I'm going to use my blog to help me stay accountable for what I want. I have a tendancy to over schedule/book/think and then get so overwhelmed that nothing gets done. So, I'm making it public...what I want to accomplish, and I will update so I can let myself, and everyone else know what I've been able to do.
Also, if I have it "written" down it may keep me from overbooking myself! This week will probably be a bit slow since we are just getting back from vacation and are exhausted!
So this week I would like to:
* Keep the kitchen island cleaned off (this has to be done nightly, it collects EVERYTHING)
* Complete at least 1 workout and 1 run
*Order Christmas Thank you notes
*Pick out Owen's birthday invitations
*Post to blog - Disney Trip & Wordless Wednesday
*Clean out & organize craft room closet (this could easily take all week)
*Clean out coupon organizer, cut & file last week and this weeks coupons
*Review coupon deals - if good - make a trip and start couponing again
I promise to update on Sunday or Monday next week with how well I did, and next week's goals.
Wish me luck!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Wordless Wednesday - Goofy
Yes, Troy ran the Goofy! He ran a 1/2 marathon (with me) on Saturday and then a full marathon on Sunday. More to come on this when we get back.
Sorry guys...I'm not going to be able to link up to a lot this week since I'm computerless. I'll try and catch up when I can!
Sorry guys...I'm not going to be able to link up to a lot this week since I'm computerless. I'll try and catch up when I can!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Guest Post - Plan for Success
Hey guys. My first guest blog from my good friend, Amy. She is a fitness trainer. This is great for all those fitness/health resolutions. Enjoy!!
Who else will ensure your success if you don't?
When you start any journey, going in blindly is not typically the fastest way to success. Rather, a little research and planning can help ensure that you start off on the right foot.
Having said that, this also applies to something like deciding to "get healthy". Many people who fail at new goals of getting healthy can probably attribute it to not being prepared, or really knowing what they were doing or perhaps getting bored or frustrated. This is where a little planning can help ensure your success. Since we're here in January where many people have made the decision to get healthy, I thought I'd address some of this planning to help ensure your success.
Consider...
1. What workout will you do? How much time do you REALLY have to devote to exercise each day? Choose workouts that FIT into your schedule. You're more likely to continue if it's not a constant struggle to fit it in. And then SCHEDULE those workouts with yourself. Literally put them on a calendar and make them non-negotialbe. This is your time for YOU.
2. What kind of physical activity do you enjoy? Getting bored with your workout is a VERY quick way to stop working out. Most people don't mind daily walks, or jogs. But after some time, you may get bored. Cue the eventual quitting. A workout program with different daily workouts and altering styles can really keep you more engaged. The more engaged you are the more like you are to keep it up. Look for something fun, with good music, easy to catch on to, and with a set schedule so you're never guessing what you should do next.
3. What workouts are proven effective? Look for reviews or studies that show success. Wasting your time with a less-effective workout is not ideal. The faster you see results, the more your motivation will increase and the more likely you are to continue.
4. Do you know what 'healthy' food is? Honestly, do you? When someone talks about a "low carb" diet? Do you know if that is actually healthy and sustainable? Do you know if you'd like it? A good rule of thumb is to adapt your diet to something that you enjoy. If you do not, you will not stick with it. And relapses can equal giving up. Instead, choose whole, clean foods, and include of the treats you cannot live without - in moderation of course. And know what your daily caloric intake should be. And EAT more than 3 times a day!
5. How will you plan your new menus? Are you going to print out a recipe for each day of the week? Maybe sign up for a meal planning service? Be prepared so you don't give up before you even start and end up stopping at a drive through on your way home because you over-estimated how much planning you were able to dedicate.
6. Have you tried 'diets' in the past that were not satisfying? Steer clear of those. In fact, steer clear of diets. Instead, focus on making better choices and making this a new lifestyle instead of a 'diet'. Do what's right for your body, and you can figure that out by listening to what it's telling you.
7. How much time and planning do you have to dedicate to cooking/preparing a new menu? Be prepared. If you truly only have 30 minutes each night to cook, you may consider the simplest of recipes, and you may want to repeat them each week. This way you have less to think about - keep the ingredients always in the cupboard and you'll always be set. If you're time-restricted, consider using a meal planning service that includes recipes, shopping list, and is customizable. Print it out once a week, go to the store for all those ingredients at once. And it's even easier if you choose menu items that use the same ingredients over and over.
There are other things you may consider, but this is a great starting point. If you set yourself up for success, you CAN succeed. Now, don't spend a month planning. Give it a weekend. Just get it done and then START. Give yourself a start date and then check your progress every 30 days. The biggest step is that first one, but once you get that one over with, it's all about results!
