May, already?

It's another beautiful day, but just can't believe it is already May.  My sweet son comes homes from his first year of college soon.  He is doing so well and we are so incredibly proud of him!

Happy Monday!

Had another great weekend with my son in Charlotte. It's always such a joy to see his sweet smiling face. I'm one blessed mother!

Had my weekly weigh-in this morning and was up .2 of a pound. I'm not depressed at all (highly unusual for impatient me) because I know I did pretty well food wise. I'm just thinking of this morning as a clean slate and hopefully next week I'll have a good weight loss to report! One thing I'm fairly sure of is that I lose better when I do the low carb type things, concentrating on protein and veggies (things I don't like). This week I ate way too many of those Popchips, vitalicious treats, and other Weight Watcher sweet cake type snackies (things I do like). Oh well ... at least I stuck with the program and didn't gain a ton of weight like I was doing just about a month ago.

TGIF and Vintage Necklace Update

Here's a vintage necklace that I repurposed last night. It was an inexpensive necklace that I picked up at a thrift store for fifty cents - one of the sixties styles with three rows of beads. I took it apart and made a beautiful pair of earrings from two of the larger beads and some of the end caps, a simple little bracelet and a one-strand eighteen inch necklace. I have tons of beads left that I can use for other projects or to fashion earrings for friends!

Here's my big tip for you gals that like to dabble in making your own jewelry. Well, actually, I have two great tips.
1. Always look at thrift stores for inexpensive beaded necklaces. Often times you can pick them up to use for the beads at a much less expensive cost than buying new beading materials at Michaels or some other craft store.
2. I saved my BEST tip for last. I've made jewelry for years now and can't believe that I just thought of this a few months ago - at least for personal jewelry that I will be wearing myself. Please notice in the necklace picture the larger than normal clasp and ring! What a huge timesaver and convenience this is in the morning as I get ready for work! It's so easy to fasten my own necklaces now! Why didn't I think of that earlier?

I've really found that putting on a pair of earrings and matching necklace can quickly and inexpensively "dress up" a simple outfit. I think these, for example, would look beautiful with a white blouse (I'm loving the Coldwater Creek no iron line) and pair of slacks. Now, I don't know that I would wear all three pieces above together but I think wearing the earrings and bracelet or the earrings and necklace would be a really sharp look!

Really glad that today is Friday! We're staying in town this weekend so I have tons of housework to catch up on. That's the bad news. But the good news is that I always feel so much better (and in control) when the house is all clean and neat. A special treat for my husband and I is getting up on Saturday morning and going to a local restaurant for breakfast. It's not expensive at all, and it is just a great time to chat and plan out our weekend. We've missed the past few weekends because of travel, but I have a feeling we'll go out tomorrow morning.

A new month and a new bracelet!

Happy February!

Just can't believe February is already here! Wow!

I'm still doing well on the Weight Watchers online program. After the initial weight drop I can tell things are slowing down, but it still feels good that my clothes aren't as tight and that I know I am eating far healthier than I was. Hip, hip, hooray for me! My two "lessons" so far are: 1. No eating between meals, and 2. Don't have the "good stuff" (even if it is Weight Watcher type things) in the house.

Found out yesterday that my husband will be having back surgery soon. I dread that for him (and me) but know that it is something that needs to be done - the sooner the better actually.

Above is a little bracelet I whipped together last night. It's made from beautiful vintage glass beads from an old necklace. I'm loving the color and simplicity. I used to make a lot of charm type bracelets from vintage bits of old jewelry but for some reason I'm preferring to wear the simpler pieces right now.

Another good week and down total of 8 pounds!

Hip, hip hooray! I've lost eight pounds. Earlier in the week I weighed even less but today was official weigh in day so I've "officially" lost eight pounds in 3 weeks!

I received my Pop Chips order and order from Vitalicious and boy, are these out of this world! The Pop Chips I ordered are 3 servings per bag - so the whole bag would be a total of 9 Weight Watcher plus points. I know that is a lot of points but I'm thinking that I may try to save 9 points each day just so I can enjoy a delicious bag full at days end. Sure a lot better than microwave low cal popcorn.

And, of course, the Vitalicious products are AMAZING! The hard part with both of these products will be to keep from overindulging.

I can now honestly report that my experimenting with eliminating a morning time 10:30 a.m. snack really helps out as far as my hungriness level for the day. In other words, the less I eat the less I want and the more I eat the more I want.

Had a beautiful weekend with our son in Charlotte. We went to the Discovery Center there to view the Mummy exhibit presently on display and then went to a couple of movies at the adjoining IMAX theater. Beautiful warm weekend and a great visit all around!

I feel the most optimistic and joyful that I've felt in a long time and I know it is because I am doing so well sticking to the online Weight Watchers program. It just feels SO GOOD to be taking action!

