2016 Goals Update

Hello Lovelies!

Looking back at the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year, I think I did really good! I accomplished more than I thought I would. 2016 in some ways was better than 2015, and in some ways worse. But overall, I think it was a pretty good year!

I still can't believe the year is over and we're getting ready to start a new one!

This is how my goals went in 2016!

Blog Related

- Reach 100 blog followers. (I'm at 62 followers, I think at the beginning of the year I had 45)

-Comment on other blogs more.

-Post more. Get back to a normal blogging schedule. (Working on it)

-Clean up everything, blog content, blog design, social media profiles, EVERYTHING!

-Increase Social Media Reach
-Read More ARCs, request less.

School Related

-Study more.

-Start college. (Sadly didn't happen, no money = no college)
-Work extra hard in Math.

-Stop being so antisocial and make friends!

Health Related

-Lose 60 pounds or more. (Down 7 pounds, shit happened!)

-Be in a size 10 by the end of the year (Still at an 18)

-Cut back on desserts
-Worry less and live in the moment.

 Here's a few more things I wanted to do this year!

Things I Want to Do:

-Open a savings account. (Bahahaha, nope!)

-Buy a new laptop

-Read 30 books. (Made it to 14!)

-Meet with an Army Recruiter. (Never gonna happen, I have too many health issues)

-Buy my blog URL. (maybe next year?)
-Buy a pair of high heels. (My foot is in a boot brace, I don't think I need to add heels!)
-Closet clean out party!
-Budget better!
-Backup my photos more often!
-Redecorate my room.
-Diversify my blog.
-Buy a really nice bag.
-Be more present and social online.
-Kick  my snooze button addiction.
-Live more than I work.
-Be Happy (I'm working on it!)

I think this is the first year I've actually made a pretty good dent in my goals. I'm excited to see how next year goes!

How did you do with your goals? Are you ready for a new year?

XoXo,

Lori

Life Update: Demi Lovato, Promotion, Holiday World

Hello Lovelies!

I cannot believe it's already the end of September! So much has happened this month, it started out really good and then of course the bad had to happen and ruin some of my happiness. I'm still really happy and so far, September has been the best month of 2016!

September 6th & 7th
On the 6th, I found out that I had won tickets to see Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas in Nashville, Tennessee at Bridgestone Arena! First of all, Demi is my all time favorite musician, I love her and her music so much. I was freaking out, I decided to take my best friend Morgan with me. I've never drove in a big city like Nashville, so she offered to drive.

I know they were free, but the seats we got were awful. Thankfully my best friend is much crazier than me and she decided we were going to seat hop. We started out being able to see behind the stage and not being able to see the screen. After walking all the way to the other side of the arena we ended up in some really good seats.

Eventually, later on we were joined by some other seat hoppers and they made the concert even better, even if one of them did give me a headache by screaming directly in my ear the whole concert. Our new friends were two very drunk, very gay guys, and I love them and I wish they were my friends!

When Nick Jonas came out on stage, the one standing beside me started screaming at the top of his lungs, "Daddy! That's daddy!" Even though he was hanging all over me, screaming in my ear, and booty bumping all night, it was the best night of my life.

By the end of the night the total line up for the show was Cord Overstreet, Mike Posner, Nick Jonas, and Demi Lovato. Also, Demi performed her duet with Brad Paisley, then Nick came out and they all three sang a song. And then, (yes there's more) Nick Jonas performed with Thomas Rhett, before Demi came out to close the show.

September 9th
As some of you may know I've worked at Walmart as a cashier since June 2015, I've been trying to transfer departments for a while now. On September 9th, I got the good news that I got the position I applied for. On September 17th, I started my new position as a jewelry sales associate.

September 10th
This was the day I got to go to Holiday World, I had only been one other time and it wasn't a good experience, I almost drowned on my first visit. I ended up not going to the water park this time, (I still can't swim), but I still managed to get completely soaked.

My advice if you ever go to Holiday World, make sure you go on the Raging Rapids, it is my favorite ride in the park. I went with my mom and my two little cousins (ages 5 &12) and they loved it too, we ended up riding it 7 times, and they wanted to keep going.

