South Beach Diet - July 4 - Happy Independence Day!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!

It's a rainy morning, but the sun is supposed to come out later this afternoon. We're having a small get-together today, as most of the family are away on vacation, so it won't be too crazy around here. :)

I'm going to enjoy my coffee and watch the news before Carley wakes up. How's everyone going to celebrate today?

Good morning! Happy Fourth of July! It's sort of my holiday too as I am 1/4 American. My Grandpa swam across the St. Lawrence to marry Grandma!

I'm a bit late this morning as I stayed up baking a rum cake. Sleeping until 6 is hardly being slothful but it does mean a bit of a rush to get to the gym for 7:30. On the other hand, it's not for a class so why am I pressuring myself? I think I'll relax a bit, read posts and then go to the gym. I've nothing on my schedule after that until the "lads" come to finish the crown molding in the kitchen. Horticultural Society tonight but I may skip that and garden although rain is predicted.

Do have a lovely day celebrating the birth of our very good neighbour!

Good morning to you both. Happy 4th to those who are still enjoying a late sleep in. My DH had a 7am tee time and was up at 5:30 so needless to say I have been up since then as well. It's a cool day here. So nice to be sleeping with the window open. I sleep so much better. I think it's supposed to be in the 80's and a bit overcast. No big plans today...going to visit a friend that just got back form 3 years in Germany and finish up some painting that is way overdue.

I've got my coffee and relaxing in bed before starting my day. The house is clean and the garden weeded, so I really can do whatever I want today. Such a nice feeling.

I hope everyone has a great day on the Beach and a safe 4th for those celebrating.

Cheers!

Happy 4th, Ladies!
I made it through my daughter leaving without chocolate, so I can make it through anything. She just called me and they are on their way...we had a nice visit in N.O. yesterday...went to a restuarant called Cannon's (http://www.cannonsrestaurants.com/) which has wonderful food...I had a shrimp salad. Then we went to a new place called Sucre' ...all candy and pastries that looked so terrific...I had an iced coffee...

Today, it's just my husband, MIL and I so we are going to a town close by which is on a river and eat at a place called Friends (http://www.friendsrest.com/page6.html). There should be other stuff happening on the river for the 4th..just playing it by ear today..

Tomorrow, My husband's aunt and uncle are coming to pick up my MIL to stay with them for a few days before she heads off to visit relatives in Virginia..so I need to get up early and get the house all clean and come up with some hors'deurves...it's been a very busy week.
...Cat

good morning ... just a quick drive by posting from me...

up at 7
we have a huge party in West Bygod VA today wnich culminates at 6 pm with the couple hosting the party getting MARRIED....

i will be beachy until we get there. then all bets are off....

nice day here.. not raining...

ok need a shower and breakie... have a great day everyone.

Grrrrrrr.

It's storming. All day. No pool for me. Not happy. Sheesh KERBLOOEY just scared the crap out of me.

And DH had his movie turned up ALL the way on the TV because the air was on and he couldn't hear it, but I was in the bedroom across the house and heard it so clearly I woke up. So now, it's my day off, it's the 4th of July, it's storming, and it's 7:20am, and oop, here comes the rain.

Grrrrrrrr.

Hope you girls have a lovely day where you are! Go swimming for me if you can!

Lisa

Good morning chickies!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!

Weezle It is actually sunny here, but the weather has been so crazy that it could be seriously storming any second. :rainy: Hope you enjoy your day!

Nessa I think part of your success is that you PLAN to go off plan. I think that is great and a much more realistic way to do SB.

Ruth Good morning! How illegal would it be to post the rum cake recipe?? FOOD PORN, I know, but one day you will have to share your secret. :)

Cottage A quiet day sounds perfect for you! I don't think that you get too many of those, let alone in the middle of the week. Enjoy! :hug:

Shequila Your morning sounds incredibly relaxing. Mine started with my 5 year old waking me at 6:45 ready to get up. My rule is not before 7:00- DH thinks it should be not before 9:00. :)

Me- Today we are going to my cousin's house for a cookout. She and her husband just moved here to Texas about 2 weeks ago. My aunt and uncle are here visiting from Ohio, so it will be a fun time. DH is even off, so that makes it better. I am planning on a bunless hamburger, deviled eggs, bean salad, and lots of veggies from a veggie tray. I know the beef in the burgers won't be lowfat, but if I stay on plan with everything else I should be good. I am also planning on a bit of wine. :) I am also making the festive Angel Food cake, but won't eat any. My downfall is not sweets, but all the snacky stuff.

We actually had a break from the rain yesterday, so were able to go swimming. It was SO nice- the subdivision that my parents recently moved into has a community pool, which is great. They also now only live 10 minutes away! :swim: The sight of me in a bathing suit is not so hot, but my kids certainly don't care!

