I Got a Secret...

Hey peeps!! As the weekend ends, I'm lounging in sweats, a t-shirt and socks. Minnesota weather is quickly turning to Fall, and we're at a cool 50 degrees and rainy, with no signs over summer left. I haven't left my house all day, and I make no apologies for it. I see most of my Instagram & blogger buddies wishing for Fall weather around their way. You ladies should come to Minnesota, we have all the chill in the air that you need :)

This was a work outfit from about a week ago. It was around 70 degrees and sunny. That's the perfect Fall day for me. I got to pull out my favorite knee boots and a cute scarf for a pop of color.

Wanna know a little something about this dress? It's from Target. Wanna know something else? It's from the maternity section. Yea. I said it. The Maternity Section. 

So there I am. Perusing the Target clearance isles, per usual. I came across this cute little striped number for $8.97. It was two of my favorite things. Striped and cheap. I took it in the dressing room and tried it on. It fit!! I looked at the tag again before going to the register, just to make sure that I counted all of my items correctly… and that's when I saw it. MATERNITY. o_O

Say what now? Maternity?! I was ready to put it back. I was so mad. I couldn't imagine that I would wear a maternity dress without actually being pregnant. I'm not sure why, but I just couldn't. It made me feel some type of way :/ Then I remembered a post from one of the first plus sized bloggers that I "followed". Ever so stylish GabiFresh blogged about a super cute dress that she wore from the maternity section of ASOS. Then, I thought… Why not? Because it sounded bad for me to be able to fit a maternity dress.

My next thoughts were, it's cute, and I look good in it, so I bought it and wore it. POW!!

Until next time…

Jacket - Rue 21

Dress - Target (Maternity Section)

Scarf - Target

Boots - Target

Buffalo Stance...

Hey Peeps!! Happy Friday!! *cue the party streamers and bells* I don't know if y'all know this about me, but I'm a total weekend girl. I take my weekends seriously. What I mean by that is… I don't make plans unless I really feel like it. Meaning, you must be a special person to me if I spend my weekend days/hours around/with you. Y'all might think I'm exaggerating, but I am so serious! All I want to do is be with my hubby and my kids (I partially mean it about the kids, ha). Then there's my "Wine-Oh Sunday" clique. We get together once a month on a Sunday (see here for the back story… and we started at 4, and we're down to 3 ladies now, but that's another story), or a Saturday, or both depending on how much we NEED to kick it and let our hair down.  

But one thing that I enjoy the most about weekends is how casual I dress. I wear what I want, and I like to be comfy. I know that some bloggers don't post what they feel are "non-blog worthy" outfits, but here at Spoon Full of Sugar, you get me. YAY!! *more party streamers and bells*

Sometimes I'm all dressed up for date nights, at times I'm all corporate fly for work, then there's lil old weekend me, who would rather be in comfy pants and gym shoes (that's Chicago speak for tennis shoes). Notice the J's.

No need to adjust your glasses, or stare at the screen. I'm really wearing sweat pants that I pulled up over my calves. 

 I probably could have put on some heels, jewelry and a more dressy top to attempt the "Sports Luxe" trend and make y'all think I ran around like that. Not to say that I wouldn't. But this particular day…  naaaaaahhhhhhh! That just wasn't me. But the jailhouse pose above is soooooooo me :)

Y'all see my Buffalo Stance, right?! I'm kind of a big deal. 

**side note: If you don't know the song "Buffalo Stance" by Neneh Cherry, I suggest you Google it**

My daughter caught me mid dance move. Not sure what I was doing, but she dared me to post it, so. Yea.

Until next time…

T-Shirt - Target (Stolen Borrowed from Hubby's closet)

Sweat Pants - H & M

Gym Shoes - Nike (Retro Jordans)

Spotted...

No need to adjust your eyes, or refresh your browser :) After almost two months of allowing dust to cover my blog, I'm finally posting. I haven't been completely incognito though. I've been around… Reading blogs, tweeting/retweeting, commenting and "liking" on IG and Facebook. I promise, I have! Even though I haven't put hand to keyboard here, I've seen and interacted with most of you on other social media outlets, so trust me when I say, I haven't forgotten about you.

To the peeps who don't currently "follow" me elsewhere, please take a moment to do so if you can. I'm on Instagram & Twitter for the most part. I also have a FB Blog Page. Now, admittedly I'm not very active on the FB blog page, but I promise to pop up every now and then :)

After my outfit post for date-night, there's a few pics that I've also posted on Instagram. Stick with me though! I mean, you've come this far, so why not?!

