And what a weekend. Overall, it’s been a relaxing one. Yesterday, I concentrated on cooking and trying desperately not to “pick” while doing so.
I’m afraid to say, I failed. I picked—but what I did pick was at the least, healthier choices than a party sized bag of Tostitos and a jar of Cheese Whiz.
Pick me a winner!!! Unfortunately, I picked at high-calorie black olives and not a zero-point salad with no dressing!
I’m telling you, this Freestyle WW program is really very challenging to me.
Other than that, yesterday was one of those days where I didn’t want to do anything other than cook.
Dinner was great. I made one of my favorite meals. Chicken Breasts with Roma Tomatoes, Black Olives and Basil. This time I did something different. Normally, I dredge the chicken in rice flour before sautéing them. I skipped this step. I sprayed the pan with Pam and then cooked the chicken and it turned out fine. Not dry at all.
The makings of last night’s dinner. Surprisingly I didn’t miss the bread. And there was no added fat. Too keep things on the moist side, I added white wine and the juice from the canned olives!
I still made sure the table was properly set. It’s even more important during a weight loss journey to have nicer place settings!
The finished product! I swear this is one of my all time favorite meals. So easy and it’s the perfect dish when you really don’t know what to make!
I also slow-cooked a dish that one of the women in the Weight Watcher’s group I belong to created. I call it “Ruth Frazier’s Chicken and Sauerkraut”. Take a pack of chicken breasts. Take three cans of sauerkraut. Dump everything into the crock pot and cook ten hours. It’s like German-style barbeque! I seasoned with the “Everything But The Bagel” from Trader Joe’s. No added salt, but I added tarragon and black pepper. This. Is. Great!! And I’m petrified to weigh in tomorrow evening because I picked at this on Saturday and today.
Take a pack of chicken breasts….
Open three cans of sauerkraut…
Put it all into the crock pot, season, turn it on low and forgetaboutit for ten hours.
This is supposed to be a zero-point meal, but the way I attacked it in picking, there’s points!
And while I thought I would be baking the two-ingredient, three-point bagels, I passed on it this weekend. There is a chance that I’m losing my craving for carbs right now. We’ll see.
The Carrie wig that I received from Uniwigs didn’t fare too well after I washed it—and I ruined it further by cutting it in hopes it would look better after snipping the napped and dry ends. Then I remembered seeing a few videos on reviving wigs with a steamer. I found one at Walmart (where else?) for $19.48. I put it to the test and steamed the wig. It turned out beautifully and I regretted every putting a scissor to her. Lesson learned.
This inexpensive steamer is amazing–brought Carrie back to life! I’m thrilled!
Less than twenty bucks–if you wear a wig and see this steamer at Walmart, grab it!!!
I did, however, put a scissor to a few of our Poinsettia plants. I want them to bloom next December and the process of cutting the plants down starts now, if need be. Some of the stems were becoming “woody” so I cut them. New growth should appear in a few weeks—then at summer’s end, the plants will need total darkness for 10 hours a day. It’s a lot of work but in the end, I’m hoping that I reap the rewards with more blooms. I love Poinsettias!
Bonaparte was extremely upset that I cut some of the poinsettias down. He doesn’t believe they will grow back and rebloom. I’m a Sunshine Pumper so I think they will!
So anyway, last night after dinner, I headed upstairs to see what Bonaparte was watching. There’s a series on Netflix about Versailles titled “Versailles” and my Frenchman has been addicted to this. Now—all I could think of was the cheesy Versailles series that aired on Ovation two years ago. OMG. I thought it was almost comical and I stopped watching after the third episode.
Louis Quatorze played by George Blagden and his bi-sexual, cross-dressing brother, Phillippe duc d’Orleans played wonderfully by Alexander Vlahos make this series worth watching. The costumes and wigs are enough for me! But it’s so juicy!!
