Adventures at Pretend City!

I'm always looking for fun places to take my kids on the weekend. Some place where everyone (even the teenager) can enjoy the day and have a good time. My 9 y/o son wanted to go Pretend City. He's been there once before and has been begging me to go back! How could I say no, right? I mean, he's the only boy amongst 3 sisters and a mom. Let the boy have his birthday where he wants! So, last Saturday, that's exactly what we did. We headed down the 5fwy exited Bake in Irvine and arrived at Pretend City. I didn't reserve their party room since there were only a few of us going. Although, I might do that for the next party. YES, I'm going back!

Anyway, once we arrived and got our tickets, the kids took off and scattered. The staff or "Pretendgineers" as they call them, were so great. Everyone was super friendly and especially helpful in the arts and crafts room. Below are a few (okay fine, SEVERAL) pictures of our day there.

Welcome to Pretend City

Getting help in the Art room




Oh my, that's paint! ahhhh



The staff was SO helpful



It's a mini Ralphs! How cute is this?!



Jenna inside Ralphs being the checker.



 

Lifting 'weights'

  

It's the birthday boy. A strong one too!



This is the full serivce Pizzaria. Jenna is serving her cousins and older sister. Jacob, my 15 y/o nephew is Autistic and he LOVES the enviroment Pretend City provides

  

 

Cute little farm where you plant "pretend" veggies and fruit.

What? Big kids can have fun too!





See! Even big kids can have fun too =)



She would kill me if she saw this! haha (evil laugh)

They have a stage where kids can create their own music
and put on a show!

They have a gift store so you can bring the imagination home

This is SO cute! They do a parade right before closing.
They collect all the instruments and play music and walk
around Pretend City. Matthew go to be the line leader since
it was his birthday.



Building area



Every city needs a post office.

We had such a great day at Pretend City. The staff is great, the place was clean and resonably priced and above all Matthew had an awesome birthday! To follow them on FB or to get a list of events go to their Facebook page: Pretend City on Facebook

Cleansing, fasting and living on veggies and fruit juice

I know, it's sounds extreme and in actuality it was. The idea of not eating for more then a few hours was a lot to take in, let alone DAYS! So how did I come to this decision you ask? Well it started with me seeing a post from my friend on FB that he was doing this cleanse. I've seen them before and of course I never thought I could do one. Not only that I couldn't do it, but that I thought they were unhealthy and just a quick weight loss thing and once you went back to eating normal you would gain it all back. I soon proved myself wrong.

This one was different. You actually have SO many micro nutrients (I just learned that fancy health word...lol) that flood your body it's nearly impossible to think you're starving or depriving yourself. Did I miss food? Yes, a little, but not to the point where I wanted to run out and eat a cheeseburger. Even coffee and diet soda, 2 things I LOVE weren't going to be part of my daily routine anymore. I was actually happy about this. I had always told myself that if I could quit smoking that I could do anything. That was the hardest thing I've done.

So, I did my research and watched "Fat, sick and nearly dead" www.fatsickandnearlydead.com on Netflix. You can find it on Hulu too if that's easier. I was immediately inspired to try this juicing and help rid my body of harmful toxins, cut cravings for sugary carbs, coffee and fast food. I had also watched a few videos from Dan McDonald "The Life Regenerator" www.regenerateyourlife.org on Youtube. I just love Dan; he's great! I highly recommend watching both of these before starting your cleanse. They're both inspiring and gave me a lot of info about juicing and raw foods.

I ended up doing my fast (or cleanse depending on what you call it) for four days. Here's a basic idea of how each day went. Oh, and let me add that I started introducing  juiced veggies and fruit into my daily diet a few days prior to the fast. To me, or at least in my own head, this was preparing my body for what was coming.

Day 1 - Saturday morning

I started on a weekend that I didn't have my three younger kids. I did this on purpose because I didn't know how I was going to respond.

I didn't get my normal 24oz coffee with 5 creamers and 2 Splendas. Instead, I drank water and headed over to the juicer I had just bought a week prior. I was excited, nervous, hopeful and honestly a little confused on how in the heck this thing worked!

I gathered my apples, kiwi, broccoli, carrots, celery, kale and spinach and laid it all out. Once I figured out how to put all the pieces together I just started putting stuff in one at a time. I would stop and test it along the way to see if I thought it needed more of something and if it did I tossed it in the tube and pushed it down the hatch!

