tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657642820071527772024-03-12T01:13:54.623-07:00And Skinny Pants DreamsLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-71358391492055191882013-04-14T20:49:00.001-07:002013-04-15T07:32:25.300-07:004 Week UpdateSoooo.... 4 weeks ago I decided enough was enough.<br />
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Since my wedding last May I had steadily been gain weight... All the weight I had worked so hard to lose for our big day. I went from 170-175 to.... 205.... <br />
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YIKES!!<br />
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To be fair I spent the summer traveling for work... I spent 3 months living out of a hotel with Subway being the 'healthiest' option for food... It stunk! <br />
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And then, in November I was put on notice at my job... "Shape up or Get out"... Not physically... I guess I just wasn't performing where I needed to be... Honestly I think there might be some other politics going on but whatever... It was scary... And brought back all sorts of negative internal demons which I have a very hard time quieting. <br />
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I am a binge eater... There I said it... Instead of 1 slice of pizza I get my own pizza... And devour it... Instead of 1 bag of chips, 6,7,8?? Single serve size to help "control" consumption... What a load of bull!! <br />
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I was stressed... There were family issues too... We weren't able to get away for the holidays... I was down, and isolating from friends and family... Just me and my food.<br />
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But I made it through the end of the year with my job... Things were looking up a little.<br />
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A friend from work lost like 30 pounds in an 8 week challenge with some of his family members... I figured if he could do it then so could I. He and his wife were really into green smoothies... I was a little skeptical at first but decided to give it a try.<br />
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4 Weeks Ago...<br />
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4 Weeks Ago I decided enough was enough... Time to start counting calories to really see just how much I was putting into my body. I figured a green smoothie would be a great way to eat a large volume of food that is low calorie and high in nutrients... <br />
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3 hours and a shot of epinephrine later I found out that I was allergic to Spinach and Mango... Like violently allergic... Like try it again and maybe die allergic... Weird right? Yeah... Fun... And disappointing... I was excited to be trying something healthy and it back fired.<br />
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I did however download MyFitnessPal on both my iPhone and my iPad {add me! <b>Burke505</b>}... And I have been religiously tracking ever since... My goal is 1200 calories per day, but I eat more on days that I exercise at the gym... Basically Monday thru Friday, since I go to the gym at Lunch with colleagues... On average I'm probably eating about 1400 calories per day...<br />
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And even though it is much slower than some of the crazy diets I have been on in the past I don't feel deprived at all... I've gone out with the Hubs for dinner at a Pizza joint... And 5 Guys, with fries! And had subway and jimmy john's for lunch once... <br />
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And best of all??? <b>I've lost 15 pounds so far!</b><br />
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I'm trying hard to stay motivated to keep going since I feel like I still have soooooo far to go... I'm trying to remember: <br />
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What are you struggling with this week? Get motivated on relationships, and add your post to the linky at <a href="http://alifeinbalance.net/2013-goal-check-in-love-people-relationships/" rel="nofollow external" target="_blank">today’s Life in Balance Motivation post</a>!</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-46642048118068442572013-04-14T17:42:00.001-07:002013-04-14T17:46:17.088-07:00101 in 1001 UpdateThe Goal: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.<br />
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Starting Jan 1st 2013 to Sept 29th 2015<br />
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1. Attend a Cooking Class <br />
2. Cook Grandma Gordon's rolls<br />
3. Cook 20 recipes from cookbooks I own (0/20)<br />
4. Make 5 dishes that get 5 stars from husband, write them down (0/5) <br />
5. Make the Perfect Loaf of Bread<br />
6. Learn Hubby's favorite childhood recipes (at least 3) (1/3)<br />
<b>{I can make Pot Pie now!!} </b><br />
7. Master Bed Linen Overhaul - Done<br />
<b>{ We bought a new duvet & cover ... And a new blanket}</b><br />
8. Create a Photo Wall in our Home<br />
9. Refinish a Piece of Furniture<br />
10. Build A Piece Of Furniture <br />
11. Patch & Paint Living Room Walls<br />
<b>{ I did this! YAY! I had to paint the whole living room because I bought the wrong color}</b><br />
12. Move the TV - Use the Fireplace!!<br />
13. Hang Art in the Kitchen<br />
14. Paint the House Exterior<br />
15. Finish the Deck Handrail<br />
16. Install Fence Gate<br />
17. Only buy thrifted clothes until I weigh 160 lbs<br />
<b> {So far I've bought 1 sweater with a gift card and some new workout shorts that I desperately needed... I think it keeps with the spirit so I'd say I'm on track here}</b><br />
18. Keep track of our Donations<br />
19. Pay off 3 student loans (0/3)<br />
20. Don't Buy Lunch At Work For One Month (31/31)<br />
<b>{Done! Not too hard actually!}</b><br />
21. Set up Baby College Fund when Pregnant<br />
22. Sell $300 worth of stuff on eBay or Craigslist or KSL<br />
23. Learn and be able to use 50 Spanish words<br />
24. Learn and be able to use 50 Italian words<br />
25. Read 3 "Bestseller" Books (0/3)<br />
26. Try 10 foods I’ve never had before (2/10)<br />
<b>{Oatmeal (love it) and Mango (severely allergic - go figure)}</b><br />
27. Get in Contact with my Best Friend from High School<br />
28. Create a new Income Stream<br />
29. Buy a nice Piece of Art<br />
30. Get a more Professional Wardrobe - 10 new pieces (2/10)<br />
<b>{I got 2 shirts from the DI !}</b><br />
31. Buy a new gym bag<br />
32. Finish lotions before buying new ones<br />
<b>{working on it!!}</b><br />
33. Host Thanksgiving dinner<br />
34. Move to California<br />
<b>{working on it!!}</b><br />
35.Create "Binder Of Important Stuff"<br />
<b>{working on it!!}</b><br />
36. Make A Will<br />
37. Get Featured On a BIG Blog<br />
38. Grow a Plant from a Seed<br />
39. Send cards to the Grandma's 1xmonth x 6 months<br />
<b>{We sent Vday cards to all grandparents... Maybe again for Mother's Day?}</b><br />
40. Eat as a vegan for one week<br />
41. Give up all carbonated beverages for 4 months (1/4)<br />
<b>{We gave up soda for lent... 6 weeks... I honestly could not wait to drink it again although its not as yummy as it used to be}</b><br />
42. Go hiking for at least 3 hours<br />
43. Lose 30 Pounds <br />
<b>{working on it! I have lost 14.8 pounds so far!!}</b><br />
44. Run 1 Mile without Walking<br />
45. Run a 5k Event<br />
46. Take a fitness class for 4 weeks (0/4)<br />
47. Take a picture of every single thing I eat for 30 days<br />
48. Fit into size 12 jeans<br />
49. Get to a healthy BMI<br />
50. Buy a bicycle<br />
51. Send off Wedding Dress to be Cleaned<br />
52. Sell the Remaining Wedding Stuff or Donate it<br />
53. Put together a Birthday/Anniversary Calendar for Friends and Family<br />
54. Clean out my Garage<br />
55. Get rid of all of the clothes that no longer fit / I no longer wear<br />
56. Get Pregnant!!<br />
57. Take Prenatal Vitamins every day of Pregnancy<br />
58. Family Photo<br />
59. Learn to Sew Cloth Diapers<br />
60. Collect 10 Classic Children's books <br />
61. Take Hubby to a bar in Nashville <br />
62. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree<br />
63. Travel to Europe<br />
64. Go on a Cruise<br />
65. Play poker in Vegas<br />
66. Pacific Ocean & Atlantic<br />
67. Visit 3 states I’ve never been to!<br />
68. Grand Canyon<br />
<b>{We are planning on going for our anniversary next month!!}</b><br />
69. Mount Rushmore<br />
70. Disney!<br />
71. Visit the Salt Lake<br />
72. Snowboard in Park City<br />
73. Go to a Farmers Market<br />
74. Enter a Photography Contest<br />
75. Buy a Real Camera<br />
76. Build a Snowman<br />
77. Coordinating Halloween Costume<br />
78. Girls Trip with College Girlfriends <br />
79. Sister/Mom Trip<br />
80. Have a Picnic in the Park<br />
81. See a Pro Game <br />
82. Go to at least four concerts/shows (0/4)<br />
83. Attend a State Fair<br />
<b>{We are planning on going to Alaska in August to be there for the state fair! Soooo excited!}</b><br />
84. Buy a Lottery Ticket<br />
85. Watch 10 Classic Movies. (0/10)<br />
86. Learn how to Play a new Card Game <br />
87. Go an Entire 24 Hours without Internet<br />
88. Host a Baby Shower<br />
89. Whiten Teeth for a Whole Month<br />
<b>{Done!!.... I'll probably do it again tho}</b><br />
90. Go to the Dentist & Eye Doctor<br />
<b>{Went to the eye doctor! Get glasses ... Whomp whomp... Just a very very low prescription and I don't have to wear them if I don't want}</b><br />
91. Hair Cut... Not Trim<br />
92. Buy something from Hermes...<br />
93. ... Give it to my mom.<br />
94. Wear False Lashes for a Day<br />
95. Bake a Cake for Someone<br />
96. Complete 10 random acts of kindness for someone who isn’t a family member. (0/10)<br />
97. Send out 10 Cards to People Just Because (0/10)<br />
98. Adopt a Family at Christmas<br />
99. Donate Blood<br />
100. Write to 10 Letters to Managers that Compliment an Employee for Good Service. (0/10)<br />
101. Make a new 101 list in 1001 days!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-15796185040249229752013-02-04T03:25:00.000-08:002013-02-04T03:25:00.242-08:00Sew Fab e-Pattern Sale & GIVEAWAY!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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WLB Fans! Today is the 1st day of the 1st ever Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle Sale and <span style="color: red;">GIVEAWAY</span>, sponsored by <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/">The Southern Institute</a></span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/">Fat Quarter Shop</a></span>!</h4>
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<a href="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/southern-institute-button-11.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="size-full wp-image-8166 aligncenter" height="150" src="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/southern-institute-button-11.gif" title="southern-institute-button-1" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/?attachment_id=7952" rel="attachment wp-att-7952"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-7952 aligncenter" height="220" src="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/FatQuarterShopCurrent-150x220.png" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="FatQuarterShopCurrent-150x220" width="150" /></a><br />
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<strong>Over the past eight weeks a lot of behind the scenes work has taken place to bring you this amazing bundle of ePatterns from several of the top pattern designers and bloggers in the sewing and blogging world. The result is a bundle of 18 PDF sewing patterns that you don't want to miss.</strong></div>
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<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1192406&c=cart&aff=239485&ejc=2&cl=200637" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buy Now" border="0" class="alignleft" height="138" src="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/BuyItNowbutton_zps9d0d531b6.jpg" style="border-width: 0px;" width="250" /></a></div>
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<strong>For one week only</strong>, ten pattern designers have come together to bring you <strong>18 of their best PDF patterns</strong>, valued together at over $139.00, <strong>for the incredible price of $24.95</strong>! That's over 80% off of the combined retail value! <strong>Plus you can enter to win a dream of a giveaway valued at $390 from some really great shops!</strong>
<strong>For less than $25.00 you will have a library of resources that you can use over and over again.</strong> The designers that have joined this sale are experts in their craft. They have been sewing for a very long time and are well known in blogland and elsewhere. Each designer has contributed one or two of their favorite patterns to create a bundle that is sure to please! Whether you are sewing for your own family or making gifts for others, these are patterns that you will love to use.
