Blessings!

Have a Happy and Safe New Year Sweet Readers!!!

xoxo-
HLC

Tis the Season- To get real.

Ever come across an old photo of yourself and wonder "Wow, I wish I could look like that again."? I find it funny how when I find old pictures of myself I laugh and internally chide myself for thinking I was fat back then when I was actually not at all!!! This picture is right before Evan proposed to me, so circa 2004 before marriage and babies.

Life has been hectic and busy in my world which has ensued in me being the worst blogger!!

Can we say S-L-A-C-K-E-R? :)

As I'm sitting here sorting out my thoughts my living room looks like I robbed Santa and the dining room is full of empty suitcases with stacks of folded clothes beside them or in other words....guess who is putting off packing and organizing for their Christmas trip later today? I'm very excited about this trip though, 12 days full of family, travel and sweet memories for A to have.

Speaking of Miss A, she turned the big 3 on Monday!!! Very exciting in our home and we now have more dolls and baby accessories then I would like to admit. I thought it was sweet though when as E was assembling her new doll size stroller she said "Look, mommy we go walk together now?!"

How I can not wait to get the ball moving on my running again. E and I have signed up for a few 5ks as I have mentioned in a previous post and once we're back from our trip we'll literally be hitting the ground running.

I hate that I took a 2 month hiatus from running and working out. I feel like all my efforts since August and those amazing 13 pounds I lost were for nothing. Yes, injuries happen and yes you will come across set backs but in the end it's truly up to you on how you handle those things and how you stay fit and eat healthy. Once my back injury threw me out of running, I sorta put my hands up with the holidays being so near and said "Meh" when I should have said "time to find other solutions until I'm back on board again"

I won't lie. I've purposely avoided the scale. I'm no fool, I know I've gained some if not all the weight back. As odd as it may seem though...I'm not sure I really care so much about it now. I still feel comfortable in my skin, I truly do like what I see in the mirror. Albeit it from time to time that's after a shower, some tweezing and a good 10 minutes sorting through a make-up bag but hey! it is what it is.

I think I'm more ready to break some running goals rather than focus on the weight part like I typically tend to do. I'm a firm believer in the whole "The reward is only what the work brings forth" type thing. Feel me?

I'm so excited for this New Year. Anyone else have a few goals they are wanting to set for New Years? Any resolutions? I mean, do people still do those or has America just completly stopped all things traditional?

I wish you all a wonderful and exciting Christmas and hope you enjoy it with your family. I'll be back around the 30th with some fun updates and pictures to share from my trip.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
-HLC

December Running Mix.

Yes, I am aware December is almost half way through and I had yet to post my work out list. Since I'm unable to run or work out as usual I kinda neglected my poor iPod but then E asked me to make us a few playlists for our road trip next week and to humor him with a PT playlist. (what can I say, my hubby knows how to perk my mood and motivate me). Be warned, it's an ecclectic mix this month. :)

December Play List-
1. "Such Great Heights" - The Postal Service
2. "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" - Cage The Elephant (My brothers choice, kinda catchy)
3. "Come Undone" - Duran Duran
4. "Helena Beat" - Foster The People
5. "We Found Love"  - Rhianna
6. "Song 2" - Blur (currently the song A sings and dances to daily)
7. "Strong Enough" - Matthew West
8. "Love You Like A Love Song" - Selena Gomez & The Scene
9. "Paradise" - Coldplay
10. "We Owned The Night" - Lady Antebellum
11. "Heartbeat" - The Fray
12. "Better Than it Looks" - Phoenix
13. "Cracks (Featuring Belle Humble) {Flux Pavillion Remix}" - Freestylers (UKF Dubstep 2010)

Anyone out there have a fun mix to share or a new Artist/Song they have found to motivate them lately? I'm all ears. :)

Stay Healthy & WARM,
HLC

Side lined.

My perfect little family enjoying the Holiday season.

So, gym never happened. Yep, not even close. To add more crummy timing right now...turns out some minor back/hip pain I've been having for about 2 weeks is in fact a strained/pulled muscle.

What does that mean?

It means no exercising, weight training or running for at least 3 weeks. It also meant a steroid shot in my hip and poor E having to listen to me complain about how uncomfortable I am 24/7 and sweet A can't understand why mommy just can not pick her up right now. :(

I'm not even sure how I did this to myself. I do not recall anything happening while bending that caused me super pain. I will say however the last time my hips and lower back hurt this way was when I was PG with Avery and anyone who has ever been pregnant understands that nagging ache I am talking about. IT NEVER GOES AWAY!

*sigh* I will say though, that I did sign up for a 5k in Feb which will make 3 total for that month alone. E is joining me and a friend and frankly, I think this one is GENIUS! Check it out..

http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/

The weekend before and following weekend we'll be doing this run. The one in Austin first and then the one in Dallas!!!!

http://www.thecolorrun.com/

So yeah, there's that.

I'll probably post from our trip still and share some both non and healthy snack or meals I make. :)

Have any Holiday faves you just can't say no to?

Confession

Before I even start this entry up I have to stop for a second and share my latest obsession.... Yeah, try it and fall in love! I've tried Greek yogurts before and found them to be bitter and just blah and the first time I gave this a try I wasn't impressed either but now....yeah.... I especially love it with Peach, Goji Berry and Honey. Mmmm Mmmm mmmm.

Call it this crazy cold weather Texas is having, it's currently 29 and expected to go as low as 25 tonight (Um, Snow? really?!) or business with life (valid but not acceptable) or even the guilt I'm feeling about my work-out failure last month as I sit here crying while I watch the Biggest Loser.

In the words of my toddler...."Mommy, youuve got splainin do!"

