Blogmas Day 15: Pinterest Finds

Hello lovelies,

I hope you had a great weekend! My weekend was probably the best weekend I've had in a while. Most of that can be contributed to the fact that I was still on cloud nine from getting accepted to UE last week!

This week I have a lot to do, I have a lot of schoolwork to finish up this week, three finals, two English papers, and three quizzes! Like I said, it's a lot, but I can do it! I also want to get some blog work in there, I have so many changes coming up and I can't wait to share it with you!

Before I get into this months Pinterest Finds, I want to take a moment to ask your opinion on something. Do you prefer how I usually do my monthly Pinterest finds with pictures to every link, or do you like how I did this post with links, explanations, and only one or two photos?

 Please let me know below!

1. Mostly Morgan: 44 Things I Learned My Freshman Year of College

Last Thursday, after I got my acceptance letter to UE of course I started looking at the college section on Pinterest! While looking at the College section I found a new blog that I'm loving right now! It's called Mostly Morgan , if you're interested in blogging, college life, or health & beauty, I would definitely recommend you check out her blog!

2. Be A Sticker Stickler

I've been trying to eat healthier lately and I found this and I thought it might help others who are trying to eat healthier!

3. 5 Crispy Alternatives to the Potato Chip

Keeping with the healthy theme, I found this link for healthy alternatives to chips. I really want to try  the kale chips, so many people love them and I really need to eat more veggies and fruits!

 I also like the bacon chips even though they really aren't that healthy!

4. A Little Bit of Inspiration

That's it for this month's Pinterest Finds, I hope you found something that interests you! What have you been loving on Pinterest lately?

XoXo,

Lori

Pinterest Finds

Hello lovelies, I know it's still November, but I'm going into serious Christmas mode, I'm obsessed! I've already started Christmas shopping, I've got a few presents and I've bought a couple of ornaments, I haven't gone overboard, yet. 

The past few Christmases haven't been the best, but this year I'm really feeling it, I have hope that this Christmas is going to be great! I'm determined to make this Christmas special because this is my last Christmas at home, next year I'll be off to college and I won't get to spend the entire holiday season at home

This month I've been wanting to start doing some DIY projects. I've been thinking about getting into crotchet, I tried crotchet as a child, but I could never get into it, so I want to pick it up again and see how it goes. I've been feeling really creative lately, I want to paint, and draw and just do so many things!

Anyway, enough of my rambling about how happy I am, here's what I've found on Pinterest this month!

1. Christmas Decor DIY

2. DIY Holiday Throw Pillows

3. Always Remember. 

Okay, so I guess that's it for this month's addition of Pinterest Finds, I've really been trying to limit my time on Pinterest, it's so addicting and time consuming, it's an addiction! Anyway, that's all for today, tomorrow I'll be back with a book review and Wednesday I'll be showing you my Holiday Beauty Wishlist!

XoXo,

Lori

Goals for May

Hello lovelies, it's a new month, which means it's a new chance to start over!
Over the past few weeks I've been slacking, but it's a new month, and I'm hitting the books and the gym hard!

Via

Finish Algebra 1.

Finish College Prep U.S. History Part 2.

Start my Geometry class.

Sign up for the June ACT.

Study and take a practice for the ACT.

Clean out my closet.

Join the gym.

Lose 2 pounds.

Narrow down my list of colleges and Universities I want to apply to.

Search and apply to new scholarships.

So there's my goals, I'll give you an update at the end of the month, wish me good luck!

XoXo,
Lori

March Weight Loss

Good Morning lovelies, I can't believe it's already the last day of March, it's hard to believe that three months have gone by since the start of the new year. 

I don't really have much to say today, so I'm just going to jump into this months weight loss update!

Diet: 

This month I actually did really well with my diet. I've been focusing on trying to find low-calorie and healthy snacks and I found two that I absolutely love. 

My #1 fave snack is the tropical tie-dye flavored Fruit Roll-Ups, they're only 40 calories each and they're made of real fruit.

My #2 fave snack is the Original Rice Krispy treats, they're only 80 calories, and they make me feel full so I don't feel the need to keep snacking.

I know they probably aren't the best options, but I'm a very picky eater, and they just happen to be low-calorie, so I really don't care.

Exercise:

 I've been sick pretty much all month and I've just been focusing on trying to get better. And because I've been sick I haven't really been exercising. I did start using my 5-pound hand weights again and I've also been trying to get back into a routine of doing squats.

