Sizzlin Savage's

WW Recap....

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:48:00 +0000

Ok, so last weekend I have no idea what got into me..... but Matt and I threw out any sort of good eating plan for like 2 days. I haven't actually done such a awful binge like that since January! But I paid for it because Monday morning I had a 2 pound weight gain! EEK! I started this week with 161.4 again and not the 159.4 I was last Friday. This week I tried really hard and I am glad to say I weighed in at 158 this morning. Technically via WW that is a 1.4 pound loss but if you count the weight I had to "re-loose" that is a 3.4 pound loss! I am so stupid sometimes, if I hadn't gone off the rails then my today would have been an even better day! WW says I have lost 10% of my body weight! So.....ok then!

I have to tell you all that when I fall of the wagon or get discouraged you my friends and family make me want to jump right back on. I love the encouragement I get from everyone and I would not be doing as well without you! So Thank you!

Next week is my first week of work and I have my Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and dinner planned out so I think it could take time to get a new routine together.....hopefully not but we will see how WW translates. Wish me luck!

I have not been doing a great job at posting my WW meals or taking pictures of what I have been eating to share but I thought I would share the links to some of my favorite WW recipes as of late! Trust me they are so good!!!!

* Roasted Red Pepper and Mozzarella stuffed chicken HERE! This was SO good that I am making it again when Matt's parents come to visit. And like the recipe I served mine with Asparagus!

* Mexican "Un-fried" ice cream from SkinnyTaste HERE! Just do it!

* My favorite coconut shrimp recipe also from SkinnyTaste! I don't even like coconut but this is amazing......HERE!

* Skinny no-bake peanut butter pie! I loved this so much see it HERE!

Friends follow me and my WW boards on Pinterest HERE!

TGIF!

4 more days...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:05:00 +0000

Sorry I was MIA yesterday but this week has been really weird. This week I am trying to enjoy my last week before going back to work full time but that hasn't happened yet. I am cleaning and seem to be spending most of these days thinking about what I need to be doing rather than what I would like to be doing. Next Friday Matt's parents are coming to visit for Memorial Weekend so I am trying to get everything done that is humanly possible so I won't worry about anything next week! That way next week I can just focus on the fun that awaits me at the end of my first week.
As you can see I am a lover of lists! Charts, Lists, Flow charts, To-do's.....you name it! It helps to always have a plan, so says me.
Sadly though this week has been plagued with migraines everyday and it is really getting me down. You see I can't just worry about if I will like my new job, I worry about how I will feel everyday. It is a fact that working at a computer and less sleep raises my migraines a lot....it has always been that way! So even though I am trying my best to be positive I am scared about my health and how that will fit into my new life.
I just hope that during these last 4 days I can break thru my "rut/migraines/lists" and be able to not only get everything done but enjoy sometime with Matt before Monday morning at 8am!
Thanks for listening friends!

Fly Away...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:46:00 +0000

Tully Hart has always been larger than life, a woman fueled by big dreams and driven by memories of a painful past. She thinks she can overcome anything until her best friend, Kate Ryan, dies. Tully tries to fulfill her deathbed promise to Kate---to be there for Kate’s children---but Tully knows nothing about family or motherhood or taking care of people......

Fly Away is the long awaited sequel to a book that I loved...And a book my Book Club loved. You can catch up on Firefly Lane HERE!
I love Kristin Hannah, she is an author that if you are in a rut you can pick up anything she has written and feel the comfort of a good book. How did the sequel stack up? Hmm....overall I am left with a good feeling for the book and the characters but it wasn't always easy to read. This book switches back and forth between 3 different "times"....like 10 years ago, 2 years ago and present. It is also told thru all the characters eyes.......... and those "dot dot dots" are the only warning you get that the narrator is changing. So I felt like I had to spend several pages each time just trying to figure out what was happening and where this persons story last left off. The switching back and forth in the middle of chapters and spanning so much time....was just harder for me to find a connection.
Now if you have read Firefly Lane then yes, read this....it is a great story but it is just told in a more confusing way than I would of liked!

Working Girl.....

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:25:00 +0000

When Matt and I moved here ONE year ago (Holy Crap 1 year ago) we did not intend to have a one income household. That was never the plan but then again things never really go our way. When I lost my job due to the move last summer I didn't push finding another right away....Why?
-I was helping Matt with his office
-We had several trips to Okc planned for family events and no one likes the employee who asks off too much
-And we had some changes with Matt's position we were focusing on.

