You all are the best, really. I took to heart all of the advice given in the comments and the emails and I decided that I would do a few things differently. I am going to start exercising again. We do walk everyday but I need to do more and I’m gonna lay off of the big meals at night. I don’t eat at all during the day (read: bagel and WW cream cheese for breakfast) and then I usually cook a big meal in the evening but I talked to Ryan and we are just going to do a light meal instead. I do drink a lot of tea though and my dear friend Allison suggested that I use Splenda instead of regular sugar. I’ll be trying that. We used to eat right, everything organic and wheat, but due to the rising cost of everything we quit. I’m just going to have to work harder to find healthier alternatives and being that I’m not pregnant yet, I am going to quit putting things off until I am. I tried to get my sister to be my accountability partner and lose weight with me but she just smirked at me. Yes.she.did.
So… I am taking you shopping with me so I can buy new clothes. I hate that I put on 15 18 pounds but I can do something about it. In the video I say, and y’all I can’t believe I said this, “I only weigh 140 pounds.” Um, hello. You just broke woman rule number 12: Never tell your true weight. Oh well. “Truth be told” I’m only 5″3′ and 143 pounds on my small frame is not good. I have work to do.
Disclaimer: I was half way excited when this started out. My hair was presentable, my make-up hadn’t melted off yet (I do live in Louisiana y’all), and my hopes were high. But alas, shopping got the best of me as shown in the videos and photos below. I could only find one pair of jeans that I liked so I just bought them. I want to get at least two shirts so tell me what you think of the ones I tried on.
hmphh…
Shirt number one:
Shirt number two:
Shirt number three:
Shirt number four:
Shirt number five:
Shirt number six:
So, yeah… Stacy and Clinton if you’re looking for a new project call me, k? At least then I’ll know What Not To Wear.
I’m with you on the whole shopping thing. That’s probably why my wardrobe is so sorry. And I am still in denial about how much my 5’3″ frame is carrying around. I’ll just say I weigh as much as I did at the *end* of my last pregnancy. Ugh!
Anyway, enough of my belly achin’.
I like the first shirt best! Did you have fun at Target?
Ooh, ooh, ooh….I like #1 best also. Very flattering on you! And then, since you want 2 shirts, I would choose #2. Both look great on you. Ok, that’s my two-cents. Hope I helped!
1, 4, 5… in that order
Deny, deny, deny ~ that’s all I got to say..LOL
God bless,
Sallie
I like all of the shirts, but 1 and 2 the best.
You are so funny! And BTW–I have completely blown it with the whole bible study things so far, but I haven’t given up just yet….
Well, since you want two – #1 and #4 would be my choices. Although #2 is quite slimming as well. If you picked #2, I'd go with #1 & #2. I just like #4, though. LOL! Like my ambiguity?!?!
Having been there and done (nearly) that weight at 5’3″ I can sympathise, trust me on that! I like #1 and #4 the best. And being that I missed commented on your other post, I recommended grazing on the good stuff during the day. Also, when you feel hungry, have a drink of water first as that can quell some of the hungry feeling. I did WW years back and that tip was one of theirs. Also, allow yourself a little (and by little, I mean teeny-weeny) treat once a day, so that way you still feel normal! Paula
Back again…just had another peek at your pics, and #2 is pretty good too! Go for three tops!
Shirts #1 and #4, definitely! Thanks for sharing. And sista, I hear you about gaining weight. Sigh.. I have put on tonnage since moving to Scotland 16 months ago. I’ll be walking more, too. And clothes shopping can be such a drain. That’s why I am an online shopper whenever I can be. But I like what Paula said… go for three tops! And have fun!
Stacey
I’m loving the vlogging!
I like one and two the bestest. How did Target turn out for ya?
At my current size, I don’t like to go shopping either! My dds took me out shopping a few weeks ago so I at least have a couple new shirts to wear when I’m “on” for weekend worship and need a few decent looking things.
I like 1, 3, and 4 the best.
To me shirt #4 was the stand out best! VERY slimming on you, plust the color was just very flattering. To me ALL the other shirts were dark and heavy. So I say shirt #4… and I share your loathe for shopping for clothes!
I need to go too!
Renae- You are awesome! Dianne told me you Twittered my dilemma.
Target was great. It always is. Something about roaming around that store for hours just to bring home one treasure is so appealing. Maybe we should be accountability partners? Online.
