Project Me Recap: Before and AFTER Picture and Stats

In January I started Project Me and set a Birthday Goal to rock a bikini on my birthday. I’m beyond thrilled that I stayed committed and entered my 40’s more fit than my 30’s … and even my 20’s.

Here are my pics and stats:

My Before picture – Yikes!

My BEFORE Stats, 1/1/2011
Height: 5’11
Weight: 195.5
Arm: 13 inches
Chest: 40 inches
Waist: 35 inches
Stomach: 39 & ½ inches
Hips: 44 inches
Thigh: 24 & ½ inches

My after picture – Yay!

My AFTER Stats, 4/28/2011
Height: 5’11
Weight: 170.5
Arm: 12 inches
Chest: 36 inches
Waist: 31 inches
Stomach: 35 inches
Hips: 40 inches
Thigh: 23 inches

I lost a total of 25 pounds; 19 inches; moved 3 notches on my belt and dropped 2 clothing sizes (I went from a 16 to a 12).

While I’m celebrating my accomplishments, I really shouldn't call this an "AFTER" picture because Project Me is not over. My body still has some work left to do. I feel another goal coming on. I’m motivated to continue my quest to be healthy and happy and there’s nothing like a looming deadline to keep your ass you moving.

Hmm, I think that bikini would look even better with a six-pack …

Winks & Smiles,

Soirees, Surprises & Cupcakes

Let me be honest right now, there was no running this weekend. Gasp! But, after TWO birthday soirees, a little wine, pasta, a few beers, and the most DELICIOUS little cupcakes ever made a run is definitely in order.

It all started when Husband told me we had to go out at 5 p.m. on Saturday night when my birthday celebration wasn’t scheduled to start until 9 p.m. Hmm. Yup he was up to something. We drove downtown and end up here.

Love the swanky W hotel – my new home for the night. (Thanks Mom, for keeping the kids *winks*)

After checking in he whisked me away again and didn’t tell me where we were going. We pulled into Atlantic Station where I assumed we were going for dinner – until he broke out a blindfold. Yikes! Cautiously playing along, I let him lead me into a building … onto an elevator … and outside onto a patio where I heard 20 of my family and friends shout, “SURPRISE!”

My dear friend Shameeka, The Broke Socialite, hosted this lovely surprise soiree at The Atlantic Residences. I’ve never had a surprise party so I couldn’t stop smiling.

Husband and Me

Me and my sister, Nicole

My Mama and my Auntie Kristi

My Dad and his Daughters

The Gals: Christie, Yvette and Shameeka

The Guys: Eric, Napoleon and my cousin, Rick

Around 9:30 p.m. We left party number one to head over to Shout for party number two. Husband and I made a quick change and were ready to get our dance on. We had a private cabana on the top level of the club and partied under the stars. Too. Damn. Cool. Big hugs to my favorite (and only) sister, Nicole, to Husband and to my Dad for hooking up such a wonderful celebration.

We ate ... (OMG!)

We partied ... (Yes, we got our groove on!)

We posed ... (Nicole, Wanda and I spent two weeks together overseas filming the Travel Channel's "Great Cruises: Why Not the Mediterranean?" The Atlanta Girls reunite!)

And we played ... (The camera got us doing our best Tiger faces!)

So I didn’t run and I didn’t really eat right, ahem, but I had the most FABULOUS 40th birthday. For real. Don’t worry, my running shoes are back on and clean eating restored because that bikini cost too damn much to only wear once.

Winks & Smiles,

Happy Bikini Day to Me

At the beginning of the year I decided that I would CELEBRATE turning 40 - not dread it. It's a momentous birthday and I'm looking forward to all the wonderful things this next chapter of my life will bring.

I set a goal to be healthier and happier; and oh, yeah ... to rock a bikini.

I came. I saw. I conquered.

Winks & Smiles,

Two Weeks Until My Birthday Goal: What the Hell Was I Thinking?

In two weeks I'll be 40. I’m happy about that. Seriously. I feel good about my first 40 years and I’m excited about making the next 40 even better.

I’m so happy that 3 & ½ months ago I posted this picture on my blog and said I would rock a bikini on my birthday. Gasp! What the hell was I thinking?

Clearly, I was still drinking beer at that point. Ahem.