Green veggie juice

  The day went pretty well until about 2pm when the caffeine withdraws took over. This is when my headache from hell started in. I had been out at the mall shopping for a dress for my oldest daughter all day. By the time we came home I wanted to crash. I wasn't out of energy really, but the headache was enough to make me want to lay down. Long story short....I took some Advil, drank more juice and water and laid down. I continued to drink another cup of juice while we watched movies and then went to bed. That was that. I survived day 1!! Whooo hooo I was thrilled!

Day 2 - Sunday

I woke up Sunday morning and felt very relaxed. I can only think that must have been from the lack of caffeine in my system. It was very surreal actually; not something I'm normally used to.
Again, I was up and ready to hit the juicer. This time I made some green tea to help reduce any headaches I might get during the day. I basically juiced the same fruits and veggies again and drank about 3-4 16oz containers throughout the day. I had made plans to go to my sisters that day to visit her and my mom. I was really worried about what might happen being at someone else's house. Especially my sisters because she has soooo many good snacks! I'm happy to report I made it through the visit and drank only my juice!

That night I went home and juiced more veggies and fruit for the next day. Since I had work on Monday I wanted to make sure I was prepared. At this point I was still feeling pretty good. I was struggling a little with missing food. As I've come to realize it was never really about the food but I'll get into that a bit later. I had made it through day 2 and was feeling good. I was however worried about day 3. Most everyone I had talked to about this cleanse and who had done it themselves, warned me about day 3. They said it was the hardest day. That if I just got through day 3 I would be good to go.



Beet and greens juice


Day 3 - Monday

Monday morning I woke up feeling great again! Rested and ready to take on the day. Well, sorta...I was still a little freaked out thinking something awful was going to happen on this dreaded day 3. I got up, got ready, made my juice and out the door I went. The morning part felt pretty much the same as day 1 and 2. The afternoon is where I started feeling a little funky. By funky I mean out of it, spacey, euphoric, calm. It was almost like this floating feeling. It's really hard to put into words if you haven't felt it before. Regardless, I drank on! Had my veggie juice and even some really delicious pineapple, carrot and apple one I made. It almost felt like a little treat. Day 3 is when I was really starting to notice the lack of actual food and how much my body was having this internal battle with my mind and emotions. I felt as if I was in this constant argument of having to shut off my mind and ONLY listen to my body. Believe me, listening to your body is not the same listening to your emotions. That night, before bed, I was being tempted in so many ways. Why couldn't I have a little something? No one would know but me? But that's the thing, I would have known and that would have devastated me to know I gave in when I had come so far. I prayed. I prayed a lot. Then I went to bed so that I was tempted anymore.

Day 4 - Tuesday

I made it!! I completed all 3 days I committed to. I was happy and feeling great! Day 4 pretty much consisted of the same fruits and veggies as the first 3 did. As great as I felt I was excited to eat again. It wasn't like I was thinking "I can't wait to get my hands on a slice of pizza!" it was more "How can I transition to healthy food?


Day 5 - Wednesday

So the fast is over with and today I started to introduce solid food back into my diet. I had salad with grilled chicken. I also had 2 avocados throughout the day along with my juice. It was kind of an odd feeling to chew the first time. I know it was only a few days but still! It was long enough for my mouth to be like "Oh we're chewing again?"

I will continue to juice (as I have the last two days) along with making healthy eating choices. I can't stress enough how amazed I was that I had lost all my cravings. I didn't want the bread, snacks and fast food crap. I didn't even crave my coffee anymore. I don't plan on going back to that or soda either.

Helpful hints:

* Drink lots and lots of water

* The first two days your bowels will be moving and grooving. Be prepared

* Day 3 & 4 it will slow down. You might need to drink some  Apple Cider Vinegar to keep  things moving.
    (A friend of mine liked a tea called "Smooth Move")

* Women - I don't recommend starting this a week before your  menstrual cycle or during

* Banana's don't juice, they puree

* Buy a decent juicer and enough fruits and veggies to last you 3-5 days  
  (spinach doesn't seem to keep as long as broccoli and kale)

* Pray/meditate/chant or whatever it is you believe. This isn't only about cleansing internally but you'll feel a need to cleanse emotionally as well. Ask for strength and clarity while cleansing.

