GoodBye February.... Hello March

I'm not alone on this one, am I? February 2015 (for lack of a better word) SUCKED!

Here in Connecticut it went down in the history books for being the coldest month ever with an average temperature of 16.1 degrees.  Then there were the countless snow storms which dumped roughly 30+ inches of snow across the state.  I've barely left my house this month. Hell, I've barely showered this month, I didn't see much point in it.  

February was and will forever now be an emotional month for my family.   Last year my husband lost both his brother and father all within a week of each other.  It's been tough and having to deal with this horrible weather on top of it all, hasn't made it any easier.  I've learned a lot about myself and those that are around me. 

I am grateful we do end the month on a happy note with celebrating my oldest son Nick's birthday on the 28th.  He's the best kid a mom could ask for, smart, funny, talented, calm, cool, collected. (I know, where the hell did he come from?) 

But now that March is here, I'm excited.  I'm excited Spring is one day closer.  I'm excited for changes in my personal growth and excited for the changes coming to my site!   I'm going to be doing a whole re-branding of The Decorating Dork.   I've decided I'm way more then just a Decorating Dork, I'm more like a "Dork of all Trades."   (hint hint) 

So, Hello March! I'm happy you are finally here! 

Weigh-In Wednesday: February 4th

Oh.My.God. FINALLY a loss!  

Whewww... I can't tell you how good it feels to see a minus.  Although I do feel like it should have been more.  I'm going to shut my mouth and take it.  

I worked hard this week on tracking and trying to follow the Simply Filling plan.  I did pretty well, tracked every single day but eating only power foods wasn't working out for me.  So I concentrated on eating as healthy as I could and to track every single point (good or bad) 

   

Superbowl Sunday was the probably the hardest day of the whole week.  Just knowing everyone else was going to be pigging out on all sorts of wings, pizza, dips, chips and desserts was messing with my mind.  

I had been thinking about cake/cupcakes for a few days. So I thought if I just bought a box of mix and a container of frosting and get it over with, I could stop obsessing about it.  I made the mistake of buying sugar free cake mix and frosting.(thinking I was somehow being "good") 

MISTAKE, BIG MISTAKE.  

It tasted gross and didn't have less points plus value, so I felt myself constantly looking for something else to satisfy the craving.  When I make a cake mix I always use either egg beaters or egg whites and applesauce instead of oil.   So, in hind-sight I should have just bought the regular stuff, made 12 cupcakes (throw out the rest of the batter) and been done with it.  

LESSON.LEARNED. 

At this week's meeting we talked about activity and how to make it more fun.  Not sure how that really works, exercise isn't my thing.   Don't get me wrong, I love going for my walks but I wouldn't exactly call it "fun" and the Gazelle I have sitting in my living room is more like slow torture.  Holy hell, that thing is a workout for a fat girl like myself.  To look at it, you think "oh it's easy, you're just gliding your feed back and forth."  NO. after five minutes I am breathing so hard, my heart is thumping right out of my chest.  But because it's been so cold and snowy here in Connecticut getting out to walk has been almost impossible so I forced myself to do it 3 times this week. 

My meeting leader Cathy had the suggestion to try walking indoors at our local Armory.  Actually she said she's available Monday and Friday mornings and wants to do it together along with my friend Donna who's also at the meetings.   That should be fun, we're always laughing and having a good time.   

I've also been thinking about getting a fitbit for a while.   Cathy said it makes her pay attention to her daily steps because she syncs up with friends and they have a bit of a competition going.   I never thought of it that way.  It's another great way of being accountable.  If I know my friends can see me being lazy or slacking off, maybe it'll be motivation to get my ass in gear.    

What activity do you do that's fun?  Do you like to workout alone or with a friend?  

Weigh-In Wednesday : Jan. 28th

Ugh... that wasn't really the result I was hoping for but I'm not shocked by it either.  I had only tracked my points for one day this week.  I just can't seem to get in the habit of tracking.  I have the app on my phone.  Hell, it even sends me notifications every night!  

