Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Friday, January 16, 2015

Less of Me!

Ever since I was a little girl, I've struggled with my weight.  I've never been one that you have to remind to eat!  Believe it or not, I went on my first diet when I was just 9 years old.  I know, sad but true.
I did manage to lose weight many times over the years, only to gain it back, and then some.  
And for the past several years, I really had been putting on the weight
(all of that stress eating!!), but never mustered up enough motivation to do anything about it.
I was miserable.  Not just with the way that I looked, but the way that I felt.
My knees started aching.  And I would get winded easily.  That made me mad!  I was way too young to feel that way!
Plus, my blood pressure and cholesterol were high.  I refused to go on medication for that.
Something needed to change, but I was in denial.  Sure, I knew I was overweight, but I never weighed myself, and stopped looking in the mirror.
The last straw came this past summer, after seeing pictures of myself, and then seeing photos of myself from 10 years ago.  I was shocked.  Not to mention very depressed.  That was a low moment to say the least.
I guess that is just what I needed to get me started.
So, since late last August, I have managed to lose over 29 pounds!
I snapped the below pic of myself today.
While I am by no means slim, I feel great!
I have so much more energy, and the best part is I never once felt deprived!
No, I'm afraid that there is no "magic pill" to lose weight!
I personally don't believe in diets.  In fact, I called it my "weight loss plan".
Just the word "diet" sounds painful to me!  And it implies something you go on, and then off.  Not something that you can maintain for the rest of your life.  Or that teaches you good habits that last a lifetime.

 The below pics are from our trip to Italy last June.  I am totally embarrassed to show them, but I wanted to keep it real!  I was so appalled when I saw them, I didn't show anyone, other than hubby, and I certainly didn't print them out and add to our photo album!
 I may have been smiling for the camera, but inside I was anything but happy.  I was just so mad at myself.  Here we were, on the Amalfi Coast, one of the most beautiful places we've been to in the world, and I was so ashamed of the way I looked and felt.
 I never want to fall back on my old bad habits.  This is the first time in years that I've managed to lose more than a pound or two,
So, I started watching my portions, and had to totally cut out my "trigger food" of potato chips!  I don't even want them in the house, I never could just have a few!  And I also cut way, way back on cheese, another weakness of mine.  No more non stop mindless snacking in front of the tv at night.  And no more nightly glasses of wine.  Wine now is just an occasional treat!  Boy, do I miss that!
 I also dusted off my treadmill and walk on it just about every day.  And I went from "wimpy" short little walks with our cocker spaniel Katie (where I got easily winded!), to long walks with her each day.
 I still would love to lose a few more pounds, but for now I am just so much happier with the way I feel!
I am amazed how much more energy I have, and I don't get winded!
And my outlook on life has vastly improved!
Thankfully I always loved healthy foods, so I am still eating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, along with other good for you foods.  And I do allow myself little treats here and there.
I still am worried about the maintenance part.  I know this is something I will have to work at for the rest of my life.  I've never been one of those lucky people that is just naturally thin!
So, if I can do it, anyone can do it!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, have a great weekend!

25 comments:

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

You go girl! I'm so happy for you Donna. I'm sad that you were mad at yourself for the way you looked - oh, we can be so hard on ourselves. I just see a pretty woman enjoying Italy with her great hubby. But it is certainly great that you have more energy now. I find that sugar is my weakness - and I don't exercise near enough like I used to. You inspired me - it really says something that you pushed yourself just a bit to cut out certain eating/drinking habits & boosted those walks without completely depriving yourself of treats now and then. That's the key - not to punish ourselves in the process. Nothing's wrong with weekend night wine! :)

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Good for you, Donna! I think you have ALWAYS been beautiful, but it is wonderful you are getting healthy, too! You inspire me!

Blondie's Journal said...

I applaud you! It's like I wrote this post. I think you look beautiful in all of the pictures, but I certainly know how much it means to want to be healthy and be our best. Sending a big hug and congratulations! You are a great inspiration!

Jane x

Debby said...

You look great. I see the difference. I really thought you looked good before. I am so glad that you feel better. I lost around 25 lbs. In the last two years. I didn't really try. I had to go gluten free and I didn't eat as much processed food. Every time I would go to the doctor I'd be down a pound. But the last couple of months the scale started adding . Your post has encouraged me to do better. You keep on feeling good.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Donna I am so proud of you! I too have felt like my weight has gotten out of control the last few years. So getting healthier is my goal for this year and losing weight is such a big part of that. No 'diet' just eating healthy and adding more movement to my day. It's hard but I know I can do it. Thanks for being such an inspiration!

Linda

Trisha said...

You look amazing Donna! I too have always struggled with my weight and am now the heaviest I have ever been. I need to do something and am trying my best. Drinking is definitely a big part of it as well as the snacking. It also doesn't help that my husband has no fat on his bones and eats like a garbage gut. Thanks for the inspiration and way to go!

~Trisha

Rose L said...

You should be proud but also still love yourself no matter what. The beauty is what is on the inside. I also am more bountiful than I prefer but that does not define me. You are so lovely!

Unknown said...

First of all, Donna, I want to say that you are a BEAUTIFUL person no matter what! You are so nice! When I asked you a question about the tiered wooden bowl, you answered me right away, and you helped me so much. You are a joy to know--kind, not snooty, and easy to talk to. I really admire you! I think you look great! Thank you for sharing your story! I have a terrible time losing and keeping weight off. To make things worse, my husband has always been super thin and eats snacks non-stop. He has desserts after breakfast, lunch and dinner, and then continues snacking on chips, pretzels, nuts, popcorn, candy, cookies, ice cream, all evening long in front of the TV! I just decided he was not going to tempt me, and I do not eat one solitary thing after dinner at 7:00 pm! I have been doing that, plus not eating between meals and walking the dogs daily, and that is how I have maintained my last weight loss 3 years ago! I simply refuse to put it back on. I congratulate you for your weight loss! You look just great! You are my hero!

