Indulge!

Sometimes you just have to indulge yourself, or go nuts! Last year I took a full 60 days off from sugar and I felt amazing, lost weight and loved it! Then slowly but surely I started eating sugar here and there and before you know it I was hooked yet again. Starting at the beginning of this year I cut out sugar again along with just eating healthy overall. The first week is H*ll, pardon my French! I feel awful and every time I see or smell anything containing sugar I drool and fall apart and cry and whatever else! Lol! It sounds so silly but it's true, I get totally addicted to sugar! But after a week, or sometimes two, I feel good - I feel strong. I can now get my daughter a Chewy Chip-A-Hoy cookie without salivating to death! But I do have a few items that do help me through my "sugarless" days. One of the things I love and I have a couple a week as a snack in the evening when I feel a sugar/sweet tooth moment coming. And that's Jello's new Sugar Free, 60 calorie Mousse. I wasn't sure if I'd like it or not but I do!!! So far I've only tried the Chocolate Indulgence flavor, but I think I may try the Mint Chocolate flavor next time since I LOVE Mint Chocolate.

It's light and creamy and really tastes great - now granted for someone who is eating sugar regularly it might not taste so great but since I haven't been eating sugar it tastes totally decadent to me!!! Lol!

I will admit that I do have one item that contains refined sugar but I have it in a very small amount and I honestly drink it because it's recommended for after a hard work out so I usually have a little chocolate milk after my work out - it's a quick pick me up that my body needs after pushing that hard. I usually make it myself with skim milk, about 4 ounces, and then I add a tablespoon of Nesquick. It has a little less sugar than most chocolate milk additives.

So those are my two indulgences, peeps! I'm doing great with eating right. I haven't cheated! Hooray! And I do feel really good. I'm starting to see my body shape up again and tone up. I still have about 6lbs. to go to my ultimate goal weight and I'm working hard towards it. My goal this time is to do two rounds of Insanity back to back so that will be a total of 120 days. I think my reward at the end might be a new tattoo?!!! I've been thinking about it but I need to go talk to my tattoo artist and see if he can do what I want him to. Can't spill the beans yet on what I'm thinking about, wouldn't want anyone stealing my idea (had that happen before!). But I'm gearing up for summer - I'm so ready for it to be here, ready for the heat, the pool, shorts, cookouts, longer days, etc.

What I've Been....

(I stole this idea from my fellow blogger, Sarah, over at Daughter of the King!)

DISCOVERING

1. That some things just aren't worth spending time thinking about. They just bring you down!

2. That I can't be jealous of people who get everything handed to them on a golden platter. They don't appreciate the things they have and the things they get nearly as much as I do.

3. Being fit and healthy has made me feel like such a better person - it has boosted my confidence in so many things!

4. Practice really does work! Lol! Two weeks ago at piano lessons my lovely teacher helped me fumble (I fumbled, she didn't) through two Christmas carols I wanted to learn. I left feeling completely overwhelmed and was pretty sure I would never get it. But two weeks later, and after a good deal of practice, I'm getting it! Slow but sure, it's not perfect yet but it's so much better! I'm moving on to Bella's Lullaby next and I'm uber excited!

5. Well, we discovered today that our sweet dear little Gypsy is......*drumroll, please!*.....A BOY! Lol! Yup, after all this time thinking he was a little girl. We took him in today to get his shots and the vet was feeling around back there as I was commenting that we needed to get "her" fixed at the end of the month since she would be 6 months old. And the vet looked at me and said, you mean HE. "She" is a boy!" I was like WHAT?!! We've taken him to the vet several times and the techs have always looked him over and said girl. The vet explained that a lot of Himilayan males have "floaters" which is were their testicules never descend, they stay up in their stomach thus a lot of times they can be mistaken for females! Lol! We are going to continue calling him Gypsy, he knows his names and well, Gypsy's aren't just females they can be males and females so we are leaving the name. When I was younger we had a Persian that we named Kiki after my mom's friend then later discovered that he was a male and not a female but we continued to call him Kiki!

