A Magical Week In NYC

So I have the most fabulous parents, and my mom is extra fabulous.

They are always doing things for their kids and making the extra effort to spend time with us.

So in September my mom surprised my sister-in-law Jacqueline and I

with a fun email outlining an amazing girls trip to NYC that would be happening in December.

We looked forward to the trip for 3 months and last week it was time!

So here goes my attempt to tell you all about it.

I will include a few reviews as well of places we went.

The trip began early tuesday morning with first-class tickets to the city.

I've actually never flown first-class inside of the United States so that was an extra fun detail!

No lines, AND they put your bags out first at baggage claim so I didn't have to wait too long in the cab line once I got to the city.

I caught a cab to time-square where we were staying and met my mom at the hotel.

My sister-in-law wasn't getting in for a few more hours so we had some time to kill together.

So we decided to hit up my dads favorite Chinese restaurant. 

Now my dad has been going to NYC for 30 years now so he is THE guy when it comes

to places to eat, he's got a place for everything, and being an even bigger foodie than

I am, he never disappoints.

Main Noodle House, 4 Stars:

The reason I am not giving it a 5 is simply because it's a whole in the wall kind of place. Tiny restaurant, with as many tables as they could possibly fit in the place. 

We ate at 2:30 p.m. and it was JAMMING.  

They do get people in and out very quickly so you never have to wait long for a table.

If you are wanting Chinese in the city this will satisfy any craving.

It is cheap by NYC standards and as traditional as it gets in the United States.

My mom and I shared a shrimp with mixed vegetables, and a beef with green beans (both were heavenly). 

Be sure to get the crispy wonton chips!

Then it was back to the hotel because Jacqueline was arriving.  

When we checked in to our room my mom had these little bird cages sitting on our beds 

stuffed full of little goodies! 

After checking in we got ready to attend a couple of "footwear events" with my dad.

Yes, my dad was part of the girls week.

When your dad has worked in the fashion industry his entire career he has to be in on the NYC girls trip!

A little blurry!

So we went to 2 events that night.  Now my mom and I are very use to these events but

it was Jacqueline's first time at them, and we saw A LOT of celebs.
She was excited about seeing celebs so it made it more exciting for my mom and I than it normally is.
We saw Kristen Cavallari, Olivia Palermo, Steve Madden, Tory Burch, Brian Boy, and most importantly Jessica Simpson (I think she is so cute and down to earth)!
Here is my paparazzi shot of her.

After the events it was time for a late night dinner at Eataly!
This was my favorite place we ate at.

Eataly, 5 Stars:
Eataly is like a mini Borough Market, but only upscale Italian products.
You can shop for groceries and produce, and eat dinner.
It is divided into sections, and you can only eat the food at it's intended section so you are constantly moving to a new table to eat the next type of food.
  Cheeses, Breads, Pastas, Veggies, Meats, Fish (you get the idea).
We started with a cheese/meat board so we could try the different proscuittos and cheeses, they were all to die for.
Then we moved on to the grilled vegetable station.
After that I had a piece of halibut that really hit the spot.
And we finished with gelato, heavenly, heavenly gelato.
Eataly is a true Italian foodie experience where there is definitely something for everyone!
I only wish I wasn't moving in a week otherwise I would have bought a bottle of imported olive oil.

Wednesday was a shopping day, and boy did we shop!
Zara, H&M, Forever21, Century21 but my favorite was the huge C. Wonder store!
We have one in Columbus but this one was very large.
They were having a 40% off sale on almost the whole store so all of us really loaded up!
After hours and hours of shopping we needed some recoop. time before the evenings festivities.
Another footwear party before we hit broadway.

I really liked my outfit for this event.
A long full skirt with my new C.Wonder pumps.

That evening we saw Motown.  Here is my review.

