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.