It's kinda funny thinking of him as a boy now - the funny thing is my mother in law has gone on and on about how rare it is to get a female Himi that is so lovable and relaxed. That tends to be more of the male disposition, where females are either more shy or more uptight and crabby. And now we are know, he's lovable because he's a male not a female! I think that's why Gandalf likes him too - they are buddies! Haha! What a discovery!

LISTENING TO:

Brandon Flower's album, Flamingo. Love it! Some of the songs are still growing on me but I know in the end I'll probably like every song on the album. Right now "Only The Young" is my favorite. He is such a talented lyricist, not to mention he has such an amazing voice. It was the first thing I put on my new iPod and I listen to it alot. I'm also listening to Harvard and Ives the Band, also incredible bands that I recommend you take a listen to!

WATCHING:

The other night my hubby and I watched Knight & Day and I was pleasantly pleased! I didn't know how it would be - I love Cameron Diaz and I like Tom Cruise but I figured it would be really good or pretty crappy and luckily it was really good. A bit of comedy meets action and a love story. A good movie for guys and girls a like!

I usually like to watch a little TV while I fold clothes. I hate folding clothes and I usually let them pile up pretty bad before I finally resign myself to the fact that they must be folded! So I turn on something interesting to watch while I methodically fold piece after piece of clothing.....and the other day the BBC was having a marathon of The Tudors. I've been interested in watching it mainly because Jonathan Rhys Meyers is in it. And he's fabulous! Lol! So I kinda jumped into it, I know I missed a lot and I hope to start at the beginning soon thanks to Netflix. But what I have seen has been very interesting - dude, those Kings back in the day were a messed up bunch!!!

READING:

So I just finished reading 'Water For Elephants' and just let me say, READ IT!!! Great book, great story and now I'm dying to see the movie even more then before. You can click HERE to watch the fabulous trailer - what could be better then Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon?! I must say I was a bit swayed to think highly of the book when I read that Stephen King loved it and since I think he is one of the most brilliant writers ever I was pretty sure it would be a great book. I will warn you that there are a few scenes that are a bit graphic in their detailing!

LOOKING FORWARD TO:

1. Valentine's Day - I'm always excited about an opportunity to go out

to dinner with my handsome hubby!

2. My hubby's birthday - I know what I'm getting him and well, I just

can't wait to give it to him!

3. My "baby" girl's fourth birthday! I can't believe it's coming up so soon!

4. All the amazing movies coming out in theaters this year -

Beastly, I Am Number Four, Cowboys And Aliens, Water For Elephants,

Breaking Dawn Pt. 1 and Harry Potter Pt. 2 (Although I've yet to see part 1 yet!)

Click titles to see the trailers!

Who you are....

Have you ever noticed people love to give advice but they don't like to take it? Isn't it funny how they want to give it but gosh, darn, if you were to try to give them some they'd leave in a heaping fit of madness?!!! I honestly don't mind when people give me advice if I feel like it's truly out of a good heart and true love for me as a person. But most of the time I feel like most people simply use the guise of well meaning in order to simply state their opinion or put you down. And it never fails that people choose to pick on the one thing that you've worked so hard to achieve in life. No matter how much you put it out there that it's been a struggle for you (and even though you do have wonderful people who cheer you on)they just have to take their finger and poke at it a bit until they get you all sore and worked up and then wonder why you an attitude. But I've also learned, with time and lots of experience, that people like to pick on and point fingers at the things that they themselves wish they would work on but know they don't have the motivation or commitment it takes. The people who cheer you on are those who probably are confident that they are being the very best them that they can be! So even though I can't say I always let criticism roll of me like water off a duck's back, I do think I get over it much quicker. Not because I think I'm better, no way. But because I know that I too have pointed fingers out of guilt and lack of self esteem before. I don't want to hurt them in return, but I want them to see that pointing fingers never does any good. Unless you know you have a deep and true relationship with someone they most likely are not going to take advice from you no matter how much love or concern you say you put behind it. Not to mention, what you may see as a "problem" in someone may not be a problem at all. I've learned that everyone has a different perspective on things and no two people see things exactly alike. What you may think is wrong, or needs help, is probably something that is totally admired and celebrated by many other people. And they could probably turn right around and point out problems they see in your life that you may not see a problem at all, it may even be something you find comfort or esteem in. There is a difference between noting true and serious sin in a persons life and simply disliking something someone is doing or has done. The things I am proud of in my own life, things that I feel are true accomplishments I want to revel in that proud feeling, not be pulled down by people who begrudge me my successes. So I say all this to say, stand tall and proud in what you believe in, in your accomplishments, in things you work hard on every day. Don't let others doubt, disapproval or wagging tongues bring you down! You are you - and you are strong. Be proud!

