Two Days at "Home"

My sister in law Beth has told me that she leaves a little bit of her heart in Cape Cod every time she leaves.  And, I've always said I didn't think I had a place like that.  That I've moved too much.  That I don't have a "home" like that. 


By "home," I mean that place where you can't wait to return to.  That place where you are completely at peace. That place where you have the fondest of memories.  After some thought this weekend, I think I do.  It's Montelucia.  


We stumbled upon this resort two years ago and it has been this way ever since.  The service is phenomenal.  The pool, the food, the rooms, the spa... All perfection.  Each visit as phenomenal (if not better) than the first.  Not many places can execute like this.  


Also, Montelucia has such strong Spanish influences from the decor to the music to the cuisine. I can't even imagine how I would react if I ever when I visit Spain one day.  


As for this trip, I was only at Montelucia for about 32 hours this time.  Once again, Montelucia did NOT disappoint.

I'm going to share a few pics of my trip tonight, and I promise to tell you more about the trip tomorrow.  I'm exhausted after a full day of work/travel.  And, there's always that post-vacation depression that sets in...   

Quite the change from other visits, the weather looked like this most of the time: No sun.  You could barely see Camelback Mountain in the distance.  

But when the sky looks miserable, you spend the day in the spa, right? 

And, NO ONE (I mean, NO ONE) does it like Joya Spa...  

But there were moments of sunlight... that I took full advantage of. 

We also spent some time enjoying tasty tapas at Prado restaurant.

I can't wait to tell you more.  And, I hope you too have a place like this.


Question:  Where is your "home"?

Eleven.Eleven.Eleven

For today's pre-Montelucia posting, I've decided to share with you ELEVEN random things that have happened this week.  


ONE
I missed 11:11 today on 11/11/11.  I was listening to my favorite radio show Wake Up with Taylor and got wrapped upon the show's content. 

I'm sorta bummed, because I had the perfect wish in mind.  One that I really want to come true.  Maybe the fact that I was thinking of it about 22 minutes before had a wish-like effect.  


TWO
I found a gym I want to join this week, and I haven't been yet despite the free 7-day pass.  When I told my friend Laurel about the find and was excited about it, she asked me what I was waiting for and specifically asked "What are you afraid of?"  I honestly don't know, but it caught my attention more than she knows.  It's something I definitely need to do some thinking on. 


I love that friends ask the real questions.


THREE
I've become obsessed with a new sandwich shop.  After eating Subway for a YEAR, I've needed a few alternatives.  Have you tried Which Wich?  It's insanely good.  

I estimate my 7" Chicken Sandwich with Honey Mustard and Veggies on Wheat is 380 calories, and worth EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM!


FOUR
It's harder to write about eleven things than I thought it would be.

FIVE

I've been roasting just about every vegetable in my fridge.  From Green Beans to Broccoli to Cauliflower to Carrots... All have been so delish!  If you haven't tried your favorite veggie roasted, it's time.

SIX

I'll be eating pasta on Saturday night in Scottsdale at my favorite italian restaurant on the planet - - Marcellino's.  The real deal pasta.  The kind that dreams are made of.

SEVEN

Assuming the weather cooperates this weekend, I'm also planning to hike this mountain - - Camelback Mountain.

EIGHT

That same picture (above) was requested by the Montelucia for potential use in print/internet ads.  I love this pic, and I felt a little famous when they posted it on their Facebook page. 

NINE

Golden Beets are gorgeous.  This is the first time I've ever cooked with them.  So delicious and so pretty.  ROASTED.

TEN

I found a new favorite walking spot in town.  I can't wait to get back to this lake next weekend and walk.  It's 1.5 miles around the lake, with the most stunning view.  So stunning, it gets three pics.

ELEVEN

I'm determined to eat healthy, work out, and most importantly, enjoy myself this weekend in AZ.  I will probably be tweeting and very likely not blogging.  Have a great weekend!

Weigh-In Update and Going Public

I'm back on a regular schedule for weigh-ins and for consultations again.  And... I'm down again!

DOWN -0.4 LBS 

Not my BEST weigh-in, but at least I went down!  Now, it's just me and 21.6 lbs... I can do this.  I've got a crazy week this week, and I haven't really mentioned it to you guys yet.... but I'm going back.

Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa in Scottsdale

I leave on Saturday morning for a quick getaway with my friend Donna to our VERY FAVORITE PLACE.  This is my SECOND trip there for the year, and THIRD overall.  I honestly never get sick of this place.  It's just that great.  Last time we were there, we met up with one of my co-workers.  He was telling us we should try one of the other spa resorts.... Nope.  I don't think I ever will.  I just love the Montelucia that much. 


I also am so appreciative of the fact I travel as much as I do for work... it makes trips like this totally possible.  Thanks, Frontier Early Returns miles, for sponsoring this trek to the desert!

Unfortunately, the weather will be a little cooler than normal when we're there.  Rather than being in the 80s like it was in the end of April, it will be a high of the 70s.  I'm not sure how much pool time we'll have, but I bet we bake in the sun a little - - just for funsies.  

The other thing that we're planning on is using the fitness facilities and working out a bit.  Donna tried to get me to climb Camelback Mountain last time we were there and I wasn't really up to it.  Considering that the pool time will be limited anyway, I MAY try to do it this time.  We'll see....

GOING PUBLIC

After writing yesterday's post about my first year on Jenny and after maintaining this blog for a whole year, I did something CRAZY.  I decided to post a link to my blog on Facebook.  Yep, I totally went public.  

For any of you who blog, you know what a big deal this is.  I had sent the link to a few of my close friends and even some of my family.... but I haven't really told many at work or elsewhere that I blog.  In the past, I'd worried about what people would think, but I've finally hit the point where I just don't care.  It's pretty stinkin' impressive to have lost 70 lbs... and I can't dwell on the fact that I had 70 lbs to lose. 

Here's the COOLEST part:  The response was AMAZING.  So warm and so inspiring.  I seriously expected one or two people to read it... and the rest to just go back to playing Farkle, but SO many people have stopped by.  I even got a few email from folks trying to lose who shared their struggle.  I feel so pleasantly surprised that this "little blog that could" could cause such a reaction.

While I've loved traveling this journey with so many of you who've found me online or via Jenny Craig, I'm super-excited that Chapter 2 (AKA Year 2) in this journey also includes navigating the world of weight-loss with some people from my real life.  It makes it all even more real and the accountability just jumped up significantly (which I need these days.)  


Whether it's your first time stopping by or your 101st, we're all in this together, and let's get SUPER healthy during year 2! 

Everything's Bigger in Texas

Portions are bigger! 

Appetites are bigger! 

Food Regrets = BIGGER!

A busy three days with team meetings in Austin, I ended up eating off the buffets for most meals and even had some redonkulous Texas-style barbecue on Monday night.  It was soooo delicious!

Then came the kiss of diet death for dinner the last night:  the abbreviated, super unhealthy tex-mex menu.  My company took the liberty of choosing list of the 4 most popular (and decadent sounding) dishes for us to choose from.  While they all sounded delish, they were less than healthy for sure. Unfortunately, the only one that sounded remotely appropriate to me (meaning I wouldn't have to remove several ingredients in a group setting)  was the  Z'Tejas Diablo Chicken Pasta which was served in cream sauce that I asked be "light on the sauce."

So scary, right?  Oh, and did I forget to mention dessert?  Z'Tejas Ancho Chile Pie - - Very possibly the best pie I've ever eaten.  In my defense, I gave half of it to a co-worker before I even took a bite.  

THEN, when I was about 1/2 way done with it, I may have splashed it with tomatillo salsa so I wouldn't eat it all.  Oh, the things I do to avoid overeating...

It’s also not helpful that I was completely sedentary the entire time I was there.  Sitting in meetings all day, where the most athletic I became was clapping my hands after the speakers, walking to the beverage buffet to get another water, or maybe that one time where I started laughing so hard it felt like I was doing crunches (that was my favorite, obvi.)  The hotel had a nature trail and TONS of options for working out.  I so wish I had taken advantage of something, but time was really limited as is when you go to these meetings.  

I will pat myself on the back for staying HYDRATED, however.  When I'm in all-day meetings/trainings, I suck down the water.  It gives me something to do and helps the cause!

My company builds in a LOT of informative meetings/breakouts into our events like this, but when we can, we also try to have a team builder of some sort.  Our team builder yesterday was unbelievable!  


Our leadership team treated us to our choice of the following:  1) Eighteen holes of golf on the hotel's beautiful courses  2) A Spa Treatment of our choosing.  I’m CERTAIN you know which one I picked!

