Monday Funday: NSV's all ova this place

Happy Monday, ya'll! I no longer dread Mondays because I finally have a job that I love going to. Life is good! Other than that, things have been business as usual.

A quick recap of this weekend in pictures:

 Yeah, we eat crawfish alot. Cajun through and through! I always have the calories for it so I'm good:)

 I think I'm shrinking! Left photo taken a few months ago. I encourage everyone to take progress photos!  Sometimes you don't see changes unless you see a side by side comparison.

S and I have been working out like mad people and it's paying off! I have two non-scale victories from the weekend/today to talk about. First off, yesterday after a baby shower for a friend, I did a little shopping, looking for some pants for work. You know how the harsh lights and mirrors of a dressing room always make you feel 10x worse about your body? For the first time in a long time ever, I didn't feel like crap undressing in a dressing room. I have a long way to go but I am finally noticing my progress and I am satisfied with the rate I'm going. I'm also down two pants sizes from when I was at my highest weight! Next stop, size 6. I feel like it is so within reach. A few months ago, I would've laughed at the thought. Even my spandex work out capris are getting loose. Holla for a dolla skinny boo boos!

Next NSV, my favorite dessert. Ya'll know "dirt cake"? Or cookies 'n cream? Basically every grocery store around here has some variation. It's basically a white fluffy pudding/whipped cream mix with crushed up oreos and unicorns and glitter. Amazing. It's my favorite and I could eat that shit in bulk. Today, I went to buy a bag of lettuce at a store near work (Yes, for real. The bag I bought yesterday was already bad. F!). Sitting right there was a large tub of cookies n cream goodness. I would never buy a pint size container and sit and eat it at work even though I'd love nothing more, but they also had small, single serving sizes. Normally, I'd have snatched up one of these suckers and shoved it down my throat. But guess what? I didn't. And I lived. I felt glorious and my ass and Beyonce booty (wishful thinking) are thanking me currently.

In other news, today we worked out chest and tris and I  am exhausted. My supa fly leopard print lifting gloves are so cute, and I'm not afraid to push myself anymore because it "hurts". Gym life is good these days! The scale is moving slow but I am seeing major changes in my body so I'll take it. I am still not running outdoors since my injury but I will be getting fitted for new running shoes this week and starting back very soon.

Operation Red Bikini in full effect. It's gonna happen.  I'm finally sure of it!

Total Randomness, Imagine that

Happy Thursday, yall! One more day till party time! (Ok I am exaggerating, I don't party but it sounded fun).

Today's post will be a random listing of all the things I've been wanting to blog about but haven't made the time for. I also need to apologize for lack of commenting on all my favorite girls' blogs. I'm about to catch up on that too so hold tight! My life has been a whole lot of this:

 

(meal prep: grilled chicken, fruit, veggies, hummus, etc. etc.)

And this:

(livin' in the gym)

This week is the week of that would have been my first half marathon (really, how many times will I talk about this shit?..) I just want to say, receiving daily emails for Rock n Roll half Marathon is like getting an e-vite to the wedding of the guy who just dumped you. Leave me alone you awesome marathon I wanted to run! On a happy note, ya'll go wish Leigh Ann good luck on Sunday. I know how truly excited she is to run her first half and I KNOW she will rock it. So happy for her and one day I know we'll run one together:)

On another note, every part of my body feels like it's been run over by a semi truck. Like I said a few posts back, I've been working out with my husband after work so I'm going a little harder than usual. Tuesday was leg day:

I usually love leg day as much as the creepy little girl above, but today I am hating it because it hurts. And my booty hurts. But I guess that's the point, right? I am excited to start seeing progress. My legs are my problem area and I'm determined to wear shorts and look like Beyonce in them this summer. I dream big okay? Also since I've been eating smaller meals more often, I find myself doing way better and not eating back all my calories burned like I used to. Please Mr. Scale, reflect this tomorrow for weigh in day!

I'm still going strong on the no cheat meals for Lent, too. With 98 days left of Operation Red Bikini (thanks to Ashley for pointing that out!), there is no time to cheat and hover over the same two pounds. I am also jumping on the Advocare bandwagon to get it right, get it tight, so look forward to details of that soon too. Kelly contacted me asking if I'd try it out and talk to you ladies about it and I am pretty pumped to start! For more information or to order your Advocare, check out Kelly's site here: https://www.advocare.com/13023675/default.aspx

Before I go, I want to share this little gem. Well, big if we're getting technical. I have always worn a regular bra to the gym, with a tank top with a built in bra on top, then a looser shirt on top of all that. I finally found a sports bra I love that provides enough support and doesn't have straps hanging out and all that other noise. And where did I find this bad boy? Walmart! For 11 bucks! I even had to return it because I hadn't tried it on and apparently I'm a 36 now, not a 38 anymore. Hollaaaaa.

