It's laundry time! Why am I online shopping? Who knows really. I think my body shops as a biological impulse. Inherited obviously- y'all do know Mamma Kay, right? Even if I don't buy anything I love online shopping. When I need a quick break at work I online shop. Just to see what's out there :)
I do need to get my booty in gear and do some laundry! James & I have decided to avoid ending our marriage in that weird stage of "could this count as an annulment it was so short" that we do our own laundry. James does three loads of laundry once a week- lights, darks & towels/miscellaneous items. The first time I saw this it FREAKED ME OUT! (When I met James he paid the dry cleaners to launder all his clothes. True story.) I probably wash 20 different loads of laundry... I do separate clothes in the hamper by white/neutrals, cools/darks, warm/pinks. But when it comes time to do laundry I wash my delicate cool/darks, then the everyday clothes, then the jeans, I wash sweaters by them selves, bras by them selves. Lululemon by itself (I think this flabbergasts James the most). Occasionally I'll get so tired after vacation that I will wash swimming-suits with Lulu, but those lapses in judgement are very rare. I need a chart to explain it to anyone. Due to the intricacies of my laundering habits it takes me a good month or two to accumulate enough in various categories to have a full load of laundry. Hence the separate laundry truce of 2012.
I need to wash my Spanx! Because James & I are going on a very special date this weekend :) We hit a milestone of being completely out of consumer debt! This was one of the first goals we made when we got married - to be done with debt before our first anniversary. We still have car, student loans & house left, and will probably start our next phase of getting out of debt soon but we are taking a night to CELEBRATE! I guess it's good that two people who work in finance are out of debt! Haha. Thank goodness for James, because I am not good at sticking to a budget. And I love shopping. (see first paragraph)
I was talking to a friend who was nervous about starting to get her finances in order. It's exactly like losing weight. Everyone knows how to (eat less/spend less + exercise/save more + choose quality = progress) not everyone has self discipline. I had a bad habit in college/grad school of falling in love with a pair of shoes I couldn't afford. Buying them. Then eating OATMEAL three times a day until my next paycheck. Like it takes a rocket scientist to figure out that's not healthy.
Anyways I digress.... My neutral Spanx/ neutral bras are done in the washing machine! Time to line dry! I am so looking forward to our date night! I probably need a new outfit!!! :-D
Showing posts with label self-discipline. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self-discipline. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 19
Sunday, May 5
Stream of Consiousness
Forgive me. Sometimes not being organized is just right.
A few months ago I read "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg. Key points came back to me today as I was traveling for work. I am a very habitual traveler. From the amount of time I like to be at the airport: 90 minutes, to my routine after security: bathroom, Starbucks, wait at the gate, bathroom right before boarding. I even realized that on my work trips I take the same flight to arrive at 2pm, drive one hour to the Premium Outlet Mall & power walk around until dark or closing. One key point the book makes is that every habit has a "trigger" that you have learned automatically to respond to. If you are looking to change a habit identifying that trigger is the first place to start. I was having a hard time with making unhealthy food impulse buys. I would ask James if we could eat at McAlister's so I can get a salad but then when the girl asks for my order I'm blurting out "FRENCH DIP!" ... I think it is unfair to say that I've struggled with weight. I lost a lot of weight with Weight Watchers, I just have hit a plateau that I can't seem to get off of. I know it is the impulse food choices. And not being more diligent about working out. I was pondering this on the plane when I was thinking about my travel habits & I was reliving a recent experience - going to Starbucks to get a hot tea & then blurting out "GRANDE DIRTY CHAI" ... Who said that? Ugh. As the book suggested I was re-playing the event in my mind looking for clues. I think I might have stumbled on a big trigger. I think when I have poor posture I make poor decisions. My unintentional Starbucks order came in the struggle of being saddled by bags, rain coat, etc. I realized about a month ago that my once complimented posture was gone. Making an effort to have excellent posture ripples out to the rest of life. I tested out my new trigger on the plane. When the flight attendant was taking drink orders I made a point to sit up straight & say to myself "you are the kind of woman who sits up straight because she takes care of herself" I had a momentary falter in self-discipline when the person in front of me ordered Dr.P. But I LOVE DR. PEPPER! I WANT DR. PEPPER! I HAVE A DRINK TICKET, I WANT A CORONA! IT'S CINCO! I managed to keep that crazy lady inside my head & repeat my little mantra. What do you know, nothing crazy came out of my mouth & I was able to say "Club soda with lime." No regrets on my order. If my brain is so smart why hasn't it learned that I don't regret good food choices? Why does it keep screaming Dr. Pepper at me? I was on a roll. When I landed in Philly I got a drink for the drive (wish I had taken a picture of the label so I could find it again) sparkling water with juice. I power-walked tall around the outlet mall. Because that's what healthy me does. There is a fab salad place in the food court, which is what I had for dinner. I again had to steel myself at the register for not ordering a sugary drink. It's crazy that one tiny thing can have an impact on bigger things. We'll have to see if this works or if this is a fluke for today only. What's the worst that can happen? I stand up straighter?
