Winter Wonderland Warriors: Challenge Wrap Up!

WOW! What a fun 12 weeks this has been and I am looking forward to the Spring Fever Challenge Amy has coming up!  Here is my recap of the goals I set for myself 12 weeks ago!

1. Lose 12lbs: 

Yup, I did that! I lost a total of 15.8lbs since the beginning!! WOO HOO!!! So excited and proud of myself!

2. Drink 48oz of water each day: 

I think I hit this one about 50% of the time! I know each day I drink at the very least 32oz, plus two 8oz glasses of milk; if you add that together that gives me the 48! LOL!!! 

3. Exercise 3x a week:

Some weeks I did, some I didn't.  I'd say this one was also about 50%!  I am looking forward to the warmer weather of the spring so I can start running again!

4. Read more of my books:

Yes I did this one for sure!! I completed 2 books and am in the middle of reading 2 more!!!

5. Get my daughter on a more "normal" eating routine/habit:

I am certainly making progress with this one, but this is going to be something that is a constant battle for me with her.  She is just a plain ol' picky eater and that's all there is to it!

6. Scrapbook more:

Ya, not so much.  I scrapped ONE page these past 12 weeks.  So very sad as I am so very, very far behind!

7. Organize my home:

I am kicking butt and taking names on this one!!!  I have done a TON of work clearing out junk from my basement, bedroom, hall closet, and kitchen!!! YAHOO! Still a lot of work to be done, but I will keep working at it until I am happy with it! 

8. Be more patient with my daughter:

This is one that I will always have to strive for; some days are better then others!

9. Make more cooked meals and eat out less:

Yes I have done WELL with this one!!!  I am working hard on keeping a very simple menu each week and sticking to it!

Do you feel like you had a productive winter?

Overall yes.  Many of these goals will be carried over into the Spring Fever Challenge, though!

Winter Wonderland Warriors: Week 12

Positive Picture:

Yep, I hit the 35lb mark this week at my WW meeting!!! YAY!

What have you done this past week to help achieve your goals?

I lost .6lbs this week so that puts me at 15.8lbs down since the beginning of this challenge!! I wanted to lose a total of 12 so I went above and beyond that! YAHOOO!!  I am also still reading.  I also exercised 3x last week which I haven't done in a while!

With one week left, what is your plan?

Try and keep the exercise goal going as well as the reading!

What was the highlight of your week?

Hitting the 35lb mark!

Did you have a down point? If so, how did you push past it?

I always hit a low at some point in the week and I have to do lots of self-talk to get myself out of that!

Fun Question of the Week: What's your favourite television show from the past? Presently?

Hmmm.... From the past?  Like how far in the past?  I really liked LOST, but if I had to think really far back I dunno! Currently my fav is Dexter!!!!!

Winter Wonderland Warriors: Week 11

Positive Picture of the Week:

My little family!

What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?

  I am still reading both of my books and I spent a couple of hours working on cleaning, purging, and organizing things in my basement.  I have made a ton of progress down there, but there is still a ton more stuff that needs to be taken care of.  

There are two weeks left in this challenge – what goals are you making priority?

Weight loss and being a better person.

Many people are on or heading into Spring Break right now, do you find it easier or harder to stay on track when your routine disappears?

No spring break for me, but it is harder for me to stay on track when my routine changes!!!  

Tell us something positive about this challenge. Could be something that happened to you, you did, you realized…etc. 

I have learned so much about myself this challenge its amazing.  I really feel like I have grown up a lot and I know that may seem silly, but there has been tons of stuff going on behind the scenes and I have been forced to either sink or swim; I think I am swimming pretty well!

Fun Question of the Week: The clocks sprung forward this weekend, does the time change mess you up or do you just go on like nothing happened?

Doesn't really bother me.  The first day the times I get hungry are off a bit, but it's not that big of a deal.

Winter Wonderland Warriors: Week 10

Positive Picture of the Week:

I hit the 30lb loss mark this week!!!! YAHOOO!!!!

What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?

I lost -2lbs this week!!!!  WOOO HOOOOO!!  I am also still steadily reading both of my books.  I have done a bang up job too making good, healthy meals at home for me and my daughter!  :0)  

New month! How are you feeling with the end of the challenge coming up soon?

I can hardly believe this challenge is coming to a close! WHOA! Where has the time gone?  I am feeling pretty good about the progress I have made with my goals, even if I haven't completed them.  In the next challenge I will continue working on some of them and tweak others.  New month, renewed motivation!!!! 

