Drastic Measures

These Kinds of Changes I Could do Without

2011-04-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this chart today and I hope everyone looks and think about this President, regardless of your party participation....(I put this on my Drastic Measures Page, because the findings are drastic, indeed!)

After two years of Obama...Here's your change
January 2009
TODAY
% chg
Source

Avg.. Retail price/gallon gas in U.S.
$1.83
$3.104
69.6%
1

Crude oil, European Brent (barrel)
$43..48
$99..02
127.7%
2

Crude oil, West TX Inter. (barrel)
$38..74
$91..38
135.9%
2

Gold: London (per troy oz.)
$853.25
$1,369.50
60.5%
2

Corn, No.2 yellow, Central IL
$3.56
$6.33
78.1%
2

Soybeans, No. 1 yellow, IL
$9.66
$13..75
42.3%
2

Sugar, cane, raw, world, lb. Fob
$13..37
$35..39
164.7%
2

Unemployment rate, non-farm, overall
7.6%
9.4%
23.7%
3

Unemployment rate, blacks
12.6%
15.8%
25.4%
3

Number of unemployed
11,616,000
14,485,000
24.7%
3

Number of fed. Employees, ex. Military (curr = 12/10 prelim)
2,779,000
2,840,000
2.2%
3

Real median household income (2008 v 2009)
$50,112
$49,777
-0.7%
4

Number of food stamp recipients (curr = 10/10)
31,983,716
43,200,878
35.1%
5

Number of unemployment benefit recipients (curr = 12/10)
7,526,598
9,193,838
22.2%
6

Number of long-term unemployed
2,600,000
6,400,000
146.2%
3

Poverty rate, individuals (2008 v 2009)
13.2%
14.3%
8.3%
4

People in poverty in U.S. (2008 v 2009)
39,800,000
43,600,000
9.5%
4

U.S.. Rank in Economic Freedom World Rankings
5
9
n/a
10

Present Situation Index (curr = 12/10)
29.9
23.5
-21.4%
11

Failed banks (curr = 2010 + 2011 to date)
140
164
17.1%
12

U.S.. Dollar versus Japanese yen exchange rate
89.76
82.03
-8.6%
2

U.S.. Money supply, M1, in billions (curr = 12/10 prelim)
1,575.1
1,865.7
18.4%
13

U.S.. Money supply, M2, in billions (curr = 12/10 prelim)
8,310.9
8,852.3
6.5%
13

National debt, in trillions
$10..627
$14..052
32.2%
14

Just take this last item: In the last two years we have accumulated national debt at a rate more than 27 times as fast as during the rest of our entire nation's history.. Over 27 times as fast.
Sources:
(1) U.S. Energy Information Administration; (2) Wall Street Journal; (3) Bureau of Labor Statistics; (4) Census Bureau; (5) USDA; (6) U.S. Dept. Of Labor; (7) FHFA; (8) Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller; (9) RealtyTrac; (10) Heritage Foundation and WSJ; (11) The Conference Board; (12) FDIC; (13) Federal Reserve; (14) U.S. Treasury

Fall Collection and Show Was "WORTHwhile"

2010-08-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

My sister and me just finished our Fall Trunk - Worth Collection show. We had a nice show....several new clients came, our regular clients found some great pieces to add to their own fall wardrobes and we, of course, found many wonderful selections to add to our wardrobes! Our business continues to grow and the word is getting out in the Annapolis area that June is the new WORTH sales associate.

On a personal note, we are always so tired when the show is over and we cannot really understand why! All of our clients happen to be delightful and easy to work with. We wear comfortable clothes and shoes so that shouldn't make us tired. And we don't have a HUGE (June's favorite word, FYI) client base yet, so our days are not crammed with appointments which could make a salesperson exhausted. It's a mystery.

The favorite Fall pieces were the reversible cape, the wool blanket skirt and a soft turtleneck that came in a variety of colors. But, I know several of our clients have added the beautiful suede and leather jackets to their wishlists! Sometimes it's just hard to shop for warmer weather items when it's still hot and humid outside. I have a feeling that these orders will come through after the first hint of fall-like weather.....

Thanks to all of you who attended the show and purchased clothes from our agency. It means the world to us. We love to dress our clients! Remember, that we can order items together through the select shopper site that WORTH provides....anytime....a nice and convenient way to shop!

Taking a Trend and Giving it a Leg Up

2010-07-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

For the past two seasons we have seen a lot of animal prints....ranging from the gaudy to the sophisticated. While it's never really been a favorite on mine, I like the subtle suggestion of this trend in this fall's Worth Collection. There is one dress in particular that I think brings the animal print look to a higher level and truly has a leg up on the competition:

The dress is high fashion yet comfortable. The Neutral Animal Jacquard Knit material has a dark brown cable-knit turtleneck and a cuff at the sleeves and at the bottom edge of the dress. The dress is worn just above the knees and looks great on most people as it is designed to be worn not too tight to the body. It looks Perfect with this year's cute bootie-style shoes.

I love this dress because it's a one-piece WOW dress without the fuss of belts or jewelry. It would be fantastic when you have to travel and be ready for dinner soon after you arrive. I am adding this to my Worth wish list. What's on your WORTH wish list? Need help? I would love to help you place wonderful additions for your Fall wardrobe; email me at beth@emtnester.com to work with me or my sister. Her show is in Edgewater, MD, just outside of Annapolis and runs from August 20th-August 26th. We would love to fit you into the schedule if you live in this area!

Finally, a Handbag That Does Not Carry Me Away!

2010-07-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

Designers like to name their bags for some reason and the Worth Collection handbags are no different. This baby is called the 'Janice' and I must say that its the perfect fall bag. The size is perfect (big enough to get all my junk and my notebook but not so large that I look ridiculous carrying it). It comes in three colors but I love this color they call 'Mulch'. I also love the price, $696.00, almost one-third less than all the great handbags I spotted at Nordstrom's the other day. It's 100% leather and I love the braided/chained combo on the strap. To me, it's the adult version of your back-to-school bag.

How many of you would like one of these bags? Go to their website to see all the colors and other handbags of the season, or just make a comment here or email me at beth@emtnester.com and ask me. I would love to sell 10 of these today! That would really surprise my sister!

WORTHy Wishes for My Friend

2010-07-09T17:04:00.000-07:00

Maybe you're like me and have a much easier time picking out clothes for your friends than for yourself. There are a couple of friends that I would love to dress right now. My first friend I want to dress looks fabulous because she has recently lost a lot of weight. Plus, she has a great head of blond hair on her head so some styles really look great on her that others cannot pull off as well. So, here goes.....this is what I would select for this person from this fall's Worth Collection clothing line:

I start with a simple piece in this ensemble. She already has a top, similar slacks and the belt that are represented in this look, but to bring the pieces together, she could definitely rock this 'Mulch Colorblock Shawl Cardigan'! It's 100% Wool but has a wonderful lightweight feeling and it's soft to the touch. It's an Easy Fit, in sizes XP-XL and costs $498.00. With so many great colors in this sweater, there isn't much in her wardrobe that doesn't match this versatile piece.

Next, I like to dress this friend in this easy 3-piece casual outfit consisting of a U-tank, a cotton cardigan and this terrific 'Permable Denim Biker Jean Skirt'. The U-Tank is in berry brown, runs XP-XL and has 83% Nylon and 17% Lycra and costs $98. (I have these tanks in about 8 colors and I love the way they feel...very smooth, don't show undergarments and I wash them and hang to dry! They are a necessity in Arizona). The 'Berry Brown Swank City Cable Cardigan' is also perfect for Fall in AZ: looks like fall but is short sleeved and 100% Cotton. This looks great with a long sleeve shirt, too, by the way. Runs XP-XL, is an Easy Fit and costs $448.00. To finish off this outfit, we have a button down skirt made of 78% cotton with some give, but not too much. Everyone who buys this classic Worth style skirt say that they love how it doesn't gap between the buttons, even when you are sitting down. It's perfect for casual Friday work days or an easy dinner date at the Club. Sizes 0-16 and it costs $328.00.

Now, it's time to dress for that special or Holiday occasion.........and there are several outfits from this collection I know would be stunning on this friend, but I have selected one jacket that I think would look great with some dress black pants she has in her current wardrobe:

The material in this jacket is heavenly....just saying! She loves black and wears it well. But the golds in this jacket will compliment her blond locks well. It's made for her! The process of making this material is interesting in itself: starts with black velvet that is then chemically burned-out then over printed with a metallic gold creating this beautiful floral pattern. This is sexy without being overtly sexy....if you know what I mean! 82% Viscose, 18% Silk, unlined, 0-16 and costs $ 798. (They use this material for an evening shawl if you have an all-black outfit that needs that extra spark, too. Costs $298.00)

Well, I have probably spent too much of my friend's money for one day, so I'll stop the post here. But I do have one more INCREDIBLE piece lined-up for her. I'll show you this next week....

Perhaps these outfits would also look great on you, too! Email me at beth@emtnester.com to discuss or to place your order. I'd love to dress you, too.

