Fashion Friday

 

Trying something new can be scary, but not so much when it comes to fashion. Fashion is the one thing that if you try it and don’t like it, no biggie. Take it back, donate it, or make it work. I recently discovered a trend that I think I like: Harem pants. Or peg leg pants. I’ve seen then called genie pants, but many of us will recognize them as Hammer pants from the 80’s. I first tried on a pair at Charlotte Russe with a crop top. Please don’t ask how that looked. Let’s just say that I didn’t get it. There was just something that stayed with me about the harem pants. I’m not sure if it was the slightly relaxed fit or the fact that it was a pair of pants that wasn’t leggings. Ok, I know that I am not the only one tired of seeing leggings everywhere.  

Then while blundering through Kohl’s I saw a pair of JLo pants that looked like harem pants. I gave them a shot. I even took a picture of them, but couldn’t decide between the Large or XL. I got on the phone with one of my fashion forward friends and her response was ‘Harlem Pants? I’ve never seen them before. What are they?’ As my voice echoed through the dressing room, attempting to describe them, I decided it would just be easier to just send the picture to her.  No response.

Fast forward one month and they are still on my mind. On Sunday, I just decided to break down and get them. I pictured them dressed up, dressed down, casual chic, and lounge wear. On my way to Vegas on the plane, out on a date with a POF recruit, and just chilling with friends. Now, there is nothing better than getting what you, unless you’re getting it at a dirt cheap price; they were only $16 (Regular $50, on sale for $20, free shipping, 20% off coupon).

 

Wait a minute, honey! What do you plan on wearing those with? A tank top and denim vest, cream button up, sheer shirt.

 

Or my favorite in my mind, this shirt from ASOS. 

 

 

Hopelessly Single.

It all started one Sunday. Actually the Sunday after my 31^st birthday. I was invited to another  31^st birthday dinner. Since I’m the type of friend that cannot say no, I decided to go. I called one of my other friends to see if she would be going and she said, yeah, I’ll try to go. The day of the dinner comes and she calls and asks if I was bringing a date. My normal response ‘No, I wasn’t planning too’. Oh because I was going to ask [Jim] if he wanted to come. Fast forward to dinner and I am sitting in between two couples and two children at a dimly-lit, overpriced restaurant. Great.

As the night went on, it wasn’t horribly bad, but I felt awkward. Not the type of awkward that you feel when you at a party where you don’t know anyone, but the awkward feeling when your singleness is the elephant in the room. Oddly enough, the subject of hooking me up with one of the dudes friends came up and that elephant came trotting towards me at 2 miles an hour. As my two female friends asked several questions about this guy because in their words, I would even think to ask these questions.  It progressed to pulling up pictures of him on Facebook. I slowly sipped my watermelon martini.

Was I that pathetic? In this particular situation, yes, I was that pathetic hopelessly single friend that everyone wanted to see happy. The friend that when they find her the perfect one they’ll boast about how it was their great matchmaking skills that is the reason that she is no longer the pathetic, dateless, hopelessly single girl that she was 4 months ago. That elephant must have been sitting right between the baby sling, to the left of the Bang-Bang Shrimp and smack dab in front of me. As I delighted in my small, but flavorful plate, it dawned on me. I’ve never brought a date to any event-NEVER!  Not a dinner, party, BBQ, wedding, nothing. It’s always just been me: RSVP: 1. By the time, I finished off my crabcake, anxiety set in. Between my mind and the elephant sitting there, I went from feeling awkward to uncomfortable. I saw a quote on Pintrest that said ‘Don’t believe everything you think’, but I couldn’t help it. My mind was consumed with thinking about how out of all my friends in Pittsburgh, I am the only one that was single. You’re 31 years old…when you go to the gynecologist, you need to ask about freezing your eggs, oh and fertility treatments.

Later that night, as my friends relished in their children playing games and napping and never touching their wallets (their beaus footed the bill), I was served with a $31.32 bill-before tip-paid for by moi.

I'm Back!!

After taking a couple months off of blogging, I'm back! I missed it and need to get my creative juices back flowing. I think that I will I am going to change it up a little bit and do more quality than quantity posts; better editing, graphics, more thought provoking pieces. Yup, its always coming up soon!

Virus...

If you are wondering why I haven't been posting in a while its simple: I have a virus on my computer. Grr! I am in the process of trying to get rid of it, but as of this moment nothing has helped. It keeps on constantly redirecting me to other sites. I also think that whomever out there in the hacking-computer-sphere is trying to take over the blog as well. I got an overwhelming number of views in one day...and I haven't posted anything in close to a month. As soon as the virus is gone, I will be back to my regular posts.

