30 July 2012

Two of my favorite things: Ryan Lochte and online shopping!

Ok y'all, it's confession time. Who else did nothing this weekend but watch the Olympics? Because that is seriously almost all I did! Luke and I helped mom and dad move into their new house on Saturday (Olympics on the TV), but Sunday was dedicated solely to being lazy and the Olympics. Sorry I'm not sorry! I just cannot get enough of Ryan Lochte (don't tell Luke, ha!).

{I mean, seriously?? Check out those baby blues!}

In other news, I have recently made a couple of online purchases that I'm really excited about! The first one is a book that I've heard so many great things about. It is called Well Fed: Paleo Recipes For People Who Love To Eat. Yes, that would be me! I've heard this recipe book has some amazing recipes, including one for paleo mayo and paleo dressings. This girl is pumped!


My second online purchase, which I am equally, if not more, excited about is from ASOS. I needed a black house party dress for my college roommate, Kristin's, wedding in late August, so I headed over to ASOS's mid-season dress sale online. Girls--if you haven't checked out this sale, you must do so immediately!! Great prices, plus free shipping to anywhere. Yup, go check it out. I bought this little number:


50% off baby! Plus, what I love most about ASOS is that you can watch a short video of a model walking down a runway in each piece of clothing so that you can see the way it fits and moves when you walk. Seriously, a girl couldn't ask for more! 

I hope you all had a great weekend watching Ryan the Olympics. :) What is your favorite Olympic sport to watch? Did you catch the women's gymnastics qualifying round last night? I just think Gabby Douglas is the cutest thing ever!

27 July 2012

Lately, Weekend Edition. :)


It's Friiiidaaaayyyy!!! Can I get an amen?!

This week has been a little nuts. Working in media sales can be a very up and down. Some days are incredibly busy; other days can be slow. I always like to be somewhere in the middle. :) But this year, the 2012 Summer Olympics will air on NBC and I happen to work for the NBC affiliate here in Corpus Christi. To say my office has been busy would be the understatement of the year! We've had last minute advertising orders for the Olympics coming in, we're wrapping up July's numbers, and on top of it all, we are super excited to see all of our clients' ads air during the opening ceremonies and over the next couple of weeks!

{Love me some Olympics. USA! USA! USA!}

This week has been the first in a couple of months that Luke's world has slowed down (only by about 10%, but I'll take it!). He's been home sometime around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. every night and it's been nice to have a little time to catch up before bed. I'm not going to sugar coat it, I'm ready for summer to be OVER. I'm ready to have my more relaxed hubby back. I'm ready to have our evening workouts and date nights back. This summer has been real and it's been fun, but it hasn't been real fun. ;)

{One of my favorite pics from this summer. So ready to have our little family back in a normal routine.}

Tomorrow, Luke and I are headed up to Hallettsville to help my parents move into their new house. Plus, a sweet friend of mine from high school is getting married in Shiner, TX (yes, Shiner like Shiner Bock. I grew up about 15 minutes from the brewery. Be jealous!). It's going to be a quick day trip, but I'm excited to see my family and old friends.

{Sweet friends from high school! Lindsay, me, Haley, and Mandie. Mandie is getting married this weekend!!}

And speaking of family, our 2012 Martisek Summer Vacation is just a short 2 weeks and 2 days away. I cannot wait for Vegas with my crazy family!! I may or may not already be picking out the outfits I'm going to wear while we're there...

{Viva Las Vegas!!}

What are you up to this weekend? I'd love to hear!

24 July 2012

August Sponsor Swap!


Would you be interested in sponsoring The Hinton Hook-Up in August? If so, I would love to have you!

At this time, I am not charging for ads, just swapping! So if you'd like to swap for the month of August, just send me an email at thehintonhookup@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you!!

23 July 2012

Weekend recap.


Hello lovies! How was your weekend? I hope is was wonderful! For Luke and I, it was too quick (isn't it always?). 

On Friday night, I got to watch a sweet blogger friend, Ruthie, and her husband be on national television! Yes, Ruthie and Jon shared their first house purchase with the world on House Hunters. They were SO cute! And so was Ernie, their sweet little French bulldog. If you haven't found Ruthie's blog yet, you must check it out. She's pretty awesome!

