Thursday, June 28, 2012

PHOTO TIME!

It's been a BUSY home vacation.  This has to be the best ecard I have seen in regards to parenting.


So TRUE!  Both Shawn and I are off this week with the girls.  I have worked more this week than I normally do.

So, I thought I would have a photo shoot post to show all the events from this week. 

A friend of mine and I decided to do our town's river walk.  It's a total of 6 miles round trip through downtown and in some park areas.  It's really a nice ordeal that our town built with $4.5 million.



This tree was seriously nuts!  I had to take a photo considering I have never seen three trees in one.



Ok, so I know I said I wouldn't drink, but I couldn't resist going out to $2 pint night on my vacation.  I never get to go anymore, because I became a parent, and well, I can no longer party like I used to and function at work the next day. 


Right on Mommy!  My little Boo Bear playing in the laundry basket.  It's the simple things that kids love, why buy a shit load of toys when all they want is a house hold item to play in??


So true!


A picture of Shawn in his new glasses.  Yummy!  Even though they are a -9.5 prescription and have about a half inch thick HIGH POWERED lens on them, he looks awesome with them.  That poor old blind bat. 


A picture of some beautiful ladies!

A decent self portrait before heading out for a night on the town.


And lastly a baby attack moment.  Gotta love that little ball of cuteness! 


Skinny Gal.....  Somewhere.

Monday, June 25, 2012

No Bake Shakeology Cookies

No Bake Shakeology Cookies

For those of you that do not know much about Shakeology, it's the healthiest meal of the day, you can read more about it on this post of mine- SHAKEOLOGY BY BEACHBODY POST.  The great thing about shakeology, is that it comes with many wonderful sweet recipes, so it's not just a shake!!


Ingredients
1 cup of splenda
1 tbls of honey
1/2 cup of natural peanut butter
3 cups of oats
1 cup of fat free evaporated milk
1/2 cup of light butter
1 tbsl of vanilla
1/2 tsp of salt
1 scoop of Shakeology

Directions: Boil splenda, honey, evaporated milk, butter, and salt.  Once it starts to boil, let it boil for one minute.  After a minute, pull off the burner and add in peanut butter, vanilla, and oats.  Lastly, add in the scoop of Shakeology.  Throw gobs onto wax paper.  These take about 2 hours to set up and dry due to the honey, but once they do, they are terrific! 

I LOVE no bake cookies and I LOVE them even more seeing that these are super low fat and calorie!!  If you are interested in knowing more about shakeology, you can visit my sponsored site-here.

Are they still healthy for you when you eat an entire batch???

Enjoy Shakeology lovers!

Skinny Gal.......  Somewhere.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Crock Pot Fajitas

Crock Pot Fajitas

These were something I found on pinterest from this site-FAJITAS!  This recipe is extremely low fat and healthy.  Really the only fat content is the chicken.

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs of chicken breast
4-bell peppers in various colors (green, red, yellow, orange)-sliced
1 yellow onion sliced
1 1/2 tbls of chili powder
2 tbls cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1 lime squeeze
1/2 cup of fat free chicken broth

Directions:
  1. Slice your vegetables thick and trim skin and fat off of chicken
  2. Pour 1/2 cup of broth in the slow cooker
  3. Toss your veggies into the chicken broth
  4. Place chicken on top of that and pour all your seasonings onto of the chicken
  5. Cook on low for 8 hours
  6. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix in the veggies like so and serve!!!


I served the fajitas with whole grain/wheat tortillas, salsa, lettuce and tomatoes.  I think the only thing I am going to change up next time will be to add a can of chilies to the slow cooker.  Momma likes spice and there wasn't quite enough for me in these.

Enjoy!

Skinny Gal..... Somewhere.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

At This Moment-Shawn Arendt

"At This Moment" by Shawn Arendt

I had to show off my sexy hubby singing one of my favorite songs.  This was recorded on my phone, so the sound quality isn't perfectly clear and you can't really see much detail in the video, but you can at least get the point of how awesome he is!!  I am definitely a lucky gal!  I think we should try The Voice or X-Factor.


