Finding time for myself

I have been feeling the back to school blues over the past few weeks.  It has nothing to do with my students, or even my school.  It's trying to find the balance between work and home life.  The weekends fly by, and before I know it, it's back to the work week.  When school begins, I throw myself into my job, pulling 10 hour days, and bringing more work home.  I try to get to know who my students are and what their strengths and weaknesses are, and do my best to begin to provide the best instruction possible, as soon as possible.   Sometimes, this comes at a cost.  

Marc and I have been discussing this topic a lot this week at the dinner table.  The conversation usually goes something like this:

Me: I'm overwhelmed.

Marc: Why?

Me: Because I have a. b. c. d. etc.... to do and not enough time to do it.

Usually the etc... includes things I need to do for myself to keep up my own sanity.  This includes exercise.  If you have been reading my blog posts over the past year, you'll know I like to eat healthy and know how important it is to be healthy.  

I'm really going to work over the next few weeks to try to put myself first and to find some "Me Time" so I keep myself sane and happy.  I know I'll be better for it.  Do you have trouble finding time for yourself, too?  How to do you make sure you fit it all in?

Pumpkin Spice Latte Controversy

I don't know if you've seen the image above all over Facebook lately, but when I saw it my heart sank.  I look forward to pumpkin everything in the fall, including Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte.  Reading that the entire drink is filled with chemicals and unhealthy ingredients, I think I may think twice next time I order my fall beverage.  I am completely aware that the drink isn't exactly healthy for you.  You should only treat yourself every once and a while to a Pumpkin Spice Latte anyway, but if it is that harmful, why even bother?  

I did some research and didn't really learn much.  Starbucks states that the ingredients can vary with the size that you order, in addition to the kind of milk you prefer.  Regardless, if there is a chance that this drink (among, I am guessing many others) is harmful, are you still going to indulge?  I'm not quite sure yet.  We have until September 2nd...when the delicious, and maybe dangerous, drink makes it's fall debut!

Whole30!

You've been with me when I did the Slow Carb/4 Hour Body diet...but I'm trying something new!  It's called the Whole 30!   It's a complete overhaul of your eating habits, and a form of the Paleo diet.  You cut out anything in your diet that isn't real, clean food.  If you go to buy something at the supermarket and you can't read the ingredients, you don't eat it.  You don't eat dairy or sugars, and processed foods are  a no-no. 

Yes...you may think I'm nuts, but I'm ready to kick my body into gear!  We leave for Portugal and Spain in exactly 40 days, and I'm ready to get my body into top shape before we go!  

This diet is very similar to the 4 Hour Body diet, only you stick to three meals a day, with no snacking in between.  You focus on healthy, organic/grass fed/natural proteins and vegetables.  You eat minimal fruit, and your body becomes happy and alive again.  

I'll be honest...there are some things that I truly love, including coffee, but I think it will all be worth it.  Also...there's no drinking for the next 30 days, so I'll be celebrating the end of the school year with other forms of celebration that don't include alcohol.  A new body is worth the sacrifice!

Here's what I made tonight to get ready for the week:

Breakfast:Fajita Omelette

Lunch: Green Fajita Chicken

Dinner: Easy Pan Fried Lemon Chicken

Since I live alone, I don't mind the ease of eating the same thing every day for an entire week.  It's just easier, and more convenient.  I find that cooking ahead of time avoids unnecessary snacking.  

Let me know if you're doing the Whole30 diet, and if you have any suggestions, please share!

Healthy & Fun Snacks {Kabobs} for the Pool!

I can't wait to sit by the pool today. It's such a beautiful day! Happy June!! :-)

I was searching for quick snacks to bring with me to the pool when I came across this post by Skinny Taste blog. Favorite healthy foods on a stick! Skinny Taste geared this blog towards cute school lunch ideas- awesome! I'm loving these ideas for snacks or lunch items to bring to the pool. Throw them in a cooler and you're done! If you're worried about using sharp skewer sticks, substitute them for coffee stirrers, popsicle sticks, toothpicks or even mini straws.

Here are a few of my favorites that she featured:

1. Mini Caprese Skewers

Skinny Taste says: Grape tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls layered on a stick. If you cut the tomatoes in half diagonally they look like small hearts. For older kids add basil in between the tomatoes and pack a small container of balsamic vinaigrette.


