Need to use left over TURKEY?

WE DO!

So this is whats for dinner tonight....


Pampered Chef Turkey Cranberry Wreath

2 pkg. refrigerated crescent rolls ( pillsbury brand taste the BEST)
1/2 C. mayonnaise (I use sour cream)
2 T. honey Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. coarsely ground pepper
2 C. cooked turkey, chopped
1/2 C. celery, sliced
1/4 C. sliced green onion (optional)
1/2 C. dried cranberries
4 oz. Swiss cheese, shredded (1cup) ( I just use mozzarella)
1/4 C. walnuts, chopped (optional)
1 egg, separated

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Unroll crescent dough; separate into 16 triangles. With wide ends of triangles toward the center. arrange 8 triangles in a circle on Large Round Stone. Corners of wide ends will touch and points will extend 1 inch beyond of baking stone. Arrange remaining 8 triangles in center. matching ends. Seal seams using pizza roller. (Points will overlap in center; do not seal.)

Measure mayonnaise, mustard and black pepper into a bowl. Grate cheese into a bowl. Mix turkey, celery, cranberries and green onion into mayo filling. Scoop filling over seams of dough, forming a circle.

Coarsely chop walnuts; sprinkle over filling. Beginning in center, lift one dough triangle across mixture. Continue alternating with outer triangle, slightly overlapping to form wreath. Tuck last end under first.

Separate egg over bowl. Beat egg white lightly; brush over dough. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

YUM!  This is an awesome meal that is both easy and impressive.  Enjoy!

GAP Winter Candle

GAP has a winter candle out right now called, Winter Forest and it - is - AWESOME!

Its $15 and in stores only.  It is highly scented and burns for long time.

Kinda Piney, spicey, sweet. 

Give it a try - you will LOVE it too!


Plus its really pretty.

YUM....so cheap, so good!

We eat a substantial amount of yogurt at our house.   At any given time we have a few Kroger Brand, Chobani Greek from Costco (YUM), and Yoplait lights.   Anyway the other day I decided to go with the GREAT VALUE Wal-Mart brand of Vanilla, a house favorite flavor. 


IT IS EXCEPTIONAL!   I can only speak to the Vanilla that comes in a 4 pack for $1.57 - But Seriously you should try it.  Perfectly sweet, perfectly tart!

And NO I don't make a habit of promoting Wal-Mart brand anything!

Lululemon Albuquerque!

I LOVE THAT ALBUQUERQUE HAS A LULULEMON SHOWROOM.

111 Carlisle Bvld NE, Albuquerque, NM  (Off of Central)
Open: Th, Fri, Sat  10:30 - 5:00.   Free classes on Thursday evening and Saturdays. 

And this is my new favorite tank.....

This place isn't too bad, Albuquerque that is!  Its even closer than the the Park City store is to Salt Lake.   I can deal with that!

Thanks Lulu!

Party in PINK Zumbathon Oct. 15th 6-8 PM

Hi Everyone,

Susan G. Komen has partnered with Zumba to fund raise for Breast Cancer.   This cause is dear to my heart.  My grandmother was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer at age 50.  She fought it and was cancer free for 20 years, now at age 74 she has had cancer for the last 4 years.  She is my hero, always has been!  What an amazing and positive lady!  She now has cancer in her liver, bones, back, and left breast, although its all started with the breast.  She treats it as a chronic disease with chemo and has been pretty good the last 4 years.   Anyone who would be willing to support this event I am truly appreciative of your time and efforts!

Please Join Us:

PARTY IN PINK! Support Breast Cancer Awareness. Make Every Move Count!
Join us for an EXHILARATING 2 hour ZUMBA fitness event with over 18 local Zumba instructors and lots of prizes!!

Join our PARTY IN PINK movement supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the fight to end breast cancer. Come show your support... and get ready to "PARTY IN PINK"!!

DATE: Friday Oct. 15th

TIME: 6:00-8:00pm (Doors open at 5:30pm)

LOCATION:South Broadway Cultural Center
1025 Broadway SE
ABQ 87102

PRICE: $10 at the door (no advance tickets)

We will be carpooling if you are interested from Ventana Ranch as well.  Contact me or leave a comment!

Brazilian Limeade

Have you ever visited a Brazilian restaurant and had one of their awesome limeades???  Its frothy and creamy and tangy and oooohhh so good all at the same time?

Well I have and here is an awesome re-creation of it....

2 Limes cut in 8 wedges
1/2 Cup Sugar
3 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk
3 Cups Water
6 Ice cubes

Add all ingredients to blender, lime peel and ALL.....Blend for 15 seconds.   Strain through sieve into pitcher and serve in glasses over ice.

