Happy Thoughts

I haven't been posting as regularly these days, but it isn't because I've run out of things to write about, or because I've lost my enthusiasm. Quite the opposite! It's because my life has been filling up with lots of great things and I'm sharing my time more equally now.

I particularly wanted to fire up this blog today to record some thoughts I've been having lately - Good thoughts.

Do you know that feeling you get when everything seems to be in balance? When every area of your life is going well? I hope you do, because it's a great feeling, and one to be savoured, because who knows how long it will last. Life can take a sudden detour or hit a  wall  at any given moment, so while I'm feeling such a sense of harmony, I'm going to revel in it.

My work is going well - I am fortunate to love what I do.

My family are well and settled and I'm enjoying 'Grannyhood'.

I am re-kindling my passion for creative writing - Studying at TAFE and joining writing groups - Making some lovely contacts through this. (Have become hooked on Facebook....)

I've also found a renewed interest in my art. I am now a member of my local gallery and am being encouraged to pursue this. I've met some wonderful people here, too.

Since my children have left home, I'm learning to be a little more self-indulgent. When you are a single mum raising young children, you live each day in survival mode. You live for and through your children, striving to give them your best and enrich their lives as much as possible.

But it's too easy to forget yourself in the equation, and to put your own needs and passions on hold.
I have never regretted or resented for a moment doing this for my children, but now the time has come for me to live a little more for myself.

Looking through my old yellowing art books and scribblings has drawn me back into my love of sketching and short story writing  and I'm only now finding the courage to share it with others. Turns out I'm not too bad at it! Who knew?

It's not often I get this personal when writing blog posts, but I just felt the need to share my thoughts today. I hope you, too, know the feeling of a balanced life, and squeeze every drop of joy from it to sustain you through the not-so-well-balanced times.
Cheers!

 

100 Reasons to Lose Weight

So...here in Aus it's the beginning of Spring, and the time of year when we begin to think more about our health and fitness. In Winter we have this clever way of blocking out any damage being done by gobs of  'comfort' food and inactivity - we hide it all under layers of Winter clothing. 

But with the approach of warmer weather, it's time to start peeling off the layers, and exposing to the world our guilty secrets. This is also the time of year when membership to weight-loss programs, gyms, and sporting activities soar. 

We would all like to think there are quick-fix solutions, but alas there are none. The best we can do is find the motivation and willpower within ourselves to do the right thing, take it slow and steady, and not beat ourselves up when we falter. 

There are plenty of ways to lose weight and get fit that don't cost a cent, and many good reasons to do so (see here and here).

To start us off here is a list of 100 Reasons to Lose Weight. I found it somewhere on the net (can't remember the source, but thank you) - and modified it for my own needs. You may like to add or change bits, but we can't argue that they're bloody good reasons.

