1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on Black Friday - Christmas gifts, & clothes for me. The majority of the clothes are going back (I don't try things on during the madness & always return a bunch).
2. Today I feel worried about money because I'm not tracking it the way I like, & I'm spending it too freely. I hate that out of control feeling, & want to funnel my money towards my priorities (read: not clothes, but my 401K loan payoff fund).
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was laugh with family members for hours over delicious food and wine. (that sentence came from MPP, but it was exactly how I felt, so I'll liberally borrow it.). :-)
4. I will consider this week a success if I finish my shopping returns & complete my Christmas shopping & wrapping.
5. My favorite holiday song is Silent Night.
For more weekly money posts, check out My Pretty Pennies.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Ambitions for December
I haven't done monthly goals in a while, & I really need the accountability. November & December tend to be two months of indulgence for me, so I'm feeling highly motivated to put pen to paper (or rather, fingers to keyboard) & set out specific goals for the month. I'm also working on my 2011 goals, which I find exciting to set. I'm a planner like that. :-)
Lose Weight:
Lose Weight:
- Lose 9 pounds by the end of the month. My current weight is 162, so this will bring me to 153 - my official weight before I got pregnant with my second child.
- Eat 1500 calories/day (averaged weekly).
- Workout 24 times. This is very ambitious, but I'm at 126 workouts for the year, & my goal is to hit 150 for 2010.
- Spend $700 or less on food.
- Stick to my budget for the month.
- Create & follow weekly menu plans.
- Use up 5 random items from the pantry/freezer or donate them.
- Create a 401K loan payoff plan.
- Get a new job. :-)
- Go through the boys toys & books to make room for holiday gifts.
- Organize/declutter my closet & drawers
- Organize/declutter the master bathroom
Monday, November 29, 2010
11/29 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
Weight = 162.4. Have to get below 160. That's my "scary" threshold, & I'm freaked out a bit to be over it.
Food:
Breakfast:
Snack:
Lunch:
Total calories = 1560. A much better calorie day, but still need to work on this.
Fruits/vegetables = 0/4. I suck with the fruit, which is odd, because I'm a huge fan. Apparently, just lazy.
No workout today.
Food:
Breakfast:
- english muffin + egg + laughing cow - 240
- coffee with milk - 20
Snack:
- trail mix - 170
Lunch:
- small salad with chicken - 200
- turkey & provolone sandwich - 290
- 3 mini butterfingers - 150
- carrots with hummus - 90. .
- pesto pasta dish - 400
Total calories = 1560. A much better calorie day, but still need to work on this.
Fruits/vegetables = 0/4. I suck with the fruit, which is odd, because I'm a huge fan. Apparently, just lazy.
No workout today.
The long overdue financial update
*shiver* Not excited to write this all out, but I suppose that's the most obvious sign that I need to. I have been spending more money than needed, pretty much for the past couple of months. Buying gifts for the holidays seems to set off this massive consumerism *buy, buy, buy* trigger in my head. It's not pretty.
I think that next year, I'm going to skip Black Friday shopping & plan a spa day. I'll still come out ahead, financially. In terms of buying gifts for others, I'm mostly on track for meeting my goals. However, I've bought myself & the kids way too (clothing). I need to return a lot of stuff, but the damage is much more than I had hoped to spend. Just checked my credit card statements. YIKES.
I also want to update my tickers/side bars, so that's on my agenda. Isn't it interesting that when things fall apart with my eating, they also do with the finances? For whatever reason, the two seem to go hand in hand.
I'm not entirely sure I can fully explain what caused either, but I will say that work has been incredibly stressful lately. More so than the usual stress. I'm looking at a new job, and may have an interview as soon as next week. Crossing my fingers that pans out, as getting a new job would be a huge win for my stress levels.
I'm going to be incorporating more financial updates regularly, so look for those!