AMAZING...Limes are so cheap right now, give it a try!

My First Zumba Class.....sort of...

Tonight I was able to teach Zumba at church for an activity for a lot of women.  It turned out awesome, not because of me....It was the BEST crowd of women! 

Thanks to all of you who participated.  You truly made it so much fun for me to teach.   I am really excited to start to teach on a regular basis at Defined Fitness!  Or for the girls at church??......

Anyway, I loved the crowd of over 50 women screaming and sweatin' and shakin those hips.

Thanks again and if you can, join me Thursday at 6:45 at Defined Fitness on Coors and Montano!

Lululemon Run: Cross Train Pullover

I am in love with Lululemon in general.  But this pullover really has me seeing hearts....

                   Lululemon Run Cross Train Pullover

Isn't it sooooo beautiful? really.

Cafe Rio's new smoothie, Cafe Rio in general, and EMILY!!!

I am lucky enough to be in Utah for 3 weeks!  One of the benefits of Utah is Cafe Rio.  Cafe Rio is always awesome, never lets ya down!  It helps that 9 out of 10 Cafe Rio visits are with one of my BESTEST friends Emily!  Isn't she darling????   Anyway we happened to visit at the right time this last visit to Cafe Rio, they were handing out samples of their new smoothies WHICH HAPPEN TO BE HEAVENLY!   We were floored that they were so good.  We had the rasberry-mango.  Em was kind enough to buy me one!  A little piece of heaven and mind for $2.95.  Ahhhhhhhh.......

I love you cafe rio...and EM!  (disclaimer: not in that order...)

PS  My Chicken salad was a little piece of heaven too!

Kristi Approved 10,000 Mile Challenge

I am trying to help Kristi Approved log 10,000 miles this month.  Each time you run, walk, bike, or eqivelant in aerobic exercise you can LOG MILES HERE.   Any help would be awesome.  I have absolutley loved being a part of the Kristi Approved family. 

If you want to try the 7-Day Challenge CLICK HERE.  I have a friend doing it this week and I am so excited to see her results. 

Thanks for your help logging miles!

Diaper Carrier Pattern Link

Some of you requested the link to the diaper carrier.....so here it is!

http://mysewingprojects.blogspot.com/2007/03/diaper-wipe-carrier.html

Hope it works!  Good Luck.

Zella and Nordstroms

I love great workout clothes.  One brand I really love is Zella.  It is found exclusively at Nordstrom's (too bad I don't have one here in Albuquerque!)  I recently was in Salt Lake City during a Nordstrom's Semi Annual Sale and picked up this jacket.

Sorry the pic is so small, go HERE and check it out for yourself!  I got it in the Lemon Candy color and have got tons of inquires as to where I got it!  Well I was browsing Nordies and saw that ALL of the colors are on SALE now!  The back of this jacket is awesome, it has a vented top and check out the ruched details at the collar and shoulder.

..............so I HAD to order the purple too, right?  and I LOVE it!

I pretty much love Nordstrom's more than any other department store.  Some say its waaaayyyy too expensive, not if you shop the Anniversary Sale....that starts in 3 days!

Check out the Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale catalog!

I love that its the NEW Fall styles are on SALE before the season and after the Anniversary sale they are marked back up to the full price!  That way you can shop sale for the season you actually need clothes for.  LOVE IT!

I love the 4th of July.

Today I love the celebration of the 4th.  We had a great time with a couple of new families over for a BBQ and we watched the fireworks from a park.  I was so surprised by the amount...and SIZE of the fireworks that the neighbors set off.  It was amazing!  We also get to go to a BBQ tomorrow with some friends from church, and we get Steven for the day (We love his Dermatology rotation!)

I am also very grateful to live in this country.  I know I have so many freedoms that many do not.  I truly admire and thank all of the service men and women who have kept this country safe and free.  THANK YOU!

I love a reason for a party so CHEERS to the 4th of July!

Quick Diaper Carrier

I really like (a little short of love) the diaper carrier I just made.  I am going on a trip and didn't want to bring the one I have thats too big and really gross.  So I ran to the store and spent $2.22 on fabric and made this one really quick. 

Pretty cute considering I am far from your Krafty Karen! 

Odds and Ins and Updates

First of all we are finally living in our house in Albuquerque, we don't have internet yet (don't tell anyone that I am sitting at the school on the corner on an unsecured network....gasp!)   We are set to close on the house on the 23rd.  Thats the day before Steve starts residency and the day after I get back from Spokane for my Brother Rob's culinary school graduation!  Congrats Rob! He has always been the BEST cook, ever since we were just kiddos! 

