Free Swag

Hey there....I have found a few free stuff out there on the internet, so I thought I would share just in case you wanted some too.

Fiber One Cereal: Just click on the link...and you can get a free sample of Fiber One's Carmel Delight Cereal. I've tried it...and yum...it is so good. It's also really good for you. It's only got 3 grams of fat and a whoppin' 9 grams of fiber in each serving. Once again...it's healthy and scrumdiddlyumptious! Enjoy!

EAS Protein Bar: I am a big fan of EAS. I have been using their 100% Whey Protein Shake Powder for years. It's a really nutritious food that is a great before or after workout meal. They are giving away a free product to anyone who clicks the link and enters their info. I got a coupon for a free bar...so, that's what I imagine you'll get a coup for as well. You can find their products in most grocery stores, places like Wal-Mart and they also carry their products at stores like GNC, etc. Give it a shot...and maybe you'll find a nutritious substitution for your afternoon candy bar ritual.

Kashi Granola: I'm in love with Kashi. If I could marry it, I would. Their products taste great, they are made of whole grains and they pack a real nutritious punch. Kashi has a new line of granola out and they will send you a sample of the Mountain Medley variety. I've tried this granola before and it is really really good. Give it a shot, I swear you won't be disappointed.

I hope you enjoy them....they are all healthy and I love anything that is free.

Monday Weigh-In and what stress will teach you...

Hi all! I woke up on Monday morning...with my legs a little sore and my knee kind of barking at me. But...I still felt good. Those aches were reminders of the race I ran, so I kind of smiled and grimaced at the same time. I usually do more of a cool down walk than I did yesterday AND I usually go shopping with my afterwards so I walk for another hour or so around stores...and yesterday after the race, I spent some time watching the TV...and that's about it.

Let's get to the weigh-in...I stepped on the scale and I lost another pound this week. At least it wasn't two! Since I have been pushing cardio so hard in preparation for the race, I was not surprised. Now that the race has come and gone...I can change my focus from cardio centered to weight training. I am starting the Body for Life 12 Week Challenge. It has you doing weight training 3 times per week and cardio 3 times per week. I will be doing a lot less cardio though...only 20 minutes at a time. So, I think it will be a nice, new change.

I think I am going to stop doing the weekly weigh-ins over there on the site. I am going to change the format...and report if I am in my range or not. I am going to give myself a 10 lb. range...and right now, I am at the bottom of that range since I would actually like to gain some weight. As soon as I am within the range, I'm cool. And then...if for 3 months, I stay within range...I am going to give myself a maintenance reward. So...that's my plan, Stan!

And what is this I mentioned about stress? Well...this morning, I went down to start my car and it wouldn't start. I often have a security issue with my car...so I didn't think it was a big deal, but then I realized it still wasn't starting. I wasn't sure if it just needed a jump...or if it was the starter or the alternator...or if it was the security system finally going belly up. My dad is a doll...and took me to work. I knew I couldn't deal with it until I got home. And..once I got to work, what was going to be a quiet, easy day turned into a busy day...where I had to spend the whole morning in the jail dealing with something I wasn't expecting.

So, I came back from the jail right before lunch...a tad bit stressed. What makes me happy about all this stress is how I dealt with it. One of my main issues with long term weight management is that I have always been an emotional eater. Overall, I eat pretty healthy...but when life sucks or when I am stressed out, I tend to go right to emotionally eating. What made me happy today...is that I didn't even think about ordering a pizza or getting some crap food out of the vending machine. Being on this plan...made me deal with my emotions and not feed them. I learned to recognize I was stressed...and realize that everything was out of my control. Once I did that...I calmed right down and I was in a great mood. So, I've lost a bunch of weight...got into better shape physically...but I've also dealt with the internal/emotional issues I have with food. With well...rocks.

BTW- AAA came and jumped my car...and it runs. I figured out the problem...and need a repair down the line, but dodged a bullet for right now.

Hugs all...Happy Monday!

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!

Oyster Joke...and some seriousness too!

