Datenight Spotlight

See what my BFF Beyone and Jay are doing in the pics below. That is exactly what the hubbs and I did on Fri night. We enjoyed our night on the town exactly like the pictures describe. We went to a restaurant called "Thai me up" in downtown Decatur. It was seriously the best panang curry we've ever had.

So after dinner, we took a romantic stroll (I know, you threw up a little in your mouth) through downtown Decatur and it made me feel as though I was in a new city. I like having that feeling to break up the monotony. It was really cute and I enjoyed myself. So I was chatting with Bey (in my head) about being married and the importance of dating. As you can see below, her and I both agree. Have a happy Monday!

France Friday!

Last week we spoke about the first part of our European extravaganza, which is Paris. Today lets talk about accommodations for our three night stay. One of my favorite travel websites is Tripadvisor.com. They offer some amazing free travel guides to answer any questions you may have. While I was perusing through the site, I came across a few recommendations for where to stay. Right now the USD is extremely weak in comparison to the EURO (Euro 1 = $1.40). Lets hope it will strengthen in time for our trip. Take a look at these:

Hotel Royal Magda Etoile

Euro112 p/night

Hotel de la Porte Dorée

EURO65 p/night

Hotel Terminus-Orlean

from 90 € to 110 € p/ night

As you can see, we have so much to choose from. Paris has soooo much to offer. Up next for France Friday is FOOD! I'm a "foodie" so this is what I'm looking forward to the most!

All information was taken from here.

Birht Control - Life Threatening?

I was chatting with one of my co-workers and she mentioned a good friend of hers was in the hospital. I asked her why and she said because of her birth control. I immediately asked her what kind she was on and she said the NuvaRing.

After doing a little investigative research, several birth controls are under investigation right now, including the one I am on (Ocella). Ocella is the generic version of Yaz or Yazmin. There is a major law suit occurring right now between the loved ones of former users and current users. Apparently,

During the brief time that Yasmin and Yaz have been sold in the United States, hundreds of reports of injury and death have been filed with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in association with the use of these products. In fact, in less than a five year period, from the first quarter of 2004 through the third quarter of 2008, well over 50 reports of death among users of Yasmin and Yaz have been filed with FDA. These include numerous deaths with reported cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, intracardiac thrombus (blood clots in the heart), pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) and stroke in women in their child bearing years. Some of the deaths occurred in women as young as 17 years old. Significantly, reports of elevated potassium levels are frequently included among the symptoms of those suffering fatalities while using Yasmin or Yaz.

Info quoted from this link.

Now, I'm faced with a tough decision. Do I change the method that I'm currently using? That would be a "Hell Yeah". I know all birth controls pose a risk, but at that cost? This type of risk is not worth it to me. My health is VERY important. I take pride in taking care of myself. Now I need to search for a new birth control. Any rec's?

Reality Show Recap

It was a fun and exciting for reality shows last week. Am I the only Big Brother fan out there? The hubbs and I LOVE Big Brother. Its one of the few reality shows he likes to watch with me. We really get into it. I mean to the point where I follow another blog that tells you what happens before the show is even aired ( I know, I know....crazy).

Project Runway all-stars was great! Although I do feel Korto was robbed this time. I think she deserved to win, but Project Runway gave the prize to Daniel Vosovic (Did you just ask who is that? Well, he was the Season 2 runner-up). I haven't watched the new season premiere yet. It's waiting for me on tivo.

Real Housewives of Atlanta-No comment. It is a guilty pleasure of mine but I really don't want people who don't live in Atlanta to think that is how it really is. (No, really. Not all African-American weathly women act like that).

Did I forget to mention Daddy's Little Girls, Guiliana & Bill, Kourtney & Khloe take Miami, etc.... The list goes on and on. My tivo stays 90% full. Watching tivo is definitely what I do in my spare time. More on those shows later! Have a positive day.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

Well its that time again. Time for me to lose a few LB's. I have to be honest with you. I really get off on losing weight. Its like I become addicted to it. I get a sick thrill out of losing weight, then gaining a little back, then working hard to lose it again ( I know I'm nutty). I've been like this for years. Its like I have a cycle. Three months of hardcore dieting (counting calories, carbs, and everything in between) and then 3 months off of eating whatever I want, whenever I want (typically I go to the gym once a week). I'm not talking about major weight, like over 50 lbs. Its more like 20 lbs here and there.

I've gained 8lbs since our honeymoon in May. Now I'm ready to lose that, plus 10 more for a grand total of 18lbs. I'm so excited about it. I will reveal in detail how I plan on losing it. I get really excited to go to the gym and on the agenda today is kickboxing!

Its truly all about motivation and how much you want it. I believe weight loss is 90% mental and 10% physical. Why? Because it all starts with the decisions you make. Deciding on what you put in your mouth and when to go to the gym. If you make the wrong decision, you definitely DO NOT get results.

I currently go to LA Fitness three times a week and work out for approximately 60 minutes. One of my goals over the next few months is to increase that to 4-5 times a week. I really want to look like this:

She is beautiful (no homo!) and she is my best friend in my head. In my head Beyonce and I go way back. We drink Riesling together and talk about our husbands. She is my weight idol. I know I can get there, but it will take a LOT of hard work. It will definitely be worth it to look like that!

Stay tuned!

Family time

This is how I spent my Friday night. Doing my play niece's hair. Sometimes I feel I missed my calling and should have went to hair school.....lol!

Here is the finished product. They were too enthralled with Nintendo DS to smile for the picture.

France Friday!

The hubbs and I are planning an exciting trip to Europe for our first anniversary. Every week I plan to have France Friday! Although France will not be our only stop, France Friday (doesn't it sound cute) will reveal every aspect of our trip plus I'll be asking advice when needed. I cannot explain to you how amped up we are for our excursion. Our first stop on this adventure is Paris and Versailles, France. We will be staying for 3 nights. Paris looks like such a beautiful city. It has much to offer with respect to history, art, food (yummy!), and culture. Our list of things to see/do in Paris include:

The Louvre

From its beginnings as a royal fortress to the public institution we see today, discover the Musée du Louvre: its role, its aims, and the expertise of the people who make it work.

Info taken from here.

The Eiffel Tower

Date of birth: March 31, 1889 (hoisting the flag to the top), built for the Universal Exhibition in celebration of the French Revolution.

Info taken from here.


Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It forms the backdrop for an impressive urban ensemble in Paris. The monument surmounts the hill of Chaillot at the center of a star-shaped configuration of 12 radiating avenues.

Info taken from here.

Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame de Paris is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world. Notre Dame de Paris was one of the first Gothic cathedrals, and its construction spanned the Gothic period. Its sculptures and stained glass show the heavy influence of naturalism unlike that of earlier Romanesque architecture.

Info taken from here.

Versailles

For centuries, the name of the Parisian suburb of Versailles resounded through the consciousness of every aristocratic family in France. The palace here out-dazzled every other kingly residence in Europe.

Info taken from here.

As you can see, we have a jam packed 3 days. We are super excited and ready for the adventure. Happy Friday Everyone!