Friday, February 21, 2014

Five On Friday

It's me. The lazy girl.
I told y'all how lazy I was on Monday, and obviously it proved to be true since I was a failure at blogging this week. I really just didn't feel like it. And honestly, this week and 24 second graders have kicked my butt. Getting back into a normal person routine has been difficult, and I know those of you who rarely get a vacation from work want to shoot me. 
Don't blame you. :)

Anyway - it's back to linking up with the Christina & the ladies for Five on Friday!


one

One of my goals for February was to start eating healthy & setting up a workout plan.
Well last week, I joined Weight Watchers.
Hey, if Jessica Simpson can do it, I can too! Right?

via
 Weight has always been a struggle for me, and eating healthy has been a rollercoaster. 
I'm not one to eat terrible, but I do make poor choices many times.
Which has shown up as a 15lb weight gain since I graduated college.
I'm hoping by joining weight watchers I can take more accountability for my eating habits.
After just one week of using weight watchers, I've realized so many of the "small" things I would snack on, or add to meals add up way more than I realized.
No wonder I've gained 15lbs...
As for working out, I haven't set up a "plan" yet, but I'm moving a lot more than I was and that's what matters. Cody has been awesomely supportive with helping me this week - cooking dinner while I'm running, working out on the elliptical beside me at the gym, & being very encouraging and positive. Just more reasons why I love him. :)

two

What a difference a week can make.
This Georgia weather has me going crazy.

Snow & ice last week...


...and 70 degrees this week.


...And thunderstorms this morning. 

Now, I'm not complaining about these temps. 
But lord knows it's not going to stay.
My case of spring fever just sky rocketed this week.
Only in the south...

three

So, I haven't been as open about this like I am with college football...But I'm a big NASCAR fan. It's true. I like those cars that turn left and go real fast.
It's the Superbowl of NASCAR this weekend y'all & that's the Daytona 500!
I'm super excited and pumped for this!
 

 four

 We just can't decide on a honeymoon.
We're trying not to break the bank with this, but still want to go somewhere nice.
We're pretty much set on a cruise at this point.
I like the idea of going to more than one place.
Plus, we won't have to fly anywhere (we can drive to a port in Florida), which will save money and prevent Cody from having a nervous breakdown. ;)

We're considering a 7-day cruise, which stops in Belize (one of my dream places), but are not sure if we should book a balcony room, room with a window, or inner room.
Am I going to feel claustrophobic in a room with no window, even though it's over $100 cheaper? Is a balcony really worth it? Or will a window do us justice?

So all my professional cruisers - HELP.
What do y'all suggest?


Oops. How did that get on here...

five

So - we kinda have some big news.
I've been saving the best for last!
No. Not pregnant. Already engaged. Not buying a house. Yet.

But for us, this was huge news, that was completely unexpected and life changing.

Last Wednesday, Cody got a call from his boss.
We knew in order for us to buy a house by the end of the year, we would have to make some big changes financially and honestly, we weren't sure how it was going to all work. 
Our plan was to save. save. and save.

We're still going to be saving. saving. saving. but...
CODY GOT A PROMOTION!
A BIG PROMOTION.
A dream come true.
An answered prayer.
Couldn't be more proud of him.

So needless to say, buying our first home may come sooner than we think.
Less stress on how we're going to go about saving money. 
But it's still something we're going to keep going strong with.
And I couldn't be more excited about what the future may hold. :)


Happy Friday y'all!

37 comments :

  1. Congrats on his promotion!! I've gone on many cruises and I recommend getting a balcony. You won't regret it. It's nice to open the door and go out there and relax, especially in the morning - plus it's your honeymoon ;) it's not just a regular vacation. I think you'll really love having it if you decide on it.

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  2. Aw congrats on his promotion!! That is so exciting!! On the cruise front, I say definitely get at least a room with a window. The rooms are so small, a window really helps and it worth it.

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  3. You are too cute! So glad I found you in the blog world!!

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  4. I've been on several cruises from rooms with no windows to suites with balconies and extra room. Truth is, you're rarely in the room. You're out doing so much that by the time you get inside you just want to crash. However, having a balcony isn't a bad thing, but if money is a concern, I'd say you're safe with just an interior room. I've had a window room, and to me it was pointless, if you want to see outside, splurge for the balcony :)

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  5. Congrats to y'all! What an exciting thing to celebrate!! And yay for spring weather...hoping it sticks around!! :)
    xx

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  6. Congrats on promotion! Before the wedding always helps too! ps I love J Simpson more than anything and she looks FAB so do you so don't stress! Happy Weekend!

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  7. A big congrats to you guys!! I hope you can get that house sooner than later, you deserve it! And best of luck with WW. You sound motivated and ready to make changes so I know you will see great results! Happy Friday!

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  8. Congrats on the promotion! Isn't it wonderful when things start to fall in place? Have a great weekend :)

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  9. Congrats on the promotion!!

    When I went on my cruise, I had a balcony room. It was nice because we could sit on the balcony with the 2 chairs and just relax with a glass of wine.

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  10. Congratulations to you and Cody!! Great news!! As for the cruise and if it's only $100 separating the two rooms, go for the larger options...while you wont be in your room that often - it will be nice to have the extra space!! Also...when cruising we tended to buy the excursions off the boat because you can haggle with the locals vs. on the ship there is a set price - but not everyone is up for that! Have a great weekend!

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  11. Congrats on the promotion! That's great news to get before the weekend! I have only been on one cruise but they really are nice. And stopping at multiple spots along the way is an added bonus! Enjoy the weekend :)

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  12. I am so with you on how this week has gone! It's kicked my butt, too. I'd hands down go for a balcony room while you're on the cruise. You may not be in your room often but it's nice to be able to go out in the morning or have the door open while you're getting ready for dinner. We loved having a balcony when we went on a cruise a few years ago. You won't regret getting it!

