Healthy Lifestyle Update- The great and the ok...

Let me start with the OK. Usually I update you with great news of my weightloss, but today, when I went to my clinic I only last .6 lbs. I was told that at one point this would happen, but still, I wasn't ready in my heart for this. I was disappointed and wasn't come home and share with you.... but I had time to calm my heart down, reframe, look at the big picture and now I am pleased to share with you my journey so far... I've come a long way baby!

Now the great! Since September 19, 2011 I have lost 66 lbs, my BMI has gone from 57 to 47, I have lost 6 inches around my waist, 1 inch around my neck and 10 inches around my hips- oh yeah folks, hips don't lie! Whenever people comment on my progress, it's always around my butt, my hips... and thanks to eating well and now working out... I mean really working out, my hips really do hurt- but a good hurt.

This is a lecture to myself.... the scale is just one way to measure my success on this journey. How about this awesome before picture - one summer ago, just before my friend Gaetane moved...

... and now, a few weeks ago with my friend Gaetane again.

I actually look forward to exercising... I would have never said this before in my entire life. I feel 'grumpy' if I don't go for my big walk. What started out as torture for 15 minutes 10 months ago is now a pleasure, an addiction. In fact, I have made a 'walking' play list that has super fast beats... how about some Def Leppard or some Michael Jackson and even Justin Bieber's 'All around the world' - it's just gotta have that fast, driving beat. I have increased my walking from 3 times a week for about 35 minutes to walking 5-6 times a week for 1 hour. Never thought that would have ever been possible back then. Here's something else that I thought would never have been impossible... running. Oh yeah baby... when I went to visit Gaetane for a long weekend, her husband, a triathlete, was talking to me about exercising and something he said just inspired me. So when I went for a walk early one morning up north, I jogged for 10 seconds- HUGE deal for me- and since then I have been increasing it a little bit everyday. I am probably up to 30 seconds now... realizing- I need to get some supportive undergarments pretty soon! I want to be a runner- Visualize- I see myself running with white runners, white tank and white yoga pants... I see it!

Oh, no- I'm not done.... last week for the first time in my life I did Zumba. It was incredible rush of music, power and energy. The instructor was awesome, the class was pumped and the best was that my friend Lily told me about this class, $5, pay as you go, and I brought Melanie and she had a great time too! We sweated like crazy, it was a full 60 minutes and we did the whole class. It was exhausting, but the kind you get from running a marathon I am sure... and I can't wait to go again this week-armed with a sweatband and towels!!! I would have never been able to do this last year, but now I have the stamina and energy to keep up with the class. AMAZING GRACE!

Ok, so bottom line, my folks at the Wharton Clinic and I came up with some new strategies. Since I have lost so much weight, I now need to eat less, so I now need to eat 1900 instead of 2100 calories a day. Make sure I log everything I eat, all the time. Spice up my workout my routine... your body gets used to the same exercise all the time, so I told them that I do laps in my pool and aquafit too and of course the new Zumba sweat lodge! Also, keep track of my BMI, my theory is that I am now building muscles and muscle weighs more than fat, so keeping track of my BMI will show me if I have gained more muscles.... Ok, now I feel better about it all, therapy session is OVER!

On my way to the Spa... with gratitude

Recently, I was given a wonderful gift. You see, my boss recognized that I had worked really hard at putting on our big conference and to say 'thanks' she gave me a day 'off' to go to the Spa. Nice!

Even though I was working long, late, hard hours, I was feeling the love, was feeling appreciated and giving love and appreciation back to all the great people who were helping me put this on... everyone pitched in and I was able to run a successful conference because of the people that were helping me in all different ways. Number One rule in the Law of Attraction- You GET what you GIVE- Give Love and Appreciation and you Get Love and Appreciation. It's so true, and I never felt it so much as I had here.

So I was off to a Spa in Streetsville where the flowers bloomed...

...and bloomed....

...and bloomed...

...and bloomed...

... and bloomed, have I mentioned I LOVE flowers?

