Tuesday, April 23, 2013

{Weekend Recap...a Day Late}

Life has happened to me...a lot lately.  I feel like we are constantly running, going, doing, etc.

This past weekend we finally stopped to enjoy some time away from home for a mini vacay.  I love a good, relaxing vacation with no agenda.  Those are always the best.  The weather was not as cooperative as I had hoped, but any day at the beach beats a day at home.  HANDS DOWN!

We stayed at this nice little golf resort in Sunset Beach, NC.  We swam, ate, watched movies, rode around with dreams of buying a beautiful beach house, and shopped.  I call that a productive vacation!

I'll leave you with a few photos...

Boundary House
This place was AH-MAZING!!  I highly recommend it if you are ever in the Sunset Beach/Calabash area.  I had the crab cakes.  They were Out.Of This.World.GOOD!!


So glad this Mama thought in advance to book somewhere with an indoor pool.  Had I not, she may have driven me crazy!!  I kid, I kid :)


After swimming ALL day Saturday we went rambling about the town.  The sun was FINALLY starting to peak through the clouds.  I caught this on top of the Holden Beach bridge.  I thought it was absolutely GORGEOUS!!


PS~Thanks to everyone who recently crossed their fingers, hairs, toes, and sent prayers my way.  Those did not go unanswered.  More deets to follow soon!  It's still a hush-hush situation ;)
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Tuesday, April 2, 2013

{Slacker!!}

I must confess...I have been such a slacker to the blog world lately.  Puh-lease forgive me???  I have been super busy getting some stuff together for an amazing opportunity I have been approached for.  I cannot give any details at this time, but please everyone cross your fingers for me.  I truly believe that everything happens for a reason.  I am biting my nails in anticipation....

Until next time...
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Monday, March 18, 2013

{Birthday Weekend Recap}

What a weekend!!

I started my day at this tranquil little spa...
It was AMAZING!

My post massage snack...
I am not sure where they find these huge strawberries, but they are DEVINE!

Matt informed me Thursday night he would like to go to dinner Friday at a restaurant in Charlotte, Rock Bottom.  I agreed because it has been so long since we last ate there.  To my surprise when we walked through the door, we did not stop at the hostess stand to give them our name.  We breezed right on by, past the bar, to a large crowd of people.  As we got closer, I realized I knew this large group of people. There stood 25 of my closest friends and family waiting for us to arrive to surprise me.  I was shocked!!  I cried.  I'm such a baby so emotional.
Not the best picture.
Matt is sooooo not a planner.  He is a 'fly by the seat of your pants wherever I land I'll stay' kind of person.  I was amazed he put this together, kept it a secret, and pulled it off.  It was wonderful!  He has some help from this beautiful lady...
Heather & Me
I had the BEST birthday I can remember thanks to my love and my friends & family.

A few memories from my awesome night...

My super awesome yummy cake


My Daddy & Me

My Momma & Me
My Momma, Kayleigh, and my niece Ava
Princess, Casey & Me
My Love!

Showing our true colors =)
All in all, turning 30 wasn't really that bad.  AND....I had a NSV yesterday...I wore a pair of jeans I haven't been able to fit in in quite some time.  **Happy Dance**

How was your weekend???

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Thursday, March 14, 2013

{It's the freakin' weekend...well, at least for ME!}

Welcome to my St. Patrick's Day birthday weekend!  Actually my weekend doesn't start until 5:00PM today, but I am celebrating a little early.

In case you don't follow me on {Instagram}...this is my happyitsmyfriday face.

I am taking tomorrow off to indulge in the awesomeness that is {Rock Barn Spa} for my birthday.  If you live anywhere close by I HIGHLY suggest planning a day there.  It is AMAZING!!  Seriously!  My mom and I have been several times and I just haven't found a spa/massage location with the quality and luxury this place has.  Tranquil Heaven.  You can sometimes catch a Groupon for them, so watch out for those.  Some of their services may sound a little pricey, but I am a firm believer in 'you get what you pay for'.

Other than the spa, and few birthday dinners with friends and family, I have no solid plans.  I'm hoping for no meltdowns an easy transition into 30.

Have a fabulous weekend!!!
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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

{Weigh In Wednesday}

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Happy Hump Day hookers!!  Can't believe it is Wednesday already.  This day always seems to creep up on me.  Anyway, this morning was a hhhhhhooooooootttttt mess in my house.  I apparently did not plug my phone into my charger properly last night.  That resulted in no alarm this morning.  EFF!!!!  Which then resulted in me running around the house like a chicken with my head cut off complete chaos.
I had about 25 minutes to get up, get Kayleigh fed, get ready and have her to school by 8:00AM  Side note--we only have 1 bathroom in our house and let me just say that 3 people do not fit in there very well while in a hurry.  Thankfully, we arrived before the bell.  Kiss, hug, "Have a good day, Love you!"  {Tires screeching!! {only kidding}}

Then, I busted out my   NASCAR skills and skidded into a parking spot made it to work safely.  Whew!