HCG Diet Has Come to an End...of Sorts

2010-05-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

Drastic Measures

Final Report and Final Measurements

It's Day 40, the end of the diet period! In fact, today was the first day of the stabilization period.    The next phase is harder because I will have many more choices of food, more tiny meals and more temptation to make food mistakes, and that is scary to me. And I wasn't good about making quality small meals today.

It's time to strip and do the final measurements, and I'm scared that they aren't going to be any different than the ones on day 29....... Look back to the post where I wrote in my measurements at the start of this diet.

Original Measurements                 Day 27 Measurements
Bust 36"                                           Bust 35" (bummer)
Stomach (1.5" above) 32"            Stomach (1.5" above) 28"
Stomach (1.5" below) 35"             Stomach (1.5" below) 33"
Hip 38"                                            Hip 36"
Thigh 22"                                         Thigh left=21.5", right=22"
Arm   11"                                          Arm 11"
Ankle 8"                                            Ankle 8"

Day 40 Measurements
Bust 35"
Stomach (1.5" above) 27"
Stomach (1.5' below) 32"
Hip 34"
Thigh 20" (both!)
Arm 10'
Ankle 8"

That's pretty amazing stuff for an old, empty nest Mom, don't you think?!

The link to order, as I promised several readers is:

http://www.hcgprotocol.com/

http://www.drugdelivery.ca

Now. I have 3 weeks without any sugars or starches, but I can eat about 1500-1700 calories a day. I can tell this is going to be a harder time for me, because of the freedoms, but I'll try to do my best best. Bathing suit season is just around the corner.... No pictures....I don't want to spoil your appetite!

Progress Report and Dreaded Measurements

2010-04-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

It's Day 29, but who's counting? I am, silly! Seriously though, I really thinking I have only 11 days with the HCG injections to drop weight. The next phase is harder because I will have many more choices of food, more tiny meals and more temptation to make food mistakes, and that is scary to me.

Two days ago I found my pink measuring tape and decided it was time to do a measurement update. Look back to the post where I wrote in my measurements at the start of this diet. The results at this 'more than half way' position:

Original Measurements                 Day 27 Measurements
Bust 36"                                           Bust 35" (bummer)
Stomach (1.5" above) 32"            Stomach (1.5" above) 28"
Stomach (1.5" below) 35"             Stomach (1.5" below) 33"
Hip 38"                                            Hip 36"
Thigh 22"                                         Thigh left=21.5", right=22"
Arm   11"                                          Arm 11"
Ankle 8"                                            Ankle 8"

So, here are my comments......
1) It seems if the weight and inches are coming off in a top-to-bottom fashion. The hardest and worst areas come last, of course.

2) Feeling the weight off the stomach is very rewarding and helps you to stay focused on the end results.

3) I plan to start doing more stomach and arm strength training in these last 11 days as I am not getting stuck with these flabby arms. I refuse to accept my Buddha-like arms.

4) it's really all about portion control, and will be for the rest of my life and I teaching myself some very good habits in portion control by spending 40 days on this diet.

Time to fill up my 2 liter bottle of water for today. This empty nest Mom is going to be successful! Talk to you soon.....

Day Four Brings Deep Thoughts and Happiness

2010-03-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Just like this adorable little Panda bear, today I am deep in thought. All the literature told me that during days 4, 5 and 6 of the HCG Diet, you feel somewhat euphoric. (Being down one pound helps, too). A kind of glaze is poured over these thoughts as I am getting used to the new routine. I am not sleepy, but I feel refreshed in a hushed sort of way. (No, I am not high!)

I am thinking about beauty and about how we all try to enhance the beauty God has given us with make-ups and hair products. On this diet, you are not supposed to use any make-up (except a little powder and lipstick). No lotions or gel for your hair. Some people do not ever need these products because they have thick hair or their skin isn't dry. But, I have found over the years that my skin gets so dry and flaky. And my hair is flat and thinning. Still, I have to say that there is a real, natural beauty when you don't use any make-up or hair mousse. My eyes look tiny without mascara, but they seem to gleam a little more today. They look childlike, which is interesting for a 52-year old empty nest Mom. My hair, while not very full, is super soft and supple. This is a different kind of beauty that I think we all don't use or explore enough. Have we been brainwashed by the makeup companies that we need to use their stuff or else we are not beautiful?

Today feels easy and simple and that feels pretty good, considering just how stressful our lives have been for the past three years. I feel a kind of "letting go" emotion. I sometimes feel this feeling after a really hard Flow Yoga class. The diet is making me relax and not try to do too much, or else I might get tired or dehydrated.

Finally, there is definitely an increase in sexual arousal and the desire for sexual activity, which I think is a fantastic side effect. I wonder if that feeling occurs for men who are doing the HCG Diet? And if both partners are doing the diet together, do they have a crazy 40 days of sex?!!

I have two hours before dinner and that seems pretty far away, so I will stick to the computer and get as much work done as I can and avoid the kitchen altogether! Talk to you tomorrow....

Day Two and Three: Bruised But Ready To Go

2010-03-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Day Two was delicious! I ate frozen Snickers bars, cheese and crackers a cheeseburger and then we went to a friends house for dinner. She happens to be an amazing cook and I gorged on everything and had a few too many glasses of wine.

I did the shot in my right leg and I didn't feel anything and it didn't bleed or bruise! I cannot same the same about my left leg.....there is a huge, dark-colored bruise to show from my first shot. For anyone considering doing this diet, you'll love day two.

Bill and I woke up on the morning of Day Three feeling sick: dizzy, major headaches and upset stomachs. I was kind of glad he was feeling the same way, though, otherwise I would have thought it had to do with the diet. Basically, we lounged around watching college basketball and sleeping. You weigh yourself and they call this amount your target starting weight; for me that 132.5 pounds. I gave myself the shot at 10 am, as usual. I tried the right leg again, and it has actually hurt a little bit all day. No bruise...yet.

I had hot tea at breakfast time and then went to Whole Foods to get food. I am going to try to eat only organic foods this month, which could be a little expensive. Anyway, I walk up to the seafood counter to get some fresh sea bass and asked him for pieces that are 100 gram size. He had no clue what a gram was, so I just bought a few pieces. Then, I headed over for chicken breasts and asked the guy behind the counter the same question about 100 grams and he said that the scales they have cost about $11,000 each but they don't measure meats in grams. He then proceeds to tell me that that kind of scale costs about $14,000. WTF? Hush, and give me my skinless, boneless chicken breasts!

Lunch was very satisfying: 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of grilled chicken breast, a whole cucumber a grissinni breadstick and a handful of strawberries. I love these breadsticks....I could easily eat the whole box at one sitting. But, not this month.

By 6:00 pm I felt starved, so I ate dinner. I ate the other half of the grilled chicken breast, lettuce and tomatoes with fresh lemon juice, the breadstick and one large apple. I made lemonade with Stevia, water and the lemon, but it tasted horrible. It's because the Stevia has a vanilla taste to it. Does anyone know if they made Stevia with no taste?

After 2 liters of water today, I must run to the bathroom for the 100th time. I am looking forward to weighing myself in the morning. Talk to you tomorrow.

Day One: Eat Like There's No Tomorrow!

2010-03-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

My friend came over at 9 am this morning and we turned to the logical source of information....the UTube channel, for advise on mixing the magic HGC potion to lose weight. We saw this heavy-set guy from Vegas show how totally easy and painless the process was and we were relieved. If he can do it, so can we!

We headed to the kitchen counter, mixed up one each and sat on the couch and gave ourselves the shot, which was painless. I bled a little, that's all. Then we proceeded to mix enough shots for the next 21 days each, put them in a plastic container and placed in the refrigerator. Every day at 10 am. we will both be giving ourselves the daily shot.

Now, for the good, er, GREAT part: today and tomorrow we need to fill our fat reserves up for maximum weight loss over the next 40 days. So, I popped several fig newtons before Gretchen had left the kitchen. Fatty foods all day for the next two days. Where do I begin?

I also need to stop at the grocery store and buy the allowed foods for the remainder of the diet and get some B-12 dots that you take daily under your tongue for energy.

I have to tell you that I am giddy with excitement that I might actually lose this extra weight, for once. I have tried for 6 years to go the 5 days a week exercise, eat the right foods and don't drink too much alcohol routine. By doing this, I have maintained this weight, but have not been able to lose the extra 10 pounds. It's been frustrating, I am not going to lie. My doctor says it has to do with my age and hormones and pre-menopausal issues. Nothing I can control, and being somewhat of a control freak in all aspects of my life, hearing those words just make me mad. So, my heart is filled with HOPE with the promise that this system will produce a different result!

I am thinking about going to the store for a huge Snickers bar or a Butterfingers bar! I cannot remember when I last had a candy bar. I think I am going to like today...DAY ONE of this diet! Talk to y'all tomorrow......................

My 2010 Diet Adventure

2010-03-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Today is the day before the actual HCG diet begins. We were all ready to start today, but then we read that this diet is best started on any day except Thursday (due to the way they make you eat delicious fatty foods for two solid days...).

So, instead, I have taken out my trusty pink measuring tape and measured all the parts of my body and weighed myself as "a starting point".

