New Year Resolutions

To be quite honest, I'm not really the person who has ever set realistic, or any type, of New Year Resolutions.  I guess I always tell myself that this will be the year that I will lose weight and feel good about myself, but that never happened in the past.

I've been debating on whether I should post any New Year's Resolutions.  Is it necessary?  I think it is.

I think that EVERYONE should have some type of resolution every year, or goals to try to accomplish.  I've always been taught to think of both short term and long term goals.  You NEED goals in life.  They are there for a purpose.  If you have no purpose (or goal), then you will never really ACCOMPLISH something.  If you achieve or accomplish something without a goal, then it isn't really praise-worthy.  It's not anything to say YES, I KNEW I COULD DO IT.  ONE GOAL---DOWN! Do you know what I mean?  Do you "feel" what I'm saying?

So, yes.  I DO think that EVERYONE should have goals.  I think everyone should have SHORT TERM GOALS aka New Year's Resolutions.

I am posting mine a little early.  I think it's a great thing and I REALLY hope to accomplish all of them this year.  I have a feeling 2014 is going to be a great year.

My New Year's Resolutions (some may be silly):

1.  Lose additional FAT (not necessarily lbs) and gain muscle/tone up/feel GOOD in my skin.

2.  Grow with Josh closer to the Lord.

3.  Spend time with not only my family but Josh's as well.

4.  Gain more knowledge in my career with accounting.

5.  Become a Beachbody Diamond Coach.

6.  Touch and change at least 5 individuals lives (could be through beachbody or through Christ).

7.  Pay off my car loan.

8.  Start an investment fund.

9.  Drink more water on a daily basis.

10.  Spend more time with Stella (playing and bonding).


What are some of your goals for 2014?  Are any the same as mine?! :)

XO,

This Bombshell is making a comeback!!

I am finishing up a call with some of my fellow coaches and this call has inspired me to get back in full force with Beachbody and coaching.

Let's make this clear: I have not given up on Beachbody because of the product AT ALL!

I have had a million things going on and had to take a small break from my coaching and I do not LIKE that at all!  I am about finished transitioning from one job to another and I think I am over the hump of all of my sickness! I have been battling sickness after sickness from Sinus Infections and other yucky stuff.  I still have a little drainage but feel worlds better than I have.  I know, other people are getting nasty viruses and colds as well, but I have been knocked almost to the ground with these two!

I LOVE my Shakeology and I LOVE working out.  I drink my shakes, and have been drinking them, every day (I have them in the morning).  My workouts have been hit or miss, but I am jumping back into the swing of things.  I did Slim in 6 tonight, which was my very first Beachbody program that I purchased.  I love Debbie Siebers who does the videos and love her style.  It's very simple, yet I get a great workout.  I know SI6 is a beginner workout, but I think it serves it's purpose and it's what I enjoy.  SO, why not do something you enjoy?

P90X3 (THIRTY MINUTES!!) was just released and is also on special this month.

I am starting up my 60 day Challenge groups up SOON and my next one kicks off January 6th!  I am only selecting 5 girls to join me in this group.  I will be an active participant and will be looking forward to shedding some Holiday lbs with the rest of you!

If you want to RESERVE a SPOT for this group, message me TODAY and let me know you are interested! Spots will go FAST!

This will not be the end of me that you will see.. I'M BACK!! :)

XO,

Thirty-One Turkey Trot

I am partnering up with my sister and other ladies and I am participating in a Thirty-One Turkey Trot over this Thanksgiving Holiday!

What is a Turkey Trot?

I am collecting orders (just a small amount) and I am entered to win a guaranteed prize if I get over $100 in orders and I can also win other prizes depending on my sales.

What is in it for YOU?

There is an AWESOME deal going on right now.  If you spend $31, you can get 1 of 5 items for only $5!  HELLO Christmas presents!

 

Listed above are the items you can get for only $5 with a $31 order.  If you spend $62 you can get TWO items for only $5 each!!

 

 

Y'all! I am almost done with my Christmas shopping! If you haven't started NOW is the time!  You can find gifts for your daughter, wife, girlfriend, friend, grandpa, grandma, PET, husband, child, etc. etc.  You name it--there should be a gift for that special someone! 

 

Let me know if you would like to order something!  Since this is a Turkey Trot, I will pay for the total, so the check must be made out to me or I will accept cash.  Orders need to be in by Monday, December 2nd in order to ensure delivery before Christmas!

 

XO,

Day 26... 30 days of Thankfulness

Today I am so thankful that nothing is wrong with my car.  Well, not really.  I spoke yesterday about how my check engine light came on.  I took my car by Firestone after work yesterday and had a guy run a scan on my car with a cool little machine that tells exactly what is wrong.  It came up with a message on both of my breaks.  For a minute, the guy asked if I have had any problem braking.  My response: nope.  Everything is fine with my brakes.  Then he asks, Are your brake lights working? My response: nope.  I don't know how he thought to ask that, but he did.  Come to find out the switch under my steering wheel/above floor board has a switch that connects braking with the brake light.  It was switched off.  He got it fixed.  The check engine light went off.  Everything is good.

I did almost have a slight heart attack knowing that I had been driving around for over a day (including in GREENVILLE) with NO BRAKE LIGHTS.  I didn't have a clue. 

I'm so thankful for the safety of myself and others who happened to be behind me.

The mechanic was surprised when I told him I had not been pulled over.   I WISH I had!! Then, I would have known.  But, all in all, I am thankful that it was not anything BAD or anything that required $$! Thank you, Lord.  You are amazing!

XO,

Day 22-25 of the 30 days of Thankfulness

I had SUCH a great weekend! Days are truly flying by and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. I am so ready for Wednesday when I get to head out of town to visit my Grandparents for Thanksgiving! I'm blessed to have family close by and to share special days with the ones I love the most.