The Bear's Blog said...

You look wonderful and you should be very proud of what you have accomplished - all by yourself. Keep up the fantastic work.

Hugs

Musings from Kim K. said...

So proud of you!!! You are certainly an inspiration to your blogging friends. Thank you for sharing your success with us!!!!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Donna,
You look so pretty and good for you on starting a healthy life style.
I too struggle with my weight and have for many years. About a year and a half ago I started NutriSystems and lost 40 pounds. I have since gained back 18 pounds and I am so mad at myself. I am a stress eater and have been dealing with lots of family issues for the past six months. I'm determined to get back on track and lose this before I gain it all back.
Thanks for the inspiration. You look wonderful.

hugs
Sissie

Susie said...

Donna, I have been on many diet thru my life time. I am going to say, I am so proud of you. You do look great. When we are dieting we usually think of the way we will look...but as you mentioned , you have more energy. When it comes down to it, it has not so much to do with looks as it does being healthy. You are taking care of yourself. Blessings to you, xoxo,Susie

Felecia Cofield said...

Hi Donna! Congratulations on you healthier lifestyle changes! It's easy for women, as they age, to gain weight. I wrote a post almost just like this about my 'discovery'! I am excited for you and myself as I explore and try new things this year! It's not so much about appearance, although I know about the shame factor. It's about quality of life. You have made such wise choices! We need to know at each age what we need to be doing or not doing to have a better body and better quality of life. As we age, we loose bone density. Working out with weights will help this dramatically. I thought I couldn't do that, but I'm proving to myself that I can! Keep up the good work and increase your knowledge about these things. Thanks for sharing! Blessings from Bama!

Bente said...

Wow, Donna. You look fantastic. I`m so happy for you.
Hugs from here

Judi said...

Hi Donna

First of all, MANY congratulations! Like you, I have struggled with weight problems my whole life, and have yo-yo'd so many times over the years that I've lost count (I'm now 55). Unfortunately, to round off the problem, I became disabled about 14 years back and now can't do any sort of exercise so once again I gained weight. I live in the UK and my doctor at one time agreed to put me on appetite suppressants, it worked, but then of course he weened me off them and the weight crept back up. I joined Weight Watchers online, and lost a couple of stone, and really thought I'd cracked it, as I was eating foods that I loved, such as roast dinners, ice cream etc., and still losing weight. However, after 2 years of keeping at a level weight, by eating pretty much the same 'diet' week after week, I got BORED, and started craving all the things I shouldn't eat - cheese, chocolate, alcohol. Now, once again I'm afraid to look in the mirror or have my photo taken, your story has inspired me to try again, and I would love to hear how you go about keeping on the straight and narrow, and if you manage to stay as trim as you look now. Once again, many congratulations.

Judi

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Looking good, Donna! Way to go!

Okio B Designs said...

Good for you! I was the skinny girl until I popped out two kids. For the first time in my life, I've had to think about losing weight and I'm terrified. Thank you for the inspiration to get myself moving! You look great!

Jeanine

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Congratulations Donna, from one dieter to another I know exacting how your feel. I had all the same feelings and would say I just don't care. But really I did.
I am also on a diet. I chose the Atkins Diet and have learned what my problem is - it's carb's. I have not had pasta, bread, rice or potatoes in 2 months and I really don't miss them. I have learned what my triggers are and I must say I don't miss them at all.
I can now walk a little farther, with COPD I really can get out of breath very easy. I have lots more energy and I don't feel like I am going to be 80. So my dear I am very proud of you - you go girl.
Your pictures are very good and you are a beutiful woman. Keep up the good work. i have been on the diet 7 weeks and have lost almost 20 lbs. I only have 50 more to go. I am getting my groove back LOL
Have a wonderful week.
Hugs
Mary

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, You look gorgeous and what an accomplishment on your weight loss. You did it girl and I know you are feeling good. Love your pics!! It is the determination and discipline that kept you going and it shows. Congratulations!! You look beautiful in blue!!
Hugs

p.s. I just got your post now. This blog glitching is so frustrating!!

Debbie said...

Woot, woot!! Good for you, Donna!
What an accomplishment!
I lost 30 pounds over the summer, but put a few back on over the holidays...it's going to take some hard work, but I'm going to get this back off for summer again!!!
I'm happy for you, girl!
You are a little cutie...but I know how you feel with the extra weight off...like James Brown says..."I feel good!!!"
Congratulations on a job well done.
Debbie
xoxo

Twinkle Terrior said...

You look healthy and happy! We are all in the same boat (except a few) So your pics are inspiring and you looked great before but now you are glowing and your smile shines!!

Little Miss Maggie said...

Your weight loss is fantastic. Keep it up, Donna. You do look healthy and happy, and I bet Katie is loving the new you as well with all those long walks.

Tete said...

I am so happy for you! You look wonderful and so glad you are feeling better! That's the main thing, to feel good and be able to do what you want when you want...
I so need to lose what I have gained, too. Felt so much better before.
Keep moving and feeling good!

john said...

Good for you !!
Gail x

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Congrats to you! You look beautiful and I hear you about potato chips can't eat them either!