I definitely look at life as a glass 1/2 full. Reality says my life is probably more than 1/2 over. I'm going out with a bang. I'm not going to be sedentary. I'm not wearing mom jeans. I want to live to see my kids happy and healthy. I'm a big believer in surrounding myself with positive people who make deposits in my bank. I'm hoping my blog is a positive deposit in your bank of life; so join me.
When the kids were little, I'll admit I was a little crazy about what they ate. My twin boys went from breast feeding to pot roast and veggies (I have eye witnesses to testify to that event). I've labeled it "retro parenting" and think maybe a little bit of retro parenting is good. What I mean about that is a lot of kids today have issues with food and it has more to do with control, than actually not liking what is front of them. Our parents and generations before them would never let kids get away with eating what they eat now and actually being the one who decides. I never gave them options. There were a lot of tears, but I never let them win. I probably appeared as a mean mom in public. But the end result is my kids will eat anything. I'm lucky, but I worked hard for it.
We all start out with "try it", "take one bite", "no dessert if you don't eat your dinner" and at some point we give up. Stay with it. Whose the boss? That's my Ann Landers for the day.
As I started out with my JJ Virgin diet plan last Monday, I realized I needed to apply my "retro parenting" thoughts to my own self. My thoughts on giving up dairy. Okay, but no way can I have coffee without half and half. Reality - coconut milk creamer is actually good and I wouldn't have known that if I wasn't willing to taste it. I haven't had dairy (including 1/2 and 1/2 in 9 days). Kale or spinach in a smoothie = disgusting. That statement is wrong - you actually can't taste it (I can smell it though). 4 lbs down - I feel good and I do believe my psoriasis is subsiding.
Ah, ha moment for me. If I apply my own parenting thoughts to myself, I can do anything or I can certainly give it a good try. I am a huge Kelly Pickler fan and am actually inspired by her success on "Dancing with the Stars". That girl grew up rough and did not come into "Dancing" with tons of dance recitals behind her. She was amazing. We can be too! Join me in not being afraid to "taste" new foods and experiences!
I was recently in a texting conversation with a friend discussing our new "diet" plan and "desparately seeking middle ground" was my description of what I would like in regards to my "diet" or as I like to now refer to as my "health" plan. It seems like dieting is so extreme. I'm either completely off the wagon and their is no food taboo (aka Fritos), I can't seem to shove enough in my mouth or I'm trying something a little cuckoo. I don't consider what I'm doing cuckoo right now or drastic. I'm trying to eliminate some foods to not necessarily lose weight, but more to see if I feel better. So it's not so much as a "diet" as a new health regime. The fact that I've heard it referred to as an "anti aging" eating plan is ensuring my dedication.
To know Lysa is to know that I have stomach issues. I am not going to get too graphic here, but I wasn't voted "Iron Guts" in High School for nothing. I've never taught myself to burp a whole song, but pretty sure if I was challenged I could rise to the task. I definitely struggle thru severe gas and bloating, so much so that I physically feel sick. I started realizing that dairy was a culprit when after a few sips of my kids milk shakes over the past few years, I didnt' feel good (total tongue in cheek when I say a few sips). I tested eggs recently and realized they made me feel sick also. It's so interesting if you listen to your body what you learn.
Enter JJ Virgin. You knew it was coming. I happened to catch UNC TV's fundraising drive and she was on it. Check out, JJ Virgins, "The Virgin Diet", Why Food Intolerance is the Real Cause of Weight Gain. So the basic plan is to drop 7 foods, lose 7 pounds in 7 days. The 7 foods to lose are soy, dairy, gluten, eggs, peanuts, sugar and sugar substitutes, and corn. The plan outlined in the book is pretty specific. So I have a group of ladies (yes, of course my sisters) and we have a group email and group text conversation where we share ideas and talk about how we feel. This is so helpful.
So I confess, the first 2 weeks I dabbled. My sisters were serious and experienced serious results. I got 100% committed starting this past Monday. You have to prepare for this health plan so you have on hand what you can eat. I feel great. I'm hoping to get rid of my psoriosis. I've always heard gluten was a culprit of auto immune disorders so I'm hopeful. I'm hopeful for less hours/days of burping and f......g,( I just can't bring myself to say or write the whole word). My skin doesn't look bad, but if it could look better I'm game.
So yes, I'm desperately seeking middle ground in my middle age, (I'm hoping I'm still considered middle aged since I just bought Centrum (freakin) Silver = ugh). I've never taken a vitamin. Oh, I've bought them, but threw them out unopened when they expired and I still hadn't taken one. I'm trying to find some middle ground with my teenagers. The boys are actually hosting a end of the year bonfire tomorrow. Pray for rain. Join me in finding the middle ground in pursuing a healthy life that is still inspired to try new things and never stop seeking to be better.
Today, I'm tackling the fact that there are no cool dresses for normal women (more explanation to come; stay with me) and I've been around the Triangle hence the Lisa Stansfield video - here are some of my shopping tips and they can be applied anywhere just not here in NC.
