Taking Stock of 2013

2013 was a fantastic year. For me, it was a year of taking risks and challenging myself. I'm really proud of what I accomplished this year, and hopefully I can push myself to do even more in 2014. Here are some of the highlights of my year:

New York, New York
A recap of the trip that my mom and I took to New York. It's our favorite place in the world and makes for the perfect girls trip. We're hoping to go back this year!

Diego Turns One
In this post, there are some of the cutest pictures I've ever taken of the babies. Our sweet little Diego is about to turn 2 on January 6!

No Sew Window Seat Cushion
One of my most popular posts- an easy DIY tutorial for a window seat cushion!

The 3 Best Friends That Anyone Could Have
The sweetest pictures of my babies. The cats don't leave Maisy's side after she has surgery.

Dog Beach
Maisy's first trip to the Dog Beach. I don't think she's ever been happier!

Lily
We lost our sweet Lily girl. Her cross-eyed little face is so missed!

Calories, Running, and Weight Loss...Oh My!
One of my big accomplishments this year- I lost 15 pounds (and have kept it off!) I've always been a terrible dieter/exerciser so to stick with it for 6 months was a huge deal.

My First 5k & Mom and Dad Come to Town
Another accomplishment- I completed Couch 2 5k and ran my first (AND LAST! ;) 5k! I was glad to accomplishment my goal, and then I was glad to be finished running. It's just not for me :)

Surf's Up!
Doug took a surfing class and got up! And I was greatly entertained by the whole thing :)

Bark in the Park
We took Maisy to the Dodger's Bark in the Park and she had a blast. I love spoiling this girl.

Our Week in Paradise
Doug and I went back to where we honeymooned for our 3rd anniversary. We met some awesome people and had one of the best weeks of our lives.

Office Makeover
One of my favorite room makeovers to date- my parents' office. I love this room!

A Big, Exciting, Scary Announcement!
My biggest accomplishment of the year- I started my own business. I was seriously afraid of failing, but somehow I found the courage to do it, and I couldn't be happier. I love what I do, I love working with wonderful clients, and I love helping people simplify their lives. I still pinch myself that this is actually happening- that I'm a small business owner (NEVER thought I'd say those words!) and that I actually have clients and stay busy. I'm so thankful that I get to do what I love (and be my own boss! :) Here's my new logo!

The City by the Bay
Doug and I took a trip up to San Francisco- even though it was a short trip, we had a wonderful time!

Life Lately
One of my favorite moments of 2013- going to the Season 11 Premiere of Ellen! She gave us all TVs!!

Den Makeover
Another favorite room makeover- my parents' den. Just switching out some accessories can give you a whole new room!

Hiking the Hollywood Hills
This is another favorite memory of 2013- I loved being on top of a mountain with my cutie pie husband and precious pup!

If you want to join me and Katie and do a recap of your own, you can link up with us all week! Feel free to use this button on your post!

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What I'm Loving Lately

Gel nail polish- I was very apprehensive about trying these because of some reviews I read online- some people say they damage your nails. But I finally tried them and loved them! They stayed on for about 3 weeks with no chipping! And removal was so easy- I actually did it myself at home! I didn't notice any difference in the strength of my nails after removing them either. I plan on only getting gel for special occasions, just to make sure my nails stay healthy and strong. Have you tried gel before?

Doug and I watched Duck Dynasty for the first time about a month ago, and OH MY WORD, we are obsessed! I don't know if I've ever laughed so hard during a show. They are all hilarious and lovable, but Si is obviously my favorite. We have already watched every episode and are now depressed that we have to wait for Season 4.

I recently bought my first Thirty One bag, and I absolutely love it! It's the Large Utility Tote, and I usually keep it in the back of my car to carry in groceries. Lauren is a friend of mine from high school, and she was so helpful as I ordered these! Check out her page if you'd like one of your own!

I just love this picture so much. I mean, how much sweeter can it get?

While Maisy was recovering from her surgery, I watched the whole Friday Night Light series. So many people told me that it was the best show ever, and I must say that it lived up to every expectation! I was SO SAD when it ended. Tami Taylor is probably my favorite character of all time, and I am a little bit in love with Tim Riggins and Coach. I just want more! I heard that they're writing a script for a movie? I hope it happens!

I'm also loving that in 2 short days, we will be in Cancun! We are going back to where we honeymooned for our 3rd anniversary, and it's literally all we can think about these days. Unlimited food, margaritas, and daily poker tournaments....paradise, here we come!

My goal was to lose 15 pounds by the time we went to Mexico. Well, I've lost 12.5 pounds and I'm pretty dang happy about that! It was really hard work and some days I felt like quitting, but I am so happy that I stuck with it. I plan on splurging as much as I want on my vacation (hello, it's all-inclusive! It'd be a crime to not take advantage of that!) and then once I get back, I'll start working on losing the last 5 pounds. But for now, I'm going to be happy and celebrate this achievement that I never thought I'd see!

photo via

And with a little weight loss and an upcoming vacation, I've treated myself to a few new pretty things! I found this skirt and belt at a local consignment store- I got both for $14! Besides my wedding dress, I think this is the most excited I've ever been to wear an outfit! :)

Running, Calories, and Weight Loss...Oh My!

*I don't really like talking about my weight on here but I was inspired by a blog that I read so if this encourages one person, it's worth it!*

This is a sentence I certainly thought I'd never say...

I completed the Couch to 5k program!!!!!!!!!!

Y'all probably don't understand how huge of a deal this is for me. This is the first time in my life that I've ever completed an exercise goal. Over the years, I've tried LA Fitness, Boot camp, Jazzercise, a personal trainer, and more, but I've never stuck to anything for more than a few weeks. I even attempted the Couch to 5k a year ago but quit after 4 weeks. But this time, it was different.

I still can't believe that I did it. That I can run 3 miles without stopping. Before now, I hadn't even run a full mile! I remember back to the first week or so when I would be SO winded from running 2 minutes. Yeah, I was pretty terrible. So if I can do this, anyone can!

I don't think I've ever been so motivated. I have gained close to 20 pounds since our wedding, and with our trip to Mexico coming up in May, I was determined to feel good in a bikini by then. Over the past year or so, I've "dieted" occasionally, meaning I completed changed my eating habits overnight....and it didn't last long at all. I went from eating pizza, chicken fingers, cheeseburgers all the time, to only eating healthy foods- grilled chicken and rice, salads, etc. That method just does not work for me. It would last a week, maybe two, and then I couldn't resist my urge for cheeseburgers any longer (Cheeseburgers and fries are my weakness.) For me, if I cut out a food from my diet, it only makes me want it that much more. 

But then I read Amanda's weight loss story. She said that she had tried eating healthy for so long, and her weight didn't budge. She started counting calories and just like that, the weight started coming off. So I started using My Fitness Pal to keep track of my calories each day, and sure enough, I've been able to lose 1-2 pounds a week. I'm still eating what I want, but I've reduced portions and have the splurge foods much less frequently. I've found that when I see the progress I'm making, the healthy choices are much easier to make. But if I'm really wanting a cheeseburger that day, I just go for a run to make room for the extra calories :)

So far, I've lost 9 pounds and am hoping to lose about 10 more. For the first time, this is not just a diet- it's a lifestyle change and it will be permanent. I want to keep running (I am running my first 5k on Sunday!), and I want to maintain a healthy weight, but most importantly, I want to feel good about myself. And I'm very excited that I'm on my way there!