breakthrough

I had a giant breakthrough!

Y'all. BIG.

I ran infront of my husband. Not like he just passed by me while I was on the treadmill. He full on saw me! I even had a short-mostly out of breath-few syllable- conversation.

I know this isn't a huge deal but generally I try to leave my exercising completely invisible to my lovely husband. I was way too embarrassed of my self for him to see me running.  Out of shape, sweaty, jiggly. It was and is too much. I can't believe I got this far where running a mile is something I need to work up to.

BUT

here I am. A changed woman. Last night, he came into the bedroom and saw me running and I didn't flinch. I wasn't counting down the seconds or just stopping so he wouldn't see how bad or out of shape I was. From now on I will run freely without embarrassment.

Ya know what... I am proud of myself. For 24 days in a row I have worked out. I feel good and more confident. I am running longer and quicker than i ever have. I feel like whatever that was supposed to "click" finally has. I feel like I have went around that corner and I am not looking back!

I know I am not where I need or want to be but I am on my way! It may take me years to be at my goal weight but the time will pass anyway.

I'm going to Tri

So, last night as I was on the treadmill I wasn't listening to any music. Nothing. Just me and my thoughts. Ordinarily this is my worst nightmare. I'm an over thinker and things tend to snowball if I think too much. 

But 

Last night was different. I was just talking and praying. I was thinking about how it is my responsibility to teach my son about being healthy, not to quit and push harder, and some days are harder than others.

 As I was reflecting on that. I kept feeling like I was talking the talk but not really walking the walk. Exercising the minimum 30 minutes a day and making healthy food choices with the treats in moderation is great but it is not enough for me. 

I want to teach my son to be healthy and follow his dreams. Whatever they may be, not just the easy ones. I want to teach him this. 

All of that to say. It is high time to put my money where my mouth is and start walking the walk. 

I've had a dream of doing a triathlon for as long as I can remember. It's always been kinda an out there dream. Mostly because I am a terrible runner. It's not my strong suit. At all. I haven't ridden a bike  in over 10 years. The one positive in this is I am a strong swimmer but I have never swam in open water. Also, I am scared of the dark so dark water full of snakes, sharks and/or gators. OH MY. Fun fun. 

Yet, here I am... declaring it here for the world to see.

 I am going to do a triathlon in 2015!

 Yikes. I'm scared just typing it out. Like my heart starts super pumping.

I'm not really sure how this is going to work because the latest triathlon I saw so far for Jacksonville is May 3, 2015. I won't really be able to triathlon train until we move down to Jacksonville in Februaryish (gyms with pools and spinning classes). So mid to late February till early May is not enough time to prepare. So I am going to start looking all around Florida. The one thing I can do in the mean time though is work on my running. 

And that's what I am going to do.  

I am planning on keeping track of my triathlon training here. If you have any questions or encouragement. Let me know!

DIY: No Sew Christmas Tree Skirt

Howdy Ho, Neighbors!  Name that show...


It's that time of year! Hip Hip Hooray!

It is CHRISTMAS TIME!!

Since my son has been born I have tried to make 1-3 Christmas Crafts a year/season. Hopefully, one day down the road I will have a bunch of  Christmas decorations filled with lots of fun memories.

The Christmas craft I have made thus far is a No Sew Christmas Tree Skirt!

This isn't my dream Christmas tree skirt but it did turn out pretty cute and we will probably keep it for awhile. Even better is that it has absolutely no sewing!! I am not a seamstress... not at all! So this tree skirt is right up my alley.

First Off:

Supplies:
     Felt- In whatever colors you choose.
     Hot Glue and Glue Gun
     Ribbon
     Scissors

Step One:

You want to make a star shape and leaf like shape for a stencil. Then trace the respective amounts out. For each poinsettia star shape you will need 5 leaves. So 6 stars will need 30 leaves.
*hint* this may seem dumb but trace your shapes on the non pretty side of the felt so that the chalk won't be on the front.