Motown, 3 Stars:
I'm sorry Motown I REALLY wanted to like you.
This is my music people, I grew up listening to The Temps, Stevie Wonder, and The Jackson 5.
Both of my parents listen to this music so I did in fact know every song going into it.
BUT, the story line was mediocre at best.  It turned into a "how many songs can
we fit in one play?" kind of thing.
And it was ONE BIG TRIBUTE to DIANA ROSS.
Sorry, Diana is great and all but there are SO many Motown artists
that were better than her, there was just too much Diana.
The saving grace of this play was the man who played Smokey Robinson, he was DEAD ON.
The little Michael Jackson was adorable,
but the David Ruffin (The Temptations) wasn't even close.
Sorry, David Ruffin was a legend and whoever was playing him just did not get it.
Diana was dead on as well, the actress who played her was fantastic,
I just didn't need 20 Diana numbers.
All that being said Motown is FUN!
 You will jam along and know a lot of songs.
But, Motown will not become a Broadway staple, plain and simple.

Thursday was Russian Day, as we called it.
We attended the Manhattan Temple which was much needed.
I came down with some sort of flu on Thursday and was feeling terrible, but I didn't want to miss out on anything on this trip so I pushed myself, I saw a doctor and started on antibiotics but was still sick as a dog.
Upon arriving at the temple the peace and quite compared to the noisy city was just what the
doctor ordered.
After the temple we ate dinner at the Russian Tea Room.
My appetite had been gone all day so I didn't feel much like eating but I directed
everyone as to what was good to eat.
Our waiters were less than impressed with us when they realized we wouldn't be ordering
vodka, or caviar (their two big ticket items).
We ordered Russian blini (crepes), borsht (beet soup), chicken kiev (butter wrapped with chicken, fried), beef stroganoff, and tea.
I got to speak Russian with our waiter which was fun (it has been a while), and I ate a little
soup and tea which helped my throat.

After dinner we were off to the ballet to see The Nutcracker!

The Nutcracker, 4.5 Stars:

This was my parents first time seeing Ballet so I really wanted them to like it.

However, after the first act was over they were like, "why are there only kids dancing?"

Ha! Well they were kind of right, the only adult ballet in the first act is the last scene "snow"(which is amazing) in The Nutcracker.  The first hour literally was kids running places.

However, my parents were RAVING at the end because the second act was unbelievable.

Every scene was perfection and the dancers were so beautiful. (and mostly adults)

The Nutcracker really captured the magic of Christmas time.

Listening to the music of Tchaikovsky always gives me a greater appreciation of Russian culture.

Our last day in the city was Friday, Jacqueline's birthday! 

We started at Bloomingdale's, I really wanted to go jean shopping, and they were having a sale.

Jack is like a jean fitting ninja and helped me find two pairs that I absolutely love!

I usually hate jean shopping and leave empty handed but I probably tried on 20 different

pairs and figured out what really works for me, happy day!

Then it was off to the races to get to the 9/11 memorial.

The line at the memorial was absolutely crazy (and it was raining).  

But it was worth it, the memorial(s) are very powerful and beautiful.

We were a bit disappointed however, that the museum is not yet open.

After the memorial we picked up tickets to the final activity of our trip...PHANTOM!
Jack had never seen it so it so we figured we needed to go to a classic Broadway show after
the Motown experience.

It was dinner and a show for Jacqueline's b-day and it was A BLAST!

Phantom Of The Opera: 5 Stars
Now don't get me wrong, I like Phantom, I have seen it several times.
However, It isn't my all time favorite musical, so going in I was like "oh this will be fun"
 (I did not expect to be blown away).  But blown away I was!
The two male leads starring in this show right now are PHENOMENAL, they do not get better
than this folks.  If you have a chance to see a show this holiday season, Phantom should be it.

After running, running, running for 4 days straight I left NYC sick as I possibly could be
but with a HAPPY heart.  Thanks again to my parents for such an impeccable trip!

Thanksgiving Extravaganza

The last few weeks have been BUSY! 

They have been so busy in fact that they might explain 

why I am sitting in bed very sick on this lovely sunday morning.

They were well worth it though because they were jam packed with FAMILY.

