::*::christmas:is:going:to:the:dogs::*::

"While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads"...

The above ^^^ is totally me. Except it's not sugar plums (what are sugar plums anyway??) but Toasted Coconut Turtles...and Reese Pecan Clusters. 

I'm dying for sweets...

In all reality it isn't THAT bad...I make it a lot worse then what it actually is. It just makes my excitement for a post comp cheat meal that much more exciting to think of. I am considering making a little notebook full of delicious foods. LOL. Or..what I could do, it just use Pinterest and share some yummy recipes on here that I want to try in the future (I haven't posted a recipe in such a long time!).

Bt that's for another time...right now, I want to talk about my passion. 

ANIMALS!!

Dogs, for this post, to be specific.

::*::lil:update::*::

I always allow a million years to go by between posts...but honestly at this point it's allowed. 

Lots of new changes afoot, I think I may have mentioned before that I want to get my personal training certification and as much as I wanted to do that before the end of the year it's most likely going to be in the beginning of the New Year since right now I'm training for a bodybuilding competition...yes, that's right!! I am finally going after what I've always wanted to try. I hummed and haahed over it for the longest time but I finally decided to jump in with both feet. So here I am, on week 4 and seriously craving chocolate right now. Lol. 

::*::grateful::*::

With the help of a friend, I have come to a stark realization that despite my saying that I am grateful for things, I'm really not. 

Okay, that sounded completely wrong...

I am VERY grateful about things...but I need to let it be known. For example, Travis has been there for me through thick and thin - I really need to give the guy more credit. And I also need to tell him a lot more how much I really appreciate him. It isn't fair if we coast through our relationship together without truly appreciating what the other has to offer. 

This doesn't just have to apply to relationships, it can be friendships, family relationships as well - even a relationship between a furry friend. 

You can be grateful for pasta, transportation, your favorite mascara, the sunrise & sunset, the internet, electricity, running water....

The possibilities are really endless. 

But it's also important to let the world know what it is you're grateful for. You can't just harbor those feelings inside and not say anything - that's pointless! So I know that I've done gratitude lists in the past...but I also just quit after a list or two...I think it's important for us to do this every single day.

Now I know that many people dislike the Kardashians {immensely} but there is one thing that I used to see on their show that I could appreciate and that was when they sat at the dinner table they would tell of a low point and high point to their day. They would call it the Peak and the Pit...or the Pit & the Peak...whatever way you choose to go. I think that's important to do as well..instead of always being a negative nancy and complaining about how our days were crap and could have gone better we should also embrace the positive. 

It also teaches us that the good really does outweigh the bad...because no matter how shitty your day got, it always got better...and I'm sure you felt loads better after realizing the peak of your day than the pit.

It's a great chance to put some perspective into our lives.

::*::belated:halloween::*::

Happy {BELATED} Halloween!!!

Wow...I can't believe that it's already the first of November! Where has this year gone? SO SO much as happened so far...but nothing we can't touch base on near the end of the year...which is only two months away! So crazy...

I really wanted to get into Fall this year, but just like that *poof* - it has come, and almost gone. Although the Fall foliage is still in full bloom and looking as pretty as ever, it's only a matter of time before all these leaves simultaneously drop to the ground and will soon be covered by that "white stuff". LOL. 

To be quite honest with you, I am very much looking forward to Winter this year...not necessarily the sub-zero temperatures as much as the peacefulness of the snow fall. I am really looking forward to that. I'm not sure why all of a sudden I've got this warmth towards the wintry season. 

Maybe it's because of Christmas? I always say I'm going to do Christmas up big every year and hardly ever do. I know for sure that after today...maybe this coming weekend, or next I will be for sure decorating for Christmas! This year I would love to get a REAL tree as well - so that the entire house smells like convivial frosted pine and cinnamon. GAH, I just love that smell. 

::-::massive:update:&:books::-::

My kind of night...every night. Protein balls & tea. :) 

Fall is basically here...I mean, it isn't technically Fall just yet but the other day it sure felt like it. I have the candles going, the Fall smells everywhere, splashes of oranges and browns all over the place in our townhome...definitely looking forward to the leaves changing their colours. 

That is definitely one thing I really miss about our old apartment...the {fake} fireplace that we had...and just being able to see all the amazing colours the trees turned into just outside of our window. We have trees at our new place, but of course the view isn't the same. At all. But we are so much happier here, that's for sure. We definitely will never go back into an apartment. 

::autumnal:bliss::

Fuzzy feelings are starting to come up for me...

Which could only mean...

THAT AUTUMN IS AROUND THE CORNER!! 

