Not Just A Pretty Face

Yeah, I'm a copycat. Sue me, Pinterest!

2012-01-29T21:38:00.004-06:00

So, thanks for all of the nice and reassuring comments from my last post. Dude, sometimes one just has to cry it out. I'm in a funk, I admit it, and yes, I tend to get into funks often when I'm stagnant. I'm just ready for a good change. I thrive on good changes. *big heavy sigh*

On a brighter, bloggerific note (wtf. Bloggerific?)...much like a LOT of the world, I'm obsessed with Pinterest. OB-sessed. I absolutely love all of the ideas I get from that wondrous website. I went through my Fashion board the other day and decided to pick out a few outfits that I WILL copy in the upcoming months once it's warmer.

I chose these looks based upon the fact that they're simple to recreate. I love fashion, but find that if I have a FULL outfit inspiration I do better. I just get overly critical of my own additions to anything. So, yeah, basically a copy cat like whoa.

If I could raid any celebs clost, it would be Carrie Underwood or The Kardashians. They might be annoying and worthless, but dammit, they're gorgeous and always look good. I mean.....please, someone tell me why my ponytail doesn't look as good as Kim's...Anyone?

This outfit, like I said, super simple. Ivory blazer, distressed folded jeans and bright platforms? LOVE it. Instead of the lime green, I'm looking for turquoise pumps.

Kim again. The leopard, wedges and red blazer totally stole my heart.

Green skinnies? Pshh, duh. Except, I found a mint green I love even better than this kelly green. Paired with a white, black OR peach colored top, they're going to get me through this spring and summer.

I'm all about leopard pops lately. I found this exact top online- I love when the items in a Polyvore set are ACTUALLY still in stock. Score! I just need to find a decently priced, pleated blazer such as this one....in this camel color...

Love everything about this simple-to-put-together outfit.

What are some of your Pinterest outfit inspirations? I'd love to see what you all have put together. Send the links my way! :)

Mini meltdown

2012-01-25T20:50:00.001-06:00

So. I may or mat not have had a small meltdown after work.

I came home and my Chihuahua's had pooped and peed, not ON their pee pads, but right next to them on my RUGS. Seriously? They know better.

After the week I've had, this just pushed me over the edge. I started crying hysterically as I was scrubbing the carpet, thinking of how I'm going to be the single Chihuahua lady living in lower Alabama for the rest of my life because every single job vacancy in my field I interview for comes SO close, but not close enough. lol

*sigh*

I would like to compare this outburst with that of a mother at her wits end surrounded by crying babies and dirty diapers. lol.

The End. See ya next month when I decide to blog once. hahaha

-Jenny

Effortless Anthropologie HUGE Anniversary Giveaway

2012-01-05T12:26:00.003-06:00

I'm a sucker for Anthropologie giveaways and Roxy at Effortless Anthropologie is hosting a big one!

If you'd like to win a iPad and a rockin' Anthropologie iPad cover, go visit her blog here and enter to win!!

WOO! Good luck to all of my followers! it'd be awesome if one of you got the thing! I wouldn't mind having one myself.

Day 1: Juicing and Raw Veggies "detox"

2012-01-03T10:23:00.001-06:00

Can you BELIEVE I'm blogging two days in a ROW? Me neither.

I mentioned yesterday I was going to get my eating and workouts back on track this new year and today commences that "resolution."

First up is a juicing/raw veggies detox for the next three days. technically it's not a true detox. With a true juicing detox you aren't supposed to eat solid anything in order to give your digestive system a break. That's just impossible for me being at work, so I'm sticking to fresh organic veggies for lunch and snacks throughout the day.

I'll be using my super new and cool Breville Juice Fountain Plus to make two or three fresh juices per day.

I did pick up an organic Naked brand juice drink for lunch today- just to try it out. Lots of sugar (natural, but still).

I wish I could do the juice fast for longer than three days, but I'll be out of town this weekend, in Memphis....Probably eating BBQ. DO NOT judge me......

If it matters at all, I plan to eat as LIGHTLY as possible on this trip for my friend's 30th birthday, but I just can't promise that. I'm trying so hard to overcome my mentality of "all or nothing." It used to be, if I knew I'd be going out of town and eating bad, I'd just go ahead and eat badly leading up to that point- Figured I might as well. This isn't the attitude to have, ya know?

Anyone ever tried a juice detox or simply add fresh juice to your daily diet? How'd you like it?

Welcome 2012. So far, I've realized...

2012-01-02T16:29:00.001-06:00

#1. Today is my last day of vacation. This makes me sad, yet happy. As much as I love being a lady of leisure, I also need to get OUT of this house! Besides, I'm going to be straight with you guys...I only work three days this week. lol. Going to Memphis this weekend for a good friend's 30th birthday.

#2. My baby boy, Brady is overweight by one or two pounds. I took him and Chiva for a walk today and while putting on his harnass I had to make it bigger...Needless to say, it wouldn't go as big as it needed to go. *sigh* The poor boy. He had surgery a few months ago and has to eat special food for his bladder health. I think it has a lot to do with his weight gain.

Anyone out there with smaller dogs have any advice on helping them shed a pound or two? Do ya think walks will do the trick? They rarely ever go for a walk- I just let them out in the backyard. I think I'll shoot for maybe a walk 2-3x a week for them.....

Exhibit A: Both of my dogs roughly 15 minutes after going for a walk. Scandalous!

#3. I just did my first workout in- BRACE yourselves-....THREE months. I'm ashamed, frankly. I am, I am, I SWEAR I am! Ugh. I let life get in my way of my healthy lifestyle and I'm paying for it. My cardiovascular helth is still surprisingly intact, but my body physically NOT. My back is feeling tight where it's never hurt before. My bad knee is acting up from immobility- it's just kind of a mess.

The good thing is it's a new beginning and I have a revived sense of health and well-being. Can't wait to make this year the healthiest yet!

Welcome to 2012, my friends. I hope it brings happiness for you all :)

Coming soon to Jenny's Crib: New Office/Dressing room

2011-12-29T19:53:00.003-06:00

I'm thrilled with the look of the new wall color in my smallest bedroom. I'm turning this once boring office into a chic office [SLASH] Dressing Room. It'll be a smaller dressing room, sure, but after seeing how full two of my closest were with clothes and shoes, I decided to incorporate one of my rooms. Here's a taste of what's to come VERY, very soon :)

Do you enjoy home renovations? Any upcoming NEW YEAR home decor changes? I really love what paint does for a room!!

2011 in Review

2011-12-22T09:55:00.003-06:00

At the end of every year I never think that the year was anything special and I usually end up telling someone, if they ask how my year was, that it was "alright."

I'm so stupid.

My year was kick-ass and it took this blog post to realize that. I don't lead a boring life, and although there are weekends when I do nothing but sit on my ass watching TV and drinking wine by myself (It's cool. I actually LOVE doing that.), there are other weekends I should probably not brush-off as mediocre.

So, here's my 2011....the short version....

I rang in the new year with three of my closest girlfriends and their boys. Also rang it in with a dude I was "seeing"....Disaster.

My girl Britney entertained me in March. I spent time with a good friend from college in Jacksonville, and we went to see Brit Brit in concert. Britney is my homegirl, y'all.

In April....I jumped out of an airplane for the first time. FIRST time...There will be more times in 2012.

In May, I went to New Orleans to celebrate the bachelorette-hood of my friend, Jamie. And yeah....I tried on her penis veil.

Memorial Weekend at Grayton Beach...in a hammock...soaking up the sun- one of my favorite places ever. I'd live there for the rest of my life if I could....

June- I was a bridesmaid in Jamie's wedding. :)

In October, my 28th birthday was spent with a night on the town with my favorite girls :)

I saw my husband, Dave, and his friends for the second time in concert. FOO FIGHTERS- ATLANTA, November 2011.

My closest friend from college/sorority got married in November. She was a beautiful bride. I cried. I've determined that I'm a wedding crier. This after I always thought I wasn't. Damn.

I spent nights in Clarksville, at a small bar, dancing with my BFF Marion....and other random people. Sweaty= a successful night of dancing.

I did this to my hair in December......

....and got my second, long-awaited owl tattoo the next day.

My life doesn't suck. I may not always take fun vacations every single year, but I do enough. I'm thankful for all I have in my life, and the wonderful people I get to spend these moments with.

How was your 2011? Think really hard before you tell me it sucked....

I feel compelled to tell my readers....

2011-12-20T08:47:00.000-06:00

......You all bring such happiness to me. When I blog, its as though I have friends from all over the world listening to me and caring (or being nosey??? lol) about what I have to say.

So, thanks to each and EVERY one of you who are still following this thing and who are here to listen to my sometimes boring and senseless blah blah's.

You guys ROCK!! Happy Tuesday!

The new Owl Tattoo

2011-12-19T12:26:00.001-06:00

Finally, FINALLY....I got my owl tattoo. I dyed my hair last Friday and got the tattoo Saturday. Through some connections, I linked up with a tattoo apprentice. Yes....that's just what you think it is. Someone LEARNING to tattoo. But, in all seriousness, the dude has been doing it for 10 years. He knows what he;s doing and I looked at his work before I let him touch me. I am SO, so pleased with it! Even he, this tatted up tough dude with greasy hair, loved it! He's awesome!

Looking for my next tattoo as we speak.... ;) I know...I'm such a masochist.

During-- almost finished!

After- let the healing begin.

Immediately after! I love it.

I know tattoos aren't for everyone, but I like girly, frilly and cute ones :) This is my second and I'd like to get a third down my side. That'd be it for me, however. I don't want to cover my entire body in tats.

You won't hear from me until after Christmas, so merry wishes to you all :)

New Haircolor

2011-12-16T14:58:00.003-06:00

Well, here's the final product :)

I'm happy with it. I love the darker base color- just kinda wish the highlights were chunkier and throughout the bottom, but they'll grow longer and down.

Man...hair coloring is EXPENSIVE! LOL

Winter haircolor. To dark or not to dark....

2011-12-12T12:21:00.000-06:00

Don't forget to enter Liz's Clinique Haul Giveaway! Some awesome stuff there, people.

How's it going? Is anyone still reading? What a horrible blogger I've been. Absolutely dreadful. Hopefully you guys are still hanging in there and sticking around while I wait for my life to become cool again- cool enough to blog about something.

I have two "cool" things to dispense to the masses today.

#1. The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Tickets for their Atlanta tour stop in January? I got 'em.

Easily one of my top 3 favorite bands of all time, I've seen the RHCP'S once before and it was amazing. Like The Foo Fighters, their concerts never disappoint on the energy. The last time I saw them was after the release of "Stadium Arcadium." I lots of people didn't like that album, but I for one loved it. I'm enjoying their new album, and although its not a HUGE favorite overall, a few songs really stand out.

Anyway, they announced their first few 2012 US tour stops so quickly I was afraid I wouldn't snag tickets. I never use Ticketmaster. They suck. Even with a pre-sale code, I never get the tickets I want. I highly recommend a second-party ticket vendor such as Stubhub or Ticket Liquidator. Although the tickets are somewhat higher because they're being sold by people who've already purchased tickets, you can usually find the seat you want (if you're like me and NEED awesome, close seats.) and/or a good price for tickets in the nose bleeds if you simply don't care.

So....yeah. 7th row from the stage, baby. Very pleased indeed. Anthony Keidis is my babys daddy....if I had a baby.

#2. I'm darkening my hair color on Friday. But I'm already dark brown? Whatever.

I like my natural brown color, I do, but it needs something. It needs a good kick in the ass. More dimension, more vibrancy....a richer, darker color with highlights. So, this is what I want....

A nice, rich dark with.....what color are Kim K's highlight's?? Sometimes they look red, sometimes brown. Auburn? This is exactly what I want.

This is a photo my hair when I dyed it black myself years ago. I liked the richness.

My current color. Just blah. Pretty, sure. But blah nonetheless.

I'll post an update photo after the coloring has commenced. :) Wish me luck!

Do you do anything different with your hair color/cut during the season transitions? If so, what? I'm curious!

ALSO, the most important question I have for all of you......if you highlight/color your hair what are your MUST HAVE shampoos, conditioners and products to protect the color???

Merry Cliniquemas

2011-12-05T21:08:00.001-06:00

Soooo, I know, I know, I'm totally MIA, but I warned you guys...

In the meantime, check out my sweet, kick-ass and lovely Liz at "My Life As Liz Taylor"- She has a FANTASTIC Clinique Lot Giveaway. It's a good one, y'all!

HANA Professional Flat Iron Review

2011-11-30T08:10:00.001-06:00

Soooo, I was contacted by Missiko branding, asking if I wanted to review the HANA 1" Ceramic Flat Iron. Well, duh. A lot of people, I've heard, say it's the best flat iron they've ever used...that and their hair dryers.

As an avid user of flat irons, because my hair is thick and big, I jumped on that chance- and also figured you all may want to an honest opinion as well.....you know....in case you're in the market for a flat iron.

Let's get started, shall we?

First of all, the loot they sent (which was a LOT of stuff. Seriously. It was like Christmas morning up in my crib.)

FREE CANDY? Hell yes!

Never tried ELF cosmetics. Cool they sent big sized products.

THE Flat iron

HANA 1" Flat Iron Specs:

-Tourmaline Ceramic Plates

-Floating Plates, which auto-adjust to hair texture/thickness

-Curved Plate Edges for curling, flipping, etc.

-Adjustable temps up to 450 degrees

-Swivel, tangle-free cord

-Currently on sale at Missiko for $120.00

So, my first reaction when I knew the size iron, was that of defeat. My hair is thick and I knew that the 1" wouldn't be big enough. I'd be straightening ALL damn day!

My current flat iron is by SEDU and I love it. It has big plates and heats up to the same temp as the HANA, so obviously this will be what I compare it to.

I've had my current flat iron for years now- and I can always tell when it's getting older because it doesn't feel as "hot" and doesn't straighten quite as well, but still works great!

The HANA iron was very tiny....I felt like my giant hands would crush it. lol. I separated my hair in three section as I normally do and started straightening. At first it didn't feel like it was hot enough (and that temp was set WAY up baybay), but after awhile I decided that it was, in fact, hot (After stupidly touching a plate. I know...I KNOW.)

I think it'd be best if I made a Pros and Cons list.

PROS:

-Did in fact straighten well. No dents or frizz.

-Easy to use.

-Love the swivel cord.

-In my opinion it works best for thin to medium thickness hair.

-It was free. Hello, lady!!

CONS:

-It snagged at my hair :( It hurt.

-The little plates just weren't big enough for my thick hair. A bigger plated iron would have DEFINITELY given this iron an A++++ for me. The specs say the plates "float" in order to compensate for different variants of hair thickness, but I just thought it felt awkward...as though the little iron wasn't able to get to all the hairs.

Overall Score: A-

It's hard to tell right now if I'll use this HANA or my Sedu for future straightening. I'll probably use the HANA a few more times before I decide. It's always nice to have a good backup flat iron in case mine goes kaput, so thank you Missiko, for choosing me to review!

