Thursday, February 28, 2013

Thursday Tale from the Scale - Winning!

Yesterday I had a horrible day! Like, the worst in a LONG time! When I left work I REALLY wanted to take the six $1 bills I had saved throughout the week to pay for Zumba class to the liquor store to buy a cheap bottle of wine (read Boones Farm or Arbor Mist, 'cus that's how I roll).

Let's face it, even if I bought the wine, Mr. You Betcha and Little Man wouldn't have let me drink it in peace. So I headed home with my $6 intact to change for Zumba. One of my girlfriends from our Biggest Loser Challenge said she was going to join me so I didn't want to let her down.

Once I got home, I quickly chowed down the baked chicken breast Mr. You Betcha made for me while I was gone at class and then jumped right into 30 Day Shred. When Jillian (I love that name) was done kicking my tush it was time to get Little Man ready for bed. Nothing warms my heart more then hearing, "Wuv you Mommy!" from his sweet little lips after I lay him in bed.

After bedtime was squared away, I walked into the living room to find Mr. You Betcha studying for the big volunteer fire fighter exam he has today, thought to myself, "He isn't going to be much fun tonight." and decided to head to the basement for some quality time with the treadmill. I just did some walking because I was getting tuckered out but figured I could watch Duck Dynasty from the couch or the treadmill and the treadmill was the better choice.

That is the most I have EVER done for my Wednesday Last Chance Workout and it payed off!

one hundred seventy four point eight
DOWN 2.6 lbs This Week
 DOWN 7.2 lbs TOTAL
Hopefully by next week I will be posting some 10 lbs lost pictures! THESE were taken a LONG time ago! I guess nobody said this journey was going to be easy.

Now that I have seemed to get the incredibly large ball rolling I am becoming a scale addict. I crave lower numbers each week. I think this also has something to do with the Biggest Loser Challenge and DietBet I am participating in.

I now weight less than I did when I became pregnant with Little Man but didn't really think it was a big deal when I reached that number because I remember feeling heavy at that time. One of the first questions I asked my doctor when we found out I was pregnant was, "Should I be concerned about my weight?" When I was close to 35 weeks pregnant I had a frequent customer at work ask me if I was expecting. I was about to deliver and he just noticed? Did he think I had just gotten REALLY fat in the last 9 months!?!?

However, I am approaching what I weighed when we got married and although I would have liked to weigh less on the BIG DAY I remember feeling pretty and that was almost 5 years and one baby ago.


{Photo Courtesy of Jaime Salo Photography}
September 2008~About 170 lbs
 We will celebrate when I get there but not for long because this trains not stoppin'!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

i'm the kinda girl who...


...shows up late to all the link-ups.

...can't wear socks to bed {I get to hot and take my shirt off, explain that one to me}.

...has to have a list, plan or schedule.

...can't spell to save my own life.

...loves being a mommy.

...makes the best monster cookies on this planet.

...will always help out a friend in need.

...is very stubborn.

...never, hardly ever, makes the bed.

...wears baseball caps and boots.

...goes to church and watches football on Sundays.

...loves being from/living in a small town.

...wears her heart on her sleeve.

...loves to try new things.

...is always worried if I am a good wife/mom/friend.

{Photo Courtesy of Jaime Salo Photography}

Spring Cleaning

This IS a Minnesota heat wave!
This weather has me SUPER excited! It is warming up, things are starting to melt, and each day is getting a little bit longer. In less then two weeks Daylight Saving Time will begin and that means it will be light out until after 7:00 p.m. I can't wait! Warmer weather always inspires me to get my body moving and do some spring cleaning.
 
First, many of you may have noticed that I have updated the blog over the last few days. I even created a button using one of Hubby Jack's tutorials and added some love for my bloggie friends on the sidebar. If you feel like giving some love back please grab my button. I'm trying to get things in tip-top shape before Nikki includes me in her Sponsor Post. I also had to clean up my Blogger Reading List, I was following almost 200 blogs and that shit was overwhelming. I cut that number in half so I can focus on the ladies I love the most!


