Let's be honest here - I'm struggling. The funny thing is, is during the day, I'm great and on track. But once night falls, I just give up. Why? Why do I consistently sabotage my "being good" during the day and totally fail at night? I'm kind of at a loss of words as to what I should do to move forward with this post.   I'm not going to give up totally with my 3 month getting healthy series. That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that I'm just human going through the same struggles as someone else. Are you with me on this? Hmmmm, .... Okay, here is my deal. What if I commit to you I'll NOT sabotage my evening by doing just 3 of them for the week. There. I put it out there. Will you be my support?

Do you struggle at night as I do? Please, let me know!

Well friend, it is yet another Friday. The first summer Friday that is. Can you believe next week will be the fun festivities of the Fourth of July? Life could slow down a bit, especially on weekends! Right!? Well, it's been a good week and here are my top five.

1. My husband and I had our very first cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory for the first time in years. Let me tell you, the vanilla bean flavored one, is OHHH so GOOD!

2. Miranda Lambert is my most favorite country singers, and she came out with a new music video this week. Have you seen it? Awesome.

3. I've attended to the IIDA Designer Derby this Wednesday and I had a blast mingling with other professionals and local reps from our area.

4. My friend and I were guess betting just for fun - no real money bets. Now I wish I did, each race I guessed on for a horse to win, was a winner! Or at least placed.  Ha ha! Oh well, I still had a lot of fun. Definately putting this on my calendar for next year.

5. Rainy Days. Here in the high plains desert we have mostly have wonderful sunny days. Don't get me wrong, I love sunny days but who wouldn't want a break from it and just listen to rain the fall?

How was your week?

Today, I'll be heading to a horse derby event. I'm really excited.

One of the things that I've always wanted to do in my life's bucket list is to attend the Kentucky Derby and wear one of those big fancy hats! Or try and look as glamorous as Kate Middleton - style crush! Anyways, tonights event is a very mini Kentucky Derby with a twist. It's the (Interior) Designer Derby event where you can drink mint juleps, mingle with other professionals, and watch the horse races. And what wouldn't be a derby if you didn't look the part? Yep, that's right! I'll be dressing as if I'd be going to the actual event. However, I had to make and put together my own derby hat. There will be a hat making competition.  And, I will share with you what I've put together! I thought this would be easy. Nope. It was challenge putting together this derby hat. Of course, I went with safe colors. Black. Mainly. Don't worry, there are emeralds, dark blues, ... browns...

First, I needed a base, a hat with a big rim. Next, are the glamor accessories. I ironically went with only two. I thought I'd have 5-10 different items, but I think I'll go tame this year. :)

You can shape and mess with the feathers gently.  Just take the "spine" with your thumb and index finger to curl it.

Then, I went to place the feathers and the flower of where I wanted them to go. Next, I grabbed my hot glue gun, placed a dot as to where my feathers will go. Lastly, I glued the back of my flower and placed it on top of the end of the feathers to hide the wire. Wala! 

But wait.. I'm not ready to show the final result just yet. 

Stayed tuned!

Ca-ca-Catie

URG! It's been a little bit ruff for me, I'll tell ya. One day I'm at it, killing it, the next, bad habits return. SO FRUSTRATING!! The thing is, I have a negative self image of myself. I hate that I don't feel good in my clothes, hate when I look at myself in the mirror! Just no self-confidence. Why oh why do I get myself at this point? What will it take for me to stick with it and stay? How in the heck did I do it a couple of years ago and pretty much kept it off? One of the reason why I know I'm at war with my body is my drastic changes that I've had in this last couple of years. I've seriously had the highest and the highs along with the lowest of lows happen. And please, I'm not saying feel sorry for me. I know that my events are probably even child's play against other situations. But for me, it was tuff - I know I'm still struggling to except was has happened. Anyway, now that I've gotten some of that off my chest, I'm starting to have more support through friends and family. That is so important to me to have someone have your back and are there to support you. Makes a world of difference. For this week, I'm sharing with you my motivation board.  One of the ladies that really caught my attention was Gina Neely. Do you know her? I don't really watch her show since I don't have cable. Her and her husband have a pretty popular food network show called "Down with the Neely's". I think. When I had t.v., I saw her with a few pounds on her body. Then recently one night I was watching my Hulu and came across Celebrity Wife Swap , she was on one of the episodes. She had lost weight and by looking at her and knowing what she does, I was really inspired! Here is this video of Gina explaining what she did. Have you ever don't yourself a motivation board? What has motivated you?

