Hair, hair, hair

Well I have been soooo busy it doesn't make sense. I missed WI last Saturday :0( but I did WI at home I was up 1 pound but after losing 6 and its TOM that's par for the course. My food hasn't been stellar but I am doing better every day. I have not been to the gym in almost 2 weeks! I know right!?! Life has been crazy I was really tired all week with TOM and then Friday I went out with a girlfriend and then I went to that play on Saturday and stayed at a Sorors house, Sunday I got hom around 1pmish and just did laundry and chilled and then it was Monday and I skipped, Tuesday I am teaching a class, Weds. it took 3 hours to get home(!!!) and today is Thursday and I am teaching my class again. What is a WWer to do??!! I am going back early Saturday and then to get my do did for a hot date I have Saturday evening! *BIG SMILE*

One of the downsides to working out is keeping up with your hair. I can't lie I do a lot of slacking in that department especially when I am going full force in the gym. But I have to get mine done this weekend you gotta find time ladies!!! This a new spot near me, well it isn't all that new but I like it the trick is to go early I think b/c it can be busy but I will report back Sunday!

Top Dominican Hair Salon
104 Reisterstown RdPikesville, MD 21208
(410) 415-5448‎

While I am out there I may hit up my girl Neha Gupta the Threading wonder woman and get my brows in order too!

Neha Threading Salon and Spa
1430 Reisterstown RoadPikesville MD 21208
Phone 410-653-2769

Monday, again? Already?

Well I had a great weekend! I went out Friday night with a old co-worker/friend to a local hangout and we people watched all night! We had a good time! Saturday I went to see The Saartjie Project. It was so good! I really can't put it to words but I hope they find funding and a larger venue its a great, great show!!!

I didn't make it to the gym or to WW. I weighed in at home and I was up about 1 pound but TOM is here so I'll take it. Saturday I did eat out late and I really didn't have the points so I basically used all my flexies and the food wasn't even great :0(

Sunday I rested when I got in and did some cleaning up and cooking. I didn't go shopping till 8pm! I am so not a night person so that was a big deal for me. But I bought a rotisserie chicken thanks to the advice of my workout buddy and some other things.

I bought the WW oatmeal cookie its 1 point taste great to me! I ended up staying up wayyyyyyyyy to late for me talking to a new "friend" *blush* but now I am paying for it big time. I am sooo tired! Dating hasn't been all that fruitful over the past year or so but I am trying to be more open and more positive about people, places, and things so we will see.

My Day of Rest

Well Sunday was the best! Simply the best I tell you! My Mom was visiting from out of town and it was a nice trip. We stayed up late watching the Olympics Saturday night (Big-Ups to all massive & crew!!!) Jamaica was showing off man! Love it!

A/w I forced myself up to take Spinning class @ 8:30am on Sunday. I made it early and did 10 mins on lippy and then Spin for 45 mins, then Body Pump for 60 minutes and then I went swimming and the best part was I chilled in the hot tub for a few and just relaxed! It was great! I can't think of a better way to spend the day! A/w I felt good, strong and focused. I love swimming and not just b/c Mike Phelps went crazy over in China taking all the gold in sight but swimming allows me to feel weightless and free and the water is so calm and cool it really allows my mind to just be free. Its a great feeling. I need to do it more often way more often.

I went out to eat at Famous Dave's with my friend, Mom & Sister and I worked really hard at staying on point and I was proud of myself in terms of other behaviors ie,. I ate slowly (in fact I was the last to finish I am usually the first), I looked up the calories before hand (that was like a treasure hunt(!!!) but it let me know what I was eating the food had wayyyyy more points than I would have ever guessed but that helped to keep me on track and not over eat), I did not have soda or juice only water with lemon and I did not have desert even though my Mom & Sister split one.

I feel strong and focused.

On the man front... humm nothing much to report the last prospect turned out to be a dud or something I can't call it. An ex came around (calling me) for about a month but when I think about it he's not what I want and he's got too much baggage and issues I deserve more...There's a new prospect and we'll just have to see how that goes :0)

The Saartjie Project

Hi All

I wanted to pump up this local performance entitled The Saartjie Project. Please check out the webpage and consider attending the show this weekend tickets are $10.00!

Down Six!