I love my hubs!  Enjoy!!!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Skinny Zucchini Parmesan

Skinny Zucchini Parmesan

This was delightful.  Actually the best part was the spaghetti sauce I created.  I can finally make my own sauce without taking in all the extra sodium.  If anything, definitely try the sauce!!!  The sauce is for this 9X9 dish, so if you plan on making spaghetti with it or a bigger dish then double the recipe.


Ingredients

For Roasted Bell Pepper Marinara Sauce:
1- 8oz. can of tomato sauce (roasted garlic)
1/2 can of petite diced tomatoes
1 tbls. of freeze-dried Italian Seasoning
1/2 tbls of freeze-dried Basil
1/2 tbls of minced onion OR 1/4 a yellow onion chopped
1/2 tbls of minced garlic
1/4 tsp of crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp of pepper
1/4 tsp of salt

Simmer for 30 mins

For Bake:
2 lbs of Zucchini slices about a 1/4 inch thick
3 tbls of grated Parmesan
1 cup of Fat Free Mozzarella cheese
3 cups of TOTAL fiber bran cereal-crushed to the point of dust/tiny crumbs
1 egg and 2 egg whites-(scramble together)
THE FIXED MARINARA SAUCE ABOVE
Parsley to garnish top

Directions:
  1. For Marinara sauce, combine all ingredients and simmer for 30 mins.
  2. Slice your zucchini to a 1/4 inch thickness after washing.
  3. Pam spray your 9X9 casserole dish
  4. Put a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of casserole dish
  5. Dip your zucchini slices in the egg and then into the crunched cereal crumbs, then line the dish with zucchini slices
  6. Once you have a full layer, pour spoonfuls of marinara sauce on eat zucchini slice and sprinkle 1 tbl of Parmesan and 1/4 cup of mozzarella over top of the layer.
  7. Repeat 1-6 steps for 2 more layers so that you have 3 layers
  8. On the final layer, you will have 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese to top and sprinkle parsley extra appeal.
  9. Bake with aluminum foil or a glass casserole top for 45 mins on 375 degree.  Then pull the top/foil off and bake another 15 mins to slightly brown the top.





I officially hate my body! End of Story.

As a life long dieter, I have came across many frustrating times where I want to just scream at my scale and/or maybe possibly throw it against the wall.  Really though, the scale isn't the issue, it's this freaking fat suit that I have been blessed with.  Even though I absolutely love all kinds of food, I slightly blame genetics for not giving me that body type that doesn't have to worry about their weight. 

You know those girls, who-for whatever reason are just naturally thin??? 

Yeah, I hate you..... 

I have struggled my entire life with my weight.  I can eat healthy and do all the right things and STILL, I struggle with the bulge.  IT. IS. EXHAUSTING!

It's gotten even more exhausting since I have had my thyroid removed AND had my first child.  I use to drop weight so quickly and now, it's at a pace of a snail.  Even more frustrating!

So Thursday I weigh in at 200.2 lbs.  This IS the thinnest I have been in 6 years.  I thought, FRIDAY will be the day I finally kick 200 lbs, and NEVER look back.  I wake up this morning after staying within the limits of my weight watchers points and working out for 45 mins to TF 45 FIRE class, and I weigh in at 201 lbs.  WTF?

Are you freaking kidding me?  How?  Just how?

I divorced my body this morning.  We are no longer friends!  Stupid piece.....  I know I am being silly, but, seriously??

We all hit that wall where we are completely disappointed on the weight loss front.  Today is that day for me.  I work hard, I mean the Turbo Fire workouts are NOT easy.  So then, I have expectations.  High expectations.

It absolutely better happen by Monday,,,,,  OR ELSE!! 

ON A POSITIVE NOTE:
  • My father and mother said that I looked thinner last night even though I can't seem to beat 200 lbs.
  • A coworker told me that I ABSOLUTELY don't look like I weigh 200 lbs. or anywhere near it.  It made my day! 
Obsess much?  Yes!  I have goals to beat damn it!  It will happen soon, I can feel it. 

Here is some additional motivation for myself and others for the weekend:

I am at a loss for words with this gals rear.  Wow.  Maybe after Brazilian Butt Lift I will have that!!


I am thinking about adding this to my routine next week: 

XOXO

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

It's all about COMMITMENT! -Progression photos

My mind is completely blown from my newest progression photos.  I have had some loss, but not as much as the first 30 days. 

