The 24lbs Present

I have had a picture of a tattoo I wanted for quite a while. Well I had some things happen and lets just say I needed some real pain to mask the heartache! So Off I went to American Pride Tattoo's, I seen an artist named Austin and he took my Tattoo virginity away so to speak. It really does look awesome. It hurt like HELL, no way will I get another but it's symbolism is my everyday life,my children asked how long it will be there and I said until I die and go to hell.. LOL. I will post a picture and I will be posting a link to American Pride Tattoo's  facebook page, in case anyone out here in MI has a hankering for some pain and beautiful art!

https://www.facebook.com/americanpridetattoos

Losing weight

I promised myself once we got settled here in Michigan I would be losing this weight and eating right. Not a diet but a lifestyle change! I have taken most the crap out of our cupboards, but this did not mean I could not over eat. I feel like I just woke up 5 weeks ago and it snapped! I had no clue what that felt like, I have read it in books, and blogs on line, but never experienced this for myself. Well it happened! I am no longer hungry everyday, I am working out and feeling great! 21lbs down. I thought I would share some of my foods and exercise plan. Most people seem to be interested in this. I do not deny myself treats, I will say that I have had small portions of ice cream and I make small cookies so I can eat 3-4 and feel satisfied without breaking my calories.

First step was joining Myfitnesspal.com I track EVERY calorie. Now that I am on week 5 I pretty much just log it all in at the end of the day and I am usually well within my range. I know what to eat and how much of it I can eat.

Second Step: Removing ALL colored sodas, I drink sprite 1x a week as a treat to myself, all other drinks are water and I drink a glass between meals and with every meal.

Third Step: Removing half the carbs your allowed everyday. I make sure at the end of the day I have only eaten 1/2 of what I am supposed to eat, according to Myfitnesspal.com.

Fourth step: Add tons of fruits and veggies!

Okay so these steps I added slowly, not all at once, I just became more conscience of what I was eating and then came the last step! 

Step # 5 EXERCISE, yes I added this LAST! I hate exercising, being a big girl its not fun, boobs flying everywhere, butt jiggling, sweat rolling within 5 minutes, yeah it is not cute! So I got a good sports bra, compression shorts to tuck that jiggle booty, and I started doing Zumba Rush with the kinect 5 days a week! At first I could barely make it through 4 songs week number 5 and I am doing 8 songs! On the weekend I lift hand weights and do  sit ups. 

 This is my routine! I have learned to love it and its just another day. Just to let you know I tried to eat a hamburger the other day and I got very sick because my body was not used to that fat, lesson learned, I can not eat like that anymore! Anyhow I have my own recipe that I tried today and it is very yummy! 

Black Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

2 corn tortillas (Small)

1/4 cup black beans

2 Tblsp cheese

Just put them in a frying pan with nothing spread the beans and the cheese between the two when it gets soft fold it over like a taco! I put a little cholula on mine I like it spicy! They are yummy and filling and you will only cost yourself about 300 calories!

We are for equal rights

Lots of Chick Fil-A posts have been going around, I had the pleasure of reading a nice debate about the news that spilled out. I have always known CFA was Christian based. That's fine, you can believe that same sex marriages are a sin all you want, its when you put money from your business into supporting anti-gay rights, that really gets me going. This is America and we can all think whatever we want, but when you take your own way of thinking and want to take other peoples rights away, this is when I will boycott the CRAP out of CFA! First off we need to keep religion and state separate.. There is no reason why people should get to vote on anyone's rights as a human being, just because their religion states its wrong! I got news for you, they don't want to get married in your church anyway, and they certainly don't want to raise a family with your views! So yes I will no longer eat at CFA, because they openly came out and said they gave BILLIONS of dollars to support anti gay groups. So no, my money probably won't stop much, but I can rest assured I am not contributing to hate.

Pete's Coney II

My Husband and I have been to Pete's ConeyII about 3 times since we have gotten to MI. The service is wonderful, the staff is GREAT, and the food is like home cooking without having to mess my kitchen up! The first time I went I had to get a Coney dog, their chili is wonderful! We have been to some other Coney's and theirs has really made an impression. My husband gets the gyro every time we go, he just loves it that much! Price is very reasonable, and they have a great variety! I will attach a link to their facebook page, they have coupons and information there!
Pete's ConeyII

Dog Collars

My brother makes fabulous dog collars! I invite you to take a look at his wonderful work. He has a ton of fabric to choose from, and he ships just about everywhere.

Doggy Couture

My name is Nichole and I have recently moved to Michigan! We are a military family and have been moving around for 11 years. My husband got stationed in Michigan and we are finally near family. I decided to start a blog about my adventures. We have bought our first house, and I am feeling like I can plant my roots here and as I learn my way around I hope to share my expierence.
     I have a lot to write about, my son has Aspergers and I hope to help bring information to my blog for others who need help or support, my husband and I have been sampling the lovely Coney Islands here and I would love to report back on all the great places and food we have tried, and finally I have transitioned my home to all natural and hope to share my tips and recipes!