think {pretty} thoughts

Come On In.

2012-02-01T19:13:00.000-08:00

You're getting a beast of a post since my life doesn't allow ANEWPOSTEVERY24HOURSOMG!!!

You get to see inside my house long before 90% of my friends. How messed up is that? Only about 2% of my real life friends actually read this blog (hi caris) and the rest just suck. I kid. They just get to see the thing in real life....eventually. No blog spoilers for them!

Today it's the dining and the living room, both of which are totally unfinished. Showable? Yes. Finished? Heck no. Woman, I just got started on this jazz. Ain't no where near done!

so please, come on in.

changes to be made:

I already have the chandelier, I just need to find a good electrician that won't show me his crack.

The chalkboard is my child. That too is incomplete. With the help of my aunt, we will finish it out by painting inspired by this picture. She is supposed to come over this saturday to help me! I really can't wait to see the final project, but until then I'm still totally in love.

Our kitchen remains unpainted because I can't decide on what color I want. I have a lot of gray and tan already happening in our world, but I just love it...obsessively. Like Ryan Gosseling obsessively. HELP ME.

Oh you know, just blending in with the chalk in all my pasty glory.

The bench and farm table were handmade. I searched high and low for a kitchen table that was my style, but they were all the equivalent of a hip replacement. Since I might need that one day, I decided to save my pennies and hire a mexican carpenter to make me a kitchen table. That he did. I even met him at Lowe's one day to pick out the exact type of wood and the stain. I felt so...lowe.

this table doesn't mess around. i killed a small forest.

The bench is only half done. My mom has agreed to help me (which really means do it all since I can't sew) upholster all new seating. I want one big thick burlap cushion that will make it appear a few inches taller. Since we had guests coming in for the holidays, I grabbed these cushions for $2.97 at Kirklands. Talk about a steal until I complete the project.

Silver and gold mixes are everywhere in our house. So are flowers. I will never be able to not have flowers on my tables. There will always be flowers of some sort in every room that I have.

A gorgeous wooden piece that was a bit pricey ($90) but a seriously nice touch! I bought it on a whim, just out of plain Christmas Spirit Spending + Dave Ramsey rebellion. Turns out, I wasn't being so dumb after all.

And now the living!

The door is in timeout. It was $20.

Her home is still undecided.

The tufted blue chairs were a purchase off craig's list over a year ago. Charlie thought I was smoking crack when I forced him to drive an hour away with me to buy them- they didn't match a thing we owned at the time. Honey, never mess with a woman who knows what she wants.

Oh look...another masterpiece that nobody understood. This army carrier was $30 at a flea market. It's huge, completely shabby chic and rugged, and filled with some sick nasty diseases. I'm all about saving lives here here so I gave her meds (a deep cleaning) and a new home. So what, I'm a saint?

$12 swirl...perfect addition to a tiny wall space.

This side table is from Home Goods ($59) and so is the lamp. I don't know how I feel about the location yet, but it's holds my bowl of oatmeal in the mornings just fine.

Yet another Home Goods buy. Burlap? Here's my card. SWIPE IT.

Dear Ramon White,

I have your army box. I threw away those dirty magazines.

Sincerely, Katy.

An adorable window-paned mirror from Canton, Texas for $40.

See, another flower.

And there's me being a tool.

WELL....What did you think????

sorry i squealed.

2012-01-30T08:13:00.000-08:00

Last night, I squealed outloud in the grocery store.

Standing on the shelves directly across from the bananas was this little beauty. Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk.

Now you guys now how I love my unsweetened vanilla almond milk. My two favorite brands are 365 Whole Foods brand (it tastes so much different than any other brand I've tried!) and Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla.

I've seen chocolate soy milk, chocolate coconut milk, and even chocolate almond milk as of late. All of these are great and all (though I don't eat/drink soy), except they have crazy amounts of sugar which negates the reason why you're drinking it. (I know, I'm Debbie Downer 2.0).

Last night when I spotted this on the bottom shelf, I squealed! I'm sorry but this is an absolute miracle!!!!!

I haven't tried it yet because I got home from the grocery store late, but I reaaaaaaally hope it's delicious. I can only imagine how much more delicious this shake will taste.

Finished the swim challenge + an outfit?!

2012-01-26T08:28:00.000-08:00

After I completed my swim challenge on Monday, I started feeling awful! Really sick. I missed out on some work and spent major time on the couch. In true granny style, my pajamas were pulled sky high...sexy.

To be honest, I'm probably battling a case of adrenal fatigue. Quite a humbling experience I should mention. I think I let my motivation get the best of me and worked too hard for a couple weeks there. I pull long hours and the combination of job stress and exercise was a little much. This swim thing came at just the right time because it wasn't too taxing on my system. For the remainder of this week I'll be doing yoga and giving myself a much deserved break :)

Now, if you still care, here are my highlights of my 7 day swim challenge!

