Friday Favorites: Valentine's Day Edition!

Andrea, Erika, Narci

Happy Valentine's Day Eve, y'all!

I love a theme, so today's Friday Favorites just has to be about all the lovey, mushy goodness that is Valentine's Day!!

1. Sexy Soundtracks

Shay introduced me to Diana Krall's new album, and it's all about some sexy slow jazz. What's not to love???

Sounds like sex on a stick to me! (Sweet Home Alabama reference for y'all, in case you didn't catch it). This album is all cover songs, and she makes songs I've heard for years and years suddenly sound completely new and different. There are a couple songs that aren't really romantic, but the overall tone of the album is very much so. I'm enthralled. 

And, obviously, the Fifty Shades of Grey Soundtrack. I've been listening to it on Spotify, and it really is all it's cracked up to be. The only downside is that the new version of Beyoncé's Crazy in Love isn't available on Spotify. Grrrrr. (there is a version by Sofia Karlberg, though). 

2. My "Date Night" perfume

When I was planning my wedding, I read somewhere that you should have a perfume that you wear during your wedding events, and then wear it every year on your anniversary, and you'll start to associate that scent with that special time in your life. I did that, and it's one of my very favorite wedding tips! I wore Cashmere Mist on my wedding day and honeymoon, and I immediately go back to that time when I smell it again.

Last year at Disney World, Steve and I did our usual EPCOT date night, and wondered into the Italy pavilion. I started smelling the perfumes, and fell deeply, madly in love with Bulgari Jasmin Noir. I miraculously walked away from it, but then walked completely around World Showcase smelling my own arm. I couldn't stop! It was meant to be mine, and now I wear it on our special date nights. It makes me feel fancy, and I'll be wearing it tomorrow night!

3. Doing something "fancy"

Steve and I, for the past two years, have been attending a local charity gala for Valentine's Day. We get a room in the hotel that hosts the gala and have a little staycation. We get gussied up, dance, high roll on some auction items, and have no worries about having to drive home. We sleep in, have brunch, and pick up the girls from my parent's house. It's glorious. I know this isn't something everyone is going to be able to do (or even want to do necessarily), but I think putting in a little extra effort on a day made for love isn't a bad thing. Seems to make everything better when it's presented nicely, even if it's sloppy joes on the good China and Two Buck Chuck out of your grandmother's crystal. 

4. Champagne and roses

It's cliche, but I like it anyway. I'll drink champagne to celebrate a day that ends with "y", so I suppose it's only fitting that I have a bottle handy on the high holy days of champagne drinking: New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day. And Tuesday. #nojudging

And there's roses. Because, roses. 

5. Having the best forever Valentine ever!

I couldn't be happier to call this stud my Valentine!

Always and forever my favorite! 

Hope everyone has a wonderful, fantastic, love-filled Valentine's weekend! 

XOXO, 

Andrea

Friday Favorites: Fitness Edition!

It's that magical day again! I'm linking up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci yet again for another edition of Friday Favorites. This time it's a Fitness Edition!

1. Polar FT7

This is what I use to track the calorie burn I get from my workouts. I use to put this number into MyFitnessPal, but not anymore. That made a huge difference in my body, because MFP has you eating your calorie burn. My eating style accounts for my activity level (and my calories burned vary dramatically) so I don't input this into MFP anymore.

Just FYI, though, I just heard about FitBit's new Charge HR, which keeps track of your heart rate, calories burned, and all sorts of cool stuff. This Polar is fantastic, but in order for it to track your heart rate (and therefore calories burned), you have to wear a chest strap with a transmitter on it. I've always been fine with that, but if I can get that feature in just a bracelet device, I'd really like to get one. I'll keep you posted. 

2. Cute workout clothes

 Having cute clothes pretty much motivates me to do anything in life...
#Confession

Tank and capris: Old Navy

Tank: ViewSport (it says "Train Harder" when it gets wet)

Top: Target 

Bottoms: Lululemon 

Skirt: Lululemon Pace Setter

Sports Bra and Capris: Victoria's Secret

Shoes: Nike Free

Tank: UK pavilion at EPCOT

Tank: CAbi Capris: Victoria's Secret

Tank and Capris: Lululemon 

Tank: Kohls Tek Gear 

Leggings: Lululemon Wunder Unders 

Shoes: Mizuno

3. Supplements and Blender Bottles

(and this isn't even all of my Blender bottles!)
#addiction

I take a truckload of supplements and I'll be the first to admit that I'm probably wasting my time and money, but I have found success with this routine, and now I'm afraid to let anything go. Here's a picture of everything I use, and if you'd like me to go into detail about the whozits and whatzits galore, I can do a whole post on it. 

