Weekend Recap

This weekend was one of the most laid back weekends I have had in a long time, and it was much needed...After the whirlwind of a summer that we had, it's nice to actually be getting back into a routine and to not have to jump from one thing to the next every single weekend!

Friday night we took it very easy, as the hubs was out of town until after 7, so Madden and I went and grabbed a red box movie, picked up some Greek takeout, came home, ate dinner outside and then went and grabbed some Sonic shakes before heading back home, putting Madden down and settling in to watch the movie ("This is 40")...the hubs of course was zonked out 10 minutes in, so I watched the movie alone while inhaling my peanut butter fudge malt...which was, by the way, heaven!!  Highly recommend if you are feeling naughty and want to indulge on something sweet :)

Saturday morning I let the boys sleep in while I headed out for a beautiful early morning run around a nearby lake, followed by some push-ups and tricep dips in our front driveway to start the day.  The hubs had to go into work to get caught up from the week, so M and I watched cartoons and played for a bit before we went to the grocery store to grab a few things for the little "shindig" we were having at our house that night.

We had a few friends over for a grill out and on the menu was the following:

• Cheeseburgers and Brats
• Homemade Chex Mix
  
• My Mom's Corn Salsa
  
• Sweet Corn on the Cob
• Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
  
• Aaron's Mom's Famous Strawberry Dessert

I spent the rest of the afternoon slaving away in the kitchen getting things prepped, made and ready for the night, so by the time 5:30 rolled around, I think I sat down once...It was all worth it though, as we spent the night laughing, eating, drinking and playing cards on the deck until the wee hours of the night, enjoying the gorgeous weather and even better company.

Sunday morning we all slept in past 9, which felt amazing.  I whipped up some bacon and some "southwestern style scrambled eggs" with peppers, onions, corn and mexi-cheese that we ate outside before it got too hot.

The hubs had to go back into work, so M and I headed to the park for a bit before coming home and taking his bike out around the block a few times...When A got home, and after naptime, we packed up and went to see "Planes" as a family.  It was a cute movie, but a little too deep for a 2 year old...he got a little antsy about halfway through, but surprisingly we made it through the whole thing (with only one potty break!)

I wasn't too creative with my dinner plans last night, as we had so many leftovers from the weekend that we just reheated some of those and called it a night.  We were all in bed by 8:30 and I felt fantastic when I woke up this morning...This was definitely the relaxing weekend we were needing to recharge ourselves.

What about y'all?  Any fun activities this past weekend?  Did you take your kiddos to any good movies?  Do tell!

Until next time...

Friday Faves...

Yippee Skippy!!  We have made it to the weekend!!  Ok, well almost.  I mean, y'all know how I like to count Friday as the first day of the weekend...I think they should make that a new law that the weekend starts on Friday...a three day break for all.  I think we all would be much happier campers, don't you?!

Anyway, in typical Friday fashion, I am linking up for my fave little party of the entire week: "Five on Friday" with Darci over at the good life blog and some other spectacular ladies...So here's what I've been loving on this week:

{1.}
This boy.  He started back to Montessori Preschool on Monday, so today marks his first full week of school.  He wasn't too sure about it the first few days, because he moved up to the "big boy" room (as we like to call it) and so he had to leave all of his other friends behind from last semester.  But, as of this morning, his teacher informed me that he is thriving and becoming "Mr. Social" in the classroom.  Big surprise on that one.  This kid would talk to a pole if he had to.  :)  I can't wait to see how much he learns and grows this year!

{2.}

So I might be just slightly obsessed with any and all things s'mores.  S'mores cookies?  Yes.  S'mores bars?  Mmmmhmmm.  S'mores ice cream?  Sign me up!  Soooo, leave it to good 'ol Pinterest to win me over with this little gem of a s'mores recipe!  Combining the amazing taste of Muddy Buddies (aka puppy chow around these parts) with the absolutely phenomenal taste of s'mores, and you got yourself a winner!!  S'mores Muddy Buddies.  Try 'em.

{3.}

Two words:  Frozen Pineapple.  I am not kidding you guys when I declare my love for this stuff!  I am actually munching on a bowl of this deliciousness as I'm typing up this post.  I have probably eaten 3/4 of the bag already, and I just bought it on Tuesday.  It is seriously so sweet, that I feel like I'm eating dessert without any guilt!  Costco for the win!!  (again!)

{4.}

So, I mentioned last week that I am in full party planning mode for my sister's bachelorette in a few short weeks...well, until that day comes, I am going to be throwing in a few of my ideas...it's just so much more fun to plan when there are so many great ideas floating around Pinterest the internet!  How fabulous would one of these glitter stemmed wine glasses be, tucked in their goodie bag?  And completely fool proof!  I'm thinking of dipping them in gold, silver and hot pink glitter to match the color scheme of the whole party...I know I'd love to take one of these bad boys home with me!

