My March Madness

Hey, hey hey! Hey my lovely ladies and gents! I am here for another update! But wait, can ya’ll believe it is MARCH?!  Like, seriously?! How about I only have a few more weeks before my weight loss goal is suppose to be achieved! I just can’t believe how fast time has flown by. I will admit to you right now, I will NOT be meeting my initial goal. And I’m not even mad. I’ve lost… but in more ways than one! J I may have lost reaching my weight loss goal, but I’ve lost weight period! And that’s all that truly matters to me! >>Reality Check>> It has taken me over 25 years to gain this weight… so allowing myself more time to take it off is not going to kill me any. J So grant it, it’s not April yet and I’m still counting the pounds lost. So it would only be right to give you the full run down on my total weight loss experience next month. So April be looking out for that. That should be interesting.*lol*

Ok, so February and its endeavors were great! I still drink protein shakes… almost every day too. And I do think it truly has helped in my weight loss efforts. On top of being actually tasty, they are convenient. I don’t always have time to make a meal. Better yet, feel like cooking. So a protein shake has always served its purpose in that alone. And when I’m out and about and start to get that itch to go through a drive-thru, I always have a shake in my purse along with a piece of fruit. And that will hold me over until I get home to eat or some place I can make a better food choice.

The B.I.G. Mentorship has been amazing! I love the group of women that were selected and we all are coming together so well! The workouts are starting to get longer and intense… which is what we need! And our “talk” sessions are always a breath of fresh air. A time to just vent and express ourselves. We have a great time together! I’m so glad I was picked to be a part of it. We have a few more weeks of it and I’m looking forward to seeing all of us really achieve some lasting lifestyle changes, friendships, and of course some weight loss! J

Now, you know I keep it 100% real with you guys on my blog. So even though you didn’t ask *lol* I’m going to let you in on some things. I have had some major setbacks over the past few weeks. In my personal life, at my job, and just emotional things that have went on that threw me off my weight loss "high". I didn’t totally fall off like I‘ve done in the past. But enough for me to start to feel like blahhhhh :/ I mean, this is life and what matters is how you bounce back, right? So I made sure not to dwell too long in this “state of mind” or beat myself up for all the McDonald’s and oreo cookies with peanut butter I devoured during that time either. *lol* I just took it one day at a time. And I’m happy to report that as of today, I’m at a place (mentally) where I’m ready to move on from those setbacks and continue with my lifestyle change. I even woke up a 6AM to do a 2 mile Walk Away the Pounds DVD today. And I'm promising myself that during my lunch breaks at work I will do some type of exercise. I might go out for a walk or go to an empty office and bust out in some squats. Yes... I’m truly focused. And I know if I can do it… then YOU CAN!

What are some exrercises/routines that you do during the day? Or when you have time? I would love to know. Feel free to leave me a comment.

Well everybody… until next time.. I’ll HOLLA ♥ And thanks for reading.

February Is Fabulous

Good morning my lovely ladies and gents! I can’t believe the first month of the New Year is over! Has anyone been successful in starting any of their New Year’s Resolutions? I’m happy to report that I have!

So here’s my update:

ü  I’ve been taking care of my hair, getting wash and sets every two weeks;

ü  I’ve been taking care of my skin day & night with the new products I purchased at The Body Shop;

ü  I’ve been hitting the gym 2-3 times a week for an hour; and

ü  I’ve lost a total of 5.2 pounds for the month of January

YYAAAYYYYYY!!!!! I’m starting off this New Year fierce!! J

February for me is going to be something spectacular! I have been accepted into this weight loss mentorship at my church that my Pastor has put together. She too wants to lose weight and she decided to select 12 other women to be a part of this journey with her. To enter, you had to apply on-line at her website and write a little bit about yourself. (This was some official business J) I applied ASAP! *lol* And long and behold, I am one of the chosen! Oh how I love my church and Pastors! They have the most awesome mentorships and ministries I have ever heard of! This is my first mentorship I’ll be a part of. So I’m super duper excited to get started and to get to know my Pastor on a personal level! It’s a 12 week program where we’ll meet twice a week for workouts and to create healthy meal plans. I cannot wait!

I also have lined up a new personal challenge for the month. Since February is the shortest month of the year, I decided in order to boost my weight loss I will drink a protein shake for one meal replacement every day! Think I can handle that for 28 days? I know it will be a challenge… but that’s why I picked the shortest month of the year. *lol* There are a lot of protein shakes out there but I only tried one brand and fell in love with it. Back in October when I did the Special K Challenge (and failed it... lol) was the first time I even had a protein shake. But they’re my favorite now! They have 4 delicious flavors. I have tried the strawberry-banana, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate. I think they’re pretty good and they do actually keep me feeling satisfied until my next meal. They’re good for after a workout too! Have them with a piece of fruit or yogurt and I’m sure you’ll fall in love too! Anyone up for the challenge with me? Come on…. Anybody?