On a positive note, despite the cold temps and "The Great Blizzard of 2015, I was able to get out and go for a walk a few times earlier in the week.   Even though it never got above freezing, the sun was shining and it just felt so good to breathe in some fresh air.  I can't wait for Spring so I can get out and walk more often.  (Only 50 more days... but who's counting?)  

At tonight's meeting we talked about setting goals and how we can make them more realistic and obtainable.  I know I've already set a long-term goal of losing 18 more pounds by my birthday in May, but I thought it might be a good idea to set small weekly goals for myself. 

Thinking about my eating this past week, I decided that I want to try the Simply Filling plan to get my eating on a more healthy track.    Sure, I can stay within my points every day but having them consist of snacks, pizza and low sugar ice cream isn't going to get me to my birthday goal.   

So my leader Cathy made me a challenge, to eat and track following the Simply Filling plan for 3 out of the next 7 days and bring it to her at next Wednesday's meeting.  I can do that.  I am also going to track my points plus values for the other 4 days and bring those too.  This challenge will be all old school, I'm actually going to write it in a tracker instead of using my phone.  

It's going to be a challenge for sure, but I'm going to kick butt this week and prove I can do it!   

What's your biggest weight loss challenge?  What goals have you set for yourself?  Want to connect? I'd love to give and get support.  

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Weigh-In Wednesday

I just realized that today Jan 21st, is my 21st week back on Weight Watchers.   I'm not sure if that's some sort of "sign" or something, but I'm going to take it as one.   It has not been easy at all, as you can see by this week's weigh in, I gained.   I kinda knew that was going to happen, it's been a week of emotional eating, not really tracking and no extra activity.   Although over the holidays I had lost 2.4 pounds, I ate a lot of sweets.   Let me tell ya, trying to kick a sugar addiction is a hard as hell.       

In the beginning of January I wanted to set a goal of losing 45 pounds by my 45th birthday which is at the end of May.    Sounded good to me, but that would mean I'd have to lose at least 2.5 pounds each week.    My Weight Watchers leader told me that it's unrealistic and I'd be setting myself up for a let-down.  After thinking about it, she's right.   I have to take a more manageable approach to this long-term goal.    

With all that in mind, I counted the weeks til my birthday and it's 18.   If I can lose another 18 pounds (just 1 pound per week) that would put my total weight loss at a little over 30 pounds.  I'd be happy with that!  

So, in order to make sure I stay on track and hit this goal I'm going to concentrate on one new healthy habit each week.    

At this week's Weight Watchers meeting we talked about "Partying Without Panic."  Obviously it's getting us ready to tackle all the food and drinks that are at Super Bowl parties.   This doesn't really apply to me because we normally stay home and watch the game.   But we go to and have parties all year long, so in the spirit of committing myself wholeheartedly to this process I'm going to find, make and figure out the points plus values for two "party" recipes. (1 appetizer, 1 dessert)   Oh, my leader Cathy is going to be so happy with me and of course I'll share it here on my next Weigh-In Wednesday post.  

 

Are you on a weight loss journey?  I'd love to connect, give and get support. 

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My "One Word" For 2015 Is....

I really like the idea of coming up with one word instead of resolutions for the new year.  Let's face it, everyone's list is basically the same....

• lose weight 
• exercise 
• eat healthier 
• save more money
• organize home/life 

Of course I am working on all of the above, but I've been thinking about one word that could sum up how I want to look at 2015.

I'm not sure where I first saw transform, but once I did, I couldn't get it out of my head.

Definition:  "To make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance or character of."

A thorough or dramatic change!  To me, those words are powerful.  It's the perfect way to describe what I want for myself this year.   I mean that's it, I want to transform myself, my thought processes, my surroundings, etc.  

