Princess Power - September 2016 Weight Loss and Lifestyle Change Challenge

[Zim]

That's great - I use an online percentage calculator - just google one and then put in the numbers.

Thanks for sharing that.... without having my coffee this morning (or more often Diet Coke) I wasn't thinking straight, because that sounds so simple now! Hahahaha...

Anyway - 66.2% weight loss based on a goal of 8 pounds!

Treating myself to a wand sounds so much more possible!!!

 

[dsnyfn1022]

QOTD: Where do you shop? Do you go to a weekend Farmers Market and soak up the atmosphere as much as the shopping? Or do you shop in a Supermarket or the local Fruit Shop/Green Grocer? (sorry, not entirely sure of the US terminology – here it’s a fruit shop)

Bonus Question: Which do you think has the best quality and value for money?

I do like going to farmers markets however I never think to go to one when I need produce. I just shop at the grocery store. Actually, I shop at three different stores. I buy fresh produce and a few other items at a regular grocery store. I buy meat in bulk at Sams and make it all then and put it in the freezer. But the bulk of my shopping is done at Aldi. The produce there can be hit or miss in terms of quality which is why I typically go to another store for that. But everything else is awesome which is why I think it has the best quality and value for the money. They even have the Fit & Active line which has so many options. 45 calorie bread like the Sara Lee brand but much cheaper.

 

[Flossbolna]

QOTD: Where do you shop? Do you go to a weekend Farmers Market and soak up the atmosphere as much as the shopping? Or do you shop in a Supermarket or the local Fruit Shop/Green Grocer? (sorry, not entirely sure of the US terminology – here it’s a fruit shop)

Bonus Question: Which do you think has the best quality and value for money?

Interesting question! Here markets are very much still a part of daily life. I used to go to a very tiny local farmers market on Saturdays for my produce, but I have moved and now that market is further away and I seem to always have reasons why I don't go there... Then there is the big daily market in the city which has really good stuff, too. And there is the small supermarket next to my house which is the most convenient place and has started to have some really good local produce. Finally there are two very good organic stores around. My main objective when buying produce is to buy local. I live in a vegetable farming area, all the fields around the city have cabages, tomatoes, leek, carrots etc. Why should I buy anything that has to be transported all over Europe before I eat it? But I also like buying organic produce because I feel that organic farming is better for the environment. In the end it really changes a lot. For example apples I prefer to get from my organic shop because they are tastier there, but eggplants I don't buy there because they tend to have very thick skin there...

The best value is definitely the local tiny market. The farmer sells at nearly the same prices he sells to the supermarket for. It is always amazing how I can pay 5 € and have a large bag full of great quality produce!

 

[piglet1979]

Good morning Friends! - Today we are off to an exotic land - Agrabah.​

View attachment 194244

There is some contention about the origins of the Aladdin story and what nationality Aladdin was. The story of Aladdin is commonly thought to be one of the tales told by a Scheherazade to a Sultan in 1001 Arabian Nights in order to prolong her life. Firstly apparently it wasn’t one of the original tales and was added to the 1001 Arabian Nights collection by French Translator, Antoine Galland, after hearing it from an Arabian Storyteller. Whilst the Disney version sees Aladdin set in the middle-east with an Arabian Aladdin – early stories indicate that Aladdin was Chinese and it was set in China! Princess Jasmine was created by Disney the original love interest for Aladdin was called Badroulbadour the daughter of a Chinese Emperor and was a divorcee – No magic carpet and apparently 2 Genies!!

View attachment 194245

View attachment 194246 ​

Aladdin meets Princess Jasmine in the marketplace after she takes an apple with no way to pay for it. This got me thinking about where and how we shop, as Farmers Markets have begun to be quite popular for fresh produce.


QOTD: Where do you shop? Do you go to a weekend Farmers Market and soak up the atmosphere as much as the shopping? Or do you shop in a Supermarket or the local Fruit Shop/Green Grocer? (sorry, not entirely sure of the US terminology – here it’s a fruit shop)

Bonus Question: Which do you think has the best quality and value for money?

