Slow and Low...that is the Tempo

I am so excited again...I have my second personal training session tonight...and last Wednesday's was killer...in fact, on Thursday afternoon, I could barely raise my arms above my shoulders...making it very tricky to hug on Thanksgiving day.

And last night during bootcamp, I noticed muscles in my shoulders that I hadn't seen since 1962. It's nice to notice small changes...but they are in fact slow changes. It is evident to me that my metabolism is older and slower. Weight doesn't just drop off of me....it's amazing how hard I work out and nothing...

My biggest challenge isn't the working out anymore...my husband thinks I am possessed by it....my struggle is still with food. And it's not that I make bad decisions all the time...I do from time to time, but I think it's that I don't make excellent decisions all the time. Sometimes when I know I should eat something...I choose microwave popcorn instead of some almonds and an apple. I find it exhausting to constantly wonder what I am going to eat. Now don't get me wrong...I plan out my cheat meals like it's my job...but other meals...it's very haphazard.

So Excited!

This past weekend, I suckered my hubby to go to an Open House at my little gym I have been going to for classes, D'Lean Choice Fitness. This new place consists of two of my favorite instructors/trainers from Aspen Fitness starting their own gig.

A little plug for D'Lean...if you haven't checked it out, I highly recommend it. The place is so welcoming and lovely. I never feel intimidated, or stupid there...as I sometimes do at Aspen. They only care to help you regardless of your need. And it's really affordable and you can make the classes what you want them to be.

But on Friday night they had an Open House...which really means there were lots of pyramid people trying to sell you stuff...which really isn't my scene...and even more so, not the hubby's either. But what drew me in was the personal training sessions, at buy 1 hour and get 1 free. So I bought 5 sessions and got 5 sessions free. I AM PUMPED! That is 10 personal training sessions...I have my first one on Wednesday of this week, which is perfect since Thanksgiving is on Thursday! Yeah!

Weekly Goals

It's been some time since I last wrote. I haven't fallen off the wagon...but I just haven't had much to write about. But it's Monday and I am feeling like I need to give myself some real goals for the week...so here goes:

• I will write down everything I eat and do this week....including my overall grade of the day.
• I will NOT eat the yogurt covered pretzels in our cafe. I do not know that is exactly in them and I am concerned that the unknown is not helping me.
• If I stop at Starbucks for a fancy coffee...I must order the small size, it's 90 calories for a skinny vanilla latte...but that is only if you get the small size.
• I will go to the gym twice this week to lift...and I will dedicate a solid 30 minutes to lifting.

I have continued to workout, mainly through classes and am loving it. I continue to take classes at work. But have added a couple more classes outside of work at a new gym, D'Lean Fitness. Basically two of my favorite instructors from my local gym branched off into their own business. I have been taking bootcamp at the new place and loving it.

Back Track Weekend

This past weekend, Friday night and Saturday...anything that is bad for your body...I put into my body, including, but not limited to:

• 1/2 bottle of red wine
• tons of red meat
• Quarter Pounder Meal from McDonald's
• Buttercream birthday cake (and no, it wasn't my b-day)
• Chipolte
• A duo of desserts

On Friday night after running 2.5 miles I proceeded to have a wonderful dinner out with the hubby and his work friends. I had steak and the 1/2 wine. I woke up Saturday morning feeling horrible and I mean HORRIBLE. I contacted my best friend whining about the hangover and she suggested greasy food...I continued to whine about how I couldn't even imagine eating anything. But then she was right...as soon as I ate it...I felt 100% better.

So I guess I had my fun...but I will not loose my focus. Plus, I couldn't stand how I felt this weekend. I felt horrible and sluggish. I want no part of that.

Hands Down

A couple days ago I got a personal invitation from friend to come to her pre-garage sale, sale. Her true garage sale was going to be on Friday, but she invites folks over on Thursday night to take a preview. She mentioned bring my hubby along too...and there would be refreshments...

I honestly him hawed around on whether to go or not. I knew I would find stuff I wanted...as when I re-did my master bedroom a year or so ago...I got all of my stuff from my friends shop. But I also knew that I didn't need anything. It was finally my hubby who said...Let's go...

I am not a huge garage sale person...it's mainly another persons junk to me. Don't get me wrong, I like a bargain...but I like my bargains at MJ Maxx with yellow stickers and red stickers at Target.

But this event last night....WAS. NOT. YOUR. TYPICAL. YARD. SALE. It was a lovely party. Sure...I spent $20 on misc items I probably didn't need....except for that adorable antique bracelet....but the atmosphere...was amazing. Just mingling around...drinking a spiced punch...munching on cookies, dips, and various other goodies. A tour of my friends home that makes me want to throw all of my stuff away and let her re-decorate the whole house...And honestly, if the hubby wasn't fresh back at work...I'D DO IT! My friend PM.....is an amazing decorator...hostess...and person. I am so thankful that she thought to invite me...cause if I get another invite...I will be there early...with bells on...because HANDS DOWN...this was the best "sale," I have ever been to!

Not a Record Week

My week has not been the best with my Caborexia plan. And I hate to hinge it on one thing...but I am gonna...I think it all starts with the no class on Monday. I really look to that class to start my week out strong. And this is not to say that I didn't have an egg white omelet at lunch on Monday or that I didn't do that God awful step class on Monday night. I made the adjustments...which is obviously a step in the right direction, but my desire hasn't been there this week. I am definitely not cheating, but I am also not pumped. And I have been pumped for weeks.

Now I am trying to combat this Fitness Funk I am in by going to HIIT Cardio Class today and hopefully not dying (since I haven't really been working out to capacity or intensity this week) and by continuing to pack my lunches. But I tell you what...It's been a hard week to remain focused.

On a continued focused path...I started a food journal again today based on yesterday's realization that I am consuming too much. My goal is to write down what I eat and what I do from a fitness perspective...and maybe....how I am feeling that day.

I think I am eating too much....

As I have mentioned MULTIPLE TIMES...I am watching and kind of keeping up with the ThinIntervention on Bravo. Love the show and am so sad that next week is the end. I honestly do not know what I will do with out my favorite TV person in the world Bryan. I mean, I love him so much (Don't worry hubby...he's gay...and happily married) I would track him down and make him be my friend. Ahh...but I digress....

