Book Challenge Update {3}

In all honesty, reading has been a struggle for me. I thought it would help me get over that hump I'm still stuck on and while it does help, I am still struggling. However, I am not giving up and I am working hard on finding that reading groove back. Is this just me, or has reading become a super difficult task lately. I don't want to schedule in reading time because I think that is ridiculous. I want to be content with the time I spend reading a book. It shouldn't be this hard, or dreadful. Maybe I'm reading the wrong books?! Yet, looking at my books...they're not boring and quite interesting and fascinating, so I don't know. Either way, I'm struggling but let's look at what I read in the past three months...and possibly why I read them!

Start by Jon Acuff - For months I have been a huge fan of Jon Acuff. I don't really remember how I came about finding one of his motivational speeches but I did and it intrigued me. The way he talks is so smooth, so easy to understand and relates to pretty much any aspect in life. In my small group someone mentioned this book, and while I had this in my to-read basket for months, I finally gave myself a pep-talk and purchased it. Oh I did not get disappointed. I believe that we are all responsible for our own actions, for our decisions, and what not...this book justifies this. He talks about stories, and I kept nodding and laughing throughout. Some things did not apply to me but that is okay. My mind has a great imagination {and aren't books there to help our imagination?}, so I could easily apply this to my other self...you know, my imaginable Selma. Ha!

The Third Wave by Steve Case - Our broker sent us this book. He thought it was a great read for us. Well, B doesn't read...or doesn't feel like reading as he is reading too much for his classes anyways, so it is all me! I'm fine with that. It's not a book I would have chosen to ever read but it gives a great insight on today's world. Our "love" for the internet, social media...and how it does influence us. How it has changed and what will possibly happen in the next few decades. It's a more raw read, but I enjoyed it because it is a different kind of book...not the cheesy novels I sometimes read. Ha!

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins - Always wanted to read this. Finally got a chance to read it, and that before the movie is coming out {early October, if you're interested}. Yay! I was gifted this book. A friend of mine is moving to another state and she was giving away books to lessen her moving load. Needless to say I was beyond exited. Why did I choose to read this? I love novels that are on the "must read book" list of every year. It's a way for me to check in with the world and have a conversation topic going. My Godmother got me into this. She said to read at least one book per year that is THE book...so you get to talk with like-minded people...etc. I just never got around to read it, let alone buy it. And well, here I am. Having read this one and I liked it a lot. I usually don't read these kind of books but heck, a crazy story you can't put down...sure thing!

I have a few more that I am currently reading but since I haven't even come close to have read half of those books I won't list them here. I used to read at least two books per month. Not anymore. This is not failure on my side, this is merely me finding enough strength and willpower to read one book per month! Here's to a few more months left of this year! Can you believe it!????

xox

Book Challenge Update {2}

Happy last day of the month. Again, one month came and slipped right through the cracks. It's crazy. Today marks another three month update on my own personal reading challenge. I love books and the written word has always inspired and fascinated me at the same time. As I am, day by day, trying to find back to my happy self I am slowly easing myself into reading more. The first update I shared with you was, well, very short. I read three books. I mean, okay, one per month and I did read!! Yet normally I'd read a book in a week or maybe two weeks...so it surprised me that this tasks has been quite tedious at the moment. Yes, tedious. It's not that I need to report back to anyone on those books in time. There is no pressure. Yet, I never felt pressured to get lost in a fictional or real word all described through words. I never had an issue until last year, and now this year. I already read more than last year so I see this as a major step forward and progress!

Let's see what I have read in the past three months.

- I finished up 5 Habits of a Woman who Doesn't Quit

I started reading this during my first three months but with our book club we discussed one chapter per week and I din't want to rush. It was a book that allowed me to be me, look at my life and try to find ways to change it. I immensely enjoyed reading it because it was an easy read, spoke to myself and literally helped me look at myself from another perspective.

- Loving My Actual Life by Alexandra Kuykendall

This book was recommended to me by Amazon. Well, you know, the recommendations when you previously bought something? Yup, that was this one. And because it spoke to me right there and then I decided I'd order it because, well, I needed something totally different than what I have lined up in to read. It sure helped me look at my life and how I could challenge myself to work on my life and lifestyle differently. One step, each month, something new. She did it, so why shouldn't I?!

- If I Break by Portia Moore
I got it for free on my iBooks so I approached the "why not" phase in my life...I mean, if I don't try I won't know what I may like. I needed to read something else, something easy. It was an easy read but I wouldn't recommend it, unless you feel like you need to read something "cheap". It was quite boring, yet, okay to read. It didn't capture my attention though. It's definitely a great read for when you're soaking in the sun, not caring much about whether or not your book gets greasy from all the sunscreen, margaritas and sea/pool water. And apparently, there's a few more books following that story... 

