7 HUGE changes in only 6 weeks!!!!!

Well, I am in utter shock at how quickly time has been moving!

A lot has been happening in my life over the last 6 weeks.

Originally the below graphic was just to illustrate the 6-week shred program that Spencer and I started... 

but it now means so much more!

To begin with, we finished our 6 weeks on the Shred Program, and I have to say... I LOVED IT! Spencer and I both lost about 15 lbs and we feel great! We ended up starting the program again (skipping week 1 since its more about prep). Both of us don't see this as a diet, but as a lifestyle change. Sure, we are still following the meal plan closely so we can continue to shred the pounds, but overall, I just like the structure of the program and I feel healthy.

One of my favorite things about it was that I was introduced to the world of delicious smoothies! I love mixing them up with a little skim milk, some greek yogurt, spinach and delicious fresh or frozen fruit (and a little flax from time to time)! No additional sugars are needed, especially now that my favorite fruits are fresh and in season! My personal favs are strawberry mango and mango pineapple with spinach. mmmm so tasty! I also really love Kale chips. They are just kind of fun to eat and they are totally and completely guilt free. Spencer says it's like eating air, but I love em!

I am also proud to say that I have finished Grad School! I had my final presentation 2 weeks ago and I now just have to do some paperwork formalities and prep to walk the stage! It only took me 4 long years, but I officially have an M.S. in Marketing Communications, and I couldnt be happier to be done!

My responsibilities at work have tripled! New changes in my job have given me a promotion, just not in pay or title (yet). I am officially in charge of all marketing for our STL office. It requires flying to St. Louis and staying overnight one night a week. I handle all of the bigger office initiatives, as well as the planning for each of the individual attorneys and local practice groups. Basically, i'm exhausted. I'm not in love with all the travel and I hope I won't have to go out there so regularly once they become comfortable with me. On the plus side: HELLO FREQUENT FLYER MILES!

And speaking of .. Spencer and I booked an anniversary trip to Mexico!!!!!!! We are returning to Mexico to celebrate three years together, and staying the same hotel chain, just further up the peninsula. :) Our hotel is the Excellence Playa Mujeres and I can't wait! We will be there October 25th - November 4th in a beautiful all inclusive beachfront suite. Ahhhh endless drinks, cabana boys, fresh fruit smoothies, delicious sushi, fresh avocado, amazing shows, beautiful views... I don't think I can stand the wait! (AND because of all my frequent flyer miles... We are flying first class baby!!!! Big comfy seats, exceptional service, ahhhh what a life!)

But, It's not just me experiencing huge exciting changes over the last 6 weeks....

Spencer started a brand new job yesterday! He now works in the distribution center for Helzberg Diamonds. :) I think he's really going to end up loving it! ...and if I end up with some pretty, sparkly things in the meantime then great!

And one of the biggest changes of all is that my family grew by one!

My sister, Andi, delivered my beautiful new niece on April 9. 2013!

Please meet Elaine (Lainey) Madison Osiek :)

Wow... It's been a whirlwind!
Here's to hoping that the next 6 weeks are just as good!

♥
Jenni

Week 1 bites the dust

I have officially gotten through week 1! And along with the end of week 1, I said goodbye to four whole pounds! I feel really good and I can already feel my clothes fitting better.

Last week was crazy, and we spent a LOT of time shoveling snow from the driveway and the back porch. Overall I believe we had about 12-14" on the ground, and it's not over! Tonight, into tomorrow afternoon the KC metro is going to be hit by ANOTHER 12" or so! I don't think I have seen this much snow since Spencer and I got engaged during the 2009 Christmas blizzard!

On the plus side, I may get to spend some more time at home with this cute little snow bunny!

Stay safe and warm everyone!

♥

Jenni

Digging out

Well, I have officially been home for two snow days in a row! I thought snow days would end when I was done with school, but happily my office closed down! I love getting paid to sit around and play with the dogs (in between shoveling piles of snow of course)

The entire metro has been hit by 12+" of fluffy white snow, and its super cold! Mia absolutely loves it and has been romping around like a little snow bunny! Betty on the other hand just wants to sleep all day. Overall, it's been a lot of fun. :)

We are also on Day 5 of our 6 week Shred. I have to say, I feel slimmer. I am sure I haven't lost a substantial amount of lbs, but I feel thinner and I feel my energy levels are up. In addition to the diet, we also have a workout regimen that goes with it. Yesterday required 40 minutes of cardio. We never ended up making it to the gym, but I think the snow shoveling activities we engaged in all afternoon definitely made up for it! I feel tender and my sides hurt each time I move. Lots and lots of bending, lifting, twisting and heaving can do that!

