Phenomenal Women! ~ July 4- July 9 ~

[Skinnymocah]

I found this website and also this one this morning... thought it would be interesting to see what other Phenoms are doing and incorporate it here!

I also thought it was a good day for this:

Phenomenal Woman

by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size
But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.
I say
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips
The stride of my steps
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please
And to a man
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees
Then they swarm around me
A hive of honey bees.
I say
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth
The swing of my waist
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say
It's in the arch of my back
The sun of my smile
The ride of my breasts
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say
It's in the click of my heels
The bend of my hair
The palm of my hand
The need for my care.
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Welcome to a new week Phenoms! Let's make it our BEST!

[Skinnymocah]

How to be an Optimist


Lise Funderburg argues that optimism isn't the refuge of bubbleheads; it's a scientifically proven way to get happier, healthier and even catnippier to the opposite sex.

Recent research suggests an optimistic state comes from a series of active inner processes, psychological somersaults. That's good news because it means that optimism—like other skills such as putting on eyeliner or hitting a tennis ball—is something we can improve with practice.

Here are five exercises rooted in scientific studies to help train your brain for optimism.

QOTD: Do you consider yourself an optimist? What are your secrets to a positive outlook on life?

[Sugar Patrol]

Hey all!! Hope everyone's had a great 4th! It all goes by sooooo quickly. I was really, really bad this weekend. I cheated big time with ice cream, stuffed french toast with cream cheese, fried shrimp, etc. etc. Now it's back to the salt mill and the old routine. I do feel reenergized though. I've figured out a couple of things...

Mootzee: You and Rob will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers. I can't imagine how stressful this must be for you all.

Dominique: Woowee, that red thing sounds hot!! Nothing like new lingerie to make you feel more sensual. Now I hope I'm not being too nosy, but is this a surprise for the Mr, or a special hidden splurge for yourself? ...So, did you get your place clean. I'm here dreading the long drive I'm going to have in a couple of hours, and the dirty house I'll have to clean tomorrow night.

[Sugar Patrol]

QOTD: Do you consider yourself an optimist? What are your secrets to a positive outlook on life?

I think I am most of the time. But there have been times in my life where I've felt very pessimistic. My last job in D.C. was my lowest point in my life. Working just about 24/7 at a job I hated just about sapped the life out of me. I was not suicidal or anything, but I just felt that I would never have anything to look forward to. Before I left, I had to learn how to make the most of any situation, no matter how bad. It tooks lots of help from my family, and lots of prayer.

I loved this advice from the website you linked.

5. Learn to shift your focus.

Pessimists can't stop depressing facts or negative thoughts from poking into their consciousness, but they can choose not to dwell on them.


If you look through a camera lens, you'll find that when one part of the picture is in focus, the other areas blur a bit. (This is a distortion, sure, but sometimes we need to sustain the idea of being in a protective bubble to feel optimistic.) This active self-direction of your own moment-to-moment perspective allows you to create a new life story, one in which you take charge of your emotions and actions.

Since research shows that those who feel they have a better sense of control tend to be the most optimistic, why not take charge of where your psychological lens is focused?

[Skinnymocah]

Sugar, I'm glad you were able to get your thoughts together on a few things. It should feel good to have some of that out of the way so you can focus on other things. Hope things are coming together well!

The red item I bought is for me. But The Man will probably enjoy it as well. I look smashing in red!

The place is not exactly clean, but it's cleaner than it was on Friday. My bedroom carpet looks a new again! I love my vacuum! I did get ALL my laundry done. I had to get all caught up, as I was severely behind. I have so many more clothing options now that my clothes are clean!

I finally heard from The Man this morning... he's having a great time with his family and old friends, but is looking forward to our standing Wednesday date. I must admit that I am as well. I have to go through this again in a month, he's leaving for 5 days at the beginning of August! I think I might actually go out of town that weekend. Sitting around at home is for the birds!

I also am getting back on plan today. I've been a bit too blissful and comfortable and have gained the 8 lbs I lost. So it is back on plan for this girl as of today!

[Mootzee]

What is this red thing that you speak up? Talking about it is totally useless without pictures.

[Skinnymocah]

*Zips lips closed*

[Mootzee]

Originally Posted by Skinnymocah

*Zips lips closed*

j/k I love this smiley and don't get to use him that often.


Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I knew that I could count on you all. I haven't heard from Rob since Friday so I'm thinking that something is up with his Mum. (It's hard to use a cellphone at the hospital. They don't like you to have them on at all.)

[JunkintheTrunk]

More good thoughts for Rob and his Mum. They are really strict about cellphones in hospitals. I hope you hear from him soon. ((Mootzee)) In the meantime, what have you been up to? How's the weather in WV? I used to spend part of the summer up there - I remember the crisp mornings and hot afternoons. Just perfect.

SugarP, you're sounding more clear and focused. Hope you're feeling that way. You are so right about a job you hate. It can suck the life right out of you. I feel really lucky to be doing something that I love but I'll be looking for a permanent job in about six months, when I graduate.

Moke, I love hearing the happiness and excitement in your posts. Good luck on getting back on plan - you can do it. When you say that, do you mean Stillman's? Is that your normal WOE? Or Atkins? I've got to do something very soon. My plan is to start eating clean the last two weeks of July and then start another running programme on the first of August.

I haven't seen her around here lately but did you guys catch those pics of Libra (Stephanie) on the 'flattering pics of yourself' thread on the Playground. Let me tell you, she is a smoking hot woman. Seriously beautiful.

I'm dragging (literally, since her knee has given out) my mom to Poland tonight. Her parents/grandparents are Polish. It's somewhere we've always wanted to go and so this is my gift to her. We're going to go to Mass where my great-grandmother worshipped and also to an underground cathedral carved out of a salt mine, where she (ggm) visited later in her life. We're going with my best friend and her partner, who also has Polish parents and speaks the language fluently. Hopefully, this will keep us from making idiotic hand signs for food and drink, although we're not a proud people and we may resort to this if needed.

[JunkintheTrunk]

Just read the other thread and saw Lin's latest post about her dad.....

I'm with you. I don't know how they do it. I was my grandmother's primary caregiver last year after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I suspended my school and moved in with her. My mom and her brother and sister did basically what you guys are doing - took shifts. It was the hardest thing any of us had ever done and we constantly said to each other that we couldn't imagine how someone could do this as a career. The only thing motivating us was our deep love for her - I just couldn't imagine doing it for someone else. Those people (carers) must have infinite space in their hearts for strangers.

Just hang in there, sweetheart. I think caring for others is just one of the things that life has to offer us and it's a mix of the best and the worst at the same time. (((Lin)))

[Skinnymocah]

Junk, a trip to Poland! Wow! *jealous of all the travel right now*


Mootz, Rob and his mum are in my thoughts and prayers. I really hope she pulls through and everything is ok. Our LCFriends are going through so much right now. AliMay lost her stepfather and Majerus lost her mother, both last week. Just so sad.

Lin, hang in there, sweet woman. You're an angel! Do you know how many children just dump their parents in a home?

Where IS Stephanie, that Phenomenal Woman of ours???? What a gift she is to us and her family!

I am doing well this morning. Of course, I haven't got out of bed yet, so it's a good start to the day! *shrugs* Not sure what I'm going to do as far as a WOE. Stillman certainly works the fastest for me... but it is difficult to maintain. We'll see. I'm going to do 5 days of protein, as per Lean for Life and then evaluate. I'll either add veggies, fruit and whole grain to that and do LFL, or keep going. Depends on how I feel. I definitely have to get back on SOME kind of track!

I was so upset with myself when I saw that number on the scale. ARGH! The main reason I have to get back on the ball is that Phenoms are confident women, no matter their size. I've GOT to get back to a point of feeling good about myself, which is why I reposted the poem. It really helps my attitude. In addition, insecurity is NOT attractive! My weight does not bother The Man. If it bothers me I need to do something about it!

[Mootzee]

Update on Rob's Mum (I finally was able to reach him last night): good news! She is doing much better. Apparently she had a bladder infection that nobody knew about. I feel so bad for her. We all know how bladder infections make us feel but the poor woman has dementia and couldn't tell anybody that something was wrong. Rob said that they catheterized her and gave her antibiotics. She should be going back to the nursing home today or tomorrow.

I guess that last Friday was her birthday. Rob said that she was pretty lucid and she actually recognized him. I'm sure that that meant a lot to him. He also said that his youngest brother had gotten her to laugh and he hadn't heard her laugh in a long time. Sounds like she had a good birthday with all of her children by her bedside.

