Weekend Reflections: 2000 grams of sugar

Some weekends have the beauty of utter relaxation. This weekend turned out to be one of those super exciting snuggly routine kinda weekends but I’ll bore you with the details and unfortunate lack of photos regardless. Matt had an early day on Friday so I worked from home for a little extra time together.  The best part about working from home is not having to wear pants and being able to make fun lunches like flat bread grilled chicken pizza’s – yuuuum!

After work we went to the range to hit a few balls and then went to a local italian/pizza place close by for dinner.  They had the most delicious salad with Mixed greens, goat cheese, candied walnuts, grilled local peaches, drizzled honey, grilled chicken, and a blueberry vinaigrette (not pictured/inhaled).

Saturday then became the day we consumed 2000 grams of sugar!  Matt was golfing with some buddies so I headed to the gym for an amazingly sweaty glute workout.  Then met a girlfriend to head to the Carolina Beach.  A new gourmet donut shop (Wake N Bake) opened up out there so we decided we would check it out.  Once we saw the display we knew that we needed to sample the lot!

We got a half dozen to share along with the largest and most delicious blueberry fritter I have ever tasted!

From left to right we got: chocolate peanut butter cup, white chocolate wonderful, samoa, maple bacon, creme brulee & the turtle.  I didn’t try the maple bacon (I actually do not like bacon) and the white chocolate and creme brulee ones were a little too sweet for me.  The samoa, turtle, and chocolate peanut butter were ammmmazing though!  Nothing can top the blueberry fritter though, I can’t stop thinking about it! It was perfectly cooked so it was nice and crispy and flaky on the outside but cakey on the inside – not too sweet but just right.

We ended up with a graveyard of donuts and barely finished half.  We spent the next few hours laying our beached whale bodies in the sun.  Matt called to say that he was finished around 3 so we headed back to meet him.  He didn’t have the greatest round so we went back to surprise him with the maple bacon & boston cream bacon donuts.

We ended up hanging out at her house watching harry potter for the rest of the afternoon.  Later that evening we were starving for real food so we grabbed some dinner and then ended up getting huge sundae’s at Brusters.  As if we hadn’t already had enough sugar.

The rest of the weekend was spent detoxing from sugar, lounging around watching Harry Potter, the gym, a little housework & an electrician visit (this time not due to me hanging curtains).

XO, Casey

Summer Reading Guide

Hi Loves!  I have always had a love for reading, my grandmother always tells me about how excited I was when I learned how to read.  She said it was like it opened up a new world for me and I always had a book on me.  Somewhere along my school aged years reading was ruined.  I’m sure it was being forced to read so many books for classes.  I really don’t like anything I’m forced to do, I like having my own desire and pull to something.  Anyways, over the past couple years and then intensely over the past year I can’t seem to put books down now.

I received a kindle for Christmas this past year and it intensified my love for reading.  I can browse for books and download samples right there!  I don’t have to wait in line at book stores and amazon is always suggesting books for me that I loooove!  That being said here are some book reviews for books I’ve read off my kindle that I just love.

These are in no particular order and are only the books read this year so far …

The Girl on the Train – Paula Hawkins

What a thriller.  If you liked Gone Girl then you will love this one.  The book was a  little dark and twisty but it keeps you at the edge of your seat.  I can also assure you that you won’t believe the end, I love a good surprise!

These Things Hidden – Heather Gudenkauf

This book was another dark and twisted & if you are easily made uncomfortable it may not be the book for you.  It is definitely worth reading though if you like a messed up plot.  It is a lot easier of a read and even though it won’t be a page turner like some others it definitely comes with quite a few “WHAT” moments!

The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah

This is my favorite read of the year so far.  I love books that cross history & fiction.  The book is not a true story but it uses a lot of real references from WW2 and what occupied France looked like.  If you have any suggestions for books similar to this one PLEASE let me know!

A Spool of Blue Thread – Anne Tyler

Ya’ll this book … I can’t even.  I read half of the book – maybe even 60% and still there was no climax – I have no idea what this book is about but it never hooked me.  It was like watching a sitcom that wasn’t quite sad or funny and had nothing to look forward to.

What She Left Behind – Ellen Marie Wiseman

This book was AMAZING.  It’s not a true story but similar to The Nightingale  it plays on historical events which I find to be my favorite style.  This book is about a woman who is in love with an immigrant but instead of supporting her father throws her in a mental institution where she spends the rest of her life pleading her innocence.  I blew through this book and found myself in tears many times.

Home Front – Kristin Hannah

This was the second book I’ve read from Kristin Hannah and it’s safe to say I’m hooked!  I love her heart warming easy to connect to writing style.  This book really tugged at my heart-strings and I found myself in tears most of the last half of the book.  I can’t say enough good things about it – easy read & highly recommended.

