This: Now that the holidays are over, it’s kind of a sad feeling, you know. It happens every year, but still. I mean, Christmas is my favorite time of year, and so I kind of never want it to end. There, I said it. Plus, my brother and sister-in-law left yesterday and my other brother is leaving tomorrow, and it’s just that I hate goodbyes and I’m just no good at them. And I don’t really believe in goodbyes anyway. It’s always a “see you later.”
That: I just started the Tone It Up workout series that’s going through Valentine’s Day, and I am SO excited for it! It’s all online, and you get emails each day and a calendar to keep track of your workouts. I already love the community and the workouts are fun and the support is incredible! I know, I know, you all are thinking I’m cheating on my beloved Jillian, but don’t worry! I could never abandon her. She’s still getting some love, too. There’s plenty to go around.
This: We went grocery shopping yesterday and got SO MANY fruits and vegetables. It is ridiculous. And by ridiculous, I mean it is awesome. Like, I’m pretty much in produce heaven over here, if there is such a place. We had grilled zucchini last night (yuuuummmm) and we got sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, apples, bananas, avocados (my fave) and eggplant! Oh my! Now, who wants to show me how to cut a butternut squash?!
That: Today, we’re heading back up the hill to have one more day of hangs with brudda Jeremy before he goes back to chocolate land (no, really. He lives in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the home of Hershey’s chocolate, you guyyys!) and I plan on playing lots more wii jeopardy (and losing, because seriously, he is too smart. Case in point: it was Jeremy vs. 6 of us and Jeremy won every time but one. Yeah.) Sooo… any takers? ;) He’s smart, he’s funny, he’s handsome, he’s tall, he has gorgeous ginger hair, blue eyes, he’s a scientist studying breast cancer research at Penn State school of medicine, and he’s my brother so duh he’s awesome. And that concludes my personal ad for Jeremy. Ahem.
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Hmm I want to to try that workout dvd. I have a couple Jillian Micheals dvd’s too and love them but I’m always up for new ones :)
The program I’m doing is all online and free!! You should check it out! :) It’s a 6 week challenge, just go to Toneitup.com. And omg Jillian is my FAVE lol
xo
I should probably join some kind of program too, Katie. I’m doing couch to 5K by myself and I think that’s what makes it so hard. I need someone to encourage me along the way. I also added butternut squash to our list of veggies for this month and I have no idea what to do with it either! Lastly, I LOVE Jeopardy on the Wii and usually end up being the only one on my team because I’m just that good as well…so cheers to your brother (sorry, I’m married, LOL)!
Aww yes, it’s hard to find motivation by yourself, which is why I love this challenge! There’s a whole community of motivation! :) haha you should play my brother at jeopardy and see who wins! ;)
xo
Just signed up for the Tone It Up workout series! I’m getting married and June and want to look my best for the wedding, and on the beach for the honeymoon :) I think this will be a great way to get me started. Thanks for sharing!!
That is SO AWESOME!!! Oh girl, you are going to look AMAZING at your wedding! :)
xo
I love butternut squash! Chop off the ends, then cut in half. If you want to roast, peel the remaining squash and then cut into about 1-inch pieces. I made my first fresh roasted butternut squash for Christmas. It was amazing!
THANK YOU for the tips on butternut squash!! :) I’ll definitely be doing just what you said! Yum!
xo
ok i was about to tell you how to cut the butternut squash but leslie up top just did. ha!
i love it. so healthy and yummy!
Hehe aww she beat you to it! ;) I’m so excited to make the squash! It’s going to be so delish!
xo
I need to load up on some fruits and veggies as well!
It was a glorious shopping trip! Nothing better than lots and lots of fruits and veggies :)
xo
I am a HUGE fruits fan. I honestly think I probably eat too much!
NO way. Not possible! ;)
xo
You go, girl!
I need to go grocery shopping like ASAP. We’re pretty baredy in our cupboards.
It was a really nice feeling to finally have food besides leftover ham and hella cookies in our kitchen! haha
xo
I should check out this Tone it Up series. :) P.S. Your bro sounds awesome!
Do it!!! I love it so far! :) p.s. he is!
xo
Those Tone it Up ladies are so good looking I’m a little uncomfortable. lol You can do it!!
Hahaha I KNOW RIGHT?! Something to aspire to! ;)
xo
Just whatever you do, make sure you warm the butternut squash before trying to cut it.. either in the microwave or oven. It will make your life a LOT easier!
Oooh good idea! Thanks for the tip!! :)
xo
Gorgeous sky photo.
I was just thinking about what vegetables to load up on this weekend.
Thank you!! :)
xo
I just signed up for the Tone It Up series, I like that it’s free! my fave word! ha. Let’s do this!!
YESSSS!!! We’re in this together, girl! :) So exciting!
xo
That’s a gorgeous sunset!
And yes. There is such a thing as produce heaven. And I LOVE when my kitchen/pantry/fridge finds itself there. Which isn’t nearly often enough, but will hopefully happen soon!! Yum :) :) There are worse things to come home from the grocery store with!
