Best..Wordless...Wednesday...EVER...

Photo credits :ESPN, The State, Fits News, & The Post & Courier

Ten on Tuesday (Picture Heavy)

Rambling update!

1. Last week's NKOTBSB concert in Atlanta was simply amazing. We had so much fun! Going with three girlfriends made it even better!

Yes, we decorated our car...




















Yes...their hair is crimped. I LOVED it.




















Me and my friend Lisa...ready to scream!




















Jordan was this close to us in the crowd singing "Tonight" Yes, we screamed.




















Glow in the dark polish. Scream!




















Oh and Backstreet Boys were there too. They were great but we were there for our Kids!

2. This is HUGE. My Gamecocks are one win away from winning the National Championship in the College World Series of baseball again ... can we do it?? CROSSING FINGERS AND TOES! Last night's win over the Florida Gators was UNREAL. Props to Florida's pitcher though. That boy's talent is sick. Not as sick as our Scott Wingo though!














3. Shakeology update. Y'all this stuff is DELICIOUS. It tastes like a chocolate milkshake. I'm not even kidding. I'm only on Day 2 though, so we'll see how it pans out in other departments. The claim is that it increases energy, helps with regularity (tmi?), weight loss, lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and the list goes on. I'll update each week.




















4. I don't know what I've gotten myself into, but I bought P90x yesterday. I bought it used off of Amazon, so crossing fingers it arrives in good condition. I love a good challenge though. When it arrives, I'll update my workouts mostly on my other blog if you are interested. But if I have any major changes or updates, I'll post it here to of course. EEK! I'm scared! But motivated! :)

5. The reason for my BIG workout push? I cruise to Cozumel in 40 days!!!! EEEE!!!!!!















6. My good-ex boyfriend (The Cub) is now dating someone else. And it does not bother me at all. Is that weird? I think it's good. Also, I dreamed about the bad-ex last night (Mr. P). I woke up in a sweat. That...was not good.

7. I need a nap. Just thought you needed to know.

8. My snoozing in the mornings has gotten wayyyyy out of hand again. Time to reel it back in. I KNOW that all I have to do is turn that snooze option off on my phone. But it's so hard to do. But once P90X arrives, I am going to have to do this workout in the mornings occasionally. And snoozing for an hour is not going to work for me. Who wants to call me in the mornings and wake me up?? And WHY is this so hard?? I get plenty of sleep.

9. I invented a word. You know how when you (and by you I mean us girls) sneeze, sometimes you tinkle a little? Well, I have started calling that Sneekle. "Oops I sneekled just now." It happens. ;) Or maybe it's just me?

10. I'm going paddleboarding again tomorrow night. I enjoyed it SO much. I can't wait.

Letter to My Younger Self

Sometimes I will hear a song or read a post about someone writing a letter to their younger selves and they always say "don't worry, the best is yet to be!" And I always stop and think...would I say that to my younger self? Because I sure did have some fun when I was younger! ha

For most girls, we tend to think "the best" in terms of finding the love of our lives and riding off into the sunset. I hear girls saying all the time "when I get married..." or "when I have children..." I used to say that too. You just assume it will happen someday. But what if it doesn't? Can the best still be yet to come?

My sarcastic self would like to say this to my younger self:

"Dear 17 year old me: When you are in your 30's, you will live alone. Wait, not alone. With cats. Love, Your Bitter 30 Something Year Old Sad Panda Self"

That's no bueno.

It's easy to be bitter. It's easy to wallow and feel sorry for myself. But at the end of the day, all that does is breed more negativity. Sure my heart longs to find that one person that will be there for me during all of life's ups and downs. I do long to fill that void. I still pray that it will happen. But I also have to accept that God may have other plans for my life. I trust Him. It's not always easy. But I do. And the truth is that I am so blessed in so many other ways.

