Garage Sale Goofs

Ahhh, yes. Today is here!
A day I certainly hold dear.
'Tis one of my favorite times of the year.
Aside from Halloween. {Oh, honey, let's be clear.}

It's GARAGE SALE SEASON!
My ones are stacked.
I'm ready to throw down.
And, my trunk's about to be packed!

I'm setting sail to cruise through one of the biggest neighborhood-wide garage sales today. First one of the year! I've found lots of good treasures in this particular development - and it keeps me 'shopping' back for more each year.

I'm hangry for some deallios. Starvin!!!!!!! Can't wait to buy things we really don't need. {I joke...because if The Hubs reads this paragraph, he'll start his own blog...all about moi! Ha!}

I'm also putting a few things in my friend's sale today {she's such a dear to offer us a little space}...because our neighborhood still needs to get with the program and unite to clean out each others' basements SOMETIME this century.

Today is making me think of all the people I'll encounter today...while shoppin' and buyin'. Over the years, I've made some observations on "Garage Sale Goers," and I'm wondering if you've ever encountered these beauts. They are the very reason why I love "sailing," because it's entertainment at its finest. {You've yacht to be kidding me!}


*** NOTE: The names used below are for alliteration purposes ONLY!*** I promise!


{The Top 10 Types of Peeps You'll See at Garage Sales}

{10} Sticker Steven - He claims the $1 sticker was totally on that set of barely used golf clubs. {Steve, you "fore"got DeeDee knows all the tricks. Put it back.}

{9} Loud Lorraine - This beast has to yell randomly about things and cause other customers to feel uncomfy. {Lorraine is rude.}

{8} Running Robin - She runs in to the garage in a frenzy, giving you no real time to engage her in a convo. We all know what you're doing, Robin. You don't want to hurt our feelings, so you're acting like the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. {#SomeBunnyIsObvi}

{7} Big Money Monty - Monty wants to buy a $1 scarf for his wife. Monty hands you a fiddy. Monty just wrecked your whole day. {#MontyJustTakeTheScarf #JustGo #Please}

{6} Chester Change - He's Monty's brother...and he only pays in nickels and dimes. {Maybe a quarter if he's feelin' fiesty.}

{5} Talking Tammy - Tamster loves to tawk. She's gabbing with you so much about nothing...and others realize they can't get your attention, so they peace out. {Tsk, tsk, Tammers.}

{4} Pete the Pricer - He'll tear you to pieces with his money mastery. All of your prices are too high, and you definitely deserve his hearty chuckle, necessary head shake and sky high eyebrow. {Definitely.}

{3} Benny the Bull - 'Ol dude doesn't give two squats about knocking things over...or buying them either, for that matter. {BenBen can be quite horri-bull.}

{2} Sappy Sam - He'll tell you every single thing about your old boombox. Year, make, model, etc. He'll share a few sentimental stories about one he had exactly like it. He'll then move on to music genres, making certain to point out his favorite classic beats. You'll spend at least 20 minutes with him and all he'll leave you with is a, "Well, have a nice day, Miss." {Sammy, is that how you treat a lady?}

{1} Ebay Edna - You know dang well she's going to flip the shiz out of that $2 remote control car and buy herself a Coach purse right after she lists it in her shop.

{The MVPs}

These next two deserve a category all of their own. I respect their style and could never judge!

Early Esther - She's creepin' on your sale at 6 a.m. She's already read her paper, had her coffee and watched some infomercials. She wants to cramp your style and stand by while you're in a frenzy trying to set everything up. {Estie, you're my first customer, sweetcheeks. No, I will not take $3 for this $20 chair.}

Late Lester - Les shows up at 2:05, right when you're starting to tear down. {You all know Les.}

{Honorable Mentions}

Whiney William - He's with his Grandma and he's tired. He's cranky. It's hot outside. He hasn't had a nap and he's also hangry. Grams won't buy him anything because of his 'tude. And he's got it out for your futon, books and linens. Don't even get him started on the board games! He's mad at something and he's growling while taking it out on all of your merch. He keeps mouthing off, talking jibberish and annoying the crap out of Nana. She had a handful of items, but throws them down in disgust and leaves because Little Billy is a terror. {You guessed it. William's Grandpa is Ben. The bull from #3.}

