Congratulations Q!

It's a new season!  Things at work have changed with me taking less responsibilities, but I've been able to get involved with new projects.  I've been building some strong relationships with a few of my students.  My personal life is going through some interesting things...my self-love is growing and my desire to conform my life to God's will is intensifying.  I am so excited for the things to come.  My sister Fanya at Chocolate Pearls has inspired me to get back to my blog.  I'm going to start by sharing a craft project that I did for one of my students that just crossed Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Here's the basket that I made for her.  Some of the items I got really lucky with.  I won a basket full of goodies at walk for breast cancer at work which came in handy because I was able to use it to assemble her gifts.  In the basket are: 2 DIY picture frames, a book of sticky notes, 2 necklaces, a keychain, a pick manicure set, an AKA button and a linen bag (can't see it).

This chevron picture frame is was my favorite project.  Although it took me a while to figure it out, I think it came out great for my first attempt.  I just need to figure out a better way to get those lines and those pearls even.  But for my attempt, what do you think!?

Windy City Adventures

The last weekend of June I had to take a business trip to Chicago.  I was so excited because it was my first time visiting the Windy City.  I was also able to catch up with friends.  I must say that the traffic that I experienced getting into the city from the Indiana state line took forever, but the drive went by so fast that it was a minor hiccup of the trip.

The business trip was for a leadership retreat PAN, a professional association that I'm apart of.  Below is a picture of me and my crew on our way to our first meeting for the weekend.

My first night I was able to walk around and see a little bit of Michigan Avenue and I just felt at home amongst the hustle and bustle of a big city.  For dinner that night we went to a Chinese & Thai restaurant called Big Bowl.  Their menu is split, Chinese on one side and Thai on the other.  I went with Thai and had the chicken pad thai.  I was thrilled to finally indulge in ethnic food that is non-existent in eastern Kentucky.  It was delicious, but I still can't find a place that matches up to the jewel in Stony Brook, NY.

The next night I was able to catch up with some of my classmates from grad school, Kerry and Sophie. I took the train to the North Side and met them for dinner.  We went to Lou Malnati's Pizzeria where I was able to get a taste of Chicago deep dish pizza.  It was good! A nice balance of sauce and cheese (didn't get any meat) with a buttery and firm crust.  But if I ever go back I want to try one a different pizzeria.

My last day there some of the ladies went sight seeing.  We were staying at DePaul University, so we were walking distance from an art festival and some big landmarks.  Before making it to Lake Michigan, Gigi and I posed in front of the Buckingham Fountain.

Owt at Lake Michigan

Our sight seeing was cut short when a crazy rain/wind storm sent us running back for cover.  I had such a good time and realizing that it was closer than I thought, I know that I'll be back sooner than later to continue exploring Chicago!

Do you have any favorite Chicago adventures?

Weigh In Wednesday: Late Check-in

Current Weight: 213.6

Total Weight Lost: 16.2

I feel so encouraged and proud of my determination to stick with my weight loss goals.  I've lost another 2.4 over the last two weeks.  I was ecstatic at the scale seeing that I've almost stopped going to the gym, I survived Fourth of July, and a trip to Chicago.  I'm hoping that I can keep the momentum up.  In order for me to get closer to my goals I'll need to do two things - get back in the gym and continue to make better food choices.  

I've started working on these goals just a little bit by taking up a spin class.  Someone has been trying to get me to go for most of the year, but my previous experience with it left a bitter taste.  I decided to suck it up and go, and now I'm addicted not wanting to miss a single class.  In addition to taking the spin class, I've started educating myself on my body type and the best ways to fuel it to get the results that I want.  (I'm also in the middle of a "no sugar" diet for 21 days with some of my line sisters...a real challenge)

I'm excited for the next Wednesday's results!

Alas! Weigh in Wednesday

Current Weight: 216

Total Weight Lost: 13.8

I know that it's been a long time, but I'm still working hard at whipping my body into shape.  I've been traveling for several weeks and haven't been sticking to Weight Watchers aka WW as I normally would.  I've traveled to Louisiana and St. Louis, attended a wedding and celebrated my birthday.  Yet with all that, I've managed to keep my weight in the +/- 2 lbs range.  Now I have to get that physical activity back into my routine so the pounds can go down.

This is me participating in one of my students' programs while at a leadership summit in St. Louis.  More posts about my travels are coming soon.

Positivity Pays Off!: Weigh In Wednesday

Current Weight: 214.2

Total Weight Lost: 15.6

I'm so excited to say that stay positive paid off!  I lost another pound this week even though I had a cupcake three days straight and although I didn't cook that much this week, I made smarter choice when dining out.  I also kicked a bad habit and got back into the gym!  I was able to get into an old pair of jeans that I haven't worn for about a year. It feels good to feel good!

In my old jeans touching the moon!

This upcoming week I'll be at a conference so I have to make sure that I'm making smarter decisions with food.  I also have to make sure that I take advantage of opportunities to move around and work-out.

Goal for the Week: Make the right choices.

Take a Hike!!

Today I tried something different and new in my workout routine, I took a hike around the lake at my job!  A coworker, a student and I walked/hike a total of 2.3 miles.  It was a great way for us to enjoy 90 degree weather in March...in Kentucky!  After being in the office all day it was nice being outside and switching up my workout.  The elliptical gets a little boring after a while.

This is an actual picture of the lake that I walked around today, Eagle Lake in Morehead, KY. The only difference is that it's not this green yet.  It was so peaceful and really gave me a great sweat.  I'm hoping to make many more trips around this lake. I was a great way to end the day!

Work the Blue Dress

I have bought this dress from Target and necklace from Forever 21 within the last week.  I wanted to look at some options for styling without digging in the closest and this is what I came up with.

What do you think?

Work the Blue Dress by hearsts featuring flat shoes

Dress
$25 - target.com

Cheap Monday denim jacket
£20 - urbanexcess.com

ALDO leather high heels
$37 - aldoshoes.com

Oasis flat shoes
$36 - oasis-stores.com

Forever 21 shoulder bag
$30 - forever21.com

Forever 21 medallion necklace
$4.80 - forever21.com

Pinning Addiction

I joined Pinterest today and I'm totally addicted! I don't know why I didn't join sooner.  

Here are some of my favorites so far.

Weight Loss is Hard

Current Weight: 215.2

Total Weight Lost: 14.6

Let's just say this was a hard day at the scale today.  I'm starting to get discouraged but I have to keep a positive attitude to get positive results and stay on track.  

I need to remind myself of my goals - the big picture.

Goals for the Week: Stay positive!

Gotta Love Losing!

Current Weight: 215

Total Weight Lost: 14.8

Biggest Challenge: Not letting my work schedule influence bad decisions when it came to what I ate.

Favorite Meals: Friday I had 4 slices of pizza and loaded potato skins at a local pizzeria.

What I'm Most Proud Of: I'm still making the right food choices that help me to keep losing even  though I didn't make it to the gym...again.  I allowed myself to have a cheat day on Friday, but after I got it out of my system I was very successful with my food choices.

Goals for the Week: Must get back to the gym!