I Saw A Psychiatrist Yesterday

Yesterday I met with a Psychiatrist. It was my first time so I was a little nervous. I was very pleased that I didn't even have to sit in the waiting room and wait. They were ready for me when I arrived. That never happens so it was a very pleasant surprise. :)

My Psychiatrist was so nice. She asked me what felt like a thousand questions and was very sweet while she listened to all of my answers. It was a very interesting appointment. It was funny that by her asking me all of these questions I pretty much came up with the same conclusion as she did.

She does not think that I need to be treated with medicine. She thinks that a lot of what I am feeling is coming from the fact that I am a perfectionist. I see everything as either perfect or a failure. Honestly I knew that I think like this but I really never thought that there was anything wrong with it. She explained to me that there is an in between and it is okay to be in between. I guess I never really thought of it this way. She thinks I am driving myself crazy by trying to always do everything perfect and when don't do it perfect I feel like a failure and this is where stress and depression come into play.

It all completely makes sense to me now. This isn't my only issue but I think it is where all of my others issues stem from. Another big problem that I have is taking to much on. I try to do it all and I kill myself trying. The Psychiatrist told me that it is okay to ask for help. Honestly, this is something that I am not fond of. It seems like most times I ask for help I am either made to feel guilty or let down. Two things that my mind just can not handle. There is nothing worse then being made to feel guilty or be let down by the people you love. I feel like most of the time it is just easier to do things by myself.

I'm sure I could go on and on with all of my problems but I'm sure you get the idea. I try to do to much, always try to make it perfect and don't like to ask for help. I guess this would drive anyone a little crazy. :)

My Psychiatrist doesn't think that I need to see her. She is pretty much there to prescribe medicine. She thinks it would be a good idea to see a therapist. Someone that can help me work out these little things that are making me feel miserable. She also thinks a therapist can help me with my stress eating (binging). Now that would be awesome!!!

I wanted to let all of you know that I appreciate all of your prayers and concern. You are all such wonderful people and I really appreciate that you are always here for me. Thanks for being the best readers a girl could have. :)

I need sleep

Today was a rough day. I ended up having to go to the doctor. I have a sinus infection, double ear infection and some kind of infection in my throat. Now I am sitting up at midnight typing this post because I can't sleep. My head, ears and throat hurt and I can't breath through my nose. It's not going to be a good night.

At least my hubby is taking good care of me. He went to the store and bought me a watermelon and cantaloupe. I have been craving them. :) Then he made me some hot tea and put the girls to bed. It's always nice to feel loved!

I am planning on enjoying my fruit tomorrow. I just hope I can function enough to get through the day. Now I'm off to try sleeping again.

Goodnight!

Paisley Peach Designs Review and Giveaway!!!

Check out the beautiful necklace I was given to review! It was made by Gennelle Gardner of Paisley Peach Designs.

It is definitely my new favorite necklace. It is perfect for someone like me. I love to have an everyday necklace and for me this is the one. I wear it with just about everything. It looks great with a pair of jeans or a little black dress. That's why I love this piece so much.

As a mother of two I don't always have the time to dig through my jewelry to find that perfect necklace. Right now I take this one off at night and put it on my dresser. Then in the morning I grab it and put it right back on. It looks great with whatever I wear.

I have gotten tons of complements on it so far and I think it is because it has this perfect little sparkle to it. My favorite part of this necklace is that the clasp in the back never moves. No more twisted necklace syndrome for me. :) This necklace seriously is made so well that the beads always stay in the center of your neck and the clasp always stays in the back. It's the best feature! I love it!

Here are some of my other favorites that Genelle makes and sells at Paisley Peach Designs.

Genelle creates necklaces, bracelets and earrings that she sells on her site all at very reasonable prices. You can click here to visit Paisley Peach Designs and look at all of the beautiful jewelry Genelle is selling.

Not only is Genelle doing a giveaway but she is also

offering all of my readers 10% off

of their purchase

until the contest ends on Nov. 3, 2010.

Paisley Peach Designs Giveaway:

The winner of the giveaway will receive a $15 Gift Certificate to Paisley Peach Designs and free shipping when using the certificate.

