"Having a GRAND time - The Official GF Chat Thread"

[goofygal531]

I truly enjoy you ladies! My DS1 is down for his morning nap, I poured myself a cup of coffee and read the entire thread. I feel like I'm hanging out with my girlfriends at Starbucks!!

I really need the diet motivation!! Brooke, an amazing transformation! I've been doing WW on and off since January. Every morning I say I'm going to stick with it, then by noon I blow it. I know I can do it and I enjoy the points, it's just lack of motivation. I would love to lose 50lbs!!! I walk a ton (living in NYC) it's just I eat for no reason and just need to stop!!

I'm a huge fan of Bare M! I have a store nearby but QVC has better deals. Especially if you want the brushes. Has anyone ever used their make up case! Love it! Perfect to travel w/brushes and it expands to hold all your make up!

Oh, to add to the handbags not a fan of coach, actually just donated one new in the box to my DS4's school auction. No one in my area uses Vera Bradley (never seen one in person before). My DH has me addicted to Louis Vuitton. One Christmas I said I didn't need anything and he surprised with me an LV bag -he told ME they were popular and in style! Now every Christmas I get something from the store. Would love the carry on bag next but DH says I'm getting greedy now!

Kelly, what a wonderful experience! Congrats!

Channing, there's this doggy daycare place here in the city that has cameras in the suites so while you're on vacation you can "check in" with your dog! I heard of it on the news the other night and thought of you!

So happy there's now a place for chit chat!

Nice "meeting" everyone!

With my little one it's not so easy to post daily, but I do find time to read the threads here and there!

Mare

 

[LisaInNc]

I have oggled Vutton bags for years but everyone around here carrys knockoffs so I won't carry a real one because I just will be lumped in with the knockoff people. I am eyeing a Kate Spade at Nordstroms for the summer.

I like Coach and I have a lot of Vera luggage pieces. The trunk on my car is super small and I can't fit a regular suitcase in it so the soft sided Vera stuff works really well for me.

if you have problems with not eating things you like, try portion control. Get what you normally get and first throw half of it away. It's not the healthiest way to lose but if you can get used to eating smaller portions it goes a long way to losting weight.

My nutritionist said the biggest mistake Americans make is with portion size. If she could just tell everyone one thing to do to be more healthy she said it would be to limit portions. I portion out everything and it helps a lot.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Good Morning Gals!!

First off, hello to all the newbies who jumped in with the weight loss stories!! Stick around and chat with us!!!

Channing, I would never dream of starting a weight loss program just before vacation!! I am purposely waiting until AFTER Easter to get rid of my carbs. While I won't go wild in these next two weeks, I will take the time to eat a couple of my favorite carbs one last time (i.e. a Reeses Peanut Butter egg from the Easter Bunny, a piece of pineapple dessert at brunch, beer bread at our St Patty's Day Bash on Saturday etc.) Besides, this time I have only 5 to lose, whereas last year I was aiming for 10-12 and lost 17 since it was so successful. I am hoping that I only have to be rigid with it for about a month. Anyway, take the next couple of weeks to gear up and get "mentally" ready to hop back on the program!
(BTW- those sweatshirts were adorable!! )

To everyone who complimented me on my Carbless discipline Thanks! It is a tough a diet, but it works so well for me and I get the results I want. For me it isn't so much a number on a scale but tape measurements of my body. I am 5 feet 9 inches tall and in the winter months I weigh about 140 pounds. But in the summer I am between 133 and 136. While that 5 pounds doesn't seem like a big difference, by low carbing it I can keep my natural waist at 27 inches or a little under. I am not a big framed person at all, so while this sounds thin, it really isn't in person (I don't look anything like Keira or Paris!! ) As for pasta, Dreamfields makes an EXCELLENT low carb pasta!! We eat it all the time (even when I am not low carbing) and everyone in my family likes it. I switched it out last summer and didn't tell DH and he never noticed a difference in tast (just that his pants were looser!!)

