Casual Friday

Lotsa oldies but goodies in today's ensemble!

The purse is my Banana Republic bag that I bought many years ago.  I recently acquired the same one in black from a reader,  but this brown one is more... casual/boho and I find it works best for my Casual Friday outfits.

The top is from Language Los Angeles - bought it last spring during the Nordstrom sale and I adore it because it's super thin knit, yet opaque.  Today is surprisingly cool in DC and perfect for such a top.  Jeans are the straight jeans from NYDJ, brown croco heels from Sofft, turquoise bead necklaces from H&M, silver hoops and cuff.  Hair is still damp in this photo and it's as standard as standard can be with the makeup.

A reader asked me about my silver cuff.  I bought it in 1997.  I was in college, but had to move home because my scholarship ran out.  I was working at a fraternity and sorority merchandise store off campus, but wasn't making enough.  I stopped in Express for some retail therapy (back then 90% of my wardrobe was from Express) and my favorite salesperson Steph (who I have recently reunited with on Facebook - how crazy!)  asked me how work was.  And I told her.  And she told me to apply for a job.  A week later I was sitting in the Center Court of Laurel Mall with the District Manager of that Express, telling her why I should be their next Assistant Manager-in-Training.  I remember what I wore - a black pinstriped sheath out of suiting fabric, and some super chunky black slides from Steve Madden (it was the '90s!  This look was hot!).  I felt the interview went well and to celebrate, I went into Hecht's to buy myself a present.  I saw this silver cuff, it was on sale for $35.  I bought it.

And I got the job.  That was the beginning of my retail life - I ended up with Express for over five years, working my way up from part time assistant in training to full time management to becoming a visual merchandiser for the one of the busiest locations in the region. After that I got the idea for Wardrobe Oxygen and a couple years later started my blogs.

Maybe the silver cuff was my good luck charm which got me the job.  I do know that it was my first piece of jewelery that I didn't lose or break within a year.  I have had it for 13 years - it has traveled around the globe with me, been worn for some of the biggest events in my life.  I think every baby that has been born into my family or one of my friend's families has played with it.  It has gotten a bit bent and scratched over the years, but it is lightweight, contoured to my wrist and like a part of me now.  Since having it, my jewelery tastes have adjusted to fit with the cuff - modern, big, full of impact.  I think my wardrobe has also changed to work with it.  May be a which comes first - chicken or egg sort of thing, but over the past 13 years I have seen my wardrobe get much cleaner lines, solid colors, very crisp and often modern.  When I do like details, I see that I go for the hippie/boho sort of look, which also works with the silver cuff.

So that is the story of the silver cuff!

Friday through Wednesday

Sorry for being MIA - work has been super busy.  I have taken a couple of pictures so I can give you a recap of the past... gosh almost a week!

 Casual Friday, I wore my white gauzy peasant top from Old Navy, my Seven jeans (which are now fitting a bit loose), my Allison Dayton Jewelry necklace, brown croco T-strap heels from Sofft.  Yep, it's a popular choice for Casual Friday!

Saturday evening we went to the local theater to see our good friend perform in a play.  It was a steamy night, the theater has not-so-reliable air conditioning, and then an after party at the friend's house so a sundress was the way to go.

 I wore my blue print maxi dress that I got at Ross for Bonnaroo, my two turquoise bead necklaces from H&M (restrung to make them longer and add the occasional random bead), silver cuff, black flip flops.  Tres casual, but the local arts center is a very casual place.  Our friend was fantastic, the show was awesome, and we had a great time celebrating with him and other friends afterward.

Monday, I wore my Jones New York top with my white low-slung flare trousers from Gap.  And well, those pants are being donated or upcycled into something else.  I had three pairs last year - 2 in 16 (1 petite and 1 regular) and one pair 14 regular.  This year the petite ones were WAY too short so I have been wearing mainly the 16 regulars, and sometimes the 14 regulars if with a long top that will hide the muffin top.  Well the 16s are too big.  By time I got to work the pants looked all baggy and dumpy.  By time I got home, I was able to slide off the pants without unbuttoning. 

