Celebrating Me at 33

I had a wonderful weekend! This weekend was my birthday party. Yup I threw myself a birthday party. I decided back in February that it was time I had a party at my place. That is not just 1 big deal but 2. When I first moved into my place I had a little gathering a friends come over..what a disaster! They spent the night criticizing my new place because it needed updates, when they weren't doing that they were talking about cheating on spouses, death, and anything else you can think of that would make a person feel yucky. It was a horrible time. I finally told them to leave, because I couldn't take it any more. I spent the rest of the evening trying to Clorox everything because the negative vibes really bothered me and crying because it was such a horrible night. That was the last time I had a group of people in my home. And the other big deal is I have never thrown myself a birthday party and for as long as I can remember I had to share my parties with either my sister or her husband because our birthday's are all so close.  Nope this year I decided it was time to celebrate me. My invite even said "celebrating me at 33".

Party outfit! Jeans and a cute sparkly shirt.

I'm lucky to have lots of people I get to be stupid funny with!

It was the most wonderful party! All of my closest friends came to celebrate with me. A bunch of them had never even met each other. I was nervous, hoping everyone got along and had fun and they really did!  I made my favorite pulled pork (check out Pulled Pork Deliciousness), it was a hge hit!! Everyone brought something yummy too. I wish I had taken a picture it was a truly incredible spread of homemade hummus, guacamole, veggie trays, dips and more.  For dessert I wanted to do something creative so I had a cupcake bar. We also had poppems, fruit salad and a cookie cake all brought by friends.It was a delicious and filling time!!

I made almond flour cupcakes and regular for everyone to enjoy.
For toppings, I chopped up candies and had 2 types of frosting

I stood there at one point watching all of my friends laugh, eat, have fun, and share. My heart filled up. I must be doing something right to have all of these wonderful people in my life, who took time out of their busy lives to celebrate with me.

Selfie with my soul sister Debbie.
I love this special lady!

Each card making me smile

I also received Gerber Daisies.
Aren't the pretty and they make me believe
spring weather might actually show up soon. 

Nights like last night, help remind me that even though things are a little crazy in life right now, fun is necessary for the soul. I spent the entire day after feeling happy, calm, and relaxed inside.

The only casualty of the nigh was my kitchen floor.  Someone wore heels and must have been leaning or digging her heels in because I have dents in the floor. I suppose that is the risk you take when hosting a party, but don't worry it won't stop me from hosting another party!

Floor casualty
My poor kitchen floor!!

Support and Love Yourself

The other night I met up with one of my best friends. She and I have known each other since we were kids. I'm pretty sure we have tried every diet, gym, and cookie together. She is currently pregnant with baby #2, yes I am very excited to start baby shopping, and she started talking to me about losing weight after she has the baby especially since she didn't lose the weight from baby #1. I told her she had a partner in me. We could meet up after work and go for walks, come up with fun healthy food ideas, and be each other's biggest weight loss cheerleaders. There was no way I was letting her leave that night feeling bad about herself or doubting her ability to take off the weight and I meant every word of it.

I've got your back and will crop your muffin top too
http://hundredsofhilariouspics.com/

I've been thinking a lot since that night...how come I can be there for everyone cheering them on and encouraging them, not letting them feel bad about themselves for one second, but when it comes to myself I constantly beat myself up and put myself down for not having the body I want right now, for not working out longer and harder, for not eating every meal perfect. What type of friend am I to myself? Not a very good one. I'm actually very hard on myself and instead of encouraging I put myself further down. The truth is, sure I would love to have more tone and muscle and be able to wear a bikini, but I'm also not so bad the way I am now, there is a lot I do like about myself. Even more important, I never give up. I constantly pick myself up and try harder. I think that makes me pretty badass actually.

Love yourself!

So, from now on, I'm going to be my friend. When I feel bad about something, I will remind myself I will do better next time. I will remind myself of how far I have come and all of the other really great things about me. I will talk to myself like I would talk to anyone I care about, honest and with kind words. Turns out, I like me, what the scale says doesn't change that.

Your soul hears you, so speak with love

Having a great support system really does make a huge difference in all areas of life, but without your own support and self love can you really ever become the best version of you? I don't think so.

To my online friends reading this, you have a friend in me and I am reminding you to love yourself and never give up on you.  HUGS!

My nieces don't care what size my pants are or what the scale says,
they love me for me and I love them!

Fun, Food, and Travel

The last few weeks have been so much fun. I don't get to check out new places very often, but when I do I enjoy every moment of it. I will admit now that I watch what I eat it has become a bit more of a challenge, not impossible, but a challenge.

View from hotel room in Atlantic City

My first adventure was being able to meet a friend of mine in Atlantic City. I have only been to Atlantic City for work purposes, so when the opportunity came to just go and enjoy and have fun I was definitely saying count me in. I took the day off from work and headed down. I felt like a kid the entire drive down so excited.