Okay, I need to hit the grocery store for a few things, then home to chill for a bit. DH gets up early 3 days a week to work for a pool service that takes care of community pools. It is a great little extra income, although it makes for super long days for him. Getting out of debt certainly requires work!!!!!

Happy fourth! It's the fourth no matter what country you live in, so have a happy one!

We went to a picnic this afternoon for Tom's squadron - had loads of fresh veggies, which was nice. I actually wasn't expecting to be able to eat anything there so I was planning on eating before I left but wasn't hungry. Then tonight we went and saw some fireworks on base, which were surprisingly well done. They must've contracted out!

I am beat, though. Twice today to the farthest side of base and back - eight miles total!

Kara

Good Morning Chicks,
I got up early and went grocery shopping, since there was not much here. Cousins spent the night last night so all the kids were up late and most are still asleep except for my early bird DD. I'm going to water the garden and flowers this morning and my nephew volunteered to cut the grass, so it'll be nice to have that done. I think today I will be able to get my first harvest from the garden. I checked it last night when I got home and saw a few zucchinni ready, and a couple of ripe tomatoes. BLT for lunch, YUM! I've got unpacking to do, and I need to make a fruit salad to take to my brother's for a cookout this afternoon - 4th of July, niece's birthday, and unveiling of her new baby that I haven't seen yet. Then home and I hope to get some cleaning in this evening, since company arrives on Friday. No word yet from DH, so his ship hasn't gotten to the UK yet. Hope to hear from him soon that he's on the way home.

Happy 4th - sounds like everyone's got a fun day planned - hope those storms aren't headed our way!

Nessa, are you coming up 70W to get to WVA? If so, you'll just be a few miles from me. Make sure to wave!

Nessa, are you coming up 70W to get to WVA? If so, you'll just be a few miles from me. Make sure to wave!


yep... to shepardstown... past harpers ferry

we are so close schmoodle....

:yay: HooooRay for the RED WHITE AND BLUE!

Lots a BarbeeeQues a happenin around the chicken coop eh! Sounds like you gals have planned to stay on plan pretty well! If yer travellin--take care on them roads!

DH is feelin a tad under the weather..so it'll be a low key day for us. Which is okay by me... I got things to keep me busssssssssssy!

Have a wonderful 4th !!!!!!

The day is starting out pretty relaxing. :) Carley slept in until 8:30, and now she's playing quietly. She plays so much better when she is by herself, I think she feels she has to compete when other kids are around. :lol: Jake and Dustin went off to my brother's to finish his pool deck, and I just started a load of laundry with a little "help". Our BBQ doesn't start until around 2, and all I have to do is get the corn ready for that. Dustin's birthday is tomorrow and Jake's is Saturday, so we're celebrating them today, too. Mom just called to tell me they're bringing the makings for homemade ice cream. :fr: I think I'd better "plan" a cheat! :devil:

Weezle ~ I feel for you! Too bad about the rainy day! :( At least you have the day off, how about a little therapy shopping instead? ;)

Kiko ~ That's great that your parents moved a little closer to you, and you can use their pool, too! I'm not a really pretty site in a swimsuit, either, but I'm sure the kids don't notice or care. What they'll remember is the fact that we were there for them. ;) Have a good time at your picnic today!

femme ~ That must have been so hard for you to see your DD off, I know it would break my heart. Monica is only an hour away, but that's still too far, in my opinion. Hopefully, you'll get to be together as often as possible. :hug:

missmess, Shequila, Nessa, sounds like you all have a pleasant day planned! Enjoy!

Kara ~ Glad your day was a good one, too! You sure got a lot of exercise in, with all that walking! You should all sleep well tonight!

Ruth ~ Wait til after the lads finish their work, before serving them the rum cake. :D They'll need good eyes to get the crown molding right. ;) If I ever get up your way, you'll have to make me one of your famous cakes. I hope the rain hold off so you can get a bit of gardening in today. Have a nice, restful day.

Okay, I'm being sweetly asked to read a story, so I have to set priorities here. See you all later!

Hi everyone! Hope you're having a great 4th!

I'm happy because I think my roommate has work today- which is weird, he works at a big law firm so you'd think he'd have off. I'm a super private person and I just love being alone in the apartment! Like I feel like I can watch tv and cook and just hang out without feeling weird.

My ankle is much better! It's still stiff and hurts when I bend it side to side, but the swelling is almost completely gone and I can walk on it fine! So I might actually end up being able to go watch fireworks tonight.

