insulin resistance

Today was so fun at school! We are studying the Age of Discovery and did a few activities. I blogged about this more on my Teaching page! But here is a snap shot of our fun!

But, on a more serious note...

While I was off enjoying my long weekend a few days ago, I learned some news that will forever change my life. On Friday morning, I found out I have insulin resistance.

WebMD does a great job of explaining what insulin resistance is, so I'll let the "experts":

"Normally, food is absorbed into the bloodstream in the form of sugars such as glucose and other basic substances. The increase in sugar in the bloodstream signals the pancreas (an organ located behind the stomach) to increase the secretion of a hormone called insulin. This hormone attaches to cells, removing sugar from the bloodstream so that it can be used for energy.
In insulin resistance, the body's cells have a diminished ability to respond to the action of the insulin hormone. To compensate for the insulin resistance, the pancreas secretes more insulin.
People with this syndrome have insulin resistance and high levels of insulin in the blood as a marker of the disease rather than a cause.
Over time people with insulin resistance can develop high sugars or diabetes as the high insulin levels can no longer compensate for elevated sugars."

The good news is you can fight against insulin resistance and even sometimes reverse the cycle. However, it takes a very strict diet and exercise plan to do so. I immediately started medication, a high protein-high fiber-NO carb diet, and exercise. By not taking care of oneself with insulin resistance, you become at risk for other problems such as osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer and many other things.

So I've decided to make the most of this opportunity by doing the following things:

1. Blogging recipes. I intend on coming up with substitutes for my favorite dishes. Everything I cook will have to be sugar-free, low-fat, and low-carb. So look forward to some healthy dish ideas!

2. Keeping you up-to-date with my progress.

3. And not turning my blog into "the diary of the girl with insulin resistance". But rather, informing you about new healthy options every now and then!

For now I've started this book, to learn as much as I can about my condition. While there was nothing I could have done to prevent becoming insulin resistance, I intend on doing everything I can to reverse the cycle.


For all of those who have been with me over the last year following my progress, this is the end of the road. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. I love you all.

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wednesday wednesday wedddddnesday

WOW. I can't believe I haven't blogged in a week! So much has been going on that I must tell you about, but for now I will stay true to my Wednesday tradition! It's Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday and I have some good finds!

First and foremost, I need a mani/pedi stat! I'm definitely going this weekend to get my tips and toes taken care of! I'm SO ready for spring and summer! It was in the 80s here today! I hope that's not a tease!

I seriously CANNOT get my mind off the Hunger Games. I daydream about how the movie will play out. I've heard that it is the best book spin off there has been in a long time. I have never done a midnight screening before... but I'm considering it!

This past weekend I sort of went on a jewelry binge. To say I treated myself a few things is an understatement. Let's just say I hadn't been shopping in AWHILE, and I got GREAT deals :)

I want to make this for my classroom SO BAD! It would end the countless questions about when things are happening! Well maybe not, since everything is currently posted in the room. BUT, this would be super cute and helpful!

Do I love this little spring number or what? A light blue dress on beach-tanned skin. Perfection. I just love it all.

And finally, my list of DIY projects seems to be growing by the day! There are so many things I want to try. So this weekend I am committing to trying at least TWO and documenting them. I will post them so you can hold me accountable! They may come from any of the following pieces of inspiration!




I hope you are having a great week so far! Half way there!

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hump day

It's Wednesday AND it was my last day at school this week! What what! Those kiddos will be excited to see a sub tomorrow, don't you remember those days in high school? However, it might not be that fun for them considering the amount of work I left... opps.

But it is Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday and I have lots of awesome finds to show you!

First and foremost, most of you have probably heard of the #Kony2012 campaign by now. I've been involved with Invisible Children since they first visited UGA my freshman year of college. (Awhile ago...) The cause dug into my heart and I felt like it was something I should support. While many disagree with the organization and the way they are handling their #Kony2012 campaign, I believe they are getting awareness of the situation out there. And that's a good thing. We need to get educated about what is going on in the world. So often we find ourselves living in American bubble, we forget there are bad things going on out there. Let's show them love in any way that we can. And if that is promoting an issue, so at least some people can now know it exists, I think that is great. Education is key.

The KONY2012 video showed a clip of an adorable little boy with a bike-Thumbs Up for Rock and Roll. Then tonight on Pinterest, I saw a link! And let me just tell you... this little boy is inspirational! These 55 seconds will make your heart melt with goodness.

Can I have this living room please? I love the high doors/windows, white and natural antique furniture with splashes of color. I just don't have enough words to tell you how much I LOVE this!

I have recently become obsessed with finding a sideways cross necklace in gold. I just think they are so pretty.

Now I think this is hilarious, but the fiance would LOVE to own the Georgia skillet! Maybe he'll get one for Christmas!