Weight: 132.5
Height: 5' 4 1/2"
Measurements:

Bust: 36"
Stomach (just above the belly button): 32"
Stomach (about 1 1/2" below belly button): 35"
Hip: 38"
Thigh: 22"
Ankle: 8" (LOOKING GOOD!)
Flabby Arm area: 11"

I'll admit that the freaky numbers to me were going from the top of the stomach to the hip! No wonder I think of the Liberty Bell when I check myself out in the mirror!

I'll get around to measuring my body fat soon, too, but from the time in 2001 that I weighed 113 pounds to my heaviest at 135 pounds, it hovers in a normal and even somewhat low range for my age and weight.

Stay tuned.............................

The Graduation-Travel Diet

2009-05-11T11:22:00.005-07:00

Can it really be another week of HASAY dieting and reporting with very little to show or tell?

Most of the week was spent preparing for the graduation trip or attending the graduation. I think I lost several pounds just stressing about the whole event.

Of course, the cinnamon swirl croissant french toast with strawberries I had on Saturday morning probably wasn't the best choice to eat, but it tasted delicious.

We stayed up later than we have in a decade and I think that makes you feel more hungry. But being around at 3:30 am on a college campus is truly eye-opening. It also confirmed the fact that mixing beer bongs, sweet tequila drinks and whiskey from the bottle is NOT a good idea. (Not me, thank goodness).

My exercise routine? That would be schlepping through the airports, carrying bags that do not roll because I have given my kids all the decent-looking roll suitcases!

I intend to do better this week. Big surprise, right? We all want to do better and work harder and exercise stronger and eat less. It's just easier said than done!
Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds
Current Weight: 131 pounds

Symphony Conductor Arm Exercises are All the Rage

2009-05-04T13:43:00.003-07:00

I am a little late with my weekly HASAY update, but to tell you the truth, I was afraid you all might think I've gone completely mad with this post. And maybe I have, but I simply don't care anymore.

I am obsessed with doing my arm exercises to utube videos showing symphony conductors! Did you know that conductors have some of the best cardiovascular workouts just by doing their jobs? It's true. And their arms are tight and strong just like I want.

So starting this week, I have been standing in front of my computer and mimicking conductors through their long songs and I have to tell you.....my arms are sore. It's true. Move your arms exactly as they do for the full song, it's really a kick.

And, it's a nice break from typing on the computer all day. And I love the music, too. Here is one of my favorite old-time conductors for you to try the newest, hippest form of HASAY exercise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhcR1ZS2hVo

Now, wasn't that fun?

HASAY Weekly Report: Ready and Willing

2009-04-27T05:30:00.003-07:00

Have you finally stopped just lurking around here and decided to join the HASAY bandwagon? Great. Let's get fit together. Don't know the details about the HASAY group diet? Go here and find out more, but please come back because I need your love and encouragement!

Keeping the gym bag ready and in the back seat of the car last week proved to be a smart move. It caused me to go to the gym two more times than usual. You simply cannot drive by without stopping when the bag is in the car.

It was very hot here last week, so my appetite was not as HUGE as it usually is. But my husband was still hungry, so I cooked and consequently ate more than I would have if I was alone. Now, I am not saying that being alone would be better, it wouldn't. But sometimes, it can work against eating lighter, that's all. And a cooked, plain chicken breast over some lettuce isn't called a meal by many people, including Bill. Let's just say, I need to think about how to satisfy all my family needs in the food category.

This week, I am pushing to work hard at the gym 5 times this week. That's harder to do now that I am working lots more hours on the consulting jobs I have recently picked up. But that's the goal, regardless of the work load. (I sure hope that having "active" sex can substitute gym visits or I am screwed...either way!) Ha.

Also, I am carrying the extra weight in the upper stomach area, above the belly button. Does anyone have some exercises to target this odd area?

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds
Current weight: 129 pounds

Working in Workouts Inbetween Work

2009-04-19T12:27:00.003-07:00

All this new work is really wrecking havoc with my diet and exercise goals. Or rather, this new work has become my new excuse for not devoting enough time to workout or eat properly. But I didn't join Casey's HASAY diet group for nothing! I just need to make some serious adjustments to my everyday routine.

First, I will continue to walk Wrigley every morning for about 45 minutes. We are going earlier each day as the sun comes up sooner and it's starting to get hot, too.

Second, I will pack my exercise bag with clean workout clothes, several sets, and put in the trunk of my car. This way, there really is no excuse for not going to the gym on most days, at some point in the day.

Third, I am going grocery shopping after I write this post and will get food for the whole week. I hate doing this. I prefer picking super fresh items and cook them that evening, but when you are tired at the end of a work day, I find I choose more comfort foods, like pastas, and less fresh fish and vegetables.

Fourth, I will continue to do some serious hard care exercise with Bill over the weekends. This weekend, we did a killer hike in the middle of day. Pretty soon, it will be too hot for such adventures in town.

The good news...I did not gain any weight during this week of missed workouts and having that extra glass of wine at dinner. Probably because I am moving around a lot more these days. My butt has not been attached to my computer chair and that is a good thing. (Although, I have been a lousy friend to my favorite blog sites and have not spent time commenting as much as I usually do! Sorry about that.)

25 Reasons to Stick with Hasay Diet in Week 25

2009-04-13T10:08:00.006-07:00

You have probably visited Casey's website and read guest poster, Jen from Steenky Bee's hilarious story about rear contests and rear gear and stupid radio contests. She made you look at your rear didn't she. I checked out the backside and has kicked me back into a stronger routine with this very special list about rear-ends:

1) Rear ends should not resemble the jowls of a basset hound;

2) A tight rear helps the fat legs look better;

3) People will see you coming and they'll watch you leaving (this was in a 80's exercise tape from a guy wearing 4" shorts);

4) 500 squats a day will produce rear results;

5) 500 lunges will also produce awesome results;

6) A hate long lists;

7) Does anyone ever read past #5 of a long list anyway?

8) Even when my rear becomes the most awesome rear in all of North Scottsdale, I will not send a copy/picture to the local radio station (I already have a gym membership!);

9) While a tight rear is a goal of mine, I don't necessarily want to be known as the 'woman with the tight rear';

10) Why don't radio stations care if men have great rears? The typical double standard is always present. It's time for women to complain;

11) I am tired of focusing on the arms anyway;

12) Also, the legs need a break, it's the rear's turn;

13) Perhaps rear gear will speed up the process of getting a tight rear;

14) If you do a handstand up against the wall and take a picture from that angle, your rear can be right where it's supposed to be;

15) A funny joke: Two rears walk into a bar from the front...WTF? Don't get it, do you? Ha, got ya. Well, most of you;

16) Good friends like Jen have us covered, even if it's Arby's fake cheesy sauce that's covering us;

17) Casey keeps us in gear and this week just happens to be 'rear gear'.

18) I lied a little earlier, or maybe I just got to thinking about it. Okay, maybe I wouldn't mind being known as the 'woman with the tight rear'. Smart and witty are sometimes overrated!

19) Can you name your 5 friends with the best rears? If so, please go to visit another site. That's kind of creepy.

20) But now that I asked you the question, I am sort of curious...

21) It's a little known fact that most of the Easter peeps that we all inhaled yesterday, goes directly to the rear, no stopping at the chest or stomach.

22) I am 'reary tired' of writing this list and have no intention of finishing it to the bitter end of # 25!

I leave you with this "happy moment" to inspire you, to depress you and to get your rear in gear:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1137883380?bctid=2065176001

HASAY: Baby Steps Taken

2009-04-06T17:19:00.004-07:00

I am still taking baby steps in the diet and exercise category. This is my 23rd or 24th week participating with Casey and the large HASAY group diet. If you want to join us, you should. Just go to her site and read the gory details.

This week, I have been very good with my food intake. After the cleanse/detox program I did with Dr. Keith Smigiel a few weeks ago (see archive posts), my stomach feels like it shrank. I am rarely hungry and when I crave food, it's using good things (although not always green vegetables).

I fell flat on the exercise department, except for my daily morning, hour-long walk. Thank goodness for Wrigley! But I have been keeping busy and have left my computer chair more than a few times this week.

I know what I need to do and I will continue to take baby steps towards my goal.

Isn't Food Grand?

2009-03-30T14:00:00.005-07:00

I survived my first ever cleanse/detox program. My program lasted seven days which was just the perfect amount of time, if you ask me. For my HASAY group, I would definitely have to say that it was well worth my time and effort. Here are some thoughts and suggestions and a few parting words:

1) Make sure you a great health care practitioner working with you, as I did with Dr. Keith Smigiel, DC. Sure you can go online and buy a tub of the UltraClear PLUS but you can also just eat less and exercise more and that hasn't always worked for us in the past. Having someone who cares about your progress and is paying attention to what you say through out the week is very important. And believe me, sometimes you are quite woozy and need a clear head around.

2) My main goal was to "jump start" my metabolism and lose some weight. Both objectives were achieved. I lost 6.5 pounds and time will tell whether the rate is kicked up enough to help me lose weight quicker.

3) I could not believe that I rarely felt hungry. The medical food drinks and about two helpings of green vegetables filled me up. I missed the nightly wine, I'm not going to lie.

4) You have to keep the exercise light, like walking and simple strength training as you can get pretty dizzy.

5) No real unpleasant side effects: no gas, no smelly urine, etc.

