Hey. It’s been a summer of eating, healthy meals, watching what I eat, gorging and gluttony! I was being so good and careful before we went on vacation.
Then we went away and I threw caution to the wind—and who wouldn’t. You really think I’m going to France to be on a diet? Nope! Aperitifs every night. Cheese. Cream. Meat. Pastries.
Yes. Cheese was my friend. Every. Single. Night!
Yum. Yum. I didn’t not hold back…
The healthiest things I ate were fish and Socca Chips—and that’s a stretch but they are made from chick pea flour.
I’m quite happy that these are not sold in the USA. It would be much too tempting! Now I know how Eve felt in the Garden of Eden. For me, it’s the Garden of Eatin’!
Yum! Mediterranean Sea Bass or otherwise known as Loup! At least it was healthy!
Add to that, the boys coming over for a weekend in which we feasted and ate all weekend.
Add to that I got off track and gained 8 pounds.
As I said last week at this time, I got on the scale and weighed in at 150. I’m only weighing myself once a week. If I step on the scale more than once a week, it’ll be frustrating because if you’ve ever been on a weight loss program, you know that weight can fluctuate from day-to-day.
I got on the scale today at 145 with the pointer jiggling between 145 and 146. I’m thrilled.
145. I’m back on track!
And I’m thrilled because I was very good this week. I finally got back on track. I’m back to making wise decisions.
Case in point—we went into Manhattan last Saturday to see Jake before he moved to L.A. and Bonaparte, Roman, Jake and I went to Knickerbocker Bar and Grill. I hadn’t been in that place in 30 years! It was good to be back at this very old establishment that isn’t trendy or a hot spot. It’s just a good ol’ place to eat.
We arrived at a great time. A bit before the crowds arrived! The Knickerbocker hasn’t changed in years.
Instead of going hog wild on the menu, I had to stop and think. Saturday afternoon. We would be leaving and having dinner at home. I made the choice to not have a drink and to have something healthy. I went for their Power Omelette from the Brunch Menu. An egg white omelette prepared with spinach, tomato, and goat cheese. It was delicious and filled me up.
My “will” power omelette. I gave the potatoes to the boys and only had a taste of bread!
This week it was a banana and yogurt brought to work for lunch. I’m very funny that way. I’ll have my coffee in the morning while I get ready for work. I am too cheap to buy lunch and am too damned lazy to prepare a full lunch to bring to work so yogurt and banana it is!
This–in my one euro bag I bought back from France–makes a great lunch tote!
I’ve been eating salads all week but with protein added. Boiled shrimp and hard-boiled egg. It hits the spot and since I’m not fond of making salads, Bonaparte has stepped up to the plate to prepare them for me!
I have to be honest, it’s been a pleasure to come home to a nice big salad prepared by Bonaparte!!
What I really need to do is look through the Weight Watchers cookbook that I have and bookmark recipes and search online for some decent recipes that are healthier. Anyone got anything?
The weather here has been hot, humid, gray and rainy. But—that’s summer in the Northeast! Here’s a bit of what I wore this past week!
I wore this blue linen blend last Friday. It’s from Old Navy and was purchased last year. It is so cool and comfortable and is fine for office casual.
I wore one of my new Old Navy swing dresses last Saturday when we went to visit the boys. I baked a batch of corn cookies for Jake and when Roman saw them, he dug in first!
On Monday I wore my black swing dress from Old Navy–I’m telling you, Old Navy is getting a lot of love from me this summer!
Tuesday turned out to be very cool and rainy. I went with a leopard skirt–from J. Crew Factory and so versatile–can be worn all year. I dressed up a bit in heels. The white tee and denim jacket gave it a casual vibe. I loved this look so much!
Yesterday was a pants day. Ten dollar Primark jeans and a Lilly Pulitzer tunic. Hi lo! Longchamp bag and Old Navy Flip Flops! This navy bag I purchased at Nordstrom’s Anniversary sale is getting a lot of use!!
Today I went with brighter colors in this Lilly Pulitzer number. Flip Flops or Scholls? I wore the Scholls!
Rain is in the forcast for this coming weekend. We’re planning on seeing the film “Dunkirk.” We’ve heard wonderful things about this film and we haven’t been to the movies in quite some time!
The good movies have been of slim pickings so we are both looking forward to seeing this!!
As our schedules wind down a bit and become slower, it’ll also be a good thing to putz around the house, get some plants for the deck and just relax.