So instead, I would say this:

Dear 17 Year old Me:

Life is fun for you right now. Enjoy every second. Cry when you feel hurt. Laugh when you hear something funny. Live in the moment. Life isn't a fairy tale and you may or may not find your Prince someday. But you will live an amazing life. And everything you are go through is prepping you to be a strong, independent woman. Your family will be there for you throughout the years, even though you won't always appreciate it like you will when you are older. Some of those friends you have now will be friends for life. And you will make new friends throughout the years. You are one lucky girl. You will be healthy. You will own your own home. You will be financially comfortable and able to pay your bills. You will find happiness in the little things in life. You will get your heart broken a few times. One will be really bad and almost break you. But it won't. You'll dust yourself off and start living again. You'll grow closer to God during this time. And someday you'll realize that while life isn't perfect, the life you are living is perfect for you. It's been God's plan all along. Keep growing, living and learning from your mistakes. And I promise...your best is yet to come.

Love,
Me Today
























Me at 17. The higher the hair the closer to God, right? ;)

Shakeology: I'm doing it

First things first. Remember when I said if I found a picture of me paddleboarding I would post it? Well, if you blink twice and squint really hard, you can see me...



















Could I possibly look anymore squatty and chunky dunky? I don't think so. Oh well. And not that I would call her out or anything, but..if I were to, then I would tell you that that's my friend Julie next to me...trying to stand up... hehe.

So, I purchased Shakeology today. I don't usually buy into the hype of a lot of weight-loss products, but I have heard SO many great things about this one. I thought I would give it a 30 day try. As of today, there are 48 days until my cruise! And I want to look and feel my best by the time we board. I will report back in 30 days and let you know the final results.

From their site:

Just replace one meal a day with Shakeology®, exercise three times a week, and follow a balanced diet. It's that simple. You can lower cholesterol levels, lose pounds, and shed inches. Participants in an independent study who combined The Shake, The Workout, and our Eating Plan for 90 days¹ dropped an average of 10 pounds and 2 inches off their waistline. They also improved digestion, increased energy levels, and lowered their total cholesterol on average by 30% and LDL ("bad") cholesterol by 38% on average.*

We shall see. PS It ain't cheap.

Happy Father's Day

To the greatest man I know: Happy Father's Day!















































I love you.

It's official: Paddleboarding is FUN!

A happier post!

So Wednesday night was my first paddleboarding lesson. First of all, I will never turn down anything that involves spending time on the lake. But I won't lie, I was a little nervous. My friend who is one of the instructors had told me to to wear something you can get wet in in case you fall in, but that I probably would not. I wore board shorts, my bathing suit and a tank top. I never fell in but the water temp was awesome. Kind've wishing I did now!

Basically, we started out by me climbing onto the board from the dock on all 4's with my paddle in front of me horizontally on the board. Then he had me sit up and paddle away from the dock while on my knees on the board. When you finally get a little ways out, you put your paddle back down, and slowly rise up on to your feet one foot at a time. This part was tricky because I was so nervous my knees were shaking like crazy! I just knew this is when I would fall in. One guy came over to me on his board and told me to just relax, and hang out for a few minutes. Get comfortable. And that's what I did. Eventually my knees stopped shaking and I was able to finally look around me and enjoy the view. It was so peaceful out there! I finally got my rhythm going and was able to paddle around. This is something I will definitely be doing again in the near future!

I don't have any pictures of me on the board but there was a reporter from the newspaper there taking shots. If I find one, and it's not totally horrific, I will post it. Ha!


























































































This picture made me laugh!

Here is a video of a stand up paddleboarding demo. You know. If you are interested.



TGIF! LONGEST WEEK EVER!!!

How to eat like an Italian...and stay slim

This post is a little long, but hopefully you'll find the article at the bottom worthwhile reading like I did!

