Save $1.00 off Any 1 Nivea Lip Care Product stick or tube with this coupon. This is my ultimate favorite lip product. Make sure you take care of your lips during the Winter season 🙂

I think I have to honestly say this is the first time I have actually made a resolution and started it My resolutions are as Maggie stated in her New Years Resolution post.  2012 is about “ME” and not making me come last any longer. I do not have the same issues as Maggie because even though we have been best friends since age 12 we are in different stages of our lives. My children are raised, but I still find myself always finding a reason to give to them or others. In November I had to come to terms that I was in the worst health of my life. The hot flashes, the stress and let’s not forget to mention the short fuse temper. Some of you may know what I am talking about!! I knew this but kept making excuses, my weight kept going up and my health problems kept piling up right along with them. High blood pressure, chronic sciatic nerve pain in my back, hair loss and I became a borderline diabetic. Those are just the few issues I dealt with and they weren’t pleasant. My self esteem from my weight gain had hit an all time low, but worst of all, I carry my weight in my mid-section so my chance of an early heart attack was growing extreme and I was SCARED!!

On November I went to a class, I didn’t have the time nor did I have the funds to start this, but I listened and had a few silent prayers and then I KNEW this was for me. I came home and talked with my husband and simply said that this was for “ME!” It’s not like this was my first weight loss rodeo. NO I have spent a small fortune on weight loss products and tried them all – Weight Watchers, Nutri System, Atkins, pills, powders, Gym Trainers & even went as far as doing the HCG sticking needles in my tummy, but nothing worked for me and my loving husband just sat back and watched. I knew that this time would be different but I made myself accountable to him and told him he would be going to my weekly weigh in’s and measurements and if he saw that I was doing something wrong then we needed to discuss it with my coach Maureen.

On November the 16th (one day before my birthday) I started Ideal Protein, it was to level my hormones, restart my pancreas and if followed correctly lose 3-5 pounds per week. I mix up their protein shakes 3 times per day and then eat real veggies and protein. No exercise  right now, that would come later. I keep a daily log on what I eat and drink and take the vitamins suggested. Each week I go see Maureen (my coach) and I weigh in and she measures me. We discuss any areas I may have problems with, my husband voices his thoughts on how I am doing & she boosts me up every time I go in. Now let me explain a few other things Maureen has done for me. If I am in the store and and begin to panic because I am confused on what I can or can not eat I just call her (or text her) and she always gets back with me. When I am sick she calls me to make sure I am ok and what medicines I should take or just to boost me up. When I went on vacation  to Maryland she texts me several times to make sure I was staying positive and focused. Maureen is my angel that I would not have been able to breeze through this without her! The best part is everyone who joins Ideal Protein get’s their own angel.

I never told Maggie what I was doing, which was very hard since we talk about everything, but I really wanted her to notice and be surprised when she saw me in December and boy was she ever SURPRISED. I have to say this is more emotional for me then I thought it would be in writing this post. I cannot tell you in a million words how GREAT I feel. This is the EASIEST program I have ever been on. After the first week their were absolutely NO CRAVINGS!! I celebrated and enjoyed thoroughly my Thanksgiving & Christmas dinners, I made pies, cookies, banana splits, mashed potatoes, stuffing’s, gravies with no desire to devour any of it. I do not hate it and can still appreciate it but I no longer have any desire or cravings to eat it. I went out to dinner with friends and family as they splurged on baked ravioli, pizzas and even fettucini Alfredo and I had an amazing time. Everyone is noticing the changes, but more importantly my body is noticing. I have not had a hot flash in over a month and my blood pressure is leveling out and I have a ton of energy. I actually WANT to go places now. My husband calls me “baggy pants” or “skinny” now. I am not at my goal weight yet, but I know I will be. I have a lot of weight to lose but I know with the support I have right now and Ideal Protein I will accomplish my goals! After being on Ideal Protein for only 6 weeks I have lost a total of 21 pounds and 21 inches!! Now they say a picture speaks volumes, I think those numbers and a picture will say it all 

Just a little added information for you.. My sister started Ideal Protein before I did and she has lost a total of 61 pounds and 37 inches in 14 weeks. Is that amazing or what!!! If looking further into Ideal Protein is something you want to do simply click on the link and go to the locator’s tab to find the nearest center near you. If you are in the Lake Mary, Florida area go say Hi to Maureen @ Envision Your Absolute Health 407-936-0314.

It is important that you know I am not endorsed by Ideal Protein, nor are they giving me anything for writing this post. However if you join Ideal Protein let them know that Beth from Family Frugal Fun sent you because I should get a FREE box of food  In all honesty, I just truly believe in this product and want to share it all with you, it’s like I have found the fountain of youth and I am sending you all the map, now it’s up to you if you want to use it 

I cannot wait to start my Yoga and Pilate’s up again they were both such wonderful ways to workout and stretch. I always felt clear and refreshed for days after. I have found some programs here that are on great discounts that you can start at home now. Do not worry I did not know how to do even 1/4 of these when I started but I kept working at it and each week I got better and my body felt good.

Pilates For Beginners & Beyond Boxed Set (Pilates for Inflexible People / Pilates Complete for Weight Loss / Pilates Complete Sculpt and Tone) Save 53% & pay ONLY $18.99!!

The Yoga Bible Save 32% and pay ONLY $13.59. This book will help you in perfecting the moves and stances and it is great!

Yesterday I made a long post on New Years Resolutions and how my main resolution in 2012 is to put ME first (since I’m always last with 4 kids and a husband).  Diabetes runs in my family and I’m about 40 lbs over weight so I need to start exercising (part of the put me 1st plan) and get rid of some of this extra weight.  Now I’ve spent years putting  to me last so I’m going to need quite a bit of help putting me first so I’m checking out magazines, books, videos etc and I’ll be posting everything I find on line here in case you’d like to join me in my public Put Me First campaign.

If you need a new Yoga or Pilates Mat click here then use coupon code AHWDGK2N to get 20% off

Reshaping it All: Motivation for Physical & Spiritual Fitness (really inexpensive at just $8.66)  This book has great reviews!!!

Eat This NOT That: The No diet Weight Loss Solution by making different food choices (just $13.59) This book has great reviews!!

Save $1.00 off Barilla Pasta Sauce with this coupon. It’s a good time for a nice pot of spaghetti.  Use zip code 90210.

Save $1.00 off Any 1 Eco Tools Product. As they say out with the old and in with the new 🙂

Save $1.00 off Any 1 Bare Naked Product with this coupon. If you have not tried the granola you should it’s very Yummy 🙂 I found this Bare Naked Apple Crisp recipe. Might be a nice dessert to have for the New Year!

Hurry and print out your $1.50 off 2 WASA Crackers and start your New Year’s Resolution off good!!

 

Head on over to Tide on Facebook and snag a coupon for $2.00 off!  Quick…..  This Tide coupon will be mailed to  you in 4-6 weeks! Click on the 6X coupon offer in the right side bar.

(thanks Jen)