Here is where I went to enjoy a morning of relaxation and peace.  The Body & Soul Spa. Really nice place, great service - here's the link http://bodyandsoul-dayspa.com/

Oooooh, it was so fancy in there... I knew I would be well taken care of when I sat down in the reception area and checked out the complimentary beverages- Keurig coffee, teas, and bottles water... took a water for later. I was taken to the upstairs and given a robe and slippers- and guess what folks.... the robe fit me, in the past I would just never wear it, it just wouldn't ever do up. Success!!! I was taken in a dark purple room for a nice aromatherapy massage and then to a teal room for a beautiful facial... where I was told my skin surely did not look like a 45 year old's - ah, gee, thanks... good genes- thanks Mom! But most of all, thanks to Claire who made this morning so special for me- Thanks for the Thank You gift!

After my most enjoyable treatment- this is what I spotted across the street, I didn't want to go home yet....

... I wanted to bask in the GLOW of this amazing feeling, inside and out. See... I am glowing (because I was scrubbed, masqued, washed, and moisturized for 1 hour). I was prepared to now enjoy a nice treat!

I had the largest of the large skinny latte and a grilled cranberry orange scone. I sat right by the window and was checking out all the people walking by.... so happy inside because this was such a nice way to end a perfect morning. Thank you!



Bags... for the healthy walking/traveling girl

So you know, I have been moving around lately- walking, planning big summer trips across the continent and super long weekend getaways. So I headed to the mall looking for a rolling backpack actually, but I found much more... I went into the store and the nice store clerk greeted me right away. She was really nice and asked if she could help me. I told her I was looking for a rolling backpack for my trip. She asked where I was going, so I told her Disney World. Then she shared that she was just recently and how awesome it was. Here's a little 'Magic' moment, she says 'you know it's really magical, dreams to really come true'. I was like....  I know, I can't wait to take my daughter for the first time in her life.

See this great lime green quilted weekend bag? Well it's been in my dreams for about 10 years. I remember going to Winners a long time ago and seeing a gorgeous bright orange weekend bag- quilted and luscious like this one. But at that time, I couldn't justify a travel bag, I had no where to go, but I have always regretted not buying it back then. I still remember it. Now, to me, bright orange and lime green are in the same brightly electric colours that make you want to kiss them... So when I saw this bag, knowing I was traveling a lot this summer. I just had to buy it- it was on sale and the clerk mentioned that it was buy one get one at 50% off.

So here comes one of the reasons I went into the mall- the rolling backpack. Since I am going to be the one dragging, the drinks, sunscreen, hats and snacks at Disney World, as the rides that spin or move make me want to vomit, I knew I didn't want to carry a backpack because it will be very, very hot then. So I wanted to get a cute girly backpack, and look what I found. The best part is that Melanie is going to walk to school next year, so she can use this after we return. She just thought it was so cool... we actually have already used it!

Ok, sorry, I forgot, the real reason I went to Bentley was to get a cool Fanny Pack- if that's at all possible. You see, sometimes, during my morning walks, I need to lock the door, and I have kleenex and my music with me too- and in the summer I don't have a hoodie or jacket and my walking pants don't have pockets- so I went into the store and literally asked for a 'cool' fanny pack.  I know right??? So cool- the coolest, is that it fit my waist- snuggly- but it fit. It certainly would not have fit a year ago. And it was a 'fake' Guess with zebra and crocodile and a big G - for Groovy Baby!!! Brent thinks I look like a Gramma from Florida- but that's his issue- I think I am a fashionista!

So, you may be wondering, what does this have to do with the law of attraction? Well, as I am paying at the checkout, the clerk asked if I would like to donate $0.75 to the charity that Bentley supports. She starts telling me how they collect donations and with their Dreams Take Flight charity, they send physically, mentally or socially challenged children to Disney World. I couldn't believe my ears! I of course donated and received a big reusable bag in return. But WOW, what a coincidence- Disney World for me and these deserving children. Here check it out- http://www.onlinebags.com/en/our-contributions

Remember, there are no coincidences  Everything that happens to you, both good and bad, is something you're attracting.

"In the magical universe there are no coincidences and there are no accidents. Nothing happens unless someone wills it to happen.”

 William S. Burroughs quotes

The Band-Aid

You’re probably asking, ‘Why do you have a picture of a Band-Aid Chantal?’. Well let me tell you, this picture symbolizes triumph, progress and a change for the better!

