Healthful Hints to Help Navigate the Holidays

My mom sent this to me and I thought I'd share the Mama Nerl lovin'. Thanks Mom!

Surviving and Enjoying the Holiday Buffet without Gaining Weight

Yes it is possible to enjoy the holiday - to have your cake and eat it too. It is important to keep in mind to use a small plate and eat slowly, while eating only the foods that you want to eat. As well, Brian Wansink, Author of Mindless Eating, suggests that you keep in mind the "Rule of Two." This rule says you can have anything you want at the buffet, but you are not allowed to have more than 2 items on your plate at one time. He claims that his works so well because:

• You tend to take the two types of food you want most. People who love desserts don't work their way up to desserts. They'll start with the desserts and then stop.
• You tend to not overfill your plate. Putting only two things on our plate helps keep our serving sizes somewhat small because we psychologically don't want to overload on a particular item.
• You tend not to go back more than two times. In one study they did on the "Rule of Two," 83 percent of people only made one or two additional returns to the buffet.

The Top 10 Tips for Eating Healthy During the Holiday Season

Focus on weight maintenance not weight loss during this time. Maintaining your current weight during the holidays is a big enough challenge so don't stress yourself by trying to lose weight instead.

Do not plan on dieting after the New Year because then you wind up eating everything in sight and not setting restrictions. Wait until after the New Year to plan a diet plan for you, without setting restrictions and depriving yourself of certain items you like.

it is important to keep in mind to be physically active everyday to relieve stress, regulate appetite, as well as burning extra calories during the holiday season.

Remember to eat a light snack before going to a holiday party. It is important not to starve yourself because then you will only wind up eating more at the party.

Make a plan to think about where you will be and who you will be with as well as the food available for you. Once you have planned for the social event, it will be much easier to deal with a difficult social eating situation if you encounter one.

And as mentioned above, take steps to avoid recreational eating by consciously making a plate of food that you really want and eat slowly.

Keep in mind to trim back the trimmings when it comes to food. To cut calories, be sure to go light on the nuts, cheese, gravy and butter. It is important to remember that you want to leave the party leaving satisfied, not stuffed.

When it comes to choosing a drink, choose wisely. Some alcoholic beverages can have between 150-450 calories per glass. Choose to have 1 to 2 light alcoholic beverages and then make water or sparkling water with a lemon. Watch out for the eggnog that can have almost 350 calories for 1 cup!

Always keep in mind to have fun and enjoy family and friends. Share laughter and cheer, reminiscing about the years passed. Relax and enjoy the holiday season.

Lastly, maintain perspective. If you happen to overeat one day, don't feel guilty. Just go back to your normal eating habits the next day.

Monday's are for Sucka's

So needless to say this Monday sucked a big one. If you are friends with me on facebook you may have gotten a chuckle from my status update. Chuck Norris would be proud. A swift roundhouse to the face will shut anyone up! Normally I don't talk shop on here, but I can't help it today. I'm kinda having a Jerry Maguire "Mission Statement" kind of day. I will apologize before hand for giving you a one way ticket to negative town with this posting.

It was my department's first day with out our fearless leader, and as the stars and planets align, and as the forces that be, I'm the only person in the PR and MKT department with seniority (mind you, I've only been at my current job for a year and eight months, at least that is what linkedin.com tells me based on my profile). I honestly can't believe I've lasted in Cleveland that long. I've always wanted to move to a different city in a Whitney from "The City" type of way and make it big and become a bad ass designer. Well in some way I guess I have made a design dent in this so called thing called work and well, I guess I can go on the record and say I'm kinda a big deal ... at least in Painesville, Ohio. I find it amazing how much can change in a year, especially with in a organization. I often wonder how long it takes an established organization to realize that the decisions that they make create a domino effect that has lasting impressions on it, not only with the people that work for it, but the people it serves, it's identity, and mission.

I had a meeting today, ok like five meetings today, but my last one of the day really put a sour taste in my mouth ... an no I wasn't eating sour patch kids during it so we can rule that out as a factor. So, I'm in this meeting, go over the project at hand, changes, concerns, time lines, blah, blah, blah. Well to make a long story short, I have tomorrow off, and the lady heading up the project was concerned I wasn't going to be checking my email and forwarding the proper information on to the outside designer if she got it to me by tomorrow, which I will be on the road most of the day. She said she would be checking her email through the holiday because she checks her email all the time. My question is ... when do people stop working? I tried to convey to the lady that I can't guarantee that the printer will even be in service over the holiday ... and why you ask ... BECAUSE IT'S A HOLIDAY AND PEOPLE ARE ENTITLED TO TIME OFF FROM WORKING ON OTHER PEOPLE'S WORK! I love how everyone thinks their project is more important than the next, and that I should sacrifice time with my family and friends, who I sacrificed for a job that is 4.5 hours away from them and only get to see every so often, to do more work for them. Um hello, the last time I checked that is what vacation days and floating holidays are for ... vacation from projects, deadlines, e-mails, questions....

Now I know what it is like to work over the holidays. I'm a veteran of the Broadcasting world and have worked Thanksgiving, New Years and New Years Eve, July 4, Labor Day, Christmas, Christmas Eve, Columbus Day, Grandparent's Day, Mother's Day, Father's day, Flag Day, Pirate Day...the list is endless. I'm no stranger to hard work, putting in a little extra time when needed along with a side of elbow grease, to go above the call of duty with the tasks at hand, but I'm only one person, two hands and eight hours a day. My "concern" with all this is when is enough, enough. When do people step back and look at their life and realize that this thing called work, isn't what life is about.

I will say by far, this year has been a trying year for me. Between finding out my Grandma had breast cancer (and is now in remission), starting up my side business (Emilie Nerl Graphic Design - launches in December 2009), love life woes, work drama, new additions to the family, new friends and reconnecting with old ones, developing a vintageish jewelry line ... I will say there is never a dull moment, and I must commend myself on still standing after all this with a smile on my face (ok maybe one of my eyebrows is raised and I have the "oh no you didn't" head tilt going on).

So this crappy day not only blew out any positivity that I had going this morning but it always reflected in my poor choices of meal options, well at least for dinner it did.

Breakfast

Bowl of honey nut cheerios

Lunch

Everything Bagel with light butter and the remaining pasta from last night's dinner and a glass of Crystal Light ice tea

Snacks

nada

Dinner

Here's the heart attack waiting to happen ... Chicken McNuggets (6 piece) and a medium fry with a coke. Yeah not proud of it, but hey at least they love to see me smile.

Workout

Nada...I worked out Monday thru Sunday (anywhere between an hour and 1.5 hours), and plan on getting up at the ass crack tomorrow to work out before hitting the road. I'm entitled to my off day!

Wishing you a Happy (skinny) Thanksgiving

I never use to be one to think about not binging on a holiday eating. Why is it that the best things are made on the holidays? Seriously, why can't every day be buckeye day or pumpkin pie day. In the light of this "healthy lifestyle" journey I decided to take my holiday cooking (which by the way is as rare as a blue moon ... or a frozen intact woolly mammoth) to the "skinnier" side of things.