Now, the most important part, have fun finding the NEW YOU!
* Amy Romero is a fitness coach and has been helping others find their perfect workouts and providing motivation for people on their fitness journey since 2004. She is married and has a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She enjoys fitness, spending time with friends and family, hiking, blogging, and watching entirely too many movies.
Her contact information:
www.TurboRomero.blogspot.com
Fithappy@yahoo.com *
Who else will ensure your success if you don't?
When you start any journey, going in blindly is not typically the fastest way to success. Rather, a little research and planning can help ensure that you start off on the right foot.
Having said that, this also applies to something like deciding to "get healthy". Many people who fail at new goals of getting healthy can probably attribute it to not being prepared, or really knowing what they were doing or perhaps getting bored or frustrated. This is where a little planning can help ensure your success. Since we're here in January where many people have made the decision to get healthy, I thought I'd address some of this planning to help ensure your success.
Consider...
1. What workout will you do? How much time do you REALLY have to devote to exercise each day? Choose workouts that FIT into your schedule. You're more likely to continue if it's not a constant struggle to fit it in. And then SCHEDULE those workouts with yourself. Literally put them on a calendar and make them non-negotialbe. This is your time for YOU.
2. What kind of physical activity do you enjoy? Getting bored with your workout is a VERY quick way to stop working out. Most people don't mind daily walks, or jogs. But after some time, you may get bored. Cue the eventual quitting. A workout program with different daily workouts and altering styles can really keep you more engaged. The more engaged you are the more like you are to keep it up. Look for something fun, with good music, easy to catch on to, and with a set schedule so you're never guessing what you should do next.
3. What workouts are proven effective? Look for reviews or studies that show success. Wasting your time with a less-effective workout is not ideal. The faster you see results, the more your motivation will increase and the more likely you are to continue.
4. Do you know what 'healthy' food is? Honestly, do you? When someone talks about a "low carb" diet? Do you know if that is actually healthy and sustainable? Do you know if you'd like it? A good rule of thumb is to adapt your diet to something that you enjoy. If you do not, you will not stick with it. And relapses can equal giving up. Instead, choose whole, clean foods, and include of the treats you cannot live without - in moderation of course. And know what your daily caloric intake should be. And EAT more than 3 times a day!
5. How will you plan your new menus? Are you going to print out a recipe for each day of the week? Maybe sign up for a meal planning service? Be prepared so you don't give up before you even start and end up stopping at a drive through on your way home because you over-estimated how much planning you were able to dedicate.
6. Have you tried 'diets' in the past that were not satisfying? Steer clear of those. In fact, steer clear of diets. Instead, focus on making better choices and making this a new lifestyle instead of a 'diet'. Do what's right for your body, and you can figure that out by listening to what it's telling you.
7. How much time and planning do you have to dedicate to cooking/preparing a new menu? Be prepared. If you truly only have 30 minutes each night to cook, you may consider the simplest of recipes, and you may want to repeat them each week. This way you have less to think about - keep the ingredients always in the cupboard and you'll always be set. If you're time-restricted, consider using a meal planning service that includes recipes, shopping list, and is customizable. Print it out once a week, go to the store for all those ingredients at once. And it's even easier if you choose menu items that use the same ingredients over and over.
There are other things you may consider, but this is a great starting point. If you set yourself up for success, you CAN succeed. Now, don't spend a month planning. Give it a weekend. Just get it done and then START. Give yourself a start date and then check your progress every 30 days. The biggest step is that first one, but once you get that one over with, it's all about results!
Now, the most important part, have fun finding the NEW YOU!
* Amy Romero is a fitness coach and has been helping others find their perfect workouts and providing motivation for people on their fitness journey since 2004. She is married and has a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She enjoys fitness, spending time with friends and family, hiking, blogging, and watching entirely too many movies.
Her contact information:
www.TurboRomero.blogspot.com
Fithappy@yahoo.com
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Resolutions
So, it's a New Year....who has made resolutions? And now, 6 days later, who is still following through?
I typically don't do resolutions, because I know myself well enough to know that some things just don't work. This year I've decided to try...and I'm keeping them simple. They are pretty basic...but it's a start.
1) Declutter, organize, and clean house. - I love our house, but since we have such a crazy lifestyle, things tend to pile up in places and just stay there. So I'm focusing on a little bit at a time. Our main issue is our kitchen island, it's the store all for everything, and the place where everything gets dropped when we come home. Our goal is to straighten it every night before bed to keep things from accumulating. Up until last night, it was going great. We were busy packing so I'm letting it slide...but when we return, it will be first on our list.
I also downloaded a "Declutter Calendar" here which will hopefully help me stay organized. I will admit that it is January 5th and I haven't started. In my defense I left the calendar at work, and we've been crazy. So hopefully when we get back I can focus better.
