Weigh in Wednesday!

I am quite pleased with my -2lb weight loss for week 23!

I feel that the less I have to loose the slower it is coming off, I noticed today on my ticker that my BMI is not in the 30's any more! And on the scale this morning it said my BF was 33% I think the BF # could be better but I like seeing that my BMI is only 29! Maybe I will have to do some strength training to loose the BF and gain some muscle!

I thought I would share my thoughts on some of the new NS meals,

~~Breakfast~~

Apple Toaster Pastry and Strawberry Toaster Pastry:

-- Both were quite small in size and they didn't really "toast" very well? They should have just called them pastry's? But I was pleasantly surprised that they filled me up for quite a long time and I thought they would be sweeter but they had a nice taste, not too sweet. I have heard that Kellogg's offers a Low Fat Strawberry Pop-Tart that has almost the same nutrition value but is bigger? The only down side is that it doesn't have the high protein value!?

~~Dessert~~

Chocolate covered Caramel Popcorn:

--Although I really enjoyed this item, I really didn't find too much of a difference between this one and the regular caramel popcorn?! I also think I would rather have 1cup of air popped popcorn instead of having this tiny little treat!? It is also about the same in nutrition value!

I need to start thinking and finding replacement meals to sub for my NS meals. I have found a really yummy cereal that is very similar (actually has less cals - unfortunately less protein too) to the NS granola cereal. It is Nature's Path I found it at IGA but it is also available at Costco in a much bigger box! YUM !

UPDATE

I just wanted to let everyone know that I wrote a e-mail to one of the ladies that works for Bubbles and they were very professional about my poor service complaint! They apologized for the lack of service and let me know that I could return and get them to re-dust and vacuum my car again. I don't think I will worry about taking it back but I do really appreciate the offer and they took care of my complaint pretty quick. I guess they aren't so bad after all - I just know that if I go back to Bubbles I will go to a different location, one that I know has better service (like the one in St.Albert or on 51ave).

I also wanted everyone to know that I am really excited about my weigh in tomorrow and I'm hoping to see a bigger number then last week. I was 100% for the whole week so I'm hoping that made a difference. As for my pedometer challenge with Kellie I don't think I won and the chances of me getting in over 60,000 steps in he next two days is highly unlikely. But I do still have 2 days to try and kick Kellie's butt! ;)

Hope you come back tomorrow to see my weigh in ! And while your here you should check out my guest map and leave your mark! :)

Trivia Tuesday

I'm awfully grouchy today, not too sure why? I think it's my job..... I love my job but I also hate my job. I love that I get paid a fairly good salary to sit here and surf the net and write posts for my blog, answer the phone once and a while and talk to customers. But I'm not sure I enjoy the co-workers, my boss isn't really the "training" type, every time I ask him a question he either does the job for me or doesn't know the answer?! We are a new location so we aren't too busy yet which makes for really long days, the "assistant manager" is 65 and should have retired a few years ago (after his heart attack) I sometimes often feel like I know more then him - I think his title is just something they felt obligated to give him? Me and him switch shifts every week, this week is my early week and he is on late shift. Which I think is fair, but it seems like every time I'm on the early shift he takes days off which forces me to start early and stay late! Pisses me off that I have to put in all these extra hours and not get paid for it! The drivers are like children that you need to babysit and can't operate under their own brain power! I think a part of my grouch feeling is due to the fact that I want to start a family but the other half isn't quite ready. I am more then ready to go on mat. leave and blow this Popsicle stand! I just have to be patient and wait a few more months! ;)

Anyway I suppose that is enough of the complaining whining, my step count from yesterday was down again (even though I went on the same path as I did 4 weeks ago) 5942. I am on my last notch on my belt again so I think when I go get a new pedometer this weekend I will also buy some new pants and another belt. I don't think I will be able to wear my rings for too much longer either, they are getting so big that I'm worried they will fall off! I need to get them sized but I think I will wait until I am at goal or close to it.

So with all the recent TTC talk I thought it would be fun to let you in on a few foods that are suppose to increase you sex drive or be aphrodisiacs!


You may already know the most common ones:

Chocolate :
-- Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red wine. The secret for passion is to combine the two. Try a glass of Cabernet with a bit of dark chocolate for a sensuous treat.

Oysters :
--Oysters were documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating "giant oysters." An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality, oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein.

But did you know that these are also aphrodisiacs:

Pineapple :
--Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence. Add a spear to a sweet Rum drink for a tasty prelude to an evening of passion.

Asparagus :
--Given its phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience. The Vegetarian Society suggests "eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful effect."

Avocado :
--The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl" which translated means "testicle tree." The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.

I think the most important thing I got from reading this is that usually alcohol helps! It mentioned a couple times that with the combination of wine or rum the myths really do work! Maybe it is just the alcohol? Now I just need to figure out how to get a non-drinker drunk, but not too drunk! ;)

Another Monday !

