Health Tip 104 From a Non-Health Fanatic

Oh boy, you are not going to like this tip.

Stop making excuses! No, this tip is not about exercising more, counting calories, eliminating carbs, or taking vitamins. This tip is about your desire to loose weight, get healthy, and become confident and comfortable in your own body.

Trust me, I understand the busy days packed full of work, errands, chores, and other obligations that take away time for you to invest in working out or cooking meals. But life is never going to slow down and pleasantly make time or space for you to incorporate getting in shape – you must make loosing weight a priority. By simply committing to set this goal and go after it, you will find the time (whether by waking up early or going to bed late) to exercise, eat more wisely, and enjoy your changing body.

Almost a year later, I still have to remind myself that just as I lost the weight, I can regain the weight. It is a scary thought and sometimes exhausting as I many times do not want to prioritize working out or eating healthy – sometimes it feels easier to give into the temptations around me than to remain dedicated to my self commitment. But when the scale slightly raises and the clothes fit a bit snuck I remind myself of my happiness when being thin. I remind myself of how hard it was to get to where I am and that by reversing this great goal I would experience heartache my self-esteem and health could not bare.
I have stopped making excuses.

When it is hot out. When I am exhausted. When I get home at 8 PM. When in a hurry and unable to find 30 minutes. When on vacation. When PMSing. The excuses are so easy to find, so easy to speak to, so easy to use – I remind myself they are just that – excuses. No real reason as to why I can’t exercise or eat the salad instead of the pasta. This week I ran 5 times and only enjoyed it once.

Find the time to love yourself and love your body. Stop making excuses and commit to becoming healthy and getting in shape.

Poor Jessica Simpson?!

Is a picture really worth a thousand words? I hope for Jessica Simpson’s sake it is not, as this candid photo shows Tony a bit too close to a pretty blonde (at least we know what type of hair color he likes best). Of course we can think of all the possible scenarios in which this photo was shot but like most celeb magazines I quickly jump to the conclusion that:
--Tony is out in Chicago at the hot lounge Manor where he and his buddies throw a couple back – no ladies allowed weekend. A bunch of twenty-something girls quickly recognize him and start playfully flirting across the room with less than shy smirks. A couple of shots and shared drinks later Tony forgets he is in a serious, world-known relationship. The blondest of the group compliments Tony on his body, on his game, and on landing Jessica Simpson, but promises a young girl from Chicago knows a lot more tricks than a use-to-be Southern Bell. He doesn’t cross the line per say, as he only verbally flirts with his teasingly nature and frequent love taps – never kissing, holding hands, or dancing in close proximity. But as last call is announced and the two depart in separate cabs, those left behind know this night will end with a heavy secret Tony will carry.

That was good right??!! I mean come on, we know what the media will do with these images – the comments, captions and outright fibs they will add in order to suggest more than what we can literally see. So how should we probably view this photo?

--Tony is out in Chicago at the hot lounge Manor, leaving Jessica behind in Nashville as she works long days to finish up what he believes, will be a hit country album. Tony and his buddy throw back a few drinks, and as usual, many girls at the bar take notice to his good looks and well-known face. Several cute college chicks approach Tony – sharing with him how much they love Jessica and are a fan of their relationship. They of course interact with some innocent flirty behavior (which is healthy) and Tony kindly poses for some photos. Tony and the guys buy the girls a couple of rounds and at the end of the night “I love Tony Romo” can be heard shouted across the bar with Tony’s checks turning bashfully red. Tony catches a cab, calls Jessica and reminds her how much he loves and misses her.

Which scenario do you think is more likely?

*Photo obvioulsy from Perezhilton.com

Wishing Every Day Were Derby Day

The Kentucky Derby – it is more then big hats, lavish sundresses, twenty horses, endless bets and mint juleps galore. It is the one event in the United States where your salary, profession, and social status mean the least because regardless of who you are or where you’re from everyone relates to the joys of a little booze, warm weather, and an opportunity to win big! Couple that with friendly southern hospitality and strangers eagerness to know one another and you have a modern day Woodstock event.

And so this past weekend my mother and I traveled for our second trip to the great Derby and once again it did not disappoint. Here are a few highlights:

Where else do people fancy big hats with feathers and lace in all shades and colors? And I can’t forget to mention my most favorite one – the horse-head hat that made almost every local Kentucky news channel (please take a look)!

