Happy Friday!

Happy Friday Y'all!

Friday evening is probably my favorite time of the week.  Growing up,  it was the one time each week we ate out and followed with the weekly grocery shopping trip.   For me,  it's usually a lazy evening occasionally I'll try to get a head start on cleaning or meal planning for the week.  Tonight, I thought I would dust off the blog a bit.

I wish I had been blogging more the past two months.  In late June,  I rejoined Weight Watchers.  The primary reason I joined is because I believe 100% in the accountability the meetings bring to the program.  I know there is a lot of science behind their program, but the meetings are what I need.   They help give me focus and self-control.   In August,  I completed JillFit's 20x20 challenge -- it was amazing and deserves a post all to itself which I hope to compile this weekend.  It was amazing on so many levels for me.  In September, I've focused on goal-setting.

Sorry this post is so disjointed, but I really have some much I want to share and need to share!   Even if no one reads this blog -- it is an outlet for me.  In August,  I used Instagram to chronicle my journey, but wish I had shared my thoughts here as well.

We are supposed to have a really wet weekend, so I should have plenty of time to write.  :)

31 Day Clutter Challenge

Recently,  I was intrigued by a 31 Day Clutter Challenge hosted by Living Well Spending Less.  It started on July 1st & has been really easy to follow.  Each morning I receive an email with the target area of the day.  It gives guidelines for the space, suggestions on how to organize, and helpful hints on what to keep & what to toss. 

I strive to maintain an orderly house & clean house.  Although the "clean" seems to be the bigger challenge, we live here!  Back to the clutter, I don't feel like I have a lot; but this challenge has encouraged me to let go of more. 

Today was kitchen cabinets & drawers!  This is my pile for Goodwill (not all from the kitchen) 

While I cook a lot, why I had so many duplicates of things is beyond me.  Some were hand-me-downs, others great deals, and others --- I have no idea!  

The cabinets are looking much better now though!  

Do you purge often or only when it is completely out of control?

Weather!

It seems like much of the weekend has looked like this, and admittedly it has affected my mood.  I've been grumpy & irritable for no reason.  Sigh!   

Of course tomorrow it's supposed to be bright & sunny! Here's hoping next weekend brings lots of sun! 

It's a Good Day to be a Duck

It's been a wet day here, so I've spent the afternoon napping & scouring Pinterest for outdoor ideas.  My outdoor to do list is growing by leaps!   We are redoing the area by our front door.  It will still have some containers for plants but we've added a chair.  

It's a work in progress.  Initially, I was going to stain the chair, but have decided to paint it.  Paint will be easier to change up colors in the future.  I think we are going to do black & add a pillow for a pop of color.  I've been looking at outdoor pillows for a month or so.  I didn't want to spend a fortune though. I found this one while shopping at Aldi on Saturday. 

Score for 3.99 - thank you!!! 

My "to-do" seems to be growing rapidly - don't they always!  Our exterior really needs to be painted.  We don't have money budgeted to hire someone, so I'm on the fence about DIY.  We are one level & there are only a couple areas that are "high".   Regardless of whether we paint or not, the exterior definitely needs to be cleaned & I know we can tackle that ourselves.  

The azaleas finally bloomed this week.  I won't lie - they are not my favorite.  I think they are beautiful when in bloom, but honestly, don't last more than a couple of weeks.  I would love to re-do this area too. 

Do you have spring projects in the works? 

Time flies

It's a week late, but we did celebrate on time!  😉  Super son turned FOURTEEN!   It seems like yesterday we were anxiously awaiting his arrival, his first steps, his first day of kindergarten.  Reminiscing makes me happy & sad... Ahhh, the joys (and trials) of being a mom!  We are treading in the teen years - he's an independent kid with a bit of a stubborn streak (insert mom genes) yet a relaxed, laid back nature (insert dad genes) - he's funny with an old soul outlook.  He makes my heart swell with love & pride and every now and again gives me a gray hair (or five).   I pray he will allow God to direct his path and future!   "As long as I'm living my baby you'll be"

Spring is here!

Actually spring is struggling to convince itself to be here - we had freezing temperatures over the weekend, but a gorgeous clear blue sky!   Super-son is on spring break this week, so he and I have ventured to the beach.  It's a sleepy little fishing town which I prefer as I grow older.  My parents are here so it's been nice to spend time with them. 

I took a challenge this week to do a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 times this week.  Despite the temperatures & wind,  dad and I got in a walk.  Pace didn't matter yesterday - just time with my dad. 

Happy Valentine's Day

Hopefully, this post won't come across as pessimistic!  I feel Valentine's Day is just another opportunity for retailers to cash in.  Every day should be about showing love & acts of kindness to those we care about it.  Quite frankly, I'd rather have flowers out of the blue - than the one day of the year they cost twice as much.  Even as I looked at cards, I thought this is ridiculous to pay someone else to say how much I love super husband so I came home & made my own card.  Enough about that!

