I got the bathing suit blues

I’ve been on a hunt for a new bathing suit for this summer. All my suits are either too tight or too big. I only have one black tankini that still is in working order. I’ve tried on every tankini at target and they all are fumpy dump on me. Is it just me or are tankini tops made lately to be more like a ittle dress on you? Well I don’t like it not one bit! I’ve turned to what once was my enemy, dun dun da... the dreaded one piece look. Working out has paid off I finally don’t feel like a blob of jelly in a one piece. Better yet the selection of one pieces this summer is very cute…nevertheless I’m still with out a new suit for this upcoming beach weekend. One more day; the search marches on!

Sunny with a few clouds…

The last few summers fedoras were all the rage. This summer its the big floppy sun hat. I have a fedora that I wear to the beach but now it’s time to graduate to the big momma sun hat. There are a ton of styles out there, some even have a little bit of the 20s flapper hat inspiration. I am drawn more to the simple ones, mainly ones with stripes.

Sun Hats by nmeik featuring a brown floppy hat

COLLECTION XIIX paper hat
$38 - nordstrom.com

Brown floppy hat
$13 - target.com

John Lewis Women summer hat
£23 - johnlewis.com

Would You Wear?

Don’t call it a come back people, this seems to have been around for years!  This is the 3rd time in my life that I remember the scarf belt phenom.  Most recently was 2002-2004-ish right around the end of college.  I have a nice little collection of scarves due to the trend of the times.  But it seems to be back ya’ll and I’m not sure how I feel about it.  I’m torn between do I even like this trend and YIPPY something to use all my silky scarves for!  I discovered the scarf belt has crept back into summer fashion when yesterday 3 of the lovely ladies I follow on their fashion blogs all wore a scarf belt.  I mean did they get together and discuss before they posted their outfits?  Anyways here is a look at some of the ways you can incorporate your scarves into your summer wardrobe and would you????

Lessons learned this week…and it’s only Tuesday!

Two days into the week and I’ve already walked away with two important lessons learned. (Long post sorry…)

1. I carry an umbrella in my laptop bag everyday to work. Thinking that I will have it when I go into work and leave work if needed and at my desk if needed during my lunch break. The umbrella does me no good if I forget it during my lunch break. Monday lunch I did such a thing and it was pouring outside when I pulled back up to work. I always pride myself on my “always be prepared” attitude. I have kept a beach towel in my car forever, why I don’t know I’ve never really needed it. But today…light bulb! I wrapped it around my body and took a chance and ran through the parking lot in my super high heels slipping around and I made it inside. Top half of me dry, bottom half of me soaking wet!!! Actually 2 lesson’s learned here…one always bring my umbrella with me during lunch or better yet buy another umbrella for the car and two my towel in the car paid off!

2. There are things that you learn as you grow up that you should know by heart. Your birthday, phone number, your address, your social security number, in my case my debit card number for my quick online shopping…Well tonight I realized that I didn’t remember all that I should. I’m running at my highest speed on the treadmill a good 10min into my workout when I hear over the intercom…“Will the owner of a black Honda CR-V with the license# blah blah blah come to the front desk you left your lights on” I think to myself “can you be a little more specific?” I drive one of the most cookie cutter cars of 2010. I tried to differentiate myself by adding a roof rack and a personalized license frame so I could at least pick my car out of the line up of cars in the parking lot. The other day I walked up to what I thought was my black Honda CR-V and kept hitting my clicker and trying the door a good 3 or 4 times before I realized that my black Honda CR-V was parked right in front of this stranger’s CR-V…True Story! So anyways, I then thought to myself it can’t be my car, my lights are on auto, I don’t remember any ding ding ding when I was getting all my stuff out of the car and I really don’t want to lose my treadmill. Luckily my work out partner was on her way and I texted her to check. And what do you know it was my black Honda CR-V. That has never happened to me in my whole life. I was fortunate that when I returned to complete my workout a treadmill opened up just for me! The lesson learned here is I need to learn my license plate number.

Now here is a lesson to the movie makers in tinsel town. Don’t fix what ain’t broke. I meant to say something about this the other day but I held back. But now I’m ready. I’ve had a pet peeve for awhile about poorly made movie remakes. Which is almost funny to say out loud because I don’t know if there has been a good movie remake. Cheaper By The Dozen is one of the worst they totally ripped off the title and the idea behind it and completely just made it all different and nothing like the original movie. But I’ll try to think of at least one good remake by the end of this post. I came across this trailer for a remake of FOOTLOOSE! #1 how can you mess with such a classic? I know teen movies are all the rage and dancing is the new trend but leave well enough alone. #2 No one and I mean no one will be able to or can even attempt to fill Kevin Bacon’s shoes. As I watched this preview to the most heartbreaking movie remake I just wondered how much worse can it get. Now don’t get me started on movies based of best selling books because that is worse to me. The preview shows this unknown kid (I mean it should have been at least someone cool like Zac Efron, but maybe he is getting too old to play a teenager) trying to imitate the scene where Kevin Bacon dances in that empty warehouse, it was just a feeble attempt to be as awesome as Kevin Bacon, which he failed miserably. Here you can judge for yourself on this ridiculous movie remake! Ok I thought of a good movie remake – True Grit – awesome movie! Granted I’ve yet to watch the original, but I don’t see how the remake didn’t do the original justice. And Jeff Bridges is just as cool as John Wayne and that is the basis of my opinion.

