Which One Are You?

Janet Jackson’s catchy tune “What have you done for me lately?” and John F. Kennedy’s famous quote from his inaugural address, “…ask not what your country can do for you — ask what can you do for your country,” can symbolize your view of a relationship. Where do you fall in your marriage?

For us, we try to do whatever we can to please one another. If I grab a bottle of water for the car or our room for the night, I grab one for Phillip, too. It’s not even a thought, it’s just automatic. And it goes for anything. If he makes a cup of tea, he always makes two. If I can make my husband’s life more comfortable with simple, loving gestures, I do. And vice versa.

Sometimes I’ll warm a towel or his robe in the dryer for him shortly before he steps out of the shower, or I’ll chill a wine glass in the fridge before he comes home from work. These aren’t hard things to do, they don’t take effort, and are so appreciated. My husband sometimes leaves little notes in the big soup pot that say, “I love you,” and I leave naughty notes in his briefcase. 

I learned very early on in our marriage that Phillip was a giver and a pleaser, and it made me want to do things for him in return. And so it went back and forth, back and forth. Now that’s a relationship cycle one would want to keep going!

Years back when I was about 20, there was a significant holiday – I can’t remember which one at this point – but I bought two cards and gave one to my grandmother and one to my grandfather. My grandmother smiled at me tenderly as she gave her card back. She put her arm around me and said, “Your grandfather and I are one; we share everything. We love your thoughtfulness, but we only need one card.” Then she kissed me on the forehead and that was that.

Married 61 years, they were loving and kind to each other every day. They held hands when they walked, when they sat on the couch, whenever they could. The memories are beautifully indelible. Their diamond celebration story: http://theletstalkmom.com/romance-and-spice/the-diamond-celebration/

So as I went into my marriage, I thought to myself I could think, “What have you done for me lately?” …or I could be a thoughtful spouse and say to myself, “What can I do for my husband?”

I know there are some people that might think I’m a wimp. Oh, contraire! When you are great to your significant other and your significant other is great to you, you are united, you are strong, you feel loved, and you are on the 61-year path.

The Bright Spotâ„¢  – When parents are strong together, the whole family benefits and thrives.

 

100 Pounds in 100 Days

Week 1: Lost 21 pounds combined in a week – Bianca 12 & Phillip 9 

Week 2: Lost 38 pounds combined in 2 weeks – Bianca 21, Phillip 17 

Week 3: Lost 47 pounds combined in 3 weeks – Bianca 26, Phillip 21

Week 4: Lost 53 pounds combined in 4 weeks – Bianca 30, Phillip 23

Week 5: Lost 58 pounds combined in 5 weeks – Bianca 32, Phillip 26

Week 6: Lost 61 pounds combined in 6 weeks – Bianca 33, Phillip 28

Week 8: Lost 68 pounds combined in 55 days  â€“ Bianca 40, Phillip 28

 ** Day 100: Lost 100 pounds combined – Bianca 70, Phillip 30 **

Lose 25 – 40 pounds in 40 days guaranteed! Never gain it back!

Call or text Dr. Werfel: 845–590–9764 for consult & testing.

Use Promo Code: “Bianca” for a special offer!

If you’ve been packing on the pounds lately, it may not be what you think!! Here’s the scoop on surprising reasons why that might be & an answer. Last Christmas, I was rounder than usual but felt okay:

11 short months later, I’m thinking who’s this girl in the mirror??

Seriously, what was going on with my weight? Button-downs burst open at the bust line. Zippers refuse to budge at the waistline.

I was always long & lean as a child & in my 20s, 30s & 40s. I’ve always gotten away with a few pounds here & there because I’m tall.

To get an idea of my body type, here are some photos of yesteryear…and at the bottom will be the photos as a puffball! At the end of this journey, we’ll show you a series of photos guaranteed to fright!

……………………………..20s

 

     

    

………………………………….30s

  

………………………………….40s

      

………………………………..Late 40s

  

 

……………….>>>>>>>>>>>>           Here I am end of March 2014>>

But now I’ve passed the margin of slack-ability! And I couldn’t understand why.

