Skinny Fat...

This is what the Urban Dictionary says about Skinny Fat:

To look slim, even with revealing clothes, but when touched, the touching hand sinks into fat before reaching muscle. Older people will 'show' "Skinny fat" visually, but young people have firm skin that hides it until they're touched. "She looks fine, but her skinny fat ass feels like mashed potatoes." --> yes, Urban Dictionary said that.

Image via  Yep, this would be me. I would define it a little differently though. My definition: "Looking slim while in clothes, but looking very lumpy out of clothes...aka in a bathing suit or mini skirt." How does this happen, one may wonder? Well this is how it goes... You start off with skinny genes from your parents and think, oh great, I'm set in life as a skinny person. Therefore- you don't eat well or exercise. And to top it off you may just decide to start a chocolate shop which means you have to sample everything you make. All of these things (and more!) add up to skinny fat. It is frustrating because everyday you wear clothes you feel uncomfortable and just want to say "I'm so fat", but you know you can't because you look decent in your clothes and people will think you are a stupid girl for saying such things. So you wallow in self pity until one day you decide to make a change. (And when I say you, obviously I mean me, but hopefully you can relate.) Image via I have great news though, ridding yourself of skinny fat is possible! I have done it three times before and was very successful each time. It involves tedious calorie counting, discipline, and a bit of exercise (like walking, my favorite!). There are some great phone apps out there like My Fitness Pal (it's free) that can make it really easy for you. It will help you figure out your calorie deficit and then you input your calories/foods each day to stay on track. Your calorie deficit is when the amount of food energy (calories) you consume is less than the total calories you use. For example, my calorie deficit is 1200 calories a day. That is what I can eat because it is right under the amount that my body uses. By eating 1200 calories a day I will lose weight...slowly. This is not a fast thing. If I add exercise though, like walking, it helps and I will lose weight a bit faster. Eating healthy also helps. If you compare a salad to a doughnut, you'll realize that you can eat a lot more salad (which will also fill you up) to equal the same amount of calories in just a measly doughnut (which will not fill you up). Healthy foods have far fewer calories so you can eat a lot more of them. Of course, don't deny yourself the sweet treat if you absolutely need it, just realize that by eating it you are taking away calories from another meal, meaning you will eat less that day because of your indulgence. It is very simple science and it works! I have done this three other times in my life and have lost 10-15 pounds in 2-3 months each time. Once you are at your ideal weight, you have to watch what you eat to maintain that weight. It isn't any kind of crazy dieting, just eating everything in moderation within a certain calorie intake. Obviously, I haven't kept moderation in my diet, so I need to keep to a strict calorie deficit until I have lost the extra fat on my body that is making me "skinny fat". Most likely I will look the same in clothes when this is done, but out of clothes I won't look so lumpy, and I'll feel a lot better about myself. My theory is that anyone can be slim, they just need to keep to a calorie deficit which can be hard and takes discipline. Once you try it though, you'll know how easy it is. I for one, am ready to get on with it! Yep, this is me (eeks, I'm bearing it all!) with clothes on and with clothes off. Huge difference isn't it? That's skinny-fat for ya. Heels, black clothes, longer shirts, and a jacket also do wonders for covering the bulges.

New Years Goals

I have a few new years resolutions, or rather goals. For some reason I hate the word resolutions. I also hate new years resolutions. I only started making them about 2 years ago, and usually it is just one goal- to be more creative. This year I decided to really reflect on goals and use the new year as an opportunity to hold myself accountable to these goals. Basically, I have 365 days to work on these things, and well, if I don't accomplish them then I always have next year. Great attitude right? Hey at least I am trying to get into the whole "resolutions" thing!

Goal #1: To live a minimalist lifestyle
Long gone are the days that I could pack my belongings into a suitcase and hit the road. I did have those days, but since getting married and living a more settled down lifestyle (sort of...) I/we have accumulated stuff. Stuff- yuck! So here's to getting rid of stuff and living a more simple lifestyle. (More about this in a future post.)

The facebook page "Becoming Minimalist" is quite motivating.

Goal #2: Learn to drink my coffee black
I have always been impressed with black coffee drinkers. I think they are pure badass! Plus, all that sugar and cream can add up over a year. I'll give it a try...after I finish today's fully loaded coffee. (oops.)