2. Mini Shrimp, Tomato, and Cucumber Skewer

Skinny Taste says: Use a cookie cutter for the cucumbers and you won't have to even peel them! If you want to make these for adults, add some feta cheese and olives and turn them into cute Greek Salad Skewers! Buttermilk Ranch Dressing is perfect for dipping.



3. Mini Ham, Cheese and Tomato Skewers

Skinny Taste says: It's almost like a chef's salad on a stick. You could use turkey and whatever cheese your children enjoy. Pack a roll or some crackers on the side. 

4. Mini Fruit Kabobs 

Skinny Taste says: Layer seasonal fruit on a stick and I'm sure they'll eat it. Choose fruit that doesn't brown easily such as berries and grapes. Yogurt makes the perfect fruit dip.

I'm in LOVE with these ideas for poolside snacks! So easy, so delicious, and so fun! Thank you, Skinny Taste for the ideas! Be sure to check out the Skinny Taste blog... the Top Monthly Recipes on the right side bar look and sound AH-MAZING! 

We're linking up with the Show-Licious Craft  & Recipe Party today! Click on over for more awesome stuff! 

[Sunday House Cleaning Tip]: Naturally Clean your BATHTUB!

I don't know about you, but I try to get all of my housecleaning done over the weekend so I can worry about other things during the week.  Lately I've been trying to think of other ways to clean my apartment instead of using the harsh, expensive chemicals I've been using.  

I immediately went to Pinterest and researched different ways to clean my bathtub!  I needed something that would cut through the soap scum and other stains from the week.  Here's what I found, and it worked great!

One Lemon

1/4 cup Baking Soda

Sprinkle the bathtub with the baking soda and cut the lemon in half.  Use the lemon as your sponge as you scrub the tub.  Gently squeeze it as you scrub, and when the lemon juice and the baking soda mix, it will begin to fizz and bubble working as a natural bubbling agent!  Once you finish scrubbing, rinse your tub!  It leave your bathroom smelling like fresh cut lemons!  I know you'll be thrilled!!

Blueberry, Strawberry & Jicama Salsa! [Memorial Day Appetizer!]

In the spirit of Memorial Day Weekend quickly approaching, I'm posting another fun red, white and blue recipe here!

I found this recipe on Two Peas & Their Pod blog. This husband and wife team shares great recipes, so be sure to click over and find some amazing stuff! Their recipes are seriously to-die-for!

Allow me to introduce to you... Blueberry, Strawberry, & Jicama Salsa!

I love how the combination of flavors in this salsa compliment each other perfectly! The sweetness of the blueberries and strawberries contrast the crisp crunch of the jicama. Jicama's texture is between an apple and a potato, as you can taste a bit of starch in it. 

This dish  mixes perfectly with both sweet and savory dishes. There's a little bit of heat from the jalapeno, but if you prefer a mild salsa, just add less or take it out altogether! Serve with store bought blue corn tortilla chips!

Two Peas & Their Pod also suggests to top this over grilled chicken or fish. Mmmm! Sounds delicious!

Blueberry, Strawberry & Jicama Salsa (Yields 3 cups)1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup diced strawberries
1 cup diced jicama
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeno pepper, stemmed and seeded
Juice of 1 large lime
Salt, to taste
Tortilla corn chips 

Directions:

• In a medium bowl, combine blueberries, strawberries, jicama, cilantro, red onion, jalapeno, and lime juice. Stir until well combined.

• Season with salt, to taste.

• Serve with tortilla chips at room temperature or chilled.

Tonight we are linking up with the Treasure Box Tuesday party! Click on over for more great stuff! 

[You posted that on Facebook??] Social Media Etiquette!

Watch this first:

Oh, Ellen!  Sometimes, the most obvious things are hard for people to realize until it's too late.  Ellen really brings something to everyone's attention here: think about what you post on Facebook and other social media sites!  

