I like to constantly make new goals for myself. I can't say I always meet these goals or I don't give up on them once I've somewhat met them but I at least try. One goal that I am always striving to meet is being healthy: body, mind, and spirit.
I started with this goal by trying to be more positive, especially at work which is where I struggle with it the most. I have just been trying to cut out as much negativity around me as possible. I then decided I needed a healthier body so I joined bootcamp again and it has made me feel so much better, after a good workout I am instantly in a great mood and start the mornings off right. Next is spirit which really for me just means going to church and praying more often. The prayer thing I have got covered but I'd be lying if I didn't say there are Sundays I skip church (gasp! don't tell my mom!).
Part of this being healthy thing for me means cooking more often! David says my family is weird in that we prefer a home cooked meal over eating out anytime. David definitely prefers eating out, take out, etc. and he got me in a bad habit of this quick and easy dining. However, he says he is sick of going out to eat with me because there are only about 5 restaurants in Pensacola I'll go to and I basically order custom meals and it is embarrassing. Also, Beck has decided he hates restaurants too...
I don't have much time to get dinner on the table after work so quick meals and crock pot meals are my friends. I have found great recipes on Pinterest and have had David pick out the ones that look appealing to him. Last night I made avocado and bacon pasta salad and it was awesome! It was light and so quick and easy, find the recipe here. I did alter it a little by adding tomatoes and broccoli and using lemon pepper instead of lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano.
YUM!
David and Beck love Mexican so I am always trying to come up with new Mexican dishes (tacos can get old fast). This weekend I am trying this. If it's a hit it will be one of my go to crock pot meals. The crock pot is so great because I can throw everything in before I leave for work and I come home to a completely cooked and ready meal.
Looks Delicious!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Making Goals
Friday, May 4, 2012
Have you minted yet?
Have you jumped on the Mint train yet? I learned about stylemint, shoemint, jewelmint, etc. a couple months ago and I am in love. A few of my favorite people / celebrity crushes / style idols represent these lines, specifically Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Rachel Bilson. I have been mildly obsessed with the Olsen twins for as long as I can remember. I never missed Full House, I have probably seen every straight to video movie they have ever made ("To Grandmother's House We Go" being my favorite) shamelessly watched "In a New York Minute" as an adult and loved it. I have taken a picture of their hair to my hairdresser too many times to count, you get the picture...
I would certainly love to support their amazing Elizabeth and James line on the regular but that is not quite in the budget at the moment, so in the meantime I will support StyleMint. Here's how it works: When you go to StyleMint you take a very fun quiz where they learn what your style is and then you are a presented with a showroom full of amazing Ts/tops (they've also added sunglasses, skirts, dresses, etc.) that are all priced at a reasonable $29.99. Every month new styles are added to the showroom and you have the option to opt out if none of the styles suit you. I have conveniently forgotten to opt out a few times and oops, ok, twist my arm, I'll pick out a new top. The tops I have gotten have been great quality and unique enough to not just be another solid T in my drawer. I think it is getting very popular because the best styles are selling out quick! I haven't tried any other line yet, I lust after the shoes every month but the heels are usually way too high and I am very particular about the way shoes fit my feet. Also, they have coupon codes pretty regulary which means even more affordable!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Fifty shades of what?!
Everyone and their mother (well definitely not my mother, I can assure you that) is reading Fifty Shades of Grey. From what I have heard about the book I am completely shocked it is so mainstream. I have read a few articles about it now and have heard it repeatedly referred to as "Mommy porn." My friend (who shall remain nameless) is reading it and put it perfectly when she said "Nicholas Sparks is mommy porn, this is hardcore porn!" I had another friend say she had to stop reading it for a few days because she was disturbed and felt dirty. I am not a prude per say but grew up in a very strict household in terms of what we were allowed to watch and I feel like I will hear my mother's voice as I read it asking me why I'm reading this trash and where has the morality gone in this country?! I can't say I disagree with her on that. I am constantly saying that I am terrified for my children to grow up in a country where morals seem to be completely lost. Also, where are the novels where women are potrayed in a strong, independent light and why aren't they popular?! I could rant all day on these issues so I'll just stop there...
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Dream BIG!
As I've mentioned before I am obsessed with Pinterest. I have gotten so many great ideas from it, mostly recipes and activities for Beck, but also shopping and ideas for the home.
I am currently getting ready to give our bedroom and guest room a mini facelift and I have found paint colors and decorating ideas that without pinterest would have taken lots of trial and error (emphasis on the error).
I also have a few boards that just make me happy to look at. Some of the clothes / fashion I know I'll never wear in my everyday life but it is there to inspire me when I shop and get dressed!
My favorite board is probably my Dream BIG! board. It has images of gorgeous homes and design. When David and I were in Oxford we went to a home of a friend of the family. It was over 100 years old, with porches off of every side of the house. I whispered to David, "this is like a house on Pinterest." It was beyond gorgeous with probably 20 foot ceilings, huge crown molding, old fireplaces...the house had been redone but they tried their best to restore it to its original charm. It wasn't some huge monstrosity, or a newly built mcmansion, it was just a beautiful old southern home fully restored. David told me to take pictures and that they wouldn't mind but I did not want to embarrass myself.
I dream about that house (and the ones below) but for now (I mean I'm only 26!) pictures and tours (where I am open mouthed the entire time) will have to satisfy those dreams.