4. IIFYM

This is the eating style I have been following for quite a while. It stands for "If It Fits Your Macros", and basically means that you set a certain number of fats, carbs, and proteins to eat in a day, and you can have whatever you want as long as you don't go over those numbers. It provides a HUGE amount of flexibility (which is why it's also known as flexible dieting) and also helps control cravings by saying that nothing is off limits, as long as you stay within the guidelines. Now, no controlled method of eating is easy (or everybody would do it, right?) but I think it's the best fit for me. Other than eating whatever the heck you want, this is pretty great. The only other "diet" I've thought was effective, sensible, and still allowed you to enjoy your life is Weight Watchers. I have a friend (Tina) who is moving toward leadership with Weight Watchers, so if you have any questions, she can be your gal! If you have any questions about IIFYM, put them in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them!

5. Spotify/Pandora/YouTube 

What would a workout be without music to motivate us?? I'd be lost with my music apps! And I follow a few fitness related YouTube channels that I watch on the cardio machines to help the time pass. #dontputmedownforcardio

I feel like this post is pretty much all over the place, but that's how my mind is working today. Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend, and I'd love to hear about all the Super Bowl festivities y'all have planned! 

Friday Favorites!

Friday Favorites time!

with Andrea, Erika, Narci

1) My Uggs

Need I elaborate? I doubt it. Everybody big puffy hearts Uggs. 

I wear mine folded down a lot. I like it, but is it weird? I'll probably still do it even if everybody tells me it's awful, but I like to be well informed. 

2) My "Must Have" leggings!

One of my very favorite blogs is Pinterest Told Me To, and Sheaffer is my never-fail go-to for advice on great clothing basics. I have her "Must Have" shirt (but in white even though she recommends black), watch (but it's broken), jeans, and now leggings. I didn't really think I would love these leggings as much as she does, but by golly, I sure do! In fact, I wear them, and can't wait for them to get out of the wash so I can wear them again! Here's the weird "magical" thing about them: Every time I put them on, I think they're going to be way too long (I'm 5'6" for reference). But somehow, SOMEHOW, they magically fit once I wear them a minute or two. They're never baggy or bunchy. Where does that fabric go? Does it just somehow conform to my body? Some fashion mysteries will never be solved...

{imagine great pics here... my iPhoto is uncooperative today}

3) My new favorite "fast food" meal

I don't eat out for lunch much anymore (or any meal, for that matter), but they other day I had some time to kill right at lunchtime, so I decided to head to Panera. I rarely go there, because I think it's crazy expensive for what you get (and I just prefer McAlister's Deli), but for whatever reason, Panera was calling my name that day. I looked up some nutritional information online to pick out what I could eat before I even went in there to order. I decided on the Choose Two option, and got the Thai Chicken salad and the Turkey and Avocado BLT, with an apple as a side item (though they gave me an apple AND chips. I ended up bringing both home). This meal was delicious! The salad was very flavorful and not overly dressed (but definitely on the spicy side, just as a warning), and the sandwich was very good! I had some Acai Berry tea to go with it, and I can't wait to have it again! The whole meal was $13, which I still think is expensive for a one person, non-table service meal, but it was cheaper than I expected it to be, truthfully. 

4) My protein pancakes

My go-to breakfast for eons has been 1 whole egg, 3 egg whites, and a slice of toast with sugar free jelly on it. Plus a cup of coffee, obvs. I like that breakfast, and I've made it for so long that it's quick and easy. I have it down to an art form. But I'm just sick to death of it. I can do without eggs for quite some time, though I know that's not going to happen. 

#oldhabitsdiehard

In an effort to mix things up, I decided to try protein pancakes. I've tried them with very little success in the past, but then I saw a Nikki Blackketter video that mentioned using cottage cheese in the mix to fluff it up. 

BAM! 

That was the ticket! I've been making them ever since. 

The basic recipe is this:

1 scoop Cellucor Cor-Fetti Cake Batter Whey Protein

1 serving Maple Grove Farms Sugar Free Pancake & Waffle Mix

1/2 serving low fat cottage cheese

Mix these ingredients with enough water to make a cake batter consistency (I didn't measure). Pour into a sprayed waffle maker and cook until done. Err on the quick side if your waffle iron doesn't have a timer. You don't want to overcook these; it makes them tough. I topped this one with Walden Farms syrup and some Redi-Whip! 

Nutritional Information: 

285cals, 16 carbs, 7 fat (mostly from the Redi-Whip!), 43 protein

In an effort to boost the protein a little more (as if it wasn't already protein packed!), I wanted to add an egg white to it. Every time I did that, though, they came out dry and dense. This time, I added the egg white with the cottage cheese, and made two thinner waffles instead of one thick one. That worked! And you know I had to make a pumpkin one!

