March and April Goals

March Goals:
1. Continue my weight loss. I am hoping to be down 68lbs by the end of March so I can hit my goal of 75 lbs by May 1st. Goal Met and Exceeded! I am down 75lbs!!!!
2. Workout at least 4 times a week. Almost... I met my goal all but one week when I was so sick and couldn't breathe; there was no way I could workout. I made up for it though with double walks the following week.
3. Try 5 new recipes this month Goal Met! We made Crispy Sesame Shrimp, Pizza Braids, Tuscan Style Pork Tenderloin, Bang Bang Shrimp and Crispy Mozzarella Sticks! They were all winners this month; we definitely will be adding these to our regular menus! 
4. Have my Easter decorations up by the first weekend in March Goal Met!
5. Blog at least 24 times this month Goal Met! I blogged 28 times this month


April Goals:
1. Weight loss goal - I wanted to be down 75lbs by May 1st but now I'm shooting for 80!
2. Workout at least 5 times a week. (I'm ramping it up!)
3. Try 5 new recipes this month. (I'm loving this goal, it is really pushing us to try new things instead of always having the same old thing)
4. Have my Easter decorations down and Spring decor up by April 10.
5. Complete "our week in pictures" twice. (I have been an epic fail on this so far)

Another milestone!

Yesterday was a big day, I hit the 75lb lost mark! When I started this whole lifestyle change in November I would have never thought that in only 5 months I could lose 75lbs. I am really proud of myself for changing my habits and making a full commitment towards a healthy, active lifestyle. I feel so good and have so much energy. I don't feel like I'm on a diet or depriving myself from anything.

I'm definitely going to just keep going and see where I end up. My next goal is to be down 80lbs by the end of April. It would be great to hit the 100lb mark by June or July. I guess we will just see what happens. To date I have lost over 30 inches in my bust, waist, and hips. I have also dropped 5 dress sizes.

Now for the fun part, the progress pictures! Again, there's not that much of a difference between 60 and 75 pounds but the difference between the before and now is hard to believe. Looking at the before picture, it is really hard to realize that was me. I am definitely loving the after picture though!

 

      Before                50lbs                  60lbs                 75lbs         

 Before                                           Now

 Front view

Menu Planning Monday

We tried two new recipes last week and they were both very good. This week we are also trying two new recipes. One is a recipe for Bang Bang Shrimp. It is a replica recipe that Food Network created based off of Bonefish Grill's original recipe. We made these last night and they were amazing! These are really dangerous because they taste just as good as the ones from the restaurant! 

 

Our version of bang bang shrimp, yum!

The other new recipe this week is for baked mozzarella sticks from Rocco DiSpirito's new cookbook, Now Eat This!

Here is our menu for the week:

Sunday: Bang Bang Shrimp and fried rice

Monday: Chicken Parmesan paninis with baked mozzarella sticks (new recipe)

Tuesday: Grilled turkey burgers

Wednesday: Cheese ravioli and turkey Italian sausage (this didn't make it to the table last week)

Thursday: Steak tacos with Mexican rice

Friday: Date night

Saturday: Dinner with the Dworianyn family after the Easter basket blessing

Weekend Recap

We have had a nice relaxing weekend. I took off of work on Friday and it was really nice to have a three day weekend. I worked out and got so much done around the house. Michael and I went out to lunch together for some sushi. It was a nice treat since I'm normally in the city everyday. My laptop arrived on Friday too; I was so excited! Michael got it all set up for me and downloaded all my programs. He even personalized my desktop using the webcam!

Awww...

On Friday night we just relaxed and cooked dinner together.

On Saturday we woke up and had breakfast and ran a couple of errands. We came home and picked up Porkchop to take him to Petsmart. He absolutely loves going, it's really funny how excited he gets. He loves to see all the dogs and runs around sniffing all the toys and treats.

Porkchop making friends with a puppy

Saturday night we headed down by my parents and picked my Mom up to go out to dinner. My dad is in Tennessee fishing so we thought we would go down and visit her. We took her out to dinner to one of our favorite restaurants, Trattoria Tazza. We had a really good dinner and just went back and hung out for a while before heading home.

Today we got up and went to breakfast with Rich and Tif. Then we went and picked up Michael's mom to go do some shopping at Kohl's because she had a 30% off coupon. Since everything is already 40-50% off at Kohl's, we got some great deals. I picked up a couple cute shirts, we got a new rug for the kitchen and a home decor item for our mantle. After we dropped off Michael's mom we went grocery shopping for the week. We came home and I got a long walk in before having some lunch. We also colored Easter eggs today! Here's some pictures of us in action and the final results!