If you've never sewn with a PDF pattern before, let me tell you how great it is! After downloading your pattern instructions and your pattern, you will print out the pattern itself, creating pattern tiles, if you will. Simply tape the tiles together to create the full pattern! At that point you can cut out the size that you need and pin the paper pattern directly to your fabric or you can trace the pattern size that you need onto sewing paper or tissue paper and cut it out, saving the paper pattern for later when you need to sew another size. Pdf patterns are so convenient because you can print them out as many times as you need!
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<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1192406&c=cart&aff=239485&ejc=2&cl=200637"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to buy the bundle!</span></a></h5>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now let me tell you a little bit about the giveaway!</span> </strong></h5>
<strong>The Sew Fab Giveaway is amazing!</strong> One lucky winner will win a bunch of <em><strong>amazing</strong></em> prizes from <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/">Craftsy</a>, <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/">Fat Quarter Shop</a>, <a href="http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?yhst-10775676472182+Wa7BXQ+index.html+">fabricworm</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JennifersJewels?section_id=7593883">Jennifer's Jewels Custom Labels on Etsy</a>, <a href="http://greenbeepatterns.bigcartel.com/">Green Bee Patterns</a>, author <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Savvy-Skill-Building-Projects-Technique/dp/1440229473">Deborah Moebes</a>, <a href="http://www.meeabee.com/collections/all">Mee a Bee</a>, <a href="http://www.shopgussy.com/">Gussy Sews</a>, <a href="http://feelincrafty.wordpress.com/">I'm Feeling Crafty</a>, and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55416257/sewing-machine-sterling-silver-necklace">Ball and Chain on Etsy</a>. See the end of the post for giveaway details. This giveaway is not to be missed!
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I know you're dying to know "What is included in the pattern bundle?"</h4>
18 well-loved ePatterns from 10 well-known designers are instantly accessible to you by PDF download upon purchase of the Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle. Here are the patterns that you will receive (click on the links below to see more details):
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<a href="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/2013/02/sew-fab-e-pattern-bundle-sale-and-giveaway.html/sew-fab-pattern-graphic/" rel="attachment wp-att-8234"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-8234" height="1064" src="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Sew-Fab-Pattern-graphic.jpg" title="Sew Fab Pattern graphic" width="512" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 13px;"><a href="http://onegirlcircus.com/goodship-dress/" target="_blank">Goodship Dress by One Girl Circus </a>, </span><a href="http://www.sew-much-ado.com/2011/02/mommy-mia-apron-pattern-now-available.html" target="_blank">Mommy & Mia Apron by Sew Much Ado</a>, <a href="http://www.sew-much-ado.com/2010/01/ruby-lou-doll-pdf-pattern.html" target="_blank">Ruby Lou Doll by Sew Much Ado</a>, <a href="http://www.seaminglysmitten.bigcartel.com/product/mimi-maxi-dress-for-women" target="_blank">Mini Maxi Dress by Seamingly Smitten</a>, <a href="http://www.seaminglysmitten.bigcartel.com/product/miss-mod-top" target="_blank">Miss Mod Top by Seamingly Smitten</a>, <a href="http://www.gingercake.bigcartel.com/product/love-your-lunch-box-pdf-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Love Your Lunch Box by Ginger Cakes</a>, <a href="http://www.gingercake.bigcartel.com/product/modern-folksy-bunny-pdf-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Modern Folksy Bunny by Ginger Cakes</a>, <a href="http://figgyspatterns.com/patterns/banyan-trousers-shorts-e-pattern/" target="_blank">Banyan Pants & Shorts by Figgy's</a>, <a href="http://figgyspatterns.com/patterns/banyan-tee-tunic-e-pattern/" target="_blank">Banyan Top & Tunic by Figgy's</a>, <a href="http://gotopatterns.com/products/go-to-shift-dress/" target="_blank">Go To Shift Dress by Go To Patterns</a>, <a href="http://gotopatterns.com/products/go-to-gift-bags/" target="_blank">Go To Gift Bags by Go To Patterns</a>, <a href="http://sewfearless.com/patterns-and-tutorials/the-sidekick-suitcase-pattern/" target="_blank">Sidekick Suitcase by Sew Fearless</a>, <a href="http://www.mesewcrazy.bigcartel.com/product/the-madeline-dress-epattern-size-2-6-years" target="_blank">Madeline Dress by Me Sew Crazy</a>, <a href="http://www.mesewcrazy.bigcartel.com/product/forget-me-knot-dress-epattern-size-2-thru-6yrs" target="_blank">Forget Me Knot Dress by Me Sew Crazy</a>, <a href="http://www.peekaboopatternshop.com/product/alex-anna-summer-pjs-6-mos-8-years" target="_blank">Alex & Anna Summer PJs by Peekaboo Pattern Shop</a>, <a href="http://www.peekaboopatternshop.com/product/alex-anna-winter-pjs" target="_blank">Alex & Anna Winter PJs by Peekaboo Pattern Shop</a>, <a href="http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/2012/03/commuter-cowl-pattern.html" target="_blank">Commuter Cowl by luvinthemommyhood</a>, <a href="http://figgyspatterns.com/patterns/scirocco-e-pattern/" target="_blank">Scirocco Dress by Figgy's</a>
<strong>The Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle is only available for one week and will never be available again! You can purchase the bundle from February 4th at 8 a.m. EST through February 11th at 8 a.m. EST and there will be no late sales offered. Due to the nature of the sale there will be no refunds offered.</strong><br />
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You don't want to miss this unique opportunity to purchase a ready made collection of 18 PDF sewing patterns from 10 of the best designers out there!</h5>
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<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1192406&c=cart&aff=239485&ejc=2&cl=200637"><img alt="Buy Now" border="0" class="aligncenter" height="138" src="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/BuyItNowbutton_zps9d0d531b6.jpg" style="border-width: 0px;" width="250" /></a>
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<span style="color: #ee1038;">And now for The Sew Fab Giveaway!</span></h3>
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<strong>You are not going to believe the prizes included in this giveaway! Can't buy the bundle? It's okay... purchase is not required to enter. Take a look at what you have the chance to win:</strong></div>
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<a href="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/2013/02/sew-fab-e-pattern-bundle-sale-and-giveaway.html/sew-fab-giveaway-graphic/" rel="attachment wp-att-8235"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-8235" height="643" src="http://thesoutherninstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Sew-Fab-Giveaway-Graphic.jpg" title="Sew Fab Giveaway Graphic" width="448" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">A Sewing Themed Box of Goodies from </span><a href="http://pickyourplum.com/" style="font-size: 10pt;">Pick Your Plum</a>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Fabulous Wristlet from </span><a href="http://www.shopgussy.com/" style="font-size: 10pt;">Gussy Sews</a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> (not necessarily the one pictured)</span>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">The latest release, </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Savvy-Skill-Building-Projects-Technique/dp/1440229473" style="font-size: 10pt;">Stitch Savvy</a><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, by Deborah Moebes</span>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sterling Silver Sewing Machine necklace from </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ballandchain?ref=seller_info" style="font-size: 10pt;">Ball and Chain on Etsy</a>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">$50 Gift Certificate to </span><a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/" style="font-size: 10pt;">Fat Quarter Shop</a>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">$50 Gift Certificate to </span><a href="http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?yhst-10775676472182+Wa7BXQ+index.html+" style="font-size: 10pt;">fabricworm</a>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">A free online class from </span><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" style="font-size: 10pt;">Craftsy.com</a>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Scoop Tote Pattern from </span><a href="http://greenbeepatterns.bigcartel.com/product/scoop-tote" style="font-size: 10pt;">Green Bee Patterns</a>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">60 Custom Tags from</span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JennifersJewels?ref=seller_info" style="font-size: 10pt;"> Jennifer's Jewels</a>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Red Riding Hood Little Girl's Satchel from </span><a href="http://www.meeabee.com/collections/all" style="font-size: 10pt;">Mee a Bee</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Handmade Sewing Machine Cover from</span><a href="http://feelincrafty.wordpress.com/" style="font-size: 10pt;"> I'm Feeling Crafty</a>
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YES, ONE WINNER WILL WIN ALL OF THOSE GOODIES!!!</h4>
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There are lots of chances to win and no purchase required to enter the giveaway. Just use the Rafflecopter widget and enter to win this amazing prize package that will inspire you in your sewing as well as keep you stocked with fabric for many projects to come!</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b7edd926/" id="rc-b7edd926" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-7972178635020058292013-01-01T14:05:00.001-08:002013-01-01T14:05:19.575-08:00101 in 1001The Goal: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.<br />
<br />
The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).<br />
<br />
Why 1001 Days? I am bored with the "New Years Resolutions" that so many of us adopt for a few months and give up... I feel like this list is full of good life goals for me, some small and some large... But I also like that none of them HAVE to be done this year, if I slip I can keep trying... Plus it holds me accountable in a great way!<br />
<br />
<br />
Starting Jan 1st 2013 to Sept 29th 2015<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Attend a Cooking Class <br />
2. Cook Grandma Gordon's rolls<br />
3. Cook 20 recipes from cookbooks I own (0/20)<br />
4. Make 5 dishes that get 5 stars from husband, write them down (0/5) <br />
5. Make the Perfect Loaf of Bread<br />
6. Learn Hubby's favorite childhood recipes (at least 3)<br />
7. Master Bed Linen Overhaul<br />
8. Create a Photo Wall in our Home<br />
9. Refinish a Piece of Furniture<br />
10. Build A Piece Of Furniture <br />
11. Patch & Paint Living Room Walls<br />
12. Move the TV - Use the Fireplace!!<br />
13. Hang Art in the Kitchen<br />
14. Paint the House Exterior<br />
15. Finish the Deck Handrail<br />
16. Install Fence Gate<br />
