The Secret To MY Easy Pregnancy

This post is strictly about my experience, helpful knowledge that I have found, and advice I've been given. There is no denying the benefits of fitness and nutrition, but I realize that every pregnancy is different. Just want to make that clear ;)

I must admit, every time someone has said "Don't be intimidated by the pregnant chick running faster than you" or "You make me feel inadequate when you outrun me", it's a BIG ego boost. Not that I'm trying to outrun anyone these days and I'm certainly not running as fast as I used to, but it's an amazing feeling to be defying everything I've ever heard about pregnancy. I truly believe that between fitness and my healthy eating habits, I have found the formula to the perfect pregnancy {FOR ME} and I think all you non-preggers need to take note before you are faced with morning sickness and back problems. Yup...I've avoided all those pesky symptoms. 

The trick is starting these habits well before you get pregnant to have the most effect and to be SAFE.  You want to know the biggest secret? While Will was deployed everyone talked about how easy it is to get pregnant when the boys return, so I started working out with the mindset that if I accidentally got pregnant I would be fit and ready. Some may say that was my biological clock ticking, but all I knew was that I didn't want to end up like friends I've had that were lethargic, miserable, and in some cases bed ridden because their bodies were not 'primed' AS THEY PUT IT. That being said, here's why you should start now and keep going on strong:

1. Any fitness routine for any reason will boost confidence, improve body image, make clothes fit better, and up your immune system along with a long list of miscellaneous benefits. Yadda, yadda, yadda... I know this has been shoved down your throat for years.

2. When you have an established routine, your doctor will tell you to keep on keepin' on if you get pregnant. There are a few restrictions that must be considered, but my OB told me that my pregnancy and labor would be a LOT easier if I was able to maintain a routine. Even if you have to slow down, modify your routine, and take breaks, you are still burning major calories cooking a baby and working out. Matter of fact, they say a pregnant woman laying  on the couch burns more calories than a body builder. Hence why any activity has even more effect than normal. Good bye every ounce of fat and water weight on my body, and hello healthy pregnancy!

3. Just as a good massage helps balance hormones, exercise does too. They say that massage during pregnancy helps to regulate the hormones associated with stress, relaxation, and mood: norepinephrine, cortisol, seratonin, and it has been found that exercise has the same effect! My doctor asked Will if I had any mood swings up until five months and he really couldn't think of any. Sure I've gotten a tidge bit weepy lately, but 99% of the time I'm overly happy and 'love everything', i.e. the watermelon cake, how nice people are to pregnant women, how sweet my husband is, etc...I can even tell a difference between the hormones when I work out and the recovery days. Plus they say the regulation of these are said to help with complications throughout the pregnancy and leads to an easier delivery. Please be true...please be true!!

4. Remember I mentioned water weight? The fluids that you gain during pregnancy are actually what make women 'blow up' {well, other than ice cream and other terrible cravings}. Your body DOUBLES the levels of blood and other fluids to make a baby, so between that and natural water retention you can easily feel bloated and even develop pregnancy complications. But alas, there is hope! Even 'easy' pregnancy friendly exercises that have never exercised before can prevent water retention. I had feared this the most, because honestly, I've always retained water. Other than detoxes and clean eating, I've never even seen my abs or my real arm muscles, but now that I'm working out while pregnant I've dropped EVERY BIT of water weight I carried! If that's not a good enough reason to get going, then I don't know what is.

5. I don't know if this is concrete fact, but I read that nausea could be associated with sugar levels, and that makes sense to me because I've been managing my Hypoglycemia for seven years with fitness and nutrition and I never even got nauseous once. I also think that these practices have had some effect on controlling my cravings and allowing me to make healthier choices, which could be the magical combination for an 'easy pregnancy'. 

