A Few Days Away + Nat arrives in Colorado

It's only been since Friday, but I feel like it's been FOREVER!!!  I'm still alive and kicking - - It's just been a BUSY few days!

Shipped Xmas gifts - Check!

Finished the latest Nicholas Sparks book - Check!

Pre-holiday hair appointment - Check!

Finish an ongoing knitting project - Check!

Happy Birthday, Lil Matthew!

Prepping for another visitor - CHECK!

Spotted these calla lilies at Whole Foods - - Couldn't resist!

Another visitor you ask?  One of my DEAREST friends made a trip to Colorado this week!  Nat lives in New Jersey and has definitely become on of my besties.  She and I connected as co-workers and have been in touch daily ever since!  As you can imagine, I was SUPER-excited to hear she was Colorado-bound.  


Now... this is the part where I post a cute pic of me and Nat... um, we didn't take any!  Not a single one!  Having too much fun I guess, we didn't get around to it.  Darn it!

Nat and I back in March in Los Angeles:  40 lbs ago for me. 
We'll need to snap a new one of these at GOAL soon.... in NYC!
 

Here's one of many things that's awesome about Nat... Not only is she an amazing friend, she's super-healthy role model and offers me GREAT motivation and support!  Even from afar, she keeps me inspired and doesn't mind chatting about weight loss and talking me off the ledge when I'm tempted to eat crap!


Nat also has tried to get me to the gym for a YEAR (from thousands of miles away!)  Well, she and I went to the gym together bright and early this morning!  While Nat killed it on the treadmill, I went to town on the bike and the elliptical... 


What a change from a year ago... I love moments like this.  Thanks, Natalie, for all you've done to support me on this journey!  I know that I would not have been able to do this without you and it definitely would have been less fun.  xoxo, Natz!

My First Friend-Makin' Monday: I am....

In honor of a new connection I made last week through this series (Yes, Amy... I'm talking about you!), I bring you...

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here, so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: I am…

1. I am good at… bringing people together, making cake balls, capturing the moment in a picture, texting (or BBM'ing, rather), procrastination, SLEEPING, and speaking in a British accent.

(Source)

2. I am happy when… It's the weekend and there's no snow.  Seriously, the more-than-normal snowfall in Denver this season is about to have me packing!

3. I am working on… creating the best me ever!  I'm also starting to think about what I want my new year's resolutions to be.  I don't usually make them, but this year I plan to!

4. I am interested in… understanding my previous weight gain.  While every day, I'm working on losing it, I'm trying to understand the WHY behind the gain in an effort to prevent it from ever happening again.  Simple things like why Pirate's Booty can't last in my cupboard more than a few days really boggle my mind.

5. I am always… overpacking.  Traveling as much as I do, there's just certain things I need to make it feel home-like and the 5 chargers I need to function take up space, too!  I always go into it thinking that I'll pack less, but I never ever do...

6. I am enjoying… photography more than I ever thought possible.  I love taking pictures, reviewing what I've captured, and sharing them.  My dad is sending me some lenses he doesn't use and I can't wait to play with them a bit!  I'd love to take another class and learn more!

7. I am in… my hotel room in Salt Lake City wishing this bed had a heated mattress pad. 

8. I am reading… The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks.  After saving it for over a month, it's time to read it.  I love me some Nick Sparks!!!

9. I am concerned about… my dentist appointment next week.  I think I need a root canal (which means I'll need extra-extra nitrous please.)

10. I am looking forward to… seeing my friend Natalie next week (Hi Nat - This may be your first shout-out!) and heading to Virginia later in the month for the holidays.

Now it’s your turn! Don’t forget to go back and share a link to your blog in the comments here! Happy Monday, my friends!

Just Read: Silver Girl

Oh, my lovely readers, I've just finished another book that I adored.

Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand

The book chronicles the new life of Meredith Delinn, wife of a conniving businessman who stole billions of dollars from his business investors via a ponzi scheme.  Meredith is left with nothing.  Her husband is in jail and she's not allowed to contact her family, per the feds.  We follow her new life as she navigates through her feelings for her husband, detaches from her life of luxury, and figures out what really matters.  She goes from a position of being the most hated woman on Nantucket Island to being a woman who's ready to tackle the next chapter of her life.