Yesterday was "Hungry Day"

Well, yesterday I had a full day of the "munchies." Don't know what caused that unless it was the fact that around 9:30 a.m. or so yesterday I really started thinking that I really wanted a snack. I succumbed, and then it seemed like I was hungry all day long. I managed to stay on track point wise (pretty much) by having a huge bowl of vegetable soup for dinner.



I ordered some Popchips this weekend. I read a magazine article where Jennifer Hudson mentioned how she loved them for a good tasting low point (3) snack. I ordered the barbecue flavor. Can't wait to try them! I ordered them off Amazon so hopefully they will be here soon.

This morning I ordered some Vitalicious items. I had received a Hungry Girl email promoting a BOGO offer. I had been wanting to try them anyway so this seemed like a good opportunity.

I'll let you know how my new goodies taste! My problem will be controlling my consumption (hasn't that always been my problem), but maybe I can have a treat as a part of my lunch or dinner.

I'm going to experiment a little bit today with not giving in to those between meal urges for a snack and see if that will help with the hunger (or perceived hunger) issue. Lord knows, I've never actually gone hungry a day in my life!

I continue to look for and appreciate the many blessings in my life.

Another cold, foggy day ...

Well, it's another cold, foggy day but I'm actually feeling pretty good and upbeat! I'm trying each day as part of my "weight loss program" to dress a little dressier, fix my hair, and spend a little more time on my makeup. Sometimes that is easier said than done.

I'm also trying to get organized, personally and professionally, and perhaps I should add "mentally." I just have to keep telling myself "baby steps, baby steps"...

Had an amazing weekend and down seven pounds!

Had an AMAZING weekend with our son at college! We drove down Friday evening (in the rain, fog and very heavy traffic) so we would be in town and could hook up with him as early as possible on Saturday. On Saturday morning we went to see "Joyful Noise" (a great, feel good type movie), had lunch, and then went to see "The Iron Lady" in the afternoon. It rained off and on all weekend so a movie day was the perfect way to enjoy time with our son. I love, and miss him, so much! He's 19 years old now and a grown man, but he will always be "my baby." Here's a picture a friend emailed me on Friday of one of her favorite pictures of him taken when he was three or so. It must have been a picture she took because I had never seen it before. Look at those eyes, eyelashes and eyebrows. Isn't he gorgeous? Of course, he is still a knock out. Today he is 6'5" (at least) with the kindest, most compassionate, caring spirit you could ever imagine. He's smart too. :D He is in college on a full merit scholarship that pays for everything. I am so blessed - in more ways than one!

Was able to stick to Weight Watchers all weekend by doing some planning ahead. I took us a whole lunch bag of 100 calorie snacks - just so we would have something quick and easy we could all enjoy. This morning when I stepped on the scales (it is the end of week two on Weight Watchers already), the scale had dropped another three pounds for a grand total of seven pounds lost. Makes me feel so good about myself! Of course, I wish I had never let myself gain this weight back, but it does feel good to be headed in the right direction. Nothing feels worse than being out of control and feeling like a failure! I was actually able to wear some slacks today that I haven't worn in ages.

I think this evening I will go to the grocery store and just pick up a couple of low-cal, low-fat things. Hopefully, we'll go out to dinner (I'm thinking maybe grilled flounder and a salad with low fat dressing), and then stop by the grocery store on the way home. I found a Hungry Girl recipe for pickled carrots that I want to try. I bought some beautiful baby carrots at SAM's yesterday so think I will see how it tastes. Even if I don't like them I bet my husband will.

Well, guess that's all for now. I thank God for all my many blessings. A great job, an amazing son and husband - a warm and comfortable home. And this great new tool to share my thoughts ...

Another beautiful day in paradise!

Well, it's another beautiful day today, other than being a bit chilly. Love beautiful sunshine and clear blue skies.

Still doing well on Weight Watchers. I'm honestly doing my "best" other than exercising - I'm not doing ANY of THAT! :(

Not much other news. Just work, work, work.

More tomorrow ...

4 Pounds Gone!

Well, I weighed this morning and I had lost four pounds. I was absolutely thrilled! It just made me feel so much better about myself and feel like this is "doable." It's so wonderful to feel back "in control" again.

I even took extra pains with my hair before work this morning and am wearing a scarf for the first time today. I noticed at the continuing ed class I took on Saturday how many of the ladies were wearing scarfs. They looked super sharp and it really seemed to dress up otherwise casual clothing. So I went yesterday and picked up three very inexpensive all weather scarves to give it a try and I'm really liking the look! I've always hated things around my neck so always thought I would hate scarves but these are thin and light and I've loosened them in the neck area so they really are very comfortable. Honestly can't even tell I'm wearing one today. Think I will definitely try to pick up a few more in "my colors" to draw attention away from the black slacks I wear on an almost daily basis.