I have had a great week on the weight loss front-THIS WEEK!  I have finally made my mind up that either I am going to do this or I just need to quit.  Well, I decided I needed to do it and refocus on what is important!  I am here to tell you, you can be a work out fool all week, burn calories like crazy, and just one "cheat" day can destroy your entire week.

It's all about what you put in your mouth! 

CALORIES EATEN VS. CALORIES BURNT.

I saw this DOVE wrapper and LOVED IT.  How true is that?  When we're on a diet, it's all we talk/hear about, but when we're not, IT IS ON!  It's such an intangible little shit that we're only aware of when we start looking at our love handles.

Actually, starting last week I decided to quit drinking and I have had such a better progress since doing so. 

Is it a BIG commitment?  Absolutely!

Does everyone think I am a big ol' lame bird?  Pretty much!

Do I sit at home and dream about the fun I could be having while being out with friends on a Saturday night?  Yep.

But, that's what REALLY makes the difference. 

COMMITMENT!

I was in this 3-4 week spiral to where I would lose 2-4lbs Monday-Friday and then Saturday night drinking would take me right back where I started.


So, to say the least, I am surprise that I had any progress to show.  I have now went 60 days on Turbo Fire.  Here are the best photos (Before: this is the start of TF, Middle: 30 days, and End: 60 days):


Now that I have quit drinking, you are going to be so AMAZED with the progress next month.  I can't wait!!!



Eating Healthy 101 Food Example #1

I often get asked what exactly it is that I eat through out the day.  I plan on starting to post a meal once a week to give everyone an example of what I eat for individuals that may not be used to eating well or dieting.

This is what I ate from this morning:


Scrambled Eggs- 1 whole egg and 3 egg whites, 1 TBLS of dry Basil, and a handful of fresh Spinach.

How to cook eggs:  1. Rub in olive oil in a non-stick skillet just so the eggs don't stick.  2. Scramble your egg, egg whites, and Basil.  3. Cook in the skillet until eggs start to form and toss in the spinach until completely cooked.

Fresh Strawberries- 1 cup

8 oz. of H20

My breakfast totalled a big 5 WW points plus and was super filling!!

By the way, I learned that Basil is a great replacement for salt and pepper on eggs after reading the O2 Diet.  One of my hobbies back in the day was to read Fad diet books.  Of course, this was before I had my daughter, and well, now I have NO time to read a book. 

The O2 Diet was actually one of my favorite reads out of the bunch.  It taught me so much about antioxidants and how important they are in your body.  The scrambled eggs recipe, which is super simple, is actually found in the O2 Diet recipes. 

Some great seasonings on the ORAC chart are:
  1. Ground Cinnamon
  2. Basil
  3. Oregano
  4. Rosemary
  5. Thyme
So, I usually try to use these seasoning on anything I make.  Spinach is also high on the ORAC charts.  You can find ORAC values- HERE, the higher the value, the better the food.  Spices usually rank high, so use those spices instead of salt and pepper!!  

   

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Beachbody Challenge Group

I am leading a Beachbody Challenge group starting July 1st. 

What is a Challenge group?

A Challenge group is a group of 5-10 individuals who are looking to start a Beachbody program at the same time.  The group setting is to help people stay committed to and hold everyone accountable to completing a program and getting results.

A Challenge pack comes with a month supply of Shakeology (best meal replacement on the market in my opinion), a Beachbody program of your choice and a month's membership to the Beachbody website, so that you can stay plugged in to the Beachbody world.

Here are the different Challenge packs (Click on the picture if you have a hard time reading and it should blow up bigger):

  Here is a cool comparison chart of the different protein shakes on the market (Click on the picture if you have a hard time reading and it should blow up bigger):

Here are the results I have had with Beachbody:



I wish I had a full body BEFORE picture, but I only took pictures from the chest up.  I have now lost 33lbs, lost 38" all around, went from a size 22 pant size to 14/16 and went from a 42 DD to a 36-38 C/D. 

I had beer boobs, so I was happy to eliminate some of that.  A "C" cup is much more comfortable and better for my back.  