17. Only buy thrifted clothes until I weigh 160 lbs<br />
18. Keep track of our Donations<br />
19. Pay off 3 student loans (0/3)<br />
20. Don't Buy Lunch At Work For One Month (0/31)<br />
21. Set up Baby College Fund when Pregnant<br />
22. Sell $300 worth of stuff on eBay or Craigslist or KSL<br />
23. Learn and be able to use 50 Spanish words<br />
24. Learn and be able to use 50 Italian words<br />
25. Read 3 "Bestseller" Books (0/3)<br />
26. Try 10 foods I’ve never had before (0/10)<br />
27. Get in Contact with my Best Friend from High School<br />
28. Create a new Income Stream<br />
29. Buy a nice Piece of Art<br />
30. Get a more Professional Wardrobe - 10 new pieces<br />
31. Buy a new gym bag<br />
32. Finish lotions before buying new ones<br />
33. Host Thanksgiving dinner<br />
34. Move to California<br />
35.Create "Binder Of Important Stuff"<br />
36. Make A Will<br />
37. Get Featured On a BIG Blog<br />
38. Grow a Plant from a Seed<br />
39. Send cards to the Grandma's 1xmonth x 6 months<br />
40. Eat as a vegan for one week<br />
41. Give up all carbonated beverages for 4 months (0/4)<br />
42. Go hiking for at least 3 hours<br />
43. Lose 30 Pounds <br />
44. Run 1 Mile without Walking<br />
45. Run a 5k Event<br />
46. Take a fitness class for 4 weeks (0/4)<br />
47. Take a picture of every single thing I eat for 30 days<br />
48. Fit into size 12 jeans<br />
49. Get to a healthy BMI<br />
50. Buy a bicycle<br />
51. Send off Wedding Dress to be Cleaned<br />
52. Sell the Remaining Wedding Stuff or Donate it<br />
53. Put together a Birthday/Anniversary Calendar for Friends and Family<br />
54. Clean out my Garage<br />
55. Get rid of all of the clothes that no longer fit / I no longer wear<br />
56. Get Pregnant!!<br />
57. Take Prenatal Vitamins every day of Pregnancy<br />
58. Family Photo<br />
59. Learn to Sew Cloth Diapers<br />
60. Collect 10 Classic Children's books <br />
61. Take Hubby to a bar in Nashville <br />
62. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree<br />
63. Travel to Europe<br />
64. Go on a Cruise<br />
65. Play poker in Vegas<br />
66. Pacific Ocean & Atlantic<br />
67. Visit 3 states I’ve never been to!<br />
68. Grand Canyon<br />
69. Mount Rushmore<br />
70. Disney!<br />
71. Visit the Salt Lake<br />
72. Snowboard in Park City<br />
73. Go to a Farmers Market<br />
74. Enter a Photography Contest<br />
75. Buy a Real Camera<br />
76. Build a Snowman<br />
77. Coordinating Halloween Costume<br />
78. Girls Trip with College Girlfriends <br />
79. Sister/Mom Trip<br />
80. Have a Picnic in the Park<br />
81. See a Pro Game <br />
82. Go to at least four concerts/shows (0/4)<br />
83. Attend a State Fair<br />
84. Buy a Lottery Ticket<br />
85. Watch 10 Classic Movies. (0/10)<br />
86. Learn how to Play a new Card Game <br />
87. Go an Entire 24 Hours without Internet<br />
88. Host a Baby Shower<br />
89. Whiten Teeth for a Whole Month<br />
90. Go to the Dentist & Eye Doctor<br />
91. Hair Cut... Not Trim<br />
92. Buy something from Hermes...<br />
93. ... Give it to my mom.<br />
94. Wear False Lashes for a Day<br />
95. Bake a Cake for Someone<br />
96. Complete 10 random acts of kindness for someone who isn’t a family member. (0/10)<br />
97. Send out 10 Cards to People Just Because (0/10)<br />
98. Adopt a Family at Christmas<br />
99. Donate Blood<br />
100. Write to 10 Letters to Managers that Compliment an Employee for Good Service. (0/10)<br />
101. Make a new 101 list in 1001 days!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com1West Bountiful West Bountiful40.903464 -111.9002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-52774106273846524752012-01-25T09:37:00.001-08:002012-01-25T09:37:48.769-08:00Win Lose or Blog... Accepting Season 7 Contestants!!<div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"><a style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/winloseorblog/wlbbutton.jpg" width="100" height="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"><br /></div>We are now accepting applications (<b><a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/now-accepting-season-6-applications.html">here</a></b>) for Season seven contestents on <a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: rgb(180, 95, 6);">Win, Lose, or Blog</span></a>! Last season our 8 contestants<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> lost 90.8</span></b> pounds in 7 weeks! Win, Lose, or Blog is a <strong>Big Loser</strong> inspired <strong><span style="color: rgb(106, 168, 79);font-size:large;" >weight loss challenge</span></strong> for the blogging world. Health & Fitness are my passions in life and I hope this competition wil<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:inherit;">l inspire others to lead healthier lifes too! I have been working with four </span><strong style="font-family: inherit;">fabulous</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:inherit;"> ladies to create this fun and exciting new blog. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(106, 168, 79);font-size:large;" >What does <a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: rgb(180, 95, 6);">Win, Lose, or Blog</span></a> have to offer you?</span></strong> </div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"><a style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClYSFumU2dcWf2MpqMiwfO3nyFJxN8xR1n0EbvpYE_ZSYVo3S6ole0I77-FMh-8fXltbN7CDufUK-55k7PhAVQAPNbDT1ffc2dtCLY-wKMSdxBzwVku9zBxhoAZsNqSBO5FXM-K_JvQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClYSFumU2dcWf2MpqMiwfO3nyFJxN8xR1n0EbvpYE_ZSYVo3S6ole0I77-FMh-8fXltbN7CDufUK-55k7PhAVQAPNbDT1ffc2dtCLY-wKMSdxBzwVku9zBxhoAZsNqSBO5FXM-K_JvQ/s320/images.jpg" gu="true" /></a></div><div><strong><span style="color: rgb(69, 129, 142);">Want to be a contestant? <a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/now-accepting-season-seven-applications.html">Apply here</a>.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(69, 129, 142);"><br /></span></strong></div>Each season of the challenge (lasting 7 weeks) we will choose eight contestants. <strong><span style="color: rgb(106, 168, 79);font-size:large;" >This is your chance to win some MAJOR prizes!</span></strong> The "big loser" (based on percentage of body weight lost) will win one big <strong>AWESOME</strong> prize. Second and third place contestants will also win some great prizes. And everyone else will get something just for participating.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(69, 129, 142);" class="Apple-style-span"><b>Want to Play along?</b></span><br />Want to lose weight right along with our contestants? <b><span style="color: rgb(147, 196, 125);" class="Apple-style-span">Post your weekly loss </span></b>each week on our Tuesday Update post and you're in the running for some fantastic prizes! Last season TWO of our mini-contestants won fabulous prizes and lost a TON of weight in the process.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(69, 129, 142);">Just want to follow along?</span></strong><br />We have <strong>multiple health and fitness gurus on our team</strong> who are going to be posting information, recipes, tips, inspiration and more. So come follow and get a little help <strong><span style="color: rgb(106, 168, 79);">living a healthier lifestyle</span></strong>. Also, at the end of <strong><span style="color: rgb(106, 168, 79);">each season followers will win awesome prizes </span></strong>just for leaving comments throughout the season. And you know it will be fun to watch the competition play out and cheer on the contestants :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"></div><a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: rgb(180, 95, 6);">Go check it out</span></a>!!! And spread the word!<br /><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"><a style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClYSFumU2dcWf2MpqMiwfO3nyFJxN8xR1n0EbvpYE_ZSYVo3S6ole0I77-FMh-8fXltbN7CDufUK-55k7PhAVQAPNbDT1ffc2dtCLY-wKMSdxBzwVku9zBxhoAZsNqSBO5FXM-K_JvQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClYSFumU2dcWf2MpqMiwfO3nyFJxN8xR1n0EbvpYE_ZSYVo3S6ole0I77-FMh-8fXltbN7CDufUK-55k7PhAVQAPNbDT1ffc2dtCLY-wKMSdxBzwVku9zBxhoAZsNqSBO5FXM-K_JvQ/s320/images.jpg" gu="true" /></a></div><div>Remember <strong>each</strong> comment you leave all season long counts as an entry for <strong>great prizes!</strong> Want to get a head start on those comments? Head on over to <a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: rgb(180, 95, 6);">Win, Lose, or Blog</span></a>, grab our button, and leave <strong>three comments</strong> for displaying our button on your blog and <strong>five comments</strong> for writing an exciting post announcing us to your blog friends. We want you to invite others to join the the fun and gain some motivation to live a healthier lifestyle.</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-16207162525702537372011-03-21T13:50:00.000-07:002011-03-21T13:51:11.175-07:00Apply for SEASON 4!!!<a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/winloseorblog/wlbbutton.jpg" /></a><br />We are now accepting applications (<a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/now-accepting-applications-for-season.html">here</a>) for Season four contestents on <a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#b45f06;">Win, Lose, or Blog</span></a>! Win, Lose, or Blog is a <strong>Big Loser</strong> inspired <strong><span style="font-size:large;color:#6aa84f;">weight loss challenge</span></strong> for the blogging world. Health & Fitness are my passions in life and I hope this competition will inspire others to lead healthier lifes too! I have been working with five <strong>fabulous</strong> ladies to create this fun and exciting new blog. Jill from <a href="http://womenwhodoitall.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#b45f06;">Women Who Do It All</span></a>, Laura of <a href="http://skinnypantsdreams.blogspot.com/">Skinny Pants Dreams</a>, <span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lindsey of <a href="http://lindseylu8.blogspot.com/">Fitness For The Rest of Us</a>, and Allison from <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/">House of Hepworths</a>. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><span style="font-size:large;color:#6aa84f;">What does <a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#b45f06;">Win, Lose, or Blog</span></a> have to offer you?</span></strong> </div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClYSFumU2dcWf2MpqMiwfO3nyFJxN8xR1n0EbvpYE_ZSYVo3S6ole0I77-FMh-8fXltbN7CDufUK-55k7PhAVQAPNbDT1ffc2dtCLY-wKMSdxBzwVku9zBxhoAZsNqSBO5FXM-K_JvQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClYSFumU2dcWf2MpqMiwfO3nyFJxN8xR1n0EbvpYE_ZSYVo3S6ole0I77-FMh-8fXltbN7CDufUK-55k7PhAVQAPNbDT1ffc2dtCLY-wKMSdxBzwVku9zBxhoAZsNqSBO5FXM-K_JvQ/s320/images.jpg" gu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><strong><span style="color:#45818e;">Want to be a contestant? <a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/now-accepting-applications-for-season.html">Apply here</a>.</span></strong></div>Each season of the challenge (lasting 7 weeks) we will choose eight contestants. <strong><span style="font-size:large;color:#6aa84f;">This is your chance to win some MAJOR prizes!</span></strong> The "big loser" (based on percentage of body weight lost) will win one big <strong>AWESOME</strong> prize. Second and third place contestants will also win some great prizes. And everyone else will get something just for participating.