I gave myself a home manicure yesterday and applied cuticle cream last night and this morning to try to get my hands looking a little better during this cold, dry weather!

During breaks at the continuing ed class on Saturday I made a master "to be done" list, with a section for work, goals, dream vacations, and immediate "to be dones" of a personal basis. Sure feels good to start checking through some of them. I suggested to my son this morning (he's away in college and I was giving him a morning wake up call), that he try the same written "to be done list" so he could have the satisfaction of marking things off as he got them accomplished this weekend.

He went to a leadership retreat this weekend and had a fabulous time. Made me so HAPPY! Funny how when he is happy, then I am happy. Sounds like the whole retreat couldn't have gone any better and I'm hopeful that he'll make some new positive thinking, goals oriented kids to be friends with. He has friends now but I think making some new ones would be a positive step for his second semester away from home. One of the exercises thay had done was the true colors personality test. Google it and you can find a link to the web site where you can take the test for free. He wanted my husband and I to take it too. Surprise, surprise (I say jokingly) - all three of us are different. Our son was a "blue", I was "gold", and my husband was "orange". Kinda interesting and of course, fun.

Well, wish me luck as I start week two of Weight Watchers online!

Hugs!

Friday, the 13th

Well, it may be Friday the 13th but I'm actually having a good day. Going to a work event tonight and then a continuing ed class tomorrow (I dread that but it will be good to get it behind me), so I'm looking forward to Sunday when I can do some house cleaning and hopefully REST a little.

This morning my pants were so tight I almost couldn't get them zipped. Don't know what's up with that. I'm thinking Weights Watchers may be a tad too carb oriented for me (or at least the fact that I have been eating too many carbs while I've been on Weight Watchers this week), so I'm thinking I need to switch it up with protein shakes and veggies; still counting points though. We'll see. I actually like some of the protein shakes if you mix them with berries or ice and make a milk shake type drink from them.

I need to learn how I can have a page on here for quick and easy healthy recipes I like. Guess there is tons I need to learn about this blogging business.

Talked to my son this morning and he seems to be doing well. That always makes me feel good. I'm happy when he is happy! Can't wait to go see him next weekend. We're going to go see the new movies "The Iron Lady" and "Joyful Noise", so both of those should be fun.

It's cold outside today, but really is a beautiful sunshiny blue sky day. Loving that after the rain we've been having.

Well, here's to a good evening and weekend! Keep smiling!

Today is going to be a great day!

I continue to do well on Weight Watchers. It makes me feel so good about myself to actually be "doing" something about a problem instead of just complaining or feeling bad about myself. I just have to keep remembering "baby steps, baby steps."

I have a hair appointment this afternoon and that will make me feel better too. These gray roots make a girl look and feel older.

Know I have a lot to do from an organization standpoint:

• Work
• Home
• Finances

Then I need to start work on a daily basis on some of my long term goals.

My son seems to be feeling better about college this semester so that's a real morale booster for me. We're going to go see him weekend after next so I'm looking forward to that!

So, here's to another beautiful day of happy thoughts and taking action on those things that will be life-changing for me!

First Days are "Challenging"

Well, the second day on Weight Watchers was a big more challenging than I had hoped. The first day went fine but all I wanted to do last night was eat, eat, eat! Oh well, today is another day and I truly know how important it is that I stick with the program for my long term well being and happiness.

I'm getting ready to have a cup of coffee and some oatmeal. Smells great!

I know that I need to get to the grocery store to pick up things like Fat Free creamer and mayonnaise. I think having those on hand will make things a lot simpler and make me feel like I am getting more "bang for my buck" point wise.

Well, here's to a positive day! One that goes smoothly and happily and one that nourishes my body with good food.

Reminder to self - keep smiling!

The DIET begins!

Wait, I shouldn't be calling it a diet. I should be saying healthy food choice selection begins.

Well, regardless, I signed up for Weight Watchers online yesterday. Loving it so far. I have the Weight Watchers ap on my Iphone so it is super easy to track my food choices and the number of points I have left each day. I plan to go grocery shopping after work today and pick up some healthy food choices to have on hand.

So, ho, ho, ho - here we go!

Goals - Day 1

Well, today is the day my son started back to college after Christmas break. He's going back to a challenging semester, so it's only fair that I spend the next four months in "boot camp" working on some very important life changing goals for me.

What are they? Well, pretty much the same ones I've had every year for as long as I can remember:

1. Lose weight
2. Organize my life and home
3. Etc. etc.

More in my next post.

Keep smiling and BELIEVE in yourself!