Weekly Weigh In - Week 17

I HAVE FINALLY BROKEN THE 16 POUND MARK!!!

You have no idea how totally stoked I am for this accomplishment! I feel like I've been hovering between 233 and 234 for WEEKS. Okay, so it's really only been 2 weeks, maybe 3...but it has felt like FOREVER!

This morning's weigh in:  231.9

Differnce from last week:  -3.1

Total weight lost since 12/31/2012:  17.8

So...I had to go back through my weight tracking to see what I've lost, total. And I have been bouncing from 135 to 133 for about seven weeks. I knew I wasn't going crazy!

Anyway...

Once again, I'm heading out of town again. That means that, once again, one of my weekly goals will be keeping an eye on what I eat and making better choices when I eat out. I'll be in three different hotels this week, so it'll be a little harder to shop. But I can shop at lunch instead of eating out. We'll see how it goes.

I also need to work on the exercise. Surprisingly, I didn't do ANY this past week. So that needs to change. I packed my stuff to work out this week, so I'm hoping I'm not too worn out at the end of the day to get in some time on the treadmill.

Those are my goals for the week.

Happy Monday! And thanks for joining me on this journey!

Ebates - skepticism turns to cha-ching!

I've been seeing the Ebates commercial...I think we all have. (And I am also the "Chief Purchasing Officer" in this house, especially when it comes to gifts for the family.)

So I thought I'd sign in and sign on to see what all the fuss is about. To be honest, I don't do much online shopping. I live less than half a mile from the mall. And we have a decent mall here in T-town, CA. Besides, sometimes hitting up the mall is the only adventure I get...when I'm home or on the road...because of my schedule. I'm not to willing to give that up entirely.

Well, while I was scouting the site, I noticed that I could get cash back for booking my hotels through the site. Now, as a traveler for work, I thought I'd give it try. I mean, I do spend just about every other week in a hotel. So I booked one reservation through Ebates...and forgot about it COMPLETELY!

Then, yesterday, I got an email (in my spam folder) "Your First Big Fat Check". HA! Yeah, right! SPAM...SCAM...mouse hovers over delete/block button. Then I remember...I do have an Ebates account. Maybe I should go check it out for legitimate-ness.

HOLY CRAP...I'm really getting a check from these people! This stuff works!

Skip to today...I went back through seven of my upcoming eight hotel reservations and re-booked. "Why?" you ask. Because that one hotel stay that I booked in February ended up getting me a check for $46.44!

I'm a believer!!

So...if you're interested in testing the system for your self, I'd be much obliged if you'd do so through this link...right here...as I do get some credit for people signing up and shopping. Or, click the link I've posted to the right...under the wedding picture.

And there's more than just hotels you can book/buy. I just bought part of my mom's Mother's Day gift though the Warner Bros store...and I'll get money back. I just bought myself some make up from Too Faced...and I'll get money back for that.

Here's a quick run down of stores you can shop from:  JC Penney, ULTA, Too Faced, Sears, Betsy Johnson, Gap, Old Navy, Payless, FTD, 1-800-Flowers, Build-A-Bear, NASCAR.com, Timberland, Kohl's, Land's End, BooksAMillion, ... just to name a few.

So if you prefer to shop online, here's a great way to get some of that money back!

Happy Shopping!!

The Nail Files and My Inner 12 Y/O

Last week I was in the Fairfield area of of California (find Sacramento and go west about a half hour). In Vacaville, along the way, there is an outlet center. Across from the outlet center is Nut Tree Plaza. And in Nut Tree Plaza is an Ulta, my newest obsession. I love to just go walk around and look at all the pretty make up and nail polish colors.

Well, as I was wandering the aisle, I found the James Bond 50th Anniversary OPI Bond Girls collection. Now, I grew up on James Bond (and John Wayne and Clint Eastwood and a few others thanks to my dad...I have an eclectic taste in movies and music thanks to that wonderful man). And my husband is also a James Bond geek. So I am always excited when I see anything related to the British agent.

