If You Pole, You Will Like Cats. Fact.

I find it commical that almost everyone in the pole community is a cat lover.

I bet the fact that I got a cat two and a half years ago directly correlates with the fact that I became a poler.

I guess if I ever get super good at pole, I'll owe it to that fateful day in April 2011 when I found Penny. :p

 

 So here are some pics I took of the love of my life yesterday.  She is the cutest thing on this planet and if you stick around you will get to know her real well.

Sorry about the quality of the pics. I'm still basically a broke college student and haven't been able to get a nice camera :p

 

I am also in love with all of these pole comics that Pole Dancing Adventures shares.  This one is hilarious to me.

 

 

Have a good day!

XO Lauren

 

Tastes Like Heaven - Energy Balls

These are super delicious, healthy, you'll-want-to-shove-your-face-in-them-good energy balls!

I know I hadn't shared a recipe in a while so here goes it.

 

No-Bake Energy Bites [I like saying Balls better :p]

1 cup oats

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/3 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla

 

Combine all ingredients and mush with hands.
Form into balls.

Pinterest: I tried clicking it for the website to cite it properly but got nothin!

 

Okay so this recipe is super versatile.

I generally use steal cut oats, but you could play around.

I have used natural peanut butter, or normal every day Skippy PB.

You could use any type of nut butter instead of PB. 

I have used dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chocolate chips, raisins, craisins, etc.

You could even add in some coconut flakes.

I have left out the vanilla and it was fine.

 

The oats keep me super full.

The chocolate chips and nut butter help satisfy my sweet tooth.

If you use dark chocolate you got some antioxidants in there.

Flaxseed contains fiber and omega-3s.

Honey is a great sweetener for those who are scared of "processed" foods [note: I am not one of those people. I work in the food industry in regulation....and know all the secret truths about everything ;)]

XO Lauren

Cake Cake Cake!!

This weekend I celebrated my birthday, and the celebration continues into tonight...obviously.

 

First, I got the boyfriend and I pedicures.  It was his first one...awwwwww

 

 

My boyfriend's brother's GF made me a cake and we all went to Six Flags.  I remembered liking it a lot more when I was younger.  The lines are just wayyy too long.  The rides were awesome though.

Trying to keep myself warm.  It was a high of 61F..in JULY!

Yay bday cake!

Yesterday I made myself a banana bread cake with burnt butter frosting.  It was amazing, so the boyfriend and I woke up early to relax with coffee and cake!

Nommmmm

I showed up to work today with amazing cards on my desk from my coworkers. They know me too well.

Kitty cat cards.

And one of my best friends here made me this amazing cookbook!  Finally! I might get oraganized.

....Good Lookin'

Also, someone must have known it was my birthday because my parking spot wasn't even taken after lunch! Yes. It's a good day.

 

Tonight I really want to get a yoga session in and I realllly want to pole tomorrow.  It has been too long, and I miss it.

 

XO Lauren

 

PS. Did you notice I dyed my hair? I dislike it a lot. Soooo I am going back Wednesday to have it re-done.  I'm such a brat.

An [early] Birthday Celebration

Hi everyone!

Last night I made my first ever lasagna for the boyfriend, his mom, and I.

I have to say it came out good, but I didn't pay much attention to the lasagna because all I could think about were the individual double chocolate cakes with buttercream frosting that the boyfriends mom brought over.  HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

She also got me three presents! I don't think I have gotten real birthday presents for like five years.  Almost made me tear up.

 

She got me a set of gorgeous hand made necklaces, and a painting and bowl with poppies on it.

I am sooo excited about the painting of the poppies.

The boyfriend and I are moving in together at the end of next month, and I can't wait to put it up in our house. 

 

Tomorrow I am going to six flags.  Surprisingly, I am not too nervous about falling out of roller coasters.  Usually when something crazy happens in the news [woman falling to her death off a roller coaster in TX], I immediatley think I'm next.  This time though, I am still more scared of a home invasion or getting struck by lightening than falling out of a roller coaster :P

 

My birthday present to me? Uh, I didn't work out once this week :P Does that count?

 

Oh, PS:

My real birthday is on Monday, July 29th and so is my nieces!

Shout out to that cutie patootie, AVA!!!!

