Getting back on the Wagon Wheel!

Hello blog lovers.  Happy Thursday!  As promised, some healthiness to bring you out of your sugar/alcohol coma also known as...the holidays.

 

 

Ok first of all, before I dive right into talking about how to stay healthy during the holidays, I have to throw some support out to my girl Skinny Meg.  It's funny, when you start blogging, it's usually because you are inspired by other bloggers, and Megan happens to be one of those people.  She's has an amazing story of weight loss and getting healthy forever, all while growing her cute little family in Texas.  I literally get pumped for a "bumpdate" every week to see how her pregnancy is going.  I don't personally know her, but in the blog world, you make all kinds of friends with people you don't know.

Seriously, Jarrett hears me talk about these girls and thinks they are like imaginary friends.  Like Jan Brady's imaginary boyfriend George Glass.  But they're not.  They're amazing strong women that have a story to tell.  Which is what inspired me to tell my story. 

 

Anywho, my skinny blog friend received some unwarranted criticism today and while I won't go into the details, as that is her business, all I can say is that I'm appalled by the lack of respect that exists in this world.    Especially between women.  We tear each other down...for what?  We throw jabs and say things that result in hurt feelings and sheer jealousy.  I don't think I will ever understand why this happened, but Meg, you are lovely, and so is your family, and your blog community is behind you 100%.  I hope you know that you inspire and continue to inspire me as I read your posts each week. 

 

Ok so enough of my soap box, but for real y'all.  Don't hate. Appreciate. 

 

SO the holidays were not that bad as far as eating went.  Fortunately, I ate a TON of seafood on the honeymoon, so I know I boosted my Omega-3 intake by like 300%.  Which made feel really awesome.  Or maybe that was all the rum I drank....

 

Regardless, we all know that being fit is 80% what you put into your body.  If you put in French fries and bacon and cheese (while that's yummy and great), then most likely your butt will look like greasy fries covered in cheese and bacon.

 

Here are a few tips to getting back on the wagon after shoving in too many cookies and glasses of champagne.

 

1. REHYDRATE! Drink water.  All day long.  Dehydration headaches are the WORST so when you start to feel parched and crappy during the day, get 8 oz's, throw it back and then get some more.

 

2. IF you aren't ready for the gym yet, your best bet is a workout DVD that has collected dust in the past few months.  Since I've done my training program, I haven't had the need to bust out Jillian Michaels's crazy self for awhile.  Thank God.  Because her voice makes me want to scream and cry all at once.  But until training starts back up in mid January, I'm getting my workouts in 20-30 minutes at a time and going full force.  Turn off E! News and get your sweat on.

3. STOP. DRINKING. (Booze).  This is a hard one because this time of year is so celebratory.  And I feel like I could exist on red wine alone in the wintertime.  But alcohol converts to sugar, and sugar turns into butt dimples and bat wings.  Maybe start to moderate and not drink yourself to sleep each night.

 

4. Work out in the daylight/morning.  Have I mentioned that I despise the time change? It happened 2 months ago and I still hate it.  Getting dark at 5:30 makes me want to put on sweatpants at 5 PM and retire to my couch with some Doritos.  Get up. get moving and get your day started.

 

And last but not least...since this post started out talking about support...

 

5. Get a buddy! Working out alone sucks.  Drinking alone sucks.  Everything is way better with a partner in crime.  Find someone that doesn't wish to shovel in food any longer and starting getting sweaty together.  Chances are, you will push each other and your pants will start getting looser the more you laugh, talk and run/Jazzercise.

 

Ok guys, it was a long first day back at work after being gone for so long, so this little blogger is heading to bed and getting some sleep.  I'm reviewing a few DVDs after I test some out over the weekend.  Some I've owned and others I acquired from friends, so if you need some good workouts coming up, I'll hopefully have some good, if not funny, reviews of DVD-workout land.  It's a scary place...but it's free and you can do this in your living room.  Tony Horton says it all the time. 