On another note, Rob is telling me that he's going to work 30 days straight in order to rein in the finances. That doesn't worry me as he has worked with no days off before. What's giving me pause is that he's wanting to work 18 hour shifts. Gah! The poor man does nothing but eat, sleep and work now as it is. I already know that there's no use for me to say anything. He's stubborn like that. *sigh* I guess I should be thankful that he's so responsible.

Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers.

[Mootzee]

Jenn, I've seen that salt mine cathedral on TV before. It is really cool! Have fun on your side trip. Weather has been hot and muggy, typical WV weather, except that it started way too early this year. How did you end up at Oxford anyways? Is your hubby a Yank or a Brit?

Moke, I know what you mean about the scale. Mine has been creeping up ever since I had that bout with kidney stones last November. I don't know what plan to follow any more. Can't do Atkins. Low calorie works but only if I have time to exercise. I've been thinking more and more about WW. My big thing I think is that I need to be on a schedule. Not working sucks big time.

Sugah Glad you were able to get some things sorted out in your head this weekend. I like when that happens, too. Just think baby steps and take your time. Things will work out.

Lin with your family. Hang in there!

Nancy, take care driving back from your trip. Hope that you get to see some moose along the way!

Who are we missing? OSG? Lizz? Cinn? Steph? Yoohoo! Come out, come out wherever you are!!!

[Sugar Patrol]

Mootzee: I'm so glad Rob's mom is doing better. But ugh, working 30 days straight, 18 hour shifts? Oh, I hope you are able to talk him out of that!! That can drive a person crazy. I had a few stretches of those kinds of hours when I worked at D.C., and it almost killed me. It's just not worth it. Loved that smiley, haha. He's so cute!

Moke: Don't worry about that 8 pounds! If it came on quickly, you can lose it just as quickly. Just get back on plan. This is why I don't weigh myself but about once a month, hehe. After this last weekend, I may need to wait for two or three months to weigh, lol.

Yeah, it probably would be good to get away for that time Mr Man is out of town. Any ideas so far? He is going to be so glad to see you this Wednesday!

JunkinTrunk: Poland, Wow!! Take me with you!!

[Mootzee]

LOL! Sugar, I think we should make him the official PMS smiley. Kinda fits, doesn't it?

[Skinnymocah]

That smiley is cracking me up!!!!


Well I am down 3 from yesterday... ::whew:: Still protein-ing and hoping I can get back to 227 and over that hump, as I haven't seen 225 in about a year.

[Mootzee]

Originally Posted by Skinnymocah

I found this website and also this one this morning... thought it would be interesting to see what other Phenoms are doing and incorporate it here!

Wow! Those are pretty cool websites. Did you see the shirts and coffee mugs on the first site? I'm tempted to order something. Don't consider myself a Diva but the PhenomWomen is good.

Moke, did you ever post that website that had all those homemade beauty recipes? Or was the Diamond Deb?

Where is KPraper? She was supposed to come in here to become girly again. LOL!

[Skinnymocah]

I couldn't remember what it was and I need to ask Stephanie what it is, again.

[Sugar Patrol]

Yeah, he'd be perfect as the PMS mascot!

Speaking fo beauty regimes, I could really use your expertise in skincare. Off and on, I have had problems with mild breakouts. I'll go for months without a pimple, and then have several all at once. When this happen, I'll use OTC acne treatments. These are usually too harsh, and make the problem worse.

After many years of this cycle, I'm starting realize that I probably don't have a problem with acne, but with clogged pores. I've started using a milder cleanser with AHA's instead--by Neutrogena.

Do you think this will help, or does anyone ahve any other suggestions? The bad thing is when I break out, it is not just on my face, but on my chest too and sometimes my back.

[Skinnymocah]

Sugar, my skin is monumentally better since using a scrub on both my face and my body. It's made my skin baby soft and I don't get as many pimples, etc. I also don't wear a lot of makeup anymore-- it just feels heavy on my skin. For special occaisions or when I feel like I need it I put it on, but for everyday, I don't. And when I DO wear it, I make sure to clean my face as soon as I get home.

In addition to lots and lots of water, that has helped my skin clear up wonderfully.

Have you considered using a toner of any kind? I know those sometimes go a step further than facial wash.

Interested to see what others suggest.

One thought... what are you using in your hair? Any chance its coming out in the skin? When I have to use a lot of oily hair products, I find my skin gets a bit oily too.

