Random Facts about Cupcake

Hey y'all!

I came to the realization that people read this blog.  I even found out Wednesday night that PEOPLE I KNOW read this blog. (Hi y'all!) WOW.  I know you don't have to, but you do. I can't see who you are but to know that people actually come here, actually read it, and actually see what I have to say... It's an eye opener!

I use this space as my outlet.  For everything.  Not only do I use it for weight loss accountability, but to also talk about my life. Its my journal so to speak. Thank you for reading and tolerating me. Thank you for not blasting me if I drive you crazy, thank you for your support and positivity.

For those of you that I don't actually know, haven't met, or may be new in my life, I thought I'd do a post about random fact about me that you may or may not know. I love to know new things about new people, and it occurred to me, you may want to know too. So, here goes!

1. I am a mom to two wonderful little boys.

Ayden (8) 

and Remington (7).

2. I date the most wonderful man (Darrell)  I've ever met and I wouldn't trade him for anything.
This man brought me back from some darkness that I can't even explain.  He helped me walk away from relationships that I didn't need and has brought so much joy to my life. I love you honey.

3. I am an only child, the youngest child, and the oldest child... which also makes me an only child.
My mom and dad split when I was very young.  I was their only child, and was treated as so until they each found another partner. My dad, Tracey, married Kathy and she had two daughters already.  Dondi and Stephanie. Both are 2-4 years older than me.  My mother, Connie, married Ron shortly thereafter and he had a son, Brian who is about 3 years younger than me.  They then had Todd (17) and Desaree (16). I also have a "brother", Brent,  who's not really my brother, but IS Brain's half brother, but that has been raised in the family our whole lives.  He's 9 months older than me. It's a big-ol screwed up family, but it's mine. :)

4. I have 4 nephews, 1 niece and one on the way.
My oldest sister has Adam Bill, JR.

My next older sister has David & Justin

My "brother" Brent has a son and a daughter, with one on the way. I love ALL these crazy kiddos. Every last one of them.

5. I made the hardest decision of my life back in March. My oldest son went to live with his dad, Zack in Colorado. We don't know for how long. We don't know how any of this will turn out.  I know I miss him, but as his mother, I have to do what is best for him and his brother and it's not about me. You can read more about that, here.

6. I'm THAT mom.
Remington plays baseball.

We play at least twice a week and I've made all but one game this year I think.  He's a slugger, he's a third baseman, and he loves the game.  Until something doesn't go his way.  Then he's huffy. I'm the mom that is always cheering, always letting the kids know where the "play" is, and I'll be the first one to tell that coach to pull my kid and put him in the outfield if he's not playing his part. I will ride your ass to perform better, and it's not just cause you're my kid. It's because it's YOUR team.  YOU have to help THEM win. It's not just about you.  They count on you as much as you do them and you should always give 100% plus more. I'm not afraid to call you out... or anyone else for that fact.  I'm a baseball mom. I've grown up on or around the field for 20 years and it looks like I've got at least 10 more.

6. I plan parties
I LOVE to have an event to plan for.  I start months in advance.I decorate weeks in advance (if I can) and I try to use local businesses to make things work, as much as I can. I've done mostly birthday parties, but I've also planned 3 weddings (all mine, lol), a graduation party, and love details of other peoples events.

7. I met Darrell, THROUGH my ex-husband.
AWKWARD! Yeah, tell me about it.  They worked together, we met though their job. We all hung out. And then my relationship ended.  Its so hard to tell the story without being judged, and I honestly avoid that question as much as possible. Darrell was my support group during my divorce, and NO, it's not like that. He even told me to go back a time or two.  He tried to be a much of a middle man as he could.  We were TRULY friends before we became boyfriend/girlfriend. I wouldn't change it if I had to though. :)

8. I'm EXTREMELY modest.
So modest that it bothers me to talk about being modest. I don't do naked, I don't talk about naked, I don't like to talk about sex, I don't even like TV sexual encounters. It all makes me SO uncomfortable. My face turns bright red and you can automatically tell that I'm no longer at ease.  I don't even like to do naked in the comfort of my very own home... by myself, let alone in front of Darrell. I'm hoping that as I come more comfortable in my own skin, that I become more comfortable around him and myself. One day. Baby steps.  Putting my weigh-in and progress pictures on here is one step... my spray tan parties are the next. LOL

9. I'm a licensed Cosmetologist.
I took cosmetology school while I was a junior and senior in high school, missed my baccalaureate to test my state boards, and received my certification letter in the mail, the same day as my high school graduation. :) I don't "do" hair and nails in a shop.  I do haircuts in my kitchen, I paint my own toes, but I go get my hair did... I get a new set of nails... I don't take care of my face. lol. All those things I learned... they're in the back of my head. I just don't always do it myself.

