Tony and I have been able to move forward with our future together. In the past 2 years, we've got engaged, bought a house, got married, and bought 2 motorcycles.
It's been a good two years and I'm excited for the many more to come!!
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Happy 2 Years to Me!
Tony and I have been able to move forward with our future together. In the past 2 years, we've got engaged, bought a house, got married, and bought 2 motorcycles.
It's been a good two years and I'm excited for the many more to come!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Tony's parents came to visit during our pantry challenge. When they were here, we did go out an buy a few things. Sunday morning, we were planning eggs and sausage for breakfast. I wanted to do something else with what I had. Since I didn't have any fruit, chocolate chips were really the only mix in that I had. They were quite yummy and I've made them a couple times since!
CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS (from Taste of Home)
Makes: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Sugar crystals (optional) *my add
2. In a small bowl, beat egg, milk and oil.
3. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Sprinkle with sugar crystals (optional)
6. Bake at 400° for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
Enjoy!!
CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS (from Taste of Home)
Makes: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients. 2. In a small bowl, beat egg, milk and oil.
3. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Sprinkle with sugar crystals (optional)
6. Bake at 400° for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
Enjoy!!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Pantry Challenge: Completed!
Live has been crazy the past few weeks and I really haven't had time to post. I'm getting back into it now. We've gone on vacation, I've traveled for work, and Tony has officially moved to first shift!
We completed our pantry challenge at the end of July. It worked out really well! For the month of July, we only spent $38 on groceries. Here's the final comparison!
Freezer
Fridge
Cabinets
Thanks for stopping by!
We completed our pantry challenge at the end of July. It worked out really well! For the month of July, we only spent $38 on groceries. Here's the final comparison!
Freezer
Fridge
Cabinets
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Finding Myself
I've been contemplating doing this post for a while. It may be a bit lengthy, but bear with me...
Over the past 6-8 months, I've been trying to "find myself." I remember when I interviewed (almost 3 years ago now), the question came up, "What do you do for fun?" My answer consisted of well in high school, I danced. In college and grad school, my focus was school and being an RA for 2 years. I had danced there for a semester and tried ultimate Frisbee for a year. In grad school, weekly yoga classes with my sister, Amy, became a regular thing. I found myself asking the same question to an interviewee last fall. He gave me the "my focus has been on school." I thought that that was a perfectly acceptable answer just like when I gave it two years ago. What would my answer be now? Last year, it was planning a wedding and working on our new house. After the wedding, things really calmed down. The house was (and still is) a work in progress. What was I going to do for fun and for me? I had to figure it out... With Tony working second shift, I had to find things that I could do just for me.
Step 1: Join the Gym (lifestyle change)
Okay so I did the very cliché thing of joining the gym after the new year. However, this was something that I had been thinking about, but "didn't have the time." My co-worker teaches an amazing Zumba class and that was my main reason for joining. He had been asking me for several months if I wanted to do it. The wedding (and work) was always my excuse. I didn't have a reason to say no. Plus, my company provides the perk that if you go to the gym 80 times in a year, they'll reimburse you for 75% of your gym membership. This definitely made it a no brainer! I am so glad I said yes! After 7 months, I attend 2 classes a week as long as I am in town. Zumba gives me my dance fix. Even though it was cliché, I have stuck with it and love it!
Step 2: Find a dance class (emotional and lifestyle change)
This was a short lived experience. I found a local studio that had an adult ballet class on Fridays after work. I loved it! I was getting my flexibility back and was planning on re-starting Pointe. Unfortunately, they didn't have the numbers so after May, they cancelled the class. I am hoping someone else will start an adult class or that the gym will start a barre class.
Step 3: Read more (emotional change)
Sitting and watching TV isn't healthy. I wanted to read more. I'm between books right now so this is currently lagging in my life. Perhaps tonight, I'll start my next book.
Step 4: C25K (emotional and lifestyle change)
A good number of my friends run and are super athletic. I HATE running. I tried it before and couldn't stand it. My friend, Phil, started the C25K program this summer. Taking inspiration from him, I started this 5 weeks ago. It wasn't bad starting out. I'd listen to a podcast and the 30 minutes would pass quickly. Week 4 was rough. The last 5 minute burst was painful. Looking back, I was so focused on my body and how much longer I had. When I did Week 5 Day 1, I was fine. I focused on the podcast and that was it. For me, running is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. Running is teaching me to focus on one thing and not multi-task. This is something I need!
