Just Heather
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Mamavation Monday: Pirate Edition
May 02, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

Last week’s Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Week is bleeding right into this one. It started over Easter weekend, as we noticed our old, paralyzed dog deteriorating even further. On Monday, we had to say goodbye to Indy. He’s been with us for 14 years.

On Tuesday, the hubby had a doctor’s appointment—just a routine checkup, but he also needed to share some recent, ongoing symptoms. Which, resulted in an MRI on Wednesday to see if he had a brain tumor. (He doesn’t, but that was a scary few days, especially on the heels of our loss.)

On Thursday, the doc called—but not with the results of his MRI. Just to let him know he has high cholesterol. So, he’s now on cholesterol meds, and we’re making dietary changes. Luckily, we started that process months ago, at the beginning of Mamavation. Still, there are a few not-too-unhealthy foods he uses as lunchtime standbys that will have to go.

The weekend wasn’t too bad, really—with my Tiny Prints 4 Mom party being a major highlight! There was also a school picnic on Sunday. Both of these events generally equal indulgent dining, though I did my best to make wise choices. I’m a comfort eater, though, which means the week was filled with dessert and chocolate. I just love me some Easter candy!

But, today it became clear our rough patch is not over. I had a followup visit with the retinal specialist, to be sure my eye is remaining stable. Turns out, it’s not. The bleeding is back, and I required another shot in the eye. Yes, in my eyeball. The eyepatch is back for the week, and I’m hoping for an easier recovery this time.

I am, after all, much healthier than I was last year. I just wish my eyeballs would get on board with that plan. I tried to show them who’s boss by heading out for a salad after my appointment, instead of grabbing fast food. I even skipped the Reese’s egg I really wanted to chase it with. Though, I did snag a small handful of Easter candy corn later in the day.

With our crazy, awful week, I have over-indulged quite a bit. You know, because I deserved it! I still managed to lose a couple pounds, mostly because I tried to lose myself in exercise all week. Turns out, getting sweaty is a good stress reliever. Who knew?

I’ve got to find non-food ways to reward myself, though. I’m celebrating my weight loss with a new swimsuit this year. Corrin pointed out a few weeks ago that I deserve a good one. I’ve never felt that way before, but I have one picked out at SwimSpot.com, courtesy of an Eversave deal. I just want to wait another month or so to see where my size is.

I think for this particular journey, clothes will be my reward. So far, I have only bought a belt. I had to do something to keep my pants up, but perhaps it’s time to setup a specific reward system that fits with my goals. Of course, I had such an awesome time with Saturday’s pampering (Tiny Prints & Clever Girls really know how to throw a party!) that I’m starting to think along those lines.

A well-deserved massage. An earned mani-pedi. A special bubble bath. Granted, I take a bubble bath every, single night, but I just use whatever suds are on hand. I think I’ll start treating myself to my favorite scents or finally buy myself a bath bomb when I reach a goal.

Because I’m worth it.

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 189 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 2.2 pounds
Total Weight Loss: 6 pounds

This Week’s Mamavation Topic: How do you reward yourself after you have worked hard towards a goal? Do you have any pampering rewards thought out for future goals?

I wrote this blog post while participating in the Mamavation Blogging Carnival for a chance to win a Eco Ethical Skincare Basket from Tilvee.

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Mamavation Monday: Easter Feast Edition
Apr 25, 2011 | Filed Under: Living Large

I am a certified chocoholic. I’ve spent the last several weeks making improvements. At first, I just focused on not grabbing candy throughout the day. Once I got it nailed down to just my nightly bubble bath, I worked on reducing the quantity. Instead of 2-3 pieces each night and countless throughout the day, I’ve had it down to just one treat at the end of a long day.

I knew Easter weekend was going to be rough, so through the week, I really cut back. I went 5 whole days without a single piece of chocolate! Then, of course, I blew it all this weekend. Easter candy is my favorite—I have no willpower.

