Life Lately

Lately I have been dying from the worst cold ever.  Even getting my hair did didn't keep it away.  

This little lady and I have been getting along marvelously.  Afternoon kindergarten definitely agrees with us.  We have time to make cookies, do homework and read a thousand books before she is even off to school.  Yesterday she told me she wished I was her teacher so she wouldn't have to miss me while she was at school.  My heart grew three sizes.  

Wednesday is the new date night for my boyfriend and me.  Ivy has ballet on Wednesday nights and there is nowhere to sit and watch or anything.  Lucky though its right by Greenies.  So I drop off my little ballerina and then head off for some one on one time with Darin.  Our date of choice is bike riding along the river while catching up and reconnecting during our busy weeks.  I'm loving Wednesdays a lot.  

"The greatest good we do is for each other. "

>>  Mother Theresa  <<

I've been trying to do more good and it feels so good.  

Hope you are having a good week!

Round 2. Or 1. Either way.

Uhh so Round 1 of the 24 day challenge is up!  How did it go?!  I told you guys I was failing miserably but I reined it in and I came out ok in the end.  I'd say I was on track 50 percent of the time.  Yeah, not so great.  I have excuses but they are just excuses so I'll spare you that.  Was it harder than you thought?  Easier?  I'd love to hear what the challenge ended up being for you.  

And guess wha-at. Remember that whole repeat part?  Yeah I hit repeat today.  So whether you failed completely and want to give it another go, or loved it so much you want to keep going, or anything in between I hope you'll join me for round 2 of the 24 day challenge!  Lets refresh ourselves about what the challenge is shall we?

Got all that?  If you are joining me for the first time or need a refresher the nitty gritty can be found 

HERE...

...and you can get your measurement tracking worksheet HERE.   

What do you think.  Are you down to try again?  I'll be here cheering you on.  And I am fully planning on rocking it this time.  FOR SURE.  I won't let you down.  I have a solid goal this time and a I've shifted my focus to doing this for the right reasons.  Plus my birthday is at the end of the month and I want to be the best I can be by then! Oh and I've got a good reward picked out too.  See I'm already more pumped up.  I hope you are too.  

Cuz its on.  And its starts now. 

Insta Friday 9.28.12

Can you believe it is almost here?!  October!! We've been getting in to the spirit at our house.  My mom came to visit last week and we got started on our holiday planners.  My brainy idea to make and bind our own has turned in to a mighty large project but I'm excited for the finished results!

We have been stretching the pool thing as long as possible.  But these early fall days are so so gorgeous!  How cute are these cupcakes my friend Mandy made for her daughters birthday party?  We had our very last pool day on Wednesday and who would have thought, but yes you can get a little bit of a sunburn at the end of September!

With the start of school we made Friday night movie night.  Last week was Pirate night.  We made a whole party out of it.  My little girl is equal parts pirate and princess and she was enthralled the whole time. 

Red lips and sun flare make a Saturday afternoon at the park look far more glamorous than it is.

Its the end of the 24 day challenge this weekend!!! How have you been doing?  I have gotten back on track so its going really well around here.  I've got a little bit of motivation back seeing as my birthday is coming up soon.  I found Dave's Killer Bread at Costco the other day.  I might have yelped a little bit.  $6.99 for two loaves?!  That is just about half price my friends.  If you haven't had it yet, its time to say no to bread on drugs ;)

So I tried the coconut oil thing in your hair thing yesterday.  Somehow I think the washing it 5 times to not look like a grease monkey defeated the purpose.  It is softer though so next time I think I'll stick to the ends of my hair! 

Have you tried anything off pinterest lately?  Or are you trying something new this weekend?  I'd love to hear it.  Have a great weekend!

Halfway Point

Also the point where I tell you I am completely failing at my own challenge.  Here are three completely honest if it kills me things I've learned about myself so far from this 24 day challenge...

1.  I am not motivated by a pedicure in the slightest.  Not one little bit.  Nor am I motivated by trying to be better than someone else.  Turns out being vain and selfish isn't very inspiring.  

Source: reasonstobefit.tumblr.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Today I decided I was doing this for me only.  Being my best self has nothing to do with how much better my best self is than someone else's best self.  Ugh aren't those terrible thoughts?  That wasn't my intention when I came up with this challenge but I dwelled on it long enough that my thoughts turned that way.  You know how they say comparison is the thief of joy?  Well its true.  I already knew that but I let it take the joy out of this for me.  And yeah pedicures.  If I'm not motivated enough to get them any other time, it probably isn't going to be enough incentive to be tough.

*Lesson Learned- Positive thinking and not worrying about others is key.*

2.  The second thing I've discovered is that I don't have the willpower to make really yummy treats for the ladies I visit teach and not eat one.  Or even stop at one.

Source: bakersroyale.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

But seriously, brownie cookies?! I should have known better.   If you have to cheat, make it something that makes you really happy right?  Sorry if I haven't visit taught you yet.  I can't face another batch of these without giving in to the pressure, so you are going to have to have something store bought.  But know I don't think any less of you.  

*Lesson Learned- Baking is out for me. 

3.  Muscles are my motivation.  I like getting stronger and tougher.  I like buying workout clothes more than regular clothes. I will pick weights over cardio ANY day.   If you aren't sold on why strength training is important, this is an excellent article comparing the benefits of strength training and cardio.  I also love this list of 62 Fitness and Diet Rules . Both have helped me recommit myself to this dang thing.  That and I did pushups yesterday and I can't do near as many as I used to.

*Lesson Learned-Stick with what truly motivates you.

So if you needed a reset like me today would be a great day to do it.  Whether you've been rocking it or not its time to take measurements!  Or you can pass and wait till the end.  Either way we are halfway done!  I hope you are doing better than me. ;)

InstaFriday 9.14.12

Fall is beating down my door.  And try as I might I can't seem to get away from it.  The one thing that makes it being September already is that it is football season.  I love everything about it but I love the most snuggling up with Dtox to watch a game.

 September has also brought us go outside more weather, back to reality, a schedule and some good old fashioned silliness.

 The same day Ivy started kindergarten I also became a soccer mom.  And a dance mom.  And a busy mom.  D reminds me that I brought this on myself.  Ivy and I love it.  Before her first soccer game we had to have a serious talk about no cartwheels during the game.  

We had our first day of boot weather.  Even I couldn't resist.  But it was a one time deal.  I'm saving the rest for when its actually fall.  Next week BOO!  I finally busted out the canner today too.  We picked up peaches to do Monday and I got our first batch of applesauce done.  Yay for being domesticated and stuff!  

Have a great weekend!