Goals for the Week: May 20 – 26

Here were the goals for last week and how I did on them:

~ Continue daily the Habit of the Month {May: Less Procrastinating; More Doing!}
~ Complete Week 8 (the last week!) of Leading Like Jesus Bible Study.
~ Make a few freezer meals.  ~~ I’m determined to do this soon.  I’m running out of freezer meals and I love having them already made up and ready to pop in the oven/slow cooker.
~ Read at least one e-book I’ve been accumulating.  I read over half of three books, so I’m counting this. lol
~ Gather the supplies I’ll need to teach my daughter for preschool in a couple of months.
~ Bake something special for my hubby.
~ Exercise 4 days — at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity each day and strength training 3 days.
~ Transplant the remaining carrot seedlings.  ~~ (Still have a few left to do!)
~ Clean out the pantry.
~ Clean out fridge and both freezers.

And here are my goals for this week:

~ Continue daily the Habit of the Month {May: Less Procrastinating; More Doing!}
~ Catch up on reading through the Bible in a year.
~ Make a few freezer meals.
~ Read at least one e-book.
~ Start going over lesson plans for preK.
~ Make and freeze extra baby food.
~ Exercise 5 days — at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity each day and core strength training 3 days.
~ Transplant the remaining carrot seedlings.
~ Weed the garden.
~ Deep clean the guest bathroom.  (So much fun.)

What are your goals for the week?

Goals for the Week: May 13 – 19

Here were the goals for last week and how I did on them  (I’ll give you a hint:  Not well!):

~ Continue daily the Habit of the Month {May: Less Procrastinating; More Doing!}  I’m getting a bit better about this.  I’m sure there are still some things I’m procrastinating about… right now it’s dirty dishes!
~ Complete Week 7 of Leading Like Jesus Bible Study.
~ Make a few freezer meals.
~ Read at least two e-books I’ve been accumulating.  I actually read a couple of books!  Yay!  I need to make this a habit.  It’s nice to excape for a bit.
~ Have some one-on-one Playdoh time with my daughter.
~ Bake something special for my hubby.
~ Exercise 4 days — at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity each day and strength training 3 days.  Finding my groove again!
~ Transplant the remaining carrot seedlings.
~ Clean out the pantry.  *Sigh* Since this month’s habit is about procrastination…
~ Clean out fridge and both freezers.

And this week’s goals… which look suspiciously like last week’s goals:

~ Continue daily the Habit of the Month {May: Less Procrastinating; More Doing!}
~ Complete Week 8 (the last week!) of Leading Like Jesus Bible Study.
~ Make a few freezer meals.
~ Read at least one e-book I’ve been accumulating.
~ Gather the supplies I’ll need to teach my daughter for preschool in a couple of months.
~ Bake something special for my hubby.
~ Exercise 4 days — at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity each day and strength training 3 days.
~ Transplant the remaining carrot seedlings.
~ Clean out the pantry.
~ Clean out fridge and both freezers.

What are your goals for the week?

Cool and Zesty Crunchy Salad

So, so easy.  And so, so healthy.  And so, so good.  I didn’t even think I liked radishes until I made this.  I’ve been making it for a while but only today did I actually “measure” what I put into it.  So play around with it.  Add to or subtract from it.  Substitute things.  Make it a math lesson with the kiddos. 

It really doesn’t take much time at all to make, unless you’re like me and don’t like to use a food processor.  I enjoy the process of making uniformly chopped vegetables… which probably says a lot about me, but whatever. 

