Boot.i.licious

Remember my problem last year? Huge calves + Riding boots = not going to happen.

Well, I was a woman on a mission. I've been searching online for a while now and I've noticed more and more brands offering boots to fit a wider calf. I don't mind doing some of my shopping online but I've done the shoe thing before and like anything else, you never know how the item's going to fit (especially with boots) & I just wasn't willing to chance it. So, I decided to scope out the department stores first. There has to be at least one boot out there that fits.

There is! Thank you, Jessica Simpson! With the help (& patience) of my mom, I finally found a pair of boots that fit! They are some dang cute black boots by Jessica Simpson - a woman who knows what it's like to have curves. God bless her. I love them. They are so cute and have the option to go over the knee or fold down. At first I wasn't sure what I thought about the over the knee boots but after trying these on, I really like them - but I definitely like having the option - basically 2 boots in 1.

I was like a kid on the first day of school. I could not wait to wear them and I made sure my outfit today included the appropriate leg wear to show off the new boots. (I heart leggings)

Gobble It Up

I love this time of year when the temperature outside has dropped and snow is on its way. Nothing is cozier to me than sweaters with leggings and my favorite Ugg boots. Halloween decorations have come down and I'm starting to get excited about the holiday season just around the corner. Thanksgiving is a couple weeks away and I cannot wait! I love this holiday!

This year we have three dinners to attend. One with friends this weekend and with both families on Thanksgiving Day. I love to cook, especially for Thanksgiving. Time to scour through recipes! Here's my assignment for each dinner:
1. Fakesgiving with friends: Sweet Potatoes
2. Thanksgiving dinner #1 with the Swans: Veggie of my choice & a dessert
3. Thanksgiving dinner #2 with the Godinas: to be determined

(not to mention- I roast my own turkey the morning of so we can have our own "leftovers")
Love it! Can't wait!

Witches Night Out

My cute friend Caprice and our Bunco group all dressed up as witches for our October play date. Caprice hosted the party at her house and of course went all out. She is so creative and pulled out all the stops for the Halloween Bunco party. I loved the idea of us all coming as witches and it was so fun to see everyones attire. Caprice was definitely the most frightening, it was almost hard to recognize her with her green face and creepy nose & chin.

Caprice made some delicious soups, hot cider and homemade caramel apples. It was a perfect Witches Night Out for the girls.

Where the Party AT-AT?

I know I'm a little late posting about Halloween but I definitely need to share our amazing costume and give props to Cardy for all the hard work he put into it.

This year we were trying to come up with costumes for some Halloween parties we'd been invited too. Now, we are definite lovers of this spooky holiday but every year we are the biggest procrastinators when it comes to costumes. We always have good ideas but usually end up scavenging the stores for something decent or throwing together a mish-mash of old crap we've used in previous years. So this year I wanted to be different. I wanted to put together a great couples costume we would be proud to show up to our parties in.

After lots of brainstorming and internet searching we finally came up with an idea. I don't quite remember how we came up with the idea, although I know it was Cardy's and not mine, but we decided to go ahead and try to build our Halloween costume.

Here's the whole process:

And here's the finished product:

Yep. Cardy built an AT-AT Imperial Walker. Most definitely a costume George Lucas would be proud of! It's gi-normous and it fits both of us inside. We wore it to our first Halloween party of the season and I think people's jaws dropped when we walked through the door and paraded around the house in this massive body. I'm pretty sure because we won 1st place in their costume contest. We quickly realized the AT-AT is not a costume you can keep on the entire night. It's more of a 5 minute type of attire, just enough to get some ohs and ahs. Unfortunately our 2nd party was canceled but we were not going to let our costume go to waste so we invited some friends and neighbors over to enjoy the festivities...and so we could parade around a little more.

Serious props to Cardy, my tried and true Star Wars lover, who took this project to the next level. He put some serious work into this costume and it definitely didn't go unnoticed.

YAPPY BIRTHDAY

Yappy 1st Birthday to our sweet little furry baby!

Lucky for us, Zoe's actual birth date had been written down in her vaccination records. Of course we'll always remember the day Cardy brought her home but it's fun for us to know her real birthday. 

This morning started out like any other morning. A morning walk (in the new snow), back to bed for some snuggle time with Cardy, and then breakfast. Cardy decided because it was Zoe's special day he was going to make her a "special birthday breakfast" with all of Zoe's favorite foods. Ready for this? Roast beef, string cheese, red bell peppers, carrots, honey greek yogurt, oatmeal and chicken broth on top of her regular dog food (luckily she didn't get sick). This afternoon Zoe played with her friends Lola, Max and Bauer.

