Weight Loss Phase 2

My first attempt with weight loss was a success. I went from 175 just after my second son was born to 139 a year later. The 35 lbs came off through a lot of hard work and dedication. I’m even a little lighter than my pre-baby weight, able to wear most of my clothes again, and feeling pretty proud of my accomplishment, since I’ve had to work very hard for it.

This weekend I found myself thinking; so now what? I have every intention of continuing to run 5K 3-4 times a week and doing yoga once or twice a week. At this point I can either accept my body as it is and relax the dietary restrictions I put on myself for the past few months, and settle in to my size M-L body. Or, I can keep going for a goal that seems unattainable. I can try to get back to 125, which I was at 19. For some reason, losing these 15 pounds seems so much more daunting than the 35 I lost already. It’s a challenge I’m a little afraid of.

It’s not the exercise that has me nervous. The “doing” is the easy part. It’s the “not doing” that has me worried. Which is, not eating the stuff I love so much. Not eating a few hundred calories of chocolate every day (chocolate adds up quickly – one lindor ball is 80!), not eating extra bread, pasta, and cheese, no more chips or cereal, etc. It took so much effort to get where I am, I don’t know if I’m strong enough to keep going. And I don’t like salad. I guess I’m going to learn to!

When I start to feel like this is never going to happen, I’m reminded of one of my favourite Star Wars lines. Yoda lifts the ship out of the swamp using the force, and Luke says “I don’t believe it!” and Yoda replies “That is why you fail.” If I don’t believe I can do this, I won’t be able to. I need to find some extra strength for this task, because I’m so worried of failing this time. I need to change my attitude so that I believe I can do this.

If you’re in the same situation I am, maybe we can share our progress and struggles together. Misery loves company, and not shoving chocolate in my face is kind of close to misery for me! There is truth behind “strength in numbers,” but right now I’m working on taking this task on myself and, as lame as it sounds, believing in myself.

You Paid How much?

So I’m starting a new segment of my blog about …. Fashion! I know, me, writing blogs about Fashion. But this is all about cheap fashion, so that might make more sense to those who know me. I love a bargain and a sale. I am my mother’s daughter that way. And I love to save money.

We’ve all seen those magazine pages where a famous person’s attire is broken down by price, or they compare the expensive to the cheap. When I look at those, the first thing I think of is “how can you spend several hundred dollars on a shirt?” and then the cheap section shows it for under a hundred. In my mind – not better. Show me something for under 10, and I’ll consider it. Let me fill a garbage bag full of clothes for 15, and I’m good. Because that’s what we’re talking about here – really and truly cheap clothes that look great.

My first segment is dedicated to Dresses. Here are some of my favourite dresses that I got for favourite prices :) 

$3.50 Salvation Army. This brown t-shirt waist dress is one of my favourite Sally Ann finds. It has a wrap around belt and fits my body type perfectly. I also get compliments when I wear it. 

50 cents, St. Margaret's Bay Thrift Store. This is my favourite place to shop. They have lots of clothes, all the money goes directly to the food bank to support local people in need, and the clothes are nice and very affordable. Plus they have everything you could ever need besides clothes! Expect many more clothes from this store, all under a dollar.

$3.50 Salvation Army. Another great Sally Ann find. This is cute, light, and I can't wait to wear it this summer.



 $15 Crimson Clover Boutique. This is a really nice designer consignment shop in downtown Halifax. Every year after Christmas they have a 50% off sale, which is when I got this dress. I love it and get lots of compliments whenever I wear it.