Challenge Accepted!

How many diet plans have you tried? Well I have attempted at least five.

South Beach, Paleo, and Belly Fat Cure

To be honest with myself and others, I have the hardest time following anything with phases, taking out diary, and telling me I can't have certain fruits/vegetables. I understand that some fruits are extremely high in natural sugars but still if I want some pineapple on occasion it's going to happen! I am a cheater in health and it has come back to bite me in the butt. Worst part is I know what to eat what not to eat and I let others around me influence what I eat. Instead of focusing on me and what I need I watch what they eat and eat like them. "Oh they want to eat french fries? Yes, so do I!" Then I am the one all unhappy with myself about it and they don't care one way or the other about it.

Maybe what I am doing isn't anything new but it's going to be new for me.

21 day challenge (for myself!)

1. No white breads AT ALL

2. No sweet tea

3. Pack my lunch every day for work

4. No sweets- cake, cookies, pies, cinnamon rolls, donuts

5. No fast food

6. No chips

7. Nothing fried

8. No alcohol

9. Drink at least 80 oz of water a day

10. Work out 30 minutes at least 5 days a week

Here's to me! 

L. 

The Truth- Monthly Recap of Goals

If I am going to post my monthly fashion budget I should also be honest about my weight goals achievement each month.

1. Clean eating with one cheat meal a week.

So did not happen except maybe the first week of the month. I know that excuses are just that, excuses, but my new job has really gotten to me. I have to work on balancing work and my own life. I did follow Blogilates for that week. I am going to do a clean eating challenge with a friend of mine soon because we both have been discussing our lack of motivation in being healthy.

2. Train for the 5K in October.

 I haven't signed up for one in October, I didn't find the Relay for Life that I thought was in October so this fitness goal will need to change.

3. I will budget better and allow myself a little shopping.

I have been following my budget for this month fairly well. I had to buy new tires so I will have to start saving up again.

I think I will change goal #2 to working out five days a week for at least 30 minutes. It can be any type, yoga, cardio, pilates, etc.

Here's to the next month!

L.

September Budget

Time for my Bloggers who Budget! Here is what I bought in September-

Light Weight Cardigan
Got this in a cream color but I can't find it on the website so black is close! 

Floral Print Chiffon jacket
I have been wanting this for two months! I was so happy when I finally found it!

The day of the 5K I went to a local Boutique and got two items, one an open cardigan with a sheer back and a pair of Kelly Green skinnies, total was 23.00.

Two tanks, similar to this, capris and pants from Dirt Cheap but Zumba brand total $45.00

SO break down-

32.00

29.00

23.00

23.00 

45.00

Budget- 150.00
Spent- 152.00

I did better then I thought! I may end up adjusting my total budget for the month but this is good for now.

L. 

Gym Bag

I have been taking my gym clothes to work lately and then changing at the gym. I've been using a free Victoria Secret bag but it has no pockets, no zipper or closure. I want a bag that has insulated pockets, zip closure, and stylish. I looked on Amazon and then thirty one catalog but nothing stood out to me. Everything was too big or just wrong. Then it dawned on me, Vera Bradley makes lots of things with insulated pockets. Turns out they not only make them they have a spot on the bag for your Yoga mat. Sold! Granted I can't get it until next month in my budget but that is okay since I can't decide what print to get.

Sport Duffel in Ziggy Zinnia and Ink Blue 

-L. 

New things lately!

This week I decided to start working out, about 30 minutes before work each morning. Usually it was yoga but one morning I did go and run. One day I decided I was too tired to work out in the morning, I would just do Zumba at the gym. Big mistake! The mornings I have worked out I feel better, have more energy at work, and know that when I get off work I can just go home if I want too instead of having to go to the gym.

Another thing that I have been contemplating is clean eating. I know what it is, as most people do, but each time I think I will try it I end up super cheating or cheating without realizing it. I hope when work schedules change I can do it. I believe I will feel better and be a better worker if I start eating cleaner and keep up my morning workouts!

My morning Yoga feet! I keep my yoga mat in my car so I bought these socks to help with grip on the carpet. They are awesome! 

Here is my Goodwill trunk show as I call it. I am posting this to say, I have spent way too much money on items that I barely wore or every time I did the shoes hurt my feet. That's right, I am donating four pairs of shoes. 

L.

5K results!

I completed the 5k!!!! Granted it took almost an hour but I walked more then planned because my gym friends didn't want to run much. When I woke up last Saturday I thought, "why did I sign up for this??" Then I got to City Hall where the race started and all my friends were there I got hyped up! We had tutus and shirts from our gym, Anytime Fitness, and just excited to be there. Two from our group won first place in their divisions too! We had about eight members from the gym who did the race. All in all it was really fun! I felt like it was a grown up food fight with all the paint.

After the race I and another gym girl/close friend decided we really need to start working out and running or walking more. Sadly, we have to go slow because of work and are shooting for three times a week for 30 minutes at least. To say my new job is taking a lot of my time would be an understatement but I have been enjoying it!

There we go running! This is the beginning, obviously since I am running! 

The END! 

L.

Ways to work out

This past week I started thinking about school and p.e. When I was younger we always had to play sports on teams in p.e. I hated it. I thought that if this is what you have to do to be athletic then forget it I'm out. I couldn't run, walking made my flat feet hurt, and competition sports were awful. In middle school I went to a magnet school that offered dance classes. I fell in love. I ended up taking ballet classes and doing dance at my school. I continued dance into high school for a couple of years. In college I took more dance classes, ballet, jazz, and modern. I also was in the dance recital. I say all this to say that I never pushed myself to work out because in my mind I always felt like it was a competition. Now as an adult I realized that isn't so. Its all about finding what you enjoy, dance, yoga, cardio, strength training, whatever motivates you use it! I may have realized this later then I wish but I am glad I finally found what I love. I go to my gym's yoga, body toning, and zumba classes. I love them all and all my gym friends!

So find what works for you, what helps you de-stress and calm you and use it, daily!

L.

Last impulsive shopping trip

This past week I had training in Nashville, as in right by an outlet mall that has Loft in it! I know, I know, I just posted about budgeting so I do mean it when I say that this is it for multiple reasons. I was able to get some great dresses and tops for work but that can also be worn casually, minus the dresses they are kinda fancy. I also think that I am going to join the Bloggers who Budget starting this month to hold me accountable and help me really focus on what I am blowing my money on. Right now my life is definitely changing, new job, getting back on track with working out, and just growing up in general. Who I was five years ago after undergrad is no longer me. I look around my house and closet and I see that the decor, style is not me. I have even become more aware of clutter and it drives me nuts now.

Okay so now on to the purchases (pics taken from my phone so no judging)

From Loft Outlet, I have been wanting a lace top so I was very happy to find this one in green!

Again, Loft Outlet, who doesn't need a nice brown top

Loft outlet, perfect for when I have to go to court or meetings

Same as above in my opinion!

Comfy skirt from Loft that I can use in multiple ways

I got these earlier in the month to replace a pair I own with a stain on them. These are from Marshall's and so soft. 

Target I am hoping that I can one day tuck this in and look chic!

Also Target. I have been wanting a plaid red and cobalt blue shirt so I had to get this!

Sadly, this isn't all I bought. I also got a pair of Nine West cobalt suede flats, Nine West blue purse,  Jones of New York red shirt, animal print button down from Ross, and a Coach Purse from eBay. Oh, and a Loft Necklace. Sigh, more then I realized. However, that is why I am doing all this budgeting, blogging, and inventory of what I own. I am tired of buying for no reason and having a closet full of items but "nothing to wear." Now on to working out so all these clothes will fit!

L.