What I learned:

Even though this wasn't a 5 day, 7 day or even two week cleanse I learned some valuable stuff about myself. I've always known I am an emotional eater. I eat to celebrate, when I'm stressed (man am I a huge stress eater), when I'm bored, when I'm lonely and when I'm sad. Food is supposed to nurture us, not protect us from the things we don't want to face. I said to my aunt "why can't apples be comfort food?" and it's true. I don't know about you but I would much rather reach for a snickers then some apple! Like I mentioned above, one of the hardest things for me was having to compete in a battle of will between my body and my emotions. Physically I felt great; I had everything I needed. I didn't feel starved or deprived. I was actually getting more nutrients then my body has ever had. My mind and emotions however felt deprived. How was I supposed to comfort myself with celery juice?! "Damn it emotions just shut up and let my body do it's thing for once!" I guess when you go without your "pacifier", which in my case happens to be peanut m&m's or Taco Bell, you're forced to feel those emotions. Let me tell you, it ain't always pretty. All in all I got through it. Today I feel great. I feel empowered and excited to continue to do this every day. I've been telling everyone I know how great this is and hope they can give it a try when they're ready.

Of course, all of the things I've written are my experiences with this cleanse. You might find it harder/easier then I did. I would always check with your doctor first before starting anything like this. Do your research and learn as much as you can through blogs like this and so many others.

For those of you who have questions for me about what I juiced please feel free to contact me here or on my FB page.

The River

After miles of walking, tired and cold

He dropped to his knees realizing he was all alone

His heart is broken and his will is gone

Trying to move on with one foot in front of the other

Never letting anyone know just how hurt he was

The road grew longer and his strength weakened

Falling deeper into the despair he had created

Not sure how long he could carry on

As he continued this journey a new path appeared

At the end was a light, so bright he could not ignore

The mystery intrigues him and drew him closer in

Not knowing what uncertainties lied ahead

At the end was a river, a river that seemed to run for miles

The sun skipped off its surface, so radiant he could only smile

He sat by the bank and relished in its grace and perplexity

For days he would visit the river and ponder its movement

Some days the water was undisturbed and soundless

Others it flowed rapidly with anger and disappointment

Every day he would come back and sit by the bank

To reflect on the journey he had traveled thus far

This river that shines brighter than any heavenly star

Making him feel secure, a feeling so ordinary and rare

He sat near the side of the bank to watch the water flow

Knowing the river would always be there

No matter which direction he would go

Watching the suns glowing reflection, feeling the warmth on his face

He longed to be immersed by the waters embrace

Afraid of his own direction and where he would be taken

“Do I have the endurance to sustain its rapidly changing pace?”

Then he remembered the road he had traveled

The one which brought him here from the start

He remembered the mystery and glow that healed his broken heart

He knew the river would always be there

No matter which direction he would go

Reaching over with one hand, his feet firmly planted on the shore

He took a leap of faith and welcomed the cool waters against his skin

Each day he returned, reaching a little further

Facing his fears and uncertainties

The water gently surrounded him, careful not to move too fast

He could feel the kindness throughout his body

His mind at rest and his soul being swept away

Radiant as the suns light that danced across the surface

Just as beautiful as the day he first laid eyes on the waters vastness

Bringing his life a whole new purpose

Who say's face painting/body art is just for kids? Read about my awesome face painting/body art session.

So awhile back ago a mutual friend informed me they knew someone who was starting her own business for face painting. How fun I thought! She asked if she could use my 2 younger daughters as models to put up pictures on her website. Again, how fun right? My girls love dressing up so this was a perfect fit.

A couple of weeks later we met at a local park along with a few other parents and their anxious little ones. Each of the girls was given a colorful tutu, matching fairy wings and a cute flower for her hair. I already knew this wasn't going to be your average face painting gig. We were greeted by Jasmine Starr McKay of  Starryfaceart. We spent the next hour getting the kids all gussied up and ready for photos (which came out great, but of course I'm a little biased)

This got me thinking...how fun would it be to have this done too? I know, I'm 33 y/o and should act like it; not like an 8 y/o girl. But, but why not? Just because I've added a few years to this awesome face and figure (that *might* be a slight exaggeration) why not add some color?! So I reached out to Jasmine and made an appointment for MEEE! I'm not sure what I was expecting really; I just thought it could be fun to 'be a kid again' and have a little fun!

