Life After I "Dew"

Firm Friday, It's Different

2012-01-27T06:49:00.002-05:00

So yesterday I was going back through some of my posts in my "weight loss" label, you know for good measure. Actually it's because me and Kristen were talking about getting our pre-baby abs back and what we need to do to get them there. We used to be hot lil numbers back in the day and we took that for granted, big time.

You see when I was in full on wedding mode I was also in full weight loss mode. I remember struggling to lose 2 lbs, not realizing that although the scale wasn't moving my body was changing. I had only managed to drop 10-12 lbs before our wedding but DAMN Gina, that body was tight, firm, toned, and I didn't even appreciate it. It wasn't until I was 100 months pregnant that I realized what a body I had.

Now when people see me they're all, "OMG you are TINY". My mom even threatened an intervention, stating I was "getting too thin". Part of what they say is true, a TINY part, I am "skinnier" now than I was pre-baby, but it's diferent. Sure the scale says what I would have loved it to say 3 years ago but the body isn't what it used to be. For example, the lowest weight I ever reached pre-baby was 142 and I looked like this.

And now today I fluctuate but usually am around 137, comfortably.

SEE the difference? So just goes to show you that the number on the scale means NOTHING girls, nothing.

So while I'm at a weight I haven't seen in a long time, it's different. I would KILL to be 142 and have that definition back. See after you have a baby things...change. They shift, they stretch, they sag, it's not a pretty sight. And getting back into shape post body? Totally different too. Back in the day I could just do some crunches and the elliptical for 30 minutes and see results, no diet necessary. Today it's a little more tricky and a strict 1200 calorie diet is key, for me. But, I can do it. Last year was all about losing the weight and I did it so I know I can do this too. Goal weight AND toned? Yep, that will be me.

So, to all you girls out there with no babies, enjoy, cherish, LOVE the body you have now! If you got it, flaunt it because I can promise you it's all hard work and dedication afterward.

Blog Lovin'

2012-01-26T06:42:00.002-05:00

So it's not often that I pimp out other blogs that I ~~stalk~~ love but today I wanted to give credit where credit is due. These ladies inspire me. Make me laugh. Make me think. Make me want to be a better me. Give me ideas. Give me parenting advice. These are the blogs I don't even need my Reader to check, I just check them anyway. These are the blogs:

Bower Power: I started following The Bowers about a year or so ago. They lived in a house that I just loved and if I lived closer would have contemplated buying when they put it up for sale. Katie is a decorating extraordinaire and takes amazing photos. Let's not forget to mention that her husband isn't too hard on the eyes either. They moved into a FANtastic new home and I love seeing them renovate it, just amazing transformations going on over there.

Loves of Life: My blog designer/friend Katie. She's got a way with words, this girl. She's truly got a gift for writing and I anxiously await an update from her every day. She's also truly been an inspiration to me over the past year as far as this whole weight loss/running game is concerned. She is proof that if you put your mind to something nothing can get in your way of acheiving your goal, and that's pretty damn cool.

First Name Smith: I'm sure it's no surprise that my would be lover is on this list. Just when you are all, "oh well you HAVE to say that, she's your bestie" Imma tell you this, try it, you'll like it. Girlfriend is a hoot and a half and has the pretties to boot. If you like wine, cute babies, Ryan Reynolds and the occassional F bomb, you'll love my girl.

MODG: I don't even know where to start with this one. She's just utterly funny. Like I don't even know how she comes up with this stuff. Pure hilarious brilliance going on over there. She deserves an award.

Between the Lines: Laura just makes me want to be a better person, truth city. She's just an all around sweet, wholesome girl and her kindness makes my heart smile. She's such a great motivator and truly seems to "do it all".

The Life of Susan: Susan is the epitome of "life is what you make it". After suffering a devastating break up she could have thrown in the towel but instead she did the exact opposite. She is living proof that no matter what your circumstances are, YOU are in control of your life.

The Small Things Blog: The best hair toutorial site out there. I found her via Pinterest and never looked back. Even though I don't implement these ideas into my life as much as I need to, it's good to know they're there when I need them.

Enjoying the Small Things: Having a bad day? Feeling sorry for yourself? Then go read this blog. Kelle was born to write, plain and simple. I will be ordering her book and encourage you to do the same. Truly a remarkable woman, such an inspiration.

So those are a few of my go-to blogs. I check them several times a day, go back and reread a lot of older posts, and think you should too.

I was on Twitter the other day when Nina said "Today I am challenging myself to connect with a blog/blogger I've never read before." and I thought that was such a great idea. So this is me paying it forward, hope you'll do the same and support and promote some of your favorite blogs.

SO WHAT Wednesday!

2012-01-25T06:08:00.002-05:00

This week I'm saying SO WHAT! if...I am foregoing SWW this week to ask you guys a very serious question. When I was on WordPress {bad blogger move} I used Blue Host to host my site {mistake #2} and when I made the switch back to Blogger I just assumed Blogger/GoDaddy was my host again {mistake #3}. This past weekend Blue Host "renewed" my hosting subscription with them for $108. Immediately I panicked because "WTF, $108?!" and I didn't even realize it was due. So of course, like any sane person, I turned to Twitter only to find out I was being royally ~~fucked up the ass~~ screwed by Blue Host. So needless to say I live chatted one of their savvy tech people to let them know I would no longer need their ~~shitty~~ service.

So my question to you fine ladies is this. My subscription with Blue Host will expire on February 4, at which time my blog will be gone. I will export everything that has been written up until that point and then import it, hopefully that will all happen seamlessly. BUT I don't know what happens after that. I have already purchased lifeafteridew.com so that will {hopefully} remain the same but how in the world will I switch to GoDaddy as my new host so that my blog is visible once again? Right now when I go to the settings it doesn't give me all that good stuff because I'm already hosted {I guess}. Does that mean that once my hosting with Blue Host expires it will reappear and I'll just set up an account with GoDaddy as usual? I don't know! I need help! I'm terribly afraid of my blog just disappearing on the 4th and then I will probably drown my sorrows in a box of wine and go into hiding because I can't even fathom the thought.

