Day 4. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.

I am currently OBSESSED with scarves! :))))  They dress up a simple T and take casual Fridays to the next level! 

I just love Spring time.  The sun is shining and the SNOW is finally GONE!!  Happy Friday :)

RIP Mr. Pops

Day 3. A photo that makes you happy

I Am ME!

Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?
I'm left handed. Naturally my handwriting looks like a 9 year olds.  I'm extremely frugal, and I get a lot of crap from my family and friends, but I DON'T care!  Nobody ever got rich living a Louis Vuitton lifestyle on a Wal-Mart budget.  I love to cook, but when it comes to baking, I always resort to the break and bakes (which I still sometimes manage to screw up).  I want the best for my daughter--mostly for her to be a well rounded young lady.  I graduated from college, but still feel like life is all about who you know, not what you know.  I'm a young mom with a good job and a GREAT husband.  I always want more for myself.  I'm extremely blessed. I love reality shows.  Food Network is all that you will find on my TV on Saturdays.  I LOVE food. I could eat pizza every single day.  I'm obsessed with PINK right now.  I love lipgloss.  I'm a bit OCD-kind of a germ nut.  When eating out, I wash my hands before every meal.  I have a huge wrinkle creased right in the middle of my forehead staring back at me every single day.  Excessive tanning might have something to do with that.  I lick my lips A.LOT.  Cod is my favorite fish. I've lost 21 pounds since I had my daughter one year ago.  I HATE running, but I still force myself to do it every week because I know it's good for me.  I color my own hair, even though my mom is a hairstylist.  I love food.  I am obsessed with celebrities and the fame of Hollywood.  Someday I want to open a day care. And go back to school to get my Masters in Education.  My dream job is a High School Business Teacher.  I love food.

Everyday Is A Gift

I found this idea on Bringing Up Bumble's page, and I'm going to give it a try.  It's perfect for new bloggers, like myself, who need some ideas for blog topics...

I'll start with Day 1.
Day 1. I have a three month old and already I'm thinking, I'm going to miss him at this age. Have you felt that way, and what age do you miss the most?

The day that I gave birth to T, was the absolute most magical day of my life. Hands down.  I clearly remember March 3 and 4 vividly and in great detail.  Every day, since my daughter's birth, has been a gift and in many ways undescribable with words.  Each day, T learns something new and her personality shines through more and more.  She's extremely outgoing and loves to meet new people--just like her mama.  It is so cool to see her evolve into a little being :))) 

I am having a hard time pinpointing a FAVORITE age, because each day and every month that passes, I feel like she's at my favorite age.  I do know that currently, we are in the 'fun' stage where T is becoming more and more independent; self feeding, falling asleep in her crib on her own and communicating her wants and needs in a way that my husband and I can clearly understand.  We're through with formula which means a cheaper grocery bill, and  T eats whatever we eat, so there's much less stress on the 'introducing' stage of solid foods and choking hazards.

Overall, my baby has always been a cuddler and such a laidback child!  We are so lucky to have such a sweet little girl, and we are truly blessed!

Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3. A photo that makes you happy
Day 4. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5. A YouTube video
Day 6. Your most embarrassing moment
Day 7. Do you believe in the "cry until he sleeps" method?
Day 8. Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)? Share, please!
Day 9. What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10. What are some of your favorite MAC products, and what foundation/powder do you wear?
Day 11. Post a recipe. Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12. Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13. Write a blog thanking someone who's made your heart come alive.
Day 14. Style 31. Post an outfit pic!
Day 15. What do you wish for?
Day 16. How old was Teagan when she started sleeping through the night and how did you do this?
Day 17. Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18. If you could, what would you tell yourself before you had your baby?
Day 19. Write about your significant other
Day 20. Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21. Write about your most vivid childhood memory. Post a picture of you taken over ten years ago.
Day 22. What did you do today?
Day 23. Who's your celebrity look alike?
Day 24. What is God teaching you presently?
Day 25. Style 31. Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26. What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27. Who are your favorite bloggers?
Day 28. Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29. Your day, in great detail
Day 30. What do you think is going to happen to you after you die?
Day 31. Your favorite quote

Goodbye Carbs: Let's Go!

I had a major let down on Friday when I weighed in.  I was so happy after last week's weigh in where I was 154.7...but then we had a birthday party and a night out with friends, and after a whole week of eating cakes, party dips, buffalo wings, beer---all things (CARBS!) that I haven't had in a very long time---the scale proved what they will do to you!!  I gained three pounds putting me back at 157.

So I'm buckling down, and this week I'm on a mission to lose 7 lbs.  Yes, I know that seven pounds is not a very realistic goal for long term weight loss, but if I can make this happen that means that I will be down 18lbs sine BL started 12 weeks ago and possibly be announced the winner!!  AND seven pounds is still very realistic for the remaining six weeks we have left until vacation!  Goodbye carbs (well, except fruit & veggies)! 

Here's what I'll be eating this week Sunday-Friday:
Sunday: water all day long, d: steak and brussel sprouts
Monday: b: (1) hard boiled egg, l: turkey & cheese, s: (6) almonds, d: bbq chicken & zuchinni
Tuesday: b: greek yogurt w. blackberries, l: tuna fish & cucumber, s: orange, d: meatballs, mozzerella
Wednesday: b: flax seed meal w. peanut butter, l: turkey & cheese, d: buffalo chicken & grilled peppers
Thursday: b: greek yogurt w. blackberries, l: banana w. pbutter, s: chicken & broccoli
Friday: weigh in in the morning! s: FiberOne bar, d: FISHFRY! :)))
Saturday: grocery shopping & menu planning for next week.