So I usually check out the cast food journals and blogs after watching the show weekly. This week I really checked out the food journals...because I am so curious what they are eating...and this a sample of one day of eating:

Breakfast:
Shake - 400 calories
Snack:
4oz cottage cheese with gala apple - 180 calories
Lunch:
2 cups Steamed broccoli
4 oz white meat chicken
Snack:
2 tbsp almonds
Dinner:
4oz turkey breast

Based on the daily diet above...I am EATING WAY TOO MUCH! Because i am going to bet that on a daily basis these people are also working out a bit harder than me. Time to re-evalate what I am eating and if I am really hungry when I am eating....

Sometimes Life Gets in the Way

When I am on a program...I am a creature of habit. I like the same breakfast food, same lunch food, and nearly same dinner food. I like to work out at certain times and if something interrupts this plan...I get fidgety, or down right freaked out.

As I have already mentioned...this week my Monday midday class was cancelled...and I had to go to the horrendous step class. Yesterday was my rest day, as I didn't have time to workout due to mentoring and meetings at night. Then there is today...remember how I was mentioning that I was excited to workout at lunch...

Enter the invitation to have lunch with my husband. My husband who is now working full time and doing great. He works long days though...and doesn't usually get home till 6:30ish. This said husband asked if because he was downtown today, could we have lunch together. At first I automatically said "NO." This would mess up my pattern. But the more I thought it about it. He never asks to have lunch...and due to some other commitments we haven't gotten to see each other that much lately, so I said yes.

But then the fidgety part kicked in...I am nervous...about not working out today. Like it is all consuming. Two days of rest are not a good idea...because I am frightened that it will then turn into 3 days of rest. Which is unacceptable.

So my goal is to run tonight...It's a perfect fall day and I have been mentioning and journaling how I need to add more running to my regiment.

Stay Tuned....

Step Aerobics

By way of this blog...you have now noticed that I love to take fitness classes. The reason I do so is varied:

• I get a varied workout
• I am embarrassed to leave class early and forced to do a whole workout because I just others who leave early.
• I like being around the group...misery loves company I guess.

So yesterday my normal work time class was cancelled (which is very upsetting since I love it!) and I wanted to get a workout in. So I went to a 6:30PM Step Class. OMG! Hilarious! Number one, I was so afraid that I wouldn't get a spot I arrived at the gym at 6:10. And then sat there....waiting. I finally make it into class and put my two risers under my bench and look around and everyone has their benches on the ground. At this point I got a little nervous...so much so that I think I tightened my body up...so when we actually started working out, I was stiff and sore. Then my feet started to really hurt and I just wasn't having fun anymore. But the class goes till 8Pm because there is a separate ab part and Lord knows my abs need some work. To make a very painful story short...I didn't get home until 8:15ish because the instructor wouldn't stop talking and the workout was forever long. I was starving when I got home and my stomach hurt. And this was the first time I had seen my husband all day...I am sure he was pumped to see me...ha! ha!

Today is my off day and then tomorrow I have class back at work...whew...and I am so looking forward to it!

Cheats

I am currently reading Jackie Warner's This is Why You are Fat, yeah...I tend to get obsessed with people and I really do enjoy her ThinIntervention show. And I like her approach...eat clean 5 days a week (like work) and cheat two meals over the weekend. This is a totally do-able plan for me. And I had kind of been following it already. But this weekend I had one planned cheat meal and one unplanned. And what I have decided, I don't like unplanned cheat meals unless they are fabulous. My unplanned cheat meal this weekend was at McDonald's. And it was not worth it....I was so hungry that I inhaled it and didn't even enjoy the greasy burger or the crunchy French Fries.

So next week....My cheats will be planned and I will enjoy them!

Angry

This morning I am angry....now it probably doesn't help that my drive into work was long and so slow because of the rain and an accident, or that it is Friday and I am just plain tired. But what I am most angry about it is my health assessment that I took here at work this morning. I am not angry at the numbers...I knew what those would be...except for the fact that they measured me 2 inches shorter than I thought I was...

What I am most angry with is them circling the numbers on my chart and telling me these are not good numbers. No shit Sherlock...this is why I am working my ass off every day. And then the coach after telling me my numbers are horrible and how I am in this range, etc she asks me if I do any kind of physical activity? I was so angry at her condescending tone at this point I didn't want to even respond....Yeah Lady...I have freaking been busting my hump and sometimes working out twice in one day...but I know you don't believe me...so why bother. So instead I said yes, I had been doing several cardio classes a week along with weight training. And this is how she responds," And have you seen in progress?" (while she circles my numbers again.) At this point I wanted to show her my progress with my fist...but I decided just to answer simply yes and get the hell out of dodge. This woman was hurting my confidence in all I have worked for. And there was a part of me that wanted to show her by eating a cheese and bacon breakfast croissant sandwich...but that wouldn't really being showing her would it? So I went ahead and ate my organic cereal and hard boiled eggs. Nurse Wratchet might ruin my morning...but she would not wreck my Caborexia plan!

I have plans to do another Insanity workout at lunch...WISH ME LUCK!

You Smell Amazing

I am actually going to take a break from my normal diet and fitness rant on this post...Instead I would like to discuss the amount of celebrities who have their own perfume line. I mean we are talking Faith Hill, Britney Spears, Christina A, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Kim Kardashian & Paris Hilton(celebrity might be a stretch on this one, but humor me.) I even hear that Jennifer Aniston has her own fragrance line. OMG! There must be serious money in this crap as I am pretty sure that all of these people didn't grow up with dreams of their own scent, just dreams of cents in general!

But what I don't understand is...WHO IS BUYING THIS STUFF? I can't name a person who I know that would....perhaps because they know I would totally judge them on it...and I would! But someone is buying it and making these people richer... And to be perfectly honest, I am scared of this trend.

Wow...I feel so much better getting that off my chest!

Sweating off the Pounds

I wasn't able to workout yesterday and it was a very hard pill for me to swallow. I haven't taken a day off from working out for over a month now. But yesterday I couldn't work out during the day and last night I had dinner out with clients. However, I still made very good choices, as my dinner didn't taste great to me, so I boxed it up and took to my husband, who informed me today I was wrong it tasted GREAT!

