Weigh in Wednesday... again.

It's a rough week.  I don't have much to say except here it is...

It's a loss... not much, but I'm not going to complain.  It could have went the other way I suppose.

and I'm asking for good thoughts, vibes, prayers, whatever you can muster up and send my way. I'm not ready for details yet, but I need some strength.  thanks.

Also, I think I've decided to up my calorie intake for the week. It seems like weeks I'm not as restrictive with my diet, I lose. Weeks I'm on my a-game, I seem to gain or stay the same.  Wish me luck.  I'm not going to go crazy with it, just up it a hundred or so over the days.

Don't forget to link up with Heather and Ashley today over here...

Fit Bit Reviews

As I had mentioned in my Valentines Day post, Darrell got his Valentines Day present weekend before last while we were out and about.  He's been talking about getting a FitBit band since he moved in, and so after doing a bunch of research a couple weeks ago, I caved and got him one.

We decided on a FitBit Flex for him. (this pic is of his {blueish one) on top of mine as a size comparison) This one was more waterproof than the Force and while it doesn't have the digital readout like mine does, he seems to really like it. He's always getting his daily goal of steps each day, but since he works in the restaurant industry, it kinda makes sense.  Here's a snippet from the website about the Flex:
"This slim, stylish device is with you all the time. During the day, it tracks steps, distance, and calories burned. At night, it tracks your sleep quality and wakes you silently in the morning. Just check out the lights to see how you stack up against your personal goal. It’s the motivation you need to get out and be more active."

We decided on the FitBit Force for me.

It's got a digital readout so it doubles as a watch for me.  I can also check my calories burned, steps, active minutes and flights of stairs climbed throughout the day too. I love it. It tracks my sleep and lately tells me I'm a crappy sleeper. lol. Since I work at a desk most of the day, I don't hit as many steps as I could... but I'm hoping that as soon as the weather cleans up, that I can start walking again. I'm really looking forward to setting some goals, and totally busting through them!

Since getting this, and since planning my trip to Las Vegas, I've decided to start climbing flights of stairs. Ya know, so I don't kill over while on the trip, and I figure it's good cardio and good for my legs.  I've decided to start with one flight, then increase it by one each day. Friday's count will flow over to Monday since I only have stairs at work and will be taking two days off.  Who knows if it will actually be beneficial, but i figure it cant hurt. (Other than my knees and my chest from breathing so hard!)

It also isn't a heart rate monitor. Sometimes I wish it was though, so it might calculate my yoga workout calorie burns better.  I'm at a loss as to how much I'm actually burning when I do a workout. Yeah, I get a general number from my LoseIt! log, but I'd still like to know something a little more concrete. Maybe that's just the OCD coming out in me.

Here's some info from the website...
"A powerful Force for everyday fitness, this sleek wristband is with you all the time. Stay motivated to keep moving with real-time stats right on your wrist. Track steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, stairs climbed and active minutes throughout the day. At night, track your sleep and wake up silently with a vibrating alarm."

Speaking of the vibrating (silent) alarm... IN LOVE.  This is a much better option for Darrell and I.  I get up every morning by 6:20 (7:00 on weekends) so i have these alarms going of while Darrell is still sleeping.  With him coming in later at night than me, he sleeps a little longer.  I always feel bad about my alarm going off and waking him up. With this alarm, it vibrates some short vibrations and it actually does wake you.  And it's so much better than waking up to this great big loud noise every day!

Seriously... I like it.  I've only had my Force for a couple weeks, but I find it extremely helpful. I'm hoping that it helps me set goals, crush them, an re-set them! I highly suggest looking into the FitBit's if any of you are looking for something like this to help you step up your game.

Do any of you have a FitBit? I'm still learning how to use mine and how to set real goals and such. Any of you have suggestions?

Resolution Revolution Goodies and Review!

I realized that I didn't talk about the Resolution Revolution goodies that came in this month!

Mio Fit, a cookie dough Quest Bar, PB2, Skinny Cow snacks, and KT Tape... and a Brady Band that isn't pictured because I swiped it up immediately and put it on!

I've been using Mio for quite some time. I also like the off brands, and the Hawaiian punch and Kool Aid brands. All yummy, all calorie free, all help me get my water down the hatch!

