I Heart My Snuggie

Admittedly, as a has-been beauty queen, one of my absolute favorite things to do is wear a crown or tiara while doing activities around the house such as laundry, vacuuming, and sitting in my bathtub eating bon-bons. Nothing makes me feel more queenly, except possibly my Snuggie.

Now, I realize that a lot of people think Snuggies (and, if you really want to be different, Slankets) are a little absurd. That’s fine. But I think they’re fabulous. Snuggies are very long and robe-like. Thus, I feel they are very regal. Of course, they can also make you look like Yoda, but to each is her own. I firmly believe however, that everyone – including people who are overweight (like ME… for the time being) – looks sexy in a Snuggie. Well, I guess that’s only true if you like Snuggies, but think about it:

• Snuggies hide muffin top. Even when worn backward, and belted.
• Snuggies make your arms look thinner.
• Snuggies have boat necks, which make your necks look leaner (and depending on how you wear it, can make it look like you only have one chin)
• Snuggies can make you look taller
• Snuggies hide problem areas, and if you’re sitting on the couch, can conceal just how far you are sinking into the cushion.

Obviously, I love my Snuggie. It’s probably my favorite accessory, though I can’t decide if that is trendy or just sad. Few things reaffirm a decision to join Weight Watchers more than selecting a blanket as your favorite fashion accessory. But in all honesty, I actually can feel good about myself when wearing one.

And if I feel this way, I have to wonder if other beauty queens (or wannabe beauty queens) also feel this way about their Snuggies. And that kind of brought on an idea…

A SNUGGIE PAGEANT!

Gasp!

The Snuggie Pageant would be hosted on the blog, and would be a free photo pageant where women (and what the hell? Even men) can submit photos of themselves in Snuggies. The most photogenic entry would win a sash and crown courtesy of yours truly.

It could be sparkly, glittery, pageant fun for all sizes.

Are you up for it? Or do you think I am totally off my rocker? Let me know. Post a comment or send me an e-mail at bethecrown@gmail.com with your feedback!





P.S. I really do want world peace.

Okay - Last of My Miss America Top 15

As promised, here are the rest of the girls I am keeping my eyes on for Miss America 2010, which airs a week from Sunday! Wow. It seems like just the other day, Katie Stam was crowned, and what an amazing Miss America she has been. Nevertheless, the pageant is right around the corner and before the girls start arriving in Las Vegas tomorrow, here are my last 5 choices for Top 15:

Michigan





She looks like she would be SUPER fun to be around. I love the girl-next-door look, and particuarly the short hair.

Minnesota





She's very photogenic with a unique look. Very classy!

Kansas





While this was mostly based on her photograph (I know, I know, practically a hate crime within the Miss America system), I am really looking forward to watching her talent: classical trumpet. That has to be a hoot! I'm praying she makes the cut so I can see it in the finals.

New Jersey





I just have a feeling about her. She just screams "Miss America" to me. Not to mention she's from the home state of the pageant, so New Jersey usually has a cult-like following now that the pageant is in Nevada. And, thank God for giving us someone from the Garden State right now who is not fist pumping.

Tennessee





She's stunning... and she wants to study business. Any time I see a Miss America constestant who doesn't want to be a doctor or a lawyer (or a Broadway performer), I take a second look.

While these choices were really tough, I have a few other honorable mentions: Indiana, Iowa, Montana, Rhode Island, Nebraska, Nevada, Alabama, and Texas.

Of course, I haven't seen the taped interviews yet, or a lot of these contestants' talent presentations, but I think this is a good starting point before the competition officially kicks off.

If you're interested in learning more about the contestants, or if you'd like to pick your favorites, visit www.tlc.com.

Enjoy!





P.S. I really do want world peace.

Weight Watchers Wednesday!

Today is my first Weight Watchers Wednesday post! Wahoo!!!







