Christine

Quote: Originally Posted by akh hot damn, Christine - those are smokin! i love that black and green number - i think that last picture is my favorite. wow - your FI is going to flip when he sees these! when are you going to give them to him? so much for bedroom boredom ... (wink, wink) i've talked a girlfriend of mine in MN into doing these too. we were telling her mom about how i did them, and now she wants to. her mom was offering up her lingerie! lol Ann-I think I would like to do what Lenita did and have his open the book on the wedding day, preferably with a photographer there to catch his reaction. Your friend won't regret getting this done-it was very painless and doing it by myself wasn't bad at all.

thanks girls and thanks Leigh! I am so excited to see the rest now

I like the idea of letting them pick their style and the sea color is beautiful

oh leigh you can post whenever

may she'll give us a teaser soon-hint hint

Leigh, my Fiance asked me later why your name was on our visitor log, I told him because of the dinner. I am really sorry I couldn't make it, but I had a lot of fun at the picture session-can't wait to see the pics!

Jen-I hope you can make it, I do have some outfits and got some from my girlfriends this weekend during my bach party.

I think Jen was also supposed to do it, but I am not sure if she still is or not?

you get points for posting and once you have points you can give gifts, open attachments, etc.

okay girls-last chance anyone want to join?

Of course I will share-and Glenda thanks for the advice about losing a few lbs...unfortunately my friends have planned for a family style italian dinner on Saturday night and wine tasting all day-I will be fasting on Monday though. I am super excited about my pics and bought some fun clothes for it! Can't wait.

I think Jen was supposed to but I haven't heard yet...but I know oh my god, I still need to lose about 10lbs for this, so Leigh is going to have to be a miracle worker for me!

I get to meet the fabulous Leigh on Monday for my b-pics-her pictures are amazing!

thank you so much, I have been thinking for quite awhile we needed to compress some of those show us your...threads, its hard for newbies to wade through them! You're awesome

beautiful, I love your hair, dress, pics, everything. it looks like the perfect wedding. Glad both boys got to be there to welcome their new step-mom.

Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM Someone is in "workout" mode today.. :-) yes I am getting in shape for my pictures on monday! yikes!

