#48 Post Christmas

Christmas is one, if not my favorite, holidays of the year. It is a time when most people gather with close friends and family. We gather for parties, parties, and more parties. (I hate to see what the scale will read on Thursday.)

My family is pretty big, so we had a lot of people at our family gatherings, and we haven't gotten to New Years yet. Christmas was a fun and family filled weekend. Being that Christmas fell on a Sunday, we like usual had a Christmas spectacular.

The photo to the above was taken Christmas Eve at my nanny's house. We had a blast. We watched the young cousins open Christmas presents. After Christmas Eve with my dad's side of the family, we went to my sister's house and exchanged presents.

I, of course, made gifts. I made calendars and a painting for my sister and her husband. I also made cards.

I discovered a new love for stamping and had so much fun making these. I love to explore new avenues for my creativity.

I received very unexpected Christmas gifts. My big gift this year was a new 15 inch MacBookPro. Words can't express how excited I was. I also received a beautiful Brighton neckless form my sister and her husband. (I absolutely love it.)

I hate to see how much I have gained in the last week; of course the scale will show all of my holiday celebrating. This year I made a conscious effort to have foods that I could have guilt free, but of course I ate those guilt free foods plus all the stuff I wasn't supposed to eat . (Go figure)

I guess I will have to start fresh after New Years!!!

#47 Our Anniversay

Yesterday, my mother and father celebrated the 42nd year as husband and wife. By today's standards that is a lifetime. They are still has as happy as they were on December 20, 1969. The picture to the left is of their wedding day 42 years ago. When I really think about it, my sister and I could be 41 and 39. (WOW)

My parents have always included my sister and I on their anniversary, which I think a fabulous that they have allowed us to participate and share in their special day. So my sister and I always say it is "Our Anniversary." Every year, we (either me or my sister) have always asked, "What are we going to do on our anniversary?"

I remember our "25th Anniversary" fondly. It was their silver anniversary. My parents surprised by taking us in a silver limo to Christmas in the Oaks. We ate at Ruth Chris's Steakhouse (the limo driver was invited to eat with us; he was a friend of my dads). They we had McDonald's ice cream. That was 17 years ago. Time sure does fly.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!!!

#46 Weekly Weigh-In

Last night at weigh-in I gained the tad bit, .2 to be exact. I am okay with that. For the previous two weeks I had lost 2.8 pounds together; I couldn't be happier about that. I will just have to work harder this next week. I had set a goal to lose 3 pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas. As of last night, I only have .4 pounds to go to reach my goal. I have every faith in myself that I CAN DO IT. I will just have to very conscious in what I eat and to make sure that I track every day. (which in my eyes, is the key to being successful on the Weight-Watchers  plan)

My weight-loss has sped up a little bit with the tweaking that Weight-Watchers has made to the PointsPlus program. My daily points went from 29 to 26, which I believe not using those 3 points has helped a lot.

The number one "diet" plan works if you use the tools given to you by the Weight-Watchers team. For a person to be successful in any "diet" plan, that person needs to be ready to do the work.

Happy Friday!!

#45 The Mortal Instruments

Instead of writing an individual blog about each book, I decided I would write about the entire series as a whole.

I finished this series about two weeks ago. I want to really think about what I just finished reading.

The series as a whole was one of the best series I had read in quite sometime.  The best way to describe this series in the simplest of form is that the series is a cross between The Harry Potter Series and The Twilight Saga.

The Mortal Instruments is a love story; one that is filled with lots of unexpected twists and turns. The author, Casandra Clare, has the ability to draw in readers page by page with her written word. I was drawn in so quickly, but she was able to keep my interest throughout the series.

When I first saw the size of each of the books, I hesitated. I kept thinking "how long is this going to take me?" To answer the question, I think all together it took me a little over a week to read the entire series.

At the center of this story are two people: Clary and Jace. Jace is the typical, sexy bad boy, while Clary is your typical nieve girl next door. There crazy love story set to backdrop of the world of Shadowhunters (humans with special powers who act as protectors) and Downworlders (fairies, werewolves, warlocks, and vampires).

One of my favorite characters of the series is Simon. Simon is Clary's best friend since childhood. The two have been connected at the hip. He is quirky and nerdy, but you can't help but love him. He has been "in love" with Clary forever, but as the story unfolds, things change.

I would recommend this series to anyone. I can't wait to the next installment which is due out in May 2012. I can't wait!!!!

Happy Reading!

#44 Weekly Weigh-in

My weight-loss journey is headed in the right direction. I lost again this week, making it two weeks in a row that I have consecuativly lost. This week I lost 1.8 pounds making my total weightlos 31.8. I could hardly contain myself when the lady told me that I had lost again this week. Be

After Halloween, my Weight-Watchers leader told our meeting group that we needed to set some kind of weight-loss goal for the up-coming holiday trio, Halloween, Thanksgiving, & Christmas, which is a hard time for anyone trying to stay on some sort of "diet" plan. I told myself that I didn't want to gain too much weight. At the time, I wasn't really following Weight-Watchers; I had sort of fallen off the band-wagon after my cousin's wedding. Lesson Learned: I need to stop thinking of it as a "diet" but as a "lifestyle change." I learned the hard way that I need to live the Weight-Watchers plan.  However, after Thanksgiving, I decided to change my goal. I wanted to loose as much weight as I could before Chritmas. I knew I was only hurting myself not doing everything in my power to finally lose the weight I want to lose. My biggest downfall in tracking my food. On Black Friday, I started tracking everything I put in my mouth; and the result is that it actually works. If you use the tools that Weight-Watchers gives you, it will work. I could only imagine what what would happen if I added more exercise to my regime other than my once a week dance class.