Fast forward to Jan 1, I hit the ground running. For the past 5 months I have applied to hundreds of jobs, did multiple interviews/phone interviews and it seemed like I was either too qualified or not enough. We really need for me to have a job and after so many prayers and dead ends I was offered a job last week. I waited to share this news because I needed to process this myself. One thing I have learned about myself since this move is I need adequate time to process change. I had to realize that I am in a new place starting all over again essentially......so I realize that......and this new job is at a great company where I will focus on our future and start from the bottom like a champ.

I start next Monday and this company is a manufacturing company of professional kitchens. They supply and install kitchens in grocery stores, fast food chains and places like the Cheesecake Factory. This company has been around for OVER 80 years which is awesome! I will be in the transportation department and here are a few things I will be doing:
- Setting up shipments and delivery of the kitchens
- Working with the Sales team to provide estimates
- Invoicing
- Inventory

I am so glad that I will be able to contribute to our household again and make things in our life run a little smoother. It will be a change, I worry about my migraines effecting my performance but I will take each day, one day at a time. The company is about 15miles from my house in a new area to me and I will see what Columbus rush hour is all about come next week! I am excited for you ALL to come on this new chapter of my life with me! Cheers!

Sperm Whales Brain...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:39:00 +0000

Hi guys......Friday is here again and I have to say I am excited to get out of bed on Friday so I can weight in. Yes, that does mean my expectations are up so the chances of being disappointed are great BUT I can't help it. Last week I was 161.4 and today I am 159.4 so I lost 2 pounds which brings me to 16.6 pounds or according to the list below....I lost a sperm whales brain. HA! I am not sure how some of the examples below are suppose to be something we can relate to but it's funny at least.

I am so anxious to reach 20.... I have 3.4 pounds to loose and I worry I am putting too many hopes into that number. I am going to continue what I am doing and when it happens, it happens. All I want is to be there by Memorial Day, we shall see...huh?

You know...I will tell you why I am so excited to have lost anything...why I am so proud of myself. Because I have never tried to loose weight before...ever. I am admitting that I am relatively lazy so this weight loss journey to me is incredible. I am not sure what my end goal weight is but I will know it when it happens. Thank you all for following me on this journey and not judging me on the scary numbers I reveal to you each week.
TGIF

Healthy Cookware.....

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:44:00 +0000

Sur La Table has always been one of my favorite stores and when we moved to Columbus I was so excited there was an actual store. They always have the best and latest culinary gadgets like my Breville Risotto maker I got for Christmas. For my Birthday I got the new Lekue healthy silicon cookware.

It seems hard to believe that you can have a healthy meal and even a dessert in under 10 minutes....but it is true! Last night was my first go......I cut up my squash and under the white tray (you can kind of see the white tray) you put in about 1 tablespoon of liquid, I used chicken stock. I cooked this in the microwave for 2 minutes......

Then I added my Tilapia filet and cooked this for another 2 minutes and YES that quick I had dinner! And yes, I added a raw piece of fish and yes it was ready in 2 minutes!

This was SOO good, it literally shocked me because it seems hard to believe. This product is made with surgical grade silicon so there is nothing that can contaminate your food. Lekue has a whole line of these healthy steamer pods and you can check them out HERE!

Since I am thinking I did not do the best at explaining my fun new gadget here is a video from Sur la Table...

Mothers Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:39:00 +0000

Mothers Day is THIS Sunday and don't worry if you still need a gift because I have you covered! There is still time to order something, just put that rush shipping into effect! I have tried to pick something for everyone at every price and something you will be proud to give!

* J Crew Jewels....

Lets be honest not everyone can afford J Crew baubles and thanks to Pinterest I found this great Etsy site for "J Crew Inspired" jewelry! I think we could all find something on this site! To visit click HERE!

* Handmade
Sometimes a handmade gift will mean more than any expensive gift ever could. I found this amazing idea on Pinterest but the original post seems to have been removed. But this doesn't look too hard.
How To Do:
This is a wonderful way to gift sentimental jewerly.... necklace, broach and even earrings!
Does your Mom have something she holds dear? A Heirloom piece of jewelry she holds on to?
Why not frame it? This is a frame with burlap inside and I am thinking there is some padding behind the burlap so your piece of jewelry has something to hold onto.
Why not write a personal note on the back on the frame in silver paint pen!

