It sounds amazing! 
Gingerbread and egg nogT-R-O-U-B-L-E
!
You are so right! 
We have two bins for Halloween decorations, one indoor and the other outdoor. Indoors I have hand and finger towels, a ceramic pumpkin candy jar, a trio of pumpkins that say "Happy Halloween" placemats, candles, all kinds of homey touches. I even kept ds's fisher-price Halloween setOutdoors dh has a cage, sized for a large dog. Inside he hangs severed heads, and has a rat, skull and other scary paraphernalia. It is definitely the only one on the block!
Does he put a light on it? I'm like you with the more homey, Halloween touches. 
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!
Just a quick hello and I hope to be back later and catch up with everyone, and keep that motivation today to avoid the halloween candy. I need to go to target after work and buy ours, nothing that I like.
Have a great day everyone!!!
Monday QOTD: Trick or Treat! You are entering the zone of Weight Loss Tricks, and Non-Food Treats -- Remember, if you are taking small steps to improve your weight and fitness level, you're a Big Winner! What small step are you taking right now to make it a Happy Halloween? Are there any tricks or treats involved? What type of candy do you just not enjoy, or something you can take or leave? Think about it for a moment. Now bring that reaction back to your mind whenever you need it!
Maria
). I may have to bring DS into town for that. Other than that, I think we will stick close to home. The weather is actually making it necessary to reschedule trick-or-treat in some surrounding towns so my kids are hoping to "double up" on the TorT'ing this year and maybe hit another town later in the week! 
We'll see about that.HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!
Just a quick hello and I hope to be back later and catch up with everyone, and keep that motivation today to avoid the halloween candy. I need to go to target after work and buy ours, nothing that I like.
Have a great day everyone!!!
Good plan!!!Pamela, can't wait to see how the Rapunzel costume turned out!
I took pictures, but haven't uploaded them yet. She was being a bit impatient, so I didn't get as many as I would have like. Hopefully the costume and hairpiece hold together well today and I can take a few more tonight.
It's a busy day here. Court this morning. I guess my trick for today is my baseline bone density test this afternoon and trick or treaters tonight.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Enjoy but don't trick yourself into a bad weigh in later this week!
I am going to treat myself to a small handful of candy corn later. The treat I'm least fond of is anything necco wafer. I just think they taste like chalk. I make a face just thinking about them. I'm going to try to summon that reaction when temptation occurs! I think you have an awesome plan, I'm sure the kids don't even notice the candy is disappearing, and it's better for everyone. 
Yeah, it's not the once a year things that get you, it's the 3 times a day 
I love that you are abstaining from candy -- and I know you will wake up tomorrow with a twinkle in your eye and no extra sugar in your bloodstream 
For the first time every, I did not buy halloween candy until today. In the past, I've had years where I've probably eaten multiple bags of it the month of october before giving any out on halloween. I bought no chocolate. I got fun dip, sour gummies, fruit snacks, and lollipops. I will take a peanut butter cup or two from ds and work them into my week. Like you said, Lisa, it's not the occassional treat that gets you, it's the treat daily that should be occassional. We're having some friends over for pizza before t or t, and I plan to have one piece, and I got some fruit to have too. I figure the kids will eat enough candy after we didn't need any other sweets. I don't like the sour gummy type candies. I'll have a lollipop on occassion, and tried to get Tootsie pops, but they didn't have them.Monday QOTD: Trick or Treat! You are entering the zone of Weight Loss Tricks, and Non-Food Treats -- Remember, if you are taking small steps to improve your weight and fitness level, you're a Big Winner! What small step are you taking right now to make it a Happy Halloween? Are there any tricks or treats involved? What type of candy do you just not enjoy, or something you can take or leave? Think about it for a moment. Now bring that reaction back to your mind whenever you need it!
Maria
My brother is still without power, but my sil left me a message her mom got hers back on so she's headed over there to charge up her cell phone, and get warm. She's close by to her mom, so hopefully her's will be on soon too. It is crazy to see this in October. A beer won't make me want chocolate, but one peanut butter cup might make me want more.
. Thought I would just fly through the questions since I have time this afternoon!Today's QOTD:
We are heading into the holiday eating season (AKA "gain-10-pounds- without-really-trying season"). It starts now with the Halloween candy extravaganza and, for some of us, ends up with the New Year's day "oh-my-gosh-what-have-I-done-to-myself?"!!
What is your plan to deal with all of the food and eating occasions coming up? Have you thought ahead? Do you have a plan ready? If you have a plan, please share it! You all KNOW I love a good PLAN!!
Today's "fluff" QOTD:
What is your most MEMORABLE halloween costume? (Either something you wore or something your kid wore.)
