How grandmother, 72, who 'couldn't stand up from a chair' lost 115lbs and set a world record for the longest abdominal plank

A 72-year-old grandmother who weighed 250lbs has defied age, losing nearly half her body weight through intensive training sessions, and setting the world record for the longest abdominal plank.
Betty Lou Sweeney, who couldn't stand up from a chair on her own, would eat six donuts in under an hour and regularly consumed ice cream bars, fried chicken, and potatoes heavy with butter.
But with the help of a personal trainer, the registered nurse from Wisconsin lost 115lbs. She told the Huffington Post: 'I never eat sweets these days because when I did I found I craved them for almost a month... I don't miss them and can be at a party and not even feel tempted anymore.'

 

 

Great achievement: Betty Lou Sweeney, 72, weighed 250lbs (left) and lost nearly half her body weight through intensive training sessions and a change in her diet (right)

'I had been on diets my whole life,' she said.
'I'd lose weight, and then gain it back, plus more. It had become a vicious cycle for me. I must have tried every diet out there, and they all worked, I just couldn't keep the weight off.'
Raised as an orphan, Mrs Sweeney lived in 12 different foster homes before she was adopted at age 15. 'In that time, I had been abused many times,' she explained. 'My friends were [my] animals, and food.'
She added that she never felt attractive and was often teased as being a 'loser'.
'I never liked myself, except for those times when I had gotten down to a size 10 or 12. I could never maintain it, so it did nothing for my self-esteem,' she said.
At age 69, in 2009, she was hospitalized for a bladder infection which went to the sac that surrounds the heart. In treatment, her kidneys shut down as a result of the medication, and she put on 30lbs of water weight overnight.

World record: In 2011, she set a Guinness World Record for the longest time in an abdominal plank, at 36 minutes and 58 seconds. The previous world record was 33 minutes and 40 seconds

 

'I became septic and my temperature soared to 106. At first, I reacted to every medicine and got sicker and sicker. Finally a medication kicked in, and I started to get better.
'My doctors told my husband that they almost lost me. I felt my family deserved better than this,' she said.
So she asked a dietitian at her work to suggest an eating plan that would usually be given to a newly-diagnosed diabetic.
'I wasn't diabetic yet, but knew I needed to keep my blood sugars stable,' she said.
'On that day, I changed the foods I ate, the way I cooked them and my portion sizes. I got down to about 210 pounds.'
After an Anytime Fitness center opened near her home, she joined lost another 10lbs. But because the weight was coming off at a slow pace, she decided to enlist the help of a trainer.

 

Role model: But with the help of a personal trainer from Anytime Fitness, the registered nurse lost 115lbs

 

Change in diet: She said, 'I changed the foods I ate, the way I cooked them and my portion sizes. I got down to about 210 pounds'

 

Fit and fighting: Now,Mrs Sweeney is able to do a pull-up for the first time in her life, 20 push-ups and sit-ups, as well as run more than three miles regularly

'When we started, I couldn't get up from a chair to a standing position on my own. Everything hurt from my arthritic joints. Dave, my trainer, was very patient and encouraging as he slowly helped me get better,' she explained.
Now, she is able to do a pull-up for the first time in her life, 20 push-ups and sit-ups, as well as run more than three miles regularly.
In 2011, she set a Guinness World Record for the longest time in an abdominal plank, at 36 minutes and 58 seconds.  The previous world record was 33 minutes and 40 seconds
She added: 'Shortly after, a man broke my record, but I believe I still hold it for women.
'I feel younger than I have in years. I have pushed through several injuries, including a dislocated shoulder, a fractured left hand, a pulled calf and, most recently, a torn hamstring.'