 

Until next time, grab some water, your tennis shoes and let's get back on the wagon together!

 

Shine Bright like a Diamond

Hi all! I'm back! Officially!

 

So life has been a little hectic lately, but here's a quick recap...

 

I got married! YAY! It was by far the best day of my life, surrounded by friends and family right in the midst of the holidays.  Everything went perfect.  There was not one mishap or issue.  We had the best time and danced, drank and were merry (or married teeeeeehehehehe).  I attribute all going smoothly to my amazing wedding planner Francesca (and Blake and Amanda) with Pure Luxe Bride in Charleston, SC.  Could not stop thanking these girls enough for all their hard work and it definitely came together beautifully last Sunday.   

 

Here are some photos of an amazing weekend. 

 

 

 We did it!

 

A friend of mine MADE these bouquets, aren't they gorg? I made the chalkboards, those were fun!

 

Jarrett's grandparents.

We got J's college mascot to come, our nephew was totally not scared.  Hope he felt the same way about Santa Claus...

 

My new sisters!

 

 Ok so it was awesome, best day ever, I could keep talking about it some more, but I'll move on. 

They honeymoon started out with a bit of a debacle.  We got to the airport with what I thought was plenty of time.  Charleston has a really small airport with 2 terminals, and security is never bad, so we were there at 6:20 for a 7:20 flight.  The desk lady like basically ignored all of us in line (like 4 of us) and then when we got up to the desk, she was like "oh you are going to have to RUN through security..."

 

EXCUSE ME? Security is like one of those places where people are inspecting the moles on your neck and standing on your heels.  Needless to say, we were pretty stressed and running through the smallest airport in the world.  Only to get on the plane and sit for 30 more minutes.  The flight manifest didn't match who was on the plane.  The same desk lady was then on the plane ASKING WHAT SEATS WE HAD.  I was a pissed bride.  I snarkily replied with "look lady, I booked this flight in July, and you want to know what seats I booked?"  Then the lady asked my name about 2 more times.  I almost used my new last name just to mess her up, but I refrained.  Jarrett had to calm me down.  We did fortunately make it to Miami to sit and wait for our flight to Eleuthera.

 

Now here's where things get fun. 

 

This man arrived in our terminal looking crazy and was SHOUTING at the airline staff.  Same airline we took (I won't name call but the airline didn't start with a D or a U....you figure it out).

 

Apparently, he showed up what he thought was early to the flight and the plane doors were shut, they sold his seat, and he was left stranded (which almost happened to us).   He......flipped......OUT.  It was epic.  I'm seriuosly kicking myself for not videoing it, but imagine an older gentleman beating on the airport windows and doing the gigantic wave at the pilots, while spewing profanity.  And then flipping open his flip cell phone (note, flip), and yelling at the person on the other end that he couldn't get on the plane.  Sometimes, he would close the phone mid-conversation.  Pretty sure there was nobody there on the other end of that phone.  And THEN when the plane started to back away from the gate, he yelled "Congratulations you Mother ..... @#$(*&#$(*'s!" 

 

EPIC.  The End.

 

OK onto the most wonderful honeymoon in the world.  If you're going to go to the Bahamas and get away from the touristy stuff, you have to go to Eleuthera.  The place where we stayed overlooked an amazing cove and I loved the view every day.  J and I sat on a dock and drank rum, talked about the wedding, and just fell in love even more each day that passed (I know, barf, but it's true, love this man).  We explored some beautiful beaches and ate some amazing food, but mostly, we just chilled and relaxed.  It's truly the most at peace I've felt in a really long time. 

 

Here are some photos to make you extremely jealous.  Book your trip now, you will not regret it. 

 

 

Jarrett is awful at selfies...

View from our dock

 

The inside of our island getaway, please excuse J sprawled across the bed. 