6) Some great side effects: detailed, interesting dreams, you feel very relaxed (almost high).

7) Perhaps my favorite thing: my stomach has flattened (not gone away, but I lost the pooch)!

8) Maybe my insides are all cleaned and the toxins have all been removed; I honestly don't have any feeling or sensation about what's going on inside.

9) You will be tired of every vegetable you eat. Really, no vegetable should be eaten all day long and without any pepper, salt or other ingredients. I ate: broccoli (twice), asparagus, romaine lettuce, green beans, and zucchini squash (twice).

10) Now that I am eating real food again, everything tastes and smells divine! I am working on only small portions. But I can tell, my inner devil is trying to tempt me with my favorite fattening foods. I must stand strong, as I am on a roll, now. I'd like to lose 5-10 pounds and then I can fit into my closet full of clothes that are just hanging there, looking sad.

Perhaps most importantly, I made my mind up to do this program and stuck with it all week, no matter what. I attended a ladies luncheon where I only chowed on lettuce and packaged up the rest for Bill's dinner, I was offered a slice of pizza fresh out of the wood stove and said "no" and I even cooked a gigantic steak and potato dinner for Bill and sat with him at the table, nibbling on zucchini. I feel good about these things and helps me to know that if I really put my mind to it, I can lose the extra weight on my body.

If you have questions or just want to talk to Keith, here's his contact information:

602-485-9390 or drkeith@smigielfamilychiropractic.com

Aspargus Day: Detox Day Four

2009-03-25T19:10:00.003-07:00

I may never eat asparagus again after today. It's simply not meant to be eaten plain and all day long. I have to say this was not my favorite day in the 7-day detox program. I was blurry all morning, hungry in the afternoon and I'm impatient this evening. Then, I'll go to bed.

I was pleasantly surprised that I did not have an asparaGAS problem. Most people were telling me that I would be passing smelly gas. I am way too much of a lady for that to happen!

Dr Keith Smigiel (McDreamy) spoke to me today and gave me some good recipes to try after the seven day period is over. I was thinking of a big cheeseburger and an ice cold beer, but I didn't see that meal on the list. It is so nice that he keeps such a close eye on my progress.

I look forward to more crazy dreams tonight. Last night I met a juggler and a opera singer while dining at Bones (a restaurant in Atlanta, GA that I went to once about 9 years ago).

Three days to go, but who's counting!

Detox: Day Three

2009-03-24T15:04:00.005-07:00

It's day three of my detox/cleanse program with Dr. Keith and I'm feeling mighty fine. No kidding. I drank my medical food shake with a tiny bit of juice and had some green beans around 11:00 am. I am drinking a ton of water, too.

I do feel a little fluffy today. Not really dizzy...just soft in the head, if you know what I mean. And everything seems beautiful and sexy. First thing this morning, I receive an email from Dr. Keith and he's asking how I am doing. He gives me a few suggestions and tells me I'm progressing very well. I think I'll call him 'McDreamy' as he does look like that character on the TV show(only Keith has a better body). Next, I cannot get the poker face song out of my mind, although in fairness, it's probably because they play that song on many channels about every 12 minutes. Finally, my dreams are off-the-chart weird: last night's took place in Sag Harbour, NY (a place I've never been) and my old boss was standing in line behind me and I think we were getting cotton candy or fudge.

I attended a really nice ladies luncheon that served a wonderful lobster salad with grilled asparagus and an amazing chocolate dessert. Some of the attendees may have thought I was crazy, as I ate the grilled asparagus (and on green bean day, oops) and had the rest boxed up for Bill to eat tonight. And I toasted the day with chilled ice water. Ah, I'm living the high life.

Okay, some scoop: Sunday's weight was 135 pounds, this morning: 132 pounds. I almost fainted for real. Of course, that's just the beginning, I hope. Clothes are still tight.

Today's parting thought: Appreciate those around you and enjoy the fuzzy moments of your day. They can be really quite pleasant (almost like you're high with an illegal substance in the house).

That doesn't sound much like a "green bean grouch" to me. But I might just get that way if I don't receive a lot of comments on this post!

Two Days Into my Detox Program

2009-03-23T17:21:00.007-07:00

This is the 20th week of participating in Casey's HASAY group diet and like many dieters I am right back to where I started...135 pounds. Well, that was what I weighed last Friday. Too much St Patrick's Day fun, too much neighborhood fun, too much food experimenting......all adding up to weight gain.

Now as fate would have it, I sat in my weekly BNI group meeting and heard Dr. Keith Smigiel, Family Chiropractor, give a presentation on UltraClear Detox Programs to eliminate the toxic waste in our bodies. At 7 am, I listen as hard as I can (being half awake) and Keith gave us all the important information about these programs. But all I heard was that both Dwight (another BNI member) and his wife did the seven-day program and each had lost over 14 pounds, felt great and have kept off the weight. I didn't need to hear those words because I see and know Dwight and Kira, and they both look fantastic. I mean, seriously HOT. So, on Friday, I place the call to Keith to get my bucket of medical food.

Basically, I take this powder and mix (I use my latte swirler) with filtered water and a tiny bit of fresh OJ and drink two or three of these each day. In addition to the shakes, I get to eat one organic, green vegetable a day. But, I can eat that one veggie all day long. Sounds simple, right?

Sunday morning I have my first shake and almost gagged at the chalkiness of the drink and eat some cooked spinach, but I need top buy more for the rest of the day. I decide to shop at Whole Paycheck (Foods) to get my green vegetables. It's midday and I feel a little woozy. I walk up to the grocery worker and ask where the spinach is and he barks at me that he has no spinach anywhere. (He must be in 'Day Four'). NO SPINACH! I am thinking a quick kick to the jugular because I am too tired to go to another store. Turns out I didn't have to kill him after all because they have some in their takeout salad bar area.

Sunday night, my son and his girlfriend come up for dinner and it was hard to make the food and not be able to eat it. On accident, I ate a grape when I was rinsing them off. I had a delicious medical food shake and some more spinach. It's a good thing I learned how to chug a drink in my earlier years, as that skill is coming in handy now!

Monday was broccoli day! And, I have not become "broccoli bitch", thank you. I have eaten three helpings of broccoli and chugged two shakes today. I was not woozy and I'm not hungry.

My parting thought for the day: I really hate that eating food can make you fat. Why couldn't smoking make you fat or running make you fat? Wouldn't it be a wonderful world if eating pizza and homemade apple pie with vanilla ice cream, gave you a flat stomach or maybe even, give you big boobs? Someone should have asked for my opinion on this topic before they went and created the world.

Stay tuned for daily updates. Keep me strong; I have a feeling I am going to need y'all!

Sticking with the HASAY Diet

2009-03-16T08:21:00.006-07:00

I am beginning to get the hang of this HASAY diet. I know, I have been participating for 19 weeks and maybe I should have gotten the hang of it a lot sooner. That's just how diets seem to be, though.

This week, I kept the alcohol content way down which is boring, but seems to really help lose the pounds. The rule is no drinking from Monday through Thursday, except for holidays and special occasions. Several people in the neighborhood are doing this together, so it makes it a little more fun. PS: I am thanking the little green leprechauns that St. Patrick's Day falls on a Tuesday this year. I hear a Smithwicks calling me already!

I went on two difficult hikes this week and to the gym twice. Mostly I was entertaining my daughter and her friends for their spring break. Exercise Tip from the girls: dance the whole time you are driving or in a car...burns at least 100 calories per trip. Here's an example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY2wBE8UdQY

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds:

Current Weight: 130 pounds

Losing Weight Taking Baby Steps

2009-03-09T08:33:00.007-07:00

I feel very close to the chararcter that Bill Murray played in "What About Bob?" because this week's HASAY efforts has been about baby steps for Beth. Here is how the week played out:

Baby Steps Forward:

I wrote down everything I ate. Remarkably, I had no guilt whatsoever writing down the three Girl Scout cookies I ate for breakfast on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. But the exercise does make you stop and think before shoveling the food in your mouth.

I tried some new group classes at my gym. Normally, I am too intimidated to join the classes. This week, I said "to hell with it, you have to start somewhere". My yoga flow class was really good. Pilates at Sommet Fitness is always strong and the spin class was off the wall. I also added more jump roping to my daily exercise routines.

Baby Steps Backward:

My daughter came to town with three of her college friends for spring break (yes, it is her fault) and we ate delicious Mexican food with lots of chips, guacamole sauce and several margaritas. We also went out to breakfast and we enjoyed a big blended coffee drink that had to have at least 400 calories.

My BNI group had a bowling function, which had to include (at least for me) a pitcher of beer and some slices of thick-crusted pepperoni pizza.

This week's net result: I did not lose weight, but I did not gain weight, either. I just need to take more baby steps forward this coming week. Hope "life" doesn't get in my way........

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds

Current Weight: 131 pounds

I Am as Cute as the HASAY Baby

2009-03-02T16:01:00.003-07:00

Every week (that's 19 weeks) when I place Casey's adorable child's picture in my update post, I say to myself, "he's such a cutie pie. Those arms and round tummy are so cute, I just want to squeeze him"!