Gym Playlist

I went to the gym tonight which is not my normal night for a workout. I will never do Monday gym night again, it was crazy busy. I couldn’t find 5lb weights for like 30min. I kept trying to do other things, hoping a set would turn up but they never did. So I had to finish my workout at home. The reason I went on a normal off night is because my boyfriend’s birthday is this Thursday, so I replaced my Yoga night with an intensive cardio night. I’m normally only on the treadmill for about 25 min max at a time, but tonight was a straight 45min of heart pumpin’ cardio. I’ve gotten pretty good at running a mile before I interrupt it with incline walking. The thing that gets me through those last few minutes of the mile is the song on my ipod. I usually have 1 or 2 songs all geared up ready to get me through this, but tonight with 3 sets of 10min of straight running, I ran out of these upbeat tunes to keep me going. I mean Rolling in the Deep is only good up until the 3rd time played in one treadmill session. I decided tonight that I needed a playlist just for running. Here is my new Gym Playlist…over an hour of face paced, heavy beats and just fun music to keep you going while you run. Enjoy!

Old Navy Sale

Surprise Sale at Old Navy! Depending on when you log in determines your sale. You can try these codes or see what your Old Navy banner says when you log into OldNavy.com. There are some cute new dresses on their website. I feel like Old Navy thinks they can up their prices lately for some odd reason. Not sure why.

Old Navy Shopping Cart by nmeik featuring a cotton cardigan

Be Bold!

Tonight was date night with Matt. We went to see the new Woody Allen movie, Midnight in Paris, and I was super excited about it. However the catch 22 of all Woody Allen movies is you are, well at least I am always comparing it to my favorites of his. So this one didn’t quite measure up. Like all Woody movies the plot was a lot of dialogue and banter. I found several scenes quite amusing and it was a fun movie. I can’t really give an honest review of the movie because I had heard such wonderful reviews about it, that I spent the majority of the movie waiting for something to happen that would make it live up to all my favorite Woody movies. And after the 1 hr and 34 min I was left feeling mostly dissatisfied. I’ve seen him do better. Rachel McAdams character is just one of those people you just want to trip when she is walking down the street and Owen Wilson’s character is the lovable loser like all of Woody’s main characters. After the movie we went to eat at Hot Olives which has some amazing food. I ordered the same entree I had the last time I went. Partly due to my fear of being disappointed with a new entree not living up to the only thing I had ate off their menu. And then mainly because the entree I wanted was smothered in brie and had cooked pears on top of a pork tenderloin surrounded by a delicious and creamy butternut squash risotto and some steamed green beans…YUUUMMMM!!! I ate so much I feel sick! I’ve told you I cheat on my low calorie diet on the weekends, but lately it feels like a job when I’m done eating because I shovel in whatever my stomach will hold because I know once tomorrow comes it’s back to counting calories and portion control. So I’m left exhausted and full. Tonight I wore one of my big statement necklaces that I purchased on clearance at Target. It felt a little awkward at first, I’m not used to wearing big jewelry. But I think in the end I liked it. I’m really into this summer trend of big statement necklaces. They turn your most boring of outfits into something pretty spectacular and create the illusion of effort. I’ve been on the look out each shopping trip for a new bold necklace to add to my collection. Here is what I wore tonight…..

Here are some other great bold necklaces out in the marketplace waiting for you to wear them with your plain white tee!

Beading necklace
$45 - modcloth.com

Chain jewelry
$35 - modcloth.com

Necklace
$30 - topshop.com

Forever21 faux jewelry
$18 - forever21.com

Pictures - Calypso St. Barth for Target accessories lookbook -...
examiner.com

Macy's Fashion Pendants, Fashion Necklaces, Fashion Jewelry...
macys.com

JCPenney department -
jcpenney.com

Loft - Women's Jewelry: Earrings, Necklaces, Bracelets, Fashion...
loft.com

JCPenney : jewelry + watches : necklaces + pendants
jcpenney.com

Friday Night Funny…

Not much too blog about tonight. It’s late. Got to see my boyfriend for the first time in a week. Our conflicting work schedules make it challenging to see each other during the work week. Tonight we watched the movie How Do You Know with Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd. Other big stars were in the cast, Jack Nicholson and Cousin Larry. Just glad Cousin Larry still gets acting jobs. I had not heard good things about this movie but me and Matt found it very amusing. Just the awkwardness and silliness of the comments we enjoyed thoroughly. Reese Witherspoon’s character was not her normal girly self, very odd character for her. Paul Rudd has the best goofy grin. I found both the leading male characters hilarious. But lately Paul Rudd is just great in everything, mainly because his comedy is so unsuspecting. Loved him in Dinner for Schmucks and I recently got to see I Love You Man with him and Jason Segal on TV, oh and don’t forget his role on Friends as Phoebe’s husband, Mike Hannigan. I mean who knew the guy from Clueless would turn out to be so funny! I wanted to put a funny clip up from How Do You Know, but my favorite parts I could not find. So here is just an example of why I love Paul Rudd.

