Happy Halloween--we just spent the evening at our tiny community celebration--fund raiser for the local volunteer fire dept. hotdogs, trick or treating around town (took exactly 20 minutes) and now we're home chillin'.
Deb--here's my 2 cents on cake classes--First ask yourself the question where do you see yourself in 5 years--If you want to be an expert sugar flower artist--take Nicholas Lodge's class-undoubtedly that man is an amazing talent and I've heard that his classes are really great!!--Here's a little Nick Lodge story. Two years ago my friend Lexie and I were volunteers at the World Pastry Forum in Nashville in charge of making sure that only the people wearing the proper name tags got into the VIP area. Well along came a little man without the proper name tag and my friend Lexie refused to let him in. I had been gawking at all of the amazing things going on in the room when I turned around to see Lexie saying, "But you don't have the right name tag to get in here." I finally got a look at the man and could not believe my eyes or the fact that Lexie was attempting to make him leave--It was Nick Lodge!! Now this was a rock star siting for me and though I was nearly speechless I said, "Lexie this is Nicholas Lodge, he's like-- famous!!!!"--and a judge at the competition as it turns out!!! DUH!!!! I would so love to take a class from him and tell him this story someday!! OK, now back to the subject at hand--I'm wondering if you already have the talent and info for borders and BC flowers? What do you really want to learn how to do or become an expert in? Which of these classes will help you attain that 5 year goal--do you want to be selling more basic cakes, do you want to be selling to an upper-scale clientele? Ask yourself these questions and chose the classes accordingly? That's my halloween night advice....I'd love to be going too!! I know I have so much to learn!!!
Stacy--good luck on staying away from the candy!!! I have to admit I just ate a Reese's Cup--but only 1 and no more!! Dang it was good!! thanks for looking at my cakes, I appreciate it!! Go Chunky Monkeys!!! I just love you guys!!
Hey, girls!
I know this is going to sound crazy and you guys probably already think I'm nut-job enough, but I need a pep-talk.
I seem to be having the most horrible time lately. I am not eating right. Fortunately I haven't gained back the 8 pounds I've managed to ditch so far, but I'm not moving any further either.
I feel anxious and stressed and uncomfortable and a little down in the dumps. I have no idea why. Nothing spectacular or monumental going on. Just can't seem to get....centered....does that make sense?? 
I thought maybe a little kick in the pants from my Chunky Monkey sisters might be just what I need, so....please kick my butt or smack me or something! 
BTW - Deb, what did you decide about classes? Any word on BR yet? Your ghost is ADORABLE!
Diane, you gave great advice on the classes. The Nick Lodge story was hilarious! Did you decide on a business name yet?
Margie, Jessica, TS...how y'all doin' out there? Did you survive Halloween?
Stacy--I know what you mean--I'm kind of in the same ole rut as far as losing goes--I've been eating better, but not totally right and I'm still weighing the same, no loss. I know I need to kick up the exercise--which shouldn't be hard considering I've done next to nothing in that department although we did walk all over the OSU campus in Stillwater and to the football stadium in Norman on Saturday--nothing before or since though!! I'm so glad you haven't gained back anything though--that's wonderful!! Now let's get our acts together and lose some weight this week--pinky swear I'm going to do it--how about you?!?! I also just went and looked at your cakes--you are incredibly talented! How long have you been doing cakes?!? I'm a bit green here with envy 
! Still haven't decided on a name--I've been asking everyone I see for suggestions--maybe that's the problem....I need to decide!! OK--let's get going---Go Chunky Monkeys!!!!
OK, Diane. I pinky swear that I will be a good girl and lose some weight this week. Unfortunately, the scale doesn't have a pinky, so I can't vouch for its cooperation. 
Exercise...hmmm...I guess the walk back and forth from the couch to the fridge doesn't count, huh? I definitely need to buckle down and commit to exercising, too.
I cannot imagine trying to choose a name, I don't envy you the task. I've seen lots of cute names out there, but that's exactly the issue - sometimes it seems all of the good ones are taken!
Thank you very much for your kind words about my decorating. I took the Wilton courses about 3 years ago and did a cake here and a cake there. The overalls cake in my photos was the first cake I'd done in about 2 years and I just did that one about 6 months ago or so.
As I told Deb, I feel like I've forgotten more than I know - especially after looking at everyone's beautiful piping work. I definitely have to practice!
On a good note, I just got an e-mail from the SIL of the girl whose wedding I just did. She wants me to do her wedding cake, too (Dec 20th). That's exciting and scary - the nerves aren't helping my munchies any, either.