The Cookie Dough Quest Bar was amazing.  I ate it as it, but have heard that warming them makes them even yummier! I liked it so well, that I sent my honey out to GNC in the next town over, to get me one of several different flavors for me to try.  So far I've had the cookie dough, the cinnamon roll, cookies and cream, strawberry cheesecake, and apple pie.  The cinnamon roll is take it or leave it.  I'll probably leave it, after I eat the other one that Darrell got me in my Valentines basket. As I said, the cookie dough is really good, the cookies and cream was yummy (uncooked), and the strawberry cheesecake was very yummy treat for my 3:00 sugar craving. The apple pie though? OMG. I'll take a case. Like, now.

I've eaten the Skinny Cow brand snacks before and these were darn yummy too, just as all the others have been.  Think of this one as a 100 Grand candy bar.  Just like it, only cut up in pieces.  Worth the buy.

I had purchased PB2 the week before this came in and I was totally stoked at how much it actually tastes like real peanut butter.  I've purchased another jar of it and gave this sample to a friend of mine that has been looking for a PB alternative.  I also purchased the chocolate version of the PB2 hoping it tasted more like Nutella, but alas, it does not.  It's still yummy, and I HAD been looking for a way to bump up the chocolate flavor in my protein shake, so this works well.  Overall, the PB2 is a must buy for me again.  I really do like it and it helps me with my protein shakes.

As for the KT tape, I haven't used it yet. I haven't done much to think about using it, so I'm just holding on to it for a while.

And this brings me to the Brady Band! Whoot! I've been eyeballing these for months, and never could ring myself to purchase one.  Thanks to Jess, I've got one now! Please go check this wonderful company out.  Brady Bands was named after an amazing little boy named Brayden who lost his life to brain cancer in 2012. We are passionate about helping to find a cure for childhood cancer, the number one killer of children under 16 in the U.S.. At least 10% of every sale will be donated to childhood cancer research.

February's Resolution Revolution box didn't disappoint and I'm already looking forward to March's. This group has been so beneficial to me the past couple months. I can ask questions, talk about my frustrations and get the great support that any woman on a weight loss mission need! Jess has one an amazing job setting up this group and with the monthly boxes! Go check her blog out and read about her journey as well!

AND!! TODAY is her one year blogging anniversary! Enter her giveaway on her blog for $70 cash! She's lost 70lbs to date, so that's where the number came from. Check it out!

Cause I haven't posted in a while...

Hey... It's me.  Niki.  Ya know, the one that started this blog?

I haven't written much more than Weigh in Wednesday's lately, so I feel as thought I've neglected anyone that may actually be following. So, here I am.  On a Saturday. :)

Yesterday was Valentines Day (as you all are very aware of).  My honey did a great job this year (as with most years) and bought my favorite roses and sent them to the office.

Yes, that balloon DOES say, "You're Pretty Special".  He's constantly telling me how special I am to him, and he loves to do things that are different from everyone else.  Think about it.  How many "I Love You" balloons did you see yesterday?  Tons. How many "You're Pretty Special" balloons did you see? Huh? One.  This one. :)

I also came home to a basket of goodies set out on my bed.

That boy... I tell ya.  He loves to go above and beyond, even though I told him no gifts.  The basket he put together himself, purchased each item himself, and actually paid attention and made each item something I've been wanting.

I have a new yoga video (cause that's my choice workout), yoga blocks and bands, new flip flops (that my 6 year old swears I needed), a new shaker bottle (cause my 8 year old and I use them every morning and I get tired of washing them), lots of Quest Bars (my new favorite snack), a smelly thing from Bath & Body Works for my new Jeep, Sleep body wash/bubble bath (cause I was almost out and have been having a hard time sleeping), a couple wallet/purses I had asked for, for the trip to Vegas, AND a game camera for hunting season.

Darrell had to work last night, so we didn't get to go to dinner or anything for the holiday, but I took my other Valentine out (one of my BFF's, Suzan) and we had a good time.  Darrell and I did our yearly tradition and enjoyed our favorite restaurant today.  Franks Italian. YUMMO

Darrell got his Valentines Day present last weekend while we were out and about.  He's been talking about getting a FitBit band since he moved in, and so after doing a bunch of research a couple weeks ago, I caved and got him one. I'll post a full post on my review of it... I may have gotten myself one too. I didn't intend on giving it to him before Valentines Day, but he found it in the basket and I couldn't say it was mine cause I got a different kind.