On a different note, you may have noticed the look of my blog has changed a bit. I was getting tired of the green. I changed to a more vibrant and fun background. I sort of like it.

Over the last few years I have taken some time to better myself. As the weight comes off, the confidence I have in myself has gone up. I am trying to be the best me I can. Now if only I could find a job.

#43 Christmas

What does Christmas mean?

When we are young we are taught that Christmas is the season for giving and not receiving. I believe in that hold heartily. Last Christmas, my family and I spent Christmas night serving food to the homeless. it is always nice to do something for those less fortunate.

It is my favorite time of year! The weather is chilly; friends and family are getting ready to get together. People are headed to the malls in droves trying to find that last minute gift for some special. 

As a young child, I couldn't wait for December 25. I remember waking up excited.  We would go wake our parents up; dad had to video everything. We couldn't go see what we had until he had his camera ready; he wanted to record our reactions. By the time everything was done, the living room looked like a tornado has passed. There was wrapping paper thrown all over and opened presents that we played with before moving to the next. It was mad chaos, but so much fun. 

I remember being bumbed that we had to stop playing with our toys to get ready to go to someone else's house and leave everything at home. Before dressing, we would call our cousin Marci (we would be seeing her within the hour) to tell her what we got. 

My favorite thing still to this day is to open my stocking; I love to see how everything fits into the small thing. We always had pencils, erasers, money, and other things. 

This weekend I will be putting up my Christmas tree at my house. When I am done, I will take some photos and post them for all to see. 

Happy Holiday!!!!

#42 Book Blog

Two blogs in one day, I don't know what I was thinking.


WARNING THIS IS SORT OF LONG.
I realized that I haven't written any posts about what I have been reading, which has been a lot. I seem to be stuck in the world of supernatural fiction, which is sort of the entire teen section in the book store. Since the world is fascinated by vampires and werewolves thanks in part to Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Saga franchise, it seems like all things supernatural has come to the forefront.
     Outside the supernatural realm, I have very little.  I will shed some light on those before I return to the world of vampires, witches, and werewolves.

I have read two books by Nicholas Sparks, which whom I love. This man surely knows how to write a love story filled with some of the most beautiful love scenes.

Safe Haven:
     First off, I got to say OMG WOW! I knew from reading the synopsis on the back of the book that I would love this book. I knew that it would be similar to most of Nichols Sparks books, however with some differences. Safe Haven dealt with most of Mr. Sparks's themes; love, loss, and some kind of tragedy. Nicholas Sparks's characters usually have some kind of tragedy happen to one of the main characters. When the story starts, readers are introduced to Katie, a mysterious woman moving to a small Southern town near Wilmington. Of course, with every small town in the south, the town, in this case Southport, begins to talk and wonder who this new person is, where is she from, and why did she move here? A love spark starts with Alex, a widower with two children. Katie must decided weather or not to risk falling in love and exposing who she really is or just keep to herself and avoid others.  I couldn't put this book down. I was engrossed yet again by Mr. Sparks. I have loved each and every book he has written. He is able to bring readers in and not only keep them in, but keep them in suspense. Not to mention, his glorious love scenes. (Girls you know what I am talking about.) He has the ability to write a beautiful love story filled with everything many women want in their dreams of one day falling in love; he has the ability to do what not many writers can do and he is a man. (Go figure.) How on earth is he able to do this? 

The Best of Me
     Mr. Sparks has done it again; this man never ceases to amaze me with his written words. The Best of Me was an amazing story of true love. One who has read Nicholas Sparks knows that his books will always have some great love and someone will die at some point in the book. His last few books have done that, but also have something extra. It is sad to me to admit that I personally have never been in love and that is okay. This book is about a first love and everything that goes along with it. With that type love comes a roller-coaster, which is what Dawson and Amanda's love is like.  I absolutely loved this book. I cried, I laughed. A reader can't help but pull for Amanda and Dawson, but there is an unexpected twist at the end. 


     The next book I am going to discuss is something totally different than any  other book that I have talked about. The book is called Night by Elie Wisel. It is biography about surviving the Holocaust. Here is what I wrote about it: 

I never really set out to read this book. Over the weekend, I was asked by one of younger cousins to help her with some homework for her English class; she goes to a catholic high-school. Because I love to read, I said sure. I have always been fascinated by history. I like most people have heard about the Holocaust and have studied about it; I have watched movies and heard people speak about surviving the concentration camps. However, I have never actually read a first hand account of someone who actually survived through the entire ordeal. I was truly fascinated (lack of a better word) by the words of Elie Wiesel. As I was reading aloud while my cousin listened, I would stop and explain what was happening as best I could. When we finished, she asked me. Why did all this happen? She didn't understand how someone, Hitler, could be so mean and so vicious to an entire group of people? I told her that some people are just screwed up in the head. She then asked me why would God have made somebody on this Earth like Hitler? At the time, I didn't know how to answer her; I told her that I am sure Hitler did not start off this way and that something in his life must have happen to make him the way he was. Now that I have had some time to think about what we read, I think Hitler was brought on this Earth to show how bad and ruthless people could be. He was sent to test the very nature of what it means to be a human being.
     Wiesel was a very brave individual to be able to tell his story to world. To tell about a time in his life that wasn't pretty needed to be told. Night is a story of faith and survival. I would recommend this book to anyone. I was glad to have the chance to read it even-though some of what happening was hard to read. To read this story out loud and to actually hear the words I was reading with my own hears was hard to listen too, but also seemed to make it more true instead of just reading it silently to myself. Thank you Elie Wiesel for telling the world your gut-wrenching story; one that needed to be told.


