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!