Thanks for all the responses. I am not giving up at all, just discouraged a little. I am tracking, weighing food on a scale, drinking water, taking a multi-vitamin, making sure the portions are correct, etc... I have eaten a few more fruits than I normally would, but by no means have I gone crazy eating them. I exercised last night, but not really any of the other days. I turned 40 in August and I am not sure if that has anything to do with it or not. I am guessing time will tell. I do have some exercise DVD's I plan to begin soon as well as walking on the treadmill. I was just trying to get my eating down pat first and then incorporate the exercise. Maybe that is not the smartest thing. I can't remember exactly how old I was when I last joined WW, but it was probably when I was in my mid to late 30's. After reading everything, I guess I will be alright even if I only lose a touch tonight. I am just used to what has happened in the past when I have lost anywhere from 3-5 pounds the first week. Thanks again for the great replies. :)

frugalmama: I wonder why that is??? I always did well on the old points system too. I never expected this and it is really disappointing.

I actually did exercise last night. However, every other time that I have been on WW, I never incorporated exercising until the 2nd or 3rd week and I have still always had very nice losses the first week.

Hello, I just began Weight Watcher's last Thursday. I am doing the new points plus plan and have really been tracking well this first week. Yesterday I was feeling very good and even "felt" that I have lost weight. However, I decided to step on the scale last night before dinner to see my progress (I did it at this time because I have to weigh in at 6PM on Thursday evenings). Imagine my disappointment when it showed that I had actually gained 2 pounds. What?!?! I thought, well, I had not eaten lunch till 2PM and I had a lot of water too, so maybe that was affecting everything. So, I tried not to get down about it and ate a sensible dinner, tracked everything, and waited to weigh again this morning. Well, the weight did go down, but not even one pound from what I initially weighed in at last Thursday. I am supposed to weigh in at 6PM tonight and I am dreading it greatly. I have been on WW before (with the old points plan) and I have always lost very well my first week. I just do not understand this at all. I truly have been tracking everything, staying within the daily/weekly point allowances, drinking my water, etc... I genuinely do not know what is going on here. My question... has anyone had this happen to them on the new points plus WW plan? Also, since I am supposed to weigh in at 6PM this evening, should I not eat or drink past a certain time? I have always weighed in at morning times before, so this is different for me. If I go and weigh more than what I started at only one week into the program, I will be devastated. Anyway, I would appreciate any help or tips that anyone can offer. Thanks so much!

Stephen Curtis Chapman Chris Tomlin Mercy Me Michael W. Smith Mandisa has wonderful lyrics in her music Francesca Battistelli

Thanks, everyone! :) My hubby picked up the Ninja Pulse for us last night at BJ's. I am excited to try it out soon! :D

Thanks for all the replies. :) I am thinking that I may need to go to the meetings in the beginning, just to get a feel for everything. Also, I do believe that having to go to the meetings will hold me more accountable. My problem is getting started. I have found that on my own, I just don't seem to do it even though I really want to lose weight. Once I get going though, I am good. :) I can't afford to pay for the meetings long term, but maybe just going in the beginning would be a great place to start and then I can continue on my own possibly. The new program does sound interesting. I didn't even really look at it much when I had the online membership, so I just don't think that doing it online only is going to benefit me much. I need a bigger push than that at first. Never thought of ordering everything from Ebay... that is pretty cool. However, I still think I would benefit from a few meetings at first. Thanks so much!!! Everyone have a wonderful day. :)

Hello, I posted about a week ago regarding workouts that were good to do. However, right now I want to focus on which diet plan I want to start. I definitely have chosen WW as the plan. I have done it before with pretty good results and it just seems so sensible for me. Anyway, I have always done the old points program. I didn't really mind the point counting, etc... I tried the new one online, but never found the time to actually get on line and do anything about it. Now I am trying to decide if I should at least try the new points plus program again by going to weekly meetings OR if I should save my money and go with the old program. For those who have done or are doing WW, will you please share with me your thoughts on this? I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks! :)

Hello, I am thinking of possibly getting one of these items in the near future. I have been doing research, but quite honestly, my mind is turning to mush reading everything. Does anyone have one of these items and if so, will you please share your thoughts about it with me? I am just wondering... will I use it? Are they worth the money? The quality? All kinds of things going through my mind. So, please share any information that you have regarding any one of these items. I will GREATLY appreciate it! :)

Hello, Just wondering if anyone has this and if you like it? What all do you use it for and is the quality good? I am looking at the Ninja Pulse possibly. Thanks!