 All set to go!

Michael drawing with a crayon on his soon-to-be dyed egg

A pretty purple flower egg

 All done and ready to  make egg salad this week!

Tonight we are making a yummy Sunday dinner with a new recipe for Bang Bang Shrimp and fried rice. 

It's been a really nice relaxing weekend and we are going to enjoy what's left of it. Hopefully this week goes by fast because I have a 4-day weekend to look forward to! I can't believe next weekend is Easter already. It seems like it was just Christmas! I hope everyone had a great weekend and has an easy week ahead.

It's the weekend!

Yay, it's the weekend! I am off of work today and looking forward to a long weekend! The weather isn't supposed to be too great but I see 60's for all next week. Let's hope Spring will be here for real this time!

Today I am planning to get all of my housekeeping things done so we don't have anything to worry about the rest of the weekend. I might also do some baking since I haven't really had the chance since Christmastime. My new laptop is supposed to be delivered today so I'm looking forward to finally getting my hands on it! That is if I can pry it out of Michael's hands because he has to "set it up" for me! Tonight we are going to have a relaxing night at home, cook dinner together and maybe watch a movie.

Saturday I need to workout and we are going to take Porkchop to Petsmart to pick out some Easter goodies for his Easter basket! In the evening we are heading down to my parents house to take my Mom out to dinner. My Dad is on a fishing trip so we didn't want her alone all weekend. 

On Sunday, I plan on working out and then our usual breakfast and grocery shopping. I need to catch up on my online photo lessons, and we are also going to dye Easter eggs!

I will be back on Sunday with a full recap and lots of pictures! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Porkchop says, "Only 1 week till Easter!"

Mark your calendars!

The Wilton tent sale! I am so excited; I cannot wait for this!!!

Last year was the first year that I went and it was amazing. I literally called Michael to tell him it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen!!! They have so many amazing products at such great prices, it was incredibly overwhelming. I didn't go until the third week of the sale and there was still so much left. They do have a lot of cooking and baking items but they also sell picture frames, photo albums, scrapbooking products, craft supplies, home decor items and more!

This is the description from the the website:

The Wilton Tent Sale, which is held in Woodridge, Illinois, is a popular event for cake decorators and crafters. This year’s Wilton Tent Sale will offer amazing deals on a wide selection of Wilton cake decorating and baking supplies as well as kitchen and paper craft products from Copco, EK Success Brands and K & Company. In addition, demonstrations of Wilton products and crafting techniques will be offered throughout the sale.

I'm going to take Michael with me this year along with my mom and my sister. We'll be able to cover more ground then!

This is a picture of my bounty last year!

Thursday thoughts...

1. I am so excited I hit 70lbs lost this past weekend. It is very possible I will hit the 75lbs lost by April 1st a full month ahead of my original goal!!

2. My new laptop is finally going to be here tomorrow and I can't wait to play with it this weekend! I see a lot of photo editing and blogging in my Sunday's future!

3. I am really excited to die Easter eggs this weekend!

4. I am loving Old Navy's spring/summer dresses this year. I just got this one in watermelon, this one in the red plaid and this one in both black and brown butterfly! Now if it could only be warm enough to wear them!

5. Thank God Crystal Bowersox is on American Idol because almost everyone else is hopeless.

6. They say that imitation is the best form of flattery. If that's true, then I've been feeling very flattered lately!

7. I am taking an online photography class and I'm already behind, this weekend is catch up time!

8. We are going to take Porkchop to Petsmart this weekend to pick out some Easter basket goodies!

9. We found out yesterday that we won a $25 gift certificate for Wildfire from the raffle we entered at the St. Baldrick's event last week. Yay! Gotta love my lucky charm, Michael!

10. Today is my Friday and I'm so excited for a 3 day weekend!

Magazine mania!

I subscribe to a lot of magazines. When I say a lot I'm talking 15+ subscriptions. I'm on the train everyday for 2 hours so that is mostly how I justify it. I read a lot of books too, but I love my glossy magazines! When I was purchasing my Kindle I was debating between the book size and the larger version that was made for newspapers and magazines. I just could not see myself without my glossy mags so I went with the smaller book size.

Magazine subscriptions are incredibly reasonable right now. Most of my subscriptions are about $1 an issue compared to $3-$5 on the newstand. See how much money I'm saving?!!! Here's my A-Z rundown of the magazines I subscribe to and the reasons I read and love each one.

1. All you

This is a great magazine that covers everything from cooking, decorating, fashion, etc and doing it cost effectively. They also have a ton of coupons within the magazine. Can't go wrong with that!

