Progress!!!

This is another before and after picture during this weight loss journey.  I have now lost around 20 lbs in 6 weeks with Weight Watchers.  I can tell you that some days are easy and some days are so hard.  I am praying that one day food won't be the first and last thing on my mind.  That maybe I would be so busy that I would forget to eat.  Instead I try rationing out my points in case I get really hungry later on...I will still have points.  I want a life where food doesn't rule my every move.  That it will become a take it or leave it element.  I am trying to learn portion control...which is way out of hand.  I do love Weight Watcher's and this great program that leaves you satisfied and teaches you great nutrition.

                           

The right pic is before WW and the left is after losing 20 lbs.

Trying New Things!!!

I went to the Farmer's Market this week with all intentions of trying something new.  There were no vegetables available that I had never tried before, but there were some different varieties of vegetables that I had never eaten before.

 Hill Country Red Okra was found at one booth.

I can't wait to try this okra.  It is an heirloom okra out of Texas...as the farmer who grew it described it to me.  We love tomatoes and okra together, but this farmer told me to put it on a skewer and grill it.  I am going to have to try this!!!

 Early White or patty pan squash

While I love the yellow scallop aka yellow patty pan or sunburst, I have never tried the early white's.  My plan is to slice and grill these.  We have been doing that all summer with our squash and egg plant...then right before you serve it sprinkle it with some Parmesan cheese.  The farmer that sold me this one said they slice them kind of thick and brush olive oil on them that they have put basil in and then melted cheese on top while they are grilling.  That sound so delicious.  I have only used the yellow scallop squash in a salad raw, so I am anxious to try the patty pan on the grill.  I have loved egg plant grilled out this year.

As a treat for myself, I always get a nice bouquet of cut flowers for myself at the market.  I can't remember the names of these, but she says that the buds will open and they will last for 2 weeks.  I try to get different varieties of flowers every week.  I have enjoyed going out early to the market and strolling through and looking at all the vegetables, breads, eggs, flowers, plants, pottery, fruits and meat that the market has to offer.  I carry a recyclable tote and just browse through every one's booth.  I always go to all the booths, even if I am not buying breads, eggs or meats.  I chat with the farmers, who give you growing advice and recipes.  After strolling through all the vendor's tents, I make my way back to car feeling happy that I have helped in a small way to support our local farmer's.

Heat, Generous Bounty & Goodbye!!!

For once the weatherman got it right, and I wished he had gotten it wrong.  He said that it would be a scorcher today (this blog was started on Tuesday), and he was right.  At one time it read 102 degrees on our thermometer...that is in the shade.  One of our A/C units isn't working quite right, so never the less...we had to jump on that situation.  Sleeping in an 85 degrees bedroom wouldn't be happening, and I would be so ill....I know that you can't imagine that....LOL

We have had so many people to be generous this year with their gardens.  They have shared with us, and boy have we enjoyed all the goodies.

Mike and Barbara shared their corn with

 us.

Mrs. Rooks shared her delicious tomatoes with us.

After getting home, Marla sent me a text wanting to know if I wanted some okra and cucumbers.  Boy were they yummy.  Everyone has shared so much with us this year.  Our bucket yard has produced lots of grape tomatoes, bell peppers and banana peppers...but nothing else.  Thankful that we have nice neighbors who share their bounty.

We said goodbye to "Fred the Crackhead Poodle" this week.  This is my hair dresser's dog, and I have always loved hearing her Fred stories...he was a funny dog.

Goodbye Fred...I miss hearing about all your adventures!!!



The Cotton Exchange!!!

This past week found Mark and I playing tourist once again in our great city of Wilmington.  There is so much to do that we have a hard time deciding.  Since there was a threat of rain, we picked an inside place.  We went downtown to The Cotton Exchange.

 Front Street Entrance

Nutt Street Entrance

At the turn of the century, majestic sailing ships delivered treasures from around the world to the Port of Wilmington. Paddle-wheel boats plied the broad Cape Fear River from Southport to Fayetteville. Cotton was king, and one of the largest and busiest cotton export companies in the world was located in Wilmington. Today, The Cotton Exchange is still an adventure in trade. Eight graciously restored buildings connected by brick walkways, open-air courtyards, and gigantic heart pine beams house 30 unique specialty shops and restaurants, each a charming reflection of the style and feel of Wilmington's 19th century working port days. In 1975-76, The Cotton Exchange was the first downtown complex in North Carolina to adapt and utilize existing buildings, serving as an excellent example of local preservation efforts.  It is full of history along with old machinery that was used in the cotton era.

 Beautiful court yard with places to eat outside.

Lots of shops to browse

Nice quaint atmosphere

 

I loved coming to shop here.  There are great shops and restaurants in The Cotton Exchange.  You could spend the whole day here browsing around.  I especially liked the Fire & Spice Gourmet.  I stocked up on lots of spices and rubs.  They have a huge variety of spices, dip mixes, batters, soups and NC made products. 

