Five on Friday :: Gearing up for Valentine's Day

If you are having withdrawals from taking down your Christmas Tree and twinkling lights, have no fear!  Valentine's Day is right around the corner and you can channel your festiveness to all things hearts and arrows, pink and red and lovey dovey. 

As a single gal, I dreaded this day, but as a wife and now mom it's pretty fun.  Jason and I don't do gifts or anything - trust me, I think it's a dumb, commercialized holiday, but I've really come to love embracing each and every holiday.  I mostly just love a good reason to decorate the house and wear something fun!

Here are five ways to gear up for VDay...and each item is $50 or less!  I don't know about you, but after Christmas gifting I just can't spend a lot of dough on holiday items.  

ONE :: Decorate the Home

 Garland: Aidie's Hideaway 
{Target also has lots of great garland options too}

 I love all of these items because they don't scream Valentine's Day with red and pink.  And all VDay items at Hobby Lobby are now 30% off!

Striped Frame - White and Gold Mug - Candy Dish - Arrow Frame

TWO :: Clothing for you

Sasea Decor - Hello Apparel - Sasea Decor

THREE :: Clothing for the Mini

Gap - Hello Apparel -Sasea Decor

FOUR :: Pajamas

Two Magnolia Lane - Gap - Old Navy

FIVE :: Accessories

Tory Burch for FitBit - Kate Spade iPhone Case -  Kate Spade Earrings

And finally...these shoes are NOT in the under $50 category, but I just had to share them!  If money grew on trees in my life {too bad it so doesn't} I would love to have these to wear on VDay!

Have a wonderful weekend!  I am so excited because Jack will be a ring-bearer in his nanny's wedding tomorrow.  I'll be posting pictures of all the fun this weekend on Instagram @ChelseaPurifoy so be sure to follow! 

Linking up:

Weight Watchers Wednesday

Hump Day!  It's time to kickoff Weight Watchers Wednesday on The Perfect Catch Blog!  I figured that this first week would be a great time to introduce the program and how I plan to make it work.  Even if you aren't doing WW, I plan to share recipes, workout news and other updates each Wednesday that are working {or aren't working}.

Before we begin, I started a Healthy Eats Pinboard yesterday if you want to find some new recipes this week!  Would love for you to follow along.  

Chelsea Stat's
I hate putting this stuff out there, but love reading when others do it so here you go {now that's love for ya'll} I truly have nothing to hide.

Height: 5'4''
Current Weight: 158 pounds
Current Size: 10/12 or Large
Daily Points: 33
Weekly Flex Points: 49

Goal Weight: 135 pounds
Starting Weight when 6 weeks pregnant with Jack: 145 pounds
Ending Pregnancy Weight at 39 weeks pregnant: 185 pounds

What I hate most about my current state: Face, doublechin and stomach area
What I love most about my current state: Butt and Hair {you must celebrate your successes too}

How the program works:

When you signup for Weight Watchers, you input your height, weight, etc. and are given your daily point amount.  This go around mine is 33, however this is not only different for everyone, but different based on your current weight.  In the past, I've been given a much lower Point Count, but that shows you how much larger I am these days.  Kelly, my partner in crime gets 27 Points per day for instance.  As I lose weight, my points will also decrease.  {If you are pregnant or nursing, your points will increase FYI so be sure and add that to your profile when doing your calculations}

Sample Daily Breakdown of my Daily Allowance
Breakfast - 5 {Shakeology with PB2 and unsweetened almond milk}
Snack -2 {Dried Apricots}
Lunch - 11 {Grilled chicken sandwich, side salad and fruit cup}
Snack - 2 {String Cheese and Berries}
Dinner - 10 {Salmon filet with steamed veggies}
Snack - 3 {Weight Watchers Ice Cream}

You also get Weekly Flex points that can be used for splurges like eating out, alcohol, sweets, etc.  I try to reserve these for the weekend when it's harder to be disciplined.  This weekend for instance, we will be out of town for a wedding so I will likely partake in some cake and a glass of wine! I get 49 of these Weekly Flex Points. 

I use my Weight Watchers App throughout the day to track my points, calculate how much something is and use the Restaurant Point Counter when I eat out.  It really makes WW so easy! 

Points are calculated using 4 factors: Fat, Carbs, Fiber and Protein. 