Quote of the Day
View attachment 194247 ​

We mainly shop at Marc's. It is close to the house and is cheaper then most places. The produce is so so. Fruit is usually bad. If there is something I want then I go to Giant Eagle. Still close but a little more expensive. We have have the West Side Market. It is further away and only open certain days. We love to get fruits and veggies from here. We try to get m ore of the locally grown produce here. The also have a section for meats and pastries. I love the meat. I can get locally grown and grass fed meats. They also tell us how to cook the meat for the best results. I just wish we could get there more often.

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

I mostly shop at Target because it is one stop shopping and I can use my red card and cartwheel app to save lots of $$$. They don't always have a great selection so sometimes I go to Publix too. I'm sure you guys have heard about Publix on the boards before because they are such an awesome grocery chain and they are right outside of WDW and I would love for that to be my only place to shop but with feeding 7 people I need my money to go a long way.

 

[Lady Marie]

I hop around in my grocery shopping, but my main staple is Publix. I will supplement that with Trader Joe's, Fresh Market, and occasionally Whole Foods. Once a week there is a farmers market in town, but it's a pain to get to. They host it in the outside courtyard of the most popular shopping center in town (which makes sense), but it makes it hard to park and get to it. I've been a few times and will go if it's on my way or near another errand for the day, but I stopped making special trips to go.

Funny you should mention Target @MommaoffherRocker -- For the first time, I did my weekly shopping at Target this Sunday because I needed some other Target specific goods. And I was so shocked that I actually saved money (being that Target is usually such a black hole for me and my wallet)! LOL!

 

[Oneanne]

Good morning Friends! - Today we are off to an exotic land - Agrabah.​

View attachment 194244

There is some contention about the origins of the Aladdin story and what nationality Aladdin was. The story of Aladdin is commonly thought to be one of the tales told by a Scheherazade to a Sultan in 1001 Arabian Nights in order to prolong her life. Firstly apparently it wasn’t one of the original tales and was added to the 1001 Arabian Nights collection by French Translator, Antoine Galland, after hearing it from an Arabian Storyteller. Whilst the Disney version sees Aladdin set in the middle-east with an Arabian Aladdin – early stories indicate that Aladdin was Chinese and it was set in China! Princess Jasmine was created by Disney the original love interest for Aladdin was called Badroulbadour the daughter of a Chinese Emperor and was a divorcee – No magic carpet and apparently 2 Genies!!

View attachment 194245

View attachment 194246 ​

Aladdin meets Princess Jasmine in the marketplace after she takes an apple with no way to pay for it. This got me thinking about where and how we shop, as Farmers Markets have begun to be quite popular for fresh produce.


QOTD: Where do you shop? Do you go to a weekend Farmers Market and soak up the atmosphere as much as the shopping? Or do you shop in a Supermarket or the local Fruit Shop/Green Grocer? (sorry, not entirely sure of the US terminology – here it’s a fruit shop)

Bonus Question: Which do you think has the best quality and value for money?

Quote of the Day
View attachment 194247 ​

I have three grocery stores in my general vicinity... Well actually four if you count Target. The one with the best produce is the furthest away. It's funny that it's a good 15 minute drive, and 15 minutes could also get me all the way in to Seattle or out to the airport, but it feels close because it's still technically in the 'hood. It is the most expensive but also has the best selection of other foods as well as produce, so I usually end up there a couple times a week. If I just need ice cream it's off to the closest store to me, which I could walk to if I had to. I do frequent our local farmers market, this weekend I just got carrots and flowers. I used to sell my crafts at a different farmers market in the city, which gives a totally different feel for what's involved. I used to love the early morning set up.

Had a good eating transition day yesterday except that mid-afternoon I was suddenly so hungry I had to get chips out of the vending machine. I was still on my points for the day, but would have preferred to use the points for something healthier.

I suddenly find myself in four weeks out vacation count down mode. Again the big debate is what to do for clothing, as I have the two very different trips back to back. I did some test sewing from one of my patterns over the weekend and know how I want to alter the pattern and what fabric to use for the drape I want, so I will make a couple things up.

