fat girl problems.

If you're anything like me, once fall rolls around, you're thinking "I have at least six months until I have to wear shorts and swimsuits again. EAT ALL OF THE THINGS." And then you eat all of the things. And then, before you know it... spring arrives, and then summer, and you're still kind of a fatty. Life is hard, guys. I've had virtually all the time in the world to get skinny over the past year, but haven't been able to find the motivation to do so. I'm the type that gets all gung-ho about working out... for like, a week. Then it's back to eating Creamy Chicken Noodz on the couch in my sweatpants while watching HGTV. (If you've never had Creamy Chicken Noodz, don't start. It's a slippery slope into obesity.)

Anyway - I've come to find that I am a visual person. If I have something tangible that says "WORK OUT, FATTY" in a place that I'm unable to overlook, I'm more likely to work out. My freshman year of college, my roommate and I printed off photos of Victoria's Secret models and taped them up by our computers as motivation. I was skinny then, so I must have been doing something right... amidst the many nights of binge drinking.

So, I made this in like five minutes. I've already been made fun of for it, but I could care less. It has actually helped motivate me quite a bit. Something about being able to write down a workout makes me feel accomplished. Being able to see the week at large has also been a big help, in a "here's what I've done, here's what I need to do" type of way. So here's this. It's cheesy, whatever. Use it if you'd like. Make fun of me for using it if you'd like. Eat some Creamy Chicken Noodz if you'd like. 

"Yes You Can" graphic from www.puglypixel.com

I've also found that if I have someone to work out with, I'm less likely to skip a workout. As a result, I've recruited my "newly-available" friend, Maddie, as a workout partner. We work out together on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I've also caught up with my aforementioned college roommate, Alex, who just so happens to be a new mom with some (like, three... maybe.) extra lbs to shed. (At least she has an excuse.) Alex, her babe, and I walk (swiftly, mind you... practically a jog.) around the Walnut Creek trail every Tuesday and catch up on life. It's been so great to reconnect with her and have that time to laugh about old memories and mistakes we made while in Iowa City. As for Thursdays and weekends, I'm on my own. 

What do you do to stay in shape? Any foolproof methods you think I should try? Comment away.

Also - here is a public cry to anyone in Omaha that enjoys rollerblading - I NEED A PARTNER. It is mildly embarrassing to rollerblade alone.

Here's to getting fit and not fat(ter).

junkstock.

 Some people call it "junking," I call it, well, not that. If you are a fan of thrifting, refurbished furniture, and vintage goodies, you should be going to Junkstock this weekend. Located in Omaha on a farm just off 192nd and Dodge, Junkstock is an outdoor festival of sorts - filled with vintage finds, good music, and food trucks! 

Maddie and I went this morning around 10:30 and were dying over some of the unique items we saw. Quite a few things had been picked over and many of the pieces we fell in love with had the dreaded "SOLD" sign on them, but the selection was pretty impressive, nonetheless. The early bird gets the worm, I suppose.

Aside from Junque Factory and Scout, Celadon Goods was the vendor that caught my eye. Beautifully refinished furniture that was right up my alley. Modern colors with a vintage flair. Maddie and I chatted with owner, Kimberly Wolfe, who mentioned that although she doesn't currently have a retail space, she frequently posts her new pieces to her Facebook page. Definitely check it out. I will undoubtedly be keeping my eye on Celadon Goods. Naturally, my dream dresser has already sold. Look at this beauty... Sigh.

There were between twenty or thirty vendors at Junkstock, all of which had something different to offer. Wanting to take photos of our adventure, I had my Holga camera in tow and took an entire roll of film, only to find that my camera is apparently broken and the roll had no exposures on it. Sad end to the day and unfortunately, only a couple of shoddy iPhone photos to share. 

Maddie and I in front of the tire barn.

Brad Hoshaw was our musical entertainment for the morning. Also - look at that orange couch. I think we need another to match our current one.

Everything was adorably decorated and easy to navigate. I hope that this becomes an annual tradition in Omaha! 

Peace, Music, and Junk, folks.

some days we go on photo adventures.

Some days we go on photo adventures. Today was one of those days. Albeit a short adventure, Kylie felt like dressing up and I felt like I needed a creative outlet. It has been quite a while since I've taken my camera out for fun. The most action it has seen lately has been at weddings where I have been acting as a backup photographer for my best friend's photography business. (Ashley Otte Photography - she is amazing.) Today was the perfect day to break out of my rut.

As I have mentioned before, I love Omaha for its little treasures. Tucked away in the beautiful Field Club neighborhood, you'll find one of my favorites.The following photos were taken at Gerald R. Ford's birthplace. 

Maybe this means I will also break out of my blogging rut. I make no promises. 

Stay tuned.

maybe it was Memphis.

A friend of mine recently sent a few songs that sparked memories from my childhood.  (I was surprised to find recollection of anything other than Barbies, Mall Madness, and that mud pie topped with Oreos that I once convinced my sister to eat.)  I've been listening to the best of 80's/90's country for three days now.  You should do the same. 

I've had a shocking amount of YouTube plays on this hit- "Maybe It Was Memphis" by Pam Tillis.  SO good, guys.

I received a shipment of jewelry makin' accessories from China last week.  Their shipping costs are SO cheap, but it's a workout to even open the damn package. 

all of THAT fit into THIS!  (that's what she sa..........nevermind.......)

