VIDEO BLOG: Modeling Debut (x2)

You heard it here first- I was a model today! Watch my video for a re-cap of my fantastic morning. You can also watch the full segment from Indy Style below.

PS Don't mind the boxes in the background.

We aren't moving.

I promise.

It just adds to my awkwardness.

Retro 101 Indy's first Boutique on Wheels

Much love,
Ashley

America's Next Top Model

Okay guys, I'm not planning on becoming America's Next Top Model - BUT I did get invited to be a model for retro 101 pop-up shop on Indy Style!

retro101 is Indy's first boutique on wheels! My friend Heather owns the bus, which she calls, Ellie. You can find fashion trends and handmade items from local artists on the bus.

I've loved (and supported) her idea from Day 1.

And I'm SO proud of her so following her dream.

Anyway, the show is airing this Thursday, January 17th at 9 am EST (tomorrow).

I was super nervous to say "YES."

I mean honestly, Bandit probably has more modeling experience than me.

Such a stud...

Nelly inspired.

Best Christmas gift ever.

Anyway, I could share Bandit pictures for the next hour.

Let's move along....

Justin was obviously excited for me. I was complaining and moaning about being fat on Sunday after I ate that 1,160 calorie black bean burger. 

And Justin said, "All I know is that my wife is going to be a model next week. Soooo....there is that!"

His effort made me smile.

The next day, when I told my co-worker about the opportunity, he said, "How cool! You'll do great."

"Are you sure?" I asked, still unsure about the opportunity.

I drifted away like  J.D. from Scrubs always did....

What if I trip when walking out?

Do I just stand there and smile?

Will they ask me a question?

What if something embarrassing happens? Like a Special K strawberry is stuck in my front teeth or something? 

"Yes," my co-worker said. "You're very photogenic and great at these types of things!"

And with the support of Justin and my co-worker, I sent her a message back.

"I'm in!!"

I reminded myself that this the Year of New.

And I should do things that put me outside my comfort zone. Because let's be real...I'm not the modeling type and I definitely won't be America's Next Top Model.

But the opportunity is exciting.

We will have a blast.

So last night, I had my wardrobe fitting. I never thought I'd see the day...when someone wanted me...to model something- anything- for them. So it was a little odd to have someone say, "I was thinking this will look great on you...and we can add this necklace...oh and this hat, it will be perfect!"

Then Heather lifted up the mirror so I could see myself, but she was so excited that she kept peaking out from the mirror to see my reaction.

"I think it looks great," Heather said. "I really love this hat too! But is that something you would wear?"

"Oh yeah," I said. "I would definitely wear the hat...and this whole outfit! I love it."

"Wonderful," she said. "Because I want you to feel comfortable. That's most important."

And she was right- when you feel comfortable, you feel AND look better.

We talked about her approach to buying clothes. Obviously she doesn't have a fitting room - space is limited on a bus. So she purchases a lot of clothes that you can throw on to get a good feel for fitting and size.

"I want to make sure I have something for woman of all sizes," she said.

I knew from our previous conversation that the other model ...well she could really be a model! She is a fit mother of 3 who is beautiful both inside and out.

"You know," I told Heather. "I'm a big girl, and I know that. I'm proud of my curves. So please feel free to use me as an example that you purchase clothes for woman of all sizes."

I'm not here to pretend I'm a size zero.

In fact, I don't think I've ever been a size zero.

But that's okay.

I am proud of my curves.

I am proud of my figure.

I am proud of my height.

While it's taken me years and years....and countless tears....I'm finally comfortable in my own skin. 

And honestly, I love that Heather has given me this opportunity to have some fun on a Thursday morning.

Sure, I'll only be on TV for 3 minutes or less. But for the fact that Heather picked me - out of countless other people- made me feel important....especially when she mentioned WHY she would pick me. Spoiler alert: It had nothing to do with my size or beauty.

"I knew you wouldn't be the girl who is complaining that she doesn't feel pretty enough or doesn't want to wear something," Heather told me as I was leaving. "You will make this fun."

I was born this way!

So at the end of the day, I want you to realize something....and Sean the Bachelor even mentioned it the other day....

Your looks will fade one day.

Wrinkles will appear instead.

And your body will become weaker.

You might even gain a few extra lbs.

But guess what you'll have left?

Your heart.

Your attitude.

And the spirit that fills your soul.

So have fun in life! And if you aren't comfortable with who you are, stop trying to be someone you aren't...that's just exhausting. 

See you tomorrow AM!!!!

Much love,
Ashley 

The Result of a 1,160 Calorie Black Bean Burger

I kept my word and created a meal plan for the week.