Down 6 pounds this week!!!!!!!!!!! Eeeeewwwwwwwwwww --------->

It was a great week "Food as fuel" was a good mantra! I earned 30Aps which isn't a lot of me (lol) but it was enough for my body. Ahhh balance!

Crisps-It's A Revolution!

Well I was at work and jonesing for some chips I really wanted some cheddar sun chips but at 7 points for the 99 cent bag it wasn't worth it. Food is Fuel is my mantra! Well I went to the snack shop and figured I'd get some pretzels low cal, low fact, salt ehhhh but it would do. I saw a small package near the donuts (don't ask why I floated over there) and I saw this little bag called Crisps

it was low in calories 45 to be exact and 0 fat and they didn't use any oil, so none of that Olestra fat fat stuff either. I bought the onion and garlic hoping for a sour cream and onion-y taste. Welll I didn't get it. lol. It wasn't bad per se but it didn't taste the way I thought it would. I added some mustard and that made it better. It did however have a GREAT crunch and nice hint of sea salt. I will try the plain flavor tomorrow and report back. Its 1 point and it does hit the spot in terms of wanted an afternoon salt snack. So all in all not bad! I bought it for 85 cents but I can get them on line for cheaper plus S &H is free so not bad!

Up & Down

Ok so I bought a Weight Watchers scale like 2 weeks ago and I have been weighing in almost daily. A few years ago I had to throw my scale away because it drove me crazy I was on and off like 10 times in a day, up and down, it was a bad thing. Fast forward to 2 weeks ago my Mother made a good point that she weighs in often to keep on top of her weight gain. I never thought of it like that well it was working until Saturday and I gained 4 freaking pounds wth?? A/w I weighed in this morning and I was down 4 pounds. I am on blood pressure medication, or at least I am supposed to be and I stopped taking them months ago. When I was in Body Pump my right hand felt tight so I said let me take my medication I am more than likely retaining water because I am very sensitive to salt. This is how I know that...

Last year in the spring sometime I had a super week I stayed on point and worked out every day when I went to weigh in I gained 8 pounds! I almost died literally the Weight watcher's check in lady had to talk me down off the wall and she asked me how did my week go and I told her if anything I should have lost 8 pounds not gained it and she took the time to ask me if I did anything differently food wise and I looked in my journal and I had several frozen dinners that week. Now they were in my point range and all that but she suggested cutting them out completely the next week and see what happens when I weigh in. Well I didn't even weigh in a week later (it was like 5 days) and I lost 15 POUNDS! The WW lady thought the scale was broken! lol But I knew I had lost a huge amount I could feel it. Ever since then I rarely have frozen food (meals or veggies) b/c all of our bodies react differently to sodium. In fact I know someone who was about my size when she began and all she had was Weight watchers smart ones and she dropped 100 pounds in like a year... Lucky her if only I could rely on prepackage, pre-portioned, pre- point labeled boxed food ahhhh but alas I cannot and to be honest even if I could, I wouldn't because I want to be wife and a mother one day and what am I gonna do feed them lean cuisine every night? To me that is not a lifestyle I can live with.

So a/w I got to thinking last week I had sushi twice (with soy sauce most contain over 1000 mg of sodium per tablespoon) and a lean cuisine pizza and a few other processed treats. Not bad for most people but for me its the water retention kiss of death. I know it had to be something b/c my clothing is fitting so much better and I feel smaller and sure nuff that was it. Note to self do not take yourself off of medication your Doctor gives you without her ok and cut back on the high salt food items!

Getting ready for the week ahead

Well I made it to Body Pump this morning had a great workout. It was hard, Les Mills' new advertisement for Body Pump says "When your body screams...tell it to shut up." Well I had to tell my triceps, my chest, my quads, my calves all to shut up all class long. Whew. I went to the local produce market and bought about $30.00 worth of fruits and veggies which at this place is like 4 or 5 bags full!

I goal this week is to think of food as fuel rather than my usual thoughts about food (enjoyment, a way to relax, just to satisfy a sweet tooth, bored, frustrated, stressed, etc.) some of the items I bought were unsalted almonds ($3.99 -11 servings!), zucchini, fresh basil, mixed green, bananas, plums, red grapes, cherries, strawberries, blueberries($1.99), blackberries, sweet potatoes, and peaches.