 

Our private front porch overlooking the water

 

 View of the yard from the bottom of the hill of the property.  So pretty!

 

 These are only a few, I could photo dump entirely on Eleuthera, so stay tuned for more photos.  These are also from my iPhone, so this doesn't do the color of the water justice at all.  If you follow my Facebook page, you'll most likely see more photos there. 

 

 That's all for now! I've decided to do wifely things tonight like cook a pot roast and clean up after our trip.  Stay tuned for more frequent blog posts.  I will most definitely be posting about fitness things in the next few days since I ate enough food for 10 people over the past week. 

Glad to be back you guys! Until next time, hope you all have a wonderful holiday and I'll catch up with you after Christmas.  Cheers!

 

Being Thankful and Not Losing Your Mind

Hello faithful blog followers! Did everyone have the worst time getting up today and dragging themselves to work? (Insert hand raise here)

 

Needless to say, Thanksgiving was WONDERFUL.  This is how cozy things were for 3 days at my parent's homestead...

 

 

Warm socks, champagne, and a Christmas tree.  Sigh...Life doesn't get much better than that. 

 

It was a little bittersweet to go home one last time as a single girl.  I cried over things like....."this is the last time I'll....(insert phrase here)."  Like "this is the last time I'll go on my annual Thanksgiving walk with my parents around our neighborhood by myself."  Or "this is the last time I'll roast a chicken and do the main meal....".  Because my manly man likes to do things like fry and smoke turkeys in a BBQ pit.  I'll just stick with providing green bean casserole next year :)

 

But look at my bird, isn't it pretty???? With bacon????

 

 Now that T-day has come and gone, the holidays are officially in full swing.  The wedding is 13 days away (which blows my mind).  Work is crazy busy and I feel like this time of year just snuck up on me.  This is ALWAYS one of my favorite times of year.  Things are festive, the shopping is fun, and life just seems so pretty with the twinkly lights in the background. 

 

But I've learned as I've gotten older that not EVERYONE loves this time of year like I do.  I have a good friend that is a nurse that used to work every holiday in the hospital for years.  And she did not love it.  She came home to a house all alone.  She was not in love with Santa while changing bedpans.  She told me this story years ago and I was like literally sitting there with my jaw on the ground like "YOU DON'T LOVE CHRISTMAS?!?!??!?!"

 

 

(THIS IS ME EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR.  I am Buddy the Elf)

 

And I started to think about it for what the holidays really mean to a lot of people.  It's really freaking stressful.  First, you start eating a lot of foot until your pants are so uncomfortable that they leave marks on you.  Like you could take them off and every seam and button would show up on your skin. Then you indulge in way too much football (and probably alcohol, again, tight pants).   Your family shows up, including the ones that drive you crazy.  You're excited to see each other at first, and then you're like "MMMMMMMkkkkk, you can go back to where you came from".  Shopping is a nightmare.  Traffic sucks.  There's so many kids in line to see Santa and they're all crying.  Who WOULDN'T lose their mind trying to plan the perfect holiday????

 

Here's what I've learned over the years and how I manage to still enjoy it without totally having a meltdown. 

 

Sometimes, when I'm super stressed at work, I take a short walk, even when the phone is ringing off the hook.  Work will always be there when you get back.

 

SHOP! Don't overspend, but sometimes a little retail therapy is fun.

 

Get that Christmas movie channel guide, put on your footie jammies, and watch some old school classics.  I LOVE all of the clay-mation movies like Rudolph.  How that that not make you happy?

 

Get your friends together and do Christmas crafts.

 

MAKE COOKIES! Even if you don't eat them, your house will smell good and truth be told, your man will probably eat those things when he walks in the door.

 

If your family is around, and you're about to flip out Jerry McGuire style by the fish tank, just go outside, breathe some air, maybe disappear for a few minutes, regroup, come back, and you'll be fine.  Family stuff can be stressful, but if you love 'em, join 'em. 