When I got home from work it was present time. Zoe got some new chew toys, Beanie Babies for Dogs (her fave and mine). Zoe was also treated to a rawhide cupcake for dessert. I was so excited when I found this. The entire cupcake is made from rawhide including the lacing and the candle. She devoured it, of course. Zoe's a spoiled little thing and she was definitely pampered for her 1st birthday but she's our baby and we love her that much.

Isn't she the cutest thing you've ever seen?

Miss Zoe

We're pretty much obsessed with this little one. She has stolen our hearts.

Poor thing had to have surgery a couple weeks ago. We had her spayed at the Salt Lake Spay & Neuter clinic - which I HIGHLY recommend. They were so nice when I called with my list of questions (thanks to all of Cardy's research) and they were especially nice to Zoe on the day of her appointment. I'm not sure who was more nervous for this surgery, Cardy or Zoe.

(Zoe waiting to be taken back. Poor thing has no idea what she's in for.)

(Zoe a few days after surgery. If you look closely at her belly, you will see her incision.)

We had to keep Zoe on lock down for a little over a week so she could fully recover & she was going stir crazy. Zoe is used playing with friends and going on longs walks daily. Our fish bowl of a house turned to Fort Knox with the shades drawn, paper taped up in the exposed windows and a cover over our doorbell. Without this, Zoe was sure to see her friends outside playing without her.

Thank goodness Zoe has made a full recovery and she is back to her old self.

Jenn vs. The Scale

Here I am, once again, weight loss attempt #who knows? I feel like my struggles with my weight are starting to define me. At this point in my life I should be a weight loss coach - I know so many tips and tricks, recipe modifications, healthy fats vs. unhealthy fats, carbs vs. proteins, and workout regimens. Hell, I could be a fitness guru. Yet...here I am, still struggling. I hate it. I would love to blame my genetics for my body composition and while I know they play a part I also know I have to take responsibility for my intake and output (there was only one in a million chances I was going to end up thin with my DNA makeup - that one  thin gene went to my brother, damn him!). Unfortunately for me I was blessed with the metabolism that requires me to accountable 99.9% of the time. Bleh.

I realize I'm not morbidly obese and 25 pounds does not qualify me for The Biggest Loser but it's still enough weight to make me feel like a failure. Constantly self conscious. Constantly comparing myself to others. Wishing I could wear a bikini or a perfect pair of designer jeans. Just once I would love to forget about belly fat, back fat, love handles and sucking in. About the only things I love to try on in a department store are shoes and bags. Oh yeah- and jewelry.

So once again, my friends, I've rejoined Weight Watchers. I've been a member at a few different points in my life but most successfully before my wedding. I was extremely motivated at that time in my life and I was determined to lose the weight. I didn't want to look back on any wedding photos and feel any disappointment in myself. On my wedding day, I was the thinnest I had been since high school.

Slowly but surely over the last few years the weight has crept back on. Not entirely but enough to where I just feel disappointed, frumpy and frustrated. I only have myself to blame. I have lots of excuses and a crazy life but ultimately I control my weight. I know this...I've always known this. So why does it have to be so hard?

I'm hoping this time will be different. I'm hoping the lifestyle modifications will stick with me for good. I know I will always have to count calories, watch my portion sizes and exercise regularly and I want these things to come naturally, like breathing, just something I do without having to constantly think about it. So this time, I may not have the motivation of fitting into a wedding dress, but I have the motivation to want a better, healthier, and thinner life for myself. I'm putting my right foot forward, tracking my WW points and attending my weekly meetings. Accountable. Excited. Motivated. So if you see me out and about, feel free to ask me, "how many points is that?"

We ♥ Football

Okay, okay. So I get it...most girls don't love football. And most girls loathe the thought of losing their husbands (or boyfriends) from August to February, spending weekend after weekend watching countless games. College games, NFL games, Monday Night Football - it all seems never ending.  But I say, "if you can't beat 'em, JOIN 'EM!"

My husband is a crazy mad man when it comes to football. He's practically Rain Man when it comes to football statistics. Our friends and family won't even call the house when they know the Bronco's game is on (apparently it's bad luck). Back in the day, I used to take Sunday afternoons as an opportunity to catch up on my sleep. Cardy would be glued to the TV and I'd be zonked out next to him on the couch. He'd always beg me to stay awake to watch the Broncos and just to appease him, because I love him, I would do my best. Slowly and surly I started to familiarize myself with the players and specifics about our team and after a while I got quite good. Cardy knows a heck of a lot about the game (Rain Man, remember) and he was always willing to stop and explain the details.

