The Two that Keep Me Sane

(Sexy deep voice) This one goes out to.....the two that keep me sane ya'll.

 

Tee hee.

 

I am in the middle of a huge house clean, packing my apartment, going crazy at work, moving, and trying to find time to relax.

 

These two down here keep me sane.

 

I <3 my boyfriend and my cat.

 

 

 

Without them, I wouldn't have anyone to hang out with on the weekend.

That sounds totally sad, I have friends, really..

 

Without them, I think my head would explode.

 

To Penny and Boyfriend!!! CHEERS.

 

Happy Friday!!!

XO Lauren

Pick Yourself Back Up

Hi everyone,

 

I have been super busy and debating what I should write for like a few days now.

I debated posting a workout, a recipe, continuing to update you on my boring life....

 

But I have decided that you need to know that my life isn't all eating healthy and working out.

 

I haven't worked out in about a month.  I am slightly terrified to speak those words, but I feel as though everyone goes through this.

 

After my birthday week of not working out, I completely fell off the bandwagon.  Then the boyfriend and I went on a roadtrip, and didn't have access to a gym, and now I am working on cleaning our house top to bottom so I can move my furniture, etc from my apartment in.

 

I don't really have time to even think, let alone workout.  I feel as thought that is a slight cop-out though.  I do have time....but that hour or two I have, I have been using to wind down and relax before bed.  I have learned to value sleep over everything.  Sleep, to me, is more important than working out...although, they are both at the top of my 'important things' list.

 

Instead of mentally bashing myself about not working out, I have tried to stay positive about other things that are going on. 

 

Examples:

Wow, my hair is getting long and looks super sexy.

I vacuumed every room AND did all of the dishes. Way to get shit done!

I have made a list of needs and wants in order to save money, and I'm doing GREAT.

I have also been very aware of the support my boyfriend needs starting his new job.

My boyfriend loves me for who I am.

I have a great job.

ETC

 

I also keep in mind that it is more important to love yourself in order for other people to love you.  The boyfriend encourages me to workout if I want, will understand if I don't, but cares enough about me to know when it has gone too far.  If I stop loving my body, it would get difficult for him as well.  It is a fact.

 

Without stressing myself out about it, I need to start pushing myself to go, continuing to be happy with myself, and ease myself into it...once again.

 

The hardest thing I am dealing with right now is that my meniscus is still torn in my knee and I cannot do cardio.

I was trying to work into a heavier cardio workout when I found this out, bummer. Seriously.

 

I hope you are all doing well. I could use some encouragement.

XO Lauren 

Spicy Mexican Chicken and Cupcakes

So the other night I was exhausted. 

I don't think I have caught up on sleep since the road trip.

 

We hadn't gone grocery shopping and didn't have much except some frozen chicken.

My solution?

Spicy Mexican Chicken

Three Chicken Breasts

1can Diced Tomatos w/ Green Chilies

1/4 cup Taco Seasoning

 

Throw it all in a crock pot.

Leave on high for 2.5 hours or until cooked through.

Serve with whatever side you have laying around.

 

 

So easy, so delicious, and it got rave reviews from the boyfriend.
Sorry I don't have pictures...I haven't been very good with that lately.

I can't seem to get myself to post this without a pic so here are the delish cupcakes at my SIL's baby shower :).
My mom's best friend's daughter in law made them.
 

Amazing.

Just to make your mouth water a little more the cupcakes were
Chocolate with peanut butter frosting and a peanut butter truffle in the middle
Chocolate with chocolate frosting and a chocolate truffle in the middle
Vanilla with vanilla and vanilla.
I also believe there was a strawberry shortcake one or something like that.
So good.


YAY FOR FRIDAY
XO Lauren








 

MIA and Road Trip to CT

I am so sorry I have been MIA.

I decided to road trip it halfway across the US, back to my hometown this past weekend.

It was a long trip but well worth it.

Boyfriend likes bananas.

 

The boyfriend came with me to meet my family and it went so well!  It was his first time in Connecticut.

 

I was really excited to show him around my hometown. 

I used to hang out on that hill all the time with friends.

Super surreal.

 

I decided to go because it was my sister-in-law's babyshower.

She is the nicest person, and I know she would be at mine (NOTE: I am NOT pregnant).

I surprised her! Wahoooo!  No one spilled the beans :P

 

My immediate fam. SIL in the pink.  She is a tiny tiny pregnant woman.

 

 I also got to see my beautiful niece...who loves attention, but shys away from pictures.

 

 

The drive took 16 hours.  The boyfriend and I did it in one day.

On our way back we broke it up into two days, and it felt like the longest drive of my life. 

 

I also found out that my meniscus is actually NOT repaired.

Awesome. :(

 

Back to recipe's, excercise, and normal life tomorrow.

