Posts by bigbluefeet

I started getting gray at 16. I'm now only 21 with a large patch of silver starting near the front of my head and working it's way back towards my neck. When my hair is in a ponytail, it looks like I have silver streaks. My dad was completely gray by 30. My mom only has the ocassional wispy streaks.

Now if it looked like Rogue from X Men, I would be perfectly okay with that. But I don't have super powers because of my silver hair. Boo.

When I stay up later, I've noticed the same thing! I usually drink hot tea, hot cocoa or have oatmeal. Just something small and satisfying. Warm stuff works well for me I think because it gives me that "calm" feeling before going to sleep.

You can always ask what the sauce is made of before you order it. If they don't have an answer, then do your best to guess (from the menu description) or get something else. Check out online menus if available so you can plan out what you want before you go!

Original Post by liza413:

I'm estimating that your house is about 150-160K. In all honesty, are some of these programs what got us into the foreclosure mess? A good rule of thumb is to have money for 3 months of bills, mortgage, etc just in case a job is lost or something else comes up.

No, our home is not that much. It's much less actually. In our current situation, the price of owning a home is about $200 more per month than the rent we currently pay. We are tired of living in apartments because generally, people there are a little more rowdy. We want a quiet family oriented neighborhood that is settled and has good schools. We are able to afford the upcoming home quite comfortably.

And yes, we do have the money for bills, emergencies, etc saved up. If they take away DPA, they are basically snactching up our savings that could keep us in the home if something were to happen.

Our contract does state it. They want to end the DPA program on Sept 30. Our home is not closing until mid to late October. It's up to the government if they will let them give us the assistance or not. Supposedly, if you have a bunch of paperwork to them by that date, you should be okay. But it's the government, I think there's no guarantees. Details are still being worked out since this is still sort of new. Our mortgage company said they expect more answers next week. I just don't want future homeowners to not be able to get this same sort of aid. That's why I think it's important to keep it around. Lenders should just be more careful who they're lending to!  

Ooooo. Let me know what it's like when you get it fluffy. Hopefully the rest is as good as the part you've read so far Karozel. I want to order it, but am fighting with myself on spending so much money on a book. I did find it on amazon for a decent price but after shipping, I could just go to Borders and pay nearly the same.

I think if you are going to use the gym, it's worth the money to pay for it. Doing stuff outside is always wonderful too! I love rollerblading, jogging and tennis outdoors when it's nice. But I still go to the gym nearly 5 days a week anyways. I consider any of those outdoor activities "bonuses" to my already existing routine.

Also, make sure your diet is in check. Keeping moderate servings, with lots of fruits & veggies too. Don't forget, you can't do one with out the other: diet AND exercise.

Hopefully, whenever you leave your summer location, you can find another gym to go to and keep up the work. Some people's bodies take longer than others to lose even small amounts of weight.

Good luck!

Original Post by littlemalynda:

I look at these 35-45 year old "cougars" and they have had so many years following the trends in fitness and dieting and it's so obviously paid off as they look amazing.

Haha, cougars. It's so true. I am seeing women at they gym who are twice or three times my age with bods that put me to shame. I know all this will pay off in the long run. I guess I need to stop acting jealous and just keep working hard!

Fulffyveed4, you are not a cougar yet! At least, I don't think so. To quote the article I found on cougars on wikipedia: "Cougar refers to an older woman, usually in her 40s, 50s or 60s...". 

I think you have plenty of time :P

I find something else to get my mind off food. Just last night I sat down in front of the TV and looked at a home shopping magazine. Sometimes I do crosswords or word finds. I keep a book next to the couch so I can grab for it. I get some tea or water and plop down for some brain busting fun. Haha. I'm an uber dork.

If you must eat, keep those low cal snacks handy. Fruits, veggies, sugar free cocoa, mini bags of popcorn, etc. And hopefully, as soon as your guests move out, you won't have that temptation of chips & less healthy snack choices.

You look beautiful. You've got some accomplishments to be proud of.

I understand how easy it is to let things slide and get out of control. The last few weeks I've really been struggling too. It's like no matter what I eat, I want to grab something else. I can't pinpoint what I'm craving so I just eat whatever I find. Bad idea, lol.

Are you feel a particular emotion that is getting to you? Identify your emotion, journal it, and then determine whether you're really hungry.

Like comomo72 said, think about the times when it was even harder than this. How did you get through then? Those 70 lbs didn't come off by themselves!

Since it sounds like you have a pretty supportive spouse, ask for his help. Or a friend if you prefer. I know when I want something I know I'll regret later, I ask my husband to say outloud to me why I shouldn't get it. It's hard to talk yourself out of something sometimes.

You'll get back on track in no time.

My husband will eat the occasional one of my Luna bars. If you like it, eat it. They are less cal than many other protein bars. And IMO, have more flavors.

I know I can't spot reduce. And I guess everyone has to have a trouble spot or else we'd all be perfect!

Thanks for the compliments geminitwin37! I know I'm not alone now!!! I have the hardest time finding pants because of my curves. Maybe I should ask where JLO gets her clothes....

My husband is like a child so I can sympathize. Get a George Foreman Grill (or Hamilton Beach, or whatever other knock off brands there are). We use it nearly everyday and the food is done in minutes. We are on a budget but found the nice one with removable plates at Wal Mart for around $50. Easy to clean too! Our common meals are: chili, whole wheat penne pasta, tacos, grilled chicken.

We love to cook salmon, chicken, hot dogs (fat free Ballpark), steak, etc. Find a few ingredients you love and then just make variations of them. I use Season All on nearly everything to give stuff flavor. It's easier than having to marinate everything, but that's another idea if you're up for it.

Frozen veggies are your friend. I pre sort mine into plastic bags and then they are ready to go for single (or double) servings for dinner. Microwave and ta-da!

Fruits make a great alternative to desserts. Stock up on bananas, apples, grapes, kiwis, etc. Find something you and your child both love. You can even mix (some) with sugar free jello and have a fruit salad!

Best wishes on your food and family journey!

If you're not too afraid of artificial sweeteners, I think Splenda is pretty good. I use it in my oatmeal nearly everyday.

Original Post by thmheh:

I don't mind - I like hearing about other versions of foods. Honey Bunches is my fav cereal, so it's good hear about WM's version. Right now I'm eating the Malt O Meal knock-off, which is just as good.

I am addicted to the Malt o Meal knock off of that stuff. Into ziploc baggies it goes and I have a lovely snack. Yum! When I briefly compared brands, they were nearly identical. I also love their Stawberry Spooners that are like mini wheats. Cereal = love.