Actually, I can tell you what I was thinking. I was motivated to change my life; to reach a goal that I’ve always wanted to achieve but have yet to stay committed to. Husband suggested that I share it on my blog to hold myself accountable and to hopefully inspire someone else to go for their goals, too. I’d like to believe that both of those things are happening.

What am I thinking now?

That this was the dumbest thing I’ve ever done. Then I think I am going to crush this goal and be fabulous in a bikini. Then I switch back to what if it doesn’t happen. Then I normally end up thinking I feel great, I’m getting healthier and I absolutely can and will do this. I make sure to end my conversation with myself (What? You mean you don’t talk to yourself?) on a positive note, because if I don’t believe it can happen, it won’t.

So much of being successful relies on your thoughts. It’s OK to have doubts, everyone does, just don’t ever let them take over.

I'm off to go workout. I've got a goal I need to CRUSH ...

Winks & Smiles,

Plateaus Suck: Three Ways to Push Past Them

I’ve been battling the same plateau for the past few years. Yes, years. Whenever I would attempt to lose weight I could shave off 10 pounds and then I would find myself stuck. I’d keep it off for awhile, get frustrated, gain it back then start the whole vicious cycle over again. Well, I’m happy to say I stepped on the scale this weekend out of curiosity – my goal is not a number, well sort of, it’s a TWO piece bikini – and I was ecstatic to see that I plowed right through that plateau.

Getting stuck happens to the best of us, but armed with the right tools we can all get things moving again. Here are three ways I pushed past my plateau:

CHANGE Something Up. For me it was food. I THOUGHT I was already eating really healthy but once I made a commitment to eat clean for 28 days I discovered that extra unnecessary calories and processed foods were keeping me from reaching my goals. Examine your diet or workout and switch some things up; and see what a difference it can make.

Watch Out for the WEEKENDS. “Well, I ate clean all week, so a keg of beer and a large pepperoni pizza is fine right?” Um, NO! It’s easy to undo all of the hard work you put in during the week if you splurge all weekend. Those calories add up quickly so enjoy a treat but don’t over do it.

Keep Your Eyes on the PRIZE. Literally. I keep my goal in front of my face. My clean eating book stays on my kitchen counter right next to my Runner’s World and Oxygen magazines. Staying focused and determined will help you when times are tough and you don’t seem to be making any progress.

While I haven’t reached my birthday goal yet, pushing past this plateau has given me an extra boost of motivation and confidence to battle the next one. I bet YOU can do it, too.

Winks & Smiles,

Clean = Lean: Three Things I’ve Learned After a Week of Clean Eating

Last Wednesday I decided to ride out the last month before my birthday on a clean (natural, unprocessed foods) eating plan. After one week on a fairly limited but very healthy diet (I’m using Tosca Reno’s Eat-Clean Diet Stripped as a guideline) I have to say my eyes have been opened – wide. Here are three things I’ve learned since I started eating clean:

I Can SURVIVE without Beer or Wine. No, I’m not an alcoholic, but on the weekends and sometimes after a long weekday, ahem, I enjoy unwinding with a little drink. Husband and I went out to dinner on Saturday night with some friends and I initially was nervous about what I would eat and drink. I’m here to tell you this gal’s got will power. I had an awesome, custom-designed salmon salad and a sparkling glass of club soda with fresh lemon and lime. Score.

I Can CONTROL My Portion Sizes. Something that has continually been a problem for me has been EASY all week. I have a plan and I’m sticking to it. Plan is the key word here. Mapping out my food is making a HUGE difference. I’m eating enough so that I’m not hungry until its time for the next meal – and my plate is full. I LOVE that.

Clean = Lean. This shit thing really works. Seriously, I’m shrinking and most importantly I feel great. It really is simple, the food that you put into your body determines how you look and feel.

I thought I was already eating pretty healthy, but I really wasn’t taking into account all of the crap hidden in even proclaimed “healthy” food. While I’m sure I won’t stay this strict after my birthday, I’m also sure I won’t go back to eating the way I did before. Thank goodness for organic beer and dark chocolate.

Winks & Smiles,

DetermiNation: Running for More Birthdays

I believe that some things are really meant to be. About a week after I told Husband that I decided to run the Chicago Marathon and want to fundraise via DetermiNation the wonderful folks at the American Cancer Society invited me to lunch and to tour one of their Hope Lodges. Coincidence? I think not. That day I happily accepted their offer to join their Blogger Advisory Council and help champion for a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

According to Cancer.org, half of all men and one-third of all women in the U.S. will develop cancer during their lifetimes. Those numbers are stunning, heartbreaking and need to change.