The great Wen-xperiment has begun.
First time using it my impressions were:
1) It would be nice to only have to buy one product & not get irritated that I can never use shampoo at the same pace as conditioner
2) These directions are crazy! Does this really need to be a 10 step process?
3) Smells nice.
4) After my hair air dried it was very soft, ends a little frizzy, roots looked ok but felt a little gummy
Second time impressions:
1) Ditto
2) OKOK I'll take the step "1-3 minutes of vigorous massage" more seriously
3) I'll use more at the end as a leave-in conditioner
4) After my hair air dried it was still very soft, little less frizzy, roots felt like fresh washed hair! Guess the extra massage did the trick ;)
I guess I am loving it because I defiantly poured out travel shampoo to take Wen with me!
As I ate my lovely salad in my brand new Holiday Inn Express room (I should make a joke but I hate how cheesy their commercials are & then I'd be one of them), I found old Sex & the City reruns on the Style network! I watched the episode where Carrie won't marry Aidan & they breakup. Really made me miss James. He is such a sweetheart. When you live with your best friend it's hard to be away from them for a week! Maybe the shopping without his comments about saving money will make up for it a little ;)
And it's Cinco de Mayo & I'm alone in a hotel room business center. With a salad. Where are the margaritas? Where's the party? How is it almost 9 pm already???? For anyone out there drinking a margarita right now, please drink up for me.
A few months ago I read "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg. Key points came back to me today as I was traveling for work. I am a very habitual traveler. From the amount of time I like to be at the airport: 90 minutes, to my routine after security: bathroom, Starbucks, wait at the gate, bathroom right before boarding. I even realized that on my work trips I take the same flight to arrive at 2pm, drive one hour to the Premium Outlet Mall & power walk around until dark or closing. One key point the book makes is that every habit has a "trigger" that you have learned automatically to respond to. If you are looking to change a habit identifying that trigger is the first place to start. I was having a hard time with making unhealthy food impulse buys. I would ask James if we could eat at McAlister's so I can get a salad but then when the girl asks for my order I'm blurting out "FRENCH DIP!" ... I think it is unfair to say that I've struggled with weight. I lost a lot of weight with Weight Watchers, I just have hit a plateau that I can't seem to get off of. I know it is the impulse food choices. And not being more diligent about working out. I was pondering this on the plane when I was thinking about my travel habits & I was reliving a recent experience - going to Starbucks to get a hot tea & then blurting out "GRANDE DIRTY CHAI" ... Who said that? Ugh. As the book suggested I was re-playing the event in my mind looking for clues. I think I might have stumbled on a big trigger. I think when I have poor posture I make poor decisions. My unintentional Starbucks order came in the struggle of being saddled by bags, rain coat, etc. I realized about a month ago that my once complimented posture was gone. Making an effort to have excellent posture ripples out to the rest of life. I tested out my new trigger on the plane. When the flight attendant was taking drink orders I made a point to sit up straight & say to myself "you are the kind of woman who sits up straight because she takes care of herself" I had a momentary falter in self-discipline when the person in front of me ordered Dr.P. But I LOVE DR. PEPPER! I WANT DR. PEPPER! I HAVE A DRINK TICKET, I WANT A CORONA! IT'S CINCO! I managed to keep that crazy lady inside my head & repeat my little mantra. What do you know, nothing crazy came out of my mouth & I was able to say "Club soda with lime." No regrets on my order. If my brain is so smart why hasn't it learned that I don't regret good food choices? Why does it keep screaming Dr. Pepper at me? I was on a roll. When I landed in Philly I got a drink for the drive (wish I had taken a picture of the label so I could find it again) sparkling water with juice. I power-walked tall around the outlet mall. Because that's what healthy me does. There is a fab salad place in the food court, which is what I had for dinner. I again had to steel myself at the register for not ordering a sugary drink. It's crazy that one tiny thing can have an impact on bigger things. We'll have to see if this works or if this is a fluke for today only. What's the worst that can happen? I stand up straighter?