One of the girls that is visiting Spain with my brother right now tweeted about the interesting foods they were eating. I've always been fascinated with the food and eating styles of other countries. What they eat, how much, what time, etc. And how they stay so slim with all this amazing food available to them. I know one thing is for sure. America has amazing, fresh food available to us too. But usually we don't take the time needed to buy, prepare, consume and ENJOY this food. We eat processed crap. We eat SO FAST. We Americans never have enough time. We spend all day driving around in our cars. We eat in our cars. When we dine out, we tend to woof down our food, pay the check and it's back to work or home. Lots of Americans don't even eat all day because they are too busy with work and then what happens? Hunger kicks in and then we overeat. Fast food. TV dinners. And half the time I can't even tell you what I ate the day before.

The other problem I have with Americans is our mentality of dieting. Instead of making better food choices or moving more, we eat fat free this and fat free that. Certain foods become off limits for some reason. "Don't eat cheese." "Don't eat pasta." Etc. The problem is not the food. The problem is how MUCH of this food we eat. And how little physical activity we get. Because there is never....enough...time..... Am I right?

We need to change our mentality. Other countries make meal time an experience. It's about pleasure. It's about taste. It's about fulfillment but not gluttony. The Italians have always fascinated me when it comes to dining. They are not a gluttonous country. Yet they are surrounded by pasta. Pizza. Wine. So how do they do it?

Earlier I was googling (love how googling is now a verb) "typical meal for an italian" and I came across this article below. I wasn't even planning on doing a blog about this, but it struck me as such good information that I decided to share it with all of you.














Italian Diet Secrets: How the Italian people manage to stay slim in the land of pizza and pasta.

By Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD/LD

Italian Diet Secret No. 1: Dine Leisurely
It quickly became clear that the Italians, like other Mediterranean cultures, know how to really enjoy the experience of eating. They relax and socialize while dining for hours, over lunch and/or dinner and coffee. Yet sitting at the table for long periods of time does not appear to lead to excessive eating or drinking.

Before and after dinner, many Italians engage in the passagiata, a leisurely stroll through town. Generations walk together, talking and keeping alive a cherished tradition.

It also became obvious that the typical Italian diet is very different from what you see on an American Italian restaurant menu. Italians enjoy a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, fish, poultry, olive oil, tomatoes, whole grains, dairy, red wine -- and they eat very little red meat.

Typically, Italians start the day with a relatively small breakfast of coffee with milk (rather than cream or half and half) along with cereal or a cornetto, a small biscuit. Lunch varies from family to family and all over the country but typically consists of a "first plate" and "second plate," such as a sandwich and salad, or a small plate of pasta followed by a small piece of fish or chicken and vegetables.

When kids want a midday snack, they usually have yogurt or fruit, not cake, cookies, or candy. Adults often opt for coffee or cappuccino made with milk (not specialty coffees topped with whipped cream).

Dinner is a larger meal, but is not served too late (to allow time for proper digestion). It's usually pasta with a tomato or vegetable sauce; a small portion of fish or meat; vegetables; and fruit for dessert. Mineral water is the preferred beverage, along with a glass of red wine. All portions tend to be small when compared to our own supersized quantities.

Italian Diet Secret No. 2: Stop When You're Full
Italians are not concerned with calories because they stop eating when they are full, says one Rome physician.

"We eat by our stomachs, not by our heads, and since we dine leisurely, we get the signal that we are full and can just enjoy a coffee and the company," says Stephano Gumina, MD, PhD.

Gumina also describes a very active lifestyle, with lots of walking or bike riding, especially in urban areas of the country. Then there's the Mediterranean-style diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish a few times a week, lean meats or chicken, whole grains, olive oil, and red wine. All of this helps Italians enjoy long lives, he says.

"Where we differ from Americans: We eat small portions, do not eat after dinner, never in front of the television, computer, or while sitting sedentary reading a book, and no junk food," he says.

In addition, Italians usually satisfy a sweet tooth with fruit instead of higher-calorie desserts. A typical dessert could be fighi e albicocce -- figs and apricots picked from the garden trees. In southern parts of Italy, the enormous and delicate lemons are the basis for desserts such as gelato and lemon ice.

