March 31st, 2009
Here’s a quickie update on my goal to lose the fat. I impressed even myself with my renewed commitment to exercise. This past week, I exercised for seven days straight with the help of my Wii and Wii Fit. This game definitely makes getting myself to exercise a lot easier. Although there are some funky Yoga poses my body will never be able to do without severe pain, I think overall it does the trick. I also supplemented my Wii Fit regimen with 20 push-ups/day (the girly kind until I get enough upper body strength) and 20-30 ab rolls/day with my ab roller.
A month into my workouts, I feel fitter, stronger, and healthier. A says I am slowly, but surely, losing the jiggle in my legs when I walk, the cellulite dimples when I sit, and the protuding belly. The scale may not reflect this progess, but keep in mind that muscle weigh more than fat (or that’s what I like to tell myself).
Current Weight: Driver’s License + 15 pounds
Weight Difference from 03/03/03: -2lbs
No Comments | In: Pounds | tags: exercise, weight. | #
March 30th, 2009
Cute print. Pretty color. Nicely hidden pockets. Perfect dress, right? Wrong. Everytime I am at Urban Outfitters, I am always drawn to this Kimchi Blue Knit Print Shirt Dress. I love the style of the dress with its empire waist and minimal detailing. Nice and simple. Maybe it’s because of this that I am hypnotized into trying this dress on every time I am in store. However, once I slip the dress over my head, I come back to reality. It might be due to the size I choose or just simply me, but the feelings I have for this dress when it hangs on the rack does not translate into the same feelings I have when it hangs on my body, which is a major disappointment. According to my shopping mate, the dress “looks like it is made from heavy fabric and just sags” on me. If you do decide to listen to the postive reviews and buy this dress, just keep in mind that there is an elastic band in the back portion of the empire waist. This allows you to slip the dress on. However, either it was the location of the elastic band or the length of it, but I felt a bit uncomfortable trying to squeeze through this dress to get it on. You do not want to buy a larger size (unless it looks flattering) to avoid this problem, but just know that the problem did exist for me. Instead, I would make sure to choose the perfect size to make the dress fit nicely even if it means going a size up or down a size. I wish you better looks with this dress than I had.
In store, this dress was on sale for $19.99, but online it is on sale for $39.99 (origianlly $58.00). The dress also comes in three different prints: black ditsy, mauve feather (pictured), and navy thistles.
No Comments | In: Shopping | tags: clothes, Kimchi Blue, review, Urban Outfitters. | #
March 29th, 2009
As much as I want to expand my wardrobe, I do have to have good judgment on what to buy and what not to buy. One case in point is the Rendez-Vous by Paul & Joe Sister Voile Top at Urban Outfitters. As nice as this top looked when I picked it up, it did not flatter my appearance at all. The shirt was loose fitting and that was the problem. From the front, it looked as though I could pull off the shirt. The org flower print looked nice and the shirt was not too dramatic. (The shirt also comes in another print — pink flowers.) However, once I turned to the side, the shirt gave me that pregnant look, which I was not. I guess that’s what is meant by the “oversized fit” description online. The top also was somewhat translucent, which I tend to avoid unless the shirt is simply amazing. In the end, I hung this shirt back up and moved on without any regrets.
In store, this top is on sale for $19.99, but the sale price online is $54.99 (originally $78.00).
No Comments | In: Shopping | tags: clothes, Rault & Joe Sister, review, Urban Outfitters. | #
March 28th, 2009
Winter is coming to an end and spring is just around the corner. What better way to celebrate the change of seasons than with a new dress! Perfect for this occasion is the AE Knit Party Dress from American Eagle. Online and in person, this dress looks very nice. I think the print adds a little something extra to the dress otherwise it ends up looking like AE dresses of the past. The dress has shoulder ties, which is a bit different from a regular dress, and there is a deep V in the front and the back. For me, the bottom of the dress came down to just above my knees so it was not too short or too long, just right. In addition, the dress fit comfortably and was soft, but the $34.50 retail price does not justify itself. I’m just going to wait for summertime to buy this dress when I know the price will drop.
UPDATE:
This dress has hit the clearance page. It is now $24.95!
