Crazy in love + 2

January Progress

2012-01-29T05:45:00.001-08:00

Good morning! It's a beautiful one over here on the Chesapeake Bay. I hope you're enjoying the weekend and all it has to offer!

Here's a little update on my progress in 2012:

Step 1: Reduce clutter. I asked my daughter to help me go through her toys and donate some to the local thrift store (WIN: Women In Need). She was able to come up with 2 boxes! I am so proud of her. Plus this is great timing- her birthday is next month so at least I have the toys under control for a little longer. It's hard for me to tell if I've been slacking with this challenge or not. I've done 2 bags of clothes (1 for consignment and 1 for a friend's daughter), the 2 boxes of toys, and 6 bags of trash. My guess is that I'll accomplish a lot while on Easter break, but I'm trying to hide the procrastinator in me and get those bags done by March! Though that front porch is calling me... 30 bags left to go...

Step 2: Reduce spending. I track my spending every day. The large amounts I tag (food, gas, bills) but I was surprised at how many times I would spent $5-10 and not even realize! Bottled waters and candy bars have been my enemy. I've definitely curtailed this habit and usually go 5 days without spending a dime! That being said, I am treating myself to a pedicure tomorrow after work (my new dance class begins Tuesday and the family is in a wedding in South Carolina this weekend, so it's justifiable!).

Step 3: Drink Water, Pack lunches and change my eating habits. Water it is! And boy do I drink a ton of water every day. I suplurged and purchased a glass bottle coated on the outside with BPA free plastic (shatterproof!). It's my new best friend. I also drink 2 cups of blueberry tea a day, and pack my lunches! I cut out a lot of sugar and have gone from 248 to 238 this month! The first 3 weeks were tough, and I fell off every now and then, but this week was very clean. On the days that I do want chocolate, I spend a little extra and buy the sugar-free. It curbs my craving and I end up eating less because it doesn't taste as good ;) I've also cooked nearly every meal at home! I think my husband really appreciates this one! Also, I can count on 1 hand the number of times I've gone out to eat this month. Not a bad feeling!

5 months until summer, and 11 months left in this year. Let's make the most of them!!!!

The simplest things give me the best ideas.
-Joan Miro

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T11:12:00.000-08:00

My goodness! This year has really gotten away. As a matter of fact, the past 5 years have been some crazy whirlwind!

2007- got pregnant

2008- baby #1 and bought a house

2009- got married, got pregnant again!

2010- baby #2

2011- completed my Master's plus 30 additional credits

2012- Simplify my Life!

There's a great book out there entitled "Simplify Your Life" by Elaine St. James. It's currently in its 26th printing so it must be good! My mom's owned it since the 90's and I would read it every now and then. At this point in my life, it couldn't be more perfect!

Step 1: Reduce clutter. I love seeing on the blogosphere the "40 bags in 40 days" challenge. For me, this is too intense, so I'm starting a bit early. I am giving myself from January 1-April 8 (Easter Sunday and my Birthday!).

Step 2: Reduce spending. Again, as of January 1, I will no longer be buying items that are unnecessary, and really scrutinizing the items I do purchase. I want to get out of debt, pay off my undergrad and grad loans, as well as start living on 1/2 of what I earn so I can pay off my mortgage quicker. Yes, grand plans I realize, but everything starts with a small step.

Step 3: Drink Water, Pack lunches and change my eating habits. I drank so many sugary drinks and ate so much sugar over the holidays that I literally gained 8 lbs. Ridiculous! Since December 27, I've only had water, tea, or the occasional glass of milk. I've also made all of our food and started clearing out the overly processed items in the kitchen. Again, this will be a process, but I've enjoyed being able to cook every meal during the winter break. Cooking meals at home is a priority for me this year.

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2012!

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have,

but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”

Fredrick Keoniq

Stop being fat.

2011-10-09T08:22:00.001-07:00

I am fed up with me. This is ridiculous! I feel like crap, I crave crap, I feel as though I am an emotional disaster, and have developed stress induced asthma.

I yearn for the body and life I had 3 years ago, though I know I should be thankful for what I have now and where I am today.

Right now, I live for me.

My Fall resolution is to dance every day. I just ordered the New York City Ballet Workout which I did a few years ago. It's hardcore and fabulous. Since my daughter is taking dance class she will be able to do some of this too. Starting Monday, I will dance my heart out during the day (50 minutes) and then again when I am at home (an hour or so). Worst case scenario, I dance again during my daily planning period to keep up my stamina.

Ok, I'm done whining. This blog: take 3: ACTION!