 

If you have kids and you take them to get Santa pictures made and they freak out or cry, post that shiz ALL over the Facebook so that we can all laugh with you.  Beacuse we all know we didn't like that weird bearded man way back in the day.

 

4 Words: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

 

 

 Doesn't that list make you the feel the slightest bit better?  Are your nerves calm now?  Or the one you have left?

 

Most of all, enjoy yourself.  Try not to flip out.  Because at the end of the day, you're one day closer to the beginning of a new year.  And that my friends is how life goes.  Time keeps on ticking away, it's how we choose to spend it that's important.

I'll try to post up a few more posts before the wedding.  No promises, but I'm feeling inspired and all in love before the big day (gag, I know!).

 

Happy Holidays you guys! 

 

Long time, no blog post....

Hey guys!!!!

 

I know I know....it's been awhile.  But just a quick recap on what's going on in my life, some weight loss updates, and fun things coming up.

 

SO I had my bachelorette party 2 weekends ago.  IT. WAS. EPIC.  Loved being around my girls for one night.  We had such a blast.  We had mason jar champagne glasses (enough said).  We went to one bar and got cheered on the way in....and then someone yelled "COUGARS" and we prompty left that bar.  So we went to a totally different random bar where there were old men and bikers and proceeded to have a blast.  And drink lots of shots.  I would do it all over again.  But....you know YOMO....you only marry once! Here's a photo!

 

 

Me and my sister

 

And for some reason my phone is being a POS and I can't upload a ton of photos, but I will assure that photos do not do the night justice.  So much fun.  Sigh, sad that it's over.

 

In other non-wedding related news, I'm still managing to workout 3-4 times a week.  I did manage to pull a groin/hip flexor (not sure which one but it HURTS) and that has put me on the sidelines lately.  But I'm happy to report that clean eating is still taking place (amidst wine drinking) and I'm feeling pretty groovy.  Feel like my hips are smaller and my legs have NEVER been this little (I inherited big muscular thighs from my mom,yo).  I can wear single digit pants, MAJOR accomplishment. Trying not to blow the weight loss on holiday dips and goodies. Did you know that most peopple put on 10 pounds during this time of year that takes them at least a year to work off?  Not doing that.  Avoiding all the sugary things, even though people bring all sorts of holiday treats to work right now.

 

 

I was trying to find a picture of me in this same sweatshirt from a few years back to show some progress but I can't find it on the 'Book.  My girl Samantha at 24 to 30 has some great comparison photos, so go check her out. 

 

The wedding is 3 weeks away.  EEK! It's starting to slightly freak me out but I know it will be an awesome day.  My wedding planners have everything organized and have kept me calm, so I'm feeling pretty good.  Just hope I don't like forget my underwear or something, that would not be fun.

 

I even got crafty and made some fun centerpieces that I'm still working on, but they turned out great so far.  And some chalkboards.  I felt like pinterest threw up on my porch, but it was fun...and may have involved a whole bottle of wine to myself.

And last but not least...WHO'S PUMPED ABOUT CATCHING FIRE AND STARING AT THIS GUY FOR 2.5 HOURSSSSSSSSS????????

 

 

Sigh, thank the LORD for those Hemsworths. 

 

I am such a dork about these books and have re-read Catching Fire and Mockingjay this week.  I mean, in my fantasy life, I want to run around like Katniss and shoot at things with a bow and arrow.  Just not humans.  That would be awkward.  But she's awesome and who doesn't love her new hairdo!?!??!?!?!? Yay for short haircuts.  How cute is she?  Totally doing this after the wedding. (and get on a private plane too, that's in my fantasy life as well).

 

 

That's all I got for your Friday.  Posts will be sporadic for the next few weeks but once we get some fun photos back from the wedding, I can't wait to share them with you all.

 

Until then...keep eating clean, keep working out, and JUST...KEEP...GOING!