This is that Ovation version. Netflix acquired it but I don’t know what happened because I got hooked on Season Two and I’m so glad that it’s been renewed for Season Three. It’s so juicy! The series follows all the dirt on Louis Quatorze and his cross-dressing brother Phillipe, Duke of Orleans. The wigs are right up my alley and so are the costumes. I’m so glad I gave the series a second chance!! Sometimes, second chances are so worth it!
How pathetic is it that Alexander Vlahos as Phillipe is prettier as a woman than I am? That wig is to die for!!
This morning proved to be quite the frustrating one though. My goal was to make a couple of YouTube videos for the three people following me. But when I went to turn my laptop-from-Hell on, the camera wasn’t working.
I remained calm over my laptop issue. I didn’t have a tantrum like last time. Remember THAT?
Three hours later, I fixed the issue. Don’t even ask my how I did it, but it had something to do with the Logitech webcam needing updates. And the videos were completed. I was very proud of myself for not losing it the way I did a couple of months ago? In case you never saw the post “My Laptop Turned Me Into a Monster and I Am Not Ashamed!”
Then I went to check my Instagram. I enjoy Instagram simply because I love looking at photos. I noticed that quite a few people had unfollowed me and I went to the “unfollow” app that I have on my phone. Wouldn’t you know it—I have been unfollowed by women of my own demographic who pontificate supporting each other. Funny how that happens. I couldn’t help but get my bitch on and simply unfollow them back.
I got my creativity on and made this meme!
I don’t unfollow anyone on Instagram unless they unfollow me—and boy, you would be surprised at the women who have unfollowed me! I’ll end this here and now.
You know how much I am a fan of Wet n Wild cosmetics. I love the brand’s Photofocus and Cushion foundations. I also like their concealer and a few other products. Anyway, last week I realized I was running low on my Hard Candy primer. When I went to Walmart to replace this particular primer, Walmart was sold out.
It was then I noticed the Dewy Lumineux Primer from Wet n Wild. At $4.68, I thought the price was right. Until I placed the tube in my hand. There is only.84 oz. of primer in the tube…and it resembles an oversized sample size.
Regardless, I made the purchase—anything that says “dewy” on the packaging appeals to me.
I used the primer twice. Once during the workweek and today. Today finalized my thoughts. It isn’t worth the money. Here’s why.
The worst primer I’ve ever spent my money on. It was just a total fail. Totally drying to the point my fact felt taught. Pass on this one ladies!
The amount in the tube really is miniscule but, quite a bit spurts out when you give the tube a gentle squeeze. The primer is flesh colored, which isn’t a bad thing. But when it goes on, it has more of a glittery sheen than a dewy finish.
In fact, I found this primer to be drying—which is so odd because I’ve never purchased a primer that was drying.
Overall, I give this an F. I’m not kidding either. I love this brand but this product is an absolute fail for mature skin. Honestly, if you see it, pass it by!
Still in cold-weather clothing at work—here’s a gander at what I wore this week. I’m happy to report that my Steward plaid pants from J. Crew are fitting better these days!
On Tuesday, I revisited these pants from many, many years ago. I got ’em on final clearance at Old Navy for seven bucks and I’ve always been complimented on them. A true oldie but goodie!
Wednesday was a day for further revisiting of old items. The cardigan? It’s from ModCloth and is quite a few years old but I love it. I paired it with a white tee, black leggings and reptile print ballet flats from Banana Republic that must be at least 8 years old! I am still on the fence with the Modern Motif wig but I love the color!
Can you believe it is still winter clothing weather? The plaid pants did not zip up a month ago–and now they fit fine again. This weather will allow me to wear plaid pants until June with the way the colder air is sticking around!
And for jeans Friday, jeans, J. Crew suede flats, my J. Crew Navy Schoolboy blazer, and my favorite scarf that I scarfed from Oona! I love this look!
Yesterday it was jeans and a plaid shirt. I went darker with the Freetress Swami wig in the color PBCoffee. My husband likes the darker hair and this is a great compromise. I’m also liking the no eyeliner look.