Four days cheat free !
Step count for Friday=5934
Step count for Sat.=5421
Step count for Sun.=4675

I seriously think there is something wrong with my pedometer, I walk the same distance now as I did two weeks ago (same path- same everything). I used to count 5000 steps on this walk alone but lately I have only been getting about 2500 steps from my nightly walk? And I'm taking the same route every night!? WTH ? I'm going to get a Omeron pedometer this weekend! I've heard lots of people say they are really good? I just get so frustrated when I go for my 45min walk and before I leave I check my pedometer, it usually says about 2500-3000 and I think to myself wow I should have 8000 steps by the time I get home !! And then I get home, check the pedometer and it only reads about 5500 steps?! grrr WTH? It's just not right!?

So my weekend went fairly good, I spent most of my day on Sat. cleaning the house and my girlfriend and her hubby came over Sat night. We watched Cars it's a good kids movie, it was cute, I like Mater! The baby shower on Sun. went good too, not as many people showed up as I thought would!? It was pretty much our side of the family only, and only one of her brothers showed up?! I suppose it was probably better that way anyway cause I'm not sure if the basement would have been big enough for more!

So if you noticed my feeling for today is jealous, you may be asking why I am jealous? Well after the baby shower I realized that I am probably the only one that hasn't had kids yet and I desperately want them! There were two other girls at the shower that were pregnant, this is what I am jealous of! My hubby says he doesn't want a Sept. baby (cause it seems like everyone in my family was born in Sept.) and he doesn't want a winter baby. I kinda feel the same way and have agreed to wait till summer to try to get pregnant cause then that would make a spring baby but part of me can't help but think that these are just excuses and that maybe he is too selfish to have babies? He enjoys his possessions and although he doesn't think he is a materialistic type person I think he just might be? So hopefully by Sept. we will be pregnant and if we aren't I am going to think that these are just his excuses and I will no longer care when I have a baby, as long as I get to have one! I think he is more worried about the cost of having a baby and the things you have to give up to raise a baby? I also wish we had more of a nest egg built up before we have kids but I feel if we wait for that I'll be too old to have babies! I just feel that we would be able to figure it out if it happened and I'm sure we would have a ton of support from our family. So here is to hoping that by the end of this year we are pregnant! My plan is that (hopefully) as soon as I get to goal I will get pregnant and will start putting the pounds on ! Sounds funny to tell people that I am getting thin just so I can get fat!? he he But at least I will look sexy fat, and people will know that I am pregnant fat and not just gaining weight? LOL Plus it will be way easier too loose the 30lbs baby weight as opposed to the 130lbs I would have had to loose if I got pregnant before I lost weight!?

Friday Fun Facts

Two days cheat free!

Step count for yesterday (sucked) =2934 :( I think I need a new pedometer - mines defective! he he

--- Have you checked out the new blog on my blogroll? She is one of my good friends and it sure would be nice if you welcomed her into the blogging world !! ----

I was thinking I would let you in on a little family secret, not my family but the in-laws. They are a little weird sometimes but I think most in-laws are!? Here's the scoop ..... they believe in the power of Vinegar! Yup, that's right - vinegar is the most important thing to have in your house, it should be right next to the first aid kit! According to my MIL and FIL if you have a fever and you can't break it all you need to do are these few steps:

1.-Remove your socks

2.-Soak socks in vinegar

3.-Ring most of vinegar out of the socks

4.-Replace socks (soaking wet with vinegar) onto your feet

5.-Repeat as necessary

I pray everyday that I never get a fever just for the fear of having to wear vinegar socks! Now they swear by this method of breaking a fever - whether it actually works .....I hope I never have to find out! I looked on the internet for information on vinegar being a first aid treatment and all I could find was this:

***Iron and calcium in plant foods are not highly absorbed by the body. Spinach contains a chemical called oxalic acid, which binds with iron and calcium and reduces the absorption of these minerals. To improve iron absorption, spinach should be eaten with vitamin C-rich foods such as orange juice, tomatoes, or citrus fruit.

So if you plan on eating Spinach you should eat something acidic to help digest the iron and calcium, like maybe put a oil/ vinegar dressing on you salad!?

THIS n THAT

One day cheat free!

Yesterday's step count =7634

I finally had one day 100% on plan! Yeah - one down nine to go ! Yesterday I tried a few more new NS meals, for supper yesterday I had the Chicken Fajita, I realized after I started making it that the tortilla shells we had bought we really high in calories, 200 cals per shell! I hope there are lower calorie shells out there and maybe I should go pick some up before I decide to have them again. Who would have thought that a skinny little piece of flat bread would have so many calories!? I'm not sure if I like the fajita, they were really spicy at first and I'm not sure I cared for the sauce that was on them? It was ok for something different and easy to make but I think next time I would rather just grill my own chicken breast and add some peppers to it and leave out the sauce. For breakfast this morning I tried the Apple toaster pastry, it was small (but I already knew it would be). I toasted it in the toaster oven but it never did get "toasted" ? It wasn't as sweet as I thought it would be and it actually did fill me up. I think I will get this one again but I don't think I would get it too often because it is so high in sugar.

