First Time Lulu Shopper Is Now Addicted

Christmas 2006 - my brother-in-law, Dennis and his then girlfriend (now wife), Cassandra, gave me a gift card for Lululemon. I was always intrigued by the store as they had both made some pretty great purchases from there. So, I decided I would put the card away as I was still trying to lose the last of my HoneyPie-weight....and then I got pregnant with Buddaroo, and have been working at the weight loss since then....so the gift card was safely tucked away..and was finally used last Thursday. I thought - enough is enough, it is silly to save it for any longer...so...

I had a shopping and dinner date with some great friends and off we headed to Lululemon. I must admit, when I first walked in, I was a little overwhelmed - so much selection, so many different and vibrant colours.

I had no idea where to start. I knew I wanted to get a pair of pants - but man, there are so many choices. I tried on a whole whack of them...Astro...Still...and the ones I decided on ~ Groove. I loved the way they looked and had heard about how great Lulu pants make your bum look ;) (no complaints in that department from DH) I got them hemmed and couldn't wait to pick them 5 days later. They are so incredibly comfortable - I LOVE THEM!

Next - I looked at tank tops. Wow, did they ever have a massive selection. The colours were amazing - so many different choices. I wanted something light and airy for when I am on the treadmill. So I grabbed a Cool Racerback Tank in a beautiful green...and loved it. It was light and super comfy (and perfect for hot yoga, I tried it out on Monday and it was GREAT!)

So, I figured I was just about done - I had tried on a couple little jackets/hoodies and wasn't sold on any of them. I liked them, but didn't love them...My friend Deb, suggested I try on this Sevasna Wrap OMG! I loved it. I thought it looked so cute and trendy with a pair of jeans. I was SOLD! It's comfortable and adorable! I tried it on last night with my Groove Pants and didn't love the look as much - with jeans, I think it looks much better.

So, I walked in with a $75 gift card and walked out with $288 worth of clothes....and a new love for comfy, colourful athletic wear....and guess where I'm going again tonight? My friend and I are heading back to grab a couple more tanks...and who knows...maybe another pair of pants to please my butt-loving husband - I'm sure he won't mind ;)

ENVY!

Envy is best defined as an emotion that occurs when a person lacks another's (perceived) superior quality, achievement, or possession and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it.

When I was pregnant with HoneyPie, DH surprised me with a Graco Quatro Travel System from Toys R Us. At the time, I LOVED it - I was so excited to bring home my baby in the cozy infant car seat and push the stroller around the neighbourhood. Even once HoneyPie was born, I "thought" it was the perfect travel system for us. And then I began to see other strollers...and developed STROLLER ENVY!
Peg Peregos - - Buggaboos - - Quinnys

Everyone had nicer strollers than I did - everyone pushing a baby looked better than I did...man, I was envious. It was ridiculous though, our stroller was great for us, even Buddaroo got good use out of it. That silly envy!

But now...my envy has moved on from strollers....to....CELL PHONES!

In 2006, DH surprised me with a new phone for Christmas. Samsung A640. I was super excited about it as it was cute and the pay-as-you-go rate was perfect for me. So cheap for how little I used it. But now...with all of these exciting new phones that do just about everything...I am growing tired of my boring little flip phone. I was sitting with my neighbours on Friday night, everyone playing with their phones, so I took mine out to show them just how boring mine was...man, was I teased! Just about everyone has one of these fun new phones.
iPhones - - Blackberrys - - Smart Phones in general



It's about time for me to get something fun. Something I can check e-mail on, something I can access Facebook on, something that has better texting options. I'm the green eyed monster when it comes to cell phones.

My dear sister-in-law has this quote on her facebook page:
So often we look at others, wanting what they have - not realizing that someone is wishing they had what you have.
I am pretty much guaranteeing that someone out there does not wish for my Samsung A640...but I sure as hell want your iPhone!!!!!

Cheers =D

A Night with the Ladies...and One Smokin Hot Cowboy

Last night, my Mom, my Mother-in-Law and my great friend, Kelly boarded the Go Train and headed into Toronto...we had a date with a super hot cowboy...Tim McGraw! Kelly, Mom and I have seen Tim perform once before - when he was here with Faith Hill in June 2007 - we were so excited to see his Southern Voice tour.