Forgetful Felicia - She "forgot" she had your old Tommy Hilfiger purse on her arm as she was walking down your driveway. Nuh-uh, fancy pants. Get back here and pay. {#ByeFelicia}

Vinnie in the Van - Vin's van is packed because he's gone to every single house and scored a parting gift. He also brought his 7 children, mother-in-law, wife, next door neighbors, 2 lunch coolers and  a dog. {Vin-Man also parks across your driveway entrance.}

Repeat Roger - You'll see him at the sale 3-4 times. He'll keep coming back...but he won't buy anything. Oh, heck no. {Roger is a dodger.}

Hank the Husband - Hank's wandering because his Wife Wanda is running around at other sales. He's a scaredy cat though - he doesn't really want to talk turkey because "his wife's over there and he'll be right back." {Gee, Hanks a lot, mister.}

Neighbor Ned - Mr. Caddy Corner will saunter over and shoot the sheezie just for the heck of it. All the while...he's taking up your time with customers {a.k.a. chances to unload that old-ass luggage set of yours}.

Barb the Babysitter - She'll pick up a vase, walk around with it for 35 minutes, get her mitts all over it, talk to other potential buyers about her new treasure, take out her wallet like she's making sure she has enough moolah, and then she'll put it down and walk away without even a shred of guilt. Just like that. {Babs just ghosted.}

Judgy Jane - She'll look up and down at your things, make scrunch faces, shrug her shoulders and tell her hubs that everything is junky as she walks away. {Janey. That hurts.}

Beanie Baby Betty - That's all she's looking for. {That...and Flutie Flakes.}

Far Away Fran - She puts her stuff up so far up in to the garage...and you end up looking like a creeper as you drive by trying to get a glimpse. {Dey see me rollin'...}

Low Inventory Larry - He has a card table with a few knick knacks, an upside down cooler with some tools and a pair of old bowling shoes all set nicely in the middle of his driveway. And, that's it. {Oh...and maybe a bashed up fake fern in a macrame holder.}

Debbie the Dealer - Homegirl has a stack of ones, rolls of quarters, a calculator, grocery bags and a Home Depot canvas painter's belt to hold all of her supplies together altogether. She has a price chart, plastic grocery bags, stickers and a Starbucks. {#DebbieForTheWin}

Picky Penny - The lady who has to point out a microscopic spot on a onesie and try to talk you down from charging her a quarter.

Saturday Soulmates - Those people who you end up seeing at every other garage sale in the neighborhood. You sort of "root" for each other after the 5th or 6th house. The 1st through 4th are kind of iffy. You're not sure if you can trust them just yet. {Are they looking for a pop-up tent, too? Will they arm wrestle you for a piece 'o Pyrex? Did you just hear them say they're looking for a treadmill TOO? Eeeek!} But, in the end, you get all chummy with 'em.

Did I leave anyone out?!! Tell me!

Ohhhh, how I adore these people. Truly. Go 'head with your bad selves at the sales this year, loves. The thrill! The adrenaline! The quick walk/running to strangers' driveways! If you're a hoarder like me, and you know it...clap your hands.

{CLAP...CLAP!!!!!}

{Dee-tales} Meet MentorMob

It's 2 a.m.

You're exhausted. REALLY exhausted.
{#TheWorst #Spent #Zombie!!}

Baby girl is wide awake. Wiiiiide awake. She's smiling. Laughing! She thinks it's noon. Isn't she adorbs? 

Yes! But, you can't really tell because you Thriller-danced into her room, and now you're looking at her with one eye half-open, you're hunched over her darlingly decorated crib on one shaky elbow, your bun is now a messy front pony tail low ridin' on your forehead, and you're still trying to hang on to that dream about walking the red carpet with Adam Levine. 

You're wondering HOW in the world you're going to get Miss Life-of-the-Party back to Sleepy Town so YOU can get back to the Grammys with Maroon 5's finest.

{Oh, honey, I've been there. Heck to the yes. I've been there, sister...}

WAKE UP, Ma!!!!!! Fetch me a snack, sunshine.

Enter: {MentorMob}...a fantastically brilliant website that's totally got your back, Mama Bear. It's a hub of free and social learning just WAITING for you to take a peek. Interested in learning more about a skill or hobby? Want to learn more about a topic of interest? Well, then the passionate community of mentors {a.k.a. The "Mob"} can't wait to help you.