But I'm kind of annoyed because my boyfriend promised to call me yesterday from work to see how I was, but he never did. That's really not like him. Also not like him to not answer an email or a reply to a phone call. So I'm a bit worried. :\

Happy 4th y'all!!

Gym was closed for the holiday, so I got up at 4 for no reason. >_<
At 5:30 all the firetrucks drove up and downthe streets with the sirens blaring to wake everyone up for the 6:30AM parade. I was up wattering the garden so it was fun hearing all the people freak out and run outside because they forgot it was the 4th.

it's about 109 degrees today, clear skys but we don't have anything planed. My dad just got home from work so he'll be sleeping until 2 or 3. and has to get to work by 7.
I have to work tonight so no fireworks for me. Poo.

Back from the gym and learned a lesson. Someone was crabbing about sore muscles and I mentioned that I didn't seem to have that problem. Rasa, my trainer, is going to review my plan on Friday and rev it up! Shoulda kept my big trap shut! I guess it's time though.

The lads are here early to finish up the kitchen, the Girls are outside with new bones, I am caught up on paperwork so, when the lads leave, the rest of the day is mine!

Wow, what a varied program of activities and weather patterns. I need to get to my workout now or I would have time for personal greetings.

I'm going to spend a relaxing day with my two best friends watching DVDs and eating pizza (tops only for me, no crust--after I eat a salad first). In keeping with American tradition of celebrating independence, I declare today to be the first day of my new campaign to become independent of this big hanging belly I have! I'm going back to Phase 1 tomorrow. I've been slipping too much, and I need to get a grip.

Have a great day everyone, wherever you are and whatever you do!

L

Well, it is sprinkling a bit now:rain:, but Scott rode his bike anyway. I happily stayed inside on the (dry) elliptical! Then I had breakfast and watched TV and read - the joy of a day off during the week.

I need to shower soon so we can get ready for our 4th of July cookout. It will only be five of us and we actually convinced a friend (with a deck) to host, but we are all taking food. Our contribution: steaks (no buns in sight!), fruit salad (Scott will carve the watermelon into a fun shape), SB friendly strawberry pie, and wine! One of the other guests is bringing salad and/or veggies and I plan to resist the chips and beer! Not the healthiest meal - but not horrible!

Still not sure about fireworks. Our campus used to host them and it was VERY convenient, but now they will be downtown and I am not sure I am inthe mood for that much traffic and congestion (cars and people). may try to find high ground and be happy with what I can see over the tree tops!

Enjoy a wonderful day!

Ally

I also live in Springfield. Sun is shining bright now. Of course, sounds like we will get some major storms just in time for fireworks.:mad: We lazed around in bed until 10 am. Now my hubby (what does DH stand for?; feel kind of dumb asking) is hanging a ceiling fan since our air is out until Friday. My teen is still in bed at 11 am and I have NO plans for the day except to focus on eating the right things and not to much of them. :rofl:Hope everyone has a great 4th!!:dancer:

Good morning, all! I slept in until 9am this morning :carrot: I went to the doc yesterday for my back and he's sending me to a physical therapist and prescribed some muscle relaxers. I took one last night and it knocked my on my tush - went to bed before 10pm which means I got 11 hours sleep. Sweeeet. Big bonus - this morning, the scale read 125.5 - down another pound. :carrot: And my back's feeling better! :D Joy, joy all around.

My DH and I are planning to spend the day by ourselves. We'll fire up the grill for both brunch and dinner. I've got bun free lean beef burgers and all beef (not lean) hotdogs to grill up. I'll be making salads, green beans and deviled eggs to go with. The rest of the day we'll spend by the pool sipping cocktails. Bless my DH, he came up with an idea to make a homemade sweet and sour mix using splenda so he can make me some of my favorite drinks with much less sugar in it including some strawberry daqueris with fresh berries. I'll let you know how it turns out. If only I could come up with a way to make pina coladas beach friendly.....not sure that's possible! Ah well, so my splurges for today will be a hotdog and cocktails. Not bad for a holiday.

Sakai - what part of AZ are you in?

Babs and missmess, it's darling husband or dear husband, whichever you prefer. Same for DS and DD - for son and daughter

Hi Ladies,
Happy 4th everyone. I haven't checked because work has been a little nuts. But I have not fallen off the beach. Wanted to and one day (Monday) I think I ate too many snacks but other than that I am good. One of my friends started SB this weekend and she joined the tread too so its so cool that I get to share my Phase 1 stories with her since I made it through. I can't believe its been a month!! Off to all the BBQ's in the world!!! (With all my snacks in tow just in case) Have a great holiday ladies!

