santa baby {sunday sounds}

because it's that time of the year and in my most humble opinion the best santa baby out there. 

Eartha Kitt - Santa Baby

until next time

recent reads

I know I have been MIA around these parts lately, but I was still stalking the hell out of some of y'all.  So, today I thought I would share some of favorite things that I have read recently on the webnet.

1 // Ella is someone I always make a point to read and with this post she did not disappoint.  

2 // Working with kids for the past year and a half, I am always amazed at what comes out of their mouths.  And it sounds like Raven's kids are no different.  These will seriously make you LOL. 

3 // I need to be better about saving money. (Especially if we want to go to Europe next year).  This is a great reminder. 

4 // Even though I do not agree with Justin Bieber being on this list, Helene had the rest of them right.  Fo sho. 

5 // Since quitting a job I was in for 6.5 years a year and a half ago, this really spoke to me.  It is always important to be reminded that we have more control over our lives than we may think and life is too short to be miserable. 

6 // One of  my goals in 2014 is to do more DIY projects.  This would be the perfect thing to start with.

What have been some of your favorite posts lately?

until next time,

serpents {sunday sound}

insane in the membrane

Soooo, I started Insanity on Monday.  Kicked.  My.  Ass.  And Monday was only the fit test.  Yes, the fit test.  I was so sore yesterday and even more so today.  I knew I was out of shape but didn't really know how much.  Yesterday was my first Plyometric Cardio Circuit.  It was hard.  I wasn't able to complete most of the workouts (but I didn't feel that bad since some of the people on the video couldn't either).  But instead of getting mad at myself (which I would have done in the past) and turn off the tv (which I almost did a couple of times last night) I kept going.  I figured doing something was better than doing nothing. 

Since my ass was dragging all day (I haven't been this beat up since doing CrossFit) I honestly didn't think I would be able to get in today's workout.  But after some coffee, more food, and a little walk with my 11 week old boyfriend, I felt much better so I went ahead and did it.  It wasn't pretty but I finished.  So far I am 3 for 3.  I know how important it is to listen to your body but tomorrow is a Cardio Recovery (whatever that means) so I figured if I feel like death tomorrow it hopefully won't be as bad of workout.  

Here's to Cardio Recovery meaning what I hope it does!

Have you ever done Insanity?

What got you through when you felt like death?

I also weighed in this morning.  123.2lbs. I only gained 1lb from my last weigh-in 2 weeks ago.  And while this would bother me more normally, it was over Thanksgiving so I cannot complain too much.  Could have been, and has been in the past, a lot worse.

How are you doing?

What did you do to watch this Thanksgiving? 

Getting down to the last few weeks of my 365 project.  It truly is amazing how fast time flies when looking back, huh? 

Without further adieu; 

Nov 21, 2013.  Day 336 of 365. 

"Mercedes Sunrise"

Nov 22, 2013.  Day 337 of 365. 

"Baden Lights"

Nov 23, 2013.  Day 338 of 365. 

"Icon Book"

Nov 24, 2013.  Day 339 of 365. 

"Miner & Stopper"

"The Beer Market"

Nov 25, 2013.  Day 340 of 365. 

"Good Morning"

Nov 26, 2013.  Day 341 of 365.

"Snowy Trees (2)"

"Snowy Trees"

Nov 27, 2013.  Day 342 of 365.

"Drive Home"

Nov 28, 2013.  Day 343 of 365.

"Thanksgiving Walk"

Nov 29, 2013.  Day 344 of 365.

"Warming Up"

"Strip District Sunset"

Nov 30, 2013.  Day 345 of 365.

"Crappy Pie"

Dec 1, 2013.  Day 346 of 365.

"Old Economy Barn (2)"

"Old Economy Barn"

"Fall Meet Winter"

Dec 2, 2013.  Day 347 of 365.

"412"

Dec 3, 2013.  Day 348 of 365.

"Winter Sunset (2)"

"Winter Sunset"

Dec 4, 2013.  Day 349 of 365.

"Schorle"

Linking up with Heather and Shanna today! 

until next time

that time when weekend shenanigans lasted the whole week...

Our German visitors arrived the Friday before Thanksgiving.  It was the first time Sebastian had been back to Pitt in 10 years and Aline's (Sebastian's girlfriend) first visit to the city (but second visit to the US).  The husband and Sebastian met in the 6th grade when Sebastian moved to the states from Germany with his family and they have been friends ever since.  Kinda adorable, right?!

After dinner and some drinks we took the party back to our house for more drinks and lots of catching up

Old friends re-united.

And this guy spent the whole weekend on our couch.

On Sunday we ventured into the city to watch the Steelers play the Browns.  I am not sure if it was the freezing temps and bitter wind or the fact the Steelers have been sucking lately but it was dead.  Like creepy dead.  Absolutely no one was out.  We kept expecting zombies to jump out at us. (maybe we watch too much Walking Dead?)

I am not good at taking serious pictures. 

Luckily, the Germans got to see one Steelers win during their visit.  Same can't be said for Thanksgiving night when we lost a close game to the Ravens.  Anyway, after some day drinking we got back to the house to nap a little then decided to go see Catching Fire.  So good by the way.  I am re-reading the series again:)  And finding it just as hard to put down as I did the first time I read it.

I still had to work on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday but was fortunate enough to get some naps in with little girlfriend so I could stay up long enough to rally and get in on the lovely photo below.  We are so hard. 

The husband just looks special in this one. 

On Tuesday night, we met up with the inlaws for dinner and drinks so Sebastian could see them.  

Sebastian showing my FIL how to "work" his phone. (We'll just leave it at that.)

Since I was the DD for the week (which turned out not to be too bad since I never woke up with a hangover) there are no photos from the Wednesday night bar scene.  I was too tired and sober to take any photos but Thursday we made up for it.  

Aline and I cheersing with our glass of Mimosas while watching the parade and waiting for the boys men to get home from picking up our dinner at Boston Market. (yes you read that right) 

New favorite photo of us.  Waiting for the in-laws to get there for snacks and drinks. 

Girl talk over pumpkin martinis

Celebrating Thanksgiving with my favorite Germans

Thanksgiving dinner a la Boston Market. 

We then headed out around the neighborhood for some fresh air

Then on their last day, I tagged along with the Germans while husband worked, into the city for some lunch, Pittsburgh shopping and coffee before the Germans headed off to the Pitt vs Miami game.  I enjoyed being in the warm with Katniss over 2 cups of Mocha while waiting for the husband to get off work and the game to be over.  We then all met up at the Hofbrauhaus (we just couldn't resist.) Pittsburgh for appetizers and drinks.  Lots of drinks. 

Finally seated after our hour long wait.

That beer is bigger than my head!

Aline introduced me to a new drink, beer mixed with Sprite.  Yes it was good.  Wouldn't think so but it is.  Trust. 

And the boys the morning after.  I felt so bad for Sebastian and Aline since they had to travel home on the red eye.  But they made it home safe and sound.  

We had so much fun with the Germans and were very sad to see them go.  The house is just so quiet without them.  We are already looking at flights to visit Germany next year.

 Now the husband and I are in full de-tox mode.  We had a huge salad yesterday and I started Insanity today.  It was only the Fit Test and it kicked. my. ass.  Like to the point where I wanted to throw up and it was only the Fit Test.  This going to be really interesting... 

How was your Thanksgiving?

Linking up with Sami and Bre today! 

until next time