Do any of you use HANA hair products for styling? How do you like them?

Disclaimer: This post contains a product/s sample that was sent to me for consideration. The opinions expressed in this post are all my own, from my personal experience with using this product.

Merry, Merry Christmas!

2011-11-29T18:44:00.001-06:00

For your viewing pleasure....a plethora of photos of my 2011 Holiday Decor.

Next year I've decided to have a wreath especially for ALL of my owl ornaments :)

Well? Which is it? ;)

Santa's Helpers

Do NOT judge me. I wasn't about to climb on the rooftop.

Does this sound good to you?

2011-11-23T13:20:00.001-06:00

Well, hello. It's been awhile and I'm sorry! I wish my life were more interesting at the moment.

I'll probably be away from my blog even longer because of the holidays, work picking up, traveling, blah, blah.

I have some awesome things in my mind's blogging file for the near future, however. Including:

1. A Hana Flat iron review- I love free loot and Missiko, the brand who sent over the Hana Heat Styling Serum, asked me to review their brand of flat irons. I know lots of bloggers who love the Hana brand iron, so I'm excited to try it and give you guys a full report.

2. My NEW owl tattoo. I hope to get very, very soon. You guys know how much I love owls...If not, you should check out my Pinterest account here.

I need to be pulling my Pumpkin Cheesecake out of the oven as I type this, so I'm out.

In the meantime, everyone enjoy your Thanksgiving, time off and your liquor/beer. Don't act like you won't have a sip of some holiday brew :)

Miss talking to you all!!!

Missiko Product Review: HANA Shine Shield

2011-11-15T07:54:00.001-06:00

I was contacted by a rep from Missiko Hair products to review their HANA Shine Shield. I received the product a few weeks ago and, yes, I'm a slack ass, so I'm just getting around to reviewing the product. For those who aren't familiar with Missiko products, I'm letting you know that they sell hair dryers, flat irons and hair care products.

Here's what the package looked like. They, uh...sent me some other free things. Let it be known I'm, thankful for all of the gifts they included, but....the little tinsle-fied ornament thingy? Kinda took me off guard. haha. But thank you, Missiko.

Also included was a Bobbi Brown brush roll. COOL! I've actually used a few of these in the past few weeks, so thanks for this!

THE product. Nice, elegant, black bottle, aye? Aye.

I have thick hair and any kind of shield protection from the elements is A+ in my book...immediately. When I straighten my hair I have to use a product to avoid frizz and big hair. Not good big hair...bad big hair.

I used this product after washing my hair and put it on right before I blow dried. I didn't use any other product my first time using this, and don't think I need to. It tames the frizz really well!

I haven't used it since. My go-to product for straightening is fool-proof and I have a hard time letting it go, but this stuff receives an A from me. Worth a shot, especially if your hair tends to damage from lots of heat styling.

Go HANA!

FREE Holiday Card Winners

2011-11-09T12:37:00.001-06:00

Hello, hello!

Congrats to the three winners of Shutterfly's 25 Free Holiday Card Giveaway. Winners have been contacted! be sure to show us which cards you pick out. I'd love to see. Thanks to all who entered!

Keeping up With Kelly and Co.

Little Woman, Little Home

The Daily Life of JCHokie

Shutterfly Free cards giveaway!!!!

2011-11-07T09:24:00.001-06:00

Guys, I'm taking the time to blog from the open road to remind you to enter my giveaway for free holiday cards from Shutterfly :) Ends tomorrow....

I'm going to see the love of my life, Dave Grohl, and The Foos in ATL tonight. They're amazing live.....I'm getting chills just thinking of their high energy...bye loves!

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Shutterfly Crimmus Card Giveaway!

2011-11-03T08:14:00.002-05:00

Look. I know Halloween JUST ended, and even I think the Christmas commercials on television are a little too damn early, BUT...come ON?! Doesn't this time of year just give you a bit more joy in your heart? It does amazing things for my cold, black one. (harr harr)

Last year I participated in Shutterfly's Blog for free Christmas cards and they're doing it again this year. What a fantastic offer. In case you don't know Shutterfly offers a great variety of Christmas photo cards, photo books and other greeting cards. This year, as you may have seen throughout the blogging community, they're giving away codes for our blog readers as well.

Therefore....THREE of my followers will receive a code for 25 FREE Holiday cards! YAHOO!!!! I'm going to make this entry simple as can be, so no worries. To be entered simply do the following:

1. Be a follower of my blog.
2. Leave ONE comment with a distinguishing name and e-mail and also "The thing that gives you the MOST cheer during the holiday season."

That's it. You have until Tuesday, November 8th to enter. So get to steppin'!!

Happy Thursday.
I'm still fighting this cold. It's lingering. WTF. Getting on my nerves.

Welcome to November and BaubleBar Jewels

2011-11-01T08:22:00.002-05:00

Like I asked yesterday....WHERE has this year gone? This is my favorite time of year, but also it's so sad, because I really don't like the first part of the year for some reason. It's just boring. Nothing cool really happens until April, really. Wait...when's Mardi Gras? April right? OK then nevermind....oh, and maybe there's St. Patrick's Day, but I've always loved this time of year best!!

I'm sick and, seriously, I'm sweating like crazy right now. Good. Maybe it's that demon sickness melting out of me. Stupid cold. haha

During my sick hiatus from work yesterday I came across BaubleBar. Please, tell me you haven't heard of it yet either. I feel so left behind- I can't believe, as an avid lover of cute jewels (such as Stella & Dot), I've somehow looked over this site. It reminds me of Ideeli and Rue La La online discount boutiques a bit.

Started by two women- this store focuses on affordable items. They cut out the middle man and the result are bangles, cuffs, fun rings and statement necklaces. The other perk is that the more you buy and recommend to your friends, the more credits you’ll get for a free piece! So start sharing!
Here are a few of my "I want, I want" pieces:

Even if your style isn't like mine, there's something for you there. The pieces run around $30-40 bucks. There are cheaper and more expensive pieces. Check it out for sure!

BaubleBar.

I'll share with you what I purchase when that day comes. :)

Happy November 1st! Drink lots of pumpkin cheesecake (my personal fave) and be thankful for your family, friends and this one life you're given :) Live it UP!

Love!

Happiest of Halloweeeen!

2011-10-31T08:52:00.002-05:00

Hello people of the blogging world! I'm a bit under the weather, at home from work today resting, but I promise that I'll return back to normal blogging ASAP.

In the meantime, me and the Chihuahua's want to say....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

(They look terribly excited, no?)

I'm sad to see my favorite month of the entire year go by so fast. Where has this year gone?! Onward to November and lots of good foods to fatten me (and you) up. YESssssss!

See you in the new month!

Sephora F&F Order has arrived!!!

2011-10-26T18:23:00.002-05:00

Just thought I would share some photos from the order.

The loot, complete with samples and birthday shower gel!

Shades from the Buxom healthy lip stick and plumping gloss- Came with the 500 point supah sample I picked up for free! Pretty colors, could probably work on most skin tones.

Can't wait to try this!!

Look how huge that bottle is!! Waaaay bigger than the little sampler! Love this stuff!

Shakeology Cleanse: Day 1

2011-10-26T13:56:00.001-05:00

Remember this stuff I told you about- that I loved so much?

Well, I'm hating it at the moment.

I decided to do Shakeology's 3 Day Cleanse and I want some damn solid food RIGHT damn now. ha!!

It's not that bad. I guess. Just feeling a bit weak. I'm glad they recommend only light to NO workouts during these 3 days, because I doubt I could make it though 5 seconds of one.

You do get to eat solid foods for dinner (Salad with a protein) and two cups of green tea each day. Wow. Thanks.

I complain, but I'm excited to see/feel results. Ever done it? What's the craziest "cleanse" and/or "fast" you've tried. I think Fasts are kind stupid, but I'm interested to know all of the stupid things you guys have tried. : )

NOTE: Stay tuned for my Sephora order post later this evening/tomorrow.

Sephora Frands and Familia

2011-10-20T09:48:00.000-05:00

Whats up FOOLS?!

I received my Sephora Friends and Family 20% off code this morning and I've already used it. I didn't have too much extra cash to spend this paycheck, or else I would have gone "Add to Cart" crazy! Here's what I picked up:

1. MUFE Mat Velvet Foundation (Booooring)
2. Sephora Purifying Brush Cleaner (Even MORE booooring)
3. Dior's Lip Maximizer (Yeah! Now we're talking! Trying this out for the first time!)
4. Phyto Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm (Love this stuff when I straighten my hair!)
5. My Happy Birthday gift!! Philosophy's Vanilla Birthday Cake Shower Wash
6. Can't forget the 3 FREE SAMPLES with every order!

I also used some of my Beauty Insider Points to get the Buxom 500 point perk item that was being offered. I love Buxom products! Their lip plumping stuff works well for me and I love the shades of their Big and Healthy sticks. Had to try this out! Plus, it's coming in this cute passport case. Love :)

(Photo via oxotali)

Do you shop when Sephora offers their big discount?? What are the main things you're buying?

Oh, Target Finds!

2011-10-12T17:03:00.001-05:00

So, I saw a top on a fellow blogger's post today and just DIED. I don't know what about it I loved so much. Maybe the cute neckline? The lovely gold color? Don't know- but I booked it to Target after work today and came home with the top in the gold and a print color (which I realize is very Mardi Gras-esque colors) and a scarf. I'm a happy girl. I love colors and can't wait to mix these into my fall wardrobe with blazers and cardigans!! WOO HOO!!!

Mardi Gras time!! WOOO!!

I know these tops look totally dumb and shapeless in these photos, but are super flattering and cuteness in person! The tops of these shirts look like a dress I own from Anthropologie, so duh...I love it.

With Infinity scarf. Cute!

Do you usually shop for clothing at Target? Most times I can't find anything to fit right. Something is always off about their sizing, but sometimes, like today, I find a bargain :) The dress I wore for my birthday outing was also from Target! Go me!

The 365 Day Project

2011-10-12T09:40:00.001-05:00

The other day I was doing a bit of walking down memory lane. Remembering the best moments of your past by watching videos, looking at photos or smelling a certain smell can bring the biggest smile and/or peace to your being. Am I right?! I love it! I'm such a big photo taker...notice, I didn't say photographer. I love photography and taking photos to catch memories, and yeah, sure I try to get artistic, but I'm not trying to fool anyone. HAA!

I've always wanted to do a 365 Day photo project. At one point I thought I would take photos of one thing I ate everyday for a year...Uhm, yeah, no....pass. I've realized that looking at pictures of food sometimes makes me wanna throw up in my mouth. Weird.

So, I joined the 365 Day Project website. I started with today, the day after my 28th birthday, and will upload a photo from each day for the rest of the year. I think it'll be kinda cool to see my life in pictures from today until October 12, 2012.

My Day 1 Photo: Owls. Coulda seen that one coming...

Feel free to follow my progress or do your own. If you joib or are a member already, let me know! I'd love to follow you!

Happy Wednesday....Three more days until a weekend of doing basically nothing. Thank you. Thank you for THAT!

:)

(Also, thanks for all of the birthday wishes! It made my day more than you even know! Thank you.)

My birthday weekend

2011-10-10T16:33:00.001-05:00

So, I survived my 28th birthday weekend...Tomorrow is my actual birthday...too bad I have to go back to work. Having today off was awesome :)

Here are a few photos from the weekend. There weren't many. Let's just say my stupid point and shoot has seen better days. The flash is way too bright, it blurs when the flash is OFF and the quality just can't live up to my SLR these days....but I can't justify bringing my nice camera out on the town, ya know? Hmmm....Can I geta happy medium please?

My good friend Joy and I before going out. My original birthday dress didn't work, and the dress and blazer I decided on, I was pleased with, but it coulda been better ;) So hard to please.

Marion, Stephanie and I. Tall drinks of water. See my shoes? Love. AND I danced my ass off in them for a little while, too. Even got a compliment from bar goers about my high heeled dancing ability.

Just some Picnik fun. Bahah. Before make-up.

Me and my BFF Marion- she decided to color coordinate with me.

The end.

Welcome to Jenny's birthday weekend....

2011-10-07T08:48:00.001-05:00

On the agenda..........

Friday: Atrox SCARE Factory!! I'm ready. So ready. And scared. God, I love being scared, but yet don't all at the same time. I've never been to this place, but I hear it's AWESOME! Click the link for more info, if you're in Alabama. lol

Saturday: Wearing THE heels (gonna try not to break a limb or my face) and going out on the town with my closest friends.

I've always loved my birth month...I know everyone usually DOES, but seriously? Can you please agree that October is a kick ass month?! The start of Fall, Halloween and awesomeness. I also enjoy that my birthday is always on the Columbus Day long weekend :) Makes things quite convenient for travel.

My actual birth DAY is Tuesday, the 11th. Have you bought my present yet? ;)

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend, birthday or not.

People underestimate.....

2011-10-05T08:08:00.001-05:00

....We all underestimate just how much a simple act of kindness can impact our day and turn it around for the better.

Simply saying hello (even if the bastard doesn't say hi back), smile, hug, compliment.....can make someone smile inside and feel good. Just a reminder I always try to tell myself on a daily basis and try to live by. I can be pretty bitchy to stupid people (haha) but in the end...I'm really a nice girl.

Those are my words of wisdom for you all this morning. Something you already know, but probably need reminded of :) No go hug someone!!

I need a shopping ban!!

2011-10-04T08:18:00.003-05:00

Y'all...I really need to stop buying stuff. I need to start saving more money and I just can't. I admit it. I'm addicted to buying. Clothes, shoes, candles and STUFF.

It hasn't been so bad since Anthropologie has started going ugly on me, but that doesn't mean anything else I like is any cheaper. And reading blogs doesn't help because all of your cute fall outfit ideas are killing me (Fall fashion is my absolute favorite.) *sigh* Anyway...rant OVA.

A few things I'm loving:

-It's so chilly here in Alabama today- love that!

-Gwen Stefani's birthday was yesterday- love HER!

-My spiked heels are amazing and quite more comfortable than I expected- loving that shizz.

-Found a birthday outfit that will suffice- kinda love, but still mad about my pretty "dress" I was gonna sport.

-My 28th birthday is in a week!! I love birthdays!

I've been horrible with my blogging here lately- consider me uninspired.

OH, but is anyone watching the new Fall show "Revenge" that comes on Wednesdays?? Oooh, it's pretty intriguing. I like it.

Peace out!

Hot pumps or dangerous weapons?

2011-09-29T09:01:00.001-05:00

Both! My lovely spiked heels came in yesterday and dammit, I love them as much as I knew I would.

I chose the nude color, as I feel they'd go with more.

Still searching my closet for a birthday dress. I just feel like I either have too casual of dresses or work dresses....don't really have a happy medium, party type dress. Add that to my wardrobe "To-Buy" list.