Just a little history of our last month.  May 18th we left Hershey....drove 5 days with the family, Steven's parents and sister Olivia across the country.  Drove mostly with the girls in the car (Olivia, Jenny, Elizabeth and myself) Did  a lot of wedding planning with a crabby bride to be =)  Ahhhhh to be so young again!   Not quite a bridezilla but close!   Then we go to ABQ stayed in a La Quinta for a few days, put all of our stuff in storage because we didn't have our house yet and decided it would be better to spend our wide open days in Utah eating Cafe Rio hanging out with friends and family than sitting in the La Quinta!   So we headed up to Salt Lake for a little over a week.   Then we got word we could move in the first of June to our house so we headed to ABQ to move in on the 2nd on June.  Justin and Ashlee (Steve's brother and his wife) and their two kiddos drove with us and  helped SOOOOOO much.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!!!!  They really were so generous and helpful and made such a stressful time so much better.  We really couldn't have done it without them!

And here we are today....just hanging out exploring the area.  I found a gym to join that has Les Mills and Body Combat is really new there.  I went the other day and it was fun, but interesting to see all of the people do combat for the first time-ish.   Those of you who know me know that next to the love of my family, the gospel, and friends.....LES MILLS is right up there!   My goal has always been to teach Body Combat.   So I am going to try to reach this goal this year here in ABQ.   I am really excited!

Secondly I have started back up on Kristi Approved now that I actually have a kitchen to cook in and we are a little more settled.  I was happy to weigh in the first day at 148-8 and I am now on day 3 of week 5.   My goal for this first week is to see 146 on the scale!   I found that I really don't like one of the meals and there really isn't a optional meal for that specific meal (they usually give you another meal to try if you don't care for the one on the menu), but this one just has you switch out tuna for chicken....oh well, an apple and string cheese it is!  I am really excited for a little bit of routine again. 

Thanks for listening to our pretty uneventful life of the The Wrights......I am going back to the true nature of my blog from now on.......

Things I LOVE......

Stay tuned.

We're in Albuquerque

I LOVE THE SUNSHINE!  We finally made it to Albuquerque and we are loving the warm weather and sunshine.  We are NOT loving that we still don't have a place to live...but oh well. 

We have some plans in the works and we hope to figure it out in the next week or so.  For now a storage unit for our stuff will do fine!

I have been a little lazy on Kristi Approved, and my commitment to blog about it every week.  Give me a week or two and I will be back with it.   I still have loved what I have learned and I have been MUCH better about eating often and making sure its healthier.

Anyway, when I actually have a kitchen I will get back with it full force. 

KA Update and Shake recipe

So after a week in Outer Banks, NC I lost a little ground on the wieght loss.  OOPS.  I ate a few too many home made cookies and twizzlers!  I actually did great on my meal plans until evening hit and we sat around a chatted and watched TV and Movies.  BUT, today is now three days after we have been back and I am back on track.  I gained 3 lbs and now they are gone.  I am sitting pretty strong at 150, which makes me crazy because I want to get below it so bad for GOOD!  I have seen as low as 148, but keep fluctuating to 150.  I just need to keep motivated....which I loved the story on Kristi Approved blog about Taunie, see for yourself her transformation. 

So across the country we go in less than a week, wish me luck on my eating habits on the road!  I NEED THE CHEERS and MOTIVATION...its running a little low.

Here is a shake variation that my friend suggested to me and I LOVE IT:

4 frozen strawberries
1 Scoop Protein powder (vanilla or strawberry)
1 Individual serve packets of crystal light energy ( I like wild Strawberry flavor)
1/3 cup raw oats
2 T milk
6 Ice cubes
Water to desired consistancy

Mix in blender...AWESOME!  (I love my Magic Bullet)

Win a NURSING cover!

Enter to win a VERY cute nursing cover, hand made by my SIL Ashlee....


GO HERE to see what you can win and enter yourself!  Ends Thursday May 13th!

Outer Banks and link to Kristi Approved Giveaway

My Family and I are enjoying a week in Outer Banks, NC.  Its in the high 70's and low 80's beautiful and sunny.  We are here with 6 other families making a grand total of 14 adults and 13 kids all under one roof!  We are lucky to have rented a BEAUTIFUL house and we are really loving our last week together as the Penn State College of Medicine Class of 2010.

We have had such a blast playing on the beach collecting sea shells, hanging out in the hot tub and watching TV together.  Another thing we do together is EAT!  I have been pretty good at sticking to the Kristi Approved Live the Life program...but I couldn't NOT take a bite of the fresh baked cookies...(thanks Jordan!)   

But I do have good news....Give Away Today  is giving away a Kristi Approved 12 Week program TODAY ONLY!  So ENTER again and try to win it!   I may not be sticking to the plan exactly, but I am VERY confident that I will not gain even one pound on my trip!  Which is saying a lot with all of this good food.  I am loving Outer Banks, even with a sunburn.

