30 for 30 Photos: Day 11

Today's post for the 30 Day Photo Challenge is to post a picture of something I hate. I think that "hate" is a strong word, but sometimes I use it when I feel passionately against something. Some days I HATE tourists who stand on the left side of the Metro escalators. Other days I hate my feet because they are always cold. Still other days I swear against my stomach because all I want to do is stuff my face. Anyway, the point is, I don't actually hate these things; rather, they annoy me on a consistent basis. But what would DC be without our fanny packed, Old Navy flag t-shirted history buffs? What would I do without my feet - and when I would I paint my teeny tiny toenails? And for goodness sake, I can't live without my stomach!

While I do not necessarily hate anything, I have a relatively recent hatred for one of God's creatures. This cute specimen was a recent hostage in my house and arrived in my apartment in grand fashion. Ladies and gents, I hate squirrels. Not really. Just one squirrel. Allow me to elaborate.

One Thursday, the same week of the bout with a failed heart-shaped pizza attempt, I was happily plugging away on my computer in my tiny studio apartment. I heard some rustling in the vicinity, but I waved it off as sounds from the hound upstairs. My ears failed me, friends, for it was not my neighbor's dog. Instead, I was face-to-fur with a squirrel. In my apartment. I'm going to go ahead an allow this to sink in...

...

First allow me to describe my apartment layout. It's a small place, mind you, and there is a utility closet with the water heater and an open end for the refrigerator. Therefore, there is a small opening above the fridge into my kitchen, exposing just a smidge of the closet. Ever the fire hazard conscious gal, I of course stacked any and all boxes into said closet because I have too much junk in my remaining closets (oops.). As I sat upon my couch I could see a portion of the kitchen, so when I heard the rustling I did not move, but when I heard something drop on my kitchen floor I snapped my head in that direction. Low and behold the squirrel was in plain view. It looked rather alarmed, something resembling this expression:
So in a split second I jumped up and continued to scream. As I screamed the squirrel proceeded to run around my place, over my shoes, my couch, typing "qrrrsssssssskkklll" on my computer, and everywhere except my bed (thank.goodness.). I obviously ran opposite the squirrel and called Andrew, at work, screaming about the squirrel in my apartment. His office could hear me through the phone. His advice: "Don't touch the squirrel." Obviously haha

I managed to shut the bathroom door and open the front door, while holding my phone and screaming at the squirrel like it was a person. Finally, it ran out the front door and forever out of my life. It took me a while to calm down, and in my panic mode I called my property management firm and left a lengthy voicemail about the incident. It was probably one of the most frantic, ridiculous voicemails I have ever left in my life (which is saying something, considering my phase of calling while intoxicated in my earlier 20s). I was not mad in the voicemail, but I can say that my voice was shrill and full of absolute terror. I mean really, what if it would have been something other than a squirrel?!?! What if something else gets in?!?! How on earth DID it get in?!?!?! What if I was not home at the time and came home to it?!?!?! I can assure you that all of these questions and more were on the voicemail. Then I left a message on the property management's online request forms. I wanted to ensure that they got my plea for help.

Once I breathed at a steady pace I went upstairs to apologize for my screaming. Somehow they didn't hear me. However, two days before they thought they heard something in their walls, and had the property management people come over to patch a hole in their attic. Yep. The squirrel was a hostage and came down through the walls to my utility closet, out the small hole and into my kitchen.

The next day as I made coffee I saw a squirrel out of the corner of my eye peering in through the window. I don't know if it was the same one, but I was spooked.

Oh and when the property management people came over to patch the hole in my closet they removed all of the boxes and asked how I was doing. I said, "Oh! You heard my voicemail, I take it?" Their response: "We ALL heard the voicemail." hahaha

Also, later that day two different people came over to repair my shower handles and when I came in they said, "Hey Mary! How are you doing after the squirrel?" I said, "I'm good thanks! I take it you heard the voicemail?" "Oh yes," they said in unison, "it was the talk of the office this morning." Well, at least they all know my name and I no longer have a hole for vermin to access my apartment!

