Menu Plan Monday - 1/31/11 and Mamavation

(just a happy picture - my daughter Tess, my MIL Karen, me, and my daughter Tara)

Wow, where did January go? The time is just flying by for our busy family, and I'll bet your's too!!!

This past weekend was full of crafting, cleaning, picking up my first Angel Food Ministries food boxes, posting a magazine giveaway at Apronista, updating the Flirty Apron Swap with more giveaways, traveling to a great Thirty One Gifts Celebrate and Connect meeting, working on our church's womens retreat, planning this Thursday's Chill MAMAs Supper Swap, signing up the troop for more girl scout cookie booth sales, and, of course, laundry and exercise! Whew - I need another weekend to rest from this one!

Thank goodness for menu planning --

Monday 1/31 - Navy Bean & Ham Soup

Tuesday 2/1 - Weight Watchers @ Work - Thai Chicken Salad

Wednesday 2/2 - New York Steak and Baked Potatoes

Thursday 2/3 - Supper Swap - Chicken Enchiladas

Friday 2/4 - Spaghetti and Meatballs

Saturday 2/5 - Minestrone Soup

Sunday 2/6 - 3-Packet Pot Roast

MORE MENUS at OrgJunkie.com

Monday is also Mamavation Monday. The inspiring Pete Cohen is our guest this week. AND, Earth Footwear is sponsoring a giveaway of a pair of shoes when we address this question:

Question: What does “wellness” mean to you?

Wellness is a state of being for me -- I strive for a balanced life of eating a variety of foods, exercising my body and mind, and feeling good. Some days are better than others, but I feel better now than I have in a couple of years.

No weight loss to report this week, but I'm exercising again and considering my meals and portion sizes again.

Mamavation Menu Plan Monday

Gotta do a combo-post today!

For my weight loss sharing, I lost 4.6 lbs two weeks ago, then gained 0.6 back -- but I'm still ahead of the game. I have another Weight Watchers @ Work meeting tomorrow and am crossing my fingers. I'm having a hard time getting back on track.

As far as menus, I didn't post THAT last week, either. But, it's a new week!

Monday - Ham and eggs with steamed green beans and applesauce

Tuesday - Baked zucchini stuffed with rice and ground pork

Wednesday - Cauliflower Spaghetti

Thursday - Navy bean and ham soup

Friday - Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Saturday - Leftover Buffet

Sunday - Crockpot Roast Beef

MORE menus at OrgJunkie.com

Monday was Loser

First full week in the new year! I’m looking forward to a year of new recipes and new techniques to bring my freezer meals up a notch.

But first, my first confession of the new year – I will not be winning Mother of the Year this year, unless only in jest. For the first time ever, I dropped my child at school BUT THERE WAS NO SCHOOL IN SESSION! Ack!!! Mind you, I’ve been a mama since 1982 and have four children!! So poor T, I force her out of bed (“I’m tired, I’m sleepy ….”) for the first day back to school after a long break. It is really cold in Oregon right now – it was only 24 degrees outside Monday morning – so I decide to be a tender-hearted mom and drive her to school rather than make her walk. But, her school starts long after I have to be at work; however, they do have benches inside the first set of doors at school where I’ve seen kids waiting for school to start. So, I decide I’ll drop her off early, and she can wait there in the heated area and read until middle school begins. We make some toast with juice for breakfast and we’re off. I pull up and even watch to be sure she gets inside, then head off to work. About 10 minutes into my drive, I hear my cell phone ringing. Of course, it’s in the back seat and I don’t have on my Bluetooth. Then, I hear it again … by now I’m thinking, “Oh no, the school’s mad because I dropped her off early … my first time… but it was cold! …” All this inner dialogue/justification going on inside my head. I pull into the parking lot at work and, sure enough, it’s two missed calls from the school, no voice mail. Drats! Well, I head into my office and will call from there. At my desk, of course, my message light is lit up on my phone. To my horror, as I’m listening, my message is from my best friend and emergency contact who’s telling my that Tatum is stranded and there’s no school today, just as my cell phone starts ringing again!!

