Happy Monday & A Giveaway!

Well good morning!   (or afternoon, depending on when you're reading this...) I am just popping in to say HELLO and I will be back around these parts soon. But to make your Monday super fantastical, I've joined some awesome ladies in sponsoring Living in Yellow and today is GIVEAWAY DAY!  Enter for some awesome prizes (hello, cash money) and start following some awesome ladies!

The Meighan Project VIP15 for 15% off ad spaces // Hello Frances //  Found Love Now What

Princess Burlap // Aka Chymecindy 

Landing On Love // A Moving Story // A Fresh Start On A Budget  // Simply In Bold

Rumor Boutique

Mata Traders // MATALIVESINYELLOW for 10% off

 Shop // Blog: Domestic Mama // LIY10 for 10% off 

Love and Whiskey // Use code livinginyellow for 20% off

Deloom // Use code LIY for free shipping

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck, lovelies!

there are no rules on this blog.

So I've been reading a lot of posts lately about "the rules of blogging."  I have to admit, I don't like rules.  Ben always laughs at me because he says I just "do whatever I want."  I drive too fast and I'm not really scared of cops.  I park at the airport in front of the sign that says "no parking."  And even though I don't do it on the blog, I cuss way too much.  It's not my finest attribute, but it happens.  So when I read posts about the rules of blogging, I have to disagree just a bit.
I don't feel like I should have to follow "the rules" of blogging.  Yes, I offer sponsorship and yes I have a sponsored blog.  No, I don't post every day, every other day or sometimes at all.  The "rules" of posting ____ times a week just don't apply to me.  Maybe it's because I feel that my journey is different than other bloggers. (not more important, just different)  Or maybe I just don't do well with rules.  Either way, I blog when I want to blog.  I promote my friends posts when they write something good.  Same for people that I may not know that well.  I want to inspire and encourage people with my journey, but I don't think I should have to dig around every inch of my life to find something to blog about.

Everyone is different.  For those bloggers who have time to blog every day or several times a week, that is awesome-  I love reading them.  And for those bloggers who have the creative mind to keep their blog interesting and eclectic every single post, that's great.  But it's just not my reality.  Sometimes I step out of the weight loss box, but most of the time I don't.
I love blogging.  I love having this amazing support system through all of the amazing readers and friends I've acquired.  I love coming here and having this place to share my struggles, my successes, my ups and downs.  I love the encouragement that I receive and the inspiration that I provide.  But on this blog, there are no rules.

the truth about one-derland.

my journey has been like walking down a path through the woods.  

walking, working, waiting, desperately trying to reach a certain point.  

below 300.  down 50 pounds.  down 75 pounds.  down 100 pounds. 

and then of course, the challenge of making it under 200 pounds:  my biggest milestone yet.

SO THE TRUTH: I did get into one-derland.  On Monday, I got on the scale and it said 199.0.  And I was ecstatic!  I was excited and so proud of myself for working hard last week, working out every day, eating the best I possibly could, and keeping myself motivated to reach my goal.
So today is Wednesday. My eating hasn't changed. I worked out yesterday pretty hard at Zumba with Molly. I haven't been eating late at night.
And today, I'll be damned if I didn't wake up at 201.0. What is that all about? I know, I know... muscle weighs more than fat. And I've been working out again, so I'm probably gaining muscle again. But like...  I really wanted to hit 199 and never, ever, ever go back into the 200's.
Let's be real for a second. What really is the difference between 199 and 200? Yes, I'm in "one-derland" but only by a pound. And, as we can see, for any given reason that one pound can come back just like that.
So I'm going to keep going. Keep pushing. And set a new goal. I want to be at least 170 by the wedding. Almost exactly three months away. I feel like I can do it. I can keep myself motivated and on the right track. Then I will truly be a one-derland member for life. Because I can guarantee that there is no way in hell I will ever gain back those 30 pounds once I get there. I'm not defeated.  I'm more motivated than ever.
So there it is... my truth about being in one-derland.   For one whole day.

so close.

