I’m not proud to admit that between my breakup with Jeremy, the holidays & the pill that I’m on, I have managed to gain like 10 pounds in the last couple of months. Starting today I’m going to work to get rid of them. Though I have been going to the gym regularly, I’ve also got to limit my food intake. This is a concept many have yet to understand realistically (including myself)…

Eat Less + Workout More = Lose Weight

 This is going to be an interesting concept for me to grasp, because I hate counting calories. Of course, that won’t be my only strategy. Here’s the plan…

1. Drink low calorie drinks when I go out. I have been on a big Corona kick lately, and the calories are catching up with me. When I go out I intend on drinking more actual liquor & water, and less high-calorie beer.
2. Work more. I just took on a retail job that I’ll work in addition to my bank job. This will keep me moving more, which will help a lot.
3. Get rid of temptation. This morning I threw out whatever unhealthy snacks I could find in my cupboard (including Oreos, brownies, donuts). That way I won’t even be tempted.
4. Make little, good decisions. I mentioned this a few days ago. I hope not to focus on that stupid 10 pounds that I want to lose (which appears on the outside to be an enormous goal to me). Instead I want to focus on making good little decisions in order to reach my larger goal in the long run.
5. And obviously, just eat less & workout more.

I hate dieting, but it’s really my only option as I hate having excess weight even more. I’ll keep you updated.

I was hoping to add some news articles, but the computer isn’t allowing me to. I will ask that you all please keep Packers coach Joe Philbin & his family in your thoughts and prayers. They lost their young son unexpectadely this week. Thank you!

To come…

I’m trying to finish “19 Minutes” by Jodi Picoult, so following my completion of the book I’ll be sure to review it. Have a fabulous day.

If you ever need a good “pick-me-up” or virtual hug, take a gander through a list of Winnie the Pooh quotes. It always makes my day!

I’m procrastinating by blogging today. Once I start my day, I know there’s no turning back. Here’s my agenda…

1. Go to the gym. Despite my itty bitty cold, and my growing list of things I need to accomplish today, I know I need to work out. I think it’ll help me get over my cold more quickly, an I know I need to go, but I’m just not feeling it.
2. Pick up the apartment. Enough said.
3. Go see Cam’s grave. This is the first year that I didn’t go in the fall, and I know it’ll make me feel better. Is it weird that there’s something relaxing about a cemetery? He’s been on my mind a lot lately, and I think visiting his grave will settle my thoughts.
4. Head to the mall for a quick return (which will no doubt turn to a longer trip, but what can ya do).
5. Maybe some laundry.

I’ve been “stumbling” (via StumbleUpon) like there’s no tomorrow. I figure it’s time to share the cute things I’ve found! Enjoy…

Movie Review
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

 (Okay, so I’m like 6 months behind on this film. In all fairness, I saw it when it first came out but didn’t have time to review it!)

“The war between the sexes is over. We won the second women started pole dancing for exercise” (Jacob).

We’ve all seen our fair share of romantic comedies. And they never change. The couple always gets together, stumbles along the road, and works it out in the end. Predictable, a bit dragged out, generally involving a few tears. Crazy, Stupid, Love is different, mainly because of its lack of predictability. This element of surprise is what makes the film a ten. Steve Carrell adds comedic drama (his specialty), Emma Stone is dynamic and beautiful, and Ryan Gosling exudes sex and confidence throughout the entire film. This movie was by far the best movie I saw in 2011!

Rating: 10/10!

Okay bloggies, I give up. Time to go to the gym. Have a fabulous weekend!

