*Drawing a blank*

Have you ever thought you had something saved in a certain place only to go there and find it empty? That was me today. I thought I had an entire list of blog ideas and yet when I went to the document I thought they were saved in; BLANK.

Having a plan is so very important. Benjamin Franklin said, “Failure to plan is planning to fail.” Isn’t that the truth! I started using a day planner several years ago. I didn’t get anything fancy like Erin Condren. That doesn’t mean you couldn’t use those; you should be aware of the cost and the planning it will require to even purchase one! I’ve picked mine up at Michael’s and have spent less than $20 every time. The one I bought this year says Every Moment Matters on the front and comes with super cute stickers you can use to mark days with birthdays, appointments, positive sayings, etc. Fun! Fun!

Currently my planner includes my workouts for each week. I write them in every Sunday. I’ve planned, and written in, entire programs before but have found that when life gets in the way and I have to change something it really bothers me to have it written and then try to follow a day behind. Grrrr!

I also plan my meals each week. This helps me not waste what we have in the pantry, freezer, etc. by planning around what’s already here and needs to be used. Then there are days they get Hot’N’Ready for dinner. Cause, life.

Another tidbit about me. I’ve greatly reduced my social media time. I couldn’t say exactly cause this week has been a blur but have aimed at less than 15 minutes on Facebook and similar, if not less, on Instagram. I know this has helped me to be present with my family and it makes me feel so much better. Nothing wrong with social media. It would be foolish not to recognize the real dangers that lurk there even as adults. The biggest being the comparison problem. Consider how you’re spending it. Do you really need to “Like” or “Comment” on all those posts? Does it matter how many people liked yours? Are you telling your family to wait so that you can do something on social media? Is it worth it? These are the questions I’ve asked myself. I want my social media to a positive, genuine place. I also want my family to know they have my full and undivided attention.

How are you living your best life today? What blank do you need to fill today to be prepared for tomorrow?

Rock on!

Read. Repeat.

I read a book last year that affected the way I think about my life as I age. I don’t dwell on my age. Actually, I delight in every age that I’ve been. Being 37 is great! I don’t “feel” my age. Well, most days I don’t.

The book is called Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley & Henry S. Lodge M.D. This book was recommended to me by an older, mature and wealthy individual. He clearly appears to have taken these “Rules” to heart. Although this book is aimed at 50+ the rules, especially when applied early, are beneficial for all ages.

These are the rules:

  • Exercise six days a week for the rest of your life.
  • Do serious aerobic exercise four days a week for the rest of your life.
  • Do serious strength training, with weights, two days a week for the rest of your life.
  • Spend less than you make.
  • Quit eating crap!
  • Care.
  • Connect and commit.

Good rules huh?

This book is so much more than just these seven rules. It is filled with humor and personal stories of the rules in action. I read the women’s version but am sure that either one would be pertinent and enjoyable.

I’m also reading a book entitled Hands Free Life: 9 Habits to Overcoming Distraction, Living Better & Loving More by Rachel Macy Stafford. This is one of those books that hits you right between the eyes, cuts you to the quick, causes you to stop, pause and reflect on an interaction that may have occurred that very day and you think the author must’ve seen and written about you. It has really caused me to step back and consider how I can implement the habits in my own life for the good of my family. My summary, although I’ve not finished, is that by being intentional daily and in all the precious moments God has given us we can truly invest ourselves in the lives of those that are nearest and dearest to us.

What are you reading? What is impacting you lately? Please share with me as I build my reading list.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

I am so excited about my meal prep achievement this week that I couldn’t wait until next week to post! I have been cruising Pinterest and adding ideas to my “Meal Prep” board for a few weeks now. I wanted to share what I was able to make and how it’s been working for my family.

My goal by adding this to my schedule was for ease of dinner preparation as well as lunches. AJ has been trying to lose weight and by focusing on healthier options that are portion controlled I know he can reach his goal. Also, having these precooked foods in the house will make lunch choices at home easy as well.

