~ Sew Sweet 16 ~I’m packing your angry eyes just in case~Aug 2014~ BFF' bag 8/20!!!!

[Iamthequeen]

I love the Sebastian bag - the fabrics are perfect, once again. I started a new ptr.

 

[tinkbell13]

Hi D~!

Page 6 but I finally made it here! Been busy with work and life and almost missed this. I thought things were going to slow down once race season was over, but DS has taken care of all my "extra" time with his sports (first it was cross country, now it is volleyball until Christmas, then basketball in the new year, followed up by soccer and track in the spring). At least I don't have to worry about him not getting enough exercise!

Love the Sebastian bag! Those fabrics couldn't be more perfect for it! I absolutely love the detail in your applique too. Such nice stitching!

Can't wait to hear what you are planning for this trip. Sweet 16 for the three girls is going to be super fun! Love the pictures of you, your girls, BFF and her daughter. You look like you have a ton of fun together! Alli takes amazing pictures too! Wish I could find someone who could take pictures of me that make me look that good.

While I wanted to take DS for his 13th birthday in early December, I'm not going to be able to swing it with work the way it is right now unless my DH gets off his butt and hires someone like he says he is going to. 2014 doesn't look likely either as my trip funds are being spent on expanding our drive way properly. Maybe we'll try for 2015.

Better go now. I still have to finish up stuff for the annual racing championship banquet tomorrow!

 

[LB1122]

1.How fun a sweet 16 girls trip.....Sign me up for one of those in 8 years when myself and BFF will both have daughters turning 16...LOVE

2. LOVE all your bags

3. The wavy fabric yes yes yes so perfect for the bag

 

[nannye]

lOV.e Sebastian wonderful!

 

[ladylyons]

I just love that halloween picture of the kids - they are all so precious! I hope you had a fantastic halloween!

I wish we could do the KTTW tour - it's one I've always wanted to do, but I think everyone has to be 16 to do it? Olivia and V will only be 15, so I am not sure if we can? I do have a few other ideas in my head though - if we can't do that one, and I do plan to look into all the other tours available. If only we could afford to do one night concierge at AKL - they would LOVE to do the morning safari!

Thank you!! We did have a great time going to my father in law's church and letting the kids play games, jump in the bouncy house and just have fun!!

I forgot about the age requirement. I don't know what the cut off is but maybe if you can't do it this trip hopefully in the near future when all the girls are of the right age.


Love the Sebastian bag!! The material is perfect for it!!

 

[DMGeurts]

Good Morning D!

My older kids still like trick or treating too! They use the excuse of taking the younger ones!

Can't wait to see the latest bag! I bet it's awesome!

Good morning Tasha!!! LOL - Yes, Victoria tagged along with the little neighbor kids she always babysits - so that was better than doing with friends - in terms of candy anyways. LOL

Hey, I trick or treated all the way to the end of high school so your girls are not too old! Of course I had my three young cousins with me most times since they lived next door so I had some excuse.

I've done two tours at Disney. First one was the Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom. I took Mom on that one last November for her birthday. First of all, I'll let you know that it is very pricy. I paid right around $400 for the two of us to do the tour. I do know that they sometimes give discounts for tours later in the day but that might not be a good idea in August due to the heat. That being said it was one of the best experiences Mom and I have at Disney and well worth the price. You get a lot of time with the animals on the Safari. I'd tell you to go back to my first TR and read about it but the pictures are all messed up right now so it wouldn't help you any. If you want to know more about the tour, let me know. Or if that one is too pricy for you, there is another backstage tour at AK that is less money.

Second tour I've done was this last trip. Mom got Jim and I a Segway Tour of Fort Wilderness as an anniversary present. Unfortunately they no longer do the one at Epcot, the tour guide at Fort Wildneress told us that they took away the space they were using at Epcot so they had to stop doing that tour. The one at Fort Wilderness was a lot of fun. I am definitely NOT a coordinated person and the Segway scared the crap out of me at first. But while I never felt 100% comfortable on the thing, they are very easy to use and almost impossible to crash. I'll be writing more about that tour in a few weeks on my TR.

Hope you have a great day!

YIKES! THat's pretty spendy!!! Even if it is celebrating their Sweet 16 - LOL I am such a tightwad.

