"If people were meant to pop out of bed...we'd all sleep in toasters"

Oh my goodness...soooo tired...fell asleep and just jumped up in a panic that I hadn't blogged today! I guess last week just down right pooped me out!

Ok you little hotties!....I've heard from a few of you that your feeling a little lighter these days...every time I step on the scale I'm just absolutely tickled pink that I decided to do this challenge!!!

Just to give you and all your friends out there a heads up...when this challenge ends on Jan. 31st...I will be starting another "Wellness Challenge"...of my own...that will begin Feb. 1st!!!...and yes....you've read that right...the day after this one ends!!! I've heard from soooo many of you saying that you would like to keep going and or you know several other people that are interested. I will put more info out when it gets a little closer :)

My house looks a little confusing right now...If one was staring from the outside at this very moment...they would see hay bails and pumpkin's on the porch...with a Christmas tree sparkling in the window....what the heck...I better get a move on it!

I am now going to try and go back to sleep...nighty night!

sweet dreams :)

Ready to get my groove back

Awww...We are at the end of week 3...Yippee!!!

As much as I loved this last week with the kids home...and family in town...I'm secretly looking forward to getting my normal groove back.

I've honestly have had to bake something every day this week...(temptations I tell ya)...I Thought I was all finished for the night...when my little cupcake reminded me that they were celebrating her birthday tomorrow in class...I put on my best smile and simply walked into the kitchen :)

So...I tried a new recipe today...tofu marinaded in soy sauce....rolled in bread crumbs...baked...(kinda like a veggie fish stick)...well...I had only heard of the recipe so I wasn't sure of cook times...etc...I suppose they probably would have tasted delish...but...I forgot I was baking them...guess I didn't hear the beep...but they were burnt and awful...the biggest of the little dumplings said they looked like cat poop, rolled in litter...YUMMY!

I told you all about the book "Crazy Love" that I was reading each day...well if any of you all are looking for some good spiritual text to read...it's been really good...easy read and right down to the point.

Now I'm Going to curl up and watch "Four Christmases" with my sweetums...oh yah...don't forget to email your points!

Sweet dreams :)

I heart San Francisco

Hi cutie pie's...Here in San Francisco...tryin to blog from my blackberry. Hope you all had a wonderful Saturday!

Ugh...After waiting for a table at a restaurant...for an hour...and food taking a bit...I had to eat at 8:15 :( glad I didn't take any free days.

I better see if this even works...before I write a bunch...plus my phone is going to die.

Big hugs & sweet dreams :)

Hustle and Bustle

Holy Moly...I made it...(you can't see me...but I'm actually yawning as I type)...we shopped for 12 fabulously fun hours (woo hoo!)...wait...maybe I should repeat that...I said 12 HOURS!!!...can you believe it???...most people think we're just plain crazy ;o) ...one thing I must say...it's not very fun to have to pee every second of the day...It was all crowned with mile long lines...goodness gracious!

Have you all realized how awesome we are?...we are coming up to the end of week 3! How are you all feeling? Still going strong here sista's!

This week has been so much fun!...I'm sorta sad it's all coming to an end...everyone will be departing in the morning :( ...(hoping to get all the Christmas decor up to keep us all cheery).

Tomorrow night I will be in the city...so I will try and see if I can blog from my phone....(gotta get my journaling in)...stay tune.

I hope you all sleep well

Sweet dreams :)

Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting

Happy Thanksgiving my fancy followers :)

The Turkey trot was a blast...the little ones ran the whole time with us..I was so proud.

Are any of you crazy like me and wake up at the crack of dawn (or before)...to shop, shop, shop...literally till you drop?...It has been a tradition in our family for about 12 years...that all of us girls (NO KIDS) leave the house at around 4:30...AM that is...(which means the alarm starts beeping at about 3:30)...and shop all day...do lunch...and become seriously super silly for about 12 hours...then go home and eat thanksgiving left overs with all the guys and kiddos...I look more forward to this day then any other.

Soooo...I decided not to eat any sweets today...I really felt like I wasn't craving them and was only going to eat the pies cause everyone else was....not because I really just had to some! I totally didn't want to start the cravings again and wake up tomorrow and probably want a stupid donut or something...lol!

How did you all do today? Did you take your free day on some stuff...or all???

I hope you all are warm with delight and have made many special memories with the ones you love.