My purchases included:

  • Chicken thighs and tenders-4 packages, approximately 2.25 pounds each. I love Lucky’s and they had both of these on special for $1.88 a pound.
  • Ground beef 85/15 – 3 packages, approximately 2.25 pounds each. Also purchased at Lucky’s on sale for $1.88 a pound. Also, Fresh Market has ground beef for $2.99 a pound every Tuesday.
  • Zucchini-6 small/medium.
  • Pineapple-2, on sale at Kroger for $1.88.
  • Strawberries-2 pounds, Sam’s Club $3.98.
  • Grape tomatoes – 2 pints, on sale at Lucky’s for $1 each.
  • Bertolli pasta sauce – BOGO at Publix.
  • Chobani plain Greek yogurt – BOGO at Publix.
  • Shrimp (frozen, raw, sustainably harvested) – 2 pounds, Sam’s Club.
  • Broccoli florets – 2 pounds, Sam’s Club.
  • BBQ sauce – Kroger brand.
  • Ginger Stir-in paste – Kroger.
  • Feta Mediterranean Herb crumbles.
  • Hand Spiralizer – for making zucchini noodles. This tool came with 3 sizes; noodle, thick spiral and ribbon. It is goodcook brand and works very well!
  • Flour tortillas – frozen for taco night.
  • Green onions.
  • Green leaf lettuce – Lucky’s.
  • Honeycrisp apples (organic) – on sale at Lucky’s for $1.77 a pound.
  • Pears – on sale at Lucky’s for $.98 a pound.

I prepped the following:

  • 2 pounds of taco meat – nachos on Tuesday and the other pound in the freezer for next weeks taco night.
  • Spicy chicken and sweet potato bowls – AJ didn’t care for the sweet potato with this meal. I used Cajun seasoning for the “spice.” The bowl included steamed broccoli although the recipe called for asparagus.
  • Hawaiian chicken bowls – AJ said he really liked this meal! I enjoyed it too. I warmed all ingredients together and in hindsight would have preferred the pineapple as a topping, cold.
  • Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs – I personally, LOVE this one! My kids were not thrilled with the smell of the sauce or the finished product. More for me!
  • Marinated chicken thighs – I will chop this on salads or shred to use in other recipes. My friend shared this recipe with me and the marinade is the bomb! It could also be combined with some roasted zucchini, grape tomatoes, and the feta cheese and herb quinoa I made for a Greek inspired lunch or dinner.
  • Strawberries and pineapple were washed, sliced and stored in the fridge for additions to salads, breakfasts, or topping yogurt.
  • Hard boiled eggs – After discussion with friends about our dissatisfaction with how our eggs were cooked as well as peeling this is the method I’ve been using and it works great! Water should cover the eggs by at least 2 inches. Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and salt to the water. Once boiled add eggs. Boil for 8 minutes. Immediately remove, drain and ice. Happy peeling!

We had a lot going on over the weekend and I wasn’t able to get all my grocery shopping done on Friday or Saturday. I had to finish on Sunday afternoon and didn’t get home until around 5 PM.

WHAT I ACCOMPLISHED ON SUNDAY (2 1/2 HOURS):

  • Marinated 1 package chicken thighs. Grilled both packages of thighs. One plain for use in other recipes.
  • Cut, seasoned and baked chicken (used tenders) for Spicy chicken bowls.
  • Cut, cooked and added BBQ sauce for Hawaiian chicken bowls.
  • Washed 3 apples and 2 pears. Peeled 1 1/2 apples and sliced all storing in baggies for quick grab lunches and snacks.
  • Soaked green leaf lettuce, drained and stored in a gallon Ziploc for salads, tacos, etc.
  • Washed strawberries, sliced and stored in gallon Ziploc for salads, snacks and breakfast additions.
  • Cooked 2 pounds ground beef and added taco season. Separated into 2 gallon Ziploc.
  • Washed 1 zucchini and used spiralizer to test noodles that will accompany Hawaiian chicken bowl.

WHAT I ACCOMPLISHED ON MONDAY (1 1/2 HOURS):

  • Prepared meatballs for Sriracha recipe.
  • Prepared 1 pound beef into breakfast sausage patties.

