The bully

Are you a bully?
Find out here.

I've been working on this for a while now but I love the twist to this. It helps me feel even more confident in only saying the positive about myself and my body. Kinda goes a long with one of the articles you shared that talks about only saying good things about yourself to others. Well, this is only saying good things about yourself to anyone and everyone, period.
We still need to be aware of what can and needs to be improved upon and working towards bettering ourselves yes, but no more damaging words or thoughts.

Body Type

I was wondering if I could change the fact that my hips and butt are so much smaller and my shoulders and stomach are so much bigger.  I used to think that I couldn't, but there are some tips on this site that helped me.  I'm not sure if I'm an apple or athletic. I think when I'm fit, I'm athletic, but being overweight has made me more of an apple.  What do you think?

I'm positive you are an hourglass.  But I know your butt genes came from the same place as mine.  I've been unintentionally following that site's advice by doing more lunges and squats just because they're my favorite, but I do need to do more pilates.

I also want to try the tip at the end called stomach vacuum.  I'll let you know if I get any results.

More than just a calorie counter

Just discovered the ultimate way to keep track of EVERYTHING!

I've used this the past few days and although I don't think it's 100% accurate, it's amazingly helpful in keeping daily track of how much of your vitamins, protein, calories, sodium, etc, you've consumed, how much more you need and whether or not you've eaten too much of it. It also keeps track of your exercise and your water intake. There's also lots of different charts to view your weight progress, your daily and weekly food intake, your exercise and it even grades you on what you ate for the day. So far I'm getting an 'A' for today! Yesterday I got a 'B+' and the day before was a 'B-". So, see? I'm making progress! Go me! Check it out here! You'll have to sign up (give your name and email address) Let me know what ya think!

A reward, report and resolution

Rewards:
So, since I've reached my nutrition goal, I've ordered season 1 of the Cosby Show to watch with my family.  My love language is quality time and this, combined with my weekend walks, will be just the ticket.

I've also reached my exercise goal and that earned me some P!nk :)

I also reached my first milestone of weighing less than 180, so I will be rewarded with some nike shoes for exercising and such!  YAY for rewards!  I was concerned about this costing too much, but the benefits are going to save me money in the long run.  If I say no to overeating, that's more money in the pantry and if I say yes to exercise and healthy eating that's more money in the bank that isn't spent on doctors later.  Fair enough, I guess.

Report:
I've been feeling great about it so far.  I admit that it is hard to avoid snacking too often.  I get pretty hungry sometimes.  A v8 or a glass of water really helps.  I also noticed I'm going a little faster than I planned, so I can afford to add a couple more snacks if I choose.  But I don't expect to continue to lose weight easily.  I'm sure that as the weight comes off, there will be less of me to move and I'll need to add weights to get the same benefits, so I'm sure there will be weeks when it goes really slow.

But all in all, it feels good to literally jump out of bed in the morning.  I have more stamina and interest in physical activity like playing with my kids.  Not where I want to end up, but I'm getting there.

When I start to get negative, I stare at the mirror and say, "You're heading in the right direction!  I'm proud of you!  You're making the right choices and making progress!"  It has really helped!

I took some "before" pictures.  I'm nervous about posting my bra and underwear-clad self online, but I think it'll give me extra motivation. Look for it on my diary.

Resolution:
I LOVED my book, the Skinny Budget Diet!  It was a good push in the right direction.  At the end of the book, she says to make a TOP TEN list for your bucket list.  I have some items on my bucket list like, "Become more thoughtful ..." "Get published"
That will have to be a separate bucket list.  This one will be more geared toward my physical strength.

1: Help build my own home without breaking down.
2: Be ready to make choices about future children by this time next year.
3: Spend a summer swimming regularly with the kids without shame.  Gotta go to the ocean!  Kids have never been.  I would love to take them and my husband!
4: Fit into wedding dress (there is a special plan for this. none of your beeswax- tee hee) and get a weekend away with Matt.
5: Run a mile in less than 13 minutes.
6: Take my kids to Silver Dollar City with NO pain!
7: Go horseback riding.
8: Teach pilates/ballet to my daughter and nieces.
9: Learn the Tango.  Dance fearlessly!
10: One word Disneyland!

