Life By Nadine Lynn - Page 83 of 338

I Did a Thing

So, I did a thing. I joined Weight Watchers. Amy was talking about doing a mini-reset this month, and I decided I was going to join her. And then in the back of my mind I was thinking that I will probably just undo everything I do on the reset within a week of it being over. That is pretty much what always ends up happening after I do a round of Whole 30.

I want to point out that I love Whole 30. And when I am trying to break a sugar addiction, need to get back on track, or if I am having skin or stomach issues….it is my go to! I have done it every January the past three years, and I plan to do it again this January. I am actually following some of it now, and making whole 30 meals most of the time…it is just that I don’t want to restrict myself 100% of the time. Amy is an amazing Whole 30 inspiration, and I have done all my rounds with her. She is actually a certified coach now, so if you are looking to get started with it….I highly recommend her!!! I am constantly stealing meal ideas from her. Follow her on Instagram if you aren’t already. The amount of food porn she posts is incredible. I feel like everyone should do a round of Whole 30 at least once.

The thing is, right now I am trying to make a lifestyle change. That isn’t a sustainable lifestyle for me. I like cheese burgers and beer and I want to indulge in a macaroon or cookie from time to time. It is summer and I want to take Zoe to get frozen yogurt and popsicles. I don’t want to miss out on any of those things that make life more enjoyable. I had seen variations of this quote floating around a few places lately…

And it clicked in my mind. What the fuck am I doing wasting away this precious time?!?! Logically, I know that there are only 18 years of childhood. Duh. But when you put it like this, it makes all the difference. And Zoe might not notice this year that I am not indulging in the ice cream with her, but eventually she will. And I don’t want her going through life thinking that she cant have this or that. Or that something she really enjoys is “bad.”

That is my problem with Whole 30, paleo, keto, whatever else is out there that cuts out food groups. Everything is ok in moderation. So when you want to enjoy a cheeseburger on a Saturday, you should be able to do it without the guilt. Without you “breaking” your diet. Or eating an “off limits” food. Or at least, that is how I feel. That is what I love about Weight Watchers. I am given a set amount of points each day. I can spread those points out how I would like. I can hit or stay under them all week long and plan accordingly if I want to have fun on a Saturday and have that burger and beer. Or take my daughter for cookies at the mall. Because that is what life is about. Living!

I signed up for three months online because they were running a deal where there was no membership fee and I could get a month free, spread over the three months. I figured that was enough time to see if I like the program and if I am actually going to track my food. I am closing in on the end of my second week, and so far I am really liking it. Seeing how many points some things are that I was consuming daily was eye opening!!! Like the peanut butter coconut perfect bar is 13 points. My daily allowance is 23. Are you kidding me?!?! It has really changed the way I think about certain foods. Also, it is making me control my portions. That is something I struggle with. On Whole 30, as long as something was approved…I would eat however much I wanted. That doesn’t work for me long term. I really need to keep myself in check!

The Freestyle plan that they offer now has 200 free foods. Meaning, they are zero points towards your daily allowance. So if you are hungry in the evening, you can grab a veggie or fruit and not go over your points. That has really helped me as well! I find myself snacking on cucumbers and frozen cherries, not chips and salsa. I am also not eating whatever Zoe leaves behind on her plate, or snacking while I cook dinner.

Here is my referral link if you want to play along! If you sign up with my link and do it for two weeks, we can each get a free month! I have already seen the scale drop a few pounds, so it has been encouraging. I have also been showing up for my workout every weekday since I have joined. Dare I say my mojo is back??

July 25, 2018 by Nadine

weekend shenanigans

Weekend Shenanigans

As I was driving in this morning, I was thinking about how we really only have about two weeks left before school traffic starts back up. That is insanity! It also makes me realize I need to get my life back together again so that I can make extra time for all the madness again. Also, when I dropped Zoe off at school this morning, she saw one of the older boys who used to be in her class walking in and so she looked at me and said, “No mommy. Walk.” A little piece inside me died. She is such a big girl these days. So much so, I ordered her a toddler pillow…and…*gulp*…a potty. Cue the tears.

I kicked the weekend off Friday with lunch at Urban Cookhouse with my old Friday Lunch Club. It had been far too long and was wonderful seeing them again.

Friday evening, we stopped by Chris’s parents house for a little bit. On the way home, we grabbed some Publix sushi and I stayed up late trying to get some cleaning done around the house after we got Zoe to bed.

Saturday morning, Zoe and I hit up Target and Publix super early to get snacks and some play-doh for our fun day planned with Laura and her crew! She got to ride in the fun car cart at Publix and was loving every second of it.

We also picked up a stuffed Bingo to go with her Rolly, who she has to carry around everywhere.

