Yoo-Hoooooo (or Days 13-20)

Hello there. I'm back. After an impromptu week-long break from blogging (and reading blogs... I've spent all afternoon catching up), I'm here to say that I'm still alive.

Would you believe me if I told you I spent the past week dressing in the 30 for 30 clothes?Well, you kinda have to since most of the outfits never got photographed...

Thanksgiving was awesome! J and I ate and spent time with our families. My favorite things!

Here are the outfits that made it onto the camera (and by camera, I mean phone...)
Outfit # 13. 11/21.

Outfit # 18. 11/26.

Outfit #20. 11/28. Cowboy Boots!

We had a freak warm spell over Thanksgiving break... none of the outfits were particularly inspired. But whatevs.

I have nothing to say today, so it's back to watching mindless television for the rest of the evening... That's how I celebrate breaks from school...

Productivity (Days 11 & 12)

skinny jeans, blue sweater, gold flats. worn to work and the bookstore.

ps. there's a necklace. finally wearing accessories!

skinny jeans, purple cami, black low-cut blouse (waaayyy too low cut, thus the cami), black flats. worn to work and grocery shopping.

This has been a crazy hectic week for me. I turned in my Senior Seminar paper, had a big geology test, turned in a project, and had a presentation. Now that the week is over I feel like the semester is over too. I can finally rest and relax and watch movies and read for fun and go shopping etc etc. But then I remember that the classes that have been on the backburner for um... the entire semester! So, because of the awesome Thanksgiving break planned (full of all the stuff I mentioned earlier), I am racing to get all 8 (!!!) assignments/projects/papers finished. 4 down. 4 to go. Going to be productive now!

Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater (or Day 9 & 10)

2 outifts in one day counts, right? It does in my book. So without further ado... Outfits 9 and 10:Skinnies, Turtleneck, Pola Dot Cardi, Black Flats

Worn for running errands on a semi-off day (thanks Brett for working for me today!).

turtleneck, jean skirt, purple tights, black boots
worn for our Christmas card pictures
Did you see that? A Haircut! It feels so good to actually have "style" for the first time in a long time.

In other news, Josh and I got our Christmas card pictures taken today (one of the perks of being married to a photographer). The cards are going to be pretty cute if I say so myself. Here are a few that didn't quite make the cut, but are too good to keep hidden away forever. A million thanks go out to Terry Bruno at Fotowerks. You are such a wonderful friend. We truly appreciate you putting aside time to do this for us!

(isn't he a hottie?)

Weigh-in Wednesday (and Day 9)

Today is weigh in Wenesday:

247 lbs.
Finally! I've broken past the -20 lb mark.
My body seems to lose weight inconsistently. I'll lose 3 lbs in a week and then spend the next 2-3 weeks losing nothing. Weird. But, as long as something comes off eventually I'm happy.



The Carblovers Facebook Page had a reminder for this Weigh-in Wednesday. Remember to take measurements. They are also a sign of progress.
I always forget about measurements. But, seeing those numbers should reinforce good habits. So, I'll take measurements everytime I lose 25 lbs. Don't want to get bored with measurements that barely change every week, but also want to keep it consistent.

Today is also Day 9:

black headband, green shirt, khaki skirt, black tights, cowboy boots

This is me keeping my promise and wearing my cowboy boots. I feel a little less self-conscious about them today (maybe because they blend with the tights). Last summer, this skirt was too small. It's a little snug now, but I can button it up. Hooray! While getting dressed this morning I thought this looked good, but now I'm thinking this outfit is a little boring and could use some accessories.

What accessories would you pair with this?

Stagnant (or Day 8)

Skinny jeans, gray cami, argyle cardigan, black flats
Originally, the cardigan was buttoned up. I felt very 50's schoolgirl. But you know... with jeans and tattoos. It was pretty cool.
Also, apparently I need to check my makeup before I take these pictures... I look a little dead in this picture.

On a not clothes related note, lately I just feel like I'm going through the motions. Like we're working our butts off to get out of debt, lose weight, and graduate (well, I'm trying to graduate). And it's just not happening...
(although, I did turn in my senior seminar paper today! Woo Hoo!)

I just need a change of pace. Something to get me out of my funk. Good thing Thanksgiving is coming up. I'll get some time to recharge.

Do you ever feel like that? Like you're just treading water and not making any headway on the things you'd most like to accomplish? How do you deal with it?

Weekender (Days 6 & 7)

Saturday:Jean skirt, black sweater, cowboy boots.

Worn to the grocery store. Not my favorite outfit. The best part about the outfit is the cowboy boots, and I just felt really self-conscious in them. I'm trying to make an effort to wear things I don't wear all the time. This is probably the second time these cowboy boots have been worn in over a year... And they're really cute! My problem with the boots lies in my insecurities, not in the boots themselves. To combat that, I am pledging to wear these boots at least 2 more times in this challenge. Overall, I feel this outfit is uninspired, though. Good thing it was only for a trip to Wal-Mart. (p.s. my photographer went to work before I got home from the grocery store, so we have another mirror shot...)