Kristi Approved WINNER

CONGRATS TO...

After random selection our 38th entry, Annie Reynolds wins the Kristi Approved 12-Week Live the Life Program for free!  Congrats Annie, I will email you shortly to get your info so Kristi Approved can send you the program!


For everyone else.....whether you entered the giveaway or not you can order the program for the next
2 DAYS ONLY for $50 off the original price!

Click here then click on the pink FOR WOMEN link, then scroll to the bottom and click on "I'm Ready".  You will then enter special code  "solove"  at check out.  Code valid 4/29 - 4/30 ONLY.

This will make the total price for your program $99.  

Thanks to all of you for your interest, like I've stated numerous times I LOVE THIS PROGRAM.  I saw 148 on a scale this morning for the first time since before I got pregnant with my first child.  Good luck to all of you!

Kellie

Learn more about Kristi Approved HERE!

This is a short clip I found on the Kristi Approved website.  I have a lot of people that want to know what exactly is the "12-Week Program" from Kristi Approved.  This is it and this is what you win.




Stay tuned in to see if you win the giveaway...or ENTER NOW.

Again if you don't win you will be able to purchase it at a discount.  The original price is $149....stay tuned for the discount amount!

P.S. If you are already on phase I of Live the Life and want to enter...PLEASE DO!  You are able to win Phase II if you win the giveaway!

KRISTI APPROVED INFO

Ok , so the GIVEAWAY ends this Wednesday at 12 Midnight EST.  

If you win, AWeSoMe!!!  IF NOT....you will be able to save $$$$$$$$$$ if you want to sign up for the 12-Week Program anyway.   You will have to use a discount code that will be posted on this blog and it will be valid until END of the day on April 30th.  That's 2 days to SAVE BIG!!!!


Again, if you win it will be announced on Thursday April 29th, IF NOT you can save $$$$$$$$$$  if you want to sign up anyway.  ONLY with a promo code they are giving to whatisolove blog readers!!!



 GO ENTER NOW!

Bennett

I love that my first child was born 5 years ago today.  He is such a sweetie and a true joy.  I love his smile and cuddles in the mornings.  He was the BEST surprise I have ever been given!  I love you Grant Bennett Wright.

Who knew that 30 with kiddos would be so AWESOME? (not that I ever doubted the joy of turning 30...)

Hmmmm....NOT what I love.

I couldn't get the stupid scale to cooperate this morning.  150.0......150.0......150.0....150.0.....I think I stepped off and back on the darn thing like 10 times hoping for the .2 to drop off so it would read 149.8, but it didn't.   And I have been starving, and I have been sticking to the plan....except guess what, they actually tell you to lose weight you need to EAT when you are hungry, not starve yourself, guess I should have eaten more.

And I need to keep reminding myself that drowning my sorrows in Cadbury Eggs will not help anything, especially the scale!

Kristi Approved Week 4 and I saw a 4 on the scale...

So I've read and been told that week 3-4ish you start to feel like you are STARVING.  I am half way through week 4 and I"M STARVING!!!!  That being said I am adding veggies to my meals, making some into salads, adding grilled zucchini to some and just adding a little more egg to my breakfast.   

BUT I guess its worth it because I weighed in this morning at 149.6!  I am soooo happy to have seen a 14_ number.  Anyway if you haven't signed up for the free giveaway do it NOW!!!

Zumba Certification

This last Saturday my AWESOME friend Amber and I went together to certify in Zumba to become instructors.  We had a great time and here are a couple of pictures.

  Here is a picture of Amber when she was in the front of the class dancing with her group.  They did their own choreography.

Here is a picture of me and my new friend Sharon.  We did our AFAA Certification together in February too!

Anyway, we had a lot of fun and we are excited to learn some choreography so we can start to teach.  ZUMBA!  Join the Party!

This is "THE" week

 This is the week I am going to break 150!  And when I do you will get a picture of the scale to prove it.  I am soooooo anxious to actually see a 14_ number.  I don't really care 149.8 if fine.  I can work with that!  Anyway heres to a strong week on Kristi Approved and to another week of loss. 

Click here to enter the Kristi Approved Giveaway.   Remember to leave a comment with something you like about the program, another comment after you sign up for the 7-Day Challenge stating you have done so, and a third comment when you have posted on Facebook or your Blog or emailed 5 friends.

Good Luck to YOU and ME!