Overall, it was a great week.  Super husband started a new schedule.  It's not ideal, but it's more hours & allows him to see super son when he gets home from school.  He's also able to get him started on homework which is a huge help to me!  

It was week three of the exercise class & I am loving it.  It is so true (the first step) in getting yourself there is the hardest,  but after the first class I was hooked.  It is metabolic effect & tabata style workouts which I love!  The workouts end with a quick devotional.  I had forgotten how much exercise helps mentally too.  Thursday night, the instructor shared these muffins & the recipe - very yummy!

I have ribs in the crockpot & light Mac & cheese in another crockpot for our Valentine dinner.  Do you have plans with your love?

Small Bathroom - Redesign on a Dime

I literally laugh out loud when searching for "small bathroom ideas" on Pinterest.   Some of the bathrooms are 3 times the size of our truly small bathroom.  About a year or so ago, I had the bright idea I would use paint leftover from the kitchen for the small bathroom.  This worked out beautifully until I ran out of paint & bought a quart to finish the project which didn't match up 100% - project FAIL!   I wish I could share a before picture, but it crashed with my phone - so just trust me on that one.  

Super husband's coworkers came over after the holidays for a post-Christmas celebration.  Apparently, I like working under pressure because I started the project on Tuesday & they were coming over on Saturday.  I found a gray & white chevron shower curtain awhile ago, so it was the inspiration for the room (& we love the gray in our master bath).  

Here it is in progress - I was already loving it at this point.  I wanted a new light fixture too, but it will have to wait.  

Sorry for the tilted picture (remember I keep it real on my blog),  the mirror was previously red, so I updated it with a 97 cent can of spray paint. 

The cabinet received a fresh coat of with paint.  The over the toilet shelving was a curbside find!  Shower curtain came from Kohls online.  Bath rug came from TJ Maxx - it was a two pack: one solid gray & one chevron. Paint color is Behr - Gentle Rain.  Overall, it looks so much better! 

I still want to: replace light fixture, add pops of Aqua for color; & fix ceiling (possibly headboard). 

Have you done any DIY lately?

2015

It's hard to believe we already into February!  Time definitely flies as you get older!   Nothing incredible to share with my -2 readers!  What's happening now...

- I struggled last year with finding my exercise routine (due to new job & superson starting middle school).  I've found a Tues/Thurs evening class that is very similar format to the early AM boot camp I loved!  Super husband gave me shoe tags for Christmas #soretoday #strongtomorrow - love!!!

- I am doing Weight Watchers online.  It's not a diet or a fad - it's real food & living. I've never tried the Simply Filling option, so I thought I would try it & so far so good.  I'd like to switch over to meetings when I am closer to goal.  We have an awesome leader in our area. 

Everything Bagel Thin, egg, slice of cheese, 2 pieces of bacon, crystal light "orange juice" -- see real food 

- I am taking a break from Facebook for the month of February.  I have a love/hate  relationship with it anyway!  It tends to become a time suck - hoping to read some books instead! 

- Superhusband & superson are well!  We are half-way through our second year of middle school.  It's been an adventure to say the least.  

Sorry this post is full of random thoughts!  What's new with you? 

Thanksgiving 5k

For the past couple of years, I've participated in a Turkey Strut 5k sponsored by our local Fleet Feet store.  It's always a super fun time; supports a local food bank; and takes an hour or two away from food.  

This year, I'll be participating in a virtual 5k sponsored by  A Journey to Thin.  Click over to her website for details! 

What's been "pinned"?

I've talked about Pinterest many times on my blog - y'all (all 2 of my dedicated readers) are probably tired of hearing about it.  :)    However, it's my go-to for all sorts of things:  recipes, decorating ideas, healthy living inspiration, how-to!   While I have 1000s of pins,  I thought it would be great to start a board of Pins I've Completed!   I have a list a mile long of home projects to complete, but the next up will be our spare bathroom and found lots of design & inspiration ideas!

Do you ever try any of your pins?

PS - Remember when chevron was called zig-zag!  :)

Excuses, excuses!

As you may remember, I'm a huge fan of early morning exercise.  When super-son was in elementary school, I was up at 515am for boot camp three times a week.  Last year, he started middle school & our middle school starts at 7:25am!  There was no way to get to boot camp, home & shower, (oh & get him up too!) and make it to school on time.  

I came up with plan b & it consisted of walking/running after I dropped him off and showering at the work fitness center.  In December, I changed jobs & it wasn't feasible to do that anymore.  What's a girl to do?  Nothing - I've pretty much had zero exercise routine since earlier this year. 

Super husband works evenings, so it's difficult to do after work.  I feel guilty leaving super son at home any longer than I have to after school. The reality there is no reason I can't take advantage of Saturday & Sunday - yes, both days are super busy but it comes down to making excuses or getting it done.  

Yesterday, I got it done. Moved at a snails pace, but it was better than sitting on the couch!  What's your excuse?

Hello Sunshine!

It is a gorgeous day here in the south - slightly cooler temperatures, partly sunny, and on the verge of a long weekend.  What's not to love?  

