Fitness Friday!

<center> <a href="http://sweettea-lemonade.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1uAYw7I8SopyaTFw-WjNGx4Z71i0oPidChSZGfP5vxFstcmMbdXmjY1IYuBSHSQLJEq0GYOGZ3G2pMX6c9ZuQyh8LnOzKIf83ehbNwYjGqqVwsrMJymn6Y46EJVz_vBSgzGjhrMxDgI/s320/running3.jpg" /></a></center>

Happy Friday everyone! I'm not saying TGIF this week because I'm still on vacation and everyday feels like Friday :P I hope everyone had a safe and happy Christmas and that you are looking forward to a HEALTHY 2013.

We all know that one of the top New Year's resolutions is to lose weight. Since this is the last Fitness Friday of 2012, let's talk about what we are going to do to get into shape/be healthy in 2013.

I know that I've been slacking in the exercise department since I've been home for the holidays, but I fully intend on getting back into the swing of things as soon as I get home. In fact, I am already making a conscious effort after today to start eating healthier. Period. I feel disgusting and I don't even think I've been that bad.

Anyway, it's been super cold up here and we have gotten about 4 inches of snow over the last couple days. Not exactly conducive to running/exercising outside.

I did however, find this daily workout plan on Pinterest a while back and have been making an effort to do my daily workout every morning. Depending on your fitness level, I would probably recommend doing each circuit at least twice for better benefit. If you can only do it once, well hey that's totally okay, too, and better than doing nothing, right?

Source: indulgy.com via sweettealove on Pinterest

I am going to be better about weekly (if not monthly) meal planning.
I am going to workout, at a minimum, four times per week and aim to at least get up and move for 20-30 minutes on my off days.
I am going to strive to get my 5k time down for the Color Me Rad race that I registered S and I up for in March.
I am going to lose my short-term goal of 10 lbs.
I am going to workout.
I am going to be healthy.
I am going to do this.
I am not giving myself a choice.

What are your fitness goals for 2013???

Wednesday Walkabout!

Happy day after Christmas! It has been a non-stop, crazy weekend and then some. I have lots of pictures to post, but I'll try to do them in a few different posts as to not overload everyone. I know it's been a while since I posted anything of substance so here is a little summary of what's been going on since I arrived in CT last Thursday.

 First things first. On Friday morning, after my dental cleaning, I decided it was time to dye my hair back to au natural. My highlights have been growing out quite a bit and I was tired of the pseudo-ombre look. Color before/after (I look so much better with a tan):

 I also had a haircut scheduled for Saturday morning and wanted to get the color out of the way before my cut. Cut before/after (apparently I get paler by the day up north):

After getting all prettied up, I needed to finish Christmas shopping. I just love all the Christmas decorations at my home mall, it's over-the-top compared to back home in Charleston.

I also picked up a little something for myself, to always keep my sailor close to my heart.

Another reminder that I am back home in Connecticut, I saw this in the TJ Maxx parking lot. God bless those children and their families. Pay it forward.

On Sunday, I took the train into the city with one of my besties to see the tree in Rockefellar Center and have a scrumptious lunch at one of my favorite places, the Todd English Food Hall at the Plaza Hotel.

So many yummy things to choose from!

Chicken parm sliders (minus the one I already ate) and parmesan fries (not pictured), YUM!

I spent Christmas Eve with my goddaughter, Madelyn, and her family. Sadly, I don't have any pictures, but I do plan on getting over to see them again before I leave.

Christmas day was spent at home with my mom, dad, and brother. We had snow overnight and I was lucky to wake up to a white Christmas!

Mom's gift to Gunner:

Delicious treats by my momma and I:

We opened gifts, had dinner with my uncle and grandma then afterwards went to visit my grandpa in the hospital. He was in good spirits and ate his entire turkey dinner. I also just got word today that he was released from the hospital and is back home which is very good news :)

S comes to CT on Saturday and I.can't.wait. I don't want to rush this vacation, but I just can't wait to see my sailor and celebrate Christmas with him<3

From what I've read so far today, sounds like everyone has had a great holiday. Hopefully I'll be back into regular blogging mode again soon.

