December 31, 2015

2015 in Review

It's the end of 2015. THE END. This year absolutely flew by, although I'm sure I say that every year. Maybe it's something about getting older, or maybe it was just one of those years.

While I sit here thinking about 2015, nothing immediately jumps out at me, but that's why I love doing these posts. It forces me to dig deep and uncover all the amazing things that the year brought me. And now, having done so, I see it really was a heck of a year!


January & February

I celebrated one of my close friend's cabin bachelorette parties, and took a long weekend trip up north to see two besties, my sister, and make to-die-for build-your-own Bloody Mary's. Those two months also contained Ted's first birthday and Gunner's second birthday including homemade pupcakes



March & April

March was treat yo' self month and I celebrated my 27th birthday as well as went to our first wedding of 2015. It also brought about a nasty cold and Gunner and I both had bronchitis. Plus, I must say with all the sick time spent at home, I hit my stride in the kitchen, with Golden Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, my on-repeat Crockpot Carne Asada, and the ever amazing Bacon Jalpeno Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese!



May & June

Now we're getting to the good stuff! May was a big month, with my first ever blogger's brunch and thinking more about this space of mine as well as the 2nd wedding of the year. It was also the month I prepped and left for my family vacation to Washington D.C.! With barely any time to recover, I was off on my next major trip of the year, New Orleans for Annie's bachelorette bash! Which reminds me... I still need to do a recap sometime.



July & August

July was Fair month and it was a marathon as usual although there was a wedding in there to keep me sane. Luckily August swooped in to save the day (and with a whole bunch more fun) with my Whole30 attempt, new blog design, See Spot Splash, doing the Idaho Wine Run with my best friend and another bachelorette party!



September & October

Labor day weekend held my 4th wedding of the year and I was overjoyed to be a bridesmaid! September also had fun things like my favorite pet insta accounts, online me vs real me and my oozing softball injury... and of course my first ever Half Marathon! Which leads me into October and my sister's 21st birthday and my trip to my Alma Mater to celebrate with her! I also stopped washing my hair daily (yikes) and had a pregnancy scare (even more YIKES!)



November & December

November was a slow but grateful month and I did some tailgating, made use of my dog park etiquette a few hundred times and re-shared the do's and don'ts of Black Friday shopping. We had an amazing Thanksgiving, the week of which also marked the 1 Year Link-aversary for #hashtaghumpday! December started off with a bang, going to Vegas  and winning awards at my annual Fair convention. The rest of December was spent in merriment with friends and family, including our 3rd annual Ugly Sweater Party. We celebrated a very blessed Christmas and I am excited to be ringing in the New Year with a challenge in bettering myself ahead of me!



So as I work my bum off till the wee hours of the morning tonight and we dive head first into 2016, I have quite a year to look back on and smile about. So cheers to 2015!



I want to say thank you to each and every one of you, as you made 2015, and this year on Life with Lolo, the best so far. I am grateful to head into 2016 with such amazing blogging friends!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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December 30, 2015

#HASHTAGHUMPDAY | The one before Whole30



It's the last #hashtaghumpday of 2015! I'm still in disbelief. That means there will now be #hashtaghumpdays dated 2014, 2015 AND 2016! I mean it's like an institution, or at least around here it is!

Before we get into it, let me remind you you have a plethora of link ups to confess your face off to every Wednesday. #Hashtaghumpday with Lauren and I of course, Alanna for confessions as well as Plucky in Love, and then Kathy and Nadine! So much humpity-hump-day love!

#Hashtaghumpday @ Life with Lolo


 First a little business. Here’s the scoop:
  • Each Wednesday create a post about what’s going on in your life and #hashtag each item or story. See an example HERE. Be as creative as you want! 
  • Grab the button and include it in your post
  •  Link up so we can all #creep on you and find out what’s new/funny/awesome /shitty in your life.
  • Comment on at least one other blogger’s post from the link up (someone you don’t already know!) if there even is anyone who links up…
  •  Share on all your social sites with #hashtaghumpday
  • Have fun! #hashtagtheshitoutofeverything #whocaresifitsarealhashtag

Kapeesh?