Sunday:Purple Dress, Blazer, Black Flats.

Worn to church for our niece's baby dedication. I like this. A lot. Despite the fact that the skirt was a liiiiitttle short (ok it was a lot short) for me and the blazer hit at a weird spot on this dress. Also, the belt is pretty awesome. Mostly because this dress is getting too big for me. I would've never put this outfit together if not for this challenge.

See that coffee cup? It's my dad's. It's from the Birmingham News. They get it. Do you? The internet is cool and all, but there's just something about opening up a newspaper. Plus, the Birmingham News employs lots of people (like my awesome dad) that the internet does not. As soon as we get a real address we'll get a subscription to the Birmingham News. I'm so looking forward to it. Sure, the internet is free, but somethings are worth paying for.

Have you found a new outfit you love that you wouldn't have tried before the 30 for 30 challenge?
Do you prefer a newspaper to the internet? Why or why not?

Friday Confessions (or Day 5)

Confession: I am a planner. A list-maker. A worrier. It's just what I do. So, it shouldn't surprise you that I already have a list of 30 different outfits comprised of these 30 pieces.

Confession 2: I suck at sticking to my plans. This outfit was not on my list for today. Originally, there was going to be a sweater dress, tights, and boots... you know things that people would normally wear in November. But, since we're having crazy warm weather (hello highs in the upper 70's) right now, I opted for some layers that can accomodate the changing weather through the day. Also, the skinny jeans are back for round 4. I just couldn't make myself shave my legs this morning.

Confession 3: This might be my favorite outfit ever. I love the jewel tones. And not having to worry about accessorizing.

Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (or Day 4)

Apparently, today is a day for country song quotes. What can I say? Some of them are so patriotic... And patriotism is what it's all about today folks.




I don't know if you know this, but I'm an American history major (read: nerd). So, for people like me Veterans Day is a double whammy of awesome.


You see, Veterans Day was chosen on this particular day because it marks the end of WWI . It was originally called Armistice Day. But, armistice means "peace" and WWI was supposed to be the war to end all wars... but then WWII happened (obviously WWI didn't end all wars). So, in 1954, Congress chose to change this holiday to Veterans Day to honor the country's veterans.


Veterans Day was always pretty cool... I mean who doesn't love an extra day off work/school? And everyone loves sales! But I never had a real appreciation for it until recently. In high school, I studied female volunteers in the Vietnam War and began to understand that Veterans Day is about more than a vacation from school or going shopping. Then, I met the hubs. He is a veteran. His father is a veteran. They have shown me that veterans aren't a faceless mass (I don't think I knew any veterans until them) but real people. They are real people who have sacrificed so much for me to have the freedoms that I usually take for granted.
I will never be able to express my grattitude in the right way. Veterans should be thanked and honored more than this one day in November, but today is a great reminder to say thanks for all they have done.





So, thanks to any and all veterans (though I doubt vets read this blog) and also to any wives and families of veterans. And a big heartfelt thank you to active military. You are not unnoticed.





So, here is my subtle (or not-so-subtle) nod to all the veterans and active military:

skinny jeans, red t-shirt, white grandpa sweater, black boots.

I felt a little ridiculous as the day went on... it's hot here in Alabama! The boots are a little unnecessary this afternoon.

Food Hangover (and Day 3)

Last night I went to a friend's house to bake banana bread and cookies and brownies (oh my!) for a bake sale at school today.

I taste tested way too much. So, my weigh-in Wednesday results were not as good as I wanted.

11/10: 250lbs. I lost nothing. Trying to remind myself that there is a small victory in here that I didn't gain any weight this week.

Uggh. I have a food hangover. I feel bloated and sluggish... And kinda disappointed in myself.

And now onto clothes:

Skinny jeans, purple cami, polka dot cardigan, bronze flats.

I love this combination of items. Usually, though, I wear a darker cami under this particular cardigan. So, here's to taking chances on clothing choices...

It's only day 3, and I'm already starting to feel nervous about this 30 for 30 challenge. Gonna have to start getting creative!

Have you noticed that you're already stepping out of your comfort zone this early on in the 30 for 30 challenge?

A Jigsaw Puzzle (or Day 2)

Left to my own devices, you get a disassembled version of me. Maybe it's for the best since this outfit was probably a little on the boring side (although, I loved it).

I wore my skinny jeans, black turtleneck and black flats. I love this combination. I loved this outfit. It's so simple and elegant, to me. It's such a blank (and classy!) slate for anything to be put on top of it. Since I am new to the world of accessorizing, I have very few necklaces, but I chose this one to add a little more visual interest. Also, I love makeup. Love it. And there's nothing like a bold red lip to get you through a rough Tuesday (every Tuesday is rough for me, for what it's worth).

How do you deal with simple/boring outfits? Do you layer on the accessories? or do you let the simplicity shine?