) Do you like to be scared, or do you prefer a "not so scary" experience?! It snowed here as well, only an inch - and although I love winter, October snow is a little too early!, but it still looks like it will be a little busy next week until close is over. Especially since I missed a day!
Yikes! 
I am so disappointed with myself, but I only have myself to blame. As I look over my food journal it is quite clear that I made poor choices. I actually do better when I am at work when Im home it all seems to go out the window. I am having such a hard time losing weight and I am so frustrated! I usually end up gaining a lot of weight this time of year and I really want to change that. At this same time last year I weighed about 10 pounds more than I do now, so I guess that is a plus. I have about 3 ½ weeks till Thanksgiving and I would like to be down at least 6 pounds by then. Monday QOTD: Trick or Treat! You are entering the zone of Weight Loss Tricks, and Non-Food Treats -- Remember, if you are taking small steps to improve your weight and fitness level, you're a Big Winner! What small step are you taking right now to make it a Happy Halloween? Are there any tricks or treats involved? What type of candy do you just not enjoy, or something you can take or leave? Think about it for a moment. Now bring that reaction back to your mind whenever you need it!
Maria
Good friday afternoon.
Let's get the QOTD over with. I don't do scary movies. I can only think of one that I saw in the movies and I think we walked out of the movie. Ican't remember the name of the movie but there were a lot of big stars in it and we hated it.
For those of you who are new to the challenges let me explain about the food. My mil is on oxygen at night because of lung problems. She never uses it during the day but only at night. Soon after she had this problem her oven broke and my sil will not let them replace it because it is gas and there is flames and the house might blow up. It still doesn't explain why they can have a gas burner and use that.
the last few years I have been making all the food (none of my sil's cook), packing it in some coolers and crockpots and taking it the 40 minutes to my inlaw's house. I finish up the food there. My fil is crazy about eating at a certain time. If dh is watching a football game and there is 20 seconds left in the half but it is 2, fil will yell to turn off the tv because he has to eat at exactly 2 on holidays. Our nephew plays trombone and we knew he was playing an Easter service so we were going to wait for him but fil said NO.
So you can see why I am so tired that I don't feel like eating. Last year I had twisted my knee a couple weeks before Thanksgiving. I thought it was getting better but with all the stress of Thanksgiving it just started getting worse and worse. I found out after an MRI that I had arthritis, a torn meniscus, torn cartiledge and a stress fracture and I still managed to make Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner for dh's family.
Can I have some PD for my ds2. He is taking his professional engineer's license tomorrow. He has to take 2 tests one now and one in about 5 years after he has been working during that time. I know he will do fine. He has been studying for the last 3 months.
Off to get some things done around here.
Have a happy and healthy evening.
on that food situation. Wow what an undertaking!!Hi everyone!
Sorry, I've been MIA for the past almost 2 weeks. However, we've had a lot going on. We liquidated our towing company and hopefully by the end of the weekend the tow trucks will be sold. Our house in TX is on the rental market right now. The housing market is so bad right now I wouldn't get anywhere near what I paid for my house right now. We're having a few friends take down the pool in the backyard along with the deck. The realtor said many people love the house but don't want the pool. Plus even if someone wanted it we would have to pay to maintain it, screw that!
I started using my Sparkpeople account again for weight loss (www.sparkpeople.com). If anyone is on the site my screen name is: LDHSFALCON. I've started back slowly with working out 5 times this past week. I've also drank eight 8 ounce glasses of water and tracked every bite I've put into my mouth. I realized I'm not eating many calories so I'm shooting for a 1200 - 1400 calorie day. The last two days i've hit my calorie count. Well, today being exactly one week from when I started I got on the scale to check my progress.
DOWN TWO POUNDS!
Alan is on this journey with me and he's lost 4 pounds. We went grocery shopping today and I caught him more then once reading labels on food
I've changed from the up all night owl to the in bed before midnight and up anywhere from 3a-6a. I didn't get up til 1030 this morning because I was up watching game 6 of the World Series. GO RANGERS!! I love the new change of getting up early. I was never a big breakfast eater but now I eat it every morning. I love cooking in this house and I've done it a lot lately. I've made a binder for the year where I include meal plan forms that I feel out for each week and I add recipes and workouts that I find on Sparkpeople. Its really keeping me motivated to have something where I can keep track of stuff and see my progress with eating healthier and such.
Oh, and our pool will be finished by the end of next week!
Hoping to sleep in tomorrow so posting the QOTD now...
Snowy Sunday QOTD: Yep, the white stuff has fallen in my neck of the woods. Do you have special decorations for Halloween, indoor or out? Do you try to sneak any Hidden Mickeys or other Disney decorations into the mix? Ours are now covered in frosty goodness!
