tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191631213355103432024-03-05T02:08:59.656-08:00Blonde AmbitionsBlonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-32065879790460274002011-04-13T13:40:00.000-07:002011-04-13T13:40:16.117-07:00Please excuse the absenceFirst off, many apologies for the long gap in my posting. Since I stopped detailing my food every day, I must admit that I'm struggling a bit with what I want to "do" with my blog. I had plenty of thoughts of shutting it down, updating it several times a week, and/or everything in between. <br />
<br />
One of the challenges about having a blog that's so financially focused is that I feel like I have to keep it anonymous. And I feel like that anonymity makes it very challenging to create a voice for the blog. I have a more fitness focused blog that is not anonymous, & I love posting pictures (although I'm a terrible photographer), and feeling like I can really be myself in that forum.<br />
<br />
All of that said, posting about my finances absolutely keeps me more on track, which I love. It helps me stay motivated to reach my goals, and to pay attention to what I'm spending, and how I'm spending it. I find so much motivation in reading all of your blogs & seeing your creative ways to cut spending.<br />
<br />
Even though April is mid-way through, I do have a few goals I'm focused on this month.<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Run a 5K. This was a 2009, 2010, and 2011 yearly goal, & I'm finally planning to do it. My race is this Sunday. :-)</li>
<li>Run 30 miles in April.</li>
<li>Plan a menu for the remaining two+ weeks of the month.</li>
<li>Lose 3 more pounds by May, which will officially put me in the 140s!</li>
<li>Track my spending for the second half of the month.</li>
</ol>Hope you are all doing well!Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-63197049618262083792011-03-28T13:46:00.000-07:002011-03-28T13:46:03.418-07:00Taxes & other miscellanySorry I've been off track with my posting lately. I was out of town for a couple of days, busy doing our taxes, & trying to get our summer planned out. I've just discovered that our preschool will be closed in August. Hmmmmmm.. . . That should make childcare very interesting this summer. I've looked into other possibilities, but so far they are all half day programs & we need something full time. Another day, another challenge.<br />
<br />
I must admit. . . I have not been tracking my spending this month, and judging by my credit card statement, that's caught up with me. I haven't made any huge purchases (still on the clothing/shoes/makeup spending ban for the year), but the money is definitely trickling out at a faster rate than I would like. Now is the time for me to get back on the wagon & change that. Tracking is important for me to feel like we're spending our money on things that we value, versus spending it mindlessly & frivolously. <br />
<br />
On that note, we owe nearly $10K in taxes. Yikes. M & I are going to discuss options for paying that tonight. Always a good time. <br />
<br />
I'll be back with my end of the month wrap up shortly. Hope the beginning of spring is treating you all very well!Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-56514227915980390472011-03-23T14:04:00.000-07:002011-03-23T14:04:30.688-07:003/23 - Fitness & NutritionQ&A - what did you have for breakfast this morning? Are you a die hard breakfast eater like I am? Today I had a little bit of sauteed spinach (had to use the last of giant Costco bag) with an egg on an English muffin. Plus 1/2 a laughing cow. Yum.<br />
<br />
I'm planning to change my blog up a bit & just posting the calorie recaps + workout & fruits/vegetables. It will still keep me on track, but I don't want to put anyone to sleep with the minutiae of my life.<br />
<br />
Total calories = 1550 :-(<br />
<br />
Workout:<br />
15 minutes running<br />
30 minutes ellipticalBlonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-51133538936253786702011-03-22T20:26:00.000-07:002011-03-22T20:26:07.677-07:003/22 - Fitness & NutritionQ&A -<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
oatmeal + 1/2 tbsp peanut butter + blueberries - 180<br />
coffee + milk + fiber - 30<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
Protein bar - 170<br />
<br />
Lunch (Panera):<br />
Half fuji chicken salad + Half mediterranean veggie sandwich - 560<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