WHAT I LEARNED:

  • The time I allocated to this was appropriate.
  • I would like to include my family in planning and prepping in the future.
  • I need to plan better dinners. The meals I chose were designed for lunches, but can easily convert to a dinner item. AJ wouldn’t want to have the same thing for lunch and dinner.
  • I will be adding a few “dump” recipes (designed for a crock pot) to my Meal Prep board so that I can include these on my planning. These are designed to be put together in a bag or container and dumped in the crock pot on the day you decide. Easy peasy!
  • I purchased a pack of 5 of these Meal Prep containers at WalMart. True to form the 2 times I’ve been back to purchase more of these they don’t have any. I might order them online or just use Prime. If I was working outside of the home I would want enough for AJ and I to pack our lunches for all 5 days; 10 total. However, since I’m not and can conveniently make my food at home or prep in another Tupperware to carry out the 5 we have are sufficient for now.

Please share your meal planning/prepping ideas! I’d love to add some new recipes.

Big Boundaries for Little Minds

GUILTY

Yes. I am guilty too. Turning on the TV to babysit my kids so I can do a particular task, take a nap or cruise Facebook without interruption. I can’t count the times I’ve been harsh to my children because they’re interrupting my device time. Don’t beat yourself up. Instead, the question to ask is, “What am I going to do about it?”

RECOMMENDATIONS BY “EXPERTS”

  • No electronic device for a child under 18 months (with the exception of Facetime). ~ We’ve been lead to believe that “educational” videos will help us grow smart kids. We’re wrong! Interesting to note that since the brain triples in size from birth to age 2 the growth is, “in direct response to external stimulation, in the context of real-world experience.”
  • Limit to 10-15 minute increments to decrease “brain drain.” ~ I found a comment by a friend interesting on how their daughter, although limited to 45 minute increments, can become agitated at which point they will make her turn off the tablet. Can you relate? I know I can! Even as an adult I become bored with my Facebook news feed or Instagram. Unfortunately it doesn’t generally cause me to stop and do something productive.
  • Stick with simple programming. ~ Several good examples that hearken to my childhood are Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers. These programs encourage learning, include repetition and request participation. I even found that Mickey Mouse Clubhouse can get kids moving, singing and counting.
  • Watch with your child. ~ So often I find myself saying to the kids, “What are you watching?” I’ll hear something from a show that seems a little “off”. I haven’t discovered the show is ever something that isn’t allowed, however, if I was sitting with them the entire time I may change my opinion. There have been several shows that we deemed, “stupid,” and wouldn’t allow them to watch. These are warning signs!
  • Help your child watch critically. ~ Of course if you’re not watching with them this would be hard to do unless its a program or movie that you’re very familiar with. Much of what I wasn’t allowed to watch as a youngster I believe to be fine content for children with the understanding, an explanation, that it is fantasy. This leads perfectly to the next point!
  • Connect the show to the real world. ~ Harry Potter is a great example because we know that magic isn’t real. However, the situations faced by the characters are applicable to real life such as; telling and seeking the truth, sticking up for your friends, being brave or confident, etc.
  • Be a role model. ~ I need so much work here! Que next point…
  • Make a family media plan. ~ We have never done this and our children are 11 and 7. With the days fast approaching that Silas will have his own phone, and the fact that they each have their own tablet already, a plan is overdue!
  • Don’t feed your kids in front of the TV. ~ We have never had a TV anywhere but the living room. We do occasionally have family movie night and will eat in the living room. Interesting to note that this parent discovered that her son would eat anything when sitting in front of the TV to eat. Since she was dealing with a picky eater it seems she solved one problem while creating another. How much more delightful to teach our children the joy of eating healthy, nourishing food and even being able to pick out particular flavors! I know I love to see my children enjoying cooking since it is an important part of life and will help set them up for a healthy future.
  • No electronic devices or TVs in the bedroom. ~ Artificial light, or blue light, emitted from electronics disrupts the production of melatonin and delays the onset of the REM cycle. Several helpful suggestions were to replace a “wind down” period normally spent in front of the TV with reading. Also, allow a 15-30 minute technology free time before bed.

PERSONAL PRACTICE

When I allow my children on their tablets or TV during the week I limit them to the length of an episode or 2; 30-45 minutes. This is rounded up actually because most episodes of the shows they watch are only 22 minutes. The weekend can tend to be a free for all though. *eye roll* Saturday morning in particular.

