It's December now, so I can officially say it... Happy Holidays! I have to admit, it's been Christmas in the Wick home for about 2 weeks now. I guess I was a little eager to decorate! My mother-in-law was sweet enough to let me borrow a TON of her decorations, and I went slightly nuts with it. As my husband says, it's "all kinds of Christmas up in our house". I love it!
Speaking of holidays, Thanksgiving was such a treat this year! We spent Thanksgiving day at my parents house eating delicious food (minus the turkey for me! :P), catching up with extended family, relaxing, and eating some more. All that food must have gone to our heads because later that night my sister, mom, and I decided to go out and brave the Black Friday crowds for the first (and probably last) time. We were in shock over how many people actually stand in line for hours for one item. I treated myself to a few things I've had my eye on (the Kindle Fire - woo!), Kendall got Adleigh her first baby doll, and my mom got some things for herself too. All in all, it was a wonderful day I'll never forget. The Saturday following Thanksgiving, Tyler and I traveled down to his birthplace - Booker, Texas - and spent the weekend with his family. They are such a crowd! We stuffed ourselves silly, laughed until it hurt, and just enjoyed spending some much needed "McQuitty time". It was so neat to finally see where my husband and all his family came from. There's not much to Booker, but it was still fun having Tyler take me on the tour of the town...we drove down one street and it was over! :)
Now I am just focusing on keeping my sanity while the craziness of the holiday season picks up, and the fall semester winds down. It's hard to believe that 2011 is already coming to an end. In the last year I've gotten married, moved in with my husband, changed majors (again!), witnessed the birth of my adorable niece, switched jobs, and so much more.
I'm certainly excited to see what 2012 will hold...
Friday, December 2, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Coffee challenge.
As a 'hardcore' coffee drinker from the majority of my teens to now, it never occurred to me that it was truly bad for me. Of course, I remember the schpiel they'd always give us in school. Yeah, yeah...caffeine's a drug...addiction...blah blah. I'd always think, "Ease up people, I'm drinking a cup of french vanilla with 2 sugars, not smoking crack."
Realistically though, when most of us coffee drinkers REALLY think about it... could you go a morning without coffee and/or caffeine of any sort? A day? A week? I would have scoffed at the idea! But... as you may know from my last post, I am all about educating myself on the effects of the foods/liquids I choose to put into my body. Too many of us just eat and drink things knowing full well they are bad for us, but would probably opt out of drinking/eating those foods if we knew just HOW bad they are.
I'll spare you the gory details of what long term caffeine use does to your innards, but I started weaning myself off of coffee last week. First my usual, tons of coffee all day every day, then less, and even less, and even less. I am now on day #5 of being coffee/caffeine free!
I won't lie and say it's easy. The headaches alone are enough to make someone break down. Surprisingly, a lot of my difficulty is breaking my mental addiction to it. I have my mind trained to tell my body that I can't function without it, that I NEED it. It's craziness.
My point of all of this? Just try it! Put away the Mr. Coffee and set down the Diet Coke. Give it at least a week. I think you'll find at the end of the 7 days, you don't really NEED it like you think you do. Your innards will thank you! :)
Realistically though, when most of us coffee drinkers REALLY think about it... could you go a morning without coffee and/or caffeine of any sort? A day? A week? I would have scoffed at the idea! But... as you may know from my last post, I am all about educating myself on the effects of the foods/liquids I choose to put into my body. Too many of us just eat and drink things knowing full well they are bad for us, but would probably opt out of drinking/eating those foods if we knew just HOW bad they are.
I'll spare you the gory details of what long term caffeine use does to your innards, but I started weaning myself off of coffee last week. First my usual, tons of coffee all day every day, then less, and even less, and even less. I am now on day #5 of being coffee/caffeine free!
I won't lie and say it's easy. The headaches alone are enough to make someone break down. Surprisingly, a lot of my difficulty is breaking my mental addiction to it. I have my mind trained to tell my body that I can't function without it, that I NEED it. It's craziness.
My point of all of this? Just try it! Put away the Mr. Coffee and set down the Diet Coke. Give it at least a week. I think you'll find at the end of the 7 days, you don't really NEED it like you think you do. Your innards will thank you! :)
Friday, October 21, 2011
The start of something new.
If you know me at all, you know there's nothing I love more than starting a new project. However, on the same token, I'm also kind of famous for losing interest quickly.You know the story... I'll get super excited about something, start it, then the ADD kicks in... and eventually I lose interest all together and I'm on the next big thing. Meh... it is what it is.
