Wild Rose Herbal Detox - Day Three

12:00pm
I want a yogurt! I want a diet Coke! I want a bowl of cereal! I want a bowl of pasta.....SO BADLY! Today is the day where I am craving everything I am not allowed to have. I am miserable! I am bitchy! I'm really tired! I feel like garbage! I have been to the bathroom so many times today I have lost count! This program better be worth all this crap (ha, literally). I have a horrible headache...Can you tell I'm in a bad mood?

And it's ticking me off that DH doesn't seem to be suffering like I am. He's chipper, lost more weight and hardly going to the bathroom at all. He does have a head ache but man...could you have some diarrhea already? Eeek...that's way TMI!

Alright - I'm done with my bitchy rant - and now am ogling over Ryan Reynolds on Conan O'Brien (DH is watching and I am drooling over my boyfriend) Man, he's so cute! I could just stare at him (and his abs) all day long. mmmm....hot stuff!

Totally got off topic there...I'm sure the girls reading didn't mind the hot-guy distraction. =D Anyway....

Breakfast - same as yesterday - Oatmeal and fruit.
Lunch - vegetable fried rice and salad with basic oil and lemon dressing (took that recipe from the cookbook)

I have come to the conclusion that I am not a huge fan of olive oil. We have never really used olive oil, and now all the recipes call for it. Blech!

8:00 pm
This afternoon was a bit better. Still feeling quite irritable and I feel badly as my patience with the kids isn't quite there today. We went to Costco right after all the kids had left and stocked up on some yummy fish and lots of fruits and vegetables. Came home and made dinner
6pm
Rainbow Trout
Brown Rice
Asparagus

Was feeling satisfied until I looked through our paper and found all the flyers with all of the unhealthy yummy food...Now I want Pizza and chips...and did I mention a DIET COKE?!?!?!
DH is at baseball tonight, so the kids and I are watching The Goonies (for the 2nd time this week) and then I think I will get to bed early. Perhaps a good night's sleep will help me feel better tomorrow - lots to do while DH is at a golf tournament.So until tomorrow...
DAY3...OVER & OUT!

Wild Rose Herbal Detox - Day Two

8:16am
((Last night DH and I both had a pretty bad head ache. I had to take some advil, and went to bed early.))
I was really happy with my weight this morning. I was 160.8lbs (0.9 down from yesterday) - I haven't been below 161 since December. I've really been struggling with these pounds I've gained. I'm hoping this will give me the kick start I need to get back on track and get my butt to goal...and then to lifetime at WW. Sick of paying...especially 'cause I haven't really been following the program for a while. Time to get serious!

Just finished my daily breakfast of stinky herbal pills and extract as well as:

1/2 c oatmeal
1/2 a peach
a few strawberries
water.
I am finding it way harder to take the pills, etc in the morning. Having to take that first thing in the morning is even worse than the drink you have to take for your glucose test while you're pregnant. At least that tasted like orange pop...these pills/extract are ick! My head is still a bit achey, but not nearly as bad as last night. No issues with the laxatives, yet, for either DH and I.

12:20pm
My morning has been pretty good other than a sore stomach around 10-ish. My head ache is still lingering but feels better now that I've eaten Lunch,

Which consisted of:
Vegetable Fried Rice (Recipe taken from the detox cookbook)
Apple
Water

The recipe for the vegetable fried rice is really easy and boy, is it delish. I made a huge pot of it yesterday - hopefully it'll last longer than the pot I made on Tuesday morning. DH really enjoyed it, so that's a plus =D

8:10pm
The rest of today has been a bit rough. I am visiting the bathroom way more often that I would like. TMI, sorry!
Dinner at 5:40pm
Very yummy tilapia with drizzled butter and lemon
Baked potato
grilled peppers
Was a super dinner...we really enjoyed the tilapia - I hadn't made it before but will definitely be making it more often.

I'm so glad that DH and I are doing this together. I definitely wouldn't be able to do this alone. His support, and the support I'm getting from people online and from those I've told about the cleanse has been amazing and really helpful.
So...for now...I'm signing off for today...
2 days down....10 to go.

Wild Rose Herbal Detox - Day One

10:00 am
So - today is the big day...getting started on the detox with DH this morning.
I'll be brave and let everyone know my starting weight - I'm interested to see how many pounds I lose doing this.
Starting weight: 161.7
(Now if you'll remember, I'd made it down to 155 last July - and slowly the weight has been creeping back up...I had gained 11lbs back, but have lost a few on my own again in the last few weeks)

I'll admit, this morning, I was feeling a bit anxious about it - I stood at the counter and and looked at the list of foods and really didn't know what to eat for breakfast. Gave it some thought and decided on....