When we got there, they weren't letting anyone in to The Molson Amphitheatre so we had a bite to eat at the Voodoo Garden in Ontario Place where we found out why they weren't admitting concert-goers yet...Tim McGraw was hosting a private performace right next to our patio - we could hear him singing and talking to the guests...and then saw him scoot away on a golf car (I was surprised by his attire...jeans and a striped polo shirt...Tim McGraw wears striped polo shirts? I didn't expect that)

We came in during the opening act Love And Theft - I had never heard of them, but they were pretty good. I didn't get any pictures of them, but you can kind of see them on stage behind Kelly and I. At this time, we were just excited to have box seats with our own waitress - and excited to spend such a fun evening together.

Next up, Lady Antebellum - I really like them and was excited to see them perform live. They were fantastic...and so easy to look at - Charles Kelley is pretty hot himself. It was fun to see one of my favourite songs, Need You Now, sung live. At one point, Tim McGraw and his crew came out on stage during their set in their underwear and started exercising on stage - Charles Kelly said " I think we've been punked" - it was pretty funny.

And now for our main squeeze, Tim McGraw. Man, he was fantastic...he put on an amazing show. He sung many of his older hits as well as a lot of new songs from his Southern Voice CD - he sure didn't disappoint his fans. We had such an amazing time - it was so great to get out my my Mama's and best gal - we laughed a ton and really enjoyed our time together. So glad you all could join me =D And the funny line from the night, walking towards the bridge that takes us back to the Ex, a lady says to us "Tonight everyone's husband is Tim McGraw" LOL And I replied "At least I won't have any issues when I scream out his name" Maybe too much to say in front of my Mom and DH's Mom - but man, it was hilarious!

An amazing night with some amazing ladies...and one SMOKIN HOT cowboy!

Nothing Better Than A Week By The Lake

Yesterday we got home from our yearly vacation to Shady Nook Cottages in Sundridge, Ontario. We had THE BEST week...the sun was shining, the lake was warm, the company was great, there was an abundance of smiles & laughter, my family was happy - it was a fantastic week.

We have been going to Shady Nook since 1986. My Dad's boss, Carl owned it at that time...back when Jenn and I were kids, the 6 cottages on the resort were filled with families with children. We always went the same week(s) in the summer, so we were always with the same people every year. Some of the same families are still going - it's so great that I can share this wonderful place with my children, but wish there were more kids for them to play with. But, with them being 1 year older, the kids had a great time playing together on the beach. I still had my eagle-eyes on at all times, but was actually able to sit and relax a bit this year and actually read 2 books this week. (Salem Falls by Jodie Picoult and Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin - both great books, btw)

The kids had such a great time - lots of playing on the beach and in the lake. We were so proud of HoneyPie and Buddaroo, they loved being in the lake, much more confident than last year. HoneyPie's favourite thing we did at the cottage was visiting the Craft Cabin run by the owners daughter - once a week she hosts a craft time for the kids - they both painted really cute canvas bags - they were so proud of their creations.

We can't wait til we go back next year. Now to start the unpacking and massive amount of dirty laundry...so I leave you with a few pictures.

Off to the Beach

Wow - it's been well over a month since my last post - wow, so much has gone on in the last little while, I've completely neglected my blog. Sadly, there is no time to fill everyone in on the first half of our summer - as tomorrow we are heading to the cottage for a week. So much organizing, packing, etc. to do before tomorrow. I am off to relax on the beach - and boy do I need a holiday!

also - In case you are wondering, weight-loss-wise, I had a few little gains over the last month, but have been doing pretty well the last couple weeks...got back to 30lbs lost - and this week was down almost another pound and made it to 31.2 lbs lost. 9lbs til I can claim "goal weight"...maybe 15 for my own personal goal, we'll see how I feel when I get to 146.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer,
Cheers,
Hollie

Hard Work Pays Off!

Last week I had a sweet loss of 2lbs which FINALLY put me into the 30lbs lost category. (30.2 to be exact) I didn't want to blog about it as I wasn't sure if I would gain a bit this last week. So -after being sick this weekend and eating a lot of comfort food, I lost 0.4lbs. A little loss, but I'll take it. So...I have officially lost 30 POUNDS!!!! 9.6lbs to go til I get to goal. I'm excited and motivated!!!!

