Saturday, January 31, 2009
Help Me Pick a Purse Ladies!
What a Mess!
Friday, January 30, 2009
I've Been Tagged!!
Step 2: tag—eight other un-tagged people.
What are you wearing right now? Black/pink foldover waistband yoga pants, black yoga top, pink and white Nike shox (I just got back from BodyPump.
What's the last thing I read/ are currently reading? "The Daily Fix"by Alexa Fishback, MS, RD, "The Hour I First Believed" by Wally Lamb, Self, and Oxygen Magazine, and of course school books (booooo)
Do you nap a lot? I LOVE taking naps and do so whenever I can (usually only happens on the weekends)
Who was the last person you hugged? Jeff, my boyfriend and my dog Vincent (he gets hugs a lot)
What's your current obsession/addiction? Extra Sugar-Free Spearmint gum, Victoria's secret foldover yoga pants, Real Housewives of Orange County, Fuji Apples
What was the last thing you said out loud? "What do you want to do tonight?" to Jeff trying to figure out where we're going tonight since 1/2 the city is still without power =( So much for a nice romantic dinner at Ella's like we had planned!
What websites do you always visit when you go online? Blog, Facebook, Google Reader, my gym's website to sign up for classes, online bank accounts, school accounts
What was the last item you bought? Brown and black tights from Mason's to go under a couple Lacoste dresses I bought online.
What is your most challenging goal? Getting EVERYTHING done on my schedule, I definitely have a full plate with work, school, working out, Junior League, Date Nights, Bible Study, etc.
If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished- anywhere in the world, where would it be? Dallas, TX, it's such a fun city and it's not too far away
Favorite Vacation spot? Well, used to be Destin, FL, but after going to Italy this summer with Jeff, I think I'll have a new favorite!
Say something to the person who tagged you: You're so fun, I love your blog, thanks for tagging me!
Name one thing you just can't resist no matter how bad it is for you: Cheese Pizza from Guido's or Tim's
What is your favorite item of clothing? Dresses, I can't get enough of them!
Favorite pair of shoes you keep going back to over and over, even though your closet is over flowing with a zillion others?! My guess by merciano pumps, they're so hawt and I get a ton of compliments every time I wear them!
Name one thing you can not live with out: Sugar-Free Gum (seriously I chew like 20 "slices" a day!)
Has a celebrity's haircut ever influence you on your own hairstyle? Pretty much every single Victoria's Secret Model
Thursday, January 29, 2009
My Town Looks Like a Tim Burton Movie
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Cabin Fever Setting In!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Ice Storm on the Way!
not bad!
I've decided I need to get a bigger desk in my office at home. I like the one I have because it's got a lot of shelving and it's pretty skinny so it leaves a lot of room. But I really need more desk space to spread out books and use my laptop, things like that. I had to move to my kitchen table this weekend. So I guess I may switch my desk out with a bigger one I have in my room at my parent's house in Fort Smith. My mother with be happy, I think she's phasing me out and making it a nice guest room! Haha!
My home computer is about to crash, my friend worked on it a little bit this weekend and he said he needs to do a major overhaul on it. I can't even get on the internet with it right now so thank goodness for my work laptop!
We didn't do too much this weekend. Jeff had his guys night Friday night, then Saturday we went out to eat at Marketplace then saw Frost/Nixon. It was a good movie but you definitely have to be a history buff to like it. We were one of two couples in the theatre that weren't actually old enough to experience the whole Nixon thing!
Yesterday Jeff and I had the BEST brunch EVER at Soul. We didn't end up going to Copeland's because we didn't want to drive the 30 miles because it was freezing yesterday. Plus we really wanted to try a new restaurant. Thank goodness we did, it was amazing and we now have a new favorite brunch spot! Here is what we had...
Me:
Grilled Shrimp and Sweet Basil Omelet
Grilled shrimp chopped with fresh basil, roasted tomatoes, and folded into a three egg omelet
Jeff:
Chairman’s Reserve Beef Tenderloin Stacker
Scrambled eggs, thin slices of beef tenderloin, hashed potatoes with our signature bleu cheese sauce
We were very pleased!