100 REASONS TO LOSE WEIGHT

1.   To increase my feelings of self-worth.
2.   To be able to jump rope without worrying about hurting      myself.
3.   To look good in a fitted dress.
4.   To be able to wear shorts in the summer.
5.   To be able to go swimming without being self-conscious.
6.   To be able to wear white or light colours and not just black or dark because ‘they’re more slimming’.
7.   To be able to keep up with my grandchildren
8.   To not have fear going to the doctors, because he'll make me get on a scale.
9.   To be able to wear a bra that actually fits everything in.
10. To not worry about lawn chairs breaking.
11. To not worry about the size of the seats at the theatre or on an airplane.
12. To not get "those looks" at a restaurant, even when eating normal food.
13. So my ankles don't puff up and look like there's half a tennis ball on each side.
14. To be able to sit more comfortably on toilet seats.
15. To be able to go into any store, and buy the clothes I like, not just the ones that fit.
16. To not feel awkward about going clothes shopping, or shoe shopping.
17. To be able to order clothes from a catalogue without worrying if they will fit.
18. To be able to wear something that doesn’t say PLUS on it.
19. To reduce my blood pressure.
20. So I can cross my legs comfortably.
21. So I can walk fast or run without everything jiggling.
22. So taking a bath is a luxurious thing, instead of taking a shower so I won't risk overflowing the tub.
23. So my pants won't wear out between my legs while the rest of them are still in good shape.
24. To be able to read the scale by just looking down, straight down.
25. So I can look in the mirror from the neck down and like what I see.
26. So I can show off my muscles, instead of just feeling fat.
27. So I can play with my dog again!
28. So I can feel comfortable driving my car.
29. So I don't feel like I'm always leaning back while sitting in a chair.
30. So I can walk up a flight of stairs and not feel winded.
31. So I can look good from behind in tight jeans.
32. So I can get up and dance and not feel weird.
33. So I can go on rides at amusement parks again, without stuffing myself into the seat shamefully.
34. So I don't have to worry about the maximum weight an exercise machine can take before I use it.
35. So my cat stops seeing my chest as a ‘sleeping shelf’
36. So I don't get that pitying look when I go to a gym to work out.
37. So I don’t get angry red marks from my bra straps cutting into my shoulders.
38. So I can wear underwear that looks cute and dainty, not something industrial.
39. So I can buy lingerie without getting weird looks from store clerks or other customers.
40. So I can at least consider entering a walkathon and have it be a possibility.
41. So getting dressed every morning is a joy and not a dreaded chore.
42. So I can pick the haircut I really want and not just one that is for ‘round’ faces.
43. So that when people start talking about weight loss, I don't feel they mean me.
44. So no one ever calls me "a big girl" ever again.
45. So I can walk in heels without fear.
46. So I will have a lap again for babies to sit on
47. So I don’t need to add a hook ‘extender’ to my bra
48. So I can crawl around on the floor hooking up computer cables without wondering how bad I look.
49. So I can look in a full-length mirror with pride, instead of despair.
50. So I can get up from the floor or a low chair in one smooth move and not have to grab hold of something (or someone).
51. So those stupid gowns at the doctors or chiropractors not only fit, but also are too big.
52. So I can look good in a business suit or a short skirt, instead of always wearing loose clothing.
53. So my back doesn't hurt so much.
54. So I can lie in bed, look down and see my toes without lifting my head off the pillow.
55. So I don't have to worry about which clothes in the closet fit and which don't.
56. So I don't have to worry about the seasons changing, and will my summer/winter clothes still fit.
57. So I don't have to have a ‘wishful thinking’ outfit put away.
58. So I don't crave wintertime, just so I can hide under big jackets and sweaters.
59. So I don't think mean thoughts when I see skinny women.
60. So my doctor will never say, "you really need to lose some weight" to me ever again, but instead says nothing more than "see you next year".
61. So no one will ever again ask me "when is your baby due", and I'm not pregnant.
62. So people in the supermarket don't look in my cart when they think I'm not looking, to see what a "fat person" eats.
63. So I can say how much I weigh out loud with pride.
64. So I don’t have to have fat photos or warnings on my fridge as an incentive not to open the door.
65. So I can say to other people who are overweight, hey, I was there once too, and maybe help them get to where they want to be.
66. So I don’t have to worry that people will wonder what my partner sees in me.
67. So that I don't have to wonder what my partner sees in me.
68. So I am in control of what exercise or activity I choose and not just choose what I am able to do.
69. So I can shave my legs in the shower without gashing myself because I can't see around my fat.
70. So I can ride a horse again!
71. So I can go out fishing with friends, and not be scared to move in the boat in case I tip it.
72. So my children and grandchildren never remember me as fat.
73. No more "beached whale" comments, anywhere.
74. So I can sit on a bar stool and I'm actually sitting ON it, not around it too.
75. So a regular towel goes all the way around me, and maybe even looks cute.
76. So my socks pull all the way up.
77. So I can hug my knees to my chest again, and it’s comfortable.
78. So I can sit cross-legged on the floor.
79. So I can wear a low cut sweater and my collarbones show.
80. So I can wear a semi-transparent blouse and know that my silhouette looks good – no bulges.

81. So I don't have to worry about arthritis or joint replacement when I get older.
82. So I never have to look at someone else with envy again, thinking, "Wow, I wish I was that thin".
83. So that my breasts stick out more than my stomach and not the other way around.
84. So I can trim/ paint my toe nails easily
85. So my wedding rings will fit again.
86. So I can sit at a booth in the restaurant.
87. So I can tie my shoes.

