Got Lost... But I'm Back!

WOW! Hello strangers...

It's been WAY too long since I have written a blog...over a year to be exact. So let's do a quick 2015-2016 recap of life in some relative order:

1. I got a new job. After 10 years of being with Day's Jewelers, I am now working at Coffee News. 
2. I got in my first (my fault car accident). Last day of the first week of my new job...awesome sauce (not). 
3. Haley went into High School. Let's note she is now a sophomore. 
4. Dylan went into Junior High.  Let's note this is now his last year before High School.
5. Shaun got a job at the Post Office. 
6. Haley got her permit! You are all safe for now... there is at least another month - two months before she is on the road alone.
7. We got engaged -- February 19, 2016 -- Yep. Someone finally decided they could tolerate me for life!
8. Haley got a job. So proud of her for wanting to work and have her own money and responsibilities! 
9. We are planning a wedding -- August 5, 2017 -- I'll say it now... if you aren't invited it doesn't mean we don't love you. It means we had limited space and had to draw a line somewhere. 
10. Got our engagement photos done! Can't wait to see all of them... but here is a sneak peak!

Now, obviously there is SO much more that has happened in the last 365+ days, but those are the big ones. There has been family vacations, lots of sporting events and much more! Most of the events have been noted on my facebook page, so really no reason to rekindle them on here!

I have kind of missed writing, now that I've reminded myself that I used to do it so often. On that note... I guess this "weight loss journey / love life / story of me" blog is back up and running. So be on the lookout for posts on wedding planning, sweet 16's, sporting events and eventually the "BIG DAY"... and any other amazing life adventures that are sent my way.

Here is to being happy!

Shameless Plug

Last year I started selling Arbonne. While I have been up and down and side to side with weight, working out, eating right, etc...The one thing I know I can always count on, is my Arbonne nutritional products to help me out -- now whether I use them or not is my own fault, but when I do - watch out!

Here's where I personally find these products to be helpful!

1) Shakes - I love the taste of these shakes. Currently only available in Vanilla & Chocolate, but you can make your own flavors too using the Vanilla (ie Strawberry, Banana, Blueberry, etc). They are not only so yummy, but SO easy. I personally love the ready to go shakes you can buy because I can just grab one and head to work (easy breakfast). On the days that I have more time, I will create a concoction of yumminess - usually Chocolate mix, peanut butter, and banana (right, I know!). These things fill me up and keep me fueled until the next meal OR sometimes if it is a long day, or I know I'll be doing lots of active things, I'll use one of these for a snack. These are especially great for mom's on the go -- ie: us sports moms!

I know there are lots of shake options out there, and I am not going to knock any of the other options, I AM however, going to show you the differences between them all so that you can make your own educated decisions. Check out our shakes and other protein options!

There are three things I like about the Arbonne shake:
1. It's vegan & gluten free
2. It has a higher protein content than most of the other shake options
3. It has no cholesterol count (for me in particular this is a great feature)

2) 7 Day Cleanse -  I have only used this once, but the one time I did it, I lost over 5lbs in 7 days (and let's be honest, I cheated; I had ice cream, mac & cheese, etc). This is a cleanser that gently eliminates toxins and supports internal antioxidant activity, and gastrointestinal and liver health. Best part it's a cleanser that let's you eat during it too!

No, I wasn't on the toilet all the time (it's not one of those cleanses). The goal is to eat clean while doing this, and release all the yuck in your system. I did use this before my brothers wedding because a) I knew I'd be putting lots of toxins in my body during vacation and b) I wanted to feel "fresh" and "lighter".

I do not suggest this as a weight loss option, however, I will say that you could easily loose those last 5lbs we all have (ok some of us have 25lbs, this isn't for that -- but a good way to get you started toward that goal) that seems to linger around (especially right before vacation). Learn more about the 7 Day Body Cleanse.

3) Prepare & Endure - I have not used this, but I have heard great things about it -- and will probably be grabbing it within the next month or so. Here's what it does: Maintain endurance and energy. Prepare & Endure delivers carbohydrates, D-ribose and L-carnitine to support energy and help prevent the “crash” when you don’t have the fuel you need. Key amino acids support nitric oxide production to help deliver oxygen to muscles and maintain healthy blood flow for optimum performance. To give you all a similar product - it's like Beachbody E&E.