I did not run or workout at the gym a single day last month! Yep, what a waste of $32.92

CORRECTION: I ran 1.4 miles in North Carolina

Ugh.

I wish I had the motivation I seem to think I have. I honestly do not understand how I let a whole month go by! I intend to get my tush back to the gym in the morning and refuse to leave until I am miserable (the good kind and yes, it exist). I have 2 races coming up in Feb. so I also need to get my rear out running regardless of how cold it is. E told me to just remind myself that the sooner I get my run over the sooner I can get warmer and that should help me reach my personal goal. Isn't he a gem? :)

I have so much going on and to prepare for. I'll be going on a very quick day trip with my Father-in-love to NM on the 16th, A's family Birthday shin-dig on the 18th, her 3rd birthday on the 19th, then Christmas in a cabin in the mountains of NM, followed by a few days with family in Colorado, then our Anniversary and of course NYE. December is BUSY.

Help keep me accountable folks, ream me out if you need to or better yet, share your motivation and what keeps you in motion. A friend told me I should post a picture of me at my heaviest in the bathroom mirror so I see it every time I look.

*Blog Note* I'm ready to make my mark in the blog world. E has agreed I can buy my own Domain and I think I'm going to do it and start taking my blog to the next step with more pics and food sharing and all that jazz. I'm really excited about this and I know after December I'll have more time to focus with.

Also, once I reach 10 followers I plan on doing my first giveaway!!!

So much to get excited over.

HLC

Tis The Season

I promise, I haven't fallen off the face of the planet.

Life got busy with Thanksgiving week and in the end, my sweet A got croup and the flu which meant, this mommy never left the house or her side!

She's doing better and finally sleeping without vicks and the humidifier going nonstop.

I miss running, have I mentioned that lately? I have done ZERO training in several weeks and now I'm having back spasms and am getting little sleep due to back pain. I thought it may be diet related since the past 2 weeks I have gone on a soda benge it seems, like I seriously have no self control when shown root beer or coke zero, it's so bad plus, baking nonstop for Thanksgiving. Junk food galore!

I know, Shame on me! I'm human after all, what can I say?

Hopefully, I can get myself to bed soon and hit the gym in the morning for at least some strength training and a walk on the treadmill for a bit.

Anyone else hate this time of year due to so much temptation?

Newbie Alert!

Although I have been running for over a year, I failed at running in colder weather. Yep, if it was below say, 50* I was inside on a treadmill or walking the mall instead of braving it outside. This year, I do not want to be trapped by the gym treadmill, I want to hike the trails by my house, I want to run with flush cheeks and ear muffs (If Texas even gets that cold).

For Christmas this year, my family and I will be traveling to New Mexico, Colorado and Missouri and I will be bringing my running gear just as I did for our last vacation and when I went to North Carolina. But I have a dilemma...

I own ZERO cold weather running gear. In fact, have no idea where to even start on what I need or what works well.

Any tips out there? Any brands that I should avoid or go for? I know I'll be good with some running leggings and a long sleeve running shirt or hoodie I just don't want to be buried in non-breathable fabric. knowing my luck though, we'll be in blizzard conditions while traveling and Texas may end up with a ton of snow....who knows.

Alright, I've given you something to think on for a bit.. I'm off to bake something I'll regret eating tomorrow. ;)

Happy Saturday,
HLC

Delayed Much?

Here we are almost half way through November and I have yet to add my Playlists for the month!

I suppose it's due to not running lately (gotta be honest here). I keep telling myself "set the alarm, get up and just GO!" but then I turn the alarm off and roll over as E mumbles about why I set the alarm at all. I also haven't been to the gym in weeks which is driving me nuts since I told E we were not going to get a membership then never use it because that's such a HUGE waste of money....Yeah....


Guess whose booty will be in the Gym tomorrow morning....I may take a picture just to prove it. Ha!


Alright, here we go....On to Novembers Playlist!! *Warning*apparently I'm in a pop music mood this month?

1. "Every Tear is a Waterfall"- Coldplay
2. "Rumour Has It"- Adele
3. "It Will Rain" - Bruno Mars
4. "We Found Love" - Rhinana
5. "Houdini" - Foster The People
6. "Everybody Loves Me" - OneRepublic
7. "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" - Iron & Wine
8. "Moves Like Jagger" - Maroon 5
9. "We Owned The Night" - Lady Antebellum
10. "Paradise" - Coldplay

There you have it, a very short list this month and next months will have lots of Christmas music on it so you may just want to skip it if you get annoyed with it playing EVERYWHERE as it.

HEY, before I forget...see my new icon in the top corner over there ----->
Add me on Twitter! I may do some fun giveaways only through that or some other neat things soon. Guess you won't know if you don't follow me.

Any other Texans annoyed by this 80 degree weather this week?! Where did the fall weather go?!

-HLC

As Promised a few North Carolina Pics...

There's just something about a picture that captures you at a moment where you are completly unaware of your picture being taken and your in that sometimes rare mood where your walls are down and you are carefree and just blissed out....this is one of those for me.

Pisgah National Forest- Looking Glass Falls. <3.

Blue Ridge Parkway, outside Asheville North Carolina. I so love this place.

I was 2 weeks pass the colors but it was still amazing!

I'm in Love....

This Workout has become my new friend this week. Love, love, LOVE it!

Thanks again Pinterest!

-HLC

Just a random blog entry....

I gained 6 pounds from my vacation......Screw it, I'll chop it up to PMS and my awaiting cycle.....

HA. ( if only)

I'm playing around with my blog a bit, flipping formats and trying out colors and headers. E suggested I look into just buying my own website. I will have to seriously ponder this because I just don't feel that I have enough readers let alone know what I'm talking about half the time to draw people in. Guess it's a good thing I do this blog for fun.