With all of that being said, I've found my latest project - and I've already taken a personal vow not to allow this one to end up like the rest. Why? Because it directly effects my health and longevity of life... and that's a pretty darn good reason to stick to something, if you ask me. What is my big undertaking, you ask? I am now officially a vegetarian. Now, I'm fully aware of the stigma that surrounds vegetarianism, and all I can say is this: I'm doing it for my own personal, healthful-minded reasons. It's something that I've been considering for a few months now. Meat just didn't appeal to me like it used to. One day while bored at work, I decided to watch a documentary. I randomly chose 'Food, Inc.' and... wow! Talk about an eye opening experience. I won't preach on it here, but if you eat food and live in America YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS FILM. After that, I started doing more research and found another documentary supporting an entirely plant-based, whole foods diet called, 'Forks Over Knives.' It was all over from there. My decision was made, and I was off to the grocery store!
It's been a little over one week since I've eaten meat, and I have to say... I feel fantastic. Also, a few weeks ago I stopped eating dairy, minus the occasional cheese here and there. In addition, I've cut out all refined sugar and I'm even in the process of giving up the one thing I said I NEVER would: coffee. GASP! All of these dietary changes has made me significantly more energetic, which allows me to work out more often. Yay!
I won't lie and say it's been easy so far. To completely change your mindset about the food you've been eating for the last 23 years is pretty difficult. Also, vegetarianism requires a lot more cooking....which as you all know from my last post, is not my strong suite - YET. The fun thing is, neither Tyler or I have cooked with a lot of the stuff veggie recipes call for... so we are learning together!
All in all, it's a life change I am really excited about both for myself, and to share with those I love. I've even got a few friends to jump on board with me so far! Again, I encourage everyone to watch Food, Inc if you haven't already. And if you find yourself intrigued with the idea of a plant-based diet, then certainly watch Forks Over Knives.
Enjoy!
With all of that being said, I've found my latest project - and I've already taken a personal vow not to allow this one to end up like the rest. Why? Because it directly effects my health and longevity of life... and that's a pretty darn good reason to stick to something, if you ask me. What is my big undertaking, you ask? I am now officially a vegetarian. Now, I'm fully aware of the stigma that surrounds vegetarianism, and all I can say is this: I'm doing it for my own personal, healthful-minded reasons. It's something that I've been considering for a few months now. Meat just didn't appeal to me like it used to. One day while bored at work, I decided to watch a documentary. I randomly chose 'Food, Inc.' and... wow! Talk about an eye opening experience. I won't preach on it here, but if you eat food and live in America YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS FILM. After that, I started doing more research and found another documentary supporting an entirely plant-based, whole foods diet called, 'Forks Over Knives.' It was all over from there. My decision was made, and I was off to the grocery store!
It's been a little over one week since I've eaten meat, and I have to say... I feel fantastic. Also, a few weeks ago I stopped eating dairy, minus the occasional cheese here and there. In addition, I've cut out all refined sugar and I'm even in the process of giving up the one thing I said I NEVER would: coffee. GASP! All of these dietary changes has made me significantly more energetic, which allows me to work out more often. Yay!
I won't lie and say it's been easy so far. To completely change your mindset about the food you've been eating for the last 23 years is pretty difficult. Also, vegetarianism requires a lot more cooking....which as you all know from my last post, is not my strong suite - YET. The fun thing is, neither Tyler or I have cooked with a lot of the stuff veggie recipes call for... so we are learning together!
All in all, it's a life change I am really excited about both for myself, and to share with those I love. I've even got a few friends to jump on board with me so far! Again, I encourage everyone to watch Food, Inc if you haven't already. And if you find yourself intrigued with the idea of a plant-based diet, then certainly watch Forks Over Knives.
Enjoy!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
The crock pot... a busy wife's best friend.
I'm just going to say it. I am a terrible cook.
Well, not necessarily terrible in the sense that I can't make mac and cheese (although I have messed it up before!), but terrible like I really have no clue what I'm doing. And just to clear the air, this is not for my mom's lack of trying. For years, my mom would call me into the kitchen while she made dinner to try to involve me and give me at least a small idea of what was involved with cooking a meal. And in my teenage-ness, I would roll my eyes, tell her this is stupid, and go watch TV. My mom being right in the end...imagine that!
