L. Marie Dubuque's Blog

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I bought a pair of jeans for my son at the Lucky Brand Jeans web site. Then, I happened to be at the store the next day and the sales woman handed me a coupon for free shipping online.

As soon as I got home, I called the 800 number to see if I could use the coupon code. She said no! The jeans had already shipped. Ughh! Anyway, maybe I can save you the shipping charge.

Here is the code:

Enter LUCKYFGS at check-out to receive free shipping. This promotional code expires on July 12, 2009.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I received this promo code in my e-mail this morning: Buy any bra at Victoria's Secret and it ships free. Enter coupon code SHIPBRA at check-out.

This is a good deal, because usually when Victoria's Secret offers free shipping there is usually a minimum dollar amount that you have to spend. Here you only have to buy one bra.

Remember the deal ends tomorrow.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

Looking for a great beach read? Now you can save money on best sellers, or any other book at Barnes and Noble, even those on sale. The coupon code is good online an in stores, but only on one item.

The coupon code for in store is 500531. For online purchases use U3J9B7C

This offer is valid until June 15, 2009. Happy reading!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I really like the liquid soap at Bath and Body Works. It just smells so good! I try to buy soap at the grocery store or warehouse club instead. But when there is a sale this good, I have to stock up!

Save $10 on any purchase of $40 or more with this code: 9523

The offer ends at midnight on June 14, 2009.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I haven't colored my own hair since I was in my 20's when my brown tresses turned a burnt orange color! But I decided to take the plunge again when Sephora started selling hair color.

I love the color I get at the salon, but I want to save money, And I'm tired of spending two and half hours with the hair stylist (as much as I like her!)

So with my husband Mark's help, I followed the directions on the package, and after a breathless 35 minute wait, the color turned out great! I have to say the tone I started with ran a little dark, at least for me. It was a dark blonde, but looked dark brown on me. I ended up using light blonde all over, and on my hair, looks more like a light brown. It's really pretty. I'm planning on trying the very light blonde as highlights, although Mark has volunteered to thread strands through the cap with what looks like a crochet needle. I'll let you know how it goes!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I really hope Borders stays in business. I like the atmosphere...I like their coffee, and frankly I like to be able to go into a store and leaf through a book. I know, I can do that virtually online as well. But it's not quite the same.

Here's a good excuse to go to the store. They are offering 40% off the list price of one book. The deal is only good through Monday. Simply paste this URL into your browser and print out the coupon, because it is good only in stores.

http://www.bordersmedia.com/coup/coupon400520.asp

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I received a call on my cell phone today. It was a recording stating that spending on my debit card is being halted. And I should call an 800 number or press 1 to speak to someone in security.

First of all, I don't even have a debit card. So that raised my suspicions right away. And even if it had been my credit card company, a live person would have called me (at least from my card issuer anyway) and my credit card company doesn't even have my cell phone number.

So if you get a call like this, don't call their 800 number, and don't press 1 either. Simply call the 800 number on the back of your credit or debit card. As soon as you call that number, the person who answers the phone will transfer you to the security department if there is a problem.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

Midwest Sports is having a big sale on tennis shoes and racquets. They are offering a lot of discounts on close-outs. So even if you don't play tennis, it's worth checking out.

Also save an additional 10% if you enter coupon code TNISEM6 15 at check-out. The deal is good until Monday, May 18, 2009. Also, you'll receive free shipping on orders of at least $75.

I found a huge Head tennis bag that looks like it holds about four racquets for $51. Regular price is $70. Happy tennis shopping!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I am a sunscreen fanatic. After spending way too much time way too much time basking in UV rays, I am determined to protect my aging skin now! So I couldn't pass up this deal at Sephora.

For $22.50 you get 13 products plus a beach bag! Of course, they're not full-size bottles, but you get a super selection, and you can to try out a whole lot of great sunscreens. They include Clarins, DDF (which is my personal favorite) Philosphy, Smashbox, Ole Henrikson (another one I love) and Shiseido.

The collection includes two sunscreens developed exclusively for the eye area, which I am anxious to try.

So have fun with this, because Sephora says they are giving 100 percent of their net profits to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I know what you're thinking. Why in the world would anyone buy salmon at Amazon? Because i'ts cheap, that's why!

This giant internet retailer has gotten into the grocery business big time. They offer some great deals on vauum packed smoked salmon that you don't have to refrigerate until you open the package.

They are offering a box of SeaBear Salmon (eight ounces) for $32.35. Regular price is $49.98. And if you enter coupon code SEABER59 at check-out, you'll save another $5.

Remember, Salmon is rich in Omega and Vitamin D.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

The economy must really be hurting, because I don't remember when Fannie May offered this good of a deal right before a holiday.

For the next three days they will give you a 30% discount if you spend at least $39. The coupon code is 10416.

