A Giveaway!

Well friends, in honor of my recent "20+ pounds removed" weight loss goal, I've decided to host a giveaway in its honor, and in yours as well. <br /><br />Now, normally I like to keep the giveaway value in line with the total weight lost - <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/starbucks-giftcard-giveaway.html">last time</a> it was a $10 giftcard for reaching the 10 pounds removed goal.  This time it should be $20 right?  Consistency can be fun.<br /><br />You might remember how I was complaining about feeling guilty for <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/12/weekend-recap-1-day-late.html">spending so much money</a> on myself?  Well, it's time to pay it forward!  What better time than <i>now </i>to spread the holiday cheer.<br /><br />But first - allow me to give credit where credit is due.<br /><br />Thank you all SO MUCH for your support throughout these last several months.  It's shocking to me that I even have regular readers.  I mean, seriously, look at how long (on the left) it took me to make some real progress around here!  It's amazing that you've even stuck around.  I'm supposed to be a weight <i>loss </i>blogger, not weight-maintaining-but-really-need-to-lose-it-blogger.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thekrazycouponlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/target-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thekrazycouponlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/target-Logo.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><i>Promise me</i> that if you win the <b>$40 Target Giftcard</b> that you will spend it on yourself!  You deserve it, I'm sure of it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you.</i></b> - <i><b>Deuteronomy 16:17</b></i></div><br />Here are the conditions for winning (U.S. & Canadian residents only please):<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">1. Leave a comment here telling me what you're most excited about this Christmas season.  It can be a gift you hope you receive, something you're thankful for, the opportunity to travel to see family/friends, etc, etc. <i>This counts as 1 entry.</i><br /><br />2. Like The Big Weight Facebook page & comment on the page letting me know you've done so (handy dandy button on the right to do so).  <i>This counts as 1 entry.</i><br /><br />3. Post about this giveaway on your blog!  Then come back here and leave a comment with the link to your blog entry. <i>This counts as 1 entry.</i></blockquote><br />A winner will be randomly chosen on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 9 AM - so please hurry :).<br /><br /><i>**While I did contact Target last week about sponsoring a giveaway, they have yet to get back to me.  So, this $40 giftcard has been purchased using my own money, and also because I feel like at this point it is more meaningful for me to provide the card myself than to receive it from Target.</i> <i>I still love you Tar-jay, I just can't wait around forever :).  </i>

giveaways A Giveaway!

Well friends, in honor of my recent "20+ pounds removed" weight loss goal, I've decided to host a giveaway in its honor, and in yours as well. Now, normally I like to keep the giveaway value in line with the total weight lost - last time it was a $10…

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Weekend Recap (1 Day Late)

