Dec 4, 2014

A change is coming............

Hello all those in blog land,
    
     I really am the worse at blogging ever. I said it was time for a change and that is taking place in the next couple of weeks. The first thing that you will notice is that I changed the name of my blog to On The Dime. I think that is pretty accurate of how I have lived much of my young adult to somewhat "adult" life: On The Dime. I will be writing more about ways to save money in all aspect of life (which is what I have always done).
  
     I also made some changes in my life such as quitting one of my jobs....... It needed to be done a long time ago but I finally grew a pair and did it. Another thing that you will see more of on the blog also is healthy eating and exercise tips since I have developed high blood pressure because I have been so stressed out since I last wrote in August.

     I am excited about all the new changes that are going to take place and it is kind of fitting since the year is about to end. This year was an interesting one for me to say the least and this is the start of something new and I am stoked about it all.

Everyone have a great Thursday and until next time, Later.

Aug 29, 2014

What happening, people

Hey Again!!! I am definitely alive. Just super busy. I am taking 18 hours this semester. The only plus side to that is most of them are nutrition classes and I am learning a lot of things already. I have to find a new job since the spa I work at is closing (kinda saw that coming). I am completely out of commission for the long Labor Day weekend since I go my top two wisdom teeth out today. It would have to happen the weekend when football season starts. Any who, everyone have a great Labor Day weekend, eat enough dips, wings, and tasty food for me, and have enough too much ridiculous fun for me. I mean, when you are drinking your beers and yelling at the tv after you team doesn't play any defense (hint South Carolina. Don't get me started on that game, please.) think of me and have another.

Oh, and I for sure know how I am going to redo my blog now so, its going to reflect my personality and style more and I for one am super excited.

Until next time, Laters..........

Aug 7, 2014

Recent Buy: Shoes




In July, I decided that I needed to be an adult somewhat and buy some flats. I usually have a tough time finding shoes since I have big large feet ( I wear an 11/12 depending on the shoe). A couple of weeks ago I received an email from Victoria's Secret where they were offering free shipping on purchases over $25. Anyone who knows me that I can not turn down two things: food and a deal.
 
  
  I ended up buying four pairs of shoes:
Double Ankle-strap Sandal
VS Collection Double Ankle-strap Sandal





 
Ankle-strap Wedge Espadrille
VS Collection Ankle-strap Wedge Espadrille


VS Loafer

VS Loafer
VS Collection VS Loafer

 
The second pair of loafers I bought were actually the Leopard Haircalf  ones but I think they are almost sold out of them now. Everything looked exactly like it did online as it did when I received the physical item.  One thing I can say about Victoria's Secret is that when you order items online, unless they are backed ordered you will get them extremely fast. I ordered my shoes on a Sunday
and received them that Wednesday.

That is it for now. I hope everyone has a good rest of your day and until next time, Laters....




 







Aug 5, 2014

Time for a change for real this time

Thanks to my Human Anatomy class this Summer and life i.e. work getting in the way, my blogging (or lack thereof) has fallen into the gutter. Since I have a week and a half off before the Fall semester starts I am for real going to revamp my blog and probably change the name as well, for real this time. It will be changing over the next couple of weeks bit by bit to fit who I am now. The url will still be the same until I stop being lazy and change it. With that being said, I hope everyone has had a great summer and until next time: Laters........

Jun 12, 2014

Recipe: Low-Carb Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Hello all,


     I am going to start posting more of the recipes that I have tried on here since I do cook quite a bit a whole lot. Many of the recipes are going to come from pinterest pins on my boards, cookbooks, and some from cooking blogs.

This first one is Low-Carb Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. This recipe is from a site called Food is My Friend. I did change sub some of the items out due to the lifestyle change that I made in April (that is what I am calling it now). I used gluten-free flour instead of regular. I also did spicy brown mustard and Dijon mustard together. I am using the pictures from the website because they look a whole lot better than mine.


Ingredients:

For the casserole:
  • 1 whole cooked chicken, bones removed, meat diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken is excellent, should have 5-6 cups)
  • 1/2 pound very thinly sliced deli-style honey ham, rough chopped
  • 1/4 pound thin sliced baby Swiss cheese
 For the sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 3 1/4 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
 For the topping:
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed dried parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste

 
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter a 9- x 13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
 
Put cooked shredded or diced chicken on the bottom of the baking dish. Rough chop the ham and scatter it over the top of the chicken. Lay the Swiss cheese on top of the ham.
 