I have only lost a few pounds with Weight Watchers, but it obviously is making an impact, especially with my pants.  My favorite jeans don't look as cute, these pants are unwearable, and my denim trousers are starting to look better/not so short and tight.  Pretty exciting!  As for upcycling, I was looking at the pants and thinking... there's enough fabric in these pants to make 4-8 napkins.  It's cotton twill, I was thinking of getting some ribbon and sewing them on them and then hemming the sides for some fun little casual napkins.  If the fabric was wider, I would make dishtowels, but we are always in need of casual cloth napkins as that we don't use paper towels or napkins!

Anyway, yesterday I wore my blue print wrap dress from Ann Taylor, with my red heels from Sofft.  Hair is second day, straightened with dryer and round brush and then smoothed with BioSilk.  Pretty standard lipstick, added some color with Burt's Bees lip shimmer in Fig.

Instead of my standard silver cuff, I am wearing a blue enamel and gold bracelet my dad brought home from France in the '80s.  Very typical tourist piece (each plaque has a famous Parisian landmark) but I adore it, and I think it fits the look of the dress and shoes.

Today was a very early day, so I dressed in the dark, feeling in the closet for things that would match.  Black jersey top from Max Studio, black trousers from NY&Co, black peeptoe wedges from Anne Klein, and my turquoise chunky necklace from Target.  Hair was wash and condition, add some Frederick Fekkai's Luscious Curls and let it air dry.  Tomorrow is another early day, so probably another No Photo/Dress in the Dark sort of outfit.  Will be back to normal on Friday!

And wanted to let you know that next Tuesday I will be taking off work to attend the Lilith Fair!  Is anyone else going?  Would be cool to meet up.  I will be writing a review of the festival here on the blog!

Thursday

I forgot to charge the camera, and my husband thought it would be funny to take a picture from an even HIGHER height than before.  Har har.  Well the battery is charging now so better pictures will be happening in the near future!

Navy pima scoop tee from Banana Republic, berry colored cashmere blend cardigan from Gap, white low-slung flare chinos from Gap (these are the 14s - they are slim but they aren't skin tight any more - hooray!).  Navy bead necklace from J. Crew, and on my feet are orange leather flip flops from Born (pants still too short for taller shoes). And of course, my silver cuff bracelet!

Hair is second day, I just hit the bands and large sections with my curling iron and then a bit of BioSilk to tame frizz.

Makeup is Almay Smart Shade Anti-aging Makeup in Light/Medium, Cargo Matte Beach Blush in Tenerife, Stila Lip Glaze in Fruit Cake, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Smoke, Tarte Indelible Wink in Eggplant, and DiorShow mascara in black.

I hit the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale hard.  Really hard.   I got a ginormous box with three pairs of shoes and a bunch of clothes.  And yeah, they are all going back.  There is only one thing I am keeping and it was a total random purchase but I utterly adore it.

This.  And yep, it's not on sale, and yep it's a ridiculous price.  But man, in person it's even prettier than it is on the site.  It is the most fabulous orange color - I remember Banana Republic had a bunch of stuff this color a few years ago and they called it Chinese Orange.  It's a really supple patent leather, no stiffness, and thick and doesn't get all goofy with fingerprints.  I have been wanting a cross-body bag for a while.  I want something smaller so I can take it to concerts and stuff, but also use for work when I have my ginormous office-issued laptop bag.  This does it.  And if you don't know this already, gosh I love the color orange.  It is my favorite color, and has been for years.  I thought I would kill the love after having orange as my primary wedding color, but no I am still a big fan.

