Wow, so, as much as I am a fan of Weight Watchers I have become uber broke after becoming a mommy and weight loss programs were one of the luxuries Matt and I cut from our budget.
I was pretty bummed, because I love Weight Watchers. I believe in their program, have seen it work for dozens of people, and have made it work myself. It has taught me how to make good decisions about what I eat, and I'm pretty sure that if it wasn't for that whole having-a-baby thing I would probably still be at my goal weight. Alas, the sacrifices we make for our kiddos (whether voluntary or forced). Sigh.
Anyway, I decided I would do my best to use what I know to follow the program on my own, which isn't ideal, but I figured I could make it work. And you would not BELIEVE the plethora of weight watchers stuff that is just out there on the web free for the taking! I found the formula they use to calculate your points allotment (I already knew mine), I found the formula used to calculate points from a food... there are websites devoted to points values in restaurants and so forth. I still have some of my materials from when I did the program before my wedding, so I've been using that (which you can probably buy on ebay).
One feature I really did like about Weight Watchers online was that they had an app that let you calculate the points values in your recipes. Well, I just found a free website that does the same thing! It calculates all the nutritional info and then I can convert it to points values. http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-calculator.asp
If I had the money, I really would pay to go the meetings. Their system is such that they give you the tools to continue the program on your own (once you reach your goal weight you can use everything for free as long as you stay within 5lbs of your goal) and over the years, I have probably put a few hundred bucks in their pocket... so I don't feel guilty for doing it on my own... I just wish I could have the community aspect of it.
Oh well. I am really motivated to lose my baby weight, and I have extra motivation to lose it by Ashley's wedding. Matt and I are both in the wedding, and I want to take advantage of having some nice family photos where we are all color-coordinated and pretty. Not to mention Ashley has been doing the Zone and she looks FAN-freaking-TASTIC, which just makes me extra excited and motivated to look my best too. There is something about seeing someone else succeed at something that is just so encouraging!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Bikini Body
Is it possible for a mommy? I guess we'll find out.
Starting up a more aggressive WW diet today so I can shed that STUBBORN baby weight.
(But I won't really ever wear a bikini, no matter how skinny I get)
Starting up a more aggressive WW diet today so I can shed that STUBBORN baby weight.
(But I won't really ever wear a bikini, no matter how skinny I get)
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Matt worked all day today and part of the day yesterday fixing up some stuff in our bedroom and bathroom. Mostly he was just finishing up the trim. There is now only one room in our house that is without trim: the main bathroom. We made a goal to remodel that bathroom this year, but who knows. We made that goal when we were a dual-income family. I hope we can get to it this year, but I can be content without the shiny new bathroom in 2010.
I love being a homeowner, but the state of our house is a constant reminder to me of how life did not go according to our plan. When we bought this place, we had planned to put a ton of time and money into doing all the remodeling we needed to do, then we could sell it for a profit and have enough money to buy a family home. Ha! All of our money instead went to pay for Kisa being born, and it will likely be a long time before we can finish all of the projects that we'd like to do.
It would surprise you (well, those of you who are not remodeling your own homes, which are very few of you) how quickly you can adjust to living in an unfinished space. For the most part, this doesn't really bother me, which I think is a necessity if you're going to be a DIY kind of person.
The problem I have run into, however, is that my work style is that of a sprint: I like to tackle projects fast and in rapid succession. So when we are able to do a little remodeling, my brain immediately wants to jump to the next project. Which means that when we're putting in a new window casing in our bedroom I can't help but think of the wall I want to knock out, the tile I want in my new bathroom, the vanity I want to build, etc. I have to learn to be patient about this, because this remodel is more like a marathon than a sprint.
Anyway, I digress. Matt put in the rest of the trim and installed a new blind in our bedroom, ripped out the glass shower doors in our master bathroom, and painted. I am having a really REALLY hard time trying to prevent myself from slipping into daydreams about the lovely slate tile I picked out for that particular room... but I am really happy with the work that we (and by we I mean he... I did absolutely nothing) did this weekend.
:)
Meanwhile, I took Kisa to the grandparents' house while I ran some errands (funny how errands seem less like a chore and more like free time when you are suddenly sans baby). I intentionally drove to a distant store so that I could enjoy the weather, the music, the solitude and the Mazda on the way. So nice.
I love being a homeowner, but the state of our house is a constant reminder to me of how life did not go according to our plan. When we bought this place, we had planned to put a ton of time and money into doing all the remodeling we needed to do, then we could sell it for a profit and have enough money to buy a family home. Ha! All of our money instead went to pay for Kisa being born, and it will likely be a long time before we can finish all of the projects that we'd like to do.
It would surprise you (well, those of you who are not remodeling your own homes, which are very few of you) how quickly you can adjust to living in an unfinished space. For the most part, this doesn't really bother me, which I think is a necessity if you're going to be a DIY kind of person.
The problem I have run into, however, is that my work style is that of a sprint: I like to tackle projects fast and in rapid succession. So when we are able to do a little remodeling, my brain immediately wants to jump to the next project. Which means that when we're putting in a new window casing in our bedroom I can't help but think of the wall I want to knock out, the tile I want in my new bathroom, the vanity I want to build, etc. I have to learn to be patient about this, because this remodel is more like a marathon than a sprint.
Anyway, I digress. Matt put in the rest of the trim and installed a new blind in our bedroom, ripped out the glass shower doors in our master bathroom, and painted. I am having a really REALLY hard time trying to prevent myself from slipping into daydreams about the lovely slate tile I picked out for that particular room... but I am really happy with the work that we (and by we I mean he... I did absolutely nothing) did this weekend.