Things that make you LOL!

Do you ever just start laughing to yourself for no reason? Well to others it’s no reason but you know why. When you randomly think of something funny that you heard or saw. Oh my gosh I remembered that scene in the move Date Night with Tina Fey and Steve Carell yesterday and I’m still laughing about it randomly. If you have seen the movie than hopefully you remember this scene too. It’s when they play the What’s Their Story game while they are eating. When they start mimicking the couple on a date…hahaha! Just watch it’s great.

Wonder how many days I will replay “I have a potato on my fork, I like to eat potatoes, their delicious, but I don’t actually put them in my mouth.” “That’s amazing Jeremy…” Love it! The whole movie is hilarious. You need to rent it if you haven’t seen it and if you have just go get it at your local Redbox for $1.

SYTYCD Top 20: Part 2

Just finished watching part 2 of the top 20 on So You Think You Can Dance. More great dances and music. Melanie & Marko were still fantastic, not a big fan of jazz though. Last week the judges did not send anyone home so that means tomorrow night 2 guys and 2 girls will leave. For the guys my picks to go home are easy: Nick & Alex. The decision becomes a lot harder with the girls because I think they are all good but if I had to choose two it would be Miranda and Clarice. Because of Obama’s speech I didn’t get to see the last dance with Ashley & Chris and I couldn’t find on youtube.com to review. Hopefully they won’t go home just because others didn’t see it like me.

Now for Best Dance of the Night: Mitchell & Caitlynn.

Taco Tuesday….Wait it’s Wednesday

While I was grocery shopping tonight I had the urge to make shrimp tacos. I've never made or even ate shrimp tacos before, but I knew I had to have them tonight. So I decided I felt like experimenting so I wandered over to the Latino section of the Neighborhood Market and selected some items that I thought should go in a shrimp taco and I hoped for the best.

Ingredients Purchased:
frozen cooked small shrimp (77cal per 3oz)
corn tortillas (83cal per 2)
1 can fiesta corn (50cal per 1/2 cup)
1 can Mexican salsa (10cal per 2 TBSP)
1 red pepper - diced (46cal per 1 cup chopped)
1 bag shredded lettuce (10cal per 1 1/2 cup)
1 tub of Greek plain yogurt (130cal per 1 cup)
1 prayer that it will taste good (0cal)!

Directions: rinse 1 serving size shrimp with cool water for a 2-3min to bring to room temperature. Combine in saucepan diced red pepper, Mexican salsa, fiesta corn. Sprinkle with your seasoning of choice. (for me: cilantro, salt, pepper, minced onion) - heat until warm. Next warm shrimp in another saucepan with a little cooking spray. Now you build your tacos with shrimp, spoonful of corn salsa mix, about a TBSP of Greek yogurt and a pinch of lettuce and you are done. I ended up topping it all with a little taco sauce and lime juice to give it some pep! I like a little spice.

Review: 3 out of 5 stars. Overall I thought they tasted good. I would like a little more flavor next time. The tortilla was not my favorite part, I want to try a different brand or go with a flour tortilla vs. a corn tortilla. Also I thought about adding some avocado, yum! When I make these again I'm going to spice them up some more maybe with a spicier taco sauce or straight up hot sauce. I'll have to do some Google research to see what others suggest to spice up shrimp tacos.

How this fits into my low calorie lifestyle: I estimate about 89.5 calories per taco - I ate 3 tonight for dinner (268 calories). Which makes me a very happy girl! Be careful if you add avocado to it, there is about 322 calories in 1 avocado - you can get about 10 slices from and avocado putting it at 32.2 cal per slice - if I add this I would only put 1 slice on each taco.

30% OFF at GAP

GAP has 30% off right now for online purchases only.  Use code GPSURPRISE in your shopping cart. 
Offer ends Friday 6/24. 

I have my eye on a few things:

My Celebrity Style Crush: Chapter 1

Several celebrities inspire my make-shift style. Rachel Bilson is one of them.  I would love to be able to shop in her closet.  She is great at mixing and matching the pieces of her wardrobe. She always looks so effortless in her day to day wear. And I LOVE her shoes.
Here are some of her outfits that I wish I could emulate. 

     

 

 
I will feature other celebrity styles later on that help influence my wardrobe.  This is just one of my many celebrity style crushes.

It’s a Huddy Buddy Day!

This is my nephew Hudson (a.k.a Huddy, HudBud, Huddy Buddy)
He turned 3 this weekend.
We had a special themed family birthday party for him.
He loves Mario and is obsessed with playing with his big brother's DS and he is actually good at it too.
We all had specially made tshirts each with one of his favorite characters on it.
His favorite character as you can see from his shirt is Bowser. Even his cake had Bowser on it.
Here are some fun pictures of the day.

Huddy with all his cousins in front of the Mario wall.

We all took our turns imitating the Mario jump.

Huddy’s imitation looked more like a little sailor saluting. So cute!

Huddy like that Big Bowser was on the wall and his shirt.

Huddy and his big crazy family!