The offer expires on May 3, 2009/

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

Overstock.com is offering 10% just about everything in the store until April 28, 2009. Here is the code you can use at check-out:

141904-141904200904234745855-1-0fae4e

I have gotten a lot of great deals at this place. Happy shopping!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I am getting flooded with discount coupon codes from retailers. I only post the ones I think are the best deals. Here is one from Land's End:

Get 30% off just about anything in the online store with this code LESU. PIN is 03048395.

Hurry, the deal ends tonight at midnight. I buy all my husband's pants and some clothes for my son there. The prices are pretty good normally, so when they offer a discount, I run.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

If you buy a Clinique eye set at Sephora for $18.50 ($49 value) you'll receive a deluxe sample of Clinique's Glosswear in "Fireberry." Simply enter coupon code LASHPOWER at check-out.

Believe me, when Sephora says "deluxe sample" they mean it. The container is not as big as the actual product size, but about four times as large as a regular sample. Usually if someone says "sample," you think of one application at best.

I have not tried the Clinique eye set. It does include an eye cream, a pencil and a mascara. And the lip gloss has an SPF of 15.

If you spend $50 at Sephora, you'll get free shipping.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

Looking for new Spring clothes? Old Navy is offering 30% off new arrivals plus free shipping if you spend at least $150. Simply enter code NEW30 at check-out. The deal ends April 9, 2009.

I've had good luck at Old Navy, especially for my 13 year old son. The only thing he complained about, was that the shorts hit him above the knee. So, he wears these low-riders! He's almost six feet tall, so everything pretty much runs too short.

About a month ago, I found some great racer-back type sleeveless sweaters for under $20. I like their shirts, because they run a little longer in the length. And if you're long-waisted like me, that really helps.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I don't know how they work; I'm just jealous of the person who came up with this idea! As soon as you think know one has come up with a novel idea lately, along comes the Fitflop. But are these simply glorified sandals, or the revolutionary way to tone your legs by simply walking across the parking lot? And for those of you old enough to remember, wasn't there something similar in the 70's?

Either way, Bath and Body Works is offering free shipping if you want to try out a pair. Simply enter coupon code SHIPFITFLOP at check-out. And honestly, what is Bath and Body Works doing selling shoes? I guess that's for another post.

Anyone who decides to take the plunge, will you let me know how you like them? At $34.75 a pair, I'm not sure I want to spend the money until I get some truthful testimonials.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

Fannie Mae's candy is irresistable, I have to admit. Trinidads are my favorites. If you're searching for a cheap...err inexpensive...Easter gift, this enduring candy retailer is offering free shipping with coupon code 10390 (simply enter it at check-out.)

Also they are advertising a lot of baskets for under $20. I've bought boxes of Fannie Mae candy for hostess gifts.

If you order by April 2nd, they guarantee delivery in time for Easter.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

The Popcorn Factory is offering a deal on its two gallon "bunny and egg design tin." Regularly priced at $29.99, you can buy it for $14.99.

The gift basket also includes chocolate chip cookies, chocolate bunny cookies, pretzels and honey-roasted peanuts. This is a great Easter gift for those kids who are too old to hunt for candy, but still love snacks! Problem is, our son has braces, and popcorn and braces don't mix.

I've been looking for dark chocolate eggs, and I can't find them anywhere, except Godiva, and that is a little expensive. I've checked Sam's Club and two different grocery stores. I found every type of egg under the sun, except dark chocolate!

I finally found a merchant on Amazon that sells dark chocolate eggs, but they were sold out! If there are so many of us who prefer dark chocolate over milk, why won't the supermarkets carry them?

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

You wouldn't thinks so, but Target carries some really contemporary furniture. And don't go by what you see in the stores. Much of their best stuff is only available online. Plus, their running a 75 percent-off clearance sale on some of their pieces.

Also, get $5 off your $50 order if you enter coupon code TCREAT34 at check-out.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

Eddie Bauer's spring sale starts today....but it ends tomorrow! They say you'll save up to 40 percent on more than 175 warm-weather styles. Also get free shipping if you spend at least $50 with coupon code SPRING50.

I bought some cute yoga clothes there a few months ago. I got 20 percent off plus a free water bottle. I know they are known for outer wear, but Eddie Bauer does have other things that are worth taking a look.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

Victoria's Secret is offering 40 percent off all their clearance items. Plus you'll receive free shipping if you spend at least $100 and enter this code at check-out: FREE100.

Also save even more on sleep wear and shoes with this code: SAVE40.

And if you need panties, get seven for $24.50 if you enter code BUY7.

VS seems to offer specials every other day. But this one, I thought, was a particularly good deal.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

Lands' End is known as the conservative clothing retailer. And these days, everyone is talking about those slenderizing swimsuits they sell. I have never tried one, but now may be the time with that 20 percent off sale going on until tomorrow. The savings apply to everything store-wide.

I have bought their beach bags which are very sturdy, and you can monogram them at no extra charge.