Well, it's not a lot. I admit I could have done better, BUT I am reading, I am allowing myself to find happiness through the written word again. It shows progress, and a bright future. One step at a time. If I can manage to read four books by the next update I am going to be very happy! Fingers crossed.

xox

Book Challenge Update {1}

This year I want to read more. Last year was not a year for me to sit down and get lost in the written word. I tried. I failed miserably. 2016, as announced earlier this year, is a reading year. I started off slow but this doesn't mean it's going to be a bad reading year. I am not forcing myself to read a certain amount of books, but I am hoping to get inspired by books again and end up reading more than just a few per month. Today I wanted to catch up and share what I have been reading so far and why, and how it has been going so far.

My first book was House Rules by Jodi Picoult

I started this last year but as I said I wasn't feeling the need for the written word to distract me. It took me a while to get into this book but I finished it and liked it. What can I say, it is a Picoult book. You either like her style or you don't. She has her style. I like it. A mix of mystery and autism combined. Not bad but could have been more consistent. Not sure if that's the word I am looking for. Something was off with it but I still finished it....maybe it was my love for her writing.

Verdict: I like the fact that she addressed Asperger's but it lacked the aha moment or the wow factor for me. I still liked the book just thought she wrote better books.

My second book was Trace Evidence by Bruce Henderson

My man picked this book for me. He had to read it for one of his classes years ago and thought it would be a great book for me to get my hands on. I never thought I'd be interested in a book like this. It's about the Interstate 5 homicides in the 1980s in Northern California. It started off slow and bored me. I was about to quit but then it got interesting when the main suspect, the killer, got introduced and described. The writing was not my favorite because, well, at times it felt like a police report and I am sure it partially was one. After all it is all based on true facts and events. 

Verdict: Liked it and would recommend it if you like real events murder stuff.

My third book was 5 Habits of a Woman of Doesn't Quit by Nicki Koziarz

I am currently still reading this. A friend of mine suggested to read this and created a book club, and so I chose to join and voila, reading it. It's a good, eye-opening book with stories and thoughts I can actually relate to. It is definitely not a book I would have chosen but it's a great change for once. It's a bit too religious for me but when I rethink it as non-biblical based it works just as well. So far so good, and our weekly discussions are fun!! Plus, yes, if you are in a situation or feel like you want to quit and give up...it changes your perspective.

Verdict: Definitely worth reading, especially when you feel like giving up on anything or everything.

What have you been reading?

Happy last day of March!!! Unbelievable how fast time flew by!!!

xox

Reading Challenge 2016

Time has flown by this year it is unbelievable. It has flown by so fast I did not complete my reading challenge I had in mind for 2015. I love to read but when life hits you in the face unexpectedly you either read more or you stop. I stopped. I could not pick up a book; any book. I wasn't interested in the written word for a long time and this scared me. I had no desire to get lost in anything. The second I opened a book and decided to read it I paused for a few seconds and smiled, knowing I was doing the right thing and knowing I was feeling better. 

So with 2016 approaching I knew I needed change. It is not because a new year is about to begin. It is because I feel it is time to make a few changes in general. Life taught me a lot this year and one thing I know is to not wait for anything or anyone. 2016 will be filled with changes, and one will be my reading challenge. 

A few weeks ago, Krysten mentioned on social media that she was going to ask her other half to choose books for her to read. To be honest, this thought scared me because my other half cannot stand reading at the moment and even if, we both have very different taste in literature. To challenge our relationship and my love for the written word I knew I had to try this as well. So, thank you Krysten for inspiring me to challenge myself and my books. 

Here are the rules:

• B solely chooses the books from my Goodreads list and/or from the shelf I mark as unread
• I get six vetoes {though I doubt I will use them all, if any}
• If I don't like the book and cannot make it halfway through I can stop reading it
• If the book is part of a series and I like it I am allowed to read the next book in that series

I am excited about this. This will help me cross a few books off my online list, and it will allow me to discover genres I think I have no interest in {but we all know I do}. 2016 will be an interesting reading year for me. I am so ready!

xo

June Food Challenge

Happy June!! This is my birthday month; I am so excited!

Despite it being my birthday month and the beginning of summer I am still challenging myself {for the last time} with one month of eliminating one food item from my diet. This will be a little difficult since my birthday is around the corner and all those festivities just wait for me to fail. Yet, I can do this. I have been so good for the past five months. I gave up sweets, alcohol, dairy, sodas, and snack food. Some challenges were indeed challenging. Some were easy to tackle. This month is the last month of getting back into shape and feeling healthier. It's been a fun ride, and I can honestly say it has been rewarding.

