Fit and Fabulous!

Please watch my video and share in my joy!

Inspiration

Meet my friend Dawn. Dawn is a mom of 3 girls and her fourth baby is on the way. She is 8 months pregnant and totally committed to healthy living. Dawn truly inspires me. She has been following my updates on facebook about my exercise- particularly the spinning classes that I am taking and has encouraged me all the way. We were at a party together last month and she told me that she is still teaching a spinning class. At 8 Months Pregnant! February is her last month teaching and I promised that I'd come to one of her classes. I had to see this mama in action!

This past Saturday I drove thirty minutes to the gym and entered her class. Her husband had kindly held a bike for me and water was waiting for me too! (He is a keeper Dawn but you know that after being together for a lifetime!). The room quickly filled and we all took our places on our bikes.

I have to say I love the bikes at LA Fitness. Unlike bikes at other gyms, the tension is in a lever right on the handlebars. This makes adding and releasing tension so much easier than reaching down to crank a dial as I am accustomed to doing. Anyway, sounds of music entered the room and Dawn encouraged us to start the warm-up. Our focus was on endurance and despite Dawn's low unassuming voice, she pushed us to get out of our comfort zone. I listened. I'd every once in awhile look up and see her at the front of the room riding hard with an 8 month belly and I couldn't help but be inspired.

Class was actually over quicker than I expected. The hour went by quickly, I felt both challenged and empowered by my workout. Dawn and I chatted briefly about her plans for recovery after having her baby. She is due early April and I asked if she planned on waiting six weeks after the baby is born to begin exercise. She looked at me sheepishly and said "last time I waited nine days." This is after a home birth folks. Dawn is no joke.

She is truly an inspiration! I figure if a pregnant mom can teach spinning classes and begin working out nine days postpartum, I have no excuses. Dawn inspires me to push myself even when I don't feel like it. I am so glad to have such an inspiring woman in my life.

For more Wordful Wednesday check out Angie's Seven Clown Circus.

Operation Weight Loss Week 13- The incredible shrinking woman

Week 1
Originally uploaded by rj_ross.rm

February 23, 2010
Originally uploaded by rj_ross.rm

This is week 13 of Operation Weight loss and I am debuting a new pair of jeans! I am wearing skinny jeans, I can't believe it! And to top it off, I am down another 3 pounds this week - I am out of the 170s and officially in the 160s. I now weigh 169.1 pounds. Technically I am down 2.9 pounds but I figure that .1 pound can be lost if I take a quick pee. LOL

Anyway, this brings my grand total to 33 pounds down!

I am meeting my goal of being fit and fabulous by my birthday. This Friday I will be 40 and good health has been my gift to myself. I still have some work to do. My goal is 150 pounds but I am sure that I will be there by May. I am standing by the adage that slow and steady wins the race!

Today I encountered a slight roadblock in my journey. I know I've talked about how much I love my spinning classes and this morning I arrived at the gym to workout and THE GYM WAS CLOSED! Unbelievable! I've been out of town for a few weeks but apparently the gym closed with only a few days notice last week. My membership is transferred to another gym but it is 20 minutes away.

So, I am back to doing workouts at home exclusively with the exception of some dance classes. I am not worried, I've lost the majority of my weight at home and will continue to lose weight this way. It was just nice to have the gym to mix things up a bit.

Anyhow, my birthday is Friday - cause for celebration. I've given myself the gift of health and a new pair of skinny jeans!

A Touch of Comfort - Interview with Grey's Anatomy Star Chandra Wilson

Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for NAACP

I am a huge Grey's Anatomy fan. I've been watching the show since the first season and on Thursday evenings you can find me riveted to my screen catching up with the staff of Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital. I am drawn to the show for many reasons, the wonderful writing of Shondra Rhimes, her commitment to diversity in the cast and of course the brilliant acting. Recently I received an email asking if I wanted to interview cast member Chandra Wilson, the actor that plays Dr. Miranda Bailey on the show.

