Sunday, April 20, 2014

{Getting Mexico Ready: My Plan}

Happy Easter Friends! 

First off...there's just a few more hours in our SaSea Decor giveaway! Make sure to go and enter! We will announce tomorrow morning! 

I'll also be back tomorrow morning to share lots of pictures from Easter, but tonight it's all about two special numbers...

82...

82 days until we leave for Mexico...and I feel so no ready to get in a bathing suite. 

Long story short is that I got off of birth control and gained like 5 lbs immediately...freaking hormones. 

Then those 5 turned into 10...

And in almost a year 10 is almost to 15. 

The really strange thing is that I've gone down a size in pants...who knows! 

So starting tomorrow, I'm making a plan to slowly get this excess weight off of me and tone up! 

Now why am I sharing this plan? 

Ya'll keep me accountable! And typically, when I say something on the bloggesphere...I make it happen. 

Fingers crossed! 

Here's my plan: 

1. Track With The Weight Watchers App

As some of you know, I lost 43 lbs with WW before our wedding and still have the app because I'm a lifetime member. I haven't been using it, but it helps to keep me accountable and track of what I'm eating. 


2. Work Out More Intentionally



I work out about 5 days a week, but feel like my workouts have been kind of pointless. I haven't been super motivated to push myself...so I'm going to do a few things to help me stay on track. Here's my workout plan: 

- Some Type of Cardio 7 days a week

I know that may seem ridiculous, but this could mean a walk with Wendel, a 20 minute DVD, or a spinning class. Just something physically active, because I know myself and know that I feel better when I've been active. 

- Tone It Up's Beach Babe Summer Arms and Bikini Abs 5 Days A Week

I absolutely LOVE Tone It Up's Beach Babe DVD! They have cardio workouts that are quick and super effective. But there are two workouts that I am going to do 5 days a week: the bikini abs and summer arms workouts. They are quick and simple, and I'm hoping they will help to define my muscles! 

3. Sugar ONCE A Week


I luuuuuurve sugar. So much! But it is absolutely pointless in your diet. There is no nutritional value at all. However, I know it's ridiculous to totally deprive myself. So once a week, I'm letting myself indulge in something sweet. It could be a scoop of ice cream, a brownie, a doughnut, or a cupcake...but just once a week instead of once a day :) 

4. One Cheat Meal A Week


I'm not perfect, so allowing myself to have some pizza, or indulge in something cooked in butter is just how life is. I'd prefer to plan on it and prepare for it rather than beating myself up when I do! 

5. Buy A Goal Dress


I did this when loosing weight the first time, and it worked great! Seeing it hanging up was the perfect motivation, and it was so exciting when it finally fit. Now with full disclosure, I'm already a size 6 in pants and dresses, and I have no desire to go down another size. I just want to tone up...so maybe I'll buy a dress that showcases my arms or back which is something I wouldn't normally do.

6. Give Myself Grace


I'm not perfect...I know. So when I mess up, I need to be okay and move forward. I'm good at being hard on myself. I love Emily Ley's saying, "Grace...Not Perfection" 

So there we go! I'll try to keep you posted and see how everything goes! I'm going to measure myself also so I can keep track that way! 

And because I need all the motivation I can get, and don't like to motivate myself with celebrities...I'll motivate myself with pictures from our honeymoon when I felt pretty good about myself! 

Do I look perfect? No. Is it a littler terrifying to put these on the blog? 100% YES! But hey...what the heck? 



Okay and I swear I have a top on here...we're not nude...you'll have to trust me :) 


Have a great rest of your Easter Sunday! 

Friday, April 18, 2014

{Friday Five: Girlyness, Wedges, and Tanning}

Happy Friday Friends! 

It's Friday Five time...which means it's Friday...which means it's almost the weekend...which means I'm a happy Lelia! 

Wendel has today off for Good Friday, so I'm excited to sleep in, and spend the day frolicking about with him! 

Anyhoo...onto our Friday Five! 


Julia is another one of my favorite fashion bloggers! She's everything girly and precious! She just celebrated three years of blogging {which I'll be celebrating in about a month} and she has made quite a name for herself! 

And can we just talk about this photo...I've never seen anything more perfect! 



I'm in desperate need of a new pair of neutral wedges. My favorite pair for the past 7 years {they've lasted me through a high school graduation, college graduation, and a honeymoon} snapped in half last year. So I've been searching for the perfect new pair. While I'd LOVE to splurge on these or these...Wendel just wasn't on board {I just don't understand why not} So I'm thinking these Toms, while still more expensive than I'd normally spend {my favorite were under $20 for Target} would be great. They aren't too high, have great ankle support, and look super comfy. Trying them on soon is a major to-do!



Ya'll...this is the BEST sunless tanner! You need to use a sock or something to put it on or it will majorly stain your hands, but it is the perfect subtle tan. I bought mine at Sally's for $10! Run...don't walk! 




4. Healthy Eating

So after Easter, I'm getting into "get fit for Mexico" mode! I'll be sharing my plan Sunday night, but cleaner eating it going to be huge. We eat pretty healthy, but we're going to try to cut down/out gluten. These turkey sloppy joe lettuce wraps look amazing! 


5. DIY Jewelry

I love a simple jewelry project, and these are so cute! I have loved my tassel bracelets, so these will be on my to-do list very soon! 