The Mortal Instrument Series:

     I am still reading the final book that has been written, so I will be giving my thoughts on the entire series once I am done. 
Happy Reading Everyone!!!!

#41

Last night I had a dream. I was back at the beginning of my Semester at Sea voyage. In the dream, I was thinking about what I was about to do and where I was about to go. Now about 3 years later, I can't seem to not think about what I had done on the whirlwind journey around the world while living on a small ship. 

The above photo is one of the last pictures I took on board the USS Explorer, which I had known as my home for the previous 100 days. I didn't know if I was a changed person or what was waiting from my upon my return.

Recently, I was asked what my favorite and what was the worst places I had visited? I told that person I  had to think about it. I thought to myself, "Lauren, your trip of a lifetime was 3 years ago. You should know the answers to those questions." I have always said that the answer to those two questions are exactly the same.

My answer is INDIA. In 2007 I wrote a note on Facebook about my time in India and I thought I would share it with you:

India was amazing; it was both beautiful and heart-renching at the same time. I am still having a hard to time expressing my feelings and emotions about India. Just like every country we have visited there is a lot of poverty, but it seems India’s poverty is out in the open more. You see these beautiful women where these magnificently colored saris living in a tin building. 

I was able to see the poverty more when we rode the trains. From the train, I saw why India smelled the way it did. People used the restroom where ever they pleased. On the way back from Jaipur we rode on sleeper trains, which was another experience on its own. It was basically bunk beds. The cushion was about 2 inches thick. 

Using the restroom was an experience all by itself. In most places, the restroom was a hole in the ground, where you just squat and do what you have to do. 

The Taj Mahal was breathtaking as I pictured in my head. Pictures don’t even come close to the beauty it is in person. Seeing the Taj was the last thing I thought I would ever see. The beautiful saris seemed to be even brighter next to the beautiful white marble. 

India was an experience of a lifetime. The world right now is so worried about Africa, a place that does need all the help it can get. I just wish some of the help would go towards India, because there is just as much poverty or maybe more in India. I can’t wait to return to India and lend a helping hand.

I am so happy and thankful that I was born in the United States to two beautiful parents. When you visit a place like India, you treasure what God gave you. I am thankful to everyone in my life and those who have touched my life in so many ways.

#40 Weekly Weigh-In

As those who know me know, loosing weight has always been a constant struggle in my life. I have never been "skinny" meaning that I have always had little bit more meat on my bones. Now at the age of 26 I have finally accepted that I may never been stick thin, and when I think about it, I really don't want that. I have realized that I want to be healthy; I would rather have a more toned, lean body.

You never know how big you or what you look like until you see a photo of yourself. I was not a happy camper. Then I saw my picture at a family wedding. I was a little bit upset with myself. I came to the realization that I couldn't blame anyone but myself.

In April or March of that year, I decided I wanted to shed some weight. For some reason, this time it was working. My guess is that I was ready; I wanted to be a healthier version of myself. Then about 1 1/2 years ago, my cousin got engaged.  I started exercising and really started. Then sometime in that year I kind of started not really doing it hard core.

My cousin's wedding was September 30, 2011. I kind of fell off the band wagon, just a tad. I started gaining my weight back. I had gain about +/- five pounds from that date of her wedding to Thanksgiving.

The day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, I started my diet. I wasn't strick during the weekend, but I started to track, and then on Monday I wrote everything down. I also decided that until Christmas I was going to not drink diet sodas.

Well I guess it paid off, I went to weigh-in last night. I had lost 1 pound which I am now back to a total weight-loss of 30 pounds. I couldn't be happier.

Weight-Watchers had been hinting that they were tweeking the plan just a little bit. So last night, I learned that my daily points plus total had changed. It actually went down from 29 to 26 points. Lets just hope it works.

 This is picture from my college graduation.

 At a cousin's wedding about 2 years ago.

  At my cousin's wedding on September 30, 2011.

#39 Weekend WrapUp

I am not going to bore readers with details of my weekend. I didn't do much except babysit and go to my little cousin's soccer game. I am also not trying to have a "pitty party." I just had a lot of time to think over my life. I came to the realization that I will be out of high school for 10 years in May of 2013. (That is just about 1 year away) It is crazy to think how time really flies; it seems like yesterday I was getting ready to go off to college and embark on my own life. Hotty Toddy!!!! I remember thinking that I just wanted to "go away" to school. 

In the 10 years that I have been out of school what did I accomplish?

1) I went to college on my own with the support of my family which forced me to get out there and meet

    and befriend some of the most amazing people I have come in contact with.

2) Live on my own at the age of 18 (with help from my lovely parents)

3) Become my own person living outside the shadow of my younger sister. She is one of my best        friends in entire world and love her dearly. She is one of the most beautiful and talented people I know. 

4) I have traveled the world to places like South Africa, Brazil, Japan, India, China, and Vietnam. The list goes on. I was able to do that through Semester at Sea. (Something I have dreamed of doing every since I could remember) Who says they did that?

5) Work for the mouse!!!! (Walt Disney World)

6) I have been able to cross somethings off my bucket list.....

That is just to name a few. 

Now that I have said the previous. I never thought my life would be like it is now.

I don't have a "big girl job" or a significant other; however, for the most part I am happy and enjoy life, but at times my life is very lonely. I do spend a lot of time by myself reading or doing something else. I am at the age where most of my friends are in fact married; some have children while others enjoy their married lives. I know and believe that one day it will be my turn and all those people will be there for me like I was for them. I also know that everything happens for reason, but it is hard sometimes to go through life alone. 

