It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

We say that about Christmas. 

I know people that are Christmas Fanatics. 

Really! They start singing in July. 

This morning I was meditating on the meaning for me. 

Many Churches say, "Jesus is the reason for the Season." 

And, in my opinion, they are right.

I never believed in Santa Claus. 

My Dad hinted at it when we were kids, 

but I know that he took my older brother and sisters to 

pick out our presents each year.

He gave us tradition and a sense of family, while our Mom gave us structure.

When I became a Christian, Christmas took on a whole new meaning. 

And as I grew, I stopping feeling the pressure of buying a lot of things.

Whew, that was a relief.  

From reading the bible and other accounts, we celebrate months before Christ was born,

but I like to think of it as a way of bringing hope in the dead of winter.

So I don't get the blues because of this one thing:

.

I buy things that I want / need throughout the year, so that Christmas 

is pressure free.

Fall Winter Fashion

Hi Y'all!

I am going through my wardrobe and pulling out any clothing that I have not worn

or do not plan on wearing in the near future.

What I am getting rid of - pants and some dowdy tops.

What I am adding - a couple of pairs of leggings (IKR?!). Never in a million years

would I have worn leggings, but they are fashionable if worn correctly.

I am also looking for a couple of loose tops.

Pinterest had these really cool pics!

Love, love, love the classic leather skirt and the gray raggedy edged jacket.

When I find them, I will post pics of the actual garments, where I purchased them,

and the cost.

My goal budget for these two pieces $30.

Find some pieces you love, then go hunting.

Look What I Found!

Mustard Based BBQ Sauce

So, I was in the grocery store today and saw 

French's BBQ Mustard Sauce.

I was like, "Yay!"

The first time I tasted this awesome sauce (not the one above), 

was in South Carolina. 

Soooo good.

I could not find this sauce on the West coast.

http://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/carolina-mustard-barbecue-sauce/

After I finish the French's, I am going to make this recipe.

Fly Away

I woke up this morning and the song Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz

came to mind

http://youtu.be/6iqnIaT7sAE

(click on the link if you want to listen)

Speaking of getting away, don't you want to go for a run?

This time of year can be a bit challenging if you are not use to running

in wind and rain. It's also a bit darker outside. And Nike was thinking of 

you and profits when they created this awesome reflective jacket.

             

             

If you don't see this runner coming, you must be texting

and driving.

Now roll over, hug that pillow and forget you read this post.

Have a fantastic day!

Dressing On A Dime

How do you dress? Vintage, trendy, classic, risqué? 

I am a classic dresser with a touch of trend. 

Well, whatever way you dress, having several interchangeable pieces 

can save you time and money. 

Story time:

My grandmother introduced me to second hand stores when I was in middle school. 

At first I was appalled. I thought: Why are we buying used clothing?

That's when I learned the value of a dollar well spent. She explained "name brand" clothing, quality sewing, and the cost involved. 

She showed me Oscar de la Renta (her favorite designer) and the quality that went into the sewing and lining of the garment. 

Then she let me go and pick whatever I wanted. I had never had that freedom in a store. I found a jacket, a skirt, some pants, and a blouse. 

Present day:

Today, one of my favorite brands 

I found a suit for 12.50, a skirt for 12.97, a pair of pants for 1.79, and another pair of pants for 4.99.

These are interchangeable pieces that I can wear for years.

Some people would say I'm cheap and that's okay. I'm saving money for travel, entertainment, education and retirement. 

Mix it up, Seriously!

Okay, if you've read my blog, you will notice it's center around 

my weightloss successes and failures.

Enough of highs and lows people. I will still share my weightloss journey, but when I 

started this blog, I planned on sharing lots of cool and antidotal things. 

So now I am going to mix it up, seriously. 

Sharing cool stuff is a passion of mine, so that's what I will be doing.

My advice to you! Be badass everyday. 

Do, at least, one thing that you've wanted to do for a while (start small). 

Chart it. Critic it. Do it again.

When the opportunity comes to do something epically badass, you will be ready.

Surprise! I Am At It Again.

You know the saying, "failure is not an option"? 

Well, failure is always an option. The question is; do you want to fail?

I don't. I have reached my goal weight this year, but failed to keep it off.

So now I get to do it again. 

It's taking me a little longer, but it's gonna happen.

New goal weight. 

This will put me at a comfortable size 6 again.

Developing and focusing on the right things are

key to my success.

So, What Happened?!

Update:

What happened was...(jib jib jib). 

I failed, yes I did. It was not pretty either. Losing weight is work.