I think that next year, I'm going to skip Black Friday shopping & plan a spa day. I'll still come out ahead, financially. In terms of buying gifts for others, I'm mostly on track for meeting my goals. However, I've bought myself & the kids way too (clothing). I need to return a lot of stuff, but the damage is much more than I had hoped to spend. Just checked my credit card statements. YIKES.
I also want to update my tickers/side bars, so that's on my agenda. Isn't it interesting that when things fall apart with my eating, they also do with the finances? For whatever reason, the two seem to go hand in hand.
I'm not entirely sure I can fully explain what caused either, but I will say that work has been incredibly stressful lately. More so than the usual stress. I'm looking at a new job, and may have an interview as soon as next week. Crossing my fingers that pans out, as getting a new job would be a huge win for my stress levels.
I'm going to be incorporating more financial updates regularly, so look for those!
Menu Plan Monday
My better half is traveling this week, so it will be a quick & easy menu. When he's not around, I tend to improvise quite a bit more. :-)
Lunches will be: leftovers, sandwiches, fruit & vegetables with hummus, + nuts.
Dinners:
Monday - Tacos
Tuesday - Cider Glazed Chicken
Wednesday - Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - on a mini trip with my sister, so we'll be eating out.
Saturday - I'm thinking of taking my kids to an event at our gym that includes dinner.
Sunday - Panera's Creamy Potato Soup & rolls
Lunches will be: leftovers, sandwiches, fruit & vegetables with hummus, + nuts.
Dinners:
Monday - Tacos
Tuesday - Cider Glazed Chicken
Wednesday - Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - on a mini trip with my sister, so we'll be eating out.
Saturday - I'm thinking of taking my kids to an event at our gym that includes dinner.
Sunday - Panera's Creamy Potato Soup & rolls
Sunday, November 28, 2010
11/28 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
Back to reality. The scale has shocked me into realizing that I have undone a lot of ground & need to get back into the rythm of healthy eating & losing weight.
Weight = 164
Food:
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Snack:
Dinner:
Total = 1770. I need to start driving this lower - 1400 calories/day.
Fruits/Vegetables = 2/4
Workout = 40 minutes on the elliptical, level 13.
Weight = 164
Food:
Breakfast:
- coffee with milk - 20
- english muffin with laughing cow & jelly - 200
- Honeydew - 30
- walnuts/almonds/cranberries/pretzels - 250
Lunch:
- pizza - 300
- cottage cheese - 100
- mandarin + honeydew - 50.
Snack:
- hummus/vegetables/pita chips - 250
Dinner:
- cosmopolitan - 150
- chicken with roasted vegetables - 300
- crackers - 120
Total = 1770. I need to start driving this lower - 1400 calories/day.
Fruits/Vegetables = 2/4
Workout = 40 minutes on the elliptical, level 13.
11/27 - The Thanksgiving/Black Friday Hangover Edition
Not hangover in the true sense of the word, but more of a complete indulgence with food & finances. I need to update my financial trackers asap & get myself back on track.
Weight = didn't weigh in today. Have promised myself to deal with the reality tomorrow. :-)
Food:
Breakfast:
Snack:
Lunch:
46 minutes of elliptical, level 13.
Weight = didn't weigh in today. Have promised myself to deal with the reality tomorrow. :-)
Food:
Breakfast:
- 1 tortilla + 1 egg + 1 tbsp cheese + salsa + a small tomato = 300
- coffee with milk - 20
Snack:
- 1 mini doughnut - 60
Lunch:
- 1 cheese bagel with light cream cheese - 450. Subtotal = 930
- 1/8 of a quesadilla - 75
- crackers - 300
- 1 small package of skittles - 80
- two lindor truffles - 160
46 minutes of elliptical, level 13.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
11/24 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
I promise to break out of my rut & actually post things other than my daily update. Soon.
Weight - 161. I had a good day today, so a little disappointed.
Food:
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Total calories = 1610.