To top it off, it was a type of polish by OPI I've been wanting to try, but not committed enough to any of the colors to purchase:  Liquid Sand. So here's what the collection consisted of:

As we all know, Mr. Ian Fleming had a habit of giving his leading ladies some interesting names. Names that make the little pre-pubescent-sex-obsessed-but-too-embarrassed-to-talk-about it 12 year old inside all of us giggle and/or laugh uncontrollably when we hear them. So imagine what my inner 12 year old did, like she still does at *cough* 29 when she saw that there was color for Pussy Galore from Goldfinger. Or Honey Ryder (which is actually spelt Rider in the books) from Dr No.

My inner 12 year old screamed BUY IT!!!  Especially upon realizing that Pussy Galore is PINK! (Seriously, there are just too many things here that I'm not even going touch on that particular topic.) I also wanted Honey Ryder, but there was none to be found. So I purchased the Pink Pussy...Galore (ok, I had to toss that one in there) and that's what I've had on my nails this week (again, too much to say, so just not going to say it).

All in all, I actually liked this polish. I didn't use a top coat as I think it would have added more of a shine that I don't think is intended with the Liquid Sand polishes. The color is lighter than I prefer, but it had good coverage and went on fairly smoothly. You have to be a little fast in application as it starts to "set" almost immediately (at least on me it did) even though it takes the regular time to dry. As usual, I chipped a day later...but in my defense, I did a mega round of dishes (Pots and Pans by hand) the day after polishing. I haven't chipped/peeled any further though. And it's actually a little darker in person than the picture shows.

My inner 12 year old is having fun. Mr S thought it was funny as well...cause of course I had to share with my husband my Pussy...Galore...purchase!

Once again, I'm linking up with the love Tara & Vicki for


Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Friday!  *and I am so very glad it's finally Friday!

So What Wednesday

I'm linking up to



So What If:

* I'm pretty sure the baby fever I didn't have last month is back in full force. Or it could just be that time of the month bringing it on.

* I am lacking any desire to do anything domesticated this week.

* I am also lacking the desire to finish the three crochet projects I have going on right now.

* Motivation has left Ring Manor, in general. Except for Mr S. He seems to have all the motivation in the world right now.

* I'm ready for payday. I'm not broke. I just don't have a lot of money to spend like crazy right now. But when payday comes, I'll have more. And I'll be getting my hair done. That excites me more than anything else right now. It's time for a change!

* I completely forgot about my ULTA delivery coming today until just now. That just made my day so much better!

* The only reason I bought a particular nail polish last week was for the name. OPI put out The Bond Girls Collection and there is one called Pussy Galore. And it's pink!

What are you saying "So What" to this week? Come join the fun!

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 16

So this week went fairly okay. The weekend, on the other hand, really jacked everything up.

This week's weigh in:  235.0

Difference:  +1.5

I was doing so great while I was out of town. I've discovered that Red Lobster is my friend when it comes eating out. You really can't go wrong with fish/seafood when you're trying to eat healthy. You do, however, have to be careful of the sauces it's cooked in and that you do vegetables for your sides.

When I travel, I'm also able to "grocery shop" off my food stipend. This way I can get some snacks and fruit for the room at night. I've also been getting Smart Ones microwave meals for my lunches (if I have the time to go to the hotel for lunch). This also saves me some money so I don't feel so bad eating seafood for dinner most nights. And it helps keep me below my daily food stipend.

I did get one work out in while I was out of town. However, that was it.

The weekend tanked thanks to a parade on Saturday and Disneyland on Sunday. Disneyland wasn't that bad, this time. But Saturday really got me...Starbucks sandwich for breakfast and Red Robin Gourmet Burger and fries for lunch.

This week I'm back home, which is so very nice. I do, however, wish we had some more food in the house. We're kind of running on slim pickings since I was out of town for two weeks straight. But I leave again Monday, so there's no point cause there's enough to get us through the week. It's just not stuff for  me. So I may find myself at the store tomorrow or Wednesday for some fruit and veggies to get me through.

And I need to focus on drinking more water. We finally got our Brita faucet installed (it didn't work the first time we tried, but Mr S fixed it, so it works now), so no more bottled water. And that's kind of nice.

