So this past week I walked the Runway at the Fashion Forward Conference. If you read my post on Tues about Facing Fears, I was concerned about walking..I did not trip!! The conference is about fashion for women who are not 20 something that are mothers and bloggers. The brand that provided the clothes was Sonsi and the women who styled me was RedBooks Stylist.
I also had Caitlin Wooters – Makeup Artist work on my face, she was great and spent time get the right make up for my walk and still being appropriate for a women over 40. I also got my hair in a side pony by Robert Stewart Salon.
So I faced my fears and walked check out the Ivillage Video.
So I have always lived by one rule. Never Live Scared. Which gives me a lot of room to try and fail. Yup, I am that friend that will do something once. I have been known to get on a plane the same day I booked the ticket- scared alot.. . Yes, I have gotten up and sang Karaoke in front of a room of 300 strangers and peers- I shook the whole time.. and sounded like crap. I went to a 3rd world country by myself alone, took cabs and navigate the county not speaking the language. Yea that is me in the fountain..Thinking please don’t fall please don’t look too crazy.
When it comes to relationships. I believe that people are inherently good. I trust easily and get hurt often.. I am that friend that is all I will be there and care for you. Yea I get disappointed alot by people. But yet I don’t learn and I trust the next person.. hoping for better, sometimes it makes me sad.. and vulnerable.
Last week, great inspiration for me and my favorite speaker Brene Brown, was on Katie Couric’s new talk show. I first saw Brene at Blissdom in 2011 , She was amazing and her words really resonated with me. I Brene Browns words, paraphrasing.. “people who are vulnerable leaving themselves open for criticism but at least they try”.. and I will try to be more vulnerable. Read Brenes Brown’s book Daring Greatly let her words be your guide for living life to the fullest. .. I try to Dare Greatly… or watch Brene Brown’s Ted Video If you live scared you will miss amazing experiences.. like taking a walk in a fountain.
So this week I am doing another 1st, walking down a Runway as a plus size model at the Fashion Forward conference. Yea it is a little nerve racking… I have had my own fashion designs go down a runway but I never have been on it.. Lets hope I don’t trip or look too big.. if I do ..oh well at least I tried. Because I am enough. Thanks Brene.
So what is your Runway.. How are you going to be more vulnerable this week, year, life?
So today I attend a Feed America Twitter party. The reality is anyone of us could need the help of Food Banks it could happen just like that.. then before you know it. You are there. For me, My husband lost his job over 2 years ago. I can understand choices and and lack of options. No American should be hungry. Period. So take the time and read this entire post, I ask you as one American to Another.
The following are tweets by people on twitter.
The some of FACTS about American Hunger
@foodbankccs: This September Speak Out Against Hunger on behalf of the 49 million people in America who face hunger. #hungeraction
DresdenPlaid: My family was one of the 49 million families food insecure. I’m involved with #HungerAction so others know that they are not alone.
nokidhungry: At #NoKidHungry, our goal is to end childhood hunger in America by 2015.
CTECA: @feedingamerica It makes sense, right? They’re not focusing on learning when their bellies are growling.
@nokidhungry: It’s going to take all of us across the country to end hunger. Follow advocacy groups, share, educate.
@foodbankccs: Share information about #HungerAction Month like this video of Hungry Kate, Girl With a Belly Ache http://t.co/ZlTK8ILf
I know I spoke of NoKidHungry on my blog in april and I am asking you again do something with your family to change someones lives, teach good food not the old cans no one wants. Donate money that can help, consider the cost of one meal eating out. Or Dine cause .. Wear Orange on September 6th. and tell others why you are. Small steps can change America.
Top tips for Attending a Blogging conference and meeting new people. It is that time of year many blogging conferences are here in the next few months. For many conference first timers or newbies the conferences scene can be over whelming. I have attend many conferences, and I think i am an outgoing person but I do have some trick or tips I use to make the situation of meeting new people easier.
20 tips for Blog Conference Newbies to creating your tribe
Follow conference stream prior to see who is going and get involved with tweeting before the event
Put your picture (that looks like you) on your business card. It is smart and memorable, realtors have been placing pictures on there cards for years, why ? because people remember faces not always names.
Have business cards and hand them to people you meet- it might feel awkward but it is necessary to be remembered. Also with everyone’s twitter handle and blog names being so similar, make it easy for people to know your name when tweeting they met you.
Do make plans with on-line buddies prior to connect at a conference aka.. plan a coffee time.
Try to combined rides to airports with other bloggers. I have a friend, who always says she meets the “new” blogging friends on the taxis to and from airport.