I am not sure how to end this one so I am just going to leave it at so long.....

#39 Losing Motivation

So I haven't had a chance to write a blog in a while, sorry about that. Since my cousin's wedding , I have sort of not really been on my "diet" or like we say in Weight Watchers, "My life-style change." Well anyway...

My entire summer has been some sort of plateau. So I have sort of lost a little be of motiviation. HELP I have been playing with the same 2 pounds. I have been maintaining a bit, which is something I don't want to be doing right now. This past weeks wasn't great. I gained about a pound and a half, which royally sucks, but I know it is all my fault.

With the gain, I am at a total weightloss of 31 pounds. My goal is to get as close to 35 pounds lost as possible by Thanksgiving. (which is only about 2 weeks)

I really need to get my butt in gear. I need to start tracking and get back to my zumba. I also need to start cooking for myself, but it is really hard for me to watch others, who aren't trying to shed a few pounds, eat whatever they want.

Another this is, I need to stop drinking so many diet cokes. Believe me, I have heard over and over how bad they are. I can't help but love the taste. I am thinking that maybe I could cut back during the week and only drink one a week and when I go to the movies. (which is my favorite thing).

For all my readers, I need some advice on how I can get my motivation back......

#38 Happy Friday!!

WOW 2 posts in one day!!!

It has been forever since I posted. So I guess I am in need of some serious updating.

Job Search

Back in July, I found a part time job which I absolutly love. It would be great if it was full-time. It feels great to actually have a job doing what I love and what I graduated in. I work in Thibodaux, LA at JW Toups. My work conists of design seasoning labels and tallybooks for various oil companies.

Freelance Work

This a picture of my cousins program. I will post more later.

My freelance work has picked up a bit thanks in part to my cousin. I have been designing all her stuff for her wedding: The programs, Engagement party invitations, rehearsal dinner invitations, place cards for the rehearsal dinner, and wedding favor tags. On top of all that, I am doing a slide show. (which is still a work in progress). Because of her wedding i picked up one more client.

I have another client as well too, but will post more about that later.

Weightloss

Over the entire summer, I have been playing with the same 2 pounds; it sure doesn't help having all the parties for my cousin. I guess I have sort of been maintaining for a bit. However, my weight has gone down 2 weeks in a row which is a total of 2 pounds in the last 2 weeks making my total weightloss of 33.4 pounds. I am happy that the weight is still coming off. I am glad cause I was a little worried cause I order my bridesmaids dress a size smaller. But it fits so I am happy.

I have found that I am a little bit more confident as the number on the scale goes down. I my goal right now is to get to the 50 pound weightloss. I don't know what will happen after that. I have found that smaller weightloss goals works better.

Before at one of my best friend's wedding!!

After...photo taken last weekend.

Weight Watchers is a fabulous weight loss program. I didn't want to do one of those fad diets. It seems like I have tried everything; I don't really know what it has finally clicked and the weight is coming off. I guess it is because I am truely ready. I also do Zumba 3 times a week. Within the last two weeks I have started taking an adult dance class which I couldn't be more excited about. I am taking it at my old studionThe Dance Co. I have missed dancing so much; I was so excited to find out the dance school was having an adult dance class. Dance was a big part of my life growing up and couldn't be more excited. Thanks Ms. Celeste.

In other news...
I have been reading a lot...So far I have finished the Blue Blood Series (about 5 books); Hunger Games Trilogy, The Help, and Safe Haven just to name a few.

#37 Safe Haven

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


First off, I got to say OMG WOW! I knew from reading the synopsis on the back of the book that I would love this book. I knew that it would be similar to most of Nichols Sparks books, however with some differences. Safe Haven dealt with most of Mr. Sparks's themes; love, loss, and some kind of tragedy. Nicholas Sparks's characters usually have some kind of tradegy happen to one of the main characters. When the story starts, readers are introduced to Katie, a mysterious woman moving to a small Southern town near Wilmington. Of course, with every small town in the south, the town, in this case Southport, begins to talk and wonder who this new person is, where is she from, and why did she move here? A love spark starts with Alex, a widower with two children. Katie must decided weather or not to risk falling in love and exposing who she really is or just keep to herself and avoid others.

I couldn't put this book down. I was engrossed yet again by Mr. Sparks. I have loved each and every book he has written. He is able to bring readers in and not only keep them in, but keep them in suspense. Not to mention, his glorious love scenes. (Girls you know what I am talking about.) He has the ablility to write a beautiful love story filled with everything many women want in their dreams of one day falling in love; he has the ability to do what not many writters can do and he is a man. (Go figure.) How on earth is he able to do this?

Well on the the next book! Happy Reading everyone!



View all my reviews

#36 PLEASE HELP...IN NEED OF MOTIVATION

WARNING!!!! THIS IS SORT OF A RANT!!

I need to get back on track. I think I have lost my motivation just a little bit. Don't get me wrong, I have come a long way. Right now my total weightloss is 31.2 pounds lost, which is awesome, but I just wish it would come off a little bit faster. I know I will have to constantly watch my weight my entire life, but I am dertermined that I will never gain it back.

I had made this ridiculous goal that in 20 weeks I will lose 20 pounds averaging about a pound a week. So far, I haven't lost a pound a week. Some kind of way I need to get my motivation back, but I think I need a little push in the right direction. I am still losing, but at very slow weight. My goal now is that I would like to lose 20 but if that doesn't happen, I would hope to lose 10 pounds.