Before you post the next photo of your kids on the potty or your one hundredth selfie of the year, think about if you'd want Ellen to broadcast it on national television.  I know, right now you think it's cute and what's the harm?  The thing is, we don't know where technology is going to take us in the future and how the digital media we post today is going to be exposed in the future.  Our children are making Facebook news before they're even born, and their most private first moments are posted online for all to see.  Maybe YOU think it's cute now, but how would you have felt if the photos of your childhood (the most unattractive, awkward moments...you know what I'm talking about) were posted online for all to see? 

 In addition, the photos you post online are for others to see, right?  Think about your audience.  Does everyone need to see all 350 photos of your latest family vacation?  Just pick the top 30 highlights and save some of your memories for the privacy of your family.  If you want to share all 350 with select people, why not just email the entire digital album to those people?

Besides inundating everyone's news feed, and over sharing with the world, think about future employers and people who are looking to see what kind of person you are.  If they see that you're insecure or get yourself into possibly compromising situations (I can't help but think of that horrifying last photo of those two girls in the video!), they may think twice about hiring you. Also, whenever I was younger and thinking about doing something, besides thinking about what my parents thought...I'd think about what my GRANDMA thought.  If she saw that on Ellen...I can't even tell you what she would have done, because I'm just not really sure!!

I know this is all common sense, but Ellen brings a good point to the forefront.  Let's all be smart about the big world out there...that everyone can see...including Ellen! 

Of course, these are my opinions, and you're welcome to have your own opinions, too!!

Blog Crush: Glisten Fit!

I had so many ideas as I sat down to write my blog post tonight.  I had one of those days today and I really felt like sharing some of the experiences with you...some funny stuff, some crazy stuff, and an email tonight that involved the sentence: "he'll bring an extra plastic bag in case he throws up on the bus tomorrow." Wait, what?! Really?! Ewww! So... I decided against writing about my crazy day at school and decided to write about my motivation to exercise instead!

I've been crushin' on Glisten Fit for quite a while now. Jessica is a true inspiration and she's really motivated me to get back to a great fitness routine. Jessica's blog posts are amazing for so many reasons. They're focused on fitness, but in a very fun and real way. I feel like she's a good friend filling me in on the best strategies or recipes to try. She also writes about aspects of her life (her wedding!) and life in general. 

Every month Jessica posts a calendar of health and fitness recommendations for each day. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced and well-rounded lifestyle... and working at this every day. It's about our attitude, how we look and feel, how we treat others, what we do in our spare time... all of this impacts our fitness journey! I really love the challenges on this calendar and will be using it! Will you?

She often posts awesome workouts! I LOVE THIS ONE! 

What am I crushin' on the most? Her 3 B's... Be Fierce. Be Fabulous. Be Fit. 

Be Fierce: It's being passionate. Being alive. Giving your all. Being present in every moment. Making your presence known.  

Be Fabulous: Fabulous is defined as extraordinary. I see this "be" as more of an outward appearance. I know that it's what's on the inside that matters most, but I think it's important to take the time to love you outward appearance as well. 

Be Fit: To appreciate being fit and to reach your goals of being fit, you need to be fierce and fabulous, too! Being fit is a constant battle...it's a journey, not a destination. 

If you haven't clicked over to Glisten Fit yet... click over NOW! You'll fall in love with Jessica right away. You'll crush on her wedding photos at first and then you'll be inspired by the many fierce, fabulous and fitness posts she has! I'll be blogging about some of her routines over the next few weeks! 

Tonight we are linking up with Creative-Geekery for the Pin-It Party and Fry Sauce and Grits for the Be.You.Tiful Party! 

[The Good Friend's Guide] Helping your Best Friend through a BREAK UP!

This is a positive post...a post for the girl who is watching her best friend feel defeated by a break up. The moment that a relationship ends...usually a long one, is terrifying to the person going through the breakup.  Life as they know it is going through a major overhaul (usually one that is necessary for personal growth), but for a very long time, he or she hasn't done much without thinking about the person they've broken up with.  

Being a person who has gone through a breakup, and is now in a healthy, loving relationship, I can tell you that it isn't easy to go through something like this, BUT I can also tell you that it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.  I'm making a list of a few things you can do to help your friend through one of the toughest times of their life.