10. My bestest-best friend lives in Austin.
Meagan has three beautiful little boys and an amazingly smart hubby and we DO NOT get to see each other often enough. We became friends when I asked her if her name was MAY-gan or MEG-en.  BIG difference. I needed to know. We've been together (pretty much) ever since. I was her MOH in her wedding she was there for the birth of my children. She loves me and I love her. She is the one that knows ME. And still loves me for it. We know secrets, we don't always like the same things (Dr. Who?), but we always come back to each other.  We both visit her moms house when she's in town, sleep in the same bed, drink, laugh and stay up entirely too late. And you ought to hear the gossip. LOL She gives the best hugs and the best gifts. She's my Meagan. I couldn't exist without her.
10a. My other Bestie- Suzan, I just found out is moving away from me next month. :( More on that subject later. Love you lady.

Well, there you have it... 10 random fact about this Heavy Cupcake.  I hope you learned something new. I hope you come back.  And if you ever want to know more... Just ask. :)

Weigh in Wednesday... *sigh*

I don’t even want to talk about it… but yet, here I am.

I haven’t done a Weigh in Wednesday since Vegas I think.

I. Am. Ashamed.

Not only that I haven’t written a Wednesday post (let alone any other posts), but that I’ve let my readers down.

More importantly, I’ve let myself down... ESPECIALLY with this number.

The number today brought me to tears. I do not like it, not one bit. And the thing is, it’s no one’s fault but my own.  I’ve known that I’ve been on a downward spiral since Vegas. (in April) I’ve thought about correcting it, and Darrell has even mentioned correcting it, but I’ve always got an excuse. I’ve always got a reason. Or, I wait until “tomorrow”. 

I hate that word. For real.

So… last night, while I was laying in bed, watching tv, eating a bucket of ice cream (I kid you not), I made a PayPal payment to Marta with Four Fit Sisters to join her June 2^nd Sugar Detox. I’ve GOT to get this under control and MAYBE if I’ve now forked out money to help me, just MAYBE I’ll do it. God I hope so.  

No one can do this for me, but me.  “It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth it.” Isn’t that what Mama Laughlin says all the time? I wanna look like her, btw. (have you seen her photo shoot?!?)

I also wanna look fierce and confident like Val over at Fab Chick Gets Fit and buy new clothes, in color, like Alicia over at Brew Mama.

To have before and afters (durings) like Aubrey Leigh at ALG, Uninterrupted.

And have the determination of Jasmine at Fleurty & Fit. And I wanna run. Just. Like. Candra. At Camo & Lipstick.

I look up to each one of the ladies, more than they will ever know.  I want their drive, I want their willingness, I want their meal plans! These ladies inspire me more and more each day and I can only hope to inspire people the way they do.

#30by30 may or may not happen. I have 25 pounds to lose by July 26^th.

Will it happen? I hope so.

Can it happen. Yes

Who can make it happen? ME?

Weigh in Wednesday

It's hump day again, and I'm back at it and feeling much better than last week.  THANK YOU to everyone that felt my pain and left words of encouragement, or that emailed and checked in on me.  I appreciate it all.  Seriously.  I've realized now, more than ever, that I DO have people supporting me, even thought they're people I don't see every day! THANK YOU!

So here's this week's number...

Sorry it's blurry... I only took one shot and was in a hurry. Also, I did NOT weigh in this Sunday for the challenge with Adie. I forgot all about it that morning, and by the time the birthday party was over (more on that later), I had had such a bad week, I knew my weight would be WAY off. So, here's today.

I have to give a shout out to my honey on here today.  He apologized for what he commented, and that took a lot.  I know he didn't mean it the way I took it, but apparently, when you're in a position like I am, every little thing can discourage you. He's a joker, and that's how his comments were meant. We're good.  I'm better, he's better.  I'm getting this ball rolling again.

