Saturday, December 24, 2011

White Christmas


We are headed up North for a White Christmas (hopefully) so if I'm absent just know that I am enjoying the holidays and family to the fullest.  I hope you all have a safe and wonderful Christmas and come back after the New Year (if not before then) for some exciting stuff.


Thursday, December 22, 2011

WIWW: Cozy Clothes

**Not sure why this didn't show up yesterday.  Oh well.

All of my clothes were cozy and comfortable this week.  Loved it!  And I love Pinterest for all of the ideas.  Thanks again, Pinterest!


Cardigan/shirt: F21
pants/boots: Target

pants/cardigan/shoes: ???
shirt: Banana Republic


Shirt: Old Navy
Jacket: ???
skirt: New Zealand
boots/tights: Target
(sorry this is blurry.  The camera had something on it.  Probably from my son's dirty fingers. :))


Shirt: Forever 21
skirt/cardigan: Old Navy
tights: Target
shoes: Payless

Shampoo or Powder

Well, we all know that somedays you need to wash your hair but just don't have the time.  True confession:  I don't wash my hair every day.  I know that most people don't.  But I probably wash mine twice a week, maybe three if your lucky.  So, what do I do in between....besides wearing hats and ponytails.

Dry Shampoo and Baby Powder.


I actually used to use dry shampoo but now like baby powder better.  Purely because of the smell.  Which one do you like better?  I would love to know.  A girl could always get more beauty tips.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Optimize in 45

Every day after my workout, the instructor says, "Remember to Optimize in 45."  Have you ever heard this?  Well, after your workout you should eat 4:1 (carbs:protein) within 45 minutes.  I'm not the best at it but this is why I'm putting it on the blog.  I need to do this.  It supposedly helps your muscles and gets you ready for tomorrow's workout.

My main priority when I get home from the gym is to hop in the shower before my son wakes up but maybe I should drink a glass of milk or something instead.  I usually don't eat breakfast for another hour.  Oops! 

Let's make a goal to do this together.  What do you think?

Monday, December 19, 2011

Monday Must Haves


Since it is almost Christmas I thought I would do a Christmas themed Monday.  I love Nativity sets.  I bought mine in Jerusalem 13 years ago.  I absolutely love it. 


But there are so many other adorable sets out there that I love.  Maybe I should start collecting them.  Here are a few that I like (most of these taken from Pinterest):

nativity

Pinned Image

Affordable Nativity Sets for Kids -- We have the one pictured here and the kiddie Advent wreath in the background. Love 'em!

nativity

                                                                    What kind do you display?





Friday, December 16, 2011

Friday Plus-Dec. 16th

Friday Plus for Dec. 16th

It hardly rains here so when it does, we love it.  My son and I stopped for a moment to "smell the roses" and view this beautiful rainbow.  This picture does not do it justice.  The colors were so vibrant.  Loved it!


We stopped by to pay a visit to Santa and guess who didn't even cry.  That's right, our first successful Santa visit.  He made sure to tell Santa everything on his list....including ALL of the racecars from Cars 2.  Yes, he included all the names.


My treat for the week!  It was so yummy.  I used a coupon and luckily I have one more because I think I see another one in my future.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Fascinating Womanhood

So I mentioned in a previous post about Fascinating Womanhood.  It is a book written by Helen Andelin.  In the book she describes ways we can be more "fascinating" to our husbands.  Okay, I know that sounds weird but let me explain.  A few years ago my SIL took this class and highly recommended it.  I'm one for self-help books so I jumped on board. Many people make fun of this book or think,"Well, what is the husband going to do?"  Trust me.  It will change your life.  A friend of mine read the book, took the class, and loved it.  Don't knock it tell you try it is my motto.

There are many principles in the book that just help you understand your husband a lot better.  And if you do the things in the book your husband will do things back a hundredfold.  Promise.  Your "honey-do" list will be done in no time. My husband actually completed a whole list in a day while I was taking the class because of my fascinating ways. :) I swear I have to take this class every 6 months or so because I slip back into my non-fascinating ways and I can tell.  The first half of the book really struck a chord with me.  It talks about 3 things men need (appreciation, admiration, and accepted).

Shirley Cox leads a class every so often to help you in your quest to be more fascinating.  The next class starts in January so let me know if you want her info by leaving me a comment with your email.  I will forward the information onto you.  It costs $35 and includes a weekly phone call (if needed), workbook, and weekly assignments.  You must purchase the book though.