Quite often, if you search for something on Google, Yahoo or Bing {etc.}...let's use newborn sleep advice, for instance...you'll get to the 10th or 11th page and you'll be even more confused than you were when you started. MentorMob solves this problemo for you, chica. You see, The Mentors have already scoured dozens of articles on this subject, and they've selected the BEST online articles and resources to come to your rescue. They welcome you to create a series of "Playlists" which contain your preferred web content all in one spot!

I'm more of a visual gal, so let me walk you through a MentorMob search in the {Parenting} section...my fave...so you can see the fabulousness I'm tawkin' about up close! Let's see. How about we search to perfect our sleepy six month old super powers. Here we go, darlin'...

{Step One + Two}

Up top, choose Newborn Parent {0-6}. Scroll down and click on Getting Your Baby To Sleep.

{Step Three}

Any web articles relating to this hot topic that are approved by The Mentors will pop up. In this case, 13 have been given the green light. Take a minute to browse through your options.

{Step Four + Five}

For this example, I'll choose the first article, Your Baby Sleep Basics. The text in the white box is what will pop up next. It's a compilation of FAQs, articles {and direct links to original sources} that will have your dear dumpling drifting off to Snooze Land in no time! Their method is super neat because even if they answer your question, they'll answer a handful more {things you didn't even think about yet!} just to make sure you're covered.

{Psst...just a word from your home girl...I'm a firm believer in a big full belly, a superb swaddle and a rockin' routine. Pretty sure I use that method for my own sleeping, now that I think about it!}

{Too Legit}

MentorMob doesn't mess around. They take their mission seriously, and they don't reference just anyone's point of view. They've assembled a network of individuals who truly pull from trusted sources, such as BabyCenter.com, Brides.com, Education.com, Parents.com and TheKnot.com, just to name a few. {Some heavy hitters, right there, eh?} They also ask members of the blogging community to weigh in, as well.


{Props}

You'll be the cool kid on the block if you decide to follow MentorMob...because guess who else thinks they're pretty sweet? Forbes, Kaplan, Reuters, Time, and more! {Oh...and did I mention they presented at SXSW? #Epic}


{Socialize}

Put this one on your radar, CoCo-Nuts. Download the mobile app and check out their social media outlets. This one's a keeper!

Facebook:  click here
Twitter: click here
Pinterest: click here
Instagram: click here
Blog: click here

{Night, Night}

Back to our intro scene - now that you're a MentorMob Mensa, you now know exactly where to turn to when it's that glorious time to mosey on over to Molar City, say buh-bye to that beloved binky or party on the princess potty. Good luck, you amazing soul, you! You're gonna rock this. I just know it.

Mommy may have mastered sleep tricks, but I can't wait to see what
that magician does when I throw sketti all over the floor. And her. #BringItOldLady

Disclaimer: CD was compensated for this review, but the views expressed in this post were sent straight from my heart! 

Squeaky CLEAN: A Foodie's Fitness Adventure

****WARNING**** This is probably THE longest post I'll ever make you suffer through on here...but if you're up for reading my first novel {lol}...grab some celery sticks, lounge with some lemon water and read about a little DEE-toxing. 

{The Goal}

I had been wanting to do a "fitness" review post for quite some time...but couldn't really figure out how! That "F" word is totes foreign territory to me. Let's be honest, CoCo-Nuts...if I could post a recipe on here for Butter Casserole...without raising any eyebrows...ya'll know I would! {Oink.} I don't see in size...and I don't agree with "dieting"...so healthy has just never been my thang. It's sad, I know. But! It's never too late to teach an old Dee new tricks. I had been searching for a diamond in the rough to become a little gem I could add to my Dee-tales files. Maybe change my attitude, ya know? Well!...Meet the 21 Day Fix! My crown jewel.

See what I did there with the whole Dee thing? {#Dork}

Basically, you prep your meals in cutely colored containers for 21 days and workouts are your dessert. Your rock star of a coach acts as the maitre'd and your online teammates split the tip!

Here's a little story on this tiny treasure...

{The Start}

It began on March 22, 2015: Beast Mode.

#StopSittingOnYourTooshSunday

I took on the 21-Day Fix {from Beach Body} and I lived to tell the tale! Ya'll know how I love to share a product review, so I thought there would be no way to fully endorse this gift from above unless I actually jumped on the portion-control bandwagon and gave it my all.

Game face was on.