So while I am confined to my bed I will try to catch up on all of the recent festivities around here.

Let's start with Thanksgiving week.

The Bird clan all came to us this year! How lucky are we?

They were all escaping the record freezing cold in Ohio and New York 

so the 80 degrees and humidity were just what everyone needed.

Roger and Paige rented a house for the week with a pool and private beach access

so we all had a ball!  Even if the weather wasn't as ideal as Logan and I would have hoped for

no one else seemed to mind.

The week included lots of pool and beach time, 

yummy food from all of Logan and I's favorite local spots,

a non-traditional thanksgiving dinner at Texas de Brazil (so fun, because who really wants to cook on a beach vacation anyway? Especially in someone else's kitchen),

an everglades field trip, puppy shopping (no I didn't buy one, not for a few years anyway), and most importantly family time.

I really didn't take enough pics this week but here are a few! 

Thanks again to the best in-laws a girl could have, and for making the week happen!

30-Day Shred Level 2/Melbourne Beach Fun

So like I said, the first level of 30-Day Shred proved to be too easy for my taste.

I just wasn't sweating enough or feeling challenged.

So last week I moved up to level 2 and I really enjoyed it.

It was far more challenging and had me working up a good sweat by the end.

I would stick with my assessment so far that 30-Day Shred is great for people who have

not been very active before starting it, and great for people on a time crunch (IE: new mommies).

However it's just not going to be a physical transformation like

Insanity is.  But a great little workout program to get you in the habit

of working out.  I am enjoying it right now as the busy holiday season is

approaching I just don't have as much time to devote to working out.

I mean let's get real, hanging with family and loved ones is SO much better

than getting in a good sweat. So I am glad I have these

short workouts to do for the next month before I start on a more

strict regimen come January.

Speaking of family time, Logan and I got to spend some time 

with my Aunt and Uncle and cousins this weekend.

They rented a beach house in Melbourne, Florida (about 2 hours north of us) and invited us

up for a few days! Boy did we have fun soaking in some rays and playing in the ocean.

I must admit, my 8 month-old cousin Taggert is a real cutie pie, he is darling, don't ya think? 

 Logan skim boarding

My Cousin Kaylee and Aunt Jenna

And here is a nice little slice of heaven to leave you with! 

We are kinda spoiled down here with such lovely weather.

The beginning of the 30-Day Shred

So this week I started Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred.

I've said before I dig Jillian Michael's.  

She has a strong, in-shape bod (no stick figures in her work-out videos)

and she is no-nonsense, tells you how it is.

However, after completing Insanity, this week of 30-day Shred was too easy for me
(It was good recovery thought after the beating I took with Insanity).

For those of you who are not familiar with 30-day shred it is divided in to 3 workouts.  

Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3,

 and you are suppose to stay at one level until you are comfortable to move on. 

You work out 6 days a week (just like Insanity).

Well I was probably ready to move on after day 1 but I wanted to give it a chance.

So today I will move on to Level 2 and I will also be adding in extra cardio from now on

because these workouts are only 27 minutes long! That is including warm-up and cool-down!

I know I know I should be jumping for joy about no more 60 minute workouts like Insanity

but so far it's just not enough exercise for me.

I love that there are weights incorporated because I missed that with Insanity

but I am definitely hoping levels 2 and 3 will up the intensity big time.

So far I feel that this program is MUCH more suited for people who have not been previously

very active.  I think for example this would be GREAT for new moms, you defintely won't hurt yourself as I feel you would if you did Insanity as your first program back after baby.

And it's a SHORT work-out which would also be nice for the new mommies.

But I'll keep doing it and give a final review at the end. 

I thought I would throw out a product for you to try today.

Let's talk protein powder!

It use to scare me as there are SO many different types and people can be nutso about their protein!

But my brother-in-law introduced me to this one and I'm hooked!

Recovery AFTER your workout is just as important as your work-out.

You can do a great work-out but if you don't refuel your body with the right nutrients

your body won't retain those muscles you've been working.

So I use EAS Lean 15, lean and toned protein powder.