I havd developed a little bit of a pattern. It seems that when I move into a new decade, meaning that when I hit 20 or 30 pounds lost, the weightloss slows. Sometimes I feel as though I am sabatoshing (probably not spelled right) myself; it is like sometimes I don't want to lose the weight because I don't want to added attention.

I know what I need to do. NOW I just have to do it. I started tracking this week, which is good cause I had stopped tracking. Lets just hope I can keep it up. I need to get back to Zumba. I feel so guilty cause I haven't gone this week, but it was a holiday on Monday. It will help with the added stress of finding a job. I have been actively looking, but it seems like no one is hiring. I guess I am a little frustrated with it, but I keep praying about it, and I am sure God will lead me in the right direction.

Thanks for allowing me to rant just a tad. I hope I can get back my motivation....

#35 Heartless: A Pretty Little Liars Novel

Another one down...one more to go.

I have finished another Pretty Little Liars book, Heartless. This is book 7 of the 8 books in the series. To tell you the truth I was getting litte bored with the series. I am hoping there aren't any people really like this especially young girls who care more about the material things in life rather than the stuff that really matters. I told myself when I started this series, that I was going to finish the series. I am glad I continued to read, because
Heartless sucked me right back in. I couldn't put this one down.

One thing I love about all these books is that in every book at the end you feel like that story is finished. The author leaves you guessing, but in the epologue you find out nothing every seems what it is. I can't wait to finish so that I can watch the series.

Descriptionfrom the book.

NOBODY BELIEVES A LIAR—EVEN WHEN SHE'S TELLING THE TRUTH. —A

Are Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer the girls who cried wolf? Or the liars who cried A? The Rosewood Police think they're hiding something. First they claimed they found a dead body in the woods, only to have it vanish without a trace.

Then they got caught in a fire and swore they saw someone who's supposed to be dead rise from the flames. Now Hanna is trading her Dior trench for a straitjacket. Aria is trying to awaken the dead. Emily has dumped her boyfriend and is skipping town . . . again. And Spencer thinks someone in her family has gotten away with murder. The girls insist they're telling the truth about who they think they saw during the fire, but are they simply out for attention? The trouble with being a pretty little liar is that no one believes you . . . even when you're telling the truth. Find out what happens next in Heartless.

#34 An Eggscellent Weekend

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

I had an eventful weekend filled with craziness.

Friday April 22, 2011--Good Friday
Dad gave me the day off and I just watched tv until it was time to go to my nanny's house for crawfish. They were amazing!!!!

Saturday: April 23, 2011 My big accomplishment was that I walke the Cresent City Classic. It was a 10K; this is 6.2 miles.

This is a picture of Me and my cousin, Gerilyn, before the race.

This is a picture of my cousin; Ashley and her friend, Lauren.

Ashley, Lauren, and I walked from my sister's condo to the start of the race, which was another mile.

Ashley and her friend took of running. Gerilyn and I walked. We finished in 2 hours and 38 secs which means that we did 18 minute miles. I finished with 1 blister and my body is sore all over. After a stop at the First Aid Tent we were finished. By the end of the day everyone walked/ran approximately 10 miles. Needless to say we were exhausted.

After the race, we traveled back to Lafayette. Ashley drove us. She 15 and only has her perment; she did amazing.

Sunday, Aril 24, 2011 Happy Easter!!!!

The Roth Family

Everyone woke up about 9am. We ate breakfast. I had an omelet by the "Omelet King," Matt Roth. Believe me, it was delicious. I was also surprised that the Easter Bunny found me at The Roth Household. Thank-you Easter Bunny.

At around 2pm. The rest of the family came. We ate, chatted, told stories, and just hung out. It was so much fun.

#33 Something Borrowed

I know I haven't written in a while, but life has been a little crazy. I will write about that in another blog. I have just finished reading the most incrediable book, Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. I read it in literally 3 days; would have been faster, but I had to work. I have been dying to read this one for a long time and it has been sitting on my bookshelf. I heard that it was being made into a movie but still never read it. Last week I realized the that the film will be out in the first week of May, so I kind of was in a panic. I couldn't put it down. The book is also greatly praised.

Here is what is written on the back of the book:

Meet Rachel White, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. Rachel has always been the consummate good girl--until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend Darcy throws her a party. That night, after many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's finace'. Although she wakes up determined to pu the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from. In her wildest dreams (or worst nightmare?) this the last thing on earth Rachel could ever have imagined happening. As the September weddding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make her choice. In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness. Something Borrowed is a phenomenal deput novel that will have you laaughing, crying, and calling your best friend.

Emily Giffin is amazing author. She got right into the juicy stuff; she also as the ability to keep the reader into the book with all the twist and turns. Here is a little bit about her.

She graduated from Wake Forest University and ahte University of Virginia School of Law. She practiced law in New York City for several years before movine to London wher she began writing full time. She now lives in Atlanta with her husband and two sons.

Many people of written loads about the book, but one stands out and it is exactly what I feel.

You don't have to lust after your best friend's boyfriend to worship this book (trust me on this)... Here's a heroine you'll root for and a book you won't want to put down. I loved it.

Lauren Weisberger, author of The Devil Wears Prada

The Film
I can't wait to see it; I am anxious how the filmakers will do it.

This is the movie poster.

Some of the cast members.

Kate Hudson as Darcy; Ginnerfer Goodwin (He's Not that into You, Big Love) as Rachel; John Krasinski (The Office) as Ethan; Colin Egglesfield (All My Children) as Dex

#32 Weekly Weighin

So, I hit another milestone in my weightloss. This week I lost one more pound making the total weightloss 30.4 pounds. This means I get my cheesecake from Bilellos Cafe. I haven't had a piece of this cheesecake since I started Weight Watchers.