If you are stopping by for Wednesday Walkabout, don't forget to say hello!

Have a Holly, Jolly....

Merry Christmas y'all!!

It's snowing in Connecticut right now!! Looking forward to waking up to a white Christmas. Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday!

Fitness Friday!

Wow, I am slacking again y'all. I'm sorry for the late post, but the last 24 hours have been a little crazy.

I can happily say that I am sitting on the bed in what used to be my old bedroom at my parents' house blogging away. It feels awesome to just veg out a bit knowing that I really don't have anything that needs to get done right this minute.

I got in to CT late last night. My flight from Charleston got delayed about 90 min. because of the wind, but I got here eventually and was only about an hour later than expected.

I don't know what it was, but I was having some serious anxiety about flying yesterday. I swear I was trying to think of way out of it up until I was in line boarding my flight. I told myself to quit being a baby though and suck it up because it's only an hour to Baltimore then another hour to CT. I ended up being just fine.

After getting home at about 1:30am, I had to get up and go to an 8:30am dentist appointment this morning, which isn't the way I really wanted to start my vacation (sleeping in definitely would have been preferable), but at least it's out of the way!

So far, the weather has been super crappy...

ie. SC/ CT

Although as I type this, the sun seems to be coming out and the sky turning blue, so today might not be a total bust!

Now, on to Fitness Friday! I am embarrassed to say that I kind of slacked this week. We have been crazy busy with Christmas parties and getting the apartment ready and ourselves ready for a 2+ week Charleston hiatus.

I worked out with my trainer on Monday, but skipped out on Wednesday because I had to drive S's drunk friends home from their office Christmas party finish laundry and packing. I was feeling really overwhelmed all week so I'm sure the sheer amount of anxiety I was feeling probably burned just as many calories as if I had worked out more. I did however, bring workout clothes and tennis shoes with me so I am planning on hitting the gym!

Although it is the holidays and sometimes difficult to stay on track, it's better to be conscious of the decisions you are making rather than just letting yourself go completely. Even if you don't have time to work out as much as you'd like, be sure to make smart food choices and who said you can't burn calories while doing all that Christmas shopping!

I'm not going to lie, I'm home in CT now and after passing by at least three of my favorite restaurants, it's going to be difficult. I'm determined though to not digress and at least maintain the progress I've made thus far. While everyone else is gaining, I will not be.

I'm heading out soon to see my grandpa who is the the midst of his third round of chemo. He contracted pneumonia a couple days ago and isn't responding well to the antibiotics. Please say a prayer for him and my family. Everyone says that he is doing okay, but I know that it is going to be difficult seeing him in the hospital.

On a positive note, I'm meeting my cousin tonight after work for dinner; I have a haircut scheduled for tomorrow morning and my dad's side Christmas party tomorrow night then I'm spending the day in NYC on Sunday with one of my bestest friends in the whole world who I haven't seen in foreverrr. Can't wait!!

Hope everyone had a great week and a happy Friday! What's going on this weekend???

ps - If you are participating in Fitness Friday, don't forget to add your link below!!

Secret Santa Gift Swap!

Good morning y'all! Today is my Friday and I am pretty excited about that. I also can't believe that I'll be sleeping at home at mom & dad's tonight, I just love that they are just a short flight away.

Today is the big day to reveal our Secret Santa gifts from the swap hosted by Janna, Kelly, and Tabitha! My Secret Santa was the lovely Elizabeth from The Better Belle Project. She is so sweet and apparently she has gotten to know me quite well in a short amount of time because I am just in love with the gift she sent me!

You sure can learn a lot about a girl through her Pinterest page ;)

Thanks again, Liz!! xo

Next, the recipient of my gift for the swap was Heather from Heathering Heights and you can check out what I got her here! Love the pics, Heather, and so glad you enjoyed the gift and a little "taste" of Charleston.

Can't wait to leave work early today and head home to finish packing then off to CT I go!

Love Never Fails.

In the wake of the Newtown tragedy, Southern Weddings has found a way to contribute to the all the mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters who's families were involved. They have decided that they will donate $5 from each sale of their 'Love Never Fails' print to a charity supporting the small suburban community in Connecticut. Each order that is placed today by 4pm will be shipped out by Priority Mail today.

