What I Wore

Dress: Ross // Boots: Steve Madden

Ready boots? Start walkin'. ;)

Linking up here: The Pleated Poppy, Rae Gun Ramblings, Transatlantic Blonde and Rolled Up Pretty

October Swappin'

Hi friends! 

I'm trying something new by switching my blog buddy swaps to Passionfruit ads. I still fully intend to swap for free and I'd still love to have any and all bloggers (as long as you don't blog about punching babies or eating puppies.. you get the picture), but this way I believe I will be much better about keeping up with my swappers and involving them more on a daily basis. I hope you will all check out my updated 'Button Swap' page up there on the left and continue to swap here.

Thanks guys!

xo

Music Monday

Here are some of the playlists I've been listening to obsessively on Songza (which is a music concierge app/website.. perfect for lazy/eclectic music lovers like myself. Also, how do I get a job there?!).

I listened to these angry boys/super-catchy songs from the 2000s while at the gym.

90s + Alternative rock = Perfect Combo

90s #1 hits. Yes. I spent a lot of time rockin' out to TLC because of this one (and trying not to sing out loud at work).

And of course any time I have the opportunity to learn new indie/folksy songs I say 'Yes, please!'

I've also listened to my fair share of 80s rock ballads and fun, sunny country sing-alongs.

And because I just heard this song..

You're welcome.

(Blake Lively is one lucky biznatch.)

Sunday Confessions

1. I'm so bad at keeping up with my nail painting. I don't know how you crazies do it. I currently have one nail on each hand that is completely polish-less. And I am sitting in front of all the supplies I need to fix this and yet I am typing away and watching "American Dad." 2. I currently have a huge bump and bruise on my head and I have no clue how it got there. 3. This week I've consumed a ridiculous amount of cake, rice, noodles, chips, Sonic and even some accidental real-life dairy butter (not to mention tequila). #mybodyhatesme 4. I had to do two separate loads of laundry the other day because the mountain of dirty clothes in my room was insurmountable. I have yet to put any of these clothes in my drawers and again, here I am watching tv. 5. I sometimes get excited when I hear a catchy new song on the radio until I come to the cruel conclusion that it's actually just a commercial for a lawyer referral service 6. After leaving my lunch creation's (which involved garlic) container in my car overnight, it now smells like straight up rancid baby vomit. For real. 7. I'm so stoked for fall. I wish I could just hang out at a pumpkin patch all day.  8. I have a terrible habit of drunk texting lately. My phone needs a retract-text button. 9. I have a BIG lesbian crush on this chick and I've seen every single one of her videos. All of 'em. 10. Every time I see a commercial for this movie, I giggle like a little school girl. Totes have a girl crush on Fat Amy too. This. hahaha

InstaFriday/Friday's Letters

Dear Paleo Diet, Sorry I've been cheating on you so much lately. Just call me Shaggy (I even caught her on camera! It wasn't me.) At least I've been running..

Dear Wyatt (my 8-year-old nephew), You might have made my life the other day when you not only said you liked my hair, but you also said, "The mosquitos always bite you 'cuz you're pretty." (How adorable is that?!)

Dear Ziggy, You're not always the best running partner, like when you get tired and start pulling as far away from me--not in front or behind me, but as far to the side as you can possibly get or when you make me stop at every puddle so you can roll in it, but you are definitely the most enthusiastic and adorable running partner I've ever had. And yes, I do need this many photos of my dog. Dear I Heart Music Festival, I wish very much that I was in Vegas right now watching you, but it's pretty badass that I get to watch you live from my computer in my living room fo' free. I just finished watching No Doubt and Miranda Lambert rock the stage off. The new No Doubt single is just as catchy as "Settle Down." Also, Britney Spears is so scary. I want the old Britney back. Dear Restaurant Patrons, I've said it before and I'll say it again: if you can't afford to tip, don't go out. The dollar menu at Micky D's is  calling your name. Dear Readers, Happy Friday! Have fun & be safe!

Linking up here, here and here!

Rain.

It's absolutely pouring outside. It's beautiful.

I'm listening to it and thinking of Seattle.

I so wish I was there right now.

If you haven't already seen every episode of The Office, like myself, you should watch at least the beginning of this one. I'm so excited for the season premiere tonight.

Nothing better than rainstorms and Jim Halpert. 

And this. Sigh.

What I Wore

 Dress: Ross // Boots: Steve Madden // Dress: AE // Shoes: Target

 Dress: Kensie (for realz) // Shoes: Gift // Dress: F21 // Shoes: Payless

Shirt: Lauren Conrad // Jeans: PacSun // Shoes: Payless // Earrings: Gift // Top: Jessica's ;) 

// Shorts: Volcom // Shoes: Steve Madden

Hope you're all having a fabulous Wednesday!