 

From there you will need to cut them out.
Go ahead and get your glue gun fired up and stretch your fingers. They will be busy for awhile.
In order to make the petals just put a bit of hot glue on the end of your leaf and pinch together. You don't have to use clothespins. I just did because I kept burning my fingers.

 

Then just assemble your poinsettias. I would also cut all shapes and glue all leaves together at once. Don't go back and forth from cutting to assembling. Just for times sake... if you want to do it that way. More power to you. It'll just take longer

To assemble poinsettias : Put hot glue on pinched part of leaves and put in the middle of the star. After done and you want to put on some buttons go ahead.

Also, now that you know how to make some killer poinsettias you can make some and put them on a wreath, a pin or a headband. Who knows. Possibilities are endless!

To make the tree skirt base. All you need is your felt and make a giant circle depending on how big your tree is. Our tree skirt has a diameter of 44 inches. Then cut a small circle for you tree and cut a strait line to the small circle.

Glue on poinsettias and add ribbon on each side of the tree skirt. You don't have to add ribbon. I just did because I have two crazy dogs and a crazy 2 year old. So I want to keep that sucker together.



 TA DA - You just made yourself a tree skirt!!!

You are now a semi professional tree skirt maker ;)

If you make one or have any questions.. let me know! Tag me on instagram if you post it!

Linked up to : The Grits Blog & Sequins in the South

Books: He Loves Lucy

I have been busting out the reading lately!

So, I thought I would tell you about one of my favorites. It is an easy easy read. Perfect for a vacation...lying by the beach or pool. Or since it is winter cuddled next to fire with something warm to drink...mmmm

He Loves Lucy - Susan Donovan

So let me tell you. This is one of my faves for like sure I have read it twice now. It isn't some miraculous book where you learn the secret of life. It is what I would call one of the "girly" books. It is about Lucy who is overweight and through her work she signs up for a contest. For publicity for the Health Club if the trainer can get Lucy to lose 100 pounds or whatever amount the trainer and Lucy will get $1000 per pound lost! Lucy has a past and the gorgeous trainer has his own things going on.  It just kinda follows them on that journey.

I would recommend this book to anyone! I would say from a chubby girls perspective... I loved it. It really hit home with me and I could relate to a lot of what she was going through!

I am going to try to write reviews on the books I have been reading.... just in case someone wants to know.

If you have a book you love, let me know what it is!!!


xoxo,
B

What Up, Friday?!

 
 

So today is Friday or FriYay as the kids are saying it now.


have i told you that my husband works caaarrrazy hours so weekends aren't like a real thing for me. like, technically, tomorrow friday will be my Wednesday. so not as exciting and fun as the rest of the world.

either way...It'll be roarsome!

I shouldn't write blog posts late at night because I say weird things. oh well

So... I'm going to write a little bit about my life in a little thing called 5 ON FRIDAY. boom.

1. I am doing a thing on instagram (hey if you want to follow me that'd be cool.)  where you work out for 30 minutes everyday for 30 days. Well, today is day 13 and I got it done. I haven't missed a day! I never thought that would happen but I am feeling good and sleeping better. I am hoping to have some weight change but.....

2. Leading off from that I haven't weighed myself. I have decided to throw hide my scale for the rest of the month for NO scale november. It was really hard at first but now it is a Godsend. I never realized how much power I put into a number. not good.

Have I ever told you guys that I have PCOS? well, i do and it sucks. like a lot. It makes it really REALLY hard to lose weight and the one thing that helps PCOS symptoms is to lose weight. awesome right?! I can't even count how many times I will be killing it in diet and exercise and not lose anything. Just gain weight. Then comes the downward spiral of shame and frustration. rinse and repeat

so the scale my hide forever or until I am strong enough to not let it get to me.

3. I taught my kiddo to say "chill out". I am still not sure if that was a great idea because he keeps telling me to Chill out but it is so dang cute. I just can't help it!