Day 22:

I am thankful for real Christmas Trees. I've had a real Christmas tree for as long as I can remember. It's something about them that REALLY gets me in the Christmas Spirit. Josh went with me to pick out one for us on Thursday and we got it up and decorated Friday. I KNOW it's up before Thanksgiving, but I promise it won't take away from Thanksgiving and remembering what I'm thankful for. We haven't decorated the outside of my town home, yet. We are waiting until after Thanksgiving. Things should be up this weekend :)

Day 23:

I'm thankful for my Daddy. I think I already posted that I was thankful for my Mom a few days ago. I really am thankful for my Dad and a true Daddy's girl through and through. Growing up, I would ride around with him on the weekends and he always took me to Breakfast at a place in Summerville called Bagel Nation. I got the same breakfast bagel sandwich every morning and he got his meal. He is a big coffee drinker and they had TONS of different types of coffee. I would always make him a special coffee blend of a mixture of EVERY flavor they had. He always drank it and seemed to enjoy it! I loved spending time with him. Still to this day, I love him so much. I look up to him and as I am older, I see how much he has sacrificed for my mom and my brother, sister, and me. He is a hard-working, loving, nurturing, there when he can be, father. I am so blessed for him to be so involved in our lives whenever he can. As a kid and growing up, there were times when he was gone a lot for work. It never mattered to me when he was gone. I think this was because when he was home, he was very much present. He still to this day takes car of me and also takes care of Stella when needed. I love you, Daddy and I am so glad you are mine!

Day 24:

Thankful for a handy fiancee. We went shopping yesterday in Greenville, SC and FINALLY bought an entertainment center for my living room. I made Josh put it together last night and I am SO thankful for him. I would have NEVER been able to get it all together without him. He is so supportive of me and is always willing to help out when I need him to!

Day 25:

I'm thankful for transportation. I completely forgot that my Check Engine or transmission light came on yesterday. I still have to take it to get checked out and I'm praying it's nothing major. I just took my car Saturday for an oil change and to get my tires rotated. Low and behold, my check engine light comes on. It's right around the Holidays, a time when EVERYONE needs a little extra cash for presents, and I'm supposed to be driving it to NC in a couple of days for Thanksgiving. I will know more about it tonight after I take it to Firestone. I'm praying that it is nothing major and can be fixed soon. If it happens to be something more, I will be thankful for what I have and that I will, hopefully, still be able to get it fixed. Transportation is something that most people just assume will be there. We all get cars when we are in High School (most of the time) and it's something we just have. Many people get new vehicles every year or two. I've had mine for about 3 1/2 years and nothing major has happened, yet. Let's hope it stays that way!

I hope you all have a great week! Happy Monday!

XO,

Day 21.... 30 Days of Thankfulness

Day 21:

I am so thankful for my co-workers.  There are times we don't get along very well and are very stressed out! But, they are pretty good and always there to help each other out when needed.  I know working with others is not always easy, especially when we all come from different backgrounds.  But, I'm thankful for each and everyone of them.  Afterall, I spend MOST of my days and time with them!

XO,

Day 20- 30 Days of Thankfulness

Day 20:

Today, I am thankful for my health.  I see people all around me sick and not doing well at all.  Besides my headaches/sinus issues, I have been healthy.  I don't suffer from any un-diagnosed problems or don't wonder what is going on.  A lot of people are worse off than I am as far as their health is concerned.  So, I'm very thankful that I am healthy.

XO,

Day 16-19 of the 30 days of Thankfulness

Sorry, y'all! I was going to make it a point to post EVERY.SINGLE.DAY during the month of November and that just hasn't happened.  I'm a little behind and I'm going to catch up right now!

Day 16:

Saturday I was thankful for being part of special memories with Cooper.  I went with my sister, Noah, and Cooper Uptown Greenwood for their Holiday Open House.  Santa was uptown, and Cooper got to meet him for the first time! I am so glad that I am so close by my family so that I can go along with them as memories are made.  Thank you, Ashley and Noah, for letting me be part of these special moments.  I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Day 17:

Sunday, I went to Church and Sunday School by myself.  Josh was traveling back from Savannah and my parents were heading back from D.C.  It is out of the norm for me to go alone places, especially to church.  I don't know why this has always been the way I am.  UNTIL recently.  Josh and I went to our first Sunday School class together the Sunday before last and we immediately knew we were in the right place.  The atmosphere and people were so welcoming.  I didn't even hesitate thinking about going back.  I felt so comfortable, even by myself.  I am thankful for my Church and for God.  Without him, I wouldn't be who I am today.

Day 18:

Yesterday was our Monthly Woman's Club Meeting.  I am going into my 3rd year as a member of the Abbeville Woman's Club.  I absolutely love the club, the friendships I've made, and the donations to charities and scholarships we provide.  Everything about the Woman's Club makes me happy.  I am so thankful to be part of such a wonderful, small, group of girls in the community.

Day 19:

Today, I am thankful for NEW opportunities.  More information on this is to come, but I am so thankful that people believe in me enough to put all their faith in me for something new. 

Thankful: It's who I am.  Blessed: It's what I am.  I honestly don't have anything that I am not thankful for.  I hope y'all have a great Tuesday.  Tonight, I'll be hosting my family for a family night supper.  Pork Chops is what's for dinner ;)

XO,

Day 15!

Halfway through the month of November.  I am so thankful for big things, small things, silly things.... you get the point!

It's hard to put into words everything that I'm thankful for.  It's definitely much more than 30 things.  Some of my ideas are very silly and it's just because I can't think of anything else at the MOMENT.  It does not mean that I'm not thankful for bigger stuff.

Since today is Friday and I am officially on my WEEKEND schedule at 5PM, I am thankful today for things that are called the weekend!  I know some people have to work and don't get to enjoy their weekends, but I get to enjoy my 2 days off from the working world.  I get to sleep in (which isn't very late anymore, thanks Stella!) and I get to either be lazy all day, or do things that I consider FUN, like shop.  It's the perfect time to regroup and to get a clear head before starting another work-week.  If I had to work every single day of my life, I think I would go insane.

What are you thankful for today?

TONIGHT, Josh and I are heading around town and are going to shop for some Christmas Decorations.  I am so excited to get my new place turned into a winter wonderland.  Wait... I wish I would turn it into a winter wonderland.  Perhaps one day.  I am, however; going to get a live tree when they arrive to Greenwood and I will decorate all over.  I am SO excited and love this time of the year!