Enter promotion code SAVENOW and pin number 00001539 at checkout.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

Neiman Marcus is advertising all their new Spring arrivals. But forget those and concentrate on the 65 percent off sale! Also, if you enter coupon code NMSHIP you get free shipping on anything you buy! I know their stuff is not cheap, but those mark downs are worth checking out! I'm heading there now...

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

All this week, Steak & Shake is offering half price drinks from 2-4 p.m. You can order a soda or a shake, it doesn't matter....everyone gets the same deal. The only drink not included in this special is Red Bull.

So forget the bars and coffee houses. Make Steak & Shake your after-work cool down place this week.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

If you're in the mood for some new spring clothes, head to the Gap or Old Navy, and you'll not only save 30 percent through tomorrow (March 15th) but the company will also contribute five percent of whatever you spend to your favorite charity.

This deal also includes Banana Republic. The online coupon code is: D7B349MFVWWN

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

If you normally shop at Sam's Club once a month, make sure you make a couple of trips during March! Discover Card is offering 5% cash back only this month for Sam's Club purchases up to $200. Normally the credit card only offers a quarter percent back at this warehouse club. But to get the rebate you need to register at Discover.com or call the 800 number on the back of your card.

I usually spend about $200 a month there, anyway, so I'll make sure to stock up. I especially like the prices on soda and coffee. Recently I stopped buying the big bag of Starbucks whole bean coffee, and started going with the Sam's brand, which is cheaper, and I think tastes just as good. Also, if you buy energy drinks, you'll save a bundle. Each can of Red Bull is at least $1.50 in the grocery store, and only about 50 cents a piece at Sam's.

And if you're in the mood for a little wardrobe pick-me-up, Sam's also sells some great purses!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I know it's been a while since I've posted. But those last few pounds were a killer! And if you've been keeping track, you know that my goal was to lose 12 lbs with Wii Fit. Well, I stopped at 10, because right now, I feel great! I went from a BMI of 23 to 21. I wear a size four! It feels pretty good rolling into bathing suit season.

The past couple weeks, I have been stepping up my Wii Fit routine. I work out with the game at least 45 minutes a day. And I really watch my sugar and carb intake. But aside from exercising and counting calories, I honestly think my weight loss had less to do with Nintendo and more to do with simply writing this blog. I knew I would be held accountable here! I was well aware that I couldn't blow it, especially since I practically documented every pound I lost.

That doesn't mean that every person who wants to lose weight should start a blog. But it's not a bad idea! Participating in a support group where you actually join in (and not just lurk) will do the same. Any time peer pressure is at work, you'll see results! That's what I believe anyway. And it really helped that my husband Mark was also on board. By the way, he reached his goal way before I did! And it was much easier for him, of course. We are now the exact same BMI....As we watch our rail-thin son scarf down three scoops of ice cream a day!

We have basically changed our lifestyle as well. We eat our big meal at lunch (at least on the weekends.) And we make healthy choices (or at least try to.) I know that I could not have done this by myself. And now, the hard part...keeping the weight off. As Oprah can attest, it's not easy. But, if I have any trouble, I know where to turn!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I haven't posted in a while because I had a horrible cold. I even missed one day working out with Wii Fit because of it. I am back on track now, still three pounds away from my goal.

I read this article about finding your happy weight. It talks about losing "vanity pounds." Do I fall into that category? After all, I was a normal weight to start with...I'm just trying to get to the lower end of normal instead of hovering around the higher side of what society tells us is an ok weight for everyone.

I see another side to that argument. I don't think it's vain to want to get down to my weight in college. I am now three pounds away from that goal, and I feel leaner, stronger and yes, clothes look better. What's wrong with that? Yes, it's hard, and I hope I can maintain that number on the scale. But, if I don't, it's ok, and I'll never be under-weight, just on the low side of "normal." I mean, there are limits as to how far I will go to keep the weight down. For instance, I simply can not develop a taste for skim milk. To me, it tastes too watered down. People say you get used to it. I'm not willing to do that. Give me the 2% and I'll just deal with the consequences.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I am so close! I can't believe I was nine pounds heavier seven weeks ago. Only three lbs to go and I will reach my goal. My BMI is now 21.6. Once I reach my goal weight I am finished losing weight! But I know maintaining is the hard part.

I have to admit it is hard to step on the Wii platform every single morning. But I know if I miss even one day, I will slide back. Unlike Mark, who just thinks about losing weight and the numbers on the scale are down. He hasn't been on the Wii in so long, the computer character asks me where he's been! Still, he is only two pounds away from his goal. Someone told me, it is just easier for men, and that they don't have any cellulite. I guess that's true!

I have this nice little routine going with my Wii Fit. I do pushups, then the side plank, then the downward dog; then I move on to some other yoga poses, and finish with the hula hoop and the advanced step routine, for a total of 30 minutes. I try to walk on the treadmill for at least 15 minutes in the evening, but lately I have been too busy to even do that, yet I am still losing weight. I am really going to step it up this week, because I am so anxious to finally get there.