I realized this morning that I hadn’t posted in a really long time, and that I miss writing. Maybe this will be my New Years Resolution (just a few days late, but who’s counting?)…

Though it’s unseasonably warm here in Wisconsin, I’ve found myself a cold. I’m grateful that it’s not unbearable (yet), but it’s still kind of a nuissance. I just sound like Phoebe in that episode of Friends where she has her “sexy” voice. I’m not going to lie, I kind of like it…

I know that the entire world is looking to be healthier in 2012, so I’m going to put in my 2 cents. I’ve been on a lot of diets and exercise routines over the years, so I figured I’d combine a few tips I’ve come across…

1. Don’t focus to intently on one specific goal. Instead, try to focus on making one small good decision at a time. For example, don’t spend your day thinking about that 20 lbs you want to lose. Instead, focus on making little good decisions like having 1 less piece of toast in the morning, or parking a few extra spaces away at work, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. It’s a lot less overwhelming and very fulfilling to know that these little accomplishments can help you achieve your greater goal. This week, one of my little decisions was to order cole slaw with a wrap instead of french fries! Mission accomplished!
2. Try to work out as often as possible. Know that it isn’t necessarily the length or power of your workout that counts. Even if you only have the time/energy to walk a mile, do it. Every little bit counts. It’s one of those “little” decisions that can make a big difference in the long run. I really like to encourage myself to work out by going to the gym during my favorite shows. Then I’m so distracted that I don’t even realize I’m exercising!
3. Set a time frame for eating. For me, I try not to eat before 7 am or after 7 pm. Obviously I stray from this every now and then under special circumstances (for a late date or something), but for the most part this is easy to stick to!

My cough drops are so empowering today. My first one said “You can do it and you know it!” and my second one said “Take charge & mean it!” Big day for me I guess!

I find it interesting that on the most frustrating day I’ve had in a long time, I end up looking back on the blog I used to write. I had a lot less spare time in college to write, and yet I found time to keep up my blog. Couldn’t hurt to start up again…

F A S H I O N

Last weekend, I was blessed to be asked to help Brooke Tassoul (Green Bay native) show off her clothing line. I’ve always envied the look of her line, but I was impressed by the comfort of it! If you look at the following picture, the dress I was wearing had a lace sleeve, but the rest of the dress was made of a jersey-like material (so comfy!). Some of the items from her line can be found at Besselli’s in Green Bay. For more information about her line, click HERE.

At the same event, Ashley Prange (another Green Bay native) debuted her organic makeup line, Au Naturale. On our way out, she made sure to give us a sample of her eye shadow and lip gloss. I finally tried the eye shadow this morning, and it stayed on all day! I have been using the lip gloss ever since, and it will forever be “my” lip gloss. It adds great color to your lips while making them feel silky smooth. I was so impressed! She recently made online ordering available HERE.

R E C I P E

Zesty Penne, Sausage & Peppers

Relatively easy to make, and VERY flavorful!

A P E R S O N A L N O T E

Maybe it was a mistake to resume blogging on a difficult day. I am a very positive person, but on difficult days I cannot help but question whether things will ever get better. In my mind I know things will, but my heart steers me in the opposite direction. My worst quality is that I worry too much about the effect of changes I might make, so much so that I refuse to make changes and instead choose to move forward in what could be a negative direction. See? “What could be” a negative direction. I can’t even be definitive in speculations.

G R O U N D   C H E R R I E S

I just ate an entire bag of ground cherries that I bought at the farmers market last night (something like a pint, I think). I cannot wait for the school year to start so I can control my boredom eating! Oh well, I’d imagine that if you’re going to overdo a food, a vegetable/fruit would be the way to go. For those of you who don’t know what ground cherries are, here’s an image…
They come in their own little natural “package” and taste like a combination of tomatoes & cherries. I had never tried them prior to last summer when a little man at one of the market stands lured me in. “Just like popcorn, but better for you! Snack on these instead! Try one!” I couldn’t help but give in, and now I’m hooked.

C O C O N U T   W A T E R

I also tried coconut water at the farmers market last night (courtesy of the Urban Frog)…
I’m a little bid more unsure of my thoughts regarding this stuff. First of all, it’s more of a milk than a water (just a pinch sweeter than milk). However, I’m an advocate for liking things for their nutritional value, so I’ve done a little research (LINK). It seems that coconut water contains a ton of potassium (almost twice as much as a banana). Potassium helps regulate blood pressure by off-setting the effects of sodium. However, despite recent suggestions to replace sports drinks with it, it’s not recommended for that (because you need sodium after you sweat). In short, the health benefits that coconut water has been suggested to help with haven’t been proven. But if you like the taste, great! (I don’t think I’ll be drinking it anymore knowing that the health benefits are small and the price tends to be steep).