It's Friday and I'm just about as excited as they come. Yes, because it's Friday. But also because I woke up this morning weighing 202.5. 202.5 people.
I am so close to one-derland I can taste it!  I know this weekend is going to be the weekend I see "199" or less on the scale.  I've worked so hard this week and the results are definitely showing.  Yesterday I had to go to the dentist and get my teeth cleaned, which I try to avoid like the plague if possible, and I also got my teeth whitened, which was pretty exciting/traumatic.  Having your mouth clamped open for an hour after they scrape and poke your teeth for an hour is just wrong, but I asked them to do it all in one session so I guess that's my bad.  My teeth were so sore yesterday and I don't handle mouth pain very well, so I went straight home (didn't pick up the wedding invitations like I had scheduled) and took a pain pill and went to sleep.  On the couch.  For the rest of the night.  So I was worried this morning that the scale wouldn't move, but it still did.  I'm the smallest I've been since I was 17 years old and in much better shape.  So fingers crossed that this weekend will be a celebration of a huge milestone!
Just a short post for today, but I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
SW:  311 CW:  202.5 -108.5

one workout DVD & two cans of squash.

shirt from Reebok

Lately, I've been really upset about the fact that I can't find time to go to the gym.  Last night, I went to the grocery store, came home and unloaded groceries, and then hit the gym for a Body Flow class at 7:30.  By the time I got home and food prepped for this week, it was almost 9:30!  I still had to shower and by that time there was no way I was going to get any school work done.  This also applies to vice versa situations-  if I come straight home and do school work, then I don't feel motivated to go back out late at night and workout/I miss all the good classes at the gym. SO.  I decided that, come hell or high water, I was going to make time for both.  I came home tonight and dug out all my old work out DVD's.  I ended up with a Jillian Michael's 30 Minute DVD that kicked my butt!  It felt so good to get my body moving, sweating and breathing hard again.  And I didn't even have to change clothes or get in the car.   #timemanagementsuccess  Unfortunately for me, I don't have any weights to workout with and I had never done this DVD before so I was super unprepared.  So I grabbed the first thing I could find for a little extra resistance and it just so happened to be two cans of squash.  I'm not even kidding.  You gotta make it work, people!

I've also been food prepping like a boss lately with fresh deli turkey, garlic hummus, strawberries and grapes, celery and peanut butter, and I even let chicken and broccoli cook in the crock pot over night last night.  I also discovered through an unfortunate bout of embarrassing gas, bloating and constipation that I am lactose intolerant.  So I bought some almond milk, some muscle milk powder, and a blender bottle and decided to make my own tasty smoothies every morning instead of going through Dunkin for their coffee.  And I have to say, I don't really miss it that much.  

I also have been talking about reach my goal of being under 200 for several weeks now and this week I am BOUND AND DETERMINED to get under 200.  It has to happen people.  It is time and I'm going to make it happen.  I was so tempted at work the other day to go find anything sweet and shove it in my mouth, but I stayed strong and didn't.  Old habits die hard, even after all this time, so I am really working on building my will power back up to where it was right after surgery.  Once life starts getting back to normal it can be difficult, but I'm definitely not giving up the fight!   Lastly, I figured I would share the latest progress pictures with you.  Even though I am 206.5, I can definitely tell that I am still losing inches.  When I put these pictures side by side, I couldn't believe how skinny my face looked!  It is still the wildest feeling ever. 

One-derland, here I come!!

Hope you all are having a great week so far! We are halfway there!

TA-DA! (again)

Well, well, well... what have we here? A new design? I think so.
Let me just tell y'all something.  If you need a design, want a design, or just want to look at some pretty design work, then you need to find Brooks ASAP and go look at her design site, Two Oaks Design.  I have had a few pre-made blog designs and a few custom designs, and in all sincerity, this one just feels like home.
Brooks listened to every.single.last.detail. that I wanted to keep and change about my blog, and if I wasn't sure then she gave her input, which was always right on the mark.  The turn around time was amazing and she made sure that my every need and want was met.  This girl knows her stuff.  I loved working with her so much that I requested one of everything she offers (see:  FB & Twitter) and even asked her to make me a media kit.  Which turned out fabulously, I must say.  So thank you, Brooks, for just being pretty much amazing in every way.  P.S. Come back to Alabama.  Thanks.
On a more serious note...  I didn't blog last week.   It felt trivial.   One of our best friends lost his father much too soon to a long and hard fought battle with cancer.  We spent a lot of time with their family throughout the week and it just seemed so much more important than anything else I had going on.  I'm not going to spill their business all over my blog, however I will ask that if you're the praying kind, or even just the good vibes kind, send some up for our dear friends.  They truly are one of the most amazing families I've ever had the privilege of knowing.  I would appreciate it and I know they would as well.
Have a great Monday everyone! It's Bachelorette night and I can't wait to see Josh Murray pop up on my screen! Anyone else have Josh M. as their favorite? (if you read the spoilers, you better keep those lips zipped!!)