* Good Cause
We all know I love giving back and if your Mom does too then this is perfect! No. 41 is a charity in Africa I love and these beautiful handmade aprons are a wonderful gift. You can learn more about No. 41 and shop the site by clicking HERE! Want to add a little something extra? Tie a spatula onto the gift box bow!

* Foodie Find
I got this Slush maker for my Birthday from my aunt and it is so neat! In less than 7 minutes you can make a slush, frozen yogurt or even a milkshake. The best part is that this gift is under $20! You can find it at Williams Sonoma by clicking HERE! And I am sure you can use this to mix your favorite adult drinks as well! 2-for-1!

* Book Worm
Does the Mom in your life love to read? Then this is a great gift, I just loved everything about this book. Be sure to write a heartfelt note inside the cover before wrapping it up for Mom! You can get this book Here! You can read my review of this book HERE!

* Something Luxe
Olive and Cocoa is a beautiful site that has unique gifts that I LOVE! Anything from this site is a perfect gift for any occasion but these luxurious PJ's are sure to make Mom smile! You can buy these HERE!

* Something to hold onto
This pillow is a beautiful and personal gift that I love! What is great about this is that if you have siblings you can pitch in together when giving this personalized gift! And of course it is on my favorite gift site Red Envelope.......click HERE!

Hopefully you will find something you love here if not for Mothers Day then maybe a Birthday coming up in your life. You might need to forward this post on to the man in your life as well!!
Happy Wednesday Friends!

Whats in a name?

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:28:00 +0000

I am going to let you all in to my inner circle today, try to contain your excitement. You know me, I am always up for poking fun at myself or sharing embarrassing stories....today might fall in the "outer realm" of that.
Now, I know that people do this also.....I have discussed it with some friends.....but no one likes to admit to it. So just what am I talking about?
Nicknames! And not just for family but animals too. You know somehow we rarely remember how these names evolved or their origin but they stick around. I have several nicknames for my animals and I have even made up songs just for them. You are going to have to "sound out" some of the words since they are made up with no real spelling!!
Here are just a few things I refer to my family..................

* First up, Abner
Abby
Fabio
Foobee
Foo
Foobee-amangato (Mr. Roboto)
Chicken Buns

* My baby Ralph
Ralphie
Roo-bear
Roar-bear-to
Roo-berto (this must be said with a very spanish accent and a twirl of the tongue)
Pony (When I say "Roo's a Pony" he runs up and down the hall jumping and prancing like a pony)

* Callie, is my sister.....she celebrated her 12th Birthday last week.
Shawn
Shawn-shaw
Callica (this must be said with a very regal accent)
Calleee (emphasis on the "ee")

* Betsy is another sister I have that lives at Mom and Dads
Betsy Ross
Miss Ross
Diana Ross
Diana
My Supreme
Princess Diana (ya you like that evolution?)

*Isabella my love....
Bella
Belly
Bell
Mooshee
Moosh
Mooshee-Moo
Bellykins
Bella also has a few songs one being Nelly "Boots with the Fur" we have changed up some of the words to suite her better! :) And of course, she loves it!

* Oscar
Osk
Oskie
Oskie-Pants
Rownie (like row row your boat)
Rown
Je'brown
Pup
Puperoni
Pup-pup-puperoni......puppy pants (this must be sung like a song)
Rhino Buns
Pumpkin Loaf

* Marissa
Maroon (like the color)
Roonie
Ariel-ee

* Curtis

Curt

Curtidge-cheese-man (he hated that growing up)

Me?
*My family has called me Coley and my close friends have and some still do. I got this name when Marissa was a baby and couldn't say Nicole so Coley fit.
* Nickle - I got this when I weighted tables at Mickey Mantles, a good friend called me that

That is pretty much it and NO I never go by Nikki, that is just not me!
My family.....we also have a huge list of made up words and phrases that mean nothing to anyone but us and yup, we even know the definition of our made up words! Maybe one day I will share, if I can figure out how they would be spelled! haha!

Movie Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Saturday night Matt and I went to see Iron Man 3, a series we love! I was never a Robert Downey Jr fan until these movies and now I couldn't imagine anyone else as Iron Man. This movie was fun, funny, action packed and epic. Epic as in the "battle" scenes were crazy explosive. Was this sequel the best of the 3? I am not sure, the others seem so long ago...Matt said this one wasn't his favorite. If you love these Avengers, Wolverine, X-Men movies than you will love this one too!!

