WEARING
James Perse leggings | size 2
James Perse oversized tank top | no longer available
VKOO cotton oversized tee | size medium – enter to win one here!
Swedish Hasbeens clogs | same style, in black on sale at Zappos (they have quite a few styles on sale actually…)
Admonish custom leather tote
Dannijo necklace | at Saks Fashionfix for $84!!!!!!!
Well. As happens every year, my routine gets turned on it’s head when my stepson arrives for the summer. You’d think I’d deal with it better by now, because, you know, it happens every year, but I don’t. I am a creature of habit and always have been. When I can’t stick to my routine, I get anxious and upset. Along with getting to a healthy weight, this is something that I want to conquer this year. Even though I am 40 (LOL), I’m too young to be stuck in a rut, or to let change make me so anxious! It has nothing to do with my stepson; he’s wonderful and I have fun hanging out with him, but EVERYTHING changing at once always gets me in a tizzy. Going out of town does it too, because as much as I try, it’s nearly impossible to stick to such a strict way of eating. And anyway, why should I? Within reason, I can indulge a little and still get back on track quickly, so why create so much anxiety around it? Because that’s what I do, of course 😉
Anyway, that’s beside the point, other than to give you a little background before my weight loss update. Since I’ve been traveling a lot recently, and will travel again in a couple weeks, I’ve been hovering at around 150 pounds the last month (which means since I started my “diet” in early March, I’ve lost 21-22 pounds). After I got back from Indiana, I was 152, but in a week I was down to 149, where I’ve stayed. SO EXCITING, since I haven’t been below 150 in many many years. I still have 25 pounds left to go, but I’m taking it easy this summer to try and avoid more anxiety, which is almost as bad for my heart as excess weight…
I’m so happy with my progress, and that I’ve also managed to maintain pretty well, and prove to myself that a few days of dieting indiscretions don’t sabotage everything – that my body can bounce back as soon as I get back to regular Pure Barre and no ice cream 😉
Does your routine change during the summer? how do you deal with it?
i wanted to stop by and just let you know – i have TOTALLY seen such a transformation – u look AMAZING – is it just eating healthy and the barre? – keep it up girl – your inspiring me to get back into form – thanks for always being totally honest – a true blogger!
Just wanted to say, you are truly transforming! Don’t get me wrong – you are lovely at any size, in any outfit. But you should be so proud of yourself for sticking to a goal, and working towards it without torturing yourself. Keep up the great work and the honesty. You are amazing!
Ditto the previous comments — CONGRATS Grechen! You look fantastic and are entitled to feel proud of your accomplishments! I also get worked up over change and have always told myself that summer is the hardest season for me to maintain my weight (forget losing!). But I’ve decided to change my mind – this summer, I’ll do the best I can and eat healthy 80-90% of the time and allow some indulgences the rest of the time; I’m just trying to keep the indulgences connected to somewhat special times (family parties, picnics with friends, celebratory dinners) rather than every day. If you can keep your activity fairly consistent, that helps manage anxiety too…best of luck and ENJOY your success!
thanks erika – it’s a combination of eating and exercise: i do pure barre 5x a week and i stick to a very low carb mostly meat & veggies “diet.” i cut out gluten a long time ago, and that definitely helps also keep my “cheat” meals better than they were before! i do allow myself 1-2 cheat meals a week…
thanks cathy – have you booked your next pure barre class?? 😉
You truly look fabulous 🙂 I love that VKOO top and you KNOW I love that necklace.
Can totally relate to anxiety re: routine. Mine is really centered around my home. I have realized that nothing gets me more anxious than house guests, even those I am happy to have and am very comfortable around. I strive to be one of those gracious easy going hosts, but … no. These feathers are too easily ruffled!
You are an amazing, strong, and courageous inspiration to all of us! I feel like you’ve been so strong through this whole time of learning a new way to eat and live. Not easy to do, I know.
And look at you in those leggings! Your legs look great!! (Just an aside: But I was at the Dr.’s for a “well-visit” and my blood pressure was higher than it’s ever been and so was my weight. YUCK. But looking at my healthy 15-yr. old daughter and wanting to be there for her, plus being a new Grandma, makes me want to do better…and most of all, for ME!)
I sometimes find it easier to eat healthy in the summer because we tend to grill a lot of fresh veggies and eat lighter. (It’s that Wisconsin in-bred idea of “winter weight” being necessary for survival….;-) ). And when we go to outings with friends, I think there are more healthy, fresh whole foods available to choose from. So, I’m going to challenge myself to get healthy. I’m not going to put a number on it, because I’m not sure what my bod at 52 can do anymore, esp. after surgeries and a broken back. But I’m going to give it a try and plan to SUCCEED!
I love this VKOO tee! I am eyeing it on VKOO’s website but I am wondering how long yours is and if you have tried washing it (machine or by hand)? And would you recommend sizing down or not? I am looking for a tee that is long enough to wear with denim leggings.
I have it, too, @renza, and it’s big. If you want it to wear with leggings, I’d say go with your regular size. What say ye, Grechen?
Mamavalveeta, thanks for your reply! I am 5′ 4″, pear-shaped and usually XS in other brands, sometimes S–would the S be TOO oversized? I don’t want it to be too short, which is the main reason I’m not just going for P size.
For reference, I’m 5’10” and mine hits at the top of my hipbones, but I AM notoriously long-torsoed. I wear a size 14 and I have the size L in the Tee. It’s oversized, but aren’t you almost as tall as Grechen? Hers hits at lower hip, which is good. I think if you want it longer, maybe the S is the way to go.
hi renza! i’d go for the small – once i layer the tee it doesn’t look sooo oversized, and especially with leggings, the balance will be good…
i haven’t washed it yet, i think i’ll dry clean it in the dryer with dryell – i don’t want it to shrink in length AT ALL and i think that’s the safest bet to prevent that.
Thanks very much! I’ll go with the Small. 🙂