Image Map

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Budget Savvy Shopping; January

One of my New Year Resolutions, or Goals I sometimes call them, was to set a monthly shopping budget for myself and stick to it!  I did this in hopes to not only over spend, but to really think about my purchases and buy things that are timeless, multi-season pieces.  It saddens me to admit this, but I went over budget this month :(  I set a $200/month budget, which may sound like a lot but that was downsizing (I have an emotional shopping habit, OK?).

Here's what I found...

From left to right:

Jeans: Gap regularly $69.95.  I purchased them on sale for $23.00

Turtleneck Cotton Sweater: Gap (similar) On sale for $9.99 but it had a small hole in the neck, so I received another 20% off and got it for $4.20

Purple Crew Neck 3/4 Sweater: J.Crew Factory on sale for $19.99

Black and White Stripe 3/4 Sleeve; H&M $12.95

Teal and Brick V-Neck T-Shirts: J.Crew Factory I got the $10 sale, but they're $6.99 now for select colors AND you can get an additional 40% off the sale items with the code MOREPLEASE.

Green T-Shirt Dress: H&M $12.95

Nude/Blush Cut Out Booties & Pink Decorated Flats: SoleSociety On sale BOGO Free $49.99

Nike Free Run 3: $100

Subtotal = $243.08 

EEP! Don't worry... I kept shopping...


Cobalt Blazer: Arden B Regularly $78.00, got it on sale for $10!! 

Gold Envelope Clutch: JCP. Regularly $29.99 got it on sale for $5

Beige Faux FurCharlotte Russe Regularly $29.99, I got it for $14.50 but NOW it's on sale for $9.99!!

Grand Total: $272.58

The new running sneaks ultimately are what put me over.  Those are not a regular purchase item and normally I wouldn't even include them into my "shopping budget" but, I was trying to be more responsible!   
I will not be buying much in February to account for the $72.58 overage in January. 


Do you set a budget for yourself?  
Do you typically come in under or over?

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

My 5 Fast Tips for a New Healthy You!


January is almost over, but it's never too late to start a healthy lifestyle!  Getting back into shape, or just into shape in general is not easy! If this is a goal you've never conquered before, I bet you're feeling a little like the picture above.   Or, maybe you've just fallen off the wagon since the holidays... 

Here are my five fast tips for kick-starting your healthy lifestyle!  

1. Watch What You Eat:
No, by this I don't mean look at what you're eating and then put it in your mouth.   It's scientifically proven that weight loss of any kind is 75-80% diet related.  The biggest issue most people tackle is portion control - don't go back for seconds!  Wait, 5 minutes for your stomach to catch up and I bet you won't want them! You want to pick a plan that will work for you and stick to it as best you can.  Be sure it's realistic so that when you "cheat" you don't fall completely off the wagon. 

*If you'd like suggestions or guidance on a healthy eating plan feel free to email me! 

2. Add/Amp up Physical Activity:
I've been suggesting the Nike Training Club app to everyone!  If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch it's a GREAT FREE App that gives you a wide range of workouts, skill levels, and time periods.  I do also suggest the Jillian Michaels DVD's.  I know she's not every body's favorite, but you have to admit she kicks your a**!  If you're not doing any physical activity add some 2-3 times a week for the first month or so, then try to pump it up to 4-5 times/week, etc.  If you are, keep going or try to change it up with a new routine! 
Keep in mind that running on a treadmill for 60 minutes isn't going to get you very far unless your training for the half marathon in the spring...  Keep it to 20-30 minute high intensity interval training (HIIT) or CrossFit style workouts.  Rotate in some Pilates and Yoga as well for flexibility! 

3. Set Attainable Goals:
Take your "skinny" jeans out of the closet and put them somewhere you see them every day.  Write your goal weight on a sticky note on the fridge... whatever you need to do to keep yourself going!  However, I do caution you to be sure it's not a lofty goal.  For example; you don't want to talk yourself into losing 20 lbs in a week... (ok, that's drastic but I wanted an extreme example!).  A healthy amount of weight to lose is 1-2lbs/week.  Take your measurements and watch inches instead even.  Sometimes it's difficult to hop on the scale because often times when you're mixing cardio with weight training the number doesn't move.  But your pant size will :) trust me!

4. Get a Buddy!
Who wants to sweat alone!?  Even I love running with my running buddy.  It's social time and we motivate each other when the opposing partner is either not "feeling it" or having a rough day.   This is also someone to hold you accountable to your goals.  Sit down with each other and share what you'd like to accomplish.   When you feel like bowing out, you have that other person there pushing you to reach the goals you've set for yourself! 

5. Listen to Your Body:
You don't want to over do it!  Be sure that you're doing this... 
- Give yourself a rest day every few days.
- Get a good night sleep. Set a good pre-bed routine for yourself.  Something that is calming so that your body knows it's time to rest.
- Drink LOTS of water.  I'm talking 10+ glasses/day.  I have a 12oz plastic reusable cup at my desk and I fill that puppy up at least 5-6 times throughout the day.  
*If you need more tips or guidance regarding this please email me! 

Anyone can do this; young, old, overweight, naturally thin...  Just takes some guts and goals :)


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

I'm Back!

Wow! What a hiatus! I stopped writing on the blog because I didn't think I had anything to say anymore and it became a bit of a chore.  I'm sure those of you who also blog understand.   Then I realized that I post on Instagram and Facebook and now The Vine (new app and social media with videos that I don't quite have a grip on or care for just yet) and I could definitely come up with some Fitness, Fashion and Irish Dance related posts to keep my little creative outlet going. 

So, I will be featuring my everyday style posts, everyday eats, workouts, how to's, and little tid bits into my world as a T.C.R.G..  

Here are some snaps to tell you what I've been up to! 


























Follow me!