A reward-week 1-3

Good job sis on making sure you're at least doing some kind of workout!
Here's a list of Clothing Staples Every Woman Should Have-Must haves for Miriam
Have fun digging through your closet to see what you already have and then making a list of the items you need.
Been wanting some scarves to dress things up but want to save? Here's how to make an amazing scarf from one of Matt's old T's. So easy and so cute!
I LOVE scarves, jackets, cardigans, tank tops and jewelry. These things take a basic T-shirt from drab to fab. Enjoy! ....I can't believe I just used the drab/fab statement. I'm going to go hang my head in shame now.

Coconut Oil

Remember when I was researching about coconut oil and was trying to decide whether or not it was worth all of the hype? This article is what got me to try it. And this one did too, it's about the oil pulling and cavity healing. Hope this helps you in your decision and gives you some more insight.

Post-Workout Meals

After exercising today, I was looking for some ideas as to what would be best to feed my body. I had learned in my Krav Maga classes that a glass of chocolate milk is really good, but after having it a lot for an after workout meal, I was kinda hankering for something different.  Here is a link to some awesome ideas. I'm totally craving that yogurt and banana smoothie! Can't wait to try it.

I also found some really good reminders and advice from a sports dietitian Christine Rosenbloom here. It's kinda nice to know exactly what my body needs and what will build it, instead of just fill it. There's an awesome tip about how much fat your body actually burns during a workout and how much your body stores. I'll push myself a bit harder for more exercise now AND I'm glad to have the knowledge of how little is actually burned which is going to keep me from binging...too often. ;) Then again...my boobs need to be fed once in a while, right? If only I could give my body the memo not the take the calories from there. *sigh*

Healthy Breakfast and snack options. I've seen alot of people recommend the peanut butter/almond butter packs.

I LOVE the omelet!  Not JUST for breakfast! I have a bunch of cast iron skillets so I could do this.

Another one that I've been using that has kept me from feeling hungry is this girl's protein oatmeal.  I already had the protein powder, so it works great!:

Also some healthy snack options from stuff you probably already have in your fridge and pantry:

P.S. I LOVE hummus, but I'm going to try the crunchy garbanzo beans next

Personal Calorie Calculator

After calorie counting the veggies and fruit I had for breakfast and a snack, I started to freak. Do you know how many calories are in an avocado?! So anyways, I found a link here that will help you calculate from your age, height and current weight and the weight you should be and help you figure out how many calories you should be eating. As the website stated- These results and calculations will then help you determine the calorie count you need to maintain your current weight with or without exercise or to achieve your goal weight in a healthy and steady manner. It will also show you the amount of carbs, fats and proteins your body does need, thus finding the healthy balance in all things for your body.
Then if you go to this link , you'll see all of the carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals that each fruit and veggie have and you can see all of the good nutrients you're eating and see if you're getting your daily carbs, fats and protein needs as well.
I was happy to find that I was SO very far from eating even close to what I needed in calories and doing well in the carbs and fats department.
 I knew avocados were high in calories but was confused cause they're so very good for you too. Now, no worries.No more confusion as to the good carbs and fats.  I've got this!
Awesome, yes?

Cate's Discovery 2

Recently discovered these treasure troves and they've been tried and true by yours truly...