How To Enter:


1. Visit Paisley Peach Designs by clicking here and come back and leave a comment telling me what piece of jewelry you would like to have.

2. For a second entry "Like" Paisley Peach Designs on Facebook by clicking here and then leave me a comment telling me you did so.

3. For a third entry post on your blog about this contest and include a link to my blog and post the link in the comment section.

4. For a fourth entry sign up for my newsletter by entering your email on the top right hand side of my blog and then leave a comment saying that you signed up. . If you already signed up just leave that in the comment section.

5. For a fifth and sixth entry follow me on twitter or facebook (leave separate comments).


The Winner will be chosen using a random number generator. All entries must be received by Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 11:59 CST. The winner will be announced Thursday, November 11th, 2010. For U.S Addresses Only.

This review is my honest opinion of Paisley Peach Designs.
I am not responsible for any prizes.

Depression

I am sure many of you have noticed the past few weeks that my posts are not like me. I am not writing regularly and I am sure you can notice the lack of motivation for losing weight. I'm sure if you have been reading my blog you know that this is just not like me.

My lack of motivation lately has not just been towards my weight loss. I have pretty much lacked motivation in every area of my life. I am normally a person that over does everything even if it means suffering more because of my Fibromyalgia. Sometimes I just don't know when to stop. But right now I don't even have the motivation to do things at all. It's not like me and it is so frustrating.

I have been trying to shake this feeling for 6-8 weeks or maybe even a little longer but I just can't seem to snap out of it. I have tried everything and anything to try to get my back and nothing seems to work. I do have good days but even my good days aren't quite normal.
I thought for sure I could shake this but as of last week I realized that no matter what I do I can't change the way I feel right now.

I messaged my Rhuematologist and she agrees that I am probably suffering with depression. She suggested seeing a Psychiatrist to adjust my medications. I will be seeing the Psychiatrist this Thursday. I really hope to get things figured out soon so that I can start feeling normal again.

Until then I am going to do the best I can with my weight loss. I am still trying and no matter how I feel I am not ready to give up on my weight loss journey. I have worked too hard to give that up.

Today I am going to do some meal planning for the week. This should help to relieve a little stress and help me to eat healthier.

Please keep me in your prayers as I deal with this situation.

Breakfast Smoothies

I seriously could not live without them. I love Breakfast Smoothies!!! I am not a breakfast person. I am more a eat pizza or donuts breakfast person. :) I love sweets for breakfast. I no longer allow myself to do this but if I didn't care about my health or weight I would eat like this every day.

I think that is why I love my breakfast smoothies. To me they taste like a milkshake yet they are so good for me. I also love that they are quick and easy to make. I have a smoothie for breakfast 90% of the time. The only reason I don't have a smoothie for breakfast is if I am really running late and don't have time to make one. On those days I don't usually have anything for breakfast. Trust me, I don't like those days.

If you have never tried a Smoothie for breakfast you need to click on the link below and try some of my Smoothie recipes. My favorite right now is my Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie with Banana. It tasted like a chocolate peanut butter milkshake. So Yummy! I have had this one for breakfast every day this week. :)

Click Here for Smoothie Recipes.

The best part about making my smoothies lately is that I can make them in my Vitamix! Which means that I can throw carrots, spinach or whatever I have on hand into one of these smoothies and never taste it. It is a great way to get some extra veggies into your diet. The Vitamix is so powerful that it puree's it so fine that you can't even tell it is there. It's awesome!

A big thank you again to the Vitamix company for giving me this wonderful machine. It is being well used!

I Love Fish Tacos

Gorton's and Ortega sent me coupons for their Fish and Taco Shells to try out some fish tacos. I know fish tacos may sound a little odd (they did to me anyway) but I was amazed to find out that I may like them even better then regular beef tacos. They are that good!





If you haven't given them a try yet you really should. They were awesome! I mixed a packet of taco seasoning with 1 (16oz) container of fat free sour cream and 1/2 cup of light Mayo to make a great sauce for on top of the fish. Then we topped them with lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers. I love the extra crunch the cucumbers added.