The great Wen-xperiment has begun.
First time using it my impressions were:
1) It would be nice to only have to buy one product & not get irritated that I can never use shampoo at the same pace as conditioner
2) These directions are crazy! Does this really need to be a 10 step process?
3) Smells nice.
4) After my hair air dried it was very soft, ends a little frizzy, roots looked ok but felt a little gummy
Second time impressions:
1) Ditto
2) OKOK I'll take the step "1-3 minutes of vigorous massage" more seriously
3) I'll use more at the end as a leave-in conditioner
4) After my hair air dried it was still very soft, little less frizzy, roots felt like fresh washed hair! Guess the extra massage did the trick ;)
I guess I am loving it because I defiantly poured out travel shampoo to take Wen with me!
As I ate my lovely salad in my brand new Holiday Inn Express room (I should make a joke but I hate how cheesy their commercials are & then I'd be one of them), I found old Sex & the City reruns on the Style network! I watched the episode where Carrie won't marry Aidan & they breakup. Really made me miss James. He is such a sweetheart. When you live with your best friend it's hard to be away from them for a week! Maybe the shopping without his comments about saving money will make up for it a little ;)
And it's Cinco de Mayo & I'm alone in a hotel room business center. With a salad. Where are the margaritas? Where's the party? How is it almost 9 pm already???? For anyone out there drinking a margarita right now, please drink up for me.
Tuesday, March 12
To Block or Not to Block?
I read a guest blog post by a childhood friend of mine that has been haunting me...
"The Truth About Your Relationship Status" by Andrea Lucado (her blog here)
It is a great post geared toward being content with your worth to the Lord regardless of relationship status.
Overall good read... check it out.
The part that got me was when she challenged us to block or hide the girl on our news feed who causes us to feel jealous or insecure. Wow. That's been rolling around in my brain for the last few days. Crazy because the exact person popped in my head as I was reading it. We went to college together and had a lot of classes together, although she was in the popular/rich girl sorority. And every picture on Facebook has way too much makeup, expertly applied, perfect hair. Basically I would have to live in Sephora & have the entire staff touch up my makeup through the day to come close. Every item of clothing is designer, this season, how many LV purses does she own? More than my student loans? And she has a gorgeous house... Pictures of drinks at all the it places to be. Really? It's exhausting me to see all the pictures.
Why do we let people like that taunt us? Feel insecure? Or angry at the have-nots?
Maybe all of Facebook is fake. That would be nice because it's so annoying. And addicting.
So..... to block her or not to block her????
(Sorry to any of you if my pics of food on dates or flowers James buys me affect you negatively.)
"The Truth About Your Relationship Status" by Andrea Lucado (her blog here)
It is a great post geared toward being content with your worth to the Lord regardless of relationship status.
Overall good read... check it out.
The part that got me was when she challenged us to block or hide the girl on our news feed who causes us to feel jealous or insecure. Wow. That's been rolling around in my brain for the last few days. Crazy because the exact person popped in my head as I was reading it. We went to college together and had a lot of classes together, although she was in the popular/rich girl sorority. And every picture on Facebook has way too much makeup, expertly applied, perfect hair. Basically I would have to live in Sephora & have the entire staff touch up my makeup through the day to come close. Every item of clothing is designer, this season, how many LV purses does she own? More than my student loans? And she has a gorgeous house... Pictures of drinks at all the it places to be. Really? It's exhausting me to see all the pictures.
