Weight Watchers Advice Needed

So I have not felt very good about myself for a little bit. I've been working out with a trainer to get on a workout schedule. When I Stepped on the scale last week the number staring back at me was more than a bit of a shock to me. My pants are not tight just feeling a little snug. I know that there are a lot of bloggers out there who have either tried weight watchers, are currently on the program or have done it in the past. I need your help!!! I'm wanting to lose about 10-12lbs and not sure if weight watchers is the way to go or if I should just put my running shoes back on and hit the pavement. The second part of this is I want to get the weight off very quick, but only in a healthy way. There is a great deal of potential that we will be deciding to start a family sooner than later. At this point I can't think about gaining any additional weight until I get these few pounds off.

Photo courtesy of google images

These are my questions about Weight Watchers

Is the weight watchers program easy to follow? I'm on the road constantly during the day and eat fairly healthy already. More about the portion control for me if I'm honest. What are some of the positives/negatives of the ww way? Is it better to sign up for online access or meetings? I'm not sure if I can go to meetings due to my schedule, but if push came to shove I could do it.

Please give Stylish Suburban your honest thoughts and advice....

Magic Pants

Clemsongirl has posted about her love of the magic pants. I finally ordered a pair and can't get out of them once I get home from work. As she has said they are the most comfortable pants. The length is still long enough for me and tall. They will look cute with a tank top & flip flops for running errands this spring/summer. But for now they look and feel comfy as I'm laying on the couch.

These have the Stylish Suburban seal of approval

Thanks Clemsongirl for posting about these great pants.

Dryel Versus Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning is something I hate spending my money on, but have to because the majority of my work clothes are dry clean only. Dryel has been out for many years I've never tried it.
Does anyone have any experience with using Dryel? Have you used it on a variety of fabrics? Silk, Wool, and Cashmere? Pants, tops, sweaters, pants, skirts?

Not sure why I am so hesitant to use this instead of paying over $100 dollars a month on my dry cleaning bill. Other than I don't want to ruin anything during my test runs...can you blame me

Also if you go to Dryel.Com you can get a $3.00 coupon.
Any tips or thoughts would be appreciated.

Whoopie Pie Comeback

Have you ever had a Whoopie Pie? I haven't. According to the NYTimes today they are making a huge comeback, some say they made be the next cupcake craze. Described as a cake sandwich with vanilla cream frosting, what is not to love.

They look very yummy!!

Photo courtesy of NYTimes

If you remember back in Feb. Williams-Sonoma had sweetie pies available for Valentine's Day They are still available a dozen for $49 . Red velvet cake with chocolate, vanilla, or raspberry frosting. Williams and Sonoma described their sweetie pies as "Pure edible nostagia"

So where did the name WHOOPIE come from?

According to NYTimes "Food historians believe whoopie pies originated in Pennsylvania, where they were baked by Amish women and put in farmers’ lunchboxes.

Tired from a morning’s work, the farmers purportedly would shout “Whoopie!” if they discovered one of the desserts in their lunch pails"

~Anti- Lilly I confess~

Since Make Mine a Mojito was the brave one out of all the blogs I read to admit that she is not a Lilly Pulitzer fan I have to come out and admit this too.

Full disclosure and to be honest I can't stand Lilly!!

Maybe because I didn't grow up in the South, or this is what I tell myself. When I see grown women wearing Lilly I just think they look like they are wearing little girl's clothing or like they belong in the Stepford Wifes. Little girl's in Lilly is very cute, all the bright colors, and animal prints (not my kind of animal prints like zebra and leopard) more like pink and green elephants which scare me as they are juvenile. fitting. My Lilly dislike also flows over to my dislike of Vera Bradley bags. Again I feel they mostly look very young and resemble diaper bags.

If you have been reading my blog you know my taste is much more along the lines of Banana Republic, J. Crew, Ann Taylor Loft, Gap. My style could be described as classical trendy if there is such a description.

Please don't be mad or leave me mean comments this is only my opinion. Thank You Mrs. Mojito for being the first, you are not alone.

Housewives of New Jersey

Round 4 of the Housewives next stop New Jersey....Not sure how this season will turn out but turn in on May 12th. I didn't like Atlanta at all but love OC and NYC is growing on me. If you want to read more go to People.

This group is all close knit, sisters are even included. I will be looking forward to meeting Jaqueline, Teresa, Danielle, Dina, and Caroline.