Maria
I also put up the monorail around the tree complete with Spaceship Earth, the Contemporary, Poly and Grand Floridian. Those aren't so hidden though 
Monday QOTD: Trick or Treat! You are entering the zone of Weight Loss Tricks, and Non-Food Treats -- Remember, if you are taking small steps to improve your weight and fitness level, you're a Big Winner! What small step are you taking right now to make it a Happy Halloween? Are there any tricks or treats involved? What type of candy do you just not enjoy, or something you can take or leave? Think about it for a moment. Now bring that reaction back to your mind whenever you need it!
Maria
Maybe it's also because I've never made one so not quite sure where to start on that. I'll have to do some thinking..... I was super motivated today to clean up the clutter and got rid of a bunch of stuff to Goodwill, put some in storage in the basement and cleaned out my 10yr old ds bedroom (OMGosh!! the things that boy keeps!)
Monday QOTD: Trick or Treat! You are entering the zone of Weight Loss Tricks, and Non-Food Treats -- Remember, if you are taking small steps to improve your weight and fitness level, you're a Big Winner! What small step are you taking right now to make it a Happy Halloween? Are there any tricks or treats involved? What type of candy do you just not enjoy, or something you can take or leave? Think about it for a moment. Now bring that reaction back to your mind whenever you need it!
Maria
Tuesday QOTD: Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho! It's Off to Lose Weight We Go! Research suggests that deep colors, sucah as teal, eggplant, pine and navy can make you feel confident and in charge. Are any of these colors currently working in your wardrobe (workout or regular)? If not, which of them do you think would look good on you?
Maria
I do not wear deep colors often, but do have some teal clothes, but they're usually lighter teal. I have worn navy in the past, but just don't have anything right now. I tend to stick to brighter colors, pinks, and blues. Though when I find my winter/holiday scrubs, I do have more navy.Tuesday QOTD: Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho! It's Off to Lose Weight We Go! Research suggests that deep colors, such as teal, eggplant, pine and navy can make you feel confident and in charge. Are any of these colors currently working in your wardrobe (workout or regular)? If not, which of them do you think would look good on you?
Maria
Happy Halloween everyone
Now bring that left over candy to work tomorrow and put it where you won't see it
Preferably out front in the reception candy dish, so people will take it
As of today we are currently 50% complete with the Fall Challenge, so let's ramp things up before the holidays are upon us!
Hmmm. I hadn't thought of buying the mini RKs, but that might be a great solution. You're right, they are much better homemeade, I don't even like the WDW version
Maria
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Pamela- My clogs arent the Oil slick ones, they're more denim blue/silver/black, but similar. They have a uniform sale at work now and then, and you can buy what you want and have it taken out of your check over 1-5 weeks, so it's easier than forking over the hundred bucks. It's still the same money, but psychologically it seems better.
I am right near that Y, and would love to visit with you when you're down here. Other than Thanksgiving weekend, we should be around the other weekend in Nov. I would hate to have you be so close and not get to meet you. Let me know which weekend it is.
They sound nice! I'll have to look for those next time I'm at the mall.
I know DD is swimming there November 13 (it is a whole weekend event, but DS's robotics competition is 11/12 up here in NH). When it gets a bit closer and I know what time of day we will be around, I'll let you know!!
CC and Janis are some other new englanders. Hope you guys are ok and just busy.
Off to pick up ds from his afterschool care halloween party.
Happy Trick or Treats! Make some wise choices!! I might have beer over that peanut butter cup tonight.
Don't have a plan, just track as it goes. Have it on my iPhone, so always handy. If I can see when I am getting out of hand, I can sometimes scale back. That being said, the other day when the kids were trick or treating (where I work) it was a little cold and I was overtired and just kept raiding the candy stash in our dept...I didn't track this weekend either, but didn't do too bad...home sick today though, think it was the candy and junk I ate, had a little gastrointestinal upset...that'll teach me
Another good reason why I need an iPhone!!
No memorable outfits. I remember the simple outfits like a hobo or a ballerina when I was young. DS was very simple, off the rack. I let him decide and he was a Thomas the Tank Engine for 3 years, and then switched to HP and carried that through until he stopped trick or treating! Before that, I think Mickey Mouse one year and an MM another. Would love to be creative and put together some of those more memorable ones I have seen, but don't have a creative bone in my body!
I'm sure that you are creative in other ways!
We don't do Halloween. When we first moved here, DH went back to OU to finish getting his degree, so I was alone. A group of young thugs smashed my pumpkin and started spreading rumors that I was giving out $5. Teenagers were banging on the door demanding money. Finally turned out the light and sat in the dark. Totally freaked me out. Now I know that they aren't here anymore, and DH is here, but I just won't do it. Took DS to different neighborhoods for trick or treat, and this neighborhood is mostly old people now anyway - hardly any decorations out.