As for WW, I think it is a TERRIFIC program. And in my eating of 1200-1400 calories per day, I suppose I am following the same idea, just counting calories and not points. I am all about having a pizza for dinner then scaling back my calories elsewhere in the day (salad for lunch etc.) I just don't get the fat loss with WW that I do with low carb, which is why I don't follow it as a diet, but follow their principles for weight maintenance... does that even make sense?

Brook- I have some of the soft focus colors (but not warmth) Soft Focus Glee is MUCH lighter than regular Glee, but I still don't wear it since I try to avoid pink colors like the plague (I have enough natural redness that I don't need to emphasize it!) The Soft Focus Brush is awesome!! I use it for the Radiances- it really swirls in there well! I also have a soft focus eyeshadow that I use for Vanilla Sugar which helps that go on nice and sheer...

Re: post gastric TT- my mommy friend from PS had it last summer and she said it was so painful, she refused to go back for a second procedure on her legs. She said it was like recovering from her cesaerian all over again, but with 10 times the pain I am a big wimp too! I would like to have an "enhancement" but am wimpy about the recovery of that... my neighbor has been debating the idea for a couple of years so I am going to see how she fares before I decide for sure (DH, however, would send me tomorrow if I was ready!!)

As for purses, DH still hasn't seen my purchases of last week The big Dooney is much larger than anything I would carry every day. I bought it to bring to White Sox games (Since DS still likes to bring his snacks, a hat that he won't wear etc.), the zoo and places like that where I need more stuff. The wallet on a sting kind of thing is strictly for WDW since I never bring a big purse there (I just like the long strap). They are tucked away safely in my closet amongst my other purses and will pull them out as needed with the old "What, this old thing?" if I get questioned... DH doesn't understand spending a lot of money on a purse (Men! He would think twice about spending that and more on a golf club!!!)

Tink- where in Chicagoland are you?? I am in LITH, near Channing...

Have a great day everyone!!
Kristin

 

[Cinderumbrella]

if you have problems with not eating things you like, try portion control. Get what you normally get and first throw half of it away. It's not the healthiest way to lose but if you can get used to eating smaller portions it goes a long way to losting weight.

My nutritionist said the biggest mistake Americans make is with portion size. If she could just tell everyone one thing to do to be more healthy she said it would be to limit portions. I portion out everything and it helps a lot.

This is how my parents got overweight!! My mom still cooks as though there are 4 people in the house and my brother and I have been gone for years!!

 

[goofygal531]

I'm about a 20 min walk to the LV store on Fifth Ave. I've only noticed tourist with the fake bags, they buy them off the guys hanging out on the street corner outside of Bloomies and Saks.

I never had an interest in LV before my DH got me one. I needed something "special" for him to buy me besides requesting spa gift certificates. I don't "need" anything and he likes to shop and loves holidays. A gift certificate just doesn't say anything to him

I never even knew VB had luggage! I've heard people mention her backpacks and baby bags, but never luggage. We take a car service to the airport when we fly, I always request a mini van since we have two large suitcases and the stroller. We have an SUV but we never drive to the airport or port when we travel. Just cheaper to take a car service than pay for parking.

I just eat if I'm bored or stressed. I know WW inside and out, I've also tried South Beach, Suzanne Somers, Atkins, etc.. You name a fad diet, I've tried it. When I was 21 I did Jenny Craig along with going to the gym and lost 50lbs. Since I met DH and had kids I just let things go. I just need to make myself a priority and make time to go to the gym (it's in my building) and watch what I eat. Just my daily walking alone I know I would lose weight. I walk 4 miles a day just to get DS4 to and from school. I walk in addition to that too. I just need to lay off the H&H bagels and pick up some WW ones!

Speaking of WW bagels, has anyone had them before? One day last month I ate a WW bagel for breakfast then had a WW pita w/tuna for lunch - well I was SICK! Fiber overload!! You cannot have two servings of those per day!!! I had no idea!!! Talk about limiting your carb intake!!

