Another Sunday Success Story - OMG! Heather Lost 130 Pounds!

Wow! These kind of success stories are super motivating and inspiring to me! If any of you are tempted to believe the lie that getting your weight off and getting your body back is impossible, you have to read Heather's story. She lost 130 pounds and has kept it off for almost 2 years now! That is incredible. Check out her story here:

First Name: Heather
Age: 23
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Stay at home Mom
Hometown: Lexington, South Carolina
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 130 pounds and I went from a size 20 down to a size 4!
Height: 5'6"
Waist: 25 1/2"
Starting Weight: 254 pounds
Current Weight: 124 pounds

Heather's Weight Loss Story!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?

After the birth of my second son. I have two little boys ages 2 and 4. I was unable to keep up with them.

What made you decide to lose weight?

I decided to lose weight for my health and for my two little boys. I wanted to be able to play with them without being out of breath all the time. I looked in the mirror and hated what I saw. I knew I had to do something about it. One day I woke up and I had this drive in me and ever since then the drive has remained. I love my new fitness lifestyle.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?

First off, I started keeping a journal of everything that I ate. I started eating small meals throughout the day and I tried to follow the Eat Clean diet book as best as I could. I also started drinking nothing but water. I started walking at first and then I started doing a lot of weight training.

What was most challenging about losing weight?

My body hurt all of the time. My muscles were so sore but I knew I had to keep pushing myself because the results would be worth it.

How long did it take you to start to see results?

I lost the weight really quickly, to be honest. I think being young had a lot to do with that factor. I'm also the type of person that when I put my mind to something there is no turning back. I was able to have major will power and turn down sweets or any other temptations. I was bound and determined to get the weight off and nothing was going to hold me back.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?

It took me a little over 8 months.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?

I have maintained my weight loss for almost 2 years now. I continue to eat clean and I continue to exercise 6 days a week doing both cardio and strength training.

How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?

I am such a happier person. I have tons of energy and I am able to be the mother I am supposed to be to my baby boys. Losing the weight was not an easy process but it is the best thing I could have ever done for myself.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?

Just being able to see other people' s weight loss success stories during my weight loss journey. It was the motivation I needed when I wanted to give up so many times. I really do not think people understand how hard it is to lose that much weight unless you have been in our shoes. It is a big struggle and I am so thankful I did it. Being able to read ShapeFit's success stories when I have felt discouraged or wanted to give up so many times has helped me be where I am today. I really appreciate ShapeFit.com for posting these stories of people who have once been in our shoes and succeeded. Reading inspirational stories I think is really motivating and I hope that my story can motivate others too!

Heather's Weight Loss Tips!

Weight loss tip #1:

Be patient. You did not put on the weight overnight and you will not lose it overnight either.

Weight loss tip #2:

Set goals. Start by making small goals at a time so that you do not easily feel overwhelmed.

Weight loss tip #3:

Keep your body guessing by switching up your workout routines to help avoid plateaus.

Weight loss tip #4:

Do not overtrain! You can only push yourself hard for so long and overtraining will only wear you out and possibly cause injuries.

Weight loss tip #5:

Whatever you eat, always ask yourself whether or not it will help you reach your goals. If not, it is not worth eating.

Heather's Weight Loss Eating Plan!

Breakfast:

Oatmeal, egg whites, fresh fruit, lots of water.

Lunch:

Grilled chicken and veggies or a Lean Cuisine meal.

Dinner:

Always a lean protein with lots of veggies. Sometimes I have brown rice or a sweet potato also.

Snacks or Mini Meals:

Kashi cereal, cottage cheese, fresh fruit and protein smoothies after my workouts.

Heather's Weight Loss Workouts!

Weight Training:

I do a lot of full body strength training. I also focus on arms one day and legs the next. I always switch things up.

Cardiovascular:

Anything from HIIT cardio training (High Intensity Interval Training), running, step aerobics, etc. If it can be done in my living room, I do it!

If Heather can do it, so can we!!!