Dear Self,

Dear Kellie,

FYI....When you insert your quarter into the candy machine at work (Banana Republic break room) and it spits out 5 Peanut M&M's (protien right!!??!?)  and enjoy every single one of them - DON'T DO IT!!!  You will crave sugar all day and all night and you will make yourself miserable longing for more.   Just look away and go buy a shirt or something.

Love,
Me

P.S.  For everyone else go to the Kristi Approved Giveaway and sign up to win 12-Weeks for FREE!    

Finally....KRISTI APPROVED GIVEAWAY starts NOW!!!

Its finally here!   The Kristi Approved Giveaway starts with this post and will last through APRIL 28th.

WHAT YOU WIN:  One 12-Week Kristi Approved complete Program Guide (AWESOME!)  Retail $149

HOW:  You can enter up to 3 times, Here's how....
1)  Visit the Kristi Approved website and leave a comment on THIS post with one thing that interests you about the program, easy!
2)  Sign up for the 7-Day Challenge and leave another comment on THIS post that you signed up.   I'm not saying you have to do it, you just have to sign up!!!!  HOWEVER if you want to see if you will like it, try it NOW!!!  I PROMISE, its better than ANY "Get Healthy" plan I've ever tried before.
3)  Change your Facebook status to:  I entered a giveaway for the "Kristi-Approved" LIVE THE LIFE Program and you can too at http://www.whatisolove.blogspot.com and leave a message that you did at THIS post.
OR
Put a link to http://www.whatisolove.blogspot.com with Kristi Approved Giveaway details and leave a comment on THIS post.
OR
E-Mail 5 friends about the giveaway and leave a message with the 5 names of the friends you e-mailed here on THIS post.

So there you have it!  Enter ALL 3 times for the BEST chance to win!

DON'T FORGET to leave a comment EACH time you do something to enter!

I am really excited to see what happens!

AND because the people over at Kristi Approved ROCK, they are going to offer a discount on the program if you don't win (BOO) and need to buy it anyway (which you will because its SOOOOOOO Awesome!)

Thanks,
Kellie

The Kristi Approved Giveaway

I have had a lot of questions about the giveaway....rightfully so...

The Kristi Approved Giveaway will start on Thursday April 15th.  THIS WEEK!  It will run for 2 weeks and the last day to enter will be Wednesday April 28th. 

Please pass this info onto your friends and family...It is an AWESOME program and great opportunity to get the first 12 Weeks for FREE!

Check back for details on how YOU can win.

Week 2 Almost done!

This morning I weighed in at 151.6.   That's -2 lbs this week...not too bad considering I ate a green chili hamburger at McDonalds!

Green Chili Hamburger?

Today at McDonald's I discovered that you can order a regular hamburger with Green Chili's on it.   I thought it was pretty weird...but I did eat one.  I know, I know....I'm not supposed to...BUT seriously Green Chili's at McDonalds?

I'm gonna love this place.

Week 1 RESULTS

OK, I did pretty good considering Easter was last week! 

I ONLY lost 3 pounds....a little disappointing, until I measured and lost an inch on both my waist and hips. 

I know it doesn't seem like a lot, but an entire INCH is quite a bit for one week!   I will take the inches lost over pounds any day (although pounds are nice too).  

One other thing I love is becoming more aware about what my body actually NEEDS vs. WANTS.  As I eat smaller portions more often I am becoming more aware of the line of "hungry" and "satisfied" instead of having to be REALLY FULL after each meal.

I really like becoming more in tune with my body. 

Day 6 Kristi Approved

I am heading into Day 6....I have lost 4 lbs exactly.  I am really excited about this!  I am hoping to lose 5 in the first week. 

Starting Weight:  156.8
Current Weight:  152.8

wanna win The Kristi Approved materials????   Coming next week....... GIVEAWAY.

I love IMPACT Fitness Clothing

I love the pants especially that Impact Fitness sells.  Check out their latest line of activewear.  I like the cropped cargo's!   Go HERE to see more.  See info below to get a 20% off coupon too!

I have seen people with these on and they are REALLY flattering....who doesn't need a pair of flattering work out pants?

Want a coupon????  LEAVE ME A MESSAGE with your email and I will forward you an email with instructions to get a 20% OFF coupon AND a FREE VISOR!

Live The Life Getting Started....RIGHT NOW!

Ok...So as many of you know I LOVE the Kristi Approved, Live The Life Program.   I have completed the first 7-Day challenge and I am onto the REAL DEAL. 

I am starting DAY 1 of 84, tomorrow, Monday the 29th of March.

I have shopped and prepped my food and redefined my goals.  I am going to take each week one at a time from here on out. 

END GOAL:  Develop new habits in my life around food, nutrition, and exercise ( I am a self proclaimed CARDIO-JUNKIE!)  I am going to incorporate LOTS more resistance training into my daily life.  