XO,

FREE Squat Challenge

Hey, ladies and gents!

I wanted to extend an invitation to YOU to my upcoming FREE Squat Circuit Challenge that starts Thursday, November 21st.  This group ends right before Christmas!

My groups are done through FB and are closed groups.  I will post daily assignments for your workout and you are sure to get a great workout AND have fun while doing it!

It's TOTALLY FREE... all I need from YOU is to fill out a FREE Beachbody membership that assigns me as your Coach!  Click HERE to sign-up for the FREE account or if I am already your Coach, just let me know you are IN for the group!  If you are new and just signed up---message me letting me know you did! 

I am working on the group and will get everyone added once I am finished!  Happy Exercising!

XO,

30 days of Thankfulness... Day 14

Hey guys!  I've got a busy day today.  I am working, then leaving early to get my hair done, and then heading to a Re-Fashion Show that is tonight at the Alcoves.  P.E.O., an educational organization that I am part of is hosting this Re-Fashion show and I am helping serve refreshments.  It's going to be a full day, but overall, I am so thankful for that!

But, today, I am thankful for my SISTER!

We are VERY close in age (I'm 1 year, 1 month, and 11 days younger than her!).  The older we have become, the closer we have become.  Ashley is my best friend and I love her so much.  When I need an honest answer about a serious issue, whether or not an outfit looks good, or a silly question about something random, I always know to go to her for the HONEST answer!  I trust her opinion SO much.  She has been there for me and will always be there for me when needed. 

I've seen her ups and downs and I know for a fact that she is one of the strongest people I know.  She is such an amazing wife, mother, and sister and I hope one day to be just the same as her.  We never have a dull moment when we are together and I love her for that.

So, Ashley, I am SO thankful for you today and everyday! 

XO,

30 days of Thankfulness-- Day 13

Cannot.believe.how.fast.november.is.flying!
CA-RA-ZY!

TODAY, I am SO very thankful for coffee.  It's just the thing I needed on this cold morning.  Growing up, I NEVER drank coffee.  My Dad and Brother did but no one else in my family did.  I tried it on a few different occasions and never liked it.  I think it's not that I didn't like it, I just didn't know how to fix it.

SO, when I started working for the City of Abbeville, coffee was made daily for the employees.  It always smelled SO SO good.  I tried it loading up on sugar and creamer and fell.in.love.  YUMMY!

Since then, I still drink it but I have completely omitted sugar- WOO, go me! and I use creamer ONLY.  I know, it could still be healthier.  But, I only have about 1/2-1 cup per day.  As long as it makes me happy and jump starts my day, I think it's A-OK for me to have when I please.  I rarely drink coffee on the weekends or in the evenings.

How many of you like coffee?  What's your favorite combo?  Do you like it black or with lots of sugar?

XO,

Day 12. 30 days of Thankfulness

Sorry! I've got to play catch up now!

Yesterday, day 12, I was thankful for HEAT and a roof over my head! We got a cold front that came through last night and the low this morning was like 23 degrees!  Freezing for South Carolina weather.

So, I'm VERY thankful for a warm house and a place to rest my head!

XO,

 

Laura 

Day 11... 30 days of Thankfulness

Happy Veteran's Day, everyone!  It's only fitting that I would be thankful for ALL veterans, past and present, today!  My uncle and grandfather are veterans and I have other cousins as well who have all served.  I think the world of everyone in the armed forces and I know that they are some of the best people in the world.  Sacrificing everything they have to protect ME and my freedom as well as everyone else is just mind boggling to me.  So, today, I am thankful for all veterans. 

XO,



30 days of Thankfulness- Days 8-10

What a weekend! It's been a GREAT one! I finally gave in and went to the doctor Friday to see about getting rid of my sickness for good.  It turns out I had, yet another, sinus infection!  And, the Doctor said I have a polyp in my nasal cavity and has referred me to Dr. Rust with the ENT in Greenwood.  I'm ready to get rid of these sinus issues or at least get them under control.  I'm feeling SO much better and I am thankful all around for that.  But, here are my days, a little late, and I hope you enjoy!

Day 8-

I am thankful for my Mom!  Friday we both went to Howard's on Main to grab a quick sandwich and then we headed over to the Greenwood Community Theatre for GREASE! I love a good musical and I was dying to see this.  My Mom agreed to go with me and we had a great night.  I am thankful for my Mom every single day of the year.  She is my rock and is ALWAYS there for me when I need some support or just need someone to hang out with.  I love her to the moon and back and hope to be half the Mom she is one day.

Day 9-

I am SO very thankful for my Beachbody family.  Beachbody and my coach and team have all supported me in so many ways that has helped me grow as a person.  I am a better person now than I ever was.  I am more healthier, weight a little less, and have a whole new outlook on life now than I did before I started my fitness journey.  I still struggle daily trying to find my calling.  My beachbody family is always there, always happy, and always willing to help lift me up when I need them.  I have never seen such a tight knit community than the family of Beachbody.  I am SO very thankful for them and thankful that they have changed my life.

Day 10-

Today, I am thankful for Josh.  He is my rock and I don't know what I would do without him.  When we both first met, we knew we wanted to get to know one another. Yet, for the longest we never talked.  I was the one who built up enough courage to tell him how I felt and he agreed and made me very happy.  He is my sunshine and I am so glad when we get to spend time together.  I am thankful for him every day, especially for putting up with me! I know I can be needy at times and Josh just goes with the flow.  No matter what he says, he loves my baby girl, and that means the world to me.  I love you, Josh, and I'm so thankful for you!

Day 7 of Thanksgiving

We are already 7 days into November?  Goodness, gracious!

I had a very good day that turned into a not so good day when I came down with a terrible headache turned migraine.  I just got out of a hot bath and it did make me feel a bit better.  I am about to attempt a workout that I really need.

