this & that chat | what I’m eating (no sugar) | BP | love life

Hi friend! It’s been awhile since I’ve done a ‘this & that’ post, where I just share what’s been on my mind, happening lately, and answer some of the questions I’ve been getting on the blog and in DMs.

This & That Chat

No Sugar Challenge

My body really needed a reset, I’ve been eating WAYYYYY to much ice cream and desserts. I eat relatively healthy, but if I get going on ice cream, I can literally eat a half gallon in two days!!

I learned so much when I quit sugar for a week last March. In that post, I explained why Ysugar is so addicting and the reason we can put down a whole box of cookies, but would struggle to eat a pound of veggies.

I’ve committed to doing one week sugar free (fruit is okay and I’m not doing keto so some cards are okay too.).

I’m on Day 5 as I type this and already starting to feel better. I’m less puffy and bloated and feeling a little more clear headed.

I’ve also lost a few pounds, but that always happens relatively quickly when I first start eating really clean and not too much, then weight loss is about a pound a week. My “happy weight” for me and I’m only 5’1 is 107.

Day 1

Day 5

This smart scale gives you all kinds of data like body fat, muscle mass, water, BMR and metamolic age- I’ve gone down a year! ha!

The data is pretty accurate since I compared it the in-body analyzer at my gym. And it’s only around $25 on Amazon.

I’m not tracking macros- but eating breakfast, lunch and dinner and maybe an after dinner snack, plus 2-3 cups of coffee brewed at home. In my coffee, I add 1 tbsp of half and half and 1 tbsp of nut pods. I used to use 3 tbsp of vanilla caramel and I still can’t believe it’s been about a year since I cut that out. I had been drinking my coffee that way for YEARS!

Here are some of the meals I’ve been eating:

For breakfast, I’ve had oatmeal with cinnamon and a splash of unsweetened almond milk or 2 whole eggs with sola bread and kerrygold butter.

Homemade Poke Bowl – salmon, edamama, broccoli, cucumber, green onion, avocado, rice, sesame seeds. I add low sodium soy sauce. This siracha mayo has less than 1 gram of sugar.

Basically, the same thing, but with shrimp.

or tuna.

Other meals have been chicken breasts, chicken thighs or a steak with unlimited veggies. Also tuna salad with greens on Sola bread. Sola bread doesn’t have any sugar and only 1 gram of carbs.

Also, if I want something sweet (especially after dinner), I’ll have a few strawberries and blueberries.

These protein bars are delicious and no added sugar. I haven’t had any this week, but they are so yummy!

Several of you recommended the Ninja Creamie for making your own sugar free ice cream at home. I’ll have to look into that!

Workout Schedule

I’ve also gotten back into weight lifting and that feels amazing! Super hard, but amazing. Here’s my workout schedule:

Monday – 1 hour HITT & full body weights class

Tuesday – 45 minutes weight training with Matt

Wednesday – 1 hour HITT & full body weights class

Thursday – 45 minutes weight training with Matt

Friday – 30 min run or weights at home

Saturday – rest or Spin class

Sunday – rest

Sports Bra • Leggings • Sneakers • Socks • Water Bottle • Phone Case

This is my weight set up at home. I have 8 lb up to 25 lb weights. I like these slimmer handles because they’re easier to hold and the hexagon shape keeps them from rolling around.

Athletic Tab Socks

These are the socks I’ve been wearing. They’re really cushiony and the little tab prevents ankle rubbing.

My trainer Matt moved to a private training studio in Houston (610 & Memorial location) and is taking new clients. Here’s his instagram and you can DM him for more info.

Getting diagnosed with high blood pressure at the end of January and then doing a marathon in early March kinda threw things off for me.

I still don’t have any answers as to why my blood pressure is high, but with the medication I’m on, sometimes it gets too low. It’s still a process to figure out the best solution and how to effectively deal with this. I often get dizzy when I stand up, and that’s not good.

Natural Nails

I’ve also gone back to natural nails. I was all natural for most of 2023, but did gel and then shellac for a couple of months. I love the look of short shellac nails and the polish lasts a good two weeks.