nectarine - 80<br />
<br />
Dinner:<br />
Balsamic chicken spinach salad with cottage cheese as the dressing - 350<br />
1/2 serving nuts/dried fruit - 75<br />
<br />
Total = 1445<br />
Fruit/vegetables = 3/6<br />
<br />
Workout:<br />
30 minutes on the treadmill - ran 1.5 miles, walked 1.2 milesBlonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-23797002186508559732011-03-22T08:55:00.000-07:002011-03-22T08:55:29.238-07:00One 401K loan is paid off!I am very, very excited to finally be able to say that my 401K loan is paid off! It took forever for the money to clear various places & for Fidelity to finally show a zero balance on the loan/and credit my 401K with the funds, but it's all straightened out. Yes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDU42isOTCsuRY6Mgo1hWDUwTe8wNEHHs3_9rAQoLHpZHscNiZBswqZwAHvrOLC3LRkFldc7K6KKReZ3yMlvQQ9KklmE7sjfPtZL-q8v84wlDgFLDAgMlapNsvuqnL1MDCW-N-9df-bs/s1600/fireworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDU42isOTCsuRY6Mgo1hWDUwTe8wNEHHs3_9rAQoLHpZHscNiZBswqZwAHvrOLC3LRkFldc7K6KKReZ3yMlvQQ9KklmE7sjfPtZL-q8v84wlDgFLDAgMlapNsvuqnL1MDCW-N-9df-bs/s1600/fireworks.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Loan History:</strong><br />
As background, we each took out a loan in March of last year for $49,500 (x2 - one out of each 401K) and we used that money to prepay part of our home mortgage, so we could combine both home loans (vacation property & primary residence) into one loan to secure a far better rate. The loans were absolutely the right choice from a financial perspective, but I hated having it around. Unfortunately, the loan terms did not allow for any additional payments unless you had enough to pay the entire remaining balance, which made it hard to chip away at it. <br />
<br />
<strong>Paying it off:</strong><br />
The payment for paying off the loan (a little over $41K) was made by cobbling together money from various sources. I had a savings account where I stashed all extra funds, which totaled about $15K. But, the big money came from an unexpected bonus M received. The money I was able to save came directly from cutting spending in other areas: hair cuts for me, random shopping, meals out, trimming back groceries, and really just paying much closer attention to where our money went. I'm shocked by how much we were able to save just by really tracking how we were spending our income.<br />
<br />
<strong>Net worth update:</strong><br />
Paying off this loan is a double whammy for our net worth. Not only does it decrease our liabilities by a huge chunk, but it also immediately transfers over to our assets, because the funds were automatically applied to my 401K, resulting in a $80Kish growth in our net worth. Now that's the kind of progress I like to see!<br />
<br />
<strong>What's up next:</strong><br />
Next up on our list of financial goals is to pay off M's 401K loan. It's for the same amount, and the same rules apply with regard to pre-payment. His balance is currently hovering around $41K. We're going to apply the same savings principles that we used for my loan, and also apply any unexpected funds (from work, investments, etc) to our savings account until we have enough to pay it off. <br />
<br />
After that, our goal is to clear our 2nd mortgage, which has a current balance of $185K. <br />
<br />
Our financial situation will be undergoing a few shifts in the next several years. One of our biggest expenses at the moment is child care for the boys (we're paying about $2K/month - down from an all time high of $4K/month when they were infants). My oldest son will enter Kindergarten in the fall, and my youngest son will be in Kindergarten in fall of 2012. Both of these things will eventually reduce our childcare payments to about $600/month, as we will still need after school care. We're toying with the idea of purchasing a rental property once we clear the 401K loans & our second mortgage. I'd like to create other income streams, and now seems like an excellent time to invest in real estate. We qualify for excellent rates, we have stable incomes, and property value has dropped drastically.<br />
<br />
Our ultimate goal is to hit a net worth of $1M by the end of 2012. If we pay off M's 401K loan soon, that will create another increase of $80K (again, the reduction in our liabilities combined with the money immediately transferring to our assets), which makes the number look doable.<br />
<br />