Two scoops is only 100 calories so you won't be adding bulk to your frame.

I combine the 2 scoops with 5 ice cubes, 1 cup skim milk, 1 banana, and a TBSP. of honey in a blender

and YUM.  It tastes like a treat but it's really fueling your body.

It is important to drink your protein no more than 1 hour after your workout (I always drink

mine right after) or it won't do it's job.

P.S. I tried the chocolate flavor (not nearly as good, stick to the vanilla).

Happy exercising people! 

An Easy Week-Day Meal

It's the season of soup and I love it! 

Last week  Logan and I went to Texas de Brazil for my birthday

And I figured the next day we needed a little detox from meat

so that's where this vegetarian soup came in to play.

It's SO easy and fast. 

Italian Spinach and Tortellini Soup:

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

9 oz. of tortellini (fresh or frozen is fine, I used fresh Bertolli)

1 14.5 oz. can of Italian diced tomatoes (the kind with spices and garlic already in it)

4 oz. Cream Cheese

2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you are true vegetarian)

1/2 bag of fresh spinach

Directions:

1.  Add all ingredients to a pot EXCEPT spinach

2. Bring to a boil and stir until cream cheese is well-incorporated

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes

3. Add spinach and stir until spinach is soft

**It may seem like a lot of spinach but remember greens cook down A LOT!

**Also if you wanted to add meat to this dish Italian sausage would be a great option, just

cut up and sautee before adding the other ingredients.

Serve with shavings of fresh parmesan. 

The End of Insanity!!

Today wrapped up my last day of Insanity

That would be 9 weeks of working out 6 days a week! 

I feel so accomplished, and so strong.

I pushed myself to the limit mentally and physically and I DID IT!

Here are my final fit test results

Day 1:  Each exercise is done for 1 minute each

Switch Kicks: 70

Power Jacks: 40

Power Knees : 60

Power Jumps: 20

Globe Jumps: 9

Suicide Jumps: 10

Push-Up Jacks: 14

Low Plank Oblique: 35

Day 63 (today):

Switch Kicks: 125

Power Jacks: 65

Power Knees: 100

Power Jumps: 35

Globe Jumps: 13

Suicide Jumps: 16

Push-Up Jacks: 30

Low Plank Oblique: 70

And of course as promised my picture results, this takes a lot of bravery to post these

for the world to see so be kind :)

Here is to taking a break tomorrow and then starting a new workout journey. 

A Very Happy Birthday

Man was I spoiled this year!

So many people made my day special and I feel so grateful!

I kicked off my day a day early by getting a facial and my nails done on tuesday, it was so heavenly.

I went with oxblood with some festive dots. 

Yesterday started with my favorite breakfast, Panera bagels! 

I have this love affair with Panera and every other "bakery" ish place just pales in comparison, zupas, kneaders, don't even get me started, I'll have to do a review on the three one day on here so you can understand my reasoning.

Anyways, having been eating very plain and healthy breakfasts while doing Insanity having

my favorite asiago cheese bagel with cream cheese was a GRAND treat

because I usually either have oatmeal, or eggs, it gets pretty boring.

After breakfast with my husband I got busy doing my online class and wrote and submitted a paper, very productive.  

Then my husband came home with our favorite tostadas from our favorite

Mexican place for lunch and worked from home the rest of the day.

After lunch I took a nap and then it was time for my Insanity workout.

It was easy to be motivated to do it yesterday because I knew we were going to

Texas De Brazil for dinner PLUS I knew it was my last time doing that specific workout

as this week is my last! 

So after sweating it out for 55 minutes It was time to get ready for dinner.

I had bought a special "birthday shirt" at nordstrom last week so I was excited, I know

how lame that I bought myself a present? But sometimes those are the best kind of presents.

Then it was off to the land of unlimited steak.

Something you may not know about me, growing up I would not eat red meat, or much of any meat for that matter, I would only eat fish.  

