January 30, 2016

Happy Dog, Happy Life



If there's one thing in this world that makes me happy, it's my best friend, Gunner. 

He's my fur baby, a ball loving goofball, that makes every single day a little bit better. 

Making him happy, therefore, makes me happy. One of the ways I love to keep him happy (and healthy!) is with the always amazing products from Chewy.com.

Chewy was kind enough to send us these Merrick Chicken Pot Pie Kitchen Bitesfree for sampling this month. 



Every time there's a Chewy box delivered Gunner is right there, ready for it to be opened. Ted follows shortly behind him too - it's like they know it's for them.



Needless to say he was excited.


CAN I HAS ONE?!!



But beyond the yummy dog treats being delivered to your door (hello, chicken pot pie sounds fantastic), Chewy.com has another service that I freaking LOVE.

AUTO-SHIP! We feed both Gunner and Ted Blue Buffalo food, a brand you can only find at pet stores, and I was making an extra trip there to feed them since I couldn't buy that at the grocery store. 

Then I found Chewy and I could get it delivered right to my door, for less than I was paying for it at the pet store! You can set up your auto-ship at any weekly span. I believe ours is every 5 weeks, and then you never run out of food for your favorite furry someone.

Seriously it makes me so happy to see that box on my front step, knowing that I didn't have to run to the store, or even think about replacing our last bag that was nearly empty. It just shows up! 

Easy, time saving, money saving, nutritious for my pets, and GREAT customer service?  Chewy.com is a win all around.



So head over and get yourself and your pet a dose of happy why don't you?


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January 29, 2016

My Life as a Pirate & a Few Other Things



Peg leg is official. I can claim "pirate" now on forms right? Ok, I know I'm taking it a little bit far, but you have to put a positive spin on these kind of things if you are going to survive them right?

In case you missed it, I'm set to be on crutches another 4-6 weeks. No bueno. So my doctor prescribed the iWalk (peg leg) and I bit the bullet and handed over the cash so I could have some hands free mobility.

It's only day 2 and so far I am liking it. It's not all sunshine and rainbows like they make it look  on their website, but maybe I'll get there someday. 

In other news, as I waited what seemed like an eternity for the BF to take me grocery shopping Wednesday night (yes I needed assistance because I still had the crutches) I noticed he had a new playlist going. And it's awesome, so if you want some chill, alternative type music, please enjoy:


Knowing that I have a new job, with better pay on the horizon, as well as the payout of my comp and vacation time at my old job, I'm having a hard time not spending it. I want all the things!! I did get myself a little "congrats" present at VS. The terrible part? It was before I got the job. They were having a special where if you bought a sports bra you got free workout pants. I personally LOVE their workout pants and they aren't cheap so duh, I had to act on this. Of course the promotion was only so long - so I went and got what I wanted and told myself if I didn't get the job I had to take it back. But now I don't have to. Yippee skippy! Here's hoping I don't make any more splurges.





And that's really all I have for you today. I apologize for my lack of content these days. Now that I have my arms back maybe I can get back to normal cooking and even a recipe post! (don't hold your breath). It's been a rough couple weeks, and then a crazy one this week, so I'm just trying to keep it all together at the moment. TGIF though right?!


Have a great weekend!
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January 27, 2016

#HASHTAGHUMPDAY | Rage and Excitement

Happy Humpday my friends.

This Wednesday for me is bitter sweet, and full of frustration, rage and excitement. Quite a combo right?

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 my partner in crime 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?

Alright on to the details. Let's talk about the crap before the good stuff ok?

I went to the foot and ankle specialist yesterday. I had been walking in just my boot for a couple days and feeling AWESOME about it. Yay, not more crutches! I thought he would confirm I was on my way to healing and just to take good care of it and wear the boot a while longer. WRONG. I was chastised for walking on it already and told I probably need to be on crutches for 4-6 more WEEKS plus where the boot for walking for 6 MORE WEEKS after that #FML #ialmostcried #butmostlyiwaspissed



Basically my whole life is turned upside down because of this. I was prepared for 2-4 weeks of my life being off, but this is months of recovery. Months of not being able to do the things I normally do, and especially not the things I enjoy doing, like playing volleyball #oktearsarecoming #newsubject



He did prescribe me an I-walk. Basically a peg leg. Just call me Captain Lolo #argh #wheresmeeyepatch?



