I cannot believe how negligent I have been to my blog and my diet and my budget for the past 3 or 4 weeks. Life gets in the way some times and I am currently enthralled in a new job. It is the busiest I have ever been in any job I have ever had, but I am incredibly happy with it.
What is interesting is that being happy leads me to overeat just as much as being sad does, clearly I am an emotional eater and not a stress eater, any emotion produces a desire to eat in me.
I have managed not to gain any weight by working my butt (literally) off at the gym and an upcoming high school reunion has spurred me into high gear in hopes of shedding a pound or two in the next 3 weeks.
When I started this blog, nearly a year ago (yikes), it was all about focus and that is my priority right now. I need to find focus amidst the madness, get back on track and take the time I need to keep my blog and my budget and my diet a priority.
I will be back on a regular basis very soon!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Girl Meets Grill
In a couple weeks I am going to be house-sitting for my parents while they drive around Atlantic Canada. This means having a huge house and yard (with garden) to myself for 10 days.
One of the things I am most looking forward to is grilling. While I have attempted the grill pan here in the city nothing beats cooking outside over an open flame.
Grilling is a very healthy way to cook as most of the fat cooks off and drips off so it is not reabsorbed in the food.
With the holiday weekend just passed a lot of articles on grilling were floating around. I liked this one which talked about grilling diversity. While I love a good hamburger or sausage on the grill I am always looking for something unique and healthy.
What do you grill that you think is pretty special?
One of the things I am most looking forward to is grilling. While I have attempted the grill pan here in the city nothing beats cooking outside over an open flame.
Grilling is a very healthy way to cook as most of the fat cooks off and drips off so it is not reabsorbed in the food.
With the holiday weekend just passed a lot of articles on grilling were floating around. I liked this one which talked about grilling diversity. While I love a good hamburger or sausage on the grill I am always looking for something unique and healthy.
What do you grill that you think is pretty special?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
I'm No Yogi, And I Think I Have a Boo-Boo
So last night was yoga class number 1. Now I realize there are lots of different kinds of yoga, the class I chose was taught by someone who practices contortionist yoga. I have pain in places I didn't know existed before.
It was interesting because it was physically challenging in a different way. I am getting fitter by the day, I can run for short periods of time now, I am strong. Balance and flexibility are low on my fitness chart though, which is why I decided on yoga.
One of the things I like about yoga is it is easy to track your progress: this week I could not get my foot behind my head, but maybe next week!
I also spent so much time worried I would hurt and/or embarrass myself that I don't think I was tuned in to the spiritual side of the yoga. I totally accept the spiritual side, I do think we are one with the elements, but I was much more concerned about sliding out of Downward Facing Dog and breaking my face.
I bought a Bloomspot coupon for 10 classes for $30, which is a great deal. I used gift money for it so it was a treat and not a huge investment in trying something challenging and new. I will go back next week, maybe it won't hurt so much...
It was interesting because it was physically challenging in a different way. I am getting fitter by the day, I can run for short periods of time now, I am strong. Balance and flexibility are low on my fitness chart though, which is why I decided on yoga.
One of the things I like about yoga is it is easy to track your progress: this week I could not get my foot behind my head, but maybe next week!
I also spent so much time worried I would hurt and/or embarrass myself that I don't think I was tuned in to the spiritual side of the yoga. I totally accept the spiritual side, I do think we are one with the elements, but I was much more concerned about sliding out of Downward Facing Dog and breaking my face.
I bought a Bloomspot coupon for 10 classes for $30, which is a great deal. I used gift money for it so it was a treat and not a huge investment in trying something challenging and new. I will go back next week, maybe it won't hurt so much...
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Mini Size Me
The basic principal of capitalist economics is supply and demand. If people want it, they will pay for it. And while the country is struggling to recover economically I am not the only person who is willing to pay more for less.
This article was on the financial page of Yahoo yesterday. It is a financial analysis of the mini size trend in restaurants.
I have said this before: I am more than willing to spend more money to help control my eating. If the Super Size portion costs less per ounce I cannot get it and just eat a Mini Size amount, I will eat it all.