Today the plan is to finish up the snow removal, enjoy a nice hot shower, get some homework done and then later tonight catch up with the season finale of Downton Abbey! :) I don't watch it when it airs because Spencer isn't a fan and I have to wait until he's gone. It has been a crazy week of avoiding Facebook posts since it aired last sunday, but I have been successful, and there will be no spoilers! 

Stay warm everyone!

♥

Jenni

6 Weeks of BIG changes

Hello old and new friends. How are you all? In the past year I have had a lot of big changes. I've changed jobs, stopped traveling and really pushed myself to finish up school. Now with the start of 2013 I am ready for another big change!

Recently I purchased the book "Shred: The Revolutionary Diet" by Dr. Ian Smith...

Now, I am the first person to shut down at the idea of a diet and CRINGE at the idea of counting calories... but something about the way Dr. Smith explained his plan caught my attention. He was interviewed on my favorite morning talk show and his plan just sounded realistic. (and the idea of losing 30 pounds or 2 sizes in 6 weeks really did excite me!) So I bought the book...I read it... and I decided to go for it! The whole idea behind the Shred is to eat smaller portions all day long and keep your metabolism going. We are talking 4 meals a day PLUS 3 snacks! I have been eating so much that I feel I never stop! (Which means I don't ever feel hungry or starved) AND there is no counting of calories! We eat the foods that are recommended in the book and it takes all of the guesswork out. It also has an exercise schedule, and I am a girl who loves to follow a schedule. If I leave it up to myself to choose "healthy" foods and hit the gym I often find myself saying, "Well, one bag of peanut butter cups wont hurt", or, "I can eat LOTS of gummy bears! They are fat free!" I also often find my head filled with excuses and bargaining when it comes to the gym. "hmmm, if I dont go to the gym today then I will for sure go tomorrow." But do I go tomorrow? yeah... not very often...

Yesterday was our first day on the Shred, and on day 2 I already feel more energized, and I woke up this morning without feeling bloated or disgusting. It's only been one day, but I have good feelings that this will work.

So what else do I have going on in the next 6 weeks?

I GRADUATE!!!! I will be done with school in 6 weeks! I can't believe that after all of this time I will officially be able to say that I hold a Masters Degree! :) It feels good to be the Master of something!

and if that wasn't good enough...

I'm going to be an aunt to a beautiful little niece  My sister is pregnant with baby #2 and I can't wait to meet lil' Ms. Lanie in a very short time. :)

I am so excited for the next 6 weeks and I promise to keep everyone updated as I go through this process. I am hoping for great things!

Wish me Luck!

♥

Jenni

Sparkle Sparkle!

A few weekends ago my mom, sister and I got together and went through my grandmothers jewelry. Being a smoker, everything was absolutely filthy. We divided everything up and I headed home knowing everything would need a nice cleaning before I would wear it.

While at mom’s my sister had given me a tip of how to clean it, and I can’t believe how well it worked! All of the smoke, grime, dirt, discoloring, etc. is gone and it was soooo easy! So what was this magic product?

Yeah, Mr. Clean floor cleaner. (The yellow kind) Just take a bowl, pour some in and let your jewelry sit in it for a few hours, or even overnight. Aparantly the floor cleaner is gentle enough it won’t harm the jewlry, but it cleans deep. Once I pulled out each item I just had to rinse it off and scrub it with a soft-bristle brush. Voila! Beautiful sparkling jewelry!

Happy Tuesday!

♥

Jenni

PS- Make sure to only use the yellow one. The colored ones may leave a slight color cast due to the dye that add to make them look that way.

PPS- Tonight is my last finance class ever! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy End of November!

I just love this time of year...

The world has a warm glow to it...

The leaves crunch under my feet wherever I walk...

Snuggling under a blanket is the best after work activity of all...

School is almost on break for a few weeks...

Twinkly lights fill my living room...