{5.}

You guys.  I cannot stress this enough.  My love for this little drinky drink is beyond comprehension.  I have made mention of it three different times in the past week and a half, but it has never made it to my Friday Faves, so I must include it.  Root Beer Float Vodka and Cherry Coke Zero.  No joke, it is hand's down my cocktail of choice.  If you like root beer floats, you will be in heaven when you taste this little beauty.  It is phenomenal.  Try it tonight.  You won't regret it!

Welp, that about does it for me!  I hope y'all have a spectacular weekend!

Until next time...

I'm just not quite ready...

To make this blog public yet.  You know, I've gone back and forth about going public with my blog for quite some time now.  I went into great depth about my thought process on the whole subject in this post.  And to be honest, I literally almost hit the "share on Facebook" button many times.  I've wanted to take a screen shot of my blog and instagram it.  I've been tempted to email the posts to family members just to see what kind of response I would get.  And each time it came time to do that, I've chickened out.

I mean, where else can I go to post completely random thoughts, videos and pictures of myself without feeling like I'm being judged??  Where else can I talk about trials, hurdles and struggles without wondering what my friends are thinking of me?

This is my place.  My place of quiet.  My place of soothing, calming, relaxation.  This screen is empty, until I fill it with words that make me, me!  I can truly, 100% be myself here.  What you see on this screen, is exactly who I am.  I don't hide things.  I don't sugar coat things.  This is the real deal, Jenna.  I just feel like, sometimes, with my "real life" friends, I have to word things a certain way as to not press any buttons.  To make everything seem perfect.  When in all actuality, that's not who we, as humans, are.

So, I come here (almost) everyday, and speak my mind.  I know that y'all are out there reading me, and either laughing, making fun, or judging me...but you know what the great part about blogging is??  We are a community.  We all started blogging for a reason.  It might not all be the same reason, but we are here to support one another through it all.  Now, I'm not an idiot, and I know that there are definitely some negative Nelly's out there, but I don't personally know them, so they can't hurt me or my feelings. (For too long, anyway!)

If you don't care to read about my life, then go another way.  It may be brutally honest to some, but it's the truth.  I am doing this for me.  I started this blog for that reason, not exactly knowing what all came with it, and just letting it kind of take care of itself.  But, with that, and by being me, I have found some of the most amazing blog friends a girl could ever ask for!!  I am not kidding you when I say that I know of at least a handful of women out there in blogland, that I've never actually met, that would be in my corner and would watch my back if I ever needed them to.  And that, my friends, is more than I could ever ask for.

I don't want to have to spare my words on here, in fear of hurting one of my real life friends' feelings.  I don't want them to look at me any differently just because I said something that they didn't agree with.  I want to be able to post "selfies" of myself.  My son.  My house.  I want to brag about the great, and complain about the bad.  To share life's ups and downs without wondering what they are thinking.  And that, y'all is why I'm just not quite ready.

Yep...definitely wouldn't be posting these to facebook and instagram...

Will I be in the future??  Maybe...But until that day comes, I'm going to keep on, keeping on... :)

Until next time...

So What?

Hey there lovelies! I'm back. Sorry for the "no-show" yesterday...the day slipped away from me as I was running a hundred errands, cleaning, laundry and adjusting to Madden being back in school...my morning routine is a lot more rushed now that we have to be out the door by 8 am. But, I am glad to actually have a routine again, so I should just stop with the complaining!

Anyway, since it is Wednesday, it's time for me to say "so what" and for another edition of "so what Wednesday"...

So what:

If this post is coming to you straight from my phone after 3:00 in the afternoon. I promise I will get into this "back to school" swing of things shortly...just hang with me!

If I'm addicted to a sweet little frozen treat that I found at Costco yesterday...I don't feel guilty about eating half the bag in one sitting either since all it contains is pineapple...have y'all ever tried frozen pineapple?? Absolutely delish. Lemme tell ya! I've had this for dessert for my last two meals and it definitely hits my sweet tooth without the guilt...double win! You can find it in the frozen fruit aisle. Go get yoself some...

If I'm scrambling to find a babysitter for 5:30...tonight...the hubs just texted me and said he needed me to come to a dinner with a potential client tonight and work my "womanly charm" on him...of course I'm trying my hardest, as I can't pass up a steak dinner with endless wine, but have y'all ever tried to get a babysitter with only 4 hours notice?? It's next to impossible...keep your fingers crossed for me!!