Now I know this sounds unappealing and daunting to those that aren't about that 'fit life', because I was you a few years ago, but I can promise you that if you get pregnant you will regret not getting started as you think of this post if you are part of the unlucky group that lives in the bathroom and simultaneously gains 60 pounds. More importantly, think of your baby. I could care less about these bonus benefits because I know that I'm being healthy for her. This is also why you need to speak with your OB about your personal fitness and know how to do it safely. As much as I LOVE running, I made the decision yesterday that I ran my last mile of this pregnancy. It's putting stress on my lower abdomen even with a maternity support belt, so I'm sticking to core workouts to keep her safe. My motivation is to be the best wife and mother that I can be physically and mentally, and I'm completely okay with that.

Until getting pregnant, I would look in the mirror and see things I still needed to work on. Now, I look in the mirror and think "Look how my hard work has created the perfect vessel for my baby." Because I sweat, she will be healthier, because I condition, she will be stronger, because I am dedicated, she will enter this world ahead of the game, and that's what keeps me going.

PS. I am very interested in hearing experiences of other pregnancies out there, good and bad! Especially personal experiences, and how it affected your labor and delivery.

Seeing Our Baby For The First Time

I realized that in the hullabaloo of the beginning of {our knowledge} of this pregnancy, I never actually went in to detail about how things went down. The juiciest part is how I revealed it to Will, but I still haven't gotten the video of that edited, so today is all about our first doctors appointment. The one that seriously blew our minds...

At this point we had only known we were pregnant for a week, so we had no clue how far along we were, what we were having, and we still weren't even close to coming to terms with this situation. There had been much debate as to how far along I was, and although my best friend {the nurse that demanded I get labs done when I had back pain}was positive I was 12-14, the general consensus was that I had to be six weeks or so. Boy were they wrong.

I don't know how these appointments usually go, but we were immediately ushered into the ultrasound room. With a quickness, the nurse gelled me up, started wiggling her magic stick, and Will and I both looked at each other in complete shock when we saw a fully formed baby on the screen. Like we're talking a full profile, limbs, and you could even see the spine! We didn't know what that meant, but we were pretty sure that's not what we should have been seeing. Ignorant of our surprise, the nurse started spouting out facts like 10 oz, a due date that neither of us processed, and that little tidbit about us being 19 weeks along. Exqueeze ME??

Oh that heartbeat...still gives me chills, but then Will makes me laugh with his 'demon spawn' comment and helped me snap out of my state of shock with even more shenanigans in the screening room. I don't know what I'd do without him.

So next came talking with our new doctor, where his first question was whether we were switching doctors. I felt like a kid in the principle's office telling him, "No, we just didn't know we were pregnant." Although, he did take it better than I expected. He said size wise he wasn't surprised and went so far as to ask Will if he had noticed any signs, but Will insisted he hadn't {good answer, dear hubby}. To this, the doctor said and I quote, "Girl, you just blessed." At the time I didn't feel blessed, but it was reassuring that he didn't seem to be phased about it all.

Up until this point, one of us has always been in control and able to support the other. However, when you find out you are halfway through a pregnancy that you didn't plan in the first place, it wasn't surprising that we were both thrown for a loop. I can't even remember all the details of the conversations at that appointment, but there were a lot of Oh shit's, many exchanged looks of shock, and a few Damn's when we found out it was a girl. {Okay, okay, so maybe I'm the only one who said damn, but we had only come up with boys names thus far, and we all know I hate pink.} We may not have had it all together, but we walked out of that office with a folder full of information, pictures of our baby girl, and clinging to each other because no matter what...we were in this together.

I know we aren't the only couple to be taken by surprise when it comes to pregnancy, but that's not as reassuring as one may think. At least we've come a long way in the last 2.5 months, and now...it's going to be our greatest adventure.

Some Things...

TGI-M.Effin'-F! I'm so proud of myself that I turned down a volunteer meeting this morning, because I know I'm burnt out. No matter how bad I am at saying no, even I can't deny that sometimes it's just too much. Instead, I am kicking off our St. Patty's weekend by getting ready at a leisurely pace and I may even take the day off from working out. I'll be more rested for the 5K, and we've been eating so good this week, so I deserve it.