{Ruthie--I stole this pic off you fb from someone, ha!}

On Saturday morning, I drove out to Alice, Texas to celebrate Felicia and her sweet baby girl, Harper. Felicia and I worked at Zephyr together as summer staff back in the day and now she and her husband, Brad, are expecting their first little one in September. I can't wait to meet Baby Harper! And she's going to rock out the baby J-Lo jumpsuit I bought her!!



Saturday night, Luke and I went to a wedding for the big sister of his best friend, Jay. A big congrats to Krisha and Lonnie!!! It was fun to hang out with friends, especially Jay and Morgan. We've missed them so much ever since they moved from Corpus to San Antonio, so it's always fun to spend time with them when we can. 




Sunday was chill. Just the way I like it! I did some laundry, we grabbed lunch with family, and ran a few errands in town. Overall, we had a pretty great weekend!

Going back to work on Monday is always super difficult for me after spending so much time with Luke and good friends. Why can't the weekends be three days instead of two?? If we had a presidential candidate that would make this a law, he's sure have my vote! What were you up to this past weekend? I'd love to hear!

Happy Monday!!!

18 July 2012

For Lauren and Lauren's July Giveaway!

Hello lovies! So, I've never participated in a giveaway, that is...until now! Katie from the precious blog ...For Luren and Lauren is hosting a giveaway for the month of July and asked me to participate. I'm super excited to be giving away a $10 Starbucks giftcard, plus there are many other bloggers giving away some pretty awesome prizes. There are multiple ways to register, so make sure you give yourself the best chance possible to win.
 
Ok, now go check out Katie's awesome blog and register for her July giveaway!!
 
Happy Hump Day. :)

16 July 2012

I'm Alive! // 10,000 Reasons

Hello blogosphere! Yes, I am, in fact, alive. I have survived the 14-day-almost-walking-pneumonia-bronchial-infection-apocalypse of 2012. I am back at work today and so excited to be feeling like myself again (minus the hacking cough that still lingers). 

I don't have too much to write about since I've been MIA over the past couple of weeks, but I wanted to share the lyrics of a song with you. This song has become especially close to my heart over the past couple of weeks. Every once in a while, it pops up on my Contemporary Christian Pandora Radio on my way to work and it blesses my heart oh so much. If you've never heard it, please Google and/or YouTube it. I promise, you'll be blessed.


10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) by Matt Redman


[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

[Chorus x2]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name

12 July 2012

Sick As A Dog, Part 2.



So, I finally toughened up and went to the doctor this morning. My family doctor happens to be my aunt, so when I called her yesterday and told her that I needed to see her asap, she said she'd see me at 8:30 a.m. today. After arriving and checking in, I waited an hour and a half(!) before they took me back to see my aunt. I was furious! The front desk kept telling me that I didn't have an appointment, when I knew for a fact my aunt had scheduled me for 8:30 a.m. After tearing up, telling them how bad I was feeling, and asking for the umpteenth time if they had even told my aunt that I was there, they rushed me back to an examination room and apologized for making me wait (I think she found out and had a few words). 

After a thorough examination of listening to me breathe, checking my ears, and all that good doctor stuff, this is what I learned...

1. I have a bronchial infection. Yuck! 
2. I will be on an antibiotic for walking pneumonia for the next 10 days.
3. I also must continue taking Mucinex and was prescribed codon cough syrup (the good stuff).
4. I was not allowed go to work today, nor can I go tomorrow.
5. A shot in the ass hurts like hell. Especially a steroid shot given to you by a big scary nurse that says, "lift your dress and bend over!" Holy moly...
6. I'm pretty stickin' contagious.

I picked up my meds and drove home (my behind still throbbing). I've been asleep on the couch for the past 4 hours and although I enjoyed the rest, I couldn't sit still any longer. I know that I'm supposed to stay away from work, but I may still try to go tomorrow if I'm feeling better. We shall see. :)

Again, if you can, I appreciate all prayers. I need swift healing because I'm supposed to help host a bridal shower for a dear friend of mine this weekend and I would be absolutely crushed if I could not go. But until then, I have these sweet babies to cuddle with.




