Healthier Lifestyle Tips

An Additive of Gratitude, Part III!

Hello again, savvy savers! I wanted to continue my weekly “Attitude of Gratitude-style” post. I will be following this trend for the rest of the holiday season, and each weeks reflections, will reflect the calendar date of each post. I encourage all of my fellow blogging friends, readers, family, and friends-at-large to join in as well. For me, this post series is greatly overdue.

So, without further ado… here are the 23 REASONS I AM GRATEFUL THIS WEEK:

This past month, my beloved husband, friend, and confident, Daniel, turned the big 4-0, in such a gracious manner, that I was truly proud of him!
This past week, my husband brought home a new fur-baby, Glenda, a rescue, who after a clean bill of health from our family veterinarian, has already proven to be a loving, thoughtful companion, and helps prove that the old adage, “who rescued who,” to be more than the truth, in our case!
I lost an additional two pounds, as part of my healthier lifestyle, and am hopeful to lose more!
Last week my website hit 500,000 views; I am truly blessed to have reached so many readers since March of this year, and am grateful for all of my readers!
I am having continued success with my ETSY shop, and am loving all of the positive comments, conversations, likes, favorites, and orders this holiday season!
I have finished up my holiday shopping for this holiday season, and came in under budget!
I plan to take some time this afternoon to clean out, organize, and inventory my deep freezer, freezer, and refrigerators; I am grateful for the abundance of groceries, food staples, and other blessings that couponing has allotted my family this past year. I plan to donate 20% of our non-perishable food staples this week to a local soup kitchen and my husband’s school food drive, so that we may pass our blessings onto others!
I am grateful for falling leaves. I somehow love the quiet moments, early in the morning, where I alone can creep across my yard, to fetch the morning paper, while listening to the crunch of leaves beneath my feet, the glow of brilliant fall foliage in sight, and the feel of chill in the air. I long for the days of Autumn!
Finally, I am grateful for my three overgrown puppies, Sassy, Roxie, and Lady. My girls were so ecstatic this morning to receive a new treat from the store, and just the fact that a binky and ball makes there day, makes mine, too; I strive to be the kind of person my pups think I am!
I am grateful for warm, seasonal crockpot meals on cool Fall nights.
I am grateful for having a husband who has not just a true heart for God, but a desire to help others in the process.
I am grateful for being a product reviewer; being able to bring my readers, friends, and family new, affordable products that will make their lives easier, is comforting to me!
I am grateful for silence; I enjoy nothing more than waking up on cool Fall mornings, to a silent house, a cup of warm chai, and the sound of nothingness. There is a contentedness that I find in silence that I long for and crave.
I am grateful for being a book reviewer; I have been afforded the opportunity to read so many amazing pre-released works from authors previously unknown to me, and the opportunity to share their works with others is always a shared blessing, in the ability to in the greatness of the written word. There is something to be said for the sense of accomplishment that one feel when a good book closes for the last time, on the last page, the sense of forlorn consideration that comes with having to leave newly made literary friends, that no sort of electronic reader can come close to!
I am grateful for silly pet moments; bringing home a new dog bed and smoked ham bones for my dogs brought forth grins and smiles all around this morning!
I am grateful for Sundays spent in pajamas and sweat pants; there is something to be said for being comfortable in one’s own home!
I am grateful for sturdy, funky, rubber gardening clogs… my true gardening buddies!
I am grateful for the increased number of healthy, organic produce deals on my favorite shopping apps; this past week I saved $11.00 on produce!
I am grateful for my family budget plan; for the past three years my husband and I have gradually increased our savings, retirement accounts, and monthly charitable contributions due to the changes our budget has allotted us!
I am grateful for a husband who enjoys helping our family recycle; the example he sets for others in this manner is stellar!
I am grateful for lower gas prices nationally at the moment; I was able to fill my gas tank up Friday for under $25.00 for the first time in three years!
I am grateful for a warm, low-humid Fall day; it was 74 degrees today and simply glorious to behold!
I am grateful for the gentleman today, who on his only day off this week, manned the Salvation Army Holiday Change Station, at my local Winn-Dixie, and despite his age, he displayed such a graceful attitude of gratitude, I was proud to know that gentleman such as this, live in my community.

