I did it, almost...

In my January newsletter, I talked about my resolution to lose weight, the five steps to make change lasting and how it takes 90 days to become "permanent", speculating that I would be 5 lbs. lighter on March 31st and in my February newsletter, I talked about developing the good habit of eating more vegetables to this end (and with my health coach, Marie, of the Family Plate, I am on my way) and so today I weighed in at 4 lbs. lighter (having gone up and down for the past three months, hence the health coach) and I am really proud of myself and intend to celebrate with a healthy lunch.

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Tuesday's Tip: Keep track of your finances

If you made a New Year's resolution to spend les,s then you need to do more than make a budget, you need to track what you spend in all your accounts (savings, checking and credit cards) to get the most accurate picture of your money habits (Hint: doing it online makes it easy; I know first hand).

For more on creating a budget....Truly Useful Budgeting

In the Kitchen on Thursday: Healthy for the new year

Apple Sauce Nut Granola

2 C. Quick Oats
1 C. Quinoa (uncooked)
1/3 C. Raw Peptitas or other pumpkin seed
1/3 C. Slice Almonds
2 Tbsp. Raw Sunflower Seeds
1/4 C. Apple Sauce
2 Tbsp. Oil (Sunflower or Olive)
2 Tbsp. Honey or Maple Syrup.

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Pour on to rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes at 350. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Great on Cereal, yogurt or fruit.

You can only go back by going forward....

I am looking at a picture of myself that is 13 or 14 years old that was somehow left on my desk and noticing that the only difference between me now and then (besides the clothes) is I weigh more now and smiled more then and it got me thinking that the only way to go back is to go forward, so in going forward, I resolve (New Year's resolution here?) to smile more (maybe then I won't be referred to as Ms. Grumpy by my daughter).

What's in a number?....Age

I had coffee with a friend this morning who told me it was her birthday and I couldn't believe how old she was and that is when I truly realized that age is number by which we need not define ourselves and while as adults we should not act like kids all the time, we should be young at heart (and in mind).

Happy Birthday Linda!

November and the New Year

While it is not the new year and only November, I have decided to set some goals from now to the end of the year, break them down into bite size pieces and accomplish them none-the-less like they were new years' resolutions and those goals are to get check off more household projects, craft a better business message that really builds my "brand, support my husband in his work transition and get better at setting boundaries for my 8 year-old "teenager."

Wednesday's words?: Wake-up

“I always write ‘Wake Up’ on my To-Do-List so I can at least accomplish one thing a day.” - Unknown author

Going back in history for Tuesday's Tip

#614
If you want to find out if your bathroom scale is telling you the truth, test its accuracy by weighing a 5 or 10 pound bag of flour or sugar on it.

From 1003 Household Hints and Work Savers, copyright 1947

Tuesday's Tip: How to clean a dishwasher

To clean a dishwasher, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom, place 1 C. of vinegar right side up in the top rack and run a normal cycle.

Check out these appliance cleaning tips....
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/kitchen/cleaning-kitchen-appliances-00000000001134/index.html?xid=checklistnewsletter-02-04-2013

Wednesday's Words: It takes work to reach your goal

“Set a goal that stretches you, requires exceptional effort, but one that you can reach.”—Pat Summit, former ladies college basketball coach

Wednesday's words: Do you have an untold story?

"There is no greater burden than carrying an untold story." —Maya Aneglou

More than books are found in a bookstore....

See in a used book store....Haslam's Books

New Year—back to the same old

If felt great to get back to the gym after a vacation and being sick, so now I am energized for the week ahead.

Tuesday/s Tip: Those Pesky Resolutions

Remember that resolutions are mile markers and not end posts on the road of life.
5 easy steps to realistic New Years resolutions

End of the year coming, so plan now

I went to the the gym this morning— an attempt to be healthy as the holidays are upon us, so maybe 2013 will be the year that I fulfill my get in shape resolutions.
How to write resolutions you will (and can) keep...