Gotta Laugh!

Healthy Giveaway!

Over at The World According to Eggface, Shelly is hosting a pretty AWESOME Halloween Treat Bag contest/giveaway.  Included in this is a tote-bag, vitamins, blender bottle, Torani Syrup, and more!  So, head on over here to find out how to enter.   Contest is scheduled to end on November 4, 2012 at Midnight (Pacific Time).  Good Luck Y'all and Happy Halloween! 

Happy Halloween!

(Idea & Photo from Modern Parents, Messy Kids)

How Cute!  Have A Safe and Happy Halloween, and remember to make ART with your candy! 

The Unspoken Truth........

If I Can't Be Skinny, Make My Friends Fat!

I found this at Jo-Ann Fabrics over the weekend and thought that this is exactly the truth that no woman ever admits to. 

Parmesan Popcorn ~ Under 60 Calorie Snack!

This Parmesan Popcorn weighs in at only 56 Calories per cup! Yummy!  Here's How to Enjoy.........Take 1 cup air-popped popcorn tossed with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan.  (from health.com and health magazine)

Chance To Win Tide Pods For A Year

Go over here to fill out a short form to enter for a chance to win New Tide Pods Detergent + Stain Remover + Brighter for a year sponsored by Family Dollar (no purchase necessary)! One winner will be chosen daily, so make sure to enter everyday!

Get ready skinny clothes because here we come! We not only have a new body to fit, but a load of Tide to wash you in!   

So Many Choices.........

With my big doctor's appointment approaching I am eating everything in sight and not holding back on ANY urges!  (Drive-Thru at 11:00 at night - No Problem!)  Although I am very excited about my appointment for the Phentermine, I am also very nervous.  I am worried that I am going to be on a very strict diet that I won't be able to stick to.  I am not sure if the doctor will give me a plan to follow or he will let me pick my own.  I have been thinking about following the ABs Diet ~ 6 Week Challenge.  The reason I like this is you use all sorts of fresh, healthy, raw foods in this diet.  I really want to get away from processed foods.

Since you can only be on the Phentermine pill for 3 consecutive months, I need to change my lifestyle....I know...yadda yadda.......that is beat into our heads like a stranded human on a zombie island! Ha!  (Which is another worry of mine.....no, not zombies! ok, well, maybe a little)  I am just so scared that the Phentermine isn't going to work for me that I am stressing before I even go!  It reminds of that old oatmeal commercial where it shows the people walking around with scales chained to their feet.  Well, that is what the stress makes me feel like, but it doesn't motivate me.  I just kick it out of the way and pretend I'm skinny. 

BigLots: Muscle Milk Low Calorie Lean Muscle Protein Bar ~ ONLY $0.50 !

This week at BigLots they have Muscle Milk Low Calorie Lean Muscle Protein Bars marked down from 2/$1.40 to ONLY 2/$1.00 (Only $0.50 per bar!)  Must buy two bars to get the sale price.  Yippie!  

Also, worried about expiration dates?  BigLots has a guaranteed fresh grocery selection.  So, everything is still within its lifetime!
  
"Building athletes from the inside out. This Muscle Milk® protein bar is packed with 15 grams of protein & has zero grams trans fat. Natural chocolate coating with a delicious peanut butter caramel filling. 1.59 oz. Must buy 2."

Just Laugh!

Photo Source: Ruby's Facebook - Go Here to check her out!

GNC: HURRY ~ Free SafSlim and Hunger Chews!

As mentioned earlier here, GNC has offered another AWESOME Freebie of a full size bottle of SafSlim and a bag of the Hunger Chews, through October 31 (or while supplies last) for the first 20,000 people.  These are full size items and it says that you can redeem online, but I just went to the store and picked mine up last time.   So Hurry on over to facebook and "like" them and fill out a short form to get your coupons!! This is about a $60.00 value! 