Oh. So yeah. I kind of hate that squirrel. Hence the picture of a squirrel. I will return to happy thoughts in my next post.

30 for 30 Photos: Day 10

I love today's 30 Day Photo Challenge post. Today is the day where I post "a picture of the person I do the most ****** up things with." While Kim lives in Atlanta now, she and I TORE UP DC for the two years she lived here. I miss this lady and can't wait for her wedding in June! From playing kickball to New Years Eve events to the Run A Muck race, Kim and I are soul mates and partners in crime for life! Here is a picture of us getting ready to ring in 2009...after I set a pizza on fire.

30 for 30 Photos: Day 9

Good afternoon!

Today's 30 Day Photo Challenge is to post a picture of the person who has gotten me through the most. I feel really blessed because there isn't just one person who fits this bill. My girlfriends growing up, my sorority sisters, and my girlfriends in DC have all been there for me in one way or another at a moment's notice. I will have to say, though, that the last couple of years have been tough, and thanks to Andrew consistently listening to my every worry and supporting my every move, I can say that he has gotten me through the most. I have grown up since we've started dating. This doesn't discount my girlfriends, though, because they are blessings in my life and give fantastic advice and tough love (here's looking at you in no particular order, Mo, Holly, Callie, Laura, Molly, Cappello, Lindsey, Amanda, Megan, Kate, Kate, Kim, Whitney, and of course my biological sister, Kate). Thank you!

30 for 30 Photos: Day 8

Good morning! Today's 30 Day Photo Challenge is to post a picture that makes me laugh. Gosh I have too many. I'm a complete goof, so pictures with crazy faces are not only the norm among my friends, they are also expected.

Here are, um, quite a few. They are in no particular order.

Cappello and I dancing at Molly's wedding this summer and then us with Kate in the photo booth:
















I love these cutout things. They always make me laugh:











I will never forget the girl who walked up to Andrew and asked, "Hey Bacon, who's taking YOU home?" Oh and the two of us waving Terrible Towels cracks me up.













Cappello and Pawlus at the "80s Prom Dress" mixer, complete with big glasses and intriguing faces.












New Years Eve 2008, ringing in 2009 with my partner in crime, Kim, at the Masquerade Ball.
















My Little made me a penguin costume senior year, and I decided to take a picture next to a makeshift igloo and my penguin stuffed animals one snowy evening at Otterbein.

Callie, I really wanted to post a funny picture of us from your senior formal, but I decided against it, so instead here I am in a Steak & Shake wedge hat. hahahaha

Last but certainly not least, my signature dance move, developed and perfected at college get-togethers:

Week 7; 30 for 30 Day 7

Good morning!

First I'll post my daily picture and then give the weekly updates.

Today's 30 Day Photo Challenge is to post a picture of my most treasured item. I mean, my three most expensive items are my beautiful TV that Andrew and his parents got me for Christmas, my MacBook Pro that houses my life, and my flute...while I treasure these items and they provide wonderful memories, at the end of the day they can be replaced. So here's a picture of my family. Well, two. The first is us Easter weekend after Kate told us she was pregnant, and the second is Elizabeth's Baptism.

Weight loss:
1 pound!!

Total weight loss:
13.1 pounds!!!!!!!

Pounds remaining to reach goal weight:
26.7 pounds

Overall mood this week:
It has been a nice week. I'm now used to being just a student instead of student/Intern, and I have been job hunting and networking at a steady pace. I have been pretty happy this week, but now that I lost weight I am much happier. Andrew's friend came for the weekend and we had some delicious meals, so I did not think the scale result would be in my favor this week. I still made smart decisions even with our awesome guest in town, though, so that's all that really matters!

Worked out:
Only twice. Oops. At least it's getting a little easier for me to run. I still have a long way to go before I can finally run outside again and run some decent distances (for me). I'm off to the boxing gym at noon for a class, though!

Yummy finds:
Monday's dinner ranks as one of my favorite Gina recipes. I seriously want to make her Mexican Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas every week. The flavors are so juicy and tender. Leftovers on Tuesday were just as good, and Andrew threw some bbq sauce on it and made a delicious pulled pork sandwich for his meal. Yum!