September 13th
This is the day the bad decided to come back into my life. I was going down stairs to get ready for work when I fell. I fell down 10 stairs and I have no idea what happened. I ended up with bruising from my neck to my back, thankfully nothing was broke. But it's been a week and a half and I'm still in a lot of pain. My neck and my hips/butt got most of the impact, my chiropractor says it's going to take time for me to heal.

Overall, it was a pretty good month, I'm gonna do my best to get back on track with blogging starting tomorrow!
How has September treated you? Let me know below!

XoXo,

Lori

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March Goals Update

Hello lovelies!

Can you believe it's already April? This year is flying by!
Last month was okay, it wasn't the best, but it was better than February.

I wish I could have finished more of my goals, but I didn't, so here are the terrible results of March...

Lose weight.

Finish Spanish 2 Part 1.

Start & try to Finish Spanish 2 Part 2.

Start & finish Vocabulary Studies Part 1.

Start Vocabulary Studies Part 2.

Start & try to Finish Algebra 2 Part 2.

Exercise twice a week.

Read a book every week.

Start writing again.

Blog more.

4 out of 10 goals.

Lose weight.
Sadly I didn't lose any weight last month, but I have been working out more and eating better, so I'm hoping this month I'll start seeing results.

Finish Spanish 2 Part 1.
I'm finished with the class, I just submitted my midterm exam, so hopefully I'll hear back sometimes next week, and then I can get a new class opened up!

Start & try to Finish Spanish 2 Part 2.
I can't start this until my midterm exam is graded, so hopefully next week I'll get started.

Start & finish Vocabulary Studies Part 1.
I didn't get to start this last month, I'm waiting for my Chemistry final to be graded and then this class will be opened up, and I should finish with it really quickly.

Start Vocabulary Studies Part 2.
Didn't get to do, due to the reason above.

Start & try to Finish Algebra 2 Part 2.
This is another case of waiting for other classes to be graded before I can start.

Exercise twice a week.
I've been increasing my workout times, and I'm slowly building my time up. I'm trying to increase my cardio by 5 minutes every week, I would do more, but I'm prone to getting injured and I'm not risking it. On top of cardio, I've been doing squats, working with resistance bands, and 5 pounds hand weights. So I'm getting there slowly but surely, I'm hoping that maybe later this month I can join a gym!

Read a book every week.
I accomplished this, plus one week I read two books! Now, I need to get busy writing reviews!

Start writing again.
I did a little bit of writing, not much, but to me a little is better than nothing.

Blog more.

I ended up blogging 17 time in March, which is the same as February.

Overall, last month wasn't my best. But you know what, you can't dwell on the past, it's April and I've already accomplished a few things I've been putting off for years. This month is going to be the best in 2015 so far, I already know!

How did you do with your goals? Let me know below!

XoXo,

Lori

February Goals Update

Hello lovelies!

Sorry I haven't been posting recently, last week's snow and ice messed with our internet dish and so we haven't had any internet for a week!

I've missed blogging so much, it's been driving me crazy not being able to write! I'm hoping that this weekend I can get some blog posts scheduled for next week and get back on track soon! Senior year is really kicking my butt!

Anyway here's this months goals update!

Lose Weight

Buy a new stationary bike.

Finish Chemistry Part 1

Finish English 2 Part 2

Start & Finish Chemistry Part 2

Start & Finish Spanish 2 Part 1
Read two books.

Move and get settled into new house.

Work on blog design (Header & Background).

Get measured for a bra for the first time ever.

Try to downsize my book collection.

Go through and clean out my closet.

Make the most of UE's RoadTrip weekend.

Make sure all college applications are complete and that colleges have everything they need.

11 out of 14 accomplished!

Lose Weight.

Yes I did lose weight this month. I really need to make a full post about this, but for now I'll just give you a few details. So when I saw the doctor earlier this month I hadn't weighed myself in about two months and so when  I saw the doctor I found out that I had apparently gained back the 13 pounds I lost last year, plus and extra four pounds.
I was NOT happy when I saw that number on the scale, that is the highest I've ever weighed and I don't like it, so I've been making changes this month and so far I've lost two pounds. I don't plan on doing a weight loss update this month, but I will next month.