Substituting cereal for a poached egg in the morning, I think was my big breakthrough. Because no matter how much you exercise, if you eat the wrong foods, nothing will work. I can't believe how much easier it is to eat less now. I am no longer as hungry. Maybe your body suddenly gets used to subsisting on less food?

I am hoping my next post will have me at my goal weight. Because I really don't want the Wii Fit avatar to tell me I'm not there yet!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I have made just a few tiny modifications in my diet that have made a huge difference. Instead of eating cereal in the morning, I eat an egg. Instead of 2 percent milk, I drink skim. I eat at home and very seldom go out. Granted, it's a bit of an inconvenience to have a refrigerator full of three different kinds of milk! Mark drinks 2 percent, our son drinks whole milk and I'm the one that switched to skim. That is one thing Mark will not give up. I don't blame him. He's lost more weight than me, still!

Anyway, it feels really good to be so close. I watch the bar graph on the Wii Fit slowly go down. I have to say, it is difficult to step on that Wii platform every single morning. But the exercises go fast, and 30 minutes is over in no time. It's funny. The balance poses are the hardest and I think, do me the most good. At first I thought, how is standing on one leg going to help me lose weight? Then I realized that takes a lot of strength!

If only I didn't have to deal with that darned hula hoop! But it's helped me whittle down my waist. I think I am down a clothing size. Now it's time to go shopping! No, I'll wait for some better sales.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

Yesterday, when I hopped on the Wii Fit, I was told, "Congratulations, you haven't missed a day in six weeks!" I guess that's the good news. Because the bad news is, I thought I would have reached my goal by now! But I am only five pounds away. That's very close, and I know I can do it.

Once you get to the final leg of your journey, it becomes easier. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Ok, enough with the cliches. Mark is still losing more weight than me and eating more, but I am ok with it. My weight hasn't be this low, well, since college! And I feel really strong. I am trying to vary the workouts all the time. Today, was the first day I didn't do the step. I thought it was getting a little repetitive. So I worked more on strength and yoga. And I can feel my muscles. I made sure I did the hula hoop, which as you know I really HATE! That and the push ups. But I never miss the "pushup/side plank" exercise. I do it first to get the darn thing over with.

As far as my eating, I'm really getting into the protein thing, and severely cutting back on carbs. In fact, I've completely given up cereal in the morning in favor of a pouched egg and a fruit smoothie. When I did that, the pounds started coming off! My only little setback happened yesterday when I ate too much of that Valentine's candy! It was for our son. Mark and I were really good. For the first time on this holiday, neither of us gave the other chocolate!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I just finished reading Venice Kichura's article on the advantages of slow weight loss. I am inspired! I was getting a little down because I expected to be very near my goal at this time, but as it stands, I am not quite half way there.

Yesterday I worked out for an hour on the Wii. I know, I usually stop at 30 minutes. But we went out to lunch with friends and had the most fabulous gyros and Turkish coffee. Before you say, "Oh no," rest assured, the pita bread was whole grain, the sauce (I put on very little) was yogurt based, and the lamb was lean.

As I was obsessively discussing my Wii Fit weight loss challenge at lunch, (I wonder why people put up with me these days) one friend suggested I buy whey protein powder to get more protein in my diet. I thought, good idea. On the way home Mark and I stopped at Sam's and I bought a huge bag of the stuff, and promptly made a smoothie as soon as I got home. It consisted of four strawberries (I know they're not in season and probaby pesticide-ridden from a third world country, but I was dying for berries) a cup of plain low-fat yogurt, a cup of 2 percent milk, two heaping teaspoons of whey protein powder, and a tablespoon of ground flaxseed. I blended all the ingredients, and what came out actually tasted pretty good! And it actually makes me a lot less hungry.

Also, my other friend suggested I change cereals. I was a Total cereal-aholic. But when I compared boxes, Total has only three grams of fiber compared to Kashi Go Lean's 12 grams. Also, Kashi contains more protein. I know Total has more vitamins, but I'll just take a supplement.

I am off to work out with the Wii. I might forego the pushup/side plank today. After all, it is Sunday.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I finally have my food plan down. I eat Total cereal with bananas in the morning as well as a hard boiled egg. Then for lunch I have yogurt along with a teaspoon of peanut butter. Then I snack on a piece of fruit in the afternoon. Dinner consists of chicken or fish and a salad, and maybe a couple cookies or a Weight Watchers muffin for dessert.

Honestly, I feel less hungry throughout the day! It could be because I am only working out 30 minutes instead of 45 with Wii Fit. Or it could be the protein from the egg and the peanut butter. Anyway, I can feel the weight coming off. I am not going to weigh myself for another couple days.