People at my office love cheesy jokes...we seem to not be able to get enough of them. One of my co-workers...just told me this joke the other day...get ready...cause it's so corny and cheesy...it's so pathetic, I think that is what makes it funny:

A female oyster walks into a bar and sees a cute, male oyster eyeing her up and down. She walks over and says, "Is that a pearl in your shell or are you just happy to see me?"

Yep...that's the kind of jokes we like people. We're sad. We're pathetic. Welcome to our world.

And now...since I am a vegetarian and all...I'd thought I share some of the dangers of eating raw oysters. I know the reputation...and "why" people eat them. I don't eat oysters anyways...being veggie and all, but for certain people who have high-risk conditions, it can be really risky. Gulf oysters which are eaten raw can be dangerous for people with diabetes, liver disease, cancer, stomach problems, etc. I was surprised to hear about the diabetes. I have diabetics all throughout my family. My mom was a diabetic, my dad is a diabetic, my aunt is a diabetic. I guess it can lead to infections and serious illness from a bacteria that is in the oysters. They say the bacteria is killed when it is cooked, but if you eat it raw...not so much.

So, I know raw oysters are supposed to help people get into the MOOD and all...but think about it next time and order something else off the menu!

Monday= Weigh-In!

Hi everyone...it's Monday and of course, that means it is weigh-in day. I had a really good...really nice weekend. I got my run in on Saturday....worked out on the elliptical on Sunday and what not. I felt really strong and healthy.

I am still losing weight in transition, but this week...hopefully that will stop or at least slow down. I am adding back in grains and bread this morning...I am eating some Multigrain cheerios right now. Mmmm....I also bought some english muffins and some Special K cereal. Yummilicious!

Anyways...I said I did lose weight this week and yep, I lost 3 lbs this week. I was actually surprised this morning when I stepped on the scale. I weigh everyday...because well, I like to know how I am doing on a daily basis. It drives some people nuts, but not me...instead it gives me good information because I don't get emotional about what the scale says. Well, my weight was holding at 1 lb lost...all the way up to Sunday morning. Well...it jumped from 1 lb to 3 lbs from Sunday to Monday. It shouldn't be that shocking since I often lose more over the weekend...I'll stay the same all week long and then drop my weight between Saturday and Monday morning.

So, I lost weight...and didn't even mean to. I think part of the issue is I have been pushing working out because I am training for the race coming up in 2 weeks. If my weight continues to go down, I will add even more food. It's shocking how much food you CAN eat when you eat the right types of foods. Quality verses quantity.

NEWS FLASH: I went to Target today....looking for any good sales and hopefully to buy a pair of pants or two. I have some that don't fit at all anymore, even with a belt. Well...guess who bought a size 8 pair of pants today? I DID! They weren't on sale, but I liked them...so I splurged. And by splurge...I mean that I spent 20 bucks on a pair of pants. I would like to though buy some engraved plaques that say, "Hey I wear a size 8!!!!" and wear it around my neck constantly...Flavor Flav style. Holy carp people! I never thought I would be a person wearing single digit clothing..ever. The smallest I was the last time I lost weight was a 12...and then I bought some size 10 pants back in January. And every single size 10 I tried on today...was too big. So, I grabbed some 8s...and every single one fit and some were LOOSE. Holy bejesus! Can you tell I am a little excited???

Happy St. Patty's Day to all....

Hey everyone....Happy St. Patrick's Day! I took the day off work...why? Because I consider it my nation's holiday. I am a redhead with pale skin that won't tan...and freakles all over in the summer time. So, yeah...to say I am Irish is an understatement.

If you live near a Stewart's and happen to be wearing green today...stop by and get a FREE SCOOP of ice cream. I wish I was eating ice cream, but not quite yet....but soon. Next year, I will get my free scoop. Heck...maybe next year I will go to every Stewart's in town...which would easily be over 10. j/k

I took a quick run over to my dad's this morning....3 miles...and then we went and bought some green carnations and headed over to my mom's grave marker and put them on the stone. She always loved St. Patty's Day and being Irish. She wore a claddagh ring for years and years...which I now own and only wear is seldomly because I am terrified of losing it. So, I hope she likes the flowers.

