The Truth About Weight Loss

When you read people's extreme weight loss stories, what they don't usually share is the dark side of it all. When I started losing weight 16 months ago, I had 170 pounds to lose. Now, I've lost 120 pounds of that large number. Only 50 to go.

Except it's not "only" 50. Fifty pounds is a lot of extra weight to be carrying around. It places me squarely in the obese category. Every pound of the 120 I have lost has been a struggle, a constant battle between my body and myself. It's a battle that's being going on for decades -- I've dealt with being over weight as a child, through high school, in college and beyond.

There’s a little voice that is often the reason so many people quit or gain weight back. That little voice is a bitch that makes weight loss incredibly hard, harder than most people -- and me-- are usually willing to admit. Who wants to talk about how horrible they feel at times, how often they questioned themselves when they read all these stories about people who flew through weight loss like it’s nothing? I don't. Like everyone, I want people to think things are easy for me. So, along with everyone else, I never admit that little voice is there. I never admit how hard, even soul-crushing, weight loss is at times.

Well, I'm admitting it now.

The scale likes to screw with me, too. Follow my eating plan perfectly, exercise all I want, sometimes the scale still goes up for no sane reason I can possibly fathom. Or, it stays put, mocking me. Maybe I just miss one of my goals. That's when the fear, doubt and insecurity creeps in. The little voice in the back of my head starts up a fierce whisper, “Will the weight I've lost come back? Will I EVER be able to lose it all or am I stuck being fat forever? Why am I working so hard with no results? Why is it so dang easy for some people, yet here I am, struggling to lose even one lousy pound a week?”

Having someone comment that I've lost so much feels good. But the little voice is there to remind me, "There is still so much to go. Can I even do it? I’m nowhere near my goal." When I see others losing weight easily or quickly after weight loss surgery, the nasty little voice takes over. "Why are people saying she has worked so hard? She had weight loss surgery, she cheated. That's not working hard. It's taking the easy way, not actually earning or working for it. She looks good because she CHEATED. If I had surgery, the weight would be falling off me, too, with little to no effort. She's not even exercising while I'm over here sweating my ass off, just to watch the scale stay the same or go up." I know everyone has a different journey, a personal story they don't share all the details of, but that little voice doesn't give a damn. It's too busy giving the finger, screaming, "CHEATER!"

Walk into a store mid-weight loss and it's not quite as joyful in that area, either. Who has the money to constantly buy new clothes while losing weight? Not me. When it comes down to the mortgage and clothes for the kids or a new pair of jeans for mom, mom is going to be tightening her belt and wearing a longer shirt just in case the pants slip and show off her undies. Fit into a new size? The little voice is there, "Smaller size finally? That's nice, but it's still plus-size when you're an XL or 18." I tell the voice to shut up, weight loss is weight loss, smaller is still smaller, I should be proud. The voice doesn't care, it snorts and tells me, "Something that big is nothing to be proud of. People are still going to call you fat." Think something looks good? Yup, the voice is there. “You’re fat. There’s still a chance someone is going to laugh their butts off when they see you in that.”

Being large, I got into a habit of watching out for things that may not hold my weight or that I couldn't cram into -- chairs, airplane seats, amusement park rides, bikes, restaurant booths. I also avoid things that could leave me red-faced with embarrassment because I can't do them while others can -- long walks, gym equipment, yoga, hikes, running around a field. Losing weight to the point that these things should no longer be a worry still leaves the little voice chattering when I try any of them, "Have I finally lost enough or is that chair going to snap? Can I really fit in that space or am I under-estimating how big I still am? Am I finally up for that hike or am I going to be dripping with sweat, gasping for air while everyone is miles ahead?" The voice doesn't let me forget where I've been and it leaves me always questioning where I am.

I tell myself that I'm doing well. I'm getting there. People tell me how good I look. The little voice? You guessed it. It’s still there. “How can I look good? I’m fat. If someone gained weight and were this weight, people wouldn’t be telling them they look good. I may look BETTER, but not good. Doing well? I’m nowhere near my goal, I’m fat, the scale doesn’t want to budge, I’m failing. Even if I make it to the weight I should be, who knows if it’ll stay off.”

