The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

I woke up this morning and reflected on what I ate yesterday.  Seriously, not the best food day for me.  Yesterday morning, I had seen a VERY small number on the scale for me.  I have a feeling if I weigh today, I will not see that same number.  

Thanks, Ang, for sharing this fun image!

Here's a glimpse of my eating yesterday.  Not the best... I'm so much better when I have a plan!!!


THE GOOD
I started by day with my usual breakfast these days, which is an English Muffin with a Garlic and Herb Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedge.  Mmmmm.  To kick it up a notch, I sprinkled it with about a teaspoon of Chia Seeds.  I don't know if you guys read Run Eat Repeat, but she's one of my new favorite bloggers.  She featured chia seeds yesterday on her blog, so I decided to try them on my muffin since they've been in my cupboard for months.  DELISH!

Chia seeds are a great source of Omega 3s and fiber and just add a little crunch, no extra flavor.  Try them!


THE BAD
This is where it started to get kind of crazy.  I went to work at Starbucks yesterday.  When I have reporting to do, I often go to Starbucks because I can jam out a lot of work with little interruption.  Oh, and this is where the Salted Caramel Mochas are made so, it makes me love it even more!

The cutest cups EVER help too!

Anywho, I got all caffeinated off an SCM and worked there for hours sucking down FOUR Venti ice waters... and I forgot about eating.  


Now, I don't mean this in the "I'm-a-waif-food-doesn't-interest-me-kind-of-way."  I mean that I was chairdancing listening to my playlist and working hard and sorta forgot about lunch.  Caffeine tends to affect me in this way.  Hmmm.... maybe I should drink more coffee!


As I wrapped up my sales visits for the day, I realized I was FAMISHED.  It was 5pm, and very close to dinner time.... but, I had a date last night so it wasn't like I could go home and have dinner.  SHOOT!


So, I went home and hit my freezer and found this guy.

Jenny Craig Meatball Stuffed Sandwich

Keep in mind, this image is NOT my own.  There was no salad, nor a lovely glass of lemon water.  No plate either.  It was pretty much inhaled, with no scraps left behind.  It's sort of like a Hot Pocket, but I think MUCH better.  It's my go-to fast JC lunch because it only takes 90 seconds in the microwave and plates are optional. 


THE UGLY
So... I casually mentioned above that I had a date last night.  Yes, this is a follow-up date to date #1 that I told you about a few weeks back.  My crazy schedule sometimes gets in the way of my personal life, as evident here but just the same, I was excited to be seeing him again.  


Note:  As I start dating more (which hopefully will happen), I'll probably make little mentions here and there of date-like activity.  Know that while I would LOVE to tell you all about all the details, I may be a little vague just in case I ever decide to tell any of the boys about this site.  Which obviously, when he's the right one he'll have to know about my secret blogging life (or else he'll think I'm just really strangely food obsessed and take pics of everything I eat.)


Ok... so, let's start with the NOT ugly.   How about a peek at my date outfit?

I loved this look and picked it up at the BCBG Outlet at Colorado Mills.  The top was on CLEARANCE for $9, and I paired that with a BARELY visible thick black belt.  It's sort of a Judy Jetson sleeve with tiny shoulder pads and little wings (?)  The shirt fit sort of long so it might be a good pairing with skinny jeans, which always make me feel less than skinny.  Either way, this look was CUTE.


So, I let the guy pick where we were going to dinner and what did he come up with?

MEXICAN

OH, THE HORROR.  We all know I have "issues" with Mexican food and chips. 

And, to be going there on a practically empty stomach.... I probably ate 15 chips and ordered from their "healthier selections" menu... getting the Spinach Quesadilla.  Now, for the record, I call bullshit on this restaurant.  There is NO WAY that Spinach Quesadilla is on the healthier side.  I would call it "meatless", sure, but NEVER healthy.  I love spinach enchiladas or spinach anything... so I knowingly took the splurge despite the false advertisement.


I also had a glass of wine.  MyFitnessPal said it wasn't the worst day ever, but gosh... Mexican late in the evening was not at all what I had in mind.  