So there ya have it.  I have been doing TurboFire for 2 months now.  I am continuing the program until Aug 1st, in which I am switching to ChaLEAN Extreme.  I do the chocolate shake-o, which is fabulous every morning.  My weight loss journey is really just starting, I still have about 60lbs to lose.  Every day I keep at it though and keep chipping it away.    

So, who are the lucky individuals wanting to join my Challenge group?  There are two ways to join.  You can add me as a friend on FB at this link- HOLLA! and shoot me a message.  You can also comment below with your email and I will follow up with you with the full information on how to sign up. 

JULY 1st people!  You'll need to get on it and purchase a Challenge Pack in the next week to start.  My recommendations would be TurboFire, Brazilian Butt Lift, or Insanity. 

XOXO
    

Monday, June 18, 2012

Brynner's at 9 months

Brynnie is doing so many new things.  We just had her 9 month check up and our doctor was more than pleased with her progress, how alert she is, and how advanced she has become. 

So, what's new with Brynn??
  • She LOVES puffs (all flavors)
  • She is eating all baby foods now, but I can't get her to eat meat in a baby food consistency.  I really can't blame her, because that shit is disgusting.  I want to gag just from smelling it.  She will eat bits of meat from the table.
  • She eats table food, but we don't give her too much.  Typically we just mash up veggies, eggs, or deli meat from our plates.
  • She is starting to get picky...  :-(  I was really hoping for a good eater.... 
  • We're still doing 2-50% diluted juice bottles and about 3-7 ounce formula bottles a day. 
  • She'll drink from a sippy cup, but prefers the bottle for that sucking sensation.  She doesn't do a pacifier, so she loves her bottle.
  • She's broke two teeth now as of yesterday.  The right bottom and right top toofers. 
  • She is a crawling fool.  I have such a hard time keeping up with her. 
  • I believe her and the dog are competing for who can pick up the most junk on the ground and put it in their mouths.  I am constantly pulling things out of her mouth.....  AND THE DOGS. 
  • She is pulling up and walking/shuffling around things
  • She is STANDING on her own as of last week.  She can usually stand for about 30 seconds at a time.
  • Her hair is long enough for a pony tail, which is how I have it in this picture.  She does have a ton of new growth coming in which makes her look like she has bangs now.  It's also a nice platinum blond, even though she came out with black hair.
  • She also still has the BIGGEST blue eyes I have ever seen.  I'm thinking they're there for good....  They better not change now!! 


Skinny Gal....  Somewhere.

Friday, June 15, 2012

It's Friday Bitches!

I know I say this every week, but TGIF!  I am off this weekend.  Thank goodness!!!! 

This is so TRUE->

IT'S FRIDAY BITCHES!!!! 

I have a Sally Sailor mouth, but I try to refrain while I am blogging. 

I really have no plans, which sounds absolutely fabulous to me this weekend. 

I believe I am going to have some GREAT news for my weight loss blogger peeps on Monday!!!  I am a pound from being under 200lbs.  Yes, that may not sound like a big deal for most, but it happens to be my next LARGE goal to surpass!!  I am definitely taking a picture of my scale on Monday if it says 199lbs. 

I have pushed it REALLY hard this week and as long as I can stay focused this weekend I can achieve it.  So, here are the workouts that I have done this week. 

Sunday:  TurboFire 55 EZ- This is 55 mins of pure cardio
Monday: I had to take off for my Hubs actual day of birth. 
Tuesday: TurboFire Tone 30 and Core 20
Wednesday: TurboFire 30 FIRE (Intense Cardio) class with my weighted gloves and Abs 10
Thursday: TurboFire 60 FIRE class-This is 60 mins of INTENSE cardio, Chalene says it equals out to running 6-7 miles.  I'm always so proud for completing it.  It's only the second time I have tried it. 
Friday: Tonight I am probably going to do Turbo's Circuit Burner 1 and Core 20
Saturday: I have plans to do one of the cardio classes, it will either be 45 EZ or 55 EZ depending on my time available.
Sunday:  I might take a day break on Sunday away from TurboFire and hit the pavement.  We'll see!!

So there ya have it.  I am fully committed again.  So much that I decided that I was going to quit drinking for a while.  It's the true beast as to why I haven't had any results in about 3-4 weeks.  I have teeter tottered from 203-205 for about a month now.  As hard as it is, I am going to order some good ol' H20 from now on instead of that golden delish when I am at a bar. 