My knee has been giving me problems since before I left for NC and because of this, I have hardly ran at all. I hate when the weather flip flops for this reason. After my torn ACL back in 98' my knee only gives me problems when it gets cold and I feel like a geriatric patient!! I'm determined though, I seriously do not want to treadmill train all winter, I'd rather hit the road and trails and enjoy being outside and free to roam...even if it's in the 30's and 40's.

E is even beginning to want to run with me. He showed me the Warrior Dash website yesterday and like a little boy given a free pass at a candy store pointed to the screen and said "Can we do this together next April? PLEEEEASE!" How could I say no when he said it so adorable? So yeah, add the North Texas Warrior Dash to the list of events on our ever expanding list of events for 2012. I'm not going to lie...I'm excited for each and every event.

I'll share some pictures from my trip next post.

-HLC

Back in Action.

North Carolina was amazing.

I hiked some ridiculous hills.

I saw some brilliant Fall Colors.

I spent more time outdoors than I have in a year!

But Texas is forever my home.

Soooo glad to be back home.

Update soon,

HLC

Be Back Soon....

I'm sitting here sipping my vanilla coke zero and nibbling on my granola bits when I should be back in the bedroom finishing up my last minute cleaning list and packing.

I fly to North Carolina tomorrow morning for 7 days. I'll also be going ALONE. This will be the first time I've traveled alone and only the 3rd time I have left A for longer than a day. I know E and my amazing in-loves will be able to handle her but the mom in me is feeling beyond guilty right now, and I haven't even left yet!!

Pray for me, sweet readers. This week will be exciting as I visit my sister and my newborn niece and help her get in the swing of mommyhood, but it'll also be hard for me to not be with A for such a long period of time.

E also teased me this morning as I laid out everything I planned on packing. "You know you have more running gear than actual clothes to wear, right?"...Yes, dear I'm aware. :) I'm just a little excited to go running/hiking in the mountains.

Have a great week everyone, I'll have some fun post lined up when I get back.(Pics too!)

-HLC

P.S.- LET'S GO RANGERS !!!!!!

NOM NOM WEDNESDAY

I'm so excited to actually have an entry for "Nom Nom Wednesdays" I have been trying out so many new and healthy recipes but I have failed at documenting them and showing the end results.



I found it on pinterest. This one is super easy and quick for a great snack.....bonus points for A liking it as she is by far the PICKIEST eater in all of toddler history. Anything she'll eat and like, I'm a fan of.




Apple Sandwiches:
2- 4 Apples (any variety, I like Gala, honey crisp or Fiji)
1/3 cup of choc. chips
1/2 cup granola
1/2 cup peanut butter




Wash apples, core and slice tops and bottom off before slicing horizontal in half.
Add peanut butter, granola and sprinkle with choc. chips before topping with other half.


Enjoy!
Easy, quick, yummy.

I love how Internet pictures make things look so amazing. haha, this is my reference picture but they are a bit messier than this picture.

Stay Healthy,

HLC

...Then it happened....

I hope you all had a great weekend. I am enjoying the roller coaster that is known at Texas weather with highs and lows all over the place. This weekend was very pleasant though and I regret not getting to run during it but E and I took A to a concert on Saturday to support and watch a dear friend perform in a band he's in. Check out Sleeperstar on iTunes!! Or go here http://sleeperstar.com/ (shameless plug for the ones I love.)




So today I had a realization that has probably taken me 15 years to figure out and in the most bizarre place I could ever think of it to happen. While standing on the scale. I almost put revelation, but it's not a revelation when it's been kind of clear as day to anyone who knows me. The last 6 weeks have been both hard and overall amazing for me. I'm eating healthier, I'm exercising more, I'm taking time for ME! Something I hardly ever allowed myself without feeling guilty. The results are a few pounds lost, more confidence in myself, less stress and way more energy than I've had in years and so so much more personally for me.

My goals seem attainable without outside help or motivation. I love running and going into the gym and even when I have my weird inner self confidence issues on how I look to others or go through my closet 3 times over to find something I'm comfortable in and making sure it's not a t-shirt EVERYDAY with my comfy jeans...it's not riddled with anxiety and panic.


I've accepted who I am on the outside and guess what...
I'M BEAUTIFUL.

(A took this pic of me on sat., my 2 year old is too smart)

I also have to just say to you, sweet reader that you are, that you are also BEAUTIFUL. I wish that we as a society had never put titles or labels on people or made beauty based on a number or a size. I've wasted so much life by worrying about those petty things. I've cried too many tears over it and my childhood was full of wayyyy too many bullies that I allowed to have power over me because I was just a different kind of beautiful, one that is suggested not to be accepted by people and for what reason?

So I embrace my stretch marks, my calves rock and I know some who wish they had my bust. My hair is awesome and my smile is cherished by my hubby and sweet daughter. I'm happy. I'm healthy and it's only getting better the more I allow myself to see and believe this.

I can only hope and pray you see this in yourself as well.

Stay Healthy!

HLC :)

And so it begins....

I signed up for another 5k in December and E will be joining me!

Now, I'm hooked for finding fun 5ks to do soon when a friend posted info on this one and now.....I'm STOKED.

http://thecolorrun.com/

I'm planning on running it possibly 3 times next year since the dates fit perfect for a few trips we already had planned. I'm also looking into a few of these.....again, I'm hooked.

http://www.thespeedwayrun.com/ - Nov. 12th

http://www.coxracingservices.com/holidayseries.html - Thanksgiving

Denton Reindeer Romp - Dec. 2nd

First 5k!!

If this weekend could have been any busier, I may have had to call in from life tomorrow!