Now, about this outfit… For some reason, blogger buddy Kim of The Natural Fashionista has me thinking that I can sport crop tops!! Yea, I said it!! Crop tops!! And ya girl drank the Kool-Aide. I saw this cute crop at H&M and couldn't pass it up. The polka dots caught my eye, and it's right on trend with the now fading comic art craze. Not that I'm super trendy or anything, but I do like to try new stuff sometimes.

Let's talk for a second about this high-waisted pencil skirt!! I picked this bad boy up at Stella Blue, a little boutique in my area.They normally don't carry plus sizes, but I always stop by just to see what they have, and to try a few things on. Plus they sell some really nice smelling body oils. I was drawn to this skirt. The $10 price tag may have had something to do with it, but I digress. But when I saw that it was a size M/L, I got a little said. Something told me to try it on. Again, it could have been the $10 tag, but I can't say for sure. I tried it. The end result?!? It fit, and I loved it! Throw it in the bag! 

It started raining outside, hence the final pic in my basement ;) Ha!

Top - H&M

Skirt - Stella Blu

Shoes -DSW (Steve Madden)

I received this shirt from a fellow IG buddy. Check out her on-line store for more styles of tees for ladies with natural hair! 

Bella Donna Kinks Tees

Tee - See link above

Shorts - Calvin Klein (DIY Distressed)

I just kind of loved the color of this wrap dress that I picked up from Old Navy. I paired it with my leopard print babies from Target to add a little flair :)

Dress - Old Navy

Shoes - Target

Until next time (which I promise will be sooner than later)…

Dare to be...

Hey peeps! Long time no see!!

I've come to the realization that Instagram has been my mistress for the past few months. Like any cheater, I've neglected my home, so it became less appealing. The interaction that I get on IG is awesome because it's in real time and I feel like I'm getting to know those of you who are over there.

I do miss the writing side of blogging and I also miss those of you who aren't on IG. Btw, what the heck are you waiting for? Get on over there and connect with me! :)

Anyhoo, on to more pressing matters. Like the fact that most of you know, Google Reader is going away. Aside from Instagram, you can still find me on Twitter & BlogLovin. And for you guys who are worried about finding/losing blogs that you read everyday, (mine included) I've transitioned over to a really cool alternative for Google Reader. It's called Feedly. I was able to migrate all of the blogs from my Google Reader to Feedly very easily and it's actually better than I thought it would be! Try it!

I've babbled long enough. It's time for my OOTD. I know that this outfit is not everyones cup of tea. Hell, I wouldn't even wear it without the Hubs!! There's no need to give me "constructive" feedback on how NOT to show my midriff. Yes, I know I have stretch love marks & this tummy ain't flat (I'm working on that part). I have two children and I've lived with all of the love they've given me for the past 14 years (shout out to my babies!!).  I've heard/read it all. Seriously. I got this.  There's a reason why it's called personal style. It's, well… Personal. There's also something awesomely liberating about owning your own style. Hits, misses, and everything in-between. Do it. I dare you!

Until next time…

P.S., my daughter cut my feet out of every pic & I didn't notice until I started editing. Ugh! Gotta love her!

Denim shirt - Target

Skirt - H & M

Sandals (not shown *eye roll*) - Target

Just Peachy...

Hey peeps!! I hope you all took time to remember and say a prayer those who gave their lives, as well as those who continuously put their lives on the line for our freedoms and liberties. And in the midst of being thankful, I'm sure that everyone hit up a BBQ somewhere & did some serious damage! lol

I had a great weekend. I took Friday off work, so it was a nice 4 day weekend for me. Why is it that no matter how long you take away from work, it always feels like it was never enough?

Anyhoo, on to the OOTD…

Today, I wore this easy breezy peach top. I snagged it on clearance at Herbergers (Boston, Carson Prairie Scott) for around $4 last year! I've only worn it a few times, and every time I put it on I ask myself why don't I wear it more often. I love the color and the fabric is so soft! I'm wearing a scarf because this cool Minnesota air just doesn't understand that it's supposed to be Spring! I want warmer weather, and I want it NOW!!

I picked up the jeans from Old Navy. They are my new favorites! These bad boys were on clearance for under $10, and now I'm kicking myself for not buying more than one pair. I try not to wear them as much so my "chub rub" doesn't ruin them. Ha! No really. I would hate to have to throw them away. I would probably shed a tear or two. I'm serious.

