Susan-glad the squatting worked. So cute to see you say "the princess". That is what Jasmine is, definitely. Her birthday is in 11 days and she will be 6. So-I am taking a treat into her class that day to celebrate with her new friends. Her teacher is really good about that sort of thing.

Holly-Since they chose you for the makeover-they shoudl pay for the skin consultant and the hair cut/color. I can see you not keeping the clothes-but they should pay for whatever they do to you-because if not-what is the point? Feel free to ask and be sure-so you can relax and enjoy it. Hopefully if you recieve a gift it is something cool-one of the new outfits would be great, wouldn't it?

I am feeling a little under the weather-but not to the extent as the kids. Raiden woke me at 6am with a 101* fever. Poor little guy. Both machines are in the shop-they said 2 weeks. I am going to have to pull together some resources to get these costumes done-because if you do the math-2 weeks yesterday was 1 day before the show. Umm...I don't think that will work.

I went to the store last night-picked up some groceries and more produce. This week it is orange juice, bananas, black plums, and dried apricots for fruit. I try to get a different combination of fruit in the house each week so we aren't snacking on the same thing all the time. The plums were on sale.

I am also a fan of Fresca when I have a diet soda. It is hard to find around here. For those of you that have never tried it-it is a diet grapefruit soda. Really-it is much better than it sounds. I love it.

The kids Halloween costumes are coming along-much better than the ones I am sewing-simply because I am finding a lot of the components and I don't have to do anything to them. Found Jas a black velvet dress on Ebay with a white collar. Black opaque tights at Wal-Mart. I already have makeup to pale her face a bit...she already has plain black shoes-so she is done. Raiden's black and white striped top was already done-and I found him long black shorts on clearance last night from the summer stuff. He has black socks...just need to find him a pair of plain black shoes now. Now I can get to working on the costumes for Jason and I.

Today is strength training. Everyone have a great day...amidst the sick kids and the sewing stresses...I am trying!

mmm, I like Fresca also!

SkyF, I also am sending positive vibes to your daughters! so sorry to hear of those household losses, that's hard.

aphil, hope you can beat the cold soon! and poor little boy, with that fever. AND hope your machines get repaired to give you time to finish.

I had to call the skin doctor to confirm the appt. next week, and found out that he is a cosmetic dermatologist - he does Botox, laser removal of "spider veins" and stuff like that He'll probably say "I could inject your lips with collagen, and scrub those crows' lines away, and Botox your frowny line" when all I want is a sample of a really good moisturizer

I emailed the coordinator today, asking that question delicately
and also asking if I can use my usual mode of transportation, or if I will be carrying lots of stuff and have to use the boring car.

I had a planned "off" eating day, I knew that dh and I were going for a nice long ride after work, and we were scouting for dinner at a snack-bar-type place. Definitely not on the list of "good for you" food but a planned indulgence that doesn't happen often. Yes, it was very good

Hope everyone's doing well!

YES, Fresca is great, and its been around for decades. I wonder why it is always so hard to find everywhere? The Coke people should give it more shelf space.

Vermont Mom - I can't wait to see photos from the makeover experience. Today I was reading the store advert. flyers and came across a picture of a doll for sale, something along the lines of "Biker Barbie" (I don't know if they make those, this one was generic) and I thought of you! She looked hot in sexy black leathers and cap !!

Hello all!

I had the first of my appointments today, in Burlington, which is our biggest city near us (50 miles from here, pop. about 40,000). I met the writer at the first stop, a jewelry store. Gorgeous hand-crafted, most by Vermont artists. I picked out two sets; one was an rectangular-shaped pendant that was beautiful blocked colors, set in silver. Earrings were a deep cobalt blue...plus a bracelet of hammered silver pieces, and another pair of earrings that were long, rectangular and almost "woven"-looking.

Next to a store called Champlain Clothing...styles I liked very much, alot of natural fabrics, casual clothes but SO much could be mixed and matched, or a simple t-shirt and nice slacks became dressy with a pretty scarf. Stuff I guess I knew, but never bothered to shop for. Probably because I am so very frugal (CHEAP ) and do fine with thrift store stuff. I also do not have to dress for work, so that eliminates alot.