Buy a new stationary bike.

Sadly I didn't get a new bike this month, I had other things I needed more and so the bike took a back burner.

Finish Chemistry Part 1.

I've finished this class and now I'm just waiting to get my final grade back.

Finish English 2 Part 2.

For this class I have four assignments that I'm waiting to hear back on and then I will be done with the course.

Start & Finish Chemistry Part 2.

I've started the course but haven't finished because I'm still waiting to get grades back on assignments.

Start & Finish Spanish 2 Part 1.

Nope didn't happen!

Read two books.

This month I read Colton Holiday Lockdown and One Frosty Night. I've also been reading Ethan Frome and I hope to finish it by the weekend!

Move and get settled into new house.

I think I have two boxes left to unpack and then I'll have everything together in my bedroom, bathroom, and office.

Work on blog design (Header & Background).

I'm really happy with my new background, but I still need to design a new header. I did add a new header, I just don't like it, so I need to work on it. I also need to work on some of my widgets and re-code a few of them.

Get measured for a bra for the first time ever.

I went into Victoria's Secret last Saturday while I was in Evansville and I got measured. However, I'm still not going to be able to order online because I had to buy two different sizes. With one of the bras I bought, I was able to get the same cup size I've been buying for years, and for the other I had to go down one size, so really it's just going to depend on the type of bra I buy.

Try to downsize my book collection.

I finished this the first week of the month! In total I got rid of 24 books and I'm hoping to get rid of a few more soon!

Go through and clean out my closet.

I've cleaned my closet out a little. I got rid of a lot of stuff I haven't worn in years. I've also done a lot of shopping this month, buying things I need, and a few things I've been wanting!

Make the most of UE's RoadTrip weekend.

Last weekend was awesome! I had so much fun, I still haven't decided if UE is where I'm going to attend, but I can definitely say that I can see myself being happy there if I choose to attend.

Make sure all college applications are complete and that colleges have everything they need.

My college apps are completely done, now all I have to do is sit and wait!

So that's it for today, I have a book scheduled for tomorrow, so you have that to look forward to!
Did you accomplish your February Goals?

XoXo,

Lori

January Goals Update

Hello lovelies,

This month has been great, I feel like 2015 is off to a great start and I'm really excited to see what February has in store for us!

In case you didn't see them earlier this month, here are the goals I set for January, keep reading to see how I did!

New Blog Header

Finish Chemistry Part 1.

Finish Geometry Part 2.
Finish English 2 Part 2.
Start Spanish 2 Part 1.

Try to go take my permit test.
Work out twice a week.
Get more sleep.
Find a new neurologist.
Finish Belmont University application.
Finish WKU application.

Use Instagram more.
Read three books.

File the FAFSA.

Find out when RoadTrip is for UE.

9 out of 15

New Blog Header.

I did it, I made my new blog header, I'm not 100% happy with it, but it will do till I have a little more time to spend designing one that I love.

Finish Chemistry Part 1. 

I have one more quiz left and then I'm done!

Finish Geometry Part 2.

I'm so happy I'm done with this class, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but I still didn't like it.

Finish English 2 Part 2.

Meh, I don't know what happened here. Actually I do, I hate poetry, I love all the other parts in my English classes, but once I get to the poetry parts I procrastinate. Thankfully I've got past that and now all I have left is to read Ethan Frome and Julius Caesar.

Start Spanish 2 Part 1.

Since I haven't got my final grade back on my Geometry class I can't get a new class opened. I should get this class opened next week.

Try to go take my permit test.

I was going to go but honestly I think I'm just gonna wait till my birthday cause then I won't have to deal with the local board of education. If I wait till my birthday then I don't have to deal with them. Plus, there was a 17-year old who was killed in a freak car accident nearby that kind of freaked me out this month.

Work out twice a week.