I love the mini size trend, particularly in desserts. Restaurant desserts have always been over sized and over priced. I am willing to pay half as much for something a quarter of the original size. I know that might seem like a rip-off, but technically I am still spending less.
There is no way I am going to become someone who doesn't eat dessert. Having options like mini Blizzards and cupcakes make this much easier. I can have my cake and eat it to without massive regret.
This article was on the financial page of Yahoo yesterday. It is a financial analysis of the mini size trend in restaurants.
I have said this before: I am more than willing to spend more money to help control my eating. If the Super Size portion costs less per ounce I cannot get it and just eat a Mini Size amount, I will eat it all.
I love the mini size trend, particularly in desserts. Restaurant desserts have always been over sized and over priced. I am willing to pay half as much for something a quarter of the original size. I know that might seem like a rip-off, but technically I am still spending less.
There is no way I am going to become someone who doesn't eat dessert. Having options like mini Blizzards and cupcakes make this much easier. I can have my cake and eat it to without massive regret.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Farmer's Markets Opening
I saw a sign last night that the Farmer's Market at the Prudential is open. Thursdays from 11 - 6 on the Boylston St. side for you Bostonians. It is a fairly small market, but the vendors are nice and it usually isn't too crowded.
There is a bigger one just down the street in Copley Square on Tuesdays and Fridays. That one has already been open a week.
Cambridge/Somerville Folks: both Central and Davis Square markets open this week.
Here is a cool website with info. Use the Find button to search by region, town or days of the week.
I am so excited for fresh produce as I really need to up my veggie intake. Bring on tender locally grown lettuce!
There is a bigger one just down the street in Copley Square on Tuesdays and Fridays. That one has already been open a week.
Cambridge/Somerville Folks: both Central and Davis Square markets open this week.
Here is a cool website with info. Use the Find button to search by region, town or days of the week.
I am so excited for fresh produce as I really need to up my veggie intake. Bring on tender locally grown lettuce!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Feeling Secure
I apologize for the brief hiatus, but sometimes life gets in the way of blogging and the past 10 days have been chock full of life, some good and some bad. The good involved a business trip that resulted in a new sense of financial security.
Those of you that know me understand how insecure my financial life has been the past few years. Like way too many people in this country my job has been in jeopardy and my salary cut significantly and threatened again and again. I know I am not alone in this, but as a single person with barely any savings it led to huge anxiety.
I left my business meeting on Thursday with a solid position and salary commensurate to what I make now. While there was no raise there is much better guarantee that the money will not be cut in the future. This allows me to maintain the budget that I have established this year and that is working quite well for me.
Also, since this is straight salary and not a commission-based salary there is room for merit raises in the future.
I had not realized how much of my life I was suspending in fear of another pay cut (or worse). I have spent the past few days wondering which of the adult ed classes I am going to take and stopped worrying about my lease renewal. I feel free in a way I haven't in years but I have to work very hard to rein in that freedom to not overspend out of relief. I need to channel all the good feelings into focus for the diet...
Those of you that know me understand how insecure my financial life has been the past few years. Like way too many people in this country my job has been in jeopardy and my salary cut significantly and threatened again and again. I know I am not alone in this, but as a single person with barely any savings it led to huge anxiety.
I left my business meeting on Thursday with a solid position and salary commensurate to what I make now. While there was no raise there is much better guarantee that the money will not be cut in the future. This allows me to maintain the budget that I have established this year and that is working quite well for me.
Also, since this is straight salary and not a commission-based salary there is room for merit raises in the future.
I had not realized how much of my life I was suspending in fear of another pay cut (or worse). I have spent the past few days wondering which of the adult ed classes I am going to take and stopped worrying about my lease renewal. I feel free in a way I haven't in years but I have to work very hard to rein in that freedom to not overspend out of relief. I need to channel all the good feelings into focus for the diet...
Monday, May 16, 2011
Blog Hiatus
Hello All! Life has gotten in the way of blogging again. I am taking a short break and will be back with all new blog posts on Monday 5/23. Take Care!
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