Is this it?? YES!! I can do hard things and I am going to prove it! Weight loss journey happening here!!

So...I need to lose weight. Boo. Actually I am officially down 23 lbs but by basic accident. I have been trying LOTS of different programs, I mean LOTS and I think I have finally (I sure hope so this time)found what is working for me. I am drinking lots of water, avoiding carbs, attempting to keep them under 50-100 max a day, increasing fruits and veggies, limiting sugar (back to the carbs thing) and exercise.4 days a week. I have promised myself that I will stop eating when I am full, at the first inkling even. You'd think that would be an obvious thing but it hasn't always been that way for me. I also promised myself if there is anything I really want to have I will just have it. No denial. Starting with 3 bites. I am finding that usually after 3 bites of that naughty food thing, it sometimes wasn't all my mind had it cracked up to be so I can leave it and if it is I eat it. Hopefully avoiding the spiral into binge land when I can't stand it anymore and eat far beyond what I should to satisfy the craving.

ALSO...

I found a rad new game weight loss website!! You can click here to go check it out. Its called diet bet and the concept is that everyone playing puts in $30 and all who lose 4% in 28 days gets to split the pot!! HOW FUN?! They also have 6 month games if you are interested. Go check it out!! You can even start your own game if you want with your friends and family!! 

PS I am not being compensated by diet bet..I just think its cool and want to share.  They have a game that just started today so go and have some fun!! Lets do this together!! 

LOVES!!

Em

Christmas is Coming! Are you getting ready??? Come see how!!

It is approx 6 months until Christmas!! 

I am so excited! 

I should tell you that as you get to know me better you will discover that I am a Christmas nut...I really do love the entire holiday season and Christmas is the entire month leading up to the actual Christmas day for me. We do daily advents and focus on quality time and family togetherness.  All of this takes money and can really break the bank if you are not prepared.  

Awh...now on to the reason for this post....

My husband and I made a vow when we were first married that we would not ever go into debt for Christmas. We felt like having to pay for Christmas for the year if not many years after would steal the joy the gifts etc were given for in the first place. This would require putting money away. Savings.  Not an easy concept for us until recently. I discovered a company called Smarty Pig a few years ago and it has been life changing. What is smarty pig you ask?? It is a set it and forget it savings website that will help you set a financial goal (it isn't just for Christmas) and will come and withdraw money for you (when you ask them to) and put it in a savings account for you. They are FDIC insured and secured with VeriSign which is the strongest encryption available so you can trust that you and your money are safe. SO... I now decide on a budget in Jan (see I told you I'm a Christmas nut) and I do my best to make sure I have thought of everything we may need money for. Including parties, special foods, like our Christmas Eve munchies, decorations that need some updates, neighborhood gifts etc etc etc. Then divide it by our paychecks coming and wah la I know what amount my withdrawls need to be.  NOW... I know it isn't Jan but every little bit helps. YES? We still have 6 months to get a little nest egg started and every little bit helps right?? 

Go check them out HERE! 

PS. I am not being paid or receiving compensations from Smarty Pig. I just found a great thing and want my friends to know about it. Cool? :)

One Pull Up

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I have decided that by end of this summer I want to be able to complete one pull up. Lofty goal, eh? IN all actuality it is a lofty goal for me. I have never been one to do a serious workout routine or really have a major fitness goal. I'm always saying I want to lose weight and be healthier but I have been wondering lately if that is not specific enough. There needs to be one particular thing I am shooting for. Really specific. So here we are. Doing one pull up encompasses two different things in my mind.

1. I need to lose weight. The less you weigh the easier the pull up

2. I need to workout my back, arms or chest everyday to accomplish this goal

I found two articles that I like about doing pull ups. This one here explains the difference between pull-ups and chin ups and gives exercises to help accomplish. This one here give advice and awesome exercises with video for getting it done as well. Also I have chosen to work on weight loss but you don't have to to do a pull up! If you are strong enough then you don't need to lose weight. That is my personal choice. 

This whole goal comes down to one thing for me: I want to be healthier so that I can live the life I want. I want to be able to keep up with my kids. They need a mom that will be around for a long time. At the rate I am going now that won't happen. I want to be strong and healthy and right now I am not. SO here I go! Wish me luck!

I am thinking of doing an instagram hashtag. Would anyone be interested in following along? Or interested in joining me? You can follow us at ramonaavenue on twitter and insta. Keep in mind that I am no expert and I will probably make plenty of mistakes.

I am off to do as many push ups as I possibly can!