Fitting in, standing out… or somewhere in-between?

I am having a bit of a struggle to find my blogging identity. Most of the blogs I follow seem to bridge the gap between lifestyle and fashion. I really love fashion! But alas, I am not a fashion blogger. Mostly because I am an outfit repeater, and when would I take pictures? I race out the door everyday… while desperately in need of caffeine.

I guess I am sort of a lifestyle blogger. Most of my posts aren’t necessarily about my lifestyle, but more about random life events or what I am thinking about when I sit with my computer. I wonder if it is hurting me that I don’t really fit in. Should I try and fit in the blogger box? How does everyone find time to put together new outfits, decorate, take beautiful pictures, try tons of new recipes etc.? I just live and attempt to function. Then I write about it. I think I just described a lifestyle blog... I guess this is a lifestyle blog! Haha!

I am also trying to find my blog identity without becoming too self-centered. But really, isn’t a blog the most self-centered thing of all? Writing about yourself and assuming someone will find you interesting enough to read it?

Anyway, that is just my random thought today. I am trying to focus on the bigger picture in things. I need to remember why I started blogging in the first place and keep that at the forefront of my mind. Who cares what other people think? I find that blogging is a blast! And I want to keep doing it.

Does it really matter what people might say behind my back? No. Because it is behind my back! I won’t even know about it. Isn’t that the beauty of life? Plus, I have plenty of people who will say whatever they think to my face.

In a social experiment, I asked a few of my closest friends to send me a picture that they think describes me… this is what was presented:

I need to stop worrying so much about having a blog niche and start worrying about why these photos describe me!

Galentines Day Par-Tay.

Like I previously mentioned, I was planning on hosting a Galentines Day Party. Well, I followed through! Some of my wonderful lady friends came over for a night of food, drinks, chocolate and gossip. Does it get any better than that?! I say not.

The most awkward part about this event was the purchasing that happened before hand. I neglected to get a cart at the store figuring that I wouldn’t be buying that much stuff… well, I was wrong. I looked like a crazy person. My basket filled quickly and I was hobbling around (very heavy considering it was filled with wine and champy), struggling to hold on to a festive balloon, all while carrying around a potted Valentine themed plant. It was a sight to see. I then tried to get in line… not a lot of luck. There was a lady with 15 foreign exchange students in front of me! They were all glancing at me (the crazy American chick trying to juggle a basket full of booze and a potted plant) while speaking to each other in Japanese. I am sure they were talking trash. I am still offended.

Anyway, the distress was completely worth it! Not only was EVERYTHING on sale, but we had a blast celebrating a late Valentine's Day together.

Allison made yummy smoked salmon cucumber boats! 

Mama Jo's famous chicken chili

Best and prettiest onion chopper ever! 

I hope you all had fab celebrations for love day! 

Cheerleading State Champions 2012.

Katie and I finish praying as the announcer begins, “Wilson, you may take the mat.”

Okay, our girls have had this routine for six months. They were hitting their stunts all week. Things were cleaned up and motions were sharp. I knew they would have their best performance yet. It was time for them to hit their State Championship routine.

As coaches, there is nothing longer than the 2 minutes and 30 seconds that decides whether or not the kids you have encouraged, pumped up, coached and invested in are going to come out of this day feeling defeated or triumphant. Five coaches, who do not want the responsibility of managing disappointment, and a squad of teenage girls, with insurmountable nerves, prepare and anticipate the outcome of a measly two and a half minutes.

As the music swells so does the anxiety. Our girls attack the mat with energy and determination. I am suddenly filled with pride because I get to be on the coaching staff of this remarkable team.

Watching each section, teeny bits of relief pass as they move from one stunt sequence to the next. Then it comes time for the last one. All of the anxiety comes back for the next 10 seconds. The mind begins to race, “Will they hit this final pyramid? They haven’t hit it at a competition yet this season. But the change we made this week has taken this pyramid to a whole other level of solid. They are unstoppable!”

They hit it! The next part is a blur. There is nothing more exciting than seeing kids that you care about have their best performance of the year, the performance of the day, and for the senior’s, one of those life moments they will never forget. (Hopefully the underclassmen get to have another… but you never know!)

They will never forget that moment for the rest of their lives. Tears, excitement, hugs. Everyone was over the moon. They had worked so incredibly hard for that outcome and they deserved it! Wilson was going to take home the first place trophy.

This is the moment our girls knew they had won! Priceless faces.

I posted a video of the performance below. For a better version: Click Here and go to 1:36

I know I have been the worst blogger ever, but I am back!

Gabe’s Bangin’ Breakfast Wontons

I have been MIA due to a “State Sabbatical.” My cheerleaders have their state competition this weekend and my schedule has been rather ridiculous. But this is too good not to share so I had to make time!