I’m determined to prove that voice wrong.


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Celebrating Two Years of Blogging

Life has been majorly crazy around here lately, with more to come. M2 has been having issues more often. We all keep getting sick and passing it around. Appointment after appointment for doctors, car repairs, HVAC issues, you name it. Lots of family from around the country is visiting this month.

I have also been battling a case of writer's block. There are so many ideas swirling around in my head, yet the words don't want to come. Any of the posts I've written lately have taken much longer than usual. Most of the time, I start one then come back to it weeks later to finish. I've been struggling with balance between work and family, too. There is only so much time and I've needed more of it for family and to work on my weight loss.

While all this was going on, I realized I've been blogging for two years now. Happy two years! Thank you all for joining my crazy, busy life as it's changed over and over again in that short time. I can't wait to share what's to come with you. You guys are awesome and your support means so much.

Two years is the perfect time to step back, reevaluate and decide where to go from here.


More time than I'm comfortable with was getting sucked up by social media, so I'm cutting back on that. The big upside to being a freelance writer/editor and  blogger is that I set my own schedules. I can be a stay-at-home mom, too, and put my family first. That hasn't been happening as much as it should. When you work for yourself, there's always something else you could be doing. I'm the type that pushes myself to do more, be more, do better, be better. Blog more. Post on social media more. Get more readers. Blogs take up a surprising amount of time, demanding a ton of work. Especially in the first few years. To be totally honest, I was starting to feel tons of pressure, stress and anxiety from blogging and freelancing. I didn't like the feeling or what it was turning me into.

Work was encroaching on the life I want to have, the life that is my reason for everything. Despite being home, I felt like I was missing too much with the kids. Too much of my life was being devoted to the wrong things. I don't want to be one of those people who live to work, I want to work to live. Right now, that means flipping my schedules and priorities around into a more comfortable balance. Life is my focus, not work. I've been talking about balance and how it's one of my goals for this year. Well, the light bulb came on about how I need to do that.

I'm not giving up my work or the blog, don't get me wrong! There are still going to be weekly posts and daily social media updates. I want to share my life with you, not be pressured to have the perfect blog and do everything "just right." I've put the blog and my freelance business it in it's proper place and giving am it the time it deserves -- while putting my family and myself at the center, giving us the time we deserve, which is what is most important in my world right now. I'm simplifying my life, making sure to live as much as possible in a way that won't create regrets.

Since I've decided to realign, I'm actually finding the writing is coming back to me. Instead of feeling pressure and stress from my work, I'm enjoying it again, which is why I started all this in the first place. I'm eager to see what the next chapter of life holds.

For a bit of fun and to celebrate, here is a baker's dozen of the blog's most popular posts:

Living a Simple, Happy Life

The Journey with Autism Begins

10 People You Encounter in Facebook Yard Sale Groups

How to Determine, Set and Follow a Budget in 7 Easy Steps

Colonial Williamsburg Gingerbread Cookies

Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodle Specials

Spiced Apple Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Buttercream Frosting

Dear Self: You're Good Enough

DIY Girl's Toddler Room

Marriage: The Changes 5 Years Bring

"The Fat Kid" Tells All: The Formative Years

"The Fat Kid" Tells All: The Teen Years

Easy Money-Saving Tips: Round 1

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How to Live Simply

Yesterday, I talked about my new, simpler way of living that I'm calling the Little House Lifestyle from the mind-set perspective. Today, I'm sharing some of the things I've been incorporating to get into this new lifestyle. Each fits in great with these easy ways to de-stress and builds on my goals for the year.

How to Live the Little House Lifestyle

Time Outside
Nature is constant. We go outside to soak in sunshine, a soft breeze, admire the beauty in the grass, trees, sky and flowers -- the same people have for thousands of years. Being outdoors grounds us and connects us to those simple times. It's time with ourselves and those we're with rather than embroiled in society. Step back, step out and step into nature. Nothing says Little House Lifestyle more than going with your family on a hike, walk in the woods, play time at the park, time in the backyard playing, sitting on the porch with your favorite drink, just being. We're working on redoing our yard so it looks pretty -- and so I finally have a porch swing -- so we'll have that beautiful outdoor haven I crave to enjoy being outside more.