This post is all about what I'm thankful for.  Today, I want to tell you that I am thankful for BOTH of my best friends.  Ashley was my first friend when I moved to Abbeville and was the first person to speak to me during my first day as a 7th grader at Wright Middle.  We have been close ever since and she will ALWAYS be one of my dearest friends.  I don't know what I would do without her.  She has been there through my ups and downs and is the first person I turn to when I need something.

I met Kasey at Lander University and we clicked right away.  We became inseparable and tried to get every class we possibly could together.  We were just about ALWAYS together.  Kasey is my partner in crime and my stalker status friend for life.  We always have a ball together and I know that I can count on her for anything.

I won't be the last to tell you that I don't have many friends.  But, the friends I do have mean the world to me.  I wouldn't be half the person I am without them and I sure don't know what I would do without them.  They hold me together when I need it and they are both always there for a fun night out when I'm feeling down.

Thank YOU, Ashley and Kasey, for always being there for me!  Love you both more than you will ever know!

XO,

Finding our place in Church

I am ashamed to admit this: I've been slacking off and not going to church as much as I would like.... really I haven't been going at all.  Growing up in a Christian family, I was always surrounded by Church friends and family and I was ALWAYS at the Church if not for the children's programs, shut-ins, oyster roasts, etc.  I remember I had a tissue graft when I was younger and the NEXT day I made my mom let me go to the Church for a sleepover.  We slept in the sanctuary and stayed up with the other kids and told ghost stories. 

I'm not sure if it's because we moved and had to switch Churches, but we never really got back into a groove of going to Church as a family.  We were all growing up, doing different things.  Now that I am getting married soon and will be starting a family of my own, I really want to get back in the swing of things with going to Church and learning about Him.  I've kind of turned away from some aspects of learning and I don't know why.

The sad part about this is that I have a GREAT Church family.  I help with the nursery every Wednesday night and occasionally on Sundays.  I WANT to go every Sunday to worship.  I want to be involved in Sunday School. 

Josh and I are going this Sunday to our contemporary worship service.  I am really excited about it and I hope that we both fall in love with it and continue to go.  I felt I needed to share this with all of you.  I continually see things that are pointing me towards Him and I've unknowingly ignored them until now.  Pray for me.  Pray for Josh and I.  Pray that we are able to find a place in my church that we love so that we can be more involved.

Day 5 & Day 6 of the 30 days of Thanksgiving

Sorry, folks.  I got a little tired and forgot to post my day 5 of what I'm thankful for.  I'm combining yesterday and today's thankfulness in this post right NOW! :)  Here it goes!

Day 5:

I am thankful for family dinners.  Not everyone has a family that is close and that can actually stand to be in the same room as one another.  However; my family is the best.  Hands down.  We have family dinners together every Sunday and Tuesday.  On Friday's we try to go out to eat together, but it all depends on who is around and what everyone has going on.  Sunday night we go to my parents house and my Mom and Dad will fix a meal and on Tuesday's I volunteered to host dinner for the family.  I love getting to spend time with them and I am so thankful that my parents are back here in SC full time.  It was VERY hard having them SO far away for 4+ years!


Day 6:

I am thankful for my job at the City of Abbeville.  I am thankful to have one.  I am thankful that it took me only a month to find it after graduating.  I am thankful for my co-workers and for my boss.  I am thankful that I enjoy what I do (most days! hehe).  Most importantly, I am thankful that people saw potential in me to be able to do this job.  I know how hard it is to become employed and I know the struggle some face trying to find a job. 

Co-workers and I handing out candy during Scare on the Square a few years ago!

 



SO, here are my day 5 & 6 of what I'm thankful for.

Now, it's your turn.  Tell me what YOU are thankful for!

XO,

Day 4 of the 30 days of Thanksgiving

Another weekend has already come and gone?  I was told when I first started my job that the older you get the faster time flies by.  I didn't necessarily believe this until now.  Time literally flies and I have to live in the moment to make sure I don't miss the little things going on around me.  Halloween has come and gone.  November is here.  Thanksgiving and Christmas are soon to follow.

Cooper celebrated his first Halloween and was Super Cooper.  The cutest costume I could ever imagine on a little one.  I may be partial to him since he is my nephew.  But, I think he is the most adorable, innocent, sweetest, most personable human being I've ever known.  I joke with Ash that we will be in trouble if or when she has another child.  I just don't see how anyone can beat Cooper! (I know this will change and that they will ALL be perfect, even my children when/if I am blessed with them one day!) It's just hard to see and imagine things NOW.  We are all so.very.blessed is every way possible for Cooper.  We are blessed and I thank God everyday for bringing him here to us!

So, DAY 4.... I am thankful for my precious Nephew, Cooper Thomas.  He has brought so much joy to our lives in 8 short months.  I am looking forward to watching him grow, walk, learn, and talk.  I love you so much, Cooper, and I'm so thankful that I am your Aunt.

XO,

30 days of Thanksgiving... Day 3

Happy Sunday, loves! As I am home today resting up for another work week (and trying to get my voice back), I am getting a lot of snuggles from Stella.  She is my rock and my girl.  Everything I do is for her.  It's really crazy how much I live to provide for her.  Most people would think I'm crazy for loving a dog so much and for spending so much money on a "pet".  Stella is not just my pet.  She is my best friend, my companion, my rock, my everything.  I love her more than I've ever thought I was capable of loving someone.  I love Josh SO much, but Stella is different.  I can only imagine the love I have for her to be somewhat the same as when I have my own children.  I know that she relies SOLELY on ME.  I must feed her.  I must provide her water.  I must walk her.  I must buy her food.  I must take her to the doctor.  She can't do any of this by herself because she is obviously, a dog.  I love having all of the responsibility, but at the same time its a feeling that scares me.  What if I mess up?  What do I do?

When I turned 16, I got a shih-tzu, named Snickers.  He is still around, but my Mom has become his "mommy".  Even though he was mine, my Mom took care of him for the most part.  I never learned responsibility from him.  But, with Stella, it was different.  I was living on my own with my parents 20 some hours away.  She was mine.  I was responsible for her.