Luckily, I am blessed with a husband who not only knows what he's doing, but loves to cook and experiment with new foods and recipes. While I don't think I will ever quite share his enthusiasm, after almost 8 months of marriage it's starting to hit me - I need to learn to cook and I need to learn to like it. But, what's a busy wife with 2 jobs and a full college course load to do? Enter the greatest invention ever made... the crock pot! Why I am just now discovering this amazing little guy is mystery, but I digress. Putting a bunch of food inside a pot, leaving for work, and coming home to an incredible smelling house and dinner is ready to serve? Yeah, that's MY kind of cooking!
Here's the recipe I'm trying today... http://thelarsonlingo.blogspot.com/2011/05/easiest-dinner-ever.html. Yum, right?!
So fellow wives, what are some of your favorite crock pot recipes? Tips? Comments? Feel free to share!
Well, not necessarily terrible in the sense that I can't make mac and cheese (although I have messed it up before!), but terrible like I really have no clue what I'm doing. And just to clear the air, this is not for my mom's lack of trying. For years, my mom would call me into the kitchen while she made dinner to try to involve me and give me at least a small idea of what was involved with cooking a meal. And in my teenage-ness, I would roll my eyes, tell her this is stupid, and go watch TV. My mom being right in the end...imagine that!
Luckily, I am blessed with a husband who not only knows what he's doing, but loves to cook and experiment with new foods and recipes. While I don't think I will ever quite share his enthusiasm, after almost 8 months of marriage it's starting to hit me - I need to learn to cook and I need to learn to like it. But, what's a busy wife with 2 jobs and a full college course load to do? Enter the greatest invention ever made... the crock pot! Why I am just now discovering this amazing little guy is mystery, but I digress. Putting a bunch of food inside a pot, leaving for work, and coming home to an incredible smelling house and dinner is ready to serve? Yeah, that's MY kind of cooking!
Here's the recipe I'm trying today... http://thelarsonlingo.blogspot.com/2011/05/easiest-dinner-ever.html. Yum, right?!
So fellow wives, what are some of your favorite crock pot recipes? Tips? Comments? Feel free to share!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Little moments.
Just one of the many, many reasons that I love being a newlywed are the little 'moments'. I can't exactly describe them, but they are usually something small, silly and unexpected, and give me a ooey-gooey feeling inside. Picture 'The Elf'... "I'm in love, I'm in love, and I DON'T CARE WHO KNOWS IT!"
For example, I was in the kitchen unloading dishes one day and overheard Tyler talking on the phone to someone. The only piece of the conversation I heard was, "...my wife...blah blah blah." Instant huge smile! As cheesy as it is, I don't think I will EVER tire of hearing the man I love most in this world call me his wife. Hands down, one of my favorite little 'moments'.
A more recent moment I had... thinking about the fact that we are about to experience our first holiday season as a married couple. Woo-hoo! Admittedly, by December of last year (less than 2 months til the wedding), I was less than filled with the holiday spirit. Wedding planning, cake tastings, meetings with vendors, RSVPs, and stress had taken over my every thought. Needless to say, I am pretty excited knowing the most stressful thing this holiday season will be what dish to bring to the Burd family Christmas. Yikes! :P
For example, I was in the kitchen unloading dishes one day and overheard Tyler talking on the phone to someone. The only piece of the conversation I heard was, "...my wife...blah blah blah." Instant huge smile! As cheesy as it is, I don't think I will EVER tire of hearing the man I love most in this world call me his wife. Hands down, one of my favorite little 'moments'.
A more recent moment I had... thinking about the fact that we are about to experience our first holiday season as a married couple. Woo-hoo! Admittedly, by December of last year (less than 2 months til the wedding), I was less than filled with the holiday spirit. Wedding planning, cake tastings, meetings with vendors, RSVPs, and stress had taken over my every thought. Needless to say, I am pretty excited knowing the most stressful thing this holiday season will be what dish to bring to the Burd family Christmas. Yikes! :P
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Ch-ch-ch-channnges.
As I sit just a couple of days away from starting yet another semester in college, mere weeks away from a new season (fall... yay!), and a handful of months from beginning a new year (eeks!) ... I find myself wanting to start anew and take the opportunity to make some changes. I have a tendency to say a lot of , "I wish I would...", or "I'm going to start...", but nothing ever really comes of it. I, along with most of my other fellow nerds, LOVE lists so... here you go. Hopefully, this will keep me more accountable. I'll call it...
"The Things I Want To Work on and Change About Me and/or My Life in General List"
"The Things I Want To Work on and Change About Me and/or My Life in General List"
- Reading - I want to read more. Or more honestly, make the time to read more. Reading used to be one of my all time favorite past-times. It saddens me that it's fallen to the wayside because of things like Facebook, or zoning out in front of the TV. Time to dust off the ol' Kindle...good book suggestions, anyone?