I want to share a recipe that has made my life so much easier! My fellow cheer coach, Gabe, came up with a clever breakfast item that is perfect for the commuter or the girl on the go. (I consider myself both)

You may be wondering, "why are they called 'bangin’ breakfast wontons'?" Well, it is because they are low cal! So, while it is bangin’ that you can take them to-go. It is even more bangin’ that they will help you on your journey to a super bangin’ bod!

Ingredients:
Wonton wrappers (2 per muffin tin)
Egg whites (just buy the carton. Way less work)
Turkey sausage (1/2 a sausage link per muffin tin. Cut into smallish pieces)
Salt and pepper to taste
Part-skim mozzarella (grated. Any cheese will work, but try to keep it low fat)

Optional:
Spinach (frozen or fresh)
Onion
Mushrooms
(Saute these ingredients if you would like to have a veggie boost in the morning! OR make it vegetarian by leaving out the turkey sausage.)

If your muffin tins are not non-stick you will need to use a teeny bit of cooking spray. 

- Preheat oven to 350.
- Place wonton wrappers in muffin tin. Alternate in a way that covers the entire cup.
- Spoon in sautéed veggies and sausage pieces.
- Sprinkle in a little bit of cheese
- Add a couple shakes of salt and pepper
- Pour egg whites into the cups until they are about half way full. Remember, they will puff up when they are cooking, but will settle again once cooled. 
- Use a spoon to mix the ingredients in the cups, so they are distributed more evenly.

- Bake in the oven for about 15-20min or until puffed up and no longer shiny.
- Let cool and move the breakfast wontons to the fridge!

I love having these ready for breakfast everyday. My muffin tin only makes 6, so it is perfect for my week. I make them on Sundays and put them in individual Ziploc baggies so they are ready to grab on my way out the door! I usually eat them cold in the car, but they are even better if you nook them for about 10 seconds.

Enjoy!

Getting ready for Galentines Day.

On Parks and Rec (many seasons ago) Leslie Knope celebrated Galantines Day with her lady friends. “It's like Lilith Fair, minus the angst… plus frittatas.”

So fun! I love my friends and I can’t think of anyone better to celebrate pink, red, glitter, flowers and chocolate with! I understand that this is supposed to be about love… as in a significant other. Well, I love pink champy! So there. And if that is really the case why is Hallmark set up with the décor of a deranged sorority girl’s dorm room? It is like Elle Woods came in and attacked the store with a confetti gun and tacky stuffed animals. Nothing against sorority girls (because I am one). That is why I want to benefit from all of this culturally accepted crazy and throw an awesome Galentines Day party for my lady friends.

I love pink champy!!!

Many of my friends will have real dates on Valentine's Day. So this party will probably happen on Wednesday the 15th. Perfect! that means all of the decorations and candy will be on sale! I will be the overly caffeinated psycho at Party City and Target clearing out the leftover items. If only I could channel Jenni and decorate creatively. But alas, I will have wonderfully tacky store bought décor and it will be awesome!

On a completely different note, I decided to buy myself some Valentine's Day gifts. Why? Because I am great, and loved… and decided that just because I am not dating anyone doesn’t mean I don’t deserve a treat!

I bought myself a cute Lululemon workout top.

And a travel case for my iPad.

Both slightly practical with a hint of frivolity… aka the perfect gift!

[Champy photo source]

The future: Sun Valley!!

In less than one month I will be here!!!

I am going to Sun Valley, ID at the end of February and I am so excited! I may watch TV with my skis later. I would sleep with them in my bed, but I fear that I would cut my face on the edges…

ahhh Baldy

My sister emailed this picture this morning and I squealed at my desk. Yes, squealed. I’m sure it was annoying.

Wooohooo! Sun Valley family vaca! Woooohooo!

[photo source]

Massage misgivings.

I have a dilemma.

I am in the market for a good massage. I have a recommendation from a friend for a spa type scenario, but I am also in need of some real muscle relief. In my experience it is usually one or the other.

This is my battle. I want a real, trigger point, muscle releasing, sports type massage. BUT I want to get said massage from a frou frou spa. The Enya playing, fountain having, essential oil toting type of spa. I want a truly effective massage, but I also want the fluffy robe!

I have not found a place that does this. I have gone to a spa and gotten a “deep tissue” massage before… it didn't hurt, therefore it didn’t work. Basically I spent my money on the ambiance. I have also gone to awesome massage therapists who know what they are doing. They do amazing work, I feel like a new person etc. But they don’t stop talking, it is too clinical and I don’t get that melty relaxing experience.

I am currently in the market to rejuvenate my life with some relaxation. Honestly, who has the kind of time to have spa days anyway? Do I allot and entire Saturday afternoon? Or do I need to take a mental health day?

I am going to quit my complaining and make an appointment. We'll see how it goes!

[image source]