BTW - I know this is not weight-loss related, but do any of you have any books, videos that you really like and would recommend for a relative newbie?
Oh yeah, Deb, I LOVED your boob cake. I didn't have the naughty cakes enabled and, when Diane talked about your boob cake, I was like "huh" So, I just enabled the naughty cakes and WOW! I'm not showing it to my hubby or he'll want one - cake I mean. 
Have a great day, ladies. Thanks again, Diane - you ROCK!! Go Chunky Monkeys!!!
Yes, Stacy, we all have those times. I've been trying to get into a bit of a funk with the change in weather. It's turning cold and it's been pretty dreary looking. Won't be going out as much, so will be staying in the house more "where all the food is" 
Soooo, it's during these times that we have to really focus and remind ourselves why we started our goals to lose weight. We have to stay strong and determined to make sure that our goals are accomplished. I can do this, YOU can do this, WE ALL can do this. We are WORTH it!!! We are all going to be healthy and live long enough to be burdens on everyone we know 
(That's really my main goal for getting healthy) Seriously, we can all achieve our goals. We just have to want it enough and love ourselves enough to do it. It may take some time and we may falter every now and then but we are all strong and with the help of each other, WE ARE GOING TO DO THIS!!!!!! 
1 pound down from last Monday. Planning on losing another 2 pounds by next Monday.... GO CHUNKY MONKEY'S
Stacy--hands down the absolute best money you could spend (IMHO) on cake decorating: Sugarshack's DVDs--Truly, if I'd had these when I first started I can't tell you the amount of time--we're talking days and weeks here--that I could have saved in sheer frustration time!!!! I love, love, love them--they are practical, solid, and so doable!! I swear I am not collecting sales commission on these DVDs--they are just that good!!!! Congrats on the next wedding!! Wonderful!!
Congrats butternut!!! Way to go! And Amen to every word you said--especially on the getting healthy part! GO CHUNKY MONKEYS!!
Okay so I've been a bad Chunky Monkey. I'm not even going to think about how many of those stupid little candy bars I have eaten since Friday. UGH!! They are EVIL!
The mood thing must be floating around. I totally agree with the weather probably adding to it. Here it has been cold, pretty warm, cool, pretty warm... Typical Texas weather, you would think I would have gotten use to it. I'm also PMSing so that is not helping with my mood either.
My eating schedule is getting better, and I'm almost back on track there. I really need to watch portion contols again. It is amazing how fast you can revert back to bad habits in such a short period of time.
I didn't lose this week. I'm about the same, but I expect that.
I haven't been working out either. I keep telling myself every day I am going to walk, but it hasn't happened yet. I just need to make myself do it. UGH!
I have 5 weeks until my 30th birthday. I'd had hoped I would lose 10 more pound by then, but since I lost my way that isn't going to happen. If I start working hard now I may be able to get 5 more off before then. It'd be nice to be in the 150's again. When I lost weight before I got done as low as 158. I usually stayed between 160-163, but I did hit 158 on the scale. I'd like to pass that up again.
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
*comforts TX*
Dont' be hard on yourself. You always have tomorrow to start again. And remember it's better to lose 3 lbs a month FOREVER then 15 lbs for a few weeks. Permanent weight loss will be better for you overall. Also maintaining weight is a HUGE challenge for most people. Even if you didn't lose this past week, at least you didn't gain.
I'm looking forward to weigh in on Wednesday. I can't wait to get my permanent crown in my mouth. I've finally stopped playing with the temp so my tongue is healing, but it's still strange to try and eat. Thank goodness for foods that can be mooshed between the roof my mouth and my tongue. LOL
I started my first Fondant and Gum Paste class tonight. (first time teaching it that is). It went very well. I have a course 1 class starting on Wednesday with 9 people signed up. I'm so eager to see the paycheck. It'll pay for the cake crap I've purchased the last 2 months. Lots of new pans, cake boards, tips and all sorts of wonderful stuff I wish I had more use for.
I should hear about the Baskin Robbins job in a couple of days also. And I got a new hair cut. It's SHORT, much shorter than I've had in a very long time. I'll have to post it as my avatar when i get it off my camera and onto my computer.
Anyway, I love you monkeys. Keep up the great work.
Deb, did you teach the course exactly like the book? Are these students from C3 or from the earlier courses?
And thank you! It will get better. Usually for my period I crave salty. This month it seems to be sweet stuff. Thank goodness it is only a week long. HeHe.
