WED WEIGH IN

Hello Gorgeous, it's that time again...Wednesday Weigh In!! What a fabulous image to the left, I found it here. "Fashion is the healthiest motivation for losing weight". Health issues, which is why I started to lose weight, totally trumps fashion; however FASHION is what has kept me going!!!

For years I wished myself away, you may be thinking how can you wish yourself away? I would think to myself, if only I was thinner I would be better at this or I wish I was thinner so I could wear or do that. IF ONLY's consumed my thoughts and distorted the way I saw myself!

After thinking back on all the time and tears wasted over what if's and if only's, I realize now I was wishing myself away. I never said to myself HOT DAMN, I am fabulous just the way I am (okay, well maybe I did, but I didn't believe it), until now!!

I did not believe in myself completely, even though I walked with my head high and faked it most of the time. Luckily, I surrounded myself with good family and friends who would often remind me of how smart, beautiful and sexy I was, even if I was not at my ideal weight! For the longest time, I was also not able to take a compliment, with out turning it around and complimenting back...subconsciously getting the attention off of me and back on to them.

Back in November of 2008, I had to have my Gallbladder removed (minor surgery, painful recovery), at that time my Doctor advised me that if I did not start taking better care of myself I may have future health risks. My family is prone to Diabetes, Heart Disease, Multiple Cancers, High Blood Pressure, sounds like a concoction for destruction. I then set my short and long term goals and started working towards them. I have tripped oh so many times and backslide more times than I care to admit; however I did not quit!

One of the lessons I have learned in my crazy life (and it is crazy) is that weight loss is not a destination, it is a journey and until we understand and really commit to putting effort every day in the choices we make(food, drink, exercise, sleep, etc) the weight may initially come off, but it will not stay off.

Today, I took a walk on the wild side and weighed myself on the Sexy O' Meter...see for yourself I weighed in on the border of HOT and LOVELY...I'll take it. After all, like I said last week: Sexy is a sense of confidence...so work it, own it, love it!

After another crazy weekend, full of social events, here are this weeks weight loss results:
Drum Roll PLEASE....

Goal: To loose 10lbs in 29days for trip to VEGAS
weight loss this week: 4.5

Ponds left to loose: 5.5

Days till VEGAS: 16days

You may be wondering how I lost so much in one week, since it is more than the average woman looses in a week??? The only explanation I can offer is my body was late to the party, but I am glad she finally arrived! I have been continually exercising, eating well, getting enough sleep and had hit one of the longest plateaus...I stayed positive and with a heart full of hope, waited for the day that my body would catch up to the effort I was making and she did!!!

How was your weekend and how are you doing on your journey?

Smooches,
Sassy Chica

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

Hello Dahhhlings....I am so excited to share some great news, I am a winner!! Awe ya, Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!!! I am the proud recipient of a fabulous award and am so grateful for your appreciation of my blog!

I chose the image above because it reflects how I am feeling; however let me just say that it is not because I think I am all that and a bag of chips, but because YOU have been so awesome to me with your comments, visits and numerous awards...please do keep them coming:) , I love'em all!!

My Bloggy Buddy, Vanessa over at Crafty&Creative, awarded me the prestigious Kreativ Blogger award, this is what she had to say about my blog; She is certainly sassy and writes some of the most fun posts! I never miss reading them. Thank you Vanessa...I too heart your blog!!Here are the details to this award:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.

4. Name 7things people may not know about you

One: I Love to LOVE and be loved

Two: Enjoy the company of family, friends and good natured people

Three: Have a fear of failure

Four: Humbled to see the love of God in others

Five: I am a realist, yet I see the glass half full and not half empty

Six: I have a tender heart and soul, I am easily offended, which hurts my feelings

Seven: I consider myself a good cook, no fatalities yet

5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

I love so many blogs, that listing only seven is tough, in no particular order here are the first seven Kreativ Bloggers that come to mind...please do stop by and visit these fabulous bloggers:

RamblingsOfAFabBrunette Fabulous and Chic blog, always a good read

NearlyStylish Ooh-La-La this chica lights it up with the latest trends

AlwaysCarriedAway Deva takes my breath away with her raw emotions and lovely pictures.

