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...