The great news is that I'll be hitting the gym this afternoon to burn those calories off and then some.  I can't wait to get there!


Have a great day, my dears! 

Down Right Random!

After a very random Wednesday, I only have randomness to offer to you.  I have a recipe I'll share tomorrow, but tonight... random seemed the way to go.

I hope you love it, Baby Illyana!

A SUPER SPECIAL CREATION
One of my bestest of friends is having a baby girl ANY DAY NOW.  I finally got her baby blanket completed and shipped and it actually arrived BEFORE the little lady makes her grand appearance.


If you're a knitter, you'll want to know that I found the pattern on Ravelry, and I thought I'd share the link on how to make it too. It's a super easy pattern and looks VERY complicated and impressive.


I kind of want to make another one... and I just heard of a baby boy on the way!  But, I've also gotten a request for a hat + a Cleveland Browns scarf.  I probably should go in order.

JUST BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE TELLING YOU

I've never eaten a strawberry (that I can remember).  When I was little, I loved  Strawberry Shortcake (the doll) and all of her friends, but I can't ever remember eating the fruit.  Since I've been on JC, I've tried the freeze dried strawberries and I definitely like them.  I think I might try the real deal some time soon.  I know it's weird, but I've been picky all my life.... working through this one new thing at a time!

I may wait until summer when the strawberries look so beautiful and delicious, but I think this is the summer I'm going to try it.

SUPPORT WOMEN IN NEED OF BRAS

When you lose weight, you lose weight everywhere.  So, I know I can't be the only one who had to change bra sizes during this process.  What does that leave behind?  Lots of delicates with no where to go.  

My sister-in-law Beth found out that Soma Intimates is collecting new and gently used bras this month to be donated to the National Network to End Domestic Violence.  What a great place to donate!!!

I boxed up mine that don't fit and am mailing them to Soma (address on right), and you can also drop them off at any one of their retail locations nationwide now through February 26th!

If it doesn't fit, you're not going to wear it and/or shouldn't be wearing it.  Donate to a good cause.  I love this one!  Click here for more details on how to participate!

I HEART THE MOUNTAINS

I flew home from Boise tonight, and I got to see the most beautiful view of the mountains from the airplane.  Keep in mind, I fly  over these guys almost weekly.  Interestingly, I never get sick of seeing them, or of taking pictures of them.  

I probably have about 40 others that look just like this, but this is the first one I took on my iPhone from about 25K feet and before the flight attendant told me I was allowed to turn on my portable electronic equipment.

Sorry, United... I couldn't resist.

FUN BEFORE AND AFTER SHOT

I get to wear suits to work sometimes... and sometimes when I'm trying to decide which look to go with I take a pic of them.  Yes, I'm a nerd.  BUT, in this case I am glad I did because I have a rare full body progress pic.  


I see some differences.  Do you???


Note:  The pants in February are a size smaller and the jacket is TWO sizes smaller.  I think the thighs are slimming.... and I like to think that it's the elliptical making it happen.

The Engagement Epidemic

Has anyone else noticed that just about EVERYONE you know is getting engaged these days?  

There was a period of time before the holidays where it seemed that everyone I knew was going from "in a relationship" to "engaged" on Facebook. 

Yep, this one got engaged.

Keep in mind, this was true for most every single girl that I know aside for me.  I have one or two girlfriends out there that are sticking with the single status for now, but for the most part... it appears that the world is pairing off two-by-two. I'm so far behind.


In the past, I've just been too "busy".  Busy working, busy traveling, busy living my life, busy achieving my version of success, and busy not meeting anyone that I could potentially pair up with. I asked a college friend of mine about it this week. Jokingly, I blame her for my not getting out there more (ie... Why didn't you make me date more? So I'd have had more practice!).


Now, at 35 and single, I've realized I want more.  Re-phrased, I've decided to make room in my life and to do something to get more.  

Why not?

How does a young (and fabulous) 35 year old meet a someone that's out there that's NORMAL and awesome.  I don't have the answer for you quite yet, dear readers, but I can tell you that I've started looking and I'll keep you posted.