Not because I am some weird animal rights activist or anything like that,

it just grossed me out.  I actually got mono and became severely anemic in high school

so I decided I should probably eat more iron so I could be healthy, but still I wouldn't eat red meat, like I hadn't had a hamburger in about 10 years! 

Then Russia came (it kind of changed me in every way possible if you can't tell by now) and I was eating even less meat because I was afraid of the sanitation issues so by the time I returned to the

states I was CRAVING meat, any kind.  So long story short after 10 years of not eating a cheeseburger

or ordering a steak I started making up for lost time because now it is my favorite, although

I still try to eat it sparingly.

Hence the choice to eat at Texas De Brazil last night, a Brazilian Churrascaria.  

Also, I signed up for all of these restaurant email clubs and TDB sent me a FREE dinner.

It's a pricey restaurant so we were excited about that.

My favorite was the paqana a special brazilian cut of steak, so yum.  

Just a tip for someone going to a Churrascaria for the first time, they try to distract you with a huge

salad bar buffet, and all these different meats like chicken, lamb, and pork,

 but keep your eye on the prize...

the expensive cuts of steak like filet mignon, flank, and of course the paqana. 

Here are some pics of us at the restaurant. Logan is just the most handsome guy around. 

Oh yes, Logan gave me my 2nd band for my birthday! We found a killer deal at an estate sale

and it perfectly matched my other band so I really lucked out! They look so pretty all together.

I love the uniqueness of my ring, the sapphires are the best. 

We FINALLY got a picture together, oh happy day.

My family really hooked me up! SO many fun goodies, including a vest i've

been eyeing at J. Crew and a gorgeous framed, signed print of a Walter Rane painting. 

I have 2 sets of the greatest parents around I believe. 

Anyways, that raps up my favorite birthday to date.

I am so grateful for the many people who made it special! 

Some More Recipes For You--Enchilada Soup and Easy Cheesy Manicotti

Cooking is such a trip sometimes.

One week I'll feel on top of the world having prepared, new, delicious, recipes.

Then I'll have a week (like the week a had a couple of weeks ago)

where nothing seems to go right and I think I'm the worst cook ever.

But, alas, it is good to have setbacks because it motivates you!

So a couple of weeks ago I got 2 recipes off pinterest to try (beware always do your research)

and they were both total duds! 

I usually do research on recipes I find online by looking for the recipe

from several different sources, comparing the recipes, user reviews/comments, and

then combining all that into one recipe.

However, I went the lazy route and didn't do that with those pinterest recipes and 

YUCK, they were both not very good.

So last week it was back to basics, and here are my 2 favorite dishes the Bear and I enjoyed.

First, is my mom's recipe for Enchilada Soup!

 I am such a chili lover, taco soup, or whatever you want to call it.  It is so comforting and filling.  

I remember when I was serving my mission

in Russia, our Russian "Mission Mom" would always prepare lunch when we

had our "zone conferences" (just a meeting with a group of missionaries) every 1.5 months.

She did the greatest job of trying to make us American missionaries feel at home

so she would always prepare either roast beef dinner, or taco soup (ya know the kind where you put the taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning in the chili?).  I always hoped for the 

taco soup cause I just love it so much.

However, in my opinion this enchilada soup is even tastier than taco soup because

it has more depth of flavor than just packet seasonings.  

Logan and I are renting a furnished place here in Florida so cooking supplies are limited so I had to 

adjust this slow-cooker meal to make in a regular pot, but I am giving you the slow-cooker route because it is SO easy.

Enchilada Soup:

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 15 ounce can black beans drained
1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 10 ounce package whole kernel corn
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped peppers
2 chicken breasts
1 10 ounce can enchilada sauce
1 10.75 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups milk

Directions: 

1. In a crock pot combine beans, tomatoes, corn, onions, and peppers.

2.  Place two chicken breasts on top of mixture. 

3. In a separate large bowl mix enchilada sauce and soup. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. 

4. Pour sauce over the ingredients in the crock pot.  

5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4.
6. Remove chicken breasts, shred the meat. Add the chicken back to the pot and stir thoroughly.
7. Topping ideas: cheese, sour cream, guacamole, tortilla chips, cornbread 

Note: if soup is a little to thick add a little more milk.