I came home and literally cleaned out my fridge and threw out anything old or unhealthy that was lingering in there. I portioned out my baby carrots, cherries, grapes, nut, and trail mix. I am sure we have all done it from time to time because it is the right thing to do but we all slack up on the right things to do as well!

I think my weight gain in part was a result of poor planning, that is not to say I did not cook and take food to work, etc. but I took a spoon full of this a spoon full of that and a hand full of that. maybe my portions were distorted a bit. When I think about it I bought the 6 small Jiffy peanut butter containers each is 10 points I finished that in 1 week! That's 60 points? No wonder I
gained!



In the spirit of moving on I took the time to measure A CUP of grapes, A CUP of cherries, baby carrots, almonds, and trail mix.
<----I bought this set of measuring cups from the dollar store! If you do not owe a set pleasure buy one it is amazing what a cup of brown rice looks like or a 1/4 cup of trail mix looks like! I am not trying to be preachy just trying to show you the error of my ways and help you to stay on track!






Goal for Week: 1) Stay on point 2) Earn at least 28 Activity Points 3) Limit processed foods 4) Lose 2 pounds this week to equal 10 pounds loss

Affirmation for Week: Food is fuel, not my friend

My Scale & My Clothing

Well I gained 4 pounds at weigh-in today... How demoralizing... I had a really good week food wise and workout wise I soooo didn't expect that. What is a WWer to do? As part of my insurance coverage I can have a nutritionist and as soon as the card comes I am going to get one.

I am at a loss... but I went to Monte's workout anyway it was tough but I did it anyway. The group has a really positive energy and that helped a little... I am going to push forward this week and hope it was some water weight and a little muscle.

Ok so the title...why can't my scale and my colthing go to an understanding? My clothing is most defintely fitting better! Clothing that was tight last month has room! Shirts I couldnt wear b/c they were too tight on my arm so slip on with ease...



So we'll see.

Geico & Bank of America $$$ Tips

So in an effort to be more fiscally astute and share the knowledge I found out some good info by accident. I have Geico for my car insurance and they told me that if I enroll in the e-pay option with a bank of American checking account I can save $100 a year!!! That is great right? Saving $100 just b/c of the bank I use? Wonderful! So if you have Geico and use BOA there's a tip you can take to the bank!

Second tip is the "Keep the Change" program. If you are a BOA customer and you sign up for this program they will match you annual saving sup to $250.00...free money people! Free Money!

Italian Vouge Finalmente (Finally)

Well I FINALLY got a copy of Italian Vogue! My goodness what a task! The MD/DC/VA area sold out quickly and a good friend of mine in CT. sent me a copy & a Soror from Philly is also sending me one! The Barnes & Noble in Baltimore's Inner Harbor MAY get a shipment of the reprints. Most of the other locations in this area sold out on the first day and then sold out on the re-prints. My advice if you have a good friend out of state call in a favor and see if they can get you a copy but as a backup I put my name on the wait list with the Inner Harbor Location!

Well for the good and bad stuff... Oh the good side OH MY GOD they all look simply gorgeous! I mean stunning, glamorous, and breath taking! You can say what you want about Noami Campbell but she is a baddddddddddddddddd.... woman! She looks flawless in every shot! A nice surprise was "plus-size model" TOCCORA!!! from America's Next Top Model and later Celebrity Fit Club fame! She looked GREAT! She was in a 12 page spread for Champagne Furs. Steven Meisel shot her as well. She looked great...small but voluptuous which which is why I guess she is considered "plus size" she looks great though! My 2 fave shots here...

For the bad...well when I heard the buzz about an ALL BLACK VOGUE... See I thought that it would actually be ALL BLACK! LOL... The cover is great! The inside flap black and beautiful then I shift to the right and I see a very pale young lady in a Valentino ad...hummm...turn the page and there is another, turn again, yet another, then I see the light of PRADA but she's not black either...Turn again... ohhh ahhh Gucci (more to come on their new line they just sent me the email!) but there again and she's blonde...Turn page...Dolce & Gabbana...nope not black...Then Dior... yeahhh maybe Latina...but not Black... Turn again.... Chanel...*sigh* nope...not Black... Surely MCM would have a Black model... well no, no she wasn't... Well my salvation came in Page 50 where Michelle Obama was featured she is sooo classy!

Things pick up around page 74 then on page 94 Naomi's Pinko Ad begins and then things really take off towards the end. The shots are very beautiful, eye catching, alluring and encompass the beauty, passion, and essence of black women. Bene fatto, buono lavoro Vogue Italia! L'amo!