And now...I am heading out to go to the video store and then do some shopping...looking to see if the sales are any good for some pants, etc. If not...I'll keep looking.

Enjoy the day...even if you aren't Irish...pretend you are!

Holy wind Batman....and a weigh-in too!

Hey kids....it's Monday and that means we all survived Daylight Savings Time and the loss of our hour of sleep. Before I get to that elusive weigh-in stats, let me recap my weekend for you. (I like to keep you in suspense!)

I really wanted to get my run in on Saturday because I missed it last Saturday due to having to work and there being a huge snow storm. I have gotten used to having my Saturday runs, so I missed the week without it. The weather report looked bleak again...and it said it might be a day of rain/sleet/freezing rain. Pfft to that! It said it might not start until late morning, so I got up an hour earlier...and headed out on my run earlier than usual. I got about 3 miles and change in...and it started raining. I thought I would tough it out for a while, but then the wind picked up some too...and the rain was cold and biting. So, I turned in early...and only went a little over 4 miles. I am glad though...that I got most of it in...and didn't ditch the whole run because of the possibility of rain.

Ah, Daylight Saving Time...it's upon us again. I love this time of year...when it stays late so much later. Remember those times in summer when drive-in movies don't start until at least 9pm because that is when it really starts to turn to dusk. I love having the light for so much more of the day. I did feel like I missed the sleep though...because of the DAMN wind! I tried to go to bed early on Saturday night...to steal that extra hour of sleep back, but the wind was howling...and it was so loud. I was amazed at how intense it was...I was worried the power was going to go out...and it almost did. I was awake well past midnight...and that's late for me, so it's obvious I didn't get to snag an extra hour of sleep. I also didn't get to sleep in on Sunday...because I was up bright and early for church. I could have skipped it, but I committed to going to church each and every Sunday during the Lentin period...and I believe in honoring my commitments.

I did catch a quick nap on Sunday afternoon...and that helped. Of course, it just made me not tired for going to bed until about 11pm on Sunday night, but I still went to bed at 10pm because I am a creature of habit. I watched a little crap TV and was in dreamland sometime after 11pm.

Alright....on to this weigh-in mumbo jumbo. As I've said, I am working on transitioning....and stopping this weight loss momentum. I am working on maintaining...something I have never done well. I can lose weight pretty easily...and gain weight even easier. But staying the same weight...or within the same weight range, is much more difficult for me. I usually go immediately from losing weight to gaining weight. Not going to play that game again...I swear it. Well, my body is obviously still in losing mode....since I lost 3 freakin' pounds this week.

I'm still following the plan...I figure, the plan worked during the weight loss portion, so I need to trust it and follow it during the transition phase. Plus, I get to add even more things in this week. I had already been adding in those starchy and sugary veggies like corn and carrots....added in fruit (oh how I love fruit!)....and this week...adding more dairy in. I bought some yogurt that I cannot wait to try. Next week...I add in grains...which means bread in some sense or another. I haven't had bread in so many months...I think that will be the most bizarre of all.

Let's hope next week doesn't see another drop on the scale...because if it does, I might start eating a diet full of just ice cream and candy! lol (just kidding people...no need to send a diet intervention my way! )

Monday Weigh-In 2/25

Hi kids....it's Monday, so of course...it's weigh-in day.

Oh, I never updated about if I got to go on my run...and how it went. I did go on my run. The weather was alright...and even warm (for February). The temp was in the high 20s...so it felt balmy compared to last week's run. I headed out...and planned on getting th 5.25 miles in. My main objective was to work on my time...and try to get a better pace. I ran the first mile as I usually do...and then every ten minutes I would run for at least one minute at a faster pace. I figured it was the best way to pick up my pace.

