Memorial Day Weekend

Yes if you follow my blog you know I work retail and retail like many jobs isn't cookie cutter as far as a schedule goes. So when I snagged Memorial Day weekend off without even asking I thought I won the lottery! I had no plans for the weekend so quickly I was scrambling to pull something together but was coming up empty handed. Then the other day when I was chatting with the hubby on the phone and he suggested we go up to my lake house. I thought this was a genius idea! With my grandma just passing this would be a great place to go and to honor her and getaway. The lake house has been in my family ever since my mum was little, I would go up there all year round when I was little and spend time with my grandparents because they loved going up there as much as possible. However as I got older the less I went up there. Plus we don't have Internet up there, no cable, and no cell phone reception which is a recipe for disaster to any teenager -- let's just be real here. Total tangent but funny story-- when I was head over heels for this certain guy and we had this crazy whirlwind fling-romance- whatever you want to call it. But even though it was short lived (a little over a 2 months) I fell hard for him and when he broke my heart I literally thought my world was over. And because I was young and totally blind sided by the break up I may have stalked checked his MySpace very often and checking my phone constantly. I was a wreck so the only place I knew to runaway to actually be disconnected from the whole situation was the lake house. And guess what a weekend up there cured a broken heart.


However life had gotten in the way and as I got older when I thought of vaca i thought warm weather, friends, and being connected so I neglected the lake house for many years. Finally my husband & I went up there two summers ago and he fell in love. We had a wonderful time. Went to hole in the wall bars, went to the dells for the day, sat on the dock & talked. It was simple & romantic. So when I told him I had Memorial Day weekend off & I had no plans in mind but when he said the lake house I burst into a smile.


I can't wait for this weekend getaway and to reconnect with myself, honor my grandma, & love my husband even more than I already do.


Here are some pics from our last time up at the lake house:

Can't wait to share more funny pics with ya! 

Manni Monday

Happy Monday! Yes I can say that because it was one CRAZY week at work- it literally felt like Christmas all over again. Mother's Day has become our 2nd Christmas in the retail world but more specifically for the company I work for. But Mother's are worth it. 


But let's get back to business, so over the weekend I was catching up on my blog reading and I was getting distracted and stumbled upon some other blogs that I started to now follow. However in my distractions I came across a blogger who also does Manni Mondays! This is like fate, but then I saw that she links up to Glitter&Gloss because she does a Manni Monday. So I'm going to link up with her this week and hopefully going forward. 


So this week I was feeling like I needed something bright- the weather is getting nicer here in Chicago and I was feeling like I needed a little POP of color with my nails. So I went to my ever growing inventory of Essie nail polish and came across a color that I forgot I owned. It's called Fruit Sangria 

Here is how the color looks on:

Okay how could I have forgotten about this color?? This color is amazeballs!! Plus with my tan I've been sporting lately it looks fabulous! This I have a feeling will become a staple color in my summer nail polish rotation! 


What color are you sporing currently?? 

Workout Wednesday

Happy Wednesday! Gosh mid week already?? CRAZY! So to give you guys a quick Paleo update I'm 9 days in and going strong!! I spent all day Monday & Tuesday (thankfully I was off both days) planning and cooking out my meals for the week. I have to say this Paleo diet is not only getting me to eat healthier but it's also getting me in my kitchen more! I usually never cook but now it's forcing me to and I'm really enjoying it. Feeling great so far so I can't wait to see what the upcoming days and weeks feel like! 


So this week I decided to focus on two things I love best: Working out (duh) and Vactioning. I'm not really sure of anyone who doesn't like to vacation but I've been spoiled and have traveled the entire world so I am always getting a bug in me to go somewhere. 