 I was going to sign up this month at the gym, but with me being sick I've been getting short of breath and I think going to the gym like that would be a bad combination!

So did I lose any weight?

Weight Lost This Week:  -7 Pounds

Total Weight Loss:          8 Pounds

Unfortunately I didn't lose any weight this month, I actually gained three pounds. But to be honest I was kind of expecting it. I'm having trouble coming up with the words to explain how I feel, but all I get is blah. That's how I feel, March was just one big blob of blah! 

That's all for today, tomorrow I'm going to be posting some of my favorite Dresses for Spring, and then on Wednesday I'll be posting My Top 10 Authors Whose Book I've Never Read, so don't forget to check back for that!

XoXo,

     Lori 

Weight Loss Monday's: Week 42 & 43

    I'm back!!!!! And I'm super happy about it, I got a new laptop, temporarily till January, then I'm going to order a Mac.
    The past two weeks have been insane, but a good insane.

Diet: My diet has been pretty good. Last week I could hardly eat because I had an allergic reaction to a new Chapstick I bought and so my lips were swollen and covered in bumps, it's still hard to eat, but my mouth has almost healed.

Exercise: In the past two weeks I have really stepped up the exercise. I've been getting on my stationary bike everyday, in the past two weeks I've only missed 4 days of exercising, but those days I made up for it in walking.

    I've also come to the conclusion that I am allergic to long-haired dogs. I've never had a problem with short-haired dogs, but we tried to take in a dachshund/poodle mix last week, and it ended with me being sick, and having to take the dog back to my aunt.

So Any results?

Weight Lost Last Week:  2 Pounds
Total Weight Loss:  16  Pounds

   Yes, I've lost 2 pounds, and it's really motivated me to keep going, and stay on track.

       So that is all for today, I shall be posting again tomorrow, Wednesday, and Friday, so be sure to check back for that.
                                                 Stay Creative,
                                                                  Lori Ann

Weight Loss Monday's: Week 9

    Okay so this week is the week I make a come back with good news. Last week I got a lot of good news, and this week I get to act on that.
     So I've been cleared by the cardiologist to exercise, so I'm easing back into it, I'm going to aim for 20 minutes on my stationary bike 2-3 times a week, just so I don't get sore, or get hurt. And I'm going to get back to my strength training now that my arm is better after my bad experience with a shot.
     My diet is also going to change, no more snacking. No more soda, and I'm cutting even further down on chocolate. I also  found the culprit to my weight gain. Bread.
     I had been eating toast every morning for breakfast and sometimes during the day for a snack. One day while sick with a stomach bug I ate 8 pieces of toast. So I've picked up some whole grain waffles, and I'm going to alternate between the two.
     I'm still hunting for a job, and I know once I get that it will help get the weight off because I'll be moving even more.
       Now For the biggest news of the week, is that my brother is moving out. FINALLY. I'm so freaking excited. This is really going to help a lot. I stay stressed because of him, but I'm not going to get into specifics, but lets just say with him gone my life is going to be so good.
     I noticed a pattern with my eating and exercising. When he's here I eat more because I'm stressed and because he makes cruel comments towards me. I also don't get to use my stationary bike because it's very squeaky and he bitches (sorry) about it.
    So he won't be gone till the first of the month but that's okay I can deal with another week and a half.
   Overall this past week has been full of good news after good news. And I know that by this time next month I'm going to be losing weight, less stressed, and much healthier.
   So for this week unfortunately no weight loss, but that's okay because I'm bloated, but I'm sure you can guess why, all ladies deal with it. But it actually inspires me to get busy because my jeans were already starting to get tight, and now they really are tight.
   Well that's all for this week, my happiness with last week is not only benefiting me, but also you. I will be posting everyday this week except Thursday, so I'm really excited. Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Also contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

