Friday Favorites: The Perfect Jeans

Sometimes they seem as elusive as the fountain of youth or the Loch Ness monster.  I'm talking about the perfect pair of jeans.

I spent so many frustrating hours trying on pair of jeans after pair of jeans.  Until the day I finally found my holy grail of jeans - completely by accident.

These are my favorite pair of jeans:

They're from Banana Republic.  Which means that when brand new they were about $100.  Noooo.. I didn't pay that much.  I found mine at the thrift store for about $5.  (Score!)  They fit like a dream.  They hug in the right places and are relaxed in all the right places.  They are broken in to that perfect level of comfort.

I adore these jeans.

Unfortunately, two things happened...

Number one:  I started packing on the pounds and haven't been able to wear them for over a year.  Sad.  But, for some reason I held on to them.  I just couldn't bring myself to part with them.

Now that I am losing the weight with Weight Watchers, I tried them on a couple of weeks ago.  I could get them on.  Not comfortably.  But they were on, and they were zipped.  Almost there.  I'm looking forward to the day I am able to fit into them again.  (Until I lose enough weight that they don't fit again.  This time because they'll be too big.

Second:  I love these fabuloso jeans so much that I had decided that when I reached my goal weight I might just have to treat myself to a brand new pair.  However, when I checked the Banana Republic website they don't seem to have this style anymore.  Extra sad.

Which means that at some point in the not so distant future my search for the new perfect pair of jeans will continue.

Have you found your perfect pair of jeans yet?

Joyful Gratitude: August 29

I Am Thankful For:

Losing 10% of my body weight
The Man of the House helping with dinner
A lot of hummingbird activity
Conquering my To Do list 2 days in a row
Cloudy days
Not getting stung when I almost grabbed a wasp
Another delicious dinner
Books that make me smile while reading
Tree struck by lightening wasn't worse
Hearing the Etsy "ch-ching" sound
Shopping for wedding decor
Discovering a low point treat
Down 20 pounds!
Fall-like weather
Little baby Carolina Reaper peppers

Sunday Inspiration: Loving Others

Joyful Gratitude: August 22

I Am Thankful For:

Feeling good about myself
Blue Heron on the bridge
Surpassing my daily step goal
And my water goal
A movie "date" with the grand kid
Orders ready to ship
Family dinner
Berries with whipped cream
Books that make me think
Last day of summer break
Good morning kisses
A new shower curtain
Shopping for fresh fish
Jammies all day
Grilled swordfish and veggies

I Have Doubts

It's not something many people will openly admit.  But maybe we should. Maybe we need to confess this to each other so that we don't feel so alone - even guilty.  So, here it goes.

Sometimes I doubt God.

There are times when I doubt that God really hears me.  Although I know he does.

I wonder sometimes how God could possibly love me.  Surely,  I have displeased or disappointed Him in so many ways that can't be true.  But I know it is.

I wonder if maybe I am not worthy to have my prayers answered. Maybe I don't deserve to have the abundant life that God promises.  I know it's not true.  I know He is working all things for good.  I know this.

And yet... I still find myself doubting sometimes.

I believe that we all feel this way sometimes.  God knows it.  Even if we won't admit it to others, ourselves, or Him.  My doubts don't make Him any less consistent, good, merciful or just - and, most importantly, He doesn't love me any less.  Even when I have doubts.

When Goals Aren't The Priority

I didn't accomplish any of my goals last week. And I am more than OK with that.

I had plans.  Goals I wanted to reach.  They were written down.  I had followed all my best tips. I was prepared to make things happen. 

But, you see - last week was also the grand kid's last week of summer vacation.  And our last chance to spend several days a week together for a while. That was time I wanted to make count.

So... My goals for dropped far down in my list and he became the top priority.

We finished reading The Tale of Despereaux together.  We went on a movie date.  We played games and watched cartoons.  We went and had lunch with The Man of the House.  We joined up with his mom during her lunch break to go to his school and meet his new teacher.  

So... no.  I didn't get around to that list of goals I had.  And it was worth it.  Because some the are more important than the to-do list.  

Now, that cutie pie is headed back to school.  I have my days all to myself.  I can get back to crushing my goals.

My goals for this week are:

1. Ship 3 orders for Etsy shop
2. Start planning social media posts for September
3. Write 3 new blog posts
4. Meditate everyday

Did you meet your goals last week?  What's on your To Do list this week?  

