Fall Fitness, Say Whaaaat?!

hey hey lovelies :)
it's thursday and it's gorgeous outside.....do we really have to work?!
there are so many reasons to be happy today -
it's my friday
I get to have lunch with my friend Kara
I'm leaving work early for a CBS fall preview at Cinebistro
and we're having a cookout tonight for my mom's birthday
woohoo!

oh, and notice anything different?!
I was playing around trying to teach myself some things about design last night
when I came up with the new header you see....and social media icons......
and a new button. So snag it on up ;)

<center> <a href="http://simplysarahchic.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd495/mispris04/newbuttonplain2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>

I did this post on Monday over on V's blog so if you didn't get a chance
to read it, go on over there and say hi. She's awesome :)

Let me be totally honest for a sec. 

I had a love/hate relationship with the Olympics this year. 

Up until 3 weeks ago, I was in the gym every morning at 5am. 

I was eating pretty healthy and was feeling good about myself. Cue Olympics.

Staying up til 1am almost every night does not make it easy possible to get up in the morning. 

sooooo workouts took a hit.....and I just started back up in the gym yesterday. 

I've got 2 weeks until I have to bare it all in a bikini for a bachelorette party so it's crunch time...literally! 

After labor day weekend, I will officially be in fall mode.

What does that mean, exactly and how does that even relate to working out?

well friends, let me just tell you. 

helloooo things that are going to try and make me fat.

So how do you stay motivated when the bikinis get put away and the comfy sweaters come out?

Well first, you can scroll down the fitness page on pinterest and see things like this: 

 Source: the hunt via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: the new via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: fitsugar via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: reasons to be fit via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: reasons to be fit via Sarah on Pinterest

motivated yet?

Then it's time to get some cute workout clothes. I mean, if it helps, it helps.... ;)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Get yourself some good music.
My top 5 songs to workout to are:
1. On to the Next One- JayZ

2. Scream- Usher

3. The Fighter- Gym Class Heros

4. Learn to Fly- Foo Fighters

5. Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites- Skrillex


Figure out ways to make your favorite treats a bit healthier.
I love cooking and I really love finding ways to make what I love a little better.
Even if it's just switching out white flour for whole wheat flour it makes your
treat justifiable ;) And it's totally fine to indulge in those pumpkin spice lattes or pastries...
gosh knows I'll definitely be doing so! Just make sure not to make those a daily occurrence.

Well girls, that's all I've got!
xoxo.

Fallin' in October

Good afternoon lovies!

It's finally fall and I am lov-ing it :) 

There are so many things I'm looking forward to this month

liiiiiiike....

going to the state fair....

 staying away from food like this-

ice cream cheeseburger. vom.

.....going to the pumpkin patch

....picking out costumes

Toby will make the cutest little turtle! 

He probably will hate me for days but it's totally worth it-hahaha :)

Sorry, no pics of mine just yet ;)

.....planning upcoming trips

 like a girl's trip to Vegas! Can't wait for that one!!

the tropical vacation that I promised myself.

aaaaand possibly to Atlanta or Alabama to see a friend, aka Maverick. 

...cool, crisp mornings and evenings

.....getting a new car! It's time for the infiniti to retire (shed tear here)

.....and of course, football! 

Which leads me into the football friday results.

I went 10/16 with my picks last week which isn't bad. I've gotta give it to my Colts last night though, making it a close game. I secretly wanted them to lose (shhhhh) though because word on the street is we're trying to get us some Luck next season. 

I did a little digging since there's been all this hype and I've gotta say that I'm all for it. Bring in a hot, young guy and I'll buy his jersey. I need a new one anyway! 

just sayin' :D 

That's all I've got for today! :)

xoxo

birthday weekend :)

Happy Friday loves! 

There are so many reasons to be happy today-

It is the first day of fall. Finally! 

It's also my birthday weekend! Which looks like it's going to be a rainy one-boo! So I decided to look at it as good luck...that's what they say about rainy wedding days, right? 

I get to go have a delicious dinner tonight with all most of the amazing girls in my life. :)

One week from today I will be on the road with one of my best friends KJ!

We are going to visit this girl at Tech for the weekend. Go Hokies :)

We will be reunited once again! Cannot wait! :)

And of course, I can't help my obsession with Pinterest.

 homemade coasters? hello christmas gifts! 

Love everything about this picture! I'm not too big on gold but I love the look. 

 I would love to be cuddled up in this bed today. 

{Perfect}

Such a cute idea, especially if you love the smell of coffee :)

I want these outfits! 

Have a fabulous weekend! 

xoxo 

happy freaking friday!

Smile-

it's Friday! We made it to the weekend :)

{via}

The weather could not be more perfect today. Fall is finally here. I took Toby on a walk this morning wearing shorts and a sweatshirt and I was still chilly! I could definitely get used to weather like this everyday...so long as it doesn't get any colder. It would've been the perfect morning to treat myself to a PSL, but I couldn't get my little butt out of bed. 

Several things to leave you with today. 