It's Friday!!! I'm ready for it to be Friday since this week was kind of a long one.

Here are the top 5 that has happened to me this week.

1. Scott and I decided to go explore around an Idaho last Saturday. We decided to check out an historic ghost town in the  Owyhee Mountains. Totally a different world when you drive up to the windy dirt road that is about 6,000' elevation. The town is unique and so primitive. No electricity, just through solar or by a  generator.  If your in Idaho, it is definitely worth the visit. We hope to go back and camp sometime this summer.

2. I finally had a piece rhubarb pie! Well, what I mean is I haven't had one in years. My mom makes the best homemade pies. Every time I'm craving one, it is always a strawberry rhubarb flavor. Don't get me wrong, those are good but nobody ever has just rhubarb. Can't tell that I liked it, huh?

3. As I'm still on a journey onto getting healthy, I made this really yummy healthy chicken tacos for dinner last night. The lettuce is the wrap! I'll be sure to share with you the recipe sometime next week. 

4. I was given the news that my brother will be coming into town in less than 2 weeks! I'm so excited!

5. Though it hasn't happened yet, I'll be buying stuff to make my derby hat! Can't wait to show you!

How has your week been?

Ok I'm currently crushing on the color of navy blue that has been happening in residential interiors. I'm a little obsessed. Well not really. But I've been wooing over some of the pictures that I've been seeing with Pottery Barn . As time goes on, you will see that my personal home style is kind of neutral with subtle hints of color. That is the best way to try and introduce color into your home if you are afraid of too much of it - consider that a free professional designer advice. Just kidding. Anyways, this color is clean, airy, classy, sophisticated, happy... Here is a few things from Pottery Barn that are great ways to add subtle hints of Navy Blue into your home.

1. In your hallway, in the kitchen, bathroom, this runner is a great added accent piece.

2. Pillows are the most safest, perfect piece to add interest and color into your living room or bedroom. Mix it up even with playful patterns! Always place a large pattern paired with a small pattern or just a plain solid color. Here is this one that caught my eye, plus I just love IKAT pattern!

3. Lastly, for your home decor eye candy, is the bathroom! Urg, love the shades of the navy color, don't you?

What is your favorite color for your home interior? Are you crushing on the color navy too?

See you later!

K-diddy



*Pottery Barn has no idea that I posted this post, I just did this for my own personal enjoyment.*

Hi there, friend! Well I'm here  reflecting on week 3 and I kind of fell off the wagon just a bit. I'm learning now that you have to just accept it, move on, and don't dare quit. I still need to remind myself to take it one step at a time. However, here is what I do know that has changed; I really don't care for pop anymore. Really. Actually, I've didn't care for it much before but, now it really doesn't sound good. I'm realizing that I prefer more veggies now, more so then ever. These are small victories that will make a huge difference later on. Again, remembering to take it one step at a time.

I should have done this a couple of weeks ago, however, this post will be about organizing yourself skinny, or fitter. Just a tips for you that I believe is very vital on your journey to transition on a more healthy lifestyle. You may already know of these.

1. Go through all your food and get rid of what I call empty calories which are the processed foods that I'm sure you have somewhere in your pantry. These would be donuts, (most) cereal, chips, those snack-like food that you find in the cookie, chip, isle. Really, get rid of it. Think of it as a long term investment for your body.

 2. Always have frozen "fresh" fruit in your freezer. This is a HUGE money saving tip. Sometimes I'm terrible at getting to my fresh fruits on time or I just forget that I even have them. Having frozen fruit might have more nutrients then you think. Or, when you pick-up produce from your local market,put them in the freezer just so they'll last longer. I have yet to try this, but place grapes in the freezer and then use them as a snack for later.

