Look what I purchased today.

Today I stopped by one of my most favorite stores in the mall,  Earthbound Trading Company. I purchased two skirts similar to the pictures posted; a long and a short skirt. They are made out of recycled saris. They are reversible and made to be worn in many many different ways; skirt, shirt, dress, wrap or shrug. As a newbie to Texas, I know that these will be a light weight clothing must to beat the summer heat. I haven't figured out how to wear them yet but I am working on it. Did I say that I LOVE that store. 

Creating habits...

I think I blogged about this before. Or did I talk about it on facebook? Shoot, I cant remember. But anyway, I read that it takes 23 days to create or modify a habit before it comes second nature. I stated that I was going to work out every morning to create a habit as a new years resolution. Well, everyday I get up, throw on my workout clothes and get it in. Its second nature now.

Now, I challenge myself to cook more. I love to cook but I also LOVE to eat out. So now I am going to challenge myself in the kitchen. More creativity. More fun. No more excuses about not having time to cook. So starting today, I am going to cut eating out out for the next 23 days. I will only go out to eat once a week and then it has to be something more on the healthy side.

How does that sound? This is one of the reasons that I dont have my recipes together to share with you. My new excuse is that I dont have time anymore to cook. Well, we are SOOO over that excuse. Right?? Right!

What is one of your bad habits you would like to break?? I'm telling you, try to stop for at least 23 days and on the 24 day that bad habit may be forgotten. Try it. What do you have to lose but one bad habit?!?!

My FAV conditioner-Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner Professional

Rocking my curls has made me realize that I need more moisture, Lots and Lots of it. I have been looking and trying  a lot of different products but this has become a staple. I LOVE this conditioner. It leaves my hair so soft and it makes detangling a cinch. Since I have been dying these locks to camouflage my gray. I realize that even more moisture is the key. I use as a deep conditioner, a co-wash, or a part of my infamous wash and go's.


You can find this product practically any place. I purchased it at Walgreens for about 6 bucks.

The two products I will be trying next:

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask Professional

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Cream

Description:
The restorative power of a deep treatment is captured with the ease and convenience of a one-minute rinse. Salon-approved and scientifically proven to help even severely dry, over-processed hair feel soft, smooth and totally touchable all day, after a single use. Also for color treated hair.
Three naturally derived extracts penetrate to help moisturize each layer of the hair strand:

• Olive penetrates to the center
• Meadowfoam seed helps moisturize the middle
• Sweet almond wraps the surface

Made in USA

After shampooing, massage conditioner throughout hair, concentrating on ends. Rinse well..
© 2010 Neutrogena Corporation

What am I going to wear???

R&R is coming up next month. I havent seen my handsome husband in 6 months. What am I going to wear to the airport. It has to be something HAWT. Which means that for the next few weeks I am busting my ass with this weight thing. I want to lose a few more pounds before he gets here. I was thinking doing a 70's mod kinda thing. With the jean trousers and what not. I just don't know. I want to be looking good. I am SO excited. I just dont know what to do with myself.

Reinventing...

Last year I decided that I needed to reinvent myself into what I always wanted to be for myself. I have been a full-time Stay at home mom for 8 years. A LONG TIME!! I have worked part time here and there but for the most part I have dedicated myself to my family. Now its about that time to go back out to the workforce. I decided that I wanted to reinvent myself. I have had fun doing so. I am still evolving into a new me. I am having a lot of fun doing it.

Now, I decided that it was time to reinvent my home. My husband and I have been living like college students for so long that I decided that I needed to turn my home into something that I love. I am doing so one room at a time. I thrift, layaway, and look for sales. I want to reinvent my house but not going broke doing so. I'm having tons of fun. I am pretty much done with my living room. I just needs some new decorative pillows and a decorative something or another on my coffee table. That's about it. I score AWESOME drapes at Target when they marked them all on clearance. 40 bucks marked down to 6.50. YES!!!

I'm working on my bed room. I think that I am pretty much finished. I may have to get a few new things but I think I have everything that I want.

Now, my goal is to refinish my dining room with a budget of 500 bucks tops. Its been hard because I need a table that sits 5 or more. I will keep you posted. I will also start taking pictures.

I am really having fun discovering my style. I am loving budget shopping. Wait, I am loving shopping period. This is a lot of fun and its making time fly and my husband will be back in no time.

Did you miss me?? (In my Varnell Hill voice)

Google it!!! LOL!

Anyway, I have been a busy bee lately. I am trying to get my house all prettified for my husband visit home for R&R. Yep, you got it-I have been shopping. I have been having lots of fun doing so. How come no one told me that Ross Dress for less what such a thrifty store. I usually hate search shopping but I have been really finding some awesome deals there for the house. I am officially A D D I C T E D. I have yet to look around for shoes and clothes.