So I get to try that out Thursday. I still haven't been to the grocery store this week. I cried today because I didn't have anyone to take me #seriousbreakdownissues



But enough of the boo-hooing. Sorry about that. I did get wonderful news this week! That exciting thing I've hinted to a few times? It's that I've been interviewing for basically my dream job. And guess what... I got it!!! #ballerstatus



Today is bitter sweet because it is the day I give my two weeks notice. It's probably the hardest thing about any job, or at least a job you once loved so much. I will miss the people mostly, and the Fair craziness. I probably will shed some tears. But I won't miss the drama or the drive #commutebluesareover



I'll fill you in once everything is official. Start date is February 15th and I plan to dive in head first, pirate leg and all!

Ok so no it's your turn. What's going on with you this week? Link up!


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January 26, 2016

Whole30 Week Three | The Breakup Challenge 2016

DAY 23!!!! Eeeee! We are so close! Are you kicking butt in the Breakup Challenge? Only one full week to go!

If you are just tuning in, Amy and I decided that 2016 would be the year we broke up with our bad habits, and were asking anyone and everyone in the blog world (or otherwise) to join in! Whether you pick one habit to focus on or kick for the 30 days, or join us for Whole30, we're all in it together! 

The Breakup Challenge
It's no secret around these parts that it's been a rough couple of weeks for me. More than anything when life hands me difficulties, the place I cave first is in my diet. It switches quickly to carryout pizza and fast food without a second thought.

But this time was different. This time I was doing Whole30 and I was sticking too it, no matter how pathetic and depressed I felt. 

It was made possible mostly by the fact I had lots of leftovers. Prior to both issues (boot and the flu) I had a major food prep day and it was my saving grace. Had there not been easily accessible food in the house I would have cracked, I know it. It just goes to show how important it is to plan ahead! Who knows what obstacles may be thrown your way each week!



I am so proud of myself for sticking with it. There I said it. I am stinking proud. When you are at the verge of a breakdown and keep yourself from eating pizza, that's HUGE and I'm freaking pumped.

Because that is what Whole30 is supposed to be for me. The battle with my food habits and downfalls, and I took on that battle the last two weeks and won! Hell yes!

Do I still sort of want pizza, yes. Duh. I still can't really handle the grocery store solo with the boot yet so that's a struggle. But we're so dang close it's not worth giving in now!

I feel like this post has a lot of exclamation marks. Did you notice? I think it's because that Tigers Blood is finally running through my veins, even with the chesty cough leftover from the flu. Even with the swollen purple foot, I just feel unstoppable, and I love it!




With all that has been happening the past week I still didn't do a very good job of keeping track of what I ate or taking photos, but here is a summary for you:

Breakfasts: fried eggs with leftover potatoes| leftover sausage and pepper stir fry scrambled with eggs | leftover sausage and pepper stir fry with fried eggs over greens | leftover chili (yes really)|



Lunches: shredded chicken, mashed with half an avocado over greens with Whole30 ranch and a side of fruit and La Croix | leftover Zuppa Toscana soup | leftover Paleo jalapeno popper chili | steak fajitas with guacamole (resisted the chips and salsa!)


Dinners: Paleo jalapeno popper chili with avocado| chicken apple sausages stir fried with bell peppers and onions  with salad and potatoes | lettuce wrap tacos | sweet potato "rice' burrito bowl with leftover taco meat, homemade guacamole and side salad | buffalo chicken salad | salad bar from our favorite pizza place, topped with more buffalo chicken | cauliflower fried rice, courtesy of my mamma.



Snacks:  hard boiled eggs, hot tea, black coffee, fresh fruit


I find making an abundance of meat - like the sausages, taco meat, and shredded chicken, make it easy to throw together meals all week! 


I can't believe the end is almost in sight... to those of you who have been so supportive, THANK YOU! 