88. So I can stand out in a crowd for good reasons.

89. To lesson my risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other related illnesses.

90. So I can actually enjoy posing for photographs.

91. So I can enjoy running into people from my past.

92. So that when I do eat the occasional treat I can actually enjoy it unreservedly and not get an attack of the guilts after it.

93. So I don’t have those extra ‘back boobs’ or ‘under arm boobs (or extra chins...etc)

94. So I can start wearing my ankle bracelets again.

95. So I can wear tucked in shirts

96. So I can wear clothes that don’t have a stretch waist

97. So I can wear belts

98. So I can save money on my grocery bill.

99. So I sweat less.

100. So I can move around in confined spaces more easily.

Kids and Money

How much do your children know about the family finances? Have you ever included them in discussions about where your money comes from and where it goes?

It’s important that children gain an understanding about money from an early age and there’s nothing wrong with discussing the budget with them providing you keep it to a level that they can understand and don’t cause them to feel concerned about money issues.

Children are surprisingly savvy when it comes to picking up on their parent’s feelings and attitudes, and a healthy approach toward spending and saving is something that will benefit them in the future.

By the age of 5 or 6 they are able to understand the concept of earning, saving and paying. Encourage children to undertake simple chores in exchange for pocket money. It doesn’t have to be much. Children also need to learn about budgeting and saving and there is nothing wrong with teaching them the challenges of a low income. This can actually be a positive lesson for them for later in life.

Try to present money management in a positive light:

Don’t grumble about lack of money or show anger when they ask for something.

Turn it into a lesson. Discuss with them ways of obtaining things that they want. Talk to them about how you budget and save.

If you take them with you to the supermarket, talk about specials. Let them help you find the best value products. This is great for their math skills.

Let them see you using cash as well as your ATM card or credit card.

Explain to them where the money comes from (that it’s not ‘free’ money from a hole in the wall), how a bank works, etc.

Find out whether their school has a student banking facility and encourage them to use this. They can deposit very small amounts and do not incur fees.

Let them see you depositing money in a savings account or dropping coins into a moneybox. Encourage them to do the same.

Some banks will issue ATM cards to children as young as 12 years of age with parental consent. Think carefully before doing this. Perhaps you could keep the card in a safe place and monitor its use.

Explain the concept of lay-by and involve them in the process.

Provide them with an incentive to reach their goals. If , for example, your child wants a particular toy, cut out or draw a picture of the toy and stick it onto a glass jar. Explain that this is specifically to save for that toy. This establishes a visual connection to the goal. Each day or week you or your child deposits money in the jar and you keep a running total. (You may agree to match the savings dollar for dollar). Let your child take the jar to the shop to pay for the toy. This will serve to complete that visual connection.

Words of the Dalai Lama

Happy Little Quote

Why Procrastination Costs us Money

Ok, we all know that procrastination (the bad habit of putting things off) can cause all sorts of issues. Leaving a school or work project until the last minute and then finding the printer is out of ink, or running late for an appointment and the car won’t start - we’ve all done it. But putting things off can have a much more serious outcome.

What about putting off getting the car brakes serviced, or buying those much needed new tyres? Could you forgive yourself it this act of procrastination caused harm to someone you care about?

How about putting off getting that check-up? Having a pap test? Getting that mole looked at? This kind of procrastination can have fatal consequences.

But the kind of procrastination I’m talking about here is probably the most common, and, as well as causing annoyance and wasting time, it can lose us a lot of money over the years.

A recent survey in America showed that the average person spends fifty-five minutes a day looking for lost or misplaced items. And what do most of us do when we can’t find the item? We go out and buy a new one.

How many times have you done this? I know I do, even though I pride myself on being pretty organised. I’ve bought maybe hundreds of pens, pencils and assorted stationery over the years but rarely worn them out or used them up. I lose them. Don’t ask me where they disappear to.

The same goes for things like socks. I don’t think I’ve ever worn out a pair of socks. I really like the theory that dryer lint is the cremated remains of all our missing socks – it would explain a lot.

While it’s much easier said than done, the old adage of ‘a place for everything, and everything in its place’ still holds true. We need to make a conscious effort to put items away where we know we can find them easily. We should label containers and write lists and toss away things we really don’t need.

There’s also another side to this habit – buying something with good intentions to use it and then letting it sit in the corner gathering dust. Yep – you know what I’m talking about: The exercise machine, the bread-maker, the fabric to make those new curtains, the paints and canvasses to begin your new career as an artist….

