The Joy of Shopping!

Shopping has always been about finding something that will fit and having it look half way decent. It was always something I prefered to do on my own because I didn't want to model from the dressing room. Lane Bryant and the Avenue were the only places I felt I could shop and even then I was limited with what would fit. I never would have thought I would get such joy out of shopping at Walmart! I've been concerned about wasting alot of money on clothes and not wearing them for long so I was sticking to places like Walmart but today I splurged at Kohls and it felt so good! My weight loss has been pretty slow compared to many so I have had lots of ups and downs emotionally but going from a size 30/32 to a 22/24 has me pretty over joyed right now. For the first time in a long time it's not the biggest thing in the store and I have more choices than ever before. It may not be good for the credit card but it has certainly lifted my spirits for awhile! I hope to meet many of you next weekend. Carolyn p.s. Is anyone else bringing a spouse? Mine will be there.

Hi Carolyn, Yes, many are bringing spouses to the get-together (I'm assuming that's what you are referring to!) Shopping is so much more fun than before! I have to agree with that! BTW - I'm bringing 22/24's to the clothing exchange -- you'll get to "shop" there too! Looking forward to meeting you on Saturday! God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau

You mean there are other stores besides Wal-Mart???? Who knew??? Congrats on the loss, Carolyn!

Hi Carolyn, I know what you mean! I have always been a shoe-hound for the one reason I can go into any store, at any time, and find a pair of shoes that fit where as with clothing it had to be Lane Bryany, The Avenue or the like. Just the other day I was taking my lunch at Buckland Mall (bad idea) and saw a really cute summer dress in the window. I went in, they had my size, and I bought it! It was at B Moss!!! Blew my mind and I walked on air ever since. I found a nother good store for some cheap clothes...Burlington Coat factory. It'**** or miss, but I found a pair of $8 Lane Bryant khakies that I LOVE so I went back and bought three more pairs...all different sizes! For $8 how can you go wrong? See you Saturday!

I SOOOO know what you mean! It's a fabulous feeling not to dread having to go shopping, just to find something that 'fits' and doesn't look hideous. It's wonderful to be able to have expectations when shopping and actually find a variety of things to choose from. Shopping is my new favorite exercise!! Ha! I assure you, it's not good for my credit card either. I do have a tip, which you might like. Have you tried your local consignment stores or Salvation Army yet? I tell you- you'd be surprised at the wonderful expensive brand things you can find there, for a fraction of the price when they were new. The Salvation army has gotten me through many rough sopts, where I REALLY needed something that FIT! BUt, couldn't afford to keep shopping all the time. If you're a true bargain shopper, it's fun to pick through the racks too. Anyway- I'm glad that you enjoy shopping now! AND- I am bringing my spouse too. He's a little iffy on it, since he's not very social, but I think he'll be ok! Maybe he can hang around with your hubby!

I agree with you 110%!! I went shopping yesterday. Decided to go to "The Westchester" in White Plains, NY -- very upscale (I'm a glutton for punishment!!). I stopped at Bloomingdale's first so I could rummage through their sale racks. It was fun! After trying on different sizes, I'm a 14W, and can wear 16s in regular sizes on the bottom. My last gasp of plus sized clothing!!! Of course, the regular sizes don't give you the butt & hip room of the plus sized clothing, but it feels great knowing I don't have to go to the Plus department anymore. I actually bought a pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans (14W) at TJ Maxx on Saturday. I put them on & they looked great. I went to my boyfriend's later that day & said, is it just me or does my butt look great in these jeans?!?!?! He agreed that, indeed, it did look great. It became the running joke of the evening -- he kept saying by the way, your butt looks great in those jeans every hour or two. Keep it up honey!! Sorry I won't be able to come to the get-together -- I'm going to be away this coming weekend. Hope you all have a great time!