Last week Mom, Matt and I went to see Pain and Gain on my Birthday. Matt and I have been seeing this trailer before movies for a long time so it was on our "Go See" list. And???? Let me break it down for you....
1. This is a completely true story, so hard to believe but it is. Google it.
2. The "real guys" must be beyond flattered that they got Marky Mark and the Rock to play them in a movie. Trust me they weren't picked because they resemble the real criminals.
3. This movie might make you want to hit the gym. Might being the key word.
This movie was fun, not exactly what I thought it was going to be..... but fun. This is a movie where you are like "OMG, what now? No way".........for real! I think this might be a renter honestly. Did anyone else see this? Thoughts?

Sunday Social

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Sun, 05 May 2013 13:10:00 +0000

I was sitting here blog surfing when I came across Sunday Social....how fun! I usually am not a weekend blogger but why not? Today's topic is 4! This is a little hard because my "likes" always seem to be changing! Maybe you will learn something new about me and I do love a good list.........

* 4 Favorite Snacks
I will share with you my 4 favorite Weight Watchers snacks....
Apple, WW Smokey String Cheese, WW Toffee ice cream bars, grapes

* 4 Things I do daily
Make my bed (yes, everyday.....it makes me feel more organized and put together)
Talk to my Mom
Read
Take my vitamins

* 4 Favorite things I do on the weekends
Watch Movies
Go shopping or at least get out and window shop
Watch HGTV and be lazy each morning
Cook Sunday dinner for Matt and I

*4 things I would do with $100,000
Pay off ALL our debt
Put in wood floors in Casa Savage
Plan a wonderful vacation
Set aside some money for our savings account

*4 Favorite Books (You know how hard this is for me)
A Voice in the Wind, Francine Rivers
My Name is Memory, Ann Brashares
Winter Garden, Kristin Hannah
Shanghai Girls, Lisa See

* 4 of My Favorite Movies
Rock of Ages
Zero Dark Thirty
The Devil Wears Prada
Avatar

Happy Sunday Friends!

Tex Mex WW Style.....

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Sat, 04 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

In honor of Cinco de Mayo which is Sunday I made a yummy Tex Mex feast for Matt and I last night! I am sure you won't be shocked when I tell you I got this from my favorite site SkinnyTaste! It was so good I had a hard time keeping with my smaller portion!

This looks so gourmet and it was really easy .........

Fiesta Lime Rice you can see the original recipe with nutritional facts HERE!

1 1/2 cups cooked long grain rice ( TIP! I used brown rice where you heat the packet in the microwave....easy peasy)
3/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and heated
3/4 cup cooked corn, heated
1 large tomato, diced
1 large scallion, diced fine
2-4 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
salt to taste
TIP! I also added avocado and 1 tomatillo

In a large bowl, combine hot rice, heated corn, heated beans, tomato, scallion, cilantro, lime juice and salt if needed. Toss and serve

Salsa Verde Chicken Tostadas

I loved that this recipe called for a slow cooker those are the best kind! To see the recipe for the Salsa Verde chicken and the tostada recipe on SkinnyTaste click HERE!

Last night I made Matt and I's favorite dessert recipe..... WW cupcakes which are only 2points including icing!!!!!
Cake
1 Box cake mix- I used French Vanilla
1 Can Sprite Zero
I added about 2 tablespoons of colored sprinkles before baking for a fiesta feel!
Combine the two ingredients and then bake at 350' for 18-20minutes!

Icing
1 tub of Fat Free Cool Whip
1/2 package of Vanilla pudding mix!
Literally all you do is mix the two and ice! I don't ice them until we eat one! I keep the tub of icing in the fridge so they don't get soggy!

I hope you all try these recipes.....you won't regret it!

WW Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:35:00 +0000

Well, I am sad today.....I gained 1 pound back this week..but we did celebrate my Birthday last weekend so I should not be surprised, but of course I am. So I am back around the 15 1/2 pounds lost mark. Which is hard because I have been walking everyday also.
It's hard as a female because we can fluctuate 3+ pounds per day and certain times of the month we will be heavier if you catch my drift. And that might also be just me making excuses! I also think it is hard beating myself up over 1 pound....but when the total loss is small it is easy too. Maybe down the line a 1 pound gain won't feel this bad when I cross a larger milestone.
I have been doing WW for 16 weeks and what I have lost adds up to 1 pound per week, and that is ok. That is the WW average. I do have a new goal....I want to be at 20 pounds lost by Memorial weekend! I will say I am proud of myself for getting right back on track when I falter instead of thinking "Oh well, I gained I might as well pound some donuts". So I will try to focus on the good instead of beating myself up.