3. Next, perhaps one of the most important tip, is watching your portions. I know, so original right? Here is what you really need, a coffee cup and a salad plate. Really! Salad plates are obviously smaller than dinner plate but will also create an illusion that you are filling up your plate to the gills. It could also help you train your eye on smaller portions. Catching my drift?

4. My last tip on organizing yourself skinny is a food scale and measuring cups. Again this is suppose to help control the portions and to visually train what would be the right amount.

Oh wait, I do have one more tip. Its water. Always be drinking water and so much of it per day. I'm sure you might have heard if you drink so much of it before you eat, it kind of helps curb the appetite. It also make your skin look great and helps flush out some of the toxins. My favorite thing to drink out of is a camelback water bottle. They come in a lot of pretty colors to.

Also, I just want to let you know, I'm not a doctor nor a nutritionist. I'm sharing with you what I know and what has personally worked for me.

What has been your favorite tip that you always go to? Please share!

Is it already Friday? It feels like a Thursday to me. Well it has been a great week for me with some great moments.

1. My husband and I strapped on our cow-folk boots then went on to take swing dancing lessons for the first time. I already kinda know how to swing dance. But we had a lot of fun. Do you know how to swing dance?

2. I went and met up with a couple of my favorite friends over the past weekend.  It was good to see them both and had a great time chatting and catching up.

3. My husband and I have started going to one of my favorite parks here locally every weekend. We go out there to run actually and to get some sun rays. I'm very proud of my husband because this time he ran up a foot hill and did not stop! That is such an accomplishment for him! Me on the other hand, well, hills are still not my favorite. Besides, someone has to watch out for the snakes! Not kidding!

4. I received an invite to what is called a "Designer Derby" and I'm so excited about it. The Designer Derby is getting a bunch of local designers getting together just to mingle and enjoy watching horse races. Basically a very mini version of the Kentucky Derby, but just for designers. There will be a fun derby hat competition as well. I've always wanted to go to the Kentucky Derby and I think this event will fill that void.

5. Then finally these guys. Well, just because.

How was your week?

Yep, we moved. Finally. I am officially back with civilization! No more 90 minutes drives just to attend an actual mall, an Olive Garden,  a Target, an airport... Here I have just about everything at my finger tips. Although, an IKEA would be nice to have near. Anyway, I'm looking forward to hiking the foothills, attending Shakespeare Festival, horse races, boating, an actual mall, lunch at the park...

Eventually, whenever I finally settle in I will share with you my lovely nest. But for now, I'll just give you a sneak peak...

I know I'm a tease! It will happen! 

I hope your having a happy hump day! We're right in middle of our week!

Stay happy!

Catie

ooxo

Well dear friend, I have managed to drop almost 4 lbs for the past week and a half! Some days are hard being tempted on those juicy burgers layered with cheese and .... Ah - I should stop! Anyways, I've done a bit of research on how much I should eat on protein, carbs, fiber, and fats. And don't forget the calories. It's really hard to manage all those numbers. I'm not gonna lie it's a challenge.

Although, I've noticed my energy level has been going up. I have been drinking more and more water and finding little ways to adding more activity throughout my day. Even if it's calculating. One of the things I have managed to put onto my schedule for this week (and will be doing for now on) is Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. Man, that girl will kick your butt! It's HARD! But I think it's worth it and can not wait to see my picture results. Don't worry I'll share them with you to.

For today, I'm going to share a little recipe that I love that is great for lunches or dinner. The skinny flatout margarita pizza.

Here is what you need:

Preheat oven to 365.

- I Flatout Bread
- 2 1/2 Tbn of Pizza Sauce
- 1/8 c. of shredded cheese
- Basil (preferably fresh)
- Balsamic Vinegar

1. Spread the pizza sauce evenly ontop the flatout

 2. Cute the basil into little pieces and add them as a topping, spread your cheese, and add dashes of balsamic vinegar.
3. Put into oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

I hope you will enjoy this dish. It goes well with a great salad as well. The pizza is about 250 calories to eat. If you want to join with me on my journey, you can find my fitness pal under as CatieBuck2013. Find me and join with me on this!

K - D!