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#45818e;">Just want to follow along?</span></strong><br />We have <strong>multiple health and fitness gurus on our team</strong> who are going to be posting information, recipes, tips, inspiration and more. So come follow and get a little help <strong><span style="color:#6aa84f;">living a healthier lifestyle</span></strong>. Also, at the end of <strong><span style="color:#6aa84f;">each season two followers will win awesome prizes </span></strong>just for leaving comments throughout the season. And you know it will be fun to watch the competition play out and cheer on the contestants :)<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"></div><a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#b45f06;">Go check it out</span></a>!!! And spread the word!<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClYSFumU2dcWf2MpqMiwfO3nyFJxN8xR1n0EbvpYE_ZSYVo3S6ole0I77-FMh-8fXltbN7CDufUK-55k7PhAVQAPNbDT1ffc2dtCLY-wKMSdxBzwVku9zBxhoAZsNqSBO5FXM-K_JvQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClYSFumU2dcWf2MpqMiwfO3nyFJxN8xR1n0EbvpYE_ZSYVo3S6ole0I77-FMh-8fXltbN7CDufUK-55k7PhAVQAPNbDT1ffc2dtCLY-wKMSdxBzwVku9zBxhoAZsNqSBO5FXM-K_JvQ/s320/images.jpg" gu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none">Remember <strong>each</strong> comment you leave all season long counts as an entry for <strong>two great prizes!</strong> Want to get a head start on those comments? Head on over to <a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#b45f06;">Win, Lose, or Blog</span></a>, grab our button, and leave <strong>three comments</strong> for displaying our button on your blog and <strong>five comments</strong> for writing an exciting post announcing us to your blog friends. We want you to invite others to join the the fun and gain some motivation to live a healthier lifestyle.</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-45046535975983681202011-03-13T12:10:00.000-07:002011-03-13T13:33:02.326-07:00The Right DirectionSo I am getting a head start on my Monday post.... seeing as how Monday always trys to sneak up on me and before I know it the day is over and I haven't posted... it's lame... but life has been busy lately!<br /><br />I've done a really good job of watching what I eat this week... pretty much removed sugar and flour from my diet... just been eating lots of lean protien, salads and fruit... and planning what I eat... rather than just snacking on whatever food is available, or eating something because it is free... etc<br /><br />I realized this week that I eat <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">A LOT</span></strong> when I am bored or stressed... usually when I get home from work I am so tired... so I make something quick like kettle corn (1/4c oil, 1/4c sugar, 1/2c seeds) and sit around watching some show on netflix with no commercials and no end in site...<br /><br />And now that I am watching what I eat, but still watching my shows, I notice how much I crave *<strong><span style="color:#009900;">something</span></strong>* while I am watching... it is insane how STRONG the urge to eat something - anything while I watch.... I am going to have to have to find a solution... but, no worries...<br /><br /><strong><u><span style="color:#cc0000;">This week I lost 4lbs</span></u></strong>!!... I feel like I am on the right path... and In another few weeks I will be at a happier weight and a few weeks more maybe at a new all-time low weight... That's what I am hoping... and maybe after Easter I will switch to a low-carb diet... I do really well on the Atkins... so we will see...<br /><br /><strong>One week at a time</strong>!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Also - a reminder - </span><a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/now-accepting-season-four-contestant.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">Win, Lose or Blog is still accepting applications</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> for our <strong>4th season</strong> which begins on <strong>April 1st</strong>.... If you like to blog and need to lose weight you should totally check it out!</span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-80227312582041055722011-03-10T12:38:00.000-08:002011-03-10T12:50:22.939-08:00Table for One....I hate eating along...<br /><br />Why does it have to be soooooo awkward?!<br /><br />I just got back from lunch,... it was weird! I prefer being in our office and just eating whatever I have packed for that day... but today I was on-site with my wonderful & supportive clients *cough* getting some items done and all of a sudden I was starving!!<br /><br />So I texted so co-workers and found out that they had already left for a restaurant called "Bajio's"... If you are unfamiliar with them, they are one of like 4 chain stores here in Utah that do Mexican food "Subway Style"... aka you pick the entree (taco, burritto, salad...etc), then the type of meat and all the other fixings you want and they 'cook' it up for you... well...<br /><br />#1 - I am a picky eater, and...<br />#2 - I'm sort of on a diet and really just wanted a salad...<br /><br />Oh, and don't judge my co-workers for leaving without me... we usually split into 2 groups and sometimes it just gets confusing who is going with what group...<br /><br />Anyways, I decided that I REALLY do not like the meat options at Bajio's... they 'chunk' their meat rather than shredding it and well it grosses me out (see #1)...<br /><br />I went to a local Pizza joint instead - they have an "all you can eat" buffet and a salad bar with delicious toppings... okay, pepperoni is not really a salad topping, or at least not the most healthy option, but it is delicious and if it helps me eat an extra cup of lettuce more power to it! Plus fat and protien keep you full longer so win win!<br /><br />But, the whole eating by myself thing was weird... I pluged in my headphones and watched an episode of Greek on netflix via my IPhone.... but still... weird... I decided I would post about it on my way back... so there.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-80588603908465327722011-03-08T18:17:00.001-08:002011-03-08T18:49:18.217-08:00Feelin' Lucky?"Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity" - <em>Seneca</em><br /><em></em><br />When it comes to luck, this is my personal outlook... If life has me down, it is very hard to sit around feeling sorry for myself... I have to believe that all the things I do everyday are in preparation for my next big opportunity... If there are things in life that I want {currently a child} I have to believe that if I don't have one now, or soon, that it must be for a reason... Maybe I need more life lessons or time to mature - but I certainly don't feel unlucky or that other people are more lucky than myself...<br /><br />When I was a senior in high school I had loads of people telling me how "lucky" I was to have gotten a partial scholarship to a school across the country... And yet, it may have been good fortune, but the school doesn't just hand over money... I worked hard through school, volunteered, participated, etc all in preparation for whatever opportunity would cross my path... yes a lot of things lined up to make it happen, but if I hadn't been working hard I wouldn't have gotten far...<br /><br />And when college was over and the job market was in the toilet... I was SO LUCKY to have gotten a job... not only one that paid decently, but that I actually enjoy doing everyday... Again - Preparation meeting opportunity...<br /><br />Recently Andrew and I purchased our first home... it took a lot of research and saving every extra dollar to make it happen... but it was what we wanted so we began preparing... When a realtor came cold calling at our apartment door and subsequently sent us an informational postcard advertising that the mortgage rates we at an all time low (which we *knew* since we had been doing so much research), we realized that it was possible for us to begin seriously looking. In November we found *the* house... it was adorable... in a great location, and at a decent price... So we put an offer in and then made the 12 hour journey West to visit family for Thanksgiving... While we were there we got awful news... not only were the owners not going to accept our offer, they wanted us to pay ALL the closing costs and full price... We were bummed... almost so much so that I didn't want to even look at another house...<br /><br />Well, or realtor convinced us to get back in the game and just *try* then next 5 houses.... and guess what? We found the one we are currently living in now! And for the same price we were able to get a 2 car garage, 2 fireplaces, twice the kitchen space, insane crown molding and tons of typical fixer-upper projects already completed for us... {okay... knock on wood - because I do believe in Jinxes}<br /><br />I feel lucky every day... but at the same time, I know that I play a huge roll in the successes in my life.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>I wrote this blog post while participating in the Bookieboo and "Earthies Wants You to Feel Lucky" blogging program, making me eligible to win a pair of Earthies shoes and American Express Gift Cards. For more information on how you can participate, </em></span><a href="http://www.bookieboo.com/forum/topics/earthies-wants-u-to-feel-lucky"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>click here</em></span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>. </em></span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-51645372432968108772011-03-07T14:55:00.000-08:002011-03-07T15:04:39.240-08:00Another Monday! ~ Plus Season 4 of Win Lose or Blog!<strong><span style="color:#663300;">Meh!</span></strong><br /><br />Another Monday!... I had an aweful day at work this morning... basically had this arrogant butt head {Client} tell ME that I was incompetent... but I guess it is okay, because my boss understands the whole situation and thinks that the client is incompetent so i will just try to drown my bad feelings in <span style="color:#cc33cc;">hugs and kisses</span> from the fiance... and maybe have some sunflower seeds on my salad... take that!<br /><br />I have a little more control over my weight and although I dont have any official numbers to post I am definately <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">moving in the right direction</span></strong>... hopefully next week I will be able to post an official loss! Woot!<br /><br />Anyways, there is an Awesome blog called "Win, Lose or Blog" that I help co-write... okay, mostly I just help line up sponsors, but I try to blog as much as I can! Well, WLB is a weight-loss 'competition' blog where we have 6-8 contestants compete to lose the most weight over a 7 week period.... we have loads of prizes for all the contestants.... The season 3 ladies lost over 100lbs during the 7 week period! It was AMAZING! And even if you don't want to compete, you can win prizes just by following and commenting!<br /><br />We are currently accepting entrants for <strong><span style="color:#009900;">season 4</span></strong>! It starts <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">April 1st</span></strong> - no foolin'!<br /><br />If you would like to apply to be a Season Four contestant on Win, Lose, or Blog please fill out the <a href="http://winloseorblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/now-accepting-season-four-contestant.html">form here</a>.