HELP!

EFF You, Winter

2012-01-24T06:18:00.001-05:00

Winter, winter you suck so bad,

You give the occasional case of S.A.D.

Your temps are so frigid we stay inside,

Inside + Toddler = cry, cries, cried.

Even in Uggs my toes go numb,

Your snow and sleet are so dumb.

Our electric bill was near five hundred dollars,

If you're jealous, let me hear you holler.

*crickets*

Sure snow angels are lots of "fun",

But nothing beats the sand and sun.

I long for the days of warmer weather,

And laying out till my skin turns to leather.

Looking out the window is not a thrill,

Especially after I check the wind chill.

Getting dressed is such a mess,

I long for the days I can wear a dress.

My brand new car cannot stay clean,

Winter, why are you so mean?
Winter, winter go away,
No need to come back, not any day.

Messy Mom Monday {a vlog}

2012-01-23T06:06:00.001-05:00

Some of you may have seen some girls link up with Jess and Brit last week for Messy Mom Monday, heck you probably linked up even. It's one of the best ideas for a link up, in my opinion. The thing is, people will believe whatever they want about you based on what you chose to share with them. You know we like to keep it real over here which is why I love this link up so much, it's real. It gives you a glimpse into others world and let's you know NO ONE is perfect and no one has it ALL together, ALL of the time. I know that when I saw other's share last week it made me feel A LOT better about having dishes in the sink or toys all over the floor, because that's real and NORMAL. So today I will share with you my messiness via blog. You're welcome.

*After recording this I realized how much I sound like Kourtney Kardashian. And no I don't think that's a good thing.
**Don't judge.
***There's more where that came from.

Silent{ish} Sunday

2012-01-22T08:19:00.000-05:00

I met some of my favorite {blogging} ladies for some dinner and drinks last night. Aly even came all the way from Indy to see us {or so I like to think}.

Me, Aly, Holly, & Lindsey

Lindsey, me, & Holly

Not only does Columbus {and Indy} have the best company but I think it's safe to say the prettiest too.

OBSESSED

2012-01-20T06:44:00.000-05:00

I was going through my iPhone pics, trying to clear out all 702, and noticed something that seemed to make an appearance quite often. My boots. The best purchase I made for this fall. I bought them for $40 at Target {of course} and they've been worth every penny. I get so many compliments on them and when I tell people that they were just $40 they run to their nearest Target only to find they don't have them {in central Columbus anyway}. They are comfy, go with everything, and for $40 you have nothing to lose.
Also pretty much obsessed with Chai lattes. I know I've talked about them before but it's true. Grande, no water, soy Chai latte is my drink of choice these days. I have had Chai tea before and hate it, it's gross, I hate all tea though so that's no surprise. Chai tea lattes though? Amaze. Soy milk only though, I had it with skim and it's just not as good! Just trust me on this.
I got two new head wraps for Christmas and I'm in love. They are better than a hat in the sense that they don't mess up your hair as much and you can wear a pony tail with them with no problem. I love the little flower details on both and fully intend on buying more.

What about food? I'd say the next most popular {Kendall will always take the #1 slot} category of photos on my phone is food. I take so many pictures of food, just looking through my phone makes me hungry. I like to say it's because I'm going to blog all of these delicious things we eat but the truth of the matter is I just tweet it and forget it. What have we been having lately?
This new blog design, I can't stop looking at it. My pageviews are going to skyrocket and it's just because I keep looking at it myself. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Katie did an amazing job. She was responsible for the last one too {and it was great} but this one is just SO me. The colors, the three little birds {Jimmy, Shannon & Kendall}, the new social media icons, I just love it!

So that's what I'm lovin' these days. Any current obsessions? Things I need to know about? Please share.

NO Baby On Board

2012-01-19T06:37:00.000-05:00

Excuse me BabyCenter, Destination Maternity and The Bump but I, in fact, am not with child or preparing for baby #2. Perhaps it's my fault for not unsubscribing once I had my first {and only} baby but I think it's rather bold, of all a fore mentioned sites, to assume that we are ready to be pregnant again.
Maybe it's because everyone is pregnant now. I mean pretty much all of my blog friends that I was pregnant with the first time around are pregnant with baby #2 now. I have many coworkers that are pregnant, two are due any day now, my BFF is expecting her first and Jimmy's cousin is expecting #2 this summer. I am surrounded by The Pregnants. I am so happy for each and everyone of them! Truly cannot wait to follow their stories and watch their families grow.
My girlfriend recently brought her 3 & 5-year-old girls over for a "play date" with Miss Kendall Paige. It was fun, exciting, playful, and CHAOTIC! Those girls ran and played and laughed and my house was full of so much estrogen, it was great fun. But then they got tired and whiny and started fighting and not sharing and then the party was o-v-e-r. While I loved having them here and can't wait to do it again, my eyes were opened to what it would be like with more than one.
The thought has crossed my mind, yes it has. Jimmy even said to me the other day, "IF we had another one, what would you want?". We've even talked about how old we'd want KP to be if we did decide to expand our family. So yeah, we have considered it. IF we would have another I'd want Kendall to be much older, like 4 or 5 {aka out of diapers} but by then I'm sure we'll be all "do we really want to start over now?" And the answer is, who knows?
One thing I do know? The thought of being exhaustedly pregnant while fighting a toddler to take a bath, showing said toddler my belly button 394,596,699 times a day, and picking up mashed vegetables from the floor sounds miserable. More miserable than walking barefoot through the snow. I commend all those moms out there that do this, you women ROCK my socks. High five. Fist bump. And "woo-hoo" to you! You are braver than I.
So for now, we'll enjoy our only child and be hap-hap-happy for all you expectant moms!