Well, I'm here. Which can only mean one thing. I SURVIVED MY FIRST 5k! :)


I must say I had such a blast! The people were great, the weather was perfect and aside from a little mud, the trail was awesome (concrete, gravel, mud, grass, small hills and more!). I wish I had taken more pictures that entire morning but I only got one of Michelle and I after the race while we were snacking on some yummy Panera Bread bagels.

I got up at 6:15am, showered, ate a banana and then got nervous. I probably tried on 9 different tops and judged myself in the mirror about each one before settling on my oh so comfy and over worn laps for little ones tee to go with my running Capri's. Then it was go time! I walked to the race since it was being hosted at the park close to my home, I used that 10min walk as a pump it up time and warm-up with some good pacing and funky music.

Met up with Michelle who looked so adorable in all her "Yeah, I'm pregnant!" glow as we decided our best way to tackle this 5k and started chit chatting with a few fellow runners she knew from her running class (Seriously thinking of joining one). Since Michelle is pregnant we decided to just have fun and walk the entire 5k rather than the 1-mile walk, although Michelle did assure me over and over again to just "Go for it if you feel the need!" but to be honest I was just excited that I was there and actually completing something I set out to do!!!!

We chatted about running goals, past experiences, friends, relationships, church, faith and pregnancy stuff and enjoyed a wonderful cool morning with not a cloud in the sky. So amazing and so needed. It truly just fueled my fire to be more active in the jogging community. There's a 5k this weekend in Denton but I'm not going to do it due to previous plans but I am very much looking forward to the Reindeer Romp and Turkey Trot.

My official end time was 49min 50sec http://http://www.eteamz.com/racechiptiming/files/joj.htm#20

Yeah, for walking the entire thing I'm pretty proud of myself. Come next month when E and I do a Thanksgiving run...I'll be running the 5k so we'll see how I improve from then. :)

I must also mention that as soon as I walked back home, I changed shirts and socks and made my way back out the door to the Texas State Fair and did not return home until after midnight! That's 16 hours on my feet (meh, take off maybe 2 hours for sitting) and in steady motion.

My calves hate me today. I mean H-A-T-E me. I love it. HA

Let the addiciton take flight, I love this extra energy!

-HLC

Free For All Friday

Crazy week for my family. Lots of things happening so I'm off a bit, forgive? Sure ya do.
I will say that I am super excited because my very FIRST 5k is tomorrow with a sweet friend of mine. Expect a awesome entry this weekend on that. Very much achieving a personal goal this weekend. One of many...


It's October already! Sheesh, time is flying by. I'm excited about decorating this weekend and getting ready for A's Halloween as I will be in NC with my sister who had a BEAUTIFUL baby girl today!!! (Check out the deets on my family blog)

October Running Mix- Enjoy and Share! (Yes, I'm in a old school vibe mixed with my indie tone)

1. "Monster Mash" - Bobby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt Kickers
2. "Here Comes The Sun" - The Beatles
3. "Sexy and I know it" - LMFAO
4. "Kick Drum Heart" - The Avett Brothers
5. "Chop & Change" - The Black Keys
6. "This is Halloween" - Citizens of Halloween, Nightmare Before Christmas
7. "Runaway Baby" - Bruno Mars
8. "Call it what you want" - Foster the People
9. "Love Shack" - B-52's
10. "Feel Good Inc." - Gorilliaz
11. "11th Dimension" - Julian Casablancas
12. "Read My Mind" - The Killers
13. "You're Not Stubborn" - Two Door Cinema Club
14. "You Get What You Give" - New Radicals
15. "500 miles"- The Proclaimers
16. "Larger Than Life" - Backstreet Boys
17. "Sweet Dreams (are Made of this) - Eurythmics
18. "How it Ends" - DeVotchKa

Very random songs I put together but it seems to fit my life right now as well as my workouts. My runs are weird since I seem to be more treadmill then free run lately which makes me sad. Just me being lazy and not getting up when I should. Tsk...Tsk...

I truly don't have much to touch on. I will say, I plan on adding a few more quotes and noteworthy things I've stumbled upon lately as well as FINALLY getting some recipes going on with some pictures. Who doesn't like food sharing?!

Enjoy your Friday and be sure to check back this weekend (Sunday).
- The HLC

Body Image Tuesday!

This is what a month of healthy eating, steady exercises, limited sodas and more sleep looks like.

10 pounds slimmer!

Yep, after weighing in yesterday I stood there slack jawed a bit then fought back a huge urge to cry. It seems almost too easy how steady the weight has been coming off of me and I'm noticing other little "bonuses". I have more energy, I can run farther than ever, my skin looks better, I'm not nearly as bloated as usual, my hair looks healthier and mood is more positive.

I rewarded myself today with a 2 hour butt-kicking at the gym alongside E and a yummy picnic lunch from Subway today. :)

Seeing as how I hardly EVER stick with anything(not on purpose), I'm pretty freaking proud of myself right now. I know I have a ways to go to get to my goal weight/healthy lifestyle but for a months worth of commitment and transition, the results are better than I ever thought they would be.

Keep it up folks, put yourself first, stand firm even on lazy days and do not let bad choices rob you of being healthy and living a full life!

-Healthy Living Chick

Simple Sunday

Nothing big to post. Just wanted to share a few things I am currently obsessed with and few cool things about my week. That's the beauty of "Simple Sundays".

I lost another 2 pounds at my last weigh in. I gained 2 though the week before so I'm back to 175. I'm not deterred though, still very proud of each pound and will be honest, I hardly worked out or watched what I ate this week. No regrets, it is what it is and I'm not strapped to a single diet or a scale.

I have a new music crush and am loving them during my walks/runs. Check out TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB. If you like catchy beats and something to get you movin and groovin', I think you'll love these guys.