The Return of Beauty Week

Next week will be Beauty Week here on Walking Through Honey!! I know that is what most of you wait for, and here it is! Pending, my income tax refund coming on time and me getting new camera.

Stay Tuned!

Words of Wisdom

The Game...

I am sitting here house a mess, thirsty, stinkin', all because of this Game marathon on BET. Today was supposed to be Spring Cleaning, but after going out and getting a new bathroom set and some other items, I don't feel like doing anything. Shame, Shame, SHAME! I really miss the old episodes of The Game, pre-married Derwin and Melanie on the CW. Those were the days!



So, tell me are you going to be tuning into the new season of The Game on BET?

I am on the fence about it. After last season, I don't know if I can suffer through it since the story lines and acting has gone down the tubes since BET took over, and the original cast is not intact.

A Lost Love...

I am not a product junkie, but I will try different things until I find what works for me. This week for a protective style I decided to wear a wig. Mainly because my shows came on Sunday and after cooking, washing my hair, and watching the shows, I didn't want to deal with my hair and it was going to be cold during the week. I normally moisturize with Qhemet BiologicsAlma & Olive Heavy Cream, but for some reason I reached for the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. There was just a thin coat in the bottom of the jar, so I said might as well use this little bit on up. I started to part for my 6 big braids and my hair was ssooooo soft! I'm not sure why I ever stopped using it?  It was like I was meeting a lost love for the first time all over again and he still knew everything about you, and you picked up right where you left off at before you split up.

Days later, my hair is still moisturized and not greasy at all! Where have you been all of my life?!! Oh yeah, right on the shelf next to the Suave Conditioner and bergamont hair grease that my mother forced me to take from her house. Don't get me wrong, I still love myQhemet Biologics, but the weather is getting warmer and I will not need something as heavy. I am back in love with my Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie ya'll!

Music Monday...

Don't judge me. Please just download and listen to the fundamental, slightly redundant lyrics, perfectly timed ad libs, and catchy beats that stay in your head.

He most definitely isn't eye candy, and I keep on hearing him being referred to as a Jerome off of Martin look alike.

My Migraines...

I called off of work today because lately I have been having some serious migraines. While in college, I had a short bout with them and was prescribed Imitrex to help relieve the pain. I stopped taking this and all of the medicine that they prescribed because of the way that it made me feel; mainly, all loopy, floppy, sleepy, and lethargic.

I believe that the ones that I have been experiencing for the past week or so are due to stress. It's been so much with work, planning and helping people out with different things, the weather, and just stress in general that I cannot think of anything else that have been causing this. I also believe that it also has something to do with my hormones. I have stopped taking Vitex and started taking Dong Quai. In a prior post, I talked about stopping taking birth control and trying something more natural, Vitex, to regulate my periods. I took if for the recommended amount of time, and gave myself a break. Since I was unsuccessful with Vitex, I decided to try something a little stronger. I am giving Dong Quai a try for at least 8 weeks. I am also going to up the dose and see if that will help with keeping my periods regular.

 

As for the migraines, all I can do is just hope for the best. I took a couple of over the counter migraine pills and rested.

Ready For Love: An Upcoming Post

I am ready for love
Why are you hiding from me
I'd quickly give my freedom
To be held in your captivity

I am ready for love
All of the joy and the pain
And all the time that it takes
Just to stay in your good grace
Lately I've been thinking
Maybe you're not ready for me
Maybe you think I need to learn maturity
They say watch what you ask for
Cause you might receive
But if you ask me tomorrow
I'll say the same thing

I am ready for love
Would you please lend me your ear?
I promise I won't complain
I just need you to acknowledge I am here

If you give me half a chance
I'll prove this to you
I will be patient, kind, faithful and true
To a man who loves music
A man who loves art
Respect's the spirit world
And thinks with his heart

I am ready for love
If you'll take me in your hands
I will learn what you teach
And do the best that I can

I am ready for love
Here with an offering of
My voice
My Eyes
My soul
My mind

Tell me what is enough
To prove I am ready for love

I am ready

India Arie~Ready For Love Lyrics

You're Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has for You

Thinking about reading this book: You're Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has for You. I need something that will help bring my dreams to fruition.  This may be exactly what I need.

Almost Clean Eating: Lettuce Wraps!

I had a craving for some lettuce wraps...out of nowhere. I don't know where it came from, but I just googled P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps, and this is what I came up with...