The Hypnotist’s Love Store – Liane Moriarty

*Favorite Author Alert – I’ve read literally almost every book she has written.  I have loved every one them and honestly, I think I’ve loved them all almost equally.  This one was a little hard to get into but I wasn’t disappointed.  My favorite Liane book was What Alice Forgot but I’ve also read and loved; The Husband’s Secret, Big Little Lies, & Three Wishes.  She only has one other The Last Anniversary that I plan to read next – LIANE PLEASE WRITE ANOTHER BOOK.

Firefly Lane – Kristin Hannah

This is my most recent read.  Once The Nightingale hooked me I’ve been reading Kristin Hannah’s books one after the other.  I’ve actually heard a lot about this book and am glad I finally read it.  A book about two best friends and their journey in life together.  Kristin Hannah followed this book up with a second book Fly Away that I’m looking forward to reading that follow-up.  This is a really easy read & only took me about one week to get through.

There you have it!  My 2015 book review thus far.  I’m sure I will have to do another of these in a few months.  Any & all suggestions welcomed!

Happy Reading!

XO, Casey

Weekend Reflections: Laziness & Empowering Thoughts

Happy Monday!  Hope your weekends were all fabulous – ours was the absolute epitome of lazy!

I have been really fatigued and light headed this past week so there was very little movement on my part.  I had some blood work done on Thursday in hopes that we could find something array but so far it’s looking like it’s a sinus infection or I was dehydrated.  Water is usually attached to my hip at all times but it’s a thousand degrees lately so maybe not enough.   I got a lot of rest last week and I’m starting to feel about 75% back to normal so I’m looking forward to a great week!

Saturday Matt & I got up early and headed to the gym.  After the gym we spent the day at a local water park.  My company does a deal every year so we took full advantage!  I can’t say I did much other than float in the lazy river but it was such a great day to be by the water & something a little different than just being at the beach!

My mom came with the babies which was really fun.  It seemed that at all times someone had a mini me with them, Matt even got off the hook from being their #1 go to guy!

We floated around the lazy river literally all day but sprinkled in a round of go karts & laser tag.  Somehow all the adults lost laser tag to the kids, not sure if that’s a good thing or an embarrassment.

Between the sun & hanging with the babies all day we were wiped!  We headed out around 5 & grabbed some taco’s on the way home.  I can’t believe I yet again didn’t snap a picture!  If you haven’t been to Flaming Amy’s in Wilmington – you are missing out (laughing that I’ve only done food reviews of taco’s thus far on the blog).  Flaming Amy’s isn’t quite the “sit down restaurant” that K38 is so it’s more of quick service place.  They have a fresh salsa bar with a few standard tomato salsa’s and then some DELICIOUS specialities like my favorite – wasabi avocado, uh it’s so delicious (side note: why don’t i make this myself?!).  The queso is outta this world as well but we didn’t get any this time (maybe that’s why I wasn’t that full?) but we did both get chicken taco’s.

We ended up taking to the couch for the rest of the evening with a fixer upper marathon.  I can’t be the only person who is obsessed with this show?  They flip and reno farm style houses in texas – hello dream life!

Sunday was full of absolutely nothing.  We ate breakfast laying on the couch.  We watched the british open, we took naps, we ate every leftover imaginable from the fridge, burned every candle in the house.  It was blissfully lazy & perfect.

Love this brand of gel polish btw!

We had a really great heart to heart on Sunday that lead to me feeling more empowered than I ever have.   I won’t bore you with those details but I am truly so thankful to have found my partner and best friend in Matt.  He is my sounding board for everything & it really is amazing to have someone who you can trust to guide you in the right direction.   After talking with him I felt like I really got my confidence back.   I have always found myself to be one who gets lost in all the details & very easily overwhelmed.  This has caused me to always turn to others to help guide me and make the right decisions.  Though that has worked because I trust the people I have gone to it has made me really reliant on others.  You are truly the master of your own life & the direction you wish it to take.  You need to trust in yourself to make the right decisions for you – don’t get caught up in what everyone else is doing or what you think you’re supposed to do!  Trust in your own abilities to lead you in the right direction.  I am really excited about taking the reigns back!

I hope you have a wonderful week!  Tonight we golf!

XO, Casey

that time I butchered a delicious muffin recipe

Cooking is something that comes relatively natural.  If I have a recipe of sorts I can pretty much adjust and make things up as I go along.  Baking however, is not my strongest skill set.  I don’t know the difference between baking soda and powder or pastry flour, whole wheat flour, coconut flour, etc.  I am a find a recipe and follow to a T kind of girl – sometimes when I do that I still seem to butcher a recipe.

