Wednesday, May 30, 2012

What I Wore Wednesday

I realized this morning that I didn't take any outfit pictures this week. So here's what I wore this morning. Let me introduce you to the No Sleep,  No Make-up, No fuss, 6:00am out running errands version of myself. I did happen to slap on some lip gloss. And it's days like today when I am truly grateful for my permanent eyeliner!



Thrice T-shirt: bought from a concert of theirs years ago. Undershirt: Whimsy. Jeans: Old Navy. Cardigan: Target. Sunglasses: H&M. Shoes: TOMS (painted just for me by my wonderfully talented friend Heather). Hair: Dirty. 

Last night at about 7:00pm we found out we had to switch out flights today. Instead of flying out on the red-eye tonight we are leaving 7 hours earlier. Which normally would be fine. But when I still had 6 loads of laundry to do, 4 people to pack for, numerous errands to run, and owls and lamp shades to drop off for a craft show this morning, I have been a little frazzled. Especially when my husband has to work right up until we leave. So I won't have those 5 hours of him home helping me as planned on. He got home last night at almost 1am and left the house this morning at 5:30am.

So here's me when I dropped him off at work this morning. I can happily say that the errands are now  run, most of the laundry is done and the suitcases are almost fully packed. The kids just went down for a nap, so I am going to shower and finish things up real fast. Leaving to pick up the hubs in 1.5 hours and then straight to the airport we will go. Here's hoping that the kids will sleep on the plane. (Cause Scotty and I both need some sleep.) Florida here we come!


Linking up to WIWW at The Pleated Poppy!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Hello Monday!

Hello backyard BBQ with friends earlier this week. Thanks Jenn for having us over.





Hello to my lovely ladies at Book Club. It was a splendid night. Thanks for hosting Nichole, and for teaching us how to make some awesome earrings. You are the best.
Aren't these the cutest!?! And the picture doesn't even do them justice. Anyone interested in making some? I want to throw and earring party. Nichole has tons of styles to choose from and you can paint them any color you want.
Hello to taking Whitney to the airport. And for kiddos dancing in the backseat along our drive. They sure love Auntie Whitney.


Hello to an afternoon of shopping at City Creek. Thanks Cam and Hads for coming down and joining us. The kids love seeing you. (As so I).

Hello to kids that love the fountains. Chloe loves to look at them and touch them. While Jaxon wants the full impact. He was soaking wet afterwards. Good thing we had a change of clothes!





Hello to having a Zumba partner Saturday morning. It's been a while, so thanks Dari! It was fun.

Hello to celebrating with Meagan for her birthday. We had a blast and hope she had an amazing birthday. I'm sure our 'barking' waiter at 2am totally made your day. But the karaoke, dancing and food was great. It's always such a fun time going out with you ladies!



Hello to a husband who has to work every holiday. Thankfully I have sweet friends that include the kids and I in their festivities.
We went to Menchies after dinner. The kids were in Heaven.

Jaxon right before a tantrum over the chalkboard eraser ensued.

Hello to my sweet kiddos that love helping me in the kitchen. Last minute we decided to take cookies over for dessert at our friends house tonight. These are the easiest cookies to make ever! And the kids could not wait for them to be done.




And finally Hello to all of the men and women that have given everything to protect our my freedoms. Thank you for doing what I have never had the courage to do. You don't get enough credit, thanks and praise. You are true Heroes and I will forever be grateful.



How was your week? What are you looking forward to this week? We leave for Florida in less than 48 hours and I can't wait! (Although I haven't even started packing yet.) Here's hoping that the kids will handle the long flight well.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Stop Being Fat! Friday.

Thank you all so much for your ideas from last weeks post. You gave me some awesome new snacks ideas that I have been trying out and this week I have been so much better about staying on 'track'. Sometime I just get in a rut, finding myself eating the same things day after day and I get BORED. So switching things up a bit has really helped. I have gotten in 5 workouts this week and I am feeling better!

Although I must be honest, last weekend the hubs and I went on a double date and I was BAD! We went to the Copper Creek Pub, and after seeing their Chubby burgers on the menu both Scotty and I ordered one. What is a Chubby burger you ask? Basically they use a grilled cheese sandwich in place of your bun. Hello Fat and Grease & deliciousness! I did only finish half of it, but I did did through all of my cheese curds. And then we went to a movie where I may or may not have had Reese's and Crunch and Munch. Ugh. Least to say I felt horrible after. So when I was through taking the sitter home I went straight to the gym and didn't leave until I had burned all the extra calories I ate that day.

My stomach hurt after eating all that crap and weirdly I am glad. It showed me that I am doing better. My body isn't used to eating so much crap anymore. And it can't handle it. And I realized how much better I am feeling now that I am making healthy changes. So no more Chubby Burgers for me!

Bacon Ranch Chubby.

Deep Fried Cheese Curds.
So the rest of the week has gone really well. I wasn't down any pounds at my Zumba challenge weigh in on Thursday but I was down inches. This is our final week and I can't wait to compare my numbers with my starting points.