{The Discovery}

In early March 2015, I saw a dear friend {A} post about her experience with this program.

It popped up out of no where. NO WHERE, kids!!! She didn't document her journey in daily posts, meal pics, hashtags or Instagram pics. She just announced her success after the fact. {Brilliant!} This element of surprise...took me by surprise! I dug it. {A} had lived in a cool secret world for 3 weeks and had this special little something going on...and it was all her own. She wasn't trying to prove anything to anyone...except herself. {Dang, that's neat.}

In the world of social media, I'm admittedly an open book....to a certain degree. {I'm sort of a huge contradiction though, because I'm extremely private when it comes down to it. Extreeeeemely.}  On my personal page, the Twinados take top bidding. My camera has some serious miles on it, yo. But...I can't help myself. You see, a good portion of the hubs' side of the fam is spread throughout the Midwest. My fam is centrally located around my neck of the woods...where I grew up. The rest of our families are sprinkled all over the states...and a handful of mine are over in Italy and France. {Ciao, bellas!} So, basically, posting our daily happenings makes us feel more connected to them. Keeping in contact with our friends is also a joy. Can't really put a price on being able to congratulate a sorority sis on her new baby, post inappropriate jokes to your besties' pages or send an electronic hug to a former student and her new groom, etc. {A whole lotta lovey doveyness going on here as usual, people!}

My point is that it's easy to get caught up in the attraction of social media. But, for once, I saw someone stray from the norm, do something incredibly fab and cause me to stop right in my tracks. This gal, {A}, is one in a gazillion. She has a heart of gold, an enthusiasm that's beyond compare and a personality that's BIGGER than life. She's that feel-good friend; a natural born "cheer" leader who always has a 1,000-watt smile on her face {always sending positive vibes to anyone in her tribe}. I swear she's a human Care Bear. Her kind words and genuine happy spirit have always motivated me to be a better person. She is also highly intelligent. I trust her judgement 110%. No, wait. Make that 510%! I'm not kidding. She researches. She questions. She does her homework. She could tell me the sky is pink, and I'd probably agree! {Do you have this kind of friend?}

Back to the 21 Day Fix - not only did {A} have success in 21 days, she ended up becoming a coach! For her to make that leap - spoke volumes to my soul!

{The Commitment}

Let's remember some facts about moi: Your homegirl doesn't diet. {Well, unless you count blueberry muffins because they have fruit in them.}Your home girl doesn't exercise. {Well, unless you count my mad sprinting skills at Target on Black Friday.} Your home girl doesn't miss a meal. {Well, unless you count the midnight buffet on a cruise ship. Mama be sleepin'.}

Those last three sentences aren't exactly something to be proud of...so when I saw my amazing friend {A} stand behind the mission of this company, I knew it was time to put down the bag of family size potato chips...say peace out to the pasta... and commit to be {sort of} fit once and for all.

The kicker? The hubs was all in. Immediately. When he heard {A} supported this program, I saw my penny pinching {ahem} money-wise muchacho  point me right toward the log-in screen without 1 shred of hesitation. {For those that know the hubs...you know this is HUGE! Bigger than the planets! And, this gives you an indication of how great of an impact this gal has had on our lives.}

I texted her.

She instantly replied.

I busted out the credit card the next morning.

My box of rainbow colored plastic squares arrived a few days later. A free Shakeology cup was nestled nicely inside. {I passed on the shakes this time...because I'm more of a food cruncher...but maybe someday I'll hop on board.} It was time to get down to bidness...check out the workout DVDs...study the food charts...and focus.

{A} created a Facebook Accountability Group. Perfect! A handful of other brave souls would be doing this at the same time as me. Things were starting to get REAL.

{The Last Supper}

The night before the big plunge, the hubs and I went out to dinner with 2 of our nearest and dearest friends. We called it the "Last Supper," and we kicked tooshes and took names. We chowed down somethin' fierce!! Our bellies were FULL. I even managed to get a little pre-first-work out in...due to the great laughs we share with these two. {The jokes just always hug me right around my abs.}

Lord, have mercy.

{The Dark Side}

After dinner, we hit the grocery store for some meal supplies. I've only been to the Organic section...a.k.a."The Dark Side"...if my two chicklets spot Boom Chicka Pop Pop out of the corner of their eye, if I need to get around a slow poke shopper or if I'm talking to CoCo on the phone and I wander over there aimlessly. This was truly new territory for me. {Pronouncing "QUINOA" was too.}

Quinn - ohhh - uh?
Quinn - oh - A?
Quee - no - uh?