First of all, I attempted to take a picture of me in my speedo and swim cap just for blog fun and humor, but I decided that was an absolute negative. There's no way in the WORLD I'm going to expose myself like that. I mean, I'm down for a fun picture on the beach and all, but me...in a locker room...with my swim cap and a one piece? Um. No. Just no. I look like a navy condom, so NO.
Swimming is cold. Like hair grows back on your legs as soon as you put a toe in cold. Shaving becomes so so pointless, but so so required. UGH.
Swimming is hard but good. For me, it's harder than running, but easier to get better at than running. You know how running is just plain hard most days? Running is awesome but it's never like, "Oh, I'm in such good shape I feel like I'm walking right now!" Swimming is different...it's hard, but then you get better at it the next day. And then it's even easier the day after. Then you're Michael Phelps and can eat 20,000 calories. Ehh, never mind.
I really like swimming...if I didn't have a job. All of the time getting in, getting changed, getting my hair wet and then dealing with it after is kind of sucky. A Sunday afternoon swim, however, is my cup of tea!
Swimming makes my bumps look smaller. Bumps as in cellulite. The only body difference I noticed was cellulite was looking a little less noticeable. Are those things ever gonna go away?

I'm trying to decide between starting Jamie Eason's Live Fit Trainer or the New Rules of Lifting for Women. I want to start sometime next week but haven't decided which one yet! More on that jazz a little later.

Last weekend one of our friends got married (30 years later...literally!) and I couldn't have been happier for him. He is seriously such a sweet guy and a great friend to me and Charlie and we're so glad that he finally found his other half! Here was my outfit, I bought this top at Old Navy last week, so if you're crushing on it- what the heck are you waiting for? Go buy it!

top: old navy $19 skirt: loft $30 jewelry: forever 21 $5

Another recent purchase of mine were these nine west shoes that I'm SO freaking excited about. If I could marry shoes, I'd marry these leopard wedges and my nude louboutins.

And just for a little shoutout, here's a picture of me and Kevin...a life long friend who introduced me and Charlie in high school! He reads my blog and loves to randomly turn to me and say (in his girliest voice) "THINK PRETTY THOUGHTS." He's such a nerd but I love em! Hey Kev!

PEACE!

easy salmon salad

2012-01-20T20:25:00.000-08:00

I wish I was good at food photography. Or any photography. But I'm not. Oh well!

I made this for dinner last night; I'm not one to make a salad at home. Who actually has ALL the ingredients needed for a tolerable salad anyways! This one I made last night was as easy as it gets and one of the most delicious I've ever eaten. I deserve two cookies for that, right? The salmon burger I used for protein was bought fresh from the store. Whole Foods sells different seasoned salmon burgers and this one was a Mexican Herb one. I can't explain it, but it's delicious!

Salmon + Kale Salad

1 handful of spinach

1 handful of kale

cherub tomatoes

purple onion

avocado chunks (I did a couple tablespoons)

fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons dried cranberries

dressing: 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp fat free balsamic

grilled salmon burger on top

wants but not needs.

2012-01-19T14:48:00.001-08:00

Boo.

I went home sick today. Elementary school style. But, I got to take a glorious 2 hour nap!!

Now, I'm browsing pinterest and deciding what is next on my baking list, shopping list, and decorating list. I'm such a girl.

Want #1: The zero scale.

The scale that lets you know if you've lost or gained- and not the in between.

After reading this post on Janetha's blog, I'm totally sold and want one. I never weigh myself anymore (umm, stressful!) and I think this is the perfect fusion between not getting set on what the scale says, but still monitoring your progress. I wish Santa was still here to hook it up.

Want #2: Brooks Pure Connect and Pure Cadence shoes.

I've never owned a pair of Brooks, but these specific shoes seem to be known for helping correct your gait while catering to the new barefoot running trend. The Pure Connect shoes are their lightest and most thin shoes, while the Pure Cadence offer more cushion and have technical additions to help with where you land on your foot. I love the look of the Pure Connect, but know that the Pure Cadence is probably better suited for me!

Want #3: This bathing suit.

For our 2 year anniversary (and my birthday), Charlie got us a trip to Mexico! I'm stoked. In May, we'll be headed out to do the beach thing. I can't hardly wait, especially since I have a serious, serious bathing suit addiction. I'm definitely leaving that turban behind.

source

Anyone else ready for summer?

BYE!

the big questions: grocery basket and organic?

2012-01-16T09:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday?

I mean, Yes! Happy Tuesday.

Swimming yesterday was 100% successful with no obscure interruptions. I even got in a butterfly stroke, which was just for fun...since I'm so brave and adventurous. I like to think I looked as awesome as this guy.

I'm back at it again tonight for day 3 of my swim challenge. I see more butterfly swims in my future, even though I probably looked like a dying baby frog. In case you were wondering, I'm itching to get back in the weight room and on the treadmill. Go do it for me, will you?

Not that I'm cool by any means, but some of the most reoccurring questions I get from you blog readers are these:

What do you always buy at the grocery store, week after week? Do you eat 100% organic? Time to answer these babies, once and for all.

Groceries that I can't leave the store without:

Unsweetened Almond Milk. (Yes, vomit, I'm aware. It's definitely an acquired taste.)

Organic Brown Eggs. (Never leave the store without em!)
Broccoli (boring, I know. I might as well be 80.)
Grapefruit (the forgotten fruit...I love her)
99% Fat Free Ground Turkey
Wild Salmon
Spinach
Stacy's Pita Chips (if I'm feeling naughty.)

Now, when I'm feeling rich...the list looks completely different. I pretty much swipe up anything slightly pretty looking. I'm a shallow one.

Do you eat 100% organic?

HA.

HA.

I love organic living. Like reeeeeally love it, but I don't ever wanna be the girl that's ONLY organic. That's annoying. I don't like annoying! Example:

waiter: would you like a lemon in your water?
me: um, is it organic?