Yes, I used breaded fish but you could actually use any fish or even shrimp. I think I will give shrimp a try next time. I am all about these fish taco's right now. They just add such a cool twist to an average taco. I would have never thought to use fish instead of beef. It's such an exciting way to make a meal healthier and add variety to your diet.

This is Maddie taking her first bite. She was scared to try it. You can tell in the picture that she wasn't thrilled to be taking a bite. Let's just say she practically licked her plate clean. She loved the fish taco and went back for seconds. I think fish tacos are now one of her favorite foods. She is so funny!

The picture below is my third taco. Normally I wouldn't eat this many but for one they tasted awesome and two I forgot to try the hard shell with the second taco. So that just left me no choice but to have a third. :)




I had to take a picture of this one because Maddie made it for me. She was so excited to help Mommy make dinner. She added the carrot to make it look pretty. She did an excellent job making my taco because it was actually my favorite one! I loved the hard Ortega taco shell with the Gorton's fish. What a yummy combination. I wasn't expecting to like the hard shell fish taco that much as much as the soft shell. They were both yummy!


Although Gorton's and Ortega gave me the fish and the taco shells to try this yummy combination the opinions in this post are all mine. I love fish taco's and the Gorton's Fish and Ortega shells were excellent! I can't wait to have them again.

Why not add a twist to your Taco Night and try some Fish tacos!!! I think you and your kids will love them!

So Much For My Day Of Relaxation

Last night I wrote about how I was going to spend today relaxing and trying to come of with some ideas to motivate me to lose weight. Unfortunately I woke up at 4am with a migraine. It was horrible. I ended up sleeping in until 10am or should I say trying to sleep. Then I finally got up and took an Imetrex because I couldn't fight it any longer.



I know that you aren't supposed to fight migraines but I hate the way the meds make me feel so I always do my best to try to get rid of it on my own. Not the smartest idea but I really hate that drowsy feeling that I get from Imetrex. I was happy that my migraine was gone by the early afternoon.



It so frustrating to have migraines. They ruin your entire day. After getting rid of my migraine I felt totally drained. I was useless for the rest of the day. Not the type of relaxation I was looking for.



On the up side I did have a nice lunch. Last night I pounded out a chicken breast and marinated it in honey french salad dressing. For lunch I grilled it with some peppers and onions. It was delicious!






After lunch I did a little laundry and then took my daughter to her soccer game. It was freezing outside. I really wished I would have had some hot chocolate, a heavy coat, my gloves and my hat. Instead I went in a sweatshirt. What was I thinking? I am glad that the season is coming to an end. I love watching the kids play soccer but I really don't like the cold.

After soccer we came home to a nice warm crockpot meal. I marinated some chicken last night in a bottle of Lawry's Lemon Pepper Marinade and then threw it in the crockpot this afternoon with some potatoes, peppers and onions. It turned out to be delicious. The girls even loved it.

Tomorrow the girls and I are going for our flu shots. I'm not looking forward to that. Then we will be spending the day with my sister. I hope to spend some time tomorrow night working on my goals and motivation. It shouldn't be this hard!?!

I'm Still Alive!

It's been awhile but I'm still alive. :) I had a busy week and did a lot of catch up. I was able to catch up on grocery shopping, laundry and cooking along with having a nasty stomach bug. I am happy that the stomach bug at least was short lived. It only lasted about 24 hours but it was not fun. Especially since my two year old had it at the same time.

It's all over now and I am back to getting on track. Tomorrow I am going to spend relaxing a bit (because I really need it) and making some plans and goals for my weight loss. Right now I need to get myself motivated and moving in the right direction and I think the only way I am going to do that is to spend a little time planning. So that is my goal for tomorrow. To come up with some goals and specific plans to aid in my weight loss.

I think the change in weather is causing me to lack motivation. I have to find a solution to this. I need to find a way to make weight loss exciting again. Any suggestions? :)

Having Some Fun!!!

I went to Lil Kids Stuff today to pick up an outfit for my daughters pictures this Sunday and I ended up walking out with nothing for the girls and three things for me. It felt awesome!