I did realize though upon coming home last night that I wasted about 1.25 hours shopping around, etc waiting for my clients. Why didn't I work out? Honestly, it just didn't even enter my mind. I need to be more cognizant of this. I could have done some sort of alternative work out, it doesn't have to be a couple mile run, class, or personal training....it can be a walk, a stair run, etc. I need to think outside of the box!

Today, I had to do a presentation at an annual conference. I wish I could say I wasn't nervous, but I was and I was sweating bullets and I know I had my heart pumping. I am wondering if that helped my plan at all. I was up there for about 1.5 hours too! Yikes! Then I went to my workout class and worked out! And now I am beat!

I am so anxious to weigh myself this Friday.

Not starting fresh...

It is so refreshing to me that it's Monday morning and I am NOT starting fresh...I am continuing my program. This is not to say that I didn't have an amazing cheat day on Saturday with my best friend and a burger with my husband that night. But I worked out both Saturday and Sunday and other than my cheat meals, I stuck to the program. It has been several weeks that I have been able to maintain this trend and I am pretty excited about it.

Yesterday I went to a "party," where weight loss products were sold in a pyramid type scheme. Luckily I walked away from it...but I also walked away with a saying I really liked. And that saying is "Progress, not Perfection." How perfect is that. How often do we get caught up in being perfect and then beat ourselves up when we slip. I am making progress towards my goal...and that is perfection!

Updating

Ok...Happy Friday. I lost 2 pounds this week. I feel like it should be more, but at least it's something, right?

Yoga was interesting yesterday. For some reason when we started, I wanted to cry. Not because I was sad, not because I didn't want to do it...because I was overcome with emotions. How weird is that? But I made it through most of the transitions and only had to rest a couple of times. I did sweat some and overall enjoyed myself.

Then last night I had my total body class at my home gym. I usually share this class with 3 other women. Last night was no different, except I really did feel like the instructor singled me out and certainly not in a bad way, but in a challenging way. And due to this...I am EXTREMELY sore today, but EXTREMELY happy about it.

Tomorrow is going to be my cheat day, I am hopefully meeting my pregnant best friend, who told me this morning, " Who better to cheat with than a pregnant lady." So bring on the bread basket...at least for lunch....

PS-My hair looks awesome in case you were wondering...ha! ha!

Get it Together Kitty Kat!

I have been busy lately. Other than the constant working out...I have had a small football party at my home, an all day charity event, cooking in, instead of eating out, and let's not forget my actual career. So I haven't had the most time as of late. Due to this...my nails are cracked, my hair has little grey lightning bolts protruding out of it, my body is exhausted, and my skin...well it could use some TLC.

Enter...this weekend....

Starting tonight (Thursday), I am getting my hair cut and colored.

Friday night I will do my own nails, as for the most part, I do a better job than most professionals.

Saturday I am having a facial at my favorite little secret shop, CO Bigelow. I am especially pumped about Saturday, as I am going to make it my cheat day and enjoy a long leisure lunch at Nordstrom prior to my facial.

Sunday I am having a massage.

By Monday...I am hoping to have a whole new lease on life.

Also...on the fitness program that I am so strictly adhering to. My normal HIIT cardio is cancelled for today, so today, I am attempting Yoga. I am admittedly not a fan of yoga. I have the hardest time keeping my attention going in a class that moves so slow. But, I understand this crap is good for me, so I am going to give it a try. Also, I am currently reading Eat, Pray, Love (Yeah...yeah...I know it's been out for years and there is now a movie, but I am taking it slow.) and she seems to think Yoga is amazing and I am liking this Elizabeth Gilbert person, so I'll give it a shot. I mean the last true Yoga classes I took were the hot ones, Bikram Yoga. AND. I. HATED. THEM. The whole studio smelled of won ton soup and it was hotter than balls in there. So compared to that, this should be a dream.

I need these people in my life...

I like to watch a lot of reality TV like most of America and I have decided that I need these people in my real life:
* Jackie Warner: So she can keep my fit and monitor all I eat. Plus the woman is an inspiration to look at...muscles everywhere!
* Brad G from the Rachel Zoe Project: He is sweet and sassy at the same time and frankly every woman needs a strong Gay man's influence in her life.
* Bethany Frannkel: She would make a good substitute for when Brad is out of town styling people because she would tell you like it is. Plus I feel like I owe her a thank you for introducing me to my favorite phrase, "Holy Shit Balls."
* Kathy Griffin: To make me laugh, oh to make me laugh until pee myself.


Yep...that's right...all the reality TV that I watch...it's on Bravo...I might have a real problem on my hand people...a real big problem....bravo Leslie...way to go...

Personal Training

I had one of the best fitness classes last night. It was cold and raining out, but I forced myself to go to kickboxing class at my local gym...and take my boxing gloves. But it seems, I was the only one that forced themselves to go. So I was the only one there, with the instructor. And unlike when I used to teach, she didn't even ask me if I still wanted to do class, she just started it up. I did all kinds of punches and kicks...working up a MASSIVE sweat, which was impressive considering the gym was cold. It was like my own personal training session. AWESOME!

Then when I got home, my awesome husband had prepared dinner. And last night we tried a whole wheat pasta...which wasn't too shabby! Watch out!

Fall is Here

Fall is no longer just in the air, it's here. This weekend was cool and rainy....a typical October weekend here in Ohio. I have continued on my Caborexia plan. I had my one cheat night on Friday night, which turned out to be a disaster and not so much a cheat night, but sometimes that is how the cookie crumbles, right?

Saturday we had some folks over for the OU vs Texas game and served healthy style Amy burgers with high fiber buns...no one complained!

Sunday was a fundraiser day and actually ate breakfast before I went AND packed my lunch to eat while everyone else ate Wendy's.

I also worked out both days. I am very anxious to see my results this Friday morning.

Also this week: My new challenge, YOGA...I am taking a class on Thursday and anxious to see if I sweat, am sore, or enjoy it in the least....

I will update that I am no longer fighting the urge to stop and eat out places...this is a weird change of events, but I am loving it. Last night after I ran 3 miles at the gym, I was starving. Weeks ago I would have so swung through the McDonalds drive thru for either a Happy Meal or a Quarter Pounder Meal. Last night, I hankered for neither. I simply went home and had a mini-pizza on a high fiber tortilla with turkey pepperoni. I am taking this as a very good sign.

"That was just the warm up?"