2) Spend more time as a family - just say no - We are always sooo busy and never home. This year, I'm going to say no to a lot of things so we can have more time together. With me working outside the home, and 45 minutes away, it takes a lot of hang out time away - by the time we finish eating it's bath time and bedtime.
3) Fitness - increase & correct diet - so, I'm a runner, but I only run once a week and don't do ANYTHING the other 6 days....so my goals for 2012 is to try and do some sort of physical activity twice a week and as that gets to the norm, I'd like to increase. I would also like to make sure I continue my running...maybe not daily, weekly or what not, but I don't want to loose what I've worked so hard for.
As far as diet...some days I eat great, others not so much. I just need to make better choices. I gave up fast food last February and I think I'm going to stay away again this year. Now the challenge is how long can I stay away. Honestly, it's not hard, I don't miss it (Except for Arbys) but I do miss the convenience. Especially on those rainy days.
Next weekend I'm going to tackle my "craft closet" and get that all organized and straight...stay tuned to see how I can make this
all neat and organized just by using these
What are your resolutions for the new year? Any tips on achieving your resolutions, or helping me to achieve mine?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
Christmas Recap
We are so fortunate to have the majority of our family and extended family here in town. I LOVE that fact that we can see both sets of families for every holiday and not have to decide which family we are going to see on which holiday. Of course this makes for crazy holidays, but my husband and I love every minute of it.
Take Christmas for example....we had 6 stops in one day (including our house). Most people think we are crazy..but we LOVE this day. It's a day of fun, surprises, and a day of family and we wouldn't change it a bit.
So, here's our Christmas day!
First, we woke the kids up at 7 am and did Santa. Troy's grandmother spent the night (it's been a traditon the past 3 years) and I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, Owen, or Granny. Most kids count down to Santa....O counts down to Christmas Eve, when Granny has a spend the Night Night!
We then loaded the kids (and Granny) and headed to MeeMaw & PawPaw's house (Troy's parents) to do Christmas with them. We got to their house around 9 am and exchanged presents and then had a quick breakfast.
From there we went to church at 10:50 and after church we headed to my parents to do Christmas with them. We got to my parents about 12:15 and had to go quick since my extended family were all coming at 1:30-2 pm.
We stayed at Missy & Papa's and did Christmas with Missy's extended family (some reason I didn't take any pictures!) and left there to head to Troy's Aunt & Uncle's to do Christmas with them. We got to their house about 5:30 pm.
We got home about 10pm and then Troy and I did our Christmas together once we got the kids changed and in bed (they were already asleep luckily). It's a long day, but it's a fun day!
Troy and I always wait to do our Christmas together, and people think we are crazy, but this way we get to focus 100% on the kids during the morning and day, and focus on each other 100% in the evening. We tend to go way overboard on each other, but this year we put ourselves on a budget for each other....we both went over! ; ) But we were close, and better than we've been in the past!
Both kids were spoiled by all sets of family and friends and I'm not sure they got any duplicates!! Owent really enjoyed Christmas this year, he was excited about everything, even his socks that he got. Brynnleigh really didn't know what was going one, but she did enjoy playing with new toys and watching Owen.
Their favorites? - O's - his remote control cars and his Percy train. B - her singing Monkey from Owen and her dolls.
We hope you had a great Christmas and here's to 2012!!
Take Christmas for example....we had 6 stops in one day (including our house). Most people think we are crazy..but we LOVE this day. It's a day of fun, surprises, and a day of family and we wouldn't change it a bit.
So, here's our Christmas day!
First, we woke the kids up at 7 am and did Santa. Troy's grandmother spent the night (it's been a traditon the past 3 years) and I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, Owen, or Granny. Most kids count down to Santa....O counts down to Christmas Eve, when Granny has a spend the Night Night!
 |
| Santa came! |
 |
| She loves the gift Owen got her! |
 |
| Dress take 2, the first one didnt make it too long! |
Troy and I always wait to do our Christmas together, and people think we are crazy, but this way we get to focus 100% on the kids during the morning and day, and focus on each other 100% in the evening. We tend to go way overboard on each other, but this year we put ourselves on a budget for each other....we both went over! ; ) But we were close, and better than we've been in the past!
Both kids were spoiled by all sets of family and friends and I'm not sure they got any duplicates!! Owent really enjoyed Christmas this year, he was excited about everything, even his socks that he got. Brynnleigh really didn't know what was going one, but she did enjoy playing with new toys and watching Owen.
Their favorites? - O's - his remote control cars and his Percy train. B - her singing Monkey from Owen and her dolls.
We hope you had a great Christmas and here's to 2012!!
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