Every now and again, I run into someone who is having a bad day or sad time.  I pondered across this idea on Pinterest a while back & it's amazing how such a small token of kindness can touch someone. 

-grab a box or bag

-fill with all things yellow

-add a note to cheer them

Viola!  You have your very own sunshine box!

Here is a picture of a few items I picked up this week for one.

How cheery - you have to smile!

Summer is Slipping Away!

How quickly time flies when you are having fun!  Five weeks from today school resumes - it seems like school just released for the summer. 

While I don't get any extra time off, I do enjoy the relaxed pace. No ridiculous early wake-up -- whose idea was it to start middle school at 7:20a!  The bus stops are scheduled as early as 6:20.  I hang-up my hat as homework police - it's not a job I enjoy but it's necessary to monitor at our house. 

Summer has been a bit different this year.  My in-laws have been forced to downsize due to health reasons.  While we had hoped they would move into assisted type living, they chose a small 2 bedroom condo. It was necessary & past time to make a move. Unfortunately, we've been blessed with the task of trying to empty their house of contents. We've spent 5 Saturdays in the garage alone. It's overwhelming to say the least.  I pray they will find a buyer who would like a true fixer-upper, so they don't have to worry with it anymore. 

How's your summer? 

Beach on a Budget

For the past few years, vacation funds have been very tight.  Last year, we opted for a "staycation".  It was great, but we really wanted to get back to the beach this year.  I know these options will not work for everyone, but I wanted to share what has worked for us. 

Accommodations: This will most likely be the most expensive part of your vacation.  If you know someone who has a timeshare, ask them if they have weeks they would like to sell.  You may not get your first choice destination, but if they have weeks they may lose - they will most likely take a reasonable offer from you.  Also, check craigslist vacation rentals in the area you would like to visit. If you find one, ask for references. 

Food:  We always look for a condo/hotel room with a kitchenette. We arrived last Sunday evening & left today. We ate dinner out once (the night we arrived) & breakfast out once (this AM). I realize the thought of cooking on vacation is appalling to some people, so do what works for you. It's worth it for us to save money!   

Breakfast ideas: bagels, cinnamon rolls, cereal, sausage biscuits

Lunch: always sandwich & chips for us

Dinner: BBQ, chicken pie, pasta bake, spaghetti, chicken legs, leftovers!

Attractions: We like the beach & we like to enjoy it. Between the ocean & the pool, we are content. I know some folks like to go-go-go!  Look for local attraction books, early bird specials, state parks, military discounts. 

Planning: Start a vacation savings club for next year. Contributing as little as $10 a week will give you over $500 next year!

Again, these are my opinions & what works for my family. I realize they may not work for all. 

Hello Arthur!

If you haven't heard the coast of NC & SC had a visitor today, Hurricane Arthur. The picture was taken early this AM before the winds were gusty & the rain was pouring. You can tell by the white caps that the ocean was getting rough. Fortunately, the storm has moved further up the coast & we are expecting sunny skies tomorrow.  We are sending prayers to those on the OBX where the eye is expected to make landfall tonight. 

Beach!

The beach is one of the many places on Earth that I am amazed by God's handiwork. The vastness of the ocean nearly takes my breath.  We are fortunate the condo is literally steps from the beach. I didn't get a lot of reading done in the sun today, but I plan to catch up tonight. We spent a lot of the day poolside catching up with some dear folks we see here once a year.  The salt air is wonderful to clear the mind & wash away the cares of the world (even if temporary). 

It's Time!

For the first time in 3 years, we have returned to our annual vacation location - Garden City Beach.  We've come here for the past 18 years (minus 3).  It's definitely changed a lot over the years. It has always been more commercialized and busy than I care for - but this week it seems more so.  Maybe I'm just getting older and have less tolerance for rude, self centered people. Regardless, I hope to enjoy the next few days & get a little reading done. 

I'll follow up with book reviews later this summer :-)

Life Update

In reviewing an old post, I realized I had not posted since October 2013!  Whoa!  Needless to say, a lot has happened. 

Here's the nutshell version:

-we survived super-son's first year of middle school! It was better than we anticipated, yet more exhausting than I ever imagined

-I accepted a new position at work. It was a big step out of my comfort zone. I had been in my previous position for 17 years. However, it's been the best professionally for me - very fulfilling & extremely rewarding

-I've lost my exercise routine! You may recall I was an early riser & loved getting it out of the way BUT the middle school schedule threw a kink in that - so I switched to lunch.  The new position (& location) has made that challenging. I miss my workouts! 

Let's see if I can blog more this summer!

Menu Plan

In case you are wondering, we did eat this week.   I've been busy and slacking on posts.

Monday - Chicken Pie

Tuesday - Center-Cut Baked Pork Chops

Wednesday - Super-son & I went to the launch of a new program and they served Chick-fil-a.  Super-husband had leftover chili.

Thursday - Rare treat for super-husband to be home with us (he works evenings), so we went out to eat.  Afterwards, I prepped a couple of meals for a meal swap.

Friday - Buffalo Chicken Tenders