Tricks for Kid's Treats

I found a simple trick. I am trying to wean my children from sugar. =) Wish me luck. I did it myself finally. So I feel strongly about weaning them if possible. Or at least reducing it significantly. We have been puchasing one bag of the smaller cookies. For example, the Nutter Butters. I recently noticed 1 bag of those is lasting 2 weeks! I thought that was pretty good!

Please post me a comment on my blog if you've been able to reduce your childrens' sugar intake. Or if you have any suggestions or tips!

America's Cheapest Family

I just finished reading America's Cheapest Family. I stumbled on it in the library and picked it up. The book came out last year and the family had some publicity during that time. All I remember seeing or hearing was that they went food shopping together and had walkie-talkies. Sounds a little over the top, huh? Well it was a good, quick read. There were good ideas in there. It turns out they are actually a homeschooling family! They only go food shopping once a month and spend $350! They go together and eventually her hubby got the walkie-talkies so they could chat in the store when they found a good deal. =)
Well, I'd gladly do that, especially if:
1. Hubby and I would go food shopping together
2. I only had to go ONCE a month
3. I only spent $350!!!
That's wonderful! The family follows Larry Burkett's advice (who Dave Ramsey has also mentioned many times). They only pay cash for purchases as well.
I am inspired to go back to food shopping once every 2 weeks! I used to do that before I took the kids with me. It got to be too much for me with the kids.
I'm also inspired to spend less!!! The kids are older now. I am much better organized and plan my meals. If I can do that for one week, I should be able to do it for two!
This is going to be my first challenge - food shopping for 2 weeks with my meal plan for 2 weeks.

Simple Pleasure - A Warm Bath

Good morning! I'm back on schedule! I walked all weekend. I also reconnected with a simple pleasure - a warm bath! I've decided that's a nice way to treat myself to some relaxation and wrap up the weekend. I hope to continue my warm baths on Sunday evenings and get in bed early. What a treat! I fell right to sleep and slept very well throughout the night. This morning I was awake before 6 am and out walking shortly afterwards!

Time change: Did it disrupt your schedule?

I hit a snag this past week. Was it the time change? I've been feeling great on the plan I am following. Sleeping better. Jumping right out of bed in the morning and taking my walk at 6:30 am.
The weather wasn't so great the end of last week. I missed a day of walking. I did walk in the light rain 2 days, which I probably wouldn't have done before! Just put on a light jacket with a hood and did it!
Then we had the time change. Hmmm, what happened! It's pitch black out now at 6:30 am and I am no longer jumping out of bed. I have more flexibility with the time I walk on the weekends. I will be walking Saturday & Sunday and hopefully be back on my schedule on Monday.

Exercise: Keep it Simple

Exercise. Don't make it complicated. I have several friends that attend a gym. I also attended one in the past. I have decided not to do so now for several reasons.

1. The gym is out of my way. It's not close by.
2. I'd prefer not to spend the money on a gym membership at this point in time.
3. My son does not like to stay in the child care area. I don't want him to be miserable or for me to worry while I trying to improve my health! =) Defeats the purpose.

So I gave it a lot of thought. I was trying to come up with something I could do at home and still be motivated and follow through. For the past 7 seven weeks, this is what I have been doing. I committed myself to an exercise video at home 3 times a week, then to a walk on Saturday and Sunday. I have been able to maintain this for 7 weeks.

I want to share that you can think outside the box on the exercise program. I just needed to get my body moving 5 days a week. No excuses! In addition to the exercise video, you can also play with your kids or follow an exercise program at home. In playing with your kids, play tag or have races. If they are big enough, walk together, ride bikes together or run together. You'll also get some nice quality time spent together as well. Keep it simple. Just get moving!

Simply Water

What is your drink of choice? Mine has recently become water. My dentist has recommended WATER ONLY for years.

Why water?
1. It's free, therefore you'll save money at the grocery store or at a restaurant if eating out.
2. It's thirst quenching.
3. It can be found almost anymore - water fountain, from the tap, bottled water or water cooler.
4. It's good for you.
5. It helps with digestion.
6. It has no calories.
7. It is physician and dentist recommended.

Water may get boring. I have chosen a special water goblet to drink my water out of daily. It may sound silly but I am enjoying using my "for special occasions" water goblet! I do prefer to have it chilled or with ice if out of the tap. If you do choose to make water your drink of choice, you'll also be a good role model to your children.

March's Month of Meals: Planning & Consistency

For March's month of meals, click here. I like how Family Fun has different theme nights, some used weekly and others once or twice a month. Every so often we switch things up and have breakfast for dinner as they have also chosen to do. We also have a regular Mexican night on Monday nights as we have a commitment on late Monday afternoons. We get home a little later and tacos are fast and easy to make.

I also the idea of having an "easy" night of meals - soup and salad. I have done this before, but not regularly. I have been experimenting with different recipes lately and different food. It's always good to try new things. I'd like to use my crockpot more regularly - once a week or once every two weeks.

I'm noticing as I am typing this out, our weekly schedule of activites is pretty regular. However, it's not so with my meals. Hmm.....this is something I'd like to work on more this week. Make it more consistent....a crockpot day or night, soup and salad night, Mexican (or taco) night. Planning would be so much easier!

Still Walking Even With Assistance!

On Saturday, I was taking a brisk walk in my neighborhood. I saw and waved hello to an older gentleman out for a stroll. He was pushing a wheeled walker. Wow, that is dedication I thought. It's good to see him out here. Following not to far behind him was a woman, I perceived to be his wife. She was also walking with her quad cane (a straight cane with four prongs on the bottom). What a couple! I don't think I've ever come upon a couple so dedicated to getting out and exercising.

There I was out taking a walk. I've lost 9 lbs so far. Yay! How could I ever have an excuse for not walking or exercising again after seeing that couple? I hope I have their motivation and determination when I am their age.