Happy Friday! I like doing these link-ups with other fellow bloggers and to also reflect on the week. It is good for the soul.

Here's a look back at some of my favorite things this past week:

1. Went to the town's farmers market this past weekend. It is super small, but worth it. I bought a couple  herbs for my little herb garden. I love having fresh herbs near by, not only do they smell heavenly, they make your food dish taste even better!

2. Now that I have my career, I had to move closer to where the firm is. I've been blessed that I've landed one at an area I really wanted to call home. For the last 2 and 1/2 weeks, I'm still trying to settle in! Although,  I really want to take the time to home decor our new home. I need to allow the house to "speak to me" - you know what I mean? Or am I the only one that thinks this? Nevermind. Moving on..

3. I've started back up my blog! It's so weird to what seems like having somewhat of a life again. What a feeling it is to know that I can sit down, be creative on my own terms, and write about the small things I love about life. And better yet, I get to share it with you!

4. I'm getting healthier. Yep. I'm do'in it! And I already dropped a couple lbs this week. I hope your joining in with me in this journey!

5. Lunch at the Park. It's a restaurant that is in a certain district in the area. It's oh-so-wonderful and had a bowl of delicious vegetable soup. Yum!

How was your week?

I love trying beauty products. But really, what girl doesn't? How about a chance to win a $100 to Target?  This is a sweepstakes through St.Ives and I think their products are really great. The one thing I always have on hand is their apricot face scrub - which smells wonderful. Though I haven't tried the fresh hydration lotions yet. However, I do plan on picking up the coconut milk with orchid extract which sounds wonderful and perfect for this summer.  You may receive (2) total entries and you can find out more on what the details are here. I hope you will win! Which one of these will you go out and try?

*I've received this sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing this blog post.* 

One of my most favorite things to do is browsing and shopping for the home. Especially mine. You can always get a Pottery Barn look for way cheaper if you know where to shop. Also, thanks to Pinterest getting inspired is also a great way to list up a home decor shopping list.  

Here are a few of my favorite places to go and get great home decor on a budget:

- Target

- World Market

- TJ Max or Home Goods

Here is what is on my wish list to spruce up my new home:

So tell me, what are your favorite places to shop for your home?

I don't know about you, but I've struggle with my weight for most of my life. Wait - what am I talking about? I believe MOST of us have this problem! Seriously, my weight goes up and then down. And now it's up - go figure.  However, I thought of this - every Monday, why not start telling and sharing about my journey?

Since last - oh - Tuesday, I've been eating cleaner and been tracking on what I've been eating 70% of the time.  I also been adding a bit more activity into my day as well. It's kind of encouraging to see my activity giving me added calories to intake throughout my day. Your probably wondering what I use as a tracker. Have you heard of My Fitness Pal? It's really a great tool to help you drop weight. If you track everything you eat, your more in likely to drop those darn pesky pounds you want gone.

Here's the best advice I've received that has kind of been my "Ah-HA" moment: Don't look ahead and see the whole mountain, instead, take it one step at a time.

This is my whole overall goal:

- I really want to drop 30 lbs.
- Run a 10k to a Half by Sept. 28th (Found the race I'm going to sign up for)
- Eating a lot more clean.

Oh gosh.. But here is my before shot. Its awful and so embarrassing that I'm putting myself out there like this.  Please be nice.

Urg! That's embarrassing! Who wants to join this journey with me? I'll give this challenge series 3 months and show my progress, recipes, workouts along the way. :)

Going to get my sweat-on,

Caty-DID!

Let's be honest here - I'm struggling. The funny thing is, is during the day, I'm great and on track. But once night falls, I just give up. Why? Why do I consistently sabotage my "being good" during the day and totally fail at night? I'm kind of at a loss of words as to what I should do to move forward with this post.   I'm not going to give up totally with my 3 month getting healthy series. That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that I'm just human going through the same struggles as someone else. Are you with me on this? Hmmmm, .... Okay, here is my deal. What if I commit to you I'll NOT sabotage my evening by doing just 3 of them for the week. There. I put it out there. Will you be my support?

Do you struggle at night as I do? Please, let me know!