I'm giving this recipe a whirl for Turkey Day, Low-Fat Pumpkin Mousse Pie or Low-Fat FROZEN Pumpkin Mousse Pie. A nice addition to the array of Frich's pumpkin pie, Cheesecake Factory Pumpkin Pie cheesecake, pecan pie and other delectable fruit (or veggie) filled pies adoring the holiday spreads this season.




Low-Fat Pumpkin Mousse pie
(serves 8; ready in 2 hours and 10 minutes including fridge time)




Ingredients

• 1 READY CRUST Reduced Fat Graham Cracker Pie Crust
• 2 cups skim milk
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 (1 ounce) package Sugar Free Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 (8 ounce) container fat-free or lite whipped topping, thawed, divided (half for pie mixture the rest for the topping)

Directions

1. Combine milk, pumpkin, pudding mix and spice in a mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer until smooth.
2. Fold in one half of the whipped topping. Spoon into pie rust. Top with remaining whipped topping.
3. Freeze or refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
   Nutritional Info: Calories per serving 199; Total Fat: 7 g; Cholesterol 1 mg.
   
   
   
   FROZEN Low-Fat Pumpkin Mousse Pie
   (10 servings; 2 hours and 20 minutes including freezing time)
   
   
   

Ingredients

• 1 READY CRUST Reduced Fat Graham Cracker Pie Crust
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/3 packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 pints (4 cups) frozen low-fat vanilla ice cream, softened

Directions

1. Combine pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg in a large bowl.
2. Add ice cream and stir until blended. Spoon the mixture into pie crust.
3. Freeze until firm or at least 2 hours. Let the pie soften slightly in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving.
   Nutritional Info: Calories per serving 230; 5 grams of fat; 4 mg cholesterol
   
   
   
   

Cookin' with the Neighbors ... Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs With Edamame and Snow Peas

My neighbor, Andrea, has introduced me to a whole new world of healthy eating by using a stove (novel idea I know...).

She made this one night before we hit the gym and I have to tell you it's a taste bud pleaser! A healthy, tasty asian inspired meal made with fresh or frozen veggies of your liking. This meal takes less than 30 minutes to cook! Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice


• 1 1/4 pounds ground chicken (or turkey)


• 2 scallions, chopped (optional)


• (1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional))


• 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger


• 2 tablespoons canola oil


• 1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed


• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce


• 2 tablespoons brown sugar


• baby carrots, sliced in halves or quarters


• snow pea pods

Directions

1. Cook the rice according to the directions on the package.


2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine chicken or turkey, cilantro, scallions and ginger. Shape into 16 meatballs.


3. Heat 1 tablespoon of hte oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs, turning until cooked through, roughly 10 to 12 minutes.


4. Combine the veggies with meatballs and then in a small bowl mix the soy sauce and brown sugar. Add to skillet, toss the meatballs and veggies and simmer until saus is slightly thickened.


5. Serve over the rice.

Nutritional Info
Calories per serving: 431; Fat 17 g

Guess Who's Back and 25 LBs less???

Hello my lovely readers! Sorry I've been MIA for the past few weeks. A lot has been going on, and on the weightloss front, I've loss 25 pounds! I know I've been bad about keeping my food journal on here up-to-date, but I plan to get that back on track this coming week. I've still been watching what I eat and working out like it's a last chance workout every freakin' day. I've just been slammed with work lately. As most, or some of you know, I'm a graphic designer by day, exercise maniac by night. Not that this is any excuse for not keep up with my blogging, but every day I work my normal shift, work out for two hours and then do side work for about five hours. Fun huh?

Anyways, enough shop talk right, lets get down to the nitty gritty. 25 pounds ... I'm still kinda in shock. I hope that when I got home to the nasti 'nati this week before stuffing myself on sweet potato casserole I will have lost another 5 pounds (or maybe even more). I've had a lot of people asking me about my motivation or how I do this day in and day out. Well it's easy, and I'm about to share a secret with all of you ... I do it because I want and need to. Crazy huh? Who would in their right mind would push themselves when their legs are about to collapse when doing a 6% incline on the treadmill for almost 40 minutes, and then proceed to feel like they could puke all over the elliptical after the first 30 minutes. Doesn't that sound like fun!? Well it is for me! I'm making the commitment to myself that being fat is NOT an option anymore.

I was talking to a friend of mine who is about to embark on her own business as a career coach (believe me, she is the best, and I'm not just saying that as a plug for her I mean it!) but she also serves as a 15 year veteran as a weightloss coach for Weight Watchers, and she said something that turned the light bulb on and changed the way I think about a lot of things I want and need to do with my life. She said, that we all have the answer with in ourselves but sometimes we don't know how to get there. It was like Christmas when she said that. You're telling me I spent money on "The Secret" and all along I had the answer!? Pure genius I say. As corny as this is going to sound, it is true ... you can do anything you put your mind to. I don't have any gimmicks, tricks or magic. I eat less and fresh then write it down, work out 1.5 to 2 hours a day, cut out soda and upped the water, cut back on the junk food and allow between 1 to 2 cheats a week. Harmless right? I would be lying if I said I didn't have my days because I do. I have my bad days, but I don't let them get to me because if they do then I become consumed with what I ate and focus on it like a zit on my cheek.

While on this weightloss journey I've rediscovered the girl I use to be ... a motivated, positive, hard working, over-achiever who sees the good in most situations. I can focus on the negative all day, and well to be honest, in the environment and society we live in now that's easy to do because it's in our face like that bite size snicker that sits on our desk, BUT we can choose what to do with it. We can take it for face value and let it get us down, OR take it, run with it, and do something positive in the light of it. New Years is right around the corner folks...

Enough of my yoda smoda talk grasshoppers. I'm back like NKOTB so get ready for some new posts because they are coming at ya like Cleopatra!

It's a Hip-Hop Dance Party!

I don't know about you, but there are times when I just don't want to travel to the gym. It's raining...it's cold...I'd rather be at home than working out.

I've decided to still get some cardio in on those lazy days, and I now have a pretty extensive collection of workout DVD's. Pilates, step aerobics, kickboxing...you name it and I have it. I recently purchased Jennifer Gilardi's Dance Off the Inches Hip-Hop Party. I know the name sounds a little cheesy, but this is a great workout DVD. I usually get bored with a workout DVD after watching the second time, and the fact that I can workout to this DVD a few times a week tells me that this is a great workout and DVD.

The workout is all dancing, so if you don't like to bust a move, don't waste your time reading the rest of this post. There is a seperate section of the DVD that teaches the dance moves in detail, so no time is wasted during the actual workout section. The workout is fast paced and makes you sweat. The routines are themed-based: one is a basic hip-hop routine, the second a "sexy" routine and the third is what I like to call the "world rhythms" routine which is full of Latin and Bollywood moves. Also, Jennifer is not one of those really cheesy "You can do it!" workout DVD instructors, so the annoynance level is pretty low. The best thing about this DVD, though, is that it keeps you moving for 45 minutes straight. Wether it's the warmup, the routines, or cool down, you are always moving your body.