SO WHAT! Wednesday

2012-01-18T06:28:00.002-05:00

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...

I wrote an entire blog post about Desperate Housewives. Yeah I'm that passionate about a TV show.
I can't stop thinking about our summer vacation. It's not till August but I'm PUMPED! The thought of 12 hours in a car with my car-hating toddler makes me want to gouge my eyes out with a plastic spoon but once we get there it should be worthwhile.
I am like IN LOVE with this new blog design. I mean isn't it just the best? Big thanks to Katie, again.
I stopped and walked the last 1/2 mile of my 5K yesterday. Note to self: any time you eat bad food you will run like crap, true story.
I rock a side pony more than often than is appropriate for a girl of my age.
I am SO excited that we haven't had much of a winter {yet} this year.
I still peek in on KP every night before I go to bed.
I only Hey Tell with blog friends, never IRL friends or family. Wannat chat?

Ode To The Desperates

2012-01-17T06:24:00.001-05:00

Dear Mark Cherry,

You had an amazing show idea when you created Desperate Housewives. I mean, really, what's not to love about suburban "housewives" getting drunk and mischievous all while wearing 5" Christian Louboutin's? It's fabulous and you had me at Mike the plumber. HOWEVER as a loyal, long time viewer I must express my disappointment in the final season.

These ladies are funny, witty, silly and sexy. The have fun and get into a little bit of trouble every now and then. They always have each others backs even in the stickiest of situations. But, you have taken characters that we have all grown to love and feel as if we know, are best friends with, and turned them into boring, miserable, whiny bitches.

Also? this whole murder mystery thing? So not your thing. These people have killed numerous "victims" over the years and not even blinked an eye. Then they kill this guy, who actually deserved it, and they have been dwelling on it for a whole season? Cop out. Lame.

And you messing with Tom and Lynette? Not cool. I mean couldn't we have thought of something more clever? Like the get a sister wife to help out Lynette and take care of Tom's "needs". But making them separate and have all this tension, makes my heart sad.

All i know is you are lucky, Mark Cherry, that I am so invested in this show. All the years I've watched I can't possibly give up on it now, but you probably planned it this way didn't you? Suck us in and then just coast your way out? As if this show never meant anything to you at all. Shame on you.

And so help me god, if you end the season with it 1. all being a dream or 2. all of them in jail I will protest any show you have from this day forward. Mark my word, Mark Cherry.

Good day sir, I said GOOD DAY!

TMI Much?

2012-01-16T06:20:00.000-05:00

Last week my friends Erica and Kodi did posts about blogging. Do people in your life {real life} know about your blog? Do you feel vulnerable when you post on your own blog? You know, those kinds of blogger questions, that only another blogger would understand.

I started thinking about this ole blog.

People in my real life know about it, scary thought. Before I had a Facebook page for L.A.I.D. I would occasionally post updates under my personal Facebook, mistake #1. I wish I'd never done that. I really would like to keep my blogging life separate from my personal but there's nothing I can do about that now. We put that out there and while we may think friends and family don't "know" about it, they are just a few clicks away from figuring it all out {think about it}. It just makes me feel weird knowing that "friends" from high school are reading {I know you are, don't try to deny it} and looking at pictures of my fat belly and precious baby. It's just weird. But alas, it is what it is. I think the hardest part was finding out that a lot of my in-laws were reading. Ensue panic! None of them have really said much, I get the occasional comment, but still just knowing makes me all nervous. Which brings me to point numero dos.

Do I ever feel vulnerable when I write? I'd like to say no, and for the most part that is true. I don't think about a lot of the stuff I say until after I've hit publish, I don't. I'd like to think that's a good thing. It means I'm keeping it real, being honest, and living this blog life to the fullest. Right? But then there are moments in time where I think to myself, "OMG have I posted anything I wouldn't want my in-laws to read or know about?" and I panic, majorly. I mean my life is pretty much an open book but golly what if I spilled something that would make them hate me? Or think less of me? Or think I'm a totally bitch? Or be appalled by my potty mouth? EEK! But no one has disowned me yet so I guess I'm doing OK.

Although I've never gotten any nasty comments or haters {knock on wood} I have received one email concerning my language and love for 4 letter words. If that is offensive to anyone else, I'm sorry but I write like I talk and sometimes that includes profanities, sue me. I try to keep it real here and, for the most part, I think you guys appreciate that {tell me if I'm wrong}.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm keeping it too real, like when I show you guys my post baby belly and pictures of me with no makeup. Like, did I really just put that stuff on the WORLD wide web? I mean that's pretty much like writing it in stone, it's going to be there, to haunt me, until the day that I die. But I guess that's a risk we all take when we blog about personal stuff. I think the risk is worth the reward when you get a comment or an email from a reader saying that you've inspired them or you've helped them get out of a bad relationship.

People that don't blog don't get it. They think it's weird to form friendships with complete strangers and we say, "stranger? that's my BFF!". They think it's odd that we share so much personal information with the world and we say that we're just documenting life. It's a blogging thing, you wouldn't get it.