My House during Fall (Photos)

2011-09-28T17:44:00.001-05:00

Ahhh Fall. It's no surprise I just love this time of year, as do most of YOU, too! As much as I'll miss Summer, I just can't bare the thought of another hot, humid Alabama summer day right now- begging for it to get cooler here....ANYDAY now!

Here are a few photos I snapped of some of my house fall decor. I'm missing some stuff I wanted to decorate with, but this'll do...I couldn't wait to share any longer.

(Yes, I collect owls ok!?!)

(Just need real pumpkins to go along with this pre-lit fake one)

Birthday outfit FAIL

2011-09-28T07:55:00.000-05:00

I'm sad. The "dress" I ordered from Francesca's Collection online for my birthday weekend does NOT fit me like a dress. It's a tunic people. I loved the one-shoulder sleeves and the color is to DIE for. I really hate being tall sometimes. Now I'm birthday dress-less and my birthday is next weekend, so I don't really have the time to return this one and buy another one. BOO. HISS.....

BEWARE!! It's not a dress on anyone 5'9 and above. You'll be flashing your goodies. My goodies...my goodies....

Random thought of the day: Does anyone else find yourself wishing every webpage had the little "Scroll to Top" button in the bottom right hand corner of the screen, like Pinterest does?? I love that feature! Wow. I've gotten so lazy that I can't scroll up on a webpage scrollbar....

Skydiving Adventure #2 and Giveaway Winner!

2011-09-22T09:10:00.004-05:00

I'm going skydiving AGAIN this weekend. This will be my second time being taken on a tandem- I'm thrilled. I just love the thrill of the whole experience! It's good to know skydiver friends- you get awesome discounts. ;-) The drop zone where everyone skydives is also hosting a big Christmas in September hoopla party. Let the shenanigans begin!

So, yeah, today's my Friday.

There's also a winner for the Stella & Dot giveaway I hosted on my blog. First of all I am SO ashamed more of you didn't enter! What gives? Yes. This is me scolding you!! Free money?! Hello.

*sigh* Anyway. There were 11 entries and I had a guy in my office choose a random number and that number was 8. Congrats to LOREN!! Enjoy your $35 Stella & Dot gift certificate! Let us all know what you buy.

My Giveaway and...NOT so fast!!

2011-09-20T08:51:00.002-05:00

Morning. I'm sleepy.

Just a reminder that Thursday is the last day to enter my Stella & Dot giveaway! I love their pieces...I've already made my wishlist- have you?

Last night I had a "not so fast" moment. I was trying on clothes that had become snug over the last year and ,while I was happy that I was actually getting back into them without BURSTING at the seams, I realized I had a LOT of work yet to do. I'm nowhere near my goal and this hiatus of taking weeks off from Insanity and workouts period just isn't cutting it. Time to get back to the grind. I've lost almost 12 pounds in TWO months...I just need to keep going and not give up. Time freaking FLIES- I'll be at my goal before I know it....but I won't get there by plopping my ass down on my couch after work to watch all my "Friends" DVDs. Baha!

Do you ever get "de-railed" with your workouts? You start losing weight and seeing results and think you can slack a bit? Happens to me all the time. Something I constantly work on.

Is it Thursday yet?? (My Friday this week!!)

It's FRIZZIDAY and why do you blog?

2011-09-16T13:05:00.003-05:00

Fo shizzle.

Hey, so, don't forget to enter my awesome giveaway from Stella & Dot. I mean, seriously. This is a great giveaway Ellaine with Stella has offered to one of my readers. It's sure to please!

Question(s) of the day: Why did you start blogging and do you find blogger drama as funny as I do?

Just curious.

That is all. I love you all.

Peace!

Stella & Dot Giveaway! GET EXCITED!

2011-09-15T08:49:00.000-05:00

I love hosting giveaways on my blog. It makes me happy to know that one of my readers is happy and rewarded for reading my boring, lame musings. ;)

I was contacted by the lovely Ellaine, and independent stylist for Stella & Dot our of Southern Cali.

Ever heard of Stella & Dot? They have super cool and trendy boutique style jewelry! Think of a jewelry party....but not yo mamma's kinda jewelry...well, if your mama is awesome and hip, then yes.

The jewelry has been featured in Gossip Girl, In Style and Oprah to name a few.

Ellaine has offered a $30 gift certificate to ONE of my lucky blog readers, to be used in her online Stella & Dot store.

So, how do you enter to win? Simply do the following before Thursday, September 22, 10:00 a.m. CST:

1. Become a fan of Ellaine's Stella & Dot Fan Page on Facebook.

2. Come back here and leave a comment with your name, e-mail and which item from Stella & Dot you'd use the $30 for. Because I'm nosey....

3. Don't forget to follow my blog as well. ;)

In addition to the giveaway, Ellaine has offered a 10% discount to every single one of my readers when you purchase from her Stella & Dot online store, but only through next THURSDAY only, when the giveaway ends! So hurry!! To retrieve this discount, send her an e-mail at calas.ellaine@yahoo.com, telling her you are one of my blog readers and would be interested in the discount!

Stella & Dot is also offering a September booking special to all trunk show hostesses who host during September! If you host, you'll receive a bonus signature pouch, so that's cool!

I love their jewelry. It's awesome and really adds a kick to your outfit.

Happy shopping and entering! Winner will be announce next Friday.

Good luck my lovely ladies!

It's almost Freaking Friday!!!

"Ringer" was good, people, and a giveaway!

2011-09-14T08:30:00.001-05:00

I made it through the entire duration of the new Fall show starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, "Ringer." I liked it. I'll be watching again. (NOTE: Edit- But, as a follower of mine commented below, the green screening and camera shots were sometimes so horrendous! Especially the boat scene. OK, Had to mention that!) Quick rundown? Sarah plays twins in the show- living two very different lives, but apparently they bought have some crazy ish happening to them. Towards the start of the show one sister is running from the cops and goes to her twin's NYC apartment, after not seeing each other for years. They go boating. NYC sister falls over "killing herself"- I knew better- and the other twin, distraught, decides to start living her sister's life....the show reveals some twists and turns in this first episode and at the end, the sister who was thought to be dead, is actually alive and being sinister. OH yeah....

Not much happening today. I was stupid and ate bad food yesterday and paid the price early this morning at 4:30.....it was not a pretty sight. I despise throwing up. This is why you should always eat healthy.

I know you don't want to read about nastiness, so read this: Krystal, blogger at "Krystal's Kitsch" is hosting a cool giveaway, so you should go enter!

Hope you all have a great Wednesday...and I hope this feeling of crap passes me. Pass the club soda, please....

Target? Goodreads, Insanity update, haircut and poopoo

2011-09-13T12:34:00.002-05:00

Really, there's no "poopoo" anywhere in this blog. Just felt like saying it.

What the what is up with Missoni for Target craziness??? It's not THAT cute, people, that you need to clog up their pitiful website (I'm sorry. I'm sure you all love it...).

Hey! So, it's Tuesday! Better than the first day of the work week, so that's grand! On my way to work I continued listening to my audiobook, "A Discovery of Witches," by Deborah Harkness. It's part of a triology (second book is set to hit shelves sometime NEXT year). As many reviews have stated, the book starts and continues to, at times, be sooo sloowwww moving. I found that to be true, but glad I made the wise decision to buy it on audiobook instead of hard copy (No. I still don't have acool technological reading device. I want one, but yet I don't. I'm torn.) Anyway, the book is keeping my interest so far. I'm no Twilight fan, but I enjoy magic and enchanting stories, and this is a bit of a mystery, not just a teenage-blah-moosh love story, so it keeps my interest. Have any of you read this one?

Speaking of reading, I have to echo the sentiments of my lovely blogger friend, Mrs. Monologues, when I say that my reading turn-over rate has SUCKED so badly the past TWO years. I think I've read TWO books in TWO years. Yeah. I KNOW. You all remember it took me one year to even finish "The Help."

I joined Goodreads a few months ago- I love that it keeps my scattered book brain organized with what I've read and what I WANT to read. So...if you're part of Goodreads or want to join, come befriend me here. I love to see what others read- it gives me ideas.

On this day, I also JUST got my wig (hair) trimmed. It needed it like whoa. Here I am with my non-split ended hair, furiously waving to you all. As you can see, I'm very attractive today. lol

INSANITY UPDATE: In case you were wondering, no, I STILL haven't picked back up with Insanity. I'm holding steady with my weight loss and as of today, I've lost about 12 pounds since starting the program...and I only finished 6 weeks of it! Will jump back into it in the next few days, along with updates. I PROMISE.

FALL TV LINEUP: I decided to sneak this subject in my blog as well...Are you guys watching any of the new fall shows tonight? I want to try to catch Sarah Michelle Gellar's new show, "Ringer," and see if it's any good. Comes on The CW tonight at 9/8 CST.

Happy Tuesday!!

Random: Does anyone else....

2011-09-12T08:10:00.000-05:00

...really love Bath and Body Works Antibacterial Hand Sanitzers, but they dry out your precious skin?

I do.

Just sayin'

It's been on my mind all weekend since hitting them up and I wanted to express my disdain.

Their new Anti-Bac accessories are darling and I really want one...but I'd never use it...........

I'm being weird. Today is officially "Weird Monday."

B&BW new candles are to die for, however! I'm so impressed with their scent power these days. They've been blowing Yankee candles out of the water...I never even buy Yankee Candles anymore. It's wither B&BW or Candles by Victoria.

Enough BS. Have a great Monday!!!

FOR SALE Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

2011-09-11T00:04:00.001-05:00

I'll be posting on E-bay soon.....but wanted to offer it to all of you first....

I was stupid and threw away the recipt for this foundation. It's way too light for me. I love the coverage, but uh...who wants a clown face??

If you want a $35 foundation for cheap, and you wear a light to light medium shade, lemme know...or else I'm gonna sell tot eh highest bidder on the e-bay.

:)

Shade: 3W1- Tawny

If all of my beautiful followers donated $.75....

2011-09-10T08:36:00.002-05:00

I could get these ASAP!!

I know I keep talking about them, mentioning them, DROOLING over them.....but my birthday is coming up 9OCtober 11) and I REALLY want to wear these out that weekend. The BIG 2-8, what what! hahaaa!!

Please donate $0.75...or more. If you do...then I'll take a special picture, personalized with your name somewhere, and text it to you the night I go out wearing them. hahaha WHAT a deal!! (right...)

(Image courtesy of hautepinkpretty.com)

I WILL have these before my birthday. Mark my word.

Thank you and Fall time? Pumpkin Spiced Latte PUH-lease.

2011-09-09T08:15:00.001-05:00

Just a huge thank you on this clear, crisp Friday Alabama morning. (Weather: I beg of you to please cool off sooner than years before. PLEASE. I love you Fall weather, believe me and stay with meeeee.)

Your responses to yesterday's post really comforted me and gave me hope. It's nice to know I'm not a freak for wanting to better myself and my life. Why are we made to feel guilty for not being 100% happy with our careers/jobs? Everyone feels that way...even just a little tiny bit.

It's comments from all of you on days like that when I remember why I blog in the first place- helpful advice and an unbiased ear to listen to me bitch.

Hope you have a great weekend- What are your plans? Has Fall weather penetrated your part of the world yet?

An even better question: Has Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks re-introduced the Pumpkin Spiced Latte back on their menu yet?!?!?!!

Change and Blah. Read me.

2011-09-08T08:41:00.000-05:00

Raise your hand if you like change.....Obviously, I can't see shit for who's raising their hands, but I'm raising mine, and I always thought of myself as one who despises when things change...but I think that only pertains to when things are awesome.

I need some change in my life because I can feel myself becoming complacent and pissed off. I'm 27 years old and already want a job change. DISCLAIMER: I try not to talk about my professional work/life on my blog because it just causes issues where there doesn't need to be issues, but this is really bothering me people.

First of all, I haven't blogged in awhile- I've been living real life and enjoying it! WOO HAW for that!

But, I've also been thinking long and hard about my career and what I'm doing and where I'm going. It's OK to do that, right? I almost feel guilty because my job is pretty secure and I make decent cash, but I'm a true example that this does NOT equate to happiness....Although I'm not sure I could take a pay cut, I'd consider it if it were at least CLOSE to my annual salary now....

My dream job? Don't laugh. I'd work at Anthropologie. Shallow, perhaps, but I enjoy being around pretty things. I like having organizational tasks to do. I also want to have time to spend with friends and family while I can. haha....I'm not dying, and although I'm being dramatic right now, it's just something I feel strongly about.

I GET we all have to work. I do. I just need to find that place for myself where I'm happy and right now I'm not.

I'm craving a trip somewhere. And not just by car. By plane. I want to fly and visit a city on my own accord and not worry about anything...just enjoy the sites and people.

I'm craving change and doing all I can to find that change....

Without getting too into specifics, have you ever been unhappy in your career or place of business?

I'm sure the answer is yes. More importantly, what'd you do about it...anything?

Maybe it's just the location I'm in at the moment, as the cause of my unhappiness....because frankly, I love WHAT I do. Or maybe it's just as simple as doing WHAT I do for somewhere else....

*sigh*

Oh, life. You are a bitch.

I mack the dudes up, back coupes up and chuck the deuce up....

2011-08-26T07:54:00.000-05:00

It's friggin' Friday!

Words (oops. Still on Large letter font...Excuse me..)...Anyway, as I was saying. Words can't describe how happy I am it's the weekend. For serious.

I'm hanging out with a really good friend of mine and some of our other friends as a Skydiving Dropzone, otherwise known as a DZ. Really, the DZ is just a big building where you go skydiving and people are packing parachutes and shit. It's a fun time, especially if you're jumping. A few of my friends skydive on their own with no guy to pull their cord and they want me to learn this too. Would you be surprised to know it only takes you 6 hours of ground training before they let you jump out on your OWN. Yeah, what the what? I'd actually like to do it, but it costs $1,100. Not too much, but I think I'd rather spend that on something superficial like the things below:

Sam Edelman Lorissa Spiked Pumps

Getchoo some spike pumps! Yessss. I love those.

I want some before The Foo Fighters concert in November.

Insanity Workout Update: I took my 45 Day photos and can definitely tell a difference from the first set of photos 45 days ago- but I'm not satisfied. As women, are we ever? Have I regained some of my sexy confidence? HELL to the yes...... In my mind, I have a long way to go, but I can also say I'm damn proud of what I've accomplished in ONE month. Plus I still have another month to go in this round...then it's starting allll over. This time, I'll be more prepared to push harder, jump higher and dig deeper.

Have a good weekend y'all.

Look at jacked up Britney. I kinda miss her. haha

Insanity Update

2011-08-25T08:22:00.000-05:00

I realized this morning it's been awhile since my last Insanity Workout update thing. So...here it is. No vlog again. I know. I suck. I haven't recorded myself since because by the 4th day of Month 1 I ended up only working out in my sports bra and shorts because I just got so hot doing the damn workout. And you do NOT need to see my stomach hanging out, mmmkay?