I'm going to print out my one word Transform with the definition, in some sort of fancy font, frame it and hang it up somewhere in my house so I can see it everyday.  (I'll post the project when it's complete next week)

Having that one word to look at throughout the year will remind me of the goals I've set for myself whether it be a physical, personal or financial one.  I believe it will make more of an impact and look nicer then a list I make on a piece of paper that I eventually throw in the garbage because it becomes clutter that I swore I'd clean out in my January resolutions.   (HaHa..see how that works?) 

Have you thought about what your one word will be?   It truly is amazing how one word can change your whole outlook on life.   

The Struggle IS Real #WeightWatchers

Today marks 9 weeks since I started Weight Watchers (for the 100th time) and at tonight's weigh-in I FINALLY hit my first 10 lb goal.     Actually I lost 1.6 lbs for a total of 11.2 lbs.  At last week's weigh-in I was .4 shy of that 10 pounds and I can't tell you how unbelievably frustrating it was.

That was the hardest 11.2 pounds I've ever lost!

I'm not saying that I'm not proud or happy to have that weight off, but in my past attempts at WW it's never taken that long to lose 10 lbs.   I used to be able to lose that much weight in just a month's time, maybe even quicker.  

I'll admit that I'm not perfect with my portion controls, food choices or tracking.  But this time around I have tried harder to be better at all those things and have even adding walking regularly to my routine.    That is what has been the most frustrating!

I am aware that this time around I have more stress, health challenges, sleep issues and of course AGE working against me.

I'm not giving up.  I am going to keep pushing along.

I've decided to set goals/challenges for myself.   I'm just trying to make sure they are realistic and to somehow make them fun.   Maybe make a creative, cute board to hang over my desk?  Something like that. Something I will see every day to remind me to not give up.
I've seen on Instagram where someone had made themselves a challenge chart to run 100 miles by a certain date.   She has a board with 1-100 and she crosses off each mile she runs.   I love the idea of doing something like that.

Do you have any creative ways to help you reach a goal?   I'd love to get some ideas.    

Til next Wed..........

Jumping Back On The Weight Watchers Wagon

Two weeks ago I joined Weight Watchers...... AGAIN.

It's probably my 6th or 7th attempt at trying the program.  But believe me when I say it's NOT Weight Watchers' fault that I've joined, dropped out, joined, dropped out, etc..etc.   I know it's 100% me and my issues with food that have prevented success in the past.  I tend to get to a point of losing 20-25lbs and then think, "I'm good, I've got this."  Yeah, no, I don't.  

Weight Watchers is one of the only diet plans I would spend money to follow.  It's more then a diet, it really does teach you to make better choices and if sometimes you don't, that's ok too. I like it because you eat normal, everyday foods.  I don't do good with strict diets where you only eat certain foods at certain times.   For me it's also about accountability, not that there's any judgement when you get weighed in at a meeting but deep down inside I want the ladies at the scale to be like "wow, good job you're down this week."   (I know I sound like a commercial or something but I swear I'm not getting paid to write this.) 

I'm one of those people that eats when I'm happy, sad, angry, stressed, bored or in social situations. So you get my drift, I eat all the time, whether I'm hungry or not.  Honestly, as I sit here writing this post all I can think about it the box of cake mix and chocolate frosting in my pantry.  "Do I make a batch of cupcakes?"   It's a real convo that goes on in my head every single day.  
So, I decided to share all about it here. I'd also love to connect with anyone who too struggles with weight loss as well.  Support and knowing you're not the only one with crazy food thoughts is just as important in this whole journey.

Since I started Sept. 3rd I've lost a total of 5.2 lbs.   I wish it was more, I know it could be more.   This week I'm going to focus on tracking my food more consistently.  It's always been something I don't do well with, which might have a lot to do with why I haven't been as successful as I could be.  

 

Wordless Wednesday - Back to School 2014 - The Year of Milestones

It's a good thing it's "Wordless Wednesday" because I can not express into words my emotions this week.    

Saturday I moved  Nicholas into his new dorm to start his senior year of college.  So proud of this kid!