 

That's all for now girls. Miss you all!

Clean-ish Eating and Passing a Plateau

Good morning lovelies! I am hoping this post even happens, as my eyes keep closing because it’s really Sunday at 9pm (A. I am a maw maw B. I have to plan this shit out.)

I am already seeing results from giving up cheat meals for Lent! I hadn’t had a loss in weeks or I’d lose less than a pound then gain more back. I knew I had to do something or I’d keep gaining and never wear that bikini. If this is going to happen, I have to take control. So I decided to eat smaller meals more often and go harder in the gym. I am losing slowly, but surely, and not gaining every ounce back. I am 15 pounds away from my high school weight and I have decided that will be my numerical goal for Operation Red Bikini. 

Below are today and tomorrow’s meals. Yes, I eat all the time. Gotta keep that metabolism going!

M1: 1 packet instant grits, 3 egg whites, coffee

M2: clementine, string cheese

M3: ½ C. quinoa, 3 oz. chicken, 1 cup green beans (cooked plain, added a little pepper after cooking)

M4: low fat cottage cheese with no sugar added peaches

M5: almonds

M6: ½ C. unsweetened almond milk, 1/3 scoop chocolate protein powder, 1 tbsp. PB2

M7: 4 oz. grilled chicken, 1 cup cauliflower, side salad with salsa for dressing

M1: 3 egg whites, 1 wheat tortilla, salsa

M2: clementine

M3: 3 oz. chicken, lettuce mix, 1/2 sliced cucumber, 1 oz. goat cheese, salsa for dressing

M4: Think Thin bar

M5: ½ C. unsweetened almond milk, 1/3 scoop chocolate protein powder, 1 tbsp. PB2

M6: 4 oz. grilled chicken, 1 cup vegetable, side salad with salsa for dressing

A few things. I eat immediately after waking up. My mid morning snack is around 9:30 and I eat M3 or lunch at 12:00. I have an afternoon snack around 3, workout around 4:30, then have a protein shake after. I only have a shake when I do strength training, not when I’m just doing cardio. I also need to stress that I am not a nutritionist (I wouldn’t be in this position if I were lol) but this is just what works for me. 

I am also the type of person who has to switch things up or I get burnt out. That’s why some days I have a salad, some days I have quinoa or rice with chicken and veggies. I am full of ideas, so if anyone is in need, feel free to comment or email me at kassiemromero@gmail.com. Make sure if your email isn’t attached to your comment, to leave your email address so I can respond! Also, check out my skinny girl food board on Pinterest for over 250 ideas! Hope everyone has a fab week and I’ll be back before Friday, promise!

Operation Red Bikini: Are your current actions getting you closer to your goal?

Happy Thursday (or Friday if you're reading) lovebirds! 

I haven’t done a post again this week due to just a sheer lack of what to say. I did want to touch on Operation Red Bikini today, though, so here I am, in all my “not ready to wear a bikini” glory.

I know so many of you are pinning and hashtagging and tweeting and blogging about your ORB efforts and I couldn’t be prouder. I try to show my love and support to every single picture. There are over 800 pictures with #operationredbikini on Instagram. How freakin’ amazing!

Here is where I stand:

Weight-My weight has been at a standstill the past few weeks, due to poor choices for Mardi Gras and “cheating” on weekends.

This is why I have committed to giving up cheat meals for Lent. No fried food, no cream sauce, cheese-covered anything, no ice cream, no cake, no candy for 40 days. I can do it. I won’t go cold turkey on everything but lettuce and rabbit food though. I will stay within my calorie allowance for the day, every day, and I will use my judgement on snacking. I am currently working on eating a little less protein because I think that also is a small factor in my lack of a loss. More on that in another post.

Work outs-I’ve been working out with my husband on a schedule, which is what I needed. With better work hours, we get off around the same time and have time for the gym and dinner. He works two body parts per day and rarely does cardio, so I’ve been working out with him then doing my cardio after. I feel like I’m actually making progress so I’ll continue working out with him for the time being. 

Half Marathon Training/Foot Injury- Well, I’m currently at a place where I can run like hell on the treadmill with zero pain during or after, but I run less than half a mile outside and I’m in pain for 2-3 days. It’s very frustrating. I officially cancelled our hotel on Wednesday and I’ve pretty much come to terms with the fact that I won’t finish that half with my group. It is sad and expensive and I learned to not register for another race till about a week before. No refunds-not fun. Training and registration has cost me a small fortune and I haven’t even been able to participate. Lesson learned, and I’ll start back running outside again soon enough. I’m just proud I didn’t give up on other workouts because the old me would’ve. 