I started Month 2 maybe a week ago. I've missed about 3 or 4 workouts. Yikes. Needless to say the scale hasn't budged. I've been busy, so I won't beat myself up...plus, no weight gain, and I've continued eating well (remember that work pizza incident? haha Yeah.).

Also, if you wanna know something weird, I keep thinking that Month 1 DVDs were harder.....what? Is that possible? Am I THAT conditioned now? I doubt it. I just feel like there's more strength moves (push-ups, squats, etc.) and although I'm a big lover of all things strength and muscle building, I miss that high-intensity cardio. The cardio is THERE and yes, I still stop on some moves, but it's mainly the push-up moves. ugh. I kinda wanna go back to Month 1, but only because I felt that gave me a better workout.

*sigh* I'm just a freak. Yeah, that's all there is to it.

So, as of right now I'm trying to find my groove with this month's DVDs. I only hve 3.5 more weeks and I can say I'm an Insanity Graduate! Come on Jenny...Let's get this shit in gear here~!@!@owudjuodsahvp sn9vu8eute v'pter
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I meant to do that.

Hello, LADY!

2011-08-24T09:16:00.000-05:00

Does anyone else listen to The Elvis Duran Show in the morning? Oh GOD. It's hilarious. They're in NY I believe and come on Z100 on Xm Radio. Do yourself a favor and listen.

This morning I almost peed my pants laughing so hard. All of the morning show people took turns in a studio singing Adele's "Rolling In The Deep.".....and you know how big her range is. They sounded like horrible shit and it was hilarious.

Anyway. I have nothing cool to say, so please bare with me until I do.

Happy Wednesday!

WARNING: I may be slightly pissy right now.

2011-08-18T13:19:00.002-05:00

I’m about to be irate Jenny during this blog post, so please bare with me.

To make a long story short- today at work we held a luncheon, complete with PIZZA HUT pizza (AND Chocolate Chip Oreo brownies I actually made, ok!?) for a co-worker who’s transferring jobs. Since I like to watch what I eat and actually LIKE to eat healthy, I pre-planned and decided I wouldn’t bring in my usual lunch even! I opted to, instead, buy a healthier thin crust spinach pizza from the store in order to kinda “be one as a group” ya know?

So…here comes lunch. Everyone’s grabbing the pizza and we all sit down and honestly…the shit looks un-appetizing…..Uh…Wait, wait….OK, OK it looked GREAT, but thinking about eating one or two slices of that grease triangle made my stomach churn. I definitely didn’t want it and was glad I brought my healthier version.

Insert array of sarcastic “jokes” from co-workers here.

Now, look…I have a sense of humor, but not when there are 4 or 5 people heckling me, making jokes- essentially laughing at the fact that I’m CHOOSING to eat healthy and eating what I WANT to eat. GHEESH! It’s not like I don’t eat “normal” foods. I just didn’t want to today. I was PISSED. Thanks guys. I’m AWARE that my pizza doesn’t look bogged down by grease and shitballs like yours and therefore makes you think it looks LESS appetizing. OH and I’m sorry I’m drinking Flavored Sparkling water and that you think it’s funny. Assholes.

Seriously?! Why the hell do people have to bring you down when you’re doing something good? I wanted to scream that this “cardboard” pizza I was eating is one reason why I’ve lost 8 fu****g pounds in a month and why I’m bettering myself and my body for doing so.

Maybe I’m just being overly sensitive on this subject, but I just plain don’t give a rats ass. No, you know what? Maybe I AM sensitive about this. I work my ASS off DAILY in order to reach this fitness goal of mine. I don’t want your stupid pizza!!!

THAT’S what I wanted to yell…..and run away crying like a baby. Frankly, my feelings were hurt.

Just food? Maybe. But to me it’s more than that. It’s my lifestyle choices they’re making fun of.

Now I just can’t WAIT to get the “your so skinny,” you’re too thin,” comments. Can’t. Wait.

Freaking nay-sayers. Get a life.

Am I being overly dramatic? Wait. Don’t answer that…..BUT, do you know where I’m coming from?

Company of the YEAR: Candles By Victoria. Duh.

2011-08-17T08:37:00.000-05:00

Look. I know all you ladies like candles. I KNOW you do. If you're a fairly new follower, you've probably missed my two older posts about this company and in that case...read this post and then go getchoo some candles. Oh, and I'm writing this because I want to and I love the company that much....they get all of my Mom and I's extra money...

Candles By Victoria is a company in Texas. Yeah. No big corporate HOO-HAW here, folks. The candle company is owned by none other than Victoria herself and has made a HUGE success via YouTube and the internet. I'm guesstimating I first found out about the company two years ago and have been hooked ever since.

Yankee candle and Bath and Body Works still have some of my business when it comes to candles, but by "some business" I mean to say that I'm probably more likely to buy a candle from Casey Anthony than those two companies...Yeah. I said it.

I mean, the woman has any candle scent you could EVEN imagine- and I'm still trying new ones each time I order- and STILL getting amazed at how unique each scent can be.

Here's a bulleted list (because I have a feeling you all like organized chaos) of the AWESOMENESS that is this company:

#1: You get a free scent shot with every order. Free? Did someone say free? Sold. Scent shots are little baby samples of wax you melt in a tart warmer. This is the coolest way to determine if you like a scent or not before you splurge on a bigger sized candle. THE way to go for you news out there. You can find those here.

Scent Shot-tastic!

#2: Master Fragrance List love. The list of all the scents she offers. over 600! Check out the list. It's categorized by scent type, so whether you enjoy bakery scents or wanna die when you smell anything floral, there's something for everyone.

#3: When I call, comment on their Facebook page or e-mail them....I feel like I'm talking to a celebrity. Victoria is ALWAYS so helpful (her entire staff/family is) and sweet. Seriously. Customer service award of LIFE. I think I've had one broken candle my entire time purchasing from them and there were no issues in getting a new one. I've had questions about my orders, new candles, candle scents and all of those questions were answered timely and with care.

#4: THESE:

These aren't her "regular" candles. These are the E'special ones. ALL of that is wax and yes, they smell SO good. If you prefer to stick with the regular sized candles this is what they look like:

16oz Candles

The candles come in three different sizes and also come in what she calls "Sample Packs"- You can;t go wrong with this. It comes with 6 candles of your choice in your choice of size. I always end up getting the biggest size because I know which ones I love. The price for 6 candles? $70. Seriously. ONE candle at B&B Works is $20 bucks if not MORE. Pshhh. Get a grip B&B Works. (To find these sample packs go to the candles tab on her website, page 2. You'll see 'em)

#5: You've decided you want to order, but are overwhelmed with the amount of scents she offers. I hear it a lot. What I always tell people, FIRST, is to buy scent shots. Just start buying like crazy to try them out. Smart move. SECOND, if you wanna jump right in and buy a bigger size, go with what ya know. If you have a favorite candle at home by some other company, try to find a dupe of that scent on her list. (I can almost guarantee it smells 100% better than the one you currently have.) THIRD, you can always just take my advice and buy from my list of faves:

-Bella Swan
-Edward Cullen (No need to be twilight fan to enjoy these two unique scents!)
-Enchanted Forest
-Whistlin' Dixie
-Bathtime with Pooh (Lush dupe of "Honey I Washed the Kids" soap)
-French Quarter
-Cajun Cornbread
-Raspberry White Chocolate Mocha (A coffee scent with a fruity kick. LOVE)
-Berry Me Alive
-Black Cherry Crumble (YOU can smell the black cherries and the pastry crumble. MMM!!!)
-Hawaiian Dream
-Bahama Mama
-Wood Nymph
-Sexy in Stilettos
-Pumpkin Cheesecake (Amazing.)
-Simply Delicious (PERFECT Fall scent, RIGHT here.)
-Gain Island Fresh (OMG! Fresh, laundry softener smell, hellooo!!!)
-Fresh Laundry (Need I say more?)

In closing, if you were ever thinking of buying or have bought and would like an opinion from moi about something to get yourself, your mom or the hobo that live by your garbage can, lemme know!

I'd love to take a quick snapshot of my candle collection, but I'm not at home. I'll make a note to do so.

Do any of you buy from Victoria?? What's your favorite scent?

Fall Decor 2011

2011-08-16T10:24:00.000-05:00

So, I've started. Already.

Fall is almost here, and although it doesn't get the slightest bit chilly here in Bama until November (MAYBE) I'm so ready for Fall. It's my favorite time of year with all the buttery smells, beautiful colored leaves and pumpkins. LOVE. I mean....don't you feel good in the Fall? Plus I think the fashion is just to die for.

I stopped at Kirkland's yesterday on a mission. I managed to get my hands on most of the decor I wanted from them. Next stop? Hobby to the freakin' Lobby.

My Fall Kirkland's loot:

I also bought a glass blown pumpkin (yellow orange color. Gorgeous!). Can't find a picture of it online. For those of you who don't know I collect owls. It was my sororities "mascot" in college and my Grandmother has also collected them for years and years. I gotta grab up any and all owl shit I find.

From Etsy I found this super COOL tall pumpkin piece. I love it!!

Have you started Fall decor collecting yet?!

Insanity, Month 2, Day Whichever: Max Cardio Circuit

2011-08-16T08:04:00.000-05:00

Yeah, so I put off doing the first DVD from Month 2 of Insanity. I was too scared Sunday to do it. I like how I avoid things. I start cleaning, finding stuff to clean and start harping on every little speck of dust....Well, that's all the time, but whatever.

The good news is I finally got my lazy ass up and did Max Cardio Circuit last night. Albeit tough with lots of push-up moves, I comforted myself with the fact that this is probably the EASIEST of the Month 2 DVDs. YESSS!!! SCORE! (ha)

Some moves of note from the workout?

What I like to call "Almost Dead": Ski abs, push-up jacks, in and out abs and oblique knee push-ups (yeah...That's all ONE move.).

Full Body Drill: Go to plank position, plank runs, moving push-ups and wide oblique runs....(Also ONE move.)

Me after my workout....Still looking fly.

Excited much? I know those of you who don't do Insanity probably have no clue how hard those moves are by themselves...strung together is torture. I took several breaks, but proudly they weren't too long of breaks. I felt like I was somewhat starting completely from scratch. The difference between month 1 and 2 is pretty amazing. Amazing something hard could get even more difficult!!!!!

I'm still waiting for my "Is this a F***** joke!?" moment...I'm sure it'll be today or tomorrow's workout. We'll see....and I'll let you know.

Happy Tuesday. Where's Friday??????

AWESOME back to School Giveaway

2011-08-14T17:57:00.000-05:00

Please check out this AWESOME giveaway from "Massachusetts Mask."

I seriously would love to have all that loot! Wouldn't you??

Also, sadly, the weekend is over and I'm putting off starting Month Two of Insanity today....It's 6:00 p.m. and I've been doing shit all day EXCEPT that...I'm scared....

Dress for Sale

2011-08-12T22:54:00.000-05:00

Slowy but surely weeding out the closet.

As much fun and cute as this dress is, I need to get rid of it to make room for other things. Boo.

Please let me know if interested. jstripling9 (at) gmail (dot) com

Express Bubble Hem Ombre Dress

Size Large

35" long with bubble hem

20" across bust

Relaxed fit

Asking: $10 + $5.00 shipping (STEAL!)

I'm having a Barbie/Teen flashback

2011-08-12T09:13:00.003-05:00

This morning all I've been doing is looking up toys from the 80s/90s. Most of my findings have now turned to all shit Barbie and looking at all the Barbie stuff I've come to realization that my only-child self was spoiled as hell.

Did you have any of these?

:)

Lady Lovely Locks- The dolls came with little colored hair clips. The clip was a little animal of some sort. LOVED these! I can remember playing with the big set-up shown below on a Saturday morning while my parents played music. LOVE.

Sassy magazine?!?!? OMG.

Precious Places- You bought different little parts and made a big town! It came with a magnet key so you could move the pieces around from underneath. LOVED these!!

Sweet Secrets- I LOVED these weird little doll, compartment things.

McDonald's Happy meal Barbie toy-One of many barbie toys from McDonald's. You could snap her outfits on and off with these.

THE Barbie hot dog stand- HELLO!!? Who didn't love these??

Barbie Dream House- Who didn't have this? Shoot, I had TWO in my life.

One Christmas I remember I opened so many presents, got some really cool stuff, but this Barbie Heart Family Playground was my fave.

Happy Friday peeps!

Attention...I'm selling this dress.

2011-08-10T12:25:00.000-05:00

I've listed this dress below on e-bay. No bids yet, so for all my blogging ladies, if you're interested in the dress let me know and I'll end the listing and sell it to you for $25 shipped. WOO!!! It's a cute dress- I just need this closet purge, mmkay? E-mail me at jstripling9 (at) gmail (dot) com if interested!!

It's been worn once

Size 12

Trapeze Halter Dress

Bought from Dillards or Macy's (Can't remember which)

One button closure on the halter neck

See? I wore it on my birthday one year- that makes it super awesome!!!

I need a fellow followers help!

2011-08-09T21:49:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: Robin found the dress for me. I love ya girl! Thanks so much!

Man. I could strangle H&M for not having a store close to me. ARGHHH!!! Rage, I tell you. Rage. This is the second time in the past few months I've seen a fellow blogger with a dress from H&M that I simply HAD to have.

I had great luck with the first summery dress- found it on the bay of E (e-bay, fools.) for a decent price...you know those e-bay scalpers. Wanting a buck.

Now, I'm on the hunt for THIS dress:

Click on all it's prettiness for more details.

This a desperate cry for help (Yes. Desperate) from any of my followers who live close to an H&M who would be willing to search for this dress in my size, just for me. :) I'm willing to pay for the dress AND shipping. DAMN. Steal! (lol)

If you'd like to help me just shoot me an e-mail at jstripling9 (at) gmail (dot) com.

This is your mission if you choose to accept it......THANK YOU!!

Insanity Recovery Week: Core Cardio and Balance

2011-08-09T14:39:00.000-05:00

So, uhm, yes...I have successfully completed the first month of Insaaaaaaanity. Can I get a woo-woo? Woo. Woo. haha! Thanks.

Guess what I even did today?!!! I made a VLOG. A lovely update Vlog on Insanity....and guess what else? I went to preview it and the damn thing was zoomed in to the MAZ for the duragtion of my recording. baha. I laughed out loud, better believe it. All you could see was one of my big eyeballs and my one crooked tooth in the front. pshh. Not no way. Sorry folks, for that.

I'll just give you brief, boring old BLOG (ugh. SO 5 days ago) on the details. Day 2 of Recovery Week was today. Here's the run-down on my results up to this point:

Pounds Lost: 6 (In 4.5 weeks!)
Inches lost: 5" all over last time I checked, which was two weeks ago
Cardio Improvement: YES! I actually did a quick joggy-jog on the treadmill after the workout today and I could tell I wasn't struggling as hard with my running as I was before I started Insanity. Hot damn.

