Image via HeyFranHey (I had to post this pic. Her body is sick!)

I am the queen of starting something and not finishing.  But I have decided to try this weight loss thing again for the umpteenth time.  So I will be joining in on the Great 48 challenge.  Basically it’s a 6 week (48 days) challenge focused on getting a jump start in the new year on your fitness regime as well as creating good eating habits (which is going to be a challenge for me because I am NOT a creature of habit).

The challenge started today, December 31, 2012 and will end on February 16, 2013. It is also a contest where you can win prizes.  But in order to properly participate (that is if you want to win a prize) you will need to post a “before” picture of yourself holding a sign with the date and your Instagram name.  Tag any pictures that are related to the challenge with the #great48 hashtag on Instagram.

At the end of the 48 days, you must post a before and after photo showing your results with the date. The “before and after” photos of everyone participating will be posted on @deactivatedfatgirl and whoever receives the most “likes” will win.

The first place prize (Beats by Dre Pill Speakers + Herbalife QuickStart program), 2nd most likes, 2nd place prize (Beats by Dre Powerbeats), and 3rd most likes, 3rd place prize ($50 iTunes gift card).

I did take my “before” picture today but I’m a chicken and have not posted it yet.  I’m not sure if I will.  The prizes aren’t enticing enough for me to show the world my big ol’ butt in spandex across the internets.  I wish I was brave.  If I’m successful with this challenge, then maybe I will have the courage to post my “before” pic later.  We will see.

For more details follow the #great48 hashtag on Instagram and Twitter. Also follow @DeactivatedFatGirl and @its_iriel on Instagram because they are the ones spearheading this whole adventure. If you have any questions, feel free to email deactivatedfatgirl@gmail.com or imjustirie@gmail.com.

Stay tuned here and don’t forget to follow @thelimericklane to see my process during this challenge.

1. I made Cornish hen for dinner. More clean eating.

2. I wonder if Portobello mushroom burgers really taste like real burgers?

3. Photo-shoot while waiting for the train.

4. My mommy feeling herself on a good hair day.

5. Me and my friend Tamika at her birthday celebration.

6. Afro

7. Cute platforms I purchased from Payless.

8. I made garlic herb sauce to drizzle over my chicken.

9. My two precious nieces profiling.

1. I took Betsy out for a spin but detoured to Sephora.

2. & 3. Discovered the East Side of Manhattan.

4. My casual outfit for my bike day.

5. Self-portraits by the bridge.

6. We are obsessed with our phones.

7. My friend, Jennifer, and I at a charity benefit.

8. I found the cutest little baby sized nail polishes.

9. I was feeling myself in this picture.  That’s all.

Row 1: l to r

1. Bought some chicken sausage from Brooklyn Cured at the 110th Farmers Market in Harlem.

2. Picked up some lovely sunglasses from the Coach Outlet in Atlantic city.

3. OMG! It is so hard to find yellow mustard in NYC.  My mom wanted a hamburger during her visit but couldn’t eat one without yellow mustard.  Dijon and Honey didn’t cut it.

Row 2: l to r

1. My new iPhone holder for my bike.  It clips right on to my handle bars.

2. Klout Perk – Still don’t understand how it works.  But I’m always down for free gifts.

3. Sinful Colors nails in Daredevil.

Row 3: l to r

1. A little arm party action.

2. Trying to attempt a cute up do. #Fail *searches YouTube*

3. Before and After side by side comparison of the hair growth challenge by Courtney Natural Hair.

It’s been a minute since I posted.  I have been crazy busy trying to prepare for my mother’s arrival tomorrow.  I have spent the last week cleaning and gutting my apartment. You know how it is.  I’m going to pretend that I always live in such a pristine environment.  Of course she knows me better than that.  Here are some Instagram photos I took last week.

1.  My frequent trips to Jamba Juice were getting costly so I went out and purchased a new juicer by Juiceman from Target.  I have been making fresh Orange Juice with my new juicer.  I no longer drink conventional orange juice after reading this great article by Erika Nicole Kendall of Black Girls Guide To Weight Loss.  It’s a great read.  You will be surprised at all of the nutrients manufacturers remove from orange juice and all of the crap they put in it.

2.  My Curlformers arrived.  I had been debating on whether or not to spend the money for them.  I can’t wait to try them out.

3.  Tried on a dozen of nude lipsticks from M.A.C. Cosmetics.  I ended up with Fresh Brew and Siss.

4.  I made homemade potato chips.  Less the calories and fat.  Stay tuned for the recipe. I will post it on the blog soon.

5.  Out and about in the city.

I’m testing out posting to my blog via my iPhone. I decided to post a snap shot of my life last week using Instagram.

1. Dapper dressed man I saw hanging out in Columbus Circle. His socks did it for me.

2. I took a sunset cruise around Manhattan. Got a shot with Lady Liberty.

3. My new book I checked out from the New York Public Library. I have been getting a lot of miles on my library card.

4. Beautiful reupholstered furniture I spotted at a street fair. Furniture was designed by The Divine Chair.

5. My sunglasses haul from Forever31 Forever21.

6. Sunrise salutations in the park with Self Magazine Shape-up in the Park.

(l to r) Some friends and I at a B-Day party.

It never fails.  I always get the wrong size straw at Starbucks.

Brunch with some of my biking crew.

Scarves I bought on 125th street in Harlem for my hair.

Trying on one of the scarves I purchased.

Earrings I purchased from my favorite street vendor on 125th street in Harlem.

The little ladies wearing the bunny glasses I sent them for Easter.

Rocking a pair of the earrings I purchased.

Easter Brunch

Playing around with something new.

I was very busy last week on Instagram!!