Goal #3: Lose 10 pounds
Lose weight, yadda yadda yadda... In November I had my annual 'woman' exam and discovered that I was 10 whole pounds heavier than last year. And last year I was about 5 pounds heavier than my normal weight...yikes, something must change! But really, I hate feeling uncomfortable in my clothes. (More about this in a future post.)

image via

Goal #4: Pick up a sport
I consider myself a fairly active person (not much as of lately), but not an athletic person. Andy, on the other hand, is super athletic. So this year I would like to pick up a sport and be able to do it with Andy. The jury is still out on what sport this will be, but I'm shooting for something like yoga (whatever, I consider it a sport!), surfing (why not?), or rowing (we live 2 blocks from a lake that has a rowing club, score!).

image via

Goal #5: Write a book
This goal probably isn't what you think it is. I'd love to be able to write a memoir about growing up as a missionary kid in Papua New Guinea but I just don't have the patience for that. (Maybe later.) Instead, I would like to write a cook book! This isn't just any cookbook though...it has a different take to it, and I am keeping that part a secret. If I finish it you'll definitely know about it.

image via

Goal #6: Eliminate processed foods
This was actually a goal of mine last year. It lasted about a month, but it was a great month. I had more energy, slept better, felt better, weighed less...the list goes on. So I am back at it this year. I am much more motivated this time around though. Since reading the book Anti-Cancer I plan on not only eliminating processed foods, but changing some other things as well.

A Resolution

The W family is on the brink of its very own sort of fiscal cliff – Honey has decided to become our household CFO after ten years of turning his head on pretty much all expenditures.  I suppose it’s time…  *wipes tear from eye*

With this in mind and considering all of the “things” I’ve stashed away because they were 1) too good of a deal, 2) something I’d totally need “one day” or 3) all of the above, I have plenty of projects to keep me busy and one resolution for 2013 -



- To evaluate everything I buy and ensure it has a specific and immediate purpose (which will also help tremendously when Honey starts logging on to check the amex)

- To evaluate everything I commit myself and my family to doing/going/supporting/etc (I have always taken my role as guardian of our family calendar seriously but fear it may get out of hand as the baby is on the brink of having is own friends and activities)

- To evaluate everything stashed away in a closet or cabinet to ensure it's something we truly need (you know, so I don't go all hoarders over the years)

I haven’t made resolutions in eons but I’m pretty darn thrilled to be back in the saddle.  There are many good things to come in 2013!!! 
xoxo


(As a side note, I'm proclaiming this resolution to the "world" while under the lingering haze of nighttime cold meds.  UGH.  Please excuse any ramblings that don't quite make sense.)

Ringing in 2013

Although the littles stayed up with us to usher in the new year, it was a relatively quite night over all.  And this first day of January in the South brought dreary skies and the tenth anniversary of our traditional New Year’s Day eats.
    
I adore the juxtaposition of a little grit and a lot of glam, so silver, crystal and candlelight glittered over a simple length of burlap on the table.  I pulled last year’s Bonne Annee kraft paper pennant out for another go round.


Sister and her Mister made the delish pork roast and Honey and I made the rest of our standard fare – hoppin john for luck, bourbon bacon greens (I substitute turnips) for wealth, honey cornbread muffins, the Pirate's House pecan pie (recipe here), sweet tea and champagne.
 
Hoppin John

1 c celery chopped
2 sweet onions chopped
1 green pepper chopped
6 slices bacon, ham pieces or ham bone - cooked
Salt and pepper to taste (about 1 tsp and 1/2 tsp respectively)
1 c uncooked rice

can of chicken broth plus enough water to have all the rice almost covered
container fresh black eyed peas (or two if you like a lot of peas like we do!)

Combine everything in a large pot.  Bring to boil and then lower to simmer for about 40 mins or until rice is cooked and veggies are tender.  You may need to add water if it cooks out before rice is done.  
I liberally salt and pepper it and ward adds hot sauce.

After stuffing our gullets we splayed out all over the den for a lazy day of watching football.  I’m already mourning the end of the holidays, as Honey heads back to work tomorrow.
 
Happy New Year, y’all!
xoxo

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year! It is the first day of 2013 and Andy and I have much to be thankful for with an incredible year ahead of us. We are starting the year off in California with a new location, new job (Andy), new apartment, and hopefully some new friends and adventures in the coming months. I think it will be a year full of adventure, exploring, and learning. I'll write about some new years resolutions in a future post. Here's a picture of Andy and me last night as we headed into San Francisco for a New Years party. We are currently nursing our hangovers with peach pancakes and applewood smoked sausage.

Cheers to 2013!

Can you tell our dog is overly unimpressed?

New Years Resolution For Patience

 

 

Happy New Year

 

I don't normally make New Year resolutions.  I found out long time ago that I was not very good at keeping them.  Lets just say "willpower" is not something I excel in.  Note the name of this blog.