I attempted to do one of the INSANITY dvd's at lunch today with several people from work....During the first part of the workout when I was dying and my feet were bothering me...one of the ladies yelled, "OMG...that was just the warm up!" It was so very interesting and so very cardio filled. But I have to be honest, we started on the second level...and I can comfortably say...I should have started on LEVEL 1!

Frustration

I am doing well my Caborexia plan...I know I am! I am exercising like I am getting paid for it, at least 1 hour a day...some days a little bit more. I am eating better than I have in years and I am not starving myself. My clothes are starting to fit better...but my weightloss...while starting out strong with 6 pounds has stalled. And I am FRUSTRATED! so FRUSTRATED. However, I can tell I am on the right track this time because the frustration doesn't make me want to quit or eat cheesecake...deep fried...with chocolate. But it does hurt my heart...it makes me sad, I have such an uphill battle and the freaking foothills are tripping me.

So I am going to do some tweaking...I am going to start adding a lot more protein into my diet. I am going to attempt to drink half of a protien shake after I work out, as I have researched it helps your body to keep burning. I am also going to have to incorporate more than 1 day of running into my routine, as well as, lifting a little bit more.

Today at lunch, I am trying an INSANITY DVD. We'll see how this goes.

Milestone

Today I made it through my whole HIIT Cardio Class. This has NEVER happened before and I am so happy. I honestly hate this class more than ANYTHING! HIIT is: High Intensity Interval Training. The class is not fun in the least...but I did the whole thing today. Take that BITCHES!

Goals...

My goals are still being met....which is amazing considering the time of the month it is for me. I am not going to go into gory details, let's just say I usually want some chocolate right about now. But I have been so good! And am so happy about it all!

I worked out both days this weekend...yeah!

I had one bad dinner out this weekend of Mexican....yeah!

I ate at home whenever possible this weekend...yeah!

Today is the first day that I have noticed that my clothes fit a little differently...they fit better...Yeah!

I have discovered that I really hate Grape Nuts cereal...and there is no real way to dress that crap up! Yeah!

Back to my weekly routine...but so happy my weekend didn't wreck it!

Whew...that was a close one.

I made it through Thursday and I still worked out and did not go to Nordstrom for fries. Today will be another challenge, but am somoehow feeling a bit more optimistic. Perhaps because it is Friday!

HELP!

I have hit a wall...I don't want to workout and I just want to go to Nordstrom for their French Fries....

Tuesday Recap

I stuck to the plan yesterday and did both a Zumba class and a kickboxing class....so on top of not sleeping well the night before you would have thought I would have slept like a rock...Nope...up at 2AM doing stretches, awake like I had slept for hours...I was able to fall back asleep, but I am just amazed that I wasn't drop dead exhausted yesterday afternoon and evening. What gives?

I think I need Jackie Warner of Thinintervention to come and push me till I drop because perhaps I am just not pushing myself... But if she does come I would really like her personal chef to come as well as the gay guy from the show...he's hilarious and I think we would get along remarkably well....

Jackie can you hear me!?!?!??

No Rest for the Wicked

As I have mentioned, yesterday was my first official day of my cleanse, including drinking an elixir last night that was a "blend to help remove toxins, nourish your body and help you feel your best. Each cleansing shot provides 5 grams of natural fiber...." So I was already for the cleanse drink to cramp me up, but no...nothing happened...except for the fact that I didn't sleep all night waiting for the cleanse to start...how slightly ridiculous is that? Finally at 12:30ish, I took the dogs outside to stretch out and hopefully relax myself.

On top of the cleanse I am slightly obsessed with the national problem of bed bugs. (Just ask my husband) So yesterday I did a full examination of our bed, bedding, etc. I vacuumed our mattress and threw stuff away that I thought had reached it's prime. So I ask you, why then, while trying to fall asleep last night did I feel like bugs were crawling all over me.

Perhaps all this cleansing is making me clinically crazy...just a thought....

First Day of Sorts

Even though today is Monday, it is my first day of sorts with my cleanse. I did eat anything I wanted on Saturday including Chipolte, yum! Sunday the hubby and I ate only really good detoxing stuff....then today...starts my shakes and crap from GNC.

Over the past several days I have done LOTS of research on cleansing which can range from the lemonade drink to how to remove drugs from your system. I ended up landing on a routine from GNC because it Incorporated both drinks and some food, which I thought was probably the least dramatic and most do-able. And if I am being completely honest...it also allows caffeine...which in my case is a D Coke....And if I am giving up sour patch kids, etc....I am going to need something.

So here goes nothing!!!!!

2PM Update: I could only stomach one shake today...but even with that, I am still not hungry. As Edward Cullen put it (yes, I am fully aware that this is a very sad reference for someone of my age) it's mind over matter!

Cleaning the Pipes

Thinking of doing a weekend cleanse on Saturday and Sunday. Am excited and nervous about this. Most nervous about giving up pop....most excited that I might feel better! Now I am evaluating which cleanse I want to do....

Don't All Boys Watch Football

I have some weekend updates.

• I didn't cook on Friday night, but instead we went to a cookout at my cousins. While this isn't as good for me as cooking and eating in, if you know me, you know I don't partake in picnic type food, so I ate very little....score!
• I had planned an amazing workout on Saturday during the Ohio State VS. Florida (I cannot remember the exact school that was played) game. I missed my normal morning class and was going to try to re-create it. I thought going during half time would be an amazing time because don't all boys watch football? It seems not....some meatheads go to the gym at same time and want to use my same equipment and I just didn't have the balls to get in the middle of it all. So my workout kind of sucked on Saturday, but made up for it a bit with Sunday's work out.
• I did have Chik a Filet on Saturday for lunch....and it was worth every minute of sin...it was delish!

But here we are at another week...And I have a new class this week on Tuesday, High Intensity Interval Training class...and yes, you should start praying for me right now....I'm nervous. I am praying that I do not puke or loose consciousness....only time will tell.

Weekend Wreckage

So I have admitted to the CaboRexia plan, but I have to admit to something else. Sometimes on Friday I loose control. I want to have Tim Horton's in the morning, out to lunch at lunch, and then the hubby and I usually go out to dinner and not organic salad dinner, more like pizza and breadsticks! And then I want cookies

But today I am going to break that trend...Now this is not to say that I don't want a donut more than life...but I need to make changes.