Edit: I totally left off Trader Joes, which I hit up a couple times a month.

 

[courtneybeth]

QOTD: Where do you shop? Do you go to a weekend Farmers Market and soak up the atmosphere as much as the shopping? Or do you shop in a Supermarket or the local Fruit Shop/Green Grocer? (sorry, not entirely sure of the US terminology – here it’s a fruit shop)

Bonus Question: Which do you think has the best quality and value for money?

Princess Jasmine! She needs more love and so does Aladdin. I love the movie because it turns the trope on its head with the female character being royalty


For shopping, we use the traditional grocery store chains (Albertson's, Ralphs) to do all of our groceries. We also supplement at Target! I think all places are expensive so you have to shop around for what works best for you.

What a great question. Now I'm curious about prices and if I can coupon my way to better savings.

 

[courtneybeth]

I mostly shop at Target because it is one stop shopping and I can use my red card and cartwheel app to save lots of $$$. They don't always have a great selection so sometimes I go to Publix too. I'm sure you guys have heard about Publix on the boards before because they are such an awesome grocery chain and they are right outside of WDW and I would love for that to be my only place to shop but with feeding 7 people I need my money to go a long way.

Another Target lover... yes, now that they've made our local Targets into grocery hybrid stores we really do most of our shopping there and save so much money. The only thing they're lacking is fresh meat, which we can get from Whole Foods or the grocery chain.

Funny you should mention Target @MommaoffherRocker -- For the first time, I did my weekly shopping at Target this Sunday because I needed some other Target specific goods. And I was so shocked that I actually saved money (being that Target is usually such a black hole for me and my wallet)! LOL!

I'm shocked you saved money - I end up buying random clothes that my bill INCREASES

Had a good eating transition day yesterday except that mid-afternoon I was suddenly so hungry I had to get chips out of the vending machine. I was still on my points for the day, but would have preferred to use the points for something healthier.

Recognition is a great step! Next time you'll do better for sure!

 

[kirstie101]

I love Jasmine and Aladdin. I'm still bummed they replaced the Aladdin musical at DCA with a Frozen one. I do need to check out the Frozen musical still. I'm sure its good. But you just can't get better than Aladdin.

Shopping: With life the way it is, I'm all about saving money and time. Unfortunately they dont always ago hand in hand! The Raleys and Safeway stores are the closest to my home but they are also on the more expensive side. So they save me time, but not money. I try to avoid them if possible for most things. But I also have to shop here sometimes as its where I can get decent meat. I do a lot of my shopping for dry goods and some frozen items at Walmart. I love using the savings catcher app to get money back too. I also do a lot of shopping at Trader Joes and Sprouts. Trader Joes is probably my favorite and has great produce, frozen foods and veggies, milk, eggs and ground turkey for great prices. The other store I hit a lot is Sprouts. Its very close to where I work and Wednesday is double ad day so theres lots of sale prices that day. They almost always have some sort of bonelss skinless chicken for $1.98 lb. Often they have other cuts of meat/fish on sale as well. But mainly I like them for their produce and coconut water. I almost never buy dry goods here. They do have great prices on wine sometimes though! Yesterday I hit Sprouts for Lara bars (buy one get one free) and today I'm hitting walmart for the final items needed for tonights dinner (tortillas and shredded cheese).

There are 2 farmers markets (wednesday and saturday) in town but I never go to them. I've heard that one is expensive and I've just never bothered as I get great produce at Sprouts and Trader Joes. Living near Central California most of the produce is local already so theres no need to hit the farmers markets to find local stuff.

Bonus: I'm gonna say Trader Joes has the best quality and value for the money.