Whether your marriage is in shambles or if you just want to improve yourself, this is the book for you.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

WIWW: Gold 'N Pearls

One of my favorite blogs is Ask the Duplex.  These two girls used to be roommates but now live across the country.  Their fashion blog is amazing.  They wear fabulous outfits I would never dream of but then ask you, the "roommates," if it works.  It is fun to read all the comments of what people think.  I've gotten a lot of tips just from reading this blog.  Because we all know our husbands don't give the best opinion when they say you look great without really even looking. :)

So, now I'm asking you about this outfit.  I love the colors together. It actually is a Pinterest inspired look....again.  Okay, I just copied the color scheme. Here is the look:

Pinned Image

Here is my look.  What do you think about having bracelets on both arms and the fact that I added pearls?  It's okay if you don't like it. 




If I'm wrong, I really didn't care about being right that day. No rules in fashion is my motto.

Linking up:

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Thank you, CA!

We all should thank CA lawmakers for setting a good example.  I just love their "nutritional information" law.  Every restaurant has to display the calories on every food item on the menu.  Genius, I tell ya!  I noticed it this summer and everytime I eat out I want to move to CA just so I know.

I know that there are websites that tell you this information.  Trust me, I use them.  But it is nice to have it right in front of your face while you are ordering.  It really makes you think twice about your meal. 

Now, can someone tell AZ to hop on board?  Please.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Monday Must Haves

Even though I'm basically done with my Christmas shopping (okay, three presents left), I still have these on my list.  Good thing my birthday is in February because maybe I'll still want them. :)

Red Skinny Jeans
Now, that I'm addicted to skinnies I'm ready to branch out with the trend and Go Red!  I have ideas in my head for some really great outfits but I just need the essential part.


I'm digging the Muppet Collection of nail polish.  I just started having my nails painted on a regular basis and my husband digs it so I need to keep it up.  I like the Shellac stuff but that is for another post.


That's it!  Okay, I'm sure there is more but it will have to wait.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Friday Plus-Dec. 9th

Friday Plus-Dec. 9th

We buy new ornaments every year.  Here is our loot for 2011.


And they are back!  My son and I were addicted to these last year.  So glad they are back again.  Love these.


As I mentioned, I'm hosting several parties this Christmas season.  Here is part of the hot chocolate bar that was served at the first party.  Gorgeous!  I can say this because I had nothing to do with it.  My friend was the brains behind this one.


Speaking of hot chocolate, we have been having it a lot lately.  Someone got carried away with his marshmallows.


Linking Up:

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Meet Jess from Running to be Skinny

Today's post is from my good friend, Jessica.  She blogs over at Running to be Skinny.  You will love her posts and writing style.  Not only does she have me laughing all.the.time, I can totally relate to everything she says.  Take it away, Jessica.