Walk Off Belly Fat — and More! By Michele Bender, Prevention magazine Prevention You know walking is great for your heart, legs, butt, and energy level. Here's a happy but little-known fact: It's also a great way to flatten your belly. Women who walked briskly for about an hour a day for 14 weeks shrunk their belly fat by 20%—without changing their eating habits, reports a Canadian study. To firm up even faster, don't do just any old walk. This workout teaches you techniques that trim abdominal fat while you move; ab toners, done during short breaks, will give you added definition. The result: a flatter, stronger middle in just 6 weeks—no sit-ups required. The Expert Scott Cole, author of the Best Abs on Earth DVD, designed this workout 6 Weeks to Slim Ultimate Belly-Flattening Workout Your Workout at a Glance: The three plans below offer intervals of fast-paced Power Walks and moderate-paced Tempo Walks to burn calories and shed fat. During each, you'll do Walk 'n' Tone moves (below right) to work your abs harder and Stop 'n' Tone exercises (see p. 152) to really sculpt. Do each full routine 3 times a week. On alternate days, take the walks but skip the toning moves. Pace Yourself Based on a 1-to-10 intensity scale: Warm-up, cool-down (3-4 intensity level) Easy enough that you can sing Tempo Walk (5-6 level) Moderate enough that you can talk freely Power Walk (7-8 level) Brisk enough that you can talk but you'd rather not Weeks 1 & 2: Firm up fast The basics: As you walk, engage your abs by lifting the crown of your head and lengthening your spine. Start: Warm-up, easy pace (3-4 intensity level) 4:00: Power Walk, brisk pace (7-8 intensity level) with arms bent 5:00: Tempo Walk, moderate pace (5-6 intensity level) 7:00: Power Walk 8:00: Stop 'n' Tone—Side Pull-down 8:30: Power Walk 9:30: Tempo Walk 11:30: Add Walk 'n' Tone—Curl 12:30: Stop 'n' Tone—Cross Punch 13:00: Power Walk 14:00: Tempo Walk 16:00: Add Walk 'n' Tone—Reach 17:00: Stop 'n' Tone—Knee Twist 17:30: Power Walk 18:30: Tempo Walk 20:30: Add Walk 'n' Tone—Press 21:30: Stop 'n' Tone—Lunge Run 22:00: Power Walk 23:00: Tempo Walk 25:00: Power Walk 26:00: Stop 'n' Tone—Slip a Punch 26:30: Power Walk 27:30: Tempo Walk 29:30: Power Walk 30:30: Stop 'n' Tone—Standing Crunch 31:00: Cool-down, easy pace 35:00: Finished Weeks 3 & 4: Burn off fat What's new: Tempo Walks are longer to burn extra calories and uncover the firmer abs that you've been working on. Start: Warm-up, easy pace (3-4 intensity level) 4:00: Power Walk, brisk pace (7-8 intensity level) with arms bent 5:00: Tempo Walk, moderate pace (5-6 intensity level) 9:00: Power Walk 10:00: Stop 'n' Tone—Side Pull-down 10:30: Power Walk 11:30: Tempo Walk 15:30: Add Walk 'n' Tone—Curl 16:30: Stop 'n' Tone—Cross Punch 17:00: Power Walk 18:00: Tempo Walk 22:00: Add Walk 'n' Tone—Reach 23:00: Stop 'n' Tone—Knee Twist 23:30: Power Walk 24:30: Tempo Walk 28:30: Add Walk 'n' Tone—Press 29:30: Stop 'n' Tone—Lunge Run 30:00: Power Walk 31:00: Tempo Walk 35:00: Power Walk 36:00: Stop 'n' Tone—Slip a Punch 36:30: Power Walk 37:30: Tempo Walk 41:30: Power Walk 42:30: Stop 'n' Tone—Standing Crunch 43:00: Cool-down, easy pace 47:00: Finished Weeks 5 & 6: Boost benefits What's new: Stop 'n' Tone moves are longer (60 seconds each) to really tighten and firm your midsection. Start: Warm-up, easy pace (3-4 intensity level) 4:00: Power Walk, brisk pace (7-8 intensity level) with arms bent 5:00: Tempo Walk, moderate pace (5-6 intensity level) 9:00: Power Walk 10:00: Stop 'n' Tone—Side Pull-down 11:00: Power Walk 12:00: Tempo Walk 16:00: Add Walk 'n' Tone—Curl 17:00: Stop 'n' Tone—Cross Punch 18:00: Power Walk 19:00: Tempo Walk 23:00: Add Walk 'n' Tone—Reach 24:00: Stop 'n' Tone—Knee Twist 25:00: Power Walk 26:00: Tempo Walk 30:00: Add Walk 'n' Tone—Press 31:00: Stop 'n' Tone—Lunge Run 32:00: Power Walk 33:00: Tempo Walk 37:00: Power Walk 38:00: Stop 'n' Tone—Slip a Punch 39:00: Power Walk 40:00: Tempo Walk 44:00: Power Walk 45:00: Stop 'n' Tone—Standing Crunch 46:00: Cool-down, easy pace 50:00: Finished Walk 'n' Tone Moves Add these simple arm exercises to your walk to boost its tummy-firming power. "Moving your upper and lower body at the same time makes your torso muscles work harder to provide stabilization and balance," says Cole. The result: "You'll shape up faster." Curl: With arms out to sides at shoulder level, bend elbows, pulling hands toward shoulders like you're doing biceps curls. Reach: Raise arms out in front of you at shoulder level like you're punching. Alternate arms in opposition to legs. Press: Alternate reaching arms overhead. Stop 'n' Tone: Ab Exercises Do each move for 30 seconds. If it works only one arm or leg, do 15 seconds on each side. Double the time in weeks 5 & 6. Side Pull-down Targets the obliques on your sides to give you a more defined waistline. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms extended overhead. Shift weight to right foot and contract left side of torso, lifting left knee out to side. At the same time, bend left arm and pull elbow to left thigh. Extend arm and leg back to start, but tap toe on ground and repeat. Switch sides. Cross Punch Firms your lower belly by targeting the transverse abdominal muscle. The twisting also slims your waistline. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and abs pulled in. Bend arms so fists are at about chin level, like a boxer. Keeping feet planted, twist to right and punch with left arm, then return to start. Contract lower abs with each punch. Repeat, alternating arms. Knee Twist This twisting move works your waist-whittling obliques. Squat with hips and knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart, and hands behind head. As you stand up, raise left knee as you twist to left and pull right elbow toward left knee. Lower and repeat with right leg. Lunge Run Tones your rectus abdominis, the long muscle that runs from your ribs to your pelvis, to give your abs super definition. Lunge with left foot in front and right foot about 2 feet behind it, arms bent at sides. Keeping left knee bent and torso still, lift right knee toward chest and lower, swinging arms back and forth. Switch legs and repeat. Slip a punch Another benefit to working your oblique muscles: shrinking stubborn love handles. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent slightly. Bend arms so fists are at about chin level, like a boxer. Keeping shoulders relaxed and lower body still, bend at waist and lean torso to right as if you were trying to avoid a punch. Repeat, bending to left. Standing crunch Like on-the-floor crunches, this move tones the rectus, the muscle group responsible for the six-pack look. Lunge with right foot in front and left foot about 2 feet behind it, arms overhead. As you straighten right leg, raise left knee toward chest as you bend and pull elbows down toward left knee. Return to start. Switch legs and repeat. Photographed by Ericka McConnell