I am also varying the exercises I do on the Wii Fit. Some days I do more strength and yoga, and other days more cardio. I absolutely HATE the hula hoop. But I make myself do it everyday. I do feel like I it is wittling down my waist a little bit. I also can't stand the push-up and plank exercise. But, again I make myself do it first thing. I love the advanced step. I'm getting pretty good at it too, at least the machine says so. But what frustrates me a little with Wii Fit, is that it tell me, "very stable, well done," when I am not even on the platform, and there is no way it could be measuring me. For instance, when you're doing the bridge pose in yoga, you don't use the platform or the remote, and it still tells my I'm doing great. I guess the words of encouragement help, even though they basically mean nothing.

Mark and I are still battling it out, and so far, he is winning. He lost seven pounds to my five and a half. But my friend told me we should be competing on percentage loss, rather than lbs, because he is heavier. I mentioned that to my adoring husband, and he retorted, "Ok then, tell me you're weight." I replied, "Only when I reach my goal weight and then you and the world will know."

So that ended that conversation. I guess we will continue to compete pound for pound.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

It all started at lunch on Saturday. Between bites of his gooey, cheesy pizza, Mark finally told me he had lost seven pounds! I had to practically beat it out of him! I think he didn't want to tell me because here he was, exercising less and eating more! I was totally deflated. I was practically killing myself, and here he was, working out a little everyday and basically still eating almost everything he wanted. But I have to give him this; he is cutting back on lunch quite a bit at work. But I see my sweetie at dinner every night, chowing down as usual!

This revelation prompted me to rethink my exercise habits. I was starting to dread that 45 minutes on the Wii every morning. And all that exercise made me extremely hungry throughout the day, so I was inclined to eat even more!

So this is what I did; I began working out only 30 minutes every morning with Wii Fit. That way I am less hungry during the day. Then at night, I walk on the treadmill while I am watching TV. I don't allow myself to just sit and watch the tube. If there is a show I want to see, I make myself walk and watch at the same time.

And the results are in: I am down a half a pound. It know, it's not that much. But at least I am making progress and am not dreading my workout everyday. In fact, I rather look forward to it. 30 minutes seems much less daunting than 45. And I do equal parts strength, yoga and aerobics. So I am really feeling my muscles, still.

My goal of losing eight more pounds seems much more attainable now; it just might take me another two months to get there. But so what? There's no finish line.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

This morning, the Wii Fit avatar told me there is probably no way I am going to reach my weight loss goal in two weeks, at the rate I am going. What a self-esteem deflater? I mean, really, I have lost five pounds in one month. At least I'm losing!! Ok, so I am not going fast enough for the machine, I'm not gaining either!

So I reset my weight loss goal to seven lbs in one month. I figure I can realistically attain that...or maybe not. I'm getting a little frustrated here, but I am NOT giving up. My clothes are looser and people are commenting that I look great. I know, I've heard it a million times. Muscle weighs more than fat, and I am doing the same amount of strength and yoga, as I am cardio. Still, that argument only goes so far. Otherwise, we would all be super thin and weighing 200 lbs!

On the plus side, I feel great! I really am stronger and fitter. I may not have lost enough pounds yet, but I have definitely lost inches. What's strange is that the avatar on the screen is really motivating me. It's like...I care what she thinks. If she says my balance is worse on my right side, I am determined to make it better the next time, so she will tell me, "You have great balance." Am I nuts or what?? Why do I care what a machine thinks...er...says. Whatever. As long as I stay motivated; even if it's a cartoon character that's helping me.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

Day 28....I have to admit, it is getting a little harder to find the time to work out everyday. But I find that I look forward to hearing the avatar say, "Good morning!" in that chirpy computer voice. Still, I am happier when I'm finished.

And I have to admit, I cheated a little yesterday. That left over birthday cake was too hard to resist! So I am paying for it today. I worked out a little longer on Wii Fit and will walk an extra mile on the treadmill.

I am trying to figure out a way to vary my routine. If I am bored after 28 days, how will I do after 60 or 90 days? So, now I don't start with cardio, then strength, then yoga. I am beginning to change it up. So today I started with strength, then a few yoga poses, then step and hula hoop (which I hate) and finally another couple yoga moves. And I try to vary the exercises a little bit. I don't do the same ones every single day. Also, I am trying extra hard to improve my score on each yoga pose and get better balanced. (Not an easy feat when you're not a natural athlete.)

Also, today is my day to rant, because I have to tell you, I am really sick of salads!! And I tend to get the big salad instead of the small one, and that is worse than eating a sandwich! Yesterday, I discovered this great chili at Trader Joe's. It is their organic vegetarian chili. It is made with tofu, and I could swear there is meat in it. I love the stuff...going to buy some more today.

I've tried Weight Watchers snacks. Their blueberry muffins are pretty good, but the chocolate muffins weren't that great.

Please let me know if any of you have ideas for low cal snacks. I get bored easily.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I haven't weighed myself in days. I just couldn't. Because I know I am eating right, exercising like a bandit; and seeing no results on the scale is too de-motivating. So this morning when I finally weighed myself, I was overjoyed. I know, five pounds isn't much, but at least the scale is tipping in the right direction! As soon as I saw that needle stop, I ran in the kitchen and told Mark. We have a little competition going on and so far I am winning!