Only this week, I was sitting on the floor of my bathroom clipping my nails, facing my full length mirror, when I reached up to get the lotion.....I saw that I look almost exactly like him! I have that cute horizontal line underneath my sweet little boobs. My tummy is round and sticks out just like his. The arms? Identical, I swear. The only noticeable difference is my hair. (I took a picture of myself to show you, only Google would have shut down my massive revenue stream for that one, to be sure). The only problem is that the look is NOT SO CUTE on a 51-year old woman. But a picture is worth a thousand words and I have it pinned on my desk next to the computer to help me become successful in this old diet.

This week I am going to write everything down and share it with you next week. I have been good so far today, but hey, it's only been 9 hours.

I exercised 4 times this week, but for me, this amount doesn't even allow me to maintain weight. I know.......that does suck.

Having a period every two weeks and shedding like a 14-year old girl isn't helping either. The doctor thinks I'm just about at "the end". Yeah, now that would be cause for a celebration...of celery and low fat peanut butter, of course.

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds
Current weight: 132 pounds

Be a "Loser" and Join the HASAY Diet

2009-02-24T15:39:00.005-07:00

This marks the eighteenth week of my participation in the group HASAY diet, hosted by our fearless leader, Casey. If you haven't joined yet, you aren't a loser! And I mean that in a bad way. Most players are losing weight, one way or the other.

This was my "week off". My excuse: my sister and her husband came to visit. Basically, we ate from sun up to sun set. Everything was delicious and the company even better.

Still, I know there is no such thing as taking a week off (read the rules!), so I will be working extra hard for the next few weeks.

Also, it's Lent Season, so I have decided to give up "LARGE PORTIONS" for this six week period of time. I think God and my stomach thank me for trying.

Original HASAY Weight: 135 pounds

Current Weight: 130 pounds

129 and Holding

2009-02-16T09:00:00.003-07:00

This is week 17 for the HASAY group diet that I am happily, er haphazardly, participating in with Casey and her gang. But mostly, I feel like all I say is I eat well, exercise 4 times a week, I started at 135 pounds and I am STILL at 129 pounds. Yes, I am stuck and have to either do more exercise or eat less. No big deal, right? Except I never get around to it.

Why can't I be like this Mom in the picture? First off, love the bathing suit "thing" she is wearing. I could totally pull that off. The husband? A doll with a big, beautiful smile. And the child is a-okay, too. And, I love butter. I miss butter.

I know, Senator Graham would tell me to stop my whining and he would be right. Look for a reading of 128 next Monday.....

HASAY Update for Those of You Who Dare (Care)

2009-02-09T04:42:00.003-07:00

Here is my weekly update for HASAY:

Monday: Worked so hard at Pilates I literally wet my workout outfit! That's not embarrassing or anything. Steve was a gentleman and held in his laughter (or disgust) until I left the studio. He managed to eek out, "you really pushed yourself hard today, good job".

Other than about 1 mile of walking every morning, I did zero exercise! I did however, READ about Body for Life at a suggestion from a guy who's had tremendous weight loss success this past year. It was exhausting (the reading that is)! But, it a great website with good pictures of dedicated people who lose and keep off the weight for many years. My only question is when do the people take the before picture?

I did not pig out any day, limited alcohol to acceptable (at least to me) level and ate lots of vegetables, salads, lean meats. Oh, and lots of tremendous, calorie-reducing sex over the weekend. So, I have that healthy glow!

I get why people "give up" trying to lose weight, though. They say, "I can't lose enough weight to make a difference, so why try". Reading about all those successful dieters this week, one important point hits you in the face: they are happier and have more energy. That could help you answer the WHY part.

Use Jump Roping and the Steam Room for Effective Weight Loss

2009-02-02T13:52:00.003-07:00

The little (fat) engine that is ME is actually starting to believe that the extra 1" of fat that has surrounded the stomach and thigh areas may be dwindling away. The continual pushing from Casey at Half as Good as You, the weekly reporting of diet and exercise (or lack thereof) is starting to show. Now, mind you, the progress is tiny, but up until now, the scale number may have dropped but the jeans felt just as uncomfortable.

I think I can, I think I can..........

One thing I have been fortunate to use is a steam room after exercising. I have been using the steam room about three times a week for the past two weeks and I have to believe that this is helping reshape me. It feels as if the toxins in my body are sweating out. But, I do not understand the science behind it at all. Maybe it's all psychological but who cares of its working!

I think I can, I think I can...........

I also find that if I jump rope for my cardio work, I tend to lose more weight than when I use exercise machines or jog. This week I jump roped on three different occasions. Here's my routine: jump rope fast for 100 jumps, no stopping, then walk around the indoor track twice (1/8 of a mile). This is mostly to catch my breath. I do ten sessions each and then, I am completely exhausted. I think I see some definition in my lower legs, too.

I think I can, I think I can...........

Finally, I think I need some sort of game, like tennis, to add to my routine. I think I will talk to some people (who are lousy at tennis) to see if they would like to hit some balls or play a few games with me. I only have a few more months before it gets too for me to play tennis, so i must jump on this real soon!

I think I can, I think I can.............

And isn't that what this is all about, thinking and believing we can alter our food intake and do some exercise and WE WILL lose weight?! I am not giving up hope.

Midweek HASAY Thoughts

2009-01-28T15:32:00.002-07:00

I thought I'd write a little midweek HASAY post because I'm feeling rather like myself again.

This morning, instead of attending a weekly BNI meeting, I choose to make love to my toilet instead. I have no idea why I woke up feeling so upset in the stomach. You see, everyday since last Friday, I have been working out hard. Yeah, hard. No more wimping around, whining that I'm overweight and thick around the middle. Just getting to the gym, jumping rope, lifting weights, whatever.

And, I have been eating smaller portions of good foods and limiting my alcoholic drinks, too. I did not want to get too depressed, so on purpose, I did not step on the scale either. Yet, this morning, I hop out of bed and I feel all dizzy and run to the bathroom for a little one-on-one, if you know what I mean. Here's some things I discovered during this session:

The paint job behind my toilet looks like crap. (I hate the word 'crap', so the wall must really look bad!);

Maybe you should take your cell phone with you to throw up so you can text people to know your whereabouts during sessions;

I tried to imagine just how "sick in the head" you would have to be to resort to throwing up or purging as it's called while trying to loose weight. It's one of the most miserable feelings a person can experience.

I think the most unfortunate thing is that I did not do any exercise today because I still feel somewhat weak in the stomach area. Let's hope I can forget all about being sick and jump right back in tomorrow!

What Makes You Motivated to Diet and Exercise?

2009-01-26T11:47:00.005-07:00

Living in Arizona in January and February is quite nice; you put a sweater and coat on to walk your dog in the morning, strip down to a bathing suit to layout at noon and by evening, you might need to throw on a sweatshirt to avoid a little chill!

It's also a fun time to be here with all the unique events that occur when we have so many out-of-towners visiting.

One such event is the FBR Open Golf Tournament. It's not one of the truly prestigious tournaments like the Masters but it is known as the largest party and probably the most fun (for the attendees anyway!) of all the tournaments. Last year, just on the Saturday alone, there were 124,000 people who attended. That's more than any of the other tournaments' attendance for a whole week's worth of golf.

What does this have to do with HASAY and dieting, you ask? Well, I'll tell you. The tournament is a huge motivational tool. This event seems to bring out the most beautiful of all beautiful people by the thousands. Every one's game seems to be on. It can be really intimidating, to tell you the truth. (I would take pictures for you, only they are really strict about not letting in cameras or cell phones). And yet, it is making me eat smaller portions last week and this week. And, I am going to the gym or hiking daily. Not that a couple of weeks is really going to help that much, but it's not hurting either. So, thank you FBR Golf tournament for keeping me moving and trying not to be a fatty.

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds

Current Weight: Still holding at 129 pounds

The Little White Lie

2009-01-22T13:03:00.007-07:00

Don't you get a week off from the HASAY diet and the HASAY reporting the week after you write the guest post for Casey? I thought I read that in the terms and conditions. What, you say there are no terms and conditions?

Oh that's right, well, I think I heard about getting to skip one week from, umm, Jenn at Steenky Bee. Oh, maybe not.

Maybe I'm just a lazy piece of ass (larger than life) and have the guts (also larger than life) to admit it.

So there. See you next week.....

HASAY Guest Post Today

2009-01-12T08:19:00.002-07:00

My little guest post is over at Casey's fantastic blog called 'Half As Good As You'. But before you race over there to read my carefully thought out words of wisdom on dieting, I have a question for all of you who are not yet participating in this HASAY diet effort:

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!*!

Okay go.

You can come back and read my other pages when you're done.

Actually, you are personally invited to come by and visit me every day this week. I would love to have you (and you can take those words in any way you can imagine. I'm just that nice). I love your company and yes, it does sound like I'm begging. I do have my manners, y'all. So,

Please come by more often.....and thank you!

Do Not Read This Post if your Stomach is Weak

2009-01-06T13:32:00.004-07:00

Over the Christmas Holidays, my whole family decided to try the 'Stomach Flu Diet Game'. Yes, it's kind of like when the family gathers around the kitchen table to play "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" or do the daily crossword puzzle, or play "Monopoly", only it's a lot less fun.