 

XO Lauren 

When did this happen?

Okay seriously- this year I bought a size large bikini bottom (the pink bathing suit).  I noticed while on vacation jumping waves that it was way too big for me.  Because of everyone's positive comments on my Two Month blog update, I gained the courage to unbury my old suit. 

I put my bathing suit on from last year/ the year before, size SMALL bottoms........

I'M SEEING AMAZING RESULTS! AHHHHHHHH.  Here is a better picture of two months in.

Kind of looks like I got a boob job too huh? lol I think I like the white bathing suit top better ;)
 

I think this blog is really doing something for my confidence.  It holds me accountable for not only myself but to show others that it's possible to achieve goals.

I really don't have a weight goal.  In fact, I think I've only lost about 4-5 lbs.  I am happy that I feel much better day-to-day;  I used to get headaches at 3:00 pm every day.  Now I sail right on through without.  I have more endurance to walk up stairs (I couldn't for a while because of the surgery), I'm more confident wearing tank tops, bathing suits, shorts, etc, and I get excited to talk about fitness with other people instead of feeling guilty.  ALL GOOD THINGS. 

I am just waiting until the Wisconsin Winter when I can't enjoy the outside.  I hate cold weather. It ruins everything....I guess that is when I will NEEEEEEED a very expensive pole in my house...teehee

 

What is hard for me to understand though, is how I look this good in pictures and then one day I'll feel huge.  Maybe I'll blame that one on hormones? Any thoughts?

XO Lauren

Run Like a G and a Little Spa Action

I'd like highlight one of my blogger bffs for a second.  As some of you may know, I used to run a lot, but after my surgery it has gotten pretty difficult.  I get my dose of running through running blogs.  Run Like a G is one of my favs. 

 

Heather @ Run Like a G

Heather is awesome and so inspiring, but if you don't want to read about running and a strong beautiful woman, maybe you'll stop by to read/look at pics of her hunky body builder husband, JG.

 

;)

 

Heather started Positive Body Image posts which I absolutely love.  I think everyone needs to remember that "we only get one body and we should treat it with respect."  Cheers to that!

Since I decided to love myself a little more, I haven't minded random splurges on myself/ my body.  While on vacation, I got a nice long massage at the resort we stayed at. Here's a little peak.



Hope you all can get to experience the pure joy of a massage...seriously. It is amazing. If you haven't, I'd encourage you to treat yourself.

XO Lauren


Two Months

So I never actually posted my measurements or a pic of me after a month.  After taking that picture I realized I hadn't seen as drastic results as I wanted.  It is hard to realize that it takes time, effort, and sadly, a complete obsession with becoming healthy to see results (Note: not an unhealthy obsession...you just have to think about food before eating and calories while working out, which basically flows through your entire day). 

 

Although I am healthy, I haven't been able to change my overall lifestyle.  I have made some big improvements and better food choices.  I try to eat more fruits and veggies, carbs in the morning, incorporate chia seeds, and stay away from overly processed food (I acutally have nothing against processed foods as long as you are also eating whole fruits and veggies - I'll write more on that in a different post).

 

My boyfriend and I are constantly trying to find what works for us.  I love pole dancing, but it is super far away.  I am trying to save so I can put a pole in our house to practice.  I also love running.  I have gotten up to running a very slow mile without killing my knee.  Baby steps....  Lifting is also awesome.  The boyfriend is obsessed, he is a beast and I love it.

 

Without further adieu, I present to you my body after two months of attempting to be conscious of food and excercise!

 

I am sorry these aren't the best pics to compare.  The bikini pic is from vacation :)
It takes a lot for me to post these, so any positive feedback is welcome. 

I don't see much of a change in looks, and actually I think my before picture might be better (the before picture was taken in the morning and the after pic was taken during the day..I always feel like that makes a difference), but I feel a lot healthier.  I will keep experimenting with my body and diet.  Hopefully together we will become fit and healthy.

XO Lauren

I'm Baaaaaack

Hi everyone! I'm sorry I have been MIA.  I went to Florida with my parents and sister this past week.

It was nice, but it showed me how independent I have become.  I have my own schedule and my own lifestyle.  I also realized what my life would be like if I didn't have a day job.