Yesterday was his birthday, so this was the first test to see how well we could do eating out. I have to say I am very proud of myself! I ate a Greek salad, a piece of fish, a few bites of baked potato with sour cream and a tiny piece of birthday cake. But we both drank almost two glasses of red wine. I know red wine is supposed to be good for you, but so is grape juice! I think for me, alcohol is a real culprit. So I've decided to give it up completely. That's not too hard, since I only drink about one glass a week. Plus, we both had trouble sleeping after drinking last night. I don't know if there is a connection, but I know it couldn't hurt to stop. (Now giving up sugar completely? That's a different story.) Remember being able to have several drinks on the weekends in your 20's and being able to function completely the next day? Those days are over with a vengeance.

I have been faithfully exercising at leat 45 minutes a day with Wii Fit, and even started adding light weights to my step routine which I think really helps. Also, I get the exercises I really hate over with in the first five minutes. And that is the pushup/plank. I hate it, hate it, hate it! But I know I need it.

I thought of you guys last night when I resisted those warm buttered rolls!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

It's day 21, and the scale isn't budging! Normally, I would be really upset, except that a reader commented that she went weeks without losing a pound and then all of a sudden, three or four came off. So, thanks "S," you have given me the motivation to keep trudging through this seemingly insurmountable task!

I figure as long as I am maintaining the status quo and don't start gaining weight, I'll be ok for a while. In the mean time, I continue to workout with Wii Fit for 45 minutes a day, and am walking for at least 15 minutes on top of that. Lately, I've started walking on the treadmill while I watch TV. So last night I walked for about 45 minutes without realizing how long I'd been at it.

I'm also stepping up the cardio portion of the game. (Again, a thoughtful reader's recommendation. What would I do without you guys!) So I've been doing the "advanced step" two times, the basic step two times, and the hula hoop (which I hate) one time. I have even added very light weights to the step routine and it seems to give me a better workout.

I love the yoga! I make sure I spend at least 15 minutes on it. I think my knee has gotten better because of all the stretching. And even though I haven't lost much weight, my clothes are looser, So I rewarded myself with new workout clothes. Eddie Bauer just started a yoga line. You'll get a free water bottle with your purchase and save 15% with coupon code EBSPORT. (The code expires February 18, 2009.) I figure better fitting clothes might inspire me more! Hey, where I'm at now, whatever works.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

This morning I was determined to get through "advanced step" on Wii Fit without making any mistakes. It seems if you don't step on the platform exactly right, or your foot hits the side, you get an error.

So, with careful concentration, I made it though with no mistakes! And now I am no longer simply a calorie roaster, I am a calorie torcher! I was dubbed this new title just as I was starting to lose a little motivation. With that monumental acheivement I got through all my other exercises with gusto. I even set a new record doing the plank. Mark, of course, immediately tried to throw me off my throne. I'll find out if he succeeded.

I started working out differently this morning. Instead of going from yoga to strength to cardio, I reversed the order and started with cardio, moved on to strength and finished with yoga. I found doing the step and hula hoop first got my heart pumping and lifted my confidence. So I actually was better balanced for the yoga poses.

It's hard to keep your zest for working out day after day. But I think changing things up, doing different exercises and challenging yourself in new ways really helps. And if I see results when I hit the scale at the end of the week, I'll be even more fired up!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

The Wii Fit isn't as fun as it was the first couple days. Now, it is a challenge to keep at it everyday. But I feel so great when I'm finished with my workout. And that is motivation enough.

I had a small setback earlier in the week when I was actually up a pound. So I stopped weighing myself everyday! Now that I'm down to stepping on the scale only twice a week, I'm starting to see results. I realize day-to-day weight can fluctuate due to water.

I've also increased my time on the Wii a little bit. At first, I was working out an hour a day with the program, but I could see that was going to be too much for me. Then I dropped down to only 30 minutes everyday. That's when I saw my one pound gain. A reader suggested I work out with Wii Fit 30 minutes per day twice a day. So I made a compromise. I now work out 45 minutes with the Wii in the morning (mainly yoga and strength and a little cardio) then I walk for 15 to 20 minutes on the treadmill later in the day. That seems to be working.

I also cut back on sugar, a real culprit in my diet. Instead of eating Frosted Mini Wheats for breakfast, I am eating Total, which contains almost half the sugar. Also, I'm eating plain yogurt instead of flavored. You'd be amazed how much sugar some flavored yogurts contain.

And I've found that I am sick to death of salads! I thought they were a great diet food...Not really. When you add deep fried chicken, creamy dressing, bacon and everything else, I might as well be eating a Big Mac!

So now, I eat Lean Cuisine mostly for lunch, and I am trying to watch that salt! I find if I stay away from canned foods, I reduce my sodium intake greatly.