It worked....I ran a slow 15 minute mile last Saturday. It took me 75 minutes to run 5.2 miles. This week...I ran 5.25 miles and got it done in 62 minutes. Holy smokes. I am shocked I finished the same distance 13 minutes faster. I expected it to be a smidge better, but while I was running it...it didn't seem all that much faster. If I do the math, I ran about a 12 minute mile...and for right now, I'll take it. I need to keep working on it before the race in March, but all in all...I am a happy, happy girl.

Okay...enough about running. What about this weigh-in? I started my transition program last week. Not a lot changed, but I am slowly adding things back in. So, since things weren't different...I wouldn't have been surprised if I still lost weight. And...I did. I lost 2 lbs this week for a total of 69 lbs this week. I can't believe I am one pound shy of having lost 70 lbs. That just seems nuts since at first...I thought it would be great if I could lose 45 lbs. I got to the point that I didn't want to do the job half assed like I have every time before. I didn't want to stop until it was done. And now...I am there.

Whoo to the hoo people!!!

For a Year???

Do you see the picture of a yummy veggie pie above? Just looking at it makes my mouth water. Mmmm......

I love pizza...there is something about it...the perfect marriage of the dough and cheese and yummy toppings. That feeling on your lap when you pick up a warm pizza...when you are waiting to get it home in the car. The steam that comes off a hot pizza when you open the box lid. How the smell of tomato quickly fills the room. How a slice tastes the next morning when you eat it cold or reheat it in the toaster oven.

Yep...I love pizza. Pizza and I have a very special relationship. A relationship that has gotten and kept me fat for a long time. Is it all pizza's fault? Nope, but it definitely helped. I can remember eating a whole pizza once all by myself... I can remember having a bad day and knowing that noshing away on some pizza would make it all better...

I haven't had a slice of pizza since mid-September...when I started my new diet. I've wanted pizza...had pizza in front of me..but, I've said no. I also gave up pizza for Lent too...as I always do. That brings me up until March 23rd....pizza-less.

After Lent, it will have been 6 months since a slice of yummilicious pizza crossed my lips. 6 months??? Who would have thunk it? So, I am thinking something crazy...

Why not 6 more months??? I am thinking of not having pizza for a whole year. That seems like a really long time, but in reality...it's not that long. I've already got 5 months in...I am almost halfway there. I am pretty sure I can do it...if I stop looking at that yummy pic above. LOL

Love the one you're with....

Hi all...I wanted to pop on and wish everyone an awesome and love filled Valentine's Day. Even for the chronically single...like myself, celebrate the holiday. I can remember when I was in college and myself and some of my bitterly single friends would call VDay...Black Hearts Day. At least I don't feel like that anymore.

I made some yummilicious brownies last night and brought them into work. I say they are yummilicious because that is what the office told me, but I don't really know...since I didn't eat any of them. I believe them though...since they started eating them at 8:15am and there weren't any left at 11am or so. They looked good....so, I will probably make them again.

And, if my roomie is lucky...I have a couple of them saved and she might get one. I got one for my dad and an extra one for my roomie (Hey Roomie...aren't you glad you got me my $2 now! TWO DOLLARS!!!). I think I am going to go hang with my dad for a little bit tonight since this is his first Valentine's Day since my mom passed away. I don't think he would say anything, but I imagine it's a tough day for him.

Plus...I have tomorrow OFF WORK...and Monday too. I am looking at a 4 day weekend. I am excited about that. I don't plan on doing a heck of a lot...working out...cleaning the apartment a smidge...going for my usual run. And I don't hate work or my job, but I am loving the idea of 4 days away from it.

Enjoy the holiday...share the love!!!!

It's Monday....what do ya know?

Hello to all out there on the internet....how's your Monday treating you so far???

Of course...we know what I talk about on Monday morning...the WEIGH-IN!