If I have been living in flowy tops and dresses the past few days...all this medication that I'm on has made me bloat up like a stuffed pig. I know it will all be worth it (hopefully) but until then, those are the only things I feel comfortable in! Wahhhh!!! :(

If I only spent $65 on 20 items for Madden for this fall/winter at a consignment sale this morning. That included everything from a Gap wool peacoat, a Ralph Lauren jacket, two pairs of Gap khakis, and about 15 Gap, j crew and Ralph Lauren sweaters, sweatshirts and button ups. I definitely had great luck and am not ashamed to admit I consigned it all...he's just going to outgrow it all in a few months anyway, right??! 

If I'm going through my closet tomorrow and going to purge about half of it. Have you ever just walked into your closet, looked around and hated the majority of what was in there. Yep. I'm at that point...hence the itch to purge. Question for y'all...if I posted some of my things on this 'ol blog, would any of y'all be interested?? Just throwin that idea out there. If I get enough interest, I'll definitely do a closet sale! Keep that in mind!

Alright dearies...it's time for me to sign off. Gotta find that babysitter, get cleaned up and figure out what to wear...the clock is a tickin!

Until next time...

Weekend Replay

Good Monday morning to all of you lovelies out there!  Is it just me, or does the weekend seem to go by faster and faster every week?  Whether we want to admit it or not, a new week has begun and it's time for us to get back after it...But before my week can officially start, let's replay what went down this last weekend!

Friday evening was very relaxed...the hubs was actually home shortly after five (which never, ever happens!) so we took advantage of it by mixing up some cocktails and sitting on the deck while Madden ran around in the backyard.  I, of course poured myself my new fave obsession: Cherry Coke Zero and Root Beer Float Vodka.  Seriously, guys.  I can't express my love for this enough.  Just try it.

A couple of our friends came over shortly after and we sent the guys to grab us dinner. (some delish mexican from our fave taco hut) We played a few hands of cards and called it an early night...my favorite way to start a weekend!

Saturday morning was a 7 mile run outside in the beautiful 65 degree weather, before anyone was even stirring in the house!  I was able to get that run in, have a cup of coffee and catch up on a few of my fave blogs before either of my boys woke up!  This was followed by a morning full of cartoons, cereal and pretend play with this guy:

After a lazy morning and nap time, we all three packed up the car and headed back to our hometown for our niece's 13th birthday party...Madden, of course, ran wild with his cousins while we were able to catch up with the fam, with a bonfire and smore's!

After a late night of not getting home until after midnight, we all slept in until after 9, which was fabulous...Then, as I was laying in bed waiting for everyone to wake, I was perusing IG and saw a picture that Darci from The Good Life Blog had posted which included coffee and donuts, (in beautiful Darci fashion it looked too pretty to eat) and I immediately turn to the hubs and said: "I need coffee and donuts."  And that led to this:

This was followed up with a two hour long family walk (to burn off said donuts)  and a trip to the park to burn off some more energy before nap time!  We then headed over to a couple of our friends' house for homemade pizza, caprese, and I brought this greek salad...so simple, and so yummy!

We headed home a little later than planned, which led to a meltdown in the bathtub and a screaming toddler from his bedroom for over a half hour...when he finally decided to give in and fall asleep!

This morning was crazy as we had to get back into the swing of things with Madden starting his first day of preschool!  He was overly excited about it and actually let me get a few quick shots with his backpack on the front steps...and yes, I will be that Mom that continues to take a first day of school picture until he's 18...I just can't help it!

Whew!!  What a weekend!  Nothing too crazy, but it definitely flew by!  Can't wait to get this week started...I have a feeling it's going to be a good one ;)

Until next time...

Friday Faves

Welcome to the best day of the week, y'all!  We've survived...and the weekend is within our grasp...so let's get this party started with my fave link up of the week with some pretty legit ladies and about a few hundred other bloggers that have been linking up too!

Here are the five things that top my "Five on Friday"...Enjoy!

{1.}  These shorts.  Oh man, how I love these shorts.  I bought them on my last trip to Arizona when they were already deeply discounted and then I had a coupon for another 30% off any item.  I'm pretty sure I walked away with them for under $15...And they have been one of my fave items for this summer.  They are super comfy and can be paired with just about anything.  From a simple tee, to a button up.  Check them out.  I can almost guarantee they will quickly become your faves too!

White Crocheted Shorties found Here

{2.} So, our sweet Minnesotan friends that visited us this past weekend left us with a box of goodies to thank us for our hospitality while they were here.  I was like a kid on Christmas morning opening up this box as I was falling in love with each item I pulled out...but these Flour Sack Towels definitely take the cake!  Not only are they super fun and cheery, but I've already used one and they are amazing!  I definitely recommend them if not for yourself, but as an adorable house warming or shower gift!  They come in lots of colors and patterns too...And, at $10.99 for a three pack, you can't beat the price!

I'm pretty sure these are calling my name for next summer...