Keen - oh - WHAT?!

I'm not fibbin' when I say I had to do a double take when looking for my cart sometimes. On the way to the checkout, I swear the potato chip aisle flipped me the bird as I walked by...a pack of Oreos called me a jerk...and I'm quite certain the ice cream freezer shouted BRUTUS right at my face.

But, alas! Here's what jumped into our cart...

Those nanners are lookin' pretty fly.

I'll admit, loves...I was pleasantly surprised at all of the yummy choices that are suggested on the menu, because in my rude, snobby, foodie mind...I was originally scared. I also stereotyped. {So rude.} I thought I'd just be allowed to eat bowls of leaves and platters of tree bark. What the feezie is flax seed? Oy. And, Ezekiel bread? {Wasn't that the first name of one of the creepers from Children of the Corn?} Stop it.

I'm so glad I cut the 'tude and just took this first step.

{The Rules}

After I tucked away the new healthy honeys in my fridge, I gave my checklist another glance. I was so anxious to start!

1. You take a quiz to determine how many calories are perfect for you each day.

2. The results will tell you exactly how many of each colored container you can eat in a day.

3. Each colored container coincides with a food.

4. You can pack these suckers FULL.

5. It is suggested to not eat fruits or carbs past 6 p.m.

6. You can add Shakeology to your plan and substitute a shake for a meal.

7. 2 workout DVDs accompany this plan. You can choose any workout that floats your boat each day. It's all up to YOU!

8. For 15 days you work out once a day. The rest...you double down!

9. There is a gal in the videos who does the modified workout while the rest rock and roll. #Kat

10. If you are in an Accountability Group, you check in with your coach and "teammates" every day.

{The Dailies}

Day 1...When I woke up on "Game Day," I was pretty excited to start meal prepping. {Peeps told me this was KEY in pressing that personal reset button.} A few hours later, I still held the same enthusiasm. I felt accomplished...and tried my first meal.

Plate: Was I kidnapped?

A banana w/ peanut butter was up next for a snack, and lunch was huge. Sriracha glazed salmon with a balsamic salad to the left.

Salad: It's o-FISH-al...she's losing her mind.

Afternoon snack was adorbs.

Strawberry: Psst! I think she's going...nuts.

Dinner did not disappoint! Tried Quinoa Noodles for the very first time. {Note to all: they store super well in the fridge and don't stick together like other pastas. Give 'em a spritz of coconut oil spray ahead of time just for kicks.}

Holla for Marsala!

Oh, Pamela.

Final snack was a nice little night-cap of cottage cheese. I popped in the cardio DVD at night and officially met the 21 Day Fix founder, Autumn Calabrese {a firecracker of fun!}, and the Twinados joined me. They were very kind trainers. I think it was because it was my first day. Pretty sure their Jillian Michaels and Bella Carolli sides will take over tomorrow.

Day 2... I woke up feeling REFRESHED! {Holy shnikees!! What is happening?!!} I stepped on the scale and went down 1 pound. What the what? It was a Monday morning, and I prepped for work the night before. Egg cups were up first for breakfast. I'm a total Desktop Snacker - pretzels, party mix, chips, cookies, gummy bears {HARIBO-only}, etc. I have a SNACK DRAWER! To reach for a banana and peanut butter...and later for a handful of almonds was "nuts" I tell ya. {womp womp} Taco Salad awaited me for lunch. I made the Creamy Herb Dressing to top off the masterpiece and takeover for my beloved Daisy our cream. BOOM. {I even had a few bites left over!} Have to admit...the later part of the afternoon kind of dragged, but I busted on through because a Chicken Stir-Fry din din loomed in the distance. Tonight's workout consisted of Upper Body. {Thank God Autumn took it down a teensy weensy notch.}

P.F. Chang's CHANGE!

Day 3...The scale was down a few more tick marks! Insane! I put my contacts in. 20/20 vision, ya'll. {Progress!} I'm looking to shed some pounds, sure, but I'm really actually looking to tone up and feel like a ray of sunshine. So, onward, we go!

