Paul McKenna

You may have noticed that I've mentioned Paul McKenna's name a couple times since I've been back. Have you heard of him? Well he guarantees he can make you thin. While the title "I Can Make You Thin" seems pretty bogus I still bought the book. I know I'm crazy! I actually bought the book over a year ago and only started using his "system" this past September. I thought to myself, nothing else has worked with this weight loss situation why not give this a try!

I'm proud to say that it does work!! You read that right! It does!! Now before you leave my blog to head over to Amazon or your local bookstore (thinking I have such a strong influence on you..) there are some things you need to know.

Warning caps are coming... YOU WILL NOT LOSE THE WEIGHT FAST! Gasp!!! But you WILL lose weight. I've lost over 7 pounds since I started listening to his CD back in September. I know that is not alot, but I haven't changed anything else. I wanted to prove this dude wrong. Looks like he proved me wrong. Darn foiled again!

Here's a basic run down, Read the book first (it only takes a 1-2 hours). Follow the four golden rules in the book:

Golden Rules:

1. When you're hungry, EAT
2. EAT WHAT YOU WANT, not what you think you should
3. Eat CONSCIOUSLY and enjoy every mouthful
4. When you think you are full, STOP eating

That's it! Well he also asks you to listen to the CD that is enclosed every night for 2 weeks. I personally think you should listen to it every night for as long as you're actively losing weight. I personally listen to it while I'm falling asleep. He said its best when you do. I can tell you that my thoughts toward food are different. I don't eat every bite on my plate and I crave healthy foods. I think twice about eating junk foods. I can tell you that since I've been listening to his CD I haven't had the remote desire to eat McDonalds! That's saying alot because I was a Quarter Pounder with Cheese junkie!

Have you tried it? or any other self hypnosis system? I would love to hear about it! Comment below!

Fashionable Friday: Stripes

Source: ebay.com via Erika on Pinterest

I plan on achieving a 60-100 pound weight loss goal for 2013, so I've gotta look cute at the gym. Don't you just love these Lululemon Pants?

Green Tea: Yay or Nay?

For the past 3 weeks I've been drinking green tea. I don't know if you're like how I used to be and hated the thought of drinking green tea. I'm not sure what has come over me but I now LOVE green tea! I'm thinking what changed my mind might be listening to Paul McKenna every night before bed. I have to say it's made a difference.

I've found several websites that can't prove the tea's specific benefits but I can tell you the changes I've experienced:

Makes me regular
I don't feel as bloated
Seems to soothe acid reflux/burning in my stomach
Soothed my sore throat
Loosen up mucus
A nice companion to a sweet treat

I drink it straight. No sweeteners or milk. I just love it. I drink Celestial Seasonings Green Tea. I microwave filtered water in Pyrex glass measuring cup and then pour it over the tea bag. I keep the tea bag in my cup as I drink and never remove it. The box suggests removing it after steeping for 2-3 minutes. You do what you prefer?

If you've tried it, drink it, or hate it, let me know your thoughts on how it tastes.

Workspace Wednesday: My obsession

I have to admit while there are bloggers out there that blog about home interiors I'm obsessed with home offices. I'm such a voyeur when it comes to home offices or craft spaces. Don't get me wrong I love a white kitchen like the next person but home offices makes me weak at the knees.

I'm in the process of revamping my home office. I'm selling as well as clearing out all my ribbon and craft supplies and storing them in my walk-in closet. Since I'm changing careers I need to change my workspace.
Here are a few things I want for my office space:
White Desk
Simple & Minimal decor
Small loveseat
Space to do exercise

Here is the desk I want:

Eclectic Home Office design by San Francisco Media And Blogs SFGIRLBYBAY

I like this workspace but the office chair looks a bit uncomfortable. I'm still on the prowl for a comfortable, ergonomic, stylish office chair. Let me know if you have any preferences.

Hello

Source: shop.hellomerch.com via Erika on Pinterest

It's been a while

I know it's been a while. So much has happened. Here's a quick run down:

July:

I was offered a scholarship to return to school to pursue my dream of becoming a graphic designer.