The drive home is like driving through a sparkling wonderland...

The smell of evergreen is everywhere...

and everyone just seems to smile more.

We had a marvelous weekend filled with seeing family and relaxing. Well, at least I relaxed. No rest for the retail worker... Sorry hunny! Black Friday is one of my favorite days of the year. You won't find me running through the stores at 2am, but you will find me sleeping in until 9...waking up to make some warm coffee and snuggling in to do some "couch shopping". I can hit all of my favorite stores, find great deals and watch Christmas movies on TV all at the same time! I got a few really great deals, but i'm still far from done... which is ok because I actually love to shop for people. :) To find that perfect gift that will make them smile. It's just one of the best things about the holidays!!!

Other exciting things...

We find out this week if my sister is having a boy or a girl!

I am getting to design pretty Holiday invitations at work.

Holiday teas, like spiced plum are everywhere!

...and last but not least...

New photos of the puppies!!!

Only 3 more days until the weekend :)

♥

Jenni

Burritos, Chocolate & Turkey?

I can’t believe that in 4 short days I will be devouring a lions share of turkey, mashed potatoes and hot buttered rolls. Mmmmm my mouth is salivating just thinking about the delicious Thanksgiving Smorgasbord that I will be putting into it!

Each year time seems to slip away faster and faster. It’s crazy for me to think that I am now almost 30, months away from a Masters degree and in my 3^rd “career” since my undergrad graduation! Life has a funny way of speeding up without you realizing it. I don’t have to tell you all that this year has been especially hard, but it’s also been amazing and rewarding. I feel like my life is on the right track in regards to my family, my career and the amazing future that I know I am heading into it. I just can’t help but be Thankful…

I’m a little behind on the Thankful train… 19 days to be exact… but these are the things I can’t help but think about in all of those quiet moments. The things that make me smile and reflect on how very lucky I am.

♥ First and foremost I am thankful for my husband. He has gone by many names to me this past year… My monkey, My Rock, My “Porpoise” and my Big Grizzley Bear… but he is the one person who I know I can always rely on and I love standing beside.

♥ I am thankful for my babies. Mia & Betty may be INCREDIBLY annoying at times… like at 4am when I get scratched in the side or pounced on with urgent demands to go outside… but they make me smile, they comfort me when I’m sad and they bring so much laughter into our home.

♥ While I’m at it…I’m thankful for our home! It’s tiny, it’s unique and it’s just perfect for Spencer and I as we grow our family. We’ve even been doing some long awaited decorating! (photos will come soon!)

♥ I am thankful for Restoration Hardware blankets. They are soft, fuzzy and I love snuggling up on the couch with one each evening.

♥ School… ick. I may hate going to classes. I may throw a HUGE temper tantrum each Tuesday night at I head out the door. But without school I wouldn’t have the job I do or feel the sense of accomplishment that I do.

♥ …and lets not forget my job! I get to be home each night! How great is that?! No more hotels for me J

♥ A big thank you to the Republic of Tea! I love having a warm cup of tea each morning as I check my emails and prepare for another day on the clock. Mmmm Plum spice J

♥ And it may be cheezy, but thank you IMDB. I love checking out the upcoming movies, seeing that’s playing now and being able to look up quick facts like, “Who was that chick with the pink hair?!”

♥ Chipotle burritos… you know I wouldn’t forget about you! Warm cilantro lime rice with shredded carnitas and LOTS of delicious guac! On my goodness, date night wouldn’t be the same without you!

And who could forget…

♥ Starbucks Peppermint Mochas and Cranberry Bliss Bars for being so delicious.

♥ The Walking Dead for giving Spencer and I a great Sunday night date.

♥ Hoodies! Who doesn’t love hoodies??

♥ My Kindle. I still love the smell of paper, but I LOVE being able to read and not hurt my wrist from the heavy weight of a book. J

♥ Dark Chocolate. I hated the stuff as a kid… but now I wish I could have it every single day!

♥ Soup Season. Beginning in October and moving through February I eat soup for just about every single lunch.

♥ Clear blue skies and bright fall leaves for my drive home

♥ Space heaters…because it’s super cold in my office!!!

...and of course, my friends, my family and my health. 

I believe that goes without saying...

Happy Turkey Week!

“Gobble Gobble”

♥

Jenni