I had two amazing ladies contact me yesterday to help me as well... I've learned so much over the past 24 hours and am so grateful to them for helping to pick me back up! Thanks to them, I'm now switched over to My Fitness Pal... Yeah, I know, I know. I'm behind on the times.  But, I've used LoseIt for so long, it was hard to make the change. But... it's done. Look me up if you want to "friend" me... NickoleM123

Speaking of names... Should I change my MFP to HeavyCupcake? Or my IG? or should I just get a second account? It's all so confusing! But, my concern is that I wonder if I put my IG as Heavy Cupcake if people will get tired of seeing me and my boys... ALONG with my healthy stuff too, of course. Thoughts?

Anyway... short post for now.  Know that I AM doing better eating this week and again, am grateful for each and every one of my supporters.  Chime in, say hello! I'd love to get to know you better!

A Wednesday off course.... Vegas Baby!

I promised a post about Vegas, and a post about Vegas you will get! I know it's Wednesday, and it's normally weigh in Wednesday, but I'm taking this week off. I've got a lot going on, not to mention, the new challenge with Adie, so I'm holding off until Sunday for my weight and new measurements. Now, back to one of my favorite things on earth...

Darrell and I go to Las Vegas yearly.  Usually around the last two weeks of April, and for a week each time.  Most people don't like to spend a whole week in one certain destination, but I'm the type that would rather spend a long time in one place, than to spend a short time hopping around.  I don't want to miss anything, and if I'm hopping around from town to town, I'll for sure miss something.

We usually stay at the Jockey Club located on the strip, just between the Bellagio and the Cosmopolitan, and across from Planet Hollywood.

This place is perfect for us since it's located where it is, doesn't sit directly on the strip and is a non-gaming casino.  While it would be nice to be able to sneak down and play some slots while my honey sleeps in, in the mornings, it's nice to not have to fight your way through smokey crowds to go to bed when I want to.

The Jockey Club is a Condo/Suite/Resort type location, so it's a little more family-friendly than some casinos, plus it's so much quieter. But, don't think for one moment that you'll get gypped on hospitality! I book directly with one person EVERY year.  Johnny Hul is an amazing asset to the Jockey Club and always is so wonderful to work with when it comes to our stay.  He makes note of our preferences, is always quick to answer any email or question I may have, and is always accommodating.  Also, I've noticed that over the past 3 stays, Tess has always checked me in.  She's also just as accommodating and is always a friendly face after a long flight.

The Jockey Club has 1 & 2 bedroom suites, as well as studio suites.  They all have a kitchen, a bed and usually a pull out sofa as well.  They still do daily cleaning, making the bed, straightening up sort of stuff, and request that you only place necessary towels to be laundered in the baskets. We can usually use the same towels for a couple of days, but we always get new rags. And they still change the sheets once a week. Seriously y'all. If you're looking for a great place to stay, I definitely recommend the Jockey Club.

And seriously... Who doesn't want THIS to be your view in Vegas? I was lucky enough to wake up to this and go to sleep to this.  Every day. Literally.  This was taken from my window. The fountains are my absolute favorite thing about Vegas to be honest. I could just pop-a-squat in front of the Bellagio and be perfectly happy. Alas, I still have to work, and while I'm actually there, Darrell likes to do stuff. (so do I, I suppose) Good news? The Jockey Club has a webcam so you can watch them from home. Or the office... or wherever! When it gets really close to our trip, I find myself watching it more and more. :)

Last year, Darrell and I went to the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur.


Basically, if you're familiar with the Dixie Stampede in Branson, MO, then this is the same thing, but with knights and horses.  You're sat in a "country" you cheer your country on, and you eat with your fingers. :) My honey is in to knights and armour and all, so it was a fun thing for him.  I enjoyed to too, food and all! I suggest doing this you've got an open night while there, or if you're going with kids. Tickets aren't too terrible, and if you're like us, you can get it for FREE! That's right, I said free.

Facebook has a game called MyVegas Slots. It's basically a slot machine that you can collect coins to play with (for free) and you rack up Loyalty Points. When you're ready, you cash in the LP's for free stuff within the MLife properties and their affiliates! things range anywhere from free desert at certain restaurants, to free stays and free meals. They have also brought on a couple of really nice affilates as well.  This year, we'll be getting our 5 day Monorail tickets for FREE! ($38.75 value/ea) Anyway, I'm not here to sell you on playing those damned Facebook games that everyone sends all those pesky invites for (I promise I only send them to people I know that play), but if you're looking to save some dough on your next trip there, I'd suggest at least looking it over.