Whenever the hubby & I go on vaca I always bring my work out clothes because I have to try and get a work out in at some point. So while I was looking for some possibilites for our next vaca spot I came across this: 


Honeymoon Destitinations for  Fit Vacation- yes we aren't going on our honeymoon but who cares love a good vaca spot. So check out what they suggueste: 

Editor's Pick: The BodyHoliday LeSport, St. Lucia

This resort is like a "choose your own rejuvenation" adventure. With water sports, archery, tai chi, and more, it's hard not to find an activity that meets your fitness needs. Still not enough? Add BodyAware to your itinerary -- it's the resort's holistic program that helps you tone andlose weight through nutrition, exercise, and healthy living changes you can take back to the States. Between that and the extensive spa treatment list, we bet you come back feeling refreshed and looking even better than you did before the wedding!

                Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Thailand

Referred to as the "Haven of Life," Chiva-Som is secluded in the city of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand. With only 58 rooms, guests can get personalized treatment from physiotherapists, holistic health pros, and personal trainers for the full mind, body, spirit experience. Two classes that immediately pop off the schedule are Thai Boxing on the beach and Gyrokinesis, a combination ofyoga, dance, tai chi, and gymnastics.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Hawaii

Eco-lovers will drool over Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program, which offers excursions through the rain forest, snorkeling along the coral reef, and other adventures through the ecosystem led by expert naturalists. If you don't want to venture too far, practice yoga with an ocean view or get a golf lesson at Kapalua Golf Academy, one of the island's top teaching centers.

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, Canada

You'll feel good booking this trip to British Columbia. Echo Valley Ranch practices zero-waste in food and materials, uses water sourced from natural springs on site, and provides guests with reusable metal water bottles to reduce plastic throughout the property. Voted 2012 Traveler's Choice by tripadvisor.com, your day could consist from anything from horse riding to fly fishing, hiking, and even gold panning.

2041 International Antarctic Expedition, Antarctica

Honeymoon doesn't have to be synonymous with beach. Hop a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, before boating through the Drake Passage to explore the Antarctic Peninsula. You'll trek across landmarks worthy of a National Geographic cover while seeing wildlife, glaciers, and more that will make for great stories for years to come.

Editor's Pick: Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Mexico

Tennis! Horses! Tequila lessons! This Los Cabos resort has a little bit of everything. Spend your days yachting, surfing, or on a desert excursion...and your nights wining, dining, and dancing. Newlyweds can also enjoy romantic perks like an aphrodisiac dinner menu, salsa lessons, or an ATV ride through the Baja desert.

Golden Door Spa, California

Whether you're hiking the 20 miles of trails, joining in on a group class, or practicing your balance, flexibility, and conditioning in the Kiatsu water therapy pools, Golden Door's Escondido location will help you tone your body and soul. With specialized programs that home in on your inner focus, this is one vacation where you'll leave feeling good from the inside out.

Extraordinary Journeys, South Africa

Camping might not sound like the ideal honeymoon, but when your tent is in a safari camp overlooking the Great Rift Valley, it starts to sound a bit more appealing. Kayak through the South African Cape Peninsula or off the coast of Kenya while mingling with the area's local villagers. Make sure your camera is charged!

Turtle Inn, Placencia, Belize

Your local shore won't look the same after you spend a few days on these sandy white beaches. Water lovers can scout out the Belize Barrier Reef and Silk Cayes while those who prefer dry land can spend time in the Chiquibul Forest bird-watching endangered scarlet macaws.

Copperhood Retreat & Spa, New York

City dwellers can retreat to Shandaken to detox and decompress after a particularly hectic wedding season. Take advantage of Copperhood's extensive weight-loss programs, which include a vegan raw menu, or just enjoy the classic spa experience and unwind (and drink wine).

Sandals Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours, Jamaica

Wander off the beaten path by dune buggy, mountain bike, or catamaran to get an exclusive look at what the Caribbean is all about. This particular tour in Negril includes cliff diving, dolphin swimming, an off-road safari, and much more.

Editor's Pick: Young Island Resort, St. Vincent

You won't find any kitschy tourist attractions here. Located in the Grenadines, the resort is the only thing on the island, making it feel like you're on a hidden getaway. Private cottages come with an open-air garden shower and a secluded patio. Keep yourself busy by checking out breathtaking waterfalls or hiking to the top of La Soufrière, an active volcano that last erupted in 1979. Bonus for movie buffs: You can go to one of the bays where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed!