<strong>Wrap Up</strong>:<br />
I'll be posting a big end of the month wrap up as usual, but I couldn't resist updating our net worth for today. <br />
<br />
Net worth as of 3/1 - $815,065<br />
Net worth as of 3/22 - $896,594<br />
<br />
<strong>Total change in net worth: +$81,529!!</strong>Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-17592695434768743462011-03-21T20:36:00.000-07:002011-03-21T20:36:11.133-07:003/21 - Fitness & NutritionQ&A - happy spring! The weather was lovely over the weekend (cold but clear) & I'm very ready for spring to arrive & an opportunity to be outside more. What's your favorite season?<br />
<br />
Weight = 152.8. Down a tiny bit from my weigh in earlier last week<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
1 piece toast + egg + 1/2 laughing cow - 170<br />
coffee + milk + fiber - 30<br />
strawberries - 30<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
dried fruit/nuts - 150<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
edamame - 150<br />
egg salad (made with greek yogurt - no mayo) - 75<br />
Dr Kracker - 100<br />
roasted vegetables - 50<br />
bread with tomato/cheese - 100<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
frozen yogurt + mini oreos + granola - 180<br />
<br />
Dinner:<br />
cottage cheese - 100<br />
roasted broccoli - 50<br />
1 pc wheat bread with egg salad - 150<br />
edamame - 145<br />
<br />
<br />
Total = 1400<br />
Fruit/Vegetables = 3/5<br />
<br />
36 minutes on the treadmill. 3.10 miles running, .14 walking.Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-40341851789626331982011-03-20T17:51:00.000-07:002011-03-20T17:51:41.918-07:003/20 - Fitness & NutritionQ&A - What's on your menu for the week? Are you trying any new recipes?<br />
Weight = weighing in on Monday<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
english muffin + 1/2 laughing cow + egg - 230<br />
coffee + milk + fiber - 30<br />
strawberries & blueberries - 60<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
fruit smoothie - 160<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
handful of nuts - 80<br />
cottage cheese - 100<br />
edamame - 150<br />
1/2 banana wheat germ muffin - 80<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
pear - 80<br />
Dinner:<br />
1 homemade taco salad - 300<br />
Skinny margarita- 100<br />
<br />
Total = 1370<br />
Fruit/Vegetables = 6/5<br />
<br />
Workout:<br />
30 minutes on the treadmill running/walking<br />
30 minutes on the ellipticalBlonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-21340003558519308062011-03-20T13:53:00.000-07:002011-03-20T13:53:18.083-07:00Menu Plan Sunday (3/20/11)<strong>Lunches:</strong>Generally I take leftovers from the night before, plus add things like: edamame, fruit, vegetables + hummus, & nuts. Today I also made a healthy version of egg salad for my lunches (eggs, fat free greek yogurt, celery, mustard, pickles, salt & pepper). I plan to bring that with vegetables, crackers, etc. this week.<br />
<br />
I baked <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000709845">banana wheat germ muffins</a> for M's breakfasts. He's a huge muffin fan. :-) <br />
<br />
<strong>Dinner:</strong><br />
Sunday - Homemade tacos<br />
Monday -<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/italian-baked-chicken-and-pastina-recipe/index.html"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Italian baked chicken and pastina</span></a> (from the freezer - I always make two of this dish)<br />
Tuesday - Baked tilapia & <span style="color: #888888;"><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/Sweet-Corn-Risotto-218587"><span style="color: #888888;">sweet corn risotto</span></a></span> (from the feezer - I made the risotto a few weeks ago & stashed the leftovers in the freezer) <br />
Wednesday - <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000651492"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Baked shells with pesto, mozzarella & meat sauce</span></a> (from the freezer - I made this last week & it makes a huge quantity)<br />
Thursday - M is out of town. I'll have grilled chicken on a salad.<br />
Friday - M is out of town. I'll have any remaining leftovers or grilled chicken salad.<br />
Saturday - We'll be out of town. <br />