August:

Started school full time and I've been neck deep in assignments ever since. I expect to graduate Summer 2014. I'm quite excited! I discovered Paul McKenna. Well sort of, I purchased his book a year ago and put it on the shelf and forgot about it.

Received T-Tapp exercise DVD set. Started my bootcamp. You can read more about the T-Tapp here.

September: Had to end my bootcamp because my left knee became so swollen I had to stay off of it.

October: My artwork was featured in the school main lobby! Yay!
My weight loss journey has been pretty stagnant since.
So life has been pretty crazy. One thing I can say is that while I haven't lost a major amount of weight I haven't gained any either. I've realized I'm a great maintainer! Yay me! I've learned that making little changes is what matters most. Here are some of the things that are a normal part of my life that never was in the past:

Drinking water when going out to eat
Parking farthest from the store/mall entrance. I no longer stalk people and it has been pretty liberating.
Eat when I'm hungry
Eat what I want
Stop eating when I'm full
Listen to my Paul McKenna CD daily or when stressed.

So my local gym is offering annual memberships for only $99.99 and I'm going to rejoin. It's not in the budget but getting hypertension or diabetes isnt in the budget either. I'll be listing some ribbon on ebay for the budget to allow for this expense. I'm quite excited to rejoin. While T-Tapp was working it put too much strain on my knees and I need to strengthen them before I restart T-Tapp.

Going to gym will allow me to get on the treadmill and relieve stress. In addition burn a few calories and catch up on Downton Abbey on my iPad. Have you watched that show? If not you should! Check it out on Netflix.

November

I joined the gym! I promised myself that I will lose 50-80 pounds this upcoming year. I've continued to attempt to balance school and home life. Moments were good while some moments were not so good. I'd studied like I never have before. I made possibly the best Thanksgiving turkey I've ever made and hosted one of the most fun-filled dinners ever.

December
I completed my first semester of graphic design school with straight A's!! Not bad for taking a 16 hour load plus being a mom!! I walked in the annual Christmas parade with my daughter's girl scout troop, got rained on, and loved every minute of it. I've decided to make some changes and changed the name of my blog and online name.

See lots have happened. I am going to blog here more. I know it's a poor excuse not to blog because of your blog name but hey, that's how I am! :-)

I'm worth it. Are you?

Today I was watching the Charlotte Siems video because I shared it with a friend. Then I found this video that brought me to tears. Okay so I'm having a bit of PMS right now but I think I would have shed a tear regardless. Each person mentioned he or she was worth it. I guess hearing it over and over really hit home for me. I've said it before but never really meant it. Now I want this weight loss more than ever and I can proudly say that "I'm worth it."

My question to you is "Are you worth it?" I know you are but do YOU know you are?

All the best with your journey!

Still trudging along

I'm still neck deep in my 21 day challenge. I have to admit I missed the last two days but I plan on getting back on track tomorrow.

Tomorrow is also grocery day for me and I plan on getting more fruits and veggies. Staples that I typically pass on because I'm so hooked on convenience foods. I've got to learn how to make dishes that are more veggie heavy and easy to make yet are delicious. I'm not a vegetable eater by any means but I must embrace them if I'm going to make any weight loss progress.

Do you know of any websites that have delicious veggie recipes? I'm taking baby steps folks. I cringe at the thought of having more veggies than meat but I must overcome that. Ugh!

Day 11: Pilates & 3 miles with weights

Today I avoided doing the Chalean Extreme Burn Circuit 2 for the Pilates beginner's mat workout and Walk away the pounds 3 miles with weights. I'm bound and determined to get to a size 8 by Thanksgiving! Last year my goal was to go shopping on Black Friday and get a new wardrobe on sale but that never happened. This year it will happen!

