Long Time No Blog

Long Time No Blog!

Hiya readers! Sorry it's been so long since I've made a post. It's been a while since I made a video too. Let me give you a little update on the happenings of life. 

As some of you know, my mom passed away on the 24th of September. She had a massive stroke in the left side of her brain. After she passed I came to Portland to live with my brother, sister in law, and niece. It's been nice. I have new surroundings and I love it up here but it definitely is different without my mom. The week after she died we went back down to Medford and had her celebration of life service. It was BEAUTIFUL!! She had so many friends and family show up. It made me smile to know that my mom touched so many in her lifetime. After the celebration, we had an estate sale. Just a side note... I HATE ESTATE SALES!! It was so weird watching all of my mom's stuff slowly file out the front door. Things I grew up with and that I've known my entire life. Ugh. It's weird. Also we had some lady come in and the first thing she says is "Who died?" REALLY!!! First off if you're going to an estate sale then you should already know that obviously it was someone's loved one who died. And secondly, it is none of your business to know. That lady seriously ticked me off. But after all was well and good we packed up my boxes. Oh! And the cherry on top of the sundae was me getting sick. Yup. I got a cold. We think it was because I had been going, going, going the last few days and I was emotional so everything kinda caught up with me and yea... NyQuil became my best friend for a few nights. 

The main stress for me though was trying to find someone to take my dogs for a few months while I got situated up here. Now my dogs are like my babies. In fact, they are my babies. I found an amazing woman named Carol who graciously opened up her home to my little ones. They are doing great! Which makes my heart smile. I miss them so much but I know that it's best that I get things settled here before I bring them up. I can't wait till I see them again!! And they get to see their new home!! :)

Well that's about it for the happenings. I have a bunch of job interviews and I'm already signed up for school. Fingers crossed!! Life is gonna be ok. It's gonna be hard... Really hard but it's gonna be ok. And in the end I'll come out a stronger person. 

Again I'm really sorry that the posts and videos stopped for such a long time. Life kinda took me for a ride that I had no control over. Videos are on the way!! However things are changing. Instead of every Tuesday & Thursday, I'll just be uploading when I get the time. But at least twice a week. You gotta bare with me this week though. Things will start to regulate next week. So until next time!!

Thanks for reading!

~Whitney

The Dark Before The Morning

To all those who Believe and those who don't...

My mother, Kathleen Lois Freeman, went home to be with Jesus on Monday, September 24th. That was the hardest day of my life and this week has just been so hectic. With memorial planning, dealing with my new niece that my mom never met, and most of all just waking up every morning knowing that she is really gone. To all those who have lost a parent.. I never thought this would happen to my mom. I never thought this would happen to my family. To all those who haven't lost a parent.. The pain is unreal. You feel almost dead but you still have to go through the motions of the day.

I am a Christian. My mom was a Christian. I know in my heart where she is and I know I will see her again. It's hard to move on in life without her. I mean I'm only 19. I still have so much I needed her for. I keep thinking about how she won't be there to see me get married. Or she won't be there to welcome my first child and the ones that follow. It's hard that she wont be there physically BUT she will be there in spirit. 

My niece Sofia was born just two weeks ago. She was my mom's everything and they hadn't even met. Her only words she kept repeating in the hospital was "My baby Sofia, my baby Sofia Grace." Before we took her off of life support we were finally able to set baby Sofia in her grandma's arms. That was the happiest moment of my life. We had accomplished all that she wanted. Shortly after the doctor came in and took her off all the tubs and off of the breathing machine. I held my mom's hand and sang to her. She always loved my singing. I sang Jealous Of The Angels. And something amazing happened.. God gave me the greatest gift I have ever recieved. As I was singing both of her eyes opened! And she looked into my eyes. I sang my mama to the angels that day. And trust me the hardest thing to do is decide to let your loved one go be with Jesus BUT she was ready. Ready to go home. 

I can not wait for the day I get to see her beautiful face again. It makes my spirit smile to know that she will never shed another tear or ever have another worry. SHE IS FREE!! She is living an everlasting, eternal life with The Lord Our Savior! Blessed be the name of the Lord for He is Good! He is a gracious God and a loving God! People ask me "How can you be smiling and laughing at this time? Your mom just died! Yet you are happy?" my answer... "Because God gave me 19 years with the most amazing woman ever created. And I had the privilege of calling her my mommy! And God only separated us for a short while. He needed an angel that night. And He knows that he chose the best!"