Loving all the responses! :) Yes, I had also thought of a Kindle or Nook as well. I like to read in the bed at night while hubby goes on to sleep, so that might be a good idea as well. Hmmmm... so much to think about. :)

What would it be??? Hubby got a bonus at work and he wants to get me something. This is the first time that we don't have to use the bonus to pay bills, so it is a nice treat. Anyway, I have been thinking about a Keurig coffee maker, a nice blender, some type of exercise equipment (like a bike or a rowing machine), a kitchen aid stand mixer, etc.... However, I am having a hard time with this believe it or not! Haha! I know, nice problem to have. It is actually that I keep thinking, nooooo, I don't really need that OR will I really use that? Soooo... any thoughts on items I have mentioned or any great suggestions??? My hubby is treating himself to an iPad. It will really be ours. :) That is a nice treat for him and he has definitely earned it at this job of his. Anyway, curious to hear everyone's thoughts and ideas. Thanks!!! :)

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with me. :) Also, thanks for sharing the links too. I am about to go and check them out. :thumbup:

Hello, Well, I have decided like many that it is time to get off my lazy butt and make exercise a part of my daily routine. :) I picked up two new dvd's the other day from Costco. Both are Jillian Michaels. One is Ripped in 30 and the other is Killer buns and thighs. They are still in the wrapping because I am still deciding if I can do them and if they are worth it. My whole body needs work, but my rear/thighs have always been a problem area. I am wanting exercises that target those areas and that is why I am interested. Has anyone done these two particular workouts? If so, will you please share your experiences with me and how you like them? Have you lost any weight or toned up and how long did it take before you saw results? I also plan to follow Weight Watchers, so I am hoping that the two combined will lead to great results IF I stick to everything. I am a new 40 and I need to lose about 60-70 pounds. Does all this sound like a good, solid plan to you guys? Looking forward to hearing reviews of the dvds. I am actually getting excited to begin. I just want to do my homework first. :) Oh, and I did get a Elements AM & PM yoga dvd as well. Read that it is wonderful. ***One thing to mention is that I am really a semi beginner with working out. I have done it before and do pretty well once I get going, but have never worked out on a regular basis. I do have Zumba, Leslie Sansone, and a treadmill too. Goodness, you would think I would be a tiny little thing, wouldn't you??? Hahahaha!!! Thanks and everyone have a great day! :001_smile:

We have been using them this year too. I think they are wonderful. They wipe off easily when you are ready to erase. They don't wipe off if you simply bump them like the markers do. Plus, they don't have that stinky smell like many of the dry erase markers have. My son loves the different colors and they write really well. So far these are working great for us! :)

Not sure if these have been mentioned yet or not, but here are some of our favorites. *Kona Cafe at the Polynesian for breakfast. Delicious!!! *Wolfgang Puck Express in Downtown Disney. YUM! *Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. Just good, simple food. *Goofy's Candy Store. This is just a fun place to go to get yummy treats. *Sunshine Seasons at Epcot. Great place for lunch. Lots of choices. Not impressed by: *Chef Mickey's. Food was mediocre at best. *LeCellier. I know people rave about this place, but I have never been too impressed with my meals. *Tutto Italia. Again, another favorite that we just didn't care for at all. We are going in November and look forward to trying some new places for us. *Donalds Safari Breakfast in Animal Kingdom. Heard it is wonderful! *Coral Reef in Epcot. Mixed reviews, but curious to find out for ourselves. *Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. Supposed to be a fun character breakfast which I hope our son will really enjoy. *Garden Grill in Epcot. Another first, but we are doing more character meals for our son's first trip and this place had pretty good reviews. Visit http://www.easywdw.com for more information or http://www.allears.net for menus and pricing. Great sites! Enjoy and have fun!!! By the way, did you score free dining??? Hope so because that is a great deal! :)

Hello, I haven't read all the response, but I wanted to make a few suggestions. I run an in-home childcare from 6:45 AM - 5:30 PM, M-F. I have a contract for all families that are in my care. I require that the parents read this contract and sign a paper stating that they have read and understand all my policies. I require payment on Fridays for the following week. I have late charge fees, bounced check fees, etc... My parents respect my rules and it usually only takes one time of having to pay a late fee for them to realize that I am serious about the policies I have. Regardless of their own personal situations, they agreed to pay you for your childcare services. This was known upfront, so no excuses. How would they feel if their employer just said one payday "oh, well we can't pay you today like normal so you will get payment a week from now". I do not believe they would be too happy at all. Childcare is a very hard and demanding job that never stops. There is never a dull moment and someone is always needing something. You are providing a huge service to these families and do not deserve to be taken advantage of at any time. I really hope that you will choose to not deal with these families anymore. Also, please type up a contract that contains all your rules, late fees, hours, what you require from the parents for each child, your time off and payment method for that, etc... etc... I wish you lots of luck in the future with this. Have a wonderful day! :001_smile:

1. I turn 40 next week and I have mixed feelings about it. :) 2. I love cookbooks and have lots of them, but rarely cook anything from them. 3. I became a widow & single mom at the age of 22 4. I love reading organizational books, but have yet to actually be very organized. 5. I love watching Food Network and HGTV 6. Photography is a passion of mine 7. I am a HUGE Disney fan! 8. I was single for many years, remarried a wonderful man at 30 & now have an 18 yr. daughter & a 7 yr. old son, talk about spread out! :) 9. Never in a million years did I ever think I would homeschool my son. 10. I can't wait to get out of in-home childcare & have my own business where I can use my creative talents.