So, check it out. You can purchase the DVD on Amazon for less than $10.

Snack Time!

Fitting in a morning and afternoon snack can be cumbersome. Check these 15 Best and Worst Snacks 100 Calories or Less ideas from my Men's Health "Eat This. Not That." Click here for the scoop!

No Use In Crying Over Spilt Milk

Or is there ... when you drop the gallon of milk you just bought and it hits the hardwood flooring and busts in the entrance to your apartment. Awesome, right? Not so much, but that's kinda how my week is going. Thank goodness I'm gonna make it to Friday... or BUST!

So I've been pretty hardcore this week with my workouts. Monday I was feeling under the weather, and I hurt myself pretty good over the weekend. I was sober, mind you, and I some how still managed to whip out and do the splits while crossing the street. Some might say it's a talent, I call it a tragedy. Why you ask? Well for those who had to witness it, it was probably pretty funny ... hell I was due for a fall ... but bad for me because I totally scraped the shit out of my knee, pulled several muscles in my right leg, and scraped up a great pair of leather flats that I completely adore. Guess that's another tragedy ... oh darn got to spend money on new flats :)

Tuesday I did 40 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes of weights, and Wednesday I did 35 minutes of cardio and an hour of water aerobics, which by the way, my stamina is increasing and I'm giving the "mature" ladies in the class a run for money. This week we were introduced to flippers. I've never ever worn flippers, not even as a kid, but they do make you swim faster which is pretty cool; downside is insane cramps in your feet. What I like about the class is that every week we are focusing on a different part of the body and using different things to work those different parts. As a kid I didn't really like swim lessons because I could never get pass the intermediate level at the swim club in Fairfax, Ohio because I couldn't get my damn legs to do the breast stroke kick right. But I will say it's paying off in my water aerobics class. Since the College is on fall break the gym closes at 5 today and tomorrow, so I took it to the streets in the wind, rain and cold and busted out 3.6 miles like the good ol' days of summer. I really pushed myself walking today and made some record time - 47 minutes!

Shameless Product Plug Alert!

So I told my friend, Candy, I would promote some new products she found while grocery shopping. I have yet to try either of these, but she claims they are very tasty! She says that the chocolate syrup can be found in the organic/gluten free section of your grocery store and tastes just like the real thing. She suggests adding it to your milk in the morning for a little something extra. The Fudge Brownie mix is Weight Watchers approved, and you can have a 2" x 2" brownie for 120 calories and 0, that's right 0 fat. Check out their site here. Also, Hungry Girl gives the No Pudge review here for their Ice Cream products and here for the brownies!

So what have I been chewing on lately...

Breakfast: nada (bad I know ... but in my defense I didn't do grocery shopping until tonight)

Snack: took it to the vending machine ... Chex Mix (210 calories, 6 grams of fat)

Lunch: in celebration of fall break we did it up Mexican style at the Donner's. I had a fajita salad, and really didn't eat the rice and beans, but did indulge in chips and salsa (guesstimating on this, 700 calories, 25 grams of fat)

Dinner: Honey Nut Cheerios (I had more than the normal person should probably have, but I was hungry and as you can see I didn't have breakfast or other snacks today, 300 calories and 3 grams of fat)

4 glasses of water, 2 diet cokes

Exercise: 3.6 miles walked and then another 1.5 miles walking around the grocery store

So something I want to ask all my readers, what is your guiltless snack? The one thing I find challenging about dieting or healthy life style changes is becoming creative with food. I always get stuck in a rut with the same old foods. Thoughts? Do share!!!

Best of Cleveland @ the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

Looks like fun! You can even sign up to win free tickets! Click below for more!

http://clevelandmagazine.com/bestof/index.html

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Got Burnout?

I got this article from a friend... thought it had some interesting points about creative professionals and how we get burned out. Click here for more!

Is Happiness Overrated? Thoughts?

Check this out... do you think happiness is overrated? What are your thoughts about this article? Click here for the story!

Busy Is No Excuse

Every day is like ground hog day anymore. I don't know if that is what happens when you are on the cusp of turning 30 in 8 months (not that I'm counting), or if that is what happens when life become too hectic and/or routine, or when you just feel like you constantly get the short end of the stick. What a sh*tty couple of weeks. It's like the same old sh*t just keeps getting bigger and bigger by the hour, and unfortunately I don't have a pooper scooper that can handle it all in two scoops.


So lately things have been going down the sh*tter. Over the past two weeks I have been occasionally eating sh*tty, have gotten sh*tty news, my horoscope is sh*tty, got a flat tire, sh*t, and got something sh*tty all over one of my favorite shirts. I don't know if you got the memo but this is going to be one sh*tty blog entry ...lol.


So my traveling from Cleveland to Cincinnati has come to an end until Thanksgiving. While I've enjoyed my frequent trips to the southern part of Ohio, I'm glad that I'm not driving that much for a while. Driving just takes it out of you, and when you are doing it alone, there is only so much to talk about with yourself, only so many songs on your iPod to sing, and only so many rest areas you can visit in a four hour time span. The occasional Prime Outlet stop is in order to see what kind of deals the Coach and Gap outlets have, and I have yet to still stop at Grandpa's Cheesebarn, which I may just take some leisure time on the weekend and drive down to Ashland, where the world's friendliest people live, and see it... though I'm convinced that the world's friendliest people don't live in Ashland.


The one thing I've noticed when I make trips to the nasti 'nati is that people tend to meet up for lunch or dinner, and I got to thinking about how often that takes place. Granted, it's easier to work in a meal here and there and catch up with people, but many of my trips to Cincinnati have every meal consumed with getting together with people, catching up, and we part our ways until the next time. Now not that I'm against that because I love fine Cincinnati cuisine, especially when it has anything to do with a three way and/or some Montgomery Inn ribs, but I wonder what it is about food that makes people gather. I plan to ponder more on this question. The trips were so much fun and I'm sad they have come to an end for the time being. I got to catch up with a ton of people!

So after being away for five days it's back to the routine. It rained every single day in Cincy, and then what do you know, I came back to more rain. I love fall but hate it at the same time. I love the fall clothes, shoes, accessories, crisp weather, apple cider, hot chocolate and tea, but hate how most days are cold, rainy and dreary. It just sets you in that Debbie Downer mood. With that comes being unmotivated to work out and get stuff done. BUT I haven't let the somber weather seep in to my bones! Work outs have gotten a little more intense. I now do 20 minutes on the bike, 20-30 minutes on the treadmill, 10 minutes on the elliptical, and then 10-15 minutes of weight machines. Now that I have gotten paid for the month (Woo Hoo!) I'm going to get my copy of the Jillian Michael's 30-day Shred! I'm quite excited about this as I've heard many, many good things about this DVD. I've also been doing water aerobics with my neighbor Andrea, and we've been hitting the gym daily. We are beasts of the east! On Wednesday alone we did 2 hours of activity - 1 hour in the gym and 1 hour of water aerobics... what you got to say about that Jillian Michael's!!!!