My husband Mark is also working out pretty hard. We seem to be losing weight at about the same rate. But he does those balance games for 30 minutes and thinks he's really getting a work out! He loves to beat me at exercises. If I tell him I broke a record in the chair pose, he'll go do it just to say he got a better score!

Please keep those great comments coming! You guys are inspring me and making me lose weight, because I know I have to come back here and share!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

This morning I woke up really pumped up to work out. I was ready to hit the Wii button and hear my virtual trainer say, "Good morning" in that chipper computer voice.

So, when I jumped on the scale, as I do every morning I figured I would be down, or at the very least the same weight. After all, I had been eating right, keeping a food journal, and faithfully working out with the Wii about an hour a day. So when the numbers went up a pound, I was devasted. I know, your weight can vary a pound or two just on water weight alone. Still, I lost that fighter spirit that I had when I woke up.

So, I've decided to weigh myself only once a week. That way, I should see a real indication of how I'm doing. Also, I decided to change my routine slightly. For the past several days I have been working out almost solely with Wii Fit for 60 minutes everyday. So today, I trained only 30 minutes with Wii, doing yoga and strength exercises and skipping the cardio. For the aerobic part, I jumped on the treadmill with my weight vest and walked for a mile.

Also, I have decided to make changes in my eating habits. I think I told you that we go out to dinner on fridays and to lunch on saturdays. Well, last night we went to Noodles and I ordered Tuscan whole grain pasta with vegetables and parmesan encrusted chicken, along with tomatoe soup. It was delicious by the way. Normally, I just order the whole grain pasta and soup without the chicken, but I was starving. That chicken was to die for! But maybe it was my undoing. So from now on, we are going to stay in and cook on fridays and saturdays. That should save money too! That way, I know I will stick to my plan.

Part of the problem too, is that we have a skinny 13 year old son at home. He needs to eat more while I'm trying to lose! I guess you could say, everyone has obstacles in their lives.

Thank you all for your positive comments. You have really given me inspiration to keep going. Keep them coming! We will get through this together!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

The other day when I was working out with Wii Fit, my "trainer" wasn't there. Instead a man took her place, saying my normal female guide wasn't available. I was a little taken aback. After all, How can a cartoon character not be available? Then I realized that the game was simply trying to vary things up for me. I don't know if it worked or not. I missed my regular girl coach, even though she talks a little too much. But then, so does the guy!

I used to belong to a gym, and took spinning, step and yoga classes. I weigh less now, since I quit the gym, and I am $100 a month richer. Besides having to endure bad music, sweaty people and rigid times, I ended up hurting my knee spinning. Now my knee is better, and with Wii Fit, if I don't want to do an exercise, I simply skip it. That's not really possible in a class (you draw attention to yourself) and I can stop after 30 minutes and start again later. One reader commented, that doing 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night really works for her. I might try that. Right now, I am doing 60 minutes all at once, and it is getting to be a little much.

As far, as whether the Wii Fit gets you as fit as a personal trainer would, I'm not sure. I have never worked with a coach. But I can see where a trainer could spot whether you are doing something wrong, whereas the Wii simply relies on how you're positioned on the balance board. I watch the demo of the exercise carefully before I start each new routine, and try and mimick the viritual trainer as well as I can. I certainly do feel my muscles.

I especially enjoy the yoga. I can custom-fit the poses to my own routine. For instance, I don't do anything I think might strain my knee. Today I tried the shoulder stand. I couldn't believe I could do it! Today I did almost every single yoga pose, and I feel like my arms are stronger than when I was lifting free weights.

I read where Jennifer Anniston does two hour yoga sessions several times a week, with a personal trainer of course! That makes me even more confident that Wii yoga is helping...But I just wish I could unlock some more poses. That plank is about to kill me!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

After six days working out with Wii Fit, and seven days on my new food plan, I am three lbs lighter! I know that's not a lot. But a realistic weight loss goal for me is three to four pounds per week. And I reached my first goal!

One reader wondered how long she should be exercising with the Wii each day. I have been faithfully using it everyday for at least 45 minutes, and on weekends I plan to try for 60 minutes. Earlier in the week I was still walking about a mile on the treadmill, but since then I have tapered off to about 15 minutes either on the elliptical or the treadmill. I really feel like I get a great workout after 45 minutes with Wii Fit. I do equal parts yoga, strength and cardio. I gave up on the balance games. I simply have no balance! My husband Mark was getting frustrated with them as well. But he will not give up. He keeps doing that soccer head butting thing over and over again. I think he is getting the hang of it now. I am just not that dedicated. And truthfully, I think the yoga poses help me with my balance just as well. That tree pose is about to kill me!

Something's wrong with the Wii scale though. It said Mark lost 10 pounds in one day! And he went from a BMI that was higher than mine to lower in just two days! No way is my husband going to have a lower BMI than me! We're sticking with the bathroom scale.