Well, long story short, yes, I messed up, and, yes, I drove back to take T home and returned to work. She fell back into bed for a few hours with the dog cuddled up next to her, then her Dad came home, brought her lunch, and took Miss T on the job for the afternoon so she experienced some of what he goes through as a city bus driver for a few hours. Wow, what a start to the new year.

ANY-HOO, here’s my menu for this week. Right now, I’m trying to use up what we have and spend MINIMAL funds at the grocery store. A plan that is a little tricky with a pantry and freezer that is not as full as normal. There are lots more menus at OrgJunkie.com.

Monday 1/3 – take out Chinese
Tuesday 1/4 – Crockpot Pulled Pork Sandwiches (from freezer) with Steamed Cauliflower and Salad
Wednesday 1/5 – Pioneer Woman Meatloaf with Smashed Potatoes ($8 for a chub of meat for 2 meals, pantry for rest)
Thursday 1/6 – Crockpot Taco Chicken Burritos with Black Beans (chicken from freezer, rest from pantry)
Friday 1/7 – Homemade Pizzas and Salad (bought sauce with $2 Boboboli coupon so only $0.89 cents - in pantry, toppings from fridge/pantry)
Saturday 1/8 – Chicken and Dumplings (freezer/pantry)
Sunday 1/9 – Leftover Buffet

As part of a healthy eating resolution, my goal with all my meals will be moderation and to really eat slowly and taste my food. I’m starting back to exercising with Leslie Sansone and her iVillage challenge, participating in Mamavation, and the new Weight Watchers PointsPlus system at work. I also joined in another weight loss challenge by Abby at A Feathered Nest. If that ain't enough to keep me motivated, I don't know what will!!

Comment if you drop by, and let me know what you're eating this week!

PS - GREAT sale on Thermal Totes and Lunch Sacks this month at Thirty-One. Drop by my site for details!!

Mamavation Monday - 11/1/10

I'M DOWN 0.5 LBS THIS WEEK, LORI

Well, a good time was had by all for Halloween. T was the blue fairy (my neighbor did the spectacular make-up).

Mike handed out candy (the dog is the edge of the picture, those two little glints of his eyes).

While I traipsed after the sweetheart in my Halloween apron and a little attitude.

Today is Mamavation Monday.

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: And a BIG congratulations to Lorrie of @cuteangel79 for being the Sista of the Week! I haven't "met" Lorrie yet so I'm excited to congratulate her!

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by SUBWAY. Such a cool prize, the winner of the blogging carnival gets to choose which Famous Fan prize they want (lots of fun choices). Subway's Jared is running in the ING NYC Marathon this Sunday, November 7th - BEST OF LUCK JARED!!!

My progress picture - 213 lbs - I'M DOWN 0.5 LBS THIS WEEK, LORI

This Mama Has Lost Her Motivation

So, I'm in a challenge, sponsored by my fav Earth Footwear. If I lose the highest percentage of weight in a 7-week period among other non-selected Mamavation #6 applicants, I will win $500 dollar AND a cool pair of Earth Footwear. Doesn't that seem like a great incentive, to lose weight, have more energy, be a wonderful example for my family??

Well, apparently, it's not working yet. I'm going in the wrong direction, having gained between .5 and 3 lbs this week (depending on the time of day I weigh myself). Yes, this is my PMS week, so maybe it's all water. Maybe that's why I'm feeling down. But, I'm telling you, I had to force myself to post this. No post, and I'm automatically out of the competition. So here it is:

Praying for a change of heart and motivation. I feel UGH.

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: And a BIG congratulations to April of @GAFlygirl for being the Sista of the Week! Great job, especially since you're fairly new!!

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by SUBWAY. SUBWAY is giving away a $50 gift card to Lulu Lemon, a green Gaiam gym bag and yoga mat. Mamavation is active with the Commit to Fit Campaign and Jared and it's been fun to see where this campaign is going!