We work hard to earn our money, and purchases like these should be carefully considered. I’m not saying don’t buy them – I’m saying buy them if you really want them, but make sure you use and enjoy them and get your money’s worth. Whenever we pull out our purse or wallet to make a purchase, we need to stop and think: Are we going to buy this item and procrastinate about using it? Or would we be better off to procrastinate about buying it in the first place? Hmm…

Today’s activity: There are two parts to this activity – First, take a wander around your house and make note of all the things you have bought because you misplaced the original, and all the things you bought with good intentions, but haven’t used. Add up how much it all cost. Second, write yourself a big note to stick on your fridge that says ‘DO IT TODAY!’ 

Peace..

Couldn't have said it better myself - 

Create a Master Shopping List

We all know the frustration of returning from the supermarket to find that we've forgotten to buy something important - or worse still - to buy an item and come home to find that you already had several in the pantry!

There is a simple way to overcome this problem - by creating a master shopping list. 

Before you head to the shops, you should always write down what you need to buy, and by first consulting your master list, you won't forget anything, and you'll be much less likely to fall prey to the store's sneaky marketing tricks.  

Now, there are several ways you can begin to create your list:

You can go through your fridge, freezer and cupboard and list things you already have or normally use. 

You can take a pen and paper into the supermarket and go from aisle to aisle listing the things you would use (although this can be very time consuming.)    

However, I found the best way for me was a combination of the cupboard / fridge method and working with my shopping docket after each shopping trip. It took a couple of weeks to come up with my final list (below) but it has worked well for me for many years. 

You can use it as a starter to create your own, and add to it or change it as your family's needs change (for example, now that my children have grown up and left home I no longer buy baby goods, snacks, cordial, etc., so I have since removed these items and simplified the list to suit my current needs.)

You may also like to arrange the items in the order of your supermarket's aisles.

 Here's the list:

• Margarine
• Butter
• Cheese
• Yoghurt
• Custard
• Deli meats
• Meats/Fish
• Frozen meals
• Ice-cream
• Cream
• Dip
• Frozen vegetables
• Frozen deserts
• Frozen chips
• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Milk
• Fruit juice
• Eggs
• Pasta
• Couscous
• Rice
• Flour
• Cornflour
• Pastry
• Coconut
• Cocoa
• Sugar
• Icing sugar
• Caster sugar
• Bi-carb soda
• Baking powder
• Cream of tartar
• Salt\ pepper\ spices
• Dried fruits
• Nuts
• Stock cubes
• Gravy
• Sauces
• Pickles
• Cake
• Biscuits
• Pastries
• Crackers
• Bread
• Breadcrumbs
• Muffins
• Crumpets
• Popcorn
• Chips
• Snacks
• Muesli bars
• Cereal
• Tea
• Coffee
• Milo
• Cordial
• Soft drink
• Topping
• Tin fruits
• Deserts
• Jam
• Honey
• Vegemite
• Peanut paste
• Mayonnaise
• Salad dressings
• Vinegar
• Cooking oil
• Tomato paste
• Soup
• Canned vegetables
• Baked beans
• Spaghetti
• Cling wrap
• Foil
• Greaseproof paper
• Baking paper
• Paper towel
• Freezer bags
• Zip-lock bags
• Bin liners
• Dish cloths
• Sponges/scourers
• Detergent
• Stain remover
• Soaker
• Washing powder
• Fabric softener
• Ironing aid
• Disinfectant
• Cleaning products
• Deodoriser spray
• Insect spray
• Air freshener
• Soap
• Toiletries
• Toilet paper
• Tissues
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Dental floss
• Mouthwash
• Cotton wool
• Cotton buds
• Face wipes
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Hair spray
• Razors
• Deodorant
• Aftershave
• Painkillers
• Adhesive strips
• Chemist lines
• Batteries
• Light globes
• Stationery
• Baby Needs        
• Pet Needs     

  Happy shopping!

    

Today's activity: Start creating your own list. Take your time to get it right and it will save you a lot of time and money.    

   

     

Ten Great Uses For Zip-Lock Bags

These bags are available from any supermarket and work out to around 5c each. They can be used (and re-used) for lots of things. 