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 

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


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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

I About Fainted! A Thank You

 

I about fainted the other day when I saw this on Eat, Run, Wine.  The blog's author, Corrine, is about the cutest, nicest, genuine blogger out there.  I always read her posts and give my two cents.  I am new to blogging, but seriously, I think I just made a friend. ;)  I am beyond excited to follow her in her running journey's, discovering new wine to drink, and connect as we grow as women and as bloggers.  You are such an inspiration.  Thanks Corrine <3



 

 

As I wrote in the about me section of my profile, I am new to this crazy working world, straight out of college, and in a strange place where I knew NOONE.  I have since found the man I've been looking for and discovered some new hobbies. 

Blogging is one of the most rewarding hobbies I have ever had.  To know that people actually read my thoughts gives me the confidence day-to-day to keep sharing.  I am glad that my thoughts have had an effect on Corrine, and I hope that I can continue to help others.  The community that I am becoming a part of is so warm and supportive.  Thank you for this opportunity :)

xoxo Lauren

Curvy and Muscular is the New Stick Thin

I am going to write today on a topic most women I know have an issue with.  Accepting yourself, loving yourself, and being comfortable in your own skin.

I have never been one to show how uncomfortable I am, or how proud I am about my body, but my blog is giving me a voice.  I'd like to use my voice to better myself and anyone reading.  I don't want to put myself down, or make anyone uncomfortable.

I am not perfect.  I don't think anyone is...not even Kate Upton or Channing Tatum [although I'm not sure, they just might be :P].  I have many flaws.  I don't like my feet, I have huge arms, and I have strech marks on my thighs.  I can only imagine the strech marks I'll get after I have a kid [not for a long time, but still].  I worry that I will gain a bunch of weight and just hate myself, but the fact is, I have surrounded myself with people who will love me no matter what.  So why wouldn't I do the same?  My boyfriend didn't even know what strech marks are!! Bless his heart. He makes me feel great.

I have learned that weight [as a number] doesn't matter, it is how you feel and the fact that you are healthy.  I am not saying to go eat everything [wahoo! Lauren said weight doesn't matter... uh no], too much fat may be an issue, but if you are beefed up with muscle you may weigh a little more.  And that is a-okay.  Obviously having muscle is healthier than having fat, but a little fat here and there is really no big deal. 

I have been dealing with a little belly flab for a while.  It seems like it really likes its home around my belly.  I am still going to strive to be healthy and stay fit, but I will not beat myself up over the [healthy] amount of fat around my belly, even around my thighs.

I'm sorry about all the selfies in the bathroom :p

I live in Wisconsin.  Let's be real.  I eat crazy amounts of cheese in the form of fried cheese curds.  I won't beat myself up.  I am just going to try to eat balanced meals for every other meal.  I will not give up on my health.  One "cheat meal," isn't cheating.  It isn't the end of your "diet."  It isn't indulging.  It is being happy and comfortable enough to treat yourself.

My first pole class I went to do a pole sit into a figure four.  The pole basically grips your inner thighs and seriously makes your cellulite VERY apparent.  I let go of the pole and fell.  Why? I was not ready to see that.  It made me feel awful.  I have since gotten over it.  After talking to a few people who had the same experience, I now know its normal.  It isn't like you can see cellulite there just looking at me.  I am never going to be stick thin, I will always be slightly thicker than a model, but who cares.  I have learned to make it sexy, and honestly bigger thighs help me grip the pole.  :)

Doesn't hurt that curvy and muscular is the new stick thin.

 

What I've Learned in a Month of Pole Dancing:

1.  Learning takes time.  Do not give up or be hard on yourself if you don't get a move immediatley. 

2.  There is really no such thing as failure, just practice.

3.  Everyone is beautiful in their own way.  Our bodies are all different.  It is easier to accept everyone else and have fun once you get over how you look.  Strip down to your skivvies and get used to it.  Your body is here to stay.

4.  Everyone is a teacher.  Yes there is a structure to class, but you can learn something from every single person in that room.

I am positive I've learned more, but those are some of the main things.  Just love who you are, and don't give up on yourself.

xoxo Lauren

Boats and Bikinis

I am in love with Noodles & Co tofu....my new discovery is how delicious their salads are with the tofu on it! Nommmmmm!

Chinese Chop Salad with Tofu!

Sunday the boyfriend and I went boating with our friends.  This is after he convinced me that no one was going to make fun of me in my bikini.  I still wouldn't allow pictures of me in it...buttt tomorrow is my next monthy photo. Oh gosh, I am NOT ready for that.

Like I said though, we went boating with some friends.  Newly wed friends.  I was so excited to talk to them about their wedding!! They had just gotten married last weekend on a beach on Lake Michigan.  They only did a small wedding with immediate family, and the pics I saw were beautiful! We don't get to see them much so this boating trip was fantastic.  The boys threw a football around and the ladies hung around the boat talking and gushing about the wedding.  I'm super excited for the big reception they are having in September :)

Such a good lookin fellow.