I'm thinking I should try and get some sleep....hugs to you all

Sweet dreams :)

Turkey's a trottin'

I cannot believe it...but I actually slept until 9 am this morning...it was so nice to wake up and have my sister here as well...(she arrived in the middle of the night)...I LOVE that she is doing the challenge...it was so nice to have a fellow challenger beside me all day :)

oh yah...forgot to tell you all that yesterday at the movies I did not have a soda...yippee for me...I actually couldn't believe it...I ALWAYS want a soda at the movies.

So...are you all ready for Thanksgiving???...I've been cooking for the last couple hours...so I will won't be a freako tomorrow...and have a ever so thankful happy heart.

I'm really looking forward to running the Folsom Turkey Trot with my family in the morning...It will be a great way to start the day!

I wish you all a very HaPpY ThAnKgIvInG!!!

Sweet dreams you crazy turkey heads :)

Pearly Whites

Hello Hot stuffs!

Ok...so here's a little trick I've been doing...If it's after 8 and I really want something to eat...I brush my teeth. I know....kinda silly...but it works (I promise)!

I'm sure most of you know this...and probably eat your veggies this very way...I just love them...(oh and my kiddos enjoy them too)...so here's what I do...I cut up all kinds of veggies...my fav's are red bell pepper, squash, onion, mushrooms, asparagus...really any kind...then I toss a little oil olive or grape seed oil to coat...lay them out on a baking sheet...and bake the little baby's for about 15 minutes on 450...and right before I take them out...I sprinkle some shredded Parmesan cheese...and ooh la la their done :) delish I tell you!

So besides seeing the movie New Moon with my awesome sister in law...I had a fairly boring day. Oh wait...I did clean up 2 trash bags my darling dog decided he wanted to scatter all over the house...ugh!

But tomorrow will be a new day...

and I will wake up and celebrate my sweet baby girl turning 9! How I absolutely cherish everything about her...from her sweet disposition to her fabulous long eyelashes...she just melts my heart.

Sweet dreams :)

moments of weakness

I must confess...today was probably one of the hardest days I've had on this challenge! ugh!!! It didn't help that I sat in the car while everyone else ate ice cream sundae's...then we had 1/2 pint's b-day celebration...so this time I sat at the table while everyone else ate cake....dumb sweets...wish they never even existed! The craving's hadn't been to bad...until TODAY!!! Thank goodness for my new bff's...apples and peanut butter...I love you :)

Ok...so have any of you read or seen the book "Skinny Bitch"? (Pardon my french)...seriously...it is a great book! they also have a fabulous cookbook called "Skinny Bitch in the Kitch".








The authors are down right hilarious...they get right down to the point for sure...they are a couple of no-nonsense girls...who call sugar...the Devil...soda and beer...liquid Satan...lol! The chapter on "sugar" is perfect!...What I really should do...is read it every time I'm craving all those yummy sweets.

Goals for tomorrow:
call grandma
get house and laundry done for 2nd round of guests
go see New Moon...(can this be a goal? ha)

Sooo happy my sis is coming soon...she's on the challenge too...so I will have a buddy for the rest of the week...my husband isn't doing so hot!

Have a great day tomorrow

Sweet dreams :)

The ones you hold dear

Do you not just love when family comes to town for the holidays?...I look sooo forward to the week of Thanksgiving every year :) that is why I am closing early this evening...to curl up on the couch...laugh and be silly with the ones I love...and make new holiday memories.

I hope you wake up in the morning and week 3 will come with ease

Sweet dreams

Baby it's cold outside

Brrrr...It sure is chilly out! I went for an early morning run and about froze my tush off! (Although I'd rather it be cold than hot any day)...It sure felt good to get out and run...haven't been in a few days...when I was training that's all I did in terms of exercise...but now it's been kinda nice choosing different types of exercise...and with having to get in my 45 minutes everyday...I've had to get creative so it stays exciting :)

Wow...it seems like everyone is getting sick :( ....I'm really hoping I've had my sickness for the year...cause I really do not want it to mess with my challenge. Jayme you are seriously a rock star!!!...I cannot believe you've powered through...exercise and all....WOO HOO!

Ok...I'm publicly busting my husband...he's gone back to eating his nightly peanut butter and chocolate ICE CREAM..."what the heck" is all I have to say...and thank the sweet Lord above...that ice cream is not my weakness!

One more thing...Aren't you all so stinkin excited that we are almost done with week 2?

I hope you all have a super cozy evening!