A R T I C L E S

1. Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures for the Face (LINK) – I am an advocate for plastic surgery (if you can afford it and if you can control it). I also think that there’s more to plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures than just vanity (like reconstructive surgery after cancer, for instance. The procedure that I’m most interested in is a chemical peel. If you look at the before and after photos in the WebMD article, you can see the significant benefits it can provide for your skin. I struggled with acne for years, which ultimately created scarring and discoloration on my face. I also have mild sun damage on my face. Someday (when I can afford it), I hope to try this procedure to even out my skin tone and better the quality of my skin.
   
2. Is She or Isn’t She? Mariah Carey Sports Maternity Wear (LINK) – Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon have been fighting pregnancy rumors for months. This doesn’t help her case. I can’t figure out why you would sport maternity wear unless you were pregnant.
   
3. Angelina Jolie to Direct, Write and Produce Love Story (LINK) – I’m really interested in this. I think that Angelina is a very talented and influential woman, and to see her expand her horizons is wonderful. Can’t wait.
4. E-Cigarettes Spark New Smoking War (LINK) – There is debate as to the benefits and shortfalls of these tobacco-free electronic cigarettes. Some say that it could encourage a nicotine habit, while others say it’s an effective way to ween smokers off of it. Jeremy picked these up a few weeks ago to help ween himself off of cigarettes. He started on the high0-level cartridges, and is moving on to the medium-level cartridges. So far (to the best of my knowledge), he has not picked up a regular cigarette since he picked up the e-cigarette. This is huge for him. However, we’ll see how things go as he lowers the nicotine levels. The real danger with this product is the fact that it hasn’t been tested for long-term health effects. I’m optimistic.

M O V I E   R E V I E W

Unthinkable (2010)

Unthinkable is a film centered around the interrogation of a terrorist suspect who claims to have nuclear bombs placed strategically throughout the United States. Samuel L. Jackson stars as “H” in this frighteningly realistic thriller. The only word I can possibly come up with to describe his acting in this film is unstoppable. There is not a single point in this film that I doubt his talents. Alongside him starred Carrie-Anne Moss, whose performance was less than amazing. Although she portrayed her character somewhat well, her acting was less than stellar (almost like she was trying too hard). Nonetheless, the duo comes off positively in the film. However, the star of the show stands to be Michael Sheen who plays the part of the terrorist. Between the acting and the twists, this movie is definitely worth your time (but not if you have a weak stomach).
I give it … 8.5 / 10.0

R E C I P E

Strawberries & Cream Smoothie (courtesy of WebMD…LINK)

Ingredients:
1/2 cup light cherry vanilla yogurt
1 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 cup light vanilla ice cream or low-fat frozen yogurt
1 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional)

Prep:
Pulse in blender/processor until smooth & completely blended.

The nutritional information is available at the link provided above. Yum!

S C H O O L

Backwards senioritis?

Classes start on Monday, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s backwards (shouldn’t I be dreading it and feeling lazy?). That’s not the case at all. I am ready to start, eager to learn, and excited to be done for good in December. It’s nerve-wracking at the same time, though. Who knows what’s going to happen in my life and in the world over the next few short months. So much has happened since I started in 2007 that it’s severely overwhelming to imagine what my final semester will bring.

College was, in many ways, an awakening. It didn’t take me long to realize that I wasn’t in “Kansas” anymore. Ahead of me lay a yellow brick road that was to take me to success in just a few short years. I forgot that I was likely to encounter my own scarecrows, tin men, and witches along the way. I made the mistake of coming to St. Norbert thinking that the only difference between my high school experience and my college experience was to be the fact that I was going to be away from home for it; I couldn’t have been more wrong. The workload was the first thing to hit me. I was not prepared to actually have to do work, read, and study (after all, you could get away with not exactly doing those things in high school). When a close friend of mine passed away in October of my first semester, it didn’t help matters. Cameron was the first person close to me that had ever passed away, and it was an extremely difficult time. My grades slipped even further, tension with my roommate grew, and the combination of things became my first encounter with the real reality. Although that year was the toughest I would ever experience, it helped me to push myself in order to succeed despite the setbacks.