The other dinners we had planned were a massive failure, and I blame our local Harris Teeter and Andrew's freezer. First of all, the freezer is broken so we had to toss everything in it. Second, the meat we purchased last Wednesday ALL went bad so we couldn't make any of our planned meals except for the pork which we purchased at Eastern Market on Sunday. Thank goodness for that market! We enjoy going to the Teet later at night to avoid the crowds, but that was the last time we'll go mid-week!

I guess I shouldn't complain THAT much. We ate pizza from We the Pizza on Saturday and had meals at our favorite Eastern Market/Barracks Row restaurants on Sunday (Belga Cafe and Ted's Bulletin). P.S. Ted's bakes Pop Tarts and we took some for breakfast on Monday, because seriously? It's a must to buy these works of art.
In addition, we took our friend to our favorite vineyard in Virginia, Rappahannock Cellars, for some VIP treatment courtesy of Andrew's friend who works there. This wine is the best in the state! We each left with a few bottles in tow. It's always fun to have friends visit because it gives us an excuse to show off these foodie spots!

Our long weekend was so fun that we didn't want our weeks to start! Now the week is almost over! YAY!

30 for 30 Photos: Day 6

Good afternoon! Today's photo for the 30 Day Photo Challenge was tough! I thought about posting a celebrity or a favorite TV news personality, but I couldn't.

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

I'm really craving sunshine and serenity, so I went through some Creative Commons beach photos and found this one (pictured below). While this picture is not of a person, I want to trade places with the person who has this view...as long as a certain someone can join me :)

30 for 30 Photos: Day 5

Today's 30 Day Photo Challenge is to post a picture of your favorite memory. I am blessed to have many wonderful memories, and luckily some pictures to accompany them. Unfortunately two of my favorite memories were not captured on film.

The first was over Easter last year when my entire family came to DC. Only my brother-in-law and I knew why my sister was insistent that all of us be here. So, after an Easter Egg hunt, my parents opened an egg and found a picture of Kate's sonogram. She announced she was pregnant, having my first niece and my parents' first grandchild. My brother's face was priceless and it was so wonderful seeing everyone beaming with happiness. It's not in a picture, but I'll never forget it.

Here's a picture of Lady Lizzie after her Baptism on the day after Christmas! She's an incredibly beautiful baby. Elizabeth is very loved - and I spoil her whenever I get the chance! Gosh I miss my family!!!!
The second favorite memory may make you vomit, but I'm sorry I have to share it. It was the day I realized how strongly I was falling in love with Andrew. It was only a month or so after we started to date. I knew the boy could cook, but this was the first time he cooked his signature stuffed meatballs with pasta. He brought over all of the ingredients, put on songs by the Rat Pack, and we cooked together. It was such a blast being his sous chef, and at times he would stop cooking and pull me close for a quick, romantic slow dance in my kitchen. So yeah, a glass of wine, a handsome man, Frank Sinatra, and pasta: wouldn't you swoon too? While we love to cook together, that meal remains my favorite and we save it for special occasions. Again, there's no picture for this memory, but I don't mind. I'll never forget it - and I still get butterflies thinking about it! I love you, Andrew! :)

Orange!

I have been reading lately how orange is the color this spring. While I never wear it, I found myself fawning over an orange skirt on sale at The Limited. I'm sad I can't find it on polyvore to accessorize to my liking, but here's a picture. I welcome any input into how I should style this look! I'm thinking a simple gray top tucked into the skirt, a yellow belt, neutral round toe heels or neutral strappy sandals, a bold blue clutch, and simple gold jewelry with one aqua accent piece, like a bangle or cocktail ring. What do you think? Thanks!

30 for 30 Photos: Day 4

Hello Readers!

Today's 30 Day Photo Challenge is to post a picture of your night. Tonight Andrew and I made dinner and invited a good friend over to celebrate her Birthday. We made Gina's Mexican Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas and had a Weight Watchers Chipotle night! Here's a picture of my amazing bowl of tastiness:

Sooooo scrumptious! I barely had any low fat cheese, low fat sour cream, and avocado, but the flavors were all there, and in my opinion our Carnitas was better, yes BETTER, than Chipotle's :)

Skirts for Many Occasions!