Red Bikini-I tried it on the other day. While I see an improvement, I’m still not where I want to be, and May will be here before we know it. Time to buckle down girls!

Have you not been tracking your food as much as you used to? Have you skipped the gym a few times this week? Well if so, here is your kick in the ass to get it back in gear and remember your goals. Will your current actions get you closer to your goal? If not, you must change it up! We can and will do this! 

P.S. Be on the lookout for another Operation Red Bikini giveaway very soon!

Mardi Gras Randomness

Warning: This post is random as hell.

It's been a while since I posted because I've been super busy, but I promise to plan better and go back to posting 2-4 times a week soon!

I started a new job yesterday and I'm already off! For those who don't know, I live in Southern Louisiana, and today is Mardi Gras, so yes, we get off work for Mardi Gras. Yet another perk of living here. I am a terrible Mardi Gras'er this year though, no parades or anything Mardi Gras related. In my defense though, the weather's been crap.

Another perk:

Last Friday night S and I went to a restaurant that only serves boiled crawfish. They are so well known that you have to go hours before they even serve food to put your name on a list (I can't make this shit up). We heard you could go at 4 to put your name and then at 5 they seat you. Hangry figured an hour wait wouldn't be so bad. When we got there, though, we realized you could call in your name any time during the day or go in, put your name on the list, then leave and come back whenever. The moral of the story is, hangry ordered crawfish nachos (not pictured due to shame) because we didn't get seated till 8. Yes, 8:00. I have never and will never again wait that long for food. Big mama gotta eat. The crawfish really were amazing, but I'd settle for mediocre and quick any day. Hangry is as hangry does (we should've made this a drinking game. That's four hangry's so far).

So with today being Mardi Gras, Lent starts tomorrow. I'm not really religious, but I was brought up Catholic. I usually never give up anything for Lent but this year I think I am gonna do it big and give up cheat meals. That's 40 days of no cheats. I'm terrified of how I'll do this, but I'm gonna try none the less. I have that red bikini lurking and I've had to many cheat meals/days to ever wear that thing. Time to get serious.

Ohh and I wanna share my latest food find. I am absolutely obsessed with almonds lately. My favorites are Blue Diamond BBQ Habenero and Toasted Coconut. Then..I found this..I may be in love. No, no I am. I found these at Target, but they weren't available in the small jars so I bought the whole bag, knowing I'd love these. I want to lay in a bath tub filled with them maybe.

Before I go, I just discovered this amazing artist, ZZ Ward. My coworker told me about her yesterday and I've already downloaded 4 of  her songs. This one is GREAT for cardio. Download it immediately. Your welcome.

Weekend Recap + Sasha Fierce

Well my weekend was a great one and I'm sad to see it go, but actually happy to get this week started as it's my last week at my job. I am so thrilled to say I will be starting a job that will be a MUCH better fit for me. I have never and will never discuss specifics of my career but let me just say I'm pretty pumped!

Friday night, S and I had a dinner date with plans to call it an early night. My foot was finally feeling back to normal so I planned to run with my group for the first time in weeks. Just my luck though, I set my alarm, all ready to go, and left my phone on the kitchen counter. No alarm, no waking up in time. I was bummed but still got a great run in. After running and showering, S and I headed to Washington, Louisiana for a day of sightseeing and antiquing. This quaint little town is known for its flea markets and their old school house that was transformed into a massive antique store.

 How adorable is this hat my mother in law crocheted for me?

We spent about two hours there then headed back towards home, before stopping at another huge flea market we had never been to. We somehow made it out without buying a thing, but had a great day together. After browsing, we had a very unhealthy lunch. Oops.

Saturday night S, our neighbor JD, and I took the four wheelers out and about in the country area around our house. We had a blast and got just a little muddy!

Sunday was extremely productive for us too. I got cocky and felt like running again. The weather was too perfect to stay inside. I paid for it all day though, because my foot gave me trouble again. Guess I gotta lay off the running for a few more days:-/

After my short run, we headed to JC Penney for me to return a too big sweater (still buying XL's out of habit, when will I learn?) and I scored a hot pink blazer for $20. Right up my alley. After JC, we hit up the grocery store to fight the crazy Super Bowl party shoppers get food for the week. My plan is to do salads every day for lunch and as low carb as possible the rest of the day.

Last night I made Skinny Taste's Spaghetti Squash and Cheese and it was delish! Lots of leftovers for the week.

