Friday's Fancies: Date Night!

{via}
It's here!!! Happy Friday, friendly faces! I always look forward to Fridays, and in terms of blogging I always anticipate a fun day when I participate in Friday's Fancies on the lovely {av}'s blog, Long Distance Loving. By the way, the pretty header and buttons on this blog? Courtesy of {av}. She's a doll.
On to the set!

Friday's Fancies Date Night by mkrulia featuring gold jewelry

I love a good date night with Andrew. We can turn any ordinary night into a date night, from cooking at home to trying new restaurants, to nights out full of activities other than eating. We love to explore the city, so if we had all of the money in the world I would wear this get-up and we would galavant all over town. What can I say? I don't dream big, I dream in Lanvin and Chanel. That's out of big's league.
Head on over to Long Distance Loving for more dreamy outfits!

Little Bit of Sass Thursday

I don't know about you, but I am counting down the minutes until the weekend. Here are some sassy pics to hold us over until EOD Friday.

Source: themetapicture.com via Mary on Pinterest

Cheers!

Source: Uploaded by user via Mary on Pinterest

These girls are going to grow up to be mean girls, but for now they're cute.

Source: ifunny.mobi via Maddy on Pinterest

It's funny 'cuz it's true. I learned the awkward way that I am very good at catching my food. How? Oh, I don't know, something about standing up from my desk chair and have food fall out from my shirt. It was awesome.

Source: someecards.com via Maddy on Pinterest

This would be a ridiculous reunion. No amount of alcohol could prepare me for it, but I would go. Oh my would I go.

And finally, my favorite of the week.

Source: quickmeme.com via Maddy on Pinterest

Wednesday Weekend Recap

Hello friends! It's barely still Wednesday and I'm just now getting around to post about my weekend. Shame on me. To save you from scrolling through tons of pictures, I made some collages for free at Photovisi.com. I had to screenshot them since I'm on a Mac, but it's a decent tool for collages. Anyway...on to the pics!

My sister, brother-in-law, and beautiful niece came to visit this weekend! We had so much fun! The pictures above are Lizzie in a penguin costume at the aquarium, hanging out with her at dinner, Lizzie dialing Room Service, saying "Happy Day" to my dad on his 60th Birthday, and "Cheese!" for the camera. It was amazing hanging out with her - she's a walking and talking little person now!

The below collage is full of Instagram shots of the Field Museum. Andrew and I had to see the mummy exhibit before it closed and we are so glad we did! And yes, the middle-right picture is me posing with a row of dino skeleton heads. Oh and no, the pandas are not real.

Friday's Fancies Picnic Primped!

Happy Friday, folks!

First of all, here's my set for {av}'s Friday's Fancies theme:

{via}

Picnic Time! by mkrulia featuring MICHAEL Michael Kors sunglasses

I am picturing warmer weather here in Chicago, wearing this outfit to Millennium Park to watch some of the free live shows this summer. I think that sitting cross-legged on a blanket warrants shorts, and I have been dreaming for a pair of scalloped cuties like the ones I added to this set. The wedges are a little high for a picnic, but since the shorts are short they work. Oh and that picnic basket? Full of wine and cheese from Pastoral. Mmmm fast-forward to warmer weather and sunshine please!

While I have you here, I want to share a few pictures. First, some train-spiration. I fully admit that I take fashion and hair tips from scoping out chicks on the train. Creepy? Borderline. Advantageous for my hair? You be the judge:

I saw a sassy broad sport this on the train earlier this week. I thought this was an easy way to keep my bangs out of my eyes while looking like a girl. Usually at work I wear my glasses with my hair up in an I-don't-care outfit. I force myself once a week to look like a woman. Of course I picked a rainy day for that this week, but c'est la vie. Luckily I didn't see the same girl on my commute this morning. That? Might have been uncomfortable.

Also, I'm pumped for the weekend! My sister and her fam are in town, meaning that I get to accompany this little lass to the Shedd Aquarium tomorrow!!!

And finally, a picture of Teddy helping me fold my laundry. Such a helpful cat.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Little Bit of Sass Thursday

Who's gettin' their sass on this fine Thursday?

