Inching downwards

I know that someone has probably asked something similar to this before, but I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.
I understand that a person can lose inches and the scales not move, but is there a way to get them to move?
I have been basically stuck at 159.1- 162 (varies) for the past month, yet in the past 2.5 weeks, I have lost 8.5" over my entire body, mostly in my waist, hips, and thighs.
My diary is open, but will let you know that this week has been a busy, rough week.
My exercise normally consists of me using the elliptical here at home anywhere from 20 minutes-40 minutes 4-6 days a week. No incline, but resistance is normally from 3-8 varying throughout my workout.
I don't do a lot of strength training, but try to fit it in 1-3 times per week. I use 8.5 pound hand weights.
I also recently increased my calorie intake to 1500 a few days ago to see if perhaps I wasn't eating enough since I do run around some days like crazy.
Don't get me wrong, I am proud to have achieved what I have, being that just last year I was in a size 18/20 and well over 200 pounds, and today I am in between a size 8 and a size 10. I just want to see if there is any way to get the numbers on the scales to move downwards, instead of just the inches
I was really hoping to be in a normal BMI range by Christmas, but will take what I can get because I know that I am learning to live a healthier lifestyle and getting a second chance at life
~ Sorry for the length ~