And working out. That's another goal, as always. This is probably the hardest for me to do for some reason. Not really sure why, but it is. So my focus will be some sort of work out three days this week.

And there you have it. I know...I need to find some more motivational posters/pictures to liven this up some. That will be what I do next!

Have a great evening, y'all!

Nail Files

I skipped last week since I was in Alabama and didn't really do anything different with my nails. I reverted back to this while there.

However, this week, I tried a color I haven't used yet (that I remember, at least) with one of my new favorite glitters for an accent:

Spoiled: My Silicone Popped and Essie:  Set in Stone for the accent nail.

This picture was taken a couple days ago, two days after doing my nails. So there are a couple chips on the index and middle fingers. It lasted fairly well, considering I'm out of town again this week and tend to be a little rough on my nails in general. I did have to redo the polish on my thumb, index, and middle fingers of BOTH hands last night. But it's all good. They look better not being so chipped.

Once again, I'm linking up with Vicki and Tara for this week's Nail Files. Come join up and share your weekend looks!

Happy Friday, Y'all!!

Clarification on the Rant

I have cooled down since yesterday's post. It was written in frustration and crankiness. However, the thoughts posted truly are what I feel.

I wanted to clarify on the spanking issue. It truly is a sticky topic.

* Disciplining out of Anger
Unfortunately, most people do discipline out of anger. I don't remember that being the case with my mom disciplining me. I remember being in my room for a little while before getting a spanking on a couple occasions. I don't remember my mom, who was the main disciplinarian in the house, ever lashing out in anger...at least not with spanking. Arguing is a horse of a different color all together as we fought like cats and dogs when I hit my teens!

And it's not about just leaving it done once punishment has been served. I remember many times after the spanking sitting in my room, crying/wimpering from my sore bootay. My mom would come in and we would talk about why I got a spanking. How what I had done wasn't acceptable behavior. Then she would tell me she loved me and we would go watch TV together, or play Barbies, or whatever. There was never discipline without the reinforcement of the parent's love.

* Other forms of punishment
As I got older, and more padding on my bootay, spanking wasn't effective. So I would get grounded or privileges taken away. Some parents find this more effective than spanking. And that is fantastic. I'm hoping that will be the case in my house as well!

* My Opinion
That's all these posts are. My opinion and how I feel about things. I hope you didn't think I was telling people that they should start spanking. I'm sorry if that was implied as it wasn't meant to be. I believe it is the parents choice how they want to discipline their children and I don't mean to tell anyone how to do their "job". I think my mindset was more from the stand point of (and not at anyone in specific) "what you're doing isn't working, it's time to try a different strategy." Have you seen the Ikea commercial where the mom puts the boy in time out in the kitchen and he proceeds to tear the place apart when she walks out? That's what I'm talking about. That is obviously not working as a disciplinary tool for him. It's time to find something else. Take a favorite toy away. Try a different place for time out - one where he doesn't have all the things to get into...maybe nose to a corner or something. I'm not saying you HAVE to spank your child. I'm just saying that is what my husband and I agree on as a last resort. I am, however, trying to point out that maybe you need to rethink your game plan.

All in all, if what you are doing is working, then that is GREAT!! It's up to you how you want to do things in your house with your family. This is just my place to rant/vent/discuss what's running though my morning brain!

Happy Friday!!  :)

Need to vent/rant - beware my randomness

Warning - this post is going to be full of random today. I'll try to contain it to the best of my ability with bullet points. But I'm pretty sure I woke up in a foul mood...and I have no idea why.

No apologies are going to be made. This is my blog and therefore my opinions, thoughts, ideas, and mindsets. If you don't like it, don't come back.

WARNING:  this post is rated PG for use of profanity. (AKA, I have a bit of a potty mouth this morning - this happens when I'm annoyed)

* I hate when people say they emailed me when the really didn't. I even came back to the hotel last night and did a massive search in Outlook for this person's email. It's only been two weeks, so it should still be in my deleted folder. NADA - as in not a damn thing! Ok, so maybe he got my email wrong. NOPE...cause he successfully copied me on an email he sent to the department last night about my return visit today.