I’m in the process of getting registered with DetermiNation now and will make sure to share my goal once I have it. My health is a blessing. My ability to move, jump and RUN is also something that I don’t take for granted. I’m thrilled to know that every step I take during my next Marathon will raise money to help fight cancer. I’m a big birthday fan, ahem – mine is at the end of the month – ahem, and look forward to helping the American Cancer Society create more.



Y'all know I love me some Usher.

Winks & Smiles,

Marathon #2: Let the Training Begin

I never in my wildest dreams thought there would ever be a marathon #1, let alone a marathon #2. Yikes! I’m super excited to start training for the Chicago Marathon and couldn’t wait for the kickoff run with Get Fit Atlanta this past Saturday morning. The good folks at Get Fit got me through my first 26.2 and I’m counting on them for the next one.

My early morning pre-run pic. Cheese!

They’re having sign-up runs all month so we officially don’t start training for a few more weeks, but it still felt good to get back out there with everybody.

My former pace group coach, Barbara (r), and her speedy companions.

Me and my new yellow coach, Karen, after running 3 miles.

I was a bit torn between moving up to the next pace group or staying where I am. While I plan on getting faster, I also plan on doing the Galloway run/walk method for the marathon, and the faster pace group doesn’t do it. I like to run the shorter distances and use the run/walk for longer ones. I just simply enjoy it better and to me that’s what’s most important. Fortunately, I have the flexibility of mixing it up and going back and forth between the groups – as long as I can keep up. Gasp!

Speaking of keeping up, I missed my morning run today due to an on-camera interview I had for an exciting new project I’m working on. Shh, it’s a secret that I can’t wait to share soon. I’m off to catch up on my workout. Twenty-three days until my birthday goal, not that I’m counting or anything. Ahem.

Winks & Smiles,

Lucky Number 28

That’s right. I’m calling in the big guns.

Yesterday I decided to pick up Tosca Reno’s new book, The Eat-Clean Diet Stripped, to help guide me down the final stretch to my birthday goal. I like to pull information and inspiration from many sources and I can ALWAYS count on Tosca for a little of both.

I had no idea when I picked up the book that it’s a 28 day plan. Coincidence? I think not. Yup, I’m 28 days away from my birthday – on April 28. I should so play the lotto.

So, I spent the better part of last night combing through the book and put it down even more dedicated to slipping into that bikini on my birthday, but most importantly, committed to 28 days of strict cleaning eating (yup the beer is on ice for the home stretch – gasp) that will lead to a healthier lifestyle for 40 and beyond.

Thank goodness for me that means 5-6 meals a day (I like to eat, ahem) filled with foods that’ll revitalize my body and give me lots of energy. I need that now more than ever since the running group I train with is having its kick-off this Saturday. Marathon training, anyone?

I’m excited to start training for Chicago and I’ve been longing for those LONG Saturday morning runs. I’m counting on the discipline I learned from running to help me survive carry me through the next 28 days.

Winks & Smiles,

I Won the Lottery ... to Run the Peachtree Road Race

I WON the lottery! Me and 60,000 other folks. I woke this morning to find this in my email inbox ...

I'm excited that I and 60,000 of my closets friends will be running down Peachtree Street on July 4, in one of the largest 10K's in the world. I'm even more excited that my sister, Nicole, and my father will be running it, too. 

Me and My Dad at last year's Peachtree Road Race

Although its crazy over packed a tad crowded this is one of my favorite races and will be the sixth time I've braved ran it. I'm a sucker for tradition. Anyone else have a race that they find themselves running year after year after year?

Oh, and on a side note, today is March 28 - ONE MONTH away from my birthday goal. I'm excited, determined, positive, motivated, a little freaked out scared and still want to know whose bright idea was this anyway?

Winks & Smiles,

Checking Up on Your Goods

"106/70. You're blood pressure is excellent."

That's what the nurse told me this morning when I went for my annual physical.

That number is WAY more important to me than the one that shows up on the scale because high blood pressure runs DEEP in my family. DEEP.

I was thoroughly poked and prodded this morning and received a "You're really healthy! Keep on doing it!" from my doctor who applauded and encouraged my running.

