Keeping an Eye on Myself.

It all started because my pants were tight.  Okay, so maybe tight isn't the right word.  They didn't fit.  Huge Problem.

I began to think, "what on earth is going on here..."  It couldn't be exercise, I run over 35 miles a week.  AH HA!!  It is my diet (and by diet I don't mean crazy food plan, I mean what I ate daily).  I have always had a problem with what I eat.  I consume sugar, carbs, and more sugar by the fistful.  I eat what your 8 year old would eat if give free reign. 

I decided that I needed to take a closer look at what I was eating, and holy moses was I shocked!!  I began using "MyFitnessPal" about 21 days ago.  Before I ate anything - I had to log it.  This program gives you base calories, and then increases them based on your exercise.  I had no idea that 7 Swedish Fish were 150 calories, or that a "mini" blizzard was almost 400.  No wonder my pants didn't fit.  I now was forced to choose 20 snow peas and salsa over a handful of ritz crackers and cheese - more bang for your buck.

It's not like I don't know better, I do - I really really do, but without someone or something to be accountable to, I tend to throw caution to the wind.

This program isn't going to work for everyone.  We each have our own goals and caloric needs, but for someone like me (who will think nothing of a piece of cake after a cheesy gordita crunch) it helped me be accountable.  I usually have one day a week where I go over.  You have to allow yourself some grace, or you'll go nuts.  That said, my pants are fitting again.  Hooray!!

PS - the app is free on your iPhone, and is also free on the web. 

Here's to keeping track.

... and the winner is!!!!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes.

I don't follow a ton of blogs; a few here and there really.  There is one that I consistently go to, and that is Annie's Eats.  Always yummy food, and beautiful pictures.  Perfect. 

She posted this recipe a while ago, but I haven't been brave enough to make it until now...

It was by far the most involved cupcake I have ever had the pleasure of making, but I think it could take the spot as my favorite!  So.  Very.  Good.  I'll warn you now.  It's rich, delicious, and you'll probably only get one down.  Also, you'll need a very large glass of milk.

Thank you, Annie!! 

The recipe can be found here:  http://annies-eats.com/2012/05/08/chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-cupcakes/

May your tummy stretch with doughy goodness.

Ahh, to be young again.

Come back to your childhood with me.  This is probably a girl thing - so if I lose the men - I apologize.

While the boys were playing cops and robbers, transformers, he-man, trucks; us gals were watching.  Watching the women around us, the women on tv, the women in movies and magazines.  Taking it all in, and trying to understand what this great big world was all about.

You'd find us attempting to act older than we were, sneaking lip stick, uttering phrases we didn't quite know the meaning of, taking our first few steps in our mother's high heels. 

... and then there's the dancing.  There are very few women that I know now that didn't do this. They not be the most forthcoming with their information, but we all had our larger than life living room moment. 

Mine was to the beginning of "Adventures in Babysitting."  I watched this movie over, and over.  I perfected the dance, and everyday after school I worked on my routine.  I thought, "this, this right here, is gonna come in handy someday."  I can only imagine the silent giggles my mom and grandparents shared at the seriousness of this routine.  I can also remember my mother yelling, "Andrea!!  Leave those God damned curtains alone."

Whether your routine was to Dirty Dancing, Thriller, Love is a Battlefield, Billie Jean, Like a Prayer, Flash Dance, or Girls Just Want to Have Fun we each had our moment.  This, this was MY moment!!!

 I still remember most of it...

Here's to dancing in the living room!!

Here is my handle, here is my spout....

 Thank you, Pinterest!!!

I found a fabulous picture on Pinterest (I actually think Michelle pinned it first), and I fell in love with it.  Flowers in teapots.  What a wonderful idea.

Let's be honest, Shiloh wasn't initially keen on the idea, and I must admit I didn't explain the concept  very well.  I explained it in rushed speech, exagerated hand gestures, and extreme metaphors.  He thought maybe we should forget this idea.  But, I did it anyway (story of my life). 

Thanks to a few successful trips to Ross, TJ Maxx, and my wonderful girlfriends closet ladies - I made this a reality.

It turned out to be marvelous. Better than I thought it would, and every time I pull into the driveway my heart smiles.  I hope we'll be known as the "teapot house." 

PS: Shiloh thinks its pretty neat too!

Here's to mad hatters and teapots of joy!!!

Airplane Rules.

A lot of rules this week, right??  Look, I'm hungry - that means super bossy. 

Anyhow, I digress.

I have two very important rules when it comes to flying.  Do not cross the imaginary seat divider with any object. Be it elbow, newspaper, coat fabric, whatever - it belongs on your side, in your space, not in mine.  EVER.  And when I scoot it over to your side, or swat your newspaper, you may not be offended.  I am protecting my space.

Secondly.  Do. Not. Touch. Me.  I don't want to rub elbows, legs, feet, arms with anyone (especially if I don't know you).  I realize that this space is super small.  I get that.  However, I can sit there without touching you (I promise) so keep your grubby appendages to yourself.  (Okay, they may be squeeky clean but still).  You'll give me a rash, I'm sure of it.

I am really quite a good seatmate.  I don't talk, don't move, won't touch you, don't need to use the bathroom, don't stink; I just need you to behave.

and, last week I was feeling very bold.  See this woman: 

She cut in front of me at ticketing, actually shook her hand in my face, and said *I need to get my boarding pass missy, I don't want to miss my flight.*  I almost got into a fight, with an elderly woman, in the airport, but instead kept my mouth shut tight... (and then blatently snapped this photo of her.  It wouldn't have even bothered me if she would have kept her hand out of my face, and the "missy" in her mouth).

Here's to the friendly skies.