Jasmine was GREAT! when I arrived I told her "Have add it! Do whatever you like!" Needless to say you give any artist (and what a fabulous artist she is) a blank canvas and their creative wheels start turning. She went for an avant garde look which honestly I didn't really know what that would translate to on my face. Luckily, it seemed translate well.

I know, pretty cool huh?! She did such a great job. I wasn't expecting this AT ALL!

I love how she brought it down the side of my neck and across my shoulder.

After this she wanted to show me what she refers to as "Girls night out" with a simple yet fun look.

 It was so much fun to get all "dressed up" in a not so traditional way =)

I think it's important for ALL women (not just moms) to go and have some creative fun! Who says a day at the spa is the only way to let loose and have a good time? How awesome would it be to reinvent the classic slumber party and have a "Girls night out party" with drinks and body paint? I can only IMAGINE the designs that would be painted. LOL

Jasmine has been creating amazing looks all over the Los Angeles and Orange County area for the last few years. She's been featured at the LA County Fair, charity and corporate events and of course countless birthday parties! 

Her prices are VERY reasonable AND she travels! Doesn't get much better then that!

Here are a few more photos from various events. For more you can visit her Facebook page or website.

 

Perfect for Halloween

Beautiful Unicorn

 This reminds me of CATS!

 Love the Tribal look!

To make an appointment or contact Jasmine you can find her on

Facebook www.facebook.com/jasminestarr#!/StarryFaceBodyArt

email liljaestarr@gmail.com 

by phone 626.222.9889

If I could tell my younger self something, this is what I would say.

"Stay in school and get your degree. The boy you think is perfect isn't and there will be so many others; so respect yourself enough to say no and move on. Trust your instinct even when you don't want to. Take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. For the love of God make him wear a condom! USE more sunscreen and DON'T ever smoke! In a few years you're going to be a mom, a very young mom. Choose your actions carefully.

The next man will break your already fragile heart but don't worry, you'll come to realize he's only trying to spare you any additional pain because he cares enough about you to leave.

The man you decide to marry, because of the decisions you've made, will not be your husband for long. Stand up to him, be strong in your beliefs and above all put the needs of your children first.

Life is going to be tough for awhile, very tough. You'll go through periods of depression, debilitating anxiety and life threatening surgeries. Don't be worried; you'll get through all of it. You'll be scarred, both physically and emotionally but it will be okay. They will be reminders to you of how far you've come.

You will lose someone very dear to your heart. Someone who's taught you more about love and life then you could ever imagine. This too will be painful but you'll be okay.

Be kind to to others even when they're less then kind to you. How you treat them is a reflection of the kind of person you are so might as well make it a good one.

Above all, LOVE yourself! Love every part of your imperfect body. Love the parts that will sag, roll and jiggle; but also the parts that are adorable and still attractive. You are loved by so many and you will continue to succeed throughout your life. I know how stubborn you are and you always will be. Choose wisely my dear young self and trust in the Lord because you will be given a strength that nothing on this earth can match. Believe me, you will question him, a lot! Trust me when I say there is a greater reason; even if it's a reason that you never fully understand.

Lastly, Hang in there, know your limits and don't forget to live each day as if it were your last!"

Signed,

You at 33

"What makes you a great mom?"

Last week I asked this question on my FB page:

"I want each of you to tell me what makes *YOU* a great mom! If you're not a mom then tell me what your mom or caretaker did that was great!"

I loved the comments so much! Read below to see what all the fun, good listening, silly, unconditional loving, smart, caring and tough love mommies have to say from all around the world! ♥

 ♥   ♥   ♥   ♥   ♥   ♥   ♥   ♥  

Chantel Gray What makes me a great mom is my ability to see what makes me a not so great mom and the desire to change it. Sunland, Ca. Mom of 5. age 34

Joni Oehlerking Lightner I am silly. Super silly. Loving. I care naught for the "normal" routine. Whatever works. I only have one & he is unbelievably easy, smart, funny, willing, and loving. He hugs everyone. He thinks. He Is funny. His hugs & kisses & his, "I love you, Mommy's," will (hopefully) last forever. He's 4. I'm 41. I am so grateful for him. He is seriously the best. Argyle, TX.

Arin Lynn what makes me a great mom is even though we dont have much i make sure we go on at least one adventure a week so my son grows up appreciateing quality time instead of material things. Lucerne Valley, CA age 25

Lisa Larson Myers I guess what makes me a great Mom is ... my kids say " I am the meanest Mom in the world" so I've done my job :) I'm from Council Bluffs,Iowa. age 49 & I have 4 kids (9-32) & 8 Grandkids who think I am the nicest Nana in the world :)

BreAnn Bowdish My ability to "pick my battles" with the youngsters and read creatively. :-) Phoenix AZ. Mom of 3, age 22.