The things I've learned:

I can lose the weight

I need to work out more than two times per week

Walking builds lean muscle

Only walk after a workout, not before

Maintain my victories

If I did it before, I can do it again

And finally, I will win!

I just have to move the finish line a little further out.

There.

Goal weight, again:

Run So That You May Obtain The Prize

Today, I am prepping for the last juice cleanse I will do this year.

Oh, I am modifying it so that I do not have to take anything special to work.

So I will eat lunch daily and have two juices per day. 

I am in the right mindset. 

I have built up my muscles, so that this time I do not lose shape.

And will walk at least 12 miles per week and do light lifting to maintain 

muscle tone.

So, why the title? 

A funny little thing happened to me the other day.

I wanted a donut. 

GASP! And not just any donut. I had to have (bottom left) the old fashioned buttermilk 

square bar. Oh and it had chocolate on it (I could not find an actual picture). 

So I ate it. It was okay, but nothing like what I built up in my mind.

Was it worth it? The jury is still out on that one. 

However, all that brought me to this. My appetite will never be satisfied with one donut

or insert craving __________. 

After that, a scripture that I memorized years ago popped in my mind - 

1 Corinthians 9:27 

But I discipline my body and 

keep it under control, 

lest after preaching to others 

I myself should be disqualified. 

Do read the entire passage 9:24 - 27 for the context.

Now, I know that one donut will not ruin what I have achieved thus far, but lack

of discipline will.

End goal to achieve, size 6 - that is about 120 to 125 pounds.

This has not been an easy task, lots of self realization and reworking of my strategy,

some doubt and disappointment. And that's why I have til' the end of summer.

Set yourself up for success, not failure. To thine own self be true...Polonius (Hamlet) - Shakespeare.

I knew that I would gain and lose, win and fail, stop and recalibrate, but in the end I will

WIN! 

April Showers Bring May Flowers...

Well it did not rain that much in April, but it's raining now.

So the update. I started building muscle, so that when I start juicing in 

June, I will not lose as much muscle weight as fat.

Juicing requires a proper transition, so I will follow the process, in order to

be successful.

Juice 21 days, then transition for 10 days with juice, broth, and smoothies, 

then vegetarian for one week, then add in fish, then chicken, etc.

I walked a Marathon, yes I did, here is a pic of my fit bit:

A marathon is 26.2 miles. I walked 27.31 miles that day, but 26.2 was the goal.

My wt.: 135 lbs, IKR?! It's okay. I knew that I would with marathon training, 

but I still have until the end of summer to reach my goal. 

This Friday, I am back on board.

ADM - Ay Dios Mio! Who Told You, You Were Naked?

So I missed several Monday's since the last post.

But it's 

!

Twelve days ago, I was on a roll. My FitBit was in heavy use, then I misstepped.

Oh, the horror of it all. I did not sprain my ankle, but pulled something in my foot.

Update: Calm down people, everything is back to normal. 

Thanks to the following shoes. The "memory foam" in these bad boys' cushion my

feet as I run.

'Enty-way, that is not what this post is about.

The title says, "Oh My God! Who told You, You Were Naked?

I love the following scripture scriptures.

Yes, it was the downfall of man, but read God's response, "Who told you..."

Genesis 3:10-11New King James Version (NKJV)

10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”

11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”

I believe God was saying, "who is speaking words into you?"

Before all that happened, man was not afraid of God, because he did not know fear. 

As a result of man choosing to go against God, he lost a "knowing" that we have spent

centuries trying to get back.

We are limited by what we feel, think, and believe about ourselves. Sadly, many of us allow

the negative influence of others to define us.

What if we all listened to what God said first? And weighed everything according to His influence?

Naked - genuine, honest, beautiful.

Selah!

I will be meditating on this for a bit.

Oh, I will be updating you all in May on my weight and latest workout routine.

It's Funday Monday!

So lot's going on this week. 

Excited!? 

I broke down and purchased a FitBit!

Kinda' okay about the app

You tap the Bit and it syncs when the app is up. I have not won any challenges yet, but

this little Fit tool will help me by tracking my walk/ jog daily. 

I know my focus will change when I tone and tighten to a loose size six (130 lbs).

Guess what I weigh? Yep, you guessed it - 

If I were toned and tight, my size six clothes would have a little swing. 

Instead the fit is as snug as a bug in a rug ( I could not resist typing that one out).

Common sense says, loose 10 to 15 lbs, then walk and yoga. 