And here it is:

Cool and Zesty Crunchy Salad
makes 8 half-cup servings

Ingredients:
3-4 lg or 5-6 med radishes, chopped (about 1/4 – 1/3 c.)
1/4 lg red onion, chopped (about 1/2 c.)
1 lg carrot, chopped (about 1/3 – 1/2 c.)
1/2 lg cucumber, chopped (about 1 c.)
1 lg stalk celery, chopped (about 1/2 c.)
1/4 lg red bell pepper (about 1/3 c.)
1/4 lg orange bell pepper (about 1/3 c.)
1/4 lg yellow bell pepper (about 1/3 c.)
2 Tbsp. olive oil
pepper, to taste

Directions:
Chop all of the veggies and place in a large serving bowl.  Drizzle olive oil over the veggies and toss to coat.  Add pepper if desired.  Or chopped green olives.  Or hot sauce.  Whatever floats your boat.  It is also fantastic with some salad leaves and your fave dressing. 

Enjoy!

Goals for the Week: May 6 – 12

Here were the goals for last week and how I did on them:

~ Continue daily the Habit of the Month {April’s: Be early or on time for everything; May: TBD}
~ Complete Week 6 of Leading Like Jesus Bible Study.
~ Make some homemade vegetable broth.  My first attempt at this.  It was easier than I thought!
~ Make baby food for my son:  sweet potatoes, carrots and bananas.  I love making his food.  I know what goes into it and it’s made with love!
~ Use letters flashcards with my daughter a few times this week.  She *loves* working with them and she hasn’t figured out yet that she’s learning something in the process.
~ Finish staining and sealing the deck (weather permitting).  ~~ Weather permitted, but we still didn’t get around to it.  I’m still taking this off the list though because the hubby is going to do it!
~ Exercise 4 days — at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity and 2 strength training moves each day.
~ Weed the herb and vegetable garden. Transplant the carrot seedlings. Plant radish seeds.  ~~ Still haven’t finished transplanting all of the carrots.  I did over 50 though!
~ Clean the utility room.
~ Clean out daughter’s closet.  (Why do they grow out of clothes so quickly??!?)

And here are my goals for this week:

~ Continue daily the Habit of the Month {May: Less Procrastinating; More Doing!}
~ Complete Week 7 of Leading Like Jesus Bible Study.
~ Make a few freezer meals.
~ Read at least two e-books I’ve been accumulating.
~ Have some one-on-one Playdoh time with my daughter.
~ Bake something special for my hubby.
~ Exercise 4 days — at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity each day and strength training 3 days.
~ Transplant the remaining carrot seedlings.
~ Clean out the pantry.  *Sigh* Since this month’s habit is about procrastination…
~ Clean out fridge and both freezers.

What are your goals for the week?

12 Habits for 2013 {April Recap}

January’s habit was:  Daily Bible study.
How I’m doing:  I’ve done better on this one during April than I did during February or March.  I love the Bible study I’ve been doing on Luke, and being in a group Bible study (even if it is online) helps keep me accountable.

February’s habit was:  Exercise daily (even if it’s just 10 minutes).
How I’m doing:  I’ve not done as well on this one this month.  I missed a few days here and there.

March’s habit was:  Drink 8 – 10 glasses of water daily.
How I’m doing:  Much better with this one this month.  I only had a few carbonated beverages during the month.  I usually just drank coffee or water.

April’s habit was:  Be early or on time for everything.
How I did:  Besides a few times (which were totally not my fault… I’m sure the kids or the hubby were to blame! ) where I was a few minutes late I think I did well on this one.  I really enjoy being early, and I especially enjoy not rushing around trying to get ready because I’m running late.  That stresses me out too much.

May’s habit will be:  Less procrastinating, more doing!
I have totally been putting this one off (I’m sure there’s a joke in there somewhere…) and I just need to stop.  So this weekend I’m going to make a list of things I’ve been procrastinating about and start tackling them one by one.