It's officially Fall-like weather in Texas. Highs this weekend in the mid 80's! A and I made a pallet on the deck and stayed there for over 4 hours playing and enjoying the sunshine. I also went through my closet and I have ZERO fall/Winter clothes. I've bought A a few things so far but it looks like I will be needing new clothes soon, add in a trip to NC in 3 weeks to be with my sister as she has her 1st baby....might be shopping sooner than I'd like.

Anyone else LOATHE clothes shopping? I wish I could be girlie in my clothes and come up with awesome looks and be up to date with the world of fashion but I've sadly fallen into 2 categories....The jeans and Tee Mom look and the Running shorts/Capri's and tee look....I'm in one or the other...

I wish I could share the neatness of my town. Denton has some really awesome places to try and one of them is Beth Marie's Old Fashioned Ice Cream http://www.bethmaries.com/. I went 3 times this week for my absolute FAVORTIE ice cream flavor "Bees Nees". It's vanilla ice cream with Lavender and Honey. So wonderful and as much of an addict of all things lavender, the honey is whats the seller in this ice cream. Wish I could share it with the world.


I'm also on this new self-educate mission on Veggies. No, not Bob and Larry Boy veggies, but the edibile kind that a lot of people limit in their diets in todays America. I'm looking for a book or a site that tells you about all veggies and how to cook with them. With a community garden one street away I've been walking through it lately and have been so impressed with some amazing looking squash, eggplant,zuccinni,peppers and other weird looking veggies I've never bought fresh let alone cooked with. I'm eating more in my diet, I just want to be able to buy more fresh and locally grown and not let them go to waste because I don't know what to do with them. Not going Vegan mind you, just wanting more veggies to eat for my family.

So there you have it. I'm currently watching the Hallmark Channel (In a tee and running capri's) and getting my dork side on with some "Love Comes Softly" movies. Frozen grapes by my side.

Yeah, I love Sundays.

Life Well Lived Vol. 2

This week has been off for me. Not much on exercising or healthy eating and I'm just overly tired lately. I hate that! Hopefully E will give me a break with A tomorrow and I can hit the gym for a solid hour. I'm craving it along with a wonderful 3 mile run/walk in this awesome Fall weather Texas is finally getting. *knock on wood*

So, with my last "LWL" list I kept it pretty basic and now sitting here I am trying to sort out what awesome 3 things in my life to post about and curiously wondering if I have photographic evidence of any experiences. Let's see what I can come up with. What's YOUR "Life Well Lived" list this week?

Thanks again to the awesome http://www.kelseytoney.com/ for this fantastic idea.

LIFE WELL LIVED. Vol-2

I'm a Fur Mommy-
Yes, I am one of THOSE people who consider their pets to be not animals but small furry children. My whole life I've always had tons of pets (lots of strays found me or my brother). These two here have had my heart since 2005/2006

This handsome guy is Gustave Mufasa Hartfield Aka- "Gus"

I swear he acts more like a dog the majority of the time. He's a total mama's boy and loves to cuddle with me and snuggle and trip me almost daily. E brought him home for my birthday a few months after we were married and living an hour from "Home". I was miserable and homesick and not adjusting to the new city at all and Paris had gained 15lbs in our tiny 2 window apartment! He has helped me through many a cry-fest and bad day just by nudging me or climbing in my lap to paw at my face for attention.

Then of course we have Paris Nikole Hartfield Aka- Paris, or "Mae" or "Mouse".

I rescued Paris on a ridiculously cold night in the boonies of Paris, Texas where a friend of mines mom lived on a Ranch. Evan was driving the whole 4 hours from Denton to Paris in the middle of then night to spend the weekend with us so I was outside with 8 dogs on the phone when I kept hearing little cries (I thought it was a bobcat) down by the pond. Turned out to be a very tiny, very dirty and very scared ball of fur with giant eyes. She was all fur. I remember trying to feed her with an eye dropper and washing her in a huge mixing bowl because she had dirt and mud caked everywhere. She is all about Evan. She is reclusive during the day and tends to hide from A but when daddy gets home she's at the door and rubbing her wet nose all over him. E acts like he hates her and finds her annoying but he loves the attention from her.

They are my babies. We almost lost them when we were homeless for a few months but if you read my family blog, you already know the whole story and the amazing happy ending we got at the end of June. :)

I'm a Donor-

I'm a registered Organ donor as well as registered on the National Marrow Donor Program @ Be The Match. I've been contacted once in the 3 years I've been registered but wasn't a complete match. I also donate Blood at least twice a year. You never know what kind of an impact you can be until you're the one in need. It's easy to join, think about it.

Get informed and join these organizations!

http://www.marrow.org/

http://www.carterbloodcare.org/

http://donatelife.net/

I Paint on the side-

I'm a mom, a wife, a friend and family person...I'm busy and do not get much "Alone Time". With this new Healthy Living transition I have found that time in excercising and educating myself on eating healthy, etc. However, one of my hidden loves is painting. Started as a venting experiment E did for me with a horrible work situation. His family is very artsy and it has rubbed off on me in a big way I guess. I've commisioned a few pieces (still baffled that people would pay me for something I do for fun). E makes the canvas for me and I just spend time outside in the sun and get to creating whatever I want. Here's a pic of an older piece, I really need to update my photos of my artwork.

So there you have it, volume 2 of my "Life Well Lived." What's your 3 this week?

Monday's Musings

What is it about vacation that makes you totally lose focus on your routine? I swear I did more than I normally do in a day but I also ate more than I do and I never counted a single calorie all weekend. It'll be interesting when I weigh in later today to say the least.


