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!!

Party, Pants, and Friendship

I got home not too long ago from my best friend Debbie's birthday party. It was so much fun. I got to ride to the party with her and hang out with her family and meet all of her friends. I met so many wonderful people who I have heard about for years, but can now put a face to the names.

The moments leading up to the party were a bit more challenging....what to wear?? I had one outfit in mind...but you know how that goes; once you try it on you decide maybe not.

This was my original outfit, but I wasn't feeling it and
the shoes weren't that comfortable

The weather can't seem to decide from one minute to the next if it is winter still or spring so that never helps, okay it will be inside that helps. The hardest part came when it was time to choose pants. Usually I would have worn jeans, but the truth is jeans just aren't that comfortable on me. Tight in some areas super loose in others. So frustrating! When I was sick last year I lost a ton of weight, now that I can eat again I managed to put some back on. Not a lot, but enough that my jeans notice the difference. So I tried on about 5 outfits with jeans and 5 outfits with leggings. Feeling completely frustrated and unsure what to wear.  I finally decided to go with leggings and be comfortable and just have a great time. I paired my leggings with some cute heals to lick the outfit up a notch and ended up receiving so many compliments!  Wardrobe crisis no more!

Tada!  This is what I wore to the party and I am so glad I did!
I felt totally comfortable and was able to have more fun because of that

The hardest part about parties for me, is usually before I get there wondering what I will be able to eat. I didn't have to worry about that this time, Debbie told me a few weeks ago she ordered a carving station with roast beef for me (other guests were allowed to eat it as well, haha I share). She knew I could eat plain meat and wanted to make sure I was covered. She then proceeded to surprise me and told me she got me a cake. I said to her you got me a cake for your birthday party? She said absolutely! She wanted me to be able to have dessert and cake with everyone else and that is what you do for people you love, you make sure they have fun too. I was shocked. I actually started to cry a little. I am so lucky to have her in my life and be able to call her my best friend.

I had broccoli and roast beef.
So delicious!

I am sitting here now, still a little amazed at the trouble she went through to make sure I had a good time and food to eat. I know I have done something right to have a person like that in my life and I will never forget the love she showed me today. To some it might just seem like meat and cake, but to me, it made my heart happy and the food was good too.

Gluten free, dairy free, coconut flour cake
I still can't believe she got me a cake.
It was really fun being able to have dessert with everyone

Have a great Saturday everyone and if you have a friend like mine remember to be thankful for having them in your life and maybe even give them an extra hug when you can!

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!

Dating, Single, and Happy

It's that time...dating update!

If you remember in my post called Dating Highs and Lows I mentioned that I had met someone through mutual friends; we hit it off and starting seeing each other. Over the next couple of months we had a lot of really fun times; and in addition, I learned a lot about him, dating, and especially me. At some point I think we both just realized our lifestyles and future plans didn't really go together. It's okay that it didn't work out between us. I still think he is a really wonderful guy who I hope to stay friends with and keep in my life. 

So back to the single world...

I always take myself on the best dates...like shopping!

Truth is, I don't mind being single. Sure I enjoy having someone in my life, but sometimes having the wrong someone in your life is worse and way more lonely. Yup I am speaking from experience. 

So very true

So what am I doing with all my free time...duh...going to the gym! I re-signed with my trainer, Mark. I am determined to make working out something that is always part of my life. I am also having a blast playing in the kitchen more, yes more food posts in the near future. I am going to try and switch up some of my food choices to see if  I can jump start my weight loss again, I will keep you updated. Plus I have been having the best time being more involved with my fire company, being creative and taking pictures again. 

I've learned it is important to be happy with yourself!
Live and enjoy

While I am perfectly happy being single, I find that my friends who are in relationships are not happy about me being single. I have a formal dinner for my fire company at the end of the month, I can count on one hand the amount of times I brought a date to this event. I don't believe in just bringing someone so I am not alone. If I bring you, it's because you mean something to me. Recently a friend of mine asked if I was going to have a date for the dinner, when I told her no, she made a very sad face, sighed, and said "don't worry someday you will meet someone and until then you have us to hang out with". I tried so hard not to laugh. I'm not worried, at all. I do believe I will meet someone for me someday and if that's not in the cards, that's okay too. I knew she was just being sweet, but she was way more upset than I was about going alone to the dinner.  Me? I am really looking forward to the dinner. I get to hang out with an amazing and fun group of people. Wear a really cute outfit. Take photos. Eat good food. How could I not be excited?!? 

I can't speak for everyone, but I know that I don't need a date to have a fun time. I promise to post some pictures after the dinner. 

For my final dating though on this post..... I believe that when you are being true to you, enjoying life, smiling, and laughing all the right people come into your world at the right time.  

I love Lady Antebellum music!!
This song made me get up and dance in my living room

Fun and Relaxing

Usually I am on the go, always doing something or planning something, but this weekend I tried to do things a little different. First, not making plans, just seeing where the weekend took me. Second, relax. 

Last night I followed through my first plan and when something fun came up I went with it. My friend text me to come over and hang out for a little to catch up. You know how it goes things get busy and next thing you know it's been way too long since you have seen anyone but family and coworkers. I decided it was time for a visit and wouldn't be out too late. It turned into the 2 of us sitting in her living room laughing and talking about everything and anything. How her husband and son didn't wake up with all the giggling is a mystery to me. I didn't leave her house until after 3:00 a.m. I can't even tell you the last time I saw 3:00 a.m. unless it was to get up and use the bathroom in the middle of the night. 

This pretty much sums up my friendships, no words needed, but lots of laughs

I came home and got ready for bed and even turned off my alarm clock for Sunday morning. I slept better than I have in weeks and didn't wake up until after 10 am! I spent the morning puttering around my condo. Had a yummy breakfast, went to the store across town to return shoes, and then came home and proceeded to follow through with my relaxing plan. I finally got to catch up on shows that I love, like Nashville. Yup this Jersey girl loves herself some country music and drama. My cats were snuggled and scattered all over my condo. 

Nashville on ABC. Love this show. Music, drama, and hot outfits

For the rest of the afternoon I sat happily in condo, completely relaxed. Absorbed in my tv show drama and the peacefulness of my space. Now I know why people recommend a rest day; it's healthy for the mind, body, and soul. I feel like it has completely rejuvenated me and I am ready for the week ahead. 

Chelsea relaxing on the floor next to me

Abby didn't take a selfie. She was laying on me all day.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!