I have always had my weigh-ins on Mondays....no matter what diet I have been on. Well, once I had them on Saturday mornings and learned what a big idea that was. I would weigh-in on Saturday...eat off plan on the weekends and spend the rest of the week trying to play catch up so that the next weigh-in wasn't botched....then I would start that whole vicious cycle all over again. So...many many moons ago, I decided that was just craziness and changed my weigh-in to Mondays...to keep my focus on the weekends because I couldn't be Ms. Cheaty-Pants during the weekend if I had to weigh-in bright and early on Monday morning. And...it worked well. This last round of fitness, health and weight loss....I'll be honest, I haven't cheated or gone off plan once...not once. I went to Florida on vacation...and celebrated the holidays...on plan, etc. So, the need for Monday weigh-ins has kind of diminshed...because I don't need to have a looming weigh-in in order to stay on plan.

But, weighing-in on Monday still has its advantages. The main one is that it gives me a reason to be chipper and optimistic on a Monday morning. So, for that...I still like weighing on Mondays.

Alright...enough history about my weigh-ins...like you all really care. lol So, how did I do? I am also a daily weigher...and the scale wasn't moving a lot this week. I have had 2 pretty big weeks behind me, so I wasn't surprised...nor upset by it. Most of the week...no movement at all...and then on Saturday...it showed 1 lb. So, this morning...I woke up and hopped on the scale...and it showed that I lost 2 lbs this week!

How exciting??? That means...I have lost a total of 60 friggin' pounds since starting this whole journey. I am happier than can be... I still haven't ordered my 50 lb reward yet...I am going to order a cheap mp3 player on-line this week. And, I get to buy my 60 lb reward too...which is a MVP movie program through Hollywood Video. I used to work there, so the idea of paying for movies...just seems wrong, but it's okay...I EARNED it!

I don't have much left to lose...I have a little pudge on my tummy I would like to erase and some jiggle on the inside of my thighs that I could live without, but that's basically it. And, if I never lost another lb...I would still be a happy, happy girl.

In a couple of weeks...it's going to be time for me to start transitioning from weight loss mode to maintenance mode...and I'll be honest, that terrifies me. I know how to lose weight...I know how to gain weight....maintaining...that is something I am definitely going to have to learn how to do. I feel ready though...and hopeful! This is the last time I am doing the whole lose weight/gain weight game...and I mean it!

Only 2 lbs to goal...holy bejesus!

Hi everyone...it's Monday, so that means it is weigh in day. Today and tomorrow are going to be crazy busy days....CRAZY busy. I go on vacation starting Wednesday...and dad and I are going to Florida. There are a million things to get done before I am ready to go.

So...let's get down to business. I was hungry all week long, but I remained a good kid. My boss took us all out to Olive Garden and I was still good....no breadsticks people! I made some thin mint cookies...and didn't bite, lick or taste any of them. I made fudge with my dad (my mom's recipe...so good!) and didn't have any of that either. So, if the scale wasn't nice to me...I was going to have a friggin' fit.

Well, I didn't have a fit. I lost FOUR pounds. I can't believe it. I have lost 43 pounds...and only 2 pounds shy of the 45 pound goal. I think I might try to lose a little bit more, but....I am just happy to be where I am. I didn't even think I could get here, so I am really content. And, if I am a lucky...and the scale gods are nice to me, I could lose the 2 lbs as a Christmas gift.

And...tonight, I am packing for the trip to Florida. I got out all my small jeans...and tried them on. Guess what? Yep...they all fit. One is still too snug to wear outside, but they all fit.

I had a thought today...I am going to have to think long and hard about what my new year's goals are going to be. For the past...well...ever...it has always been to lose weight and get fit. It was the constant answer...and now, I am going to have to look beyond that. Of course...keeping it off is the constant goal...the one I haven't been able to do so far, but it is great having that in front of me instead of losing a ton of weight on New Year's Day.

Hugs...

Fasting diets...I don't think so!

First off...whoo hoo...it's snowing outside. It's fluffy, pretty snow. It's a pain in the arse to drive in, but it's fun none the less. SNOW!