There have been many times that I've wanted to quit - when I felt I hadn't been doing well - a few weeks of gains whether big or small always made me feel like I should just give up...when going to meetings by myself made me feel like such a loser - I hated sitting there by myself. But I kept telling myself me sticking with it and not giving up makes me a winner...not a loser! Although I am losing, mmmm....guess I'm not sure which I am. hee hee But I must say...I am so happy to have my sister back on her weight loss journey with me, she just started back last night - it'll be nice to celebrate our successes together.

Recently I came across this poem online - for all of you who want to quit, I know I've been there...and am so glad I didn't...

Don't Quit
When you've eaten too much and you can't write it down,
And you feel like the biggest failure in town.
When you want to give up just because you gave in,
and forget all about being healthy and thin.
So What! You went over your points a bit,
It's your next move that counts...So don't you quit!
It's a moment of truth, it's an attitude change.
It's learning the skills to get back in your range.
It's telling yourself, "You've done great up till now.
You can take on this challenge and beat it somehow."
It's part of your journey toward reaching your goal.
You're still gonna make it, just stay in control.
To stumble and fall is not a disgrace,
if you summon the will to get back in the race.
But, often the struggler's, when loosing their grip,
Just throw in the towel and continue to slip.
And learn too late when the damage is done,
that the race wasn't over...they still could have won.
Lifestyle change can be awkward and slow,
but facing each challenge will help you grow.
Success is failure turned inside out,
the silver tint in a cloud of doubt.
When you're pushing to the brink, just refuse to submit,
If you bite it, you write it....But don't you quit!

UGH!

Oh my god! I feel terrible! Do I look terrible? That is me...taken about 5 minutes ago...I don't know what is wrong with me, but I feel like I've been hit by a truck. It all started yesterday when I woke up with horrible lower back pain...it truly felt like when I was in labour with HoneyPie, I had some wicked back labour with her, and this is exactly what it felt like. DH told me to lay down for a bit in bed and put a warm bag on my back...there I stayed for 1.5hrs....and there I returned later in the afternoon for another 2 hours. After dinner, came a fever of 101.5 ICK! I was chilled, yet sweaty...it was terrible. I got the kids to bed at 845 and hit the sack myself. I should've taken today as a sick day, but thought I'd be better today...boy was I wrong. I spent some of the day in tears or lying on the couch...luckily DH was home to help out (he has since left for 2 nights on business, of course, always the way, isn't it?) So...here I sit...feeling sorry for myself as my children watch yet another cartoon. I'm still achy and fevered...covered in a blanket WITH my hoodie UP! LOL HoneyPie looked at me and said "WHAT are you doing?" I have taken tomorrow off and plan to rest while HoneyPie is at school - hopefully Buddaroo cooperates. (Crossing your fingers while typing is difficult hee hee) It's 7:10 and I can't wait til bed time. I may just be going down WITH the kids again tonight. C'mon 8:00.

Weight Loss Wednesday - May

After a couple weeks of gaining, I have finally gotten myself back on track. Last week I lost 1.2, and this week, 2.2 - and I must thank a special competition 2 of neighbours and I started. We all need to lose a little bit of weight - so we decided to create a friendly competition, the person who loses the most in 4weeks gets treated to a movie. So - the game was on. I worked out almost every day, on the treadmill, outside walking. The 3 of us have been walking 5km 1-2x a week. And it's been awesome - and it has really helped on the scales. I am now down 29lbs =D

I weighed myself this morning and was 156.8 - when I got pregnant with HoneyPie in November of 2004, I was 155. I haven't been this low since the end of 2004. I was so excited!

I am going to try hard to get to their goal of 146 by my 2nd anniversary with WW - perhaps even lifetime. That gives me 3 months to lose 11lbs. Wish me luck, I hope I can do it....maybe I can even get to MY goal of 140.

Too Sexy Too Soon? - Updated

Well, Miley Cyrus is in the news again....and this time it is because her new video "Can't be Tamed" is being labeled as "too saucy for her tween audience".
In it, the 17-year-old pop sensation transforms into what she calls an "Aves Cyrus" - - a rare species of sexy dancing pop star bird that can't be caged. The video features a very grown-up looking Cyrus complete with tight costumes, smoky eyes and racy dance moves. The darker, sexier video shows the teen star writhing around a cage in a feathered corset singing lyrics such as “I go through guys like money flyin' out their hands” and “Have to get my way, 24 hours a day, ‘cause I’m hot like that.”

