My how the time flies!

2011 was quite a year! On New Year's Eve last year, I was sitting at home, eating an ENTIRE fresh pineapple in hopes of putting myself into labor! LOL! Yeah, well that didn't work!

On January 18, 2011, my lifelong dream of becoming a mommy finally came true. Most of this year has been spent thoroughly enjoying every waking minute with this AMAZING little human that I created:):) Being a mommy has been everything I wanted and more!! It is fun, fascinating and at times, COMPLETELY frustrating:) BUT it is by far the hardest job I have ever loved.

Just a few short months, we welcomed my newest nephew, Gavon into the world:) That involved Taryn and I learning the breastfeeding ropes together, it was nice to have someone so close to understand the struggle!!! If you have never breastfed, then you will never truly understand the struggle that is involved.

As the year continued, most things that occurred that did not involve Jayce, are merely a blur. It's funny how motherhood can do that to a person. You almost lose a part of yourself, willingly handing it over to that tiny little person...no questions asked.

So I am sure that I did something great from March-October, but for the life of me, I don't know what those things were!! But I do know that in November, we headed out on a free cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. It was a cruise I earned for my family of 4. It was an amazing thing to go on a cruise knowing that my hard work paid off. And what an accomplishment to know that not only am I able to provide for my family, but I am also able to have my little guy travel internationally before he turns a year old!!! How amazing!!!

Then my entire world shifted on November 12 when we learned of my Pap's stroke. As he deteriorated before my eyes, I knew that this time was it. And on November 15, I said goodbye to one of the strongest and most influential men I knew. And everyday I am grateful for the lifetime of memories I have of him. And I am more grateful that even though Jayce won't remember his great grandfather, I know that Pap had 9 months of memories with Jayce.

In the midst of the loss, a lot of other changes occurred. The biggest on being my switch from Slumber Parties to Pure Romance. Within this transition, I learned who my true friends were. This was a change that I thought long and hard about. It was not an easy decision. It was a decision I made in the best interest of MY family. It was nothing personal. People who knew me, knew that I had a passion for Slumber Parties and the job I did. I am grateful for everything I was able to accomplish with Slumber Parties. But an offer I couldn't refuse was put in front of me. As it turns out, it was not a passion for the company that I had. The passion I have is for my job, for my clients, and for my family. With Pure Romance I have been even more successful in every aspect. I can better take care of my family, the products allow for me to help my clients more than ever and my passion for the job has only multiplied:)

As the year comes to an end, there have been ups and downs, but I can say with honesty that it has been an amazing year. And I am blessed:)

As for a resolution, there are so many things!!! I want to continue to grow as a person, as a wife, as a mommy, as a business owner. A huge part of that will involve continuing on my weight loss journey. I have a goal to reach my ideal size by Easter. That is 25 more pounds or a size 8!! I am a firm believer that you can't just have a resolution, YOU MUST HAVE A PLAN!!!! So currently I am embarking on my Turbo Fire journey. The plan is a 12week one that I will most likely extend to 20 weeks. I start that tomorrow. I will be pairing it with the "Fuel the Fire" eating plan which goes along with Turbo Fire.

Not only do I have a plan of action, but I will be kicking of 2012 with a 10k!!! Here is to another great year!!!!



***Updated measurements AFTER the 5 day Inferno plan******

Here are my starting stats:                                             As of 12/31/11

Weight: 189.2                                                                            Weight: 188.1
Waist: 41.5"                                                                               Waist: 39"
Hips: 45"                                                                                    Hips: 44"
Chest: 43"                                                                                  Chest: 42"
Right Arm: 13"                                                                          Right Arm: 12.5"
Left Arm: 13"                                                                            Left Arm: 12.5"
Right Thigh: 25"                                                                       Right Thigh: 24.5"
Left Thigh: 24.5"                                                                       Left Thigh: 24"

That is 1.1 pounds gone and even better than that, 6.5 INCHES GONE:) :)

Until next time!

Turbo Fire Inferno Day 2

Well, today was tougher than yesterday...I woke up and had very on plan meals/snacks:

Breakfast: Yogurt and Wheat Toast

Snack: Celery and PB
 
Lunch: Whole wheat wrap with grilled chicken, lettuce and free zesty italian

After dinner snack: Shakeology made with a half a banana

Worked my tail off doing the workout: Fire45 and HIIT 20. The #'s indicate the length of the workout. HIIT is high intensity interval workouts...aka ASS KICKING!!! LOL!!! I sweat buckets and burned over 700 calories.

That is where my "good day" ends...I was slammed with a full blow migraine and found myself on the couch for the rest of the night :( So I didn't cook up the chicken tacos that are on the plan. Instead, Steve picked me up a side salad and chicken noodle soup from Chick-Fil-A. So even though I wasn't 100% on plan today, I am happy with my decisions:) And know I still burned enough calories to help with my weight loss:)

Tomorrow has a HUGE agenda!!! Busy work around the house, then attacking Fire55EZ Class. Then I will be meeting up with my sister for a "long run" of at least 4 miles, maybe 5! Just depends on how crazy we are feeling:)

I will be sticking to the food plan tomorrow all the way through the snacks. Then I am Baltimore bound!!! My sister and her boyfriend bought my husband and I tickets to see Jeff Dunham:) YAY!!!! So I will be eating dinner on the road. I plan to stick to a healthy salad or something along those lines!

If I don't check in tomorrow, I will catch up on Thursday:)

Turbo Fire Inferno Plan!!!

Well, I survived day 1 of the TF 5 Day Inferno Plan! The Inferno Plan is a plan you can do before the 90 day workout program. It is designed to help jump start your weight loss.