Sweet dreams you little cuddle bugs :)

"Willpower is the art of replacing one habit for another"

Omg...all the yummy foods that have started to overwhelm my senses!...I must resist!...I must...I must...I must...lol! After being around all the scrumptious sweets today...I'm afraid last nights baking was just the beginning...(ugh!)...too many more days this holiday season...of using that ever so great willpower I know is within me! For goodness sakes...I went a whole year without eating sweets...3 months should be a piece of cake! Honestly...it's the comfort and memories that come along with all those lovely smells that is the hardest and when you realize that you do not need to actually taste those feelings...that is a comfort in itself :)

I'm not sure I will take my free days unless I have to...I feel like it will set me back to square one....what do you all think?...and have you been using the free points?

I have gotten to bed sooo late these last few nights..I am cutting it short tonight in hopes to get some much needed sleep....here I come Mr. Sandman

Sweet dreams :)

I can't have my cake and eat it too!

oh yah...sweet things...I have will power for sure! First time since starting the challenge that I had to bake...not bake just anything...but bake 3 banana cakes! My most favorite dessert since I was a little girl...They smell sooo yummy...thank goodness they will have new homes in the morning :)

So I started reading a new book...(you know, spiritual text)...it's called "Crazy Love" a girlfriend of mine gave it to me several months ago...have any of you read it or heard anything about it?...so far so good...but I am only on the second chapter.

Omg...your not going to believe this...not only did I drop last nights dinner...I actually did something way worse today...I dropped HOT PINK nail polish all over my sister in laws tile floor and vanity...the stupid bottle shattered everywhere...Ughhh!...hopefully things really do come in 3's and I will not destroy anything else. I can tell you one thing...I 'm going to keep wearing my new hot pink running shoes and pretend that they were suppose to look like this.

Sweet dreams :)

Blessed

I'm back and breathing tonight...much better day! Although I did just drop the the whole jar of salsa on the floor...then followed it with the bowl of taco meat...I guess leftovers weren't in the cards for tonight :)

I'm feeling extra sentimental today and just want you all to know...how grateful I am to have you all by my side during this next 3 months?...I feel truly blessed to have you all in my life...I am surrounded with such lovely ladies these days...it brings tears to my eyes. Soooo...here is a big hug and a wet juicy smooch :o) from me to you!

and by the way...I am not counting that as my showing love and appreciation to another person...I meant every word!

Sweet dreams precious friends :)

Balancing act

As I am writing this tonight...I'm actually trying to just bbrreathhh....AAWWWW!!!

I must admit today has been a little crazy around the ol' home front...kids were being all freaky like from the very moment they woke this morning ;)...(which doesn't help when mom is trying to have a peaceful morning)...half way to school the little Mister informs me he forgot his jacket...turn the car around and realize I will most likely run out of gas if I do not refuel immediately...kids now late to school...I'm a stress case...ugh! So I decide I will still make it to my Pilate's class if I hurry...make it, things are good...attitude is turning around for the better...get all my goals for the day accomplished...(Grandma's doing well)...THEN....the kids COME BACK and they are even more bonkers than earlier...and that is when all my calm & peaceful feelings...I was ever so trying to keep...fade.

So my friends...my goal tomorrow will be to wake up..refreshed I'm sure..right?...and try and keep it all together...ooh, maybe I should try reading my spiritual text before exiting the bed rather then entering...

Sweet dreams :)

I'm stuck!

Ok, so here's my new issue...well I guess it's not really new...cause if you ask my husband he'll tell you he's been telling me for months...but I'm in a food rut...mostly lunch ideas for myself...but I feel like I eat the same things over and over again...ugh! Ok, so here's my staples...tofu salad or some kinda salad, red bell pepper with cheese and crackers, and soup...yep there they are...all 3 of them. So now that you know this...and keep in mind that I'm a vegetarian...would one of you sweet things PLEASE give me some new ideas?...oh, and maybe ones that are kinda quick and easy :) oh, and also have fruits and veggies in them...with them...around them!

Another thing...how much is in a serving?...as in 2 servings of fruits & veggies...I've been thinking somewhere around a cup or handful...a whole banana or apple....what do you all think?

Ok..I swear this is it...how in the world do you all find time and room in your day to eat 3 meals and all the servings of F & V's...sometimes I've just been eating vegetables for dinner if I didn't get them in for the day...I know, silly problem to have...oh well!

I hope you all had a superlicious day!

Sweet dreams :)

Don't bunt. Aim out of the ballpark.

WOO HOO...First week down...and we did it ladies (and gentlemen)!!! Aren't you all just so darn excited? I've spoken with most of you this week and seems like everyone is doing really well...all I have to say is WE ROCK!!!

