Eat and Organize

Last month, I wrote about my goals for October in regards to food.  Looking back, I probably should have had goals such as "don't eat all of the leftover Halloween candy", or "stop eating like you have the metabolism of your 18 year old self", but I would have failed miserably at those so I guess it's a good thing those weren't my goals.  Let's revisit:

Make homemade pasta.  Unfortunately, this was a big fail.  I didn't realize how many steps it took (and tools!) so although I did keep looking it up, I never purchased the necessary gadgets.  I did however tell my Mom that I wanted to learn how to do this - and when she asked if it was "Christmas present-worthy" I said yes.  So maybe in the New Year I will be able to cross this off my list.

Try a new food.  I'm not sure if this should be counted, but I did try an actual coffee drink from Starbucks for the first time.  I've said before that I don't like coffee, but while in Nashville my friend got an Iced Caramel Macchiato made with soy milk, and it was delicious!  So delicious that I've ordered one on my own since then.  Does it count?

Make one new recipe each week.  I completely rocked this one.  I made Caramelized Italian Chicken (amazing), Chicken Gyros (so-so), Garlic Parmesan Pasta (easy and yummy - I added turkey meatballs) and Chicken Teriyaki (make this now!).  It gets difficult week and week to plan meals, so I always love finding new family favorites to incorporate.

For November, the challenge is organize.  This is one I desperately need because I feel with two littles, our things are constantly multiplying.  I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to organizing so I'm excited to get in to it.  My goals:

1.  Clean out E's closet
2.  Clean out my closet and move my summer clothes to storage
3.  Clear out my makeup and body care stash.  Let my friends have at it and take whatever they want.  I have way too much from Ipsy and Birchbox bags and will never get to it before it goes bad.  This also includes things I have tried and did not like for whatever reason.  (Dinner Club girls get ready!)
4.  Clean out the front hall closet

As you can see, I have a lot of work to do in closets.  We are bursting at my house's seams and do not have any storage left.  Clearing out some of our junk will make me feel less like I'm drowning in clutter!

Today is Wednesday, so I am also linking up with Anne and wishing that I can make time to actually do the above tasks.  I also wish that I don't get stuck in E's closet, reminiscing about when she was smaller, although I can guarantee that this will happen. :)

My Fitness Semi-Fail

Last month, I shared with you my fitness goals as part of the "Create Your Own Adventure" link up with  Not Entirely Perfect, Keeping Up with Ashley and Cody, and Life According to Steph. 

My goals and outcomes were:

- Drink 60 oz of water every day for at least one week
I accomplished this one, but once the week was over I slacked a little.  Overall, I am drinking a lot more water, and honestly feel like I have more energy than before.  I also was able to cross this off my 101 in 1001 list.

- Walk or do workout videos for 30 minutes at least three times a week
Major fail.  I went walking maybe twice.  I really need to start this up again!

- Start using MyFitnessPal regularly
Semi-Fail.  I used it maybe 2-3 days a week all month.  I wanted to use it every day, because I know that it works, but weekend trips here and there put a damper on my calorie counting.  Who wants to count calories while on vacation?

- Eat in moderation
I did this!  Not every day, but I wasn't planning on it.  I mentioned in my first post that I can't deny myself any kind of food, but instead of eating an entire pizza, I ate a few pieces and would save the rest for the girls for lunches.  Instead of an entire chocolate bar, I'd have half and hide the rest from myself.  (This actually works - and when it's found it's like Christmas!)

- Really quit drinking Diet Coke
Success!  There was one day that I felt like I really needed one, so I went to McDonald's and ordered a small.  When I pulled up they handed me a large!  I drove off feeling like I won the lottery, until I took my first drink.  It was a regular Coke.  I took it as a sign, threw it out, and haven't had a slip up since.

Overall, the month was a semi-fail.  Some of my goals were reached, others were not.  I am not perfect and see some room for improvement, but everything has room for improvement!

This month's challenge is food.  I'm going back to my 101 in 1001 list for these.

1.  Make homemade pasta
2.  Try a new food
3.  Make one new recipe each week

Wish me luck!  Are you linking up? 

Creating a Fitness Adventure

When I first read about this "Create Your Own Adventure" linkup hosted by Stephanie at Not Entirely Perfect, Keeping Up with Ashley and Cody, and Life According to Steph, my heart sang.  I love making lists and crossing things off said lists even more!  This month's theme is "fitness", which I desperately need some motivation for so I am excited to participate.

My 101 in 1001 list has a section dedicated to Healthy Living, and sadly, I have not crossed one thing off.... yet.  I'm using this link up to focus on living healthier and work on my fitness. 

My goals this month are:
- Drink 60 oz of water every day for at least one week (on the 101 list)
- Walk or do workout videos for 30 minutes at least three times a week
- Start using MyFitnessPal regularly
- Eat in moderation
- Really quit drinking Diet Coke.  (I've slipped a few times, ugh!)

Seems pretty easy, right?  The water and MyFitnessPal shouldn't be too difficult (you know, minus the whole being hungry bit).  The working out is hard for me - by the time my girls are in bed, it's 8pm and all I want to do is crash on the couch with some sort of dessert or alcoholic drink and watch trashy reality tv.  This will be a big change for me!

Also, I am not a fan of restricting myself from certain things.  If I stop myself from eating any pizza, or no sweets, I fail in a major way.  (Picture me eating an entire pizza and topping it off with a chocolate bar.  Not pretty.)  So, instead of eating four cookies, I'll have one.  Or, instead of eating 5 slices of pizza, I'll have two.  I don't believe in doing anything extreme, because for me personally, it will never work in the long run.

Are you participating in this link up?  Let me know so we can cheer each other on!