Pickling Cucumbers

After I begged and annoyed Josh for a whole year, he finally gave in and gave me what I had always been dreaming of....

A GARDEN!

Wahoo-  It's actually really small and we planted roma tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, banana peppers and watermelon.

If you would see my backyard now, it's 1/2 covered in watermelon vine.  It looks like a forest got sick in my lawn. 

I seriously don't think that my garden could hold the watermelon by itself let alone the cucumbers, tomatoes, and two kinds of peppers.

Whoopsie.  I guess lesson learned and we will note that for next years garden!

But, we did get LOTS of cucumbers!  Thankfully, Josh and I both love them.  We also love pickles.  So, we decided to give at home canning a shot. 

The first batch of pickles were ready this past Sunday and they are GOOD!!

Nom. Nom. Nom.!

What's your favorite fresh garden vegetable?

Do you like canning?

XO,

Maid to Perfection

A couple of weeks ago, my Brides(maids), my Mom and Aunt all got together for a "Maid to Perfection Party".

If you don't know what that is then I'm about to tell you!  It's a "PARTY" that my local bridal store Voila hosts for the bride and her maids to come together for a chance to select the bridesmaids dresses!  It's filled with champagne, cupcake, munchies, and lots of dresses!

All of my maids (minus 2) were able to come and we had a GREAT day!

Before the party we had a luncheon at Fin-N-Filet.  The same restaurant will host my bridal luncheon the day of the wedding!

Eek--- TODAY is officially 6 months until WEDDING day!

Sorry, I got a little side-tracked.

Here are some pictures from the luncheon and Maid to Perfection Party!

 

The two most important ladies in my life.  My Sister and Mom.

 My day wouldn't be complete without my Cousin, Caroline!

 

 

 

My soon to be "sister in love" Julia

My Idol and Mama!

 

Hope you enjoy the review and pictures!

 

XO,

Simple Things in Life

What makes you happy in life?

You could answer this with: family, friends, money, your spouse, children, etc.  OR you could answer with all of the above.

I tend to get so focused on the BIG PICTURE that I don't sit back and think about the small things, the SIMPLE things in life. 

For instance, last night, I decided to take a WALK around the neighborhood.  I wanted to get out and exercise.  I wasn't focused on running or jogging (something that is NOT my favorite), but rather on soaking up the outdoors. 

I LOVED it.  It felt so relaxing.  I listened to music and just took in the sights from around the neighborhood.  An older gentleman was out front taking in some fresh air and cars were coming in from their evening festivities.

Like I said, I tend to think about the BIG things in life--- how I will be able to provide for my future children, how I'll be able to purchase my dream home,  how I'll retire.

These things are all GREAT and I believe in dreaming BIG and mapping out a plan for your future.

But... we must take in the simple things NOW before they are gone! 

Today, I encourage you to....

 

XO,

High Five! It's Friday!

I want to devote this post to my Friday and for what's ahead for the weekend!  I have a FEW busy, fun, and EXCITING weekends ahead and this one kicks it off and I could NOT be any more excited!

First off--- TODAY I got up at 5:15 AM (It's not easy) and did a 21 Day Fix Total Body Cardio Workout.  If you haven't heard of The 21 Day Fix, then check it out HERE.  It's my soul mate workout.  It's my favorite.  I love it.  The end.

I knew I needed to workout this morning because TONIGHT I'm heading Uptown Greenwood to check out the Festival of Discovery that comes to town every year.  It's a huge BBQ Festival and it's always a fun time!  I'm preparing myself in advance for all of the yumminess I'm sure to eat tonight... I'm going to try to keep it as clean as possible.. promise ;)

Saturday--- ALL of my maids (except for one- we will miss you Jessica) are coming to town for a Maid to Perfection Party!   The bridal shop, (Voila!), that I got my dress from hosts these super awesome parties for the bridesmaids to come and try on and get fitted for their dresses.  This will be the first time all of my maids are together at the same time and I can't WAIT to see them! It's been awhile since I've seen some of them!

Stay tuned for updates from the Maid to Perfection Party!  I hope to get a post up by Sunday with all of the details (at least the details I can spill ;))

Have a GREAT weekend!  XO,

The 3-Day Refresh

If you follow me through Facebook, you will know that for the past 3 days I've been doing what is called The 3-Day Refresh.  It is a new program that is designed to remove toxins from your body to either cleanse you, jump start you on a diet, or to get rid of unwanted vacation lbs that were gained.  For ME, it was indulging in too much "bad for you" food and I NEEDED and WANTED to do something about it.