Hi, I'm a friend of Kate's, my name is Jessica and I blog over at Running To Be Skinny. I started this blog to help keep me accountable, because I love fitness, I love all blogging, I love all things motivational and because blogging about health and fitness takes the guilt out of talking about myself spending time on the computer.
When it comes to running, I'm kind of a newbie. I started running as a way to relieve stress and burn calories. At the time, I was home schooling my kids and with all the reading, snuggling, baking and putting myself last, I quickly gained twelve pounds just my first year! I knew I had to put the breaks on this fast! I started sneaking out for a short run/walk here or there and eventually I signed up for my first 5k. After that 5k (and definitely not during), I realized how much I loved running and more specifically how much I loved the feeling of finishing something I set out to do. Since then I've done a few 5k's, Pat's Run, a few 10k's and now I'm training for the Phoenix Rock n' Roll Half Marathon.
I'm still learning a lot about running and fueling properly, but here's what seems to be working for me...
1. Be specific. Have something to train for or a specific result to work toward. For me right now it's the half marathon, for you it may be to lose 25 lbs. or to qualify for Boston. Declaring I'd run a half marathon has absolutely helped me be more consistent, something I had failed to do for the last several years. Getting fit is no longer an option, in order to achieve this, I have no choice but to take the necessary steps in that direction (training and eating healthy).
2. Be vocal. Tell your friends and family, this helps keep you accountable. To be honest, this was very scary for me at first. Like most people trying to lose weight, I didn't really trust myself. I lacked self confidence, which was all the more reason I needed to this. Finishing what you start (whether it's a race or something else), gives you a feeling of accomplishment and self confidence that is like no other, not only that, being vocal can help motivate others along the way.
3. Be proactive. Have a plan. Write down specific steps as to how you'll go about achieving this goal, or get the results you're looking for. Read up on the subject. One of the first things I did when I realized running was something I wanted to get better at was sign up for Runner's World magazine, in it you will find knowledge, motivation and stories of success. There are also many great online sources. When I set my New Year's resolution to run a half, I had no idea there was such a huge online community of running bloggers. It wasn't until four month's later when my injury heeled, and I was finally ready to train, that I stumbled upon some great blogs and was inspired to start my own.
Turkey Trot 10k...my son's first race.
4. Be an example. Over the years I found myself eating more and moving less. What kind of example is that for my kids? I knew if I kept it up, they would definitely follow suit. Now, I look at my desire to lose weight and achieve goals from a mom's perspective. Making changes not only for myself but for the good of the whole family makes it that much easier to stick with. Our family benefits from having a happier mom with increased energy and more self confidence, not to mention healthier meals. When it came to moving less, I found one thing that if eliminated, would get us moving more and free up some time. For us (and this may be a little drastic but I know no other way lol), it was canceling the satellite dish. The past few weeks now we've had zero television, and guess what? Not one complaint yet! We have more time for things that really matter, it's also much easier to stay focused on our personal and family goals/tasks. 
Yoga and healthy lunches with my four year old.
5. Be positive. It's easy to let self doubt and unhealthy thoughts creep in, but don't let them! The second they do, shut it down. The way we talk to ourselves (our inner dialogue as Dr. Phil calls it), has a huge impact on us. You know the old saying 'you are what you eat'? Well, it's the same way with our thoughts, we are what we thinkIf we believe...we can achieve!! I use to think I could never run a 5k, but I did, and so it is with a half marathon. If we put in the work, stay focused and be positive...we can do just about anything. I have to remind myself of this when it comes to the other part of my goal {hence the title of my blog}, which is losing weight. When the scale is being stubborn, I HAVE to stay positive. If I'm losing inches and sticking with my running schedule, it's all good. Eventually the last ten pounds will find their way out the door, so until then I just keep moving forward...
After all, life is a (half) marathon not a sprint!!





Thanks, Jessica!  Writing down my goals sure does help me stay motivated.  Because once it is written I feel like I have to do it. :)  She loves comments so run on over (pun intended) and tell her hi.  Send my love too.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

WIWW: cold days and cardigans

It has been freezing here lately.  Okay, I realize freezing is relative but this weather has called for cardigans every day.  Don't get me wrong, I love it!  Seriously.  I believe layers make a great outfit.  Don't you?  Here goes my week of pictures:


Cardigan/pants: Old Navy
shirt: Marshall's
shoes: Ross

Shirt: Banana Republic
cardigan: Old Navy
skirt: Windsor
boots: Dillards

shirt: F21
pants: Old Navy
shoes and sweater: ???/


outfit: Old Navy
Shoes: Toms

shirt: Banana Republic
cardigan: Nordstrom's
pants: GAP
shoes: Target

Linking up:

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Working out on Vacation

I want to take a poll. 
Who works out on vacation and who uses it as their "rest" time? 

I have always worked out no matter what.  In fact, if the hotel has a crappy Fitness Center I judge them. I wake up extra early to do my workout even if we will spend the whole day "walking and sitting" at Disneyland. 

Alright, who's with me?

Monday, December 5, 2011

Monday Must Haves

Sorry I have been MIA this past week.  We extended our Thanksgiving holiday by spending the next week with Shamu, Mickey, and Friends.  This month is also fun-filled and crazy.  We are hosting several Christmas parties so if you don't see me much just know I am okay and probably just cleaning my house, going to the grocery store, or hosting a party. :)

Today's Must Haves are some new things to see at Disneyland.  I know, you have probably been many times.  So have I.  There are some must sees but I always try to do something I've never done each trip. This trip was no different.  Here are my two latest and greatest must sees at Disneyland (actually CA Adventure).

First, the Aladdin Show in CA Adventure.  It is hilarious!  The Genie steals the show and is basically just as funny as Robin Williams.  It is a must see.

Second, another CA Adventure gem, is the Disney Junior Show.  If your kid likes Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, or Handy Manny, then he will LOVE this show.  My son was dancing the entire time.  And most of the parents were singing every song. :)

Go check it out!  We loved it.