Yogurt Cake = Warm Delights

Click To Enlarge - Go Here for Betty Crocker Website

The recipe for yogurt cake I posted about earlier, go here to see, I couldn't really put my finger on what it tasted like.  I knew I had something similar to it.  Last night as I was walking through the grocery store ......the light bulb came on and shined like a spotlight right to the Betty Crocker Warm Delights.  Yes, that is right, the remix on this cake taste like one of those bowls that have a ton of calories and fat in it. 

Heart-Warming

Rolling On The Floor!

Good-Bye & Hello......

Here are some reasons I am looking forward to losing weight.  Some are good-byes, not gonna miss ya, and some are hello, can't wait to meet ya.

1.  Being able to cross my legs when I sit

2.  To not have a big chest! I hate when people make comments(ok, capt. obvious) and I always feel so self conscious like people are staring or talking about them! 

3.  Having that feeling where you put on a old pair of jeans and they fit loosely.  I swear that is the best feeling ever!

4.  Having a social life

5.  Being able to sit somewhere and not be uncomfortable ~ chairs, cars, etc.

6.  No more feet swelling.

7.  Getting rid of my double chin and fat face!

8.  Healthy complexion and skin, I am starting to have issues with every type of face lotion I use.  It burns my face and my skin has been really dull and I have had a lot of blemishes.  I am 27 years old why am I still getting zits! Ugh!

Hallelujah! 

Another Chance ~ Phentermine Journey

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phentermine

On November 6, 2012 I have an appointment with a weight loss doctor who has agreed to see me without insurance.  Back in July I was talking with a friend and she said that she was prescribed a weight loss drug called Adipex (Phentermine) and that she had lost around 40 pounds with hardly any side effects.  Well, of course I was like.....where do I sign......but, I didn't have insurance and prescriptions/doctors are very expensive.  So, my mom asked her doctor she has been seeing for 3 years about the drug, and it turns out that  he not only prescribes it, but says that it is a very good aide in losing weight.  So, thanks to my mom, she is going to be helping with the costs associated with Phentermine.

I have been reading mixed reviews on this drug and I am pretty nervous as if it will work for me or how do you keep the weight off.  Will you become dependent on the drug..... so on and so on.

I guess on November 6 I will get all my answers....I am excited, but yet not holding my breath.  My problem is I need to stop looking for a miracle. 


Informational Sites: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phentermine
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/phentermine/AN01715  _
http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/phentermine
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100507202856AAqtqkO - Yahoo Q&A

Oooey Gooey Yogurt Cake (remix)

The other weekend I tried a recipe from Hungry Girl where she takes 1 box cake mix and cup of fat-free greek yogurt and makes a cake.  Go Here for the recipe.

Well, I didn't have a boxed cake mix so I improvised and used a Jiffy Chocolate Muffin mix instead.  And, to my disbelief it turned out to be a very tasty dish! But, dumb me didn't take pictures.  When I was making it I thought it would be a real flop.  This is what I used......

1 Box Jiffy Chocolate Muffin Mix w/ Chocolate Chips
1 Cup Water
1 Tub of Chocolate Dannon Fat Free Greek Yogurt - Go here for coupon $0.50/2 or $1/2

Put the very runny mixed ingredients in a 9x13 pan that is sprayed and bake for about an 1 hour till gooey in the middle with a crunchy top. 

* Plus, it only cost me about $1.77 to make this! 

Whoa! I Feel Good!

Can you believe it!  I actually went for a walk tonight (30 minutes)...........WooHoo!  I was scared that I had left my Scentsy on at work, so I sort of had to make sure that it was off, plus I wanted to use the new doggie waste bags I bought last night at Rite-Aid.  (Thank goodness I really didn't have to use them ;)

Rite-Aid: Clearance and More

Last night I stopped in Rite-Aid and found a couple things.  

*WARNING*

Good Deal Alert!

