Hi, guys! 
How adorable is this photo of Murphy cuddling his lobster stuffed animal? I just had to snap a photo! 
I feel like I have all sorts of following up to do on the blog. I saw all of your questions and comments over the weekend, but I never had a chance to reply. So, here’s a quick follow-up!
Rent the Runway
RTR worked out really well. I ended up receiving 3 dresses in the mail: 2 different sizes of the teal dress and one size of the purple dress, which was my “back-up” dress. Having all of these options available to me on the day of the wedding was really nice, especially because I was so worried about my bra issue! I knew at least one of the dress would work.
As far as the ease of the whole RTR process, I was pleasantly surprised. A couple of days before the wedding, I actually started to second-guess my decision to rent a dress. (I wasn’t sure if it would arrive on time and fit!) But, the dresses arrived on time and they all fit– some better than others, of course.
Returning the dresses to RTR was also really easy. They sent along a postage-paid envelope with each of the dresses, so I just packed them up and dropped them in the mailbox this morning.
I really liked using Rent the Runway. I loved the dress that I wore and the process was so simple. I would definitely use their service again.
The Bra Issue
As far as the bra issue goes, I ended up buying the U-plunge backless push-up bra from Victoria Secret. I wasn’t able to try it on in the store because it has sticky, adhesive sides and cups, but it seemed like it would do the trick.
Unfortunately, this thing was a total waste of money. I guess it was better than no support at all, but it really didn’t stay put and kept coming unstuck from my body if I moved too much. Fortunately, my dress held me in pretty well, but I basically felt like I wasn’t wearing a bra most of the night!
Axxium Gel Manicure
And, finally, my manicure! It lasted almost a week and held up pretty well. It didn’t chip at all, but the gel started to pull away from the top of my nails, near the skin, after about 4 or 5 days. Eventually, the gel bubbled up and looked sort of weird, so I just peeled it off. I’m really rough with my manicures, so I’m actually sort of surprised it even lasted that long! Marie’s nails, however, still look like a brand new manicure! Maybe this stuff works better with longer nails?
Ok, onto the food!
Snack
Before I left for Healthworks, I snacked on a mini Larabar.
Lose the Dough: March Check-In
If you missed my previous Lose the Dough checkin-ins, here they are:
And, here’s March’s check-in:
- Weight: 130.0
- Body Fat: 21.5%
- BMI: 22.3
(We forgot to take my measurements! Oops! 
Next time!)
As you can see, my numbers increased in all areas, but I’m not really surprised. Last month was really stressful for me (moving, writing crunch, etc.), so I found myself overeating and indulging more than usual. I know that eating isn’t the best way to deal with stress, but I’m working on finding other ways to manage it.
So, looking at the numbers, it seems like I didn’t make much progress last month. But, I feel so much more fit than I have ever felt. Last month, I increased my weight on every track in Body Pump and I ran my fastest 5K ever! Even still, I want to look great for my 30th birthday, which is just 2 months away, so it’s time to really buckle down with my challenge!
Lunch
When I got home from Healthworks, I immediately made myself some lunch. I was famished! I actually cut my workout short because I was so hungry. Working on an empty stomach is just not fun.
For lunch, I made an egg white omelette with broccoli, pesto, and Romano cheese. Holy yum!
On the side, I had a Sandwich Thin with melted cheese.
This was SUCH a good lunch!
After lunch, I downed half of a Scharffen Berger chocolate bar. Um, yea. Not sure how that happened? Why does Scharffen Berger have to make the best chocolate ever?!? WHY?
Back to work I go. Hope you’re having a nice Monday!
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Your stats barely went up! I would say for a month of stress etc…that is pretty good!
In regards to the Gel, I have to say that Cal Gel is the way to go. I have had short and long nails using Cal Gel and I’ve never had them bubble. There is an occasional time when if I wait over 2 weeks to get them filled then one or two might start splitting, but it’s usually because they’ve grown out too much. Try that out next time!
oh tina, you always make me feel better about indulging
But I agree its time to get buckled down in your challenge. I overindulged all weekend and feel yucky because of it! Im in this with you girl!
what a great omlet! i’m such a huge fan of pesto and cheese…yum! i feel like this past month was really indulgence-laden for me too. not that it’s a bad thing, but i just want to find healthier alternatives for indulgences that i love
I got that bra for my wedding and it did the same thing. As soon as I put it on, it popped off!! I ended up thankfully having a backup to switch to..but it was a pain. That omelette looks so good!
I think you look great, even more sculpted actually. Your arms look more defined from when you started. Also, the .5% body fat increase may as well not be anything! I would see what the margin of error is on the instrument before getting too worked up.
I bet you are building muscle with all those Body Pump classes too. Like Kath always says, it’s a squiggly line. You are enjoying life and celebrating with your friends and loved ones. What is 5 pounds? NOTHING.
That omelette looks so good. I would agree with Gina too – you look more muscular!
That lunch would have been great for saint patty’s day!
And I’ve heard such good about that chocolate, I definitely need to try it
I just had too many cookies at the office! It happens;) I’m already thinking about a huge salad for dinner!