All the Scottish readers probably already know THIS but it is a big day in Scotland. I have Scottish heritage in my family and I have celebrated this day before it is a fun day to celebrate. To all the readers with Scottish heritage - Happy Robbie Burns Day!

Did you watch American Idol last night? They were in New York and there were a lot of weirdo's that tried to audition, especially the one THAT knew she couldn't sing but thought they could teach her!? And she was so happy to be "unique" ? WTH ??

I finished picking up all the prizes for the baby shower on Sun and wrapped them last night. I'm so exited - I'm sure everyone that wins will love getting a picture of Kenzie and I always feel good about giving a gift that people actually like! I hate giving gifts that are usless and end up being a "recycled" gift.

************* Don't forget to pin yourself on my guest map! It's starting to fill up a bit I would like to see more little people on it ;) Oh, and there is a new blog in town, one of my good friends you should check her out and leave a nice welcome comment if you have time ;) **********

UPDATE:

Well I finished my lunch, Split Pea Soup, and it was quite thick, kinda creamy. I don't really know what pea soup is "suppose" to taste like but this soup didn't taste anything like peas? It had quite a lot of onion flavor but other then that it seemed kinda bland? I don't think I will order it again, I base this decision on the way my tummy felt about 10 min. after I ate it..... which was not a good feeling! It was making some pretty funky rumbling noises that were not hunger rumblies!

After lunch settled, I went to pick up my car from Bubbles and I must say I am completely pissed! I'm so mad at those lazy sh*ts! I paid $45 to get my SUV a basic wash, which is suppose to include exterior wash (which it was and looked good on the outside) and a interior clean. Which apparently only includes "light dusting" and a "quick vacuum", as I got into my car I noticed that the seats still looked covered in dog hair and the arm rest was completely filthy! I went back inside to ask if vacuuming was suppose to be part of the package and that it looked like they missed this part! I was informed that it is hard to get dog hair out of certain fabrics and that they can't spend all day trying to get my dog's hair off the seats!?!? And when I pointed out how dirty the arm rest was I was told that the package I bought only covered "light dusting" and that this is considered "detailing"! WTH !! I paid $45 for a crappy vacuum job and light dusting! NEVER AGAIN - I'm so mad! The only fortunate/ un-fortunate part is that it was a gift card from Christmas and I still have $60 on it, but if I would have know that for $60 more I could have gotten my vinyl detailed I might have done that instead!? But then part of me thinks -- are you flippen nutz to pay over $100 for some kid to vacuum and wipe down your vinyl!? I could do a way better job for free! So now I have $60 left on this gift card and someday I will have to use it up and probably complain about it again! Grrr - I wrote a e-mail to the manager, I don't expect anything from the letter but I wanted to vent and let them know that I was unhappy! There prices are ridiculous!

Weigh in Wednesday!

Well after forgetting to put my pedometer on yesterday and kicking myself in the butt for most of the morning I have can honestly say I don't think I will ever forget to put it on again! maybe!? lol I ended up getting 4259 steps for the day and for Monday I had 8355 steps! Not bad, but I'm almost certain I would have had double my steps for yesterday if I would have remembered to put the pedometer on!

My weigh in this morning went good, I was able to keep myself in ONDERLAND -- so there is no going back now! I have noticed that my weight loss numbers are not dropping as fast as they were before and I'm not sure if it is because I have only been about 89.9% on plan or if it is just because I don't have as much to loose now and it is going to get a little harder to get more then one pound losses!? This week I managed to loose exactly -1lb!

That brings me down too 197.6lbs !! I still find it hard to think that I am Onehundred and ... I still feel like typing and saying "I weigh Twohundred and .... " I look at my ticker and can't believe that is my weight - I see how close I am to goal and how far I have come! It gives me a huge sense of pride I have never lost this much weight before or stuck to a program for this long. Speaking of which, I received another shipment of food yesterday and yes my 50lb bear was in there !! It was also full of new and improved foods that I am excited to try! I want to try and make this order last about two months and slowly "wean" myself off NS by adding normal "healthy" choices, hopefully this won't affect my weight loss and I can keep the numbers going in the right direction!

Last night for dessert I tried the new Oatmeal Raisin Cookie -- it was amazing, soft, chewy with a nice flavor! I will definitely order again! For breakfast this morning I had the improved Blueberry Muffin and it was also very good and much better then the old ones, it didn't have that artificial flavor taste, I could actually see the blueberries but the muffins did look a bit smaller?! For lunch I will be having the new Split Pea Soup, my hubby saw it and said it looked like "baby poop" -- like he would know what baby poop looked like!? LOL I have never had pea soup so I won't be able to compare it to any store bought or restaurant style soup which could be a good thing? So I don't really now what to expect, I have heard good things about it and will keep you updated with my review.