So some of the other things I love but ended up returning:
- These shoes in Sand Patent.  Omigod they are FANTASTIC!  You know I love Sofft, well these are another winner.  The only problem with them is my foot - I have super short pinky toes and my pinky toe was dangling out of the shoe and it looked a bit ridiculous.  But the nude color isn't weird, the metal hardware isn't too blingy, this is actually quite an elegant shoe and would add a modern touch to work or playwear.  I may consider trying them in a size smaller to see if they would work with my pinky toe, they are so utterly glam and comfortable too.
- These shoes in Black Patent.  The zipper was pretty tough on my pair, but the zipper did stay up.  If I did decide to order again, I would go down a half of a size (ran a bit big) and go with the gray color as that the black had very shiny obvious gold hardware and I don't wear gold as much as I do silver.  I chose to not reorder because I have funky chunky heeled gray shoes already.  But these too are super comfortable.  I love companies that make stylish and trendy styles that don't kill your feet.  Every pair of Sofft shoes I own have totally been worth the money, I wear them at least once a week, they hold up great, no pain even if worn all day.
- This dress by Tahari.  Brilliantly made.  The seaming is really slimming, the ponte is a nice weight yet it is fully lined, the beading on the bodice is subtle but elegant.  Too bad it doesn't come in petite - the 16 is way too big everywhere, and I think the 14 will still not be a good fit as that this dress does run long in the bodice as well as hem.  But if you are taller, this is a smart choice for work or for a nice event.  A LBD that isn't boring.
- This tunic in black.  If I didn't have a postpartum tummy, I would totally keep this.  It is not a tunic on me, it is a dress.  Even when slouching, it still makes for a dress on my body.  It's a nice fabric, the grommets on the shoulders make it look more expensive than it is.  Not opaque, not cheapy, and would be a stunning dress with leggings or tights come fall, if you like your tummy or have a different figure where your tummy problems aren't at the lower part of the abdomen.

Maxi Dresses Are Not Made For Speedwalking

 It happens to everyone, even runway models who are paid to walk...

I walk fast.  If you are married to a person who is over a foot taller than you, you learn how to walk quickly.

At work, I am often on Webinars and conference calls and online trainings where I have to type, "BRB!" into a chat and dash to the bathroom once I have another person who can take over my role.   Because of this, I can pee faster than any man.  Get it done, get back to work.

Today I had to get to work super early, like it's dark out and the husband and dogs and baby are still asleep early.  Get dressed in the dark early.  Feel around in the closet... hey that's my Merona maxi dress.  One-step dressing.  Done.  I put on the maxi dress, feel through the drawers in my jewelery armoire and find my two silver bead long necklaces from H&M and my silver cuff and I am dressed. 

I haven't worn the maxi dress to work before because I really don't think it's work-appropriate.  Somehow if the dress was knee-length I think it would be nice for work with a pair of heeled sandals and maybe a cardigan.  But a maxi dress... it seems to festive and tropical.  Today, I was tired, didn't feel like wearing Spanx and knew my trusty black pants were in the hamper so I decided to go with the maxi dress.

About 20 minutes ago, I totally ate some office carpet when dashing to the bathroom.  Awesome.  Glad that the office near my maxi-crash was empty so I did not have an audience.

Not only are maxi dresses not work appropriate, they are also a workplace safety risk.  I think this was fate reminding me to adhere to my personal style laws at all times.  Break them, and receive punishment!

Tuesday

Camera battery needs to be recharged, so full-length pictures came out all weird and blurry.

This is my dress from Muse that I bought last year.  They have similar dresses, same cut but different prints available at Nordstrom and also recently at Overstock (and remember to first visit Ebates first to get money back if you shop at either location!).  With it I am wearing my silver cuff, silver chain with my wedding band, silver hoops from Ralph Lauren.

Hair is second day, I took big sections around my curling iron to smooth, and a touch of BioSilk to keep frizz at bay.  It has been raining almost every night the past few days, leaving the days very... thick.  Tres muggy, tres frizzy.

Classic makeup, the only change-up is I used my Tarte Indelible Wink eyeliner in eggplant along the top lash line.  I love this liner for day wear - it's a very dark gray-tinted purple that makes my brown eyes look more brown, and isn't as intense as black.

Help me get an iPad, Help yourself save some money!

I know you have heard me rave about Ebates before, well I am writing about it again because I am thisclose to getting myself an iPad from them.

Okay let me slow down, back up and tell you what I am talking about.

Ebates is a site that has partnered with thousands of popular online retailers like Nordstrom, Target, eBay, Ann Taylor, Barnes and Noble. When you go to Ebates and then click a link to go to your favorite retailer, you will get cash back on your purchase (like an e-rebate!). You can get anything from 1-20% cash back on your purchase. Ebates does all the tracking for you. Then, four times a year you get a check from Ebates with your cash back.

No membership fees, no spam, no having to search for codes, no pyramid scheme, no toolbar, and you get real cash from them, not points to use in their overpriced shop.