Red Mountain Resort, Utah

Indecisive about what to embark on first? Ask the resort's Adventure Concierge, available daily from noon to 7 p.m. No matter what you decide to do, save some room to check out Snow Canyon State Park, home to 7,000 acres of red canyons and cliffs, lava caves, and two volcanic cones.

Green Island Resort, Australia

This destination gives you the chance to actually live on one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, as it's located on the Great Barrier Reef in Tropical North Queensland. Extremely eco-sensitive to guests and the surrounding areas, diving, snorkeling, and self-guided rain forest tours will let you see all aspects of the island.

Editor's Pick: W Vieques Retreat & Spa, Puerto Rico

If you're looking for a mix of relaxed, secluded luxury with plenty of opportunity for outdoor adventure, this is the place for you. They even have a honeymoon registry to let your wedding guests know what's on your honeymoon wish list: an oceanfront room; a romantic couples massage on the beach; fun, fit activities like snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and horseback riding. Absolute must-do: Take a nighttime kayak tour of the breathtaking bioluminescent bay, which glows with every paddle dip.

I sure have a few locations selected! This is a great starting point for my vacation planning! I'll let you know what I book.

Kardashian Khaos!

By this point if you're a active reader of my blog you know that I am all things obsessed with the Kardashians. So when the hubby & I

Aren't we adorable?? 

Went to Vegas for our 1 year anniversary (as we all know he really wanted to go back to Vegas to see Carrot Top but I was equally as guilty because I wanted to go to the new Kardashian Khaos store) I couldn't wait to book it over to the store. The hubs was a great sport & after we dropped off our luggage & ate we were off to the races! As soon as we got to the shopping area at The Mirage I kind of wanted to break into a sprint to the store. Here is what stood before me:

Now I have to be honest while I'll pretty much buy anything that has to do with the entire Kardashian Klan however I had to walk the store a few times to finally decide what to buy. However the decision process was not due to the overload of stuff I wanted but rather I was a little in sticker shock over the prices. Now I'm not a woman who gets sticker shock very often (to me spending $50 on flip flops is normal or $400 on sunglasses is fine) however spending $80 on a t-shirt that says Kim is my favorite isn't really justified in my book. $100 for a sample size of all Kim's fragrances, or $15 for a key chain - Yes I LOVE them but did I love them enough to fork out that kind of money?? I ended up finding something that I found practical and I could justify. A limited edition Stila Kardashian eye shadow palette. Check out the adorable cover of the palette:

Can we say AMAZEBALLS Adorable??!?


Check out the colors:



I mean all these colors are colors that I would and could wear on a daily basis! LOVE LOVE LOVE. And as soon as I bought it I actually wore it everyday I was in Vegas. Not to mention the adorable shopper I got:

LOVE!!! Just as a side note I didn't save the shopper it stayed in Vegas. Haha. 

So while I didn't see the Kardashians in Vegas before long I would have my chance. I couldn't even believe that I was saying this but it was true! They were coming to Woodfield Mall (I work in Woodfield) and I just so happen to be working on the day of their appearance. Now working on the day of their appearance was a double edge sword because well quite frankly if I wasn't working I would be one of those crazy people who camped outside to be one of the first to see them. However with me having to work I was able to pick peoples brain to figure out what was going on out there and get my plan of attack. So let me tell ya once 5:00 read on the clock I literally ran actually that's an understatement I sprinted towards Sears- sprinting like I was running for my life. I was quickly stopped by the herds of people

All the people trying to get a glimpse of Kim and Khole. However I was able to weasel my way through and this was the best view I could get: 

So while my dreams of meeting them were so close but yet so far away I did stalk Kim's Instagram and here are some pics she posted while in the Chi

Here is also a video they posted on the madness

I'll always love my Kardashians- hopefully one day I'll get to meet them! At least I was kinda close right?? 