Well, I'm going to try and get things tied up here at work so I can start preparing for Ice Storm 2009! Have a great day and stay safe!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Ouchy!
BodyAttack turned out to be a great workout, class was pretty full. I'm glad I went instead of taking the day off to heal! Then after I came home I had the biggest plate of egg whites ever...seriously, I think I used like 8 eggs! I've started putting cracked garlic pepper in with them, it gives it a yummy little kick!
Jeff had a fun night out with the guys last night. I just stayed in with the puppy and kitty and rented "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2". It was cute, and a good update to the first movie, you definitely have to see the first one to follow along.
I think we're giong to go to a movie tonight. We've been wanting to see that Frost/Nixon movie, apparently it's a pretty interesting story. It was out in select theatres about a month ago and it's FINALLY made it everywhere this week. Plus our movie theatre has a fantastic coffee bar in it and I'm looking forward to an espresso! Yes, my name is Natalie and I have an addiction! =)
I think I'm going to go to BodyPump tomorrow just in case the freezing rain we're supposed to get comes early on Monday. And if it doesn't I'll just go again Monday morning (you can repeat classes like this because they use low weights and high reps). I think the bad stuff is supposed to come Tuesday morning but just in case, I'll get an extra workout in tomorrow, after brunch of course! I've also got to go grocery shopping this weekend, probably tomorrow so that everything will be fresh for the week.
I'm feeling really great on the last day of the diet, I made it down to 117 (I'm 5'3) and I'm very happy with that! My clothes are fitting much better (except for some work pants that I'm drowning in now) which really gives a lift to my spirits. It's not only about the way I look though, I also have a ton more energy, my muscles feel great, and my blood pressure is down. I'm definitely going to stick to doing this twice a year to make sure I stay on track as much as possible.
Well, I think I've procrastinated with blogging enough for today, I'm going to get back to my paper writing, have a fantastic day!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Friday!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Oops, that didn't show up too well...
Monday
Breakfast:
2 Eggs + 2 Egg Whites w/ Lowfat Cheese & 2 Slices Turkey Bacon
Morning Snack:
4 Slices Turkey, EAS Shake
Lunch:
Protein Shake w/ Soy Milk
Afternoon Snack:
1 c. Edamame
Dinner (before class):
Panera Bread: Chicken Caesar Salad (No Croutons) w/ Apple
Tuesday
Breakfast:
4 Slices Turkey, EAS Shake
Morning Snack:
Apple w/ Lowfat String Cheese
Lunch:
Salad w/ Protein & Vegetables
Afternoon Snack:
EAS Shake
Dinner:
Tilapia, Green Beans, & Broccoli
Wednesday
Breakfast:
2 Eggs + 2 Egg Whites w/ Lowfat Cheese & 2 Slices Turkey Bacon
Morning Snack:
4 Slices Turkey
Lunch:
Tilapia, Green Beans, & Broccoli
Afternoon Snack:
Protein Pudding (1/2 scoop Protein Powder + 1/2 c. Yogurt + 1/2 packet Stevia)
Dinner:
Date Night Dinner: Bacon-Wrapped Terriyaki Quail, Green Beans w/ Almonds, Baked Tomatoes & Zucchini
Thursday
Breakfast:
Protein Shake w/ Soy Milk
Morning Snack:
Apple w/ Lowfat String Cheese
Lunch:
Salad w/ Protein & Vegetables
Afternoon Snack:
4 Slices Turkey, EAS Shake
Dinner:
2 Eggs + 2 Egg Whites w/ Lowfat Cheese & 2 Slices Turkey Bacon
Friday
Breakfast:
2 Eggs + 2 Egg Whites w/ Lowfat Cheese & 2 Slices Turkey Bacon
Morning Snack:
4 Slices Turkey, EAS Shake
Lunch:
Salad w/ Protein & Vegetables
Afternoon Snack:
Protein Pudding
Dinner:
Dinner Out - Protein & Vegetables
Saturday
Breakfast:
Protein Shake w/ Soy Milk
Morning Snack:
Apple w/ Lowfat String Cheese
Lunch:
1 c. Eggbeaters w/ Lowfat Cheese & 2 Slices Turkey Bacon
Afternoon Snack:
1 c. Edamame
Dinner:
Dinner Out - Protein & Vegetables
Sunday
Breakfast:
2 Eggs + 2 Egg Whites w/ Lowfat Cheese & 2 Slices Turkey Bacon
Morning Snack:
Protein Pudding
Lunch:
Protein Shake w/ Soy Milk
Afternoon Snack:
1 c. Edamame
Dinner:
Salad w/ Protein
**I like to eat combinations of the same things for a week then switch it up. I find this saves a LOT of money of groceries rather than planning out a bunch of different types of meals.
