How to lose weight! Video Post

I'm frequently asked about my weight loss journey and more often than not the question is about how I lost my weight. Today I've answered this question in my video and I plan on continuing the series to keep all of us motivated to stay on track. Enjoy!

The Lone Cypress

The winter tree against December's sky

Has never stood more poignantly than now;

There is no leaf to soothe its tragic lines.

But far beyond the landscape of the eye,

Within the core, within the barren bough,

Faith lies with life, inseparably entwined.

Poem by Dora Hagemeyer (1891-1989)

A Poet of Nature, the late Dora Hagemeyer was a fixture of the Carmel, California literary scene. For fifteen years, her column the "Poetry Corner" appeared in the local newspaper, The Pine Cone.

Spending this December on the California Central Coast, not far from the scene in this painting.

Marjorie

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

I think I might try to do video posts all this week. I'm not really feeling in the mood to write. Perhaps it is the blustery weather and rain. I don't know. But I did want to give you an update on my Turkey Trot - I ran 8k (5 miles) on Thanksgiving before the big feast. Like today, it was a cool and rainy day and I really wanted to just roll over in the bed but I didn't. I got up determined to run my race. And run I did! I completed the race in 50 minutes which is great but I know I can do better. I ran the first mile in 9 minutes! And I just need to stop being lazy during my runs and run the entire way. I take walk breaks for some reason. If I didn't walk at all my time would have been so much better. 

Anyway, I'm happy. I'm especially happy that my son ran in his first race the Tot Trot!

Here he is carb loading before the race! He needed that energy for the 26.2 tough yards that he had to run! LOL, I almost couldn't get him to run because he wanted to eat his Scooby Snacks (thanks Grandma!). In the end we ran together and he celebrated his personal victory at the finish line!

I'm so glad that fitness has become a family affair in my household. Mekhi is already asking about the next race. I'll have to look into it. Perhaps next time he will run without holding mommy's hand! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

This morning I ran the South Park Turkey Trot 5 mile race and my son ran his first tot trot! We started this day by giving thanks for the blessing of healthy bodies that can do extraordinary things and later this afternoon we will enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with family and friends.

I feel blessed to have the opportunity to travel to visit family and break bread and realize that not everyone is so blessed. That is why I was so excited to participate in the Walmart Feed the Hungry food drive!



I was sent a $50.00 gift card and challenged to purchase as much foes as possible for donation. Although I didn't have coupons in hand, I still made a pretty good showing. As a matter of fact, I went to checkout and had only spent $35.00 so I had to go back and shop some more!

I ended up purchasing 64 items for $51.52! I was so excited to place my items in the donation bin because I know families will really appreciate it. In my usual fashion I focused on as many healthy foods as possible tuna and salmon made my list as did veggie broth and pasta for homemade soup.

Although the Walmart food drive is over, I still think it is a great place to shop for items for donation. Walmart has a website that will help you locate volunteer opportunities in your local community. You can also go to Walmarts Fighting Hunger website and vote for the community that you believe deserves $1 million! The five runner up cities will receive $100,000 each! With just a vote you can make a tremendous impact on communities in dire need of support.

Once again, I encourage this holiday season to count your blessings and also bless others! Happy Thanksgiving!

Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and I've been compensated for my time to create my video and write this post. As usual, all opinions are my own.

Fail!

I'm packing for a roadtrip (last minute as usual) so I am going to make it quick. This week was one great big FAIL! My scale has not read 160 in months, months I tell you. Soooo, I am back to Operation Weight Loss! It must happen. No more procrastination.

I was waiting for my new EA SPORTS Active 2 to arrive but I cannot. CANNOT! This is unacceptable.

Tomorrow I run the Turkey Trot.

And I plan to keep logging exercise minutes.

I have to because my health depends on it.

Decadence!

One of the things that I enjoy about being in Atlanta is that I'm surrounded by other women who I admire, can learn from and share life experiences with. One of those women is Shelley, the Food Relationship Coach of Naturi Beauty Concepts.

This talented lady is my Spelman sister  and the holder of an MA from Harvard (she is tight, ya'll)! She is also a talented chef and she has been leading workshops nationwide for women that want to bring some of her expertise into their own kitchens.  In Atlanta she held a chocolate  affair and in DC she featured honey, ginger and rosemary.  I love Shelley's focus on NATURAL. Clearly, during my journey I've been focused on eating healthy and sticking to natural ingredients (except when I get a bit off track, it happens, don't judge me, LOL). Shelley's classes show you that eating healthy does not have to be boring and actually can be a taste experience that your palate will not soon forget!