St. Patty's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Here are a couple pictures as to how people celebrate across the country.

Dying the Chicago River green. The White House made the fountains green today as well.




Dressing up and changing the name of your city.

I just celebrate with a green beer every year and while wearing something green. Pretty low key.

Valentino The Last Emperor

The day has finally arrived

I can not wait to see this movie, I have such respect for Mr. Valentino. Anytime Valentino has granted a magazine a interview I have to read it, or anything on T.V. that has any bit of him I have to watch it. He is a true Fashion Icon, no one dresses the female body like Valentino. Now if only one day I can be privileged to own OK try on one of his pieces of art.

OPENING IN SELECTED CITIES STARTING MARCH 18: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco.

Shown around the world in film festivals to wide acclaim, VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR is a feature film that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fashion, featuring access never-before allowed in the high temples of Haute Couture. .

Photo courtesy of: www.valentinomovie.com

For those who have not heard of this amazing movie here is the Synopsis:

VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR is a feature-length film on the legendary designer Valentino Garavani in the wake of his exit in 2008 from the company he founded in Rome more than 45 years ago. Produced and directed by Matt Tyrnauer, Special Correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine, the film is an intimate, engaging and very funny fly-on-the-wall exploration of the singular world of one of Italy's richest and most famous men. The film documents the colorful and dramatic closing act of Valentino’s celebrated career, tells the story of his extraordinary life and work, and also explores the larger themes affecting the fashion business today. But at the heart of the film is the unique relationship between Valentino and his business partner and companion of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti. Source: www.valentinomovie.com

Coach Beauty

All photos courtesy of Coach.com

Coach has expanded beyond just the classic handbags, wallets, perfume. While contemplating your next coach purchase you can also get a new lipstick. One stop shopping...

Lip Gloss Charm

Charm holds two shades of pink gloss
I'm thinking this would be a great gift for a teenage girl.

Body Splash: Peony, Iris, Freesia

The purse I have my eye on right now:

Celebrity Chefs' Top Recipes

Since I am a DVR girl watching live shows never happens for me. While catching up on my weekly shows I came across a Oprah where she had Celebrity Chefs come into a family and makeover how they cook. Please Tyler Florence come to the SS household, his recipes are some of my favorites. They shared one family's average was $400 on takeout a week (this is really crazy to me) and after they were done a week at the grocery store was $59. Pretty amazing...

Photo courtsey of Oprah.com

Over the past year I have started really enjoying cooking for Mr. SS and am always on the hunt for fast, healthy recipes. So I was hooked and had to watch the entire episode. The chefs that were on the show were Cat Cora, Curtis Stone and Tyler Florence. They spent time not only revealing 50 great recipes, but also making them all available online and the shopping list. Could it be any easier??

So if you are interested in the recipes and shopping lists go to Oprah. If you try any of the recipes and really like them don't forget to share your thoughts.

Summer Sandals

Have you seen these adorable sandals?

I love these three pairs and will be adding at least two if not all three of them to my summer wardrobe. They will be available at Target April12-June 28, but I have a feeling these will go fast once they hit the shelves.

All photos are courtesy of Target


These red sandals with the starfish are my favorite and will be my first purchase.
G.R.I.T.S. I thought of you when I saw these since you love starfish.

These green patent sandals are soooo cute and I would love to wear them with a cute navy sundress for during the day. Dress them up with white pants and a sassy top for dinner and cocktails.

These will be a go to sandal to wear with anything. The cute turtle has great details with the rhinestones and jewels. I can see myself wearing these with shorts, jeans, skirts really anything.



Now I just need the weather to warm up so I can get my feet into some of these sandals.

Christian Siriano+Payless=Fierce

Who could forget Christian Siriano from Project runway...well he has launched a new shoe & accessory line with Payless. Inspired by Egyptology, the footwear is full of spikes, chains, and cone heels. The predominant color being chocolate brown. The prices will range between $25-$45 and will be available this fall in stores.

So in the words of Christian are these FIERCE or not?

Who is Paying?

Still laughing because no one is paying Stylish Suburban mortgage but The SS household. On the other hand I'm Pretty sure we are paying many other mortgages besides my own.

Kreativ Award-Thank you The Luckiest Mrs.

Thank you to The Luckiest Mrs. she gave me this great award. Thank you Thank you you are so sweet!