shopping at the "normal" stores

Yesterday was a really amazing day.  We had Father's Day lunch with my parents and grandparents, and then we headed out to the Outlet Mall.  I looove the Outlet Mall, but in the past I never could buy anything.  I never could go into the Gap, J. Crew, Banana Republic, even sometimes Old Navy and purchase anything because I couldn't fit into even their largest sizes.

Yesterday, I walked into Lane Bryant, my usual shopping go-to store, and my world changed:  their clothes were extremely too big for me.  The fact that I am too small to shop in that store made me feel strange and like something was wrong, because for so many years, that was the only place that I could shop.  And honestly, at my heaviest, their clothes were getting a little snug.

I walked into Gap and bought a really cute orange pair of size XL linen shorts, as well as an XL shirt.  The last time I could fit into any size in the gap was when I was 13 years old.  (true story, people.)

I also found several things in J.Crew that I loved, but even at the Outlet and with the discounts, their prices are a little more than I'm used to paying.  A tee shirt that's half off but still $20 is just a bit too much for me.  (can we say Tiffany Tastes & Target Pockets?  that's me.)

I have been shopping at Old Navy a lot lately.  I fit into a size 16 pair of shorts and felt amazing!  So when we arrived at the Outlet and I saw the Old Navy sign, I almost had a fit!  The store was huge and everything was marked down AND on sale for at least 30% off, some things even 50% off.  I bought another pair of shorts, blue striped, and three shirts, SIZE LARGE.  I truly have no idea when the last time I could wear a size Large shirt at Old Navy.  Even just the comfortable fitting little cotton ones, which are the ones I bought yesterday.  

I still haven't made it under 200 pounds, which like I've said before is a result of my lack of time for the gym, but after yesterday, I feel amazing.  The weight loss aspect of my life isn't always at the forefront, but yesterday it definitely was, and in such a positive way.  I'm so thankful for the surgery, every single day, but especially on days like yesterday when I can feel normal, healthy and beautiful.  When I'm walking away from the long maxi dresses and heading to the short ones because I'm no longer ashamed to show my legs.  When I'm buying shorts and cute outfits from "normal" stores and feeling amazing in them.  When I no longer care what others think of my perfectly imperfect body.  Those are the times when I know God's plan for me is amazing, and that this journey of mine, even when it isn't about the weight loss, is on the right path.

Happy Sunday, y'all.  Thank God for your blessings and be a shining light for someone today.  

the world cup and just no.

I hate to disappoint all your World Cup fans out there, but I couldn't care less about soccer if I tried.  I realize this is an every-four-years-the-world-stops-everything kind of event, but I just can't.  The vuvuzela noise makers are my worst nightmare and people chanting and screaming the whole.entire.time. is just like, what is happening right now?  #exhausting

I feel ya, sir.

Okay, to be fair, I realize that most people don't understand the Southern traditions and obsession with college football.  No one understands why my mother about lost her mind when I set my wedding date for October, smack dab in the middle of football season.  Have y'all seen the ALFA Insurance commercial, with Sweet Home Alabama playing in the background, and the parents were upset because their daughter set their wedding date for the third Saturday in October?  Yep.  That commercial is basically the story of my life. 

But soccer?  I never have and never will understand why it's so popular.  And it seems as though the entire world (thus, the world cup) is all about soccer except for the United States.  Like, people shut down entire cities and countries when their team is playing.  I'm sorry, but it's extremely anticlimactic to watch people kick a ball back and forth for hours before someone scores a goal.  Yes, that one second of goal scoring is exciting, but like, three hours later?  zZzZzZzZzZzZz   Sorry, what was I saying?