I LOVE LOVED this book and was literally disappointed when I got to the last page.  Wait!  Not because I didn't like it, but because it was over!  Before I read this, I knew NOTHING about ponzi schemes, except that it was a terrible thing I saw in the news a while back.  The book isn't really about finances, of course.  It's more about relationships between friends, family, and significant others.

You may remember my previous mention of The Island (also by Hilderbrand) which I enjoyed completely.  I think what I love is the author's ability to create a character.  I found myself so attached to both Meredith and her high school best friend Connie after just a few pages.  I quickly became so invested in knowing how their story ended and wanting to hear that they figured it all out.  I love it when a book can do that!

Definitely (highly) recommend this one. 

Just Read: Shanghai Girls

I've been on a bit of a reading run lately. Maybe it's because it's getting colder.  

Or maybe it's because reading to me usually means I nice soak in the tub.

Whatever the reason, I'm loving a good book these days.  My friend (and fabulous co-worker) Crystal told me about Shanghai Girls by Lisa See during our recent trip to Austin.  When I hear someone mention a book and their eyes light up as they talk about it, I know that it's something I've got to check out.  I'm so glad I did!

Shanghai Girls is the story of two girls who live a lavish life in China until their father experiences financial troubles and sells them off to the United States to be brides to men they've never met.  They have to leave their fabulous lives behind to experience the unknown. It's a bumpy ride for sisters Pearl and May, and quite a story for the readers.

While I'm not the biggest fan of Lisa See's writing style, I absolutely love the story she created for these two sisters.  I also feel like it gave me a glimpse at what it was like to be a Chinese immigrant during America's early days.

The author has also written a sequel to the book about the daughter Joy - - Dreams of Joy.  I'm hoping to read this in the near future, and I'm hoping that it's again the kind of book that makes me want to stay up late reading.

My next book (that I plan to start this weekend) will be Nicholas Sparks' new book:  The Best of Me.  

I am a HUGE Nick Sparks fan and get so excited when his new books come out each fall.  That man is the most romantic writer EVER and writes the most beautiful love stories.  I get so wrapped up in his books... and it seems he's always able to make me cry with his touching tales.

Fun fact:  The first book EVER to make me cry was The Notebook way back in 1998.  I never knew that books could effect you like that.  I'd cried in movies (and in real-life, of course), but The Notebook was the first to have that impact upon me... and I've read every book Sparks has written since. 

Question:  What is the last great book you read?  What did you love about it?

Just Read: One Day

Also on my quiet weekend, I decided to read a book.  The.  Whole.  Thing.


After my bizarre massage on Friday night, I came home and enjoyed a delicious JC dinner and caught up on my DVR.  I usually have HOURS of shows to watch, but since I was home all week I only had some embarrassingly fabulous reality shows to watch.  


Since I was all relaxed, I decided to take it a step further and go for a swim in my tub with a good book.

I downloaded One Day by David Nicholls to my Nook a few months back when the movie had come out.  I love a good RomCom, but decided to postpone seeing the movie until I had read the book.  Well, months later, I decided it was time.

On my To See list now!

And... I'm glad I did!  It was REALLY good.  The author writes the story based upon one day in the lives of the characters - July 15 - and covers the story of their lives for about 20 years.  Two friends with great chemistry and on-again off-again availability, Dex and Em (Em and Dex) are the main characters who you grow to adore more every page you turn.  


I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet, so I'll just say, if you're looking for something new to read - - try this one!  


I was about 20 pages into it before Friday night and sadly finished it this morning at about 10:30am.  Sad only because my time with Dex and Em had expired.


Now, I need to see the movie.  Has anyone seen it??

Yoga News + Two New Indulgences

When I come home from yoga, I seriously feel so energized.  It's Rejuvenation Yoga on Sunday nights and is supposed to get you all chilled out for the week to come.  It gets me relaxed.... and then I get energized!!  Not overly where I won't sleep, but interesting just the same.


Tonight was a big night for me and yoga....

Yep, that's my new mat!  All mine!!  It's a little exciting to have my first mat.  The last time I was in class, I was  putting my face on the community mat and thought.... never again.  While I may clean my mat, I'm not sure if others do.  


