Um, can I just tan?

Because we are preparing for our Mexico trip-one month baby!- I decided to start tanning to get a good base tan going. Before you all jump on me and warn me of the dangers of tanning, take a look at this:
looks painful huh?

Don't adjust your computer monitors...that tomato is me. And yes, it was as painful as it looks. By the end of our trip I had left most of my skin behind in Mexico. Un-bronzed I am a pretty white gal, and I'm ok with that. In high school I'll admit that I succumbed to the tanning beds to get ready for Homecoming or Prom, but mostly I am happy to let myself tan the natural way, by being outside. But it's spring here in the Midwest, so there isn't really a lot of opportunities to "lay out". So this year I decided to go a few times a week before our trip so I wouldn't burn to a crisp when I got under the hot tropic sun.

I work right next to a pretty nice tanning salon, so last week I ventured over. And then I remembered why-besides it being bad for you and all- I hate tanning.
Tanning salespeople are as annoying as used car salesmen.
When I walked in, I explained my situation. I only wanted to tan a few times a week for the next month. I wanted a stand up bed-because laying in those beds gives me the willies- and I wanted to do all of this without having to take out a second mortgage on my house. Not too much to ask right? WRONG??
I sat thru spiel after spiel, holding my ground. No, I did not want to add on a year of free tanning? No, I didn't want the expensive lotion that is made from fairy dust particles and ground diamonds and will make my color really deep? No, I don't want to whiten my teeth while I tan. And NO, I do NOT want a tanning cocktail for an extra $59.99 a month? (This is tanning in a bed and then getting spray tanned- I like to call it the Snookie)
After all was said and done I was locked into a month long contract. I went in with every intention of not locking myself into a contract but the sales guy convinced me it was the best deal. He also conned me into a bottle of lotion. And I tanned for less time than I spent listening to all the propaganda.
And it NEVER stops. Today I went in for a quick 10 minutes while Kevin and Jack picked up something for dinner at the Jewel next door. The bed I wanted wasn't available right away so I told the girl I was in a hurry and would go in whatever bed was available. She proceeded to tell me that if I just paid another $59 I could upgrade to a higher bed and dance with unicorns in it. Ok the unicorns part I made up, but for all this upgrading I think this should be an offer. I politely declined. She blabbered on about some other junk, when I finally decided I had had enough. I put my hand on the desk, looked her square in the eye and said, " I appreciate the information, but I am happy with the package I have. I'm in a bit of a hurry so if you don't mind,
UM, CAN I JUST TAN??"
Problem solved. At least until next time....

McFatty Monday: The Late Late Night Edition

I have taken somewhat of an unintentional break from the blogosphere lately. This is mostly due to Jack's teething. He isn't quite napping as much as he used to so I have to make the most of the 20-30 mins he is cat napping. Because I swore that I would let Jillian Michaels kick my ass daily, I mostly use this time for working out. Sometime I even manage to throw some laundry in and take a potty break! Aren't I quite the super mom? As you can see this doesn't leave much time for blogging, but I am hoping to find a little more time these next coming weeks.
So how did I do last week? Monday & Tuesday I was a champ. I formed a love/hate relationship with Jillian Michaels. For the 20 mins I was working out I wanted to kick her face in. But after, I wanted to hug her. Even Tuesday morning, after waking up with the beginnings of a cold, I felt better after working out. Wednesday, I am afraid to admit was a bust. With Kev at work all day and my cold hitting at full force-snots and body aches anyone?- I couldn't muster up the time or energy to "Shred". Thursday and Friday were a success, as was Saturday. Sunday I'm afraid I failed again, but when you are up til 3 am for a Bachlorette Party and have to work a double, working out doesn't really make the list.
This morning when I hit the scale I was a little disappointed. The number from last week didn't budge. This sort of surprised me and sort of didn't. On the one hand I cheated a little too much last week. Tuesday night we went out for margaritas for a friends birthday, Friday we went out to dinner, and Saturday night I had a Bachelorette Party...nuff said. But on the other hand I don't feel as bad about the number because I FEEL different. And I went down a whole pant size. My size 12 works pants kept creeping down so I picked up a 10. To my shock and amazement they fit. Without having to wiggle into them! So I know that I can't let this weigh-in bother me. I just need to keep up with it and keep pushing myself. I'm almost ready to move to Level 2 in the 30 Day Shred, and I am hoping that will help me see a difference not only in my clothes but on the scale.