Free activities
Take advantage of events and activities in your area that encourage family time rather than spending.

Family Time
Make time to put down electronic devises, turn off the TV and spend time together. Dinners, games, reading, time outside -- whatever you enjoy. Family is the heart of your life so keep it healthy by building memories and relationships.

Bake Fresh
Bake a yummy treat. Fresh, homemade cookies and bread can be calming to make. When the littles pitch in, it creates a memory. Plus, the house smells amazing and you have something yummy to eat.

Quality vs. Quantity
A closet stuffed with clothes, shoes and purses doesn't equal happiness. It's much better to have a few things that you love and take care of rather than tons of items you never wear that put stress on your finances. Before buying something new, I ask yourself if I really need it. If I don't, I skip it. I've shopping in my own closet for items I forgot about. Get a hole in a shirt? Sew it rather than buying a new one. Lately I've spent time going through closets, dressers and chests to clean out anything worn out beyond repair or that we just don't wear. Not having things you don't use helps keep your life simpler because you're not having to deal with it. Less clothes means less laundry to put away, too! If you do need new clothes, check out thrift stores or ask family and friends if there's anything they're tossing that you might like. Here are some great ways to save on kids' clothes.

Keep Food Simple
Rather than buying a ton of processed foods, going broke on fancy items you don't really need or eating out all the time, focus on cooking from scratch (the slow cooker is your friend), trimming the budget in favor of foods that are healthy and filling, and being frugal with your spending. This is great for your waist line and health, too.

Exercise
Get moving! Our ancestors didn't sit around all day, they were moving around, walking, farming, getting the blood flowing. A walk, lifting weights at home, doing a work out video, hiking, using home equipment, trying out yoga --whatever you like, find it and do it.

Garden
I can't think about a Little House Lifestyle without thinking of gardening. What is more basic than growing your own food? Flowers count, too. Planting a veggie garden helps you keep food at it's simplest, gets you outside and gets you exercising. You get more time to enjoy nature, too, getting out and getting dirty. Flowers lift your mood and give you a boost of nature, too. If you don't have room for a garden, pots work great, too. I'm working on turning part of our front  garden beds into a potted garden this spring.

Clean Up and Clean Out
We all have those areas of the house where we cram things to deal with later. Out of sight, out of mind...until we open a door and some errant, crammed in bag/bottle/knicknack/doodad/book/whatever practically knocks us out as it careen toward our head. Then there's all the stuff we liked when we got it, but isn't really something we like anymore, taking up space around the house. I've been going through everything cleaning up and cleaning out lately. Rather than having a ton of decorations around the house, I'm simplifying. There's less for the kids to dump, less to break and less to clean. All the trouble spots are getting emptied out. Keep, donate or trash piles abound. Why let junk weigh us down? If you don't love it, toss it!

Plan Your Day and Schedule
In order to keep life on track way back when, women planned their days out. They figured out what needed to be done and did it. I do the same. I figure out what needs to be done for the month, week and day, then plan it all out. Of course, since life is crazy and never goes according to plan, I'm always readjusting. Ma Ingalls did too, I'm sure. (Who plans for tons of rain to wipe out the crops so you spend a week salvaging what you can rather than cleaning?) I've also got laundry, cleaning, errand and cooking schedules that keep life on track and going smoothly. So simple, yet so helpful to keep me from feeling overwhelmed and out of control.

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Living a Simple, Happy Life

The longer we live in the country, the more I realize the benefits of living life simply. The newest purses, clothes and jewelry no longer bring the same excitement. Having fancy decorations and technology doesn't leave me jealous of those who have them. Instead, I appreciate what I have more, delight in a good bargain, make things I have last longer and focus on the simple things that make me happy. 