After the previous week’s low activity, I worked pretty hard this past week. I concentrated on Fit Mom in Training’s circuit training as well as spending some time with my new (to me) treadmill. Plus, MFJ and I went to Zumba on Thursday. It is amazing how out of shape I was after just a week of lazy. I’m hitting it pretty hard this week, too. I’ve gotta burn off all that candy, you know.

I really thought I’d have a weight gain this week, but the numbers didn’t change at all. I suppose that’s good news, considering my indulgent weekend. Of course, I didn’t lose all sense of nutrition. I went with salad & veggies instead of too many chips at my nephew’s cookout. And, I did manage to steer clear of soda. (Shout out to my momma for skipping the Sunkist in favor of stocking her fridge with bottled water!)

It’s going to be another rough week. I’m an emotional eater, and we’ve got a tough day to face. The dog, who was injured earlier this year, is now getting worse instead of better. Today, we’re facing a tough decision and a long road of grief. I’m hoping to lose myself in exercise, rather than chocolate. Wish me luck—with all of it!

I’m hosting a Fit & Frugal Twitter chat at Inexpensively, with KidGrade tonight We’ll talk healthy living, fitness and reaching your goals on a budget. I hope to see you there!

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 191 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: no change
Total Weight Loss: 4 pounds

Updated Measurements: I’ve lost 5.5 inches so far!
Bust: 36″ (-.5″)
Waist: 35.5″ (-1.5″)
Hips: 40.5″ (-1.5″)
Thigh: 23″ (-.5″)
Arm: 12″ (-.5″)

This Week’s Mamavation Topic: Who in your world deserves a “shout out” this week for pushing you to better yourself? What did they do?

I wrote this blog post while participating in the Mamavation Blogging Carnival for a chance to win My Trainer Fitness 100 Calorie+ Workout featuring MizFitOnline from Mamavation.

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Mamavation Monday: Unexpected Changes Edition
Apr 18, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

When I started out on this journey, I had two goals—to provide a better example to my girls an lose 30 pounds. But, something happened along the way. I started noticing all these other changes—side effects of being fit, I guess.

I’m sleeping better than I have in years! No more tossing & turning, waking up tired or Ambien prescriptions. Maybe it’s because I’m flat out exhausted after working out twice each day. Still, it’s nice to fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. And, I kinda like waking up well rested.

No more cracked heels! All that water I’m drinking is making a huge difference in my whole body. I got a mani-pedi the other day, and she didn’t spend much time on my feet at all. They were already smooth & hydrated. Pretty cool since it’s usually a long time between pedicures.

The cravings are changing, too. I won’t tell you I don’t often wish for potato chips & chocolate, but the cravings are less frequent now. And, I don’t at all desire soda. Instead, I crave water throughout the day and frequently feel like I’ll die without a salad. A salad! Who knew?

I do occasionally give into the cravings, but that’s not why I’m up a pound this week. I slacked off quite a bit on my exercises. And, I had ice cream twice this weekend. I don’t really know why—I didn’t really want any, and it wasn’t all that good. But, I took the little one out for ice cream while the hubby had our older girls at the father-daughter dance. And the next day, the hubby asked me to stop for shakes while I was out.

I’m not sure why I got one for myself each time. Habit, I guess. It’s these habits I’m still struggling to break. Grabbing a snack every time I sit down to watch television. Grabbing a piece of candy each time I check-in at the chiropractor. Ordering a soda anytime we’re out to eat. I’m making progress at eliminating each habit.

Plus, I need to keep building the new, healthy habits I’ve created. The daily exercise is really toning my body & helping me drop the weight. I overdid it on Monday, then rested up a bit too much in the following days. Plus, we had a busy week, and I just wasn’t proactive enough about carving out time for fitness.

This week, I’m putting a little more focus on physical activity—and staying away from the ice cream!

