General Diet Plans and Questions - Body for Life #37

Hi everyone!!

Everyone seems to be doing so well!!! Yes, MrsJim is right, I had very slow progess in my original c1. But progress none the less.
I am moving back toward those goals again. I retain a terrific amount of water and oddly enough my pants are often tighter at the end of the day than at the beginning. Yesterday I felt like I was growing by the hour. I kept drinking water hoping that it would stop but I did not see too many trips to the bathroom throughout the course of the day (maybe 3) and I was drinking gallons so I am retaining water like a crazy person. It's fairly disturbing when you can't button your pants by the end of the day when they started out loose on you in the morning. Yuck.
I'm hanging in there though. I had 2 days rest from school (I'm back there this morning) and really needed the recharge. I may or may not take a free meal this weekend, I may just have a dessert. I find that I can't do the free day pigout anymore and even one big free meal makes me ill so I might just go for an icecream cone or something.

I'm also looking into weight benches and vertical leg presses for at home use. If anyone has suggestions please let me know or email me at sj0205@aol.com

Thanks!
Susan

Everyone seems to be doing great!

Susanje, I know you're busy with the new semester but keep checking in... and stay :cool:

Today has been the **BEST** day. Stayed up late last night babysitting and watching the Olympics opening ceremonies. This is the only part I really watch of the Olympics although I'm sure my niece will be watching quite a bit - she's a Katie Couric fan (at 10, no less!) as well as a big fan of Michelle Kwan.

I slept in a bit until 6 am (that's LATE for me!) and hit the gym and did a fast intense leg workout. And this was too funny (I put this story on L&S too but just can't help repeating it). I was doing leg extensions, and on the other leg ext machine next to mine, this woman was doing leg extensions...while reading the newspaper - she had the ENTIRE newspaper in her hand, not just one page or one section...meanwhile she was avidly reading the paper, and kind of just flipping her legs back and forth. She was using, like, 60 pounds and just basically using momentum to move the weight (we all know that doesn't do anything for muscle building and in fact, can really mess up your knees!). Meanwhile I had 30 pounds on my machine and was holding for a count of five at the top of the movement, and not letting the weight drop at the bottom of the movement - probably doing 1 for every 3 of hers. She probably thought I was using weenie weight compared to hers...if she had been paying attention to anything but her newspaper...THEN she went to the inner-thigh machine and did the same thing!

Focusing on the muscle is SOOO important to get the best results. I really try not to let my mind wander...and training with a PT is really helping me to find my 'core' that helps me stay focused on my form and working whatever muscle I'm targeting.

The great thing is that this core stuff is really helping me in my horseback riding as well! Today I rode Freight again and my instructor was giving me all kinds of compliments. I am doing MUCH better in my two-point - a position in the saddle that is VERY similar to a barbell squat - down to keeping your weight in your heels (which is important in English riding anyway). The trick is to still be able to 'signal' or 'ask' the horse with your legs (inner thigh and calf muscles) while in a squat position. I'm finally starting to get it right...and then today we cantered and I REALLY felt comfortable and enjoying it. I have always LOVED horses but being a beginning English rider as an adult, I have to get over that 'fear factor' that kids tend not to have when they start riding at a young age. Jim and I really look forward to Saturday mornings at the stables - he doesn't ride but he LOVES to visit with them - they're his 'buds'. Then when we get home, Sparky sniffs us all over like he's saying "what kind of animal is THAT?" :lol:

It is finally getting nice out here in the Bay Area - mid 60's in my area today, and tomorrow will be warmer. It is going to be such a good Free Day! I want North Beach Pizza (last time we had Round Table but that is just TOO greasy for me) - just a plain cheese would be fine for me! Well, back to my chicken salad...

We're sinking to the bottom of the board! Just thought I'd pull us up a tad. Hope everyone is doing well; I had my "rest day" today, so I only walked the dog and played tennis, then start week 6 tomorrow. Almost thru first 12 weeks!!

mel

Mel .... that is fantastic.......sounds like you are doing wonderfully....

Sorry all.......I have spent soooooo much time on L&S.......there is sooooo much reading........I am learning sooooo much.........I love it......

But I would never forget this place.....for this is where it all began for me.......

I am moving along nicely..........still finding it hard to believe that I can eat soooooo much......I have a fair size lunch bag.....but I find.......I am filling that......plus bringing another bag with food.......LOL..........and I have got the water thing licked......YESSSSSS...........my second home is the bathroom.......laffs...........