I am anxious to hear about your Segway Tour - it reassures me that you are a little uncoordinated... I wonder if their is an age restriction on that too? I will have to look into it.

I your Super Secret Projects, D~! The dress was amazing, and I KNOW you have another thing or two in the works that will be equally amazing! Can't wait to see what other sort of magic you have up your sleeves...

Awww... Thanks Oopsi - I will try not to disappoint. LOL

LOVE IT!!!!!!



Nini

Yay!!! Super happy you like it!

Another perfect bag!! I'm so glad this one isn't an auction bag because I love Little Mermaid!! I need to save some money for next weekend cause I'm headed to the Casino with a couple of friends. I'm pretty cheap though when I gamble, I can spend hours at a penny slot machine playing one penny at a time.

Hahaha - Ariana - I do the same thing at casinos... I "splurge" on a roll of pennies (and sometimes - shocking - I do a roll of nickels) and I play on that all night long. I haven't been to a casino in about 7 years - and we have one right down the road - it just doesn't appeal to me at all.

OMGosh this bag is absolutely fabulous and I adore the outside and interior fabrics. YOu have truly outdone yourself.

Thank you Chiara! I love how bright and vibrant it is - the color in the pictures really doesn't do it justice.

Oh my goodness! That bag is perfect!

I know your sewing schedule is probably pretty full, but I think I might just have to save some of my Christmas money until you open up slots again. I'm a Vera addict (I did just buy a few pieces in the new Midnight With Mickey pattern), but I LOVE the uniqueness and detail in your bags. Now to decide on what theme I might want...

Thank you and welcome! I also love how it turned out!

I do like the new VB stuff too - but I am not really in love with the patterns of the fabric... And I don't like the bags they chose to release in it - there are other bag styles I would prefer. However, I may purchase a wallet - I need to look to see if the wallet I like is available in the Disney prints first - and I have yet to do that.

Another masterpiece! I just love the fabrics, the wave pattern is adorable, and the inside fabric is always fun to see. I remember opening the inside of Jonah's bag and it was like a fun treat to find inside.

Ah, I forgot about the age restrictions on the tours. The KTTK tour is fantastic. I think it's what turned the mister into a Disney fanatic.

Thanks Ashley - I was so THRILLED to find that wave pattern!

Hmmm.... I think I need to do that when/if I ever get Josh to go back. LOL

There is the Wild Africa Trek in Animal Kingdom. It says tweens and older. I thought it might be something since you love AK. The only downside is it is August.

I don't know how I would do a ptr for our DL trip if I don't get a say in the planning. I suppose I can describe how difficult it is to get 25 teens and their parents to agree on one course of action.

Oooh - I will have to look into that one too... YIKES - the heat of August though with a tour...

LOL Yah - that would be a difficult PTR to write... Bummer.

Once again a lovely bag from you.

Thanks LIllian!!!!

GOR...GEOUS!!!! Love the vivid colors, and the contrast of colors, and the interior fabric, and the way you captured Sabastian's smile....and I just LOVE it!

Thanks Oopsi!!!

I am totally digging the Sebastian Bag....simply adorable. Sebastian is one of my favorite characters and you captured his facial expression perfectly.

Thanks! I just love how this bag turned out- I've been looking forward to doing it for months!

LOVE the Sebastian bag. My freshman in HS went out trick or treating last night! Have a great weekend!!

Thanks! LOL - that's good to know... I am glad my girls still enjoy doing things like that.

Hi D~, I loved reading your last TR so I meandered my way over here. I'm so excited to follow along with your planning and excitement for your next trip.

I LOVE you new bag. The wave material works so perfect for Sabastian and then the inside material is adorable. You have such an eye for materials that go well together. I'm jealous as I don't have any of that in me.

Anyway, thanks for letting me tag along with your trip planning, makes me excited for our own trip in a couple months.

Hi! Welcome! And thank you! Super happy that you're following along!

It was fate: that fabric...Sebastian...other little sea creatures.

Very wonderful.

-on the sewing side: I left a project laying on my kitchen table today. I cut it out last night while getting ready for Trick-n-Treaters and wanted Cale's opinion on colors and theming.

We always use PH. It makes the day so much more flexible and if we don't make it to or near MK at least every other day, something unfortunate happens.

Can't wait to see the next Super Secret Project.

Thanks Ruth! I am super happy to hear that you are back to sewing again!