I will be joining some awesome bloggers on this Weight Watchers journey: Mojito Maven from Make Mine a Mojito, Blue-Eyed Bride, and LyndsAU from All Things Fluffy, Fashionable and Famous. They started Weight Watchers Wednesdays a while back, and so I am looking forward to their support as well as yours as I start this battle. In the meantime, you should all visit their blogs for great weight loss tips and Weight Watchers recipes.

As I mentioned Sunday, I had lost about 4 pounds since starting Weight Watchers, and so far this week I’m down about another pound. So I’m close to about 5 in all in this past week. This news, is FABULOUS!!!

This plan has been fitting into my lifestyle rather nicely, but it is already helping me think twice about what I eat. I splurged a little last night when Mr. Beauty Queen insisted on going to Carl’s Jr. But you know what, I knew how many points I had left for the day and for the week, and ate accordingly and still feel great. I also weighed less today than I did yesterday, but I know that weight fluctuates, and I really don’t want to be obsessive-compulsive.

Today our team went to lunch at a Mexican restaurant, and I only ate maybe a quarter of what was on my plate. While I do not know what fraction of the daily point budget I blew for sure, I am going to eat like a rabbit the rest of the day. Still, I think this works and I’m already learning to make better choices because if I don’t I’m a very hungry person at the end of the day, and an even hungrier person in the morning. And when I’m a hungry person, I can be a very MEAN person. So for the sake of my co-workers, friends and Mr. Beauty Queen, it’s all about budgeting the points to last all day.

I am also starting to enjoy my food more, and really savor it while it lasts. The portions, naturally, are smaller on this plan, so I am really trying to eat what I love, enjoy it while I’m doing so and being satisfied with what I have. All and all, I am thinking that over the coming months not only is Weight Watchers going to help me shape my body, but it’s probably going to save me a crap load of cash on groceries too if I’m being very purposeful with my meal planning and eating less.

As for exercise, I figured out the situation in the gym. DirecTV has not sent us a new receiver for the TV in there, but I just hooked up a DVD player and enjoy that while I put 30-45 minutes in on the elliptical and lift some weights. It’s a lot less boring than Slim in 6… and I am not nearly fit enough to give Turbo Jam a try again. But I found a few old seasons of “Newlyweds” in a box and have been watching those while I work out. It’s actually been working fairly well. Nothing makes you want to be in shape more than watching a 23 year-old Jessica Simpson. As a side note: nothing makes you want to be more nice to your spouse than watching a 23 year-old Jessica Simpson talk down to her husband all the time. Hindsight is totally 20/20.

As promised, I wanted to share a recipe that I tried this week. I meant to take a picture of it, but Mr. Beauty Queen hopped all over it before I got a chance to. Glad the plan’s working for the both of us.

Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:
• 2 Tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, without oil, minced
• 2 oz. soft goat cheese
• 1 tsp chopped thyme
• 1 pound uncooked, boneless, skinless chicken breast (4 4oz pieces)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup fat-free chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp canned tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp chopped parsley

Directions:
• In a small bowl, stir together sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese and thyme.
• Using a sharp paring knife, cut a horizontal slit through the thickest part of each chicken breast, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
• Stuff each chicken breast with 1/4 of the cheese mixture. Season with salt and pepper and dust with flour.
• Spray a large nonstick skillet with olive oil cooking spray and warm over high heat. Add chicken and brown well. Remove and set aside.
• Add white wine to pan and boil until almost all evaporated.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons chicken broth until smooth. Whisk cornstarch mixture, remaining chicken broth and tomato paste into white wine.
• Return chicken breasts to pan. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook over low heat until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Baste occasionally with sauce.
Tomorrow the Miss America contestants start arriving in Las Vegas. That means that tonight I absolutely have to – and will – post my final top 5 choices as well as my bubbles. I promise.

So check back later tonight!





P.S. I really do want world peace.

Some Exciting News - And More Miss America Picks!