Call me lame, I don't care! 

There are really 2 things that truly make me happy--1st being my daughter who turns a big 9 months old today.  I will have her update next week sometime, she is doing so many new things!!!  And secondly, losing weight makes me super happy.  I want to beat these horrible genetics that I have been blessed with. 

So, who's motivated this week other than myself????  Here is my motivation for the week:



AND THE BODY OF CUTENESS FOR THE DAY!!!!  I WANT THAT....  HOT BIOTCH!  I will add this to my wish list once my body looks that good:

  1. Rock in a bikini beside a lake while hula hooping...  Found-- here  (I don't know anyone that would do this, but this girl did, she looks hot, and well-- I want that to be me)!
  2. Walk around in my boy underwear and a tight short t-shirt around my house.  I suppose I could occasionally pull up the shirt and look at my abs like this lady...  lol  Hey, if you got it, flaunt it!!!

Have a great weekend!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Spicy Tuna Salad

Spicy Tuna Salad

This is something I came up with and it was SERIOUSLY delicious!  It's definitely a do again for me.  I love spicy food, so this was right up my alley.  It's very low fat, calorie and is very filling!

1 serving is this entire recipe:  209 Calories, 9.5g Fat, 22g Protein, 4g of Carbs, 1g Fiber--
5 WW plus pts


Ingredients
1 can of tuna in water
1 teaspoon of hot sauce, like Tabasco
1 tbls of light Mayo
1 wedge of Laughing Cow (light)-Mozzarella, sun-dried tomato, basil cheese spread
1 vine tomato, cut in half
1 bunch of baby spinach, chopped
Dash of pepper for taste
Dash of Basil for garnish

  1. Chop baby spinach and cover bottom of the plate
  2. Cut your vine Tomato in half and spread your wedge of Laughing Cow cheese across the tops
  3. Mix together drained tuna, hot sauce, light Mayo, pepper and throw on top of cheese spread
  4. Top with chopped basil




Party Results

We had a pretty eventful weekend.  We barely made it to getting everything done for Shawn's party.  We were actually still putting things together while the first couple people were showing up.  It was stressful, and it will be a LONG time before I have another party. 

We ended up having somewhere around 20ish people show up.  I think it was around 22 actually.  So, here are some photos from it all.

These beautiful corn hole boards were my gift to my hubby.  He's a big Yankee's fan. 


Aren't they beautiful????  My dad and I worked on these for 3 solid weekends.  I am SO glad to have these done and no more project, so I can start working out hardcore again.  I haven't had any results for about 3 weeks since I haven't been able to work out 6 days a week for about 3 weeks.

So, in preparation for the party.  My best friend and I made margarita jello shots which were AMAZING!  We made 48 total and they were gone between 12ish people within 2 hours.  :)

To make these wonderful Jello Shots, here is the Recipe:

Directions:


  1. Mix boiling water and Jello. Stir for a minute until dissolved. Add rest of ingredients, stir.
  2. Pour into small paper dixie cups, cool on one or two cookies sheets stacked in the refrigerator.
  3. Unless you use ice and water for the cold water, allow 5 or more hours for Jello to cool and set.
This is JillyBean with her steady hand pouring out some yumminess.  Isn't she beautiful?  I'm sure she is going to love being apart of my blog.



  We also decided that you can't make jello shots without drinking at the same time.  So, we made mango daiquiris.  They were delicious!


For whatever reason, I was so busy having fun, that I really didn't get many photos from the party and the ones that I did take mostly looked like crap, probably because I was shmammered!  Yes, that is being smashed and hammered = shmammered!  I over indulged in some alcohol.  It will be my last time drinking for some time. 

This was the best photo of the night.  This is of me and my besties!  I love these girls, we've been friends for 7ish years now!! 


XOXO,

Skinny Gal....  Somewhere!!!!  

Friday, June 8, 2012

HEY it's the Freakin' Weekend-Cheers to That!