The Derby of course has most dress up in their Sunday’s best but these two guys had a different idea about style and attention getting:

What about meeting the winning Jockey who rode Big Brown in the 2008 Kentucky Derby? Yep, that is me and Jockey Kent Desormeaux.



To add to my collection of famous meetings I could not pass up the opportunity to meet Jockey Edgar Prado, who rode the winning and late Barbaro.

You can’t help but notice nor forget the people you meet at the Derby that help to make your experience so memorable. Here is Apple and I – her and her boyfriend (who was quite a bit older I must add) sat in our box on race day. She wore a beautiful, and of course, big hat, that was cocked sideways and pinned on her head. But her dress was the eye stopper, hat or no hat. It was bright satin green and gathered in front – it screamed antique, Great Gatsby wear. Unfortunately for Apple with every move, applause, or quick step to the bathroom the dress ripped, ripped, and ripped some more! By the end of the day she was simply wearing material hanging on by literal threads kept together with a few close-pins!

And where else to meet the interesting faces that makeup the Derby crowd? The hotel bar of course! So as I sit between my mother and a handsome pilot who has solicited her counseling services free of charge, I beg the bartender (who we’ll call “G”) to lighten the mood with more appropriate conversation that can be understood while under the influence of alcohol. What I heard I almost did not believe as “G” pulls up his right arm sleeve and shows me several bandages wrapped around his bicep pointing to where his almost ex-wife shot him two weeks prior! Yes, you read that correctly. Dressed in garbage bags and perched outside the ally of his window she waited to get an opportunity to call him a bastard and cock her pistol (she is pissed that he has moved on and she hasn’t). “G” was hit and began to run. He said, “Just like in the movies, after a few steps I fell” while she continued to shoot. With the shots running loud neighbors phoned the police and his almost ex-wife now sits behind bars charged with attempted murder! For sure, an unforgettable story.

And for my mother's sake I must add a picture of my feet. Yes, my feet! The day before the Derby is called the Kentucky Oaks - and oh how I had such a cute outfit with adorable shoes that once rained on, caused my feet some serious pain! So I went "MacGyver" and created an invention that allowed me to at least walk the rest of the day throughout the track (I must admit my mom was quite embarrassed - but I wasn't!).

The flat lands, green grass, warm welcome, offbeat encounters and memorable personal stories are all small touches that make a huge event and a short weekend filled with memories of a lifetime.

If only every day were a Derby day…

DC Metro - Fav Vendors

I can't help but offer advice to all the "almost brides" of the coming months who live in the DC Metro area. Here are some of the BEST vendors I suggest you use when planning your wedding!

Mywedding.com is a wonderful online resource that allows you to post as much or as little information that you want to share with your guests in advance in order to make their attendance most comfortable. You can post pictures, provide locations, times, and directions and add any bit of guidance you think a guest would need to know in order to be stress free. Did I mention that this service is for FREE and the templates are very easy to use?!

It has become the norm nowadays to send out a “Save The Date” long before your wedding day. Families and friends are spread across the country and people’s lives are busier with days and weekends booked far in advance. I used and am a big fan of Magnetstreet.com (note: they are not limited to just magnets and offer other announcement styles). The representative assigned to me over email was easy to work with and allowed me to request several changes that she promptly made. Nothing goes to printing until you are 100% satisfied with the draft of what your item will look like. Magnets are a smart choice for a Save The Date because they are unlikely to get thrown away or your date be forgotten about as the message on the refrigerator is a constant reminder!

Rosalin’s Bridal in Falls Church will negotiate all final prices with you. In fact I know several brides who found their dresses elsewhere but came to Rosalins’ to determine if they could have their dream dress for a little bit less! My bridesmaid dresses were $40 cheaper per dress ordering them through Rosalin’s. I also purchased my tiara from Rosalin’s and after I found another that I loved more dearly, Rosalin’s was kind enough to allow me to return the product even though that is not their formal policy. I searched high and low to find affordable pocket fold invitations that had a little bit of personality and matched my color scheme. At one point I was so desperate I considered making them myself (which would have been a bad idea considering I can barely draw stick figures).

Although a bit out of my way (The Hawthorne House, located in Occoquan, VA) I decided to find out, after several recommendations, whether or not they had what I was looking for so badly. And yes they did! They had a large assortment of pocket fold styled invitations at better prices then most.