This month I am giving up sugar!

Of all the things I am giving up sugar during my birthday month. What was I thinking? I must have blanked for a second when I committed to this because I so want to eat a cupcake on my birthday {or two!}. Oh, did I mention my birthday is tomorrow? Well, yes, it is. So, maybe I can overlook the fact that June is a sugar free month and ignore tomorrow and eat my cupcakes!!!? Yes? No. I don't know. I really didn't think this through. 

Wish me luck!!

image via here 

May Food Challenge

Happy Friday everyone! Can you believe it's already May? Time sure flies but this doesn't stop me from living life and exploring new things.

For the past four months I have been eliminating certain foods from my diet to not only challenge me but to get back into bikini/swimsuit shape. I have given up sweets, alcohol, dairy, and sodas/sweet teas. It has been a great challenge so far. My taste buds still love me, and I have a better appreciation for food and drinks. Giving up certain foods has helped me be more conscious when it comes to grocery shopping and cooking. Also, I decided to continue to give up sodas unless we go to a BBQ and there are sodas available. I may give in for a day which will be fine. After all, my month of no soda is over so I can squeeze in a soda or two. 

This month I am giving up any snack food like chips or popcorn or there like. This won't be as difficult but it will be still challenging. Popcorn basically is kind of a healthy snack yet I love to add butter to it and then it becomes bad. Chips are my weakness. I love barbecue flavored chips. I could devour an entire bag when I'm bored. Plus, with warmer weather and spring events happening all over chips are always around.

At home I can easily replace snack food with veggie sticks, unsalted nuts, and fruits. Yet, when you are invited to parties this will be a challenge. Then again, we won't be invited around here, so this shouldn't be an issue. I know I can do this, it will be just interesting to go around my beloved {unhealthy} snacks.

Wish me luck!

image via here
also linking up with Globetrotting in Heels 

No Soda Food Challenge Update

Do I really need to say it? It's an easy challenge. I don't get tempted, save a ton and my teeth love me again. The only time I had to take a sip or two of coca cola was when I felt nauseous one day. I think it was because I didn't eat that day and was a total stressed out wreck ball. Those sips helped me not to faint that day. Plus, yes, I ate something afterwards. 

No soda is absolutely no problem for me. Also, not drinking soda or sweetened anything made me noticed that my favorite person is also not drinking as much. I asked him to do this month's challenge with me but his heart is set; he's in love with his bubbly drinks. Ha! At least he drinks less than before, so that's a start, no?!

Oh, and if you were wondering...yes, I have noticed that my pants are not as tight anymore as they used to be a few months ago. I thought I'd let you know. Some of you were like "why are you doing this?", and "crazy idea, you won't see results". Well, I may not have lost 20 pounds {I'd be a little underweight if I did, just saying} but I have noticed an inch or even two of looser pants and somewhat a lighter feeling. I have to say I am pleased. I didn't start this challenge to lose a ton of weight but to see how my body feels each month, and how I can change my diet towards being healthier. Also, this whole challenge has helped me appreciate certain foods more after I introduced them back into my diet. You are what you eat, and I still strongly believe in that.

Two more weeks of no soda...and I know I won't fully go back once this month's challenge is over.

xoxo

April Food Challenge

Today marks the forth month of my food challenge. I have given up sweets, alcohol, and last month even dairy. Reintroducing all these foods back into my diet was the most fun. There is no way to describe how much I missed each one. I love wine so naturally holding my first glass after one full month of no alcohol was beyond fantastic. It's a fun challenge and allows me to appreciate food more. I thought going gluten free over two years ago was a challenge {and yes it certainly was and still is} but eliminating one specific food for one month into my diet was an eye-opener. Still is. We really take so much stuff for granted.

This month I am giving up soda and sweet ice tea. I will only drink water or juice {limited amounts} or cold tea and nothing with added flavor, sugar or artificial color. I'm still drinking coffee, tea, alcohol etc but will eliminate sugary sodas and teas. This challenge should be no problem. When eating out I won't order my beloved raspberry iced tea but go with simple water {free anyways!} or a glass of wine {if I feel festive}. This will save me some money sans the wine love. Plus, I easily gain when drinking sodas so giving them up will be perfect.