Hahaha produce heaven is my favorite place to be! ;)
xo
That sunset is amazing!! :)
Isn’t it?! Seriously, all of the sunsets up at my parent’s house are just like that. Gorgeous.
xo
I have no idea how to cut a butternut squash. Youtube that ish. I recall seeing a recipe for butternut squash mac and cheese. You know, to hide the veggies from the kids lol.
Hahaha “Youtube that ish.” Love you, girl!!
xo
looks like I made 501! congrats lady! awesome milestone:)
xo
YAYYY!!! :) Thanks so much, girl!
xo
this is so cuuute!! way to go getting started on eating your veggies + fruit :) and yes..saying goodbye to the fam is so *not* fun! looks like you guys all had tons of fun together :) happy new year, my dear!! x&o!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, girl!!! :)
xo
Oh man, I am mega jealous of your produce selection! I try to stock up here but unless we want kimchi for every meal (no thanks) the selection is slim without going over budget. Avocados are $3.50 each here! Looking forward to hearing more about the workout plan, looking for a new one after I finish Jillian’s.
Hahahaha oh you poor thing and your abundance of kimchi. At least it’s like, super duper healthy! ;) I know how lucky we are to be in California- we’ve got the best avocados for sure. That’s the one thing I missed when I lived overseas- not even close to as amazing of selection of produce!! It’s so sad!
xo
So excited to be starting the TIU challenge too!! I’ve been following them for a few years now and they’re just amazing. They have the best workouts, recipes, and challenges!
Ahhh I LOVE that you do TIU, too!! :) I’m already in love, and this is my first challenge with them!
xo
I am so sad that Christmas is over too. Which explains why my tree and all of my decorations are still up. And probably will be for weeks to come. The red can transition into Valentine’s day right?
Haha girl, my tree and all my décor is still up, too!! ;) Yes, it definitely works for V day!!!
xo
Well…since no one has claimed him yet…I totes call a date with Jeremy. hahaha. I’m kidding…but. uh. you know, if it’s in God’s plan..later in..uh…life…cause you know…I’m in california too…
ANYWAY. totes just found your blog. totes in love with it. totes going to stop saying totes now.
but, pretty much going to become your newest follower, and I think we should be friends…not just because you have a single ginger brother. because I think we would get along splendidly.
so yeah. to bed now..or something like that.
xoxo; Ruthanne
Hahaha yes!!! Jeremy’s awesome! If it’s in God’s plan! ;) You are the sweetest, girl! Your comment made me smile so much! Glad you found me!!
xo
hahaha I HAVE MISSED YOUR BLOG. I just scrolled down and see that I have lots and lots to catch up on! I hate goodbyes too. Goodbyes are the WORST! Your ad for your brother is hilarious. I need to do a couple of those for my brothers!
ALI!!! I have missed YOU, girl!! Agreed, goodbyes are the absolute worst. Ugh. As for our brothers, go ahead and copy my format. I don’t mind. haha
xo
I get sad that Christmas is over too. Today I had to buy REGULAR hot chocolate. No peppermint. So that was stupid. And last night I took down my Christmas tree. I felt like I just killed someone.
NOOOO. Regular hot chocolate is very stupid. You should still get peppermint, just because. I’m still using my peppermint mocha creamer, and will be for a longggg time! ;) hahaha and omg your Christmas tree killing made me laugh. And also cry. We’re taking ours down today :(
xo
Aren’t you adorable!!! I absolutely love veggies! Butternut can be difficult but it’s so worth the effort.
following now from South Africa. I would love it if you stopped by sometime!
http://arumlilea.blogspot.com
Aww thank you sweet girl!!! I’m so glad you found my blog! :)
xo
Hey Katie- Because of you I checked out the TIU challenge too and am SO excited about it! What’s your name on there so I can hit you up for a “booty call”?? ;)
YAYYY!!! I’m so glad you joined the challenge, too! :) My name’s Katie Michelle in the TIU community!
xo
I love linkin up on This n That Thursdays and reading so many great blogs. Thanks for hosting
Btdubs- saw that you said “hella”, you’re such a Nor Cal girl!
Aw you’re so sweet, Lauren!! :) We seriously are so glad that you like it and link up! And haha you caught me! I’m hella NorCal ;)
xo
I’m the same Shannon that’s posted a couple comments before, just now getting around to linking up my blog (and actually writing in it).
Butternut squash is fantastic! And there’s a ton of ways to use it :)I just tried a new recipe with butternut squash, apples, onions, and cranberries for a warm salad. Also- butternut squash, quinoa, and herbs = yummy. I’m a big cooking fan :)
Also- your brother Jeremy is totally cute…love gingers! Smartness is always a plus – med school & research = swoon. Too bad I’m in Seattle!
Aw YAY for writing in your blog more!! :) YUMMM your recipes sound delicious! Definitely going to try them out! And awww you’re so sweet! I’ll have to show my brother this comment of yours! ;)
xo