4. I have been really crafting it up lately. It has been NICE. I made a wreath for my MIL, a tree skirt and I etched our cookie jar.

You guys!!! It is soooooo cute! I can't wait to show you!

5.  I made a roast chicken in the crock pot and then made a delcious Chicken stock with it! WAY easier than making on the stove. SOOOOOO much easier.

You know I can roast a chicken any day of the week. Not hard at all. You know what is the hardest part. Dethaw!!! Gaaahhhh I always forget to do it then I have to move said dinner until the next day. It usually happens like 3 times before I get it all figured out.

Sooooo.... I hope y'all have a fantabulous weekend!

I'll be over here just chillin' like a villan.

Let me know if you have any awesome plans. I need to live vicariously through somebody. lol

xoxo,
B

New Horizons

So... I am pretty sure that I've made it clear that we would be moving.

That day is getting closer and closer. I mean c'mon it's almost NOVEMBER. ALREADY!!! 

seriously. where did this year go??

There is a lot of planning and thinking involved with moving. even more so when you are moving states. 

Whew. My brain hurts already trying to figure it all out. 

So we are planning on moving in the beginning of the new year. For sure by the end of February bc we wont have a place to live after that. :) Florida here we come!! 

Now don't get me wrong I am not a moving novice. I have moved 7 times going on 8 in 7 years. Living in 4 different states. Moving to hopefully my 5th and final state next year.  So I understand moving.

This move seems different though. Maybe it's because it's where we want to settle. Maybe because I have a very rambunctious 2 year old. Who knows why this time is different. 

Either way. I have a ton of stuff to do! I have to find a good area in Jacksonville which is not an easy task because Jacksonville is ginormous! Did you know it's the biggest city mileage wise in the country?! I mean there is so much ground to cover, literally. So many different factors. Safe? Food? Redbox? Internet? Shopping? Gym? Commute? Kids? Price? I have been sending some huge prayers that God will place us right where he wants us In the perfect little rental house. Don't laugh about my Food, redbox, internet, redbox, gym requirements. I live 35 minutes from most places and my internet connects through the phone. Eeekkkk! I mean one of the many perks of moving to a big city is that I can make those requirements. 

Anyways... I am excited for this new chapter! I am not trying to rush through this one though. God has me here for a reason. Boy o boy am I excited though!!

Now if you'll excuse me ... I'm going to write some more lists. It's just what I do. :)

.:. so I think Johnny here is a fantastic actor but I only find him attractive as a pirate. Not weird, right? .:.

oh ps... if anybody happens to read this and live in the Jacksonville area and want to give me any suggestions... Please do so!! :)

Blogtember: Wishlist

Hey Y'all!!!! Happy Saturday!!! I don't know about you but I have had one heck of a long week. I have been low carbing it for about 3 weeks now and dang. It could be a reason why I am a little cranky. Whoops but I have all my cravings and stuff under control.

So that may be a little bit of info you may not care about but hey now you know!

So here is my current wish list! I have had some of these on my wish list for way too long now! I think I am gonna have to do something about that. lol :)

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

-Naked2 -does this even need explanation. I've heard and seen so many amazing things about this. I want it. I need it. lol

- Younique 3D Fiber Mascara- I am on the eternal search for the perfect mascara. I want to try this but I am afraid to. I think I will take the plunge soon enough...

- Silhouette Sketch Pens - I have a Silhouette cutting machine and it has so many things that it can do. I want to start learning on what to do with it. 

- Dior Addict Lip Glow - Both Colors please!

- iPhone 6. I am usually not one to hop on the newest gadget train but my iphone has a giant hole in the front right corner. So its time.

- MAC lipstick - I have never tried any MAC's lipstick. I have read rave reviews about them. So I want to try them out. I want to try "Snapdragon" and "Girl about town".