My life has been changed forever. That is for sure. BUT... God has shown His power and love through this tragedy. Like the song says... Our God is greater, Our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other. Our God is healer, awesome in power. OUR GOD!

I ask you all to lean onto God. Through the good and the bad. I don't know how I would be able to move on without my God. I know he has my mom with him and that she is shining down on me. Her smile is the sunlight in the daytime and her watchful eyes are the moonlight in the evening. 

There is a song that I have been singing over and over called Before The Morning by Josh Wilson. This song was playing as my brother and I were driving to Portland to meet our mom at the hospital. I never paid attention to the lyrics until after she had passed. 

Would you dare, would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
Is just the dark before the morning

And it is so true! You have to overcome that darkness to get to the light! I overcame! By the Grace of God I made it through the worst day of my life.. And by the Grace of God I will continue this new path of my life with my mom as my angel. God says that he will not give us more than we can bare. And because of Him, I can bare the pain of losing my mom. Because of Him, I no longer fear death but embrace it. Death is the only adventure and I know who will be waiting for me when I close my eyes to this world and open them to a new Heaven. My mama. 

Rest in Everlasting Peace
Kathleen Lois Freeman
07/27/1956 - 09/24/2012

Fly with the angels Mama

Week 1

Weight Loss-Week 1

Hey guys! Ok so originally I thought that this was going to be a lot scarier (like posting pics, vids, and such) but it actually isnt so bad. Mostly because I have friends and family supporting me in this. That is a HUGE plus and a major help in this. My brother wrote me a message today on Facebook that said..

"Hey kid, this is your brother... I could not be more proud of you making your weight loss goals public to not just your family, but the world. You know that when one goes public, telling all what they want that they have a 90% more chance of success. Proven fact! Through this journey you're about to undergo, stay positive and focused when times get rough. Don't take negative BS from ANYONE! Eyes on the prize little sister. Erica and I believe in you and know you can do this. We look forward to viewing your progress along the way. Also, we too will be holding you accountable. We love you!!"

My family truly is amazing and this proves it. I love you all so much!

Like I promised I am posting pictures and measurements. Now I didn't have a chance to get measuring tape so I will just be posting my sizes this week. Hopefully next week I will have measuring tape but if not then definitely next week! PROMISE!

I am in a sports bra and shorts because I want you guys to see everything. The rolls, the stretch marks, EVERYTHING. Nothing will be hidden from you guys. If I'm going to do it then I'm going all out. 

Current weight: 330 lbs 

Goal weight: 150-160 lbs

Shirt size: 3X-4X

I am kind of in between the two sizes right now. Some 3X stuff fits and some doesn't. So I also wear some 4X pieces. 

Pant size: 28-30

Mostly I'm in a size 28 but I have pretty big thighs so usually the 30s will fit my thighs but be too loose up top around the waistband. 

Well there it is. The first weight loss report. The first of many! Lol!

I hope that you readers/viewers can get something out of this. Whether you need to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds. I hope you take this as inspiration and incentive to keep going. Yes it is hard at times and yes it is draining BUT once you make it to where you want to be... It is all so worth it! :)

Check out the video! Link below!

Rate it, comment, and subscribe to my channel!

Weight loss - Week 1

  Until next time :) 

Thanks for reading! ~Whitney

New iOS6 Update for iPhone Users

iOS6.. Love or Hate?

Ok, so I have to say that there are some things Apple does that I just can not stand. Like for instance the whole thing about there only being certain apps we can and can not have unlike phones on the Android network that can have basically anything they want. But as a hardcore iPhone lover I stick by my Apple and just learn to deal. Now they have just released an update for iOS6. So the question is... Do I love it? Or do I hate it? 

And the answer is... 

Well let's go over some of the new features first. Shall we?

With the new update of iOS6 there are some major improvements that have been made.

#1 major improvement is the Maps app. 

Now if you are anything like me and your iPhone is your life then 9 times out of 10 you are going to be using the Maps app as your regular GPS. Well before iOS6 the Maps was eh... mediocre.  BUT NOW.. I LOVE IT!! 

The new Maps now features turn by turn directions thanks to data being pulled from TomTom. So this means no more constantly looking down at your phone to see where your turn is. And it also has a cool little 3D feature for your terrain view. 

#2 major improvement is the Do Not Disturb app.

You all may be going.. Whitney... What is this "Do Not Disturb" gizmo you are talking about? Well friends it is this brilliant little button in your Settings that you can switch on and off. What happens when you switch it off you may ask? NO MORE CALLS OR TEXT ALERTS WAKING YOU UP AT 3AM!! Whoever came up with this genius little setting is my freaking hero. I don't know how many times I'll have something relating to Facebook or an email or a freaking phone call wake me up. But now... my problems are solved! 

