Thursday Thoughts - Vol 32

Happy Thursday! Last Wednesday I was little under the weather so I didn't manage to get my Thursday Thoughts put together, but I'm back this week!

1. I've got puppy fever. It's bad. It's been so warm in Kansas City the last week, and there are people out with their dogs everywhere. I get so envious, but then I remember how much work puppies can be, and how much I love quick weekend trips. Evie's fine for a few days on her own, but a puppy? Not so much. Who has a dog they want to loan me occasionally? :)
2. Tootsie rolls are a really underrated candy. I would never think to buy them myself, but we have a big bowl of them in the reception area at work, and I might have had one four yesterday afternoon, and they were delicious...but not the fruit flavored ones. Those are gross. Chocolate only.
3. I really wish Starbucks drinks were more consistent. Gosh I sound like such a bratty, white girl. #firstworldproblems ...but really. Last week I ordered a skinny hazelnut latte, and it was disgusting. So gross in fact, that I ended up pouring half of it down the drain, but yesterday, yesterday I ordered the exact same thing, and it was the most delicious latte ever. What a tough life I have.
4. Speaking of tough, last Wednesday I had a halo laser treatment in an attempt to get rid of some acne scaring, and good golly that thing was painful. They give you a numbing cream prior to the treatment, but there's nothing quite like the smell of burning skin. Not to mention I looked like a chipmunk for the next two days because my face was so swollen. Cory kept telling me I looked like a Bratz doll. He's so kind like that. I'll spare you any pictures. I'm still peeling pretty bad right now, but I think it helped so fingers crossed my scars are gone! 
5. Do you guys have one position you HAVE to sleep in? Last week after my treatment I was instructed to sleep elevated on my back to prevent swelling, and it was awful. I cannot sleep on my back. I have a Fitbit that tracks sleep, and it said I was restless 37 times. THIRTY SEVEN how is that even possible!?! Oh ya. I was awake the entire night. I sleep on my stomach or not at all apparently. Lord help me if I'm ever pregnant. That will be the longest 9 months of my life.
6. I'm getting ready to list my house for sale so Cory and I spent Sunday cleaning out my basement (thanks Cory!). We took FOUR car loads of crap to Goodwill, and I still have half a car full of more crap to donate still. I think I was well on my way to becoming a hoarder. At least I wasn't hoarding cats? Have you all seen those people on TV? So disturbing..
7. This list of 50 Of The Happiest Feelings To Remember On a Bad Day is kinda perfect. Happy Thursday Friends!

Thursday Thoughts - Vol 31

Happy Thursday! I have the day off work tomorrow so today is technically my Friday which I couldn't be happier about! Let's get to Thursday Thoughts!

1. Ever since my first Whole 30 last year, I've been obsessed with putting avocado in my smoothies. Have you all tried it?!? It makes it so creamy, delicious, and dessert-like. Obviously it isn't as good as a real milkshake, but still good none the less....and now I'm craving a milkshake. There's this fast food restaurant in the South called Cook Out. Midwesterners probably aren't familiar, but if you ever find yourself nearby one, order a peach cobbler milkshake. You will not be disappointed.
2. Was anyone else super disappointed there wasn't a cute Budweiser Clydesdale and/or dalmatian commercial during the Super Bowl?!? It's my favorite commercial every. single. year. I mean I guess it's a good thing they're trying to advocate against drunk driving, but give me the heart wrenching, lifelong friendship between a Clydesdale and his trainer that still makes me tear up any day. Seriously if that commercial doesn't make you cry just a little I don't think you have a heart.
3. Speaking of animals and crying, does anyone else full on sob when an animal dies in a movie but barely shed a tear when a human dies? Does this make me a bad person? Probably. 



Animals over people any day! ...I'm not sure Evie appreciates my sentiment.

4. I didn't celebrate National Pizza Day this week, and I'm still regretting it so there's that.
5. Is anyone giving up something for Lent? I'm not even Catholic, but I usually try to think of something to go without until Easter, but this year I'm at a loss. Any ideas?
6. I'm so excited for this I can hardly stand it. An 8th Harry Potter installment?!? Best. Summer. Ever.

Thursday Thoughts - Vol 30

Hi there! Happy Thursday! I'm probably going to make this short and sweet because I have a lot of baking projects to finish up this evening, but I didn't want to leave you hanging...all 7 of you!