* I am APPALLED that there is nothing in the USA Today about the explosion in Texas yesterday! (it's the only paper I have access to this morning) Did it happen so late in the day that it didn't even warrant a small column until more is known?

* I am tired of being jerked around at work by announcements that have no backing from superiors. You can't tell us change is coming and then tell us we can't start moving forward with that change until you say so. You tossed about 15 people for an emotional tailspin last week. We have tried to move forward, but you are holding us back.

* I'm so annoyed with parents who refuse to discipline their children. I am a firm believer in spanking. I was spanked. My husband was spanked. We plan to spank our kids. IT IS NOT ABUSE! It does not teach your children to hit others. It lets them know you are in charge and your word is law. It teaches that there are consequences for disobedience, something they will learn the hard way when they are old enough if you don't instill it in them now. Spanking was a last resort with my parents. When "no" didn't work, or removing me from the situation (or the situation from me), it was spanking. Tantrums WERE  NOT TOLERATED! I mean really, what are you teaching your child when you allow a tantrum or give in to it? That they can pitch a fit and get their way every time. What does that teach them about the world. You may think I'm harsh, but the truth is what your child is now is what your child will become. You, the parent, have the power to mold and shape your little girl or little boy to be a well behaved member of society in 20+ years.

* And, FYI - your words have power. Stop calling your child a little shit or whatever else you're throwing out when they misbehave. They may not fully understand those words, but they will settle in the back of their mind and be there forever. I know it's not easy to keep the anger when they really piss you off. But even if you have to walk away and come back to the issue later when all have settled down, you need to do so. NEVER DISCIPLINE OUT OF ANGER!!!

* There are people I used to work with, in previous departments, that I'm amazed are still employed by a company with such "high standards". And please stop with the "we're just a big family" mumbo-jumbo. Maybe the department heads are. And MAYBE you can toss in some directors under them. But us little peons at the bottom of the ladder...no, not so much.

* I met my 10 year mark two weeks ago. If all of this goes down the way I've been warned it might, I want my damn 10 year achievement award. I don't care if you have to special make it ahead of time. It's mine, I've earned it, and damn well better get it!

* I get annoyed when I don't get recognition for something I've done. I'm usually a pretty easy going worker. But if I work my butt off for something, I want someone to say "nice job" or a simple "thank you". And when you retell the story 4 years later, you better not be leaving my name out. Cause I was a key player in getting to where some things are today. And the fact that you seem to forget it EVERY. TIME. Does nothing for my desire to continue doing things they way I am.

* Maybe 10 years is enough.

That's all I have...for now. I'm going to shower and head out for the day. Hopefully the coffee is entered my system enough to allow for me to mellow out some today.

So What Wednesday!

This week, I'm saying So What If:

* I removed some of my husbands shirts from "my" hangers and rehung them on regular hangers. I brought into the marriage closet hangers that hook onto each other and maximize storage space. He doesn't use them properly. I still hook my shirts together. If he's not going to use them properly, he doesn't get to use them at all!

* I only left the house once all weekend - and that was because my husband bribed me with frozen yogurt if I'd go with him to the store. Thankfully, the store was where I got the FroYo, cause I don't think I could have handled two stops.

* I think weight loss should be a magical occurrence. I don't think it should happen over night...but I'd be ok with 10 pounds lost a month (for those of us that have much to lose).

* I get annoyed when people talk about only needing to lose 5-10 pounds. SERIOUSLY?!?! That's not weight loss...that's the flu. I hope you feel better soon.

* When I see a SUPER SKINNY person (size 0 or less), I want to hold them down and shove a chocolate cake down their mouth. A WHOLE CHOCOLATE CAKE!

* I seem to have weight loss on the mind this week. It's where I am right now.

I hope everyone is having a fabulous week so far. We're half way to the weekend, y'all!

Weekly Weigh In - Week 15

Even though it's been only 15 weeks, I feel like this journey to knock off pounds is taking way too long.