Dr. Bailey is my favorite character on Grey's Anatomy. She is an exceptional surgeon, a mother of a young child and works extrordinarily hard to balance her career and personal life. Like her character, Chandra Wilson is a mother. She has three children - two teenage daughters and a four year old son. She frequently has 12 hour days when filming and with support she makes it work. When I received the email about interviewing Chandra Wilson I immediately responded in the affirmative. Not only because I love her acting chops but because Chandra is the spokesperson for the Downy Touch of Comfort Program and I wanted to hear all about her work with this wonderful initiative.

In this program, Downy has partnered with Quilts for Kids and the Children's Miracle Network to provide quilts to hospitalized children all across the country. Chandra is the ambassador for the program and has been for the past year. She graciously took time to chat with me about her efforts this weekend. Click HERE to see our full interview.

I think this is a wonderful program. So many children are hospitalized in the US and are unable to have the comforts of home. This quilt program provides them with a special blanket to help them during their hospital stay. You can participate in the program in a number of ways.

1. Purchase a specially marked bottle of Downy and 5 cents from your purchase will go to A Touch of comfort

2. Make a donation directly to A Touch of Comfort

3. If you are a quilter you can request a free quilting kit and make a quilt that will be used in the program.

For more information visit Downy.com.

I am so impressed with Chandra's work. It is wonderful to see a busy mother taking time to make a difference in the lives of so many children. I hope that you are able to support the Downy Touch of Comfort program, we all can help make a difference!

The Week in Review - Diet and Exercise

I spent last week in New York with my family and friends. Last Saturday was my mom's birthday and Mekhi and I surprised her by showing up at the party. She had a wonderful time. We all did. I exercised and ate (everything in moderation). I had some of my favorite treats - like sushi and half a shrimp parm. hero. There is one Italian restaurant in my hometown and the heros are to die for. I was proud of myself for just eating half - I used to eat the entire thing but this time I was completely satisfied.

My exercise could have been a bit more consistent - but I got into my grove by Wednesday by doing my Jillian Michaels DVD again. I traveled with my Netflix DVD and used weights that my mom had to do the program. It would have been a workout without weights-this is just a reminder that you CAN exercise when traveling. Even without a national gym membership!

When I weighed in on Tuesday I'd lost almost 3 pounds. I am not sure how much weight I will lose this week but I'll find out this Tuesday. One thing I do know is that even if my weight hasn't changed much the way my clothes fit has certainly changed. I think I will be ready to move down another pants size by March!

Here is my exercise for this week:

Sunday

.

I did 213 crunches in 3 minutes

Wednesday

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 2

Thursday

JM 30 Day Shred Level 2

Friday

JM 30 Day Shred Level 1

Saturday

Exercise: 60 minute Spinning class

My weight was taken yesterday during my physical and now I can proudly proclaim -

I AM DOWN 30 POUNDS!!!!!!

The key for me has been consistent exercise and portion control. I also am sure to eat 3 meals and at least two snacks a day. Although I still have 20 more pounds to go before I reach my goal, I am extremely happy with my progress. I've lost this weight in 3 months which I think is a wonderful accomplishment!

As Seen On TV....

Let me bring your attention to the photo above. As you can see my son is wearing a Snuggie for Kids and there is a Shake weight in the photo too. You may have seen both of these items on tv - usually on infomercials, sometimes but not always, late at night. My entire family - Mom, husband and now my son are all proud owners of a Snuggie. And quietly, after using my mom's Snuggie, I want one too - in Leopard print of course (always the Diva, LOL). Seriously, the Snuggie commercials are so cheesy and hilarious but the garment is actually quite functional. I never in my wildest dreams imagined I'd want a Snuggie, but I do. Are you listening Mom? Is there a leopard print Snuggie in my future?

Now, the Shake Weight is an entirely different matter. Not familiar with the Shake Weight? Well, check out this video. Go ahead, I'll wait. Trust me on this, you'll want to see it in action!

This product is designed "specifically for women" um, yeah. I first saw this clip on the Stiletto Mom's blog and thought it was a joke. That is until I saw the commercial myself, numerous times when I was in California. Suffice it to say the Shake Weight looks kinda X-rated when in use. I contemplated demonstrating it in action but decided against that!