Why do we let people like that taunt us? Feel insecure? Or angry at the have-nots?
Maybe all of Facebook is fake. That would be nice because it's so annoying. And addicting.
So..... to block her or not to block her????
(Sorry to any of you if my pics of food on dates or flowers James buys me affect you negatively.)
Thursday, February 28
Outside Beauty
I sit carefully combing the contents of my Birchbox & Glossybox. James is staring at me like I'm from Mars & after the 500th "what's that?" he gives up. I am thus informed with the costs of my monthly subscription to both beauty boxes I could have a Waterway membership. Right.... like I'm going to spend more money washing my car than my face. Nice try husband.
One of my mini-resolutions or Daily Goals for a Fabulous 2013 is to do my hair & makeup on the same day. I was sharing this at our church Community Group & a lady there was genuinely confused about what I meant by "hair and makeup on the same day," I couldn't tell if she was horrified or never though to try it... Oh well. I will say that is an easy one, and one of my Daily Goals that I reach for a lot. I've realized through getting married last year & getting 'dolled up' for all those photographs how I've let my Texas-self slip & embraces the Mid-West philosophy. Mamma Kay says Missouri is the perfect place for tomboys. I really do enjoy feeling put together and feeling good about myself. I think there was a time (years) where my philosophy was 1) Sleep in more 2) I don't work with my boyfriend/fiancee/husband anyways so who cares what the men at work think 3) Don't look too young/trendy or it will diminish your credibility at a financial firm 4) It's below freezing you're glad I'm at work ... You get the picture. (No I'm not going to show you a picture. Ew.)
But we are on our way to a Fabulous 2013! I will say that the entrance of the "sock bun" to my life is amazing. I don't use a sock bun, I use a Pinterest tutorial where you tease the pony tail slightly. It's not as big. Not as trendy. Perfect for work! Who am I kidding... the soul mate of second-day dry-shampoo hair :)
I am also watching more tutorials on line to get inspiration & ideas. Here are some of my favs:
I also want to put together an easy 5 or 10 minute makeup routine for when it's my turn to be at work at 7 am. Today was one of those days. I did not wear makeup, just did my faux-sock bun. Resolution fail. (Good thing I accomplished 3 things on my Daily Goals list, so I'm not a complete failure!) I won't say who ~ but one beauty blog did a "5 minute makeup tutorial" & it started with, "Ok I've already moisturized, primed, put on foundation & concealer. Let's get started!" and I was all oh heeeeell no honey you cheated. But really, if there is a 5 minute makeup routine I need to find it. Maybe that's the holy grail of internet tutorials. At least Estee Lauder BB cream saves my life every day!
I did go to Dillard's for the Estee Lauder & Lilly Pulitzer GIFT WITH PURCHASE!!! I haven't bought a department store GWP since college when I only wore Clinique!! #tbt
Look at all these lovelies....
One of my mini-resolutions or Daily Goals for a Fabulous 2013 is to do my hair & makeup on the same day. I was sharing this at our church Community Group & a lady there was genuinely confused about what I meant by "hair and makeup on the same day," I couldn't tell if she was horrified or never though to try it... Oh well. I will say that is an easy one, and one of my Daily Goals that I reach for a lot. I've realized through getting married last year & getting 'dolled up' for all those photographs how I've let my Texas-self slip & embraces the Mid-West philosophy. Mamma Kay says Missouri is the perfect place for tomboys. I really do enjoy feeling put together and feeling good about myself. I think there was a time (years) where my philosophy was 1) Sleep in more 2) I don't work with my boyfriend/fiancee/husband anyways so who cares what the men at work think 3) Don't look too young/trendy or it will diminish your credibility at a financial firm 4) It's below freezing you're glad I'm at work ... You get the picture. (No I'm not going to show you a picture. Ew.)