UnknownMami This Chica is witty, charming and a real trend setter!!

ItAintEasyBeingCheesy I heart Alicia's balls to the wall humor!!

ShakingTheTree I always enjoy Mary's post and love her shared secrets.

BonBonRose A lovely blog with unique finds and great posts

Congrats to you all for this well deserved award!!!

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they've been nominated.

Thank you once again for all the love!!!

Smooches,

Sassy Chica

Serenity

Where do you find serenity? What is serenity??Do you have a special day to call your own? Do you make time to enjoy life's free pleasures?
According to an online dictionary, serenity is to be calm, peaceful, or tranquil. Sundays are my days of serenity, the hubby and I spend our Sunday Mornings enjoying the Sunday paper and Coffee. We also enjoy a fabulous breakfast or brunch with the kiddies. These are just a few of life's free pleasures...to be in the company of the ones you love.

Sundays are timeless!! There was a time in my life that I would try to get in all my chores and shopping done on Sundays; by the end of the day I was irritated and physically, some times also emotionally drained. I learned that in order to make Sundays my day of serenity I needed to preplan. I start by creating an comfortable environment. Preplan our meals for this day and most importantly I make an effort to not plan events or commit to attending events planned for Sundays.

What will you be doing on this Serene Sunday?? What ever you should decide, be sure to take time and smell the Roses!

Fabulous Friday

TGIF(Thank God It's Friday)!!!! Hot Damn, we made it through another week!! Today, I woke up with a grateful heart, for so many reasons, first and foremost the mere fact that I woke up and was granted the gift of a new day!! I am also grateful for my health, my family, my bloggy buddies and so much more!

I am a worrier by nature and even though I know that there are times when I must be still and wait for things to work themselves out; my toughest challenge is the feeling of lack of control and the unknown. Why am I writing about this instead of rainbows and butterflies or shoes and purses, well because I know that many are facing tough times, many are challenged with tough decisions and many are looking for a glimpse of hope to keep believing! So here is some Fabulous Friday Inspiration for you:

Enjoy this Fabulous Friday, make a list of 10things you are grateful for, it helps to see that even in tough times, there are moments of promise! Tell those around you that you love them, for no one is promised a tomorrow and most importantly, LOVE AND BE LOVED!!!

Smooches,

Sassy Chica

Wed Weigh In

Happy Hump Day, Holla!! When I saw the image above, one word came to mind, FABULOUS!!!Curves are good, flaunting is good, sexy is good and regardless of your weight, in my opinion Sexy is a sense of confidence! So Work it!

As promised, I will be sharing my weekly weigh in's as I prepare for Vegas. Drum roll please...here is the down and dirty:
Goal: 10lbs in 29days
weight loss: 0.0
weight gain: +1.0
days left: 23days

Whoopsie..I gained a pound...looking back at my weekend I can totally see where the gain came from. Friday was LadiesNight with the neighborhood Chica's, which is always a fabulous time. It is a feast with cocktails...dangerous if your watching your weight.

Saturday was my brother in laws birthday bash and a bash it was!!!! Family, friends, food and lots of drinks...My drink of choice that night was Bacardi and Coke. There was no diet soda, so I drank regular....hmm could that have been where I picked up this extra pound?

Sunday I was back on the wagon, no drinking and lots of detoxing of the body. I also committed to exercising everyday but Sunday, my last workout was on Friday and I returned to the gym on Tuesday. Tonight is bust my arse night in the intense Ab Class and cardio...I hope I can contain my laughter and that the instructor is not still pissed at me.
Enough about me, how about you, how was your weekend...please do tell???

Blogs and Coffee

Hello Gorgeous...I'm back!! So sorry to all my bloggy buddies out there who have visited and seen the same post for the past few days. Life has been hectic ; however I have found some balance and am able to enjoy blogs and coffee again!!