I am afraid the PH will make everything confusing? I guess I could do what Suzi always does - she just plans her morning park - then the evening park they do what they want. Since we tend to go back to the resort in the afternoons - it really won't cut into our time much. I really need to think on this. LOL It might get tricky with ADRs n' such.

D, I have to say that the Sebastian Bag is definitely in my top three of the ones that I have seen you post. It is absolutely perfect!

Yay!!! Thank you Kathy!

Hi D! Another PTR A sweet 16 trip sounds awesome! I love photos in your intro. It's great seeing the girls grow together and the denim photo shoot photos are wonderful!!

Allison is a great photographer. I need to get her to give me some lessons. I've been trying to be a 'manual' photographer instead of panicking and using auto on my camera and my photos seem to be really hit and miss

Love the Sebastian bag! Although, I don't think you've made a bag I didn't like

I am looking forward on following your planning!

Hi Tracy! Thank you! It's great having you here! I will be sure to tell Alli that you enjoy her photos... She has been working so hard to learn more about her camera.

Love the new bag, that fabric is perfect! It looks like Mr. Rocket is behaving

Thanks Stephanie... Mr. Rocket - well - he is tempermental... Sometimes he is good and sometimes not so much. He was very good with the Sebastian bag - I seem to have the most problems with him if I use Fairy Frost in my appliques - there is something with that fabric that he really doesn't like.

Hi D~ I made it over yesterday but didn't make it to the end of your post so I am finally caught up.

LOVE the Sebastian bag. Such a wonderful job on the applique!!!

Love hearing about your next trip. How fun that all the girls will get to go together.

We have done Teppan Edo twice. We did it on our last trip and really enjoyed the food but it was VERY loud in there and hard to have a conversation. Since they cook at the table you don't get to spend too much time enjoying each other because you are "busy" with the show.

The tours sound like a nice option but they might take up a huge chunk of time. I have a feeling just enjoying the parks with your BFFs might be the best way to spend your time. A special dinner might be a nice way to celebrate.

Welcome Liz and thank you! Thanks for the review on Teppan Edo, I will definately consider that. I also sort of agree about the tours - it will definately depend on how long we are there, and if it's something we can fit into our schedule. I do have a couple of ideas - but I have not even started researching yet... I need to do that - but I keep telling myself that we have so much time.

I love the Sebastian bag - the fabrics are perfect, once again. I started a new ptr.

Thanks Tess!!! I saw that and I started following - I am VERY excited for you!

Hi D~!

Page 6 but I finally made it here! Been busy with work and life and almost missed this. I thought things were going to slow down once race season was over, but DS has taken care of all my "extra" time with his sports (first it was cross country, now it is volleyball until Christmas, then basketball in the new year, followed up by soccer and track in the spring). At least I don't have to worry about him not getting enough exercise!

Love the Sebastian bag! Those fabrics couldn't be more perfect for it! I absolutely love the detail in your applique too. Such nice stitching!

Can't wait to hear what you are planning for this trip. Sweet 16 for the three girls is going to be super fun! Love the pictures of you, your girls, BFF and her daughter. You look like you have a ton of fun together! Alli takes amazing pictures too! Wish I could find someone who could take pictures of me that make me look that good.

While I wanted to take DS for his 13th birthday in early December, I'm not going to be able to swing it with work the way it is right now unless my DH gets off his butt and hires someone like he says he is going to. 2014 doesn't look likely either as my trip funds are being spent on expanding our drive way properly. Maybe we'll try for 2015

Better go now. I still have to finish up stuff for the annual racing championship banquet tomorrow!

LOREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's great to see you - it's been so long! It made my morning to see your post. I am happy to hear that things are going well for you - even if you've been so busy. A bit sad that you don't have a trip planned - but I know the feeling - there are always so many other projects to do/spend your $$ on. Hopefully things slow down for you soon. Thank you so much for stopping by - and please don't feel like you have to read or stay caught up... Just stopping by to say hello is nice too. Take care, my friend.

1.How fun a sweet 16 girls trip.....Sign me up for one of those in 8 years when myself and BFF will both have daughters turning 16...LOVE

2. LOVE all your bags

3. The wavy fabric yes yes yes so perfect for the bag

Hahaha... Yah - this is going to be an interesting trip - that's for sure! It's a totally different ball game for me to have to plan a trip with extra people. I am constantly worried about how logistics and such will play out - and if they will have a good time. I am quite nervous about it.