{3.}  Now that August is officially here, that can only mean one thing:  Fall isn't too far behind!!  As we had a glimpse into what the temps will be like in a few short weeks, I've begun going through my closet and sorting out pieces that can be carried over into the fall...I love me a good maxi dress, but hate that they seem to only scream summer.  So, I began some research on the good 'ol Pinterest and I couldn't believe all of the options for sporting the maxi with the cooler temperatures.  Here are a couple of my fave looks that I am definitely going to try to interpret:

{4.}  Our niece is celebrating her 13th birthday this weekend, and I always feel like I should bring something to the party...I never want to show up empty handed, but I don't want to be slaving away in the kitchen for hours on end.  So when I asked my sister-in-law if I could bring this salsa, she quickly said yes!  This is a recipe my Mom has been using for years, and it is a huge hit at every party we go to.  Trust me.  If you make this, you won't be coming home with any.  That bowl will literally be licked clean!

I don't have an actual picture of my salsa yet, but here is the recipe and the image source

{5.}  Well, with less than one month to go until my little sister's bachelorette party, I'm definitely in full party planning mode!!  I want this to be a memorable experience for her, with momentos that she can cherish and look back on for years to come (whether she wants to remember that night or not!)  The invites have officially all been sent, and some RSVP's are already rolling in...so when I found this clever idea when doing some research, I just knew it would be the perfect "blackmail" bachelorette souvenir!  How much fun would these "morning after" snapshots be in their gift bags?  I can only imagine what I'm going to look like...

That about does it for this edition of my "Five on Friday!"  I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!  Cheers y'all!

Until next time...

Why the Scale is a Liar.

I've never liked the scale.  I mean, really...who does??  That sucker can be your friend one day and then  your enemy the next.  And I used to have an unhealthy obsession with it.  Like, to the point that we had a get together every morning...me buck naked, after I've gone potty (because everyone knows that you lose at least a pound by doing that, right??) I would hold my breath, close my eyes and then look down to see what my "frenemy" had to say.

Sad thing is, whatever it said, totally set my mood for the day.  If I saw a number that I liked, then I would feel great, automatically be in a positive mood, and nothing could bring me down all day long.  Then, the next day would roll around and I would be up a pound or two, or three...and then I did a 180 with my mood that day.  The complete opposite of the day before.  It was awful.  Why would I do that to myself??

That's when I decided to take a hiatus from that sucker.  Just cut it out of my life...cold turkey.  And guess what?  I haven't been on my scale at home since my last post a couple months ago about breaking up with the scale.  Until today.  (Although I did have to weigh in on my annual exam visit about a month ago, which I talked about in this post.)

I''ve always found that my "happy weight" is somewhere between 130-132...that's just where I felt good about myself.  I could handle those numbers.  But the minute I was over those, I would immediately be pissed off.  Well, I have been the happiest, felt the greatest and have just been, overall, in the best mood since not having to have a morning date with that devil.  So I always figured I was in that range.  Until I stepped on it this morning and saw this:

 Yep.  134.2.  A little over 2 pounds over my highest "happy weight" number.  In the past, if I would have seen that I would have gone into complete panic mode.  I would immediately have gone and ran on the treadmill for over an hour to sweat off what obviously was water weight, right?  Ha!

But for some reason, today, I had a completely different reaction.  I was content.  Actually, I was happy with that number.  What's different now, versus a couple months ago?  Well, I've actually been able to enjoy myself.  My entire mood wasn't based around that number, so I have learned to live.  To not freak out over that donut that I had for breakfast on Saturday morning, or the chocolate sundae I had on Sunday night, for fear that the number would reflect that the next morning.

I worked hard to get to where I am.  And I still continue to work on it every day.  I used to think that if I ate bad things, even on occasion, that I would go back to where I was three years ago.

Then.  180 lbs.  And terribly out of shape.

But that's not true.  The difference between then and now is a WHOLE lot!!  I actually eat "clean" 75% of the time and work out six days a week...versus "then" when I wasn't eating clean at all and not working out even a single day out of the week.  There's just a slight difference in those scenarios, huh?? 

Today.  After the weigh in...And guess what?  I'm actually happy and smiling!  That number ain't got nothin on me!!

So, moral of the story is this: you can't let that dang devil of a scale control you.  That number isn't everything.  In fact, the only thing that is "everything" is how you feel, and how healthy you are.  Whether you are where you want to be or not, as long as you are working to be a better you, or the best you, ultimately, that is all that matters!

Will you join me in saying "adios" to the scale?  I'm not hopping back on there for at least a couple more months...if at all (unless it's necessary at the doctor's office).  Will you do the same?  If you can't do it all at once, do it in baby steps...maybe just once a week.  Then every other week.  Then once a month until it's cut out of your routine.  Try it and see what a difference it makes in you!

Until next time...