Boy those weekends come and go before ya know it!<br /><br />Friday night after work, I ran over to the <a href="http://www.nationalharbor.com/">National Harbor</a> to pick up my new Pandora charm.  I went with a glass bead, though the other one will be a purchase in the near future no doubt.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJuclzn2nFYhAitRyc2axfb_rWMtlUWNCe6zTewXXvjjkBbVPvsunLTzhQ48fSnY7xrD1OYoT8o61nrz3xS5tdYxRIAniMakBCy0PpgGWq3u56zgXYAfSu_qTJ_Faq4pPpGnxmu_xv8s/s1600/Christmas+Card+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJuclzn2nFYhAitRyc2axfb_rWMtlUWNCe6zTewXXvjjkBbVPvsunLTzhQ48fSnY7xrD1OYoT8o61nrz3xS5tdYxRIAniMakBCy0PpgGWq3u56zgXYAfSu_qTJ_Faq4pPpGnxmu_xv8s/s400/Christmas+Card+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I have yet to purchase the VB bag.  I feel guilty dropping so much money on myself this time of year, when I should be getting Christmas gifts for others.  And then there's that little old wedding I have to pay for too. <br /><br />Speaking of weddings, we checked out a venue on Saturday in St Mary's City, MD.  It's on the campus of <a href="http://www.smcm.edu/">St Mary's College</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkqo1GdNNIMS6O6Z3oa-lVUi2vIL0tNXLROGRSV-1eqmhsBsoRVc-4NvSnQKKcP7jU3ZH9coJKR_e9FSDi1G3BKhwYyU1MW2tZhiQfiFzv097wIvUGvgNqAC7jnfkGej5dgj9OPKXW8ED/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkqo1GdNNIMS6O6Z3oa-lVUi2vIL0tNXLROGRSV-1eqmhsBsoRVc-4NvSnQKKcP7jU3ZH9coJKR_e9FSDi1G3BKhwYyU1MW2tZhiQfiFzv097wIvUGvgNqAC7jnfkGej5dgj9OPKXW8ED/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State House</td></tr></tbody></table>The place doesn't have a great website to show you pictures, but it's really nice if you can use your imagination.  The State House will be where the cocktail hour and cake will most likely take place.  Guests will enter the ceremony site through this building.  It's rather rustic inside.  Outside, directly in front of the building, will be where the ceremony will take place.  It overlooks the St Mary's River, which ultimately dumps into the Chesapeake Bay.  The reception will be held outdoors in a tent to the right of the building.  We have penciled in the State House as our venue (pending responses from other venues).  The date is tentatively October 6, 2012!  Unbelievable, still, for me to imagine that by this time next year I will be married!!  I really think this is the place!<br /><br />After wedding venue shopping, I wanted to get our pictures taken for our Christmas card.  <br /><br />It was absolutely freezing cold along the water... and VERY windy!  This shot is along Piscataway Creek in Joel's hometown in Maryland.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8t4XwNvwQZerVJEU_fZ9OtaF0Y1chIAvSLPDmB3jtKtivRl7ydTHqMgjCg4eN62KMDI2oOMY-jqjqxGaAIoLazQ2zONdYSnM4eYUEzai008VfACxT4_S3SQj1krP3IkUzfaUmCaYtOU/s1600/christmas+card+edit+1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8t4XwNvwQZerVJEU_fZ9OtaF0Y1chIAvSLPDmB3jtKtivRl7ydTHqMgjCg4eN62KMDI2oOMY-jqjqxGaAIoLazQ2zONdYSnM4eYUEzai008VfACxT4_S3SQj1krP3IkUzfaUmCaYtOU/s400/christmas+card+edit+1+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some people in this picture were not pleased with the cheesiness that was the handmade heart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWU5fwI7qPi30VZ6fKdFbcf3EjEcX4SZj0BR7JwubmxX_RhX38R0pUw3xWXcsoeCQmuaQUF54pmV3vxyRAFFg61Wtiqh5Gdbr_VuyzbOWS5L8LbLU1MwccSHLYQubJGLPKcV5Oo69vWg/s1600/christmas+card+edit+2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWU5fwI7qPi30VZ6fKdFbcf3EjEcX4SZj0BR7JwubmxX_RhX38R0pUw3xWXcsoeCQmuaQUF54pmV3vxyRAFFg61Wtiqh5Gdbr_VuyzbOWS5L8LbLU1MwccSHLYQubJGLPKcV5Oo69vWg/s400/christmas+card+edit+2+copy.jpg" width="338" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Then we crossed the river back in to Virginia to try out the park near our condo.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaKur0GGrmtFvRq8OowB4yJagCls6l0NNRNdWonRjR3MdxfM6BR3vXtfLvSPmroK0fhPso7bk4KObcp1efF0_ZvABcUWLa0kScQj5wsMJ80Gxv03mfFsz5e1Wwl-7vkLli6m4UlOWx-4/s1600/christmas+card+edit+3+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaKur0GGrmtFvRq8OowB4yJagCls6l0NNRNdWonRjR3MdxfM6BR3vXtfLvSPmroK0fhPso7bk4KObcp1efF0_ZvABcUWLa0kScQj5wsMJ80Gxv03mfFsz5e1Wwl-7vkLli6m4UlOWx-4/s400/christmas+card+edit+3+copy.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br />It was so much warmer over there with the trees shrouding our picture taking frenzy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZ86GK1YCkC7B0qkG3cQN1fX3nGb9E6uZ99Qn_2ux_Y1M0jwwRT9hxo2LVVy-CtJITk94ntNcMQluAmo21Xa940F99Ge_XZDSZqfUD-bmJEERNLfeoTPqi07J4TJLCo0mcq2rJFwPj3o/s1600/christmas+card+edit+4+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZ86GK1YCkC7B0qkG3cQN1fX3nGb9E6uZ99Qn_2ux_Y1M0jwwRT9hxo2LVVy-CtJITk94ntNcMQluAmo21Xa940F99Ge_XZDSZqfUD-bmJEERNLfeoTPqi07J4TJLCo0mcq2rJFwPj3o/s400/christmas+card+edit+4+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I'm such an amateur photographer, but it's something I really like doing and want to do more of.  I love capturing a perfect moment of a human being - I'm not so much about landscapes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_mCWKVKol9NaBRWzfrzoJYnUkfdN_WDU9BBLeH0cuaRCxZhhCJypiyq_WMxCT-GN3t_LW6VENtSEnWDzmrUjMNRRqNiPdYjAhLmhtS-wpzkCgWveUidW7hTFko_1YtJbCTYP3_NDv2Q/s1600/christmas+card+edit+6+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_mCWKVKol9NaBRWzfrzoJYnUkfdN_WDU9BBLeH0cuaRCxZhhCJypiyq_WMxCT-GN3t_LW6VENtSEnWDzmrUjMNRRqNiPdYjAhLmhtS-wpzkCgWveUidW7hTFko_1YtJbCTYP3_NDv2Q/s400/christmas+card+edit+6+copy.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br />We ended our lovely weekend with a Sunday road trip to Fredericksburg, VA to pick up a case of Joel's much loved wine, Rappahannock Red from <a href="http://www.hartwoodwinery.com/">Hartwood Winery</a>.  I love wine so much - it really helps ease the tension of a day at work.<br /><br />I've been doing MUCH BETTER at staying On Plan this week than last.  Despite all the travels we did this weekend, I've still stayed within my daily target two days so far and have not surpassed my Weekly Points+ allowance yet (and it's Tuesday!).  Usually by now I would have blown through the WP.  I currently have a balance of 15 - which is great considering I'm only allowing myself 39 this week, instead of 49.  So I technically have more left but I'm going to forget I even typed that ;).  I've also hit the gym twice this week, earning 8 of the planned 14 Activity Points.  So far, I'm setting myself up for what should be a successful week.  <br /><br />How was your weekend?  How has your "healthy eating" week been progressing so far?<br /><br />