Unless there is something on the schedule that is taking us out of the house at a particular time on a Saturday I am very bad about setting limits. The thought is that, “They only get one day per week,” or, “It’s their relaxing time,” have got to stop! Media plan already working in my mind!

A while ago I committed to spending only 15 minutes per day on Facebook. That hardly ever happens. Ugh! I have been much more intentional about putting my phone down. If you’re like me we use our phones for EVERYTHING! My kids use my Merriam-Webster app for their vocabulary words. I Google anything and everything. I’m constantly adding food or water to my log in my Fitbit app. Something that has made me conscious about my screen time is the fact that somehow, during an update of my system I suppose, I began receiving my weekly screen time average every Sunday morning. A friend told me that during youth group time on Sunday morning they have to call out their average. Now that is a sobering thought!

REFLECTIONS

When Silas was a baby (under age 2) we had several Baby Einstein videos. I did turn them on occasionally but he really wasn’t interested. He was more interested in climbing on AJ’s guitar case, playing with empty gallon water jugs and chasing Jade (our dog) around the house.

I’m currently reading a book by Rachel Macy Stafford called Hands Free Life – 9 Habits for Overcoming Distraction, Living Better, & Loving More. The premise of these habits is simply this; to be in the moment, enjoying, loving, experiencing the people we love the most. It makes me think about the recommendation above about children under 2 years old having zero screen time because of the growth they experience through physical interaction. Honestly though, is that really limited to children under 2? I know my children need and crave my attention. Yes, the attention I give them when they’re telling me about the dream they had last night for 15 minutes. Jumping on the trampoline for a few minutes even though I really don’t feel like it. Playing hide and seek when my phone is pulling me towards Facebook and Instagram. Creating memories instead of regrets.

I plan to report back in 4 weeks on how our media plan is working. Stay tuned!

Bonbons and Budgets

I know that bonbons have never been part of my life let alone my grocery list! It does make this subject much more appealing though wouldn’t you agree?

I asked my Facebook friends to weigh in on grocery budgets and received some great feedback! The family sizes ranged from 4 to 6 (parents and children) and commented regarding both budget dollars and whether they purchase organic items. The age ranges within these families is important as well because it seems very true that when we have children in the teenage years we are being, “eaten out of house and home!” The children were at or below 12 years old; including several with infants. Budgets range from $125 to $150 per week. Our budget had been at $500 a month for a LONG time and approximately 2 years ago (when the kids were 9 and 5) we began to overspend. I analyzed the spending about 9 months ago and found that our average for the prior 6 months had been closer to $700. That became our new budget amount.

I realized from reading the comments on my Facebook inquiry that I’ve included items such as paper goods (toilet paper, paper towel, and cleaning products) in my grocery budget and if I’m going to get micro on our spending I’ll need to break these out. I also have a multivitamin and protein that I use and these are lumped in the grocery budget as well.

WHAT DID I LEARN?

First, our family is well within the range of “normal” for our family size (4). I would also categorize our eating as, “healthy convenience,” (as one friend dubbed it). Healthy convenience to me means that we eat a lot of the “perimeter” items; fruits, veggies, meat, dairy, eggs, and much less middle aisle items where the processed foods live. When I am making a mid-week grocery run it usually involves a vegetable that was either forgotten or was eaten earlier than expected or another staple item like milk or eggs.

Second, I plan our meals weekly (7 to 10 days) and base these on what we like as well as what is on sale. The freezer we used to stock up on items like meat and frozen vegetables died a while ago. I miss it! This has caused me to have to plan much more carefully since I have less freezer space. It also keeps me accountable for what I’m buying so that I don’t end up with a bunch of junk that we don’t need. Junk items such as frozen pizza, toaster strudel, Eggo’s, etc.

Third, I’m trying some new things like “Meatless Monday.” I’m not vegetarian or vegan but recognize that our bodies need more plant based food and less meat. We will have a large salad full of many different grilled or steamed vegetables, beans and hard-boiled eggs for dinner. Although we will add grilled chicken this is an easy change for “Meatless Monday” by simply adding only the eggs.