Can't believe my little one is still napping! Gotta get going. I discovered there's a LeSportSac store on Madison Ave I wanna check out before I pick up DS4 from school. I need a mommy tote for WDW/airplane. Considering the Tessa bag from LeSportSac. I like that I can squish it into a stroller basket.

Great chatting with you ladies!

Mare

 

[WishesQueen]

Goofygal531

Welcome my fellow New Yorker!!

So, tell me where is this doggy daycare. My dog would never survive a doggy daycare (Thank goodness for grandma). But my BF is always looking for somewhere to leave her dog.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Mare, that is great about the LV....I had one about 15 yrs ago....we moved and guess what didn't get moved? I have no idea where that puppy wound up. Everybody here is into Vera. I used to see it and wonder WHAT is THAT? I thought it was cute, but I was a Dooney and a Coach girl. I am no longer into those at all. I love Vera. It's so lightweight and I like the LARGER size totes for everyday...I carry tons of stuff & love to, so they come in handy. I love quilts etc and all the cute Vera prints remind me of them.

Oh ya...our "Kamp Kountry Kennels" has suites and now has the doggy cams, too! I just saw that on their website yesterday. I was checking out the rates. They have a Mickey Mouse and a Pooh Bear suite that is 13X12. It runs $60/nt though and they nickle and dime you for EVERYTHING - from walks to all day 9-5 one on one, to feeding her her OWN food vs their stuff....to doggy bbq parties, and doggie brunch...it's a cute place and it's PRETTY and I know where they get the money to make it that way. My bills there have approached $1000 for ONE dog. This time I am not doing the suite, though. I am not doing the suite this time....we've odne Pooh Bear but she is going to have to rough it this time. It's still nice and large, but not a suite with a TV and all that silly jazz. Well.....DH is dropping her off so I suppose the whole thing will depend on HIS level of guilt where Tater Tot ends up. They always sucker me into the works.

I am psyched...with all you WW girls we can do it. I had my 30 miniwheats, ahaha and 3 cups of coffee.....I will have yogurt, strawberries and a bit of granola for lunch which I think will be 6 to 7 points. That's my plan so far.

Another thing....PLAN AHEAD. Don't let yourself get too hungy and be prepared with what you're going to eat next so you don't find yourself in the middle of your kitchen grabbing for anything. Also,..ok one more thing I (when I'm being BAD) will nibble here and there....make the kids lunches and slip myself a goldfish or two....you get the pic...anyway, you have to stay focused on the fact that everything you put in your mouth has a points value and it ALL counts. I find myself just kind of unconsiously eating....I catch myself and give myself a slap upside the head!!!

Lisa - Oh ya....I totally agree w/the portion control thing....I need to catch myself and be more aware of that.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, Kristin!! Just slowly take them out for use. My DH doesn't notice anything so I have no worries with clothes or shoes/bags etc. PLUS, if he does....I bought a beautiful Coach tote - and it was large suede and he couldn't miss that one....I told him it will last for years. He is ok with that story. He also goes for the IT WAS ON SALE line. And then I just smile and laugh and life goes on.

I know...I am bummed that I feel I need to drop 15 a week before vacation. Why didn't I get serious with this 2 months ago?!?!?! I think winter brought me low and the fact that I couldn't walk and no sunshine...it was a gloomy bummer of a winter. I have a great treadmill, but in using it I have noticed I get hip and foot pain that I don't get when I walk outdoors. It's not just a fluke, either, becasue I was a devoted treadmiller for years and suffered all types of crazy joint pain that I don't get with the outside walking.

Your body must just have become used to your low calories....I can't do that!!!! I wish I could because you sound so nice and slim. I am 6 ft tall but not slim....I USED to be but I had to work at it and I felt starving all the time...now I just want to be at a good healthy weight and be able to eat....I like to eat.

Talk to ya later!! I said to myself, when the VIEW comes on, I will go clean my kitchen....I am running late, haha...