Then today was Thomas' 1st day of high school.  He had a great day, but can't believe my little man is turning into a young man.   

And as if those weren't big enough milestones for me to handle, my grandson Tyler started kindergarten today as well. Tyler started his little life as a 4lbs 5oz premie and has come a long way.  Although he still has some struggles to overcome, he's a happy little dude!  

Back To School Breakfast Bar Recipe #PriceChopperB2S #CollectiveBias

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc.and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  No, not Christmas time.... Back To School time!  Most moms, especially ones with younger kids are rejoicing.  It's time to get them back to school and out of the house because they drove you crazy all summer long.  Even though my son's are 21 and 13 I feel the same way! (I love them and all, just being honest here)  Nicholas left for college this weekend so now I'm concentrating on Thomas and his first day as a high school freshman on Wednesday.  *gulp*  
To me it feels a bit like New Years, wouldn't you agree?  I mean, everyone's getting a fresh start with new clothes, new schedules, new routines, maybe even a new school.
I have to tell you I'm craving the routine for myself as well.  I need to get back on track with everything... meal planning, cleaning schedules, diet/exercise, couponing and of course a better blogging schedule.

I figured a good place to start was to head over to Price Chopper Supermarket  and get some supplies for a quick, on-the-go breakfast for those early weekday mornings.  This will also get me get in the routine of sitting down, going through the flyer, making a list and matching up my coupons to get the most savings as possible.
Price Chopper is one of my go-to supermarkets for their products, prices and rewards.  If you don't know they offer Fuel Rewards, there's a Tools For Schools Program, iSave Coupons, Sweepstakes, and of course everyday saving using the Price Chopper AdvantEdge Card.  Right now you could win one of 10 iPad Minis when you share a "First Day of School" photo between Aug.17th - Sept. 20th.   Then beginning Sept.21, Price Chopper will pick 5 photos at random and the 5 photos with the most votes will also win.  Head over to the Facebook page or PriceChopper.com to enter. 

I found a recipe on Pinterest  for a breakfast bar using Honey Nut Cheerios, peanut butter and marshmallows.  That's 3 of Thomas' favorite things!  I figured it was easy, tasty and packed with plenty of sugar and protein to get him ready to catch that 6:30am bus.  He's not necessarily a morning person AT ALL!  Thomas probably wakes up 30 mins before he has to leave the house.  Just enough time to wash his face, brush his teeth and get dressed. So this is perfect for him to grab quickly and even eat on the bus if he runs out of time.

I have to get a few groceries to get us through the weekend, so I figured I'd grab all the ingredients I need and give the recipe a try before Wednesday.  I'll test it out on my grandson Tyler who is starting kindergarten on Wednesday as well.
I've got my list, flyer and coupons all set.  I'm off to Price Chopper and the "Back to School Solutions Center."

 Lots of great deals on other quick and easy breakfast ideas.   Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches were Nick's go-to breakfast this summer while he was doing an internship in Massachusetts.

I decided since the Yoplait Greek Yogurts were such a great price that maybe I could incorporate it with the Honey Nut Cheerios cereal bars somehow.  I grabbed strawberry banana, fearing nobody would like the plain vanilla.  Can I tell you I've tried greek yogurt in the past and wasn't really a fan but this Yoplait brand is yummy.   Doesn't taste any different to me then regular yogurt.

This recipe for  Honey Nut Cheerios Back to School Breakfast Bars (that's a mouthful, huh?) is..simple, simple, simple.
You don't have to add the mini chocolate chips.  You can add almonds or any other kind of nut.   I think a dried fruit would go good in these too.