I hope you all have a delightful second week...and that those points come even a little easier....and the excitement never fades.

Don't forget to email your points for the week!

Sweet dreams Rockstars :)

From the heart

To be 5 again...and no...it's not because I have wished I was less wrinkly...(well maybe)...or because I have wished I didn't have to dye my hair for the fear of really seeing what's under...no...It's because I have wished to feel free...free of all the worries that have been building since I actually was 5...I can remember being a wee one and thinking about my weight...I have struggled in my silly little head since before I really can remember...growing up in a family of very skinny kiddos...and me being average...oh, and might I add...average with red hair and freckles...um, not really the first pick of many....well not unless you were over 70...(this is how you quickly become your grandparents favorite)....but when average isn't the normal in your little world..something must be wrong...right?

I know this kinda sounds sad...and for the record...and 30 years later...I am grateful God choose to give me red hair :)...but my reasoning for letting you in a little deeper...is to tell you that this last week has seemed a little easier...I can't really put my finger on what has changed sooo much...but I can tell you this...my silly little head is feeling a little lighter...mentally that is :) I think between having a healthy agenda, the spiritual text, (and trying not to float away from all the water)...it has given me new...healthy things to worry about :)

well now that I have just spilled the beans...oh...and I am really hoping you weren't coming here for your uplifting text...lol...I am closing for the night...can't wait to curl up in my snuggies and read my Dr. Oz book.

Sweet dreams sweet friends :)

Healthy Bites

Yeah...I've refueled and feelin super this evening! Crazy busy day...and still was able to get all the points checked....yippee for me!

Ok Ladies get out your pen & paper I found a butternut squash recipe that looks healthy, simple and even kinda cozy...(Here's to you Shelley and Mr. Squash) :

2 Tablespoon butter
1 sm. onion chopped
1 stalk celery chopped
1 med. carrot chopped
2 med. potatoes cubed
1 med. butternut squash...peeled, seeded & cubed
1 (32 oz) container chicken stock (I will use veg. stock...probably will taste the same right?)
salt & pepper to taste
*melt butter in pot, cook the onion, celery, carrot, potatoes & squash...5 minutes or until lightly brown...pour in enough stock to cover veggies...bring to boil...reduce the heat to low...cover pot & simmer 40 min.
*transfer to blender until smooth...then put back into pot and add any remaining stock until desired consistency...salt and pepper to taste! Then jump in your car and bring some to me :)

One more yummy idea...My friend Sara reminded me today about chai tea...I Just positively adore everything about this delicious drink...she bought the "Oregon chai" in the container and mixed with milk...I also have just bought chai tea bags and steeped in milk (no water)....add alittle honey and...awwww! Great alternative to those sugary Starbucks.

Hey...did you all see on the Wellness challenge site that she was trying to get a bunch of us to run or walk in the reindeer trail run 5 k/10k...coming up on Dec. 5 th? interested??? I thought it would be really fun to meet some of the other gals that we're up against! I will also be running in the Folsom Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning...any takers?

It's now almost midnight and I must sleep...ooh maybe I should eat..it is technically the next day right? J.K :)

Sweet Dreams :)

My words are my food

UUUGGHHH....you have to be kidding me...I have not eaten since 2 o'clock today...I had to be somewhere tonight....might I add...somewhere WITHOUT food (but didn't know ahead of time)...so of course it is almost 11 pm and I am STARVING...and you better believe I'm not going to NOT get a point...soooo I guess no food tonight...probably not the smartest idea...but hey...It taught me to start keeping a snack with me at all times!

Alright...just one more thing...if you must know...this has been the hardest evening I've had...stupid day 4...I'm glad your almost over.

Hoping your day was better then mine~

Sweet dreams :)

Nature's Palette

Aaawww Fall...Do you not just positively LOVE it?...The scrumptious smells...the beautiful trees....the clean crisp evening air....For Pete's sake...I love it so much I even named my daughter Autumn after this delightful season! This my friends...is all the things that were going through my mind as I was on a family bike ride....yes, you heard it right...FAMILY BIKE RIDE!!! Well wait...we were actually missing the littlest squirt..but everyone knows she's about as slow as molasses anyways :) No seriously...it really meant a lot to me to have the fam involved.

It's been really nice that everyone has been so supportive and involved in the wellness of little ol' me...even as I write this I have not had one interruption.