I just can’t wait to see what my protein shake challenge and the mentorship will bring to my weight loss goal. I’m praying for high numbers folks! April is around the corner…. And I truly think I can reach my goal.

Well ya’ll… until next time... HOLLA♥

SB: It is BLACK HISTORY MONTH! And I’m sure all of you know the significance of this month. So I just want to say Thank You to all the innovating and inspirating people of the past, present, and future for our Black heritage. We've come a long way. And the path the past has paved for us is getting wider and greater today! Thank you for taking the risk of standing up when you were made to sit down.

No Turning Back

Breaking news ladies and gents…
I just can’t hold this one in…

So I went back to Weight Watchers (as promised) last week to re-register and get all the new info on the program. And to most importantly, weigh myself for the first time since the “hungry hungry holiday” season has passed. *lol* I stepped on that scale ready to hear the worse. I definitely was not prepared for what I discovered. *drum roll please* I have lost 32 POUNDS since I’ve started my weight loss journey!! 32 POUNDS!! OMG!!! I-AM-SO-PROUD-AND-AMAZED-OF-MYSELF I can’t stop grinning!! All of my efforts… all my ups and downs… have paid off!! 32 pounds in 6 months! I still can’t believe it! And you guys know I haven’t been following my “diet” religiously. There were weeks I confessed to just eating whatever I wanted, doing drive-by's to the drive-bys, and literally driving by the gym! *lol* To know that through all those rough patches I still somehow remained on top is AWESOME! There is NO WAY I am ever going to turn back now! I will not and I refuse to jeopardize my 32 pounds loss for anything! When I said “Let’s make 2013 our year!” I meant that thing!! And I am so ready to be a LOSERRRRRRR!!! *lol*

Thank you guys for riding this rollercoaster with me! I truly appreciate all my readers and your support! I look forward to an astronomical year with you! Well until next time… HOLLA ♥

HAPPY NEW YEARRRRR!!!

WWWOOOWWWW we made it to another year!
Thank You Lord!  \o/ (ß this is my shouting w/ arms up face) J

Well I’m happy to announce that my family and I had a WONDERFUL Christmas! I mean WONDERFUL! I’m so thankful for all the things Santa brought my children and what their grandparents and other family members blessed them with! I unexpectedly received gifts as well... including Beyonce’s Midnight Heat perfume and a 32” flat screen TV! AAAHHHHHHHH!!! *screaming with excitement* I brought in the New Year with my family... I love them so much!! And I sssooo love the month of January! The best month of the year! It's the month of new beginnings, a fresh start, AAANDD the month yours truly was born! WHOOP WHOOP!!

So ladies and gents… on to the business at hand~New Year’s Resolutions. I only have one, yes one! It’s really not even a resolution... but a project that I plan on implementing for the rest of my life. And that is BETTERING ME! And what I mean by that is making sure I’m happy with ME. I’m putting time and effort into ME. I’m making smarter choices for ME. I’m starting to take better care of ME! So 2013 I’ve officially launched Project Better Me (PBM). To jump start PBM I’ve already purchased new facial cleanser, moisturizer, body lotions and oils. I’ve started a “natural” hair journey. This simply means that I’m no longer going to get relaxers or put any harsh chemicals in my hair. I’m already 7 months post relaxer and got my ends clipped last month. I ultimately want to have thick, healthy, and subtle hair that just blows gracefully in the wind and brushes my face oh so lightly as I strut through the city. *lol* Now normally “natural hair journeys” are associated with wearing Afros and not washing/grooming your hair often. That simply won’t work for me! I still need to be me… and with my hair I need style and sass! So I’m going to still wear styles I love… I’m just improving my natural hair by nourishing it with natural oils, conditioners, and making sure it’s deeply moisturized to promote healthy hair growth. With all my new products and hair journey, I instantly feel luxurious! And delighted that I’m a woman on a mission! J

Now don’t think I forgot all about losing weight… because I DIDN’T! *lol* Part of PBM is definitely emphasizing on a healthier me as well. I plan on joining Weight Watchers again. (Shush! Don't you say a word! lol) Since the promotion is now FREE to join you know I’m running in there! *lol* I know I need WW to keep me on track and focused. They hold you accountable week to week and at this point in my weight loss journey... I still need that! Over the holidays, I personally think I didn’t do that bad. I ate until I was full, didn’t go for seconds, and watched my food intake. And times when I felt I might have overindulged, I made sure to hit the gym hard that week. So I’m very proud of myself. I definitely wasn’t in “diet” mode at all times but I didn’t completely fall victim either. I must admit though, I haven’t weighed myself in a few weeks. I think I'm a little scared GiGi’s succulent honey ham and famous creamy macaroni & cheese I ate on Christmas cost me to gain 7 pounds. *lol* (Oh well... I tore it up!! lol) Thinking about it now, I might just go tomorrow to re-register at WW. Who’s with me??! Anybody??! *lol*

Well that is all for now folks! I pray your holiday season and New Year is wonderful and blessed as ever! Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions? What are they? Please share and comment. 

