Life

Hello-

It's almost one in the morning, and well I'm not just not really at the point where I can fall asleep. I have many thoughts bouncing around in my head, that just need to be let go.  Looking  back on the past year of my life it hasn't really gone like I had planed.  I graduated college a year and a half ago. I have been in Vegas for about a year.  My first six months in Vegas were spent like a sloth, I had lost motivation. I glad to say that I still have moments were I lack motivation but I have found that having a job and getting some friends helped immensely. But now things are changing and I have to readjust.

My sister got engaged and I'm beyond thrilled, I'm so excited that Jay will be part of our family. Now, my sister is moving, and I'm sad. One of the perks of being in Vegas was knowing that everyone who I loved was close. A quick drive over for dinner, sleepovers, etc. It was comforting to be near my family again after college. I didn't realize that  how much I missed those moments.

In college I learned that I like being independent and having my own life, but I can also get complacent. Once I get comfortable, I stop trying to achieve anything, unless I get some sort of awaking. After my dad died I needed an escape. An escape from everything. I liked being some place where I didn't have to be the girl who's father died, and didn't have emotional scars. I that's what college was for me. I don't know what I learned in college that has helped me do anything of great impact, for me it was four and half years of figuring out who I was, not what I wanted to be or what I wanted to do with my life.

I made friends in college (and high school) who are near and dear to my heart. They could tell you that I'm a loyal to the end friend but I have some quirks. I'm awkward. I tend to freeze up in most social situations, and I suck at meeting new people. I like instant friendship. This doesn't happen all that often but when it does it magical. Most all of my good friends were started this way. When this doesn't happen, I just get more awkward. I have meet some really good people in Vegas. I feel like they have made an impact on my life and I have been ignoring them lately. Which is another lovely quirk of mine. I get in a certain mindset and I become anti-social. I have never been the social butterfly, nor do I see myself becoming one. I'm the happiest homebody you could ever find, and I don't mind being alone. In high school I was friends with the same sort of people, so it was easy. In college the same sort of people. But now I find that part of me wants to be more social and I like hanging with people who are social and I put myself out there and then when it looks bright and shinny I revert back to my homebody comfort zone. It's beyond frustrating.

Growing up in Utah and now living in Nevada has given me a new perspective. I don't want to offend anyone here, and I wouldn't take my childhood back but the expectations of 24 year old woman from Utah don't apply to me, and it has the tendency to make me feel like I haven't accomplished something. Part of me feels like I failed, because I don't have a husband or babies. But then I think about it and I'm not ready for a husband or babies, AT ALL!  I didn't get the chance to have fun and let loose when I was in high school. I grew up because I had to. In most cultures being 24 is the point in your life where you can mess up, make some bad choices and learn from them, have fun. I'm getting a second shot to recapture the joy of being young again, and even if I struggle to do it I will have some fun and do something crazy because I can.

So this blog is getting pretty much over, because I got everything major off my mind. I feel better knowing that it's written, and I can come back and reflect on it later, but mostly besides some horrible grammar its out of my head and it's free. 
-Katie

I'm a HORRIBLE blogger and I like furniture.

So the last post that I have posted all started the same the way.  This post won't be be any different, I haven't posted anything due to the fact that motivation for weight loss went out the door after I lost 40lbs, which was around November of last year. Well I have keep it off for the most part, give or take a few lbs. So I feel pretty good about learning how to maintain my weight. So I stopped blogging because I didn't really have to much to say about it. But tonight I had a moment, just because my blog was meant to be about dieting and all that jazz, doesn't mean it can't take a u turn every now and then and venture into other areas of my life. So that was this about.

In college I found that I liked to "flip" furniture, and then after I had all the things I needed for my tiny room I stopped. I not sure what happened but recently I decided to pick up the hobby again and I still enjoy the process. I went to a thrift store and bought a bunch basic furniture, chairs, desks, etc. So far I have sold one piece, which felt really good to know that someone else liked my design choices. I thought this space would be good spot to post my items that you or someone you know could buy! (side note: Most things will be Henderson/Vegas only due to the fact that I don't really want to deal with shipping. If an is smaller and easy to ship I will negotiate!) I feel weird posting them on facebook since it is social network not a store. Anywho, I'm excited that this hobby could be something, and wanting to share it with all of you.  From now on I might post a pic on facebook just for fun, but all the info will be here! I currently have two items ready for a new home! The best way for YOU to get a hold of me is by message on facebook, or if you have my number than that works to!
 Something important to note: Cash would be my first pick, but I will take checks. At this moment since I'm new at this and have no way to take cards, cards will not be an option at this point in time. 