This year, we've decided to see Elton John at Cesar's! WHOO-HOO!

I can't wait! Every time I've been in Vegas, it's been an off week for Elton.  This time... it works! I'm very excited to finally see Sir Elton, and I expect it to be so much better than I ever imagined! LOL.  We're about 8 rows back from the stage... Can't get any better!

I also hoped to see Britney (Bitch) while we were there too...

She's across the street from our hotel at Planet Hollywood this year and while I'd love a meet and greet too... it seems she's sold out directly from Ticketmaster. While I know this girl has gone off the deep end lately, once a fan, always a fan.  I'd love to see her. I'm not going to break my back to see her, but I think it'd be fun. Maybe next year if she's still in her residency.  Fun Fact: Britney is the youngest artist to take up residency in Las Vegas. (according to Jordan Miller with http://www.breatheheavy.com/)

I'm also excited about going to Tiffany's. (as always) We make it a point to visit a Tiffany's whenever we're around one since they don't have them in dear old Oklahoma. A couple of years ago I purchased a cupcake pendant for my current Tiffany's necklace I already had,

and then my necklace broke. :-/ I've sent it off to be repaired, and I expect it back in a week or so. Plenty of time to be able to wear it in Vegas again.  This year, I'm going for a poker chip pendant, I think.

 Darrell has challenged me with an incentive to lose weight. He's offered to pay me $10 per pound lost, by the time we leave for Las Vegas, to spend at Tiffany's.  Now, I know our trip is only 5 1/2 weeks away, so I probably won't lose that much, but, I'll add it to my budget so that I can buy my poker chip. :)

That's my post on Vegas for now, I hope you've enjoyed it, as well as the Weigh in Wednesday break. I'll be back with more info on the challenge with Adie as well as the starting weights and measurements later this week.  Wish me luck and Happy Hump Day!

Fit Bit Reviews

As I had mentioned in my Valentines Day post, Darrell got his Valentines Day present weekend before last while we were out and about.  He's been talking about getting a FitBit band since he moved in, and so after doing a bunch of research a couple weeks ago, I caved and got him one.

We decided on a FitBit Flex for him. (this pic is of his {blueish one) on top of mine as a size comparison) This one was more waterproof than the Force and while it doesn't have the digital readout like mine does, he seems to really like it. He's always getting his daily goal of steps each day, but since he works in the restaurant industry, it kinda makes sense.  Here's a snippet from the website about the Flex:
"This slim, stylish device is with you all the time. During the day, it tracks steps, distance, and calories burned. At night, it tracks your sleep quality and wakes you silently in the morning. Just check out the lights to see how you stack up against your personal goal. It’s the motivation you need to get out and be more active."

We decided on the FitBit Force for me.

It's got a digital readout so it doubles as a watch for me.  I can also check my calories burned, steps, active minutes and flights of stairs climbed throughout the day too. I love it. It tracks my sleep and lately tells me I'm a crappy sleeper. lol. Since I work at a desk most of the day, I don't hit as many steps as I could... but I'm hoping that as soon as the weather cleans up, that I can start walking again. I'm really looking forward to setting some goals, and totally busting through them!

Since getting this, and since planning my trip to Las Vegas, I've decided to start climbing flights of stairs. Ya know, so I don't kill over while on the trip, and I figure it's good cardio and good for my legs.  I've decided to start with one flight, then increase it by one each day. Friday's count will flow over to Monday since I only have stairs at work and will be taking two days off.  Who knows if it will actually be beneficial, but i figure it cant hurt. (Other than my knees and my chest from breathing so hard!)

It also isn't a heart rate monitor. Sometimes I wish it was though, so it might calculate my yoga workout calorie burns better.  I'm at a loss as to how much I'm actually burning when I do a workout. Yeah, I get a general number from my LoseIt! log, but I'd still like to know something a little more concrete. Maybe that's just the OCD coming out in me.

Here's some info from the website...
"A powerful Force for everyday fitness, this sleek wristband is with you all the time. Stay motivated to keep moving with real-time stats right on your wrist. Track steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, stairs climbed and active minutes throughout the day. At night, track your sleep and wake up silently with a vibrating alarm."