 

So, instead of making a resolution I am making a promise to myself.  I will find joy in the small things, cherish every moment with my family,  show patience and understanding in difficult situations and let my loved ones know how very much they mean to me.

  

I found this sweet letter on Pinterest and wanted to share it with you.

Source unknown

 
 

Letter from a Father to a Daughter: "My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl? When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... my darling daughter. "

Source Unknown

 

 

When things get difficult I go back to read this letter and realize any sacrifices I make are
nothing compared to those my dad made for me. 

Dad,  I wonder when I was a teenager if you made the same promise to
to be patient with me.  Lord knows, I tested your patience every chance I got!

My life is filled with many blessings.  Thank you for your friendship, encouragement
and support throughout 2012.
 

Sending you wishes for a New Year filled with joy, peace and happiness.

Are you making a resolution for 2013?

xoxo,
Sherry

Partying at:
Savvy Southern Style
French Country Cottage
At The Picket Fence
Create With Joy
Keeping It Simple
The Brambleberry Cottage
From My Front Porch To Yours




 

 

Celebrating a New Year

We’ll be ringing in a new year in a few short days and I thought I’d share some of my favorites from last year…

Champagne Cupcakes

find the recipe here

Champagne Jello Shots

find the recipe here

Collard Green Centerpiece

 See more here

Traditional Southern New Year’s Feast

find links to the recipes here

See all New Year’s here!

The PCP is going to work with his daddy today, much to his delight!  I’ll be taking down Christmas – at least it comes down quicker than it goes up…

xoxo

Flattered for the feature at No Minimalist Here!

Champagne Jello Shots

As promised in my New Year's Eve recap, here is the crazy easy and superbly festive recipe for Champagne Jello Shots.  Mind you, I cannot be held responsible for any debauchery that ensues after consuming said jello shots, and I can hardly bear to look at a picture of the darned things just yet.

Champagne Jello Shots
1 box of unflavored gelatin (contains 4 packets)
1 bottle of champagne (I used Spumante)
- Pour 2 cups champagne in a small sauce pan and sprinkle with the four packets of gelatin.  Allow to soak for a few minutes.
- Heat on low, stirring constantly, until gelatin is dissolved.  This probably takes 5 minutes or so.  Once all of the foam subsides you'll be able to see that the gelatin is dissolved.  Remove from heat.
- Stir in the rest of the bottle of champagne.
- Pour into an 8x8 pan and refrigerate until set.  I made these the day before to be sure they would gel.
- Cut into shapes and enjoy!

Cheers, y'all!

xoxo

PS. The clock face kraft paper rounds and other printed kraft paper used for the bonne annee banner were all found at AC Moore while in Savannah.  So sad we don't have that store in Atlanta!

Sunday Supper {New Years Style}

Along with folks all over the South, we rang in 2012 with the traditional, albeit meager, meal of peas for luck and greens for wealth.  We've been cookin up this meal and enjoying it with Sister and her Mister since the first year we were married.

I repurposed the table decor from New Years Eve for the occasion.  I thought about cookin' up those collards but just couldn't bring myself to deconstruct the centerpiece quite yet.

Along with our hoppin john and bourbon bacon greens (my new fave recipe, though I substitute turnips), Honey grilled up his delish bourbon and brown sugar glazed pork tenderloin and we noshed on honey cornbread muffins, the Pirate's House pecan pie (recipe here) and the sweetest tea you've ever wrapped your lips around.

Now, I've got to go get me a piece of that pie for breakfast before the boys wake up and beat me to it.  Yes, they are all still asleep.  Glory be...
xoxo

Bonne Annee

After a fantastic hibachi dinner out with friends and a table load of littles, we came back to our place to ring in the new year.

A few yards of burlap, candles and mercury glass were the perfect back drop for a simple and so-Southern (four dollar!) arrangement of collard greens and a "bonne anne" banner.  Champagne Cupcakes and Champagne Jello Shots were a sublime variation on the traditional new years bubbly, and terribly delish tres leches cupcakes and chocolate covered strawberries rounded out the convivial fare.

The kitchen table had a few snacks for the littles, sheets for them to record the year's superlatives and an assortment of party ware that I dug out of the bowels of my closet.

Come midnight, we cued the Auld Lang Syne as we counted down, chinked our glasses, smooched our honeys and welcomed all of the great possibilities of the year ahead.

Sadly, this is the sole "people picture" I have of the whole night...

Bonne annee!
xoxo

Jello shots inspired by this but using this recipe.
Champagne Cupcake recipe found here.