This week's weight:  233.8

Difference from last week:  +.5

Total lost since Dec 31:  15.9

Last week's accomplishments:  two days of working out (while out of town!!) for 6 activity points!

Last week's not so great moments:
   * not keeping track of every thing I ate
   * three greasy Mexican meals (even though they were so good)
   * Sweet Tea (hey, I was in the South!)

This week's goals: 
   * keep track of every bite
   * get some work outs in - even if it's just in my hotel room
   * healthy food choices

I'm on the road again this week, so I'm hoping I can keep up the work out momentum from last week...despite the lazy weekend I had!

Happy Monday!

So What Wednesday

Here's what I'm saying SO WHAT to this week:

So What If:

* Work:  you dropped the bomb on me, baby. This sums up my day, and that's all I can say about it right now.

* I'm actually looking forward to NOT having any meeting tomorrow! It's been a week full so far.

* I'm in Alabama this week...but I've opted to not say much to anyone about it because I don't know what my week holds when I'm here.

* I wish people that stayed in hotels had common courtesy for other guests.

* I need retail therapy...but have no money. I get paid Friday - the weekend may be rough.

* I want to try the Sally Hansen Insta-Gel Strips...but the starter kit is $27.00 and the individual stips are $14 each! I'm still considering it, though...just to try it out.

* I'm doing this at 10 pm (or later). It's been that kind of day!

* Watching this Best Ink show makes me want a tatoo even more!

That's all I've got for tonight. Come link up with the rest of us!



Happy Wednesday, y'all!

Weekly Weign In - Week 14

I'm out of town this week, but wanted to make sure to update y'all on the status.

Weight:  133.3 (as of Sunday Morning).

I did my weigh in a day early because I left Sunday for my trip and I knew I wouldn't have access to the same scale I have at home.

And, since I'm gone this week, I'm keeping this post short.

My goals this week are:

1.  Healthy meal choices
2.  Some form of exercise

I didn't reach my small goal fo 20 pounds before this trip, thanks to the weekend of Wonder-Con and Legoland. But I did lose the weight I gained that weekend, and then some. So I'm ok with that.

This is journey. It's not going to happen in one day, despite my desire for it to do so. So I just need to sit back and enjoy the process of eating more healthy and adding healthy routines to my life.

Until later...

Nail Files - Why I don't pay for manicures anymore

As you may, or may not, know...I got my Julep Maven box earlier this week. I was very excited about my colors and decided that would be the look I was sporting all week.

I decided to go with Lena. (This picture is a little more blue than what the color actually is). Lena is a teal colored creme with a very light gold shimmer.

Again, this picture is a little too blue tinted, but just below the cap you can see a hint of that gold shimmer (it looks like a sun glare, but I promise it's the shimmer).

Unfortunately, that shimmer doesn't translate to the nail...at all! Which is okay, honestly. I wasn't looking for a shimmer when I chose to use this color for the week.

Right hand (yes, there are chips...especially the index finger)

Left hand.

Honestly, I love the color. The formula (aka, polish) was a little thicker than usual, but it went on smooth and covered fine.

My biggest issues is this:

See that index finger? That happened somewhere between the end of day one and the middle of day two of wear. I painted my nails Monday evening. That gapping chip was in place before Tuesday evening. And it's been that way since. I just didn't feel like trying to fix it. And I didn't have to be anywhere that required a perfect manicure, so I wasn't worried about it.

I'm just annoyed that it happened. This is why I don't pay for manicures anymore (unless it's a gel mani or acrylic). Regular polish, with or without a top coat, just doesn't seem to last longer than a day. I tend to be rough on my hands - washing dishes, cooking, opening boxes on trips, carting luggage around when I travel, etc. So it's just not worth it, to me. I just wish the polish would last a little longer than 24 hours...that's all I ask.

Anyway. I'm linking up with Tara and Vicki for:



Happy Friday, y'all!!

So What Wednesday

I'm linking up with the lovely Shannon for this week's



So What If:

* I didn't do my weekly weigh in post this week. I was off and in Legoland with Mr S and his extended family (he hasn't seen in over 5 years...I've, obviously, never met them). FYI...for those that follow my weekly weigh in....I gained. It's not pretty.