I find Heather's story so amazing! I especially love how her 5 Weight loss tips really go along with the mindset that we are embracing and encouraging our readers with here at the 52 club. I would encourage you to take from Heather whatever tip(s) that you feel that you can begin to implement in your new long term lifestyle changes and remember, be patient with yourself. We are taking our body back, one pound at a time!

Until next time ~ sweet and slender dreams!

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Don't Worry - Be Happy!

Jump for joy...and protect your health in the process

Are you happy? Do you focus on what you DON'T have verses what you DO have? And, how does being happy (or unhappy) effect our bodies, our health and our weight? Somehow, somewhere way back, early on in my life, I learned to try to always look for the positive. You know, the glass is half full vs. half empty. I thank God for whatever caused me to look at life that way. Hey - I am not saying I did or do it ALL of the time. But, I will say I do more times than not and that I think it has played a big part of enjoying my life more fully and being happier.

I got to thinking about "being happy" today. I started considering the correlation between the happier I am and the more grateful my heart is that the better my likely hood of reaching my long term goal of taking my body back would be. You know, instead of looking at how did I get so out of shape, looking at how glad I am that I am doing something about it now. See the difference? And, instead of looking at how far I have to go, looking at any and all small progresses and being happy and grateful for those. =)

Anyway, I just thought I'd share with you guys my thoughts and jot them down for myself as well. I read a great article today that really confirms this philosophy. Here it is if you want to take a read:

Today's lesson: be happy, live longer. Now science seems to back the glass half-full approach.

A review of more than 160 studies on the connection between a positive state of mind and overall health and longevity has found "clear and compelling evidence" that happier people enjoy better health and longer lives.

In fact, evidence linking an upbeat outlook and enjoyment of life to better health and longer life was stronger even than that linking obesity to reduced longevity, according to the review published on Tuesday in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being.

"I was almost shocked, and certainly surprised, to see the consistency of the data," said Ed Diener, the University of Illinois psychology professor emeritus, who led the review.

Advertisement: Story continues below

While Diener said a few studies he reviewed found the opposite, the "overwhelming majority ... support the conclusion that happiness is associated with health and longevity."

The review looked at eight different types of long-term studies and experimental trials of both human and animal populations.

For example, 5,000 university students studied for more than 40 years provided evidence that the most pessimistic students tended to die younger.

In the laboratory, positive moods were found to reduce stress-related hormones, increase immune function and help the heart recover following exertion.

Animals who lived in stressful conditions such as crowded cages had weaker immune systems and a higher susceptibility to heart disease, and died at a younger age than those in less crowded conditions.

Diener noted that while current health edicts focus on obesity, smoking, eating habits and exercise, "it may be time to add 'be happy and avoid chronic anger and depression' to the list."

Reuters

I hope all of you are staying motivated and inspired to be the best you that you can be and are continuing towards making small, permanent lifestyle changes that can ultimately and in the long run help you take your bodies back. And now, with it being only 3 months until summer, let's try not to focus on how far we are from our long term goal, but that we have 3 months to be that much closer to our goal. And, if this summer we aren't at our ideal weight yet, at least we are heading in the right direction!

I want to leave you with a wonderful and inspirational song, and encourage each and everyone one of you to not give up on yourselves and to focus on the positive. Don't worry about where you aren't, but BE HAPPY about where you are going!

Until next time ~ mucho love and happiness!

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Another Sunday Success Story!

Lynne Frumkin - BEFORE

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Lynne Frumkin - AFTER

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On this BEAUTIFUL sunshine Sunday here in Texas, I am excited to share today's "Succes Story" with you. I REALLY LOVE THIS ONE! Lynne Frumkin shares her weight gain story that reflects the all too often typical pattern of us mommas who make our family our priority and inadvertently end up neglecting ourselves. She wakes up one day and starts on her path to victory, where she has now been for over a year! Check out her victorious story below and be inspired:

"I wasn't active, and I loved food -- ice cream, burgers, my dad's Hungarian goulash," says Lynne Frumkin, a mortgage banker from Great Falls, Virginia. When she moved to south Florida in her late 20s, Lynne took up aerobics and dropped to 135 pounds, where she stayed for years -- even after the birth of her first baby. But with her second pregnancy, five years ago, everything changed. "After I gave birth I weighed 157 pounds and I couldn't lose an ounce of it," she says. Caring for an infant and a toddler left her exhausted, and she found comfort in food. "I had no time or energy to work out, and I ate crackers, pizza and cereal late at night."