I’m so petrified to get weighed tomorrow…. here’s a look at one of the videos I made today. It’s focusing on Weight Watchers and my relationship with food and my weight loss issues. I hope you get a better insight if you look at it!
So that’s it. I can’t wait to watch Versailles tonight!!!
I love that red sweater/plaid pants look on you. And I also love the darker hair. But then I’ m thinking the blonder hair is softer against the skin? Well, I’m in the middle of the process of ”should I finally go grey”-thingy so dont mind me, I’m talking to myself….Lots of hugs!
Hi Angelin! Thank you! I love the color red so much. It’s very happy! The dark/light issue with the hair is such an ongoing battle. What I LOVE about the lighter hair is that it’s multi-dimensional and that’s what makes it softer but with the darker colors–well, there isn’t much dimension and that is harsh at times and can be a bit aging. The weird thing is that my bio hair is so dark–well, not anymore. I haven’t done my roots in over two months and the gray/white is taking over. Yet–I am not ready to embrace the gray. At all. I’m just lazy. I think I’ll head to see Adam soon to get the color lifted and get lowlights because the hair I have left is in shit condition! It really is!!!!!!!!!! Don’t go gray–yet!! XOXOXOXO!!
Hi Catherine…great name, by the way, I look forward to hearing about your weightloss journey. I worked in the weightloss industry for about 10 years…first at Nutri/System, when they had centers with counseling, and then Jenny Craig. I now work in the eldercare advocacy field, and am about the same age as you are. I am an unlimited member of JC, and find myself going in for tuneups about annually. I am a bored eater!! One thing I have found very encouraging is that even at our age we can lose very efficiently if we dedicate ourselves to the process. I am 5’9″ and want to weigh 145#’s I have lost about 26#’s since the first of the year, and am 1.5#’s from my goal! Go us!! Good luck in your journey!! Kathy (Katherine)
Hi Kathy!LOL. That name!!!! I’m a bored eater too. When I was home due to unemployment I ate out of sheer boredom and that’s how I gained 14 pounds! Wow!! You’re doing fantastic! 26 since January!! That’s amazing and good luck to you in the rest of the journey. It’s always fun to read about the journey of others too. Hey girl, don’t be a stranger!!!! XXOXOXOXO!!!
Looking gorgeous as aways, Cathe! I’m gonna be very brave (for me!) and tell you something… I signed up to follow you on twitter a while ago. At first, everything was fine! I loved your early morning tweets as you were getting ready for work (maybe 2 jobs ago.) They were so encouraging and helped give me the push I needed to get going myself. But then something happened, and I started getting double tweet notifications, maybe around the time that you changed to your married name. The subscription still sends me the notifications but it goes to your old account that isn’t active anymore. Then I also get some that go to your new account. I have tried to just delete the ones that go to the old account but I don’t want to miss any of your posts and tweets. And it would be a stab in the dark I just can’t tell the difference the links are not a clue to which account it will go to. I think the only solution is for me to unsubscribe and resubscribe, but I’m petrified to do so because I would not hurt your feelings for the world. Could you maybe give me a hall pass on this, just this one time? I promise I’m not a subscribe unsubscribe person but I don’t see another way to fix this.
Hi Kewl! Oh God, don’t get me started on Twitter. My original Atypical60 account was compromised by a nut and Twitter did nothing to help me. NADA!!!! Ihad to start a new account. One of the downfalls of social media. It sucks because Twitter’s customer service is right down there with Ulta and Weight Watchers!!! It’s awful. So feel free to unsubscribe–trust me, I won’t be upset because Twitter didn’t help me at all! XOXOXOXO
I’m so happy that you would not be offended! Naturally I would resubscribe! I don’t follow other blogs just you!
Wow girl…….that chicken dish looks so look good……..I’m going to make it this week!
This is the thing about social media…….,with the push of a button someone who was in is now out.
