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. :)

My Favorite Things... June

I don't do these often, so  when I felt like it today, I decided to run with it! THis is a link-up with Beauty and the Greek for June's favorite things... Although, since June is just starting, I think it should be labled May's favorite things. Whatever. Either way, link it up and check it out!

1. Fabletics (sign up here)
Seriously... I found them through Ashlee over at Ash's Right Direction and I'm so glad I did! Once a month, you get an email to pick your outfit, they ship it almost immediately, and viola! You've got yourself some brand-spankin new workout clothes! If you don't like it, return it! Prices range from $49.99-$69.99 for the monthly outfits, and if you're not feelin it one month (or just don't have the cash), you can opt out! Best news?! Your first outfit it only $29.99! AND- After you rack up so many points (from purchases) you've qualified for a FREE outfit! For real... check them out here.

2. Faded Glory Henley Tank (buy it here)
THese cute little tanks are so flattering.  Even on us big gals.  I bought one for the Vegas trip and I feel so great in it. And, it's cheap! A good price always feels better!

3. Danskin Women's Cotton Performance Tank (buy it here)
I jut bought a couple of these for Memorial Day weekend. I got a couple pairs of compression pants from Fabletics (see above) and while I love what they do for my legs, and their fit, I still don't like my ass. So, these are long enough to cover it (mostly) and flow-y (lose) enough that I don't feel like every roll is showing. Apparently, online, they come in a two pack, but in the store you could buy them one at a time. I got the pink and blue ones and LOVE them. Again, WALMART!

4. Anker Astro E5 15000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger (buy it here)
We bought this for our Vegas trip. After several trips to Vegas, we both figured out that our phones DO NOT hold a good enough charge for all day site-seeing. We've had other chargers before, but both were maker-specefic and wouldn't work for both of us. (he is an Android user, while I am an AVID iPhone-r... unitil this year) This is big enough to charge a smart phone FOUR TIMES before it needs a charge. It also will charge two phones at once, charges my FitBit Force and for that fact, anything else that has an adapter that fits a USB port.  I take this thing EVERYWHERE. It's especially handy for car rides when you only have one car charger (or yours goes missing thanks to little brother and sister) or for me, at the ballgames in the evenings. If you're on the go and your phone is always die-ing when you need it, this is the product for you!

5. Spray Tanning
Specefically, spray tanning parties at my house, where I don't have to stand half naked in front of a person I don't know, or a machine, and I can continue to walk around half naked in the comfort of my own home, with a couple other people. lol My friends Kim and Becky have bought their own spray tanning system and they've decided to take it to another level, by offering it to the "public". If you host a party (of four or more people) they'll come to you AND yours is FREE! But they're price isn't bad anyway, so I don't mind forking out the $15 every once and a while. And no, the photo above is not me... (although I wish it was) but that's the gist of it. I'm working on a blog post now of my last spray tan and what I learned to do... or not to do. I'll post it soon!

Anyway, these are my favorite things right now... What are your current go-to's? Anyone need a tan? :) If you're local and need a good, quick tan, let me know and I'll get you in touch with them!

These are a few of my favorite things...

Or at least a few things at the top of my list that I would like to receive.

I know the holidays aren't about receiving, but occasionally people ask what I'd like.  Most of the time I ask for things that I actually need instead of want. But I usually WANT things that I need too... if that makes sense.

For instance... I need new tennis shoes. The pair I'm currently wearing I've had for 3+ years.  The pair before that? Close to 7 years.  I typically would wear these until there wasn't any tread left, but it seems I've rubbed a hole in the sides where I cross my feet at my desk...

 Oops!

 I currently wear New Balances... (size 8.5 please) I love the way they fit, my feet rarely hurt, and I always seem to go for a running shoe, even though I'm not a runner. (yet)

I need a shampooer... as often as I clean my carpets myself, I just need to invest in one.  My aunt let me borrow her work one around March. I borrowed one from my other aunt this past weekend and knocked them out before the holidays. I can't stand to be able to smell smells, and thanks to my dog, I could smell smells.  I have what I call "pregnant nose". It's when you can smell EVERYTHING while your pregnant.  However, I'm not pregnant, (THANK GOD) it just never went away after I had Remington. It's crazy. Anyway, needless to say, the dog is now an outside dog now, even though I feel terrible about it.