Day 2: 4 miles

I know there isn't a day one. Yesterday I started a challenge. I read somewhere it takes 21 days to start a habit. I want my habit to be to workout consistently. So yesterday I started working out again after not working out since June. I'm pretty proud of myself for two things sticking it out and completing the 4 mile tape AND waking up to workout! I never do either. I'm trying to do things differently now. I have to say working out first thing sure gives you a sense of accomplishment! Tomorrow I'll post days 1 thru 7 of 21 day workout plan. How are you doing with your fitness routine?

Sums up how I feel

Source: someecards.com via Lisanne on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday

Source: fit2print.tumblr.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I want to change my blog name

I've been pretty absent here on this blog because I've been blogging over at my lifestyle blog Shop Girl Speaks. It's a bit of this and that happening in my life. I have to admit when I first started this blog I thought the name was catchy and it really summed up how I felt about myself at the time. Well times change and I'm honestly tired of my blog name. When I read it, it makes me feel like I'm always hopeful to be that person but will NEVER BE that person. Does that make sense? In my heart I know I will achieve my weight and inch loss in time. How long who knows but I truly believe I WILL achieve my goal. With that being said I would like to change the name to something more direct and positive like... "The ME I'm GONNA be!" Sounds better don't you think?

Weight Loss Inspiration: Charlotte Siems

I'm still struggling with my weight, that is nothing new. While I haven't been motivated to do much I haven't gotten to the point of totally giving up. From time to time I get motivated from other people's success at their weight loss journey one person for me has been Charlotte Siems. Charlotte has lost over 100 pounds with T-Tapp!!!

I have to admit I find that when I'm completely discouraged I'll watch this video and somehow it sparks a little motivation in me. She is probably the only weight loss success story that makes me feel that if she can do it so can I. I'm not sure why because she is the mother of 12 and our life stories other than weight loss are different, but something about her journey speaks to me. See the video below.





Who motivates you?

What else can I do?

Source: mth2012.tumblr.com via Erika on Pinterest

I have been struggling with my weight loss and I'm not sure how to push through when the going gets tough and boy is it ever!

I don't know about you but if I read one more testimonial that states "If I can do it so can you!" I'm going to scream! I say, "You don't know me, so how in the hell do you know that I could do it?" My body has proven to me that I CAN'T DO IT! So there now what? Not to mention who knows what covert attempts you've taken during your journey to get to your goal weight. Like some of these fitness "gurus" that claim they used "Gadget X" to get into that svelte shape they're sporting, alot of them share half truths. Chances are that B rate celebrity didn't use gadget X to get that slim. They lied cheated and who knows what to get where they got. I know I sound miffed because I am.

This weekend I will celebrate my 41st birthday and I remember back before I turned 30, I vowed to get back down to the size 4 I was in my early 20's. Well that never happened. I learned alot about losing weight since then and have applied certain principles along the way but nothing that helped me get back down to that size. I've now settled on being a size 8 and feel like it's a much more attainable size for me even though it equates to approximately 6 more inches in the bust/waist/hips than a size 4.

I'm very angry that I'm not where I want to be physically or financially and I know I only have myself to thank for that. I'm angry that I feel like a failure in the weight loss department when I feel like I've conquered other aspects of my life. Gosh I probably wouldn't be able to live with myself if I lost the weight. No I think I'll manage.

What happens when you can't push through the periods of discouragement? What do you do when nothing or no one seems to motivate you? Well that's where I am. The only thing I feel that will take me through is to continue my exercise regime whether or not it's doing anything and continue to eat healthier than I have in the past. Man that will be the hardest thing I will do. I mean who really wants to work hard at something and never see the outcome they're looking for? Especially someone who has no patience like me!

Like I said that is the only the thing I can do because that is the only thing I haven't done. Being consistent. This will be the challenge of my life folks is being consistent. Ugh, not looking forward to it but what do I got to lose? Weight? I hope!

Should I settle?

I'm honestly starting to settle on becoming a size 10 instead of a size 4. Is that bad? Right now I'm a snug size 16 on bottom and a loose 18 on top. I have given up the scale though. It's truly counter productive. I think I've said it here before that you can't take a scale to a dressing room to try on that size 4. I will occasionally hop on the scale to see "how things are going" but then I regret it because it never gives me a number I want to see!