Naked Smoothie Green Machine Check it out!
I recently tried this and now it's one of my favorites to guzzle in the morning when I'm in hurry. Packed FULL of veggie and fruit goodness and I'm not hungry till lunch. I was thinking that if it gets too expensive to keep buying, I'm going to buy most of the ingredients and just blend it at home. I'm addicted and my body and brain loves it too!!!
VEGGIES: Eating LOTS more veggies than even fruits and then proteins and then carbs, I feel so much stronger, think clearer and even my eyes don't bother me as much. My fatigue isn't as bad either....who knew, eh? ;)

Wooden Brushes ONLY! No more plastic cheap ones. Read why here. -Read wood combs under the Hair Care section.
Having yet to read this, I threw away my old brush and upon inspiration, I bought a wood brush. This was also when I bought the coconut oil. You know about my results with the coconut oil but check this out...
A few days ago, I started to brush my hair at night while winding down with a movie or to music. I'd slowly run it all over my scalp and combing it through to the bottom over and over for several minutes. It felt sooo very good to my scalp. Here are the results combined with the coconut oil and brush:

1.Steven still can't keep his fingers out of my hair.

2.My hair looks stronger, thicker and shinier but it's also silky and smooth to the touch.

3.When I leave it curly, it doesn't frizz as much.

4.NO more conditioners, hardly any mouse or hairspray is used anymore.

5. Steven compliments me on my hair now. He even did it yesterday out of the blue AND I had someone else compliment me on my beautiful hair. I've never gotten hair compliments before in my life. Nope. Not once...Except on it's curl maybe.

6.This morning, I discovered that my hair is thickening AND the areas that were bald and receding are starting to thicken back up too. I'm not completely back to where I was, but I don't have to spend a lot of time trying to cover it up now. Cool yes?

7. I no longer suffer from a burning, itchy scalp or dandruff.

I'm now confident that the Lord was guiding me after pleading to him for help about my health and my thinning and balding hair. I highly recommend these daily regimens to keep you healthy longer especially as you're nearing the 30 bracket.
Oh- I forgot to mention that I also love a lot of the other tips on the Japanese website for example, massaging my face and eating more rice as a filler. Both have worked for me.

I have never excelled in elegance or sports, but I want to!  I always avoided sports because of the stigm a that went with being a bully of a jock or a even worse, a snobby cheerleader.
Plus, it required team playing and if I messed up, people took it WAY too seriously for my taste.  Whatever happened to, it's just a game, right?
But I feel like I'm missing out on the benefits of sports- regularly scheduled exercise in the form of a fun game!  And with friends, too!  It COULD be great, with the right people with the right attitude.
SO
Now to pick a sport...
What do YOU think?

For starters, I hate golf.  Now, before Steven faints, I need  to say, I like putting around, but it's just that.  PUTTING AROUND.  there's no adrenaline, no rush, no glory.  Not when I play, anyway.  Not good for what I'm looking to do.

Tennis or racket ball sounds fun, but out here, there just aren't that many places to do it.  We DO have basketball courts at the park and church, though



Horseback riding is my dream and passion and I'll hopefully be starting it later this spring, when Mariah gets her lessons (if I can get babysitting coordinated).  YAY for fun!


Swimming, rowing and fishing are all things I do every summer, but could stand to do ALOT more.

Anyways, that's what I'm thinking about.  What's YOUR favorite sport?

I stumbled across this blog today.  I really liked what she said about fashion and elegance.  She quotes coco chanel and others often.
I really loved this blog.

Check out these elegance tips if you have a minute.  Mostly generic stuff you already know, but some good reminders here and there.

This is Elliot Hulse.  He's foul-mouthed sometimes, but his advice always makes me feel pumped up!  Enjoy!

Expression meditation Stages:

Step One: Charging the body- Chaotic breathing and movement to break up brain patterns
Step Two: Catharsis- let GO!  Do whatever your body wants to do!
Step Three: Grounding - Raise hands, jump in place and land flat footed on ground exhale audibly, allow body to shake hard
Step Four:Tranquility- be STILL.
Step Five: Music and dance- Put on nice calm music and rejoice!  Fake it till you make it.  Smile!

Have you heard of hemp powder shakes?  Nutiva is one brand.  I've been thinking I'd like to try a new protein shake for those times when I'm desperate for something chocolate, but need protein.  What do you think?

Check out these exercises for a BIGGER BUTT.  