 

[DVCFan1994]

Good morning Friends! - Today we are off to an exotic land - Agrabah.​

View attachment 194244

There is some contention about the origins of the Aladdin story and what nationality Aladdin was. The story of Aladdin is commonly thought to be one of the tales told by a Scheherazade to a Sultan in 1001 Arabian Nights in order to prolong her life. Firstly apparently it wasn’t one of the original tales and was added to the 1001 Arabian Nights collection by French Translator, Antoine Galland, after hearing it from an Arabian Storyteller. Whilst the Disney version sees Aladdin set in the middle-east with an Arabian Aladdin – early stories indicate that Aladdin was Chinese and it was set in China! Princess Jasmine was created by Disney the original love interest for Aladdin was called Badroulbadour the daughter of a Chinese Emperor and was a divorcee – No magic carpet and apparently 2 Genies!!

View attachment 194245

View attachment 194246 ​

Aladdin meets Princess Jasmine in the marketplace after she takes an apple with no way to pay for it. This got me thinking about where and how we shop, as Farmers Markets have begun to be quite popular for fresh produce.


QOTD: Where do you shop? Do you go to a weekend Farmers Market and soak up the atmosphere as much as the shopping? Or do you shop in a Supermarket or the local Fruit Shop/Green Grocer? (sorry, not entirely sure of the US terminology – here it’s a fruit shop)

Bonus Question: Which do you think has the best quality and value for money?

Quote of the Day
View attachment 194247 ​

I mainly shop at standard grocery stores, either Stop and Shop (Giant in other parts of the US) or Wegmans. I always mean to get to farmers markets, but never seem to. I was part of an organic vegetable coop for a while, where each week I'd get a box of organic veggies, but I stopped my subscription, because I found I was not using some of the veggies because my husband and kids are not very adventurous and hate greens -- though I love them.

 

[Dr Gunnie]

We shop most weeks at a local grocery store here called Meijer, but we also do some online grocery shopping through Hy-Vee grocery store and we really like it. If we know we are going to be busy or just don't feel like shopping, we just go on our phone and order on their app - if it's over $100 it's free delivery and they deliver the next day.

We also use Blue Apron so three of our dinners per week come from those deliveries. We love Blue Apron.

 

[Flossbolna]

Thanks for the question today! You inspired me to go to the lovely organic store and I got amazing veggies for the next two dinners. Tomorrow will be pasta with zucchini and on Thursday I will have oven baked veggies with quark. And I picked up stuff to bring a packed lunch tomorrow and Friday! Oh and I tracked all my food today!

 

[4Mickeys]

Thanks for sharing that.... without having my coffee this morning (or more often Diet Coke) I wasn't thinking straight, because that sounds so simple now! Hahahaha...

haha - no worries - maths and I are not friends, so I look for all the help I can get.

But the bulk of my shopping is done at Aldi. The produce there can be hit or miss in terms of quality which is why I typically go to another store for that.

I did Aldi for a little while when it first opened - but it is further away from where I live now and the kids didn't like some of the equivalent foods to what they would usually have so in the end mostly it wasn't worth it. I did really like their hazelnut chocolate though!

My main objective when buying produce is to buy local. I live in a vegetable farming area, all the fields around the city have cabages, tomatoes, leek, carrots etc. Why should I buy anything that has to be transported all over Europe before I eat it?

I agree about it being local and recently grown/picked. Every so often they do stories here about supermarket produce and it is scary how long they keep things like Apples in storage and then sell them as "fresh".

The best value is definitely the local tiny market. The farmer sells at nearly the same prices he sells to the supermarket for.

That is great - and you are directly supporting the farmer - which is so important as the supermarkets really pressure them for the lowest prices they can.

I can get locally grown and grass fed meats. They also tell us how to cook the meat for the best results. I just wish we could get there more often.

I love personal friendly service like that - when it helps you prepare your food better.

I mostly shop at Target because it is one stop shopping and I can use my red card and cartwheel app to save lots of $$$

Wow - food at Target! We don't have that here nor something similar to Walmart either - we also don't have access to a lot of the great coupons, savings apps etc that I notice you guys get. Super jealous.

And I was so shocked that I actually saved money (being that Target is usually such a black hole for me and my wallet)! LOL!

