Weight Loss Week 3:

Dannie here, Well here we are at week 3.  Things are still moving, even if it is a snails pace. I’m still determined and am tweaking things, but I’m telling you guys; THIS is my time to shine. I WILL meet my goals! I’m doing things that make ME feel good, and keeping MYSELF inspired. Maybe I’m being selfish, but I think it’s about time I took care of ME for once. It feels GOOD too..hahaha

Being a single gal helps, I can focus on ME! Some might question that I don’t have a support system that some of my married friends have, but I totally do. My kids and friends are super supportive. It means so much to me that I have so many people that stand behind me.

Thoughts and Feelings:

Unfortunately still in a plateau this week.  I’ve been trying to rack my brain as to why I’m at a virtual stand still. I mean I lost a little weight and some inches, but not what I expected. Then the proverbial light bulb came on in my head. It might be TMI, but it’s that wonderful time of the month, retaining fluid, bloating, sleepiness, munchies (I haven’t cheated though)…anyways it makes sense that (for this week anyway at least) I’m having a hard time. So I’m going to stop obsessing and worrying about it until it passes.

Like I said, I haven’t cheated, but I have done less strenuous exercises this week because of the fatigue that  plagues me around this time every month. I have got some in daily though. I’m doing more Yoga than anything because the stretching just feels soooo good, lol. I’m drinking more fluids and less coffee in hopes of seeing changes too. I’ve also been finding hidden sugars in some of the “healthier” things I was eating and drinking, so I’m cutting those out and finding better alternatives.

My willpower is getting stronger everyday. My daughter has made homemade sugar cookies twice now and I haven’t eaten even a crumb…yay me! ( I have a really weak spot for homemade baked goodies…esp.cookies & brownies *drools*) Instead I enjoy a sugar free Jello pudding cup when I have a sweet tooth that won’t go away. Those are super good by the way! I just wish they had a substitute for Pizza dangit!

I’m still waking up before the alarm clock, full of energy and vigor. Lovin’ life! Trying to find things to keep me busy, like washing my car outside with the hose v/s a car wash. Getting on the floor with the baby is a work out too let me tell you. I forgot how active those little buggers can be. Catch outside with my son and long walks with my daughters, out and about with friends, life is good. Maybe here soon a going out with the girls and dancing the night away…hmmm sounds good to me

This weeks Results:

5 -9-11

Weight 209

Measurements:
Arms  – L – 13
R – 13.5
Chest – 44
Waist – 37.5
Hips – 45.5
Butt – 44
Legs -  L – 24.5
R – 24.5

Total: 246.5
Total Loss Week:  1 lb / 3.5 inches
Total Loss:  7.5 lbs / 25 inches

Weight Loss Week 2:

Dannie here, well it’s Sunday and as promised I have a new update on my progress.

Part One: Thoughts and Feelings

I thought I would create a section that showed what goes on in my head. I feel it’s important, because most of the work in attaining a goal, no matter what it is, is mental. Also, to record any changes in activities or diet. What works and what doesn’t, as well as any tweaks I’ve made.

The biggest difference, I’ve noticed is increased energy. Before I started this, in the mornings I would lay in bed still exhausted when the alarm went off. I would hit snooze half a dozen times before I reluctantly dragged myself up and out of my comfy warm spot.  Now my eyes pop open around 5 o’clock and I jump right up every morning ready to start my day.  I look forward to what the day brings instead of dreading getting up.

My mood is the complete opposite, from being grumpy until I’ve had some coffee, to waking with a smile on my face. My stress levels have went from a 7-8 on a scale of 10 to about a 2. Although I still find myself yawning in the afternoons, it’s nowhere near what it used to be. Before, I would absolutely need a nap, because I didn’t sleep well at night. I’d nod off around 2-3 pm. I had no energy, and felt so lethargic all the time. All I wanted to do 24-7 was sleep. Now when I start yawning, I get up and find something to do. It’s helped, I feel the difference within myself and my energy levels are skyrocketing. When I finally call it a night, I sleep 100% better.