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 191 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: gained 1 pound (boo!)
Total Weight Loss: 4 pounds

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1
Celebrating Friendships
Apr 15, 2011 | Filed Under: Girls' Night, Glamorous Life

I’m in a much better place these days, than I was for much of my adult life. The hubby & I are happy together, enjoying one another and dating our way through the alphabet. The girls are growing up to be such caring spirits—I just love to see the people they are turning out to be. And, I have friends. Real & actual friends. I didn’t for so very long, but I never realized just how damaging that was to the rest of my life.

I didn’t know how to make friends, really. Where do grownups meet people? I tried playgroups but was worlds apart from other mothers, having started at age 20. I tried church groups but never really connected with anyone on a personal level. So, I pretty much gave up & went about my business. Along the way, great friends just kind of worked their way into my life.

At what point does an acquaintance cross that line into friendship?

Sometimes it happens slowly—you meet a local blogger for dinner once, just to know someone like you. Then, you grab a margarita together one day. And, before you know it, these are the people you consider your friends. They get you, and while most of your conversations happen via Facebook & Twitter, you know they’d drop anything to be there for you. Because you’d do the same for any one of them.

Sometimes, that line doesn’t take years to blur. Sometimes, it gets stomped on in an instant. Which is how I happen to know the exact date that MFJ and I really became friends. We celebrated our friendiversary earlier this month (what?! It’s a real thing!) in grand style. Next year, we’re sending save the date cards, though, because it was just the two of us for the Cosmo Moms 2nd anniversary celebration.

And, it is definitely cause for celebration because there is nothing like having a best friend. Every woman deserves to have a girlfriend in her life who knows all her faults but loves her anyway. Someone who can stop by your house without warning and never even notice the poor housekeeping skills. Someone who will listen to your daily rants & support you without question.

Not to mention, someone who will tell you when your butt looks fat in those pants.

MFJ has seen me at my worst. She shakes it alongside me every week in Zumba, when I look like a fool. She encourages my dreams—no matter how completely crazy they may be. She proudly displayed my graduation announcements & shares my triumph or trials with the girls right along with us. She’s there to answer my calls any time day or night and proudly tells the world all about my awesome.

So, this spring, I’m excited to tell the world all about her. And, celebrate her awesome!

Are you a blogger, too? Click here to register for a chance at 50 free announcements!

This post is part of a series sponsored by Shutterfly. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

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Mamavation Monday: Move It, Lose It Edition
Apr 11, 2011 | Filed Under: Living Large

Thanks to everyone who supported my bid to be Mamavation Mom—I didn’t quite make it, but I’m determined to rock the Move It & Lose It challenge. I want to continue my momentum, since last week’s before/after picture was so motivating. Plus, I have to prove everyone’s faith in me, through the application process, wasn’t displaced.

I know Mia & Andrea are going to rock as Mamavation Moms, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of my fellow applicants fare in the MiLi challenge. Losing 3 pounds in the first week of the campaign is incredibly encouraging—it helps stick with it when you see the results of hard work & sacrifice so quickly.

In addition to sticking with Fit Mom in Training’s Twitter workouts, I’ve continued to make positive changes in my family’s diet. Salads have become a regular way to increase our veggie intake. I’m also getting better at eating three full meals myself—I used to skip breakfast & skimp lunch. Now, I try to have a healthy start to each morning, and have begun adding vegetables even in the middle of the day.

Peanut butter celery, fresh peppers & popcorn have become staple snacks. I haven’t had chips in over a week, but that particular craving hasn’t quite gone away the way my soda addiction did. I have also drastically reduced my candy habit—I can’t quite bring myself to completely give up my nightly bubble bath treat, but at least I’ve stopped snacking on crap throughout the day!

As we move on through the campaign, I am going to continue with this progress. More veggies, less junk and balanced meals, for starters. I also need to work on healthier meal options—I’m from southern Indiana where dinner = fried foods & gravy. I’ve been concentrating on reducing the amount of oil I use in cooking as well as the amount of gravy, butter & dressings I use on my foods.