 

 

 

OMG it's HEEEEEEEEEEERE!

 Hey guys!  Happy Friday!!!  OK so a few weeks ago, I posted that I may apologize a lot for not posting.  Well, I definitely have to apologize (again) for the lack of posting and feel bad for not many updates, but life went from like 0 to 100 mph in a matter of 3 weeks.  I miss writing and putting out my fitness updates each week.  But I'm still kicking tail in the gym, feeling awesome, and enjoying the last few weeks of being Rebecca Johnston.  It's gonna be weird (but a good weird) to become Mrs. Davis.

 Here's 5 things I'm looking forward to this weekend!

 

1. Bachelorette Party of the CENTURY!

 

My bachelorette is this weekend.  At the edge of America (Folly Beach, SC). All of my good friends are coming.  My sister is coming too, which makes me estatic, although I'm sure I'll be red in the face from embarrassment and whatever gets said....in front of my big sister :)  I'm hoping that because I'm 31, there aren't many penis straws or penis hats, but my friends are a lot of fun so who knows :)  It will be epic, I am ready for lots of champagne and laughs. 

 

 

 

 2.  Pre-marital counseling..............

 

So, this techincally is happening on Monday, but I have the day off, so it counts as a long weekend.  J and I are meeting with our minister and talk about all the fun life things.  And our minister is a great friend of my dad's, so I'm sure it will be funny and entertaining.  He called to tell me that I failed my quiz that I took online, baaaaahahhahahaha.  He really made me think that J and I were NOT compatible for a second there.  Total heart failure 40 days before the wedding.

 

3.  GHETTO Friday!

 

Ok so, just to explain how awesome one of my trainers is, meet Eli.  (he's gonna totally bust my butt tonight for using this squinty picture)

 

 

All I'll say about Eli is that he loves some good jams and totally pumps up and pimps out our Friday night work outs.  Total sweat session to some good tunes. He's also been partly responsible for my ongoing transformation by working on my food choices for the past few months, cleaning up my diet, and getting me to lift heavy.  We're doing max lifts right now for the next few weeks and I bench pressed 95 pounds 4 times last night.  I used to not be able to lift the bar off the rack.  And he pushes me and makes working out a ton of fun, so thanks for that Eli!  Anyway, can't wait for ghetto Friday, it's a fun time. 

 

4.  Wedding band shopping.

I picked out my own this week since I have such a weird shaped engagement ring.  Pretty sure I finally settled on one I like.  What do you guys think?

 

 

 5. Shenannies!!! (as in shenanigans)

The past 3 weekends have been full of road trips, showers and family time.  This weekend, I get to chill with my girls, on the beach, relax and just kick back and goof off.  Like I can totally do that in front of mine and J's family, but this will be silliness on a GIRL level.  I'm pretty sure there will be lots of laughs, snort giggles, possibly some tears (this wedding stuff has made me emotional, geez), and just an overall good time.  These are my two best friends from home, we've known each other for over 15 years, and I'm pretty sure between the two of them, we're going to laugh our heads off this weekend and do a lot of reminiscing.  CAN'T. WAIT.

 

 

 

 Happy Friday you guys!

 

 Enjoy your weekends, have some laughs, and maybe a drink or two!

 

Workout Wednesday!!!

Hey guys!  It's Wednesday!  Since I linked up 2 weeks ago for Workout Wednesday with SkinnyMeg, I'm back again!  Grab a button and join the workout partay. 

 

This is actually last week's workout, but I didn't get a chance to post, so enjoy, it's a DOOZIE.  I taught spin this morning, so that was my workout, which I'll be happy to share with you, but this WOD was WAY intense to not share with you. 

 

 

 OK so last Wednesday's workout at the gym was SUPER HARD.  It was a 30-20-10, as it REPS.  I usually love high repitition workouts, but this one was super tough.  Here it isssssssss......