I hope everyone's week has started off well...

Kelly...

Hi all!

Boy we've been slow here, but busy over at L&S!

I sign over there as plain old Claire.

Mrs. Jim I'm so glad you're enjoying your lessons. And like you said, as your "core" strengthens, that English saddle will be easier to ride. Good work! :)

Mel, I love your avatar. Poor puppy is working so hard!! wow! You're at your midpoint in your challenge! That's great! What changes have you noticed so far?

Kelster, I see you a lot over at L&S and you're right! It is such a wealth of information. Seems to stay busy as a beehive, too! I try and read as many of the posts as I can because they educate and inspire.

Well, I'm at week 3 and still going strong. I've got the hang of my routines and am actually increasing the weights (still using strict form, of course!) I can so relate to MrsJim's story of the woman reading the newspaper while doing the leg press!

By going at 4 in the morning, I pretty much have the place to myself (with the exception of the Upper Body Twins, but they're nice guys. One day it will occur to them that they need to work out the lower half, too... :lol: ) and it's wonderful. I have tried out all the weird-looking machines as well as becoming reacquainted with some old iron friends. As for progress, I'm a little bigger than I was, but what's under the fat is harder than before. And some teeny little pockets of fat are getting sort of like jelly. They tell me that's a good thing :D

well, I'll not blab. Sil and Susanje, hope all is well with you! And lhendricks, how ya doin?

I've had a total Free Day hangover today until mid-afternoon... Now for the next four weeks it's just going to be one free meal a week :( - except for the last week in March - we're going to be in Miami and I am going to do two free meals that week).

I think because of that in mind I went a bit more overboard than normal! Burrito, See's Candies, pizza...at least I didn't go to McDonald's as well!

This morning I overslept and didn't get up until 4:50 am (I usually get up between 4:00 and 4:15 am). I guess my bod needed a full eight hours' sleep last night! As a result I didn't have a lot of time to spend at the gym - so I RAN there, did an intense workout of supersets for back and biceps and ran home! I also had my workout with Theresa - after this week we are going to every other Monday - wish I could afford more but don't want to give up my riding, especially now that it's getting REALLY fun!

I've seen just about everyone here hanging out at L&S too. I've said this before, L&S is a great place for info, but I tend to get a bit more detailed here - the other board moves so fast it's better to be short and sweet!

I'm still trying to figure out my nutrition for this...I'm basically doing BFL palm/fist now - only diff is that I am changing the Free Day concept. Remember though this is my fourth Challenge...
of course, what I have done since mid-C1, is keep bread and processed carbs limited to Free Day. I've tried to up the veggies a lot as well - today was NOT a good day for that, but I made up by having a MASSIVE salad for dinner. Usually I can grab a good salad in the company cafeteria, or I munch on carrots that I keep in the fridge, but today I was totally unprepared - all I had was apples and cottage cheese! As a result, I'm boiling some eggs right now and packing some carrots and other stuff. I'll probably still be eating cc and apples every day - it's my favorite Meal 2!

Hi BFLers!

Last week (C2.5 W5), I switched my leg press from the horizontal one where I had maxed out at 360 lbs. for 8 straight weeks to a sled press that I hoped would be different enough to see some new progress. It was different all right! Not only did my maximum weight decrease to 270 lbs., I was sore for 5 days! First time I had really been sore since week 1 before starting glutamine.

Luckily, though, the soreness was much better today, and the LBWO went great. The leg press felt much more comfortable, and the squats I use for a superset are getting easier, too. Not much scale weight change this challenge, but I'm feeling a lot stronger!

Hope you're all doing great, too!

Carrie

Hello ladies! I hate to butt in here but I've seen alot of you mention L&S? Do you mind me asking where that's at? I'm interesting in starting the Body For Life Challenge and need all the information I can get. :) Thanks!

Hey!

L&S stands for Lean And Strong. Its address is http://www.leanandstrong.com

The "official challenge" site is http://www.eas.com

I'm relatively new (first challenge) and some of the other "veterans" here can answer your questions.

What are your goals for your first challenge?

Good luck! Welcome aboard!

Glad you stopped by! Thanks for checking us out!