Breakfast 8am
1/2c oatmeal (regular oatmeal, not the instant sweet oatmeal that I would normally eat),
1/2 a peach
A few strawberries.
Water

But before I began eating, I had to take the Biliherb, Laxaherb, Cleansaherb, and 30 drops of the CL Herbal Extract (which I mixed with water to help wash down the pills). They smell really weird, so I had a hard time taking them...and the drops taste awful, too...so it wasn't overly enjoyable.

It's 10:15 now and I'm feeling OK. No tummy issues yet, perhaps the start of a head ache and a bit tired...but what else is new?

12:30pm
So far, still feeling OK. Definitely have a head ache and am feeling more tired. They say the first few days are the worst, but I can't imagine it working this quickly. DH thought maybe the head ache is from the lack of caffeine (I had been on quite a Diet Coke kick lately). DH and I may be ready to kill each other after the first week of this - I've read that irritability and moodiness is quite the side effect.
So for:
Lunch 11:45am
1c brown rice (wow, it's pretty good, will be changing from white minute rice to brown for sure)
1/2 c Mixed vegetables (frozen carrots, peas, beans and corn)
1 apple
dipped in Almond Butter

6:50pm
Still feeling alright, I guess...my head has a constant dull ache, nothing too painful, but still very annoying. I was very tired around 2:00 but unable to lay down for a while...struggled through.
Dinner 6:00pm
Lemon Pepper Chicken (taken from the Wild Rose Herbal Detox cookbook - didn't buy it, but was able to find some recipes online)
3/4c brown rice
cauliflower
DH and I struggled through the pills and drops once more - he is finding it very difficult to drink the Herbal Extract - it tastes and smells pretty nasty, even when mixed with water. I found it "a bit" easier to take it all this time, but it still a little icky. We are feeling confident that we can finish the 12 days and really hope to see some positive results.

On a side note:
I weighed in tonight and was down 2.7lbs -Which puts me down 25lbs again (Remember, I was down 31...BOO!)
I missed last week as I was at the NKOTBSB concert with my Mom and Meggy. (It was a blast, felt like I was a teenager again) I <3 Donnie ;)

8:10pm
Well, so far the first day has been a success. Saw this picture and had to include it...how adorable.

DH and I have both stuck to the meal plan and are feeling OK. We'll see what tomorrow brings after being on the program for a full day.
Back tomorrow with a play by play about day 2 ;)

Wild Rose Herbal Detox = Preparation

A few weeks ago, Dh's trainer at the gym suggested he try a cleanse - and suggested the Wild Rose Herbal Detox. Wild Rose Herbal Detox is a kit used for a 12- day internal cleansing program created by Dr. Terry Willard, PhD, as we are all exposed to pollutants daily in the air, water and food that we consume. These pollutants can accumulate in the body and cause symptoms like lethargy and migraines. Wild Rose Herbal Detox is a regimen that can help eliminate these toxins from your body.

We researched the program and felt that we could do this together. I was on board as I thought if it could help me lose a bit of the weight I have gained as well as help us incorporate some more healthy eating habits...then why not?

The kit comes with 2 types of herbs and a laxative that you are to take 2 pills at breakfast and 2 pills at dinner...as well as a bottle of drops that you are to take 30 drops in the morning. There is quite an extensive meal plan - list of food that you are able to eat. There are quite a lot of great foods you can eat...lots of veggies and fruit - with limited meat intake...and NO dairy. Oh man, I'm going to miss my yogurt.

Today, DH and I followed the meal plan to prepare ourselves for the start tomorrow. The diet portion wasn't too bad to follow - although I was very tempted by the kid's leftover hot dogs at lunch...and the few diet cokes in the fridge staring at me.

So, tomorrow we start...and I must admit I'm a bit nervous...the laxatives scare the hell out of me. I am worried that we will be in and out of the bathroom all day - and what if we are out? OH EM GEEEE! Some reviews have mentioned explosive diarrhea along with irritability and lethargy. We'll see how it goes. It does say that if you experience abdominal pain to continue the program without the laxatives. So...we'll see.

Anyway - will try and update as much as I can - I'm hoping for a daily update on how great or horrible it is. I'm really hoping for some positive benefits. A bit of weight loss...a change in mood...more energy would be great.
Cross your fingers for me, peeps!
'Later.

Neglected

Wow...I have really neglected my blog...So sorry to any of my readers.

I just haven't had a heck of a lot to blog about. I seem to think of an idea and then sit here for a while and not have much to type about.

The kids are doing great - keeping us busier than ever. They love to be outside in the sunshine...if only this silly weather would cooperate. C'mon, It's June 14th today and it was 10C this morning...geez.

Just finished up HoneyPie's 3rd year of dance. We had her dance recital on Saturday nightl...and boy did she do amazing! This year she took Primary Jazz and Primary Tap. She really has improved a great deal. It was such an absolute joy to watch her up on the big stage. She has informed us, though, that she doesn't want to take dance anymore. (my heart is breaking) She says she would only like to dance at home and that dance class isn't fun anymore (because they don't play freeze tag like they did in Baby ballet/jazz) I would love her to continue, but if her heart isn't in it anymore - then we can find something else that she may enjoy better.

