I mentioned in last week’s ‘Words & Wine Down Wednesday‘ blog post that I would be featuring one lovely, inspirational lady on my blog each month. I am happy to inform you that for my first month, I am featuring my sister-in-law. I knew right away I would want to feature her because she just recently hit her goal of a 50 lb. weight loss. She has been on this journey for three years with many ups and downs along the way, as to be expected with such an undertaking. What makes Amy unique, special and what I feel makes her such an inspiration to many, is that she persevered! She stuck with it! She never let go and never gave up on herself or her goals. Amy truly is a ‘Woman of Inspiration’! Let’s find out a little about Amy before we jump into a Q & A about her weight loss journey, her health and beauty regime, the changes that she faces with aging, and any tips she has to offer other women, like myself.

Amy before her weightloss

Amy has been happily married to my brother-in-law, John, for what will be 25 years, this May. They have two grown daughters, Courtney and Caitlyn. Their oldest, Courtney, is getting married this year, and Caitlyn is finishing her last year of college. They also have a dog named Koda. She’s a beautiful Westie and they absolutely adore her! Amy works 3 1/2 days per week at a periodontal specialists office. She works at the front desk doing administrative work. Amy sits for most of that time; checking patients in and out, treatment planning, insurance billing, recall, and other office duties.

Amy before her weightloss

Now that you know a little bit about Amy, including the major goal she recently met of losing over 50 pounds, let’s chat and find out some other things that drive her, motivate her, and things she loves. Here is my and Amy’s Q & A:

Koda giving Aunt Tracy some love (and kisses)

You recently lost a substantial amount of weight. Can you share with us what your journey was? How long did it take? What motivated you? How did you overcome set-backs and plateaus?

I lost over 50 pounds in 3 years. My main motivation was stepping on the scale at a doctors appointment and weighing in at 189 pounds, end of December of 2012.  My blood pressure was also high. I did NOT want to go over 190. New Year’s EVE of 2012, I sought out what my options were to lose weight and what would be easiest for me. I found the myfitnesspal app and downloaded it on my phone. I always have my phone with me, so no excuses. I put in my current weight and how much I would like to lose. It also tracks fitness. If you exercise during the day, it adds calories to your daily total. I did have set-backs, especially after vacations. I continued to monitor my daily calories and fitness, and the weight started melting off again. I also had plateaus. One plateau lasted about 6 months. I continued on the journey, because I found this easy to use. As I continued to lose weight, I found my eating habits became healthier. I do not go down the chip aisle at the grocery store anymore.

What is your current exercise regime?

My current exercise regime: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (days I work 8-9 hours), I do yoga at home. On Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, I do an hour of running on the treadmill at 3.4 mph. In the warmer weather, I walk with the hubby and pooch (Koda) 3 miles on a trail in our community. On Friday and Saturday mornings, I do yoga at home. I also may get in a cardio later in the afternoon on Saturday. I would like to start adding weights on cardio days. The yoga I do is weight bearing, but may not be enough.

What is your healthy eating routine?

My eating regime: I eat fruit in the morning on an empty stomach because I find I can digest it better than adding it in during the day. I also eat ‘Chobani’ yogurt for a protein. On my days off, I make scrambled eggs. My lunch is spinach with added veggies: cucumbers, roma tomatoes, beets, and banana peppers. I add tuna or chicken to my salad. For dinner, we usually have a protein: chicken, beef, or fish.  I also have a potato or some rice and more veggies. I always need to have something sweet before bed. A little bit of chocolate or ½ cup of ice cream usually does it. That habit, I can’t seem to get rid of. I have two cups of coffee in the morning before work. I stop and get a cinnamon tea from ‘Biggby Coffee’ to take to work. I need to buy the tea bags, it would be cheaper. In the evening, I have more coffee with my sweet thing before bed. I still like to drink beer, but found I cannot handle the quantity I use to. I need to drink more water.

Do you take any supplements? If so, what?

I do not take supplements (I probably should though … lol).

How do you handle the hormonal changes that you are faced with as you are aging?