I posted on my site about weight loss the last day or so...the post where I mentioned Celebrity Fit Club and Biggest Loser. Well, someone left a comment...suggesting I should try a fasting diet and a link to their site. I deleted the comment...because I don't think they need the advertisement, but I do want to write an entry on what I think about what I think about fasting diets. So...here goes:

Fasting diets. Do I think they are a good idea? Do I think they are healthy? Do I think people should do them to lose weight? Hell no. I think they feed right into the quick fix mentality of people and weight loss. Do they work...in terms of long term weight loss? Nope. They put your body into a starvation mode...and mess with your metabolism. They don't help you lose fat...you lose gylcogen levels...you lose water...you lose if anything, muscle.

If people think that a fasting diet...is going to get them to their long term weight loss goals, please THINK AGAIN! I have lost close to 40 lbs in the last 3 months...and I didn't have to starve myself through a fasting diet to do it. Losing weight is a great goal for anyone to have...but go about it in a healthy, smart way. It may take longer, but you will actually be losing weight/fat....not playing the game of smoke and mirrors that happens when you go on a fasting diet.


Fasting diets? Pfffft!

Watching some crap tv

I am watching a repeat of Celebrity Fit Club right now. It's the one with the Baywatch girl and Tina Yothers from Family Ties. I really like this show because I think it shows slow and realistic weight loss...unless The Biggest Loser. I have heard about some interesting things that they do on BL to lose weight. They go into saunas to sweat off some weight right before the weigh-in. I have heard about using some water pills, etc. I like that Celebrity Fit Club doesn't do that...they had one person who actually said she used pills...and she was yelled at by the panel. I have tried pills before...and I am glad I am no longer doing it.

One thing CFC did promote was a colon cleanse program. It was on the show a couple of years ago. They had 2 members go in and get their colon cleaned out. It is something that can get you to lose a lb or so, but it also makes your colon more healthy. So, I don't have a problem with that. It's not magic/fake weight loss. I have never done a colon cleans, but they intrigue me...maybe I will try it sometime, but I will admit...I am a little scared by it.

Another Monday...another weigh-in!

Hi kids! It's Monday and of course that means it is weigh-in day. But before we get to that...it snowed last night. It was the first REAL snow of the season. I heard on the news that it was going to snow, but no flurries before I went to bed. I woke up this morning...heard the alarm beep...and shut it off...and I heard a beeping in the distance. I knew what I was hearing...it was the noise of a plow. I ran to the window...and YEAH! SNOW!

Alright...enough of my love affair with snow. On to the business at hand. I have been struggling with finding new and interesting ways of working out (mind out of the gutter people!)....because my elliptical is broken. (It might get replaced soon, but not soon enough). I've been going for a lot of walks and some rare jogs, but with the cold weather...it hasn't been often at all. I knew I had to get some intense workouts in...or the weight loss wasn't going to continue to come. I went back to something that worked for me years ago. I got out the cardio and circuit tapes I used to do daily when I was living in Indiana. I brushed the dust off the tapes and starting on Monday...I popped them in the VCR and was working out like a mo'fo'.

So, I am glad I found new ways to workout....sans elliptical. Did it pay off on the scale? Well...I am a daily weigher. I step on the scale each and every morning. For days this week...the scale showed a 2 lb. loss...which I would have been happy with it. On Sunday morning...2 lbs gone. And then magically...this morning...I woke up and 4 lbs. gone. Unfreakin' believable! I think adding in the new exercise was the trick.

Whoo hoo! You know, I am really happy about it...because this is the time of year when most people have given up and are just waiting for New Year's to start again. I hope to be right where I want to be on New Years. Plus, I am wearing clothes that went back into my closet because they were too tight months ago. I am really glad I have been making choices for my health. Yes, I miss pizza...but it is well worth it.

Hugs to all!

Weigh In Monday....here it is!

Hi kiddos...it's another Monday which means it is another weigh-in. You know, in all those times that I gained the weight back, if I had just made myself step on the scale each and every Monday...I know that would not have happened. lol

I was worried this week because my elliptical is broken...yes, still broken. I'll get to that later. So, I was worried....and I weighed in this morning bright and early.