Move It & Lose It - Week 1

First - congratulations to the Sista of the Week, Angela (@NineMoreMonths)!!

TODAY, I'm beginning my second Earth Footwear Move It & Lost It Challenge. Good thing, since I GAINED TWO POUNDS since last week. Up, down, up, down ... ugghh.

As one of the applicants that applied to Mamavation campaign #6, I am eligible to compete to be the mom who loses the highest percentage of body weight during the 7 week campaign and will win $500 and a pair of Earth Footwear. And the second place winner will also win a pair of Earth Footwear, but no cash.

Join us on Twitter October 18 for the Mamavation Launch Party from 8-10pm EDT. They will announce the two Mamavation Mom winners and give away some crazy swag! It's the big Twitter party launching the 6th campaign from 5pm to 7pm PDT (Mountain Daylight Savings Time: 6pm to 8pm, Central Daylight Savings Time: 7pm to 9pm, OR Eastern Daylight Savings Time: 8pm to 10pm). And on October 18th during the party, the next two Mamavation Moms will be announced and they will enter into @bookieboo‘s virtual healthy living boot camp for seven weeks. We will also have giveaway winners organized by @Resourcefulmom. Use hashtag #mamavation for the party. (You have to be present to win!)

Earth Footwear is an official sponsor of the Mamavation campaign, along with SUBWAY, The EA SPORTS Active & Chefs Requested. Earth Footwear is perfect for moms who want to save time. According to a study, people that wear Earth Footwear burn 4x more fat than those who don't wear Earth Footwear. The secret is in the technology. Earth Footwear uses Kalso ® Negative Heel Technology®, a unique inclined sole that positions the toes 3.7º higher than the heels. The slight angle shifts weight subtly back over the heels, and can help strengthen and tone the body while also burning calories. So if you can't get to the gym, put on a pair of Earth Footwear and go about your normal routine. The shoes will do the work for you. OR if you want better results with your workout, put on a pair of Earth Footwear to really kick the fat burning into high gear! I REALLY WANT TO WIN A PAIR OF THESE SHOES!!!!

So, here are my official beginning photos:







Stats as of 10/17/2010


Beginning Weight of Campaign: 213.00 (down 3 lbs since applying for Mamavation Mom, +2 lbs since last week)
Bust: 45"
Natural Waist: 46.0"
Waist: 46.0"
Hips: 51.0"
Thighs (right): 24"
(left): 24"
Arms (right): 13.76"
(left): 13.75"

Good luck to the six finalists!

Monday Can Be a Great Day!

My big news ... I decided to apply to be Mamavation Mom because I gained back five pounds in just a few weeks. I'm happy to report that I LOST FIVE POUNDS this past week!! YEAH! I've been following @RachelSteffen's exercise challenge, watching what I eat, and just moving more - even while volunteering for two days straight at the Women of Faith conference that came to town. YEAH!!

Well, it's Mamavation Voting Week. And while I was not selected to be a finalist (sad but true, my second time not selected), I am excited to see who wins ... my hope is that

@RachelSteffen

gets one of the spots - she was my "fit friend" in the last campaign and very sweet, kind lady. The other finalists are:

@its_gail, @momma_oz, @CJinKY, @bodhi_bear, @Couponprincess

Subway is offering up a green iPod shuffle and a $10 iTunes gift card for our giveaway this week. (This giveaway will go to the blogging carnival winner only.) Leah is going to be giving away Dance with Julianne Just Dance Fitness DVD during Mamavation TV.

Special Guest: Mamavation Finalists

(If you are a Finalists, you need to be on the show ready to talk 5 minutes before we start.)

Voting: October 11 to 18th

Mamavation Launch Party: October 18th

Campaign #6: October 18th to November 29th

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: And a BIG congratulations to Amanda of @beeacutie2 for being the Sista of the Week! So excited to see someone who is pregnant working so hard on being healthy.