Yesterday I got those pics of Kenzie developed and found some frames at the dollar store. I also found little tiny plastic babies for the game I want to play ("My Water Broke"). I dropped my car off at Bubbles this morning and walked to work from there, I'll have to go back to pick it up this afternoon. I think after work I will also go back to Michael's and the dollar store for a few more gift ideas to put in with the pictures. Then go home to try a new item for dinner, I'm thinking either the meatloaf or the fajita, and then take the dog for her walk and relax!

Tuesday Tidbits

I feel like such a dummy today, I pulled a Kellie this morning and forgot to put my silly pedometer on! It makes me so mad that I forgot to put the stupid thing on! grrr I think I'm so mad about it cause I know I will be doing a ton of walking today! On my lunch break I need to go drop some paperwork off at the bank and I was going to drop my car off at Bubbles and walk back to work! Then after work I need to do some shopping for Kenzie's baby shower!! Every time I take steps at work I feel like kicking myself in the butt! So needless to say my step count will be super low for today even though I plan on walking a lot of miles! I didn't even record my steps from yesterday in my journal so I can't even post how many steps I had yesterday (I know it was in the 8000!).

For my 10 day 100% challenge with Jordanna I did really good yesterday and stayed on plan 100% but this morning I had no NS breakfast's left so I opted for the hubbies Sugar Crisp cereal, which isn't too bad - 140 cals, 1.5g Fat, but it has 17g of sugar!! I think it is comparable to the new NS toaster strudels? I am also on my last NS lunch - Tuna Salad :( yuk!! Hopefully I get my shipment today and tomorrow I will start again on being 100%. I'm so excited for this shipment, there should tons of new and improved items! And I should be getting my 50lb bear!! :)

Your Slanguage Profile

Canadian Slang: 75% Aussie Slang: 50% British Slang: 50% New England Slang: 50% Prison Slang: 25% Victorian Slang: 25%

What Slanguage Do You Speak?

Good thing I AM CANADIAN !!! :)

My e-mail did go through ;)

So that e-mail that I thought I sent .... I did -- it just took a long time to receive it I guess!? So here is one of my favorite pics of Kenzie!

Finally ....

The past weekend was super busy and fairly productive. I had to work Saturday so while I was working the hubby was out shopping for his truck, he found one he liked so after work he took me to see it. It is a 2003 GMC 3/4ton HD, extended cab 4x4. It looked good to me and we took it for a test drive, seemed to be good so we bought it! YAH!! I finally got to drive myself to work today! :) Saturday night we went out for dinner with the in-laws an then we headed to the baby shower for the hubbies cousin, this baby is a pound lighter then my niece and looked so tiny! It's amazing how one pound can make that much of a difference! She got lots of clothes and books, not too much everyday stuff - like Vaseline, diaper rash cream, baby powder, etc. Sunday I cleaned the house in the morning and went out to St.Albert to see an old friend that was in town for a short visit. We had lunch together and she informed me on all the latest news in her life, then I headed to my brothers to visit for a while before making my hour journey back home! While I was at my brothers I got his wife to make me a disc with some pictures of Kenzie (for the baby shower and for myself) ;) I played around with the four pics she gave me -- making them black and white and I put a fog around the border of the pic, they looked really good. I thought I e-mailed them to my work e-mail last night but I must not have done it right cause they weren't in my inbox when I got to work today!? ? I'll have to try again tonight so I can post one of them here and show you!

Today I start another challenge with Jordanna. I have noticed that since Christmas it seems that I disregard a lot of the "extras" I sneak throughout the day and have been eating out way too many times this month. I feel like I am slowly slipping off the wagon and if I don't get back on now I am afraid I will start going in the other direction!? So Jordanna has asked me to join her in a 10 day 100% challenge starting today. I need to be 100% everyday (no sneaking bites here and there or going out for meals) for 10 days straight. But if I sneak a bite off the hubbies plate or go out for dinner then I start back at day 1. Hopefully it will help me stay on track, I think it will be quite the challenge -- I am going to try and start introducing my own foods this month and start to wean myself off off NS. So I won't be able to be 100% NS for long but hopefully it will keep me from going out to eat!?

My step count for the weekend was ok Friday I did 6020, Saturday (wasn't as good cause we went to the baby shower and didn't get home till after 9) 3797,and Sunday was 7099.

Friday Fun Facts

Hopefully this after this weekend I will be able to relax a bit, it has been so stressful lately with all the bank stuff we are going through trying to get another truck! But today is our final bank appointment to sign all the papers and then we get to go shopping! YIPEE ;)


We found out last night that we had bowled so well the past couple weeks that we are now in first place for this quarter! How exciting, although last night we didn't play very well at all, which might hurt our first place rating but we still have 2 more weeks to keep our position! Unfortunately the hubbies grandparents are having their 60th wedding anniversary dinner the same day as the bowling banquet so we may miss out on picking out our prizes! :(


I was doing some research on some fast food joints. I'm curious if what I thought I was eating healthy really was "healthy". I am surprised to find out that a lot of the items I would have picked for meals at fast food places were so high in calories that it would be equal to two meals I eat now! Here are some examples:

