TOTAL LOST TO DATE: 15 lbs

During Christmas we spent time in Utah and many of my family members witnessed my larger size... :(

While we were in Utah I got sick and was pretty sick for almost a month and wasn't eating a whole lot.  I lost 10 lbs during my sick time... :)

I have been on my "Lose Weight Look Great!" plan for almost a week.  When I stepped on the scale this morning I hit my first weight goal.  I have lost 15 lbs since Christmas.  I currently weight 175.  Wow!  That's what I weighed when I was pregnant with Aislyn.

So, as I continue to feel better each day and I see the physical changes with my "Lose Weight Look Great!" plan I become that more determined to move forward and reach my ultimate goal of being a size 6 :)

For those of you who want to join me I will continue to post my daily plans so that you can benefit from the same program.

Happy Getting Healthy!

NO WEIGHT GAIN!

The weekends are very difficult for me when it comes to sticking with a "Lose Weight Look Great!" plan.

I took the girls to see "Percy Jackson..." Friday night while Victor and the boys went on an overnight scout campout.  Allisa pursuaded me to buy a tub of popcorn; three icees; sour patch kids; and a package of twizzlers.

We watched the movie and consumed the junk.  However, after about one handful of popcorn and three twizler twists I thought I was going to barf.  We came home with an almost full tub of popcorn which we gave to the chickens.

The next day I was back on track until Victor and the boys came home.  We had errands to run and we were out during the lunch hour.  I was very hungry and starting to get a headache.  We stopped at Wendy's and I order the 10 piece chicken with honey mustard sauce.

The rest of the day I stayed on track.

For Sunday dinner I had roasted a ham and prepared brocoli; carrots and califlower in one pot and then prepared new potatoes in another pot.  I made a yummy vegetable salad with romaine lettuce; radishes; cucumbers; celery; pecans and dried cranberries.

I covered half my plate with the salad and the other half with the cooked vegetables.  I had a four or five little new potatoes and a small slice of ham.  Just perfect!

I did have desert - pecan pie and then I was done for the evening.

I am back on detoxing this week - to help get rid of the stuff I shouldn't have eaten. :)

When I stepped on the scale I hadn't gained any weight from the weekend of endulgence :)

Today I have been really good.

I have had about a cup of red grapes; two tangerines (from the tree); the left over cooked vegetables and the left over salad.  For snack I have three celery stalks cut into a baggie along with some baby carrots and an Amborsia apple to top it off.

I havn't figured out what I am going to make for dinner - there will definitely be a salad. :)

THE END OF DAY ONE

Well, I did pretty good with my first day until I got home.

I drank my juices; tea and water while I was at work and abstained from caffiene; chocolate and sugar :)

When I got home I had a biscuit; a tube of ritz crackers with cream cheese and then I followed it up with water :)

I didn't go exercise.  I got trapped by the television.  Vincent was watching the last DVD of the Lord of the Ring's trilogy.

So, after the movie I recommitted myself to do better tomorrow.

I made three juices for tomorrow and I will take a banana and a cup of strawberries to munch on at work.

DID YOU KNOW?

Day 2 of the detox diet allows liquid and fruit.  Although they often tastte acidic, fruits are generally very alkaline foods so they help neutralize the acidic waste that is produced when we begin to detoxify.  With their high fibre contect, fruits are also good laxatives and will help shift some of the estimated 3-4 kg ( 6 1/2 - 9 lb) of decayed material in the intestines.

That's amazing!  I'll let you know how much weight I have lost by the end of the detox.  It would be awsome if I could lose the 9 lbs.  I would then only need to lose an additional 40 lbs.  I have already lost 2 lbs this week just by cutting out hte soda, sugar and chocolate.

There are other many fruits that help with detox.

• Apples contain a lot of pectin, which helps to remove toxins, and tartaric acid, which aids digestion.
• Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelin, which helps to produce acids that destroy 'bad' bacteria in the gut, encourage the growth of 'good' bacteria important for digestion, and support tissue repair.
• Mango also contains bromelin, and an enzyme called papain, which helps to break down protein wastes.
• Grapes help to counter the production of mucus, which can clog up tissues, and cleanse the liver and kidneys.  Their high fructose content also provides instant energy.
• Watermelon is a diuretic, speeding the passage of fluids carrying toxins through the system.

Additionally, when detoxing, use only organic fruit and vegetables if you can or you will be replacing some of the toxins you are eliminating with pesticide residues.

Have fun detoxing!  :)

EXERCISE IS PART OF THE PLAN

Why Exercise?

Exercise is not only important for burning fat, it also keeps the body healthy by strengthening the heart, muscles, lungs andother internal systems.  In addition, it improves posture, boosts metabolism, increases enrgy levels, improves mental performance and helps combat stress.