 

[irisbud]

Wow, congrats to everyone on all of their weight loss! My mom has recently lost about 50 pounds from trying to control her portions and excersing. She really looks great!

BF is trying to lose a lot of weight before our wedding. He lost quite a bit on Atkins at one time, but gained it all back after he cheated once and then couldn't help himself. It was like just a little bit of carbs made him go crazy.

We were doing well with smaller low cal portions and Tae Bo, but then we have both had that nasty flu off an on for the last two months or so which has made excercising difficult. I hope to get back into it, and am setting Monday as a gola to do so (hoping he will be well by then, he seems allmost over this last round).

WW sounds like it would be a good plan. I am trying to convince him that he cannot be on a diet, we need a lifestyle change. He will always be disposed to being heavy, so dieting is not a long term solution. It sounds as though WW follows this philosophy. It will also work well for me. I am lucky and have a comobo of low blood sugar and super fast metabolism, so I don't need to diet, but I DO need to eat well and excercise, like we all should. He really wants to do Atkins again, but gets off track when I have other food in the house. The low cal I can stick to well enough, the low carb I can't do. It makes me extremely ill with my low blood sugar.

I think I will look into the weight watchers some more. I lost 3 pounds just by eating only at the kitchen table. I am a psychology major, so was testing out the conditioning theory. After a few weeks, I no longer get hungry from watching TV. It is helping both of us to only eat at the table and not eat out of boredom. Also, this requires you to have to put effort into eating (get up, sit at table, miss TV shows, etc.) and sometimes it dosen't seem worth it. It is easy to moniter the other person too. You can just say "why aren't you eating at the table".

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hi Amy!

I too have a degree in Psych so ITA about conditioned eating. I think that is why I can do Atkins etc. since I "get" the mental side of eating. Like any type of diet, your body needs a chance to adjust to the change. If you can make it past those first few weeks and your body adjusts you are in the clear. The real discipline comes in when you "cheat" to jump right back on the program the next day... Atkins isn't a lifestryle that most people can live on forever (I could never do it!!) but so many people gain the weight back once they go off since they don't go to a portion controlled, calorie mindful approach. That is where WW is AWESOME!!

Good luck everyone!!!

Kristin

ETA: Channing- you are 6 feet tall? Finally someone I can look up to!!! Don't think you need to lose 15 pound this week- just embrace the fact that you are going to lose the weight, and start after vacation. It will be fine!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Kristin, thanks! Yep, really 5'11" but close enough....my sister is 5'10". I tried on some clothes and they are tight. haha...just went for a brisk walk though. I know I am horrid on vacation though. I am going to wear my tight clothes so I am conscious of it. Maybe I can drop 10 by next Tuesday.

Well, speaking of fat and food and vacation....I just made an Easter ressie at that special brunch at WS....no clue about it at all other than it sounds Eastery. It will be interesting. Anybody have any idea or knowledge of it????

talk to ya later - have to get Tatum some doggie food.

Channing

 

[arbonnette]

Hello, everyone. Just chiming in.
I went to a Target I normally don't go to today and guess what they are selling? Bare M! Just some kits though. The starter, the starter for eyes, Pure Moxie, and Crown Jewels. I didn't buy anything but may go back to get the Crown Jewels. I wonder if they will expand what they carry or just stick with those few kits ...

Regarding the weight loss, somehow I have started eating candy bars ... like one a day. A big huge Cadbury one with roasted almonds. I don't even like chocolate anymore! I go for 6-8 weeks being very disciplined and not feeling deprived and then all of a sudden I want carbs, sugar and everything BAD and unhealthy.
Channing, I can relate to your pre-vacation weight loss desire. I am going to San Antonio for Easter with two other moms and their kids from Hannah's school and they are both a size 4. I am a 10 on a good day (down from a 16+ 2 years ago) and not feeling so great about sitting by the pool with the two of them ...