To make the sauce: Melt the butter in a large sauce pot over medium heat. When butter is melted, quickly stir in the flour to form a smooth roux. Do not brown! Once the roux is smooth and bubbly, slowly pour in the cold milk while stirring briskly to make a smooth sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, smoked paprika and white pepper. Bring sauce just back to a low boil and turn off heat. Pour sauce evenly over the casserole, being certain to get some of the sauce around the edges of the pan.
 
To make the topping: Melt the butter in the microwave in a medium sized microwaveable bowl. Heat it for 30 seconds at a time and stop once it’s melted. Take the bowl out of the microwave and stir in the panko bread crumbs, seasoning salt and crushed dried parsley. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
Bake casserole uncovered for 45 minutes until hot and bubbly throughout and topping has turned a light golden brown (I let mine cook under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes). Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes prior to serving.
 
That is it for now. Have to go study for my Anatomy Lab Exam (can't you tell I am excited about that). Until next time, Laters.......

Jun 5, 2014

A new start

Hi,

My name is Navia and I use to be a pseudo-blogger a few months ago. A whole lot has happened since March. I was kept extremely busy between school and work this spring semester. Also, I was trying to figure out if I wanted to still blog or not since let's be honest: only two people (if I am counting myself it is three) read this blog. I have decided that since I am going to be 32 as of today that I should start fresh and new with trying to invest more into this blog. I do love writing (I have my first Bachelors in print journalism after all) and there are some great blogs out that there people write for the love of it.

So with this turn the content on here is going to change a great deal. Mostly, it will be about who I am not at this point. With that being said this first post is going to be about gym attire. At the beginning of April (the 2nd to be exact) I started a weight loss program through my job which I will go more into later. I also started working out more which has resulted in me losing 26 lbs as of today. I have become obsessed with workout clothing. Last week I received an email from Victoria Secret about being able to get sports bars for $25 which, I totally took advantage of.

Here are the four bars that I bought and my opinions on them. They have them broken into minimum and maximum support.

Knockout by Victorias Secret Front-Close Sport Bra  Knockout by Victoria’s Secret Front-Close Sport Bra
Knockout by Victoria's Secret Front-Close Sport Bra
In store they only had pink in my size but online they have 16 colors. I like some of elements of this bra such as it has the bra shell underneath for the support. The only thing that would make this one better is if they had where the bra is detachable (it is not) from the sports bra covering. This bra has get support when you are jumping up and down doing jumping jacks or running

Angel by Victoria’s Secret Sport Bra Angel by Victorias Secret Sport Bra
Angel by Victoria's Secret Sport Bra
This bra I bought in Turkish Blue Mesh and Black. It has lime under and the blue on top which makes it fun to look at. The thing I do not like about this bra is having to put it on since the straps do the cross in the back (it's a hassle I will tell you that even with it unhooked)

Victorias Secret Angel Sport Bra
Victoria's Secret Angel Sport Bra
This bar I bought in the Pop Lime Mesh color. With this bra like many of the others except one or two, they all hook in the back like a regular bra.

They are having a sale at the moment where you can do a mix and match of sports bras and tops for 2/$49.50. Overall, I like all the bras that I bought and I think I am probably going to go buy some more at some point. And if anyone gets a chance go check www.fabletics.com. You take a test and they determine what kind of workout clothes fit you personality. The best part is that you get the whole outfit when you order instead of ordering piece by piece. That is it for now. Until next time, Laters.........





Mar 22, 2014

Recent buys March: Part 1

My name is Navia and I am a bad blogger. Between trying to not have an early thirties life crisis and working /having to do school work over my spring break (you heard that right: had to write a paper, make a poster, and do a power point) I want go to a week long nap.

Anywho, I have decided to let you guys see some of the things I have bought. Clearly since I did not get to go to the beach or anywhere that was remotely fun I just went shopping.

Here are some of my new buy:

I ordered this Budget planner from May Designs since it has everything listed so it should be easy to keep track of everything. Side note: in January I told you all that I was going to try to pay off most/as much of my debt as I could. Well, since then I have paid off all my cards that but 3 (which are under $500 now). That is a big deal considering where I was a year or even two years ago.