I’ve always taken good care of my health. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. My heart is strong. My cholesterol is good. I wear the best moisturizers, use salon products for my hair and I still only buy my makeup from the very best – from my years-ago TV makeup consultant, owner, Gail Hayden of Maquillage Makeup Media, in Dallas. I’ve eaten the same Greek salad with vinaigrette dressing every week for the past 15 years, I love fruits & vegetables, and I buy my family good foods.

True, I have a demanding sweet tooth – chocolate is definitely my weakness! – but it has never caused me this much gain.

And true, this year there was a lot more late-night writing accompanied by late-night noshing, burning both ends of the candle, owning our own company, busy-busy-busy with PTA happenings & school events, working at the radio station, running in & out of New York City for work, and loads of family & friend activities.

Here’s a tidbit about night eating, according to an article in Shape magazine & Steven Shea, Ph.D., December 2014, “It’s the work of your circadian system, which amps up cravings come sundown…” “Your food urges peak at 8pm and stay high until midnight.” Sound familiar? Watching night-time TV & munching… And for me, it’s writing into the wee hours, I just love it!!

There are many shocking reasons why people gain weight. Many think it’s because someone ate too much. But that’s not necessarily the reason why 1 in 3 people in the United States is now obese…a true epidemic! Below is a list from an article by Jeff Roberts earlier this month, The 5 Surprising & Less-known Reasons You’re Packing on the Weight:

1.) 30 million pounds of antibiotics are used to raise livestock in the United States each year!!! The meds are used to stave off disease and promote weight gain!

2.) Growth-enhancing drugs are also pumped into livestock to fatten them up. What do you think those drugs are doing to the humans who consume them? Many countries have banned these growth-enhancers!

3.) If you’re not eating organic, you may be eating genetically-engineered wheat, sugar, soy, corn and other grown products.

4.) Many cosmetics, household products, plastic storage containers, and home cleaners contain hormone disruptive chemicals.

5.) Artificial sweeteners may actually increase your appetite & stimulate fat storage in your body. Diet foods are not what they are cracked up to be. Eating raw & fresh foods is best and most natural for our bodies. Junk food is targeted and marketed to children. As Mr. Roberts points out, when was the last time you saw an ad for apples or kale?

So here are some early photos of our journey. A far cry from just a while ago on the couch. Then & now:

Not only have we pudged out, we’ve aged because of it. Here are more pics from this week. I feel like a snowman with these 3 extra tires around my midriff! And just so you can see even more of our roundness, we changed into brighter tops:

…I thought the fatigue, gain and aches & pains had to do with age. I hear so many folks quip, “It’s all downhill after 50,” or I hear ads that women over 40 will experience weight gain, weariness and bloating.

Well, apparently, that’s all malarkey!!!

Dr. Howard Werfel says, “There are 90-year-olds who are kayaking or doing yoga somewhere in the world right now, and 40-year-olds who are creaking & groaning throughout the day. It has nothing to do with age!”

Oh, well there’s good news!!

I heard an ad for Dr. Werfel on the radio where he said people can lose 25 – 40 pounds in 40 days!!  

G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E-D!!

All natural! No prepackaged foods, no shots, no cravings, no surgery, no hunger!!

The good doctor did it himself! 220 to 189 in 40 days!!

Call/text Dr. Werfel: 845–590–9764 for consult & testing. Use Promo Code: “Bianca” for a special offer!

Why is there no hunger? “Your appetite will naturally be satisfied by the 2,000 to up to 7,000 calories of fat you will be burning per day due to the weight loss program!” “We are not aware of any program on the planet that can do what this program does…” So I wrote down his phone number and tucked it away.

I was tired of feeling tired and my breasts became huge. Yeah, to some that sounds great. But it’s not – they are boobs out of control! Hauling around heavy breasts is no easy task!

(<<Look! My neck didn’t change – but it feels like the twins are taking over my body!)

Dr. Werfel’s program is fast, easy, affordable and guaranteed! And I know when I lose the weight, my breasts will go back to their normal size!