I have a degree in Psychology as well and I totally know WHY I eat and I just am not 100% successful at replacing the food with another activity.

My high school reunion is coming up in two months and I really want to drop at least 10 pounds for it.
I am going to go to a WW meeting Thursday.

Thanks to everyone for the inspiration!
- Andrea

 

[Fishy&2guppies]

Has anyone been to the American Girl store. I am going to be in Chicago next week, and I am going to take my daughters to the store one day. Is there any pointers for anything special we should be doing at the store? My girls are 3 and 6.

HANDBAGS!!! They are my addiction. Right now I am using a Burberry handbag, but it has gotten a tear in it, and I don't think it can be repaired. Oh well that just means I can go buy this white Coach leather one that I spied a few weeks ago.

I have my WW meeting tonight . After being on vacation last week and all that I have stuffed into my mouth I am afraid to go. I can't even bring myself to look at the scale at my house.

Thanks for letting me chat with all of you. I stopped working a few weeks ago, and now I have no one to talk to during the day except for a 3 yr. old. There is only so much Elmo that I can talk about.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Thanks for letting me chat with all of you. I stopped working a few weeks ago, and now I have no one to talk to during the day except for a 3 yr. old. There is only so much Elmo that I can talk about.

Isn't that the truth!! DS will be 5 in June and it is all Sponge Bob all the time here!!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hello, everyone. Just chiming in.
I went to a Target I normally don't go to today and guess what they are selling? Bare M! Just some kits though. The starter, the starter for eyes, Pure Moxie, and Crown Jewels. I didn't buy anything but may go back to get the Crown Jewels. I wonder if they will expand what they carry or just stick with those few kits ...

Target, huh? Will have to see if ours has any... I was going to run to Ulta today to get the Prime Time, but decided I just didn't feel like it Maybe tomorrow!! What else did I say I was getting next?? Does anyone remember?

The Burberry comment made me laugh!! I have a knock off Burberry plaid wool/cashmere blend scarf that I got for $15. When I went to the Blackhawks game a couple of weeks ago I wore it. One of DS's collegaues was in the skybox with us and she was wearing hers (except hers is real). We compared the two and I must say my knock off is DARN good!! (Or else hers is a knock off too and she won't fess up! )

Kristin

 

[Lives4Disney]

ugh....I am SEETHING.

I received the stuff back from that Ebay witch. One of her issues - now she bought 13 items from me - one of her issues is with a Gap jacket....guess what? The paint is worn on the zipper pull. Not anywhere it even shows, but inside where it hooks to the part that slides up and down the actual zipper....OMG. I could scream. This idiot is a nitwit and a fuss budget. Well I described it in good used condition. She also didn't like that there was some fuzz? in the velcro on the sleeve cuffs? duh...you take it off. I didn't even notice what she was talking about...she is just looking for issues. ALSO there are now green paint stains on a khaki skort (LIKE I WOULDN"T NOTICE LIME GREEN PAINT??????) and a definitely noticable spot on the hem of a pale pink pair of shorts. I photoed them for my listing and they are fully visible with NO SPOT. Now there's a spot and she is griping about that - SHE MADE IT.

I am just going to not refund her money right away,. I wrote her an evil note and told her I am going to sit on this one. She messed with my Paypa acct. I don't care at this point. Whatever. She can wait til I get back from my trip for all i care.

ugh....I live at Target...never saw any Bare M stuff at ours.

 

[arbonnette]

Ugh is right. SOrry about your ebay issues. I wouldn't give her money back when she got paint on stuff! That is so nervy!!!

The Bare M stuff was on the end of an aisle by the makeup. I had never seen it before either. I did a double take!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Channing, that stinks!!! Since she already gave you a bad review, I would take my time too...

 

[spacec47]

That is just crazy about ebay woman....

I just looked at target online and they have one of the Bare M kits!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

That is just crazy about ebay woman....

I just looked at target online and they have one of the Bare M kits!

I have that kit (Beyond the Basics)... interesting...