That's always a great surprise

I suddenly find myself in four weeks out vacation count down mode. Again the big debate is what to do for clothing, as I have the two very different trips back to back.

Ok I am way jealous of all the trips you go on - I love that feeling of vacation count down. I really want to do something even it is just little but there have just been so many unexpected costs this year and I am in debt dumping mode as much as I can be.

Princess Jasmine! She needs more love and so does Aladdin. I love the movie because it turns the trope on its head with the female character being royalty

I know - I love this movie!!!! I think I need to watch again - maybe if there is nothing on TV tonight I think Jasmine was the start of the newer Princesses being more independent, assertive, modern women. This was one Princess we didn't get to meet at DL and was disappointed about.

I love Jasmine and Aladdin. I'm still bummed they replaced the Aladdin musical at DCA with a Frozen one. I do need to check out the Frozen musical still. I'm sure its good. But you just can't get better than Aladdin.

Me too - we just loved the Aladdin musical at DCA - so glad we got to see it. I also have mixed feelings about how Frozen might be - but maybe by the time I every get to come back it will something else by then.

With life the way it is, I'm all about saving money and time. Unfortunately they dont always ago hand in hand!

This so much

I always mean to get to farmers markets, but never seem to.

Me too - when I drop DS15 to work each Sunday morning - I pass one going each way and still don't stop! I keep thinking I should - I am going to make it a goal to get there one Sunday on the way back in the next 3 weeks.

if it's over $100 it's free delivery and they deliver the next day.

We don't get free delivery options from Aussie supermarkets - so there isn't all that much extra incentive to use it - apart from possible convenience if pressed for time. We overpay for everything - the cost of living here is quite high.

Thanks for the question today! You inspired me to go to the lovely organic store and I got amazing veggies for the next two dinners. Tomorrow will be pasta with zucchini and on Thursday I will have oven baked veggies with quark. And I picked up stuff to bring a packed lunch tomorrow and Friday! Oh and I tracked all my food today!

Yeah! Your welcome - sounds yummy.

 

[4Mickeys]

Ok for me - fruit and veggies I mostly get from a local fruit shop just down the road - they grow some of their own stuff right near the shop and lots of other items are sourced locally - they generally are much better quality and value than the supermarkets. Meat - some things I get at the local butcher, other times its supermarket - or I have been doing a Costco trip on occasion this year and getting some things in bulk - its about 50 minutes away so I really have to plan well when I want to shop there. I tend to switch between the 2 big supermarket stores here for the rest of my shopping.

I am a little down this morning dropped DS15 off early at school today for him to go on camp for 3 days with school. He was a little nervous - there is hiking and we had to pack a backpack with all his clothes, food, water etc. It will definitely be a new experience for him - but it is through a really beautiful National Park with hiking along the beach and also canoeing across the 3 days. They have broken the kids up into smaller groups and divided the boys and girls - so this morning off he went in a group of about 20 boys - who are mostly his extended friendship group anyway - so its just a big boys weekend lol - I hope he stays safe and has so much fun. There is no contact while they are gone - so no news will be good news!

 

[ski_mom]

I usually just shop at our local grocery store for most of my groceries. They tend to have the best selection and the best prices.

The last couple of weeks we have gotten meals from Home Chef. I think it's similar to Blue Apron mentioned above. I first tried it through Swagbucks so basically got the first 2 meals for free. I enjoyed it so ordered 2 more for the next week, but we're going to put them on hold for awhile. With DS's soccer, it's too hard to tell when we'll be eating at home right now. I did enjoy the meals though and they actually made me feel like I was a good cook lol!

 

[Flossbolna]

I am a little down this morning dropped DS15 off early at school today for him to go on camp for 3 days with school. He was a little nervous - there is hiking and we had to pack a backpack with all his clothes, food, water etc. It will definitely be a new experience for him - but it is through a really beautiful National Park with hiking along the beach and also canoeing across the 3 days. They have broken the kids up into smaller groups and divided the boys and girls - so this morning off he went in a group of about 20 boys - who are mostly his extended friendship group anyway - so its just a big boys weekend lol - I hope he stays safe and has so much fun. There is no contact while they are gone - so no news will be good news!