Firm Friday

2012-01-13T06:17:00.000-05:00

I mean if that doesn't get your bootay up and ready to work it I don't know what will. So my BBFF Kristen has started Firm Fridays. If ya'll haven't checked it out you probably should or we can no longer be friends. So anywho...her skinny ass has decided that she needs to tone it up and I can't say I blame her. Although she looks like a hot piece of ass to me I know what it's like to have people be all, "OMG you look so great" but not see it in the mirror. Make sense? OK good. Glad we're on the same page.So yeah, I've lost a ton of weight. I feel great. I look better than I did a year ago but there are still some unsightly things going on under my designer jeans and "flowy" {aka hide that tummy} tops. Trust. The skin is extra and saggy and well...ugly. It needs some help in the firming department. That's where Firm Friday comes into my life. You see I've sort of gotten off track with the calorie counting, like a lot. Running has helped with that though. Since I started running I can already tell that things are starting to get a little tighter, hello legs & butt. I took this picture when I was just 2 weeks into running, hello gross belly. Maybe this will make you feel better about yourself.

Pretty nasty huh? I can't believe I just aired all that dirty laundry but you know me, I'm all about keeping it real.
So here's the dish. I need to get that ish under control in a bad way. So obviously running alone ain't doing it. Sure it's helped. I haven't changed anything else, I'm not eating differently, I'm not doing additional work outs on my nonrunning days, nothing. I have seen results from just running though, believe it or not. Here I am after 9 weeks of running.

Progress? Sure, I totally see and feel the difference BUT it can be taken up a notch {or 5}. My butt feels higher/firmer and my belly doesn't seem to be as jiggly {contrary to what you see in the pictures}. So that's what this year is all about. Last year was about losing it and I did just that so this year is going to be about toning it up.
I had originally set my goal at 130 but when I got to about 135 I was happy, I felt good, and so I adjusted my goal a bit. After the holidays and being a little loosey goosey with the calories I have managed to gain a few of those pounds back and I need to get those back down and then some. I don't necessarily care about the number on the scale as much as I do the image in the mirror. Sometimes I swear I have the reverse body image problem that anorexics have. I will be all, "go head girl, you got the skinnies" when I'm dressed and then I lift up my shirt to show my belly button obsessed child my belly button and I'm all, "dang girl, what up, that isn't even suitable for a 1 year old to see". Ultra sads.
I think my new goal is going to be to feel comfortable in a belly baring two piece this summer. Last summer I felt pretty good in a tankini but swore I'd never wear a real two piece again. Well, never say never. This summer I will wear a two piece and I will be that mom that everyone says, "I can't believe she has a kid!", I will be hot.
So Firm Fridays is where it's at. I'll be accountable again and that will help! Time to kick this Get Fit stuff up a notch! Are you joining in?

Toddler Mom

2012-01-12T06:30:00.002-05:00

I feel the need to preface this by saying I've loved being a mom to Kendall at every age. She is the light of my life and the past 16ish months with her have been nothing short of amazing and a complete and total blessing. She adds such joy and completeness to our small family, I thank God every day for her. With that being said, I love being a toddler mom.

I was always the girl that was like, "I want to keep my baby a baby as long as possible and when she turns 2 you can have her", those words may or may not have actually come out of my mouth on more than one occasion. You see, I love me some babies. Always have. I think I played with dolls much longer than is socially acceptable and the thought of having my very own, real life, baby doll made me all warm inside.
People used to tell me, "babies are great but they just get better when they're older" to which I was always like "poppycock! I'll take a baby over a toddler any day!" And then I had a baby. I had a perfectly pink, squishy, baby and I loved her to pieces. She was what I had always dreamed of, what I always wanted.
Fast forward 17 months and we have a toddler and I love it even more. Sure I have moments where I miss my BABY but in reality I make a better toddler mom than I did a newborn/infant mom.
Perhaps I'm not giving myself enough credit. Maybe the reason I think this way can be chalked up to first mom jitters. You know the fear that you aren't doing something right at every moment of every day for the first 4ish months. But I never really had those worries, I've always been fairly confident in my parenting abilities. So I'd just like to think that I'm a better at toddlering than I was infanting.
Do I still LMS on occasion? Of course! Do I still find myself doing and saying things I swore I'd never do and/or say? Sure do! BUT I find myself enjoying this stage more. I find myself playing more and worrying less. And I don't mean worrying about Kendall and is she breathing at night stuff, I mean worrying about housework and what needs to get done when kind of stuff.
For example, the other night I had full intentions of running, had the gear on and everything, and then I went to put KP to bed. We did our normal thing, read a book, she drank her milk and then BAM she fell asleep on me. This NEVER happens, normally she's all reaching for her bed before I'm even done with the story. So I took advantage and rocked her and then before I knew it Jimmy was waking ME up. I had fallen asleep, in my running clothes, with my toddler in my arms and you know what? I didn't care because those sweet snuggles are very rare and I can run any time {relatively speaking}.
Also Kendall is way fun right now. She makes me laugh so much each day, there is never a dull moment at Casa de Dew. I mean just hearing her do her animal sounds and show me what an elephant does is enough to convert me from a baby lover to a toddler lover.
Maybe it's not Kendall's age that has changed my new love for mommying, maybe it's me? I know I've changed A LOT over the past year, not just physically but mentally too. Back in the day {you know like a few months ago} I was all..."but my house needs to be clean because WHAT IF someone stops by" {we live in the country, no one is just "stopping by"}, "I need to work out because I'm over my calories otherwise", or "I have this great blog post in my head I must get it down before I forget". Yeah these were actual thoughts in my head, cray cray much? But now it's just like, "oh well...it WILL get done {eventually}"and I make compromises, I ask for help more, & I figure it out. Maybe that's why I'm enjoying this age more.
It's almost sadness that fills my heart when I write this because I feel as if I missed out on her infancy, I mean I can hardly remember this time last year with her. Maybe I had a mild case of postpartum depression and never knew it? All I know is I am loving this new phase of mommyhood and embrace it with open arms.

SO WHAT! Wednesday

2012-01-11T06:18:00.003-05:00

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...

