New Year, New Workouts?

I’m the type of person that has to constantly change up my workout routine because, well lets be honest, I get BORED! Some of the workouts I tried and loved in 2010 include:

  1. Bootcamp; by far my favorite workout of the year because everyday is something different!
  2. No More Trouble Zones; this was a good “I don’t feel like going to the gym” workout.
  3. Reformer Pilates; Not a huge cardio workout, but GREAT for strength training.
  4. Bickram Yoga; I only did this a couple of times because it was so dang TOUGH, but I think this should be my go to in 2011 to help sweat off the baby weight.

So, I put a question mark next to the title of this post because I’m interested to see if there’s a new workout that I need to know about and/or try!?!?!? It seems that every year there’s a huge fad, and I’m not above jumping on a bandwagon…

Christmas in Review: Sarah

The Holidays this year could not have been better…ok, I could have done without the chilling cold and the torrential downpours, but other than that, it was a great low-key, and relaxing time!

I also must have been VERY good this year because Santa was VERY nice to me. Check out some of the loot:

  1. Michele 18mm Patent Leather Watch Strap
  2. Nikon D3100 Digital Camera
  3. “What to Cook and How to Cook it”
  4. McKenna Travel Folio

NY Resolutions: Sarah

I’m typically not a resolutions person because a) it’s usually takes too much time and energy to think of them and b) 0% chance of actual follow through; HOWEVER, I’m giving it a go this year! Here’s what I’ve come up with:

1. Don’t sweat the small stuff. (In other words, I want to focus on worrying less about things that really don’t matter and focus more on what does. This is a BIG one for me and something I need to work on for my own personal sanity!)

2. Exercise regularly. (3-4 times per week. Of course, I’ll step it up a notch after the baby is born.)

3. Fit back into my fave jeans. (This is where exercise will be KEY!)

4. Learn how to use my new SLR camera.

5. Save more $$$ in 2011 than I did in 2010. (This should be interesting since we’re adding a little bambino to the mix, but definitely attainable.)

There you have it folks…short, sweet, but I think I can do it! (And yes, ladies and gentlemen, I officially have fat pregnant face…booooo!)

New Years Survey: Sarah

We’re going a little “light” on posts this week, but thought it would be fun to revisit the New Years Surveys we filled out last year and see how our lives have changed since 2009, and boy have they!

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?

Got pregnant

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Kind of…my resolution was to exercise regularly, at least 3 times/week, and I did do that up until I got knocked up…

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Boy did they! I had 3 fab friends give birth within 3 days of each other, one of those being Der of course!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?

Zippo….stayed in the USA baby!

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you didn’t have in 2010?

A baby

7. What dates from 2010 will be etched upon your memory, and why?

I honestly didn’t have any life changing events happen in 2010, and I’m MORE than ok with it!

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?

Getting my entire house organized! I had a goal, and I think I’ve FINALLY achieved it…

9. What was your biggest failure?

Ummmmm….breaking the side mirror on my car??? (for the second time!)

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing catastrophic, thankfully!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

A new truck for my husband…yeah I know…I’m a fabulous wife…

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Not too many celebrations this year….other than celebrating with Der and her fab little bambino!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Nobody in particular, but it’s always disappointing when you see a long time friends true colors…

14. Where did most your money go?

Bills, bills, bills…a small vaca…and more bills!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Finding out I was going to have a baby!

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?

“The Breath you Take” by George Strait. King George did it again…created another memorable song that I can’t get enough of.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

Happier…hard to say…I’m elated with life right now, but I’m pretty sure  I was in 2009 as well.
Thinner, no…Actually about 25 pounds heavier and it’s only going up! 🙂
Richer….ehhhh, who needs $$$!?!?!?!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Traveling

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worrying

20. How did you spend Christmas?

We spent the entire long weekend with my peeps in Gatesville, Tx. We ate, we laughed, and we hung out with great friends and family!

21. Did you fall in love with 2010?

Yes, (caution, this is mushy) I love my baby more than I can imagine and can’t wait to meet him or her in 2011!

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Private Practice

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Nope…I sure don’t!

24. What was the best book you read?

“The Symbol” by Dan Brown

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

It was my “rediscovery” of O.A.R…LOVE them!

26. What did you want and get?

A digital SLR camera

27. What did you want and not get?

New counter tops for my kitchen…maybe in 2011…(haha…this was my same answer for 2009)

28. What was your favorite film of 2010?

Honestly didn’t do a whole lot of movie watching….I’ve been EXTREMELY busy…

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 27 in 2010 and spent the day shopping with my Tipsy girls in Round Top, TX.! (Same as last year!)

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I’m not sure…probably more time at home and less time traveling (around the state for various functions, not vacation). When I think back over 2010, I’m completely exhausted at how many functions we had to attend this year! (This is also the same as my 2009 answer…so when are we going to sart slowing down!?!?!?!?!)

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2010?

Well, of course in the beginning it was JCrew, but has slowly creeped up to the maternity version…I would say that in 2010, I just wanted my clothes to fit!

32. What kept you sane?

My family…they have been there with me through a LOT this year.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Again, I avoid voicing political opinions.

34. Who did you miss?

My sister honestly, she lives 6 hours away and that’s just too far…

35. Who was the best new person you met?

Can I say nobody extraordinary came into my life in 2010…?