 

Pull ups

Box Jump Burpees (OMG, hardest thing on the planet)

Push Ups

Wall Balls

Jump Squats

Chops on a Bosu Ball (these were hard too)

Sledgehammer tire swings (each side, sigh)

 

The idea is to do 30 reps, then move to 20, then 10.  No deviating or doing all at once, 30-20-10.

 

First of all, let me explain a box jump burpee (barfee).  Jump on a box, jump back off, throw your feet back to plank, slam your boobs on the ground, the jump back up to a standing position.....do that 29 more times.  This by far was the hardest part of the workout.  After 5, I was like "Um, yeah, can't do 25 more, NOT happening".  But I managed to do them without hurling, so mission accomplished.

 

Second of all, I finished right around 26 minutes last week, which was a good time and I just tried to keep moving.  This was super challenging and even the fittest folks were definitely working hard, so this was killer.

 

So last but not least tonight, let me give you guys some inspiration.  Kinda like Mama Laughlin, I've been pondering the whole fitness competition thing.  People keep asking me "oh now that you've lost weight for your wedding, what are you doing after that?"  Well......pretty much I've decided that I'm never done improving.  SO .... it's a thought right now.  But not a for real thing yet.  Maybe I'll move on to Crossfit finally.  Who knows, whatever I do, it will be awesome. 

Like I totally DO NOT WANT to look like this....this just scares me...and it's photo shopped, but really, that's a LOT of quad happening.  I'm just happy with no jiggle :)

 

 

Happy Hump Day you guys.  Have a great rest of your week!

 

Go Heavy

Ok so tonight's post is dedicated to the benefits of weight lifting.  I had an amazing workout tonight (just me and 2 dudes, which is fun, I feel like they push me to go hard).  One of the things that was a goal for me this month was increasing my weight during training.  You guys saw my 195 pound sled push/pull and can read about it HERE.  That kind of sparked something inside me to want to do more.

 

Ever hear of the saying "Go hard or go home"? Well, I think that now, I've added something to that.  It's "Go hard, go heavy, or go home".  I'm writing this for a lot of the ladies that are scared of the weight room.  Y'all know how intimidating it can be.  Let me paint the picture of......the weight room!

 

First of all, there's dudes sweating real bad and grunting so loud that you are sure the veins in their neck are going to pop out and say hello.  Then you have like Prancercise lady lifting her 2 pounds weights in her pearls.  And then you have random college dude who is texting on his iPhone his entire workout, which totally counts as working out, right?

 

 

All in all, that overall picture right here is super confusing.  Do you grab 20 pound dumbells? Or fives? How do you use all of the machines? WHAT'S A HANG CLEAN?!?!?!?!?!  If you guys have lots of questions, I highly recommend you asking your local gym for a training session on how to use the machines or work with a trainer.  If you're lucky to find small group functional training, then sign up TODAY, you will not regret it.  Besides, working out with your friends is cool. 

 

Ok so my lovely trainer/coach Jonnie let me know that the next several weeks are dedicated to lifting heavy.  SCORE! Right up my alley. 

 

Let me give you guys an idea of what a 156 pound, 5'2 little short munchkin can do in the gym. 

 

Tonight I did Romanian dead lifts, increasing the weight each round.  5 rounds, 4 lifts.  I started with 65 pounds, ended up around 135 pounds.  And let me tell ya, my hammies are totally feeling those right now. 

 

Strict press (shoulders only, no thrusting) I pushed 70 pounds up in the air.  Now, my upper body is not super strong, but I used to not be able to lift the heavier bar.  And now I can.  And now I can add weight. Welcome to the gun show....

 

 

That's definition within the past MONTH, peeps.  Case in point guys, up your weight.  Do it right and make sure your form is not suffering just because you want to go heavy.  When you increase your weight, you'll see results.