11 July 2012

Sick as a dog.



Well, I'm writing this blog post from my couch. It's 11:40 a.m. and I'm officially on Day 10 of being sick. This all began the day after we got back from our 1st anniversary trip. I felt a chest cold/cough type thing coming on and began taking meds almost immediately, hoping to nip it in the bud. 

On day 3 of my sickness, I left work early because I was feeling pretty awful. Day 4 was the 4th of July, so I was grateful for another day off. I worked that Thursday and Friday. On about day 7, although I was annoyed that my sickness did in fact turn into a full-blown chest cold, I seriously thought it was beginning to going away. 

That is, until yesterday, when this deep cough wouldn't go away and I discovered puss heads on the back of my throat (yuck!). I cannot be 100% sure that it's strep until I have a strep test done tomorrow morning. That's as early as my doctor can see me. But this whole thing has moved from my chest to my lungs and it has me a little worried. 

So, the lesson learned? When a sickness lasts for more than 3 or 4 days, go to the doc sooner than later. Because if you don't, you could end up like me. :(

Prayers of healing would be greatly appreciated!

08 July 2012

My First Paleo Meal: Pecan-Crusted Chicken and Fresh Green Beans


 
{My newly organized Paleo pantry}


{And fridge...so colorful!}

After an overwhelming response on my blog, Facebook, and over text/phone with family and friends, Luke and I have decided that we are going to try changing our eating habits and eat Paleo. But before I share my first cooking experience, I want to give you a few of my personal thoughts/opinions about this lifestyle...






1) First off, Paleo isn't some off-the-wall religion. I feel like when people say, "I'm Paleo," it sounds like they are doing weird sacrifices and worshiping vegetables. This is not the case. It also isn't a diet; it's a life-style change. People that eat Paleo are choosing to eat the foods that humans ate as hunters and gatherers: Meat, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. You stay away from wheat, grain, dairy, and sugar.

2) If I am going to stick with this eating style, I will not allow it to ruin fellowship. Yes, I will do my best to cook at home, prepare snacks so that I don't fall off the wagon when hunger strikes, and follow these eating habits to the best of my ability. But if friends ask Luke and I to go out for dinner and the restaurant isn't the healthiest, I'm not going to say, "Oh sorry, we can't go. We're Paleo." That's the kind of dinner when a plate of nachos will be allowed. I don't feel like it would be pleasing to Christ to let something, especially food, affect fellowship.

3) I will not be using the word "cheat." This isn't a diet; it's a lifestyle. If after I've gotten into a Paleo routine, I know what works best for my body, and I'm still craving a piece of chocolate, then I will eat a piece of chocolate. Obviously, this cannot become a habit, but I also believe in living life to the fullest. If a piece of chocolate will get me through that craving, then it's happening.

 
Ok, so these are my first few thoughts. I'm really excited to learn to cook healthy meals with Paleo foods and after a too long trip to HEB Plus yesterday, I had all the ingredients to cook my first Paleo meal: Pecan-crusted chicken and fresh green beans! 
(Recipe for chicken from Everyday Paleo)

P.S. Aren't these maltipoos just too cute?! I was trying to explain to them what Paleo is and they were a little confused. :) {And sorry about my husband's big feet, ha!}
 
Ok, so here it is! My first, home-cooked Paleo meal: pecan-crusted chicken with fresh green beans. It was really good and I totally recommend this recipe, even if you aren't Paleo! You can find it here




So, I guess we're trying this. Wish us luck! 

06 July 2012

Friday Favorites!

I'm linking up with The Bargain Blonde for today's Friday Favorites! What are your favorites these days?



Favorite make-up...Bare Minerals.
 
I was looking for a new line of make-up to try and I asked my friend, Sarah, what she was using because her face looked so fresh and even. She told me that she'd been using Bare Minerals and was really loving it. So, I decided to give it a try. I'm obsessed! I love that everything is loose powder and you just continue to apply until you've reached your desired coverage level. This is an all-natural make-up, so my face never feels weighed down. Plus, the set that I bought came with some really nice brushes, which is always a plus!
 