Sunday - Salads with <a href="http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=148"><span style="color: #888888;">balsamic chicken</span></a> (we skip the dressing/bacon part & use our own) -Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-48965854441509000072011-03-19T21:03:00.000-07:002011-03-19T21:03:44.071-07:003/19 - Fitness & NutritionQ&A - any big weekend plans? My parents are in town to continue the celebration for N's 4th birthday. He's thrilled. :-)<br />
<br />
**Wake up early to workout before soccer practice**<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
1 pc wheat toast with peanut butter - 200<br />
1 homemade waffle - 175<br />
strawberries & blueberries - 80<br />
coffee + milk + fiber - 30<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
1/4 burger + fruit- 200<br />
2 nuts - 20<br />
<br />
Dinner:<br />
2 glasses of wine - 160<br />
1 piece pizza - 300<br />
side salad - 200<br />
<br />
Subtotal - 1365<br />
Fruit/vegetables = 4/4Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-69480439875060566942011-03-18T18:44:00.000-07:002011-03-18T18:44:31.364-07:003/18 - Fitness & NutritionQ&A - This can apply to both money & healthy eating, I've found, so how do you recover from a bad day? Do you jump back on your plan (be it saving or eating well, etc) the next day, or does it take you a while to get over your own frustration and slipping? I'm more of the former, but I've certainly struggled with this.<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
1 piece wheat toast + 1 tbsp peanut butter - 200<br />
1/2 pear - 40<br />
coffee + milk + fiber - 30<br />
<br />
Lunch (out):<br />
1/2 Mexican chopped salad - 300<br />
6 tortilla chips with salsa - 100<br />
<br />
Dinner:<br />
Leftover Mexican chopped salad - 300<br />
wine - 160<br />
1 pc chicken - 110<br />
<br />
<br />
Total = 1240<br />
Fruit/vegetables = 1/6<br />
<br />
Workout = 38 minutes running/walking. 3.25 miles.Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-65573050159075522932011-03-17T18:17:00.000-07:002011-03-18T09:16:01.223-07:003/17 - Fitness & NutritionHappy St. Patrick's Day to everyone! Any big plans? It's my son's birthday, so we're going out to dinner. His choice was Greek food, so we'll be eating Gyros & then taking the boys to swimming lessons. We're party animals. :-)<br />
<br />
Weight: unknown. Will weigh again on Monday.<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
oatmeal with strawberries - 230<br />
coffee + milk + fiber - 30<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
1 pc cheese - 100<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
soup & sandwich (Panera) - 550<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
1/2 luna bar - 95<br />
Trail mix - 150<br />
<br />
Dinner:<br />
Greek salad + 10 fries - 300<br />
1/3 small piece of cake - 100<br />
<br />
Total = 1555. I had a not great workout today, so I comforted myself with a bag of trail mix. Foolish mistake, because it pushed me over my calories for the day. Better success tomorrow!<br />
<br />
Fruits/Vegetables = 3/5<br />
<br />
Workout = 20 minutes running/walkingBlonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-6738710133931718842011-03-16T19:10:00.000-07:002011-03-16T19:10:59.015-07:003/16 - Fitness & Nutrition Update<strong>Weight = 153</strong>. Wooooo!!!!!!!!!!!! I did it! First mini goal is achieved. :-) I've lost 10 pounds since January 1st, and I've officially lost all of the weight that i gained during my pregnancy with my second child. One day before his 4th birthday, which was my goal. Next up, losing the 9 pounds I didn't lose between pregnancies. And getting back into the 140s. Can't wait! Can you tell that I'm excited? <br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
1 piece wheat toast + 1/2 laughing cow + egg - 170<br />
banana & strawberries - 60<br />
coffee + milk + fiber - 30<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
granola bar - 140<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
hummus/cheese/turkey wrap + salad - 300<br />
frozen yogurt + mini oreos - 200<br />
<br />
Dinner:<br />
Chicken over 1/2 serving of pasta - 350<br />
salad + light dresing -30<br />
<br />
Subtotal - 1270<br />
Fruit/Vegetables = 2/4<br />
<br />
Workout: 38 minutes walking/running 3 miles.Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-92190732800696173222011-03-15T18:19:00.000-07:002011-03-15T18:19:50.308-07:003/15 - Fitness & Nutrition Update<strong>Q&A</strong> - The month is 1/2 way over. How are you doing with your March goals? I'm doing well with the fitness-oriented goals, & still working on the financial side. I am (im)patiently waiting for the funds to clear my 401K loan payoff, so I can officially check that loan off the balance sheet, update my tickers & change our net worth in my financial tracking. Can't wait!<br />