We leave for Florida on Wednesday and I am determined to bring my gym clothes and USE THEM while I am there. (And stick with eating well of course.)

Also I just started a Herbalife Digestion Cleanse. It's a program that last 21 days. I know a couple people who have done this and they have noticed so many changes. Better skin, better digestion, less headaches, more energy etc. So my friend Meagan and I decided to do it as well. It's a combination of morning and evening pills you take everyday for 21 days and we are also taking the Aloe Juice as well.

I just started taking this Wednesday night. Along with this I am trying to eat red meat and high fatty foods sparingly (as the cleanse is to rid my body of toxins, I don't want to be putting them all back in at the same time). So I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

How was your week? This is my first 'cleanse' of any kind. Have you done any? Digestive, liquid or whatever? Did it work? Did you like it?

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

What I Wore Wednesday.

Last night my friend Jenn had a BBQ over at her place. It was just what I needed. A chance to let the kids run around their amazing yard, a chance for me to get out of the house and visit with some of my besties and great food. Can you beat that? I think not.
Top: Old Navy. Tank: Whimsy. Jeans: Old Navy. Sandals: Target. Necklace: Oh Love Lovely. Owl bracelet: Gifted. Watch: Michael Kors. Beaded bracelet: Target.






I'm loving these Jeans. I got them at Old Navy on clearance for only $11.24!  What's your feeling on colored jeans? Love them? Hate them? I'd love to hear what you think of my outfit.


I'm linking this post up to The Pleated Poppy: What I Wore Wednesday

Hello Monday! ....or Wednesday

I thought I had this post scheduled to post on Monday, apparently I didn't. So I'm a little late to the party, but whatev..

Hello to a last minute get together with friends that included smores, jumping on the trampoline, the kids chasing around chickens and dogs, a 'no boys allowed' club house, good friends and good food. (Thanks Dlayne & Nichole!)

Hello to a scrapbooking warehouse sale. Where I may have spent double my original  limit I set for myself. 

Hello to sweet Chloe who found part of her costume from last Halloween and has been wearing this hat the majority of the week.

Hello to my insomniac son Jaxon (must take after his momma) who came to join me at 3am on Wednesday to watch my shows. Can we say bed head?

Hello to my new favorite bracelet. My sweet friends husband found this from a street vendor in Mexico and told his wife I needed it. I LOVE it. Thanks guys!

Hello to my new DVR that will hopefully work better than our previous one that kept overheating. And goodbye to all of my shows that were recorded on my old one. I'm still angry that I lost the entire 4th season of SOA (And a ton of other stuff!)

Hello to the first line I've ever stood in for a yard sale! But it was a good one, and I am so happy I went. Especially since I got awesome stuff and spent only $24! That's my idea of scoring some treasures!

Hello to date night with my hubby. (Yes another one!) We went to dinner and a movie with another couple, and when we saw the 'Chubby Burgers' on the menu we had to try it. Yes that is a grilled cheese sandwich as the bun for the burger! So good! I could only finish half. And my stomach still feels a little heavy from all the junk I had that night.

Hello to the cheese curds that came with the burger. So good, but man my body can't handle food like that anymore.

Hello to breakfast with two friends that lasted for 3 and a half hours. We didn't realize how long we had been at Kneaders until one of the workers (who had already checked on us numerous times) asked if we wanted to order anything for lunch. Then checking the time, we rushed home to our understanding husbands.  Oh how adult conversation can be so welcomed when stuck at home with kids all day.

Hello to Scott, Jaxon and Chloe's half birthday! Yes they are all share the same birthday! The party planner in me hates it! So I had to celebrate their half birthday as well. 

They were spoiled for the day. Delicious donuts from Beyond Glaze. Balloons. Cupcakes and candles. A Mini Party and lots of friends stopping by for some fun and playtime!


I busted out some of the decorations I made for their party in November and was able to get some more use out of them :)

Hello to one of the treasures I found at said yard sale. This adorable table and chairs set only cost me $5! And Jaxon and Chloe LOVE it. Money well spent I tell ya!


Hello to finding out on Sunday that I got accepted to sell at Craft Lake City! I am completely shocked and nervous. And sooooo excited. I thought it was a long shot when I applied. So I better get crafting. And I better see you all there in August!

It was a crazy busy week. We leave for Florida next week so this week is looking even busier. I am ready for a nap. How was your week?

Linking up to Lisa

Friday, May 18, 2012

Stop Being Fat! Friday.

Sometimes I wish I could transform my body overnight. Okay that's a lie. I ALWAYS wish this. Wouldn't it be nice if once I decided to be 'healthy' the pounds would come right off, if my muscles would magically define themselves and my saggy (baby belly) would tighten right up? I would totally be able to maintain a skinny body right? But the truth is I couldn't. Not without learning how to do it the RIGHT way. I have dropped pounds on many crash diets over the years and I always gained it back. So why do I think this time would be different? When I fantasize about being instantly skinny HEALTHY, I need to remember to think of all the times I gained the weight back. That I have to my permanent changes in order to achieve this goal. Sometimes easier said than done. 