1. Ummm how cute are these donut cookies?!? I think they might be my most favorite cookies I've ever made. 
2. Can we talk about the Bachelor for a second? It drives me absolutely nuts when they end an episode before the rose ceremony. I've already wasted TWO hours of my life watching so the least you could do is show me the 5 minutes I really care about. But noooooo, now we have to wait until next week to see if evil Olivia gets what she deserves. I'm guessing she doesn't, but one can always hope.
3. Every time I'm at the gym, I have a fear that somehow my headphones are going to come unplugged, and my music will blare out loud for everyone to hear. I'm pretty sure I would be mortified if anyone heard what I listen to while I'm running (or let's be honest, lately walking). Hint: there are lots of show tunes, 90's rap, and of course, T. Swift.
4. Speaking of Taylor Swift, I don't think I will ever tire of 1989. Such. Good. Songs. I've been having solo dance parties in my kitchen every night this week while working on baking projects. I'm so cool.
5. I wish I was talented enough to flat iron curl my hair. My hair stylist makes it look SO easy. She's tried to show me more times than I can count yet it never quite works when I try it at home. Fail.
6. Cory was getting so frustrated with me on Saturday trying to take the previous picture. Doesn't he know lighting and angles are everything?! He's going to have to learn to be a better Instagram husband once we tie the knot in July. Hah! Kidding...kind of...
7. Has anyone read any good books lately? I was really on a roll last year reading at least one book a month, but so far I've been slacking in 2016. Any suggestions are welcome!

Have a great day everyone! 

Thursday Thoughts - Vol 29

Happy Thursday! Have you made Valentine's Day Strawberry Puppy Chow yet? If not, you should make it this weekend! For now, here's Thursday Thoughts:

1. I went to Target last week to buy a few groceries and miscellaneous household items, but came out with a swimsuit (in January when I have no warm vacations planned), Valentine's day socks, a zillion Valentine's Day decorations, and Valentine's Day candy...when I'm doing Whole 30. Why did I think that was a good idea? Peanut m&ms have been tempting me all week. So far I've stayed strong, but we'll see if I make it through the weekend. Also, Target takes all my money. I shouldn't be allowed in there by myself with unlimited time to browse.
2. I need to stop watching weeknight KU basketball games. I think I'm bad luck. On Monday KU was winning literally the entire time until I turned it on. Guess I need to stick to the Bachelor on Monday's.
3. I stayed up until 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday working on a puzzle sooooo there's that. 
4. I'm a little scared to confess this for fear of being shunned by the entire blogger and health community, but I cannot get on board with kale. I don't know how many times I've ordered a kale salad hoping this time I would love it, but I just don't. I can't. It's so strong tasting. I bought kale slaw salad mix and kale chips on my weekly Trader Joe's run this week, and regretfully I can't say I've fallen madly in love with either. 
5. Ohhhhh to grow up in a family of three girls! Pretty sure I can relate to all of these photos unfortunately (or fortunately. Love you Mandy and Brooke haha). Be sure to check out these 18 Photos That Won't Make Sense to Sisterless Families if you have sisters! Those scratch marks bring back memories for sure. The amount of fights we had over who was on who's side of the car on road trips, who got the computer during prime AOL hours, and who stole who's clothes will never be forgotten. 
6. It's almost scary how perfectly this list of 11 Things Every 'Type A' Person Wants You to Know describes me. I'd rather die than be late (I'm habitually 15 minutes early to almost everything), and I seriously couldn't function without my to-do list. My nervous habit? If you know me at all then you definitely know it's playing with my ring...and dropping said ring. :)

I'm back!

Hi friends! It’s been awhile….like months. So as some of you may have noticed, the website I had been using no longer exists. Life got busy. I started a new job in September that has basically consumed my life for the last 5 months (but I love it!), and when my site expired I honestly didn’t even notice for a reeeeeeally long time, and then when I did notice it wasn’t a top priority. Anyways, long story short, everything is gone. Wah wah. They can’t recover any of the content so I guess the last year of my life didn’t really happen. Does that make me 29 again?!? J I wish. Anyways, I’ve decided that rather than pay for a domain name and hosting and all that nonsense, I’m just going to go old school, and use jendoebakes.blogspot.com again. Cool? Cool. Maybe at some point I’ll try to get everything updated on this site (maybe I can convince my dear friend Ashley to help me. Hi Ashley). Until then you’ll just have to live with the old name and a super outdated picture and a profile that says I’m 26.