Ingredients

• 7 cups Honey Nut Cheerios
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 Tablespoon Vanilla extract
• 40 Full Size Marshmallows (I bought a 10oz bag and I counted out 41 marshmallows in the bag) 
• 3 (heaping) Tablespoons Peanut Butter 
• 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Steps

1. Butter a 9 x 13 pan
2. In a large stock pot, melt the butter
3. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until melted.
4. Add the peanut butter.
5. Add the vanilla and stir until combined.
6. Remove from the heat and add the cheerios to the marshmallows.
7. Stir until the cheerios are completely coated.
8. Transfer the Cheerios to the buttered pan and press down, so that the mixture fills the entire pan.
9. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top and gently press down.
10. Let set and then cut into bars size rectangle and serve (or you can do what I did and drizzle some Yoplait Greek yogurt over the top or on the side as a dip)  

There are a couple of things I have to tell you about using the yogurt. 

1- Strawberry Banana doesn't really go good peanut butter and chocolate chips, But it's fine to eat separately. 

2- If you are going to drizzle or dip the cereal bars in yogurt make sure you store them in the fridge if they aren't eaten right away.  

Ok, so my grandson Tyler doesn't look too thrilled in this picture but that's more because it's just plain annoying to a 5 year old to have your grandmother (or "Amma" as he calls me) force you to stop playing your video game, sit at the table, eat and get your photo taken all at the same time.    I swear he ate the whole cereal bar and dipped his banana sticks in the greek yogurt.    Fun times....   

For more on Price Chopper's "Back to School" solutions check them out on
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Do you have a "Back to School" breakfast idea that's quick and easy.  I'd love for you to share with me, I'm always looking for something new and different to try.    

Also, if you try this recipe let me know what, if anything, you added to your cereal bars.

Happy Back to School Everyone!!

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

Tacos, margaritas, guacamole and fruit.......Ay Carumba!   

We love celebrating Cinco de Mayo in our house.  I mean what's not to love about eating some good Mexican food, drinking some cold margaritas and a themed dinner table?

You don't have to go crazy buying expensive dishes, glasses, placemats and decorations.  A trip to your local Dollar Tree should get you everything you need for a fun week night dinner with the family.       

Sometimes I wish I was able to cook better.   I'd love to make a whole authentic Mexican dinner, but being half Spanish doesn't help me one bit.  Tacos it is.... 

I am trying to get back on track with my diet/weight loss, so I'll making myself a taco salad (no shell) and decided on fruit as dessert to go with our fiesta.     Although I will be treating myself to a glass of SkinnyGirl margarita as well.  Hey, Cinco de Mayo only comes around once a year!      

Are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo?   I'd love to hear about your fiesta.     

My Mornings with Millstone® & the Mr. Coffee® 10-cup Optimal Brew™ Thermal Drip Coffee Maker from Wal-Mart #CoffeeJourneys #Cbias #Giveaway

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias, Millstone® Coffee, and Mr. Coffee®.  #CoffeeJourneys

I love my morning coffee, don't we all?  Although a lot of people are using the single brew/pod coffee machines, I think a drip coffee maker is still my best bet.   Combining Millstone® french vanilla coffee and the Mr. Coffee® 10-cup Optimal Brew™ coffee maker from Walmart  is just heaven in my book.

Now to make this an even better deal,  #CollectiveBias have given me the opportunity to not only try this winning combination for myself, but I'm able to give one away to a lucky reader! Could it be you? 

Well, you've gotta go on a little journey with me first before we can get to the good stuff.   Keep scrolling....

Heading out to Walmart is nothing new for me, I'm there all the time.   I have to say I've never been in a Neighborhood Market store though.   It's gorgeous, green and full of great buys.

First stop on my journey is the coffee aisle to grab some Millstone® french vanilla coffee. (I'm a flavored coffee kinda gal.)   Millstone® has several other coffee roasts like a  Kona Blend, Hazelnut Cream,   Breakfast Blend and Decaf versions just to name a few, so there's something for everyone.   Did you know that  Millstone® is made from 100% Arabica beans and should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and not refrigerated?  I had no idea, all these years thinking once I opened a package of coffee it had to go in the refrigerator.   Oh well, moving on.....  Next it's to pick up the Mr. Coffee® 10-cup Optimal Brew™ Thermal coffee maker.   Personally I can't use a coffee maker with a glass pot, I'm way too much of a klutz.  I can't tell you how many I've broken over the years.    So not only is a thermal pot the way to go for us "accident prone" people, it also keeps your coffee hot and fresh for hours longer.   Another great function of the Mr. Coffee® 10-cup Optimal Brew™  is the pause 'n serve, it allows you to have a cup of coffee before the full brewing is done.  Awesome feature for when you just can't wait for that first cup of morning coffee, right?    

