Weight-loss challenge {Month 2}

Last month was a tough one for me.  I spent twenty-three days in my hometown near Chicago with my family and friends.  Ever been to Chicago?  In my opinion, the city is know for it's delicious food.  I was not going to miss my yearly opportunity to indulge!

My goal for July was to not gain any weight (I lost 5 pounds in June!) and to enjoy my vacation.  Well, I certainly enjoyed my vacation!  One out of two isn't so bad, right?


The food temptations and vacation vibe (aka lots of drinking, to help me relax of course) got the best of me.  I have gained 1.5 pounds since my July weigh-in.  That leaves me 3.5 pounds from my goal weight.  I'm so close I can taste it!

I'm cutting myself some slack for last month's gain.  Vacations are something everyone looks forward too.  It's a change from the norm, a time to let go, a step away from everyday life.  I'm sure I'm not alone here, right?  Losing weight on vacation is difficult.  I am glad I had fun and tried not to worry too much about my vacation bloat.

I am a brave woman for posting this picture of me in my bathing suit!

Luckily this is a new month and I have a chance to try again!

My goal for August:
I can tell by photos that I lost what little definition I had in my arms.  I want it back!

My plan:
My plan is to work out with weights three days a week to get that definition back in addition to running 2-3 days a week.  (You can read about what I do with weights here.) 

Anyone else coming back from vacation with the dreaded vacation bloat?  What's your plan to get back into shape?

Vacation hangover

...STILL.

I just can't seem to shake this vacation feeling.  You know, the one that involves afternoon naps, no real responsibilities, and no routine.

The pile of mail sitting on my counter is about to bite me.  My suitcases, although unpacked, are still in our bedroom.  Pictures need edited and stories need to be told.

I know it's not going to get done on it's own.  

I know that it's not going to be done today.

It's the weekend and I'm going to enjoy it!  Monday will come soon enough.

We've been busy...

We're going to need a vacation AFTER this vacation!

Road trip survival {Guest post}

Hiya folks!

I'm Shaun from Living with Peanut, my lovely little corner of the internet where I talk about being a mom, raising Peanut, weight loss, and tons of random stuff :)

A super huge thanks to Jen for having me guest post while she's on vacation...lucky lady! Hope you're having a great time!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recently, we had our first family vacation. We didn't plan anything large as money's a bit tight, but we definitely had a great time. We broke out all of Paige's toys from her birthday, spent some quality family time together, took a trip to York's Wild Animal Kingdom and did the tourist stops on the way home. To cap off our fabulous week, we brought Paige to Storyland.

Storyland is a 2-3 hour drive from our house, depending on which route you take. I had timed our departure so that we'd be leaving around lunch time and her nap would *hopefully* begin about halfway there :)

I packed a box of goodies to help keep Paige entertained since I have an older car (no rear entertainment) and don't have an iPad or portable DVD player.

I started with a small box (bigger than a shoe box). I loaded it with about 8-10 books - a variety of very simple books, touch and feels, to a multi-Princess story book. I also included some Dollar Tree flash cards, a small pad of paper and crayons, a small stuffed animal, and a fully-charged Kindle with kids book already loaded on it.

It definitely helped keep me and the husband sane during the 3 hour drive and kept Paige entertained in the motel room when the rain kept us stuck inside for a few hours.

Anytime we head out on a road trip, I'll definitely be making one of these boxes to keep her entertained. It took only a few minutes to create!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks Shaun for filling in on Leilaland!  

I keep something similar on the floor of my backseat at all times. You just never know what you may need...and I like to be prepared.

Beach days

I plan on soaking up every last minute of our beach life before our trip to the Chicago-land area.

  

I love visiting my hometown.  My family, friends, the food!  But I did move away for one reason.  The beach.  Now, I can hardly imagine my life any other way.

Leila will grow up knowing this as her backyard.  I'd say she is one lucky girl!

Wanted! {Guest bloggers}

Even those of us that live in paradise need a vacation.



Leila and I will be leaving Jeff home all by himself for three weeks in July. We'll be heading back to our hometown, the good 'ol suburbs of Chicago, for our annual vacation.

This year I am even more excited to eat delicious pizza, hang with old friends, and have a live-in babysitter (thanks Mom and Dad!), because two of my cousins had babies that I haven't met yet.

Wanted! {Guest bloggers}

I'm looking for guest bloggers for Leilaland during the month of July.

Some topics you to consider: your summer vacation, toddler activities, toddler behavior, easy recipes or DIY ideas, family life, and motherhood. 

Humor, fun, and a photo (or your blog button) required.  

Interested? Send me an email or leave a comment including your email address.

myleilaland (at) gmail (dot) com 

This is for real.

The Elmo Gang (est. 2012) has three members. Leila would like you to believe that she is in charge.

She's probably right.



My dad (aka Grandpa) and my uncle Pat are the other two members, and yes, they also wear Elmo tattoos.

Don't worry. You can tell by their age that they are not dangerous, a menace to society, or taking over your town.

You may spot them near a bus stop,

or near the marina

trying to recruit new members.

They spend their days picking flowers,

walking the streets,

and rocking the good life

in a neighborhood near you.


Yes, Leila is clearly in charge and loving every minute of it.



You can be sure that "the Elmo gang rides again". -Grandpa

My mom and dad went to San Francisco...

...and all I got was this adorable hat!


I still can't believe we are already into the "cheesy smile" phase.

Weekend getaway {San Francisco}

Living in California has shown me that this state has something for everyone. From sunshine to celebrities, and everything in between, the city of San Francisco was no exception.

On our trip we had plenty of sunshine (it was freezing for us SoCal folks!)...


And celebrities (Could this be George Clinton?)...


And everything in between!

Sightseeing


Live music at The *iconic* Fillmore


And more jams on the street (the drummer was adorable!)


Bizarre shops


Unique bars


Crowded Farmers' Markets


Ghost hunting (We stayed at a haunted hotel!)


And of course, good beer.




Thanks for the memories SF!

A weekend away

Jeff and I left Friday night for San Francisco and returned home late last night. It was refreshing to get away and act like kids again. This was our first time leaving Leila so we lived it up!


Aunt Val and Stefan had babysitting duty. I think Leila proved to be pretty good birth control.

We couldn't have picked a better weekend to get away.

More to come...