No. This did not happen at all and I have no excuse for it.

Get more sleep.

I've actually surprised myself this month, I've been trying to get in bed before 3am and I think I've managed to do that about 10 times this month. It's nothing major, but it's a start!

Find a new neurologist.

I did locate a neurologist that I'm interested in seeing and I'm currently waiting to hear back from them so that I can get an appointment scheduled.

Finish Belmont University application.

DONE! I'm really excited about my application, I'm so nervous, I really want to get in, but I'm not sure if I'm good enough, plus I'm applying really late in the application season so that only makes my anxiety even worse. 

Finish WKU application.

I actually decided not to apply to WKU after all. The truth is the only reason I was going to apply was because it was in-state and because of the tuition. I thought about it and I decided that wasn't a good enough reason for me, I'm not going to waste $45 on an application for a school that I don't want to attend, so I didn't and I'm really happy with my decision.

Use Instagram more.

I actually did use Instagram more this month, I still want to post more and get better at using it, but overall I'm happy with this months results.

Read three books.

This month I was in a book slump, I only read two books.

File the FAFSA.
I'm gonna go ahead and mark this one as done even though technically it isn't. I'm planning on doing this tonight, we're moving and I wanted to wait till I knew our new address before filing just to make things a little bit easier and to save a little time.

Find out when RoadTrip is for UE.

RoadTrip is going to be February 20-22, it's closer than I thought it would be, but I'm ready, now I just gotta get signed up!

Did you accomplish your goals this month?

XoXo,

Lori

December Goals Update

Hello lovelies,
I can't believe this year is pretty much over! It feels like just last week we were celebrating the beginning of 2014 and now here we are saying our goodbyes!

This year has been, for a lack of better words, crazy! I've learned so much over the past year, and I really do think that 2015 is going to be the best year yet!

But before we get ahead of ourselves we still have a few days left in 2014, and so let's take a look at my goals for December!

Finish Geometry Part 2.

Finish English 2 Part 1 & Part 2.

Start and Finish Chemistry Part 1.
Be a better blogger.
Send in ALL ACT scores.
Read two books.
Finish any college apps not completed.
Make final decision about WKU.

Start planning and drafting January posts.

Workout two times a week.

Complete BLOGMAS!

6 out of  11 Goals Finished.

Finish Geometry Part 2.

Almost done, but I took all last week off to enjoy Christmas. Plus I really needed a break, it was starting to give me anxiety and the last thing I want right now is to have a panic attack.

Finish English 2 Part 1 & Part 2.

I'm almost done with Part 1, with the holidays my teachers have been out and I they haven't been grading as often. Right now for Part 1 all that's left is my final (super easy) and I have one speech that I have to upload, I've just been waiting because my teacher hasn't been grading, so there was no point in uploading it.

Part 2 I haven't even started yet, but I think it's going to be pretty easy. It's over four units. One unit is poetry, then the other three are books, or excerpts from books I have to read. One full length book (Ethan Frome) and then the other two are excerpts. I should be able to knock that out in about two weeks.

Start and Finish Chemistry Part 1.

I've started the course and so far it seems like it's going to be pretty easy, I don't think I'll have any trouble with it and I should be done with it in 3-4 weeks.

Be a better blogger.

I definitely feel like I was a better blogger this month. I spent more time blogging, I spent more time on all of my different social media accounts, and I spent more time reading and commenting on other blogs!

Send in ALL ACT scores.

Yeah, that didn't happen. Thankfully I only have two left to send in, so it's no big deal. I did send in two others, so progress was made, I just didn't finish it.

Read two books.

Honestly I didn't think I would accomplish this one, I didn't think I would have the time to read, but I actually read more than two books.

Finish any college apps not completed.

I only have one app left to finish and that's for WKU. I wasn't planning on applying, but I decided it would be a good idea to apply to at least one in-state school.

Make final decision about WKU.

I decided to go ahead and apply, I have till January 15 to get everything in, and thankfully my regular app doubles as my scholarship app, so it makes it a little easier!

Start planning and drafting January posts.