Day 4...Today went well. When I drop the gals off to school, I normally race around running errands {this includes getting happily lost in a Tar-zhay Time Warp}. I brought a freaking SALAD to eat during stops. A salad! My Explorer made a scrunch face. I told her to lose the 'tude! We went to my sweetie Goddaughter's school musical tonight and her Nana {a Saint on Earth} brought a YUMMY spread of goodies for all the kiddos. I lived vicariously through their happy little faces. A cherry Airhead stared me right in the grill. Do I? Don't I? Do I? Don't I? I thought of my teammates, shoved it in my pocket and will soon use it as a treat. {Only human, right?}

Day 5...It's an all-day in the office day. Tried a breakfast burrito! A recipe from teammate {BK}. I love that the Accountability Group cheers each other on through quotes, check-ins and food pics. I am finding myself checking our Facebook group page a ton throughout the day. I don't want to miss a thing! {I forgot the salsa this time...but next time, things are gonna get muy caliente!}

Hola, bonita!

Day 6...Another full work day...during LENT none-the-less. An avocado salad was top dog today. Ohhh, that lemony-lime buttery goodness! I arrived home and saw a BLUE APRON meal box waiting at my doorstep...along with our best guy friend from College. {He happens to be one kick ass Godfather to two twin girls we know.} He drove all the way from Michigan to watch some NCAA March Madness games with The Hubs. I'm thrilled he's here. Over the moon! He's truly a brother to us and any chance we get to see him is a blessing. I'd normally have a pizza and potato chip spread waiting for him, but Crunchmaster crackers and hummus were as far as I'd go in snack land! Props to teammate {AZ} for the heads up on these yummies.

(L-R) Crispy and Crunchy.

Day 7...The first Saturday awaits! Went to my Multiple Moms club's Annual Spring Sale...and I took a banana and a water for a snack. Writing that last sentence is so beyond surreal, I can't even handle it! Normally, I'd take a bagel with cheese and fruit juice...oh, and for the ride home, Doritos would be riding shotgun with some Haribo gummies for dessert. {Oh, Dee.} Hummus chicken was on the menu for lunch though. INSANE. I love how this clean eating/fitness plan teaches me something new each day. Recipes keep getting better and better. I smothered the tops of chicken breasts with dollops of roasted garlic hummus for lunch. The results? Perfect protein!

Oh...and for a late afternoon snackeroonie? I will let the pic do the tawkin! I blended frozen strawberries, lemon juice, plain Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of coconut and a swirl of raw honey to make this pretty-in-pink sweetheart.

And, last night, teammate {JM} talked about pizza. I remembered I saved a few Cauliflower Crust Pizza recipes on Pinterest, so I fused them together to make this little sassy pants for dinner.

Day 8...ONE WEEK, baby!!! Down 8 lbs...the twin tum is starting to pack her bags...and the Twinados were my workout buddies again this morning. Lunch was Sriracha Garlic Shrimp and Quinoa Noodles.

Who you callin, shrimp?

I was blessed to have been offered the opportunity to partner with Blue Apron for a meal review, so dinner was a super cool experience. Click Here to read!

Day 9...Short day at the office. Managed to bring some scrambled eggs to work and sneak in an almond snack before heading home. Went to the grocery store while the gals were in school and it wasn't as expensive as our first trip! We're finding out which foods to buy...and when. Portobellos jumped into my cart and I was so glad they were along for the ride. Turned them into PIZZA tonight! Some oven-roasted zucchini hopped in for a selfie.

Mama Mia!

Day 10...Cantaloupe showed her face in the kitchen today! Forgot about how much I love her! Tried Italian chicken sausage for din din. 1 link = 100 calories/3g of fat/2g of carbs. Unbelievable. I added Nathan's mustard to pair with it, so today gets an A+ for sure.

Don't be chicken, you guys! 

Day 11...It was April Fool's Day today...but my scale wasn't laughing. Down a few more pounds! Teammate {DH} provided us with a chuckle on the boards today.

Day 12...The in-laws will arrive tomorrow. Did a bunch of cleaning around the casa. {Extra workout, right?!}

Day 13...The in-laws are here! But...snacks weren't. I felt so bad! My MIL joined me for a salad party for dinner. As I watched The Hubs and my FIL down some gorgeously garlic infused pizza and weeeeally wonderful wings, I looked down at my Sriracha Salmon and thought...not today, gluten. Not today.