So with that being said I will continue to use my clothing to gauge my success. My focus this week is to get in 8 glasses of water per day. Why this is such a challenge I will never know because I enjoy drinking water. I don't have to "doctor" it up with Crystal light or fruit juice. I do have to have it filtered though.

Have you ever settled during your weight loss journey? 

Great Friends

I have to say that I have great friends. My friends believe in me more than I do sometimes. For example, a friend of mine stop by yesterday because it had been a while since we visited. We talked about many things his unfulfilling job,  my new role as a work at home mom, soap operas,  and then I brought up my weight.

I probed him to give me the "skinny" so to speak on his friends. You see the girls he hangs out with are slim so you know I had to ask him how do they stay so slim. Is there a secret? He said no not really other than they're mindful of what they eat and they exercise. You know a "healthy lifestyle." Well I was looking for some dirt but apparently his other friends aren't as "dirty" as I thought. Then he mentioned to me "Erika you CAN do it. Never say never."

I thought to myself...HE thinks I can do it? Has he seen me impersonate a slug, unmotivated, discouraged, and broken? The closest way I get to a yoga class is by pulling on my yoga pants. Of which my 7 year old doesn't understand why I call them that because you have to wear yoga pants TO a yoga class and my pants have only seen the bus stop and the occasional quick trip to Wal-mart.

Here I have another friend who truly believes I can actually get to my goal weight. I'm blessed to be surrounded by people who believe in me when I don't believe in myself. Are you? If not why not? Post below.

Best.

I have a confession to make

I haven't blogged because I feel like a failure. I start things and I never finish them. You name it I don't finish it. I am a master of not finishing anything. So then I feel like I've failed and I'm not perfect so I hide out and read other people's blogs while feelings of inadequacy creep in.

Listen between Facebook and the skinny people showing off how much fun they are having at their fabulous vacation homes and bloggers who actually follow through and live their dreams it makes me want to just turn in my ID card and just give up.

I feel very discouraged most days and it has contributed to my lack of motivation to do anything. My home is in an utter state of disaster...at least for me it is. I have a laundry list of things to do with my ribbon business and transitioning into my design business compounded with the responsibilities of home keeping! Oy vey!

I have to say since I've lost my job I'm not nearly as angry as I have been and I really relish the time I have with my family and being home. I still feel like I could be a better mom. But I will always feel that way...I have the Catholic guilt.

I've learned to be grateful and content with what God has given me and it really feels great. I've never been content with life and now I'm learning to be. That's HUGE for me. Now I hope that he can give me the motivation I need to eat better, exercise, and feel better about myself.

Baby steps I guess.

"Secrets" we keep

{source}

I went for a walk today because I've been bored with my workout DVD's lately. I actually had the desire to walk in the daytime. I truly prefer to walk under the stars! Unfortunately having almost being hit by a neighbor I don't do that anymore. Anyway on my journey I thought about alot of things. I'll share my top two with you.

First thing I thought about was the fact that I was facing a fear! Yay me! I dislike walking in the daylight as much as I dislike trying on clothes in a dressing room. My first thought when walking in the daytime is that people/neighbors can see my fat jiggling on me as I walk. Knowing people can see my fat jiggling as I walk really makes me uneasy. Today when those thoughts started to creep into my brain I mentally screamed...STOP THE MADNESS! Yep, I yelled at that inner child, the Debbie Downer that lives inside. I found out something...she SHUT UP! Imagine that! I began to walk with a bit more confidence and my shoulders back. It felt great. That takes me to the next thought I had, the secret I'm keeping. <Cue the suspenseful soap opera music>

I felt giddy inside (after I scolded the inner Debbie Downer) while I was walking and thought that I'm in the process of my big reveal! In the spirit of the typical home renovation show where at the end of the show they have the "Big Reveal." Well that's my secret. Working on my personal "big reveal" I'm choosing to do a little everyday towards my health and weight loss.