Here are the award rules:

List 7 things that you love, and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you love!

Be sure to tag them and let them know that they have won. You can copy the picture of the award and paste it on your sideboard letting the whole world know...you are Kreativ!

Here are 7 things that I love...
(besides the obvious= husband, family, God, friends...)
1. Sitting outside in the sun
2. Getting mail
3. Working outside in my yard
4. Traveling to a new destination
5. Girl Weekends
6. Lazy Sunday mornings with my husband
7. The smell of babies, oh so sweet

Now it's your turn, friends!
1. Peppermint Bee

2. Puttin' on the G.R.I.T.S.

3. Sweet Simplicity

4. Simple Yet Classic

5. Petunia in Paradise

6. Newly-Wedded Wife

7. The Pink Tutu

Don't Forget

It's that time of the year when we have to change our clocks. We also change all of our batteries in our smoke detectors. The sun will be rising earlier, the weather is getting warmer (hopefully), the daffodils and tulips will soon be in bloom.

I just love love this time of the year.

Glamour Subscription

Thanks to Downtown Southern for posting about this, I had to pass it along..If you are a magazine whore like myself you MUST go over to Glamour and sign up for a 1 year subscription for $1.50.
All of this is to celebrate Glamour's 70th Birthday!! This was the price in 1939.

Glamour Thank You!! I look forward to getting my issue every month now I'm even more excited that I extended my subscription.

Award Time a bit late

I am a bit late, so sorry Peppermint Bee that I am just now getting the sweet award that you left me on your blog.





“These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”!

I choose:

Her Highness of Cute

All Things Moody

A Belle and her Beau

La Petite Chic

Downtown Southern

Lis Loves

Milltini Straight Up, With a Twist

Newlyweds Next Door

Daily Motto

"Just think how happy you would be if you lost everything that you have right now and then got it back again."

I read this a while back and I'm trying to make this a daily motto, when things seem so out of my control. Knowing that things could always be worse and I'm blessed to have my family, friends, and freedom. Reminding myself of these simple words help keep me grounded in the busy place we call life.

Style and Class

Michelle Obama no I did not vote for your husband to be President of our great country and I am still scared what the future holds. On the non political side of things I love the way you have personally conducted yourself since you have become our First Lady. Your whole attitude radiates class, my family comes first, independence, and strength. I commend you for this and hope that you continue to be a woman that other women and young girls will look up to and strive to become. Not become the Presidents wife {great job yes I agree}, but to become a strong & independent woman. Having your girls make their beds every morning is probably very grounding to them, although they want someone else to do it.



Now your fashion choices have not disappointed either. Your dress and coat on inaugruation day were very classic, the J. Crew gloves added a touch of I'm a normal lady and you can afford these gloves as well. There has been a lot of talk over your arms being shown so much, girl you have great arms so show them as much as you want. To all the haters out there I think you are just jealous of her arms!! Leave her alone, spend time worrying about the economy not if she has sleeves on her dress.

Gym Motivation and a Sweet Treat

I haven't tried these yet, but I am thinking that I need to very soon. Not until I get myself to the gym a couple times this week. Hmmm this is good motivation and a reward all in one. Now I just need to phone a friend to go with me because I will not eat the whole thing. Things always look better to me than they taste and they go to waste.

Banana Republic Sale

Over the weekend I was out running around doing my usual errands and just happened to take a detour to BR. Well glad I did, not sure if anyone else shopped there over the weekend but I'm glad I did. All sale items were a additional 20% off and I walked out with a pair of Jackson wool pants and silk blouse for under $50.00

This silk blouse was originally $69.00 and I got it for $21

picture courtesy of banana republic

This isn't the exact pair of Jackson pants I got, but I couldn't find a picture. They are a wool blend color dark carmel. Orginally $89 this shopper only paid $18.

picture courtesy of banana republic

*Advice if you haven't been into your local BR lately you may want to take a detour.

Love me some Donald

The Apprentice is starting tonight and I can't wait.....Love me some Donald Trump! He tells is as it is and doesn't sugar coat it. That is how real business is done, no hurt feelings or taking things personal. I only wish I could handle some business situations I'm put in as The Donald does.






The Celebrity Cast this season is going to be very interesting. Joan Rivers, Denise Rodman, Brian McKnight, Tom Green, Clint Black, Khole Kardashian, T-Boz, Scott Hamilton, and more.