Knitting Junkie - You have helped greatly. I really like number one too and thanks so much for the kind words!
Sallie – Deny what?
You are too funny!
hsmmomma5 – You can so start the bible study late. Just do it!
Dianne – You are crazy, girl! I need a mathematician to figure out your answer! ‘)
Paula – Another 5″3′ girl… isn’t it absolutely difficult to buy a pair of jeans? I mean, don’t the manufacturers know there are petite people in the world?
We’ll see about the three tops.
Stacey – I like to shop online too. I am so with you there but since I gained weight I was not sure what size to buy so I decided to go to the mall. Personally I think it is a lot easier and cheaper to shop online. Plus, you don’t have to skim through racks and racks of clothes. Oh to be my size again!
huse yo mama – I am loving the vlogging too although I do dislike how clear my face is. Good grief! Target was awesome as usual. If I ever came into a large sum of cash and had some to spend I would definitely head straight to Target!
Cynthia – That was my goal in this trip: “to have a few decent things.” Now I should probably clean out my closet but I just cant’ bear to give in to the thought of staying at this size. sigh
Vote Mom – I’m really liking number four too. Believe it or not, it has helped so much to take pics before purchasing. The two I would have bought… I’m not liking at all now.
A Woman Found – We should start a meme -”Mom finally shops for herself!” You are too sweet! I like number four too.
I’m just here to cut and paste your URL for my IN OTHER WORD’s post and I have to say: You have got more chutzpah (No, I’m not Jewish) than me. Interesting post. I vote for #1: Very flattering cut and style.
Happy Weekend!
Kindest Thoughts!
I vote for #1. The cut looks great on you!!! And for my second choice – it would be either 4 or 5. I like them about the same.
Hey – how was Target?
I know how it feels to have a small frame with a few extra pounds.
You are too cute though and I like the pink shirt.. I think #4. Its a good color for you!
Oh yes, twitter survey says:
1 vote for #1
1 vote for #3
I really could use an accountability partner. I’ve been walking very faithfully, but I also need to quit snacking late at night while writing. Oh, and having second helpings at every meal would probably help, too.
I’m also thinking coffee creamer should go…sigh.
And I agree about the jeans! Not only are they too long, the styles are for tall people. I think skirts are my new favorite friend.
#4 is adorable and looks terrific on you.
I really like #1. My second choice would be #5.
I like shirts # 1 & 2
I too am trying to lose weight… menopause weight….
It's not enough to have hot flashes and other symptoms, you have to gain water weight too….whatever!
Hope you had fun shopping..
Hugs,
Julie
I like #1 and #5 the best. They look really cute on you . By the way this is Claire, Darnelle’s daughter
.
What store were you shopping in? I love shirt #1 and would LOVE to have one like it. But I don’t go shopping much. Would rather just do it online. By the way–love your blog and read it all the time. You are such a blessing to me with your writings, thoughts, etc. Blessings–Marie
Amy, you are a riot!!!!
What a precious idea. I’m 5’4, and something has happened over here, my clothes are suddenly SHRINKING!! Really, I can’t explain this phenomena? Maybe it’s aliens during the night, who even knows.
I loved shirt number one, if you haven’t already purchased it, head on BACK!! Number 2 and 3 were not bad either!!
Let us know what you decide!!
Blessings~
Shirt 1 and 5 are my favorites. 1 is my favorite favorite. Splenda really works! Also, another power food is almonds! Just a handful, and you will find that it will be a filling, powerful snack! Good fats, good oils and good protein all in one!
I also strongly suggest that you plan ahead and find a 5K to even just walk/run. If you have a goal – you will drag yourself out to workout more and more, because you will find accomplishing that goal fulfilling. Trust me, not tiring out on the Half Marathon is definitely motivation for me to do long runs. I also have a running partner who will force to me to keep going. Find a friend to do walking/running with you!
Good luck! You can do it – there is no better feeling than moving from say, 161 to 132 or so and moving from a 8/10 to a 3/4….Now I revealed my weight too!
Claire! – How are you sweetie? Thanks for the recommendation. I need all the help I can get!
Estermay – you crack me up! I don’t know that I have chutzpah. My sister likes to say I’m just crazy! I’ll see you for TIOW!
Lori – Target is always great! I really like 1 and 4 too!