I am not the proud owner of the Shake Weight. No, that would be my mother. My uncle gave her a Shake Weight for her birthday on Saturday. I am assuming he was in the "As Seen On TV" store because he said it was right next to the Snuggie that he also purchased for her. Everyone was clueless when my mother opened the Shake Weight but I immediately burst out laughing and proceeded to show everyone the commercial. Everyone got a big laugh over that one.

The jury is still out about the effectiveness of the Shake Weight for exercise but I dare say there might be a few men out there purchasing them for their wives - Just. In. Case.

Operation Weight Loss - The Incredible Shrinking Woman! Week 12

I am proud to report that this week I am down 2.8 pounds for a grand total of 29 pounds since the week of Thanksgiving! I am in New York with my mom celebrating her birthday and as you can imagine there were so many different treats to tempt me. I had birthday cake and my favorite crab mold (thanks Aunt Charlotte) delicious! I was also able to spend time with my friends from high school - Hi Mike! Hi Frank!

Last night Frank and I went to dinner. We had Japanese, my favorite! It is so nice catching up with old friends over good food. Despite watching being mindful of what I am eating, I still make time to enjoy life. I eat everything that I like but in moderation. Over these 12 weeks I have really learned that portion control is key. And since I am steadily losing weight, clearly this works for me!

On the exercise front, I did Jillian Michaels - the addition of weights to my program is challenging my muscles. I also did a 3 mile walk and 312 crunches in 3 minutes as part of the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans Olympics. I love that those gals keep challenging me every step of the way.

Well, I am preparing to leave New York for home it is a winter wonderland and I am crossing my fingers that my flight will not be delayed.

I have to say this one more time - I AM DOWN 29 Pounds! I'm excited and looking forward to losing the next 20!

Here is my vlog for this week:

Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow

My son's foray into the snow was a big hit. He played, ate snow (NY snow - yuck!) and had a jolly good time. We actually could have been in Atlanta because snow fell there too - 4 inches! This winter has certainly been a doozy!

Rethinking My Shrink - The Monday Project

It has been six weeks since the Rethink Your Shrink Challenge started at the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans. Today we are to reflect on the things we've learned during the challenge. The main thing I've learned is that no matter what I am going to push myself to exercise. I may not be able to do everything perfectly but I am going to make an effort (Jillian Michaels do you hear me? I'm not phoning it in but I am working to my exercise level).

I have to celebrate my accomplishments. This one is more difficult than it should be for me but I've decided that by embracing my new figure and showing off my "assets" I am giving myself something to smile about and inspiring others. See my new Yummy Tummy (they have a hidden panel to help smooth the tummy)? It is a large and it is too big! But I celebrated needing a smaller size by getting a leopard print to replace my black one that has always been a bit big. I wore a new Yummy Tummy at Blissdom in my size -Medium! I did a happy dance about that.

I've learned that my jeans really are shrinking and it doesn't make sense for me to purchase new clothing because I will shrink out of them in no time. Case in point- the jeans I have on in my photo - they look good but I had to hike them up to keep them in place and in another month I think they will be too baggy for me. I got these jeans during this Challenge! I will soon be saying bye-bye to size 14 at the Gap and moving in to a 12!

I have also realized that the best gift I can give myself for my birthday is the gift of health. There is no excuse for me not to be healthy, prevent heart disease and other preventable diseases by changing my activity level and eating habits. No backsliding on this one!

I've learned that keeping true to "everything in moderation" makes me happy. No foods are off limits and by satiating my desire to eat things outside of the norm on special occasions I won't feel like I am denying myself. I also won't overdo it and take an all or nothing approach. Even if I overindulge I will just pick myself up and continue on the right path the next day.

Most importantly, I've learned how important it is for me to have a community to support my weight loss efforts, celebrate my accomplishments and give me a shoulder to cry in if I fall off the wagon. I am so happy to have all of my online friends for support - you've really helped make this journey possible!

I am up for the challenge of the Shrinking Jeans Olympics. I don't know what is in store but whatever it is, I can't wait!

