I bought a new swim suit. It doesn't have a skirt. This is a big deal.

Sunday was a great day.  I'll need to back track, however, just a bit, before I can explain why.

We went to the lake a couple of weekends ago, and since we hadn't spent any time at the pool, I hadn't made my yearly trek to Target for what I call "The Most Depressing Shopping Trip Ever."  We usually live in the pool, and cheap suits from Target usually only last a year.  My suit from last year was nothing short of a swim muu-muu.  It had a lot of letters in the size.  It was ugly.

I'd kind of forgotten about all of that, really, until it was time to pack for the lake.  I tried it on before we left and laughed because it was huge.  It was also much uglier than I remembered it being, so I feel really sorry for anyone that spent time with me at the pool last year.  I must have looked like Michelle Duggar (no offense) in her one piece modesty suit, but a hundred times worse.  However, I was SOL on getting a new one before the lake since I didn't discover this information until about 10 pm the night before and I knew I would have no time the following day to torture myself with suit buying.  So off me and my ginormous suit went, and we had a grand ole' time.  I only almost lost my bottoms two times.  Victory.

So, fast forward to last Sunday.  Mom offered to let me try on the new suit she'd just bought to see what I thought, and I pretty much just didn't want to deal with the emotions.  I have a long history of thinking something is going to fit and it ends up looking like shit, so I really felt like this was going to be another one of those moments.  However, I did remember how badly I needed to get a new suit, so I went ahead and tried it since at least it wasn't in the horrid dressing rooms of Target and if it got really bad, I knew where they kept the liquor.

It fit.

Actually, it was a little big on top!   I promptly decided that I should carpe diem and head to Target immediately to find one similar, but in a different color, so I could swim in something that stood a chance of staying on while swimming with two crazy kids.  I found a tankini that I love, and most fun part is - it doesn't have a skirt!  I look decent in a bathing suit without a skirt!  Now, there are plenty of really cute tiny bikinis that have skirts...please realize what I had last year did NOT fall into that category.  I happen to think the skirts are cute, but not when they are in a size 22.  It's just a huge milestone for me since that is my most self conscience area.  Thanks, babies.  :)

As we were leaving, I saw a bathing suit I'd been eyeing since early May.  A friend of mine owns it, and she looks adorable in it.  So, naturally, I thought it would be adorable on me, too.   Not so much.  Last time I tried it on, I laughed and cried at my image in the mirror.  It was bad.  Six weeks and serious 90 Day Challenge actions later - that pink suit came home with me, too.  I can't even tell you how long its been since I could find TWO bathing suits I liked, at the same time.

So while I haven't lost oodles of pounds (yet), I am losing inches.  A lot of them.  I am already down an inch in my waist, arms and thighs.  I'll take it, and run all the way to Target's bathing suit section with it! :)

Here's a pic of my new suits!

Walk the Talk

Hi Friends!

This past weekend, we took what was pretty much a spontaneous (for us, these days) trip to the lake with another family from Sawyer's old school.  Long story short, it was just what this old girl needed.  Sun, family time, a boat and lots and lots of laughing!  I was especially proud of E for swimming in the lake when I knew he was scared to at first.   That big body of water has to be really overwhelming to a two year old, and he was a champ the whole time.  It probably didn't hurt that Ms. V had a CARS float with Ka-Chow (Lightening) on it, either.  I was just glad we could all go have fun together!

I have put off buying a new swimsuit this year mainly because they are UGLY.  I have not seen a decent looking one that came in my size (Whatever that may be these days), and that didn't resemble a swim muu-muu.  Funny how things have changed since last summer - I wanted to be covered up completely.  I probably would have bought one of those swim dresses the Duggars if they were sold at Target.  I've tried on a few things recently, but haven't found one I loved.  Even when ginormous, we do tend to spend a lot of time at the pool.  Thankfully, that is normally at my parents house, so at least the Shamu Show was private in years past.  I kid, I kid...anywho!  My procrastination/indecisiveness lead me to having to wear my old one from last year....and laugh when I put it on.  It was HUGE.  It looked so stupid!  It was a good reminder that while I may be far from my ultimate goal, I've still come a long way and that I need to keep going.  And to also burn that stupid suit.  And suck it up and find a new one.  So much pressure!