+ We have no clue when we are moving or if at all, since staying at Fort Rucker is now an option for us, but I've started packing anyways. I don't know how much is realistic to pack, but I've already packed two boxes of clothes I can't wear and that helped us break down the closet room. We are also purging along the way, so hopefully we will be able to fit everything in the truck when we move including an entire room of baby furniture we've never had before. Either way, I don't want to spend my life packing when I'd rather be playing with our newborn.

+ Check out those sweet new Ariat Boots I told you I ordered. I WON a free pair from Erika, a former high school classmate and now fashion blogger. I'm not gonna lie, it was super hard to narrow down which style I wanted and I had problems with finding the colors I wanted that actually fit me, but now that they are here it was worth the agony. I even think I want to have them monogrammed, hello, that's what we do in the South, but not sure what color I would do it. Milk chocolate, Ivory, Mustard, thoughts?

+ My hormones went hokey this week, so I'm now breaking out a bit. I know I can't complain in the grand scheme of things, and yet I am. I'm just thankful my dermatologist gave me topical Finacea, which is a more natural product to use during pregnancy. I can only imagine how bad it would be if I wasn't prepared.

Well, I hope you all have a lovely weekend. Our 5K may be in the rain, but I don't think that will stop us! At least it will be warm and rainy if anything, and the highlight of my weekend is the Brunch we are going to on Sunday. Bring on the all you can eat BUFFET, and I will be going full on 'eat for two' or three that day. No shame ;)

Is Your Life As Good As This Kid?

I'm super 'hip' these days with my DVR, and as I was catching up on Rachael Ray last night, I was blown away by a boy up against all the odds. Little Ben is losing his eyesight, and instead of letting it get them down, they have created a bucket list for him of all the things he wants to 'see' before he loses his sight. Most people never finish their bucket list, and this kid will have done everything before he even reaches adulthood. We should all be so lucky, and kudos to his parents. They are raising a truly happy, sweet, humble kid.

via

I can only hope to live life half as full as that little guy. So let's talk about what's really been going on these days...you know, the stuff that probably isn't blog worthy, but I feel the need to gab about it anyways.

+ Will and I were on a billboard! Well, technically it was just the back of his head and the top half of mine, but I'm pretty stoked about it. The best part is that we are in the running to win $1,000 smackers. I don't know exactly how we win, but it probably wouldn't hurt if people 'liked' our photo here on the Durden FB site. Only if you have a spare minute.

+ Anyone remember when my wrist was hurt? Well, three months and a Cortisone shot later...I'm HEALED!! I'm now a dork with doctor ordered wrist guards when I lift, but I'll take it. I love running, but I've actually missed burpees and pushups.
Remind me I said that when I'm cursing them next month.

+ Am I the only person that has my life flash before my eyes every time I go through the iPhone update process? I was actually two updates behind, and I blame Will. He asked how he was supposed to know I was behind, and I told him it's because he didn't update it for me or have me whining to him that I didn't know what to do, which usually always indicates that I haven't done it. I'm pretty predictable when it comes to this stuff, dude.

+ But the most frustrating thing...The newest meds my doctor is 'trying' on me have some crappy side effects. First side effect was just loss of appetite, which wasn't so bad, but then I would make terrible food choices because the only foods that I could make myself eat were not so good for me. On top of that, I started getting nauseous {cue a fear of being pregnant}, which just led to eating more crap if I could even get it down. Luckily, it didn't take me too long to figure out what was causing it, so byebye third round of meds that didn't do crap for me. Plus I refuse to take antibiotics. I would rather still have 'spots' on my face than mess with my immune and microbiome system. I think I've gotten better, but it could just be that I'm used to it. My face doesn't look shiny and clear like it used to, but it could always be worse.

Okay, now I feel better. You just can't go wrong chatting while eating homemade Blackened Shrimp Tacos. They were yummy for dinner, and even more yummy as my late night snack. Oh, and I will be eating them for breakfast too. I know it sounds weird, but I love leftovers for breakfast, and I'd rather have breakfast for dinner. I'm weird, get over it ;)

I'm Feeling the Effects Of The Holidays...Already

I don't know about you, but I'm really feelin' the effects of all the candy and sweets from last week. I kept telling myself, "You'll have time to work it off before family pictures at Thanksgiving", and now I'm regretting that. Especially since I'm limited in my workouts with tendinitist in my wrist AND a new tattoo on my foot which impedes my running.

Birthday tattoo!!

A photo posted by Janna renee (@jrbogert) on Oct 10, 2014 at 6:40pm PDT

In the nick of time, sweet Meghan told me about a #21 Day Challenge she is hosting with Herbalife, and she generously said that we could jump in late. So I'm wondering who wants to do it with me? It's basically for anyone wanting accountability while developing a new habit.  It's super simple-- order a container of Formula 1 (Meal Replacement Shake) in your favorite flavor, and then snap a photo of you + your shake DAILY for 21 days and share it on social media with the hashtag #alive21dayshakechallenge or just tag Meghan in it as proof. If we complete all 21 days, we will a) lose those sneaky lbs. and b) receive a coupon code for a discount off our next purchase. They are already $1.59 a shake waaaayyy less than shakeology, so a discount on top of that is pure insanity.

If you really want to go all in, Meg has a four week weight loss challenge buy-in that you can do with or without purchasing a dang thing!  It would be $35 to enter and $30 goes into a pot to be split among the winners. You get FREE nutritional info three times/week, weekly weigh ins, and you can lose the weight ANY way you want. They even have a sweet BMI/Protein Calculator that can tell you EXACTLY what you need to do to lose weight, and if you talk to Meg she has so many resources to help us. Who doesn't love free nutrition advice?

For me, it was a toss up between Pumpkin Spice and Pralines & Cream, which are the two most popular limited editions. In the end, I knew I could make a LOT of yummy recipes with the Pralines, so that's what I picked. Normally, I prefer whey protein {which they have} for after workout, but as a meal replacement, soy protein works just fine and that's what I was going for.

I can already say, I do NOT regret my decision. I haven't even gotten to all the recipes I found on Pinterest, and I'm already loving it. Exhibit A, is the Caramel Apple smoothie I whipped up. Tell me that doesn't sound like heaven. Having delicious options AND good nutrition that helps you with your goals feels like cheating.

Okay, so let me know if you are in. I need some amigos for inspiration, and helping you stay motivated is the best motivation for me. I'm willing to go above and beyond to help anyone that joins us, and Meg is AWESOME when it comes to this stuff. Email her IMMEDIATELY if you want to do the #21daychallenge, or just email her if you have any questions <megiles09@gmail.com>. I guarantee she will hook you up.

A Little Venting Sesh

“A happy woman is one who has no cares at all; a cheerful woman is one who has cares but doesn't let them get her down.” - Marie Dressler

Man, Fort Rucker is keeping BOTH of us busy these days. I know, I know, the whole world is busy. What's new. However, I was so busy that I ended up with 'severe dehydration'. I'm on a new stupid medicine (for hormones) that is a diuretic a.k.a. 'drink tons of water or you get kidney stones', and I guess I didn't take them as seriously as I should have. Thankfully, I do not have kidney stones {yet}, but I did start puffing up like a blow fish with pain so bad in the mornings that I couldn't use my hands. It's official. I'm getting old.

My truck broke down twice last week, and three times if you count last month. I just typed out a paragraph about what was wrong with it, but realized no one would read it or understand, so all you need to know is that I correctly diagnosed my truck twice! Toyota-0, Janna- 2

Everyone keeps giving me crap now that Will is an 'officer' saying I need a fancy car, but I am still rocking the shizz out of my truck, and I have a sexy mechanically inclined husband, so there is no way I'll buy a new car that will eventually have repairs that will cost more money than my whole truck. Ain't she a beaut'?

We've been so busy that we forgot to celebrate We-Man's birthday. Just kidding, we've never actually celebrated his birthday. However, it did just pass, and we should have celebrated it because of the heart murmur we recently found out he has. It's not life threatening, but we are now spending more for him in meds than an eighty year old man. I'm just happy that we figured out his heart problems were what was causing him to have coughing fits where he sounded like a seal. Poor thing was pitiful, and we felt helpless.

He's SO lucky to have his Aunt Katie here in Enterprise to take care of him. How cute is this? They put his picture on his meds, and she writes little love notes. I just love this girl. If you love animals, you should check out her Instagram.

Somehow I've managed to have dinner on the table every night, but I'm loving when I can find an easy option. I've been craving a Cobb Salad lately, so I decided that would do. It covers most of the food groups, it's purdy to look at, and you can make it your own.

Romaine Lettuce || Ham ||Turkey || Bell Pepper || Onion || Cheddar || Bacon
 ||Avocado ||Dressing || Optional: Hard Boiled Egg, Cucumber, Tomatoes, etc.

You are welcome, and more importantly, thank YOU for allowing me to ramble today. It's just one of those days that I need to get it all out. You know? Now don't forget about the Blog Auction. It goes live at 9AM Central Time, and on that note...Good night, moon.

I Got Jipped

Recently, I entered two contests that involved writing and food, and I should have won both. I swear I'm not just being a sore loser, I just find the winners to be lacking in originality and oomph. To prove my point I'll give you the winners along with my entries and you guess which one won. Those of you that know...sssshhhh don't tell. Just pretend to be unbiased ;)

Six Word Short Story

A | He drowned; she was the ocean.

B | Burnished by humiliation, she was redeemed.

Landing Zone Sandwich Contest

1 | Vegetarian Stacker: Grilled Portobello Mushroom marinated in Italian dressing, topped with roasted red peppers, provolone, mayo, lettuce and tomato all served on a Kaiser Roll.

2 | Granny Brie Club: Deli Thin Turkey, julianne Granny Smith Apple, gooey- melted Brie cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, drizzled with BBQ sauce, on toasted Sour Dough.

3 | El Capitan Reuben Quesadilla: Traditional Reuben inside a Quesadilla, but use Grouper in place of Corned Beef for the ultimate twist.

+ So last week, I noticed my wrist looking all funky after I developed a pain while doing push ups. There was no particular trauma and it only hurt when I put pressure on it, so I decided to take it easy to see if it healed. Well, it still hasn't healed. Problem was, I've been to the doctor so much that I felt bad about going. Luckily, after she saw the picture of it, she told me to, and I'll have some answers today!

+  On the subject of going to the doctor too much, I've become a regular at the Lyster Lab. I realized last time they already knew me by name, but now they have begun referring to me as a regular. At least now I finally had my last round of Hormone testing, and my Thyroid re-checked because it came back a tidge bit low last round. Getting old sucks.

+ I've been searching for brown strappy heels for two MONTHS, and I finally found a pair I could deal with. Most are too strappy, too dark, too light, too high, too low, too cheap, etc., but these are close enough to what I was looking for. And then they were out of my size. #$%&.

Now please don't forget to vote, so I can prove I'm right about my contest entries! That would at least make me feel better about losing. Will says I definitely should have won both, but bless that sweet man...he has to say it. Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!

Friday Favorites, Let's Start With My Least Favorite

Least Favorite ||  Hey, least favorite is technically still a favorite.

 We always want to share the cute throwbacks, but we have no control over what others share. I wanted to scream EEK, delete, DELETE when I saw the following from back in Middle School, but that would be admitting the flaws. Instead, I commented: 'This was such a fun trip!', because that's what it really was. It's not about how any of us looked in Middle School, it's about the memories. #flashbackfriday

Favorite Quote || Via Jess

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.

Favorite Product || Jane Iredale

I think maybe Kathy(?) told me about this brand when I was talking about going natural with my products, and boy am I glad I listened. So far, the mineral powder worked wonders, and I'm obsessed with this little kit, the all-natural ingredients, and their customer service. Technically I've only used it once since I don't wear foundation or anything, but the one time it was lovely.

Favorite Recipe || Olive Garden House Dressing
Anyone that recognizes the jar, you know you now want an Irish Wake ;)

Favorite Accessory || Firmoo Sunglasses

I've had a love affair with Firmoo for years, and now that they have sent me prescription sunglasses that allow me to see while driving, I'm head over heels! Firmoo, I thank you and the other drivers on the road thank you. I am always amazed at the endless options they offer.

I can't believe I spent years agonizing over which glasses to choose, dragging friends along to help me try on thousands of pairs, and ending up still disappointed. I'm now four pairs into Firmoo {three reading, one sunnies}, and I picked EVERY pair by myself without a single complaint. Thank you Virtual Try-On; you're my new BFF.

For future reference, I will probably not wear the glasses with that hat ever again, but I still like it. Other than that, thanks for the inspiration P!nky! I needed a lighthearted post for today, and now it's time to enjoy our last weekend together before Will starts his next course.

Healthy IS Sexy

Did you know it's Women's Health Week?

With all of my trips to the doctors lately, I was pretty well informed about it, let me tell ya. I'm not going to preach at'cha today, but I thought I would like to share a few tidbits, and follow it up with a gift for your {wo}manly soul. Continue to read on to find out how ;)

...Some of you know that I was in a sorority in college, but what you don't know is that our philanthropy was ANAD or National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Thusly, anytime I see positive media for these diseases, I want to share. The one that struck me this week, was a new form of Before&After photos. I flippin' love it, because I'm all about women being healthy, and more importantly-beautiful, at whatever size works for each individual! Rock those curves, baby girl!

via

...The thing that scared the ish out of me this week was an article about Crossfit and Rhabdo. I don't do Crossfit, but I do love Resistance/Circuit training, and I have to remind myself that recovery is just as important as the actual workout. If you want to know more read the article, but basically, you should never push yourself too far and you should always give your body recovery time. With all the media pushing sexy is the new strong, we all need to remember that healthy is way sexier than kidney disease.

...The thing we are ALL affected by is Cancer. I just went for my skin cancer screening, and my Paps/Boobie check is next week. Ladies, there is no excuse to not be proactive when it comes to these things, so if you are reading this and haven't had these screenings- GET OFF YOUR @SS. Another Cancer you may have heard about is Mesothelioma, but if you are like me, you keep seeing it in the media and wonder what it is. It must be serious if I see it everywhere, so read more about it and get informed!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay, so now that I've scared and yelled at you, I will make up for it by offering you free ish. I haven't had a giveaway around these parts in awhile, so I said yes when little Miss Rachel told me about pimping out her hubby and his new project. Pretty genius of them if you ask me, and you guys get to win a prize of your choice in the process. If you like Coffee and/or Starubucks, then this is for you! If you don't like coffee, there's always Passion Fruit tea...my fave.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you love love {I assume you do since my blog is significantly lovey dovey}, then check out this sweetie pie, Rachel. She talks about anything from recipes to traipsing around Europe, and I get lost in her life every time I visit her blog. It makes perfect sense that her hubby would create his own fun website for all of us coffee lovers. Moral of the story, whether you love love or coffee, they've got you covered.

Now go get a Pap Smear, and Happy Women's Health Week!

I Had Gator Tail At Frogz

To get the bad out of the way first, I went to the doctor AGAIN Friday. A slew of doctors determined that I was not on steroids long enough, so now I'm on a nine day regimen. If I end up with moon-face, we'll know why, and if you don't know what that is, don't google it. Trust me. I've isolated everything I've tried that's new, and I'm beginning to think it really is allergies or my skin climatizing. I took it upon myself to book a dermatologist appointment just in case, so one way or another- I'm getting rid of this ish. In case anyone thinks I'm overreacting, my doctor actually said, "Well, I don't think it's Shingles..." WTH?

Will is so understanding and amazing that he offered to put off our plans for the evening because he knows I don't like to wear foundation or powder, but I wasn't going to let this crap put a damper on my plans. I slapped some makeup on and off we went.

We had a great time at the Art Walk they have downtown, but the best part was our belated Anniversary dinner. Obviously, my hot date was the best part, but said hot date took me to one of the coolest restaurants I've ever visited. Sure Frogz is in the middle of nowhere, built out of an old dilapidated house, and might not shine in a big city, but the ambiance was great, it was only a few miles out of town, and the food was TOODIEFOR.

Just a little bit of paradise in the middle of the country...

True to form, the boys decided that graduation called for a BBQ on Saturday. Everyone was mad at me because I couldn't drink, but I told them I was saving them from the witch I could turn into while mixing alcohol and steroids. Good news is, I still had fun and we didn't have to walk home. There were some nice ladies there too, and I did get invited to a Tupperware party, but then they didn't ask to exchange info. Of course, I could have just offered mine up, but I feel like a guy who doesn't want to be that guy shoving his number in girl's faces. Hence why military spouses compare finding new friends to dating.

By Sunday, we were both spent. I feel like life has been non-stop since we got here, so we had a much needed day of rest. We hit up Redbox for a movie marathon and parked our butts on the couch all day. Will had to carb load for a Physical Fitness test the next day, so the only thing that got me off that couch was makin' some banging spaghetti. I decided to put my own spin on The Pioneer Woman's Spaghetti Recipe, and I got to use the fresh herbs and veggies from my MIL's garden! Oh, how I love the real stuff.

1 lb ground beef (as lean as you can get it)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 whole large yellow onion diced
1 whole bell pepper diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup dry red wine
2 cans (14 Ounce) Fire Roasted Tomatoes
1 can (small, 4-ounce) Tomato Paste
1 cup Newman's Own Marinara Sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
2 whole bay leaves
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
2 Tbsp crushed red pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Noodles of choice (I used sweet potato noodles, YUM)

In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and set aside.
You won't have a ton of grease with the lean meat, so just soak the excess up with a napkin, but DO NOT clean the pot. Drizzle in olive oil, when it is heated, throw in the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to saute for 7 minutes.
Pour in wine, allow it to bubble up, and reduce for 1-2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and marinara sauce, ground beef, and seasonings. Place the lid on the pot and allow to simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally.
Half an hour before serving, add the minced parsley and grated Parmesan. Stir to combine, then put the lid back on and allow it to simmer until supper!

All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. Sure, I wish I wasn't having to deal with my stupid face, but other people have worse problems. I just keep reciting one of my favorite sayings... 

“If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.”- Regina Brett

Just marinate on that, and enjoy the rest of your week!

I Heart Ulta...And Sales

Would you believe me if I told you that I didn't step foot into an Ulta until last year? Now I'm a card carrying member, and I live by their sales. Full price? Nah, but when it's 21 Days Of Beauty or some other promotion, I'm totally in! This is why I went a little nutso two weeks ago...I also blame Shanna, "Because Shanna Said So". She told me my life would change from using some of these, and she was right.

Not Your Mother's Dry Shampoo is the ONLY dry shampoo that can hold a candle to good old baby powder or corn starch. Not only does it get rid of the oil, it smells great, doesn't leave a residue, AND adds volume. VaVaVOOM!
Physician's Formula Warm Nude Palette may be my favorite eye shadow ever. Someone gave me the Classic Nude palette, which I liked, but Warm Nude is more my color. Don't ask me what that really means, because I'm really not that good at this stuff. Just trust me.
Physicians Formula Powder Palette in Healthy Glow is my go to bronzer. You don't want to overdue it with this stuff, but that's the good part. It doesn't take much and by picking and choosing the colors you use, it can be very versatile.
Maybeline Falsies Mascara has great coverage, and I can usually find it B1G1.
Wigo Brush has only been used once, but it seemed to work great considering I have no clue how to tease my hair. Why did I buy this?
Ulta Lip Liner in Rustic was $2 bucks on sale, so I now consider it amazing. I think it's only the second lip liner I've ever tried, but it was fun getting a little artsy fartsy with it.

The only product I didn't like was the Mario Badascu Face Lotion SPF 30, and it is going back. Thank goodness for their return polo]icy, because this stuff made my face and chest look like a pizza pie. What does everyone use for Protective SPF lotion? I'm tr'yna not get skin cancer, but any lotion other than Clinique's Moisturizing Gel makes my skin freak out. Seriously, why does skincare have to be so flippin' difficult?

Girl Talk And Tornadoes

I'm not entirely sure I will be able to post this, because I'm in the middle of a tornado watch with thunder and lighting popping all around me, praying that we don't lose power. I think I may only be calm because I'm having to hold myself together for Weiser. Poor thing is NOT a fan of thunder. I have him wrapped in his favorite blanket, though, and at least I don't have to leave him to go anywhere. This is definitely a new perk of not working; I don't have to worry about my house being destroyed by an anxiety filled dog!

I was planning on going to the gym today, but that doesn't seem smart. The good news is, I am so used to working out at home, that I can get in some HIIT Circuit Training even without power. In fact, I may wait to see if it goes out, because that would be a great way to kill time. Either way, I can't let this weather keep me from working out, during the #1800MinuteChallenge.

Today, we are supposed to share what music gives us inspiration, so I'm going to tell you my secret weapon. Have you ever heard of Mash Ups? They are basically 'Bastard Pop' songs that have been created by overlaying songs to create new songs. Something about them really gets my blood flowing, and I either have to dance them out or work out like a beast. I was first introduced to Girl Talk a few years ago, and my obsession has grown. My iPod is now full of mash ups, and I don't want to ever go back to 'regular' music.

While you check out some mash ups, you can also read the New Rules Of Fitness. I usually don't agree with mainstream 'rules', but these are pretty good. We are starting to realize that we actually know nothing about our bodies and what to do with them. I know that sounds sad, but it really is a positive. It shows that we {not including the dang genetically blessed} are all in the same boat, and we can learn what works for our own bodies. Instead of thinking "Why doesn't this work for me if it is supposed to work?" We can say, "Well, that didn't work, so onto the next workout!" Workout freedom.

 It's time for me to trick Weiser into going outside again while the lightning and thunder have calmed down for a bit. I know homeboy can't hold it all day, and he's going to have to get used to this weather out here. Sorry Weezy-booboo, we aren't in Kansas Colorado anymore!. Hope you are all having a less exciting Monday, haha.

New Makeup And New Friends

We kind of, almost, have new friends. A guy that Will knew in Colorado was also selected to go Flight Warrant, so we sort of know someone in town! We have worked out in the gym together, and even had a little get together last night. They are younger than us, have a child, and she seems pretty shy, but hey...beggars can't be choosers. For reference, we have many friends with kids and I'm an Introvert, but if we are realistic, these are factors in finding new friends. The good news, is that we had a great time and we have plans for a game night in the nearish future based on the boys school dates. Apparently, Jackie and I both love board games, but I mean, who doesn't?

As for the makeup, I haven't been wearing much lately.
After being forced to wear my hair and makeup a certain way for six years, it's been lovely to say eff it and rock the natural look. To be honest, it's the first time I've ever been {really} comfortable without makeup. I guess it comes with laziness age?

Now, instead of dreading makeup I'm excited to do it, and last nights little get together seemed like a good excuse. Especially since I found this inspiration via Pinterest. I normally stick to the SAME tried and true application process for my eye shadow, but this one seemed doable. I pulled out my Physicians Formula Palette, and the rest practically did itself.

I took a million pictures and none could do it justice, so just know that you can create a very subtle eye that packs a punch. I'm not makeup guru, but you can take my word for it.

He likes me with or without makeup, and that is all that matters.

What is your go-to eye makeup and/or palette?