wedding Weekend Recap Weekend Recap (1 Day Late)

Boy those weekends come and go before ya know it!Friday night after work, I ran over to the National Harbor to pick up my new Pandora charm.  I went with a glass bead, though the other one will be a purchase in the near future no doubt.I have yet to …

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RESURRECCIÓN DE UN CONTINENTE

<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large;">Spanish version of article posted on 05 Dec 2011</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="hps"> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span lang="ES" style="font-size: large;"><span class="hps">América Latina</span> <span class="hps">se une en</span> <span class="hps">bloque</span> <span class="hps">nuevo</span>, <span class="hps">no es EE.UU.</span> <span class="hps">invitado</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="ES" style="line-height: 115%;">Treinta y tres líderes de América Latina se han unido y formado un bloque regional nuevo, prometiendo estrechar lazos económicos y políticos. La Comunidad de Estados Latinoamericanos y Caribeños (CELAC) deliberadamente excluye los EE.UU. y Canadá.<br />En el segundo día de una cumbre en la capital venezolana, Caracas, todos los líderes de América Latina, tanto de  derecha y de izquierda, firmaron oficialmente la formación del bloque CELAC. La fundación del bloque ha sido elogiada como la realización de la idea de dos siglos de edad de América Latina "independencia"  prevista por Simón Bolívar.<br /><br />Analistas consideran a la CELAC como una alternativa a la Organización DE LOS ESTADOS AMERICANOS (OEA) con sede en Washington y como un intento de los países de América Latina para  reducir la influencia de EE.UU. en la región.<br />Sin embargo Washington no ve a CELAC como un reemplazo de la OEA. El Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos dijo Mark Toner portavoz de los EE.UU. seguirá "trabajando a través de la OEA como organismo multilateral por excelencia, en representación del hemisferio".<br /><br />Los analistas políticos opinan que los EE.UU. ven  CELAC como una amenaza potencial a su hegemonía en la región.<br /><br /><br />Los 33 líderes se comprometieron a resistir la crisis financiera que ha golpeado a Europa y otros países desarrollados.<br />Dilma Rousseff BRASIL hizo hincapié en que los países latinoamericanos tendrían que depender más de sus vecinos en medio de la turbulencia económica mundial.<br />"La crisis económica, financiera debe estar en el centro de nuestras preocupaciones", dijo Rousseff. Ella dijo que América Latina debe "darse cuenta de que para garantizar su actual ciclo de desarrollo a pesar de la turbulencia económica internacional, esto significa que todos los políticos deben ser conscientes de que cada uno necesita de los demás."<br /><br />Presidente chileno Sebastián Piñera, quien asumió la presidencia rotatoria inicial en CELAC, expresó la esperanza de que el bloque podría ayudar a fomentar la cooperación regional a pesar de las diferencias entre algunos de los 33 Estados miembros.<br /><br />Los líderes también discutieron la cooperación en el ámbito del tráfico de drogas y el cambio climático.<br />CELAC debe ser una "unión política para construir un centro de gran potencia del siglo 21", dijo el presidente de Venezuela, haciendo hincapié en el crecimiento regional fuerte como muchos países de la región de estrechar los lazos con Asia o Europa y reducir su tradicional dependencia de los EE.UU..<br /><br />La formación de la CELAC fue recibido calurosamente por el creciente poder global, China. Hu se comprometió a profundizar la cooperación con la CELAC, y subrayó que en el siglo 21 las relaciones entre China y América Latina han experimentado un desarrollo integral y rápida con la expansión de la cooperación de beneficio mutuo, de acuerdo con la agencia de noticias Xinhua.<br /><br />Los países de la CELAC tienen una población combinada de casi 600 millones de personas y un PBI combinado de alrededor de 6 billones de dólares EE.UU. - aproximadamente un tercio de la producción combinada de los EE.UU. y Canadá.</span></span><span lang="ES-AR" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>