So, that’s my list for this week! I love the awesome blessings my life unfolds for me week in, and week out!

What are your goals for the week, I’d love to hear them below in a comment!

Happy Sunday!

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Weekly Reflections For The Week Ahead, 11/23-11/29!

Hello again, savvy savers! I wanted to end my weekly posts by bring the week to a close with a post about the reflections on this past week.

The highs for the week:

Losing two pounds.
My chrysanthemums are being to bloom; I planted them last season in a candy corn color blocking pattern, and am psyched to see them this Autumn!
Trying to expand my family!
The ongoing re-purposing of two rooms in my home, and the beginning of my chalk painting adventures.
Continuing a daily devotional.
Saving $48.00 on my groceries; this allowed me to only spend $34.56 on groceries this week!
Being a co-host for the Merry Monday Linky Party!

My lows for the week:

Diet plateau!
Being stressed about getting my Grandmother’s gifts to her, on time, for her upcoming 70th Birthday!

Goals For The Coming Week:

Walk 1/2 mile daily.
Finish my Motivated Moms Planner Chores daily.
Read for 1 hour.
Have half of Thanksgiving prepped the night before, so I can watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Woot!
Finish four upcycled projects to post to the blog.
Sleep eight hours a night.

Goal for the Season ahead:

I would love to find several new reader, blogger, or otherwise friends online. I live in a very small community, and often conversation dealing with topics outside of service, children, and the weather is at a premium. I would love to met others, from various walks of life, that wish to discuss, post, and grow in sisterhood, online. If anyone is looking for a new friend, I’m your gal!

What are your goals for the week, I’d love to hear them below in a comment!

Happy Sunday!

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Battle-Of-The-Bulge, Budget Style: Free Online Yoga Classes!

Hello again, savvy savers! Today I am 31 years young, I am 5’6”, and weigh 198 lbs; I am down one pound since last week. I walk my dogs but beyond this am not terribly active. My lifestyle causes sedentary behaviors; I work-from-home, blog, run two internet businesses, and perform advocacy work online as well. I am an internet-based excuser! Today this changes! Spring has sprung, and so shall I! I have taken up yoga, and have started working out with a pedometer on as well! For this weeks Battle-of-the-Bulge, Buget Style post, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite ways to exercise online, for free!

You may ask, why Yoga? Well here are a few reasons I love Yoga:

Increased flexibility.
Increased muscle tone.
Improved overall personal energy.
The maintenance of a balanced metabolism.
Weight reduction.
Consistent cardiac health.
Improved athletic performance.
Protection from injury.

I often visit the site DoYogaWithMe, where I am able to find yoga classes, ranging in length, purpose, and intensity, for free, but also follow along several workout community forums where I can speak openly and candidly with others in my situation, those trying to work through our personal issues surrounding our body image and weight.

Times of the month when I chose to look up a Yoga routine:

When its too cold or wet outside.
When I feel stressed.
When I feel run down or exhausted.
When I need personal reflection.
When I seek peace and tranquility before a long week.
To maintain a sense of calm this holiday season.

There are so many benefits that can come from even a quick 30-minute yoga session, that I make time for 1-2 sessions, online in my spare time, each week. This is time set aside for my own betterment, and as a result, I am a better person, a more rational useful woman to my family, and a better blogger for my readers! I keep a mat in several rooms of my home, to ensure that I remain excuse-free in my Battle-of-the-Bulge, and knowing that I am just a few minutes away from relaxation and peace of mind, is just an awesome feeling!

I would encourage you all to try out this site for yourself as well!

Here’s to betterment,

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Battle-Of-The-Bulge, Budget Style: Gardening To Lose Weight

Hello again, savvy savers! Today I am starting another new blog series, Battle Of The Bulge, Budget-Style! I will be focusing on ways to live a healthier, more active lifestyle while be able to afford clean, organic, obtainable foods! I believe this series can be worthwhile for many, who like myself, wish to get more in shape, not through crash-dieting but by small attainable lifestyle changes! All of the changes I propose will be free or affordable, and most meals and plans will contain couponed savings or deals! Fads are fancy, but coupons are a commitment! With that said, here is where I am currently: I have a family history of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. I am looking to lose 60lbs., find affordable non-gym membership options for working out, and change the way I consume food; this includes meals, snacks, and splurges!