<br /><br />If you have problems uploading a photo please email them to: Winloseorblog @ gmail . com with your name & "photos" in the subject field.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by!<br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Laura<br /><br /></span></strong>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-80134156588767867402011-02-21T10:04:00.000-08:002011-02-21T11:37:20.254-08:00Baby Girl NamesIt's Monday all over again!<br /><br />okay, well first thing first... I am <strong>NOT</strong> pregnant... but I do get paranoid...<br /><br />I have been super stressed out that if I do not have a baby name ready that God will some how know I am not prepared... Fiance thinks I am crazy but I am really really nervous... So I am reaching out for help!<br /><br />Here's the deal... Fiance and I have decided that we are not going to learn the sex of our first baby... gender neutral allllll the way... And we have a little boy name picked out that starts with the letter C. I would like to have a girls name that also starts with a C but no name really seems like THE name... ya know?<br /><br />Anyways I am open to suggestions if you have any... starting with C or not!<br /><br /><br />Weight loss wise I am a tad pissed... January is the month of Resolutions and Goals... And my job has kept me so busy that not only did I miss January but February is on it's way out the door too! <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">WHERE HAS THIS YEAR GONE!!!<br /></span></strong><br />I am currenly about 10lbs from being happy and 20lbs from being exstatic! Ugh! Frowny Face! Well... I am hoping that I can start waking up early to work out... we will see if that works or not... hmm... well, it should work on the days when Fiance is working... I also need some plan for eating better too... right now I am trying out more cereal... it's pretty low in calories... I also tossed all the sweets that were hanging out in the house.<br /><br />I hope this works... I hope I hope I hope! 10lbs...<span style="color:#3366ff;"> just 10</span>...Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-45137694643772746512011-02-06T22:31:00.000-08:002011-02-06T22:32:32.735-08:00Posting for the sake of postingI'm so tired!<br /><br />I haven't posted in ages... My work schedule has been insane... I'll go to work from 7am to 6pm and be expected to come back from 11pm to 7am the next morning... That's like 19/24 hours!! Just flopping back and forward between days and nights - it's exhausting!<br /><br />I've been eating crap and drinking soda & sugary coffee to try and keep my energy up... No luck...<br /><br />Plus I am pretty sure that I have gained like a million pounds... Or 10 +\- and I can tell by how my belly looks and how my pants are falling down all the time (think muffin top... Haha)... I am considering starting the HCG diet - I just need the ability to focus on and control my food intake...<br /><br />And I think that all the stress over work, our new house and my weight gain is swinging my moods violently... To the point where I am seriously considering taking a day off to visit a psychiatrist and maybe go back on medications... Ugh! I thought I was handling things well ... But everything has just gotten out of hand recently and I know it's upsetting my fiancé and probably my coworkers - and that's not fair...<br /><br />Anyone else feel like you're mentally walking in cement?Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-19965101146912313272011-01-19T08:03:00.001-08:002011-01-19T08:40:58.643-08:00Amazon Deal - Cheap Diapers AND More!!<span style="font-size:180%;">So there is a pretty sweet deal going on at </span><a href="http://livingsocial.com/deals/21336-20-amazon-com-gift-card/social_share?ref=addthis-share5&amp%3Brui=21632492"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">LivingSocial</span></a><span style="font-size:180%;"> today only!!<br /><br /></span>You can get a <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>$20 amazon gift card for only $10!!!</strong></span> Half off!!! Plus there are no shipping fees because amazon gift cards are emailed directly to you! And if you are a new member at LivingSocial (new email address) they will give you $5 towards the purchase of a future deal... There are no gimicks or tricks here... Deal sites like this often offer really popular deals like this at half off to increase their membership in hopes that you will shop around and find something else you like - and spend more.... but you don't have to... infact you could never shop there again if you want!<br /><br />Plus... Amazon has a program called "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fmom%2Fsignup%2Fwelcome&tag=skipandre-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957">Amazon Moms</a>" that is for moms and friends of moms which allows their members to get <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">free 2-day shipping</span></strong> on all purchases and <strong><span style="color:#000099;">30% off diapers</span></strong> online!!<br /><br /><br /><br />So check out these deal senarios:<br /><br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=skipandre-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B0000ARQOG">Huggies Snug and Dry</a> - Size 3 - 156 Count - Normal Price: $31.91<br /><br />Amazon Mom Price: $22.34 - Free 2 Day Shipping<br />Use the $20 Amazon GC (you paid $10 for)<br />---------------------------------------<br />Your Cost: $12.34 or 8 cents per diaper! Shipped to your door!!<br /><br /><br />OR<br /><br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=skipandre-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B001N44B16">Huggies Natural Care Fragrance Free Baby Wipes Refills</a> - 648 wipes - Normal Price: $16.53<br /><br />Amazon Mom Price: $11.57 - Free 2 Day Shipping<br />Buy 2 for $23.14<br />Use the $20 Amazon GC (you paid $10 for)<br />----------------<br />Your Cost: $13.14 for 1296 wipes! Or about a penny each!! Shipped to your door!<br /><br /><br />Or Keeping Summer in mind:<br /><br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=skipandre-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B000GPZ9SM">Huggies Little Swimmers</a> - Size M (24-34lbs) - 4 x 11 count - Normal Price $69.99 (HAHA! Yea Right!)<br />Sale Price: $20.00<br />Use the $20 Amazon GC (you paid $10 for)<br />----------------<br />Your Cost: $10.00 for 44 Little Swimmers or 23 cents each... Shipped to your door!<br /><br />A few notes: My deals we done for huggies products because they were the best deals I saw... you can ALWAYS pick a different brand of diapers/wipes etc and still qualify for the Amazom Mom Discount and Free Shipping IF you sign up to be a member....<br /><br />PLEASE eamil me if you need any help with deal senarios or questions on anything related to setting up your deal! I am here to help!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-25855553645920951192011-01-03T09:37:00.000-08:002011-01-03T12:50:12.073-08:00Darkest before the Dawn<strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#33cc00;">H</span><span style="color:#ff6600;">a</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">p</span><span style="color:#3333ff;">p</span><span style="color:#993399;">y</span> New Year everyone!<br /><br /></span></strong>I love this time of the year… everyone has so much new-found motivation to improve themselves…<br /><br /><strong>I don’t care for people that are Anti-Resolutions</strong> … like, I understand that most people are just setting themselves up for failure… but I really like that people are taking the time to reflect on their life and what they’d like to do better…. Most people don’t make goals all year long… for many I am sure that this is their one time a year when they really make goals…<br /><br />I hate that the gym is going to be packed for the next month or so… it really peeves me… but that’s okay… it won’t last for long… and hopefully some of those people will stick with it.<br /><br />I was really excited to start a new ‘healthy eating’ plan… and really attack my weight… btw I have <strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">gained like 15lbs</span></strong> from my low weight so I need to get my butt in gear… I really just want to cry… a lot… but I won’t… I am going to go running! As for ‘attacking’ my eating… it is going to have to wait until after our move… my life is a mess right now, boxes of crap everywhere… it is very annoying! But I did manage to get 4 boxes of Special K yesterday at Rite Aid… oh and they were free because I am so awesome like that… (weight loss is only one of my hobbys… I am a secret coupon QUEEN… shhhh!)<br /><br />I am hoping to lose a lot this week… I think with the Special K cereal ‘diet’ and finally getting back to running, I will have made a huge change compared to the last few weeks of cookies, ramen noodles, granola bars like they’re candy, pizza, eating out, drinking calories! And NO exercise… Hopefully getting back on track will be enough for my body to drop some pounds… and then over the next few weeks I will turn up the heat!<br /><br />Goals for the year:<br /><br />1. <strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Single Digit Pant Size</span></strong>… like a 9 would be nice… I have never been that small… but I am wearing a 14 right now (yes with a little muffin) … I think I will have to lose about 30lbs before that happens… but right now I am going to focus on the first 5!<br /><br />2. <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Donate more</span></strong>… I have awesome coupon skills… I plan on giving some of my freebies to our church…. Right now we don’t give money to the church and I feel a little bad about it… not a ton, because I shouldn’t have to pay to go to church… but still, everyone can give something! So this is what we will be giving…. My coupon talents….<br /><br />3. <strong><span style="color:#990000;">Turn our New House into our Home</span></strong>… We should be closing within a week… I am excited and overwhelmed by the whole thing… bills and such aside there are a lot of things I want to do so we can make it ours… I want to start a crafting/décor blog to document our progress…<br /><br />4. <strong><span style="color:#009900;">Save for our wedding</span></strong>…. This one is mostly going to be on my fiancé to do… we need to open a joint account and get started! FI gets a $6 raise in a few weeks… so that’s like an extra $200 after taxes per week… so we were thinking that $100/wk would be over $5000 by the end of the year! That plus my bonus should put us at ~$10,000 for the wedding… hopefully that is more than enough for the simple ‘family reunion’ wedding we are planning to have…<br /><br />Anyways... this week's Mamavation sponsor is <a href="http://www.gamestop.com/">@GameStop</a> ... Fiance and I love to get great deals at there stores... wonder what they're giving away!<br /><br />Good luck this week everyone!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-47104254755423231922010-12-20T06:59:00.000-08:002010-12-20T10:18:46.792-08:00Forever!So it has been like FOREVER since I last blogged...<br /><br />Well, to be honest - I mostly only have time to blog during the down times at work... and there just haven't been any lately. I design food factories and right now my biggest project is for a 'health' food plant which is gearing up for the first quarter rush... And SO MUCH has to be done in the next month or two... it is insane...