This no-carb dinner was almost clean. There are two processed items used to make it and I paired it with some SteamFresh Asian vegetables. I couldn't wait for lunch the next day! It was quick and easy to make. Well, let me rephrase that, there was alot of chopping involved.

Click here for recipe.

Words of Wisdom..

Work It Out!

My arms are burning. I smell like a mixture of onions and salt. My legs are killing me. Yes, I have been working out.

I feel like I got the diet down pretty good. And even though I am not 100% clean, but I am about 80% or more during the week and just two bad meals during the weekend. I have decided to start back working out. I am sorry to the neighbors below me, but the 30 minutes that I have to work out 5 days a week will not kill you.

What will my workouts consist of? As of right now, I am doing 30 Day Shred, 5 days a week. I really want to start doing the Butt Bible again. Thankfully, I found it on YouTube in its full original version (Yace!). I started doing Pilates last week, and will incorporate it again at some time, but right now I'm focusing on 30 Day Shred. I would love to start back walking/running when the weather breaks...we are expecting a snow storm this week in PA.

Ok, I am off to take a shower, repin my hair, and pack my lunch for tomorrow...After Biggest Loser.

My First Time...

So, after all of the great clean eating, I ate fast food out for the first time yesterday. I know, I know. I was coming home from my mother's house and I was so hungry that I didn't know what to do with myself...and I did the worst thing that a clean eater could do...go through a drive-thru. Gasp!

The one thing that anyone will tell you about clean eating is that you have to plan out your meals. If you don't you are bound to sway away from the clean eating plan. For the record, I have eaten out on the weekend, but I try to make the best possible choices that I possibly can without making it myself. For example, I have been eating Thai food about once a week. Why? Because I feel like the only thing that is really bad for me is the sauce that they use on it. I cut the portions in half and always opt for either shrimp or chicken. The basil chicken (or shrimp) is filled with vegetables and every place that I get Thai food from offers brown rice. I also ate a fish sandwich and fries one Friday from the local joint that we get sandwiches from Emil's. Side note: If you are in the Rankin/Braddock/Pittsburgh area, please get a fish sandwich from Emil's--so good!

I went to Burger King and got the following: Four (4) piece chicken nuggets and a Whopper Jr. with no mayo, add mustard. I am sure that there were other things that I could have gotten, but there wasn't anything that looked good. I'll be honest with you there aren't too many thing foods that excite me if I don't cook it myself. There is something about the challenge of eating clean that excites me. Trying new foods, putting things together that I normally wouldn't, and being perfectly content with eating what I have until its gone. Trust and Believe, that food wasn't great. It served its purpose, but it wasn't satisfying--at all. I'm back on the clean eating wagon--Don't worry!

Words of Wisdom

Clean Eating Quickie!

Clean eating is good eating...so they say. I have been doing good. It's been almost two months and I weighted in and I lost 2kg. Ok, I weighed myself in kilograms because I didn't want to know what I weighted exactly. So, while browsing Whole Foods I discovered, wait for it, Kombucha. What is it!?!? I had to google it before I drank it. It's basically fermented tea. There are billions of probiotic organisms in it to help with digestion and immunity, oh and energy. I would say that the taste is very apple cider vinegar like. I have actually gotten used to it after about 3 days, and I want to try the kind with chia seeds in it. Wait, it is clean? Its organic and raw, so I am assuming so.

My First Calligraphy Class...and Other Thangs...

Hey! I just got back from my first calligraphy class. And let me tell you, it was hard. There was 4 people in the class, including myself, and I was probably in the worst in the class. I've dabbled in it, but the other students were on their A-game...like over-achievement, teachers pet, goodie two shoes. Not so much my fault; I didn't have the right pen and paper. I never knew that there was so much that went into writing calligraphy. The nibs, the paper, your hands, the placement of paper, the space in between the spaces in the letter that you make...it's an art. And anyone who tell me different is a liar! There are so many intricate parts of it and history behind it. Our instructor Karen Roberts has been the game for years and can teach anyone a thing or two about writing. This is an eight week course and the cost was $79. I am always thinking of different things to do to enhance my resume, and make for interesting conversation with strangers.

In other news, I brought a new car!! Its a 2009 Camry and the payment are affordable. My goal it to pay it off in 4 years. Oh yeah, there goes my no buy challenge for 2013. Some other things that I brought that I love: rhassoul clay, L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lip Stain, and anything from Traders Joe's...except those carrot-ginger bran muffins. Reviews on all this coming soon!