I've already started planning for January and I have a few book reviews ready to go up, I just can't post them yet because the books haven't been released yet!

Workout two times a week.

I worked out a few times this month, but sadly the past two weeks I haven't been able to do anything due to my bad knee. My knee has been swollen and hurting really bad, I've been icing it, but it's not really helping any.

Complete BLOGMAS!

YES, I completed Blogmas!

That's it for today, did you accomplish your goals for this month? Let me know below!

XoXo,

Lori

Making Changes

Hey y'all, I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was planning on making some changes, at the time I hadn't made any solid decisions, but now I have and I want to share them with you!

As of right now I have one temporary change and five permanent changes to tell y'all about!

Temporary Change:
Okay, you might have noticed that recently I've been posting more book reviews than anything else and there's a reason for that. The truth is when I first discovered Netgalley back in the Summer I went overboard and requested way too many books, I've been trying to get through them but it's hard to do on a tight schedule.
Right now I'm trying to get through all of the Christmas-y books that I requested, I think I have 18 so for the next few weeks you're going to be bombarded with book reviews. I think I've decided that till I can get through all these books I'm going to be posting a book review on Wednesday and Thursday, so you'll be getting an extra post a week from me.
I think after the New Year I should be caught up, but till then be prepared for great books coming your way!

Upcoming Permanent Changes Include:

Weekly Inspiration Series Update.
Honestly this one really isn't that important I just felt like mentioning it to get you ready for all the changes coming your way. Since I started my Weekly Inspiration series I've always made it a mixture of pictures and quotes I've edited and things I've found on Pinterest or Tumblr.
Well I've decided to start making all of the Weekly Inspiration edits on my own, I've planned it out so that this will go into effect the first Sunday of 2015.

The End of 5 Words.
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was planning on ending this series at the end of the year, that is still the plan. At the time I told y'all about that I had no idea what I was going to replace it with, but now I think I've decided I'm either going to do a Friday Five or a Weekend Links! The series will be ending the last Friday of the year, and the new series will start the first Friday of 2015.

Monthly Favorites and Weight Loss Update Changes.
For the past few months I've been trying to do a monthly favorites post, but I never seem to be able to find a place to put it, so I've decided to swap a few things out.
First, changes to my Monthly Weight Loss Update. I've decided I'm going to start making this post the last Saturday of the month, that way a Monday slot is open.
Second, since  I have a open Monday slot, I've decided that that's where my Monthly Favorites will go.

Blog design.
For the most part I'm happy with my blog design at the moment, but there are a few things I want to change. First I really need to make a blog button, I realized a few days ago that I don't have one, so I'll be making one soon. Second, I think I've decided to start sponsoring blogs, so if you're interested in that let me know.  I'm keeping my color palette the way it is, but I do want to make a few tweaks.

Blog Content.
My blog content is constantly changing. One month I'll be focused on book reviews, then fashion posts, then beauty reviews. I've realized that I really need to start trying to balance out my different posts, so working on my blog schedule is something I'm trying to work on at the moment.


Most of these changes will be going into effect after the new year, so nothing dramatic, but I'm so excited and I couldn't wait to tell you. I love starting a new year because it's a chance to start over and make major changes without people questioning your sanity!
XoXo,
Lori

August Goals Update

Hey y'all, I hope you're having a great week! This month has been crazy, with me moving, not having internet, and being sick I really didn't accomplish everything I wanted to accomplish. 

However, I will say one thing I'm proud of is the fact that I finally finished my new blog design. I started working on my blog design back in June and it's just been all over the place. 

Over the past few months, I've experimented with a lot of different colors, backgrounds, and headers, but in the end I realized that a simple white background is what I love best. I also designed a blog header that I really love and I installed blog buttons that were super easy to install!

So what do you think? Let me know below what you think of my new blog design!

Sign up for the September 13 ACT test date.

Review Algebra 1 Part 1 & Part 2 and take final exam!

Start working on admissions essays.

Plan Nashville trip.

Start and finish English 2 Part 1 & Part 2

Clean out my closet before moving!

Read 3 books.