On December 4th, the next event will feature Coconut and Tumeric here in the Castleberry Hills neighborhood of Atlanta. I cannot wait! I am going to be one of Shelley's guests and I look forward to the event.






To register for this amazing event just visit - EventBrite. Not only will we be sampling Shelley's delicious food, we will also be leaving with natural body care products to make our own beauty products. 

Doing the Turkey Trot

Since Thanksgiving is here...

Let's talk Turkey.

These brave wild turkeys were recently sighted in downtown Marina, CA.

Checking in at the local mall and post office...

They then took to the sidewalks...

And paused for a political campaign endorsement...

Made a pit stop at the local Chevron station...

Then were off ... Scurrying into the bush.

Some nights when I open the bedroom window, I can hear the sound of wild turkeys in the back field. Some nights I also hear the howl of coyotes , and I wonder if they are having turkey for Thanksgiving dinner too.

Gobble-Gobble...
Marjorie

Happy Anniversary to Me! (Video Post)

It is hard to believe I started my journey to healthy living a year ago. The time seems to have gone by in the blink of an eye. On this day last year I began Jenny Craig and put myself out there for the world to follow my journey. Doing this during Thanksgiving and the holidays was a challenge but not impossible and my 20 pound weight loss by the first week of January proved it can be done.

Today I am recommitted to staying fit and healthy. Although I slipped back into some of my bad habits - like not eating enough - today that stops. I am starting my #holiday shrink. Many of you have joined me but I hope I can recruit more.

Together we can do this - get healthy, lose or maintain weight and live a better life!

By the way, have you exercised today??????

Dog of the Day -- Adopted!!

Why does Alyce Ann look so smug? Because this former Dog of the Day star has found herself her very own furever home! Alyce took her time and picked out the exactly perfect home for her, and she couldn't be happier. Neither could the rest of us!

Yaaaaaay Alyce!!!

The Holiday Challenge - Lose weight, keep it off! (video post)

A year ago I looked like this

I was obese.

Hard to believe, right?

Not really.

So often we let ourselves go and wake up wondering- what happened?

And even after a year of healthy living I still am challenged.

My scale has been slowly moving upward and if I’m not careful, I’ll gain too much weight.

So. Today. I’m getting it in check.

I’m celebrating where I’ve been and how far I’ve come.






Vowing never to go back.

And, starting a new challenge. I hope you join me. I’m keeping the weight off (and some) over the holidays.

Every day I’ll ask if you’ve exercised today.

I hope you answer affirmatively. Not everyday - cause that would be overdoing it - but at least three times a week.

Are you in???????

Evening at the Mission ~ Night at the Hacienda

Travel down the Camino Real of California's Central Coast, and you will come upon the 18th century Mission San Antonio de Padua, the third of the missions founded by Father Junipero Serra.

Each year the Mission hosts an "Evening in the Garden" festival. The entire complex is adorned with church candles, swags of autumn leaves and tables with arrangements of nature's bounty.

Costumed musicians play music evocative of both the Colonial and the Hispanic heritage of the area.

The tables are laden with local food and wines.

And the paths in the Garden are lit with luminaries.

One mile down the road is the Hacienda Guest Lodge - a perfect place for a sleepover.

The Hacienda is a Spanish revival white stucco and red tile roof building. which was built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst in the 1930's. It was designed by Julia Morgan who was the architect of his San Simeon Castle. Hearst used the Hacienda as a working ranch, and as a guest house for his famous friends-Jean Harlowe, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Marion Davies, Will Rogers, and Dick Powell.

In 1940, Hearst sold the building to the US Army. Today the Lodge is located on the grounds of Fort Hunter Liggett Miltary Reservation, but is open to the public. There are 4 tower rooms, 2 garden rooms, and 5 cowboy rooms with bathrooms down the hall. So you can stay in a room once occupied by Clark and Jean, or Erroll. Oh if the walls could talk!

Many touches from Hearst's day remain-including this mural in what is now the breakfast room.

At the entrance to the base, is this old general store. It will soon be the site of a group tasting room for the wineries of the San Antonio Valley wine region. This undiscovered area produces some outstanding full-bodied red wines.