I was also having radical mood swings, I’m not talking psycho, but I would lose my temper at the drop of a dime, which was unlike me, but everything seemed to set it off. I started meditating again right before I started Adkins, I fell off track quite some time ago, but coming back to it has made all the difference in the world. My stress levels are down and my overall mood is good, even better than good, fabulous is the word that comes to mind. Just being able to take time to myself, let the world fall away and relax is so helpful, combine that with a clear head, focus, and stillness, well I have the winning combo that works for me

I’ve been looking into a beginning yoga class, I’ve done a little in the past when I’ve done Pilates, but I’d like to learn to do it the right way. I can only see added benefit from this. I’m still walking, and doing some calisthenics, but I need variety and like pushing myself to try all sorts of new things.

I can’t even tell you guys how much writing this blog has helped me. It’s so therapeutic to get it all out.  I hope in doing so it’s helps someone else, encouraging them to start a journey of their own or continue on if they have felt like quitting.

This week has been more of a challenge for me. My weight is at a stand still, but I’m still losing inches like crazy. I thought back to when I was on Adkins the first time, and the same was true then. He even hits on this topic in his book, which is the whole point of measuring yourself. I’ll tell ya, that’s the only thing that’s motivating me at this point.

I know in a few days I’ll get on the scale and see some progress there. I don’t know why the number is such a big deal, but even as much as I hate admitting it, it really is. It can be discouraging to work so hard then get on the scale first thing in the morning and see that it hasn’t budged. I’m no where even near giving up though. I still have my goal in the forefront of my mind.

Part Two: What I’m doing

I was on the Atkins message board site and was scrolling around reading posts and found something that hit home. As I stated before I knew I under ate, but I didn’t realize how much until I did some research. What I read was this :

Basal Metabolism Explained
The human body works with energy to function. This energy comes from foods eaten and the calories it provides. The very minimum the body needs are calories required for the energy needed to meet the needs for basic function — blood flow, respiration, heartbeat, brain function, regulation of body temperature, nerve impulses, etc. — called the “Basal Metabolism”. The energy required by the body averages 70% of calories required each day!

When calorie intake is restricted to levels below the Basal Metabolism, the body restricts its requirement for calories by conserving energy expenditure — it slows the body’s base requirement to survive in order to conserve it’s energy stores for an emergency (fight or flight responses). This is often referred to as “starvation mode” because the body is convinced it is starving and enters into a metabolic state that will conserve energy to allow survival for extended periods without sufficient calorie intake.

Losing Weight
In order to effectively be able to lose weight, one must meet the basic requirements of the body. It must meet the energy requirements for their Basal Metabolism so that they can avoid entering into starvation mode.

You need to make sure your body gets the calories it needs for basic function — the Basal Metabolism — you should restrict your calories only for what you’ll need for energy beyond that requirement — your body will know it is having it’s basic metabolic needs met and utilize it’s stores (your body fat) for energy needed above and beyond your base requirements without entering into starvation mode.

So what this is telling me is no matter how I have tried to lose weight, it has been in vain because I haven’t been eating ENOUGH…ugh

So I looked up my BMR online and I need to intake 1715.4 calories just to cover my resting metabolism. It goes up the more active I am…I-yi-yi. I’m not used to eating that much…This is going to be a challenge, but I’m up for it!

I also read somewhere that the coffee I drink can be a hindrance. Somehow it messes with blood sugar levels. I can’t even begin to tell you how much this sucks! I’ve been drinking coffee since about 8 years old, when I would sip on my step-dads in the morning. I LOVE it! I believe it’s the caffeine thats raising the B. S. levels in the study, so I’ve switched to 1/2 caff. I may need to switch to decaf soon, if for nothing else than to test the theory.

Another thing that may have me stalled out is …sigh….Beer. Total carb overload. I know this, yet continue to partake of my favorite alcoholic beverage. I’m not much of a liquor drinker anymore, I prefer a nice cold beer when out and about. I’m wondering though, what the range of differences are in each different kind. I’m going to do some research on this. Maybe there is a “healthier” alternative. *crosses fingers*

Part 3: Results

Here it is folks, the moment of reckoning

5-1-11

Weight – 210

Measurements -
Arms – L – 13.5
R – 13.5
Chest – 45.5
Waist – 37.5
Hips – 45.5
Butt – 44.5
Legs – L – 25
R – 25

Total – 250 inches

Losses from last week  1/2 lb  and  12.5 inches

Total Losses  -  10.5 lbs  and  21.5 inches

WOW!!!! Now I’d definitely like to see some improvement on the scale, but I’m loving the loss of inches! My clothes are fitting better, some are getting to big (yay). I feel 100% better too. I’m going to up my exercise and tweak my diet a little and see if that doesn’t help with the weight loss. I’m hoping to have even bigger and better results by next week, stay tuned!

