Well, it’s been almost three weeks since I last checked in on the blog. Quite a bit of time, I know. But, for good reason. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been making some (more) changes in my life, still working on my apartment, and spending a lot less time on the computer. During this time I’ve also given a lot of thought regarding the direction I’d like to take my blog over the second half of the year. And  I think I’ve finally figured it out…or at least I hope so. (haha)

As some of you may know, I’ve now been living the sober life for 6 months. I cannot believe that. But, it’s brought nothing but wonderful things to my life.  I’m also aware that a twenty-something female living life alcohol free is a rarity. And I want to share all of that with my readers.   I’ve come to realize that a majority of the people venturing through recovery or sobriety are well into their 40s and 50s+. This is sometimes hard for someone of my age to relate to.  I want to make my blog a place for other 20-30somethings (or really whatever age) to read, find answers or be able to ask questions about living a sober life.

I also have begun to venture on the path of meditation. This is something that’s really begun to change my life as well. I’ve started to learn about who I am, and that I am the only one who can make myself happy. Nobody else in the world can. And I’d love to share that with all of you as well.

I’m not looking to become all preachy, or niche specific. Nor am I looking to be a martyr. But, I know that a blog can be used for better things than just showing off the latest fashion picks and beauty tips. Granted, there is nothing wrong with that. And I’m not saying I won’t continue to do that type of stuff. But, I just know that I can make my blog so much more than just that. More than just the bare minimum.

And I hope you are bare with me while I make this blog transition and take this new adventure with me.

Thanks for sticking around for so many years. Thanks for reading.

Oh hey guys, it’s Monday and I’m finally getting to sneak a little time into my schedule for blogging. Seriously, you won’t even believe how insane this week has been. However, I’m not complaining because it’s been filled with lots of writing goodness. I had back to back interviews with Taylor Momsen and Yelawolf, and this week I’ll be reviewing both concerts. Exciting stuff, to say the least.

I finally got back to working out, and I’ve stayed on track with eating healthy. In fact, I’ve lost 6lbs! I’m pretty thrilled about that. I will admit that I’m not being psychotically obsessive anymore, and because of that, my healthy lifestyle choices seem to be just falling into place.  I know, I know. You told me so.

I’m really trying hard to get my daily blogging on here, but I’m feeling like I don’t have anything exciting to say. It’s not that I’m not doing exciting or fun things, my life is quite lovely actually. More so than before. But, I guess at the present time, I’m living in the actual moment, as opposed to obsessively sharing every fine detail of my life. And to top it off, I have a full time writing gig. I think that also has a lot to do with it, too.

I also think I’m a bit conflicted. I think once I got knocked off my regular blogging schedule, I’ve had a hard time finding my way back. Do I set up a daily schedule of specific categories and then just throw in my daily ramblings every now and then? or do I just keep rambling day in and day out? That seems a bit blase and boring. I’m not sure who wants to read about the nonsense spurting from my brain, well unless I’m being funny.

Speaking of being funny, I really want a podcast. Mostly just so I can spew out random nonsense that finds its way into my brain. I know I’ve mentioned this before.

Sigh. I feel like all my blog posts sound the same. I probably shouldn’t even hit publish on this. Where did my blogging mojo go?!

It’s like I have a million ideas, but I’m having issues executing them. Sorry, I’m so whiny right meow.

Maybe I’m just growing out of this blog. I need a new direction, inspiration, and a full website overhaul. Halp?

Fact: I’m obsessed with the TV show Mob Wives. I don’t even know what is wrong with me, nor do I know how I got sucked in. Oh, wait yes I do, it’s called procrastination is a sneaky bitch. It started with Keeping up with the Kardashians, then when that was over, I moved right on over to Mob Wives. And I’m hooked. Needless to say, I should probably hide my TV.

Ok, but seriously…Big Ang….she’s my spirit animal. I’m love her so much. And I heard she’s getting her own show. That’s going to be pure gold. Pure magical gold. As for the other crazy bitches, they just straight up crazy. I love how hypocritical they are, gotta love reality TV.