He will kill me if he knows this is up....shhhh

Sorry I haven't given any pole updates.  I had to take Thursday off because I accidentally took most of my pointer finger nail off while skinning a sweet potato.  I am definitely going tomorrow...I think I have withdrawl symptoms.  I neeeed to pole soon or I will go crazy.

xoxo Lauren

They Weren't Lying

They weren't lying. Pole is hard. I didn't get any awesome pics tonight because I didn't get any new poses. I did get this one tho:

OUCHIES: Bruises from pole are no joke.

The first two weeks were exciting, getting  to know all the basics and having them come easy.  Now it's time for the real challenge.  I have to work hard at pole, at yoga, and at the gym in order to keep improving.  I am going to try to focus on strengthening my abs and gaining flexibility [all while continuing my usual workout routine and adding in some cardio].  Basically, I am going to be living at the gym. ;) 

I am getting really antsy for my monthy picture in a few weeks.  I haven't really stuck to my eating healthy diet in the morning.  Dunkin Donuts is just wayyyy too tempting when I have an entire 8x11 sheet of paper filled with coupons.  Ahhhh donuts and sweet delicious coffe :/  I need to quit it, ASAP.  At work I stick to my healthy eating, and when I get home it hasn't been too difficult eating a salad or whipping up some sort of protein/veggie combo. 

Since I started pole, my schedule and the boyfriend's schedule just don't match up for dinner most nights.  I feel bad because I love cooking, and I think he loves when I cook for him, but it just can't happen every night.  I'm definitely torn about this because on one hand I think it brings us together while we sit and talk and eat, but now that I'm on a health kick, I doubt he wants a huge salad for dinner every night.

Nom Nom

On a completely different note, it finally feels like summer here in Wisco! I got to lay by the pool during lunch yesterday :)  ......And now today it is gross and rainy, BUT STILL WARMMMM.

The pool on my lunch break :) Living the life.

I acutally cropped this picture because my inner thighs are covered in bruises from pole.  Ohhhh the life of a pole dancer.....lol

<3 Lauren

Wisconsin Living

This weekend flew by!  Friday I went to pole.  It was an exciting class!  One of my pole friends brought a guy.  It was really interesting to see what he could do.  I thought it was awesome that he could see past the stereotypes of pole dancing and jump right in.  Almost immediately he was upside down, learning the most challenging moves.  I stopped myself from being completely jealous that he skipped months ahead of my progress. :P Instead, I started realizing that he too had a lot of work to do.  Woman seem to have excessive amounts of grace and sex appeal [probably why the pole is correlated with women and sex], but put a man on the pole and you can see a crazy amount of strength and power [not so much grace].  Once women gain the muscle [which is going to take me months], the moves look easy because of the finesse and elegance that come natural.  Men on the pole exude strength, but they need to gain that finesse and elegance to make it seamless and graceful.  Let's just say what he had in strength, he lacked in flexibility. ;)

I am gaining so much confidence at pole.  It's allowing me to push forward and learn awesome moves like the Gemini:





Gemini- June 7, 2013

As you all know, I moved to Wisconsin at the end of the summer last year.  It has been an interesting transition for me, as I lived right outside of Washington, D.C. for school and then moved the the middle of nowhere in Texas before coming here; I have a lot to compare Wisconsin to.  I've learned that Wisconsin is known for it's cheese, especially it's cheese curds.  Fairs and carnivals are huge in the summer here, and usually the cheese curds at fairs are the BEST. 

I went to two fairs this weekend.  The first was on Friday night; the boyfriend brough me to the Summer Frolic in Mount Horeb, WI.  I had never heard of a "beer tent" until I moved here.  A beer tent is basically an outside bar at a fair.  There are usually bands and lots of drunk people.  Before I knew all of this, I could have sworn my boyfriend was bringing me to "Mount Horror."  I expected a haunted maze or something.  Close enough; it is super creepy walking through the shut down carnival rides to go home......




Mt. Horeb Summer Frolic

I don't know if Wisconsin is also known for truck pulls, tractor pulls, and/or mud drags, but there sure are a lot of them.  I really had no clue what these were until I moved here as well.  Basically, a bunch of uhhhh douchey guys soup up their cars and attempt to pull ridiculous amounts of weight on a dirt track.  Its a lot more fun to watch than it sounds.  The boyfriend an I went to a carnival in Deerfield on Saturday and got to watch a truck pull. :p For some reason, every single truck had a cheap decal with an overused sexual inuendo about their truck [ex. Cum'n Hard, Its really that wide, etc]. They make it way too easy to make fun of them and their overcompensation ;)

Deerfield - Tractor Pull

Hope your weekend was fun!! :)
<3 Lauren