If you are top heavy, busty, or have big boobs, your saving grace to making your wedding complete is finding a bustier that will hold you in and make you look as beautiful as you had hoped in your wedding dress. I dreaded this search as I can barely find bras that fit me comfortably and support my “twins.” But then on theknot.com I read rave reviews about a store in Vienna, VA called Trousseau. During one of my mom’s visits we arrived at what became my favorite store ever! Besides the fact that they understand all boob sizes and shapes, and even more impressive that they will alter any piece for FREE, the women who worked there were so accommodating, patient, and helpful – making me feel normal and ensuring me they would find the right bra for my dress. One bustier and several bras later I departed the store thankful that the apparel for my big day was now complete.

Last stop – bathing suit (which is just as dreadful as finding the right bra for us big boobed women). I wanted to look sexy on my honeymoon and be able to frolic along the beach in a two piece like all the other just married wives. I did not want spillage or a top that fit but bottoms that were too big. I wanted to feel like a perfect summer beach babe. And then I was just as thankful to find Lions Lair Designs as I was when I found Trousseau! Lions Lair is located somewhere in Florida. They are a store that specializes in carrying lingerie and bathing suits for big boobed females. This is the key – get measured at Trousseau for the Freya and Fantasie brand bras. Lions Lair sells suits from these designers so once you know your bra size in these brands then you will know the exact size you are in the swimsuits. In fact, my bikini top fits more perfectly than my bra top! All orders can be placed by phone to Lions Lair. They overnight whatever you have ordered and they do not charge you shipping if your purchase is over $90 (pretty positive that is the dollar amount but not 100% sure). On several occasions the bottoms were too big, too small and each time Lions Lair was gracious enough to not charge me the cost of shipping! I have never had suits that fit so perfectly! This is

Only Getting Worse

Does this look like a Disney star? Well based on the former pop-tarts before her who also became has-been disasters, I suppose Miley is right on track. Her virgin-like appeal has quickly shed as her dresses get shorter and her tops get lower! Where is her Achy Breaky Heart Daddy? He needs to get her in check quickly! Pretty soon she will be known for a bit more then her singing, and you know what that means (wink, wink)!

Summer Fashion - Don't Be Made Fun Of!

The slightly raised temperatures make most a bit more happy with frequent smiles on their face as they depart work knowing several hours of daylight and warm weather still remain. The mind travels to upcoming beach vacations triggering watering mouths eager for coronas, crab cakes, and barbequed treats. Golden tans, loosely tied pony tails, flowing sun dresses paired with bright colored flip flops – oh how I love summer fashion and the comfortableness of shedding the layers and heavy worn sweaters that keep us warm through the harsher months!

What could ruin this perfect image anticipated by most to become their three month reality? Woman’s fashion! Yup, you read that correctly. With the summer months shortly arriving woman everywhere swamp sealed boxes packing away their winter clothes to embark on a what still fits and what doesn’t from their summer storage. And in the next few months several fashion no, no’s will occur. So please, take a few minutes to read my suggestions – these bullets can save you from unknown embarrassment while educating you with some reasonable advice!

Shoes
-I love open-toed shoes and so should you. However, please do not wear shoes in which your toes hang over the edge. Ladies, if your pinky is sticking out between the sides of the strap or your big toe is hanging over the edge – you need a different size or a different shoe!

-Do not, I repeat, do not wear stockings with open-toed shoes. Listen baby boomers, if you cannot part with your stockings (that typical give fat rolls and highlight that your face, chest, and arms are a different color then your legs) then wear closed toe shoes. Stockings worn with open toed shoes highlight your age by this old school fashion no, no.
-Paint your toes! If you choose to wear open-toed shoes you do not need to get a $30 pedicure, however you do need to scrounge around for the nail file, clippers, and some pale nail polish (which can be purchased at the dollar store). Exposing your feet draws attention to them – please save yourself the embarrassment of snickers and “ewws” behind your back when others examine you toe-to-toe. Spend 20 minutes and get those feet in decent shape.

White
-I love white shirts. They look great under floral and patterned jackets by allowing the main piece of the wardrobe to stand out, however for most, they should be left as a layered item and never worn alone. White shirts show every flaw of your upper half. Fat rolls and nipples are not attractive so unless you are a tiny frame or anticipate being in the spring break wet t-shirt concert choose a color over the plain-white-tee.
-I love white pants. But similar to my comments above, this colorless pant allows the public to see your cellulite, underwear marks, and potential private parts sweat. How unattractive! If you must go white wear a fit that is loose and non-camel toe riding.