2. Bon Appetit

This is a classic cooking magazine that has been around for a long time. You can learn great cooking techniques from the classics to the newest gadgets. 

 3. Everyday Food

This magazine comes out of the Martha Stewart empire and is all recipes. The thing I like most about this magazine is that the recipes are all seasonal and simple.

4. Family Circle

A classic magazine that includes cooking, cleaning, new products, and great holiday/seasonal ideas.

5. Food & Family

This magazine is put out by Kraft so it uses only their products but I have gotten some really great recipes from here. 

6. Food & Wine

Another classic foodie magazine. We don't drink wine so I skim over those parts but there are amazing restaurant quality recipes every month. 

7. Food Network Magazine

This is honestly one of my favorite magazines that I look forward to coming every month. It is also in my opinion one of the best laid out magazines. They cover new gadgets, profile Food Network chefs and of course there are a ton of recipes! I read this from cover to cover every month!

8. Glamour

A great woman's magazine that mostly covers fashion and beauty but is very much about empowering women as well. 

9. Good Housekeeping

 Great magazine for new product reviews, home decor, cooking, and lifestyle articles.

10. Lucky

My go-to magazine on the latest fashion trends and where to find them. Plus they profile the city you live in along with special discounts. 

11. Marie Claire

This is probably the magazine I have been a subscribed to the longest. I have been reading Marie Claire since I was in junior high. It's a great magazine for fashion and beauty product reviews.

12. Martha Stewart Living

I bow down to the craft queen. Martha Stewart Living hands down has the best holiday issues with the best ideas. I have gotten so many ideas for Halloween and Christmas and I save every issue. 

13. Rachel Ray Magazine

This and Food Network are probably my favorite magazines I receive every month. I read it from cover to cover and love how the magazine is organized. I always find several recipes I want to make every month. 

14. Real Simple

Real Simple is a great magazine for magazine for managing and organizing every aspect of your home. It is chock full of so many great ideas every month. I always find myself clipping out great articles or tips that I can use. 

15. Redbook

 I got Redbook for free for filling out some surveys. It's not my favorite, it's not the worst. It's your typical woman's magazine but not as well done as Glamour or Marie Claire.

16. US Weekly

Gotta have at least one gossip rag in the mix. It's a guilty pleasure and I love it!

17. Women's Day

Similar to Family Circle, Woman's Day includes cooking, cleaning, new products, and great holiday/seasonal ideas.

18. Women's Health

This is a new magazine in my collection. I am getting a lot out of the tips on both nutrition and exercise. I think this could easily become one of my favorite magazines. 

What I'm reading

Sweet Little Lies

This book is a follow up to Lauren Conrad's first book, LA Candy, which I really liked. I thought that Sweet Little Lies was even better than the first book. It was cute, glamorous, fast paced, edgy and funny all rolled up into one. I love how she puts an 'inside look' at Hollywood reality t.v. shows and being a celebrity. Because she was on The Hills for so long you wonder how much of this was her experience. I can honestly say I couldn't put it down. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

Food Rules

Michael Pollen is the narrator of the movie Food, Inc. that scared the crap out of Michael and I. He has written several books on healthy eating and this is his latest. There are some things that are common sense in the book, but what I really benefited from was the research he did on food science, sugars, and the use of corn and soy in foods. It's shocking, almost unbelievable to consider the lack of nutrition in most of the things people eat. The key is eating "real" food and not just empty calories (sugar), sodium and carbs.

Even with good intentions, you have every ingredient working against you. High sugars, sodium, preservatives of every kind... it's given me a new definition of "soy"lent green, because they can make soy and corn look and taste like pretty much anything you want! Scary! If you have the desire and will power to start eating right, this book is a sensational review of some basic Food Rules. It's becoming easier, more affordable, and more popular to eat healthy, organic and local. I decided to jump on the train and I am never getting off it. I suggest you come too.

If you have to cry, go outside

Kelly Cutrone is best known for being the snarky boss on MTV's The Hills and The City and now she has her own show on Bravo. I think she's really honest, kinda crazy and a really amazing business woman. Her book is part memoir, part spiritual guide, part you-go-girl empowerment and part business manual, all in her straightforward, no-holds-barred style. In many ways, it's feminism as take-the-bull-by-the-horns (or take-the-city-by-the-horns), whether she's talking about organizing an art benefit against censorship, raising her daughter solo, or running her business, PR company People's Revolution.It's a quick read but the pull-no-punches lessons and Cutrone's brand of being herself as well as vision for women in the workplace is a refreshing one, and it's certainly entertaining. 

I especially like that while there's juicy stories, Cutrone isn't trying to sell herself as a publicist or her brands or even fashion or PR as industries (if anything she somewhat warns younger readers away unless they can hack it). Instead she tells how she grew up with an inherent sense of who she was and what she was capable of and learned by doing. Her ability to own up to her mistakes and failures while still offering up rules for success is what makes this book so bold and memorable.

Menu Planning Monday

 

It was great to get back in the kitchen last week. We cooked almost everything on our menu last week. We are trying two new recipes this week. Apparently it's Little Italy week here in the Love Nest because almost all of our meals this week are Italian! Here's our menu for the week:

Sunday: Tuscan pork tenderloin (new recipe! We had this last night and it was delicious!)

Monday: Meatball melties (new recipe! These didn't make it to the table last week)

Tuesday: Pizza braids

Wednesday: Beer battered chicken tenders

Thursday: Cheese ravioli and turkey Italian sausage

Friday: Date Night

Saturday: Dinner with my mom at Trattoria Tazza

Weekend Recap

Another weekend is coming to the end. We have had a really nice weekend. It was busy, but we had a lot of fun. On Friday I got off work early and went shopping in the afternoon. I was able to find a few good finds. I got some new work shirts and I found a super cute trench coat for Spring!

Friday night we went to a fundraiser that our neighbors Mark and Margaret were running. It was a St. Baldrick's event. St. Baldricks raises money for children with cancer by having people raise money from sponsors to shave their head. It was a really fun event watching people get their heads shaved. Both Mark and Margaret shaved their heads. I give her a lot of credit because I don't think I would be able to shave my head. They had silent auctions and a raffle and a bunch of vendors who were donating a percentage of your purchase to the cause. I of course found a super cute tote to buy and it helped make a nice donation too! Here's the new work tote I bought, it's from a company called Gigi Hill. They had really cute bags!

After the benefit we headed to Wildfire for a nice date night dinner. After dinner we headed home and just relaxed.

On Friday the weather was beautiful and in the 60's. This is what we woke up to on Saturday morning:

Lovely first day of Spring!

Our poor icy carrots!

I woke up and worked out on Saturday and we got some things done around the house. We went to my parents house in the afternoon before the baptism we were going to. We got to see little Watson and he was so cute! We haven't seen him in awhile so it was fun getting to play with him. I tried taking pictures of him but he never stops moving, I only got one decent shot of him.

We headed with my parents to the baptism for my cousin Andrea's twin boys Cole and Carter. The babies were so cute and really good through the whole thing. They weren't too fond of the water being poured on their little heads, but I can't blame them! Here's some pictures of the baptism.

Andrea and Chris with Cole and Carter and the Godparents Pete and Julie

Cole being baptized

Carter being baptized

After the baptism we headed to Andrea and Chris's house for dinner and celebration. The babies were being passed around like hot potatoes! They had been up since 5 am and were still going at 11 pm and were happy as could be. I only hope I'm lucky enough to have such happy babies someday! 

Me holding Cole

Arla holding Cole

Dad holding Cole

My only picture of baby Carter

Today we slept in a little and then went to breakfast and then grocery shopping. After grocery shopping I headed out to see if I could find any other new clothes. I didn't find very much but I did finally find a dress for my sister's bridal shower! We are going to spend the rest of the day just relaxing and I have some laundry to finish up. We are also going to make a new recipe for Sunday dinner. We are having Tuscan style pork tenderloin. Hopefully the rest of the day goes by slowly so we can enjoy it. I hope everyone had a great weekend!

TGIF!

I am so excited the weekend is finally here! We made it through another week! I am hoping to get out of work early today which would be nice. I want to go get my manicure and maybe do some shopping. I am really looking forward to the weekend. It stinks that the great weather is not going to continue, but oh well, that's weather in Chicago.

Tonight we are going on a date night for dinner and then meeting up with our neighbor's, Mark and Margaret, who are particpating in a St. Baldrick's event. It's an event that raises money for cancer by people who are sponsored to shave their heads. They both did it last year and are doing it again. I give Margaret a lot of credit because I don't think I could ever shave my head!

Saturday we have a christening in our family for my cousin Andrea's new twin boys Cole and Carter. We are going to the christening and then back to their house for a celebration dinner. I'm really looking forward to it because I have not seen my aunts, uncles and cousins since Thanksgiving. It should be a lot of fun. Sunday we don't have anything really planned just our usual breakfast and grocery shopping.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and gets to enjoy our last bit of the heat wave today! I will be back on Sunday with a full weekend recap and lots of pictures!