50 shades of bleh....

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:03:00 +0000

OK, so........ well over a year ago when these first came out I bought them. At that time I was completely unprepared and had no idea what they were about so I was......eh......shocked. Now, I am not a prude at all...I have read anything and everything under the sun so it wasn't that. I just couldn't connect so I shelved them.
Fast forward to now......
I am always in a book rut lately so I got these "bad boys" (ha) back out figuring millions can't be wrong. And well, you are! HA! These are a super easy read and the sex scenes are intense but I just can't get into it. I thought these were boring, I didn't enjoy the characters and after trying really hard a few nights to get into them I put them away again. I don't get it? I know these aren't "literally accomplishments" but I just don't like them. Now if a movie comes out of course I will see it.......a movie would be fun but reading 3 books not so much.
I am crazy huh? Trust me....I really wanted to love them, true story. I guess the cheese stands alone.

Spring in Columbus......

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:39:00 +0000

Mom got in to Columbus after midnight last Thursday and she left Monday evening which seemed perfect! Mom loves me to cook for her and I happily cook away! I let Mom pick what she wants to do or see and Friday we spent the day shopping in Easton (My fav place) and then we had a relaxing night at home. I was so glad the Spring weather was perfect so we could eat on the patio while she as here!

A tradition is Saturday morning Brunch at North Star when I have guests! It is all organic, local and too die for.....hence the Cloud 9 ricotta pancakes! I love this place! The flavors are spot on and......well, it's good!

Saturday Mom and I wanted to venture out and find something new to both us of....we went to the Franklin Park Conservatory. You can check out this amazing botanical gardens by clicking HERE!

The spring exhibit is all about Butterflies...........

Inside one of the amazing gardens is a tropical paradise filled with Butterflies! It was really very neat and super impressive.

This park is partly indoor, acres outdoor and even has a cafe! Next time now that I know more about it we will go to the cafe for some grub and find a place to have a picnic!

Indoor they had "rooms" each with a different theme.... Bonsai, Tropical, Desert, Mountains and Chihuly art inside some of them. 2 of the rooms were off limits because there was 2 weddings going on while we were there!

This is just one example of the hundreds of Butterflies that were flying around.....it was really neat to see so many different types, sizes and colors!

After Mom and I worked up our appetite for an afternoon snack we went to one of my favorite places North Market which houses Jeni's Ice Cream. Jeni's was on Oprah's favorite things and yes, it is that good. And yes this line is for Jeni's and worth every single minute! The ice cream is made fresh with all local ingredients....you can check out their website HERE!

Mom had Riesling Poached Pear sorbet with lemon and I had the new flavor "Olive Oil, Orange, Saffron with Caramel" and it was SOO GOOD! This ice cream is so rich, flavorful and like nothing else! Trust me and of course I will eat a little some for you!

We had a great time and I was glad my Mom got to spend my Birthday weekend with Matt and I!

Welcome Back.....

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:09:00 +0000

It is back to reality...Mom is back in Oklahoma, Matt is out of town and my Birthday has come and gone! So back to the real world for me and today I am trying to catch up on everything that I put on the back burner for a week or so!

First of all....Thank you to everyone who wished me well, sent love my way or sent gifts. I am so lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life!

It is always so nice when we actually have someone here to take a picture (or two) of us! Mom, Matt and I celebrated my Birthday the night before on Saturday. So we put on our best and headed out on the town!

I picked out a very popular Italian place that is in one of my favorite parts of Columbus....Short North! You can check it out online by clicking HERE!

Columbus is so pretty in Spring, Mom and I could NOT have asked for better weather. It was so nice spending 2 of the days outside shopping, eating and enjoying our patio!

Mom and I are really small in this picture but this is us outside of Marcella's which is now on my list of favorite places in the city!

I am not sure if you can tell but behind us is a glass wall and Saturday night it was so nice they are able to push the wall back and just have open air. It was so fun. Marcella's does small plates, wine, pizza and the "Meatball".........

Look at that plate of spaghetti! This is what they are known for......it is one giant meatball that literally melted in my mouth! And this place is pretty reasonable as far as the price goes....but if you don't have a reservation (we did) you would never get in!