Today I am 31 years young, I am 5’6”, and weigh 198 lbs; I am down one pound since last week. I walk my dogs but beyond this am not terribly active. My lifestyle causes sedentary behaviors; I work-from-home, blog, run two internet businesses, and perform advocacy work online as well. I am an internet-based excuser! Today this changes! Spring has sprung, and so shall I! I have taken up yoga, and have started working out with a pedometer on as well!

For my 8th post, I wanted to discuss a new measure I have implemented to help in my healthier lifestyle choice, gardening! Did you know that according to the American Heart Association, gardening 1 hour daily will burn up to 400 calories, and considering that the average weekend project tales 4-6 hours, and that maintaining your yard weekly, in warmer weather, will take nearly 1 hour a day, you would, on average burn upwards of 2,400 calories a week! An entire days worth of calories! This is a staggering number! For me, I make sure to water the plants, lawn, and mow as often as I can, as its no longer a chore for me, but an exercise! I love that performing tasks for hobby can lead to better health!

How awesome is that? For a small, simpler routine, here is my suggested, and used, gardening workout routine:

Pull weeds in 1 flower bed for 10 minutes
Rake mulch back into place in all beds, as needed, for 10 minutes
Fertilize roses, bushes, and low-lying shrubs for 10 minutes
Manually edge 30 feet of driveway, sidewalk, or straight-edged areas, 20 minutes
Water front flowers beds, 10 minutes

Also, adding the additional several hours per week that will be consumed by raking, gathering, and bagging Autumnal leaves, will help you lose an additional 150 calories, per two hour session!

So, by my routine, all of which I can accomplish before 8 am, or after 6 pm, and will burn 400 calories! No gym membership or lawn service needed! This is an awesome way to put on a few podcasts, listen to a cd, or just have some time to yourself, and your yard, for nothing more than time! I also keep my Shih-Tzu, Sassy with me while gardening to lose weight; I have metal screw-into-the-yard hooks in various places in my yard, which I leash and harness Sassy to, and move her from area to area; so I can bond with my fuzzy-love, lose weight, and clean my yard at the same time! This is one of my favorite ways to burn extra calories, while creating a more serene home for my family and myself!

Also, if you are looking for other ways to save money, lose weight, and maintain your yard, beds, and landscaping, be sure to check out my frugal garden tips, here!

Here’s to the Journey!

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Battle Of The Bulge, Budget-Style: Working Past The Pain!

Today I am 31 years young, I am 5’6”, and weight 191 lbs; I am down tw0 pounds since last week. I walk my dogs but beyond this am not terribly active. My lifestyle causes sedentary behaviors; I work-from-home, blog, run two internet businesses, and perform advocacy work online as well. I am an internet-based excuser! Today finds my continued yoga, meditation, walking my dogs, using a pedometer, portioning my meals, and now I also measure myself monthly, using seamstress tape!

For today’s installment in this series, I want to discuss a way I Have found to push through the pain of exercising. If you are anything like me, then losing weight was as much an aesthetic change, as a needed, life affirming chance. One thing that has hindered me is the physical pain, the exhaustion, and the sheer effort that occurs from exercising. Here is a list of ways I have found to push past the pain while exercising:

Count To 100: Focus on the steps you are taking, the vaporous breaths, and concentrate on nothing else. Count to 100 over and over again. This mental exercise can be extremely helpful during times when workouts never seem to end.
Find A Catchphrase: Find a mantra that resonates with you. It can be one word or a whole paragraph. Something that you find soothing to repeat over and over again until your workout is through or you get a true second wind; my keyword is happy, as in, “I am exercising to get back my happy.”
Picture Your Goals: You must have a reason for exercising. Call on those goals when you’re at your breaking point. Think about the pants that you can’t wait to fit into or the health gain you will receive, and even the way you will be able to just live, longer, better, and without pain and difficulty. Think small, attainable goals.
Put It Into Perspective: Compare your workout time to the rest of your day. Let’s say your exercise session is 45:00 minutes long. That leaves 23 Hrs and 15 Min out of your day that you haven’t dedicated to exercising. Your workout session really isn’t a lot of time in comparison to the rest of your day. Next time you want to drop a workout for one day to the next, consider that every time you workout you are losing the negative seconds, minutes, hours, and days that you spend in pain, in discomfort, and in a body less than you deserve. Learn to make the most out of your time, so you can make the most of your life.