<br /><br />So... this morning I weighed in at <strong>172lbs</strong> ... which was better than I thought - like really I feel squishy and really did not want to be upset with myself this morning... but I stepped on anyways and it wasn't so bad. I am not reaching my goals but I am super excited for the New Year and all the motivation people will have... it is a very exciting time! Not sure what my plan of action is yet, but I will be hoping back on the wagon for sure.<br /><br /><br />Anyways, Since I last blogged - other than being supper busy with work my life has be super hectic too!<br /><br />Lets see, we:<br /><br />*Put an offer in on a house before thanksgiving...<br /><br /><br />*Boyfriend and I drove 12hours to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Redding</span>, CA in a snow storm for thanksgiving with his family...<br /><br /><br />*We found out that the sellers of our house were not going to budge on the house price = no home for us.<br /><br /><strong>*We got engaged! Nov 23rd!</strong> (The ring BTW was a great 'deal' and exactly what I wanted - for those of you who gave advice via twitter when I was freaking out about the ring)<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNtMUBj1p5aRU-B3UEgbgQBxookk3coQL5vzrznZF0bD3yuZ89k9edAGdzF70mnnTy-Ycxj0Evi0f6xoM9szzggokdXbEJrEBoAEtJV8jSoJ1kMh4s8lXgD-6DHl65rSO4YAKjEABcA/s1600/ring.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 165px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552822420848089442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNtMUBj1p5aRU-B3UEgbgQBxookk3coQL5vzrznZF0bD3yuZ89k9edAGdzF70mnnTy-Ycxj0Evi0f6xoM9szzggokdXbEJrEBoAEtJV8jSoJ1kMh4s8lXgD-6DHl65rSO4YAKjEABcA/s320/ring.jpg" /></a>* We came back to Utah - Saw 5 more houses - Fell in love with one and put in another offer</p><p>*Got 3rd party approval in less than a week - We will be closing the first week +/- of January</p><p>So we are super excited to be moving out of our apartment into our first home... There are a ton of benefits like:<br /><br />~No elementary school in our backyard (Boyfriend is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">daysleeper</span> - so screaming kids = bad)<br /><br />~You can't hear kitchen noises in the master bedroom (Aka Boyfriend can now do dishes while I sleep)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWg9FfWt91jXiDHmjsNaeE8z-jdRleor84F7gfmnLkXuFr-5C7one31ZgX7y0vo2s-kkyuGo0mtUK8HiS_sn3_Lo45barh6zoJsnAyvh4ouX5WeET4hPFp_HUDuYybeGbjbbjGRuDBiA/s1600/1000964_12.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 363px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552829293426860514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWg9FfWt91jXiDHmjsNaeE8z-jdRleor84F7gfmnLkXuFr-5C7one31ZgX7y0vo2s-kkyuGo0mtUK8HiS_sn3_Lo45barh6zoJsnAyvh4ouX5WeET4hPFp_HUDuYybeGbjbbjGRuDBiA/s320/1000964_12.jpg" /></a>~We have a basement family room!! (now boyfriend <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">doesn't</span> have to pause the TV when the AC/Heating comes on because he cant have the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">volume</span> very high when I sleep) </p><p><br /><--New Home for the Beast</p><p><br />~We have a basement family room!! (I know - again - but now we can actually USE our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">beasty</span> @<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">SmoothFitness</span> treadmill! I am so psyched! Right now we can't use it very often because it is SUPER loud for the neighbors below us)<br /><br />~We have a 2 car garage AND RV parking! (now boyfriend can fix his own car! and both our cars can be protected from the elements as opposed to our current 1 spot under a car port)<br /><br />So I am sure that there are a ton of downsides to home owning ~ so don't rain on my parade today... I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> want to hear them :) Maybe later...</p><p>Thanks for stopping by! I will be trying to read through the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mamavation</span> posts and stopping by my 'regulars' <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">hehe</span>...</p><p>Less Than Three<br />Laura</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-19327131305486779912010-11-08T12:54:00.000-08:002010-11-08T13:49:39.823-08:00Crazzzzy Monday!OMG!<br /><br /><br />So I am not feeling too great this Monday... Woke up with a sore throat... Anyone know the calorie content of mucus? Cuz I've probably ingested enough to fill my daily calorie requirement... okay okay... I feel less than great :(<br /><br /><br />Anyways, decided to skip the gym this morning since I wasn't feelin like pushing my body when I wasn't at least 80%... So at lunch I ran an errand - hit Rite Aid for some sugar free Werthers and some peanuts (BOGO!) for my boss... then I ran over to Subway for some diet coke (i know i know... booo soda... w/e)... and I saw this guy that looked oddly familiar as I was walking out... he wasn't facing me so I decided I had to sneak a view of his face just to satisfy my curiousity... Well I did know him! He was my Mass Transfer professor in college... did I mention my school was in New York and I live in Utah now? Yea... WTF was he doing in Utah! Apparently SLC is hosting the Chemical Engineering Society's Annual Conference.... Who knew!!! {I'm a Chemical Engineer!}<br /><br /><br />Anywho... he gave me an invite to a reception Tues&Wens night<strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">... I am psyched beyond belief.... </span></strong><br /><br /><br />Anyways.. I had a <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;">crap-tastic</span></strong> weekend... Saturday boyfriend and I went to a 'Diamond Event' at Fred Meyer jewelers that we had been planning on attending for 3 weeks... I want a Marquise solitare which is basically impossible to find... well, okay, there just is little to no selection... so we told our sales guy what we wanted and made the appointment. They were suppose to tell the show vendor to bring stones in our size/price range... but as I am currently ring-less I will tell you that they were completely unprepared and had literally NOTHING to show us... I cried...a lot...<br /><br /><br />Boyfriend WILL NOT propose without the ring... which is driving me nuts... we are technically engaged but not really... it's this odd, ringless, limbo ...<br /><br />Then, as I was headed home from that disappointment our realtor called to tell me that of the 5 houses we were planning on seeing Sunday, only 1 was willing to schedule an appointment on a Sunday...<strong> I HATE UTAH</strong>!!! GRRR!... and I am slightly mad at the Realtor for waiting until Sat @5pm to tell me... but whatever we re-scheduled for tonight... So I guess I will be missing Mamavation TV {bummer!!!}<br /><br />So Saturday night I made this beautiful cake for my grandma's birthday (Sunday night):<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnkvK8A0pTA2FZ_jTcLB4I8W_fPFx8GEX62ojDXB6PY7Vh_NSBaoALT4XSDzr-SuTAWkXdVMDVa-5SVZhg96NROapCJH_Q-toAQ9HBHYAET0T3UZwZOxdUbrYPuD2rplXIY1T7hppmw/s1600/cake.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 324px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537294039262258034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnkvK8A0pTA2FZ_jTcLB4I8W_fPFx8GEX62ojDXB6PY7Vh_NSBaoALT4XSDzr-SuTAWkXdVMDVa-5SVZhg96NROapCJH_Q-toAQ9HBHYAET0T3UZwZOxdUbrYPuD2rplXIY1T7hppmw/s320/cake.jpg" /></a> It was TOTALLY awesome! Take 2 white cake mixes - divide into 6 bowls - use gel icing coloring to make a red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple cake (~15mins cook time)... layer with the icing of your choice and wait for people to be suprised~!</p><p>And, even though I indulged in this delicious cake I still managed to lose a pound this week!</p><p>Yay Mamavation! Yay Me!</p><p>By the way... we have the best sponsors! I love subway! But I get totally beyond giddy when Earth Footwear hosts! I seriously want some of those shows... and Since I will probably not win, eventually I am going to break down and buy a pair... now I just have to figure out which ones I want! SO MANY CHOICES!!! OMG! <a href="http://www.earthfootwear.com/">Check out Earth Footwear</a> if you haven't heard of them yet! You know you want a pair!!</p><p> </p><p>Anyways... if you're leaving a comment - THANKS - I'd love some ring advice!!<br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-76733299909023152652010-11-01T14:55:00.000-07:002010-11-01T14:57:43.235-07:00Mondays are my Fave!Yikes!<br /><br />Monday Again? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jeeze</span> last week FLEW by!<br /><br />I had a super busy work week and only made it to the gym twice and I could totally tell today. I barely cranked out 2 miles in 30 minutes and I feel it! Let’s just hope I need to eat more <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">carbs</span>, and I’m not feeling sick because I am pregnant.<br /><br />Don’t get me wrong… I love babies… but Andrew and I just qualified for a mortgage so that’s where our goals are going to be focused. Insane right? A House?!? It’s a HUGE step for me and I have been stressing major over it! We are meeting with the realtor in an hour or so for the first time. We’<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ve</span> pretty much seen everything on the net so here goes real house touring! YIKES!<br /><br />Anyways… I have to say that this week <strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">water was KEY</span></strong>… And Almonds for snacking!<br /><br />Last week I was at 167.4lbs and today the scale said 162.4lbs!<strong><span style="font-size:180%;"> <span style="color:#ff0000;">I lost 4.8lbs?! </span></span></strong><br /><br />Sorry if I miss TV <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">tonight</span>, we have a lot of house stuff to talk about. But I want to make sure to say thanks to Jared & Subway for hosting once again. They are truly awesome. This week they’re giving away some pretty hot sports gear… like Michael Phelps Goggles?! How awesome would that be to win? Ya… you should check it out!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-88984499620281136602010-10-25T09:48:00.000-07:002010-10-25T09:51:19.023-07:00Hop on the Wagon!Happy Monday Everyone!<br /><br />First, big thanks to you for stopping by. I absolutely love the support and words of encouragement.<br /><br />All of the positive buzz Subway has been spreading about re-committing to fit has really motivated me. If you’ve read my last 2-3 Mamavation posts you can see that I have basically been sliding backwards since my wonderful boyfriend quit his job. I was still going to the gym, and my running has <strong>SERIOUSLY</strong> improved, but my eating was way off track. What was I doing?<br /><br /> 1. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Eating <strong>TOO MANY</strong> calories</span>, way more than healthy for my weight<br /> 2. Eating almost <span style="color:#cc33cc;">75% Carbs</span> and 20% Fat<br /> 3. Guzzling <span style="color:#666600;"><strong>Soda</strong></span> in place of water<br /><br />Now that boyfriend is back into his work routine… and My work has slowed to only a semi-chaotic pace… and my American Eagle (pride and joy) Jeans were getting snug… I decided Enough was Enough and I HAD to <span style="color:#ff0000;">stop</span> putting it off.