**Do you have a favorite pair of jeans? Do you want to keep me from crying? If you answered "Yes" to at least one of these questions, please leave the brand/style in the comments. I'm always taking recommendations.** Thank ya kindly!! ;)

Until next time…

Top - Herbergers

Scarf - Target?? (I tore the tags off)

Jeans - Old Navy

Shoes - Target

***Bonus pics!!***

Swimsuits that I tried on at Old Navy. I got the purple one. It was $9!!! The pink one was the winner in my Instagram poll, but I didn't feel comfy with no straps. Gosta keep "the girls" in check, ya know?

My aces/family (l to r) Shontelle, Regina and myself. Whenever we get together, we always TURN UP! We got it in on Sunday!!

Forever in the gym these days & I'm better for it ;)

Repeat Offender...

Hey peeps! Hope you guys had a great weekend. I sure did. The sun has finally come out to stay in good old Minnesota and we're trying to spend as much time outside as possible these days. This past Winter was terrible and lasted longer than anyone would have liked. Our last snow fall was just a little over a week ago!! Ok, enough about the weather. On to my #ootd.

I love me some Old Navy. If you take a peek at a lot of my previous posts, you will find that I frequent that place often, and their clearance racks have me dancing in the isles. No really. Sometimes I do a little dance when I find a steal of a deal. #dontjudgeme Ha!

You've seen this skirt before, and I have no problem showing it again. It's actually the same skirt from my previous post, just in a different color.Yes, I am a… dare I say it?! Repeat offender. I wear things in my closet more than once. So sue me. And, if I find a cute way to wear it, you just might see me rocking it that way again. Shocking, I know. lol! That's just me. And here at Spoon Full of Sugar, that's what you get. Me ;)

This look is also my link up entry to last weeks Style Me Friday segment over at Eboni's spot The Fashionista Next Door. Head on over her way to see all of the other lovely ladies who linked up in their white Tees!!





Until next time…

White Tee - Dots
Striped Pencil Skirt - Old Navy
Shoes - Target

Candied Leather...

Hey peeps!! I hope you guys had a fantastic weekend! I sure did! Even though the weather has yet to break into Spring, I've had a bit of a pep in my step lately.

The home buying process is still weighing heavily on my mind (and wallet), but it's coming along. If all  continues to go well, we will be in our new home come this time next month. Wooooo-hooooo!! Thank you guys for your well wishes.

I haven't been out to party lately, but my girls and I decided to hang last night. It was the perfect time for me to get my mind off of things. I love it when we get together because we completely turn up. #pourupdrank ;) It also gave me the opportunity to get dressed up and take some pics.

I've shown this super cute candy striped dress from ASOS in a previous post here. I just love this dress!! The leather jacket took it to another level for me (shout out to my sis-inlaw for the loaner).

***NOTE: Being that Google Reader is going away, please don't hesitate to follow me via BlogLovin, Twitter & Instagram***

Until next time...

The sun was really shining in my eyes :)

Jacket - Unknown (borrowed)

Dress - ASOS

Shoes - Steve Madden

Don't You. Forget About Me...

Hey y'all!! I hope you guys are having a fantastic week so far. I've been a little M.I.A. from the blog for almost two weeks. As much as I miss blogging, life happens. Hubby and I are gearing up to purchase a home!! It's a very exciting time for our family! It's also nerve wracking at the same damn time. There's just so much to do and it can be emotionally draining.

But in the words of Jada Kiss, We. Gone. Make it. Thanks to everyone who has wished me well in the Twitter-verse and on IG. It really means a lot.

One of the homes we've seen so far. Nice, right?

This is my "so over the process" face. 

Through it all, I've still been making time for the gym at least four days a week and going strong with changing most of my eating habits. I'm hanging in there! I know some of you have fitness goals and are working towards them. How's it going??

Bathroom photo shoots are the norm (as if you didn't know). I love this dress though! It's so comfy!

And don't get me started on this necklace! 

This one is just for fun. Hubby "made my face" with the iMadeFace app. I tried to make my own, and when I did, he told me I had no idea what I look like. This is what he came up with. LOL! What do you think? Is it me?