Can you believe this? Almost August and these Poinsettias are still thriving! I am afraid to bring them outside but plants for the deck are badly needed!!
How are you spending your summer time? Are the days getting lazier for you or more productive! Do Tell!!
© 2017 Atypical60.com
I can’t stop thinking of this oldie but goodie from Sly and the Family Stone–it’s so summer!! “Hot Fun In The Summertime”.
We put our poinsettias outside in the summer – they love part sun part shade exposure. Sometimes they lose some or even a lot of their leaves, but then they grow back! The ones we have now are going on four years old
Kewl! Four years!!! Wow!!! Do the leaves turn red again in the late fall? I’m so proud that these poinsettias didn’t die!! I want to know what you do to care for them!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Beautiful Lady! Your posts and IG are my FAVOURITE! You are honest and Genuine about EVERYTHING…I Love that! It is SO refreshing these days! I am glad I am not alone on this weight train….although, I must confess I am carrying a Heck of A LOT More on MY Caboose! I need to lose at least 20 pounds! You are an inspiration to me….that photo with all that cheese…..my downfall…I have some Everyday…OK…maybe A LOT OF IT…can’t help it – I was born in France! Anyway, I know…excuses…excuses…exercise is important! ….I don’t do it…OK, so I started yesterday and did 8 minutes on the Aeropilates machine ( I had to get up and check the name of it)..I only know how to do ONE exercise on it….those ropes are complicated…what do you do for exercise Gorgeous? KEEP WRITING! LOVEXOXO
Hey Shakes!! I’m glad you came over for a visit from IG!!! And I thank you for your kind words!! Honesty and transparency are what I’m about! Cheese. Pleese! I’ve cut down and haven’t had any cheese for a week now! You were born in France?????!!! Lucky you!!!! My exercise? I’m a lazy person. I walk. That’s it. I can’t stand going to the gym because I refuse to pay ridiculous membership prices knowing that I’ll hardly go. Currently, I’m suffering from serious anxiety which keeps me from exercising. It’s weird because exercise gets rid of depression but… right now–I can’t even. But–I’m having fun in the meantime!!! XOXOXOXO
I’ve been doing some serious weeding out. Clothes, books, table linen, knickknacks, what have you. I have also organised redecoration work to be done this coming autumn on our flat and on the house. My daughter is moving to Quebec for one semester in September to study, so there has been some organisation work on my side, as well. So you see, I have been busy!
The rest of the summer, as of this coming weekend, I intend to laze by our pool, find a shady spot in the garden, entertain friends and try out new recipes in my country kitchen. Then it will be off to Montréal end of August to settle my daughter in and to visit parts of La Belle Province.
I forgot to mention. For the poinsettias leaves to turn red again, starting September, the plant must be in complete darkness for 14 hours (out of the 24) and this for 8 weeks. Temperature should be between 15°and 18°C. Good luck!
Hey Miss B, You certainly have a busy rest-of-the-summer. Montreal. Ahhhhhh. I can’t wait to take a trip there! Your daughter attending university–or moving for a career? BTW, Thank you for the tip on the poinsettias. I can move them into the garage!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
She will be going to attend classes at UQAM University. So exciting! She’ll be one of 400 other students coming from abroad from as far as Australia. They already know of each other as they have a dedicated FB page. Isn’t that great? Wish we had that at the time. I remember when I went to Summer session at UCLA back in the days. It was all so different from what I was used to at French University in Paris. What an experience, I can tell you!! It was the first time I came across a sickly sweet smell which, I was told, was marijuana. I was, and still am, completely innocent in that field. Gosh UCLA was such an eye opener. I have very fond memories!
I´ve had my first week of vacation out of four. Next week I will be going to Prague with my son and the last weekend of my vacation I will spend in Paris alone:) This summer has been a start on a weight-loss journey, but because I´m too fond of my food to starve I´ve tried going to the gym on a regular basis. It´s been a struggle, but now I´ve finally worked out a routine with three times a week and long walks on the days off from the gym. My new smartphone actually keep track of all my walking without me even asking it too, so I have no excuses. As for food I find it really hard – we just love ice-cream and sweets in this family! I tend to go for chicken and salmon, but trying to find some nice recipes. And of course we are also trying all the healthy options for pasta – quinoa, bulgur and couscous…I really really need some rest, but it seems it will not happen as long as son is home from University…
Hey Angelin. I had Salmon for dinner tonight. And avacado. I have to admit. I’m this side of lazy and need to get off my ass and move–but it’s no fun living in the suburbs it’s boring to walk around here. Ohhhhhh man, give me pasta any day. I do believe that if you have it without the butter and heavy sauces it isn’t all that bad!!! Enjoy your vacation–especially Paris and enjoy every moment with your son!!!!