Miley Cyrus' days of an innocent Disney star are over...perhaps this video is a way to distance herself from the Hannah Montana persona

What do you think? Too sexy for a 17 year old?



UPDATE!!!!
So - it looks as if she really "can't be tamed" - - Check out this video:


Miley -- who was 16 at the time -- was dancing with 44-year-old Adam Shankman during a wrap party last summer in Georgia for the movie, "The Last Song." Shankman, who is openly gay, produced the movie as well.
The people who shot the video say they were offended by the dirty dancing -- which included a graphic lap dance.

YIKES is all I can say!

3 Gals + Grove City Outlets = Way Too Much $ Spent

This past weekend, I spent a wonderful weekend with my mom and sister. We left on Friday and headed for Erie, Pennsylvania. I must tell you, my little Buddaroo was so sick with a stomach flu, leaving my little man was so difficult, but knew he was in good hands and it turns out, that night he made a turn and had a pretty good weekend with DH and HoneyPie...Anyway - back to my mini-vacay.
Armed with a load of American cash, we crossed the border and prepared ourselves for a crapload of shopping. We made really great time, probably because my sister is the fastest driver I have ever seen ;) I held tightly onto the door handle for most of our trip (I kid, I kid). Our first stop was Millcreek Mall in Erie - located on Peach St, it was right down the street from our hotel. I wasn't super impressed with the mall, I had heard good things about it - but I think with the economy, a lot of stores were closed down - especially in the food court - this was the most disappointing since we were starving for lunch when we arrived. I said to myself that I was really going to "try" to be good this weekend with my eating. Eating out is always hard when you're trying to lose weight - so for lunch that day, and at Grove City I chose Subway - was super yummy...and good for my points.
So we did some wandering - didn't buy too much there - Got DH 2 Affliction t-shirts and me...a super cute zester. A lot of my new recipes call for zest of lemon or zest of orange - and I never add it - but NOW, I have a zester...and it's cute! We hit a bunch of box stores, like Target, Best Buy, Payless, Kohls etc. Got some cute stuff - a pair of Chuck Taylor All Star's, a few really cute shirts.
From there, we went and checked into our hotel - Country Inns and Suites. Was nice - an older hotel, but with a huge room, pool, hot tub and free breakfast. We were a bit tired and laid around for a tiny bit before heading to dinner at Applebee's.
We ordered some yummy drinks. Mom, a Skinny Margarita, Jenn a Blue Coconut Margarita and myself, a Pomegranite Margarita that came IN a shaker...that could have filled my glass 3 times. OY! We ordered a great appetizer platter to share - so yum...and I had the Orange Chicken Bowl (the same one I raved about last year at this same time...although this time, it wasn't as tasty). After dinner we did a bit more exploring and then turned into the hotel - an hour of TV and then hit the hay...we knew the next day was going to be a busy one.

Up bright and early and headed down for breakfast - for free! Mapquest directions said Grove City was about 1hr7m away...but I'm sure we made it there in 40mins. We were pumped and ready to spend, spend, spend. I got so much spring/summer stuff for the kids - and a few things for me - my #1 on my wish list was COACH! I added to my collection a small burnt orange purse and a light coloured wallet. Can now count my Coach purse collection on 2 hands =D Whoo hoo! LOL

We did the outlets in about 4.5 hours - tired we hit the road back to Erie and did a bit more shopping once there. Dinner at Ponderosa, and then some stops along the way. Man, when we got back to the hotel we were exhausted. We tried to stay up for a movie...but lights out by 10:30.

It was so nice to spend a weekend away with my mom and sister. My sis and I spend girl time together more often, so it was really great to spend some personal time with my Mom. We had such a fun time, the 3 of us - the laughs...OMG! My Mom kills me some times. We are already looking forward to our trip next year - not sure where - but a weekend away for sure.

And I leave you with a photo of the goods...And be certain I DID NOT go over the $400 limit for items brought back to Canada (Ha, I kid, I kid! LOL)


Also - may as well fill you in on last night's weigh in...So with a week of no exercise due to Buddaroo's illness taking up all of my time, and indulging on some really tasty and super fattening dinners...I sadly gained 3.2 this week (BUT, I also may have screwed myself by weighing in last week first thing in the morning instead of in the evening). So - this week, I vow to get my exercise back on track, keep on the WW program and hopefully lose what I gained this past week. Cross your fingers for me =D