Sunday Inspiration: Time and Space

Friday Favorites: Weight Watchers

I was sick and tired of complaining about my weight.  I was sick and tired of making half hearted attempts to diet.  Something had to change.

On July 1st of this year, I officially joined Weight Watchers online.  Best.  Decision.  Ever!

In the 6 and a half weeks since I signed up I have lost over 15 pounds.  I still have a long way to go to reach my goal weight, but I am happy with my progress so far.

The program is so much easier than I expected. Most foods I eat are easy to find and track using the app.  And it syncs with my Fitbit to keep track of my activity points.

Nothing is off limits!  I have indulged in a pulled pork dinner, pizza, and even key lime pie.  You just have to manage how you use your allotted points and adjust accordingly if you want to treat yourself to a higher point food.

Weight Watchers is helping me train myself to thing about what I am eating and why. I'm learning to make smarter choices.

 If I am at a loss for something to make for dinner, or I just want something new for the meal plan - there are tons and tons of yummy recipes available.  I haven't tried one yet that I wouldn't make again! 

Even though I am doing the program entirely online, I am never really alone in this journey!  If I need extra motivation, support or encouragement there are articles I can read on the website or the app. I can reach out to other members with the Connect feature.  I can even chat with a coach online.

I'm having so much success that the Man of the House decided to join also!  He was supportive before, but doing the program together is extra nice.

If you are interested in giving Weight Watchers a try, you can sign up using THIS LINK and we can both get a month for free!  If you do, I hope you find the program to be as simple and successful as I do.

Disclaimer:  I have received no compensation for this post.  However, this post may contain affiliate links.  Keep in mind that I may receive a free month when you click these links and sign up for the program.  Be assured, this does not impact my reviews. All opinions expressed are my own. Your results may differ.  Weight Watcher's International is not affiliated with this blog. 

Joyful Gratitude: August 14

I Am Thankful For:

A cooler, breezy morning
When the grocery shopping is completed
Getting all my steps
Taco "pizza"
A day with no where to go
Listening to the hawks calling to each other
A good weigh in
Staying below points
NFL preseason
Doggy facial expressions
Noisy little birds
Indulging for an evening out
A long walk at the park

Sunday Inspiration: Every Day

I Want To Eat ALL The Things

I am starving this morning.  Starving, I tell ya! Ok, obviously not literally (first world problems much?)  But I did wake up feeling oh-so-very hungry today.  I could eat all the things.

What I really want is a chicken biscuit from Chickfila, complete with potato rounds and a big lemonade.  Or a giant bowl of sugary cereal.

It's all about choices. Sugar cereal and fast food are not part of my healthier eating program.  So, I'll skip them.

What I am going to eat is an egg sandwich with a side of light Greek yogurt and berries.  Which I know will satisfy my hunger just as well as the other.  Or better.

It's worth it.  I am making some 5 point flat bread pizza for dinner.  And I am looking forward to that.  Because... pizza.

Joyful Gratitude - August 8

I Am Thankful For:

Eating lunch with the Grand Kid
Shark Week
Clean Sheet Day
Silence
To Do list: Done
A hawk on the back porch
Going out to lunch with The Man of the House and the Grand Kid
Keeping it light
The smell of coffee
The Grand Kid asking me to read to him
Zero point dinners
Strawberries
Kisses
Sleepy little boy
Dog-sitting
Dinner with my Dad
Key lime pie
Making travel plans

Excess Cargo

Have you ever seen a movie or heard a story about a boat caught in a storm, or stuck on a sandbar or rocks and in danger of sinking?  The crew may have started to toss cargo, or even parts of the ship itself, over board in an effort to lighten the load and save the ship.

Maybe, sometimes, life is a little like that boat.

When we find ourselves floundering, pounded by the storms of life, or just plain stuck - perhaps we need to take a hard look at what is weighing us down.  Is there something we need to get rid of in order to lighten our load?

The things that weigh us down and cause us to struggle can come in different forms for different people:

It may be a bad habit.  Or a good one that just doesn't work for us anymore.

Maybe it's an over crowded schedule.

Unnecessary fear or worry.

Alcohol, drug, or other addictions.

Unhealthy relationships.

Excess weight, or other things that may be damaging our health.

Physical clutter in our home or work space.

When there are storms in life that seem to be dragging us down into the depths, ridding ourselves of the excess cargo may be a simple as making a decision and a plan to change.  Some may require the help of family, friends, or even a professional.