Favorite drink...Fruit-infused water.
 
Last weekend when Luke and I were on our anniversary getaway, I stole a couple of hours and went to the spa. While I was waiting for my massage, I drank some complimentary fruit-infused water and it was amazing! I don't know why I've never tried this before! This is the perfect sweet drink without adding sugar. Plus, fruit-infused water looks so pretty. Perfect for that summertime party!
 



Favorite clothing item...Around The Corner Blazer.

This cute little blazer is from Mod Cloth and it's on sale. Today is pay day. Let's just say I may own this piece in a matter of minutes. :)



Favorite puppy nose...Bentley's!

This is my sweet 9-month-old maltipoo's nose. Isn't that the sweetest nose you've ever seen?? Yup, it's my favorite.



**And a big thanks to Courtney with Little Moments for highlighting The Hinton Hook-Up on her blog today!!*
Happy Friday!!





03 July 2012

To Paleo? Or not to Paleo?




It's no secret that I'm not a very healthy eater. This is not for lack of trying; I just tend to have a little more self-control on the working out part of a healthy lifestyle versus the eating part. I have a couple of friends that have successfully tried and stuck with the slow-carb, or 4-hour-body diet. I've been looking into this diet over the last couple of days and even attempted to try it, but I have to admit that this lasted for about 12 hours. I just cannot cut out fruit the way this diet requires!

But it is a sincere desire of mine to take better care of the body God has given me. We only get one, people! So now, I'm looking a little deeper into the Paleo Diet. Have you heard of it? If so, what are your thoughts? I would love, love if any of you would like to share your experiences with me. 

I like that with this diet, you can eat fruit. Some paleo dietitians allow sweet potatoes because they are root vegetables; others ask for you to stay away. I'm a big potato person and since regular potatoes aren't allowed, I like that I could allow myself a sweet potato every now and then. And wine? Allowed (yay!). In small quantities, of course, but still allowed. Amen! (See a list of Paleo foods here.)

So please, share your thoughts on this diet with me. I'm really looking for a healthier lifestyle, not to loose a whole bunch of weight. And if 10 pounds falls off, I won't complain. :)

02 July 2012

Weekend Getaway: San Antonio!

This past weekend, Luke and I took off to San Antonio, TX for a quick, but relaxing weekend away from our crazy lives. This trip was also to celebrate our 1 year anniversary, which was last Monday. We stayed the weekend at the Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch, and it was awesome! We had a very nice room with all the amenities we could have needed or wanted.


On our first night there, Luke and I had dinner at the hotel and used the evening to unwind. The next morning, we took an hour and a half tour of the facility, which earned us $125 hotel credit, woohoo! After lunch, Luke took a fabulous 4-hour nap (If you know how crazy Luke's work life is in the summer, you know that this is HUGE for him. Poor guy needed some major rest!), while I got a hot-stone massage at the Windflower Spa. Both of us got to enjoy a little relaxation. :)


On Saturday night, Luke and I headed down to the Riverwalk to have dinner and celebrate our anniversary. We ate dinner at Cafe Ole (not to be confused with Casa Ole) and enjoyed the beautiful lights of the Riverwalk. After we got back to our hotel, we jumped into the jacuzzi for a few minutes before heading to bed. Again, so relaxing!




We slept in to the best of our ability on Sunday morning, but check-out was a 10 a.m. So, we packed up quick and headed over to Fiesta Texas! Luke's best friend, Jay, and his sweet wife, Morgan, got us into Fiesta Texas for FREE because Morgan works in their marketing/promotions department. We had an awesome time riding rollercoasters, eating funnel cake, and hanging out with some of our best friends. Thanks so, so much Jay and Morgan!!!



We're home now and ready for a new week. There has been so much going on in our lives, both personally and professionally, so we are incredibly grateful that God gave us the opportunity to get away and focus on each other for a few days. I can tell that this is going to set us up for a great week.

Hope you had a nice weekend, wherever you are!