Discussion Of Landscape Oil Paintings

Oil painting is used to quickly dry vegetable oil (linseed oil, poppy seed oil, walnut oil, mix the paint on canvas), linen cloth, cardboard or wood on a painting produced by species. There are many types of oil paintings, and landscape oil painting is one of them.
Landscape painting is the natural scenery to depict objects, using oil painting materials painting creation. Called landscape oil paintings, the early paintings did not the independent category, landscape oil painting is only in the number of characters in the background or foil form. Until the Renaissance later in sixteenth Century, landscape painting it as an independent painting genre appeared in European painting, and get a great development.
Landscape oil paintings quick links by category can be divided into: the realistic oil painting, impression landscape oil paintings, abstract landscape painting, classical landscape paintings, modern scenery oil painting, landscape oil painting landscape painting in Europe and the United States, Russia, Holland scenery oil painting, the Mediterranean landscape oil painting, landscape oil paintings of Thomas Sen., Lin Feigning, mountain scenery oil painting, the pastoral scenery of landscape painting, landscape in Guilin Scenery. Oil painting, landscape oil paintings, birch trees all over the places of historic interest and scenic beauty painters have been depicted in creation.
Realistic scenery oil painting as a multivariate element, its artistic mission and artistic charm in experienced many ups and downs, still less of its style.It pay more attention to painting language expression, make full use of the art of oil painting carrier to love life, pay attention to the relationship between people and society.Painting emphasizes self outlook highlights. Realistic scenery oil painting of the absorption of various materials used, the picture processing effect is obviously better than other painting. In conclusion, realist landscape oil painting is an irresistible charm, plays an irreplaceable role, for users to show the endless scenery. Impressionism emphasizes the feeling and impression of the objective things, opposed to follow the beaten track, advocated the art innovation.On the painting technique of light and color are discussed, research with outside light description method of object, and recognize the color changes are caused by light, color is with the observation position, light conditions and environmental change, at the same time, the scientific principle applied to painting. Abstract landscape through the large area color contrast performance of spatial depth and breadth, from representational form to withdraw, or completely blocks of color to show, demonstrate the natural world from the original simple or is spectacular, magnificent.

Dinner for one! Glum Selma Blair shops solo for groceries after blowing off steam at the gym

She has been adjusting to life as a single mother since splitting from partner Jason Bleick in September.
And it seemed that Selma Blair was accustomed to her new routine as she got stuck into some solo shopping at the grocery store on Thursday.
The actress was seen picking up food and supplies at a shop in Studio City and left the store with a couple of carrier bags.

Going it alone: Selma Blair shopped for groceries in Studio City on Thursday

The 40-year-old had also been blowing off some steam during the outing and was seen leaving a West Hollywood gym.
She was dressed in exercise gear and wore a thick padded jacket over the top to keep her warm.
Selma was sporting cropped black leggings and matching trainers, along with an orange tank top.

Bare-faced beauty: Selma went make-up free to run errands and stocked up on supplies

Blowing off steam: The actress had also just enjoyed a workout and she was clad in gym gear

The Anger Management star went make-up free but covered her bare face with a pair of sunglasses, which she removed once inside the store.
Selma, who has a one-year-old son Arthur with Jason, has been showing of a frail frame in the wake of her break-up.
The Legally Blonde actress and her fashion designer partner, who had been dating since 2010, were alleged to have parted ways because they couldn't stop arguing.

Well-adjusted: The star appears to have grown accustomed to life as a single mother following her split from Jason Bleick in September

Working up a sweat: Selma was also seen leaving her West Hollywood gym after a rigorous workout

A source told Us Weekly magazine: 'They were fighting non-stop.'
Selma rather vaguely commented on her relationship status in September on Twitter, writing: ‘I never announced anything. They choose to write whatever they feel. I do not have a new boyfriend. My son is it.'
On Thursday she shared a sweet photo of little Arthur wearing a top with the words ‘lifelong friendship’ splashed across the back.
Selma wrote alongside the image: ‘Another important message from Arthur's shirt.’

Adorable: Selma shared a photo of son Arthur on Twitter and the 'important message' on his shirt

Attractive Lace Sheath Wedding Dress for Bride

As we all know, sheath wedding dresses are also called column bridal gowns. Maybe sheath gowns are not that popular among girls and women. Because it has a high requirement for body types, only tall and thin girl can hold it. Column design flows straightly from the neck to the hem. But sheath style is different from the mermaid type. Both of the two designs are elegant and attractive.
As a modern design take on the traditional wedding dress, the sheath is characterized by a slim profile that closely follows the curves of the body. It is completely fitted and looks perfect on ladies who figure as tall and thin as well as slim. The dramatic cut and lean shape just adds the length and create an illusion height for petites. On the other hand, due to its lean shape, this style does not flatter gals who have pear shape or apple shape.
The sheath or column design is fitted to your body tightly, so they can show off your body curves. Then if you have a confident body figure, you can take the column design into account. The slim figures cannot miss the column or sheath type. But if you are a petite girl, don't worry; you also can wear this type gown. It can make you look taller. Usually, sheath or column gowns won't be that complicated, instead, they are simple but attractive. So they are ideal for tall and thin girls who like simplicity. But if you are not confident, just think twice before you decide. Maybe sheath or column style is not a good type to hide weakness, such as wide hips, and it does not emphasize curves very well. How about an athletic figure? If you still want to create an illusion of a more curve design, it is also a good choice. The column wedding dress style also known as the mantle has a relatively narrow flowing down from the neckline to the hem. It is on all the curves of the body, a great alternative for brides who are very comfortable with their bodies and do so before the people for their big day at the show do not show.
With so many options available, Lace Sheath Wedding Dress quick links will stay in fashion as they always make women look and feel fierce. If you are a bride who wants to make your special day memorable, give a try on sheath wedding gown. Selecting wedding apparels is not an easy job, therefore the one-stop shop for all bridal dressing needs is the best for brides. DressilyMe professionally supply a large variety of blue ribbon wedding gowns to satisfy needs from head to toe for brides. You can definitely find your dream gown.