So... I've never done a detox or a cleanse before.  I jumped in blind, not having the slightest clue what to expect.  It was 3 days.  I could do it.

Day 1---  Interesting.  I had to drink a fiber sweep mid-morning.  The flavor and texture was unlike anything I'd ever had before.  It was citrus-y to a certain degree and wasn't AWFUL.  I got it done.  The rest of the day went as planned.  I DID feel hungry towards the end of Day 1.

Day 2--- I KNEW what I was doing.  I was in a rhythm.  I started to get tired of the same ole' hummus and veggies so I knew I wanted to pick up some almond butter to substitute on the 3rd day.  I was almost halfway through and KNEW I could do it.

Day 3--- I was ready for it to be over.  I was hungry.  I didn't want anymore veggies (and I usually LOVE veggies)! BUT, I stuck by everything even while my sweet soon-to-be hubs grilled TWO cheeseburgers!  Thanks, HUN!

And nowwwww for the results.  Dun Dun Dun.....

I lost THREE lbs!!

I am NO longer BLOATED-- bye bye bloat!

I DO have more energy!

I truly feel accomplished for not only doing something I didn't think I could stick to, but for doing something AMAZING for my body.  My body sure needed a great detox!

You can't tell much by the picture, but I do feel like I've lost the puffiness around my tummy.  I actually weighed in this morning the lightest I've EVER been in my life!  

SO--- how do you think I did?! I want to know!

XO,

Never give up!

Excuses have to be the #1 reason why people don't achieve their goals and become successful.  Society is so based around excuses and doing what we want to do in the MOMENT, not thinking about how it will affect our futures.

Thinking back on my fitness journey (sorry, I'm not sorry I talk about it all of the time!), I think about all of the times that I've wanted to quit.  I often ask myself "WHY do I want to make myself work out when I simply don't want to?" "How will it hurt me?"

Reality is, I lived 23 years unhealthy.  I ate the wrong foods, didn't exercise nearly as much as I should, was never active in sports (other than cheerleading in my youthful days and middle school).  I was setting my body up for failure.  I felt bloated all of the time.  I had an irregular digestive system.  Most importantly, I FELT bad and LOOKED bad.  When I had to walk far,  I felt drained.  It EXHAUSTED me.  I dreaded it.

When I think of my excuses, most are either time related or that I just didn't feel good.

I have a lot going on, and this past year I discovered I have 2 extra sinus cavities, which have caused me A LOT of trouble with sinus infection after sinus infection.  With allergy season in FULL SWING, I'm finding myself drained and with headaches a lot.

BUT, when I feel like giving up, I remind myself why I started.  I was TIRED of being who I was.  I was TIRED of being the "big girl", the girl who would always cover herself up at the pool, the girl who didn't want to be surrounded by ANY GUYS at the pool (ummmm I did NOT want them seeing my fat rolls or thunder thighs!).  I was self conscious.

I'm NOT at my goal body, but I feel so much better.  When I go for a long walk, I FEEL good.  I FEEL light!  I feel like I am a million bucks.  And to me, that's ALL that matters.

SO, if you take anything from this post, please know that I am behind you.  If you feel like giving up, remember why you started.

Remember: "Giving up is simply NOT an option"

XO,

Shakeology

Today, I am CRAVING peaches.  This feeling is bringing me back to last year when I had an abundance of fresh peaches.  My favorite thing to do with them?  Eat them, of course!
I LOVED throwing them in my Vanilla Shakeology.  I added a peach, a handful of strawberries, some milk, ice, and the vanilla shakeology and it was like drinking paradise in a cup!

Okay, maybe it wasn't THAT good, but I really loved it!

If you were brought here wondering "What the HECK is Shakeology?" then bear with me and I'll give you a brief history. 

It's a meal replacement shake filled with super foods, proteins, vitamins, nutrients, pro & pre biotics, and many other great stuff.  Literally, so much I can't name them all. 

What does it do? 
- Aids in weight loss
- Increases energy
- Regulates your digestive system
- Reduces cravings
- Gives your body all the healthy stuff it needs

What have I noticed since drinking it?

I've noticed a HUGE difference in my energy and my digestive system.  I still get tired throughout the day, but I no longer need naps like I used to have.  My digestive system is regular and that's all I'll say about that!
If you are looking to change your nutrition in your diet and start feeding yourself healthy things and want to lose a few lbs or two, then Shakeology might be something you can use.  It's NOT a magic pill... You will still have to work hard, but it will make the process easier and you get to have a yummy shake everyday.

I LOVE it!
How good does this shake look?

 

Message me if you want more information on Shakeology! XO,