Pumpkin Spice Protein Waffles: 

1 Scoop Syntrax Nectar Vanilla Torte Protein Powder

1 serving Maple Grove Farms Sugar Free Pancake & Waffle Mix

1 serving egg whites (such as All Whites) 

1/2 serving low fat cottage cheese

1/2 serving pure pumpkin purée 

1/2tsp (or 1tsp) of pumpkin pie spice

1/2tsp pure vanilla extract

Enough water to make a cake batter consistency 

Pour into sprayed waffle iron, and remember to make 2 waffles from this mix! Cook until done. 

Nutritional Information: 

314cals, 18 carbs, 5 fat, 53 protein. 

I use the lowest calorie syrup I can find, which usually is from Walden Farms, but my grocery store didn't have it last time I was there, so I bought a syrup with Splenda from Vermont. The brand, not the state. Or maybe both. 

5) My "Fun Fridays" with my girls!

I can remember on most Fridays, my Daddy would pick me up from school and take me for an ice cream cone. Normally I rode the school bus to and from school, which I hated, so him picking me up was treat enough, but that ice cream was the, well, ice cream on the cake! I'm not sure what made me think of it a while back, but I remembered those Fridays fondly and decided to do something like that for my girls. It's been too cold here for after school ice cream, so I decided to start making an effort to get up earlier and take the girls to Dunkin Donuts for doughnuts every Friday morning. I'm not sure they have picked up on the "tradition" quite yet, but I'm hoping one day when they're getting their little girls ready for school that they'll remember these Fridays as fondly as I remember mine.

Friday Favorites

Welcome to Friday Favorites! Linking up with Andrea, Narci, and Erika! 

1. My new Keurig

Hellooooo, luvah...

My bestie. I have to tell you the story about how I got it. I had been debating asking for one for Christmas, but I just couldn't decide. Sometimes a girl just needs a whole pot of coffee, you know? Anyway, my Mom called on the way to her house Christmas morning and said she was out of K-Cups. I stopped at Walgreens and bought a bunch to bring her, and when I got to her house, I quickly made me a cup of coffee. It was so easy, I told her that I regretted not asking for one for Christmas. I told her I wanted one for my birthday (in July- never to early to plan!), and she just said she would keep that in mind. Lo and behold, guess what I opened just a few minutes later?? You guessed it. My bestie.

Kisses, bestie. Welcome to my world. It's lovely here.

2. Columbia jacket (that is hard to get a good pic of)

No hood:

(duck faces and sparkly boas- what dreams are made of!)

And with the hood up:

As all y'all know, it's been a bit nipply here. And everywhere. It's dadburn brutal. I haven't had this jacket long (bought it right before my Asheville trip), but I've worn it a ton and it keeps me nice and toasty! Love!

3. Trivia Crack

Addicted. In fact, I need to go beat down some opponents right now. Just a second....

Ok. I'm back. 

It's out of control. And I can't even tell you how mad I get when I lose. #soreloser

4. Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale/Lilly for Target

Some of my items are already coming in! I'll do a post on them soon, but expect to be seeing a lot of them around!

And I've added more to my Lilly for Target wishlist, which, let's face it, might as well be one of everything! 

Pom Pom placemats? Yes, please! I'll take 6! 

That little gold crossbody on the far left? That starfish bracelet? Yes and yes! 

Makeup cases!!! And do you see those sneaky little Essie polishes in there? I think I really just died. I guaran-dang-TEE you that pink will be on my fingers and toes all summer long! 

Here's a sneak peek of my selfie the morning of April 19: 

5. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

This stuff is AMAZEBALLS! I have seen it in umpteen million YouTube videos, but never took the plunge to order myself any. Then I just got a wild hair the other day and ordered some from Nordstrom since they have free shipping and free returns. No harm, no foul. 

Sooooo glad I did! It's truly amazing. I have dry undereyes, and this is really good stuff to hide that dryness. If it were any more moisturizing, my mascara and eyeliner would be down my cheeks! If you want a drugstore option, though, you can't beat Maybelline Age Rewind. I've bought several tubes of it, and I'll buy more, for sure. 

I normally only do 5 Friday Favorites, but this time I have to sneak in two more: 

Bonus #1

This little sweet sugar baby made all fours on her 2nd quarter report card! K through 2nd in our school system don't do the usual ABCDFs. They grade on a number scale, with 4 being the highest. This system has a name, but for the life of me I can't remember it. Anyway, my big girl got the highest grade! Whoo Hoo!! 

Bonus #2:

This morning, I spotted THIS on Facebook!