I love my Stella B with all of my heart.  I would do absolutely ANYTHING for her.  I don't ever want to see her in pain.  I want to give her the best life she could possibly ever have.  So, TODAY, I am thankful for Stella B, my whole world.

Day 2 of the 30 days of Thanksgiving

Day 2:

Today, I am thankful for the Carolina Gamecocks.  With that, I'm thankful for my parent's and their ability to be able to get Season Football Tickets to watch the Gamecocks play.  I know how tough times are, especially with the economy and it's current state.  Often times, our hobbies and interests are thrown on the back burner because we simply cannot afford to partake in certain activities.  I am thankful for the Gamecocks and I'm thankful that they can provide entertainment for myself and hundreds of thousands of others around the world.

I'm off to see the Gamecocks play Mississippi State today... GO COCKS

XO,

30 days of Thanksgiving... Day 1

I've always seen in years past, people who participate in a thing called the 30 Days of Thanksgiving.  Everyday for the 30 days in November, you tell what you are thankful for.  I am thankful for so much, so I am jumping on the bandwagon this year.  Each day, I will post a little something that I am thankful for. Just a heads up-- some will be funny and some will be serious!  Here it GOES!!

Day 1-

I am thankful for doctors and medicine.

I find this all so fitting because I currently have a sore throat and am losing my voice.  Although, I'm not to the point where I want to visit a physician, I am SO thankful that they are out there if needed.  I am all for visiting doctors/specialists when I need to and I will glady take medicine to help me feel better.

Some of you may disagree with me when it comes to medicating myself.  Growing up when I had a headache or something, my Mom gave me medicine.  You know what it did?  It helped me!

Some people, Josh included, do not believe in medicine and taking it unless they absolutely positively need it.  I, on the other hand, wholeheartedly believe in it.  After all, Doctors and Physicians were put on this earth to ease our pain and to help us get better.  Right?

So TODAY, Day 1, I am thankful for doctors and medicine.

 

Here's to getting through this workday and having the weekend to rest and recuperate!

 

XO,

pinspiration

Sorry folks, you are going to see a lot of bloggin' about weddings for a while.  I've got over a year until my big day and I'll be thinking about it everyday up until then.  You know the Arby's commercial with the oven mit over the guy and it says "I'm thinking Arby's"! It's something along the lines of that.  Well, I've got wedding bells above my head.  All day, everyday.

I'm 99% sure that I've narrowed down my Reception Venue!  We checked out a place yesterday and I absolutely love it.  I won't say the spot until its 105% final.  I just believe that is bad luck and I don't want to spoil it.

I'll be asking my girls within the next month to be part of my special day.  I CANNOT wait!!

I've been busy pinning away on Pinterest.  Here's a little pinspiration for my big day!!

How gorgeous is this centerpiece?  I'm loving the lights!

I'm having a winter wedding, but there is a courtyard that can be rented that has a fire pit.  A cornhole set would be fun to put out there for the guys/gals who need fresh air or who need a smoke break! 

I'm loving the simplicity of this cake.  I'm thinking of the rustic chic theme and this totally goes with it.

UMMM.... how adorable.  Imagine Stella in a tutu.  I would absolutely, positively LOVE it if my little girl could be part of our special day.  I'm still trying to find out a way to make it work.  I want to do what's best for us, the guests, and Stella.

What do y'all think?  XO,

Potential Reception Venue Location

Josh, my Mom, Ashley, Cooper, and myself are all heading over to a potential Reception Venue site this afternoon.  I am SO excited.  Even though it's been a TINY bit stressful, I am enjoying every minute of wedding planning.  Josh and I are going to have the most perfect wedding possible!!

--Here's a sneak peak of the site we are looking at--

 

 

Stay tuned... more updates to follow!

 

XO,

reminiscing on the good times

Have you ever stepped back to think about everything you are thankful for?  I have a confession.  I often take things for granted.  I don't look at the big picture.  I often live in the moment and if I'm upset or mad about something or at someone, I tend to stay that way.  I hardly ever sit back and think about why things are the way they are.  Often times, it's a little thing that doesn't even deserve to make me upset.

The saying "don't cry over spilled milk." is so true.  Unfortunately, I do let little things get to me.  If someone says something hurtful or mean, I get upset.  I think "why me"?  But, I should step back and think "Why NOT me"!

I have so much to be thankful for.  I have the best family, the best fiance, the best dog (other's would beg to differ!), a great job, a house, a car, clothes on my back, sheets on my bed, food in my fridge, and the list can go on and on.  Some people don't have any of the above things I am thankful for.  I get so caught up in what I WANT and what I CAN'T have... I lose sight of everything that I've been blessed with.

I am thankful for all that God has given me.  He knew what he was doing when he surrounded me with the best friends and family in the world.  I would make it without them, but it sure is great knowing I have people to lean on and who can keep me company and sane when I need them.

Everything that was given to me as a child was amazing.  It wasn't until around 3 years ago when I got my first job and realized how HARD it was to save up.  Especially for a vacation for multiple people.  As a child, I was blessed to get to go MANY places.  I traveled to many places I probably won't be able to visit again.  I know how hard it is for many families and myself to afford to go on vacations.  I hope that I will be able to give my children the childhood I had.  Again, I am blessed.  I've often mentioned this to those who are close to me.  But, I feel like I had, hands down, the most perfect childhood I could imagine.  Everything was perfect from my perspective.  I had the family I needed, great friends, went to a great school, had my dream birthday party every single year.  I got most of what I wanted.  I hope you don't think I'm bragging when I say this.  It's not my intention.  It's my intention to show you that no matter what happens in life, you need to stop and think about all you have.

I didn't realize that I had the most perfect childhood until a few years ago.  It all happens so fast.. life happens.  If we don't stop and smell the roses, so to speak, we are going to miss what's right in front of us.  SO, today, I want you to tell me ONE thing you are thankful for!  I mentioned MANY things I am thankful for ;)

XO,

High Five for Friday

Woo hoo!! It's finally FRIDAY!  It's been a great week!