In short, I'm proud. I'm happy. I'm scared of month two, but ready for even more results.

Brady update: As you all may know, he had bladder surgery two weeks ago to remove a stone the size of my FACE (Not really. He's a Chihauhua, but you get what I'm sayin'). He got his dumbass stitches out today and he's doing well. I just hope, hope hope these stones can be prevented in the future. It's been exhausting. Poor baby.

ANYWAYZZZZ. That's all I got for today. I promise to be more entertaining at a later date.

OH, P.S.: Bought the Grapefruit la Croix. It's OK. Bland, but not bad. Only a very small hint of the grapefruit tang. Hmm....

Had to have & Pinterest

2011-08-06T13:41:00.003-05:00

I just had to have this look. Bought the dress, belt and a navy blazer. Triple <3

ootd: 06.20.2011 by prettycupcake featuring strappy dresses

Just so everyone knows, I finally joined the Pinterest bandwagon after I said I didn't need to...Yeah. Figured. So, go take a peek. I spent all last night and half of this morning with my eyes glued to the computer screen, searching for the perfect PINS!! hahaa

Here I am. Stir-fry me like some chicken breast.

2011-08-06T09:54:00.000-05:00

How ya like that throwback Scorpion song blog title? I know ya love it.

So, would you all like to know how I spent my Friday evening?...........................I KNEW it. OK, so after work it started with some of this:

Followed by a semi-wet (rain, people) journey for groceries here:

{Uhm. Why the Hell does that Publix look all elaborate and junk? Is this real life?}

By the time I got home, I was about to eat my first-born dog. I whipped up this stir-fry from Insanity's meal plan:

{First time trying La Croix Sparkling Water in the flavor of Lime. ha! Sparkling water from a can. Is that class or what? Class. Freakin'. Act.}

There's nothing better than some chicken stir-fry...at least last night there wasn't. Seriously...y'all, I inhaled that shizz like it was about to vanish Harry Potter style off my plate! I was breathing all hard and bit my lip because of my fast and furious eating.

Speaking of that canned water- any of you like La Croix (how very French haha!)? If so which flavor?? Because I'm buying more...either grapefruit or berry....Need advice. Like, by tomorrow.

So, after I ate, I watched some YouTube videos and then TLC's wedding show BS-palooza. Fun Friday, HELLO!!??

Hey, also, listen, I'm so glad I found so many new blogs to read via the link-up. Love it!! I have lots in common with you ladies and can't wait to read more from you! Please keep commenting. I love comments and I promise I'll reply back to you and we'll have outstanding conversations.

*Cheers* (holding up my sodium free, sugar free, calorie free, life-sucking sparkling can of water)

True Life: I'm a [Blah-dy Blah] Random Blogger

2011-08-05T08:37:00.005-05:00

YO! Happy Friday Finally!!! Today, I'm doing something a bit different....I'm linking up, fools. With Tara @ Fabulous but Evil and Mrs. Monologues for a new link up series called "True Life: I'm a ______blogger!" This week is for all the "general" life bloggers. Or, as I call us, the random freaks who don't belong. Am I right?!! HA!.

Here's the rundown:
1. I'm a blogger of two-ish years.
2. I'm a soon to be 28 year old, in October. Yikes. And Woo hoo!
3. My children consist of two Chihuahuas: Brady and Chiva. They're my kids. Don't look at me like I'm crazy.
4. I'm full of sarcasm and wit. Yes, I just bragged.
5. I'm single.
6. I cook. Very well. Come on ova.
7. Pinot Noir is my fave.
8. I secretly pretend to not really care about Kate Middelton.....but, I love her. WANT TO BE HER!!!! haha Just kidding. No. really. Obsessed.
9. I'm also obsessed with Paul Rudd and everything about him.

Chiva and Brady. Homies 4 Life.

If you decide to read my blog, please know that:
1. I have no rhyme, reason or theme. I talk about what I want and that's that. Don't fence me in. I don't like it.

2. Anthropologie is MY favorite store of all time.

3. I love Britney Spears in all her skankiness. Please expect random Britney posts or posts about her and her inability to sing and dance.

4. Photos of my dogs pop up frequently.

5. I'm currently doing the Insanity Workout. I'm obsessed with it and talking about it. That's my main focus as of late, so I hope you like working out and not sitting on your ass on your couch.

6. Cussing is permitted around these parts. If it feels natural, I say it. Yep.

7. Book reviews. Slowly but surely I'm re-finding time to read. HALLELUJAH!

Leave NOW {please} if you:
A. ....don't like dogs.
B. .... expect to read about marriage bliss and children. No.
C. ......have no sense of humor......I have faith that you all do. Don't let me down.

Peace out!

(I don't usually highlight my stupid font, but Blogger is being STUPID and for some reason won't let me take it off!!!! What the F. Just accept that the font in this post is JACKED. I hate you Blogger.)

Brady's Bladder + Insanity Week 3 Update

2011-07-29T08:07:00.000-05:00

Mmm McDonald's coffee is delicious this morning, but simply not doing it for me. Nothing will help me except some quality sleep, which I'm not sure I'll get for another week or so.

I didn't mention it on my blog because I just didn't feel like explaining and getting into it (because for one, I was a little upset about it), but Brady, my first born (read: one of my Chihuahuas) went under the knife Tuesday to remove a big bladder stone that was causing him to pee blood. What's funny is that this has been going on for 10 months. My family vet flushed out his urethra back in October because of some small crystals he saw on X-ray....well, apparently he missed one and it grew...and grew....and Brady then needed surgery to get it removed. I was worried about him going under, but knew recovery would be worse on us both.

Brady's kick-ass pallet on my bedroom floor. No high surfaces for awhile....

I hate that he can't run and jump around. It's been 3 days and I'm exhausted from waking up throughout the night to make sure he's OK and/or not licking at his stitches, so they'll heal. Poor baby. He's resilient, however. Great guy :)

Insanity Week 3 Update:
This week has taken its toll on my body. I've followed my Insanity schedule, but have started feeling weak during the workouts, especially in my legs.

I have freakin' dead legs. Feels like dragging lead around during a workout. It's horrible. Stress definitely puts a beating on your body, even when you don't realize it. I'm also going to add some more calories into my diet- The scale hasn't budged at ALL and I refuse to fail this week. 1 pound is my goal.

Hoping tonight's workout will be better.....and I hope I can catch up on some rest this weekend.

What I buy on E-bay

2011-07-27T08:13:00.000-05:00

I spend a lot of time on E-bay scouring the site for good deals on out of stock clothing or something I don't wanna pay full price for. As I have nothing better to talk about, here are some recent purchases:

Top by Joie

Mistral Soap in South Seas- Sold at Anthropologie

A gem from last summer, I believe, that I JUST smelled TWO weeks ago via a friend. WTF?! I fell in LOVE!! I had to stock up....bought TWO.

Macadamia Oil Hair Mask- 8 oz

Sample of Miss Dior Cherie- Blooming Bouquet. The original is hands down my favorite perfume. I hope this smells as good! We'll see.

3 Voluspa Candles- Sold at Anthropologie- in the scents: Dahlia Orange Bloom, Fleurs de Fete and French Cade and Lavender.

Are you a e-bay freak? What do you usually bid on?

Brit-nayyyyy!!!!! Femme Fatale Tour 2011

2011-07-25T10:07:00.000-05:00

Oh, Britney. Only you (and I guess Lady Gaga) can parade around stage wearing numerous leotards and get away with it. Although- some of those leotards this year were dumb.

My review of her Femme Fatale tour, for all of you Britney fans, will be short and sweet....It was fun, but not as entertaining in the LEAST as her Circus tour was. I loved everything about that tour. The stage being circular and in the middle, the costumes and dance numbers. Loved it. Femme Fatale was fun, but as another friend of mine put it- she looked a bit uninterested to be on stage.

I found myself curious as to what her future shows will be like once she gets older. She doesn't sing live, so what happens when she can no longer move an arm or two. She barely dances as it is now, so when she can only sit on a stool and NOT sing, what are people gonna do?! She'll probably just sit in her little swing she always crawls in during shows and pretend to sing her slow songs. hahaha Ah. I'mmm just kidding Britney....(sike)

Anywho- our seats were fantastic (I don't skimp on concert seats) and I could see her sweat! WOO! Britney sweat! Here are some of the better shots I got:

Sure, Brit...let your dancers do all the work. I hope they get paid well.

Gold Leotard thingy

Cool wide shot of the stage- Singing "Piece of Me"

Love her face!!

Durrr

Cuz you're beautiful...drop dead...beautiful. (New song)

I reallllly like this shot.

The woman's stomach looks good for two kids. Don't get it twisted! I'd love to have her body after children, mmmkay.

Uh-oh....she's about to mount the bike, y'all!

Showing everyone her dazzy duke rhinestone jean shorts. LOVE!!

Me and Sorority sister/friend Jen- She was the most fun ever!

Yay-uhh! "I Wanna Go"

"If You Seek Amy"

More "If You Seek Amy"- my least fave costume choice....blech.

She brought out a big ass dragon boat. What the....

Homegirl at the top of that cage is working it!! Britney- pay attention. Write down some notes...

Lucky audience member got to be part of her "Lace and Leather" number.

Bye, bye Brit!

Insanity Week Two Vlog

2011-07-24T16:02:00.003-05:00

WOO!! Week Two of Insanity is COMPLETE!!

Vlog is below. Please excuse my no-make-up sleepy face and nasty workout hair. LOL! I look like an alien!! Oh, well. I'm happy.

Have a great weekend- thanks for all of you who continue to encourage me through this workout program :) If you have questions about Insanity, please ask.

I want frozen yogurt with fruit!! Ok...I really want Reeses Pieces.

2011-07-20T13:09:00.001-05:00

Seriously, if all I'm REALLY craving is some frozen yogurt, I think I'd doing pretty good...and if I just stick with adding fruit to it, it'll be even better....but I can't make that promise, ok?

YES!! YUM!

You may be asking yourself..."How's Insanity going for Jenny?" Well, I'll answer that for ya- It's going GREAT! I'm so happy I decided to overcome my deep fear of death-by-cardio, because this program really is quite fantastic...and I'm only on Day 11.

A physical view of what my preogress looks like. Whew. Weeks to go....I'm SO ready!

For those of you who really enjoy seeing and hearing me speak to you via the internets, never fear! I'll have a new video coming at the end of THIS week (EWND OF WEEK TWO, BABY!!). I have some notes, thoughts and ideas I want to share with anyone interested.

It's Hump Day! Thank God. I seriously am fed up with this work week. Here's what I'm doing this weekend:

You may be asking yourself...."she'll be doing this leg stretch....or doing Miss Britney Spears?"

Well, literally neither, but I will be seeing Britney in concert Saturday. Her Circus tour was awesome and though I've heard mixed reviewes about her "enthusiasm," or lack thereof, during the show this time around, I'm always excited to attend a concert! The biggest let down is that Nicki Minaj will be performing elsewhere this weekend. WHAT. A. HOEBAG. I love Nicki. Serious let down...

What's everyone doing this weekend?

Week 1 of Insanity: COMPLETE + YUM homemade sushi.

2011-07-17T19:05:00.000-05:00

Hey hey hey!

Today...is Sunday. Today...is the day I completed one full week of the Insanity workout. Whew. It was tough, but worth it and I'm pleased enough to keep going. I was going to make a vlog, but I'm just too tired to do that, so here are a few points I want to make after my first week:

#1. The workouts are a challenge and sometimes quite the bitch, but I saw MAJOR improvements from myself in the SAME workouts from the start of the week to the end of the week. You do the same 4 or 5 workouts over and over each month, so you end up doing some of the same workouts maybe twice a week. I'm able to do more of the moves and stay in it longer- can't wait to see how I'm doing with them at the end of the month.

#2: My HRM is still telling me I'm only averaging a heart rate of about 147 each workout, meaning I'm burning about 300-330 calories for roughly 36 minutes. My forerunner is made for running outdoors so I plug the numbers into a formula online. These numbers discourage me a bit, but I keep in mind that I'm also burning more calories AFTER my workout (from all the intervals) and I'm still getting used to the workouts.

#3: My eating has been great! I could probably even eat a bit more- funny how trying to eat MORE good calories is now a struggle for me.

#4: I want some frozen yogurt....

Friday night I made rice-less sushi. SO GOOD! I could eat the seaweed sheets on their own...Yeah, that's weird and true.

In the seaweed I used sauteed cauliflower to take the place of the rice, added crab meat and avocado, and rolled.

It's not the most gorgeous sushi roll, but it sure was delicious!

Fashion: The Limited is having a 40% sale everything that ends TODAY, people! I scored two basic items I so needed:

Hope you all have a great Monday!

(Monday. BLAH!)

Anthropologie Scores + Insanity Rest Day

2011-07-15T22:44:00.000-05:00

Hello out there! Anyone get on Blogger on the weekends?

Sometimes I wonder if everyone takes a break from reading and writing blogs, staying busy with other fun stuff. Seeing as how I'm a bit of a homebody some weekends, I usually read blogs, but rarely ever write them, until recently.

It's been awhile since I've mentioned by dear love, Anthropologie. Frankly, their stuff lately sucks. ha! Just not doing it for me. There are a few things on my wishlist that I'm still stalking, however. I scour ebay daily to see if I can find a good deal on the tops and dresses I long for, but are out of stock.

I called customer service this morning and inquired about stores with certain items I was looking for. The girl on the other end was ABSOLUTELY sweet and so helpful and gave me number after number of the stores that were carrying the item in my size.

She informed me that they update their stocks on Sunday, so the items may or may NOT be in the store, but it was worth a shot! Out of 4 items I was looking for, I snagged TWO!

These are older items, so I know it's nothing exciting, but it is for me ESPECIALLY THE PRICES!!

Gathering Blossoms Blouse- Sale price $19.95

Pinwheel Tank- Sale price $19.95

I scored BOTH for $40! can you believe that? Neither of the two stores charged me for shipping. It's so worth the detective work to hunt down the loot you're looking for with Anthro!

Insanity Workout Update: My rest day was supposed to be tomorrow, but seeing as how I went to the midnight showing of HP and was exhausted and couldn't motivate myself to do anything but lay around today- I switched the days...

Tomorrow I'll be rocking Plyo Cardio Circuit. This is the workout from Day 2 earlier this week- we'll see how much I've improved in these few days. haha :)

Hope you all have a great weekend! Insanity Weekly Vlog coming Sunday!

Insanity Day 5: Pure Cardio

2011-07-14T14:20:00.000-05:00

Day 5 is complete. Pure Cardio, you are outta here. From what I've read from others, this one is straight through cardio work- no intervals like the rest of the workouts- and therefore much harder. Yeah, it was, like alllll the others, tough, but not quite as scary as I expected.

I'm really frustrated at the amount of calories I'm NOT burning. I completely understand that because I can't finish every move that I won't burn as much as I should be in the given amount of time...but gheesh. I know, I know...it's only 5 days into the program.

