Oreal option. I actually want to go wash my face again. I have combination skin and this specific facial cleanser goes on smooth... exactly what I was looking for. It has a pop out pad you can use to scrub your face with and I love it!
I haven't left Mary Kay completely though... I use this cleanser in combination with Mary Kay's Timewise Microdermabrasion Set. You will LOVE it!!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
In The Kitchen...
If you know anything about me, you know that I love to cook. I am quite the foodie, and perhaps a wine-o. :) Oh well.
Anyway...as much as I love to create meals on my own, baking is not my forte. I wish I could bake, as I love delicious desserts--cakes, brownies, cookies, cupcakes...yum! So tonight I decided to start trying. I made homemade chocolate chip cookies, which were quite delicious. I have posted the recipe below. Enjoy!
Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 1/2 sticks butter (12 tablespoons)
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/4 cups sifted flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet morsels
Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs.
Sift flour and measure out 2 1/4 cups. After measuring the sifted flour, sift again with remaining dry ingredients. Add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
Stir in vanilla and semi-sweet morsels.
Drop the cookie batter by tablespoonfuls onto a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set and firm and only lightly colored. Do not allow cookies to brown.
Transfer to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container. Cookies may be wrapped well and frozen.
Anyway...as much as I love to create meals on my own, baking is not my forte. I wish I could bake, as I love delicious desserts--cakes, brownies, cookies, cupcakes...yum! So tonight I decided to start trying. I made homemade chocolate chip cookies, which were quite delicious. I have posted the recipe below. Enjoy!
Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 1/2 sticks butter (12 tablespoons)
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/4 cups sifted flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet morsels
Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs.
Sift flour and measure out 2 1/4 cups. After measuring the sifted flour, sift again with remaining dry ingredients. Add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
Stir in vanilla and semi-sweet morsels.
Drop the cookie batter by tablespoonfuls onto a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set and firm and only lightly colored. Do not allow cookies to brown.
Transfer to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container. Cookies may be wrapped well and frozen.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Amazement
I literally am in amazement and awe every day of how amazing and full of blessing my life is. I know everyone gets in these moments, but for about 5 months now I've been on this positivity kick. It has completely changed my life and I think the lives of others around me. I try to look at the glass half full and my entire life through rose-colored lenses. It has made each day better, me much happier, and has definitely had me become a much better sister, girlfriend, and friend. I hope others have felt the effects of my life-change.
Even now as I sit in Maryland, 7 hours away from my family, as we all deal with a very rough family moment, I am so happy and realize that #lifeisstillamazing. Oh crap! Forgot I was blogging, rather than on Twitter. :)
I hope everyone looks at today with complete positivity. Be more than content. Be happy.
Love you ALL.
Even now as I sit in Maryland, 7 hours away from my family, as we all deal with a very rough family moment, I am so happy and realize that #lifeisstillamazing. Oh crap! Forgot I was blogging, rather than on Twitter. :)
I hope everyone looks at today with complete positivity. Be more than content. Be happy.
Love you ALL.
April Showers
With all of the amazing things, people, and moments in my life, every once in a while something happens that brings you down...
Think of me during this time.
Much love.
Think of me during this time.
Much love.
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