Day 14...The girls' school hosted an Easter Egg Hunt this morning. As I saw their little faces light up when they scored a piece of chocolate, I fondly remembered the days when I'd bargain with them to give me a bite. The MIL ate clean with me the whole day! Grapefruit! Carrots! Taco Salad! She stayed with me every step of the way. We all went to the circus that night, and aside from dodging clowns {shudder}...I managed to steer clear of calories.

Day 15...Happy Easter! Teammate {DS} shared her progress with us. She is kickin' it! Teammate {DK} posted an angel food cake pic that floated down from Heaven. {Going to have to steal that recipe!} I can't stress it enough - these wonderful individuals have become friends, and a happy day for them, means a happy day for me. Sort of a surreal feeling to have instantly bonded with them. Can't really explain it!

The fam and I went to brunch. I sat near Grandma Kay Kay, and she was monitoring my plate. Judging. Wondering why I passed on penne vodka. That Einstein knows something's up. I told her I was just craving some veggies today. A prompt...mmm hmm, stare, and a tiny little Northern Italian hand floating slowly to her chin followed. I changed the subject, but I know I haven't seen the last of her investigation.

Day 16...Full day in the office...and full lunch pail, as well! I am using a Thirty One COOLER to bring all of my supplies. {Omg!} I stocked up the pantry for the in-laws so they'd have something to munch on while we were gone. Chicken sausage and sweet potato fries were on the dinner menu.

#SorryNotSorry

Day 17...The MIL joined me for a work event - a promotional product conference at a major hotel here in my area. There was a seriously sweet lunch provided by the hosts. Breads/lunchmeat/salad/pasta salad/CHIPS/cookies/brownies...and PINK LEMONADE. {Ohhhh you dang siren. Stop looking at me. This instant!} I marched on over to the plates and packed mine with cucumbers, a salad...and a ham + mustard roll-up. Dinner called for Crock Pot Fajitas. I've posted this recipe on the blog before, and I realized I could still have it if I made a few tweaks. I put the mixture in a wheat wrap, and had a spoonful just by itself on the side, as well. Some of my teammates also make this recipe. {Oh hey there BF, TE and JM!!} Click here for the recipe!

Day 18...It was a rainy day. Super cold. Normally, I'd get all cozy with a grilled cheese and tomato soup w/ parm cheese. I'd eat some strawberry Sour Punch straws and sip on some Cherry Coke while the sammie was cooking. I'd set out some chewy Chips Ahoy and a Real Housewives of {wherever} episode to finish off the lunch time party. {Scrap that!} Salad hit the spot and some hummus + Crunchmaster sea salt crackers joined me at the table. #MovingMountainsPeople!!!

Day 19...Long work day in the office. The finish line is almost here!!!!! No need to celebrate with food. That seems so strange for me to say that. {The Heluva Good dip + Wavy Lay's chips will have to wait a little longer.} Sheesh watched the gals today, and I left her some Crunchmaster crackers and Quinoa snack bars from the Easter Bunny. If she saw these a few weeks ago, she'd probably take my temperature, but nowadays, the only thing she's taking is control. She's doing her own fitness thing right now, and I am slowly luring her to The Dark Side. SHE actually discovered those Quinoa snack bars, so that's why I happily set them out for her. #GitItGirl

Day 20...T.G.I.F.!!!! Tonight we went to UNO's with our good friends and their sweet daughter. T-1 tried to share a bite of make-your-own pizza with me {what a little dollbabe!}, but I stayed focused on some Herb Crusted Chicken. With a side of broccoli. {Seriously...my keyboard keeps wanting to autocorrect this nonsense!}

Day 21...Well, hello there, sunshine!! How did you sneak up on me like that? 21 days already? Boom Biddy Boom. Dunzo! Started the morning off with a pep talk from my lovely {Jenny-Jen} who has been a key motivator since Day 1...a little Zumba sesh with my lovely {Kell-Belle}... and had a check-in and chat fest with my lovely {KK}.


{The Stats}

I lost a total of 13 pounds...and gained one hell of a lesson. I'm far from Gisele, but it's not about that. {Well...maybe if you stand 3 counties away from me at night and squint in the pouring rain...we could totally pass as sisters. HA!} Quite simply, I feel like a million bucks.