What would you change differently about this challenge for the Spring Fever Challenge beginning soon? 

Hmmm... like I said in the previous question, I am going to tweak some of my goals!!!

What have you learned about yourself during this challenge (or past few months)?

That I am a VERY strong person and no matter what I WILL BE FINE!  I have also learned many things about myself that I need to improve on to be a better person to those around me.

Fun Question of the Week: Do you enter contests? Have you ever won one?

Not really.  Sometimes I will get a scratch ticket, but I never win.  I did take part in a Biggest Loser Contest at work a few years ago and I won over $100!!!  

Winter Wonderland Warriors: Week 9

Positive Picture of the Week:

My sweet DD and I had an at home momma and me mani/pedi! It was such fun to spend girlie time together with out any cares or worries!

What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?

Hmmm..... not much towards the weight loss end of things, BUT I am reading, reading, reading!  Still working on both of the books I mentioned last week - one for fun and one for personal growth!  

Today's the last day of the month - how do you feel you've done in February?

February was NOT a good month. 

What is your go-to favourite meal to cook? Share the recipe if possible!

Hmmm... a tough question because I am not much of a cook! LOL!  We are big pasta eaters in our house so I try to use whole wheat pasta and often put canned diced tomatoes on top instead of sauce or some other assortment of steamed veggies.

Share a quote or saying that is inspiring you today.

‎"If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the 

beginning." -Mahatma Gandhi

Fun Question of the Week: What's your make-up routine? Wear any? Lots? Do you have a must-have?

I don't wear ANY unless its a really special occasion.  I have SUPER sensitive skin and make up just destroys it, no matter what type I use.

Winter Wonderland Warriors: Week 8

Positive Picture of the Week:


What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?
I have been reading!  I am working on reading two books this week.  One for fun and one for my personal growth.  I am also still working hard on purging, organizing, and separating things.  I have sold 13 items via craigslist and I couldn't be more pleased!!!

Pretty much everywhere this past week experienced some mild weather – did this change have any effect on you?
We had one really warm day here this week and I got myself and the kiddo out for a walk just around our neighborhood.  It was so nice to get some fresh air and just observe the sights and sounds of spring coming; of course we saw tons of snow melting and water running down the roads and many puddles to splash in!  We also jumped over the many cracks in the road!  LOL! It was great while it lasted, but now we are back into the cold, dreary, snowy weather.  That one day did help remind me there is an end to all and we will be able to enjoy the warmer weather soon.

Walk us through your ideal workout. 
I don't really have an ideal work out, just one that isn't something I dread.  Exercise is really something I loath.

What happened in the last week that you have to brag about?
Hmm.... I was able to get into 2 pairs of pants that I haven't been able to!!! YAY! AND I was able to get on a pair of size 10 jeans, just not button them YET!

Fun Question of the Week: Spring Fever has hit the stores… what’s your favourite thing to shop for in the Spring?
SANDALS!! I love sandals!!!!!

Winter Wonderland Warriors: Week 7

Late AGAIN! Better late then never, right?  RIGHT????

Positive Picture of the Week:

The valentines my little girl made for daddy and her grandparents.

1. What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?

I lost 2.2lbs this week and I am in the 140's!!! WOOOOO FREAKIN' HOOOOO!!!  Also I started reading another book in the series I have been reading; book 3 of 7!  I am also doing great with the purging of MANY things in my home that we no longer want/need! Craigslist is my friend and I have sold a ton of stuff on it!! YAY!!!  Being motivated is amazing and the more purging I am doing the better I am feeling about that aspect of my life!!!  

What goal are you doing best on? Try to talk about the goals you still have left, address whether you’ve completed some, but focus on ones you still have to complete.

I am doing the best on my weight loss goal right now! I have lost almost 10lbs since we began this challenge!    I also need to do more scrapbooking.  I have been lacking that department severely; I think I have only done one page since beginning this challenge and that just makes me sad.  I used to scrap A LOT, but have lost my mojo and now I am so far behind that I find it simply daunting to try and play catch up!  

What goal do you have to push yourself a little more to complete? What is your plan to do so?

Hmmm...  right at this moment I would have to say exercise.  I was doing AMAZING with it in Dec and early Jan, but have since lost the want to do it.   I must PUSH myself to get there.  I just need to make the time to get going.  

We’ve talked about who pushes us to do better with our goals – is there anyone/thing that hinders you?