Why does it seem that every few months the bottom falls out? Do you think it's to keep and find balance in our lives? Up until recently I thought this just happened to me. One day, all is going fabulous, finances are in order, kids are good and we are living on love street; then the very next day all hell brakes loose and my life is once again out of sinc. I believe that where there is a will there is a way, except finding the way takes time and patience. I now understand why they say "patience is a virtue"!

I also realized that,
So enjoy this fabulous day, as it is a gift, that is why they call it the present! Leave the past behind you, there is nothing you can do about it and the future is still to be. Take life as my uncle use to sing "Un Dia A La Vez" (one day at a time)! After all ,that is all we are granted....ONE DAY AT A TIME, no more no less! And remember to Say Hello to Fall...a new beginning!!!

Fitness Faux Pas

For your reading pleasure I have compiled another short list of Fitness Faux Pas. This is a follow up to ExcersingFauxPas and WhatsAGirlGottaDo.

For months now I have been on a quest to get healthy by losing weight, eating right and getting enough sleep. My initial goal was 25by35, to lose 25pounds by my 35th birthday.

My birthday was in July and I am still 7pounds from goal. How you ask...well, every weekend (and sometimes during the week) the hubster and I are social butterflies and along with social gatherings and events comes fabulous food and drinks. I can lose 3pounds during the week to gain 5back on the weekend. Can this be considered a plateau...probably not?

Yesterday, I made a decision, after an intense workout to recommit to my health and blog about it. What better way to hold yourself accountable, then sharing it with the world. My motivation SITScation 2009 in 29days, Sin City, here I come!

So here is my challenge, I am going to...oooh do I dare even say quit drinking....of course not, I will however cut down significantly!! I am also going to target a weight loss of 10 pounds and commit to preplan my meals and exercise everyday, but Sunday!!!

And now for a giggle at my expense, here are my most recent Fitness Faux Pas:

• Belting Out of Tune: yesterday while kicking ass on the treadmill, I was rocking out to Pantera (I am a wide variety music kinda chica) and before I knew it I was belting out "RE-SPECT"...(needless to say I was caught up in the moment)!
• Tripping on the Treadmill: like the belting out of tune was not enough to make me aware of those around me; I followed up by slightly tripping. I did not skid out face first...only because I was holding the bar, thank God!
• Laughing Out Loud: while in the ab class, I noticed a few of my neighbors in the same class. I was working it, owning it, loving it...I was crunching so hard it hurt, so much that I let out....a huge....obnoxious...laugh. I admit it was extremely disruptive and caused the instructor to stop and ask if I was okay. (sidenote: I have a nervous twitch that causes me to laugh). So for the record I did apologize to the instructor, however I don't think she accepted and may work me and the class extra hard next time...should I take her flowers???

Okay well I shared my Fitness Faux Pas, now you share yours.....please tell me I am not the only dork that has faux pas while exercising???

Be Different

"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different".

~Coco Chanel

Never Enough

These past few days and weeks have flown by so quick, it just seems like there is never enough time in the day! Please know that...

I am hoping to catch up on my blog comment responds and blog post writing in the next day or so. Thank you for visiting and commenting. Enjoy this Fabulous Monday!

Ooh-La-La

Shoes, handbags, jewelery, clothes, makeup...these are a few of my favorite things; oh and let's not forget coffee and cocktails!!

A few months ago I read a fabulous article about Jimmy Choo, that made my day and is sure to put a smile on the face of any shoe lover!!

Mark your calendars Chica's, on November 14, British accessories brand, Jimmy Choo is bringing it's international glamour, coveted shoes and bags to H&M stores around the world; OOH-La-La!!

To celebrate the collaboration, Jimmy Choo will extend it's design vision to create a women’s clothing line that will complement the accessory capsule. Additionally, this exciting collaboration will include a men’s collection of shoes, bags and accessories.

Enjoy this Fabulous Saturday!


Press release found on pitch engine
Re post from SassyChica, originally posted: 7/8/09

WE REMEMBER

Today, WE REMEMBER the near 3,000 people who lost their lives due to hijacked jetliners crashing into New York’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. With grateful hearts we also remember all the hero's who valiantly assisted our country!