I really don't have much to say but I wanted to send out a quick hello! I miss writing. I have a recipe post, haul, a natural product review and my favorite hair things post coming up. I PROMISE!!!

See ya later.

That which does not kill us makes us stronger.

I just got home from working out and realized that I workout best when I'm solo. I do have a workout buddy but I just don't push myself as hard. Like today, I am drenched from sweat. I use to be disappointed when a workout buddy doesn't join me but now it doesn't even bother me. I am cool with it. I know that I can turn on my music, get in my zone and just go.

How did I get to this point? I realized that I can only lose this weight alone and I cant get comfortable with having people with me because they may flake out. If I want to do this I have to have the willpower to get up and get out on my own. Having company is a bonus but being able to get up and do it alone is rewarding.

Another thing that I have learned is to find a partner that is more motivated than you. Nawww, I ain't crazy but I realize that you will work harder when someone else is at a higher level than yourself. Especially someone who is not willing to slow down or lessen up because you are a beginning. They work hard and they make you work hard.

I actually believe that with friendships. There are people that may not agree with me but I think that you shouldn't be the smartest person in your circle. You don't work harder. But when you have people that are a little more motivated or drive just a little more than you, you will tend to work harder as well. Well at least that is how it works for me.

Ok, I need to get my stank butt in the shower.

Free Givenchy Fragrance

New ideas

I know that I said that I was going to post my Transformation of my bedroom. I didnt forget. I decided that I wanted to do a before and after together. I didnt want to do a before and it took me forever to do a after. I am having a HARD time finding what I want but I am getting there...I think.

Anyway, that isnt what I was intending for this post to be about.

 Talking to a new friend today, (Hiiiii! You know who you are.) she helped me decide to post pictures of some of my meals and healthy food recipes to share with the world. I do get emails and friends ask me all the time to share how I lost almost 50 lbs. I think if I post my meals and some of my ideas not only will it encourage me to eat healthy more and encourage me to discover new ideas but give some of you some ideas of what I eat. Maybe you will join my movement of eating healthy without the hassle.

I will not post every day but I will do one recipe per week to share. I hope that you enjoy this. I know this will be fun for me.

Yep, my tummy hurts!!! Girly talk

Couldnt really think of a clever title. I haven't shared this with you guys yet but I consider you friends and I want to stress the importance of paying attention to your body.

TMI warning:

So, one day I was watching Tyra's period show. I think that was the title. It was a show talking about the woman's menstrual cycle. Talking about what is normal and what's not. I realized that most of the symptoms that they stated wasn't normal was things that I have been dealing with for a few years now. At first I just brushed it off because like I said it was dealing with it for a few years now.

Then one day something told me to just go to the doctor. My mother had a hysterectomy. I needed to ensure that I was checked out. I finally made an appointment. Told my doctor my concerns. She also said that what I have been going through isn't normal.

1. I cant wear tampons because my flow is tooooo heavy
2. I have to change my pad every 20 minutes or so.
3. BAD cramps
4. Anemia
ETC ETC ETC....

Now, I go in every year for a pap but never really talk about that stuff because I wrote it off as being normal. I mean it was MY normal.

She did an exam and thought that my uterus was a bit enlarged and wanted to get a ultrasound right away.

I went to get my ultrasound today. I, indeed, had a enlarged uterus. I, also, have a fibrous uterus. Not too sure what is the next step but I will be going back to the doctor on Monday to talk about my results and my options.

Thank you, Tyra! Normally, I didnt watch her show. Heck, the show I watched is a re-run. I just learned that her show is cancelled. I guess God guided me to that show to show me that I needed to take my behind in.

I will keep you posted but I thought that I should share because getting those annual check-ups are important. Or just going in to ask questions can prevent something to come up in the future.

Its Complicated...

A status on facebook thats I will never understand. It kinda crack up every time I see people put that was their relationship status. I mean really what relationship isn't. What does it mean anyway? What does it mean that your relationship is complicated? Can I change my relationship status to complicated if my husband doesn't get me what I want for valentines day. Or can I change my status one day  if my husband forgets to clean the kitchen.?

To be absolutely serious, Do people use this status seeking attention (because people ARE nosy and will ask)? Maybe I am just a black and white kind of person. Either you are married or not. Even when separated, you are married. Either you are engaged or not. Either you got the ring, decided against the tradition of the ring, financial restrains, or its being sized. Did he/she ask? Hey, either it's this or that. Just like, Are dating or you are not? Are you able to call them boyfriend or girlfriend in public. If you cant, you are not in a relationship you are in a situation. I see it as there are no in betweens
 but that's my opinion (yes, my opinion. I have a lot of it) you are either with a person or you are not.


Maybe you can explain it to me.

How to cope during a deployment.

I am in the middle of a deployment and I get asked this a lot.