A) A Shabby Chic Memo Board: This pale pink board with flower and burlap detail will look charming in any home. Comes with small cloths pins that can hold pictures, quotes, cards, etc. 
 Dimensions: 17"x21" Price: $30

B) Mixed media Bar Stools: These black bar stools have a fun funky flair. The tops of chair were decoupaged with wrapping paper, taped, painted and then the tape removed for abstract stripes. The perfect height you and your bar!
Dimensions: 29"x 9.5", seat is 12.5" Price: $85

I would like to thank you personally if you got to the bottom of this post, since its basically an ad, which probably wasn't what you were expecting, but I really just wanted to share this news with you all, and if something sparks your interest then we both win! One of the main reasons I put it on here is because I will most likely end up putting it on craigslist but I want to give my friends and family first shot!
Katie :)

A,B,C,D

So once again it's been a while since I have blogged, and its not that I haven't had ideas about topics or that I haven't had the time. Even at this point while I type I still am pondering what to write about. So I think I will do a little blurb about each thought. Enjoy!

A-The past couple weeks have been up and down for me. Last week I was really good at eating right, but had a lack of exercise awesomeness. This week I haven't been so hot on eating right but my exercising was good. I would really like for my motivation to match my food cravings. I was told when I started this journey that food and exercise are different battles, and the past couple weeks this has been very apparent and frustrating. I hope that by be admitting my struggle maybe it will clear my mind of the issue and they will blend more pleasantly this week.

B- I have been going to a Booty Bar Blast class at LVAC and I love it! It's a lovely mix of ballet, cardio, yoga, and revenge of 70's aerobics. The kind of aerobics that look silly, but burn. The one set back to this class is that it doesn't burn as many calories as the zumba/yoga combo that I was doing in the summer. So you have to supplement this class with a GOOD pre-work out, because this class makes you SOOOOO sore and tired after that I don't have the energy to do an after work out. This week I'm doing a Hot Hula class with my sister on Tuesday. This class is new for me and  there is a big chance I will look a fool, but it will be fun! So that will help jazz up the work outs this week.

C- Talking about results here. I have been seeing some, but not in the bigger numbers I was having a month ago. I feel like I have LET myself plateau. Losing 1-2 lbs, but nothing major. This week was better. I have passed the 25lbs milestone, which is great and I'm starting to see work pay off. Do I wish it was more, yes, (deep pause) but I have to accept that my up and down weeks, and the eating of the junk food has happened and that is why I'm plateauing. I'm not doing enough to burn off what I eat, so hence I'm not losing as much as I would like.  I need to accepted it and be happy for the weight I have lost but I CANNOT over reward myself like I have been doing.

D- I have been in a food rut, recycling the same meal over and over trying to make new and different. It didn't work well, so I searched pinterest high and low for some healthy and one not so healthy dinner ideas to spruce up my food. The "Skinny Greek Chicken" was by far one of the tastiest thing I have had in a long time. It was tangy and made the chicken not so dull. The tacos were also good. Tonight I'm having a good Sunday dinner, which isn't great for me, but sometimes a good Sunday dinner is what the belly calls for.  So if you want to check that out and you aren't following me on Pinterest, its Katielynn1204!

Anywho I think that I have told enough random things this about the past couple weeks.

Loves and Hugs-
Katie :D

Food Quirks...

Hello Blog, 
It has been awhile since I have written anything in a while and tonight seemed like a good night.  Growing up I was a picky eater and while I'm trying to be more adventurous in my food choices, I have moments when it kicks back in. Tonight is a keen example of that.
It's turkey taco night, and when my turkey meat was browned I added a new taco seasoning/sauce I found at the grocery store. It was chunky.... one of least favorite qualities about food. Big ole pieces of tomato's and onions staring at me, mocking me. Then I had a moment, and started to PICK them out (with a fork).  Pause.... Yes it was weird and strange, but then I realized it and HAD to turn this moment around.  I can't let picky food habits and cringing tales of under cooked onions ruin my dinner tonight or any night. My solution to this was blending it down, making it smooth (a much happier texture for my mouth). The tacos ended up being quite tasty, and I was glad was able to get past my initial reaction.  So then another question ended up bouncing around my head.

How do I get past my food quirks?

When I was young and we had family meals, if there was and ingredient I didn't like even if it was tiny I wouldn't finish my dinner. Example Cream of Chicken vs Cream of Mushroom. Now if I didn't know it was cream of mushroom I didn't care, but when I figured it out it was not a pretty sight. If the books that came out when I was teenager about hiding veggies in your kids food came out when I was kid, I would have been the target audience. In real world situations being a picky eater doesn't go over well, and no matter how old you get hiding things under your napkin doesn't work.

 I'm not sure I have an answer to my problem. While I have gotten better at eating things that I don't like, at least I'm trying them and giving them an adult shot. But when I saw this chunky sauce tonight I got that gross food feeling in my stomach. Maybe its a texture thing, memory thing, a food looking pretty thing? I'm sort of lost for an answer. I guess the best thing I can come up with is that this is journey and I'm not finished with it yet. Hopefully by the time I figure this healthy lifestyle thing out I will be able to eat chunky sauce.