I must stop and give myself a pat on the back and for a few of you who know me well may get a giggle out of this for me...others....well, you may not understand why this is a HUGE thing for me. I actually packed workout clothes for this vacation and I did indeed workout twice at the resorts gym. Yep. There I was in my workout glory on vacation sweating it up and oohing and ahhhing and begging E to buy me a super fancy treadmill and elliptical machine so I can feel snarky and get fit quicker without worrying about making other resort guests shudder as they passed the wall of glass and witnessed me running in my new spandex running Capri's and baggy Texas Longhorn tee.


It was so rewarding. E and I used every machine they offered while his parents watched A for us. I doubt I have ever pushed myself that hard in over an hour of time but I was determined to not let those rich desserts and huge platters of food I had enjoyed during the day get the better of me when I was weighing in and back to the reality that vacations never last long enough. I was tempted to take pictures but I only kept that for family time and not the ridiculous blogger in me going "Nobody will believe smore's look like this or are this huge!" or even "E, can you take a picture of me in my sweaty messiness to show proof that I actually worked out? Make sure to get a butt shot in these new running Capri's too...I look awesome in them!"


Yeah...those convos did actually take place in my mind.....

Moving right along....


I also MUST share some fun news. I joined an amazing blog community and am now listed with TONS of amazing people blogging for the sole purpose of sharing Living Healthy and taking care of ourselves by being active, eating healthy and living life to the best we possibly can. Be sure to check them all out at http://healthylivingblogs.com/


I think once I get enough followers on here I may start doing some fun things like give-aways and challenges. I seriously have some big plans for this blog and this is officially my "2nd baby" as E likes to jokingly refer to it. I'm also looking into having this it's own website and breaking free of the blogger style of it all. We'll see where this leads me. I started this as an outlet of my weight loss journey and helpful tool into our transition into living healthy and taking care of ourselves better as a family. As long as I keep enjoying this then I'll keep it up.


How was your weekend? Do anything fun?
I'll share a pic of A & I on vacation this weekend. Enjoy.

10 Things Thursday!

Thursdays Top Ten List.

1. I've lost 2 more pounds! Yes, drinking lots of water and portion control officially work for me....Doing at least an hour of exercises helps too....

2. I'm all about sharing things I find. So for all you iPhone owners, check out these apps to help motivate, educate and documate (yeah, I tried) your progress.

• 
  
  RunKeeper- Tracks your runs, time, duration, peaks and lows and even maps out your route using a easy GPS as well as playing any play list you create through your iTunes.


• 
  
  MyFitnessPal- Watching calories, tracking weight loss? Use this app to keep you up to date on what your eating how how many calories are in so many meals you don't make at home.


• 
  
  BodyFitness- Not sure how to do a certain workout? Don't have the luxury of a gym membership? This app shows you each body area you can work on, the workout routine and step by step instructions to show you how to do it correctly.

3. I'm doing the Tone It Up Challenge. Check out their youtube or twitter, these gals are awesome and it's so easy to do and stay true to.

4. I'm ready for a 5k! I'm currently looking for one in my area around November. Not looking to make any goals or set a certain time, I just want to do one to say "I Did It!".

5. Jogging stroller will be purchased next week, I'm so excited about this, it's a little on the obsessive side.

6. New Band obsession. Two Door Cinema Club. Check them out and fall for these guys like I did. I am so loving them getting me groovy on my runs.

7. I'm new to running as much as I am and Fall is officially starting. What do you wear to run when it's cooler outside? What are some of your fave brands and where do you shop for your workout gear? I'm curious.

8.Check out this months Real Simple magazine and snag the 30 yummy and easy recipes they have along with tear out grocery lists for everything you need to make them. I'm so excited about some of these meals....getting A to actually try one...well, that would be a Christmas Miracle.

9. This has been my verse of scripture for my week so I wanna share it.: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6, 7).

10. I'll be away from the blog-world until Tuesday as I go on a mini-vacay with my family. Enjoy this wonderful fall weather, go outside, be active and then repeat the next day. Be good to yourself.

-HLC

Something New.... Life Well Lived Vol.1

I came across a fellow blogger today and am LOVING her method of sharing life's joy. So...I'm going to go with it. I'm going to post a weekly "Life Well Lived" post, sharing a few things I have done in my life that make my life....well lived.
Check out her blog, spread the word and the love....

http://www.kelseytoney.com/

I'll start with the basics....

I married my high school sweetheart:

Truth be told, E and I didn't start dating until after we were both out of high school. However, we met on the first day of my Sophomore year and his Junior year. We had Chemistry together *ba dum dum*. I had the HUGEST crush on him for years but he acted like a boy and played dumb until 4 years later when he found me on campus at UNT and learned I was there to meet a guy I had just started dating the week before. (funny how that worked out) We were very good friends for those 4 years and people wondered if we were dating so to me I think of him as my High School sweetheart. We've been married almost 6 years, together for 8 and friends for 11!

I'm a MOMMY:

A @ 5months old.

A @ 2.5 years old.

This is A. She is by far my GREATEST accomplishment in life (so far). She came into the world 5 weeks early 12-19-08, tiny as could be and with no instructions whatsoever! She'll be 3 this December. They say parenthood changes you in a thousand little ways and it is the absolute truth. She has made me a better person and has made me think of how I do things in ways I never saw coming. I could not ask for more. It's the best job ever! E and I are pretty cool parents...if I may say so....

I'm a Runner:

If you had met me or known me almost 2 years ago and told me I would be running in fun runs and training for 5ks and loving it, I would have laughed in your face! But thanks to my sweet friend, Therese http://thereseandross.blogspot.com/ got me into running and then moved off to Mission, Ks shortly after. Leaving me with no running buddy or mentor to show me the ropes. :P (haha, just teasing Therese, I love you). Since we recently moved back to our hometown I live in walking distance to North lakes park which has a great running trail and my neighborhood is perfect for my early morning runs! Love it. If you read my blog, you already know my running goals and ambition to do more 5ks.