4) Fit Chews - These are amazing! They are the little boost of "sweet" you need when a craving strikes. Fit Chews help control cravings while keeping energy levels sustained. The best part is these come in chocolate, caramel, lemon, and seasonal flavors (right now Coco Cabana) - so you can hit all your cravings. I try to keep some of these at work, in the car, always in the house! Recommended usage is up to 8 per day, in any flavor combination...EIGHT! That's allowing yourself 8 sweets a day... what!? Crazy I tell you... see for yourself.

5) Fizz Sticks - I know we all want a coffee or Red Bull come 2-3p at work. How about instead of either of those that will inevitably give you a crash in a couple hours again, or keep you up ALL night at that point (depending on your body)...when you start to feel the afternoon sleepies, grab a fizz stick and create a refreshing bubbly drink! It will temporarily help promote alertness and enhance cognitive performance, help promote endurance and enhance motor performance, and help reduce fatigue! But for the time frame you need it to and in the right dosage. The all new "pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is".

OK, so my shameless plug is done. However, I did want to share what I have used and what has been helpful for others that may be looking along their journey for something new. Arbonne also provides skin care, hair care, make up and much more...of which I also use! If you have questions just let me know. I don't sell a product I don't myself use and love.





~beYOUtiful~

Melissa
Current: ??
This weeks goal: double work out sessions

4th of July and Bathing Suits

It's 4th of July weekend and everyone is going to BBQs, the beach, camp, etc... it's what we do. With that, many people are posting about having (or not having) their "bathing suit" body or their "beach" body. If you recall, my last blog I talked about being happy in my skin. While I am still working on that... I came across some awesome things this past week and wanted to share with you all - and they helped me put things into perspective for myself!

First is the infamous "bikini body" issue...this graphic puts it perfectly -- EVERYONE has a bikini body! Now, this is where people are going to be like - "ew, no that's not true. some girls shouldn't wear bikinis"... well you my friend are the problem. Who are you to say what someone can and cannot wear? Who are you to say what is and isn't attractive? Who says what is or isn't a "society approved bikini body" anyways? Just because you don't like it means it's wrong? They say that those who speak badly of others do it because they are not happy with themselves... 

Here's the solution to your issue with "big girls" wearing a bikini -- don't look. I wish I had the confidence to prance around in a two piece that some of these woman do. Or maybe if you can't help looking you should give that girl props. It's hard enough being a big girl in today's world. That girls has balls, big ones. Maybe you can even learn a little something about confidence from her. 

Oh, and the "society approved bikini bodies" -- let's just note that back when Marilyn Monroe ruled the sex appeal industry...women WANTED to gain weight for bikini season! Being a size 12 was the "norm" and sexy. So I'm bringing sexy back...ladies rock out with your bad selves and your size whatever bodies! 

Now don't get me wrong...everyone's body type is different and some people can't be a size 12 nor can some people be a size 2, and I'm not downing either end of the spectrum. I'm saying that everyone can have a bikini body -- it's just about being comfortable in your skin and NOT letting those around you bring your confidence down -- own your body and your bikinis (all women, all shapes, all sizes)!!

PS: Could you imagine having to have been the "skinny" girl in this bathing suit ad and people looking at you like "ew she's gross" -- oh wait.

On that note...I have 2 two piece bathing suits in my drawer, if you see me rocking one this summer, smile for me, it means I found my confidence. 

That's my rant this week...now I want EVERYONE to have a great holiday weekend and be safe. I will be enjoying the weekend with my love and the kids. We have lots planned: the parade with family, fireworks, spending time with friends on the lake, a graduation party, and whatever else comes our way! 

As always... remember what the 4th of July is really about -- our independence...and also to celebrate those that have fought for us and who continue to fight for us to have our freedom. Thank you. 

~beYOUtiful~

Melissa
7/3/15: 199lbs
(outta the 200's again...whoot whoot)

The Last 30 Days

I'm not "myself" lately and this weather isn't helping (ps: it's supposed to be summer and it's raining and cold - for like everrrrrrr) and not only is it making me blah, it's making my exercise and healthy eating blah too! With that... let's just do a quick 30 day recap:

The Bahamas... My brother's wedding was amazing. It was beautiful, the bride was beautiful...the bridesmaids were pretty sexy too. The ceremony, reception, everything was perfect. I got to watch two amazing people complete each other. The time I got to spend with Shaun and my family was great. We even made new friends. It was awesome to be able to have this trip with the man I love and at the same time give him something he's never had, A VACATION! We enjoyed days at the pool, venturing off to the National Park and the beautiful blue ocean and white sandy beaches. We had amazing food, good drinks, and great company...what more could we ask for? It was about as perfect as a vacation can be. So very grateful...