My Birthday we went to see a movie and ate dinner at home! So my weekend was filled with a few of my favorite things......movies, shopping, good food and family!
Stop back by I have more to share with you from my Moms visit!

32...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 13:16:00 +0000

Today is my BIG 3-2, I know...eek! I am officially "In my 30s"!
Ever since I got the latest Taylor Swift CD I loved "22"......but today it is not 22 BUT 32!!! So crank up the video and sing along to 32, because you know I am!

WW Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:31:00 +0000

Hi friends!! This is going to be quick because my MOM IS HERE! She came to spend my Birthday weekend with me and we have a fun filled day of shopping ahead! Watch out!
So last week I gained a little but this week I am happy.....I lost 2.5 pounds this week for a total of 16 pounds lost!
I am going to try SO hard this weekend to keep my portions in check since we will be celebrating with good food this weekend! So we shall see!!! I can't wait for the next 4 pounds to come off and I can celebrate 20 lost.....without food of course!
TGIF friends!

Random

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:09:00 +0000

If you were to ask my husband to share his views on how my mind works one thing he would say is that it is full of random information. He would also say that random things peak my interest and I love sharing random things with people I love. Wether it is a video of baby goats (a personal favorite) or a movie trailer, I am always coming across something that I feel the need to share.
So today's post is the epitome of random.......these are videos I have came across that I just have to share with you! So give your brain a vacation and enjoy my randomness........

This video I love because I love Ellen, she is such a good sport! This is just pure fun!
video platform video management video solutions video player

Ok friends, this made me laugh out loud.....make sure you watch it until the end and you will thank me! I call this....."My thoughts exactly"........And I did share this last Friday with you but I love it too much to not include again!

Ok, this one comes with a disclaimer......extremely bad language! I warned you.....
Have you heard on the news about the new sorority girl at Maryland who wrote her "sisters" a profane rant about Greek Week? It is a true story and Funny or Die made this video mocking her. This is her email being read verbatim! And I have to be honest with you...I am pretty impressed, I mean this girl has a witty/razor sharp tongue and her use of profanity seems like a talent!
Enjoy.......

Michael Shannon Reads the Insane Delta Gamma Sorority Letter from Michael Shannon

Lastly switching gears 100%...... I haven't been counting the days until The Great Gatsby comes out, it wasn't on my "must" list until NOW! I have said it over and over the music used in movie trailers is so important and it is my dream job. After watching the latest tailer with amazing music.....I am ALL about this movie! Enjoy...

Rant A Little.....

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:23:00 +0000

I have spared you all from reading a migraine rant of a blog for some time now........but today is not one of those days. We all know I have migraines........ And in case you are new here is what we all know:
1. I have a neurologist and I have chronic migraines
2. I take a daily preventative med that doesn't prevent anything
3. I have "as needed" medication that I take but insurance limits how many I can have, so I have to judge wether this is one I want to suffer from or take a pill
4. I get 8 hours of sleep, I never skip a meal, I am never around smoke, I only have a glass of wine every now and then and yes, I live a very structured life to help cut migraine chances.
Ok, moving on.................

I have tried so many "fads" over these last 10 years to try and help my migraines..... I will try anything once if there is a chance it will help. Last month I changed up my "migraine cocktail" and for about 3 1/2 week I was migraine free. I can not explain to you how amazing it is to be going to bed at night and think "wait, I felt good all day"? It is baffling. I would give ANYTHING anything to get rid of these but sadly it is a hereditary diease. I mean those few weeks when I felt good....everything was better. I thanked God all day everyday for the gift of feeling good. I can not imagine what it is like to be "normal" and to wake up everyday just feeling like you.....and not with chronic pain.
I made the mistake of speaking the words "I have been feeling good" out loud and I really think I have cursed myself. Since Saturday I have had a non-stop migraine each day and I am blowing thru my medication like crazy. After experiencing feeling better I am devastated to feel so sick this week. It is awful. Really, I can't explain to you how sad I am that those 3 weeks must have been a "fluke". This week has been terribly sad and frankly I am pissed at my head. HA! For real.

I know there is nothing you can do but sometimes I just need to vent and ya, complain. If you have never had a migraine then you have no idea how debilitating they are. I like to play a game in my head that goes "I would give up_______ if I never have another migraine again" and you would be surprised what all I would be willing to put into that blank.