Then she moved back to Washington, D.C., and reunited with her former work colleagues. "People kept saying that I looked so different," she says. "I also realized that I had no energy for things I used to be excited about, like my job and my family." Lynne decided it was time to change -- desserts and pasta were saved for treats. She also cut back on white flour and added high-protein snacks like peanut butter and cottage cheese. In six months, she lost 20 pounds. Then she recommitted to exercise, hitting the stairclimber at the gym and weight training four to six times a week. Within four months, she dropped from 137 to 121. Now her energy levels are soaring. "I pack a ton into every day -- kids, work, time with my husband," she says. "I wish I had known that my 40s would be so much fun!"

Age: 47
Height: 5'7 1/2"
Pounds lost: 36
Time at current weight: 12 months

My Diet: "Breakfast is oatmeal and an egg-white omelet. Lunch is chicken or tuna salad. Dinner is grilled steak and brown rice. Snacks are usually protein shakes."

My Guilty Pleasure: "A really good meal out -- like linguini with clam sauce, and chocolate cake."

My Workout: "Four to six days a week, I work out for 90 minutes -- a combination of weight training and the elliptical machine."

My #1 Motivator: "My husband, Dan, helps out by getting the kids off to school so I can get to the gym."

I hope you got as much out of this as I did. Just like Lynne, we can take our bodies back, one pound at a time!

Until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams!

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Powerful Words!

Ever have anyone say to you that you look like you are losing weight? I LOVE hearing those words! Especially when they comes from my husband. Which is exactly what I heard from him today. I was getting ready to have a wonderful Saturday with my man, and as he walked in the bathroom, he looked at me and said "Bec, you look like you are losing weight." Well, I don't think I have to tell you how that made me feel. Yes, GREAT! But even though it felt great, my next response was anything put positive. I was like, "Really? It probably is just the clothes I have on." And similar statements like that. Ever been there?

It got me to thinking about the power of words and the way we can use them and effect others...including ourselves. Encouraging words are so POWERFUL and in our culture, we hear more negative and discouraging than positive and encouraging words. It can become a habit. Since we are all about making and creating healthier habits here at the 52 club, what do you think about us 52 Club gals agreeing to make an effort to speak more positive words of encouragement to one another, to those around us and especially to and about ourselves? I think we might be surprised by how it effects our lives AND our goal of taking our bodies back!

Let me know what you think.

Wanted you to see my amazing man that spoke those powerful words to me today.

This was Christmas 2010. He's a wonderful encourager!

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Until next time ~ sweet, positive and slender dreams! ;-)

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Overcoming Unexpected Obstacles!

Any of you ever have an unexpected obstacle try to keep you from achieving your goals? Well, I had a biggie recently! And, I am just now getting back on the blogging track again after a very unexpected setback. Here's what happened...A couple of weeks ago, I was hit with a fever, and had terrible cramps during my 2nd day of my period that wouldn't go away. I thought it was female, and finally realized something unusual was up. I booked a doctor's appointment and literally the day before my appointment, Dallas was hit with a huge winter storm that shut everything down for 4 days. UNBELIEVABLE! I was hurting so bad, miserable and literally was bed ridden for over a week. When I finally got into see a doctor, they confirmed what my sister had guessed, I had a bladder/urinary tract infection. Geez Louise! I just finished up my last antibiotic yesterday. And, today I feel great! Praise God! But, now I realize, I have a choice to make...