Disclosure: I am a Yummy Tummy Ambassador and occasionally receive Yummy Tummy products to review.

Pilates

While on this journey to healthy living I like to mix things up in the exercise department. On some days I am able to make it to the gym for my favorite spinning classes but on many days I just can't get there. For the first 6 weeks of my journey I exclusively worked out at home and lost 19 pounds so having a gym membership is really not necessary to get results.

Last week I took the challenge thrown down by The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans and tried a new workout. I have to tell you that it certainly was a challenge because I have tried most types of exercise at least once. Luckily, I had a pilates DVD from Jenny Craig- the Core Plus Reformer that I hadn't tried yet.

This DVD is from Gaiam ( a brand that I know for the yoga DVDs that I love) and the class is led by Mari . She provides direction during the video while her students execute the movements. The DVD comes with a four pronged resistance band for use during the workout. Although it takes some adjusting to get used to using this contraption, I have to say that it certainly takes an already challenging workout up a notch. Every exercise uses the core muscles - even if it is targeting another area like the legs or the arms.

One thing that I really appreciated was the modified version of the exercises. It is going to take me a long time to reach the advanced level of some of the students in the video. As a matter of fact, seeing their flexibility at some points made me want to hit them - they made it look so easy and I have to tell you, Pilates is far from easy!

I know that with consistent use of this DVD I will see my muscles tone up. I will build strength and look leaner if I keep at it. Pilates is certainly not for the faint of heart but it is a workout that will give you results. This DVD was difficult but I highly recommend it. If you are interested in trying it out, visit your nearest Jenny Craig location. You don't have to be a member to purchase this DVD.

Disclosure: I received the Core Plus Reformer DVD from the company but was never asked to review it. As a matter of fact, I've had this thing since September and never opened the box until now!

Operation Weight Loss Week 11- The incredible shrinking woman

After a great trip to Nashville for the Blissdom blogging conference I had no expectation of dropping any pounds. Although I made pretty wise food choices, I did indulge more than once. My weakness is craisins and almonds, I had them with me for a snack and let's just say "I can't believe I ate the whole thing!" LOL I also had some fried foods - coconut shrimp and a puffed pastry that was amazing. Despite these indulgences, I still made sure I exercised. I tried a new machine at the hotel gym called the Mountain Trainer and that thing kicks butt! If you are a member of a gym and they have one you have to try it out. I burned crazy calories in a short amount of time! Staying at the Opryland Hotel ensured that I'd get exercise too. That place has over 2800 rooms, it is huge! Walking around was a workout.

At today's weigh-in I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I am down .9 - almost an entire pound! This brings my total weight loss to 26.2 pounds! I am ecstatic. Check out my video to see more of my enthusiasm and it looks like in a couple of weeks I may need to go shopping for a smaller pair of jeans! I am certainly shrinking fast!

Momspotting

If you follow me on twitter you've probably seen me use the hashtag (#) #momspotting and wondered what in the world that was all about. Momspotters are community journalists - moms that are chronicling their experiences using technology and how it effects our everyday lives. At least three times a day I tweet about technology and parenting and I also participate in the Family Connections forum on BlogHer where I and 19 other moms are writing about our experiences with technology.

We'd love to have you join the conversation. You can simply join in and use the hashtag on twitter or even join the forum and participate there. I'll make it even easier for you - I am doing a meme and I'd love for you to join in, either in the comments or on your own blog. I am really curious to hear your responses to these questions - I'll start.

1. Which expensive electronic device do you most often let your older children abuse or your baby drool on?

My son is two and a half and I let him use my iPhone all the time. He actually started trying to use as soon as I received it in April of last year- right before he turned two. He watched me using the touchscreen and picked up the concept immediately. A friend of mine directed me to all sorts of things that I could download for him and I now have several apps (all educational of course) that my son uses on a daily basis. I also have downloaded episodes of his favorite shows for those times when I need to keep him entertained (especially when we drive in the car, this saved us on our roadtrip to Nashville yesterday!).