I honestly can't tell you what I am doing different. I just think Weight Watchers Pointplus Program works; plus, it could be that I am taking Zumba three times a week. Since the new year, I have lost 9.4 pounds. This roughly is about an average of 1/2 a pound per week. I know that seems like a slow process but I lose weight extremely slow. I guess this means I need to take another picture of myself.

Weighin days are so nerve racking to me, because I never know what is going happen. My goal this week is to track everything that is put into my mouth; I need to do this beacause tracking really works, if I can make this a habit, then I will be in business.

Last night WW (Weight Wachers) rolled out their 5K which will be held in like 6 weeks. I think I am going to do it. It will be a short term goal. This means on top of the all the Zumba I will have to start training for it, which means that I will be walking everyday. I hope I can get someone to do it with me. If not, then thats okay.

#31 Cities in Color

I am ready to get back into painting; I still have to finish my xmas paintings for my family. So far, I have only one done; it has been given to my cousin for her new house. She spends a lot of time in Atlanta with her new fiance', so I made her a piece of art work called Atlanta in Blue. I chose blue because it is my favorite color, and also I have a lot of blue paint for some reason.

This painting is 24 in X 24 in. It is acrylic on canvas.
As it turns out, she loves blue too. I didn't know this but she decided to redecorate her living room with blues.

I need to find a way to market this.
I want to do other cities, but I need ot fine the time. I think I will paint some more this weekend.

#30 Remember When

I have been thinking recently about my trip to India and my Semester at Sea Voyage.
This place was one of the most life changing countries I have ever visited; it was the best and worst places I had visited.

Below are the words I wrote when I returned back to the ship after the trip we had taken:

India was amazing; it was both beautiful and heartrenching at the same time. I am still having a hard to time expressing my feelings and emotions about India. Just like every country we have visited there is a lot of poverty, but it seems India’s poverty is out in the open more. You see these beautiful women where these manificiantlly colored sarees living in a tin building.

I was able to see the poverty more when we rode the trains. For the train, I saw why India smelled the way it did. People used the restroom whereever they pleased. On the way back from Jaipur we rode on sleeper trains, which was another experience on its own. It was basically bunk beds. The cushion was about 2 inches thick.

Using the restroom was an experience all by itself. In most places, the restroom was a hole in the ground, where you just squat and do what you have to do.

The Taj Mahal was breathtaking as I pictured in my head. Pictures don’t even come close to the beauty it is in person. Seeing the Taj was the last thing I thought I would ever see. The beautiful sarees seeemed to be even brighter next to the beautiful white marble.

India was an experience of a lifetime. The world right now is so worried about Africa, a place that does need all the help it can get. I just wish some of the help would go towards India, because there is just as much poverty or maybe more in India. I can’t wait to return to India and lend a helping hand.

#29 Killer...

I finally finished the 6th installment of the Pretty Little Liars book series, by Sara Shepard. Killer let in a lot of clues to what was to come; in the end a suprised twist happened which really through me for a loop. When I got to the end of the book I thought to myself, "What the hell just happened?"

Here is the book description for the Harper Collins pubishers website:
In picture-perfect Rosewood, Pennsylvania, ash-blond highlights gleam in the winter sun and frozen lakes sparkle like Swarovski crystals. But pictures often lie—and so do Rosewood's four prettiest girls.

Hanna, Aria, Spencer, and Emily have been lying ever since they became friends with beautiful Alison DiLaurentis. Ali made them do terrible things—things they had to keep secret for years. And even though Ali was killed at the end of seventh grade, their bad-girl ways didn't die with her.

Hanna's on a mission to corrupt Rosewood's youth, starting with a very attractive sophomore. Aria's snooping into her boyfriend's past. Spencer's stealing—from her family. And pure little Emily's abstaining from abstinence.

The girls should be careful, though. They thought they were safe when Ali's killer was arrested and A's true identity was finally revealed. But now there's a new A in town turning up the heat. And this time Rosewood is going to burn.

I now have 2 more left before I finish the entire series. I finished reading Killer in a matter of an afternoon. So if could make time for the last two books this upcoming weekend, I CAN finish both books.

#28 I need direction....

Have you ever had those days when you feel like something is off? Well for me that day is today. Have you ever wondered what you are supposed to do with your life? Sometimes I feel like I am failing in life. Right now I feel like I am in limbo in my life; I feel like I have no direction. I don't know what I am supposed to be doing. I feel like I want to serve a greater purpose. I just want to have a living in at job where I am happy and get to be in the art world but still make enough money for those who need it; I want to help those people in need.

Job Market

Right now, it feels like no one is in need for a graphic designer. I have looked and called and keep getting the response, "That position has been filled." I feel as though I am always to late. Should I apply for an internship? Am I to old? Too out of college?

I sometimes think I should expand my skills in the world of Web Design, but that cost $$$$$ (which I really don't have) I would need to buy programs or a new computer which is way to expensive. I feel like I am rambling.

I need to do something with my life, but WHAT?

I sometimes think I want to open one of those pottery painting places where people paint the pottery and you fire them and then they come back, but then I ask myself, DO YOU WANT TO STAY IN SOUTH LOUISIANA YOU ENTIRE LIFE? My answer to that question is I DON'T KNOW. Sometimes I want to settle her but then there are times when I think..."I am young and still want to do things in my life.

Love Life?