Me, hanging out on the bay side of Atlantic City
Luckily it wasn't too chilly out and the sun was shining

My friend had been there numerous other times and was insistent that we had to eat dinner at Carmines, which according to my co-workers, had the most amazing food! We got to Carmines and I soon found out it was family style eating, which means giant portions you share. Hmmm, I felt bad. My friend was looking at chicken parm and pasta dishes and I was all hey how about steak. Luckily, he understood my food concerns and was happy to order the steak. We ordered a porterhouse steak, that came with sausage and peppers and little potatoes. When the waiter brought out dinner, I thought wow are there 10 other people joining us. The portion was HUGE!! I took one bite and was in heaven.

This photo doesn't even do the size of the portion justice!
We left with a lot of delicious leftovers

The hard part came after when he ordered dessert. I have really avoided sugar and carbs and anything not meat-like, but thought I don't get to go out like this often and really just enjoy so I went with it. He ordered us the tiramisu. I knew I would regret it tomorrow, but I dug in any way. Delicious, is not even good enough to describe what this tasted like. I had never had tiramisu before and now wish I knew about it when I didn't struggle with weight loss so much :)  Anyway, after a few classes of wine and much fun we bundled up and walked along the boardwalk a little, I was happy because I got all my Fitbit steps in.  We then called it a night and headed back to the hotel. I know I shouldn't have had dessert, but I have no regrets what a wonderful, fun evening. I did have a little headache the next day, but no regrets.

We even got to catch a very peaceful and beautiful sunset

The second adventure was heading to NYC with my family to see the Spring Spectacular show at Radio City Music Hall. We piled in my dad's car and headed in, not sure who was more excited, the grownups or my nieces. There faces when we got out of the car was priceless. Looking at all the tall buildings, lights, and people; it's good thing they love adventures just like we do. We walked around the city for a little and then headed into the show. By then I was hungry, but not willing to give into eating any of the food that they offered at the concession stands. Truthfully, if I was by myself I would have gotten something, but with my mom and sister so close I felt like a failure if I gave in. One of the few times I didn't bring my own snack and I regretted it. I later realized when I was finally home and starving and eating everything in my fridge, I should have just had a little something and then I wouldn't have been hunger crazed later...lesson learned.

Us girls having fun in the back, while the guys had fun upfront

The show was truly wonderful, it was a magical day with my family. It was even more fun that we got to do our first show together. I love visiting the City, but there is no place like home.

My nieces even found time to do my hair and nails
Love these girls!

Happy Aunt Cindy

Next adventure is in April, we are going away on vacation for a few days to the Poconos. This will also include, Passover, Easter, and 3 birthdays (hint: one of them is mine). I also plan on bringing some of my own snacks this time to be fully prepared!!

TV/Movie Gathering Healthy Style

I thought with the weekend coming up this would be a fun post to share. I love to have friends over to just hang out around the coffee table relaxing and catching up. I also love when we sit around watching tv or a good movie. Usually these fun events are accompanied by some not so healthy food choices including pizza, chips, dips, fries, and of course brownies and cookies for dessert oh and usually some wine. Fun times, but after all that I usually regretted it the next morning.

In the past if your friends couldn't decide on dessert....you get all three!
Bring on the sugar hangover

Last week I made plans with a friend of mine to come over and watch the NBS show "Chicago Fire". The new season is going to start up soon and we wanted to be caught up with all the story lines. My first thought, awesome TV party time! My next thought...I don't want to eat bad food, but I want it to be a fun time and be a good tv party hostess. What to do...text mom. She came up with some great ideas, off to Shoprite I went.

Chicago Fire on NBC
New season starts September 23, whose watching?

The creative food ideas were flowing...I picked up cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, baby carrots, tomatoes and some ranch dip. Healthy, but I needed more flavors and some protein. I added to my cart cheddar and colby cheese cubes, pepperoni slices, and I stopped by the olive bar for kalamata olives and garlic and blue cheese stuffed green olives. I figured to be a fair hostess I would include chocolate chip cookies and Fritos just in case my friend wasn't looking to stay totally healthy that night.

Healthy and nutritious snack choices
Now to make it look nice and get everything ready to be served

It was the perfect spread. We nibbled on everything while watching, a little of this and that. I was able to eat within my calorie goal for the day and stay low carb! My friend mixed it up and did enjoy the fritos and cookies as well.

A little of this and a little of that but most of all lots of  fun for your guests
The majority are healthy snacks that everyone will enjoy, even those not watching their weight.
I also love that I was able to keep it low carb
ENJOY!

So the next time you are planning a get-together remember to find the balance of fun, healthy, and tasty snacks everyone will enjoy!! You will be able to enjoy and still have the button on your pants thank you the next day.

Here's to many fun tv parties!