Ended up with a nice pair of black pants; the smalls looked good except a leetle snug in the back of thigh area, so I went up to a medium. A long-sleeved tee in a rusty-red; and a fitted black jacket over it. A nubby scarf of a million hues finished it off.

Last was a boutique (EXPENSIVE!!) called Garb. A little cotton top, $100.00. A pair of very nice red slacks, $175.00. A nice fitted wool jacket, $450.00. Yikes. This place was really a bit too stylish for me, but I gamely tried stuff on. Do you know how scary it is to try on expensive clothes I loved those red slacks, but the 4 was too small, of course, but I floated in the 10's. And those were the only two pair left. Anyway, they talked me into a kinda flowy, a-symetrical hemmed red skirt, one of those $100 cotton tops, and a fitted,short tweedy jacket. And a pair of kinda chunky heeled pumps. I kept telling them I HAVE BIG LEGS and the sales girl said "you look pretty small to me" and I said "the jeans are hiding them!" but I guess once I get some dark-toned stockings on, it will look okay. The salesgirl said "the jacket really shows off your cute little waist" and that made my day yeah, lets draw the eyes away from those legs, puh-lease!

Wednesday is my next appointment day, with eye doctor at 3:30, skincare dude at 4:30, another clothing place at 5:30. Will keep you posted!

a broad abroad - yes! I have seen Biker Barbie! - what a blast

Aphil hope your on a mend with the cold stuff? Sounds like you have a head start on Halloween. Good for you. I shop pretty cheap most of the time finding as many good bargains as possible. Good luck in finishing your sewing it will all come together on time don't stress to much it will work out!
Holly sounds like that shopping was a blast! I love silver jewelry and sounds like you picked out some cool stuff. Good for you! Hope you can ride your cycle that would be a lot of fun.
I had a fun weekend did a little unexpected traveling with my sister inlaw. We went to a farmers market about 1 1/2 hrs away. They had some really nice stuff. I bought a slab of black walnut wood which I am going to make a narrow coffee table. I have a knotty pine room which is long but narrow. My hubby and I spend a lot of evenings in front of the fire or having our morning coffee in that room. There isn't a coffee table so this will be cool! I think if I don't find some legs for it my son can make me some when I am in Seattle. It won't ake long and I will take him a picture of the wood. Of course we had to buy a pie while we were there. I did exercise more to make up for that extra pie. I have been swimming a lot this past week and doing some walking. I feel better with my increasing my activity level. Other than the pie I ate pretty healthy this weekend. I made some fresh pesto and marinated my shrimp in it and grilled them oh so good!!!!!!!!!!!! Also picked some tomatoes and made some hot salsa with baked chips. Well I made my lunch last night and I guess I'd better get off to the office. Have a super day everyone.
Skyfirefly

Holly-it sounds like you are having a great time trying on all those cool clothes! Can't wait to hear about your hair appointment!

On my end-things are not going so well. Almost wo weeks before my machines are fixed...and I have been scrambling to borrow another. I am getting one to borrow tomorrow night for a couple of days...but adding a couple of days with no progress has stressed me out REALLY badly. I have had a splitting headache all day and have generally been pretty foul to be around.

Once I get the borrowed machine tomorrow night-I plan on pulling an all nighter and just getting them all done. No pacing...just sew 'til they are DONE. I really need to get them done as quickly as possible...so that I have a few days before the show to relax and rehearse with only the music on my mind. I don't want to be thinking about what all needs to get done on the last couple rehearsals-I want to focus on the music and dancing.

Jason talked with me this evening about getting me a second machine for my birthday next month-so I can have a backup at all times-so I don't have to worry about this happening during a job ever again. I think he is right. It will save me a lot of sanity.

On the eating front-I have been doing okay-eating about 2000 calories a day this week-maintenance level-because I have been really fighting having an all out binge due to stress...so I purposely upped them this week to satisfy my need to stress munch...but not enough to gain. So far so good there.

I'll check back later on tomorrow...you all have a great day. I'm hanging in there!

What a smart idea, aphil!!!! now THAT'S thinking ahead!

I surely hope the machine(s) get fixed in time!

Hi Skyfirefly! Do you do woodworking? Very cool! and your meal ideas sound FABulous!