I found these doggies waste bags on clearance.  The tag said $5.59 and take an additional 50% off that.  So, I only picked up one at the time.  Then I got up to the register and they rang up at $1.39 each.  (I went back and got the other one, that way I will have one for each pooch!) 

These will be a good accessory to hook on the lease when I start going for my walks around town!  Plus, with everything they are new and I will want to use them, so.....hey....that will jump-start my exercise regimen. 

I also spotted this Stay Fit freeze container for $7.99 and thought wow!  I got 50% off  mine at CVS as posted here. (only paid $3.99)

 AND, the best for last.  The other weekend I went shopping with my mom and found this same exact tumbler on clearance at CVS for $2.62 posted here! I can't believe Rite-Aid still wants $12.99 for this ....... I would never pay that amount for this tumbler no matter what store had it on its shelf. 

So lesson of the day.   When buying stuff at drugstores(CVS, Rite-Aid, Walgreens).....Always wait for sale or clearance prices!  And, make sure to frequent them often because you can usually find some awesome deals! 

Brummel & Brown Spread ~ Only $0.10 at Target

 According to Hip2save.com she posted here and here that the Brummel & Brown Spread 15 oz. tub is on sale at Target this week for $0.10.  I have not confirmed this, it may be regional, but if you live close to a Target I would suggest making a quick trip to check it out.

 Hungry Girl uses this in a lot of her recipes in the place of margarine/butter, due to the fact that is made with yogurt.  I just bought a tub of this at Meijer last week and I believe I paid around $2.00 for it.  So, this would be an AWESOME deal if you can grab one!

Meijer: *HOT* Cheap Michelina's Lean Meals!

At Meijer this week they have the Michelina's Frozen Lean Meals on sale for Only $0.88, plus if you buy 7 you will get one free.  My favorite are the Buffalo-Style Chicken and Pepperoni Snackers. YUM!  Go Here to view the Meijer ad. 

Buy 8 Michelina's Frozen Meals - $7.04
Minus BOGO - $0.88
Final Cost $6.16 
Only $0.77 per meal!

       OR

Buy 14 16 Michelina's Lean Frozen Meals - $12.32 $14.08
Minus BOGO - $1.76
Use 2 $1/5 Lean Gourmet Entree Coupon found here
Final Cost $8.56  $10.32
Only $0.61 $0.64 per meal!

 *Corrected....ooops!  Sorry for the Confusion!

Michelina's: Buffalo-Style Chicken Snackers



Click to enlarge



These Boots Were Made For Walking

And That's Just What They Will (Won't)  Do...........  

My Goals, In Shoes:

1.  Steve Madden Black Leather Booties

T.J. Maxx Find ~ $15.00

2.  Guess Brown Peep Toe Sling Backs

 

As I have said before, right now I am just toooooo fat to be wearing heels.  My legs don't look nice enough, and my balance doesn't exist anymore!  I really want to be able to wear these two pairs of shoes again.  I am not sure when.......

BUT.......

I would love to shoot for Christmas.  The Black Steve Madden Booties would make such a sharp outfit with a warm bulky sweater and cute legging/jeggings (depending on my thunder thighs)

Looking for that Perfect Outfit, But Don't Know Where To Go?

Over the summer I was on the hunt for places where I could find “cute & fashionable” plus size clothing other than the usual Lane Bryant, which I love don’t get me wrong, but sometimes their prices are just redonkadunk.  I put a list together of some of my favorite places to buy clothes that I think fit and are easy on the wallet.  Below is a compilation of retail and online shopping. 

Old Navy.com – You can only purchase plus size clothing online – they no longer have them available in stores.  But, make sure you check out some of their XXL items in the misses b/c they do run big.  Depending on the size/cut and what the occasion is I am a 2x-3x AND I have a couple items from Old Navy size XXL that fit.  Not true to size.   Always buy on sale here…..it seems like they always are running some sort of promotion. Plus they always offer free shipping and returns.

Old Navy Terry Cover-up - XXL - Fits Me!