I digress.

Although, I’ve had internet in my new place, I’ve found absolutely zero time for blogging. Shocker, right? Not at all. My house is still undergoing a bit of unpacking issues and decorating fun. I can’t wait until it’s complete though. However, what I do have done is absolutely lovely. I’m still in between total gypsy den and super hyper-girlie Paris inspired apartment. Sigh, such difficult life decisions, right?

I’m almost embarrassed and sad to admit that this week my fitness has taken a back seat to moving. BUT, I have stayed on my healthy eating kick, and went to the organic farmers market to pack my new fridge with delicious goodies. So, at least I’m still in the right mindset. I just haven’t had any extra time or room in my new place to get my work out on. Bad excuses I know, but life got in the way. I’m frustrated about it, but not beating myself up about it. I was in hyper obsessive mode the last two weeks, and I need to stop being so hard on myself. It’s not going to make this process any easier. I also think starting on birth control made me a bit over psychotic too, but I’m gonna blog about that in another post.

I’ve got lots of other stuff to blog about, but right now I need to get back to work. My schedule is super jam packed right now, but hey I’m not complaining. It could be worse, I could be without a job. Oh yeah! I interviewed Taylor Momsen on Monday. I’ll have that interview up soon. She was an absolute doll.

TTFN.

It’s finally official. I’m all moved into my new place. . .sort of. What I mean by sort is that I have all my stuff inside the apartment, but it’s all over the place. I’m soon realizing that I have waaaaaaay too much shit. I mean, I knew this before — hence why I got rid of so much excess — but it’s still pretty bad. More reason for me to stay away from shopping. The move went pretty well, thanks to the help of Brett and our friend. But, it did take a bit longer than expected. Mostly because I’m an idiot and have so many small things that I just didn’t put in boxes, so I ended up carrying them up stairs which took a zillion extra trips. Serious first world problems, I know. Moving such a short distance (ie: the same effing building) is a lot more difficult than a million miles. I should know.

But, all in all. I’m so glad to be out of depressing and dismal Apt 2. And I couldn’t be happier about Apt 8. I just feel better overall. The energy is so much better in this new place, it’s absolutely wonderful. Additionally, on Saturday, Brett came over and painted my living room for me with a lovely shade of Tiffany’s Blue. Oh how I adore it. So, I think that’s helping with the overall feeling of the apartment too. Oh, and the wooden floors have be completely smitten. (except in the kitchen & bathroom)

As far as the apartment’s size goes…it’s quite a bit smaller than my old place, but it works. I remember reading about Clare feeling as though she could downsize her space, and that really pushed me to look for a studio. And although it’s a bit intimidating at first as to figuring out where everything is going to go, it’s not so bad. I think it’s going to be easier to clean too! Thank goodness.

Needless to say, everything feels like it’s falling into place.

Oh yeah, I think I might try to give up dairy for a bit. But, we’ll see about that. . .

Moving day is here. Well, sort of. I’ve been kind of moving all week long. Being lazy and taking my sweet ass time. But, now it’s really time to kick it up a notch and get stuff in by Monday. I want to start decorating! This morning I went to Home Depot bright and early to get some keys made. Totally went with the wildest ones ever.

Today I’m going to move some more small things upstairs. But, most of the day is going to spent painting the apartment with Brett. I’m so excited to not have white walls anymore.

I can’t wait to show you guys some peeks into the new place!

Happy weekend!

PS – blogging this from my iPhone!

One of the first books I downloaded to my Kindle was Something Blue by Emily Giffin. It’s actually the sequel to the book (and movie) Something Borrowed.

Darcy and Rachel have been friends forever – that is, until Rachel betrays Darcy in the worst possible manner, by stealing Darcy’s fiancé Dex just before the wedding. Darcy, blind to her own faults, can’t understand why her dear friend would do such a horrible thing to her.