Tsunami survivor Petra Nemcova looks elegant in red dress at as she launches charity drive to raise funds for victims of natural disasters

Petra Nemcova wants the world to get happy for a good cause.
The Sports Illustrated model stepped out in New York on Friday to launch official Happy Day wearing a bright red dress and an even bigger smile at the Bloomingdale's Department store event.

Smiling stunner: Petra Nemcova's charity Happy Hearts has partnered with Clinique to launch Happy Day in New York on Friday

The 33-year-old has joined forces with beauty brand Clinique to raise money for her charity Happy Hearts, and encourage people to get happy.
Holding a bottle of the specially-made charity fragrance, Petra looked as bright and happy as her smile thanks to an off the shoulder cocktail-length red dress.
The dress had a modern twist to a Mad Men-inspired look, allowing the Czech beauty to show case her famous curves.

Lady in red: Petra donned a bright red dress for the happy event at Bloomingdale's teaming it with nude heels

The model finished her look with a pair of patent nude heals and wore her hair in a polished but still fun half up, half down 'do.

Petra recently partnered with Clinique as the beauty brand encourages its employees to spread happiness to others on official Happy Day.
The company will now spread their happy message world-wide by raising money for the model's charity Happy Hearts through the sale of specialty perfume and clothing.

Happy Hearts: Money raised from the sale of Clinique products will help the model's charity build schools in areas affected by natural disasters

The 33-year-old started her charity - which builds and rebuilds schools in areas devastated by natural disasters - two years after she was almost killed in the 2004 tsunami.
The model was with her fiance photographer Simon Altee in Thailand, when the Indian Ocean tsunami hit. Her fiance was killed and the model was lucky to survive after clinging to a palm tree with a broken pelvis and severe internal injuries.
Since the horrific event, Petra said she has strives to make the most out of life just like her late fiance:
'I try to live fully, as Simon always did. He always loved life and lived it every moment.'

Overcoming tragedy: The 33-year-old was the guest of honor at the New York screening of The Impossible, which stars Naomi Watts and is set during the 2004 tsunami

Trendy Column Wedding Dress for Special Day

Marriage may be considered the most important event and significant in the life of a person. Brides often try to better that is admirable to convey the big day. There is no doubt that the fabulous wedding dress in the eyes of the people comes first. He can still win the attention of people walking down the aisle. In fact, many brides feel at a loss as the choice of designs wedding dress. A column wedding gown will not fail if you have the perfect body curves. One of the best decisions you show your body functions.
The column dress style, also referred as a sheath, has a relatively narrow shape which flows straight down from the neckline to the hem. It is going to show all body curves, which makes a great alternative for those brides who are very confident with their bodies and want to flaunt them in front of people on their big days.
The column dress style is characterized by simplicity which allows many other designs to change the overlook of the dress. It comes into a wide range of necklines from spaghetti straps, strapless necklines, and halter necklines to boat necklines, sweetheart necklines, v necklines and dipped necklines. It all depends on what part of your body you want to enhance or conceal. The column silhouette also works well with many different skirts length. The floor length is most usual one. Besides, the dress with chapel train is quite normal. You can also choose a knee length skirt for a casual afternoon wedding ceremony. Due to the length of skirts, the column style wedding dress is appropriate for all types of weddings such as casual occasions on the beach or intimate evening on a banquet ball.
Gowns tend to be carried out upward along with silk, man made fiber, ribbons, and so on. Sensitive function is performed in it along with drops, deposits, ribbons, and so on. You may even get a custom. There are lots of creative designers obtainable that focus on all of your goals regarding your Column Wedding Dresses quick links. Empire waistline gown at present covers the actual graph with regards to modern trendy wedding gowns. You are able to select this within whitened perfect silk material or even get it done upward along with sensitive ribbons as well as very function. Adjust the actual neck of the guitar as well as masturbator sleeves from the gown in order to highlight your own figure. For those who have a brief waistline, you need to choose this particular design to cover which small disproportion involving the ribs as well as sides. You might request a marriage gown custom with regard to recommendations.