I don’t want to participate in hurting anyone. This is why I never did facebook……..I’m way too sensitive for anyone to dump me. I like what you have to offer…..simply you……and we can all relate to what’s for dinner, how can I improve my appearance, how can I tell truth about myself and my views without hurting anyone. Seems that’s what we practice here and I think it’s great. I still think women can be really mean to other women…….but for what……cometition? Perhaps the me too movement and others will allow women to be more supportive of one another. I dumped those real housewives of whatever city………way too mean and I think they compete with appearance, cars, houses, social engagements and men. Whew too much for me. I’m trying to adhere to the idea that what people think of me is none of my business…….but I often miss the mark because of my sensitivity. I sometimes hate being so sensitive (when I was kid they called me hi strung) but it also comes with gifts of being artist and poet. Its taking me years to accept myself with my gifts and shortcomings why would i jeopardize that by caring what someone else thinks……
when I struggle with what I think? You are good in my book!
Thanks Christine! I try to be a good person and I think I’m very lucky in the sense that we have a great community here at Atypical60! Everyone gets along and respects each other.This blog isn’t mean spirited. I’ll complain to high hell, and when I do have a gripe, it is justified–but it isn’t at the expense of others who are kind or just nice!
I’ll admit to being a bit sensitive–and quite frankly, I’m sad about some of those who unfollowed my Instagram but it’s all for the best.
Women are vicious to each other–I peruse many women’s sites and blogs and if they aren’t self-serving or self-important, there’s a certain smugness of “look what I have” that I find very off putting. Gurls gotta be supportive of each other but as I said before mean girls grow up to be mean women and mean women grow up to be mean old women!!!
You are a good egg in my book!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Thanks…….you too. If I didn’t live so far away we would lunch!…….and shop!
Actually if I take my focus off the tv and news, and pay attention to my own circle of neighbors and friends many are kind and respectful……..and some have views as expressed here……kindness and acceptance. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or hurt I just narrow my focus to my small circle and forget about the rest for a while.
I does hurt to get kicked to curb, I have had my experiences with that too. But when I look back on what went wrong, I find I might not have paid enough attention in the beginning to red flags that might indicate I’m heading in wrong direction. I used to go face first into relationships. Now I go slower when entering new situations and maybe jump ship or back up from hurtful things. I’m trying to adhere to idea of just sticking with my tribe and let others be on their own path. Some people are not my cup of tea as we Irish say.
I would like to have hope that we, esp women, can heal to a point of accepting each other
and letting go of mean girl stuff…….there is Sooooo much more to us that is intelligent, talented and worthwhile beyond the superficial. I told you I live in small beach town where we have a lower standard of dressing etc near beach, but people still find things to put down about…,,,your car, your house……..and esp by the beach…….how fit you are…….how good you look in bathing suit…….let’s not go there……bathing suits are not my favorite thing. And you are getting to know me……….can’t leave this out……..,as long as pres t is behaving so badly…………he is giving permission to everyone else to do same. It takes someone who is mature, thoughtful and aware to not follow the leader cuz normally we would want to look up to our pres. I’m in favor of not following but strongy deciding to go the other way. It is actually easier to be kind than hurtful. Kind is simple…….hurtful is complex in many directions. I really like what you are representing here……..keep it up girl.
Sorry the mean girls hurt………but maybe it’s good…….it further defines who your tribe is
and it gets easier to discern who you can be yourself around.
Chris d
That chicken looked so yummy! The wig looks so good after being steamed- hope the week is well for you girly xx
Thanks Kenz!! Can’t go wrong with the chicken or a steamed wig!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
I was following you on Instagram and then one day I noticed you weren’t on my follow list. So I refollowed you. This has happened a number of times with other people I follow. Wondering if any one else has had this happen to them?
Thanks for the Netflix recommendation. Looks good, will have to watch.