So necessity has morphed today's hashtag/confession session into something a little different, because I also need to delve into the major undertaking Amy and I are planning on starting next Monday - Whole30. I was supposed to do that yesterday, but a Christmas recap won out #becausechristmas

Here's the thing, I'm sure to a lot of you Whole30, or any other drastic lifestyle change, sounds silly, non-sustainable, and not a good choice. Here's the thing, it's my choice and I know it will do my body good. Plus, it really, really has some interesting points and goals so I'm going to share those with you today both as they relate to the program and to me #solistenup



More than anything, in my opinion, Whole30 is an elimination diet to find out what foods your body isn't actually happy with consuming. You may not even realize the things you've eaten all your life have side effects on your body, because you've lived with that effect constantly. Crazy to think about right? Thus Whole30 cuts out major diet components that could be causing inflammation, allergic reactions, poor digestion and interference with your gut bacteria #basicallythegoodstuffgoes

Here's the cuts #yeahiknowitsoundscrazy




After the program you slowly introduce those foods back into your diet and see what your reaction is. The 30 days allow for them to clear out of your system so you can feel the full effects, if there are any, afterwards. Cool right? #SAYYES

So here's why I think this is the right thing for me to do:

Skin issues. Seriously I'm a walking dermatologist's nightmare. I shared with you one issue I've been having at the end of this post, and let me tell you friends, it's the worst. Flaky, itchy, ugly and right at my hair line. The sad part? I think it might be related to diet #crossyourfingersthisisthefix #andthatitsnotgluten

Honestly if that alone clears up, this is totally worth it #teamnomoreflakes



Second, and the one that is totally cliche, is weight loss. I know it shouldn't be the ultimate goal, that my health should be it, but I can't help but want this to help the waistline too. Odds are it will. In my first failed attempt at Whole30 I still lost 6 lbs and that was half assing it! This time, hard core, I'm hoping to really change my body make up a bit #andfitbackinmypants



Mood help. I'm a bit of a wreck these days due to a lot of stuff at work and a little bit of personal life. You know what can make you feel so much better all the time? Good, wholesome food. No, really. The Whole30 program calls it Tigers Blood and you just feel renewed, positive, and so much happier. That's a hell of a good reason in my mind #happyfoods #happylife



And, to assist with my favorite thing (other than my dog) sleep. Yes, a healthy diet helps you sleep loads better! Plus I hope to add some more fitness into my life as well, which usually helps me snooze too #zzzzzzzzzzz



Are you trying something this year that will help you have better skin, lose weight, make you happier and sleep better? Do you want to? You can always join us for Whole30 -OR- just pick another bad habit to breakup with during our 30 day challenge that will make your life better #shamelessplug

The Breakup Challenge

Now it's time for prep, prep, and more prep. Amy had a great post about how she plans to tackle her second round. I spent a good portion of last night reading my Whole30 Book and then lying awake all night thinking about it - how hard it will be, how great it will be, and everything in between #letsmakeithappen



What are you hashtagging this week friends? What do you think of Whole30? Are you planning on giving up any bad habits with us?

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December 29, 2015

The Christmas Recap & A Reminder



It's over. The most wonderful day of the year and "poof" it's over and gone. So quickly, like a flash. A flash that leaves you 10 lbs heavier, head full of fluff and merriment, and with very little desire to return to the real world. But we must. And that alarm going off Monday morning was the worst sound I think I have ever heard in my entire life. 

Of course I took almost zero photos to document the weekend, which means it was that good right?! 

I always manage to get photos of Gunner though. Like in his Santa Suit.


Still, I can't complain too much. I had a wonderful Christmas and long weekend, made extra long by the "sick" day I took Wednesday to sleep off the nasty cold that had come over me. While it was truly meant to be sick day, my sister was a little on to my motives, asking if I was "sick with Christmas spirit?" So what if I was? I needed that day and it was well spent. I topped it off with happy hour with some of my girlfriends and it was the perfect little holiday get together to start off my weekend. 