I'm saving this for later, when I'm ready to amp it up a bit.  right now I  need to get into a little bit better shape.

This guy has other workout tips and recipes too.

Cate's Discovery

So, I've been eating way more veggies and making sure to drink tons of water and who'd a thunked it but I feel so much stronger- still sickish and whatnot but my body feels nourished and as if it actually has a fighting chance. Here's somethings that I've learned that I wanted to share-
1. Jicama- MUST buy! Must have! Will never be without it. It's perfect to munch on when you're hungry and it's chalk-full of vitamins, potassium and fiber. SO very good for you. Kinda high on carbs though so watch that part. Get this- my kids LOVE it!
2. Eggs are so stinking easy to make in the morning- boiled, fried, scrambled- topped with fresh veggies, greens, etc. and I'm full of energy the rest of the day.
3. I keep my weights by the computer. Whenever I'm watching something or reading something, I pick my weights up and work my arms and abs. 3 reps of 15 for each exercise and I've done my weights for the day. I end up wanting to do more and will usually be motivated to then get up and do squats or clean my house- who knew!? ;)
4. I look less old and wrinkly when I go to bed early. Sleep is a good thing. Beauty sleep is real.
5. My husband loves my hair and touches it often and it's because I rub coconut oil on it before I shampoo. My hair looks so strong and healthy and pretty.

Motivation for the day

These are things I've read recently that have either inspired me or that I can't wait to try and thought I'd pass them on.

Motivational Story- Start by forgiving yourself

"In November 2012, I hit 421 pounds, my heaviest weight ever. I've tried pretty much every fad diet out there: Atkins, the grapefruit diet, pills.
But my journey to better health really began when I changed my inner monologue from one that was negative and critical and said You're not worthy to one that said, You can do this; you deserve to be healthy and happy and have love in your life.

|I've had to forgive myself and be kind to myself in order to move forward-after all, I can't change what happened yesterday, but I can change what happens today and tomorrow.

I started by signing up for Weight Watchers and finding a pool I could used for exercise. Now the Upper Valley Aquatic Center is my second home. The water is so relaxing, like a cushion, and I can move without feeling hot or sweaty or straining my joints. I love it- it feels meditative. There's no way to shed the amount of pounds I have to lose and not be confused by the process at times. My weight has been such a part of my identity that losing it can feel overwhelming. Every day I have the opportunity to make choices about my health. Before, my eating and physical habits were thoughtless. Now, I pause and think before I decide to put something in my body or skip a workout. I still have a ways to go, but my goal isn't to be skinny; it's to feel better about myself, and I'm definitely on that path."

Motivating tip:
If you're craving sugar, especially at night, it means you're exhausted. Drink some water and GO TO BED!

Motivating recipe:
Breakfast:Eggs with Veggie Omelet- Fresh Mushrooms, Tomato, Bell Pepper, Asparagus- whatever looks fresh and yummy, stick it in!

Snack:Favorite lunch meat cut in half and folded and topped with 1/4 cheese slice between 2 cucumber slices instead of bread

Dessert:Apple Pie ala Mode ;)
Sprinkle apple slices with cinnamon. Serve on top of vanilla yogurt and drizzle generously with honey.

I love this video about feminine grooming, hygiene and appearance.

Hairdos are AWESOME! LOL

Also, some modern tips here

And my new favorite denise austin video

Okay!  It's official! The sisterhood has gone digital!  I kind of want to do an initiation ceremony, but I don't have any whipped cream or rope handy.  :)
So far I just have this main page (for encouragements and fun links we can share with each other) and a couple "pages" for our personal use (and check-ups).  I'm going to use mine to post my food intake and clothing size and weekly weigh in and workouts.  I guess you can use yours for whatever.  Now we can help each other obtain our goals!
Seriously, I'm very excited to get started!  I need all the encouragement I can get and it's going to be awesome having a new website to stalk every day! LOL
Why didn't we do this earlier? Love you!  Love this!

Oh and feel free to make whatever changes you want! This is only open to you and me I think.