The Macklemore Challenge

So I'm 2015 Josh and I have to make some big changes. The situation is not a forever thing, but nevertheless it will require major shifts in our daily lives and habits.

I have been going over everything to see what can be done, and what changes could be made to help out.

I then recalled reading a blog from a few years ago about another young lady who not only was looking to conserve a few dollars but also wanted to recycle/reuse as much as possible. She committed to buying pre-owned and 2nd hand for a year. I have always considered this challenge, and felt this may be the best time to do it.

So ... starting January 5th (I like starting things on Mondays), I am going to commit to my modified version of the thrift shop challenge. Hence the title ... The Macklemore Challenge.  I want to do it for 6 months ... and if I've done well, I'll extend it out!

It is a good thing for anyone who is looking to cut back, not add waste and such to the environment, and just is looking for the adventure of shopping 2nd hand!

Personally I love garage sales, Craigslist,  thrift shops, you name it! But now it's time to take it up a level.  Plus it will help my husband and I achieve our big goal!

Here are the ground rules I'm laying out for myself:

1) This applies to everything that is not food: clothes, furniture, cookware, toys.

2) Items can be purchased from just about anywhere considered 2nd hand: Online swap groups, thrift stores, garage sales, consignment shops and fairs, swap meets.

3) There are exclusions of what could be bought brand new:
a) Undergarments (this includes socks)
b) Swim wear
c) Athletic wear (Sorry I am not buying workout pants 2nd hand ... I know how much I sweat ... ew)
d) Hygiene items (Toothbrushes, Brushes, Etc)
e) Birthday presents (Although I will try to adhere to the challenge for people's birthdays it's not always going to be possible as sometimes certain items are requested)
f) Plastic ware (for the kitchen ... like sippy cups)
g) Sandals and athletic shoes (items like boots, heels,  etc. are apart of the challenge).

4) When I hit goal weight and maintain it for longer than 6 weeks (to ensure my body wants to stay there), I am allowed to go buy new clothes. (I am throwing this exception in there in the event it occurs during this 6 month challenge).

5) Items for upkeep of the home should be attempted to get at stores like Habitat For Humanity.  But if necessary for the house to function and a 2nd hand alternative is not found then being purchased new is okay.

It's actually pretty simple on paper,  and I'm excited to get creative (especially as my wardrobe keeps shrinking). I still have a lot of clothes to go through in the garage but in about 40 lbs I know I'll need to go shopping.

The Macklemore Challenge should help keep us on track, and curb any impulse shopping!  :-)

Let me know in the comments if you're a big 2nd hand shopping fan. Where do you find the best deals?

Thank you for reading!
Nichole

Setting up for success in 2015

2015 is going to be the best year yet.
However to achieve big goals and set into motion your dreams means you have to make sacrifices and choices.

Josh and I have to make some big changes in the next few months, and it made me realize I need to make a bigger plan.

I wanted to pass along some tips I've learned and been taught throughout the years to hopefully help you gear up for your best 2015!

1) Create a list of Goals and plans to achieve it.

I went to this seminar with my old work that showcased celebrities and inspirational speeches. Overall it was all right but one gentleman, an investor, stuck out to me.
He discussed how when you want to achieve your goal that like any skill you need to work at it.

Make the goal then make monthly, weekly and daily goals beneath it.

For example let's say you want to write a novel. The ultimate goal is to finish the novel. Let's say the monthly goal is to finish a chapter. The weekly goal is to write 10 pages and the daily goal is to write/work on the plot.

By breaking down your ultimate goal into smaller (and obtainable) goals, to feels easier to achieve.

2) Create a budget

No matter your goals, having a budget will help you keep on track (in turn,  your goal may be financially involved).

I am working on a separate blog  to discuss further regarding how to set up a budget. Once a budget us established, stick to it.

3) Share your plans and goals

Share your plans with close friends and family. Accountability will help keep you in line and on track to follow through.

If you're not comfortable sharing certain plans and goals with family and friends, join a support group to help you stay accountable. There are many options through websites such as meetup.com, Facebook, reddit and many others!

4 ) Be Realistic

You know yourself better than anyone else.
When making your plans and goals, don't set yourself up for failure by saying you'll lose 100 lbs in three months. Unless you had a weight loss surgery and are bigger, a goal like that is just not realistic and only sets you up for failure.

Look hard at your life, schedule and needs. You will need to make changes and adjustments to help achieve the goals you set for yourself, but it's also about recognizing what works for you and what does not.

5) Forgive!

Remember that you will slip up. Maybe you over spent on that last shopping trip. Or you gained a few pounds back.
Forgiveness is key in all success stories.

We learn our biggest lessons through mistakes. Dust yourself off and get back on track.

6) CELEBRATE!

When you hit your goals ... big or small ... don't be ashamed to celebrate. Whether it's just shouting it from the rooftop that you lost 5 lbs, or rewarding yourself with a new pair of shoes cause you finally finished a mile without stopping - you have to remember to congratulate yourself on sticking it out.

Just don't reward yourself with items that will set you back.  For example,  if your goal was to save a thousand dollars and you celebrate half way through ... it may not be wise to go on a shopping spree. Meet half way by going to Value Village and popping some tags ;-)

There are so many more tips and points I could share, but I feel these six are the most important and will really get you on your way.

Remember - the only thing standing in your way is you! Don't let your fears and insecurities be the reason why you don't try to fulfill your dreams.