I am SO freakin' excited that it's FRIDAY!  This weekend I am throwing a BIG shindig at the Arendt's house for the hubby's Birthday.  The OLD man turns a big 3-6 this year..... And yes, I have the right to call him old, because he's 7 years older than I am.  :)  BUT, I love the old fart.  :)

I am starting to go through a slight freak out mode knowing all the things I still need to get done before 6pm tomorrow night.  I still need to:
  • Mow, trim, weed eat-yard
  • Buy food for party
  • Make food for party
  • Clean my ENTIRE house-This will take about 3-4 hours
  • Buy last minute items for party-lights, ping pong balls, etc.
  • Clean up patio
  • Pick up my daughter from my parents tonight, and bring her back before the party starts on Saturday (this is an hour round trip)
  • Spray tan my white legs     
  • Wrap Shawn's gifts
  • Make Margarita Jello Shots
  • Finish a small flower bed project
My head is seriously spinning!

I don't see my workouts being possible in this mess, so I probably won't be able to do that until Sunday.  I have lost a total of 3lbs this week so far, but I am guessing tomorrow night's damage will gain some back, because I will not be holding back.  It's just one of those occasions where I don't want to be strict.   

We're expecting 25-30 people to attend.  WOWZER!  It will be bigger that our last summer party 2 years ago.  We had about 18 people then and it got INSANE.  I'm really surprised the cops weren't called for noise.  Cross your fingers that it won't happen this year either.  We usually only have a party once or twice a year, so generally my neighbors are pretty good with us.

Pictures to come on Monday or Tuesday! 
   


   

Thursday, June 7, 2012

HAIR!

I often get asked what I use on my hair.  I also get a ton of compliments with it.

First off, it took me over a year to get my hair this long!  Brynn keeps trying to convince me to get the "mommy cut" by pulling it out all the time, BUT that will not be happening since it took so long to grow.

I get my hair foiled with highlights and low lights about every 8-10 weeks as well as a trim each time I go.  My original hair color is a nasty dish water color that's dull and boring. 

I usually curl my hair with either a regular curling iron-1 1/2" or a 1" curling wand.  I try to limit the usage with my curling wand, since it's hard on my hair.  I also wear it straight on days where I am rushed for time.  I usually use my hair chi for straightening.

I LOVE to accessorize my hair.  I know, I am such a girlie-girl.  I DON'T know what happened.  I used to be such a tomboy, then I started working with girls that were real into make-up and when our town finally got a Sephora (which is my 2nd favorite store EVER), it was over.  I know for a fact that the more expensive products out there are totally better for your skin and worth the cost. 

I had my hair pretty short about a year and a half ago and so I started wearing headbands and such.  Well, this pretty much has continued since then.  I love me some headbands, flowers, little bows, etc.  Here is a pic from this morning at my desk from work.  As you can tell, I was in a rush this morning, hence the straight hair.     

Headband is from Forever 21

Pretty much all my clothes come from New York and Company.  I will occasionally buy things from Target.  My hair accessories usually come from just about anywhere.  I like Forever 21, because they have cheaper items.   

So here are some shots from Monday's hair style, for whatever reason it looks super blond in these:


I curl my hair by spiraling it away from my face except the short front pieces.  Sometimes I will curl those away too and have more of that 70's look like in my profile photo. 

I typically try to use different hair products all the time to test out new ones and see how I like them, but everything I am currently using seems to be perfect! 

So, to wash my hair, I am currently using Nexus Pro-mend.  It keeps the split ends at bay.  The bottles look like this:
I dry my hair with a towel until it is damp and use Aquage Detangler on my hair.  This is the BEST detangler I have ever used and I will never venture away from it.  It softens my hair and doesn't weigh it down.  The bottle looks like this: 
I sometimes use a root boost on the back of my hair when I wear it straight to lift it.  I like the Big Sexy Hair product line quite a bit, so I use their root boost:

After curling my hair I use Tresemme level 3-4 hairspray on my hair to hold the curl.  I used to use Big Sexy Hair-hair spray, but I go throw it so fast that it was getting to be too expensive.  Tresemme is light and doesn't make your hair look greasy. 

And lastly, I use Bed Head's Rockaholic-Dirty Secret dry shampoo on my hair to add extra lift.  The powder in it adds volume.  :)  And that's my dirty little secret.....  :)
I hope this helps!

-Skinny Gal..... Somewhere