Awnica just started the program and she will be blogging about her experience over the next 6 weeks.

The first one comes out

THIS FRIDAY so check it out!!

You GO Girl!!! 

I’ve pulled together three online stores who have specials going on right now. Click on the links and ads below for some great deals in all sizes and get shopping!!

- Shop Silhouettes and Take $15 off $75 or more, $30 off $125 or more! Use Code AFF15F at checkout.
This offer is only good until MARCH 10TH.

Silhouettes carries swimsuits starting at size 12 and up. They also offer 15% off if you sign up for their email list.

- Swimsuits for All has size 8 -28 – They are offering Free Shipping – use the code “SHIPITFREE” when checking out.

Shop new 2010 Delta Burke Swimwear at SwimsuitsforAll.com

- Click on Poolside Style to see what Junonia has to offer for swimwear-

It was a cool crisp Saturday night in Oakland,CA when I walked down the red carpet and into a big ballroom with it’s high ceilings, red panels along the walls and a runway down the middle of the room. It was just like on TV and it was fabulous. The anticipation of the well-dressed crowd was buzzing electric.

The lights dim and as the music pumped, a procession of models strutted down the runway showing off the latest fashions. But this fashion show was not just about the clothes. It was a night that celebrated the female form in all shapes and sizes.

This clip from the show features beautiful designs by Marie Denee. Marie was also the lead stylist for Kiss the Curves show, and has a great Blog called The Curvy Fashionista so check it out. There you can find a comprehensive list of designers for plus-size women.

It was an awesome night and I felt such admiration and love for all the big beautiful women who looked so stunning and confident. You GO girls!!!!

She recently appeared on the Today Show with Matt Lauer-  check it out.

Bistro MD Shipping Package

Hubby unloading the box for me

I had ordered from Bistro MD, a program that boasts “Doctor designed gourmet meals” shipped right to your door.  Weekly packages run between $130 – $180, depending on which package you select.  Options include five or seven day menus, with or without snacks.  I opted for the 5 day plan with snacks, which came out to $145 or roughly $9 bucks a meal.

A printed daily menu is provided along with the packaged meals.  Each comes with cooking instructions- usually boiling the freezer packs in water or using the microwave.  Preparation time for me, has been 10 minutes or less.

Dexter checks out Bistro MD package.

As for the taste, overall it’s good and some meals are better than others but they are all highly satisfying for a frozen dinner.  The vegetables are especially fresh tasting and the serving size is just right.  I have walked away from every meal feeling full and in some cases I couldn’t finish all that was provided.

Bistro MD meals in freezer packs

A selection of entrées included:  Egg Omelet with Canadian bacon and Fuji Apples for breakfast; Broccoli & Cheese stuffed chicken breast with green beans and a blend of grilled corn red peppers and asparagus cuts for lunch; and Asian Plum Pork with sugar snap peas and mixed vegetables for dinner.

Snacks

I tried the snacks – some of which were good.  However, the Lemon Garlic Protein Chips were very salty and I feared suffering a broken tooth from the Fudge Graham bar.  The BBQ Crunch O’s and the Crisp & Crunch Peanut Bar were ok, as were the protein shakes.  For me, the snacks weren’t worth it because the meals are sufficiently filling.

Since I was not completely satisfied with the snacks, I decided to cancel them.  I called the company to see if I could request some changes to my order.  The gal I spoke with was very pleasant, and made all the changes I wanted with no problem.  She also followed up by email to offer some alternative snack suggestions.  Now that’s what I call service!

The only downside is that you must have enough space in your freezer to hold 15-25 frozen meals when they arrive each week.  It’s an ongoing service and you will be billed for weekly shipments until you cancel.  That means you will also end up with a new cooler every week.  I advocate creative recycling such as use them as storage bins, a container for soil when potting plants or as giant building blocks for the kids.

Also, if you are expecting a five star epicurean banquet, then you will be disappointed.  This is basic meat and vegetables fare with mild, subtle flavor and it tastes fresh and healthy.

Overall, I would recommend this product because it has helped me to get back on track with my portions right after Thanksgiving and I have lost a few pounds as a result.  I also enjoy the convenience of knowing that I always have a healthy meal option on hand with no planning required.  I think this is a great way to kick-start a New Year’s Resolution.

Save 10% Off Gourmet Diet Home-Delivery Plans from BistroMD.com – Coupon code: Summer10

*  Disclosure- Opinions expressed in this blog are independent and entirely those of the author who purchased the products for review.  Bistro MD is an affiliate advertiser of this website but they were not made aware of this review in advance of publication.

This year, I know I’m fat as 2009 has been really bad for my waistline.  Granted, this recent photo isn’t at a flattering angle, but also doesn’t hide the truth.  A busy year and self-indulgence have resulted in this FormerFatChick having a setback and gaining back some of her weight!!!

Beginning with my birthday cake in March, pina colada’s at the beach in July, and a Holiday feast that began just before Halloween. Not to mention that my workout activity level has fallen like a skydiver.  Every bite, every ounce, every calorie was enjoyed, but the final result is I lost control and it’s 100% my responsibility.

It’s important to note that I am not happy about this but I’m not going to beat myself up or feel guilty about it because it’s the past.  Today is a new day, a fresh start and I can make better choices moving ahead.  Having a positive mindset is critical and you MUST be your own biggest cheerleader.

So that brings me to my New Year’s Resolutions for 2010…

1. I will devote time daily to moving and exercising my body.  (I just got EA Sports Active for wii)
2. I will decrease the calories I consume on a daily basis to be within a healthy range.  (Ordered Bistro MD meals to help get me back on track with food portions & calories. Dr. Caroline J. Cederquist, M.D., weight loss program – - It’s a proven strategy that works! Losing Weight Has Never Tasted So Good!)
3. I will provide my body with adequate rest and hydration so it can function properly.  (Don’t call me after 9pm.)
4. I will be kind to my spirit and uplift her esteem as often as possible.  (You GO Girl!!!)
5. I WILL LOSE WEIGHT and feel better as a result of my efforts.

How do I know this is true?  I have done it in the past and know that it can be done again.

**********

TOGETHER
WE
CAN
DO IT!!!

***********

This year, I hope that you join me in taking a moment to not only think about what you want, but HOW you plan to get there.  The results will come IF we break it down into action items and do the work consistently over time.

I believe in my ability just as I believe in YOU – Do You Believe in yourself?

Post YOUR New Year’s Resolutions and let’s take the journey together in 2010.

Do you need any more reasons?

This offer is only good until Nov. 17th – so place your order NOW!!!

CLICK HERE-  Offer good at these participating stores:
SAFEWAY
VONS
GENUARDI’s

WHY?  The annual economic cost of unhealthy lifestyles in North Carolina is estimated to be
$24.1 billion, with excess weight costing $9.7 billion, type 2 diabetes $3 billion, and
inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption $2.4 billion.

The solution????  watch this video.

Alabama was out front on weight testing. Starting in January, state workers will have their blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and body mass index checked by a nurse. If they’re in a risk category, such as a body mass index of 35 or greater or a blood pressure of 160/100 or greater, they are charged an extra $25 per month on their insurance premium, according to Gary Matthews, chief operating officer for the Alabama State Employees Insurance Board.

No doubt other states will follow this trend- especially if it proves to be profitable.  But will it work?  And is it fair?

What do you think?    Should obese people pay more for healthcare?  Why/Why not?