~TACO TIME ~

I had a Veggie Burrito (thinking it was "healthy" being veggie and all)


Veggie Burrito

Calories =514.3
Total Fat =16g
Trans Fat =0.14g
Protein= 18.5g
Carbohydrates =74.8g
Cholesterol =28mg
Sodium= 1319mg

When I think it would have been better to have:


Chicken Fajita

Calories =312
Total Fat =8.9g
Trans Fat =0.14g
Protein =20g
Carbohydrates =37g
Cholesterol =40mg
Sodium =853mg


~Dairy Queen~

I would normally order a Vegetable Quesadilla (once again the veggie thing got me)

Vegetable Quesadilla

Calories =600

Fat =31g

Sodium =1100mg

Carbohydrates =59g

Fiber =3g

Protein =21g

When I should have had:

Grilled Chicken Salad ----- or even ----- Grilled Chicken Sandwich ----

Calories =210 --------------- Calories =340

Fat =8g --------------- Fat =12g

Sodium =630mg ---------------- Sodium =870mg

Carbohydrates =8g ---------------- Carbohydrates =35g

Fiber =2g ----------------- Fiber =3g

Protein =25g ----------------- Protein =24g

I feel like everyday I am learning something new about dieting and I guess I never really knew all that much before!? Maybe I'm wrong in my assumptions but I think I have been making some wrong decisions when we are eating out?! I wish all restaurants had the nutrition value of their food posted for anyone to look at. I know next time that if we are planning a eat out day I will definitely check the net for nutritional charts.

**********************

I also just wanted to remind everyone about my guest map and if you have time it would be nice to see where you are from! Please post a pin on my guest map so I can see just how far away you are! ;)

***********************

Thursday THIS n THAT

I am absolutely thrilled by the number of comments I received yesterday! I love getting comments, thank you to everyone for leaving such nice words! ;)

I volunteered to host my niece's baby shower and was searching the net for fun games. I came across a couple really cute and simple ones that I think I will use, "My water broke" and "Dirty Diaper"! I can't wait, I am thinking about handing out pictures (in frames) of Kenzie as the prizes. I was at a shower last year where they did this as the prize and thought it was a super good idea! Now I just have to wait for my brother to e-mail me a few pic's so I can get them developed! I also have a baby shower to go to this Sat. for one of the hubbies cousin's, she had a baby boy on Friday, 6lbs 5oz and named him Ryder!? Maybe they will have some good ideas at it too? I love babies hopefully by the time I loose all this weight and get to goal we will start trying to get pregnant and maybe by 2008 we will have one of our own! I'm getting old you know (29) and getting pregnant at an older age has more health risks! I know it is possible but I really don't want to be 35 and popping out babies, crap if that happened I would be 55 with a 20 year old probably still living at home!? No thanks!


I forgot to post my step count for the 16th, it was 7571 and for yesterday we went to hubbies aunts house for her birthday so I never got my daily walk in which therefore only made my step count 3621 for the day. And since tonight is bowling night I don't expect a very high count for today either! Oh well! ;)

Has anyone else been watching THIS show? Last night was so flippin funny, they were in Seattle and only got 7 contestants cause everyone else sucked! LOL I can't understand how some of these people just don't see why they didn't make it to Hollywood! It's like they actually think they can sing!? Too funny! Yesterday I didn't eat my afternoon dairy/protein snack, so for supper I had NS lasagna with meat sauce. Put a little shredded cheese on it and baked it in the oven! OMG it was to die for! amazing, so good! Just like you would have in a restaurant! Did I already say it was yummy!? he he

Sometimes I like to check out this website THAT is for women who are TTC. It is also full of women's health suggestions and topics, so if you are TTC you may be interested!?

Weigh in Wednesday !

I don't think I have ever been excited to get on a scale, but this morning I could hardly wait to see what numbers would appear on the evil scale! I was so worried that, just my luck, this would be the week where I gained or didn't loose anything at all! But I am pleased to announce that I had an awesome weigh in and that I am now in Onederland!

Week 21= -1.8lbs 198.6lbs !!! :)


Yipee! I wish that iblogs was still active and that I could retrieve some of my old posts! I remember writing about reasons why I wanted to loose weight and things I couldn't wait to do once I reached my goal!? I would like to re-visit that and see if my thoughts have changed? I think I remember saying something about how happy I would be when my boobs stuck out further then my tummy?! Which is the case now but I think I am more amazed when I sit down and I can actually see my belt and zipper on my pants! Before that would all be hidden under the roll! he he I am starting to feel things on my body that I haven't felt for a long time ... like bones! and they hurt! Who knew that it hurt to get tickled, that your bones hurt from getting poked? Anyway I am quite pleased why my progress and I would definitely recommend NS to anyone who needs to loose a few.


I feel like everyone has taken their stupid pills today or maybe it is "idiot awareness day" cause holy crap there is a lot of stupid people out there today!! grrr I get so frustrated with morons, they give me a headache! I think it is going to be a long day!