Please leave me with the wolves if I ever say that. Not necessary.

I'd say I feed Charlie and myself 75% organic, on most weeks. It's expensive and I'm probably one of the most secretly cheap people you'll ever encounter, so I definitely don't buy everything organic. But, I do have my beliefs and my standards, so I do aim for a pesticide, genetically modified free diet. Meats and vegetables are pretty important to me, so is my supplements (I'm all about pure vitamins and protein powders). To each his own in my brain though, because if you don't do organic- I don't judge. In fact, I don't even notice.

There you have it ladies and gents! I shop clean and I shop (almost) all organic. So predictable, I tell you.

a few eats + the swim challenge begins.

2012-01-16T08:02:00.000-08:00

I continue to laugh at life, as I mentioned before, because when I showed up to my gym with bells and whistles on ready to swim on Saturday... it was closed for a swim meet. A SWIM MEET.

I was like, REALLY? Are you serious. The ONE day in my life I'm excited to swim- you're closed. Dang you, little children and your backstrokes! Swim meets are for summer!

So, since my tennis shoes are on lock down, my 5 minute glare at the swim meet was exercise enough for me that day. I peaced out and didn' t know what to do with myself. I'm confident the front desk clerk didn't know what to do with himself either when he saw me leave after arriving 9 minutes prior.

Saturday was lovely after that. I went home and did a whole lot of productive things! Facebook stalked, pinterest stalked, and thought about how I should maybe use this spare time to clean or blog. I watched Keeping Up With the Kardashians instead, and obviously I'm a better person for it.

My swimming officially began yesterday, even though a bird flew into the gym transformer and blew itself up (both the bird and the transformer). That was lovely, because the pool went black and I had to leave halfway through my swim. Excuses, excuses...I know! Sue me.

Here are some random eats lately; I enjoy creeping on other bloggers eats, so I'm sure I'm no the only one. Welcome to my stomach!

Yesterday's breakfast was Blueberry Protein Pancakes before church. I topped them with a bit of almond butter. I avoid consuming too much nut butter since they tend to back things up in the bowel movement department. Yeah, I said it and I'm not ap0logizing!

Blueberry Protein Pancakes

4 egg whites. Protein Powder. 1 tbsp Pumpkin. 1 tsp cinnamon. 1 (or 2) packets stevia. 1/2 cup of oats. 1/2 tsp baking powder. Blend in a blender, top with blueberries, and pour onto griddle. Top with sugar free syrup and some almond butter. YES.

Sunday's lunch was my favorite chicken salad, made with leftover grilled chicken breast! Mmmm, baby.

Dinner was grilled (and heavily seasoned with garlic) Tilapia, accompanied by broccoli, these sweet potatoes and Angelina Jolie's awwwwwful Golden Globes Dress. Did she really wear that?

Hope you have an awesome Monday. I'm feeling quite energetic since I gulped down an Emergen-C packet in lieu of coffee. There's my wise decision for the day :)

an awkward confession + my 7 day swim challenge

2012-01-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

Hiilarious.

Life.

Is.

Hilarious.

Yesterday, I'm just sitting here, "laa dee dah I'm gonna share my workout schedule for a blog post today...sure has been a while! Genius!"

SIKE. My knee is being a hormonal, menopausal, very swollen woman. LOVE IT-LOVE IT- LOVE IT. not.

Over the last month or so, my knee has been acting a fool. After a run, it gets really swollen. It's not like a freaking tumor growing on my knee or anything, but it's uncomfortable, painful and...mushy.

I've taken anti-inflammatory medicine a few times, even slammed down a hefty dosage of glutamine (it helps with muscle soreness and repair). For some reason though, it hasn't gotten better. It blows up after circuit workouts and anything run ish. If you know me beyond this blog, surely you know of my disgustingly outrageous and embarrassing fear of knees.

YES. A fear of knees. Knee caps, specifically. I don't know why, but they are like little monsters to me. I have nightmares about dislocating my kneecap (I've done it before. Traumatic.) and if I see ANYONE with their hand near and/or playing with their kneecap, I go into insane mode. My response to seeing people touching their knees should be written about in a Psychological Textbook. I need help.

this isn't me, but it might as well be.

So, basically what I'm trying to say is I'm the last person who needs a knee injury. In avoidance of 'Oh hey, forget it! I'm going to jack my knee up in order burn calories', I'm going to be smart and say peace out to the gym room. For like a week. I'll be downstairs if you need me.

For the next 7 days I will rehab my gimp knee and swim as my form of exercise. Starting Saturday, I will swim daily, until next Saturday. If need be, I'll go on longer.

Here's an article I found interesting. It will be my routine. I'll blog about it (daily!) and will definitely be sharing any physical results that may come from all that swimming. I loved how I felt from swimming during my triathlon training.

It all begins Saturday!

Weekly Sched.

2012-01-11T09:44:00.001-08:00

Curious what my week at the gym looks like?

M - back + triceps strength circuit, HIIT on treadmill and stairs.
T- warm up run (1 mile), legs + abs strength circuit, stairmaster.
W- shoulders strength circuit, HIIT on treadmill
Th- rest day
F- warm up run (1 mile), chest + biceps strength circuit with plyo moves
S- 3 mile run + isolated back workout + 500m swim
Su- HIIT on stairs and treadmill

In case you were wondering, the "strength circuit" workouts are courtesy of The Get in Shape Girl and her online virtual training program. (More details on this soon!) They are workouts that include a circuit of lifting heavy weights followed by higher intensity moves to keep your heart high. I didn't do any yoga this week, but I'll definitely be doing it next week.