Belly Shirts
-Belly shirts are no longer in – skinny or plump, do not wear them. Make men use their tiny imaginations rather then have a clear, almost naked vision of what you look like bare. Cover your sh*t up and wear something that shows your curves but tactfully! Anything Britney would wear you shouldn’t and belly shirts are top on her list!

Bathing Suits
-It is not an option and there is no need to cover up completely. What’s the point of going to the beach if you aren’t able to get a little sun to tan those legs so you don’t have to wear stockings? Simply be sensible when picking a suit. If you have a few extra rolls wear a tank-kini instead of the string bikini! Busty women take note – make sure you wear a top that holds your breast in – spillage, nipples, and almost accidental exposure is not attractive.

Shave
-Yes, it is sad that I must provide a friendly reminder to women that during the summer months it is most important to shave your legs (and not just below the knee), bikini area, and arm pits. Ladies, your clothing will not hide the hair protruding from your unshaven knees. When you are wearing a skirt to work the light will hit your leg and all will see the sun-kissed hairs remaining on the back of your thigh – get the razor out now! And hello, shave around your vajajay please – you will not be considered a hoochie mama if you clean up the area so that the jungle that remains is not sticking out of the sides of your bathing suits bottoms! And arm pits???? No comment besides – we are not French – get rid of those straggles ASAP!

Wow, I am exhausted thinking about the common mishaps females make when preparing for the summer months. Please apply these do’s and don’ts when dressing for the coming summer months! Good luck ladies, I wish you fabulousness and fierceness in the Summer of 2008!

Brides-To-Be: Some More Advice!

My Top Tips For Brides To Be

Brides are typically very informed ladies who research every topic under the sun to ensure they know it all. But there are always a few things when you look back, that regardless of how perfect your wedding day was, you wish you did different. Here are a few tips to help you plan - a few small suggestions that can make a huge difference.

1. Apply lip stick or lip gloss regularly before being photographed – this small touch of makeup can make such a difference.

2. Something is bound to go wrong and more than likely it will be a small detail that no one else will notice but you – let the mistakes and imperfections be part of your day, do not let these instances define your day.

3. The bride sets the tone for the wedding. If you are having fun so will your guests. Everyone wants to be by the bride – family, friends, and even those you do not know so well – if you spend time on the dance floor, so will your guests. Be seen and be the focal point – guests tale their cues from the mood and demeanor of the bride so let the stress disappear and soak up the few hours you have to celebrate this occasion.

4. If you can afford it, especially if you are having a high number of out-of-town guests try to provide transportation to and from the hotel and reception site. This helps alleviate guests being late, lost, or having to worry about how many drinks they will have at the reception. Check out trolley companies – they tend to be cheaper than limos and can hold more people (typically 20 – 30).

5. Tip your vendors in advance or put your husband or father in charge of giving all vendors final payments and/or tips on the day of. The bride should not have to worry about this, but at the same time you want to make sure those who have worked hard for you get their tips – create envelopes that are labeled on the outside with each vendors name. This is an easy way for your husband to know who gets what.

6. Put your card box and gift table in a visible spot and a location that is easily accessible. You do not want cards left on tables because guests did not know where they were suppose to go.

7. Add small inexpensive touches to your wedding to make it your own. This is when theknot.com is crucial to creating a detailed oriented wedding. A few ideas I took from “knotties” in order to give a beach themed vibe – skip the standard folded tent place cards and used sand dollars to write guests name and table number; use sand buckets instead of gift bags for out-of-town welcome treats – fill the sand bucket up with snacks and a welcome brochure that includes directions, locations, and things to do in the area.

8. Skip the processional line after church and greet guests during dinner – you will be served first and more than likely won’t eat much so spend time welcoming everyone then.

9. Logistics – When deciding where you will sit your guests place “fun” guests around the perimeter of the dance floor. Make sure bathrooms and smoking areas are close to the reception area.

10. Get in shape – look your best on your wedding day. The pictures taken on your wedding day will be forever in your household and shown to your children – be committed to get in shape and look your best.

11. Test your tux – at almost every wedding I have been in (and even at my own) there are always issues with the men’s tuxedos not fitting properly. Make sure the groom, father’s, and all others wearing a tux receive them prior to the wedding so that they can determine if they need to get something altered or a new one shipped ASAP. Do not worry – tuxedo companies can have the exact size the morning of your wedding – yes not ideal but a lot better then a groomsmen wearing high watered pants down the aisle!