About a week before I finally called the doctor, I was in the store picking up 2 plastic tubs of kitty litter. That’s the key…I was picking them up trying to heave them into the shopping cart by their metal handles. Phew! I thought, how much did those buckets weigh? That’s when reality hit: I weighed the combined pounds of those kitty litter tubs! I was hauling around 2 buckets of kitty litter on my back wherever I went. NO WONDER I WAS FLIPPING EXHAUSTED!!

But then came November 11th. A mom from school asked me why my father wasn’t sitting with the other vets by the flagpole at a big, school-wide Veterans Day ceremony. “He’s my husband.”

Yes, you can imagine she just wanted to vanish into oblivion at that moment. But the fact was I was turning pleasantly plump and Phillip was not only rounding out but looking older than his years. After all, he’s only 3 years older than me.

……………………………………………….  * * * * *

(pic long ago…)
He rocks my world! To me, he’s as hot as he was the day I met him. To him, he’ll say I’m as lovely. Good man! We don’t see each other’s faults, roundness or laugh lines. We joke about our tummies. But now I knew it was time to get serious about our health.

I pulled out Dr. Werfel’s phone number and made an appointment that would change our lives.

The doctor explained why any diet or program anyone attempts often ultimately fails. More times than not, people actually gain back even more weight. The doctor explained how this program will have anyone losing 25 to 40 pounds in 40 days, guaranteed! And how & why you will NOT put the weight back on!

The doctor said it was a mix of unbalanced hormones and outside factors contributing to our gain and the epidemic spreading across this country.

I came to learn that there are hormonal disruptors in our everyday products such as certain toothpastes, facial cleansers, lip balms, vinegars and even frying pans!

Here’s an example from the program’s manual. It’s very specific and eye-opening! To get a complete list, try this program by calling Dr. Werfel today for consultation/scan at 845-590-9764. Use Promo Code: “Bianca” to get a special offer!

Phillip and I are doing this journey together. Dr. Werfel put us through the series of tests. The program is customized to every individual. Every person has a different reason why they can’t lose weight. Dr. Werfel pinpoints it through special technology & tailors the program to your body.

After our evaluations, test results showed my metabolic rate is that of the 78-year-old – what! Phillip’s is 64! My visceral fat level – the dangerous fat that the gathers around your organs and waist (a.k.a. tummy fat, “middle-age spread”) that even give off their own !hormones! is a 10. It should be 6 or under making me at risk for stroke, diabetes, and other weight-related ailments. Phillip’s is 12!

Can’t believe in the middle of our 1st Week we had the ULTIMATE test!! T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G!!!! The foods, the smells, the desserts, the cozy eating atmosphere! But you know what Phillip and I had? Dr. Werfel’s coaching and his tools to get us through it. Not only did we have a spectacular family & friend event, but we lost a combined 3 pounds!!!

The manual from this program says, “You can do whatever you put your mind to, whatever you plan for: as long as your plan is right and your commitment is strong! I want you to inspire people. I want someone to look at you and say because of you I didn’t give up! So stay committed and let’s get started!!”

The Bright Spot  – That’s the message with this system. So get some answers today. Call or text Dr. Werfel right now for a consultation & scan at 845-590-9764. Use Promo Code: “Bianca” to get a special offer!

In a few weeks, I will be posting that frightening series of pictures – yup, all in a row! – that we’ve been capturing during this journey. From Ewwww to Ahhhhh…you will be amazed!

www.40DayReset.com or call 844-40-Reset

Here’s Phillip’s before & after pics since he reached is goal weight down 30.

So we traced back what happened in the past year that caused significant weight gain for me – I was very ill (lungs) for 4 months & had to take Advair, Symbicort, Hydrocodone, Zithromax, etc., and, worst of all – Prednisone! Prednisone, a steriod, has many side effects including weight gain.

Add that to the toxins in our everyday lives, growth hormones in our foods, use of plastics, etc. and it was a recipe for hormonal imbalance & gain. With Dr. Werfel’s program, my hormones are now fully balanced, the pounds melted off faster than they packed on & I’m back to my normal self!!