Carol
I have been away for awhile for Fall Break and just finished catching up on everything here. I took a few days off from work to spend time with DD13 during her break. She got braces last Tuesday and poor thing is having a hard time eating. I obviously was eating enough for both of us because I gained 3.2 pounds!
It must be the "braces" time of year because DS is getting his tomorrow (unless he can get a ride to Canada... he wants to flee the country rather than get braces!). I guess I'll need to be aware of the associated "Mom-weight-gain" phenomenon!!
I think I love ALL candy but I wont be having any this year. I absolutely love candy corn, so I didnt buy any of those so that I could resist the temptation. Also, DD13 cant have any candy due to her braces and we have decided that any candy leftover this year will be going to our troops that are deployed, so that is enough incentive not to eat any. Her school is collecting candy from November 1 4 and will send it out in care packages the following week. We collected so much last year and it was a welcome treat for our men and women in uniform!
Happy Halloween!!
I didn't eat any of the halloween candy I purchased
GOOD JOB!
Pjlla Yeah, I probably should make a plan. Sometimes it's the obvious things that I miss
It really isn't that hard. First of all....I usually plan a vigorous workout for the morning, to start the day off right. Our Y is officially closed T.giving day, but the Fitness room is opened as a fundraiser for the gymnastics team.... they man the room, etc for a few hours that morning.... and sometimes they have a spin class too. We pay $5 each and can stay for the entire time (usually about 3-4 hours). Some towns have a 5K that morning (AKA "Turkey Trot"). That would be another fun thing to start the day off. At the very least you could plan your own walk/run/workout.
Next up, plan the meals. Start with a super healthy OP breakfast and mid-morning snack.... but something reasonably filling so you don't head into the big meal of the day hungry! I usually will have an egg-white omelet with some sauteed veggies and light cheese, plus a cup of coffee and maybe a piece of low-carb toast of a piece of fruit. For mid-morning I have a cup of green tea and a piece of cheese or some nuts. This snack is usually consumed in the car on the way to my DBIL's house.
If you know in advance what is being served, you can plan your meal accordingly. If you have no idea what is being served, you need to give yourself a limit.... for example "two servings of lean protein (presumably turkey), one serving of carbohydrates (potato or a roll), two servings of green vegetables (salad and cooked carrots), one 'extra" (something special that is a holiday treat).... you can plan all the way down to the drinks and condiments if you want. I often will plan in a glass of wine or a beer for a special day like that.
Appetizers and desserts are another thing. My family doesn't do appetizers, but desserts (especially pies) are big. DH's family does huge appetizers, but dessert isn't always much. But I generally KNOW what is going to be offered and again, I plan accordingly. For DH's family I need to plan my appetizers... for my family I need to plan my desserts.... YES, we having T.giving TWICE! We celebrate on Thursday with my in-laws and again on Friday with my family..... so I really MUST stick to some sort of plan or I will end up with TWO days of overeating!
Once I arriveat my DBIL's, I need to check out the appetizer table, decide what, if anything that I am having, and then move away from it. I will often stick with hummus and veggies or the fruit platter. Then I move out of the kitchen and try hard to stay away from the food until it is meal time.
THen I make my preplanned choices (including skipping the turkey, as I"m not a big fan, and having a few pieces of my DSIL's special homemade butternut squash ravioli!!), sit down with everyone, try to eat slowly and enjoy the meal and ONLY go back for seconds on veggies if I am still hungry.
Anyhow.... you see where I am going with this. I write up this plan and put it on a notecard in my pocket. If I feel like I am going off track, I look at the notecard to remind myself how important it is to stay on track and how much BETTER I will feel come tomorrow morning!!
Everyone else Hope you all have a great Halloween. I've not worked out today but I have been so busy running around and on my feet for half the day - seriously - cleaning like a crazy person, dancing to MouseWorld Radio in the process and stuff I'm thinking it counts for something
Have a great night!!
Tuesday QOTD: Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho! It's Off to Lose Weight We Go! Research suggests that deep colors, such as teal, eggplant, pine and navy can make you feel confident and in charge. Are any of these colors currently working in your wardrobe (workout or regular)? If not, which of them do you think would look good on you?
Maria
I didn't eat any of the halloween candy I purchased
Pjlla Yeah, I probably should make a plan. Sometimes it's the obvious things that I miss
I've been OP all but 2 days so far so should be okay too. We did not have one single trick or treater but luckily I had not purchased much so we should make it for DS' lunches this week and the candy will be gone.
I went 170 calories over my allotment yesterday but I'm okay with that. It was that darn butterbeer that did it -- butterscotch schnapps and cream soda.