May Fitness Challenge

source: freedigitalphotos.net

I stated in the April Fitness Challenge post that I needed to change what I’ve been doing to lose weight because, well, I wasn’t losing any weight.  To jumpstart that I listed my goals for the month:

~ At least 900 fitness minutes (aerobic or strength training)
~ A different strength training move each day
~ Outdoor activity at least once a week (while it’s still cool enough to do so here in the south)
~ Walk 6 miles a week
~ Lose 2 more inches
~ Lose 5 pounds

And here’s how I did:

~  860 fitness minutes… so close
~ A different strength training move each day… I hate to say it but I did not do well on this; probably because I didn’t plan well.
~ Outdoor activity at least once a week ~~ I walked a few miles and did lots of gardening
~ Walked an average of 5 miles per week.
~ Lost no inches
~ Lost 1.5 pounds

I have about determined that at this point in my life (while I’m breastfeeding) I am just not able to exercise as intensely as I need to be able to lose a lot of weight.  If I do then my milk supply goes down.  And that’s definitely NOT what I want to happen.  Oh, and all of those people who told me that the weight would just fall off while breastfeeding?  Yeah.  They lied.  It doesn’t happen like that for me.

I eat right (most of the time) and exercise (most of the time) and I get so frustrated when the scale doesn’t budge.  Not a pound.  Not an inch off my tummy.  Nothing.  Nada.  Grr!  And all this does is make me want to give up.  I mean, what’s the point, right?  Why do all of this stuff if I can’t see the reward in doing it?

So.  I’ve re-evaluated my goals.  And had a nice long talk with myself.  Because even if I can’t see any results on the scale, I know I have more energy when I eat well.  Even when my pants still fit the same at least I know I’m also giving my son the nutrients he needs when I eat well.  So that makes it worth it.

And maybe I’m just being too hard on myself.  Maybe this is a mental roadblock.  I just don’t know.  So I’m still going to make goals for the month.  Because if I don’t then nothing gets done.  But they’re going to be a bit different.  I’m not making a pound/inch loss goal.  Maybe later, when I’m not breastfeeding.  But for now perhaps I just need to focus on getting fit.

So here are May’s fitness goals:

~ 1,000 fitness minutes — yup, I’m going for it!
~ At least 31 different strength training moves; but of course I’ll repeat some through the month
~ An outdoor activity at least once a week
~ Walk an average of 6 miles per week

And if you’re on your own fitness journey and don’t seem to be getting anywhere… don’t give up.  Take it day by day and just do it.  Because the little things add up, even if you can’t see the rewards right now.  You’re becoming a more healthier you.

Goals for the Week: April 29 – May 5

Here were the goals for last week and how I did on them:

~ Continue daily the Habit of the Month {April’s: Be early or on time for everything.}
~ Complete Week 5 of Leading Like Jesus Bible Study.
~ Read 2 more chapters of Slave.  ~~ Again, I didn’t read a single word.  But that’s only because I can’t.find.the.book.  I’m sure my daughter has hidden it in her room somewhere. :p
~ Build a fort and play with my daughter.  (I used to LOVE to do that as a kid!)  SOO much fun!  I think I enjoyed it more than she did though.
~ Use numbers flashcards with my daughter a few times this week.
~ Finish staining and sealing the deck (weather permitting).  ~~ Weather wasn’t permitting on the days we were able to do it.  Hopefully this weekend.
~ Exercise 4 days — at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity and 2 strength training moves each day.
~ Firm up my meal planning for May.
~ Make budget for May.
~ Clean all ceiling fans and ceilings.  ~~ I got all of the ceiling fans done but only about half of the ceilings.

And here are my goals for this week:

~ Continue daily the Habit of the Month {April’s: Be early or on time for everything; May: TBD}
~ Complete Week 6 of Leading Like Jesus Bible Study.
~ Make some homemade vegetable broth.
~ Make baby food for my son:  sweet potatoes, carrots and bananas.
~ Use letters flashcards with my daughter a few times this week.
~ Finish staining and sealing the deck (weather permitting).
~ Exercise 4 days — at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity and 2 strength training moves each day.
~ Weed the herb and vegetable garden. Transplant the carrot seedlings. Plant radish seeds.
~ Clean the utility room.
~ Clean out daughter’s closet.  (Why do they grow out of clothes so quickly??!?)