**I'm not sure if you have noticed but I put a new guest book link on the upper right hand side of my blog. It is super cute, cause you pin a little person where you live. If you haven't checked it out yet and pinned your little person on my map you should! This way I have an idea of just how far everyone is from me! **

Tuesday trivia

My Grandma e-mailed me a pic of me and my new niece! So here is your first glimpse of me and Kenzie! It's not the best pic of me or Kenzie but at least you know what we look like now! Oh and that's my brother in the back ground, proud Dad!

My step count yesterday was awesome, I think that by changing where I put my pedometer has made a huge difference. My steps for yesterday were 8599 !

~~DRIED FRUIT~~
**Dried fruits and vegetables like raisins, prunes and sun-dried tomatoes, retain almost all of their nutrients. Since they weigh less, the nutrient content is actually concentrated.
**When drying fruits at home, never use a temperature over 140 degrees F. Higher temperatures dry and harden the outside, trapping moisture on the inside. While in storage, the trapped moisture will spread throughout the whole fruit and will eventually cause mold to form.

My hubbies Grandma has a dehydrator we sometimes borrow and make beef jerky or dry some fruit out, I absolutely love it! It is good for a change and if you do it yourself then there is no added preservatives or sugar!

It's a girl !! :)

My brother and his wife were suppose to get induced on Friday but it seems like there is a baby boom in Edmonton and they had to be put on a waiting list to get into the hospital! They finally got admitted Saturday morning, they live about an hour away from us so after lunch we headed north to go see how they were doing. Things were going very slow so we decided to take my nephew to Galaxyland where they have a indoor park full of slides that he just loves. We got back to the hospital around 8:30pm and still no baby! Finally at 1:40am on January 14th she was born! 7lbs 5oz, she is adorable and they named her Kenzie Leanne ~! After me, cause my birthday is also on the 14th (but in Sept.), I feel so connected to her already! I can't wait till it's my turn to have babies!

On Saturday I also went to Costco a fairly large wholesale supplier for just about anything. It was fairly busy and as I was walking around the huge warehouse I checked my pedometer and it hadn't even turned it's self on!? I guess I was either walking so slow that it never felt my movement or I just don't have the same shake to my step as before!? Either way I decided that I am changing the location that I wear my pedometer! From now on I am wearing it on my ankle for a more accurate reading! I have already noticed that my step count for yesterday was way better then last week? My step count for Friday was 6664, Saturday was 5948 and Sunday 7028. Also Lady Atkins recommended a website to help track my steps and I thought it looked pretty good so I signed up. http://walkertracker.com If you are also interested in tracking your steps you might want to check it out?

Friday Fun Facts

Lately I have been getting more compliments on my haircut then I have my weight loss, the funny thing about all this is that I haven't gotten my haircut since the end of November!! ?? I think it is because my face is thinner then it was before and people notice this and just assume it is because I must of had my haircut?! By hearing all these comments about my "recent haircut" it makes me wonder if any of these people have actually looked at me before? Do they even know what color eyes I have or approximately how tall I am? As a kid I always sat at the back of the class hoping not to be noticed. When I weighed more I felt that being noticed was really uncomfortable now I am beginning to wonder if I had wasted years of my childhood hoping not to be noticed?! As a child I remember hearing all the adults around me say things like "if I could go back and know what I know now", I have become one of those adults! I find myself thinking this very same thought, how odd that as a kid I never thought I would ever say things that my parents said and now I realize I am more like them as I get older! If only I'd known! he he

Today I would like to share a recipe I found on one of my favorite websites for Un-Fried French Fries ! So quick to make, healthy and yummy (three of my favorite things)!

Prep: 15 min
Ready In: 39 min
Serves: 6

1-1/2 lb. baking potatoes (about 3 medium)

1/4 cup KRAFT CALORIE-WISE Italian Dressing

1/4 cup KRAFT 100% Light Grated Parmesan Cheese

PREHEAT oven to 425°F. Wash potatoes; pat dry with paper towels. Cut into 1/4-inch thick strips; transfer to large bowl. Add dressing and Parmesan cheese; toss well.
ARRANGE potatoes in single layer on large baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Spray potatoes with cooking spray.
BAKE 12 min. Turn potatoes over with large spatula. Continue baking 10 to 12 min. or until golden brown and crisp.

Nutritional Info Serving Size = 1/2 cup (125 mL)
Calories =100
Total fat =1 g
Saturated fat =0.5 g
Cholesterol =0 mg
Sodium =230 mg
Carbohydrate =20 g

Dietary fibre =2 g
Sugars =1 g
Protein =4 g
Vitamin A =0 %DV
Vitamin C =15 %DV
Calcium =8 %DV
Iron =8 %DV

Diabetes Food Choices1/2 cup (125 mL) = 1 Carbohydrates

UPDATE: I forgot to post my steps from yesterday! It was 3348 !! LOL

Thursday This n' That ! :)

So it looks like winter has hit us again, the roads are treacherous and the snow is knee deep!! It took the hubby two hours to shovel our driveway last night and that was using the quad with a snow plow on it! I took the dog for a walk last night but it was a really quick walk due to the sub zero temperatures (-30C). I was only able to get 4714 steps in for the day and since tonight is bowling night I don't imagine my step count today will be much better?!