Giveaway winner

My first giveaway was not the biggest giveaway in blogging history, but free is free, so thank you to all who entered! The lucky winner is...

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 3 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Lauren!!!

Congrats!

McFatty Monday: I've become Jillian Michaels Bitch

Last week I was a little bit of a slacker. I wasn't so on point with my food tracking and my workouts were a bit shorter than usual. While I still tried to eat right, I found myself reaching for unhealthy things out of convenience. On nights that I came home ravenous it was easier to grab some chips than it was to make something healthy. We also had a dinner date with my brother in-law and a wedding last week. While I the food I ate wasn't too bad for me, I am sure the copious amounts of alcohol consumed were. These things happen when you have a sitter for the night!
Since today marks the 30 day mark until Mexico- I have to get serious. So I've decide to give my life over to Jillian Michaels. I have heard lots of good things about the 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels and I bought the DVD a year ago, but up until now it's pretty much been collecting dust on a shelf. I decided to dust it off because the concept is just what I am looking for. Weight loss and toning in 20 mins. With Jackson teething and wanting to be held 24/7 I need something that is going to get the job done fast, so I'm hoping Jillian gets me results.
I've tried many DVD/TV workouts before. I have a few faves but I really like this one. Jillian is a BITCH. But she is also 100% right. She actually yells at you during the workout, which is surprisingly motivating. Truth is during most of the workout I was cursing her in my head. I would've out loud had I been able to talk. But deep inside I knew she was right, if I was only going to workout 20 mins a day I needed to give it my all if I wanted results. After it was all said and done I felt good and I am hoping these 20 mins each day will give me the results I am looking for.
Blair at McFatty Monday asked this week what your weight loss journey has taught you about yourself. For me I've learned control. Well ok...I'm still learning it. But I think it's important to learn to enjoy things but in moderation. Not only for my own well being but for my children's. I don't want them growing up with poor eating habits and thinking that it is ok to give in to every craving and whim. I want to teach them that holding out for something makes it all the more worthwhile once you actually have it. And I want to teach them that you need to work hard for the things you really want.
I never thought losing a little weight would teach me so much...
Stats:
Starting weight: 165
Last weeks weight: 159
This weeks: 160 :-(
Goals this week: Get back to recording daily calories and become Jillian Michaels Bitch for 20 mins every day. EVERY DAY. (no weekends off)

I forgot what doing nothing feels like

Last night the Hubs and I went to a wedding. My mom took the baby for the night, so today before work I had a day to myself. No Husband. No baby. Just me. A multitude of possibilities crossed my mind. Work out? Go grocery shopping? Clean the house?
What did I end up doing...NOTHING.
I sat on the couch in my jammies, caught up on the Real Housewives of New York, and took a midday cat nap. I do admit I feel a tad bit guilty that I let such precious time go to waste, but it felt good to not worry about what needed to be done. It was also lonely. I am missing my little boy like crazy. I know this is good practice for when we leave for Mexico in a month, but I am going nuts without him. I miss his little smile and laugh. I miss his coo's and caa's. I miss snuggling him tight. I know he is having a good time at Grandma's but I can wait to smoosh him with kisses when I get home from work tonight.

Wishing you all a lucky day!!

This greeting card personalized with Smilebox

It's a busy day here! Photo shoot for Daddy O's Birthday, a walk outside to enjoy this beautiful day, and work tonight serving up some green beer! Hope you all have a beautiful day and enjoy the luck of the Irish all year long!