What are your goals for the week?

Spring Cleaning: Week 4

Yes folks, it’s that time of the year again! The sky is blue, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and I’m… spring cleaning.

It’s more fun than it sounds. Really!  To me, anyway.

I’m one of those odd ducks who actually enjoys a good deep clean and declutter. And while I do a deep clean (or “spring” cleaning) a few times a year, the one that takes place in the springtime is my favorite. I don’t know why. I’m sure it is psychological – new life, new beginnings (and it’s the only time of the year the temperature is just right so I can open up those windows!), etc, etc.

And while I’m sure many of you have already started – maybe even finished – your spring cleaning (you have, right?) there may still be a few that haven’t begun.

So join me each week as I hit the “hot spots” in my home.  You know, those places that get dumped on, forgotten about and generally mistreated.  And while I shovel out some of  my embarrassing clutter maybe you can tackle some of your own.

The tools I’m using:
~ trash can
~ laundry basket or box (for those things you find that belong someplace else)
~ box (for those things you’re going to give away)
~ timer
~ good music (optional for some; necessity for me)

I will be posting some before and after pictures to help keep myself accountable.  And since these are only weekly posts I have no excuses if I don’t finish, right?

Last week’s project:  The Master Bedroom

Here are the awful before pictures:

I knew this was not going to be one of those 15 minute cleaning jobs.  I let it get too out of hand.  Have you ever had those days?  When you neglect to put something up because you’ll be back to finish it “in just a minute” or you feel like you don’t have time right then to do it… and then since the area is already cluttered it makes it a bit easier to put something else on top of the pile.  Again and again, over and over.   And before you know it you have an out of control room (or house) and don’t know where to start to get it back in order.

That’s how I felt this week with my bedroom.

I kept avoiding it.  I felt it was too time intensive to deal with, especially with two small children who it seems always need me (especially when I’m trying to work on something!).  I made excuse after excuse but I knew it had to be done.  It was driving me crazy.  I can only stand a cluttered space for so long before I snap.

And even though I was dreading it, I finally picked a starting place and went to it.

I started with the mess in the first picture, mainly because it was the closest to the door and I had to start somewhere.  It’s still a work in progress.  I have to figure out a permanent place for my wrapping paper and gift bags (which are in the box under the wrapping paper container).  Right now they’re in the utility closet but I’m not sure that will be their final resting place.    And in case you’re wondering, yes, I am going to move the elliptical machine in front of a window or something.  That’s just where the hubby put it together and we haven’t moved it yet.  I’m getting there. Slowly.

The clothes were what took the longest.  Most of them belonged to the baby… and I had been procrastinating putting them up because I hadn’t cleaned out the ones he’s outgrown so I didn’t have enough room.  So basically I cleaned two rooms this week.  But they both look much better!

See?

(The mirror on the floor will be moved too.  Eventually.  Right now both of my children enjoy looking at themselves in it and I hate to move it.)

(My daughter helped me make the bed!  Isn’t she sweet?)

Ahh.  Time to put my feet up and drink a cuppa coffee.

Goals for the Week: April 22 – 28

Here were the goals for last week and how I did on them:

~ Continue daily the Habit of the Month {April’s: Be early or on time for everything.}
~ Complete Week 4 of Leading Like Jesus Bible Study.
~ Read 2 more chapters of Slave.  ~~ I didn’t read a single page.  *Sigh*  Maybe sometime this century.
~ Make some busy bags for my daughter.  I loved doing this and she loves playing with her “games” as she calls them.  I’ve made three easy ones so far.  Will have to blog about it soon.
~ Bake/cook something with my daughter.  We made Donut Muffins for a family get together.  Yummy!
~ Pick out (and purchase?) the stuff to stain/seal our deck.  And figure out how to do it.  Picked out, purchased and work has begun.  Home Depot loves us.
~ Exercise 4 days — at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity and 2 strength training moves each day.  ~~ I didn’t do two ST moves each day but I did the aerobic part.
~ Clean my oven.  For real this time.  Yay!!  Remind me not to go so long next time, will ya?
~ Shovel out my vehicle.  Kids make a lot of mess, did you know?  Although if I’m honest I probably can’t blame it all on them…
~ Clean all ceiling fans and ceilings.  ~~ Not a lot of headway on this either.  I need a self-cleaning house.