You got a LWL list you wanna share? Send it my way or to Kelseys blog. I'm also going to pass this over to my family blog. Have you checked that one out yet? It's more personal and me being me in all my mommy/wifey glory. :)

Enjoy your Sunday,

HLC

Music Saturday

September Running Mix.
(Check out Augusts Running Mix on my "Current Running Mix" Page)


1. "What the water gave me"- Florence+The Machine
2. "Ours"-The Bravery
3. "This Little Light"- Addison Road
4. "What Part of Forever"- Cee Lo Green
5. "Party Rock Anthem"- LMFAO
6. "Digital Love"-Daft Punk
7. "Run"-Snow Patrol
8. "Waste"- Foster The People
9. "Everybody's changing"- Keane
10. "Life on Earth"- Band of Horses
11. "Bliss"- Delirious?
12. "Nonfiction Love Song"- Jillian Edwards (A's new fave, so catchy)
13. "Try"- Jillian Edwards (one of my faves of hers)
14. "Marchin' On"- One Republic
15. "Texas Rain"- Sleeperstar
16. "Who Says"- Selena Gomez and the Scene
17. "Change in the Making"-Addison Road
18. "The Final Countdown"-Europe (seriously, last 5 minutes of a run, this song is where it's at! haha)

Que Rocky Music.....

First run in over a week due to being under the weather but MAN ALIVE! I feel so good right now. I doubt there is a better feeling then right after a workout, you just feel at such a peak and like the pain and soreness will be worth it the next day :).

My goal is to do a 5k in under 40min, right now I average about 55min so it's a work in progress especially since I am only running at 1-2min intervals between 3 minutes of walking. Just taking it day by day. I'm doing so much better than I thought I would be a year ago (With a 6 month hiatus).

What workout do you do to pump yourself? What are some exercises goals you have conquered?

Also, any Mommy's out there with a jogging stroller? I am in serious talks of getting one within the next 3 weeks to take A out and about with me (so I can go out more and not wait on E to be home). Any recommendations?

I know I have a few new recipes to share with you guys and I meant to post them for Nom Nom Wednesday but I didn't get time. I'll share them later tonight. If you know of any good healthy and easy to make recipes, please share some. I'm looking for some new ones.

I'll also post Septembers running mix up tonight as well.

Stay Healthy!

-HLC

Just Sayin'

AMEN.

Free For All Friday!

TGIF.

I'm looking forward to the weekend, I get to be outdoors with my family more and it also means early morning runs and the farmers market tomorrow. I'm currently jonesing for some sweet blueberry's so I can make some muffins tomorrow. True, I could walk to the Kroger up the street and buy some but so help me, the ones I pick from the farmers market are 10X's better and about 1/2 the price I'd pay for store bought.

I must say, since my family started this living healthy transition I fell into the mindset of counting calories as being a must, working out was a must and eating only this and that was a must. Forgive me, that was stupid. If you wanna go and live that way and it works for you, AWESOME. For me and my family though, it's just miserable. I've learned over the past 2 weeks it's simply about a few key things.

* Drinking plenty of water
* Getting enough sleep!
* Working out when it fits into YOUR schedule.
* Simply knowing the right version of what you want to eat and having healthy options.
* Not skipping meals.

There's much to learn when it comes to being healthy and you will get so much advice handed to you from family and friends. Simply do what you feel is right for you and try things until you know what works for you. I'm not counting calories or dwelling on the weight loss part of this transition for me. If I'm taking care of my body by exercising and eating healthy, the weight will take care of itself. I do love hearing what works for others but I also just have to say, to each his own. Don't judge me for what I choose to do for my family, I won't judge you for doing what you do for yours.

Just live healthy! Just live. :)

I plan on doing just that......

Body Image Tuesday

I'll admit, I wimped out of taking self portraits today to show myself as I am now, week one in my weight loss journey. I guess the mirror just got to me a bit too much this afternoon and before I started crying I simply put the camera down and promised myself I'd do it next week.

I will, too!

It's not so much that I look horribly overweight, I hide it well. In fact, most people wouldn't believe I weight close to 180, maybe it's the boobs? Needless to say though that since having A, I am not keeping the extra weight in the same areas and it's noticeable enough to get my attention as well as E's. I will also be the first to admit I am not a diet person or am I an avid exerciser or health nut.

Which will change over time. I mean, it's been a week and I have made several changes to my diet and I am now exercising daily.

Start weight: 179lbs-8/29/11
Goal Weight: 155lbs-1/1/12
Today's Weight: 177lbs-9/6/11

2 whole pounds in a week!!! Yes, it may seem small but it's still a victory for me. I'm aware I'll have bad weeks and setbacks but the fact that I am actually pursuing this lifestyle now and it's already showing just helps keep me motivated to stick with it.

I also like going to the gym with my family. Working out with E today was a first and yet, it wasn't uncomfortable or frustrating. We did our own thing, helped each other with some machines and made a mini-race on the treadmill in which I didn't win but the trainer said I had better form and stamina.

Here was my workout today (I doubt I'll be able to walk tomorrow):
3 miles on treadmill
5.69 miles on recumbent cycle (my fave machine)
2 sets of 20 on weight bench for shoulders and arms at 40lbs.
1 set of 20 on hamstrings at 50lbs.
2 sets of 20 squats


It's not so much about how much I lose and how fast I lose it, or is it about how much I can do at the gym...for me it's about liking what I see about myself physically which as of last week is not a lot. I do not have much self-confidence in my appearance and it's what makes up 1/3 of who I am so it's important to me to be accepting of this. Like my motto...."If you can't love yourself, who can you love?"

I love a lot of things about myself, but when it comes to how I look in the mirror....I'm lacking the love. Which is why I started Healthy Living Chick.