I've got the weekend off and free from kids.  Whatever will I do with myself? The kiddos went to stay with their grandparents for the weekend, and Darrell is back at work tonight, so I'm just over here... hanging out... blogging and all...

Wednesday I gave  shout out to my sister for her 16th birthday. We went to dinner that night and she had to do the whole embarrassment thing.

We love to do things like this to her. :)

Such a pretty young lady.  Watch out boys... it's not daddy you need to be afraid of.  It's her big sister! Lort help me, I'm scared to death for this little lady.  She's such a cutie, a cheerleader, and a boy magnet.  Bless her heart. Dear Lord please watch over her... closely.

In even better news... my tickets to the Elton John concert while we're in Vegas came in. Whoot! I can not wait... I'll have to do a whole post on Vegas as well... seriously ya'll.  i love it almost as much as my kids. :-)

Until then, I hope you all had a wonderful Valentines Day! Make the most of this beautiful weekend!

Weigh in Wednesday

Well here it is folks... 

The same as last week. :-/ this number is a little frustrating since I did so well this week food wise, and also started my yoga back. My goal was to keep on losing about 1-2# a week, so that I can drop another 18# by vacation. But I don't really see that happening. Oh well. 

I did manage to get my exercise in this morning for the #stopandgivemethirty IG challenge this month.

As you can see, I've planned my month out already.  I'm doing flights of stairs M-F (cause I only have stairs at work) and increasing my one flight a day, until I hit 10. We're going to Vegas in April, and there are LOTS OF STAIRS.  I want to be in much better shape than years past, so that I don't get worn out and have to stop for breath.  

I'm also doing yoga daily.  As you can see, I'm alternating between the two DVD's I have every day, just so I don't get too relaxed in the one.  The Target video I have has 5 different videos on it, and while I only do one of the five, the others require blocks or straps and I don't have any of those... yet. 

The goal for the challenge is to get in at least 30 minutes of activity a day, for 30 days.  There are two additional days built in to the challenge for those of us that just can't get to it one day, or quite frankly, just don't want to. Wish me luck! 

I also want to wish my little sister a Very Happy Sweet 16th Birthday today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DES!!

And this is my face today... I've ran off and forgot to put contacts in or grab my glasses... So while I can see the computer screen, I can't see very far from my face... DANGGIT

Anyway, linking up with Ashley and Heather once again this week... 

Everyone have a great week and try to make it count! 

Weigh in Wednesday

It's Wednesday again, and you know what to do! Grab a button, link up, and get that weight down!

This weeks number?

I've spent a couple weeks cheating on my diet.  I'm still trying to make sure i log every little thing that goes into my mouth, even if I have to guesstimate.  I've gone over my calories for the past two weeks, and quite frankly, I've been lazy.  I've also enjoyed just about every little calorie I put in my body! lol I'm jumping back on track this week, and so far, I'm doing okay. I meal prepped on Friday night...

and I'm ready to go! There are were 15 meals in that fridge and there is NO EXCUSE to go off track.  I've even got healthy snacks going on too! These are my new (easy) favorite:

But this is my favorite to make at home, right before bed...

That's dark chocolate covered, frozen banana slices, with some fat free cool whip.  YUMMY!!

We've gotten more snow this year than we have previously, which has resulted in more snow days than normal.  I'm lucky enough that sometimes the boys stay with their grandparents the night before in preparation, or Darrell has (most of) the day off and can keep them.  Today, I am home with them.

That's a one hour time lapse on Sunday ya'll...

I was a little worried that I'd go off track today, but I've actually don't really well... and even gotten in a one hour yoga session.

 

This girl feels SOOOO much better now.

Also, do you remember the last NSV I had? Well, here's the "uncovered" photo of the same pants...

Still gross... but it's so much better. :)

And because this is the funniest thing I have seen in a while... Enjoy!

Here's to another healthy week, ladies and gents! Lets make this year count!