VICTORY

In case you feel a bit of chill in the air this afternoon it may just be because Hell froze over a little today. I, Kelly, tried on a pair of skinny jeans and they actually fit! In fact, they fit so well that I went down a size! Did I buy these jeans? Sadly, no as a skinny jean just does not look best on my 'shape'. I did, however, buy 2 new pairs of dark wash jeans in a size 6!!! WOOOO-HOOOOOOOO!!! I was so proud of myself that I even shared my excitement with the sales lady at Gap today. A big congratulations came my way from behind the cash wrap.

When I began this blog my goal was to wear leggings with boots zipped up over them. Oh how I prayed all summer that leggings would still be in this season so that I could partake in fun fashion as all my friends do. Well, sure enough Kohl's had a huge selection for me to choose from. But, let's start with the boots...

When I was home in Roanoke in august (i'm actually from salem) I went to Yarid's to find a pair of fun heels for a party I was attending. As I walked in, there was a fabulous pair of everyday boots in black and brown, low heel and zipped to the knee. I got the courage to try them on. I just didn't know if I was ready -- had I exercised enough to lose the dreaded cankles? Would they zip up past my mid-calf?

The sales gal, Kelly, brought them out to me and I slowly put my foot in. I took a deep breath and in one smooth swoop I zipped them up! (if i could suck in my calves i would have, but i didn't need to) I let out a victory squeal, and my sister-in-law, Astrid cheered me on. We had the staff at Yarid's celebrating and laughing with us!

Now for the true test.. would they fit over leggings? The answer is.... YES THEY DO!!! And, I have to say the 'look' doesn't look half bad. I am now in search for a stirrup. Such a shame that I didn't save mine from 6th and 7th grade (sigh).

I'm happy to report that I met my goal, but more importantly I feel great! I'm still doing the yoga and it has done wonders for my body and my soul. My family and I are moving into a new home next week and we're making tons of new friends. I've started selling the jewelry line, Stella and Dot. I'm sure you'll be hearing more about that from me in the near future.

Tomorrow is my birthday and I will be celebrating by prancing my size 6 (long and lean style) tooshie all over NYC with family and friends. I do still plan on enjoying a yellow cupcake with chocolate icing, because, for heaven sakes, I've haven't totally lost my mind!

Success!

The diet was a success as was the hot yoga. I didn't have time to write at the beginning of the week when the 'diet' officially ended, but it really didn't end, at all. I really enjoyed the way I was eating and the things that I made, so I just kept going. (i did add back in some wine, though)

drum roll please........ I LOST 4 POUNDS in the 10 days and more keep coming off!

Hot Yoga has been beyond fabulous for me. In a short amount of time it has begun to transform parts of my body and it has done wonders for my nerves. I had to step out of my sweet little comfort zone, but I'm glad I did. If you have this in your town I highly recommend you trying it out. Usually, these places have some sort of trial period, which is great to take advantage of. On the last day of my 14 day trial I purchased the 10 class card. I never, ever thought this would happen! Give it a try! Did I mention that I now lose a pound when I take a class and I manage to keep it off. Gotta love losing the water weight :)

Have a great weekend!

Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot!

Shew-weeee, that Hot Yoga is something else! I stepped out of my comfort zone yesterday to try something a little different. Usually, I like the fast paced classes (kick-boxing and bodypump used to be 2 of my favs), but I was intrigued not only by the slow movement of yoga, but doing it in a 90 degree room. I mean, who doesn't want the look of Madonna's arms or Jennifer Aniston's legs. I'm not sure if they do the hot version, but they are always singing the praises of yoga, so why not try it?

I took my booty over to Bhuddi Mat, http://www.buddhimatyoga.com/, here in Ridgefield yesterday. From the get-go it was a peaceful, calm, informative experience. The gal behind the counter checking me in looked fabulous, so now I have high hopes!

Into class I go. I calmly laid down my mat on the designated area and sat down to start getting my breath on track in this rather warm room. Cozy and comfy - I could have napped right there and then. Watch out! In comes Miss California Perfection (tan and toned) and chooses the spot next to mine. Oh God, NO! I now know that I will be comparing myself to her all class; after all, it's what I do best!