I cannot tell you all the "give up" thoughts I battled with during this period of time. I couldn't exercise, I felt totally derailed from my goal, and I felt like I was somehow a failure to myself and in some weird way, to my 52 Club buddies. I fought off thoughts like, "What's the point?" "Why blog?" "Why get back on track?" "Who cares?" Crazy, isn't it? But, you know what? The reality is that the biggest part of our battle really is in our mind. In our thoughts. That's where it all starts. What I think, what I believe really does effect my actions, my choices. Sooooooo, I am choosing to agree with victorious thoughts. I am engaging again, and building on where we started. I hope you will continue to come along with me.

I also am going to revise the way I am blogging. You may see some subtle changes as I evaluate and tweak what works best and as always, what makes this the most motivating, a light load, and most of all FUN! I really believe those are essential factors for the long term success of taking my body back.

I sincerely want to thank you guys for reading, commenting and participating through the month of January. I think it made a big difference for me in the wanting to "stick with it" factor and believing that doing it with others is more fun and actually more encouraging than going at it alone. I trust that somehow my setback will be worked out for good and I really, really am looking forward to continuing to share this part of my journey with you guys.

Much love and success! And until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams!

PS - Thank you to my beautiful and all so inspiring daughter, Jessica for encouraging me not to quit. She mentioned us on her blog a few days ago and says she gets encouraged by reading the 52 Club blog. Here's the link: BohoBabyBump.com You should enter her cool give away while you are there. I love you so much honey!

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If They Can Do It ~ So Can We!

Ashley, lost 91 pounds and was featured last night on A&E's show, "Heavy"

If you didn't get a chance to watch A&E's new TV show called, "Heavy" last night, you can go to the link here and watch the entire episode (It will be in five parts). They featured two PRECIOUS ladies, Ashely and Sharon, who both had tremendous obstacles to overcome. Not just their weight, but personal tragedy, bad home environments and emotional wounds from the past. It was so heart gripping. I was like, WOW! If they can do this, so can we! I continue to be so amazed at these folks that have mountains of weight to lose and how they finally get inspired and then encouraged to do something about it. It makes my own goal seem all the more attainable!

Don't you just love all these weight loss TV programs on right now! They are so motivating and reinforcing and supporting what we are all going for...taking our bodies back! Speaking of TV programs, did any of you get to watch, "The Biggest Loser" tonight? It was great as always! I have really grown to love the folks on there, fighting their fight! Just remember as you see and hear their stories, if they can lose all that weight, we can lose ours!

I sure do appreciate you guys and sharing this journey with you. It makes me feel like I am not alone! Would love to hear how things are going for you when you get a chance.

Until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams!

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Day 27 - Monday Motivation

Heather Sims (after losing 35 pounds)

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Heather Sims before she lost 35 pounds and kept them off for 6 years!

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This is a very motivational story! I think many of us can relate to the slow crawl up on the scale and how it accumulates, year after year. Heather Sims also shares her many failed attempts to losing weight, but then how she finally got her body back. Interesting twist to how she got her weight off and kept it off. Check her story out below:

Heather Sims, 35

Heaviest weight: 156

Current weight: 121

Lost: 35 pounds

Kept it off for: 6 years

My story: After I turned 20, I put on a few pounds every year. The main reason: I ate too much — my weaknesses were chocolate and pizza. I always felt guilty afterward, but I couldn’t stop myself. I tried Slim Fast, eating fat-free foods, getting Lean Cuisine meals, doing aerobics. But nothing worked. Not a morning went by where I didn’t wake up and think,How can I get this weight off? It consumed me.

Worst moment: The first time I went to a pool party with my extended family. I didn’t want my thin sisters-in-law to see how big I’d gotten, so I changed into my swimsuit and jumped in the pool before anyone could see me. It was humiliating to be so ashamed of my own body.

Turning point: A friend told me about the Weigh Down Workshop, a faith-based diet program, so I went to a class near my old home in Marion, OH. I heard testimonials from participants, a few of whom had stayed skinny for more than 20 years. I was inspired.