I let my kid eat a cookie BEFORE dinner last night. Mom of the year, right here.
In the same fashion, I let her eat a cookie, mixed veggies and a banana for dinner.
Not cracking my knuckles is turning out to be the hardest resolution I've ever had to make/keep.
I am craving some girl time. I blame it on being home, alone with a toddler for 4 days straight. Good think Lindsey has invited me out for a little girls/blog dinner date night on the 21st!
I cannot stand all the football talk that's going on in Twitterland right now. Snoozefest.
I don't watch the Bachelor. Cannot stand the thought of that show and the tweets that go along with it.
I left work 4 hours early last Thursday and didn't go pick up Kendall. I needed some "me time" that consisted of getting my car washed, getting my tags renewed, returning some things to Target, and cleaning the house. It.Was.Fabulous.

Tidbits On Tuesday

2012-01-10T06:21:00.058-05:00

Randomness at it's finest. Here we go.

Jimmy was out of town all weekend, duck hunting in Arkansas. That left me with lots of alone time with Kendall Paige. As part of my New Years Resolution, I thought this would be the perfect time to get in some friend time, for me and Kendall. Friday night my two best ladies came over for some pizza and girl chat. That night I had a 1, 3, and 5 year old {all girls} in my house. Talk about cray cray. It was so fun, the girls had a blast and we ate way too much pizza. If that's not a good night I don't know what is. After they left my playroom looked like this.

And I texted Jimmy something along the lines of, "just had 3 little girls in our house. We cannot have more children!!!". To which he agreed, lol. I loved having those little girls here, loved it, but I cannot imagine that 24/7.

I joined COSI this weekend too. COSI is the Center of Science and Industry in the heart of downtown Columbus, basically that's a fancy way of saying it's a kick ass science museum. It's not JUST a science museum either, there is a playground that is just PERFECT for toddlers, perfect. Kendall and I had gone once before and I knew the next time we went we'd end up being members and sure enough, we went Saturday with some friends and signed up on the spot. So glad we did. Look how much fun these girls had, KP even got to "meet" Dora!

Saturday night I decided it was finally time to clean up that playroom, yep I just closed the doors to it Friday night. Kendall had gotten a table and chair set for Christmas and it needed putting together too. I decided who needs a husband and poured myself a glass {or 3} of wine and put my Handy Mommy hat on.

Looks intimidating, huh? Well I don't know if it was the wine or if I'm just.that.good. but it was a breeze to put together and I was done in an episode of Parenthood.

And the girl? Loved it! But I think she might have a mild case of baby OCD because she insists on lining up the chairs in a STRAIGHT line, with no gap between the seats. And no one else, not even Teddy, can sit on them.

And the playroom? Looks the best it's looked in months. Oh and I realized I haven't really shown new pics of that room, I'm sorry! Well the wait is over! Now keep in mind we still need to figure out what to do with all that shelving so stuff is just haphazardly thrown up there.

Ladies, don't let your husband pick your Scentsy smell. I let Jimmy pick the last one and while it's not terrible it's very masculine. Not my cup of tea. Must order new soon.
Last week I asked my Facebook "fans" and Twitter to recommend a good drugstore shampoo/conditioner. I've tried lots and was hoping to get some recommendations I hadn't tried yet. A few people recommended Suave Rosemary Mint, saying it was comparable to Aveda's Rosemary Mint. Well...I have used Aveda's and no me gusta, made my hair feel...yucky! But I did take a gander through some of Suave's other "professional" options {I mean it's only $1.98!!!} and found a Matrix knockoff for fine hair. Sign me up! I got it, tried it and LOVE it! Seriously the first time I used it I was blown away by how much body my hair had! Oh and did I mention this stuff made my hair softer than soft? Like soft as the hair on Kendall's head. Like you can't even tell that it's been dyed and highlighted to death soft. Yeah, that.

Even though our weekend was friend and fun filled, we still had time to relax and snuggle. Hate to say it, but I think this was my favorite moment from the whole weekend.

MiMo

2012-01-09T06:26:00.000-05:00

Chelsea and Holly have been doing this Make It Mine Monday link up for quite some time and I've been ~~too lame to~~ dying to link up for some time now. Basically, you find an outfit via Pinterest, or whatever suits your fancy, and make it your own.

Well of course I went straight to Pinterest, duh.

This had me at grey and pink. I knew I had all the pieces in my closet and couple that with the fact that I like any excuse to feel ballerina-ish and we have the perfect outfit.

Pinterest has changed my life in terms of style, tremendously. I mean I see things on there and I'm all, "hey I have all of those things, why didn't I think to put them together to form such an adorable outfit?". That's what Pinterest is all about though, right?

So there you have it ladies and...well, ladies {pretty sure I have ZERO male readers}. What Pinterest outfits have you tried, successfully? Go visit Chelsea and link up too!

The Dish

2012-01-06T06:27:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since we've chatted about some nonsense in the celebrity fashion so let's get to it.

Did you hear Katy Perry and Russel Brand are divorcing. I'm not going to say I'm shocked b/c it is Hollywood afterall. Now since they were married like a million times, do they have to get divorced a million times? I'd like to know.

These two love birds are engaged. I'd like to say I'm happy because I've come to terms with the fact that Justin and Brit Brit are over, but there's something about JBiel that I just don't like. I don't think she's a good actress, sure she's got a slamming bod but I think that's about it. Oh and I may have modeled my new hair color after her. But that is it.

Hot Messer, oops Leah Messer of Teen Mom 2 fame is pregnant and engaged to baby daddy #2. Oh Leah, Leah, Leah, I've said it before and I'll say it again, how bout you stop worrying about your vagina and worry about the two babies you already have, one of them having special needs. I mean I know she gets paid from MTV but I hardly think it's a sizeable amount and that money won't last forever honey. I see her as either 1. a future Playboy model {after new boobs of course} or 2. stripper. Anyone?