- Fitness - I know, I know. Even I'm sick of hearing myself say, "I'm going to start working out... next week." It's time to make hitting the treadmill a priority. Between working two jobs, going to school full time, and keeping our dirty laundry at a reasonable level, I know I need to be realistic about how much gym time I'll actually be able to commit. But hey, I'm willing to try...and something is better than the nothing I'm currently looking at!
- Quality time - Be it a pedicure with my sister, coffee with my mom, a walk in the park with my husband... I need it. Sometimes I feel like the daily stresses and worries of life robs me of the simple pleasure of just enjoying a loved ones company. Definitely working on this.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Ups and downs.
I'm BAAAACK!
Three months ago, my trusty ol' Macbook (that I've had for almost 6 years... *tear*) decided it was time to go to Apple heaven. Left with only my iPad, it was difficult to keep up with my oh-so-important social networking AND blogging. Nevertheless, I am back in action...just in time to update on life's happenings.
My niece, Adleigh, was born May 31st, 2011 at a whopping 9 pounds, 6 ounces! My mom and I got the opportunity to be in the delivery room and I have to say - it was, BY FAR, the most amazing thing I've experienced to date. Being her aunt is already so much fun, and my parents are having a blast spoiling her rotten. One thing is for sure though: Adleigh has certainly cured my 'baby fever'! I knew babies were hard work but...holy moly! Tyler and I both agree, we're juuuust fine being the loving aunt and uncle for a while...a long while! :)
As for college, I changed my major...again. It's been a long, angst-filled road but I finally feel like I'm on the path I need to be. Let me just say, PtL for amazingly supportive husbands. Tyler has been such a trooper through my constant self-doubt...and when I threw my 'poor me pity parties' he refused to attend, lol. To be honest, I am still unsure of where my career path will take me, but I do know that it's entirely in His hands...and really, what else is there to know?
Married life is just as great as ever! Tyler and the rest of Team Oklahoma will be competing in the 'State Wars' hockey tournament in Cincinnati, OH next week... which happens to land on our 6th month wedding anniversary! So myself, Tyler, my brother-in-law, and his girlfriend will be piling in the car for a mini-vacation for a few days. Granted, it's not Cancun but we are still grateful for the chance to get away and have a little fun outside of Oklahoma!
On a super mushy-gooshy note...we are just stinkin' blessed - for lack of better wording! It's such a wonderful feeling, living every day with my best friend by my side, filled with the love of our families and friends. That's not saying that we don't have our ups and downs, but getting through those 'downs' make the 'ups' so, so worth it.
Three months ago, my trusty ol' Macbook (that I've had for almost 6 years... *tear*) decided it was time to go to Apple heaven. Left with only my iPad, it was difficult to keep up with my oh-so-important social networking AND blogging. Nevertheless, I am back in action...just in time to update on life's happenings.
My niece, Adleigh, was born May 31st, 2011 at a whopping 9 pounds, 6 ounces! My mom and I got the opportunity to be in the delivery room and I have to say - it was, BY FAR, the most amazing thing I've experienced to date. Being her aunt is already so much fun, and my parents are having a blast spoiling her rotten. One thing is for sure though: Adleigh has certainly cured my 'baby fever'! I knew babies were hard work but...holy moly! Tyler and I both agree, we're juuuust fine being the loving aunt and uncle for a while...a long while! :)
As for college, I changed my major...again. It's been a long, angst-filled road but I finally feel like I'm on the path I need to be. Let me just say, PtL for amazingly supportive husbands. Tyler has been such a trooper through my constant self-doubt...and when I threw my 'poor me pity parties' he refused to attend, lol. To be honest, I am still unsure of where my career path will take me, but I do know that it's entirely in His hands...and really, what else is there to know?
Married life is just as great as ever! Tyler and the rest of Team Oklahoma will be competing in the 'State Wars' hockey tournament in Cincinnati, OH next week... which happens to land on our 6th month wedding anniversary! So myself, Tyler, my brother-in-law, and his girlfriend will be piling in the car for a mini-vacation for a few days. Granted, it's not Cancun but we are still grateful for the chance to get away and have a little fun outside of Oklahoma!
On a super mushy-gooshy note...we are just stinkin' blessed - for lack of better wording! It's such a wonderful feeling, living every day with my best friend by my side, filled with the love of our families and friends. That's not saying that we don't have our ups and downs, but getting through those 'downs' make the 'ups' so, so worth it.
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