In other news, I'm participating in Courtney's Diet Bet this go round and I'm so excited! I wish I had done it over the holidays but I definitely would not miss it this time. Basically, everyone who participates pays $35 and anyone who loses 4% of their body weight in 4 weeks splits the pot. I needed a little extra motivation for Operation Red Bikini because May will come quick! Let's hope I look suitable enough to post a picture of that, and let's hope a certain hubby J doesn't post a picture of Operation Red Speedo. Yes J, I just gave you a shout out even though you're too famous to give me one! Whine whine whine.

Before I go, I need to touch on the subject of my girl Bee-yons and her fabulous Super Bowl half time performance. I admit I only tuned in to see Ms. Sasha Fierce and Destiny's Child Reunite..and it felt so good. How smokin' hot did this woman look? Just when I thought I couldn't want to be her any more...

 

May have to update my Beyonce picture in my pantry...

Photo sent to me by the always fabulous, Elle Noel. Amen sista.

Oh and before I go, another non-scale victory! slipped into a pair of jeans and a t shirt from high school! I haven't worn either of these for over years but they both fit, no problem. Holla for a dolla honey boo boo!

What's in my Makeup Bag? (I know you're on the edge of your seat)

I posted a picture on Instagram this morning showing you my "makeup bag." I normally keep my every day stuff in a bag in my bathroom drawer for easy access every day. The train case is just extra space for all my products and brushes when I do makeup for weddings, Mardi Gras balls, proms, etc. The picture was taken before I unpacked from last weekend's ball. I don't need that much makeup to be suitable to be seen in public! Atleast I don't think.

I saw a few of you posting what was in your makeup bag so I thought I'd do a post on my favorites/ essentials. I used to work at the Lancome counter in our local Macy's and have been doing makeup ever since. I love doing it and wish I could live in a big city and do makeup all day long. Over time I've tried so many brands and products and I can definitely say some things are worth buying name brand for, and some things simply aren't.


First, moisturizer. You can buy any $45 brand you want, but this $6 Aveeno (can be found at any drug store or Walmart) one is my favorite.

 

 

Brushes. I have several cheap Face Secret brushes (purchased at Sally's Beauty Supply) that I love. My powder and blush brushes come from there, but I haven't found a cheap version of a foundation brush that's as good as this one from Lancome. I've had it since I worked there, over 4 years ago. I recommend applying foundation with a brush because a sponge hoards germs like a public toilet.

I've tried tons of foundations and my favorite is Clinique Superbalanced Foundation. I love the coverage and the shade I wear (Alabaster) matches my Casper-esque face oh so well.

I always go for a translucent powder because in the summer I get a little darker and I don't want to look as Casper-like. My favorite powder is Sephora's Sculpting disk. I use it for shading and when I do get darker, I mainly use the bronzer as a powder. It's about $27 but lasts for months. You can't tell from this picture but it's about 3 times the size of a regular powder compact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After I apply my foundation and powder, I fill in my brows with Maybelline Expert Brow Pencil in Black Velvet (I don't make these names up, people) I think everyone should shade in their brows, whether they are black like mine or light blonde. It just gives the face a more framed look. I always buy the cheap versions of eye brow pencils and eyeliners because it's the same thing as name brand, only a few bucks instead.

 

 

 

 

My favorite eye liner:

Another Maybelline product. I rotate between black and brown and always wear liquid. I find a pencil liner doesn't last the whole day on my lids. This tiny tube lasts me months, as opposed to 1-2 months I've gotten out of expensive versions.

 

Of course, like everyone and their mama, I love the Naked 2 palette. I just got it for Christmas but it's great because it has every color I need for a day to day basis. Before this, I only used MAC shadows because they last through the day and have great pigment. They run $15 a piece though and with the Naked palette you get 12 colors for $50. I still love my MAC shadows but will use my Naked Palette till it runs out.

 

 

 

And my favorite mascara:

 

This is another product you can skimp on. You don't need a $35 mascara to get the job done. I always buy Maybelline and this seems to work best on me. I've tried the maroon tube with the white mascara on one side  (you know, the one everyone loves) and I HATE it. It comes off in spider leg looking clumbs in the shower and I don't find it makes my lashes look long. To each his own though.

 

All this being said, I will stress again that you don't need to buy the most expensive makeup brands to look fabulous. The only thing I'd bite the bullet and spend a little more on is foundation and a foundation brush. Everything else is just icing on the cake.

 

 

 

A few of you have asked me to do a makeup tutorial so I'll be doing one this weekend hopefully and posting next week. Would you rather see my every day makeup look or a more dramatic look?