Pretty In Pink

Spring is right around the corner, and I'm feeling a major shopping spree coming on! I'm going to turn that major spree into a few mini sprees, and I'll share my finds with you. This morning my closet was purged of all of my clothes that were too big, outdated and just plain ugly! I'm ready for some updating :)

Some things that I'm in the mood for:
pastels--epecially cardigans and tanks, cute tanks for work and play, SCARVES (my new obsession), new sandals (a black and brown pair), some cute flats, new jeans (a light and dark pair), capris (a black, khaki and white pair), a new jacket (light pink or white), lipsticks (shades of pink), a new spring perfume, some new jewelry, a fun lip gloss.

*Inspiration*

http://www.hcz.org/about-us/about-geoffrey-canada

Today I attended a luncheon where Geoffrey Canada was the honorable speaker, and let me tell you, I'm feeling super inspired to change and save the world!  Geoff is the CEO of Harlem Children's Zone, and he is an amazing presenter.  He literally had the room roaring with laughter one minute and eyes wet with tears another.  Check out his amazing work!

Don’t Blame Me

The girl’s mother said, “Don’t blame me.
Her father left when she was three.
I know she don’t know her ABCs, her 1,2,3s,
But I am poor and work hard you see.”
You know the story, it’s don’t blame me.
The teacher shook her head and said,
“Don’t blame me, I know it’s sad.
He’s ten, but if the truth be told,
He reads like he was six years old.
And math, don’t ask.
It’s sad you see.
Wish I could do more, but it’s after three.
Blame the mom, blame society, blame the system.
Just don’t blame me.”
The judge was angry, his expression cold.
He scowled and said, “Son you’ve been told.
Break the law again and you’ll do time.
You’ve robbed with a gun.
Have you lost your mind?”
The young man opened his mouth to beg.
“Save your breath,” he heard instead.
“Your daddy left when you were two.
Your momma didn’t take care of you.
Your school prepared you for this fall.
Can’t read, can’t write, can’t spell at all.
But you did the crime for all to see.
You’re going to jail, son.
Don’t blame me.”
If there is a God or a person supreme,
A final reckoning, for the kind and the mean,
And judgment is rendered on who passed the buck,
Who blamed the victim or proudly stood up,
You’ll say to the world, “While I couldn’t save all,
I did not let these children fall.
By the thousands I helped all I could see.
No excuses, I took full responsibility.
No matter if they were black or white,
Were cursed, ignored, were wrong or right,
Were shunned, pre-judged, were short or tall,
I did my best to save them all.”
And I will bear witness for eternity
That you can state proudly,
“Don’t blame me.”

‐ By Geoffrey Canada
February 2007
(http://bigbinder.wordpress.com/2010/02/23/dont-blame-me/)

A Birthday Success

Party planning for T's first birthday was fun, but I'm kind of ashamed to say that I'm glad there is only one FIRST b-day party. I may have went a little overboard including a couple planned outfit changes, a homemade tutu, and some homemade decorations--including decorating her high chair, but there is no way that I would have done it any differently! Great food. Great family. Great times.

Teagan got so many nice things from our friends and family. Some of her favorites include: Mickey Mouse ride-a-long air plane, beach stuff for our Florida trip, books, lots of cute clothes, movies and money to add to her piggy bank. She LOVED her giant cupcake! Overall, I'm marking this one down as a birthday success!

Menu Planning For A One Year Old's Birthday Party!

I've had this plan in my head, and until just this very moment, I realized that I need to put it on 'paper.' Party prep is tomorrow morning, and I still have to grocery shop...

Main: Southwest sloppy joes, baked mac & cheese
Dips: Artichoke dip, reuben dip, buffalo chicken dip, pineapple salsa
Other: Pigs in a blanket, fruit skewers, ham roll ups, cupcakes, cookies
Drinks: cock'T'ail, bottled water, capri sun, sprite, coke, diet coke

I want to share a recipe for my favorite menu item: Buffalo Chicken Dip. I've never made the crock-pot style, but I'm going to try it for this party.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

1 cup of ranch dressing

½ cup of hot sauce (more or less as you desire)

8 oz of cream cheese

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

1 large can of chicken breast (shredded)

Mix all ingredients in a crock pot and heat thoroughly.

DIY: Salon Quality at a Bargain Price

For many months now, I've been using Revlon hair color in Golden Blonde, and I swear my hair has never looked better!  My love for this magic potion started the night before my wedding.  Yes, that's right, I took a huge leap of faith when I decided to color my chocolate brown hair with medium blonde highlights to a GOLDEN BLONDE! 

I'm one to look for a bargain, and when I came across the Revlon Color Silk hair color for $3.12 (with tax) per box, I decided to give it a try.  Three boxes of color later--remember I was coloring my hair from brown to blonde and I have middle-of-the back hair length--and I had the prettiest golden blonde that you ever did see.  The usual green tint that I usually end up with when trying to put blonde on my naturally brown hair is something of the past.

Six months later of only doing root touch ups with this product, and I'm still getting compliments all the time on my hair color!  Talk about salon quality at a bargain price!!

Measurements & New Weight Loss Goals

I seem to be getting the hang of this weight loss thing.  Today I weighed in at 157.7!  Down 21 pounds postpartum since having baby T almost one year ago, and 11 pounds since I started my work's Biggest Loser (currently in 2nd place!) on January 3, 2011!

waist: 33"
stomach: 31"
hips: 39"
r. arm: 11 1/4"
l. arm: 11 1/2"

thighs: 38 1/2"

r. thigh: 21"

l. thigh: 21"

neck: 12 1/2"
starting weight: 168.8 (January 3, 2011)
current weight: 157.7 (February 28, 2011)

 

Goal Weight: 150

Goal Date: March 15, 2011

GSHOM Biggest Loser ends March 15 & I can totally do this and win some extra money for our Florida vacation at the end of March!