Blah.

I'll just go ahead and put it out there - I am sick and tired of winter. Truly. I know I put a similar blog like this up not to long ago but I'm just ready for the sunshine and warmth and not having to put on layers and layers of clothes before I walk outside. Not having to build fires and keep this huge house warm. I'm tired of having white skin and dry skin - winter does horrible things to my skin!


I'm ready for the pool to be open, to wear shorts and tank tops and cute dresses. This summer will be different because we'll be gearing up for Bug going to school! She is still talking about it almost daily, she can't wait! Today we discussed school lunches. Lol! I think some people are surprised that I'm not choosing to home school Gianna especially since I was home schooled my entire life! But that may be one of my reasons for sending her, I want her to experience things I didn't get to. Not to mention I just know that I don't have what it takes to teacher her and teach her well. I don't have the knowledge or the patience! Not to mention since she's an only child I think it's very important for her to be around other kids her age. She gets bored and lonely not having anyone to play with a lot of times.....so we are going to be working on getting her registered and start adjusting to her new schedule and my new schedule! Since I'm going to hopefully be getting a job once she starts school I'm going to have to adjust to getting up really early and getting things done and most likely adjust to working out in the evenings (blah!).


But for now we are enduring the winter, the fact that it gets dark so early and the layers of clothing we seem to live in lately! We are looking forward to March since that's both the Hubs and Bug's birthday month. We think we've picked a party theme but it's subject to change between now and then! She keeps going back and forth....but we seem to always come back to a certain theme so we'll see!











Enjoy the weekend, everyone! Spend time with your kiddo's, significant other, read a good book, watch a romantic movie, go out.....just have a good one!!!

Finally melting....

The snow and ice is finally starting to really melt. Yesterday was very sunny and today has been the same way. We went out yesterday and went to dinner with the in-laws so we traipsed about quite a bit and there was only a couple of places that were iffy and that you had to be careful on. I'm going to venture out in just a bit since I know the roads are good and I know where the spots are - yeah, I'm kinda paranoid so I've memorized them! We going to the in-laws again today this time for homemade beef stew! So uber yummy and perfect for the weather....

We had to reschedule Bug's "big" dental appointment. It was supposed to be yesterday, early morning, but we weren't sure things would be good road wise so we were going to cancel but they ended up cancelling on us because they were running behind being closed for two days at the beginning of the week. So she is going this coming Tuesday morning. I'm just glad she'll be out of it for this procedure! They are just going to cap the tooth but there is no way she'd sit still and quiet for a numbing shot and drilling and all that....so we paid a small fortune for them to give her a little medicine that'll make her drowsy and calm. But it's worth it to me!!!