Anyway, the classes are:
Nick Lodge - Tropical Flowers 2-3 March, 8:30-4:30 - $350
Elisa Strauss - Sushi Cake 2 March, 8:30-4:30 - $175
Debbie Brown - Persian Palace Cake 2-3 March, 8:30-4:30 - $350
Debbie Brown - Indian Wedding Cake w/ Ganesh 4-5 March, 8:30-4:30 - $350
Roland Winbeckler - Writing Made Easy 2 March, 8:30-10:30 - $50
Marsha Winbeckler - Fancy Borders w/ Basic Tips 2 March, 11:30-1:30 - $50
Marsha Winbeckler - Cocoa Painting 2 March, 2:30-4:30 - $50
Roland Winbeckler - Airbrush Demo 2 March, 6-8pm - $50
Roland Winbeckler - Easy Piped Figures 3 March, 8:30-10:30am - $50
Marsha Winbeckler - Marzipan Figures 3 March, 11:30-1:30 - $50
Roland Winbeckler - Buttercream Flowers 3 March, 2:30-4:30 - $50
If you only had $350 to spend (which i'm not sure I even have yet) How would you spend it to get the most impressive experience available from this list?
Personally, I'd go for the Nic one, but that is because I'm getting more interested in gumpaste and want to learn from one of the best.
I'm not sure about the Debbie classes. Do they have pictures of the cakes? Are they something you think you would ever do?
I have mixed feelings about the Roland ones. I saw him do a Buttercream demo at ICES years ago (he practical does the same one every year). From what I remember, he pipes using parchment bags and no tips. The figures he piped were cute, but they remind me kinda of some of the stuff you see in the grocery store. Do they have pictures of any of these things? If not I'd search for their names and see if they have a site. I know both have books so maybe they have some pictures of some of the things online to give you an idea.
Do you have an airbrush? If not, then I wouldn't spend the money on that one. It would be nice info for the future, but if cash is limited I'd stick to others.
Help any? HeHe.
I think I taught from the book. We had a lot of interruptions because 2 of the students were given the wrong supply lists. 3 of the students had the wrong lesson plan. None of them brought cake boards so I offered to use my pack, which meant I didn't have enough to do my own. But all in all it was a good group.
Only 1 of the students has been my student before. Another is taking Course 1 starting on Wednesday. I don't mind if she takes the FGP and Course 1 concurrently because they are completely different techniques. Other than the level, torte and fill I don't see that you need anything from Course 1 in the FGP class.
I don't believe any of the students have taken Course 3 yet.
And I found this book when I was doing my weekly ebay cake search. I just had to share it with the monkey gals here.
Aww, I move things around a little in the lesson plan. I'm a naughty WMI in that way. HeHe. (If you want to know, just PM me and I'll share. HeHe)
I just love when there are mix ups and people don't come prepared. Hope next week goes even better for ya.
Love the book cover!
I've been a member of weight watchers. After triplets I weighed 220. I weighed myself and weigh 103 pounds. It took me 3 years. I highly recommend weight watchers flex points.
Thanks for the recommend buntdiva--I've done WW and just never been very successful with it--tried on-line in Jan lost a few lbs, just lack stick-to-it ability! I'm so glad it worked for you though and for so many others too. I'm kind of liking my no white sugar, white flour, milk, beef or pork diet right now or should I say eating plan--It's coming together again. I've been doing well today--except for a taste of the carrot cake I made for a new customer--just felt the need for a little quality control--not bad--it's my Grandma Alta's recipe so I know it's good, I just wanted my new customer to be pleased! Anyway, I actually walked first thing this morning and I didn't have to back down on the speed which surprised the heck out of me because I haven't walked on the treadmill in wks.!!!! We went to Stillwater (Oklahoma State U is there) last night to see my son perform in Freshman follies (singing, dancing, crazy talented kids!) and didn't get home til 12:30 AM then had to finish the cake I just mentioned (it was a puppy paw print like the one in my pictures). Didn't get to bed til almost 2AM--I'm just kind of shot and so thankful I can just relax for awhile! How about the rest of you Chunky Monkeys!!
Well hello long lost monkeys.
I'm doing well I think. Not a lot in the weight loss arena. But I get my permanent crown this week, that should help the chewing issues and allow me back to normal eating routines.
I started digging up the hedges in the front yard today. I'm prepping the flower bed for new plantings and getting rid of the hedges that have mildew. It's a north wall, gets no sun and the hedges are ugly. We're geting ready to paint the house too, so I figured this was a good time to tear them out and prep for prettier shade happy plants.
Anyway, this should burn a few extra calories over the next few days/weeks.
I've been thinking of you all lately and hope that everyone is doing fantastic.