We will use a Larabar as an example - it's yummy, sweet and made of dried fruit and nuts.  I like to keep these in my purse in case I'm ever out and dying of hunger.  It also helps in the afternoon if I've dying for something sweet.  Just look at the label on the bar and input the info.  5 points is a little high for a snack, but these are great if you need a boost for a workout or are just generally STARVING!

The Restaurant Point Guide is one of my favorite parts because it already has so many of the foods we all eat pre-calculated for you.  If I'm heading somewhere I use my app to decide what to eat.  Sometimes it will shock you how much things are!

This really helps make your decision for you!

You can also track your daily activity on the app which can help with your points!  I synced my FitBit to my WW app so my steps will automatically be taken into account each day.  Yesterday I earned 1 activity point for my daily steps...which is considered a pretty bad walking day of only 6,000 steps {my goal is at least 10,000}. 

A few topics I plan on covering in coming weeks:

My mom and I trying a little 3 Day Juice Cleanse NEXT WEEK...
Getting back to the Barre...
Recipes from Skinny Taste and Weight Watchers...
And even a little fashion with fun, new workout gear...

Ashley, maybe we can even try and discuss those Kate Spade New Balance shoes we texted about! You know, for the blog, of course :)

Reminder to let me know if you are interested in starting a linkup or private Facebook Accountability group!

Hope you are having a great {and healthy} week.

xoxo,
C

Back On Weight Watchers

So yesterday on a whim, I rebooted my Weight Watchers membership.  It's worked for me in the past and although I haven't been super successful with it post-pregnancy I'm giving it another shot.  I like it because it's more of a healthy way of eating rather than a "diet" of eat this, not that.  It's super affordable and I love the iPhone App that I can use while on the go.

I honestly re-joined after seeing a friend and fellow Houston Moms Blogger, post on Facebook that she was joining.  We can be WW accountability buddies for each other. 

I plan on using Wednesdays now for my weekly Weight Watchers updates.  We will call this Weight Watcher Wednesday - I'm not original and I know a handful of other bloggers who have done this in the past.  No one that I know is currently doing this, but if you are, let me know so I can link up! 

Tomorrow I will be back to post about my current weight (yuck), the point system and how I plan to break it all up if you are interested.  Today I'm just sharing a few recipes and tips that have worked well in the past.  This is really just a great refresher for me, but if you are in a similar situation, I hope you will enjoy too.

Please comment below if you want to join me and Kelly in our Weight Watchers journey.  If there is enough interest, we can always do a link-up or start a private Facebook group - either for WW or just healthy lifestyle in general.    Otherwise, I'm just using these weekly posts to hold myself accountable!

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WHAT TO EAT:

I need to find some new recipes to try, but below are some that I've tried and enjoyed.  When I'm watching my diet I need to limit my carb and dairy intake - things that I seem to gravitate towards {pasta dishes, grilled cheese, quesadillas, chips and salsa, etc.}.  Skinnytaste is a great website that I plan on utilizing more in the future!

Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
I love this meal and it makes leftovers for lunch the next day.  Jack and Jason both love too. 

Cilantro Lime Tilapia Tacos
These are good and easy.  Another Blogger recommended them to me.  I usually eat with 1-2 fresh corn tortillas, but none if I'm really trying to be good.  You could sub a different type of fish also. 

Cilantro Lime Chicken
*CROCK POT* Meal!!!  So easy and everyone loves.  I don't use any salt and the flavor was still great because of the lime and onion.  I use more lime than recipes calls for. 

Taco Turkey Casserole
This is a great, clean meal - just watch your portions!  I was successful eating this when I was using my 21 Day Fix containers to show me how much I can eat at each meal.  Makes great leftovers for quick and easy lunches.  Just buy extra tupperware when you are grocery shopping so you can portion everything in advance. 

Thai Chicken Salad
I love these flavors for a salad and my husband who isn't a huge salad eater really likes this one. 

Egg Scramble
Everyone in my house loves eggs and they are so easy!  Pack your egg with veggies, skip the cheese if you can and add a lean meat to be more filling. 

Turkey Meatballs {eat with a side of veggies}
I have not made this particular turkey meatball recipe, however I love everything that Megan recommends.  I usually serve turkey meatballs with a side of pasta for my family, and a side of veggies {and willpower} for me.  I like bell pepper slices cooked in a little drizzle of olive oil. 