We are “Limitless”

Dannie here,

So I watched the movie Limitless the other day, it was really good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It also struck a chord and got me thinking about how I could apply it to my life. Obviously not the movies premise, but the mindset. You can do anything, if you put your mind to it. The first thing that made me think, was when he took the first pill and walked into his apartment. He looked around and what was the first thing he did? He saw all the clutter and junk that had piled up over time. Because his mind was clear, he realized that living this way was detrimental to his creative process and before he did anything else he cleaned his apartment from top to bottom. Then and only then was he able to focus on his work.

The reason this made me think, is because how many unfinished projects , or cluttered rooms, or whatever it is do we have in our lives that keep us at a stand still. I know that clutter paralyses me. I can’t think or focus when I’m in the midst of chaos. Clutter on the outside produces clutter on the inside. It affects our relationships and how we treat ourselves. In the movie, he finally realizes this and takes care of it strait away. I thought about what my desk looks like, and my bedroom with beading projects everywhere 1/2 finished, and all the photos that still haven’t been edited and sent out to be framed, or my online stores that need to be updated so I can sell stuff, even how I’ve treated myself…geez. I have a TON of work that needs to be done. No wonder I’ve been a wreck.

The first step I took to get my mind right was to let the world drop away and focus on myself, and nothing else. I’ve taken the past few days to do this. Meditation helps me, but it may be something different for someone else.  I cleared my mind of everyday stress, and was just still. I didn’t go anywhere, didn’t do anything, I was just still, letting my mind reboot. After a weekend of this I felt relaxed and the knots ease out of my neck and shoulders, and I saw clearly the things I needed to get done in a clear step by step and manageable way.  I started by going through all my unfinished projects, cleaning house so to speak. After I am done getting all my loose ends tied up and out of the way I can focus on work again.

The second thing he did in the movie was get to work. He started writing his book. He worked for hours focused and unwavering. There was nothing to sidetrack him because he removed the chaos.  This is my goal, to get that engine running again. It’s all about mindset and determination. I have so many ideas and things I want to accomplish, now it’s a matter of mapping out a route and getting in the car.

The third thing he did was take a long look into the mirror at himself. He didn’t like what he saw, so he went out and changed it. He cleaned up and bought some new clothes. By the time he was done he not only looked the part, but felt it by the big smile on his face. Gone was the man with straggly hair and that was in good need of a wash, and in his place was a  man with a new view on life. A man with clarity who knew where he wanted to go, and knew what he needed to do to get there. How can we apply this to our lives?

“Fake it till you make it”.  Put that smile on your face in the mornings, whether you feel it or not.  Be ready for whatever the day brings. Take time to do your hair and makeup in the mornings ladies, and for the guys too, make yourselves look smell good. You’ll feel better when you look better.  This sets the bar for ourselves and the people around us. Don’t just live life getting by. Do everything you can to attract success and happiness. For work as well as personal gains.

Think about it, who gets the promotions? Who gets hired?  Who finds that special someone?  The ones who have confidence and look the part, that’s who. The way we look and how we treat ourselves makes all the difference in the world. Dress in something that makes you feel great. Something that says “Hello World”. No ones going to fault you for spending some much needed time on yourself.

Get out into the world, meet people, be strong and confident, break out of your box and try new things… Which is what he did in the movie. Because of his new way of looking at things, he lost all his shyness and awkwardness and he simply talked to people and made new connections. He learned new things and applied them to his life, and boy did his life take off. He made more money and traveled, did all the things he had always wanted to do, but was never able to, due to a cluttered mind and a stagnant life.