The diet/game began when my Mom and Ed flew from Florida to Phoenix to visit us for the Holidays. One of the passengers had tired of the game and decided my Mom might want to play, so he/she passed it on to her. It's easy enough to transfer as there are no parts to lose and no board to play on. The rules come to the participants automatically. And the game begins almost immediately after it is transferred. Approximately 40% of all players chose the airplane to "give the game away".

Perhaps your family is in need of some quality together time and would like to play this game, so I will share our family's RUN at this fun, family activity:

First, everyone should sit down and have a big, family dinner that includes wonderful, traditional dishes and something dark in color to drink. My family chose a delicious red wine from Napa Valley. It's best to have seconds on the items you love the most.

Next, the player who was transferred the game will feel their stomach turn upside down and inside out and they should run, not walk to the nearest bathroom. Player number one reserves bathroom number one for the next 48 hours. Each player should count the remaining bathrooms in the house at this time, as this will become an important fact later in the game. Please note: this game can be played with partners or individually. If you select the partner-style, partner number one should follow player #1 into the bathroom, hold their nose and be prepared to clean up, hold partner's hand and generally be supportive to the person throwing up over the pot.

Round Two: Each of the remaining game players boast about how great they feel and how they rarely get sick to each other. Points are made by looking good and having color in your cheeks while discussing how many times they heard player #1 get sick. Another delicious meal should be prepared adding some body's favorite dessert at the end of the meal. Players # 2 and #3 chose the bathrooms they wish to spend the next 24-48 hours in. Bonus points can be made if they can prove that "it" has come out from both ends, (but you may find the points aren't worth it).

Round Three: The remaining players #4,5 and 6 realize that they are now only 1 bathroom left in the house and they must try new schemes to avoid being the next players stuck in a bathroom or left being sick without a bathroom to use. Washing hands repeatedly, avoiding contact with each other and eating bland, white-colored foods all day are what most players try at this stage in the game. But, it's too late, one player must go down! Player number one assists with the game by sharing how many pounds they lost by throwing up 5 times during the evening. Player #2 chimes in with, "I'm feeling so much better after being up all night", or "I'm never eating meatloaf again" to the remaining game players.

There is no winner but everyone gets to play. The last remaining player can give this game away to someone else or chose to let the 'game bug' linger in the house for someone to pick it up at a later date. (We chose to let the bug linger until our next house guest arrived several days later). And then the game starts all over.

The end result: each family member/player loses approximately 4.5 pounds and countless hours of sleep and most of their dignity. Most family traditional meals will never be served again and the house will need to be scrubbed from floor to ceiling with the strongest products sitting on the grocery shelf.

I cannot recommend this diet game to anyone I care about. Even going to the gym and sweating and panting is more fun that this long, drawn-out game!

Original HASAY pounds: 135 pounds

Current weight: 129 pounds ( and a very weak stomach!)

Fair Warning to HASAY Participants

2008-12-17T15:50:00.004-07:00

I just thought that I'd share this important exercise tip with my favorite diet group:

It is not recommended that you use an ottoman instead of a stair-step piece of equipment...when you are wearing your UGG slippers.....because you are too lazy to leave the room where your computer and all your blogging buddies are located.

You're Welcome!

Have Your Cake and Exercise it Off, Too

2008-12-15T10:55:00.004-07:00

I have three wonderful people to thank you for this week's success in the diet and exercise departments.

First, a big thanks to Casey at Half As Good As You for continually supporting our HASAY efforts with her comments and emails. The constant nagging, er, attention, really does help me 'stick to my guns'. (Is this a Republican saying?)

Second, goes to Sommet Fitness in Scottsdale for providing the most awesome Boot Camp this past Saturday morning. I do not know about the rest of the country, but here in Arizona, the Boot Camp concept is all the rage. This one was fun, because it had a little running, a little something that felt like football training, some Pilates and some Yoga and went for about 90 minutes. Today, I am very sore, but in a really good way. Plus, the most important thing, I did not feel at all guilty about enjoying several Holiday parties and eating small portions of everything on the buffet tables.

Finally, to Angella of The Pilates Lounge and also my Pilates teacher once a week for giving me the 3 lb. weighted ball made by Danskin Now. This squishy, soft ball adds that extra little umph to every exercise. There is a written exercise ball, but I prefer to go to Angella's website and see a short video on how to best use this adorable little ball. I love the festive green color, too. It feels like I get more of a workout with this ball instead of free weights. You can get yours, I believe, right off mine or any one's Amazon widget, FYI.

So this coming week, I plan to continue exercising enough so that I can maintain (or lose) weight while enjoying all the Holiday events and parties and returning children. I think this is an excellent way for this empty nest Mom to have her cake and exercise it off, too.

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds
Current weight: 129 pounds

Don't Hate '08, Hasay Diet

2008-12-08T09:41:00.002-07:00

My daughter graduated from high school last year, in 2008, and their class motto was 'Don't Hate '08'. I thought to myself, what a nutty saying. Why would anyone hate 08? Was there something I was missing?

Well the same goes for the eighth week of the HASAY diet that Casey has organized. What's not to love? Each week she posts all our riveting stories of the progress (or lack thereof) on our individual attempts at losing weight. She gets on us (not literally) if we are slacking and complements us when we are doing well.

This week, I was sporadic in my eating and exercising. I hiked a difficult trail Saturday afternoon, then ate 'like a pig' and 'drank like a fish' at a really fun party that evening. Another day I ate healthy salads and grilled salmon but didn't exercise at all. My goal for this coming week is to be consistent for 7 days straight...starting tomorrow. I know, HA HA, Beth's being funny. No seriously, I cannot start today as I drank sooo much red wine at another really fun party last night, that my stomach is still queasy and maybe I'm still a little drunk (HADAY?). But I want to have some success and lose some weight.

One of the ladies I was talking to this weekend had had great success with a product called Alli, bought at Costco. Does anyone know about or have tried this product? If I hear good things from you, I may give it a try. But not today, I think I need to go lie down. The room is starting to spin........

Original HASAY diet weight: 135 pounds
Current weight: 131 pounds

You Say HASAY, I Say Time Out

2008-12-01T10:05:00.002-07:00

This week was a complete time out on the exercise and diet fronts. Unless you count the following creative ways to burn those pesky calories:

Lifting a 22-pound turkey in and out of the oven to baste every 20 minutes;

Chasing the 2-year old nephew around the living room so his Mommy can enjoy her meal;

Giant bear hugs to the kids home from school for the weekend (at least 50 each);

Racing to and from the airport with bags on Wednesday and again on Sunday;

Chasing the dog around the house when his mouth is full of our appetizers;

Serious lifting and lowering of large wine glasses, every day, over and over....and over; (more points if you squeeze in those abs while lowering the glass to the counter to pour more)

Stripping the beds, doing the laundry and remaking the beds to be ready when the kids return for the Christmas holiday/ Winter break;

Napping on the couch through endless hours of football on the TV (more points when the inner thighs squeeze the blanket around your legs).

Okay, so you're not buying into my new workout routine? Let's see how it worked....

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds
Today's weight: 132 pounds (up 3 pounds from last week). Damn. Such a shame.

HASAY Secret Strategy Revealed

2008-11-23T14:55:00.006-07:00

Sometimes, you just fall into something that works for your dieting efforts without really trying. That's just the way the world works. I have learned that running around the house half-naked is a great way to curb your appetite and lose those stubborn pounds, even if I feel a little foolish doing so.

It all began with my thought to wash all the windows of the house prior to everyone arriving for the Thanksgiving holiday. For the exterior windows, I attach the hose to the Windex Outdoor window product to get the windows to really shine. I usually get very wet and now I have Wrigley (14 month old golden retriever) to "help me" wash the windows, so there's a greater chance of getting wet and dirty, too.

I chose a bathing suit top and shorts for this chore, which looked pretty bad even to my loyal dog companion. When I went by the TV room where Bill was watching football, I sucked in my stomach and held my breath until I got outside. I prayed golfers wouldn't get too close to my backyard and get an eye full. Still, I had a job to do so got started. I know what you're thinking. The vision in your head just now is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6wQuOZ-18w

(You're welcome, Chris). Not exactly! It was more like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNjYCOYXyVw

And now for the ladies, a little window washing treat...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy_WkPLMEfY

So many window washing videos, so little time!

Still, I find it fascinating that wearing less, changed my behavior and eating habits so drastically.

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds

Today's weight: 129 pounds

Pilates Event Dishes Out Some Healthy Holiday Fun

2008-11-18T09:57:00.010-07:00

I was invited to a casual get together at Sommet Fitness Studio in Scottsdale, AZ this past week. The theme for the event was how to enjoy a stress-free, healthy holiday season. I invited a friend who enjoys working out, put on a cute brown workout outfit (okay, it would be on someone else's body, so there) and off we went not knowing what surprises the morning would bring.