We begin. It takes me all of maybe 2 minutes before I start seriously sweating. I look around and no one else seems to be fazed by the heat. I figure they'll catch up later, but oh no, I do believe I'm the ONLY one turning into a puddle by minute 7! I would usually laugh this off, but if I even begin the slightest giggle I know that it will turn into crazy laughing while everyone is calm, COOL, and collected. I decide to just keep my nervous giggles inside, besides I'm not too hot and sweaty to think straight.

Of course, I look over at the true yogi next to me. Again, perfection. Each movement flows seamlessly into the next and still she looks as if she's floating through a 65 degree room. Me, I'm so wet that I almost break an ankle as it slips from underneath me as I get into downward dog, warrior, or second warrior - Whatever those positions are!

An hour and 15 mins. later I'm resting peacefully on my back as the instructor speaks slowly and peacefully to us. She sends us well-wishes as we continue our day, and you know I love the Namaste part - such a lovely greeting! Wonder if it would be too weird if I went around greeting others in public that way (hands folded and head bowed)? I just love it!

I pick my puddle-self up and head out into the heat of the midday sun. I return home to my 2 year old who has now had two potty accidents with the sitter. Usually, this makes me start to get worked up inside (why can't he just go potty in a public restroom??!), but I just shrug my shoulders and say, "oh, well. we'll do better this afternoon". Whoa - who is that talking?? Throughout the day this gal stayed with me - calm, collected, and now cool! Even C. noticed my happy demeanor when he got home.

This morning I woke up feeling tight and slightly sore. I love that feeling you get after you know you've had a great work-out!

Will I be going back? Yes, I will (with more towels in hand)! In about an hour and a half I get a good work-out and a calming sense which = happy, healthy mommy! I also hope to see Miss California again. She can bend and twist herself into some pretty awesome positions. If I can learn something from her then hubby could be quite happy! ;)

whoops

Oops - I slid off after a crazy day! Just a minor slip and nothing too major. I had a glass of wine - YIKES! O tested me all day with all of his 2 year old tricks, and boy, does he have a ton of them.

This child speaks in full sentences and paragraphs, and he knows what buttons to push (of course he does, we're so much alike) It was one of those, "No", "Please don't do that", "That makes mommy sad", "Stop" days that turns into "STOP DOING THAT", "I TOLD YOU NOT TO", "AAARRRGGGHHHHH", "DAMN IT!". I know the last one is going to come back at me soon. Yes, ladies, I lost it by the end of the day. By 7:30ish or so I was in full-on tear mode and that glass of red wine was all I wanted. I convinced myself that I, after all that, deserved it. Hubby did not even try to disagree with me.

I did however do great on the food! Last night's dinner was grilled shrimp tossed in a 'salad' of uncle ben's whole grain brown rice, cucumber, scallions, and a bit of feta dressed in 2 Tbsp. of olive oil and 1Tbsp of lemon juice (and maybe just a tad bit more of lemon juice). Delish and light - right on track. And, I was just too darn tired to even want something sweet.

Up again this a.m. to the oatmeal and off to try hot yoga. I wanted to go a few weeks ago, but didn't get to make it to class because of looking at a home to buy. Nothing should get in my way today.

Day 2

Day 2 (full day) of the extreme diet begins now and all seems to be going okay. I started this on Monday afternoon, and C and I have been enjoying some tasty meals. The best part is I'm never hungry. The last 2 mornings I have started off with egg whites and spinach (today i added lean turkey sausage) scramble. After that I have my 1/3 cup of oatmeal. Unfortunately, yesterday was a dreaded 4 hour day at the DMV. Thank goodness I did have some trail mix with me to hold me over since it was clear I was not getting out for lunch. Even though trail mix is not on the diet I figured that was a better choice than rading the junk food kiosk, or having my head spin around from the rage I was feeling toward the DMV employees, who all seemed like complete idiots yesterday. (do i seem a tad irritated about that part of my day yesterday - YES, I DO!)