Of course, my nightly routine will also consist of eating plenty of this.

ps: you should follow me on instagram! katypbrooks.

Sweet Banana Chocolate Chip Coconut Muffins (gluten free!)

2012-01-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

I love muffins.

Corner Bakery, sugar crumbled on top, extra large muffins.

One thousand calorie, fourty grams of fat, pure deliciousness muffins.

Do I ever eat said muffins? No. I don't. Because they are little satan's in a wrapper.

dramatic, I know.

I make my own little wannabe satan's at home and you should too. You should also add 2 scoops of protein in the flour mix so they'll be protein muffins. Voila, a clean, easy, snack with a purpose.

You're welcome.

Clean Banana Coconut (Protein) Muffins

gluten free, oil free

3/4 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)

3/4 cup GF all-purpose flour (or regular all purpose)

1/3 cup stevia in the raw

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp (heaping) cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup mashed banana

1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 large egg (or 1/4 cup egg beaters)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup shredded coconut

optional: 3 tbsp. chocolate chips

Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25. In a large bowl combine the dry ingredients, leaving out the coconut and chocolate chips. Mix together the wet ingredients and add it to the dry. Finally, slowly mix in the coconuts and chocolate and pour into muffin cups, filling about half way.

Enjoy!

Over the weekend

2012-01-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

Hope you had a fabulous weekend! Mine was great.

We started out with a night of Sushi on Friday. Totally delicious. I ordered the Vietnamese Summer Roll which is basically Salmon, Tuna, and Crab Meat wrapped with Mango and Arugula. It's the only thing on the menu that wasn't fried or filled and topped with mayonnaise; surprisingly it was really filling, which I never feel full for more than 15 minutes when I eat sushi.

Here was my outfit. I snagged this silk polka dot top from Kohl's for $20 over the Holidays. It's the perfect top for a bright red lipstick (even though you can't tell from the fabulous lighting). We went to see a live band play some oldies after dinner and it was fun! We were the youngest there by a good 20 years.

I also managed to get a manicure and pedicure after 3 months; with the increase in running lately, my feet were atrocious. This is my nail color: OPI Moon Over Mumbai.

I decided to spend my Sunday evening baking (for 4 hours) and I've got a really awesome recipe for tomorrow! Get ready.

Happy Monday!

rest weeks? my thoughts on time off from the gym.

2012-01-05T19:19:00.000-08:00

We've all heard of rest days. They're good. They're healthy. They're super important. Time outside of the gym is when the body changes actually start to happen. What about rest weeks? More than just a day or two off, but an intentional week or two away from the routine aerobic and anaerobic activities. Is time off an absolute genius idea or a does it do more harm than good?

Here's my completely ignorant, uneducated, and unprofessional opinion, but with 2 years of experience spending 6 days/week in the gym: It's crucial.

That was hard to type. A forced break is not an easy task for people who geniunely enjoy exercise like me. It's the equivalent to closing down the library of a book lover, taking away away the oven of a pastry chef, unplugging the computer of a social media lover. It's hard, but it's good.

I had a trainer ask me about a month ago, "Do you ever take any time off? Ever?"

I stopped and thought about it. In the last two years, I've only taken a small amount of time off. I'm not boasting- I know I needed to step it up in the rest department. Shortly thereafter, I took an entire week off from the gym. It was a big change, but I knew I needed it because I had really been kicking my butt and it was time for a break.

What are the benefits of taking a break?

+ physical and emotional recovery
Well, the obvious one is this. Since exercise is literally a form of stress on your heart and muscles, it too needs a break. Sure, it's good stress, but the relief from inactivity gives us an ability to come back stronger once the time is over.

+ catching your breath
If you're not perfect, like me, then schedule juggling comes as quite a challenge. I suck at prioritizing and therefore with my busy days, certain areas of life can be left unattended for weeks. Let's say, me having clean underwear. Or how about a pedicure after 4 months. Yeah, you know that needs to happen when your toe nails turn yellow. Just kidding, that doesn't happen. The time off let's you accomplish "the little things".

+time to research
Breaking from exercise gives you the perfect opportunity to spend time researching what your next phase or plan is going to be. Want to start a new fitness program? Fully research, write/print/get all your gear together, that way when you get back into your daily routine- you're completely ready to go, confident you know exactly what you're going to be doing.

+motivation
Another obvious one is the rejuviation that can happen. I know for me, I'm itching to get back after 2 days off- so by the time that week ends, I'm so ready to go, you'd think they were passing out free brownies for life up there. It's good to be lazy for a bit, because isn't that when we realize it's really not all that it's cracked up? That being active really does feel good?

The one setback that can happen from a rest week (or two) is that you get a little too comfortable. I encourage you to be intentional about your rest weeks instead of going balls to the wall and letting yourself go. That's fun and all (during the Holidays, yep it is) but that's when the "more harm than good" thing comes into play and you've ruined the last 4 months of dedication.

Unfortunately, my body can go from freaking hotness monster to freaking shamu in a matter of 3 days (I've got a rockin metabolism), so enjoy your time off- but don't ruin your time off.

Have a blessed weekend!

pumped up kicks + what I order at Freebirds..

2012-01-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

I've remarried.

Me and Mr. Simply Gingerbreadman.