But we are on our way to a Fabulous 2013! I will say that the entrance of the "sock bun" to my life is amazing. I don't use a sock bun, I use a Pinterest tutorial where you tease the pony tail slightly. It's not as big. Not as trendy. Perfect for work! Who am I kidding... the soul mate of second-day dry-shampoo hair :)
I am also watching more tutorials on line to get inspiration & ideas. Here are some of my favs:
I also want to put together an easy 5 or 10 minute makeup routine for when it's my turn to be at work at 7 am. Today was one of those days. I did not wear makeup, just did my faux-sock bun. Resolution fail. (Good thing I accomplished 3 things on my Daily Goals list, so I'm not a complete failure!) I won't say who ~ but one beauty blog did a "5 minute makeup tutorial" & it started with, "Ok I've already moisturized, primed, put on foundation & concealer. Let's get started!" and I was all oh heeeeell no honey you cheated. But really, if there is a 5 minute makeup routine I need to find it. Maybe that's the holy grail of internet tutorials. At least Estee Lauder BB cream saves my life every day!
I did go to Dillard's for the Estee Lauder & Lilly Pulitzer GIFT WITH PURCHASE!!! I haven't bought a department store GWP since college when I only wore Clinique!! #tbt
Look at all these lovelies....
Picture from Dillard's email. GWP info @ Dillard's!
Wednesday, January 2
New Years ~ Down to Business
As someone who loves change I am very excited about the New Year! Seriously~ it has "new" in the name, so it must be a great opportunity for some excitement :)
I've been thinking a lot about New Years & resolutions... Having spent several years as a professional coach I can't help but critique many resolutions. They aren't in the SMART format!!!! I sadly can remember the percentage chance of an unspecific goal's chances of achievement (not high). Luckily I keep those thoughts to myself so my co-workers still talk to me :)
For 2013 and what it has in store for me I am excited, hopeful, and ready to hit the ground running. I only have two resolutions (more than 3 goals at a time have a 10 times less chance of being achieved) - one couples resolution & one solo resolution.
1) James & I have decided to be consumer-debt free by November and have $5k in emergency money set aside. Not sure if that's the technical term, but we are paying off all of our credit cards, medical debt, lingering moving debt, Jackie debt, etc. We started the budget to accommodate this a few months ago (to make sure it was feasible), and although it is a stretch we are making it happen. This is extremely important to us as we try to live beneath our means, be fiscally responsible & good stewards. I won't sugar coat it. It does pinch. I went from (pre-wedding) spending whatever I wanted on make-up or clothes or pretty things at Target to being on a strict budget for non-essential items. I am becoming best friends with makeup at CVS & love their "you'll-love-it-guarantee" for beauty products!! I am also becoming better acquainted with only buying things on sale, Forever 21, etc. (Don't worry about me, we are spending what we need to on food) This is a great "building of character" as Dad is fond of saying, and I know it will benefit in the long run. It is challenging though not to covet other people. Like being on a diet & hating everyone you see eating dessert! I will need to pray about this. A LOT! Especially when I visit some blogs that I love & see girls younger than me giving "outfit" ideas and they have 8 LV bags or a giant Chanel tote or 10 David Yurman bracelets... really? Do you really want to help others with style suggestions or just brag about your closet? (see this is hungry-angry dieter coming out) I know starting a marriage on good financial ground is so much more important than having designer shoes by the hundreds. But human nature keeps pestering me!
2) On a personal note, I am deciding to practice more self-discipline. I find myself saying that I will do a lot more things than I actually do. This irritates me greatly! :) First, I am going to start by thinking about what I say I am going to do before saying "yes". Make sure that I really do have time on Saturday to go to the office & catch up on work or meet a friend for a pedicure or volunteer. I tend to think a lot of things are fun, but don't realize that working 40+ hours a week, cleaning house & taking care of a husband take a lot of work & time. I am frequently exhausted & bail on things I've said I am going to do. I need to take better care of myself nutritionally so I have the energy for important things in life. I need to stop eating James' frosted mini wheats because I forgot to buy breakfast. I need to stop telling myself "I'm going to eat a salad" then leaving the cafeteria with nachos & Dr. Pepper. In addition to being more selective & better fueling my body, I am going to ask James to keep me accountable to following through once I do commit to doing something. In our kitchen we have a calendar where we write down work schedules, trips, extracurricular activities, etc. For this year if I bail on something instead of erase it I will mark through it - a visual reminder that I did not practice enough self-discipline. Yikes! I used to be known for having lots of self-discipline, I think dealing with depression several years ago was a setback, then as I was healing I had the attitude "So I didn't work out like I said I was going to, but I took a shower & went to the grocery store in the same day, that's a BIG improvement." As I was healing that was true. But that is not me. It is time for me to stop giving my self a break & justifying that sort of behavior. Please pray for me, I will need lots of strength to continue to grow as a person this year.
