Thank you so much, Queen Mum and Sara! I feel a bit better now.

First-congratulations to all the SYC-ers for making it to week 8, that is an amazing accomplisment.

Second-If you "fell off" that wagon, be it a replacement item, a preconditioned, if I see it I get to buy it item, or just pure temptation, extra kudos for falling off then getting back on. Sometimes it's almost harder to turn away from temptation after you've had a piece as anyone who has ever said "I'll have just a bite" then ate the whole slice of pie or cake will tell you.

Third-Since this is my first fall/winter with YLF, I expect there to be some purchases for me. But I was thinking, let me join for just one month. Well so far, I haven't even been able to go 8 DAYS, let alone 8 WEEKS (I know because I've been writing down when I shop on a calendar to check), so again kudos to all of you who have made it this far. *two thumbs up*

Dear Laura, I think we all battle age and hormones and a bunch of other demons. My own battle of the bulge is ongoing and never ending. I have learned over the years what does and does not work for me, and I keep myself on a very short leash so things don't get too out of control. I allow myself a three pound window. And that's it.

Well Done Ladies!!! 8 weeks is quite an acheivement!!!

I'm starting week 3 LOL

Actually, I'm amazed at how quickly I just turned off from looking in clothes shops... did it happen quickly for you guys too? (OK prob should just go back and read the earlier threads LOL). We spent all day yesterday in my *big* town with lots of shops and I just didn't have the urge to really look.

And, Laura's house decorating bug has flown across the ocean and bitten me too!! This week I have moved every single piece of furniture I own - singlehandedly I might add!! The girls were sharing a room and the 3rd bedroom was my office/sewing room... well now, the girls have a room each, and their play room is my office/sewing room. This was a VERY physically demanding task (I'm questioning why I have solid timber furniture right now LOL), but the house is looking so much better and now I just want to spend all my spare time "dressing" my house!

I have a list of cushion and chair covers to make - if only I can finish unpacking and rehoming all the stuff from the office/sewing room and can access my sewing table again LOL

Of course, its not long now till the Aussie YLF meet, so one of my exceptions will be exercised!!

Oh and I hear you on the weight gain thing - I'm now the heaviest I have ever been not pregnant, and I'm finding my dresses are really my only options right this minute (being summer means that's ok though!)... but, this is the exact weight my Dr's want me to be at, so I'm really pleased I finally got here (gaining weight has been very difficult for me)!

Oh Theresa, what you've done to your house sounds wonderful! It must feel good to have rearranged things the way you want them. Sorry if the decorating bug bites you in the wallet, though. Glad you are at your ideal weight - but will this bring necessary purchases in the jeans and pants dept.?

Kyle, thanks for the kind words and it is good to know that I am not the only one in this age bracket who struggles with the negative parts of aging - changing hormones, weight gain .... Of course there are lots of good things about aging but so far I have found them all to be mental, not physical!! My parents visited this week, and guess what my mom was doing, thanks to her new smartphone? http://www.myfitnesspal.com. Basically the same app as you mentioned. I think if we stick with it, it will be a big success. When you see how many calories are in a pumpkin spice latte, it stops you dead in your tracks!!

I think I'm going to be out pretty soon. I've totally lost my style mojo the last couple of weeks and I think it's a lack of ideas I get while out pottering in the shops. I've just about managed 8 weeks which I'm proud of and I shall still be cutting down for the vet's bill x

Aw, Louise, really? Can't say that I blame you, but know that you will be sorely missed!

It does seem like a long haul to Jan. 1. No idea how the Great American Apparel Diet people did it for a year.

I have done it for a year in the past and found that if I shop for others, it usually meets the need. There are many groups who collect gifts for the needy at holiday time, especially children's clothing. I shop sales for bargins on that sort of thing all year and have my donations ready before December when the shops are so crowded.

Thank you all for the suggestions for DH. At this point of my life I'm busier trying to get rid of things than accumulate, but a non clothing item, especially if it's techie, would please him.

hehe well yesterday I took my daughters shopping for some much needed clothes for them - I think it satisfied my clothes-shopping needs for another couple of weeks LOL

Laura fortunately I've spent so much time just re-arranging things, and tossing so much, that I haven't quite got to the stage where I want to spend money to fix/replace/beautify anything yet! But I did discover a few pieces of fabric that will be quite suitable for home decorating type tasks, so I will use it first! Actually, I wish I'd taken "before" photos...

But yes, pants are going to now be on the shopping list Fortunately being summer I don't have a high need for them! I did go to wear jeans yesterday and well... they fit me like leggings LOL

And FWIW, the minute I turned 30, my body and hormones started doing all sorts of crazy things - so for me, the aging benefits have all been emotional and mental - but not physical either... although at least the weight gain stuff has helped me reach my ideal weight LOL