So here are the frightening before pictures, as promised, and my photos 70 toxic pounds lighter! We took a bunch of snapshots last night in my clothes I haven’t been able to squeeze into in over a year. Dropped from a draining size 16 back down to a comfy 4. So nice to feel my own real clothes on me once again thanks to this amazing program! Sharing with you now:

(Below) On the left, I’m 30 years old & on the right, I’m 50 (taken last night). So happy to fit in my favorite little red silk dress…size 4.

……….>>>>>>……>>>>>>>.. 30                                                             50

The nice thing is that this hormonal reset program only eliminates the toxins & fat in your body & not lean muscle. Quick snap in a swimsuit & a shot I texted Phillip showing him what I was wearing under my coat when I brought him his forgotten briefcase one morning…hummm.

                  

    

Our Little One gave me these lovely flowers & snapped these pics on our porch:

 

           

Text Dr. Werfel…do it for yourself today!

If that’s not motivation enough, do it for your family!

For more information, just click on the Radio Show flower tab in the navigation bar above & listen to our 4 interviews with Dr. Werfel: December 19, 2014 / January 16, 2015 / March 27, 2015 / April 24, 2015.

Pending Withdrawals

Leave it to the English (& Canadians) to serve up a majestic dose of sumptuous cinematography in this heart-pounding period piece that doesn’t leave much to the imagination. The Tudors is outstanding!

The history, passion, betrayals and intrigue enveloped in this flawless production by the brilliant English screenwriter & creator Michael Hirst captures the agony of 1 man’s life journey in his ultimate quest for love and honesty. Yes, yes, power and all that, but fundamentally, as the years passed, love and truth reigned supreme.

In his prime, Henry – an educated author & composer – was known as charismatic, passionate and an attractive sportsman. He ruled with absolute power.

Why did Henry Vlll (1491 – 1547) have 6 wives? How did the Church of England come to be? Why are Henry Vlll and Elizabeth I the most famous monarchs in English history? Watch this 38-hour epic series and see the treacheries that cloak his kingdom unfold.

The voracious appetite of this happily married Mom was effortlessly satisfied with each hour I shared with my equally-engrossed husband. A perfect blend of desire & lust mixed with gross man stuff like Tower scenes and combat will captivate both men and women alike.

The Tudors is a magnificently edited work of art cast with absolutely incredible actors, extravagant costumes, opulent scenery and a twist at the end of each episode that leaves you breathless for more.

We’re about to wrap up our last hour of the series, I’m dreading it and the pending withdrawals. I just don’t want it to end. Bravo to all who made this chapter of history come to life!

The Bright SpotTM  – a delicious next few months with your special someone. Get it on Netflix or the DVD set and whisper in your love’s ear, “Let’s Tudor tonight!” with that knowing little smile and a naughty twinkle in your eye.

Date Your Spouse

We do everything together with our kids.

We ski, skate, travel, bike, scout, dance, read, sing, play & pray together.

      

                   

            

And most of all, we just like to hang out with one another.

 

       

Our kids are our #1 priority, our focus, our love. But there is one thing we know is vital to a strong family unit and strong marriage – dating your spouse.

When couples first meet, it’s exciting, romantic & heart-pounding to be together.

And when you choose one another for a lifetime, that romance & thrill should last a lifetime, too. Of course, mortgages, work, time contraints, exhaustion, these all creep up on us. But taking the time to date your spouse will keep your love on fire!

My husband & I date once a week. We plan something fun like evening horsebackriding followed by hors d’oeuvers & dinner…

 

…or smooching at sunset on the beach…

…or just bopping the heck out of each other!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although we like to

 

 
 

sail, snorkel and snog,     

   

 party or chill…

         

…and even work together in our own company – choosing to sit in the same office – much to the shock of our staff and those who visited (“Don’t you two get sick of each other,” they’d chide, “working all day across from one another and then seeing each other at home?”)

Nope, we look at each day as a gift. We celebrate it with our children and with each other.

 

 

 

And sure, gala events are nice (scroll down to see more on this summer event in the next story),

 

but it’s our routine Friday night pizza & a movie at home that’s my all-time, hands-down favorite!!!