What do I do to keep busy? I make friends and try to be social with people I have things in common with. My children and I do a lot of exploring and just having fun.

There will be scary times, lonely nights, or just plain ole I hate this time but time doesn't stand still and you will be able to get though it.

Take up hobbies.

Towards the end of deployments, some families redecorate their homes. I am one of those people. I want my husband to come back to something new. It takes up a lot of time.

Go back to school. It doesn't matter whether for a degree or not but its a way to get better knowledge and meet new people. I went back to school. I also take salsa lessons and looking in to pottery classes.

Volunteer. Military services offer a lot of volunteer services.

Find a part time employment.

Go to the Gym; lose some weight or gain some muscles. The gyms on post are free. I know the gym I go to has a indoor track, rock climbing, state of the art equipment, racket ball courts, free weights, each locker room has a sauna; all for free. Even some gyms offer a snack bar.

I am a firm believer the Idle time can be destructive time.

Counseling is available, if needed. Seek out your local chapels. They also offer wonderful programs and services for the military spouse.

I hope this helps.

One question I get asked ALL the time.

What do you eat to lose all that weight? I still have a lot more weight to lose. I still eat some times that I am not supposed to especially during that time of the month! But for the most part here is what I eat...


I eat about 2043 calories per day. This was determined by a resting metabolic test and my daily exercise plan.  I also exercise 5 days per week. I walk 4 miles per day and on Thursday I add Salsa lessons to my workout plan. 


Remember what I eat may not be what you can it. You have to base your plan on your lifestyle.  I know some that have GAINED eating what I eat because all bodies are different. You have to eat based on your exercise routine, as well. You body needs that fuel if you are exercising a lot. I make a point to drink at least 64 ozs of water per day. I also drink a cup of green tea before bed. 




Breakfast: Around 600 calories

• FiberOne Cereal with Almonds or nut clusters Or a cereal with high fiber and low sugar and nuts. I eat with Almond milk. It's less calories than skim milk and taste better...me too!

• I LOVE oatmeal. My favorite flavors is Rice and spice and Hazelnut Latte. I usually go with the Quaker brand that is geared to the adults because of the low sugar and high fiber (you see where I am getting at...LOTS of fiber).

• I also eat egg beaters. I usually scramble with "Fresh" veggies or a veggie omelet.

• I do eat pancakes but I use whole wheat, sweet potatoes, or something on those lines.

That is my usual breakfast. Once in a while, will eat some other things but this is what I eat basically. 

Snack: 100-300 calories x's 2. I eat a snack before lunch and before dinner. 

 

• Fruit "fresh"
• Snap peas

• Tall (12oz) Caramel Machiatto Skinny ...Remember that you should limit your caffeine beverages to 16 oz per day. 105 calories

• Biscottis- 150 calories

• Petite Vanilla Bean Scone 140 calories

• Sometimes those breakfast bars. 

• Tuna salad with  6 oz of tuna, A teaspoon of lite Miracle whip, relish and 6 fat-free crackers (usually made for a before dinner snack but will eat any of the above as a before dinner snack)

See What I eat is pretty normal every day stuff. Also if you cant tell, I am a Starbuck's addict. 

Dinner: 400 to 600 calories x's 2 to include lunch. 

Also, my lunch is usually the same as dinner but on a smaller scale per say. 

• I LOVE seafood. I would eat it all day everyday if it wasnt so expensive. I eat pork, chicken, and turkey. I no longer get beef. 
• I eat a meat, veggie, and a starch for dinner. 
• I also eat salads. I make sure that I put lots of veggies on it with chicken or some sort of seafood.
• I also LOVE soups. 
• I eat a lot of veggies
• I stick with brown rice

I eat anything I want. I just make sure that my meat is about the size of my palm. No frying. I even have a brand of oven fried that is DELICIOUS!!! The brand is Kentucky something and its not like typical oven fry. It is actually REALLY yummy!! 

I also eat fast food BUT I am wise about what I eat. I also go to restaurants to eat. My key is to go lean. Most fast food joints offer fries alternatives; apples, apple sauce, side salad. I also began to keep a bottle of water with me at all time since most places only offer diet soda as a sugar free drink. Though, I HEART Chick Fil A diet lemonade. 

I do not drink sugar beverages, well 90 % of my drinks are sugar-free. My wine isnt sugar-free but I only drink that once in a blue moon. 

Late Snack (dessert): 100-200 calories

• Yoplait fat-free yogurt (usually is my dessert)
• Once in a while I will eat the skinny cow brands (usually for my dessert)
• Also SmartOnes Desserts, rarely

Shoedazzle February pick of the month

I am in a bit of a pickle this month. I only need one pair but I like two. Which one would YOU pick?



Sorry I dont know why the first one is blurry.

I want you to know that I am not a affiliate of shoedazzle. I pay for every selection I make monthly. It's a cool shoe club that I love.