I watched a new reality show last night and actually really enjoyed it but I have missed the first few episodes?! Has anyone else seen THIS show? I found it quite humorous and wish I would have started watching it from the first episode!


I am so determined to get into Onederland next week that I am going to push myself just a little harder this week. I found this on the web and hope THAT it will help me get out of the 200's! Hopefully all the rest of you are still managing to keep your resolutions (if you made one).

Weigh in Wednesday!

As everyone is determined to become re-committed or are just starting their weight loss journey I find myself thinking that I need to get re-focused! I think that the holidays changed my mentality of weight loss and what it means to me. I find that since the holidays I find it easier to disregard those extra little treats and my thoughts on going out to eat has changed. Since the begining of Jan. we have eatten out 3 times which may not seem like alot but it never used to be like that? And even though I was able to loose -1.4lbs for week 20, I still feel like I could have done better and I think it is time for me to re-focus and re-commit myself to the plan -- 100% or at least 98%?! Next week I will be in Onederland~~ no matter what! I can't even remember the last time I was in the one hundreds, it was probably in high school - 13 years ago! I'm so excited! :)



We are in the middle of a blizzard here, the roads are terrible, the snow just keeps falling (about 15cm now -- that would be about 4 inches for my Yankee readers) and it is freezing out there! I wish I never had to work, that I could stay at home on days like this and not drive. I didn't do too well with my steps yesterday, after we finished grocery shopping and I preped all my veggies I decided not to go for my evening walk. The wind was so bad last night that I would have froze, the weather just wasn't walking weather. It's times like this that I wish I had a treadmil or another form of excersize in the house. So my steps for yesterday were only 3153! :( I think I am going to by a DVD player for the basement and get some yoga/ pilates movies. Any suggestions on good ones?

Trivia Tuesday

Today is grocery shopping day, which I absolutely love!! I love having all the fresh fruits and veggies in my fridge! All the healthy choices! I found this little bit of trivia that I thought was interesting and helpful when you are shopping for veggies. Here is my list of "super foods" !

Broccoli -- 2 spears -- contains Vitamins C, A, Beta Carotene and Fiber

Carrots -- 2 medium -- contains enough Beta Carotene to reduce risk of strokes in 1/2 of men who already have symptoms of heart diesease.

Chili Peppers -- 1 or more -- contain Casaicin a antioxidan that prevents strokes, lowers cholesterol and may stimulate a release of endorphins for a "natural high"

Spinach -- 1 cup uncooked -- contains Vitamins A and C, folic acid and magnesium. Helps to control cancer, reduces heart disease and risk of strokes, also may help prevent osteoporosis

Mushrooms --1/2 cup -- contains Beta-glucan that helps stimulate the immune system.

Tomatoes -- 1 medium -- contains lycopenes an antioxidant more potent then Vitamin C and helps stimulate the function of the immune system.

These are a few of the veggies that I like to have in my fridge all the time!

Step count for yesterday was pretty good, not as good as Kellie's (she did awesome BTW) -- mine was 7929. I just found out today that my brothers wife is going to be induced on Friday so by Saturday I should be an auntie (again -- 2nd time) !! They already know it is a girl so there is no surprise there but I am still anxious to see the baby! It will be my first niece (blood related) I can hardly wait!

So true!!

I found this on Blogthings and just had to post it, it is soooo true! LOL So now you know a little bit more about who I am! he he

Virgo - Your Love Profile

Your positive traits: You're incredibly thoughtful and able to give your partner what they need most.You are totally logical. You can deal with problems without involving your emotions.A good work ethic. You'll do whatever it takes (within reason) to make your relationship work. Your negative traits: Sometimes you are so focused on your goals that you let your relationships sufferYou tend to be a perfectionist - and expect perfection from your mate as wellYou are picky. So picky that you rather be single than with someone who has a few minor faults. Your ideal partner: Values success in life as much as you doFits a checklist of qualities you've been looking for since childhoodLike you, is more practical and realistic than romantic Your dating style: Active. You're a bit hyper, so you'd prefer a date that involved rollerblading in the park or hiking. Your seduction style: You may seem a bit shy, but once you open up to someone - you're totally uninhibitedYou like to set the scene first - candles, music, nice sheetsA bit obsessed with cleanliness, you may want to shower first with your love Tips for the future: Soften up a little. Vulnerability is sexy - and feels great over time.Lower your standards a little. Look past a messy desk or someone being five minutes late.Praise your partner more. You make expect them to be successful, but complements are still appreciated. Best color to attract mate: Navy blue Best day for a date: Wednesday

What's" Your Love Profile?

Monday again...