Skirts for Many Occasions! by mkrulia featuring striped tops

I wanted to see what skirts are in style this season, and it was fun to pick out these four! It was difficult to find affordable tops to accompany these skirts. I also had a tough time with shoes.What do you think?

At the top of the picture I featured a pair of earrings, a ring, and a clutch that I think could go with anything. In fact, whoever wrote up the ring description mentioned the same trait: this ring could be worn with any outfit. Yes I want all of these outfits and no I'm not purchasing any of them.

However, The Limited had 40% off of EVERYTHING today! I did buy a couple of things there because it was such a steal - I received 40% off each item, free shipping, and a $15 off promo code. Very exciting!

30 for 30 Photos: Day 3

Today's photo according to the rules of the 30 Day Photo Challenge is a picture of the cast of my favorite TV show. This was difficult! I watch TV on occasion, but it's rare that I HAVE to watch something when it airs. However, every week I look forward to watching Top Chef, so I have the cast of Top Chef All Stars as my picture for today.
I wanted Chef Spike to win this competition because I love his two restaurants in my neighborhood (We the Pizza and Good Stuff Eatery), but he was kicked off early. Now I'm rooting for Carla Hall, another DC chef!

30 for 30 Photos: Day 2

The rules:

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 04 - A picture of your night
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
Day 12 - A picture of something you love
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture and a letter
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25 - A picture of your day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Day 2:

I can't find a picture of me with my two best friends from when we were young. The three of us are really close even though we live across the country from each other. I miss them both like crazy.

I have known this lass since I was around 3. She and I grew up down the road from each other and she is one of my rocks and is one of the funniest people I know. She is brilliant, successful, and one of my favorite people :) I always look forward to talking to her because she always understands me and consistently provides amazing advice. She and I also have a passion for *N SYNC and have been to what, 4 concerts together? Pretty awesome.

I have known this lady since 1st grade. We've been best friends since a bus ride home in 5th grade, and she and I shared the same passion to leave Ohio. We were also the palest in our class and the weirdest. She's my girl. Whenever we write cards to each other we say, "No words," because there aren't any to describe our friendship, what we've been through together, and how much we miss each other.

The three of us have been close since high school. It's rare the three of us are together because of the distance, but when we're together I always feel like I'm 15 again. They are the main reason why pizza, movies, and sweatpants will always be three of my favorite things :)

Justification for Black Skinny Jeans

Justification for Black Skinny Jeans by mkrulia featuring black pump shoes

Good morning and Happy Saturday!

Clearly I'm obsessed with Polyvore. I've been thinking of buying a pair of black skinny jeans, and after playing around on here with imaginary money I feel like I could pull off the look...even though I'm 5'3...and not stick thin. Clearly I enjoy colors. I created five outfits that could possibly go with these jeans I found. Every item except two pairs of shoes is under $50, too! The earrings, ring and shades at the top could go with any outfit IMHO, which is why they're kind of floating aimlessly. I also think the gold earrings on the left could go with either of the left outfits, and the shoes are all pretty versatile. I LOVE the shade of the blue pumps; albeit way too high for me to wear, I really want to find a pair in that hue.

30 for 30

So I was inspired...or maybe I'm just bored...but I've been reading blogs doing this "30 for 30 Photo Challenge" and I think I will try to do the same. What's funny to me is that I have not met these lovely ladies, and yet they are inspiring me to write thus aiding my new years resolution. Maybe other bloggers are doing this too, but I first heard of it from my online blogger friend (is that weird lol?) Christina the author of Hungry Meets Healthy, who heard it from My Two Cents...Before I Spend It (cute blog), who heard it from Fried Pink Tomatoes (another cute blog!), who got it from Facebook. So here I go!