For example:

1. Instead of multi-packs of crisps, buy the larger size bag and separate into 25-gram lots. This works out much cheaper and can help you to moderate the amount being eaten. The same idea can apply to things such as dried fruit, nuts, pretzels, carrot and celery sticks, grapes or strawberries. Keep these treats in baskets in the pantry and fridge. It encourages healthy snacking (in controlled portion sizes) and it is easy to keep track of what’s there. 

2. Buy bars of cake on special and slice them. Seal slices in zip-lock bags (2 fit nicely) and freeze for when unexpected guests call in. Plain cakes such as teacake freeze best. Leave in the bag to thaw for a couple of minutes.

3. If you only need to use part of an onion, seal the other half in a zip lock bag and keep it in the fridge. It lasts for days, doesn't smell and there are no tears when you cut it. (Seriously!)

4. These handy little bags can be used to keep buttons or craft items sorted, to keep gift tags together, hair accessories etc. 

5. They are ideal when travelling for holding things like a mini first-aid kit, sewing kit or makeup. 

6. If you are staying somewhere overnight, soak a makeup pad in cleanser and seal it in a mini zip-lock bag. It keeps it moist and saves space.

7. Zip-lock bags are a cheap and easy alternative for party / Halloween goodie bags. 

8. If you need to send money to school (for excursions etc.) send it in a zip-lock bag. Your child can easily find it in his/her bag and the money is much safer (envelopes can tear and small coins tend to fall out of the gaps in the sides). 

9. Buy cold meats (ham & beef) on special and bag them up in sandwich-sized lots then defrost what’s needed each day. 

10.Larger bags are great for when you’re eating in the car and need somewhere to store messy leftovers till you get to a bin.

The great thing about these bags is that they are strong and can be washed out and re-used.

GLAD© brand zip-lock bags can safely be used in the freezer and for defrosting in the microwave.

Today's activity:  Check out the website at www.glad.com.au for more ideas on how you can use these and other Glad© products.

Thrift Gets a Bad Rap

Lori Blatzheim, the founder of the first (and so far only,) Thrift Club in America, has this to say about thrift:

The word “thrift” can’t be replaced.  For one thing, the root of the word “thrift” is “thrive,” and “to thrive” perfectly captures what the thrift ethic is about. While many people erroneously associate thrift with being miserly, cheap, or  stingy, look up “thrift” in the dictionary and you’ll see that it is more  accurately described as prosperity, thriving, healthy and vigorous growth, careful management (especially of money), and gainful employment.

Thrift is not simply a money saving strategy - it’s a broad term that encompasses the wise use of all resources: health, time, money, and environment included.  Thrift is a way of life, an ethic, a philosophy that enables ordinary people to be generous and to live the good life”.

Kudos to Lori - Isn’t it about time we got out of the mind-set that people who shop at opportunity stores and look for bargains on the reduced stock shelf need to be pitied; That families who grow their own vegetables or ride bicycles everywhere must be hippies? (Yes, I’ve heard that one a few times.)

I say they should be admired for their wisdom and practicality.

You can argue until you turn blue that thrift is damaging to the economy, but the way I see it, while I may save ten dollars at the supermarket checkout, the person behind me probably more than makes up for it. That’s their lifestyle choice – thrift is my choice. 

Living within my means makes me a happier person and helps me to sleep at night, knowing I’m not carrying huge amounts of debt or driving a car I don’t own, knowing I’m leaving a minimal carbon footprint, and knowing I have a good work/life balance with time to spend doing what I love.

For those who practice thrift because they have no choice in order to survive on a low income, I applaud you too. I’m tired of hearing stories of people who say they can’t afford to live on their income, yet they drink, smoke, own big houses and petrol-guzzling cars, play with  their latest electronic gadgets, and buy takeaway junk food on a regular basis. Practicing real and sensible thrift does not mean compromising on a good life, good health and a nice home. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Thrifty people in general eat more natural foods, get more exercise, treat their belongings with respect and care, and spend more quality time with their family. Sounds like a pretty good life to me.

Here’s a great article on this. (Go here)

Today's activity: List all the ways your thrifty lifestyle is benefiting you and your family (and your planet). The next time someone gives you attitude about it, you'll have your argument ready.