1. Go to the bookstore and buy them the book, It's Called A Breakup Because it's Broken.  I literally stumbled over this book one night browsing the internet while nursing my broken heart.  It woke me up from feeling sad for myself.  It made me realize that this breakup was necessary because I didn't deserve the crap I endured.  Here's a little summary from Amazon.com:

"There’s no doubt about it—breakups suck. But in the first few hours or days or weeks that follow, there’s one important truth you need to recognize: Some things can’t and shouldn’t be fixed, especially that loser who dumped you or forced you to dump him. It’s called a breakup because it’s broken, and starting right here, right now, it’s time to dry your tears, put down that pint of ice cream, log out of his e-mail, and open this book to Chapter One–and start turning your breakup into a breakover.

From Greg Behrendt, the co-author of the smash two-million copy bestseller He’s Just Not That Into You, comes It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken--the ultimate survival guide to getting over Mr. Wrong and reclaiming your inner Superfox. From how to put yourself through “he-tox,” to how to throw yourself a kick-ass pity party, Greg and his wife, Amiira, share their hilarious and helpful roadmap for getting past the heartache and back into the game. You will learn:

• Why you shouldn’t call him—and what he’s thinking when you do
• How to keep your friends and not lose your job
• How to avoid breakup pitfalls: IMing, stalking, having sex with your ex
• Reframing reality—seeing the relationship for what it was
• How to transform yourself into a hot, happening Superfox and get a jump on the better, brighter future that awaits

Complete with an essential workbook to help you put the crazy down on paper and not take it out into the world, It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken is a must-have manual for finding your way back to an even more rocking you."

2. Tell her to shut off the radio.  One of my closest friends told me while I was going through the toughest days was to stop listening to the damn radio.  You don't realize how many songs are about love until your heart is being ripped out of your chest.  

3. Listen to Kelly Clarkson's Album, Stronger. Go here and buy it: amazon.com

This girl is a genius when it comes to making girls feel empowered and better about themselves.  It got me through. It will help your friend, too.

4. Check in on her more than you think you should.  Be there for her.  Call her up and get her out of the house on the weekends.  She needs to feel like she has a life outside of her house.

5. Buy her an alarm clock.  She needs to get up every single work day and go to work.  Don't let her sit home and eat ice cream.  She'll be a boyfriend-less, job-less, girl.  That's not attractive to anyone else out there.  The best thing I could have done was get my crying ass out of bed every single day.  

6. Schedule a mini-getaway.  Have a girls weekend and get her brain busy!

7. Let her date whenever she's ready to date.  She'll know when she's ready.  Be her "check in" friend if/when she decides to online date.

I can't tell you how important friends are to a girl who has a broken heart.  These tips will help, and before you both know it, you'll be gushing about Mr. Right instead of hating on Mr. Wrong.  I promise!!

Tonight we are linking up with Creative-Geekery for the Pin-It Party and Fry Sauce and Grits for theBe.You.Tiful Party! 

Cinco de Mayo [Recipe] - So Delicious!!!

Happy Cinco de Mayo, friends!

When I think about Cinco de Mayo, I think about Mexican favorites that include margaritas, tacos, dips, salsa, quesadillas, and enchiladas.  My husband makes a mean margarita and you haven't lived until you've tried it. I promise. 

Tonight I'm sharing a favorite recipe that my sister introduced me to last summer. After mixing together the ingredients, you might find that it doesn't look appetizing. AllRecipes.com even includes the words "ugly dip" in their title for it. But it's, oh, so delicious, and you won't be able to stop after one bite.

The recipe is called Black Bean and Feta Cheese Dip. My sister calls it Southwestern Corn Salsa. It's a great side to a Mexican dinner, or on top of a cold salad, or as I've always had it, served as a delicious dip! The dip is crunchy, colorful, and made with fresh and healthy ingredients. You just have to give it a try! You won't be disappointed! The best part? It takes 10 minutes to whip up... try it!!

Here are the ingredients:

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup white sugar

¼ cup olive oil

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (11 ounce) can corn, drained

½ green bell pepper, chopped

½ red bell pepper, chopped

½ small red onion, diced

1 (4 ounce) package crumbled feta cheese

5 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

Whisk vinegar, sugar, olive oil, garlic powder, and pepper together in a bowl.

Mix black beans, corn, red onion, and red and green bell peppers together in a separate bowl.