I’d say if you feel fitter that the stats don’t matter as much! (And they hardly changed anyways!) – Plus, it’s better that you expected it than didn’t – it’d suck if you’d worked really hard, then they’d gone up
But either way you still have the most fabulous figure! Very inspiring
What an adorable pic of Murphy! I think we all fall prey to emotional eating, and while it’s not a great habit, every once in awhile it’s nice to relax with a treat
Your numbers barely went up at all! You look great and feel fit so that’s what’s important.
Hang in there. You can improve those stats!
I agree with most people here. Your stats barely went up and you feel healthier…which I think is more important!
Your omelet makes me think of green eggs and ham.
It’s barely a change and you look GREAT!!
Chocolate is addictive, end of story. That’s why I just CAN’T keep any in the house.
Where do you find the mini larbars?
The way you feel is definitely the most important thing, right?
Love that sweet Murphy pic. And lobster– what a high class guy
You look awesome!! And the RTR idea is so cool…i never even thought of renting a dress before. is it expensive??
1. Murphy looks so adorable cuddling with his lobster! Does it have a name? I vote “Sebastian”
2. Not to sound weird or pervy, but from your pics it looks like you’re rather “well-endowed.” I am as well and usually shy away from any bra with the words “push-up”. (Or miracle for that matter). Did you feel like you were spilling over?
3. Love your green eggs!!
I’ve never heard of this RTR deal. Seems like a fun way to wear a dress to a special event. I still have all my formal and prom dresses. Should have rented them! I’d have saved money and have more closet space.
I think you look great, and it will be interesting to see what your measurements show! I hardly ever lose pounds, but my measurements can vary wildly – especially when I’m weight training.
Also – murphy is the cutest & I definitely want to try RTR for my next event!
I think you look absolutely fabulous in the picture you posted today–you look fit, healthy, and happy! Plus, like at least one of the commenters said above, your stats BARELY increased–I feel like mine could change over the course of a day
And I really liked your point about being stronger and faster (you rocked that 5K). So, no beating yourself up about chocolate…hey, it has antioxidants, right? 
Don’t sweat the bigger numbers, Tina. You only gained .2lbs in a whole month, while I managed to pack on 2+ lbs. in 1 week! I seem to always gain in the springtime (around my marathon training). Muscle weighs more than fat : ) You LOOK very slim. On the other hand, bigger numbers aren’t encouraging. That omlette looks incredible, btw!
Love the pic of Murphy! My dog cuddles with a stuffed sheep
What a way to end lunch–Scharffen Berger. Um, yum. I love when dogs cuddle their toys. He looks so protective of it too. Cute little guy you got there!
before i saw that your lunch was an “omelete,” I had no idea! the color totally threw me off! the flavor combination sounds delish, though! YUMMMM
As a guy, I am now a tad scarred to know this much about bra issues. I may need therapy.
I think you look great already Tina! You can really see that your arms are so sculpted!
I noticed that on the pics you put up of the wedding, don’t be too hard on yourself
Awww – I LOVE that pic of Murphy and the Lobster – he is so freakin’ cute!
Congrats on keeping persistent and making progress with your lose the dough challenge. You look awesome and I know you will enter your 30′s looking even more amazing than you already do
Can I have your lunch for my lunch now?! It sounds so GOOD!
youlook awesome!!! i think thebody pump classmay have addedinches but youseemstrong!
I think you look great!
That chocolate is my favorite – especially the dark chocolate mocha….mmmm
That lunch looks heavenly! Mostly because of the chocolate
Murphy is sooooooooo cute! Makes me miss my Lily!
And you look wonderful!!
you look really great!!
Murphy is so cute! That picture just made me smile
I wouldn’t sweat it about the stats. Weight fluctuates up to 5 pounds in even one day! Plus, the most important thing is that you feel great and more fit. Those body pump classes are also adding muscle which weighs more than fat. You look fabulous!
I love the picture of Murphy he is too cute! You are making pugs grow on me, my Husband has been wanting one for a while.
Thanks for your rent the runway review, I’ve always wanted to try it but I wasn’t sure.
Thanks for updating us on the comments Tina. You are rockin’ it in so many areas so don’t beat yourself up! You’re an inspiration to us all! Keep it up!
Love the idea of pesto in an omelet! Yummmm!
I think you look great already and a .2 weight loss during a stressful month is a LOT better than most of us can say!
It’s so great to hear how honest you are with how things have been going. Sometimes I think readers can assume that bloggers only progress forward and don’t necessarily have the same struggles that are common amongst us all!
When I have months like that or days like that I remind myself that this is all part of the big picture of life. Some months will have focus, determination and progression. Other months will have challenges and stress!
Good for you running your fastest 5k! Feeling fit and healthy is REALLY important
Numbers not so much 
Sara
rent the runway sounds pretty cool. about how much would that whole process cost?
Um, you have the cutest dog EVER! That picture is beyond adorable. And I liked the dress you chose to wear too!
That pic is so cute. I think it may need to be an ad for something.
Those sticky bras never work for me either. But I love you omelette…so flavorful.
I loved reading everyone’s comments on the bra issue! I always find cute shirts and dresses that I end up turning away from because I’m not sure how to deal with the straps or low backs. Now I have some good ideas!
Fabulous looking omelette!!! I think your stats are fine!! I love your way of eating….mostly healthy with a few indulgences. I try to follow your lead as much as possible.
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