I began to really like our Sunday afternoon rituals. So much so, I joined a Fantasy Football league. It was an all girls team and it really helped me understand more about the NFL. I had to know key positions and players, scoring, schedules, etc. After playing in this league, I not only had a better understanding of football, I was actually starting to love football. I can carry on actual, intelligent conversations with my male peers and my husband is thrilled with my new hobby.

Fantasy football is pretty much a national phenomenon and is the current obsession in my household. I play in a league with all boys. Cardy is our league commissioner and we hold live drafts before the season begins. Did I mention this is an obsession? It's pretty dorky but it's something we enjoy doing together.

Here's a picture of everyone in our league (minus Shane who lives in Texas).

This was Zoe's first draft. She's a football freak too.

My beautiful draft board. I create this board every year so we can know our order, who's been picked, what the trends are (it's color coded, of course).

This year, I picked #1. We draw numbers out of hat just to be fair. The #1 pick is the most anticipated pick in the draft. I chose Chris Johnson, a running back for the Tennessee Titans. CJ2K as we call him.

Here's our family pic (too bad it's a bit blurry). As you can see, we're true to our team. Zoe didn't have a choice, she's a Bronco's fan by default.

Go Utes!

Go Utes!
What an awesome season so far! We've been lucky enough to score tickets to all of the games (Thanks Brittany & Stan!).

Godina Fun

We've had a lot of fun spending time with our nieces and nephews this summer. My brother and sister in-law moved back home from Reno and we are so excited! I missed the kids while they were away so it's nice to have them so close.

Since they've been back we've had our annual summer party at Grace & John's and we've loved going to Tony's football games. I love the Godina bunch!

Fun Additions

I love decorating my house but it's funny how long it takes me to get around to doing things, especially when it comes to hanging pictures on our walls. We finally hung these shelves in our computer room- I bought them over a year ago. I even had all the frames and most of the pictures ready to roll. Of course, Cardy, who thinks I don't let him have any say in our house, chose a few of the interesting (to say the least) inserts.

Cardy is my professional hanger (is that a title?). He is so precise when it comes to measuring and making sure everything is straight and in place before he makes any holes in our walls. I guess this comes from having an amazing carpenter for a father. He did a great job and I'm in love with the final product!

Here's what Zoe was doing while were working

3

3 years and I still adore him...dearly. I love him more & more every single day.

It's pretty amazing to be married to your best friend- Someone who makes me smile and laugh out loud daily. Someone who makes me feel comfortable, no matter what. Someone who cares about me so deeply. I am lucky.

Dog Lake

Last month we took Zoe on a hike to Dog Lake in Millcreek Canyon. We loved it! The trail is gorgeous, you can't beat the mountains in the Fall. We didn't know what to expect taking this hike. We had heard mixed reviews on the intensity of the trail. The hike was a little longer and a little more strenuous than I was hoping. Luckily, I was prepared with enough water, snacks and good shoes. I tried not to complain too much, especially when we would see kids and even a few pregnant ladies on the trail. I guess if they can do it, so can I.

At the end of the trail, Zoe was excited to see the water and couldn't wait to get wet and play with the other dogs. We hung out at the lake for a bit and enticed Zoe into the water with sticks to fetch until she learned to swim. We were so excited when she first did it. It's amazing how innate swimming is for dogs. As soon as she realized she could paddle, it was all over- we have a swimmer!

For as difficult I felt the hike was on the way up, the way down smooth sailing! In fact, we ran down a good majority of the trial. It was such a good day spent with Cardy and Zoe. I love getting outdoors and being active - it makes me feel so good!

Shakespeare & Rednecks

Back in July, Ashley and I drove down to Cedar City to the Shakespearean Festival. Ashley's sister, Jenny, was performing in Great Expectations. I was so excited when Ashley invited me. I had never been to the Shakespearean Festival and I had only driven past Cedar City on long road trips.

We had so much fun. Ashley and I never have lulls in our conversation, not even on 7 hour long car rides (round trip). Two lattes, road treats, good music, and lots to talk about - these are the moments I love to spend with my BFF. Our ride was smooth and we made it there in good time. My mom was so worried I was going to fall asleep at the wheel. She was just certain the two of us wouldn't be able to stay awake that early in the morning. Even at 30, mom's don't stop worrying!

I really liked Great Expectations. It was so much fun to watch Jenny perform. She has an amazing voice and great stage presence. I always love it when I know the performers, it makes the whole experience that much more fun.