Sexy Arms for Spring By Keli Roberts, Prevention magazine Prevention Do you feel your arms look flabbier since you turned 40? Age-related muscle loss does take a toll. But three simple strengthening moves are all you need to go sleeveless with confidence—you can see results in less than a month. Try this customizable triceps workout to build firm, shapely arms by spring—whatever your fitness level. Workout at a Glance What you need 3- to 5-pound dumbbells, a 9- to 10-inch diameter ball (like a soccer ball, kickball, or medicine ball), and a sturdy chair. How to do it Do this routine 2 or 3 times a week on nonconsecutive days, completing 8 to 12 repetitions of each exercise. Begin with the First Try This move for each exercise. If it's too difficult, follow the Make It Easier variation. Not challenging enough? Try the Make It Harder option. For quicker results Do the entire workout twice through. As you get stronger and can breeze through 2 sets of 12 reps, progress to the next level or use a heavier weight. Ball Push-Up First try this Start on floor in push-up position, either on knees or toes, with hands beneath shoulders and ball under left hand, fingers pointing forward. Inhale as you bend both elbows back, tucking them in to sides, and lower chest toward floor. Exhale and push back to start. Repeat. Halfway through set, switch ball to right hand. (Bonus toning: chest, shoulders, torso) Make it easier Skip the ball and place both hands on floor under shoulders. Make it harder Place both hands on ball, wrists facing and fingers spread to sides of ball (not pictured). Chair Dip First try this Sit on edge of chair with feet flat and grasp chair near hips. Cross right leg over left, resting ankle on left thigh. Shift hips off chair, supporting yourself on hands and left foot. Make sure left knee is over ankle. Bend elbows back, lowering body until arms are bent about 90 degrees, keeping hips near chair. Press into palms, rising back to start position. Repeat. Halfway through set, switch legs. (Bonus toning: shoulders, abs) Make it easier Keep both feet on floor as you dip (not pictured). Make it harder Place feet on ball for an added balance challenge. Now lower, keeping knees over ankles (not pictured). Kickback First try this Get down on all fours with knees under hips and hands beneath shoulders, fingers pointing forward. Contract abdominals and extend right leg straight back, level with torso. Grasp a dumbbell in left hand, bending arm to 90 degrees with elbow at side. Exhale and straighten left arm, keeping upper arm still and pressing dumbbell back. Inhale and return to start. After 1 set, switch sides. (Bonus toning: core and butt) Make it easier Start in the same tabletop position but keep both knees on floor as you extend arm behind you. After 1 set, switch arms and repeat. Make it harder Stand with weight on right leg, a dumbbell in each hand. Hinge forward from hips, raising left leg behind until torso and leg are parallel to floor. Keeping head in line with spine, bend arms 90 degrees with elbows pulled in to sides. Straighten and bend arms. Halfway through set, switch legs. Provided by Prevention