'I don't know how to make relationships last, wish me luck': Harry Styles' new squeeze Taylor Swift opens up about her past love life... and her hopes for the future

She's had her fair share of heartache despite only being 22-years-old.
And Harry Styles' new girlfriend Taylor Swift is the first to admit she isn't confident when it comes to love and making a relationship work.
In an interview with the British edition of Cosmopolitan magazine the American star has spoken out about her troubled love life in the past, as well as her hopes for the future.

Clueless: Taylor Swift has spoken out about how she doesn't know how to make a relationship last

When asked what she doesn't know about relationships she said: 'How to make them last. I’ve never had a really long relationship, so I have no idea what that’s like.'
She added: 'Wish me luck for the future!'
Despite being beautiful, successful and in great shape Taylor, who has been linked to Taylor Lautner, Jake Gyllenhaal and more recently Connor Kennedy, admits she doesn't look for the same high standards in a partner. Nor does she worry about an age gap, which is handy given Mr Styles in four years her junior.

She's got it all: Taylor reveals that she doesn't care about age in a partner which is lucky given the four year age gap between herself and Harry

Cover girl cutie: The 22-year-old singer has revealed her trips for fake confidence and admits she suffers from nerves before a performance

She said: 'I really don’t have any rules about dating when it comes to height, age, career choice, anything like that. It doesn’t matter. It’s really more about strength of character. When it comes to age I’ve been all over the map!'
The Love Story singer also admitted that she can't resist a bad boy or a rebel, which is handy given that Harry, who has enjoyed relationships with women 15 years his senior, doesn't play by normal rules either.
She said: The song I Knew You Were Trouble is about when I knowingly made the same mistake twice. I couldn’t resist it – there’s that temptation to push yourself into a risky situation with someone who is going to hurt you, and that’s what that song is about: not trusting your own instincts and ignoring all the red flag.'

New squeeze: Harry Styles was seen leaving Taylor's hotel on Wednesday morning after spending his second consecutive night with the songbird

Not looking his best: The One Direction singer's hair looked much more unruly compared to his usual hairstyle and he was seen trying to tame it

Harry has been seen leaving the singer's hotel in New York twice in the past week after spending the night together.
The pair have also been spotted holding hands and enjoyed a stroll in the park together earlier this week, confirming to fans that they are pop's hottest young pairing.
Despite her success and bagging one of the world's most desired young men, Taylor reveals that she has learned how to fake being confident when she needs to.
Her tips to hide any hint of nervousness include 'throwing your shoulders back' as well as 'walk like you belong there.
The full interview appears in the December issue of British Cosmopolitan, on sale 7th December.

Comfortable Leather Tote Bags for Your Beloved

It's a fair assessment to say that leather is loved by all, or at least I can't imagine someone refusing a leather gift. Leather is beautiful, soft, and supple. Whether it's a leather jacket or a leather luggage bag, they make for genuinely gorgeous products. Leather has always been sought after and it's on most people's wishlist. Part of it is because leather is a wonderful and stylish product, no matter what form it comes in. The other reason is because it is associated with class, style, and wealth. No you don't have to be rich to own a leather jacket, but obviously you have the money to spend on such a fine quality product. Therefore, it's a great gift option. Who wouldn't want to show off a leather tote bag? People will know that style is important to you. They do not have to know it was a gift! Even still, you were wise enough to accept and appreciate a luxury item.
One of the appeals of leather tote bags, is that many things can be carried inside them without the fear of tearing up. All of the things you need can be carried with you. Since they have well made and slim designs, the many sections that feature, make it simple to organize and store the things you need. Softness and suppleness are other traits that it feature. Don't let the softness of the material fool you, since they are very strong. One more thing to consider is how well these bags will hold your items and are they safe? The good news is most of them have good zippers. One can also be certain that the lining in the bags is cotton, protecting your items and giving you comfort. For the weekend these are perfect.
Tote bags can be used at the mall or at the grocery store. They are great to use at the mall if you have a variety of bags to carry. Instead of carrying each bag separately they can be put inside of the larger tote for convenience. Tote bags also make for perfect reusable grocery bags. They are environmentally friendly when compared to plastic and paper bags and many stores nowadays offer a discount for using them. If you have a day planned at the park, a tote makes for an easy way to carry food, extra clothing, napkins, and fun toys to bring along. A tote bag can easily replace a picnic basket and in the end they are much easier and more convenient to carry. They also hold more than a picnic basket can!
If price worries you, look to online stores. It's not difficult to find Leather Tote Bags quick links, jackets, belts, etc. that provide the same quality product at a discounted price. Online retailers who do not own a brick and mortar store can easily sell these items at far cheaper prices thanks to low overhead costs. Find that perfect leather product to give your loved ones; they won't forget it.