And thank you so much for your compliments.

lOV.e Sebastian wonderful!

Thanks Erin!!! It was soooo fun to make - I just love how that wave fabric turned out!

Thank you!! We did have a great time going to my father in law's church and letting the kids play games, jump in the bouncy house and just have fun!!

I forgot about the age requirement. I don't know what the cut off is but maybe if you can't do it this trip hopefully in the near future when all the girls are of the right age.


Love the Sebastian bag!! The material is perfect for it!!

Thanks Sandra! That sounds like the perfect Halloween... I remember when the girls were little and our church had a haunted house/spaghetti dinner - we went every year and we all loved it - I wish they did things like that around here. Sigh.

**********************************************************

Yesterday... Well, the girls and I went up to Josh's work to have lunch with him... It was fun - we don't do it often, surprisingly the hospital he works at has pretty good food. You don't hear that very often. LOL

Then the girls and I left straight from there to go to conferences. We arrived just as they were opening after their lunch break... Conferences went very well - I am very proud of both girls for working so hard this year. Each of them have a few things they need to work on - but overall they are doing well.

Then I came home, took a nap, made home made meatball subs for dinner, and we watched Goldrush on TV... Pretty boring and uneventful night.

I was going to work in my sewing room today, but BFF needs me to come up and help her out with a project - so I am planning to run up there this morning, and hopefully be home before lunch. With any luck - I will be able to get into my sewing room for a few hours this afternoon.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

D~

 

[cogero]

Have a fabulous weekend and I hope you have fun with your BFF.

I have conferences with Js teacher on Thursday.

 

[Iamthequeen]

I'm going to start looking for another older sewing machine. I love my Vikings, but my all time favorite machines are older Singers. I broke the needle on my Sapphire and can't get the needle to stay in the holder, so it needs to go into the shop on Monday. I got out my Featherweight to finish up the projects I was working on, and I just love the way it sews. It can handle much thicker layers than the Viking, so I think I'm going to use it more. I need an older machine that can do zig-zag though, so I'm going to keep looking until I find "the one".

When my kids were in band, if we had a home game on the Friday closest to Halloween, the band director allowed the kids to dress in costumes rather than uniforms. The kids always had a blast. Our high school also has a fall fest Halloween type party in the high school the week or so before Halloween that the entire community is invited to attend. They decorate classrooms, play games, and hand out candy to the kids and it gives the kids another chance to wear their costumes.

 

[sewmess]

My goal for November is to craft at least one tangible thing a day: cutting, other prepping, sewing, etc. To get it out of my head.

Didn't happen yesterday because T and I found a stray kitten on our evening walk. Cale and I took it (we can't figure out if it's male or female) to our vet this morning to get shots and a couple of wounds checked out. We may be keeping it if T and kitty get along.

But between freaked out kitten and confused dog...no sewing. Did have a glass of wine though.

Have a great weekend!

 

[Iamthequeen]

But between freaked out kitten and confused dog...no sewing. Did have a glass of wine though.

Have a great weekend!

At least your priorities are straight!

 

[ladylyons]

Thanks Sandra! That sounds like the perfect Halloween... I remember when the girls were little and our church had a haunted house/spaghetti dinner - we went every year and we all loved it - I wish they did things like that around here. Sigh.

It was nice to not have to feel like I had to check all the candy before I let the kids have any. They'd get it and if they wanted they'd eat it and I didn't question it.

Glad that the conferences went well. Jeremy's was a couple weeks ago and I got a great review. Sarah's is in a couple weeks so we'll see how hers goes.

 

[DMGeurts]

Have a fabulous weekend and I hope you have fun with your BFF.

I have conferences with Js teacher on Thursday.

Thanks Chiara - we did have a good time. I hope your conferences go well.

I'm going to start looking for another older sewing machine. I love my Vikings, but my all time favorite machines are older Singers. I broke the needle on my Sapphire and can't get the needle to stay in the holder, so it needs to go into the shop on Monday. I got out my Featherweight to finish up the projects I was working on, and I just love the way it sews. It can handle much thicker layers than the Viking, so I think I'm going to use it more. I need an older machine that can do zig-zag though, so I'm going to keep looking until I find "the one".

