I am pleased to say that this little blog reached 700 page views today! Now I certainly did not start this blog to gain a following or become famous in the blogging world, but it is nice to know that at least a few people check out what you have to say. So, thanks to my few but faithful readers! :)
I was reading one of my favorite magazines yesterday and I came across a great idea. There were articles about several ladies who had committed to "tweeting" everything that they eat at the end of each day in hopes of eating less or eating healthier since everyone will be able to see what they are eating. Several of them lost over 30 pounds! Not only do I not have a twitter, I also have no shame, so I am not sure that this would work for me, but it is a great idea! There was, however, an idea that I think I will try. A lady started her own hash-tag on Twitter (#plankaday) and hundreds ended up joining in. Her idea was to spend at least one minute a day in the plank pose. Easy enough, right? I am going to try to commit to doing this because I know from my experience in Pilates that planks are THE way to go. Planks strengthen your core and force you to tighten just about every muscle in your body. Join me in the plank-a-day challenge; lets get that flat belly that I know we all want.
I published this and then realized how weird it was to talk about a flat belly and then put a Mexican dish immediately following. All I can say is...I use low-fat ingredients. :)
Cheesy Taco Salad
This is a recipe I have put together from several different recipes
Ingredients:
One pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
Half a head of iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 1/2 cups low-fat cheddar cheese, grated
One packet taco seasoning (homemade is great and easy)
Jalapenos (optional)
Can of black beans (corn would also be good in it)
Small onion, minced
Light sour cream (about one cup, but I like a little more!)
Jar of salsa (or homemade if you have time)
Bag or tortilla chips
Preheat oven to 375. Brown ground beef in a skillet with a little bit of oil and the onion. Then add the taco seasoning and some water (whatever it calls for on the seasoning packet.) Set aside.
Place a layer of chips in a casserole dish. Then layer with some of the beans, some salsa, some meat, some lettuce, and some of the cheese. Then put another layer of chips, and another layer of all of the fixings (be sure and save 1/2 cup of cheese for the top.) Top with remaining cheese and some jalapenos. Place in the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt (not too long or the chips will get soggy.)
Serve in bowls with a dollop of sour cream on top (you could mix the sour cream in with the layers but warm sour cream kind of freaks some people out.) A lot of recipes call for Catalina dressing, so you could have that on the table if anyone wants it. :)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
I'm Lovin' It
It's time for a much over-due I'm Lovin' It post. I really need to stay on top of this blogging thing once I go back to school so another dry patch doesn't happen...
So, here is what I am totally lovin' right now...
POLYVORE! This site is truly awesome and totally handy. For some reason, I was under the impression that Polyvore was some technically difficult thing reserved for only true designers. Wrong! It is so fun and easy to use! I knew a little bit about it and loved what it was capable of because of this lady's blog but I had no idea how simple and awesome it is! You should really check it out if you haven't before. It is a great tool to plan outfits with. Although, if you aren't into that kind of thing, I can plan them for you.
My new red bag! This bag was featured in this fashion post several times because I love it so much and it was dirt cheap and if you know me, you know I love a good deal as much as I love clothes. It is the perfect bag to throw your stuff into, throw onto your shoulder, and go. Did I mention it was on sale for 8 bucks? Regularly $32.50...And to think that I almost bought it a month ago full price! HAH! Check it out at Old Navy if there are any left.
This Blog. I have been reading Kelle's story for about a year now and I absolutely love it. I am so inspired by her words, whether she is telling the story of her daughter Nella's birth and coping with finding out Nella has Down's Syndrome or if she is telling a simple story about spending time with her other little girl, Lainey. Her optimism is refreshing and makes me want to write about the things I am grateful for, too. She is in the process of writing a book that I am so excited to get my hands on. Go check her out, you will be hooked.
Winter Candy Apple from Bath and Body Works. My sweet boyfriend got me a set of lotion, shower gel, and body spray for Christmas and I just love it. It is the perfect scent for Christmas time and on into the Valentine's Day time.