Until next time…

PS. Don't forget to check out my YouTube Channel! My next video regarding my workout routine will be posted soon!! Thanks for watching! ;)

YouTube Debut… Rambles and Tangents

Hey peeps!! I'm so excited and nervous to be showing my very first YouTube vlog video! I didn't have a particular topic, so I was all over the place. I'll do better in my next video. #dontjudgeme lol! I have one note to make to my fellow #BLMGirl Britton of My Big, Beautiful Life. I said your name incorrectly in the video, and I am so sorry. I was super nervous, and just messed up. I hope you can forgive me ;)

Y'all go easy on me, as I'm sure the videos will get better with time and experience. Feel free to subscribe to my channel, and email me at shanticka@gmail.com with any constructive/helpful feedback that you may have, as I am always open to learning. Also, email me with any questions and/or topics that you may have or want me to talk about in the future. Thanks for watching!!

Until next time...

All Compliments Are Not Created Equal...

Hey peeps!! I've been MIA for a lil bit on the blog, but I have good reason. Hubby and I are searching for a home!! It's exciting, nerve wrecking and scary all at the same time. It's keeping us busy though. Please hang out/connect with me on Twitter & Instagram. I'm there on a regular basis with my antics and random pics. With that said… Blog Family, I have something on my mind.

The few faces of yours truly ;)

Attention: This is a small rant. It'll be over soon, I promise.

I may be a part of a small percentage of plus or straight sized women who feel this way, and you might not agree with me. But if I can't let it all out here, then where, right??!!

Whenever I see articles or blogs about body types, our shapes are compared to the rectangle, the hourglass, the pear and the apple.

All of the advice for dressing said shapes is geared towards making us appear to look like the hourglass. Everything from the A-line skirts/dresses to cinched waisted tops, belts and a host of other items. God forbid an "apple" actually be alright with her wonderfully made round top portion. Would it be so bad if the "rectangle" loved her straight muscular build? And what about the "pear"? Would the world end if she was fine with the fact that her bottom half is larger than her top half and didn't try to "trick the eye" into thinking there was balance?

As I continue on my health/fitness journey, I've found that I'm not concerned about what patterns or pieces of clothing make me look slim. I joked on FB that I'm an "hour JUG", cause ain't no glass over here!! LOL! I'm here, in all of my glory. Bumps, curves, lumps and all. Granted, I'm doing things these days to decrease said bumps, curves and lumps, but I'm more concerned about what I feel good in. That's what works for me. I wear belts over shirts and things like that to accentuate certain parts of my body, but I'm never trying to pass my frame off as something it's not. Here's one of the comments that I don't like, "That pattern is really slimming on you." Not my concern. And contrary to what some people think, feeling and looking good does not equal looking or feeling thin... for me anyways.

Yes, my hair looks a mess, but hey. It's not a beauty contest. That elliptical don't play! 

I said all of that to say this. Wear what you wear because YOU want to wear it. Not because someone said this is how you should present yourself. If you are into A-Line or pencil skirts because you love the look, then by all means, do you. But if you're an "apple" shape and damn near passing out because you have a tight belt around your waist because someone told you it's needed... Please re-evaluate. Or if you're a "pear", and you're running around in a hot blazer with shoulder pads in the summertime because someone told you that you need to create balance... Please re-evaluate. In the words of Sweet Brown, ain't nobody got time for that!!

My outfit on Valentines Day. I loved the J's with the skirt.

Last but certainly not least, I am your link-up host for this weeks #BLMgetFit Challenge. The IG and TwitPic challenge is #LBSGone. Find some way to show us how many pounds you've lost throughout the week through pictures. Be sure to use the hashtags #BLMGetFit and #LBSGone so your pic will be counted!! LINK UP with your fitness/motivational inspired posts!!

What's My Motivation…?

Hi everyone!! I'm a day late on my weekly posts that I'm trying to keep up with, but I'm here now. Wishing you all a wonderful rest of the week ahead!!

Unless you haven't been checking in on me lately (shame on you), you already know about the #BLMgetFit Challenge that I'm a part of. Since starting the challenge, I've been discussing things that are going on with me along the way of this challenge.

This week, I want to talk motivation. Motivation is essentially the reason to act a certain way or do a particular thing. What makes you do the things you do. Good or bad, right or wrong. In the words of the ever so eloquent 2 Chainz, "They ask me what I do and who I do it fah!"

One of my workout jams. Feel free to judge. It gets worse, believe me. Ha! ;)

The initial reason for my interest in starting and maintaining a healthier, more active lifestyle was the number on the scale. I swear, if you guys could have seen my face back in June when I stepped on the scale at a health fair I attended, you would have thought I'd seen a ghost. Everyone always says, stuff like, "Don't worry about the number on the scale", or "You're more than just a number when it comes to beauty", which is all true… But it was daunting to me.