You should DEFINITELY check out www.leanandstrong.com (or L&S as we call it here). Most of us 3FC BFL gals also hang out there...and we have even gotten a couple of visits from QuadZilla (administrator of L&S) himself! L&S is without a doubt one of the most motivating - if not THE most motivating and informative - BFL communities on the Web. You will learn soooooo much there...and make sure you take a peek in their Transformation Gallery - especially if you want motivation!

Claire's almost right about the web address for the official Challenge site - it's actually www.bodyforlife.com (sorry Claire!) - you can go to the EAS site but will need to re-direct to the bodyforlife site to sign up for the Challenge...and remember, you don't need to sign up for the 'official' Challenge to do BFL. Most people at L&S haven't (I actually signed up this year...but whether I actually do the essay, etc. depends...). Personally I'm doing this for myself not to win a contest. BFL has done so much for me personally that I love to share and help others in meeting their goals!

Oh, one more thing - have you actually read the book? Reading the book (not just gleaning bits and pieces from the Internet and other places) is essential in doing BFL. The book is a very easy read...and don't skip the chapter called 'Crossing the Abyss' either...the most important one in the book IMO! If you want even more motivation, pick up the video called "Body of Work" which you can buy from EAS or Netrition (through the L&S site) for about $5.

The reason I say this is that at another forum (where I don't post anymore BTW - I'm restricting myself to 3FC and L&S) there were a lot of gals who 'started' doing BFL - based on an article in Woman's World magazine. I don't often read Woman's World but I do know that just about every issue has a new 'miracle diet' in it. I was advising these ladies that they NEED to read the entire book - not just a one- or two-page article - to get the full flavor of the program. Most of them blew me off...and within two weeks they were looking for the next 'miracle diet'.

IMO one of the great things about BFL is that it ISN'T a diet. It's a lifestyle that is very much livable...and doable by just about everyone who sincerely wants to change their lives and body for the better. One of the big excuses for NOT doing it that I hear frequently is "I can't eat six meals a day!" Au contraire. Most people do eat at least six times a day - I see them all the time at work. Most of the time, though, they're grabbing a candy bar or a donut - inhale it, and forget that they ate it within 15 minutes. But to them that's not a meal. As Bill Phillips said "A meal doesn't mean you have Mom lay out a napkin and a place setting...a meal for me might be a protein shake and a piece of fruit."

It did take me some time to get used to eating thoughtfully six times a day - especially that darn Meal #4. I solved that by having my Outlook kitty give me a reminder at 3:45 that Meal #4 was due. After about three weeks, I didn't need the reminder anymore...

Whew! Sorry to go on and on...I do have a tendency to do that.

Hope everyone's doing well!

Hey!

I completely agree with Mrs. Jim (see, I told you people were helpful, and she's very, very knowledgeable). Sorry about the wrong website; I always went to EAS and I guess it transferred me to the other site and I didn't notice...duh!

Please, DO read the book. It made a world of difference in my level of commitment. I also know about the Woman's World article; several coworkers had questions, and I offered to let them look at my BFL book, but they didn't want to commit to 12 weeks.

Taking a line from someone else, I replied that it was Body for Life, not Body for 12 Weeks, and it was about life changes and not a number on a scale.

Well, these people are the professional "dieters" in my office and they didn't want to do anything that made sense. Last I heard, they had ordered that fruit juice ripoff, on the premise that they'll lose all this weight (read: water) in 48 hours. I replied "Then what?" They said what do you mean? I said "After the 48 hours is over, then what? What are your plans for keeping the weight off?" I was smiling the whole time, curious as to the answer.

They didn't have one. But they must've thought about it because they didn't order the stuff, but the fridge is full of cheese and lunchmeat, so they must be back on Atkins/Protein Power/starve your muscle away....:p

I don't poke my nose where it isn't wanted, but they asked me.

I'm on week 3 and my Pants-O-Meter says my fat levels are going down. My energy is beginning to surge, and I look forward to my workouts. I threw my scale out.:D

Claire - you talking about the Hollywood 48-Hour Miracle Juice Diet? But ALL the stars are doing it!! And the ad says that 90% of the weight you lose is FAT - guaranteed!!! :lol:

GOOD FOR YOU for throwing that nasty ol' scale out!!! Don't know if you remember but Pam B made a kind of new year's resolution that she would NOT weigh herself ever again. The exceptions would be doctor's appointments and competitions. Think about it - if the scale is such a wonderful tool in weight-loss, why aren't more people who get on it every day or every week losing more weight? I actually think it is a tool for weight GAIN - especially for those who live and die by what it says (I used to be one of those people myself not long ago). The scale can push you into a vicious circle - if you gain weight - then you eat out of depression - if you lose weight - then you have a x-pound leeway to eat...just can't win...

