budgets and buzz kills

Budgets are something I've thought about a lot. I've never be too successful with them, yet I know exactly how to create a good one. Make sense? No, it doesn't. 

With Sam and I's recent job changes, we've been forced to implement pretty strict changes in our spending. Those changes could also be classified as "buzz kills." After a few weeks of monitoring (and cutting back), we've realized how things add up and determined what's worth it and what's not. 

So, in the spirit of budgets, I've come up with a list of what's worth skipping these days to save some cash (and ultimately pay our bills...): 

(1) Dining out. I'm trying to live by the new rule that if we can make it at home, it's most certainly not something we should spend money on right now. We've successfully eaten at home about 90 percent of the time in the last couple months, which is exponentially higher than it ever was in the past. Now that I've brought my lunch nearly every day since starting my new job, I've found that I've built a good habit and don't crave dining out as often as I used to. Baby steps!

(2) Snacks on snacks on snacks. Honestly, snacks are so expensive. We used to keep a lot of random things on hand - granola bars, several types of chips, crackers, hummus, etc. - and, often times, some of it would go bad before it got completely eaten. But now, I've avoided the snack section at Sam's Club and simplified to having fewer options on hand that I know we'll eat.

(3) Soda and Starbucks drinks. Partly because of yoga and partly because I feel guilty spending money, I've cut back a lot on drinking anything other than milk and water. Do I really need a Mountain Dew? Do I really need that delicious iced green tea lemonade? Unfortunately, the answer is no. That's not to say I don't treat myself here and there, but I tend to go for the free option (a can of soda at work) instead of the $4 option at Starbucks.

(4) Shopping and impulse buys. It might be on sale, and it might be ridiculously cheap, but I must walk away. No more random shopping sprees for this girl. It kills me a little inside, but what I make at my second job is what I have to spend on my fun-stuff. So, it's all dictated by what those checks amount to and what's left after my monthly yoga membership. It's working out so far... and, dare I say, I don't seem to be missing it TOO badly.

(5) Miscellaneous Services. No more threading my eyebrows regularly. No more car washes. No more manicures or pedicures every month. You get the picture. If I can do it myself, I should.

Wow. Just writing that out was a buzz kill. It's been a house of "no" lately, but it's also been a positive thing. It's good to be cutting off habits that in the long-term would be damaging to our wallets. I also think I'm appreciating things much more. When I do get to buy something while shopping, it's a treat. When we do grab dinner out, it's a treat. It's good.

Just another challenge I've signed up for - except it will last much longer than 30 days.

adopting the “hey, it’s ok!” mentality

Recently I came to the realization that I had been living a distracted life in which I felt the need to account for every minute of every day. No time for breaks, just checking things off. Constantly.

And, no matter how I sliced it, or how well I multi-tasked, I still found myself far behind. There was never a day long enough to catch me up. My thoughts and actions were controlled by to-do lists, email notifications, and a jam-packed agenda. In my brain, everything was stamped with big red letters spelling “URGENT,” making me think it just couldn’t wait. I was always in a hurry. 

In short, my task-driven nature had become a problem rather than an ideal trait, and I needed to relax.

Living a distracted life gives you tunnel vision – you only see (and focus on) what’s next. There were very few “savoring the moment” moments or no-plan days, and it was nobody’s fault but my own.

Living life in a hurry is no way to live.

Today, I’m making a promise to myself to let go a bit. Slow down a little more. Enjoy things every day. Prioritize better. And adopt the “hey, it’s ok!” mentality when something isn’t done just as I want it to be done, exactly when I think it needs to be done.

Imagine all the little voices in my head whispering “hey, it’s OK!” phrases to me all day:

“Hey, it’s OK if there are some dirty dishes in the sink.”

“Hey, it’s OK if the house is messy just a little bit longer.”

“Hey, it’s OK to put my phone away for the evening.”

“Hey, it’s OK to sit on the couch all day today.”

“Hey… it’s OK! … Seriously, it’s OK!”

Today, I’m stepping back and telling myself that it’s OK. No more tunnel vision. No more distracted living, because I want to be 100 percent present wherever I am. 

just me and my mat

For a few weeks I've gotten myself acquainted with hot yoga classes. It's something I've talked about doing for what feels like years but had not given in until I had the time (and energy) in between jobs. I tell you what ... it's as good as everyone says it is. 

So good, in fact, that I've officially signed myself up for the "Fall Challenge" at the yoga studio I attend, which means 30 classes in 30 days. My friend says her first challenge changed her life, and I'm confident that I'll get a lot of benefit from this commitment, too. Those are TBD in .. 28 days (I'm two days in!). 

If completed, you do receive a nice discount for an entire year, which is certainly a very attractive reason to sign up. Not to mention, the price to sign up is a discounted rate to the normal unlimited package. Double whammy. 

However, what I've already realized since exploring hot yoga for the first time in early September, is that very few workouts feel as good (or better) than a hot yoga class. It's a detoxing, relaxing, strengthening and centering workout. It's about the building the breath and building strength. Oh, and it's hard (and there is always something you can do to make it harder). 

It's a different kind of workout than I'm used to. I'm not dealing with the kind of soreness you might get from a long cardio session or weight training, but I feel just as good, if not better.