Or lack there of... I have been single my entire life. I sometimes wonder what is wrong with me? But I have come to the conclusion that right now I am not ready for anything in that part of my life. First off, I need to get my weight on track. Secondly, I NEED to find a JOB. However, I sometimes especially during the holidays I wish I had someone just for me. Or when I do things with my sister and her husband; I see how much they love each other and how much the really just like being in the same room. I want that too.


I guess I am tired of people telling me. "One day it will happen" or "wait your turn." I know all this, but when is going to happen for me?

#27 Reading

If you know me, you know that I am an avid reader. I read all kinds of books; I read all kinds fo genres. I want to read more. Lately I haven't had time to read because I have been so busy.

My favorite types of books are the ones with vampires and werewolves like the "Twilight Saga" by Stephanie Meyer. I love when there is forbidden love or something that isn't supposed to happen. I love books that bring you into a world that doesn't supposed to exist. I love when an author brings you into a world but through their writting someone could easily picture it in their minds.

I have been reading the book series "Pretty Little Liars," by Sara Shepard.

I borrowed these books from one of my cousins. When reading the series, I was really into it. They are an easy read. I stopped reading the series, so that I can read something else (I will talk about it later on in the blog). For some reason, I can't get back into it. I am in the beginning of the 6th book. I am a person who doesn't quit. I am almost finished; I just wish I would get to end. I am trying to finish so that I can watch the ABC Family series. It is not that the book series is bad, but it is just that the same sort of things happen over and over. I also can't help but hope that people aren't really that way; meaning that their aren't the materialistic.

Back to why I stopped reading the above series:

My friend, Carmen Folse, another avid reader. The girl reads more than me. We tend to like the same books; She was recommended numerous books to me, so I trust her judgement. She gave me the first book of the Blue Blood Series called "Blue Bloods" by Melissa de la Cruz. OMG, I couldn't put this book down. I think I read the book in like 2 days. I can't wait till I can finish the series.

I can't help but wondering what is going to happen in the series. The book was just written well; once something happens and is played out, she throughs something new out. De la Cruz just keeps readers in to where you don't want to put the books down. Thank you Carmen.

#26 Weekly Weigh-in

Last night was weighin for me. I lost another .2 (2 tenths of a pound) making my total weightloss 27.2 pounds. I have to say I wasn't too happy; it was a step in the right direction but not enough for me to be happy. I know my weightloss journey will be slow, but sometimes I wish that it would go a little bit faster.

However, I know what I am doing wrong and why it is not going fast. I NEED to start tracking. When I do track, the weight comes off. Tracking for me is a way to see what I am eating. When I don't track, I am only cheating myself. I have to get in my head that no one will see my tracker unless I showed them.

I really need to start cooking for myself; I just don't like cooking just for me. Sometimes it is a little depressing when you are just cooking for yourself. Sometimes it would be nice to try to cook for other people.

I have a receipe I want to try. Here it is; it sounds so good. This receipe was in my monthly pass envelope:

Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli, Red Peppers and Cashews
PointsPlus Value: 6--Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 tsp vegetable oil, divided
1 tsp sesame oil, divided
1 1/2 Tbsp ginger root, finely chopped
3 cloves (medium) garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2in
pieces
1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1 in pieces
2 cups broccoli, florets
2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
20 item(s) cashews, roasted, unsalted, roughly chopped

Ingredients in bold are power foods.

Directions:
Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of
vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil, ginger, and garlic; cook 15
seconds. Add chicken and stir-fry until starting to brown, about 3 t0 4
minutes; remove to a plate.

Add remaining teaspoon of vegetable oil, pepper and broccoli to same
skillet; stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add chicken back to skillet, pour in
soy sauce and cook, stirring, until chicken is cooked through, about 2
minutes more; toss with remaining 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil. Sprinkly
on cashews and serve. Yields about 1 3/4 cup per serving.

I will try to cook it sometime this weekend. Maybe Saturday or next week. I will let you know and take a picture of what it looks like. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

#25 Weight Watchers....

I have have lived my life as an overweight person for pretty much my entire life; I have never ever remembered myself as being "skinny." I have tried pretty much every diet know to man. Atkins, The South Beach diet, and the Aspen Clinic are just some of the plans I have tried. They all worked to a certain point and just stopped or should I say I gave up trying to eat foods that I was sick of eating.

This is the second time in my life that I have tried Weight Watchers; the first was back in high school before heading the college.

I think this time is working because I am doing it for me. I didn't join because I want to fit in a dress or shop for those cute clothes in the Botiques that don't carry bigger sizes. I joined because I wanted to be a healthier version of me. I am doing this for ME and me alone. I think this is working now because I am truly ready do the work that needs to be done.

As you can see by my before and after photos that this time around I am working hard; I am losing the weight the old fashion way by diet and exercise. I have lost almost 30 pounds in about a year. I know that may seem like and slow weightloss process but that is how my body works. I have a very slow metabolism; I am averaging about 1 to 1.5 pounds per week. I think it also helps that I have a wonderful weight watchers leader and that I attend Zumba classes three times a week.

I hope by the slow weightloss that the weight stays off. I would be heartbroken if it comes back. I have promised myself that when I finally reach goal, I will continue to maintain my weight and go to the meetings.

#24 Mi Vida.

You are probably wondering why my title is in Spanish and it is probably not spelled right either. I wanted the title to sound prettier than my life. Mardi Gras has been over for about a week, and I am so happy that Mardi Gras is finished. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all the fun, but it was not great for my diet or what my leader would say "my lifestyle change." I couldn't wait to get back to eating healthier and going to my Zumba classes. I guess my life has really changed. I spend most of my days working, eating healthy, and exercising. I guess my lifestyle really did change. When you are from an area that celebrates everything from a wedding to even an funeral with food, it is hard to stay healthy. Cajuns will find any excuse to party, drink, and eat.