Happy Saturday everyone!
And if you're into this soccer business, well, then Go Team.

[insert vuvuzela noise here]

another random post, with hashtags, for your Friday enjoyment.

So I woke up to this today and felt a little heart broken.  Can Jennifer Lopez please find true, everlasting love already?!  I really thought this was the one... my poor, Latina sweetheart.  #prayforjlo #thosedimplesthough

source: Us Weekly

It's Friday, as I'm sure everyone in the universe is aware of, and I could jump 20 feet for joy.  If, of course, I could jump 20 feet.  Maybe someday.  #keephopealive

The Fault in Our Stars comes out today and the fact that I can't go immediately from work to the theater makes me want to cry almost as hard as I will when watching the actual movie.  Shailene Woodley, the clay eating hippie fashionista, can do no wrong.  I need to be at the movies like now-ish seeing this movie.  Why are full time jobs a thing?  #thestruggleisreal  

My weight is fluctuating up and down 2-3 pounds lately and it's probably (most definitely) from the stress eating I've been doing.  Not necessarily eating bad, just eating more.  Plus, PMS.  I feel like my life revolves around the excuse of PMS.  Time flies when you're having fun always moody.  #breakoutthetamponsandtissues

Did I mention that I'm roughly 6 pounds from being under 200?  I've been trying so hard to eat right and keep my diet on track in hopes that they will come off, but not being at the gym and working out is truly making a difference.  I've got to burn those calories.  By this time next week, I need to be at 199.  I NEED IT PEOPLE.  #dropitlikeitshot

Also, my anxiety has been pretty bad lately.  I think once I have a break from school at the end of August and get the wedding over with, it will be a lot better.  But until then, me and my Klonopin will be sitting in front of any given computer 24/7.  (sidenote:  I wish my computer would stop trying to correct "klonopin" to "klondike."  Like, no.  I take pills.  Get it right.)  #pillsnoticecream #ormaybeboth

Happy Friday love muffins.

Do something fun this weekend.

an interview with my fiance.

So one of my new favorite blogs I've been reading more and more is Amanda at Peaches in Missouri.  She is the sweetest, she is a newlywed, and we've encouraged each other over the past couple of months during weight loss journies.  So when I saw the post she did interviewing her husband, I knew I had to steal it.  Thanks Amanda for letting me be a copycat today!

this should be good... 

I swear to you, this is how the interview started:

Me:  I'm going to do a blog post where I interview you.

Ben:  okay, sounds good.  (wasn't planning on starting immediately.)

Me:  So, Kourtney Kardashian is pregnant.

Ben:  I.Don't.Care.  Was that my first interview question?  Because if so, put in quotes, "I.Don't.Care."

Me: What is the name of my blog?

Ben:  uhhhhh GOD it's not The Meighan B anymore is it?  Is it The Meighan B?  Damnit.  I don't know.

Me:  It's 'The Meighan Project!'

Ben:  isn't that what I said?  Right?  I was going to say The Meighan B Project, but I said The Meighan Project.  Right?  That's what I said!

Me: What do I typically write about?

Ben:  ...your life, your struggles, and your weight loss.  Your life experience with it.  Probably some fashion design stuff every now and then. A little fashion sense... 

Me: What is the biggest change you've noticed about me since my weight loss surgery?

Ben:  Umm.  I would have to say your confidence in yourself and your body.

Me:  Aww that's a sweet answer.

Ben:  Well, I can tell you are willing to try new things and have more confidence.  And it definitely shows.

Me: What’s a popular fashion item for women right now?

Ben:  Clogs.  The eff if I know.  End quote.

Me: *dying laughing*

Me: Why do women go to the bathroom together?

Ben:  Petty gossip.

Me: What do you know about Pinterest?

Ben:  It's categorized pictures of nonsense.

Me: If you could have any job what would it be?

Ben:  *repeats the question several times*  Uh, probably a super hero.  With a cape.  And a cawl.

Me:  What would your super power be?
Ben:  *thinking* My super power would be... I don't know, that's a tough question.  Um.  Mindblowing.