I not only applaud and encourage it; I ATTRIBUTE much of my great check up to lacing up my running shoes and making healthy food choices.

I'm 35 days away from 40 and I'm healthier than I was entering my 20's and 30's. A big part of that is making sure I visit my doctor. When is the last time you had a physical? If its been more than a year something just moved to the top of your "To-Do List." You schedule them for the kids, so please don't forget about you. Nothing is more important then checking up on your goods!

Winks & Smiles,

Friday's Confession: I'm Officially Counting Down, 40 til 40

Friday's Confession ... I'm officially counting down, I'm 40 days away from my 40th birthday ... and a pretty hefty birthday goal.

While I'm feeling good about my progress, its officially time for me to move into failure-is-not-an-option mode. Um, once I get back from Disney. Ahem.

The WONDERFUL folks at Walt Disney World Resorts are spoiling us rotten at Disney's Social Media Moms Conference. Incredible speakers, sessions, networking, food, drinks, swag, parties, the parks ... did I mention the food and drinks? I've been traveling like crazy this month and I've managed to make healthy choices through most of it, but THIS trip I seem to have the food and drinks in my hand on my mind. Gasp!

40 til 40. That's what's going to get me through, folks. That and a little bit of pixie dust.

Winks & Smiles,

(Not So) Wordless Wednesday: Birthday Goal Motivation

(Not So) Wordless Wednesday ...

My current birthday goal motivation:

O.M.G. She's 43 and still training for yet another Olympics. I leave this magazine out on my kitchen counter where I need the most self control so I see it daily and don't mess up make healthy choices. Did I mention she's 43?

No excuses.

Winks & Smiles,

I've Got The Scoop

I've got the scoop ... and some cups, too.

My new best friends

I'm less than two months away from my Birthday Goal deadline so its time to take things to the next level. I've been doing well - I'm SO excited I survived traveling and didn't have a setback (I'll share some tips on how I did it soon) - but I'm ready to push myself a little harder.

I'm trying to create new, better eating habits - not rush to my goal and gain it all back afterwards. We're talking life-long changes here. In order to do that I have to know what and HOW MUCH food I'm putting in my body. For the next few weeks I'll be measuring everything I eat until its so routine I don't need my cute HOT red measuring tools anymore.

As I've shared before I suck at portion control, but I plan to CHANGE that. How about you? Am I the only one out there scooping and weighing? My new best friends and I would love to know.

Winks & Smiles,

Eight Days of Magic: Running and Dreaming at Disney

So, I’m headed to Disney on Saturday and will be there for EIGHT days. GASP! A wonderful, fun-filled eight days at one of my FAVORITE places. Yes, I’m a closet Disney lover.

First, I’ll be rockin’ my tutu (um, right, the one that I DON’T have yet) when I run in Disney’s Princess Half Marathon; then I’ll stay for Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine. I was honored to be one of the final judges who selected the 100 participants for this year’s event and can’t wait to meet some of the Dreamers.

While I plan on enjoying every minute I’m also a bit freaked out concerned about staying on track with my Project Me plan. It’s been almost two months since I started working on my Birthday Goal to rock a bikini and I feel good about where I am. I can feel and SEE positive changes in my body but I know the final two months are crucial in my reaching my goal.

There will be lots of wonderful distractions and temptations for me to stray from my workout and healthy eating while I’m there, but I’m determined to stay the course. Sure, I’ll indulge in a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar but I’m also going to make friends with the Fitness Center at my resort. I’m going to search out some of the healthier options the Mouse has to offer and put my traveling fitness skills to the test.

I’ll be tweeting, Facebooking and of course blogging and will look to you lovely folks for some support. Please do cheer me on when I stay on track and feel free to kick me in the butt when I don’t.

Now I’m off to work on that tutu. Today’s the day. I’m not the craftiest person in the world so y’all be nice when you see it.

Winks & Smiles,

Disclosure: Disney is providing my travel and accommodations. As always, my thoughts and opinions are all my own. 

Resisting Rest

Me after last year’s Princess Half Marathon. (Yes, I'm crushing poor Mickey.) That’s EXACTLY how I feel right now.

I’m tired. My body is tired. I have been running, strength training and playing tennis, sometimes doing all three in the same day, constantly since the beginning of the year. I’ve increased my workouts because I’m on a mission to bust out my birthday goal. I want it – bad.