 

Kate Spade Notecards, Black Dots
I bought these Kate Spade notecards from my local Lilly store, The Pink Pelican bought these cards for my friend who just had a baby. While there I did buy myself these Lilly All Occasion Cards in a number of different. I wish there were more than fifteen in there because they have come in handy with all the people I know having babies, birthdays, and moving onto new jobs. I also bought this tumbler (I would pick the one named Booze Cruise) because I clearly can not buy people presents without buying myself a thing or three. I'm kidding, Actually I'm not.
All Occasion Card Set, Various Patterns


Steve Madden Eddna Wedge Sandal
I got these Steve Madden's at DSW last week to go with this super cute dress I bought at Kinnucan's. They are like any other wedge: they hurt until you break them in.



 Seafoam
Pink
I bought the top The Southern T-shirt Company from Mountain High Outfitters out at Bridestreet where I work. I also got another one that they don't have online, I have the tank also but I got mine at the end of summer last year at Kinnucan's for $2.99.

That is about it for now but since I have been buying so much stuff (like I have no where to put it) there will be a part two of this soon. Oh, one more thing. I have decided to stop being an old lady purist (I will love printed copies until the day I die) and join Twitter. Yes, Hell has frozen over. I am @vulnaviaj. I mean who knew that naviaj and navyj would be taken. Please don't judge my randomness.

Until next time. Laters.......



Mar 6, 2014

Thoughtful Thursday

Hello peeps,

I know this is super late since the day is almost over but it is once again time for some quotes/ inspirational thoughts/ randomness thanks to pinterest:

Don't ever expect credit. Most people are either jealous that you accomplished something, irritated they didn't do it, or honestly don't car...
Holding on to Anger...
figures..
Good Things Come To Those Who Wait #quotes #inspirational
life
That's it for now. I will post some of the things that we have done in class sometime soon since I am on spring break next week. I'M FREE!!!!! Not really, but you all know how that goes. Until next time, Laters.....

Feb 28, 2014

Spring Cleaning

Since spring is around the corner (I hope sooner than later) I have been adding some new clothes to the mix and getting rid of some super old ones. I have been living in leggings since I have gained 35lbs (plus side is that I have lost 5 which means that I have 30 more to go, blah). I have decided to start wearing regular clothes again (I still am wearing leggings but not as much). Here are some of the new additions to my wardrobe:

Express 


SEXY STRETCH LEGGING
 
SEXY STRETCH LEGGING
 


 SEXY STRETCH SIDE STRIPE LEGGING
 
 SEXY STRETCH SIDE STRIPE LEGGING

I bought 2 shirts from there also but they are sold out of them. This shirt is similar to the top though

EMBROIDERED LACE TEE

Old Navy 

I bought a couples of pencil skirts to wear to work.

Women's Stretch Pencil Skirts


 Women's Printed Pencil Skirts

Women's Printed-Jersey Pencil Skirts


Women's Printed-Jersey Pencil Skirts

Pink

Varsity Crew

Varsity Crew

I have this shirt in black but online they only have the picture for the Maroon and White.

Slouchy Raglan Tee

Slouchy Raglan Tee

This has become one of my favorite shirts to wear dressed up or down. The only color they online are the metal grey, aqua, and purple. I bought the hot pink one at a VS here. If you ever think about buying one, I definitely say do it.

Guess

GWADRIENA
Adriena Platform Pumps

I just bought these a couple of weeks ago and I LOVE them. They do make me about 6'2 but they look super cute with leggings or skinny jeans. My favorite part is the bottom of them. I am not one for animal print but these are pretty awesome.


Gap

Fluid long-sleeve T

Fluid long-sleeve T

I bought this shirt last week and I like the look of it with a scarf . I have worn the one that I bought a while ago that is similar to it with my other pencil skirt and my maroon American Apparel dress to work or with jeans.

 
 
That's some of the items I bought lately. I totally forget how old I actually am until I start looking through my closet and realize how old some of the things I have are. That's it for now. Laters.....