And I am thinking this might be my new project for mine and David's future apartment! How cute and totally reused!

Happy Weekend! Or sorry, I meant Wednesday for you!

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the hunger games

I have a really embarrassing, very serious confession to make.

After work yesterday, I had to pick up some vitamins at Target. Well everyone knows that you can't just go into Target to "pick something up". I walked around the exterior and stopped to flip threw some wedding magazines when I saw it... the book I've heard tons of people talking about. The movie they talk about on the radio every morning. The movie trailer that I've been interested in, but understood little about.

My confession--I am Hunger Games crazy now. I decided to treat myself to a fun, fiction, easy-read. I haven't had one of those in awhile. And it was on sale!

Warning: Do not start reading this book unless you have some time on your hands. I started reading at 5pm and only a few short breaks later finished it at 12:30am.

I could not put it down.

I watched the movie trailer at least 15 times today. AND, I have also been daydreaming about the second book, Catching Fire, all day. I seriously can not get enough.

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to March 23.

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beauty box

I have been impatiently awaiting the arrival of my beauty box! I have been reading many blogs of Birchbox members. Unfortunately, I was put on their waiting list :( BUT after reading reviews between several companies like this, I picked out Beauty Army. I took a beauty profile quiz and they gave me several options for what I could receive this month. I was SO excited when I saw the box in my mailbox today! Margo helped me open it!

And THIS is what I found inside!!!!! So many goodies! Starting on the left is Indie Lee Shampoo! It's smells amazing! Lemongrass and citrus! I have been wanting to try a sulfate free shampoo for awhile and now I have the chance!

I'm really excited trying Psssssst! Instant Dry Shampoo on the left! It eliminates oil and provides volume to hair! Also pictured here is Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe. According to the reviews I have read about it, my hair should be instantly cured from years of damage. Stronger, longer, and softer... it's what we all want right?!

Here you will see Babor's Sun Lotion. With a 30 SPF it promises to moisturize my skin and protect me from the sun! The box on the right is Weleda's Iris Hydrating Facial Lotion. It is supposed to be a light and fast absorbing facial moisturizer for combination skin! I know it's hard to see, but there is also a small container in the middle. It is called Boo-Boo cover up. It promises to heal skin blemishes while covering them up like a foundation. What impresses me about Beauty Army is that they managed to make my coloring perfectly!

I'm really excited about trying all of my new products out! I will let you know what works best! I LOVE trying new beauty products!

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friday favs

I am SO happy we finally made it to the weekend! I am in need of some serious R&R! My parents are coming to visit me and we will be doing some wedding planning and I'll also have my "niece" with me! (No, my sister didn't have a baby, but she does have the most precious dog in the world!) I'm linking up with High Five for Friday and Friday Favorite Things today!


This week we had parent night. Although we were are school until late Tuesday night, I really enjoyed spending time talking with my coworkers in between parent meetings. You will see the best planner I have ever owned below! I just love everything zebra striped! However, I'm thinking about purchasing a Erin Condren for next year... we'll see!

Here is a glimpse at an Erin Condren life planner... I mean how precious is this! Being organized makes me happy, but mix it with colors and you have perfection! I LOVE how you can keep EVERYTHING in this one planner!

Tonight was date night for me and David. However, after dinner it turned into us running errands and watching the weather channel. We went to get sushi at Sakura. It was so yummy! Little did David know, that his sushi would be delivered to the table on FIRE! It was SO cool! It was the Volcano Roll-tempura shrimp inside and topped with shredded crab.

Lastly, I want to share Day 1 and Day 2 of #marchphotoaday with you! Day 1 the topic was "up". The last two days have been so beautiful! I couldn't help but put my sunroof down and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine on the way home from work! Todays topic was "fruit". I had no idea what I was going to take a picture of at first. But then, because we ate at the sushi bar, they gave up a plate of oranges to finish our meal off with! How convenient for my photography challenge!

I will be posting these to Instagram and Twitter daily! Feel free to follow me!
Follow @courtneycarol

I hope you had a great Friday and week! I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend :)

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march 1

I have seriously been battling the same cold for exactly a week now. It has been a really busy week at school (morning volleyball practices, late parent night, and so many meetings!) Unfortunately, I just haven't been able to catch up with myself and defeat this cold, no matter how much vitamin C I'm taking! Needless-to-say, I'm READY for the WEEKEND!!!!

This month, I'm joining up with Fat Mum Slim to participate in a photo a day. Basically, she has made a list of things we can photograph everyday, and I share it with you by posting it here, to Instragram and Twitter. If you decide to participate, don't forget the hash tag #marchphotoaday. I intend on posting my pictures in groups (labeled of course!) However, it you want to see them daily, follow me on Twitter!
Follow @courtneycarol

I'm really excited about it and have promised to be 100% dedicated to it!

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