Cedar City is a really cute town. We had a little time to stop for lunch and walk around on Main Street before the show. Ashley and I explored some of the shops and even visited the Redneck Thrift Store which was pretty much comparable to a yard sale in a building. At least we got a good laugh. I loved the whole atmosphere of the town. The mountains, the campus and the quiet streets. I hope I get a chance to go back...more Shakespeare, please.

Jenny, Me, Ashley

Lake Powell 2010

This blog would not be complete without pictures from our annual Lake Powell trip. No stories, just pics. This trip was back in June but always memorable, as usual.

Bartender, I'll have another raspberry lemonade & vodka - with lime!

Brother & Sister

The girls - ready for a night in Page, AZ

Welcome to Ken's!

Dustin's annual gig at Ken's Steakhouse. Jammin' with the house band.

Goods to go home!

Las Vegas

Earlier this summer, I attended a conference in Las Vegas. Of course, I could not leave on this trip without my hubby who absolutely LOVES Las Vegas. He loves the excitement, he loves to gamble, he loves the night life and his best childhood friend lives there. Vegas is always a nice quick get-a-way for the two of us and really, I love it as much as he does. On this particular trip I was most excited about our hotel. Typically when I travel for work I stay in pretty nice hotels but I was super stunned when I found out we would be staying at the Mandarin Oriental in the brand new City Center on the Strip. When I first received my itinerary I hadn't even heard of this hotel so of course, I Googled it. Wow! I could not wait to get to Vegas! Then of course, I checked out the rates. They were well over what I would ever, ever pay for a hotel. Think Bellagio...but more.

My expectations were met. First class service during our entire stay and one of the nicest hotel rooms I think I'll ever sleep in. Just to give you an idea - Bulgari toiletries and a TV (inlaid in the mirror) in our bathroom. Everything in our room from the curtains to the lights were on a touch screen remote. Turn down service every night including rose petals for our tub. Cardy made me call the front desk to make sure we weren't going to be charged for the water bottles left on our night stands. Nope, free!

The biggest let down of our trip - I remembered the camera, I just forgot to charge the battery! The pictures I did take were taken on my phone or found on google.

The other fun part of our trip was meeting up with our friend, Joseph. He hooked us up and got us into LAX, a dance club in the Luxor. We were treated to bottle service which includes a table and a private bartender all night. I had to laugh, I was not prepared to go clubbing in Vegas. I had an Ann Taylor loft dress and some heels which made me feel like a good Mormon girl dressed for Sunday school compared to most the girls there. I'll know better next time. I'm not so sure staying out til 3 in the morning was the best idea when I had 8:00am meetings the following morning - but totally worth it. It was a short trip but totally worth it!

Cute Zoe

To our surprise - Zoe has become a woman.

We never, EVER intended for her to go into heat but it happened last week. Oops! The cycle lasts for ~21 days but luckily only the first week or so consists of any bleeding. So low & behold our beautiful dog is now wearing diapers full time (hopefully for only a couple more days now). She is actually really good about it and hasn't taken it off but once. Needless to say, Zoe will be getting spayed at the end of the month. Poor thing, what a traumatizing July for her.

Oh yeah. Cardy would like everyone to know she is now 52 lbs (his favorite statistic).

Why Oh Why

Why, Oh why do I not have the  motivation to blog? To be honest, I don't have the motivation to do a lot of things lately - just to name a few:

-work out (exercise. What's that? I know it will make me feel lots better but I can't seem to muster up the energy walk the dog, let alone run or lift weights)
-clean my house (Cardy thinks I'm crazy when I say this because according to him, our house is in tip-top shape. Not so)
-do laundry (I hate it, I hate it, I hate it! Not the actual laundering part, it mostly has to do with putting it away)
-wake up to an alarm (I have a serious problem. Confession time - I can [and do] hit my snooze for an hour before I get outta bed)
-sew (I miss it & I will be getting back to it soon)
-garden (plants. check. potting soil. check. laziness. check.)

I don't know what's wrong with me but I really need to snap out of it. Fast!

Argh...

Dr. Swimsuit Designers,

Just because I'm a big girl does not mean I want to wear an ugly swimsuit, nor do I care for animal print.

Love,
Me

What the hell? The swimwear I saw today that "suits my body type" looks like it was ordered from a Lands End catalogue. Why should all the cute suits with awesome prints be reserved for size 2 girls with no boobies? Guess I've got 2 choices - 1) Change my body type (by Wednesday...ummm, not going to happen) or 2) Call Land's End.

I'm home bored so I took a few pictures of Zoe. I just love this little thing (actually, she's not so little anymore).

Zoe with Crazy Mr. Chicken

Full Metal Crush

Ummm....Do I have a huge crush on this guy???

You better believe it!
Robert Downey Jr. - I heart you.