Eight Years ago this morning, I was six months pregnant with my son and had just sent my daughter to school. I was preparing my morning tea, when I turned on the news and saw the first of two burning buildings. Minutes later I witnessed the second of the Twin Towers be hit. My heart sank and eyes filled up with tears, a sense of fear came over me. I immediately grabbed for the phone to call my husband who was unreachable.

The world as I knew it stopped! A sense of fear that I had never known came over me...all telephone lines were busy, I could not get a call into my daughters school, reach my mother or any of my siblings; it seemed like the longest day of my life!

A little while after what seemed to be an eternity, my daughters school called and confirmed the children were all okay. My husband and mother finally called, and all my siblings checked in one by one. As the days and weeks after 9/11 progressed I was humbled by our countries efforts to unite as one and work selflessly for the good of others. I was also humbled by the many countries who joined forces with us; I will never never forget.....

WE REMEMBER......9/11/01
God Bless America!

Where were you eight years ago when the world stopped?

Hello Lovah

Hot stuff coming thru....if you have not had a chance to flip through September's issue of In Style, then let me just say it is FABULOUS! J. Lo is featured on the cover looking Glamorous and the Fall fashion in this issue is ...CALIENTE...

While flipping through the pages, I fell in love...not with a pair of shoes, not with a handbag, not even with a must have piece of jewelery for this season...say Hello to my new love, Espana. A collection of twelve of the most stunning nail shades to compliment your Fall wardrobe made by OPI, inspired by Spain, Ole!

The tones range from a beautiful nude to pink and even burst past the barriers and showcase a glamorous green, how FAB! I also enjoy the Spain inspired names for this collection, Barefoot in Barcelona, Can You Tapas This and Pink Flamenco.

I am ready to embrace Fall and will do so by jumping in with both hands and feet( literally)and give myself a much deserved Manicure/Pedicure this evening, while listening to Mediterranean music and sipping a glass of red wine.

Enjoy this Fabulous Thursday...after all, Thursday is the new FRIDAY!!

What new items have you found to greet the Fall season??

Divine Number 9

Divine number nine...09/09/09, today's date is the last set of repeating, single-digit dates that will occur for a century (01/01/2101), and or a millennium (01/01/3001)!!

There is an incredible energy surrounding today's date! It is no wonder that many have chosen to marry today. A court house in Florida, as well as a hotel in Vegas are offering $99.99, one day wedding specials. The Chinese, believe the number 9 means longlasting!!

Other Fabulous tidbits surrounding today's date:

• Wednesday & September both have 9 letters
  
• Sept. 9 is the 252nd day of the year (2 + 5 +2=9)
  
• "Love Potion No. 9"...Ooh-La-La
  
• Today is the release of the Beatles' whole, re-mastered catalog

Get dressed to the 9's and enjoy this FABULOUS day!!

Gotham Diaries

OOH-LA-LA, do I have a book to share with you!! If you enjoy saucy books with twists and turns, I suggest Gotham Diaries be your next read.

Overview: A clever, tantalizing absorbing work of social satire by Tonya Lewis Lee and Crystal McCrary Anthony, who guide you through a world of luxury, class, style and extravagance with an incredible view of Manhattan. From the bedroom to the boardroom, to the art world, to the philanthropic jet set, to the hottest spots, this heartfelt, entertaining story explores seduction, scandal, excess, betrayal, desire, dreams and deception through one of-a-kind characters.

"A richly absorbing Tale of Manhattan's upper crust packed with sex, lies and backstabbing", says E. Lynn Harris

I rate this book 3 1/2 stars; in my opinion it is a well thought out and fabulously written book, that kept me intrigued from start to finish. Just when I thought I knew how the story would end, it had a surprising twist. To read more about this book and the authors visit
their website GothamDiaries.

What good books have you recently read???



Disclosure: I have not been asked to promote this book, nor have I made any gains by doing so.