Finish new blog design!

Find a Neurologist and schedule an appointment.

Lose 5 pounds!

5 out of 10!

Review Algebra 1 Part 1 & Part 2 and take final exam!  &  Start and finish English 2 Part 1 & Part 2

This month I actually took a break from school. It wasn't intentional, but it was a much-needed and well-deserved break. I've been working all year long and I haven't taken any breaks, I've even worked through holidays and weekends! So this month was my break month, I started back on Monday and honestly I feel so much better, my brain really needed a rest!

Obviously I didn't get either school related goal done but I'm okay with that. I also found out I won't be able to start working on my next English class quite just yet. I was hoping my school would let me start working on my English class while I finished up my other classes, but they won't, so it looks like September will be Algebra and Geometry month! Yikes!!!

Start working on admissions essays.

I also didn't get to start on this, not having any internet for pretty much the entire month has really screwed up my plans, so I think I'm going to start writing my essays this weekend.

Plan Nashville trip.

No internet= no planning getting done!

Lose 5 Pounds!

Ha! I knew this was a long shot when I made this goal, I just didn't realize how impossible this was going to be this month. Between moving houses and also being in bed sick for two weeks, I didn't lose a pound.

Sp that is all for this months goals update, I hope you enjoyed it!

XoXo,

Lori

July Goals Update

Hey y'all! Can you believe tomorrow is August? I can't believe it, I wish we could freeze time for a week so I can get everything done that I need to do!

 Honestly, I'm actually starting to panic, I have so much to do, and I feel like I'm running out of time. One of the reasons I've been so stressed is because I decided a few weeks ago that I won't be using the CommonApp when it becomes available tomorrow, so that means I have to do all of my college applications separately, and I have to write essays for all the schools I apply to!

So, if over the next few months I don't post as often you know why!
But for now here's an update for my goals this month!

Read 2 Books

Lose Weight

Be a Better Blogger

Finish College Prep US History Part 2

Start and Finish English 2 Part 1

Start Geometry Part 1

Visit UE campus

 Send in UE college app

Write 10,000 words for Camp NaNoWriMo.
Order ACT study books.

5 out of 5!

Lose Weight
If you read Monday's Weight Loss Update, then you already know everything there is to know.

Start and Finish English 2 Part 1
Finishing my history course took way longer than I had planned, but I did finish it, now I'm just waiting for my teacher to close my course so I can get English 2 opened and I'm not sure how long that will take, usually 7-10 days but sometimes it can take longer.

Visit UE campus.
I had an appointment to tour the campus on Monday, but unfortunately I had to cancel it due to bad timing and health issues. But I did send in my application and hopefully soon I'll get to re-schedule!

Write 10,000 words for Camp NaNoWriMo
I made it to just over 7,000 words this month, I didn't write as much this month as I did last month, but considering everything that happened this month I'm happy with my results.

Order ACT study books.
Oops, I kinda forgot about this. I'll try to remember to order them tomorrow!


So that's all for this month! Did you accomplish your goals this month?

XoXo,
Lori

July Weight Loss

Hello lovelies, I hope you had a great weekend! I'm not feeling too well today, so I'm going just going to get right into this months update!

Diet:

My diet has been very good this month, since starting my new medicine for acid reflux I've been eating much better, and I'm actually enjoying the food I'm eating. Sure I still have problems a few times a week, but it's much better than it's been in a long time.

Overall my diet has been great, but last week while pmsing I discovered the new Reese cup flavored Oreo's, and they're great! To be honest, I'm glad they're only limited edition or else I could develop a real addiction to them!

Exercise:

I'm not gonna lie, I didn't do so great in this area this month. I've definitely got in more exercise than last month, but I didn't do as much as I was hoping. 

This upcoming month, however, things are changing! We're going to be moving and once we get moved in I'm going to ask my aunt if I can borrow her treadmill or elliptical, due to an injury she can't use it, so I'm hoping I can sweet talk her into letting me use it!