Italian Diet Secret No. 3: Balance Quality and Quantity
On the sunny Amalfi coast up in the village of Ravello, the famous "Mamma" Agata runs a fabulous restaurant overlooking the sea, teaches Italian cooking classes, and plans to publish her first cookbook next year.

She sizes up Italian eating plans quite simply: "We balance the quality and quantity of ingredients -- not too much fat, just enough carbohydrates, lots of fish, chicken, and turkey, and just a little red meat."

"People think Italians eat a lot every day but they are wrong, because while we do eat a big family meal on Sunday, the rest of the week we eat small portions of healthy foods, such as pasta, vegetables, lean meat, fish, and cheese," she says. "But we never drink soda [or eat] chips, junk foods, or mayonnaise."

Olive oil is the preferred oil, used extensively in cooking and on salads. But you won't typically find it on the table for bread dunking as we enjoy in America. Italians enjoy the healthy, monounsaturated fat, but don't overdo it.

"Healthy fats are better than trans or saturated fats, but olive oil is fat, has the same number of calories as other fats, and needs to be eaten in limited quantities," says Gumina.

Italian Diet Secret No. 4: Enjoy Simple, Fresh Food
The Tuscan diet is loaded with beans, which are high in protein and soluble fiber that fill you up for a long time for very few calories. Riboletta soup and pasta e fagioli are two popular hearty dishes that feature beans.

Balsamic vinegar from Modena is another flavorful, yet very low-calorie, product of Italy that is used freely to flavor foods and salads.

Down south, the fresh fish, herbs, artichokes, capers, and gigantic lemons contribute to delicious and healthy cuisine. Pasta is served al dente, with a little olive oil or tomato sauce and vegetables, and always in small portions.

"Our cooking is simple and genuine," says Agata. "We start with fresh ingredients, often from our own gardens. We don't buy precooked foods. [We] eat lots of vegetables, keep it simple, and try to eat like our grandparents."

To make sure the kitchen secrets are passed along from one generation to the next, small children can always be found in the kitchen with their parents -- learning from the masters.

Italian Diet Secret No. 5: Don't 'Diet'
Dieting seems to be a foreign concept to Italians.

"We are not hung up on nutrition labels nor dieting, just eating a healthy, satisfying diet and being active," says Gumina.

Says Agata: "When people go on diets, they get depressed and gain more weight at the end of the diet. So instead, they learn to eat well and only enjoy something sweet on occasion, and this way they are not frustrated."

So the next time you're in the mood for Italian food, serve up a dish inspired by the land of Romeo and Juliet that includes all the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet. Skip fried foods and cream sauces on pasta. Instead, go for a tomato salad, simple vegetable pasta sauce, and use olive oil sparingly. Use herbs, lemon, vinegars, capers, and other intensely flavorful, low-calorie foods for seasoning.

Not only is the Mediterranean way of eating healthy, it's quite pleasurable, says K. Dun Gifford, president and founder of Oldways Preservation and Trust, which developed a Mediterranean diet pyramid in 1993. "Sipping wine, eating fine cheese and succulent seafood is quite luxurious, and an indulgent, lovely eating pattern -- yet it is good for you," he says.

Published July 9, 2007. SOURCES: Stephano Gumina, MD, PhD, University of Rome. "Mamma" Agata, restaurant and cooking school owner, Ravello, Italy. K. Dun Gifford, president and founder, Oldways Preservation and Trust. ©2007 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.d e

Tuesday Tidbits

Just a few random updates:

1. My Gamecocks are heading to Omaha again to defend our National Title! The first College World Series game is June 19th at 7 PM against another great team, Texas A&M. Let's home our boys can bring another title home! GO COCKS!



















Photo courtesy of The State: I love a good dogpile!

2. One of our best players, Jackie Bradley, Jr., was also recently drafted to the Boston Red Sox. That's what happens when you are part of a team that wins the College World Series. You lose players to the draft. I am definitely going to be a bandwagon Boston fan now. Congrats to JBJ and to Boston for a great pick! The boy is dy-no-mite.
