After last week’s weird massage, the masseuse actually suggested I come back in a week or so (to the wonton smelling place) to have a 2^nd massage so she could work out the “knots” in my back.  No asian fragranced pampering for this girl, we took care of the knots deep in the heart of Texas! 

One of my fave co-workers and I enjoying a glass of bubbly pre-spa :)
Note the Hannah Curlee necklace on yours truly

Good News: I had great meetings + got a great massage + got to visit with my co-workers.  
Bad News:  Wrecked the healthy living trend for the first part of the week.

I am pleased to report that tonight's dinner was JC Mesquite Chicken and my snack was the JC White Cheddar Popcorn.  Back on track, and determined to lose!

A Bad Massage is Better than No Massage

Phew.... another one bites the dust!  It seems like weekends just fly by, don't you think?


Mine was a little quieter than usual, but JUST what the doctor ordered.  After my disappointing day on Thursday, I just couldn't wait until 5pm on Friday to come.  Well, more precisely, I couldn't wait until 5:30pm!

As a treat to myself, I scheduled a massage... Ahhhhh.  Honestly, I was wound up so tightly that I thought it was necessary. I scheduled myself at one of those places that are so popular now that have monthly memberships.  They have an introductory rate of like $49 for an hour.  SOLD!  


Now, when I got there, I happily filled out my medical form and noticed a funny smell.  Well, it smelled like WONTON SOUP.  Keep in mind, there is no chinese restaurant within miles of this place.  What the heck?  And... the treatment room also smelled like wonton soup.  


I tried to block it out of my mind.... and just enjoy the warm heated table.  I was hoping for a little aromatherapy magic to blast the brothy smell.  NOPE.  (I learned after that those are add-ons.)


I'll also say that I must be VERY spoiled by massages I've had in the past.  I've been referred to some amazing individuals who KNOW how to do this.... this lady, I think it may have been her 2nd week.  Hmmm.... 


Well, despite her lack of technique, I walked out of there feeling much more relaxed.  Mission Accomplished.  And, craving chinese food.... Doh!


Just the same, a bad massage is still better than no massage, I say!

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!!

WOW... It's Been a Month!

, Well, friends and followers... it's been a month since I've blogged??  Geez, Louise... time to get back on it!


It's been a whirlwind month, so I'm certain that's part of it.  Weight loss has been SLOOOOOOOW.  Much of the reason is that I've been out of town nearly non-stop.  From annual company meetings (with buffets!), a California getaway, and traveling with my boss, I just haven't been able to escape restaurant ordering and cocktails.


I must admit, the cocktails have been nice,  but I'm really trying to buckle down now.  No more of the madness.  Need to get back on track!


Despite the craziness of the past month, there hasn't been a time that I've gained weight (phew!) and I've actually exercised more now than before.  So, some definite wins amongst the mess of travel.


I've recommitted myself for the next 6 weeks, as I'm determined to lose about 12 lbs before my Spa weekend in Scottsdale.  Keep in mind, I'll be rewarding myself a LITTLE bit early for my -56 lb reward, but I definitely want to get to Scottsdale before it starts hitting the triple digits (eeks!)

New favorite restaurant:  Seasons 52.  If you haven't tried it and you live near one, GO NOW!  The one I went to was in South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA.  Unfortunately, I don't have one near me where I live (or I'd probably be there now.)


The concept is that they have a seasonal menu with specials that change weekly.  The most amazing part is everything on their menu has LESS than 475 calories!!!  WOW... I had an amazing Indian-inspired skewers: "Spicy Tandoori Chicken Skewers with fresh mango chutney and cucumber herb raita and organic mixed greens salad."  Doesn't that sound heavenly??  AND... only 340 calories!  Woo hoo!  Seriously, I loved this place.  Find one and get there as soon as you can.


Trying New JC Items:  I have been trying to mix it up a little bit and try a few JC items that I haven't tried in the past.  Example:  Had the chicken sandwich for lunch.  Not sure why I've never tried that before - - delish!  Tried the mac and cheese last week (eh) and have a chocolate chip snack bar in the cupboard.  More excited am I about the new Pesto Pasta... come on, JC, I'm ready for that now!


Next Goal: I'm still trying to get to 40, but now it has greater significance.... my 4-year old nephew weighs 40 lbs!  I'm trying to lose a Hayden!  Hoping by next week I'll have lost him. 


I'm going to start blogging more often.  Next blog should be about learning to enjoy activity.