Little House Lifestyle

The Little House Lifestyle is what I'm calling this new lifestyle, which is really based on a whole new way of thinking. Imagine Little House on the Prairie here: A slower pace, enjoying life, relishing in the beauty around us, spending time with loved ones and living a life building memories rather than regrets. Living contentedly rather than wanting.

It's far to easy to fall into the trap of "someday." After XYZ happens, then I'll be happy. After I do ABC, I'll be happy. Striving for someday and missing out on what is happening now. Little House living is about living life for what is is rather than what it may be someday. Plan for the future and have goals, of course, but don't miss out on what you have now.

Let's face it, no one lies on their death bed wishing they'd gotten that awesome new cell phone, car or clothes. What haunts us in the end is not having enjoyed the simple parts of our days that matter most. 

Go Against the Grain to Find Happiness

Living simply goes against what society tells us we should want. We're supposed to love shopping, stuffing our closets, redecorating our homes every few years, buying the latest-and-greatest gadget. If something breaks, toss it and buy new. If close rip, throw them out, too. Rather than being grateful for and making the best of what we do have, we're supposed to desire what others have. We're always comparing how we look, what we have, what we do with others rather than being our own person. None of it gives us what we crave though --- to be happy and content. We're too busy focusing on what we don't have, how we don't measure up instead of recognizing the happiness right there in front of us. Being happy and content is about living for now, rather than what may come. It's the Little House Lifestyle.

Bank Account Bonus

A by-product of living simply is that you can live on less money. Needing less money means less stress and fights about money. Not spending as much allows you to build up that emergency fund you've been meaning to, or that has been looking a little slim. Or, you can save up for an experience the whole family is going to remember, a big purchase for the house (a garden you've been meaning to put in, a patio swing to enjoy your yard). All things you'll appreciate more than things that are likely to be forgotten, taking up space and making clutter in a few months. Win-win situation!

Now that you've read about the Little House Lifestyle from the mindset angle, check out tomorrow's post to find out what I've  been doing to actually implement this lifestyle.

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6 Quick Ways to De-Stress

Any way you cut it, being a stay-at-home mom is stressful. I have 6 quick ways I use regularly to kick stress in the butt. These can be done easily, without eating into an already crazy day too much, and leave you feeling calmer, more positive and happier. In the long run, beating stress can help you find balance, be happier and enjoy your life more.

Every day from the time you wake up until the time you (finally) go to sleep, there are little lives you're responsible for in every way, a house you have to keep up with and clean, finances to figure out and manage, laundry to do, a pantry and fridge to keep stocked, meals to make and clean up after, a husband to take care of and spend time with, plus somehow you have to fit in time for yourself in there, too.

Reducing stress can be hard, but doesn't have to be.

 

1. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee

Steep a cup of hot tea, brew up a cup of coffee or keep a pitcher of iced tea in the fridge. Your favorite comfort drink gives you a few moments of enjoyment, even as you're racing around trying to get the kids fed before school. If it a hot beverage goes cold, don't worry -- throw in some ice and have the iced version. Herbal/decaf tea or a decaf coffee is great in the late afternoon or evening. I keep a bunch of my favorite teas on hand so I have a flavor to fit any mood.

 

2. Listen to music and dance it out

Make up a playlist of your favorite kid-friendly songs or set up a Pandora station of music you love. When you're losing your pep for the day or are on the verge of a breakdown, crank up the music and dance it out. If you don't have the time or aren't in a place where you can dance (like the car) listening still helps the stress go down a few notches. The kids can join in, too.

When life is getting you down, dance it out.

3. Light a candle, melt a tart or diffuse oils

Aromatherapy is a powerful de-stresser. I pick my favorite scent via candle, tart or oils and get to smelling. A nice scent floating around the house helps to lift everyone's mood and make the day seem brighter. At night, a lit candle creates a gentle, pretty atmosphere. Just be sure to keep whatever you're using away from the kids. Having to clean up spilled wax doesn't help stress levels at all. I know that from experience, sadly.