No matter what I do as long as my behavior and actions chip away at my weight and negative self talk I continue to work on my "secret." You know how I'll know my secret is out? When that first person makes the comment..."Hey Erika, have you lost weight?" Then I'll know my secret will be out. Typically when other people who also struggle with weight see that you've achieved a weight loss milestone the next question is "What is your secret?" That's when I can smile and say..."I just chose to start." In essence that is what kept me away from my goal weight. Just being able to start to DO something about my weight. Not complain, not whine, just start.

So has your "secret" been revealed? If so how did you feel? How did you feel during your journey? Did you feel like giving up? What motivated you to keep going? What motivated you to start? Post your comment below. I'd love to hear from you.

Lose It!

Have you heard of this app? I had it on my iPhone and then when I upgraded to the 4S I didn't add it back to my phone until I found out there was something special about it.

I was reading online the wonders that is Lose it. What sold me was that the app allows you to scan barcodes and it will populate the nutrition information regarding that item! What the heck!?!?! I have an extremely hard time tracking what I eat. Call me lazy or whatever you want I just can't sit down and write out what I ate. Just like I can't sit down and plan out what I need to eat. I try really I do. But I just have a really hard time. I have to say that on average I track my foods 4 times out of a week. Not too bad.

So are you good about tracking your foods for the day? If so what are your methods? Post below!

New Motivation

I have to say that I'm so motivated by my progress that I had to share it with you. While everyone knows I want to lose weight and fit into my fashionable Friday outfits, that motivation was not enough for me to stick to my plan.

One of my MANY goals for 2012 was to work out AT LEAST 3 times per week come rain or shine, or anything. I'm so proud to say that I stuck to my goal this week. And my motivator now...was knowing that I'm working toward eliminating my chronic back pain. Who would have thought that PAIN is a more powerful motivator than striving to wear a size 4 kate spade dress.

My breasts are the bane of my existence. I can never get comfortable because of them. I can't even lay on my stomach if I wanted to. We won't even talk about how difficult it is to do a push up or jumping jacks (black eyes, just joking)! Ugh!

I feel so accomplished by working out 3 times this past week. So my goal this week will be to work out 4 times. My ultimate goal is to workout out 5 to 6 days per week. I select a variety of workouts so I don't get bored with a typical routine. Not to mention it prevents plateau so my body doesn't get used to a typical workout.

I've started this week with a great start working out 2 out of 2 days! Yay. Who would have thought knowing that the constant gnawing pain in my upper back was all that I needed to motivate me to MOVE!

What motivates you to move? Do you prefer to workout in the morning or in the evening or throughout the day? Post below.

Weight Watchers

{credits}

I know you're going to think that I'm all over the map when I tell you, I joined Weight Watchers tonight. Yes I did. I was reading some of my old journals and I noticed something. While some of the journal entries were over 7 years old it seemed like all I did was complain about the following over and over:
1. How I was tired of being fat
2. How I planned on losing weigh this time
3. How my husband doesn't understand me and I constantly droned on about one thing or another regarding who he is as a person.
4. How I want to work for myself.

Fast forward 7 years...not much has changed. No matter where you go there you are. Well I'm really ready for a change. I'm tired of complaining yet not doing anything about it.

Last year I was a bit put off by weight watchers because I signed up for 4 weeks and walked away 5 pounds heavier at the end of those weeks. I said "I'd be damned if I'm going PAY weight watchers to GAIN WEIGHT!"

So this year I'm going to STOP obsessing over losing weight and just focus on living a healthier lifestyle. And that means not beating myself up inside because I had a bite of this or that or I didn't do an exercise or whatever.

I feel that doing weight weight watchers will help me stick to a plan while having a variety of foods. One thing that Atkins doesn't do. I can no longer do Atkins because I lost a significant amount of hair and I didn't have much to begin with.

I will let you know how my weigh in goes next Tuesday night.

Questions of the day:
1. Are you doing weight watchers? If so how is journey going? Have you won any awards?
2. If you aren't doing weight watchers what are you doing and why did you choose that weight loss plan?

Burn 100 Calories

Something we can do when we don't want to or have much time to work out.