So my diet and work out routine is going well - I'm really proud of myself. No cheating and I've been pushing hard with my workouts. Three time a week I add an extra workout using my Nike Training App on my iPod. I choose the Advanced setting and it really pushes me hard for 45minutes. Plus on those three days I also do a 45 minute Insanity work out which is super intense too. Those days by the time I'm done I'm shaking I'm so tired but after some protein I feel great! The other three days I do the 45 minute Insanity work out (the second month they lengthen to an hour long) and then a 15 minute Ab routine. Usually I used the Ab Jam from Turbo Jam - I love it! But today I switched it up and did a 15 minute Ab workout on my Nike Training App. It wasn't bad but not as fun as Ab Jam. But I try to switch it up so I don't get bored. But after just a week and a half of this I got on the scales this morning and woohoo, I've lost 3.5lbs!!! So now I'm only 6lbs away from my ultimate goal weight. I have an adorable pair of size 4 jeans sitting in my drawer waiting for me to fit in them - I'm hoping by March 19th, which is Bug's birthday party day! I'm hoping six more pounds down and I'll be in them! I love setting a fitness/health goal and then seeing it happen. I did this last year when I started Insanity and I had a goal by Bug's birthday and I made it...I couldn't have been more proud!

The hubs went back to work today after being home since Friday! Usually he has Fri-Sun off. Which I love! It's so nice having a three day weekend. He works 4 ten hour days during the week. But due to the snow and ice he couldn't get out of our driveway Monday and Tuesday it was still so bad where he worked they closed the plant (he works way up in the mountains so it's always worse there.) and then Wednesday it still wasn't looking good. Today they let him brave his way up and then he'll work tomorrow too to help make up some time. It was kinda fun having him home for 6 days straight - being all snuggled up in the house, hanging out with each other. I really enjoyed it!

We're headed out the door now - but enjoy a few pictures from Tuesday when Bug and I went out to play around in the snow a little more. By then it was a bit icy but we still had fun!



Snow days....


Old swing set....


Most certainly boot weather!


Climbing....


Don't ask me why but I actually love this pic of me - no make-up, bad hair and a hat but I love it!


Peek-a-boo!


You have no idea how long it takes me to get a decent photo of myself - I always have to take them myself. One day Bug will be big enough to photograph me! Haha!


It's so chilly out!


It's me!

Excuses.

We have all been there, right? Making excuses for one thing or another. I do it all the time. I excuse why I'm grumpy, I excuse why I'm lazy, I excuse my lack of motivation in some things, etc. It's easy to do and makes us feel better about not doing something. Please let me note that I DO NOT in any way have it all together, nor am I pointing fingers at everyone else but not myself. I still have to constantly think about motivating myself or keeping myself in check. But I do get tired of seeing perfectly capable people make excuses for things they just don't want to do. I would much rather hear someone say to me, "I just don't want to, or I'm just too lazy" then to constantly make up excuses that I know aren't true or aren't completely true.



Lately the biggest thing is when it comes to fitness/health. It seems like I get made "fun of" more now that I'm trying to eat right and work out. People may say things in a joking way but I know it's truly how they feel - "You think you're so good cause you work out!", "Well, Alaythea's won't eat that cause she's healthy", "Oh, I forgot you're on a diet!". And it makes me feel bad! And I hate that. I guess that's insecurity on my part but I feel bad that they makes excuses for themselves but put me down. Is that fair? I do my best to encourage people to be better, to take the step it takes to feel better about who they are.

I have learned over time and with a lot of effort that the way you eat changes the way you feel - mentally and physically. When you are eating the wrong way it makes you physically feel heavy, bloated and out of whack. This effects your attitude and your outlook on life. Working out not only makes you look better it makes you feel better as well - it boosts your confidence to stay on track, to know you have the motivation it takes to daily make the effort to work out hard and resist cravings. I'm an emotional and a boredom eater so it takes a lot of will power for me to resist munching on anything and everything. I have to take a look at why I want to eat when the urge hits me - is it because I feel sad or depressed? Or am I bored? I curb boredom eating by making myself find something else to do. Piano has helped me alot, when I feel the urge to eat out of boredom instead I make myself go sit at the piano and practice for awhile instead! Learning your habits and tendencies is key to keeping yourself on track.