3. In the past 2 weeks, I have only lost .8 of a pound. But...I also did not make it to the gym as much last week as I usually do and I have gone over my calories a few more times than usual. This week I have several things going on after work, so yesterday I tried something different. I worked out during my lunch break! Crazy I know. I am fortunate my gym is right around the corner from work, and they have a large changing room. Not something I can do every day but occasionally, it works.

4. I started the Couch to 5K plan again last week in order to ease back in to running. I don't have any 5K races on the schedule until October, but I want to stay ready in case one pops up that I'd like to try. I am only running on the treadmill though and keeping my pace pretty slow. I should finish Week 9 the week before my cruise...speaking of...

5. I cruise to Cozumel in August! Any tips from those of you who have been before?

























6. I recently had my back porch screened in and a roof put over it to block rain. Needless to say I am loving it! I absolutely cannot wait until Fall, when I can leave the doors to the porch open and let the cool air flow in without worrying about bugs, mosquitos, spiders, etc.



















7. Tomorrow I am getting my first lesson in paddleboarding. A friend of mine is giving lessons at the lake tomorrow and I am super excited! And nervous. Hope I don't fall in. He said no one fell in last time but if it happens to one person, it will be me. Wish me luck! And I wish I looked as confident and amazing while paddleboarding as Jenn A does! :)
























8. My brother is currently in Barcelona for the week. I am sooo jealous. It is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit.

9. Guess who is just now watching Lost? I was addicted from the very first episode. It's going to take me forever to finish but I am determined.

10. Next week I see these guys in concert!!


















Happy Tuesday!

I have been wanting to do a Pinterest post for weeks, but I am just now getting around to it. Anyways, here are some of the items I have found that I just love. Thought this would be fun for a Friday end-of-the-week post!

Source: Wedding Course























Source google



















Source: Google

























Source: Citified Blogspot
















Source: Google

TGIF!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my mom!



















I have been blessed to have the most amazing mother in the world. She has taught me so much over the years and I still learn from her every day. She is the hardest working woman I have ever known and at at the age of 69 (omg how did that happen??) she can still run circles around me. Not only is she my mother, she is my best friend. Sometimes I think I drive her crazy because I call her so much throughout the day. ha! I cherish every single day that I have with her.

I love you mom. Happy Birthday!!

We Want to Know....

Copying A Belle in Bows today and doing a WWTK post.

1. Everyone seems to have a quirky family situation, what is something unique

about your family dynamic?

My dad was an only child but my mom has 7 brothers and sisters. Having said that, ALL of my aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. live in different states. Neither my brother nor I are married, so it's just the 4 of us here, and we all live within a few miles of each other. I talk to my family every single day.

2. What is the most stressful aspect to blogging?

Trying to make sure that what I am posting is not too annoying, boring, weird or offensive to anyone. And then usually I just say "oh well" and post it anyway. ha!

3. We all end up on a blog at some point in our day, but name your top 3 favorite

websites you flock to daily. (Non-blog)

Pinterest, My Fitness Pal, and my Gmail.

4. What's your sign? Believe in it or not does any of it ring true for you?

I'm a Pisces, and even though I'm not a believer, I will admit the characteristics of a Pisces fit me to a tee. intuitive, dreamy, artistic, humane, sympathetic, sensitive, compassionate, perceptive, tender, impressionable

5. Ice cream Ice cream, we all scream for ice cream!!! Name your

favorite flavor!

Breyer's Oreo Ice Cream. I love it so much that I can't buy it because I would eat the whole tub in one day. It contains whole oreos. I die of happiness every time I eat some.

Oh and just two more random things...

I discovered yesterday Starbuck's Caramel Frap Light Grande. Only 110 calories. Heavenly and guiltless!

Last but not least, please tell me you are watching the Bachelorette. Oh Bentley...turd alert. All I can say is that the ABC producers are eating.this.up.