Dinners have been great, as well. The first night I made a layered 'salad' of organic baby greens, brown rice, veggies (edamame, corn, turnips, and red peppers) and chopped chicken breast. I ate this again for dinner last night at 4:30 when I arrived home from that dreaded DMV and had a bowl of oatmeal at 7:00. The one great time saver is the packets of whole grain brown rice from Uncle Ben's that take 90 seconds to cook!

Heading to the grocery now to pick up tonight's dinner. Shrimp, veggies, and rice. Also need to pick up the protein powder.

Exercise is going great, too. Tons of energy lately, which is why I took one this challenge in the first place.

Once I feel in control of my body, mind, and health I shall tackle getting control of a two year old. So far that's the biggest challege of all. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. This particular 2 year old does not want to share, listen, or follow directions. He is, however, dear and sweet at the end of a long day!

Going to do something CRAZY

This is CRAZY, but I really want to try it for at least 2 weeks. I will give myself the weekends off (but not crazy off). Weekends are my time with my hubby to feel great and have fun, so we can't go completely mad over my next move...

I'm going to try an extreme (for me) diet. It's pretty restrictive, but quite successful, or so I've heard. I'm not only doing this to see what it does for my body, but also my mind. It's going to take some serious willpower on my part. Goodbye to my dear friends, Pinot Grigio and Sauvingon Blanc. Don't you worry, girls I will return after this is over.

I asked Teke, from SpaFit, to send along a suggestion of a diet that produces results and is on the extreme side. Teke knows my personality, so she knows she has sent me something a tad more than difficult to help me along with my project. Let's see where it takes me. Again, this is only for 10 days. I just wanted to shake up my new life up here in the northeast a bit. I'm going to try this and see what sticks afterwards.

Here is the list that Teke sent me this morning...

1/3c oatmeal,1egg w/3whites,3oz of meat

2scoops ump

1/2c brown rice or sweet potato,5oz lean meat,1c veggies

2scoop ump

6oz lean meat,1c veggies,1c salad w o&v

1scoop ump or 6egg whites w1c veggies

The crazier it gets, the thinner I get

It's happening! I'm losing the weight, and yes, my mind is going right along with it! We've now uprooted ourselves and settled into a darling New England town in CT. This little place looks like something right out of a movie -- you know, sort of Stepmom with Julia Roberts. Truly, an ideal place to live.

But, alas, we are not in that beautiful home Susan Sarandon lived in with the massive wrap around porch. We are in a 3 bedroom apartment while we still look for that perfect home. Yes ma'am, Me, C, two boys, and a dog all in a apartment on the third floor (thank heavens we do have an elevator). I'm pretty certain that just getting out of the apartment with the boys and a stroller to get into the car each day, a few times a day is one reason the weight is coming off, so I'm certainly not complaining about that. What I do hate is not having a yard that our dog and boys can just go run and play. A kiddie pool would be nice too, as it's turned pretty toasty up here.

Why not go to the local pool you may ask? Well, as soon as we got settled O broke out in a contagious skin disease that is pretty common in little fellas his age. Needless to say, I do not want to be that mother whose kid gave it to every one else, and the pool is the easiest place for it to spread. That would just be a grand way to make new friends! Poor little guy had to have them frozen off, which didn't hurt, but the aftermath is just awful. It just looks like the WORST case of chicken pox you have ever seen. And, I just would like to know how you keep a 2 year-old from scratching??!!

B usually rolls with the punches. He hasn't shown any signs of getting this skin rash from his big bro, but his daily dilemmas usually involve screaming from teething. He's learned to stand and is trying to get those feet moving as he pulls around his crib. I'm sure he'll be off and running in no time, which only means more craziness going on. Wouldn't have it any other way!

Yes, we have all kinds of daily ups and downs, and we certainly miss our family and friends in VA. It should be fun to see how this plays out. When I go home to visit at the end of the summer I may be a bit smaller, but A LOT crazier! Aaah, good thing I'm off to try hot yoga today at 11:00. We'll see if that one calms me down and puts me into a balanced state. If nothing else I'll at least get an 1.25 hours of peace and quiet while I sweat the weight off. I'll let you know how it works...

Jeans!!