 

It would go a little like this:

Daily Schedule

8:00 am:

Wake up, coffee, breakfast

9:00 am:

Yoga, streching

10:00 am:

Gym, run, pole, etc

11:00 am:

Shower and get ready for the day

12:00 pm:

Lunchtime.

12:30 pm:

Activities like shopping, cleaning, blogging, etc

3:30 pm:

Grocery shop for dinner

4:30 pm:

Start cooking homemade gourmet feast

6:00 pm:

Greet the boyfriend and show off my cooking skillz

Then chow down

7:00 pm:

Clean kitchen, do dishes

7:20 pm:

Sit down, relax with boyfriend

9:00 pm:

Bedtime

 

 

I really would never complain ever again if this was possible.

 More to come about vaca.....

xoxo Lauren

 

Bright Running Clothes, Procrastination, and Momma's Birthday

Good morning everyone!!

I have realized that I am a really boring dresser.  I only like black....and grey and white.  But I have been trying to expand my wardrobe lately. 

Black Shirt. Per Usual.

I have gotten REALLY good at picking out super bright workout/running attire....now I just need to apply it to everyday clothing.

Bright and Sassy ;)

I am leaving tomorrow for Florida to see my parents and my sister.  Oh man....me and my sister are weird together...get ready blog world.  We WILL blow your mind! I have not packed a single thing.  I wrote a list of about 30 things not to forget and there are probably 30 more things that I will forget :/
If procrastination were a job I'd be a bagillionnaire.  I wish I had a large cute purse.. for the plane. I guess I do, but I'd like a black one...they seem to be cool right now.


It is my Mommy's birthday today.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM....I know she doesn't read my blog, but maybe one day she will read this and be really happy!!  I called her on my way to work this morning and I think she is really excited to get the family (minus my two brothers) back together!  I told her I would cook at least three dinners for everyone and have a yoga session every morning to teach them how to RELAX and focus on their body.  Then we will probably drink. ;)

Well everyone, its a short one...but HAPPY FRIDAY :)
xoxo Lauren

Randomness About My Life

So yesterday was so slow at work.  I think all week is going to be....especially because I really want the week to go by fast; therefore, it won't.

I had a mean craving for something bad for me yesterday, so I caved and had this.....I'm not ashamed ;)

Then I went to pole...which usually gets me really excited, but the studio was like a thousand degrees and there were like 25 people to 5 poles. Not okay.  I couldn't stay on the pole because I was so sweaty from all the body heat...I left early.  One thing that I always think about walking into pole is that it is basically impossible to find and how mean the lady who owns this antique shop must be.  The pole studio's sign is on the door, but the antique shop always has the door propped open so you can't see it!  Whatevs....if you like pole enough you will find the studio eventually.

Like I have mentioned before, Wisconsin is known for cheese, specifically cheese curds.  Saw this on my ride home and didn't think it was weird at all.

And nowwwww I am bored at work again....writing a quick post so I don't leave ya'll hangin again like last week.  Can't promise next week though, I'LL FINALLY BE IN FLORIDAAAAAAAA YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

Happy Hump Day!

I'm not excited or anything.
xoxo Lauren

Long Weekend, Juice Cleanse Fail

Hello everyone!  Sorry about my dissapearance over the last week/weekend.  I seem to get a little distracted when holidays roll around.  I ended up making food for a cookout and completely disregarded the juice cleanse, went to a parade, a beer tent, read an entire book....   Here is what I started to write to all of you, and then forgot to post it...whoops!!! And trust me, you don't really want to see pics of the juice.  It was just awful.  Awful looking and tasting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay Gross

Yeahhhhh I have decided that juice cleanse is not for me. I like vegetables, but not their juice. I need to figure out a way to make the juice a little tastier.

I am going to develop my own cleanse :)

For now, let's just stick to healthy eating. I'm much happier that way. I seriously couldn't stomach the idea of drinking more juice today.


Here are some pros and cons of yesterday.

Pros

I definitely got plenty of vitamins.

I am full of energy today.

I realized that I could do a juice cleanse if I was in the right mindset [and it tasted better than that crap].

I would like to make my own juice more often.

I consumed four apples, three cucumbers, three tomatoes, three carrots, two stalks of celery, an orange pepper, and three lemons.

