Romantic Chicken Piccata Dinner

A while back I put together this romantic meal on our back porch to celebrate both our two-month Anniversary and hubby's first day at his new job. He had no idea I was preparing this and was thrilled to be the one being romanced. Hey, girls can do it just a well! My only regret is starting too late and missing the sunset. :( But it was still a lovely evening.

The chicken piccata I made was based on recipes from these two sources:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-piccata-with-capers-10000001227898/
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chicken_piccata/
It was delicious and I would definitely make it again (however, next time I think I'll go easy on the butter and capers).

Knitting Patterns Inspired by Jane Austen Novels?!

Knitting Patterns Inspired by Jane Austen Novels?! How wonderful! You can buy the Magazine here.

I especially like the very masculine patterns for Fitz and Frederick. I may need to buy this magazine for myself.

My First "Plarn" Experience

I've been anxiously waiting for some yarn that I ordered over eBay to come in so that I can start my next knitting project. In the meantime, I decided to try something a little different.

I stumbled across this knitting pattern (via Ravelry.com) for a shopping bag made entirely of used plastic supermarket bags. I started last night and this is my progress so far:

How fun! I used the "Loop Method" for creating "plarn" (yarn made of plastic bags). This method is recommended because the yarn is two-ply and thus sturdier than other one-ply plarn. It was my first time trying an "in the round" project so I've learned a lot (this tutorial was helpfull). I messed up a lot but fortunately this bag doesn't need to look pretty. If I were to ever do this again, I think I'd use smaller needles.

You can view my Ravelry profile here.

Today Is A Good Day to Change

When I was 14 I had abs like a brick wall and could compete with any boy at any sport. Now, at twenty-two, not so much. I have no energy, I'm slowly getting flabbier, I breakout constantly and I have little motivation. And, I have "activity-induced asthma." I've been needing a change for a long time.

These two chicks inspired me to make that change today.

Source

This quote moved me deeply. I don't want that to happen to me. I want to be able to look back and be proud of the person I was at my peak.

Source

Her goal was obviously not weight loss, it was health. That's what I need.

What I Want:

• More energy
• Rock-hard abs
• Toned arms and legs
• Clear skin
• Less miscellaneous body aches
• Better posture
• Better mood
• Self-respect

How am I going to get it?

...That's more difficult to answer. My main barriers are motivation and consistency. But fortunately the internet is full of great suggestions. Like this one...

Women's Health Mag via My not so secret obsession
Put one dollar in a jar every time you complete a workout. When you achieve your fitness goal, use the money to treat yourself! a massage, a cute pair of skinny jeans, etc.

I'm going to put this into practice!

My first short-term goal will be: To be able to do 10 pull-ups. (I can't even do one now)

My reward will be: A full-body massage. (one of my most favorite things in the world!)


I really like this exercise plan:

Melavond via Anything-Pretty

And since I have that little problem pouch (and its Tuesday), I'm going to attempt to do these:

Fitness Magazine via The Stirring Place

Flat Back
Targets: Rectus and transversus abdominis

Sit on floor with lower back against a wall, knees slightly bent and feet planted wider than shoulder-width apart. Place hands on floor between legs and squeeze abs.
Press into floor with fingertips and lift feet about 6 inches. Make it easier: Lift and lower left foot; then repeat with right to complete 1 rep.
Do 3 sets of 20 reps.

And last but not least, my body befores:

And can you believe it? I don't even own a scale or a measuring tape. I'll have to get back to you on that. For now, I'm off to have a jog around the block (if I can).

Way Too Much Food For Three People

My sister came to visit a couple weeks ago so we decided to cook a big family dinner. I think we went a little overboard. We still have left-over ham sitting in our fridge!

That night we had barely made a dent.

This Life

Graphics By Coco

A Haircut For Any Length

Finally! A guide for getting through those "in-between" length months. I stumbled across this on Pinterest.com, I just wish I knew the original source!

Via Beauty