Or maybe he's a she since it's Stacy's.

That's irrelevant.

I'm currently obsessed with these and when I saw them on sale for $1.75 a bag, I nearly withdrew from my 401k to buy every one that Kroger had readily available. Pardon my french, but this bag of pita chips is a near mouth orgasm and that's the only way to describe it.

ANYWAYS.

Still can't decide how I feel about that pumped up kicks song...but, that's also irrelevant. Sort of. I'm officially declaring a tennis shoe addiction. I never, ever thought I'd collect tennis shoes out of all shoes. ME! TENNIS SHOES! Oh, how people change. I blame the collection on this fact: you need new shoes every 3-4 months if you exercise at least 5 days a week. Ugh, can we say expensive?

My go to place for affordable tennis shoes is finishline.com sale section.

Not the store, not the outlet, the website sale section.

There are hidden gems EVERYWHERE.

They have everything from Nike Free's, to Asics, to Brooks, all of which are known for running. They have lots of other adorable options if you're not into the run thing. (I don't wear different shoes for different workouts, in case you were wondering).

I highly recommend you sign up for their emails & check the website frequently (um, hourly..) so you can snag the best deals and the occasional free shipping. I don't know why, but when a company offers free shipping, I basically throw my wallet at them. You should definitely heed my advice (of course) and take a picture of yourself in your new pumped up kicks, then email me. I'd like to see them! Just your feet though, not your face. I don't care about your face.

Ha!

Alright alright.. does anybody else love Freebirds??

(Mixed greens, white chicken, corn, roasted veggies, pico, a few tortilla strips + dressing is always salsa verde from the bar)

In case you've never paid attention, the tortillas used to roll the burritos are the size of my left thigh (that's the bigger one, for your information). When my friends from Spain came to spend Thanksgiving with me, we elected Freebirds for that gen-u-ine American experience. Wise decision; they almost had a stroke when given the tortilla size choices. So American. Luckily, I had my inhaler with me, which did nothing.

I always go for the salad, not because I want to be a typical girl who says "umm...I'll have the salad" but because do I HONESTLY need a burrito of that monstrosity? No, I don't, even though I could put it away easily, man vs. food style. Girl Can Eat.

So yes, I'll have the salad.

Yup, that's what I order at freebirds.

Have a good day you lovely people!

manage it.

2012-01-04T06:09:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the warm welcome back to my very own blog! You little charmers...

Ah yes, Tuesday. The official full day back at work after the holidays. (I had to work some on Monday while the rest of my very large office was relaxing at home eating Cheetos and chocolate covered raisins. Nope, not bitter). Tuesday was a little rough.

Speaking of bitterness, I decided this saying is kind of the highlight of my life.

With the big move and job change, I couldn't agree with this statement more.

Considering my school background in Psychology (undergrad + Master's drop out) (I'm awesome) and my previous job at a counseling center, I'm not new to therapy. I know all about it. It's good stuff, especially if you find a fab Counselor that loves the Lord and you love the Lord too. That usually makes for a reeeaally good hour.

With that being said, I'm fully aware of the dolla bills that don't grow on the one tree in my backyard, nor does a spare hour and a half throw itself at me like a drunk and lonely bridesmaid (analogy heavy, much?) More than ever, the gym has been my therapy!

I think in this job transition, I've realized how time crunched jobs can be for people. There are literally jobs that call for women to pull 12 & 14 hour days.

Moms. Single moms! Women that have lives waiting for them at home.

My job hasn't forced me to pull a 14 hour day, but it's about 10 hours with my commute. I head home at a decent hour and am able to arrive at the gym around 5:30, but I know that's not the case for everybody. People have kids and families and lives. I wake up at 5am everyday which is hard, but I can only imagine the difficulty of juggling a family as well.

How do people with long, demanding jobs manage to squeeze in the time for the gym? For shopping, cooking, eating healthy? Clearly, it's hard. Very, very hard.

This I've learned: corporate america doesn't give a flip if you reeeally need to see that treadmill tonight.

For me, that's when this phrase comes in. That's why after 10 hours of a stressful day, even though I'm starving and want to sit at home and take a nap (a 7 p.m. nap), I call on my gym for relief. I choose the difficult way out. I choose the more demanding way out. Because, at the end of the night when it's all said and done...I'm better for it. I had time to myself; time to unwind and do the right thing for my body. Because laying on the couch only feels good for 30 minutes; but 30 days later when I'm out of shape and lazy, that's when it doesn't feel good any more.

(after you finish, you can go home and put on these sweet monkey socks like me)

Whether it's running or lifting or zumba-ing, let it be your therapy.

Manage your 8, 10, 14 hour day and squeeze in just a little bit. It's worth every spare minute.

oh em gee (don't take that seriously).

2012-01-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

I'm that girl. You know, like the crazy ex-girlfriend who keeps leaving then coming back, leaving then coming back, then leaves again. All I need now is your cell number so I can text you emotional things late at night about how I'm never coming back.

Many thanks to the three people who emailed me asking if I died. I didn't die, but I really appreciate the concern! Clearly, you're the send flowers type of girl, which are cool people in my book for sure.

I bet you're wondering if I quit working out, started eating brownies for breakfast, and gained 50 pounds? Surely that's why Katy hasn't updated?!

While I can't deny having brownies for breakfast over the holidays, I will tell you I didn't shamefully gain 50 pounds and thus take (another) blog break! The truth is, my new job has been a very big transition for me. How so?