Here's my inspiration, what's yours?

Source: Uploaded by user via Mary on Pinterest

Ya heard?

Source: google.com via Mary on Pinterest

I want to meet the person who is responsible for this contraption and shake his/her hand. Do you think Kate Spade would make one of these in the Larabee Dot print? No?

Source: bhldn.com via Mary on Pinterest

Yeah I could never wear this in public because I wouldn't be able to hold a conversation. I'd be too busy looking at myself in the mirror. Self-centered? Sure, but wouldn't you be in that dress?

Source: imgfave.com via Mary on Pinterest

OK who took this picture of my mom and I off of my bedroom wall from my childhood and posted it to the Internet?

Not enough sass for you? Check out my Pinterest Sassy Board for more!

Little Bit of Class Tuesday

Hey everyone! I hope your week is getting off to a good start. If it isn't, then take a look at this classy eye-candy. These pics from my Pinterest Classy Board should help :)

This girl needs to smile - her dress deserves it!

Source: rstyle.me via Mary on Pinterest

I'll take this outfit and will raise you a picnic basket, some wine, and a picnic on Lake Michigan, thanks.

Source: pinterestoffer.com via Mary on Pinterest

Anyone else want this clutch? It's currently calling my name for sure.

Source: tinyurl.com via Mary on Pinterest

I love the ruffles of this soft bubblegum coat. Perfect for spring days!

Source: senseofashion.com via Mary on Pinterest

This dress and I are currently chatting and are becoming quick friends. We may need to meet in person soon.

Source: judithmarch.com via Mary on Pinterest

And finally, a pretty ballerina photo. This gal is taking her class sky high.

Source: imgfave.com via Mary on Pinterest

That's all for now! Have a great day!

Pros & Cons of my 90/20 Regimen, Part 2

Source: organize.com via Katie on Pinterest

Usually I post classy images on Tuesdays, but today I am going to continue my pros and cons for my 90/20 experience. On Sunday I wrote about my progress on both Weight Watchers and P90X. Based on the feedback from that post I decided to write my reviews on both programs over two days. Yesterday was all about Weight Watchers and I am focusing on P90X today! Again, please keep in mind that what I write is based solely on my experiences using the program. P90X works for me, but it may not work for you - many workout programs don't work for me!

On to the review!

Source: google.com via Carlos on Pinterest

Quick Info: P90X is a fitness program designed for working out at home. There are 12 DVDs in the set, each with different workouts. You can choose one of three programs for the 90 days; the Classic, the Crazy (haha it's for extreme athletes working out twice a day), and the Lean. Refer to the online schedule, follow the workouts, and in 90 days you will see a new you.

Why I chose it: I love to exercise and have worked out regularly my whole life. However, I need variety. Running hurts my knees and I get so bored doing it. I also can't afford a gym membership. Plus, the gym at work is small without TVs and is surrounded by mirrors. Motivating? Sure. Boring and awkward? Clearly. I tried Comcast On-Demand workouts and loved The Butt Bible and Jillian Michaels workouts, but Comcast cut them and now has horrible options. I barely broke a sweat on most of the workouts I tried. For me, that's saying something. I pride myself in my sweating ability, and these didn't cut it. Like I said in my post on Sunday, I heard P90X works and I got the DVDs for free, so I had no excuse for avoiding it.

Why I am sticking to it: I love the variety! While the workouts are getting easier they are by no means easy. I love the challenge and look forward to the day when I can do everything as fast as the people on the screen!

Pros: There is a great mix of cardio and weight training. My favorite workouts are more cardio-focused: Plyometrics, Core Synergistics, Kenpo X (Kickboxing), and Cardio. The Ab Ripper X is tough, but I am improving on those moves. Since I have bad knees there are a couple of moves I need to modify in some of the workouts, but not many. It's surprisingly easier on my knees than running, and I get better results! Also, no mater which workout I do I am a sweaty mess at the end!

I also love the amount of energy from working out regularly. Sure I have my sleepy days and sure my body is sore often, but that's natural.