It's December and I'm Determined

I know, I know what you’re thinking and saying. But you don’t have to tell me. I know I’ve been neglecting this blog. Not purposely, but for the simple fact that I had no progress to blog about it. *SMH* I fell victim to the “busy mom” life and then on top of that, the HOLIDAY SEASON! It’s like I blinked and it was Thanksgiving. I blinked again, and now it’s almost Christmas. Where is the time going??! I thought no one would notice that I hadn’t posted in weeks. I thought I could actually get away with maybe skipping a few more and hitting you with a “New Year, New Post” kind of update. But nope I got caught. Called out by my own MOTHER!! *LOL* I’m happy she did though. I’m glad I was missed by somebody J (SB: I talk to her every day. So she really doesn’t miss anything.) Anywho, on to what we all been waiting for… what have I been up to? Have I lost any weight? Any new news? What’s going on in the streets? *LOL*

All is great in my neighborhood! My family, friends and I are wonderful! I’m very thankful and grateful to God for blessing me with so many great people and possessions in my life. And with Christmas around the corner, I want to say to you all DO NOT FORGET THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! Thank God for everything you have and most importantly, for all He has done and will do for you. Ok, I had to get that out the way. J So, in regards to my lifestyle change of healthy living… I pretty much am at a plateau. Didn’t gain, didn’t lose. But I also didn’t focus or go hard like I set out to either. I hadn’t been to the gym or weight watchers. I just did my own thing as far as counting points and being mindful of what I was eating. I didn’t exercise AT ALL! Unless you count house work, chasing after my kids, doing laundry, and grocery shopping. Which to be honest, that IS exercising! *lol* So since my last post, I’ve been chillin. Oh, and if you're asking if I reached my 30 Pounds by Thanksgiving Challenge... umm.. No! *whomp whomp* It might have been 3 lbs though. *lol* I actually went through a brief phase of feeling like I didn’t want to be bothered with losing weight anymore. I felt like it was unfair I had to diet and exercise while others walked around here eating and doing whatever they wanted! I thought, why do I have to sacrifice that freedom and fun?! But like I said, it was brief! BACK TO LIFE, BACK TO REALITY! *lol* I actually found a new inspiration. Her name is Shana Wilson.  A gospel singer from Detroit whose songs really bless my worshipping. (SB: Look her up! You’ll love her!) I fell in love with her music/voice before I fell in love with HER. I started looking her up and she not only is my age, but is on a weight loss journey herself! She’s lost a lot of weight and looks amazing! I also just found out she's a Capricorn just like ME! So what better inspiration than to listen to gospel songs from a woman I feel so "connected" to? LOVE IT! LOVE HER!

So I’m glad to report that I’m more focused than ever! I went to the gym this week for a class and even woke up early to do an exercise video before my day got started (a.k.a. before the kids woke up- LOL). And I’m already feeling a difference. I’m glad that I have been making changes and conscious efforts NOW, so when the New Year hits “losing weight” won’t be a goal, it’ll already be my reality. I’m making 2013 MY year! My year to get to my weight loss goal and MORE! Let's just make 2013 OUR year! J

Well folks... that's all for now. I’m going to try posting twice a month. I started out every week. But looking back, every two weeks would be better for me. If not, at least I'd post once a month. More would be better… but you already know how I am. SMH! *LOL* Be blessed ya’ll. Until next time, I’ll HOLLA! ♥

It's November already??!!!

OOOOO-MMMMM-GGGG!! I’m thee worse blogger on the planet! I haven’t posted in over a month!!! SMH! I apologize… I really do! But I was ssssooooo busy the month of October! I had a two week mandatory training to attend for my second job in the evenings, which meant I had to adjust my work schedule for my full time job to be there an hour earlier than usual. That way I could get off, pick up my kids, drop them off home, and get to the training on time. So I was having 15 HOUR DAYS you guys!! =O Thennnnn, it was my son’s birthday on the 27th so I was preparing all month to go out of town for his day and turning the big 3! J So needless to say, I plummeted right off my healthy lifestyle regimen! Yup, AGAIN!! SMH! I didn’t weight in at Weight Watchers, I wasn’t eating right, and I never made it to the gym! Like, I never got a chance to even drive pass the gym ya’ll! *LOL* So for a whole 30 days I was just in limbo. Not on purpose, but it only took a few days of “recklessness” for me to fall off completely. I was eating whatever I wanted. I had McDonald’s too many times to even admit. I even resorted to eating bags of chips and chocolate candy again. I just didn’t care… and I was enjoying every bit of it! *LOL* But then as November smacked me in the face, reality set it… I can’t do this anymore. It’s time to get it together… and get back to where I left off at. And that’s exactly what I did. Yesterday was the first day of November and a shocking reminder that not only have I probably failed my 30 lb Loss by Thanksgiving Challenge BUT there is only 5 more months until April. April is my weight loss goal deadline! WOWZERS!!! So back to the gym and weight watching I go. I am glad to report though, that I  stepped on the scale for the first time in forever yesterday morning. And despite my 30 day downfall I didn’t gain any weight! WHOOT WHOOT!! J