The rules:

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 04 - A picture of your night
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
Day 12 - A picture of something you love
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture and a letter
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25 - A picture of your day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Day 1:

This picture was taken days before graduating college in 2007. Why I love it: Otterbein is pretty, the school is now named Otterbein University so I'm happy I have a picture with the correct sign, and I was thin at the time. If you've been reading my blog you know I'm on Weight Watchers and I am trying to look that good (actually, better) again.

Facts about me:

1. This is the first picture of myself I've posted to this blog. I've tried to keep it anonymous, but I think the content is decent (right? haha) so why be so shy? My name is Mary :)
   
2. My new favorite drink is No Sugar Added Vanilla Chai powder in coffee. It's AWESOME and 2 points!
   
3. I am the youngest of three and miss my siblings who live across the country from me.
4. I can't wait to graduate from my Masters program at Georgetown (Communication, Culture & Technology Program).
5. Food is fantastic: it can be delicious, is fun to make with others, and can bring people together. It can also unfortunately make my butt expand. I digress...
   
6. I'm a musician...ish...to real musicians I probably suck, but I think I play the flute really well as a hobby and my home church keeps asking me to play over the holidays! (#pathetic ??)
7. I find inspiration in Classical music and black and white photographs.
8. I wish I had thin fingers so I could wear fun cocktail rings. The adjustable junk turns my fingers green. Attractive. Healthy. Whatever.
   
9. Some days are made better by the little things that take a little time: receiving a card in the mail or sending one, a door opened when your hands are full, a dog running up to say hello, drinking a good beer, chatting with an old friend, walking through the city unconcerned about the time, etc.
   
10. Sports are fun to watch and play: I love to box, play volleyball and softball; and watch the Steelers, Big Ten basketball and football, Georgetown basketball, the Nats, and any close game. The NFL Red Zone is the best channel ever on Sundays.
    

New Dress - Need Accessories!

New Dress - Need Accessories! by mkrulia featuring flower print dresses

I just bought one of LC's dresses from Kohl's (I actually saw it on this site first!). I am so excited for it since it was on sale AND I found an online coupon (!!!), but I'm not sure how to style it. I have similar pumps to the pair listed here, but no neutral sandals that I can remember. Unfortunately the dress doesn't come with the cute belt which is why I added the J.Crew one, but I have plenty to choose from so I won't be buying a belt haha. And really, I'll probably wear my tan round toe pumps and pearls with it! Anyway, what do all of you think? Clearly I can't decide and I'm obsessed with this site!

Mary's Spring Outfit

Mary's Spring Outfit by mkrulia featuring a faux leather belt

This is something I would absolutely wear. I LOVE how gray is versatile and how any color addition can incorporate so much character. As you can see, I like a lot of color!

Week 6

Good day, Readers! I hope you are all doing well! This week continues the roller coaster that is life, but hey - at least it's a fun ride! Weekly updates below :)

P.S. This should read that I'm posting it on Feb. 17.

First of all, if you saw my last post (2/16) you clearly have seen my new obsession: polyvore.com. I saw this site on my friend's blog Running in Stilettos and then again on a new blog I'm following called Kendi Everyday. I entered a contest on Kendi Everyday for a $25 coupon to my new second obsession: Shop Ruche. Hopefully what I put together on Polyvore will help me win!!!

Now on to the food!

Thursday night we wanted to use up the broccoli in the fridge and made Gina's Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup. Holy cow. Gina. I want to meet her some day and shake her hand. Make this soup tonight...or the Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Both are winners. Look at this masterpiece:

Weight loss:
3.8 pounds!!

Total weight loss:
12.1 pounds!!!!!!!

I've hit my 5% target! This means that I've lost 5% of my body weight. It doesn't sound like much, but it is! And it helps me past that plateau I hit last week which bummed me out a little. If you're curious, here's what Weight Watchers says about the 5% milestone:

"Losing just 5 percent of your body weight doesn't sound like much, but it could mean you're well on your way to dropping a dress size. Aside from looking better and feeling more energetic, there are significant health benefits, too...Breaking your weight loss journey into small steps of 5 percent-10 percent will help to keep you motivated. For most people 5 percent is enough to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Your weight-loss success may also mean that you help to lower your blood pressure. There are many other health benefits, too – research has shown that a loss of 5 percent–10 percent of your starting body weight can make a real difference.