The Runner's Six Pack Yes, crunches will strengthen your midsection. But only the right combo of ab exercises will leave you ripped and ready for peak running performance. Here's the six-part plan. By Sally Wadyka, Runner's World You probably don't think about your stomach at all during a run-unless you forget to eat something before heading out. But your midsection isn't just along for the ride. "The abdominal muscles stabilize the pelvis while you run, and the stronger they are and the more stamina those muscles have, the better you'll perform," says Daniel Cipriani, Ph.D., assistant professor of exercise science at San Diego State University. "When your abdominal muscles are weak, they tire out quickly and the pelvis becomes less stable, which increases your risk of incurring lower-back pain or hamstring injuries." For building pure strength-and that coveted six-pack-Cipriani recommends doing a few sets of some classic ab exercises that were rated most effective at strengthening the rectus abdominus (the long muscle extending the length of the front of the abdomen) and internal and external obliques (the muscles running along the sides of the abdomen at an angle) in a landmark study conducted at San Diego State University and sponsored by the American Council on Exercise. But to optimize running performance, you also need to add functional exercises that mimic what the abdominal muscles do when you're out on the road. "It's important to work your abs the way they're taxed while running, so that when you start to tire on a long run, the muscle memory will kick in," says Cipriani. Try this mix of strength and functional moves, working up to performing the entire routine three times a week, either on your days off or after running. Moves That'll Get You Ripped These tried-and-true exercises build muscle strength 1. Floor Crunch: Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Place hands so that your fingers are by your ears (rather than cupping your head in your hands). Contract the abs and curl forward to lift both shoulders off the floor without tucking your chin to your chest (keep chin pointing up). Hold for two counts and then lower. Do two sets of 10 to 12 repetitions. 2. Bicycle Crunch: Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and hands on the sides of your head. Contract your abdominal muscles as you bring your knees up to a 45-degree angle. Straighten and bend your knees as you alternate crossing and touching right elbow to left knee, then left elbow to right knee. Do two sets of 10 to 12 repetitions for each leg. 3. Captain's Chair: At the gym, head to this low-tech piece of equipment to challenge the abs. Start with your forearms supported on the padded arms of the apparatus, and your legs hanging straight down. Lift your knees toward your chest by contracting the abdominals (try not to swing the legs to create the momentum) and lower them back down slowly, with control. Do two sets of 10 to 12 repetitions. You can also do this exercise on a chair without arm rests. Sit with your hands on the sides of the chair and shift most of your body weight onto your hands (as if you were trying to lift your butt off the chair). Then, keeping your knees bent, lift your thighs up off the chair a few inches and slowly lower them back down. Moves That'll Help You Run Strong These functional exercises build muscle stamina 4. Lunge Crunch: Start from a standing position and step forward into a lunge. In this position, the back leg will generally try to pull the pelvis into an anterior tilt (back arched, butt slightly out), just as it does during your running stride. To strengthen the abdominal muscles that help stabilize the pelvis, concentrate on contracting your abs and keeping your butt tucked under in a posterior pelvic tilt as you lunge forward. Step back with feet together again. Repeat seven to 10 times with the right leg lunging forward, then repeat seven to 10 times with the left leg. 5. Moving Crunches For this exercise you will practice maintaining the tightened abs and posterior pelvic tilt while in motion. Contract your abs and keep your butt tucked under as you step forward with the right foot into a lunge, and hold the contraction as you bring the left foot forward to meet the right. Then rest the abs while stepping forward with the left leg. Repeat seven to 10 times, contracting while stepping forward with the right leg and resting when stepping forward on the left leg. Then repeat seven to 10 times, contracting while stepping forward with the left leg and resting when stepping forward on the right leg. Next, while running easy, contract the abs and curl the pelvis into a posterior pelvic tilt. Hold the contraction for about five seconds, then relax for five seconds, while continuing to run. Repeat this 10 to 20 times during a short run. 6. Stair Drop Crunch: Stand sideways on a step, with your right foot on the step and your left leg hanging off the side. Contract the abs and curl the pelvis into a posterior pelvic tilt (your butt should be tucked in), then raise the left hip up and lower it. Keep your right leg straight throughout the movement, which is very small and results in your foot rising and falling just an inch or two in either direction. Repeat 10 to 15 times, then switch sides and repeat 10 to 15 times with the left foot on the step and the right hip lifting up and down.