Old Navy Boardwalk Shorts - 3x - feel like an XL! (Tight)

Avenue.com -  They have really good prices and usually run good sales around season changes.  I like their shoe selection, they offer wide width and wide calf boots.  The only downfall is that you have to spend $100.00 for free shipping and you have to pay around $8.00 or so to return items through mail, but store returns are free. Go here to read clearance post.

Eloquii.com (Limited branch) – really cute stylish clothing.  Sort of pricey, but their clothes make me feel so fashionable and almost like I fit in (sounds weird, I know!) On the other hand they do offer really good sales and have unbeatable clearance prices. 

Printed Tie Waist Top ~ $26.24

Maurices/Marices.com -  They offer sizes from 0-24 and XS-3X.  Some of their items can be a little funky and pricey.  You sort of have to rummage through the "ruff" to find what you are looking for.  Good place for work attire.  

T.J. Maxx -  They have some really cute items, but remember it is a hit or miss with them b/c they are sort of a buyout store.  So you must have persistence and patients with them.  But, I have found a lot of good bargains here, so don’t give up! 

Talbots/Talbots.com -  If I could afford to buy one of everything …… I would.  I love their clothes, just not the prices (this is a high-end store). They offer such sleek and stylish clothes that fit and are quality made.  They also offer a selection of wide width shoes.  Make sure to watch for semi-annual sales because you can snatch up many good bargains.  A couple years ago I just happened to walk in when they were having the event and I got a shirt and cardigan for about $25.00!  I still have the cardigan, but I snagged a hole in the shirt (bummer)

Torrid/Torrid.com – I love their shoes!  They have them in wide width and wide calf boots.  They usually have cute clothes and the thing I like the most is that they put together something called a “lookbook”  where where you can see what an outfit looks like on the model, plus it gives you ideas of how to pair separate pieces together.    

Taupe Buckle Luna Wedge Boots ~ $68.50

Lands End/ Landsend.com - They have causal and career wear here.  I have only purchased a swimsuit top from this company, but I was very pleased with it.  It was true to size and made with quality materials.  Plus, it seems like I am always getting e-mails notifying me of a sale.   

Oh Dear Weight ~

Oh Dear Weight~

I ignore you everyday......so why won't you just go away?!?!  

Yours Truly,
Emily 

$0.30/1 Yoplait 100 Calorie Greek Yogurt

If you head over to facebook and "like" Yoplait 100 Calorie Greek Yogurt you will be able to print a $0.30/1 yogurt.  This is a really good coupon if you live around a store that doubles coupons.   I have seen these on sale for $1 before, so you could possibly drive a good bargain when paired with a sale. 

Week #1 ~ Weigh In!

I didn't lose anything doing the old school WW.  I don't know why I found it so hard.  I did weigh myself at one point and was higher than original weight, but I think it was bloating and water weight, so I didn't count that.  If I did it would be a lose of 3 pounds.  But, it's not real. 

Although, I am not terribly disappointed because I  prepared myself, but I am a little surprised that a pound or two were not shed.  I was very conscious of what I ate and I really eliminated a lot of foods that I would have normally eaten.......fast food and junk.  But, (huge sigh) what can I say!  I suck! 

*There it is said*

Me...Meeeee....Me...Me....Me!

Title says it all............All about me!

1.  Fall is my favorite time of the year. Crispy, crunchy leaves and chilly nights.  The smell of apples and everything nice! (ha)

Picture Source

2.  Macintosh Apple is my favorite Yankee Candle Scent.

3.  I am addicted to Diet Coke............Pepsi stand back b/c here comes silver and red!

Picture Source

4.  My favorite foods are:

• Nickels Maple twists
• Snickers Ice-cream bars
• Cheese
• Cheez-Its
• Diet Coke - as mentioned above
• Alfredo
• Cheese Lasagna
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Cheeseburgers
• Quesadillas
• Nachos
• Fried Pickles w/ ranch
• Oooeey Gooeey Pizza with lots of pizza sauce and ranch dressing
• White Toast with lots of butter dunked in hot chocolate
• Spaghetti Meatballs with a packet of equal mixed in........had those for lunch today!
• Smoothies
• Dirt Pudding
• Sugar Cookies with store bought icing and sprinkles
• Apple Cinnamon Doughnuts
• Bread - rolls/sticks
• OMG! I just love everything!   