With some charms from China and plumbing parts from Lowe's, I made a couple of super simple necklaces.  I've been wearing the feather non-stop. 

Feel free to contact me if interested in either design! (or any of my other creations I've posted on the blog.)

I attempted to make this bracelet that has been flooding my Pinterest feed.  I've purchased the wrong string THREE times now.  This will require more practice and patience. 

I'm a truly awful gift-giver, but I wanted to craft something special for my mom's birthday & Mother's Day.  You might find the description a bit corny and you might not believe my forever-sunny disposition was able to design something so sentimental... but I DID. 

The birds perched above the cage represent my parents.  The three colored beads (separated by turquoise) are the birthstones of my brother, myself, and my sister.  They symbolize us "leaving the nest" (or cage, in this case.)  I purposely put them to be worn on her left, over the heart. 

You see, I do have a soul. 

I solved a minor organization issue.  I used to pile my most frequently worn necklaces on my lamp.  This usually resulted in choosing the bottom necklace each morning and whispering obscenities as they all fell to the floor in a tangled mess.  I had a major "WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT SOONER?" moment.  I bet you will, too.

Command hooks, upside down inside a lampshade. 

Voila! 

I've been on a real heart-wrenching "I want a puppy more than a boyfriend" kick lately.  So, I'll leave you to stare in the eyes of this adorable creature while I cry myself to sleep because I can't have one at our current house. 

a little drive.

Last Sunday, I was heading back to Omaha and decided it was too nice to go home.  I spent about five hours driving gravel & back roads north of Council Bluffs, to Crescent & Missouri Valley, Iowa + Hitchcock Park and DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge.  Because of the proximity to the Missouri River, I was able to see the devastation from last year's flood that still cripples much of the area. 

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Hitchcock Nature Center 

(I plan on going hiking + camping @ Hitchcock soon!  Join me?)

from my favorite place on a gloomy day- with a view of Big Lake in Council Bluffs to the left & Omaha's skyline in the distance @ Lewis & Clark Monument Park

I love my hometown - Carson, Iowa

Sunny Side is looking real nice & clean with plenty of vacancies in Missouri Valley, Iowa.  

I've loved watching the deterioration of this shed in Carson over the years.

The photos below show DeSoto Refuge & nearby houses that were destroyed/evacuated during the flood. 

I don't know if this restaurant was closed before the flood or they shut-down during, but I have always loved the building/roof.

an airfield near Missouri Valley.  

crushin' hard on this barn. 

aged walls in Carson, Iowa

 It was so relaxing to spend the afternoon driving with no destination in mind.  Despite the immense damage to the area, I found beauty in the life that still thrives & the green that now grows. 

I should do that more often.  I guess I can set a New Years resolution in May, right?  

dry spell.

Well, friends... it's been a while, huh?  I/We clearly have been slacking on this whole blogging thing lately.  I wish I could say it's because I won the lottery or some dreamboat of a wealthy man whisked me away on a trip around the world.  (I would totally go, if you know anyone...) 

I recently battled mono and kicked its ass, after it kicked mine for a couple of weeks.  I couldn't move/eat/sleep/brush my teeth/shower for days.  I was gross... So gross.  I don't know how I contracted that stupid illness.  I haven't known anyone with mono since I was in college.  I thought I had mono for six years, until I was finally diagnosed with narcolepsy instead.  It's not fun but at least I now have an excuse to get out of that Warrior Dash I signed up for months ago.  My spleen is definitely fine by now, but why wouldn't I utilize that excuse for as long as possible?  (Speaking of- Does anyone want to buy my Dash spot?  I can't climb walls and I will gag if I crawl through mud & it accidentally gets in my mouth.) 

As all of our loyal followers may have noticed, it's been over a month since I've blogged.  Surprisingly enough, I HAVE actually done some fun/neat things during that time.  I'll split the excitement into several posts but here are some updates for you stalkers. 

I wore this outfit two days in a row because I liked it so much.  I'm clean.

Maddie is a hair goddess.  I also rocked this hairstyle for two days- I purposely avoided sleep so I wouldn't mess it up.  Worth it. 

I mean, who doesn't take outfit pictures in the bar bathroom?  (favorite.dress.ever.)

My oldest & greatest friend, Shauna, recently graduated with a degree in Education.  I admire those who teach & I truly don't know if I'd have the patience to do so.  I'm so proud of and happy for Shauna.  She had a little graduation party last weekend.  It was so great to celebrate & catch up + see other old friends. 

Let's not talk about that part in my bangs. 

I am not good with hot-glue.  

Thoreau.

I cleaned this baby and added a basket & bell.  What a beaut!  Now, if I could only learn to fix it correctly.  The brakes could use some love from a professional. 

Kelly is really into rollerblading for some reason, like it's 1997 or something.  My ankles refuse to work with rollerblades, so falling is inevitable & I look like an absolute d-bag.  Now that my bike is fixed, we can blade/bike together without risking a painful fall on my ass! (Unless I wreck my bike... Maybe I should stick to walking...)

They are spicing these up along the interstate by adding some more beautiful banners- designed by local artists.  I love.

 I have to be up in (less than) five hours, yet I'm wide awake.  I guess that's what I get for succumbing to my narcolepsy and allowing a one-hour turned four-hour afternoon nap.  Oops?