Second, we started cleaning out the storage room on Sunday night (Mr. You Betcha's idea) and are getting ready to sell some junk again. Where does all this stuff come from? Seriously, we have some wedding gifts that are still in their original packages (we have been married almost 5 year). Don't get me wrong, we were thankful for every gift we received. However, I sold Pampered Chef for over 3 years before we got married and it's safe to say my kitchen was well stocked before the big day. I have at least 3 sets of kitchen utensils (spatulas, spoons, ladles) in the storage room and I honestly would feel guilty if I got rid of them. Don't even get me started on the 15 cans of leftover paint (most are at least 1/2 empty).

Not going to lie, I have a basket of empty toilet paper rolls in there.
Can we say hoarder?
Third, we had our taxes done a few weeks ago and it always makes me want to reevaluate our finances. Mr. You Betcha and I took Dave Ramsey's course awhile ago and we have finally decided to go all in! Well sorta, we owe money on our cars and house but will not be selling either. We will be making a strict budget and sticking to it along with snowballing our debt. I think we do well for ourselves, have saving/retirement and all that good stuff, but I always feel like we could be doing better.

Source
Fourth, I cleaned out the refrigerator last night and will NOT be letting JUNK FOOD much junk food back into our lives. The "staples" that are currently occupying our refrigerator are Reduced Fat String Cheese, Low Fat Cottage Cheese, Greek Yogurt, Milk, Fresh Fruit, Veggies, Eggs, and condiments. I am trying to eat healthier and healthier every day but there are some things I won't make my family sacrifice because of my diet. Also, I believe anything is fine in moderation and I will continue to eat my ice cream out of a measuring cup as a sweet treat every once in awhile.

1/2 cup Schwan's Peanut Butter Candy Crunch- Yummo!
Finally, someone wanna help me clean up this kid?

Sugar Lips
Happy {almost} Spring!

 

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Thursday Tale from the Scale

one hundred seventy seven point four
DOWN 2.4 lbs This Week
 DOWN 4.6 lbs TOTAL
 
WooHoo! Back at it with a LOSS! Took off everything I gained in my BAD WEEK (the 1.8 LBs) plus a little extra (.6 LBs). I was talking to Mr. You Betcha and I don't think "Fake It 'Til You Make It" is going to cut it anymore. By that I mean, cheating a little on Friday and/or Saturday and making up for it Sunday-Wednesday before weight-in and still showing a loss. I can feel my body changing and I may be wrong but I think it's going to make me start working a little harder to show a loss.
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I did Zumba for the first time on Wednesday and LOVED it. I am going back next week and dragging all my Biggest Loser Challenge Buddies with me!

Can anyone tell me if it's worth buying the DVDs to do Zumba at home or is it just as effective to use YouTube videos?
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I joined Shelli's March Meltdown DietBet and I am determined to NOT lose my money! If you are interested in joining please ask her. I won't lose my money but I would be more then happy to take yours! I kid, I kid!
____________________________________________________

 
Lisa, Candis, Kadi, K and I are going to do The Color Run in Minneapolis-St.Paul on July 14th! We are team Color Me Running (chosen by process of elimination). Again, if you would like to join us PLEASE let me know!
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I was lucky enough to win the giveaway that Blonde Southern Lovin' and Chevron & Sweet Tea co-hosted last week. Along with a $25 Victoria's Secret gift card, I will have my new button on Nikki's Blog for two months and be featured in her group sponsor post next week.
 ____________________________________________________
 
Now that I have brought you kids up to speed on my exciting life I am going to hit the hay. Probably going on an exciting date to the movies with my daddy tomorrow night. Best get my beauty rest.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

First Things First

I'm linking up with Halie @ Penguins, Pasta, & Polka Dots for another addition of First Things First.


This week's topics are:

First thing I do at the gym
I don't have a gym but usually refer to my basement as my "gym". Usually, I would say the first thing I do is make sure that the fan is pointed at the treadmill, put my earbuds in and crank up the tunes. Currently, I start by getting the Fab Ab February Challenge out of the way.
 

First Date with Current Significant Other
Last week for First Things First I talked about how me and my current significant other/husband met and connected over horrible prom experiences. Shortly after that initial love connection we had our first date.
 
Summer 2003

He picked me up in his immaculately clean Ford F-150, at the time it was clearly his pride and joy. He came to the door before we left (one of Mom's rules, don't you dare pull in the driveway and honk), when we got ready to leave he opened the car door for me (find out later, Mom was VERY impressed), and when I got in the pickup there was a teddy bear sitting on the center counsel. I asked him if he got a new Teddy (there was always one there but this one was different). He said, "No, I got that one for you."