Source: bing.com via Erika on Pinterest

Fashionable Friday: Date Night

Source: polyvore.com via Shelly on Pinterest

Fitness Infographic

I'm at it again...hanging out at Pinterest. I tell you that place will be my demise. I found this great infographic about fitness that I thought you all would enjoy. Great information! Happy Thursday!

Source: greatist.com via Erika on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday

Source: Uploaded by user via Erika on Pinterest

Affirmations

I just finished attending a Twitter party. It was such an uplifting and enjoyable experience I will have to attend them more often. Attending that "party" had me thinking about my future and how I "see" myself. I   decided that 2012 was going to be MY YEAR! I was going to accomplish those goals I mentioned in a previous post. The problem is how do I begin.

I read in one of my many self-help books about the power of positive thinking and affirmations. Also the saying "If you believe it you can achieve it." To change your mindset you have to start with daily prayer or affirmation. You may not "believe" it at first but saying it enough times over and over you soon will.

I've listed my daily affirmations in my journal and I plan on reading them every morning when I wake up, midday, and every evening before I go to bed. That is the suggested minimum amount of times you should read your affirmations.

My question of the day is...Do you believe you can change your mindset and achieve your goals with affirmations or prayers? Please post your experience below. I would love to hear about it. Have a great evening.

Fashionable Friday: Tan is Glam

Today's post was inspired by my blog friend Jane. I love her Fashionable Friday posts because she uses clothes found in her own closet! I think that is awesome! I took the liberty of going through my closet and I found an Ann Taylor dress I bought probably 10 years ago but never wore. It still has the tags on it!

It's a size 14 so being able to wear this dress in a few months is a reality! I bought this dress on clearance and I even had matching red & white striped sandals which I bought a half size too small. I no longer own them because they never fit my feet quite right. So I made a collage showing what I would pair with this dress. What do you think? Have you shopped your closet lately? Have a great weekend!

Ann Taylor Dress accessories by mylifeinflats featuring ballerina shoes

Kate Spade striped jacket, $478
Pretty Ballerinas ballerina shoes, $245
American Apparel metallic clutch, $46
Rope earrings
TopShop leopard scarve, $32

At Home Circuit Workout

I read quite a few blogs for various reasons as I'm sure most of you do too. One blog I enjoy following is Julie from Peanut Butter Fingers. I posted her at Home Circuit Workout on Pinterest the other day and I thought I would post it here on the blog.I thought this workout was a great workout to do at home. Enjoy!

Source: pbfingers.com via Erika on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday

Source: urbansavior.com via Erika on Pinterest

Panic has set in!

Yes, you read that right. The panic I'm talking about is the fact that I'm unemployed and still have to pay my bills! Yikes. You know what scares me more? The fact that I may have to work for someone else. I have to say the older I get the less tolerant I have of people's personalities that seem to clash with mine. I don't do well with the boss who is so self-absorbed that he has a hissy fit if he doesn't get his way. I'm over that. I'm 40 and I feel that I deserve a happy, non-toxic, peaceful work environment. As a child you have to tolerate quite a bit because you have no choice, you're stuck where you are until you're able to move out. I feel as an adult we have choices and we can rise above our childhood shortcomings and create an adulthood that is more conducive to our personalities. For me that is staying away from toxic people.

Back to my panicking, I really, really, really don't want to go back into the work force. I'm perfectly content staying at home and earning a living. The problem with that is mainly that the bills are due NOW and my earnings will come later than sooner. Getting used to income rolling in on a sporadic basis is pretty tough to get used to. I guess that is why so many people stick to their crappy jobs and bosses only because they know there will be a check at the end of the week.

These last few weeks have been a challenge for me. I'm trying to manage my time, not get overwhelmed, while maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Good news is I haven't gained a ton of weight! Yay me! But I have gained some. Let's just say the number over there >>>>>> for My Fitness Pal is not quite correct. You may want to add a pound or seven! Alright back to my panicking!