Here’s to your health!

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Battle Of The Bulge, Budget-Style: Monthly Seamstress Tape Measurements!

Hello again, savvy savers! Today I am starting another new blog series, Battle Of The Bulge, Budget-Style! I will be focusing on ways to live a healthier, more active lifestyle while be able to afford clean, organic, obtainable foods! I believe this series can be worthwhile for many, who like myself, wish to get more in shape, not through crash-dieting but by small attainable lifestyle changes! All of the changes I propose will be free or affordable, and most meals and plans will contain couponed savings or deals! Fads are fancy, but coupons are a commitment! With that said, here is where I am currently: I have a family history of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. I am looking to lose 60 lbs., find affordable non-gym membership options for working out, and change the way I consume food; this includes meals, snacks, and splurges!

Today I am 31 years young, I am 5’6”, and weigh 199 lbs; I am down two pounds since last week. I walk my dogs but beyond this am not terribly active. My lifestyle causes sedentary behaviors; I work-from-home, blog, run two internet businesses, and perform advocacy work online as well. I am an internet-based excuser! Today finds my continued yoga, meditation, walking my dogs, using a pedometer, portioning my meals, and now I also measure myself monthly!

For this post, I wanted to discuss a new lifestyle strategy I have implemented, monthly measurement logs. Using a seamstress tape, I measure my neck, arms, bust, waist, hips, thighs, and calves, then log my progress each month, good or bad, to see a visible result of my diet strategy. I have found this method daunting at first, but now, in my weight lose, find that seeing my actual results, is amazing and euphoric!

More reasons to measure yourself monthly, as part of a healthy lifestyle plan are:

There are the best ways to track yourself OTHER than a scale! I generally do not weigh myself. I find that in the process of both losing weight and toning up, there will be periods where you will not show progress on a scale, but you will have instant results when using seamstress tape!
A photo is worth a thousand words. Stand in front of a mirror in a bathing suit or your underwear with your cell phone camera and take a picture. Then turn to the side and take another picture of your profile view. Store your photos in an album on your computer, and over time, using a slideshow, you will see results more effectively and concretely than by way of a scale; between each segment of photos show a photo of your seamstress tape measurements for effective record keeping.
Take stock in your measurements. Your seamstress tape will help you pinpoint areas of weight lose success. Be sure to measure the following areas:

Neck: this will help you see immediate water lose weight.
Shoulders: this will help you see toning results further into your weight lose.
Chest: this will help you see toning results further into your weight lose; for women bust reduction is also a great indicator of carb ad fat reduction as well.
Biceps: this will help you see toning results further into your weight lose.
Waist: this will help you see immediate results, by way of clothe sizing.
Hips: this will help you see toning results further into your weight lose.
Thighs: this will help you see toning results further into your weight lose.

You will be surprised at how an inch lose in any of these areas will alter the way your clothes will fit, your attitude will change, and you health will better!

I highly recommend pushing your boundaries to the side, and see how you measure up to your own personal, obtainable healthy lifestyle goals!

Here’s to the Journey!

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Battle Of The Bulge, Budget-Style: Gluten-Free Eating Apps!

Today I am 31 years young, I am 5’6”, and weigh 197 lbs; I am down two pounds since last week. I walk my dogs but beyond this am not terribly active. My lifestyle causes sedentary behaviors; I work-from-home, blog, run two internet businesses, and perform advocacy work online as well. I am an internet-based excuses queen! Today finds my continued yoga, meditation, walking my dogs, using a pedometer, portioning my meals, and now I also measure myself monthly!

So, for this weeks series post I wanted to share three of my favorite diet-friendly apps, and these are the two apps that I use to help control my gluten consumption!

1. ipiit, the Food Ambassador

Get it for iTunes (free)
Get it for Android (free)
Visit the website: http://www.ipiit.com

App features

You can shop for gluten-free options by scanning item barcodes in-store, you instantly know whether it has gluten or not.
For off-limit items, the app gives you a list of alternate items that are safe to buy.