It all starts with us, and the way we think. If we change the way we think, we can change our environments, our goals, our whole lives. In doing so we can help change the lives of countless people for the better by example. We don’t need a magic pill to do this. We just need to pull it together and make a new start. First step, remove the clutter. Then get to work. Treat yourself better and discover all the things out there waiting for us. Carpe Dium – Seize the Day!

Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite.  Or waiting around for Friday night or waiting perhaps for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil or a better break or a string of pearls or a pair of pants or a wig with curls or another chance.  Everyone is just waiting.  ~Dr. Seuss

Every man dies.  Not every man really lives.  ~Braveheart

As you grow older, you’ll find the only things you regret are the things you didn’t do.  ~Zachary Scott

How many of us ever know what it is to become the perfect version of ourselves? ~ Limitless

Weight Loss Week 1:

Dannie here! Well as promised I am posting my progress for the past week. I have been doing great and am proud of myself. I said in my last post that I wasn’t going to do the Atkins diet; but I figured why not. It’s something I’m familiar with and I know it works, so if I’m going to do this I want to do it right. I started the induction phase on Monday 4/18.  If you’re not familiar with this, pretty much it’s a high protein/low carb diet, in which the first phase (Induction) You can only have certain foods and no more than 20 carbs daily.

I started a walking routine. 1 mile a day for the first week, then I’m going to add on from there.  Also I’m doing some light weight training to tone up. “Baby steps” is what I keep telling myself.

So far so good. I went from waking up tired and groggy to waking up energetic the last couple of days…what a difference!!! More energy, even before coffee   I’m still crashing around 2:00pm, So I need to find something that fixes that problem. Maybe I’ll throw in some extra exercise and/or 1/2 a banana or something. I’ll play around with it and let you know what works and what doesn’t.

Ok so here’s the big news:

Week 1: April 16-24-2011

Starting Weight – 216.5

Starting Measurements:

Arms – L  14.5
R  14.5
Chest – 48
Waist – 43
Hips – 50
Butt -  47
Legs – L 27.5
R 27
Total -  271.5 inches

Ending Weight – 210.4

Ending measurements:

Arms – L 14 ¼
R- 14 ¼
Chest – 48
Waist – 40
Hips – 48
Butt – 46
Legs – L – 26
R – 26
Total – 262.5

Total loss : 6.1 lbs  and  9 inches

WOW!!!! Now that’s a motivator right there. All that hard work paid off. 11 lbs left to reach my first short term goal!!! I know some weeks are going to be better than others. Some will pass with hardly a change at all; but at least (from experience) I know if I tough it out, I’ll get there.

The hardest change has been my diet. You really don’t know how many carbs you intake each day until you pay attention. I’ve mostly been eating eggs, salad, green beans, asparagus, cheese, black olives (a few at a time as a snack or a couple sliced in my salads), and various meats cooked healthily. My worst habit by far is still the same…coffee. Although for years I’ve used splenda, so it’s not THAT bad; but I have been getting in more water daily to rehydrate and flush out my system. I’ve had 2 diet sodas this week; but I’m not a big soda drinker anyway, and they helped curb cravings for sweets, so I think it’s fine. I just wish they made diet beer…LOL

It’s mostly mental. Focus and meditation to keep my head in the game. I can see the faint flicker of light at the end of the long dark tunnel. It will glow brighter and brighter each passing week until I’m bathed in it. I’ve wanted this for so long and I can’t begin to tell you what stopped me, other than the wrong way of thinking about stuff. I take time daily to be thankful and to focus on what I need to do to get where I want to be. I believe thoughts and words become “things”. What we focus on, on a daily basis is what we bring about. So just a little shift in what we think about makes all the difference.

Writing things down helps me to stay focused. I read it over and over, and can reference it anytime I need a boost. I’m famous for having sticky notes everywhere with positive messages to myself. If I didn’t do this, my thoughts would be scattered and all over the place. Then it becomes hard to focus on the good stuff. So I choose to keep myself in a place of motivated energy,  (a bubble if you will) to help keep myself from any doubt that may creep in, or that annoying inner voice telling me not to bother, or even family and friends who try to sabotage what I’m doing. It’s a hard thing to learn, but after a while it becomes as easy and naturally as breathing. Like anything else it just takes practice.