Hi Catherine- I take my lunch everyday (during the school year, I work at a university so lucky enough to have summers off) and find making a big pot of soup, which is often the WW vegetable soup, is great. Lots of fiber in it so it is fairly filling and I can sip it in a coffee cup at my desk. I am one of those people who do not care if I eat the same thing for lunch every day.
Also meant to comment on your post on children growing up and becoming independent. I have twins in their early 30s who I raised to be independent and I am very proud of them but it is hard isn’t it? Yet I wouldn’t want an adult child living in our house, sad and unhappy that they have no life…I have several friends who have this situation and they seem ok with it. I think it gives them a daily purpose, but at what price? I always think if you do a good job as a mom and teach them to be confident and follow their dreams, you work your self out of a job…..
Finally may I recommend The Big Sick as a movie to see. Its WONDERFUL. See the rating on https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_big_sick and its based on a true story.
Happy Friday!
Hi Nancy. My girlfriend Marybeth is a HUGE fan of the WW soup. I’m really going to have to make a batch. But like you, I WILL bring the same thing every day. I’ll even eat the same thing for dinner if I could!!
I have to be honest. The Big Sick–my sons are all about seeing it. I’m a hypochondriac so I can’t see it. It’s true. My anxiety is at it’s peak right now because I have to make appts. for my colonoscopy, my pap and mamo and I have dense tissue. I’m really anxious. I can’t see it–and it sounds like a great movie too!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi Catherine, this doesn’t answer your last question but…for what it’s worth, I saw Dunkirk and hated it. Though I’m a movie lover, to me, it was just relentless loud noise and hard to follow. Just sayin’. Also, love your leopard skirt!
Oh Cathi. I’m trying to get out of seeing war movies but Bonaparte really wants to see this one. I’m going to have to suffer in silence. Oh–is that leopard skirt not the greatest?? XOXOXOXO!!!!
I’ve just lost the seven pounds I put on when I was recently in France! It’s impossible for me to cut back when we’re at our French home & I have no intention of doing so. Why would I?! All that lovely food and wine… cheese, pâtisseries, baguette, almond croissants…
Hi June. I do believe that a trip to France usually warrants a weight gain between 5 and 10 pounds. I’m already missing our lovely meals..but the loss is making me feel better….XOXOXOXO!!!!
I can’t wait to go to France. My husband is a French wine fan. He loves good food too. I’m taking pull-on pants when I go……………LOL
Catherine,
I didn’t gain any weight while in France because we walked at least 6 hours a day and ate very well (Baguettes, cheese,pate, and wine at every dinner). However, I dropped 4 pounds once I dropped the bread, cheese, and pate, (Never the wine) after we returned home.
So I would have actually lost weight on my trip but I ate too many wonderful foods. Lots of walking kept my weight in check.
I am also looking forward to Dunkirk. I will think of you when I see it.
Hugs,
Robin
Oh Robin. I do believe you lost weight!!! I’ve been following your posts and yeah, all that walking will definitely put you into the no gain category!! That river cruise. Wow!!! I love your pics and you just seemed to have the greatest time–the friends you met were lucky to have you on board!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I can’t imagine going to France and dieting —- you made the right decision!
Love your outfits!!!! All of them.
Looking forward to a laid back weekend here. Things will get crazy again next week! 🙂
Hi Vava! Thank you. Yeah. I’m looking forward to a very laid back weekend–especially after the crazy Friday spent at work!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Summer is done for us…Year Round School…Back to High School this week…Having to Forgo our Trip to France was a tough one this Summer, but our focus was/and still is on getting this kid well…I enjoyed visiting France with you…I did my best to make staying home different and exciting and fun while working more than full time…Ah, no rest for the weary, but it’s all good. Love your weekday wardrobe…thank you Old Navy. 🙂
Jeanne. Are you serious? School started already? Girlfriend–you need to move back to Long Island–where kids go back to school in September!!! Hey, from the looks of your blog posts, you had a very productive summer with the girls!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Hard to pick a favourite outfit but I think the Old Navy linen blend with scarf (I am a scarf sucker) wins – it is sublime. As for enjoying France, well that’s the whole point!!!! If you went and then didn’t take full advantage of such a gorgeous place and enjoy every lost tiny bit of it, then I’d be disappointed that you (our roving reporter) hadn’t wrung the absolute most of such a fabulous place for our benefit – seriously you took those pounds for the team! I also suspect it will help with weight loss and / or maintenance in the long run – quality and happiness will help keep you motivated for future visits. Why on earth would anyone go to France and deny themselves such a fantastic way of life??? So I think you did amazingly well and those pounds will melt in no time – well worth it, hon.