These two babies. However, Priss proved today that she is no longer a baby when she showed us all how well she could hold baby J. She was a natural; it was SO sweet.
She saw that he had an abby (paci) so she needed hers too. It was so sweet to see her put his abby in his mouth just like she does her baby dolls. Baby girl knows what things are all about. She also knew that he needed to be patted and when he started to cry, she got a little startled, but she quickly began to rock back and fourth and pat-pat-pat little J's leg.
So, here is what I am totally lovin' right now...
POLYVORE! This site is truly awesome and totally handy. For some reason, I was under the impression that Polyvore was some technically difficult thing reserved for only true designers. Wrong! It is so fun and easy to use! I knew a little bit about it and loved what it was capable of because of this lady's blog but I had no idea how simple and awesome it is! You should really check it out if you haven't before. It is a great tool to plan outfits with. Although, if you aren't into that kind of thing, I can plan them for you.
My new red bag! This bag was featured in this fashion post several times because I love it so much and it was dirt cheap and if you know me, you know I love a good deal as much as I love clothes. It is the perfect bag to throw your stuff into, throw onto your shoulder, and go. Did I mention it was on sale for 8 bucks? Regularly $32.50...And to think that I almost bought it a month ago full price! HAH! Check it out at Old Navy if there are any left.
This Blog. I have been reading Kelle's story for about a year now and I absolutely love it. I am so inspired by her words, whether she is telling the story of her daughter Nella's birth and coping with finding out Nella has Down's Syndrome or if she is telling a simple story about spending time with her other little girl, Lainey. Her optimism is refreshing and makes me want to write about the things I am grateful for, too. She is in the process of writing a book that I am so excited to get my hands on. Go check her out, you will be hooked.
Winter Candy Apple from Bath and Body Works. My sweet boyfriend got me a set of lotion, shower gel, and body spray for Christmas and I just love it. It is the perfect scent for Christmas time and on into the Valentine's Day time.
These two babies. However, Priss proved today that she is no longer a baby when she showed us all how well she could hold baby J. She was a natural; it was SO sweet.
She saw that he had an abby (paci) so she needed hers too. It was so sweet to see her put his abby in his mouth just like she does her baby dolls. Baby girl knows what things are all about. She also knew that he needed to be patted and when he started to cry, she got a little startled, but she quickly began to rock back and fourth and pat-pat-pat little J's leg.
Happy Thursday :)
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
One Lucky Gal Gets to go to Hawaii... Here's What She Needs to Pack!
Outfit Lady,
I leave for Hawaii soon and am starting to pack. I don't want to take a ton of clothes (especially shoes), so I need to mix and match. Put me together a few outfit ideas? I'll be there for 8 days. I am doing active stuff (snorkeling, ziplining, etc), a few island tours (nothing strenuous but probably a lot of walking), some shopping, a luau, a business meeting, and a wedding. Not to mention the fact that it is winter where I fly through but 80 degrees in Hawaii. I already have my wedding dress taken care of. A few ideas would be helpful!
Thanks,
Chronic Over-Packer
First, I have to say, I am totally jealous that you are going to Hawaii. You get to do all kinds of cool things while the rest of us have to live through you by planning your outfits. Second, thank you for asking me to play with some clothes ideas for you. I feel like a real fashionista ;)
P.S- The blue and brown bag that shows up in pretty much all of the outfits it EIGHT DOLLARS at Old Navy right now. EIGHT DOLLARS, regularly $32. I got a red one today. So you need to go to Old Navy ASAP because they will not last long. I love the bag. It is the perfect size, especially for vacation. Also, most of these outfits are put together using clothes from Old Navy since it is Winter, and not all of the Spring clothes are out yet, it was hard to find warm weather clothing. I know that these clothes are in-stock right now (or they were this afternoon at least.) I hope you like my ideas :)
Have fun and post LOTS of pictures! ...Although, I know you will. You're way more on top of this blogging thing than me. :)
I leave for Hawaii soon and am starting to pack. I don't want to take a ton of clothes (especially shoes), so I need to mix and match. Put me together a few outfit ideas? I'll be there for 8 days. I am doing active stuff (snorkeling, ziplining, etc), a few island tours (nothing strenuous but probably a lot of walking), some shopping, a luau, a business meeting, and a wedding. Not to mention the fact that it is winter where I fly through but 80 degrees in Hawaii. I already have my wedding dress taken care of. A few ideas would be helpful!