Manni Monday

Happy Monday! Boy am I glad it's Monday, just like last week I'm off again this Monday!! Woo hoo! I have a lot of errands to run today but I'm glad that I can take sometime out to share what I'm crushing on for this Manni Monday.


I think I may have blogged about this color before but I just LOVE it, and it's such a great go to color no matter what season it is. I have to say I am declaring this my signature color! It took me FOREVER to find and now that I have I am totes in love. What is it you ask well let me share with you.

Topless & Barefoot by Essie


I know it's hard to tell what it looks like in this pic but check it out what it looks like on your nails:

Is this not a great go to color?? I mean natural, chic, and neutral. I just LOVE! I also receive so many compliments on this color whenever I wear it.


Do you have a favorite go to color??

Workout Wednesday

My favorite time of the week!!! Anything that has to do with fitness or working out I'm all about. However this week I'm changing it up a bit because I'm putting the fitness aside for this post and talking about a new "lifestyle" change I'm embarking on. So my favorite gym Crossfit Glen Ellyn and the fabulous trainers put a challenge out there for us. Now I love a good challenge so when I heard it I was all up for it then when I realized what I signed up for I realized, 'Wow I may have bit off more than I could chew'.
The Challenge: Go 100% Paleo for 30 days- document all your meals and have weekly weigh in's and continue with the Crossfit Work-outs.


The challenge started May 1st, so about a week before the impending date I ordered two books from Amazon to better educate myself on this Paleo diet. While the trainers at the gym follow Paleo and many people at the gym and Crossfitters do Paleo - they weren't going to be making my meals and doing my grocery shopping so I needed to educate myself. This is what I ordered from Amazon.

The Paleo Solution


Southern Style Cooking Paleo Style


So all weekend I had my last meals -

Lou Malnati's Pizza 


Jimmy John's


Bagel


Cereal


I savored every last bite of those meals.


You might be asking what the hell can you eat on this Paleo diet- well it's simple enough, meat, veggies, & fruit. However if you want to loose weight you need to control your fruit intake. Basically nothing processed and when you're grocery shopping you shop the perimeter of the store. Sounds easy enough right??


Well after stalking my order from Amazon and it arriving 1 day early (love love love Amazon) I couldn't wait to rip open the box and start this Paleo diet. However after looking at all the great pictures of the food that I could make

I noticed one thing rather quickly- some of these recipes aren't going to be so easy to make. It called for things like Almond Butter, Coconut Flour, Cumin, Coconut Oil, while some of these ingredients may be a second nature to some this was a foreign language to me! 


Clearly these are ingredients that I don't shop for on a regular basis and let's be honest here we all know how I am in the kitchen (a failure) so now mixing in these unfamiliar ingredients was a real recipe for disaster.


So I enlisted some help from my mother (yes even as a married woman I enlist her help quite a bit especially when it comes to the kitchen and household things) to help me go grocery shopping (because quite frankly I was totally overwhelmed with what to buy and not buy) and then put together a few meals for the week. So we got to work hard in the kitchen and let me tell ya this was easier than I thought. Now let me back track, many people who do Paleo say it's easy if you plan your meals out for the week and I learned that is going to be KEY to success for this. 


So check out a few meals that I've made thus far: 

Breakfast: 3 scrambled eggs cooked in olive oil with grilled onion, green pepper, & red pepper, topped with so black pepper

Pork Patties (kind of like a sausage patty) perfect to go with my morning eggs. They also have a nice kick to them

Dinner: Roasted chicken with grilled asparagus cooked in olive oil wrapped in prosciutto- this was YUMMY!!!! 

I also got some incredibly yummy desserts that this local woman makes (she makes all Paleo meals and delivers! Doesn't get better than that) I've been using her desserts to satisfy my sweet tooth. 

If you live in the area check out her link, very good food and reasonably priced.

Paleo2Go

So here is to my challenge, I will keep you guys updated!