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by SUBWAY. SUBWAY is giving away a green iPod Shuffle and a $10 iTunes gift card to one lucky winner. All you have to do is mention the Commit to Fit Campaign and Jared on their Mamavation Monday post. I really enjoyed Leah's video of their NYC trip to run with Jared - just wish the sound and picture quality was better but it was great "being" there.

PS -
Rachel’s Movement Challenge

I forgot to include that this week’s total minutes were 105 of sweat-inducing exercise. Wondering what the Movement Challenge is? Check it out here on Mamavation.

Mamavation Monday - 10/4/10

Time to Re-Boot

It's time for me to re-boot. (I'd love to re-boot in these hot Elite Earth Footwear boot, but I digress....)

October will be my fresh start on a being healthy, actually being serious about my health is a better way to put it. Yes, I've put my hat in the ring as Mamavation Mom for Campaign 6. More important is taking action: eating right, drinking my water, and moving my body.

If you wouldn't mind, please tweet out your support:

Hey @bookieboo! I want @ShawneeH to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/zqUxa

Even though I'm not feeling well, I'm planning on joining Monday's Mamavation TV. LOADS of information and encouragement to be had ... hope you'll join in as well.

Our guest 10/3 is Cynthia Pasquella, @Cpasquella, our Nutritionist. She will be creating the customized plan for the Mamavation Moms. Come get to know her. She’s a cutie, btw. And bring whatever questions you have about nutrition. She’s also VERY pregnant with her first, so I’m sure you can give her some pointers too.

Just to remind you once more, here are the dates for the next Mamavation Mom campaign:

Applications: September 27th to October 6th

Voting: October 11 to 18th

Mamavation Launch Party: October 18th

Campaign #6: October 18th to November 29th

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: And a BIG congratulations to Shelley of @Momma_Oz for being the Sista of the Week! So glad she's part of our team!

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by SUBWAY. SUBWAY is giving away a gift card for $25 to one lucky winner who mentions the Commit to Fit Campaign and Jared on their Mamavation Monday post.

SISTAHOOD: If you are interested in pledging to the Mamavation Sistahood, Monday is the time to do it. Please go here for instructions. Invitations are done on Wednesdays over twitter. You won't be sorry!!

Thank you to our Mamavation sponsors Earth Footwear, SUBWAY, EA SPORTS Active, and Chefs Requested.

Mamavation Mom Application - Campaign 6

Well, I've done it again! I've put myself out there, on YouTube for goodness sake, and am applying to be a Mamavation Mom.

I wasn't going to apply again for a variety of reasons, but then I stepped on the scale.  It's only been a few weeks since the last challenge ended, and I've gained FIVE pounds.  I can't keep this up.  Mamavation challenges keep me on task, the ladies are VERY supportive, and I can tweet a plea for help and SEVERAL gals will respond, no matter what time of day or night!!

Mamavation is a healthy living sorority and 7-week bootcamp for two special moms, Mamavation Moms. The Mamavation Moms enter into a “reality TV” type experiment in social media. They are given fitness equipment, a professional nutritional & fitness plan, weekly coaching, and are supported by the Mamavation Sistahood for accountability. After 7 weeks of hard work, they have the tools they need to continue on, but always have a permanent home with the campaign.

The goal of Mamavation is to teach mothers healthy living to combat the threat of obesity inside their own families. If you are afraid your family is at risk for obesity, there is help out there for you and a supportive community you can join that will lift your spirits. Moms are the gatekeepers, catalysts and cornerstones within a family. Changes start with her.

Thank you to our Mamavation sponsors Earth Footwear, SUBWAY, EA SPORTS Active, and Chefs Requested. 

Here it is, Apollo included:

I look so tired at the end.  I really need this.  