What did the scale say? Well...it said I lost 2 lbs.

And altogether it means I have lost 30 lbs since recommitting. Whoo to the hoo people! Initially, I had hoped to lose 30 lbs by Christmas or New Year's...but here I am, 30 lbs lighter. I am so excited. I still have more to lose, but I am so much farther than I thought I would be.

Oh...I went to the mall this weekend and looked at sneakers for my weight loss reward. I didn't buy sneakers. I found a pair I liked, but they were a little too pricey. So, I am going to wait...I am not sure how long, but I am going to wait. And since I lost 30 lbs...I am also owed my 3rd reward prize...which is some Bath and Body Works Stuff. I might buy that stuff before the sneaks...because B&B is having a sale right now...5 items for 25 dollars. Cha Ching! I will see if sneaks go on sale after Thanksgiving...and if not, I might wait to buy them until after Christmas.

And my elliptical...I know you are dying to know. Remember when I said I fixed it....well, I thought I did. I was able to stabilize it for a bit, but then it got all wobbly again. So, I had my dad come over and look at it...and yep, it's broken. The frame is broken on the bottom...hence why it is always getting unstable. We called the manufacturer...and we sent them a copy of the receipt and a picture of the damage in an email...and we should hear something within a week. We are hopeful they are going to replace it...and if not, I swear I am taking them to the People's Court.

So...I am happy about the 2 lbs lost...and the 30 lbs total. This week is Thanksgiving...and I am going to stay on plan for the day. I am going out of town to relatives with my dad, but I will eat what I can...and have some food stashed if I need it.

Hugs to all...

Mmm....peanut butter frosting!

I signed up to bring a bunch of things to church dinner next month...they need fixin's for a ham dinner and also a bunch of pies and cakes. My mom used to make those things all the time. She was great at them. I can make a cake, but don't have the flare that my mom did. One of the many things she taught me to make was a scrummdiddlyumptious peanut butter frosting to put on top of a cake. I always find it surprising that you can't buy peanut butter frosting in the store. I wonder why that is...you can buy almost any other type of frosting. Hmm...anyone have an answer for that? I am learning how to make lots of different things that my mom used to make and peanut butter frosting is just one of them.

Oh well, doesn't matter because I can make a killer, sweet, fluffy peanut butter frosting because well, my mommy taught me. And it's easy too! So easy, that I know you can make it too.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons milk, or as needed
2 cups confectioners' sugar

Items You Will Need:
Measuring Cups,
Hamilton Beach® Mixer


Directions:

Place the butter and peanut butter into a medium bowl, and beat with an electric mixer. Add the milk and mix again. Now add the sugar in slowly and continue to beat it with a hand mixer until all of the sugar is mixed in and the frosting is thick and spreadable. Beat for at least 3 minutes for it to get good and fluffy.

My mom bought me a hand mixer years ago and I never used it. Something like an Eclectrics® Mixer. They are so nice because it doesn't make a huge mess and you have a lot more control. My mom had a huge mixer contraption, but I like the hand held ones better. Plus, with a Hamilton Beach® Mixer, you don't have to find all this space on your kitchen counter. I can remember my mom lugging her mixer in and out of the kitchen when she went to make something, but not with this. I am so glad I have one...and plan on using it this winter to make mom's famous fudge too.

It's so simple...and some of the best frosting I have ever had. I made it last year and put it on top of a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. It's the first cake I made by myself since my mom died....and let me tell you, it was a huge success. My mom would have been proud.

Monday Morning Weigh-Ins!

Hello my fellow readers...who I have abandoned out of my crazy loyalty to the Red Sox!

It's officially Monday...and that means it my official weigh in day...where I get up, go potty and then step on the scale and see how I faired this week. I didn't post an update for last week (Go Sox!)...but I lost 3 lbs. I was very happy about that. So far, my weight loss has been trucking along..and been pretty consistent.