So today, I didn't stop by Tim Horton's on my low fly into work (HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT.) I went to fitness class at lunch instead of going to Nordstrom Cafe and trust me people, I DIDN'T want to go.

And tonight...I am cooking dinner.

Watch Out People....I am going to get skinny!

CaboRexia

I am currently on a self imposed CaboRexia plan....What's this you ask? Well my husband and I, along with another couple are headed to Cabo in May of next year....which I am totally pumped about. What I am not pumped about is my current body situation....it's not good people...So I have started on a CaboRexia plan...to work out at least 4 days a week, add running back into my routine, and generally eat like a freakin bird. It's the last part that is difficult for me...I love carbs and candy....and yes, I know that they are the same thing, but that is how much I love them.

So far this week, I have chronicled everything in a back to school assignment book. Which was a total score at Target for a mere $2.45. I ripped the "school schedule," section out and now it just looks like a date book.

Tonight's goal is to go to my Total Body class, that I have skipped for one reason or another the past 3 times. I am fully aware it's not going to get any easier to go back, so I should just bite the bullet.

I am also on the search for the best shoe for me as I cannot seem to locate one that doesn't kill my feet. I am liking the Reebok stability ball one for comfort only, am quite positive it's going to nothing for my butt and legs. More to come on that one.

Actually more to come on this whole Caborexia plan.

Victoria's got a secret

Victoria's Secret is sweet enough from time to time to send me coupons for free knickers. Usually I just score my plain black pair and dash out of the store happy to get something for "free."

But now Victoria has decided to take it another direction...they send me a coupon for a pair of knickers that only goes to size L. Size large, really? That was just a slap in the face Victoria....and I am not pleased.

I'm Back.....

I'm back...I have taken a brief hiatus...but I'm back!

Size 00

Dear Gap,

Size 00 isn't a size, it's a pipe dream...

Thanks,
Leslie

Return of the Macy's

I am returning the donut maker from Macy's...I think the thought of mini donuts and the pictures on the box are much nicer than the actually product produced.

Time to make the Donuts

So...I am totally into protein right now, but on my way home from work, I am stopping by Macy's and picking up a Bella Cucina Mini-Donut maker....it's on sale for $19.99 and I have a $25 reward thing.

I am so super excited. How fun is this going to be when I entertain. My favorite part of this is that Macy's tries to pimp this as a healthily choice because the donuts are baked, not fried. I am pretty sure the health thing will go out the door when I cover those little things in icing and chocolate...he! he!

Here's the link...since I couldn't get the picture to link.

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=470170&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

This is my happy face!

My BFFF often times is super thoughtful and be-gifts me books that she is either reading or has read and has found inspiring. Her most recent book gift is The Happiness Project by Gretcen Rubin. She actually gave it to me several months ago, but sometimes I have a hard time reading a book that isn't on my iPod...ha! ha!

So I just found out that I have my HS reunion in nearly 2 months and I have got to get my myself in shape both physically and mentally. So today marks a new day...super hardcore work-outs and major protein, with very little bread. And then finding the best me....and that is where this book comes in. Last night I sat on my front porch reading the book about how the author, Grethen, took a year of her life and tried to become a happier, fuller version of herself. To begin with, she was not unhappy (neither am I), but she wanted to appreciate and live her life fuller (which I should really try myself.)

Ironically I also got an email from one of my favorite stores, Anthropologie, pimping the same book. So I figure if my favorite girlfriend and my favorite store liked it, I am going to LOVE the book. Stay tuned!

Here we go....

What is Wrong with People?

I just read the most disturbing news article regarding a man in Ohio beating, kicking, and overall torturing cows at a cow farm. Then I also read a quick bio on a dog who's owner had tried to make it look like a pit bull by chopping it's ears off with scissors. Both of these pieces of news make me ill, they make me want to cry, and they make me angry for the animals that couldn't fight back.
I have to ask myself, what kind of person would do this to an animal...not a human, who might stand up to them, but an animal who can't reason and understand. Some really sick bastard. I oftentimes think people who do horrible things to animals are worse than people who hurt people.
I honestly have nothing more to say, I am so disgusted and embarrassed by what other humans do...

PS-To my husband who will no doubt read this and wonder if we are getting another dog...and we are not...but it was a Springer Spaniel and if we could....I would take it.

Betty Freaking Crocker

I have massively into baking lately....I have made caramels, biscotti, sweet berry bruschetta. I have made massive dinner for friends...and I love it. I have come a long way from my normal dinner of melba toast and peanut butter. I never thought I would ever cook, bake, etc. When getting married we registered for all these kitchen gifts and gadgets and my boss at the time laughed at me for registering for stuff I didn't know how to use or had the desire to learn to use.

So what changed? As my husband certainly didn't demand dinners, etc....I tell you what it was...Rachel Ray, Giada, and Ina....I figured I watched these women do it....why couldn't I?And what I found out was...I could do it. Recipes with pictures became my best friend in the kitchen.

Fast forward to the present...I love to entertain, especially with my own homemade delights. My hubby stands over me taking step by step pictures...in case I want to blog about it. Honestly...I will leave that to the professionals, or the people with at least more tenure behind them. But what I will do, is list some of the blogs I follow and give some awesome recipes:

http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/

http://ruminationavenue.wordpress.com/

http://confectionsofamasterbaker.blogspot.com/

http://heart-of-light.blogspot.com/

An Open Apology

This is an open apology to my husband.

For those of you who don't know my hubby....he's amazing...seriously, he is! In fact, I am fairly certain that my parents like him more than me. This man is patient, more kind than is necessary (unless you run over his privates with a paw while barking at loud volumes), and is getting funnier by the day. (important stuff to me)

But most of all he is helpful....so much more than many of my counterpart's hubbies...He always wants to help me...help me clean, help me cook, help me with my bra (yikes...I digress), help me plan for a big meeting at the office, help me with my outfit for a big event...you get the picture.
The dude is HELPFUL!

Here is the problem....I don't oftentimes ask for or accept his help...What can I say, I am my mother's daughter and we do things ourselves. This is no more evident than last night, when I was attempting to bake my own biscotti, hanging a "Happy Spring," banner I made, and boil water for flowering tea. I was on a chair hanging the banner chatting with the hubby about the banner when the tea pot started whistling....In an attempt to grab the tea pot I nearly killed myself jumping off the chair to get to the kitchen...the hubby caught me and looked me in the eyes and said, "you know I can help." Point well taken, but I still made a bee line for the tea pot.