[Mootzee]

My son had bad breakouts all over when he hit puberty. His doctor put him on a regimine of a mild antibiotic cream and that helped immensely. After about 6 months on that, his breakouts were almost nil. He's had only mild acne ever since. Talk with your doctor. It's bacteria in your pores that's causing it.

ETA: Whoops! I just now saw where you said that it wasn't acne. Sorry.

[Sugar Patrol]

Sugar, my skin is monumentally better since using a scrub on both my face and my body. It's made my skin baby soft and I don't get as many pimples, etc. I also don't wear a lot of makeup anymore-- it just feels heavy on my skin. For special occaisions or when I feel like I need it I put it on, but for everyday, I don't. And when I DO wear it, I make sure to clean my face as soon as I get home.

A scrub--I should try that. I've just started using toner, and I'm amazed at all the dead skin that comes off. It takes several swabs of cotton balls to get it all off. Seems like a scrub should help with that.

I use a cream moisturizer in my hair--usually Motions.

My son had bad breakouts all over when he hit puberty. His doctor put him on a regimine of a mild antibiotic cream and that helped immensely. After about 6 months on that, his breakouts were almost nil. He's had only mild acne ever since. Talk with your doctor. It's bacteria in your pores that's causing it.

I should have said I don't *think* I have acne. I don't think I have it because my face is not that oily, and everything that is geared for acne really dries out my skin. Whatever I have is just mild enough to where I don't think I need a doctor, but bad enough to be a major pain in the neck!

[Skinnymocah]

It's amazing what a good facial scrub will do. Everyone raves about the aspirin facial but I've never tried it. I'm good with some St Ives Apricot Facial Scrub.

For a body scrub, I can't get enough of the de-luxe line:



It's grainy but it soaps up like a body wash, so it sloughs off the layer of dead skin and then washes it away. I usually put it on with my hands and then use a shower puff to lather it up and scrub scrub scrub! I follow up with some lotion that sinks into the skin, I like Nivea. I can't stand cheap watery lotion. Once a week I use Shea Butter all over :

. It is GOOD. STUFF! Both can be found at Target or Walmart.

[LibraEssence]

I've missed you all!!!

I thought I had posted last week that the kids and I were going camping. We left Friday evening and had a blast!!!! I'm about 2 or 3 shades darker from the fishing, hiking, and boating. I didn't want to leave. I love the outdoors and all the dirt!!!

Mootz, I just went back to last week and I'm soooooooo glad that Rob's mum is doing better. I read your post and Lin's post about loved ones suffering from dementia. It's just such a devastating occurence. It truly makes me want to cry thinking about it. My last grandma past away last month, and she suffered schizophrenia for the latter part of her years on earth and she had really forgot who I was by the time I turned 20.

Lin big to you Lovely Lady for being the strong woman you are. As Nancy said in here last post, there is a special place in heaven for you. Stay Strong. I love the new rose

Junk,...........................you and your mom are having such a wonderful summer!!! I like the way you travel

Sugar...::waving to you:: I'm glad you had such a great weekend!!! You're post sound much more at ease. Ice-cream always helps that

Hi Dom I read about the "red" you know what. Good for you! I know what you mean about the not so phenomenal feeling/insecurities of our weight. I had put on 3 pounds while camping but I think that a lot of that was just swelling from all the walking. I'm back on track with Atkins again and I started working out again this morning. I really missed it.

here are a couple of links for making your own beauty products.....
http://www.recipesource.com/misc/non-food/beauty/
http://www.makeyourcosmetics.com/

Hey Nancy....how was your trip with Ms Rootbeer and Pauly Paul. I got the pics, it looked like you guys had a blast in Boston

I hope I didn't miss anyone. I've only read part of this weeks posts, so I'll check back in later. I definitely want to look over the links thatDominiaue posted as well.

Cease Fire on your weight
Are you waging a war with weight? Are you weary from an all-out battle of the bulge? Have you beaten yourself up for being overweight long enough? Starved enough? Humiliated yourself sufficiently? Spent all you can and then some on worthless diet products? Failed, mustered the energy for another attempt, then failed again?

Why not declare a truce, a cease fire, and let some peace into your life? Forgive yourself, and ask God to, too. Accept the fact that you have a problem. Peacefully acknowledge that you're trying to be better. Give it time.

Don't make yourself a casualty of your own war. Remember, you're the ally not the enemy!