Fruit/vegetables = 1/1. :-(
Workout:
35 minute walk in the snow with the kids. :-)
Breakfast:
- 1 pear - 80
- coffee with milk - 20
- english muffin with laughing cow & egg - 220
Lunch:
- cashews - 80
- cottage cheese - 175
- fat free grilled cheese on wheat bread - 235.
- tortellini with pesto & fresh tomato - 300
- wine - 200
- 1/2 mini hoagie with parmesan & butter - 300
Total calories = 1610.
Fruit/vegetables = 1/1. :-(
Workout:
35 minute walk in the snow with the kids. :-)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
11/23 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
I'm home with the kids today, as their school is closed due to snow. :-)
Weight = 160.2 Feeling good about heading in the right direction. My goal is to be at 150 by 1/1/11.
Food:
Breakfast:
Snack:
Total calories = 1320
Groan. Still no workout today. I'm going to try & work out something tomorrow with M, so he'll watch the boys for an hour between meetings while I work out. This no school thing & still trying to work this week has proven to be quite a challenge.
Fruits/vegetables = 4/1. Better than yesterday!
Breakfast:
- coffee with milk - 20
- 1 pc wheat bread + laughing cow + egg - 200
- Pineapple - 50
- chicken pasta casserole - 350
- pear - 80
- cashews - 80
- babybel cheese - 60.
- 1 cranberry muffin - 180.
- wine - 120
- steak with risotto & macaroni & cheese - 300.
Snack:
- pomegranate - 80
Total calories = 1320
Groan. Still no workout today. I'm going to try & work out something tomorrow with M, so he'll watch the boys for an hour between meetings while I work out. This no school thing & still trying to work this week has proven to be quite a challenge.
Fruits/vegetables = 4/1. Better than yesterday!
Monday, November 22, 2010
11/22 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
I got on the scale this morning, & it was not good news.
Weight = 162
Food:
Breakfast:
Snack:
Total calories = 1560.
Will try to have fruit tonight. :-( again with the fruit & vegetables.
No workout. Had to leave work early to pick my kids up today, as their school closed early due to snow. Fingers crossed for tomorrow!
Weight = 162
Food:
Breakfast:
- english muffin + 1/2 laughing cow + egg - 200
- coffee with milk - 200
Snack:
- babybel cheese - 60
- almonds - 100
- (Panera) potato soup + vegetable sandwich + multigrain bread - 700. Subtotal = 1260
- 3/4 of a serving of baked chicken casserole - 300
Total calories = 1560.
Will try to have fruit tonight. :-( again with the fruit & vegetables.
No workout. Had to leave work early to pick my kids up today, as their school closed early due to snow. Fingers crossed for tomorrow!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Menu Plan Monday
This will be a bit of an unusual week because of Thanksgiving, but I'll see what I can come up with. :-)
Lunches will be leftovers, sandwiches, fruit & nuts this week.
Dinners:
Monday - tacos
Tuesday - Italian Baked Chicken Pastina (bumped from last week)
Wednesday - White wine marinated steak
Thursday - Thanksgiving dinner with family
Friday - Chicken piccata
Saturday - Balsamic chicken with spinach risotto
Sunday - Linguine with shrimp & lemon
Lunches will be leftovers, sandwiches, fruit & nuts this week.
Dinners:
Monday - tacos
Tuesday - Italian Baked Chicken Pastina (bumped from last week)
Wednesday - White wine marinated steak
Thursday - Thanksgiving dinner with family
Friday - Chicken piccata
Saturday - Balsamic chicken with spinach risotto
Sunday - Linguine with shrimp & lemon
11/21 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
Weight - unknown. Will weigh in tomorrow.
Food:
Breakfast:
Dinner:
Total calories = 1550.
Horrible on the fruits & vegetables today.