 

The Lady and the Pooch was another favorite of mine.  They sell the bling...at very reasonable prices.

Need I say more about the bling that they carry...I love this ring, and only for $10.

The Two Sisters Bookery was another one of my favorites...but then again I love books.  They carry local authors as well as lots of NC authors.  One local author was signing books that day.

Mark with local author, James Larrick

 

I loved The Cotton Exchange.  It is a beautiful place downtown Wilmington.  If you live here and have never been...which was my case...please go.  If you ever visit Wilmington, it is a must see place while vacationing.

Summertime Yummy!!!

There are lots of things that I love about summertime.  If you know anything about me, you know that I love to go to the pool or the beach.  Also, I love watermelon!!!  Although watermelon ended up not being my friend at Weight Watchers one week.  Ate too much watermelon that day, and gained.  UGH!!! I especially love all the vegetables and fruits that are so plentiful this time of year.

 Some fresh okra is always a treat for me in the summertime.

Do you see the size of this tomato??  What a beauty!!!

I found this tomato at Thomas Tomatoes located on highway 53 out of Burgaw.  They are only $1.25 lb or $15 for a box.  A slice of this tomato will cover a piece of bread for a delicious tomato sandwich.  Now if you are reading this, and you haven't ever eaten a tomato sandwich....then you are not from the South.  LOL  Get some bread, a nice ripen tomato, salt and pepper and some mayonnaise.  It is good enough to feed the Prince and Princess if they come by your house on their USA tour. 

While I love lots of the veggies this time of the year, I mean I have eaten lots of squash, zucchini, eggplant, corn, cucumbers and peppers this year.  I will say that okra and tomatoes are my favorite.  Tomatoes might be my favorite this year.  I especially love to cook tomatoes and okra together.  I did this last night and added some corn in with it...it was Summertime Yummy!!!

If you aren't a big vegetable eater, then summertime is the perfect time to try them.  They are fresh and in season and their true flavor comes through.  Find a road side produce stand or a Farmer's Market in your area and taste some Summertime Yummy vegetables.

Flashback!!!

Today found me at Wrightsville Beach.  As I sat there waiting for my friend, Beth to join me, I was taken back to 25 years ago. 

Beth and I spent countless hours down at Wrightsville Beach growing up.  We always went to the same spot...beside Crystal Pier.  Today was no different, but things at the beach sure have changed.

 While the pier is still there, it is now a restaurant, The Oceanic.  No more going up to the pier to use the bathroom or to get a drink or burger.  I won't get into how much the charge for parking has changed, but I used a debit card instead of quarters today. LOL 

I sat there watching the waves crash wondering just where time had gone.  I am sitting on the beach as a 40 year old feeling giddy like a 16 year old to see my old friend and catch up on life.  Beth tops the access and we launch into laughter and talking all at the same time.  Catching up is great.  I mentioned to her that we hadn't changed that much...still sitting in the same spot at the beach.  We talk about how time has flown and how did we get to be our parents age.  We soon settle into catching each other up in what is going on in our lives.  I can't speak for Beth, but I still see the 16 year old Beth who drove me everywhere the summer  before my freshman year as we caught up today.  It was like a flashback and like time had stood still today.  It is easier to go to the beach as you get older...you are not there to impress.  I remember all those pain staking  hours of getting ready...just incase you saw someone you wanted to impress.  UGH!! The teenage years!!! Don't like getting old, but wouldn't want to go back for nothing.  I love being married and the life I have...it is nice to have a soulmate that always loves you.

 I was so happy with my toes in the sand.  I am really a beach bum at heart.  Our time was cut a little short because of a rain storm.  We said our goodbyes and hopped in our cars.  I left to go to get a pedicure....my reward to myself for reaching my goal of losing at least 12 pounds the first month.

 My cute french manicure that I got on my toes...my real reward...mom and dad paid for the pedicure.  Next goal is to have lost a total of 24 pounds...my reward...a massage.  Only about 10 pounds to go.

American Tradition!!!

I spent my 4th of July doing an American Tradition ....SHOPPING!!! We ended up going to the mall today, and it was an excellent idea.  There weren't that many people there at all, I guess they were all on the beach.  There were sales everywhere I turned.  A nice lunch at Chick-fil-a and then Mark unleashed me into my own little bit of heaven.  Red dot, 85% off, and BOGO 50% off were everywhere I turned.  These fancy signs pulled me into stores that I don't usually go in.  Yes, today was full of American traditions.  Shopping is as American as apple pie to me!!

 I couldn't resist having my picture taken with the Chick-fil-a cow.  "Eat Mor Chicken"!!!

This was my favorite purchase today.  A dress that is 2 sizes smaller and all for $12.50.  Can't wait to wear it one Sunday.