But he is right...he can help...and for this I want to apologize...Honey...I know you can help and I will get better at asking for help. I swear...just stick with me. I mean, I did just email you asking you to pull my bike down and get some items out of the car for me before you left this afternoon...See I am asking for help....DON'T SCREW UP....

Throw me a LifeSaver Please...

You know the most difficult about this whole no sugar thing....sitting at my desk without a Lifesaver in my mouth....

Week and Half = Wall

I have no officially been without sugar for a little over a week now...this means no Laffy Taffy, no donuts (a MAJOR accomplishment), no cookies, no even little candies.

And I have now gotten to the point where I don't really crave stuff, which is awesome and I now have a bit more energy, but I did hit a wall yesterday. I was slightly upset about EVERYTHING. Now, I did have a stressful day at work, but in hindsight, nothing was really out of the ordinary. But for some reason yesterday nothing would satisfy me and everything made me sad or want to cry. And had I not read one of my favorite blogs a couple of days before this, I would have been really concerned. I mean I cried during Glee...I cried because I was the only person of my normal group at a large dinner, I cried because the new lampshade I bought for our new spa bathroom looked like crap. But it seems like I am not the only one that has hit this wall and by reading her blog it sounds like I will knock down the wall as quickly as I hit it! Yeah!!!

http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2010/4/19/sugar.html

DR. Do A Little Better

I had a routine DR's appointment today, but as I was going through the motions of the annual visit that there are just some items that could be improved upon:

1.) TV: I do not want to watch Robin Meade of CNN talk about health...over and over again. I have been coming to your office for 6 years and never once have I learned anything from these crappy health news...NEVER. Put some Regis and Kelly on or something entertaining. Or play chick flicks all day, as that is the only kind of clients you have...WOMEN!

2.) Magazines: It should really embarrass you that I bring my own magazines to your office. Buy some fun magazines from high school student trying to raise money. And then write them off as a cost of doing business. Come on dude...we know what you do for a living.

3.) Nurse Etiquette: I have never liked a single nurse you have had and I have never had the same one each year. Very interesting. The one I had today is not a keeper either...please let her know that most women would prefer to give a urine sample prior to getting weighed. And it is NEVER acceptable to say while weighing someone in front of your Pfizer rep, "well, you certainly don't look like you weigh that."

I believe that these small corrections could really enhance my scooting down experience!
Please take note....I'll see you in about a year.

Like Butter

Better eating+ at least one work out a day+ bike riding with the hubby=My body feeling like butter.

Pour Some Sugar on Me!

As mentioned in a post last week, I am starting this week by cutting sugar and over processed food out of my diet. Yesterday went so well. I drove a different way into the office, missing both Tim Horton's and Panera. This morning I took the same route and was having a great day. Even after my lunch walk/run when I was shaking and hungry I didn't cave!

But as the afternoon has gone by work has gotten rather stressful, people are pulling me in ALL directions except for the one I want to go in. And at this point all I want more than anything is a bag of skittles...useless, wasteful sugar candy. I haven't given in and I don't plan on it. But what it does show is that I totally depend on this crap for mood elevation. Grrr...I will not cave in!

But I really, really, really want some sour patch kids....

Buying is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

I like to look nice, I think I have expressed this several times on this blog. I don't like to spend much, but I do LOVE clothes. My passion is dresses....I love a dress because once you have the dress, you are basically done styling. Now there are accessories and shoes, but that is the fun part.

So today when I heard it was going to be 82 degrees, I was super pumped to pull out a cute LBD I had picked up at Ann Taylor off season for pennies on the dollar. This lovely little number has been in my closet for months, just itching to jump out and be paired with some adorable accessory and be shown off to the world.

The funny thing about my clothes is sometimes is when I think I look borderline amazing, no one says anything. Then when I think my clothes are ok, or if I have worn something a zillion times I get tons of compliments.

Today something totally crazy happened. I was standing in line at our work cafe ordering something I shouldn't have...when I heard these little squeals from behind me. I had NO idea what was going on, but I knew it had nothing to do with me.

UNTIL....the squeals kept getting louder and I felt a tap on the shoulder...."Girl...I just be loving that dress...where did you get that at...you look bad...."
There in front of me is a woman I have never spoken to before...gushing over how "bad," I look in my Ann Taylor LBD. This was all so flattering, I do love it when people like my clothes...it just makes me feel good.
I thanked the nice woman and went away to grab a drink.
Then I hear, "Hey...where did she go?"
Again, I can't imagine this comment is for me. Ahh...but it is...my squealing friend is back and this time this is the little nugget she drops on me, "I would buy that dress off of you. I mean it, if you want to sell it, I'll buy it. Remember me....I am the coffee lady."

And she was serious....she wanted to buy my dress. As with everything else that is taken to the next level these days...so is flattery....no longer can you just compliment....now you have to compliment and offer to buy!

One more thing...my admirer today was African American, which just makes me wonder when she says how "bad," I look in something...exactly how bodylicious do I look? Lord only knows....

30 Days

Currently my husband is involved with this concept of 30 days of biking. Basically what you do is bike at least a little bit every day for 30 days straight, no breaks. He then twitters about it and usually posts a picture.

I think this is an awesome concept. For 30 days at least do something small each day. And he is doing AWESOME! Some days he takes really long rides that would kill me, other days I tag along while alluding to how much my bike seat hurts my business center.

It occurred to me while I was talking to my BFFF the other day, that this 30 day concept could be beneficial on other levels. She is throwing herself back into working out and how awesome would it be if in the first 30 days she did something active EVERYDAY. Some days might be lighter than others, but in the end you are developing a habit...and that is the hard part. I haven't mentioned my epiphany to my BFFF yet...let's see how long it takes her to read my blog. ha! ha!

But I am going to follow my own advice. Since Sunday I have done something physical each day. I will continue to...even if it's only a 25 minute walk/run. Today it was a 45 minute Beach Body class at lunch where we used our own weight against ourselves...completely unfair for the fatties like me...

And as of next Sunday...I am starting a sugar free detox program. Stay tuned to make sure I don't loose my mind! Or kill anyone in the process.

