What rhymes with hug me?! (hey, hey, hey)

It's Friday. Insert happy dance herrre! I am so OVER this week. It has been a bad freakin'
 week. But writing about stupid work negativity?

Ain't nobody got time for that.

While you read this amazingingly brilliant blog entry, play a little "Blurred Lines" for extra added enjoyment.



Here are some random's for the week that has been previously ensued:

(1) First, let's start with the weather. For the past two days here, it has been a lot cooler. I'm talking low-mid 70's. That makes me one happy girl. That's comfortable and enjoyable weather. I can wear cute outfits and not be hot, I can curl my hair and it STAY PUT, I can wear make up and not look like a melting candle, and I can put the top back on my car and not sweat to death. It's supposed to be cool this weekend, but a chance of rain the entire time, and that is A-OK with me. I do not really have any solid plans or requirements. I like that.

(2) Monday, it was the Real Housewives of OC reunion. I wish we could just skip the shows and just have reunions all of the time. Like they should all go to dinner, then have a 3 part reunion special about it. Everyone was ganging up on my girl, G. I had to react and let her know I would move to OC so we could be BFF's. She hollaed back at ya girl.

Love you, girl. And Vicki, you are the biggest hypocrite known to man.
Are we Twitter friends?!

(3) Marquis surprised with me a beach trip in two weeks. We are staying at a 4-star resort, too. I am super duper excited. I did not see it coming at all. Check out that blog entry here.

(4) Make-up. Can we talk about lipsss! I have found the perfect lip duo, ever. EVER. It's Clinique's Silvery Moon lipstick topped with Victoria's Secret Baby Pink Lip Gloss/Plumper. It doesn't plump, at all really, but I think it looks great on top of the lipstick. My new favorite lip style to rock. I used a purple lip liner too, but I will not be doing that again with this lip combination. Hashtag ItLookedALittleWhiteTrashy

(5) I was a little leary of this, but I wrote about Marq and I's "love story", ugh I hate even calling it that. I have enjoyed reading your guys, so I did it myself. I have actually never written it out and thought about it, until I read it, so be sure to check it out!

Join the blog fun today. Link up and check out what different Blogger girls have been up to this week.
Whit: Back that azz up Friday
Liz & Friends: 5 on a Friday
Lauren Elizabeth: H54F
You can also view my Party page. Whoop!

PS: My $40 Ulta Beauty Giftcard Giveaway ends tomorrow. Go on over and get your last entries in: be a follower on GFC and Twitter, Tweet about the giveaway, blog about it, etc. 

Women: Friendships, Jealousy, and Insecurities

I have been in the Lifestyle Bloggy world for a good two months now. I write about what is going on in my life and how the week/weekend was, but not much about who I am or what I think about things. Today I felt inspired to write, so I thought I would share and little somethin' somethin' about who this crazy azz blonde is behind this blog.

I was talking to my one of my bestest friends Jen the other day and she brought up about how I made her be my friend. I have four best friends (Kelly, Jen, Judy, and Anna). I chose them, they didn't choose me. When I am going to love something - someone, I just know. I get an energy and I just simply know. I'm also happy to say, I have rarely been wrong. I did this with Marquis as well.

Jen is the exact opposite of me. We met in 2006 when we were both cashering at a local grocery store. She is a tiny little soft spoken brunette and here I am this loud and crazy blonde with big hair/big makeup/big ta ta's, and I just fell in love with her. I like people who are opposite of me. 

She thought I was nuts. Most people do before they know me. I have a big crazy personality and you either love it or hate it. Jen didn't really care for me when we first met, but I didn't care. I liked her and I knew we were going to be best friends. I even TOLD her that when I first met her, the first day actually, and she literally replied "yeah... OK." 

And well people, I would just like to say its been 7 years and we are best friends forever. We have been through so much together and had the craziest and best times. I'm the Godmother to her daughter and even 3 hours apart, we spend weekends together all of the time. 

I love to tell her "Told ya so", by the way.