I recently had to do some blood work, and it has always been a hard task, you see, they can never find my veins- I have deep veins, plus they were always buried under 65.6 lbs of fat. Usually, they poke around on both arms, can’t find anything… I am made to feel like a human pin cushion and they give up looking and take blood from the back of my hand (ouch) with the baby butterfly needle. But this time was different. I was practicing “The Secret” – the law of attraction and “The Power”- Love and the “The Magic”- Gratitude. Can you tell I am a Rhonda Byrne fan???

 I was in the lineup at 6:30 in the morning writing in my gratitude journal- as I finished, I sent love to all the people in the lineup, to the nurses, to the process. I get called up and I give love to the blood drawing that has been in the past-that has taken so long- and then I give love to the nurse, to the process again. I sit down on the chair and notice that I fit nicely in the chair- yeah! And I notice her name tag- Minda, and I send love to Minda as she is poking around my arm looking for veins, and she pokes and says is the other arm like this too… I say yes, the veins are in there- and we both giggle… and she continues looking on the same arm and she finds one, she thinks, so I close my eyes and give her even more love as she sticks the needle in and BINGO! She found one, I have never been happier in the blood clinic in all of my life.

I had to share this picture because I was so proud that the Band-Aid was in my arm, that giving love and positive thoughts to a situation can change it around and be awesome… the proof is in the ‘Band-Aid’.

Bouclair Home Part 2- For the love of colour and texture

So here is Part 2 of 'Filling my eyes and heart with beautiful things' shopping trip. You know that I love colours and patterns and beautiful things to decorate home. So I just fell in love with all the way they organized the colours and I wanted to buy everything... But instead, I gave it love, as I have learned in the Power CD's- give love to everything you want in your life....

..

I gave love to the red and teal section...

...the purple, cranberry and orange section

The cranberry and green section...

The orange and cranberry section...

The luscious eggplant section...

The purple and magenta section...

The green and aqua section...

The aqua and teal section...

The brown, teal and green section .... and then I closed my eyes and gave it all love and saw it in my new home...



Bouclair Home Part 1- For the Love of Wall Art

On my birthday weekend, I treated myself to candy.... no, not the kind you eat... eye candy! I went to one of my favourite home decor stores and fell in love with EVERYTHING. Bouclair Home I LOVE YOU. So I thought I would share my love with you by showing you all that inspires me... I always have a camera attached to me... so I was creeping around the store taking shots of the most awesome pieces of home decor. So come along and dream with me...

You know, I am all about positive thinking and the law of attacration. Thinking great thoughts and attraction great things to you... So imagine my excitement when I saw this cool wall mural.

And then they come in mirror form and in 'budget' format too.

Hey, these are my words....

And these ones too!

This is my next trip.... might as well get the poster to get 'psyched'!  Visualize!

Love the burst of colours here... I don't know what city it is, but I am gonna say New York... and I am so going there one day soon!

I love big beautiful flower close ups. Remember the paintings I showed you that were being exhibited in Whole Foods, well these remind me of them but they are images, but they are gorgeous. I love all the white here, so peaceful.

And this one, so bold and blue... So I'll have of each of these please and thank you!



Amazing Adventures... with our purple umbrella

Oh what fun it is to walk in the park with your purple umbrella, hey, little raindrops fell, little raindrops fell... ok, so you were supposed to sing that to the tune of Jingle Bells!
But seriously, what a great time we had walking in one of our fav parks-Jack Darling on this overcast day.

Because the weather wasn't that good, that meant we had the park pretty much to ourselves.  Mella's new obsession are umbrellas, so this purple one was the newest and we had to use it as it sprinkled on our heads on and off. But check out Mella- what a sweet pose, right?

And then it was my turn to pose. The best part of this photo is the Jean jacket- a new purchase for the smaller, cooler me!

Mella on the Beach and the city skyline behind us.

Daughter and Mother, squinting - the sun was peaking in and out of the clouds... i look so funny here without glasses.

Who is that????