If you wouldn't mind, please tweet out your support:

Hey @bookieboo! I want @ShawneeH to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/zqUxa

Mamavation Monday - Labor Day

Well, I'm certainly glad that the Move It and Lose It Challenge is over, because I've not been moving much and losing even less! =) These past two weeks I've been holding steady on my weight, which I'm actually thankful for. I've been VERY busy at work and home, which is usually my MO for gaining weight. So, while I'm not getting any closer to my initial goal of 10% weight loss and under 200 lbs., I'm happy to be holding steady with my 11 pound loss. =)

Ready to kick it into gear though! How 'bout you??

PS --

Congrats to all the Sistas in Leadership!

The Hydrator is @Rachel_L encouraging us to stay hydrated all day long.

The Regulator is @Notdiyheather encouraging us to get 35-40 grams of fiber each day. (Per @Cpasquella’s instructions)

Movement Motivator is @Rachelsteffen encouraging us to get our 10,000 steps in, run, walk and just start moving.

Mama Guns is @fitmomtraining encouraging us to do weight training.

Comment Warrior is @Gretablau encouraging us to comment and support each others blogs.

Veggie Contessa is @Ljenator encouraging us to get our veggies in every day.

Food Truth Diva is @way2gomom educating us about what is in the food in our grocery aisles. What are we really eating?

And don’t forget Lori @gutimom got a new name…Coven Coordinator is @gutimom.

Move It and Lose It Wrap Up

Today, we come full circle and are wrapping up the Earth Footwear Move It & Lose It Challenge.

As one of the applicants that applied to Mamavation campaign #5, I was eligible to compete to be the mom who loses the highest percentage of body weight during the 7 week campaign and win $500 and a pair of Earth Footwear, or second place of a pair of Earth Footwear. While I'm not going to come in first or second, I'm very proud that I stuck with it, and have had some success. One major success is that I no longer drink soda pop!

Earth Footwear is the official sponsor of the Mamavation campaign. Earth Footwear is perfect for moms who want to save time. According to a study, people that wear Earth Footwear burn 4x more fat than those who don't wear Earth Footwear. The secret is in the technology. Earth Footwear uses Kalso ® Negative Heel Technology®, a unique inclined sole that positions the toes 3.7º higher than the heels. The slight angle shifts weight subtly back over the heels, and can help strengthen and tone the body while also burning calories. So if you can't get to the gym, put on a pair of Earth Footwear and go about your normal routine. The shoes will do the work for you. OR if you want better results with your workout, put on a pair of Earth Footwear to really kick the fat burning into high gear! I REALLY WANT TO WIN A PAIR OF THESE SHOES!!!! MAYBE I'LL BE LUCKY AND WIN ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW, SINCE THEY'RE OUR SPONSOR THIS WEEK!!

So, here are my official beginning/ending photos:

Before (with Apollo)

After (w/o)

Before

After

Before

After

Stats

Application 7/12 8/9 8/23/ Total Lost

Weight 222.0 217.0 213.5 211.0 -11.0 lbs or 5%

Bust: 46.50 46.00 46.00 -0.50

Natural Waist: 45.00 44.50 44.50 -0.50

Waist: 46.00 45.50 44.50 -1.50

Hips: 53.00 52.00 51.25 -1.75

Thighs (right): 25.50 24.50 24.25 -1.25

(left): 25.75 23.75 24.25 -1.50

Arms (right): 14.25 14.00 14.00 -0.25

(left): 14.25 14.00 14.00 -0.25

7.50 inches lost

I've been playing with my diet this week, adding psyllium husk powder and lots of fiber, etc., and so I'm actually nice and bloated, and don't feel on top of my game at all. Note to self - time this stuff better next time! BUT 2.5 pounds is nothing to sneeze at!!!

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: The lucky lady is ME this Week! Thanks for all the good wishes!! I'm so jazzed to receive an EA SPORTS Active "More Workouts" for the honor.

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week's blogging carnival is sponsored by Earth Footwear. If you would like to enter the Earth Footwear Mamavation Monday blogging carnival giveaway, simply mention them in your own post with a link back to their site. Then make sure to link your post up to Bookieboo so we know you entered and the other girls can give you some support.

