Whole 30: Day 4 & 5

Yesterday I spoke with my mom on the phone. The one thing to know about my mom is that she means well but can be a really big bitch. Sorry mom, if you're reading this, but it's true. I explained how it was going and she asked how much I weighed.. When I said 147.5 she goes, "I just broke my 140 barrier!" She couldn't lose any weight for a long time when she hit 140. Well con-freaking-grats Mom, you weigh less than me now. She continued by asking how my boyfriend feels about my weight gain and she told me to stop drinking so much beer. Now that's love!

So after the conversation with my mother, today I looked up my BMI because, you know why not while I'm trying to lose weight? -_- I guess it was a good thing to do because it is definitely a motivator now. I used this website to find out where I fall... and it told me I was "marginally overweight." http://halls.md/body-mass-index/av.htm Excuse me while I go hide under my covers. This is definitely a wake up call for me.

UPDATE: So today is Day 5. And all I want is freaking crackers or popcorn or anything crunchy!!! I am beginning to feel less motivated to keep this up but I know that I need to keep doing it. There have been so many emotions I've been feeling and the book says that it's normal but some of the current events happening in my life right now are not helping. The only good thing is the timing of doing this. The book says that day 6 & 7 are "I just want to nap" days. Luckily today is Friday so I have a whole 2 days to do absolutely nothing and I will love everything.

One other thing that has been annoying is breakfast. It's so hard doing breakfast on this thing. I get up at 7:45 every morning and leave the house at 8:10. That leaves little time to cook up some fancy breakfast like this book suggests. Like a spinach frittata? Ain't nobody got time for that. I've had hardboiled eggs every morning since starting this. Tomorrow, I will scramble my eggs. Because it's the freakin weekend!

Whole30: Day 2 & 3 Update

Well everyone, I learned an important lesson yesterday: read all of the directions before trying to make something.

After work yesterday I ran to Publix and spent another $60 on groceries. Came home and began making chili with my boyfriend. I cut my thumb while chopping because I am me and that's what me does. While the chili was cooking on simmer I decided to try to make basic mayonnaise. Because apparently mayo isn't good for you and I really want to make ranch dressing. Well I saw the ingredients list and just threw them in a bowl together. Don't do that. I made the mistake and had to dump out the whole bowl because it would not get thick.

After that fail I tried banana chips because I've been craving chips or something crunchy that's not a fruit or vegetable. Well they didn't turn out awesome either. So this morning I woke up feeling pretty good. Had my three egg whites for breakfast, a good amount of grapes, then went home for lunch to have a stuffed pepper from Sunday night. Came back and ate a banana and more grapes. We're gonna try making grilled shrimp tonight or tomorrow night. I feel like I have enough leftovers I should hold off and eat some of my leftover chili or stuffed peppers to get rid of them before they go bad.

UPDATE: Well I ended up eating the leftover chili and my boyfriend ate pizza rolls and the chili. It's not even the bad stuff that I'm missing at this point. I really just want some goldfish or crackers. Something crunchy and not watery.

Before heating up my chili in the microwave so I didn't have to do more dishes, I gave it another go at the mayo. I used my roommates ninja blender and it turned out okay. So I started to make my own ranch and as I went through the directions I realized that I did not have any god damn parsley. Well I googled some substitutes for parsley and I ended up having cilantro so I used that and it did not turn out bad at all. My roommates laughed when I shouted, "Oh my god it doesn't taste that bad!" Now that I have this dressing I will start snacking on carrots. I've been snacking on fruit way too much and they specifically warn you to not over do it on the fruit.

As I prepared for this challenge I read through some sections of the book, including "The Whole30 Timeline." Day 1 was pretty accurate. I felt like this was going to be a breeze, almost on top of the world feeling like yeah I'm doing this and you're not so suck it. Well Day 2 was kinda like that... except the whole "I want something crunchy" feeling. The book suggests that Day 2 and 3 are "The Hangover" in which your body is adjusting to not having all the things you normally eat in your body. I guess I wasn't eating all that poorly because it's the end of Day 3 and I haven't experienced any of the symptoms they were saying, like headaches, fatigue, brain for, malaise, etc. Or maybe it hasn't hit me yet... -_-

The book says that Day 4 & 5 is when you want to kill everyone. Literally, they wrote that when you're treated by your significant other smiling at you you have a sudden urge to punch them in the face for being cheerful early in the morning. The book mentions that your hormones are out of whack from trying to keep up with your new food choices and your gut is starting to heal. It also mentions to eat some sweet potatoes. Interesting because the sweet potato home fries are by far my favorite!

Whole30 Challenge: Prep Day Recap & Day 1

Today is Day 1 of my Whole30 challenge. A friend recently finished her challenge and she lost 8lbs and said she was feeling so much better. She is sleeping better, more energized, and just all around happier. So obviously I'm going to do it. Who doesn't want to lose weight and feel better? And it's just thirty days... How hard could it be?

So I bought the book off Amazon, two-day shipping (yay prime) and got down to it. They say to read the entire book before you start but my anniversary is July 24th so obviously I'm trying to get this done before then. I skimmed the beginning part that they want you to read and immediately started a list of meals I'd like to try.