How I lost it: When I was tempted to overeat, I’d pray, God, if you don’t want me to eat this, give me a way out. Then I’d find a hair in my food, or the phone would ring. Before Weigh Down, I would eat a salad and fat-free food and later make cookies “for my husband” and polish off half the dough. But now I’m free to eat whatever I want, as long as it’s in moderation. The weight came off fast — I lost about 17 pounds in a month.

Biggest payoff: Improving my relationship with God. Also, after I started the diet, I found a bunch of Cadbury eggs in a drawer. Before, I would have eaten them in one sitting. But I had stashed them away six months prior — and hadn’t thought about them since. It was monumental.

Stay-Slim Secrets • Cut your meals in two at restaurants and put half in a to-go bag right away. If you’re really still hungry after you’ve eaten the first half, then you can start on the second. • Indulge every once in awhile. If you want a cheeseburger, get it. Just eat it s-l-o-w-l-y, and take the time to really enjoy it. • Avoid sugary drinks like soda and fancy coffee.

If you want to check out more about the program that Heather lost her weight through, you can go to the link here.

Until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams!

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Day 26 - Sunday Success Stories

Anita, lost over 100 pounds!

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I love this success story! This gal is like many others, who gained a little more weight than they planned while being pregnant. Being that my daughter recently had a beautiful baby boy and lots of her buddies have recently had babies, I think this will be of a great encouragement to many of them. BUT, I also love this lady's philosophy of being the best "me" I can be! It is applicable to all of us at any stage of our lives and is very much in line with the 52 Club mindset.

Here is my favorite quote from her:

"Never, never give up on yourself and never settle for less than the very best you can be. Why? Because you are worth it. Being fit and healthy is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones. Also, stop comparing yourself to the women on the covers of fashion magazines. Just do the best with the body God gave you and be proud of who you are."

Below is the article in it's entirety that was featured on Jillian Michael's website:

Anita, Maple Valley, Washington

Anita lost her pregnancy weight and then some — thanks to Jillian's program, she's lost a total of 102 pounds in just over a year!*

"I was never really overweight as a child, but I was always bigger and taller than the other girls. My weight crept up during junior high and high school, and by sophomore year I was about 20 pounds overweight. I've lost and gained that 20 pounds many times since then.

My biggest source of weight gain happened when my husband and I decided we wanted to have a baby. I wasn't even sure if I could get pregnant at my age. I was already 25 pounds overweight because an injury from a past marathon kept me from exercising. I couldn't run anymore, so the weight began to pile on. The pregnancy was an IVF, and I had to take a hormone shot every day, which caused added weight gain. I gained a total of 75 pounds during my pregnancy, and by the time my son was born I was at 240 pounds. I had never been so heavy in my life, and I knew I did not want to keep any of the baby weight. I was determined to get back into my PRE-pre-pregnancy clothes.

I decided to pick up Jillian's DVDs and books along with running on my treadmill. I figured Jillian was in the shape she was in because she follows the same eating and exercise program she delivers to her fans. It clearly worked for her, so why not for me? It's definitely healthy eating and the workouts are intense, but they're also fun and energizing. Jillian has been a long-distance mentor and inspiration to me. I followed another diet for a couple months, then started the Making the Cut food and exercise plan, and then I joined the JillianMichaels.com New Year Challenge and used the daily exercises on the site combined with the DVD and cardio workouts.

I had a food journal and wrote down my food every day, which helped me be honest about everything I was putting in my mouth. Did I ever cheat on my food plan? Yes I did, but I wrote it down. I'm not perfect, but if I slip up, I just hop back on the next meal.

Today, at 48 years old, I weigh 138 pounds. Losing the weight and getting into shape allowed me to become a personal trainer and help others achieve their goals just as I have achieved mine. I have more energy and stamina to keep up with my one-year-old son. I have more self-esteem — not only because I look good on the outside, but also because I accomplished really big goals and have been an inspiration to others because of my success story. If I never tuned into The Biggest Loser, I doubt I ever would have achieved what I have so far. Seeing Jillian's commitment to her team members convinced me that she is not only America's toughest trainer, but she is a woman with dignity, grace, and a warm and caring heart. Because of her, I am dedicated to my clients and commit myself to help them achieve their fitness and weight-loss goals.