The idea is to be more active:

Increasing the amount of exercise or physical activity you do on a weekly basis will help burn calories - even vigorous housework and gardening count.  Whenever you go out, take the most active route possible.

• Take the stairs instead of the lift
• Keep walking while an escalator carries you up
• Walk or cycle instead of driving short distances
• Park your car further than necessary from your destination, or get off the bus a stop early
• Do yoga or go swimming in your lunch hour

Just some food for thought!  Go for it!  It will be fun!!  :)

SHEDDING THE WINTER COAT FOR A SPRING GLOW

In other words:  I'm a fat cow and I need to lose 50 lbs.

Apparently I have quite a bit of weight to lose.  I currently have a BMI of 31 and that's considered obese.

So...

I have started my Lose Weight / Look Great Program ...  AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!! :)

In order for me to lose weight I need to burn stored calories or reduce calorie intake.  Since 1lb of fat is equivalent to 3,500 calories, I need to burn calories through physical activity and/or reduce the number of calories I eat for a total of 3,500 in order to lose 1lb of fat.

Day 1 starts tomorrow with a DETOX.

The means:

no caffeine
no pills/drugs of any kind
need 12 cups of water a day

I can get my 12 cups of water through fruits and vegetables.

Tomorrow's Menu:

Water
Herbal Tea
Carrot Apple Juice (from 4 carrots and 2 apples)
Raspberry Peach Juice (from 4 oz of respberries and two peaches - added two apples)

I juiced my fruits and vegetables this evening so that it could be ice cold tomorrow.

Exercise is also on the agenda:

15 minute walk at 9:30 a.m.

AFTER WORK: 

1.  5-10 minute warm-up
2.  Aerobic exercise - treadmill or stair master for 15 minutes
3.  10 minute toners
4.  5-10 minute cool-down

SKIN AND BEAUTY REGIMENT

I also made two salt scrubs.  One for my face and neck and the other for the rest of my body.

Body Scrubs are made from Rock Salt; Olive Oil and a drop of essential oil.

Mix a handful of coarse rock salt flakes to a past with two tablespoons of olive or sesame oil.  Add one drop only of rose or lav ender essential oil, if like. 

Make sure that the bathroom is warm and that you have plenty of warm towels to hand afterwards.

Before you start your body scrub, exfoliate your face and neck if you wish using fine salt (rock salt is too coarse for the delicate skin of the face) mixed with olive or sesame oil.  Even if you have oil facial skin you need to use the oil as it makes the scrub easier to apply and nourishes the skin.

I invite you to join me in my pursuit of a bikini fit body!  :)

WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH

There are days when things just get almost to tough to handle.  Sometimes there isn't enough time in a day.  Sometimes it feel like the world and everyone in it is out to make you miserable.

Today is one of those days for me.

I can't explain why this day is any different from any other.  I just know that I have an abundance of work and I feel like there isn't enough time to complete it.  I feel rushed and disorganized.

When I feel like this I turn two little postings I have in my cubicle that seem to put perspective into my life and the moment I am in.  The first is a little quote that I jotted down while reading the book:  "Every Day Bliss for the Busy Woman"

"I am worth putting first in my life.

I am enough, just as I am.

Nothing requires me to go at light speed.

What is meant for me can never be lost and will always be there.

There is no need to rush; I can take as much time as needed for what is important.

I dedicate myself to exquisite self-care and the cultivation of everyday bliss in my life.

I am worth this."

For some reason this just calms my soul so that I can regain strength and new conviction to complete my given tasks.

The other is a scripture that has provided renewed perspective when I feel like my co-workers and peers are working against me or are just plain mean.

Colossians 3:12-17

"Put on therefore, as the elect of god, holdy and

beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness,

humbleness of mind, meekness,

longsuffering; Forbearing one another, if

any man have a quarrel against any, even as

Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  And above

all these things put on charity, which is the

bond of perfectness.  And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are

called in one body; and be ye thankful.  Let

the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all

wisdom; teaching and admonishing one

another in psalms and hymns and spirtiual

songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the
Lord.  Ahd whatsoever ye do in word or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving

thanks to God and the Father by him.

Even at this moment, sharing this with you, I feel more at peace and am ready to return to work refreshed.

Have a beautiful day.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Each February I reflect on some of the more romantic things in life.

My parent's wedding anniversasry is February 11th.  This year they celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary.  My parent's were sealed in the St George temple by my Great Grandfather Edwards.  Grandpa Edwards served in the St George temple for many years.  My grandparents were also sealed by my Great grandfather.

When Victor and I were considering the various temples we could be sealed in I shared with Victor my desire to be sealed in the temple where my parents and my grandparents were sealed by my great grandfather.  September 4th 1998, Victor and I were sealed to each other and to our children, Devlyn, Evan and Aislyn.  Each February I reflect on the significance of those sacred ordinances and the covenants that have been made in that sacred place

When we lived in Simi Valley there was a couple whose anniversary is also in February.  Brother and Sister Lightborn celebrate their anniversary every day in the month of February.  Each doing something for the other to show how much they love each other.  I do not know if this began when they were first married or if this was something that developed over the years.