You know I shop online most of the time, I don’t have time for hitting the mall every weekend. Well Ebates is great because not only does it give me cash back, but it tracks coupons. I hit Ebates, enter the store I want to shop in the search feature and it will show me how much cash back I will get on that day’s purchase as well as any coupons that are available at that time. So convienent!

Well Ebates also gives you deals for referring friends, and right now they are having a promo where you can refer friends and win prizes like an iPad, a TV, a trip to Hawaii! I am pretty close to having enough referrals to get an iPad, which would be too cool as that I don’t have my own laptop or iPod. And what’s great is you aren’t signing up for a bunch of hassle. If you sign up by the end of this month and use Ebates before August 10th (or signed up before and actually use Ebates before the 10th of August), I will get your referral, and you will save more on your online shopping than you did before without any drama or time.

Check out Ebates and see how fantastic it is. And if you click on the links in this post, I will get your referral and may end up with an iPad. And my fam and I would be oh so grateful!

Weight Watchers Update

So I got weighed last week - Week 4. I didn't gain, I didn't lose. And I actually find that to be a victory.

Usually on weekends I go for a long walk/hike each day. On Sundays we usually walk to the farmer's market, which is 10 minutes away, walk around, walk back and THEN go for an hour-long walk together as a family. I then try to fit in extra walking – park farther away at the Metro, walk around the block at lunch, get in a quick walk with Emerson before bed. This week I didn't do any of that.

I also ate pasta. We didn't get around to getting good groceries so we were eating that which was in the house, and that meant pasta. One night I made linguini (and not the Ronzoni stuff which is low points) with pesto (from my neighbor). For dinner I had that with some frozen spinach, and I didn’t measure. The next day I knew I would have meetings all day at work and no time for lunch, and had no frozen meals so I grabbed the leftover pasta, which must have been at least 2 cups worth and ate it for breakfast AND lunch. Oh, and another night we ate Gordon’s breaded fish filets for dinner, I had two.

And, I am supposed to get my period this weekend.

So to have all that against me and be flat, I feel pretty good.

And pretty motivated to get on track again this week.

After my meeting last night I hit the grocery store so I wouldn’t end up resorting to pasta and freezer-burned randomness. It was funny, I saw two other women from the meeting and my mom also went with me. A couple things I get to have on hand for easy quick low-point meals:

- Laughing Cow cheese, Egg Beaters
- Thomas’ Bagel Thins and their Light High Fiber English Muffins
- Tons of fresh produce that’s fun to munch on – cherries, strawberries, blueberries, apples, baby carrots, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, kale
- Hellman’s Low Fat Mayonnaise (lower points than the Light), and Breakstone’s Fat Free Sour Cream (the only brand that tastes like something when fat free)
- Fiber One cereal – the classic stuff. Smash it in a Ziploc bag and use in place of breading
- Vegetables that make a meal – spaghetti squash, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, etc.
- Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches and Weight Watchers Strawberry Smoothie frozen bars
- Progresso soups – many are 0 and 1 pt. Per serving and great to have in the drawer at work in case I forget lunch or crave a meal at 3pm
- Fiber One bars – I like the chewy chocolate chip ones and they are the size of a regular bar and only 2 points and super delish
- Jolly Time microwave popcorn – 2.5 points for one whole bag
- Fresh ginger, all types of onions, garlic, pepperoncinis, lemon and lime juice, soy sauce, a variety of vinegars, wasabi powder, various dried spices, all sorts of “free” flavorings
- Olivio spray, Olive-oil based no-stick, and regular no-stick
- Pickles – love Bubbie’s but when I can’t find I go with Clausen (can’t stand the flavor of the ones that don’t have to be refrigerated)
- Canned beans – garbanzo, kidney, black… always good to have on hand for so many recipes (and they are Emerson’s favorite food)
- Weight Watchers and Lean Cuisine meals just for work lunches. They are high in sodium and small so not really great as meal replacement but fab when I have to work through lunch. I prefer the sandwiches, flatbreads and pizzas to entrees – I feel as though I am getting more

So some delish things from the past couple of weeks:
- We got some tuna from the farmer’s market. I marinated it in a mixture of soy sauce, fresh shredded ginger, a touch of lime juice, a bit of black pepper, some wasabi powder and only a splash of safflower oil. We then put on the grill and it was insanely good. I have now made a salad dressing of this marinade, just added water to dilute a bit and I have it in the fridge. For a snack today I had it on some farmer’s market tomatoes.
- Our neighbor grew these little white squashes in her garden, they are like the size of an orange and all oblong in shape. Well my husband sliced them in thick discs like tomato slices, dipped in Eggbeaters, then in crushed FiberOne cereal that was mixed with Old Bay seasoning, and then put in a pan that was well coated with no-stick. Cooked either side until crispy. They were amazingly delish, like fried green tomatoes. We made a dipping sauce from a bit of fat-free sour cream, a bit of mayo, some Old Bay, a touch of Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice. Mix and season to desired taste.
- Muir Glen Organic’s large can of tomato sauce is 1 pt. And not full of weird fake crap. It’s just tomatoes and so delish. To jazz it up, I will first take a large pan and with no-stick sautee up some onion, garlic, finely chopped kale (though you could do spinach), shred a bit of carrot, add some crushed red pepper, maybe some green pepper if I have it. When all is soft and lovely I then add the can of the tomato sauce. Sometimes I will also add Boca crumbles to make it a meaty sauce (Boca crumbles is only 1 pt. per serving). So it’s really packed with veggies, low points and still delish. I will have this with the Ronzoni Healthy harvest pasta, which is only 3 pts. Per serving.
- My new favorite breakfast is only 3 pts. I stick a Thomas’ Bagel Thin into the toaster. Cook up ¼ cup of Eggbeaters in the microwave. When the bagel is finshed, used a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese like cream cheese and spread on the bagel. When Eggbeaters is cooked in the microwave it cooks into a perfect lump that fits great on a sandwich. Put it on the bagel, add a splash or two of hot sauce and it’s utterly lovely and feels decadent. Had it this morning with a few strawberries and coffee and it was as great as something at a nice café.
- Low point ranch dressing that tastes good?  Yeppers, it exists, check out this post.  Also check out the comments - I have actually adjusted by using variations of low-fat buttermilk, buttermilk powder with water, mixed with the may and sour cream.

Thursday

I must remember to lift my chin for photos.  

I must remember to lift my chin for photos.  

I must remember to lift my chin for photos.

I still love this top from Jones New York.  You know it may not be what one would choose for my figure - it hides any narrowness to my waist, it has a high neck, and it has wide armholes which make my upper arms look even wider.  But the print is fantastic, and in the hot DC summers, it is AWESOME to have such a lightweight top (cotton voile) that is work- and play-friendly!  The top says dry clean only, but I washed it on gentle, let it air dry and did a quick swipe with the iron to keep the interfacing inside the armholes and nat have it look as though I pulled it out from the hamper and it was good to go. 

I was going to wear it with my brown trousers from Semantiks, but those pants... are too big.  I have only worn them twice.  I don't know if it is removing weight (my WW leader says you don't lose weight because that sounds as though you want to find it again.  Instead you REMOVE weight), or because my body is eternally changing and morphing post-pregnancy.  Anyway, they look as though they are a size too big and sag in the crotch area and look dumpy.  Sigh. 

So I am totally breaking work dress code and wearing my straight-legged jeans from NYDJ.  I totally heart these jeans - the higher rise prevents muffin top and doesn't dig into me when I sit.  The stretch doesn't look goofy - the denim has a great tight weave and deep dark rinse which makes them look far more refined than many stretchy jeans.  The jeans are supposed to take 10 pounds off, but they don't really suck in a ton.  I personally am happy for that because control garments like Spanx make me look like a stuffed sausage and TMI, but give me major gas if worn for a long period of time.  These jeans from NYDJ hold a bit in, but are comfy to wear all day.  And I am one of "those people" who throws her jeans in the dryer.  You wouldn't be able to tell with these jeans, they are just as dark as they were the day I bought them.  So since they are a nice crisp dark indigo, I feel they are a bit more work-worthy than say my distressed bootcuts from Seven.

Top - Jones New York
Jeans - Not Your Daughter's Jeans (NYDJ)
Necklace and Bracelet - Ann Taylor
Shoes - Sofft

Hair was washed and conditioned with Pureology, added Frederic Fekkai's Luscious Curls, scrunched and let air dry.  Still damp in these photos.  Makeup is my standard - Almay Smart Shade makeup in Light/Medium, Tarte bronzer, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis, DiorShow mascara, Bare Escentuals Buxom lip gloss in Dolly. 

Wednesday

Husband: Hey, want me to take your picture for your blog?

Me: Thanks Beeb, that would be great!  I have been such a slacker with photos...

Husband: They say you look thinner if you take pictures from above...

Ha ha, very funny.

Here I am with Emerson before heading out to the car, it's fun when my husband and Emerson drive me to the Metro, I get a bit of extra family time in before the day starts.

Lets not even discuss the hair.  This morning the type of rain was that crazy mist that seems to be coming from every direction and an umbrella is almost pointless.  I didn't even try to do my hair, just took a curling iron to the bangs so they weren't still separated down the middle.  Yeah you can see how well that worked... :)

Top - Lands End
Denim Trousers - Gap
Shoes - Sofft
Necklace - Target
Silver cuff... always!

I am still really liking my Almay foundation.  This is just spot usage of the foundation, a light dusting of Tarte bronzer, my Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis and DiorShow mascara.  Super quick and done with an active toddler by my side.  I have learned to keep some makeup brushes I don't love or use often clean and at the ready for Emerson - I will give her one and she will rub it on her face and say, "awwww!"  It's super cute.  Also the drawer of my dressing table, I keep the front left side full of random things I have floating around the bedroom and bathroom that she can play with like a sturdy bangle bracelet, an old cap to foaming face wash, an empty cardboard box from her teething oil.  Then she can reach in and pull it out and feel very cool and make little piles and be distracted enough so I can get my makeup done without ending up looking like Alice Cooper.

Weight Watchers Update

So an update on Weight Watchers, after finishing my first week.

I sort of wish I had never done WW before because I catch myself saying, "yeah yeah" when the leader speaks or I read something in my booklet.  I know points, I know portion control, I know all this.  But obviously I don't because I am overweight.  My friend says that overweight women know more about health and nutrition than any skinny woman and I agree.  It is so degrading when thin friends tell overweight friends to drink more water, add just 10 minutes of exercise a day, park at the end of the parking lot to get walking in, to eat dinner on a salad plate, blah blah.  Most women who have extra pounds on them and have for a while know all this.  They know how many calories they should consume, what percentage of a meal should be protein, complex carbs, how much water to consume.  The majority of women who are overweight aren't so because of lack of information or knowledge.

So I read the Weight Watchers info and I get bored because it is nothing new to me.  I have done Atkins, South Beach, Weight Watchers. I have been a gym rat, a yogaholic, a person who wore a pedometer every day to get her minimum of 10,000 steps.  I have done Diet Fuel, Xenadrine, and a couple other pills that were popular in the '90s.  Low carb, high fiber, high protein, all veggies, grapefruit juice, and plenty of other randomness over the decades.  I read the books and the Web sites, I subscribed to all the fitness magazines.

But nothing has stuck.  I did lose like 25 pounds before my wedding thanks to South Beach, but it came back.  When we lived together after college, my sister and I did a variation of the Atkins diet where we  drank grapefruit juice each morning and were able to splurge every other weekend and I lost like 15 pounds with that.  In college I went through a period where I walked five miles a day with ankle and hand weights, took step aerobics twice a week and hit the gym three times a week and got down to a size 6.  And each time, I lost interest, lost motivation, found it too extreme to fit into daily life and quit.  And gained it back... and then some.

I was able to maintain a size 12 until I left retail.  Switching to a desk job was better for my personal life (and my body - varicose veins were right around the corner), but it wasn't better for my figure.  I gained 25 pounds in one year by changing nothing except my job.  I didn't realize how active I was working retail and how much my metabolism would slow with sitting all day.  I did Curves with a coworker for a while, morning gym jaunts with another, but always ended up having reasons to miss a day.

Anyway, I am trying really hard to see Weight Watchers with fresh eyes.  So what if I know this stuff, I am obviously not applying it to my life on a regular basis.  I put the booklets in the bathroom so I can re-read and get it imprinted on my mind.  I have subscribed to a few WW-related blogs on my Google Reader.  I am trying once a week to make ahead snacks and various foods so I can't feel as though I don't have time for a proper meal and end up snacking on something bad.  I am seeing this not as losing weight, but changing my lifestyle.  I changed my lifestyle when I got married, changed it again when I had a baby, this is just as important of a thing in my life.  I can't enjoy parenthood or wifehood or any hood with excess weight straining my knees, my heart, my whole self.

So anyway, first week I lost 2.6 pounds.  Not too shabby.  I did track every single day, but I did go over points two different days.  Again, I love love LOVE the eTools with Weight Watchers - I keep it open all day and can easily drop in things like the International Delights creamer I put in my iced coffee, the oatmeal I had for breakfast in the car while my husband drove me to the Metro.  It's so easy to "forget" the creamer, the snack sized candy bar from the receptionist, the two olives you munched while cooking dinner, the mayo you had on your sandwich if you don't track until the end of the day.  Seeing "WeightWatchers.com: Plan Manager" in my tabs at the top of my browser is a constant reminder of this life change.

This past week I couldn't stay for the whole meeting.  My husband had to sub for another yoga instructor so I had to take Emerson to the meeting with me.  Emerson is a really chill kid but she is also a toddler and wasn't going to be quiet during the meeting.  She wanted to run and talk to people and explore.  I stayed to be weighed in, to chat with my mom (she joined too and it was her first week), and then went outside to let Emerson play at a playground until the meeting was over so I could meet up with my mom.

I have told my husband he can't sub for a teacher on Thursdays unless he can score a sitter for Emerson during the meeting.  I no longer take yoga or ki gong because I can't fit it into our crazy schedule.  But I can't blow this off any longer.  The meeting is a whole hour and it's a 10-minute walk from my house.  No more excuses, and it's not fair to not be able to have that hour to just myself.  He agreed; for that short of a time a neighbor can easily watch Emerson even in our own home.

This past weekend was a tough one.  On Saturday I went to a party that had an amazing spread.  I DID have a cheeseburger, but I did go sans mayo.  With the rest of the food, I had 3 shrimp with a touch of cocktail sauce, 5 potato chips with some onion dip, 2 light beers, 2 jello shots, a cup of some sort of vodka punch, and then just plain fruit or veggies and a lot of water.  The next day I was pretty good - mixed greens salad and put my fork in dressing instead of putting right on the salad.  I had more veggies and fruit and two crackers with hummus.  I drank sparkling water and did a lot of running around behind Emerson.  Then the next cookout, I had a cheeseburger and salad and two non-light beers.  But instead of feeling like crap, I just pushed forward.  Yesterday I ate on track, and today I am completely back to my routine.

I look forward to meeting this week.  I may not have lost, but I know I didn't gain like I would if I wasn't on Weight Watchers.  And I plan to take in this week's meeting as though I am a newbie to the weight loss world, soak up the tidbits and messages.

Thursday Through Today

Slacker late, but here's a picture of me in that top from Jones New York:

Another fab public bathroom shot!  Anyway, the top wrinkles easily in the humidity, as you can see.  However it is so darn lightweight and comfy, I am a huge fan.  I ended up wearing this on Saturday as well with my Seven jeans (more casual), my black coral necklace and brown stacked flops from J. Crew.

On Friday I wore a bright cobalt scoop tee from Ann Taylor with my white Gap low-rise flare trousers from last year (they fit again - the 14s are perfect after a bit of time stretching out, though still too short to be worn with anything but flat shoes).  The necklace is one I bought at a boutique last summer at Rehoboth Beach.  Emerson is such a fan of necklaces, she loves playing with Mardi Gras beads.  At Weight Watchers on Thursday night, she gave one of her necklaces to a little 3-year old named Caleb who was also there.

Saturday we went to visit our friends who live on the Chesapeake Bay.  As mentioned, wore the JNY top and jeans.  It was a cookout.  Everyone went to fireworks around 9pm, but we headed home because Miss Emerson was sleepy.  She usually goes to bed between 7-8, so it was already a late night for her.  However she was having a fantastic time - lots of kids there, lots of fun.  She walked up and down the sidewalks either with a pinwheel or a punch balloon just screaming "Yaaaayyyy!  Yaaaaayyyy!"  Too cute.

Sunday we headed to the town Farmer's Market for our weekly produce and to see friends.  I love our town, it seems that everyone heads to the Market on Sundays and it's a great time to catch up with friends, know whats new in the neighborhood, and also score some fab food.  We eat our breakfast there - they have iced coffee, various pastries, crepes, lemonade, ice cream, donuts and of course tons of fruit.  I had blueberries and iced coffee, my husband shared his cheese danish and and I shared berries with Emerson.  We came home, Emerson napped and then we headed out for 4th of July festivities.

We went to two different cookouts in town.  I wore a blue print maxi dress from Ross that I bought for Bonnaroo.  It has shaped soft cups and adjustable straps so it's wearable sans bra.  Paired it with some chandelier earrings I have had for ever - I can remember wearing them at my bachelorette party in 2004.  That and flip flops made for good hot weather party hopping!  This is us at the second cookout.

Emerson and I headed home at 6:30 - I was hoping she would survive longer due to a good nap but I think the previous day and the current day's heat wore her out.  Luckily we live only a few blocks away.  She was in bed knocked out before 7pm.  My husband took us home, but I told him to go back to the party.  He went down to the town fireworks with friends and they scored a really great place.  Next year it is my turn to see fireworks. :-)  I am not upset - I would miss fireworks any day to have a happy secure baby who has a good night of sleep!  I actually had a nice Girls Night In - some microwave popcorn, a glass of wine and some ridiculously bad movies on the Lifetime Movie Network.  I even had a bubble bath.  How often does one get to do that when one has a toddler?

Yesterday was very laid back.  We went for a walk as a family early before it got super hot.  I wore a black tank and khaki shorts, nothing spectacular.  Came home, E went down for a nap, we made ourselves a very lovely lunch and had it with very cold wine out on the deck.  We then decided to have naps ourselves.  I woke not feeling well at ALL.  Stomach cramps, back ache, mouth tasting metallic, felt as though I was on the verge of a migraine.  My husband had to teach yoga that night so my sister came over to help me since picking up Emerson totally killed my stomach.  By time Emerson was down for bed, I was feeling loads better, and glad my sister got to have good play time with Emerson.  I still feel out of sorts today, but at least I can stand up straight and the headache is gone.

However it was HARD to wake up this morning.  I pretty much threw on random stuff I knew was clean and totally went against dress code and wore jeans.  I considered calling out but want to keep my leave for later in the year.

I am wearing a black tank from Ann Taylor that has silk, knit, and chiffon ruffles all over it.  Over it is my black ponte collarless jacket from Banana Republic Outlet.  NYDJ straight narrow dark jeans, my red patent T-straps from Sofft, silver cuff and little mother of pear dangle earrings.  Hair is next day and NOT done.  I had in a messy side bun but it got messed up in the heat.  Makeup is just foundation in spots, a touch of Tarte bronzer, Bare Escentuals Buxom eye liner in Leatherette, DiorShow mascara and a clear shimmery lipgloss from Sephora.

Thursday

I went to take a picture of myself in the office bathroom and two people came in.  Went to try again and it was like happy hour in there, so many people.  I will try to get a picture later today and post.   For the record, I am wearing my beloved Gap denim trousers with this top from Jones New York. 

I was unsure about this top - I think a Large will be too small in the bust, but the XL is a bit too big.  However the colors are just as fantastic in person, the print really stands out and the cotton is so lightweight you feel as though you're not wearing anything.  How often can you find a top that looks work appropriate but is super comfy and perfect for humid DC summers? 

I also bought a dark denim pencil skirt from NYDJ that I thought would be a great pairing with this top, but that is going back because it's a weird cut and too thin of denim - makes it look hoochie instead of sleek.  But I think this top would look great with skinny jeans, with city shorts, with a pencil skirt.  I thought it would be a nice piece with my brown Semantiks Athena Bree trousers and the browns do work well together, but this top is so airy, I think it is best paired with a more sleek, trim bottom.  As the model shows, I think it would look really striking with ivory or white jeans or narrow trousers.

Anyhoo, will take a pic in my office when my office mate heads to lunch, or if I get a free moment in the bathroom, and will post again then!