NEGATIVE LIMITING BELIEFS TO OVERCOME:
1. Food is a reward.
2. I NEED something sweet after dinner.
3. If I have eaten good all day...I DESERVE a treat!

The reality.....Food is not a reward - Pedicures are rewards.....I don't NEED anything after dinner except some peace and quiet PUT the kiddos to bed (and maybe take a hot bath)......and If I have eaten good all day - why the heck should I ruin that and eat junk?  See above (take hot bath).

Anyway, I am excited to start this 84 day journey with you.   If you would like to sign up for the 7 Day Challenge just click here.

FREE GIVEAWAY COMING SOON!

P.S. You may be surprised that this is NOT really a DIET...just a way to get healthy!  (Added benefit: You usually lose weight too!)

NYC

Simple equation really...

NYC + Me + Husband - Kids = A LOT of FUN!

Kristi Approved 12-Program Giveaway coming SOON!

Hi Everyone,

I have talked with Kristi Approved and they are going to be kind enough to do a blog giveaway here on www.whatisolove.blogspot.com!

More info coming next week.   YOU COULD WIN!

I will also be starting the 12-Week Program and taking you through the journey with me!  I am really excited and I would love to have you check in to see how its going.  Talk about some accountability....

Thanks Kristi Approved!

Right Now!

I love right now!  I love this time in our lives.  I love the anticipation of the future and the great friends we have made in Hershey.   I love calling my neighbors about 8 times a day just to say hi and see whats going on.  I love the smell of the chocolate in the air when I leave in the morning.  I love going to the gym with Amber and lots of other friends depending on the day.  I even love my 5 part time jobs!  I love knowing that the last four years of our lives were filled with so many great friends, great vacations around the East Coast and some challenges and hard times too.  I love that I will always cherish my time in Hershey.

We are entering a very exciting time in our lives....I have a feeling one of the most fun and exciting that we will ever have....I am really overwhelmed with happiness!

I love the here and now!

Kristi Approved Update

Still on the diet, but not the full fledged 12-Week Program....Weight now:  154.6 lbs  I would like to be at 153 by Match Day, 3 days to go.......



153...153...153...153..

Anticipation

I love the feeling of anticipating something....sometimes its even better than what you are actually anticipating.

Match Day March 18th at NOON.

Zumba Certification

I just signed up to get my Zumba teaching certification this April!!!!   I am really excited.  I have always wanted to teach group fitness. 

AFAA Certification (hopefully, I find out in a couple of weeks!) and onto Zumba! 

I am really liking the ripe ol' age of 30.....

Kristi Approved 7 Day Challenge Final Results

I did it.  I reached my goal exactly!  There's something to be said for goal setting.

                                      THIS PIC MAY BE EXAGGERATED a little...

I want to preface this with BEFORE this week I had already cut out sugar from my diet almost completely and I already worked out 4-6 days at the gym.  So having these results didn't come from someone just starting out (if you are starting out you will lose MORE).  Imagine what you could achieve if you are just starting out your weight loss journey..........

I got on the scale this morning to a happy 156 lbs staring back at me, not 156 (point) anything....Just 156.0 EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!


I am so excited I could scream!  I have one pound to go to reach my goal for March 18th Match day too.
I do all of my measurements on a regular basis too, I lost a total of 3 inches overall.  That's really great!  My goal was 5, but I think it was a little lofty because I don't really understand how inches come off yet.


TRUE STORY:

I have a skirt in my closet, well one of about 100 skirts in my closet =) and I bought it a long time ago.   In fact the receipt is still attached because I have never worn it.  I bought it on April 4, 2005.
This is exactly 20 days before I had Bennett, my first child.  So obviously when I bought it I was a little too big to pull that size 8 pink brocade with sequin's (it really is cute...seriously!) up around even my thighs!   ( I was over 200 lbs when I delivered him!)  I thought well, I LOVE this skirt and I will just wait until I loose the weight, the skirts were flying off the walls at the Banana Republic at Trolley Square and I HAD to have one!

I put it on this morning and zipped it up.   End of story!

Thank you for being apart of my first 7 days on Kristi Approved, Live The Life.  I have had a blast blogging about it.  I plan to keep updating on my progress.  If you are not convinced you should be!  Go here to get started.

Spring...Ahhh.....open toe shoes.....

So here are new shoes I'm obsessed with right now.  These shoes are awesome!  Can I just tell you that I hear the question, "What color shoe should I wear with my (insert: pink, ivory, blue, coral, teal, lemon, ect......) dress?"   The anwser in Spring or summer is always a light tan or a really great nude.  WEAR THESE!