Some hormonal changes I have noticed are a change in my sleeping habits. Also, more facial hair. Oh, and sagging skin.

What is your morning beauty routine?

My morning beauty routine is simple. I wash my hair two times a week: Wednesdays and Saturdays. I have more time to blow dry on those days. I use the Pureology Hydrate line. I shower daily, but on non-shampoo days, I wrap a towel around my hair. I have sensitive skin, so I use Dove Soap. I use Jojoba Oil, especially in the winter for dry skin. I also use Jojoba Oil on my face. I do not use any moisturizer on my face. In the morning, I go right to foundation. I use Clinique Repairwear in shade 04 and Mac Studio Waterweight foundation in shade NW22. The face powder I like is Physicians Formula Mineral Wear in Creamy Natural. My eye makeup consists of Clinique High Impact Mascara, L’Oreal eyeliner; one in brown and one in charcoal grey. For my eye shadows, I use the Urban Decay Smoky Palette. My go-to lipsick is Clinique in Raspberry Glace’. I don’t like a lot of products in my hair. I do use Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum and Bed Head After-Party. I try not to use hair spray because I find it dries out my hair. My niece, Alyssa, who is a stylist, told my daughters and I about a hairspray from ‘Pureology’; it’s the Colour Stylist Hairspray. I like it because it is light-weight and does not feel heavy or dulling. My daughter, Courtney bought one, and now every once in awhile, I use it.

What is your night-time skincare routine?

My night-time beauty routine: I wash my face with Dove soap. I rely on my own facial oils for moisture .. lol. I do not like the feel of moisturizers on my face .. I am weird in that way. I do get a facial twice a year. But this year, I am going three times (March, July, and November). I go to a lady named, Amy McCoy, at Pure Bliss Salon.

Share with us any skin care, hair, or make-up products you absolutely love and would recommend that you have not already.

Make-up products I love are Clinique … only because of the sensitivities I have to certain products. I like some of the Mac Cosmetic brand, as well.

Are there any anti-aging tips you could offer?

An Anti-aging tip as you get older: If you are looking to spend money to do anything when it comes to looking more youthful, I think a good investment would be your teeth. It may seem cliche because I work in the business. But if your teeth are causing you to hold back from a big smile, it may be worth considering. Afterall, smiling is youthful. I decided to spend money on braces. in my mid-forties, because I hated my smile. My two front teeth (#8 and #9) were overlapped and I was self-conscious of my smile. The orthodontist quoted me a price of $800 to do the top teeth, only.  I set up a payment plan, and I was able to pay it off by the time the braces came off. Now I am able to smile and not feel as though I have to cover up my mouth. My coworkers and hubby always comment that they love when I laugh and smile big.

Amy’s Dress: Old Navy // My Sweater Dress: New York & Co. // Haircare: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo Regular size or Refill Size // Pureology Hydrate Conditioner Regular Size or Jumbo Size // Styling Products Bed Head After-Party and Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum // Hairspray Pureology Colour Stylist Strengthening Control Zero Dulling Hairspray, also sold here, they have a purse size, as well here // Skincare: Face Soap Dove // Jojoba Oil or another one here  | Make-up: Foundation Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth or Mac Studio Waterweight  // Powder Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Powder //  Eye Shadow Palette Urban Decay Smoky  // Eyeliner L’Oreal Voluminous Smoldering liner in brown and grey // Mascara Clinique High Impact Mascara // Lipstick Clinique Lipstick in Raspberry Glace’

Amy & I are always up for a good time …. laughing and big smiles

My Outfit + Beauty Details  –  Top: Nordstrom | White Denim: Macy’s / Macy’s / Target | Scarf: Target | Belt: Target | Handbag: Target | Booties/Heels: Target / Macy’s / Macy’s | Lipstick: Touch of Spice | Lip Pencil: Rose | Nailpolish: Russian Roulette | Eye Shadow Palette: Lorac Pro | Blush: Blushbaby

Amy’s Snapchat Username: amyhenso