Water aerobics is quite the work out. I'm getting my ass served to me on a platter by people who are probably older than my mother. Some of these ladies have been doing this for like 6+ years. They are water warriors! Water aerobics is more physical than people think. You're using body parts and doing exercises you don't think you could do in the water. When you get out of the water you feel like you've enter the Strong Man competition... your arms, legs, shoulders, abs all feel the burn. Next up on the training circuit is Zumba... Thick Chick has highly recommended this and use to be an avid Zumba'er.

So on my quest to skinniness does anyone else have any suggestions on DVD's, classes, work outs, routines, and/or exercises?

The New Kid in Town

Hey, everyone! I am a new guest blogger here on "Who's The Phat Girl." Just call me Thick Chick.

Some info on me...I am a 25-year-old gal looking to get into shape and start living a healthier life. Since graduating college a few years back, I have consistently gained weight and now am about 40 pounds overweight. I danced and played sports throughout my childhood, highschool, and even college, keeping me in a healthy weight range and allowing me to eat just about anything I wanted. Well, not anymore, hence here I am, telling you all my lifestory.

I thought I would start my time here on this blog with an article I read this morning. Like Em, I have been feeling really sluggish and tired lately. Studies show that a lack of sleep and being tired can make weight loss harder and some people even experience weight gain - no fun. The article discusses some of the most popular sleep issues and how to deal with them. Hopefully the info here helps some people recognize any sleep issues they may be having and the solution to them, aiding in a better night's rest and thus, a healthier them.

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100244255&gt1=31036

Multivitamins: How to Pick the Right Supplement

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm feeling pretty sluggish these days, even with all the healthy lifestyle changes I've been making. I never thought that a multivitamin could help maintain my engergy. I found this article from fitness about picking the right one for you. Thought it was a good read for anyone looking to add a multivitamin in the mix if they already don't.


Multivitamins: How to Pick the Right Supplement

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Losin' Big

I can't go to bed till I blog about the Biggest Loser... what a premier! First off, Tom and Jillian are beasts and I don't think I've heard the "f" word bleeped so much since a Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog video. If I had them yelling at me daily to shut the **** up and get up the ladder there would be no questions asked! Secondly, I hope everything is OK with Tracy. That was some scary sh*t. I couldn't imagine (well sort of) if I lost all total body function like she did. Some of these people have the most compelling stories. If this season doesn't kick some people into high gear then I don't know what will. Abby should be a poet or book writer... she has the best lines ever. More than ever this season really hits a nerve with how we as individuals can lose touch with ourselves, and how we sometimes are quick to blame situations or experiences on why we are the way we are. Granted, it's those situations that do help to define us, but it's not what we are. People are so much more than a story and appearances, and that is one reason why I like this show. It really shows people that if you put your mind, heart and soul into something that you really, really want that it can happen.

Enough of my "making you feel all warm and tingly" inside talk. I'm off to bed. Got to prepare to bust out graphics like I've never busted them out before.

I Wish The Clock Had A Fast Forward Button

This day is dragging butt. I felt like I got hit up side the head with a mack truck this morning. I thought eating healthy and exercising was suppose to give you more energy... is there a Surgeon's General Warning or advisory about this?

Tonight starts The Biggest Loser, and I can't wait to watch. The only thing that bothers me is I wish this was under normal circumstances (i.e. the people are actually living their own lives...). I would kill to have all day to do nothing but focus on working out like a feen and getting my butt kicked by Bob or Jillian.

Fall shopping is fast approaching and I don't want to buy myself anything new till I've lost 20-30 pounds. My goal this week is to drop 5 lbs. like its my job. That way I can reward myself big time by the end of the month and won't feel bad about adding to my already extensive wardrobe. I already have the items picked out I want to buy... sad I know... I must admit I do have a minor shopping problem with clothing and accessories. Since moving to Cleveland I've given away, no joke, roughly 12 bags of shoes, clothes and accessories. There are some snazzy dressing ladies out there now! I should just open my own second hand shop.

I need to get back on to my crafting soap box. I really enjoy designing jewelry and knitted items. I'm working on some skeleton key necklaces that are all vintage inspired (and use vintage beads, chains, etc.), and am working on the "Emilie Scarf." I have this cream chunky scarf I wear with anything cream I own, and people always ask if I made it, but I didn't, but now I know how to make it! Pictures to come soon!


I'm kinda getting sick of eating the same ol' same ol'. I need to get Emerilized with some BAMmin' recipes. Anyone have any healthy recipes they would like to share that are delicious and nutritious!?



So far today I've indulged in...


Breakfast: Special K protein drink in chocolate (190 calories and 5 grams of fat)


Snack: nada

Lunch: Fajita Nachos with onions, chicken and cheese. Ate most of the topping, and about half the chips with some salsa. Didn't even touch the rice or beans (guesstimating 700 calories and 20 grams of fat)

Snack: Banana (100 calories)

Dinner: nada

Snack: Kemp's individual serving of fro yo strawberry 'n cream parfait
(160 Calories and 1.5 grams of fat)

Water: 6 glasses

Exercise: 3 miles (6152 steps according to the pedometer)

Go PINK!

The Race of the Cure has come and gone. I'm totally looking forward to this becoming a yearly thing for me to do. What a great event. Betty's Busty Buddies were a hit. It was quite amazing to see all the people who came out and ran/walked/supported this cause. You can never know the magnitude of something of this nature (or cancer in general) until you see all the "In Memory" of signs on peoples backs. It just breaks my heart to see multiple people on the "In Memory" bib sheets on people's shirts. I think sometimes we think "oh it can't happen to me...," but it can. One can not underestimate the big bad monster called cancer. That is why it is important to take all precautions that are necessary. That is why I'm encouraging women to use the buddy system in their monthly self-breast exams. I'm sure I'm not the first one to think of this, but I think using the buddy system would make the exams more fun.

Check out the pictures from the Race for the Cure on my facebook page.

After the race on Saturday, we went out for my friend's 30th birthday. Part two of Break yo'self Dancing took place. I have no idea why I think it is a good idea to drop my entire body as low as I can go. My legs burned the whole day on Sunday, and I'm sure it showed at family breakfast the next morning. At least I got one hell of a work out all day on Saturday. But of course that was followed by a little late night munching on pizza... my splurge for the weekend compliments of the adult beverages.

Today I walked with my neighbor Andrea. We walked about 3 miles all over P-ville and then I came home and did a ton of different arm and leg exercises with my weights. Oh and I only lost 1 lb. this past week. I'm kicking it in super gear this week for sure. Today I didn't eat too terrible, but here we go:

Breakfast: nada, bad I know...