I wish I looked GREAT in jeans. No matter how much I lose this just has never seemed to happen. Secretly, I want to look like Gisele in jeans (ha!). You know, those types of girls that have long, lean legs that seem to go forever that look good in no matter what type or color jean they wear.

Also, I saw my friend, Jennie, try on a great pair this past summer. She came out of the dressing room looking even more fabulous than she already did going in, and let me tell you this gal ALWAYS looks fabulous. Jennie's got that darling fit body that we all would love to have, and she has a booty to die for. Everyone would love to have and should have a friend like Jennie. She's as pretty on the inside as she is on the outside. So, no, you don't feel the slight bit jealous her jeans are better than yours. The Jennie's of this world make you feel fabulous no matter your size. Lucky Me!!

Yep, that's what I wish for - a pair of jeans that makes me look thinner and more fabulous instead of sausage casing. Aaah, back to reality now..

Here is my most recent jean experience. I actually fit into a size 8 and they were a size 8 that I owned before getting pregnant with B. This is a slight victory on my way back to getting petite once again. Now, let me be honest in what kind of size 8 we're talking about here. I do not buy designer jeans - not yet, anyways. Lord, I don't think they make a size big enough in those that would fit over my knee. No, I headed to the Gap where most often I'm pleased enough with the styles and fit they have to offer.

Okay, so here's what they are for those of you that are in my boat. They are the Essential jean, and yes, they are ESSENTIALLY a mom jean. I know, I know - GASP! But, they are a size 8 and I'm going to celebrate my little victory for a just a few more weeks before I plan on squeezing myself into a more chic style. Hooray - I'm in single digits again! They do sit right below the waist and that's okay, isn't it??

I'm just patting myself on the back for not listening to my mother about jean buying. She told me I needed to try a brand called "Not your Daughter's" jean. "Come on now, Mom, I AM YOUR DAUGHTER!!!". On principle alone I shall not be taking them into any dressing room anytime soon. I don't care how great they would make my toosh look. One must have some sort of standards.

Hopefully soon I will be writing again about how I'm wearing a size 6 (or the european equivalent) in some great designer pair, but for now I'll be strutting my size 8 'mom' booty around in my size 8's.

Positive Thinking

Oh, it has been so long since I've had a chance to sit and write. So much going on here in my house and life.

Well, Feb 5th has come and gone, and, no, I do not have my spray tan. I was doing so great with my work-outs and then I got the stomach flu (YUCK). Then, I had to head to NYC for the Gift Show and to CT for some house hunting. THEN, I came home to snow, snow, and more snow! Over it! Back on track now and hope to be getting that tan by Friday afternoon before an event on Sat.

I've decided to really concentrate on positive thinking for the next few weeks. My brother's wedding is coming up and, hooray for me, I found a great dress - Thank you BCBG for designing something elegant, fun, and beautiful for us post-preggers. Now, onto fixing the mindset to feeling beautiful.

#1 - Because I'm at home with 2 little boys and because I try to keep up with my business that is in another town, (yes, i used to have quite a hip, successfully full-filling life owning a gift and home accessories boutique) I don't seem to have time to blow dry my hair. Hey, at least i get a shower most days.

Anyways, my positive thought is that I have the most healthy hair I've ever had - maybe even better than when i was a little girl! Thank you Pantene Pro-V for helping me accomplish this and to Jeanie at Onyx in Salem for keeping it looking good. Yes, most days I look like wreck with my hair in headband and scrunchie - yep, a scrunchie. We certainly wouldn't want to break these new-found luscious locks with an elastic.

#2 - I don't really have a #2 yet, but I will come up with one soon.

Thankfully, I have 3 fabulous men who help me feel beautiful every day. C always tells me I'm beautiful, and O tells me he loves me "with his heart", and B just bursts into smiles every time I look at him. I'm certain that these are the only things that should matter, but if they were the ONLY things then I wouldn't be writing this blog in the first place.