Sorry about your machine, but I think this is a great idea! Personally - I don't think I could sew on a Featherweight all of the time... Victoria has a Singer 99, which is a 3/4 sized machine, and I really have issues sewing on it - it's just too small. Since the Featherweight is a 1/2 sized machine, I think I would have more issues with that. However, Featherweights are GORGEOUS machines - and I would love to have one some day, just to stay I have one. LOL But since both of these machines are straight stitch only - I'd recommend a Singer 401a, 503a (Rocketeer), or a 237... Those are the ones I have had my eyes open for. Right now, I am using a 503a - and even though Mr. Rocket is quite fininky - I think it has more to do with my particular machine and not necessarily the model itself. Keep your eyes open at your local Goodwill stores and the like - Craigslist sometimes too.

When my kids were in band, if we had a home game on the Friday closest to Halloween, the band director allowed the kids to dress in costumes rather than uniforms. The kids always had a blast. Our high school also has a fall fest Halloween type party in the high school the week or so before Halloween that the entire community is invited to attend. They decorate classrooms, play games, and hand out candy to the kids and it gives the kids another chance to wear their costumes.

I think this sounds like so much fun! I wish they did something like this locally.

My goal for November is to craft at least one tangible thing a day: cutting, other prepping, sewing, etc. To get it out of my head.

Excellent idea! I can't wait to see what you make!

Didn't happen yesterday because T and I found a stray kitten on our evening walk. Cale and I took it (we can't figure out if it's male or female) to our vet this morning to get shots and a couple of wounds checked out. We may be keeping it if T and kitty get along.

But between freaked out kitten and confused dog...no sewing. Did have a glass of wine though.

Have a great weekend!

Awww... I hope you are able to keep the kitten and give it a new home!

It was nice to not have to feel like I had to check all the candy before I let the kids have any. They'd get it and if they wanted they'd eat it and I didn't question it.

I agree! It is so much easier if you don't have to worry so much.

Glad that the conferences went well. Jeremy's was a couple weeks ago and I got a great review. Sarah's is in a couple weeks so we'll see how hers goes.

That's awesome that Jeremy's went well - I am sure Sarah's will go great too!

**********************************************************

I don't really have much to report from yesterday - it was a pretty boring day.

I spent the majority of my day driving... Sigh. Drove to Bff's house, drove home, brought Alli to a baby shower - dropped her off - went home, picked Alli up at the baby shower and came back home - I spent 4 hours on the road yesterday. I know that's not a lot to most of you - but for me - it was a bit annoying... I had so many other things I needed to do with my time.

I have to go back to BFF's today - we had some things that we didn't have enough time to finish up yesterday. I really hope to be home before lunch, so I can work on those stockings and the SSP.

I hope you all have a wonderful day! And let me just say - it's so weird not to have a TR to write, I am so used to the excitement of having fun things to post. LOL

D~

 

[cogero]

I had dance driving yesterday with all three kiddos so I feel your pain

 

[DMGeurts]

We have had way too many goodies in our house lately...

Aside from Halloween candy... Which I haven't had much of a problem resisting - my weakness is Reeses Peanut Butter cups.... Mmmmm... I held ONE back from the candy we were giving out... And then Josh ransacked the girls' candy and put 2 more in the "adult" bowl. Sigh. I've rationed myself 1 per day... Not so bad, right?

Then, I was craving caramel corn in the worst way... I made a batch on Halloween night - which I scorched.... Thankfully - because I could see that my single batch was just too much... So, I remade a half batch... Yah- do you think I can keep my fingers out of it? Nope - every time I go to the kitchen, I've been grabbing a handful. I am really not impressed with myself. I think the caramel corn has to go into the garbage today - as much as it pains me to throw away good food, I just can't control myself around it. I think I will always struggle with a food weakness.

As if the Reeses Peanut Butter Cups and the caramel corn weren't enough...

Josh decided to make his Ahhhh-mazing home made apple crisp last night. I am slightly annoyed, because I asked for a "small piece" - do you think he brought me a "small piece" - nope... It was smaller than his - if you consider that "small" - but grrrr... So, I ate it and enjoyed every moment of eating it. It wasn't until I put my bowl in the sink, that I noticed how much was gone out of the 9x13 pan... It was 3/4 GONE!!!! There was only 4 of us!!!!!!!!