My sophomore year at St. Norbert was a blur. I changed my major (Biology to Business), worked hard to better my grades (so that I could at least stay in school), and continued to work on my relationship with Jeremy (which was going on 2 years at that point). I somehow managed to balance life with school to pull things together. It seemed that the ball of twine was finally unraveling. During my second semester as a sophomore (March 2009), I encountered another tragedy. My aunt’s husband (to whom she was married to for less than a year, but whom she had been with for many) passed away suddenly. I was frustrated with the world, pissed that people in my life were dying. The faith that I had developed through Cameron’s death had turned to resentment. When bad things happen to good people it doesn’t sit well with me. Jeremy held my hand and we walked through it together.

Junior year finally seemed to smooth out regarding my education, but it definitely wasn’t a cakewalk otherwise. As for those details, I really don’t want to get into them. I’ll just say that tensions were building at home. I really resented myself for choosing to live at home, and that didn’t make any of the relationships in my life easier. It’s the struggles that make you stronger though, right? If life was a cakewalk, it’d be underwhelming.

So here I am approaching Emerald City, and I have no idea what to expect (or even what I hope to find). For four years I saw college as a means to an end, but it turns out it has merely been a means to another beginning. I. Can’t. Wait.

The fireworks begin today.  Each diploma is a lighted match.  Each one of you is a fuse. (Edward Koch)

Good morning, all. (Except by the time I’m done with this post it might be afternoon). I hope everyone is having a wonderful Thursday. This week again went by quite quickly, but I think it’s because I’ve had Door County to look forward to. Even though it’s just a short trip, I’m really looking forward to getting away (& with just over a week until the semester starts, it’s much needed!). Let’s get down to business…

A R T I C L E S

1. Changes Afoot for Law & Order: SVU (Link) – This might not be the most exciting TV news you’ve heard in awhile, but it’s interesting nonetheless (moreso simply because I’m excited that the premiere is approaching). As long Mariska and Chris remain on the show I’m satisfied.
2. Poor Men More Likely to Cheat (Link) – As if they didn’t have enough against ‘em. 5x more likely! Oy.
3. 18 Secrets Men Wish You Knew (Link)

S U G A R B A B E

by Holly Hill

Holly Hill’s new book sounds interesting and captivating, but unrealistic. This quote pretty much sums it up: “Women who cross their legs deserve to be cheated on.” The book discusses the concept of negotiated infidelity. I’m going to immediately state that “negotiated infidelity” is an interesting idea, but it’s not a realistic concept. To be honest, the idea of sharing a husband sounds insane to me. However, she does present several alternative tips to her readers, including complete honesty and openness (& I mean complete). This is more reasonable. I would imagine that opening up your minds to your spouse would keep you close as a couple and help diagnose one of the marriage pitfalls: growing apart. I think that a couple growing apart is one of the most common causes for divorce (because you turn into a different person than you were when you got married). However, instead of growing apart and falling apart, complete honesty and openness allow you and your spouse to grow up together. Because you discuss the changes and ideas that you are encountering, your spouse likely understands you and your feelings which helps prevent disconnect. It’s in my Amazon cart Please tell me what you think.

R E C I P E

Courtesy of AllRecipes.com (Link)

Brown Sugar Smokies Mmm…
Have a wonderful day, everyone.

Nothing Gold Can Stay
Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold,
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

A R T I C L E S

1. SC Sheriff: Mother Has Confessed in Toddler Deaths (Link)
2. Tapes of 9/11 Plotter Found Under CIA Desk (Link)
3. Sorry, Middle & Youngest Kids — Study Says Firstborns are Smarter (Link) – …at least they think they are
4. Hourly Jobs: 10 Jobs that Pay $20 per Hour (Link) – Snipit: (#1) Drywall Finisher, (#2) Structural Drafter, (#3) Carpet Installer
5. RECIPE: Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup (Link) – I am really craving this. As far as sodium content goes, it’s probably not great. However, the wild combo of veggies might balance it out.
   