Cali girl – you are just too sweet! Thank you! I’ll let you in on a little secret – I bought that one today!
Joann I really like number one too. I do think it is a winner!
Hi there, I would recommend #1 for sure. It is slimming and directs the eye to look at your cute face! The other shirts with the gathers aren’t flattering for you and scream…hey! look at my boobs! Which you probably aren’t looking for in a shirt!
As for the losing weight thing, my husband lost 76 pounds this year and has astonished me and everyone in our circle. He has been working out, but says that 80% of the work in losing weight is in the kitchen! Please don’t eat only one small meal a day! It will only make your body’s metabolism go really slow becuase it is conserving energy for later (aka: starvation mode). The key to things is doing small healthy snacks/meals throughout the day.
What my hubby did for an example was a protein shake and vitamins in the morning for breakfast, then yogurt and fruit/nuts for a snack, grilled chicken breast and salad for lunch an afternoon snack and then a correctly proportioned evening meal.
When you are exercising and you are eating right, your body ends up burning more calories even when you are sleeping! He would literally wake up the next day and have dropped a pound or so from the night before! Incredible!
You can do it! You have loads of spunk and I know you can get ‘r done!
Have a great week!
Julie I am so not looking forward to menopause. I have a friend who is my age and going through it. I feels so bad for her. I like to tease and call her “hot mama” though!
Marie – I was at Kohls! It is an “apt.9″ top. They were having a huge sale! I love most of their clothing. Hopefully you can find it online!
Susan – Maybe it is the Louisiana food. Perhaps we should have a low fat meal for our lunch date!
Queenie – I love almonds! I put them on fish, on grilled chicken, and alone! I’m also seriously thinking about the whole marathon thing. I would very much like to start running. Thanks for the idea.
sonshine4you – You know, I was thinking the whole boob thing after I looked at the post. I do always wear layers so it wouldn’t show that much skin if I did wear one of those though. I have heard the whole body preparing for starvation thing before. I just forget to eat, really. We are going to be changing a few eating patterns in the near future. Thanks for the input!
Did I mention how few shirts actually don’t show cleavage? I think I tried on every one in the store and it wasn’t many! Thank goodness for tank Ts!
1st let me just tell you that shirt #1 was flattering. Great color, shape, fit and a good box shape up top for your sort neck. I hope you bought that one to wear for Wheel of Fortune! But just for fun let me rate them all. Don’t get mad, I am honest!
For the rest of this post please visit The Honest Woman.
http://thehonestwoman.blogspot.com/
I like shirt #1 and shirt #4. I’m torn! And you know as soon as you go out an buy a new wardrobe you will be pregnant, right? LOL!
But I totally understand your shopping woes…I’m only 4 ft. 10 and I am not going to even say how much I weigh, but it’s more than you. It’s SO hard to find anything because the sleeves are always too long and I end up having to cut off half of any pair of pants I buy. I love watching WNTW too…just wish they’d do a short, fat person sometime! LOL!
I hear ya, girl! I am not a shopping gal either, although I had a really good experience over the weekend at JCPenney. My sister, who is skinny as a stick, seemed to be making references to my frumpiness. I soooo did not appreciate that. Apparently, I’m not as stylin as her. Hmmpph!
You look FABULOUS in shirt #1! It is the one that makes you look the slimmest, and I believe it’s the most flattering of all of them. Shirt #2 is good, as well, but #1 is the BEST.
Shirt #1. It’s your color and shows off your face more. Love it.
THIS was great Am….really, you made me laugh…I HATE clothes shopping, malls and yet I love clothes…
I liked number 2…and I see that NO ONE else on the ENTIRE list did…either I’m in desperate need of Stacy and Clinton or I’m a DIVA in disguise…hmmmmmm….
I’ll just leave it at that…
Good LUCK girl..it’s tough…mine has been a CONSTANT battle for years and a total change of mindset…I CAN’T eat what I want, I HAVE to exercise…man I wish apples tasted like Snickers bars…
Love you any size…YOU are on fabulously talented gal…embrace that too;)
love ya!
lori
and when all else fails…T-A-R-G-E-T…..oh yeah baby!:) that’s my MOTTO!!
my babies knew a bullseye from birth..;)
Definately Shirt #1!
I vote for 1 and 6.
#1 is by far the BEST shirt.