Link up to the Mamavation Blogging Carnival here.

SISTAHOOD: If you are interested in pledging to the Mamavation Sistahood, Monday is the time to do it. Please go here for instructions. Invitations are done on Wednesdays over twitter. You will LOVE the support you receive!!

PS - Be sure to enter my giveaway for a Leslie Sansone DVD - Walk Off 10 Pounds!!

Holding Steady -sigh

I just want to say I want to be like @Ljenator ... she goes on vacation and loses weight; I go and maintain. *sigh*

Forks WA goes all out for Twilight fans. T in front of "Bella's Truck" as you enter town. Check out her cool vampire kneehi's!

This week's sign at the "Cullen House"

At LaPush, where Jacob was nowhere to be seen

And then gorgeous Crescent Lake on our way to Port Angeles

I spent the week relaxing and enjoying Miss T - exercising but not every day, making better food choices but not dieting, laughing and just being. And, that's what summer is about, right?

This week's Mamavation Sponsor is Boogie Wipes @boogiemom Be sure to follow her tweets and show some love!!

Congratulations to the Sista of the Week, Kimberly/Christlikemommy, who is fairly new to Mamavation but obviously inspiring.

Today we're hosting a Boboli-sponsored BBQ and anniversary celebration (thanks House Party) =) and then I need to get ready to go back to work. =(

Halfway Through Move It & Lose It

Well, at this halfway mark, I am surprised at how much I've struggled with keeping focused. And I do think that's it - I'm not able to FOCUS on my health eating and exercise, and it really shows. I HAVE totally kicked the soda pop habit and had only one drink of alcohol since startubg (for our anniversary). But, I've also worked a lot and am still staying busy with other commitments ... summer women's ministry program at church, LOTS of online swaps that require crafting and creativity, in addition to hosting my normal quarterly Flirty Apron Swap. Busy, busy. That in addition to tracking nutrition and exercise on SparkPeople, Tweeting every day @ShawneeH, and being a good employee, wife and mother -- well, I'm a bit tired. =)

Beginning Stats as of 7/11/2010

(so depressing)

Beginning Weight of Campaign: 217.0 (down 5 lbs since applying for Mamavation Mom, 1 pound since last week)

Bust: 46.5"

Natural Waist: 45.0"

Waist: 46.0"

Hips: 53.0"

Thighs (right): 25.5"

(left): 25.75"

Arms (right): 14.25"

(left): 14.25"

Stats as of 8/8/2010

Halfway Through

Current Weight: 213.5
Bust: 46"  -.5"

Natural Waist: 44.5"  -.5"

Waist: 45.5"  -.5"

Hips: 52.0"  -1.0" 

Thighs (right): 24.5" -1.0"

(left): 23.75"  -2.0" (I'm lopsided!)

Arms (right): 14.00" -.25"

(left): 14.00" -.25"

Weight Lost:  -8.5 lbs since applying to Mamavation/-3.5 since beginning MILI/-1.5 since last week
Inches Lost:  6.0!

Big congrats to our Sista of the Week, @jamnsfld76

Pete Cohen's going to be on Mamavation TV this Monday talking to us about lifestyle changes. He's the Master. And just in case you forgot, he's also part of the The Biggest Loser UK team. So yeah, he's like a big deal. ;) Make sure to join us!
MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.
BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week's blogging carnival is sponsored by Lori @gutimom as an Avon Representative. She is giving away a TON of goodies!!

Thanks to Mamavation sponsors, especially Earth Footwear. I love you!  I hope I get to know you better by winning a pair in this lovely Move It & Lose It campaign!!

I'm so excited for the new weight loss tool I ordered:

Found The Gruve and a one-year online subscription on sale for only $99! I liked it so much, I'm an affiliate! Leave a comment if you decide to try one - I ordered MINE Wednesday and it's already on it's way to me!!