Snack: nada

Lunch: we went to Bravo! for a lunch meeting and I got Pesto Tortellini with Roma tomatoes, onions and sun dried tomatoes with spinach and cheese tortellini in a pesto sauce. Since Bravo! doesn't have any nutritional facts anywhere, I'm going to have to guesstimate this. It was a smaller portion than the dinner portion, so I'm going to guess like 800 calories and 25 grams of fat (I have no idea though)

Dinner: 1/2 cup of Edemame and a California Roll (total, 500 Calories and 10 grams of fat)

Water: 5 glasses

Exercise: walked 3 miles and reps of various arm and leg exercises with 8 lb. weights

Running in Jeans

I know I've been on a sporadic blogging schedule the past two weeks, and I promise to get back to blogging once a day starting next week. Tonight I did my usual 3.6 mile walk, and as I'm walking I notice this guy jogging in jeans... that's like riding a water ride, getting soaked, and having to walk around in jeans in like 100 degree humid weather. I wouldn't think jeans are the most flexible yet breathable fabric to jog in... especially for a guy. I would think in someway that would be equivalent to chestnuts roasting on an open fire (yup... I went there...).

So I'm really excited for the Race for the Cure in Cincinnati on Saturday. My sister, her two friends, my grandmother (a breast cancer survivor) and I will be walking in it. In honor of my grandma's struggle and journey with Breast Cancer, I designed a t-shirt for the event (see left). In a way it's kind of surreal to go to something like this. You never get the full affect of a disease that affects thousands of people a year until you do an event like this. It's quite overwhelming to say the least. With all the research I've been doing lately, and preparing for this race it makes me wonder... if I got tested to see if I was a carrier for the BRCA breast cancer gene, and found out that I was a carrier for it, would I be able to face the options that lie ahead. Let's be honest, no one wants to bear the thought of losing a body part, especially "those" body parts. How would I live without Thelma and Louis?

I guess guys would ACTUALLY have to look at my eyes then. This is one reason I'm on this healthy lifestyle journey.

My shameless product plug for the week are Boca Burgers... I LOVE these things. I bought the tomato/pizza burger and the spicy black bean (which by the way, isn't spicy but still tasty). They range around the 120 calorie mark and 4-6 grams of fat. I know what you're thinking... how can that be any where nearly remotely good. Well I'm living proof that they are. They are quite flavorful, juicy, and they will get you a serving of your fruit and veggies for the day. What else could you ask for!

Drum roll please... today's chef specials were as follows:

Breakfast: Nada (I know bad...)

Snack: low-fat granola bar

Lunch: Spicy Bean boca burger (120 calories and 4 grams of fat) with a 1/2 cup of Edamame (100 calories, 3 grams of fat), a slice of Colby Jack cheese (80 calories, 7 grams of fat), whole wheat English muffin (110 calories, 1 gram of fat) and a small banana (70 calories),

Lunch Damage: 480 calories and 15 grams of fat

Snack: Kemp's frozen yogurt parfait (230 calories, 9 grams of fat)

Dinner: went to the Donner's and had Fajita Nachos (guesstimating 800 calories and 20 grams of fat)

Total Damage: 1,600 calories and 44 grams of fat (little high on the calorie intake but low on the fat intake)

Exercise: walked 3.6 miles

Water: 5 glasses

Challenger for my readers...

What do you eat? What are your favorite foods or meals. Show me what you're working with and upload your picture comments with some of your favorites!

Cute Boys are Like Dove Candies...

as good as they may seem they always end up being bad for you! First and foremost I want to apologize to my readers for being MIA the past several days. I've been traveling, getting my promotional materials done, and a bunch of other things I will not bore you with. BUT on a side note, I did lose 10 pounds! CHICKA CHICKA! I'm pretty stoked, because the scale initially lied to me and said I only lost 5, and then the next day it said I lost 10. Any who back to my thought...

This weekend I rolled back to the 'nasti for a hot minute, and to my surprise (and dismay) my mom had bought Dove candies. Up until this past weekend I haven't had any candy. I was trying to come up with logic thinking as to how cute boys and Dove candies are similar. Here are my thoughts. Feel free to add your comments or add to the list.

• Both can be pretty good looking, smooth, and have nice things to say. It's all in the packaging if you ask me. At least with the Dove promise messages on the inside of the wrapper you won't be waiting for an answer or a telephone call.


• Both are quite enjoyable, until you realize how bad they actually are for your well being.


• Both, in some way, can add baggage to your life. Moderation is the key.


• Both create some sort of chemical release in your body.


• Both can make you feel good and bad at the same time. That's why its good to practice will power.

I'm sure you're wondering if I indulged in some Dove candy... the answer is yes. It was my cheat for the weekend, but I only like 4 over the course of 3 days. I did eat really well though which I'm giving myself props for. I had grilled chicken and veggies one night for dinner and the other night I had two mini-turkey sliders and a salad. Lately I've been notorious for eating like one meal a day, which I'm going to blame on my schedule last week. I didn't go to bed until 2 a.m. practically every night, and was running errands until dusk so that left no time for walking. This week I have to make up my walking for what I missed out on over the past 4 days or so.

Today consisted of:

Breakfast: Yogurt parfait with strawberries and granola

Snack: n/a

Lunch: we went to the donner's for lunch... I'm going to have to guesstimate on this again... I had a half of a quesadilla with sour cream and guac, rice and some chips and salsa (700 calories, 20 grams of fat)

Snack: n/a

Dinner: Veggie burrito bowl with black beans, corn, tomato, and less rice, sour cream, cheese and guac. I have to go grocery shopping so it was this or a 100 calorie pack of Oreos. I'm going to guess that this was mucho calories... and we will leave it at that.

Exercise: walked 2 miles and rode the stationary bike for 5 miles

To My Readers...

I promise to update tonight... I've been so busy that busy can't even keep up with how busy I've been, but of course that's no excuse to not keep this updated. BUT I will say I've lost 10 pounds in a little over two weeks! Totally stoked about that!

Ain't No Rest for the Wicked

O.M.G. I have so much to do and such little time to do it in. I think I basically live off of stress, adrenaline and procrastination. It's not like I put things off to the last minute it's that the last minute creeps up so fast that procrastination just sets in. I didn't leave work till after 6:30 tonight, came home ate waffles for dinner, caught up on some reading and then headed out walking at 7:45 till 9:00. Made a few phone calls, responded to some emails and had to get my reality fashion fix with The Rachel Zoe Project, which by the way was bananas. Now I'm making a list of all sorts of projects I need to get together. To boot, I haven't finalize my mini portfolio and that is still in limbo. UGH! The life of a designer.

Today, I worked it. I got up 10 minutes before I had to be at work, which is 8:30, and had a 9:00 IA meeting. Awesome. I got ready with 5 minutes to spare. Shower, hair done, make-up on, clothes ironed all with in 25 minutes. That's a miracle in my book. I guess it helps living right across the street from your employer.