Honestly, myself.  I hinder myself and I know that sounds crazy, but I always seem to come up with excuses why I can't do one thing or another. I am my own worst critic and worst enemy sometimes.

Fun Question of the Week: Happy Valentine’s Day! Do you have any special plans for the day? It’s okay if you think it’s a Hallmark holiday that you wish to boycott! 

My special plans included visiting with my parents and spending time with my little valentine, my 3 year old daughter.  It was a lovely day overall.

1.  

Winter Wonderland Warriors: Week 6

Yep ok, so this is REALLY late.  

Positive Picture of the Week:

What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?

I lost .6lbs this week.  

New month! Fresh starts! How are you feeling in February?

Hoping its a better month!

Are you competitive? Do you find that seeing how well {or not so well} others do pushes you?

Not competitive at all.  Just seeing others do well helps encourage me.

What is your favorite outdoor winter activity?

Honestly, I hate the snow.  My favorite winter outdoor activity is watching the snow MELT!

Fun Question of the Week: What would be your ideal way to spend a Saturday night?

Right now, it would be spending time with my husband.

Winter Wonderland Warriors: Week 5

Positive Picture of the Week:

My beautiful, little family!  This picture is from a while ago, but its a happy one!

What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?

This week has been a VERY hard week.  I have done GREAT drinking my water!  

January is coming to an end! How do you think you did in the month of January? Review time!

I was doing great at the beginning of the month making some serious progress towards my goals, but the last few weeks have been nuts and I somewhat lost my focus.  I did however lose a total of -6.4lbs this month! YAHOOO!!!!

Do you feel like your motivation is tapering off now that a month has passed, or are you just as motivated as the beginning of the challenge?

My motivation has waned for sure, but I am starting back at it with vengeance now that February is here.  I need to pull up my girl girl panties and get my bum in gear again!  Who's with me????

Who/what inspires you to keep going?

First and foremost, I need to keep MYSELF going!!!  I am on this journey for ME first and then I am also doing it for my family so I can live a long life to drive them all nuts! LOL!  I keep in mind what the future me is going to look like and feel like and that is such a huge inspiration as well!

Fun Question of the Week:  What is the first thing you think of/do in the morning?

First thing I think of when my peepers open is that I want more sleep! LOL!!!  Once I am over the shock and dislike of my alarm going off, I mentally prepare for my day; think about what I have going on and what I need to do to get through my day and make it the best it can be.  Then I usually head for my laptop! {rolling my eyes}

Winter Wonderland Warriors: Week 4

Positive Picture of the Week:

My little girl.  She is my world right now and I need to keep in focus that it is ALL ABOUT HER!

What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?

  I haven't done much to work towards my goals to be perfectly honest, however I did manage to lose -4.6lbs.

How are you feeling about the goals you set for yourself? Overwhelmed? Too easy? Just right?

I am feeling good about most of them.

Do you prefer to exercise inside or outside?

During the warm weather, I like to do a mix of both and in the winter I am an inside girl 100%!

Are you a self-starter or do you need a little push?

It all depends on what it is!  In this journey of weight loss, I have certainly needed a push!

Fun Question of the Week: Why did you decide to start a blog?

This blog is a chronicle of what I am going through, as well as a way for me to get some accountability. 

Winter Wonderland Warriors: Week 3

Positive Picture of the Week:

What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?

This week I finished TWO books (granted one was only a few chapters away from completed) and picked up another one that had been sitting around for a very long time that I am about 1/2 through! 

Also I lost -2.8lbs this week!  WOW! I am so thrilled as I didn't make the best food choices this week; I stayed with in all my points, but we ate fast food three times this week! 

 I exercised 4 times this week, hence my positive picture! It's not because I am aspiring to look like her, as that will NEVER happen, but I used her 30 Day Shred DVD for the first time and I was so sore for days after! LOL!! It was well worth it, though since I think that's what put me over the edge for such a great weight loss this week! What a kick ass work out in just 20 minutes time! Woah.  

If you haven't tried it, YOU MUST!

Do you find that your motivation/mood changes in the winter? If so, what do you do to help/avoid it?

Normally, I would say yes to this, but this year I am DONE being fat.  I want to be thin and feel better about myself in so many ways.  I am very motivated to lose this weight and I want to move on with my life; its not going to beat me any more!

Do you have any advice for your fellow challengers on staying on task?

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!!!!!!!!!!  Plan ahead and know what you are going to eat for the day!! Going off the cuff when you are hungry often means its too late!  