Okay so let’s see. What have I been up to since we last talked?! I’ve been working a lot. I tried to start the BBG program, but failed miserably. I went on a few vacations (Charleston, Chicago, Tuscaloosa, Oklahoma City, Portland, Cancun/Tulum). I did some wedding planning. I turned 30. I baked a lot. I celebrated the holidays with my family, and most recently, I started another round of Whole 30 because I basically went the entire month of December eating whatever I wanted and not working out at all. Hello wedding diet. If you want a full recap and to see what I’m up to on a daily basis you can follow me on Instagram. J

I’ll try to get some updated recipe posts on here asap. The good thing is my weekends are pretty wide open since I can’t go eat delicious meals (of course it’s Kansas City restaurant week) right now or go out drinking (not that I do that a whole lot anyways) so there’s plenty of time for blogging…and doing jigsaw puzzles. Seriously. I just bought two last weekend. Buy 1 get 1 50% off at Barnes and Noble in case anyone is wondering! Okay, I’ll stop my rambling, and leave you with a few Thursday Thoughts just like old times.

1. I hate the cold. I’m over winter, and I have a feeling it’s only just getting started. After Cory and I get married we’re moving South. Peace out snow and ice and single digit temps. 
   
2. I just discovered that my planner for this year has inspirational quotes every day. Kind of obsessed. Today’s is “Always do what you are afraid to do.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson. I’d say that’s a good one. Wouldn’t you? 
   
3. Speaking of planners, does anyone else have to use a good old fashioned paper planner? I understand that it’s 2016, and there are these things called cell phones with digital calendars built in, but I just can’t get on board with that. Maybe it’s my type A, OCD personality, but I like being able to write things down and cross them off. Putting a little check next to items on a screen just doesn’t give me the same level of satisfaction.
4. I found a new royal icing recipe last night which I’m super excited about. When I bake cookies, not only do I want them to look pretty, but I actually want them to taste good too. Is that too much to ask? Most royal icing dries SO hard. I feel like I’m going to chip a tooth biting into one. I think this recipe might have finally solved that issue. Only problem is I’m doing Whole 30 right now so I can’t taste test. Guess I found an excuse to bake some Valentine’s Day cookies in 11 days. 
5. You know what else is really unfortunate? I won a Black Card from Doughnut Lounge last Fall which is probably like the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. I get one free donut a day FOR LIFE. Every. Single Day. Pretty amazing. Unfortunately I only made it there once before starting Whole 30. I don't think donuts are on my wedding diet either, but I may have to make a few exceptions because let's face it, life it better with donuts. 
   

This has turned into quite a long post so I guess I'll sign off for the day. Have a great day everyone!

Thursday Thoughts - Vol 28

Happy Halloween Eve! Thursday Thoughts are here!

1. Clean sheets are one of the best things on earth. There's just something about crawling into soft sheets that smell like fresh meadows and rain. Mmmmmmmm. Comfy cozy. 
   
2. Speaking of beds and sleeping, a few days ago I had a less than stellar night of sleep. I had a dream...let me correct myself, a horrible, horrible nightmare...I woke up and my bottom teeth were SO crooked. I'm talking couldn't even attempt to wedge my bottom retainer back in, snaggletooth crooked. They were the kind of crooked that could only be fixed by a second round of braces. The horror! I woke up in a cold sweat. Luckily, my bottom retainer was in place, and my teeth were still relatively straight. Phew. You can all exhale in relief now.
3. You know what is almost as gross as crooked teeth? Playoff beards. Woof. I'm sorry, but all these baseball players look so dirty. It's time to shave boys so we can see those pretty little faces of yours...and while we're at it, let's just all forget about no-shave November this year. 5 o'clock shadows = sexy. Full beards = creepy.
4. How I just recently discovered Trader Joe's macarons is a mystery to me, but they are fabulous. I wish I could buy an entire package of the pistachio flavored ones. So yummy. Good thing they only stay good for 2 days after you thaw them out. Thank you TJs for an excuse to eat an entire package of cookies in 48 hours. 
   
5. I do not, I repeat, do not understand people who like 20 of my Instagram pictures in a row yet do not follow me. If you like that many of my pictures I've already taken won't you like them in the future?! Don't think for a second I'm going to start following you. Doesn't work like that. Sorry.
6. You guys. I cannot take vegan leather jackets. I mean really, they are just plastic, pleather, PVC jackets. Why is everyone trying to make them sound way fancier than they really are?! Putting the words vegan and leather together is a contradiction. If you are vegan, you don't wear leather. You wear PVC. It is a plastic jacket. Let's call it that.
7. So I did just buy myself a real leather jacket a few weeks ago, and wouldn't you know I've already spilled all over it. Last week I was getting out of my car at work (in the rain), and I dropped my badge. I went to bend down and pick it up and being the dummy I am, I forgot I had a smoothie in my hand. I somehow managed to dump almost the entire smoothie into and down the front of my purse and coat sleeve. I am such a klutz. I should probably stick to pleather.
8. You didn't think I would let an entire Thursday Thoughts go by without mentioning Taylor Swift did you?!? No way. No how. It is album release week, and boy is it a good one! If you haven't listened to 1989 I highly suggest getting up and driving your butt to Target right this second. Seriously. Stop reading this and go! If you have heard it, bravo. You can vote for your favorite track here, and if you're crazy like me you can take this quiz to see which Taylor Swift album you are. 
   