No workout - drove home from the beach & got caught in some terrible weather. Happy to be home. :-)
Food:
Breakfast:
- scone - 200
- english muffin + laughing cow + morningstar - 200
- grilled halibut with fries & small amount of coleslaw - 800
Dinner:
- brussel sprouts - 100
- small serving of lubia polo - 250
Total calories = 1550.
Horrible on the fruits & vegetables today.
No workout - drove home from the beach & got caught in some terrible weather. Happy to be home. :-)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
11/19 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
I'm going to the beach this weekend for my mom's birthday, & I'm looking forward to relaxing!
Weight - Unknown. The boys woke me up very early this morning, so I forgot.
Food:
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner:
Total calories = 1890
Workout = 40 minutes elliptical, level 13
Weight - Unknown. The boys woke me up very early this morning, so I forgot.
Food:
Breakfast:
- 1/2 waffle + banana - 200
- non-fat latte - 100
Lunch:
- Low fat chicken salad sandwich (the deli at my gym makes them, & they are wonderful & healthy!) - 250
- pub mix - 100
Dinner:
- wine - 320
- chicken salad - 200
- hummus/veggies - 140
- Smoked salmon/cheese/crackers - 250
- 1/2 mini skinny cow ice cream - 80
- 2 cookies - 250
Total calories = 1890
Workout = 40 minutes elliptical, level 13
Thursday, November 18, 2010
11/18 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
I need a kick in the pants. I've completely lost my motivation for healthy eating, working out, & financial tracking. I can't put my finger on why or what happened, but I need to get back in gear & making things happen. I know I *can* do it, but somehow, I'm just not.
Lunch:
Total calories = 1690
Workout:
Cardio/weights - 30 minutes
Weight = 161.8
Food:
Breakfast:- 1.5 waffles (no butter) - 200
- banana - 110
- latte - 100
Lunch:
- 1 pc pizza - 200
- 1 babybel cheese - 60
- 1 truffle - 100
- 1 pear - 80. Subtotal = 850.
- chicken sandwich - 430
- Fries - 410
Total calories = 1690
Workout:
Cardio/weights - 30 minutes
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
11/17 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
Weight = 161.8
Food:
Breakfast:
Lunch:
fruits/vegetables = 1/3
No workout.
Breakfast:
- english muffin + sausage + laughing cow - 250
- coffee with milk - 20
- almonds - 80
- hummus & crackers/pretzels - 300
- pasta fagioli soup - 170
- m&ms - 150. Subtotal = 970.
- 1 2/3 pcs of pizza - 400
- edamame - 200
- pear - 80
fruits/vegetables = 1/3
No workout.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
11/16 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
Weight = 162
Food:
Breakfast:
Snack:
Total calories = 1660. Although I was hoping to keep my calories lower for the day, I'm very proud of myself that I didn't have more pizza.Normally, going to my favorite pizza place means losing all control, & tonight I reigned it in. Small steps. :-)
Breakfast:
- English muffin + 1/2 laughing cow + sausage - 240
- coffee with milk - 20
- 2 mini babybel cheese - 120
- almond - 120.
- chicken flatbread - 440
- strawberry smoothie - 170.
- 1 beer - 200
- 1 1/2 pc pizza - 350
Total calories = 1660. Although I was hoping to keep my calories lower for the day, I'm very proud of myself that I didn't have more pizza.Normally, going to my favorite pizza place means losing all control, & tonight I reigned it in. Small steps. :-)
Monday, November 15, 2010
11/15 - Fitness & Nutrition Tracking
Weight = 162.6 - at least we're headed back in the right direction.
