Thank you Mrs. Crocker

My achievement for this week was cooking my first whole chicken! I wasn't sure that I could do it, but yes I could with the help of Mrs. Betty Crocker. I never knew it could be so easy!

I am excited for the start of a new school year--all the celebrations, new projects, and being a part of bringing more great girls to a fabulous school!

Another accomplishment this week that may not sound huge to the average person, but I went shopping with people other than my husband or family member. I cannot remember the last time I felt confident and unashamed enough to allow myself to be around others when I am shopping. It was fun, but I also had to remind myself to not get frustrated because I still have a ways to go, but I will never be skinny. I ended the day feeling good which hasn't been the case after a shopping trip for a very long time.

I'm back..../Not just any jeans

Yes, it has been too long. No, we have not "fallen off course." We're still going along in our journey, just kind of hit a level plain. Not mountains, not valleys. In the last six weeks we have spent time with family and friends and I have also returned to work. I've been working on a lot of fun projects that have been challenging yet enjoyable and hence not much energy when I get home. My hubby has been working lots of overtime lately, making up for the dollars spent traveling and visiting family as well as paying off some bills. I'm quite proud of the hard work he has been doing, but ready to have him back on the weekends. I guess I've gotten a small glimpse into what it is like to be a single parent and wouldn't wish it upon anyone!!


These are not just any jeans...





These are the first jeans that I have purchased for a long time that were not plus size!!!! While in Georgia visiting my in-laws, Tom and I snuck away while Brooklyn was napping and did a little shopping. These jeans are from one of my old favorite stores, Old Navy! It has been many years since I have fit into their jeans, and I not only fit into them, I didn't have to buy their largest size! I had a bit of a celebratory dance in the dressing room to say the least. My hubby has also fit himself into the smallest pants he can ever remember wearing. To say the least, shopping is fun again! Being able to shop just about anywhere I want to also allows me to be picky and look around for bargains. Here is my latest:







Not the best photo of it, but this is a stylish gold skirt (4 sizes smaller than when I started this journey), that I would have not ever thought I would look good in before. The original price was $54.50; it was marked down to $39.99 with an additional 50% off and I had a $15 coupon... do the math and I got it for a whole $5!


With my new confidence due to my healthier life, it was also time for another drastic change for my new look. My good friend Maggie blessed me with a gift card to Studio 120 for a hair makeover--and boy did I need it! I figured if I wanted to get something different, I should go all out---





and I did!


I promise to blog more and don't forget to send me recipes for your tasty healthy meals! I need to expand my recipe book to keep things changing with our eating and we won't get bored.


Till next time!