Hey everyone. Wow, can you believe that it's almost Sunday already. Geeeez, time does fly. I think the last week has gone well. I've stuck to my "healthy eating" and I should do well on the scale Monday morning. But we will see. Sometimes that scale is a bit moody I ordered some exercise DVD's yesterday and I can't wait to get them in. I got the Core Rhythms set. It's basic moves that you do in Latin dance and it looks like it will give me a pretty good mid section work out and that's what I really need. Got a couple rolls there that I would like to do away with. Walking just isn't doing it. Hope everyone is doing great and getting closer and closer to their goals. Take care my fellow Chunky Monkeys.....
Another day of yard work today and I'm pooped. I am not looking forward to finishing the front flower bed and setting a new flower border and possibly new walk path. Lots of work, I'm sure I'll love it when it's done but sheesh....
I got a job offer to be a part time decorator at Baskin Robbins. I'm super excited because BR is what inspired me as a teenager to dream about decorating cakes as an adult. Funny that it took me over 15 years to actually bring that dream to life. But now I'm really worried about time in a week. I have a minimum of 18 hours of work at BR, I have the classes I teach at JoAnns, I have 4 college classes, and I have a house, hsuband and pets to take care of. I might be biting off more than I can chew. I'm going to see what happens and if it's too much I'll have to figure out which job needs to go bye bye.
Anywho, love you ladies and keep up the great weight loss work.
Good morning Chunky Monkeys!
Hope this is the start of a beautiful week for all of you! Sorry I haven't been around much lately.
My in-laws came into town this weekend to go to the 70th birthday party of a friend who lives about 1 1/2 away from us. I did the cake as their present to him. They were supposed to come Friday evening, spend the night here, leave Saturday morning for the friend's place, spend the night there and go home Sunday. No problem, I could put a dinner in the crock pot for Friday night and have the cake done before they came, right? WRONG!
They called me late Tuesday afternoon to say that they would be coming Thursday instead. Schedule blown to smithereens, I did my famous headless chicken impression to get ready. Then they informed me Friday night that they were coming back Saturday night to stay with us, rather than staying with the friend.
I thought I had things pretty well organized, and actually I guess I did. It was just exhausting. I am not one to let guests fend for themselves (got that from my mom and her mom), so I spent most of last week/weekend on my feet, up at the crack of dawn and not going to bed until nearly 2am.
So, now I am trying desperately to fend off a cold, hormones from Hades, and the general yucky/cranky feeling that comes with way too little sleep and way too much water retention. (I swear I'm carrying enough water to float the Titanic right now.)
I decided that I would not add insult to injury today by stepping on the scale, so I will let you know Wednesday how things are going. Good news or not, it is a new week and I am inspired by the success and determination of my fellow Chunky Monkeys. I CAN do this. I WILL do this. I may be too senile to enjoy by the time I make it there, but I will make it!
Margie, you just ROCK! You are doing SO well. Thank you for being such an inspiration by example! I can't wait to hear what you think of your new videos. Please keep us posted! Also, good luck on your weigh-in today.
YAY DEB! Congratulations on getting the BR job!!! I'm SO excited for you! I know you'll work out your schedule. You just hang in there. All that yard work sounds exhausting, but it also sounds like terrific exercise. Also, good luck with the permanent crown. I'm sure that will be a blessing.
Diane, thanks for the suggestion of Sugarshack's DVD's. I've read lots of threads where people recommended them. I actually asked hubby for them for my birthday and I'm ordering them today per his instructions. Can't wait to get them!
Well, I'm off to get the kids dressed and try to get the post-company clean up started. Have a terrific Monday. GO CHUNKY MONKEYS!!
Diane, I'm with you. Someone else's diet plan isn't going to work for me. I have to find the one that fits in to my life easily and doesn't require alot of thought. I can't go as strict as you, I love me some beef, but if it works for you, I say go for it!
Deb, just remember all that hard work outside is going to pay off in more ways than one. Not only will it leave you something very pretty to look at it, but it also burns tons of calories. So you benifit two fold.
Congrats for the BR job. I say try it out and see what happens. Maybe you will find a way to work it all out. Do they pick your schedule at BR? If not, can you do the bulk of your hours on days you don't have school? At HL, do they let you make your schedule? You can always schedule two or three classes on Saturday or back to back during the week, to save you several trips up there.
Margie, do let us know how the videos are. I quickly peaked at them after seeing your other thread. They look interesting and maybe something I could talk myself into doing. How did your weigh in go?
Stacy after your weekend I say you need a break! Just remember all that busy busy helps burn calories. Sometimes we just got put that postive twist on all those non fun things we do.