-Keurig 2.0- As slightly pathetic as this sounds... this is pretty much an answered prayer. My husband drinks between 4-6 cups a day and I only drink 1 iced coffee. So it never seemed like a smart idea for us to get one when we go through so much coffee. BUT now with the Keurig 2.0 it has a 4 cup carafe and the regular size. Boo Yeah!!!

- Chuck Taylor Fancy - I have never had a pair of chucks before but this white pair is kinda calling my name. I am afraid they will make my feet look like clown feet though.

- Lily Jade Bag-  Oh this bag. OH. It technically is a diaper bag BUT the baby compartment is removable! It can also be worn as a shoulder bag, cross body bag or a backpack. This bag is a game changer! They have different styles but this style is my favorite. I am saving up for a leather one so it will last FOR-EV-ER! Seriously, if I was a student I would totally look into this bag. It has a tons of compartments for stuff and you can wear it 3 different ways!!!

Well, this is my current shopping list. Do you have any of these items? Do we want any of the same things?? Let me know what you think!!!

xoxo,

B

Blogtemeber: You don't know but...

 

 Hey Y'all!!! Are you guys having a fabulous day?? I have been having a superb day. I built a chalkboard today. Woah. Can you believe it? Well, that is something you didn't know but onto some other ones...

Today's prompt: "Most people don't know this but..."

 Hmmmm....

I have this weird thing about how things feel. If it feels weird I have to wipe it off. Now there isn't actually anything on me. I just have to wipe my hand off on something else like my shirt or pants leg. or my husband.

I do not like clothes that should be seperate items but are sewn into one. For example shirts and sweaters. You are actually wearing a sweater with sewn in collars and shirt tails. Some reason they creep me out.

I name everything. I will change names of restaurants and stores to whatever comes in my mind better. We have an ice cream store that is called "the scoop" I have always called it "the shack". My poor husband has to keep track of all these things.

I love grapes and wine but hate grape flavored items. Grape Kool Aid. Yuck

I will drive faster in a car than a SUV. If its lower to the ground the faster I will go.

I enjoy a motorcycle ride.

I have been married twice to the same man. No divorces. but that is a different story for a different day.

i just learned how to wink this year.

i can fit a whole white castle in my mouth.

i know all the words to baby got back


Well, that is about all i can think of at the moment! What are some fun facts about you???


xoxo
b

Blogtember: Vacation Collage

 

 Whoops I missed yesterday. I suck at this whole 30 day blogging challenge. In my defense I was having a great time at the new local winery. So it is what is. lol

Today we needed to make a collage of something. I decided to make a collage of the hopefully little mini vaca we are planning.

1. Trulia- We are using this little mini vaca to hopefully have a ton of fun and scout out some future living places.
2. Champagene- So we are getting a hotel at the beach and we may be having a little date on that patio with the ocean view.
3. This is the pool at the hotel we are thinking about staying
4. Sweet Pete's. If you visit Jacksonville. You have to check this place out! It is a candy store but its all like natural and made in house. It is delicious! Great for people with a sweet tooth and if you are looking not for all the processed stuff.
5. Beach. Duh?!
6. Y'ALL! MAPLE STREET BISCUIT COMPANY!!!!!!! I can't even begin to start to explain to you how aaaaahhhhhh mazing this place is. It is like woah. words can't even describe the amazingness of this place. just go there. thank me later.

So, that is what we are planning. Praying everything works out. Things have been a little crazy here so fingers crossed!

What do you have going on?? Any vacations getting planned??


xoxo
b

Blogtember: Livin' Our Love Song

Today I have to write about our love story.

I have never actually wrote this down before. After I started writing it I realized that it was going to be incredibly long. So I have decided to a couple follow up posts and write it all down so i don't leave anything out. So here is part one

Short Story Version: Many moons ago a lost princess found her prince charming. He showed her what true love actually is. Now and forever they have love, laughter and a happily ever after.

Long version.

I had been in a on and off again relationship for a lot longer than it ever needed to be. I was in my "girls just wanna have fun" stage. didn't want to be in a relationship. i think that's when love hits you hard...when you aren't looking for it.