McFatty Monday

Another 2 lbs. gone and another $20 in my envelope!! I feel good lately. I can button and zip my clothes without doing the "suck it in dance" and my clothes just fit better. I'm also dealing better with the hunger I was feeling the last few weeks. There are moments when I just want to pig out-yesterday I actually picked thru my bags of trail mix for the m&m's in a moment of chocolate weakness but I've learned to give into my craving but with control. If at work I am craving wings or a cheeseburger, I order the kids portion. It has saved me from a ton of extra calories and $$. It does take more time to eat healthy, and I am constantly trying to find new recipes to keep me interested, so this week if you have any good healthy recipes bring them on!!
Stats:
Starting weight: 165
Last weeks weight:161
This weeks weight:159
Next weeks goal: Try to kick up the workouts to 30 mins everyday. (M-F) Keep tracking food and recording daily.

Shopping for clothes-Post Baby

Back in the day I was a champion shopper. I was an equal opportunity shopper, but clothes and shoes were my #1 weakness. It certainly didn't help matters, or my checking account, that I worked in a mall, but that's beside the point. The point is that on any given day I could find one, if not many, cute things to buy.
Fast forward to today.
I have a slew of events coming up that require more pizzaz than my usual jeans and t-shirt uniform so I decided to raid my closet for some acceptable pieces. FAIL! Everything in my closet either a.)bored me b.)didn't fit right or c.)didn't work well as an outfit. This only meant one thing...A shopping trip! I used to shop for sport, but since the Jack's arrival my shopping trips have turned into more of drive-by's during naptime. Last night I dreamt of all the wonderful things I was going to get at the mall. I had visions of new shoes, new outfits and maybe if I was lucky a new bag. I had coupons and a plan of attack all ready.
And then I went.
DOUBLE FAIL
Its hard to say exactly what went wrong. Either I am totally off my game or the stores just don't have anything right now, because I found NOTHING!!! I also had a few revelations on my shopping trip:
*I'm at a fashion crossroad. All the clothes I found today fell into 2 categories. Skanky Club Clothes or Business Professional. I went everywhere and all I could seem to find was either one extreme or the next. Not particularly helpful since I wasn't looking to sell my body or take up space in a cubicle.
*I get that prints are in right now but calm down people. All I found was prints, prints, prints. Whatever happened to a classic solid cardigan.
*Is there no such thing as Spring clothes? All I found were racks and racks of the crap left over from winter or flip flops & summer dresses. Again, not what I was looking for.
*My baby belly was much cuter than the pouch that is it's remains. A muffin top isn't quite as fun to dress up.
*I always seem to find cute clothes when I don't need them. When I do need something it seems I can never find it. Maybe I should start focusing on shopping for Mexico now...
*I never felt more motivated to work out than right after trying on clothes. I practically jumped on the treadmill when we got home.
So I came home empty handed. The hunt is still on....

PSA Thursday: Manners

There is an article making it's way around the mommy circuits that has made me think a lot about raising kids today. Are you Raising a Douchebag? is a funny and eye opening look at how and why so many kids are...well douchebags these days.
I really have no parenting experience right now. Raising a 4 month old is as easy as making sure he is fed, dry, and loved. But I realize these moments are fleeting and someday soon I will have to instill manners and values in him. I will have to teach him right from wrong. I will have to mold him into a productive, responsible member of society. I will have to make sure he is NOT a douchebag.
I know it won't be easy. Especially when manners and politeness seem to be in the minority these days, in kids and adults alike. I have worked with the general public my whole life and have seen first hand how rude kids today are. Then I look at their parents and the apple didn't fall far from the proverbial tree.
I could go on about this all day.
Please, Thank you, and Excuse me seem to be rarely used these days. So do simple things like holding a door open for someone and making eye contact when you talk to someone. If I had a dollar for everytime a child/teenager mumbled their order to me with headphones in their ears and their eyes glued to their cell phone, I could retire.
While I can't say I know exactly what my parenting strategies will be, I can say this. My kids will say Please and Thank You. They will speak respectful to other adults and call them Mr. or Mrs. They will hold open doors for people and say excuse me if they bump into someone.
I'd like to think that teaching a child manners is much like the game Monkey See, Monkey Do. As a Sociology major in college-for a semester at least- we were taught that kids mimic the behaviors they see everyday. I've become much more self-aware of my own behaviors lately and try to make sure that I am "practicing what I preach". I know my 4 month old can't see it now, but one day he will. And I don't want to raise a douchebag...