Thursday Thoughts - Vol 27

Maybe I'll try this blogging thing again? We'll see. Since it's Fall, and there are yummy things I want to cook and bake I'll give it another shot, but first, Thursday Thoughts.

1. The coffee at work has got to be the grossest thing ever. I can usually stomach it with the help of a pack of Splenda, but this morning I couldn't find any in the break room so I was forced to drink it black. The faces I made after every sip were probably pretty comical. Thank goodness for the privacy of my high cube walls.
2. My phone knows me too well. A few weeks ago I was texting Cory and my phone autocorrected to Iwanttobeacat. No joke.
   
3. I'm giving up on eBay. I bought some boots last week, and I was so excited for them, but alas I took them out of the box on Monday morning, and they were both for the left foot. Wah wah. They also didn't zip over my enormous calves, but that is beside the point. What a great way to start the week right? Two left feet and I have fat calves. Awesome. I will never buy anything on eBay again. Really...even if it is a really, really good deal.
4. If you live in Kansas and you go to Louisburg Cider Mill this Fall then you must order a Cyclone. You guys - apple cider slushy, soft serve vanilla ice cream, and crumbled, warm apple cider donut. It is probably the most indulgent thing ever and probably the most delicious. Order it. Seriously. 
   
5. To what type of event could I wear these shoes? I really want an excuse to buy some. Too. Freaking. Cute. 
   
6. Traveling so much this past year has made me realize I have a lot of pet peeves when it comes to airports and flying. Let's talk about baggage claim. Is it really necessary to get as close as humanly possible to the conveyor belt? How about we all stand a reasonable 5 feet back so that everyone can see the bags. Genius right?
7. Speaking of traveling, I swear Cory walks more than any human being. My Fitbit (and my poor little feet) work overtime whenever we vacation. I mean on Friday in New Orleans I walked more than a half marathon. Madness I tell ya...and that is how I rationalized eating my weight in beignets all weekend.
   
8. Can we all just agree that The Mindy Project is the best show on TV right now? Last week my roommates and I replayed Diamond Dan's little strip tease at least 3 times. I mean....no words. Also, can Mindy Kaling and I hurry up and meet each other so we can become BFF's?!?
9. Does anyone else religiously enter the HGTV Dream Home/Urban Oasis/whatever they are called these days contests? I enter twice a day every single day. Surely I will win eventually right??

Thursday Thoughts with Jen - Vol 26

So I haven't blogged in over month. Eh. Whatever. It's Thursday! Only one more day until the glorious weekend!

1. I'm totally 100% in love with South Carolina. It's perfect (besides the humidity). I am going to be very, very sad when I don't have a reason to go there every few weeks. 
   
2. Speaking of South Carolina, Cory and I went to Middleton Plantation a few weeks ago, and I would just like to say I saw TWO snakes and didn't have to leave immediately. Was I on pins and needles the remainder of the time and did I jump five feet every time I saw a black stick? Absolutely. Still. I didn't freak out too bad. I'm proud of myself. 
   
3. Not commuting an hour to work anymore is ah-maze-ing. Seriously. I feel like I have so much more free time for activities and things. Oh ya. I guess I should fill you all in. If you didn't already know, I finally got a job in Kansas City so no more commuting to Payless every day! It was a great 3+ years, and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything, but I'm excited for this new chapter. 
4. I'm fairly certain the post office is the most inefficient place on Earth. I ordered a fairly expensive purse on eBay awhile ago and was skeptical on whether or not I would even receive it. I was  a little antsy about being scammed so I was tracking that thing like a hawk. When I went to pick it up at the post office there was a line out the door. The workers proceeded to separate us into two different lines so if we were just picking up a package we could get through faster. I was literally in line for FORTY FIVE minutes while the worker moved slow as molasses in my line. When it was finally my turn the lady was in the back for a good 10 minutes only to return and say she couldn't find my package, and I would need to go check my house to make sure they didn't leave it at my door (even though the computer said it was at the post office). As I was walking out the door a guy came running out from the back with my purse. That is an hour of my life I will never get back, but on the bright side, I got my purse! 
   