Build Me Up Friendships

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:33:00 +0000

This morning during my usual Blog surfing time I came across a real sweet "link up". The bloggers above created a series based on positivity, love and friendship. Today is about friends......making them, keeping them and what they mean to us. You can visit the blog HERE
Let me first say that I am very blessed to have so many wonderful friendships in my life and this post does not purposely leave anyone out. I wish I could talk about everyone but I don't have enough space!
I have friends thanks to Facebook that I have known for 20+ years and it is so wonderful to be a part of their life even it is only online. I love Facebook for that....in one place can I find my childhood friends, family, college friends and new friends.

This beauty is Amanda, I went to college and left with a friendship that is so dear to me. We met the day we all moved into the Tri Delt house ....she knocked on my door and asked to borrow an outfit. Since that day we have been each others Maids of Honor and supported each other even thought we haven't lived in the same city for at least 10 years. Amanda is someone that no matter how long we don't talk when we are together we don't miss a beat and I am always reminded why I love her!

First of all.....yes, I am very tan in this picture and yes this at a Twilight Party!
Now that that is out of the way I am sure you all know Becky. We met in February 2009 at the very first Book Club meeting over cupcakes of course. When we were all getting to know one another that night I remember both of us laughing because we were so much alike. Over the years since that day we have grown to form this life long friendship. Every friendship has it's own purpose, it's own rhythm and our friendship is set apart from others... With Becky and I it runs deep, this isn't a friendship where we talk (on the phone) daily but this has deep roots. Becky has been by my side for so much and I don't think I could of managed the past few years without her. I am always scared this is one-sided so I beg her to call me in any crisis so I can "pay it back". God gave me Becky to be my rock, my voice of reason and someone who knows all my traits good and bad.

Melissa changed my life. I met Melissa in college when we both looked different than we do today and people thought we were the same person. (Blonde streaks were in) We have seen each other thru life changes, loss, love and the birth of her children. Melissa changed my life because she introduced me to Matt and 2 years after she was standing beside me when we said "I DO". Melissa has a kind heart and we both understand that if we needed to cry or laugh that we will do it together.

These ladies below are the Book Club I left behind. (Minus Crystal!!!! You are there in spirit). This group of ladies are SO special to me and these friendships were strengthened out of a mutual love for books. There is no drama with this group, we have seen each other go thru good, bad, babies and relocations. It is so hard to describe what this group means to me, these are life long friendships....and we don't talk as much as we should but we all know our friendship stands strong. 3 of these woman I met thru Junior Hospitality Club in Okc and that club gave me something more than I could of ever hoped for.....these girls.

Natalie I met from JH, we both joined Book Club at the same time and since then our friendship has flourished. Natalie helped me get a job in Okc and was always there when I needed help with a project. Natalie and I bond over so much....like me Natalie is 100% honest and we both know that the other would never judge. We also bond over our strong love of the Paranormal and we are both "Believers".....believers that anything is possible. I need to be a better friend and reach out more now that I have moved. I am not doing the best job keeping up with her life... and I always want her in mine.

MOM! You know even as far back as a few years ago I would say I was friends with my Mom but that friendship has deepened over the last year or so. My Mom comes to me to vent, cry and I am happy to be her sounding board. We tell each other what we need to hear when others won't. We both battle migraines and we know the effect that has on our life. When my Mom comes to visit we just flow.......it is hard to explain actually. And ya, we might get annoyed with one another from time to time but we let it go because that is what family and friends do. I love my Mom and I love our friendship.

Ok, Now....Let me start out by saying sorry Melissa...I stole a picture from your facebook and put you in my blog without telling you.....BUT, that officially means we are friends! I met Melissa at Junior League here in Columbus and I can say she is my friend here. First of all look how pretty she is and second we have so much in common. She is like Natalie when it comes to honesty and she is like Becky K because she is so witty. She is a perfect combination of traits my Okie gals possess. Hopefully after I hit "publish" on this post we will still be friends!

Earth Day

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:02:00 +0000

Oh Monday we meet again......while I am typing Matt is packing to head to Chicago for the week and I have 2 other tabs open on my Mac applying to every job under the sun. Yup, it's Monday.

I feel kinda sad that I didn't know today was Earth day until I got online this morning. Why doesn't the news mention this? I have always had a strong love for Earth Day and I blog about it every year. To me Earth Day is not about "Going Green" it is so much more than that. It is about conservation, leaving the earth better after we're gone and most importantly for me.....Animals. We have so many choices to make as a human race, and I think making the Earth a better place for animals should be a priority. I also think we should realize that we SHARE the earth with animals....the Earth is not some "cage" that we rule over, these are living creatures that God has made. All morning I was thinking about what I was going to share with you all....what I wanted to shed light on..... And I realized the things I have spoken about in past years are still near to my heart. I would to raise your awareness on the world we live in and how you can help. I have always said if we educate ourselves about something that is the first step

* 5 ways to celebrate the earth and support the animals we share it with. Click HERE!