 

4. Treat yourself to beautiful flowers

Flowers brighten up any day. They add a touch of beauty to any room. Just taking a moment to look at them helps me feel the stress melt away a bit. An added bonus is not even having to go to the store to get them, or go into an account monthly to arrange for some to be delivered. That's why I'm excited about a recent delivery I was sent by BloomsyBox. With BloomsyBox, you can get all of this -- a beautiful hand-tied bouquet of flowers shipped directly to your door via a monthly subscription.

The bouquet is a single variety of specially chosen flowers hand cut from a farm and sent to you within 48 hours so you know they're fresh. All flowers are shipped within 2-4 days of being cut and put together right on the farm. Three different size bouquets are available to choose from for your subscription, which you can pause or cancel at any time. Shipping is included in the cost so you don't get caught having to pay extra. A card comes with the flowers to tell you how to care for them. If you only need a bouquet for a special occasion, rather than monthly, there's an option available for that, too.

I recently got two dozen red roses (my favorite!) through the subscription service. They are absolutely gorgeous. The flowers arrive nicely packed in a box so they weren't damaged. Paper wrapped them for extra protection. I can tell the roses are very fresh by the lush, rich color. The hand-tied red ribbon adds a little something special to the bouquet. All that needs to be done is taking them out, snipping off the ends, adding the flower food and water to a vase then putting in the flowers. The amount of flowers is perfect, especially for the cost. I spend so much time in the kitchen so put them in there to enjoy. If you have a dinner party, they'd make a great centerpiece. House guests would really appreciate a bouquet in their room, I'm sure.

It was at least a week before they started to really wilt. Usually, my flowers don't last that long. If you like drying flowers, these would be perfect for that as they keep their shape and don't drop petals. BloomsyBox flowers are perfect for getting your stress levels down. Find out more and set up your monthly flower-of-the-month subscription.

 

5. Recognize the positive in your day

Take a few moments to think of the good things about your day. It doesn't have to be anything big, think about the little things that you might otherwise overlook during the craziness of the day. Looking for the good is something I've been working hard on and it's really helping to reduce stress. 

 

6. Soak in nature's beauty

Being able to admire and enjoy nature whenever I look out my back door is one of the big reasons I so love living in the country. Moving out here and away from the city reduced my stress immensely. Even if you don't live in the country, there are still ways to soak up nature daily.

If the weather's nice, step outside for a few moments and soak in the fresh air and admire the blue of the sky. On rainy days, I pause to listen to the rain falling and smell the drops on the wind. During winter, take notice of the stillness all around. Even looking at a window box, hanging basket or admiring a patch of green grass can help bring blood pressure down a few points and get you better centered again. A simple bird feeder hung on a window or in the yard can get you that connection with nature, too. (Plus, the feeders look pretty in the yard.) When life is really stressful, plan a day to go hiking with the family or on your own to get the calming effects of nature seeping into you. We have a park by us where the kids can play and we can take a nice walk that I love to go to. During picking seasons, we spend a day at a local orchard picking peaches or apples. Then we have healthy food to enjoy, too.

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This post is sponsored by BloomsyBox. All opinions are my own.

Being Grateful for Everyday Things

Life gets busy. Crazy busy. There's always something to clean, fix, make or do. Day after day. Week after week. It never seems like there's enough hours in a day to get it all done, let alone enough time to just sit and be. In all the rush of life, it's easy to forget to take a moment to be grateful for the simple, everyday things. I'm not talking the big things, like being grateful for family and friends or what you'd say as you go around the table at Thanksgiving. I'm talking about the small things that are so easily taken for granted. The little things that can be easily overlooked when they really need to get the recognition they deserve.

I've realized this and am working at taking the time to think about the positive things in the day, even on the worst day when the kids are screaming, milk is spilled all over, paint is dumped, the house is a mess and the to-do list is crammed full, can actually make the day better. No matter how bad it's going. It's kind of like a personal meditation, a chance to realize that even at the worst moment, there are wonderful things going on to make it all worth it. Just thinking about a few good parts in the day helps me to reset, fix my attitude and get back in the fray. I'll admit, it doesn't always work, but on the whole, it's helping me to think more positively. It's also helping to get rid of some of the stress I have to deal with all the time. Being a mom isn't easy, so there's plenty of that going around. Anything I can do to get rid of even a tiny bit of it is worth it, especially when it's this simple to do.