<br /><br />What am I doing now?<br /><br /> 1. Fewer calories – but adjusting for more when I work out<br /> 2. Cut out Sugars and Flour – Would not deny myself but they aren’t on the menu either.<br /> 3. More Lean protein (Chicken!)<br /> 4. Way less soda… I can SOOOO tell a difference when I cut back.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">I am back down to 167.2lbs!!! YAY! </span></strong><br /><br />That’s where I was on August 27th – a few days after boyfriend quit!<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">So now I have caught back up to the wagon and I am hoping on! </span></strong><br /><br />Hope everyone has a great week! And thanks to @SubwayFreshBuzz for hosting our Mamation TV again!<br /><br />LauraLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-84312702696107517382010-10-08T07:19:00.000-07:002010-10-09T17:00:43.722-07:00{{{BLAH...BLAH...BLAH}}}Well... it has been <strong>FOREVER</strong> since I have posted... I finally have time to just vent a bit and I figured if I don't blog now then I'll probably miss another Mamavation Monday post {ha! hows... Mamavation... what day is today?, oh Friday!... Mamavation Friday Post}<br /><br /><br />Lets see... a lot has happened... not sure exactly what I want to talk about... so this will probably be a long rambly post...<br /><br />I think I currently weigh <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">173lbs-175lbs</span></strong> ... I have not been weighing myself regularly lately because it makes me upset... My wonderful boyfriend <strong>quit</strong> his job back on August 20th or so and has gone from night shifts where I <strong>NEVER</strong> saw him to 'day shifts' where he is always home when I am... he has a new job and they were training him on the day shift, but he did not go back to nights until <strong>this</strong> wednesday.... so my world has been shaken up over the last <strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">7 weeks</span></strong>... Dont get me wrong... I<strong> <span style="color:#cc33cc;">love</span></strong> my boyfriend and it was AWESOME to have the time together, but it really messes with my eating...<br /><br />I have definately had too much carbs over the last 7 weeks and that pretty much accounts for the extra pounds ( <u>I'm up from a low of ~165lbs</u>)....<br /><br />I think it is wrong that I cannot maintain my weight around my boyfriend... I know how to eat healthy-er... but making him eat what I eat is not always easy... It is super simple for me to cut back on carbs {read cut them out of some meals entirely} and eat a LOT less than normal to <strong>control</strong> my weight... but he has never had a weight problem and sees nothing wrong with eating 2 or 3 candy bars in <strong>one</strong> sitting... after a huge carb-loaded dinner... He had gained weight and was feeling down about it... but it was mostly because he was eating twice as much as he did when he was working 12hour night shifts... he's only been back on nights for 3 days and is down 3 pounds...<br /><br />Anyways, what I am getting at is that I need to <strong><span style="color:#009900;">LEARN</span></strong> how to feed a family... how to actually <strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">COOK</span></strong> meals... with MEAT. and VEGGIES...<br /><br />I thought about applying to be a <strong>Mamvation Mom</strong>... because that is what they do... they learn how to feed their family and themselves with the RIGHT foods {while of course getting their butts kicked physically}... I thought -<strong>WIN WIN</strong>- ... eat right, move more... lose weight, learn healthy habits, help others...<br /><br />But unfortunately I am <strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">disqualified</span></strong> before I even start... Because well... I am <strong>not</strong> a Mom... And I understand... and not that I thought I'd get chosen on my first try, my first time applying... but at least I could try... maybe do the move-it/lose-it challenge... and feel included... but I joined a group that I don't really belong to... a group of Moms... and so sometimes that limits my participation... no lie, I was BUMMED over the last 2 weeks... But, title or not, there is still a lot of <strong><span style="color:#ff6666;">support</span></strong> to be had among the ladies that I would <strong>NEVER</strong> trade!! Time to put on the Big Girl Panties!!<br /><br />I need <strong><span style="color:#6633ff;">help</span></strong>... I have an awful relationship with food and I don't want to pass it on to my future children... I am trying to get to a healthy weight so that I can have a healthy pregnancy but I know that without really changing my relationship with food that my weight/health will always be a struggle...<br /><br />I love being a part of the Sistahood... I am<strong> not</strong> super active on twitter to begin with, so I know that when I stop blogging for a bit it probably looks like I have fallen off the face of the Earth.... well, work is <strong><span style="color:#cc6600;">INSANE</span></strong> right now... with no signs of slowing down in the near future... I <span style="color:#cc0000;">promise</span> to try and stay active and send out some positive vibes this week.... I am SUPER thankful for everyone who has reached out to me... I promise I am okay and will <strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">'pay-it-forward'</span></strong> as far as love and support go!<br /><br />Hope all you lovely ladies have a great week! Thanks for the love and support!<br /><br />***BIG Shout out to Jared and @SubwayFreshBUzz for sponsoring Mamvation this week - offering an ipod shuffle and itunes gift card... too cool!... join the Commit to Fit movement!<br /><br />***LOTS of support to all the Mamavation Mom finalists... so excited for you all!!!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-64487495907888706712010-10-01T10:16:00.000-07:002010-10-01T10:56:19.158-07:00Lego Party!!So... I have been <strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">super stressed</span></strong> this week... work is INSANE, and I just wrote a proposal this week to get our company MORE work and we were awarded the project this morning! UGH!... It is a good and bad thing... good for our company to get the work... bad because we already have a huge load on our shoulders as it is... But I guess that's why there are more than 24hours in a day?<br /><br /><div><div><div>Anyways... I decided to relax a little by posting a <strong>Lego craft</strong> I did this past month (I can't believe I had the time!)... My cousin turned 7 in early September and wanted a Lego party... his mom does not go all out for partys... a few balloons and such is pretty much all they get... I think my cousin thought that if he asked for a <strong>Lego party</strong> then everyone would buy him Legos for his birthday... haha... kids are so cute... and yes he got a bunch of Legos... but my boyfriend and I personally think that these kids are <strong>SPOILED</strong>!! Not necessarily a bad thing, but the three of them (7, 5, 2) have pretty much every toy under the sun... plus my grandparents are retired now so forget about competing for the coolest gift... we cant afford to compete with them! haha... seriously though, I have no idea what Legos my cousin does and does not have... chances are if they can be bought in our town, he has them... so what's a girl to do? Well we got him a backpack and lunch box... semi-lame ... I know... but practical, and <strong>COOL</strong>... ithey were <span style="color:#33cc00;"><strong>Bakugan</strong></span> of course! (dont ask)</div><br /><br /><div><strong>Getting back to the craft</strong>... I saw a really neat idea for a <strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Lego Pinata</span></strong> that looked super easy to do... we were going to fill it with candy but then realized that it was entirely too large and the amount of candy needed would have put us in the poor house... So we decided to use is to 'wrap' our gifts...<br /><br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523132789961516930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp53yJxUHKM0Dgjo_HFSEQht-uzKETinfZC7WOLUdkCqY3cmDXM4-Op-z4FwyFnpnkarwqRwTVbkJj6OKJyJqtmrts1EOEXEP_N3CRkR2VkGmn5ufGHDbDzjo5kvlm4daPUk105HzRCA/s320/photo2.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Here's my wonderful boyfriend showing off our mad gift wrappin' skills!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523132937798335650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpMqiyoyT58UxFxjk_tzZ1gZv_WNyXeqU1K-_2gNOY-qUa0N6K2_-Bntvfo_mv2tRpkhbClZh4iE_-3iGLp66T5-0xguhvwLcptIZOvRvA9r-s76HIgvhjTD2Q5utmu-gZt71DtSXbA/s320/photo3.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Here's my cousin checkin' out the GIANT <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Lego</span></strong> present... he was psyched! It's tough to see but there were like a Zillion other presents there.</div><div align="center"></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523133159748369154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58Q8YoWdwATdflJ314qfouRPJ_oJE_mObj4nszkslh8EAT1RWY6uOjR9Sv5A8ZByqwYSWHV758TmTh5HO3Vmqyg2uRUZSQergfuwZlX6SpNeV-1MnhRssy4IB5TCHDG4zTJklqAccrg/s320/photo4.JPG" /></div></div></div><br /><p>And here is a picture of him before he opened it... check out the thing on his head... its a Lego-man-light (like a miner's light) to help him build legos in the dark? IDK but it was hilarious!</p><p></p><p><u>The project is really easy, you just need: a box, streamers (1 roll), 6 cups, hot glue and tape...</u></p><p>We started by covering the top and bottom with strips of streamers so that they would be blue and match the sides. </p><p>Then we unrolled ~10' sections of streamers, folded them on top of themselves into a 1' section to make less cutting... cut every half inch about half way up the streamer to get the pinata effect...</p><p>I crunched them a little so you could tell they'd been cut and would flare out a little.</p><p>I started wrapping the box with the cut streamer sections, taping every 6 inches or so... This part took <strong>a while</strong> because you'll want to overlap each row by about half a streamer for full coverage... blending strips of streamers is reallllly simple since you'll be overlapping. </p><p>Once the sides were covered we used 6 cups from the dollar store (already blue) to make the lego notches on the top of the box [this is what makes it look like a lego and not just a box pinata]... this part was NOT pretty... the bottoms of our cups were white so I had to cover them with the streamers which was tough since they were circular. We just did the best we could to cover the tops and wrapped the sides with the cut streamers to make them a little more fancy... Then I hot glued them to the top (tape would have been TOO complicated for me!)</p><p>Pretty simple and easy for the amount of impact it creates.... Good luck if you try it! Email me if you have any questions, I'd love to help!</p><p><span style="color:#ff99ff;"><strong>Lotsa Love!</strong></span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-69138496888228665512010-09-20T19:01:00.000-07:002010-09-20T19:41:15.610-07:00It's MONDAY Again!This time I am in a much better mood!<br /><br />My weight is up... boooooo!<br /><br />But that is okay... I was SUPER busy at work so this post is WAY late!