As a rule - I do not work out on weekends, but I paid my pennance yesterday and worked out, solely due to the caramel corn... I really should be working out ALL DAY today becuase of everything else - but everyone needs a day off - right?

So - here's the plan... my last remaining RPBC will be put in the cupboard - I can eat that next weekend. There is very little apple crisp left - so the rest of the family can have that tonight. As for that caramel corn - it's going into the trash... Here's to back on track...

D~ <---- Who thinks she is going to post some progress pics as part of this PTR... Here's the link... My Personal Battle

 

[Iamthequeen]

Thanks for the hints on machines to look for. I have another older machine that I am going to get out this afternoon to see how it works. It is the same type of machine that I originally learned to sew on with my grandmother. Her machine, unfortunately, was lost in a flood many years ago.

Also, I'm right there with you on your goal of getting your body back into shape. Charlie and I both started walking and going to the gym before our trip in September and honestly I could tell a difference from our trip 2 years ago. We were not nearly as tired and worn out at the end of the day this time around. I have slacked off since we've been home and I can definitely tell. Time to get moving on the treadmill once more. We did bring it out of the storage room so its easier to get to, just need to get on it and get moving.

I also have to tell you, after looking at the pictures you posted from the first trip, without even looking at the newer ones, that you have made tremendous progress on reaching your goal. Keep up the good work - its showing!

 

[Clio]

I have a 3/4 size Kenmore that was given to me. It has a full size motor but it's small and I don't like sewing on it that much. I have taken it to my mom's for sewing projections because my other machine is very heavy. Most of the tie it lives in an old Vera Brradley weekender. I would love to get my mom's 1955 kenmore. It's a great machine but needs a tuneup. Right now, she doesn't want to part with it even though it haven,t been used in years.
Liz

 

[babynala]

My goal for November is to craft at least one tangible thing a day: cutting, other prepping, sewing, etc.

Have a great weekend!

I love this idea.

D~ Your weight loss post is very exciting. I don't usually notice weight loss on friends (I had a good friend thru all of my school years and she lost a ton of weight the summer of our junior year and I never even noticed. Plus we took dance class together so I saw her in a leotard 3 times a week). That being said the pictures you posted really show the transformation. AMAZING. I am impressed with your will power and your ability to stick with your life changes. The pictures from your trip until the recent bathroom shot show such a big change in your body.

I think it is good that you don't deny yourself treats. It is probably helping you stay on track over the long haul

Again, thanks for sharing and congratulations. You should be proud of all your hard work.

 

[LadyBeBop]

Page 7. I didn't make it until Page 7?

But I think I had a good excuse. I've been at Disney all last week.

Had a great time. DGD loved having her 5th birthday in the parks. Dunno if I'm going to do a trip report. With my PTR, we left my DF and DSIL at the altar. By the way, yes they did say "I do."

I'm posting on my iPhone. DH is driving. We are making that slow journey back into reality. Our next trip is tentatively scheduled for our next grandchild's 5th birthday. Whenever that is.

 

[DisMom1981]