Next I made a cheese manicotti that was so delicious.

Don't let things that are "stuffed" or "filled" scare you, they are very easy to do.

Easy Cheesy Manicotti

Serves 2-3

Ingredients :

1/2 package of manicotti shells (6 shells)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 TBSP. minced garlic

1/2 egg beaten (beat 1 egg, but use only half)

1 TBSP. dried basil

1 TSP. dried oregano

Red Sauce

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil (always salt your water when cooking pasta). Add manicotti and cook for 8 minutes, drain.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  

3. In a bowl, mix 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, oregano, and basil. 

4. Stuff cooked manicotti with the mixture. This is easier than it sounds, simply put your cheese mixture into a ziploc and cut off a small corner and squeeze through the ziploc into the shells. Fill them as much as you can! (I think i didn't fill mine quite enough because they were just a little deflated after baking)

5. Spread enough red sauce to cover the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange stuffed manicotti in the dish, and cover with more red sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese

6. Bake approx. 25 minutes in the oven until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Insanity Week 8!

I can't believe my Insanity journey is almost over!

Well, actually, I can because I am extremely burnt out!

This week was good, but still, a lot of pushing, there were 2 recovery workout days

which was nice as my body is very much fatigued. 

I am SO proud of my accomplishment but am very happy

that I have only 1 week left.  My body has sure been 

pushed to the limit.

I decided to be REALLY brave, and post a body shot.  Notice the strategically placed phone.
But I don't feel I am being helpful unless you all SEE some results, and these are results, my arms and
stomach are looking good. I will post a final results next week with a better photo
and the final stats of my "fit tests"! 

Happy Halloween!

I'm so glad my man humors me and dresses up with me

for Halloween. I've always loved this holiday, it's just so much fun!

Girls, if your man takes himself so seriously that he won't dress up every now and again,

he. ain't. that. cool. 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 

Thigh Gaps and Whatnot

These thoughts have been swirling around in my mind lately 

so I thought I would put some words down and see how I feel about it.

I was pushed to write about my feelings this morning when i read THIS article.

Robyn Lawley an extremely successful "plus size" model describes her feelings

about the ever vicious online cyber world of pinterest, instagram, and twitter,

when it comes to body aspirations amongst women.

The fact that this woman is even considered plus size is so beyond me.

Now I'm not bashing any of those things because I really like social media, hello, I'm always posting on

instagram and my blog. 

However, I feel lately people are obsessing over being "skinny". (a lot of my personal friends included)

It is disappointing to see girls, beautiful girls, posting photos on to their "fitness inspiration boards" on pinterest of people and celebrities who are not fit at all, instead they mearly portray the thigh gaps, twiggy arms, and size 0 waists that have come to define "beauty" in today's world.

I find it even more disappointing when I see someone idolizing celebrities who have 

known struggles with eating disorders and they still want to look just like them. 

Sadly, I know that many body issues come from how a person was raised to view

themselves and their bodies, from parents, siblings, friends, or the online world

we are conditioned to a point to feel a certain way about ourselves.

I feel lucky from that sense because my mother never once said things to me like:

"you shouldn't eat that", "that's not good for you", "you should exercise more", "that's not flattering on you", etc, etc. She also never spoke negatively about her own body, it left

a lasting effect on me to be confident in my body and never ashamed.

I was raised with three football playing brothers where food was never taboo, you eat well,

and you exercise hard, that was the unspoken motto in my house and I'm thankful for it.

So why? Why do we idolize these unrealistic goals?

Why, when someone looks good in a picture we say "You look so skinny!!" and it's

suppose to be the best compliment in the world.

What about adjectives like in-shape, healthy, toned, beautiful, radiant,

 I get it those words all sound kind of silly when we are so use to the S-word.