<br /><br />I did go to the gym today... since I gained weight I was super motivated to run hard and fast! I started my run today at 5mph and went for 7minutes before slowing down!! That is INSANE for me ... INSANE! I never run more than 2-3minutes at a time so... insane!<br /><br />I managed to run an entire mile in less than 12 minutes! FASTEST EVERRRR!<br /><br />YAY ME!<br /><br /><u>Goals for this week are:</u><br />1. NO Fountian Soda... NONE!<br />2. No Candy... few Carbs...<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by guys! Hope you have a fantasic week!!!!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-42351561382052398632010-09-15T07:44:00.000-07:002010-09-15T07:48:14.817-07:00Boo!Ugh... so weigh-in for shrinkvivor this morning.... was not happy to see <strong>170.8lbs</strong> on the scale but I submitted it anyways! I am sure I am just retaining water or something and did not actually gain 2lbs in 2 days...<br /><br />Are you participating in Shrinkvivor? What team are you on?<br /><br />I'm part of <strong><span style="color:#996633;">Trib</span><span style="color:#996633;">e Copper!</span></strong> YAY!<br /><br />I love having the extra support that these types of challenges create!<br /><br />well.... here goes!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-5362180558646601002010-09-13T07:35:00.000-07:002010-09-13T08:09:53.343-07:00YAY Another Monday!<div>No.... I am not really excited that it is Monday... AGAIN... haha</div><br /><div>Actually I think the only really fun thing about Mondays is the Mamavation post/comments/commenting on other's posts!</div><div></div><br /><div>I decided to get my butt in gear and post... even though I have been pretty down lately I cannot keep using that as an excuse to be a bum!</div><br /><div>Not gunna lie... did NOT have the best week last week, or really the week before!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516407608819732738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EySwR05hctqN_XQyjuO_dPeBaxjk6S1Gapj7pTJdZVN7fIdeLFIfsm4U83n2JkmdRqvUFEeAu5bUBXN6e78a97XFE8OcUetfb4TDwdNzce84SDl8N164HZXxxMir2QXGkYhGE8OVTQ/s320/9.13.10.JPG" /></div><br /><p> </p><p><u>But, even though it appears I have gained weight:<br /></u>1. I am still under 170lbs!<br />2. My American Eagle Jeans fit today {freshly washed&dried} without a fight! And they're already sorta loose!!</p><p>I am really not sure what I am doing with this whole weight loss thing... I was going to keep my post short, but I literally just decided to vent... so here goes:</p><p>*I am NOT a runner... I am quite bad a running! I am also NOT a tweeter {someone who tweets?idk} ... I really needed a treadmill, and shoot, winning one was pretty much ideal... so I had to get twitter so people could tweet for me and so I got a twitter 'handle' that was treadmill related... Mostly I don't run... and to be quite honest, treadmills are my least favorite cardio machine... but I really think it is one of the best forms of cardio, and an area that I have a lot of room for improvement in... the elliptical and bikes have gotten too easy... 30mins is no longer a challenge on them for me... If I am going to keep losing weight I NEED a challenge... so running... there we go... But I am really not good at it... I can run at 5.5-6.5mph for 2.5 mins before I need to slow down to less than 4mph for a few minutes... So I have been doing a lot of intervals trying to increase my stamina....</p><p><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">I can really relate my 'weight loss journey' and a lot of what I read about other's journeys to my 'running' intervals... Everyone wants to jump on that treadmill and just run full speed for the full 30 minutes... when in fact it is just not going to happen for a first timer or someone just starting out... Same as a full life-style change... 100% healthy eating 100% of the time is like trying to run at 6.0mph for 30minutes your first time on the treadmill... you are just setting yourself up for failure... but just because I can't run the full 30 minutes doesn't mean I am going to give up and hop off... no, I will jog if I can or walk if I must... but my body will complete the full 30minutes... It's the same with eating healthy I think... or any other healthy habit... You probably aren't going to be able to do 100% your first try... but eventually it gets easier... you can run further or longer... you have more healthy recipes or snacks on hand.... you don't need 3 sodas a day, maybe 1 a week is fine... I am sure you see where I am going...</span></strong></p><p>I feel like the last month or so I have really pushed my body to lose every pound it could in that time frame, like sprinting during my run... and I went all out and gave everything I could... but I think my body is trying to tell me that it is time to jog for a while... So I am not going to push myself to go all out... I plan on maintaining healthy habits; drinking water, exercise and incorporating fresh foods in my diet... but I promise myself that I am not expecting weight-loss nor will I be upset with 'maintaining'... I think that with my current stress level and mood swings that this is really the best thing for ME.</p><p>Hope everyone has a super fantastic week!</p><p>A few shout-outs:</p><p>YAY <strong>Stephanie H</strong> for being Sista of the week! You totally deserve it!</p><p>YAY <strong>Chefs Choice</strong> for being our wonderful and generous sponsor AGAIN! My boyfriend realllly loves their steaks ~ I got a coupon a while back that bought us a half dozen little fillets and he inhaled them!</p><p>YAY <strong>Rachel Steffen</strong> and <strong>GretaB</strong> for snapping me out of my funk last week! I really appreciate all the supportive comments from all the Sistas! LOTS of Love!!!</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-42884621440432784362010-09-07T14:14:00.000-07:002010-09-07T14:55:57.808-07:00Mamavation ... Tuesday?Yes, Yes... I know... it is <strong>not</strong> Monday... and I am <strong>late</strong>...<br /><br />Well, actually, I had planned on writing in yesterday, but I was <strong><span style="color:#663300;">SO BLAH</span></strong>.... like super DOWN and just really did not feel like sending <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>extra negative energy</strong></span> out into the world... yesterday all I wanted to do was bitch and complain.... and <strong><span style="color:#00cccc;">cry</span></strong>... and sleep...<br /><br />In college I was 'diagnosed'<span style="font-size:78%;">[read: no one really cared what was wrong, just wanted to medicate and send you on your way] </span>bi-polar and I do not currently take meds for it... I decided I wanted to manage my moods myself, rather than take pills which <strong>REALLY</strong> did not help anyways, usually made things worse!... So for the most part I control my moods with (extreme coupon)Shopping and Exercise...<br /><br />I do not know whats got me down lately... probably <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">stress</span></strong>... money, work, significant other.... same problems everyone has! Nothing special or life threatening... just enough to bring ya down... and for someone <strong>with tendancys to stay down</strong>, not always the best thing!<br /><br /><br /><u>Oh man... So last week... well</u>;<br /><br /><strong>*</strong>I went to the gym <strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">5 times</span></strong>! YAY!<br /><br /><strong>*</strong>Did not do so well with the soda intake... I feel like the soda is inhibiting me from losing, cant quite pin point why yet... but I've been feelin' like its really not helping!<br /><br /><strong>*</strong>Drank <strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">TONS of water</span></strong>... no problem there!<br /><br /><strong>*</strong>Eating.... was for crap this week! Low on calories in general... but i did manage to finish off a <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">giant</span></strong> jar of Jif peanut butter... I am talking 6,600 calories!! <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">YIKES!</span></strong><br /><br />But I think my body enjoyed the extra calories because I managed to see <span style="color:#33cc00;"><strong>166.4lbs</strong> </span>on the scale Saturday morning! YAY!<br /><br />I am super frustrated though... my body is hovering between 166 and 170... depends on the day, time and potty breaks... I really am not sure how I am going to get through this 'plateau' I seem to be chillin' at...<br /><br />I really need to revamp my whole life-style right now... I've lost just under 40lbs since Easter [di<span style="font-size:78%;">d I mention I STILL feel <strong>HUGE</strong>?... more now than ever, oddly enough</span>]... but the things I did to lose the first 40lbs really aren't going to be what takes the next 10-20-30lbs off... I need a better approach to eating and more than just cardio on the exercise front....<br /><br />I am just not too inspired right now :(<br /><br />I have decided that I would like to try for a BMI in the Healthy range... so atleast 24.9 (so 149lbs for my height)... but really more like a 24 (or 144lbs)... before my 24th birthday!<br /><br />I like that goal :)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6600cc;"><strong>24 by my 24th</strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6600cc;"></span></strong><br />That's 18-23lbs in 14 short weeks!! or 1.3-1.6lbs per week! I know that's within the 'healthy' weigh loss rates... but it is going to be a HUGE challenge for me because I think my body is use to being heavier... and really has never been below 160lbs in my entire post-middle-school-life!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">I'm up for the challenge though!</span></em></strong>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65764282007152777.post-56291660132015278432010-08-30T13:34:00.000-07:002010-08-30T13:45:09.413-07:00My Blah Monday!I am so BLAH today!<br /><br />Made it to the gym... worked pretty hard... 30minutes on a weird stair-stepper/elliptical machine...<br /><br />Pretty sure I gained weight this weekend... I didn't bother weighing this morning... no need to bum myself out!<br /><br />But, I did slide into my America Eagle jeans without even trying! You know where you have to wiggle, suck it in... and sometimes even lay on the bed to get them to zip? Yea well, NOT TODAY BABY! I was worried they were going to be tough, but it was great to slide them on, button and go...<br /><br />So yay for the non-scale victory.... I am sure that after going to the bathroom (a la<br />@ljenator) the scale will be back to normal... that is as much as I am going to say!<br /><br />Well, this week's goals are:<br /><br />More water, Less Soda!<br />No Cheating on my Eating! (Except 1 treat!)<br />Keep Working Out!<br />Shooting for 166lbs by the end of the week!<br /><br />OH! and I placed my order with CSN Stores after winning $150... I bought:<br />- A 30lb weight vest<br />-A Fitness Ball (21'')<br />- An Abs DVD workout<br />- A 14lb medicine ball with handles<br /><br />The vest came on Friday and HOLY COW! I got it to remind myself what it feels like to carry an additional 30lbs around (since I've lost 38lbs so far)... it is SO heavy! What was I doing to my body?!?Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06871962502733732106noreply@blogger.com13