 

Just hanging out with my husband, putting our feet up, throwing on a sweatshirt or fleece, a ponytail & little white socks, snuggling under the covers and watching a movie on NetFlix, now that’s a good time!

 

The Bright SpotTM – So go grab your Honey, the one you chose for your lifetime and make memories just hugging & kissing and all the wonderful little things you used to do before the bills and the laundry and the dishes.

 

 

It doesn’t matter what you do – and it doesn’t have to cost a penny - just spend quality time with your One & Only.

 

 

More photos above under “Our Photos – Hand in Hand.”

 

Happy summer lovin’ on the last of these lazy, hazy 2011 summer days.

 

 

A Letter From My Love

My darling husband, Phillip, underwent a major surgery ~ what was to be a 3-hour surgery turned into over 5 hours because of complications.

I was very scared.

But the support from our family, friends and community was overwhelming – letters, e-mails, prepared dinners, child care, phone calls, hospital visits, you name it, people were there.

Because of this incredible support, he wrote a long letter to everyone when he was finally home recuperating – I’d like to share a part of it with you now.

When I married Phillip, he was a widower. He knows the deep heartache of losing one’s spouse.

This letter will give you an idea of why I love this man so much. Why it was so easy to fall in love with him instantly and marry him after only being in his company 46 days.

 

My Dear Friends,

These last few weeks have been quite daunting for me. Thankfully, when it comes to surgeries, I do not get fazed. If it needs to be done, get on with, just get it right.

My deep concern has been for my wonderful wife, Bianca, and for my children. Should anything go wrong with the surgery, frankly, I wouldn’t know a thing about it. 

But I know, only too well, the pain left behind for loved ones when the unexpected happens and your spouse is suddenly gone.

Without going into too much detail, the operation ran to almost twice its planned time; the surgeon told me it was the most complicated case he’d ever seen in his career.

During all this time, I needed to prepare myself physically, and most importantly, mentally for a speedy recovery.

Also during this time, Bianca was preparing so she could help me get through this. So many of you overwhelmed us with your help, your kind words, your compassion and your prayers. I am thankful for your concern for my health and for Bianca’s well-being. We are truly blessed to have friends as great as each and every one of you.

What has gone unseen during this time is the enormous amount of stress this has put on Bianca.

She has kept on the brave face, looked after the kids, looked after me, and made the house extra welcoming and cozy for my recuperation.

But I see the pain in her face at the thought that something horrible could have happened.

I cannot bear to see my beautiful wife suffer after the amount of goodness she has brought into my life.

 

I love her more than life itself and if I spend the rest of my life loving her as much as she has loved me, I will still not be able to repay her in full.

I truly am THE luckiest man on the planet to have found such an incredible person to share my life with.

Thank you,

Phillip

The Bright Spot  – my friend, Susan, told me about a quote she heard and I love its truth, “The greatest gift a father can give his children is loving their mother.”

 

The Diamond Celebration

My Grandparents were married 61 years. It was a beautiful model of love and kindness that I model my marriage after.

My Grandmother says their recipe to a long and happy marriage was communication and holding hands, walking arm in arm through a lifetime.

  

My Grandfather told me years ago what the key to a beautiful marriage is, “Don’t marry someone you can live with. Marry someone you can’t live without.” (Below: My Grandparents with my Mom)

A few years after my Grandparents’ Golden Anniversary, my Grandfather said, “I am looking forward to our 60^th wedding anniversary – our Diamond Anniversary.”  (Below: my Grandfather & I dancing the night I was crowned Miss Connecticut)

He worked hard until he was about 85 and then Lyme Disease and cancer hit him aggressively.

But he affirmed, “I will be with My Love for the Diamond celebration!”

And he was, thank God!

We all flew to Europe for the big event. The province they lived in together for over 6 decades presented them with a beautiful certificate and a large bronze medallion along with a mention in the newspapers and on the television.

A year later, he passed away.

That’s the marriage I strive for – I found the right man for me. It took a long time and a lot of crazy boyfriends – not all – but enough to make me realize that when I found him, I knew what my Grandfather was talking about – Phillip’s not just someone I can live with, he’s someone I can’t live without.

My Bright Spot  – my husband, my lover…

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