Ladies, you understand, we must dig deep inside ourselves to feel strong, beautiful, smart and downright fabulous, but let's just face it, a great pair of jeans or a LBD, a great lipstick shade, drop earrings, and a dynamite pair of heels doesn't hurt either. Oh, and great hair :)!

one week down

Finished one week of my four days, 45 minutes of work-outs and I feel GREAT. Back to jogging once again! I've also stuck with the Jenny Craig plan but with some of my own little changes. I went down to the 1200 calorie meal (i was on the 1500) and I decided it was not crucial for me to have one of their meals at EVERY meal. That is just way too much processed food for me. I use their food for 2 meals and then fix my own 3rd meal. I will say if you're needing a jump start this gal Jenny knows what she's talking about. Looking forward to monday to see if I've lost anything.

Now, onto something much more important than the size of my waist, thighs, and rump. Did you see the Hope for Haiti Now program last night? It was fantastic! All the stars came out for a wonderful cause. The outpouring of care, love, and donations was amazing. As I was watching I thought to myself that it would be so awesome (there is no better word I could think of) if we all felt this way ALL the time. Yes, we need to help these people in their time of need and we truly want to help. These people need food, water, and medical care and I'm proud that our country is rallying together to get it to them. I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if we kept this feeling in our heart and let it lead our minds when making important decisions for our own country and fellow citizens. Just a thought...

Win a Prize

Ugh - it was measurement day today. Talk about a real downer it can be. I've worked so hard this past week on watching what I eat and working-out each day. I know it's going to take more than a week, but I'm ready to be back to my old size 2 self (like yesterday). I know that J. Crew is going to be coming out with some cute clothes soon and I do LOVE spring fashions.

I'm trying to get ready for my brother's wedding at the end of February. I have my eye on a lovely BCBG black strapless dress. I picture myself looking stylish, confident, and downright elegant while toasting him and his beautiful bride. The wedding is in Panama - bring on the hot weather. Wooo-Hoooo!

I'm the kind of gal who loves incentives. Aaaah, a prize to keep me going. This worked in the past. I once wanted to lose 10 pounds. I made a deal with my then boyfriend that if I worked out 4 days a week, 45 minutes, for a least 4 months I would win a trip to Paris. He was not a huge fan of this, but I begged for him to agree. I needed a reward at the end of the tunnel. Of course I stayed on track and looked fabu when I landed in gay Paris. I have to say I looked and felt more than fantastic when he proposed at the Sacre Couer!

Okay, I won't be negotiating any trips abroad anytime soon with the current economy, but I can look forward to the 'little' luxuries that I try to find along the way. I just love a spray tan - YES I DO! Here's my next game I shall play. I will go back to my old 4 day, 45 minute routine (these must be hard-core, result-producing work-outs) for 3 weeks. At the end of those 3 weeks (friday, feb 5th) I will treat myself to a little color. Spray booth here I come again, old friend!

I'll have to come up with a list of some other fun 'prizes' (manis, pedis, facial, etc) If you read this and if you care to send along some other suggestions I would love to hear them.

You may have noticed that it is Friday night and it does happen to be 8:00. What in the world is this lovely lady blogging away for when she could be out on the town celebrating with friends? Well, I had a very important date night with my 2 year old, O. this evening. Nothing could be better than pizza (2 slices) and Finding Nemo with a great guy!

I called Jenny

I did it - I called on her. I kept hearing Valerie ask me if I had called Jenny so I decided to give it a go. Yes, it seems quite expensive, but then again so are all the meals and cocktails I have when going out.

Today was my first day and I have to say it was very easy and tasty. I knew the meals were good because I would always steal my aunt's meals when she was visiting. It seemed as if I was always eating throughout the day, which of course, kept me feeling full (just like they said it would).

Today's menu was lovely except for the dinner which was spaghetti and meatballs (not bad, just not my fav). Lunch was a delish turkey burger. My evening snack was just divine - 2 cinnamon twists. And, I got to eat a lot more than that today!

Now, I don't want to be a slave to the food. I enjoy cooking and eating but I just need this jumpstart to get me going again. We'll see if it works...

Tuesday night is Biggest Loser - Hooray! I do love this show.

I used to love Sunday

Sundays used to be so fabulous. C and I would wake up, make breakfast, read the NY Times (Sunday Style for me), and watch Meet the Press and/or the Food Network. Take a walk or enjoy the day in the yard (we used to rent a house on someone's estate) I'd nap in the early afternoon and wake up to get started on a great sunday night dinner. Aaah, those were the days.

Sun. Jan 10th - Wake up at 6 to feed B. O up at 7:30. Get those two ready to head out to Anthony's for what can be a typical, greasy breakfast but has now changed to egg white omelet and whole wheat toast. Come home, change babies, play with Thomas the train, look for real estate online, head to the gym for Pump (O and B in tow for the childcare), head home for lunch, naps, playtime, dinner, movie time, feedings, prayers, and bedtime. Throw in quite a few poops, spit-ups, and meltdowns.

My hat goes off to all those who are single parents - you deserve a gold medal. C comes home on Friday and I'm dying to see him. I've always known he's a huge help, but now I REALLY know just how wonderfully helpful he is each day. Yes, I'm one spoiled wife and mama. My hubby does the laundry and cleans the kitchen, and when he cooks he's a culinary genius. He does the ironing and vacuums! Jealous yet?? Have I ever mentioned how hot he is on top of everything else?!

This past week was a busy one in the 'getting back to sexy' department. I tackled Body Pump, Pilates, harder cardio workouts, and sessions with Teke and Heather at SpaFit. One of my main inspirations is back on t.v once again. I just LOVE the Biggest Loser! I look forward to the end of each show when you see how the cast-off member has changed their life once they got home. I find myself saying, "well, if they can do it..." Tuesday nights are great kick-offs to Wednesday workouts.

Sunday night is coming to an end. O got out of his bath tonight, got bundled up in a big fluffy towel, and we were hugging and looking at ourselves in the mirror. He looked right at my reflection and said, "i love you, mommy". We've watched Mary Poppins - he thinks she's pretty. B is about to take his last bottle. He'll fall asleep before 10 and wake up at around 6ish (another one of my blessings)

I used to love Sundays, and I love them even more now!!

I ventured back to body pump today. This used to be my favorite class when I lived in the heavenly city of cville. I'm praying it does for me now what it did for me then - give me great arms and abs. This go 'round I would love for it to give me pretty nice legs, too.

I squatted, lunged, curled, and crunched my way through the class. I'm sure it's starting to work its charm already seeing as how I can barely sit. Shoo, my thighs are screaming! I like to tell myself that my muscles are saying, "Hey Girl, thanks for inviting us back to the party". I'm going to keep telling myself this until they start to take shape once again. Please Lord, let chic riding boots over leggings be in style in next fall so that I may participate, too.

It's a good thing I had a great workout today, because this evening both O and B were handfuls. I almost thought I was going to lose my mind until O grabbed me rather hard by the cheeks and planted one on me telling me "i wug you, mommy", and B feel sound asleep all snuggled up with me on the sofa.

C starts his new job tomorrow. He's up in NY and I'm still in VA. We are all really excited for him, miss him madly, and can't wait to see him in a couple of weeks. Until then I'm going to keep squatting, lunging, curling, and crunching!

Trying to lose the weight, but not my mind!

Losing the baby weight was my New Year's Resolution last year (Jan 1 2009). I had given birth to O. in Nov. of 2008 and just couldn't seem to shed those pounds. I resolved to 'get my sexy back'! My husband, C, was thrilled. He suggested I begin with new panties - get rid of the post pregnancy granny panties. Good idea! I also started listening to the teenybopper radio station so that I was up on all the latest, hot songs. One must stay current! And, of course, I started working out - HARD! This was not too awfully difficult as I like to be active and work out. I just needed to set a schedule and give it priority in my life once again. Done!

I started going to the local YMCA (good daycare for O) and I went twice a week to a trainer. Teke at SpaFit has been a huge help and I started seeing results.

I started to feel fantastic again - almost fabulous and even a bit sexy. I did it! I was getting my sexy back. This plan was actually working. It actually worked so well that low and behold I got pregnant again - SURPRISE!

B was born in Oct 2009

So, here we are, January 2010 and we need to get back on track. I am armed with various health/fitness and fashion magazines, the YMCA bodypump and pilates schedule, Teke at SpaFit, and supportive friends and family. Here we go...