Yes, that's right. If you know me well, you know that I am obsessed with Fall...and not in your typical "first world problem white girl with the thigh high boots and pumpkin spiced latte in hand" sorta way...but more in the...actually, why don't we make a list? I am loving listography (if that even a word?!) so...I'll tell you what it is about Fall that I am absolutely in love with...

Because to tell you the truth, it never used to be my favorite season. I would always choose Spring or Summer over Fall or Winter any day. But now, I just love everything about it and look forward to it like craaaazy!

This list is in no particular order.

::end:of:vaycay::

I wrote this over the weekend...on my phone....and since I'm trying to blog more decided that I can't not share...so here it is. More posts to come! :)

Two more days of vacation left. Sigh. How depressing that can be! I mean, I am happy to get back into my regular routine but how blissful it was to be able to do whatever I wanted!

Travis and I were both able to rest and relax together. That meant a lot of beach time, gaming and gym! Yes! We went to the gym every day! Sometimes as early as 6:30! I think we missed one gym day out of 14 days so far. But we definitely feel great for it! I also had my first cheat meal in a while yesterday which was ice cream. Nomnom. But....it's back to reality. It's the weekend after all and there has to be a tun of laundry and meal prep for the next 48 hours.

I also decided that today I am going to measure myself. My body that is.

I have a confession to make.

I weigh myself daily.

Every. Single. Day.

::*::back:at:it::*::

No point in making up excuses. It's been FOREVER! But LOTS has been going on...lots o lots o lots. 

I've pretty much gotten to my goal of 125lbs. That was my goal...but there is more to go...which makes that a total of 37lbs that I've lost from October/November ish to about March...I've been maintaining 125-130 between April until now, I believe. I'm trying to build up muscle and eat healthy but I've sorta fallen off the wagon. My eating has become a tad disordered, so I'm really trying to get back on track and trying not to be so hard on myself. 

For example, I ate a shit tun of ice cream yesterday....I weighed in and apparently gained like, 4lbs....am I going to hate on myself for it? Well, I already did...but I've gotten it out of my system {until next weekend?? ugh} and am going to work extra hard this week and not fall {again!!}. But, we are all human...it happens, right? 

I also got my driver's license! This is BIG for me...since I'm 30 now and just recently began driving...so it's week 3 now of driving on my own after passing my driver's test on the 3rd of June ({woot woot!} and it's going well so far...but I don't want to jinx anything. LOL. 

Anyways...since I am just getting back into the swing of things, I figured we would do a little questionnaire or survey type thing, just to make things fun and light....I have tried a bunch of recipes the last little while that I needed to share with you guys, book reviews and much much more! I figure too that I will share some of my meal plans and prep and workouts as well. :) More posts on goals that I've working towards and a slew of other things....a new development too...makeup! I've become obsessed all over again when my sister recently got me some awesome NYX stuff for my birthday. So be on the lookout for reviews on that as well. :) 

-S.*

::*::an:update::*::

It has been far too long little blog!! 

I barely even have enough time to myself! Let alone post on here, which I feel terribly guilty about - I usually do.

But the last few months have gone by so quickly - and so much has gone on...little and big. 

First of all...we've moved! Yup! It took the perfect townhouse for us to move...and you know how they say tha tsometimes you gotta take that chance? Well, we did...and couldn't be happier! I really do love our new place and I remember second-guessing my decision in the months leading up to the move...wondering if I would be happy there or not...but I am. And I am super glad that we did.

The puppies are loving it too. ;) And of course, so is my man. :)

Other then that, I have begun driving! I know I know...29 years old and not driving! I held myself back for all these years...driving isn't so bad....it's still hella nerve-wracking but I've probably driven a total of 5 times. I am so glad too that my driving instructor pushed me to go onto busier streets...or else I would still be going around in circles in parking lots and that's SO boring! So...I've been driving around...but it's sorta at a stand-still at times becuase we own a manual vehicle and I don't geel comfortable driving manual at this point. This weekend we are hoping to find a deal to rent an automatic vehicle so that I can drive. :) Pretty good plan, I think 

I will also need to book my road test pretty soon and then when I pass (not if! lol) then I will be able to drive on my own. So I am looking forward to that...I am still very nervous when I get behind the wheel, but I do know that with practice it will get better. Many people tell me it is life-changing...I certainly hope it is! Lol. :P 

I also have a bunch of goals and plans for the remainder of this year. It feels like I am at a stand-still even though I got a lot on the go. But that will all change and I am definitely eager for the warmer weather and trying new things and seeing more places. :) 

I will be sure to keep you all posted on what is going on along with some pictures. :) There are a lot of recipes that I will be needing to share with you too. 

So that is just my little update! More thorough updates to come! ;) 

-S.*

::*::random:random::*::

We arrrreeee moving!! 

Did I already mention that before? Well...I'm telling you again if I already did. T-minus 5 days! I was very excited in the beginning...lost interest, got stressed out, and now I am excited all over again! 

Overall, things have been going really well! 

Since I am obsessed with this lists thing I am going to list all the new things going on with me since the beginning of January!

1. I lost 30+ pounds! 

Yes...that's right...thirty pounds is a heck of a lot! But it had to be done...I am feeling lots better for it, but it's not to say that I still have many more goals. 

Which leads me to also being...

2. A heck of a lot stronger!

I can do 15 burpee's in a row! I remember back in August when I started going to the gym and going to classes that I could barely....BARELY do 3-5 in a row...let alone 15!! They're freakin' hard! Not only that but I can do 10 legit push-ups...I can left a lot more. I can squat til the cows come home and even do some with weights..I can also leg press 210lbs! My heaviest back in the day was 135lbs! 

3. I still have a pooch, but I ain't letting it slow me down. 

4. I am a registered holistic nutritionist!

5. I drove! I actually drove around with my bestie today! I did my driver's training classes and now just need to get behind a wheel. 

6. We are moving!

7. I am a lot busier at work and movin' on up! I'm not going to get into too many details on that because it probably wouldn't interest any of you, but this is something I definitely am optimistic about. 

So yea! It's been soooo busy....packing is pretty much all done...just need to do some moving this Thursday....and Friday! And then we have a long weekend...and I'll be taking some time off work as well to unpack and settle in {especially help the babies settle in}. 

Oh and my 30th birthday is coming up! How crazy!?! 

Yes, LOTS going on....

Lot's to look forward to! 

That's my update! 

-S.*

::*::52 Lists::*::

People say that moving is one of the most stressful times in one's life that one has to undergo. I guess it's only as stressful as you make it for yourself, am I right? What if you move a gajillion times?!

So far, the stress is at a minimum but it's possible that that is because I'm not allowing it to get to the point where I might lose my freakin' mind. 

I used to do that a lot...I had the tendency to magnify minute problems into gargantuan ones. 

I don't think I wasn't bored as much as I didn't have the means necessary to just deal with life's problems all that well at the time. 

::*::protein protein protein::*::

Do you believe when they say that your taste-buds change every seven years? 

I could never fully grasp the concept of that until quite recently. 

I'll fill you in on a little secret that many people in the past would despise me for. 

I. 

HATED.

SWEETS.

Like, legit...didn't like em AT ALL. The pantry could be filled with chocolates, the freezer overwhelmed with ice cream and cheese cakes, there could be cake on the counter and cookies on the table and all that I thought of was..."meh". 

If I had to choose between a bowl of mashed potatoes and a chocolate bar - pass me the fork and add a little gravy, baby!

But...the last few months, something infinitesimal has shifted.

I could quite literally describe it as waking up one morning and thinking to myself, "Dear God...I really could eat a pie for breakfast!!"...and the rest...is history.

::*::16 for 2016::*::

I'm curious as to how certain people hold onto their motivation..if you will..if that is something that you can even do. 

Man oh man, was I ever gung-ho on the gym lately - and still am!! But then there are days like today...where I really cannot be bothered to get out of bed. And all it really takes is just one day...ya know? Friday I was sick and couldn't function even remotely normal so passed...yesterday was too busy and today -- too rainy? Lol. 

I guess there is a lot on the go as well - did I mention we're moving?!!! YA!!! 

As much as I am going to miss this place {and the view!} we decided we wanted something bigger {cheaper!} and more home-y. So have signed a new lease on a townhome about 10 minutes from where we live now {and closer to work!}. Not only that, but it's close to everything else {grocery stores and the mall!!} and it is just a fabulous new place to make NEW memories in all over again. :) 

I'll be sure to share a tun of pictures! 

I'm still going to probably drag my ass to do a sesh of cardio - but in the meantime, I am going to share a recipe post as well as my beloved book post - as my email is being bombarded with new things to read and I did promise myself and my GoodReads app that I am going to read 16 books in 2016. I have already read one...so 15 more to go. :) 

Make sure to let me know if you've read any of the ones below or if you have any suggestions for great - new - books! 

HA...I just figured out how to do split screen on my MAC - this is going to make posting this a heck of a lot easier. Lol. 

The 52 Lists Project: A Year of Weekly Journaling Inspiration by Moorea Seal$16.95 CAD

I wanted to pick this book up immediately ~ unfortunately, you cannot find it anywhere! This book in Canada is available in select stores...and the only store closest to me that has it, is Woodbridge {TOO FAR AWAY} and they only have one copy! Regardless...it's definitely at the top of my list despite it's 3-6 week waiting period. Ugh.
Why I love this book and want to get it, is because I want to really get back into writing this year. I always used to be a HUGE writer...journaling constantly, writing short stories and poems and just haven't been able to get back into it for some reason - a workbook like this is ideal for me. To ge the creative juices flowing. It's technically a journal - but to me, it's so much more.

::*::sweet:smoothie::*::

Apple Pie Smoothie

Lately, I've been seriously craving a mountain size amount of sugar - now if you know me, you would think that this is absolutely bizarre because I don't like sugar! I don't like anything remotely sweet! But in the last 6 months, I've done a complete 360 and all I want is apple pie, Turtles, Ferrero's, ice cream, cake, cheese cake, cookies, muffins...you name it, I want it all!!!! And no, I'm not pregnant, lol. 

But, with my current training going on and eating hella clean, apple pie is just not in the cards for me. :( Sniff Sniff. 

That's why I am always ecstatic when I find new smoothie (or health-conscious recipes in general) that satisfy my new-found sweet tooth. :) 

This recipe is one I stumbled upon on the MBG site - enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

5 raw almonds

1 red apple

1 banana

3/4 cup nonfat strained yogurt

1/2 cup organic nonfat milk (or almond milk)

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

-S.*

{Image: LeanItUp}

::truism::

So much has been happening so far this year ~ and not in a bad way! I remember beginning the new year so many times with the mentality of "New Year, New Me" as I am sure you have probably seen or heard of a million times so far this past January from social media, TV commercial, radio shows, etc etc etc bombarding you every which way you are able to turn. 

I always did a list of things that I wanted to accomplish that year, but somehow, most of the time, I never got around to it. For example, in 2012, I told myself I would try creme brulee. Something so simple...and guess what? I never did. 

To put so much pressure on oneself with these "New Year's Resolutions" and then to allow something as trivial as trying creme brulee to ruin the way you feel about yourself and what you have accomplished thus far is ludicrous in my opinion.

Of course, this is not to say that I don't have goals this year, but that's just it. They're GOALS. And I will strive and work towards these goals no matter what. 

I've come to the realization that we must do things that make us UNCOMFORTABLE in order for us to grow. I learned that in the second half of 2015. 

I know this sounds so cliche and when you hear it you kinda just want to say "SHUDDUP!" but it's so true when people tell you that "baby steps" are important. I hate the word "can't"...so when you tell me I can't take leaps and bounds, that frustrates me, as I am sure it does with others too. But it's truth...and I guess the only way you'll learn is if you make your own mistakes and go on your own journey, but baby steps REALLY are important. 
It's hard some days when you sit there and think to yourself "WHY am I not any farther?!" but you need to give yourself credit. You're probably a heck of a lot farther then where you were on Day 1.
It's hard, but it's worth it. It really is! 

Anyways, no promises on this blog for this year. I'll get to you all when I can. But just wanted to impart these little words of unvarnished truth. 
I sorta needed to get it offa my chest since I feel like I've hit a wall myself. And it's only the 25th of January! So, let's keep pluggin' away, shall we? :)

-S.*

::onto:2016::

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS!!! 

Wow...what a year 2015 has been...

First off, want to begin by saying that yesterday was pretty awesome! I worked for half the day, trained, got home, made a delicious & healthy dinner (baked whole organic chicken, potatoes and salad), had a Star Wars marathon (1-3!) and had another workout (cardio, baby!) and more Star Wars...and King of Queens....then bed at 12:01am! LOL. It was nice, honestly. 

This morning I woke up and decided to start my year by journaling - 

I decided I'm not going to make any resolutions for 2016 at all. I, first of all, cannot believe that's it's 2016 already. It's insanity how quickly time flies these days. I don't even know where 2015 went! And even though I say to myself now that 2015 wasn't as eventful or exciting as I wanted it to be, it definitely was a year of firsts. I got a new job, I finished school and graduated, I began training...among a multitude of other things. So I should be proud and give myself a pat on the back. I feel like I'm on the right track - and that there ARE good things to come...

But I can't stand the "NEW YEAR, NEW YOU" slogans that are being smeared all over social media and advertisements the last week or so. Driving me BONKERS!! 

I know that sounds terrible - but it really is! I don't like resolutions, because if you don't follow through with half of them, then you feel like a failure! I started my new years resolutions, a long time ago! I just think that we shouldn't put this incredibly amount of pressure on ourselves, for no reason! We should just take it as it comes, a day at a time! 

We need to sent lifestyle goals, little tiny things that will make a big impact...pack a huge punch! 

So...that's what I'm doing. No resolutions, just little changes...that'll become big ones...

Also, positivity. That's a big thing for me as well right now. 

So....Happy New Year to all of you! 

May 2016 be the best year yet! Or...just take it as it comes! The good and the bad. :) 

But regardless, I am:

And here's to another year with The Darling Miss G - please stay tuned for LOTS more!! :) 

-S.*