I don't buy things for myself very often so it felt so good today to come home with something for myself. It's the funniest thing. I was in the store checking out all of their newest items when I spotted a beautiful hat. After trying it on to see if it fit I fell in love with it. It was just too cute to pass up. Then of course I spotted the matching scarf and the cutest gloves ever. It was all too perfect to pass up.

This is how I walked out of the store.

This is the scarf and hat together

These are my awesome gloves! Perfect for keeping my hands warm while buckling up the girls and they are just so cute and comfy!

When Maddie got home from school she decided that she should be the one wearing my new hat, gloves and scarf. She looked so cute. How could I say no? She is such a ham. Now she wants a set in a different color for herself.

If you are looking for a cute Hat, Scarf or gloves for yourself or your kids make sure you check out Lil Kids Stuff in Bloomsburg, PA. The place is awesome! If you are not able to visit the store you can check it out online by clicking here and emailing her directly requesting these pieces. They are not yest listed on the site but I am sure they would be glad to hook you up with them.

I Have A Plan!

That's right! I finally have a plan. It's seems like it been a while since I have been able to figure out a way to make it all work. I had a little time to think and pray today while I was cleaning and I came up with a new game plan. Wait until you hear how simple it is. I'm not sure why I didn't think of this one six weeks ago when my daughter started school.

So the plan is that I am going to start back at the gym. I just realized that the child care fits perfectly into my schedule. I'm mad at myself for not thinking of this a while ago. I can drop my daughter off at school and then head straight to the gym. That gives me three hours of time to myself to exercise. Of course I am not that dedicated but if I really wanted to I would have the time and child care for it. :)

That's just the beginning of my plan. I received a great suggestion today from one of my wonderful readers. Why not just go to bootcamp one or two times a week instead of feeling like I have to commit to three times a week. I am going to talk to Marc at Fuel Fitness about it to see if he is ok with it. I would love to continue doing bootcamp at least one time a week because it is really a great workout.

The plan is to go to bootcamp one to two days a week and then on the off days I can go to the gym. It seems like a perfect plan and I am finally excited to get back on track. I know it is sad but I have really been stressed about this bootcamp/exercise thing. It has been weighing on my mind for the past two weeks and it feels like a weight lifted to finally have it figured out.

I'm very excited to get back to the gym and even more excited to have figured out a way to fit bootcamp into my schedule. Even though it isn't the ideal way to do it I figure it is better then not doing it at all. I'm so, so excited!!! :) God is good!

Exercise, Exercise, Where Have You Gone???

I feel so disappointed in myself. I haven't exercised in over two weeks and I feel horrible about it. I just don't know what to do. I am thoroughly exhausted as it is with just taking care of my family. I really want to be the woman that goes to Bootcamp three days a week and feels great because I really do love Bootcamp and I really love the way I feel after I am done. It is such a wonderful workout and in such a short amount of time.

So why can't I figure out a way to fit it into my schedule without wearing myself out. I am having such a hard time figuring out a way that I can commit to it. I can only go to Bootcamp at 6am or sometimes 6pm (if my hubby isn't working late or my daughter doesn't have a soccer game). It seems like everytime I do try to commit to it something comes up. Sometimes it's a soccer game, in-laws are in visiting, birthdays, Doctor's appointments, or a sick child or husband, or even myself or a family member or friend that needs help. I know that it is important for me to exercise to stay healthy but I just can't put it in front of my family and friends.

Do any of you have the same problem? I know I could be doing another form of exercise but Marc at Fuel Fitness has given me such an awesome opportunity by letting me join his bootcamps and I really feel like I am missing out if I don't go. I wish I had a solution. :(

I think I am coming to the realization that I am going to have to choose a new form of exercise. So what do I choose? Nothing seems even comparable to Bootcamp. I would love to get a video to do at home. Maybe someday that will be an option. That would be really cool!!!

I would love to hear about what type of exercise is working for you!

I feel gross!

I feel disgusting today. I'm exhausted after running my kids around all day long. My husband now has the start of pneumonia (again!), my youngest has a head cold, my oldest was sent home from school with a pink eye that turns out to be conjunctivitis and the start of a virus. I can't take it anymore!!!