One thing I definitely want to become this year is a runner. At this point in my weight loss journey it will be a challenge only because my weight really makes it difficult to jog, let alone run. Until I'm able to run I will begin power walking. The biggest obstacle for me is walking outside in the daytime. I know that sounds crazy but I enjoy walking at night under the stars! I like being enveloped by the darkness. I don't particularly care for walking in the day where people can see me and the fat rolls bounce up and down. Today I'm leaving my comfort zone and I'm going to take a walk. My ultimate goal is to walk/jog/run when I need to relieve stress. My only stress reliever at this point is playing Cityville on Facebook and let's face it that is a complete waste of productivity time. I want to accomplish quite a bit this year and my time is precious.

My question of the day is what makes you panic? How do you "talk-yourself-off-the-ledge" when panic sets in? Please post your comments below. Have a great day!

Making the shift

Hello all. {Warning this is a long post because I feel chatty} So I am getting used to life as a self-employed woman. It's quite a challenge because I suffer (such a harsh word) from ADD and I have a difficult time focusing on tasks I've assigned myself for the day. I am a HARDCORE list writer. I walk around with notebooks so I can constantly write down my thoughts. My notebooks contain many lists, many, many, many lists. I even have a special notepad that I purchased back when I worked for kate spade.

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Ain't it cute? I have a few pads of this and another style. We received a generous discount so I had to invest in paper. Getting sidetracked, oops! 

Back to my dilemma. I find it challenging to stay on task when there is SO much I have to do to maintain our home. I don't know how some WAH mom's do it. Honestly I pray for the ability to focus on something so I can accomplish anything that day. I was told by a friend today that I had too many things on my list and that I needed to cut it down. I thought having 8 items wasn't long at all. I managed to move 3 tasks for another day. But get this the remaining 5 items left still haven't been done! I know. Welcome to my life! I honestly don't know where my day goes. I did manage to start PUSH today. The first day is the most challenging because Chalene requires you to set your priorities. Have I mentioned that is one of my weakest areas? So I'm working on that tonight. Today's to do list will be moved over to tomorrow. 

Alright BACK to the original reason for this post. Learning to make the shift from employee to self employed. I've longed for the day I'd have the opportunity to work for myself. I wrote my desire to be self-employed in just about every journal entry. Well the day is here and I'm like a deer caught in headlights...WTH?!?!?!? I feel like God has given me this opportunity and I feel like I'm blowing it. I really have a hard time managing my time. 

How do you manage your time? Do you find you accomplish what you set out to do for the day? I really don't want to have to get a job. I feel I have enough resources here at home that will allow me to take care of my family. BUT WHY AM I NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT?!?!? I guess only I know the answer. Duh. Tomorrow is a new day and tonight I am going to make a change and begin preparing for tomorrow. That is what I would do if I worked for someone else. Guess I need to do it for myself huh? 

>>>>>>>>>>We interrupt our regular programming for a Happy Distraction!<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Look at what this talented blogger made. She was inspired by my favorite kate spade purse of all time. The Owl bag!!!

What an amazing job she did! You can check out her tutorial here.

Alright I'm getting distracted again! Please tell me what do you do to stay on track? Please share your wisdom below. Thanks!

My Goals for 2012

I don't know about you but I've been inspired to list my goals for 2012. After reading blog after blog of goals for the new year I was compelled to join in. I have to warn you that my goals aren't pretty, frilly, nor have they been spritz with rose water. My goals are gritty and probably a bit too personal but what the hey my blog is about ME! It's a long post so sit a spell...here goes:

My most important goals (what I look forward to achieving) for 2012: 


1. Not to have my thighs stick together when I walk or do anything for that matter.

2. Lose massive amounts of inches in my bust. 14 inches to be exact. The memorable Christmas gifts for 2011 were two Wacoal bras in size...ready for this? 40H!!!!!!! I was glad it wasn't 40Z. Because they feel that large!

3. Go down to a size 9M shoe. I'm tired of looking down to see Sasquatch feet!

4. Have a firm smooth butt. My butt isn't as cottage cheesy as alot of women but I want it to be smoother.

5. Get rid of the 4 back boobs that currently reside above my stretch-mark laden hips. I loathe those fat sacks back there!