Me:  Mindblowing?  That's not a super power...
Ben:  yeah.  I'd blow your mind.  AND, I'd control chickens.  Only chickens.  Kind of like ant man, but chicken man.  Wait, change chickens to penguins.  End quote.

Me: What’s the best place to shop for women?

Ben:  I'd probably say Ross Dress for Less.

Me: Like a woman's favorite store.

Ben:  a jewelry store.

Me: What does YOLO stand for?

Ben:  Yolo?  You Only Live Once.  I know that from Katelyn.  (my teenage cousin)

Me: What about OOTD?

Ben:  Out On The Dock.  Eff if I know.

Me: What is our favorite thing to do together?

Ben:  I would have to say... vacationing together.

Me: What do I do when I’m home alone?

Ben:  Blog, schoolwork, smut.  Probably torture the cat... 

Me: And what do you do when you’re home alone?

Ben:  Tablet, TV, video games.  I draw.  I just made that up.

Me: What is my favorite activity?

Ben:  I would say either social media, probably social media, or mani/pedi's.  (he knows me well.)

Me: What do women keep in their purse?

Ben: Uh, er... uh. Feminine hygiene products?  Their wallet.  Aaaand... makeup and lipstick stuff.

Me: What’s my favorite accessory?

Ben:  Your Coach handbag and your engagement ring.  Right?  Are those accessories?

Me: What celebrity would you let me have a free pass with?

Ben:  Justin Bieber.  So I wouldn't have to worry.  You'd definitely come back to me.  I'd be too worried about Channing Tatum or Justin Timberlake.  Maybe even 2Chainz.

Me: What celebrity would you like to have a free pass with?

Ben:  Oh, Jesus.  I don't know, there's so many.  Is that off the record?  Right now?  Right now... *thinking*  *sigh*  I would have to say Katy Perry or Eva Green.  Maybe Olivia Wilde.

Me: What’s an acceptable amount to spend on a makeup item?

Ben:  $1.25.  Or $3.50.

Me: What’s an acceptable amount to spend on a dress?

Ben:  Maybe about $200 for a nice, nice dress.  Something formal.

Me: What’s my favorite TV show?

Ben:  New Girl.  All the reality TV shows are all up in there together.  And Friends.

Me: Who is a current celebrity “it” couple? 

Ben:  Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.  Or Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber.

Me: Anything else you’d like to say?

Ben:  What's the question?

Me:  The question is 'is there anything else you'd like to say?"
Ben:  I'll be your huckleberry.  And I'm Batman.

THIS, my friends, is one of the many, many, many reasons I love this man.

He has me laughing and keeps things interesting all the time.

I hope you enjoyed the little glimpse into conversations I have with my fiance on a daily basis!

Happy Thursday!

these are my confessions.

I'm sure there's a day when I'm supposed to link up for this kind of thing,
but I have no idea when that is.
So, I am just going to list confessions here today and roll with it.
(plus, does anyone else love that Usher song?)