While I feel it's a little overexposing to tell you too much quite yet, I joined eHarmony right before the new year.  I've always been a little anti-online dating, thinking that it didn't really work or couldn't possibly work for me.  However, I stand corrected. I've been matched with a ton of folks in the Denver area who allegedly are compatible to my personality profile.  Not bad!


It's a VERY low pressure, easy process to begin communicating.  You can move at your own pace and opt out at any point.  I find it very comfortable (surprisingly.)


Wednesday night, I went on my VERY first eHarmony date and it was REALLY great!  I mentioned my migraines I had this week had kicked my butt, but I had already set up this date prior to any of that madness setting in.  I couldn't cancel on him, and I was so glad that I didn't!  Between us friends:  I'd say it was the best first date I've ever had.  He was smart, funny, attractive, a professional, and a total gentleman (all positives in my book.) Now, we're still in the process of getting to know each other, but what a positive experience!  


I can honestly say that I think dating is much easier now that I've lost the weight.  Not because of what other people think about the weight... instead what I thought about the weight.  I always worried about what he was thinking about how I looked, or what people were thinking about with the guy being out with that chubby girl (me.)  It's not healthy to think that way and I recognize it now, but that was the way my mind used to work. 

I felt great walking into the restaurant last night with no hesitation, no major nervousness.  I did text a few people letting them know where I would be and to sound the alarms if they didn't ever hear back from me, which is slightly crazy.... but safety first, folks!

Took a bathroom pic of what I wore - - Couldn't resist! Check out that adorable iPhone!

Because I know you folks love my shopping talk, the outfit came from White House Black Market.  The jeans, bustier (yep!), and sweater were courtesy of a VERY awesome salesperson who put the look together.  The belt is a bow belt from New York and Company, but they sell one at WHBM too... I just already had it.  The iPhone case is from Verizon Wireless (of course).


I don't know what will come next of this date that I went on this week.  What I do know is that I had a great time and that I am excited to see him again.  And, I think that's right on track with where I should be.  It just feels good.


If you haven't gotten out there, what's holding you back?  Also, any good online dating tips/success stories?

Recovery from a Boot-tastrophe

Living in Colorado, I see boots around every corner.  Whether it's Ugg boots in the Summer with skirts or leggings with riding boots, they're EVERYWHERE.  

Frankly, I think they're this season's must-have accessory no matter where you live.

I'm part of what I believe to be a large population of women who struggle finding boots that fit properly.  I carry my excess weight in my bottom half so that means my hips, butt, and legs carry it all.  And... that means my calves are plentiful... Sigh.

Effortlessly fabulous... That's what boots bring to the table.

Until this year, I'd literally given up on boots.  Haven't tried them on in years because every time had been SUCH a disappointment.  And, it's sort of embarrassing... when you have an inch or two of space keeping you from closing the zipper.  UGH!

This year, I heard the most wonderful news... 

They make WIDE CALF BOOTS!!!  

Oh my goodness!!!  I can't even tell you how excited I was to hear this!  Knowing that I'd dropped some weight since the last attempt, I was SURE this was going to work. I tried a few pairs on at DSW with SUCCESS, and knew that I needed skinny jeans (did I just say that?) and I would be boot-worthy! 

I ordered the jeans online during a Black Friday sale from NY&C and placed an order for two different pairs of boots from DSW.com that were just AWESOME.  Both were listed as wide calf.  

The box o' boots arrived and I was SOOOOO excited to try them on.  Um, how about neither pair I ordered fit??? I literally wanted to cry.  How can my calves be too big for these beauties???

Determined to find some boots, I put on my skinny jeans and headed out to DSW to try on everything they had and return the jerky boots that refused to fit my calves.  

I found two pairs that worked for me, that may also work for any wide-calved sisters out there.  Check these out if you too are struggling with boots this season.

BareTraps Arrive Wedge Booties - - They're on major sale in-store this week!

White Mountain Good Day Boot - These ones weren't labeled wide calf, but worked! 

I've got two pair to get me started, which is awesome.  I still long for those riders though.  As part of my membership at the Y, I get to visit with a trainer next week.  You best believe we're going to be talking about how to slim the calves without bulking them up additionally...