Meal Plan....Check!
3 More Days & Counting!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Yes I Can!
Haha, a little political influence to the title today to go with Inaguration Day. I'm saying "Yes I CAN" stick to my goals and workout plan this week! As usual, I was in class till 10pm last night and I actually got up at 5am for BodyAttack this morning! I had a lot more energy once I got going than I thought I would. I was getting worried after skipping last Tuesday morning's due to extreme sleepiness from getting home from class so late but I think I'm getting used to it and now I know that it's actually possible!
I decided yesterday that I'm going to have a Cocktail Party at my house in February! It will be a busy month with trips to the horse races and shows at the Walton Arts Center and MY BIRTHDAY but I thought I might as well pack one more thing in. I would like to just have a small get together now then have a bigger party for a housewarming that Jeff has been dying to throw later on. I would rather wait for that one until the weather warms up so everyone is not packed into my house like sardines!
Monday, January 19, 2009
I Cheated!
We didn't do much Friday night, we rented that movie "Swing Vote" or something like that and I fell asleep in the middle of it around 9:00. It wasn't a bad movie, I just get so tired around 9 now, my body is really getting used to going to bed at that time and waking up early. (I'm old) And sure enough, I woke up BEFORE the alarm Saturday morning to go to Boot Camp. It was a great workout, I just wish my endurance would improve a little. It's not what it usually is because I'm not getting enough carbs right now.
Today is actually a company holiday but my department had to come in and get some work done. Luckily our boss is letting us go around lunch time (yay!) so I get to go home and take a nap before class tonight, that will be nice. THEN, I get to start working from home on Wednesday's this week, that will be so nice! I'll save on gas and a little bit of sleep in the morning! Plus, Wednesday's are Date Nights for Jeff and I so I'll be able to spend more time cooking (or learning how to cook) yummy meals for us! =)
Our first Date Night after the diet I'm going to try to make quail. Dad brought us back about 30 pounds of quail and pheasant from a hunting trip a couple of weeks ago and it's been sitting in my freezer waiting on me. Jeff already had some and said it was really good. I've had it in restaurants before and loved it so I'm excited.
Well, I'm going to finish up here at work then head home to make some lunch and take a nice little nap before class. Thank goodness I've finished my paper due today and I don't have much studying to do this week (except for writing two papers due next Monday, but I'm not going to start thinking about that till tomorrow!) so I can relax this afternoon. Ahhhhh....
Friday, January 16, 2009
Reward Day!
Then I wandered over to Dillards. Their brand, Antonio Melani is my absolute favorite for work clothes so I check every now and then to see if they have any new stuff on sale. Low and behold, they did today! I found a pair of grey pants and some boots super cheap! Woo hoo! The pants are soooo long on me, so I'll have to get them hemmed =( I hate being short sometimes.
These boots started at $200 and I got them for $59...Score!
You gotta love some retail therapy right?
As for weekend plans, I think tonight Jeff and I are going to go see that Benjamin Button movie, we've heard it's really good.
Then Saturday I've got Boot Camp with Mica in the morning and I might stay for BodyAttack afterward if I have the energy. Then I need to clean the house and do a big ole pile of laundry that I've been putting off for about a week (I'm seriously about to run out of underwear which is practically impossible if you saw how full that drawer usually is!)
Then Saturday night we're going to go out with a big group of friends for dinner then probably out to Dickson Street.
Sunday will be church and BodyCombat and finishing up some stuff for my class. Everybody have a great weekend!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
9 Degrees....I Repeat, NINE DEGREES!!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
BRRRRRRR!!!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Back to School, Back to School, to Prove to Dad that I'm Not a Fool!!