Wish me luck!

image via here
 also linking up with Globetrotting in Heels

No Dairy Food Challenge Update

Ten {okay, maybe 13} more days and this month's food challenge will be over. I am having the hardest time this month and I cannot wait until it is over. Finally. I have been a good girl though. I have to admit there were a few instances where I failed; I realized too late and ate something with dairy. Oops. Then again, I chose to do this challenge to see if I am strong enough, and I didn't do this because of health issues. Failing is okay. I am a human being after all. A human being loving her cheese apparently.  It is not the end of the world. 

What I have learned is that vanilla almond milk definitely saved my life. Yes, the sweetened one. It is not my favorite but it does its job well. However, almond milk with my gluten free cinnamon flavored cereal is downright disgusting. I cannot explain how awful it is. So, I switched to eating more gluten free bread with different toppings for breakfast. Also I made gf oatmeal with water or almond milk, cooked up eggs and hash browns and ate a ton of fruits for breakfast. Smoothies were fun too, and I have to say I like smoothies with vanilla almond milk.  I learned to be more creative in the morning that is for sure.

As far as the rest of the day goes...well, I made sure none of the dishes I had planned for the month had or still have any dairy in them. If they did I would either eliminate it {at least for me, and make another batch for the man of the house} or change the menu. I am making zucchini boats tomorrow and technically it asks for cheese, but I have bread crumbs and that will be just fine. It worked for my stuffed mushrooms I made two nights ago. Also, by eliminating dairy calcium and certain protein are missing. I googled, pinterested, and what not...and well, learned that it's easy to find substitutes that work {for me}. If you are a picky eater this may not work for you though. Here's what helped me out what to incorporate more into our March Diet {thank you, Pinterest}:

I have eaten a ton of spinach, broccoli, romaine, mushrooms, quinoa, avocados, kale, onions, almonds, and what not. I love it all. Making my morning smoothie with fresh spinach was so much fun.

Now, if you were wondering if I felt anything different when it comes to, you know, using the daily bathroom ritual...well, let's just say in the beginning my stomach was pissed off. It reminded me to when I had to go gluten free. Oh man, my favorite word was constipation. And then, after about two weeks {yes, right about now} it all went back to normal. Changing a diet, or just challenging your body to adjust to something new or different for a while is definitely interesting and will always add some sort of challenge to the digestion routine as well. That is how far I go with this topic. Ha!

Ten more days. I can do this. I am so sick and tired of this month...this challenge really got on my nerves {yes, even with my spinach smoothies}. It is interesting to see me and my body go through this. Knowing I can do this gives me personal strength. Never thought I could do this but oh my I have become stronger and more determined for sure.

"Ten" more days!

xoxo

image via here

March Food Challenge

For the past two months I have been challenging my diet. I have given up alcohol and sweets. I have been positively surprised by how strong I am, and by how my taste buds have come to appreciate reintroduced foods again. They really took a lot for granted. I appreciate a glass of red wine much more now, and yes I already had one. It was an interesting way to see how I feel when giving up specific foods or drinks.

This month I am giving up dairy. This I think will be one of the hardest challenges. I eat cereal every day and I drink coffee each day with a splash of milk or creamer. Not so much this month. My breakfast routine will be challenged but in a good way. I'll be trying to change it up by incorporating more fruits, gluten free oats and bread. I may drink black coffee {which I have no problem doing} or switch it up to tea. My trips to Starbucks will be less or stopped for a month {also, I am fine with that} and I will find ways to make my dairy free month a fun one. I may try almond milk which I never really liked.We shall see.

Hoping to find some fun new recipes. If you know of any dairy free recipes let me know, please. Any idea is greatly appreciated.

Wish me luck!

image via here
also linking up with Globetrotting in Heels 

No Alcohol Food Challenge Update

As you know I am doing a food challenge for the first six months of this year. January I gave up sweets, and this month I am giving up alcohol. I like these kind of challenges because they give me a chance to better myself and to live healthier. Giving up sweets was an interesting experience and giving up alcohol is an even better experience. It is not difficult but it is still challenging. You know, on date night we are just drinking water or sweet tea. A glass of my favorite red wine would be just perfect. Either way, I am doing great so far and even though I do miss a drop or two of my favorite wine I am not having a hard time. I have to say though that my consumption of sweets or sweeter drinks has increased; just water and tea was boring over time. 

The biggest challenge has yet to come. I will be giving up dairy next month and I believe this will be difficult. I am currently researching breakfast options to keep me going throughout the day, and believe me or not it is not as easy as I thought. The Internet is a vast place and it helps tremendously. I have found a few options and I know what I can eat or substitute or change. Giving up sweets and giving up alcohol was one thing but next month will be very interesting.

I am almost done with this month and I cannot wait to go out on a date and enjoy a glass of red wine with my favorite person. Almost done. Almost done. Almost done. YES.