I remember when I returned home to the United States after living in Russia for a year and half

friends I hadn't seen would tell me "you are so skinny, lucky", "you look so good, you lost weight".

I would thank them with embarrassment but in my head i was screaming.

You know why I'm skinnier? I'm skinnier because I'm at a really unhealthy point in my life,

I ate only 2 meals a day for a year and a half (we were only permitted breakfast and lunch on my mission, don't get me started on that one). 

I'm skinner because the Russian water made me sick, I'm skinnier because my vitamin D levels are so low that it will take me a year to recover.  I'm skinner because my body is

starving, I eat even less after returning to America because my stomach is so upset all the time!

I get it, my friends were trying to be nice, because the S-word is the highest compliment

when it comes to our views on beauty in our society.

But I didn't feel beautiful, I felt sick, and weak.

Luckily after a few months of being home I started to be able to eat

normally again, but guess what I put on weight.

I put on weight because my body recognized that it wasn't at it's natural,

healthy standard.  So instead of being a size 4 I was a size 6 (the size I was pre-Russia).

I was feeling strong and healthy, but the "compliments" stopped.

So whats the point of all my ranting?

Stop it! Just stop it.  Myself included.

I'm sick of seeing the thigh gaps, fad diets, juice cleanses, and overall unhealthiness online.
Please don't get me wrong, I know there are some girls who are naturally
size 0s, and are perfectly healthy and beautiful that way.
My whole point is to be healthy and stop worshiping unrealistic ideals. 

I remember one day I was having an insecure day, because of course

those are inevitable regardless of how positively you think

of yourself, when I came across my friend Jessica's board on pinterest

entitled "Beauty is not bone thin or thigh gaps".

It featured pictures of people like Jennifer Lawrence, J. Lo, Beyonce,

Kate Winslet, my personal favorite Christina Hendricks, and lots of 40s-50s pin-up girls.

It was like a slap of reality right to my noggin'.  Real women, with real, healthy bodies.

I'm not perfect, I have my fair share of insecure days but here is to trying to always love MY body,

because no one else in the world has the exact same one as me.  

Insanity Week 7

This was by far the hardest week for me mentally, but no worries I got in all of my workouts!

I've come way too far to miss a workout now.

To put it bluntly I was on my period this week and had

virtually no energy.  I got through monday and tuesdays workouts fine

but wednesday I just wanted to sleep, I had been running a slight fever, and

was feeling like a bloated slug.

Well this is where my amazing husband saved the day.

I said, babe the only way I can do it is if you do it with me, he agreed.

Of course it happened to be the longest workout of the program that day

and he was DRIPPING just a few minutes in, and probably hating me, but

it honestly made me feel good that he knows

how hard insanity actually is now.

He is the only reason I got in all my workouts this week and I love him for it.

Again I just want to throw my scale up against a wall because it doesn't want to budge much

BUT again, i'm loving my stomach muscles so what can you do.

I think girls are just trained to be motivated by the scale which is so messed up, just get over it and be healthy (at least thats what I believe on most days).

My husband had a great idea at the beginning of my Insanity journey to have a physical

reward at the end for myself, nothing too crazy expensive but something nice

I could work for.  Well of course shoes (booties to be exact) were my motivator, and I was going to wait until I was done to buy them but they went on sale (like a lot on sale) last week so I bought them and they are now sitting above my t.v. for my last 2 weeks for motivation.

When in doubt, try a little motivation.

Our Wedding Video

Logan and I celebrate our 6-month anniversary tomorrow! I know I know, 6-months is just a short time BUT I just wanted to express how grateful I have been to have this man by my side.  He is perfect for me in every way and always brings out the best in me.  He is the kindest person I have ever met and is constantly making me smile.  A huge thanks to Chris McClain Productions for the amazing videography on our big day, he captured our day perfectly.

Reception Video

Another amazing video by Chris McClain! Seriously, I can't get over how perfectly he captured the ambiance of the reception, which plain and simply was a party!
Michelle Leo Events planned and executed our entire day and Michelle really blew me away! I remember wanting to rush over to the venue sight after we were done with video/photography at the temple just so I could see what she had done! It far exceeded my expectations for the day and I couldn't be more grateful to have had such an amazing wedding planner by my side.