What are you Manner pet peeves? Anything you are having a hard time with in terms of teaching your children. Or things you wish people were teaching their children?

and BTW...my giveaway to benefit the Susan G Komen foundation is still going on. Enter HERE.

4 months

Dear Jackson,

You have only been on this earth for 4 short months, but I already have a hard time remembering what life was like without you. You are already becoming such a big boy and I can already see a glimpse into your little personality. And boy do you have a lot of it!

I always knew I was blessed to have you, but I feel even more blessed every time I see your little smile or hear your little giggle. You are even starting to snort when you laugh just like mommy. My favorite part of the day is waking up to get you in the morning and seeing the big grin on your face. You smile so big your binky falls out of your mouth and you don't seem to mind the slightest! I hope you carry your lighthearted, happy disposition with you forever.

I can't believe how big you are getting and how smart you are already. Your daddy and I love watching you play and explore the world around you. You have already outgrown the newborn sling on your tub, and you are sitting up almost unassisted. You have rolled a couple times, but mostly you are too distracted by your toys to focus on rolling. You are catching on to the whole spoon fed eating thing, and seem to already enjoy food just as much as daddy and I do!

Your big blue eyes and your sweet smile bring more joy to my life than you'll ever know. I love watching you grow into the person you'll become.

Love,

Mommy

McFatty Monday-Momma needs a new pair of shoes

Starting Weight: 165
Last Weeks Weight: 163
Today's Weight: 161
I got my $20 back!!
Last week was hard, but I am slowly learning to make better choices when it comes to my eating habits. Now, instead of diving into a meal with reckless abandon, I actually take the time to think if it's really worth it. Do I want to blow a day's worth of calories on one meal? no. ok it depends on the meal but mostly no. Do I want to enjoy a cheeseburger now but eat lettuce for dinner? if it were a Red Robin Banzi burger maybe. Admittedly, yes, sometimes I still give in to a craving. Last week I gave up breakfast so I could eat some boneless wings at work. And yesterday, I may have indulged in a few glasses of wine that put me slightly over my calories for the day. But in my defense wine and the Oscars go hand in hand.
I also started working out again last week. We have a pretty nice treadmill that is WAY under-used, so I dusted that bad boy off and got on. I also did a strength training workout on Netflix. I always forget how much of a workout weightlifting actually is. I only worked out 2 1/2 times -the 1/2 time Jack woke up prematurely from his nap-but it felt like progress nonetheless.
Goals this week: Continue logging daily meals and staying under 1500 calories a day minus 1 cheat day. Aim to workout cardio 3 times a week and strength training 2 times a week. I would like to be in the 150's next week!!