When her luck seems to fail her more and more and no one’s there to help her, Darcy flies away to London to stay with an old friend. There, she has to live with the consequences of her actions, but also face the person she really is.

**Full disclosure, I only saw the movie and didn’t read the first book.

Although I didn’t read the first book, the author gives you a surprisingly good amount of back story to bring you up to speed. At the start of the book, you still really want to hate Darcy. So, I was wondering how Giffin was going to make me think otherwise. However , to no avail, by the middle of the book you find yourself cheering her on. My only slight qualm about this change in character for Darcy, was it felt like it happened in a moment’s notice. She went from complaining about not fitting into the right sizes at Gucci & Prada to wanting to do something like working in an seniors home. It was a bit far-fetched, but nevertheless it fit in well with the story and left me wanting to read more about her new life as a mother. The story is definitely a predictable one, but that’s what makes it such a fun read. There really isn’t any major “I can’t believe that happened” or “Damn, the author really got me” moments in the plot-line, and that’s totally ok.

If you’re a fan of chicklit and easy breezy fiction, this book is definitely a must read. Giffin’s writing is fast paced, and holds your attention throughout with her colorful descriptions and amusing character creations.

Up next: The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

First and foremost, I promise this blog isn’t going to turn into some sort of health/fitness blog. This is just what’s happening in my life, and I’m quite possibly over-sharing all the details. But, that’s how it goes sometimes. Right? Isn’t that what a blog is for? A place to share your life, not necessarily all about sponsorships and free clothes. (although those are nice too…haha) Ok, apologies for that impromptu rant. Back to the important stuff.

Last night all I wanted was ice cream. I’m not even joking. I’m pretty sure I tweeted a bunch about it. However, this desire for ice cream turned into quite an internal struggle with myself. Do I give in and just get the half pint of Ben & Jerry’s that I’m salivating over?  Or am I not even hungry, and I’m just bored and the very idea of ice cream just sounds better than it actually is. (But, seriously when is ice cream not good?) This went on for quite a bit. Especially after I went with Brett to the grocery store to get him some ice cream. Needless to say, I didn’t give in. But, that’s not the point, entirely at least. This is only day 4 of me doing this healthy lifestyle thingamagig, and while I’m completely committed to it, I feel like I’m left unsure of what to do during this type of moments.

Am I being too obsessed with working out and losing weight? Is this why people give up so easily or lose motivation? Do people who live healthy lifestyles and who are super into fitness eat ice cream?

I’m trying really hard to stay on track, and part of me feels like if I gave into my craving last night I might continue to do so in the future. Then I’m back where I started. The interesting thing is that I rarely feel like this when it comes to alcohol. I’ll be out at a party or dinner and it doesn’t even cross my mind. I think I may have had one or two thoughts since quitting alcohol where I was like, “hm it’d be nice to be sipping on a glass of wine right now.” But as quick as it entered my mind was as quick as it left. So what the hell is it about food?

Like any other person getting ready for a new apt, the only thing currently flowing through my mind is decor ideas and inspiration. To be quite honest, it’s all I can think about it. For the last two years, I’ve been living in the same place, but I never felt completely nested in it. Does that make sense? I constantly found myself re-arranging and re-doing the color schemes, yet always left unhappy with the results. I’m not sure why that was, but I want to fully nest in this new place. I want to make it mine. I want it to reflect my personality.  I want people to walk in and be able to know that I live there.

But, most importantly, I want it to be completely different from my current place. I want there to be lots of color. I want the walls to be covered in artwork. I want to have lots of thrifted and vintage goodness. And I want to have the perfect writing space.

And I clearly want it to look like a gypsy, hippie den of treasures. . . haha.

Sources: two. three. four. five. six. seven. eight. nine.

Back in January — when my brain was in full new year productive mode — I created a list of ‘52 [Fun] Things I’d Like To Do/Learn/Try in 2012′. Unfortunately, with my productivity went my list. However, as I kicked off April with a new mindset and outlook on the rest of the year, I also happened to do it in a fancy hotel for our staycation. And without realizing it, I crossed the first thing off my list of 52 Things.