Linking up here: Linking up here: The Pleated Poppy, Rae Gun Ramblings, Transatlantic Blonde and Rolled Up Pretty

Different

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind 

don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

                                                                                                                 -Dr. Seuss

Music Monday

I don't often put 'notes' in my iPhone, but it turns out when I do it's so I'll remember an awesome song. This wouldn't be all that exciting except for the fact that I never check my 'notes,' so one random Monday I look through it and find a bunch of songs I forgot I liked. It's kind of like a present from my past self to my future self. I should send that Kensie girl a thank you card. And for your listening pleasure, my present self's gift to you.

Friday's Letters

Dear Britni, Happy birthday to the middle sister! Thanks for always being there for me and everyone else in this family. Here are some of the things you have taught me throughout the years:

Be tough. If someone comes up and tries to crush your imaginary friend that fits inside your palms, say you put him down already. If someone steals your cockatiel (named Furbie), "She gave him to me!" is a perfectly good reason for why. If boys are being dumb, throw acorns at them.. hard.

Be sad. If a boy dumps you, watch "Get Over It," "Drive Me Crazy" and "Goofy Movie" while eating Skittles, Pringles and drinking cheap, slushee wine (or if you're in middle school, root beer floats). If you need to cry, call your sister -- she'll listen and eventually she'll make you laugh instead.

Be silly. If you see someone with a big bun on her head, slap it around and yell "FLUFFY HEAD!" When you're in college, it's perfectly acceptable to punish bad behavior (i.e. skipping class) by making the offender buy you the next bottle of libations. Also, 5-year-olds flicking off old ladies is hilarious.. always.

Be a wingman. Self-explanatory. Sisters = best wing(wo)men.

Spill it. If your sister says "We should go out to dinner!" it really means, "I've got some juicy gossip/news to tell you!" or.. "I NEED SUSHI NOW!!!"

Be supportive. This chick went all the way to Seattle with me and cheered me on/took pictures/met me at the finish line of my half marathon. How awesome is that?

Sharing is caring. Okay, we haven't always been good at that, but nail polish, face masks and Cosmo/People mags are always share-worthy.

Be patient. Just because your sister decides to pants you in front of your guy friends when you're 12 doesn't mean you won't be best friends when you're 23.

Listen. Your sister (okay, well, my sister) has awesome taste. If she says listen to a new band, check out a funny website or tv show, you do it. No questions asked.

Sing. Loudly. It's therapeutic.

Party. If it's your sister's birthday, you throw caution to the wind and go drink-for-drink regardless of diets, work the next day, etc. end of story.

I love you!

Happy Birthday!

Love,

MacK

If I Were..

If I were a gemstone, I'd be peridot (because it's green and spelled weird).

If I were a scent, I'd be cotton candy.

If I were a pair of shoes, I'd be a pair of flip flops.

If I were the weather, I'd be a breezy, sunny day.

If I were a facial expression, I'd be a big, toothy smile (the kind where your cheeks stick out too far and you resemble a rodent.. just me?).

If I were a car, I'd be a Yellow Soft-top Jeep (with a CD player that works).

If I were a time of day, I'd be early evening.

If I were a month, I'd be October.

If I were a place, I'd be a trail (with lots of wild creatures).

If I were a liquid, I'd be Coke Zero.

If I were a taste, I'd be salty (and crunchy - think sour cream and onion Pringles). 

If I were a sea animal, I'd be an otter.

If I were a food, I'd be an everything bagel.

If I were a color, I'd be lime green.

If I were a musical instrument, I'd be a tambourine.

If I were a flower, I'd be a sunflower.

If I were a planet, I'd be Saturn.

If I were an object, I'd be a candle (probably cookie scented). 

If I were a fruit, I'd be a kiwi.

If I were a sound, I'd be rain. 

If I were a day of the week, I'd be a Saturday afternoon.

I found this on Sinead's adorable blog here. :)

What I Wore

 Before, during, disaster and after. 

 Running Gear (I didn't dress up much this week, so I had to make do) // 

Tank Top: PacSun / Shorts: AE / Shoes: Kohl's

Dress: Target / Shoes: Payless / Cardigan: Target / Earrings: Gift

 Shirt: PacSun / Shorts: Goodwill jeans doctored / Boots: thrifted / Bracelets: all over the place

Dress: Target / Shoes: Gift

Happy Hump Day!

(The original is way better than whatever the remake-deal I heard today..)

Linking up here: The Pleated Poppy, Rae Gun Ramblings, Transatlantic Blonde and Rolled Up Pretty

Paleo Spaghetti

Guys, this spaghetti is amaze balls. All you need is grass-fed ground beef, spaghetti sauce with no added sugar (which is surprisingly super hard to find), olive oil, an onion, a spaghetti squash, salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. First I browned the ground beef in a skillet and added salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder (to taste).

In a separate pan I combined the spaghetti sauce and onion over medium heat.

Then I cut the spaghetti squash in half, scooped out the seeds, coated them in olive oil and baked in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes.

Using a fork, I scraped the spaghetti squash insides out into two plates...

And voila! It honestly tasted way better than I thought it would. I'm a big fan. I really didn't even miss the pasta in it. This one comes highly recommended.

....and because I missed Music Monday, here's a little throwback for ya.