6. Rocky Relationships Harder for Men (Link)
7. How to Get Your Sexy Back (Link)
8. Sex-Drive Killers (Link) – Snipit: (a) Stress, (b) Relationship Problems, (c) Alcohol, (d) Too Little Sleep, (e) Parenting, (f) Medication, (g) Body Image, (h) Obesity, (i) ED, (j) Low Testosterone, (k) Depression, (l) Menopause, (m) Too Little Intimacy
9. What’s Up With Mineral Makeup (Link) – In short, it can lead to fewer acne breakouts, it can slightly protect you from sun damage, and it feels lighter than foundation. I have yet to try it (though I’ve long been tempted). I think I’ll start with ELF Cosmetics‘ mineral line (because it’s super cheap so I can’t go wrong)

A few weeks ago I sold my Kathy Von Zeeland purse (I was just a little sick of the colors, and it was difficult to find things in). Since then, I’ve been trying to find a new one. However, I hate spending a lot of money on a purse and I am a very picky shopper. However, today I received an email from Amazon that was for 20% off at Endless.com, so I took a look. Here’s what I ended up buying:

I love it! It’s completely different from any purse I’ve ever bought, and I think it’s wild but still classy (it’s Betsyville). Plus, it was under $40

School starts in less than T W O   W E E K S ! I’m so ready for fall, though. Bring it! …
Have a wonderful day everybody. I’m ready for it to be FRIDAY! (Jeremy & I are going to Door County for a much-needed getaway, so I can’t wait)

…You’ve got so much up ahead
You’ll make new friends
You should see your kids and wife
And I’d end up saying have no fear
These are nowhere near the best years of your life

Excerpt from “Letter to Me” by Brad Paisley

P O E M (well, an attempt at least)

Who am I.

No matter how hard I try, I will always favor country music (…but I’m not a fan of Taylor Swift).
I love bagels. And pancakes. And burgers. Heck, I just love food (…but I can’t cook).
I’m not the type of person who likes to lose control (…even a little bit).
I love dogs (…because the concept of unconditional love amazes me).
I think I’m too young to know what love is (…but I’m in it).
Sometimes I overlook my blessings (…too often).
But sometimes I can’t figure out just who I am.
I’m working on it. Starting now.

My mom posed this question to me last night (after reading it in our church bulletin): What’s the first thing you’ll ask God when you meet him? Now, whether or not you believe in God, it’s intriguing to think about. Our priest’s response was: “Why was I so blessed when so many other people weren’t?” What would you ask?

Each week I read the PostSecret postcards, and every now and then one speaks to me more than others. This week, this is the one that did it:

A R T I C L E S

1. Coconut Water
2. Interesting Burger Toppings
3. Soda’s Fate

M O V I E   R E V I E W – The Other Guys

Once again, a movie that I knew nothing about going into it (and I hardly know anything coming out of it either). I’m going to make this relatively short and sweet. As far as the actors go, I was completely satisfied. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg make quite the comedic pair (actually, I really loved Mark’s role in this film). As for the storyline, I wasn’t impressed. It was lengthy (almost 2 hours) and less than intriguing. However, I’d say that the comedy made up for it. In short, was it worth $7? Yes.
Overall Rating: 6.8 / 10.0

I’m on a country kick, so let me give you some more stuff to listen to:

1. This Ain’t Nothin’ (Craig Morgan)
2. Love Like Crazy (Lee Brice)
3. Remember When (Alan Jackson) *Classic artist
4. Like We Never Loved at All (Faith Hill & Tim McGraw)
5. Sounds Like Life to Me (Darryl Worley)
6. There Goes My Life (Kenny Chesney) *Even Jeremy approves
7. What Hurts the Most (Rascal Flatts) *Even Jeremy approves

I’m not going to lie — I’m not sure I have much to talk about today. However, there are a few things I want to discuss, and maybe more ideas will come to mind as I go along. I hope people actually read this thing, because I do put a lot of thought into it. If you are reading it, t h a n k s !

G R E E N   T E A

As I was browsing through my cupboard yesterday, I noticed a big box of this tea. I figured, why not? and brought a few bags to work. My first impressions:

1. I’m a coffee drinker. And tea has very light flavor compared to the robust flavor of coffee. It is going to take some getting used to.
   