Wear fun Jewelry – I always wear a crazy over the top ring, people know me for it. It is a conversation starter, more people start a conversation asking me about the rings. I have a friends who always wears a great necklace, same reason. I always have a big ring I spend no more then $15 on them usually $3-$5 and I wear a different one everyday.
Be fabulous but be comfortable.. wear clothes you are confident but yourself. If you don’t like yourself in loud prints or your bare arms then don’t wear them because you clothing can make you feel uneasy and throw off your ability to relax.
Wear comfortable shoes- not only because who want to stand, talking, and be uptight. If your feet hurt.. it make you want to go back in your room and soak your feet there is no new friends your hotel suite.
Wear your hair down, it makes you more approachable for others and feel relaxed ourselves. When you are home running behind kids I understand but you are on “you time” with no kids. There is a reason the phrase “let your hair down” was coined. Have Fun.
Bring a fun bright scarf to wear, people will remember it same as the jewelry but, the conference areas are cold but the outside areas are hot, airlines don’t give blankets, and you can always use it for limbo with your new Friends
Attend sessions and discussion session with fellow attendees. Talk
Look up from your smart phone- and look people in the eye- where it is acceptable to be looking down at your phone .. you will meet more people if you dont tweet non stop. I find at conferences and social media events, I tweet less because I am talking more.
Follow the conference Hashtag “#” on twitter, that is your life-line to where and when people moving/doing – then go and see.
Volunteer to pack gift “swag” bags they are usually done on site the day before a conference starts and the conference organizers always need help. When you see the tweet saying they are doing the packing.. go help and meet people.
Hang in the common areas do not hide in your room. No one will meet you in your room. Look everyone has a name badge . Feel free to talk to others who have a badge some people that look as out of place as you feel. It is the playground when you are 6 years old, talk to the girl playing in the sandbox. Once you have a friend then work as a team to add more people.
Ask people who are hanging in the lobby to join you for a meal or drink.. I use “Hey I am heading to dinner want to come?” They might say “I have plans but you are free to join us.. or they might say yea..” then tweet it out and see if others join you. I do this all the time, I take a group of 2 and turn it into 10, a large group is great.
Waiting in line at registration or at snack time is a great way to connect – talk to the person ask: “Where are you from? or What is your blog about?” people love to talk to others and feel less lonely.
Avoid your click.. if you come with friends be sure to branch out. You traveled to this conference to meet others and learn.
Photos- take the opportunity to take photos with people who’s work you love. If you read a blog and the blogger is there ask if they would not mind a photos or take it with the conference organizers. Don’t say I don’t like my picture .. get comfortable and take them with people it will make your experience so much better. You are amazing and beautiful so have your picture taken, you are there for you and to grow.
Smile- I know it is a simple idea but it really does make you more approachable
I view a conference as the chance to try to be the best person I am. Not to be scared to talk and meet people. Listen we are all nervous, just extend a hand you might meet someone amazing.
This past week I was away went to a conference. I thing it was great for me to grow but bad for my waist line. I did not blog last wee which just made things worse. And down comes the spiral. I ate a lot of carbs and sugar this week 2 things that will mess with my diabetes.
Exercise/food:
Sunday- I drove 9 hours to NC left at 2am arrived at noon. And I ate.. I needed to stay awake.. i started healthy celrey and peanut butter .. then I need to open another peanut butter.. start of the spiral
Monday got up and ralk/ran on treadmill for 1/2 ate large bagel, lunch burger loaded, onion rings and shake.. dinner pizza and order of bread sticks
Tues: bagel, country fried steak, hash brown casserole and biscuits and gravy, crappy food in the car
Wed: cheese cake factory, skinny tacos , and calamari
Thus: walked 8000 steps with Hillary,. Chilipolte
Friday: walked 3000 steps, ate 1 pancake, salad, and pretzel bites w/ cheese.
So I gained 267 …
I am disappointed I hated falling off the wagon and can feel the extra weight in my waist. I know I will get back on track. Focus and get good sleep and I should be good.
I know this is not the great est post but I figured I have to be honest and try to get back on track.
This week is a little different. I noticed my family is really with my program. Last week we went to an Easter egg hunt in the same park as the dog park. Of course I took the dog- Lloyd need to be socialized. After the egg hunt my son said Mom let go to the dog park.
I said “ok lets go get the car.”
He said “no mom you are trying to be healthy lets walk.” So he made we walk down and back up the hills to the dog park.