Speaking of the vibrating (silent) alarm... IN LOVE.  This is a much better option for Darrell and I.  I get up every morning by 6:20 (7:00 on weekends) so i have these alarms going of while Darrell is still sleeping.  With him coming in later at night than me, he sleeps a little longer.  I always feel bad about my alarm going off and waking him up. With this alarm, it vibrates some short vibrations and it actually does wake you.  And it's so much better than waking up to this great big loud noise every day!

Seriously... I like it.  I've only had my Force for a couple weeks, but I find it extremely helpful. I'm hoping that it helps me set goals, crush them, an re-set them! I highly suggest looking into the FitBit's if any of you are looking for something like this to help you step up your game.

Do any of you have a FitBit? I'm still learning how to use mine and how to set real goals and such. Any of you have suggestions?

Five on Friday!

I'm digging the linkups that I've been seeing lately, so... I'm doing another. This one is with Darci over at The Good Life blog... Here's her linkup... Have a gander!

Today is a Five on Friday where you're supposed to talk about 5 good things that happened (are happening) this week... I'll see how many I can come up with!

1. It's Friday.  I woke up NEEDING Friday. So glad it's finally here, although, the weekends are never long enough.

2. I found these.

Thanks to Kiki La Rue and their Instagram post, I found out that these bad boys exist! That's 32oz if Rice Krispies, right there.  I will officially be the coolest mom on Christmas morning. EVER.

3. These. Oh. My. Gawd.

These moccasins from Old Navy are A-Freaking-Mazing! I have an online shopping problem, and Sunday morning I woke at 4am and placed another order.  Apparently I ordered these slippers too.  They have the softest inside, but a hard bottom so that you can wear them outside if you need to.  They came in, and I didn't think I'd like them... and that they were too small.  I put these things on without socks though, and they fit like a glove. I purchased 4 more pair today. WHAAAA???

4. It's my moms birthday. She turned 50 last year, so she doesn't get a big party or anything this year. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

and 5. My honey got a job! It's not much right now, but its a job.  And I'm so proud of him for not thinking anything is beneath him, even though he's WAY over qualified.  Hoping he gets in some good hours before January.  We have more bills due, and even though he won't get his first paycheck until the 31st of this month, we're grateful.

Have a great weekend everyone! 

TGIF

Its been a long past couple of days. Between me getting sick, my honey job hunting, and well, kids, I’m whipped and so glad it’s Friday.

With Darrell being home right now, he’s been a lot of help.  He’s cooking dinner, cleaning house and running errands that my list-making-self keeps adding to him. I seriously would love to have a stay at home person, or even be one, but neither of us are lazy enough to do it.  It would drive me crazy to be with my kids so much. (Sorry, it's the truth) I’d get a ton of shit done during the day… and my house would almost always be clean. Almost. Poor Darrell is going stir crazy.  He’s never, not worked. But he’s filling out applications and visiting places daily. Hoping he can find something soon, before he goes too crazy.  We’re okay financially for now, but we’d also like to be able to have Christmas. Supposed to be able to talk to some hiring manager today, so cross your fingers for him!

I’m still not feeling up to par. Crapped out on doing yoga last night.  Came home, changed clothes and crawled in bed.  My honey made homemade chicken noodle soup, served me in bed, and tried to help keep the kiddos in line.  I got up to pick out clothes for them and to dose them (and myself) with cough meds, then back to bed it was.  Asleep by 8:30. WOW… I feel so old! Couldn’t drag myself out of bed to do yoga this morning either. Wish I could have, but I seriously feel terrible. Hoping a weekend of rest (NO KIDS!!) will help me mend.

While I’m here, I just want to give a shout out to the Muldrow Piggly Wiggly for trying to make things better with Ayden’s birthday cake.  Bryan, (owner? Manager?) had taken the time out to make sure that we were refunded for the original cake and then also made sure that the cake we wanted actually got to us.  While we don’t have anything we need the cake for, I accepted his efforts, and now have ANOTHER cake to consume.  My ass thanks him… They also made cupcakes for Ayden’s class to try to make it up to him as well… This looks much better than their original attempt at the cake. Thanks Bryan! 

Hope everyone has a great and restful weekend! Enjoy it!