Paleo Plan Part II

I've spent this whole weekend eating and drinking all sorts of crap and I'm bloated and gross to prove it.  So tomorrow marks the start of the ole Paleo thang again. I'm ready to eat all these wonderful things shown above again, and feel healthy, energetic and happy. (In just the 3 days I've spent eating non-paleo I've started breaking out and having majorly increased stomach pains) I'm going to try to not cheat at all for 30 days, but it will be slightly less strict than the Whole30 in that I will still eat honey, agave nectar, the occasional soy and some pseudo desserts as well (I also want to be stricter on myself about only eating meat and fish sources that are grass-fed, hormone-free, free range, etc.). I plan on eating these things sparingly though, and I also hope to stick to a pretty strict fitness plan where I get some form of exercise every single day of the 30 days even if it's just walking my sausage-pup for 30 minutes or riding my bike around town. I'm running a half marathon in November too, so I definitely need to be training hard for that as well. So this is my plan starting tomorrow. For now I will go chomp down on some Pepto Bismol and try not to forget how crappy this feels when I'm craving brownies this time tomorrow night. ;)

New Hair

Crisis averted, my hair is officially ombre. :)

Happy Friday.

Day 31

So it's Day 31, so the Whole30 is officially over. And against my better judgment, I went ahead and did some splurging today. First thing I did was find this dank recipe for Paleo Cinnamon Rolls. The only alteration I made was adding raisins, walnuts and coconut sugar to the inside of the roll. I even decided to make some icing to put on top that included coconut oil, coconut milk (from the can) and agave nectar.

You might be thinking to yourself, "That doesn't seem so bad, it's still Paleo after all!" But.. then I was on my way to work, so I had to stop at Starbucks where I picked up this Pumpkin Iced Latte with soy milk (strike for the sugar, strike for the soy).

And again, whatevs -- it's the official beginning of fall! Pumpkin lattes are the epitome of this transition... BUT because I was busy getting traumatized at the hair salon (which was supposed to be a treat to myself for finishing the Whole30, but notice how there are no photos of the results? Yea, that's because I'm getting that shiz fixed ASAP tomorrow) I didn't have time to get my healthy dinner from home, sooo I ate some breaded orange chicken business they made for us at work (delicious and full of gluten) and topped it all off with a sushi roll with the rice (strike 3).

Needless to say I feel kind of like death right now. I think I'm having a sugar/gluten hang over right now. I'm so bloated and feeling all-around gross, so I'm pretty sure Whole30 (with some modifications) part II is in the works.

I know you guys are like all right, get on with it. How much did you lose? How much bigger did your ass used to be? Pictures, pictures, pictures!

Yes, I weighed myself today and yes, I have before and after pictures. I do not, however, have the courage to post these photos. I will tell you that the number on the scale doesn't seem to match up with the difference in the two photos. I only lost about 3 pounds, but the photos show a noticeable difference in how the weight is distributed. I am happy about that, and I'm still pretty stoked about all the results I described in this post, which are all still accurate.

Overall, I like the way I've felt for the past 30 days a lot more than how I feel now after eating all the "less good for you" foods today (as described in "It Starts With Food"). So now I think I want to spend slightly less time preparing, cooking and obsessing over food and more time working on indulging in moderation, my fitness (I've noticed myself sacrificing running sessions for cooking or other less productive activities), being independent and being frugal with money in order to reach my future goals.

And maybe after I've a had few more months to work on my goals (or a few more cocktails to increase my courage) I'll post some before and after pics. ;)

Thanks for following along with my month-long journey to better health.

What I Wore

 Shorts: Billabong ($3 from Goodwill!!) // Shirt: ??? (Just found it in my closet)

Shorts: Volcom // Shirt: Dillard's // Flippy Floppies: Rainbow

 Since I wasn't too creative/consistent in taking outfit photos, I figured I'd throw in a couple hairdos too ;)

Shirt: Buckle // Jeans: Hand-me-downs :P // Shoes: Kohl's

Oh hi there, dirty mirror!

THIS GUY needs to clean.. and go shopping. 

But more importantly... 

I need to eat some carbs at midnight cuz it's DAY 30 of the WHOLE30!!!!!

Updates/Results/Puking-as-a-result-of-eating-junk will be happening tomorrow.

Get excited.

Linking up here: The Pleated Poppy, Rae Gun Ramblings, Transatlantic Blonde and Rolled Up Pretty

Labor Day Weekend

I had a wonderful Labor Day weekend spent working, swimming, listening to good music, watching Gator football and silly movies, eating hotdogs and hamburgers (without the bun, of course), cuddling, laughing, bike riding and I may have even been coaxed into enjoying a few of the forbidden beverages by that pretty lady up there (and consequently hit on by many creepy dudes). Hanging out in the Swamp will do that to ya, I suppose. Overall it was a fabulous way to spend a long weekend. Hope you all enjoyed yours just as much as I did!

Go Gators

(I made this cake!!)

Happy Football Season!

I love me some Florida Gators. :)