First, I hope that none of you watched the NFL Network's Special on Bill Belichick last night. They have got to be out of their minds to do a two-part series on this loser. You would think that they would like to highlight the men of character on these shows, someone that kids can look up to. I have to say that I'm very disappointed in the network for their choice on this one....

I'm going to get my hair done today! Every time I go into this place I am put in a better mood. I seriously love everything about this salon. (Gotta give a shout-out to my girl Audrey!)

I get to go visit the birthday girl at school on Sunday for her birthday dinner! From what I've heard, shopping, a delicious dinner, and sweet frog may be in our future.

I heard this song on my way to work this morning and it really got me motivated to do the things that I love and are important to me. 

Live Like We're Dying- Kris Allen

Sometimes we fall down, can't get back up
We're hiding behind skin that's too tough
How come we don't say I love you enough
Till it's to late, it's not too late

Our hearts are hungry for a food that won't come
And we could make a feast from these crumbs
And we're all staring down the barrel of a gun
So if your life flashed before you,
What would you wish you would've done

Yeah, we gotta start
Looking at the hands of the time we've been given
If this is all we got and we gotta start thinking
If every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying

And if your plane fell out of the skies
Who would you call with your last goodbye
Should be so careful who we live out our lives
So when we long for absolution,
There'll no one on the line, yeah

You never know a good thing till it's gone
You never see a crash till it's head on
Why do we think we're right when we're dead wrong
You never know a good thing till it's gone

Yeah, we gotta start
Looking at the hands of the time we've been given
If this is all we got and we gotta start thinking
If every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying..

What inspires you to do the things you love? 

Happy weekend ya'll :)

weekend recap

Well it's Monday again...already. Why do the weekends always seem to fly by? I sit here wishing my work days away for Friday. 

Last Friday I mentioned going to the Squirrels game with my sister. We got free tickets (score!) from one of her friends to the playoff game. 

Saturday wasn't too eventful; I went home to visit my parents (a whopping 20 minutes away.) But I also got to experience the Salted Caramel Mocha Frappachino for the first time...and let me tell you- I am a fan! That one actually trumps the PSL in my opinion...so if you haven't yet, go try one! 

Yesterday was all about football. I was pretty excited to do nothing all day but switch from game to game, but I've gotta say I was pretty disappointed in both of my teams. First, don't get me started about Peyton. Every sports analyst was arguing from both sides of this situation. Regardless of the side though, they did agree on one thing; we will suck this year! Ughhhh! I guess this will test and weed out the "true" fans from the bandwagon. My dad said to me "Well, now you get to experience them the way I did growing up when they weren't that good." Awesome. Too bad I started liking them the year before they became awesome. So I remember that....I don't need another season to make memories. 

um, where were the colts? oh yeah, they didn't show up. 

Anyway, regardless of this season, I will remain true to my team as well as this guy (who was handing out high-fives during games yesterday)...

my new little colts fan :)

(Please take note of the dog tag)

Some of my friends went to the Giants/Redskins game yesterday and I'm so jealous that I couldn't go. I would've rocked out my Eli jersey regardless of the outcome. Honestly, I think they lost because I wasn't there. I've been to the last 2 games they've played each other in DC and the Giants won both times. Just sayin'. 

And last but not least, I put my Cinnamon Pumpkin wallflowers in yesterday so now my apartment smells like fall! Aaaand I painted my nails this nice little fall color.

Chinchilly

That's all I've got for today. 

Wish me luck....I start running outside today- eek! 

Rainy Days

The past few days have been rainy and a bit chilly, so I guess it's safe to say that fall is finally here! I actually wore my first sweater of the season yesterday AND treated myself to a pumpkin spice latte. YUM!

it is literally fall in a cup. :)

There is something about rainy days that definitely makes me not want to get out of bed...today was not any exception. Toby didn't even want to wake up this morning. 

cuddling with my sweatshirt :)

In leu of the dreary weather, I thought I would share some warm & cozy pictures from across the web. 

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

yes please!
{via}

Homemade Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese
{via}

This room looks so cozy! I wish I was curled up in that bed today.
{via}

Loving the wrap. So perfect for today!
{via}

{via}

I want these.
{via}

What are some other things that you love about fall?

A Little Honesty if You Will

I've been reflecting on my life a lot lately. Where I was in my life when I started this blog at the beginning of the summer, to where I am now are two completely different places. I would have never seen my summer unfolding the way it did, and flying by at the same time. I don't know if it's a thing that happens as we get older, but time literally feels like it's flying....and I don't like it! In less than a month I'm going to be turning 25. YIKES! If you were to ask me 10 years ago where I would be in my life by 25, I would easily tell you that I would have just gotten married and bought a house. I wanted to have a huge birthday party with all my friends and wear a fancy dress...and share every minute of it with my new husband. (gah I am such a romantic at heart....)