We arrived on Saturday morning to the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort, and while they sorted out our room, we found a nice place alongside the pool to relax. We promptly ordered non-alcoholic Strawberry Daiquiris and Pina Coladas. It was a tad bit rainy later in the day, so we went upstairs to take a much needed nap from all that relaxing by the pool. haha! That night, we stuffed our faces at 3030 Ocean, and it was absolutely mouth watering. If you follow me on Instagram, I’m sure you saw the photos. I even had dessert!

On Sunday, we woke up super early and fulfilled by hotel life dreams by having bed in breakfast. I  splurged on the blueberry pancakes and Brett had some fancy french toast. Following that, we went downstairs to the pool and rented one of those fancy loungechair bed things and vegetated all day long. I think the most work we did was stuffing our faces some more and enjoying tropical drinks. I even got a booze free mojito! Life complete.

I didn’t take a lot of photos because I tried to keep my phone out of my sight for most of the weekend. And except for a few Instagram shares, I did quite well. I even left my computer at home. The only electronic device I spent my time with was my kindle fire for some good quality reading. Srsly, the best present I’ve ever gotten from someone. (A bit dangerous too! haha) I’ve gotten so much more reading done as of late. I can’t believe I ever turned my nose up at the e-reader movement. Now, I’m a firm believer!

The weekend was nothing short of magical, and oh so relaxing. I didn’t want to come back to reality on Monday morning. But, I must say it was the perfect way to kickstart the month of April, and I truly feel rejuvenated. I think I just needed a nice getaway to get my head back in check. (first world problems, amiright?)

Last night I started my adventures back into losing weight and working out. Thrilling, I know. And in an effort to stay honest and motivated, I decided it would be best to take a set of “before photos” as well as some measurements. Let me tell you, that was the most horrifying thing ever. Ok, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but it wasn’t fun at all. However, on the upside there is nothing more motivating like a hard dose of numeric reality. Not gonna lie, I stood in the mirror for quite some time staring at myself, and getting a bit swallowed up in weight loss depression. The only saving grace? At least I’m very tan. It’s a lot easier to stare at my out of shape body when it’s not vampire pale.

Now, don’t get me wrong, my working out and eating healthier isn’t just about numbers and weight loss. It’s also about treating my body better and living healthier in my body, mind, and soul. And with that being said, I’m going to stop obsessing over my scale on a daily basis. Yes, I’m totally that girl. I wake up daily and weigh myself. Embarrassing, I know. But, I’m going to put myself in check and only once a week — after I’ve completed each weekly level in the Jillian Michaels work out — I will be weighing and measuring my progress. I’m also going to be pushing myself to keep a food journal, as well as an emotional one. I know this sounds  like a lot overnight, but I need to kick myself in the ass. I’ve been stuck in a rut for way longer than I’d like to personally admit to myself, and it’s time to stop.

As far as working out goes, I started back up again on Monday morning. I’m definitely in overachiever mode, and I worked out twice yesterday. Once in the morning and again at night. As well as again this morning when I woke up. I know it sounds excessive, but this is the only way to get myself back into the proper mindset again. And let me just say that it hurts. My body is so sore, but it’s actually a good kind of sore that comes from working out. I hate it but I don’t. Once, I’ve completed the 20minutes of workout sessions, I feel better about myself, life, and just about every goddamn thing going on.

This morning, I even had a more productive day. I got to work and was able to churn out a good (and funny) blog post in less time than it usually takes me. And look, here I am — before Noon — getting in some daily personal blogging in as well. Maybe I’m high on endorphins or whatever the hell the word is. But, I’m going to ride this positivity wave all the way, hoping everything else will just fall into place. I also think that the end to Mercury Retrograde has something to do with it as well. ::shaking my fist at Mercury::

Life feels better already.