Weight Lost This Month:  0 Pounds

Total Weight Loss: 7 Pounds

So, no changes this month, but I'm hoping August will be better. This month overall has been really busy and stressful, there were a lot of up and down, but I'm a very optimistic person and I can only hope that things will change for the better, soon!

XoXo,

Lori

May Goals Updates

Hello lovelies, I hope your having a great day! Today is not going to be a good day for me, I have to go to the doctor, and I also have to go to AT&T because last night some asshole decided that they wanted to hack my iPhone! So yeah, I'm not looking forward to today, but I'm gonna put a smile on my face and deal with it.
For now, here's an update on this months goals.

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.

I accomplished 7 out of 10 of my goals, and I'm really satisfied with myself. This month hasn't been the easiest, I've been dealing with some health issues and so hopefully next month will be better.

Finish College Prep U.S. History Part 2.
I really wanted to finish this course this month, but for the first half of the month we had issues with out internet. Last Monday, the cable company finally sent someone out and we needed a new modem, so they switched it out and now I'm finally starting to get back on track.

Join the gym.
Like I mentioned in Monday's post, I wasn't able to start working out this month due to issues with my knee.

Lose 2 pounds.
I'm not too sad about this, I did manage to lose one pound this month, so I'm pretty happy with that.

Overall I'm pretty satisfied with myself this month, May was definitely full of up and downs and I can definitely say I'm ready for a fresh start in June!

How did you do with your goals this month? Let me know below or leave a link to your blog post about it!
XoXo,
Lori

April Weight Loss

Good morning lovelies, I hope your day is off to a great start! I don't really have much to say today, so I'm just gonna jump into this months update.

Diet:

This month was probably one of the best months I've had in a long time when it comes to my diet. Most of my meals this month has have been bakes instead of fried. I've also been cutting back on potatoes, instead of having them every night with my dinner, I've been having them only a few times a week.

Exercise:

This month didn't go as planned, but I definitely did better than last month. The first week of the month I still wasn't feeling well, so I didn't get in any exercise. The second week of the month I got in three workouts, the third week I got in two workouts and I also had one day where I did a lot of shopping and walking. Then last week I didn't get in a real workout, but I did have one day where I did a lot of waling, I worked with some hand weights, and I started doing squats again (and yes my ass and legs hurt).

So did I lose any weight?

Weight Lost This Month: 0 Pounds

Total Weight Loss:  6 Pounds

Sadly I didn't lose any weight this month, BUT I can tell a difference in my body. I've noticed over the past week that my stomach doesn't look as bloated as it did a few weeks ago, so I think cutting back on potatoes and baking my food instead of frying it is something I'm going to keep doing.

This week, actually today, I'm hoping to decide on a gym to join, and I'm gonna start trying to go to the gym daily. I recently started following a lot of  fitblrs on Tumblr, and it's really inspired me to get back in the gym and finally lose this weight.

So that's all for today, tomorrow I'll have up another book review, and Wednesday I'll be updating you on my goals for April.

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 

5 Words: Week 14

   Okay so it's Friday, and it's going to be a busy day. I hope everyone's had a good week, I know I have. The best thing of all is that my brother moved out. So that means I'll really be able to focus on not only my school work more, but also my blog.
    And I also got my gym member ship so I'm really excited to start losing all this fat. I'll talk more about this on Monday, but I think my goal for this year is going to be in a size 10-12 by Winter.
      Anyway let's get started with this week's 5 Words.....

Facsimile- An exact copy or reproduction.
Fealty- Loyalty
Toilsome- Involving hard or tedious work.
Laudatory- Pertaining to,expressing, or containing praise.
Waif- A homeless, neglected wanderer.