Ok, so here is what I'm eating:

• For breakfast, I eat either Quaker oatmeal (cinnamon and apple,) or Kashi Go Lean cereal, and a bottled smoothie.
• For lunch, I have either a Lean Cuisine, half a whole grain bagel with lox and regular cream cheese, or a salad.
• For a snack, I eat either Activia yogurt or a yogurt parfait from Trader Joe's (they are so good!) and a piece of fruit.
• For dinner I have a small piece of meat (lean red meat included) and a vegetable and/or salad with regular dressing.
• For dessert, I splurge with a piece of dark chocolate!

We like to go out to lunch on Saturdays. So when we went to Red Robin, I still ordered my favorite, the Whiskey River Barbecue Chicken Burger, topped with cheese! But I did nix the french fries and opted for French onion soup instead. I stole one of Mark's fries! All I ate for dinner that night was soup.

So you can tell, I'm not depriving myself. But, we'll see if I can lose any more weight. As the weeks go on, and the novelty wears off, it gets tougher.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

Just to let you know, I have absolutely no experience with video games. I only know I have a hard time getting my 13 year old away from them. So I had zero expectations when it came to exercising with Wii Fit. I had read everything from, "It's a great workout," to "There's not enough strength or cardio training." In my experience, over the past three days, I have used muscles I didn't know existed, and got a heart-pumping workout by moving my hips to an imaginary hula hoop. And I have to say, it's been fun and challenging.

My husband Mark also got on board, so we are now competing as to who is the better sun saluter in yoga, and which one of us is a meaner step artist. My success runs the gamut. Sometimes the screen dubs me a "body builder!!" And other times I'm relegated to "couch potato" status. All I know is that I have terrible balance, but I'm a "calorie roaster" when it comes to free-stepping.

Today I worked out for 60 minutes with Wii. I was too exhausted to even walk on the treadmill. And my body mass index went from 23.02 three days ago, to 22.08 today. The screen tells me that fluctuation could have to do with the fact that I took my first "body test" in the evening and the one today was in the morning. Anyway, I am energized and ready to start losing weight!

Sometimes on Sunday mornings I buy donuts for the guys, But today, I did not have one myself! Now that is will power! Yet, it's only day three.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I am officially part of Wii Fit mania. I never thought I would see the day where I would be running through a store to buy a video game. But I followed my own advice, and after days of phoning all over town, yesterday, the nice lady in electronics at my local Walmart told me a truck was unloading Wii consoles. That's all it took. I grabbed my hubby and we were out the door. Mark dropped me off at the front door and I bolted to the electronics area hoping not to knock anyone down on the way. It turned out, I was the first one there. Three Wii consoles were sitting on the floor.

But I was only half way there. I still needed the Wii Fit. It was about 5 p.m.and I was about to give up for the day, when I got a hold of a lady at a Walmart almost 25 miles from here in House Springs, MO. She told me a truck was arriving that night and it was supposed to be carrying Wii Fits. The race was on again. We high-tailed it to House Springs, and again I was the first one. As soon as I got home I started working out. I really thought after all the hype, I would be disappointed. But I was actually impressed. I started with the fitness test. Turns out, I have a BMI of 23, not bad, really. But my goal is to get it down to 22. What I really like about the program, is that as soon as you master a certain exercise, you will get to try a new, harder one. There are cardio, strength, yoga and balance routines. And if you are doing something wrong, you will hear about it!

Before I got the Wii Fit, I played around a little with the free sports games that come with the console. I wasn't nearly as impressed. I had read where people have actually lost weight with the boxing and tennis, but I don't see how. It wasn't nearly enough cardio and strength training for me. I'll stick with the Wii Fit and continue to keep a food diary. So far, I am limiting those sugary drinks and cutting down on portion sizes, and I have lost a pound! We'll see if I can keep it up.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

About a year ago, I lost all my baby weight (it only took 12 years!!) Now 13 pounds lighter, I would like to lose another 12 pounds to reach my college weight. For the past year I have been faithfully walking two miles a day on the tread mill wearing a weight vest. But the scale wouldn't budge. So after reaching a plateau, I decided it's time for a new plan. And with all the hype about Wii Fit, maybe it's time for a high tech approach to weight loss.

Problem is, I can't find it! I made this decision right after Christmas, I know, bad timing. And this is quite a financial committment, because I not only have to buy the Wii Fit, but also the Wii gaming console as well. I have a possible lead on both tomorrow. I won't say where, because this is a dog-eat-dog Wii world and it is every man (woman) for himself!! I have been calling all over town for days with no luck...what recession?

All I can say is, this thing better work. I'll check in at least once a week with my progress. I already took a "before" picture which I will reveal once I reach my goal weight. I also plan to keep a food diary. I figure if I write every single thing down that I eat, I will eat less.

I would love to hear your Wii Fit weight loss stories. And any tips you can share would be greatly appreciated. Let's lose weight together in 2009!