Whether you think you can, or can’t, either way you are right. ~ Henry Ford     Thats my background on my computer. I read it daily and put it to good use.

Thanks Billy!

Dannie here, been a while since my last post.  I guess I could blame it writers block or something of that sort. Truth is I tend to clam up when life throws me curve balls. I don’t like putting it out there for the whole world to read, which is kind of the point of blogs right? Personally, I’d rather write about the beauty of life and the good things that happen, than to vent or complain because emotions are contagious. I dislike the thought of having brought someone down because I couldn’t stop myself from complaining.  So what to write about then? Well I’ve been giving that a lot of thought. Everyone seems to be writing about positivity and the importance of staying positive, which I agree with 100%; but I’d like to do more than that. I’d like to be an inspiration. I like to motivate others, as it helps me to motivate myself. So still the problem is what to write about. I’ve done the relationship blogs and the be happy blogs. I wanted something to write about that was personal, that held me accountable.

After a lot of brain storming and a chat with a friend of mine named Billy I came up with what seems to me to be a great idea. One that seems to be just what I needed. You see my friend has been pushing himself. He doesn’t say it as much as he does it. He’s been working out, cutting out some problematic parts in his life, and has made goals for himself. He recently completed his first 5K and did it in a fantastic time, and has upcoming ones in the works. I’ve been following him on his journey and have cheered him on. To be truthful though, I thought to myself, Whew 5K… I think I’d keel over. My next thought was, You used to run, you used to could have done that everyday…what happened? I started mentally beating myself up. Those conversations you have inside your head are tricky, ya know. It’s what you tell yourself that makes all the difference. It’s what holds most people (including me) back from doing the things they want to do.

About 3 years ago I was highly motivated. My then husband had left, I was single again for the first time in 13 years, dammit I wanted to look good. So I started walking everyday, which turned into jogging and eventually running. 3 to 6 miles everyday. I loved it, and I loved myself for doing it. Weight started falling off and in just a matter of weeks  I went from a size 18 to a 12. I felt fabulous! Men started noticing me again and it just felt great. Then, well I started slacking. I should have kept it up…I know this; but I didn’t. Eventually I gained back a few lbs and went up to a size 14 which is where I still am today. I haven’t let myself gain anymore; but I also lost the motivation to complete my goals. I wonder which one is worst, settling for less or complete failure??? My inner voice was saying “hey look what you accomplished, you look good, so what if you’re not a size 6. Be happy”. The problem with this, is I KNOW better!!!! I know I don’t need to be a size 6, but dangitt I don’t want to settle for size 14 when I know I can be a six if I only give it some effort, or even 8 if thats where I’m meant to be after 5 kids.

So after talking with Billy the other night, I realized what I needed to do and I ran it past him. He of course thought it was a great idea. So here I am, putting this down. Making myself accountable and motivating myself to do it. Ive come up with some realistic and healthy goals that will get me to where I want to be. I’m going to keep it here, a journal of sorts, for the world to read and experience right along with me. I will be 100% honest with highs and lows, because I know there will be. It’s going to take a while; but if you guys will stick with me and cheer me on, I know I can do this.

As of right now, I’m setting all embarrassment aside. If those ladies on biggest loser can show pics and announce their weight to the world, so can I!! So here’s my plan, I’m going to list all of my goals long term as well as short term. Every week I’m going to post my weight and daily activities.  I will be starting off slow, but rest assured I will push myself. I just don’t want to over-do it and burnout in the first few days, or be so sore that I have to miss a day. I’m so out of shape right now it’s not even funny.

My long term goal is to get down to 140 lbs. I’m 5’6″ and I figure this would be a healthy and realistic weight for me to be.