I was even more inspired to create my meal plan after I had a 1,160 calorie BLACK BEAN BURGER! I'm serious, you guys. TGIF's black bean burger (without a side) has 1,160 calories.

I nearly signed up for a full marathon on the SPOT. 

And sodium? Let's not talk about how the burger had 2,350+ milligrams of sodium!

Not to mention, I instantly had buyers regret...I could have ordered a bacon cheeseburger and had less calories.

That's jacked. I felt so betrayed!

So anyway, meal planning (and stalking calories BEFORE I order) will hopefully help me keep my calories, diet, and emotional eating on track!

Monday:

Breakfast- Special K

Lunch- Jimmy Johns #6 veggie sandwich (no mayo!!) and leftover couscous

Dinner- sausage and potatoes

Snacks- fiber bar, fresh fruit, cottage cheese

Tuesday:

Breakfast- Special K

Lunch- sausage and potatoes

Dinner-turkey meatloaf, cauliflower mashed potatoes andgreen beans (I am making this ALL on my own via my Year of New plans! Wish me luck!!)

Snacks- fiber bar, cottage cheese, carrots with hummus

Wednesday:

Breakfast- Special K

Lunch- turkey meatloaf and leftover veggies

Dinner- ranch pork chops and steamed broccoli and salad

Snacks- fiber bar, veggies with hummus  

Thursday:

Breakfast- Special K

Lunch- pork chops and salad

Dinner- shrimp enchiladas

Snacks- fiber bar and veggies with hummus

Friday: 

Breakfast- Special K

Lunch-out

Dinner- whole wheat pasta with olive oil and grilledchicken, asparagus, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese

Snacks- cottage cheese, fruit and fiber bar

I'll let you know how everything goes...

Message me on Facebook, tweet me @AshleySieb, or email me ambedwell@gmail.com if you have any ideas or recipes for next week! A special thank you to those who've already sent me their meal planning ideas and recipes. 

Much love,
Ashley

Busting Out of My Comfort Creature Shell: The Year of New

I’m declaring 2013 the Year of New. Previously, I’ve spent the last day of the year thinking of aspects of my life (mainly body) I’d like to change. 

Run 2011 miles.

Lose 30 lbs.

Run a full marathon.

I never fully achieved the above goals...

I ran about 800 miles in one year.

I lost 40 lbs, but gained nearly all my weight back after a few stressful months.

And I dropped down to a half marathon after I quickly realized my body wasn’t ready for a full marathon.

But this year, I plan on doing something different. And by doing new activities and eating new foods, maybe I'll end up losing that weight and keeping it off. Because I'll be happier, healthier, and less stressed.

Overall, I want to become a better-rounded person. It’s very easy to get caught up on aspects of your life that are familiar. For example, do any of these sentences ring a bell?

• You order the same sandwich for lunch at the same restaurant each week.
• You watch the same movies over and over again.
• You read books from only the same author.
• You bring the same wine (Sangria or Moscato) or make the same an appetizer to every function (Buffalo Chicken Dip).

All of those sound like me…You see, I’m becoming a bit of a comfort creature. 

This is a real comfort creature.
Google told me so.

But in 2013- I want to eat new meals, watch new movies, read new books, and explore recipes beyond buffalo chicken dip.

I want to experience newness each month.

Each day.

I’m still creating my “list of new” but here is what I’ve developed so far:

• Cook dinner one night per week (a new habit for me).
• Learn new workout programs such as yoga, cycling, and swimming.
• Try a different wine and beer each month.
• Eat dinner somewhere new once a month.
• Watch at least one film from another country.
• Read four books about another culture or country.
• Order one new piece of jewelry from another country.
• Try a different coffee drink each month.
• Listen to a new music artist each week.
• Buy one piece of new artwork for our house this year.
• Shoot a new gun. You’re welcome, Justin.
• Buy a new pair of boots each month. Just kidding, Justin…or am I? Muh ahahahaha (Dr. Evil laugh).
• Travel to four new cities. And do something fun at each new destination!
• Run 5-6 new (organized) races this year. 
• Donate to a new charity each month (part of my Year of Random Acts of Kindness).

I’d love to get your ideas for something new for me in 2013! Share your ideas below, comment on Facebook, or tweet me back with inspiration for the Year of New!

I’m so excited to see what 2013 brings for you and I.

Maybe you’ll join me? 

This is what I look like right now.
Extreme bedhead.

So I better skedaddle and get moving...

Because I desperately need a shower.

And a new hair do.

Much love,
Ashley