* Learn more about The Cove and what you can do to help. This is a cause I have always supported and tugs at my heart. Click HERE!

* Learn about turning a passion into a social change by clicking HERE!

* Take a look back at why Earth Day is important to me and why I care. Click HERE!

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday and maybe I might have peaked an interest in you. Happy Earth Day friends!

Friday Funny....

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:47:00 +0000

I think after a week like this we could all use a laugh. E! is debuting the new Ryan Lotche reality show this weekend and these reporters stole the laughs right out of my laugh....make sure you watch it until the end! It's worth it.............

WW Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:46:00 +0000

You know what the frustrating thing about weight loss is? Well just one of the many things....... is that I can fluctuate 5 pounds on any given day or part of the day. This week I was on fire, doing so well with my WW and when I weighed in this morning I am up 1 pound. I know it is only 1 and I lost 4 pounds last week but seeing a gain can really put a damper on my morning. Like always, I will keep on keeping on and hopefully 1 week from today I will be seeing something happier on my scale.

With that being said I made some delish WW friendly meals this week and I want to share my favorites with you!!!

I love a portion controlled dessert and SkinnyTaste never fails! These mini lemon cheesecake bites were soo good!!! You can find the recipe HERE!

On Sunday I decided to do a little splurge......on price that is purchasing sushi grade Ahi Tuna! I have never made something like this before and man was I proud of myself! This was so good and I felt like a true sushi chef! haha! This is a dish that just screams Spring and a small glass of white wine is the perfect companion! This was a Tyler Florence recipe that you can find HERE!

This past Monday the weather was perfect for our first Spring meal on the patio. Between the blooming trees, the perfect temperate and this incredible chicken, it was a great night! This recipe is from Pinterest and it was so amazing. To keep within WW friendly I split 1 chicken breast between us, slicing it into 2 cutlets and that worked out perfect. I made homemade bruschetta and this meal is one I will absolutely make again. I served it with green beans and fresh ice tea. Click HERE to see this recipe from a fun cooking blog! You won't be disappointed with this yummy chicken!

Well guys.....a new WW week started this morning and I will just keep on keeping on! TGIF!

Throwback Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:50:00 +0000

Oh ya, that happened! This throwback Thursday takes us all back 14 years to 1999 and my senior prom! My friend still to this day Brad was my date and last week his wife found this gem when she was going thru old boxes of his!! Brad was one of my closest friends for almost 10 years, him and his wife were in my wedding. His tux makes me laugh, it was the 90s people and this look is very "Backstreet Boys"
Yes, you also see something I was "known" for in HS....my butt. Really, I have always had a ghetto booty which I hated at the time but I would do anything to look like that again!
Yes, for those of you who don't know I am a natural blonde....no, that blonde isn't isn't natural but when I was born it was that color.
You can't see my hair but it is small french braids that pulled my hair back....with DIY rhinestone bobby pins of course! (To match my body glitter)!
I hope this made you all smile, thanks for taking a ride down memory lane with me!

What I am loving Wednesday...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:50:00 +0000

Today I thought I would play a game called "If I had no budget"! Sounds fun right? Or maybe it is just making me want things more? Who knows........
I have put together my dreamy Spring wants....shoes, jewels, bags and tops!! If you are reading this and you want to buy me these things I will email you my sizes! HAHAHA! Kidding, or am I??
What do you want for Spring/Summer??

Spring wants 1 by nsavage featuring a foldover clutch

Clare Vivier bag / Foldover clutch / Rebecca Minkoff Bright Crisscross Bonnie Satchel | SHOPBOP Save 20%...

Spring 2 by nsavage featuring j crew

J.Crew j crew / Color block necklace / Lele Sadoughi steel jewelry / Stella & Dot stella dot necklace / Printed Flip Flop | Womens Flip Flops | ToryBurch.com

Spring3 by nsavage featuring short to long dresses

Sweet Pea by Stacy Frati short to long dress / Vineet Bahl cotton tunic / Cotton blouse / Top / Splendid tee

Happy Hump day friends!!!