A mom's conflict

It's been a long time coming, but I have wanted to write a post touching on the whole Stay at Home vs Working Mom debate. I've sat down to write this post a million times. I've written and erased it and written it again. I could never quite articulate exactly how I felt. I'm still not quite sure how how I feel but I'll try my best to explain it because I wonder if there are other mothers out there grappling with this issue too. At least on some level.
I find myself in the middle of the road on this topic. I resigned from my full time job near the end of my maternity leave and now find myself working part time. Some days I'm very conflicted. I wonder if I made the right decision to give up my full time job. Not because I don't want to stay at home with my beautiful baby boy, but because I miss things like paid time off, a consistent paycheck, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with a full time job. I've always been a worker. Even as a child I worked as a babysitter or camp counselor. So when I left the full time workforce I didn't expect it to throw me for such a loop.
But today I had an epiphany of sorts.
I'm not conflicted on working/staying at home. I'm conflicted because I now have no idea what my next step will be. That is because when I quit my full time job I vowed to never go back to retail again. I've worked it my whole life and I have a slew of great experience to show from it, but I'm done. Retail isn't a field conducive to family life and I am done with the crazy hours and schedules.
But now what? Being a new mother and charting a new life course isn't exactly easy. Especially trying to find a new career path with no experience in a bad economy. My timing sucks. But I try to live my life with no regrets. I'd like to believe that everything reveals itself in time, and that eventually things will work out the way they were meant to.
In my experience the best things happen when you aren't looking for them. I fell in love with my husband when I wasn't looking for love and I got pregnant during the only time we weren't trying. So maybe I'll get lucky and the same will happen with my future job.

Any new moms out there feeling equally conflicted? It seems to me that the grass always seems greener on the other side, but working or staying at home equally have their pros and cons. Are you happy with your decision? Would you do things different if you could?

Giveaway Update- Help a sista' out

I know my giveaway is small and pathetic, but humor me people.
Tonight I got a tip from a table that was a piece of paper that read, "Here is a tip, Kep ur head up". True Story. It was spelled that way exactly. This was off a $50 check and there was not a single thing wrong with their food or the service. They were just assholes. And I deal with a lot of assholes everyday, so I don't really have a lot to spend on a blog giveaway. So I know that my measly magazine subscription offer isn't that much but humor me and enter anyways.
I need to feel some love tonight.

PSA Thursday: Fashion Crimes and a Giveaway for a Good Cause

On the suggestion of Sarah at The Inimitable Miss S this weeks PSA Thursday is dedicated to Fashion Crimes. Now let me just say, I know I am no fashion expert. I consider myself to be stylish enough, but I'm no fashionista. I am however a human being with eyes and enough good sense to know what looks good and what doesn't, so for this post forgive me, but yea, I'm judgin'.

Crime #1: Not Dressing Your Size: As a former skinny girl myself I know that it's depressing to buy clothes bigger than your ideal size. That being said, sucking yourself into a size 8 does not make you a size 8. It makes your look like a size 28 stuffed into a size 8. Even if you are only a 10 or 12. Most people don't realize that wearing a size too small actually makes themselves appear larger than they really are. And nothings worse than seeing someone oozing out of their clothing. Do yourself a favor and buy clothes true to your real size. I promise you will look better, if not skinnier. And no one will know the size on the tag but you...unless you put your clothes on inside out.

As yummy as it sounds, a muffin top is quite the opposite!


Crime #2 Trends aren't for Everyone: Just because you've seen something "all over the runway" or splashed all over the pages of Vogue does not mean it translates to the everyday woman. Know your body type and what will suit you and what won't. If you are trying out a new trend and it feels forced, than it probably LOOKS forced. Don't be a slave to fashion or you'll end up looking ridiculous. And like these girls....

Crime #3 Leggings Are Not Pants and Tunic's Are Not Dresses: I really don't think I need to elaborate on this , but since I see this particular crime committed at LEAST once I day, apparently I do. So boys and girls, let's review. If you are wearing leggings it is customary for your shirt to cover your butt and your lady bits. Conversely, if the shirt or dress is to your ankles, leggings are not needed. And Tunic's/long shirts and sweaters SHOULD ALWAYS BE WORN WITH SOME SORT OF LEG COVERING!!! Yes, I know I am shouting, but I see way too many girls wearing them as dresses and it annoys the crap out of me. I don't care how great your legs are, it still looks silly. And I should clarify...boots do not count as leg coverings.

Yes, this is Britney. But I've seen the same thing commited by girls at the mall!

