Staycation 2013 {photo heavy}

Today is officially the last day of Staycation 2013. It wasn't nearly long enough but it was nice to not have to do anything for 9 days. It was pretty uneventful but I had a few NSV's so I thought I'd share.

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I probably did the most on Monday (03/04) as it was Chicago's 176th birthday and to celebrate they were giving free admission to the Chicago History Museum so I took full advantage of my time in the city. I viewed every section they had open and spent quite a bit of time in the Shalom Exhibit; if you're in the Chicago area this is a great (and inexpensive) day trip! NSV #1: being able to walk/stand all day with no pain or discomfort in back/feet!

 

This is the souvenir I picked out, does this REALLY surprise anyone?

 

 

 

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I spent the majority of Tuesday around the house doing some deep spring cleaning and organizing. I did discover my new favorite snack! Okra chips!

 

 

 

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Wednesday I took my pup, Pugsly, to the vet so he could get a shot for his arthritis.

 

Photo property of SleevedInTheCity

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Thursday evening I went to a friend's album release party and had a TON of fun! This was the first time I've dressed up and gone out since surgery. NSV# 2: the dress (and no sleeves)!

 

NSV#3: being able to stand/dance in these shoes for 4 hours with no back pain!

 

 

 

NSV#4: not being afraid of group pictures anymore!

 

Photo property of SleevedInTheCity

 

 

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Friday was a lazy, recoup day. Bella says hi.

 

Photo property of SleevedInTheCity

 

 

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Saturday was a shopping day. I went to Nordstrom Rack to have a pair of pants altered and I picked up this awesome studded iPhone case. I found this Torani syrup at World Market and it's my favorite yet. I mix 2 tbsps. with my Pure Protein chocolate shake and add some instant coffee granules...woah! 

 

 

 

My last stop was TJMaxx and I ran across a pair of NYMJ on clearance for $20! These things retail for $120 - and the best part? NSV#5....drumroll please.....

 

 

 

IM OFFICIALLY A SIZE 20!! Less than 6 months ago I was a 28 (tight). Not only do I look great, I feel great and I'm getting my health back. Nothing like seeing your hard work pay off =)

 

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That pretty much sums up Staycation 2013. I know Im missing an entry for last weekend and today but since I didn't do anything here is a picture of this weeks polish changes, Im partial to #3 myself.

 

 

 

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Until next time!

Besos xo

 



Celebrate YOU!

 

 Being single is awesome! Show yourself some love and celebrate the greatness that is YOU!

 

(Besides flowers die and candy goes to your hips)

 

 

My VDay mani -ignore my dry cuticles!!

 

Hope everyone has a great day!!

 

 

Julep Maven Free Polish Offer!

As most of you know I am a tad bit obsessed with nail polish. For those of you who don't know, well I'm a tad bit obsessed with nail polish. My personal collection is currently around 330 bottles, not counting clears and treatments. Some say I need an intervention, I say I need more polish.

Tomato, tomatoe.

Just a few of my favorites =)

I do have a few brand preferences but as long as I like the color I'll give it a try. One brand I'm happy with is Julep, I joined a while back at the suggestion of a friend and have been happy ever since. Julep is a monthly subscription box and unlike other similar programs, it is completely customizable and super easy to opt out of your monthly box if you don't like the choices or just don't have it in your budget that month. You also earn points on every purchase that can be used towards free product. In 2 months I accumulated enough points to get the February box for free!

 

February Maven Box

 

I got 3 polishes, the new Freedom top coat, an eyelash curler and a few chocolates. The colors this month are gorgeous and I'm VERY happy with the silver holo in my box - some holos just fall flat but even in my craptastic lighting you can see it clearly!

L-R Joan (raspberry/gold), Rebel (silver holo), Marion (teal shimmer)

The boxes are normally $19.99 a month but today (because I'm awesome!) I am giving you my personal referral link with a code for a FREE BOX. As in you pay zilch, nothing, nada. If you just sign up and never order another box after this one that's ok - there is no pressure with this and you can cancel anytime. I frequently opt out of boxes myself. And in case you are wondering - these colors are available and you can get them in your free box - I tested it out earlier myself.

 

 

Click on the link here: http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/63929/

Take the 3 minute style profile and use code "FREEBOX" at checkout and your first box is free.

 

That's all it takes! Happy painting!