Fourth, we went through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University many years ago. Staying within the budget could easily be achieved by using the envelope system instead of my debit card. What works well for you?

DID ORGANIC MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

The feedback I received on the organic front was generally that those families didn’t buy much organic unless it was on sale. My stance is that there are items that are better bought organic because of the exposure they may have to pesticides; such as apples, potatoes, or other fruits and vegetables that you eat the skin of. If it has a thick skin or is something you peel, bananas and avocados come to mind, I don’t buy organic.

I’m interested to hear from my readers on whether they buy organic, why and how they make allowance for that.

I plan to go into more detail on protein powder in the future as well as vitamins.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

New Year’s Resolutions. FAIL!

Approximately 55% of resolutions are health or fitness related. According to a study of athletes specifically January 12 is the fateful day of failure and the death of a resolution. The University of Scranton states that just 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolution.

Why so dreary? Well, it’s catchy! But seriously; what have you “resolved?” Honestly I’ve never resolved to lose weight. *Cue all the people who just stopped reading this blog.* It doesn’t mean that I haven’t been overweight. And to clarify “overweight” is determined by measuring your Body Mass Index (a measurement of your height and weight which categorizes you as underweight/normal/overweight/obese). As far as health and fitness for me I think about how I feel in my clothes and how the food I’m consuming makes me feel.

Enough about me. This blog is actually dedicated to encouraging you to DETERMINE, rather than resolve, how you can make the change you’ve been hoping for by December.

First, goals. Or rather; your determination. Working with my 2nd grader this week on exact nouns is a perfect example of how to do this best. Instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” or, “I’m going to exercise,” be S.M.A.R.T. and say, “I want to lose 10 pounds,” or, “I’m going to exercise 3 times per week for 30 minutes minimum.” The acronym, S.M.A.R.T., is probably so overused I’m getting an eye roll about now, however, it bears repeating.

S-Specific M-Measurable A-Attainable R-Realistic & T-Time Bound

This is beautiful! Just typing it out made me smile and realize that I have a few to add to my day planner.

Second, write it down. If you don’t have a calendar investing in a day planner, white board calendar for you and/or your family or simply a wall calendar that inspires you and keeps you on track. I wasn’t a day planner type until a few years ago. Let me just say I’m hooked! I love having it. It keeps me organized. I’ve found mine at Michael’s and enjoy the way it is divided by month, week, etc. I know some people spend a lot of time deciding what planner they will use and they can get expensive. I spent less than $20 on mine.

Third, and last. I read a great article from MyFitnessPal with 10 Simple and Realistic Ways to Eat Healthier in 2019. A few that stood out to me that meet the criteria of S.M.A.R.T. goals listed above are:

  1. Swap a sugary treat for fruit
  2. Drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. Or 1/2 your body weight in ounces.
  3. Cook more at home. To be SMART decide how many days you’ll try to cook at home and for how long you’ll try before increasing or changing.
  4. Eat 5 servings of vegetables per day.
  5. Try Meatless Monday. I’m adding this to my plan for sure!
  6. Focus on one change at a time.

If you’re looking for an accountability partner comment here and I’ll reach out to you. I personally LOVE the Beachbody programs which you can stream at a tremendous value! Ask me about the programs or for a contact to get yours today.

A Blog is Born!

Hurrah! After only 2+ years of wanting to start a blog; here it is!

I live in Georgia, am married and have 2 children. I homeschool my children; grades 5 and 2. Staying at home and homeschooling is new to our family since May 2018. I hope to share more about this in my blog. I enjoy fitness and use many of the Beachbody programs along with running and other outdoor activities. I used to work as a bookkeeper at a local accounting firm and plan to be back in that field in the future.

My goal with this weekly blog as a place for inspiration and encouragement. At WW Consulting there are four main goals; faith, family, fitness and finances. I have LOTS of ideas for this blog but I’d also like to hear from you, my readers, on what you’re interested in. I won’t even begin to pretend that I’m a professional, or even proficient, in most of these areas. I have done a lot of research for various things in my life and hope to share as well as learn.

I look forward to hearing from you all and am already thankful for your readership!

I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13