Buddaroo is starting preschool in September and we both couldn't be more excited. I really think he will benefit from being in a preschool setting before he starts JK in 2012. It is a cooperative preschool which means I will have to do parent duty a couple times a month.

I am so excited to get back into a classroom, even if it as a parent volunteer. I really miss working with children in a classroom environment. Have to start thinking about employment options for when I return to work in a couple years.

With the Ontario schools becoming full day kindergarten by 2015, the chance of gaining employment as an educational assistant may be increased...or there is the option of working in the kindergarten classroom as an ECE. Either way, my ideal job is to work with the school board - to have the same holidays and breaks as the kids would be super.

Anyway - I will try to update my blog more often - the coming days...I hope to blog daily about a cleanse DH and I are going to start.
Hope everyone out there is well =D

Vegas, Baby!

Last Friday, DH and I jetted off to Las Vegas with our good friends Keith & Debbie. We stayed at the Aria Hotel & Casino - was a beautiful hotel, a great casino - we had a FANTASTIC time. DH's parents watched the kids for the weekend. Poor Buddaroo was sick with the stomach flu, and then passed it on to my M.I.L. Poor guys.

Although I was worried about the kiddies at home, we had the best time. We arrived on Friday the 25th and checked into the hotel around midnight...dropped our bags off, freshened up a bit and headed down to the casino. We grabbed a bite to eat at about 4:30am and then headed to bed - making it about 8am our time before we turned in.

From there, we had a wonderful afternoon with my Uncle David and Aunt Debbie - yummy dinner at Yellow Tail and danced it up at The Bank night club (both at Bellagio), lots of gambling and drinking. We had the best dinner at our hotel the night before we left at Jean George's Steak House - everything was amazing. Possibly the best dinner ever.

It was an amazing trip and we were so grateful to Tim's parents to offer to watch them so we could have a fantastic vacation with our friends. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

Our room at the Aria

Me, Uncle David, Debbie and Tim

Tim & I in front of The Mirage

Keith & Deb @ Yellow Tail

Deb & I @ Jean George's Steak House

So Grateful...

Today one of my good friends lost someone close to her. Her best friend's mom passed away after a battle with cancer. We spoke for a while about how hard it would be for a person, of any age, to lose a parent. How do you live your life without the one person who has been there with you your entire life?

I am so very grateful to have a wonderful relationship with both of my parents - I am so grateful for them and can't express the love I have for them. They have always been amazing parents to myself and to my sister - they are the best. I wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for them.

I love this picture of us, taken on Christmas Eve by my brother in law, Dennis. I wish it included HoneyPie, as well, but it's such a great picture of the 4 of us.



We never know the love of our parents for us
until we have become parents.
-Henry Ward Beecher
I sure hope my parents know how much I love, adore and cherish them!!!
Love you, Mom & Dad!!!!

3 Today!!!!

Happy 3rd Birthday to my little man!!!


Photo credit: Dennis Barnes

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way."
- Dr. Seuss

Happy 3rd birthday, to my handsome, Buddaroo.

Yummy Cookie Recipe

Last month, Tim was looking through my Rachael Ray magazine, and came across and ad for Craisins...and there were the yummiest looking cookies...along with a recipe. So I gave them a try. And they were deeeeee-lish! I would highly recommend this yummy recipe!

OATMEAL CRANBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES


INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 6-ounce package Ocean Spray® Craisins® Original Dried Cranberries
2/3 cup white chocolate chunks or chips


DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375ºF.

Using an electric mixer, beat butter or margarine and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs, mixing well. Combine oats, flour, baking soda and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Add to butter mixture in several additions, mixing well after each addition. Stir in dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack.

Makes approximately 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

A New Year....A New Me!

My friend Gayle sent this to me today....

'Twas the week after Christmas and all through the house,
Nothing would fit me not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales there arose such a number,
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).
I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared,
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared.
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese,
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."
As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt,
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt.
I said to myself, as I only can,
"You can't spend the whole winter disguised as a man!"
So away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip.
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished,
Till all the additional ounces I've put on have vanished.
I won't have a cookie, not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore,
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

The past 3 weeks, weight wise has been horrible...although I have had a wonderful holiday, enjoying many tasty treats and drinks, I am sad to say I have gained about 5.5 lbs UGH! I know it is my own fault, no will power over the holidays...The new Weight Watchers slogan is "It's a New Day!"...and it's a new year...and I'm ready to get to a "new me!"

So, starting tomorrow - I am going to track every BLT (bite, lick or taste), drink lots of water and get back to exercising. And hopefully soon, I'll get back to where I was at....and then finally get to goal. It's further away now...but I can see it....and I will get there!