So I didn't do much this weekend except work out, sleep, study, watch tv, and go to church. I was soooooo exhausted for some reason, I just couldn't get enough sleep. I feel better today though so I guess I'm caught up. Jeff went to a Razorback basketball watch party at our friend's house and I stayed home and fell asleep about 9:00. Yes, that's right, 9:00 on a Saturday, I am such a party animal. Ya know, my birthday is less than a month away, I'm pretty sure this is a sign of getting OLDER. =(
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Great Message
Words are so powerful. I think I really learned that message in 2008. Even if you don't mean to hurt someone, just the simplest thing can have a negative affect. Words have the power to build up or tear down.
"Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." (James 3:10)
"The tongue has the power of life or death." (Proverbs 18:21)
Greg taught us to see our spouse or loved one as Jesus sees them. This is very hard to do, especially if you're angry with them. But difficult as it may be, we must look past our anger and frustration and see in them what God sees through His loving eyes. The Lord looks at our heart.
He also talked about some words of affirmation that everyone should use to "speak life into your mate".
- Words of Gratitude - Gratitude is thankful recognition by saying "thank you" for something specific that you appreciated that he/she did. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
- Words of Praise - "Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious..." (Ecclesiastes 10:12)
- Words of Appreciation - Noticing what you VALUE about your spouse (Romans 12:10) The more you 'apreciate' something, the more valuable it becomes to you. Make an Honor List, listing all the ways you appreciate your spouse.
- Words of Encouragement - The word "en-courage" meant "to make couragious" (Mark 1:11) Give extra energy and courage, release their potential.
- Words of Validation - "Quick to listen, slow to speak..." (James 1:19) Care and be curious.
- Words of Protection - Speak kindly of your spouse in front of others when he or she is present or not present. (Ephesians 4:29) Never gossip or dishonor.
- Words of Blessing - The word "blessing" means to confirm its truth and to strengthen it. (Matthew 16:18) Call out something positive that you see they are interested in.
These issues we can all work on in our relationships and I know I will be keeping them in mind! =)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Finally, The Week is Almost Over!
Not sure what Jeff and I will do this weekend. Maybe see a movie or something, who knows. Can you tell I like to hibernate in the winter? =)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Happy Thursday!
I've got BodyCombat tonight, then BodyPump tomorrow morning. The diet is going really well, I haven't been very hungry at all yet which is great. I think it gets easier everytime I do it because I know what to expect and I know how to curb my cravings and hunger more now (lemon in hot tea, sugar free gum, and chewing ice!). Saturday morning is Boot Camp with Mica starting at 7:30am! I'm excited, I think it will be a lot of fun, more to come on that tomorrow. Have a great day!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Must...Work...Out!
Ok so I've written the first 2 papers due in my first graduate school class and I'm working on the 2nd week's reading assignments and they just keep getting longer and longer and longer. I think the first week's were just a teaser to break us in. I've been trying to read and outline today but I can't focus! Probably cuz I haven't worked out! Der
Dad and Jeff are going to the basketball game tonight, we're playing Texas and I've heard of soooo many people that are going! I wanted to go at first, then I realized that since it's a televised game, it won't be over till 10 or 10:30 then with traffic you don't get home till about 11. So as a person who get's up at 5am to go work out, it just wasn't an ideal thing to do tonight =( I guess I'll just have to stay home and watch reality tv! Hee hee! Tonight is Real Housewives of Orange County...love. I told Jeff I watch it because I like to see what they wear and how they fix their hair. He didn't believe me and he make me promise to watch Meet the Press the next day.
Gretchen's hair is the prettiest on the show, I wish my hair would do this...
Speaking of reality tv (Jeff is probably gagging as he reads this, or closing the browser all together) did anybody see The Bachelor last night?! It looks to be VERY dramatic this season for sure. And what's up with that Deanna chick from the bachelorette who BROKE HIS HEART coming back to cause trouble? Not cool.
Personally, I'm rooting for Melissa because I've watched her on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders show and she seems really sweet and funny.Sorry this entire post has been about reality tv, I don't feel like thinking today. Probably because of watching too much reality tv...it's a vicious cycle...