I could title this "weight loss progress", but since my goal is not "losing weight" - it's more like losing inches and transforming those inches into muscle - I could technically "lose inches" but "gain weight"... I have always struggled with my weight... This is a very personal battle for me - and one that pains me to "make public"... I have gained and lost the same 50+ lbs several times over the years - starting well before I ever had the girls... I love food - what can I say? I have been the most successful with Weight Watchers - but, quite honestly, it annoys the crap out of me that I have to transform and calculate every thing I eat into points. You cannot be completely successful on WW if you don't journal. I am usually very good at journaling, but after a few months - it starts to annoy me, and eventually leads to my demise. So, this time, I joined Myfitnesspal.com... It's free (WW is not) and it has a very nice database, so every time I eat something - I don't have to recalculate it, it's usually there for me already. Well, after a few months of actively journaling on MFP - I gave that up too. So, I don't journal anymore either. Because I am trying to, overall, make my body more efficient... Make it stronger... Make it leaner... and hopefully lose inches and not necessarily "weight" - I've switched my focus and eating habits to be a little more like this: My primary focus is protein... I really try to eat as much of it as I can - by focusing on protein, I find that my snacking and my meals fall into place. Do not, for a moment, think that I am follwing "Adkins" at all - I am not. My primary focus is protein - but I eat EVERYTHING... I would say, my diet is best described as "clean eating with a focus on protein"... I've cut out most processed foods... That does not mean that we don't have the occasional box of mac n' cheese... It just means, we try not to. I work out 5 days/week... 3 days of lifting heavy, 2 days of Walk Away the Pounds (1 mile) and an Ab floor routine. Weekends are mostly off. I could tell you what my starting weight was, back in March... But it wouldn't do you any good - I haven't weighed myself since. I have NO idea what I weigh. I measure my progress by my increasing strength and my smaller size... Nothing else matters or is relevant to me. After all - I could be a size 4 and weigh 115lbs, or I could be a size 4 and weigh 150lbs - depending on my muscle mass... So, my weight is totally arbitrary. What does this have to do with Disney, you ask? Well, for me - this journey really started in March of 2012... It was our first "girls trip" and I was miserable... I came home from that trip - looked at pictures of myself, and asked "what happened?" This is not me, this is not the me I see when I look in the mirror every day... So, I started working out - excessively and way more than was necessary... by the time August rolled around - I had completely burned out. I stopped working out all together and by the time October of 2012 came, I had nearly gained back all the inches I had lost between March and August... It took me until March of 2013 to get my head back into the game... and by then - I had gained back even more inches - honestly - my starting weight was higher than it had ever been... I was sick all of the time - I had to have gall bladder surgery - I was up all night every night with acid reflux... constant headaches... Something HAD to change! Again - it was my desire to take our August 2013 Disney trip, and not be "uncomfortable"... So, I started working out again... Cut out all soda... Eating clean... My progress was so sloooooow (it still is). I admit - I did ramp up my working out for the last 5 weeks before our trip... but rather than all of my goals stopping there - I was SURE to make goals that were attainable for after our trip... Sometimes I work so hard and the "event" is my final goal - I wanted to have something to work towards after we came home, so I could continue my focus. Which is where my heavy lifting comes into play... Once we came home, it was my desire to start making my body stronger... At the beginning of October - I started my current regime of heavy lifting... Let me tell you - my "heavy lifting" is not really heavy lifting at all... but maybe someday it will be? I hope to update this post with progress pictures as I go along... As I said above... Our March 2012 Disney trip was an eye opening experience for me... Specifically once our Photopass CD came... What greeted me - was high resolution photos of me and nearly my biggest... Shorts that didn't fit... Shirts that were too tight... Any muscle definition I may have had was no where to be found... Many tears shed over these photos... March 2012 Look at those knees - I didn't have any! August 2012... After I'd been working out since March... There is some improvement... but still a lot of work left to be done... By January 2013 - I was well on my way to being right back where I started the previous March - if not beyond that... And - at the end of Feb 2013... avoiding the camera as much as possible... Starting out in a TIGHT size 18. So, I started working out AGAIN... Story of my life - always starting over... June 2013... By the time Suzi and Mo had came, I had gone down a bit in size... (I am on the left) August 2013... And by the time the girls and I went on our trip in Aug, I had gone down in size a bit more... I was much more comfortable on this trip, than I was in March the previous year... I still was not thrilled with my slow progress... But there was progress, and I was thankful for that. I was approx a size 16 here. September 2013... Continuing my journey after our trip was not an easy task, but some how I managed to keep my focus after returning home. October 2013... Again - more visible changes... I had started my heavy lifting program - which was a serious mental challenge for me - to give up a lot of the cardio I had been doing... A nice public bathroom picture for you all... LOL And then my BFF photoshoot at the end of Oct... Wearing a TIGHT size 14 jrs. I keep telling myself - it's all about the progress... I want to be stronger and I want to be healthier, and that is my focus. Everything I eat and everything I do - I try to make it relate to that in some form. I continue to tell myself that this is an endless journey, there is no end date and there is no "final goal". D~

Ugh I relate to the always starting over battle. An the I hate myself in pictures. Good for you for persevering. You look great!

Sorry to hear about the date sharing problem but thanks for saying something in here about it. I'm totally naive thinking privacy is not necessary in the Dis and now my mind is racing with all the potential dangers.

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[DisMom1981]

Also, do you have an etsy shop or website? Thinking about our summer trip which is booked for DCL but may be changed for another WDW adventure instead- either way- would love some fun accessories for DD 2.

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