Exercise & Healthy Eating... When I left for the Bahamas I was down to 194lbs -- I was super excited because, holy crap, finally out of the 200's (again). Of course while I was there eating right and exercise were the last things on my mind (at least after the wedding, cause you know I had to fit into that dress). Unfortunately...now that I'm back it seems to STILL be the last thing on my mind. When I got on the scale this morning it said 201lbs...like really? Why does it take me a month to lose 5lbs and a week to gain it back?! UGH! So yes, I'm a little discouraged with myself (and yes, I know it is my own fault...I'm not making excuses, I'm not blaming anyone else -- I'm well aware of how and why this happened). That being said, I'm missing my mojo that I had before our vacation... and I need to find that. Someone pleaseeeee help me find my mojo!

I LOVED T25... so I thought I'd do T25 Gamma, but I'm not loving it as much. Or maybe I'm not letting myself love it as much? I also tried TurboFire (by tried I did two workouts)...again, not in love with it like I was with T25. Then it happened, I tried CIZE and guess what...I love it. Downside, it doesn't come out until July 1st and I'm going to have to buy it (I'm cheap), but because I love it, I know I'll do it. Until then, I'm still "pushing along" with T25 Gamma in the mornings (sometimes).

Vacation #2... I have to start getting ready for our next vacation -- CAMPING!! I keep pushing
this off too, and I know that the week of I'm going to start stressing out and be like OMG why did I wait so long! I can't tell you how excited I am to take the kids for the week to the place I grew up at for two weeks each summer (and a lot of long weekends). I have been going to Four Seasons for my whole life (legit, pretty much)... it is where I found my two best friends (who are still my best friends to this day) and I want it to be a place that Haley and Dylan want to go to each summer too. I hope they can find kids to be friends with (I know at 12 and 14 it's a little harder to do that now a days) like I am with mine, I hope they get excited to go, I hope they build memories there like I have. It's a part of me, and I want it to be a part of them too. On that note... maybe I should start making my list of what needs to be packed and purchased!

The Real Me... I have this issue of trying to make everyone happy; trying to fit in, trying to please everyone, worried about what people think (yes, surprise! I have this issue). When I do that, I'm not myself. When I'm not myself, I'm not happy and enjoying life, I'm stressed and irritable. Those around me see it and feel it too, and it's not fair to them or me. At 33 yrs old, I really just need to focus on one thing - me being happy. I enjoy being a country girl, living in Maine, watching my kids play sports, and spending time with my family. I enjoy fishing, camping, being silly, being annoying (yes me), spending Friday nights at home, and Sunday drives. It's who I am.

I'm also trying to come to terms (in this loss of mojo funk that I'm in) that I will never be a size 4 (or probably anything lower than a size 10) -- honestly I don't want to be, but I do want to be more comfortable in my own skin. Someone asked me once, "Is it the number on the scale, or how you feel that matters most?" At the end of the day, it's how I feel... and it all goes back to me being happy with me.

That being said...I am happy with many things - Shaun, the kids, having a home, family vacations... Overall, my life is pretty amazing. I just know it will be better when I am myself, 110% - all the time.

~beYOUtiful~

Melissa
6/24/15: 201lbs
Current Goal: work out 5 days a week

Shaun T & I are Over...

So my 10 week relationship with Shaun T has come to an end. I can honestly say I am really sad about this. I feel I have bonded with him and Tania so much. I didn't think that 10 weeks ago I would actually stay committed to something like this, but I did, and I don't say this often enough but - I'm proud of myself! That being said, I probably will keep Shaun T around for the days I just want to do a little Speed 2.0!! I do want to thank my girl, Michaela for keeping me motivated, because lord knows there were days that I did not want to get up at 5:15am and work out...but we pushed through!

Now that my T25 session is over, I was looking into the other Beachbody programs that I thought I might enjoy. After a few discussion and finding another accountability partner, I am going to start TurboFire June 10th! Whoot whoot! I hope you are ready Jessica!!

