The BIG 3-0!!!

Yes, I already DID turn 30 last year. (Actually, almost a year ago one week from today.)

No, the BIG 3-0 that I'm referring to is the fact that I've now lost 30.4 pounds in my first 14 weeks on Weight Watchers!!

It's still crazy to me how well I've been doing. I'm loving my new skinnier self! :-) And, I'm fitting into clothes that I haven't worn in YEARS! It's like getting a whole new wardrobe without the shopping. (Although, I'm itching to go out shopping for some new smaller-sized clothes!!)

Yesterday, Bob and I hosted our families at our house for a Mother's Day dinner. My parents, grandma, brother Stephen, sister-in-law Sarah, niece Sophia, Aunt Carol, cousin Traci and Bob's parents all gathered for a dinner cooked by Bob and I! We also celebrated my birthday.

New Purchases

I decided when I started Weight Watchers that when I reached my 10% goal, I would treat myself to a Coach purse. (

I know it's frivolous... and probably irresponsible to spend $200+ on a purse... especially when my wallet in the purse won't have $200 in it... but, I've always wanted one. And, now I have a good excuse to get one.

So, last night, my friend, Kelly, and I headed to the Coach outlet at Aurora Farms. (If I'm going to get a Coach purse, I'm not going to spend full price on it! Give me some credit at least. LOL!)

I found a purse, wristlet and wallet --- all matching! Here's a picture of the wristlet. (No, I didn't take the picture. I swiped it from the internet.)

















As I stepped to the counter to make my purchase, I started to have second doubts. How could I spend that much on a purse??? But, Kelly reminded me that since I started WW 12-weeks ago, I have only purchased my lunch 2-3 times total. Prior to WW, I was buying lunch at least 3-4 times a week. I have probably saved more in the 12-weeks by not buying lunch than the Coach purchase was going to cost me.

You gotta love Kelly's thinking!!

So, I made my purchase. And, I proudly carried my new purse to work today. Hooray for me!


And, speaking of purchases...... I have found an absolutely wonderful jewelry maker. Her name is Nicole, and she is the proud owner of lillyella. (www.lillyella.etsy.com) Please check out her website. Her prices are very reasonable for such exquisite jewelry. Her pieces are very unique, and very well crafted. And, she's more than happy to work with you to change a piece of jewelry currently on her website (color, length, etc.), or even to create something completely new just for you!

I purchased this necklace! She made matching earrings too. I've received so many compliments.






















And, today... this necklace arrived in the mail with matching earrings, of course. I can't wait to wear them!! I'm usually a silver girl, so this is definitely different than anything else that I own. But, I was just drawn to it. The photo doesn't convey the beauty.























Please check out her website. And, tell your friends!

www.lillyella.etsy.com

She's very talented!!! Her jewelry would make great gifts. Don't forget... Mother's Day is coming up, along with graduations and I'm sure some birthdays!

If you make a purchase, tell her that Stephanie referred you! :-)

Happy Shopping!!!


P.S. I'm up to 26.2 pounds lost in 11 weeks! :-)

Many Going On's...

So, the first and BIGGEST thing happening is my progress with Weight Watchers. I've reached my first milestone. I lost 10% of my starting weight. Actually, I've lost MORE than 10%. Since starting WW on February 2, I have lost 24.2 pounds!!!!

I fit in clothes that I haven't been able to wear in years. I feel awesome! (And, I look great too... if I can say so!)

I still have some weight to lose to get to my goal weight... but, I am on track, feeling great and inspired to keep going!!!

Last weekend, Bob and I traveled to Fernandina Beach, Florida for Keith & Kristen's wedding. (Keith is Bob's brother!) It was a beautiful weekend in 80 degree weather and sunshine (except for the massive UGLY thunderstorm just prior to and during their wedding ceremony). Keith and Kristen rented a beach house on the ocean for the entire bridal party and their significant others to say in for the weekend.

Here's a picture of me and my mother-in-law, Pat!

















(Please excuse my hair. The thunderstorm that I just mentioned... well, I was in the shower getting ready for the wedding when the electricity went off in our beach house. Yes... no power means no hair dryer. UGH!)

Of course, Bob & I took our "infamous" self-portrait!















Unfortunately, I don't have a full length photo of myself from the wedding. I went shopping for a dress and got a size smaller than I've been wearing. :-) I received many compliments!


Last night, Bob & I attended Pajama Jam at the Marriott Downtown. The event benefited Junior Achievement, and it was my responsibility to oversee it. Yes, as the name suggests... we wore our PAJAMAS!!!

















The Marriott did an awesome job with the decorations! They even had beds set-up to keep with the theme!!

Here are some of my co-workers!

















Of course, Bob & I took a self-portrait! :-)

Junior Achievement Pajama Jam

Leave your ball gowns and bow ties at home! This is not your ordinary fundraising event.

You'll need to wear your best pajamas and favorite slippers to this event!

(click on the photos below to see the details BIGGER!!)
















Check out www.jacleveland.org/pajamajam.htm for more details! And, tell all your friends about it!

(Yes, I know this is a shameless plug for my event... But, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta go to sell tickets!)

WW Update & St. Patty's Day @ SYC

First of all... let's get to the GOOD stuff!!!! I had my weigh-in on Saturday a.m. (I missed last week's weigh-in due to the MASSIVE amounts of snow we had here. GRRRRR!!)

BUT... in those two weeks, I lost another 5.4 pounds... taking me to a total weight loss of 16.4 pounds in 6 weeks!!!!!! I'm so excited!!!!! I have another 8 pounds to lose to get to my first goal of 10%... and my Coach purse!!!! (I promised myself that when I made my 10% goal, I'd buy myself a Coach purse!!!) I'm so proud of myself that I've stuck with it. The fact that I cook A LOT more now, and don't eat out for lunch are helping immensely!!!

Now, on to the "lesser" important things... Bob and I joined the Sandusky Yacht Club a few weeks ago. Some of our friends from the Berea Power Squadron as also members. 15 Berea members gathered together last night for SYC's annual St. Patty's Day party. A FABULOUSLY good time was had by ALL!!


Here are some pictures...

Bob and I getting ready to party!!!
















Dan and I having much fun!!

Weigh In Day

This morning was my Weight Watchers weigh in. I knew that I had lost some weight, because I've been feeling better and my clothes are loser.

I lost another 3.6 pounds this week. My 3 week weight loss total is 10.4 pounds!!!!!!!

I'm so excited!!!!! I have to treat myself to something nice since I've reached the 10 pound milestone. Any ideas?!?!?!?

WW update

I attended my weekly Weight Watchers meeting on Saturday for my "weigh-in". I lost another 2.6 pounds. So, that brings my total to -6.8 pounds for the first two weeks.

Yeah! Go me! :-)

I'm feeling greater. And, the program has actually been quite easy. We'll see how I do this week. I have dinner out with Crystal & Melissa, and two networking events. But, I'm confident that I will do well.