Then tonight I said you want to go for a run her said yea sure. I can also see changes he is aware of his choices. My son is a competitive swimmer but season we are taking a spring off. He said “Mom I am not eating as much because I am not swimming. I just noticed I am not as hungry”. I am impressed we do not discuss weight or fat in our house we talk about healthy choices.
He is my own personal trainer.
This week I joined the Fleet Feet North Whales Running Program. It went well I showed up 3 minute late and missed the start I ran ¼ of a mile to catch up only for the group I thought I was chasing take off running.. Just when I thought they were switching to walking they ran faster. So know I know not to be late this Saturday.
So this week I am applying to be a Mamavation mom. If I am chosen I will work with the Mamavation team in a 6 week boot camp. Which will include nutrition help, fitness help and just basically a good old fashion fitness kick in the pants. I really admired Leah Segedie aka @Bookieboo and the community of support she gives to women to help them create a healthier life.
Here is the video why I want to be a Mamavation mom.
How can you help me? Please tweet this for me:
Hey @bookieboo! I want @Babypop to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/aorv3Y
Then If I am chosen as finalist please vote for me.
So this week, has been a week of commitment on my fitness journey. I Signed up for a dietbet with Brandi at onegreatmom.com, nothing like a little money to keep things out of your mouth. The Bet official starts tomorrow with our 1st weigh in. I am excited I need more accountability for food.
Then I signed up for the running training program with Fleet Feet Sports North Wales. I recently was introduced to fleet feet by Joey Fortman and Ann Marie one of the owners this past Wednesday. I will be working with them for training and they are out fitting me with proper sneaker/attire. I was impress by the sneaker fitting I received and I learned things I did not know, because I have been doing to the big box stores. Here are some tips Ann Marie at Fleet Feet provided:
Proper Sneaker Fitting:
Have feet measured without socks (what you measured at 12 years old is probably not your current measurement.)
Have your foot measured in resting(sitting positions) and standing.
The Running store personnel should understand how you walk- (IE have you walk so they can see how your ball and heel hit and roll off the floor. Then they can recommend a shoe that is designed for your foots needs.
Where design/color is nice a running/walking shoe should be about fit and support 1st, so that you get proper performance.
In an athletic shoes it is better to go up a 1/2 size and have room (So mine sneakers are a 11 1/2 argh but it is about being the right shoe and not the size)
What does a good fitting sneaker feel like: “Heal should be supported, arch should be wrapped like a glove and your toes should be able to play a piano” Per AnnMarie
Fleet Feet Sports North Whales is nice because they allow you to actually run in the shoes outside, to insure comfort and fit.
If you are serious about a sport you should be serious about the shoes.
Also a good running store will take back the product at any point if you are not satisfied. That is the philosophy AnnMarie and her team have.
Ann Marie’s other Key advice : If you buy a good sneaker be sure to have a great sports bra just as important (but that is a separate post)
Thanks to Stephaine at aGrandlife.net for her foot
The training program I begin in a few weeks I am really excited, of course I will continue to walk.
So how did I do this week?
Fitness Week:
Monday: Walk and run
Tues : Walked and Run
Wed: Walk and Run
Thursday/ Friday: I have been fighting a cold so I actually stayed in bed, I am trying to get out later today. We will see.
Weight Loss:
Started 271 Jan
Last week 265 This week 264 -1
I am excited for next week if I can kick this cold I would feel better.
So how is your week going?
Disclosure: I was provided running gear from Fleet Feet North Wales, but all opinions in this post are of my own.
So this past week, on my fitness journey. I stopped counting the seconds I ran and just went out cleared my mind and focused on the steps. Run and clear my mind. I also decided this week to take a picture, the before shot. The reason I looked at my friends Stephs post, and I thought how brave she was. The photo is not edited or taken from an angle that makes me thin, and it is a full length full body and a side view.
What is weird is I have had an easy time posting my weight openly on the internet. I have also wrote my struggles with not loosing. I have to say I am more nervous about posting a picture which is unflattering. Weird right? I want full body disclosure.. but really I have to do it.
Oh here a go.. I know people see me all the time so what am I hiding from. I guess myself.I do not look happy ..
My goal this up coming week is to be
Honest with myself looks at these pictures and say it is time for a change.
Honest with my food and not play games and bargaining with myself
Honest with my fitness I am starting work with a running company I am going to commit to a 5k and get off the fence.