1 Corinthians has always had special meaning to S and I. It can apply to so many things and in this case, the same holds true. This would make a really special Christmas gift or a nice reminder to hang somewhere in your home that love NEVER fails.

Print available here.

If you prefer to donate directly, you can also donate through the United Way or through the Red Cross.

Random Wednesday!

I should probably be making a list of the things that I have left to do and pack before I leave for Connecticut tomorrow, but if I write a blog post now it's like killing two birds with one stone, right?

My morning did not get off to a good start today. I bought a new Christmas sweater yesterday at the Gap and when I went to put it on this morning for my office Christmas party, I found that the associate forgot to take the security tag off, how annoying! I didn't have anything else lined up to wear so I sucked it up an put it on anyway. I think I can sneak out to run over there and have it removed before the party ugh.

Next, I got to work and locked my keys in the car. My purse was sitting right out in plain view on the seat and all of the goodies that I made for the party were also in my car. Public Safety at the College ended up being no help so luckily AAA came through! I was not going to be able to relax until my car was unlocked.

As if that all wasn't enough, I feel like I have a million things to do before I leave tomorrow. Laundry is pretty much done, but I still need to get a couple more small gifts and wrap S's family's gifts so he can bring them home to Kentucky. I started putting things aside that need to get packed, but nothing is actually packed yet. I can't find the cord for my camera which means that I can't charge the battery and actually use it :( Le sigh.

Tonight, after work, is S's office Christmas party and I was planning to go see Lindsey and baby Liam! I cannot wait until after vacay to meet that little guy! :p There is just not enough time in the day.

My new bow sweaters that I am absolutely loving right now:

{via}

{via}

I also bought a really cute pair of bow and pearl earrings from Versona the other day (not pictured).

I have lots more to blog about, but I don't know when I'll actually get to it. The next couple days are going to be really busy, so bear with me!

Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Day of Silence for Newtown.

This is home.

 

The blogging world is taking a day of silence for Sandy Hook.

We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING.

Please go HERE if you would like to donate.


Also...

The United States Postal service has set up a special P.O. box for people who want to send notes or letters to the families, first responders and residents of the Newtown, CT. who were affected by the recent school shooting tragedy.The small post office of Newtown has been flooded with phone calls from people asking how to send a note or condolence card or even to send pictures that their children have drawn. Without specific names and addresses, many wanted to know where they could send these things. In response, the USPS has set up a special post office box dedicated to just that.

You can send your cards and letters to:

P.O. Box 3700, Newtown, CT 06470.

Weekend Update, a heavy heart, and some good news, too.

This, by far, has been one of the craziest of weekends in a while. I blog today with a heavy heart after hearing word of the Newtown tragedy in my home state of Connecticut on Friday. It hit way too close to home and makes me so sad to see our neighbors having to go through a time like this at Christmas. My heart hurts to think of all the families who lost a loved one that day and to think that they will not get to see their excited child's face on Christmas morning. I feel like there is just absolutely nothing sadder.

The town that I am from in CT, the town I still call home, is very much like the community of Newtown. Just a small, suburban, middle-class town off I-84 between Hartford and Danbury; I am very familiar with the area. I'm sure Sandy Hook Elementary is practically identical to the elementary school that I attended and I have friends from Newtown and the surrounding areas who's families, I can imagine, are in shambles. As you know, Connecticut is very small and nothing is ever more than an hour away. When something like this happens, it effects everyone.

Although this weekend did not get off to a very good start, Saturday brought some very much welcomed GOOD news! You see, Lindsey and I were having a little girls' day complete with lunch at EVO and Christmas shopping. While perusing the Exchange on the AF base, Lindsey's (who was 37 weeks preggo) water broke! Even though we joked at lunch about her going into labor that day, I don't think either one of us had any clue what to do at that point! Since her hubby was at home, a little ways away, he instructed her to have ME drive her to the hospital and he would meet us there.