 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for my review by Julep, Julep Maven, or its affiliates. This is a product and service that I personally participate in and wanted to share. All opinions are my own. While I am not compensated for my review, by using my personal referral link I do receive bonus points for each sign up - once you sign up you will have your own link too as it is part of the Julep Maven membership service.

Friend Makin' Mondays: Dear Santa

Its that time again boys and girls! FMM is a favorite way to start off the week and this is my first time to do so on the new blog so I'm extra happy! And could this weeks topic be any more exciting? My list is much longer than 10 but I'll try to pick my faves =)

 

If your new to FMM, the rules are simple; take a few moments to answer these questions on your own blog and add your link in the comment section here at All The Weigh

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Santa:  List at least ten things that you may or may not need that you’d love to find under your tree this year!   

 

 

1: Chanel Malice - love this color just not the $26 price tag

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Keurig Vue - my Elite went kaput. Boo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Marc Jacobs Dot - will be my summer go-to fragrance this year!

 

 

 

4. Brother RX9500 - I really want to learn how to sew and hem my own pants




5. Pro Power nail drill - would be so much easier when I do my own fill-ins!





6. Tory Burch Penelope Tote - any of her handbags really!

 

 

7. UGG Classic Short in Grey

8. ASICS GEL-Kinsei 4 running shoes

 

9.  A ticket to FitBloggin' - hint, hint to all you sponsors out there ;)



10. XSport Fitness membership - can you say Water Zumba?!

 

I'm pretty sure I can hang up most of what's on my list...Id be happy with a few gift cards since I'm growing out of my clothes so quickly. Even if my tree is empty this year I'm still beyond blessed and that's all that really matters.

Have a great week!

 

 

Holiday Wrap-Up & Giveaway!!

I am happy to say I made it through the Thanksgiving holiday relatively unscathed (my checkbook wasn't so lucky). This was not only my first Thanksgiving away from any family but also my first being sleeved. I purposely didn't make any plans as I wanted a low-key no-fuss no-stress day and that's exactly what I got. I took 2 naps, worked on the blog and caught up on Vampire Diaries. I did go to Meijer at 6am to get a new blender, I make smoothies so much that I broke my old one and they had the red Oster on sale for $19.99 (reg. $45). My eating yesterday was on point, I had a smoothie and a ham sandwich throughout the day and with the house cleaning I did I was rewarded with a .5 pound loss. This is the FIRST holiday EVER that I have LOST weight - I'll take it (no matter how small)!


Be warned -the lighting in my house sucks!

Today was a different story. I was up at 9 and by 5, Foursquare politely reminded me I had been to 10 places. It wasn't all fun and games, 3 of those places were for returns and today was laundry day. I did get some good deals without having to stand nuts-to-butts in line for 3 hours. First stop was Nordie's (oh how I love that place!) and I took advantage of their Buy 2 Get 1 Free on butter London polish. I also purchased my stepmom's birthday gift - which I wont reveal in case she's reading this. I also treated myself since I am 1.2 pounds away from 60 pounds gone! Yay! In hindsight, I probably should've bought underwear since I'm using binder clips on mine now but hey LOL.

Black Knight, Two-Fingered Salute, No More Waity Katie, Wild Thing

Guilty Intense for my 60 lb loss! As you can clearly see I needed more perfume ;)



 I also made a quick stop to Ikea to pick up their $4.99 end tables and onto TJ Maxx because they have good clearance - it paid off because I found this super cute Betsey Johnson laptop case for $18 with my 10% off coupon. It will work perfectly for keeping all my blogging stuff together.

The best part? SEQUINS!

 All the walking and running around paid off big time, check out the stats on my FitBit One!

 

Now on to my very FIRST giveaway!!! Yay! I'm giving away 2 annual subscriptions to Martha Stewart's Everyday Food! I freaking love this little magazine. Most of you know I love to cook and this magazine is the inspiration for half of what comes out of my kitchen. The recipes are fun, simple, and can easily be made VSG or Weight Watcher friendly.

 

Image courtesy of Bing.com

 

 

 

 I know this isn't big or fancy but as a small token of appreciation for all of your continued support and helping me get my blog out there!

 

Entering is easy and just takes a few moments. 

 

- Like my Facebook page here (1 entry)

- Share this giveaway with someone on FB or Twitter (1 entry)

- Leave me a comment here telling me something awesome about your weekend!  (1 entry)

 

*Leave a comment for each entry*

 

Don't forget to include your email address! Contest will close at 11:59pm on 11/28/12. Winners will be picked using RandomPicker.com

 

 

 

Good luck!