Which brings me to another need.  A dog house. Not that the damned thing would get used.  My dog isn't the brightest.  When I put him in the back yard, I have to put him on a runner because he digs out from under the fence. I made sure the runner is long enough that he can get under the porch awning comfortably, and that his bed is reachable.  The stupid thing won't even get in the bed unless I put him in it.  He sat out in the rain the other day... laid in the snow another day... doesn't even get under the awning. Stupid... Maybe, just MAYBE he'd use a dog house?

Doubt it... 

I recently purchased this hand little do-dad.

and I FREAKING love it! Pretty ingenious, and quite frankly, I'm a little upset that I didn't come up with it myself. It's a 20 oz Mini Crock Pot that you can use on the go to heat your soup or whatever you want.  Plug it in for a couple of hours, and lunch is ready when you are! It's got a top that "pops" when your food is warm and it really does heat it well. I got mine on Amazon.com here as a lightening deal and it was a darn good investment.   It has a removable container that you can store in the fridge and makes for easy cleanup.  Since I already have one, you're probably wondering why I've posted it on my want/need list.  Well, what I actually NEED is more removable bowls so I don't HAVE to clean this one each night. :)


A few other things that I think would be good gifts? See below:
- A gift certificate for a car detail (or two since I have two vehicles)
- Gift Certificates for a mani/pedi (from Le Nails in Van Buren, of course)
- Gift Certificate to get my hair done.  I'm in desperate need for a cut and color since it's been since April!
- Any kind of Mirror.  Big, small, I love them all!
- Wine.  And that's a NEED. In order for me to make it through the holidays, sometimes I need a little help.  Here's my favorite. (And just so you know, you can buy it by the case at my local liquor store, Sooner Liquor)

Primo Amore Moscato

Anyway, these are a few of my favorite things. I'll probably think of more here and there, and I'll update it along the way. Just don't let me forget!

Festive Favorites Linkup

This post is a linkup with Jennifer over at FatChick2FitChick check her out!

  

• Favorite Christmas song: "Oh Holy Night" (sang the correct way) and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee. 
• Christmas song you can’t stand: ... *crickets*
• Favorite holiday movie: Home Alone & Christmas Story
• Real or artificial tree?: Artificial
• White or colored lights?: White :) 
• All matching ornaments or more random personal ornaments?: Both... in moderation
• Favorite ornament: Anything that my two boys have made 
• Angel or star tree-topper?: Bow... but my son insisted that we have a Star... so we have both. 
• Does Santa wrap presents or leave them unwrapped?: Santa leaves presents unwrapped
• Favorite childhood memory: When I was little, I used to wait restlessly on Santa to come! One year, my sister and I woke around 3 in the morning, but knew better than to wake our parents.  We decided to play Nintendo until everyone got up... somewhere around 5, my dad comes trotting down the hallway, in his tighty-whiteys and yelled at my sister and I, "If I hear that thing go "whoop, whoop" one more time, I'm going to "whoop, whoop" all over your ass!"  Needless to say, we went back to bed and didn't wake again until around 10!
• Coffee, hot chocolate, or eggnog?: Yes!
• Christmas morning at home or do you travel?: YES! We've recently started to have Christmas at home because I purchased my first home last year.
  
   But, we still do LOTS of traveling. 
• Traditional holiday meal or something unconventional?: Traditional
• Personalized photo Christmas cards, store bought cards, e-cards, or “ain’t nobody got time for that”?: I used to do personalized Christmas Photo cards... now, I do good to write names on all of the gifts! 

Finish the Sentence... Christmas Edition!

This is officially my first link up... and I'm not real sure that I'm doing it right, or that I'm even allowed, but here it is! If anyone reads this and would like to do the same, click go on over to Holly's page and follow the instructions! 

1. My favorite Christmas was....

When I was little, I used to wait restlessly on Santa to come! One year, my sister and I woke around 3 in the morning, but knew better than to wake our parents.  We decided to play Nintendo until everyone got up... somewhere around 5, my dad comes trotting down the hallway, in his tighty-whiteys and yelled at my sister and I, "If I hear that thing go "whoop, whoop" one more time, I'm going to "whoop, whoop" all over your ass!"  Needless to say, we went back to bed and didn't wake again until around 10!

2. The worst Christmas I had...

I'm not sure I've ever had one.  Holidays were always hard for me because I had divorced parents that had remarried. There were always so many people to see, lots of people I didn't get to see, and lots of time spent making everyone else happy.

3. That one gift that made me scratch my head and say, "Hmmmm" was...

A bible from my grandmother, with my name spelt completely wrong.  And she thought it was right. 