Ok, I need to get my organic peppermint patties out of the freezer and watch the rest of SVU. I always forget this show is on, and when I do its always the last twenty minutes of it. Until next time...

Lent: What You Giving Up?

So my computer is back up and running, and I hope to get back to posting more, but with the stress from work, who knows when that will be. Anywoo, today I was asked by one of my elderly residents, Sarafina, bilingual, devout Catholic little Italian woman, if I wanted my ashes. Clueless for a moment...Duh! It's Ash Wednesday! I'm not Catholic, but not to be rude, I obliged.

I decided that I was going to give up two things for lent: facebook and gossiping.

Starting today, I will not be checking my facebook page, or lurking around reading some of the crazy posts from friends. I wonder what I will actually miss out on. Will I be more incline to pick up the phone?

Aww..the gossiping. It's not that I really do it, but I find myself telling other people things in general conversation. Not in a negative way, but just mentioning something from our conversation to someone else. I noticed that it made me feel uncomfortable because I felt like who I was telling wasn't getting all of the facts and passing judgement.

I'll keep it short since I have a migraine...and have had one for the past two days. Sigh.

What are you willing to give up for 40 days?!? Leave it in the comment section below!

Spiritual Sunday: The Tortoise & The Hare

When is it going to be my time? I have been steadily attempting to move forward and make good decisions follow in Gods path that he has for me, but it seems like I am getting no where, fast. If slow and steady wins the race when will it be over?


It seems like everywhere that I look there are people getting ahead of me, doing the right thing, and some doing the wrong thing. I just wonder and ask, how can this be? I have been doing everything that I am supposed to be doing; walking this path, being patient, and being obedient, but I still see no results. Many of us may feel this way at one time or another. I just wish that there was a sign that lets me know that I am going to win this race. Even though I am tired, weary, and lacking faith, I know that I am going to win this race.

Recently, I set out to buy a new car. I did my research, planned my budget, and went out searched. The first dealership that I went, anxious to test drive and get this Nissan Rouge, turned out to be a bust. Well, I guess I will just go out again next weekend and take a look at the Toyota Camry and Rav4. Ok, the frigidly cold temperatures and snow kept me away. So here we are a month later and still no car. But I am faithful that I will find the right car at the right price. Patience. Faith. I got this. Do you know that this week one of my friends who went with me to test drive the car actually brought the same car that I test drove yesterday?!? How can this be?! I did everything that I was supposed to do. Was she even looking for a car while I was looking? Guess I'm the tortoise and she's the hare. Sometimes I just wish that for one time I would be able to win the race. Lord, just let me come in first one time.  Yes, there is some natural competition in life, it just seems like I am always coming in last. But if you know anything about Jesus and how he works, the tortoise will win the race. Not in the tortoise's time, but in God's time.

Before I started writing this post, I thought about one of the first sermons my lil cousin preached and it was based off of Job and the struggles that he faced and overcome. His patience and how the end of his days were better than the beginning. One of the lines that stood out to me was 'The race isn't given to the swift nor the battle to the strong, but he who endures til the end'. After doing some research I found out that it's not exactly stated in the bible, more like a combination of Ecclesiastes 9:11 and possibly Matthew 24:13. I'm not going to get too technical with this, because I have heard it before but when I googled it to get the true understanding of it, there were so many stories about marriage, life, and love illustrating this and it was truly inspiring to know that other people are going through the same thing that I am and still came out on top. Am I discouraged? Yes. About more than one thing, but I just have to keep the faith and keep on moving in this race.

The Liebster Award...

I was almost nominated for an award! One of the other blogs that I follow, Her Best Hair, had a post for a The Liebster Award which she was nominated for, and she nominated everyone that read the post. So here goes nothing.

11 Random Things About Myself

1. I have a habit of buying things but not using them.
2. I prefer a pen and paper over typing.
3. I once wrote a cover letter comparing me and Kanye West. I thought that it was good, but the employer didn't.
4. I watch QVC at random times during the day for no real reason.
5. I've realized that I can only be mad at someone for about 5 minutes and then I forget the reason why I was mad.
6. I used to memorize commercials when I was younger. I guess that is where my marketing background comes from.
7. I cannot wait until summer to wear my hair out.
8. The beat from Drake's Headlines is playing in my head right now.
9. I think that I might end up being with a white man. No shade, tho.
10. I'm thinking about taking a calligraphy class this winter.
11. I cut my nails down at the beginning of every month.