Any suggestions for me for next month are greatly appreciated. Nutella bread was one option, and lots of lots of fruit and granola only. Yet this can be boring after about a week, so I need to spice it up.  So, if you know of a few fun substitutes please let me know! Thank you.

Hope you are having a great Monday!
Cannot believe this month is halfway through already, time sure flies.

xoxo

images via here and here

February Food Challenge - No Alcohol

Last month I posted about an idea or dare I say challenge I found in this vast blog world. I am following through.

For the month of January I nixed sweets {NOT sugar}. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. Living gluten free has made me more conscious about what I eat; I had to give up lots and lots of sweets. Over time I found foods to replace my urge for desserts. Remember, I don't like chocolate and even though chocolate is naturally gluten free I won't touch it - so if you thought I suffered because I couldn't have chocolate anymore you were mistaken. However, having a major sweet tooth and being gluten free has been an obstacle; one I learned to live with. Gluten free bakeries exist but none never rocked my world. Kara's cupcakes is the only place I go weak when it comes to gf cupcakes. They are to die for. Literally. They are the most delicious and moist cupcakes ever made. Perfection. Enough about them, I'm already drooling. So, giving up sweets last month wasn't difficult. I basically made sure I didn't get close to candy, gf cookies {glutino's gluten free wafers are my favorites}, cake mixes, sugar cubes or anything dessert-like. Sweets to me are more cookies and candy. Staying away from sugar will be the worst challenge I believe...so stay tuned, it's in a few months. 

This month I am giving up alcohol. In all forms. No more wine, gf beer, mixed drinks {as if I am drinking this much}, martinis, etc etc. No more! Lucky me, I chose February to go through with this challenge. It's the shortest month; I chose wisely because I love wine!!!

Wish me luck, and excuse me while I devour a cupcake.

xoxo

Linking up with Globetrotting in Heels

 images via here and here

No Sweets Food Challenge Update

Remember my monthly food challenge? {you can read about it here}. I thought today, mid-month, would be a great idea to share an update...progress if you will. I am "only" giving up sweets, and not just sugar by itself. So, no candy, gum, cookies, cake, cupcakes, you get the picture. This is definitely not a difficult task. It is doable. My gluten intolerance helps me with this challenge. I cannot eat regular cookies or cake or what not anyways, so if I crave these I need to pay some extra money and visit different grocery stores or even cities to get my sweet tooth in line. YET, my body still longs for some sweet stuff; even after two weeks.

How to handle those cravings? Simple. Just find healthier snacks and desserts. I had to get creative and research a little but it all worked out.

Whenever I feel like I need a cookie, or see my favorite person snack on sweet stuff {he's so skinny I wonder how he does that?!} I started taking a handful of cranberries, almonds, grapes, or even raisins. If I had vegetables at hand, I'd chew on those during the day. This wouldn't work for a dessert though but that is then when the cranberries or pomegranate seeds came in and some yogurt. I was in heaven. Also, since this month is a no sweets month and not necessarily a no sugar month {that will happen in June} I added honey to my granny smith apples, or just added it to my teas. Also, cinnamon, banana and some milk helped me ease my cravings for sweet stuff.

Two more weeks and my month of no sweets will be over. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

images via livestrong and deliciously sprinkled

Get Healthier and Shape Up

As you know I am not a New Year's Resolution girl. I know myself well enough; I won't ever go through with it. Also, I would rather set goals with a time limit to make sure I can accomplish that goal and be happy with the result. While browsing for ideas to make 2015 a fun year I found this idea to give up certain things for one full month. This idea includes a major bonus because it improves your body and hopefully physique by early summer so you are ready for your new {or old} swimsuit.

I love this challenge. It's not a diet. It is not forcing you to entirely give up everything at once {which is unhealthy anyways}. It allows you to focus on one thing and nix that thing for one full month. You don't even have to follow the above idea. You can tailor it to your own needs and dietary preference. I have to replace the month of February and May. I cannot eat gluten and fried food is mostly done with gluten/wheat based coating so that's a no go as well.

What would you give up? 

It usually takes up to three weeks to give up a habit {or create one}, so giving up certain foods or drinks for a month may mean something bigger for you. You may stick with that new idea. You may not but instead appreciate its taste better. I cannot wait to try this out. I already started not eating any sweets. Fun so far!

I'll be giving up the following:

January: sweets

February:  alcohol
March: dairy
April: soda/ice tea
May: chips/popcorn/snack-food
June: sugar

Wish me luck!

image and idea via here
Linking up with Globetrotting in Heels