RESURRECCIÓN DE UN CONTINENTE

Spanish version of article posted on 05 Dec 2011  América Latina se une en bloque nuevo, no es EE.UU. invitadoTreinta y tres líderes de América Latina se han unido y formado un bloque regional nuevo, prometiendo estrechar lazos económicos y políticos…

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December is for the Birds

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>From guest author, Mary Warren, Naturalist at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and the Sportsman's Migratory Bird Center, Oak Harbor, Ohio</em> </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://levahnbros.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/cardinal-in-the-snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://levahnbros.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/cardinal-in-the-snow.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a>While you are out dashing around looking for the perfect gift, many folks will be outside counting birds. The National Audubon Society will sponsor the 112th Christmas Bird Count from December 14th to January 5th this year. While it’s not a<br /> BIG YEAR (did you get to see the movie The Big Year? Very funny!), it will be a big event. <br /><br /><br />On any day during that period, people will be out with binoculars and field guides in hand counting every bird, recording how many and what species, and where they are seeing them. Thousands of volunteers across the Americas will take part in this adventure that has been a tradition for years. You don’t have to be an expert to participate in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC). All eyes and ears are welcome. The data that is collected during these weeks is used to guide conservation actions for bird populations. This tradition began in 1900, making the CBC one of America's longest running wildlife census projects. And you can be a very important part of this fun citizen science project.<br /><br />Most CBC’s are run through local Audubon chapters. You can go <a href="http://www.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count" target="_blank">online</a> to find a chapter near you. There are also informal CBC4Kids events sprouting up around the country. First introduced in 2007 in Sonoma Valley, California, this event is specifically for kids and families and encourages enjoyment and respect for nature together. For more info you can check it out at <a href="http://www.sonomabirding.com/">http://www.sonomabirding.com/</a> <br /><br />If you are in Northwest Ohio, there will be a CBC4Kids at Magee Marsh on January 14th, 2012. There will be lots of fun activities planned that day. For more info, you can email <a href="mailto:mary.warren@dnr.state.oh.us">mary.warren@dnr.state.oh.us</a> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="rg_hi" data-height="192" data-width="262" height="192" id="rg_hi" 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" style="cursor: move; height: 192px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 262px;" unselectable="on" width="262" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From g2goutside.com<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />We hope that you will consider starting a new tradition this year by getting OUTSIDE to count the birds in your area and to take time to enjoy the beauty of our natural world!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

December is for the Birds

From guest author, Mary Warren, Naturalist at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and the Sportsman's Migratory Bird Center, Oak Harbor, Ohio While you are out dashing around looking for the perfect gift, many folks will be outside counting birds. The National…

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