I wanted to make muffins for Matt recently to take in the mornings.  I wanted to do something with a summer fruit and one with less sugar than most muffins.  This lead me to a recipe for peach muffins (http://www.savorylotus.com/peach-muffins-gluten-grain-nut-free-paleo/).  How perfect right?!

My biggest issue here is not understanding the recipe amounts of peaches.  It called for 1 1/4c which I would have much rather have had in grams because measuring anything that isn’t a dry ingredient in a measuring cup is so tricky.  I probably used WAY too many muffins but I really thought – how could you ever over do the best part of the recipe?

Oh but you can … you so can.

They seemed okay still so I figured okay, I’ll throw them in.

They ended up browning on the top way before the insides were cooked (maybe I should have lowered the temperature).

They were soft and mushy on the inside but super hard on the outside.  The taste was okay but definitely missing something and they were far too full of peaches to hold together.  Crushed up in a yogurt they weren’t bad but definitely not the delicious light summery muffin that I had hoped for.

Better luck next time I suppose?  Any tips?

Post blog note: I’ve redeemed myself with some super basic lemon poppy seed muffins that were more like a pound cake but insanely delicious.

Xo,

Casey

my not so secret secrets to wannabe flawless skin

I have been battling issues with my skin since I was little.  I used to get awful breakouts and treated it with tons of pharmaceuticals through my school aged years.  Recently I’ve realized how important it is to take care of your skin! I cannot stress that enough.  I no longer have to see a dermatologist routinely. Here are some of my tips and favorite products!

First I always wash my face with Cetaphil Daily Face Cleanser in the morning and the evening.  I love this because it’s so mild and really cleanses my skin.  Also it’s like super cheap at Walmart or Costco!  Gym ladies: I use this on any areas that you may get sweat rash on also.  If I have makeup on I use Estee Lauder – Perfectly Clean Cleanser first.  To remove my eye makeup I use Lancome – Double Action Eye Makeup Remover though I used to use a Clinique brand I preferred.

Next I moisturize!  At night I use Yes to Cucumbers – Daily Calming Moisturizer with a few drops of Kiehl’s – Midnight Recovery Concentrate mixed together and rubbed all over my face and neck. Then I rub Kiehls – Avocado Eye Treatment all around my orbital area. I absolutely cannot say enough about this Kiehl’s oil. I know we are always so afraid to put oils on our skin for the fear that it will make us break out but it has never done that for me.  It makes my skin so hydrated and just glow.  It is a little pricey but so worth it and it takes a long time to get through one bottle since you use so little.

I wont get into my makeup routine because I don’t really have one (lawd someone teach me how to contour). During the week I try not to wear too much on my face other than a little blush & mascara.  So after I wash my face in the morning with Cetaphil Daily Face Cleanser I use my Yes to Cucumbers – Daily Calming Moisturizer but instead I put a few drops of Palmer’s – Skin Therapy Oil FACE in and rub all over my face.  This oil works the same way that the Kiehl’s does.  It doesn’t make me break out but it hydrates!  I wear this oil every day and if I put makeup on my first step is still this moisturizer + oil.  The oil makes my makeup go on smoothly & shine! I do try to go without makeup as much as I can, as long as my hormones cooperate.  You need to let your skin breath and not cake so much on it every day.  Sans makeup photos below 😀

Voila! There you have it.  Wash your face as often as you can, drink lots of water, and moisturize!  Your skin will thank you for it 🙂 XO, Casey

Weekend Reflections: The greatest country in the world!

Three day weekends are like a gift from freaking heaven.  I was busier than expected last week so I ended up working from home all week.  We got a lot of rain and Matt was getting off work early so there were a lot of couch naps while I was finishing work & evening workouts together (which is a rare treat in our house due to our crazy schedules).  I typically don’t see this guy until Friday nights.

Friday we woke up early for a round of golf with another friend of ours.  I’ve only recently started playing so I’m still learning and this was 1st time off the range & actually playing 9 holes.  Surprisingly, I did really well for my first time and only lost one ball in the water!  I even almost made par once though it was likely a fluke. 

Looking the part is half the battle

Who knew golf was so exhausting?  No way I could have played 18 holes!  Afterwards we went to PT’s per tradition for a burger & chicken sammy.  I skipped the fries which is basically a travesty but summer bod > fries.

After a longggg nap we ventured out to the gym for leg day because we are gluttons for punishment.

Saturday was another day early to rise!  Why do we never sleep?!  We met up with some friends at the beach and stayed alllll day.  The weather was BEAUTIFUL and it was the perfect way to spend the fourth!

Just creepin on my Kan Jam pro’s & drinking some BCAA’s.

There were no shark attacks thankfully but we kept a close eye on the boys in the water & confirmed their blood types & organ donor preferences just in case. 

stole danielle’s snap chat #toosoon #toomuch?

We all headed home to shower, relax & Netflix and then met back up for dinner at K38.  Unfortunately I didn’t take any photos – probably because I rarely get to sneak the occasional taco in so when I do I don’t play around!  Something I’m working on within finding balance is really enjoying these moments.  Often when you diet restrictively you find yourself looking so forward to a meal you forget to enjoy the experience.  I got to spend this holiday full of sunshine & great friends and the taco’s were an added bonus!  Really taste your food & enjoy the company.  Also – put down your phones and be in the moment!

Did snag a photo of this shirt …  America & Jax Teller *hearts emoji*

We headed downtown to watch the fireworks afterwards and stood in an hour long kilwins line.  Also, no pictures because (see above) but it’s the most delicious ice cream in town & you should absolutely check it out if you are ever in town. Toasted Coconut is my signature and only flavor I’ve ever gotten – yummm, yumm!

I mean – look at this dude, could he be any cuter?  Actually don’t look at him 😉

We slept in forever on Sunday and I treated Matt to some protein pancakes made with Cellucor’s funfetti protein powder.  Matt said they were delicious & I snagged a bite to confirm the statement. Anything that includes sprinkles is a win. 

The rest of the day was full of a little house work & lots of snugglin on the couch.  Weekends like this really make me reflect on what a beautiful life I’m grateful to live.  I live in the greatest country in the world and thank everyone who has made that possible (esp my very own dreamboat war hero).  I have so many goals and hopes & dreams but I truly am so happy with what I have while I work towards all of those things.  Cheers to sunshine, great friends, taco’s, golf, snuggling, the man of my dreams & america!

However, now it’s Monday and we are 50 shades of sad and mourning the loss of a perfect weekend. 

XO, Casey &  Harley

a return to stitch fix

I have been a stitch fix follower for a while but took a long hiatus.  I signed back up and got my first (but third) box this weekend!

For those who are not on the bandwagon yet Stitch Fix is an online personal stylist who sends a box of 5 items hand picked for you.  

You start by filling out a styling profile that gives your stylist information about your likes, dislikes, style, sizing, needs, etc.  Then you schedule your frequency.  I am doing mine monthly but you can do it every 2-3 weeks, monthly, or ad-hocly.  All you pay up front is a $20 styling fee that is credited to your order if you keep any items.  Once you get your box you try the items on (you even get a styling card that shows you how to pair your items) and decide what you want to keep!  You put the items you want to return in the pre paid return envelope & send them back.  Then you pay for what you want online & leave notes for your stylist based on what worked/didn’t work & feedback for your next fix!  Easy peasy!

Here is my 1st fix review!  

1. Pixley – Marie Abstract Chevron Elastic Waist Dress – RETURN  

I am not a fan of the heavy fabric up top, doesn’t suit my figure & this color kind of washed me out.

2. Skies are Blue – Roe V Neck Top – KEPT

I loved this print, I am not typically into this pattern but I’m so glad she sent it.  Really cute with the white skinnies I got (see further down) but would also look great with jeans and could even be a fall top with a sweater.  I love transitional pieces.

3. Level 99 – Lillian Distressed Crop Skinny Jean – KEPT

I typically hate white jeans because they make my behind look huge, but these were really flattering, sketchy and adorable!  The ankle/calve doesn’t fit perfect but I’m going to play with styling/cuffing.

Dirty feet & Matt’s work boots

4. Le Lis – Lauriel Lace Detail Knit Top – RETURN

I originally had an immediate yes to this shirt.  It was so simple but had great detail & it was so soft.  Unfortunately after trying it on a few times it was not doing great things for my figure, it was actually more like a maternity top in the front! If it didn’t make me look pregnant I would have loved it!  This is why you must try your items on multiple times and with different items.

5. Bancroft – Sofia Hammered Square Collar Necklace – KEPT

This was actually an immediate no for me, looked like a flinstones necklace.  I put it on with just simple tank top and it really spiced up the outfit (which is how I like to dress), so I kept it!  Would be great to style up a pair of jeans and a tank for a nice summer date night.

So there we have it 3 out of 5 isn’t bad!  Thanks for sticking around through the recap & my “just rolled out of bed no makeup seems like a good idea to take photos” look :).  

If you’re interested in trying out this awesome service use this referral link 

Happy Shopping! XO Casey