I’m not 100% there, just yet, but I have been making small changes each week, for a total of 5 pounds lost in 5 weeks. Even at that slow rate, I’m noticing significant changes in my body. And, others are noticing as well—I’ve received several comments in the last few days about it.

The key there is not to dwell on the fact that everyone noticed how fat I was before!

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 190 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 3 pounds
Total Weight Loss: 5 pounds

This Week’s Mamavation Topic: How would you like to alter your family’s nutrition and eating habits? Do you have a plan to do this?

I wrote this blog post while participating in the Mamavation Blogging Carnival for a chance to win an Orville Redenbacher Very Important Blogger Gift Basket.

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Mamavation Monday: Swimsuit Edition
Apr 04, 2011 | Filed Under: Living Large

Today will be filled with nervous energy—I’m learning to channel that into workouts, which is good all across the board! The next Mamavation Moms will be announced at tonight’s Twitter party. (Have you voted yet? Just check the box next to @JustHeather and click vote!) I’m honestly nervous about either outcome.

If I am selected, the next 8 weeks will be intense. I’ll have so many people watching me, counting on my success. I’m up for the challenge, for sure, but it’s definitely nerve-wracking. If I am not one of the moms, I’m worried it will halt my momentum. I’m counting on my Fit Friend, my amazing friends who have joined me in the Mamavation Sistahood and all of you to keep me going no matter what! That’s why I have already registered for the required 5K—there’s no turning back now.

I’m hoping a date on the calender will keep me motivated. The noticeable changes in my body are a huge motivating factor, too, though! I may not be losing much weight yet, but I’m building muscle & slimming all over. My pants fall off during jumping jacks. Shirts I haven’t worn in ages look much better on me. And, last week? I took a self-portrait on my camera phone, with only one chin, on my first try!

It’s time for the official “before” pics—and, I decided to go all in with a swimsuit. It’s not pretty, but it will definitely show the difference when I complete the program in May. I was really wishing I’d taken pics weeks ago, when I started all the hazing, since I already feel like I’ve made huge strides. Then, I saw the pictures. Geez—I’m so glad I don’t have a visual of my before before body. Yikes!

I do have one set of ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos, though. Last summer, I took a pic of my sunburn-striped thigh at the beach. (Okay, so I’m not good at sunscreen.) Last night, I tried to get a similar angle so you can see the visible difference. Less fat, more muscle! They’re starting to look pretty good, if I do say so myself. The second set of pictures, though, aren’t so pretty—you’re about to get an all angle view of exactly why I need Mamavation so badly!

Starting Measurements

Bust: 36.5″ (I’m convinced I did this one wrong because there is no. way. But, as long as I measure the same next time it should track accurately.)
Waist: 37″
Hips: 42″
Thigh: 23.5″
Arm: 12.5″

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 193 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss:1.5 pounds
Total Weight Loss: 2 pounds

No Mamavation Topic Today: There’s no Mamavation TV today, since we’ll be celebrating the official launch of the campaign—including the announcement of the next Mamavation Moms—with a Twitter party instead. (I’d appreciate your vote!)/

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Mamavation Monday: Girly Week Edition
Mar 28, 2011 | Filed Under: Living Large

I did it, friends! I’ve made it to round 2 as a Mamavation finalist. Now, it’s all up to the votes! The two winners will receive support & equipment for their weight loss. They will document their journey and need the help & support of friends & family to make it through the intense bootcamp.

I’ve asked my friend Liz to be my Fit Friend—the changes she has made in her own life over the last year have been a real inspiration. I am so honored that she has agreed to be my cheerleader on this journey. I have also already registered for a 5K—if I am selected to the program, it is a requirement after graduation. I didn’t want to wait, though, because if I am not selected it would be too easy to get lazy on this.

I’ve never been a runner (or even wanted to be!) but I do want to make positive changes in our family fitness, and drop the weight. This whole physical fitness thing is completely new to me. I was a lifeguard as a teen, so there was plenty of swimming back then. And, I went pretty much everywhere on roller blades in college.