I'll end this Body image Tuesday with 5 things I love about myself(physically), be sure to share with me your 5 self loves as well.

1. I love my blue eyes, they are my best physical feature (in my opinion).
2. I love my scar on my forehead, yes it looks like a huge dot between my eyes but it adds personailty!
3. I love my calves, I'm only 5'5 which doesn't give me much in the leg department but my calf muscles have always looked good and helped my legs look tone.
4. I love my boobs. After years of hating them for being bigger than I personally wanted and being picked on because of them, I always tried to cover them up. I even had a breast reduction to help but it wasn't until I was pregnant with A that I accepted my womans body and fell in love with my bra size for once. :)
5. I love my spotty freckles. Yes, I still have some childhood freckles over the high part of my cheeks where the corners of my eyes meet, I have always loved them.

Mondays Musing.

Simple Sunday at it's best.

Yes, Sundays are amazing. It is the day of rest after all. What's even better about today's Sunday though? It's just the hump-day for a 3 day weekend! Yes, tomorrow is a holiday and E doesn't have to work and either do I. Add that Texas is finally below 100* after a ridiculous summer and the high for tomorrow is only 86*...YEAH.

I can officially start running outside again and not look like I'm about to collapse on the side of the street!

It also means Fall is on it's way and it just so happens to be my favorite season of all. :) Interesting to see how I pull this fall off without indulging into all the amazing treats and eats it brings around, let alone the holiday season when we'll be traveling a lot for once.

Tomorrow will be a BIG first for me too. I get to go to the Gym for the first time ever and workout. YIKES. I also will be with E who in the 11 years of knowing me and 6 years of marriage has only worked out with me....twice. Interesting to see how this works out.

Do you go to a gym? What workout do you do? Machines of your choice? Help a Gym Newb out.

In closing I just want to share 3 things I have fallen in love with this week. I'm a promoter of things I find and love so get used to this...

First up, this amazing Soda. I've seen it somewhere before from a friend but I can't remember who. I've never tried it but it was on sale at Sprouts and so I bought it in Ginger Ale and in Creamy Root beer. Yummy yummy yummy but the sugar count is INSANE!

Next up is something I used to pitch a fit about when I worked at Panera bread back in the day... Sprouts. YUCK. I seriously found them annoying but until recently I had only tried them once or twice and to me they just tasted like crunchy dirt? haha. I bought this at the local grocery store and had them on an amazing sandwich for lunch and a wrap last night. Super good and with a hint of spice that E and I both liked.

And finally, our dinner from last night that was homemade and not store bought or delivered for once. I loved it and so did A which says a lot because she is one picky toddler. Easy to make and quick!

Margherita pizza with fresh tomatoes and basil. Delicious and as I said, even A loved it.

Have a great Monday, friends.

That Awkward First Post.

Here....We.....Go!

It's official. Healthy Living Chick Blog is now up and running. Now what am I supposed to do?

I know I was supposed to start yesterday after my announcement but truth is, I wound up getting into a huge mind-freak over how I would kick off this new chapter in my life. Don't you hate that!? I mean, the reality of my family's healthy living transition is real. We cleaned out the pantry, re-stocked with non junk, educated ourselves with some books and ventured into new stores to find the said non junk items, we joined a gym, etc. But for this blog and it's original purpose I feel like once I get started I may let people down and that's not what this is about.

So, here's some standard things.

• I am NOT a professional dietician, nutrionist, excercise expert. I am simply a 26 year old woman who stopped putting herself first and is finally ready to make a change in her life and in her family's life so we may be better and healthier. If your looking to lose weight, start running, bettering yourself, etc. Talk to a professional first and do your research. I'm just here to help inspire and give a few laughs as I share my personal journey.

• This is a Blog. Therefore, I may or may not post everyday. It's for me to choose. What I post, what I learn, what I share is all up to me. I'm doing this for me. If you don't like it, if you don't agree with something, I'm all ears. I love feedback and I love learning new things so please don't hesitate to share your thoughts or feelings on anything I may post. You choose to read it just like I choose to post it.

• My Blog is open to the public masses right now. I will be sharing personal pictures and info on occasion so I only ask that you be respectful of that and ASK before using or taking or sharing anything of a personal matter to me. (i.e- pictures of my family, pictures of me). I sadly have had a past issue with this and ended up going private for awhile and I want this blog to be available for others who are where I am in life and need encouragement and motivation. So Please, be respectful.

• If you like what you find here, pass me along to other friends. Sharing is caring.

So those are the basics I guess. My goal for this blog is for it to be fun, informative and inspiring for others. I'm no expert on ANYTHING in here (check back in a year then we'll see.). I'm new to this, new to it all and feel like it's a foreign country to be honest and I have no map or translator.

I've also, in a weird attempt to make this fun for eveyone, have come up with themes for certain posts on certain days.

Monday's Musings

Body Image Tuesday

Nom Nom Wednesday

Ten Things Thursday

Free For All Friday

Music Saturday

Simple Sunday

For each day, I'll have something to share on the topic as well as a regular post, it may not be a DAILY thing but the days I do post I will stick with the theme. That way I can share workouts, music I jam to, recepies I've tried, my weight loss journey, my soap box episode (haha) and more. I'm excited about this, this weekend was a first on a number of levels as far as choosing what to buy, preparing a healthy meal, sticking with a workout, and eating a set amount of calories rather than what we used to do. Also, my family has for the most part enjoyed some of the changes that have been made. I'm aware it can't happen over night but seeing as we're 3 days in and we're not crying or dying...I'd say this is looking to be a very good start.

What are some things you'd like to see on my blog?

Just a Friendly Reminder...

Work-In-Progress.

Check back Saturday for the "Grand Opening".

-HLC