DysFUNction Junction What makes me a great mom? My attitude. I cherish every single moment I have with my son. I try to show him love and teach him to laugh. I want him to know that life is more fun if you laugh

Justine Theresa Ladato age 34 daytona beach, fl mom of 3 beautiful boys! i think what makes me a great mom is that i do it all on my own and even though i may not have much i still make sure my kids never want for anything and i shower them with love and lots of hugs and kisses every single day :)

Brandie Driver I think what makes me a great mom is that I've suffered the loss of twins, and it helped me realize that I wanna spend as much time with my son as I possibly can before he goes into school, he's becoming an amazing, smart little guy and I'd like to think I had a very large part in that :) I'm 24 next week and my son is 2.5.

Jeanna Wright Pagel i paint toes and buy tutu's. lol. they are 5 and almost 3. I just turned 25 and i raise my girls north of houston texas.
 
Tiffany Hucek Ritchey The ability to look at my 2 1/2 year old son from across the room and know what he wants or needs since he was little....drink, food, blankie, potty....

Jolene Gaspard Wheelock I'm not a great mom but my kids might think so. I leave them alone until I need them or they need me. I have 4 boys in the house, 2 are not mine but could be (ages 10, 13,16,18). I'm 35 from South Louisiana. Of course, as teens, they handle themselves pretty well.

 Suni Allfie I think what makes me a good mom, is patience!!! I use to have a very short fuse, until I had my first child almost 8 years ago! I'm a mommy to 4, ( 6 mo, 23mo, 5 and 7) Auburn, Wa

Becke Barfield I'm 38, from south Louisiana, and I have three kids, 15, 8, and 4. What makes me a great mom? That I have my kids' backs no matter what they do. They're required to own up and pay their own consequences, but I'm right there holding their hand while they do it.

Cherie Albright I think what makes me a good mom is my ability to know I'm not perfect and that as long as I try I'm good enough. I think she has taught me more then I have taught her. I'm 21 and she is 3. We are from Salem, OR

Jackie Schultz ‎29yrs old from Long island NY. I have 3 girls ages 3yrs, 23months and 3months. I m just trying to make it out alive most of the days ;) LOL. But I try my best to LIVE*LAUGH*LOVE

 
Amber Boucher I am a great mom because I hung up my super mom cape nearly 10 years ago:). I am a 37-year-old mom to four awesome kids(3, 5, 7 & 9). I listen to them. I encourage them to be who they want to be (my boys get their toenails painted if they want and my daughter pretend shaves her face with daddy). They are little humans that like us, want acceptance, love and comfort. We dance in the rain. We sing like no ones watching. We just live and have fun. I let myself learn from them and try my hardest, to be a good role model for them (working on my profanity. Lol). I am from Ontario, Canada. Eh! :)

Meghan Spencer Age 44 mom to 4 a son with hemophillia, his twin sister is bipolar, the middle girl is a mom now and my three yo was a gift. What makes me a good or great mom is Iove them all. I will fight the battles that need to be fought to help them out. And I am one of the geekiest moms around. Have had more indepth and heartfelt conversations and bonding over rounds of firefight in Halo.

Megan Shurley Wright I am a mother, not their friend. I'm raising boys who have rules and chores and consequences. They may not always like it, but i'm fair and consistent and i think it is a good thing that they can count on that. I think that is what helped my 2 oldest get through my divorce from their father.
I have 3 boys, 11, 7, and 18 months outside if jacksonville florida.