JSimp tweeted that she wanted JAlba's post baby bod {picture above was taken a few days ago, just 3 months after birthing baby #2}. Well welcome to the club, former fashion icon Jessica Simpson, don't we all.

Looks like whore bag, husband stealer LeAnn Rimes has been taking the advice of everyone in America and put on maybe 2 pounds. She could still stand to eat a cheeseburger or 5 but this is progress. Keep packing on those pounds LeAnn.

So what am I missing? I'm not nearly as up-to-date on Tinsel Town as I used to be. Fill me in peeps!

Oh, and Happy Friday!

Lucky

2012-01-05T06:28:00.002-05:00

Ever find yourself saying, "my kid doesn't do that yet"? How bout, "I wish my husband were more like that"? I have. I even blogged about it some time ago and vowed that I would stop comparing. Well guess what? I haven't. I've been feeling a little green with envy lately and it's ugly, it doesn't look good on me.

I've been thinking a lot lately, maybe it's this whole New Year, New Me thing, but I have to start looking at the flip side of things.

While someone else may have a toddler that sleeps in till 8 or 9, I have a toddler that sleeps through the night and has since she was about 9ish months. Sure she gets up at 7 {sometimes earlier} but she sleeps for a good 12 hours, straight. She's down anywhere between 7 and 8 and so sure, at about 7 am she's ready to get up. She's made progress too, she used to get up at like 6 {sometimes earlier} so 7, I'll take.

When I see other toddlers are talking up a storm I realize that while Kendall isn't saying a whole lot she is verbal. She signs too. She says "dada", "up", "apple", "bubble", "dog", "buh-bye", "daisy", and "mama", she knows all her body parts {even the private ones}, she can recognize animals and knows 5 or 6 animal sounds. So she's not "behind" by any means, I need to get that out of my head. I'm going to assume the "early to walk, late to talk" saying is true.

When I see people with amazing sisterly bonds I remember that I have amazing friendships. I may not have a ton of friends but the ones I have are like sisters. They are amazing. They are the type of girls that no matter how long it's been we pick up right where we left off. We always know about major things, weddings, jobs, babies, new cars, kitchen remodels but it's the little things that we forget about sometimes. So when we do get together we talk about the little things, for what seems like hours, and it is the best conversation.

Whenever I really want to be one of those couples that goes out to eat a lot I am reminded how much better a home-cooked meal is. Kendall will grow up knowing that dinner time is important. Also it's so much more healthy for us to eat at home. This way we know exactly what we are eating and we can control those out of control portion sizes. That beats having someone cook and clean up after me ~~most~~ any day.

When I see or go to someones gorgeous home, and start to think our house could use some sprucing up, I am thankful that we have a home. It is a nice home. It is warm and full of "things". It may not be brand new, it may not be furnished with Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware, but it is a nice home and we love it.
And then I start to see how easy it is for people who live in urban areas. They can go to Target because it's a hop, skip and a jump away. Chipotle is within walking distance. Parks are plentiful. I start to miss our old neighborhood. And then I look out the pantry window of our home. I see nothing for miles, nothing but clouds, trees, sunrises and sunsets, and it is gorgeous. I wouldn't trade that view for convenience.
It's all about finding a balance. Maybe that's what this year is about for me. I think it is.

SO WHAT! Wednesday

2012-01-04T06:38:00.001-05:00

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...

I'm kind of wanting to quit SWW. Don't worry just yet, I haven't decided for sure but there are some weeks I just don't have it in me anymore or I want to post something else. Not many people are linking up anymore so I'm starting to wonder if the readers are feeling the same way as I do...we'll see.
Reading everyone's pregnancy announcements still doesn't give me The Fever. Don't get me wrong, I am beyond happy, joyful, estatic, over the moon for these ladies {really, I am} but it's just not happening here. This uterus is off limits.
I keep checking my ap updates hoping that Cuptakes will soon have one and they never do! It's a new month and they usually put one out on the 1st and so far, nada! Mama needs a new background wallpaper!
I went to work in Uggs, jeans and a zip up hoodie yesterday. It's finally decided to be winter in Ohio and that means s*&%. Yep that's a 4 letter word in my house. So with s$%# comes comfy clothes and safe shoes, so much for looking cute for the next couple months.
I miss my old coworkers. I have been at this job for over half a year but I still haven't bonded with anyone like I did at my last job. In fact I just sit and email my old coworker all day and pretend like it's "old times".
I'm thinking of taking off work early one day this week to go get a pedicure or something. Mama ~~deserves~~ needs a treat.

Too Cute Tuesday

2012-01-03T06:23:00.000-05:00

Anyone else suffering from the post-holiday blues? Just me? Well let me say this. I feel like I wasn't ready, wasn't ready, and then BAM they were over. I won't miss the decorations, the crazy shoppers, or the stress of holiday parties and gift exchanges. Nope, I won't miss those things one bit. What I will miss is the warm fuzzies. You know the ones. The feeling that you get this time of year. The feeling of goodness in people's hearts, the feeling that only comes at Christmas. Where we spend time with family and that's all that matters. Where you are surrounded by nothing but love and all your worries seem to disappear {even if only for a moment}. That's what I'm going to miss. Why is it that no one feels and gives this way in say...September? April? Makes me kinda sad.

Good thing I have this little ball of cuteness to keep me feeling the warm fuzzies all year round.

Yesterday was still a "holiday" for me and Jimmy, as we had the day off. So in holiday fashion it snowed the first real snow of the season. It was perfect. This little nugget loved it so much it, from the top of her little bow adorned owl hat down to the tips of her tiny snow boot covered toes. Sure there was snow last year but she was too little, this year she got it. I showed her how to catch snowflakes on her tongue and she followed suit {I think she may have even caught one}. Just walking around was enough for her, simple pleasures.