Let's do this!
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January 25, 2016

19 Things That Happen When You are on Crutches AND Have the Flu



So you heard me whine and moan all about the boot last week. The world of course thought it would be funny to add to the pain and threw a good dose of the flu at me last week as well. Thursday I could feel it coming with the sore throat and runny nose, and then BAM Friday it hit full force.

Yay me!! It's one thing to be a complete wreck because you can't get around due to an injury. It's another thing to be crippled AND ill. I was a hot mess. 

The result of said hot mess, and the long weekend that ensued due to it were a lot of things that were probably less than desirable. And since I didn't do anything fun this weekend to recap here today, I thought I'd give you the lovely list of things that happen when you are on crutches AND have the flu.

When you are on crutches and have the flu you might...

...eat chili for breakfast because it's the easiest thing to reheat
...yell at your XBox One because the remote is about 3 feet out of reach
... use a laser pointer to entertain your dog, because anything else is unfeasible
...have a complete hysterics breakdown to your boyfriend about how hard life is
...reuse the same Kleenex because the new box is too far away
...buy yourself flowers because you are depressed and you need them
...watch endless episodes of Say Yes to the Dress and Parks and Rec
...let the dishes pile up, and then pile up more
...do your laundry but leave all three baskets worth in your bedroom
...eat only two meals a day because three is too much effort
...sit on the shower floor in the "steam" to make yourself feel better
...attempt to take "Whole30 approved" drugs by get the pill form of Nyquil (which totally isn't)
...save that last Norco like it's the last piece of cake you're saving for a special occasion
...get really angry that you can't have comfort foods because your sticking with the #breakupchallenge2016
...not do your hair or makeup for three days in a row
...wear the same pair of sweatpants to bed and all day for two days in a row
...snuggle with your dog because he makes everything better
...enjoy the two times you do get out of the house because the sun is finally shining
...realize that it can only get better from here, and laugh it all off

So let's take that last one as our motto for this Monday shall we? It only get's better from here!

Have a great week friends!
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January 20, 2016

#HASHTAGHUMPDAY | The one with the Boot

I know you are going to get sick of me talking about this damn boot and injury, but #sorrynotsorry. I've been lacking material around these parts so when life hands you lemons a bout on crutches you make blog lemonade, alright?

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 my partner in crime 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 go get caught up with why I'm in a boot with crutches yet? Because that's key to confessions today. Long story short - volleyball, severe sprain, hating life.

Ok moving on.

I work in a barn. Or so I like to say. I work in the up stairs office space in horse arena that we use to house animals in during the Fair (so a barn). Key words here, UP and STAIRS. The thing of nightmares to people on crutches. Here's the fun part, no elevator... and... the only bathroom is downstairs #howisthisgoingtowork #doihavetogotoworkreally?



So enter me going back to work this week. I had to be helped up the stairs when I arrived. Ok, no biggie. But then I also need help going back down stairs to go to the bathroom. Nothing steals your dignity like having to ask a coworker to help you get down to the bathroom. Nothing. It's like being a three year old all over again #icanthandlethis #mortifying #drinknothingallday




I was given a special sock to wear in my boot. You are supposed to wash it. But when? And how if I can barely crutch my ass into the laundry room #smellyfootisjusteasier #hopeidontgetarash



I was going to get a pedicure this week #guessthatsnothappening

I was also supposed to go up to my Alma mater this weekend for an advisers meeting at the sorority. I just can't fathom crutching around all weekend, not at home, on a hilly campus though. It's still tentative, I mean I could suck it up, but really I'm not sure it's a good idea #netflixathomesoundsbetter #crutchesruineverything



I'm really trying not to be depressed about the whole situation. Good thing I can look at these and laugh right? #sortof #fakeittillyoumakeit



And that's it for this week. Hope you two legged folks are fairing better than me this week. Link up why don't ya!?


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January 19, 2016

Whole30 Week 2 | The Breakup Challenge

It's day 16 folks. DAY 16! We are more than half way through the Breakup Challenge! Only two more weeks of Whole30. You can do anything for just two weeks right? Even if I am on crutches?

