Its Not Vanity, Its Womanity

Hello all...

This being my inaugural post, I thought it fitting that I present to you a new word, fresh off the pages of SUMMER G's VOCABUPEDIA....

Womanity: wo-man-uh-tee, (n): the quality of being a self-accepting, self-motivated, yet selfless woman

That is to say that as we go into 2009 embracing our WOMANITY, let us be mindful not only of our own strengths and successes, but of how infinite our potential is so that we don't become complacent, and also, to remember to think of others as ourselves... always encouraging, believing in, listening to and praying for one another.

C Ray has been a great example of this through her initiation of this blog. Even when I step away and go days/weeks without reading, I know that when I do return, there will be something inspirational for my spirit, whether it be her own testimonials, affirmations to her readers, or her simple "Step Away From the Buffet Line!" warnings. lol. Thank you, C, for letting the Lord use you to be a great blessing to my waistline. My blood pressure salutes you.

*****Summer G bows humbly to C Ray, steps away from the podium and then steps up onto her soapbox with the March 2009 issue of ELLE in her hands*******

Enough of the mush, WHO'S SEEN NEXT MONTH'S ELLE???

I'm asking because in my (renewed) quest for improved womanity (wellness for mind, body and soul), I also realize the importance preserving my sexy. I love to read mags and try the latest trends in skin products, makeup application and clothes. As a youngbuck, I was always the tom-boy of the crew, more concerned with comfort than glam. Not a lot has changed, except that I've actually discovered the joys of feminity and how many wonderful choices we have for reinventing ourselves and our images on whim! AND I've uncovered how to embrace it all while staying true to my own style quotient and individuality.

Plus, there are so many great new products on the market that its near impossible to know WHAT the newest technology is in mascara (tubing?) or the best type foundations for oily skin (mineral). So that being said....

**DRUMROLL**

Since C Ray is so notable for her "tips o' the day", I'm going to be posting my own "At the Bew-tee Counter" tips, where I'll feature beauty tips, products and spotlight trends. We all know that beauty begins from inside, but it sho' dont hurt to show it off on the outside! Can I get an AMEN?!

Look out for the posts and feel free to turn me own to interesting topics or products! Today, I'm actually on a quest for a REALLY great moisturizer or facial creme. I saw a few lines on TV yesterday on the M & J Show and I need to do some research.


As for my own weightloss progress.

Since February 6th, I have worked out 10 times, which includes M-W-F 5:45am Cycle Class and 20 minutes of resistance and/or a 5:30pm Step Class with Abs. My overall goal is toning and slimming down to a size svelte 8 (I'm a thick 10), so I've been really focused on cardio and low weight training. Lots of lower body (tryin to tone up my ass). My meal plan isnt trash (still boycotting fast food) but I endulge now and then... and I eat those "Oatmeal-to-Go" cereal bars with OJ before Cycle Class (which I just learned is a bad idea). Never the less, I've been going HARD in the gym with interval training, yet I weighed myself a couple days ago and it said 190.4. WTF? My normal weight is 184, so HOW did I gain 6 pounds? No soda or excessive sugars! No fried food! HUH?

I almost felt a lil discouraged except I am noticing my tummy is flatter... soft, but flat. My thighs feel rock hard and my ass is lifting...PTL... (Praise The Lord)... so I suppose its just muscle that I'm adding. Ho hmmmm.... At any rate, I decided to divulge the update so I can be accountable to the group about whats going on, and hopefully find encouragement in the confession to perservere on...

Hope yall's workouts and meal plans are going well!!!

Won't Surrender To The Chicken Tender,

SG