What day{s} of the week/month do you find it difficult to stay on task/motivated?

The weekends are extremely difficult for me!  I try so hard to stay on task, but some how I always seem to mess up somehow!  DH and I often go out to eat at least once over the weekend and I have the best intentions to make good choices; sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.

Fun Question of the Week:

If you were going on a road trip {longer than a day} who would you take with you? Where would you go?

I think I'd go away with DH.  I'd love for us to drive up to Canada for a long weekend and stay in some luxurious hotel and get room service all weekend, if you get my drift!!!!  ;)

Winter Wonderland Warriors: Week 2

Positive Picture of the Week:

In the words of Kati Perry:

"Cause baby you're a firework

Come on show 'em what your worth

Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"

As you shoot across the sky-y-y"

What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?

- I drank my water every day this week!

- I exercised 6x this week! YAHOO!

- Sunshine ate a few more normal type meals this week! Its a work in progress for sure!

- I went through the kitchen cabinets and purged/organized the food and took stock of what we have.  I am going to try and use as much of the foods we have in the cabinet to do some meal planning.

- Bedtime routine is a nightmare for me and my DD so I have been working on a way to make it more pleasant for both of us.

Are any of your goals repeat offenders (i.e., have you made them before and not succeeded)? 

If so, what do you intend on doing this time to ensure you achieve them?

But of course!! LOL!  I have tried many times in the past to lose weight, yet here I am; as well as organizing my home.  As to why I have not succeed in either - I just get discouraged easily with losing weight if I am not making progress, but this time it seems different as of late because I am taking control of it! Its all up to me and me ONLY.  In my home DH and I are both clutter bugs and it makes it difficult to keep things organized.  I am trying hard to purge things I don't need or use and I know if I can succeed at this then my life will be less chaotic.

Do you have a support system in place to help you achieve your goals?

Yes I do! I am very lucky to have a supportive DH, parents, co-workers, my WW Leader, and all you lovely ladies in blogland!

Are you a planner when it comes to meeting your goals, or do you tend to “wing it” and hope for the best?

In the past, I have certainly been a wing it kind of person, but now I am realizing that I NEED to plan in order to succeed!!!  I need to plan my meals, I need to plan time to exercise, I need to plan how I will take care of myself and my family!

Fun Question of the Week: Who knows about your blog? Are you on blogger lockdown or do the “real” people in your life know about your blog/read your blog? 

I am not on lockdown about my blog. I have many friends and family IRL that know about it!  

Winter Wonderland Warriors: Week 1

Positive Picture for the Week:

 What are your ten goals for the WWW challenge?

1. Lose 12 lbs (that's 1lb a week, which I think is doable).

2. Drink 48 oz of water each day.

3. Exercise 3x a week.

4. Read more of my books.

5. Get my daughter on a more "normal" eating routine/habit.

6. Scrapbook more!

7. Organize my home.

8. Be more patient with my daughter.

9. Make more home cooked meals and eat out LESS!

Why did you choose them?

Goals #1,2,3, and #9 are all about helping me be a more healthy, active person.  Goals #5 and #8 are to help me be a better mother.  Goals #4 and 6 are things that I enjoy doing and do not do often enough because I get caught up in the every day things that life throws my way.  Goal #7 is to help my life stop spiraling out of control and be less chaotic.  

Are you making a New Year’s Resolution beyond the WWW challenge?

Yes I have one, but I do not want to talk about it publicly.

What does this challenge mean to you?

I am thrilled about this challenge as I need some structure in my life right now.

Fun Question of the Week: What did you do when the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve?

I called my husband to wish him a Happy New Year.

Winter Wonderland Warriors Challenge

I found a great challenge while reading one of the blogs I follow, Finding The Thin Within.  The challenge is being hosted over at life's Journey with a smile and it is called Winter Wonderland Warriors.  In order to participate, you have to come up with 10 goals that you want to meet beginning Jan 3, 2011 until March 28, 2011.  Each week there will be weekly questions to be answered and posted to your blog. If you want to join up, head on over to Amy's blog to sign up!

Here are my goals:

1. Lose 12 lbs (that's 1lb a week, which I think is doable).

2. Drink 48 oz of water each day.

3. Exercise 3x a week.

4. Read more of my Sookie Stackhouse series of books.

5. Get my daughter on a more "normal" eating routine/habit.

6. Scrapbook more!

7. Organize my home.

8. Be better about doing laundry! 

9. Be more patient with my daughter.

10. Make more home cooked meals and eat out LESS!