I am heading to the store tomorrow to buy Vitamins and maybe some Eccanasia (spl?). I've heard good things about it and we really need something around here. My poor husband needs his immune system built back up. The Doctor said he thinks he got sick again because his immune system was still down. I guess it is the same thing with the girls. Tomorrow is going to be Lysol day at my house. I want these germs out of my home!

I am just so sick of being worn down from taking care of my family. I feel like I can't even have a little time to rest myself. Of course they come first but sometimes my Fibromyalgia gets the best of me in a situation like this and I just feel so run down. Does anyone have any energy they can lone me? :) I have lots of house cleaning to do tomorrow along with taking care of my little sicklings.

Here's to a better day tomorrow!

My Awesome Lunch!!!

Check out my lunch! It was so wonderful that I had to share it with you.

,

I used a La Tortilla Factory tortilla (1 P each) with a tbsp. of hummus, 1 serving of 98% fat free lunch meat turkey and cucumbers. It hit the spot. The hummus gave it a wonderful flavor and it was so filling. I ate the other tablespoon of hummus with some carrots and cucumbers. It was a wonderful lunch. I may just eat it every day this week. :)

Fuel Fitness, "Lose To Win" Weight Loss Challenge - Day 1

Monday marked Day 1 of the Fuel Fitness,

"Lose To Win" 6 Week Weight Loss Challenge.

Here are two pictures of my "Pudget" team on Day 1 of the challenge!

We are competing with several other teams to see which team can lose the largest percentage of body weight. I am so excited because with this challenge we got a large book of information on meal plans and exercising, plus we get a membership to the gym for 6 weeks and a t-shirt.

After looking at myself (in my way too small jeans - only ones clean :( ) in this picture I have even more incentive to lose. My jeans are too tight and I may never wear them again. :).

I weighed in on Monday at 174 pounds. I had my measurements taken but I didn't copy them down. Maybe next time I can get them and share them with you. It will be exciting to see what a difference we can make in 6 weeks!

We get weighed and measured every Monday so I will be able to give you an update on my team each week. The girls are very motivated and I think we are going to do great.

I will be sharing weight loss tips and recipes with my team throughout the contest. I will also share them with all of you. Please feel free to join in on this 6 week loss challenge and see how much of a difference you can make in just 6 weeks.

You can weigh and measure yourself each week along with us and even leave updates on my posts as week go. I would love for all of you to get involved! It's going to be a great 6 weeks!!!

The 20 Healthiest Foods for Under $1

Check out this link! The 20 Healthiest Foods for Under $1! I use a lot of these food items but some of them I never thought to use. It's a neat article with some great ideas and links to recipes. I only found one item on the list that I will not eat. That is sardines. I just don't think I could do it. :)

And The Winner Is .....

The winner of the Vitalicious Giveaway is #121, JanetFaye. Congrats, JanetFaye!!! Enjoy your Vitalicious SuperSampler Pack! Please email me your mailing address as soon as possible.

And The Number Is .... Yikes....Week 91 Weigh In

This is a first! I gained 8 pounds in the last four weeks. Wow, how does this happen? I thought it was more like 5 pounds but this morning I stepped on the scale and it said 174 pounds. It's scary that I let myself gain 8 pounds back without even caring. I did notice my pants fitting a little tighter then usual. I guess 8 pounds will do that to you.

It stinks that I have to lose those 8 pounds again after already losing them but that is part of weight loss. We have our ups and we have our downs. Right now I really need to focus on getting these 8 pounds back off before the Holidays.


Week 91 Weigh In:


My Week In Review

1. Exercise: None at all.

2. Water: No

3. Late night eating: Almost every night for the past week (except last night!)

4. Snacking: cake, dips and everything else we had leftover from Maddie's B-Day party.

5. Eating more fruits and veggies: I didn't do well with either this past week.


What I need to work on this week:
My fridge is fully restocked with healthy meats, veggies and anything else I may need for the next two weeks. I spent $150 at the store yesterday and it should last me for two weeks. I am pretty happy with that!

I need to get back to bootcamp. Tonight will be my first night back. I can't say that I am really looking forward to it. I love the way I feel after but making myself get there is the problem.