Enough with the stories of my weird behavior. 
Love-
Katie

Perception and Reality

So before I go into my post I deleted my last post "Happy Saturday" for no good reason. I was looking at my posts and had two in draft form that I didn't feel like using, but clicked Saturday instead. BOO! I hope that the readers who read it found something interesting... moving on.
This morning was frustrating because I was trying to figure out a problem not related to working out. Then I went to the gym and saw the elliptical as my problem and beat it to ground. Back to reality, I still have said problem but feel a tad bit less stressed about it. Anywho in beating it to the ground I had a personal best in millage and calories burned. I went about 4 miles, and burned 542 calories. This got me thinking. Looking at myself 15lbs ago, I COULDN'T have done that. After the lackluster workouts I had last week it felt really good knowing that I had improved.
 My thoughts then went back to my weight and size before I started. I didn't see my size, or weight. I thought hey I'm getting chunky, then ate some more ice cream. I didn't see myself as size 18/17, but I was. Truth when I imagine a size 18, I see a very large person who can't walk well and has a multitude of fat folds, NOT ME. Which is really mean and I feel bad that my brain goes there, but it does. Taking a trip to reality town I was a fat kid who gained weight, and clothing size. Right now my perception has caught up with reality and they are slower merging to create a more mindful Katie. I can see that my body is changing, and I'm pleased with that. That I can work up a good sweat and feel ALIVE, not like I'm going to die. This merging of perception and reality has had an interesting affect on me, I feel like for the first time in a long while I can be FULLY accountable for my choices, all my choices.
I'm going to leave you with the thought of being accountable, because that alone has been the key to my recent weight loss.
Loves!
Katie 

Some good news!

Hello and Good Afternoon!

So I hope that everything is going well for everybody looking at my blog this fine day. Today one of my friends posted something about my blog in hers, ( I think,  if you read this let me know for sure Katy G) My friend wrote a post that was quite lovely, and put more positive spin on weight loss, and health. So In her blog she wrote this "And when you lose your first 10lbs, or your last 10lbs, or when you go down a size in your clothing: Celebrate what you accomplished. Have a cupcake! Whatever!!!"

So here is the mini celebration on my way to a healthy lifestyle... Drum Roll * I have lost 13lbs, and even though it doesn't sound like a huge achievement. I feel a bit skinnier, but mostly I feel better about myself. This has come as a result of me being a mindful eater and working out. This is a victory for me personally because I was very stubborn in the being trying to do things my way, and sometimes my way isn't the best. The biggest thing that has made a difference was figuring out ways to feel full, and not snack every second of the day. My not so secret method is a protein shake in the morning. Another big change, cutting out Coke! I love coke and during my last couple years in school I could down a couple cans a day. I haven't had a coke in two months! I haven't given up soda completely as you could tell by the coke zero, sprite zero and fresca cans in my recycling bin. The zero soda is helping fill the void. 

I think the best thing about this little victory is that I have found what works for me. Being MINDFUL of what goes in my body. I have been using a calorie counter which has helped be become far more informative about my past and newer eating habits. Eating what I want to eat, in moderation.  For example today I had Arby's. It was sooooooo good! Why I don't feel bad about it, I haven't had it in three months, and I don't plan on eating again anytime soon. So it was my little luxury for the day. Side note it was my blood sugar is low and I need to eat now meal.  Also I don't dislike working out, I quite like it once I get to the gym and start. Getting to the gym is the hardest part for me.

Anywho I feel like I have spilled my guts enough for one post! 

Katie :D

P.S. This picture of my little pup and me was so well loved on FB that I will post it here to brighten your day! 

             

Adventures in Cooking! :D

Hello!

So its been a few days since I last posted something neat, and decided tonight was the night! I was feeling creative today and decided to make my own granola bars. I searched for a recipe that I liked, and didn't find one so I  improvised! Right now they are sitting in my freezer, and the nutella is setting up. I have a picture of them, it's not the best picture because my food photography is rusty! When I made them I cut them into 28 pieces, which equals 121 calories per square. 

 

Now recipe time!
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup agave ( or honey*)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups dry oats
2 servings of mini honey teddy grahams (94 bears)
1 serving of chocolate frosted mini wheats (42 pieces)
3/4 cup nutella
* Honey will add more calories, as will regular flour.
Now the directions!
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Grind/ blend/ crush the teddy grahams and mini wheat's. Mix the crushed grahams with the oats.  Next add the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients and mix until well combined!
Place mixture into sprayed or parchment lined 9x13 pan. Squish down until the mixture until the pan is full. Cook in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Melt the nutella in the microwave for 30-50 seconds, around the time the bars come out of the oven. Pour the nutella on the bars right when they come out of the oven,  then stick them fridge to set. After they are cool, cut into squares/ bars and ENJOY!
One a side note I'm going to store mine in the fridge so that the chocolate doesn't melt in the Vegas heat! I hope that if you try them they come out just as tasty as my batch did!
Loves!
Katie :D