So yesterday I started back tracking my foods and their points. This morning I went to the gym and did one mile on the treadmill at a high incline and then some upper body weights. I wanted to ease my body back into exercising… after all it has been a MONTH! =O I also tried coconut water for the first time. I heard it was good to have some either before or after a workout because it energizes you and has electrolytes. In my opinion, it wasn’t horrible… it’s just weird tasting. It’s like drinking pineapple juice mixed with 1% milk. K *lol* I’m not a fan. Maybe it’s an acquired taste? I won’t completely disown it though... I know there are several brands out there of this water which might taste a little better than the one I had. I also picked up some honey roasted almonds. I hear almonds are a great satisfying snack. I know I shouldn’t have gone for the flavored kind but when I saw honey roasted... I had to have them! Hey, are there any “healthy” snacks that you eat that satisfies your hunger? I want to know! Because boyyy... when 3 pm hits and I feel like I could faint from malnourishment, I need something to pick me up! So that’s why I picked up the almonds. I haven’t tried them yet but I would love to hear about some more snack ideas. So feel free to comment below.

Well my lovelies… it’s Friday, the weekend is here, and I’m looking forward to getting back on track! Enjoy your day and weekend! Until next time… HOLLA ♥

UPDATE: Special K Challenge

Good morning my lovelies!! First, I would like to apologize for not posting and updating you all on Friday. I thought to myself that Friday wasn’t exactly a full week on the Special K plan, Monday is. So I was ready to post Monday. But then Monday came and I was busy RELAXING that I didn’t get a chance to! *lol* So please forgive me. J

Ok, now on to the business at hand… Special K update. I’m glad to report that I followed the Special K plan to the T. Well not exactly to the T. When it came to having a "real" meal for dinner (with meat & sides... lol), I did my own thing. I didn’t do any of the suggested meals they had on the plan. But I’m sure that was fine. On top of that, I never went over my daily PointsPlus values. I actually had as much as 15 points left over, like every day. J So- I found that the foods did what it’s supposed to do. It suppressed my hunger BUT it didn't make me feel full, I just didn’t feel hunger pains!! That’s what I got out of it. After every Special K snack or meal, I felt “ok.” But if someone put a plate of food in front me and said “Help yourself.” I would have HELPED MYSELF! *lol* While at work all day it was much easier to control my eating and stay on the Special K plan because I didn’t have those kinds of temptations. I found the best tasting Special K foods were the protein shakes and fruit pastries. The shakes were actually satisfying to have as a meal replacement, which was a shock to me! I just knew that a drink alone could never replace a filling meal, but it did and it worked! The fruit pastries taste just like pop tarts! So they are A+ in my book. I also seen Special K has out new breakfast sandwiches in the frozen aisle. I saw the sausage, egg, and cheese ones. I didn’t get a chance to try them yet but I want to! I’m sure they’re probably good!

So I was great on the plan during my work week (Mon-Fri) but then… *sigh*… the weekend came. And let me tell you, I didn’t touch not one Special K product! I know, I know, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I gave in to the freedom to eat whatever was in my fridge that DID NOT have Special K on it! *lol* I was just tired of their foods! Uggh! I thought I could do it... just 2 weeks. But eating the same Special K foods beat me down! They weren’t appetizing to me anymore. And I love food way too much to be eating things that aren’t even satisfying. *SMH*

So in conclusion, the Special K Challenge for me was indeed a CHALLENGE!! And I fell short! But I'm not opposed to trying the challenge again. Just not anytime soon. *lol* I do, however, know that I must have lost some weight. I can feel it. It may not be those 10 pounds I was looking for but it’s definitely something. I haven’t weighed in at Weight Watchers in a few weeks. It’s time for me to pay them a visit. (literally... lol) So sometime this weekend I’ll be weighing in and letting you in on my status. I have 6 more weeks until Thanksgiving… and I’m still in hot pursuit to lose 30 pounds. So, continue to keep your fingers crossed for me and wish me luck! I NEED IT! J

Well that’s all I have to report for today. If anything good and juicy comes up, I’ll be sure to check back in. So until next time… HOLLA ♥

Hey, did any of you try the Special K Challenge with me last week? How did you do? What did you think of the foods and the plan? Comment below and let me know.