I visited my fave thrift shop today. Got a pair of "Zena" white jeans, three t-shirts, an exercise top, a black belt with studs (biker chic ) a pair of cute strappy black shoes, and a copy of "The Sixth Sense" - all for $10.00, yay!

Tomorrrow I have eye appointment at the upscale (expensive ) eyeglass place at 3:30, then the skincare consult at 4:30, then two more clothing places.

Have a great night, and a great day tomorrow!

Holly,
I do many different things but woodworking I leave to my husband and son. I give my husband ideas and he does the work. I don't mind doing the finishing work. My son is a contractor, custom cabinet and woodsman. His stuff is just beautiful and I have some of his work in my house. He designed a cute rustic childrens chair and ottamon made out of branches and fabric seat. It is great. I also have some really neat wood vases he designed. When they lived in Colorado his wife worked in a upper class gift shop and she sold his designs. If I can't decide on some design for the legs I will wait until I go to Seattle and Billy can make me some to bring back. Nice to have a son with such talents. I do design quilts and have made some gowns, sweaters, blankets etc. Some day I always say there will be time to do all these extras.
Sounds like your day will be full of fun adventures.
Aphil hope its going better for you! You will dance beautifully I am sure and all those sewing jobs will be done in time. You sound like a go getter and nothing will stand in your way! Good for you! Keep going and you will reach your goals!
Gotta go to work now and my grandaughter Brooke starts her first day of kindergarten today! She is such a little cutie! I am going to take a little extra lunch hour to go see her off!
Skyfirefly

Hi everyone!
Feeling a little bit better about the whole situation this morning. There is more of a "plan" in set for getting a borrowed machine tonight to use til' Friday...so I think it is all going to be alright...a little stressful...but all in all okay.

I have not binged this week at all...which was the demon that I have really been fighting-not stressing out totally and eating a half gallon of ice cream or something.

Yes...I know this situation will work out...and that my machine will be back in no time-but with my work I just hate having an "out of control" feeling with it. I am used to working alone...sort of a mad scientist type when I work and create-if you can picture that. I am usually off in my own little world creating-and now that I have had to lose that independence and control in my work-and ask for others to help-it is really stressful and foreign to me.

I am going to get my strength training in today...and we have some fresh pears from my grandparent in-laws...and my peppers are ready to harvest-Jason brought one in for me last night. Things are looking good in the garden. The pumpkins are pretty big already-and it is only early September! They are pretty large-and almost ready to start turning orange. The sugar baby watermelons are a few weeks from harvesting as well-and my wildflowers are still strong. We have hard a really good garden this year. The radishes and carrots earlier this summer were huge-and tons of them. The kids are most excited about the pumpkins though...they love Halloween as much as I do!

Holly-your thrift store purchases sound great. I need to go today and see if I can find a few things. I am in need of the beginnings of my Morticia Addams costume. I am sure I can find some things there to "alter" so I don't have to sew the entire costume. Anything black...just alter it to make it sexy-lower the neckline...slit up the skirt on the side...that sort of thing. I really need to find me some more things in a size Large and 14. I got rid of the 16's...but in sweatpants and stuff like that-I still have some XL. They are comfy...but if I have to run to the store or something...they swim on me and don't look very nice.

Well, you all have a great day. Sky-I hope Brooke had a good day at kindergarten. Jasmine sure likes going. Have a great on plan day everyone!


Aphil

Hey everyone! aphil, I'm sorry about your mechanical break-down..that would stress me out too. Anything to throw my schedule out of whack can sometimes do me in. Holly I hope your make-over goes well! I would love to have that done to me. I just got all of my hair cut off and I'm already ready for something different! Hope everyone else is doing well. I am down 17 pounds and hubby is still holding steady at his 30 pound loss. I am definitely seeing some muscle definition which I am really excited about. I am going out with some girlfriends this weekend so I'll be going shopping tomorrow for something fun to wear. Everyone have a good one!