Thanks,
Chronic Over-Packer
First, I have to say, I am totally jealous that you are going to Hawaii. You get to do all kinds of cool things while the rest of us have to live through you by planning your outfits. Second, thank you for asking me to play with some clothes ideas for you. I feel like a real fashionista ;)
P.S- The blue and brown bag that shows up in pretty much all of the outfits it EIGHT DOLLARS at Old Navy right now. EIGHT DOLLARS, regularly $32. I got a red one today. So you need to go to Old Navy ASAP because they will not last long. I love the bag. It is the perfect size, especially for vacation. Also, most of these outfits are put together using clothes from Old Navy since it is Winter, and not all of the Spring clothes are out yet, it was hard to find warm weather clothing. I know that these clothes are in-stock right now (or they were this afternoon at least.) I hope you like my ideas :)
What To Pack For a Hawaiian Vacation!
Old Navy scoop neck sweater
$11 - oldnavy.gap.com
$11 - oldnavy.gap.com
Old navy jeans
$25 - oldnavy.gap.com
$25 - oldnavy.gap.com
Old navy boots
$50 - oldnavy.gap.com
$50 - oldnavy.gap.com
Old Navy tote handbag
$33 - oldnavy.gap.com
$33 - oldnavy.gap.com
Apple iPod Touch 32G - White (4TH GEN): Shop Pro Audio & Other Musical...
$299 - musiciansfriend.com
$299 - musiciansfriend.com
Old Navy printed tank top
$18 - oldnavy.gap.com
$18 - oldnavy.gap.com
Old navy pants
$26 - oldnavy.gap.com
$26 - oldnavy.gap.com
Old Navy tote handbag
$33 - oldnavy.gap.com
$33 - oldnavy.gap.com
Retro super future square sunglasses
£113 - farfetch.com
£113 - farfetch.com
Sinful Colors Professional Nail Enamel | Walgreens
$2.32 - walgreens.com
$2.32 - walgreens.com
Old Navy fitted graphic tee
$15 - oldnavy.gap.com
$15 - oldnavy.gap.com
Old Navy jersey tee
$9.50 - oldnavy.gap.com
$9.50 - oldnavy.gap.com
Old Navy denim jean shorts
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com
Asics mesh shoes
$90 - piperlime.gap.com
$90 - piperlime.gap.com
Old Navy tote hand bag
$33 - oldnavy.gap.com
$33 - oldnavy.gap.com
Wet Seal crochet hat
$11 - wetseal.com
$11 - wetseal.com
Banana Republic sleeveless top
$60 - bananarepublic.gap.com
$60 - bananarepublic.gap.com
Banana republic
$80 - bananarepublic.gap.com
$80 - bananarepublic.gap.com
Old Navy tote handbag
$33 - oldnavy.gap.com
$33 - oldnavy.gap.com
Gold tone watch
$17 - target.com
$17 - target.com
Earrings
target.com
target.com
Old Navy sleeveless tank
$9.99 - oldnavy.gap.com
$9.99 - oldnavy.gap.com
Old Navy floral top
$13 - oldnavy.gap.com
$13 - oldnavy.gap.com
Old navy shorts
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com
Lanvin bikini bathing suit
$825 - net-a-porter.com
$825 - net-a-porter.com
Old Navy flip flop shoes
$1.50 - oldnavy.gap.com
$1.50 - oldnavy.gap.com
Wet Seal crochet hat
$11 - wetseal.com
$11 - wetseal.com
Tortoise sunglasses
$40 - nastygal.com
$40 - nastygal.com
Australian Gold Sunscreen Spray Gel with Instant Bronzer | Walgreens
$25 - walgreens.com
$25 - walgreens.com
Banana Republic long sleeve top
$40 - bananarepublic.gap.com
$40 - bananarepublic.gap.com
Old Navy printed top
$18 - oldnavy.gap.com
$18 - oldnavy.gap.com
Old Navy twill shorts
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com
Report metallic sandals
$40 - dsw.com
$40 - dsw.com
Gold tone jewelry
$17 - target.com
$17 - target.com
Sinful Colors Professional Nail Enamel | Walgreens
$2.32 - walgreens.com
$2.32 - walgreens.com
Have fun and post LOTS of pictures! ...Although, I know you will. You're way more on top of this blogging thing than me. :)
Resolutions Versus Goals