Idaho: A Week in Review

My first work trip in about EIGHT weeks, I survived it!  Just the same.... It's so nice to be home!

After a busy week in Idaho, I flew home today and saw this.  I kind of expect there to be a welcome sign set up for me over DIA... maybe mowed into the fields near the airport.  Never do I hope nor imagine that it will look like this.

Brrrrr.... I'm freezing just looking at this!

As I blog from my couch and in front of the fire and under a blanket, I can't say that I'm really that cold.  And, mostly, I'm just proud of myself... which makes you warm even in the coldest moments!


You wanna know why??  I've had one of the healthiest weeks I've had in a long time!  


To start with.... this week, I've been SUPER impressed with my eating and there's even been some moving.  I've been completely on track this week.  No stepping outside of the boundaries, no extra snacks and way under my calorie limit (because of exercise).  


A NEW SANDWICH
I've always loved Great Harvest Bread Company.  I usually go there for cookies for my clients, and always used to get that free slice of bread they offer you when you buy something.  

There's one in Idaho Falls, and it was between GH Bread and Subway.  Well, since GH Bread makes sandwiches, too... I decided to try one - - DELISH!

I ordered a 1/2 Build Your Own sandwich on 9 Grain Bread with lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, sprouts, onions, salt, pepper, and oregano.  SOOOOO good!  The bread is perfectly nutty and grainy - - My fave!  Also, 1 slice of this bread comes in at 130 calories and 0.5 grams of fat.  A nice departure from my usual Subway, and the bread is AWESOME.  And, it goes without saying (but I'll say it because I can), I totally skipped the bread sample!

Dinners were also on track, as were all the other lunches.  Dinners were salads with grilled chicken and low fat dressing.  Other lunches were made by the sandwich artists at Subway and the salad geniuses at Cafe Rio.  All on track!

Here's one of my dinners...

JC Swedish Meatballs... Not my fave, but I ate it - - Look at that delish bottle of water!

Now you might notice that there's a telltale M on that water bottle above... well, that's because there's nothing better with Swedish Meatballs than two side salads with a packet of Low Fat Italian Dressing from Mickey D's.  Seriously good.  


A CRAZY-GOOD SNACK
I went to TJ Maxx when I was in Twin Falls to get my Christmas shopping moving along.  I do a bit of my shopping on the road, because it's just necessary.  Unfortunately, I didn't find what I was looking for at TJ's, but I did find a sweater for myself (of course).  When I was checking out, I realized that I was famished.  My stomach was SCREAMING.  There's all sorts of snacks at the checkout now at TJ Maxx.  And, I just happened to look to see if they had anything healthy.  Ohhhhh, they did! 

Hello, Sensible Foods!  I found a bag of their Cherry Berry Crunch Dried Snacks at the checkout and snatched it up immediately!  Freeze dried apples, cherries, blueberries, and strawberries??  Um, yes please!

The packaging said that it had ONLY 84 Calories.  The perfect snack!  It also was the perfect pre-dinner snack and gave me just enough so that I could workout before dinner - - SUCCESS!

Since then, I've used their website to find out where else to buy them - - because I need to have MORE.  I found some in Boise, and tried the sweet corn flavor, too.  It's delish at 70 calories!

SHOULD WE TALK ABOUT WORKING OUT???

Doesn't it look vicious?

Um, I think we should!  I've posted before that I take gym clothes on trips, but I never wear them.  How about this week I wore them, and even had to re-wear a pair (gross, I know... but I worked out!!!)

Monday night after my flight and before dinner, I jumped on the treadmill and the elliptical.

Tuesday once I got to Twin Falls, I hit the gym AGAIN pre-dinner... sweating it out on the elliptical and stationary bike.

Last night, I did it again! Some time on the stationary bike + that mean elliptical to the right.  It was a Life Fitness, and I'm telling you... it killed!

THREE DAYS IN A ROW, and on the road... I honestly loved it.  I'm a little disappointed I can't go to the gym tonight, but it's WAY too cold.

LASTLY... I have an appointment tomorrow morning.  Just me and the scale.  I'll let you know how it goes.  Wish me luck!!!!