The biggest excuse I hear all the time is I DON'T HAVE TIME!!! Hey, I used to use it all the time. It was my biggest one to fall back on. Being a stay at home mom I felt like I was always taking care of my daughter, or picking up the house, or running errands with my mom or mother in law, etc. etc. but one day I realize that I have time for what I make time for. I have time to watch TV, I have time to get on the computer, I have time to snack......and I realize I have time to work out for an hour or an hour and a half a day. I have to make meals anyway, so why not make them healthy? I make time to snack so why I don't I buy healthy snacks. It's just as easy to grab an apple as it is a cookie. Sure, it takes a little effort, a little planning ahead but believe you me, we all can do it!

For you it may not be health & fitness - it may be reading more, or spending more time on crafts, whatever it may be don't let excuses keep you from doing it. Make a plan, set a goal and DO IT!!! I promise you, no matter how busy you THINK you are, you have some extra time around somewhere - don't watch TV at night, use that hour instead to do whatever it is you wanna do (read a book, work on a craft, get a good work out in!). If it's fitness and health you want to work on take 15 minutes each night and plan out your meals and snacks for the next day. Go ahead and cut up and bag what you can. It's not a difficult and impossible as you think!

I love it when people ask me about how I've gotten where I am so far - I still have a ways to go, believe you me! But I know how impossible it felt to me when I first started working out and trying to lose weight and get fit back in 2009. I've learned alot of "tricks" and I've gotten into a routine with it now. But before it took some trial and error and a lot of effort. I love giving tips, answering questions the best I can and pointing people in the direction in order to get fit at home (hint, hint - beachbody.com!) There are also so many websites and phone app's now that help you keep track of calories and food intake and make it such a breeze (I personally use myfitnesspal.com's app for my iPod). If you can't purchase a workout program or get a gym membership right away a great app for home work outs is the Nike Women's Training App. It's FREE and it's AMAZING!!! I've already used it once this week since I got it and I'm going to use it again tomorrow. Right now I'm doing Insanity and adding extra workouts three times a week using the Nike App. Monday I did both and at the end I was exhausted and shaky but I felt SO good - so accomplished! I kicked butt! Lol!

Whatever it is you want to do, DO IT! Stop making excuses and do it!

"Not managing your time and making excuses are two bad habits. Don't put them together by claiming you don't have the time!" - Bo Bennett

Snowed In!

We're snowed in, peeps! Yup! Got up around 6:30am and everything was covered in about 5-7inches of snow. It was quite lovely. Bug was so thrilled when she got up and saw it all. Of course she wanted to go out right away. But we waited until about lunch time to venture out. I worked out first - did my Insanity work out and then on top of that I did a 45 minute work out using my awesome new Nike Training App. on my iPod Touch! It's totally amazing and I'm eager to try out some of the other work outs. It shows you each move, sets a timer for you, and uses the music on your iPod for you to listen to while you work out! I love it!!!

After that we had some lunch - soup and a half sandwich for me! This kind of weather is perfect for soup! Then we put on layers and layers of clothes and headed out into the snow. Bug ha d to pee after we had been out for like 5 minutes which meant taking off all her layers and so that she could go and then re-dressing her and heading back out. We goofed off, played on the swing sets, took a walk around our huge yard and attempted to build a tiny snow man but the snow is too powdery to pack well so we gave up on that and came back inside. Bug enjoyed some hot cocoa afterwards to warm her back up.....the rest of the day we've gotten some things done around the house and laid around. The Mister didn't have to work today and most likely won't be working tomorrow either because tonight we are supposed to get freezing rain so everything is going to ice over. Not fun. I don't mind snow but ice I do mind. Looks like we may be cancelling Bug big dentist appointment on Wed. up in the mountains. We were going to have to leave at 6am to head up there but there is no way I'm getting out with the possibility of sliding all over the roads and mountain. NO WAY! She's waited this long, she can wait until next week!

So enjoy a few photos I snapped while we were out and about.....I'm going to find something hot and healthy for dinner!!!


Trying to make a snowball!


Our country casa!


Tasting the snow....silly girl!


Cheesin'!


Can't resist the slide, even if it is covered in snow!


Our frozen pool, too bad we can't ice skate on it!


Happy the snow is here!