Goodbye Summer

Sweet summer came and went; love was in the air, flowers everywhere....ahhh sweet summer came and went! Today, as we eagerly embrace a three day weekend to celebrate Labor Day, it is both bitter and sweet. Bitter to say goodbye to summer, goodbye to warm weather, goodbye to long days and frolicking in the sun. Sweet because Fall is my favorite of all four seasons. There is a sense of newness in the air, it is both crisp and cool, the colors of nature change from green to red, yellow and orange. What a magnificent time of year; however my heart will still miss summer.

Here are a few of my Sassy Summer favorites:

1. Enjoying the outdoors with family and friends
2. Frozen Cocktail's and basking in the Sun
3. Planting Flowers/the warm essence of nature
4. Open-toed shoes and sassy sandals
5. BBQ's and Grilling (oh so good)
6. Baseball...we will try again next year, Chicago Cubs.
7. My Birthday came and went in a hot second

Now on the flip side of my list here are some things I will not miss:

1. Mosquito's (they are fierce wear I live and wear helmets)
2. Kids complaining they want to turn on the air conditioner
3. Hearing the Landscapers at 7AM
4. Humidity (I am not a fan of swollen ankles, melted make up and flat hair)

What will you be doing this Fabulous weekend??

What ever this weekend should bring, have a Happy and Safe Labor Day WEEKEND!

Over The Top

My new bloggy friend Allyson, over at PinkFlipFlopsAndWine is Fabulous! Not only did she give me one award, but Two!! I feel I should have prepared a speech. It would go something like, I accept these awards on behalf of...(just kidding)...I am elated and appreciative to be the recipient of:Here’s how this one works: USE ONLY ONE WORD! It’s not as easy as you might think. Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It’s really hard to use only one-word answers.
1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your hair? fabulous
3. Your mother? beautiful
4. Your father? handsome
5. Your favorite food? steak
6. Your dream last night? naughty
7. Your favorite drink? cocktails
8. Your dream/goal? success
9. What room are you in? kitchen
10. Your hobby? shopping
11. Your fear? failure
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy
13. Where were you last night? gym
14. Something that you aren’t? quiet
15. Muffins? banana
16. Wish list item? satisfaction
17. Where did you grow up? suburbs
18. Last thing you did? blog
19. What are you wearing? smile
20. Your TV? seldom
21. Your pets? shared
22. Friends? Chica's
23. Your life? crazy
24. Your mood? grateful
25. Missing someone? yes
26. Vehicle? SUV
27. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
28. Your favorite store? Target
29. Your favorite color? PINK
30. When was the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? friday
32. Your best friend? sisters
33. One place that I go to over and over? library
34. One person who emails me regularly? readers
35. Favorite place to eat? steakhouse
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The second award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to six bloggers who must choose six more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

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I pass on these Fabulous awards to 6 bloggy Chica's, which I've recently found and love their blogs!! Thank you for writing fabulous and inspiring material to read!!

1. AlwaysCarriedAway
2. UnknownMami
3. SouthernFriedMomma
4. SoNotMomAlicious
5. YankeeGirl
6. LaJollaMom

Smooches,

Sassy Chica

When I Grow Up

There are never any dull moments, when it comes to my seven year old son. Just the other morning, while styling his faux hawk, he turns to me with much excitement in his eyes and says:

Son: Mom, you know what I am going to be when I grow up?
Me: No Son, what would you like to be?
Son: A Tattoo Artist.
Me: Oh really, what makes you think you are going to be a tattoo artist?
Son: You Mom, you said I can be what ever I want and that's what I want to be. I am going to have a shop and my cousin(partner in crime) is going to come and work with me.
Me: In order to be a tattoo artist, you should probably learn to draw...
Son: Haven't you seen my smiley faces, they are awesome!
Son: Oh yea and I am getting a piercing...in my ear
Me: You mean an earring?
Son: No Mom, when your a man it's called a piercing (rolling his eyes and shaking his head).

I shared this story with my sister, who's son is part of this Tattoo Shop adventure. She already knew about it and told her son that it was a great idea, but to remember Mommies get all their Tattoo's for FREE!

Lesson Learned: Careful what you tell your children, they will hold you to it!!