The Walk of Shame

Our most recent snowstorm did a number the beautiful flowers I had planted this year.  Because I live in a townhome, I don’t have a traditional garden, but I try to maintain some prettiness via flower boxes and flower pots.  

The flowers I’d planted (Zinnias, Vincas, and a tall purple item) had been very hearty throughout the season, requiring very little water and attention thankfully.  However, it only took one round of snow to end their happy existence.

I decided to go to Target to get a small shovel to clean out the boxes before it gets too cold out.  I walked back to what I thought was still the garden section and I was met by Christmas Explosion!  It’s barely November… and Christmas decorations had taken over the entire section!

Determined that there might be at least one shovel in the mix… I carefully worked my way into the Holiday section.  PS… There were so many people in there!  Looking at wrapping paper and oooo-ing and ahhh-ing over lights.  I just shook my head in judgment… convinced it was too early for any of this nonsense.  I needed gardening items!

But then… I saw it.

Uh-Oh… I haven’t had a tree in like 8-10 years.  And, in front of me, on the 6^th of November was the CUTEST Christmas tree...

A 6 ft. Pewter Tinsel Tree??  All for me???

As you can imagine, it quickly ended up in my cart.  I mean, since I loved it… this has to be a hot item that will vanish quickly.  I must buy it now (on the 6^th of November).

Then, the walk of shame begins…. I still had other Targeting to complete.  

I'm that girl with a Xmas tree in her cart at the beginning of November

“Mommy, I want a Christmas tree,” a cute little lady says.  “No dear, it’s WAY too early for that.  Let’s get through Thanksgiving first.” says Mom.

“I can’t believe people are buying Christmas stuff already,” Man speaking to his wife and shaking his head in my direction.

Just shaking my head all the way through Target.  I've never shopped my list as fast as I managed to shop that day.  Checking out, I also tossed these guys on the belt… I’m all in apparently and it was only November 6^th.

Question:  Are you in the Christmas spirit early?  Or are you a traditionalist who waits until after Thankgiving?

Fall Cleaning: Accessories and Whatnot

"The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize." ~ Steel Magnolias

What a brilliant movie, and an awesome quote.  Now don't worry, readers, I haven't been watching this movie... sobbing with a pint of ice cream in hand.  But, I always think of Clairee when I think of my LOVE for accessories.

I found this lovely lady at Macy's on Friday.

Accessories are an AWESOME purchase when you're in between sizes or shooting for a smaller size.  The jewelry will STILL FIT regardless of your body size.  AND... they can really spice up the basics!  You don't really outgrow them, but if you're like me, you definitely tire of wearing some of the pieces.  This makes purging even more important.

If you don't stay on top of cleaning out your accessories... you could run into something like this.

It was time to go through mine.  And that's exactly what I did yesterday.  

I started by taking everything off the holder, and when I did... I thought that this might be a good idea to share with everyone!  I used to have SUPER tangled accessories.  It sucked.  When I'd go to put on a necklace, it had always intertwined with another making it impossible to put on quickly.  


Then, I came up with this brilliant idea!

HOW TO MAKE THIS BAD BOY

It looks much more difficult than it really is.  

It's just a piece of plywood from Home Depot, painted to match my room.  If you go into the wood section (the technical term) at either Home Depot or Lowe's, they have a pre-cut square like this.  No cutting/measuring required.  Designing it is the fun part.  For this version, I used a fun stencil to add the white design.  Just to spice it up a little!

Once you have it painted, you get to use the power tools - YES!!  I used a drill with a small drill bit to create tiny holes for the hooks.  Starting a cuphook in a piece of wood is WAY too much work.  You'll thank me for that tip.  Basically, you drill wherever you'd like to hand something.  Look at what you have and create a plan.  Do you need lots of spots for short necklaces?  Or long necklaces?  You can adjust your configuration accordingly.

Once all your holes are drilled, twist in the cuphooks to the board so that you can hang your jewels.  On the back, I used a picture hanger that has little hooks and a wire that you twist into each hook.  The board hangs then on a supported screw via this wire.  Easy Peazy!

