okay, I'm back. Wow, I should not write posts that say "I will post later" and then never do. I spent the entire weekend outside which was so nice. I can't seem to get enough of it. I've declared this the spring/summer of doing things in nature. Which explains why we are making our outside living area as nice as possible for just that reason.
I spent two summers in Brooklyn and we did not have any outside living space. I remember (fondly) one summer night that we pulled up two chairs in front of the fire escape, turned on wilco, turned on the outdoor lanterns and drank some sort of lemonaide/vodka concoction and it was heaven. I think I soaked my feet in a bucket of cold water. Our apartment would get so hot that we actually considered buying a kiddie pool and putting it in the livingroom. I wish I were kidding. I never took a hot or even warm shower.
So now, we have a small outside area and we plan to get one of those easy set-up blue pools (16x3.9) to float around in. A grill, and some outside furniture. I'm really excited! Josh has been working hard on the other side of the house, clearing weeds and building an area for blueberry bushes and marigolds. He is also thinking about making a place for koi fish.
I've been doing good with my challenge! Friday we went to the gym and did 60 minutes of cardio on the elliptical. Saturday and Sunday I spent all day working outside making this:
(before)
(after)
(strawberries, gerber daisies, and italian parsley)
(chickens and hens)
I had my first challenge weigh-in on saturday:
I'm pretty excited to see the 270's again. I've missed them. Around the lower 270's I can comfortably fit into size 22 jeans. I've been fluctuating a lot this week and aiming for 276 by this coming Saturday.
Wedding! I finally got the invites sent out on Friday! I still have a handful left to get out, but I am so happy to have those finished and hearing that people are starting to get them. I put a lot of thought/time/effort into them and so happy with the outcome.
I also just got off the phone with Paula my dress lady and she has completed it! We are working on a sash Thursday, but after that all we will have left before the wedding is a final fitting.
Food. My eating has been considerably better though I feel like I haven't been eating at home a lot lately. My calories have been around 1,500-1,800.
This is where I'm at today, I didn't exercise yesterday which is unfortunate. When I got home at 5 I felt like a zombie and had no energy to do anything. What is it about sitting at a desk all day staring at a computer that makes me so tired? Oh well. Today, going to the gym for strength training and cardio.
Congrats on getting into the 270′s.
The garden box is very pretty! It makes me want to build my own and get my back yard into shape.
Girl–The fact that you have time to create a beautiful garden, eat healthy, go to the gym AND plan a wedding is amazing enough. Skipping a blog every once in awhile is to be expected.
I LOVE chicken and hens–it reminds me of my grandmother’s house.
Nice work on the weight loss!
Your flower area looks fantastic! You did such a good job. Gardening is such a good workout
Congrats on seeing the 270′s!
I LOVE your flower garden! You did a great job! Your place really looks nice. I’m sure you’ll love the pool!
You’re doing great with your weight loss and exercise. Keep up the good work!
The flowers look great!
You’re doing a really good job on rededicating yourself – you should be very proud.
The garden looks great! I’ve been struggling with working out after work too. I’ve been really trying to break the “all of nothing” mentality. Even if I just walk for a half hour, it’s better than vegging on the couch and will start getting me into a better routine overall.
Congrats on the 270s!! And you’re flowerbed looks great!!!
I need to get out and do some outside planting myself!! 
Your garden turned out cute…that hard work outside should have burned a few calories! Congrats on getting back to the 270s. I know what a struggle it can be.
Congrats on the 270′s!!!
I have been reading your blog for awhile and I’m so inspired by you – you are really doing great – keep up the good work (especially with all you have going on!) Congrats on the upcoming wedding.
The garden is adorable! Congrats on being in the 270s!
Love the garden! Looks terrific. Sounds like you are in a good place now.
Inspirational all around!
Look at you! I need to take a few tips. I need to exercise and get started on planting. I wanted to have tomatoes and peppers already planted by now.
Congrats on getting the invites out. I remember that being such a huge relief.
Invites are BEAUTIFUL!
I am going to figure out what the “Jillian Challenge” means to me, and jump on board. I’ll be a few days late…starting tomorrow…but I’ll have your wedding as my end date! I am SO EXCITED!!
Hey congrats on the 270s and the upcoming wedding!!
I’m really into Jillian these days. What exactly is the Inspired challenge?? First I’ve heard of it.
You are really inspiring me. Maybe today I’ll take my bike for a ride and take a walk to see how that goes.
That’s fantastic!
What’s this 42 day challenge thing?
Ohhh I’m excited to hear about this challenge, I have thought about trying it myself!
Your garden looks great, that’s hard work. I wish I had space to garden, my landlord takes the sun for his weed, and I’m left with a space on the railing for herbs. I, too, think it’s great that you can do all this, I would be stressed by wedding and distracted.
A 60 minute workout sounds great, wish I had that much will power. Good luck on that!