4. One year I....

Received a fur (ish) vest from a grandmother... Absolutely hideous.  It had four or five kinds of fur, and it just wasn't me.  My mother re gifted it and it was done.
The very next year, I received the exact same vest from a "secret sister" at church... MIND. BLOWN.

5. I think the worst gift to give is....

Nothing. If I have nothing to purchase for a person, they at least get a card. Something homemade. Something. Anything.

6. At Christmastime I typically....

Freak out... I'm always worried about everyone but me. I've got to learn to loosen up.

7. Typically, family Christmas....

Is CRAZY.  So many people, so many families, so much running. 

8. If I could change one thing about the Holiday season....

It would last longer.  Each holiday should be at least two days long.  Some of us need more than a day to make it everywhere, others need the second day to recuperate from the one day!

9. It is so hard to buy for....

My honey.  Always. No matter who he is! (Luckily there has only been two)

10. My favorite Christmas tradition is...

Opening presents in my OWN home ON Christmas morning. I purchased my first home last year and it was SOOOO nice to wake up and let my kids open their presents in their very own house and then not have to load them up immediately to move to the next place. 

11. Santa, baby, bring me...

YOGA GEAR! I've became addicted to yoga this year. I need my very own mat and video, so that I can give my sisters back.   A subscription to Yogaglo.com would be handy too! :-)

About Cupcake

Hello. I’m Niki. And I’m fat.
You: Hi Niki
People always say that today is the first day of your life. I agree, but unfortunately, the previous of my life has made me fat. Obese even. While I’ve never been “diagnosed”, I know it to be the truth. What 29-year-old, 5 foot 3 inch, woman could weight 220.2 pounds and NOT be obese? I’ve always weighed more than most girls my age. I’ve always been “big-boned”. I’ve always had big cheeks (on my face, not my rear) and in turn, earned the nickname “Chinky” from an Aunt and Uncle.
In high school I’d think I needed to lose a size or two to fit in, but now looking back, in reality, I was just fine.
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I’ve made up excuses. “My whole family is fat, there’s no way I won’t be!” Or my favorite and most used, “Tomorrow”.
On Saint Patrick’s Day of 2005, I found out I was pregnant with my oldest son, Ayden.

A major shock, and a major life change, I put on a massive amount of weight. I ate anything “because I’m pregnant” and didn’t do much “because I’m pregnant” all while slowly regressing into a depression that caused me to turn to food even more. My relationship with Ayden’s father wasn’t healthy, it never had been in the 4 years we had been seeing each other. But of course, having Ayden pushed me to work harder to “fix” something that was irreparable.
In July of 2006, I became pregnant with my youngest son, Remington.

Again, without losing the weight I gained while pregnant with Ayden, I gained more and more. However, this time I promised myself that I wouldn’t reach 200 pounds. Upon arriving at the hospital to be induced for labor, I weighed in at 204, very heavy pounds.
After labor and before being released from the hospital, I ran to the hallway to weigh myself so I knew I wasn’t over my “never” weight. I weighed 202 pounds. I hadn’t even lost the weight of Remington. My “never” weight was now a reality. And it hit hard.
After this point, I kinda just gave up. I wasn’t happy at home (the boy’s father and I had split just before Remington was born), I wasn’t happy with myself, and I had absolutely no drive for anything.  No want. No anything. Over the years I returned to my kids father, working harder on a failed relationship than on myself, all the while “attempting” to eat healthy, or promising myself that I’ll exercise more. I did finally buy a treadmill… That he got in our divorce in 2010. Just one short year after our wedding.
Time went on, I finally got my feet under myself financially, got my own place after living with family,and found a wonderful man who I can call mine. He calls me cupcake thanks to a love a baking therapy I resorted to when we first met.

I purchased my very first home in November of 2012, and I couldn’t be more proud of it.

So now, “Tomorrow” is here. No more excuses. No more “Chunky Chinky" no more Heavy Cupcake.
Please join me on my journey of weight loss and happiness. I don’t want to be a skinny Minni, I just wanna be healthy. I want to NOT lose my breath walking the dog. I want to NOT struggle to jump in my jeep. I want to NOT be uncomfortable in every piece of clothing I own. I want to be me and enjoy my children. The journey starts here. I may jump around, I may fall off the wagon. (If I do, please remind me to get back on it) I plan on trying different routes, different forms of exercises, different foods, all while trying to find a healthier me.