A close-up so you can see the cuphooks

This is actually my third one.  There was a red and black, a pretty orange one, and now I've settled into turquoise.  This round, I decided to add more sections for long necklaces and some hooks at the bottom for bracelets.  It's been awesome!  In every place I've lived, I just hang it behind my bedroom door.  A walk in closet is another great place to hang it.  I'd definitely avoid storing the precious accessories in the bathroom though - - Moisture can wreak havoc!

Sorting the jewels can also be fun.  I sorted by color and length, and once again made two extra piles:  GOODWILL and CONSIGN.  

Another chunky necklace that I was hoping to make room for.

In the end, I think I did pretty good! I've got a few hooks left for new purchases and KNOW WHAT I HAVE, which is half the battle.

I also figured out something new to do with bracelets.  Bracelets have been my OBSESSION for the past few months... and the hooks I have on this display don't really cut it.


I found ANOTHER great idea out on Pinterest.  (PS... If you haven't tried Pinterest, WHY NOT??)  You can find TONS of ideas and recipes like this great solution to store your bracelets!  I added a link to NTTC yesterday so that you can follow me on Pinterest, if you're so inclined. :)

If you can't tell by the picture, that's a papertowel holder.  Yep, Just a cheapy one purchased from Target for $3.49, and now my bracelets are not taking over my bedroom!


I'll close out today's post with showing another problem area that I've got to find a solution for.  Scarves.  The problem is that I have too many.  Even after going through them, I still have too many.  

I store them on a double hook system behind my closet, so they're contained... but they always look messy.  Maybe I'll head off to Pinterest to see what I can find for this!


Stay tuned... and happy organizing!  PS... Apparently, I'm not the only one who was organizing accessories this weekend.  If you click here, you can see what Julie at Peanut Butter Fingers was up to!

Fall Cleaning: The Box

It was that time again, and what better time to attack the closets than on the day that the time changes.


Last time I cleaned out my closets really wasn't that long ago, maybe a month or two ago.  This time around though, I was moreso focused on accessories, my drawers, and shoes... and that plastic tub in the back of my closet.


You know the tub.  The one that has all the clothes in it that you may fit into one day.  For me, that tub has been packed up tightly for a long time.  It has been moved THOUSANDS of miles and has lived in SEVEN different places.  From Colorado to Tennessee when I moved home and then back to Colorado once again.  We're talking nearly 10 years of hope, packed in a Rubbermaid container.

There it is... WAY in the back right corner

Yesterday, I went through it.


The things I saved were sort of funny.  I should have taken more pictures, but it was sort of messy and happened pretty quickly.  I found dresses that I wore back in the early 2000s that I loved.  Two bathing suits that I loved back in my mid-twenties.  I even found a pair of khaki pants that had cuffs... Hmmm, retro.

Would have been nice to have had these ladies cheering me on like in SATC The Movie

I quickly started three piles:  KEEP, CONSIGN, and GOODWILL.  


I also found about 3 pairs of black pants that fit now (score!) and three pairs of jeans that I would have definitely worn a few months ago (shoot), and possibly most devastating.... I found the most gorgeous pair of WHITE LINEN Isaac Mizrahi pants that I had bought at Target.  Wide-legged and gorgeous.  And, still with tags.  Seriously.

They don't look as gorgeous hanging, but I promise their something SPECIAL.  REAL special.

What makes it tragic is that they fit PERFECTLY and the white pant season has passed.  By next summer, it will be too late.  Happily, I'll have outgrown them, but sadly this means I won't ever get to wear them.  I saved them though... hoping that I can get them altered next spring.  We'll see.


The crazy part is that the box is empty now and there's nothing in it that I can't fit into.  Can you believe that?? I hardly can... That was always the box of impossibly tiny clothes from another time, and now it's empty.


My box is now empty!  I kind of want to get rid of it. I'm not planning to fill it with clothes that are too big that I might grow into... Maybe it will be repurposed for use with holiday decorations.  Hmmm...


My advice:  If you have a box that's full of clothes like this and you're on a similar journey, get in there and take inventory!  You just might be able to wear more than you think!! And, you won't want to miss out on the white pants like I did... Sigh.