I didn't want to workout today at all.  It was raining, I was tired and really sore from water skiing.  I was a little pissed that all the weight I'd lost was back from drinking wine this weekend.  I was talking with a friend, getting her set on a date to start her own personal challenge (Go Team Healthy Mom!), and she was like "Well, I know you'll get back on track."  Um...crap.  You mean...I can't just be lazy?  I can't very well self appoint myself as someone's accountability partner IF I am not being accountable myself, can I?  So...I texted a friend and headed to a strength training class this evening.  I'm pretty sure this will fall under "Dumb Ideas" because I'm already in pain, but I am glad I did it.  I'm always glad after working out.

So, lesson is...if you are going to preach something, you better have lots of practice to back it up.  I went to practice today, friends.  I'll be back tomorrow!  xoxo

Body by ME (and Vi)

Hi Friends!

I hope you are having a wonderful week!  I hosted my first ever SHAKE AND BAKE, and boy was it fun!  I wasn't sure what to expect for my first challenge party...if anyone was even going to show...and ultimately, like the shakes, too.  Thankfully, my girls came out in full force and I think everyone really enjoyed themselves!  Stephanie outdid herself with her Beach Bronzed tanning services, and we've decided to host another Shake and Bake in July!  I think we are going to do some fun giveaways and run a contest, so if you are in the area stay tuned!  I want this party to be even bigger and more fun!

I want to take this opportunity to address a few things that came up last night, and clear up a few questions I've been asked.  I preface this by saying, please feel free to message/text/call/carrier pigeon me any questions that I don't address here that you'd like to know.  We all know I'm rather open!

1. Are you seriously only drinking shakes?  Hi.  My name is Jenn.  I love food and would NEVER sign up for or last on a program that required me to only drink shakes.  I actually tried that type of diet in college and lasted approximately 6 hours before I was sneaking food.  Shakes and eating food, however, tend to work really well for me.  I am drinking two shakes a day:  always one for breakfast, and having the other for dinner most nights.  The only exception is when I have a heavy lifting day, and I then use my 2nd shake as a recovery drink.  I typically eat lunch (salad with chicken, etc) and snack throughout the day.  I never, ever feel hungry.  
2. Is this shake magic?  Nope.  I wish it were that easy, but you still have to put in the work just like anything else that is worth having.  I feel like ViSalus is a great tool that fits well in my life, and I love that the shakes work with my life instead of me trying to work them in.  I will say that I have noticed my workouts becoming better and better, and in the last few weeks I've really bumped up the amount of weight I'm lifting in my exercises.  I still suck at running, but I don't think that is the shake's fault.
3. Will I have support throughout my Challenge and life with Vi?  If you sign up through me, you will not walk this alone.  I said it many times last night, I lovelovelove helping and motivating people.  I know what it feels like to see pictures and be like "who is that?"  I know how frustrating it can be to have a full closet of clothes that just don't fit.  I was lucky to have had some really awesome friends step in and help pull me out of the funk and into the light - and if I get the chance to pay that kindness forward, I consider this all a success.  I needed gentle nudges (ok, shoves) along the way, and if this can be the one to get you to finally make the decision to live the life you want to live, then let me know.  I'm so here to help.  
4. Why did you choose Vi?  This is a pretty easy one.  I really love the products.  I use them daily.  I've seen and am seeing results.  I have the best team a girl could ask for, and support whenever I need it.  Heck, my friend Katie came all the way down from Allen just to help me last night.  You are only as strong as your weakest link, and being the newbie I am I am so appreciative for all of the tools and helping hands.  
5. I want to be a promoter, but I'm worried about the cost.  I feel ya.  I was scared, too.  It is a huge commitment, but I don't regret it one bit.  If you want to learn more about the business side, let me know.  I will get you on the phone with my mentor (the same guy I talked to for over an hour and hammered him with an excessive amount of questions) and he can explain it better than I could ever dream of doing.  I will say the Vi Team doesn't leave new people hanging, and I have never once felt alone.  I've been checked on numerous times by all sorts of successful people all the way up.  I look forward to a long life of promoting!  Sean is even getting into it, listening in to my conference calls and asking questions, too.  It's become quite the family affair!

I think that covers most things that came up.  Like I said, this adventure has just begun but I'm already so excited about the changes that are happening.  I've officially gotten too small for all of my fat clothes.  No going back, friends!