 

OH and there's the common misconception that lifting heavy will make you bulky and hulky.  It won't.  I ran this by my trainer tonight and her response was you're only going to get bulky if you can grow a beard (aka, you're a DUDE and have lots of testosterone), or if your taking steroids.   Which may make you grow a beard.  Either way, there's no bulk in that arm/shoulder region.  Just muscle taking over fat and leaning everything up.

 

Does this leg look bulky to you? (well it's a weird angle, so probably)

 

 

Ok so enough weird body snapshots, let's briefly talk food.  When you're working out or training like this, you have to eat and you have to eat well.  You are fueling your muscles for more growth. Balance your proteins and good carbs.  Try to stay away from white flour and white pasta, but a biscuit every now and then won't kill you.  Avoid the sugar (said at Halloween, yeaaaaaaaaaah right).  Eat fresh and eat lean.  So many girls used to come to my spin class and ask for diet advice.  And they would say "I'm just going to eat green things because that makes me lose weight really fast".  Ok well that would work for anyone, but you can't just cut out food groups and hope your waistline stays that way forever.  It won't.  The first amazing slice of pizza will give you a permanent food baby.  Don't cut stuff out, just portion control and eat good stuff.  Mmmmk?

 

This is my lunch today.  Roasted chicken with potatoes, carrots and steamed broccoli.  Lots of water.  And I have not felt sluggish or tired once.  Good food in, good results out:

 

 

Going heavy has made a huge difference for me in the past few weeks.  My trainers root me on and I'm pumped when I cross a new milestone.  My new goals are to deadlift close to 200 pounds (just once), and strict press 100 pounds over my head (once).  Those max results are coming in a few weeks so stay tuned.

 

Until the next post, you guys have a great rest of your Tuesday!

 

 

Five on Friday!

 

Hey guys!  Happy Friday! Sorry for the lack of no posting, this week was super crazy.  I didn't realize my life would get this busy as I got closer to the wedding (duh, that's a given), so apologies for not much blog action.  In the next 3 weeks we have 3 showers and my bachelorette party, and then I month left until the wedding.  Still lots to do, but it's coming together.  Just trying to stay sane.  Remember the part in SATC where Anthony Marentino says "That's nothing. I once had a girl in Long Island give herself a stroke. She pulled it together for the big day though.".  That MIGHT have been me once this week.

 

So here's a little Friday fun to kick off your weekend. 

 

ONE...I purchased some leopard print! I've been looking for the perfect sheer shirt that's not too crazy and found it.  Perfect fall shirt is now in my closet, for only 15.99! Kinda looks like this:

 

 

 TWO...Last night I had a girl's night with 2 of my very best friends.  They are awesome and they got a special picture post in my blog this past Sunday.  Here they are again in case you missed Kati and Becca.  LOVE these 2.  We had one missing from our little get together (missed you Blythe), but I seriously enjoyed getting away, laughing, cutting up, and gossiping without the manfolk.  Totally what I needed to kick off my weekend right with positive thoughts.

 

 

 

THREE...My mom is coming into town this weekend for one of the showers, and a wedding we're attending.  Can't WAIT to see her! I've been up cleaning my house since 6:45 because I've just had a crazy week.  My sister is coming down on Sunday, can't wait to see her as well!!!  She's been a rock for me lately.  Love the ladies in my family.

 

 

 (Sorry Mom, had to do it, because we do say this a lot!)

 

FOUR...Halloween Candy.......I need someone to hide all of it at work.  I had a mini pumpkin Reece's yesterday and it was almost my downfall.  SHEESSSSSSSSSSH, why do people even bring it? I'm not holding out a bucket anymore and saying "Trick or Treat!". 

 

 

 

FIVE...since it's 2 months to go until our wedding, I've officially decided that it's NOT to early to start listening to Christmas music.  Especially by this guy.  Oh HCJ, you make me SO happy!   Can we just have a moment of silence for the awesomeness of Harry......ok I'm good now.