I wanted Mella to take an up to date photo of me... my pants although 2 sizes smaller are still too big, that's ok, I'm learning to live with it. But let me tell you a little more about this jean jacket. A real cool 'Law of Attraction' moment. Just a few days previous to this I met up with my friend Janice (you saw the post)- I commented on her cool jean jacket and she shared with me that she was in Florida with her mom and didn't really feel like shopping, but went along with her mom- she did have a thought before she went that it would be nice if she could find a jean jacket... well she did, on sale- like 90% off and it fit her perfectly. In my head I was thinking that I have always wanted a cool jean jacket too... maybe when I was thinner I could get one. Well, days later I was at Walmart looking for other stuff and I stumbled upon a rack of jean jacket - that fit me- that were only $25... so I was so excited- that I had attracted it, that it fit, that it was there for me... and because I was so excited I bought one for Mella too! Twins!!! Then when we get to the checkout- I found out they were on sale for only $11 each... OMG - it was meant to be!

Can you say desktop photo?  Mella didn't want to wear her jean jacket out that day, it's not cool to look like your mom when you are out with her!!!

Here's a shot to show you how peaceful and perfect the day was, calm, cloudy with a few sailboats in the distance.... and big Needle!

More adventures... this one, for my soul

Recently I discovered the power of The Secret. I had heard about this book, movie, but then when Szos told me I should watch it... My life changed. I discovered that The Secret was the law of attraction. You get what you give. Your thoughts become things. When you visualize success, love, abundance of all kind- it will come to you. I am not doing it justice - so please see this link for all the awesome details http://thesecret.tv/index.html .

Soon after I shared with my friend Lisa about this and asked her if she knew about 'The Secret' and if she could recommend other books- I was so thirsty for this kind of knowledge, it just resonated with me, well she did - she surprised me and sent me the most wonderful present in the mail. The sequel called the Power on a 5CD book set. Well let me tell you, it has opened up a brand new part of me I never knew existed. You see the Power is Love. When you give Love you get Love back, when you give anger, you get anger back. So logical and so true!!! Thanks Szos and Lisa.

So the second part of our Downtown Oakville Adventure was to give Love to all that Melanie and I want. I visualize a sexy size 10 body and I visualize buying clothes at all these great stores. So Rhonda Byrne says that you need to 'give love' to all the beautiful things you see that you want, when you see a girl who has a nice outfit, you give 'Love' to it- say Love to everything you see, don't be envious of others who may have those items or shop at those stores, give those stores love and love will come back to you.

So here is what I was giving love to- Lulu Lemon.

The coolest store downtown Oakville- Fuel. The clothes are so 'flowy' and bright and bold and full of patterns and style. Love it!

Oh, but this store, so Urban and so Montreal - that's where it's from. Casual, Yoga, Sport, Modern and they even have a Yoga Studio in the back of the store. I love this place and want to get one of everything they have.

Lole loves Spring, and so do I!

Lole inspired by well-being. What an awesome thing to be... that's my path!!!

In The Power, Rhonda Byrne talks about having a symbol that will remind you about love. Her's is shimmering light, her sister's is a rainbow. After thinking about it for awhile. I decided that mine would be a butterfly. I have always love drawing and painting them and the fact they start as a caterpillar and are reborn into a new beautiful life form... I feel like this is somewhat the journey that I am on. I made this decision driving home from work one day. As soon as I got home and parked in my driveway and opened my car door, 2 butterflies flew right in front of my face. I almost cried with love. So how appropriate is it that the emblem for Lole is butterflies. I love that she says there are no coincidences in life, only the law of attraction working for you.

Check out my pile of old, too big, too out of style clothes. One thing that Rhonda Byrne talks about is making room in your life for the things you want. Live as if.... Live as if you already have the things you are. One of the stories she shares is about a woman who wanted a husband, she was visualizing, but not 'feeling' it. She was parking in the middle of her double car garage, sleeping in the middle of her bed and all the closets were filled with her clothes. She had no room for a husband. She started to park on one side of the garage, sleeping on one side of the bed and made room in the closet for a new husbands clothes and she finally did find herself a wonderful husband.

So I already have a wonderful husband... but I need to make room for all the new clothes that I need to get now and in the future as I slim my way down to an awesome size 10. This is the beginning of my awesome journey....stay tuned, the love I am feeling in my life right now is only getting stronger and deeper and more authentic with each breath I take.