• I'M BURNED OUT ON SCHOOL  Don't get me wrong, I want to be a teacher and I am making all A's for the first time in my life.  But Math and Politics are getting old reeeaaaalllll quick.  I have to constantly keep finding new ways to motivate myself to get my school work done.
• I FEEL THE NEED TO CHANGE MY BLOG DESIGN WAY TOO OFTEN. One thing I should learn is to design my own blog and be able to change it at a moment's notice.  I love my design now, but Meegan got a new design from Brooks and I found the need to change mine once again.  So I just sent Brooks a bunch of ideas for a possible new blog design.  Again.
• I'VE BEEN SUPER STRESSED ABOUT THE WEDDING.  The wedding coming up so soon (almost 4 months exactly until the big day) is making me feel rushed.  Bridesmaids gifts, hair and makeup, the dress, etc... is driving me crazy!  It's these things that make me regret not hiring a wedding planner, but I sure do like having those extra couple thousand dollars in my bank account.
• I'VE BEEN STRESS EATING.  Not good, Meighan.  Not good.  But between school, work, and the wedding, I found myself staring down some Ben & Jerry's at Publix a couple of days ago.  And then I bought it.  That is clearly not allowed.  I'm not even sure why I need it!  I keep Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches stocked in the freezer for sweet cravings, so why step even further outside of the box and buy sugary, real ice cream?
• I'VE BEEN KEEPING MY DISHES, LAUNDRY AND FOOD ORGANIZED AND PUT AWAY.  So I started semi food planning and it's so easy!  I have no idea what I was thinking a few weeks ago when I thought it would be impossible to prepare and pack lunches for a week.  For three weeks in a row, I've purchased fresh strawberries and chopped them, along with grapes and pineapple.  Did I mention that I cut and sliced up my own fresh pineapple?  [insert shocked face here.]  Also, the dishes and laundry have been done and put away instead of piling up!  Do I hear the domestication train pulling into the station?  I think so! (Don't let me fool you... Ben helps a lot with the dishes and laundry.)
• I HAVE BABY FEVER.  I don't think this needs explaining.  I'm 100% ready to get pregnant as soon as we get married.  I think Ben is on board, but probably not as gung ho about it as me.  I'm so ready to be a mother.  I know it's going to be such a huge adjustment to our life, and we need to sell the house, and we need to get a new house, and we need to figure out my school and our finances, etc... etc... etc... but man, what a blessing.  I fully, 100% believe that God put me on this Earth to be a mother.  And the thought that I could possibly be pregnant by Christmas makes me giddy.

What's something you want to confess?

Birmingham Blogger Meet Up

Add a frozen Margarita to that picture and take away the cars, and you have the epitome of the Birmingham Blogger Meet Up last Thursday.

"what's your twitter?"

"ok, wait, what's your blog again?"

"tell me your twitter so I can follow you."

Meegan, Nadine and I had planned to go up to Chuy's a little early and grab a drink, but we soon figured out that the other Birmingham Blogger ladies had the same idea.  So we started mingling and chatting and learning all about one another.

This was my first time to ever attend a networking type gathering and I have to say, I really enjoyed getting to know the ladies!  I will admit though, it was strange having people recognize me that I didn't recognize.  I'm totally ashamed of this fact!  I wasn't sure who some of the ladies were in regards to the blogs I followed, so I was really anxious to find out.  I'm so glad I got to know them!  We mingled and chatted for a couple of hours and it was great to know that other people in Birmingham are trying to do the same thing I'm trying to do, but in the same hand we are all so different.  It was a personal success for me, and I think I even gained a new Zumba buddy out of it!  (I'm looking at you, Molly...)

So for the record, if you aren't following these ladies, you should!

You definitely don't have to live in Birmingham (or even Alabama) to enjoy these ladies!

Molly from Hey There Sunshine

Meredith from Floral Frocks

Beth from Beth Cakes

Hilary from Hilary Johnson Life

Nadine from Life by Nadine Lynn

Meegan from All Things Bold & Bright

And if you are a Birmingham blogger, but not yet a member, JOIN!
These fabulous ladies are already promoting my bikini post on their home page.

Happy Monday!

(yeah right.)

super random Sunday.

just in case anyone was wondering, I'm wishing I was there right now.

It's already Sunday, which makes me sad.

It's hot and humid and we don't have a pool.

The neighborhood pool is gross and I wouldn't go swimming in it if my life depended on it.

Buh.

Have y'all ever seen the show Bob's Burgers?
Yes it's a cartoon and yes it's funny as h-e-double-hockey-sticks.

Ben and I went bowling last night and then came home to watch several episodes and laugh hysterically.

You should go to Netflix and check it out, if you haven't already.

Speaking of Netflix, if they don't put up season 3 of New Girl soon, I'm going to freak out.

Season 2 ended with such a cliff hanger that I can't even take it.

(no spoilers.  don't you even dare.)

Ben and I watched a movie called Her today and it was super weird.  Good, but weird.

I'm always on the fence about Joaquin Phoenix, but he played this super awkward character pretty well.

It was just... weird.  Just watch it.  Because I said so.

I honestly have no rhyme or reason as to why I am writing this post.

I felt like coming to blog land and just writing for a minute.

Plus it's Sunday, so anything to break up the monotony of laundry and school work.

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend.

Bachelorette lovers, don't forget it's on tonight and tomorrow!