No Comments | In: Shopping | tags: American Eagle, clothes, review. | #
March 27th, 2009
With the recent trend of adding a belt to every outfit (or almost every outfit), I have been on the lookout for a good belt. By my definition, a good belt is one that I like, is not too ostentatious for my liking, fits well, and can complement more than one outfit. It also must have the ability to dress up or dress down an outfit. With too many requirements, my quest to seek a good belt has at most been futile, that is, until I found the Ecote Macrame Leather Belt. Contrary to the “Online Only!” statement on the product page, I bought this belt in-store and on sale from Urban Outfitters for $9.99 (online sale price $16.99, originally $34.00). It looks exactly how it is pictured. I bought mine in black, but it also comes in brown. The black color gives this belt a basic look, but on closer examination the macramé detailing can add a more stylish touch to a plain outfit. (The macramé detailing on the brown belt is more visible.) When I tried this belt on, I found it to be a bit on the short end and it would only fit around my waist, not my hips (like a regular belt). Reviews online suggested buying one size up from what you would normally wear to make this belt fit around the hips. It is okay to go with a bigger size because, unlike a traditional belt, this belt does not have actual belt holes so it can be adjusted to any size. Although I wish my belt would fit around my hips so I can wear it around my pants/jeans, I am quite satisfied with this latest addition to my wardrobe.
No Comments | In: Shopping | tags: belt, Ecote, review, Urban Outfitters. | #
March 26th, 2009
Three different patterns make up this Kimchi Blue Mixed Printed Henley giving it a unique look. Like the reviews said online, the pictures do not convey the vividness of the colors that make up this shirt. Somehow, the colors “pop” in person. The shirt is loose fitting, light, and comfortable making it perfect for spring or even warm winter days if you are in California. Although it looks to hang wonderfully on the model, I personally felt that the shirt fit me like a muumuu. To minimize the muumuu effect, I paired this shirt with an Ecote Macrame Leather Belt, which seemed to solve the problem and gave it an up-to-date vintage look. Although I did not end up keeping it (a decision I now somewhat regret), A bought this shirt in-store at Urban Outfitters for $19.99 (online sale price $34.99, originally $48.00).
No Comments | In: Shopping | tags: clothes, Kimchi Blue, review, Urban Outfitters. | #
March 25th, 2009
On Saturday, I went to Ikea for the Seize the Day sale. My mission: to get DROPPAR jars. 14 oz, 30 oz, 51 oz, and 61 oz frosted glass/stainless steel jars regularly retailing from $2.99-$5.99 were on sale for $0.99! After arriving a little after the 10:00 a.m. opening, I made a beeline straight towards the line that had formed in front of the store and had already started to move. I was calmed when I saw that there were plenty of jars for sale, not just one or two as sometimes experienced with other good sales. While waiting in line, A, my accomplice, noticed how well-organized everything was. This was not like the mass chaos experienced on Black Friday. I must applaud Ikea for having this sale well-planned out from the formation of the line to the distribution of jars. Other than the lady behind us who kept closely body-hugging A, everyone seemed to be on their best behavior, which was highly unusual. I was satisfied when I got my jars (limit six per adult even though it says limit six per household). My only complaint is one of my 61 oz jars had a chip at the top where the lid goes on. (I’m not sure if I inflicted this while washing the jar or if it had been this way when I bought it.) Other than that, this trip to Ikea reinforced my love for the store and has provided me a pretty jar to store my sugar.
No Comments | In: Shopping | tags: Droppar, Ikea, jars, Seize the Days. | #
March 24th, 2009
Another week has past since setting my goal to lose weight and to tone up. It is hard to believe, but my progress since my last report has declined even more. I give myself a pass though because my exercise buddy (EB) had her birthday in the middle of the week and planned three full days of bday extravaganza, which made it extremely difficult to exercise Wednesday through Friday. However, in response to this recent dip in our motivation and dedication to the original plan, EB and I think we have come up with a no-fail solution that has us energized and excited about exercising in the weeks to come.
Wii Fit. After the festivities ended, EB and I went out on Sunday to get ourselves a Wii Fit from Best Buy. (My advice is to call the retailer before driving to the store to make sure they have it in stock. Although it takes a million rings before anyone at Best Buy answers the phone, if they even decide to answer, it is worth it to avoid unnecessary gas-guzzling trips.) The Wii Fit offers four different categories of exercise (Yoga, Strength Training, Aerobics, Balance Games) each with a decent number of exercising options. With this game, you have the choice of creating your own Mii profile to keep track of your BMI, weight, and progress in addition to creating weight loss goals. Multiple Miis can be created so multiple friends and family can get in shape as well. There is also a feature called Fit Credits. The more Fit Credits (minutes) you put into exercising with your Wii Fit, the more exercises, repetitions, and difficulty levels you can unlock. (I assume there is a limit to how many exercises there are.) The exercises themselves are legitimate because the Wii Fit uses the same Yoga and Strength moves that I utilized in my Abs and Thigh class and Pump and Sculpt class at the gym. After doing these moves, which are targeted to toning, building muscles, improving balance and posture, and strengthening core muscles, I could definitely feel “the burn”. If you get tired of doing traditional exercises, the Aerobics and Balance Games categories offer an array of fun exercising games. Although some exercise moves are harder than others (i.e. Tree Pose, Push-Up and Side Plank), most are doable for anyone of any age (or at least for a 22-year-old). Overall, I’m quite happy thus far with the Wii Fit. Not only do I enjoy exercising, but I look forward to exercising. Today is day 3 with the Wii Fit and so far I have not had any trouble keeping up with my exercise schedule.
(The Wii Fit is listed at $89.99. It is twenty cents cheaper through a seller on Amazon.)
Current Weight: Driver’s License + 15 pounds
Weight Difference from 03/03/03: -2lbs
No Comments | In: Pounds | tags: exercise, weight, wii fit. | #
March 21st, 2009
What will you celebrate?
Apparently A’s 25th birthday, which went down this past Wednesday. Fittingly enough, “What will you celebrate?” is Disneyland’s theme for 2009. Either a genius move by Disneyland to bring more people into the park on a day they normally would not go or a marketing blunder, Disneyland is offering free admission to a Disneyland Resort Theme Park on your birthday. All you need to do is register online and bring your confirmation email and valid ID to the entrance ticket booth.
What happens if you already have an annual pass to Disneyland?*
Even better! Because A and I have a Southern California annual pass to Disneyland, A was able to choose from one of three options.
- A birthday FASTPASS® exchange card+ for a certain number attractions at both Disneyland® Park and Disney’s California Adventure® Park; or
- A birthday fun card in an amount equal to the price of a 1-Day/I1-Park ticket** for certain purchases including select merchandise, tour experiences or for Disney’s PhotoPass® on-site services at participating locations at Disneyland® Resort; or
- A 1-Day/1-Park ticket for you to use any time until your next birthday.
We nixed the first choice because we were not in a rush and could afford to wait in line. The third choice was not too appealing since we already have annual passes. The second choice, the birthday fun card, was perfect. It’s like free money! Although there are some restrictions with the birthday fun card, such as no use on food purchases, it does not have to be used on your birthday. According to the person at the ticket booth, the card is valid throughout the entire promotion (2009) and probably does not even expire under California laws.
A used her $69 birthday fun card to buy a $40 (including tax) Roxy Orange Coast handbag in Sandstone. (The original plan was to buy the $8 Peter Pan cap and another hat, but we saw the purse and decided that we could live without the hats, but not the purse.) She used the remaining $29 to buy V her Character Signature Mickey Mouse Ears and J his Captain Jack Ears.
All in all, this promotion at Disneyland made A’s birthday at Disneyland ever more worthwhile and definitely something to remember.
(*Note: You still need to register online to receive this offer. In addition to the confirmation email and valid ID, you also will need to show your annual pass.)
No Comments | In: Happenings | tags: birthday, Disneyland, free admission. | #
March 17th, 2009
Two weeks into my battle to lose the bulge, my efforts seem to have lost some steam. Laziness, maybe? Lack of motivation? Either way, a lot of people in my position, that is, people trying to get into shape, have encountered the same momentary lapse in their exercise regimen. I seemed to have started out strong with an exercise plan of what I was going to do each week. Tuesdays were reserved for tennis. Wednesdays and Saturdays were for running. The other days were to consist of strengthening exercises . It was simple enough and I even was on schedule for the first week, but for some unforeseen reason, I could not manage to keep to my exercise plan. (Yes, I know. It has only been two weeks.) I was plagued by a plethora of problems, but I think I have a solution to my lack of exercise.
Buddy up. I found another fat friend who is interested in shedding the pounds along with me. She too had a recent weight gain and wants to get back to her once thin body frame. I definitely suggest partnering up with an exercise buddy because you can motivate each other. It is a lot easier to exercise when someone other than yourself is there to remind you, push you, and encourage you to exercise. (If I were to go it alone, I think the cookie jar would end up consoling me.) Besides, if your friend gets skinnier at a faster rate than you, it is definitely motivation to catch up along with him/her. You don’t want to be the only fatso in your group, do you?
Despite my poor efforts this past week, I have good news to report in that I lost a minuscule, but now nonexistent, amount of weight. Yay me!
Current Weight: Driver’s License + 15 pounds
Weight Difference from 03/03/03: -2lbs
1 Comment | In: Pounds | tags: buddy, exercise, tip, weight. | #