• Health benefits
• Lowers your body’s cholesterol levels
• Can improve blood sugar control
• Reduces aches and pains
• Improves mobility
• Can improve your breathing
• Helps you to sleep better
• Reduces the risk of sleep apnea
• Helps prevent angina – chest pain caused by decreased oxygen to the heart.
• Decreased your risk of sudden death from heart disease or stroke
• May stop the need from regular medication
• Reduces the risk of certain cancers
• Your emotional health will also benefit hugely. People who have lost 5 percent-10 percent of their body weight report improvements in quality of life, a noticeable reduction in depression symptoms, increased energy, plus a more positive attitude to life."
  

Pounds remaining to reach goal weight:
27.7 pounds

Overall mood this week:
Hard to say. I'm a happy person, and of course I'm ECSTATIC about my weight loss, but I sure do wish I had an internship to balance school right now...or at least SOME idea of where we're going to live and work after graduation in May. It's causing a lot of anxiety, but at the same time the open possibilities are so exciting that it makes me happy. It's a complete double-edged sword, but I'm eager for my budding career to bloom. Maybe I find comfort in discomfort.

Worked out:
Four times again, even on Valentine's Day! Go me!

Yummy finds:
Saturday afternoon I munched on a new dip for a quick snack and can I just say yum!!! We got this dip at Harris Teeter, called H.T. Trader's Fat Free Black Bean Dip. I LOVE Mexican food and flavors and after the bf's roommate said he was getting Chipotle, I obviously craved a carnitas burrito bowl (excuse me while I salivate...). Instead, I had this delightful 1 point dip with some Trader Joe's Organic White Corn Tortilla Chips and an apple for an incredible mid-day, 4-point basketball-watching snack. Go me! P.S. I saw on LaaLoosh that Trader Joe's has a new tortilla chip out - have any of you tried it yet?

On a funny note, the bf's Dad sent him these slippers for Valentine's Day...they're the Killer Rabbit from Monty Python and the Holy Grail! So awesome!! And warm! Nothing says love like a killer rabbit on your feet :)

How did you celebrate Valentine's Day? We were looking forward to a low-key evening of staying in on a Monday night, exchanging silly gifts, and watching TV. We decided to save allowance points for the big day and planned our week accordingly. Last year we splurged on an expensive meal. While it was romantic and fun, it was too expensive for one night, so we opted for ordering a Papa John's heart-shaped pizza! We had everything planned: after class/work, he'd drop me off so I could throw on my killer red dress, wrap his silly gift, and then head over to his place (two blocks away) for our date. We ordered the pizza on Saturday so that it would arrive at 8pm on Monday night. This picture is from the Papa John's advertisement, so clearly this is what we were expecting:
Instead, at 8:45, we received this piece of junk:
To say we were disappointed would be an understatement. We saved our points for pizza. We bought nice beer (and saved the points for said beer) to accompany our pizza. We ordered days in advance. I imagined a funny Facebook profile picture. I even wore a damn red dress on a Monday night. And THIS is what arrived at our door. Yeah. Hrmph!

I quickly shook it off, though, because come on - it's a funny story. Sure we were hungry and the pizza tasted like sawdust. Sure it was late and we didn't get what we wanted. But we got our redemption. The bf used the power of social media and with his friend they hit Papa John's on all available fronts. It was hilarious and empowering. While we're still waiting for an apology response (and maybe free pizza for life?), we will never forget our failed pizza Valentine's Day.

Week 5

This week included a holiday so I knew it would be tough. What holiday you ask? Well Super Bowl Steelers Sunday of course!! Even though we lost I had a great time hanging out at a friend's party. It was better (and cheaper!) than hanging out at the Steelers bar all day on Sunday, and I made sure to be productive all day so that I wouldn't go nuts waiting for the game to start!