I'm not sure who was more nervous at this point (I tried not to show it, Linds!) Shortly after arriving at the hospital, TJ showed up and took over. Not long after I left, they welcomed Liam Thomas at 5:00 pm on the dot! I am still in shock that we were chatting over lunch just a few hours earlier, but I couldn't be happier for Lindsey and TJ and happy that I could be somewhat of a help :p 

Hop on over here to meet baby Liam! 

On Sunday, we had a few friends over (minus Lindsey and TJ haha) for "Christmas Dinner". We had a great time with good food and even better friends. I can't wait to go home to CT on Thursday for 16 days! It will be nice to be home again since 70 degrees in SC just does not feel like Christmas to me and I haven't been home since May. 

Now I will leave you with some weekend photos:

New fuzzy socks and hometown love.

 Cute puppy collage :)

  Hope everyone has a great week!

 

Fitness Friday!!

Before I start on Fitness Friday, I just wanted to say thank you to all my new followers! I crossed the 50 mark over the last couple days and I'm really excited about it :D


<center> <a href="http://sweettea-lemonade.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1uAYw7I8SopyaTFw-WjNGx4Z71i0oPidChSZGfP5vxFstcmMbdXmjY1IYuBSHSQLJEq0GYOGZ3G2pMX6c9ZuQyh8LnOzKIf83ehbNwYjGqqVwsrMJymn6Y46EJVz_vBSgzGjhrMxDgI/s320/running3.jpg" /></a></center>

TGIF and happy Fitness Friday! I hope you all had a great week, I know I did! It was a long one, but productive (despite our annoying house guest). Since last Friday, I ran Saturday morning, Sunday morning, Monday morning, and Tuesday night. I also worked out with my trainer on Monday and Wednesday. I'm still not quite seeing the difference on the scale, but I can tell that my clothes are fitting better and I definitely still see a difference in the mirror. 

I didn't do as good on our dinner menu as I would have liked =\ I ate out a lot this week, which is soo bad for me both health-wise and money-wise so I really need to work on that over the next week. If I can just get meals together and in line with working out, I know that will make all the difference in the world. I did however, make chicken and shrimp fajitas one night using the SkinnyTaste recipe and they were awesome and breakfast for dinner another night (eggs, chicken sausage) so that wasn't too bad. How did everyone else do?? 

This week, I am holding myself accountable to eat well even though it's the weekend and I'm giving myself a cheat day on Sunday since we our having everyone over for "Christmas Dinner" (Lins, hope you guys can make it, I'm so sorry for the short notice!)

We have a short week next week since we will both be traveling home for Christmas. I would still like to try and cook though and get in some healthy dinners. 

On my list are:

Low Fat Baked Ziti with Spinach

Chicken/Pork Curry with Coconut Milk

Chicken Parmigiana Burgers

(pretty much all of the ones from this week that I didn't get to make)

And tonight we are doing homemade pizzas on the grill, YUM!!

Hope y'all have a great weekend!! What does everyone have planned????

Thursday's Featured Blogs!

First off, I have some great news. Our "house guest" departed on Tuesday afternoon, which was a great relief to S and I. I said, "you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here!" I immediately felt the stress leave out the door right behind him. I'm so happy to be back to peace and quiet. Now I can finish my Christmas shopping, get the house ready for our 2nd Annual Christmas Dinner (on Sunday with our SC friends) and get ready to go home to CT in exactly one week! So much to do!

Being Thursday, I have five more great blogs for you all to check out. I am also thinking about doing a button swap so if this is something that you might be interested in doing, please comment below and let me know!

Bethany @ Love the Grows

Brooke @ Tales of my Fairytale

Meg @ Borrowed Heaven

Sarah Grace @ Gracefully Made

Kristin @ A Hot Pair of Boots

Tomorrow is Friday YAY! And the the most exciting thing that I'm doing tomorrow is going to Costco, I love our simple, happy life.<3

{I felt like that called for a pic and this is one of my faves (: }

Random Wednesday/ Wednesday Walkabout...

Random Wednesday thoughts:

1.) Dear self, Anyone working in downtown Charleston should never purchase pants that are too long to wear with flats and/or can only be worn with heels. Skirts or ankle pants are a MUCH better option. Also, did you think that you were going to be able to get away with not purchasing another umbrella for this long? Don't be silly.