Jacklyn you and your hubby are doing very well congradulations. I wish that my hubby understood healthy eating more. But when your thin as he is and never had a wt. issue its different. Nice that you have a good partner to work on healthy outcomes together.
Aphil thank goodness you fought off that demon we all have a few of them once in awhile. Yesterday I was out of the office and didn't pack my lunch and wanted a sub badly. Well I also wanted to make some meatballs and homemade tomatoe sauce. I knew I wanted some Italian bread to go with it. So I worked hard on making the right choice to eat lite for lunch. One apple and a Pria bar! I was pleased to beable to hold off for what I really wanted. This week its been a bit easier to make healthy choices. I guess it comes to be more natural after awhile. On friday I weigh in so that will tell it all. I'm trying to really take some more wt. off before Seattle trip in Oct. . But I know doing it wisely is the best way. bROOKE loved school! I got away from the office to see her off I think thats important at least to me it was.
Holly don't you just love those thrift stores! Me too! In the summer though I do more garage sales in the expensive side of town. I have gotten some real good bargains.
Well gotta get ready for work I have been doing the stairs instead of the elevator and walking a distance from the parking lot daily. Today I am off to the gym after my 2:00 meeting which will last an hour or two.
Skyfirefly

Hi everyone,

I am back from my trip to NY. I left of Saturday the 4th and came back on Monday the 6th.I would like to say that I stuck to my chosen program but I didn't. I did not count fat and calories on Saturday and Sunday. I usually take a day off on Saturday anyway so I only messed up one day, Sunday. I went back to counting on Monday and am doing well. I didn't gain any weight. The trip was great! I bet I walked 20 miles on Sunday!! I was never so glad to get out of the car Saturday evening after a 9 hour drive. But, I was so glad to get into the car to go home on Monday, I was so tired! Times Square is teeming with people 24 hrs a day! It's amazing to see. I wore me out trying to walk through them. I was feeling pretty good about myself until I saw pictures from our trip. They have spurred me to do better, and try to lose some more weight. I have needed to drop fat grams for some time and couldn't get myself in gear to do it. The pictures did the trick.

I never made it to the gym yesterday, forgot to take my sneakers with me to work. But today they are by the door and awaiting to be used. I did my wt. this a.m. and no loss to report but thats okay. I usually have to stay awhile on what I lost before it moves again. For the most part I have been pretty careful lately except for my cinnamon toast yesterday evening. My little guy wanted some and I gave in myself. But that happens! I have learned its better to have some than crave it and eat lots of other things and still want the orginal item. Well hope you all have a great weekend planned. Not too much going on here housework, garage sale or two and a craft fair with a friend from work.
Skyfirefly

Sky-you are right on about the whole craving thing. When you have a craving for something specific-it is best to try to fufill that if you can in a reasonable way. If not-you will sometimes end up eating 400-500 calories of other stuff and still want the original item.

I try to substitute when I can...a slice of cinnamon raisin bread instead of a cin. raisin bagel (same taste-but smaller and less calories) or a frozen Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice pizza when I am really in the mood for pizza-because of the built in portion control. A cut up apple and a measured dab of fat free caramel dip in place of a candy apple...that sort of thing. When there is no substitution...I just try to eat a very small amount. Like-if I buy a Reese Cup-I'll give the second cup right away to my husband or let the kids have it-so I only eat one of them and not both-and I eat it slowly to savor it.

Yesterday I went on an outdoor walk with a few ladies I know-it was a good time. Today is strength training. I hit a rummage sale yesterday and picked up 3 new exercise videos-ones I have been wanting to try for quite some time-the old Callanetics series-stomach, hips and behind, and legs. They are strength videos-came out in the early 90's...and are "deep muscle" exercises. I have heard good reviews (like the old Buns of Steel series-good workouts if you can ignore the old fashioned hair and workout attire) but so far have been unable to find any. She had the whole darn set so I scooped them up. I trade fitness videos online at another site-and they are in demand over there so if I don't care for them I can easily trade them for something else. I am interested in seeing what all the fuss is about though!

I have rehearsal tonight...and tomorrow is going to be a family day. It is our first Saturday at home in ages-no lake (Labor Day was the last open weekend of the season), no family gathering or thing to attend...so we are planning on doing stuff around here-maybe going to dinner somewhere...and doing some thing together. Sunday we have to go to the lake and winterize everything in the camper-and take in the pier, and do all that stuff.
I am finishing my instructor's top-hopefull done by rehearsal tonight...and then I can do mine over the weekend and have it done for dress rehearsal Monday evening. Pictures soon ladies!!!