One of my other best friends is Kelly. We both live in Charlotte and OMG I would die without her. She is my diary, my soulmate, and my other half. I met her in 2007. We worked together in this huge Health Insurance call center place (I only lasted 3 months in that hell hole) and as my supervisor was introducing me to my coworkers, I met Kelly. I instantly had a huge girl crush. I thought she was such a hottie. ("I don't care if you're straight or not, anyone can appreciate a good looking woman" - my grandma has always said that. Go grandma.), so I emailed her at work, struck up a friendship, and knew I was going to make her my best friend. She said usually most women hated her and no one has ever been up front about being friends like I have. She does not have girlfriends. To this day, she and I are best friends. We can't even brush out teeth without texting each other about it. We email all day long STILL, we work out together, and share a trillion memories.

This brings me to how I feel about girls and friendship. It drives me in-freakin'-sane when I hear girls say: "LiKE OMG, I toteS onLy HanG OuT wiTh guyS, GiRls ARe SO muCh dRaMA".

Um, no.

How do girls survive without girlfriends? I am straight - engaged to my loving, caring, blah blah blah fiancé, but I love my girlfriends so freaking much - I like watching women succeed, and empowering and supporting them.

Also, I call women hot, beautiful, gorgeous, etc. That's just my personality. I'd also like to say that does not make me a big ole raging lesbo. Who doesn't appreciate a good lookin' woman? If you don't, its probably cause you a hata. I point out hot women for Marquis all of the time. Hell, even at Bodybuilding shows we will pick out our favorite girls on stage. It's a fun game we play. I'm all for "you can look but you can't touch". 

I think a good part of it is security and self actualization. You see, through all of the heartache and my journey I have realized how important is to like me for who I am. To be the foundation of my own happiness. To know that I will never depend on a "man" for my self worth nor hate a woman out of jealousy. And being in the blog land, this really comes into effect. Some of the ladies can craft like nobodies business, take amazing food pictures, wear the best/most expensive fashion, and have the best "hub-a-roo's" (I just threw up) in the world. Good for them you know? Come bring me a craft and take pictures of my culinary goodness while you're at it.

You just have to love you. You have to believe in yourself and be true to who you are. And guess what, even then people aren't going to like you. OK, cool... move on the next. You don't have to be hateful about it. I know I'm not the hottest and most beautiful out there and that is A-OK with me. I see chicks who blow my looks out of the water and I'm all like "You go girl". Jealousy doesn't do any good at all. It just creates the cattiness between women that you hear and read about, and OMG give me a gun, it's so stupid. I may not have Angelina Jolie's looks (now I would turn full blown lesbo for her) but I'm me. I have my unique traits and qualities and I do not need to compare myself to anyone else out there.

So, speaking of friendships, go to my "Join the Party" page, link up, and find some awesome new reads!

Um, so, yeah. Girl power!

Health and Fitness: Get it right, get it TIGHT!

Marquis and I love to travel. It's just our thing. He has lived all across the U.S. (much thanks to the Army) and has been a TON of places. However, all of that was a good 15-20 years ago. Until we began dating in June of 2011 he never went on vacations, travelled, nothing. He has been living in the Queen City since 1997 and has stayed put. After I asked him out (true story) and made him be my boyfriend, we discovered that yet we have another mutual passion; travelling. Myrtle Beach happens to be our favorite. You guys are probably tired of me talking about it. 

Labor Day weekend is usually our favorite weekend to travel. We pick out a new city and go enjoy ourselves. In 2011 we chose Cleveland, Ohio. I loved that city, downtown was fantastic. I miss "The Chocolate Bar" too. In 2012 we chose Myrtle Beach. And last week, I asked to go to Myrtle again. 

Much to my disappointment Marquis said that this year we weren't going to go anywhere. He is really busy with getting a new business started and he is deep into prepping for his Bodybuilding show in October. I had a 30 second pity party then got over it. We have had a lot of fun and adventures this year so it's cool. 

Sunday afternoon, I had to go over to SC to check on my condo. I needed to clean it a little and I decided to get some work done. It's quiet and peaceful so I turned on a movie, checked some blog's, and worked on some office emails. I check one of my emails and it is titled "Surprise!!!" from Marquis. Looks like we are going to Myrtle for Labor Day after all! And staying at a 4-star resort. I feel all fancy and stuff now. How cool!