I love my cajun hertiage; I love the fried foods, pastas, beniets, pralines, etc., but I don't think my body could handle it anymore. Now when I eat, my body almost automaticially starts to tire and all I want to do is crawl on my couch, turn the tv on and take a nap.

Growing up on the bayous of Lafourche Parish, I saw Mardi Gras every year. I guess it is like if I lived in Orlando, Walt Disney World would be something special to me. Outsiders might think what is the girl saying? Is she over Mardi Gras? It is not that I am over it. I love all the art of the floats and the marching bands, but i am over all the crazy people who would steal a plastic cheap bead from a child.

#23 Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga released her new sing "Born this Way" today. First off, I am so excited; secondly, it is awesome. Who cares if it sounds similar to a Madonna song.

I am excited for her new album to hit stores in May. I am also excited to see what Ms. Gaga will do for this weekends Grammys. I wonder what she will wear and what people will say about it. When I attended her concert the last time she played in New Orleans, I was impressed by the show she put on. If you haven't seen her live, DO IT. It was amazing.

#22 Style Icons & Being Overweight

When you are overweight, it is hard to find a style icon; it is hard to find stylish clothes the fit you. If you would walk into any of those cutsie botiques, you would rarely if at all find clothes the fit oversized women. So for me it was really hard finding a style icon to fit my body. For most of my life I have been self conscious about my body and lacked the confidence needed to advance in life. I remember at a young child going shopping with my mom and sister; my sister, though I love her and now she is my best friend, would in a matter of 5 minutes or less would have a pile of clothes stacked way about her head. I on the other hand would have nothing.

In and high school and most of the college years, I still lacked confidence. But as the years went by I learned, with the help of my sister, how to dress my body.

Now as I am losing the weight, I am becoming a little bit of a FASHIONISTA. I am beginning to love clothes and heals (I still am practicing on how to walk in them). I now have many Fashion Icons.

The first is Audrey Hepburn.

To me, this woman is one of the most classic beauties that this word has every had. She has the grace of one of the most perfect women. She had the beauty but also had the brains and a wonderful since of humor.

The second was Grace Kelly, another classic beauty. She was an award winning actress who became a princess. What girl wouldn't dream of becoming a princess?

Now it is time for my modern style icons; they are Reese Witherspoon, Katie Holmes, and Idol Alum Carrie Underwood.

These three women are beautiful and have a great since of style; they too know how to dress their bodies.

#21 PIC: Check Out Britney Spears' Sultry New Album Cover - Movies, TV & Music - UsMagazine.com

PIC: Check Out Britney Spears' Sultry New Album Cover - Movies, TV & Music - UsMagazine.com

I think this is pretty awesome. She looks amazing in it. I think she has done a great come back.

#20 Things you didn't know About Me

I love bubble baths; I love being barefoot; I love walking in the rain. I love to read about Vampires, Werewolf, etc.; I loved skydiving and would do it again in an instant. I hate rude people, but love those people who give and want nothing in return. I dislike rude people. Enjoys the simple things in life.

This pup makes me happy. (Grace Frances) She is my godchild and is one of my nieces.


I am always cold; I love children and I want to be a wife and a mom one day. I want to go bungy jumping; I have been writing a screen play since high school. I love people who can make me laugh. Pink is my favorite color; I love sitting in Starbucks drinking coffee and reading a book. l love going to the movies by myself. I LOVE ICE CREAM (not really something people don't know) I have a secret obsession to read as many books i can before i die. i love to dance and sing when no one is watching. i love the beach (when i am sitting under an umbrella)
I want to see the world; I want to drive across county like Orlando Bloom does in Elizabethtown.

#19 Same Blog; New Look

I have been designing and new look for my blog, Life is like a bunch of Chocolates. I hope everyone likes it. The website has been a huge help for me. So if you are a new blogger or just want to vamp up your already existing blog, I suggest you visit Shabby Blogs.

Blogging for me is an outlet. I know in a previous blog I had stated that things were going to change a bit; that I would be just talking about weight loss journey, but since then I have decided to talk about what ever is going on in my life.

I sure hope I have some readers.

#18 Mayet Graphics

I love what I do, but living in an area that is geared more to the oil industry and fishing industry it is hard to find a Graphic Design job. It feels like I have put so many resume's out without getting a bite. So, sometime last year I opened my own business for my freelance work; it makes me so happy when I can design a logo or invitation or anything for someone to make them aesthetically pleasing. I am an artist at heart; art makes me so happy and content with life.

Sometimes from family and friends I get the question of What does a Graphic Designer do? I tell them that there is a bunch of things. Firstly every business has some kind of logo; thats graphic design. Also, every invitation you see for any kind of function some one had to design that too. So when you think about Graphic Design is everywhere!



Invitations
I recently started to do some invitations. I do customized invitations for each individual; I like the invitation to reflect on each individual's personality. I am still developing pricing, so bare with me.
The above invitation is an invitation for a "Honey Do Dat" shower. I had some much fun letting my creative juices flow. I hope I get to do more like this.

Logos
I love that I am able to create branding for different companies. My brother in law, Jeff Lassigne, has gotten me to do his logos; I hope he likes the ones I have done for him. He has two construction companies. I have enjoyed working with him and I hope that he continues to let me do so.

I was asked by Julie Bilello of Bilello's Cafe' in the Downtown Houma are to create an outdoor sign. I just have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed doing this. She too was a pleasure to work with. Doing her sign was the first time outside my brother-in-law that I was able to see my work for all to see.