Choosing a mat was a big deal... I definitely wanted orange, but couldn't decide which or how much to invest (the prices vary significantly.)  This one seemed just about right, purchased off Amazon with free delivery.  Easy-peezy.  I do wonder about being drawn to the orange color.  Makes me wonder if that means my sacral chakra is out of whack.  Nonetheless, I love my beautiful orange mat!  


I kind of want a cool sling to use so I can throw it over my shoulder.  Yoga Gurus out there - - Any recommendations?


TWO NEW INDULGENCES
So... confession, I've met a new latte (Indulgence #1.)  And, it's getting serious.  Now, considering my orange thing I've got going on, you'd think I meant Pumpkin Spice Latte.  NOPE... I've actually never had the pleasure (shocking, right?)


I instead met this lovely lad on Wednesday of this week... I can't believe I've waited FIVE days to tell you about him.  Talk about restraint! 

Holy Salted Caramel Goodness - - I mean, we're practically engaged.

So, that tall, dark, and handsome cup above contains the brand-new Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha.  I am embarrassed to say, that since Wednesday, I've had not one, not TWO or THREE, but FOUR of these!!  


In my defense, here is my order:  Tall, nonfat, no whip, 1 pump mocha, 2 pumps toffee nut Salted Caramel Mocha.  It sounds super-crazy when the barista calls it out with all your modifications.... and makes me chuckle a little on the inside.


That's half the pumps o' syrup (according to the first barista who made it for me.)  And, it's heavenly.  My suggestion:  Don't ever try it the REAL way, and you'll never know what you're missing.


My JCC has said in the past that she doesn't care how I get my milk.... just get it in there.  So, this Salted Caramel Cup-O-Happiness and I shall be one throughout this holiday season.  I also am going to watch my weight loss and as needed, my snack may have to be sacrificed for this new relationship.


WARNING:  I believe there will be grieving if this is seasonal, much like when the JC Cinnamon Rolls went away.  


Tonight post-yoga, I found myself at Starbucks having my daily dose of the good stuff.  I put my Nook in my purse in case I decided to stop... and it gave me an excuse to plop down and enjoy INDULGENCE #2.  Good news is that this one is completely calorie-free.  

Two friends had given RAVE reviews of this book, and I love to read.... Click on this link to read more about the book.  I don't want to spoil it in any way.  It's AMAZING though, and I'm completely sucked in.  


A definite MUST READ.  

Kicking it up a Notch!

I'm pleased to announce that after a THREE WEEK hiatus I finally got back to the GYM!  Wooooooooo!

The fact that I hadn't worked out since Montelucia has been looming over my head.  AND, I EVEN take workout clothes with me on all of my trips!!  It's a shame to bring them and not use them!

So, after a long drive to Idaho and inspiration from my friend LP... I FINALLY made it to the hotel workout room and not just for water!  A light workout overall, I did 10 minutes on the treadmill (snooze), 10 minutes on the elliptical, and 25 minutes on the recumbent bike!  Yesssssssss!  AND, I must have thought I was Jane Fonda tonight (Thanks, Nat) or something, but I EVEN added some 3 lb weights to my bike routine working those triceps and biceps.  I usually focus on lower body stuff because that's where my pear-shaped weight gravitates, but nice to add some arms in as well!

I'm also listening to an audiobook version of The Notebook, which is one of my favorite books and movies.  How much fun is it to listen to Noah and Allie fall in love while you workout?  Um... lots!  Sorta funny that it's read by Barry Bostwick, but still super-fun!

I'd call this day a success!  Ate on plan too, or off plan really, since I have no JC food.  I guess it was a DOMO, except for breakfast. 

3rd Reward: Spa Weekend at the Intercontinental Montelucia

I did it.... I reached my 3rd Reward Threshold!  Well, slightly early, but I made it the -50 lb reward, as opposed to the ONEderland reward.  

The Kasbah Pool with Camelback Mountain in the Perimeter

It was truly the most amazing reward, and the most fabulous long weekend (Friday-Monday).


POOL-TIME: The hotel has exquisite service, which I think is one of my favorite parts of visiting the Intercontinental Montelucia. We spent a ton of time at the pool, and that was our primary activity (as usual).  For me, spending some time in the sun and additional time under one of those beautiful red umbrellas is amazing.