First, we learned some Pilates exercises that relieve stress, increase circulation and that can be done on the go. The owners, Steve and Cherie have brought in the instructor who trained Steve named Vivian Zapanta. She's a television fitness-host celebrity and well-respected fitness professional from the Philippines. Amongst the many accomplishments that she has achieved are the following: Personal Trainer of Her Excellency Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines; IDEA (International Dance Exercise Association, based in San Diego, California) Ambassador to the Philippines; and Exercise Science Alliance (based in Modesto, California) Certification Provider for Aerobics, Personal Training, Aqua Aerobics and Medical Specialist. She was a little dynamo woman who really focuses on breathing properly to get the best workout results. Here's a picture of her from her website:

By the end of her presentation, we were all sitting taller and breathing smoother (sounds crazy, but true).

Next, we were treated to a Thanksgiving cooking presentation by Chef Morgan, owner of The Perfect Portion. She shared with us a few healthier alternatives to traditional holiday dishes that were absolutely delicious. My favorites were the wild rice stuffing and the sweet potato casserole and the pumpkin cheesecake. Yummy stuff. I loved when she said to enjoy all our favorite holiday food dishes, just eat them in moderation.

On hand was Linda Elia, Certified Massage Therapist and aesthetician from Wax 2 Max who was nonstop giving complimentary chair massages. She told me her motto is "don't let the size fool you" and she's not kidding! She has wonderfully strong hands that seem to melt the neck and back pains away!

Julie Heinzelman briefly spoke about the Transitions Products and Lifestyle System®which includes meal plans and a low-glycemic food list. This program teaches behaviors and techniques that will help keep stick with the program to become healthy, feel great and lose weight.

My instructor, Angella, was available to show some of the people how the reformer equipment is used and to answer any questions we had after the Pilates presentation. Ellen, my Pilates workout partner, was there and she was being videotaped for a video/blog for the studio.

Maybe it was the beautiful studio with its bamboo floors and bright sunshine flooding in the large windows, but we left the event with a calm, peaceful feeling and excitement to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday with our health and bodies in mind. Our gracious hostess, Cherie (pictured below) treated us to a delightful morning. Thanks to Steve and Cherie and all those that participated in this special event!

Week Four- HASAY Heaven

2008-11-17T09:59:00.005-07:00

First of all, I want to say that this picture of the little baby looks so cute with the rolly-polly stomach and fat arms. We are just living in the wrong era, because there were times when a good pot belly represented wealth and was idolized by all of society.

Instead, we live in an era where stick-thin models are not only on the runways, but in our movies, our television shows and someday may be our Senators and Governors. Whether we participate in the comparisons or not, everyone around us is so we should just be aware that this is the look of the early 2000's. Damn it!

Participating in the HASAY has kept me focused and doing more exercise than I would do normally. We all need to give a big Thank You to Casey for keeping us in HASAY Heaven! I feel a little stronger, mostly in the arms. I did everything in moderation: a little hiking, a little strength training, a little Pilates with Angella, walking Wrigley daily and some cardio. I know to step it up this week, I need to do lots more cardio. Period. No excuses.

Original Weight: 135 pounds

This week's weigh-in: 132 pounds

Goals: Going out today to buy another tape measure. Wrigley got a hold of my old one and chewed it up. What a loyal dog...he didn't want me to see the numbers and be disappointed! I want to be at 130 or below by the end of this week.

Week Three-Half As Small As You

2008-11-10T05:05:00.000-07:00

Week three of my efforts and achievements on the HASAY group diet can best be described as dismal, at best. The excuses/reasons for not progressing on the same pace as the past two weeks are all legitimate and can explain why I always have difficulty dieting and exercising on a regular basis.

I am a comfort eater and almost everything else comes before exercising when I feel stressed and/or upset for some reason. Until I can learn not to associate getting comfortable in times of stress and worry with eating and discover how some people actually feel better after exercising, I probably won't have any miraculous weight change.

On that depressing note, I will say, I am not a quitter and while I may be approaching OLD, I can still be taught new tricks! Listed below are the important facts and stats from this past week:

Starting weight: 135 pounds
Week Three weight: 135 pounds (damn!)

Exercise: Daily walking, total 1 hour each day
Ran with Wrigley: 1 day, 30 minutes
Elliptical and strength training: 2 days, 30 minutes each

Food: Decent breakfasts, decent dinners, candy corn and leftover Halloween candy primarily for lunches, too many cheese and crackers before several dinners, beer and wine with most dinners.

Don't worry, I through out all the candy in the house on Sunday afternoon!

Relieving stress: This is out of my control. Bill's company is working its way through a Chapter 11 (of an apparently bad book!) and "what ever will be will be!" I can only offer support to Bill and maybe do a little praying. Keeping expenses down helps to relieve some of Bill's stress, so I guess it's no new anything for now.

Later in this week, I will posting about learning how to release the endorphins in your body through exercise. So far, my little endorphins get locked up and aren't getting released. If I actually felt great after sweating at the gym, I know I would go more. My dog trainer has told me that if I want Wrigley to stay out of the golf course sand traps, then I need to offer him something far more interesting and exciting away from the fun sand trap. The same theory applies here. Exercising at the gym or hiking one of our fantastic hills needs to be more fun then sitting at my computer and reading every one's fabulous blogs. So, will you all stop being so clever and funny in this week's posts?!*! Do it for me and all those innocent people out there in the world wide web.

Got Crabs?

2008-11-04T04:32:00.003-07:00

Many people have a special recipe that they are known for, and my sister is no exception. My sister makes "Crabbies" for me every time I come to Maryland to visit. I think I would be disappointed if I came to visit and didn't enjoy cocktails with the "Crabby" appetizers! I am not sure they are good for my dietary efforts with Casey over at Half As Good As You, but I'm willing to sacrifice a few calories for this dietary delight!

She has given me the recipe to share and I'm so happy that there are not millions of ingredients included.

"Crabbies":
1 package of English Muffins, halved/separated (she uses Thomas brand)
1 pound Backfin Crabmeat
1 stick of butter (yum!)
1 1/2 jars of Old English Cheese Spread
2 T. Mayonnaise
1/2 t. garlic salt
1/2 t. saesoned salt

Rinse crabmeat, look for and remove shells. Blend all the ingredients except the crabmeat. Gently fold in the crab next. Spread mixture onto each of the English muffin halves. Place on a cookie sheet (or any hard surface) and cut into quarters. Place in the freezer until frozen. Transfer into freezer baggies for future use. When you are ready to cook, preheat oven to 400 degrees and cook until crispy (about 10-15 minutes depending on your oven).

Well, there you have it. Delicious morsels of Maryland goodness.

Week Two- Half as Big as You Are

2008-11-03T04:38:00.004-07:00

Week two of my diet with Casey over at Half as Good as You has brought interesting challenges due to my travels. But, never fear...when there's a will, there's a way! Here's how I mixed up my forms of exercise and selected interesting foods while traveling to parents' weekend to see my daughter and then spend a few blissful days with my sister:

Schlepping though the airport carrying two bags and one very heavy carry-on bags with books and magazines: 150 calories, each direction;

Depriving myself of those delicious-nutritious Southwest Airlines snacks and only drinking water instead of using my drink tickets: Saved 300 calories;

Staying (relatively) sober, okay, maybe I should say, not getting drunk while meeting my daughter's new friends and their parents: Saved 600 calories;

Walking all over the beautiful Dickinson College campus, in heels: 200 calories;

Now, staying with my sister brings on a whole different strategy:

It's really simple: Mimic exactly what my sister does and eats. She is tiny, has a flat stomach and is a great role model. What she does is not exactly eat food. It's more like she NIBBLES on food. If she were to write a diet book, we would have to call it "The Nibble Diet". She nibbles about 6 times daily. She doesn't think about or crave food ever. It is the furthest thing from her mind!

The only diet challenges at my sister's house is that she is also the perfect hostess and provides all kinds of food and drink for her guests, including me, so I need to be careful....

Original Weight: 135 pounds
Week One: 132 pounds
Week Two: 131 pounds

All in all, I cannot complain. I need to exercise a lot more this week. Getting back home and making myself do strength training and cardio exercises is the goal for this week!

Week One- Half as Small as You Are

2008-10-27T14:37:00.005-07:00

It's the end of week one for the group diet efforts hosted by Casey over at Half As Good As You. Here are the excited statistics, the trouble spots and the areas to work on for this second week:

Beginning Poundage: 135
Monday Mornings' poundage: 132

Trouble Spots:

Wine with friends after The Phoenix Cotillion's Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon. Delicious, great fun; wouldn't change a thing. Three women want to join us starting this week, too!

Wine Tasting Party for Boots & Heels fundraiser. Good company, good wine; wouldn't change a thing.

Candy Corn and other assorted Halloween candy. Okay, 4 days left and then it's all gone, thank goodness. Also, found out no one else has the gas problem when eating these tasty morsels. Is this some one's cruel joke on me?

Exercise:

Went to Pilate's, visited the gym several times and hiked three different days. I feel a little stronger and I am not so out-of-breath.

This week's goals: End this week at 130 pounds;
Exercise 5 days this week;
Drink more water;
Skip alcohol around dinner several nights this week.

This marks the end this very exciting post. I know that my words just make you want to add a comment at the end of this article, saying, "I want in...give me the details!" Come on, you don't have to be an empty nest Mom to enjoy the FUN of group-dieting.

This is NOT Me

2008-10-25T16:10:00.003-07:00

This is Not me, but it is the picture I am printing and putting right next to the Halloween candy bowl at my house. My sister sent this to me on an email today and I have to admit, I was spooked. And, I've suddenly lost my appetite for candy corn and orange anything!