Noone at my work would ever admit to doing the Hollywood Juice Diet - however judging from the fridge, we have at least one Jenny Craig devotee on the floor somewhere (there are about four JC entrees in the freezer). And all the Weight Watchers dinners as well...the rest of the work fridge is filled with various science experiments in different stages of decomposing. EEYWW.

Then there's MY part of the fridge (I have taken over one of the veggie bins) which usually contains hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, a ton of apples, carrots, FF yogurt, the occasional chicken and rice baggies (so much easier to do the CC and hot apples though)...plus my gallon of H20 on my desk (I don't finish it most days but I do consume a very high percentage of it - I make up for it at home though). Sometimes I'll go downstairs to the cafeteria for lunch - depending on what's on the menu. Today is Chinese Chicken Salad - hooray! They make them to order, so I point at all the veggies, tell them to skip the fried won ton strips and use the fat-free soy dressing instead of the peanut dressing (okay, I know peanuts are a healthy fat but I'm already doing Udo's twice a day). These salads are so humongus that I usually end up having half for Meal #3 and the other half for Meal #4.


Had **SUCH** a great workout today - after my PT of last night (we did triads - chest/shoulders/triceps sets) I had shoulders/abs/calves today...I love working in those new exercises I'm learning - wish I could keep going every week to Theresa, she has been fabulous! I must be nuts, but I'm actually fooling around with the idea of becoming a personal trainer myself - I told Jim this and said he would be my first client (wasn't too thrilled with the idea - the boy needs to learn to enjoy the gym!!!). We'll see what happens though - I have a lot of irons in the fire right now...later all!

Thanks so much for all the great information and advice!! :)

No, I haven't read the book yet. I plan on getting it on my next trip to WalMart which will probably be in the next couple of days. I called my local library and they don't have it. :( I've checked out the BFL website many times though and it has really peaked my interest. I'm looking for a lifestyle change ... not just a temporary fix. I have about 120 pounds to lose. :( A long way to go but I'm sure I'll get there.

I'll try and check back in as often as I can. Thanks again for the warm welcome!

Hi again Stephanie...

Read the book...hang out for a bit here and at L&S...there are quite a few people there who are or have done BFL with 100+ pounds to lose (I mean a lot of bodyfat to lose as we don't go by scale weight too often here :dizzy: )...go to the Transformation Gallery there and check out Pam B (SUCH an inspiration!), AngelaV, shonda, julie and a bunch of others whose names escape me at the moment (not even mentioning the guys).

BFL RULZ!!!

I have 140 to lose, myself, so you're not alone.

on the main board at L&S:

During a thread about the evil scale :devil: Pam B revealed how much she weighed during the photo shoot for Energy magazine...

she's 5'6" tall...

she weighed...(drum roll here)... 160 pounds!!!

Boy oh boy, if that doesn't say how TOTALLY USELESS the scale is (remember she's a size 4!!!) when it comes to BFL I don't know what would...How many of us would LOVE to have a body like Pam's??? (me! ME!!!)

Just wanted to toss that out! :D

Gadzooks!

I would like her physique, too! I'm between you and she in height, just nudging 5'5" ('course, I may be shorter after I lose the fat in my feet) :lol:

I'd also enjoy seeing her fool one of those "guess your weight" guys at the fair...

She's amazing! I hadn't read that thread yet, but definitely plan to. So many people deify the stupid scale, behaving as though their life depended on a number. I used to be that way and it was a source of constant frustration.

Yet -- there is a certain freedom in knowing it's out of my house and my pants tell a better story about my progress.

I also think it's great that you have to wash and dry your size 4 DKNY's at hot settings so they still fit :D

To all my new friends here...

You guys rock!!

My Pants-O-Meter tells me that I've lost some of my kangaroo pouch. The pouch is still there, it just doesn't stick out as far as it did.

