Thanks for the support!

I just logged in to the Blogger platform a few moments ago and was shocked to see that I have over 5,000 page views! This is amazing and let's me know that people actually care about what I'm sharing. Thank you SO much for reading and supporting me! Feel free to comment on my posts, email me, or message me privately with any topics or recipes that you would like me to post :) You guys rock!  xoxo J

New Year, New Beginnings

I know that everyone claims that they're going to be a new version of themselves on Jan. 1 of the new year. The difference between me and them though is that I literally will have different things going on in my life for 2014 that will ensure that this happens. New Address. "New" Relationship. New Goals. If you've been following along, you know that I have had some major changes in my life over the past couple of months. I feel like because of these changes, I have a new and fresh outlook on life and on the year to come. 10 things that I learned in 2013:

1. You cannot predict your future.
2. You cannot change anyone.
3. Your body is capable of far more than you ever thought.
4. Sleep and a good laugh cures everything.
5. Your attitude about a situation can be the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.
6. Always have a life outside your relationships- your own friends, your own hobbies, your own goals.
7. SAVE while you can. No matter how much money you make or how many bills you have, SAVE whatever you can. Because you WILL need it.
8. Never underestimate the love and strength of your family.
9. Set goals and actually accomplish them. It's the best feeling in the world to know that you did.
10. Live each day in the moment. It's okay to plan for the future, but don't get so caught up in it that you forget to cherish the present.

That being said, for this new year I have some new goals to accomplish. Many people think that "New Year's Resolutions" are something that you talk about, attempt for a month or two and then you go right back to your old ways. That could be true for some, but ya gotta start somewhere and those couple of months could be the start to a beautiful thing. January 2013 I set goals for myself and I accomplished them, so it IS possible. I wanted to be the most fit version of myself and to land a "big girl" job. Both of which, I did. This year however, I have more goals to set & to challenge myself with. 

1. This year I want to be 80% Paleo, all the time. For me this means no more week + long binges after eating damn near perfectly for a month or two. But to be realistic, eating 80% Paleo means eating mostly perfect with a cheat day or meal every week. Practically is key to actually accomplishing your goals.
2. I want to compete in 1 CrossFit competition this year. I did one last year and it was a blast. Super stressful and definitely challenging, but fun. I want that feeling again. But this time, I'll actually train and prepare before.
3. I want to get my savings in check. That means 2-6 months of monthly living expenses and a $1,000 emergency fund. It will happen. I just paid off my credit card in December and plan on keeping it that way!
4. I want to spend more time doing things that I love. Whether that's reading books, cooking, shooting guns, or just spending time with my friends, family. Mike & Ruca.
5. I want to learn something new. I have recently thought about pursuing a new instrument. I have played several instruments over the years and never really stuck with one to get "good." I have entertained the idea of learning to play the banjo. Before you think that's crazy, which maybe it is, I LOVE the sounds of the banjo. I like the idea of playing something unique and making it work with modern-day songs.

A new year is like a Monday, only better. It gives you a chance to feel fresh and rejuvenated and to make those lifestyle changes that you've been thinking about. If you drink a couple of sodas a day, don't make your goal to cut soda completely because the odds are that you won't stick to it. Start with smaller steps and try cutting it down to 1/2 of what you normally consume. Then you'll be more likely to reach your goal and it will make you feel better/more positive. I hope everyone had a great holiday season and that you start the new year off with good health and a happy heart. Let's kick this year's ass! :)

What took you so long?

My Thanksgiving weekend was, um, interesting to say the least. I have been moving forward with my usual work weeks (work, gym, dinner, meal prep, etc.) and somewhat unusual weekends. I have been super busy on the weekends with friends and family and end up starting my Mondays extremely worn out! But busy is good, right?

My ex actually decided that he wants to get back together. Shocker. The only thing that I have an issue with is that it's entirely on his terms. He now says that he "knows for sure" that he wants to marry me, but that he's just not ready right now. News flash!!! I never said I wanted to right now, either. But he also says that he wants to continue with the "space" for like 6 months before we revisit the topic of our future. That doesn't sound entirely bad and I was okay with it. Until day 1 after this epic conversation, I don't hear from him. All day. I'm going to give it a couple of weeks and see if it gets better. But is it that bad to want to be acknowledged every day?! I'm totally okay with chilling out and maybe only seeing each other like twice a week. But daily conversations are still necessary. That being said, I don't know if this is going to be the best thing for me or if I should just continue on my forward progression. Because I still don't want to settle for anything less than what I want and deserve out of life. Why can't things just be more simple :/

On a lighter note, even though my love life is in shambles, I feel pretty damn good! I'm getting to spend time with friends and family and focus on me. 2014 is going to be a year where I accomplish things just for me- getting in the best shape of my life, getting my emergency savings in check and starting to save for a new car. It's going to be a good year, no matter what.

This week I plan on attempting some new recipes and detoxing from my Thanksgiving bingeing. I think that I had stuffing and sweet potato casserole at least once a day since Thursday's festivities. Stay tuned for the new stuff! ;)


Recipe of the week: Sweet Potato Casserole
*warning, this is NOT healthy (lol), but it is a Smith Family Thanksgiving tradition.

Photo Credit: Chow.com

Ingredients:

• about 4 large sweet potatoes, baked
• ½ c. unsalted butter, melted
• ½ c. granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ c. half and half
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• ¼ tsp. nutmeg
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375. Prepare a 1.5-2 quart casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Start by mashing the sweet potatoes until they are smooth. Then add the butter, half of the sugar, half and half, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and vanilla extract; stir well and taste. Add the remaining sugar if needed. Add the eggs and combine well, then pour the mixture into the casserole dish. Cover and bake the dish at 375 for about 20 to 30 minutes, until completely heated through.

Remove, uncover and stir gently. Lastly, spread the marshmallows evenly on the top and bake uncovered for about 15-20 minutes longer, or until the marshmallows are nicely browned.

Serves about 6 people - double this recipe for the holidays!

Try out this traditional dish at your next holiday gathering (we have it at Thanksgiving and Christmas) and let me know how much of a hit it is! It won't let you down, promise!

Source:

Deep South Dish