Short term goal # 1 : 16 lbs lost. Why 16? well I’ll tell ya. This morning I got on the scale for the first time in months. (I just stopped because it’s so disappointing.) So ya.. I gained a few back, I thought my pants were feeling a little snug…grrr 215 lbs!!! Some of you might say YIKES, lol but hey I used to be 275 so I’m not sweatin’ it. All in all it’s a good starting point. If I lose 16 lbs I will be 199 and out of the 200′s for the first time in years. It’s a highly motivating and very attainable goal.  After that I think I will make my goals in 10 lb increments to be out of each 10′s group. 99 to 89 ect…

I’m going to have some different sorts of daily activities lined up as to not get bored. Anything is better than nothing, which is what I do now. As for my diet, I used to do the Atkins Diet years ago, it really really works, but in the long run if you cheat, which I did, it comes back to bite you in the butt, and tummy, and thighs…lol  So I think I’ll take some aspects of it to heart, and just mainly focus on eating healthy period. Unlike some folks, my problem is not over eating, if anything, I under eat. Which I know makes me store fat as well as have no energy, so I’m tired all the time. Which leads to low activity, it’s a vicious cycle. My new years resolution was to eat breakfast every day. I do every now and then, but it’s hard when you have no appetite in the mornings, probably due to the amount of coffee I consume before I even open my eyes. So there’s something I need to change right there.

I used to get up at 5 am hop out of bed, dress, start the coffee, go for a run, shower, dress, and then have my coffee with toast or whatever. This worked for me, so I think I’ll try it again. (boy oh boy, what am I thinking…lol) I’m for real though…consider it done!

Well there you have it, I’ll start my new routine tomorrow morning, but will definitely get a nice long but brisk walk in today. I’ve yet to have anything to eat today and it’s noon. So no food regrets today…a blank slate to start with, which is good Keep checking in for my check in’s. I’ll try to get them in every Sunday. If you guys have any tips or know something that would help me that I didn’t mention here please do comment. If you see me slackin’ get on to me!!! Why would I get mad when I know you would be doing it out of love. If I’ve motivated you to back away from the computer too let me know and I’ll cheer you on as well, the more the merrier in my book!

My Top 10 Favorite Things about Fall

Dannie Here,

Well folks’ It’s that time of year again. The changing of seasons. Summer is slowly turning into fall here in the South. Not sure how it works in the North, as I’ve only really lived here in Florida. We don’t have the changing of leaves; but we do have the falling of leaves off various Oak trees..haha. Which only means raking…bleh It also means…wait for it…..

My top 10 things I love about Fall

10. The mornings are cooler now; but the afternoons are still warm and sunny. We can usually still go swimming through Dec., although the ocean can get a little nippy. I love warm breezy afternoons when it’s around 82 and the sun is shining and no clouds  to be seen…ahhhh

9. Change of wardrobe…kinda

For the most part you still need shorts, and I wear flip flops year round. I don’t recall ever owning a “winter coat”. I have lots of pretty sweaters and hoodies though, and I love an excuse to wear my boots out. (I only wear them a few times a year) One good thing about that is they last for many, many years. A cold snap here only lasts maybe 2-3 days and it’s only in the mornings and evenings; but we’re only talking in the 60′s. You have to dress in layers because it will get hot again mid morning.

8. “Monsoon” season is over!!! Being in a tropical climate, it rains here…a lot. Mostly in the late afternoon/ evenings. It’s nice but if you’re at a theme park..you have to lug around umbrellas or rain ponchos. those can be tiresome. Also Hurricane season ends soon … I like the parties, and hey the big red drinks are yum; but nasty weather is always yukky.

7.  Can we say CLEARANCE?????

Living here in Florida You HAVE to have beach stuff or pool/ patio gear. This time of year everything gets marked down, and it’s like Christmas presents waiting to be found in the back isles of most stores. The only bad thing is having to restrain yourself among the rows of bathing suits, towels, coolers, pool floats, flip flops/sandals, lotions, bags,patio furniture, and endless other “must have” items marked 1/2 off or more. Now is the best time to grab what you’ll need for next year

6. Here in Florida there lives a gruesome, vile, perverted creature. They go around mating in public for everyone to see. You can find them just about anywhere, from the gas stations, to parking lots, and even in your own backyard. The even do it on your car. Yes folks, it’s the dreaded LOVE BUG! These black and red bugs swarm and cling to everything. They mate and fly at the same time and seem to find you anywhere. Getting their remnants off of the grill of your car can be tricky. if you leave them too long it eats the paint. I’ve found using a dryer sheet works like a charm. Anyways…they go away this time of year!!! not to be seen again until spring…hip hip hooray!