Please check out Jenn's Vi Page and order your kit now!  Just do it!  Get started!  What are you waiting for????

See the Art in Me

Hi Friends.

That's E's new thing, by the way, to say that.  I really adore it.  He doesn't say much, still, but when he does it's extra special and precious!

Sawyer and I attended a special wedding this past weekend.  At Sawyer's old school (sigh...hard to type that), he attended the after school program every day that is watched over by a really great group of college-aged kids.  One in particular, Lindsey, became Sawyer's favorite and we've welcomed her into our family because who wouldn't want a sweet girl like that around?  Sawyer was so sad when she moved back home, but she did a great job about paying visits to PCA when she was here.  I was so surprised and happy when we got her wedding invitation, and Sawyer started his countdown to "Ms. Lindsey's Party".

Well, that sweet girl married her sweet boy on Saturday...and I cried.  Anyone that knows me, knows that I have a serious issue with outright religious movements and moments.  For me, religion is a seriously private affair.  What I believe in has nothing to do with anyone else, and how I worship is between me and the Big Guy.  I will say this, though, that on Saturday you could just feel God looking down.  Not in a overwhelmingly big event type of way, but very serene and just peacefully.  I've been to many weddings, many of which are huge, lovely productions with bands, fireworks and a photobooth to be silly in.  I love those weddings, because they are great parties.  Jennjilla loves her a great party.  I guess I just really loved this wedding because while you could tell they paid attention to details (hello, chevron printed burlap ribbon - adorable), you could really tell they were there to celebrate their love and their shared love for God.  I love that they asked in several different ways for advice and words of encouragement.  It was a special day, and Sawyer thought he was SOOO cool because he was the only kid from ASC to be invited.  He was the perfect date and we had fun eating cake and drinking lemonade out of "jars like Nene has".  He's a good kid.  I love spending one-on-one time with him.

I just wrapped up my first week of my 90 Day Challenge, and it's going great!  I love sharing my passion.  It's been really fun for me to gain Challenge Buddies (Hey, girls, Hey!) and I have really enjoyed trying out new recipes to keep my shakes anything but boring.  I am down 2 pounds, which is pretty huge.  I never lose actual weight.  My clothes fit better, sure, but it's nice to see movement on the number (even though that stupid number doesn't define me).  I'm hosting my first Challenge Party tomorrow, so that will be fun, too.  I've teamed up with my spray-tan lady, Stephanie, and we are throwing a Shake and Bake Party!  Personally, I think it's like..the most fun sounding thing ever!  I'm really excited to share our products with our friends!  I really took a chance with ViSalus, but I don't regret it one bit.  I have an awesome team who is nothing but supportive and encouraging, and it's just been a lot of fun to get behind something that helps so many people achieve their goals.  I hope in the coming weeks I become one of those people, too!  I know I can, and I'm ready for the challenge.  :)  Shake and Bake!

Major

Eek!

I've been nominated for my first blog award!  I didn't know they HAD blog awards (I know, I'm a little slow), but I've very excited my new blog-friend Amy at Getz Girl On Fire thought of me! :)  This award is for up and coming blogs that have less than 200 followers.  I'm pretty sure I have more than there are showing, but anywho - I love meeting new people so thanks, Amy!

So, I'm supposed to first tell 11 random facts about me.  This stuff always gets me.  Let me think...

1. I'm adopted.  Is that even random?
2. I hate cats.
3.  I have freckles in the shape of a triangle on my leg.
4.  I out-beerbonged the OSU offensive line when I was in Padre for Spring Break 2000.  Yup.  Super proud moment there!
5.  I tried out for the high school musical and didn't make it.  It may have something to do with the fact that I'm tone deaf.
6.  Along that same note, I don't actually know lyrics to many songs - I find it easier to just make them up.  Maybe Mariah Carey doesn't know her songs that well, I will show her the way.
7.  I tried to save my cousin when he fell in the lake, and almost drowned us both.  Thank goodness my parents were paying attention.  Sorry John Thomas.
8.  I played soccer for years, only to quit when it was time to get college scholarships.  Sorry mom and dad.
9.  One time, on a work-with with a supplier when I was a wine rep, the supplier got HAMMERED and passed out in my car.  Instead of going to most of our appointments, I just drove around and let him sleep.  It was better than him yelling at my buyers - which had happened earlier in the day.  He made a poor, sweet Asian lady cry.  He was a real dick.
10.  I seriously have issues with claustrophobia.  I almost lost it on a bus a few weeks ago.
11.  I'm a hugger.  I think life is better when you give hugs.  :)

And now I am supposed to answer questions Amy listed!