Her Best Hair Questions For Me

1. Why did you start blogging? No real reason. I started a blog called back in 2009 called The Unemployed Recessionista and decided that since I'm no longer unemployed why not start a new one.
2. What state (or Country) are you in? PA
3. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? I would have a home in PA, NY, CA and London
4. Do you know all the words to your national anthem? Yes.
5. How long is your hair? I'm not sure. I think about shoulder length when stretched
6. What inspires you? Failure
7. Can you dance? Yes
8. What was the last movie you saw? Django: Unchained
9. What is your month of birth? June
10: Are you on twitter/instagram? No
11. What annoys you? Snoring and sleeping at the wrong times. Oh, noisy neighbors

The Liebster Award guidelines:Post 11 random things about yourself (optional).
Answer 11 questions that the tagger set for you.
Choose 11 bloggers to give the Liebster Award.
Create 11 questions for the bloggers you have tagged with the award to answer.
Who do I nominate?
Anyone who reads this post!

My question for the nominees

1. How old are you?
2. What's your favorite reality show
3. Are you working on any goals? If so, explain.
4. Are you the oldest, youngest, or somewhere in between?
5. What's your favorite store?
6. What's your sign?
7. What was the last trip that you took?
8. Your favorite song of the moment?
9. Black, White, or Red?
10. Quick! A secret you never told anyone until now?
11. Do you know all the words to Rappers Delight?

Leave a comment below with your blog so that I can read your answers and discover your blog!!

Food Friday: Cookbook Review

They say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Umh, I'm not sure if that is true or not, but I got a book that says after making this roasted chicken, he'll put a ring on it. The book that I am talking about is 100 Recipes Every Woman Should Know. This book features lots of easy to cook recipes including Engagement Chicken and 99 other fabulous dishes to get everything that you want in life [their words not mine].

I'll admit it. I love browsing cookbooks. I guess its because I am a foodie and love trying new foods and recipes. This books is basically for the beginner cook. Sure there are a couple of recipes that are slightly difficult and require a food processor, but for the most part it all you need are some pots, pans and a knife. There were very few standout recipes that made me want to buy the book for reference, and actually cook them. This book has all of the bases covered; there isn't an event that can come up that you couldn't find a meal to go with it, which by the way the book has meal plans listed in the back for, I don't know, lets say a promotion...or engagement. The one thing that this book lacks is pictures. There are a couple in the cover of the books, but none anywhere else. So you have no idea how your Good Mood Tostadas should look once their done.

The star of this book is of course the Engagement Chicken, so much so that there is a whole chapter devoted to it speckled with success stories of Glamour magazine readers who got engaged either during or right after their mate ate this chicken. Engagement Chicken isn't a secret or anything fancy it involves a few choice ingredients: chicken, lemons (and the juice), salt, pepper, and some herbs for garnish. That's it.

Now to be fair and give an honest review, I will be making the following dinner from the book, just to see how good they recipes actually are:

• Engagement Chicken
• Gingery Green Beans
• Baked New Potatoes

(I am still trying to Eat Clean, so I was selective on what I chose to make)

Be sure to check out my next Food Friday post to see the results! Who knows maybe I'll get engaged or share my meal with a man, just in time for Valentine's Day ;)

Clean Eating Update!

As I sit here eating spaghetti and chicken breast...don't judge me...I decided to make a post about clean eating and how has it been going. In a nutshell, its a process and I do not eat completely clean all of the time. I have eating 'unclean' twice that I can think of and I felt guilty every time. The one thing that I have to do when eating clean is plan. PLAN! If you do not plan out your means, you will be tempted to just eat out. I make mine out for all seven days, and stick to it.I have made several trip to Whole Foods for random items. It seems like every weekend I am making the 20 minute ride to Whole Foods for raw honey, tea, whole grain, spouted bread, and bison burgers--two of these items I couldn't manage to shell out the money or bring myself to buy--so I just window shop. I think that in my mind everything at Whole Foods is clean, when that isn't the case. It all boils down to reading labels...which I do alot now.

 I have tried some new recipes: one good, one bad. The good...Oatmeal Bars!




These amazing oat bars which are so easy to make! They are perfect for these cold winter mornings here in Western PA. I think that it took all of 20 minutes to put together and about 25 minutes to cook. Click here for recipe.

The Bad: Clean Reuben Sandwich from eating clean magazine

No picture necessary; its just sour, nasty, tasteless rachetness on two perfect pieces of rye bread. Ewh! Fear not, there are more posts about clean eating coming soon!

Late Nights & Random Thoughts...