Crime #4 Pick ONE Asset to Flaunt: If you want to show off your legs, great! Have a great rack? Go ahead and wear that low cut shirt. Got killer ab's? Midriff baring shirts aren't really my cup of tea...but fine....go with it. But don't you dare show off more than one thing at a time. It makes you look cheap, tacky, and you've totally defeated the purpose. Because now no one is looking at your best "feature" they are just looking at the hot mess that you've become!

Crime #5 High Heels are not for amateurs: I saved this for last because nothing simultaneously annoys and amuses me as much as watching someone walking in heels that has no idea what they are doing. If worn properly heels have the power to make you taller, seem thinner, and give you incredible confidence. If worn incorrectly they have the power to make you look like a baby deer walking for the first time. Girls...walking in high heels requires a bit of finesse. Spare yourself the public humiliation and wear them around your house for awhile to break them, and yourself, in. If you don't there will be people like me out there that will point at laugh at you as you stumble past us.

And now for the Pièce de résistance...my very first Blog giveaway! Every year I like to participate in Read For the Cure benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. I tend to be a bit of a magazine junkie and I love, love, love this program because 10% of every subscription goes towards finding a cure for breast cancer.

So this year, along with my own order, I will award 1 lucky reader a year's subscription to their choice of the following magazines : Lucky, Glamour, or Allure. Here are the rules-they are pretty simple:

1.) Follow my Blog -if you really like it, grab the button and add it to your blog!

2.)Leave me a comment with your favorite Fashion Don't -either one here or one of your own.

3.)In the comment leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!!

I will select a winner at random on March 19th!!

McFatty Monday

Starting weight: 165
Last weigh-in: 161 on 2/20
Today's weight: 163

I guess I'll be taking $20 out of my envelope. :-(
This weigh-in was particularly frustrating because unlike the previous week, this week I feel like I actually tried to eat better. That being said, if anything, last week was a step in the right direction.

Successes: I kept track of everything I ate-everyday. And I was honest, even when I ate things I shouldn't have. I did this because I want an accurate analyse of my eating habits. After reflecting on the week all I can say is staying under 1500 calories a day is HARD!! I find myself hungry ALL THE TIME! But I think I may know why. I think it's because the meals I am eating-though within my calorie range- are not filling enough. They are empty calories. So I eat and 2 minutes later I am ravenous again. Eating healthy is hard! Especially with a new baby and a job where fatty unhealthy foods are paraded in front of you everyday. Do you know how much willpower it takes to eat a Salad when Onion Rings and Chicken Wings are right under your nose-and smell soooo good?! All and all I really did try to make better choices this week, but I did have my weak moments.

Failures: I only had 2 days that I actually stayed within the 1500 calories. That's not to say that the other days I went way over.I mostly stayed within my goal by 200 calories or less, but if I am really serious about this weight loss I need to try a little harder. I also didn't work out at all last week. :-(

This weeks plan: Go grocery shopping and get better foods. More proteins, fruits and veggies. I also am planning on working out for AT LEAST 20mins each day. And I am going to keep up with keeping track of my food each day.

On a side note: Saturday was a BIG cheat day for me! My mom came to baby-sit so Kevin and I could have a "date night". We were going to go to Al Capone's Hideaway, since I've wanted to go there for as long as I can remember, but since I didn't make much money the last few shifts at work, we decided to go to Carraba's instead. If you've never been, I highly recommend them. It's some of the best food I've eaten and it's very reasonably priced. Kevin and I each got the steak and scallop dinner special, we split a bottle of Coppola Pino Noir, and got some dessert. Out bill was $87 ! And it was all soooooo yummy! We had a really good time, and while we missed the baby, we actually managed to talk about non-baby related things!! Then we met up with my brother and sister in-law for some drinks. It felt SO good to get out and unwind, and even better to get a little tipsy!

And I'm not coming to McFatty Monday empty handed! Here is a recipe I found on SparkPeople. It's actually really good and a nice fix for a sweet-tooth craving. Enjoy!!