and p.s I LOVE leafy salads – Id have them with everything, everything!!! 🙂
Hi Juliet. Hey. I dug that blue dress too–especially with that 5 Euro scarf!!!! But yeah, I ate like a little piggy and now is the time to be sensible–its all good!!! And definitely more leafy salads!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Yay, for losing 5 ibs, that’s excellent!! Ina Garten has some great salad recipes. I love her Greek Panzanilla (sometimes I skip using the bread and it still tastes great). As far as what I’ve been doing this summer…trying to stay cool! The weather has been really hot in the inland areas of San Francisco! So, it’s movies, (I also, recommend the movie “The Big Sick”, so good!) pool, gym, any where with A/C, LOL! This weekend, I’ll be heading toward the coast in search of cooler temps. and in a few weeks to Lake Tahoe for some summer fun! Congratulations to your son on his new job ..how exciting and a great excuse for you to visit SoCal, especially in WINTER!! I can relate to your sad feelings on mothering adults…my son is presently working in Australia!! I hate to admit this but..If I haven’t heard from him in awhile I stalk his Instagram or ask his brother to check with him on Facebook..then I breath a sigh of relief…he’s alive, LOL! And finally, I wanted to mentioned how much I enjoyed your vacation posts and photos…informative, interesting, scenic, funny, yummy food, clothing, swim suits, etc. etc. and my condolences for passing of Dany… such a charming, talented and spirited fella!
Have a wonderful weekend!!
OMG!! Renee. Jake had surgery today on a broken wrist. He’s in CA. I’m here. I texted him last night to wish him well and to get in touch with me when surgery was over. Well. I realize there is a 3-hour difference, but I hadn’t heard from him. I was thinking–do I call the surgeon’s office? If I do will he get upset that I did that? Will the Dr. think I’m the ultimate helicopter mom? It was tearing at me. I finally heard from Jake that the surgery went well and all is fine. My anxiety. I can’t even. But you know what I’m talkin’ about!!!! I do that same stalking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Momstalk!!! Thank you though for enjoying the posts of our trip!!!! XOXOXO!!!!
Yes, vacations always ruin my weight-mainly because our last vacation was really a beer and burger run so you can imagine. We saw Dunkirk the first weekend (took the boys). Sobering and I did cry. I think I said something on IG, but I love Lilly-just don’t have any.
You are so impressive, getting back on track. I just can’t do it lately. Makes me depressed! Do you know the blog Skinnytaste? She has lots of great recipes, and calculates the points for you. Never had a bad recipe from her.
“How are you spending your summertime?”
Complaining about how cold it is, and bemoaning that the snow is better now than when I was skiing two weeks ago but I am not on holidays anymore so I don’t get to ski anymore 😀
Yeah, I have my winter bod on! It was -5 when I got up this morning, I am all about the carbs, carbs and more carbs 😀
Hahaha ‘garden of eatin’ I love it!
Hi Jot! True dat!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
How to weight loss so good like you!!! Congratulations 🙂
Well done!! Your way is very good! Thank you and congratulations :))
Hi Alex! Thank you so much!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I’ve always wanted to take a trip to France! Ironically, I have read that most French people are pretty slender because of their attitude toward eating “quality not quantity”, while here in the U.S. we tend to eat many things in great quantity, whether the quality is good or not. Those pictures of all the food you got to experience had me salivating! I tried dieting over the summer before we went to Disney World in Florida for a week. With all those food vouchers, how was I supposed to stick to “healthy eating”? I actually think I put on a whopping ten pounds just while we were there!
Hi Gutsy! All that is true. But the French don’t snack the way we do. It’s three meals–and breakfast is usually just coffee or chocolat chaud. My husband never snacks before meals. But I’ll tell you—the younger generations of French are not as slender as their elders!! Fast food, especially McDonalds—or McDo–is very popular as is KFC. Add to that the younger ones don’t smoke as much as their older counterparts and we’ve noticed a slight rounder appearance the past few years!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Thanks so much for your weight loss story…It is very encouraging!!!..
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