Some of my FAVORITES from the week:

1.  Josh and I stopped by Moe's last night for dinner! I love that they have whole grain tortillas.  It helps justify eating a big quesadilla!  We ended up picking it up and bringing it home to eat while we watched Big Bang Theory.  We are loads of fun.



2.  Stella got a haircut Saturday.  I've been taking her to Petco (where the pets go!) lately and they have normally been doing a great job.  I guess I didn't explain enough about trimming around her face because they barely took anything off.  Regardless, she still looks like a princess!

 

3.  Saturday I went to my sister's to watch the Carolina vs. Tennessee game.  Horrible game.  But, did get to spend time with my nephew.  I love him SO much.  Ashley put him in his bouncer and we got to see him bounce.  He got tired pretty quick and I wasn't able to get the best video of him.  He literally bounces and goes to town! I ended up having to bounce along with him to get him started.  Seeing him grow is amazing.  God is so good.

4.  I took a "progress" pic before working out.  I didn't do so well eating this week (see #1 above).  I had too many cookies from my Stella & Dot party and too much chocolate at work.  Chocolate is the devil.  As are any type of sweets.  It's amazing how far I've come.  I'm still not feeling 100% in my own skin but I'm coming along.  By next summer and swimsuit season, I WILL be able to wear a bikini proudly.  Just wait and see ;)

5.  It's officially COLD.  The high today is in the low 60's but with the wind it's rather chilly out.  Nights have been the worst.  I've had my heat going for a few days now and I've busted out Stella's jacket.  She LOVES wearing a coat and I couldn't get her to sit still for the picture.

How has your week been?  I hope you all have a great and safe weekend!

XO,

wedding bliss

It's THURSDAY.  That means we have survived hump day and the weekend is in clear view!

It's been one heck of a week for me.  I've been training at work to help the Finance Department with some accounting work, so I've been spending 1/2 days at my office then I head up to City Hall for the remainder of the day.  I've enjoyed it so far.  It helps split up the day so it goes by a little quicker.

I've been managing to get all of my workouts in between headaches, a Stella & Dot party, and church Nursery last night.  I still LOVE Les Mills so it makes it easier to suit up in workout clothes when all I want to do is take hot bubble bath and crash.

Wedding planning has been on my mind since the day Josh proposed!  He told me the other day that I was scaring him because I'm already looking at every detail and stressing about getting things booked NOW (reception venue, photographer, food vendor, etc.).   We have set a date which is exactly 15 months from today!  Goodness gracious, I just discovered this.  Everyone keeps saying we have PLENTY of time to plan and get everything organized.  This is true.  But, I do want to get the BIG stuff out of the way so that I get everything that I want!

With wedding planning comes asking MY GIRLS to be in my wedding.  I haven't officially asked anyone.  A SURPRISE is coming... SOON... I promise (I'm sure you know who you are!) :)

Josh, my mom, hopefully my sister, and I will be looking at yet another potential reception venue site this Monday.  I still love the one Josh and I found, but we want to look at other options that would accommodate more people and allow more tables/chairs for people to sit during the reception.  We are checking out EVERYTHING before making our decision!

Does anyone have any tips on planning a wedding?  We are in the first stages of this.  Obviously, this is my first go-round of everything and I don't have a CLUE about certain things.  I've been asked who was doing my cake, what time my ceremony would be, how long for the reception, etc. etc. and my responses are all the same-- "I don't know".  What do I do?  Help!

 

 

XO,

Hip Hop Abs

As I wrote before, I said that I would go into more detail about the MANY different beachbody programs out there.  I figured I would start from the beginning and start off my series with Hip Hop Abs.

If you like to dance, need to lose weight and tone your midsection, then Hip Hop Abs is for you!  You can tighten your midsection without doing any crunches or sit-ups... who likes those anyways?

Shaun T (got to love him-- I have Insanity and Focus T25--both with Shaun T) is the creator and I heard (last night to be exact) that he shows his feminine side and is an absolute HOOT with this program!  I definitely want to try it out to see what it's all about!

The dance moves are broken into steps to learn and the moves are all set to hot music.

Hip Hop Abs is only $19.95 (plus S&H) and can be ordered by going HERE.

Here are success pictures from a male & female who have completed Hip Hop Abs!

 Have YOU completed Hip  Hop Abs?  If so, tell me how you like it! Did it work?  Was it fun?  How much weight did you lose?

 These are not personal opinions because I haven't done Hip Hop Abs. But, I do know a lot of people with this program and am only providing you with information that can help form your opinion on whether this is the best program for you!

XO,

Need a workout?

If you know me through Facebook, you know that I advertise a lot for my 60 day online fitness groups.  Those groups require a Beachbody workout program AND Shakeology.  However; many people are not interested in Shakeology or can't participate in the group because of financial reasons.  That is OKAY and that is why I am writing this post.

Beachbody offers tons of workout programs for different individuals.  You can choose an advance workout or if you are a beginner, there are programs for you as well.  They start at 19.95 and go up from there.  ANYONE can do a beachbody workout and ANYONE can afford one.

If you cannot do my full 60 day group, you can still purchase a program through me and I will coach you through it.  I will get you added into my large Facebook Customer Support Group where not only get support from me, but from others who are doing similar, if not the same, workouts.

I will do posts to highlight each of these programs in more detail in the future.  But for now, I will briefly show you the options if you are tight on a budget.

 

$19.95

 

- Hip Hop Abs

- Rockin' Body

$24.95

 

- Body Gospel

 

$39.90

 

- Slim in 6 (I have this program and it's a GREAT one for beginners)

 

$59.85

 

-Les Mills Combat

- Brazil Butt Lift

- Turbo Jam

- Power 90

- Insanity: The Asylum 2

- Brazil Butt Lift Master Series

 

$74.96

 

- Kathy Smiths Project: YOU! Type 2 (for those with type 2 diabetes)

 

$79.90

 

- Turbo Fire

- 10 Minute Trainer

 

$89.85

 

- Body Beast

- Chalean Extreme

- Insanity: The Asylum

- Rev Abs

 

$119.85

 

- Focus T25

- Insanity

- P90X

-Tai Cheng

- P90X2

 

$165.85

 

- Les Mills Pump (this is more expensive because it comes with a barbell and weights!)