I created a meal plan with one of the handy-dandy notebooks from Michaels and started a shopping list. Yes I know I didn't include breakfast and I didn't add much variety to my lunches, but hey.. I'm doing it at least. So my boyfriend and I head over to publix and get to it! ...... $170 later we're ready to cook. Note that it's really just that expensive because I have no spices in my apartment what-so-ever. Also note that I'm not a very good cook so this is definitely a challenge for me.


So we got right into it and went home and got started with the first recipe: my lunch for the week, stuffed peppers. All I needed was 4 red, yellow, or orange peppers. Well when we were at the store the green peppers were cheaper, so obviously I went with green peppers.
I got the chopped onion, garlic, ground turkey (because I hate beef), tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and chopped up butternut squash. I skipped the kale and threw in some collard greens because I had them already for my pets. (I have a tortoise, and 2 bunnies that love them some greens!) The prep was the hardest part for me because I'm not the best multitasker. Meanwhile I'm like oh hey let's get pictures for my blog! My boyfriend wanted to shoot me. What else is new?

Long story short, my peppers looked pretty good. I packed them up and got started on my next recipe: balsamic vinaigrette. Because the Ken's brand is apparently bad for you. Ugh! So I made that and it really didn't look like the picture. I'm thinking maybe I didn't put enough mustard powder in there? It says two teaspoons so I think I did that, but now I'm questioning my memory and I think maybe I just did one? Anyway, that's set up so now I have salad dressing for my dinner tomorrow (Monday).

So I enjoy my last night before the challenge with a nice Kona Big Wave beer and two slices of pizza. What a way to go out! This morning I woke up and got down to it. Before I hopped in the shower I took these pictures... And I did my official weigh in at a grand total of 147.5. Now some people will be like what the hell why are you trying to lose weight if you weigh under 150? Well if you see the picture you'll understand. But also you need to get this: I grew up playing sports. When I went to college I stopped playing sports and now I've been out of it for so long that I hate physical activity. When I turned 21 I did Tough Mudder and trained for that for about 6 months. I do better when I have a goal in mind. Since Tough Mudder I haven't had anything to motivate me enough until I saw this weigh-in. So while this picture isn't pretty (and I covered my face), it's my motivation.

Today I ate 3 egg whites for breakfast, because I hate yolks. A little before lunch I had a peach and then took my lunch break and went home to eat one of my stuffed peppers. It was actually pretty good, probably tasted better straight out of the oven, but beggars can't be choosers. So I went back to work, I live 2 minutes from my office, and had an apple later in the day. Left work to go pick up my new bunny from the vet where he got a lot of medicine and headed home. Now normally I would leave the vet and call my boyfriend and be like hey I'm picking up a pizza I'll be home soon. I waited til my boyfriend came home and we ate together. He had leftover pizza and I had collard greens with my balsamic dressing. Note that while my boyfriend is not doing this challenge with me because he weighs a whole 135 soaking wet, he has been super supportive. He helped me cut up ingredients and has been rooting me on. I feel like I'm going to get a little hungry before bed but I'll have some more salad or a piece of fruit for a snack. Besides that I think I've survived my first day of Whole30! Yay!

20 Things I Said While Watching Game of Thrones For The First Time

If you're like me, you simply do not get the obsession your boyfriend and friends have with Game of Thrones. I decided I would sit down and watch an episode with my boyfriend today... Needless to say, I was lost. Here's 20 things I said during the episode, each one annoying the shit out of him.

1. Wait, what did he just say?
2. What the hell is she wearing?
3. What's going on?
4. Pause it, I have to go pee!
5. Wait, what's going on?
6. There's a midget?!
7. Are there any other girls?
8. Why are we laughing?
9. Why is he so old??
10. Who died?
11. What's going on?
12. What's the wall?
13. Who is he?
14. What?
15. Who?
16. What language is he speaking?
17. Is that guy dead?
18. What was that?
19. EW!
20. Is it over?

If my boyfriend still loves me after sitting through that show with me, I think we'll make it.

7 Things We Can All Learn From Richard Branson

If you live anywhere besides under a rock you have at least heard of Richard Branson. The English businessman best known for starting Virgin Group. Branson’s net worth is nearly $5 BILLION. If you’re into business and reading blogs his is a must, read here. For those of us who know enough about Branson, we know that he is witty, sarcastic, and very original. 