GoT on the 12th, and Lilly at Target on the 19th. I might need to be medicated this particular week. I might go ahead and line up childcare because it's possible I'll be comatose with excitement. Like those poor little fainting goats that fall right over when they get excited. I'm a goat. #squirrel

Have a fabulous weekend!! 

Friday Favorites!

Happy Friday, folks!! I'm ready for the weekend, baby. I'm a stay at home mom, so I suppose every day is the weekend (or more like every day is a work day), but there's still something about Friday through Sunday that feels like you can finally take a deep breath. 

This weekend's plans are completely dependent on the weather this time. Friday night is the usual high school football, but they're giving rain and cold temps, and the game is an hour and a half away. This auntie may have to sit this one out if the weather is as bad as they say it will be. 

Then Saturday is my hometown's fall festival, which I love to go to, but again, there's the rain. Kettle corn might not be worth the misery. 

#Imightmelt

#prepareyourselfforaSUPERboringweekendrecap 

#again

On to this week's favorites, and don't forget to go by Andrea, Erika, and Narci's blogs to check out everyone's favorites this week!

"Ready Set Roll" by Chase Rice

When I got home from the Luke Bryan concert (I know, stop talking about it already!), I COULD not get this song out of my head. And it's not even Luke's! I was so exhausted I was achy, yet couldn't sleep because I was still dancing and singing to this song. 

Oven Baked Chips

I'm addicted. Well, not completely addicted, since it's not like I'm sittin' around eating these things all day every day. But, probably 5 days out of 7 I'm eating them for lunch or dinner. Not as my whole meal, of course. 

Geez. I feel like I'm rationalizing my chip consumption a little too much. 

Anywhoo.... 

My very favorite ones are the cheddar sour cream, but they aren't as easy to fit into my diet as the others.

So, the ones I eat most often are the Oven Baked Tostitos Scoops. I make some tuna salad almost every day lately, and I basically use it like a dip with these chips. Great little meal!

My other favorite lunch lately is a turkey sandwich with the Oven Baked Original Lay's. I love me some plain chips, and these are the best substitute I'm gonna get. 

Plaid Scarves

I've been on a scarf-buying bender lately. 

#sorrynotsorry

#callSA

It started with the leopard print scarf I wore to Luke Bryan (last time, I swear). 

The same time I bought that one, I bought this one. It's half plaid, so apparently I was dipping my toes in the plaid pool with this one. 

 

Here's a closer look at the color:

Since then, I've bought this one from Target, too.

And then the durn free shipping Nordstrom monster jumped up and got me with this one. For the price, it's so cozy and Christmas-y and snuggly. Plus, with free shipping and returns, what's to lose?

So now I REALLY want to get this one. Mostly because it's lighter weight that the others I've bought, and therefore it's COMPLETELY different and I need it my collection. See how that rationalization works? 

And Shay's post about her scarf collection makes me really want this scarf, but I'm not sure how much realistic wear I'd get out of it. Not that that would normally stop me, but yaknowwhatImean. 

And to mix things up a bit from my plaid addiction, this would be be awfully nice. Any color that wants to come live at my house can. Any time. Just come on by. 

Our Halloween Costumes

I am a little crazy about Halloween, if you haven't noticed. And to drive that "crazy" point home, I will let you know that I typically know what Halloween costume I'm going to wear for the next year right after the current year's party is over. 

#neurotic

Not this year. I was totally inspiration-less. For quite a while, I thought Steve had his costume picked out, but it wasn't a couple costume, so I still needed something. Then he decided he didn't want to do that original idea, so we were back to square 1. Having already sent out invitations to our annual Halloween party, I was starting to panic that we didn't even have costumes picked out yet.

Problem solved! This past weekend, I decided that I wasn't getting off my computer until I picked something out. I narrowed down the type of costume we wanted, but just not the specific one. You know how hard it is to order stuff online that you can't see on a real person, right? Well, because of that, I decided to Pinterest my idea and see what other people had worn. I put the search right there in the search box, and up pops a picture of a HYSTERICAL version of our idea. 

BOOM!

That was it. We were all in, and ordered our costumes on the spot. Mine came in, but part of it doesn't look quite right so we're going to have to do some finagling with that. Steve's is a custom order and will take a while to come in. 

Even though I am listing it as a favorite, I'm not revealing our costumes quite yet. We want to reveal it at our annual Halloween party, but all I'll say is that we've laid down the gauntlet this year! Can't wait for the reveal!

Walker

This little guy. I sorta hate to list family members as favorites, but our sweet Walker is battling cancer, and his time with us is limited. Times like bring things into perspective, and I just want to post about my deep and abiding love for our FURst baby, Walker. I should do a whole post devoted to him, but he's certainly my favorite this week. And forever.