Half as Small as You Are: READY, GO

2008-10-21T14:39:00.005-07:00

This is the first week of the club challenge put together by Casey at Half As Good As You and, as is always the case when starting a new diet, I am SO EXCITED!!!

I've taken my before shots of myself but will not subject you to these just yet. The pictures above of two plates of mashed potatoes give you a real accurate depiction of what my photos/body look like. But not in that yummy, I want to melt butter all over you and eat you up sort of way! More like, Thanksgiving Dinner is over, you've had two servings of everything and a piece of pumpkin pie and these dishes are what's leftover and no one wants...sort of way.

Starting point: 135 pounds. Now, I know it's just a number and everyone carries their weight differently. I have a friend who's one-inch taller and weighs 155 pounds, but she has the perfect body to me.

I have one positive thing about exercising more: you can always look a mess, but when you say, I'm working out and trying to lose weight, people forgive you for leaving the house looking like a wreck.

This empty nest Mom is on a roll, and this time around, it's not the dinner roll-type!

Freshman Fifteen to Lose

2008-10-20T11:57:00.005-07:00

Mark October 20th on your calendars as the perfect day to begin losing the 'Freshman Fifteen' I have gained since my daughter went off to college this year (she's the Freshman). Casey over at Half as Good as You is hosting a 'Club Half as Small as You' party of sorts.

Today's the last day to join, so why don't you join me in this attempt to get back into our clothes!

She has asked us to write and publish a blog post on our blog sites (if you don't have one, you can just email me and I'll add to my post), detailing the following information, so hear goes:

1. What motivates me and why do I want to do this challenge?

I really want to be able to fit into the clothes in my closet. Also, I want the college boys to be able to say, "that Beth, she's really a MILF", without breaking into hysterical laughter mid-sentence!

2. What is my long term goal?

I would like to be able to run for long distances. I want my high school legs back!

3. What is my long term weight loss goal?

To lose 10-15 pounds. Also, I want to eat healthy foods and burn enough calories to enjoy my wine and desserts every once and awhile (okay, nightly).

4. What tools are available to me?

I belong to an awesome gym and take Pilates at a fantastic studio.

5. How often can I exercise?

I CAN exercise 3 hours a day, 7 days a week. All my good excuses have flown the nest.

6. What do I plan on doing?

To exercise 5 times a week, mixing it up so I don't get too bored.

7. What has worked for me in the past?

I respond well when I am losing weight, it's the first week or two that I have a hard time remembering why I am doing all this exercise.

That's it. The Freshman Fifteen is going away!

CAbi Show's a Hit

2008-09-26T09:50:00.013-07:00

Recently, I attended a CAbi show hosted by CAbi sales representative, Christine Wilson. Couples were invited to her home which makes the shopping experience very different than it is at a mall. First, it was very relaxing and informative. Christine spends a good deal of time explaining how well the CAbi garments are made. She discussed the season's fashion trends and showed us how to spend wisely so that we don't have a wardrobe of items that don't work well together. I cannot tell you how many times I have purchased a top or pair of pants and then have nothing to mix and match with at home.

Some of the couples really enjoyed being together for this shopping experience. The woman could try an outfit on and show her husband and get his thoughts and opinion on the outfit. When money is tight, we all want to be upfront with our partners on any buying decision.

Other men, like my husband, hate shopping but enjoyed the food and the baseball game that was on the television in the next room.

I like the trunk show aspect and the way the clothes are on racks, according to the trend. And my favorite part is no salesperson telling you "look great" in some outfit, pushing you into a sale. Christine is very skilled in allowing you to make your own judgement, but when asked, she would select pieces that she believes would work for our body types.

Finally, you are usually shopping with friends at a CAbi at-home party. I find friends are the best judges of what looks good on you. Also, trying to get a group of friends to meet at a mall or department shop is nearly impossible to coordinate.

I choose a three-piece outfit from the "Spa" collection that includes The Techie Jacket, a Hanky Henley top and the Techie Crop pant. When I put a crisp white button down shirt with the jacket and pant, the look is very different.

Christine does shows in the Phoenix and Seattle areas. If you would like to host a show with your friends, call Christine at (206) 261-6280 or contact her on her website or email her at cj_wilson@msn.com.

Thanks to Al Martins of 'Two Eyes Photography' for providing the pictures for this post. You can contact him for your photography needs at either (480) 242-5952 or email him at awm001@cox.net.

Spa Critiques | Spa Reviews & News

2008-09-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

Spa Critiques Spa Reviews & News

This is my "go to" website when I want a facial or body treatment. They have the best definition listing I have ever seen. This site will come in handy when traveling to other cities and want to get a service that's decent but I don't know anyone for their recommendations.

Lack of Sleep Leads to Higher Dry Cleaning Bills

2008-08-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Clear and direct evidence that having insomnia can cause havoc in a person's everyday life. The dry cleaning company must think I am either crazy or have come into a big bunch of money and cannot figure out how to spend it all.

Long, Lush Eyelashes just a few months away

2008-08-13T06:00:00.008-07:00

I spend at least five minutes a day starring at my eyes, looking for any evidence that my small, thin set of eyelashes are actually getting thicker. I have asked my husband, Bill, to look into my eyes, but he thinks I am trying to hypnotise him, so he won't do it. Unless I am hallucinating, I am starting to see longer, beautiful lashes.

It has been three weeks since I began applying Jan Marini's, Marini Lash eyelash conditioner. The product was recommended to me by Linda Elia at her office Wax 2 Max in Scottsdale, Arizona. Linda is known around town as giving the best Brazilian Bikini wax and awesome massages (even though she hardly weighs 100 pounds!). On my last visit to her office, I was complaining about my small eyes and tiny lashes. She said many of her patients have been pleasantly pleased with their results, so I was ready to try it on for size. Literally.

Hoping that a product will work is different than believing that a product will work. I am a bit of a skeptic by nature, but as I grow older and tend to be open to more ideas and concepts, and of course, new products. I do think that the cosmetics companies know that many 50+ women will try anything once and that's why the market is flooded with products to improve our looks. That's why you need a trusted opinion from someone, like Linda, to steer you in the right direction with new products.

I also found this site that ranked eyelash conditioner products which I found helpful:

http://www.eyelashgrowthproduct.com/.

Here are my eyes (one without mascara, one with mascara) in the third week of applying the lash conditioner. I will take new pictures each week and you can be the judge. Am I spending my money wisely? Can you see the difference? Use the comment space and let me know what you think.

More Drastic Measures Needed to Get the Job Interview

2008-08-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Botox Fix Inadequate

The other day I was reading an article in the Personal Journal – In Depth: Style section of the Wall Street Journal, titled, ‘Botox for the Resume: One Woman’s Image Makeover’ (June 26, 2008). The article featured this darling 49-year old woman and her experience of being overlooked for jobs she was qualified to do; the employers were choosing the younger applicants instead. The suggestions to wear more youthful clothes, get a stylistic haircut and be technologically savvy were interesting and the ideas apparently helped her get the job she was certainly qualified for, but was not getting offered prior to these changes.

My first thought after reading the article and seeing the attached pictures was if this person had trouble prior to getting herself “youthed-up”, I am really going to have trouble! First, the “19 hairs on my head” make it difficult for the best hair stylist in town to create a modern hair style. I think the shorter hair styles can be a dead giveaway that I am 50+, but my hair no longer grows at all! (More on this topic later!) The added 15 pounds to my body gives even the best outfits that “just stuffed” look. My average height and general/okay looks will not help set me apart from other applicants. I pity the poor person who would have to “fix me” for such an article!

Feeling slightly depressed, I continue reading the article and come to the real meat of the story which stated employers want employees who are energetic, willing to work hard and to understand the new and changing ways the world works and communicates, and I start to fell better about my future career situation. Their point seemed to be that first impressions are very important, so look your ‘youthful’ best. Unfortunately, people like me are going to have to go a different route. It’s probably a good idea prior to an interview for me to purchase some fresh-looking outfits, get a new do, but that’s not going to be enough to make the employer choose me for this coveted position. I think my recipe for scoring the best job has a different set of ingredients to get the best end result. I need to be fast in my thoughts and presentation. I need to be great with names and facts. I need to be witty and clever and seem like a whole lot of fun to be around. I need to be a good listener and ask interesting questions.

In the office where I used to be employed, we had this one woman who fit my current description in many ways. I did think of her as ‘older’ but not irrelevant or unimportant. She had my ‘slightly better-than-average’ looks but that did not seem to matter. She was the first to learn various computer programs, put up with a bunch of (shit) from other employees she did work for, and my favorite, she walked around at 5 pm on Friday afternoons offering wine or a beer to those of us still on the phones or working at our desks. She had a positive attitude, found something nice to say about (almost) everyone, never backed away from a difficult project and she generally made you feel good knowing her. I would hire her if I had a company and was hiring, even though her clothes and hair style were nothing to brag about.

Am I way off base? Now, the real question is, if I am correct in my assumptions about my predicament, how do I get in the door or past the first cut of resumes? I would love your thoughts and suggestions in this matter.