2.) Christmas cards have been sent out.

3.) Our Vermont snowboard trip has been officially booked. We are staying for two nights here and one relaxing night here. We have also purchased our two-day lift passes to Stratton Mountain!

4.) I got my brand new MacBook Pro a couple weeks ago. How did I forget to mention this?! It's the 13" and I absolutely love it. I am/was really disappointed about what happened to my old one, but I have moved on.

5.) My December Birchbox came in the mail yesterday, see below.

The products I received this month include:

• amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask (for hair)
• Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair CC Cream (for face)
• Juicy Couture perfume {I surprisingly actually really like this! I expected a more fruity, sweet scent, but it's actually more of a "blend of sweet and floral notes". It is described as "sophisticated and feminine" and I agree.)
• ModelCo SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss {I LOVE lip gloss!}

In addition, the box included a dark chocolate peppermint fortune cookie by Emily's (YUM!) and a $50 gift card to Rent the Runway. Even if you have only been reading my blog for a short amount of time, you know that I loveee Rent the Runway so this is perfect!

Which leads me to random thought #6:
Since we decided not to spend New Year's in Vermont, we are going to be spending it with my cousin and his family in New York and they are having a big fancy party which means.....a sparkly dress! I am soo glad that I found RTR. If you've never checked it out and go to a lot of weddings, special events, etc. You must see for yourself. And by the way, I would love any suggestions for a NYE dress!

If you are stopping by for Random Wednesday or Wednesday Walkabout, please don't forget to say "hello!" Hope everyone is having a great day!

Oh, How Pinteresting!

Happy Hump Day yall! We are halfway though to the weekend. I'm linking up for Oh, How Pinteresting today and here are a few things that I'm loving right now :)

Source: rstyleme.com via sweettealove on Pinterest

Topless and Barefoot by Essie

Source: repinly.com via sweettealove on Pinterest

Kate Spade

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via sweettealove on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via sweettealove on Pinterest

Source: blog.hairandmakeupbysteph.com via sweettealove on Pinterest

Christmas Crunch popcorn

Source: cookingclassy.blogspot.com via sweettealove on Pinterest

Mississippi Mud S'mores Fudge Pie

Source: myrecipes.com via sweettealove on Pinterest

Source: swvhreno.com via sweettealove on Pinterest

Are you a "no-reply blogger"???

Ever wonder why no one ever responds to your comments? Not feeling any blog-love? It might be because you are a "no-reply blogger". I used to be one, but Lindsey helped bring this to my attention - now we are great friends and people can actually respond to my comments :) 

I found a simple tutorial online to help fix this problem:

{All credit goes to Diana @ anyonecandecorate.blogspot.com}

Hope this helps! There are so many lovely ladies that comment on my blog and I hate not being able to respond. Good luck!

Shutterfly Giveaway Winner!

 I am happy to announce that Katie from Dabbling in Dixie is the winner of my $50 Giveaway to Shutterfly!!! CONGRATS KATIE!!!

 (I'll email you the deets!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I've never been so happy...

to be back at work today! This might sound crazy and you might think that I'm still sick for thinking this, but the fact of the matter is, I don't even want to be at my own house right now. Our house guest has long overstayed his welcome and I not happy about it. I feel disrespected and taken advantage of. S told me last night that tonight will be his last night here and he leaving tomorrow morning, but that is not soon enough.

Okay, I'm done venting. For now.

On to InstaTuesday! Follow me on Instagram!

My work Christmas party on Friday night...

 Out for drinks at Proof afterward..

I also got my first Birchbox last week, which I was very excited about :) Here is what I got:

I actually love the perfume, this is definitely something that I would consider buying full-size. The twistband is also very cool. I've been seeing these around a lot, but haven't gotten around to trying them out yet so I was very excited to get one. The shea butter cream is amazing and smells like bananas! S called me "banana-hands" lol. Also included: a rose gold-ish colored nail polish, a highlighter from Stila, and conditioning hair treatment by Kerastase. I did try the conditioning treatment over the weekend, however, I didn't really notice that big of a difference. At $61 full-price, I would never. Can't wait to get the December box soon!