Best compliment: I've been thin before many times in my life, but I've never been sculpted. I have women telling me all the time they want to have muscles like mine and that if I can do it at my age, there is hope for them too!

Activities now: Running! I was running marathons before I got pregnant. I suffered an injury and my body has never fully recovered from some spine issues, but with determination and persistence I have been able to resume running once again.

Advice for others: Never, never give up on yourself and never settle for less than the very best you can be. Why? Because you are worth it. Being fit and healthy is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones. Also, stop comparing yourself to the women on the covers of fashion magazines. Just do the best with the body God gave you and be proud of who you are.

Yes, I like the way I look. Yes, I like that I can fit into my cute clothes again — but I love that I made a commitment to myself to get into shape and stay there for life. No more yo-yo dieting. I am committed to a healthy lifestyle and that's what I love!"

You guys keep up the good fight! And, let's all take Anita's advice to heart, as a lady who has done what we are all setting out to do ~ Taking our bodies back! Anita, thanks for sharing your story ~ We are right behind you!

Until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams!

PS - I had a breakthrough this evening with my health. Will post more about it later! PTL!

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Day 25 - Something Sassy Saturday

Always the fashion trendsetter, Jess wearing one of her own trademark looks.

Oh Dear! I am feeling anything but sassy, this Saturday. Girls, I think I have a ladies plumbing issue. =( Going to get it checked out hopefully on Monday. My hubby has been a dear, running up to the store to get me a heating pad, making a Chick-fil-A run for some more soup, and even making my special concoction of tea from Pei Wei (1/3 chia, 1/3 orange spice, 1/3 chia). He's so sweet.

My dear sweet sister walked me through a near emergency room run, today. She's the best! Thank you again Jac!

I have to tell you that I never factored in getting sick with my 52 club plans. I have been faithful with my water, but the last 3 days I have eaten very little and have not been able to exercise. I am trying not to get discouraged. I am sure that I will lose some weight from not eating, but that's not the way I want it to come off. Looking forward to that changing very soon.

All of this did get me to thinking about our goal of getting our bodies back. Sure we want to look good, but what we are really shooting for is a healthier us. And, you know what? When you don't have your health, it doesn't matter how dang good you look in your jeans. You know what I mean? Anyway, just want to give us all a reminder of how much we have to be thankful for with being healthy now and shooting to make ourselves healthier, is a great goal.

If you are feeling good as you read this, praise God! Enjoy the now. Make the most of your day or evening and enjoy those around you. And most of all be grateful for all your many blessings, including your health.

Speaking of being thankful: I have posted some pics here of one of the most beautiful and "sassy" (defined: stylish and chic) gals that I know. My beautiful daughter Jessica. Looking at pics of her makes me very happy and super thankful! Many of you know her, but if you don't, you should check out her blog here. She is a joy and a delight and one of God's best gifts ever to me. Enjoy!

The epitome of style, chic, and always unique...truly a living piece of art!

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Jessica on a shoot in the snow in Ohio this past Christmas.

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Jess has a wonderful blog about style, mommy hood and life. You'll love it!

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Hope this brings a sassy smile to your faces! Much love to you all!

Until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams!

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Day 24 - Fashion Fun Friday

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Still a little under the weather, so I thought a little pick me up with some fun fashion pics might do me some good. In my own wardrobe, one of my staples is long skirts. I love them. Super feminine, warm in the winter, cool in the summer and if you buy classic, you can keep them forever. They are my inspiration for todays post. Also throwing in some fun whimsical fashion pics that make me happy. Hope you have fun and enjoy!

Love the extra long length and black classic color with the boots.

Love the combo of denim with the tulle ruffles and boots

More ruffles with boots peeking out - LOVE!

I just love these boots!

Crazy, but I love it!

Hope you have a fun and wonderful weekend! Until tomorrow ~ sweet and slender dreams!

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