Mmmmm.... I wish you could smell this!  There's nothing that gets you ready the day ahead then the aroma of that first cup of coffee.

I have to admit, I like to have a little "french vanilla" with my french vanilla.   Sometimes I do use a flavored creamer with my flavored coffee.  What can I say?  

Here's a little  Instagram video of how my morning  #CoffeeJourneys goes.   After I get Thomas on the bus I brew myself a pot of coffee, sit at my computer and call my mom.   The only thing that could make it better, would be if I was at the beach with my mom and my cup coffee but that's a whole other story.

Don't forget after you watch the video make sure you enter the giveaway below for one of the best coffee makers and coffee around! 
 Are you ready to head out on your own #CoffeeJourney? Then enter to win the Mr. Coffee® 10-cup Optimal Brew™ Thermal Drip Coffee Maker and a package of Millstone® flavored coffee below. Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meal Plan Monday

Happy Monday, it's meal planning day!  I usually plan my weekly dinner menu on Sunday while going through the store flyers and coupons.   

I'm excited to be trying a new recipe this week that I found on Pinterest. (of course, where else?)  Believe it or not I've never made lemon chicken or chicken piccata before but when I saw this one come up on my Pinterest feed it just looked so yummy and easy.   This recipe is for the crockpot, so I figured there was less chance of me messing it up. (fingers crossed)     I'll let you know how it comes out next week.

Do you meal plan?  I love seeing what other people make for dinner.  It's always fun to get ideas and try out new recipes.      

Wordless Wednesday - I Never Thought Spring Would Come

Do you have a Wordless Wednesday?   Head over to 5MinutesForMom.com and link yours up. Then you can check out everyone else's photos of the week.     

Meal Plan Monday - Week of March 31st

I've carried over a couple of dinners from last week, for one reason or an other I didn't make the ham or raviolis.    I'm already starting to feel like I need new ideas and recipes.   I'm not too adventurous in the eating or cooking department, but it's getting b-o-r-i-n-g.    I also need to start making healthy dinners that my husband and son will eat.    

Do you meal plan?  I'd love to see what you make for dinner.  

Meal Plan Monday - Week of March 24th

This week is all about using up what's in my freezer and pantry.  I can't tell you how excited I am that I don't even have to go to the grocery store at all.    I'll only be making a quick trip to Walmart for a couple grocery items and cleaning supplies.   

Do you meal plan?  I'm always on the hunt for new and easy recipes to try.   

GoodBye Winter.... Hello Spring!

Today is the last day of winter 2014.  Can I get an AMEN?

I'm sure we've had worse winters in the past, but this one has been cold, long, snowy and did I mention cold?  We still have below normal temperatures for mid March but I'm trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel. (and by "light" I mean sunlight)

I never thought I say this but I'm looking forward to Spring cleaning both inside and outside my house. Plus, I'm planning on doing some redecorating in April and May.

Stay tuned......    

It's A New Day With A New Design

Hi, it's been a long, long time since I've done this whole blogging thing... too long.  To say life has been chaotic the last few months would be an understatement!

But last week I decided it was time to get back on schedule in my home, my life and with my blogging.  
I knew it was time for changes.  So I figured I'd start with a new blog design to help me get a fresh start.

I've been stalking the blog templates at Designer Blogs for almost a year now, never committing.  I honestly don't know why I couldn't just pull the trigger, pick one and order it.  