2. How many take-out restaurant numbers do you have programmed into your phone? I actually don't have any take-out restaurant numbers programmed into my phone. The only take-out in my area is Chinese (my favorite) but since I've been focusing on my health I've been eating at home (with the exception of when I am out of town) and haven't had Chinese food in 3 months.

3. How many hours of television do you so totally not let your kids watch a week?

Television? Are we counting time spent on the iPhone watching downloaded episodes of shows? Okay, I don't let my son watch "way too much" television although when he does watch television it is educational so that has to count for something, right?

4. Do you think people who say “we don’t watch television” at playdates but really mean “we just watch DVDs” are lying liars from Liarville?

I think that is hilarious and whatever it takes for people to feel better. My best friend and I have playdates with our sons and we chat while they play but we ALWAYS have DVDs on hand to entertain them. It keeps them enthralled and they don't fight when they are watching movies. Sometimes mommies want to have grown up talk without interruption. DVDs help us make that happen.

5. How many miles have you driven with your child and not one device of electronic entertainment in a single car trip? See question 1. Unless we count the miles when my son is sleeping, he usually has my iPhone in hand during a car trip.

6. What’s your record for calls to the pediatrician or Ask-a-Nurse in a single day?

I've been pretty good about not calling my pediatrician excessively. I was most distraught the first weekend I had my son home from the hospital. And of course, my doctor was in the Bahamas. She told me to call anytime so I waited until the morning and called her on a Sunday to ask if my son was nursing enough. She called me within two hours and although I was very apologetic, things worked in my favor because she'd returned home early - the weather was terrible in the Bahamas.

7. What’s the sexiest thing your husband/partner could text you after a hard day?

Don't cook, I'm making dinner (this is a fantasy, my husband will only cook if I am knocked up or seriously sick. Neither of which is happening anytime soon).

8. What’s your favorite iPad joke? Hmm, I am not sure about this one. Something about #momspotters needing an iPad, yeah, I'm sure that was it. LOL

9. What’s the dumbest parenting tool, gear, gadget or device you ever bought?

I can't take credit for buying this but I still think it is a dumb device- a wipes warmer. Mom, I know you had the best intentions but that thing is a breeding ground for bacteria and I stopped using it to heat wipes after the first couple of days. I just warmed the wipes by rubbing them in my hands - worked great!

10. How many years will it take for your child to become more tech-savvy than you?

Years? At the rate he is going, I think my son will be more tech-savvy than I am by next week!

Please feel free to answer these questions too - no pressure, but I'd love to read your answers!

Wear Red Day - Friday February 5, 2010

Go Red for Women
Originally uploaded by rj_ross.rm

Yesterday I went to the doctor. Nothing is wrong but I needed to take care of something that I've been putting off for awhile. As usual, the nurse took my blood pressure and I was a little anxious. All of the women in my family are hypertensive - my mother, my aunt, my grandmother and my great aunt. Although my great aunt and grandmother are no longer with us, they both suffered as a result of their heart disease.

Every time I have my blood pressure checked I worry. I don't want to be in the same boat as the other women in my family and have to take medication to keep my blood pressure down. Of course, this worrying can skew the results and my pressure was 140/80. If you don't know, that is pretty high. The nurse attributed it to my activity before having it taken and she didn't seem very concerned. I just hope that when I have my physical on the 19th that my pressure will be normal.

In addition to my genetic predisposition I have reason to be concerned. Did you know that cardiovascular disease kills approximately 450,000 women each year? That is about one every two minutes! And, more women die of heart disease than the next five causes of death including cancer. And 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease!

The good news is that heart disease is preventable. 80 percent of cardiac events in women may be prevented if women make the right choices for their hearts, involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking.

All of these facts are highlighted on the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women website. And I am in full support of raising awareness about heart disease among women, especially since I know I am at risk. The fact that I've embarked on a healthy lifestyle including exercise and watching the things that I eat certainly can help diminish my risks for heart disease.

This Friday, February 5th I will be joining thousands of women and wearing red for National Wear Red Day. I will be at Blissdom wearing the outfit I have on in the photo above. Perhaps you can join in and wear red too. Most of us are at risk, help raise awareness and better yet, still living a fit and healthy lifestyle to prevent heart disease!

