Monday Musings

It's been a while since I did a Monday Musings.
Basically it's a jumble of randomness, so pretty much the same as all my posts.
I really want to log more about my weight loss, as far as exercise and nutrition, because I've had some questions about it.
So hopefully I will get on that soon!
Until then, I leave you with these thoughts...

What I'm Listening To: Dierks Bentley's Riser Album

Seriously, his entire album is amazing.

He is probably my favorite right now.

Even amazingly attractive, successful country stars have heartache too.

Who knew? ;)

What I'm Reading: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Yes, I know I'm way late to the party on this one.

I'm still finishing up Gone Girl and the list of books I have on my Kindle is semi-embarrassing

I've always kind of jumped around when it comes to books.

Read a few chapters then read another book, then back to the first.

Unless I'm instantly hooked on a book and I read it in 2 days {ahem, Twilight...}.

So far, the list looks something like this:

The Single Woman by Mandy Hale: I can relate so much to her, it's scary. Fun fact, she isn't single anymore.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple: I heard so many amazing things about this book. I can't wait to read it.

Divergent by Veronica Roth: Yes, I still haven't started it...

The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks: I have been half way through this book for months now. It's a great story though and it'll probably be the book I finish next.

I have 3 books by Shauna Niequist waiting for me - Bittersweet, Cold Tangerines, and Bread & Wine. I truly love her writing. There's something calming and inspiring about it. Which is probably why I bought all 3 books and haven't read them yet...haha Oops! 

What I'm Watching: Orange is the New Black Season 2

I guess you could say I've been binge watching this.

The show has been out 3 days and I'm already on episode 10.

I love it!

What I'm Eating: Baked Chicken & Black Bean Tacos from Simply Taralynn

I've made these before and I plan on making them this week.

They are sooo delicious.

I am addicted to Mexican food and these were amazing.

They come out crunchy and full of flavor.

Even my dad, who normally sticks his nose up at modified recipes to make them healthier, liked them.

I love Taralynn's blog, and anyone looking for inspiration for health and weight loss should definitely check her out!

What I'm Wearing: Honestly, my fashion has been kind of boring lately.

I wear my Sephora uniform and workout clothes a lot because that's what I've been doing with my time.

Now that I'm losing weight, I need to find some cute clothes that fit well.

Here are some Pinterest outfits I'm loving for summer {keep in mind, Alaska summers can still be chilly}:

I've always loved the mix of structured and flowly.

Skinny jeans with a ruffly top and blazer over a baggy tee.

Just enough to make an outfit look put together without being dressy.

I hope you all have a great day.

Happy Monday!

XO Linds

Monday Musings

What I'm Listening To: Step Out by Jose Gonzalez

Last week I went to see The Secret LIfe of Walter Mitty.

It was SO good.

As soon as I heard this song I was hooked.

Actually, the whole soundtrack is really awesome.

What I'm Reading: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Amazon

I actually just bought this book on my Kindle.

I don't have any idea what it's about, but I've heard so many awesome reviews I had to check it out.

I'm finishing up Gone Girl and then I will jump right into this.

What I'm Watching: The Bachelor and Downton Abbey

^^I really wasn't going to watch it this season, but just look at him.

I simply had to.

^^I'm SO excited for this season.

Hopefully there are some happier times as last seasons finale left me in stupid tears.

What I'm Eating: Optimum Nutrition Whey Gold Standard

Optimum Nutrition

A few months ago I realized I wasn't getting enough protein in my diet.

I can only eat so much fish and chicken in one day.

I decided to get this protein because the reviews were really great.

The flavor I got was extreme milk chocolate.

I read some reviews and this seemed to be one of the favorite flavors.

Also, the guy at GNC was tired of me staring at the wall of protein powders and just offered to let me try some of his; Which just so happened to be the extreme milk chocolate.

I can't drink a protein shake if it's overwhelmingly protein tasting.

Gross.

This I can shake up with just almond/coconut milk and it tastes just fine.

I usually drink it post workout and it fills me up for a little while.

What I'm Wearing: Gap's Sexy Boot Jeans

Gap

I have a hard time finding jeans that fit me well.

Don't we all?

If pants fit in the waist, they are huge in the butt, hips, and thighs, and vice versa.

These sit pretty low on the waist and fit perfectly everywhere.

I've also heard Paige Denim at Nordstrom would fit my body type well, but I have yet to fork out $200 for a pair of jeans.

Did you have a good Monday?

Also, have you ever been at the gym and the crotch seem of your yoga pants starts to split?

That happened to me today...

Good thing there was only a few people in there at the time.

I powered through my workout anyway and those pants are now in the trash.

Have fun watching The Bachelor tonight...or being lame and not watching.

;)

XOXO

Monday Musings

What I'm Listening To: Say Something by A Great Big World Ft. Christina Aguilera

I'm a sucker for songs/music videos that make me cry.

This did just that.

I'm in love and have had this song on repeat for over a week.

I think Christina can be a bit of an attention whore {especially on The Voice}, but you can't deny her voice is KILLER!

Especially knowing she had a pretty bad childhood makes this video and her emotions even more real.

What I'm Reading: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Amazon

I hadn't heard anything about this book until recently, but apparently it's really popular.

I'm about 4 chapters in and hooked!

As far as I can tell it's a mystery and about a mans wife who goes missing.

The town starts to suspect this man, Nick, of killing her, but Amy's diary shows a side of her that would make anyone go crazy.

It's really interesting so far!

What I'm Watching: Breaking Bad...still

And I'm not stopping!

What I'm Eating: Moose

Hopefully no one gets upset that I used a picture of Bullwinkle...haha

Ok, this might sound funny to all you non-Alaskans, but moose is really good!

It's very lean and doesn't have a "gamey" taste if cooked certain ways.

I'm willing to bet most people wouldn't be able to tell much of a different between it and beef.

Don't be grossed out...I promise, it's good!

What I'm Wearing: L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation

I wear shade N1-2 {yes, I'm that pale}

I was skeptical at first because I oily skin and hear that this foundation works much better for dry skin.

The reason I decided to give it a try was because my skin becomes super dry during the winter months and can look flaky and dull.

Not with this foundation!

My makeup looks really pretty and gives my face a healthy glow all day long.

I do have to set it with powder, but it doesn't end up looking caked on at all.

I put on a light layer and would describe the cover as sheer-medium {maybe more on the sheer side}

It probably wouldn't be buildable up to a full coverage and again, if you have really oily skin, probably start with a mattifying primer and set with a powder afterwards.

Sometimes I get a little more shiny than I'd like, but I'd prefer that over dry, dull looking skin.

Well, guess what?!

Only FIVE more days till my birthday!

I'm so excited because it'll be my first birthday in Alaska with my family in 7 years years!

Looking forward to it.

I hope your Monday started off fantastically!

I'll see you again soon!

XOXO

Monday Musings

What I'm Listening To: Charity Vance's cover of Drake's Hold on We're Going Home

Love this cover!

What I'm Reading: Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist

Via

I'm not very far into this book yet, but I really like the way the author writes.

Her books are so honest and open.

I bought two of her other books and flipped through them and they're written really beautifully.

What I'm Watching: Breaking Bad

Wow, I'm only 6 episodes into the first season and I am hooked.

It is so awesome!

What I'm Eating: Thanksgiving Leftovers

Stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes and gravy to be exact.

I am following a healthy eating plan now so the leftovers will have to stop.

Sad times.

What I'm Wearing: Miss Dior Eau de Toilette

After Miss Dior Cherie was discontinued, I didn't know if I'd find something I liked just as much.

The girls who worked at the Dior counter swore to me that Miss Dior Eau de Parfum was the same as Miss Dior Cherie, just in a new package.

Well, to me it smelled different and I was super sad about it.

Recently, I decided I wanted a new fragrance...because I don't have enough apparently.

This scent is perfect!

Because it's a toilette, it is very light, but the scent will last.

Throughout the day I thought maybe it was fading, but every now and then I would be able to smell it.

It's perfect for a date because to really smell it you have to be close.

The fragrance smells of citrus and a bit floral, and sparkly, if that makes sense.

And I love the pink bottle!

I hope the start to your week is fabulous!

Just a few weeks till Christmas!!!

Have a great Tuesday!

XOXO

Monday Musings

Happy Monday!
I just wanted to share some of my favorite things at the moment.
I know my last post was the same thing...I'm boring ok!
Enjoy!

What I'm Listening To: Birdy - Without A Word

This song is so gorgeous and sad and beautiful.

I'm obsessed.

What I'm Reading: Candice Kumai's cookbooks Cook Yourself Sexy & Pretty Delicious

Via

This woman is my idol!

She was a model and then decided to go to culinary school.

She is just plain fab.u.lous.

Every single recipe in these books look amazing.

I am so excited to try them out.

A few I can't wait to make: lamb ragu with zucchini pappardelle, pear and onion flatbreads with gorgonzola and walnuts {YUM!}, and maple chicken and waffles.

Could you just die?!

I will post pictures as I make these.

Also, she has a book coming out next year of clean green drinks!

I am SO excited!

What I'm Watching: The Voice

Via

I don't watch a lot of reality tv, but my mom and I love this show {well, I love that I can tivo it and fast forward all the unnecessary junk...like the judges talking}.

Seriously, could Tessanne be any more amazing?!

Also, in the "watching" category would be my crush on a trainer at my gym.

Yeah, that's kind of creepy, but seriously...he is so attractive.

Just wanted to put that out there.

That's all.

What I'm Eating: Eggs

Bacon Jalapeno Deviled Eggs

I love eggs so much and usually eat them for breakfast.

I want to try this recipe soon.

It combines three of my favorite foods!

What I'm Wearing: Old Navy Compression Pants

These leggings are so comfy.

I wear them under boots, with heels, under long shirts...basically anytime except for working out.

I prefer to wear cropped yoga pants to workout.

Anyways, these are thick so you can't see through them which is a plus because we all know leggings aren't real pants...

Well, I'm going to finish watching 27 Dresses and try to find anything in my panty that even sort of resembles "junk food".

Hope your Tuesday is terrific!

XOXO