Thanks, Boscopup... I will figure this all out. :) I appreciate your input though. Also, maybe my son doesn't need daily review, that may just be my thinking. I guess time will tell.

Hello, We begin school next Tuesday, so I have been sitting here looking at the math for 2nd grade trying to plan out our first few weeks. I am using Rod and Staff 2, and then supplementing with some workbooks. I realize that I have the teachers manual and everything is pretty much laid out for me, but as I look at the lessons, I feel that the first 40 lessons are simply review of very simple addition and subtraction, plus a little place value or skip counting here and there. I planned on doing review for the first two weeks, but then moving on to newer stuff. I also want to make sure that I am teaching other things to in math each week such as time, money, fractions, etc.... I did this with both K and 1st and it seems that if we go over the different things each week, my son retains it better. However, it seems with R&S that they are taking it very slow. I am thinking my son might just be bored out of his mind if I follow the lessons like they show. Please explain how you teach math to a second grader... just your own experiences. I am wondering if I should do addition and subtraction each day and then add an extra to that also each day. For example: Mondays-addition, subtraction, work on telling time Tuesdays-addition, subtraction, work on place value Wednesday-addition, subtraction, work on fractions And so on... I don't know why I am baffled by this right now. I just want to make sure my son enjoys math as best as possible even though it is his least favorite subject. Any suggestions? I am not even sure if I am making much sense. Also, how much time should we be doing math daily? In the past, math has lasted 30-45 minutes. I just haven't been able to fit it in with less time. Thanks so much!

Thanks so much to everyone for all the great replies. I don't have a lot of time right now, but I plan on coming back and reading everything as well as taking some notes. I knew that I could rely on getting some good advice here. :) Thanks!!!

Hello, I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share their best tips on loosing weight? I know that there are all kinds of diets out there, but I really am looking more for a lifestyle change that my whole family can benefit from also. I need to lose a lot of weight, about 60-80 pounds. I joined WW online, but never seem to even look at it which is frustrating. I can't continue to spend the money on this and I don't want to continue throwing away money. I know people that take pills and lose a lot, but I don't want to go that route either. I am looking for a healthy, safe approach to loosing weight and keeping it off. I realize a lot of stuff is common sense, but I would still appreciate hearing any tips, suggestions, ideas, etc.... I REALLY need to get my rear in gear and start losing the weight. I am turning 40 next Monday and I had a goal to be at least 50 lbs. lighter by this point and that totally did not happen. So, now that I am sufficiently disappointed in myself, I want to do something to fix it. Thanks so much and have a wonderful day! :)

Hello, I am wanting to get a really good athletic walking shoe that I can use when I go out to run errands as well as when I am exercising. I also need a shoe with good support that won't hurt my feet after wearing them all day. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance! :)

I am sooooo happy that I found this thread! We have a problem with all our blankets having a funky, almost chemical like smell and it drives me crazy! We have a front loader and I am going to do all the things suggested here to get it clean and producing fresh smelling clothes again. It will be so nice not to have stinky blankets or any other stinky clothes for that matter. Thanks so much!!! :)

Hello, I am actually in the process of planning out our days to where they run as smoothly as possible. I run an in-home childcare, homeschool my son, and then need to fit in all the other stuff as well. I find that I will be taking advantage of nap times for the little ones so that I will be able to focus more on teaching my son. My husband will be reading and doing some Bible with our son in the morning too, so that is a help. Right now, in order to help out somewhat, here are some of my thoughts: 1. Menu planning- I will do this for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinners 2. I buy meat in bulk at Costco, when I do this I just go ahead and cook everything so that it is easy to pull out and get a meal ready quickly. 3. I plan on learning about some great freezer meals and slow cooker meals for those extra busy days. 4. I am hoping to plan a day during the week (in the evening) to do my errands... mainly grocery shopping, bank, etc... The weekends are sooooo crowded and I would prefer to use that time with my family. 5. My son will have chores daily so that he can help out around the house. He is only 7, but there are many things he can help with each day. 6. Cleaning for me will be basics each day and then focus on one detailed area if possible. For example: Monday might be bathrooms, Tuesday might be dusting, etc.. 7. I really need to work in some "me" time as well since my days are so very busy. I hope to get up about 20 minutes earlier to do Bible/devotional time before getting ready for the day. I also plan on working in exercise at least four days a week. 8. On Sundays, I will just take a little time to look over school for the following week. This will help me to know exactly what we will be looking at, what supplies may be needed, etc... Hopefully, it will prevent me from running around searching for things during the week & help me be more prepared. Those are just a few things I am thinking about doing to help out in our daily routine. I have to have some type of routine each day. I find that things just run soooo much smoother around here. I am thumbing through a pretty good book as well on organizing. It has ideas for all areas. It is called The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home, by Kathy Peel. She is Christian, so please take note of this because she does mention scripture throughout the book. I know that some people may not like that approach. Anyway, best wishes on figuring out a good routine for all that life throws our way. :)