Ok...tell me this...Is the never ending peeing thing getting on your nerves as much as mine??? Jeez Louise...It's not like I didn't drink water before!!!

Oh no...just realized I didn't eat dinner and it's 30 minutes to 8...guess that means I will be closing for now.

Hope your evening is cozy~

Sweet dreams :)

An apple a day...keeps the points coming my way!

Good Evening fellow challengers...day 2's coming to an end...so give it to me...how are you all feeling? So far so good here! The best part has been with all the fruits, veggies, and water I've been consuming....there has been no room for other snacky type stuff :)

ok...This is kinda sad to say...but one of my goals each week is to make sure to call my Grandma...I know that sounds so bad....and I swear I'm not a jerko...but with time slipping by so quickly these days...I don't get the chance to tell her how much I love and appreciate her nearly enough.

Alright...I am now off to finish my last point of the day...which would be reading my uplifting text...started earlier but had to pick up the little dumplings from school.

Nighty night & sweet dreams :)

If at first you DO succeed, try not to look astonished!

Happy First Day!

Alright you little cuties...and seriously don't you feel just a little bit cuter?...How'd the day go??? Honestly...I'm alittle scared to even say, but today went amazingly well...my head didn't blow up or anything! I'm feelin pretty darn proud of myself right about now :)...everyone I saw or talked to today seemed to be truckin along with ease.

my husband was so hilarious...it was 2 minutes to 8 and he was trying to quickly figure out something else to eat...lol! I love you sweetums...because if you can give up your nightly chocolate peanut butter ice cream intake you can do anything!

Oh...I almost forgot...I bought a book today that was recommended by my lovely friend/running partner called "YOU The Owner's Manual" written by Dr. OZ...On the cover it says..."An insider's guide to the body that will make you healthier and younger"...who wouldn't be interested?...you bet your bottom I'm reading this book asap!

I'm closing for tonight...I figure I should just go to bed before I feel hungry...hope you all have a wonderful 2nd day...1 down 89 to go!

Sweet dreams :)

A goal properly set is halfway reached

wanna know alittle secret?...I TOTALLY pigged out this weekend!!!...what the heck is wrong with me?...I could just throw up right now thinking of all the junk I put in my body :)...I would normally not ever eat the way I did this weekend...but just knowing what was ahead...holidays and everything...I just had to! I know I'm not alone...my friend called me earlier and told me she was in the McDonalds drive thru...we cracked up...as if it was the last meal she would ever eat!

Alright enough about the PAST...right?

and before I close out

take a look at my post title...don't you just love?...I heard it today and thought it was just perfect...perfect I tell you! Doesn't it make you breath alittle easier?...and we haven't even started! Alright Girlies (and guys-my husband has decided to do it with me too) we have just a few more hours till we take the first step towards improving our bodies, our relationships, our mental well being...our LIFE's for goodness sakes!!!

Good night & good luck my fancy followers...sweet dreams :)

In a "nutshell"

Ok, so here's what's crackin...There are 10 goals to accomplish each day...and I already know what your thinking...so STOP IT!...we need to be positive..right? These 10 things should (and I say "should" lightly) be simple, motivating, and VERY rewarding!

Here it goes!

1. drink 48 oz of water a day (piece of cake)
2. 45 minutes of exercise...does not have to be consecutive
3. consume 2 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits
4. no soda or alcohol...(UGH!)

ok, TAKE A DEEP BREATH FOR THIS ONE
5. no sweets...desserts, pastries, candy, sugary snacks...(but sugar-free alternatives are fine), fast food, or unhealthy snacks like potato chips...etc!
6. no eating after 8:00 pm (getting easier)
7. read 15 minutes of spiritual or uplifting text
8. write in a journal (your lookin at it)
9. express specific appreciation, love, or praise to another person
10. personal goal-each week make a personal goal for everyday (read to your kids, organize the closets, get 8 hours of sleep)

another important thing...you get a point for each thing you do each day (so keep a calender thingy on the frig or something)...end of the day you should have 10 points...you can have a FREE point PER CATAGORY, PER WEEK or save them up for one WHOLE free day...for example, one day a week you choose to skip exercise, but you would still get the point for doing it-if you only miss it ONCE that week...this is the same for each catagory...or you might choose to have 1 free day where all the points are free...woo-hoo (now we're talking sweet cheeks!)

Alright enough with all the rules...you have until Monday Nov. 9th to decide if you want to get healthy (physically and mentally)...so come join me...seriously I would LOVE IT!