Sometimes we're forced to make changes for the better (Doctor, Bills, Etc).  Other times we need to make changes so we can spread our wings and fly.

Listen to your inner voice, set a goal and write a plan.

Make 2015 be your best year yet ♡

I'm baaaaaack

I have been too quiet for too long :-)

Think of it like my recovery from surgery ... I needed 6 weeks for that, and in turn I needed 6 weeks from blogging ;-)

I hope to get more focused on my journey, my thoughts and other odds and ends :-)

My bypass went well! In the 7 weeks since surgery I am now down 53 lbs. I am eating most foods again (still iffy on breads and hard vegetables). I have slowly been working out as well.  My girlfriend and I are prepping for 5ks!

It had been truly amazing what the RNY has given back to me: my life. There is still so much more to do and go. I am so thankful for the support system I have.

I hope to share more with you for now on as well :-)

Take care and thank you for reading!

Nichole

Forgiveness

It is not always easy.
It is not always what you want to do.
Forgiveness though helps heal wounds, bring peace and restore sanity.

When you forgive, you allow your soul to move forward.
When you accept forgiveness, you allow yourself to accept the situation and grow.

Forgiveness comes in all shapes and sizes.
Sometimes forgiveness isn't spoken out loud,  but rather with actions.

Don't hold onto anger ... don't stoop to levels beneath you.

Forgive. Breathe. Grow. Live.

The Reverse Bucket List

In light of my exciting journey to come ... I have been thinking about things I want to do as I lose weight and get healthy.

Think of it as a bucket list. I'm just not dying or going away (well my extra weight is!) As I lose weight and get closer to the goal I have things I wish to accomplish or aquire!

This list will be edited and updated as I go along but for now in no particular order:

- Run a 5K ... In a respectable time a runner would be proud of!

- Complete a 1/2 marathon
- Complete a full marathon

- Do the Rock and Roll Marathon (either half or full)
- Do the Las Vegas Marathon (either half or full)
- Go on a vintage shopping spree through somewhere like University District
- Go on a shopping spree at Alderwood, Bellevue Square or Southcenter

- Buy a Burberry Trench Coat ... I fell in love with them last year. When I hit goal that will be my reward to myself!
- Buy a super adorable fitness outfit!
- Wear heels as often as possible!
- Lead a fitness class.
- Start a weight loss support group that doesn't require fees or such ... A safe place to come and talk about anything. 

- Create or make twists to recipes.
- Stay more on top of this blog with updates, etc.
- Go on a fitness retreat.
- Spend a day/night at a spa (ahhhhh).
- Go to the park with the kiddos and run around longer than 5 minutes!

- Get a full makeover! Hair ... makeup ... something out of a movie!

- Learn and go snowboarding! 

More to come as I think of them :-)

Family Vacations & The Great Wolf Lodge!

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So - let's be honest.  Going on Family Vacations is expensive.  Even just a "quick camping trip" can run you a couple hundred dollars including food and gas.

I hope to do a blog segment later on how you can better save on your vacations (from tips I've done), but for now this blog is simple and sweet.

Josh and I have a few trips in mind we would like to take the kids on in the next five years.  Some big.  Some small.  One of them is the Great Wolf Lodge.  This will be a neat experience for both of us, as no one has been there before!  So not only will the kids experience it for the first time, so will mom and dad ;-)

One of my favorite blogs I follow, Queen Bee, is doing another Great Wolf Lodge Giveaway!  Follow this link, follow the instruction, and cross your fingers to win (as I'm crossing mine):Queen Bee Giveaway!

Of course while I wish you luck, I'm hoping to finally score a win on a giveaway so I can take the kids and hubby on this fun trip (would be a neat one to do later this winter after I've healed from surgery a bit).

Take care guys, and thanks for reading!

Nichole
~ Be The Thermostat, NOT The Thermometer~

The Last Night

Just over a year ago, I wrote a blog called "Today Is The Last Day"

And the message I was trying to send still rings true.  But today, as I re-read that blog ... it's hitting a little deeper tonight on the emotion scale.

Today truly is the last day for my way of living.

So long I have been a prisoner to myself.  My bad habits... my negative thoughts... my sedentary routine I have created for myself ...

I have made leaps and bounds when it comes to my way of thinking.  Now it is time to take those steps in my physical health.

I am not happy with how I've treated my body physically.  And while I know I have tried to take it back, it just never fully stuck.  Now a tool is being given to me (and for those who think Gastric Bypass is the easy way out, do yourself a favor and research a little bit.  It's far from the easy way out).  With this tool I am going to apply all I know I should (and want) to be doing!

I miss Paige and her Zumba classes!
I miss my evening walks!
I miss Sweatin' To The Oldies with Richard!

I want to play with my kids, and not be winded 5 minutes in.
I want to eat balanced, healthy meals ... and not feel hungry an hour later.
I want to care about my appearance again, and take care of myself.

Today really *IS* the last day I will be like this.
Tomorrow I begin my two week diet before surgery.  This means in 15 days, I'll be sitting here packing my hospital bag (and probably writing a sappy blog entry, ha ha).

I look forward to sharing this journey with you all ... and I hope to help give hope to someone who thinks they've tried everything and to give up.  Or if they feel WLS is them giving up.  It is not!  It is YOU saying "I give a damn about my health and future - and I want to be here for a LONG TIME!"

Tonight is the last night ... this chapter is finally coming to an end.
I am ready to begin writing my next great adventure.

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Thanks for reading!

Nichole

~Be The Thermostat - Not The Thermometer~