5. I am so glad it is Spring and frozen yogurt season! I've had it for dinner several times already. Don't judge me. 
   
6. I love Spring and all but holy ant infestation! What is the deal with these nasty little creatures invading my house?! I would take spiders any day over ants. Raid has become my best friend.
7. While I'm complaining, is it really necessary to put your marital status in your Instagram bio?! I get it. You're married. You have two "fur babies". I could have learned these fun facts by looking at your pictures which are all of you and your dogs and your husband. Fantastic. 
8. I can't get enough iced coffee. I have a serious addiction. If I do nothing else this weekend, I will make it to The Roasterie to try the Beach Time Toddy. I'm sure it is several hundred calories but it is probably so so worth it. 
   
9. I really want a pet squirrel. Random you may say? I've had an obsession with them ever since college. I used to feed them little packages of peanut butter outside the sorority house. One even climbed up my pant leg...twice...in the matter of a few minutes. I can't make these things up. Does anyone know where I can find a cute baby one I can raise domestically? Is this even allowed? I'm only half joking...

Thursday Thoughts with Jen - Vol 25

Happy Day Before Valentine's Day Day! I like Valentine's Day if for no other reason than all the cute pink decorations and the abundance of cakes and cookies and heart shaped desserts. Good thing I can eat them again! ;)

1. How do you all feel about flowers being sent to the office on V Day? Personally I can't stand it. If you want to bring me flowers when you run to the grocery store to pick up milk on some random Tuesday night to show you were thinking about me, I promise you will earn 100x more bonus points than if you send me flowers on February 14th. I would much prefer going out for margaritas and a giant bowl of queso than having some silly (often ugly) $40 flower bouquet delivered (in a cardboard box) to my work where they will wilt and die in a corner unnoticed because I'm too busy to even breathe.
2. Wednesday was just not my day. I went to the gym in the morning and forgot a bra (kinda important when you're wearing a thin, sort of see through, cheap shirt from Forever 21...even when you are as flat-chested as I am). Of course I didn't realize this until I had already showered and didn't have enough time to drive all the way back to my house so I had to wear a sweaty workout top underneath my work shirt. Awesome. I decided to cheer myself up by running to Starbucks for a quick latte, and what do you know. While I was waiting for my drink someone backed into my car because it was "so dark I didn't see your white car" because that makes sense. Direct quote. Then when I got to work the fire alarm went off and I had to stand out in the freezing cold for 15 minutes. Fantastic.
3. Okay. Enough ranting. On Saturday I went to Hobby Lobby three times. I also went once on Friday night so there's that...four times in two days. That might be a new record even for me. The reason for all these Hobby Lobby trips? Originally I wanted to find some fun things to go on the wall around my fauxidermy deer I got for Christmas, but I ending up finding something even better. 

   

   How fun are these letters? Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

   

   My deer is still lonely. Anyone have any genius ideas as to what I
   should put on the wall around him?! Poor guy is all by his lonesome.
4. So I had my first donut in over a month on Tuesday, and OH EM GEE. It was ah-maze-ing. Even though I'm a die hard Jayhawk, and I truly believe Lawrence, KS is infinitely better than Manhattan, KS, Varsity Donuts has a real good thing going on. I've tried several different kinds of their donuts now, and they never disappoint. If you should ever find yourself in the Little Apple go there. You won't be sorry. 

   

   Chocolate cake donut with chocolate frosting,
   strawberry fluff, and heart sprinkles. I die.

5. Now I've got donuts on the brain. I've been wanting to go to Voodoo Doughnut in Portland for years now, literally years. Guess what?! They just opened a location in Denver, and conveniently, I'll be in Colorado this weekend. I've already told Cory that we are stopping there on Sunday no matter what. Thank goodness he is a good sport, and really how can anyone say no to me AND donuts?! Together we're unstoppable! Now which one should I try?! Who's been?!
6. I'm not a big drinker, but I am really, really excited to drink Boulevard Chocolate Ale this weekend. I bought it last week, but have been saving it for my trip this weekend. I. Can't. Wait. 
   
7. In the spirit of Valentine's Day (and because I'm obsessed with Nashville), I'm going to leave you today with three songs about love. There's something for everyone here so listen to them all! :)

Thursday Thoughts with Jen - Vol 24

Yay! It's Thursday!