Two years ago Victor and I ran into Brother and Sister Lightborn and I talked with them briefly and discovered that they still spend every day in the month of February expressing their love for each other in small and simple things.

Throughout the ages there have been many lovers who have shown us through literature; poetry and music the deep love they feel for one another.

On the day that Robert Schumman was married to Clara he began a journal.  He expressed his deep love for Clara and his desire to chronical their life and love for one another through this journal.  Robert Schumann is known for the great pieces of work he wrote.  Clara performed and wrote many piano pieces as well. 

In August of 2007 I discovered a CD of piano music performed by Lucy Parham.  "Beloved Clara" is the story of the intense relationships between Robert Schumann, his wife Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms.  This programme of music and readings brings their history to life.  It chronicles the sometimes troubled marriage of Clara and Robert, the arrival in their household of the dynamic, 21-year-old Brahms, Robert's decline into mential illness and the deepening relationship between Clara and Brahms, the exact nature of which has never been established.  Music by all three is performed by Lucy Parham, interspersed with extracts from their letters and diaries.

As I listened to the music and the extracts from their letters and diaries I had an idea to start my own journal writing the thoughts and feelings towards my beloved husband.  The good and the bad - so that he knows how I truly love him. 

This morning as I was getting ready for church I discovered the beautiful flowers that Victor purchased the night before in one of my favorite red vases.  He had placed them on the piano so that I would definitely see them (since I play the piano every Sunday morning).  I love flowers.  After church I received my second favorite thing for Valentine's Day - a half flat of strawberries.  I have been eating strawberries while I write this blog. 

For so many people in this world, Valentine's Day is a sad day for many reasons.  Either they haven't found love; or they have lost love; or maybe they are in the midst of unrequited love.  Valentine's Day is a day to express our love to those who are important to us.  Don't forget to say I love you to someone today.

MENDING FENCES

Literally!

Victor was in the backyard yesterday when I got home from work.

He had already been home for a while fixing the chain link fence. 

Sampson has been in the neighbors backyard every day this week.  He had smashed the chain link fence down and could easily hop over it.  He likes the grass on the other side and was making a very efficient lawn mower.

The nice thing is that the neighbor didn't mind.  Very old neighbors who divided their back yard so they didn't have to mow the whole thing.  There is a very lush jungle in their back half.

I visited with Victor while he was working on the last bit of the mending.  Sampson was a little concerned about the availability of grass and kept pacing along the fence.  He will have to settle for our yard.  :)

The horses were happy to see me.  I haven't been out to see them for a couple of weeks due to the bad weather.  I don't enjoy the cold or wet and I especially hate the mud.  I received lots of love from the horses and Spice kept on talking to me while I was out there.

I can't wait until it warms up and the ground is dry.  I will be able to spend more time with the horses.

JUMPING HORSES

Yesterday at 4 p.m. my cell phone rings and on the other end of the line was a very frantic 12 year old.  It sounded like she was ready to burst into tears.

"When I went out to feed the horses..."  Aislyn began with a shaky voice.  Immediately, I thought "Oh, no!  Something has happened to one of the horses." 

Aislyn continues:  "Sparky followed me out and started chasing Sampson." 

"Oh no!  Sparky has been trampled to death!"  My second thought.

"Sparky wouldn't leave Sampson alone...  Sampson was kicking and trying to get away from Sparky."

Now, I have seen the dogs chase the horses.  It is actually pretty entertaining.  I know the dogs think those horses are just very large dogs.  Sparky is so stupid that he hasn't learned to stay clear of the legs, knees and hooves of these very large; strong animals.  He usually gets stunned and sits out for a while and then he is back at it again.

Apparently, Sparky thought that if he started biting Sampson he could avoid the kicking and get more play time in.

Well, Sampson would having nothing to do with that.

"Sampson jumped over the chain-link fence and is now in the neighbor's backyard," Aislyn finally stated.

I about lost it.  I started laughing and told her that I would be home in 30 minutes.

From the time I picked up the phone call to the time I arrived at the house, my son, Evan, was able to put the lead on Sampson; unlock our back gate and lead Sampson back into our yard.

Victor and I had a discussion about our Jumping Horse and what we are going to do about it.  It sounds like we have to either invest in a taller chain-link fence or start our Brick Wall project... :)

IRIS FOLDING

Oh my goodness!  I learned how to do a new craft last night.

My assistant for the Activity Days taught me and the girls how to do IRIS FOLDING.  It is so pretty and the end result is amazing cards or matted and framed pictures.

You should search the web for IRIS FOLDING and you will find some pretty neat things!