I guess the spirit of Christmas doesn't have to end just because the season does. I mean every day is like a Christmas miracle with a little one around, right?

Cha-Cha-Changes

2012-01-02T09:16:00.003-05:00

Notice anything different around here? It's not a new layout, it's not new sidebar pictures of the family, and no new sponsors...keep looking...yep, there it is, there are 2 new pages up there. Get Fit and 365 Gifts are two new pages for your viewing pleasure.

Get Fit is pretty self explanatory. This is my weight loss journey. Most of you know it but for new readers I thought it'd be nice to have that all in one spot. Any questions can be posted to that page and I'll gladly answer. I just thought this would be easier for readers thank scrolling back through months of posts. I am very proud of where I came from and happy to share my story with you all. It's a work in progress so check back often. I'll post about my 5K training in there once it is a done deal too. Very exciting.

365 Gifts is something I haven't talked about. It's sort of like a New Years resolution I suppose. I started reading the book One Thousand Gifts, where Ann Voskamp vows to find a gift in every day life, big or small. Her story is so profound and really sends a great message. There are plenty of things in life that get us down, that make us question God, and that we take for granted. Ann dares the reader to "live fully right where you are" and I can't think of a more fitting task, especially this time of year. So for the next year I will keep track of at least one gift I find in each day and challenge you to do the same.

So those are a couple new things going on around these parts. Hope you all had a fabulous New Years. Here's to 2012!

I Resolve...

2011-12-30T06:22:00.002-05:00

This year I want to get a head start on this resolution business. Last year I didn't pick my resolution till February, February! I think the reason I waited so long was fear. I knew what I needed to resolve but I didn't want to face it. So this year I have a few things I want to work on.

This year I resolve to...

Be better with money. On paper Jimmy and I should have a sizable amount of money after bills and groceries but we don't. We are living paycheck to paycheck with next to no savings and that folks, is not OK, at all. So this year we are going to budget. We are going to spend wisely, not frivolously. We are going to live within our means, establish savings and hopefully get to a comfortable spot financially. If we resolve nothing else this year we will resolve this.
Run that 5K. I've done the hard part, I started training. The hardest part is getting started, right? So this spring, when it's a little warmer out, I will run my first 5K. I will.
Be a better wife. I know a lot of times I say things that I don't mean. I do things that I later look back and am embarrassed by. I need to think before I act and talk {I really need to do this in all areas of life}. I will appreciate my husband more and let him know that what he does means the world to me.
Quit cracking my fingers. This is a bad habbit I've had for years. I've read that it gives you arthritis and then I've read that there is no evidence of such. I know that my hands hurt now so I tend to believe that it does. I must stop this before I end up with man hands.
Stop sweating the small stuff. There are things in life that I cannot change, I have no control over so why stress? I won't anymore. I want to enjoy life more and stop worrying if my floors are clean enough. I have 2 dogs and a toddler, they will never be clean enough.
Maintain friendships. I don't know if it's work, parenthood, or just life but I feel like my friendships are not what the used to be. I want to be better about picking up the phone, even if it's just for 5 minutes, to say "Hi! How was your day?". I also want to reinstate our monthly girls night, girls if you're reading, LET'S DO THIS!

I think that should do me. It looks like I have a busy year! What are your New Year's Resolutions?

A Look Back

2011-12-29T06:24:00.003-05:00

This year has been incredible to say the least.

This was my first whole year as a mom {Kendall was born in August so in 2010 I was only a mom for 4 months}. To say that it has been amazing is an understatement. I have watched this little person grow and change so much in such a short amount of time, it's incredible. She's gone from this little tiny, helpless, completely dependent baby to a semi-self-sufficient, getting-more-independent-by-the-day, little girl. She never ceases to amaze me with her little personality. She loves to dance, like her mama, and she can throw a ball {or anything for that matter} farther than I've ever seen a small person throw, like her daddy. This year she has brought us so much joy and nothing will ever top being her mommy, nothing.

This year has also been a great year for self discovery. I made some big changes last year, as my New Years Resolution for 2011. I said I wanted changes, from hair, to makeup, to clothes, to weight, and I think I succeeded. I went from blond to brunette, bought tons of new makeup {thanks to my new partnership with Avon}, bought lots of new clothes {my bank account is still recovering} because I got that new body! Today I look and feel like a completely new woman.
For good measure, here is a picture of me almost exactly one year ago.

Do you see me? Second from the left. Yeah I almost didn't recognize me either. I never posted this family photo from my brother-in-laws wedding because I was so embarrassed. But you know what's awesome? This picture.

These are the jeans that I wore a year ago. These are the jeans I couldn't button one year ago. In fact, I used the ole rubberband through the loop around the button trick just to wear them. These are the jeans that were so tight on my thighs that I thought I was going to rub a hole in them. So to put them on yesterday and, literally, watch them fall to the floor, yeah that felt pretty good.

I know that everything that's happened in life has brought me to this place in life. This happy place. I have a new found confidence that has blossomed within the year. I don't know if it came with the weight loss or the running, maybe a little with each. With the weight loss I realized that I can do anything I put my mind to. I had a goal and I reached it. That's probably the first time, in my life, that I've ever been able to say that. The running has given me confidence in my body. I have learned that my body is strong and much more capable than I ever gave it credit for.

I feel like my style has changed too. I'm more comfortable wearing things I would have probably felt uncomfortable in before. I think I take more risks with my fashion now. I no longer look at things and say, "I wish I could pull that off", and keep walking. I mean, don't get me wrong, there are still things I think are cute and will not attempt because of my body shape or bra size, but for the most part I'm a lot more versatile. I think being a mom has really helped shape my style and made me "come into my own".