If you are just joining us, Amy and I decided that 2016 would be the year we broke up with our bad habits, and were asking anyone and everyone in the blog world (or otherwise) to join in! Whether you pick one habit to focus on or kick for the 30 days, or join us for Whole30, we're all in it together!

The Breakup Challenge
So in case you didn't read about the major curve ball I was thrown in my Whole30 challenge, you might want to catch up here, regarding my ankle sprain. Yes, I'm a big baby. No, I'm not letting it get the best of me (at least in the Whole30 part of life).

Whole30 food week 2
sloppy joe over sweet potato chips with steamed veggies | scrambled eggs with avocado | eggs and potatos | sloppy joe over sweet potato noodles with salad


I've been very lucky that I've had the leftovers of last week to see me through this time, namely a huge crockpot full of Paleo Zuppa Toscana (I made the day of the accident) that I ate off of the last few days. Plus my wonderful mother cooked a Whole30 compliant meal for me Sunday night. 

I was nearly out of stock though by Monday and had to get my crutchedy ass in gear. I cooked and shredded about 3 lbs of chicken, cooked a big crock pot of chili, made a huge jar of Whole30 ranch and boiled my usual 4-5 eggs. It was a challenge, but I do feel I can make it through this week, bum leg and all now that I am prepared. Thank goodness I had Monday as a holiday! 

Whole30 food week 2
leftover stuffed pepper with salad for lunch | taco salad | apple and sunbutter


I am feeling extra good about the fact that I still have yet to cheat. I went to the BF's work party, in a suite at the hockey game on Saturday. I was surrounded by a huge free buffet, and free, basically unlimited alcohol. And I still made it out alive. I had a big salad with two grilled chicken breasts and brought my own dressing. Watching beer after beer get drank around me though was extremely difficult. Especially in such an awkward setting. Here's the picture--me, meeting all of BF's coworkers for the first time, on crutches, sweaty as hell from crutching all over down town. Plus there were no seats left to watch the game so they moved a chair over to the railing for me and I basically sat there in the middle of the room the whole time, bending over awkwardly to view the game through the glass below the railing. The shocking part though, as much as I wanted that ice breaker of alcohol to make it through that situation, I still had a ton of fun. I still enjoyed myself. And I really didn't need beer or alcohol to make it through social event like that. Woohoo!

Of course I was planning on doing an in depth recap for you like last week. However, once it became difficult to even get my plate to the table to eat it,  taking pictures of food, and writing everything down, became less important and nearly impossible.


Whole30 food week 2
leftover beef and broccoli with carrots and guacamole | stuffed chicken and egg peppers | leftover sloppy joe and veggies


So I apologize this week is a little sub par. I hope next week I can give you more! For now though, I am beyond happy that I have been able to stick with it despite this set back. Lying there on the couch the last four days, the ease of ordering pizza or having the BF get fast food was so very tempting. But I held strong, and now we're more than half way done!

Are you joining us for the Breakup Challenge? How are you doing half way through?

TTFN,
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January 18, 2016

Life Update


I haven't exactly broadcasted it, but you may have seen on social media that I suffered an injury last Thursday night. I came down on the foot of the opponent during a volleyball game. After a seemingly audible crunch and fair amount of screaming and tears I was whisked away for X-rays. Which showed pretty much nothing. A possible hairline fracture, but hard to tell.

Diagnosis? Severe high ankle sprain. Outcome? Boot, crutches and zero weight on it. 

This is the first time as an adult I can say I've been seriously injured. Ok not "seriously" I guess, but enough that it severely effects my every day life. Not being able to walk is the pits. I can honestly say I've shed more tears not in pain, but in the fact that I am incompetent. I feel useless. Moving from even the bed to the couch poses a huge task for me. I have no one to baby me either. It's me, dealing with this, and figuring it out as I go. 



I can't walk. I can barely bathe myself. Cooking? Hah! And all this right in the middle stretch of Whole30 and the Breakup Challenge

Now I'm not going to say I didn't sulk, there's been plenty of that. But I've finally realized I have to suck it up. I have to get on with life for the next couple weeks even if they will be miserable. 