Hi Cathe. I’ve had that issue and so have many others. It also seems like IG is doing one of those weird algorythm things. I can’t stand that. Just let things be!! Oh..you gotta watch Versailles!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Great post, Catherine. Nice video too. Thanks for sharing so much and inspiring me to a) cook, b) eat healthy and c) cook more. I agree with you on the WW app dealy. That’s ridiculous. It should be free and/or included in your membership.
Hi Lisa! Thank you. I’ll tell you, it’s more work to eat healthier–isn’t it? But I’m trying to squeeze more prep time into the weekend!!! Oh…that app thing is a thorn in my side!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Catherine,
I’ve been doing WW (on-line only) for 6 weeks and have lost 9 pounds…2 ish to go til my goal. It was tough going until week 2 and then I got in the groove. The most difficult part of it was limiting snacking and drinking too much wine with dinner…or anytime, lol! The tracking of my food and drink has really helped me remain motivated. Anyway, beyond feeling and looking better in my clothing another real motivation is my niece’s upcoming wedding next month as well as my son’s college graduation. I just refuse to buy something new to wear when I have suitable options (and I like them) living in my closet. My real challenge is maintaining the weight loss after these events,yikes!!
Good luck to you!
Hi Renee!!!!!! God bless you woman!! WW Online was incredibly difficult for me. But you are doing fantastic!!!!!!!!!!! I find the tracking is what keeps me accountable. I just don’t want to eat something that I’ll be sorry for later on due to the incredibly high number of points. Maintenance isn’t that bad until the holidays hit. That’s what does it for me. Thanksgiving straight into New Year’s is murder for me because I don’t even eat. I vacuum the food straight into my mouth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!! Congrats girlfriend!!!!!!
Hey dinner looks delish!! Since your into Versailles I wanted to let you know that there is a movie on Netflix called ‘A Little Chaos’ about the building of the gardens in Versailles. It stars Kate Winslet as an aspiring female landscape architect and this gorgeous actor Matthias Schoenaerts as the master gardener. The late Alan Rickman plays Louis XIV ( he directed the movie) and Stanley Tucci plays Phillipe a bit campy but more the way Phillipe really was. Monsieur was probably the most interesting and complex character of that time. He was a brave and courageous soldier but was also the RuPaul of his day. He adored his children, was very fond of his two wives but also an open homosexual . Above all he was extremely loyal to Louis who was broken hearted when Phillipe died. Check out the movie, some great costumes and wigs there too.
Good luck on your weigh in! Can’t ‘weight’ to hear how many pounds you’re down this week!
Momcat. I had a near tantrum last night. After I read your comment (late Sunday night) I told Vincent that we had to watch A Little Chaos–especially since we finished the season of Versailles. So last night I come home after the meeting and all I wanted to do was watch the movie.
It isn’t on USA Netflix. I was so distraught (I use that word politely) that vincent called Netflix to find out why we didn’t have it. We were told it isn’t available in the States yet. My effing luck!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!!
Maybe they have it at your local library?
A great weekend roundup. Always full of interesting stuff to read. Your week’s wardrobe is a favorite with me. Old navy pants from several years ago still look stylish and fresh.
The chicken dish with roma tomatoes, basil and olives looks yummy. There’s no doubt in my mind that you are a great cook. What’s impressive to me, even though on WW, you are still preparing and eat good real food. You are not skimming on nutrition. Confirming that portion and food choices are still the basics for a good but healthy diet. Annoyed as you are with the WW app and lifetime membership issues, glad you didn’t decide to throw the baby out with the bath water. 🙂
Lovely to see you on video. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! XO Amelia
Hi Amelia! Thank you so much! It’s so funny because I’m so focused on the points and what I’m eating that I haven’t given nutrition much of a thought–that’s so bad on my part, but you’re right. I am making more nutritious choices–thank you for bringing that to mind! Oh..as angry as I am with WW customer service, I won’t spite my nose to spite my face. The program works and I’m not giving up!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Carherine,
I just ordered and received yesterday a pair of pants very similar to your J. Crew plaid pair. They are from Talbots. I have not worn a patterned pant for many, many, many years, as I am overweight and big in the hips to begin with.