Dramatic City

Last night I caught up on a couple of favorite TV shows:

• The Real Housewives of NYC
• High Society (which I don't endorse personally, but is hilarious to watch)
• Kendra on E!

Who would have guessed that the Real Housewives and High Society would have made Kendra the most normal show of the night. Even my hubby didn't remind me over and over again how much he dislikes her. Probably because he was about to crazy if he had to hear Jill Zarin and Bethany Frankkel (sp) cat fight anymore.

Tonight I plan on catching up on Gossip Girl. I didn't want to add that to the agenda for last night. I had two reasons for doing this, number one, I really do love my husband and I don't think he could have handled it. And number two, I don't think I could have handled my hubby walking around going, "I'm Chuck Bass...." Which he does throughout any and all episodes of Gossip Girl.

Bellatrix

This little nugget's name was going to Bellatrix and I would call her, "Belly," for short. My hubby and I try to keep all our animals named with a "B."

Currently we have :
Bailey, Bridget Jones, Buford, Bea, and Boster....how cute would Belly be??!?!

But sadly I was not able to bring my little goat baby home with me...mainly because my husband kept calling her a hooved beast....and he somehow thought that she would not fair well in our house?!?!?!

But in all seriousness, we went to my cousin's mini-farm like compound for Easter dinner and family time yesterday. It was an absolutely lovely day, the sun was shining, we had plenty to eat, and so much to be thankful for. This is our second year for this tradition and it seems to be going strong. And the entertainment for the day is Nigerian Dwarf Goats...they are little dairy goats that really don't get very big, hence the "dwarf," part of their name and have such strong little personalities...I love em!

Little Belly was only a week old and even though you can't tell very well, had the prettiest little blue eyes. She only had perfectly white little teeth on the bottom row and super long goat eyelashes.

I think I need to move out....

Happy Spring....Cleaning!

So I have a pretty exciting weekend planned....there will be some time with friends tomorrow night and family on Sunday for the Easter holiday. But what I am most excited about is SPRING CLEANING! Cleaning is my version of therapy. Many/most of my girlfriends have cleaning ladies and that is great. But I can absolutely get lost in cleaning and organizing my home. And then there is the rush when it's done and you can just sit back and look at how amazing the house looks!

And since most of my immediate family is coming over prior to Easter and will want a tour of my new Crafting Closet my amazing husband built, I have to have the house white glove ready.

So if my hubby reads this prior to me getting home tonight....consider yourself warned...I am going to be a lean mean cleaning machine this weekend! Watch out!

Excuses are Like Assholes

I swear...if Jesse James comes out and claims, "sex addiction," I will completely loose my shit. I do not understand this new trend with Hollywood men...sex addiction?!?!? Really??? It's called...keep it in your pants man and realize you are a married man...and if you don't want to be married...don't be...

Sorry...am just sick and tired of this crap hitting the news constantly...as a woman, much less a married woman, it's disgusting.

Ok...should probably step of my soapbox before someone pushes me!

I heart Target

I have a crush on Target....I love their clothes, their jewelry, their cosmetics, their home stuff, and their paper. I simply love walking around Target. I have been known to rock the Back Wall Crawl on a Saturday night while my hubby is home watching football.

For those of you not as well versed in the Target lingo. The Back Wall Crawl is covering the whole Target store hitting only the clearance end caps. During the Back Wall Crawl you will discover there are a lot of items you had no idea you wanted until they were marked with a little red sticker, showing a new lower price.

Currently I am really into Target for two lines:

1. Ocean themed jewelry


2. Merona Collection dresses

Both of these lines from Target are amazing and look and feel much more expensive than they really are. I am often stopped and asked where I get some of wardrobe, regardless if it's an accessory or dress. And 6 times out of 10, my items has come from Target.

There....the secret is out.

Fawesome

Fawesome= Eff'ing Awesome

To all my friends and family...this is a new word of my creation....I will be using it in everyday conversations...please make yourself familiar with it.

Thanks!

Happy St Patricks Day

Over the weekend, I was able to purchase my first pair of Emilio Pucci shoes. I am quite certain that they might be a season or two behind the current one, but this is the season I could afford and bring home to show my husband.

Needless to say, I was pretty excited to add them to my wardrobe. They are precious little suede flats with Pucci ribbon bowed on them. So cute and fairly comfortable for flats, which I find to never be that comfortable!

As I was planning my outfit for today last night...yep...I plan my outfits out the night before...I was showing my husband what shoes I was going to where....Ah...the new Pucci's....I told him,

"They are my green for tomorrow...Happy Valentine's Day MutherF'ers."

Oops! But instead of correcting myself I just walked out of the room. He knew what I meant.

Natural Talents

It's been said that we all have natural talents. Some of us as musical from the start without proper training. Some people are good with numbers from the start. I have decided that my natural talent is doing my own nails. I have had two mani/pedi's in the last week and a half. And after each time, I have been disappointed. When I do my nails they look a 1000 times better. So from this point further, I am refusing to pay for mani/pedi's.

To all my girlfriends that read this post, I love you and want to do girl time with you, but from this point forward there will be no more mani/pedi's for this girl. I am all for the spa...I will be super happy to head out for a massage or a facial with you...but no more waste of $50.

My girlfriends might be upset by this revelation, but my husband is jumping for joy...but don't worry honey, I will find something else to waste $50 on!

Dear John....

Here is my open letter to John Mayer, whom I say with my best friend on Friday night:

Dear John,

You talk entirely too much. I have coined a new phrase called, "Being a John Mayer." This means someone is being extremely dramatic and over the top.

There is no doubt you are talented. What I do doubt is your ability to shut up. I think Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Aniston would agree.

Love Ya, Mean It!

Love,
Leslie

Hey Bartender....

I just recently got back from a "business trip," that was held in Florida. Usually the trip, which I have been on 4 times now, is an amazing time with warm weather, sun, and relaxation. This year it was cold. 65 degrees with 25 mph winds.

So I spent quality amounts of time roaming around the resort and searching for Diet Coke. It completely annoys me when there is only Pepsi products available at a resort...freaking provide both if my room rate is $995/night....you can afford it!