Claire Buckley They come first (but they're not spolit); I'm their friend, their displinarian, their educator, their playmate, their cook and I love them with all of my heart and soul. I want better for them and I make it so ..... :)  I'm 39 from manchester uk and my girls are almost 8 and almost 2 x

Charlotte Hall I think what makes me a great mom is patience and choosing my battles. I also try to stay happy and do silly things with my kiddos but they are disciplined even at their age. I always get told what great kids they are and how well behaved they are. I am a mom of 3 (almost 4 yr old and 2 year old twins) and I'm 24 from Arizona. =)

Samantha Sullivan Cohn This question is actually really introspective. I am not only their mother but their friend when needed. I believe my children need both of both worlds, but THEY know where to draw the line between friend and mom. I have tried to teach them patience with others, always try to find the good in others, have discussed social issues with them and have allowed them to learn how to think-not tell them how to think. Some of these are really hard to do since i am heavily bi-polar and will be on meds for the rest of my life. I also believe in taking that deep breath and count to 10 before reacting to a behaviour that is inappropriate. I would choose my children over anything. Absolutely over myself. I believe I am doing a fairly decent job since my daughter is 18 and just finished her first year in college and my son just turned 14. I am 39 and am from Southern NJ. (NOT the Jersey Shore Area!!!!)

Shelly Pehlman-Reeter This is a hard question! I make sure that they are relatively clean(they are boys), stay healthy, I make them do chores, mind their manners, sign them up for any activity they want to partake in & then go to every practice and game :), I make sure they do their homework (& understand it!), kiss boo boos, read to them, kiss & hug them every night, and tell them I love them every day... But this is all part of just being a mom! Them being so smart, talented, and caring makes me FEEL like a great mom :)
I'm from Sherman, Illinois and 39 years old.

Lynn Kenyon I think bein a great mum is not thinkin u alwayz no best n we r alwayz on a learnin kerb because life has as a mum teaches us sumat new everyday I have 4 fab kidz n each one ov them r very different people n av been taught so much from them as they av from me xxxx

Elizabeth Hanson Stephens Gulfport ms 28 mom of 1 /9yr old I listen and love her no matter what she's awesome smart loving and has my sensitive caring heart.. She's rotten to the core but loved in every single way makes me smile everyday and she ALWAYS comes first

Heather Sanders I am from Texas, just east of Dallas. I am 34 with a 14 year old son with Duchenne Muscukar Dystrophy. I have raised my son by myself until this last year. He does not go without and is very respectful. I have learned to pick my battles because teenagers aren't easy. I always make sure to give him a hug, kiss, and tell him that I love him even though he doesn't want it sometimes. He knows I love him. I don't think I am a great mom, but God chose me to raise this inspirational young man for a reason. I always carry hope and have faith that there will be a cure for DMD. The one thing my son loves is to ride horses. I promised him that when he gets to where he can't sit on his horse by himself that I will find a way for him to still ride. I know I have one amazing kiddo!

More Than a Cupcake Mom of 4 boys, ages 22, 18, 6 and 3....I'm 40 from NC. My unconditional love for them makes me a great mom. However, being a mom is the hardest job I've ever had. Most rewarding....but hard. Esp. when the first one flew the nest:(

Sara Ribordy Mom of 6 kids. 2 girls 10 & 2, and 4 boys 9,7,6,4. I'm not a great mom but I am a good one. Im almost 28 will be on Tuesday we live in Lees Summit, MO. I have a ton of patience, I also make sure my kids are always respectful and use their manners, and we discipline our children for bad behavior. I do not really have to discipline my oldest 4 my youngest two on the other hand are still learning.

Rosie Frank Spencer McCoombe ‎48 years old from St. Louis, MO - I am the mom I wish I would have had!

Tracy Hills Edwards The ability to know what each of my 4 kids require/need, like dislike, etc. What makes them individuals and what keeps them happy. And not get it confused, unlike their names. LOL. One has down syndrome one a hyper activity disorder, 1 drama queen, and a terrible 2's toddler. 9, 7, 5, 2- Athens, Alabama

Barbara Rose I am the mom of 2 grown daughters age 38 and 46...between them they have given me 5 of the most awesome grandkids ages 18-24!! Also I have a 20 month old great-granddaughter...All of them are very productive successful, caring, loving adults so with that said, I guess I must be a great mom! I'm age 63 from Tampa fl -  And another thing I love it when my girls sometimes calls me mommy and tells me I'm the best:))

Let's Vent I have two girls, but I am raising them to be tough. I have also equipped them both with an amazing sense of humor. ♥ :)

Stellar Junk My Mom would almost never get in the water when we were swimming as kids. If she did, we couldn't splash her or get her hair wet. So I promised myself that when I became a Mom, I will ALWAYS get in the water. I won't worry about how cold it is, or getting my hair wet. So that's just one of the things I do - I splash and play. :)

"Shredding My Losses" Make the change! 1 year and 100lbs lighter!!