My fitness Week:
Sunday: walked around a museum for 3 hours
Monday : I did not walk – (I feel guilt)
Tues: walk run around the block running from one telephone poles
Wednesday: Spent 3 hours walking the flower show
Thursday: walked ran around the block between the telephone poles
Weight loss:
Starting weight 271
Last week 267 this week 265
I would love to hear your story: Join our #FitnessFriday linkup
So this past week, I was very good with my fitness plan, being a beginning runner is hard. I ran, I walked, I moved and eaten better all week. No eating junk food after dinner, if ate my choice a apple. The ice cream in the fridge; I avoid it. Replacing bad choices for a salad. Yea I am winning a healthy lifestyle.
The thing is.. that killed me this morning, was the scale. I got on this week (complete naked) reading I was down. Then went to the bathroom and weighed myself again, a different number (not in a good way.) So I decided it was evil and I am not listening to it (sticking my tongue out). I am going based my progress on my inner voice (hear the healthy angels). Do I feel better? Logically, I know I am better so I don’t need some stinking scale to tell me: I am doing great (yea Me).
Stop Listening to “those” people. This past week someone said to me “How is your 30 second running going?” in a snarky (with a giggle) voice. Their Follow up statement “but see I read your blog.” FYI… un-supportive person… It is 30 seconds more than you run and at least I am doing something to make myself healthier. So there!!
I am listening to someone who has inspired me to do this my friend Justin. His opinion on running means more to me than others because Justin is a runner. Not a just a dad running when he hits 40. But a marathon runner, Justin had done the Boston Marathon for 15 years+ , He run most weeks 80 miles(that is more then I drive in a week.)
So Wednesday I spent time talking to Justin I was so excited to tell him about me moving up to 70 seconds. He gave me some advice in the most supportive way, I really think he is proud of me at no time mocking me.
Justin’s Running Tips for Beginners
He said that is great anything counts.
Try running in between telephone poles in alternating between walking and running between the poles. (interval and alternating is the best.)
I should only increase 10% at a time because if I go to quickly I could get injured. (So there I am increasing slow enough seconds an all.. he says go74 seconds.. he said the slow increases.
Get great supportive sneakers
Running is more efficient than walking because it takes less time- I noticed
He said it was good I had the Loyd (my dog) as a running partner because he will push me to stick to a routine.
Before you know it I will be running around the block
So find your Justin and get the support you need on this Fitness Journey
Fitness this week:
Monday walk and than ran 40 seconds
Tues walk and then ran 60 seconds
Wed walk and then run 70 seconds
Thurs walk and then ran intervals 70 seconds
Friday walked and run between telephone poles (Today I even ran in front of my daughters school don’t care what people think any more let them say what they will about me running)
Weight: (for the record) this week started 271: remember last week was a bad week- I gained 4
Last week 270 to this week 265 (I am going with the 1st number)
Feeling: Better I am not coughing so much after running, my lungs dont hurt, I am going to bed an hour earlier so I feel well rested.
What did you do to get fit , active, healthy this week?
So this week has been hard, like every week. does it every get easy? I guess not. I love me in all my glory, but there are days I wish I could wear those boots. You know the ones the ones the healthy (thin) girls wear. You know who you are, oh how I covet those thin heeled boots. Unless you are not over 175 lb you don’t understand heels flex they move when you are larger. Make you feel unstable like the heel could snap off any second. Having a heel break off is like bending over and having your pants split.. Not Good.
The calves part of the boot, they wont fit unless you buy once labeled “big girl boot” . I assure you no “big girl boot” is are made out of that beautiful thick ridding boot saddle grade leather, the word pleather comes to mind.. I will get there one step at a time ..That was my Rant and yes you.. I covet your boots.
My Cake Hardship; My sons birthday weekend: I did good til the 2nd cake was left in my house. The 1st cake I threw out and no I did not go in the garbage to get it ala a Seinfeld episode. The 2nd cake the homemade one.. I made the mistake of icing it.. yea I love icing, some how I had to use 2 cans (it was a 13x 9 cake) so I ate the bottom of the icing..
Then it the cake called me .. it said “Sherry you love cake homemade cake come stand next to me and take a sliver”..
You know “the sliver” effect if you slice it small enough it wont matter.
Then comes the “even it up” piece ..
Then back “the sliver” a vicious vicious circle.
needless to say the cake goes in the trash tomorrow.
Fitness Movement:
Monday: walked around the block run 40 seconds
Tues: walked in city with Hillary- forgot my photo walk to car looking for it after I was almost to the event
Wed: walked run 40 seconds (I ate too many peanuts)
Thurs walked run 40 second
Friday walked run 60 seconds
Weight loss
Zero
Starting 267 ending 269 +2 I blame the cake.
Thanks you to Julie Myers Pron at JustPrecious.com for posing knowing I was coveting her boots.