Drizzle dressing over black bean mixture; toss to coat.

Refrigerate dip 1 hour.

Top with feta cheese and chopped green onions before serving. Serve with corn chips!

Whenever I make this dip, I receive incredible reviews. If you happen to try it, let me know what you think and leave a comment below. If you've made this before, let me know if you change any of the ingredients - I've seen it done differently, too! 

We are linking up with the Treasure Box Tuesday party! Click on over for more great stuff! 

Overcoming Fitness Challenges

When Dawn and I started this blog in January, I would have never thought that we'd make it as far as we have.  As time goes on, I love looking back at where we've been...where we are...and where we are going.  I've been really open with you about my workout routines, including Squat Challenges, my Slow Carb Diet, and my healthy eating habits.

After I had my wisdom teeth out, I fell off my squat challenge wagon.  I was doing T-25 with my coworkers on an inconsistent basis, and once spring break arrived, I took a break from working out. (Worst. Idea. Ever.) I indulged on the three trips I took during that break with my boyfriend, and the next thing I new, I came back from a fantastic vacation with all the weight I had lost. And then some.

This was a bummer.  I was angry at myself for letting things go after I was on such a good track.  Instead of me beating myself up (which I will admit, I'm still doing), I've decided I need to make a new commitment to myself to stick to a good routine.  I need to keep up with workouts and healthy eating so I achieve the goals that I've been setting all this time.

Yesterday, I walked at the track again with my friend, Dana.  We walked the curves, but ran the straight lengths of the track.  Today, we weren't able to workout together, so I went to the gym in my complex and ran on the treadmill.  I started using a 5K app to get myself into shape for a 5K, because I'm determined to run in at least one 5K before the summer.  I loved the fact that it told me what to do...like a friend in my ear!  The visuals on the app were great, too, because I need to know how much time I have left until a break.  

I'm going to make a promise to you all that I'm going to stick with things this time.  You may hear from me at times about my frustrations, but I'd rather get healthy and stay healthy with some accountability.  Do you want to start fresh again with me?

We are linking up with the Do Tell Tuesday Party tonight! Click on over for more awesome stuff! 

Naturally Flavored Water [SO GOOD!!]

I've been on a water kick lately, especially with trying to stay away from soda. I love ice cold water and I especially love it with lemon. Sometimes old plain water just doesn't cut it. Fruit infused waters are easy to make, nutritious, and simply refreshing! I also like adding fruit to my seltzer water for a fizzy treat!

I love to use these bottles when bringing my flavored water to work. The fruit stays in the container, lookin' all pretty, without it floating around for the entire school day!

I haven't attempted to add herbs to my flavored water yet, however, many people say that herbs are a surprising compliment to fruit flavors. Here are two recipes that I plan on trying this week with basil or mint. 

Strawberry Flavored Water:

4-6 strawberries, hulled and quartered

1/2 lemon, sliced

Small handful of basil, scrunched

Ice and cold filtered water

Watermelon Flavored Water:

2 slices of watermelon, cut into thirds or quarters

Small handful of basil, scrunched

Ice and cold filtered water

I'm dying over these photos of water pitchers that I found from Back to Her Roots Blog and Natasha's Kitchen. I wish this was in my refrigerator right now! I have to make one of these this weekend!

We are linking up to the Do Tell Tuesday Party with Lil Mrs. Tori tonight! Click over to her blog to see many more awesome things! 

Slow Carb: Week #3!

I am so excited to be writing this blog tonight, because I'm getting into a new routine for life!  I can't tell you how good it feels to be eating real food, feeling satisfied, and feeling healthy!  I don't really miss junk food.  I have a "cheat day" once a week, and on that day, you'd think I'd go nuts.  I really don't!  The biggest "cheat" food that I had was a plain bagel with cream cheese.  I LOVE bagels, and it sucks I can't eat them all the time...but I'd rather eat healthy and be healthy, than eat a bagel every day and have tight fitting pants!

I started on this journey about 4 weeks ago, around the time when I got my wisdom teeth removed.  I was seeing the scale creep up higher, and higher as the weeks marched on.  I was trying to stay active with the T25 program, but I wasn't seeing the results that I wanted.  I talked at length about how I felt with my boyfriend, and he suggested the 4 Hour Body Slow Carb way of eating.  (I call it way of eating, because I hate the term "diet.")

After being true to the diet, I'm starting to see results.  The scale, for one, is starting to go lighter instead of heavier.  I'm also fitting into my clothes better, and seeing a difference when I look in the mirror.

Today, I read Third Grade Tidbits post, Slim Down Saturdays.  I loved the fact that she blogs publicly about her journey towards feeling better, too!  I'm going to report my stats to you!

My Ultimate Goal: To lose 15-20 pounds

Gain/Loss for This Week: -1 lb.

Total Since Starting: -3 lbs.

Positives from the Week: I started T25 again after injuring my back.  

I'm really enjoying the new recipes!

Something to do better: Drink more water.  

Stay on track with exercise. 

Re-start my 30 day squat challenge.

Goal for next week: Begin squat challenge.

One Word: Determination

I think filling out this form keeps me focused!  I hope it helps you, too!  Tonight, I had an amazing dinner with chicken and string beans.  Marc and I (well...really Marc) cooks for the two of us on Sundays, and then we have food prepared for the week.  It takes a TON of stress off thinking about what to eat for dinner, as well as the fact that you have no choice but to eat healthy.  

Here's what I'm eating this week:

Breakfast: Egg Beaters and Spinach

Breakfast #2: Mexican Style Fritatta (so delicious!) 

Lunch: Large Salad with Romaine, Chicken Sausage, Turkey Bacon, Avocado, Walnuts and onions.  

Snack: Lara Bar (my favorite is Cashew Cookie!  It's a treat!)

Dinner: Chicken with Veggies (your choice)

Good luck this week if you're taking this journey with me!  Summer is coming, and I can't wait to feel confident in a bathing suit again!

4 Hour Body: Week 1 Update!

As you all know, I am working really hard to get healthy and in shape.  Two weeks ago I began the 4 Hour Body Slow Carb diet.  The first week I tried it, I could only stay true to the diet for three days, since I had my wisdom teeth out that week, too.  All bets were off...I was eating ice cream because I could! :)

This week, I started on Monday, and the entire week I watched my intake.  I ate eggs when I woke up, drank green tea on the way to work, and hand egg muffins for snack.  At lunch, I'd eat a GIANT salad and a Lara Bar for snack before dinner.  For dinner I ate turkey taco roll-ups.  I'm convinced that everything tastes better with salsa and guacamole!  

On Thursday, I was convinced I didn't lose any weight, and I wasn't happy.  I texted Marc with a big sad face...and he knew I wasn't happy!  After a good pep talk (he's great at them!!!), he convinced me to weigh myself in the morning and see what my results were.  I hopped on the scale in the morning, and I lost TWO POUNDS!!!  Yahoo!! I was ecstatic! I also measured myself and I lost 2.5 inches in my waist and 2 inches in my chest.  I'm going to keep doing T25 as well.  Now that the weather is going to start to get nice, I'd love to workout outside, perhaps get into jogging or running.  Who knows what the future holds!

If you're interested, here's my menu for the week:

Breakfast: Eggs and spinach (microwaved) with salsa

Second Breakfast: Mini-Veggie Pancakes Find the recipe here!

Lunch: Amy's Organic Soups!  These soups are delicious and convenient.  Marc and I were going to make soup, but then we decided to go for the can.  It's easier than making soup from scratch.  Just be sure to watch your sodium!

Snack: Lara Bar

Dinner: Stuffed Sweet Bell Peppers Find the recipe here!

Have you started the Slow Carb diet?  If so, comment below!

Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery!

Well, after about 30 years, I've finally said "goodbye" to my wisdom teeth.  They were super annoying for a while, and I couldn't wait to get rid of them.  I'd often bite my cheeks, which would leave painful holes in my cheeks, which could take about a week or more to heal.  Talk about annoying.

Luckily enough, my four wisdom teeth were fully erupted, and I had an uneventful procedure.  I was put out under General Anesthesia, and don't remember a single thing.  Although, just as the dentist was giving me the IV, he asked me if I've ever had anesthesia before.  I responded, "well, of course, I've had real surgery before." I then realized that I offended him, and the last thing I remember saying is, "I think that was the wrong thing to say to you right before you're going to operate on my mouth!"  Then I passed out.  

I figured I'd pass along my wisdom to you, since I'm just going through this.  Here's a few things you want to consider before having your procedure.

1.  Pick up ice packs. The dentist gave me a little one, but a larger one works better.  Wrap it in a towel and it's so soothing.  I love to fall asleep with it on.

2. Buy soft foods. I picked up chocolate pudding and vanilla ice cream before the surgery.  I've also been having protein shakes because eating can be tough.  You also need protein to heal.  My mom made me meat loaf last night with mashed potatoes.  That first good meal tastes SO good!

3. Schedule your procedure on a Thursday. Having Thursday and Friday off of work will give you 4 days to heal.  It was the best idea ever.

4. Allow someone to take care of you. I came to my parent's house for the weekend, and having someone check on you when you aren't feeling 100% is nice.  You shouldn't have to be up worrying about anything other than when you're going to nap again.

5. Take the medicine the dentist prescribes for you. My dentist prescribed pain medicine along with an antibiotic.  Make sure you follow his instructions so you stay pain free and healthy.  I only needed the pain meds last night, I'm fine with just extra-strength Tylenol today. 

6. Have your iPad and iPhone handy. I'll admit that I'm catching up on Candy Crush, and I just downloaded Divergent.

7. Rinse your mouth out with salt water after you eat. This keeps your gums clean.

8. NO HOT FOOD! The dentist wants to keep the area cool.  Hot or acidic foods are a no-no until you heal.

Before you know it, you'll be feeling like new!  It does feel weird to have 4 less teeth in my mouth, but I know this was the best decision I could have ever made!!!  

Dawn and I are taking part in another link party tonight... THE Pin It Party Pinterest Linkup. We found this link party through the Creative Geekery blog and are excited to take part in this each Thursday.

The 4 Hour Body: Slow Carb

The latest addition to my fitness and health adventure is the 4 Hour Body Slow Carb Diet by Tim Feriss. This is not a carb-free diet, per se, it's is a healthier way of eating.  Basically, you eat a high-protein diet for 6 days out of the week.  On one day per week, you "binge," eating whatever you'd like.  I ended up going with this way of eating, because for the longest time, I'd be hungry all day long at work.  

I don't know about you, but as soon as I'd walk into my house after a long day at work, I'd be feeling two things:

1. Exhaustion: All I would want to do is lie down to take a nap.  This would suck up half my night, because a "twenty minute nap" would turn into at least an hour and a half.

2. Extreme Hunger: I'd be so hungry that I'd be munching on whatever I could find to hold me over while dinner heated up.  Then when it came time to eat, I wouldn't be hungry anymore.

Who wants to live like this?  Not me.  It wasn't healthy, and so I needed to make a change.  My boyfriend and I discussed different ways of eating that had worked for him in the past.  For me, my only huge weight-loss was in high school.  My only plan for that "diet" was to skip eating altogether.  This wasn't a healthy choice, and I know now, that at 30 years old, I'd never be able to drop weight like that again.

Today was my first day on this diet.  The best thing about this diet is that when it was meal time, I wasn't ever starving.  You can eat as much as you'd like, and the recipes I chose are delicious.  I used this website to plan my meals for the week: Slow Carb Recipes.  You can also find tons of recipes on Pinterest, too!  This way of eating is also designed to encourage weight loss.  

My Meal Plan for This Week

Breakfast: 2 eggs with spinach and salsa

Breakfast/Snack: 3 Egg Muffins

Lunch: Bacon, Avocado and Chicken Salad

Snack: Lara Bar

Dinner: Taco Rollups

(All recipes can be found in the link above)

Another perk for me is that you can choose to eat the same meals repeatedly throughout the week.  Cooking on Sunday for the week is the perfect solution.  I don't have time to think up new meals for every night of the week.  Instead, you cook a big batch in the beginning of the week, and then you're set until the weekend!

I'll let you know how I am doing with this.  This way of eating goes along with my promise for "No Carbs" for Lent.  I will tell you, that I haven't been following that entirely, but at least I'm getting back into something that is encouraging a healthier way of eating!