Nothing I've been grateful for lately is anything outstanding by itself. 

When I look back at a few days though, I see all the good things in my life. The  good starts to overshadow the bad so that I start seeing more good, without even trying. I'm finding myself not even having to purposely stop and think about it. The good things pop into my head now on their own. When life is particularly hard (like when M2 painted the counter, wall, two chairs and bathroom the other week, making a giant mess I had to clean up while B screamed because he wanted attention right then) I have to work harder at it.

I'm not perfect, I'll never be. I'm never going to be a cheery Mrs. Mary Sunshine type, seeing rainbows and kittens everywhere. When life is nuts, I'm not going to be sitting there humming, saying, "Oh, it's ok! Everything is wonderful!" That's just not me. Early mornings and I are never going to be friends, either, no matter how pretty that sunrise is or how grateful I am for it. However, I am determined to have a better outlook overall though and to recognize what good things are in my life. Seeing only bad just makes life harder.

Being able to see good even during the bad is going to help me be a better mother and teach my kids to see life in a more positive way.

Have you ever noticed how kids see the magic in everything? Every day is an adventure. Every hour is a chance for something good. Laughter comes easy. Life holds promise. I don't want them to lose that and to focus on the bad. I want them to see life as they do now, beautiful and wondrous. Kids learn by example, so I need to be that example.

During your crazy days, feeding the kids breakfast, cleaning up the messes, breaking up the latest argument and trying to diffuse the millionth tantrum, look for the good. When life is going great, the house is clean, you got out to do errands, the kids are listening, look for the good. You'll be amazed how easy it starts to be. You'll start to see how great your life really is and how much you never realized is special about each day. The little good things will become more important than the bad. You'll start to see that magic that your kids do again.

If I really get my act together, I'll make a nifty journal and write down a few good things about each day. Realistically, I'd probably not even get through a full week and it'd sit to collect dust, taking up valuable real estate on some surface. Mental notes are going to have to be good enough.

What good things have been going on lately? 

Seeing M2 and B having a dance party. M2 creating a neat picture in all the paint mess and her being very proud of it. Listening to music during breakfast. Watching M2 go crazy watching Harry Potter, screaming, "Potter fly! Potter fly!" B grabbing his sister's brush and running off with it, just to see if she notices. Finishing a new coloring project. The snow coating the trees in our yard. The moon lighting up the entire street, casting a glow so bright it looks like early morning. Snuggling deep in the warm bed sheets. Finding a discount grocery store in our area that'll help cut the food bill. Renting movies from the library. Finding two books that have been on hold for months, that I really wanted to read, available at the library -- both on the same day. Reading a new author that I like. Having a pizza with A and watching a movie once the kids have gone to bed. Listening to a new, catchy song. Eating sweet, juicy strawberries even in winter.

Like I said, all little things. Things that may seem silly to others but help me feel calmer, happier and thankful for my crazy, busy life.

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Life Balance, Simplified

Sex and the City has been playing on my Kindle often lately. It's 25 minutes of pure entertainment and voyeurism into the lives of four New York City women -- so not at all like my own life, yet I keep finding parallels that get me thinking. Which led to an epiphany in my quest for life balance this year.

Even if we live out in the country and no where near the city (let alone single or having crazy sex in said city), we somehow relate to Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha. Why? Because we're all like those four women at heart. There's our creative, stylish side, our ladylike, well-mannered side, our sexy, daring side and our professional, career-minded side. Those women are us. And like those women, we're all searching for something in our lives. Some of us are at that point of seeking out the awesome career. The perfect relationship for us. The child we want badly. The job we love and kick butt at. The fun night that is all about us.

Where we are in our lives changes the search and ourselves. We go from the career and marriage to having kids that become our worlds. Our search becomes one for balance between being mom and wife and our jobs (whether it be in an office, working from home or working in the home). We struggle to find ourselves in the ultimate search of who we are in that messy unbalanced life. Our lives are crazy and messy, always changing. Whenever balance is almost in our grasp, something else shows up as easily as Big in his sleek town car to change our lives again. We're in constant struggle to find the perfect balance between life and ourselves. Yet, life is never as neat and orderly as Charlotte's well-appointed apartment.

