Work out then shop

It's that time of year again!

Foxy's Fitness Center for Women

4th Annual Holiday Market
11550 Old Hammond Hwy

Monday November 29th, 11am-7pm.

****This event is open to members and non-members.****

You can work out with me then shop 'till you drop!

I wanted to share with you a before and after picture of my weight loss. They are just head shots that I happened to have. I regret that I didn't set out from the beginning to take before and after pictures. After an unusual chain of events, I began working out at Foxy's just before Thanksgiving last year (2009). I believe this saved my life. My health was moving in a downward spin, and I was gaining weight faster than I or most people around me realized. I began working with a trainer, but failed to get the results equivalent to the hard work I was putting in. So I went to the doctor and found out that I was, among other things, insulin resistant...my body was not cooperating with me. I committed my work to the Lord, agreed with others for my healing, and held myself accountable to family and friends. My son was my biggest cheerleader. After 4 weeks with my trainer, I was on my own. In addition to working out 4 days each week, I changed my eating habits. I even followed the 50 Million Pound Challenge meal plan for 30 days. I must admit that I ate like a queen for every holiday, birthday, sporting event and celebration. *smile* That's how we roll in South Louisiana, right? I even went without coffee for a while and only drank green tea or chai. That's worth repeating..."I even went without coffee"!!! *LOL* So, it's been almost a year and so many lessons along the way, but I want to share with you the results... I've lost 40 pounds--Do you know what that means?! I went from 233lbs to 190lbs!!!! I fluctuate now around the 195 mark. By the way, I'm 5'4". My ultimate weight goal is 145. The last 3 months I rarely get to the gym, but I've gotten back in the groove!  My A1C level, the measurement of glucose (sugar) in my blood was 23. Now it is down to 9!!! A normal level is 7 or below. I'm almost there! Praise God for what He has done and the amazing family and support system He has blessed me with. It is only by His grace!!

These are before and after shots. I think I did a pretty good job of finding the absolute worst picture of myself. To post that picture, I'm either brave or completely bonkers. :) The first shot was taken early one morning in about May of 2009, and I was not feeling well. I was unaware that my headache and pain was a symptom of a more serious health issue. The second picture is a much healthier me in August 2010. 

Come celebrate with me at my gym on Monday, November 29th! Of course, I'll be there with my handmade items for sale, but I hope that you come celebrate the anniversary of my weight loss by (drum roll please...) EXERCISING WITH ME. It's cheaper than celebrating at my favorite Mexican restaurant or even over a cup of coffee. It's FREE, and you just might like it :) Hope to see you there!!

St. Luke's 31st Annual Arts and Crafts Show

Joyful Creations

So, you know it's fall when football has begun, but nowadays craft festivals signal the start of the fall season for me. St. Luke held it's 31st Annual Arts and Crafts Show on Saturday, October 9th. I am as old as the craft show!! This was only my 3rd time participating in their fall show. With so many faithful and loyal customers returning this year, I must admit that I really did feel like a veteran vendor. This year my booth was in the middle of all the action (food, drinks and live music) and directly infront of the information booth. Even though the sun kissed on us all day, I will indeed keep the same booth for years to come. In fact, mark your calendars because next year's show is Saturday, October 1st. You never know what new items I'll have in stock! I had over 20 different items at this show; our booth was open on 3 sides loaded with great items. Thanks to all of my wonderful customers and friends for encouraging me to share my joy!

Mom and Margie getting me set up. After helping me get set up, Mom took Triston to his football game.

She sat in the heat for hours then came BACK to the show to help me wrap up the day. Thank God for my amazing mom!!

My A-Team (l-r) Keshala, Margie, Candace and her daughters(my neices) Mya and Kaylee

My neices helped me in the craft room and then at the show. I love them!

My new fabulous display! It spins! Mom created her popular bookmarks again this year.

Happy customers!!

These are faithful customers loading up on greeting cards again!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

My next show...

The 37th Annual Broadmoor High Arts & Crafts Festival

Friday, November 19th, 3pm-9pm & Saturday, November 20th, 9am-4pm

Bowling for the Cure

Back row (l-r): Katrina, Vanessa; Front row (l-r) Me, Sharalean (momma), Loretta, Chiquita

My cell group (bible study group) formed a team to accepted the challenge to raise funds to support the Baton Rouge Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®  in its efforts to end breast cancer forever by taking part in the Komen Baton Rouge Bowl for the Cure®. We named our team Holy Rollers! We had so much fun!! Some of the pictures are blurry because most of them came from our camera phones. I didn't want to bombard you with photos, but here are a few that capture the fun we had and the love we share. Fun with a purpose! Go Holy Rollers!!

 "I surprised myself with that strike!" :)

 Look at how we cheer each other on!

 Our honorary Holy Roller/cheerleader/relief bowler :)

 "You can do it!"

 I tried :)

We danced, too! Cupid Shuffle

I you are interested in financially supporting the cause, you can do so by contributing generously to the Baton Rouge Affiliate. Your tax-deductible contribution will fund breast cancer education, screening, and research programs. It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make your donation online by simply clicking HERE. More information on the Baton Rouge Affiliate and its programs can be found at http://www.komenbatonrouge.org/  Whatever you can give will help it all adds up!