Banana Republic is having our Friends and Family March 18 - 21st, if you want one, let me know!!!   I will email you one or send you a link to get one.

Kristi Approved Day 6

MY FIRST GAIN......

Ok, so today I experienced my first gain in 6 days.

Weigh In:  157.6  +0.4 lbs   Total loss:  3.4 lbs

So not really earth shattering, but a little disappointing.   I will say (**this is way too much info**)  that yesterday my "monthly visitor" made an appearance.  So with that in mind I usually jump a few pounds so I am happy with .4 lbs.

I am still loving most of the food, there is one dish I really don't look forward to, but all in all...I've got to say I am really enjoying the entire plan.

I cant wait to start the weekly conference calls.  For those who know me - you know I love that sort of motivational stuff.

BY THE WAY....I was reading on the Kristi Approved website and came across this motivational booklet for goal setting by TY Bennett (A self made millionaire before he was 25) .  This is a VERY helpful review of your goal and really helps you to internalize your reasons for doing Live The Life or anything really.

I'm looking forward to my final weigh in and measurements tomorrow........STAY TUNED!

Kristi Approved - Day 5

So I made it through the weekend!  

I have a few things that I want to share today ......  First of all I had some sugar-free black licorice, so I cheated a little, sorry!  Second - I really think my complexion is better from eating so clean!   I ate a protein bar for one of my meals yesterday because my church is 3 hours long and it seemed to do the trick. 
I did order the Carbrite Bars but I haven't gotten them yet.  I ordered Toasted Coconut and S'more and I hear they are really good.

Weigh in:  157.2  -.8 lbs   Total Loss:  3.8 lbs  WAHOOOOOO!!!!!!

I want to weigh 155 for Match Day on March 18th and I think I'm going to be there if not weigh a little less! 

I am VERY PLEASED with my results at this point!   Visit Kristi Approved to try the 7-Day Trial yourself.

Kristi Approved Day 4

Day 4....Great Day!   Meals were good, didn't feel too hungry at any point throughout the day. 

Weigh in:  158.0  -1 lb   Total:  3.0 lbs in 4 days

Very happy with todays weigh in!
Thanks for reading.

Kristi Approved Day 3 recap

Day three was a good day, I still think I am going to burst open in the morning when I finish the protein shake!  But it keeps me going strong all morning through my workout so I think its working.  I even chose to cut back a little on my second meal of the day...nothing too substantial...just 1 egg white instead of 2 and 1 TB of corn and beans instead of 2, but I just didn't want to eat, so I choose to cut back a very small amount.   I did add the peppers and mushrooms to the rice bowl and I didn't get that afternoon hunger pang again.

I felt a little deprived in the evening time of a sweet treat (one of my huge downfalls anyway...too much sugar!) but I held strong and didn't give in even a little.  (I am sorry for the makers of Swedish Fish, I may have single handedly  kept them in business!)

I went out with a friend in the evening and just took along the Veggie Delight (totally delish!) and ate it in the car.  I find its easy to make meals work on the go if you HAVE to.  The smoothies can be frozen the night before and thawed the day of so you can bring them to work.  YOU CAN MAKE THIS WORK IF YOU WANT TO....I guess that's my point!   I did have a friend inquire about a vegetarian option and I directed her back to the website for contact info. 


OK.....Weigh in time:    159.0   -.8 lbs    total loss:  2 lbs.....remember this is only DAY 3!

2 pounds in 3 days is NOT bad!  I'm happy with it....I am really looking forward to 158's because they have been a long lost friend since I had Bennett, this will offically be the lowest I have been since I had a child 5 years ago....I LOVE YOU KRISTI APPROVED!

Live The Life Day Two Recap

Wow...we are already onto day three!   So as far as day two went here is the summary.

I was just as full in the morning with the first shake - even overfull.  As the day progressed I felt really good.  I got a little more hungry in the afternoon, which makes sense because this is when I usually snack when I shouldn't anyway.   I did however decide to go and get some red and green peppers and mushrooms to add to my chicken rice bowl on day 3 so we will see if that helps the hunger factor.   The evening was great, I tried my pizza with sauteed onions and zuchinni (sauteed in Pam).  I think it make the pizza go from OK to really good!  Thanks for that suggestion Amber!  I felt full until bedtime today.  Overall I am really satisfied with the food.

Day One I did Body Pump and Day Two I did an hour of Zumba and did not do resistance like recommended though.

Weight Day Two:  159.8  -.2 lbs  Total:  -1.2 lbs

I am having a bit of a hard time with the weight loss....I know, I know....I shouldn't weigh in every day, but I just have to - its my personality. 
I was hoping for a few pounds the first couple of days but I am sticking out and I am fully aware that solid weight loss is gradual!