So the soup de jour today was the following. Don't hate, I didn't really eat very well, and when I mean well I guess I mean how I've been eating. I'm still under calorie consumption for the day, but I really didn't eat balanced meals, which kinda makes me mad since I was doing so well with getting in all sorts of fruits, veggies and proteins.

Breakfast: nada

Snacks: Diet Coke

Lunch: Don Tequila special # 8 (chicken soft taco, rice and small quesadilla with chicken and veggies) Damage: 800 calories, 25 grams of fat (guesstimating)

Dinner: 2 Eggo Nutri-Grain Strawberry filled waffles (130 cal. ea, 3.5 grams of fat ea; total - 260 calories and 7 grams of fat) with light butter spread (50 calories, 5 grams of fat)
Dinner Damage: 310 calories and 10.5 grams of fat

Exercise: 4 miles walked

Water: 4 glasses

Total Damage: 1,210 calories and 35.5 grams of fat

I Love the Nightlife

This weekend was pretty entertaining. The Eastside Crew and myself decided we needed a well deserved night on the town before we start the "gasp" dreaded work week. Now, I've come to realize that a 29 year old body doesn't recover like a 28 year old body, and if a song ever has the words "Get Low" in the chorus, do not, I repeat, do not try to get low unless you have the following: 1) extra hands to get your butt up off the floor; 2) any sort of railing assistance; and last but definitely not least 3) a make-shift limbo bar. I haven't danced that hard since 'nam, but I definitely made up for the two days of not walking that's for sure. Then today I helped Cuz finish packing her apartment for like 3 hours (she lives on the second floor), so I'm pretty sure I burned enough calories between droppin' it like it's hot and running up and down stairs. My thighs will be feeling it till Tuesday. Another thing, why do women continually torture their feet with high heels? Granted, I'm guilty as charged when it comes to wearing heels and cute high shoes to the point I can't feel my toes, but why can't shoe designers make cute heels and wedges that are like a sexy and chic orthopedic shoe? It has to be do-able. Where there's a will there's a way.

This week starts "back to school." I can't believe how fast this academic year has gone, and I can't believe I've lived in Cleveland for a year and a half now. It's amazing how fast time flies any more. How come time could never fly this fast when I was sitting in algebra class or communication law? I only have three weeks left till the 5k. It's time to get down and dirty just like Mose days. I have to get focused the next three weeks, and HAVE to walk at least twice a day. This past week I've been not so good about walking twice a day, so the next three I have to get my game face on and my laces tight!

I'm Ready for My Close Up Mr. Deville

The past three days have been a whirlwind, and not to crash and burn, but I haven't ate the greatest. I'm pretty sure I haven't gone over my maxium allotted of calories (1500), but I haven't ate very balanced meals, or was able to walk two days this week due to weather and feeling under the weather, which really bummed me out. But I did redeem myself today with all the running around we did for the photo shoot from 7:30 a.m. to noon. It was hella fun, and my boss, the grad assistant and I did a kick ass job - and I have to give MAJOR props to the students for being the stars of the show. Not to mention Russell Lee photography. Talk about some phenomenal work. I don't know what this guy has in his camera (magic pixie dust or photo mojo), but we are going to have some pretty frickin cool shots to choose from. Can't wait to start designing the new street banners, ads, and other collateral for the campus.

The one thing I've learned this year is my ability to push my endurance. Just when I think I've had enough, I haven't, in some sick and twisted way. My problem is I set the bar higher than I can reach, but some way, some how I always end up reaching it; maybe with a little help from a step ladder every now and then. I got to thinking over this past week, is there ever a point where enough is enough? I've had plenty of occasions where enough is enough, but somehow it just keeps piling on. What is that? Do I have a sign that says, "I'm tough, keep it coming," or "NO, that isn't in my vocabulary!," or "Go ahead, just don't leave foot prints on me." I think I've gotten better in becoming more asserting in all aspects of life. I never realized what I was made of until I was put in situations where I had to "Make it Work!," Tim Gunn style (minus the Macy's accessory wall and the chance to win a $100,000 dollars toward my own line). I guess that's one of the fun parts of this journey called life, no matter what road you end up taking, there is always a detour, fork or cal-de-sac of changes awaiting - all you have to do is decide which way you want to go.

Working for da man...

Regulators... MOUNT UP!

I've found with walking every night that there are small mafias of rug rats on bikes. They roll like 20 deep, no joke. They cycle in stealth mode - it's like they come out of the bushes or something with no warning. I practically lost a finger tonight truckin' it up Levan.

I'm like already at that point with my walking that I HAVE to do it everyday. It's like I go into zombie Thriller mode at 7:30 p.m. every night with "must walk at least 3.6 miles" (insert blank stare, stiffen appendages, and exit the mansion to W. Washington Street). I'm kinda like Bette Midler in "Ruthless People" when after she gets kidnapped, who decides that to make the best use of being locked up in a posh '80's basement is to work out like a maniac. Except I'm minus the posh '80's basement and I'm not being held for ransom by a shy, wanna-be fashion designer and A/V sales guy. I can dream I suppose...

On with Monday's menu, which was far from exciting I must say. I need to switch it up a bit. I plan on purchasing Jillian Michael's "30 Day Shred" this week and add that to my walking routine. We'll see if I'm still standing by next week!

Breakfast: 2 Eggo Nutri-Grain Strawberry filled waffles(130 calories ea, 3.5 grams of fat ea; total - 260 calories and 7 grams of fat) with a smear of peanut butter (200 calories and 16 grams of fat) Breakfast Damage: 460 calories and 21 grams of fat

Lunch: Santa Fe Rice and Beans Lean Gourmet meal (310 calories, 8 grams of fat); Yoplait Fat Free Cherry Cobbler yogurt (100 calories); Apple (70 calories); Crystal Light Lemonade (5 Calories)
Lunch Damage: 485 calories and 8 grams of fat

Snack: Fiber One Chocolate and Oats bar (140 calories and 4 grams of fat)

Dinner: 100 calorie (1 gram of fat) Thomas English Muffin with Turkey (50 calories, .5 grams of fat), 2 slices of Pepper Jack cheese (80 calories, 7 grams of fat; total 160 calories 14 grams of fat), 1 serving of Low-Fat Kettle Chips (130 calories, 5 grams of fat), 6 apple slices (30 calories)Dinner Damage: 470 calories, 20.5 grams of fat

Total Damage: 1555 total calories consumed and 53.5 total grams of fat consumed (again a little high today, but the average calorie intake for women looking to lose weight is 1500, fat is 50 grams, so all in all not too bad)

Water consumption: 6 glasses

Exercise: 3.6 miles walked

Shake it don't break it...

Well another weekend has passed us by... why do weekends go so fast? It's like the older you get the fast time goes. I really think there should be 3-day weekends. I would be hella productive in four days. This weekend was pretty laid back, just what the doctor ordered. I watched one of my favorite movies "He's just not that into you" and it gave me some food for thought in this vicious dating world, and how everything comes down to communication. But that's for the next post... I'm going to resurrect my good ole blog about dating.