Well, things don't usually turn out the way you think they will. In fact, not only am I not a newlywed, but I am nowhere near that stage in my life. Part of me gets all sad and depressed when I think about that....but a bigger part of me realizes that I'm only turning 25 and there are so many opportunities out there for me. I'm young, single, and can do whatever I want! How amazing is that? It's definitely going to take some getting used to, not having to think or consider someone else's wants or needs, but I think this will be good for me to be able to focus on myself for awhile. What better time to do that than at 25?

Instead of thinking about the negative, I'm working on focusing on all of the positive things that I have in my life right now. I have the most amazing family a girl could ask for! I don't know many families that are as close as we are, and it's taken me a while to realize how awesome that is. My friends have been so wonderful and supportive and I truly do appreciate that. I don't know what I would do without any of them :) I have a pretty cool apartment that is all mine! My mom has always said that I need to enjoy living on my own before I get married so that I can decorate all girly. Cause let's be real, what man is going to want a pink bedroom? :) I have the absolute best little puppy in the entire world! I love him to death!! I honestly have no idea what I would do without him....and I have to admit that he has been the best company and has helped get me through a lot of hard times this summer. I'm thankful for knowing that God has a plan for my life, and that our plan isn't always what's best for us. I'm working on truly trusting and believing that, because I want to be happy again.

Now, this is not to say that life is coming up roses and I'm so truly happy with everything right now, because I'm not. I don't want this to sound like I'm super thrilled to be single...because I'm not. I still get sad just like anyone else, but I'm learning how to deal with it. I do know that everything happens for a reason, and I don't know why this one did just yet but one day I will. I'm actually realizing that I need to be happy with myself and my life before I can really find someone to share my life with. (See Mom & Dad....I listen!)

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I love walking outside in the mornings and it being a little chilly, drinking cinnamon lattes, watching the leaves change, and of course, my favorite shows start back up again. It does make me a little sad, not having my partner in crime to do these things with anymore. I remember we would have our tv date nights (which ended up being almost every night of the week since we both liked different shows.) We would remind each other during the day what came on that night and make our dinner plans accordingly....which is so corny, I know, but that was one of my favorite things to do. Watching Parenthood, Modern Family, and Grey's won't be the same this year. :(

I was online the other day and found this quote that really stuck with me. It rings so true for just about everyone and I love it!

"The cause of most of man's unhappiness is sacrificing what he wants most for what he wants now."

This quote is a reminder that even though it hurts now, it will all be worth it for what I want forever. 

Sorry for the long, serious post before the weekend, but I just felt like I needed to get this out. 

weekend of random pictures

It's safe to say that I was not looking forward to this past weekend for several reasons. Needless to say, it actually turned out to be one of the best weekends I've had all summer. Funny how things work out! My weekend involved lots of pool time, shopping, cooking out, hanging out, and spending time with my family.

I'm also in the process of fallifying my apartment. I definitely just made that up but I like it! :) I've got my cinnamon pumpkin candle that I just started burning (yum!), I went out and bought some dark red and purple bathroom sets (towels & rugs), and my dad got me some red and pink gerber daisies for my apartment.

L-O-V-E! 

i love ma daddy!

I also made a couple of trips to Target this weekend. I went in both times with no agenda or list of items to get. Well, that is the wonderful dangerous thing about Target. You can have absolutely nothing you are going in there for and you come out spending no less than $75....in most cases $100. Gah! 

I already mentioned the little bathroom goodies that I got....but here are a few other things that made it into my cart:

Sooo I have a pink grill, so what? :)

I plan on using this bad boy A LOT!

I love Bethenny Ever After and I've always thought that she 

looked great, especially for just having a kid, so I impulsively purchased her yoga video....and a pink mat. I'm not a huge fan of yoga but I figured I can supplement my gym time with this....25 is quickly approaching and I plan to look my best! :)

I also picked up this little do-dad from the mall....my mom told me that it's great

after a night of crying. (thanks mom-haha)

This stuff is pretty awesome. I've used it a few times and can definitely tell a difference. 

Sleepy & puffy eyes don't stand a chance with this stuff!

AND it goes on cool as a cucumber :)

I saw this at the store and definitely had to do a double take.

They got a little ballsy when it came time to name this guy...

And of course, what post is complete without a picture of Little Man?

 Ah, I LOVE him!! 

Happy Monday! 

Only 4 more days til the weekend :)

sweet finds

Yesterday I received an email from Bath & Body Works showcasing their new fall line. I immediately got excited and decided that I was going to go shopping after work. So I met my brother for dinner and then we headed over to the mall. Being the amazing brother that he is, he patiently waited while I sniffed candle after candle until I found the one I wanted. Thanks bud :)

I got lots of goodies and I'm super excited about fall now! I almost started burning my pumpkin candle when I got home....but I figured I would wait until it got just a little bit cooler. Hurry up fall! 

Here are some of the goodies I got: :)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Obviously I couldn't decide on just 1 scent so I got several...haha 

I can't wait to use them all!

1. Autumn Wallflowers

2. Leaf Candle Sleeve

3. Pumpkin Caramel Latte Candle

4. Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Candle

5. Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Wallflower

6. Leaves Wallflower

Only one more day until the weekend!