What's a'Going on?

I've gone back and forth whether to post about this or not, but I feel like I owe you guys an explanation for my absence on my blog, as well as my absence on your blogs, which I feel worse about. But my explanation comes with a bit of a back story.

My weight has always been a bit of an issue, and every single year I'd start the new year with a resolution to lose it. And of course that would last for about a month before I was back to my old ways. Well I don't know if it was turning thirty, or just an extra strong desire, but this year I was actually accomplished my goal of a twenty pound weight loss, which on a 5'0 body, is fairly significant. Since then I've become a bit obsessed with fitness and nutrition and just started a new weight lifting regime called LiveFit, created by Jamie Eason.

So basically my life has been revolving around eating a TON of protein and spending a lot of time in the gym. It's been a tough, but very rewarding challenge. However there's absolutely nothing exciting going on in my kitchen, unless you find grilled chicken and brown rice to be a total party. Oh gosh, the foodie in me just died a little by writing that.

I feel a bit silly posting about this since I still feel very new to this world. A year ago I wouldn't have been caught dead in a weight room. I will be back to normal in a few months, but probably with a few less "sweets" recipes :) I'll also do my best to visit as often as I can because you guys are always posting such amazing recipes!

And now, a few pictures for you...


This was me a month ago, 130 lbs. I'm posting this first because I do not want my before pictures to be on everyone's feed, haha! Since then I've lost five pounds, but have gained some muscle. I'm currently at 30.0% body fat, so I've still got a ways to go, which I'm excited about. You'll notice my midsection is a bit lopsided, that's due to some medical issues I had forever ago. I'm hoping that as I lose weight it becomes less and less noticeable.




Before pictures, between 150-155 pounds. I feel like this is the part where I should say how nasty I used to look, but I'm not going to do that. I know that I didn't look my best back then, but I'm not going to put myself down. I was doing the best I could with what I had at the time, and I was happy with that.

So that's what's a'going on right now. It's been a really exciting year, this is the first time in my entire life that I've ever been this involved with health and fitness and it's been really fun. I've made a great friend who's been doing the program with me, which has only added to the enjoyment. I'll definitely keep you posted on my progress, and now that I've publicly announced this on my blog, I don't feel like failure is an option! I may also be posting my progress on another blog, which I'll link up in a few days.

In the meantime I hope you're all doing well and that you're enjoying the cooler fall days!

6 Years Old

No food today, just pink. Pink and Giggles and Fancy Nancy books.

This blonde little thing turned six today, SIX! How does this happen? It feels like just yesterday that we brought her home from the hospital, completely adorned in ruffles, bows and all things girly. Not a lot has changed, she's just a lot more talkative, and I'm okay with it.

For her birthday we brought home a package of Parmesan Arugula ravioli and Lobster ravioli from Trader Joe's, both were her requests. I'm okay with that too.

Happy birthday Princess, we sure love you!

Asian Shrimp, Mango and Avacado Slaw

Hello my friends, I've missed you! The month went so fast, but what a great month. Lots of relaxing, boating, swimming, playing and EATING. Spending all that time with family was so nice and we had a great time, but it also feels good to be back in the comfort and quiet of home.


I have to post this salad because it's what my mom and I ate the most when we were together. Cathy, who's got a great blog at Wives with Knives posted this a few months ago. I immediately bought the ingredients, absolutely loved it, and promptly sent my mom the recipe. Since then I'm fairly confident that her and my dad have enjoyed it at least ten times. We have tried the creamy dressing as well as the vinaigrette, and honestly they are both delicious. The only change we made was adding a bit of red pepper to the slaw, and a scoop of peanut butter to the dressing. The slaw lends itself to a lot of variations, like Cathy says, but guaranteed delicious. Check out the recipe here, and thank you Cathy!




And now a few pics of one of our best boating days. We combined a day at the lake with a my mom's birthday and it was a fabulous day. My entire family was there and we had an absolute blast. I never laugh as hard as I do when I'm with these people.

I love this shot, my husband, who really hasn't done a whole lot of waterskiing, has absolutely no fear. The very first time he got up he was catching air. He did have his fair share of wipeouts though, as you see here.

Taking a tube ride with our son. He's braver then I am, I caught him laughing during some moments that had me white knuckled.

Hanging out on the Big Mable with two of my brothers. Seriously the funniest people I know.

My little girl taking a swim. Her favorite part of the day was just being able to jump off the boat into the water.

Me and my guy.

My daughter and her grandma, the birthday girl.

My son and his cousin. Two of the best friends and worst enemies at the same time, you know how it is at that age, haha!

How has your summer been so far? What are you doing to beat this heat?

Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Cookies

As I've mentioned in the past, my husband is a dental student out here in Philly. Because of this, virtually all of our friends are students as well, all of us away from family, and most of us experiencing the east coast for the first time. It's really nice because we can all sympathize with each other when we get homesick, or when we're feeling exceptionally poor that day. We all rely on each other for babysitting, support, or even just a shoulder to cry on. For four years, they ARE your family and we become very close.



The hard part about having student friends is that every year you have to say goodbye to a fraction of them who are lucky enough to be graduating and moving on. It's always sad, but it's also so exciting for them to reach that next step. About a month ago we had a big bbq for the families leaving. It was a lot of fun and a good chance to give hugs and well wishes. Everyone contributes to the potluck and there is always lots of good food.



These were my contribution, I found these cookies on Maria's blog Two Peas and Their Pod. I love Maria's blog, her food is so beautiful and fresh and there is NO shortage of cookie recipes, this girl can bake! These were bright and delicious, and my favorite part was biting into a juicy blueberry. They're perfect for summer and the recipe can be found here. Thanks Maria!