I’m BACK! Oh how I enjoyed my little break in New York City. I love it there. Even when it’s 20 degrees and slushy there is just something amazing about the city. In a weird way it feels like home. Even though I never lived there I’ve always been a NY girl at heart.
I completely took advantage of being alone this morning. I’m not good at sleeping in, the Little Guy has me trained to be up by 7AM but instead of dragging my butt out of bed, making breakfast and pestering a 5 year old to get ready, I lounged around and watched a movie. It was DIVINE! Isn’t amazing how little things like that become such a luxury after you have kids.
After the movie I took a shower and headed out for a stroll. Cold be damned. I wanted to at least walk and people watch a little!
I decided to stop for breakfast at a small corner diner. Following my own rule of a fruit and/or vegetable with every meal, I ordered a small fruit bowl…
and then my favorite diner meal of all time, an egg white western omelet no cheese with a small side of potatoes and whole wheat toast with jelly.
It was a breakfast feast!
Soon it was time to head to the event. On the way I past a fresh food stand.
I LOVE that you can get more then a pretzel or hot dog from street vendors anymore. They had the most amazing looking fruit!
Before I knew it I was there! I had no idea what to expect and I was arriving alone. The elevator opened and I was welcomed by a familiar face. Sort of.
That’s Esther Crawford, aka FainStarLite. I’ve known Esther for a couple of years now and I’m so happy for her! She’s a fellow Weight Watcher Success Story and is now in a commercial with Jennifer Hudson. How cool is that?!?
Unfortunatly Esther wasn’t there in person so I strolled around the event soaking it in. I’m not the best at mingling in a room full of people I don’t know. So instead I did what bloggers do and took pictures.
Pictures of what?
Well FOOD of course! ;)
I was fascinated by what would be served at a Weight Watchers event. They had an array of the most amazing salads, grilled chicken and pita’s with hummus and no, points where not listed. ;)
I made my way over to the runway area. They had this really neat set up like a mini fashion show. Here’s a behind the scenes look.
Tim Gunn was introduce and let me tell you he was awesome! Really down to earth and approachable.
He talked about the challenge of dressing appropriately while losing weight and how important clothes can be for your confidence. I completely understood and agreed with him. I struggled and sometimes still do (pregnancy aside) dressing for my new body. Thankfully, I have a very fashion minded friend who takes me shopping now and then (she knows who she is.) Without her, I’d being wearing mens jeans and oversized flannels circa 1994.
I’m serious.
Anyway, Tim then introduced the Weight Watcher Success Stories. First up, Janice who I think lost 75 lbs.
She looked amazing and I loved her style.
Wearing a belt like that is not something I would even think of. It was SO flattering.
Next up was Rich who lost 65 lbs.
Tim cracked a joke that it was so much easier to dress for men as they don’t have as many choices.
Jen was then introduced. She lost 70lbs…
and is just one of those people who look FABULOUS in Red!
Finally, he introduced Liz who is actually a Weight Watchers leader. I thought she had the most unbelievable transformation!
She was was almost unrecognizable!
and looked great in a cute wrap dress that Tim highly recommended for those on a weight loss journey.
Here’s the whole crew looking quite amazing…
After the show I talked with Liz, the leader, who actually had Jennifer Hudson show up at her last meeting!
Before Tim headed out I snuck in and got a picture.
When I introduced myself he immediately complimented me on my shirt which TOTALLY cracked me up because I didn’t buy it or pick it out. It was given to me by the designer on my Woman’s Day cover photo shoot. Apparently she knows style because I know I don’t! lol It just happens to be a great cut for pregnancy so I’ve been wearing it more an more recently.
Right after the event I headed home. I’m only 3 hours from New York but it’s a long trip to take twice within 24 hours.
When I got there I was welcomed by Little Man and the Husband who presented me with this…
The proof copy of my GreenLiteBite’s book!! What a great ending to a fabulous day! There are some mistakes in it I have to correct but it felt absolutely AMAZING to hold the book in my hand. I can’t believe how close I am to publishing it! If anyone has been reading for awhile, they know this is something I’ve been talking about for YEARS but haven’t committed to mostly because of confidence issues. I’m not afraid to say it, publishing a book scares the CRAP out of me.
So all in all I had a great, exhausting day. I’m so greatful I was able to attend!
Oh! and for Tim’s tips on dressing your new body click here!
Full Disclosure: As a Weight Watcher’s Insider Weight Watchers provided transportation and accommodation for the event. However, as always, any thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.
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About Roni
Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.
Your before picture of Liz is not Liz, it is actually Mary (who is pictured next to Tim in the after picture).
T H – I think I messed up all my notes between Liz and Mary! Thanks for pointing it out… I’m going thru my pics again to correct.
NOTE: I’d make a HORRIBLE reporter!
Hey Liz,
It was nice meeting you in New York. Great pictures! Just wanted to let you know that the picture you identified as Liz’s before picture is actually my before picture.
whoops just read the last post and realized someone already corrected the mix up.
How exciting! What a great day for you :) I would loveeee to go shopping with Tim Gunn!