Breakfast:
Snack:
Lunch:
Fruits/Vegetables = 1/3
Workout:
30 minute bike, level 12
Breakfast:
- english muffin + morningstar sausage + 1/2 laughing cow - 230
- 1/2 pear - 40
- coffee with milk - 20
Snack:
- granola with milk - 200
Lunch:
- Turkey sandwich & chips - 1000 (holy smokes! Looked this up after my catered lunch. Too late, apparently)
- handful of m&ms - 100
- Chicken with brussel sprouts - 400
- 1/2 glass of wine - 40
Fruits/Vegetables = 1/3
Workout:
30 minute bike, level 12
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Menu Plan Monday - 11/14
This is my first menu plan in a few weeks, & it feels good to be back on track. :-)
Lunches:
Dinners:
Lunches:
- Monday - catered meeting
- Tuesday - butternut squash risotto + fruit
- Wednesday -butternut squash risotto + fruit
- Thursday - chicken casserole + fruit + vegetables & hummus
- Friday - picking up a healthy sandwich from the gym. Will eat on the road, as I'm heading to the beach with my mom for a girls weekend. :-)
- Saturday - Out of town
- Sunday - Out of town
Dinners:
- Sunday - Salmon + butternut squash risotto (had this tonight - wasn't a fan)+ roasted vegetables
- Monday - dijon chicken with roasted brussel sprouts & possibly rice pilaf
- Tuesday - Italian Baked chicken pastina casserole (freezer)
- Wednesday -white wine marinated steak & roasted vegetables
- Thursday - Leftovers
- Friday - Out of town
- Saturday - Out of town
- Sunday - Lubia polo (from the freezer). I'm getting back home late, so I need something easy.
11/14 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
Weight = 162.8 I almost cried when i got off the scale this morning. I knew I ate out a ton over the past few weeks (traveling & training + date night last night), but didn't expect the damage to be so much. I'm super depressed. The good news is that I'm off to the gym this morning. I know it's going to take a week or so to get my weight headed back in the right direction - all I can do is focus & work hard.
Food:
Breakfast:
Fruit/Vegetables = 4/2
Workout:
60 minute elliptical, level 12
45 minute weight training
117th workout of the year (goal is 150).
Breakfast:
- 2 homemade waffles with butter - 300
- fruit - 80
- egg - 80
- pear - 80
- cashews - 80
- 1/4 quesadilla - 150
- small srvg chicken casserole - 200.
- butternut squash risotto - 400
- cosmopolitan - 200
Fruit/Vegetables = 4/2
Workout:
60 minute elliptical, level 12
45 minute weight training
117th workout of the year (goal is 150).
11/13 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
No weigh in today.
Lunch:
Total = 1640.
No workout.
Food:
Breakfast:- Egg with english muffin & 1/2 laughing cow - 230
- pomegranate - 80
- coffee with milk - 20
- 1 small piece of vegetable pizza - 150
- cashews - 80
- satuma - 35
- 1 cranberry muffin - 174
- pomegranate - 40
- 2 mini babybel cheese - 120.
- hummus with pita chips & vegetables - 150
- cosmopolitan - 180
- 1 glass of wine - 80
- edamame & salad - 300
Total = 1640.
No workout.
Friday, November 12, 2010
11/12 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
Didn't track my food today, but I don't think it was great news. However, back from my trip & training & ready to tackle things again.
Weight = 162. :-(
Full details tomorrow!!!
Weight = 162. :-(
Full details tomorrow!!!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
11/5 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
weight = 158. Hanging tough at 158, but feeling fine about it, given my lack of workouts & unhealthy food choices this week.
Food:
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Fruits/Vegetables = 2/6
Workout = 60 minutes elliptical machine, level 13. 20 minutes weight training.
Workout 113/150 for the year. Starting to get nervous on my pacing, I'm still tracking about 9% behind for the year. Even though I'm traveling next week, I can't lose my momentum this late in the year.
Breakfast:
- egg, 1/2 piece toast, 1/2 laughing cow - 210
- honeydew - 30
- coffee with milk - 20
- cashews - 150
- apple - 80
- 4 carrots & 2 tbsp hummus - 50
- homemade potato soup - 325. Subtotal = 865
- roasted brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes & carrots - 200
- 1/2 grilled cheese - 175
- a few pita chips & hummus - 150.