Val, or anyone else who's done Insanity- did you monitor your average heart rate/caloric burn and notice it went up as you got stronger and progressed through every week?

Anyone going to the midnight showing of Harry Potter tonight? I AM! I'm a huge fan, yes I am. It's officially the end of an era with this last movie. So sad. The books, I never get sick of. And yes, I have work in the morning. I plan on napping my ass off later.

Insanity Days 3 & 4: Cardio Power and Resistance + Cardio Recovery

2011-07-13T10:14:00.000-05:00

All I can say is that I was hurting yesterday afternoon. All day, frankly. I did, somehow manage to do the workout half-assly. I burned around 300 calories still, in 36 minutes.

I completed Day 4: Cardio Recovery this morning and it was SO easy. It was more muslce work, no cardio. I almost felt guilty because my heart rate wasn't up very high. Sure, the squats and lunges hurt, but what about burning those calories?? I guess I'm used to P90X. The break from the high intensity cardio was a VERY nice change of pace, however.
In the future, maybe I'll replace this day with a strength workout from P90X instead. I felt very unchallenged...for this week, it's OK :)
Here's a lovely video from Day 3's workout. The warm-up is KILLER! KILLER! And you do this warm-up in every. single. video. Ughhh.

Finished "The Help" and first Shakeology Shake.

2011-07-12T08:21:00.001-05:00

If you've followed my blog for awhile you may have seen on the sidebar, under "Currently Reading", that I was reading "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett for about 6 months (if not longer. I like to underguesstimate).

I finished the book last week. It was a stuggle. For all you readers out there, please pick your jaw up from the floor. It's true- it wasn't my favorite book.

#1: I liked it. It just wasn't the best book I ever read. I liked the characters and the subject, but it wasn't a "couldn't put down" for me.

#2: Also, keep in mind that I received this book from a friend when it FIRST came out. She really liked the book, but made a good point after I told her it was just "OK." She said that if she had read the book AFTER it received so much hype and talk, she probably would have had other expectations as well. So true. That's what I get for being a reading slacker.

#3: I still want to see the movie which comes out in August- I love Emma Stone and think she's going to play a GREAT Skeeter. :)

Q: Did anyone out there NOT like the book as much as everyone else did?

This morning for my breakfast I had my very first Shakeology Chocolate Shake. It was delicious, indeed. It's consistency is, obviously, much thicker than a protein shake because of all the nutrients and other "good-for-you" stuff! So glad I decided to incoporate it into my food menu.

P.S. Insanity is kicking my butt. I had to get out of bed last night to stumble into the bathroom and slather Bengay all over my feet (yes. feet) and my hamstrings. *sigh* I don't know how the hell I'm going to power through today's workout, but I am. Update to follow.....

Insanity Day 2: Plyometric Cardio Circuit

2011-07-11T18:41:00.001-05:00

OHMIGOD. Y'all. Like I told my peeps on my facebook status just now...if yesterday's Insanity Fit Test deserved a "holy crap" today's workout DEFINITELY deserves a HOLY. SHIT!

It was HARD! HARD!..FREAKING-A HARD!

I only burned about 322 calories in 35 minutes (this isn't including the cool down. Total length of the workout is about 41 minutes.), but I was SWEATING buckets and breathing hard.

I couldn't push myself to do all the moves and I can only improve from here. Can you IMAGINE how many calories I'll be burning once I can actually Do all the moves?

I didn't videotape today's workout. Frankly, I didn't have the energy to push record. lol. I'll record this workout next week when it pops back up in rotation because you have GOT to see this one. Makes me wonder what tomorrow has in store....

Let's talk Insanity meal plan....

The meal plan is pretty realistic and attainable. For all you low-carbers doing Insanity (I'm looking at MYSELF), re-think that...because you'll need those precious carbs for fuel. The diet is balanced and can be tweaked to your needs. After reading through each of the meal options for each of the 5 meals you eat, it's clear that I already know what I should be eating. I'm on the right track. I actually need to ADD more calories....SAY whaaattt?!

The basic meal plan is 1,500 calories. That's a LOT of food to me, honestly. When I'm trying to lose weight I try to keep my calories around 1,200-1,300, but...this IS Insanity. It's TOUGH. I'm going to try to follow the meal plans as closely as possible and tweak some things once I've done a few weeks of the program- at least I won't feel super guilty for adding more carbs into my meals ;)

Here was today's menu:

Meal 1: 3 pieces of Turkey Bacon + 2 Boiled Eggs (NOT in the meal guide, but its hard for me to stray from this easy breakfast meal. I like having that protein in the morning. CAN'T wait for the Shakeology I ordered to get to me!)

Meal 2: 1 cup Greek Yogurt, 1 tsp honey, half an apple sliced (From the guide)

Meal 3: High Protein Salmon Patty, 1 cup roasted broccoli, 1/3 brown rice (NOT in guide, but close to other meal options they give you.)

Meal 4: 3 pieces Turkey Bacon on an Arnold's Thin Whole Wheat bread, mustard and tomatoes. 1/2 Apple slices and Almond Butter (In the guide it says to eat a pear and add lettuce to the sandwich. Also, the bun isn't supposed to be an Arnold's THIN, but...ah well.)

Meal 5: Mediterranean Salmon with Spinach- Possibly a little something else later.

I haven't calculated the calories, but hopefully I'm close to 1,500.

I just think its important to stick to what you feel comfortable eating. I would love to follow the guide EXACTLY, but...I don't like pears and I'd rather have turkey over chicken, etc. etc. As long as I'm getting around the same amount of calories and eating goods foods, I'll be happy.

I can feel that I'm definitely going to need to add a bit more carbs after today's workout.

I'll post another vlog on Sunday- that'll be the one week mark. Wish me freaking luck. Anyone wanna join in and do this with me?? :)

You can read the online meal guide here. Enjoy and see you tomorrow....if I can move...

Here it is...Insanity Day 1: Fit Test Vlog

2011-07-10T21:51:00.000-05:00

Allow me to preface this video by telling you that it was tough. I looked a hot mess afterwards when I conducted my post-workout interview and I don't care. I love that it made me sweat- and sweating in makeup is a turn-off for me, so...yeah. Oh, and yeah. That's a Britney song in the video. BOO YA!!

Without further ado....

Morning commute and INSANITY!!

2011-07-06T07:57:00.001-05:00

Dear morning commuters on the road with me:

There really is NO need to ride my ass. Also, there's no need to try to pass me like a wild banchee just to get one car's length ahead of me. Seriously. No reason.

You're probably going to work, am I right? And frankly, there's no reason to ride MY ass because YOU are running late. Also....it's work. Are you going to get your wrist slapped with a ruler because you're late? probably not.

Just stop. Thank you.

- Jenny

Guess what came in the mail yesterday?!?! Yesssss.......Insanity! It was like Christmas for me!

I'm starting the program this Sunday- even though I'm basically clawing at the box wanting to start NOW(Ask me how I feel about it in a week). Last night I watched the firt few dvds for the first month (not SO SO bad) and a few from the second month's plan (SCARY HARD LOOKING!!)

I'll do my best to document my Insanity journey. When I was trying to decide to purchase or not, I know I went on YouTube and wanted to read other's experience with the program.

Hope everyone's having a great week- I'm ready for it to end already. I got a friend of mine skydiving on Saturday! I'm DYING to jump again, but can't afford it right now, so naturally, I try to get everyone else to do it, too. Oh, skydiving. How I love you....

Updated bed/bath decor and Paleo Enchilada's!!

2011-07-02T09:47:00.001-05:00

My way of changing my bedroom look is gradually buying new shit to toss on my bed or place on my night stand...with no rhyme or reason. Then, over time, it slowly morphs into new colors and a new look. If you remember before, this is what my bed and shower curtain looked like:

I do still really love that print. On my guest ~~bed~~ blow-up mattress, I had a grey duvet from West Elm. I didn't realize how soft and comfy it actually was- I wanted to sleep under it everynight!! So, I switched them. With a new duvet I had to buy new color coordinating items. Enter West Elm, once again....

*side table lamp
*gold pillowcases
*white, flower accent pillow
*grey striped shower curtain
*grey bathroom rug

I'm happy with it. I just love grey and yellow/gold together. I love grey period! Do you redecorate your rooms/switch things around occasionally?

Last night, I wanted to make this Paleo diet recipe I found, that looked like it would fit into my low carb eating. It's called "Primal Enchilada's." Cute name. haha!

Here are a few photos from the dish (I don't know about you, but I think that looks devilishly un-healthy. It's not.):

I can't find the website I eventually found the recipe on- it was a pain to actually find one written out and correct. The only thing I was leery about was all that cheese...but I made sure not to go overboard...even though, that's exactly what it looks like I did.

You may be curious to know that the tortilla's are actually an egg/egg white and skim milk "crepe." Yup. No real tortillas were used in this Paleo friendly dish.

The Simple Mixture Inside:

Ground turkey

Onion chopped

Green chilis

Crushed tomatoes

Garlic

Chili Powder and other spices

If you want this recipe, let me know. You can add any meat you want! The most tedious part was making the crepes. It took a few tries before I realized how to get them to stay in tact, transferring from pan to plate. Surprisingly- once I made some good ones, they held the mixture together VERY well.

Hope you all have a great long weekend-

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

WARNING: Post about Heart Rates during workouts. May be boring.

2011-06-30T09:52:00.000-05:00

Back when I was a runner {Yeah, OK, I was never a runner. I ran one race: The Army 10-miler and then called it quits because my knee janked up too much. I run for Interval Cardio on the treadmill, but rarely outside. Just not my cup of tea, really.} I bought the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS watch to calculate my mileage and caloric burn during my running. I really do love it! it's an older model and works JUSt as wonderfully as the newer one.

It came with a heart rate monitor band that you strap under your boobs. I never used it once.

After having it for almost a YEAR, I decided to break that bad boy out yesterday and start using it during my indoor cardio routines (DVDs and cardio on the treadmill). I wanted to see just how many calories I burned doing them.

Well, after some research online, I sadly found out that the calories burned on the watch are only accurate on outdoor runs, because it uses the GPS, your body info, age and heart rate to determine your calories expended. Since I wouldn't be "trvaeling" while inside technically, it would give me the wrong amount of calories burned. BUT-----TA DA! I found a website you can plug in information and using your average heart rate during the workout, can determine the amount of calories burned. Score. That website is HERE. Naturally I'm a bit of a skeptic, so I went to several online heart rate calculators just to make sure they were all around the same number. Some were different by 10 or so calories, but it works for me. I think that one I posted is the most accurate.

When I start Insanity I wanted to compare just how much harder it is than what I currently do. I have NO doubt it is. Just sayin'.

Yesterday was actually a strength day, and I did Bob Harper's Super Strength DVD. I didn't make it through the entire 60 minutes, only 49 minutes. In those 49 minutes, during a STRENGTH workout, I burned 358 calories.

358 calories in 49 minutes

If you don't know that's pretty good for weight work- just goes to show you how tough that DVD is. He really makes sure you keep that heart rate up to burn those calories!

I was thrilled! I love this keeping track of calories burned during exercise thing. haha. Just sorry I was too lazy to care before.

I'll be strapping it on during my Interval Running this afternoon. We'll see just how hard I'm working.

Do you use a heart rate monitor during workouts? What kind?

Change your diet. Do it. Now.

2011-06-28T08:06:00.000-05:00

Something I've always known, but seem to forget once I get into a slump of bad eating, is that eating healthy and clean and NON-PROCESSED food makes you feel good.

A plus to eating healthy? Weight loss. I'm down 3 pounds since last Monday- AND that's with me even drinking a bottle of wine this past weekend and a "Newman's Own thin crust White Pizza." Delicious by the wayyyyy. I added chicken breast to mine for added protein. A nice treat!

I contribute that not only to my Interval Training on my treadmill and P90X, but mostly to my eating habits. It's only been a week and I actually don't miss anything I was eating for awhile there. I don't even know why I let that happen.

I know what to eat to make myself feel good. I know what foods to eat to make me LOOK good, but ate the junk anyway. I guess we all may need that momentary lapse sometimes. Now I crave my chocolate protein shake....

Anyway, the point of this post was to tell you all I lost 3 pounds and I'm even more excited than ever to start the Insanity workout and Shakeology. Damn. I'm gonna be HOT! (I'm just kiddin', of course. But not really. Remember..I'm on my way to being the fittest I've EVER been, and I'm going to do it.)

;)

Taking the (INSANE!) plunge...

2011-06-24T10:34:00.001-05:00

I'm such a program/schedule organized freak. At heart, I'm a structure loving being. I love chaos, when I feel like I can control it (What the what?), but otherwise....I like to have a piece of paper in hand of what I'm doing, where I'm going.

I love P90X- albeit a bit annoying (ahemTONYCOUGH!)- and have been looking at other Beach Body workout programs. The beauty of these programs is they give you something to follow- they tell you what your ass needs to be doing on any given day to see the results you expect from the DVDs.

Enter...Insanity

Insanity looks ridiculously hard- I've scoured YouTube watching people record themselves doing the workouts. Look at this woman. She's freaking FIT. She's struggling on DAY 1...THE FIT TEST!! WHAT!!!

Something else by beachbody I want to try is their Shakeology shake. They kinda sound delicious...I have a thing for chocolate protein shakes. Yeah. Weird.

Shakeology has a 3-day cleanse program and I'm excited to try it. This "cleanse", in short, isn't like other fasts or cleanses. This shake has nutrients, vitamins, veggies, etc. It's not a liquid of crap. It supplies energy and stuff you need to sustain LIFE. You DO want to continue living...don't you? Anyway, go read up on it. I spent all last night reading about it and watching videos. It's expensive. Yeah. That's what my BFF e-bay is for :)

I haven't bought any of my supplies yet. I'm waiting a few weeks so I can do my own thang first. Building up my cardiovascular and fitness level is going to be EXTREMELY vital before starting this program. I don't want to start and then immediately quit because I can't get through a workout.

So, yes, I've decided to embark on this Insanity journey. I'll be documenting it once I start, but don't expect me to videotape myself doing ANY of it just so you guys can have a good laugh. No.

New "tabbed" page on my Fitness ya heardddd??!!

2011-06-23T12:18:00.002-05:00

Just a very brief note that I've finally added a new tabbed page on the bar up yonder ^

I decided I needed a specific place for people to go, if they wanted to read about my past, present and future workouts and fitness goals.

Check it out!

Mid-Week Fitness update, another Britney video and book on tape

2011-06-22T09:47:00.000-05:00

Sure. This video concept has been done countless times before, but I love her "F You" lash-out at the beginning. Seriously. Love it. Because sometimes...you just have to. Oh, but I honestly do love people. Really.

So, let me brief you on my workout progress since Monday.

Overall? Good.
Let's backtrack...

#1: Today was a mini-failure and it's only 9:30 a.m. Today was going to be my Two-A-Day workout for the week, but I didn't get up this morning. In my defense, going to sleep at 1:00 a.m. doesn't bode well for an early morning cardio session. I don't feel bad about it. I'll get in two cardio sessions Saturday. No big deal.