* The scale lied to me this week. When I did weigh in on Monday, it told me I'd only gained half a pound. But when I got on that biatch Tuesday, there was a 2 pound increase from Monday. I mean, I know I had a bad weekend (thank you WonderCon), but you could have told me Monday when I have "report" my weight.

* I'm planning my costume for next year's WonderCon. It won't be out there like some of the ones I saw this past weekend, but it will be super cute! Hoping for a trial run for Halloween.

* We still have clean clothes from last weekend to put away. It's starting to get annoying, but I doubt I'll get to them today.

* I'm starting to get a little house and baby crazy. I think it's because I know this is our last year in the apartment. And the fact that I celebrate the 5 year anniversary of my 29th birthday next month. I'm not getting any younger here.

* There is a serious lack of organization in my office again. It's a vicious cycle that I pretty much expect at this point.

* I'm not looking forward to being gone for almost two whole weeks. But I am kind of looking forward to being in Alabama a day or two (of the week I'll be there). I plan to hit the beach one or two days after work to check out the shell situation.

What are you saying So What to this week?

Subscription Boxes - Part 2: Julep!

My Julep Boxes came Saturday and yesterday. I wasn't here either day, so I had to wait to do this post today after I got the mail.

Here's what I got:

* Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum
* Kaylen - neon orange creme
* Lena - teal with gold shimmer
* MacKenzie - sour apple green frost
* blue rock candy

I switched up my box and added an add-on. I did the Boho Glam box, which included the Kaylen and Lena. The MacKenzie was my add-on.

Very excited for the Lena...stay tuned for Friday's Nail Files, as you might get to see it up close and personal!

Here's a better shot of the colors (and their swatches)

*Lena looks more blue than teal in this photo...but she's a teal*

And that's the last of this link up for me!

Subscrition Box - March's Boxes, part 1

I am linking up to share from BirchBox! (I will have Part 2 later today...when I've gotten my Julep boxes that came while I was gone this weekend.)

* MAKE - Eyeshadow:  Satin Finish in Granite (I think other got different colors or the matte instead of satin?)
* MAKE -  Face Primer w/SPF 30
* Caldrea Body Lotion - 3 samples:  Tea Olive Lime, Aloe Water Apricot, and Coconut Fig.
* Nick Chaves Beverly Hills - Color Saver Sulfate-Free Shampoo
* Nick Chaves Beverly Hills - Color Saver Paraben Free Conditioner
* Madewell for Birchbox - Emery Board

My hair is currently in need of a new color job. So until then, my Color Saver Shampoo and Conditioner will have to wait to be tested.

I love the MAKE products. The eyeshadow I got was a little dark for daytime, but is great for a night out. And the Face Primer with SPF 30 is pretty amazing, so far! I think it may be my favorite product I've gotten, next to last month's BB cream. I like that it has a higher SPF than what I normally use. And I love that it doesn't go on or feel oily after applying. I've never used a primer before because I use a lotion that has SPF. But I'd be willing to switch to this product.

The Caldrea Lotion is pretty nice. I finally used one the other day - the Coconut Fig. It wasn't overpowering in coconut scent. But the scent lingered for quite some time, which was nice. It has a clean scent to it, almost. And a little bit goes quite the distance with this stuff.

And, surprisingly enough, I haven't used the emery board yet either. I have so many all over the house and in every bag I carry that I haven't needed a new one yet. So I've put it in my desk drawer for now until I need it.

Overall, I really loved everything I got this month. I can't wait to try out the shampoo and conditioner, so I may be making a color appointment with my girl P sometime in the near future. I was also kind of relieved to NOT have a perfume. Don't get me wrong, I love the smell good stuff. But if there is one in almost every box that is sent out, I can see why people get annoyed with it. Besides, I have set scents I stick to and I prefer to keep it that way, for now. But I do enjoy a good smelling lotion as an alternate.

If you're interested in checking out what Birch Box is all about, use this link:  Birchbox. It's only $10 a month and you get some pretty great stuff.



Until next time...