The friend dates continued into Christmas eve morning when I met with three of my closest childhood friends who hadn't all been together in  nearly three years! We caught up over an amazing breakfast at a local coffee shop just as a light Christmas snow started to fall outside the window. It was magical and so wonderful to see them all while they were home. 



That night I headed to my aunt's house with my family for our traditional Christmas Eve. It was full of more appetizers than should ever be eaten, rambunctious crazy cousins full of Christmas energy, and our adult gift exchange. Six cousins (well kids of cousins) between the ages of 2 and 11 makes for one not so quiet night. But it was tons of fun seeing their excitement when Santa stopped by and watching them open gifts.

Christmas Eve snow and dropping temperatures left for an eerie and slightly scary foggy drive home, but I made it in time for the end of the BF's family Christmas Eve.  I was spoiled with too much from his parents and sister, but it was a treat to get to see both families in one night.


Christmas morning was spent at my parents' opening our stockings, drinking Bloody Maries, too many presents and an epic quiche brunch. 

After we could manage to move after all the food and presents we headed home to bake some last minute items and head to the BF's aunt's house for Christmas dinner. Prime rib, turkey, all the fixings, plus pie... I was bursting at the seems!

We ended the night with Cards Against Humanity, which I was hesitant to play with the BF's extended family. I must have not been too embarrassed after a few glasses of wine though and won the whole game! I'm hilarious, what can I say? 

The rest of the weekend was spent after-Christmas shopping, dog walking, reading, pizza devouring and deep cleaning around the house (including my closet, wahooo!) to make way for our new gifts. 



Some of those new gifts I'm extra excited for? My Spiralizer, Paleo Cookbook and Inspiralized  Cookbook to use during my next round of Whole30

Don't forget, Amy and I are hosting the Breakup Challenge and taking on Whole30 together! We are encouraging everyone to join in and breakup with just one or more bad habits for a healthier you in the new year.



The challenge kicks off January 4th (NEXT MONDAY!) and look for the first Breakup Challenge post on the 5th, and every following Tuesday. We hope you will join us!

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas! Get in your holiday cheats now and join us next week!

Cheers!

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December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas!!!

Or should I say Catmas?


Wishing you and yours a fulfilling and merry holiday!





All my love and cheer,

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December 24, 2015

Christmas Eve | Holiday Questionnaire

Merriest of Christmas Eves to you friends! 




I saw this holiday themed questionnaire from Mattie over at Northwest Native and I thought it was the perfect thing for a Christmas eve post! 

What's your go-to outfit in winter?.
Skinny jeans, boots and a long sleeve top or sweater. I’m starting to rock leggings more now, but for us long waisted gals it’s hard to find tops long enough to wear with leggings sometimes!

What's winter like in your hometown?
This year? Wet, wet, wet. We need it desperately because Idaho has been in a drought for a long time, but I sure wish (even though I can’t believe I’m saying this) it was snow instead of rain! I love my small-ish city and how it lights up everywhere from down town to small neighborhoods.



Special winter recipes?
Crockpot everything! I’ve really been digging this Paleo Chili, but anything I can set and go and come home to hot and ready is amazing this time of year!

Winter holiday traditions?
Other than Christmas not a lot. Check out this post with more traditions!

Favorite winter activities?
Does sleeping count? I wish I could hibernate for the winter other than Christmas. But I love buying gifts (crazy I know) and driving around looking at lights!

Winter home decor?
It’s the one time of year I go all out! I have several tubs of Christmas decorations and I love to have lights almost everywhere inside. Outside, eh, I do some around the door!



Beauty regimen changes for winter?

I should be better about this one but I’m not. I do try and use more lotion and moisturizer for my skin since I tend to get dried out in the winter!

Favorite holiday song?
Nat King Cole, The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting by an open Fire)

Favorite holiday movie?
ELF!