Thanks for clarifying the DH thing. Since I grew up in the dark ages of computers, we didn't have the internet and all these abbreviations for stuff. Many I have been able to figure out, but it drives me insane when I can't.:carrot:

Well, that's what DH is supposed to mean, but when he does something entirely stupid it can mean something else appropriate, too. :D

In the FAQ Section, we have a LIST of Acronyms (http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30925) that should help.

AAAHHHHH.... I am enjoying a wonderfully, rare quiet moment in my house right now. :cloud9:DH and both kids are napping...... Abigail naps about once every two weeks in the summer. She really needs one every 4 days or so, but I can never get her to lay still enough. She has been walking around with dark circles under her eyes so I told her it wasn't a choice. She laid in there for at least an hour awake and when I went to lay with her she was out in two minutes. It is so hard to be 5, because she thinks she is SO old, but she isn't.

Anyhow, I should be up doing something, but am tired myself. I have actually done a strict Phase 1 since Monday (only day 3) and it is kicking my butt. Either that or we may have an addition to our family. Cross your fingers for me that it is the former and not the latter...... :crossed:

Kiko - I'm crossing my fingers for you. I was a bit worried about that when I went off the pill and was about 3 months late. At 44 with an almost 10 year old, I wasn't ready to start over. Are you getting enough beans and dairy? So far phase 1 hasn't taken my energy away but I had chili yesterday for lunch and I'm eating yogurt and drinking some milk.

We stayed up too late last night but Brian and I were investigating the Schlitterbaun waterpark on the internet. I'm thinking we'll take a short vacation down to New Braunfels/San Antonio before school starts. DH doesn't care for water parks but Brian and I love them. There was lots on the internet.

Brian helped me unbury the treadmill and then he recorded a harder workout for himself and I just did it after he did. It really didn't get my heart rate up as high as it should have but it was a bit hard on my bad knee so I think I'll go back to my recorded workout that goes faster but no incline. I wanted to go to the gym today but they close for holidays. At least this is some exercise.

We're having a Shrimp Boil for dinner tonight from the new cookbook. It is phase 3 with the corn and phase 1 without it. Since I don't care much for corn, it will be easy to stay OP. I've enjoyed trying new recipes. I made the Heirloom tomato gazpacho soup for lunch and ate that with a can of sardines to get protein along with lots of veggies. I did have to fight the cat for the sardines though. ;)

Babs, HOLY SCHNIKIES!!! I didn't realize you were from here too! What end of town are you on? I always hear about the girls getting together and hanging out, but I've never really had anyone close!

So I was grumbling about the rain because it was storming when I posted. Then, the sun came out so I thought we could at least give it a try at the pool. Got plenty of sun and freckling in today! Didn't start to sprinkle until 3:30, and we got to the pool at 10:30, so it was a good time. Now it's starting to boom and you want to talk about scattered storms! The radar is showing (as I like to call) "red ones" scattered all throughout central and southern IL.

What a crazy day!

Well I'm going to find some cauliflower to munch on and lie down on the couch. The sun has drained me. Hope you girls enjoy your 4th!

Lisa

I hobbled myself down to the grocery store to pick up some steak- only to be standing completely lost at the meat aisle! They all look the same to me! I had to call my parents to ask what kind of cuts were the best/healthiest for the price. :\ But now I get to have more George Foreman grill fun!

It's sprinkling on and off here so I'm just chilling out and playing some games on the computer.

The guests have all gone home and the babe is tucked in her crib for the night. It was a good day despite having to dodge the heavy downpours all afternoon. Amber and Carley were a little disappointed that they couldn't play in the pool, but I let them splash in the puddles in the driveway until they were drenched. I was pretty much off-plan today, but I enjoyed myself and am right back on the wagon.
I'm going to make myself a cup of tea and I finally have a chance to look through my new SB Taste of Summer cookbook that came in the mail yesterday.

Kiko ~ I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, but you know how I love babies!

Barb You are doing great with Phase 1- so many of the new recipes that you are trying sound delicious. I know you are super busy, but if you have time you'll have to post your favorites. I need to look at the amount of dairy I am getting, because it isn't much if any.... I think I am good on beans though.

Cottage I am glad you had an enjoyable day! What a fun Grandma that they got to be kids and play in the puddles. My mom would TOTALLY do that. :hug:

Weezle Glad you were able to get some time in the sun. I think we have all been in a bit of a funk around here with all the rain.

Allie Did you hear from your BF? Everything okay?

Me- We had a very fun evening- tons of good food and other than several glasses of wine I was on plan. There were several yummy temptations that I stayed away from though, so I am not going to be TOO irritated if the scale is up tomorrow.

Anyhow, I am beat and off to bed- I am babysitting the neighbor for the next two days, so I need some rest. :)