The plan is very specific about your diet and your workout plan for 5 days. It is low calorie and tough workouts. I decided I CAN do this! It is only 5 days after all. Today wasn't easy. I have been hungry, but my body will adjust within the next day or two.

Today's meal plan included:

Breakfast: 1 scrambled egg and 1 slice of turkey turkey bacon on 2 slices of wheat toast

Snack: 1/2 of a medium banana and 7 walnut halves

Lunch: Salad topped with tuna and FF Italian dressing

Snack: Shakeology made with almond butter and water

Dinner: Honey Dijon Chicken and broccoli

My workout was Fire55ez and Stretch 10.  Not only is it specific when it comes to workouts and meals, but I also can only drink water and 1 glass of tea or coffee a day (only stevia can be used to sweeten) so needless to say I have only had water today.

I am proud of myself for sticking to it so far. It isn't easy, but I am hoping I will get at least a 3 pound loss to get me rolling as I start the 90 day challenge:)

BEFORE Turbo Fire Stats! And a potato soup recipe:)

So, I am ANXIOUSLY awaiting the arrival of my Turbo Fire DVD's to get here, waiting is SO NOT my strong suit. In the meantime, I have been obsessed with before and after photos from the program, they are AMAZING!!! And so, you have seen my "before" picture from the day after I delivered my son. If you forgot here it is:

Yep, that is me at 255 pounds! Yikes!!! Now here is my most recent "during" picture:

That is me at 189. Now I should warn you that the clothes hide WAY more than you think. These next pictures are me in my yoga pants and sports bra. I am 189. I am not taking or posting them because I am proud of it. I know 70 pounds is a lot to lose and I am proud, but I am not proud of the way my body looks. I have very little muscle tone, and more skin than I would like. BUT, I know many of you are still struggling with your weight loss, and I want to be real with all of you...I am sick to my stomach just *thinking* about posting these but here you go:

TURBO FIRE STARTS TOMORROW!!!!! :)
Here are my starting stats:

Weight: 189.2
Waist: 41.5"
Hips: 45"
Chest: 43"
Right Arm: 13"
Left Arm: 13"
Right Thigh: 25"
Left Thigh: 24.5"

***Photos and stats will be updated in 30 days***




Loaded Baked Potato Chowder (adapted from Pamper Chef)

(I use a deep covered baker for this recipe)

• 3 large baking potatoes  (about 2 1/2 pounds)
• 3 1/2 cups milk , divided
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened(I use 1/3 fat and 8 oz)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 -3 green onion (with tops)
• 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoons black pepper coarsely ground
•   bacon, chopped and cooked(I use the REAL bacon bits)
• sour cream

Directions:

1. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise
2. Place in Deep Covered Baker.
3. Pour 1/2 cup of the milk over the potatoes.
4. Microwave, covered on high for 11 minutes. Remove baker from microwave.
5. Move center potatoes to ends of baker and outer potatoes to center.
6. Cover and microwave on high 8 to 11 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
7. Remove baker from microwave and coarsely mash potatoes with Mix 'N Chop.
8. Meanwhile, whisk cream cheese until smooth in Classic Batter Bowl.
9. Slowly add remaining 3 cups milk, whisking until smooth.
10. Add cream cheese mixture and butter to baker.
11. Microwave, covered, on high 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture is hot.
12. Slice green onions with Chef's Knife.
13. Carefully remove baker from microwave
14. Add green onions, salt, and black pepper and mix using Small Mix 'N Scraper until cheese is melted.( I personally top each bowl with these ingredients)
15. Serve with bacon and sour cream if desired.
     
    I serve with chunks of a good, crusty bread to dip in it:)

A Plateau?!?!?! Whaaaattttt?!?!!?

Hey Everyone!

It has been a few weeks. I had a hard time with the weeks following the loss of my pap. But I am back to it! Despite our loss, my life has been pretty amazing!! I recently left Slumber Parties and took a better position at Pure Romance...the grass may not always be greener, but I assure you, this time is has been AMAZING! I have never been happier with my job before. That happiness has carried over into every aspect of my life:) I am beyond grateful for the blessings!

Now, what you have all been waiting for...how has my weight loss journey been going? Hmmmmm.....can you say PLATEAU?!?!?! Yep it happens to everyone. Apparently, after 70 pounds, my body has decided that it wants to halt. Does that mean I give up??? HA!!!! You know me better than that, right?? :)

So it is time to switch things up! I am still tracking on my fitness pal. (amberd0626) And I just ordered Turbo Fire! It is a 6 day a week exercise program that is 12 weeks long. I did a TON of research on this program and I can just tell it is EXACTLY what I need to blast these last 30 pounds! I will be posting results weekly once I get started with the program. Not only will I check in weekly (I promise this time!) but I will be posting monthly photos and measurements. My measurements may not be pretty, nor will my photos, but they keep me honest and to let you know that we are all "real people" and if I can do this, so can YOU!

I considered mot posting about my plateau. There is nothing more discouraging than busting your ASS and not seeing the damn scale make a move. But the fact is, nearly everyone at some point or another in their weight loss journey hits a plateau. It's a necessary evil. One that can make or break you weight loss journey! It is important that when the scale stops moving, you realize that it is just the way your body responds to weight loss. That is why it is also important that you track your measurements, because sometimes the scale is not moving, but you ARE getting skinnier:)

So this week, I CHALLENGE you to take measurements and if you haven't taken pictures to document your changing body, then NOW is the time!!! I would love for you to share your progress with me! Let's motivate each other!

Until next time here are my latest pics! 30 pounds until GOAL!