Guest blog by: Jennifer Seville. She's a full time mom and wife who within ONE YEAR lost 100lbs!! Read  all about her amazing journey in her book "Shredding My Losses" Make the change!

I was given the chance to read her book and I'm SO glad I did. She's truly an inspiration that even at 275lbs you can still achieve your weight loss goals.  

 

"When people hear I lost over 100 lbs, I get the inevitable question of HOW DID YOU DO IT?!  I know what they wanna hear, which pill, fad diet, dvd set, or surgery did I complete?  The conversation ends shortly after when I say all I did was eat healthy and exercise.  If you stick around long enough to hear my whole story, you will come to find out that I do have some interesting things to say…

I wasn’t always overweight.  I was super athletic; a gymnast for over  10 years.  I turned 19, met my soul mate, I got pregnant, and began doing what I was told to do, eating for two!  First mistake, because I totally abused that statement, and it showed with the 90 lbs I put on during that pregnancy.  The two years following that child we managed to get married, buy a house, and have another child.  Little to no “time” in between to go back to my athletic build. 

Two more years go by and I have my third and final child, and weighing in at a whopping 275 pounds! 275 pounds found me at a completely different person.  I went from athletic and attractive to depressed and overweight with a huge chip on my shoulder.  In my eyes, the world was out to get me.  Little did I know, I WAS OUT TO GET ME!  With every bite I took, and every pair of baggy pants and shirts I wore to hide the real problem.  I hid for a few years and told myself that my weight issues were all due to my pregnancies and it was normal.

 

It’s not normal to weight 275 pounds.  It’s not normal to hate yourself when you look in the mirror.  It’s not normal to wear sweatpants and sweatshirts every single day because jeans do not fit you.  I was far from acting normal.

 

My eldest daughter turned 5 in February of 2011 and it hit me.  I was a stay at home mom and she was going to be starting Kindergarten in the fall.  I wanted to be that active stay at home mom that goes to all the PTA meetings and attends field trips and has play dates with all the other stay at home moms.  Who would wanna hang out with some depressed overweight mom??

Something clicked, and my journey began.  My husband’s family all were members of the local YMCA and encouraged me to join and attend classes.  TOTALLY out of my comfort zone but I went, and fell in love.  That athletic person came out in me, little did I know it was just in hiding.  I was attending all diff. kinds of group fitness classes and desperately trying to watch what I was eating at home and the pounds were actually shedding off of me.  My dedication was showing when I dropped over 20 lbs in the first month.  Cutting soda and teas and all the sugary snacks I was known to eat I’m sure helped with that 20 pound weight loss.  I wanted more, and kept going…

I found a love for “running”  Let’s not call it running at first, let’s call it completely dying and probably looking like a fool but I did it so don’t laugh me kinda running!  I even completed a 5K race at 200 lbs in 34 minutes!  I was beginning to feel proud of myself again and feeling accomplished and goal driven in my new lifestyle.  9 months later, I had dropped over 100 pounds, 10 pant sizes, and 3 shirt sizes!!  I was a completely different person inside and out. 

 

I can’t stress to people how important health wise it is to be at a healthy weight but more importantly for your heart and soul.  I hate knowing that there are still people out there feeling the way I used to feel about themselves.  It is no way to live your life living it hating yourself and being depressed.  Hiding from society solves nothing!  Once I opened up and admitted to people I needed help, was when I started to get positive results in my life. 

 

I kept a journal during the whole process that I would write about my workouts and foods as well as my personal thoughts and frustrations along the way.  It was a handy tool to stay accountable and on track on a daily basis.  Once I hit the 100 lb mark and was re-evaluating my goals I decided to publish my personal journal into a book.  It’s called “Shredding My Losses” and its available on amazon.com as an e-book as well as paperback.  It has my private thoughts during this tremendously hard weight loss journey but also illustrates how extremely rewarding it can be at the end.  It’s been said to be a must read for anyone seeking for extra motivation or wanting to read about a “real person”.  I’m not a celebrity, I did not take the easy way out, I’m just an ordinary person who made a change for the better and really wants to help others get to feel what I feel.  Proud!

 

I started a facebook page called “Change One Thing” to pay it forward to others and open myself up to them about my journey and give them somewhere to open up to me about theirs.  I still journal/blog for people to read on my website at www.changeonething.info and will continue to try and help society with the horrible epidemic of obesity.

Just remember, you are not alone!  We are all in this together!"