As I've started to decrease that number, my reasons have started to shift a little bit.  I'm now more concerned with my overall health as far as blood pressure, diabetes and heart health. Certain things run deep within my family on both my mother and fathers sides, and I want to be on the preventative end of these conditions as I get older. I want to make sure that I can move freely without feeling tired. I want to continue to keep up with my soon to be 8 year old son, who runs me raggedy every chance he gets.

As you can see, Oatmeal & fruit is my go-to breakfast. It keeps me full throughout the morning.

And last, but certainly not least, I want to make sure that I'm keeping it right and tight for that man of mine. Don't get me wrong, I've always thought that I was/am the sexiest thing on God's green earth to him, and he's never made me feel any different. I just want to ensure that those wonderfully handsome eyes of his remain fixated on this here. POW!!

Messing around in the Old Navy dressing room this past weekend. I got the camel one, and the purple wrap dress.

Bathroom shots are as good as it gets these days :(

The above may not be motivation for some people to get going with fitness and health, but they are MY reasons, and that's good enough for me.

Until next time…

Tell me, what's your motivation?

**Don't forget!! The weekly challenge information, as well as the link up for this week is over at Brittons spot My Big, Beautiful Life, so head on over and LINK UP!!! **

Look Good, Feel Great...

Happy Monday!! I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend, because whether we like it or not, the work week is upon us (for those of us who don't work weekends, of course). My weekend was good. Didn't do much. The weather here in Minnesota didn't allow for much anyway. It was bitter cold, and the snow came down all day Sunday. Every year, I say I won't complain, but here I am once again… complaining. *sigh* Anyhoo…

If you didn't know, I am the winner of last weeks #BLMgetFit weekly challenge (#BLMMoves). The challenge was to get moving as much as possible throughout the week. I won by submitting the below pic via Instagram of my interpretation of the challenge:

I'm loving everything about the challenges. It's inspiring to see all of the other ladies who submit pictures, and also provide encouragement along the way.

This week, I want to talk about workout clothes. If you haven't noticed from my pics, my go-to "uniform" is a tee (usually v-neck), tank top (to help catch the sweat and protect me from possible plumbers butt), sports-bra, a pair of yoga pants or leggings, socks and my gym shoes. I need to step my game up.

I want to feel good about myself, even while I'm busting my butt and sweatin it up at the gym. I know that some people just throw on an old baggy t-shirt, and basketball shorts or sweatpants and keep it moving. That's all well and good because you get the same workout regardless, right? Sure… Maybe. For me, when I can see what I'm working one, I work harder. When I feel like I look good, I feel great!

I also, want to talk support. That's right ladies!! Bra's and shoes!! Please be sure to wear the proper support to the gym. Having the "girls" bounce all over the place can be pretty uncomfortable, and cause you to not work as hard. Also, it's very unsightly and can cause creepy stares from some of the fellas (to no fault of their own) =D. And remember to care for your bras properly, as replacement can get expensive. Because you don't want to break down the spandex, here are two important rules of care.

• Wash in cold water. No bleach.
• Dry it flat, or line dry.

Shoes are very (if not more) important. If you're a runner/jogger, please do yourself a favor and head to your local running specialty shop to get assessed. They can be pretty expensive, so even if you don't end up purchasing from there, at least get the assessment. You will leave more informed than when you walked in. We don't want anyone hurting themselves out here. As for the rest of us, like myself who do light work, a good trainer shoe is all we need.

So lets ditch the baggy/saggy gym wear ladies and get cute in the gym!! I've found that Kohl's has some really cute gear! I ordered a few things myself. Here are a few of my favorites, and it doesn't hurt that they're on sale (you can also use coupon code TENFORBLOG at checkout for through March 9th for an extra 10% off!):

Tek Gear Basic Tee

Tek Gear Yoga Leggings

Tek Gear Racerback Sportsbra

Lets keep up the great work and continue to encourage each other! This weeks challenge is (one bad apple) #SpoilstheBunch. Get inspired to eat (or drink) the recommended two servings of fruit per day and don't forget to share those pics via Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag!! 

This weeks health/wellness/inspiration link up is hosted by Beatrice over at Inspired by Beatrice Clay. Make sure you head over to her spot and link up! Thanks for reading to the end, because I know my last few posts have been wordy.

Until next time…

Have you seen my hair all picked out lately?!?! Holy hair Batman!! lol!