     So, on February 1, 2008 I was supposed to be going on a "double date" i say this very loosely because i wasn't on the date part. i was just with a friend who had just went on a break up and i was on the "off again" stage. (it was the final off. thank god) My darling husband was supposed to bring a lady friend and we were all supposed to hang and get a few drinks. Thankfully for me she didn't come. So it was just me and two other fellas. I had never met Mo before. My friend Greg always described him as a huge red neck country bumpkin. I was really expecting a huge guy in overalls with no shirt and some missing teeth. So i was very pleasantly surprised.

     We went out to dinner at Frisch's. (oh lord what I would do for a big boy right now.) I remember him taking his baseball hat off when we got to the table. I told him that was cute, it is something you don't see too often anymore. Unfortunately.  He was and is very much a gentleman. Afterwards, we went to Newport on the Levee where the bar was. We were down there way too early to go the bar. So I convinced both men to go see 27 dresses. They both wanted to go see some rambo type movie. I told them that I heard that 27 dresses had boobs in it. It didn't. Not that it mattered. They would have seen it either way. lol. still makes me giggle. I easily got two very manly men to go see a romantic comedy. We went to the bar and I was DD. Mo was a perfect gentleman the entire time per the norm. The next night after I got off work I met with Greg and we went up to Mo's little Indiana town to see some true redneckery. Greg was DD this time. I practically met the whole town and had a great time. Even met one of my future bridesmaids.

     From this time on. The circle as we called it went out every weekend. Either in Kentucky or Indiana. We went to concerts, monster truck shows, got stuck in some blizzards and just had way too much fun. Then on my hubby's birthday. He was acting funny but he mustered up the courage to ask me to a wedding in May as his date.  Pretty much after his birthday we started to spend a lot of time together. Every weekend. I took him out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse sometime after that for his birthday and he thought it was crazy I was doing anything for him.  Apparently, the girls he had been around weren't the most giving. who knows.


     Memorial day weekend of 2008. We were watching tv and there was just this nervous exciting energy in the air. The windows of my apartment were open and that cool summer air was flowing in. The sun had set and it was dark but the street and parking lot lights were on barely lighting up the room. We were laying in my bed watching something. I remember him looking at me and you could tell he was thinking about something else. He looked down at me and said "i love you". i remember hearing it and it felt like i could breathe for the first time. My whole body was suddenly on fire yet cold and tingling. Clearly, i said it back. FYI he still does this to me.


     That summer was full of fun and a lot of driving. Did I mention that we lived an hour away from each other? It isn't a huge amount of distance but enough when you are truly,madly, deeply in love with someone. At the end of the summer he left for a work conference in Vegas. (still a little jelly about this :/) This was the first time we were truly apart. He came back and was back for a week or two then he left to work in the Little Cayman Islands. This was a really hard time for the both of us. We barely got to talk to each other. I was absolutely heart broken. He was down there in the middle of hurricane season and of course while he was there a big one hit. There was no power. no nothing. I remember just watching the weather channel trying to see what was going on. When he came back it was just like my heart exploded. From that moment on there was no more of this is just a fun relationship. We both knew that this was real and it was going to last.

Around thanksgiving we moved into our own apartment. In that tiny little Indiana town. The rent for a 2 bedroom apartment was only 450 a month. lol Can you believe that little for rent?? It was a crappy little apartment but it was enough. In February I was in a car accident and totaled my car. Mo was so worried about me and I remember when he finally got his hands on me. One of the most wonderful feelings ever. I had hit ice and went through about 4-5 lanes on the interstate and smashed into a concrete barrier. thankfully i was fine and i did not even touch another car.  this is saying something for driving at 6pm on a monday night. it was very busy and God really took care of me. In April, Mo had surgery and I took care of him and nursed him back to health.




Next time we will talk about how he put a ring on it... :) with way better pictures!!!

xoxo
b