#2: A month ago I was used to Bob Harper's Strength DVD...yesterday I was reminded of what it was like to have my ass handed to me by Bob. It sucked. It was hard. I haven't picked up my dumbells in so long it felt like my arm was ripping from the socket after two bicep curls. Tomorrow is Bob Day once again. This time I'll just strive for a little more than what I actually finished yesterday.

#3: Great cardio session Monday.
Yesterday I began my first experience with a book on CD. "Horns" by Joe Hill. It's cool, for lack of a better word. I put it in when I left for work Monday morning, and my commute being about 35 minutes, I got a good way into the book. It's kept my attention so far, but make no mistake that at first I found it difficult to drive and listen. LOL! That makes me shake my head. I'm a freak for sure. But come ON!?! When you have to concentrate on not hitting the car beside you while switching lanes...sometimes it's kinda necessary to backtrack the CD. Am I right?!

Anyway, the "book" is definitely keeping me interested so far.

First "low carb" day, you can kiss my....Book on CD!

2011-06-21T06:36:00.000-05:00

When I resume healthy eating, after not giving a shit for so long, the first week is always the worst! I'm already missing whole wheat bread and lots of carbs....I'll reintroduce them in a few weeks...*sigh* I can do this.

Day Two of "The Best Shape of My Life" begins....Yup. That's my goal in case I didn't mention that in one of my more recent posts. To be in the very best shape I've EVER been in. I've accepted that it may take more than 6 months. I'm looking at a year here people, and for THIS impatient woman, that's torture. Blech.

Yesterday's workout was an interval cardio session on my treadmill. I wanted to do 30 minutes, but could only make it 22. I was struggling- but that's good news. It's supposed to be tough!

Strength Training Day this afternoon with Bob Harper. I love a good beat-down............

On my way to work this morning I'm going to start my very first book on CD. I always considered this cheating- it's not reading. There are, however, lots of books on my list I've been dying to read and I decided to give it a shot. I can only hope my attention span can keep up. HAHA!!

I'll be listening to "Horns" by Jim Hill. Stephen King's son. Not a big King fan, but we'll see how his son's books measure up.

Do you listen to books on tape? If you do, what do you like and dislike about it?

I eat junk. I listen to Britney. I eat healthy-fied, YAY-UH!

2011-06-20T08:23:00.001-05:00

Oh, Sunday. My clean-eating cooking day...and my junk-food-into-mouth shoving day. How I heart you. Remember my post Friday or whenever, about my workout program for this coming week? Well today was my healthy food cooking day for the week...BUT before I share THAT...allow me to share what I actually ate on the day of SUNDAY.

As I listened to Britney's new album, Femme Fatale (which has grown on me for sure...Especially this song. Annndd naturally, going to see her skank-ass in July in Jacksonville, Fla.) as I cooked...I've been a Britney fan since she was on the Mickey Mouse Club. It's taken me this long to actually accept her new album. I just miss "Slave For You..." Britney...Am I so wrong for this?! No.

Pinot Noir, Pizza and Magnum (dirty mind...). Yeah. What can I say? I'm an all or nothing girl. I love food. I love wine. I CHOOSE to eat healthy for my health and my weight, but if I could, yeah..I'd eat that shizz-nit.

As I took the above photo, I glanced to my left and saw this, and laughed out loud...

Good thing I actually made HEALTHY food today...

Spinach and Feta stuffed chicken breasts. BARELY enough Feta cheese to write home about in each, but I'm OK with that. They're full of spinach leaves, however. And THAT, I love.

For lunch the next two days? Grilled Tilapia and Spinach salad. Behold. The fish fell apart on my George Foreman grill. *sigh* Pshh Who needs presentation? In the salad? Mushrooms, tomatoes and I'll cut up an avocado tomorrow morning. I made a homemade Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette.

I also made my FAVORITE!! Cilantro-Lime Turkey Meatballs. You can find this recipe under my favorite foods tab. They are delicious and HEALTHY! These will be for lunch/dinner this week. Definitely a go-to for me...This is a picture of them without the Cilantro-lime dipping sauce, so they look a bit blah.

Veggie of choice for the next few days? Baked Brussel Spouts. LOVE! I don't know why they have such a negative connotation with kids. I've loved these since I was little. Funny story: I actually ACTED like I didn't like these when I was little. Ya know. Just for the fun of it. Cause that's how I was supposed to act. I actually loved them. Oh me, and my sophisticated pallet.

Here goes week one of my clean/healthy/low-carb eating. WEEK ONE. WOO!!

Happy Father's Day to a guy who rocks the denim tuxedo!

2011-06-19T08:52:00.000-05:00

I love it. Really, I do.

My Dad, circa 1980 in London.

I get my longing for travels from him. Along with many other traits.

It's so funny, but I haven't always had traits of my Mother. Those have surfaced recently, as I've gotten older....but I have ALWAYS been like my father since I can remember.

I get my sense of humor (and my weirdness in ALLLL its glory..) and outlook on life from this dude. I love him! Happy Father's Day to all the cool father's of the world!! WOO!!!

Why are we talking about goat skin leggings?? Who the hell knows...

May I present my personal fitness inspiration....

2011-06-17T18:44:00.003-05:00

For the longest time now, I've wanted to shed this extra weight I gained while living in D.C. in 2009. I was living the good life, indeed. My last post detailed next week's workouts and I plan to follow it strictly, along with my clean-eating diet. No cheat days...at least for a month. Then I'll consider it. :)

I was looking around in some old photos on my computer and came across a few that were taken of me back in college around 2005/2006. This was when I was in the gym almost daily, with one rest day, and ate really well. I barely drank alcohol around this time- and was in shape.

I thought I was fat.

165 pound (HOTNESS!) Jenny

What a moron.

**Yeah...kinda wish I could slap my 2006 self for thinking that....OK, I just did. I deserved that**

Anyway...as awesome as celebrity bodies look, and as inspiring as they may be, I've decided that I'm making MYSELF my inspiration for getting back into shape. There was nothing wrong with my body back then- except maybe a bit more toning...2006 was before I really got into strength training...

I weighed 165. I don't care about numbers as much as I care about what I look like IN my clothes (or naked...), but I'm thinking 165 is a great goal for me at 5'10. Especially with the muscle tone I plan to achieve.

So, point is...as amazingly inspiring these women's bodies have always been to me:

I think being my OWN inspiration is the most beautiful thing of all! Here goes nothing.....

The new workout plan

2011-06-16T09:56:00.000-05:00

Happily, today is my Friday. YESSSSS.

I never knew there were Farmer's Market's in my area- seriously, I was clueless and always got pissed off and rantedand raved because "WHY don't we have farmer's market's??!! I hate this place." haha

Little did I know.
So that's what I'm doing this Saturday morning bright and early. Is it weird I'm excited about going?

My reason for heading to the market is to pick up some tomato's and green beans- I'm stocking my fridge with all the healthy foods I love....because, if I'm being honest, I've eaten horribly the past month or two. Downright HORRIBLE...and my body and energy are true testaments to this.

Along with not eating right, I haven't been working out regularly.

Last weekend I was online shopping for new clothes...suddenly, a light bulb FO REALZZZ appeared over ym head. I walked to my closet(s) and stood in front of them. A barrage of dresses, tops and cute pants overwhlemed my eyeballs....I finally admitted that I don't need NEW clothes...I need to lose this extra weight I've put on to FIT BACK INTO the enormous amounts of cute clothes I already have. Dummy. haha

So, last night I sat down and laid out my workouts for next week. My plan is pretty simple for the next few weeks: LOTS OF CARDIO.

Here's what my plan looks like:

Monday- High Intensity Interval Training on treadmill (30 minutes) ***

Tuesday- Bob Harper's Kick Ass Strength DVD

Wednesday- A.M. cardio (30 minutes) and P.M. cardio (45 minutes) (TWO-A-DAY WORKOUT)

Thursday-Bob Harper's Kick Ass Strength DVD
Friday- High Intensity Interval Training (30 minutes)

Saturday- REST

Sunday- Active Rest Day (P90X Stretch or light treadmill walking)

(*** I've done research on HIIT treadmill workouts and lots of people claim that you cannot get a true HIIT workout in on a treadmill because of the inability to immediately start and stop. I'm also convinced that my speeds are not HIIT qualified. The fastest I usually get on the treadmill during these interval workouts is 8 mph. Everyone has their own speed, I know, but I think it's more factual to just call these workouts "Interval Training"....but HIIT sounds so much better. I do what I can...)

So, that's it. This would normally be what I consider to be a light workout week, but since my ass has been lazy it's gonna kick me...hard...in the face.

I plan on gradually adding TWO-A-DAY cardio workouts TWICE a week after about a month.

I have a big long-term goal in mind.....next Summer my friend Marion and I are planning a Greek Island/Mediterranean cruise and I want to be in THE best shape I've ever been in.....it's time.

I'll keep you all posted every week on the changes to my workouts and updates on my weight loss/muscle gain. :)

Foundation Fixation....Boo ya!

2011-06-14T19:15:00.002-05:00

Yeah, I had no better title.

I haven't written a beauty blog since Reagan was Prez. It's about time.

I stumbled upon this AMAZING nifty chart on Temptalia.

It's pretty much the most accurate, coolest invention on Earth.

On a daily basis I wear one of these two foundations:

Cover FX Natural- Color M-60

Make-up Forever Mat Velvet- Color #45

Most recently, the Cover FX. When my lovah Mat Velvet ran out, it's the only thing I had besides this:

MAC Studio Fix Fluid- Color NC40

.....and the MAC foundation is just too much for me to wear daily. Hands down it's my favorite for full coverage/going-out/looking super-hot, but yep...it's heavy.

So...found that foundation color-matcher chart today and to determine how accurate it was I compared my MAC color to the other two brands I use...Perfect matches. Good job Sephora and MAC peeps...good job.

I've been reading up on Estee Lauder's Double Wear foundation. According to this chart, I'd need Tawny or Wheat.....Wheat is scary y'all. haha. I think tawny is the one I'll try

Everyone who uses it seems to love the coverage and end result. I'm thinking of trying that in place of my MAC Studio Fix.

What do you ladies think?

1. Do you use different foundations for different times of the day/events, etc.

2. Have you ever used Estee Lauder's Double Wear?

Let me know your thoughts!

50% off at Francesca's Boutique!!

2011-06-13T19:56:00.000-05:00

I received this e-mail, that seriously, couldn't be any more awesome!

Francesca's Collections is offering 50% off any regular priced item simply by "liking" them on Facebook. That's so ridiculously sweet my tooth hurts.

I took advantage of that and snatched up the white, summer dress, called the "Ready to Ruffle Dress," sported by the ever-fabulous, Kendi from Kendi Everyday. Who doesn't look her? Gah! I loved the way she added the scraf and looks so fresh and pulled together.

Photo from "Kendi Everyday"

The dress is $44 on the website and I scored it for $22 with FREE SHIPPING! Score! I hope it's not too short- their dresses tend to look like tunics on my tall ass!

Now go like Francesca's on Facebook for your code for 50% off!

Monday Randoms- Pretty Images

2011-06-13T08:09:00.001-05:00

Mornin'.

Happy Monday.

Somehow, I arrived at work 25 minutes early. It usually happens that I'm RIGHT on time because I'm a mom to two Chihuahua's and they are VERY...very needy. haha

How was everyone's weekend? I don't think mine could have gotten more uneventful.

OH! I mowed the ~~dry-dead-like hay/weeds~~ grass. A job that usually takes an hour or so only took me 20 minutes because all that was there to mow down were some rouge weeds and dead patches. *sigh* never claimed to be a yard person, mmkay? I kinda wish I was, but frankly the Alabama humidity is just too much for me to stand.

Let's talk about something fun and pretty, instead of yard work....such as the photos below. I'll leave you with that. Come back tomorrow. Maybe I'll be more entertaining!

What!? This isn't practical, you say? I say, I want it!

Yeah. I'd like to see you try THIS during an Alabama summer...Pshhh..

My owl obsession

Wow.

Man. I heart Peonies.

Where you goin' lady?? Can I come?

If I had a million dollars (If I had a million dollars...)

2011-06-08T19:48:00.000-05:00

I wouldn't work EVER because interviewing for a new position STRESSES ME OUT and I do NOT need to be stressed out.....alright, alright, mostly I'm anxious.

Wish me luck, for tomorrow is a big day for little 'ole me.

Thanks in advance. I'm counting on you guys....no pressure or anything.

Broccoli and Cheese Mini Egg Omelets

2011-06-07T06:49:00.000-05:00

I love eggs, egg whites and broccoli...This recipe is right up my alley!

Recently I discovered skinnytaste.com, blogged by Gina. I must have been living under a rock! Her recipes are So amazing and healthy- I must have printed about 35 for my recipe book.

I made these babies last night. They came out SO delicious! Mini omelets for on-the-go. So, instead of my usualy two boiled eggs, I think I may slip these into my breakfasts this week. YUM! (And I never say the word "yum.")

Broccoli and Cheese Mini Egg Omelets
Servings: Makes 9 cupcakes • Old Points: 2 pts each • Points+: 2 pts each
Calories: 103.9 • Fat: 6.5 g • Carbs: 2.7 g • Fiber: 1.2 g • Protein: 8.7 g

4 cups broccoli florets
4 whole eggs
1 cup egg whites
1/4 cup reduced fat cheddar
1/4 cup good grated cheese like pecorino romano
1 tbs olive oil
salt and fresh pepper
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350°. Steam broccoli with a little water for about 6-7 minutes.

When broccoli is cooked, mash into smaller pieces and add olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix well.

Spray cupcake tin with cooking spray and spoon broccoli mixture evenly into 9 tins.

RAW!! haha

Cooked! PERFECT!

In a medium bowl, beat egg whites, eggs, grated cheese, salt and pepper. Pour into the greased tins over broccoli until a little more than 3/4 full. Top with grated cheddar and bake in the oven until cooked, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately. Wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator to enjoy during the week.

I'm obsessed with these ALREADY. Did I mention that? Definitely being added to my "Eat This" tab. I feel like this baby encompasses almost everything I need for my low-carb, healthy diet (except my oatmeal).

Do you start out the day eating a well-balanced, healthy breakfast?

Are you having issues commenting on Blogger???

2011-06-06T14:25:00.000-05:00

I AM! At first, I thought it was just my work computer, but it's happening at home as well. I never have issues commenting when the comment form "pops-up." But I've tried commenting on 5 blogs today that have the embedded comment box and I can't! I try and try, get frustrated and just say forget it....

So I changed my comment settings. Not sure if any of you were having issues commenting on my blog, but if so, try now and see if it's better.

Is this why everyone has been so quiet???? Or do you just hate me? Don't answer that ;)

Orient Watch Giveaway Winner!