Okay, so that's all for this week, 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 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

5 Words: Week 12

     Okay so sorry about not posting Wednesday, I woke up with my leg cramping, and my arm numb. I think my arm was numb because of the way I'm sleep, it happens about once or twice a month, it usually lasts all day and leaves me feeling like crap.
      Anyway on Monday I told you I was going to the doctor for my foor to make sure everything was okay, well I didn't go. I also told you on Monday I had been sick for about four days with my stomach.
     That's why I didn't go, the stomach bug is going around and I didn't want to risk going to the clinic and catching something from someone else. Anyway I go to the doctor this afternoon for my foot and my stomach is finally feeling better. Unfortunately I think I gave everyone in my family what I had because they've all been sick, my little cousin has got the worse of it, so I feel really bad.
      Good news though the cardiologist read my echo and said it was safe for me to exercise, so I'm finally gonna go get my gym membership. I'm not sure if I mentioned this last week, but I got the my blood test results back last Thursday. My iron, B-12, and Vitamin D levels were all low, but my insulin level went down quit a bit.  I think I told you I had to get a B-12 shot, and well it didn't go so well, I think the nurse hit a nerve, I've spent all week hardly being able to lift my arm over my head because of it.
    So overall the past week has been full of ups and downs, but I'm still alive, and I'm gonna work through it.
     Okay so that's all about all that, now lets get to the words.

Finicky-
       1.) (Of a person) Fussy about one's needs or requirements.
       2.) Showing or requiring great attention to detail.
Psychedelic- Relating to or denoting drugs  (esp. LSD)  that produce hallucinations and apparent expansion of consciousness.
Finite- 
     1.) Having limits or bounds
     2.) Not infinitely small.
Jeer- Making rude and mocking remarks, typically in a loud voice.
Lest- 
    1.) With the intention of preventing (something undesirable); to avoid the risk of.
    2.) (After a clause indicating fear) Because of the possibility of something undesirable happening; in case.

Well that's all for this week, 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

Should I change?

     Today I started thinking about changing over to WordPress, after all it's all anyone in the blogging community can talk about. I started weighing my options, and to be honest I'm not really sure what I want to do.
     But first I want to apologize for not bogging much this week. Like I said in Monday's blog, I'm sick, and not getting any better, I've been sleeping pretty much all day everyday, and I've actually gotten worse.
     Anyway I think the biggest thing keeping me from switching is that I've used Blogger for so long, I know I've only had this blog since September, but I had another blog that I had blogged on for a while, before starting this one. I guess it's like a sentimental thing, you get used to something and don't want to let it go.
      Other than that, I really don't like the way WordPress is set up. I like how with Blogger on the side you have archives, every WordPress blog I've read never has that. So I don't know if it's not available in the setup, or if people just choose not to use them.
      For now I think I'm gonna stay with Blogger, but who knows a few years from now I may decide to make the switch. Let me know what you think I should do. I don't really know much about WordPress and what is has to offer so maybe you could try to persuade me into switching now rather than later.
   But personally I feel like right now I'm at a place where I feel good about my writing. Especially here recently I've seen a huge increase in traffic to my blog, so I don't know what I'm doing but whatever it is must be pretty good. Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

P.S. I had originally planned on posting my two reviews this week but since I've been sick that has screwed up my schedule, and so my two nail polish reviews will be posted next week. I actually might put one up in place of my Weight Loss Monday's since I've been sick I haven't really done anything to write about, especially the last 24 hours have been rough. So I see no point in wasting your time with a pointless post that informs you of nothing.

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

Welcome January, and My Mistake

   So this month I have a lot planned, and I mean a lot. But first I want to say Happy New Year, I know I already said that in my New Year's Resolutions post but I wanted to say it again.
    Of course I have my three weekly series for you to look forward to; Weight Loss Mondays, 5 Words, and Good Deals. Actually Good Deals isn't a weekly series, it's just something I post whenever I find something I want to share with you, but I do try to post weekly.
     I also have some very exciting posts for you, some related to blogging and I know of at least one review. Do you wanna know what it is??? I don't know if I want to tell you or not.
    Hmm, I guess I will. My new review will be a nail polish review, black glitter and actually I think I'll do it in two parts because I use two different products.
    Before I go I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has supported me and has been a loyal reader to my blog, and I also wanted to let you in on a mistake on my part.  had been trying to figure out why I had no followers on my blog, and then I realized I didn't have a follow button on the main page. So that has been corrected and you can now follow me either through your blogger dashboard or by E-mail.
     So that's all for today, 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