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.

That all things really DO happen for a reason.

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

“Love like crazy” — Lee Brice

Holiday Gift Guides: Last Minute

You know who you are, those people that wait until the last possible second to buy gifts for all your peeps. I’ve never been this person, but I would imagine if I was, that it would be easiest to buy everything from one store…you know, one stop shop, and my shop of choice: Target!

  1. Canon SD1300 Digital Camera
  2. Boston Traveler Croc Print Leather Checkbook Wallet
  3. Digital Décor 7″ LCD Slim Digital Photo Frame
  4. Global Girlfriend Darling Dots Scarf

Hump Day Happy Hour: Gluwein

This German version of a spiced wine (pronounced “clue wine”) used to be a staple at my house during Christmastime. We haven’t made this wine for several years, but I think  this will be the year we bring it back…sounds delish and I wish I could partake!

  • 4 quarts of dry red wine (you can use a cheap wine for this)
  • 1 pint of brandy
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 6 cinnamon sticks
  • 12 whole cloves
  • 1/8 tsp allspice
  • 1/8 tsp mace
  • 2 oranges, sliced
  • 1 lemon sliced

Pour the wine into a large pot and begin heating over low heat. As it begins to warm, add sugar and spices. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

Add the brandy.

Add the lemon and orange.  Heat thoroughly but do not allow the wine to ever boil.

Serve hot and garnish with orange slices.

Sarah’s Christmas Traditions

Everyone has their own traditions that they use to celebrate the Holidays with…you know, those things that make the Holidays special and unique to you and your family. I thought I’d share a few of mine, but I also want to hear about yours!

  1. Gas Station Lotto: I’m not sure how this game started, but I assume it was a way to keep my sister and I occupied and away from presents…Anyway, the entire family loads up and heads to a gas station in our small town, we each buy $10 worth of scratch off tickets. Then, we scratch those off and use the winnings at the next gas station. We do this until there is one person left with $$$ and that person is the winner! (Yes, this may be a little weird and/or a little white trash, but it’s oh so fun!)
  2. Christmas Presents: Christmas Eve vs. Christmas Day? We’re Christmas Eve people…
  3. Homemade Chile and Tamales: Our traditional Christmas Eve dinner.
  4. Steak: Our “not so traditional” Christmas day lunch! (We’re not really turkey and dressing people.)
  5. Stockings: Of course, Santa Claus comes and fills our stockings to open Christmas morning!

Holiday Treats: Sarah Style

I’m not a sweet person, so I don’t bake…ever…but there are a couple of things my Mom makes for the Holidays that I can’t seem to get enough of! Here are her fab recipes:

Ham Dip (not pictured)

I know this isn’t a “sweet treat”, but this stuff is literally to die for so I had to share it…seriously, this dip was recently been called “best dip ever” by a guy that had it for the first time over Thanksgiving!

2 packages cream cheese
1/2 cup onion
4 oz Danish ham
1 small can diced black olives
1 tsp sour cream
1 tbls miracle whip (or mayo)

Soften cream cheese, add diced onion,  diced ham, black olives, sour cream, and miracle whip.  Mix well.

No Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup cocoa
1 stick oleo (parkay)
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
3 cups quick oats

Cook sugar, milk, cocoa, and oleo.  Being to boil.  Cook 1 minute after it boils.  Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and oats.  Drop by spoon full on wax paper.

Pumpkin Bread

(This has been a true pregnancy craving here VERY recently.)

31/2 cups flour (sifted)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp soda
1 tsp cinnamon
3 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 cups of pumpkin ( I use 1 can)
1 cup salad oil
2/3 cup water

Mix all dry ingredients, make a well and pour all liquid ingredients in to the well.  Mix well and until thoroughly blended.  Bake 1 hour or until done at 350 degrees.  

Recipe makes three 1 pound loaves!

Fabulous Footwear Friday

SPARKLE! All of us at Tipsy seem to have posted a lot of sparkly shoes in the past month or so, but who can blame us? Sparkle ’tis the perfect accessory for the season!

Christmas Wishlist: Sarah Edition

I think the rule should be…if you’re carrying a baby around in your stomach, you should get everything on your list…right!?!?!?!

  1. Target, Simply Shabby Chic® Blue Linen Duvet Set: My house if over run with red…including my 2 guest rooms…I think this would tone down my fave color and add a lot of warmth.
  2. Best Buy, Nikon D3100: You know, to take fabulous pics of my sure-to-be adorable bambino(a).
  3. Anthropologie,  Beaded Swag Bib Necklace: I don’t think I have any yellow jewelry!
  4. Amazon, Fiesta Oval Serving Bowl: I learned from my girl AK, you can never have too many serving pieces! 🙂
  5. Amazon, Fiesta Utensil Crock: You know, to also break up the oh so much red in my house…
  6. Endless.com, Tamarac Pile-lined Moccasin: These are for my soon to come swollen ankles…
  7. The Container Store, Double Acrylic Shelves: I would actually use this as a small end table in my nursery…so it’s not “technically” for me.
  8. Sur la Table, Cuisinart Mini Food Processor: I’m actually considering making my own baby food and I hear a food processor is a must…so again, “technically” not for me.