7 HUGE changes in only 6 weeks!!!!!

Well, I am in utter shock at how quickly time has been moving!

A lot has been happening in my life over the last 6 weeks.

Originally the below graphic was just to illustrate the 6-week shred program that Spencer and I started... 

but it now means so much more!

To begin with, we finished our 6 weeks on the Shred Program, and I have to say... I LOVED IT! Spencer and I both lost about 15 lbs and we feel great! We ended up starting the program again (skipping week 1 since its more about prep). Both of us don't see this as a diet, but as a lifestyle change. Sure, we are still following the meal plan closely so we can continue to shred the pounds, but overall, I just like the structure of the program and I feel healthy.

One of my favorite things about it was that I was introduced to the world of delicious smoothies! I love mixing them up with a little skim milk, some greek yogurt, spinach and delicious fresh or frozen fruit (and a little flax from time to time)! No additional sugars are needed, especially now that my favorite fruits are fresh and in season! My personal favs are strawberry mango and mango pineapple with spinach. mmmm so tasty! I also really love Kale chips. They are just kind of fun to eat and they are totally and completely guilt free. Spencer says it's like eating air, but I love em!

I am also proud to say that I have finished Grad School! I had my final presentation 2 weeks ago and I now just have to do some paperwork formalities and prep to walk the stage! It only took me 4 long years, but I officially have an M.S. in Marketing Communications, and I couldnt be happier to be done!

My responsibilities at work have tripled! New changes in my job have given me a promotion, just not in pay or title (yet). I am officially in charge of all marketing for our STL office. It requires flying to St. Louis and staying overnight one night a week. I handle all of the bigger office initiatives, as well as the planning for each of the individual attorneys and local practice groups. Basically, i'm exhausted. I'm not in love with all the travel and I hope I won't have to go out there so regularly once they become comfortable with me. On the plus side: HELLO FREQUENT FLYER MILES!

And speaking of .. Spencer and I booked an anniversary trip to Mexico!!!!!!! We are returning to Mexico to celebrate three years together, and staying the same hotel chain, just further up the peninsula. :) Our hotel is the Excellence Playa Mujeres and I can't wait! We will be there October 25th - November 4th in a beautiful all inclusive beachfront suite. Ahhhh endless drinks, cabana boys, fresh fruit smoothies, delicious sushi, fresh avocado, amazing shows, beautiful views... I don't think I can stand the wait! (AND because of all my frequent flyer miles... We are flying first class baby!!!! Big comfy seats, exceptional service, ahhhh what a life!)

But, It's not just me experiencing huge exciting changes over the last 6 weeks....

Spencer started a brand new job yesterday! He now works in the distribution center for Helzberg Diamonds. :) I think he's really going to end up loving it! ...and if I end up with some pretty, sparkly things in the meantime then great!

And one of the biggest changes of all is that my family grew by one!

My sister, Andi, delivered my beautiful new niece on April 9. 2013!

Please meet Elaine (Lainey) Madison Osiek :)

Wow... It's been a whirlwind!
Here's to hoping that the next 6 weeks are just as good!

♥
Jenni

Digging out

Well, I have officially been home for two snow days in a row! I thought snow days would end when I was done with school, but happily my office closed down! I love getting paid to sit around and play with the dogs (in between shoveling piles of snow of course)

The entire metro has been hit by 12+" of fluffy white snow, and its super cold! Mia absolutely loves it and has been romping around like a little snow bunny! Betty on the other hand just wants to sleep all day. Overall, it's been a lot of fun. :)

We are also on Day 5 of our 6 week Shred. I have to say, I feel slimmer. I am sure I haven't lost a substantial amount of lbs, but I feel thinner and I feel my energy levels are up. In addition to the diet, we also have a workout regimen that goes with it. Yesterday required 40 minutes of cardio. We never ended up making it to the gym, but I think the snow shoveling activities we engaged in all afternoon definitely made up for it! I feel tender and my sides hurt each time I move. Lots and lots of bending, lifting, twisting and heaving can do that!

Today the plan is to finish up the snow removal, enjoy a nice hot shower, get some homework done and then later tonight catch up with the season finale of Downton Abbey! :) I don't watch it when it airs because Spencer isn't a fan and I have to wait until he's gone. It has been a crazy week of avoiding Facebook posts since it aired last sunday, but I have been successful, and there will be no spoilers! 

Stay warm everyone!

♥

Jenni

6 Weeks of BIG changes

Hello old and new friends. How are you all? In the past year I have had a lot of big changes. I've changed jobs, stopped traveling and really pushed myself to finish up school. Now with the start of 2013 I am ready for another big change!

Recently I purchased the book "Shred: The Revolutionary Diet" by Dr. Ian Smith...

Now, I am the first person to shut down at the idea of a diet and CRINGE at the idea of counting calories... but something about the way Dr. Smith explained his plan caught my attention. He was interviewed on my favorite morning talk show and his plan just sounded realistic. (and the idea of losing 30 pounds or 2 sizes in 6 weeks really did excite me!) So I bought the book...I read it... and I decided to go for it! The whole idea behind the Shred is to eat smaller portions all day long and keep your metabolism going. We are talking 4 meals a day PLUS 3 snacks! I have been eating so much that I feel I never stop! (Which means I don't ever feel hungry or starved) AND there is no counting of calories! We eat the foods that are recommended in the book and it takes all of the guesswork out. It also has an exercise schedule, and I am a girl who loves to follow a schedule. If I leave it up to myself to choose "healthy" foods and hit the gym I often find myself saying, "Well, one bag of peanut butter cups wont hurt", or, "I can eat LOTS of gummy bears! They are fat free!" I also often find my head filled with excuses and bargaining when it comes to the gym. "hmmm, if I dont go to the gym today then I will for sure go tomorrow." But do I go tomorrow? yeah... not very often...

Yesterday was our first day on the Shred, and on day 2 I already feel more energized, and I woke up this morning without feeling bloated or disgusting. It's only been one day, but I have good feelings that this will work.

So what else do I have going on in the next 6 weeks?

I GRADUATE!!!! I will be done with school in 6 weeks! I can't believe that after all of this time I will officially be able to say that I hold a Masters Degree! :) It feels good to be the Master of something!

and if that wasn't good enough...

I'm going to be an aunt to a beautiful little niece  My sister is pregnant with baby #2 and I can't wait to meet lil' Ms. Lanie in a very short time. :)

I am so excited for the next 6 weeks and I promise to keep everyone updated as I go through this process. I am hoping for great things!

Wish me Luck!

♥

Jenni