Step 5: Eat better (lifestyle change)
I know a number of people who fast, do juice cleanses, and diet (paleo, gluten free, sugar free, etc.). I've tried them and it's just not for me. I've been pretty good since starting the C25K program. Here's what I am trying to stick to:
- one pop per week
- one sweet per day
- less pasta (mac & cheese is a weakness for me!)
- more water
It is going fairly well. I slip up every once in a while but I am eating better than I was.
Step 6: Fulfill life goals (emotional and career)
In college, some people said you need to take the FE others said for mechanical, you don't need it. I didn't take the FE in college. I now regret that choice. I don't technically "NEED" my PE but it is now something I want. So to get to the PE, I have to take the FE. I bought the books to study and the goal is to take the FE exam in January at the latest.
Mom and Dad, if you are reading, stop here...
I told you to stop reading...
Okay, if you insist...
Tony had been talking about getting a motorcycle for about 5 years. Last year, he finally did it and loves it. It would be great to join him and tour the lovely lakes and parks around us. I have been wavering back and forth about getting my motorcycle license. I'm not sure if I'd enjoy it or it would stress me out. There's only one way to find out. Try it! I'm planning on getting my permit (tomorrow?) and then taking the motorcycle safety class (this month?). If I like it, I'll figure out what to do from there. If I don't, I can say I tried it and will have no regrets moving forward.
That's where I am with life now... I feel I know things will change but I need to stop focusing on the what-ifs and focus on the now...
What kind of things do you do for you?
Over the past 6-8 months, I've been trying to "find myself." I remember when I interviewed (almost 3 years ago now), the question came up, "What do you do for fun?" My answer consisted of well in high school, I danced. In college and grad school, my focus was school and being an RA for 2 years. I had danced there for a semester and tried ultimate Frisbee for a year. In grad school, weekly yoga classes with my sister, Amy, became a regular thing. I found myself asking the same question to an interviewee last fall. He gave me the "my focus has been on school." I thought that that was a perfectly acceptable answer just like when I gave it two years ago. What would my answer be now? Last year, it was planning a wedding and working on our new house. After the wedding, things really calmed down. The house was (and still is) a work in progress. What was I going to do for fun and for me? I had to figure it out... With Tony working second shift, I had to find things that I could do just for me.
Step 1: Join the Gym (lifestyle change)
Okay so I did the very cliché thing of joining the gym after the new year. However, this was something that I had been thinking about, but "didn't have the time." My co-worker teaches an amazing Zumba class and that was my main reason for joining. He had been asking me for several months if I wanted to do it. The wedding (and work) was always my excuse. I didn't have a reason to say no. Plus, my company provides the perk that if you go to the gym 80 times in a year, they'll reimburse you for 75% of your gym membership. This definitely made it a no brainer! I am so glad I said yes! After 7 months, I attend 2 classes a week as long as I am in town. Zumba gives me my dance fix. Even though it was cliché, I have stuck with it and love it!
Step 2: Find a dance class (emotional and lifestyle change)
This was a short lived experience. I found a local studio that had an adult ballet class on Fridays after work. I loved it! I was getting my flexibility back and was planning on re-starting Pointe. Unfortunately, they didn't have the numbers so after May, they cancelled the class. I am hoping someone else will start an adult class or that the gym will start a barre class.
Step 3: Read more (emotional change)
Sitting and watching TV isn't healthy. I wanted to read more. I'm between books right now so this is currently lagging in my life. Perhaps tonight, I'll start my next book.
Step 4: C25K (emotional and lifestyle change)
A good number of my friends run and are super athletic. I HATE running. I tried it before and couldn't stand it. My friend, Phil, started the C25K program this summer. Taking inspiration from him, I started this 5 weeks ago. It wasn't bad starting out. I'd listen to a podcast and the 30 minutes would pass quickly. Week 4 was rough. The last 5 minute burst was painful. Looking back, I was so focused on my body and how much longer I had. When I did Week 5 Day 1, I was fine. I focused on the podcast and that was it. For me, running is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. Running is teaching me to focus on one thing and not multi-task. This is something I need!
Step 5: Eat better (lifestyle change)
I know a number of people who fast, do juice cleanses, and diet (paleo, gluten free, sugar free, etc.). I've tried them and it's just not for me. I've been pretty good since starting the C25K program. Here's what I am trying to stick to:
- one pop per week
- one sweet per day
- less pasta (mac & cheese is a weakness for me!)
- more water
It is going fairly well. I slip up every once in a while but I am eating better than I was.