#3 major improvement is the Camera.

Finally iPhone is featuring Panorama. I have been dying to have this feature. Although you have to be slow when taking the shots because if you go too fast you get this weird pix-elated black thing going across the top of your photo. But overall still a pretty awesome feature.

Then there are some things that I could've done without. But we can't have everything perfect right? Ha. There is no such thing. 

#1 semi disappointment... YouTube

The YouTube app is gone!! 

I spent forever looking at my screen trying to figure out what the hell was wrong. I kept going over all my apps in my head and then it hit me... Oh no! Where is my precious YouTube?!

Yup... sorry guys but we must now go to the app store and purchase the YouTube app. Don't fret my lovely ones :) it's free but still a pain that we have to do it. 

There is one newly added app that I just don't quite understand yet. Maybe because I haven't really ever needed an app like this before but anywho it's called Passbook. 

I didn't do much looking into it but from what I can tell it has a bunch of different functions. 

In this little app you can hold boarding passes, tickets, store cards, and coupons.

I think I will end up liking this app. I love finding coupons and I have a ton of store cards that are hogging space in my wallet. Plus whenever I travel the boarding pass feature will be nice. Just scan and go.. Well that's what it says at least.

Overall I have to say that I love the new iOS6. I give it a 5 out of 5 :)

Bravo Apple.

Well my minions, that's all for now. Check back later at 6PM (Pacific Time) for the new YouTube video! It's Thursday so we all know what that means.... Dun. Dun. Dun. 

Thanks for reading! ~Whitney

100 VIEWS!!!

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!

100 views!! This is amazing! Thank you all so much. This means alot to me to know that there are people getting something out of my blogs! Also, the Tuesday Review vlog is up! Head on over and check it out. You can watch it here! This is gonna be a shorter blog than the others. I have a ton of cleaning and laundry to do before I head up to Portland to visit my brother and sister in law.. AND meet my niece for the FIRST TIME!!! Little Sofia Grace is here! So happy to be an auntie and I cant wait to hold my little monkey! I'll keep you guys posted. 

Thanks for reading! ~Whitney

Beauty Review: Maybelline Baby Lips

Maybelline Baby Lips

I'm a girl who has many different types of lip balms. Anything from Softlips to Ecos and Carmax to Nivea. This was my first time trying a lip balm made by Maybelline and I have to say that I was quite impressed. This is the first conditioning lip product that doesn't actually dry out my lips. Another plus is that at Walmart it is only $2.97!! It's cheap and works GREAT! 

Maybelline Baby Lips in Quenched #05

Sometimes product claims aren't always true BUT this is probably one of those rare times when the claims are correct! 

This product claims:

Visibly renewed lips and 8-hour hydration

SPF 20

Protects and moisturizes lips for a full 8 hours

After 4 weeks, lips are visibly renewed and reborn

And its clinical care for baby soft lips

This product is simply the best I have tried. I used to only buy Ecos lip balms but after trying this I have to say that I have officially switched over! 

Maybelline Baby Lips comes in 6 different shades.

2 clear shades: Quenched #05 (pictured above) and Peppermint #10

4 tinted shades: Cherry Me #15, Grape Vine #20, Pink Punch #25, and Peach Kiss #30

I give this product a 5 out of 5

Definitely #1 in my makeup bag!

Thanks for reading! ~Whitney 

First YouTube Video

My first video is up and running! Excited and nervous at the same time lol sorry that I had to post it a bit early but as I'll explain in the video, my sister in law JUST HAD A BABY!!! Super excited and right now I'm busy informing family members and such but I tried to hold off as close to 6 as possible.. Oh well. Next week videos will go up at 6! Promise! Head on over and check out the new vid!

Thanks for reading! ~Whitney

The Diet

Dun. Dun. Dun. 

The Diet...

I promise it's not as scary as I may or may not have just made it sound. This diet is actually pretty simple and there are so many possibilities. 

Basically this is a 1200 calorie a day diet split up into 6 small meals through out the day.

Here's a quick run down.

Breakfast: 300 Calories

I usually have a grapefruit topped with a bit of Splenda. A little bit of sweet and a little bit of tang.  And a protein shake. 

Morning Snack: 100 Calories

This is when I usually have a 100 Calorie Greek Yogurt. I don't like the consistency of regular yogurt but greek yogurt has a thicker consistency and is actually really yummy!