I found my self at the jewelry section today at Belk's, but I got such great deals...bracelets for $3 and $4...then earring for a mere $2. Altogether I got 4 shirts, a dress, 2 bracelets, 1 pair of earrings and a pair of sandals .  I spent less than $55 for all of that.  I did resist Bath and Body Works sale...buy 3 and get 3 free.  I was a little strong today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

I did my part in trying to boost the economy.  LOL

A Little Change!!!

Tourist Season!!!

As I stated in my last blog, we are doing Weight Watchers and looking for some activity to do each week.  The activity we are looking for is not exactly exercise, but rather something to do other than eat.  Every weekend when we come home our conversation is centered on where and what we are going to eat.  I am tired of food ruling my life and thoughts.  So, we decided to play tourist in our lovely city of Wilmington.  Last week it was a nice trip downtown to our local Farmer's Market and this week we went to the Cape Fear Museum.

This location really came about because there was a BOGO free admission coupon in our attraction book. It is located on Market Street near downtown.  A very friendly man at the desk told us what we could expect to see in the museum.  It was fascinating to see all the changes that have taken place in our port city over the years.  I never realized that after WWII the railroad moved their headquarters and almost killed the population in our town.  That is when they started cashing in on tourist.  We had a great time looking at all the exhibits and seeing what flowers and trees are native to our area.  I especially liked the Venus flytrap exhibit. 

Mark and I both pose with the giant sloth that was discovered in the 90's when Randall Parkway was put in Wilmington.

We picked up lots of brochures on other tourist things to do in our port city.  We are trying to decide on what to do next...trolley tour, hollywood tour (movies and tv show filmed here) river boat lunch cruise, carriage ride, Bellamy Mansion, Cotton Exchange, the Aquarium, Fort Fisher, Riding the ferry to Southport, Old Brunswick, Thalian Hall, Popular Grove Plantation, the battleship, Orton Plantation, Railroad museum or the historical tour of downtown.  There is lots more to do, but who knew there was so much to do right here in our own city....some have coupons in the book, but then again some is not that high or free.  It was fun being a tourist in our town today...snapping pictures and learning some interesting facts about what makes Wilmington so special and the journey our city has been through.

I've Lost it!!!

This summer has been wonderful so far.  At the beginning of June, I joined Weight Watchers.  My goal was not only to lose weight, but to start having a healthier lifestyle.  I lost almost 6 lbs the first few weeks, then on week three...I gained 1.5 lbs.  I felt disgusted and also a little confused, but also relieved.  I was relieved because if I was doing something wrong...I needed to know, and quick.  My instructor sat down with me and went over the plan with me very carefully.  I saw several factors that played a part in the gain that week.  I went home feeling reassured and confident that I could lose more weight.  I weighed in yesterday and I lost...8.8 lbs in a week.  That brought be to a total of 12.11 lbs for the month.  I was ecstatic...my goal was 12 lbs a month (my reward is a pedicure).  I have felt the best I have felt in such a long time.  Whether the scales are my friend or not, eating healthier has just been a blessing.  I am wearing clothes that I couldn't last year, and I went down a size in shirts this past week.

I bought this shirt last year on the red dot sale...I couldn't wear it.  I wore it on Father's Day.

Weight Watchers not only has helped me lose weight, but it has opened up a new world to me.  I am visiting Farmer's Markets and produce stands now.  Not in drudgery, but in delight.  My favorite thing is picking out new vegetables to try.  I grilled egg plant this past week and green tomatoes.  YUM!!!  I am now allowing something else to fill my head beside food and where I will eat.  More activity is done and I am exhausted afterwards.  I can only imagine how I will feel when more weight comes off.

I have been blessed with friends and family that let me come and swim (or float) in their pool this summer.  I started out just floating around and soaking up the rays, but lately I have been jogging around in the shallow end getting my exercise.  I think this has helped me a lot.

 Mark's, Aunt Sybil's pool...my Moore County pool...LOL

Always my Aunt Carolyn's pool anytime I want to go.  I love swimming there.

Connie's pool...my at home pool...LOL

These are all my yummy veggies and fruits that I have gotten at the Farmer's Market.  3 months ago you probably wouldn't have seen me there too many times.  I was more meat and potatoes...and all veggies fried.  I have learned that grilled or sauteed is so good. Farmer's Market is a real treat to go to each week.

This is another treat for myself...a bouquet of flowers.  I get a bouquet every week at the Farmer's Market.  I treat myself to flowers instead of an ice cream or candy.  Makes my house look good.

I loved these snapdragons.

The hydrangea and Irish bells are a favorite of mine.

Sunflowers always look so happy and cheerful.

This has been my summer so far.  Trying to get healthier and live a better and fit life.  Please say a prayer for me as my journey in getting the skinny woman inside me to come out has just begun.