1. Being a grown up isn't all bad when you get snow days! Here in Kansas we've had TWO this week...although they aren't quite as fun as when I was younger. I guess technically I was still working, but at least I was working while watching the Today Show in my PJ's! I think I could really get used to this being at home all day thing. Too bad being a stay at home girlfriend isn't a real profession.
2. The downside to working from home? I just want to eat and eat and eat. All. Day. Long. I'm pretty sure I would be obese if I was stuck at home all day every day. It was really difficult not to make 20 different types of cookies yesterday and sit on the couch stuffing my face, binge drinking hot chocolate, and getting dumber watching episode after episode of Vanderpump Rules. It is so trashy and so awful, but I kinda love it.
3. Since we've been locked up inside for the past two days, the Tindahs and I have had to find ways to entertain ourselves. A girl can only watch so much Bravo. Tuesday night my mind was blown. Did you know that your forearm is the same size as your foot?!? Apparently this is common elementary school knowledge that I missed out on! I guess my STL education pales in comparison to a small town Wamego education.
4. Guess what?!? Today is my LAST day of no sweets. I've almost made it an entire month! I did have Biggest Loser oatmeal pancakes for breakfast Tuesday and Wednesday, but in my defense I used sugar free syrup, and they were healthy-ish. Cory says I cheated. I say tomato. He says tomahto.
   
5. So I haven't been entirely truthful with you guys. The reason I've been so dead set on this no sweets for a month thing? Well a little over a month ago I ripped my jeans. Yup. I ripped my jeans trying to squeeze my thigh into them, and it wasn't a small little rip. It was a giant gaping tear from my crotch to about half way to my knee. How embarrassing. And that's not even the worst part. The worst part was that they were my favorite jeans, and I had to wear them to work all day long because it happened at the gym, and I didn't have time to go home and get a change of clothes. Luckily I was wearing a long shirt, and I was able to hide out at my desk a majority of the day.
6. Even though Oreo opted to go dark during the Super Bowl on Sunday, they've still been top of my mind. I told Cory that literally the only thing I want for Valentine's Day is a package of Marshmallow Crispy Oreo's...and this is why I rip my pants. Who's tried them? Are they as amazing as I imagine?
   
7. I'm kind of addicted to Buzzfeed quizzes. Today I found out what food matches my personality! Drum roll....I'm....SUSHI! I'm smart, sophisticated, and fancy. What food are you?
8. How did people plan weddings before Pinterest? This is a serious question. If you aren't a creative person I guess you were just S.O.L. Although some of these "fun ideas" are just too much. A ball pit at a wedding reception? No thank you.
9. While I've never actually seen the real Notebook movie (Don't fall out of your chair. I don't know why everyone acts so horrified when I tell them that), I imagine this version is one million trillion zillion times better!

Thursday Thoughts with Jen - Vol 23

It's Thursday! I thought this day would never come! Here are my Thursday Thoughts for the week:

1. Fellow cat ladies, does anyone have or know of anyone who has a CatGenie?! I saw an infomercial yesterday, and I'm very intrigued. I'd never have to touch cat litter again?!? I thought I was going to have to get pregnant for that to happen, but no! $248 is a small price to pay...and definitely a better alternative than getting preggo!

   

   photo courtesy of petco.com

2. Is anyone still with me, or did I lose everyone when I led with cat litter? I probably should have started with a more universally appealing topic like cupcakes or ice cream. However, since I can't eat either of those things right now we shall forge on and pretend like I'm not craving them every waking minute. 14 more days. 
3. Speaking of food, if you are going to Instagram pictures of your food, here is your recipe for prettier food photos. Please, please at least make the food look appetizing. Otherwise, why bother? No one is going to like that photo, and then you'll just feel sad and pathetic. 
4. These people knew a thing or two about food photography. I want grilled cheese so bad now.
5. You know what else I want so bad? This breakfast "cookie dough". Seriously it was so delicious (and healthy)! If you want to try it out yourself, check out my Instagram for the recipe! 

   

   See this? I held the camera above my food, and let the food be the "star".
   I didn't even need to read that article :)

6. Does anyone else find that 5 lb hand weights are too light, but 8 lb weights are too heavy?! This is a major first world problem. Would it be that hard to have 6 or 7 lb weights available?! I feel like I'm hardly getting anything out of my group fitness class when I use 5, but if I attempt to use 8 the entire time I look like a little wimp when I have to start taking breaks at the end. Such issues I have.
7. So let's talk Valentine's Day. Do you love it? Hate it? I'm somewhere in between. I absolutely adored it as a kid. Decorating my shoebox for all my cards was probably the highlight of my Spring...unless of course I had a school project where I got to make a diorama. I promise I wasn't nerdy at all. ;) I've gone a little crazy on Pinterest, and I'm hoping to try out some of these fun ideas this year.I'm thinking Minion Valentine's are a must. Hopefully my friends like Twinkies! 
8. Has anyone taken this Which Decade Do You Actually Belong In quiz? I got the 50's. Apparently I "yearn for a simpler time when people were polite, curt, and followed the rules. Maybe people say I'm a conformist, but I know I just like things to stay a certain way. Home in where the heart is." Take it, and let me know where you belong!
9. Lastly, I will leave you with this fantastic video. I think it's been around for awhile, but it's new to me and when my roomie showed it to me on Monday night I about died. Too funny!