{The Re-Cap}

1. DO THIS. Enough said.

2. Find a coach who is a genuine angel and listen to that sweet soul's encouragement, tips and tricks.

3. Get attached to your Accountability Group teammates. I did!

4. Meal prep and recipe searches were FUN!

5. Drink water. LOTS of it. Infuse it with fruit. Real fruit.

6. Tracking your meals for the day on an Excel spreadsheet might sound silly...but it's not.

7. Invest in coconut oil.

8. Eat when you're supposed to...even if you're not up for it. It will keep your metabolism rockin'

9. The Shakeology program sounds intriguing. #BucketList

10. This program isn't about the scale. It's 100% about how you feel.

11. Don't deny your cravings...just learn how to incorporate them into your meal plan.

12. Moderation is the motto! {You're dang right, I snuck some Rolos!}

13. Do the workouts. Switch 'em up! I skipped a day...and I could feel it. Stay focused, honey.

14. Don't be afraid of hummus.

15. Never underestimate the power of 2 teaspoons of peanut butter!

16. You will NOT go hungry on this fitness plan. I repeat...you will N-O-T be a starvin' Marvin, but rather a Fuller-than-Full Fred.

17. Measure + photograph your progress. Work it, sugar!

18. You can do anything in 60 seconds.

19. Buy a yoga mat.

20. Buy some fun workout clothes.

21. Buy this program.


{Thanks, Coach}

In typical CD-Blog fashion, like I always say...I'm not a Beach Body coach...but, I know a beauty that IS! Get a hold of Coach {A} and add a lil color to your day! Click here for deets!

Also - have a little look-see at the blog Buckeye By Design, created by my friend and fellow twin mommy,{C}. She's also a coach and a 21 Day Fix "graduate!" I sure am lucky to have such inspiring friends. Click here to follow {C} and her fitness journey.

{Final Thought}

Now, let's just remember this was a TRIAL run for me, originally. Never in a million trillion Godzillion years did I think this would be a total game life changer. Nope. I was the biggest exercise procrastinator on God's green Earth. {I sat on it enough to know!!!}

Let's face it though... food is my passion. Indulging is in my genes. Sour cream is freaking delish. But, ya know what? Portions are perfect! So I'm planning to keep that little nugget 'o wisdom with me from now on. I'm not a health-nut...no way, doll. So, no change up here on the blog or anything. I just wanted to let you know that as much as I encourage you to try the hearty recipes I find, I'm also urging you to keep THIS post in the backs of your minds.

I'm adding a new section to the blog...{DEE-tox}...a healthy hub where "light" is right! This goodie will hopefully provide a proper balance to the blog. I'm also going to be adding a tiny shot of healthy to the Pinterest page. I hope you'll stay tuned/ help me add to these newbies.

With that said...I'm also coining a new term...{#FITFOODIE}. Who's with me? Let's find a way to have our cake...and eat it too!

Food/Fit Fusion? Hi, My name is Dee...and I'll leave you with this...

Easter Endorsements

Last week, I stopped by the Easter Candy aisle and realized there are such crazy cool candies these days. Have you seen what's out there?!! Hybrids! Fusions! It's neat.

I fully know that the sweets are not the reason for the season...but it's always a nice little bonus to receive some tiny treats on Super Sunday. Back in the old days, big hollow choco bunnies and Palmer's bunny coins/eggs were the real deal Holyfield. Don't even get me started on those gumballs shaped like eggs. {Bah!} CoCo + Big M always made sure I had a big bag of Just Born jelly beans {ahem...the BEST ones on the planet.}...and SheShe would let me have the purple ones from her bag.

She loves me.

My best 2-year-old Easter Egg Hunt game face. 

During my stroll in Aisle 6 with the Twinados, we stumbled across the following yummies...and we're looking forward to scrounging through stores this week to buy these for cheap! Ya'll know I'm a foodie {FooDee!...to be exact}...but these days, I'm starting to make a few more healthier eating choices. {Super weird, I know. More about this subject in juuuust a few days!} I am still going to snag a few of these interesting finds so I can sneak one every now and then just for kicks.

So, here we go! In no particular order...I'm fully endorsing these sunshiney smidgens of sugar:

It took you this long to figure this out? Tsk, tsk Reese's.

This is no laughing matter!

The grape ones.

#NerdAlert

The inventor is a total Swede-heart.

Oh, stop it!

I have a crush.

Remember putting the candy version in Zima? #Late90s #Holla

Behave.

Minx.

Way cool.

Stop flirting.

Where's my credit card?

What makes your Easter basket blush? Tell me!