Steamed Salmon & Veggies {I need to blog this recipe}

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SNACK IDEAS:

Another struggle for me is snacking.  In between meals I grab things like a Starbucks Mocha, candy, cookies, goldfish or chips.  I especially like to treat myself to something sweet at the end of the day, once Jack is in bed and I can curl up with some Bravo TV shows.

Below are a few things I like to have on hand for snacking when I'm "being good".  Be sure and comment below with your favorite snack when watching it.

• Hummus & Veggies - 4 points
• Berries with toasted almonds and splash of Almond Milk - 5 points
• English Muffin with {very little}almond butter {great breakfast idea too} - 6 points
• Larabar - 5 points
• Skinny Cow Ice Cream - 4 points
• Shakeology - 5 points {when made with PB2 and unsweetened almond milk}  
• Shakeology w/just ice & water - 3 points
• Dried Apricots - 2 points
• String Cheese Stick - 2 points
• Silk Chocolate Soymilk - 4 points
• Hard Boiled Egg - 2 points
• Handful of almonds - 4 points
• Fruit - obvious, but having it handy and ready is key - 0 points
• Yogurt - 3-4 points depending on brand
• Hot Tea - while this won't really satisfy anything, it's my go-to at night when I'm dying to snack.  I make myself some hot tea and try to go to sleep!  My fave right now is Green Tea with Citrus.  It's unsweetened and decaf too! - 0 points

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OTHER TIPS:

• Prep, prep, prep...and then prep some more! 

Wash the berries and put them in a container so all I have to do is eat.  Make a menu board for the week.  Lay out my workout clothes for the day.  Make a weekly plan for workouts. 

• Set out lunch and snacks the night before
• Drink tons of water.  Goal is 10 glasses each day.  Have stuff on hand to jazz it up if you are getting sick of it - lemon, lime, cucumber, berries. 
• Try to do something active every day - even if it's not "working out" I'm going to try and at least my goal of 10,000 steps/day on my FitBit! 
• Try to limit carbs to earlier in the day. 
• No food after 9pm. 

I know a lot of people say to eat dinner early and then nothing after 7, but that just doesn't work with our schedule.  We do dinner between 6:30-7 because of when my husband gets home from work.  I like to give myself a little sweet treat once Jack goes to bed so that has to fall between 8-9.  It's better than the late night snacking I was going at 11pm while blogging. 

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ON THE RUN:

It's not realistic to think you will never eat out again so as lovely as that thought is, it's good to have a plan.  On those days that I just couldn't get it together and pack a lunch or snacks, you can still be good to yourself.  Places that I gravitate towards when I'm watching it:

• Beck's - Try a House Salad with grilled chicken.  It's loaded up with lots of great veggies and a hard boiled egg!
• My Fit Foods - It's all good, but I really love the Lemon Turkey for lunch and Turkey Chili for dinner {all small portions}.  You can read my previous experience with MFF here. 
• Chick-fila - Love the Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Fruit Cup with unsweet tea...yum!
• Jason's Deli - Love the Nutty Mixed Salad which you can order in a smaller size!

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DON'T DRINK YOUR CALORIES:

Another thing I have to watch is what I drink!  This used to mean alcohol for me, but since having Jack, I honestly don't drink that often.  Occasionally I will have a glass of wine, but that is easy for me to cut out...except when I'm having a girls night, then it's non-negotiable!

What gets me is my Starbucks habit.  In the morning I love black coffee so no big deal, but in the afternoon when I'm dragging I love getting a Grande Nonfat Mocha.  Don't let the word Non-Fat fool you...that just means skim milk.  The Mocha syrup is still plenty bad. 

When I'm watching it, I change my usual Starbucks order to an iced coffee with just a splash of skim and 1/2 sweetener and try to majorly limit those drive-thrus altogether for willpower sake! 

I don't drink sodas or sweet tea either so I'm fine there, but if you do be sure and limit your intake.

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See you tomorrow for Weight Watcher Wednesday!

Love,
Chels

Before 8am

Last month I had an amazing opportunity to have photographer Karen Jacot come to my home and take pictures of our typical weekday morning routine.  I tried to be as authentic as possible (hello frumpy PJ's and no makeup) and just let her shoot what we do everyday. 

The pictures are beautiful and if you are in Houston, I highly recommend you checking her out for a little "Before 8am" photoshoot. 