 





















Feb 27, 2014

Thoughtful Thursday

Happy Thursday,
 
With one more day until the weekend I thought this Thursday it would be appropriate to have some fun thoughts for today. Here are some for you courtesy of Pinterest:

Humour quotes, funny jokes, jokes funny, hilarious funny For more funny quotes and hilarious images visit www.bestfunnyjokes4u.com/rofl-best-funny-joke-pic/
Grumpy cat, grumpy cat humor, grumpy cat quotes, funny grumpy cat quotes ...For the best memes and hilarious humour visit www.bestfunnyjokes4u.com/lol-best-funny-cartoon-joke-2/
Funny pics, hilariousness, jokes funny, funny photos, hilarious humor, funniest pictures, Omg lol …For more funny quote pictures and hilarious images visit www.bestfunnyjokes4u.com
Too addictive  // funny pictures - funny photos - funny images - funny pics - funny quotes - #lol #humor #funnypictures
That's it's for now. Wait, there is one more that anyone of you who was a party girl during your college days (I mean, I danced on "evaluated surfaces" better than anyone) will appreciate this in your "old age":
 

 
Funny Quotes – 38 Pics
I mean, how true is that. Now more Sunrise Committee here (except for Homecoming of course). Until next time, Laters......
 
 

Feb 25, 2014

Healthy Snacks

For the people who actually read this (I know who you are and y'all are super awesome and I would mail you fabulous presents if I was friends with you in real life) I am taking a cooking class about every semester as part of my Nutrition degree. This semester the class is an hour long and the lab is four house long (it is as bad as it sounds).
    Last Thursday (which is the day I have lab) we made healthy snack for our club meeting that we were having during class. The recipes came from Real Simple magazine. Here were the ones that we made and the calories in each:

Bagel With Ricotta and Strawberries
Bagel With Ricotta and Strawberries
148 calories | 4 g fiber | 7 g protein | 5 g fat 
For the last of these we did bananas and strawberries.
 



Celery Sticks With Hummus and Olives
Celery Sticks With Hummus and Olives
129 calories | 5 g fiber | 5 g protein | 8 g fat
The hummus was delicious. I took off the olives though because I had olives.



Beet Chips With Curried Yogurt
Beet Chips With Curried Yogurt
180 calories | 5 g fiber | 6 g protein | 11 g fat
The curried yogurt was really good. The chips were a different story. My classmates ended up over cooking i.e. burning them. We ended eating Kale chips which were a acquired taste.
 



Banana, Kale, and Almond Milk Smoothie
Banana, Kale, and Almond Milk Smoothie
201 calories | 5 g fiber | 5 g protein | 4 g fat
Everyone said that this was really yummy. I did not drink this however since the container said it may contain coconut (which I am allergic to).



Ham and Jicama Wraps
Ham and Jicama Wraps
74 calories | 2 g fiber | 8 g protein | 2 g fat 
These taste kind of like Asian pears. The grain mustard actual makes this.  




Whole-Grain Bread With Almond Butter and Peaches
Whole-Grain Bread With Almond Butter and Peaches
135 calories | 3 g fiber | 6 g protein | 7 g fat 
We did the almond butter but added honey to it. Instead of peaches we used apples.




Most of these were super easy to make. It was interesting trying out some of the things that I have never had before like the Jiamca. I am going to try to not be a blog slacker for real this time. Until next time, Laters....



 




Feb 20, 2014

Thoughtful Thursday

I have been super slacker Navy her lately. On the plus side, the week is almost over. Yay!!!! Other than that it feels like Spring here in Alabama which is not fun when you are hiking across campus with three to four books and notebook. Anywho, here are some thoughts for this Thursday courtesy of Pinterest (some of these pertain to some of the things going on in my life in the last three months):
It's called simply being a grown up!!
eternally classic
The lesson is - you can't control others insecurities, it has NOTHING to do with you. You can't even "assist" them with their demons

 Haha... Oh you, Mr. Twain!
One woman was apparently put on earth to teach me this lesson THE HARD WAY.  She's been a bee in my bonnet for 2 years now.  My response: what goes around comes around-you'll get yours, doll.  The powers that be will take care of me!!
There is going to be a post about some of the food I have been making in my Food Service Operations class soon (oh, the life of a Nutrition major). Now off to the gym and to study for all my this I have in the next week. Until next time, laters....


Jan 16, 2014

Thoughtful Thursday

Hello again,
I hope everyone has had a great week so far. I know the day is over but here are some thoughts courtesy of Pinterest on this Thursday:
Never worry about where you're going. Trust yourself and trust that no matter what you're doing, it's where you're supposed to be. Do what you do, and do it well and everything else will fall into place

This happens to me so much, and I only sometimes get the chance to take those chances again. Pathetic, but YOLO.
And for a little laugh after all the deep, serious quotes:
I have learned to love wine!