- Wine - 120
Fruits/Vegetables = 2/6
Workout = 60 minutes elliptical machine, level 13. 20 minutes weight training.
Workout 113/150 for the year. Starting to get nervous on my pacing, I'm still tracking about 9% behind for the year. Even though I'm traveling next week, I can't lose my momentum this late in the year.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
11/2 - Fitness & Nutritional Update
Weight = 158
Not a great day. I was in training, & had way too many snacks & overall greatly exceeded my calories. I also didn't wake up an hour early (as planned) in order to get a workout in. Tomorrow has to be a better day!
Not a great day. I was in training, & had way too many snacks & overall greatly exceeded my calories. I also didn't wake up an hour early (as planned) in order to get a workout in. Tomorrow has to be a better day!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Menu Plan Monday - 11/1 edition
Little bit of a crazy week, as I have training all week & then leave for New York on Sunday morning. I tried to prep a bunch of stuff over the weekend, so I feel a little prepared. :-)
Breakfasts:
Peanut butter banana bread
Blueberry muffins (I substituted blueberries for cranberries, but left the rest of the recipe intact)
Lunches:
I made a huge batch of potato soup, as well as red pepper hummus. I'll have the hummus with carrots & celery, and add in fruit & nuts to round out my meals.
Breakfasts:
Peanut butter banana bread
Blueberry muffins (I substituted blueberries for cranberries, but left the rest of the recipe intact)
Lunches:
I made a huge batch of potato soup, as well as red pepper hummus. I'll have the hummus with carrots & celery, and add in fruit & nuts to round out my meals.
- Monday - Crunchy parmesan chicken tenders (excellent & extremely kid-friendly) + noodles tossed with fresh tomato sauce (from the freezer) & shaved parmesan
- Tuesday - Italian baked chicken & pastina casserole. Extremely easy & tasty - made it on Saturday.
- Wednesday - White wine marinated steak with mashed potatoes
- Thursday - Lubia polo (from the freezer)
- Friday - Cider glazed chicken with brown butter pecan rice
- Saturday - Date night!
- Sunday - I'm traveling. M & the kids will either have leftover, or go out for Greek food. Their favorite. :-)
10/31 - Fitness & Nutrition Update
Weight = 158
Food:
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Total calories = 1820
Fruits/Vegetables = 2/4
Workout:
40 minutes on the elliptical machine, level 12
15 minutes of strength training.
Workout 112/150 for the year. 74.6% of the way to my goal, with 83% of the year elapsed.
Breakfast:
- coffee with milk - 20
- pineapple & yogurt - 50
- breakfast sandwich with turkey bacon & egg - 350
- ceasar salad (no dressing) - 200
- 2 pc halloween candy - 60
- tastes of soup, muffins, etc - 120
- 1 pc banana bread - 200.
- chicken & tomato pasta casserole - 400
- cosmopolitan - 120
- candy - 300
Total calories = 1820
Fruits/Vegetables = 2/4
40 minutes on the elliptical machine, level 12
15 minutes of strength training.
Workout 112/150 for the year. 74.6% of the way to my goal, with 83% of the year elapsed.
11/1 - Fitness & nutrition update
Weight = 158. I'm frustrated. Now, I have to figure out what to do about it. More on that shortly.
Food:
Breakfast:
Total = 1900.
Fruit/Vegetables = 1/4. Again, with the fruit.
Food:
Breakfast:
- Coffee with milk - 20
- English muffin with laughing cow & egg - 230
- 1 piece banana bread - 150
- potato leek soup + 1/2 turkey sandwich + chips + bread - 900
- cosmopolitan - 200
- 2 chicken tenders + pasta with tomato sauce (small portion) - 400
Total = 1900.
Fruit/Vegetables = 1/4. Again, with the fruit.
I have a seriously crazy schedule the next two weeks, & I need to make working out & eating well a priority. It's critical that I don't let these next two weeks get away without progress.
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