Yeah IAKG on the loss -- great that you were able to eat out that much and still lose, and that you are opting for better choices when you do eat out!!

Lil ... I think we kind of have to think in the terms of one day (or hour) at a time, sometimes we do really well, sometimes the days are much more challenging. But at this point, I think we are all feeling like we're in this long-term and keeping that in mind, think of the progress you've made in these 2 months ... so glad you're part of the group and have been so much a part of my progress (as have you all)!

maddy ... way to keep looking for things to motivate yourself.

I'm planning on spending some time in my clothing this weekend, sorting through the things that have been too small to see where they are in relation to me now ... and to figure out what I need to start looking for to replace some of the items that are now starting to fall off of me ... that's a good feeling, but being a bit of a cheapskate, I just keep trying to figure out how to make the things I have last as long as possible before I have to get any new stuff. :D

I made it through today actually better than usual -- I got my El Pollo Loco dinner, but made choices throughout the day to eat a bit less of the things I don't really need, but often enjoy ... so though I'm inside my calorie range, I'm on the low side ... not a bad thing considering that Saturdays I usually use up almost all of the daily calories, so this means it will balance out a bit better that most weekends.

I hear ya on the clothing costs girlfriend. I am not shopping everytime the ones I have are loose because I don't want to buy 6 separate wardrobes as I get down to my goal. Right now most of my work clothes pants and skirts are super baggy but I am just making due. I'm telling myself, "I'll buy some new things when I need to purchase a size___." fzzy I'd also suggest consignment or ebay as a way to get where we are going but with spending less on the trip there :D

fzzy, I find packing up the things that are too big to be highly rewarding and therapuetic.

I picked up some new running shoes today - they are really light on my feet but they were making my feet hurt when on the treadmill. Therefore, my time was cut short - only spent about 20 minutes on the treadmill tonight.

Yep, I'm with maddy on this one. Weight Watchers highly encourages rewarding yourself for your progress--without food, of course--and I find that rewarding myself with some new piece of clothing is extremely motivational for me. Of course, since I don't have lottery winnings stashed away somewhere, I try to find things that are on sale/clearance/hit the resale stores. The items I bought last night don't fit--yet. But they were on winter clearance, and I'm confident enough to believe that by the time fall comes around, I'll get good use out of them.

I'm envious of maddy's new shoes, though. :D

Shall I mention I got the cutest Franco Sarto mary-jane styled heels too? Clearance is my friend :) I eyed these shoes up before Christmas and liked them, but not enough to pay full price.

That's how you can tell your friends...if they take you to clearance sales or not.











ROFLMAO! :D

shoes?????? I went and tried on Birks today and decided I'm too sexy for those shoes, too sexy for those shoes :D

Lil, I learned recently that the very first US store to sell Birkenstocks is located only a block from my house. Berkeley, of course. :D

Somehow I picture you in thigh-high leather boots, not Birkenstocks. But I guess those aren't practical for teaching. :D

I have a pair of Birk clogs that I got years ago and absolutely love. They are just incredibly comfortable. They are black so I will wear them from time to time with my black dress pants to work. Probably not a high fashion statement, but some days I just want to be comfortable.

If they're incredibly comfortable, maddy, maybe you should wear them on the treadmill instead of your new running shoes. :D

lol... I wanted them for their comfort however most of the ones at the store here were not the more fashionable ones that I have seen available online. I just want some comfy sandals that I can wear and still look girly.

LOL @ IAKG. I don't think I can walk that fast in them.

Lilith, I've never seen a good selection of the sandals in any store. I actually had ordered my clogs online. I just made sure the place had a good return policy in case they didn't fit properly. I'm not usually a big advocate of QVC - but they have an excellent selection of Birks and the prices are pretty good. I forget where I had ordered mine from long ago. You can also usually find a couple of options on overstock.com.

I saw a guy buying the black foam-like clogs yesterday. He owns a restaurant and he says the cooks wear them. They look comfy. I'm gonna check out QVC and Overstock, thanks!

All I wear are birks ... I have feet, knee, and back problems and although they still bother me, they bother me much less with the wearing of birks. Over the years, I've managed to acquire 6 or 7 pairs of them ... usually wear one main pair which are 2 strap but the straps are a bit thinner and more feminine looking that the classic two-strap birks and they are a black patent leather. I also have some goldish ones that are the same style, some red summer sandles that are 2 strap and thin straps, but both straps go across the area just above my toes. I do know that you can get the liner from Birks that will fit into other shoes. I've bought all of mine from QVC or Ebay ... you just need to know what your european size is and that they don't sell Birks in 1/2 sizes so you go up to the next size ... I wear a size 8 1/2 usually so my birks are a size 39 european or 9 american sizing ... on ebay they will often list under both sizes. Good hunting/shopping! :)

I tried broccoli for the first time today - well maybe not the first time. I know I don't like it raw *blech* and the only way I would eat it previously was in chinese food (beef & broccoli).

In the frozen food section at my grocery they have these steam in bag veggies (birds eye maybe?) and I thought I'd give the broccoli cuts a try. They have been in the freezer for a few weeks and I finally took them out. Not too bad! I'm nervous about re-heating them another time though.

I also have some asparagus in the refrigerator that I purchased fresh this weekend. I've never attempted to make it but like it steamed at restaurants... so help me out, please :) I do not have a steamer - so any simple and tasty recommendations are welcome.