<br />
Weight = 153.2 So close to my mini goal of 153!<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
Greek yogurt + granola + strawberries - 250<br />
coffee + milk + fiber - 30<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
1/2 luna bar - 95<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
1 Dr Kracker + 1 tsp peanut butter - 140<br />
spinach salad with chicken & cottage cheese - 275<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
2/3 vanilla ice with nonfat milk - 200<br />
Dinner:<br />
spinach salad - 275<br />
1/2 banana + 1 bite chocolate/peanut butter <br />
roasted broccoli - 50<br />
<br />
Total - 1385<br />
Fruit/Vegetables = 2/6<br />
<br />
<strong>Workout:</strong><br />
40 minutes running/walking. Ran 3 miles today without stopping!Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-39555826169047733302011-03-14T18:28:00.000-07:002011-03-14T18:28:06.183-07:003/14 - Fitness & Nutrition<strong>Q&A: -</strong> Do you have a favorite wine, or other adult beverage? M found my favorite wine at Costco last night, so I'm very pleased. It's Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, & it's AMAZING. Love that stuff. Plus, it's only $10.99 at Costco, which is all kinds of a good deal. :-) <br />
<br />
Weight = 153.8. Only .8 of a pound until I hit my mini goal. Can't wait! Next weigh in is on Thursday.<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
1 piece wheat toast + 1/2 laughing cow + morningstar sausage - 180<br />
1/2 Greek yogurt cup - 70<br />
coffe + milk + fiber - 30<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
1 luna bar - 190<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
cottage cheese - 100<br />
Mini turkey sandwich + salad - 400<br />
frozen yogurt + mini oreos - 150<br />
Dinner:<br />
Brussel sprouts - 100<br />
Wine - 80<br />
Chicken dijonnaise - 150<br />
Total = 1450<br />
Fruit/Vegetables = 0/5<br />
<br />
No workout. Rest day.Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-65140931627198316842011-03-13T14:48:00.000-07:002011-03-13T17:51:14.581-07:003/13 - Fitness & Nutrition<strong>Q&A:</strong> If you have a spouse/significant other, what's your favorite way to spend a "date night"? I'm easy. As long as there's a bottle of wine & a meal I don't have to cook, I'm in! Actually, I love to cook, but don't like the cleanup part. What about you? :-) <br />
<br />
Weight = 154.2. Only 1.2 pounds from my mini goal. Yeah!<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast1 pc wheat bread with 1 egg & 1/2 laughing cow - 170<br />
honey dew - 20 <br />
coffee + milk + fiber - 30<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
smoothie - 150<br />
<br />
Lunch (just got back from a big workout & wanted to eat everything in our house):<br />
1 pc pizza - 300<br />
cottage cheese - 100<br />
cashews - 80<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
hummus + celery + pita chips - 120<br />
strawberries - 50<br />
<br />
Dinner:<br />
Parmesan chicken spinach salad - 250<br />
wine - 140<br />
Subtotal = 1430<br />
Fruit/Vegetables = 5/5<br />
<br />
Workout:<br />
42 minutes on the treadmill (ran/walked 3.25 miles)<br />
30 minutes on the bikeBlonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-85803602641219432502011-03-13T14:42:00.000-07:002011-03-13T14:42:19.671-07:00Menu Plan Sunday (3/13/11)<strong>Lunches:</strong>Generally I take leftovers from the night before, plus add things like: edamame, fruit, vegetables + hummus, & nuts. <br />
<br />
I improvised a lot last week & made the balsamic chicken into spinach salads several times last week. As a result, you will see a few items reappearing on this week's menu.<br />
<br />
<strong>Dinner:</strong><br />
Sunday - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/crunchy-parmesan-chicken-tenders-recipe/index.html">Giada's crunchy parmesan chicken tenders</a> on top of a spinach salad. <br />
Monday -<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/italian-baked-chicken-and-pastina-recipe/index.html"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Italian baked chicken and pastina</span></a> (from the freezer - I always make two of this dish)<br />
Tuesday - Baked tilapia & <span style="color: #888888;"><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/Sweet-Corn-Risotto-218587"><span style="color: #888888;">sweet corn risotto</span></a></span> (from the feezer - I made the risotto a few weeks ago) <br />
Wednesday - Chicken Dijonnaise (Williams Sonoma French cookbook)<br />
Thursday - Our son's birthday. The birthday person always gets to pick the meal the night of their birthday, & he's opted for going out for Greek food. :-) Smart boy.<br />
Friday - <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000651492"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Baked shells with pesto, mozzarella & meat sauce</span></a> (from the freezer - I made this last week & it makes a huge quantity)<br />
Saturday - Having a little family get together to celebrate my baby turning four. We're going out for pizza.<br />
Sunday - leftover pizza (if there is any). If not, <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pepperoni-Casserole/Detail.aspx">pepperoni casserole</a> from the freezer.Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-11724877329174962112011-03-13T07:37:00.000-07:002011-03-13T07:37:17.314-07:003/12 - Fitness & NutritionQ&A - do you workout outside? How do you handle bad weather? I'm in Washington, so I'm learning that I'm pretty much going to have to suck it up if I want to run outside. :-) Today it's 45 and raining, & I'm rallying myself for my run. Good luck to me. <br />
<br />
Weight = 154.4 - WOOO! In the 154s. Only 1.4 lbs toward my mini goal of my pre-second child weight. I'm almost there.<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
spinach, egg, & feta on a piece of wheat bread - 250<br />
coffee + milk + fiber - 30<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
cottage cheese - 100<br />
bowl of strawberries & blueberries - 100<br />
small piece of pizza - 250<br />
<br />
Dinner (out):<br />
2 glasses of wine - 160<br />
Side salad - 150<br />
Bruschetta & Chicken - 300<br />
<br />
Total calories = 1340<br />
Fruit/Vegetables = 4/6<br />
<br />
Workout = 20 minute walk/run - 1.5 milesBlonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-85535835257079224402011-03-11T18:30:00.000-08:002011-03-11T18:30:27.569-08:003/11 - Fitness & NutritionQ&A - what are you wearing today? Are you at home, the office, or somewhere else? I'm wearing dark skinny jeans, tall black boots, & a pink sweater. My office is very casual, so I can where whatever I want. I do try & pull it together a bit.<br />
<br />
Weight = 155.2. Holding steady. Can't wait to break into the 154s. :-)<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
oatmeal/apple pancake with 1/2 cup greek yogurt - 300<br />
coffe + milk + fiber - 30<br />
<br />
No snack (bigger breakfast today)<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
Spinach salad with grilled chicken, feta & cottage cheese (no dressing) - 275<br />
pasta salad, hummus, pita - 150<br />
frozen yogurt + mini cookies - 200<br />
<br />
Dinner:<br />
1 pc pizza - 300<br />
Salad + light dressing - 50<br />
wine - 120<br />
<br />
Subtotal = 1425<br />
Fruits/Vegetables = 3/6<br />
<br />
Workout:<br />
38 minutes run/walk = 3 miles.Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-77341392059883397512011-03-10T17:56:00.000-08:002011-03-10T17:56:18.709-08:003/10 - Fitness & Nutrition UpdateWeight = 155.2. No progress.<br />
<br />
Q&A - <br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
1 fiber wrap + 1/2 chicken sausage + egg + spinach - 260<br />
coffee + milk + fiber - 30<br />
<br />
Pre-workout snack:<br />
Greek yogurt - 110<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
wrap + hummus + cheese + tomato + cucumber - 280<br />
apple - 80<br />
1 protein bar - 190<br />
<br />
Dinner:<br />
spinach salad with feta, cucumber, tomato, & balsamic chicken - 300<br />
wine - 80<br />
<br />
Total = 1330<br />
Fruit/Vegetables - 1/6<br />
<br />
Workout:<br />
ran 1 mile + 25 minutes on the elliptical = 40 minutes of cardio<br />
10 minutes of stretching.Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-46663729632261976502011-03-09T20:22:00.000-08:002011-03-09T20:22:12.310-08:003/9 - Fitness & Nutrition<strong>Q&A</strong> - Do you make smoothies? I'm trying to get into smoothies, & I've been experimenting with flavors. Current favorite is: splash of juice, greek yogurt, banana, & strawberries. If you're a smoothie fan, what are your favorite ingredients?<br />
<br />
Weight = unknown. Will weigh in again tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
Smoothie (1/4 c apple juice, 1/2 a greek yogurt cup, straberries, 1/2 a banana 1+c spinach) - 200<br />
coffee + milk + fiber - 30<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
1/2 luna bar - 95<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
almonds - 150<br />
mini turkey sandwich & pasta salad - 250<br />
cereal with milk - 300<br />
Dinner:<br />
crackers and peanut butter - 275<br />
<br />
Total = 1400<br />
Fruit/Vegetables = 4/5<br />
<br />
Exercise - 30 minutes running - 2.57 miles. Woo!Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-59079241424417231762011-03-08T16:56:00.000-08:002011-03-08T19:45:05.306-08:003/8 - Fitness & Nutrition Update<strong>Q&A</strong> - are you a lunch packer? If so, what are your favorite lunches to bring? I'm boring & generally just have leftovers. I do love to make a wrap with hummus, cheese, & vegetables if there are no leftovers to be had. That + greek yogurt, fruit, hummus & vegetables, etc are some of my favorites.<br />
<br />
Weight = next weigh in is Thursday. I'm trying not to let the daily fluctuations on the scale influence my life so much anymore. :-)<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
1 pc wheat toast + 1/2 laughing cow + egg - 170<br />
strawberries - 40<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
greek yogurt - 110<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
1/2 pc pizza - 150<br />
cottage cheese - 100<br />
smoothie - 150<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
carrots + hummus + 1 Dr Cracker - 160<br />
<br />
Dinner:<br />
handful of cashews - 80<br />
cottage cheese - 100<br />
1 pc bread with peanut butter - 250<br />
roasted brussel sprouts - 75<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
fruit - 50<br />
<br />
Total = 1430<br />
<br />
Fruits/Vegetables = 6/4. <br />
<br />
Workout:<br />
38 minutes run/walk.Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-49915279807266586522011-03-07T18:33:00.000-08:002011-03-07T18:33:35.823-08:003/7 - Fitness & Nutrition<strong>Q&A</strong> - what is your favorite breakfast? I made oatmeal with bananas & strawberries this morning, & it was pretty yummy.<br />
<br />
Weight = 156. Not surprised after eating pizza for dinner last night. Kept the calories under control, but salt in the evening always makes my weight higher the next day.<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Breakfast:<br />
oatmeal (with milk) + 1/2 banana + strawberries - 250<br />
coffee + mik + fiber - 30<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
skinny macchiato - 100<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
1 pc vegetable pizza - 300<br />
cottage cheese - 100<br />
granola bar - 140<br />
<br />
Snack:<br />
Edamame - 150<br />
1/2 apple - 40<br />
<br />
Dinner:<br />
Salad with cottage cheese (as dressing) + grilled chicken & tons of vegetables - 350<br />
Subtotal = 1460<br />
<br />
Fruit/Vegetables = 2/5<br />
<br />
Workout:<br />
36 minute run/walk. I think it was about 3.25 miles. We ran 70%ish of it/walked the rest.Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-44156625454993545812011-03-07T09:18:00.000-08:002011-03-07T09:18:13.077-08:00Weekly Spending (2/28-3/6)I've gotten a bit off track with my weekly spending, due to our vacation, but I'm back & ready to rumble this week.<br />
<br />
<em>My goal for 2011 is to keep my monthly flexible spending (i.e. what I charge on my credit card & includes: groceries, dining out, gifts, clothes, lessons for the kids, etc) to $1750/month. This nets out to around $58/day, which is pretty eye opening. I am regularly overspending the $1750/month, so I need to start keeping a close eye on this figure. Keeping the monthly spending in check is a critical part of paying off my 401K loan in 2011. </em><br />
<br />
Monday:<br />
-$.29 at Rite Aid. I picked up three rolls of dental floss that were $1/each & I had a $1 coupon for all three. The $.29 is the tax.<br />
<br />
Tuesday:<br />
-$63.48 on flowers for my Grandmother & Mom. Lots of hard things happening as my parents deal with both of their parents rapidly aging & facing dementia all at the same time. My mom is carrying most of the burden for this, despite her siblings. My dad, luckily, has a brother in the area that is also helping, but lots of emotions & heartache right now.<br />
-$6.75 at Safeway for a few items for lunch (Greek yogurt, protein bar) & sweet potatoes for home.<br />
$26.57 at Trader Joes for lunch items/snacks for the office & a few bags of pasta for home.<br />
<br />
Wednesday:<br />
-Lunch at Nordstrom using points (free)<br />
-$5 at the grocery stores for a few Vitamin Water Zeros (they are my fun treat)<br />
<br />
Thursday:<br />
-$32.32 at Fred Meyer for pasta, risotto, & Luna bars.<br />
<br />
Friday:<br />
-$34.64 at Rite Aid. Picked up nail polish so I can give myself a manicure at home, and a few makeup items that are free after rebate. I should be getting back $24 after the rebate.<br />
<br />
Saturday:<br />
-$86 -Dry cleaner<br />
-$50 on hair cuts/tip for the boys<br />
-$130 for dinner out. Date night.<br />
<br />
Sunday:<br />
-$18.83 at Fred Meyer for Zbars (kids) + greek yogurt + apples<br />
-$31.79 for pizza. (Will be enough for 2 dinners + a lunch or two)<br />
<br />
Total spent for the week = $453.35. Total average spent per day = $64.76. Yikes. An expensive week. The dry cleaner was about 6x our normal bill & date night was a bit more than planned. We need to get in some No Spend days this week. :-)Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-35206693214547681282011-03-06T18:37:00.000-08:002011-03-06T18:37:25.682-08:003/6 - Fitness & NutritionQ&A - do you have any health dinner recipes you'd like to share? One of my favorites is <span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000549982"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Parmesan chicken with orzo</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> . Yum!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Weight = didn't weigh in today, as I'm trying to become less scale-dependent. :-)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Food:</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Toast with peanut butter - 200</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">1/2 banana - 55</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">coffee + milk + fiber - 30</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Snack:</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">fruit smoothie - 150</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lunch:</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">1/3 burger (no bun) + mustard - 180</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">pita chips/hummus - 100</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">cottage cheese - 100</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">1/4 apple - 20</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
Snack:<br />
Trail mix - 150<br />
<br />
Dinner:<br />
1 1/4 pc pizza + salad - 500<br />
Total = 1485<br />
Workout:<br />
35 minutes on the elliptical<br />
10 minutes on the treadmill<br />
20 minutes strength training<br />
10 minutes stretching</span>Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419163121335510343.post-70154949029351451172011-03-06T14:12:00.000-08:002011-03-06T14:12:24.537-08:00Menu Plan Sunday<strong>Lunches:</strong><br />
Generally I take leftovers from the night before, plus add things like: edamame, fruit, vegetables + hummus, & nuts. <br />
<strong>Dinner:</strong><br />
Sunday - <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000549982"><span style="color: #888888;">Parmesan chicken with orzo</span></a><br />
Monday -<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/italian-baked-chicken-and-pastina-recipe/index.html"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Italian baked chicken and pastina</span></a> (from the freezer - I always make two of this dish)<br />
Tuesday - Baked tilapia & <span style="color: #888888;"><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/Sweet-Corn-Risotto-218587">sweet corn risotto</a></span> (from the feezer - I made the risotto last week) <br />
Wednesday - Chicken Dijonnaise (Williams Sonoma French cookbook)<br />
Thursday - <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000651492"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Baked shells with pesto, mozzarella & meat sauce</span></a> (from the freezer - I made this last week & it makes a huge quantity)<br />
Friday - Homemade pepperoni pizza<br />
Saturday - Salads with <a href="http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=148">balsamic chicken</a> (we skip the dressing/bacon part & use our own) -Blonde Ambitionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16286367662345821568noreply@blogger.com2