What changes about you in the winter?

Hmmmm. I may get a little grumpy. I’m not a winter, dark or cold loving person.

Gift wrap or gift bags?

Wrap. I like doing something special for each gift. I always think I’m going to go all out and have fantastic handmade bows and such, but usually I don’t get that far.



Favorite warm drink for winter?

White chocolate peppermint mocha.

What are you excited for this season?
Christmas!
Autumn vs. Winter?

Autumn. I’m not a cold loving person so I prefer the warmer, crisp days of fall and all the colors!

Where do you spend Christmas?
We have Christmas Eve outside of Boise in Emmett at my aunt’s house. I have NEVER missed a Christmas eve there my whole life! That night at her house is my favorite of the whole year, full of family, food and gifts. Then Christmas day is at my parents’ house followed by Christmas dinner with the BF’s family.

Do you decorate after or before Thanksgiving?
I have a strict AFTER Thanksgiving policy, but it usually happens Black Friday!



Peppermint or gingerbread?
Peppermint for sure! Candy Cane ice cream anyone!? And Candy Cane Chapstick?! It’s the best!!!

What is one thing you asked for this Christmas?
A Spiralizer. I’m excited to use it for the Breakup Challenge and Whole30 recipes.

What are some of your Christmas traditions?

I hope you have a magical Christmas Eve!




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December 23, 2015

#HASHTAGHUMPDAY | The Eve of the Eve

Twas the night before the night before Christmas, and all through the house...

Laura was laid up in bed and with Vicks her chest she did douse...

It has come. The cold has finally hit. I've been battling it since Thanksgiving, survived traveling to Vegas and a month worth of stress, but it picks this week to finally conquer me.

Damn. It's always over Christmas.




Still, it is the eve of Christmas Eve and I'm not letting it damper my spirits (too much). I've stretched my time off to include today as a sick day (even though I had to take a personal day because you can't take a sick day leading into a holiday, seriously wtf). 

So I'm home finally taking in some of those Christmas movies and drinking cocoa and hoping I'm able to get out of bed for happy hour with a close friend. Fingers crossed. It would be a Christmas Miracle. 

Before we get into it, let me remind you you have a plethora of link ups to confess your face off to every Wednesday. #Hashtaghumpday with Lauren and I of course, Alanna for confessions as well as Plucky in Love, and then Kathy and Nadine! So much humpity-hump-day love!

#Hashtaghumpday @ Life with Lolo


 First a little business. Here’s the scoop:
  • Each Wednesday create a post about what’s going on in your life and #hashtag each item or story. See an example HERE. Be as creative as you want! 
  • Grab the button and include it in your post
  •  Link up so we can all #creep on you and find out what’s new/funny/awesome /shitty in your life.
  • Comment on at least one other blogger’s post from the link up (someone you don’t already know!) if there even is anyone who links up…
  •  Share on all your social sites with #hashtaghumpday
  • Have fun! #hashtagtheshitoutofeverything #whocaresifitsarealhashtag

Kapeesh?

Did you hear the big announcement yesterday? Amy and I are tackling Whole30 again and are opening it up to anyone and everyone and any bad habit you might want to break up with. All I know is it couldn't come at a better time because this is sort of my motto this time of year #itsnotchristmaswithoutbooze #orchocolate #orcookies #nomnomnomnomnom



Between all the drama at work, trying to get everything done for our New Year's event prior to Christmas and now getting sick and taking an extra day off, this is how I feel about my job #fuckit #imout



I tried to spend a lot less money this year for Christmas. I think I did spend less, but not a whole lot less. I tend to just keep buying and buying (especially for the BF) every time I see something that I think is perfect for someone. Thus why he has like 8 presents #oopsididitagain #presentsfordays #iheartgiving


 Speaking of gifts I'm really nervous about the the little DIY gift I did this year. It was way out of my comfort zone and I'm not sure he will appreciate it as much as I am hoping. Cross your fingers for me that he'll be blown away would you?  #nervousebreakdown #hebetterlikeit #orhesnotgettingany




All points aside though, I'm extremely excited for Christmas, time with my family and friends, and feeling all the warm fuzzies it brings me each year. I wish it could go on and on! #Christmasforever



And that's all she wrote folks. Link up and confess your pre-Christmas sins!