 

 

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing ANY of these programs.  Also, as always, you can sign up for a FREE Beachbody membership that will assign me as your coach!  Go HERE to sign-up for the membership.... no strings attached, promise! ;)

 

 

XO,

 





High Five for Friday!

It's Friday, y'all! The older I get, the faster time seems to fly by.  I cannot believe it's Friday already.  Nonetheless, I am SO excited it is.  Now to finish this workday and then I can start my weekend!  Hooray!

1.  Josh got me a new pair of flats.  I needed another black pair for work and absolutely fell in love the moment I saw these cute bows staring at me.  How adorbs are they? 

 

 

 

2.  I finally got rid of my sore throat.  I am left with a runny nose and a few sniffles, but I am SO.MUCH.BETTER! Praise the Lord.  I am thankful for peppermint tea for helping soothe my throat during this time.

 

3.  Stella will probably always make it in most of my Friday posts because she is such a joy in my life.  She constantly follows me around but when sleeping she usually likes her space.  However; Monday night she actually let me snuggle with her.  I wrapped my arm around her and we just slept.  This may be weird to some of you non-animal lovers.  But, I enjoy my time with her.  Josh says she shouldn't sleep with me, but I really like her company.  Again, this might be weird for you.  I am hoping someone can relate!  She is my baby girl. 

 

4.  I am in the 2nd week of Les Mills Pump.  I still absolutely LOVE it.  I have found my legs/thighs really sore this week.  I love it when I am sore.  It verifies that I am working out the way I should. 

 

5.  Yesterday, I went to dinner with two very good friends that I met while at Lander.  It's been a while since we have had the chance to catch up and I enjoyed every minute of it.  Whitney and Lindsay are two very dear people to me and I love them so much.  Sometimes as we grow up and have different things going on in our lives, it's easy to lose touch.  I cherish the moments I get to spend with my friends!  Migs is a YUMMY place too and I splurged and ordered pizza.  I haven't regretted my decision yet.

 

 

How has your week been?  I hope you all have a wonderful and safe weekend! XO,

 



Blonde Blues

Y'all.  I have a confession.  I MISS my blonde hair.  Like, seriously really MISS my blonde!  I had decided MONTHS ago that I wanted my hair brown.  I wanted it back to my natural color.  I was tired of getting color put on it so often and was READY for the change.  Y'all.  I was wrong!  I WANT my blonde hair back NOW.

I'm going today to my hair stylist and she is going to trim my ends.  This brought up the thoughts of wanting my hair blonde again.  NOW!  I do have another appointment scheduled for November, right before Thanksgiving.  I'll hold off and wait until then to change my hair again.

Pinterest boards have not helped me AT ALL in getting over my desire to go back to my blonde roots.  After all, I've been a blonde forEVER!  I thought I needed to be brown headed to fit in with the rest of my family.  But, I like being the wild child and being different.  Blonde suits me.

Do you prefer me with brown or blonde hair?


Here's some blonde inspiration.  I die over it.  I want this again NOW! ;)

 

XO,

Sore Throat Remedies

Like I mentioned on Sunday, I've been hit by the sore throat bug.  I'm STILL trying to get over this.  I feel a little tired throughout the day, but other than a slight runny/stuffy nose AND the sore throat, I feel for the most part fine.  My voice has been affected a tad by it, but for the most part---it's still here!

I have gone back and forth with what will help cure a sore throat.  I used to run to the doctor every time I was sick.  Now that I have a full time job and have to pay for the doctor bills myself, I try to avoid the Doctor if at all possible.

I've been taking my trusty Claritin-D daily and I've also incorporated peppermint tea.  Y'all.... I have come to absolutely LOVE this peppermint tea.  Not only does it taste wonderful, it is SO soothing to my throat. 

 



I use my tea kettle and boil water and add a tea bag.  I let it rest for about 3-5 minutes.  I will add a dollop of honey and then stir.  It's AH-MAZING.  If you are big into tea OR have a sore throat, give this a try!

I'm always down for hearing new (or old!) home remedies for curing a sore throat or the common cold.  I've heard before eating marshmallows will sooth a sore throat.  I have tried this in the past, but don't know if it really works.  It sure did curb my sweet tooth ;)

XO,

Weekend Recap

I meant to write a post yesterday, but I haven't had the greatest weekend.  It seems all to common for me to get sick on a Friday night, which means my weekend is spent laying around feeling yucky.  I felt fine during work Friday, but that night I came down with a terrible headache.  That turned into a sore throat Saturday and I'm still trying to get over this mess.  I'm thinking it's just sinuses and that it will clear up soon.  I don't like being sick because there is a million things that needs to be done around the house and unfortunately not much was done.  Humph..... there is always next weekend!

I do have something on my mind and it all stems from this picture:

I remember the picture on the left being taken.  We were at my sister and brother-in-laws church for a surprise anniversary party (I believe!).  It seems like yesterday.  It's hard to believe that I look like the person in the right photo from July.  Have you ever had to do a double-take to see if the person you are really seeing is you?

All I'm used to is the person who is in the left picture.  All of my life I lived, felt, and looked like I did in that picture.  I never knew what it felt like to be healthy.  I didn't know what it felt like to feel like I had all of the energy in the world.  All I knew was how it felt.  At that time, I felt okay.  I felt like I was good enough.  I saw people who weighed more than me and thought I was "skinny" compared to them.  I almost felt like I was giving in to that way of life because I thought that was who I would always be.  

I would always stare at the fit and skinny girls and wonder what I would look like if I had their body.  I wondered how hard it was for them to be that way, or if it came easy.  Some people don't have to workout or worry about what they are eating.  For me, I needed that.  I needed to workout and eat healthy, but yet I wasn't really doing either.  I knew that, but I figured "What is the point?"  I didn't know that I could ever look like I do now, like in the picture from July 2013.