I can understand why this is a bit scary to a mother - and even for your son doing something new. But it does sound amazing and like a great experience to have! Even if he ends up hating it, it will be a great lesson about what one can endure. But it does sound like it is going to be great fun for him! I would take three days of hiking and canoeing and beach immediately!!

---

So, two pounds are off from yesterday and that with still feeling very heavy with water. So maybe it is not all as bad as I thought yesterday weight wise. But I kind of like it that my first day back was a bad weight as that will give me motivation as it will look like I lost more! Yes, never believe any statistics that you have not forged yourself... But the only person I am fooling is myself and I know that I am being fooled!

Eating yesterday was great and today started really good, too with a healthy breakfast. Need to get back into the kitchen to prepare my lunch. I will try to recreate a sandwich that I bought at a shop recently: dark rye bread with hummus and grated carrots. I will also take carrot sticks, a cut up bell pepper and an apple with me. Really looking forward to lunch!

 

[4Mickeys]

Good morning Friends! It’s that time of the week again we as friends celebrate each other’s achievements be they big or small – that’s right its WOOHOO Wednesday!! Now have you noticed I used the word FRIEND a couple of times hint hint…….
Who said (rather sang) to Aladdin YOU’VE NEVER HAD A FRIEND LIKE ME? That’s right it’s my favourite character from the movie GENIE
Take a couple of minutes to revisit and enjoy Genie’s singing just for you about friendship. Genie did more than just grant wishes for Aladdin – they became good friends who supported each other with Aladdin eventually wishing Genie his freedom. ​

So today after you tell us your woohoos also tell us what your 3 wishes would be – but remember there are things Genie can’t grant you – so choose wisely.
I will tell you my wishes now – they will be all healthy living related...​

To have on hour every day that is devoted to activity/exersize – I mean that I magically have the time I need – no work, no housework, dinner cooking, helping with homework or any other things to get in the way.
To have a Chef prepare wonderful, tasty and healthy meals.
FREEDOM – for my and all of you from the personal/genetic/medical reasons that contribute to weight gains in the first place and hold us back from changing now – FREEDOM to live our healthy lives.
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Quote of the Day

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[4Mickeys]

I am going to jump in with my woohoos as it is Wednesday night for me.

1. I managed to embed the youtube clip in my post - I haven't done that before!
2. So far so good - no phone calls - so I will continue with the no news is good news theory about DS15 at camp.
3. I had another productive day at work getting lots of reports done.
4. While I haven't made much progress with my goal for this month - I have really started to question myself about my lack of overall progress - so I am hoping that some change in my self-talk may lead to improved progress in the future.

Have a great day everyone

 

[Dr Gunnie]

Woohoo Wednesday!

1. Sunday I weighed in at 203. Monday I was 205 and Tuesday I was 205.5. I know I ate more than usual Sunday night, so I wasn't shocked Monday. I was a little surprised to see me go up again on Tuesday, but today I'm back down a little at 204.5. The reason why I bring it up is that a few months ago (or even a few weeks ago) this would have freaked me out, but I feel like I'm starting to see the big picture now much better than before. I feel like the "sprint" of weight loss is over and now I'm more in it for the "long run". I don't feel the pressure to get under a certain amount by a specific time like I did... feels much healthier mentally.

2. I'm loving my new car! I usually get a little buyers remorse after big purchases, but I haven't felt that with this. I actually enjoy driving to work! It's also my first car with all the bells and whistles, and I love technology, so it's been fun figuring out all the things it can do.

3. The family is going to Disney on Ice this weekend. It'll be nice to get a little Disney fix in, feels like it's been a little too long. Saturday we will be able to make reservations for the rest of our March vacation. That means we will have to plan everything out this weekend... more Disney talk with the family!

And my wishes:

1. For my kids to enjoy going to school each day.

2. More time in the day to workout and spend with my family

3. For Dairy Queen to invent a zero calorie Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard.