WEEKS EIGHT & NINE!

Woo-hoo!! Good-bye to the first TWENTY POUNDS!!!

I wasn't sure it was going to happen, but it did!!  Now it's time to stay focused and keep on going!

Gems of the Week:

single-serve vegetables are ready in minutes in the microwave

I LLLOOOVVVEEE these!!

The Broccoli & Cheese Sauce is worth 1 POINT!

The Broccoli, Carrots & Italian Seasoning is 0 POINTS!

vegetables steamed to perfection

These tasty blends feature unique vegetables such as Parisian-style carrots and golden cauliflower in a low-fat olive oil or butter sauce. You cook them right in the bag!! SOOOO good!!

PoinstPlus Value: 0-2 POINTS

WEEK TEN is BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!!  Can't get lazy when it comes to my weight-loss journey!  Have a GREAT week, y'all!

♥ Julie

Week Eight Results: -1.6 pounds

Week Nine Results: -2.2 pounds

Total Weight Loss: -21.6 POUNDS

WEEKS FIVE, SIX & SEVEN!

I've been slightly MIA when it comes to blogging the last few weeks.  We've been battling the cold/flu, working on school projects, cupcake orders, and to top it off... a brand spankin' new PUPPY!!

Sophie and the new baby, Bo

I can't say that I've been all that great with "goals" so far this year.  My art journal sits on the table with only one entry in it and my closet remains FULL of unworn clothes.  BUT... I have been making better choices with what I'm eating and I've been trying to move more (even if I can't get in regular exercise).  Finding little things (I like to call, "My Favorite Finds") have helped a lot!

MY FAVORITE FINDS:

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Thomas' Bagel Thins and right now, the Cinnamon Raisin are my FAVS!

WW PointsPlus Value: 3 Points!!

Weight Watchers Cream Cheese Spread in single serving cups are SO convenient!  They are perfect with my Bagel Thins!

WW PointsPlus Value: 2 Points

Last, but not least, Torani Sugar Free Almond Roca Syrup.  My Mom & Dad got me hooked on this stuff when they were here last month!  I heat up some nonfat milk in my frother, add some syrup, and whip up some frothy goodness! Pour into my travel mug, add coffee, and ENJOY!!  Who needs Starbucks with this stuff around! (Don't tell Starbucks I said that!)

WW PointsPlus Value for my Almond Roca Latte: 2 Points

So, my "goals" for this week... I'm not going to stress about the things I don't get done.  I have decided to claim the things that I do accomplish as victories and move on from there!  One step at a time!

Here's to a week FULL of small victories!

♥ Julie

Week Five Results: +1 pound
Week Six Results: -2.4 pounds
Week Seven Results: -2.4 pounds

Total Weight Loss: -17.8 POUNDS

WEEK THREE!

UGH! Sooooo close....!!

I came SO CLOSE to being able to cross off my first 10 pounds this week!  Unfortunately, I only lost .8 pounds, so I'll have to wait til next week to do it!

I did increase my activity this week by helping my dad demolish the sidewalk on the side of my house.

I was hoping to have worked more of that gut off but not so much.  I did get rid of a few tons of concrete and now I have a pretty new sidewalk!

With all of the "work" being done around the house, all of my other "to do" lists have gone untouched.  I hope to get to them soon.  For right now, I'm just going to concentrate on getting things straightened up and keeping up with my food journal!  Baby steps!!

♥ Julie

Week Three Results: -0.8 pounds
Total Weight Loss: -9.8 POUNDS

WeEk TwO!

Well, Week Two flew by!  We're in the middle of some home improvement projects (thanks to my Mom & Dad coming down to assist).  Once the dust settles, I'll find some time to sit down with my poor, EMPTY art journal.  This week I'll get rid of 10 pieces of clothing since I didn't get to it last week!

We've been using the Crock-Pot a lot this week.  Here's one of the recipes we tried:

Chili with Turkey & Beans

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey

2 cans (14 ounces) fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cans (14 ounces) sodium-free kidney beans, rinsed and drained

2 cans (14 ounces) sodium-free black beans, rinsed and drained

8 ounces tomato sauce

4 ounces mild green chilies, chopped

1 cup onion, chopped

1 cup shredded carrot

1 cup chopped celery

3 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

4 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup amaretto (optional)

Directions:

Cook turkey and onion in medium skillet over medium-high heat, stirring to break up meat, until turkey is no longer pink.  Drain; place turkey mixture into the slow cooker.  Add remaining ingredients; mix well.  Cover; cook on High 7 hours.

Makes about 6 (1 1/4 cup) servings.

WW PointsPlus Points: 7

Week Two Results: -2.8

Total Weight Loss: -9.0

Week One!

Week One down and I'm feeling pretty good! It really does make a difference when you are NOT eating anything and everything in sight AND when you're NOT eating fast food 3-4 times a week!

I'm on the new Weight Watchers Points Plus program.  I've found that a lot of the things I used to eat on program are worth more points now.  I do get more points per day on the new program, but it's still hard to get used to.  One of the things I LOVE about the new program is that fruit is 0 POINTS!!!  That's AWESOME!!

So... Week One Results:

• Concentrated on my food intake and only eating when hungry
  (although I felt like I was ALWAYS hungry!).
• Didn't get a chance to do any more with my art journal.
• Complained less - smiled more!
• Weight Loss: 6.2 POUNDS!!!

Goals for Week Two:

• Keep up with my food "log".
• Make at least one entry in my art journal.
• Get rid of 5 pieces of clothing - time to get that closet cleaned out!

See ya next week!

xoxo,

Julie ♥

Livin' LARGE in 2010!

HaPpY 2011!!

The Chubby Cupcake is back and

livin' LARGE (literally)!

Me and my boys at Thanksgiving



I can't believe that it's been a YEAR since my last post!  Actually, looking at the number on the scale, I can TOTALLY believe it!  Yup, I've been livin' large.

Like most people, I started 2010 with good intentions (helping to pave that "road").  For many reasons and excuses, my plan never stuck.  The only thing that was of any benefit was that I was able to keep up with semi-regular activity - until late September.  When that stopped, the pounds really started to add up.  I spent most of that time kidding myself that "at least I've only gone up one size".  I'm pretty sure that what is now considered a size 14 is what used to be a size 16!  Those darn clothing manufacturers are only helping us with our delusions!  Anyway...

New year - new start!  It's time to give it another try.  This time, I hope to work on the inside as well as the outside.  The Chubby Cupcakes wants to be the best that she can be!

So, here's the damage... 197.4 pounds.

Goals for this week:

work on menu planning

drink more WATER

I've also started an art journal - to keep my creative juices flowing.

Best of luck to all of you who have begun a new journey in 2011.  Let me know how it goes.  I'll be rooting for ya!

Julie ♥

Happy 2010!

The good thing about the new year means a clean slate! For almost two months, I fell off the wagon. I tried to keep up with my activity (for the most part), but my eating habits were out of control. I did have some good days and the good news is that I only gained 5.5 pounds during my rebellion! I'll take that because I was expecting WORSE!!

I've spent the last week trying to refocus. Activity-wise, it's been great. Eating-wise still needs work. Maybe I should just wire my mouth shut...

Anyway, it's back to business... no giving up... accept my failures and move on...

xoxo,
Julie

WEEK 24??

Greetings, my faithful few!!

I guess that I've been MIA for a few weeks. Between taxi/school bus driver, homework, 2 boys in football on separate teams, the dog, a few swaps to finish and the occasional "mom's day at the beach", I haven't had much of a chance to blog.

For the most part, I'm sticking with my workouts. I wish that I could say the same for my diet. I still lose a pound - then gain a pound, lose two - gain two, lose 1/2 - gain 1/2. I REALLY need to regain control and get back in the game!

I hope that you are all well and finding success!!

I'll be back soon!!

xoxo,

Julie

WEEK TWENTY

Mmmm... made some yummy stuff last week!
Here's one of the Weight Watchers recipes I tried:

Bacon, Tomato, and Cheddar Frittata

(Serves 4)

1 medium onion, chopped

3 large eggs

3 large egg whites

1 cup fat-free milk

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

4 slices Canadian bacon, chopped

1 large tomato, chopped

1 cup shredded fat-free cheddar

Chives (optional)

• Spray a 10-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.
• Preheat broiler.
• Whisk the eggs, egg whites, milk, and pepper in a large bowl until blended. Stir in the onion bacon, tomato, and cheese.
• Wipe the skillet clean; spray with nonstick spray and set over medium heat. Add the egg mixture, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, undisturbed, until the bottom of the frittata is firm, 8-10 minutes.
• Place the skillet under the broiler and broil 5 inches from the heat until the frittata is set in the center, 3 minutes. Garnish with chives, if using.

Per Serving (1/4 of fritatta): 198 Cal, 8g Fat, 3g Sat Fat, 0g Trans Fat, 178mg Chol, 711mg Sod, 9g Carb, 1g Fib, 22g Prot, 312mg Calc. POINTS value: 4.

I added 1 small red bell pepper (chopped) to the onion. That make it a bit more filling and added more flavor! I served it with whole wheat toast and a fruit salad.

By the way, for the fruit salad, I just chopped misc. fruit (1 apple, 1 orange, 1 banana, strawberries and grapes) and stirred in about 1 cup of fat-free vanilla yogurt. Then I sprinkled in about 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut. The coconut added SUCH yummy flavor! Give it a try!

Well, have a WONDERFUL week, y'all!

Week Twenty Results: -1.7 pounds
Total Weight Loss: -21.8 pounds
Determination Level: STILL HIGH

xoxo,
Julie

So Long Summer!

It's hard to believe that summer is over. I guess it's true that time flies when you're having fun!

Well, my 20-year reunion went well. It was great to see old friends and reconnect. There were a few people who still look the same but for the most part we've all aged a bit. There were quite a few people that I would never have recognized if I passed them on the street. Some said that I hadn't changed and some didn't recognize me at first. All in all, I felt pretty good being there even though I wasn't as thin as I would have liked to have been.

Our family camping trip went well too! Lots and lots of walking and hikes! My mom wore her Weight Watchers pedometer the whole time and we figure that we walked about 50 miles in 5 days. It felt great, but I have to admit that all of that activity (and just being outdoors) made me REALLY hungry. I ate more that I should have and that's probably why I gained but hey, I was on vacation!

Now that we're home and school is starting, I'm ready to get back on track! Early morning Wii Active workouts, mid-morning walks and meal planning for starters. I'm toying with the idea of taking a fitness kickboxing class - if I can convince a friend to join too, it's a go!

I brought home the new Weight Watchers cookbook, Comfort Classics. Can't wait to try the Bacon Tomato Cheddar Frittata, Skillet Macaroni and Cheese, Confetti Meatloaf with Cajun Barbecue Sauce and the Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. I'll let you know how they turn out!

One of my NEW favorite finds: the Yoplait Delights Lemon Torte Parfaits!! So yummy and creamy that you almost forget that you're eating yogurt - only 100 calories per serving! They also come in Chocolate Raspberry, Triple Berry Creme and Creme Caramel. You've gotta try em!

Well, happy back to school y'all!! Catch ya later!



Week Nineteen Results: +2.6 pounds
Total Weight Loss: -20.1 pounds
Determination Level: HIGH


xoxo,
Julie

WEEK SIXTEEN

Well, we're gettin' ready for our trip north.

High School Reunion - Friday & Saturday

Brendan's 10th Birthday - Saturday

Camping - Sunday thru Friday

We'll also be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary while we're at camp!!

Looking forward to catching up with old friends, spending time with family, long walks & hikes, maybe a little rock climbing and relaxing by the campfire.

I'll share pictures when we get back!

Week Sixteen Results: -1.5 pounds

Total Weight Loss: -22.7 pounds

Determination Level: STILL GOING

xoxo,

Julie

WINNER & WEEK FIFTEEN

And the winner is.....

Le Core Femme !!!

Congrats Tonya!! Thanks to everyone who
stopped by to help me celebrate!!

Well, let's get down to business!!
Yes, I was a little better at planning this week.
Dinners - I tried a couple of recipes that I'll share with ya later. Lunches are where I fell short!! I'm focused this week though!

As far as the exercise part goes, I'm happy to say that
I stuck with the 4 days of Wii Active and ended up
walking ALL SEVEN DAYS!! So far, we've maxed out
at 2 miles, but I know that we can do more (Sam is having some leg pain issues)! I'm actually starting to get "urges" to go out and exercise (above and beyond the daily stuff)!!

Sadly, I seem to be stuck at my current weight. I'm feeling great, so I'll take maintaining over a gain any day! I would like this "loser" thing to get rolling again though! All I can do is my best! NEVER GIVE UP!!

Week Fifteen Results: -0 pounds
Total Weight Loss: -21.2 pounds
Determination Level: NOT GIVING UP!

xoxo,
Julie

WEEKS 13 & 14

Confession time! I reached my first goal of 20 pounds
and then I got lazy! Don't get me wrong, I kept up with
my exercising, I just got lazy when it came to food. Maybe "lazy" isn't the right word for it - "comfortable" is more like it. I got too comfortable grabbing something to eat (Del Taco, chips, corn dog...) and then telling myself, "I'll make up for it at the next meal." That rarely
happened. I either wouldn't eat at all or I'd grab something again! What's with the self-sabotage??!!

My new focus... meal planning. If I want to continue to
see results, I need to get back to thinking ahead.
I'm going to try some new recipes (Weight Watchers and
Hungry Girl). I'll let you know how it goes.

I'm also adding to my workout. In addition to doing the
Wii Active at least 4 day this week, I plan to walk at least 5
days. It helps to have someone to walk with. My pal Sam and I walked a mile and a quarter today. We'll add a few more laps tomorrow!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

Week Thirteen Results: +0.9 pounds
Week Fourteen Results: -1.1 pounds
Total Weight Loss: -21.2 pounds
Determination Level: BACK ON TRACK

xoxo,
Julie

GIVEAWAY!!

To celebrate the loss of my first 20 POUNDS,
I'm havin' a little giveaway!

Here's what you'll get:

• a mini-metal tray magnet - "When I say the word 'Exercise',..."
• a fun blue whisk so you can whip up something yummy
• vintage/retro recipe cards
• a retro-style recipe box to hold all of your favorite diet-friendly recipes
• cute pink polka dot tissues

To enter:
Post a comment here (between now and August 1).
Leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo,
Julie

WEEK 12 - CELEBRATE!!

To help me say good-bye, au revoir, auf wiedersehen, arrivederci, so long to my first 20 POUNDS, I'll be having a little giveaway.
Stay tuned next week for details!

Week Twelve Results: -2.0 pounds
Total Weight Loss: -21.0 pounds
Determination Level: FEELIN' GOOD

xoxo,
Julie

WEEKS 10 & 11

What is is about us girls? Why is it that we have
such a hard time seeing ourselves the way we
really are? I've spent the last two weeks complaining
that I was having a "fat week". Anytime someone would
comment (or compliment me) on my weight loss, I
would respond with a "I feel like a cow" or "I don't
feel like I've lost much". When I looked in the mirror
or at a picture of myself, I didn't see someone who
had lost almost 20 pounds, I only felt defeated.

Well silly girl, SNAP OUT OF IT!! I'm doing fine!!
I'm out of the 180's and only 1 pound from my first
20 pound goal! I'm right on track!! I can do this!
I'm looking good!!

Week Ten Results: -1.5 pounds
Week Eleven Results: -2.5 pounds
Total Weight Loss: -19.0 pounds
Determination Level: HIGH

xoxo,
Julie

WEEK EIGHT

Well, it's official... school's out and summer has begun!
I can honestly say that I'm not completely dreading putting on a bathing suit!

Fun stuff...

...Sunday was the premier of the new season of True Blood on HBO. My fellow vamp-lovin' friend Sam came over and we had a little "party". I gave out vampire fangs for favors and planned a diet-friendly menu.

We started off with chips & salsa and
Hungry Girl's Freezy-Fresa Strawberry Margaritas.
I used Fresca instead of Diet Sprite. YUMMY!!

Then we had HG's Lean Bean Cheesy Enchiladas
and a big green salad!! Mmmm...

We finished off with Weight Watchers Raspberry Cream Tostadas. I used frozen mixed berries instead of raspberries. YUM-O!!

What a FUN evening!!
The show was great, the food was yummy
and the company was fantastic!!!

Week Eight Results: -2.0 pounds
Total Weight Loss: -16.3 pounds
Determination Level: REALLY HIGH

xoxo,
Julie

WEEK SEVEN

Boy did I dodge a bullet!!
I thought for sure that I was going to gain this week!!

#1. I didn't journal AT ALL.
#2. It was "that time of the month".
#3. NO planning.
#4. I was SO BUSY, that we ate out A LOT.
#5. I came pretty close to finishing an entire bag of

Chipotle Ranch/Zesty Taco Doritos all by myself!

I'll definitely have to be on my toes this week... don't want a delayed reaction!
Oh, and I'm in the market for a beach cruiser bike.

Why not get a little exercise on my way to Starbucks every morning, right?

Week Seven Results: -2.2 pounds
Total Weight Loss: -14.3 pounds
Determination Level: HIGH

xoxo,

Julie

WEEK SIX

Dontcha just hate playin' catch-up?! I know I do. I was doing it last week... trying to catch-up after eating my way through my birthday! On top of that, I had goodie bags to make, a baby shower to plan, swaps and orders to fill AND THEN, my baby boy comes home with a fever! His fever lasted 3 days only to be follow by hives that lasted another 3 days! I pretty much got NOTHING done last week! Don't even ask about trying that workout again!!

I will say that it was nice to be distracted from food. Even though I was stressed, I knew what kinds of food choices to make without having to really think about it. I guess there is something to be said about "practice makes perfect". I'm FAR from perfect, but I'm working HARD to become the "as close to perfect me" as I can be!

(I know! I know! I finally posted another picture of myself!)

Highlight of the week:

I was able to take a break from sick-kiddo duty and head out to Temecula and La Maison Rustique. It got to see the sweet Joy of The Vintage Rabbit and the lovely Sherry of Glamarella Junk (and all the other gals out there)!

All in all, even with all of it's up's and down's, week six wasn't so bad!

Week Six Results: -2.0 pounds

Total Weight Loss: -12.1 pounds

Determination Level: Still HIGH

xoxo,
Julie

WEEK FIVE

Well, week five was pretty much a BUST!!

I definitely celebrated my birthday (Thursday - Sunday)!!

Although I didn't stay on program, I did make better food choices than I normally would have. The thing that probably got me the most was the in-between meal snacking... in the car, by the pool, etc.

I was going to skip weigh-in this week, knowing that I had gained. I decided that in order to be true to myself and this process, I needed to face the music. The results of my extended celebration are listed below...

One of the things my husband got me for my birthday was EA Sports Active for Wii. I was SO excited - Wii Fit just wasn't cuttin' it!!

So, Friday morning I got up and got ready for my new workout. I selected the "easy" 20-minute circuit workout. Let me tell you, I don't think that I even made it halfway through. I seriously thought that I was going to die!! It didn't help that my youngest son, Brendan, sat there laughing at me the whole time!! When I could finally catch my breath, I crawled off the couch and turned off the Wii. By Friday evening, I could barely walk and I stayed in that condition ALL WEEKEND!! It's Tuesday morning, and my legs are STILL a bit sore!! MAN AM I OUT OF SHAPE!!!!! I'm not giving up though!! EA Active, I'm comin' for ya!!

Week Five Results: +1.3 pounds
Total Weight Loss: -10.1 pounds
Determination Level: HIGH

xoxo,

Julie