However, my husband and I (50 years wed next June!) are going on our second cruise ever next month to Bermuda, and I wanted something dressy, along with my black pointe pants and two dresses, to wear to dinner. These pants are a black, gold, and white small print. They fit very well, and althoiugh I thought they looked very nice on me (despite being a 16 1/2), I was floored when my husband really liked them, too!! Shocked, in fact! Lol! And I have you to thank for my taking a chance and getting these pants. I have been following you for a year or so and have seen how nice you look in your patterned pants. So, thought I would take the plunge. Thanks so much!! I am 70 and not little by any means, but I think I will look quite smart in my new patterned pants when we eat dinner on our cruise. ❤️😘
Anne! -OMG–You made me get all misty-eyed! I’m honored to have been a little glimmer in helping you to make a fun choice in clothing. Hey. Size does not matter when it comes to style–remember that! I’ll bet your husband is absolutely right and you look fabulous in those pants.
Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary! And the Bermuda trip. I hope you and your husband have the greatest time ever!!! Thank you again–you really did brighten up my day and made me feel good. !!! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO!!!
Just remember, Catherine, on the days you may doubt the value of.your blog, that you are helping many women put their best foot forward as they age and keeping us entertained at the same time! Keep up the great work! 😘
I had no idea there was an app so you could see who unfollows you, I don’t wanna know, as it is it’s hard for me to see when I love someone who follows me by email. Unfortunately I have an email counter on my sidebar so it’s right there and it hurts each time I see a decline. Ouch. But I agree with you, if you know who they are then unfollow them too!
I hope you have a good weigh in tonight but sometimes the scale just doesn’t always reveal the truth. Your clothes fitting better is a fantastic victory!
xo,
Kellyann
Hi Kellyann. Now–I don’t have any sort of knowledge of any declines or unsubscribers to the blog–THAT would really upset me because this blog is my baby and everyone who comes here I consider a friend!!!
I will be writing later on this evening about my week’s weigh in!!!! I was happy!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Love your ensembles and those chicken dishes look delicious! I really like the J. Crew suede flats, too!!! Good luck at your weigh-in!!!
Hi Vava!!!! Thank you! Yeah, I’m not a chicken breast person, I like the dark meat but I’m on a dark meat hiatus for a few weeks. I will say the chicken and tomatoes is always a great dish we have it a lot during the summer because it’s just so easy!! Thank you!!! XXOXOXOXO!!!
Love your cooking recipes/tips…quick and delicious. Will have to include them in my repertoire. Thanks!
LOL. Thanks Jeanne!! They both are very quick and delicious. My kind of weeknight food!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Have you posted that chicken, tomato and olive recipe? It looks so good.
Hi Bobbi. I’ve posted it a couple of times. I’ll have to look through the archives and reprint it!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Isn’t Versailles addicting? It’s like the almond croissants or cakes from Delice et Chocolat in Ardmore…can’t buy just 1 🙂
Maribeth. I’m counting the days till Season Three and it’s in production right now. It’s so delicious!! And less calories than Delice et Chocolat!!!! XOXOXOXO
Wow that chicken dish looks so easy and delicious, I’ll definitely try it with all kinds of olives (my favorite). Thanks for always sharing great recipes with us! Love those plaid pants too, such a chic pattern, they’ll never go out of style. Fingers crossed for you for a good WW visit!
Hi Margaret! Oh yes. It is easy and is really a staple in our house!!!! XXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
you are “magnifique ” with your short blonde hair ! very very classy and you look so young and stylish ! don’t become gray , even people say it is cool , that makes look older , anyway ! Dommage ! we have time to be old women !!! amitiés
‘ No eyeliner look’ is great, you look much younger Cathe.
Jx
P.S. Brits bored with too much sex in ‘ Versailles’ switching off in droves.