This is just a short post to share my results. I will admit that they aren't exactly what I wanted 10 weeks later (ie: more pounds down would have been nice, but I know I have to work on my eating - especially weekends lol) BUT...it's better than what the results would have been if I stayed in bed every morning!

I haven't taken an after photo yet, but when I do I'll update this blog with the before and after. So... here they are:

Inches lost: 10.75"
Pounds lost: 9lbs

This is the combined Alpha and Beta numbers. I did find I lost more pounds in Beta and more inches during Alpha. However small / large these numbers are...it makes me want to strive to do more!

Happy Friday everyone...beYOUtiful!

~Melissa

Weight: 197lbs
Inches Lost: 10.75
Pounds Lost: 9
5/29/15

To My Sister, Danielle

If you asked me 20 years ago how excited I was to have a little sister I probably would have said, "not even a little" -- the years following her being born, I locked her out of my room, I threatened to flush her down the toilet when she annoyed me, pretended she didn't exist, used her as a decoy, made her cry, and lots of every mean thing big sisters do (only with 12 years in between us it was worse).

However, ask me how excited I was to have a little sister in the last 10 years, and I'd tell you "more than words". We've become more than sisters, we've become best friends. We know each others worst and best days. We've been through break ups and make ups. We've asked each other how to handle situations - whether we listen or not. We've fought, we've laughed...and we've made each other cry.  Ok, mostly me making her cry... but I can't help when she gets "hangry" (which is why I now always have a snack in my purse for her).

Tomorrow she graduates college. College...! I could not be more proud of her, especially the fact that she went on this journey with a goal, and did it! It wouldn't matter if she graduated this year or next year to me, I would still be just as proud. But...she is truly amazing. Tomorrow she will walk across the stage with honors - PSI CHI and Cum Laude. Because she's awesome.

If you don't know my sister, you are missing out. She is smart, beautiful, and caring...not only that, she is funny, adventurous, and giving. I'd say she is loud and outspoken, but we know those aren't characteristics that were passed down.

Tomorrow I will cry. Tomorrow I will cheer and scream from the crowd. Tomorrow I will remember all the times I didn't want a sister. Tomorrow I will remember all the times why I'm glad I have one. Tomorrow I will be the proudest big sister in the world.

To My Sister, Danielle:
Be proud. 
Be happy. 
Live in the moment. 
Breathe. 
YOU did it! 
I love you. 

Your proud big sister... 
Melissa 

Operation T25 Alpha to Beta

Well Alpha round is done! I'm now a week and a half into the Beta round for T25 and let me tell you...it's no joke! But on the plus side I look forward to it. Which is a huge step, because working out, eating right..blah blah blah -- has clearly never really been my thing (unless depressed, and we know how not good that is for your body).

So after Alpha I measured / weighed myself again. After 5 weeks I had lost a total of 8 inches and only 3lbs (actually had lost more and then gained, muscle? pms? who knows). I was super excited about the inches gone, but kind of bummed about the weight loss. However, talking to a few people I keep reminding myself that 1) muscle weighs more than fat and 2) inches lost are a lot more ideal when it comes to clothes fitting lol. My Beachbody coach also told me that Beta was where she saw a lot of her weight loss happen... funny thing - I've already lost almost 2lbs in one week with Beta, hmm...well maybe she was right. :)

I almost pee'd with excitement this morning when I got on the scale and it said 200.6lbs... that meant that I was only .7lbs from being BACK UNDER 200!!! Let me tell you... if by next Tuesday that happens, I will certainly be sharing. I was so discouraged when I gained all my weight back (note: 30lbs for those that haven't been in the loop), but I was even more discouraged when I went back over 200. So this girl...will be doing a happy dance soon.

The one thing I have found throughout this journey of UP and DOWN and UP and DOWN is that at the end of the day... I still love me. No, I don't have a flat stomach. No, I don't have a perky rack. Yes, I have BINGO arms. Yes, I have thick thighs. But...I love me no matter what. What I do have is a beautiful smile, a big heart, and a love for life. That is all that matters...while the scale victories are great, the self worth victory is MUCH better.

I'm still holding off on posting before and after photos... as soon as Beta is done I'll post my before, Alpha & Beta results...

Happy Tuesday!
Melissa

Weight: 200 (5/5/15)
Inches lost: 8
4 weeks to go!!