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December 22, 2015

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Breakup Challenge with The Crazy Wise Woman

Hello!


I know it's Christmas week and there is so much merriment and cookies going around that it's hard to see straight. That being said, it's also the time of year we make goals for the year ahead. 

It's safe to say most of us probably have health and fitness goals on the docket for 2016. As much as I hate to use the new year as an excuse for resolutions, it also lines up with the easiest time of year for me to create a significant change in my life. So, so be it! 

A while back I attempted Whole30. I was not overly successful, but I saw some significant changes and felt it was a good way for me to change my habits and addictions with foods. I was originally inspired by my good friend Amy @ The Crazy Wise Woman and her Whole30 journey earlier in the year. 

When I found out Amy was interested in doing a second round, I couldn't wait to team up, because she #nailedit her first round and I knew she would be the perfect person to keep me accountable.

But why stop there? We're inviting ALL OF YOU to join us in our Breakup Challenge!!

The Breakup Challenge is just that - we are joining together to help one another "breakup" with our worst habits for 30 straight days. It can be anything you choose! Maybe it's that soda addiction. Maybe you just want to try low carb or even cut out sugar. It could be just chocolate or maybe alcohol - whatever you need to "breakup" with! 

Amy and I will both be tackling Whole30, which is a breakup of a whole different level. We encourage anyone who would also like to take on the same challenge to do so! That means no added sugars, no grains, no dairy, no legumes, no processed foods and worst of all for Amy and I - no booze! I will post a little more about Whole30 next week if you are interested in the details. 

This will become the grab-able button to share on your blog for the challenge.

The Breakup Date is January 4th. The challenge will start on that day, and Amy and I will both be sharing our experiences and updates the Tuesday of every week, starting the 5th with a kick off post! We will be sharing our journey on our blogs and social media with #breakupchallenge2016. Everyone is welcome to join in and share their successes (or failures) along the way! 

The goal here is simple. If you can breakup with something for 30 days, you can kick that bad habit for good! 

So what are you waiting for? Are you interested in joining the breakup party? If so, please let us know. If there is enough interest generated we will create a link up for each Tuesday of the challenge.


I hope you all will consider taking on this challenge with us, for a better you in 2016!

Now please excuse me while I go binge on a few things I'll be missing come January 4th...


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December 21, 2015

Monday Musings

Christmas mantle

Is it just me or is it getting harder and harder to leave the scene above and come to work? There should be no work the week of Christmas, who's with me?!

Regardless, I'm here today and although late, thought I'd pop in for a little weekend recap and some things I need to mention.

Friday we went and say Star Wars: The Force Awakens in IMAX 3D. It was everything I had hoped for. It was even worth waiting outside in line for 30+ minutes even though we were there an hour early. I don't want give out any spoilers (although one thing really, really upset me). All I'll say is I really want BB8 to be my personal droid. 'Cause hello, what a cutie.



Saturday was spent sleeping late followed by Christmas errands, wrapping, dip making, dog walking and my favorite White Elephant exchange party! I ended up with a boob scarf, no really they exist, and it was just one of many hysterical gifts, along with homemade mac and cheese and fancy baileys cream pudding shots.

After the party we headed out to celebrate the graduation of another friend. I could have done with more hours of sleep instead, but it was a fun time and  I managed to enjoy myself without over doing it.

Sunday was additional Christmas shopping with mom, baking, wrapping, dog walking and dinner with my parents. The usual perfect ending to every weekend.

Please make sure you check in here tomorrow, because Amy and I have a BIG announcement! It's the one last little order of business around these parts before Christmas. Although I will sneak in some #hashtaghumpday as well!

How was your weekend friends?

Linking up with Biana for weekending goodness!

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