Thursday Thoughts with Jen - Vol 22

Thursday Thoughts are back!

1. This is too perfect. Seriously. Evie probably thinks a majority of these things all the time! My mother would be ashamed by how infrequently I make my bed. 
2. Memory foam mattresses and polar vortexes and/or winter are not compatible...at all. My bed has been as hard as a rock the last few nights, and don't even get me started on my pillow. I'm pretty sure if I threw it on the ground it would break in half. 
   
   

   

   Not comfortable. Not comfortable at all. 

3. Does anyone else still wear their retainers? Please say yes. I recently took a mini hiatus from wearing mine, and you guys, oh the pain. I've woken up in the middle of the night the past three nights because the bottom one hurt so bad. Straight teeth just might not be worth it.
4. Spinning class may be making you fat?! Say WHAT!? Ok so maybe that is a little misleading, but it's a good reminder to keep up that strength and resistance training if you want to lose weight. I've been trying to attend at least 2-3 strength classes a week at the gym in addition to my daily cardio. Feel the burn!
5. Speaking of being sore, isn't it the greatest feeling ever when you wake up and can hardly move after a work out? Do other people feel this way, or am I just crazy? It keeps me a little more motivated when I can actually feel it working.
6. Oh my gosh. Can we please bring back 3D Doritos and Sprinkle Spangles?! This list of 35 Foods From Your Childhood is making me hungry!
7. I'm trying to go a month without sweets which basically means I have to avoid Pinterest like the plague... and apparently Buzzfeed now too. Gosh I shouldn't have read that list of childhood foods. I'm really craving Butterfinger BBs now. I've made it 10 whole days without any cookies, candy, cake, or ice cream. This is a serious feat for me. My dad went and got donuts before church on Sunday morning, and I turned them down. You heard me right. I said no to a donut. Must. Stay. Strong.
8. So I know I said I've made it 10 whole days without sweets, but I have been munching on these Quest Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough protein bars. I'm sure C thinks this is cheating since they contain chocolate, but they have 21 g of protein and no added sugar so I say they don't count. Have you guys tried any of the other Quest bars? I'm kind of obsessed with all of them, but this one is by far my fave. 
   
9. Does anyone else still watch The Bachelor? Even though Juan Pablo's accent drives me absolutely bonkers, and even though I already read Reality Steve's spoilers, I keep coming back for more. Every. Single. Monday. It's like a train wreck I just can't turn away from. Victoria was such a hot mess Monday night. I think I like watching because it makes me feel so very, very normal. ABC you've hooked me yet again. 

Thursday Thoughts with Jen - Vol 21

Happy Thursday! Lets jump right into it.

1. Awhile ago I mentioned I had a running list of baby names on my iPhone. Well I can happily say my top two girls names (I don't have favorite boys names because well, that just can't happen. I will have girls if anything) did not appear anywhere in the 100 Most Popular Baby Names of 2013. What are they you may ask? I'llllllll neverrrrrrr telllllllll (spoken in a similar creepy, sing-songy way to Brittany Murphy in Don't Say a Word). 
2. Speaking of children, why didn't Elf on the Shelf exist when I was a child?! Seriously. I feel like I really missed out. Luckily I have fun co-workers, and for the second year in a row we have some traveling work Elves on the Shelves. Jingle hasn't visited me yet this year, but I'm anxiously awaiting his arrival.

   

   Jingle chilling in a peppermint marshmallow bubble bath last year. 

3. Every company should have four day work weeks. No exceptions. Last week I only had to work Monday, Tuesday, and a half day Wednesday, and it was ah-maze-ing, and I'm not even asking for that! I just want one more day. Give me Friday. Give me Monday. I don't care. I'll stay as late as I have to Monday-Thursday, but that extra day off would be so fantastic. 
4. Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments are far superior to ALL other ornaments. While I hate shopping when there are large crowds, every year I make an exception the day after Christmas to go to Hallmark to buy ornaments half price. I have my eye on way too many this year. 