There is always one safe port we can turn to in the midst of the storm.

The Lord always provides comfort and shelter to us when we face times of difficulty, grief or despair.  Draw near to Him, and he will provide you with the wisdom to know if there is excess cargo you need to get rid of.  And the strength to help you endure until the storm passes.

Weekly Goals: Need To vs Want To

Last week was another good week.  Did I mark everything off my to-do list?  No.  Did I accomplish my top 3 priorities? Let's have a look...

• Complete and mail 2 orders  Check! ✔
•  Create September graphics for the blog  Not completely, but I made a good start on them.
•  File sales tax for Etsy shop  Check! ✔  (whew...)

This is exactly why it is so important to prioritize your goals!  You may not have time to accomplish everything you would like, but you know that the really important things are being completed.  First things, first.

When setting goals, separate your need to do items from your want to do items.  Need to do's should come first.  You may even have to prioritize the need-to's.  For example,
I needed to complete 2 orders if I want to stay on schedule and get all my orders shipped out on time.  I wanted to create September graphics for the blog, but I knew I have some wiggle room on that since it's only the beginning of August.  But, if I hadn't filed my sales taxes with the state by the last day of July - that could spell big trouble!  Which is why it was the top priority in my list of goals for last week. 

I don't get to babysit the grand kid this week, so I am hoping to get a lot of work done.  Especially on orders for the shop, pre-planning for the blog, and maybe finally complete the work in my office.  All of that would be nice.  But, here are my priorities for the week:

• Complete and mail 2 orders for the Etsy shop
• Take photos for Etsy shop
•  Create Sunday Inspiration posts for next month

Did you meet your goals last week?  What's on your To Do list this week?  

Sunday Inspiration: Change Direction

Currently... August 2019

This year is flying by!!  In just over 2 months we will be celebrating the wedding of the Female Offspring.  In just under 3 months,  I will turn the big 5-0.  Once my birthday rolls around, it always seems as if the rest of the year is just a blur!    But for now, I plan to spend this month enjoying my last few weeks with the grand kid before he goes back to school.

Reading:  Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak (author of The Book Thief).  Later this month I plan to read either Great Expectations or Alice's Adventures in Wonderland for my Before 50 list.

Celebrating:  This is a relatively quiet month for us.  The only celebration this month is my dad's birthday on the 10th.

Working On:  Still working on my office.  I have been steadily plugging away at it, and now it's almost done. There some detail things, like a lot of paper work that needs to be sorted/organized/shredded.  And some final organizing details - mostly sewing and craft stuff that needs purged.

Enjoying:  Trying new Weight Watchers recipes.  I have tried several off the app and website and haven't found one that I don't like yet.  Even the Man of the House and the Male Offspring have liked them.

Wanting:  Ice cream.  And donuts.  Or both.  Generally, all the things I try to limit or avoid now that I am determined to lose the weight.  Once I reach a certain milestone I will give myself a little treat.  But until then, I will continue to be strong.  (unless anyone has a secret for removing all the calories from my favorite foods?)

Needing:  I started Weight Watchers at the beginning of July.  So far, I am down over 10 pounds.  Now I need to incorporate more activity into my routine to help keep things moving in the right direction.

Making:  It must be washcloth and exfoliating bath puff season!  I have a steady flow of orders for both.  When I have a moment between orders, I am trying to work on new ready to ship dishcloth sets, especially for fall and I will soon be starting on Christmas items.

Feeling:  Alternately good and frustrated with my weight loss journey.  I keep reminding myself that it is just that - a journey.  Every journey has twists and turns, ups and downs.

Anticipating:  NFL preseason starts this month.  Which means that the regular season is just around the corner!  You may know by now that I am a big fan of football, especially the Carolina Panthers.  The Man of the House and I are making plans to attend a few games this year.  We already have tickets for the Panthers home opener against the Rams.  Now we're looking at making a trip to Cleveland to see his Browns play.

What is your life looking like during August?

Joyful Gratitude: August 1

I Am Thankful For:
Reading to the Grand Kid
Afternoon thundershowers
Little boy silliness
Cooler temperatures
My burn wasn't as bad as it potentially could have been
Big bandages
Allergy medicine
Reaching my first weight loss goal
Waking up early
Baking a cake with the Grand Kid
Quiet evenings
Wedding dress fitting appointment
New mascara
Bee socks