I hope everyone has an amazing Easter weekend filled with Easter egg hunts, peeps, and lots of family time! 



Monday, April 14, 2014

{Hippity Hoppity: SaSea Decor Giveaway}

Happy Monday Friends! 

It was warm and amazing here this weekend...and I'm ready to tackle this Easter week of fun! 

This morning I have an extra special surprise to share...a giveaway from one of my favorite Etsy shops

Eeeeeeee....so excited! 

Katie is a super precious mama and the absolute best shirt designer! 

She always has the cutest holiday baseball tees that I just absolutely cannot resist! 

You may remember seeing a few of them here and here

This Easter tee even got a "that's just about the cutest thing I've ever seen" from Wendel! 








So Katie not only has her precious Etsy shop, but she also is such a fun Instagrammer, and a blogger at SaSea Decor Living

The woman does it all! 

And she's giving away a $25 gift certificate to her Etsy shop, SaSea Decor! 

Eee!! 

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter!

The winner will be announced Tuesday April 22nd! 

Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, April 11, 2014

{Friday Five: Kickstarters, Hanging Tables, and Kentucky}

Happy Friday! 

It's time for another addition of: The Things Lelia's Loving This Week! 

1. Corilynn Kickstarter

It's no big shock, but I love me some Corilynn! She's just the cutest thing ever, and I secretly wish I could be her sewing slave...better start learning how to sew! 

Well her super cute clothing line is on Kickstarter! Such a huge deal! After a little begging and pleading {not really...Wendel loves to support new businesses} Wendel let me buy one item! 

The Capri Dress will be in my closet sometime in July and I cannot wait! 


2. Spring Planting

It's spring...I'm ready for spring planting! So so ready for spring planting! My school does a flower sale, and I can't wait for pick up day and all the fun that will follow!


3. Hanging Tables

This hanging table makes my heart pitter-patter. I have no clue how I can make this happen for a party...but I will...and it will be amazing! 



Meet Tara...she's super cute and I love catching her daily looks! She has such a fun style and I would wear literally every look she puts together! 


5. Kentucky Everything

I'm a big fan of all things Kentucky, but this ring just has my heart singing {my heart is making lots of noises this week!} 


Ya'll I have a SUPER exciting giveaway for Monday and you're going to be SO excited! 

Be on the lookout!

Have a fabulous weekend! 

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

{White Out}

I totally ignore the whole "no white before Memorial Day" rule.

Honestly...who cares anymore?

Also..could I have any more neutrals in this look? 

White pants, chambray, and a military jacket. 

All three are some of my favorite pieces...put them together and I had one of the most comfy looks ever! 


Jeans: Loft
Chambray: J.Crew {similar}
Jacket: Old Navy {similar, obviously craving this one}
Flats: Tory Burch
Wrap Bracelet: Tory Burch
Watch: Fossil
Rings: H&M
Purse: Phillip Lim for Target {sold out}


My bangs are growing out right now, so everyday I either pin or twist back my bangs...so sorry...it may get boring! 




That awkward..."hey...I know you...yes my husband is taking pictures of my outfit"


Happy Wednesday Friends! 

Monday, April 7, 2014

{Indian Summer}

Here in Cincinnati, we've been in that awkward in-between of winter and spring. 

I'm beyond ready to break out my sandals and bright colors, but we're just not there yet. 

But hey...getting to wear my fringed moccasins one more time was pretty exciting! 


Pants: Gap {old, similar}
Chambray: J.Crew {similar}
Sweater: H&M {color sold out}
Scarf: Loft {old, love this one}
Boots: Target {old, similar}
Sunnies: Forever 21










What are your go-to's during these awkward times? 

Tell me! 

Friday, April 4, 2014

{Friday Five: Easter, Tee Pees, and Organization}

Happy Friday! 

Why do spring break weeks go so much faster than normal weeks? 

We had such an incredible trip to North Carolina, and unfortunately I got a little sick when we came home, so I didn't get everything done that I was hoping...but oh well! 

I really love reading these Friday Five things...it's just a fun way to get to know bloggers and what they've been up to. 

I did one this past January, so I think I may try to make it a regular thing. 

Thoughts? Hate them? Love them? 

Anyhoo...let's get started! 


We all know that I am a tad obsessed with holidays, but these carrot cake pops had me squeal from cuteness. So you know these will be created in the next few weeks! 



I have been seeing so many of these cute tee pees, and I'm itching to make one! For the kids of course. Okay...maybe I really want to blog under a brightly colored tee pee. I'm a preschool teacher...it's in my blood! 



I follow a lot of blogs! Like probably 100...or so. Emily Gemma is a favorite of mine. She's just well...the sweetest thing. Her style is so bright and cheery. I love following her on Instagram because her photos are always bright and fun. If you don't follow her now...you should! 



I think this is the most precious thing ever! I'm thinking I might say something different than "meow" but this is a definite simple, cute craft soon! 



We were gifted a new bed from Wendel's parents for his birthday {it's due to get here soon} so I've been dreaming of some ways to spruce up our room. One thing that's on my wish list is this cute shoe organizer. I just think it's a cute and functional way to store all of our {many} shoes. 


I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I think we'll be doing some house projects, and I'm excited! We've got lots of energy for getting the basement moving along, so we're ready to go! 

Happy Friday Friends!