Then a light bulb went off. I have been so busy with work. I worked late Friday and here I am on a Sunday getting some work done. I thought "the beach is 19 days away. This is the perfect time to give myself another weight loss challenge". I always tell people, giving yourself a mini goal that isn't so drastically far away is a GREAT idea to push yourself in gear, stay motivated, and get into a habit of regular exercise and healthy eating. 

Thus I am dedicating today's blog entry with my weekly plan and fitness agenda, instead of on my weekend recap like I usually do.  I am also linking up with Sara for a "fitness survey" 

My goal for Saturday August 31st is to be down 6 pounds.

Nutrition:

1. Meal 1: 3 egg whites, fresh spinach, and 1/4 cup of turkey bacon bits and 2 slices of Nature's Own double fiber whole wheat toast with calorie free butter spray.
2. Meal 2: Protein Shake (1 cup of Banana creme whey protein, 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar/fat free pudding powder mix, 2 cups of fresh kale, and 1 cup of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
3. Meal: 3: Turkey and veggie stir fry (Turkey pepperoni, broccoli, carrots, green beans, peppers, mushrooms, water chestnuts, a dash of veggie noddles)
4. Meal 4 (prework): 1/2 cup of oats, 1 tablespoon of sugar/fat free butterscotch pudding mix, and 1/4 cup of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
5. Meal 5 (post workout): 1 turkey burger patty, 1/2 cup of steamed broccoli, 2 zucchini and reduced fat Feta cakes

Fitness:

• Monday: 20 minutes of lateral cardio + 45 minute spin class
• Tuesday: 15 minutes of later cardio, full upper body weight circuit, 10 minutes on the Elliptical
• Wednesday: Same workout as Monday
• Thursday: 10 minutes on the StairMaster, full upper body weight circuit, 15 minutes of lateral cardio
• Friday: 20 minutes of lateral cardio, full leg work out, 10 minutes on the Elliptical
• Saturday: OFF day or optional 45 minute run/walk at home tredmill
• Sunday: 45 minute spin class + full upper body weight circuit

What is your favorite healthy and filling breakfast?

My favorite breakfast is the one I eat regularly. See meal 1 under nutrition listed above. It is essential to start your day with lean protein and complex carbohydrates. It isn't just fueling your body, but your mind as well.

What keeps your motivated?

Blogging really helps me keep motivated. So does the reflection in the mirror. I constantly want to better myself and overcome challenges. Fitness is not a destination, it's a journey. Plus, it helps that my fiance has been into Bodybuilding for over 20 years. 

What is your favorite way to change up your routine? 

I like incorporating new cardios into my routine. I love to lift weights and do not change that around a lot. That is imperative to lose weight. Women have huge misconceptions when it comes to lifting. I do however like to change up my cardio because it can get boring, even with great music.

What is your go-to "get back on track" tip?

"Today is a new day". A lot of people think that if they have been off of the bandwagon for a day, week, month, even years, to just "forget it. I'm already to far gone". And I say to myself "I may have done horrible this week, but I am alive today. Today I will be better". 

What is your favorite distance to race?

I don't really understand this question. I don't really race. Except for in spin class, my best friend and I are always trying to beat each others miles. My record is 18 in 55 minutes. And that was after 20 minutes on the lateral machine. Boo-yah.

Name one thing on your fitness bucket list.

To compete alongside my fiance. I would not do Bodybuilding like he does, but I would like to be in a Figure competition. I am not sure I will ever get to do it because the dieting gets so extreme but I would like too. 

Best reason for living a healthy lifestyle?

It keeps me sane. Seriously. I feel SO much better about life, dreams, goals, and everything when I stick to eating healthy and exercising.  I think if more people would turn to this instead of pills for anxiety, depression, etc. the world would be a much better place.

Favorite workout at the gym or home?(push ups, crunches,etc)

My favorite work out at the gym is leg day. I love building my booty and the way my legs feel after. I was a gymnast for a long time so I can get really deep into squats and leg pressing - it feels fantastic!