Too, my shirts are getting too tight in the shoulders. I think my lat and delt "seedlings" are starting to grow :D

I also have a question. I have a hard time doing leg extensions because my kneecaps hurt something awful, even with the lowest weight. Squats don't hurt, but my butt and belly are so big it's hard to keep balanced. My gym has three Smith machines, but I've not tried them. Any opinions and help are appreciated. :)

Claire - personally I'd stay away from the leg extensions if you have knee problems...I do them myself but I don't have knee problems (well, they don't hurt anyway!), and I do them at pretty light weights.

In fact there was an article in Muscle Media called "Drills that Rule, Drills that Drool" by the Mad Russian (I believe it was the August issue if memory serves) that put the leg extension machine in the 'Drool' category, because of the knee thing.

I use the Smith machine a lot - right now one of my sets of lunges are Smith lunges - but for squats I prefer using the rack or the leg press machine...and just positioning my feet in different places. Squats are the best exercise for quads IMO - works 'em good and you can do them in so many positions and ways. Click on this link: http://www.exrx.net/Lists/ExList/ThighWt.html#anchor172012 for a bunch of good exercises!

Oops, just checked the clock - meeting Hubby for lunch...just a BFL lunch - we're celebrating Valentine's Day on Sunday with my free meal! Take care all!

MrsJim:

Thanks very much. I don't have knee problems either, except for that one exercise. I do use the leg press machine (thanks for the additional info and link -- looks very usable) and have no problems with any other leg exercises. I've been using 30 pounds on the leg extension and that may be too heavy for my knees.

Enjoy lunch with hubby -- mine is working until 9 tonight so we'll celebrate Sunday for free day!

Claire- I have major knee problems, and have had both rebuilt. My trainer tells me never to lower my legs all the way down on leg extensions, but to stop them at a 45 degree angle. The major load on your knee joint is the first 45 degrees, then the larger quad muscles take over. I've never had any pain doing it that way, and it forces you to REALLY control it. But I agree with MrsJim that squats with a rack and my personal favorite, hack squats, do the trick. Also try walking lunges with a weight bar over your shoulders- that hits just about every muscle in your body and then some.

have fun, mel

Mel --

thanks so much. Hubby won't work his lower body because of rebuilt knees and some bad advice from a trainer. I'll pass on your info about the leg extension.

I'd not considered hack squats but will give them a try. Lunges are something I'm working toward -- right now I'm too fat to do them with good form.

Will let you know how it goes. Thanks again!

Just pushing up to the top!

hope everyone is doing great!

Hello again!!

I just wanted to let ya'll know that I finally bought the Body For Life book tonight and I think I may actually have my hubby talked into joining a gym with me!!! :D I'm so excited!!

I'm fixing to go read my book!!

Welcome aboard Stephanie! Aways great to have another (especially a moderator) join our group. It's pretty slow here on weekends, but things pick up during the week. Read the book carefully, paying special attention to "Crossing the Abyss". That was the advice MrsJim gave me, so I'll pass it along. Personally, I also need to re-read the food part every other day. Good luck, we're here for you.

mel

Actually HAPPY THREE DAY WEEKEND! Who all is going to hit the mall? Can't resist those sales!

I've seen most of us hangin' out at L&S a lot lately...just thought I'd post here before my riding lesson...afterwards I'm going to attempt to convince Jim to go look at kitties at the Humane Society. Our trip to Miami is in a little over a month and I keep feeling guilty about leaving Sparky by himself most of the time - especially at night. According to his paperwork, he has always been a solo cat but there's a big part of me that's convinced he needs a girlfriend (fixed of course!).

Tomorrow is my Free Meal...Jim is taking me out for Valentine's Day (belated). We're either going to Kincaid's (a great steak/seafood/etc place on the SF Bay) or KingFish (which serves Cajun food with a twist). So that's something I'm really looking forward to!

Did I mention that I am having Pam B do up a nutrition and training program specially for me? I have about 12 weeks until the first contest I'm shooting for...she thinks that's enough time to get my bodyfat down to the level it needs to be at...if I work hard at it. I've already been warned by the gals at the Quad Squad that the low-carb days are going to make me very cranky...but I feel I'm set...I'm determined...

After the contest, I'm going to take a week off then go back to BFL eating/training - that is unless I decide to do the contest in July as well!

I consider the Body for Life plan as a BASE, the way I want to live my life most of the time. I can't believe it's been 2 months shy of a year since starting this journey - time has gone so quickly! And I know I can do BFL as my 'regular life'. I love my foods, I love the way I feel...so strong...hope everyone else is feeling the same way I do!