Although I’ve schedule rest days I haven’t fully been taking them – gasp – even though I know better. Rest is just as crucial to the work you do. I know my body needs that recovery but sometimes I can’t help but resist it.

Today I’m going to rest. No running. No strength training. No tennis. My mind is mad at me for sitting still but my body will LOVE me for it.

Winks & Smiles,

The Day After

After four miles of running, 45 minutes of strength-training, five small pieces of dark chocolate, two glasses of red wine and one plate of steak, homemade mashed potatoes, and green beans; I survived Valentine’s Day without OVER indulging.

I actually followed my own advice (shh, don’t tell but that doesn’t always happen) and treated myself without over doing it. Husband and I went out on Saturday night to one of our favorite restaurants, Pozole, since we knew we’d been in the house on Valentine’s Day.

They make the best Raspberry Margarita EVER.

I was feeling a little romantic and domesticated last night, ahem, so I whipped up a nice dinner for us.

My mashed potatoes made with skim milk and no butter or margarine - the right seasoning is all you need. Check out the RED bowl … there’s still time to win your own set in my contest here.

My entire masterpiece. Husband loved it.

We sipped on this. Notice the name? Unfortunately we have no relation and receive no profits from the Robertson Winery. A girl can wish right?

I’m excited to get through Valentine’s Day without going overboard. Holiday’s are tough and usually riddled with excuses. I’m almost two months out from my birthday goal and I’m feeling more and more like I’m going to make it every day.

Winks & Smiles,

Three Reasons I’m Diggin’ Uncle Sam

It’s no secret that I’m on a mission to be the healthiest that I can be; and a HUGE part of that includes food. I’m striving to eat healthy, clean food 80 percent of the time so when I do indulge in some not-so-right choices, ahem, my body can handle it.

I feel better when I eat better, it’s really that simple, so I’m always looking for great tasting, healthy foods to add to my choices.

Enter Attune Foods’ Uncle Sam cereal.

I was recently sent a box to try and can I just tell you it didn’t make it 10 minutes in my house before Husband poured himself a bowl. Clearly it was in hot demand, yes, he liked it, so I went ahead and poured myself a bowl before there wasn’t any left. I tried it three ways, plain, with bananas and with raisins; and they all passed my test.

Here are three reasons why I’m digging Uncle Sam cereal and why you should, too:

It TASTES good. Call me shallow, but I don’t care how good something is for me if I can’t stand the taste of it (oatmeal – GASP!) I’ll NEVER eat it. Husband had a plain bowl and liked it fine. I did, too, but pairing it up with some fruit really made it GREAT for me.

It has the right AMOUNT of “F’s”. Fiber and flaxseed are in full effect while the fat is definitely in check. (No, really I’m not a lyricist; it’s just a coincidence that rhymed. Right.) It’s made from whole grains, has little sugar, and I can pronounce all of the ingredients on the label. Score.

I don’t have to COOK it. I’m not lazy, but I am busy and I don’t always have time to cook several meals throughout the day. Uncle Sam’s is the perfect breakfast or mini-meal for anytime that I can grab quickly and know that I’m eating healthy, getting good energy and staying within my calorie count.

I can see Uncle Sam becoming a staple in my pantry although, I might need TWO boxes – a “his” and “hers.”

Winks & Smiles,

Disclaimer: I was sent a box of Uncle Sam cereal to try. As ALWAYS my thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Project Me: 1st Month Birthday Goal Update

It’s been about a month since I’ve started Project Me – my mission to becoming a healthier, happier me. Oh, and there’s also this little birthday goal I blurted out, too. Something about rocking a bikini on my 40th birthday – gasp! I’m happy to say that I am feeling great, working hard, and making good progress. I’ve decided not to report monthly stats – I don’t want to stalk the scale – but I can share this measurement.

It’s time for me to break up with these:

My FAVORITE and last size 16 jeans.

I can no longer wear them. While its bitter sweet – they were so comfortable – they are hanging off of my butt so far I don’t have to unbutton them to pull them on or off. I knew it was bad when I start hearing the song, “Pants on the Ground,” in my head every time I would go to put them on.

Eating well (I’m trying to eat clean 80 percent of the time), strength training, and of course running are all making a huge difference in my life. I’m 85 days away from my 40th birthday, but I’ve already decided this lifestyle won’t stop then once I reach my goal. It’s just the beginning ...

Winks & Smiles,