1. Which do you prefer - cardio, weights or yoga?  For me, I prefer weights.  Yoga second.  Cardio third.  Unless it's Zumba.  Then that's pretty high up there.  Crap.  I kinda like them all.  Who is this person?
2. What is your favorite movie of all time?  Pulp Fiction.  Is that strange?
3. If you could pick a super power, which would you choose?  My husband is sleeping so I can't ask him about all the different super powers, but I'd like to be able to beam myself places.  I have a lot of friends that don't live close, and it would be really sweet if I could just pop over to California or NY.
4. Name an item on your bucket list!  Europe.  I want to visit Europe.  Like, the whole thing.  haha
5. Why did you originally start blogging?  I want to help people, and to show them that they are not alone.  I also wanted to prove to myself that I could do this whole weight-loss thing and keep a diary of sorts to chart my progress.  There have been a few people that have inspired me to be a better person in many ways, and I hope that I can be that person for whomever, too!  
6. What was your first car?  Madza MX-6  
7. Which do you prefer - beer, wine or cocktails?  Can't drink beer, so that's out.  Wine or whisky...those are m'favs
8. What would I choose for my last meal?  My mommy's gumbo...followed by her blackberry sour cream pie...and maybe a slice of her fruit pizza, just for shits and grins.  I'm gonna die, so who cares!
9. Are you a dog or cat person?  Well, I already told you I hate cats, so there is that answer.  I like dogs, but I don't care for the fur.  It's so gross.
10. What is your favorite season and why?  I love Spring, because the clothes are cute and bright and cheerful and so are all the flowers!  

Check back for blogs that I nominate!  Most blogs I follow already have a ton of followers so I'll have to do some digging!  

Shake and Bake, baby!

I have been overwhelmed by the amount of love and support I was given after people read my last post.

Thank you.

I have had a few people privately message me about Vi shakes, the challenge, and other questions.  Please continue to do so!  My door is always open, and I think we all know that I'm very candid about my little adventure.  :)  I'm happy to answer any question.

I'll be throwing my first Challenge Party on the 11th, and I'm so excited about it!  Being the creative genius that I am (haha), I want to do something totally different than what other people do.  We all tend to cringe when people mention these types of "parties".  I love my friends and want them to be excited with me, so I came up with the theme "Shake and Bake" to try and make it interesting!  I'm inviting my buddies to come learn about the Challenge, try some shakes and then give them the opportunity to get a spray tan by Beach Bronzed Mobile Tanning!!  Hence, the (fake) bake part!  haha  Beach Bronzed is owned by my dear friend, Stephanie Torres, and I am so happy to support her in her new business venture.  She is the hardest working mom and wife, and she does a great job and always makes sure you are happy with your tan.  I've used her several times and have loved the outcome each time!  I'm usually a pretty decent shade of eggshell, but she's gotten me pretty dark.  Life really is better with a tan!

I thought long and hard before becoming a promotor for Visalus, but I truly love the product and believe in the company so here we go!  I have a great group of people helping me along the way and I look forward to seeing how much I transform in the next 90 days!  If you are in the A-town area, and would like to swing by - let me know!  I'd love for you to come Shake and Bake with us!

90 Day Challenge - Go Big or Go Home.

Hi Village,

First of all - thank you so much for the love and support you have given me in the past year.  I know 100% that I wouldn't have gotten to where I am without it.  You are the best.

With that said, I'm happy to announce the next thing I need you for - the biggest and baddest challenge yet!  Let me show you first where I have been...and then I'll tell you where I'm going!

WHERE I'VE BEEN:

That was me on November 11, 2010.  I was hours away from delivering my second baby, and I think I was tipping the scales at 257.  That was the last recorded weight I know of, anyway.  Everett was only seven pounds, three ounces of that mess, so I had my work cut out for me.  We had been through so much trying to get pregnant and then stay pregnant.  Emotionally and physically, I was drained to the core. I had spent the last nine weeks on bed rest, had a 3 year old that had his tonsils and adenoids removed during that time and was having contractions all day, every day.  It was rough, but I'd do it again to get my sweet Everett Gray.  He's worth every ounce of that weight.