I am no different than anyone else in that I set a New year's Resolution each year. It is usually something like eat healthier, spend more time with family, etc. And, like anyone else, this last's until about February and then it kind of just goes POOF. This year, instead of setting a new years resolution, I am going to set several goals for myself to accomplish throughout the year. I am going to work hard to not forget these goals because I believe that simply forgetting to remember resolutions has been my problem in the past. I am going to make a daily effort to think about what I want to accomplish each morning in order to ultimately reach my goals. I am going to commit to not giving up if I do in fact forget about my goals for a day. I am going to just jump right back on track and keep working at it. So, without further ado, here is my goal list for 2012...
1. Eat healthier. Instead of simply saying "lose weight", I want to try to be more mindful of my food choices. I want to eat more natural, less processed foods. The hardest part about eating right is that it takes a bit more preparation than popping a pop tart in the toaster or swinging by the McDonald's drive-threw. I am going to try my best to plan ahead and plan so that I won't get to the point where I am so hungry that I am not willing to wait to fix something healthy. Planning is the key I believe.
2. Make time for exercise. I am guilty of using the excuse "I just don't have time" as my reason for not exercising when in reality I have MORE than enough time to exercise. The problem is that instead of using my time wisely, I spend hours on Facebook, Pinterest, and Polyvore and then have to do homework and everything else in the time I could be exercising. Maybe I should amend this goal to "Use my time wisely" because if I do this, I will have plenty of time for exercise. Weight-loss is not my main goal. I want to feel better. I want to be toned and tight and energized. Now, am I saying that if I lose 10 pounds I want be happy? Heck no.
3. Read my bible daily. This may be the hardest one on my list. This goes along with feeling better. I need to get up in the morning, read my bible and talk to God. I make excuses for not doing this, just like for not exercising but, the truth is, there is no excuse.
What are yourresolutions goals for 2012? I'd love to hear what you hope to accomplish during the new year.
1. Eat healthier. Instead of simply saying "lose weight", I want to try to be more mindful of my food choices. I want to eat more natural, less processed foods. The hardest part about eating right is that it takes a bit more preparation than popping a pop tart in the toaster or swinging by the McDonald's drive-threw. I am going to try my best to plan ahead and plan so that I won't get to the point where I am so hungry that I am not willing to wait to fix something healthy. Planning is the key I believe.
2. Make time for exercise. I am guilty of using the excuse "I just don't have time" as my reason for not exercising when in reality I have MORE than enough time to exercise. The problem is that instead of using my time wisely, I spend hours on Facebook, Pinterest, and Polyvore and then have to do homework and everything else in the time I could be exercising. Maybe I should amend this goal to "Use my time wisely" because if I do this, I will have plenty of time for exercise. Weight-loss is not my main goal. I want to feel better. I want to be toned and tight and energized. Now, am I saying that if I lose 10 pounds I want be happy? Heck no.
3. Read my bible daily. This may be the hardest one on my list. This goes along with feeling better. I need to get up in the morning, read my bible and talk to God. I make excuses for not doing this, just like for not exercising but, the truth is, there is no excuse.
What are your
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