:)
Meanwhile, I took Kisa to the grandparents' house while I ran some errands (funny how errands seem less like a chore and more like free time when you are suddenly sans baby). I intentionally drove to a distant store so that I could enjoy the weather, the music, the solitude and the Mazda on the way. So nice.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Pearls of Wisdom
Below I have compiled some of my favorite tips amassed from my extremely wise friends and family:
Most headaches are a result of dehydration and can be cured with a large glass of water. (Dad)
When you are traveling, always wear your bulkiest clothing items, that way you don't have to check your baggage. (Dad)
You can create your own moisturizing scent by combining massage oil and essential oil. It is way cheaper and will last longer on your skin. (Grandma F.)
Sour candies are a good remedy for morning sickness. (Natalie Mulkey)
In lieu of a rolling pin, you can use a bottle of wine or a can of food. (Sarah Glathar)
If you purchase foundation or concealer and it turns out to be too dark for your skin tone, you can lighten it by adding sunscreen. (Tyra Banks)
You can get rid of grease stains on your clothing by adding dish soap directly to the stain (Real Simple)
You can extend the life of your dryer's heating unit by regularly scrubbing out the lint trap with soap and water. (My mother-in-law)
Frozen washcloths can provide relief for teething babies (Sarah Glathar)
If you pin your socks together before washing them, you will never end up with a loner (Real Simple)
You can use vaseline to moisturize dry skin, prevent puffy eyes and protect your lips from getting chapped. You can put it on your teeth to shine up your smile for pictures, and before drinking to prevent coffee/red wine stains. (Tyra Banks)
If you leave the avocado pit in with your guacamole when you store it, it will keep longer without getting brown (Sarah Glathar)
Along the same lines, lemon juice will prevent cut bananas, pears and apples from browning. (Mama)
A glass of milk will cure your heartburn (Jenn Miller)
Most headaches are a result of dehydration and can be cured with a large glass of water. (Dad)
When you are traveling, always wear your bulkiest clothing items, that way you don't have to check your baggage. (Dad)
You can create your own moisturizing scent by combining massage oil and essential oil. It is way cheaper and will last longer on your skin. (Grandma F.)
Sour candies are a good remedy for morning sickness. (Natalie Mulkey)
In lieu of a rolling pin, you can use a bottle of wine or a can of food. (Sarah Glathar)
If you purchase foundation or concealer and it turns out to be too dark for your skin tone, you can lighten it by adding sunscreen. (Tyra Banks)
You can get rid of grease stains on your clothing by adding dish soap directly to the stain (Real Simple)
You can extend the life of your dryer's heating unit by regularly scrubbing out the lint trap with soap and water. (My mother-in-law)
Frozen washcloths can provide relief for teething babies (Sarah Glathar)
If you pin your socks together before washing them, you will never end up with a loner (Real Simple)
You can use vaseline to moisturize dry skin, prevent puffy eyes and protect your lips from getting chapped. You can put it on your teeth to shine up your smile for pictures, and before drinking to prevent coffee/red wine stains. (Tyra Banks)
If you leave the avocado pit in with your guacamole when you store it, it will keep longer without getting brown (Sarah Glathar)
Along the same lines, lemon juice will prevent cut bananas, pears and apples from browning. (Mama)
A glass of milk will cure your heartburn (Jenn Miller)
Monday, March 08, 2010
I'm sad that District 9 didn't win last night. I don't know anything about The Hurt Locker, so I guess I need to watch it before I declare injustice. As excited as I am about the first female director to win an Oscar, I really thought District 9 was one of the best movies I have seen in years... and it deserved some recognition. I guess the nomination was enough.
Also, I have been itching to read the book "Push" ever since I saw the first trailer for Precious, and after last night, I am totally hitting up Powell's today to get a copy because I can't wait any longer...
In other news, I spent this weekend with my daughter, mom, cousin, grandma, and all my aunts in Seaside. It was an awesome trip. There was good food, chocolate, coffee, and my aunt taught me how to make mosaics out of old Starbucks cards.
She took up this hobby about a year ago (I think?) and it has earned her an "in" with the corporate artists up in Seattle (where she lives). She even got to tour their roasting plant and meet all the bigwigs. I have always wanted to learn to mosaic, but I've never had the tools/opportunity to do so... so it was a fun time for me. Not to mention having the opportunity to 100% focus on a craft for more than 20 min at a time, because there were plenty of people willing to take care of my baby.
I think Matt enjoyed having a weekend to himself as well, playing video games and sleeping without interruption.
Anyway. Time for breakfast.
Also, I have been itching to read the book "Push" ever since I saw the first trailer for Precious, and after last night, I am totally hitting up Powell's today to get a copy because I can't wait any longer...
In other news, I spent this weekend with my daughter, mom, cousin, grandma, and all my aunts in Seaside. It was an awesome trip. There was good food, chocolate, coffee, and my aunt taught me how to make mosaics out of old Starbucks cards.
She took up this hobby about a year ago (I think?) and it has earned her an "in" with the corporate artists up in Seattle (where she lives). She even got to tour their roasting plant and meet all the bigwigs. I have always wanted to learn to mosaic, but I've never had the tools/opportunity to do so... so it was a fun time for me. Not to mention having the opportunity to 100% focus on a craft for more than 20 min at a time, because there were plenty of people willing to take care of my baby.
I think Matt enjoyed having a weekend to himself as well, playing video games and sleeping without interruption.
Anyway. Time for breakfast.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