Since starting this blog, I have come to the following conclusions:

• My original plan to lose weight, was not a plan. Healthy cooking is great and all, and so are workout videos, but this plan did not have any measurable goals, nor did it have enough structure. And, I was still eating a ton.
• I have no one – aside from those of you who are actually reading this – to be accountable to.
• I am not very disciplined, though I’m finally starting to get my act together in order to prepare my body for a pregnancy at some point. Or, Mrs. America.
• My crazy lifestyle makes it impossible to cook every night, and eating on the run is inevitable in many circumstances due to the demands of my job and MBA program.
• I do not keep track of what I put in my mouth.
• I do not exercise as religiously as I should.
• I drink way too much coffee with way too much Coffee-Mate (even if it is low-fat and/or sugar-free) and not nearly enough water.
• And I really, really need to get hot again.

So, after a lot of research, I think I have found the vehicle for weight loss that will fit my lifestyle, meet my needs, and help me accomplish my personal goals. And so, as of last Wednesday, I am officially enrolled in Weight Watchers!

At first I thought this Weight Watchers thing was going to be a major pain in the you-know-what. However, it has actually been pretty useful. I had no idea how bad I was screwing myself on a daily basis with my food choices. No wonder I’m in the position I’m in!

Anyway, I am loving entering what I’m eating every day in the point tracker. It’s so fun! I’m a narcotic list person in the first place, so having a single place to write everything down is helping. And it has really made me think twice about what I put in my mouth. It’s also helping me realize that when I’m hungry, I can eat more of certain foods that are better for me rather than blowing a ton of points on a Krispy Kreme doughnut (we still have them around, and at 9 points each, I have been passing – thank you) only to be starving 15 minutes later. However, I have still been able to eat some of my favorite foods while staying in my point values – and still losing weight! For example, Mr. Beauty Queen loves to make chocolate chip cookies in the evening, and they have about 2 points each. So at the end of the day, if I eat right knowing that I want to enjoy in the cookies, I can have 2 and a glass of skim milk and I am a happy and thinner camper. That’s much more satisfying and filling than the almost 6 points I was spending on my morning coffee alone! Apparently, fat-free creamer and Splenda really add up.

Since starting last week, I am down about 4 pounds, and only 5 away from my first goal (5% of my total body weight). I have also lost 1 inch from my bust, 2 from my waist and 2 from my hips. Given I was completely sick last week, it’s entirely possible that my weight loss can be attributed to that, but I’ll take it where I can get it.

I plan on giving more of an update on this each Wednesday. I also promise to beef up content on here to include more recipes (I am preparing a Weight Watchers recipe this week – Sundried Tomato and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken!!!) and tips. Instead of bitching all the time, I really want this blog to be more inspirational and provide more useful information for everyone than just whining. Though, I think the Open Letter to Taco Bell was completely necessary.

Before I go, here are 5 more of my choices for Miss America 2010 - I can’t believe that it’s right around the corner!

Georgia





She is so adorable. She just looks like someone who could be Miss America. And she has an unusual talent – oboe. Should be interesting.

Mississippi





Just a stunning contestant. I haven’t seen many candid photos of her, nor do I know much about her talent, but she is just soooo photogenic! And she looks like someone who would be fun to hang out with. I wouldn’t be surprised if she makes the cut.

New Mexico





This girl is very down to earth, obviously beautiful and rumored to be very talented. I think she’ll do well.

Washington





There is something about this one. She’s just cute as a button. Again, I don’t know a lot about her, but I have a feeling she’ll be a semi-finalist.

Puerto Rico





There has been a lot of controversy over this one. Some Miss America fans are annoyed that Puerto Rico is even competing in Miss America, but I think the negativity surrounding her is really intimidation. Puerto Rico traditionally is a very strong country in pageantry – particularly in Miss Universe. Even if this girl has zero technical ability in talent, anyone who thinks she won’t be a finalist needs a psychological evaluation. And, quite possibly, a drug test.




P.S. I really do want world peace.

An Open Letter to Taco Bell

Dear Taco Bell,

While I appreciate wanting to create a menu with better choices for your health-conscious customers (though, really, what health-conscious person eats at Taco Bell?), marketing a Drive Through Diet is quite ridiculous. I hope you realize that.

That’s all.