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  13. The weather has certainly been crazy! Congratulations on your big news -- that is so exciting! We went on a cruise last year, and I personally loved having a window, while my boyfriend could not have cared less!
    xo A Southern Style

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  14. Congrats, sweet girl!!! That is such wonderful news :) And Jessica Simpson is my all time favorite-- go girl, you look great + will be feeling even better in no time!! Also...do you have a dachshund?! My hubby-to-be comes from a long line of dachshund lovers/owners and breeders in his family...so in the fall post wedding we're going to be getting one! Eeek! Xx.

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  15. This weather has been absolutely nuts! I'm certainly all about the sunshine and warm! And good for you for joining WW! I joined a couple of years ago and LOVED it. I even continued to use all the tools after I had lost the weight, because I just loved the system so much. Share how it's going! You'll love it! Happy weekend, girl! xo

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  16. Visiting from the link up. Congrats on your news! I have only been on one cruise and I highly recommend a widow! It's part of the experience and the rooms without windows tend to be small and dank!

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  17. Congrats on your future hubby's promotion! I am a Nascar fan too - racing runs in the family!! My brother works for one of the truck teams!! Have a great weekend!

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  18. Congrats on the promotion that is truly awesome! And good luck with weight watchers, I did it for a while and really liked the results I got by just eating better!

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  19. Getting serious with the Weight Watchers, good luck! BTW I dreamt about your wedding last night. Except it was in our church, the bridesmaids dresses were a horrible purple, I still wore mine but sat in the pews and my belly was so big it made the dress come up to my knees and you put on shorts and a t shirt for the reception. Lol so weird!

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  20. Congrats on his promotion! Have fun planning your honeymoon! I've never been on a cruise, so I'm no help. We went to Puerto Rico for ours and it was really cheap and a lot of fun.

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  21. Hi Lauren!
    I've been reading your sweet blog for a while, but this is the first time I've commented!
    As for your question about cruising, I have been on 10+ cruises and I would say, if you/your husband-to-be are claustrophobic, then you will want a room with a balcony. However, if both of you are fine with a window, then save the money. I have had a mix of both on our cruises and I can tolerate either. Also, if this is your first cruise, you usually spend A TON of time out in the ports, on the amazing ship, on the beach, etc. and we spent very little time in our rooms (usually just enough to pack in some sleep!) One thing I noticed when we stayed in balcony rooms was that the bathrooms were a bit bigger than usual, which was nice because cruise bathrooms are already tiny. Tiny enough that I bring my own little mirror to do makeup and hair outside of the bathroom. I'm sorry for writing so much! If you have any other questions or concerns please email me nike44@live.com
    Have a great day!
    xo, Lucy

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  22. I would love some 70 degree temps and thunderstorms. All we have is snow and cold here. Bring on spring!!

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  23. Yay for a promotion!! SO exciting!! I have only been on one cruise but I have the tip of advice. Pay the extra for a window or balcony. It's like being in a cage without a window. And if for some reason someone is feeling seasick it's even worse!!!

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  24. Congrats to your husband on the promotion!! God's timing is ALWAYS the best and good job to you for being so supportive of him and showing him how proud you are! I always notice a difference when I show my boyfriend just how proud of him I am.

    We have been having the same temps here in Tennessee too!! This past week has been gorgeous and then the storm came through last night and it was 34 degrees this morning :( hoping it warms up this weekend though!

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  25. I think Weight Watchers is a WONDERFUL program for eating better and to lose weight. I did it for 8 months and lost 60 pounds! I would also recommend going to the meetings if you can, because it's such a great way to get encouragement and advice from others who are on the same type of journey as you are. Good luck girl! I'm sure you'll do great.

    When it comes to cruises, if it won't break the bank to have a balcony room or a room with a window, I suggest doing that. BUT, staying in a room with no window is totally fine as well. I've been on two cruises and I've had both rooms..one with a balcony and one without and I liked both!

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  26. I've never been on a cruise, we considered one for our honeymoon but then decided against it because I was thinking I might not like being on a ship for so long! haha! Still, that sounds like a pretty awesome adventure! And I wish Michigan was starting to look like Spring!! Seriously.

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  27. Congrats on the promotion to your boo!! Excited to see how weight watchers works for you--I've heard nothing but good things & plus if it works for J. Simp..its must be good :)

    Happy Weekend!!!

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  28. I'm with you on the laziness. I didn't blog at all this week until today. I feel like the only time I blog is when there is a linkup!

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  29. Congrats on the promotion! Isn't it funny how these things happen when you can see no other way?!

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  30. Congrats on his promotion!!! And I love cruises and think that since it is your honeymoon, it is definitely worth working to save a little more and snagging the luxury room. It would be a great treat for your time together! As for the weather, I wish it would stay this warm!! We're moving back into the 40s this weekend…not cool. Have a great weekend!

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  31. I've been on two cruises and always stayed in rooms with a window or an inside room. We didn't need the balcony and it was nice to be able to see outside. We spent a lot of time out on the decks and walking the ship so we got plenty of outside time. We decided we'd rather spend the extra money on excursions and shopping at the ports we stopped at.

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  32. Yay for the great promotion news - that is definitely something to celebrate! I think definitely worth it to get that balcony on your honeymoon! That last pic of y'all is presh!

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  33. 24 second graders would def kick my butt!! And get a room with a balcony!! I've stayed in an inner room and felt sick before - that's the last thing you need on your honeymoon!! :) :)

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  34. Shane and I went to the gym together Saturday night and it was so much fun being there together! Congrats to y'all on the promotion! XxOo

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  35. Congrats on the promotion that is HUGE. I am just now reading this and can you say, "GO DALE JR."

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