Tis the season I suppose .... it seems like everyone around me is sick, I just know my turn is coming! Our weekend was fairly good, MIL's birthday was on Sat. so we went to Red Lobster for dinner. I'm not much of a fish eater even though I know it's good for you so I had the grilled chicken. I just love those little buns you get, too bad they are 200 cals each!!! I never bothered to weigh myself and see just how bad I was, hopefully it wasn't too bad and my weigh in on Wed. will be ok! Sunday my hubby wasn't feeling too well, mostly just tired during the day but after supper he had a full blown cold! We went to bed early but I feel like I didn't even sleep? He was so hot but said he felt cold, I'm not looking forward to tonight! He is going to be so sick and I just know I'm probably going to get it!?

As for my steps on the weekend, I didn't do too many on Sat. because we went out in the evening but I cleaned my house top to bottom so that should have burnt some calories. Friday step count was 7941, Saturday was 2389 and for Sunday 6348 steps! I still think I'm going to get my butt kicked by Kellie but that's ok. ;)

Friday Fun Facts

A few days ago I read a very interesting article on Refrigerator Raid's blog that had to do with BMI and BF numbers. I think I have always mixed these up and truly didn't realize that they are two different things? I have a WW scale at home that gives me my BF (body fat) % and kinda assumed it was the same as BMI (body mass index) % apparently they are not. Midnight Raider directed me to a website that was very helpful and full of info. If you are like me and truly didn't understand the difference it is worth checking out here. After reading the post on the blog I don't understand why you would even go with BMI numbers? To me it seems like BF% is a way better way to track how "healthy" you are? For example my BMI% is 30.7% and my BF% (according to my scale) is 34.7%. According to both charts I am still in the obese category but the problem I have with BMI is that it doesn't recognize the difference between muscle weight and fat?! I think the BF% is a much better way to judge your fitness and health level.


I had an awesome night last night bowling, my average is only 130 and last night my first game was 190 and my second game was 209!! I got two turkey's last night ! YIPPEE! Unfortunately we didn't get home till midnight so I'm a little sluggish today, but it's Friday and I can sleep in tomorrow! My step count wasn't so good yesterday, only 3266 for the day! I think next week I might have to walk around the alley a bit more?

I suppose I should post something? :)

Well today is Thursday and I would usually do a THIS or THAT post but today I kind feel a little blah?! I'm not too sure what to post about? I'm trying to remain positive about this situation the hubby and I are in (re: the truck)but part of me believes that maybe we will just have to start over (financially and credit wise), maybe I do need a second job? I got a call from the bank today and we are approved for getting the line of credit but there are a lot of things they still want us to provide them? I don't understand why we are having such a hard time with getting a loan? I have never had money problems before and I used to think that I was quite lucky when it came to money? Maybe someone wished horrible things on us? or maybe it is just our year to see just how far we can be stretched without snapping? Our first year of marriage seemed so easy, besides having to deal with MIL and FIL always on our case about making babies!? Now this year I think is going to be a "learning" year for both of us, I always thought it was suppose to get easier the older you got ??


**ANNOUNCEMENT !! ** Guess who is back and recommitted to NS !?? That's right .... Jordanna if you haven't already checked her out you should !!


As for my steps yesterday I think I did fairly good! 7710 steps for the day! Tonight is bowling night so it will be interesting to see how many steps I get from that!

Wednesday Weigh in!

For week 19, I was only able to shed -1lb which was just enough to get me my 50lb bear! I must say that I think New Years was more of a "cheat" day then Christmas was and I'm glad the holidays are over so I can get back into my routine. Today I will also start a mini-challenge with NS member Kellie and NS member Jordanna to loose 14lbs by Feb.14th! and as you can see my pedometer ticker is slowly moving, I found that yesterday I took the advice of Kellie and spread my steps throughout the day to get a total of 7470 steps yesterday, not bad ?!




My stress level is at about the highest it has ever been! I don't even think I was this stressed last year when I was planning my wedding, buying a house and my mom was really sick (all in the same month)? I can't wait for this week to be over and have everything sorted out with the hubbies vehicle! I am finding that the older I get the more I hate dislike banks, insurance companies and lawyers~! I need to find a way to get more income into the house, I was thinking of getting a second job but I really have no time for a second job? It's not like we are broke .... I'm just money hungry and like to see big numbers in the bank... positive numbers not debt numbers! I wish I could go back in time knowing what I know now! I think I would have done things a lot different? But I guess for now all I can do is sit down, hold on tight and enjoy the ride!?


10 - Pound (Female) Pound says congratulations on your initial weight loss.She's here to keep you motivated as you continue toward your goal weight

20 - Commitment Losing 20 lbs. proves you have the commitment you need to succeed, but a little inspiration from Commitment couldn't hurt




30 - Community Community Bear says take advantage of the support systems around you. Whether in a chat room or living room, don't be shy about your goals


40 - Determination You said you would do it and you did! That's 40 lbs. down and your very own Determination Bear to boot

50 - Encouragement Wow! Losing 50 lbs. is a great accomplishment. Encouragement Bear hopes you will help other people reach their weight loss goals