Wearing a bathing suit this weekend wasn't so bad!!! There, I said it!  Almost 50 lbs down, I felt good about the way I looked in my suit.  Cute coverups and matching flip flops made it even better, but to lay in the sun in public and feel good about how I looked and how far I've come was a GREAT feeling.


SPA-TIME: We spent the majority of our time at the Joya Spa - inside the spa, and at the gorgeous rooftop pool.  The rooftop pool was perhaps our greatest find!  So quiet and the atmosphere/menu was TEN TIMES better than the other pools.  I also found my favorite new cocktail at the Joya Spa pool - Vodka, Cranberry, Peach Schnapps, Splash of OJ, Splash of Sprite.  Yum-O!


We also spent several hours inside of the spa.  I treated myself to a 75-minute hot stone massage.  Angela, my masseuse, was phenomenal... and gave me one of the best massages I've ever had!  We also decided to try out Joya's Blowout Bar!  Blowout bars seem to be showing up all over the country... and we decided to try it!  The glass of champagne was also a nice touch, and the gorgeously bouncy hair I had afterward was fabulous!

Joya Spa's Rooftop Pool

WORKING OUT: Something else that's helping... I feel like my friends are getting healthier, too!  I traveled with a dear friend of mine who was prepping for the Music City Marathon in Nashville, TN.  Every morning, she would head out for a 10K run or 7K walk.  So, while Donna headed out for a huge run, I would go to the fitness room and work out on the machines.  The treadmill, the elliptical, and the bike became my friends.  I did 45 minutes of working out daily while I was there, which is awesome.  I have never been one to work out on vacation... so this was kind of a big deal.  And, it was nice to counteract some of the drinks and whatnot I was taking in that I wasn't used to.


FOOD: Last time I was at Montelucia, we partook in their amazing breakfast buffet every morning.  Bacon, pancakes, breakfast potatoes... Not this time!  I had JC for breakfast every day!  I brought my trusty Complete Start Cereal.  I also brought Pria Bars and some Stretch Island Fruit Leather.  This helped quite a bit with snacking and the cereal got my day started right!


I really feel that spa's might be the place to go if you are trying to lose weight!  The restaurants rocked, with tons of HEALTHY options!  And... the lunch menu at the pool had nutritional information listed (calorie/fat/etc).  


Another example of great choices: They had a plate of frozen grapes and another option for watermelon, pineapple, or cantelope!  What great snacks!  

The Kasbah Pool facing Roq Bar and Joya Spa

MARCELLINO'S:  There was one night that I completely jumped off program. There's an AMAZING Italian restaurant (or should I say ristorante) in Old Scottsdale that we looooooove.  We had to go there one night.  I was so excited to have decadent homemade pasta.  There is really nothing like Marcellino's Ristorante.  I've eaten a lot of italian in my life, and it's my ultimate favorite!  They have this Cacio de Pepe that's described as "Cracked pepper and Romano cheese infused pasta with a hearty ragu of sautéed pancetta, caramelized onion and tomato"  Heaven on a plate!   Interestingly, it was equally delicious as the last time I had it, but I ate about 1/2 of what I finished last time.  I was miserably full after eating 1/2 of the plate of pasta.  And, I felt almost sick afterward (sigh.)  Keep in mind, I loooooooved every bite, but I think it was my mind processing the calories I had taken in and panicking and my stomach reacting to pancetta and cheese, which I have not eaten for months!

Looking relaxed with a glass of Malbec

READING:  I also spent some time reading under my red umbrella at Montelucia.  I've been hooked on the Emily Giffin books lately after reading Something Borrowed.  I tore through her latest book Heart of the Matter at the pool on Sunday.  If you haven't read her novels, I recommend giving them a shot.  She's fantastic at creating characters you can relate to.


If you haven't figured out a rewards program for your weight loss, I definitely recommend it.  I've never enjoyed a trip like this one because it was celebrating something I'd achieved and worked so hard to attain!


Ahhhh.... Montelucia.  Such a wonderful weekend, I miss you already.  We've made plans to visit again next April, and I seriously can't wait.  And, I will be at goal by that point!!