This week I haven't been as 'good' at watching what I eat and making it to the gym. And when I was a couple pounds up on the scale on Tuesday, I realized that I'm not strong enough yet. I still give in to temptation too easily. Whether it be a cookie, choosing more sleep rather than going to the gym, or a wussy workout, I needed to get motivated again. So Wednesday I kicked it up a notch. Both Wednesday and Thursday I got 2 workouts in, (to make up for the laziness of the weekend). And now instead of being a couple pounds up I am now a pound less. I'm glad I'm not up, but if I didn't allow myself to gain I would be 3 lbs less. Ugh. It's always going to be a struggle. Anyways...I thought this week I would share some of my favorite 'snacks' that keep me from falling off the wagon.

Bagel Thins: I LOVE these. They are just as chewy as a regular bagel just a little slimmer. I love the Cinnamon Raisin ones for breakfast and I love making a sandwich for lunch on either the Plain, Whole Wheat and especially the Everything ones. They are very filling and only 110 calories. Score!

Sometimes I just get bored with water. So to keep me drinking it and not reaching for another Diet Coke I love Crystal Light. I'm over the Lemonade ones though. I really like the strawberry orange banana, but my FAVORITE is the Grape. It takes like kool aid. I am obsessed with this stuff. I even stash my purse with packets so I always have it with me. 

I love the chocolaty chewy goodness of these. They are so good. They are a good 'treat' and alot of days they are my go to breakfast. 

Love pop chips! Lately I have been loving the new Sweet Potato Flavor and the Parmesan Garlic. They are delicious and really cure that 'chip' craving. 

Have any of you tried Tofu Noodles? Sometimes I just want 'pasta'. Whether it be with a cheese sauce, marinara, or with sweet and sour chicken, I have been loving these noodles. They taste a little different than normal pasta. The flavor is great (just be sure to rinse them very well.) but the texture is a little off. But its hardly noticeable, especially once you get all that delicious sauce going. It's a great low calorie low carb replacement for pasta. Seriously only 20 calories a serving!  I buy mine at Good Earth. They are in the refrigerated section by the produce. 




So here's to a new week. I had to physically write down some motivators for me to get my butt in gear again. Once written down I placed it on my fridge, so every time I reach for the cookie dough (that I bought to make for a meeting that I ended up taking something else to. Ugh) I will see the list and stop myself.


In case you can't read them here's whats been motivating me.
* 100 Days to Summer Weight Loss Challenge ends in 4 weeks. This is one of the Challenges I am in and it was started by my cousin. My husband Scott has been doing it with me and we have been doing it for the last 10 weeks. We are down to the final month so we want to end with a bang!

*Zumba challenge ends in 3 weeks. This is the other weight loss challenge I am doing. It was put together by my Zumba instructor. And that ends now in 2 weeks. I have been doing it with my friend Meagan for the last 5 or 6 weeks and I really need to kick it up a notch.

*Florida-New Swim Suits. We are going to Florida in 2 weeks and I can't wait. I also have to buy some new swimming suits. The last few years I've been in maternity swim suits and XXL suits. And I'm excited to say that those won't cut it this year. This is the first time in years that I have to buy a new suit because all of mine are too big! Wahoo! But it's still a swim suit, and I still have a ways to go until I am where I want to be,  so I have to hit the gym more often!

*Old Navy Coupon- Ha. I have a coupon for 3 pairs of jeans at half off the reg price that expires next week. I have wanted to use it for weeks now but haven't let myself. Not until I was down a size. New colored denim here I come!

What are some of your favorite snacks? I would love to get some new ideas! What keeps you motivated? Let me know. Cause if you don't I might have to open the package of cookie dough in my fridge and start baking. And I really shouldn't....

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

What I Wore Wednesday

I am such a lucky girl. My husband is the sweetest. Last week we went on two, yes two, dates. I love date nights with my husband. It's nice to get away and spend time just the two of us. Adult conversation. That's the biggest thing I miss while staying home with the babes everyday. So it's nice to get away from the diapers, the books, the dancing, the cartoons, the toys, the messes, the baby talk, the time outs and just be me. Not Mommy, just Amanda.

One of our dates was for Mother's Day and here's what I wore:



Shirt: Old Navy. Sweater: Gap. Jeans: Old Navy. Shoes: Kohls. Necklace: Target. Bracelet: F21. Watch: Michael Kors.

*Please excuse all photos lately. My camera is on the fritz and I have been using my iPhone for all of them.

What do you think? Next time I might change the shoes. I like the way they looked with the outfit but after a couple hours these things kill my poor feet.

I'm linking up this outfit to The Pleated Poppy What I Wore Wednesday.