Already Planning a Return Trip,
Marjorie

Gluten Free Ginger Bread - Cutie Booty Cakes

When people learn the name of my blog they always smile or laugh. I admit Cutie Booty Cakes is kinda catchy and folks get a kick out of trying to figure out what it means. When they learn about my weight loss journey they think I'm talking about my own booty (LOL) but when I explain I used to make "cakes" they immediately assume I am a baker.

Well, the funny thing is, I actually do love to bake but I've always just cooked out of love and given my confections away as gifts or served them at parties. This year I've decided to put a twist on a classic recipe for gingerbread and call them Cutie Booty Cakes! They are made with gluten free flour, splenda, molasses and of course ginger. Check out the video below.



Of course, if you are not interested in making these cakes gluten you can substitute whatever type of flour you like and they results will be the same.


Gluten-Free Ginger Bread (Cutie Booty Cakes)

• 2 1/3 cups Gluten-Free flour
• 1/4 cup Splenda
• 1 cup molasses
• 3/4 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup butter substitute (I used Earth Balance)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparation:

Grease 3 mini baking pans or spray with a baking spray. Heat oven to 325°.

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl; beat by hand or use electric mixer until ingredients are combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan3.

Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Disclosure: Walmart has provided me with compensation for my time and effort making this video and post. As usual all opinions are my own. 

Disney Dream Christening Cruise

(photo credit Disney Parks blog)

A week and a half ago my doorbell rang and a package was at my door. This was not unusual, deliveries are a common occurrence around these parts. But this time I checked the return label and noticed it was from Disney. My first thought was "it must have something to do with the Disney Princess Half Marathon" because I registered that week. But to my surprise when I opened the box I was greeted with this.






A treasure chest that says Disney Cruise line. My heart started beating quickly because my next thought was I won the contest to win a cruise on the Disney Dream that I'd entered online. When I opened the treasure chest I discovered this





An invitation to the inaugural christening cruise of the Disney Dream! The Disney Dream is the newest ship in the Disney cruise line boasting 14 decks, the Aqua Duck water coaster (that goes around the ship, over the edge and back) and a multitude of activities for children and adults alike!

I nearly fainted. I've always planned to take my son on a Disney Cruise. Before I ever became a parent good friends of mine told me a Disney Cruise must be experienced.

Today when I spoke to the event coordinator it all became a reality for me. In January my son, mom and I will be embarking on an adventure. My son will see the ocean and experience a beach for the first time. My mom and I can enjoy another mother/daughter trip (we haven't had one since 2003) and of course we will all enjoy the magic of Disney together!

In my usual style I'll be telling you all about the fitness facilities on board and of course all the activities for children. I know my mom and I will be indulging in spa services and I can't wait to report back to you - in my bikini of course!

I truly feel blessed to be among the first to experience the Disney Dream; I feel like I've won the lottery!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Smell mail!

Oooh, pet fair! LBR holds pet fairs twice a month, and Mom always comes home smelling SO interesting. She won't let me come along -- she says everyone will cry when they realize I'm not available for adoption -- but she always brings me lots of smell mail so I can learn what went on.

Apparently my friend Alyce Ann put on a little fashion show. It's hard to find fashions that fit real-sized dogs like boxers, but Alyce says this fits and will keep her toasty warm this winter!


This is my buddy Ozzy, making his pet fair debut! He's an older gentleman, but he has lots of play left in him.


This pretty lady is Miss Celestial, also making her pet fair debut! Why is she so tired?


You'd be pretty tired too if you'd just finished raising a whole litter of puppies! (Hey, so this is why Mom had puppy-scent ALL over her. I'm jealous.) This is Taurus. He and his brothers Leo and Scorpio are on the look-out for their furever home. Their sister Gemini got adopted last week, and I bet the boys won't be far behind!


It's tough being loved all the time. Take it from someone who knows. Taurus eventually decided he'd had enough of being oohed and aahed over by everyone and slept away the rest of pet fair.


I can't wait for the next pet fair to see what cool scents Mom brings me!

Me, Venus Williams and EA SPORTS Active 2

It is no secret that I'm a fan of EA SPORTS Active. This virtual trainer literally started me on my journey to healthy living. It took a couple of times but by using EA SPORTS Active More Workouts I lost 20 plus pounds and have remained physically active to the tune of losing 30 additional pounds.

A new version of the game is being released tomorrow and to say I'm excited is an understatement. In early October I traveled to LA to try out the new game and I also had the opportunity to sit down with tennis phenom Venus Williams, the new brand ambassador for the game.