I did pretty good this weekend except for the s'more I ate on Saturday night at the bonfire, so I guess that was my cheat day, and that's what I decided to cheat on it with. Which, at the bonfire, I saw three shooting stars from the meteor shower. One was really vibrant, like it lit up the sky.

So on with today. Today I don't even think I breathed at work. I was engrossed from the time I walked in to the time I cntrl alt deleted at the end of the day. I think IT is going to have to replace my keyboard I was pounding the keys so hard today! Thank God Apple came up with iPods and iTunes. Nothing like blasting a little Warren G and Nate Dogg to get you through a sluggish afternoon of formatting and converting text into tables.

What was cooking today? I didn't really eat today, nor have much substantial. Kinda bad but I really wasn't hungry. I've been trying to do small meals, but just wasn't feeling it today I suppose. Which is weird because since I've changed my eating habits I have felt fuller with eating the small proportionate meals and healthy proportionate small snacks in between.

Breakfast: 1.5 cups of Honey Bunches of Oats (200 calories and 2 grams of fat)

Snack: Nada

Lunch: Fajita nachos (700 calories and 20 grams of fat... guesstimating, it was just chicken, cheese and onions on tortilla chips; I only ate the topping and a few chips. Didn't even touch the rice or beans)

Snack: Eddy's real fruit bar in Lime (80 calories)

Dinner: 1.5 cups of Honey Bunches of Oats (200 calories and 2 grams of fat)

Water: 6 glasses

Exercise: 5.4 miles walked

Thursday... blows oboes

Well today reallyl blew. Do you ever have those days where you just want to scream obscenities at the top of you lungs... I suffer from cursing tourettes. I'll admit it, I enjoy making up my own curse words like "jackhole" or "ass monkey." I sometimes scratch my head and wonder what kind of kool-aid people are drinking these days. Do people sneak shrooms into the office and pop them throughout the day? REALLY...

So today I totally didn't feel like working out, but I tore up the asphalt again tonight, walking another solid 3.6 miles. Sometimes work is just exhausting that the thought of "working out" even exhausts me more. But I'm glad I did it, no doubt about that. I had no idea when deciding on a profession at the tender age of 16, 17 and 18 years old that this is what I would have to look forward to... being drained, stressed, and sometimes creatively stifled. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I do, but sometimes you just hit a road block. I guess if I really did go to meterology school I would hit more than just a road block... I'd probably hit straight into a F3 tornado or Hurricane whatever name.

Today's menu consisted of:

Breakfast:
2 Eggo Nutri-Grain Strawberry filled waffles (130 cal. ea, 3.5 grams of fat ea; total - 260 calories and 7 grams of fat) with light butter spread (50 calories, 5 grams of fat)

Breakfast Damage: 310 calories and 10.5 grams of fat

Snack: Banana (100 calories)

Lunch:

2 cups of store bought salad (15 calories, 0 grams of fat); 1/4 cup of cheese (110 calories and 9 grams of fat); 1-oz Tyson diced chicken (110 calories and 2.5 grams of fat); 2 tbsp Light Honey Mustard Dressing (70 calories and 4 grams of fat); Salad toppings (1/3 tbsp; 35 calories and 1 gram of fat); Craisins (80 calories and 0 grams of fat); Fat Free chocolate pudding (80 calories)

Lunch Damage: 500 calories and 16.5 grams of fat

Snack: Fiber One Chocolate and Oats bar (140 calories and 4 grams of fat)

Dinner:
Weight Watchers Smart One Lasagna (300 calories and 6 grams of fat); 2 cup side salad (15 calories and 0 grams of fat) with light Italian dressing (45 calories and 4 grams of fat) with cheese (less than a 1/4 cup >110 calories and 9 grams of fat) and salad toppings (35 calories and 1 gram of fat); Crystal Light Lemonade (5 calories)

Dinner Damage: 495 calories and 20 grams of fat

Total Damage: 1545 calories and 51 grams of fat (a little high today, but the average calorie intake for women looking to lose weight is 1500, fat is 50 grams, so all in all not too bad considering this is my highest calorie intake for the week)

Water: 5 glasses

Exercise: walked 3.6 miles

One Sweet Giveaway

Daily Candy 100 Day Giveaway

If you don't subscribe to dailycandy.com you should. Tons of sweet deals and steals for the ladies! Check out the link above to see if you can win some cool loot. They are giving away 100 items for 100 days. In a way it's like the lottery... except with designer prizes.

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Food/Exercise Journal for Tuesday and Wednesday

Wednesday

Breakfast: 1 cup Honey Bunches of Oats (160 calories, 1.5 grams of fat)

Snack: Bananna (100 calories, 0 grams of fat)

Lunch: 100 calorie (1 gram of fat) Thomas English Muffin with Turkey (50 calories, .5 grams of fat), 1 slice of Pepper Jack cheese (80 calories, 7 grams of fat), 1 serving of Low-Fat Kettle Chips (130 calories, 5 grams of fat), 6 apple slices (30 calories)
Lunch Damage: 390 calories, 13.5 grams of fat

Snack: Chocolate and Oats Fiber One bar (140 calories, 4 grams of fat)

Dinner: 1 cup Steamfresh light saused pasta with veggies (260 calories, 8 grams of fat), Tyson diced chicken (1 oz., 110 calories, 2.5 grams of fat); Kemps Straberry Single Serving Yogurt Parfait (160 calories, 1.5 grams of fat)
Dinner Damage: 310 calories, 12 grams of fat

Exercise: walked 3.6 miles

Total damage: 1100 calories, 31 grams of fat


Tuesday

Breakfast: Yoplait Blackberry Harvest Yogurt (170 calories, 3 grams of fat)

Snack: Bananna (100 calories, 0 grams of fat)

Lunch: Don Tiqulia special # 8 (chicken soft taco, rice and small quesodilla with chicken and veggies) Damage: 800 calories, 25 grams of fat (guestimating)

Snack: no afternoon snack

Dinner: 1 cup of Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal (160 calories, 1.5 grams of fat)

Water: 6 glasses

Exercise: walked 3.6 miles

Total Damage: 1230 calories, 30 grams of fat

Tastebud Tuesday

So once a week I'm going to try a new "healthy" product and give it my two cents worth. Drum roll please...

Last night I tried the Kemps Yogurt Parfaits (single serving of vanilla fro yo and granola; 230 cal., 9 grams of fat), and I now have my new fix! It was tangy/citrusy and sweet at the same time, which not only made my taste buds jump for joy, but the texture was so smooth and creamy, not gritty like some fro yo's I've had. They run about $1.50 a pop (at Giant Eagle), which isn't too bad, but I've been reading that many stores run specials on these (10 for $10 kinda deal). Plus it has all that live and active culture stuff in it to keep your digestive track on the up and up... and when you get close to 30 like me, you gotta keep those things in consideration.

Verdict: I give it two thumbs up and a string of pearls. Tantalizes my taste buds, as well as not breaking my pocket book, and gives you the sweet fix that you need, all while keeping your insides rocking'!