So that's what I've been attempting to do. I even went out on Saturday night, crutches and all, to the BF's work party and even down town afterward. Was it the hardest thing I've done in a long time both physically and mentally? Yes. But I'm glad I did it. 



That night's adventure taught me crutching is the toughest workout in the world. Or so it felt. I had to stop every block or so to rest. The next morning my arms and abs ached with all the work. 

But hey, at least I'll be in killer shape after all of this right?

Sunday my mom kindly picked me up to go grocery shopping. Sore as hell from all the activity on crutches the night before I still crutched around the store for more than an hour--only to find they DID have electronic wheel chairs I could have used.

Deep breath after that. And another Norco (yes pain pills are awesome).

I know I sound absolutely pathetic moping about an injury like this. I should be back to normal in four or so weeks. But it's hard. It's hard to not be able to take the dog for walk or unload the dishwasher. It's hard to have to lift yourself into the shower and hop around on one foot through the house because you can't take the crutches against the bruises under your arms any more. 

But I am trying. And I think that's the best I can do. If I'm not around much in the blog world, you know why... my real world has been turned upside down and is being only supported with crutches at the moment.

Bear with me. I'm still trying to stay positive, silly and me through all of this. So if you have any tips regarding crutches and life with them, please send them my way! 


Cat selfies and all. Cheers from the drugged up me. 

(PS if you like the gross stuff, yes I have pictures of the ankle, yes I will send them if you want...)



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January 14, 2016

To the Broken Hearts of the Harry Potter Generation

Dearest fellow Harry Potter fans,

I know you. You know me. We are the kids that grew up alongside Harry, Hermoine and Ron, and tackled every adventure by their side as each new book was released.

We were the kids at the midnight release parties and who spent summer vacations locked away in our own "cupboard" with our noses stuck in a book, or two, or seven. 

We were the kids who secretly wished beyond hope that our letter would arrive soon and by owl.

And along the way we learned the lessons that shaped us into who we are now; 
"It is our choices that tell us who we really are, far more than our abilities." - Dumbledore
"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends."  - Dumbledore
"Books! And cleverness! There are far more important things - friendship and bravery." - Hermoine
"We are all human, aren’t we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving." –Kingsley Shacklebolt
"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light."  - Dumbledore

But above everything we took something else from those books. Something that took the entire series to unfold and left us breathless and hollow as we lost Snape.

Snape, who we had hated all those years. Who had been the evil part of every theory we had. Who had been the reason we dreaded potions and who we always sought out on the Marauder's Map.

Snape, who was a Death Eater. Who was the person that killed our only hope, our Dumbledore. 

Snape, who loved Harry's mother above all else...



And as we lost him, and learned his secret, we learned perhaps the greatest of all lessons. That true love is eternal, no matter in what form.

So as we lose our Snape again this week I look back and reflect. I know it was a matter of casting, and that Mr. Rickman was not truly Snape. But I have to say he was the closest match to exactly who I envisioned as I read those books (except maybe for McGonagall, Maggie Smith made for a perfect Professor McGonagall). He embodied the character in every way, made us hate him-- and then love him, and then in the end, showed us that love was there all along. 

I know the movies are not as important as the series itself (hell we all know the books are better!). But I do feel without a doubt, Alan Rickman was who made the movies great. He was the piece that fell so perfectly into place in the end and gave us back the biggest missing part of the puzzle. He was the loss we felt perhaps the greatest.

And we are all feeling that loss again this week. The loss of a man who embodied a piece of our childhood. The loss of a man who like us, found that true love lives forever, even if within a fictional series-- and he loved it just as much as we did.

He will forever be the face I see when I hear "always." 




You will always be our Professor Snape, Mr. Rickman. Thank you for teaching us, the Harry Potter Generation, what love really means.

And fellow fans, I ask this of you--live your life with this kind of love. A kind of love you can look back on and whisper, "always..."

"Do not pity the dead, Harry, pity the living, and above all those who live without love." –Dumbledore
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