How did I do this week? Well...I stepped on the scale this morning and I saw that I lose FOUR FREAKIN' POUNDS this week. That's huge. I expected a much smaller number. It's just more evidence that I need to keep doing what I am doing...even if my co-workers and friends think I am nuts for not letting a smidge of bread cross my lips...not even a crumb!

I still think my nervousness about the Red Sox in the last week and a half...helped burn off a ton of calories. I was sweating bullets during some of those games.

Plus, I have been working out with the elliptical again. It's nice to have it back and working in the apartment. I missed it. One, I love the machine...and it gives me a nice workout without beating up my knees. Two, it is nice to have that as an option instead of the tons of workout tapes I have. On two different occasions last week, my roommate was home when I got home from work (she's usually at work)...and it was nice to be able to workout on the elliptical...because the tapes would have been too much to do with someone else in the living room, etc. So, I was thankful to have them this last week...so I didn't have to table my workouts because of scheduling, etc.

And another week begins...and I look forward to more losses! I have never been so happy to call myself a loser.

Back in the saddle again...

I finally update my weight loss ticker over there....go ahead, look...check it out...I'll wait. I wanted to wait to update it until I was basically back to where I was. I had done a great job losing 15 pounds...only to gain it back. So, I didn't want the self-esteem blow to update it that I had gained, so instead...I kept trucking along until I was right back where it said I was...plus, I even lost another pound.

I am feeling more motivated about weight loss, fitness, etc..than I have in a long time. I have decided that, if I can, I would like to be at my goal by New Year's. I think that is a positive goal for me...because it is reverse of my usual pattern. I usually start like gangbusters in January with health and fitness goals. I do great for a few months...and then I start to get bored or miss pizza or whatever. So, I slide off the weight loss wagon...and then October and November and December come...and I just give up...figuring I will start again in January. I end up gaining even more weight in those months...celebrating the holidays, etc. And when January rolls around, I have such dedication again...and the cycle begins once again.

So...no more of that. I am working hard now...I am following all the rules. Hey people...I didn't eat birthday cake on my birthday. I am making it work...following the rules 100%, not when I feel like it.

Plus, I got a new elliptical machine. The old one was pretty much broken...the electronic display was all wonky...and then the wheel thingy started to crack. So, I was in need of a new one since we all know how in love with my elliptical machine I am. My dad was nice enough to buy me one for my birthday. It took us a while to get it together since one of the pieces was bent, but it's up...and good to go.

I am excited that I am dedicated to making myself a healthier and fitter person in 2007...instead of just waiting around for 2008.

losing weight...gaining weight...

We all know that I have been losing and gaining weight...basically my whole life. I have done I don't know how many things to lose weight. I have ordered all those quick fixes off the internet. I actually ordered this thing once that you were supposed to breathe into it before you eat and it changes the smell of your food and therefore takes your cravings away. I actually bought this thing thinking that would be the answer and would make me thin...finally. lol

I have bought workout tapes...and oodles of them. Now, I don't really regret that. Of course, at the time...I bought them and didn't use them. They sat there and collected dust as my butt grew bigger. I use them now though. I use one series of those tapes all the time. So, even though they didn't work then, I am glad I bought them so I can use them now.

I also bought the supplements and the pills. I have bought the stimulants based ones. I have bought the Anna Nicole Smith one...eek! I have bought hydroxycut type medications, etc.

I have also bought those meal supplements too. I have tried Nurtisystem for a while...and ate their foods for a couple months. I have drank tons of those SlimFast shakes.

So...basically I have tried everything and I will be honest with ya. You know what I think works, *drum rolls* Diet and exercise. Eating less...moving more. I think supplements can help, but they aren't a magic fix. I have gained weight when I forgot the rules and lost weight when I paid attention again. And lately I have gotten back on the weight loss/healthy bandwagon....and lost 5 lbs so far.

I have been thinking a lot about health and weight loss lately...and all the different things I have tried. It's almost funny if it wasn't somewhat depressing.

If you've ever lost weight out there...and who hasn't....in what ways have you tried?? How successful was it?