Walnut - Yes, I still have him.
We were headed to the dirt track races in a town about 45 minutes away so he had brought his very large collection of CDs along and we rocked out all the way there. We had given ourselves extra time for supper, so we dined at Hardees and he insisted that he pay (something I was not accustomed to, at all).

When we were done eating and were ready to leave he got my car door again and before he got into the driver's seat he told me that he had something else for me. I said, "You didn't have to do that!" with such  exclamation I think I scared the poor guy. He pulled a single red rose out from behind the seat anyways.

We headed to the track and showed up just before the start of the races so we were forced to sit up front (unlike concerts, the higher your seats are the better). I insisted that he let me pay for myself (silly girl) and I am pretty sure we argued about it. The only other thing I honestly remember from the races is that Mr. You Betcha got a rock to the head and we left there VERY dirty.

After we left the races, we went back to Hardees' drive up for some ice cream and he paid again. During the late, long drive home by belly full of ice cream started to get the best of me and I began to dose off. Mr. You Betcha did a "break check" to  wake me up and pick on me but it backfired on him because it ended up giving me seat belt burn. He felt horrible and I will never let him live it down...

There was no hand holding or first kisses when he dropped me off; however, he was honestly the sweetest, nicest boy I had ever met. It is safe to say that after that night I was one smitten kitten (and I don't even really like cats).

I can't say we haven't had out share of trials and tribulations but that night was certainly the start of something wonderful. This June will mark 10 years since that very special first date.

First email address
katie_boo2005@hotmail.com and I rocked it from 7th grade until well after high school graduation. It was a combination of a varsity cheerleader nickname and the year I graduated high school. Finally put on my big girl panties and changed it up before I put together my big girl resume. I can hear it now, "Miss Boo you will be next to interview."

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Favorite Beauty Products

Really like the link up that Trista @ Stewart Street is doing today for Top Ten Tuesday.
 
Stewart Street
Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Beauty Products
These products are currently taking care of me. Some of them I LOVE and some of them are so-so until I find something I like better. Totally open to suggestions!
 
 
Products are in no particular order.
 
1. Aquage Uplifing Foam: This girl has thick, heavy hair and I find that this product is just what I need to help me get some volume when I curl and tease. I towel dry my hair after I shower, spray foam in sections along my roots, blow dry with my head flipped upside down, and style.
 
2. Big Sexy Hair - Spray & Play Harder - Firm Volumizing Hairspray: After all the work I went through getting my hair just the way I want it a single stand better not dare move. Therefore, I apply 2 good coats of a mighty fine hairspray.
 
3. Pure Romance - Coochy - Conditioning Shave Cream: Shaving lady parts is a delicate subject. This product has changed my life (and my husbands). Just being honest. The bottle says, "Shave with this gentle, unisex conditioning cream and help keep those unsightly red bikini bumps from crashing your most intimate moments." Yes, please!
 
4. Pure Romance - Body Dew - After Bath Oil Body Mist: I always follow up with the product after I shave (legs and coochy) and I have never regret it. Helps keep my skin happily hydrated!
 
5. Mary Kay - Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover: This has been my "go-to" for years. It is gentle and does the job every time without giving me back talk.
 
6. Ed Hardy Perfume: Purchased this sample sized bottle with some of my Christmas money and absolutely positively LOVE it! Will be getting more real soon!
 
7. Carmex - Moisture Plus: Mentioned this in a post a few days ago and I am still really liking it. It reminds me of original Carmex only not as harsh/manly smelling.
 
8. Mary Kay Makeup: It's what I use, but I don't know that it's what I love. Working on doing some research into other options. Anyone else ever get in a rut and just use what they use because it is what they have always used?
 
9.  Perfectly Posh - You Can Call Me Candy Slather: There is a sample of it in one of those little containers with the white cap. I will definitely be ordering more. It smells sweet and and goes on thick and rich leaving my skin silky soft. Even the name of it sounds sexy. Bonus, it that it is made of natural ingredients and fragrances.
 