2. As far as tea goes, this flavor is one of the best that I’ve tried.
   
3. It impairs boredom without the calories. Usually I end up needlessly snacking when I’m bored at work or at home.

Not only does it taste fine, but I had heard in the past that green tea does wonders for the body. My good friends at WebMD let me know exactly what it does (Link) … (As usual, let me give you the simple version)

1. It has powerful antioxidants (called “catechins”)
2. Possible positive connection between green tea and cancer
3. Possible positive connection between green tea and heart health
4. Helps promote weight loss

There might not be a ton of proof that suggests green tea can prevent major health concerns, but it can’t hurt to drink it just in case. Overall, it sounds like doctors are more confident about green tea’s effect on weight loss.

S K I N N Y   J E A N S

Ever since skinny jeans came out, I’ve been a skeptic. However, since this whole “jegging” concept came to be, I’ve become curious. I decided to give it a try. After squeezing into a pair at American Eagle, I asked Jeremy’s opinion (he’s my favorite shopping buddy, because he’s always honest about what he thinks). His reaction? He likes them just about as much as he likes any other jeans. However, I didn’t want to pay $29.50, so I began my bargain hunt. I ended up finding a pair (the one in the picture above, actually) for $19.50, and I had a 20% off coupon. DING DING DING (Link) Bought them, wore them, and here’s what I think:

1. After trying on numerous pairs, I realized something with the material. It seems that stores offer a 99% cotton, 1% spandex, or 98% cotton, 2% spandex (BIG difference!). Although the 99/1 skinny jeans available at that price were cute, they didn’t slide on quite as well. They were a little stiffer, and I had to go up a size. The 98/2 pair just felt better. They were easier to get on, and are more comfortable throughout the day. It’s practically like wearing leggings (and I honestly think they’re more comfortable than boot cut or flare jeans).
2. As for their appearance, I’m still skeptical. I’m used to the spare jean material around my ankles balancing out the width of my hips (ie. They make me feel a little wide lol). I try to balance out the skinniness of the jeans with a looser-fitting top. It seems to work out. I really think they’d look good with a long cardigan, but it’s just too darn hot for that right now! In the fall

Overall, I like them and I’ll probably end up buying them again.

A R T I C L E S (Just interesting stuff I found, actually)

1. DIY Design (Link) – I’ve always admired anyone who can create an article of clothing that looks halfway decent. This little article made me actually think for a minute that I could come up with something (if I had a sewing machine, that is). The author even suggests I could have made my own skinny jeans. Ha ha fat chance
2. Look of the Day: Drew Barrymore Wears a $25 Vintage Dress on the Red Carpet (Link) – Here’s a snipit:
   So trendy, and so green! It actually looks like a famous designer created it. Way to go, Drew, for stepping outside the celebrity box. It’s a GREAT color on her, too! I need to try thrifting.
3. “America’s Next Top Model”: Shockingly Skinny Model… (Link) – Ew, ew, ew. Period.
4. 4 Healthy Reasons to Eat a Salad Today (Link) – Let’s boil it down: (a) Eat it for the fiber, (b) Eat it for the veggie/fruit health benefits, (c) Eat it to cut calories and increase satisfaction, (d) Eat it to get smart fats

N E W   A D D I C T I O N S

I am in love with these new low-sugar, low-calorie sports drinks. I thoroughly comprehend the fact that water is the best medicine. However, I hate it. Unless I’m really thirsty, it bores me (I need a little flavor). These are a-MAZ-ing! Here are the facts (just the important stuff, and only in 1 serving…):

1. VitaminWater Zero (8 oz): 0 Calories, 0g Sugar, 10% dv of Vitamin A, 100% dv of Vitamin C, a bunch of B vitamins, naturally sweetened
2. Gatorade G2 (20 oz): 70 Calories, Yikes 270g (11% dv) Sodium, 2% dv Potassium, 17g Sugar (which isn’t awful compared to other sports drinks and sodas)

That information comes from LiveStrong.com (they have TONS of nutritional information for lots of food).

Okay I’m tired. Goodbye. <3