I may get the second edition of P90X or Insanity someday, but for now the first version of P90X works for me!

Cons: I truly hate the Yoga DVD. It is 90 minutes and the first 45 are so repetitive I want to scream. Now that I am on my second 90-day run I may substitute the yoga for a cardio, but I'm not sure yet. I just really hate it. Don't get me wrong, I like yoga, but the P90X version is not enjoyable.

The other thing is that I am on the Lean program and Plyometrics is not part of it. My co-worker told me the Plyo workout is awesome so I do that twice a week after work as my second workout for the day. It's a fantastic sweat fest, I am a hot mess the whole time, and doing this workout helps me justify any weekend eating when I go over my points.

I do not have a pull-up bar so I modify with dumbbells and instead do lat pulldowns. It's not the same but I don't have any other option. I may look into getting bands, too. It's annoying having multiple sets of weights around the house and the stronger I get I want heavier weights!

I am sure most of you have heard the main pain of P90X: it is time-consuming. Yes, it is 7 days a week, and yes, it's about an hour for each workout. I wake up every work day at 4:30 or 4:45 to get my workout in, and plan my weekend days around them. Once I got into a routine it really wasn't bad to fit them in; in fact, as crazy as this sounds I can't imagine my days without these workouts! The 7th day you either do the Stretch DVD or flat out rest. I have done both or added a cardio workout on Sundays. It just depends on my energy, what I ate the day before, and how my body is feeling.

The worst thing about P90x is how hungry I get from working out. Obviously your body needs fuel, but it sucks that I am somewhat limited on WW to really fill up every day. It's very frustrating. I am not starving myself, but sometimes it sure feels like it! When the hunger pains come I eat fruit or protein to help. Honestly, the time, the early mornings, and the soreness are nothing compared to my constant hunger!

Tips:

[These are all my opinions. Please keep in mind that these opinions are coming from me: a 26-year old in Chicago, who loves to workout, wakes up early, works upwards of 10+-hour days on a regular basis, eats a lot on Weight Watchers, and has a social life. Basically, even if you work a lot and have a busy life you can do P90X!]

1) If you do not like to workout do not purchase P90X. Don't kid yourself; if you haven't stuck with workout classes at gyms or even just working out on a regular basis for an extended period of time, maybe do that first and then if you like working out, then invest in P90X. If you want the advertised results you have to do the program, which is 6-7 days a week. There is a second version of P90X now, so I think the first version (what I use) may be cheaper on Amazon or some other places online. I was lucky that I got it for free from my friend. He is a marathon runner and wasn't into the workout routine.

2) If you think you can't do it then you won't. You can modify moves and hit the pause button. Nothing is too tough if you tell yourself you can do it, and if you can't right away then keep working at it. There are a few moves that are super tough for me (I'm looking at you, Dreya Roll) but I keep pushing through because I'm a dork and enjoy competing with my brain. Again, I'm still a chubby sweaty gal and will be through the whole process. I am no fitness phenom and would never claim to be. It is tough for me, but I enjoy the challenge.

3) If you are seriously considering investing in the program but aren't sure if it's for you, check out YouTube videos on different workouts, go to the P90X website (beachbody.com) and search for your questions on the discussion boards, or ask me! I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I would love to talk to you about it!

4) I didn't buy any of the supplemental junk advertised with the program. P90X supporters try to sell you products and such but they seem expensive for what they are. I went to GNC to get something cheaper yet similar to the P90X recovery drink; this jacked up dude sold me a huge tub of protein powder that I kept on top of my fridge, which made me feel like a douchy college guy. I used it all and didn't notice a difference. Now I get the small bottles of low-calorie gatorade (1 point per bottle!) if I need a boost after working out. That works better and is cheaper than the 3-point gross protein powder!

5) I wasn't sick during the 90 days that I did this the first time. If I get sick in these next 90 I will take a break, as I would recommend to anyone who works out regularly! Listen to your body!

Whew! That was quite a bit of info! Bravo for you if you read it all! Let me know if you want to talk more about P90X or Weight Watchers!