Key West, Key West, Key West!

2 weekends ago The Bear and I decided to do some more

adventuring in our new home of Florida and

planned a little trip to Key West. 

It has taken me a little bit to reflect on the place

and how I truly felt about it, nonetheless here it is! 

My review of Key West, Florida.

Friday afternoon we took off on the 4-hour drive to Key West.

Looking back it was the best part of the trip!

Not being negative, honest, but being surrounded on all sides by the ocean was just the coolest feeling!

It is a one-way highway the whole way down so you go at a pretty slow pace of 45-50 MPH

but we just enjoyed it and the weather was perfect.

Now I have never ventured to the true South (which is odd seeing as I have lived everywhere else and traveled to many countries!).  And I know Florida isn't the true South BUT

I have to say The Keys is the closest I have been and didn't disappoint in that respect.

The architecture was amazing, all of the old historic homes, they were

like plantation homes but with a caribbean twist they were also heavily

art-deco influenced which was beautiful. 

It was October so every house was decked out for Halloween and it gave the place a 

real spooky feel! I was hoping our Bed and Breakfast that we stayed at wasn't haunted!

Here are some pictures of The Avalon Bed and Breakfast, a historic Bed and Breakfast

dating back to the 1800s! It was so cute, and perfect.

A real high-light was the food! As mentioned before I LOVE seafood, it is simply the best

and we found a place called DJ's Clamshack that did not dissappoint me.

They did traditional Maine Lobster rolls and they for sure had my heart,

we went twice.

We went to another place to try the local "conch" fish, yes those shells

you blow in to to make that loud noise are actually like a giant slug and

people love to eat them.  We tried some fried conch fritters, fried green tomatoes, and a shrimp po' boy

but to be honest the fritters and tomatoes were not so good.

I have heard people RAVE about fried green tomatoes but I found them bland and greasy.

However, the po' boy was legit.

Another cool fact, turns out, key-lime pie was invented in Key West, who knew? Well,

I certainly didn't, they put a piece of pie on a stick and dip it in chocolate

and oh boy they are divine! 

Here are some foodie pics as you know I could not resist posting pictures of food.

Saturday we decided to do something really cool and went on a 

26-mile jet ski tour of Key West! 

Now I have been jet-skiing in lakes before but never on the ocean, and I got a little beat up! 

My entire body locked up after the fact because I was so tense

riding on the back of the thing on waves in the ocean! 

But before that happened it was awesome.

We actually saw 2 dolphins on our tour and turned off our jet-skis

and just watched them swim around us! 

It was a gorgeous day to be out on the water and we definitely soaked up

our fair share of rays!

After that we stopped by Ernest Hemingway's home and hit the beach.

We had a great time being somewhere new and exploring together! 

All that being said, the Key West "scene" is trash, absolute trash.

Before I continue, a little disclaimer, anyone who knows me knows

that I do not care what your sexual orientation is, I just don't care.

Gay, Straight, I'm more concerned with a persons character

than their sexual orientation.

That being said, Key West is a major Gay town.  And thats fine,

but when everywhere you turn are inappropriate clubs, porn shops, and

adult entertainment advertisements it gets on my last nerve.  

Straight or Gay, tasteless sexuality being thrown in my face gets on my last nerve.

On top of that there are A LOT of drag queens walking the streets. 

I get it, drag is "funny", maybe it's funnier when you are drunk and its 3 AM, but when its 2 in the afternoon and drag queens are cat-calling people on

the street, again it gets on my last nerve. 

So in the end I would never take children here, and to be honest its definitely 

a do it once kind of place.  We were there for 3 days and that was plenty, I have no idea

what you would do there for a whole week (besides go to strip joints apparently).

But the drive back made me forget (mostly) about the trashiness and reflect on

the beauty our country and the earth in it's entirety has to offer.