Operation Weight Loss Week 10- The incredible shrinking woman

Week 1

Week 10

This is week 10 on my journey to live healthy and lose 50 pounds. At my weigh-in today I basically maintained my weight loss from last week - there was a .4 difference but I'll take it! I know that I have been eating properly and exercising so I have no doubt that the scale will move next week. I also monitor my progress by checking out the way my clothes fit. I am proud to report that my size 12 jeans from Ann Taylor are fitting with some wiggle room! I still wear a 14 in Gap jeans but I have no doubt that I will soon be in a 12.

One thing to keep in mind is that all designers clothing fits differently. I can proudly say that despite discrepancies in sizing in "normal" stores, I am now no longer able to fit Lane Bryant clothing. I love you Lane Bryant, you've been a staple in my wardrobe for several years but

all good things must end, it is time for me to move on!

In the middle of typing this post I had an impulse to flex my biceps and to my surprise, I can see muscles. Not anything dramatic but it is a start. I think in the upcoming weeks I will really start adding strength training and toning to my exercise program. Building muscle will help me burn more fat and I love to have some definition.

Tomorrow my son and I travel to Nashville for the Blissdom conference. It will be great to see my bloggy buddies and of course I will be challenged with eating right and exercise. I am confident that I will stick to the plan and not venture too far off course. I am in this for the long haul and I always remember that saying "a minute on the lips, a lifetime on the hips" that of course is an exaggeration, however when I think about burning empty calories to prevent weight gain I have second thoughts about eating things that aren't good for me.

*Remember to enter the giveaway of the "Never Give Up" necklace designed by Kristen of Kristen's Custom Creations. I love her jewelry and am so happy that she thought of me with this piece and generously is providing one for my readers!

Until next week's weight loss update - this is the incredible shrinking woman signing off.

Never Give Up!

Giveaway Closed! Congratulations to Mendie!

I can't believe that it has been 11 weeks since that fateful day when I was told I am obese. Wait, let me change that - I "was" obese but now after weeks of hard work I am now overweight. Although I have a long way to go before I am in the "normal' range, I celebrate the fact that as of last Monday I've lost 25 pounds. And tomorrow I am sure I will be down at least another 2 pounds. If you've been following my blog, you know that I have been quite focused on my journey to healthy living. And it has been a journey. It started early last year, well, really in 2008 but this time I've been committed to serious change and things are happening for me.

I've been posting about my progress here, on twitter and on facebook. Both to keep myself accountable but also to encourage others to get out there and exercise. And I am happy to say that I've received so many emails and notes encouraging me to keep going and also letting me know that I've played a role in motivating others to exercise. I love this! One of my long time blogging friends Kristen of Kristen's Custom Creations reached out to me the other day because she designed a piece of jewelry just for me. Inspired by my commitment and journey to healthy living she sent me this "Never Give Up" necklace. I LOVE IT!

And the best part is wearing this necklace will always remind me to "Never Give Up" no matter how difficult things get. In addition to being a creative inspiration for Kristen she also purchased EA SPORTS Active after watching all of my progress. That to me is what this is all about. Giving and receiving encouragement and motivation. I am so happy that I have so many people that are supporting me.

Thank you so much Kristen. Your support means the world to me!

And as a thank you to all of you for your support of my journey, Kristen has generously sponsored a giveaway. You too can have a "Never Give Up" necklace!

GIVEAWAY

To enter please leave a comment for every method of entry:

1. What you have been doing in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. (Mandatory entry)

Extra Entries:

2.Visit Kristen's Custom Creations and leave a comment with another piece of jewelry you'd like to own.

3.Tweet (you can do this 1 time daily): Enter to win a "Never Give Up" necklace by Kristen's Custom Creations on @CutieBootyCakes blog! http://bit.ly/cn1ooo

4. Subscribe to Cutie Booty Cakes (if you are already a subscriber leave a comment)

Good Luck!

This contest is open to US addresses and ends on Tuesday, February 9th at noon E.S.T.