First, I'm going to be honest and confess I'm a Fashionista and TJ Maxx is my go to tried and true faithful place to shop. I have had many a good afternoon, rain or shine mulling around every rack looking for a treasure. I don't have the luxury of that time currently and really haven't been out shopping in awhile. I went to TJ Maxx recently to pick up a gift for a friend and basically lost my mind and ended up hitting 4 TJ Maxx's in a 3 day period. I know that sounds a little loopy, but I'm nothing if not a bit focused when I get started with something. Side note - I know I'm not alone here. I will not name names, but I have a very good friend that actually gave up TJ Maxx for lent that how serious the TJ Maxx problem can be. This particular shopping trip turned into a complete clean out of my closet and drawers with a critical eye'd friend and came up with 2 green trash bags of giveaways. Take away here: find a friend who has seen you and knows what looks good and who is willing to "gently" tell you what doesn't. It turns out, I went thru some period of thinking that embroidered clothing was in. In or not, that period has passed and I'm glad someone was strong enough to say so. As I'm sure you are aware there are different levels of stores. There are now TJ Maxx's with The Runway - designer sections (15 501 and Falls of Neuse TJ's) have these. Sometimes, the clothes appear to be old but expensive because of the label in my opinion. Here in NC, I maintain the TJ's Beaver Creek is shopped so hard it has the best selection of new merchandise. Now, don't take it personal if you own a few of these labels but I'm "gently" telling you to beware of Chaus, Valerie Bertinelli, and Willi Smith. You run the risk of looking dated in Chaus and Valerie Bertinelli. Willi Smith is made for TJ's as is Cynthia Rowley and although the styles are current the clothes are crap quality. Marshalls is up there with TJ's, but here in Cary we have to venture all the way to Crossroads which in my opinion is a huge deterrent.
After my 4 store TJ's and Marshallls (okay that makes 5) marathon, I had bought and returned for 3 days and had fed the beast and now the shopping beast was looking for more. I was still empty handed and was laser focused on finding a cute, throw on, dress up or dress down dress. Decided to forgo cocktails the other night and venture into mall land and see what Dillards, Macy's and Belk had going on. Shoot me now. Dillards has minimum racks which I liked, but they consider their own brand of Antonio Melani to be their top designer - no freakin way is that true. Belk is packed to the roof tops. I don't know how you can even push the clothes on the racks to see what is there. Probably best place for dress as they have literally thousands as long as you don't care that 100 people all living in this small town have the same one. On to Macy's - still love Inc. but have promised to take a sabbatical from anything sparkle or rhinestone which leaves me limited options here. Besides Inc. there was just a bunch of the same stuff they had everywhere else. Again, came home with a bag of hopefuls all to be returned.
I lied when I said Kohl's could be an answer. They keep giving it a good college try with all their new private label designers but when you try on it all looks ridiculous. I have now had two trips there with a friend with a discerning eye and my best fashion interest at heart and all we have ended up with was a good laugh at each other in the dressing room. Sorry for the previous wrong information.
Say yes to boutique shopping if you only need one special thing. I have had success at Scout and Molly's locally, but usually only go there when I have been the thankful recipient of a gift card. I had a blissful hour at Cameron Village recently and think that may be the ticket if I hit the lottery or somehow come into an inheritance.
Today, I anxiously await my online shopping shipment of dresses from Amazon.com. Nothing sexy, fun, or rewarding about shopping this way but success at this point would be exceptional.
So net, net, net - someone please hear us normal ladies. We need dresses that don't cost over $100, that don't show our hiney's, have normal arm holes, and don't have animal prints. I don't think that is asking too much. Join me in some future successful shopping which also means a clean out of what you already own. Good news for me, the shopping beast has thankfully gone back to sleep.
Okay, steamy weather is almost here at that means if you have frizzy hair you need to try keratin. I swear it has changed my life. I know my mom loves my curly hair. I know all you naturally straight girls long for a little curl. A little curl would be one thing, but my hair is somewhat curly in odd places, somewhat wavy in some places and frizzy all over. I can make it work with no humidity, but once humidity hits things get out of control. Think Monica on Friends when they went to the islands....
Nails, nails, nails - I move around and get mani/pedi's pretty much anywhere that's convenient to where I am when I suddenly have spare time. I would guess I'm not alone. Recently, I was getting my hair colored. The longer I leave my hair color on the better. I multi tasked and gave Judy at Solas Salon (Kildaire Farm Rd) a try. I was not disappointed. Crazy - she's cheaper than anywhere else I've been and she excels in massage. Seriously - excels!! Worth the drive and seems readily available with short notice - Judy Ming - 347-835-8135
Ladies, join me in getting ready for summer and sandals!! Don't be caught with your pants down or shoes off - I have no idea where I was going with that........and yes, NK the nail info is for you!!
I'll admit it. I'm a beauty product junkie. I'm an easy sale, but at this point I'm very selective with what I actually need which in reality is probably nothing. But the thrill of the purchase of a great beauty product is still exhilarating.
I love InStyle's Best Beauty Products issue. There are a lot of products that are new and fun to try, there are some that win year after year and should and I'm sure there are beauty editors that buy their product's spot on the top beauty product list.
Now, I do realize that this is not the issue you would have seen on our new stands in America, but shout out to Jennifer Aniston who is my personal beauty icon. I swear she's right - Giorgio Armani foundation is the best, Nars Orgasm blush and Laguna Beach bronzer are the most perfect blush/bronzer duo known to man and new product on the list that supposedly she swears by is YSL Lip Gloss Golden #2. It does seem extra special and it should be for $30.
This was my list of beauty must tries followed by my personal review of the product -
-Mac eye pencil in smoulder and Mac lip pencil in spice = terrible, too hard, actually hurt to put on = being returned. I actually like Mally eye pencils and gel liner like Cavier by Smashbox.
- Big winner - stand out - thinking about ordering a case of it product = St Tropez Gradual Tan moisturizing lotion (Sephora or Ulta). OMG, it's fantastic. It smells seriously divine and that is something I've never said about a self tanner. I can't wait to put it on again tomorrow. And I stand by the golden rule, "tan fat looks better than pale fat".
- Christian Dior - 5 Colouer Eye Shadows - yes, they are pricey but they are so perfect (Jennifer swears by them too!)
Well, I'm all made up with no where to go today, so I better get back to work so I can afford my beauty habit. Join me in not being afraid to try something new, even if it is just a temporary fix.
My parents agree on the story of my arrival. They mistakenly went in the back door of the hospital, the elevator was broken and my dad said, "oh well, you can do it Liz" and they walked up a few flights of stairs. They called my dad when I arrived and this is where things go sideways. My mom says he went back to bed and came later in the day. My dad says he came right over. This is a common man versus woman memory if you ask me.
My dad says my arrival meant that his television room got changed into a nursery. My mom remembers taking me for walks always with a white bonnet and polished shoes. I was an easy going child and trembled at just the threat, "assume the position", meaning bend over for a spanking. They said that I always excelled in writing, tended to jump to conclusions, was not interested in domestic duties including cooking, and I was always bossy.
My name is really Elisabeth. My mom wanted to call me Lisa but it wasn't a saints name. In elementary school, I was a little confused briefly between 1's and I's, so I referred to myself as L1sa. In middle school, I joined the girls changing y's to i's and vice versa and settled on Lysa.
I'm working on a new bucket list now that I have entered into a different decade of my life. Having a great 50th birthday is one I guess I can check off. I am very appreciative of my family and friends and life. Join me in living a life of no regrets. I know it's a cheesy saying, but just seems to fit my mood today.
Back in the day when Title 9 became law, my mom was responsible for making my high school add a girls sport because there wasn't as many girls' sports as boys sports. My high school added girls lacrosse in 1980, so I got to play for 2 years and loved it (*if you make it to the end of this blog, I have a funny Burns' girl story).
Here's a little clip on Title 9 -
"Title IX, a groundbreaking statute intended to end sex discrimination in
education, became the law of the land on June 23, 1972. While most famous for
its requirement that schools provide girls with equal athletic opportunities,
the law applies to all educational programs that receive federal funding, and to
all aspects of a school's educational system. Title IX benefits both boys and
girls and is the linchpin of 40 years of efforts to promote and establish gender
equity in schools."
I definitely agree that we should have all equal number of opportunities to play, but should we get to play everything? The following is today's story about a girl that won the state wrestling championship in the 106 lb weight class - http://entertainment.msn.com/videopreview/?channelindex=4&from=en-us_msnhpvidmod&form=msnrll#/video/c23783d4-af96-483e-a24a-c77233b51019 - I personally think the newscaster was a little degrading when he opens with notice how she is still girlie as she fluffs her hair and adjusts her outfit = ugh, 5 steps forward 20 steps back.
One of my 15 year old sons recently completed his first year of wrestling. One of his early matches was against a girl. My husband and I held our breath the whole time. If you don't have a boy, you don't know how fragile their 15 year old ego is.......it was uncomfortable. You teach your boys to not be violent towards women and then they are faced with them in the wrestling ring? There was inappropriate groping at the very least. If he had lost, I can't imagine the torture he would have had to endure from his peers.
So girls get to wrestle because there isn't wrestling for girls. Okay, so there's no volleyball for boys. Let's send out some 6'4 boys who didn't make the basketball team and see how the girls volleyball team likes it.........it goes both ways. There have been some instances of this, but not wide spread enough for it to be news worthy or I should say, "change policy" worthy. All it will take is one coach to put together a dream team with a few "ringers". They go on to beat everyone, win a championship and then what is our answer. I don't think equal is a grey area. Equal is black and white.
*Being the older, bossier and desperate for awards Burns sister, I highly suggested that the winner of the first year's lacrosse team's MVP should obviously be a senior. Join me in thanking everyone for agreeing to that philosophy, so I could eek out the award from my speedy very athletic younger sister.
I'm a mom with 3 children - all teenageers. I've been wanting to do a blog for awhile. I'm a little bit Beverly Hills Housewife meets Jersey Shore meets the Waltons; all coming together trying cope with being middle aged in a one horse town that I love called Cary, NC. Join me...