I'm up at approximately 12:06am. Write this one down. Since my hours changed at work, I have been getting to sleep at 10:30-11 at the latest-to be sure that I am up to be on time. I told someone at my job that I feel like I'm a part of an elite team of workers who are up when its still dark and on the road when its still dark. Then my maintenance aide reminds me that he's up at 4:30am. [Egg on my face].

 Maybe its delirium but my mind is running wild and this is what I am thinking:

DJango [the J is silent] was a good movie. Those three hours just flew by.

I went to test drive a car and the dude was amazed that my current car passed inspection with a serious wide-eyed look, sitting on the edge of his seat like I was about to tell him the secret Coca Cola recipe, lol! He asked again, because he really wanted to know. He then proceeded to tell me that I really needed a new car and offered $1250 for the Yota.

I need some new UK artists to listen to. These are the times that I miss working at the GAP because I find out about new artists. If you know of any, let me know!

I cheated on eating clean, but I really feel bad about it.

I need to make a wish list.

My life is like a sitcom...or reality show.

I am torn between doing what I am told, what's right, and standing up for what I believe. I worry about the consequences, but it so wrong what they are doing. Since this pertains to my job, I will not go into details, but pray for me.

Shrimp is my new obsession. I eat so many shrimp I got iodine poisoning [in my Pimp C voice].

The One That Got Away friended me on facebook...and he is married. How do I feel about this? Not too bad, but felt that I needed to mention it. He looks old anyway.

I want to sew an apron and a pair of high-waisted pants. Have to figure out how to read a pattern...and sew.

I could be taking down my tree instead of writing this post.

Blue eyeliner looks better than black on me, when I am going for a casual look.

Why am I not married yet?!?! This is so puzzling to me. Ugh! Patience, Kara.

I'm thirsty. Off to get water.

No Buy Challenge: Phase I

This year I am going to save at least $2,000. I would like to save $5,000, but I got to start somewhere right?!?! I am starting a No-Buy Challenge. Yes, that is right, I will not be buying anything but the necessities for the next 60 days starting January 15th and lasting until March 15th. There are a couple of rules to this challenge, and they are as follows:

• No purchases other than food(from the grocery store only), gas, and monthly bills (i.e. rent, credit cards, utilities, ect).

• You are allowed two free passes--no more than $50 each.

• You are allowed to by the bare necessities. For example, you need to brush your teeth, so get some toothpaste. You are able to buy anything that runs completely out, so shampoo of the same kind or in the same amount that you paid for the product you are replacing. Why? Well, I have natural hair and there ain't no telling how conditioner that I will need. So, I will replace whatever that I have with something comparable or that costs the same amount of whatever it is that I ran out of. No NEW PRODUCTS!

• Try to use cash as much as possible. So, if you normally spend $40 a week on gas, then take out $80 when you get paid and put that amount in an envelope. Got some left over, save it for when you need have one of those weeks when you do a little bit extra running around.

To track how much you save, this is what you have to do. Take the amount of your checking account before you get your next check. Lets say it's $500. On March 15th, see how much money you have left in your account after you paid your bills.

This is just the first phase--there will be more to come! I am thinking about doing a no-buy clothing challenge in the summertime.

Want to join this challenge? Just leave a comment below and let me know that you're with me!

Spiritual Sunday...

Have you ever had a dream about you or someone you know being pregnant? The definition of this is giving birth to a dream or idea that you have been having for a while. Last week, I wrote a post about knowledge and being prepared, which kinda leads me into this, well not really. A vision board. I have one of these that I used to keep by my bed to help keep me focused. When I moved, it got lost in the shuffle and hasn't surfaced yet. While reading another blog, I seen where she had a post about making a vision board electronically through Oprah's Dream Board Website and keeping it somewhere that you can look at it all of the time. She said that she looked at hers and she had accomplished almost half of them without even knowing it, but it was always there right on her desktop.

This Sunday I invite you to make a vision board of what you would love to see happen in your life in 2013.

Eating Clean...

NO MORE DIETING!! With the new year here I am going to make a lifestyle change. This is something that I will be doing gradually: Clean Eating. Its basically eliminating all of the processed food from your diet. Yup, no more boxed, preservative filled, sodium loaded foods. It also involves using portion control and eating every 3 hours. To be honest, this will not be a problem during the week, but on the weekend...its going to be really hard. Hard? Yes. Impossible? No? This is just something that I will have to get used to...on the weekends. This weekend I will be going food shopping and stocking up on some 'clean foods' and making a meal plan for upcoming week. Stay tuned!