Busy day all around...

I had a full day yesterday...I started out with a workout before work...spent 25 minutes on the elliptical. Then, I worked a full day...and also went for 2 power walks outside during the day since I was constantly looking for an excuse to be outside in the sun. Then after work, I went to the Y with my mentee to workout for a little bit. We went on the treadmill and the bikes...and played around with the weights a little bit. She seemed to have a really good time. When I got home, I immediately made dinner because I was STARVING! And then I was out the door again...I had to pick up a replacement part for my computer at my dad's...and then go to the store to pick up some items to make brownies. Yep, I came home...and whipped up a batch of brownies to take to work with me. Today is Administrative Professionals Day, so I wanted to do something nice for the support staff...who keep us sane at work. The brownies are yummy good...and it's 10am and the pan is almost gone, so I think it went over well. Then, I made my lunch for tomorrow...and watched a little of Hell's Kitchen (complete guilty pleasure) before heading to bed.

I think my mentee had a good time working out at the Y. I hadn't been there in so long. I let my membership go a few months back...because I just wasn't using it and I have enough workout equipment at home. It was nice to have all those machines to choose from though. The mentoring program has a deal with the Y, so I can go there with my mentee for free...and so I think we'll go at least a couple times a month. I like that my mentee wants to do active things. She mentioned that she liked hiking...so, I'll plan to do some of that when the weather is right for it. The local girl scouts have horse back riding too...and I think they have a whole course on it. I can remember doing it as a kid. You learn how to clean/brush the horse, how to put on their saddles, how to mount them, how to feed them, the correct way to ride, etc. I can remember loving that when I was a kid. I am not sure if you need to be a Girl Scout to do it, but I am definitely going to look into it. My mentee seems to be game for just about anything...so, I am going to enjoy doing some active things with her..especially in the spring and summer.

Self Care

Hey y'all....I forgot to update yesterday with of course the weekly weigh-in report. I am happy to say that for the first time...I maintained my weight. I didn't lose any...and I didn't gain any. I don't know if I have this whole thing figured out just yet, but I do have more of a handle on it than I did before. I step on the scale each and every morning and the weight was up some days...back down some others. I mainly think the fluctuation has more to do with the sodium in whatever I am eating...than anything else.

One thing I really noticed as I have continued losing weight...and taking better physical care of myself...is that I am willing to spend money on things I never would before. Here are a few examples:

Clothes: I have never been a clothes horse...not in the slightest. I was still wearing some clothes that I wore in high school and I graduated in 1995. Since I've lost weight and moved down to a size I have never been before, it's forced me to renew my wardrobe and spend money and time buying clothes. I used to hate going clothes shopping, but now...I really like it. I like all the new options and just trying things on. I still stay within a budget...but if price were no option, I'd be buying things left and right. Speaking of...I need to buy some spring/summer shoes and I also need to buy a couple pairs of jeans. It's definitely on the list for the next shopping day.

I've never been to a spa before. The idea of getting a massage was really unattractive to me. I think part of it...was my negative body image and not really liking the idea of a total stranger touching me. I still am not sure I like the idea of a stranger getting their hands all over me...but, I am much more open to it. What I would like to try first...is also something I've never had done. I want to get a pedicure. It just seems like a fun, fancy thing to do. It's on the list...not something I am planning to do tomorrow, but definitely something I wanna put on the "to do" list.

Makeup/ Beauty Products: I used to never wear makeup...ever. I often end up looking like a vampire princess in the winter because my skin is so fair. I have noticed a shift there too. I still wear very minimal makeup, but I do put it on each and every morning before leaving for work. It's just lip gloss, a little cover up powder, some blush on the cheeks and eye shadow...but it's much more than I used to wear. I still think the idea of wearing obvious makeup...is not my style, but I like a little color on my face. I've also spent some money on some facial products. I bought a facial cleanser that so far...I really like. I'm also on the lookout for some good acne products. I am really lucky because I have nice skin. My skin rarely breaks out...so, I don't have to worry about acne all too much. I do get the occasional breakout, especially since I am working out so much. It's interesting....that working out is what causes my breakouts. I know it's that my skin is constantly sweating and therefore being irritated. Plus, with all the outside running...especially on the streets, it's gotta be bad for the skin. I have been on the lookout for a natural acne treatment. All the stuff I have..which isn't a lot...is so chuck full of chemicals. It works, but it also really dries out my skin.

Cooking Tips/Books: I am constantly looking for recipes on the internet...and buying those little cooking magazines that are in the check out aisles in the grocery store. I've just become so much more interested in how things are made...and baking things. Before, I thought it was a hassle...and if I had to bring a cake to work or church, I would swing by Hannaford and buy it. Now...I look forward to baking something. It's just an interesting switch.

So there are just a few examples at things that I would never even think of spending money on...but now, I have more of an interest in. I still watch my finances like a hawk, but when I have a few extra dollars...it's stuff I want to throw a little bit towards. I think, in general, it's a good thing. When I think of all the money I've thrown away over the years...buying crap, no good for you food...I am glad now that I am tempted to throw money towards things like this instead.

Mmm.......

Hey y'all....one thing I have learned in the last year, is that I actually am pretty good at baking. I never knew that. My mom...was fabulous in the kitchen. She was always making pies and cookies and candy and what not...and they were scrumdiddlyumptious! So, if I needed to bring something into work...or I wanted to bake a cake for a friend's bday...I would tell me mom, she would bake it up and voila! I made fudge with her once, but usually...I would just place the order and pick up the goods. One of the regrets I have now...is that I didn't spend more time with her in the kitchen and learn some of her tricks of the trade.

One thing my mom always did...is make cookies and cake and pie for the church when they were having dinners and what not. The church is having a pork dinner tonight, so I signed up to bring some supplies and I also signed up to bring a cake and/or a pie. I decided on AND instead of OR. So, here is what I made:



This is a grasshopper fudge cake. It smells divine. It is mint flavored white and green marbled cake...covered in a layer of fudge and then topped with mint flavored whipped topping and andes candies. If only the internet was scratch and sniff...and you could smell just how great this cake well...smells. I've haven't tasted it yet, but I am going to assume it is yummy.

And #2:



This is a No Bake Peanut Butter and Chocolate Pie. It's super easy to make and it is so rich and creamy. And of course, it is topped with drizzled dark chocolate fudge and some reese's PB cups. Mmmm...mmm....good!

I hope the church enjoys them...and I really did like making them. I have found I feel connected to my mom when I bake. I hope the church enjoys them even 10% as much as they LOVED my mom's baking. They used to ooh and ahh about the goodies she brought.

If anyone wants the recipes...email me and I would be more than happy to share. Enjoy your weekend y'all!