When I start juicing in two months I will try and get to 110 lbs. Darn my vanity!

Oh, wretched man that I am, who will save me from this body of death? (Dramatic sigh)

Quick find the scripture

Oh, I forgot the rest of the week:

~Starting workout plan

~Going to do the meal plan (as my eating has been all over the place)

~Walking more

~Planning to see a movie this week

~Excited about planning to go to a play (yippee) 

~Spending time with loved one's

Okay, that is all folks. Will post by or before next Monday. Have a fantastic week!

Finally

So, here I am at

My cycle is on and as much as I would like to use that as an excuse, it only accounts for 3 lbs 

of water weight. Poor diet and the lack of exercise accounts for the rest.

Reality is not always good, but it is necessary for growth and change.

My favorite quote: 

"When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful." Eric Thomas

I know I will be able to maintain 115 lbs to 120 lbs by the end of summer.

So, my focus will be on diet and exercise until then. I will still share my successes and failures.

I leave you all with this for now:

 and 

Ciao!

April 1st All Fools Day

KSeriously, was I a fool to quit? No.

May current weight as of yesterday, 129.0 lbs.

Not crazy about it, as it is the maximum in the range that

I want to maintain.

My current percentage of body fat is 33%. Even though I wanted this number to be better,

the percentage is better than the 39.99%, I started with in January.

I like to measure myself by the Army Standards. Right now, I fall within the range of normal.

By the end of summer, my goal is 24% body fat.

My long term goal is 21% or less.

So tomorrow is the official end to my last workplace weightloss challenge. I was going until

the 3rd. So, I will still post my final numbers on that date.

Looking forward to April 5th - Resurrection Day and thereafter. 

Starting the following Monday on my new schedule. So excited.

So what am I doing right now? Walking and (loosely) using the 

 My Plate App to track my diet. 

I tracked one day, then I stayed within my calorie range. 

Around this time of month my water weight fluctuates by three lbs, so I am not that concerned about the above number. 

Next week I will track what I eat and drink closely, while amping up my workout, to what I posted

last week.

This strategy will help me reach or exceed my goal for the end of summer. 

It's Day 30!

Okay, I am going to post my weight. Do not freak out! 

Right now, I am (rhymes with) complicated and my monthly is about to start.

However, I must confess, that I have overindulged just a tad, 

but I am going to dial back and maintain.

Hmm...lemon juice and some warm raisins should fix it.

So here it is:

IKR?! 

I am walking about 6 miles per week. I am about to bump that up to 10 or more

in a week to maintain, before adding Zumba.

Last day to post April 3. 

After that date, I will change my focus.

Ultimate Fail

Back up and roll over me. 

So I read the book:

.

The author mentioned "listening to your body." Umm...I did not, so

now I have to back up and start over. 

I will be juicing more over the next week and making smoothies.

As a benefit of my mistake, you will get some of my smoothie recipes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

1/2 cup blueberries (frozen)

1    cup spinach 

1/2 banana (cold)

2     tbsp sunflower seed butter

Enough almond milk to make smooth

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

1 cup strawberries (frozen)

1 cup spinach

1/2 banana (cold)

1 tbsp sunflower seed butter

Enough almond milk to make smooth

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

I watched the video of Ms. Douglin talking about eating soft foods (mainly vegetables and fruit), smoothies, and juice. 

My problem, even though I was eating small amounts, I did not listen to my body. 

My digestive system was/is having some difficulty. 

Mirror Talk: Ma'am, ma'am, calm down - you will be back to regular food in 9 days. Okay? 

           Me: Okay.

           Yes, I answered. 

Take care yawl!

It's Day 25!

So the last couple of days I have been eating:

~sautéed spinach

~spicy hummus

~refried beans

~fish

~roasted egg plant

~roasted zucchini 

Yesterday, I had a very small slice of this:

(smaller than the middle right piece)

Wild Mushroom and Black Truffle Flatbread

with Mozzarella Cheese

I also ate corn on the cob and mac and cheese.

The above may seem like a lot, but it was throughout the day and in small quantities.

Now for the reason we are all here -

 126 lbs

(Don't you just love the scale? I got it from my Secret Santa 2014!, 

IKR?! I laughed out loud and thanked whoever it was, then put it to good use.)

Started working out yesterday, yippee! And drinking more plain water in between meals. 

I posed in the mirror this morning. I am so looking forward to a tighter body. 

I hope everyone is as or more successful as I have been. Even though I had more hiccups along the way, this time, I am so happy and relieved that I have accomplished another important goal.