But, I haven’t been on them since my first pregnancy—14 years ago! That’s one of my goals this year. I even had my roller blades fixed earlier this week. (It took 5 minutes and 50¢—such a dumb procrastination!) When it warms up, I’m going to hit the neighborhood trails on a regular basis. Before it cooled off again, I’d started walking in the evenings. I’d like to make that a regular routine once spring decides to stay awhile.

I suppose it’s all in training for the 5K I’ll be running in June. I’ve selected Outrun the Sun (I’m not a morning person, yo.) at Ft. Harrison and have already corralled several friends to enter the race with me on the Indy Mamavation Support Team. Some will be walking, some will be running, but they’re all there to support me & kick start their own journey to better health & fitness.

I’m doing so much better on that front. I’m working out every day, including more fruits & veggies in our diet, eating breakfast and cutting out the not so good stuff. I haven’t had a soda in 2 weeks now—and I don’t miss it in the least! I feel like I’m starting over with the weight loss, though.

It had been dropping slowly since I started, but I’ve had a rough week. I’ve pretty much gained back everything I had lost so far. The good news is it’s all, ahem, water weight and should be gone by the end of the week. I’m still down 1/2 a pound from my starting weight, and I’m feeling pretty good. My body is more toned, my clothes look better and I’m much more confident than I was 3 weeks ago.

Which means the process is a huge success already!

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 194.5 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 0 (gained 1.5 pounds—boo!)
Total Weight Loss: .5 pound

Today’s Mamavation Monday Topic: Where will your feet take your this year? Any plans for a big hike, race, or just a lot of walking?

This post is sponsored by Earth Footwear and by writing this I’m entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation and sponsored by Earth Footwear.

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Mamavation Monday: Baby Steps Edition
Mar 21, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

When I started on this weight loss journey, I decided I would focus on making small, lifestyle changes rather than a complete overhaul—it gives me a chance to step into it and make real progress rather than diving head first into something I will fail. At the beginning of this year, I cut back on the soda. Then, I cut back a little bit more. So, when I gave it up altogether last week, I barely noticed. It’s been a week since I’ve had any, and I honestly don’t miss it.

It’s been the same with everything else—I started with 30 jumping jacks in my circuits, moved up to 50, then 60 and now I’m doing 65 per set. As for my snacking habits, I’ve cut back a lot. Both in the amount and frequency of snacks. I’m also trying to make better choices. I love salty snacks—Mike-Sell’s Zesty Barbecue chips are my downfall. But, I also love sweet snacks—hello, Reese’s!

I’m an equal opportunity snacker.

Slowly, I’m replacing my favorites with healthy options. Rather than down half a bag of chips in the middle of the day (which, I would have finished later that night!), I’ve been going with celery & peanut butter—crunchy & salty all the same. Of course, I still enjoy a chocolate treat in my bubble bath at night, but instead of grabbing a piece of candy for an afternoon pick-me-up, I’m munching on apples. Oh, Granny Smith—I do love you!

The key is keeping the right snacks on hand & avoiding the rest. I’ve got a pantry full of popcorn & fruit right now, instead of chips & candy. That means when I reach for a snack, it’s going to be a little better for me. Combine that with daily exercise, and I’m really pleased with my progress so far. I haven’t lost much weight, but I’m building muscle at the same time. My pants fit more loosely, my body is noticeably more toned and I just feel good about all of it.

That’s progress—one baby step at a time.

How to nominate me for Mamavation:

Tweet (early & often!): Hey @bookieboo! I want @JustHeather to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/aorv3Y

Facebook: Share why you think I would be a good Mamavation Mom on their Facebook wall.


Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 193 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 1 pound
Total Weight Loss: 2 pounds

Today’s Mamavation Monday Topic: Are you a sweet or savory snacker? What do you look for in a healthy snack?

This post is sponsored by Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn and by writing this I’m entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation and sponsored by Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn.

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