I also started meal planning again. I planned out my meals and snacks for the next few days. I am excited about not having the stress of what to eat.

Please Help!

I am participating in a Bootcamp to help St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on Octover 23rd, 2010. Please click here ( Jessica Brown's Page ) to view my "Workout for St. Jude" page. I am trying to raise $1000.00 for St. Jude's to find new cures for childhood cancer and catastrophic diseases . Please help support this cause by sponsoring me for the "Fuel Fitness Bootcamp" for St. Jude. Even if it is just a dollar or two every little bit helps these children that are suffering with these horrible diseases. Thank you so much for all of your support.

I'm Back!!!

After what seems like months (but probably only weeks) of not having much motivation, I am finally back! I have kind of been in a slump the past few weeks with being overwhelmed with our finances, throwing birthday parties, having sicknesses go around our house, and trying to keep up with the normal things in life such as cooking, cleaning and laundry. I guess I just lost my motivation in all of it and really just didn't care.

I am finally feel like I have some time to myself to focus on my weight loss, exercise and eating. It felt great to go to the grocery store and restock my fridge with healthy foods today. For some reason that always seems to motivate me. I actually was able to sit down last night and make out a full menu of what I am going to eat this week and make a grocery list. It felt great to do something for me again. Sometimes life gets so crazy that you don't even realize that you are forgetting to take care of yourself.

As of today I am taking some time for myself because I need it to stay sane. :) I am back to watching what I eat, exercising regularly (Bootcamp at Fuel Fitness), and just taking a little time to relax. The last few weeks I have been so busy, stressed and not sleeping well that I threw my Fibromyalgia into a nasty flare up. I am finally feeling a little better and I am making a promise to myself to take care of my body because if I don't I can't take care of my family. They need me and I really need to do this for them and myself. What good are we if we are so burnt out that we can't even take care of ourselves let alone our children and husband.

Today is a fresh start. I have gained approximately five pounds from my lowest weight of 166. I will give you a more accurate weigh in tomorrow. Of course I am a little upset that I have to lose that weight all over again but I have learned that this is a part of life. We all have our ups and downs and sometimes this is going to happen. As long as we get ourselves back on track that is what really matters.

I am excited about getting back into losing weight again. I just want to find a really good motivator. Something that will keep me excited and on track. Something to look forward to. It is hard for me because I can't look forward to a cruise in the middle of winter or a trip to New York City for the day. I don't even have enough money to pay my bills at this point so extras are definitely out of the picture. I guess I have to be a little more creative.

Any suggestions???

Green Fried Tomato Sandwich and Cowtails

I'm sitting up at 4:41am eating a green fried tomato sandwich and cowtales. I know, it's a little strange but after not sleeping well the last few nights and then pulling an all nighter tonight I think I am aloud to be a little odd. :)



Today is my little girl's birthday. She had a swimming party today with over 40 kids and I'm not even sure how many adults. It was a blast but very tiring all around. I am blessed with great family and friends who really helped me pull it off.





Last night Maddie had her first sleepover. We have five little girls spending the night. They had so much fun playing with toys, watching movies, eating tons of snacks, baking a cake, having a pillow fight, and playing makeover (now they all look like Smurfs). They have all been so sweet and so well behaved but I never realized how much work it is to take care of seven children at once. Let's just say that I am a little exhausted.

I tried to go to sleep on the couch for a little while but my two year old (who insisted she sleep downstairs with the other girls) was having trouble sleeping. Then one of the girls woke up and wanted her Mom. It was her first sleepover and she just wanted to go home. I kind of figured that at least one of them would want to go home. It's now 5am and I have two hours until I have to get up and start getting myself and six little girls ready for Church. That includes making a Birthday breakfast of pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs. I decided that if I fall asleep now I won't be able to wake up in two hours. It's going to be a long day!

I was having problems with my motivation to lose weight because of not getting enough sleep (due to a 2 year old that doesn't want to sleep and a nasty head cold). Now I think it is going to be even worse. I hope by Monday I will be able to get my act together and get back on the weight loss train.