As for my relationship with Jimmy, it's rock solid. This year has been full of ups and downs for us, mostly ups. I'm not here to sugarcoat anything, parenthood is tough on relationships. I have learned that no matter what happens, we are in this thing together. He is a great man, great. All he wants is for me to be happy, he says it all the time. He may work a lot but it's because he wants us to live comfortably. He may go hunting, a lot, for a couple months a year but it's because he wants to provide for us. He truly is a dream come true. This year I have felt his love for me and Kendall so much, I never want to forget that.

This year I started a new job that allows me to spend more time with Kendall. I have gone through ups and downs with this change. I still don't love my job but I have come to realize that I just don't love working. So until the day I can be a stay at home mom to Kendall, I will just suck it up and do what I have to to reach that goal. I am thankful that I got Fridays off so I have one more day a week with her, that makes the whole transition worth it. We both have little side jobs going on, me with Avon and blogging and Jimmy has his electrical skills and a new taxidermy business {gross, yes, but whatever floats his boat}. He makes more money with his side jobs than I could even fathom making with mine so guess he's got the right idea.

This year has been good to us. I would say that it's been the best year but I say that every year, and it's hard to top 2010 {the year Kendall was born}. I have become the person I always wanted to be and I can only hope that this goodness continues into 2012.
Here's to a new year!

SO WHAT! Wednesday

2011-12-28T06:15:00.003-05:00

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...

I already spent my Old Navy gift cards I got for Christmas. I actually spent them Christmas night. What can I say, I can't pass up a good sale.
I was supposed to take yesterday off from running and I ran anyway. Am I really starting to like it?
I refresh my favorite blogs constantly waiting for an update when it's been a couple days since their last post.
I love listening to dirty ghetto rap. Like love it. The dirtier the better. Jimmy was in the car this weekend and "She Does" by Lil Wayne came on and his jaw hit the floor.
I got a white North Face instead of an easier to keep clean color like, gray, black, or even cream. Just because I'm a mom I will not get it dirty, you hear that KP!?
I really don't care about the fact that Facebook changed...again. Everyone gets their panties in a bunch about it like the first day and guess what? Facebook doesn't care and will most likely change it again. Get over it.
I skipped right over all of the "Look at my Christmas" posts in my reader. I'm glad everyone had a fahbulous holiday, I really am, I just don't care to see 985,374,495 pictures of presents, decorations, food and the like. Sorry.
I have a love/hate relationship with pictures of my former fat self. I love to see how far I've come over the year but I hate to see myself that way. Never again.

Update of Sorts

2011-12-27T06:18:00.000-05:00

So, let's talk about me for a minute, k?

So ever since I reached my goal and decided to cross that 5K off my bucket list I haven't really talked much more about my progress and that's not good. You see I need to be held accountable and this blog does that, for me.

Let's start with the good. Running is getting better. It's a slow better but it's improvement over complete and total hatred. So I am on week 8 of the Couch to 5K program. A lot of you had recommended I try it in my last running post and I had one up on you, I was in week 4 when I posted that. So far I have nothing but good things to say about this ap. It takes a complete and total non-runner {~~couch~~ me} to a 5K runner in just 9 weeks. I can say that at the beginning of the program I thought there was no way it was possible for me become a runner in 9 weeks, no way. Much the same as when I started MyFitnessPal.

I should probably preface this by saying that I am in no way, shape, or form athletic, at all. So the first week I think you start out doing 1 or 2 minute runs, that's all, and each week you increase the length. I did fine until I got to the point where I had to run 18 minutes straight, without stopping. I remember getting of the treadmill that night and feeling like I was going to DIE! I even remember tweeting something along the lines of "if you don't hear from me for the rest of the night it's because I died on the treadmill", dramatic much? Speaking of Twitter I would just like to say that without this social media tool I'm not sure I would have stayed motivated over the past 8 weeks! I am connected with the most amazing, SUPPORTIVE group of girls that ever did exist. The tell me I can do it and cheer me along when I don't want to even so much as look at the treadmill.

So now I can run for 25 minutes straight, without stopping! And? I don't feel like I'm going to die anymore! As of yesterday I was running about a 9'32' mile {according to Nike+}, not too shabby huh? All of my training thus far has been on the treadmill because 1. I hate the cold 2. I normally run at night when Kendall goes to bed which means 3. it's dark out and 4. I don't live in the most ideal place for running outside, alone, in the dark. But I'm dying for the day where I get outside and hit the pavement. I even got new running shoes, an outfit, and arm band for my phone for Christmas so I'm all set to do this thing, I think. I mean I did actually run 5K about a week {or so} ago so I guess this program has worked. Now I just need to psych myself up to actually register and run a real 5K. Baby steps.

As for the weight ~~loss~~ maintain, well I don't have as good of news to report. I have gained a little back, I say it's ~~the holidays~~ muscle from running. Honestly even though the number has gone up on the scale I feel like my jeans are getting looser in the thigh and butt area, can't say the same about the waist. I wish I could say that I stayed dedicated to MyFitnessPal after I reached my goal, but I'd be lying if I said so. In reality I kinda half-assed used it since the day I hit my goal, not good. So now that the craziness that is The Holidays is over, I'm going to start keeping track better. Not that I need to lose, but just so I can be more accountable. Obviously I learned nothing during the 7 months and 42 lbs.

So some bad but mostly good. I may not love running yet but I actually do look forward to it. I don't look for an excuse to not do it, I just do it. If I have a headache, cramps, am tired, I push through and I run. I've learned that my body is capable of so much more than I had given it credit for. My body is strong and I'm just now learning that.

This year has given me such a perspective on my body, it's unreal. I may need to do a little toning and could stand to lose 5 more lbs but never have I felt more confident and comfortable in my own skin.