January seemed to drag it’s sweet feet, but February has come and (almost) gone so quickly! I can’t believe it’s time for my one month #GlowUp update. (more…)
Facing My Fitness Fears with WIP & grace+GRIT
For me, getting into shape is this lofty goal that always lingers and seems so difficult to attain. Some people sign up for a gym, team, or class, make the commitment, and have no trouble staying pretty consistent. Myself on the other hand, I know what to do, I know how to do it, but I just can’t seem to actually do it. If this sounds like you too, I want you to keep reading!
A 2014 Resolution
I truly enjoy making resolutions! I love the sense of commitment and enthusiasm that they provide at the start of the new year. I’ll admit, I have been a bit ambitious in the past, vowing to complete A, B, C, D, E, F, G, etc. etc. but this year, I’ve decided to keep my resolutions – or goals, if you will – simple. It’s all about taking on one small change at a time, no?
This year I’ve decided to take one thing head on – skincare.
I think it’s time to start addressing this “getting old” thing. While technically, I am a bit late in the anti-aging game, I’m considering myself early. This year is all about good products, facials, and avoiding the sun!
I do take good care of my skin, but I’m ready to take it to the next level. Someone recently recommended that I try No. 7 skincare products. After their rave review, I did my own Google search & was quickly sold. I picked up the Protect & Perfect Intense Skincare System at Target for $50.
I also (per recommendation), placed an order for Country Life Maxi Hair Time Release (hair, skin and nail) vitamins.
I tried Sephora’s Phytophanère hair, skin and nail vitamins, but wasn’t thoroughly impressed. I went through a full bottle – a 3 month treatment – before deciding not to continue. The Country Life tablets have wonderful reviews, so I’m excited to try them!
In addition to my two new products, an increased intake of water, fruits & veggies is obviously going to be a must.
I’ll post my thoughts on the No. 7 skin treatment and the Country Life vitamins once I get a good feel for them.
I hope everyone has made a resolution or two for the New Year!
There’s no time like the present 🙂
Update on My New Years Resolutions! (2 Months Down)
Happy March everyone! Can you believe how quickly February flew by!?
Like I did at the beginning of last month, I’m going to go through my New Years Resolutions to see that I’m staying on track. 😉
Here we go!
1: Stop Cursing. Better, but overall… Fail.
2: Exercise regularly. Starting to slack, but still making the effort.
3: Eat healthier. This has definitely been my best resolution! Complete success!
(Although I did put quite a dent in a box of Valentines Day chocolates …)
4: Stop spending so much money and start saving more. Done, and done. My only credit card was completely paid off, and I’ve been able to save quiet a bit of money this month.
5: Make an effort to spend more time with friends: A little tricky this month with my out of town friends, being in the Bahamas threw me off a bit, but plans are in the works for the near future 🙂
6: Spend more time reading. Being on vacation was the perfect kick in the butt! I finished The Hunger Games, and The Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me. When I got home, I couldn’t wait to start Catching Fire!
7: No more soda. Although I had some moments of weakness, and would have given my left leg for a diet coke, I am still 100% clean 😉
8: Eat out less and cook more. Yes, and yes!
Overall, I’ve been pretty successful with my resolutions, and it’s amazing. I feel so productive with my time, much healthier with food choices, and far smarter with my money. I’m really proud of myself and have started to indulge here and there, taking stabs at my growing want list, and planning some vacations 🙂
How are your resolutions coming along?
Update on my New Years Resolutions (1 month down)
Happy February everyone! I apologize for not blogging all week, I’ve been super busy, and a little under the weather- but I’m back 🙂
I decided that at the beginning of each month, I would go through my New Years Resolutions and note how well, or how poorly I’ve been maintaining them. I think it’s a good way to keep myself in check when it comes to sticking to my goals. So here we go:
1: Stop Cursing. Unfortunately, this one has been really difficult for me. I have been making the effort, but sometimes it just slips. However, each time I slip I do catch myself and note how horribly I am at sticking to this resolution. LOL… It’s a work in progress.
2: Exercise regularly. This has been pretty good! I’ve definitely been making a conscious effort to get some sort of physical activity into each day. Some days are better than others, and yes I have skipped a few here and there, but overall I’m proud of myself for the increased physical activity.
3: Eat healthier. This may be my best resolution! I’ve been eating super healthy M-F. I’ve been allowing myself to cheat on the weekends, but as the weekends go by I find that I am not as eager to eat junk because I really have noticed a difference in the way my body feels.
4: Stop spending so much money and start saving more. I definitely have! I try not to spend any money during the week on “things” (random trips to CVS, Marshalls, Target, etc.) I do allow myself to spend if going out for an occasion or on groceries. I keep adding to my want list and chip away at it on the weekends or wait until I absolutely need something. I’ve also made the effort to force myself to put money aside from each paycheck-I started looking at it as another bill.
5: Make an effort to spend more time with friends: So far so good! This month, I met my best girls from home for dinner, as well as my Kappas- (the class I was initiated with in my sorority). We’re all so busy and live across the state, but by planning ahead, we’ve all been able to follow through with plans. 🙂
6: Spend more time reading. I wish I could say I was doing this! Honestly, I don’t think I picked up a book for more than an hour this month. I’ve read a ton of magazines….but I don’t really think those count. This month I’ll need to work on upping my literature.
7: No more soda. Hell, my name is Amanda and I am soda-free. Not a sip. 🙂
8: Eat out less and cook more. Done and done! I pack a healthy lunch for work everyday, and try to cook dinner M-F. It helps me to save money during the week and eat healthier- so by doing this I am contributing to two of my other resolutions as well!
And of course, one of my resolutions was to start and maintain a blog. I think I’ve been doing a decent job. I’ve tried to make an effort to post every night, but some days are just far too busy. I think this will be by 26th or 27th post? So that’s not too bad out of 31 days!
How are you guys doing with your New Years Resolutions? Have you been sticking to them?