5. Yard work is almost non existent…WOOT! With the cooler weather, the grass here in Florida grows at a snails pace. Yes there is raking if you have trees( almost everyone does) but that’s not so bad and can be broke up over several days. Another plus to it being cooler outside. You’re not out raking in 100 degree weather. Once you’re done with the yard you’re ready for…..

4. PUMPKIN PATCH TIME!!!!

So fun! I love taking my kids and hunting for the perfect pumpkins! They are great for decorating as well as making pies, breads, and roasted pumpkin seeds. Pumpkins make everyone happy! In fact you can find pumpkins almost everywhere including in the following 2 favorite things.

3. All the yummy scents.

This time of year is my favorite for buying various air fresheners and candles. All my favorite scents are out. Pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and cranberry. I just bought a big bag of pumpkin spice potpourri..it smells great and adds a bit of fall color and smell to my living room. I just LOVE all the scented things. Walking through the candle isle of the store you have to smell all of them. It’s like a big feast for your senses.

2. Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Coffee!!!!

In a word…YUM! This stuff is worth paying a little extra for. It’s like Pumpkin pie in a cup with a whipped cream top. I wait all year for this to come out. I’m sad when they take it away; but rejoice when I see it advertised again..hehehe I’m like a little kid in the candy store.

And the number one best thing about Fall….drum roll please…..

1.  The Holidays!!!!!

It starts off with Football season (Go Phins) and ends with Thanksgiving! My favorite of course being Halloween. I still love getting dressed up and going Trick or Treating with my kids. Although some years it’s hot as all get out; but it’s still so much fun. All the good scary movies come out too, as well as Halloween Horror Nights! The parties are soooo fun and it great to see all the unusual costumes people come up with as well as visit all the haunted houses. The hay rides are fun too! My favorite Halloween story is Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman and I love the old Micky Mouse cartoon with the ghosts and dancing skeletons. Halloween time is toooo fun!

Thanksgiving is great…all your family and friends together in one place eating way to much food. Putting all else aside and finding all the little things to be grateful for. I have a lot to be thankful for this year; but thats another blog in the making.

Well folks, there you have it. These are my favorite things about Fall.  There is much more I didn’t mention; but I’ll leave it at this. Thanks for reading!

Random Thoughts for Today

Dannie here..It’s Sunday..I’m bored.

Boredom and idleness lead to all sorts of crazy and weird thoughts. Like:

Why doesn’t anyone whistle anymore? You never hear it. Am I right? When I was a kid everyone whistled…now the only time I hear it is in a song like Patience. So I started whistling…and I think I’ll try to bring it back! It makes you happy…and it’s kind of fun…why not.

Also I’ve noticed since watching Family Guy..that everytime it’s looks rainy out I tend to quote Ollie Williams saying “It’s gonna Rain!” Why do I do that??!!

Same thing goes when I see someone running..I say “Run Forrest …RUUUUUN!!!” …………I’m sick

also..on a completely different subject…

I was told when asking for “male advise” that it was 2010 and it was ok for me to ask a guy out on a date if I wanted to. I wonder if that’s true. I’m a bit old fashioned I guess when it comes to that. I’ve always figured if a guy isn’t asking …it’s because he doesn’t want to. I wasn’t sure though so I broke down and asked another guy I know. So I’m wondering how true his answer was and how it held up in reality. I think I shall survey some guys I know. I’ll let you know the results.I also put a poll on here…

Well that’s about it for now folks. I’ll update again soon.

near and dear

Dannie here,

here is a link:   http://onedaywithoutshoes.com/

TOMS Shoes is a great organization. For every pair of shoes you buy, they donate a pair to a needy child.

I grew up poor and remember the few times I got a new pair..and how special they were. As a mother I’ve always made sure my kids have them; but I know there are lots of mom’s and dad’s out there who struggle to get decent shoes for their kids. My heart breaks for them because it IS hard. Every kid deserves a new pair of shoes. So this is a charity I give my support to…and I ask that you do too.

Top 10 best things about Summer!