See the rest of our morning over at Houston Moms Blog! 

 

{And P.S. Houston Moms Blog is currently looking for new contributors to add to the team}

 

Five on Friday :: Live From Bed

Happy Friday everyone!  I'm reporting to you sick in bed, but wanted to check in and say hello so let's get to it!

ONE

After battling a pesky cold since Christmas I finally went to the doctor yesterday {Don't get mad at me for being stubborn...I kept getting better and fighting it, but this week it took a turn for the worse}.  The doctor seemed concerned at how bad I was wheezing and made me do a breathing treatment in the office before I left.  She made me promise to take it easy until Monday and gave me an antibiotic and a inhaler.  Fun times!

I'm happy to report Jack is doing much better and Jason is hanging in there with a cold.  

TWO

I love how many people are coming up with a word or mantra for the year rather than a lot of grandiose resolutions. I've been thinking this week about what mine should be and I have come up with one!

Image via

Be Still. This is such a good reminder for me as I'm constantly over-scheduling, saying yes to everything and over-committing. It's good to just be. This can be applied to so many things in my life.

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.

THREE

This week I've been glued to Shay's blog and Instagram feed.  If you aren't familiar, blogger Shay has been beautifully sharing her family's journey of adopting a 2 year precious baby from China.  She has blogged every day from China about their incredible journey.  I just love seeing the pictures of sweet Ashby.  Every time a new picture is added, my heart actually skips a beat.  Follow her blog here and Instagram @mixandmatchmama

I don't know Shay personally, but I am so proud of her for being so open and transparent.  I know this will encourage others to adopt children that need homes - both locally and internationally.  My mom and I have said forever that we would love to adopt an unwanted Chinese girl at some point.  Now we just need to get Jason on board :)

FOUR

I missed the Bachelor premiere on Monday. I honestly wasn't going to watch this season - opting for Vanderpump Rules on Bravo, but after reading all of the recaps I want to watch it!

I did watch Parenthood last night. It's so bittersweet since there are only a few episodes left EVER. What will I do without the Bravermans???

I'm also looking forward to the premiere of Girls and the Golden Globes - both this Sunday!

FIVE

And for a little fun sparkle on your Friday, I'm obsessed with these Kate Spade Glitter Studs.  At only $38, they are such a great buy.  I bought these for my bestie for Christmas this year and she loves them too.  The only problem is that they have been long sold-out.  Nordstrom occasionally has a pair or two onsale online {usually the gold or silver version} probably from a return, but the multi color is almost impossible to find.

I've been stalking the auctions on Ebay, but refuse to pay $100 for them which is what most auctions have ended in.  If anyone sees them, let me know!

 

Have a great weekend!
xoxo,
Chels

Linking up:

 

#MomHairDontCare

I'm over at Houston Moms Blog today talking about a few easy hair techniques that help me get ready faster these days.  And yes, I support the dirty hair, don't care movement!

 

See you there!

January Goals

For 2015, I plan to write a monthly post that lists my goals for the month and also recaps progress on past month's goals.  I got the idea from Blue-Eyed Bride who did this last year.  I think this will be a fun way to keep myself accountable for things I want to focus on.  Each month as I post new goals I will also report back on how I did the previous month. 

Sadly, aside from this current weekend {that has been spent at home sick...all three of us} we have something planned for every weekend in January already!  It's all fun stuff so don't feel too bad for me, but I usually like to keep our weekends somewhat open since this is our only time to decompress from the work week.  We have birthday parties, meetings, baby showers and even an out of town wedding that Jack is in!

With all that said, my goal list might be a little lofty, but I will give myself some grace if not everything gets done. 

My January Goals:

• Read one book
• Spending freeze on buying clothes for myself
• Try one new recipe
•  Blog a minimum of twice per week
•  Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night
•  Drink more water on a daily basis
• Home Improvements:
• Dress up our front door
• Dress up our living room/mantle
• Install bottom gate for stairs and improve existing top gate
• Finish Jack's "Campsite" Playroom

The hardest goal listed will probably be the 8 hours of sleep each night since I am a major night owl and use this time for reading, watching TV, blogging, cleaning and meal planning, but I need to listen to my body more this year and one thing I know about my body is that it requires more sleep than I've been getting this past year.  Likely why I got sick recently.

Are you setting goals for yourself this month or year?  Would love to hear yours too!