Five common exercises you should never do. By Trevor Thieme, Best Life Find More Want to be Healthier, Wealthier and Wiser? Free Report: The New Rules of Success Reveal Your Abs in Record Time! Build Your Best Body Get the Best Life Success Library The test of time usually works. Futile fads like sweatboxes, vibrating belts, and most tips from the odd, ponytailed Tony Little have died out quickly enough. But a few bad exercises have persisted, and exercise physiologists don't see how these ineffective and sometimes dangerous maneuvers have survived. Take the sit-up, which can be quite damaging if done improperly. "Locking your hands behind your head can torque your cervical vertebrae, " says David Pearson, Ph.D., director of the Strength Research Laboratory at Ball State University. The result: neck pain. In fact, sit-ups are the kind of "unsafe behavior" scientists at Arkansas State University say account for 63 percent of all weight—lifting–related E.R. visits, so purge them and the rest of these body breakers from your routine. Posterior (Behind-the-Neck) Pull Downs: This exercise rotates your shoulders into a position that strains your rotator cuffs, paving the way for inflammation. "I've also seen guys pull the bar down so fast that they crack their spinous processes [little nubs on top of the vertebrae]," says Pearson. Safe Alternative: Anterior (Front) Pull Downs: Not only is pulling the bar to your chest easier on your shoulders, but "it flexes the lats through a greater range of motion, accelerating muscle growth," says Pearson. Behind-the-Neck Shoulder Presses: Just as posterior pull downs strain your shoulders on the way down, this exercise hurts them on the way up. Pearson says it also puts too much stress on the acromioclavicular joints (those little knobs on the tops of your shoulders), which can lead to an overuse injury commonly referred to as weight lifter's shoulder. Safe Alternative: Alternating Shoulder Presses: Sit on a Swiss ball and hold a pair of dumbbells overhead with your arms straight and palms facing each other. Next, bend your left elbow and lower your left arm, moving your elbow out to the side, until your upper arm is parallel with the floor. Press it back up and repeat with your right arm. Straight Bar Curls: If you let your arms hang loosely by your sides, you'll notice that your palms face inward. The problem with straight bar curls is that they lock your arms into an unnatural palms-up position. "In so doing, you're stressing your elbow joints, and that can lead to tendinitis," says Pearson. Safe Alternative: E-Z Bar Curls: The bar is angled to put your elbows in a more natural neutral position. Leg Extensions: The four parts of your quadriceps are designed to work together as one, but a recent study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that leg extensions activate the sections slightly independently of one another. Even a five-millisecond difference can cause uneven compression between the kneecap and thighbone, inflaming the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone (a painful injury known as jumper's knee). Safe Alternative: Squats: To squat safely, place the bar across your shoulders (not your neck) and keep your back straight, bending slightly at the hips through the squatting motion. Proper form is crucial with this exercise. Sit-ups: Not only are sit-ups bad for your neck, but they're also one of the least-effective abdominal exercises you can do, according to a recent study at San Diego State University. Safe Alternative: Bicycle Crunches: That same study found the bicycle maneuver works the abs and obliques 250 percent better than traditional crunches or sit-ups. Lie on your back with your feet up in the air, then bend your knees at a 90-degree angle. With your hands behind your ears, pump your legs back and forth while moving your armpits (not your elbows) toward the opposite knees.

Tasha I love those pics-your BM's and Flower Girls are so cute too, love the colors and the dresses!

yes I fly in on Friday night-one of my friends will still be in town so if you all don't mind she will be with me at dinner! maybe Leigh will bring her camera and take pics for us...

great story-I love that he asked your parents and included your family, obviously he is a smart guy!

welcome hopefully you can help us get the Europe area up and running. Glad to have you here.

Drea are you deleting them out of your photobucket account? you cannot move them or change them in photobucket or it will give you the x or ? here on the forum