1. You don’t need a routine. Branson is known for not having one. Be sure to take a few breaks throughout your day to reward yourself for finishing milestones. By doing this, you will feel less stressed and way more accomplished.
2. Be reckless. You need to make some risks in order to gain rewards because success rarely comes when you play it safe. Don’t be afraid to ask for that raise, venture off into a project you really want, or invest money in something you believe will succeed.
3. Make mistakes. How did you learn to ride your bike? You fell… a lot if you’re like me. But that’s how you learned. We’re all human and we can’t expect to be perfect all of the time. The best way to learn is to learn through mistakes. So break a few rules, don’t be the status quo.
4. Being Savvy trumps an education. You can go to school for 20 years, but it you are not savvy, you’re not going to make it far. Now I’m not saying you should drop out of school, but education is not everything. So don't stress when you get the grade you weren't expecting, just brush it off and move on.
5. Always say yes. Within reasoning, you should never turn down an opportunity to advance. Don’t go doing anything illegal, but take every chance you have to learn something new, visit somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, and take challenges head on. It's chances like these that make us who we are and help us get to where we want to go.
6. Don’t get comfortable. Just because you succeed at one thing doesn’t mean you’ll succeed in the next. In Branson’s book, Like A Virgin, he states, ”There’s an inherent danger in letting people think that they have perfected something. When they believe they've 'nailed it', most people tend to sit back and rest on their laurels while countless others will be laboring furiously to better their work!” This is so so so so so true. If you take a break… someone is always going to be right behind you.
7. Enjoy the ride. If you don’t love what you’re doing then you need to move on. Life is so short to be doing anything that doesn’t make you 100% happy. If Richard Branson had stuck with staying in college and doing what he didn’t want to do he wouldn’t even be a quarter of how successful he is now. 

Lilly For Target Killed the Internet #LillyForTarget

It's no surprise, really, that Lilly Pulitzer for Target's launch was an epic fail. With the vast majority of women in the United States' constant need to be up to date on fashion and status quo, a big brand name like Lilly Pulitzer is the girl on a budgets' wet dream. I say this because I am one of those women. I have been sitting in my boyfriend's basement on my laptop and phone for going on 4 and a half hours waiting for this new line to launch. With blood pressures high and wallets wide open, women are still sitting at their computers constantly refreshing their pages. While my boyfriend might be mad at me tomorrow morning for the sleepless night, I will hopefully be a proud owner of a new Lilly for Target dress.

Why all the haters? It's understandable that women who are die-hard Lilly fans are pissed at all of us "simple people" wanting to own one. They spend their money the way that they think is right and they think we're tacky. I'll tell you one thing though, I am a frugal buyer because that is the way my mother raised me. Yes, I could go out and spend 4 days pay to buy an over-the-top expensive-ass dress... but where's the fun in that when I could get 4 for the same price?

So ladies who are stalking Facebook, Twitter, and the Target website with constant CTRL + R's, keep calm and carry on. And to all the haters making fun of us for doing this? Bye Felicia.

Update: Got a confirmation email for the Lilly Pulitzer for Target Women's Fringe Kimono Jacket, Lilly Pulitzer for Target Women's Gold Sandals, and Lilly Pulitzer for Target Gold Plated Giraffe Flask. Success.

The Best Dates for Summer

Summer is the absolute best time to fall in like or love. There is so much for you to do with your significant other, or potential love interest. This list has the best dates for the summer for every category. Just met this person and want to get to know them? Been dating for forever and need to switch it up? Not sure if you like this person but want to get a group together? 

Amusement Park. By far the best date to go on, especially if you are just starting to get to know each other! Pay at the gate or ahead of time and you can buy your own ticket if you are just starting out (so no one feels pressure). Between the roller coasters, the people watching, the snack foods and shows, theres so much fun to be had. Not to mention the waiting lines — a great way to get to know more about each other while being casual. If you go to a park with water rides, it’s a fun way to cool off in the summer heat. All in all, this would be my number one date spot. You can venture out just you and your love interest, or get a group to go together so it doesn’t feel so personal. 

Planetarium. If you're looking for a way to throw down the mojo, a planetarium is where it’s at! Nothing is more romantic than a night viewing the stars. But sometimes in the summer it can get unbearably hot and sticky; the planetarium is a great alternative. It’s a great way to hold hands, sit in the dark, and cool off from the hot sun. A few planetariums I’ve been to host a nightly  sky show where it shows you how to spot the constellations that night. Take your day-date and turn it into a date-night after the planetarium trip!

Bowling. Yeah, yeah I know it’s a typical date idea but seriously… when was the last time you went bowling? Or better question: have you ever left a bowling trip not happy? It’s a cheap date and is a great way to have a one-on-one conversation or bring another couple along to make it a competition. 

Arcade. Talk about a blast from the past! Who doesn’t love arcades? There are so many games to be played, and you can win some fun things these days. My personal favorites are whack-a-mole and ski-ball. Whatever your favorites are, the arcade is a perfect way to show your date that you’re fun and are up for whatever! Some arcades are located on the beach or in fun locations where you can use it as an excuse to make your date go longer!

Putt-Putt. For those of us on a budget putt-putt, or miniature golf, is a great and cheap date. Neither parties need to be good at putt-putt, I mean who really is good at putt-putt? And if they are good, is that some kind of accomplishment? Putt-Putt is a great way to have one-on-one conversations to get to know someone better and see if you’re up for another date.

Nature Preserve. If you are looking for something a little more intimate, take a trip to a local state park or nature preserve. These are a great way to walk around and have a quiet, uninterrupted discussion. If you want to step it up a notch you can pack a lunch and have a picnic. Soak in the nature and get some one-on-one time.