Lunch: 300 Calories

At lunch time I usually have either a Lean Cuisine or a Lean Pocket with a small salad. There are always so many varieties with the cuisines and pockets. And usually on my salad I have a light vinaigrette (fewer calories). 

Afternoon Snack: 100 Calories

There are A TON of different 100 calorie options available now-a-days. Anything from cookies, chips, cupcakes, and brownies. Even on 100 calories, you can still satisfy that sweet tooth!

Dinner: 300 Calories

I love this meal! I can get a bit more creative. I prefer to have a lean piece of chicken breast and put some nice seasoning on it before throwing it on the grill. Again as with lunch I have a small salad with a light vinaigrette. 

and finally...

Evening Snack: 100 Calories

Just like afternoon snack there are so many choices. Feel free to pick and choose. Just watch the cals and stick as close to 100 as possible.

That's it. That's the diet lol it's nice to have the smaller meals throughout the day. Not only will your body burn your stored fat faster (because it knows more good is coming) but you wont be hungry all the time. Overall, this is a pretty easy diet to stick too :) 

Thanks for reading! ~Whitney

First Post EVER!!!

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!!

So this is the first post ever!! *insert girly shriek* I've been wanting to do this for a while now but I never really got around to setting everything up. Well... I FINALLY DID IT! First thing's first... a bit about myself :)

I was born and raised in Medford, OR. I've lived here for 19 years and frankly it's a bit well... annoying lol that's why pretty soon you guys will be taking a new journey with me! Moving out!! But that's another story for a later date. For now, let me share some of my life with you.

Meet the Kids 

On the left: Maxamillion, 4 years old, has ADHD (I'll post a video of him one day then you will know what I mean), his fluffiness makes him the perfect cuddle bug.

In the middle: Chloe Chanel, 6 years old, mom of the other two pups, a total mommy's girl, loves to sing with mommy, and is just simply adorable. My little princess... no joke. 

On the right: Gabriella, 4 years old, very small and shy but wont let the others walk all over her, loves to curl up into your neck and fall asleep. 

These little beauties are my babies. Yes I know you may be calling them rats or ankle biters but I promise they are not that. They have a whole lot of personality smushed into a tiny package! Forget diamonds... Chihuahuas are a girl's best friend <3

My Mommy 

This beautiful woman right here is my mom. She is one of the most important people in my life. She is always here for me, always supportive, but most of all she loves me more than life itself. Her heart is bigger than any other I know.. My mom is the best. Hands down. 

My Brother & Sister in law

Yea I know.. My brother is a bit strange, but I still claim him :) Corey is a Marine (Semper Fi) who served his country proud! He has been all around the world. Japan, Guam, Australia. He even served TWO tours in Iraq. His troop was one of the first called to Iraq after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. My brother truly is a hero in my eyes. My sister in law, Erica, is so amazing! I never had a sister but my goodness I am so happy I have her. She has such a sweet and kind spirit. A very bright personality and most of all she is beautiful!

But the best part of my life is....

My niece, Sofia!

This little girl isn't here yet but my goodness I cant wait till she is! My family has waited a while for this. Sofia is the first grandchild and the first niece. I am definitely one proud auntie! About a month ago we lost our beloved dog Buddy. That was a huge hit on our family and we are all still suffering and trying to heal... To me Sofia represents new life being given to this family after it feels like a bit of us died along with Buddy. And this family needs some new life breathed into it. HURRY UP SOFIA AND GET HERE!!! :) 

And finally... Me

My name is Whitney and I'm a 19 year old girl who decided that she wanted to share her life adventures with the world. I'm about to embark on something that everyone struggles with... Weight loss. This blog will be my outlet to helping not only myself accomplish my goals but maybe help some other people who are in the same position. 

Every Tuesday and Thursday I post videos on YouTube at 6pm!

Tuesdays are more of a random day where I talk about whatever is on my mind. Whether that be life, love, health, beauty advice, or just randomness. If you want me to address anything specifically please feel free to let me know! Thursdays are my weigh-in days. I will be letting you know my current weight, measurements, tips on my diet, and any new exercise routines I do. 

I hope to accomplish not only my goals but I hope to inspire people who want to get healthier. Whether they have to lose 10 lbs or 100 lbs, I want them to feel like they can come here and get the support they need. Read the blog, watch the videos, you can even ask me a question. 

I cant wait to see where this takes me! Thanks for reading!

~Whitney