   

   photo from hallmark.com

   

   photo from hallmark.com

   

   photo from hallmark.com

   

   photo from hallmark.com

   

   photo from hallmark.com

5. I'm having major anxiety about what to get people for Christmas. Surprisingly C was the easy one to shop for even though he is ridiculously picky. My dad is a different story. His birthday is December 17th so I have to get him TWO presents. Does anyone have any good ideas? I think I've got one, but I'm at a loss for the other. Help me!
6. So I tried eggnog for the first time on Thanksgiving, and as much as it pains me to say this, I kinda loved it. I've always alleged I hated eggnog (although I can't even remember the last time I'd had it prior to last Thursday). Oh how I wished I would turn up my nose in disgust, but no. Quite the opposite really. I can't stop thinking about having more. Why oh why does it have to be so caloric? I mean 200ish calories for a cup before the rum is added?! That is just madness. 
7. On Tuesday morning my group fitness teacher informed us only 12% of Americans work out on a regular basis. Twelve. How sad is that? We need to get our butts into gear, and stop making excuses (myself included). Last week I only worked out once. This week I've gotta do better...especially I'm guzzling down eggnog. What are your favorite workouts to do in the winter? I'm such a baby so all my activities are of the indoor variety.

   

   Long sleeves are necessary even when I'm at the gym...at least for the first 5 minutes or so. 

8. Are you a morning person or a night owl? I am most definitely an early riser, and this list of 23 Signs You're a Morning Person proves it. I feel like such a failure when I don't get out of bed by 8:00 a.m. on the weekends even if I have nothing to do. Most weekdays I'm up and at 'em by 4:15 a.m. I realize I'm crazy, no need to tell me. I blame my mother. 
9. Lastly, I just downloaded an new iPhone app called QuizUp and you should ALL download it so we can play. It's really fun I promise. 

Thursday Thoughts with Jen - Vol 20

My mini hiatus is over! It's time to get back on track with Thursday Thoughts!

1. Doing yard work is the pits. Seriously. It is by far THE worst part of owning a house. I spent a majority of last weekend raking endless bags of leaves. Don't get me wrong I love all the huge, pretty, old trees in my front and back yard but cleaning up after them? Not so much. Not to mention, my debilitating fear of snakes had me on edge the entire time. On several occasions I scooped up an armful of leaves with a twig and ended up jumping out of my skin and tossing the freshly raked leaves all over the ground. Luckily I survived the weekend snake bite free. 

   

   Oh ya, and a helpful pointer for all Mission residents. Leaves have to be in paper bags, not
   plastic. This dummy got to re-bag 12 bags of leaves after doing it wrong. Fun times.

2. Speaking of my house, it is starting to look like a winter wonderland in there! Maybe it's a bit premature, but with Thanksgiving falling a week later this year I wanted to be sure I didn't miss out on a full season of Christmas cheer. My decorations starting going up last week. Yup. You read that right. The Chicken Tindah's decorating began last Wednesday. 
3. Oh Chrisssssstmas tree, oh Chrisssssstmas tree, why are you so expensive?!? I knew I wanted to get a big tree for my house this year since I'm no longer in an apartment, but I wasn't prepared for how expensive they were! Holy moly! I did a lot of research. Hobby Lobby. Home Depot. Target. Menard's. I went to them all. I ultimately decided on this beauty from Lowe's. It was a little bit more than I wanted to spend at $288, but it was just too pretty to pass up...and I'm telling myself it's an investment. I'm in love. 
   
4. This is SO me. Mint M&Ms are the BEST variety. Christmas music started the day after Halloween and continues until New Year's Day. I tried getting C on this bandwagon with a sing along in the car a few weekends ago. He was so not amused. What a Grinch.
5. Have you seen this website that can guess what you post about on Facebook? Too funny. Here are some of the funny, kinda accurate statuses it created for me: So I wish I had brothers! I'm not a giant! I choose sugar over spice! CHRISTMAS MUSIC TIME! Margaritas at Nada are calling my head? Mandy your little short but that's why hot shorts were invited right? I look like old times. Ok...so maybe they aren't so accurate :)
6. Has anyone tried Stacy's Bake Shop Bakery Crisps!?!? I've had a longtime, borderline unhealthy obsession with Stacy's pita chips for the last several years, and I seriously can't wait to get my hands on the Vanilla Pound Cake Crisps. They sound divine, and at only 130 calories per 4 crisps they are sort of guilt free....if I can stop at just 4 crisps...which I obviously won't. In fact, I probably won't stop until the entire box is gone. Oh well. These sound yummy none-the-less.

   

   These come in Vanilla Pound Cake and Banana Nut

7. If I'm going to be eating entire boxes of cake crisps I better hop on board with these 20 fitness trends for 2014. It looks like high intensity interval trainings (think Crossfit) takes the top spot. How do you guys feel about Crossfit? I've only been to one class, but I wasn't super keen on it. I'm more of a regular group fitness kinda gal. I like my kick boxing, 50/50, and strictly strength classes way better. 
8. That Walt Disney was one smart cookie. I'll leave you today with 16 Quotes to Help Guide You Through Life.