In the midst of my morning rush, I did jump on the scale quickly.  No gain, no loss.  Whatever, I'll take it.  Let's roll out this beyotch!!

So, how was your morning??  =)
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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

{Tasty Tuesday & Doctors Appt}

Good Tuesday Morning yall!!  Today was a little easier to roll out of bed.  I am still trying to get accustomed to the time change.  Even though I complain every morning {for at least the first week}, I absolutely LOVE coming out of the gym and the sun is actually still shining.  Sunshine makes me happy, happy, happy!!

Last week I had my appointment with my endocrinologist.  Not much has changed since my last visit, 3 months ago.  However, my TSH has gone down, so that is a plus.  My doctor did provide me with a referral for metabolic testing and a nutritionist visit.  I'm game for any help/advice/comment etc. anyone has at this point.  Bring it!  I will return in 3 months for more blood work and a visit.

Now, on to what Tuesday is all about...FOOD!!

I used to eat stuffed peppers when I was kid, and I loved them!  But as an adult, I haven't really tried my hand at making them.  I found a recipe on {Pinterest} a while back and decided to give them a whirl.  They were super yummy and even better...they were EASY.  That's a keeper in my book!

I adapted my recipe from {here}

Stuffed Peppers
1/2 C Quinoa {I served this on the side, not inside the peppers.  There would not have been room.}
3 large green bell peppers, bottom trimmed, seeds removed
1/2 large onion, diced
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 tsp. + 1 tsp. olive oil {who am I kidding, I eye ball that crap}
1 lb ground turkey
A couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp {or more if you like} Montreal steak seasoning {I like to "beef" up my turkey}
Salt & Pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Monterrey Jack Cheese {I also threw some cheddar in there}
1/2 cup water

Directions:
Cook Quinoa according to package directions.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Trim the bottom of the peppers so they will stand up while baking.  Place seeded peppers in a small dish, sprayed with non-stick spray.

In a small bowl, combine ground turkey, worcestershire, salt & pepper, and Montreal steak seasoning together.

Heat oil in a large skillet.  Saute garlic and diced onions for 3-4 minutes.  Add ground turkey to the skillet and brown.  Drain grease {if any} and return meat to the pan.  Stuff peppers with mixture.  Once peppers are ready to be put into the oven, I pour my 1/2 cup water on the bottom of the pan so my peppers don't burn.  Cook for 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and add desired amount of cheese to the top.  Place back into the oven for 10 minutes so the cheese can melt nicely.

I served my peppers with Quinoa, plain greek yogurt {my sour cream replacement}, homemade salsa, and guacamole.  Yumm!
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Monday, March 11, 2013

{Weekend Recap...Better Late Than Never}


So I'm a little late on my Monday morning post...we'll blame that on daylight savings time, k?  Considering it took EVERY OUNCE OF ENERGY to pull my heifer A$$ out of the bed this morning, this post is a grand achievement.

Saturday, Kayleigh and I started off our day at the bowling alley bowling for a local organization that houses and helps families with special needs.  Kayleigh loves to bowl and I can't say no to such an awesome cause. We spent the entire day playing and shopping.  I love quality girl time with her.
A little grainy but I love it!
Sunday, the three of us went to the church for Homecoming.  I wanted to fill my plate with all of the yummy goodness that each table held.  However, I refrained.  I did have a small bite of banana pudding.  {I just can't pass that stuff up...yumm!}  Later, we had Kay's birthday party at Chuck E Cheese.  She had a blast.  And so did the other kids.  Best money I ever spent on a party.  There was no stress of planning, decorating, cooking, etc.  We just arrived at our designed party time, partied our little hearts out, and left with gifts in tow.  I normally stress myself out so much about food and decorations and etc that I never get to enjoy her party.  Hands down, would do it again!!

That's all folks!  Next week I will be recapping MY birthday and that dreaded ugly number... 3-0.

Until then....
Katalyn & Me
Tootles!
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Friday, March 8, 2013

{Finish the Sentence...Linkup}

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Linking up today with {Holly} and {Jake}.  I'm loving all of these link ups lately.


1. People always tell me...Actually they ask me, "Are those your real eyes?  They're beautiful"  I feel like saying, "Nope, bought 'em yesterday.  But thank you!"  

2. In the movie based on my life...It would probably get "Two thumbs down".  I try to lead a quiet, drama free life.

3. Typically, I end up regretting...getting sh*t faced.  The last time this happened I threw up until 4PM THE. NEXT. DAY.  Reeeeeee-diculous!!!

4. I always ask to leave off the...Drama.  See #2.  #SaveTheDramaForYourMama

5. Kim and Kanye really...remind me of a train wreck.  I just can't NOT watch.  Remember #12 from {here}.  Pretty sure they qualify as both.