My week last week went okay. I'm not doing bad at eating, just not doing great either. Exercise has been non existant. I keep telling myself I will walk, and I keep don't. UGH!! I'll get back on the bandwagon soon. I have 4 weeks to my birthday. I can still lose more before then if I put my mind to it. Maybe? Right?
I did lose another pound this week. I'm now down to 161.2. 3 more lbs and I'll be back where I was 2 years ago.
Hugs Monkeys!
Hey guys. Hope everyone had a nice week-end. It sure went by quickly.
Stacy - You are just too kind. Thank you so much.
TS - I'm really looking forward to the videos. I really think that it's much better to get exercise doing something you really like and I've always liked dancing. Although I have to admit, it's been a while since I've done anything like that. Should be interesting. I'll let ya know when I get them and give em a try. Congrats on the pound loss. Sounds like you are back on track. I know you can and will reach your goal!!!
I did pretty good for the week. I didn't reach my 2 pound goal but I can live with a loss of 1 1/2 pounds. I'm going for the 2 pound loss next Monday. I can do it, I can do it!!!! It used to be so much easier to lose weight. Metabolism sure does slow down with age. I used to be able to lose at least 2 pounds every week and not hardly even exercise. Not anymore. I refuse though to go much under 1200 calories a day. I try for 1200 and I very rarely go over that. I walk at least 2 miles every day except Sunday. I'm hoping the exercise videos will help out a little bit and get my metabolism going a bit more. But whatever I manage to lose, I'll just go with the flow and I'll eventually reach my goal. I have to do this to try to bring down my cholesterol. Two years ago my total was 173. I had it checked again a few months ago and it had gone up to 239. I couldn't believe that it had gone up that much in just two years. The only thing different is that on this last visit I had gained about 65 pounds since the time it was 173. That has to be the problem. Amazing what extra weight can do to your body.... Not gonna let it happen again. I'm taking charge!!!!!!!! We are all taking charge of our bodies and I'm so proud of each one of us. We CAN and will reach our goals!!!!!!!!!!
I haven't posted in a long time...mostly because of the hypothyroidism diagnosis and knowing that dieting while that was still up in the air wasn't going to help.
In fact, I gained more weight. 
I was up to 175lbs by the time I saw a specialist (in October). However, since that appointment, my hypothyroidism symptoms are going away (YAY!) and I've been able to LOSE WEIGHT! Since that appt, I've lost 12lbs. My doctor has my on low-carb for life, because of the risk if diabetes and the way my body handles carbs with the hypothyroidism.
I'll be updating my ticker soon.
It feels good to be back on track.
Welcome back, emrldsky!!!
Glad your doc was able to get your hypothyroidism under control and you are feeling better and back on the path to achieving your weight reduction goals. Congratulations!
Congrats, too, on the 12 pounds! That is really wonderful.
I look forward to getting to know you better as we share the journey to a healthy weight together!
emrldsky - I'm so glad that things are getting back on the right track for you. I know it must have been frustrating. Wow, you've lost 12 pounds. Just shows what you can do when everything is right with your body. I'm so happy for you. Keep up the great work and you'll reach your goal before you know it!!
Hello
How are you all doing? May I please be a part of your group? I am 28 yrs old, married - no kids. I want to loose about 70 pounds. I have tried all diets out there and they seem to work partially, but not all the way.
I am now doing weigh watchers and I really want to loose the weight. You all will be real inspiration to me on my weight loss quest. Thanks
Kendi
Hey there Kendi. Welcome, welcome. So glad you are joining us. Sounds like you are off to a good start with Weight Watchers. I wanted to go with them but was told I shouldn't because I was pre diabetic. I know of a LOT of people who have been very successful with them. The people here on CC are great and I think you'll enjoy being part of our forum. Everyone here has their ups and downs, good weeks, bad weeks. We stick together and during the not so good weeks we encourage each other to keep going. It really helps because we all know that we can relate to what the other is going through. It's a very positive forum and I love everyone of my Chunky Monkey pals.
Welcome, Kendi. You are now officially a Chunky Monkey! That's a good thing. I can't wait to get to know you better and cheer your successes.
So, how long have you been on Weight Watchers? Are you doing the flex points or the core plan? Are you going to meetings or doing it online? Does it sound like the Spanish Inquisition yet??
We're here to help you on your way to a fitter, happier, healthier you. The road to our goal weight can be longer than we'd like it to be, but the journey isn't so bad when you have wonderful ladies like I have been blessed to meet here.
Welcome again. goooOOOOOOO CHUNKY MONKEYS!!!
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