Day 1

Day 1 outfit. Green shirt and jean skirt. Alabama is still warm enough to go without tights. It's so nice outside.

Not gonna lie, all of my 30 for 30 clothes are sitting in my laundry basket on the floor. I'm a beginner.

Be prepared to see this shirt/ similar outfits a lot over the next 30 days. These are some of my favorite items. Also, I have to get dressed in the dark in the early morning while Josh is still sleeping, so I went for what was laying right on top of the pile.

Please excuse the cell phone photo. My photographer and I weren't seeing eye to eye. (tranlsation: I'm super hormonal... and left. In hindsight, it probably wasn't the best way to start off the 30 for 30 challenge)

Also, I've decided to move the weigh-in to Wednesdays. This looks like the best time to do that blog-wise.

30 for 30

So, I've decided to do Kendi's 30 for 30 challenge... Thought long and hard about it because this means wearing a combination of the same 30 items of clothing until finals(!), but ultimately these reasons solidified my decision:
1. This is not only a weight loss blog... it just kind of evolved into one. Time to focus on other things.
2. Maybe I'll update my blog more than once a week.
3. This challenge will (hopefully) force me to be creative, especially at this awkward stage where so many of my clothes are too big or too small...
4. It just looks like a lot of fun!

So, without further ado, here are the 30 items that made the cut for the challenge.3 Dresses: (L to R) Ross, Target, "Borrowed"

3 Shirts For Layering: (Top to Bottom) Target, Old Navy, Old Navy

5 (+1) Shirts: (Top to Bottom) Ross, Gift, Old Navy, Target, Gift, (plus a black turtleneck that's currently in the washer)

1 Blazer/5 Cardigans: (Left to Right) Ross, Old Navy, Old Navy, Old Navy, Ross, Target

3 Sweaters: (Left to Right) Gift, Old Navy, Old Navy

4 Bottoms: (Left to Right) Skinny Jeans- Ross, Khaki Skirt - Thrifted, Denim Skirt - Target, Black Skirt - Ross

5 Shoes: (Left to Right): Payless, Target, Avenue, Gift, Target

Notice a trend? Hey... I'm a broke college student. If it's over $20, I very seldom buy it.

Bonus picture, just cuz I like it.

[Thanks Josh, for taking and editing these pictures. You're pretty awesome.]

October Recap

Whoa. Can this actually be a second post in one week? I know... a little crazy, but maybe I am turning over a new leaf. Probably not.

Back at the end of September/beginning of October, I posted a recap of month 1. It thought it would be a good idea to do the same for month 2, if for no other reason but to document it for myself... so here goes:

First, the facts:

8/30 weight: 270lbs

9/27 weight: 257 lbs

11/1 weight: 250 lbs

So, I've lost 7 lbs in October and a total of 20lbs since the beginning. Wow. That feels kinda awesome.

October, was a bit more difficult for me. I am starting to get impatient and sometimes a little frustrated. For about 2 weeks in October month I didn't lose any weight (254 was a difficult number to conquer). I know the reason I didn't lose any weight is because I just wasn't as diligent about tracking my food on myplate. But it got better, and I lost those 4 pesky pounds. Not losing 2lbs each week, though, was pretty frustrating. And... I'm so incredibly impatient. Always have been. I just want to be at my goal weight now. I just want to feel great and look good now. Sometimes you just have to remind yourself: it took awhile to get this way, it's going to take awhile to undo the damage.

I didn't just wake up one morning 100 lbs heavier, it's going to take months or years (months would be nicer) to lose this weight. Plus, I want to do this in a healthy manner and not cause any more damage to my body. My body is my temple and it should be treated as such.

But, I will say it is encouraging to have to tighten my belt (I'm at the 3rd notch in now instead of stretching it as far as it will go!) and to see how baggy my jeans are or how sweaters fit differently each week.

Also, I have a few new favorite recipes! Bacon, pear and gorgonzola pizza is delish! And the fish tacos are so yummy... mmmm my mouth is watering just thinking about all the delicious food I've been introduced to.

So, here's a few pictures to wrap up this post:

October 1.

November 3. 250 lbs. Messy room, because I never have anything to wear...

I have nothing witty to say...

okokok. I know. I suck at blogging.

So, the most important part of this update:
11/1 weight: 250.
I'VE LOST 20 POUNDS!!!!!

And I have so many new things to mark off my 101 list.

Went to Chickamauga last weekend for my class. I loved it and didn't want to come home to the real world. And I really want to go back now. I love the party bus! Thanks guys (if you're reading this) for making a good trip even better!

Also, had my last session with my undergraduate advisor. It's so sad because she is pretty amazing. Gonna miss her. But, she suggested I look into doing an undergraduate research project next semester... Not sure how I feel about that. The deadline to apply is in 10 days, so I gotta decide soon.

p.s. I am kind of obsessed with this song and video.
pps. I can do the Patty Cake Polka now. Be jealous.