 

 

 

Happy Friday y'all! I hope you have a blessed weekend!

 

Things that make me happy

Happy Sunday y'all!  I'm sure not ready for Monday at all.  I've had too much fun and enjoyed myself all weekend.  Since it's Sunday and this is usually my day to relax and reflect on life, I started thinking about what makes me really happy.  I have a ton to be happy about right now.  I'm getting married in 2 months (EEK, I'm hoping I have everything done!), I have a wonderful man in my life, and I couldn't ask for a more supportive family.  But when it comes to everyday life, I started thinking today about what really completes me.  Some are serious, and some are funny, but as long as I have all of these things happening, I'm a happy girl.

 

So here's 10 things that make me happy!  These are not in any particular order, so don't judge me :)

 

1.  Celebrity gossip.  I'm ADDICTED to gossip mags and E! news.  As long as I can get a peek into someone else's fabulous life, I'm pretty thrilled.  I will always follow the happenings of Britney Spears, any one of the Kardashians, and Beyoncé.  I will never retire from reading about famous people....

 

 

 2.  Family. I love my parents, sister, my granny, aunts and uncles and love the fact that I'm about to join another family.  There's nothing that makes me happier than sitting around, just talking and laughing and enjoying the company of family.  Although we may drive each other crazy at times, we still love each other.  This is one of my favorite pictures of me and my dad. 

 

 

3.  My girlfriends! I seriously don't know what I would do without these girls.  I have a lot of them, many that now live far away, but they keep me sane.  We love to east sushi, drink wine and goof off.  They have done nothing but support me this year as I've prepared for my wedding.  In fact, they support me no matter what.  And I couldn't be happier to have each and every one of them in my life. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 4.  My kitty. I know, I know...I'm the crazy cat lady.  But Tinkles really is cute, even if she still does bite and scratch at times.  I love her little furry butt.  She also head-butts me like crazy, which is her real way of saying "I love you, mom".  Or, "please pet me right NOW"

 

 

 5. Sandra Bullock.  This probably goes with number 1, but I think she is incredibly talented, strong, and funny.  She managed to deal with her public divorce (to a LOSER by the way) in a really classy way, as well as adopt a son, raise him on her own, and keep on working.  She's also strikingly beautiful and not a size 2.  I love her.  She rocks.  And she's over 40 and looks like this:

 

 

 6. Breaking a sweat.  I know that's a little weird to say, because not everyone feels complete by hitting the gym. I truly live for getting in a hard workout and feeling like I've accomplished something great.  It's officially a part of my lifestyle and if I miss a session, I really try to make up for it.  But yes, I would say working out is one of my favorite things to do. 

 

7. WINE.  I really don't have much to say about wine, other than I love a big glass of it.  White, red, sparkling, it really doesn't matter.  LOVE WINE.

 

 

 

 8.  A pretty sunset.  My mom and I have this thing where if we see one at night, we call each other.  It will always make me think of her.  This is picture from Mykonos, Greece of one of the most amazing days of my life, followed by the most beautiful sunsets in the world.  I wish I could have called my mom that day, but I know she was thinking about me as I was thinking of her.

 

 

 9. Re-reading the classics.  I've read The Great Gatsby more times than I can remember.  Catcher in The Rye. Lord of the Flies.  I had an English teacher in high school that instilled this love of the classics. You just don't find things written like they were a long time ago.

 

10. Last but not least, I can't leave this guy out.  I really am lucky when it comes to Jarrett.  He's my rock when I'm freaking out.  He's my best friend.  He protects me.  He talks me down off the ledge a lot.  He supports me no matter what I'm going through.  We've been through tough times, but we always manage to work through them.  And for that, he's my favorite.

 

 

What truly makes you happy?  Can you sit down and think of 10 things?  This post took me about 30 minutes to write, meaning, I think I really know in my soul what makes me super happy in life.

 

Hope you guys have a great start to your week!