So what's that mean for us? Are we going to always been searching for that balance, chasing our tails, just to never find it? I don't think so. It means that we need to find balance in the moment of our lives we're experiencing now. Sometimes, we'll need to focus on our creative side, other times our careers or relationships.

At the center is ourselves, though. We need to be sure we don't get shoved to the side or lose who we are or we'll always be out of balance in our lives because ourselves will hanging on desperately to the merry-go-round rather than operating the controls.

And when life throws us a man in a town car just as our current life is going great? We need to be flexibly agile to keep our metaphorical high-heeled Louboutin's from sticking into the sidewalk grate and tripping us up. All we can do is stay up on those heels, find the balance that's best in moment of our lives, and keep walking. A glass of wine every now and then doesn't hurt, either.

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My Word of the Year

I've seen this everywhere lately: People picking a word of the year. It's kind of like setting goals, though this would be the overarching goal and theme for the entire year. What is it that sums up all the goals, where you want to be at the end of the year and what the year is going to be all about?

We were talking about this in my wonderful stay-at-home moms' group recently. It got me to thinking what my word of the year should be. It didn't take me long. With all I'm working toward, the answer was clear. Transformation.

I want to transform myself and my life in many ways this year. As you read, you'll probably notice something that I did while writing it -- everything fits together and really does form a bigger picture. That lets me know I really did choose the right word!

Transforming my body
It's no secret that I'm working on losing weight this year. My goal is to lose at least 52 pounds this year. I'm simply not comfortable with my weight and am determined to change it for the better. I've been setting two-week goals for myself to help me get that weight off.

Transforming my health
This goes hand in hand with transforming my body. Losing the weight helps with my health. Eating healthier foods, drinking more water, incorporating more movement and exercise into my life, and focusing on my health all goes along with that. I'm dividing body and health transformation into two because it's just that important and that big of a change. You can also lose weight, yet still be unhealthy, or even just gain it all back because it wasn't a total life style change. Neither of those are something I want! I'm going for the whole package.

Transforming my inner self
I am the type of person who worries and stresses to much. I strive for perfection in everything. Even simple things, like which milk to get at the store. I want to be sure it's the right choice, the best thing I can do. As you can imagine, this leads to more inner turmoil than is good for a person. I'm working on letting go of all this. Inner peace is going to be found this year. Expect to see more about this, from what I go through to how I plan to change it, at some point. I haven't quite gotten all my thoughts together yet, when I do I'll share.

Transforming my blog
You may have already noticed a few changes around here. New banner, new tabs, some changes to the layout and follow buttons, small things like that. There are so many things I've been meaning to do that I haven't gotten around to. Slowly, I'm ticking them off the list one by one.

I've also got big plans for what I want to write, how often I post and improving content to give you what you want to read. I want to bring a balance of types of posts to the blog to give you the whole stay-at-home-mom life overview.

Behind-the-scenes things to bring in more much-needed income are also in the works. I'm even thinking about writing a book. The blog is my job and how I make my income so that's always a part of the bigger picture.

Transforming my life balance
Going hand-in-hand with transforming the blog is finding life balance. I often feel that I'm putting too much time into the blog when I should be doing more with the kids or keeping up with the house. Or, that I'm spending too much time with the kids but not enough with A or on my own. It's all about balance and I need to transform my life to find that balance between all the roles I play. (More on balance is coming up soon.)

Transforming my daily life
To transform my life balance, I need to transform my daily life as well to get everything aligned. I want to get on a cleaning schedule, have more activities with the kids, stick to meal planning, not be as attached to social media and electronics, clearing out household items I don't need and organizing so the days run smoother, and other things along those lines.

Transforming my finances
So much has changed in our lives financially over the past year. Using my usual budget, I want to get all the finances in even better order. New ways to save, not spending as much on material goods, focusing on what matters in life and the experiences vs the "stuff."


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