This was me, roughly a year later.  Minus the big belly, I was still big.  That was a XXL sweater, size 20 jeans and extra wide calf boots I was barely able to squeeze into.  I had changed jobs, spent the better portion of my life on 635 driving and ate out breakfast and lunch.  I worked out once a month, and vegetables were typically garnishes on my plate and not something I actually ate.  I was miserable.  I had zero energy.  My hormones were still going crazy and I was just puffy all over.  To top it all off, about two weeks after these pictures were taken, our house caught fire and we were displaced for three months.  The will to be healthy was not there.  Not one smidgen.  I continued down this path for a good three months, climbing the scales AGAIN and hitting near 250.  It was insane how quickly the weight was gained, but since I'm one of "those girls" that holds their weight well (whatever that means), it was hard to tell until I hit rock bottom.  When your clothes resemble maternity clothes, but you aren't pregnant...it's time for a change.

So, friends...that's what I came from.  Just call me Large Marge.  It makes me sad to look at pictures, or really the lack thereof, during that time because I just didn't like myself.  So I had to do something.  Thank goodness I had all of you to help me along the way!

One of the biggest changes I have made during this whole experience is nutrition.  My thinking towards food and what I put in my body has changed 110%.  Breakfast continues to be the biggest challenge for me, and after many trials what I have found that works best is the Visalus Vi-Shape shake.  I'm huge about texture, and this shake has none of the grittiness that some of the other shakes has.  It also has a really nice flavor that mixes well with all sorts of fruits, and also completely hides the spinach and kale tastes when I mix those in, too.  A few tidbits about the shake that I found interesting are:

• It's Gluten-Free - a HUGE plus in my book.  All other shakes I tried tore up my digestive system.  I truly need a GF solution, and I have been drinking these daily since March and have not had one issue.
• It's made with less than 1g of sugar - for someone who has PCOS and has a body that acts like a diabetic, this was a huge selling point for me, too.  It's also lower in sodium and fat that most other shakes on the market, too.
• Made with Non-GMO soy - this is a big deal, too.  I don't need soy messing with my estrogen levels (since they, along with everything else, are already a mess).
• It works for everyone -  young, old, overweight, underweight and everything in between!  I love that Sean's grandma can try this shake and my workout buddies can, too!  It's a good fit in any diet.

I also use this shake as a post-workout supplement, and over the course of two months I have lost body fat and gained lean muscle in its place.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't have a shake.  It's just part of my life now, and if I skip it I can tell.  I also tend to make bad choices, food-wise, when I don't start my day with one.  It has really helped keep my food on track, and recover from my workouts strong and ready for the next day's.

WHERE I'M GOING:

This is me today - 210lbs, but leaner than I've been in years.  I workout 4-6 times a week, and I'm wearing mostly 14-16s, depending on their cut (or if they are from Target.  Target, your sizing sucks).  Most everything in my closet is too big.  The dress I'm wearing above was the one I wore for our 10th anniversary last year, and had to wear heavy duty Spanx to squeeze into it.  I'm happy to say that in this heat, no Spanx will be necessary this year!  

So, long story short: I need your help - and this is a big one!  I'm turning 32 on September 1st, and I have decided to do the Visalus 90 Day Challenge to get me to my goals so I can start this next year of my life in the best shape I've been in since High School.  My Goals are as follows:

1. Break through my weight plateau and lose 20 lbs - finally hitting my original goal weight of 190 and getting out of these stupid 200s.
2. Lose inches on my belly and arms, my two trouble areas (I will take measurements this week) 
3. Benchpress 75 lbs, because I want to be a hoss.
4. Not die doing ab work (this is a general goal, just ask my trainer how bad I suck at ab work haha)
5. Have friends join me!!

Here is my website, http://jennhutcherson.bodybyvi.com/ - please take a look!  I know that I do my best when I have support around me, and I'm looking for friends and family to join me in this latest shenanigan I've decided to get myself into.  I will be hosting a Challenge Party soon, too, so please let me know if you'd like to come try out the shakes for yourself.  I know I was hesitant before I did, but I quickly fell in love and here we are! (If you don't live in the area, just let me know if you'd like a sample.  I'm happy to mail you one!)

Thank you again for your love and support.  All the texts, emails and messages really help keep me going!  I truly do have the best village!!