Sincerely,




P.S. I really do want world peace.
P.P.S. I'll be posting more Miss America picks tonight.

The Super Bowl!!!

I am sooo excited! The Super Bowl is almost here! Since the defending Super-Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers, are officially out of the running for a comeback, you have probably guessed that "Super Bowl" in this context refers to Miss America! Since I have been really sick all week, and haven't been able to get back on the "health bandwagon," I thought it would be a fun distraction to share my favorites for the 2010 four-pointed crown!

See, pageant gals rarely play fantasy football, but we do play "fantasy judge." Normal people root for their home-state's delegate, or the hot ones, but pageant contestants create actual lists prior to the pageant, and generally keep score throughout. It's actually very serious.

So, after reviewing photos and biographies from the Miss America Web site, I have chosen a slate of 15 contestants (and some "bubbles") who I feel will be making the semi-finals in Las Vegas. Of course - since I haven't seen their talent presentations, which is HUGE in Miss America - I may be completely off base. And my list may change after arrival in a few weeks. But nevertheless, here are the first five contestants:

Arkansas





Cute, polished and extremely put together. And she competed for her state title for years. It's clear she'll be prepared, and she's ready to win!

Kentucky





In every photo of this girl, I just want to squeeze her! She is so adorable! She's happy, excited and sincerely enjoying her year of service. She's super photogenic, but I think her attitude will be what secures her spot.

Virginia





Again, just a beautiful contestant! Not to mention she's got a ton of experience and what looks like a strong platform. She says she wants a Masters in Mass Communication, but I predict she gets a contract with a major news network before she gets that far. But I'm sure her interview is killer.

California





A ballet dancer who also wants to be a pediatric heart surgeon. Umm... yeah. She'll be up there.

Pennsylvania





She's just absolutely stunning in every photo I see of her. Hopefully she's got a good talent and interview to boot. But, really, she's so gorgeous, she could probably make balloon animals and still make the cut.

I'll post five more tomorrow. And, when I start to feel better, will discuss more about the status of my New Years resolutions. In the meantime, enjoy the list and discuss!




P.S. I really do want world peace.

Happy 2010!

Happy New Year!

I hope all of you enjoyed the holidays!

Despite overindulging in my mother-in-laws no bake cookies (when in Rome, right?), Mr. Beauty Queen and I really had a great time on vacation. I did not buy a parka, and it really wasn’t that cold there (considering it was Pennsylvania, and December). We really loved spending time with family and relaxing from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It was nice to have a break.

I mentioned in my last post that I was going to use the vacation to clear my head and to explore why I really want to lose weight. I mean, it should be pretty obvious, but it’s hard sometimes to be motivated without a goal that you’re striving for. That’s why pageants were so great. But since I’m not planning on competing this year (unless there’s some sort of a miracle), I have found another reason to get in shape: children!

Yes, I have come to the conclusion that I would like a little prince or princess soon. I never thought I wanted children, but as I focus more on my family and get older and more stable in my career, I am really starting to want a baby. Now, I don’t think I’ll be having one within the next year or so, but my husband and I are starting to discuss plans for our future family. The fact that we are considering this next chapter in our lives is very exciting, but it does require me to do my part to take steps to improve my health.

The reality is, I don’t want my baby eating fast food, nor do I want to risk health complications based on poor nutrition. It’s so easy to make bad decisions and live with bad eating habits when it’s just the two of us, but if I don’t start putting things in place now for a healthier lifestyle, I am really going to struggle when the time comes to care for a family. Additionally, if I am more fit when I become pregnant, I am told not only will it be better for the baby, but losing the weight after the pregnancy will be a lot easier.

Don’t worry, I have no intention on making this a baby blog. The plan is still to look and feel like a beauty queen. I’m just using a baby – rather than an actual staged pageant event – as the carrot so to speak.

Anyway, I just wanted to share that. I’ll post later on more specifics about the revised plan, and share more about my new year’s resolutions. And later this week, check back for my pre-arrival Top 15 choices for Miss America 2010!




P.S. I really do want world peace.