I just barely beat Laura back to my house. They were coming over to hang out and watch Tomorrowland with us. Which obviously needs to be an annual thing for them to come over now, because we had so much fun!!!! The kids played together so well! They went down for naps shortly after they got there, so Laura and I made some Frose and enjoyed some jams downstairs with the guys. My one glass may or may not had me feeling pretty damn buzzed.

When the kids woke up, we got them a snack and brought them downstairs to dance it out. They loved it so much!!! Chris had it on our projector, and he had his old DJ lights set up. It was like we were right there at the festival!

Laura and I decided that we worked up enough of a sweat dancing around with the kiddos, and headed upstairs to let them watch Boss Baby. Look at these two!!! Poor Sheffy. He just wanted to watch the movie….and Zoe kept trying to talk and bother him. Just like how Laura and I are with Chris and B. Then she gave up and put her head on his shoulder. We are saving these pictures for them to look back on when they are married. Because that is obviously going to happen.

We had such a great time! We even got to introduce them to our favorite local BBQ place! And then proceeded to snack on that BBQ the rest of the weekend because someone ordered way too much!

Sunday morning, my sister came over with one of my nephews and we all went grocery shopping together. It was nice having her at Target with me so that Zoe had some entertainment and I could get everything we needed without making her sit back down in the cart and threatening her life every five seconds. Seriously, why do kids have to do that???? Zoe was on a mission in the toy section to collect as many balls as she could. Somehow I managed to escape only having to purchase the one.

We stopped and got Zoe some new shoes while we were out too. First pair of Nikes! Baby Nikes are the cutest thing ever.

Tracy brought Zoe a Puppy Dog Pals book with all the characters from the show, and she had so much fun playing with them!

After nap time, Zoe was ready for some bubbles so we headed outside. Of course, she had to chose the largest bow possible for her hair before going out. It lasted about 5 minutes.

Last night, we had some BBQ with a spinach salad and watched some Blue Bloods, calling it quits pretty early.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Linking up with Biana.

July 23, 2018 by Nadine

favorites, friday favorites

Friday Favorites

This week was supposed to be a more laid back one, but lots of errands and meetings popped up. All I know is that I am glad it is Friday! When I dropped Zoe off at school this morning, they said they will be having a move up party in two weeks. I can’t believe it is time for her to move up again!

Favorite Moments: Laura and I checked out Kale Me Crazy for lunch on Monday. I ordered the half chicken pesto spinach wrap and a side salad. It had to be one of the freshest salads I have ever had. It tasted like they went and picked the lettuce and put it right on my plate. So yummy, and healthy!

I took some me time Wednesday afternoon, and went and got my hair cut and colored. This time I kept the same colors, but added in a little more blonde. I went at an appropriate time for once in my life, instead of waiting until I had a bunch of gross, stringy hair….so she didn’t have to take much off my length. Just about 1/2 inch and reshaped my layers. Loving it!

Favorite Recipe: How amazing does this date and shallot chicken look? It is Whole 30 compliant.

Favorite Budget Find: I was walking around Nordstrom Rack the other day and discovered they have the Natori bras there for around $25 depending on the style. That is half of the sales price of the anniversary sale right now!!! They didn’t have one in my exact size, but I tried one on just to see if they are worth the hype. They so are! I think I will have to order one online!

Favorite Funnies:

About a month or so ago, I noticed that Zoe has been calling me mommy instead of mama. I cant remember the exact day that it has happened….but they are so right. No one prepares you for the transitions! Who knew it would feel like such a big deal? Before I know it, she will probably be some sullen teenager saying mom in that annoyed, teenagery way. 🙁

Laura sent me this the other day, and nothing could be truer…..

Zoe sighed the other day, copying me. And is now doing it on her own when she is annoyed. Oh boy….OOPS!

Linking up with Amanda. I hope you all have a great weekend!

July 20, 2018 by Nadine

Birmingham, weekend shenanigans

Weekend Shenanigans

All the kids at daycare this morning were whining when I dropped Zoe off. I made a comment about how it will probably be the same thing when I get to work. Real life, right? Gotta love the Mondays. But enough about that.

Friday, Laura and I decided to kick off the weekend right with a trip to Back 40’s new location here in Birmingham!!! Their home is in Gadsden, about an hour north of the city. Chris and I had visited up there a few years ago and thought it was a fun spot. So glad to have them here in Birmingham! The best thing? They are opened for lunch a few days each week AND they have two special brews you can only get at the Birmingham location. I tried one of them, the “Hike Out” Heffe, and it was so good! The best one at our table if I do say so myself. I decided on the chicken sausage and fries for food. Some of the BEST fries in Birmingham if you ask me! Skinny, crispy and not too greasy. Just perfection! We decided that we must try everything on the menu, and the place is both kid and dog friendly…so we will be back soon! Check out the space!