I am so thankful for everyone dear to my heart. Thank you for being there for me. I wish you & your family blessings this upcoming year! Let me know if I can help you in any way!
I've been thinking a lot about New Years & resolutions... Having spent several years as a professional coach I can't help but critique many resolutions. They aren't in the SMART format!!!! I sadly can remember the percentage chance of an unspecific goal's chances of achievement (not high). Luckily I keep those thoughts to myself so my co-workers still talk to me :)
For 2013 and what it has in store for me I am excited, hopeful, and ready to hit the ground running. I only have two resolutions (more than 3 goals at a time have a 10 times less chance of being achieved) - one couples resolution & one solo resolution.
1) James & I have decided to be consumer-debt free by November and have $5k in emergency money set aside. Not sure if that's the technical term, but we are paying off all of our credit cards, medical debt, lingering moving debt, Jackie debt, etc. We started the budget to accommodate this a few months ago (to make sure it was feasible), and although it is a stretch we are making it happen. This is extremely important to us as we try to live beneath our means, be fiscally responsible & good stewards. I won't sugar coat it. It does pinch. I went from (pre-wedding) spending whatever I wanted on make-up or clothes or pretty things at Target to being on a strict budget for non-essential items. I am becoming best friends with makeup at CVS & love their "you'll-love-it-guarantee" for beauty products!! I am also becoming better acquainted with only buying things on sale, Forever 21, etc. (Don't worry about me, we are spending what we need to on food) This is a great "building of character" as Dad is fond of saying, and I know it will benefit in the long run. It is challenging though not to covet other people. Like being on a diet & hating everyone you see eating dessert! I will need to pray about this. A LOT! Especially when I visit some blogs that I love & see girls younger than me giving "outfit" ideas and they have 8 LV bags or a giant Chanel tote or 10 David Yurman bracelets... really? Do you really want to help others with style suggestions or just brag about your closet? (see this is hungry-angry dieter coming out) I know starting a marriage on good financial ground is so much more important than having designer shoes by the hundreds. But human nature keeps pestering me!
2) On a personal note, I am deciding to practice more self-discipline. I find myself saying that I will do a lot more things than I actually do. This irritates me greatly! :) First, I am going to start by thinking about what I say I am going to do before saying "yes". Make sure that I really do have time on Saturday to go to the office & catch up on work or meet a friend for a pedicure or volunteer. I tend to think a lot of things are fun, but don't realize that working 40+ hours a week, cleaning house & taking care of a husband take a lot of work & time. I am frequently exhausted & bail on things I've said I am going to do. I need to take better care of myself nutritionally so I have the energy for important things in life. I need to stop eating James' frosted mini wheats because I forgot to buy breakfast. I need to stop telling myself "I'm going to eat a salad" then leaving the cafeteria with nachos & Dr. Pepper. In addition to being more selective & better fueling my body, I am going to ask James to keep me accountable to following through once I do commit to doing something. In our kitchen we have a calendar where we write down work schedules, trips, extracurricular activities, etc. For this year if I bail on something instead of erase it I will mark through it - a visual reminder that I did not practice enough self-discipline. Yikes! I used to be known for having lots of self-discipline, I think dealing with depression several years ago was a setback, then as I was healing I had the attitude "So I didn't work out like I said I was going to, but I took a shower & went to the grocery store in the same day, that's a BIG improvement." As I was healing that was true. But that is not me. It is time for me to stop giving my self a break & justifying that sort of behavior. Please pray for me, I will need lots of strength to continue to grow as a person this year.
I am so thankful for everyone dear to my heart. Thank you for being there for me. I wish you & your family blessings this upcoming year! Let me know if I can help you in any way!
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