2011-06-06T09:24:00.000-05:00

A HUGE thanks to everyone who entered the Orient watch giveaway. There were only 16 entries, which is kinda sad, but I'm sure the girls who entered were OK with that!

Congrats to Kelly from Fashion Fuel

Enjoy your watch- let us see what it looks like once you receive it!

Memorial Day and McDonalds Coffee

2011-05-30T09:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Memorial Day- Thank you to all of the soldiers who have given their lives and are currently sacrificing for our country.

Can I just ask...why is McDonald's coffee SO damn good? Seriously, no other like it. I never understood why my Grandad would go up there every morning to drink coffee when my grandparent's had a perfectly good coffee maker at home....I understand now.

I always get a large with 5 creamers. It's the perfect mix of black with a bit of white. LOVE!

That's Jenny's random thought for the day. Thank you. Thank you, very much.

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a smashing Orient watch! It's a good one!

Seaside, FL here I come!

2011-05-26T21:17:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love Seaside, Florida/Grayton Beach. It's amazingly beautiful, quaint and lover-ly!! I'm headed that way, meeting up with my parents who are already down there for the long weekend. If you haven't been, you must go!

Here I come white sandy beaches, fresh seafood, steaks, fruity drinks and sunshine! WOO!! Have a great weekend.

Review: Wonderbra, yes, in fact, has THE Ultimate Strapless Bra

2011-05-26T08:32:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all of your book suggestions. They sound awesome! I'm seriously super excited to start collecting, reading and listening. Woo!! Book reviews coming sooner than later, let's hope.

I can't remember if I've blogged about my new bra yet. I've had it for about two months, but wore it for the first time about a month ago. If I've already reviewed this baby, just...I don't know...leave or, er, somethin'.

Wonderbra's Ultimate Strapless Bra

Let's be real. I have big boobs. D's to be exact, and they might even be bigger than THAT. Nah....I've gotten professionally measured. The first time I EVER got measured I was definitely one of those nerds who went through life thinking she was a B, when in fact she was a C. Yeah. So, first of all, do yourself and your "ladies" a favor, and go get professionally measured and buy the right sized bra.

However, even having the correct sized bra still doesn't change the fact that STRAPLESS bras are demons and never hold up the girls as they SHOULD be held. You all know what I mean.

Enter.....Wonderbra's Ultimate Strapless Bra.

Hi, there.

What?! Polycarbonate hand molds INSIDE the boob cups? Whoa....

(This bra apparently ALSO makes you look like a ditz...See below.)

I was sick and tired of my strapless bra not supporting me in my abundance of strapless dresses and tops, so I started feverishly doing research to find THE ultimate bra for the job...typing "ultimate" in Google led me to this beauty you see above. It looked really interesting, and has been around for awhile. Obviously, if I had known about it sooner, I would have snatched it UP sooner, but as it is...

What's the major thing you want from a strapless bra?

1. No sliding down NOR up in the back OR the front.

2. Support UNDERNEATH the breasts.

3. Support AROUND the boobs for that pushed-UP, but not right-under-your chin, look.

4. NO smooshing, poking or hurting the skin around your chest.

5. NO SPILLAGE!

This bra is awesome. Period. Do you see those hand mold thingies inside the cups? They really do feel like someone's hands pushing up your boobs and holding them where you need them to be.

I bought the nude color in my normal size 38D. The band is a bit tight, but I feel like it helps with the fit. If you want a bit looser fit, go UP a band size.

You can search for the cheapest price online. I got mine for about $40 total. I can't remember where I bought it now.

For more information and cool reads on how this bra technology came about, go here.

A sucky strapless bra. Is this an issue any of you ladies have? Let me know if you've come across an awesome strapless or if you've tried Wodnerbra's. I will never buy another brand of strapless bra for the rest. of. my .life.

Diary of a worm. A book worm. Me!

2011-05-25T08:34:00.000-05:00

(I hope you guys don't mind picture-less posts. I can't upload photos from my work computer, and I wrote this at home this morning, so...yeah.)

You see on the right-hand side of this blog...that section in the sidebar that says: "What I'm Reading"? Yeah. Well, you know when the last time that was updated? Eons ago. Eons. That's a word right? Sounds right....

For so long now reading has taken a back burner to other stuff in my life, but over the past few weeks I've slowly started making more time to relax and crack open "The Help." It was highly recommended by a friend of mine OVER a year ago. I've been trying to finish that bitch for OVER a YEAR. I feel so left behind and dumb now because everyone and their mom has read it and loves it. UGH! I hate not being first! haha

So, I started compiling a list of books I wanted to read. These are books right from my shelf and from friends. That list is below...I always take the cheap route and hit up E-bay for the best deals on used books. Personally, I like used books better than a new one. I love the look of a book that was used, abused and loved so much because the reader couldn't put it down or move from that uncomfortable position just so they could finish that one last page of the chapter. *sigh* LOVE.

Anyway. Here's my list. Feel free to add anything (NOTE: I'm not a big romance, love, sweet book kinda girl. I like weird, twisty, turny thrillers/mysteries/freakish stuff. I like to be left flabberghasted nad wanting more. Feel free to input)

1. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo- Yeah. Great example of a book I bought before anyone else knew about it. Now it's bigger than shit and I still haven't read the first book in this series. Crap.

2. The Room by Emma Donoghue- Kelly is a huge reader and I get lots of book ideas from her blog. This sounded quite interesting.

3. The Abortionist's Daughter by Elisabeth Hyde

4. The Devil in The White City by Erik Larson

5. Horns: A Novel by Joe Hill- Stephen King's son. Not a big King fan, but sounds promising.

6. Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King- This book is a bunch of mini stories in one book. I just got it out of my mouth that I don't do Stephen King, but the friend who told me to read this isn't either.

7. Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

8. The Year of Yes by Maria Dahvana Headley

9. Sharp Objects by Jillian Flynn

That's my list for now. Comment, let me know if I've missed something you definitely think I should add. I'm also going to try books on CD. never been the one to do so, but on long drives, it sounds appealing. WHOOP!!!

Daily caloric intake/workouts & Giveaway!

2011-05-24T09:40:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a new blogger I follow, Mel, from "I Pink I Love You," for talking about this app called My Net Diary. I've been searching for an app that I actually LIKE, to record my daily food and exercise. This seems to be pretty comprehensive with the food choices you can add....It allows you to scan barcodes for easier searching. Pulls the product right up! I paid for it, however. And I've only been using it for a couple days, but it's the best one for ME, I've downloaded thus far. It's actually an online based website, but I think recently became na app. WOO!

Do you use any iPhone or Droid app to keep count of your daily caloric intake and workouts? Which one?

Don't forget to enter to win an awesome watch By Orient in my giveaway! There's only a few entries- go enter...NOW! Click here. The worst that could happen is you win and don't like the watch and end up selling it on e-bay. haha. Just kidding. You'll love it!

Giveaway! Best automatic watches perhaps?

2011-05-20T07:37:00.000-05:00

Guess what? It's GIVEAWAY FRIDAY!!! I've been lucky enough to be able to host all of these awesome giveaways lately (Perricone being MY personal FAVE so far). The next freebie one of you lucky ladiescould win is this Orient red faced women's watch. Retail value: $135. WOO HOO!!! What a steal!

I tend to go for daintier watches myself, but then again, I can't tell just HOW big it'd be on a wrist. But you know what? It's free and cute, so you should enter this giveaway! Plus, I wanna hear from you guys who have been quiet mice since my return to the blogging world. I'm talking to YOU. Yeah. YOU.

How to enter:
1. Be a follower of this here blog.
2. An additional entry in the contest for blogging or linking back to this entry
2. Comment below with your Name, e-mail, if you re-blogged about this entry and THE thing you're looking most forward to about the upcoming Summer months!

Good luck! Giveaway ends Friday, June 3!!

*Read an informative article on some of the best automatic watches currently on the market for their price.

*For any of you ladies who plan to be in water a lot this summer also check out a review of the Seiko Monster: Seiko Monster Review.

And lastly, I leave you with this special treat for Friday....Zombie me. Peace out.

Don't tell anyone I did this for a few hours today....

2011-05-18T17:34:00.001-05:00

.....and by "this" I mean construct a collage of what I want my wedding colors to be. Am I getting married soon, you ask? No. Not ANYTIME soon, seeing as how I'm not even remotely dating anyone, but I know whatI like and I wanted to put it down somewhere.

It's not my best, most cutesy collage by any means, but you should get the gist from this jumbled mess. Blues, grays, pinks are in the cards, my friends. I love the scheme. It's so chic yet the pink makes it playful. LOVE!! So, yeah. That's what I did today...what did YOU do?

Thank you, Anthropologie, for the big dissapointing sale. No, really.

2011-05-17T10:10:00.000-05:00

What else was to be expected? Have you SEEN Anthro's inventory from the beginning of January to about a month ago? Hideous. I wouldn't let my worst enemy wear most of that ugliness......OK, I would.

So, I thank them for putting nothing awesome on sale for their BIG hoopla sale that is happening today. I have no money as it is.

I'd really like to share my wishlist as of today, but everytime I do, the crap becomes SOLD OUT. I'm still on the hunt for those of you who maliciously go behind my back and buy up EVERY single item I long for. Oh, yeah. Don't you think for one second I forgot. Muahahahah.

E-bay Listing: Anyone interested in buying a dress by Hype? I'm selling in on E-bay. It just didn't work for me. Cute dress, though. I loved the assymetrical hemline Go check it out here.

Paleo Diet: Heard of it? Of course you have. I dunno. Looking at the list of foods you are "highly encouraged" to eat and those you are "highly encouraged" to stay away from, I can't help but be bothered by the fact that oats and whole wheat goodness is on the second list. Yes, I do tend to limit the amount of carbs I eat, but that seems excessive. Oats are good for you people!! I'm just sayin'. This is why I hate "diets." Stupid.

What do you think? Does anyone follow this? Educate me on how it's worked for you and what you think.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Bruschetta Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Glaze

2011-05-15T09:38:00.000-05:00

I haven't actually cooked anything in quite awhile, and on Saturday I decided I was sick of eating bullshit food.

I found this recipe a few days ago, but I think I've seen it on other's blogs before. I tweaked it some by adding a french bun to the mix (I felt like carbs. Sue me.).

Mozzarella-Stuffed Bruschetta Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Glaze

Serves 4.
Ingredients:
Burger:
1 lb 99% lean ground turkey breast
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup balsamic vinegar

Bruschetta mixture:
5 Roma tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced
Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions:
1. In a large bowl combine turkey, salt, pepper, basil and parmesan cheese. Divide mixture into 8 portions.

2. Line a peanut butter jar lid with foil, then plastic wrap and press 1 portion of the turkey mixture into the lid. Heap 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese into the middle, then top with another portion of turkey. Press down to seal, then invert the patty onto a plate. Continue until you have 4 burger patties.

3. Grill burgers for 3 to 3 1/2 minutes per side over medium heat. (I used my Foreman grill)

4. For Bruschetta: combine all ingredients, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly.

5. For Balsamic Glaze: heat balsamic vinegar in a sauce pan over medium heat. Let simmer, and stir frequently, until the vinegar has reached the consistency of thin maple syrup.

6. Top grilled burgers with Bruschetta mixture and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Picture taken with my phone. Not the best quality, but you get the idea. It was delicious!

My boy dog, Brady, was so freaking persistent about me getting out of bed early this morning. Finally after two hours of being pawed at, I rolled out of bed at 8:45. I went to bed at 10:00 last night. It was awesome! I haven't had a weekend of doing nothing in a long time so it was well-deserved.

Hope you all had a great weekend- it sucks they fly-by so quickly.

Not Just A Pretty Face

Yeah, I'm a copycat. Sue me, Pinterest!

Mini meltdown

Effortless Anthropologie HUGE Anniversary Giveaway

Day 1: Juicing and Raw Veggies "detox"

Welcome 2012. So far, I've realized...

Coming soon to Jenny's Crib: New Office/Dressing room

2011 in Review

I feel compelled to tell my readers....

The new Owl Tattoo

New Haircolor

Winter haircolor. To dark or not to dark....

Merry Cliniquemas

HANA Professional Flat Iron Review

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Does this sound good to you?

Missiko Product Review: HANA Shine Shield

FREE Holiday Card Winners

Shutterfly Free cards giveaway!!!!

Shutterfly Crimmus Card Giveaway!

Welcome to November and BaubleBar Jewels

Happiest of Halloweeeen!

Sephora F&F Order has arrived!!!

Shakeology Cleanse: Day 1

Sephora Frands and Familia

Oh, Target Finds!

The 365 Day Project

My birthday weekend

Welcome to Jenny's birthday weekend....

People underestimate.....

I need a shopping ban!!

Hot pumps or dangerous weapons?

My House during Fall (Photos)

Birthday outfit FAIL

Skydiving Adventure #2 and Giveaway Winner!

My Giveaway and...NOT so fast!!

It's FRIZZIDAY and why do you blog?

Stella & Dot Giveaway! GET EXCITED!

"Ringer" was good, people, and a giveaway!

Target? Goodreads, Insanity update, haircut and poopoo

Random: Does anyone else....

*FOR SALE* Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

If all of my beautiful followers donated $.75....

Thank you and Fall time? Pumpkin Spiced Latte PUH-lease.

Change and Blah. Read me.

I mack the dudes up, back coupes up and chuck the deuce up....

Insanity Update

Hello, LADY!

WARNING: I may be slightly pissy right now.

Company of the YEAR: Candles By Victoria. Duh.

Fall Decor 2011

Insanity, Month 2, Day Whichever: Max Cardio Circuit

AWESOME back to School Giveaway

Dress for Sale

I'm having a Barbie/Teen flashback

Attention...I'm selling this dress.

I need a fellow followers help!

Insanity Recovery Week: Core Cardio and Balance

Had to have & Pinterest

Here I am. Stir-fry me like some chicken breast.

True Life: I'm a [Blah-dy Blah] Random Blogger

Brady's Bladder + Insanity Week 3 Update

What I buy on E-bay

Brit-nayyyyy!!!!! Femme Fatale Tour 2011

Insanity Week Two Vlog

I want frozen yogurt with fruit!! Ok...I really want Reeses Pieces.

Week 1 of Insanity: COMPLETE + YUM homemade sushi.

Anthropologie Scores + Insanity Rest Day

Insanity Day 5: Pure Cardio

Insanity Days 3 & 4: Cardio Power and Resistance + Cardio Recovery

Finished "The Help" and first Shakeology Shake.

Insanity Day 2: Plyometric Cardio Circuit

Here it is...Insanity Day 1: Fit Test Vlog

Morning commute and INSANITY!!

Updated bed/bath decor and Paleo Enchilada's!!

WARNING: Post about Heart Rates during workouts. May be boring.

Change your diet. Do it. Now.

Taking the (INSANE!) plunge...

New "tabbed" page on my Fitness ya heardddd??!!

Mid-Week Fitness update, another Britney video and book on tape

FOR SALE Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation