Fabulous Fourteen in '14

I decided to dust off the ol' blog for my annual review. I'm surprised it's already been 6 months since my last post, but as you'll soon see, 2014 was a little busy.

There are so many things to be thankful for when I reflect back on the past twelve months, but I managed to narrow it down to 14:

1. Tee on Sports Center: One of the greatest sports moments I've ever witnessed started this year off right. The #GetTeeOnSportsCenter campaign warmed my heart for so many reasons, one being that I used to work with Tee's mother, Brenda when Tee attended our elementary school. It was truly a remarkable moment for a terrific family and I am so happy I was there to witness it.

2. St. Louis Trip: I always love visiting STL, and luckily so does my brother-from-another-mother, Joey. We embarked on a Spring Break expedition to see the Arch, Busch Stadium, The City Museum, and more. We had such a great time, I won't be surprised if we make our way back to this beloved city in 2015.

3. John Legend: Jenny and I traveled to Indianapolis to see John Legend for the first time, and needless to say, he did not disappoint. "All of me" loved all of his concert, as well as the little road trip to Indy with my Sparkle Sister.

4. Peyton Siva Day: As a diehard Louisville Cardinals fan, I was definitely more excited than any of my students when National Champion point guard Peyton Siva made a visit to our school. I was even more excited that I got to meet him & snap a few pictures. #LocalCelebrity #L1C4

5. DT Does Patoka Lake: I'm pretty sure I've never laughed as hard on a vacation as my team and I did on this one. So many hilarious things happened, I dedicated an entire blog post to it back in June.

6. Family Lake Trip: We always have a good time when we visit my uncle's lake house in Indiana, but this was the first year in a long while that our entire family (Petey Pug included) could all be there at the same time. Among the many cute things that my niece did while we were there, catching her first fish was the most precious.

7. Mom's 7th Cancer-Free Anniversary: To commemorate the day that my mom became kidney cancer-free we gathered together for dinner, Mom blew out a 7 candle that was nestled inside her salad, and my niece was of course as cute as ever. Each year that our family gets to celebrate Mom's health is truly a blessing.

8. Noonday Party: I thoroughly enjoyed hosting my first Noonday party this summer, not only because it brought so many of my friends together, but also because of the wonderful cause it supported. I'm so thankful that my sister-in-law, Kate introduced me to such an awesome organization. 

9. McNugget's 2nd Birthday: I still remember the moment I held my niece for the first time like it was yesterday, so it's hard to believe that she's already two years old. I've loved getting to watch her grow-her little personality is beyond precious. Still, I'd like her third birthday to take its sweet time.

10. Summer Friend Reunions: One of the perks of being a teacher is having time in the summer to visit with old friends. I loved getting to meet in Lexington with my dear friend from college, Heather, as well as reuniting with my sweet teacher peeps. I also got to squeeze in some time with my lifelong friend, Erin and her new baby girl, Emily. So thankful for time to be with friends near and far!

11. Birthweek: Always my favorite week of the year, celebrating my birthday was especially fun this year with dinners, games, concerts, and more. My birthweek was also a reminder of how blessed I am to have so many caring friends and family members. Here's to 33 more years and beyond!

12. Getting Shredded: This was the year I lost 40 pounds and gained health, confidence, and so much more. With the help of Jillian Michaels' "30 Day Shred" & "Ripped in 30" workouts, I was able to reach my fitness goals.  

13. Meeting Lozo with Tara: This year my cousin Tara moved back to Louisville and I couldn't be happier about it! Our Aunt Terry hooked us up with awesome seats to the Ohio State/Louisville basketball game. At halftime, we went to the concession area and ran into the face (and heart) of the Louisville Football program, Lorenzo Mauldin. He was so sweet to take a picture with me, and in addition to hanging out with Tara & the Cards defeating the Buckeyes, meeting Lozo was the highlight of my night.

14. My Little Sister's Wedding: This event really deserves its own blog post, and unfortunately I haven't had the time to write it yet. But let me just say that the day could not have gone any better for our family. My sister was a gorgeous bride, my maid of honor speech went well, and the reception was a blast. And as you can imagine, my McNugget was adorable as always. There are so many photos that I love from that day, but for now I'll share a few of my favorites.

“For last year's words belong to last year's language

And next year's words await another voice.

And to make an end is to make a beginning."

-T.S. Eliot

I'm so thankful for the many blessings 2014 bestowed, and look forward to what 2015 has in store. Happy New Year!

Work It, Girl.

This teacher technically didn't have to report to work this summer, but as you already know (unless this is the first time you've read my blog), I've been working out everyday like it was my job. I just finished day 30 of the Jillian Michael's "Ripped In 30" workout challenge, and I could not be happier. I lost an additional 10 pounds this month, for a total of 30 pounds over the past 60 days! 

60. Days. I'm pretty sure I haven't worked out that many consecutive days since, like, ever. Naturally, I bought these beauties to celebrate:

So, even though I thought many times along this fitness journey that Ms. Michaels might have been trying to kill me, I'm grateful for her drill sergeant ways. I look and feel better than I have in a long time, and once again, I have an appreciation for daily exercise.

We are 7 weeks away from my little sister's wedding, which leaves plenty of time to keep workin' it. I found a 6-week walking-to-weight-loss plan on Pinterest, which will include walking 3-4 times a week, along with yoga and Zumba. I might even get crazy and work out with my pal Jillian Michaels from time to time. As it gets closer to the wedding, I plan on returning to stricter eating habits (no refined sugars, white breads, or potatoes), but for now I will continue avoiding cokes & fast food. The real challenge this month will be time, since I'll be back in the classroom everyday. Nevertheless, I refuse to let my day job interfere with my "work". My eyes are on the prize y'all. 

Are We Having Fun Yet?

Eleven. Days. Left.
And they can't get here soon enough.
Well, actually, I don't want to wish away my last days of Summer, so scratch that last statement. But seriously, y'all: Eleven. Days. Left.

I just finished Day 19 of the "Ripped in 30" fitness challenge, and let's just say it's not getting any easier. Jillian Michaels and I are not friends right now. Her DVD is killing me. My quads & triceps were literally crying after today's workout. I thought "The 30 Day Shred" was hard, but oh, how naive I was. I'm in the middle of Week 3 and I'm actually scared for what Week 4 has in store. What I'm trying to say is that this is not for the faint of heart.

My cousin Brittany asked me this weekend if "Ripped in 30" was fun. 
Haha. NO. 
I can think of many adjectives to describe this DVD, but fun is not one of them.

You know what is fun, though? Feeling like a beast each day I complete my workout, that's what. Liking what I see in the mirror and in recent photos is pretty fun, too. Hearing compliments from friends & family is definitely fun. 

And those are the things I have to keep remembering. The 25 minutes of torture each day are well worth the results I've seen thus far. Eleven more days, and then it's time to set a new goal for "fun".

How to Party Noonday Style

Last night my little condo was full of my fabulous friends & family, and my heart could not have been happier. I have always known how blessed I am to be supported by such wonderful women, and last night was just another reminder of that fact. What was the occasion, you ask? Well, it was my Noonday Collection trunk show.

Several weeks ago, I blogged about attending my first Noonday party, where I fell in love with the beautiful jewelry & accessories, as well as the company's mission. I knew then that I wanted to host my own Noonday trunk show. If you share my affection for pretty pieces of jewelry, and also want to make a difference in the lives of others, I suggest you start planning your own Noonday Collection party. Follow these simple steps, and you'll be well on your way to partying Noonday style:

1. Contact your local Noonday ambassador. Fortunately, my local ambassador happens to be my lovely sister-in-law, Kate. 

If you don't already know someone, you can connect with a Noonday ambassador here: http://www.noondaycollection.com/host-a-trunk-show. After you decide the optimal date & time and invite your peeps, it's time for my favorite part: the food.

2. Plan your menu. Since my party was an Open House from 4:30-7:30, I decided to do appetizers. In other words, we didn't need silverware, y'all. Chips, dips & toothpicks is what I'm saying. Also, I had more fun coordinating the plates, bowls, and napkins than anyone probably should.

3. Let the good times roll. Once Kate had set up the display of gorgeous goods, we basically just had a blast with all the lovely ladies who came to party. Try on the jewels, eat the food, drink the drinks, and laugh the night away. It's really that easy. And while you're having a terrific time, remember too that you're helping create economic opportunity for the vulnerable. 

Too Precious at Two

Happy 2nd birthday to my sweet little niece! I cannot believe it has already been two years since my McNugget made her entrance into the world. 

I know I'm a tad biased, but I swear she grows cuter, funnier, and more precious each and every day. 

You want proof? Well, here are some (and by some, I mean a lot) of the things that make her so precious:

She knows her name, but refers to herself as "Baby". 

She likes to go around the room and point and announce every person who is present: "Mama, Dada, Papa, Mimi, Aunt Jackie, Uncle Andy, Pete, Baby, and Uncle Jill" (yes, Uncle Jill-we just can't bring ourselves to correct her).

When someone in the family isn't there, she notices right away. 

She frequently requests to call family members on the "iPhone".

She loves stickers, crayons, sidewalk chalk, and bubbles.

Her favorite show is Doc McStuffins, which she pronounces "Stock M'stuffins".

She loves to dance, and busts out original choreography often.

She already has an awesome sense of humor and loves to laugh.

She thoroughly enjoys collecting shells & rocks and playing in the sand.

When she says "Yes" it sounds like "Yesh" and trust me, it is the cutest thing you've ever heard.

She loves to eat (this is how I really know we are related).

She is quite the little athlete already.

She is obsessed with her big brother "Petey Pug".

During any given visit with her, she will ask to see "pictures of Baby" on my phone, which includes watching videos of herself over and over.

She sings "Let It Go" in a whisper voice.

She loves jelly beans and calls them "double bees".

She lives for sprinkles & ice cream.

She sticks her lips out at random like me (when you've got it, flaunt it).

We can be in the same room together for several minutes, and she will randomly turn and say, "Hi, Jackie" (cue my heart melting).

Clearly I could go on and on, but at this rate she will be 3 by the time I finish. Here's to the past two terrific years of getting to be her aunt, and the many more McNugget birthdays to come! 

What Comes After The 30 Day Shred?

Well, I did it, you guys. I completed all 30 days of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred! To say that I feel great is a huge understatement. I'm not sure what's improved more: my mental strength or physical strength. Either way, I'm so glad that I achieved my goal, especially considering I had to complete the last 4 days on vacation.

It would have been easy for me to be like, "Well, I did 26 days so I don't need to worry about 4 measly days." But the new, disciplined me was like, "Shut up, lazy bum." (When you live alone, you talk to yourself a lot, okay). So anyways, I packed my hand weights, exercise mat, and 30 Day Shred DVD in my giant green suitcase and busted those last 4 days out at my grandma's house & then at the lake house. 

I know I said I wasn't going to weigh myself, but my curiosity got the best of me last night. The last time I got on the dreaded scale was back in February, so while I'm not exactly sure if my starting weight 30 days ago was the same, it was probably close. With that in mind, I was happy to see that after a month of exercising each day and much healthier eating habits, I am 20 pounds lighter. Woo hoo! I can tell that my clothes are looser, and I'm well on my way to feeling fit & fabulous.

Originally, I had planned to continue working out each day, alternating Zumba on the Wii, yoga, and the 30 Day Shred. However, after seeing me exercise while we were on vacation, my sister asked if she could borrow the 30 Day Shred to get "buff" before her wedding (Also, she sang Chicago's "You're The Inspiration" to me. Okay, no she didn't, but that would have been awesome). So, little sis took the DVD home with her.

Luckily, my sweet friend, Ashley lent me another Jillian Michael's DVD, Ripped in 30; I used it last night, and have decided to make my new fitness goal to stick with Ms. Michaels for another 30 days and get "ripped". Let me just say that I'm glad I did the 30 Day Shred first, because I can already tell this program is even more intense. But since I'm now a workout beast, I'm sure the next 30 days are going to be a piece of cake (insert laughter here).

Nutrition over the next 30 days will be focused on finding a realistic balance between what's good for me & what's not-so-good-but-tastes-really-good (I'm looking at you, hamburgers & french fries). Bascially, if it's a special occasion like a party or a night out with friends, I'll allow myself to indulge (within reason). But for the most part, I'll be cooking with whole foods at home. I'll repeat some of the healthy dishes that I cooked last month & really enjoyed, but am looking for new ideas too. Help a sister out, y'all.

Here's to accomplishing my goal these past 30 days, and here's to the next 30. Cheers!

Operation Get-It-Together

It's midnight on a Tuesday night as I begin to write this post, and I've just finished working out for the 16th day in a row. No, this blog hasn't been hijacked by someone else. It's really me, you guys. I know that I just blogged about how Summer has been all relaxing and whatnot (which it has), but it's also been a time for change.

I've dubbed Summer 2014 as Operation Get-It-Together, and by it, I mean, my health. I've been wanting to make some changes in my diet and exercise routines for years now, but as we all know, "wanting" and actually "doing" are two very different things. I think it's been a combination of factors this year which really prompted me to finally take action. 

First, in February, Mom had a health scare. Thankfully, it turned out that she was fine, but she did meet with a cardiologist who put her on the South Beach Diet. She has since lost over 30 pounds and looks & feels awesome! She's definitely inspired me to change my diet and make healthier nutrition choices (more details on that to come). 

The next factor that brought about these changes was my most recent relationship/break-up. I know that many of you reading this may be thinking, "I didn't know she was dating anyone," which is because until I'm really sure about someone, I'm not going to bring him around or tell many people about him. This relationship was fun while it lasted, and I learned a few things about myself as a result of it ending; one being that I really do want to be in a relationship (something I haven't always been sure about in the past), and another is that I need to hold myself to the same standards to which I hold the type of man I want to attract.

The final factor that has prompted my life changes, is the fact that my little sister is going to walk down the aisle in less than 4 months. Bottom line: I want to look & feel fabulous as I deliver my maid-of-honor-speech.

So, as part of Operation Get-It-Together, I decided to set short goals for nutrition and fitness. My first goal was to complete the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. I've had this exercise DVD for years and have never completed more than 2 days in a row. Yet, here I am on day 17 (I started this post on Tuesday night and finished it later on Wednesday evening), more than halfway to my goal of 30 consecutive days. It is an awesome workout, and by "awesome" I mean it kills me. But I can tell that my fitness level has improved vastly, seeing as how the warm-up used to leave me winded, and I couldn't even do a push-up on my knees when I started. On the days when I really just don't want to do it, I think about that bridesmaid dress hanging up in my room, and I suck it up. To make it more enjoyable, I mute Ms. Michaels, and play my own motivational music (Turn Down for What, y'all). Upon completing the 30 Day Shred, I plan to continue working out daily for the next 30, but will add in Zumba & yoga.

The nutritional goals that I made for this month have included no soft drinks, no fast food, no white flour, no potatoes, and no sweets (in other words, none of the crap I've been eating for far too long). My diet has consisted of lean meats, whole wheat breads, low-fat cheeses, fruits (low in sugar), and water, water, water. With a palate as picky as mine (I don't do salads), I'm surprised at how easy this way of eating has really been. Then again, when I really want something, I make it happen. 

One of the things I've enjoyed making for breakfast is a berry smoothie:
1 handful of spinach (you won't taste it)
1/2 cup of frozen berries (I've used a mix of blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries-if you choose to use fresh fruit instead, add a handful of ice cubes)
2 large spoonfuls of greek yogurt (I like Yoplait 100, vanilla flavor)
1 pinch of cinnamon
1 cup of skim milk
Blend & enjoy!

For lunch, I've had whole wheat english muffin pizzas (with turkey pepperoni), as well as chicken salad with pita chips:

2-3 chicken breasts, cooked & shredded

1/4 cup chopped almonds

1 handful of grapes, cut in fourths

3/4 cup of mayonnaise (give or take based on your preference)

1 pinch of salt & pepper

Optional: I added a handful of finely chopped spinach as well.

Stir & enjoy!

For dinner, I've made turkey burgers, as well as oven "fried" chicken:

2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken tenders

1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped almonds

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon thyme

1 pinch of black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Stir all ingredients together. Dip each piece of chicken in extra virgin olive oil, then in bread crumb mixture. Bake for approximately 25 minutes. Yum!

When my first 30 days are up, I plan to continue to eat this way, with the exception of special occasions. I will continue to refrain from soft drinks, fast food, and refined sugars. If you have any healthy recipes you'd like to share, please put them in the comments section!

Throughout this process of change, I'm not weighing myself because I'm not really concerned with reaching a certain number. Getting it together is just all about feeling better. By writing this post, I'm holding myself accountable, and hopefully helping out any readers who want to make healthy life changes too. I'll be sure to keep you posted on my progress, and I hope that you do the same.

Let's get it together, y'all!