But, and this might sound strange, but now when I have shellac on my nails, I feel like my nails are suffocating.

I just ordered this fun nail color and plan to paint my nails this week. I really like this nail care brand, and their emery boards are the prettiest. I ordered their nail grooming clean up brush – I always have trouble painting with my left hand.

I also got tons of questions about sweet Maggie’s marking on her nose. It’s a birthmark she was born with. The kids at my son’s birthday party said they were her ashes. 😉

Maggie is Elliott’s dog, but we got to watch her for a week while he was out of town. Luke adores her and they have so much fun playing together. Maggie is 7 and Luke is 1.

Accessories

Tons of requests for the links to the triple layer necklace and huggie earrings below.

Necklace

Huggies

Strapless Bra

I’ve gotten a lot of questions about what strapless bra I wear and this is the one I’ve been wearing and recommending for years.

It’s quite comfortable with rubber grips to help keep the girls up. It comes with a removable convertible bra strap if you want to wear it that way. Fits TTS.

Strapless Bra

Pool & Patio Mini Update

I plan to do a full pool and patio update next month, but in the meantime, I wanted you to get to see what I’ve been sharing on Stories.

I finally decided on patio chairs and a couch and I’m so pleased with my choice. It was a big decision and quite expensive, so I wanted to research thoroughly.

Chairs • Couch • Rug

Chairs

These pool loungers were another big decision and I’m pleased with my choice. I searched a lot and these were on the less pricey side but still very well made.

Storage Box • Planter

This storage box is large enough to hold several pool towels, pool basketballs, sunscreen, pool toys, goggles, etc. It’s waterproof and the lid stays up until you close it. You can also add a lock. My mom and I put it together, so I’d say it’s pretty easy to assemble.

You can read all about our pool build here and see the finished pool and patio tour here.

Pottery Barn Planter • Walmart Planter

I was happy to find this large white fluted planter that looks so similar to my gray concrete planter. The white one has drain holes and since it’s not concrete, is much lighter in weight. And, it’s only $30!

In the front patio, I added this adorable checkered door mat and welcome mat. The scalloped mat may not be available anymore, but there are several more cute options.

Cirkul Water Bottle

My 14 year old son’s latest obsession is the Cirkul Water Bottle. It’s a stainless steel water bottle that comes with flavor cartridges and you can adjust the level of flavor by turning a dial. James likes to turn his dial to 3 (out of 10) so they last longer.

The flavor cartridges have no sugar, zero calories, no artificial flavors or colors.

Apparently, it’s pretty popular at sports and school, so I’ll be adding a few flavor cartridges to his Easter basket.

Wayfair Finds

My steak knives got a major upgrade and these Henckles Knives are four for only $39. Normally, $134.

Henckles Knives

1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12

Love Life

I’m happy to update you on my love life! Elliott and I are doing wonderful and I’m so grateful for such a fulfilling relationship. We’ve been dating since early February 2023.

He’s a fantastic partner and we have the kind of depth I’ve always wanted in a relationship. He’s also fun and a great dad. I love how he takes responsibility for things and is always willing to talk through ideas and decisions with me. I love and respect him immensely!

This picture was taken almost one year ago. We are really bad at taking pics together. Lots of times when we’re together our phones are put away. We want more pics together, so we need to remember that!

We would also like to spend more time together (he lives a ways from me) and possibly move in together, but that will be down the road. We’re not in any hurry.

Gratitude Giveaway

Every month, as a THANK YOU for reading and subscribing to my blog, I do a giveaway for you. I had been giving away some of my favorite things and also offering the cash value of the items if the winner preferred. Month after month, the winners always chose the dollar amount.

So, I decided to simply gift $500 every month!

It’s a way to show my gratitude for you showing up here and taking time out of your day to spend with me. I appreciate you so very much!

If you’re not subscribed, you can sign up here, and I will pick a winner at random and announce at the end of the month.

If you’re already subscribed (THANK YOU!), you don’t have to do anything – you’re automatically entered to win!

Have a fantastic day friend!