First and foremost, I have no social-network accessibility at work. Ovbviously, when I discovered this upon my first day- I about quit right then and there. Um, excuse me, but iPhone facebook and pinterest don't cut it. I need at least a 13' screen to accomplish anything, socially speaking. And what company blocks Facebook? It's 2012...so bring it back. Thanks.

Secondly, my job is what I'd like to mellow-dramatically call...high-stress. I was geniunely concerned for my blood pressure these first three months, but as of the last couple weeks- I'm finally finding a rhyme to my rhythm in this corporate place. Which is exactly why I'm here again. I love to write, I'm not always awesome at it, but when I get a good flow- nothing is more fun than throwing up a little blog post! (Bowel movement references not intended.)

One thing that has also majorly sucked is taking semi-decent pictures. First of all- it's winter and that means the sun goes down at freaking lunch time. So awful. (I'm convinced I have seasonal depression). Charlie arrives home from work around 7:30 and I'm home from the gym at about that same time. For me to take some pin-worthy outfit pictures is a plain joke.

Oh hey, pitch black photo shoot in my tennies? Let's not.

So there's the truth! I am still the same exercise junkie blogger, I just had to catch my breath between that traithlon, moving into our first house, and starting a new job- all which happened in a two week span but have seemed to stretch out for 2 months.

I can't wait to share with you about our house and what's been happening there over the last two months. It's been an absolute whirlwind and leave it up to your brutally honest blogger friend Katy to give it to you straight: it's been an awesomely rough two months in the home/food world. SO CONFUSING I KNOW.

You want more don't you!! Glad to be back.

(my lunch yesterday courtesy of Jason's Deli...um hello wild salmon + avocado on focaccia with steamed veggies? you're officially awesome.)

Muscle Monday: Friday Night Fire

2011-11-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

Anyone else enjoy the occasional Friday Night out at the gym?

No? Nobody?

Well, sometimes when my house is in complete tear down mode (aka popcorn ceiling removal), I need to escape hideous dust. The gym is my hideout.

It's been a while since I've posted a workout and I'm a little nervous to post this one because it's insane. Please, don't judge me for how hard this is. It takes a LOT of energy and hard work- but isn't that what I'm here for? To make you cry? At least I'm providing you with this hilarious picture to make you smile while you're doing it all. You're welcome.

Do it for her...

Friday Night Fire.

warm up

1 mile jog/run.

HEAVY bicep/tricep/ab circuit

hammer curls/tricep kickback/ stability ball tuck- 11 reps/3 sets
21's/skull crusher on the stability ball/ low plank for 60 seconds- 11 reps/3 sets
single arm curl/close grip push ups/high plank, bring knee to same side elbow then switch- 15 reps/3 sets
rope bicep curl on one leg/rope tricep pull down on one leg/ mountain climbers- 12 reps/3 sets

cardio: part 1

DO THIS PORTION FOR TIME!!!!

run .25 miles
25 pushups
run .25 miles
25 pushups
run .25 miles
25 push ups
run .25 miles
25 pushups

(my time was 12:40)

cardio: part 2

stair master intervals

First 15 minutes at medium intensity
Next 15 minutes: 1 minute level 15 (or running, basically)/1 minute level 5 (or slow, basically)

treadmill cool down

cool down for 1 mile at a slow/medium jog

If you attempt this workout, I'm gonna need to hear about it.

geez louise, details of the bling and other stuff.

2011-11-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

What a week, huh?

I'm convinced the longest weeks out of the year are the ones before Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am beyond ready to shove some of grandma's deliciousness in my face. (There are a lot of delicious things about my grandma, FYI. Her chocolate pie is boss). Wish you could have some.

So last Friday, we bought a fridge. It looks like this:

Stainless steel? Moving on up, Katy, moving on up.

Except we bought it at Sears "scratch and dent" so I'm really not moving on up.

A few days later, said fridge decided it didn't want to be cold anymore. (Who is this guy, me? I live with the heater on). I've concluded this fridge either hates my amazing food (almond milk. eggs. left overs? YUM.) or it hates my amazing food. Yeah, it's all in the trash now since it's sitting comfortably at 70 degrees in there. Freaking Kenmore's.

Hooray for my saturday afternoon playing supervisor over a fridge technician and his crack.

Several months ago, someone asked for the specs of my wedding ring after reading our love story posts. Since I am a very dedicated, always on-the-ball blogger...I followed through with that request. Four months later. (Wow, I'm a disgrace).

Cushion cut with a super thin eternity style band.

(I don't really know what giving specs means...)

So, yeah! Here she is! In case this person was wondering- Charlie used an independent jeweler and they designed the ring together. And of course, by design, I mean I gave him a tear out of this picture and told him I'll accept nothing less. How I'm even married right now, I have no idea.

Last week, I thought I lost my ring at the gym. It was horrible and I actually thought to myself, "I wish I never even STARTED going to the gym because then I would've never left it there!" Sometimes I take my ring off before I lift heavier weights to avoid scratching it (I put it in my bag) and I thought it was long gone.

Massive gulp. Beads of sweat. Loss of sleep.

Turns out, it had fallen out of my bag and was hibernating in my car. That was a long 24 hours, I tell ya.

Oh what the heck...while we're at it, here's an outfit picture (in the bathroom) since I'm a class act like that.

(herringbone blazer: handmedown banana repub., shirt: gap $10, navy cords: gap $12, flats:gap $12)

baby steps.

2011-11-15T20:53:00.000-08:00

So, I did a project last night. Project Katy gets high.

Your mind's not gonna be blown or anything, but I'm still proud. I consider it baby steps.
I took this gift from our wedding that I didn't really love and made it more applicable to the look of our new place. Spray paint.

I promise, when I do final reveal pictures, it will all make sense. Until then- let's just appreciate the effort I put into spraying. It's not going to happen much (or probably ever again).

Kirkland's Brown Birdcage turned Shabby Chic-ish.

soooooooooooo difficult!

food prison.

2011-11-14T20:26:00.001-08:00

I feel like we live in prison with food sometimes.

There's a fence: we tend to think of it as if we're on one side or the other.

On the left side, those who eat what they want, when they want. This side is delicious, indulgent, momentarily enjoyable. If you're a woman and live on side left: you either live in guilt or live in apathy...which later, almost always leads to guilt.

On the right side, those who follow strict regimen, disciple, practice self-control. Whether it be because they don't enjoy swallowing pesticides or because they can't handle swallowing Frito calories, they live in the 'good' world. Sometimes this side can be a little lonely.

What about the middle fencers? They go back and forth. They love food, but they love smaller clothes. They're torn between their taste buds and their waist line. They usually end up feeling horrible after all the fun on the left side, but feel bored and miserable on the right.

What side do you fall on?

Food has been made prison to most women. It's a battle at every meal...am I going to love what I eat, but hate myself after? Am I going to be 'super good' right now? It's all about our feelings. It's imprisonment.

I'm not perfect with food by any means. I elected to live on the right side about 7 years ago, and sometimes, it's a very lonely road. People judge it and I judge myself if I don't get it right every single meal. I struggle with guilt just like everyone else.

I've really tried to work on that part of my life, like I've mentioned before. Food isn't about emotion. Each meal shouldn't be a "how well am I gonna do right now" session. It's just food. I know for me, when I was training for my traithlon, the amount of food (and desserts) I started eating really messed with my head. All I wanted to do was eat. and eat more. and then eat it again. and then have pie. It wasn't good. I was constantly judging myself and I hated it. Totally lived in middle fence world.

Tear down the fences. Don't place yourself on one side or the other. Definitely don't be in the middle- more guilt lies there than anywhere else. Pick your self up off the dirty, emotional floor and look at food right.

Food fuels you for better things than a good self-esteem.

random outfit & weekend discounts.

2011-11-11T06:58:00.000-08:00

Aren't you excited it's Friday?

Check me out sporting tights. Tights. The 2008 tights. They aren't cool anymore, but it happened and I was really comfortable.

My scarf is a new closet favorite- creamy, silvery roses. I snatched it up from Forever 21 for $6; it's one of those huge scarfs that is the outfit. My glasses are Warby Parker and are completely inspired by this picture.

My shirt was a steal at $8 from Gap, which I'm for sure going to hit up this weekend. It's Friends and Family weekend (30% off!) plus if you mention you're on the "email list" you'll get 40% off your order in stores (cashier code: 40OFF). I always seem to have good luck with product when there's a storewide sale at gap (their standard clearance rack usually blows most of the time). When an additional percentage off sale is going on there, I always seem to rob the store blind. Fine by me.

Other emails I received:
Loft- 40% off, Friends and Family
Banana Republic- 33% off today only
Kohl's (love this place..)- Additional 15% off everything
World Market- 25% off all furnirture
Forever 21- 11% off for 11-11-11, (code ONEDAY11)

the tour

2011-11-10T15:27:00.000-08:00

Our house is online for the world to see and I'm feeling a little violated.

It's not you. It's the other guy...the one behind you at starbucks. He's looking over your shoulder and he can see my house. That's weird.

Oh, lookie there.

the place where we sleep.

So I decided how I'm gonna do this whole watch us remodel and decorate our first house even though this isn't a DIY super impressive home decorating blog deal. I'm gonna do a room-to-room breakdown because homegirl can't handle a full house post. Can't do it.

I'm not good at very many super-creative things that require effort (I save it for the gym. So sad, so true!) and it might get uncomfortable for you to read Monday morning posts telling how I hired Rubio, the mexican down the street, to build a desk or install our wood floors. (I love Rubio, and mexicans, so don't misread that).

While some stuff will be done by yours truly (and Charlie), I'm gonna keep it fresh and tell you I don't build. I don't demolish. I don't sew. I buy..and hire...and then there's the occasional painting.

Glad I was honest :)

Guest Bathroom Makeover.

purple walls.

brown cabinets.

the light fixture??

shell shaped sink (a lovely touch..)

these things have to go.

come on, you know you're impressed.

Progress:

I'm praying (???) this gets finished over the weekend.

Pray with me since I know you want a final reveal?!

guest post! barre workouts.

2011-11-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Meredith (Katy's life long friend), and I am a Barreholic.

I am not speaking of bar, as in the establishments I frequent far too much on an after work basis. I am instead speaking of barre, as in barre class, the exercise that has become the center of my physical life and the music to my exercise-crazed soul.

I am literally addicted to this workout. I believe it’s safe to say that of any addiction I could possibly have, why not devote myself to a habit that is indescribably beneficial? Unfortunately, the barre method has yet to truly take off in markets outside of major Metropolitan areas, so for those of you unfamiliar with what such a class entails, enjoy:

I have taken barre classes here in New York at the Bar Method, the Body, Physique 57, and Exhale Core Fusion. Physique and Core Fusion are by far my favorite. I will highlight their class structure. Please note that each class differs in specific positions, below outlining the general nature of each section.

Class begins with a short warm-up of knee lifts, etc. to get the blood flowing and the heart-rate up. Immediately you begin a series of planks and pushups, and trust me, by the end of this short set, you’re hurting. You even hit your triceps every time, which I know is the least favorite part of my arms.

Next are arms, in which you use light weights to work literally every muscle in the arms, chest, and upper back. Following a quick stretch of the arms, and amazing barre stretch of the hamstring, you go into the most awful experience you will ever, well, experience.

THIGH WORK. Let me tell you now. It never gets easier, no matter how many times a week you go, no matter how strong you are. The thigh work at Core Fusion, or any barre studio, has to be the single most excruciating workout that has ever existed. But when I say excruciating, I mean in it in a good way, of course. Through a series of squats, plies, and random named exercises, you incorporate the barre and lifting your ankles to feel a burn in your thighs you never knew was possible. After 6 months of barre class, I still can’t go through a thigh series without wimping out for a few seconds.

Following the most extensive set of stretching for the legs, you go into the next set, which is for the buns. It’s always changing, but the work involves butt lifts the incorporate lifting one leg, while remaining soft on the standing leg, i.e. getting a phenomenal workout on both legs, thanks to the barre.

After stretching your buns (always the most relieving stretch), you go straight into where this class got its name: the core. You work muscles I didn’t even know you had in your stomach. You do work against the wall, legs in the air, the C-curve, etc, so on, but it’s literally the most efficient and effective core work I have done, and if you knew me, you would know core has always been my obsession. After 55 minutes of pain, the lights lower, and you feel the relief of the “hard part” being over. You finish it off with some pelvic tilts (great for the back of the butt) and some much needed stretching.

Class ends. You hobble out and good luck walking up stairs the next day.

I’m addicted to Core Fusion for two reasons: its effectiveness and its efficiency. The effectiveness is something you have to experience. The efficiency? Let me explain.

In one hour, I can literally work, to exhaustion, every muscle in my body. And work them in a way that is healthy, safe to do every day, and literally transformative. I live in New York City. At times I feel like I’m living an unglorified version of Sex in the City. Core Fusion has allowed me to find the time for a complete body workout.

I can not recommend enough, if you have an Exhale Spa in your city, to check it out. It will change your life (and your body). BUT, even better news, if you aren’t near an Exhale Spa, Core Fusion has some amazing DVDs. For more info, check out www.exhalespa.com.

cookie dough bites

2011-11-08T05:29:00.000-08:00

Wanna eat cookie dough?

Me too girl, me too.

And I do.

Sometimes I eat cookie dough at 10am in between breakfast and lunch. Sometimes I eat cookie dough at 10pm because I'm a rule breaker like that.

Sometimes I kind of never feel guilty about it.

Remember, I'm not a food blogger (like her who created this genius recipe- I just added protein) full of glorious food pictures. Remembered.

Clean Cookie Dough Protein Bites

quick or old fashioned oats- 3/4 cup

raw honey- 1/4 cup

unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter- 1/3 cup

unsweetened coconut flakes- 1/3 cup

2 scoops protein powder

unsweetened almond milk- a splash/just enough to mix everything up

chocolate chips (or cacao pieces)- 1/4 cup

vanilla extract and almond extract (1 tsp)

Mix everything up in the bowl and divide up into little balls.
Place on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes, then devour :)

Guest Post! DIY: t-shirt scarf

2011-11-04T05:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Think Pretty Thoughts readers! I am honored to be guest blogger for Katy. I blog over at LoveLinds.com, mostly about DIY projects with a few outfits thrown in the mix. Katy actually inspired me to start a blog, so this is such a great experience for me! I gave Katy a few options for a DIY post I could do for her, and she chose (drum roll please) the Tshirt Scarf! This tutorial is super easy and no sewing required! Yep, I thought that would catch your attention. Who doesn't love a good scarf? We know this pretty lady does!

You will need:
A few stretchy tees
A pair of scissors

15 minutes

Don't worry if the strips aren't perfect!
Once you pull on them, they will round out.

-Lindsey

NO INTERNET?!

2011-11-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

You guys. I just died a little inside.

"Unfortunately, Ms. Brooks- Internet access won't be available until November 11th."

COME AGAIN?!

No, really. COME A-freaking-GAIN???

Clearly this man doesn't understand.

Just-doesn't-understand.

He doesn't understand that I have a blog.... that my papaw reads. A blog that Charlie doesn't read. (We're working on that). A blog that is my source for brain diarrhea.

I'm constipated.

For the last 5 days, I've been without internet. I'm suffocating. Save me.

I can hardly even wait to show you guys our new house...the progress that's already happening (um, chandeliers!?!)...to tell you about how I got the best shoulder workout in the world just from changing a lightbulb all by myself. (It was horrible). These things NEED to be shared.

I'll be spending my weekend doing lots of projects, as well as blogging like a mad woman at starbucks.

Another shot please, sir.

Espresso. Espresso shot.

On Monday pictures of life will come back! Your mind's gonna be blown.

Official Home Inspiration:

DO YOU SEE THOSE PEONIES?!?!