Manic Monday

So today started off pretty rough. Totally didn't hear my alarm so I missed my morning work out and with that it was hotter than balls in my apartment. Why you ask? Because I'm living it up 19Th century style with no a/c. I live in a gorgeous mansion that was built in 1908, and has been converted to apartments. I love my apartment... the charm, the character, the history - except no a/c. I know you are probably saying, "stop your bitchin' and complainin'!" but I hope all this sweatin' it out has a good affect!


I managed to get walking in after work. Why I thought it would be a good idea to walk right after I got out of work at 5 p.m. Considering it was 85+ degrees out and I chose to wear gym pants... that was a bad decision. I got in 2.4 miles. Not to shabby, minus almost getting attacked by a dog.

Whats cookin' for today?


Breakfast: I was bad and didn't eat breakfast... I know, I know send me to shakles



Lunch: Subway (6" sweet onion chicken teriyaki with 2 cheese triangles, lettuce and banana peppers with Sour Cream and Cheddar Baked Lays and a water) Damage: 560 Calories, 13.5 grams of fat.


Snack: string cheese





Dinner: Gordon Fisherman grilled tilapia fillet (100 Calories, 3 grams of fat), Jolly Green Giant Health Blends Healthy Weight mixed veggies (180 calories, 5 grams of fat), Kemps single Yogurt Parfait (280 calories, 9 grams of fat) Damage: 510 calories, 17 grams of fat

Exercise: 2.4 miles walking outside

Water Consumed: 8 glasses

So the journey begins...

Well last night I had a serious discussion with myself and said no more... no more putting off the "healthy lifestyle change." I've talked about for some time now, and more than ever I'm ready to make it happen. I've made it my goal to lose 100 pounds in 12 months, and while this maybe a little much you think I think it is just the tip of the iceburg. Some would say I'm an over acheiver, and with that I've done it all... Weight Watchers, binge exercising, restrictive dieting... you name it I've done it. I can honestly say I've probably been on a diet since I was in the 4th grade. Awesome right!? Not so much. What 4th grader goes to Weight Watcher weigh ins? Aren't they usually doing something... constructive or destructive? The most weight I've lost is 65 pounds when I was 14 and that was with working out every single day and writing down everything I ate. So that's what I'm going to do. It worked the first time, so lets see what happens this 100th time. Hope you all enjoy "the journey."

29 is like pre-30

So I'm at lunch with Cuz and Web Joe and the hottest topic around came up... my birthday. As we were talking, Cuz says, "Well at least your not 30!," and that made me think... really 29 is PRE-30... it's kinda like Pre-Nursing... you know you're really not a nurse but almost there, so you kinda feel like you are... well at least Pre-Nursing sounds better than Pre-30. I guess I can view age like wine... it only gets better with age.

Portfolio, proportions and parties

So I'm working on some new ideas for my portfolio, and thinking about doing mini portfolios for any perspective employers that may stumble upon my awesome resume and need a little something, something to refer back to after I blow them away with my awesome interviewing skills... that is if I can land some. I'd say I'm a seasoned graphic designer these days; almost 5 years in the game, and still holding strong. Though there is always this need to evolve in your craft, kinda like Madonna. For some reason, she could sing kid's songs and still hit the top of the charts. I, in essence, want to be the Madonna of graphic design. It may take a little time, a little more sacrificing than I've already done, and a lot of patience but I think I could do it. I guess all I need now is the time... damn that time. It's always on your side, but at the same time there is just not enough of it.

Another thing I've noticed lately, as I've been trying to do a lot of "changing of my ways" is proportion size. I never really noticed what I SHOULD be eating when it comes to proportion size. I had a Lean Cuisine the other day, and stood there in amazement of what proportions I should be eating. Not that I eat these huge ass proportions, but I'm sure there are times when my eyes are bigger than my stomach. The past few weeks I've given almost everything I got to give to a healthier life style. I walk practically twice a day, eat tons of fruits and veggies, given up on the 100 calorie packs, cut carbs, drinking 8+ glasses of water a day, no pop for the last 8 months... I mean practically anything that tastes good I've given up. Now I just need to invest in a scale... or not.

So the big two-nine is coming up... yup I'm officially old. Twenty-nine is kinda like turning twenty-four... you're still in your twenties, but close to a really BIG birthday that can be life changing and mood altering. This is totally the girl coming out in me, but WTF happened to the timeline, and girls, if you're reading this you know what I mean. Seriously, I think I was lied to when I was younger and the fairy tails should be renamed to reality bites tails. I guess in away it's not when you get there, it's how you get there, right? Or vice verse?

Bargain of the Week

As you already know, I've been working on sprucing up the mansion, and have been looking for wall quotes to cover bare walls. Kohls has buy one, get one free on their artwork, wall quotes, frames, as well as clothing. Expect great things... at Kohls.

There's beauty in the breakdown

What a couple of crazy weeks it has been. I've officially moved into the masion. The apartment is awesome, and can't wait to get it all decorated! I'm almost there but there are touches that are needed. Look for pictures to come next week. I've got some new art projects on the horizon that I'm pretty stoked about, and am seriously contemplating making my own note cards. I was assigned a photography project in my multidisciplinary class, and I must give myself a pat on the back for my amatur attempt at kick ass photography.

A lot has been going on. For starters, I just don't understand the opposite sex. I think this is a subject that has perplexed me since I started dating at the tender age of 15. Even before the tender age of 15. I will never forget the first time I knew I was destined to be pursued by "the" older men. I was in third grade, and at that time the third graders lined up at the lower level of the school. The fourth graders lined up at the upper level of the school by the flag pool. It was then that the "holla'n" started. It doesn't matter what age they are they "holla" no matter what. As always, and even in third grade, I was always particular about my style. I will never forget that I was obessed with the movie "The Secret of My Success" staring Michael J. Fox. I got my hair cut just like the blonde he went after. I'm sure that's what started it all.

In an era that is we are consumed by "he's just not that into me," what dictates how a guy is into you? I feel like I need to keep a dic(k)tionary for men or flirty flash cards on hand to know the signs. It's almost like the signs contradict themselves anymore. This miscommunication when it comes to dating is enough to even cause the best player to stay in retirement. What happened to the good old days of check "yes, no, or maybe?" in your favorite crayola crayon, and then taking a restroom break only to slip it into your crush's wooden cubby hole by the coat room. Ah if it was only that easy, right?

This is totally off topic, but I must share a site I came across and am pretty excited to look into it more. It's called 20somethingfinance.com and I came across it the other day as I was rummaging the wide world web for money saving ideas. It has some good advice for us 20 somethings that are tightening our belts during these dire economic times. I, myself, have stepped up my cost saving measures with bargain finds, coupon clipping, thrifty thrills and goods.

Well it is way past my bed time, and it's been awhile since I posted anything. Hopefully you find my ramblings somewhat amusing, or at least something to pass the time!