Well, got to get in the shower and get ready for riding! Take care all...

Well it sounds like everyone is moving along nicely......SMILES......I like to hear that....

I too am moving forward and loving every minute of it........I have learned soooooo much............it is incredible......I find it is a never ending journey of info......I sometimes wonder how will I remember it all...........thank goodness I keep notes and print stuff out....

I had a killer LBWO two days ago......and still feel it very much.......in my Quads.......so much so.........yesterday I didn't want to do my cardio.......but I went to L&S for encouragement........and I GOT THAT.......and I pushed through and DID IT :)


Mrs.Jim is there really a disadvantage to doing your workout in the evenings.........I bring work home regularly and I find.......I just can't get up too early in the morning.....so I have been doing my workouts as soon as I get home from work......I find.........that I am more stable doing it this way........meaning......I don't miss a day.........in the first couple of weeks I tried the morning thing......and missed a few workouts........because of being tired........so I have opted for the evening shift....

My eating is going fantasticly..........I love the food :T I am allowed to eat and at times I feel like an OINKER.........I feel that I am forever eating.......at work we have a small fridge.......and I have just about taken it over...... :lol:

Tomorrow marks my completion of week 4.......and I am absolutely thrilled........ :D .......my mind set is totally different then it has ever been on any other thing that I have tried ......I AM TOTALLY STOKED.........and know....that this is a life time commitment

I like when people ask me are you loosing weight.......it gives me a great feeling.......

Well it is grocery shopping time.........I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.......

Kel - sounds like you're doing great - I've seen your posts on L&S quite frequently (BTW did you get a load of Pam B's latest pix? The girl is SMOKIN'!!!)

You know what? As long as you're DOING the workout, if evening works better for you, that's okay! I personally think morning is preferable, but that's because of my lifestyle and the fact that the gym I go to is usually PACKED between 5 - 9 pm...I like it when it's almost deserted...a few weeks back I was there at 3:30 am and it was GLORIOUS. All the weights and cardio machines all for me...la la la...

And the eating is one of the GREAT things about BFL...I can, nay, I MUST eat every 2-3 hours!!! (as I've stated before, most of the people at work I know eat constantly - they just don't count the bag of microwave popcorn, the 3 Musketeers Bar, the Hagen-Daas as a 'meal' and forget about it right after eating it...)

I had such a great riding lesson today...Dee Dee (the owner of the stable) taught us today (there are two other people in my class) and we did some riding patterns. I've been spending extra time in the gym strengthening my inner thighs by lying down with the Swiss ball between my legs and squeezing, holding the squeeze for a count of 10, then releasing and repeating...I also use the inner-thigh machine and put it on 150 then bring my thighs in about halfway (like straddling a horse) and HOLDING it for a count of 20-30 or as long as I can stand...the legs are so important when riding...to signal the horse and stay in the saddle and I can tell I'm getting better and better...in fact Dee is talking about getting me in some schooling shows this year...and maybe the US National Arabian Horse Show in New Mexico in 2003...she's getting a colt ready for that show...will keep you posted! (of course it costs a fortune to get to the National level...I'd love to do it riding Penny...whose photo I'll attach here - he is such a sweetie pie and so talented!!

Mrs.Jim currently I am working out from home......but I know.......soon I will have to start going back to the gym........my legs are very strong.......and I will soon out grow what I have at home to do the exercises.......when I did go to the gym.......I did go @ 5:30 am when it opened........and yep........some regulars.......but no waiting for anything.........

Just work.........well they have had a ton of lay offs......and of course the people left behind do the work of 4....... :(

What keeps me at this......other then my striving for a healthy lifestyle.........is how working out..........destresses me.......and puts me in a calm place............I LOVE THAT FEELING :D

Sounds like you are doing very well with you riding lessons that is fabulous.......I have never ridin myself.......but my daughter loves horses.......and use to take lessons......but she is in the 11th grade.......and she works.......makes it difficult for her to do the extras she sooooooooo loves.......but she likes having her own money.......to do things........ :spin:

and I DID I DID.......she Pam's pics..........she is phenominal......to say the least......... :smoking:

I find L&S and this board a great resource to me.........it helps me immensely..........I won't say I haven't had my set backs........but I have picked up and moved on..........and well.....the clothes tell it all.........*does a happy dance*........