6. My Parents always reminded me...to wear clean underwear.

7. Every single day I...have to put reminders on my calendar or I WILL FORGET.  ThankYouADD

8. This one time in College...I have nothing wild and crazy here.  I actually attempted to get an education.  I know, I'm boring.  Moving right along :)  

9. My grossest habit is...putting my gum on the side of my plate while I eat.

10. My latest white lie was..."On my way!"  Actually happening: Still getting ready.

11. I know all the words to...Baby Got Back.  And can rap it like a mofo :)

12. When I grow up...I want to be nothing but happy.  Everything else falls into place after that!

13. Sexy time is...every day--if left up to Matt :)

14. I will never, ever...be dependent on a man, or anyone for that matter.  EVER!

15. I think it's hilarious...when I bust someone's balls who thinks they are on a totally different level than everyone else.  You put your britches on the same way I did this morning.  Get over yourself.  {So maybe that's mean, not hilarious.  Ha!  Oh well!!}

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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

{Weigh In Wednesday}

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I'm linking up with {Erin} & {Alex} again this week with good news!!

I've also deemed today 'Happy Dance Wednesday' because this girl FINALLY lost!  2 WHOLE POUNDS.  

I've tried super hard to have 10K a day on my FitBit and I've been successful all but 1 day.  I'm eating cleaner.  Drinking plenty of water.  And I am planning my meals {I think this may be the most important}.  Failing to plan to is planning to fail.  I keep telling myself this.  

I am proud of myself for pushing through the weeks with no losses, or gains even, and not giving up.  I realize this is just as much mental as it is physical. 

How did you do this week??
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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

{Tasty Tuesday :: Crockpot Tortellini}

Tuesday is quite possibly my favorite day of the week cause I get to share yummy goodness with yall!

Sunday I decided to try out a new recipe from none other than my favorite source, {Pinterest}.  I had to work and therefore decided to pop this into the crockpot so little-to-nothing would have to be done upon my arrival home for dinner.

I realized recently while being OCD and "cleaning" up my pins I had pinned this recipe 3 times.  Must be pretty popular.  So let's jump right in...recipe adapted from {here}

Ingredients:
1 (19 oz) bag of frozen cheese tortellini
1 small bag of fresh spinach (I used about half of a 9 oz bag)
1 package fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 (14.5 oz) can of Italian style diced tomatoes, drained
1 block (8 oz) of neufchatel cream cheese {*DO NOT use Fat Free...it WILL NOT melt}
1 lb of ground beef, drained from fat
4 cups (or 1 box) of Fat Free, Sodium Free chicken broth

Directions:
Brown the beef and put all ingredients in crockpot, chunking up cream cheese.  Cook on low for 4-6 hrs.

Serves 6

I forgot to take an after picture because I was about to gnaw my arm off a little hungry.  Ooops!     

I liked this recipe, however I would substitute the ground beef for ground Italian sausage or something with a little more spice...like the recipe calls for.  Hey, I was trying to clean out the freezer and be thrifty!

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Friday, March 1, 2013

{My Love Story Link Up - Never Say Never}

NEVER SAY NEVER
(Warning: This post may be long and full of copious amounts of photos)

Today I am linking up with Erin to tell MY love story

I was 15 years old when I first laid eyes on him.  He was athletic, charming, and the most handsome thing my 15 year old eyes had ever seen.  However, I was currently in a relationship with a D-Bag that was very emotionally abusive.  I wanted out of that horrible relationship with said D-Bag...but stuck around 2 more looooooooonnnnnnggggg years.  And then one random day, I grew a huge effin' set and the shat finally hit the fan {thank you sweet baby Jesus}.  I WAS OUT!  Holla!!  NEVER again.  I was on a mission.  Determined to have Mr. Charming.  So I did.  We dated for several years {with a couple breaks in between}.  During one of our "breaks" I remember someone asking me...
- "So, when are you gonna get married and have kids?"
- "Ummm....NEVER."  {NEVER SAY NEVER}  Geez people...I am TWENTY-FEAKIN-ONE {almost 22} and S.I.N.G.L.E.  Can we slow the bus down just a teeny bit puhlease???  It's time to enjoy me!

Fast forward to August 2005.  Mr. Charming and I rekindled our relationship a few months prior and now this chick is LATE.  No, no, no.  This cannot be happening!  But it was.  And after 4 different pregnancy tests {including the digital kind where it actually says 'negative' or 'positive'} plus one more at my gynecologist it was confirmed...I WAS PREGNANT.  2 months pregnant at that!

Fast forward {again}seven months, and 50 pounds, to March 2, 2006...WHEN I FELL IN LOVE 

Kayleigh Marie was born at 5:53 AM to 2 proud very parents.  I NEVER believed in love at first sight until I met my daughter.  She was perfect in every way.







 








I have watched her grow into a beautiful young lady.  She is one of the most loving, caring, sweet children I have ever met.  She is my mini-me.  She is a diva.  She is full of life.  She is intelligent.  She is precious.  She is self-less.  She is my best friend.  And she is the most perfect creation I have ever had a part in.

Although her father {Mr. Charming} and I are no longer together, by my choice, we still have a cordial relationship for Kayleigh.  He is a great daddy and I am very fortunate to have someone share the love and responsibility of our daughter.


Tomorrow we will celebrate her 7th birthday.  I thank God everyday I was chosen 7 years ago to be her mother, even though I said "NEVER".  


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