10. Perfectly Posh - Sugar Fix Sugar Scrub: It's in the other little white container with the white cap. I will be ordering this as well. There used to be a company called Sensaria that had a Sugar Scrub product that I really, really liked so of coarse you know that they had to go out of business. I have finally found another Sugar Scrub that I really, really like!Also made of natural ingredients. WooHoo! Winning!

I know I didn't give stellar descriptions, so if you have any questions let me know.

 

My Top Weekend Shenanigans

Even though it's Tuesday night, I figured I would share my top weekend shenanigans with everyone and link up over at Sami's Shenanigans.

 
Here is the quick version...
 
Friday Night - A good time was had by all when Papa came over for pizza and stuck around to play board games with us. This is one of our favorite thing to do with friends and family. Can't wait until Little Man understands how to play some of the games we have gotten him (Uno Moo, Sesame Street Chutes & Ladders, Yahtzee Jr.)
 
 
 
Saturday Night - We went bowling with my brother in law & his wife Lisa. Lisa also talked about it HERE. It was Little Man's first time and he seemed to really enjoy it. Maybe he will be a natural just like his daddy (seriously, the dude makes it look easy in a way that frustrates the heck out of a person born with average bowling abilities).
 
 
 
Sunday -  The whole family left the house headed in different directions. Mr. You Betcha had fire training and Little Man had been invited to a birthday party. We came home a bit early from the birthday party because someone was missing out on nap time and it was becoming evident. When we got home we were greeted with a pleasant suprise. Mr. You Betcha had gotten out of class early and was able to spend the rest of the day at home. After Little Man took his much needed nap we decided to take him out for his first snowmobile ride.
 
 
 
 
 
Don't let the grump face fool you, he LOVED it!
 
There you have it in a nutshell.
 
To some it may seem pretty simple....to me it was simply perfect!
 
 

Friday, February 15, 2013

The Color Run

Lisa, Candis, Kadi, Kayla and I are going to do The Color Run in Minneapolis-St.Paul on July 14th!


We are forming a team for the run and I am SUPER excited! Who would LOVE to join us?

 

 
Does anyone have Color Run tips for us?
 
 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Thursday Tale from the Scale & Love Day

Thursday Tale from The Scale

one hundred seventy nine point eight
UP 1.8 lbs This Week
DOWN 2.2 lbs TOTAL

I wish I had some good reason to explain this number. I wish I could even say I didn't know what happened because I worked hard and the scale just didn't move. But, neither of those if the case.

The truth is, this is the number I deserve. As I said before, we went out last weekend and I never regained my balls to the wall motivation. I was kind of frumpy and lazy all week. It is what is. Time to dust myself off and get back on the horse.

Watch out Biggest Loser Challenge Ladies! I'm a tornado and I'm coming after you!

Love Day

Valentines Day, some adore it and some seem to hate it. I realize it's commercial. I really don't care. I realize we shouldn't need a day to remind us to love each other. Again, I really don't care.

My Loves
Mr. You Betcha and I don't get crazy but we do acknowledge the day with cards and small gifts. Let's face it, it feels good to be loved whether Hallmark is telling you to buy the card or not.

For supper, we don't go out every year but we are tonight and I would be lying if I told you I wasn't excited for this:

I am swapping Faturday for Fat Thursday! I promise!

Gift wise there will be no flowers, jewelry, or chocolate (except the Reese's Peanut Butter Hearts Little Man got Daddy) for us. He picked out his gift lastnight and was too excited to keep mine a secret from me.

Mr. You Betcha got:

This is what he asked for.
 
I got:
 
I'm actually really excited about this!



Call me a Nerd, but I can't wait to try out my new fishing pole! I have always been stuck with other's fishing rod hand me downs and cast offs. This one is MINE and it's PINK and it's PRETTY!

Makes me yearn for 80° days at the lake!

My fish!
 
His fish!
 
Don't worry we didn't forget our boy!
 
Little Man is getting:
 
Since we couldn't part with it after someone saw the puppy!
It was only $3 off the clearance rack.
 
Since Mommy wants her children to have a
HUGE Disney Movie collection.

Since the kid loves chocolate as much as Mommy!
 
We are also exchanging cards else that's all folks and I find it lovely!
 
P.S. I picked up some new chap stick in the checkout at Walmart last night and so far I really like it!
My lips will be extra kissable tonight!