I am so thankful for my Beachbody family.  I am thankful for my coach, Liz Horne.  I am so thankful that she was there when I was about to hit rock bottom as far as my attitude and happiness with my own body was concerned.  I learned how to workout.  I pretty much have my own personal trainer with my DVDs that I get to do AT HOME on my OWN TIME!  It has been a lifesaver for me.  I learned what good foods are and the importance of having them versus the bad stuff.  To be honest, I still have A LOT of days where I eat things that I know I shouldn't.  I do limit myself to those foods and I am getting better everyday.  Baby steps are good steps.  

I still have moments when I look in the mirror and think that I am SO fat and that I need to lose weight.  It's tough because I think about how I used to be and I had those feelings back then as well.  It's amazing how you perceive yourself.  It's true when they say you are your own worst critic.  But, I have to remind myself of how far I've come.  I am a work in progress and I'm okay with that.  My story is nowhere near finished.  I am thankful for y'all for going with me through my journey.  It would be possible without you, but it sure is better having a few people cheering me on!  

I hope you all had a great weekend and I hope you have a great week! XO,

High Five for Friday

Yay for High Five for Friday! I am linking up for the FIRST time (weee!) for High Five for Friday!  I'm so excited and hope to continue this in the weeks to come!
So, how has my week been?  What have I been up to?  What are my favorites from the week?  Check them out....

1.  Stella is my baby.  She is my girl.  I don't go an hour without thinking about her.  Wondering what she is up to.  Trying to find out where she is.  When I'm home, I want her beside me at all times.  Josh says I suffocate her, but I just love her and want to protect her.  I am so thankful for her and everything she has taught me about life, love, and responsibility.

 

 

2.  iT! Skinnies are AMAZING.  My skinny jeans from a year or 2 ago started becoming baggy jeans.  That is NOT a good thing.  I needed a new pair so badly and Josh bought me a nice pair from Sugar Boutique in Greenwood, SC.  It's the cutest Boutique.  If you haven't heard of it, go check out their website!

 

 

 

3.  Tuesday night was an End of the Summer party at my parent's Apartment Complex and they had Ashby Stokes and Jake Bartley for music.  I know these 2 from having a fiance in a band and they are always a hit.  The weather was frigid (perfect for an END of the Summer party!), but we still managed to have a good time.  Copper Thomas, my nephew, is THE cutest little boy.  Here is he with a hat Grandpa put on him the night of the party.  Go Gamecocks!

 

 

4.  I started using a new hair product, Moroccan Oil, this week and have fallen in love with it.  You might have seen my blog post about it.  I am in love with the smell and the feel of my hair after using it.

5.  I moved into my new town home over a month ago and have patiently been waiting for the painters to come paint my kitchen and living room.  THEY FINALLY CAME!  It will be finished (hopefully) tomorrow and I can work on getting things put back together!  I am in love with my purple for the Kitchen.  Josh actually helped pick it out and we both love it!

 

Enjoy your weekend! XO,

 

 











Looking for: LADIES wanting to lose weight!

I am looking for YOU.... IF:

-You are a female
-You need to lose 5+ lbs
-You need more energy
-You need help with your nutrition
-You want to start working out
-You have a desire to better your lifestyle!

I am starting an ONLINE fitness group Monday, October 14th for WOMEN only who have either never workout in the past OR who have lost sight of their fitness and need to get back in the routine. I don't care whether you need to lose 50 lbs or 5, this group is for YOU!

You will:

-Complete a beachbody workout program of your choice
-Drink Shakeology once a day for 60 days
-Plug into a PRIVATE fb group daily for accountability and support
-You will get my support, leadership, and tips on nutrition and fitness
-You get the support from other challengers and coaches in the group!

Check out my video for ALL of the DEETS and message me ASAP if you want to claim a spot!

XO,

TRESemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner & Moroccan Oil Reviews

I posted back on October 1st this post on Facebook:

What is your favorite shampoo/conditioner? I am trying to grow my hair out and need help! I HAVE to blow dry/straighten my hair with a flat iron every morning because I was given frizzy/wavy/curly/uncontrollable hair! I just got my hair trimmed a week or so ago and my ends are already split! I need a GOOD product that will help keep my hair from drying out! Other product suggestions are welcome!

My hair has been quite dry/unmanageable for a good while now and I just dealt with it.  I knew I needed to invest in some good products, but I just couldn't make myself spend the money.  I am SO.FRUGAL.  I know you have probably heard me say this before and I will say it again.  I am tight with my money.  It's not that I'm just tight because I want to be, it's because I NEED to be.  That's okay and I'm okay with it.  With that being said, I usually went for the cheap Suave Shampoo & Conditioner from Wal-Mart.  I occasionally use a heat protectant spray before I blow dry and flat iron, but I haven't found a good product I like.  So, it's normally just shampoo & conditioner for me then occasionally some hairspray.

I got multiple responses to my above post via FB and I chose to go with TRESemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner and then Moroccan Oil before I blow dry to help with the dryness and split ends.  I had a lot of responses about using a Keratin Shampoo and also a lot for pricey products.  I splurged on the Moroccan oil because I knew it was something I needed. 


My thoughts on each product?

TRESemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner-

I LOVE these so far.  I used this the first day without the Moroccan oil and I loved how smooth my hair was when I was shampooing.  I also noticed that it was a lot shinier than normal and VERY soft and moisturized.  It also helped out with my hair frizzing.  I actually went to a SC Football game after I used this and my hair had very little frizz at the end of the night.  Winner!

Moroccan Oil-

WINNER!  I just have to say right off the bat that I LOVE this little product.  I almost feel like I don't use as much as I should, but I'm still playing around with the amounts and tweaking it.  I LOVE the smell and I LOVE how soft it makes my hair.  I haven't seen any hair "fried' like I have prior to using the product and my hair stays soft and smells wonderful throughout the day.  I cannot believe I've been without Moroccan Oil for so long.  I actually didn't know it existed until recently.  THANK YOU, Julia for telling me about this and for picking me up some from your Salon!!! :)

 

So, both products I have fallen in LOVE with. This isn't to say that I won't switch it up (hey, I DO get bored!) in the future. But, for now, I am going to stick with what I like!

 

XO,