Its definitely a keepsake!

Chobani Greek Yogurt

This more than a product review! It is a product rave review! Chobani Greek Yogurt is the best tasting all natural non fat greek yogurt I have tried! I have reallly tried to like greek yogurt the Trader Joe brand aint bad but I was really impressed with the texture, flavor, and all around goodness of this brand! It's 3 points for my fellow WWer folks but it is well worth it. I had it yesterday on my way to Spin class and I did add a little Splenda but it was good and filling! Giant has it on sale this week 4 for $5.00!

Fleet Feet

So I made a run (phun intended) to my local Fleet Feet Store yesterday. I was on a mission to get some inserts for my Brooks running shoes because I had a bit of pain last Saturday at Monte's Boot Camp. I love the gang at Fleet Feet in Pikesville b/c they are so helpful! And it doesn't hurt that I went to law school with Jeremy! Well I left with these insoles called Super Feet. I tried on the Berry and then I tried on the Green. The Berry felt better and according to the website they are:

"Specifically engineered to address the unique qualities of women's feet and footwear, BERRY's new enhanced features are designed to improve shoe fit, comfort and shock absorption for women who run, walk or stand for extended periods of time."

I was going to Body Pump last night so I was warned not to wear them right away so I am going to put them in today at work and see how they feel and maybe wear them to Spinning tonight! They were a little over $40.00 which is pricey considering the sneakers were only $95.00 but I can feel the difference in the support already so they are a worth while investment!

Weight Loss

I been thinking long and hard about weight loss. Its been a constant companion in my life... seriously its always been there with me this idea that I should/need to/must/gotta lose weight. At different times in my life the desire or the intensity has changed but for the most part the goal has always been there with me like a long time ‘Friendenemy’ (Half friend, half enemy). I been thinking about weight loss surgery because this battle has been raging for at least 20 years and its has gotten progressively worst. I had some success in 2006-2007 when I lost 45.6 pounds but felt defeated when I regained a sizable portion of that. I have been arming my self with information (see post below) and it makes me feel ?better? to know its not all in my head that there is some science to the fact that weight loss is an uphill battle.

I went to the gym and did Body Flow last night at 7:30pm. I went home first b/c I was starving and then went... that was victory for me usually going home means staying home. The class was hard, so hard but I did it. Tonight I am going to do Body Pump last week I wanted to cry in Body Pump I felt so beat down but I am drawing a line in the sand I must pick a side Sida A) this as an actual LIFESTYLE and know I must eat right and exercise faithfully or Side B) get surgery go through that pain and cost and still have to eat right and exercise.

The choice is mine...

Why is it so hard to lose weight?

I am on mission to research as much as I can about weight loss. Here are some articles I found helpful.

http://www.heractivelife.com/women/comment/why-its-hard-to-lose-weight/

http://psychology.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_hunger_works

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw09102006/2003248131_pacificploser10.html
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-regain2-2008jun02,1,3711514.story

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/focus-thinking-differently-lose-weight?page=3

http://www.nurturedsoul.com/drop-pounds-and-inches-with-a-positive-attitude/

http://www.nowloss.com/how-to-break-out-of-a-weight-loss-plateau.htm

In The End

A Soror shared this with me and it rings true so i wanted to post it.

1) What you SEE in your SPIRIT is what you SAY in your HEART.
2) What you SAY in your HEART is what you SOW in your SOUL.
3) What you SOW in your SOUL is what you REAP in your BODY.
4) What you REAP in your BODY is what you ARE in your MIND.
5) What you ARE in your MIND is what you GIVE in your STRENGTH.
6) What you GIVE in your STRENGTH is what you GET in your LIFE.
7) What you GET in your LIFE is what you DESERVE in the END.

Money & Movies

Ok sooooo I'm slacking on the 4-F premise of this blog! I've talked plenty about food, fashion, and even fitness but not so much on the finances. That may be b/c that is a struggle for me. I am working on not spending too much and saving as much a I can. When you are doing that every dime adds up.

The movies are a treat for me b/c I already pay an arm and a leg for On Demand and movies get on there mighty fast so I tend to wait well today I learned that the movies can be more affordable than I thought!