Step 6: Fulfill life goals (emotional and career)
In college, some people said you need to take the FE others said for mechanical, you don't need it. I didn't take the FE in college. I now regret that choice. I don't technically "NEED" my PE but it is now something I want. So to get to the PE, I have to take the FE. I bought the books to study and the goal is to take the FE exam in January at the latest.
Mom and Dad, if you are reading, stop here...
I told you to stop reading...
Okay, if you insist...
Tony had been talking about getting a motorcycle for about 5 years. Last year, he finally did it and loves it. It would be great to join him and tour the lovely lakes and parks around us. I have been wavering back and forth about getting my motorcycle license. I'm not sure if I'd enjoy it or it would stress me out. There's only one way to find out. Try it! I'm planning on getting my permit (tomorrow?) and then taking the motorcycle safety class (this month?). If I like it, I'll figure out what to do from there. If I don't, I can say I tried it and will have no regrets moving forward.
That's where I am with life now... I feel I know things will change but I need to stop focusing on the what-ifs and focus on the now...
What kind of things do you do for you?
Friday, July 25, 2014
Dressing for a Professional Portrait
At work, they decided to retake our photos for the directory. Most of the photos were horrible! They were ususally taken on the first day of work, by HR, in front of the background of the year. Most of us had a lovely blue background. Here was my picture...
My picture was taken after running around the building an getting all sweaty. Looking at the photo, I wasn't even sitting up straight! I was so glad that we were getting the chance to re-take our pictures!
This new picture would be with me for a while. I had to figure out what to wear (jewelry and clothing) and how to do my hair and make-up. I started by searching "professional business portraits." I took note of what I liked and didn't like. Here's where I ended up. I would recommend a similar outfit to anyone that is going to have a professional portrait taken.
Clothing
I wanted to wear a suit. I have a black, navy, and grey suit. I liked the black but I thought it was a little harsh. I though dark grey would be better.
For the shirt underneath, I didn't want to go bright or white. I thought the bright would look a little young and the white would wash me out. I went with a darker teal shirt.
Jewelry
The necklace would probably be the only thing that would show. Perhaps my earrings.
I wanted something simple and classic. This was easy and I settled on my small pearl necklace with pearl studs.
Hair
My hair is naturally curly so I could have gone curly or straight. The deciding factor here was the time of day. I had to wait until 1:30 to get my picture taken. If I went curly and it rained, it's possible my hair could frizz more than I wanted. If I went straight, I could run my flat iron through it right before the photo. I chose to straighten my hair and then run to the bathroom before the picture and do a quick once over.
Make-up
This was easy, I was going to go with my normal everyday make-up. I was going to go with a lip gloss rather than my normal chapstick. When I ran to the bathroom, I brushed my teeth (it was after lunch!) and did a quick check and reapplication of mascara and lip gloss.
Voilà!
I'm happy with the new photo. I can't wait until the replace the old one!
Thanks for stopping by!
My picture was taken after running around the building an getting all sweaty. Looking at the photo, I wasn't even sitting up straight! I was so glad that we were getting the chance to re-take our pictures!
This new picture would be with me for a while. I had to figure out what to wear (jewelry and clothing) and how to do my hair and make-up. I started by searching "professional business portraits." I took note of what I liked and didn't like. Here's where I ended up. I would recommend a similar outfit to anyone that is going to have a professional portrait taken.
Clothing
I wanted to wear a suit. I have a black, navy, and grey suit. I liked the black but I thought it was a little harsh. I though dark grey would be better.
For the shirt underneath, I didn't want to go bright or white. I thought the bright would look a little young and the white would wash me out. I went with a darker teal shirt.
Jewelry
The necklace would probably be the only thing that would show. Perhaps my earrings.
I wanted something simple and classic. This was easy and I settled on my small pearl necklace with pearl studs.
Hair
My hair is naturally curly so I could have gone curly or straight. The deciding factor here was the time of day. I had to wait until 1:30 to get my picture taken. If I went curly and it rained, it's possible my hair could frizz more than I wanted. If I went straight, I could run my flat iron through it right before the photo. I chose to straighten my hair and then run to the bathroom before the picture and do a quick once over.
Make-up
This was easy, I was going to go with my normal everyday make-up. I was going to go with a lip gloss rather than my normal chapstick. When I ran to the bathroom, I brushed my teeth (it was after lunch!) and did a quick check and reapplication of mascara and lip gloss.
Voilà!
I'm happy with the new photo. I can't wait until the replace the old one!
Thanks for stopping by!
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