As I was roaming the resort hallways I wondered into a coffee shop that had cans of D Coke for $2.95...and yeah...I bought two. As I was waiting in line, this 90 pound tan as a blackberry lady that might have been around 75 years old passed by me. The first thing that caught my attention was the fact that she only wore a sweatshirt and a black bikini bottom...keep in mind...she is 75 years old. She is so tan that her saggy little ass almost looks cute.

She passes by me and leans into the large fridge to grab out...and I am not kidding you....an Ensure enhanced calorie drink...and 2 cans of Miller Light. As she passes by me she says in the lowest, deepest, smokiest voice, "Excuse me."

I love this woman...she is my HERO!

Beer Cost, Champagne Look

Today I have on a dress that cost me $2.47...and I have to admit...I LOVE IT! It is basically a man's dress shirt print with a structured belt. The amazing little grey snake skin pumps I have on cost $15 at TJ Maxx. The completion of my outfit is a pair of earrings I got at New York & Co for $4.99. $22.46 for the entire outfit...and I have only told one person the true cost! I am getting better at not spilling my secrets.....

The Rachel Zoe of the Midwest

My husband often jokes that I am the Rachel Zoe of the Midwest. I take this as a HUGE compliment because I love the stylings of RZ and immensely enjoyed her show. I love to look for high end brands that compliment my Forever 21 accessories. I enjoy when people compliment me on an outfit that perhaps only cost me $25. I love to shop for clothing and accessories and nothing pleases me more than when I get something for 90% off. I mean people, I get seriously giddy!

I also have formed relationships with some of my favorite shop people around both Columbus and Lancaster. Sometimes they call me if something is on sale or marked lower. I also get giddy about customer service. I have been known to drop off sweets to one of my favorite cosmetics guy at CO Bigelow for being a "sweetie!"

So today, as my hubby and I were exchanging emails today I had to laugh out loud at this one:


Hey.. the mail just came & I'm curious... why does Nordstrom write you PERSONAL notes, now?? Should I be worried?

Love,
James

Part Time Lovers

I am currently listing to my iPod and right now Stevie Wonder's, "Part Time Lover," is playing.

I couldn't help but wonder if Tiger played this song for all his Ho's.

Sleeping Beauty

My hubby has gently made me aware of the fact that I might snore a bit. I am sure it is really more of a lady like snore than he has suggested. So I was thinking (being the amazing wife I am,) maybe I should try those nose strips that are supposed to alleviate snoring.

But then I became concerned that when pulling off the strips they would rip off my skin and in turn rip off my Victoria's Secret sunless face tanner. Well....that's a no-go....I do not work diligently to remember to slather myself nightly to have it ripped off in the morning.

Sorry honey....but it's probably separate bedrooms from here on out....But if it's any consolation, I will have a perfectly sun kissed face when you do see me....

Foul-Mouthed Flower

I firmly believe in having a solid night's sleep on Sunday. Too many times I have tossed and turned thinking about what the week has in store for me, or to do lists that I can do nothing about at 11:55 on Sunday night. Due to this I don't mess around on Sunday nights, I take meds that knock me out. What can I say, better living through modern chemistry!

So last night was no different, around 8:30 I took Mommy's little helpers as I like to call it. Around 9:30 I asked my hubby if he would like me to rub his back before I pass the f--- out. He tried to act surprised and appalled by use of colorful language....then he started dying laughing and said, "you have such a pretty mouth."

Skinny Latte = Skinny Me?

So my new obsession is the Skinny Vanilla Latte's at Starbucks. These amazing little drinks have only 90 calories and have captured my donut loving heart. I had one each day this weekend. I had one Friday night before hubby and I met my brother and his girlfriend for dinner....I knew I was in love then....
Saturday I slept in (which is pretty much my favorite thing next to donuts and shopping) and then the hubby and I went out for an errand run...and my first request was a stop at Starbucks for my new love.
Sunday I got up for my Hip Hop class (which I totally loved as well-Drop a beat!) and afterwards swung by Starbucks for my 90 calorie cup of heaven.
Monday rolls around and of course, I want some heaven to start my rainy week off, but I also want to be on time for work....which rarely happens these days. And I want to have a good hair day...I hadn't washed my hair all weekend in preparation for today and having an amazing hair day....

Then the alarm went off this morning and like a bad girl...I hit snooze...A LOT! So much so, that my hair is a complete floppy mess, my make up looks pretty blotchy, and I am not at all together...but I did have a Skinny Vanilla Latte....YUM!

Obviously I am going to have to work on my morning routine, if I want to include the latte!

Joan Jett Part Deux

So I need my haircut and since everyone except the President of the United States has told me my new haircut is amazing...I will continue to have it cut like this.

My mother is going to be insanely happy.....

Donuts are the new herion.....

In case I haven't blogged about it....and I know I haven't....I am trying to be a healthier person and quite frankly, it doesn't come easily to me. I am currently taking 6-7 group fitness classes a week and trying to curb my eating habits to only eat good things for my body. When I proudly announced to my hubby yesterday that I only ate 1 donut this past week, he looked at me and said, "how many had you been eating?"

The answer is around 4....And I don't think I had mentioned the addiction to the donuts to him...only my best friend. Drat I really need to think before I speak....I remember my mom always warning me about something like that...but I usually half listen...

Not that far gone....

Even though I think Russell Brand is good looking via picture...Pictures do nothing for Jon Gossling...he still grosses me out...What a tool! I used to kind of feel sorry for him and the way Kate berated him, but now after he has been allowed to function on his own, it is blatantly evident, he is a complete D-bag.

I think I have a screw loose...

I don't know why....but as far as British mean, I find Russel Brand attractive...I have no idea why, because when he hosted the MTV Movie Awards (yeah-I watch it...) I wanted to drop kick Mr Brand into 2011, but in pictures there is just something about him. It is way too soon for me to give my blessing on the marriage between he and Ms Cherry Flavored Chapstick. But I do see what she sees in him.....

Not sure how my hubby will feel about this, as I have yet to discuss this with him...stay tuned and I will let you know how the uncomfortable conversation goes...

I love rock and roll....

Why is it that everyone I know or meet compliments me on my hideous new Joan Jett meets the Pretenders lead singer who's name I can't spell, or even remember hair cut? My hair cut is hideous...I have crazy ass layers and horrible 80's bangs....I am beginning to think that I must have looked really horrible prior to this to incite such a ridiculous riot....