Weight Loss Monday's: Week 5 Start Over

   Okay so I decided after last week's high blood pressure incident, that it's time to get back on track. I've been off my diet for about a month now, and I've gained about 15 pounds. Yes 15 pounds, and I'm not happy about it at all.
     So my plan of action is to get my gym membership back on Friday and start going back to a real gym. My equipment at home isn't cutting it, I need the extra equipment that I can get in a real gym. I've downloaded some new music and so I'm gonna have some upbeat music to listen to.
     I also got a new pair of workout pants because my other pair started to get holes in them, and to go with them is another new pair of tennis shoes. So I can no longer use the excuse I don't have any shoes, because my nana bought me a pair for Christmas and my mom got me a new pair 2 weeks ago.
     I will not be buying anymore snacks, no chips, and no sweets. I'm cutting back, less food more exercise.  I'm starting over, I made a lot of progress last year, I want to match the progress I made then (45 Pounds). I will lose this weight and get off any and all unnecessary medications.
    This week I will begin a new life, it's a new year and it's time for me to make changes. It's time to get back on my diet, and it's time for me to buckle down and do my schoolwork, if I don't I'll never graduate.
   I hope your with me on this, I need the encouragement. I'll try to start tweeting more about stuff related to my blog, so make sure you follow me. And I hope you all know you can e-mail me anytime, my sleep schedule varies so 'll most likely be awake when you do.
  Well that's all for this week, Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon. At the end of this post I'm gonna attach my new favorite song, that I'm obsessed with and can't stop playing.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Also contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

                                          Demi Lovato- Heart Attack

Weight Loss Monday's: Week 3

     Okay so today's post is actually going to be a big disappointment  for both me and for those of you who actually care.  I don't know if I have gained or lost any weight, but then again I haven't weighed myself in a week.
     Why? Well because I started a new medication for my cholesterol and I didn't want to change anything that way I would know whether or not I was reacting to the medication good or bad.
       So far everything is good, I'm not to happy about being on another medication, I had finally got to where I was down to only taking 4 medicines, but of course I have horrible luck. I had a little scare a few nights ago and thought I was having an allergic reaction but apparently it was a false alarm.
      BUT I have made one major accomplishment, I've managed to almost cut out chocolate. I know it's only been two days, but still I've ate barely any chocolate, which might not seem major but it is. I normally eat chocolate after every meal and in between meals, even during the night if I get up I will pop a piece of Dove chocolate into my mouth.
     I've also tried exercising, nothing major, because like I said I didn't want to chance things. But I did lift some light weights and did some squats. I'm hoping to get my gym membership back next month, I would do it now, but I know the gyms are filled up with people trying to fulfill their New Years Resolutions. So I'll wait till next month, the gym I go to is so small, but you get what you pay for, so I don't mind.

Week's Weight Lost This Week: 0 pounds
Total Weight Loss Since April 2012: 62 pounds

As you can tell this week has been disappointing, but I'm hoping next week will be better.

   So that's all for today I hope this inspire's you to stick to your diet, even though the only inspiring thing about this week is my chocolate situation. Let me know your thoughts in the comment's section. Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

Weight Loss Mondays: Week 2

     So it's that time of week again, and I'm not too happy with myself. I've lost weight, don't get me wrong I have, but I still haven't started exercising again.
     I've also been really stressed but I hope by this time next month some of my worries will be gone.            They'll either be gone or escalate, but I'll work through it like I always do.
      I don't really have much to tell you this week since I haven't been able to exercise. I also haven't been eating much, I've been having really bad headaches and not sleeping so I don't really know what's going on right now with my body.


  Weight Lost This Week:     7 Pounds  
  Total Weight Lost Since April 2012:    61 Pounds

   So not too bad considering I haven't been able to exercise and haven't exactly done the best eating wise. This also leaves me at only needing to lose 32 pounds to be at my goal weight. Once I reach my goal weight I may decide to lose another 10 pounds, but it really just depends on how I feel at the time. Right now I think I'll want to lose more, but I won't know until I reach that point.

    I'll be posting again tomorrow, actually I think I have something lined up for everyday this week, I know Today, Tomorrow, and Wednesday I will definitely post, I already have them finished, I'm still working on Wednesday's post but it WILL be up. Then I may decide to do one more post I haven't quite made my mind up yet though.

     So that's all for today I hope this inspire's you to stick to your diet.Let me know your thoughts in the comment's section. Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Also contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

Hair Care Tips and Advice

     Hello there, so a few weeks ago we talked about Skin Care, and this week we're gonna talk about Hair Care. Hair is the only thing that we Women hate, and despise, but also love, that wont ruin our body's. We love it on our heads and hate it everywhere else.

    The biggest misconception women have about their hair is that they can make it grow longer, faster. You can't, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we just can't. Just like it's in our genes on how tall we're gonna be, it's also in our genes on how fast our hair grows. We can't change it, not yet anyway.

     Our hair isn't living, it's dead. The only part that could even be considered living is what's directly attached to our scalp. But once it leaves the scalp it's dead. 