5.  Jamming out to a good song you know all the words to.  

6.  Bought and reading the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy.........of course, along with every other woman!

Photo Source - iwastesomuchtime.com

7.   I love high heels.  I just can't wear them right now b/c I'm too fat and I look RIDICULOUS........Here comes the rolly polly GIANT!

8.  My favorite Bath and Body works scent is Plumeria (only can be found in the outlets)

9.  I like to have a variety of bodywash, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, hair sprays and laundry detergents to use on a daily basis.  

My Favorite is a tie between this Tide plus Febreze Spring & Renewal and ERA original. 

My all time favorite fabric softner is Downy Simple Pleasures Water Lilly Radiance.  The last I checked they don't make this anymore.  Booo!  But, when I was looking around I saw that K-Mart carries it, but the bottle looks different.  I need to check it out. 



10.  I am fascinated by old architecture, older homes, and homes in general - decorating, tours, fixture, furniture, ...... just everything! I like to find "Diamonds in the Ruff" and imagine what they could be if had unlimited funds to revive them back to their prime. 
 
11.  I love to coupon and drive a good bargain!

12.  I like to scrapbook every so often.

13.  I live in sweatpants, hoodies, and flip flops.............they are just my thing!

14.   Excited American Horror Story is back on.

15.  My favorite movies are chick flicks.

16.   I want/need to lose weight!

17.  I hate when people scrape their forks against their teeth when they eat.

18.  Really want hair extensions.

19.  Love shoes!

20.  Wish Sparky was a girl so that I could dress "her" up in bows and little frilly outfits.

21.  Hate when people talk loudly on a regular basis.

22.  Suck at job interviews.

23.  Homebody

24.   Don't like when people brag.......tell me about your life, don't Brag about it.  I believe their is a fine line!

25.  Never had a massage because I'm too scared. 

Hungry, But, Don't Know What For?

Yeah, Me toooooo!!

Goals: 10/19/12 - 10/29/12

Week #2 Goals:

1.  Work on Planning (meals, exercise, and life in general)
2.  Incorporate Fresh Food into diet (cut out that processed crap!)

CVS: Reusable Tumbler on Clearance for $2.62 ~ perfect for protein drinks and smoothies

 On my latest shopping trip to CVS I found this Reusable Tumbler on clearance for only $2.62, and I thought that is would make a really good smoothie or protein shake tumbler because it has a larger straw than the other reusable cups don't have.  It holds 18 oz. and it is dishwasher safe!

 So, be on the look-out for this cheap clearance deal and let me know if any of you are able to find one.

Update

Well, I guess I just started blogging again and you may be wondering what the heck I was up to or where I have been.  The truth is my weight took a backseat during that time, and I sort of grew comfortable with the way I was and convinced myself that I was happy and had the attitude of "take me or leave me....I am who I am!"  I could only suppress those feelings for so long before they boiled to the top again.  Now, is that time.  I blame my weight for a lot of issues I have in my life, but yet I just can't stop eating!  The thing is, I know it is wrong and that I shouldn't do it, but I feel helpless to the calling of food. (I am sure it is similar to a drug habit)   I have this addiction and don't know how to treat it.  But, then I think to myself, am I using that for an excuse to eat more?   I'm 27 (3 years older since began) and this should be my time to shine, but it's not.  I hold myself back and try really hard to put on a brave, happy face to the outside world.  But, it's getting old and I can't pretend that I'm not a mess inside anymore.  So confused and that is why I started to blog again to help me through this tough time of realization and desperation of needing and wanting to lose weight.  Here's my update......