I am at that age when I remember when the movies were 3 bucks! Seriously, I remember my Dad paying that for me to see E.T.! Lately I've paid an average of $10.00 to go to the movies. So if I see a movie , a, meaning only one per month in a year I've spent $120.00!

But today my sister aka the cheapskate extraordinaire (ok fiscally savvy sister) informed me that the first show is only $5.00 in my area! Who knew?? Now I mention this b/c I have a good friend who is waiting for netflicks to see X-Files because of the cost. She is working on saving as much as possible now b/c she bought her first condo this fall after living at home for a number of years. That was eye opening for me b/c she is a HUGE X-files fan, like loves Mulder to death type fan. Now I'm no Michelle Singletarybut I think cutting my cost from $120 to $60 a year would even make her proud!

X-Files was GREAT!!!!

Make Me Better!!!!

Well today I had the Monte Sanders Experience! Well for those that do not know Monte is Ray Lewis' & Ed Reed's (of the NFL Baltimore Ravens) personal trainer. The bootcamp was off the hook! Check him out http://www.sandersoptimumfitness.com/

Last night!!!

I have a thang for Jay Z... I have for years... well last night he did not disappoint! He is a GREAT performer! He is funny, talented, and well Jigga. He performed for about an hour and a half. John Legend was wonderful. He has a new song coming out in October on his new album called "Good Morning" listen out for that its a sweeeeeeet song.

The Fashion was off the hook. Nigeria designer Fati Asibelua, showcased her work at the festival, she founded her boutique line Momo in 2000. Her 2009 line was amazing! I hope there is a way to see them in our area!


Another great designer was jeweler to the stars Chris Aire who showcased $450 million dollars worth of fashion & jewels!!! Off the chain!!!




Here is an article about the event~~> Africa Rising Brings Its Runway to DC & another ~~> Jay-Z, Alek Wek, John Legend And More
At the ThisDay Africa Rising concert in Washington D.C

I had a GREAT(!!!) time!!!

Music & Fashion

Well my sister with the keen eye got us tickets for the THIS-day Music and Fashion Festival. Another important element of Freston's book is that we must have fun! Its weird but in our busy lives we forget to make time for fun! There's work, school, gym, family, friends, and life is just so hectic so I am excited about tonight!

Jay-Z (love of my life!) and John Legend will headline a star-studded lineup from the world of music when THISDAY, Africa's leading daily newspaper and multi-media resource presents the Africa Rising Festival. "Africa Rising" was first launched in 2006 under the direction of THISDAY's Editor-in-Chief, Nduka Obaigbena. Its mission is not only to reflect the culture and positive attributes ofAfrica's social, political, and economic progress, but also to reach out to the continent'sdiverse population as well as the Diaspora and international communities.The show will also feature a major fashion element, as creations by such legendary internationaldesigners as Deola Sagoe, Chris Aire and Momo are showcased by top models Tyson Beckford, Alek Wek, Liya Kebede.

I am so glad I get to go I can't wait! Jay Z always makes everything alright! The event will be held at the Kennedy Center in Dc its not to late to get tickets for tonight! A great time and a good cause what more could you ask for!

1 Pound

The power of just one pound is amazing. I gained one pound today. I am in a foul mood b/c of it but in spite of being in a foul mood I considered the fact that I have not weighed in since 7-8-08 and a lot has happened since then Boule, etc. so I need to focus on what happens next. I bought the WW book Start Living, Start Losing it has inspirational stories about people who have lost weight with WW only $13.00. I also bough the pocket points calculator I get caught out there without the slide all the time and this is helpful only $10.00. I need to surround myself with positive stuff. I just finished chapter 2 of the Kathy Freston book Quantum Wellness and the topic was the 8 Pillars of Good Health two that I need to focus on big time are meditating and visualization. I used both a lot last year and I know it helps and lo and behold today’s WW meeting the topic was Mental Rehearsing.

I made up my mind to as one of my Sorors put it “Go back to basics” and get back on the right path. I know some of the basics were counting points, journaling BEFORE eating so I knew where I was point was, exercising, going to my Saturday morning meetings, and journaling. I’ve been feeling distracted the last year really self imposed distraction and I want to stop that foolishness.

I am going to WI again tomorrow at my "old" meeting and I need to be hoenst I am just embarassed that's why I stopped going. I need tog et over that and go back to what helped me reach my 45.6 last year.