Before starting the challenge, I was managing to get to class four to five times a week. Upping that to seven classes will be difficult, particularly on the days I work both my full-time job and my part-time job, but Sam has already agreed to push me out of bed to get to 6 a.m. classes when necessary. 

So, wish me luck. Oh, and don't be offended if I turn you down to go to yoga. For the next month, it's my priority. October is the month I'm dedicated to my mat.

sunday thoughts: five things

My, oh my. There is so much happening around here. To kick off the week, here are five things on my mind: 

(1) As I mentioned last week, I've officially started a new job. It's going great so far, and I still feel confident in the change it's bringing my way. After a week full of training, overview meetings and wrapping my brain around all the moving parts associated with my new position, I hope to hit the ground running tomorrow by owning my tasks and getting sh*t done! Bring it on, Monday.

(2) Speaking of new jobs, Sam starts his new job tomorrow. Yeah, we planned this well, didn't we?! After a few years in the corporate world, he's venturing into real estate - something I think he'll be happier doing and also crazy good at. Sending good vibes and all my love this week (and every week)! 

(3) I think I've found another love in my life: YOGA. For a few months, I've gone every Saturday morning I can to free classes hosted at the Fashion Mall's lululemon store. It's been great for learning postures and really getting a good feel for this kind of workout. And, after months of putting it off, I finally tried The Yoga Studio, which offers hot yoga classes. Like 90+ degrees hot. Because I don't love being hot, I figured it wouldn't be "my thing," but I was SO wrong. I'd go as far as saying I almost crave it now... and it's only been a week! Namaste.

(3) Budgets are my enemy... or are they? Because of said job changes, we're having to set and stick to a budget. Real estate doesn't bring in guaranteed money, so our goal is to live off of my salary. It isn't going to be easy, but I already can feel myself stepping off from various things that used to cost money - eating out and impulse shopping, particularly.

(4) With budgets came meal planning. Today I feel like I've been cooking like crazy - ribs, potatoes, banana bread... this kitchen smells delicious. I've also be successful packing lunches every day and planning grocery trips accordingly to ensure we have food we want and that we'll eat without making that "ugh" face. It's working. Bravo!

(5) This weather is lighting up my life. Seriously. Every year summer winds down and all I want is fall weather, and it's finally here! I'm already thinking of all the fall outfit combinations I want to bust out. Scarves! Boots! Leggings! Chambray shirts! Sweaters! AH!

That brain dump felt good. Happy Sunday! 

finding the happy every day

The other day I spent nearly an hour browsing Barnes & Noble between plans. I forgot how calming and refreshing it was to be surrounded by so many books - the written word - and enjoy the environment of a book store/coffee shop. 

Amidst the browsing, I came across this journal sporting the quote, "Do more of what makes you happy." I had to snatch it up as it was a perfect fit for me right now. This month and the few to come are ones of change. Both Sam and I have taken on new roles professionally; jobs that also give us some room for various lifestyle changes as well. 

This journal felt just right when I thought about everything changing for us. With the new change in my day-to-day routine, I've found a renewed sense of energy - both mentally and physically - that has given me opportunity to really pursue the things I've wanted to do for so long: more yoga, more DIY projects, more writing, more reading and so on. 

Said simply: I want to do more of the things that make me happy. Pursue the things that bring me alive. and bring things that felt lost in translation back to the forefront. With some recent inspiration, I've found ways to push them back into my routine, and there's no slowing down from here on out.

In a season of becoming, it's important to feel empowered and happy. And with this little notebook, I'll keep doing just that.

recipe: easy, healthy energy bites

I've been looking for some easy snack ideas that would travel well to work and came across these little guys, otherwise known as "energy bites." Using ingredients I already had at home, these were easy to whip up quickly and "for free!"

Ingredients: 

2 tsp Vanilla

1-1.5 C Peanut Butter

2 C Oats

1 C Flaxseed

1-1.5 C Chocolate Chips (I used Dark)

2 tbsp Honey

All you do is mix it together, roll it into one-inch balls and let them sit in the refrigerator overnight. After trying one, I am pretty positive these will be more regular snacks at this house. They are a great snacks to curb hunger and also fulfill sweet cravings! I got about 24 in one batch.

Happy eating!

kitchen knobs makeover

We all know that a little paint goes a long way, and since I can't replace the counters on my own yet - those REALLY need to go - I decided to do something more simple to get the makeover underway again. 

The house came with brushed nickel knobs on all the cabinets. They look great, but I wanted to spruce them up a bit. I've seen some great photos of white cabinetry with shiny black knobs, which is why I decided it would be a great look in our kitchen. Nevermind the navy, laminate counters - again, those need to go. I felt the black was good for the long term.

So, I unscrewed the nearly 25 knobs/handles and got started by cleaning them off a bit. And the drawers... ew.

Anyway, I used Hammered Black spray paint by Rustoleum. It has a cool texture too it, which brings it to another level of sleek.

Like it? Because I do. 

Here's what the cabinets look like now with the freshly painted knobs:

Ah, another project checked off. Feels good... again. And now, I'm already starting more kitchen projects that weren't on my list this week (like painting the pantry doors and picking out wall colors) ... it's like a disease!