Dannie here,

Home from work..coffee in hand, cigarette burning down in the ashtray, and 80′s music playing in the background off of one of my playlists on a social site.  My creative juices are flowing and I haven’t had an outlet. I had a good day today…smiling from the moment I opened my eyes. No reason in particular, have just been in a great mood. I’ve been following  the law of attraction for a few months now and it works for me

This weekend was sooo great. The weather was perfect!!! Sunny and warm with a light breeze. I love this time of year. It marks the beginning of WARMTH! I’m a total summer girl, and HATE being cold. Maybe it comes from living too long in S. Fl. Who knows but the hotter the better for me. I’m 34 and still get sleepy in the car in the summer I have BIG plans for the beach this summer. I even enjoy the long drive down 40 all the trees and when you get close the smell of the salty air…ahhhhhhh I can’t wait!!! Maybe this Sunday, if the weather holds, I will make the trip. Which means  dreaded swimsuit shopping somewhere between now and then as I have lost some weight. I’m ready to get my golden tan back..I’ve been looking a bit pasty.

Which leads me to my top 10 list:

My top 10 favorite things about Summer

10. It’s a given and a repeated statement; but can never be overstated…Beautiful warm weather!!!!

9. Kids are out of school so no early mornings scrambling to get them dressed, fed, and to school on time.

8. Breaking out the ol’ summer wardrobe. Flip flops, tank tops, shorts, and sunscreen.

7. The scent of  Hawaiian Tropic tanning oil.

6. Theme parks! Although I like to year round..nothing better than Sea World’s Splash zone on a hot summer day. Or Riding a floor less roller coaster and hopping off scrambling to get your flip flops back on because the ground is HOT!

5. Romantic Summer nights… need I say more??? Yes I do…lmao  Beach, Campfire, A hammock on the beach under palm trees , star gazing, listening to reggae and the sound of the surf…. ahhhh..now I just need someone to do this with…sigh

4. Swimming Pools!!! There’s lots of fun to be had. I love playing volleyball in the pool, or swimming laps…refreshing!

3. Summer Blockbusters…I love the movies in the summer…all the best one come out at once as you scramble to make the decision of which to watch first…can we say double feature????

2. Fruity umbrella drinks at a tiki bar!!!! LOVE IT!!!!! Margaritas, mojitos, rum runners, Landsharks w/ lime, pina coladas, and all sorts of yummy things to cool off with and feel gooooooood.

1. The Beach!!!  Predictable?? ya but I LOVE it…. Body boarding, friends, sun tanning, hot guys surfing, sand between your toes, shell necklaces, coolers, cookouts, boating, tubing, jet skis, snorkeling, fishing, floating on a tube or float, music, sandcastles, hermit crabs, you name it, it’s the best!

Well there ya have it folks.  Can you tell I’m getting antsy?????   I left off a few…but I’m sure I’ll have plenty of great updates in the coming months.

checking in

Dannie here,

It’s a rainy Thursday morning here in Fl. I’ve got John Mayer’s  new  album playing, and have coffee in hand. It’s my day off..but i still have plenty off editing to do on the wedding pics I shot up in St. Augustine a couple of weeks ago. (Yes Jay..if you’re reading this I finally made it up there and instantly fell in love with this BEAUTIFUL city.) I have plans to go back soon. I didn’t get to stay and explore very long..but I did make it to the central shopping area where there was this quaint little Irish shop. I bought a set of beautiful salt and pepper shakers; which I was in dire need of..lol.

On another note…I recently cut off all my hair and went way dark in color. I love it! Yes I do   I do miss it being longer…but I can blow dry this stuff in no time now….And I’ve lost another 10lbs..Yay  me!!!! I’ve been working out again. I think the warmer weather has something to do with that. I feel more energized and in my element.

I’m still happily single..not that I oppose a relationship..just not in a hurry to get into one. Seems there is a shortage in the area on tall, dark, and handsome men who have jobs, personalities,who are strait,  and can hold conversations with me.. ..sigh.  Really there is; I called and asked about it…that’s the answer I got from the operator. So I left my number with her and told her to keep me informed.

That’s about it I suppose. Not much has happened lately. I’ve been working a lot of hours and hanging out with friends. ..Well I’ll check in again soon.