Weekly recap:
Well it was another crazy Friday night for my bf and I. We went grocery shopping! So wild, I know. We bought essentials that will last a while (aka freezer-friendly!). Plus, my hair deserves quality shampoo, which was on sale, so of course I bought two. Anyway, we were delighted to see that most of the Weight Watchers products had updated point values to reflect the new system. One product was even updated - for the better! Okay, so, there was a one-point tiny carrot cake that I craved when I was on the program in college. NOW it's a creme carrot cake - meaning, that for two points this carrot cake is now twinkified! That's right! YUM!

Our second exciting find was a new product by Lean Cuisine. The Market Creations are entrees that you leave in the bag to steam in the microwave. I was very excited to try the Asiago Cheese Tortelloni! It's 7 points and is a decent portion size. I had it today for lunch and it's tasty! Word of warning: know the wattage of your microwave. Let me explain. So, the bag directions say to cook for either 5 minutes or 8 minutes, depending. Well, I chose to do 7 minutes...but I think next time I'll try for 6...or I could investigate my microwave wattage. Decisions, decisions.

Saturday night the bf and I tried Gina's Arroz Con Pollo. This is SO insanely delicious. Look at this picture - that is one serving! It was only 8 points, too! From start to finish it took about 1 1/2 hours - but the last half hour is completely hands-off and is the hardest part because it smells so incredible!
I ended the day with 8 points remaining, so do you know what that means?!?! Dessert! We found Edy's Slow Churned No Sugar Added Vanilla Ice Cream, which is 2 points per 1/2 cup, and with Diet Root Beer, a root beer float was such a fantastic way to satisfy my sweet tooth...and a way to keep me under my point limit for the day!

Sunday for the big game we decided to contribute to the yummy spread by serving a light Buffalo Chicken Dip, also by Gina. We served it with reduced fat crackers, carrots, and celery. It is supposed to be served warm, so we let it simmer in our awesome crock pot for the entire game. I should have promoted it more or put up a sign to say what it was because we have a lot left - oh well, at 3 points per half cup I'm happy we have leftovers! Next time we'll try it without bleu cheese and possibly less hot sauce.

Weight loss:
Unfortunately I didn't lose weight this week. I ate my feelings after the Steelers lost (aka 2 cookies - oops) and then didn't really eat well this week. What I mean by that is that I barely ate anything all day, worked out, and then ate most of my remaining points after 6pm. That isn't healthy, even though what I was eating was healthy. I gained .5 pounds, which isn't much, and I like to think it's muscle - I worked out 4 times - three days worth of crazy boxing class plus one day of running! Sure it's muscle, right? Right. Besides, no matter what the scale says, I feel really great!

Total weight loss: 8.3 pounds

Pounds remaining to reach goal weight: 31.5 pounds

Overall mood this week:
It's been an up and down week with the Steelers losing, not hearing back about the incredible internship that I REALLY want, gaining, medical issues, etc. BUT overall, this week was nice! I did some online shopping, caught up on 30 Rock, and had so much fun cooking with the bf. Plus, classes went well and I'm getting some confidence in myself.

Worked out:
Four times! Go me!

Yummy finds:
Food finds are discussed above in the weekly recap!

For some non-related food finds, ladies please check out the dress selection on lulus.com. TOO CUTE! I like a few of their shoes, but the ones I like have 5 inch heels, which does not work for me haha - I'm a 3.5 inch girl or lower! I walk too much and too far for the fun shoes! I'm not a huge fan of their accessories and in my opinion the tops are not worth the prices, but I think the dresses are pretty unique and at good prices! Thanks to some great advice from some friends and fellow bloggers, I chose two of the dresses (and not all 6 that I liked haha), and one new coat which is also super cute. Maybe I'll post them when I get them if they fit? We shall see.

Also, I hope you are familiar with Etsy, the online flea market. I LOVE THIS SITE! My best friend from home has her own shop and has made some really cute things for it (she made them for me for Christmas!). I did need a new computer sleeve and found this gem:

And I have seen cute coffee cup sleeves in coffee shops and found AMAZING ones on Etsy for much cheaper. Check out my new one!

Finally, I thought this magnet was too cute...and crazy cheap...yes, I spent more to have it shipped. Whatever. :)
Have a good week, everyone!