Thanks again for reading, leave me any comments that you think would help!

Kristi Approved Diet - Day One recap

So day one was lots of fun.  I really enjoyed the food and I felt really full all day long, in fact the protein shake in the morning is just too much for me because I am not used to eating that early yet.  I got a little hungry right before bed, but thats not bad!   Amber was the most hungry....darn that super fast metabolism of hers!

I loved the second smoothie, which is a Jamba Juice type smoothie, very fruity and a little tropical.  My least favorite meal is the Canadian Bacon Pizza in the evening, which has no canadian bacon???!!?! - I will try to spice that one up today.

Weigh in after day one is:  160.0   -1 lb

Here we go day two....

Zumba this morning was awesome too...the local TV station was there recording for the Evening NEWS....so maybe Amber or myself will be on TV shakin' it!

Live The Life - Kristi Approved

My friend Julie told me about this awesome diet/way of life....Its called Kristi Approved or Live The Life diet.  I have recruited a couple of friends to do it with me...  Mel and Amber!  We started today after a couple days of planning, shopping, and prepping.

We are taking advantage of the Free 7-day Challenge.   You can click on the title of the post and it will take you to the website for Kristi Approved.  

We took "BEFORE" pictures and measurements, along with setting goals.  

I will NOT share the "before" picture...but I am going to share my goals.

Waist Measurment:  33 inches
8" under the belly button:  40 inches
Weight:  161 

1.  What is your Vision?
I would like to see an overall inch loss of 4-5 inches in the first week.  I would like to weight 156 (I am 161 now).  This would be the lowest weight I have been at since before I had my first child.

2.  What is your Mission?
I want to feel confident.  I want to be able to put on clothes and feel good, not "FAT".  I want to see the muscles in my arms and my collar bones.

3.  What is your Strategy? 
Plan, Plan, Plan....and prep food for the entire week.  I will not eat off of the menu AT ALL this week, no exceptions!

4.  Who is your follow through partner?  What day and time will you check in with them each week?
My follow through partners are Melanie and Amber.  Julie is also my follow through friend, but has been on the plan for 5 weeks now.  Amber, Mel and I will check in at various times throughout the week and call each other if we need encouragement or advice.   We will also call to celebrate successes!

5.  Write your Affirmation here ( I am):  I will weight 155 by Match Day, March 18th.  I will be planful with my approach and keep my long term goals in mind.  My level of commitment is extremely high.


So there you have it.  These are the goals they have you set and follow through on.  I thought I would do every part of the 7-day Challenge to make sure I follow through.   I am really excited to see some results and feel awesome!

Thanks for reading!
Kellie

The Bachlor Finale

Dun...dun...dun...who does Jake pick?????

Can't wait to see, I vote Tenley!  But I think he goes with Vienna...and maybe some drama and he chooses Ali above all.

 Popcorn and Amber, should be a great 2 hours! (pretty much a waste of 2 hours of my life, but I LOVE IT!)

ZUMBA

I always have loved group exercise...and right now I can't get enough of ZUMBA!   I didn't start out loving Zumba, it was gradual.  I had to do it about 5-10 times before I got the hang of it.  But its well worth it because it works muscles I didn't even know about and its a blast.  The hour flies by.

You can click on the title of this post and it will take you to the website and you can see where the closest class is to YOU.  

Try it and have fun!  I am going this morning with my new Adidas Marathon shoes! (see pic in previous post!)

Sunshine

I love the Sun...too bad we don't have more of it in Hershey, PA.

Compliments and Trench Coats

So today at the good ol' 7-11 in Hummelstown I was making a pit stop for a DIET COKE and gas after dropping Bennett off for preschool.  The same guy that is working every time I go to 7-11 is working today. 


As I fill my soda he walks over and asks me if I have a sister who comes into 7-11 too.  Nope, Just me.  So he proceeds to tell me that a girl that looks just like me..... tall, pretty (thanks!), shops there too.....Only I am skinny and she is heavier than I am.  Well thanks, what a nice compliment random 7-11 guy, you called me skinny!  The only thing is today I am dressed up a little with a trench coat on and some earrings....I'm pretty sure the OTHER girl, the HEAVY one is ME TOO!  Just with sweats and no make-up and without a trench coat to cover  my rear end up!

The funny thing is I do SWEAR by trench coats.  Its the FIX ALL.  If you ever need to leave your house and need to look presentable in an instant, just put on a trench!  I have multiple in an array of colors.  If you don't you should get a simple black- its a MUST HAVE for everyone's closet.  My purple trench from Banana Republic if my favorite!  Here is a picture of it.

 So for what its worth he called me pretty and skinny!  I'll just wear my trench  from now on!