6. To feel warm skin on back boobs featured in #5. I'm so tired of the skin on the sides of my upper back feeling cold to the touch. Ugh!

7. Complete a mile in 10 mins...aka to become a runner. I know a runner does a mile faster than that but baby steps people, baby steps.

8. Lose my Buddha belly. It would require 18 inches to disappear. Don't get me wrong the belly looks better on Buddha not me.

9. Purchase & be able to fit this Lulu Lemon Hoodie or Fitted jacket. I drool every time I walk in that store and I can't wait for the day to walk in and buy one of those bad girls!

10. Attend the EVO' 2012 Conference in Park City, UT. This blogger's conference features a wide selection of topics that I want to learn more about. I want to further enrich my knowledge therefore  improving my blog. It's being held in the same hotel where I stayed last year for my brother's wedding so I'm looking forward to attending.

11. Become a more active "Blogi-lite." Hey that's my way of saying "Blog socialite" and visit as well as comment on other blogs. Right now I'm a lurker. Well I do visit my buddy Jane. Hi Jane!

12. I've been thinking about this and I am ready to do it this year and that is to become a certified Zumba instructor! I have to wear my new Lulu clothes somewhere. In all seriousness I want to be able to maintain my weight loss and I feel if I had a career in fitness it will help me to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

13. Being present. Many times I find myself wishing it was some time in the future or lamenting on the past. I want to relish the moment and be happy for my blessings instead of complaining about what I don't have.

14. Be able to sustain my family by working for myself. That means diversifying my income. I'll talk about that in another post.

Alright I think that is more than enough to accomplish this year. I could go on but I want to succeed not fail so I will quit while I'm ahead. I'll be pretty busy this year working on those goals. How about you? What are your goals for this year? If you've already posted them on your blog please leave the link to your goals in the comments section so I can read and reply.

Thanks for taking the time to visit! And all the best on your successful journey in 2012!

PUSH: My challenge for the new year

I'm a PUSHer! That's right I said it! I am starting this year on the right foot or the left which ever hits the floor first. I'm actually talking about Chalene Johnson's new book PUSH. If you don't know anything about Chalene she is the creator of Turbo Jam and Turbo Fire. Have you done any of her workouts? Do you like hip hop and dance music? Well you will love her work outs. I've been a fan of hers for over 4 years. I had the opportunity to get a copy of her new book for FREE! So I couldn't pass up it up.

In a nutshell her book guides the reader through 30 days to achieve the best you. There are goal-setting activities, recipes, and of course exercises. I feel like this book has come into my life at the perfect time. I'm at a crossroads with all aspects of my life and I am ready for a change. So I'm going to start here. I will do my best to keep you posted...that is one goal.

Anyway, if you have a copy and you're going to challenge yourself to 30 days of PUSH please comment below, I would love a buddy!

Have a great week!

*Please note the image above is associated with an Amazon affiliate link. I would receive a small commission if you purchase the book through that link. Thanks if you do. Don't forget to report back to me when you start your PUSH journey!

Fashionable Friday: Arm Candy

Well the first week of the new year is now coming to a close...only 51 more weeks left. How are you doing with your goals and plans for the new year? Me? Um lets just say I look forward to a new day everyday! ;-)

So today I was thinking about what I should post for my fashionable Friday post and I wasn't inspired by any outfit or article of clothing. I was reading Alex's blog and she was modeling the most adorable bag I've seen in a while, at least in my opinion. It's the Prada Galleria Bag take a look at this beauty.

It's available in various colors but the orange just speaks to me...doesn't it to you? ;-) If you know anything about me when im not obsessing over my weight I am obsessing over handbags. I've loved handbags for as long as I can remember. I know preschool age at least. I will spend as much as I can on a designer bag. Because you know what? No matter how fat I get a bag ALWAYS fits! ;-)

So what do you obsess about? Post your fashion obsessions below I would love to hear er read them! Happy weekend!