Cons

I felt like I was going to vomit every hour.

Tomato juice is not my friend, even combined with other ingredients.

I really don't like celery, in any form.

I didn't finish the cleanse, therefore, my insides aren't the cleanest?
 

I really can't think of anything tooooooo bad about the cleanse IF you can stomach the juice.

I was allowed to eat protein at night with some sort of veggie. I had a chicken breast and some greens. When I was hungry during the day, I drank green tea. See?! Not so bad.

If you want to attempt this cleanse, head over the The Skinny Confidential. If you would rather not, and just take my attempt as a sign that it isn't right for you, I understand completely. It was gross.
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And that is when I forgot to publish...my bad everyone!

Buttt about my weekend. 

I bought some pretty flowers!

On the 4th, the boyfriend and I ended up going to the parade like two houses down from where we live, and to the park down the street to see fireworks.  Not nearly as exciting as it is when I was a kid.  I was really disappointed in them, and we left like ten minutes before they were over.  I LOVED the parade though.  I seriously tear up when I see old veterans waving a flag and smiling.

Not as exciting as I wanted

Note: Wear sunglasses while watching so no one sees you cry at the old men waving flags.

We went to a beer tent on Friday night with a bunch of friends and then ended up on one of our friend's boats Saturday afternoon with some cute doggies!

Barret and I! Neither of us liked the icky lake water, but it was GORGEOUS out.

I also read an entire book called Thirteen Reasons Why.  It was super sad, but an easy read.  Nice for a Sunday!

All in all, a good long weekend.  Happy belated 4th everyone!!!
xoxo Lauren

Juice Time

I have decided to do Lauryn's Three Day Cleanse. 

Lauryn is an awesome fitness and lifestyle blogger, author of The Skinny Confidential.  I came across her gem of a blog a while ago.  Well, about a month ago she invited everyone to do her July cleanse with her. Wahooo cleanse time... It is going to be difficult.  But I'm ready. Game face.

Wish me luck.

Back and Bi's

Hello lovers!

I hope you all had a great weekend!! I am in a super good mood because this work week is only two and a half days long! Yes!! I love holiday weekends.  Also because after next week I go on vacation with my amazing parents and the best sister in the entire world!  Can you tell I'm excited about life right now?!  Look at all these exclamation marks!

I surprisingly didn't take any pictures this weekend...I should have!  We went to the boyfriend's boss's house for his little boy's 6th birthday party!  I am so happy I missed the cake.  That would have been diet over, right there.  There were tons of cutie-patooties and sparklers and even fireworks.

My favorite part was when the boyfriend and I escaped to the swing set.  We couldn't stop giggling while swinging back and forth.  I felt so carefree.  No stress in the world...but now its back to work.  Boo :(  But this girl has to make a living somehow. :P

Yesterday the boyfriend and I walked to the gym to do back and bi's.  Here is the workout.  Please don't make fun of how weak I am.  I am progressing like crazy...and you'd be jealous of how rock hard my bicepts are.

 

Back and Bi's

 

Warm-up: Pull ups.

Assisted with 110 lbs. As many as you can.

Getting better, considering in April I needed 140 lbs of help [basically my whole body...lol].

 

Standing One-Arm Cable Curl:

3 sets of 10

20 lbs

 

Spider Curl [E-Z Bar Curl]:

3 sets of 8

10 lbs [5 lbs each side]

 

Bent Over Barbell Row:

3 sets of 8

10 lbs [5 lbs each side]

 

Cable Rear Delt Row:

3 sets of 10

40 lbs

 

One Arm Lat Pulldown:

3 sets of 10

20 lbs

 

Wide Grip Pulldown Behind the Neck:

3 sets of 10

60 lbs

[woah I used to only be able to do 40 a few weeks ago!!!]

 

 

So a few weeks ago, I tried to start running.  I haven't gotten far.  Maybe 0.3 miles before I have to stop because of my knee pain.  But seriously, it is really hard to do this on a treadmill watching TV when this commercial comes on:

 

Sorry for the terrible pic - as I was trying to run!

 

Uhhhh seriously?! Maybe TV on the treadmill is not a good idea.

 

xoxo Lauren