Today I want to give a little advice on Hair Care, share some of my secrets to getting long hair, tell you what products I use, and also a major don't in my book.

1. Don't Get It Cut every 6-8 Weeks- This is the number one thing I've never understood. But in a way I sort of do, hair stylists know that we want our hair to grow fast, so they say to come every 6-8 weeks to get more business. Get It? They only say that cause they know you'll listen, and it means more money for them.

The reasoning behind this theory of mine. Our hair only grows 1/4 an inch a month, your basically going every month and a half. Most hair stylists nowadays don't now the difference between a trim, and an inch. Therefore, it's going to take you much longer for you to actually grow your hair out. I have hair nearly to my bum, and I use to only go every 6 months, this year I've went every 3-6 months.

2. Use Very Little Heat- Or if you do use heat, use a heat spray. I use either Got 2 B Guardian Angel Flat Iron Balm or the Aussie Heat Spray (Not sure of the name). They're both affordable, and work great, the Got 2 B smells amazing, and leaves your hair really shiny. I have naturally really straight hair, so I usually only use a straightener when i'm having a bad hair day, or want it to be even straighter. I also occasionally use a hair dryer, but not very often, maybe 1-2x a month.

3.Diet/Exercise- While you can't make your hair grow faster, you can make it grow healthier. Diet and exercise are very important in your hairs health. Your diet insures you get the right nutrients for strong healthy hair, and exercise helps your scalp/skin rid itself of toxins.

4.Don't Stress- This ties into number 3, when your stressed you don't eat and exercise right. And when you don't get proper diet nutrients, or exercise, your hormones get out of wack. By controlling your stress, you can help control you hormones.

Some say scalp massages help, whether or not they do I have no idea

5.Time- It takes time, just like it took time for you to grow, it takes your hair time too. It's taken me 3 years, and my hair has just now got close to my bum. You have to give your body a chance to produce the hormones, especially if your stressed or your diet/exercise is poor.

So there you go, my 5 tips and my advice for growing your hair stronger. Let me know what you think, and if there's anything you want me to write about, I'm open to ideas. Well that's all for today, have a productive week and a safe weekend.

 xoxo,

 Lori 

    

What I'm Thankful For

  Today is the day that we here in the USA celebrate Thanksgiving. It is the day of the year everyone speaks of what they're thankful for. But I think we should be thankful everyday, you never know if you will make it to live to the next Thanksgiving.
    There are many  things I have to be thankful for, and many things that have happened this year that I would like to reflect on...

• I've developed a relationship with my uncle who I used to never see.
• I've developed an attachment and special bond to said uncle's  1 year old daughter.
• I got to celebrate another year of being alive.
• I got a clean bill of health after 4 years of worrying.
• I've lost 52 pounds.
• Everyone overseas risking their life to protect our freedoms.
• My family, regardless of how much they may hate me, I still love them.

Well there's that. I know there are plenty of other things I have to be thankful for, but I don't want to waste your time trying to explain my life. But before I go there is a picture I saw on facebook, and I want to share it with you.

   Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very soon.

                                                                                    xoxo,
                                                                                         Lori Ann
Also contact me:  
                             E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                             Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

Healthy Weight/BMI for Your Height

    So from time to time I browse Yahoo Answers, and most of the time you always see a ton, and I mean literally a ton of women asking if they're at a healthy weight. They give their weight and height, so I usually always answer for them. I decided that for today's post I would post height's and weight's for a healthy BMI. I always use the Self Ideal Weight Calculator , it gives you a range, that you should stay between in order to be considered to have a healthy weight. I'm going to give weight ranges for Women between 5'0 and 5'10....

• 5'0................................... 95-128 Pounds
• 5'1................................... 98-132 Pounds
• 5'2....................................101-136 Pounds
• 5'3....................................104-141 Pounds
• 5'4....................................108-145 Pounds
• 5'5....................................111-150 Pounds
• 5'6....................................115-154 Pounds
• 5'7....................................118-159 Pounds
• 5'8....................................122-164 Pounds
• 5'9....................................125-169 Pounds
• 5'10..................................129-174 Pounds

  So I hope that helps, for anyone wondering what is best for their height. But you also have to remember that not everyone is the same, you could be overweight and look normal, or even severely underweight and still look normal. It's all about how your built, and it's also in your genes. But regardless of what you weigh, or look like your still beautiful.
                                                                                                   Stay Creative,
                                                                                                                      Lori Ann

Also contact me:  
                             E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                             Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd