Taking it all off. Literally.

Today I was inspired by another blogger and encouraged by some friends.....I really want to share my wieght struggles and my journey to back to my skinny body back.......In the past year I've but on an alarming amount of wieght. Call it vanity, pride, self esteem or conern but its really upsetting. I think people tend to sugar coat wieght gain, being "plus size" and its so not healthy.  I want to live longer, be fit, have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby and just really I miss my old clothes!
So how am I going to go back?  How am I going to shed this weight?  Well, first of all Im not going to do some diet fad, Im doing what works for me, which is exercise and normal eating. This isnt a diet, this is a lifestyle change. Here I am a few weeks ago in size 16 jeans and XL sweater

And my adorable neice Aubri

In addition to eating heathy (Im doing 1400 calories a day) a nice mix of protien, veggies, carbs and Im doing a combination of running/walking and yoga. These are things and foods that I love and enjoy. Once I shed a signifigant amount and begin to plateau I will work with a trainer a few times a week.

The thing is right now its hard, sometimes Im tired and depressed about the weight, and its hard to run, the weight is hard on my knees and my back kills, but if I feel this way at 26, how wil I feel at 46?  Im super concerend about diabetes and heart disease.\

I will be back to update, and post before and after, I see how my friends post pics of thier growing baby bumps! Well maybe  should post pics of my shrinking lady lumps. LOL, that was corny but I couldnt resist.

I hope that I can encourage more women out there to take the weight off. Im not a skinny person telling you your not attractive,  Im just saying Im right here with you, and its simply not fabulous to be unhealthy.

Purse of the Month

So I totally skipped September. I should win the award for worst blogger 2009.  This month's purse is the winner for three reasons:

1. Its the perfect color, its a mixture of blue and gray. Im totally loving everything and anything blue and gray, and while Im not a fan of logo bags, this is a small clutch that logo is okay. I've used it as a clutch and as a mini purse in tote and its great. I love the shine the C's have on them.
2.  I'm loving Coach's new look. In recent yearsespecially with all the knock of goach bags out there, Coach has temporarily lost its luster, but In the past year or  so they really stepped it up with some fresh and chic looks, and you really cant argue with  the quality of Coach leather. Its fantabulous.
3. And lastly, this was a gift from my mentor and friend at my old Company.  She gave it to me on my second to last day and its really special to me......it reminds me to go forward, and I love it.

so here she is:

Accesorizing 101

I am have a rather conservative sense of style when it comes to my clothes. I like clothes that fit well, are versatile and can go from season to season.  However when it comes to my accessories I tend to go crazy. I love my big shoes, I love my big bags and my most recent love affair........costume jewelery.

Mind  you, growing up my mom and my aunts were big into thier gaudy gold chains and diamonds. What can I say, we are Italian. But thank goodness the Carmela Soprano gene didnt go to me. I only ever wear my wedding ring, watch and diamond studs.

Since I am not working and I am a professional student, my dress code has been rather casual, and albeit just fun. Ive been experimenting with costume jewlery.....I am nervous about the ensamble I have pulled together for a wedding in a few weeks.

Im wearing this dress

and I plan on accesorizing with:

( yes I know my nails need filled......)

as far as shoes go, Im thinking black suede peep toe Loubies ( it is fall after all) and a clutch of some sort.

What do you think?