She is truly a sweetheart and I have to tell you that I feel especially accomplished because standing next to a professional athlete I still look fit! Check out our interview below.




Tomorrow you can join a live event on UStream featuring Venus and the EA trainer Gerard by clicking HERE

I'll be sure to let you know about my progress with EA SPORTS Active 2. It is available for the Wii, PS3 and Xbox360. The thing that I love about it is the game now includes a heart rate monitor and it is virtually hands free on the Wii! I can now use my own weights with the product. And if you have the other platforms you truly can go hands free and download updates from the Internet!

Can you tell I'm excited? With the weather becoming colder I will now return to using EA PORTS active as my main form of exercise as I prepare for my half marathon in February.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Dog of the Day

Say hello to...

SHIRO!

Shiro is a really awesome LBR dog looking for his forever home! Here's what his foster mom has to say about him:

"Shiro (Japanese for white) has really come out of his shell. He arrived so skinny and scared but now has a very happy tail and wiggles when anyone arrives.

Shiro’s very gentle, submissive, and sweet. He really works to please. He is knows the doggie door and is housetrained unless it rains. He’s great with all dogs but the neighborhood cat looked pretty tasty so he’s not likely a friend. He is learning not to jump on us but messes up when he’s excited. He loves everyone, especially kids. He never licks or kisses but is a real cuddle-bug and won’t leave my side.


He is so cute and such a love, I fell in love instantly. I know you will too.

He is healthy and ready for his new family; please let us know if you would like to meet him."


You can meet Shiro today at our Pet Fair! We'll be at the Garland Petco on Firewheel Parkway from 11-3. (Well, okay, I won't, but my mom will be there, and so will lots of great LBR dogs!)

Friday night eats

Everyone who knows me understands that I love food. Obviously over the past year I've become mu h more mindful about the food that I eat and have certainly been focusing on preparing the majority of my meals at home.

HOWEVER, like everyone else there are times when I am simply too busy, tired, or uninspired to cook at home. Fast food really isn't an option (well it is but I try to stay far away from it) but I admit that convenience foods from the grocery store do find their way into my home and on my plate occasionally.

Last week I was sent some "convenience" foods from Walmart's Marketside line. These foods are convenient because they don't require a great deal of preparation. Offerings include pizza, salad, vegetables, pasta sauces, fresh pasta, bread, dips, and soups. These foods are found in the deli or produce section and they are "fresh".

I simply had to finish the cooking process with the breads, boil the pasta for five minutes, heat the sauces and soups and the salads were ready to go. My favorites are the low calorie Cesar salad, the tomato soup, and I really liked the cranberry walnut bread. Which is not gluten free but was so delicious(I'm paying for this indulgence with a mini breakout but honestly, it was worth it)!

I like the the soups, breads, pasta, sauces and dips were available in both family size and petite sizes. Especially the bread- since I'm not supposed to be eating it!

I enjoyed the cheese pizza and gave the three different meat varieties to a friend since I'm not a meat eater. Overall, I enjoyed the taste of all the foods I sampled but I especially liked the prices! To feed a family of four with pasta, sauce, salad and bread cost way below $20.00 and in my opinion the food was restaurant quality.

I highly recommend the marketside line, if you are looking for a quick affordable meal for your family and don't feel lie spending a lot of time in the kitchen, try marketside!

Disclosure: I'm a Walmart mom and was sent samples to review and I've been compensated to spread the word about the marketside line.






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Digitini

Today I will be returning to my Alma mater Spelman College to attend Digitini:Celebrating Atlanta's Diversity of Women in Social Media. But not only am I attending but I am one of the women being honored! If you are in Atlanta come join us and RSVP here.





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Dog of the Day

Meet DIXON!!

Hi! My name is Dixon and I am looking for my forever home. After raising me from the time I was 16 hours old my Mommy had to give me up because she fell on hard times and could not afford me.

She trained me well - I sit, stay, heal, will "leave it", come when called, like my crate, can give my paw and do high fives! I love being around people and really only want to be where my loved ones are.


My Foster Mommy says that I am so handsome and sweet but would probably be better in a home where I am the only dog. I like having all the attention! But I am fine with cats as I was raised with them! I also love my 2 year old skin sister.

My back legs have some arthritis in them so I need someone who won't want me to be too active and who will be gentle with me.


I am so happy to be with my foster family but I really want a home where I can stay forever! Please come meet me and take me home.