And here are my goals for this week:

~ Continue daily the Habit of the Month {April’s: Be early or on time for everything.}
~ Complete Week 5 of Leading Like Jesus Bible Study.
~ Read 2 more chapters of Slave.
~ Build a fort and play with my daughter.  (I used to LOVE to do that as a kid!)
~ Use numbers flashcards with my daughter a few times this week.
~ Finish staining and sealing the deck (weather permitting).
~ Exercise 4 days — at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity and 2 strength training moves each day.
~ Firm up my meal planning for May.
~ Make budget for May.
~ Clean all ceiling fans and ceilings.

What are your goals for the week?

Spring Cleaning: Week 3

Yes folks, it’s that time of the year again! The sky is blue, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and I’m… spring cleaning.

It’s more fun than it sounds. Really!  To me, anyway.

I’m one of those odd ducks who actually enjoys a good deep clean and declutter. And while I do a deep clean (or “spring” cleaning) a few times a year, the one that takes place in the springtime is my favorite. I don’t know why. I’m sure it is psychological – new life, new beginnings (and it’s the only time of the year the temperature is just right so I can open up those windows!), etc, etc.

And while I’m sure many of you have already started – maybe even finished – your spring cleaning (you have, right?) there may still be a few that haven’t begun.

So join me each week as I hit the “hot spots” in my home.  You know, those places that get dumped on, forgotten about and generally mistreated.  And while I shovel out some of  my embarrassing clutter maybe you can tackle some of your own.

The tools I’m using:
~ trash can
~ laundry basket or box (for those things you find that belong someplace else)
~ box (for those things you’re going to give away)
~ timer
~ good music (optional for some; necessity for me)

I will be posting some before and after pictures to help keep myself accountable.  And since these are only weekly posts I have no excuses if I don’t finish, right?

Last week’s project:  The Master Bathroom

In case you missed them here are the “before” pictures:

And what I said about them:

The shower and the toilet are both clean, I promise.  So I won’t bore you with pictures of those.  There’s quite enough to do here, I promise.  As you can see, the vanity has become a diaper changing area as well, and I’m not exactly sure when that happened.  I just know it made middle-of-the-night changes a lot easier.  But since the little one is sleeping in his own room now, I shouldn’t need this anymore.  Yay!  I can reclaim my bathroom!!

…

I definitely reclaimed the bathroom!  First I took everything baby related (and there was a LOT) out of the bathroom and back into his room where it belongs.  That made a huge difference on how the room looked.

I filled each sink up with bleach and hot water and let that set for a while while I wiped down the mirror, wall, and countertop.  I also rearranged and purged some of the things in the drawers to better accomodate the things that used to be in there that have slowly made their way to the countertop.  Oh, how I have missed those empty countertops!

And that was basically it.  I vacuumed and mopped, of course, and tidied up everything else.  It really didn’t take as long as I was expecting.  I was able to do it in brief snatches of time over a few days span.

Here are the after pictures:

Ahh.  Much better.

And now for this week’s project.  Which I’ve been dreading.  It has never looked this bad before… why did I let it get so out of control?

I’m talking about the master bedroom.  It’s always been a sanctuary for me.  A (mostly) uncluttered space where I can relax at the end of the day.  But lately it’s been the place where things are dumped and left.  And I can’t blame anyone but myself!  So this week I’m taking it back…. here are the before pictures:

This week’s project:  The Master Bedroom

I’m so embarrassed… there’s not even anything else to say.  Except that I’ll be back in a week to show you pictures that look a lot better than these!