*WARNING* may be very exciting....I live such an eventful life! HA! Just Kidding! 

August 2010:  Started new job at doctor's office as posted about here and enrolled in school to work towards a second Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.

September 2010:  Turned 25!

January 2011:  Wrecked my car in a snow storm with a ditch and something that got in my way and hit me.  So in March I had to get a new "used" car.  I love it ...... it is a 2 door sports car that is awesome on gas! Yay!  But, I miss the ole' boat.  A lot of good memories were made during college!

February 2011:  Drove about 2-3 hours to pick-up our new little rescue mutt, Sparky.  I found him on petfinder.com and one weekend we just took off to go get him.  Chris was fighting me the whole way down there and saying that this was a bad idea.  But, when we got there and he saw Sparky he was the one that decided to take him home with us that day!  I was almost going to leave him.  I'm glad I didn't.  He had such a story to tell and he was only about 1 year old.  According to the lady that posted him on petfinder.com, he was left in a foreclosed home and the bank found him in a room.  Due to the fact that she had a 4-H dog group someone contacted her and that is how he ended up with her.   She had him for about a month and said he was a really good dog and got along with everyone.  And then, the rest is history!

He looks like a bear cub at the zoo!

Before his haircut - 10/12/12

After his haircut - 10/17/12

June/July 2011:  Joined a local gym and started working out with a trainer.  I liked how I felt, but I wasn't taking the eating part seriously so I was not losing weight and of course got discouraged and quit.

August 2011:  Chris was thinking about going to school for engineering, so we almost moved.  But it didn't work out like he had hoped, what a bummer!

September 2011:  Turned 26!

November 2011: Went on Vacation to Minnesota and visited the Mall of America and watched the Packers vs. Vikings football game in the MetroDome.  What an awesome experience!  On the way to Minnesota we stopped and stayed the night in Chicago at the Hard Rock Hotel on Michigan Avenue and ate at Giordano's Pizza on Randolph Drive in the Prudential Plaza.  WOW! Never had a pizza quite like that before. (delicious and not diet friendly)  I was nervous to go (weight-related), but it turned out to be an awesome trip!

Vikings vs. Packers - Metrodome

Vikings Vs. Packers - Metrodome

Giordano's Pizza.....YUM!

Giordano's Pizza

January 2012:  Took a part-time job (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) really close to home. Still kept the doctors office job on Tuesday and Thursdays. Not sure if that was a right move or not.

July 2012: Quit the doctors office to work a seasonal job (many hours) and to free up my schedule in the fall to take extra classes at school.  Well, then the schedule was changed and I was unable to take the class I need!  They had the class scheduled on a Monday and Thursday ...... how dumb!

August 2012:  Went on Vacation to North Myrtle Beach.  Chris' family has a condo down there so we scored an awesome inexpensive trip.  And, we took my car mentioned above that got excellent gas mileage.  The only thing was that the seat (so we think) messed Chris' back up so bad from the long drive that he was off work for about 2 weeks and in pretty bad shape upon return.  It rained a lot when we were there so we didn't get to do a lot of outdoor activities like go to the beach (two times) or golf (or drive the cart....my sport!) We had a good time and it was fun to get away and have some well-deserved R&R.  Saw my first "palmetto bug/cockroach"  AArrgghhh.......Scary!!!  AND they are hard to kill.  I don't know if you can kill one.  In the picture below I put it in a cup thinking it was dead to take a picture and started coming back to life.  So we must have just stunned it!  YIKES!  I was scared the rest of the night and had a hard time sleeping. Even though it rained and it seemed like nothing could go right, we still had an awesome time.  That was the first time I was down there and I really enjoyed it.

September 2012:  Turned 27! Aaagghhh! and I am back in blog land!

That pretty much brings my two years up to score!  Now, I want to hear about yours!