My favorite workout at home is to go upstairs in our "bonus" room that we are slowly turning into a home gym. I like to watch a movie and jog/walk, do heavy stretching, some sit up's, and sometimes even a little dance. :)

Weekend Shannies: Crafting Curse

Hola pretties, I hope you're all having a fantastic Sunday. Hot, dry, and humid here. I'm having a relaxing Sunday so before I pop open my wine, I wanted to write about the weekend that has been ensuing.

Friday:

I felt crafty.

That never happens.

I decided in my mind, that Friday night I wanted to get all domestic and wifey like and make a fun craft for the house. I was told to look on Pintrest ideas.

I have never been on Pintrest.

I looked and looked and looked. But could not find anything.

On my lunch hour since WalMart is near, I thought I would just venture there and make up my own damn craft. I'm not very crafty but I AM creative.

WalMart was a bust. Nothing. I remember them having a huge arts and crafts section when I was younger, but the super WalMart I was in had nothing.

I thought "Well since I am here I will at least print pictures of Marq and I. (I knew I wanted my craft to do with pictures)

Well, I couldn't print my pictures. WalMart's photo section does not support the IPhone 5.

Cool.

I called Marq all discouraged like and he just said "Well tonight we will just go to Garden Ridge".

Perfect idea babe.

So, I went back to work and ended up working late. On a Friday. Awesome.

I made myself push through 30 minutes of cardio after, too.

I got home around 6:30 and accidentally fell asleep. I was so tired.

Marquis gets home from the gym at 7 and wakes me up. I was exhausted but I really wanted to get crafty tonight! I changed clothes anyway and went to Garden Ridge.

I love that store. We were in there an hour and half just looking at all of the Halloween decor, pictures, vases, everything. Well, finally I was getting impatient and just wanted to look at the crafts so could go.

However, we couldn't find them.

I finally found a cashier and she informed that "a long time ago" they got rid of their entire craft section.

Really.

Weird, especially because right under their huge "Garden Ridge" sign outside of their store, "crafts" is on the tagline.

Oh well. We picked up Subway, caught up on "The Bridge", and called it a night.

But I did get super cute fake candles.

Boo-yah.

Saturday:

Arose from the dead around 8:30.

I had bunches of errands to run. One of my stops was "Aldi". Does anyone else get groceries there? I love that place! I bought three big ass, plump, ripe, delicious looking zucchini's (seriously, their huge) for only $1.99. And a bottle of Chardonnay for $2.89. AND the cashier said "I'm sorry, I have to card you. I can't believe you're over 21". Then when she saw I was 24 she couldn't believe it.

That totally made my day. Maybe I should go makeup free more often ;-)

Not.

I hit the gym for cardio and weights after my shopping then prepped food and cleaned.

Saturday night, babylove and I went to dinner and the movies.

We had a hot dog at the cutest little dinner called "Hwy 55" and the delicious brownie Sundae pictured below. Topped with my favorite strawberry syrup, of course.

This little place was soo adorable. I am OBSESSED with older "retro" type stuff (See fiance, ha! I kid, I kid) so this diner had me all happy and smiley. I loved the interior, the booths, the floor pattern, oh and they had pictures of Marilyn everywhere.

After that we saw "Elysium". It was a pretty good movie. It was different and action packed, but something I would not see again. But still a good movie.

Sunday:

Today has been relaxing and oh how I have enjoyed it after working so much and so hard lately. Marquis is in full blown show prep too, so he is barely getting by these days. The gym takes 90% of his energy. We are enjoying a day at home.

I at least went upstairs to run on the tredmill, that has to count for something.

We had good intentions. We wanted to go to the dog park, but it is miserable hot today. You know those bug things that make noise when it's really hot? They sound miserable. They are in full effect and LOUD. It's dry, humid, and too freaking hot in NC.

So, I have been watching movies.

1) The Day The Earth Stood Still (LOVE!)

2) 2012. I never watched it before, but I loved this one too. However, I'm glad I watched in 2013. If I had watched that in 2009 when it came out, my ass would have moved to China to get a ticket to get on that big ark. It was SUCH a good movie though!

3) Now I'm watching "Never Been Kissed". I'm trying to get the most out of my HBO subscription before I cancel it, since True Blood ends in like 2-3 weeks :(

*Lots of awesome Monday link-up's going on today! Be sure to check out my party page; link up, view new blogs and your already favorites!*