I'm so happy I finally did!  Isn't it cute?  The template is called Blythe.  Lindsey at Designer Blogs designed it and installed it for me.   She was quick, sweet and very professional.  I cannot say enough good things about Designer Blogs, I feel you get a beautiful template, great service at a reasonable price.    I'd use them again in a heartbeat!   Check them out if you're looking for a change.  

I look forwarding to writing and sharing my life and love of DIY, decorating and home decor in my new "online space."  
 

2 Easy Ways To Save $1378 In One Year

When I saw the 52 Week Savings Challenge chart come up on my Pinterest feed, I thought "I can do that."    I have to admit I'm not that great with saving money. For me, this plan seems simple and painless.
 

There are two different ways to do the weekly version, you can either start with $1 and increase it each week or start with $52 and decrease each week.   The end result is still the same, but I figured I'd have more money in the beginning of the year then at the end.   Obviously this is meant as a New Year's resolution type challenge, but you can start it at any time.  I'm starting this week but will save as if this is week 4 which means I'm putting aside $202.   It will be a nice chunk of change that sure will come in handy for Christmas gifts.  Although, you could use the money for a family trip, maybe new furniture or a household project that's been put off for too long.  You could just leave it and grow your savings every year, but that's no fun.

This chart breaks it down monthly, it might work better with someone's budget to do it this way. 

I've seen people tape it to a large jar, but I think it would be too easy to "borrow" from the jar if it was sitting right there.  I'm printing mine out and keeping it in my bill paying binder so it's always there to remind me.  I should frame it and hang it on the wall above my desk, that would be hard to miss!  

Do you have any tips or tricks for saving money?  I'd love to hear about them.  

Cleaning Out The Clutter... One Week At A Time (Master Bedroom)

With the new year comes all of the good intentions of being more organized in every aspect of life.
Since it's January, I am doing my BEST to turn all those "intentions" into reality.
I believe that when your household clutter is so out of control, so is your life and mind.    It's a lot easier said then done.   "Oh, just clean out, throw out and organize everything and it'll make your life better."   Well, when you really step back and look at all that needs to get done it's a bit paralyzing.   At least for me it is.

I know we are a few weeks into January already but it's been rough around here with my father-in-law in the hospital with serious heart and kidney failure.   I'm doing this now because, A) It's NEEDS to be done..B) I need to get my mind back in the game.. C) I could really use the distraction.  

Better late, then never...right?  

I originally was thinking I would do a 31 Day Cleaning/Organizing Challenge, but that quickly became too overwhelming.  After, I typed the whole list on my computer and printed it out, I instantly realized I was being unrealistic and setting myself up for disappointment. I just if I couldn't accomplish something everyday, I would get defeated and give up totally.   I decided it was probably a better idea to give myself a bigger goal but at the same time give myself a longer time frame.    So, I came up with this weekly "Cleaning Out The Clutter" challenge for myself.  

This week it's my bedroom.   I would normally start with an easier room, like the bathroom or laundry room. But I really wanted to challenge myself to get a big job done first.

Here's my plan:

• under the bed 
• both night stand drawers 
• both dressers 
• tv/entertainment center shelves and cabinet 
• closets  (This will be the worst job of them all.  Both my husband's closet and mine are packed  from floor to ceiling with clothes and shoes.    The saddest part is that probably 75% of what's in there, is stuff  we wouldn't ever wear or doesn't fit.)    
• vacuum and steam clean the rug 
• new curtain for window 

Are you doing a cleaning, organizing or decluttering challenge?    I love hearing about how other people tackle their household chores.  

I'll be back every Sunday to update my progress and hopefully move on to another room.  

Wordless Wednesday - I Miss This Kid

My oldest son Nick is spending his summer at the University of Minnesota doing an engineering research project.   He's only been gone for a week and a half.   It's going to be a long nine and a half weeks to go before he comes back home....  (boo hoo)  

He sent me the pic on the left after he bought himself a University of Minnesota hat.   I was shocked how young he looked clean shaven!!  And yes, I was "that mom" that took his picture as he was going through airport security!  SO SUE ME!