I had the floors cleaned and a magazine finished Saturday morning before Zoe got up. After we had breakfast, we headed up to Bargain Hunt in Pell City. We didn’t find anything, but we did stop at Sonic where I indulged in a pretzel twist and diet Cherry Limeade. We got back home and fed Zoe lunch. Chris left to go get a hair cut and run some errands and I tried to get Zoe down for a nap but failed miserably.

When Chris got home, we headed over to Laura’s to celebrate Sheffield’s 3rd Birthday party! I had my phone in my bag since it rained on and off and failed to take a single picture. Luckily Laura sent these to me.

Zoe had so much fun playing at the water table and stomping water on the slip and slide. Reminded Chris and I that we really need to move to a house with a better yard set up ASAP! While we own a decent hunk of land, it is all on an incline and it leaves no space for a pool or outdoor play sets. Zoe chowed down on three pieces of pizza while she was there and skipped over the cake. My kind of girl. Those two need to have another play date soon 🙂

On the way home, we stopped by Publix and Chris grabbed me some sushi. He dropped in on the floor when we got home and it spilled everywhere. He was all like, “I will go get a broom and clean this up. I am so sorry.” And I was all, “the hell you will I am eating this shit still.” And did. No shame. Then I followed it up with some rap snacks and apple sparkling sake.

Sunday morning, Zoe and I headed out to Target to do our grocery shopping and grabbed some Moe’s BBQ to bring home. She went down for her nap, and Chris and I caught up on Take Two and watched some more Blue Bloods. When Zoe woke up, we took her for a walk around the neighborhood and before we knew it, bath and bedtime rolled around. We had cheese tortellini for dinner and called it a night.

Can someone tell me why Zoe looks so big in her high chair now??? The other picture is Zoe chowing down in Target. They fed her ice cream and a slice of ham while we were walking around the store. She is a big fan of snacking while we shop. Obviously.

I have a lot on my to do list this week, and I hope to buckle down and get it all accomplished. Laura and I have a lunch date on the books today to try out a new restaurant in Homewood that opened last week. It is a healthy spot, so we can start the week out right! I told Amy I was going to do a mini reset and I cant mess up the first day! (Technically yesterday was the first day, but I cant seem to start anything new on a Sunday.) Though, I am actually using this mini-reset to make a change. More on that later this week! Linking up with Biana. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

July 16, 2018 by Nadine

Uncategorized

Friday Things – Random Thoughts

Hey there Friday! I am not sure if it was because I was on vacation last week or what the deal is….but I am not believing we are already mid month!!! Forth of July was just last week, no? Goodness. I am not sure what all we have planned for this weekend. I do know that tomorrow we will be heading over to Laura’s to celebrate that sweet sweet baby boy of hers!!! Who isn’t really a baby anymore since he is going to be three. Shut up! Zoe is so excited to see her boo. It has been awhile since we have gotten those two together. I know my sister wants to try to see Zoe at some point. She doesn’t like going too long in between visits. Which is great for us, because we love her too and her crew too <3

–I am working on the most honest and real post I have ever written for Lindsay’s new series. I have so much to say and I keep thinking about things while I am driving in my car. I just don’t know how I want to start it. You can go read about her new series here.

–I shopped the Nordstrom sale yesterday, and got pissed off when all you bitches broke the site. The one thing I really wanted sold out before I could check out. SO RUDE!!!! I had about ten things in my cart and got it down to two. I call that winning! I decided on the purple Caslon Peplum top.

And a pink Caslon knit blazer.

I wanted to get pieces that I can wear now. It is too hard for me to shop for fall/winter clothing when it is going to be 80-100 degree here until November. Fingers crossed I ordered the right sizes and that it actually went through correctly. I had to sign in about five times and hit purchase a few extra to get the confirmation order number. Then the confirmation email didn’t even come until 10 hours later. So, my hope isn’t all that high lol. What did you order?? I still really want to get the Sara Happ Lip Expert set that they had, but forced myself to put it on my wish list instead. I want the lip slip, but I suppose I can continue to use my own homemade coconut lip scrub. Sigh. Me and my cheap self.

–I got to see some old co-workers yesterday at lunch, and that is always nice. I like seeing them so happy in the decisions that they have made.

–I need to cut Zoe cold turkey from her paci I think. Anyone have any advice?? She LOVES that thing and it brings her so much comfort. We try to limit her to the car and bedtime, but she sneaks it every now and again other places. Her doctor wanted it gone already, and her teachers were shocked to hear that she still uses it when I didn’t realize she had it with her this morning at drop off. I feel like most of my friends that have older kids let them have it until they were 2 before cutting them off. Zoe is only 19 months. Any advice is greatly appreciated! I know it is going to be rough. Plus I am sad to see one of her last “baby traits” go away. You know?

Anyways, that is probably enough randomness out of me for today. I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend!

July 13, 2018 by Nadine

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