Extreme Pantry Makeover

When I first started “eating clean” there were many ingredients in the recipes that were not in my pantry.  Nuts, oils, whole wheat flours, raisins and so on.  But, what I’ve noticed over the last six months, is that once you have the staples, all you need to buy are the fresh ingredients as the fill-ins.

Once I discovered that I used the same staples again and again, I decided to give my pantry a makeover.  I bought these inexpensive glass containers to give me that "Martha" look.  Then, one of my great friends sent me these wonderful labels for Christmas.  They are chalkboard labels that are so easy to use ~ just peel and stick.  Once again, they came from an Etsy seller (my favorite to promote)…Bradens Grace. http://www.etsy.com/shop/bradensgracewallart?ref=seller_info

They always say that once your home is in order, then your life is in order.  Well, I’m not the neatest person in the world, but I LOVE a clean kitchen.  So, to piggy-back on the “home in order” theory, when my pantry is in order, I’m in order!

Suggestion…buy in bulk…it’s cheaper, fresher and uses less plastic in packaging.

Buy Handmade!

Tis the season to spend, spend and spend a little more.  The gifts I remember most were those that were handmade.  I had one grandma that crocheted and quilted and another that sewed and knit.  Now, I crochet a little here and there, but with a busy schedule, well ~ Target is where a lot of my "thoughtful gift cards" come from!!

So, a few years ago, I stumbled across Etsy.com.  It is a fantasatic sight of wonderfully, creative folks that have online shops set up with their artistic goodies.  For the truly creative and funky-minded, a nice living can be made.  For others, it's a great creative outlet that provides some spending money.  There are subgroups of the site as well ~ the Vegan Etsy Team, Military Brats, etc.  Also, I love browsing the sites where people use old items and repurpose them.  When I lived in O'Fallon, Illinois, there is an annual festival called the "Strange Folk Festival" (thank you Autumn Wiggins!).  It is an amazing group of eclectic folks (most of whom have Etsy shops).  One lady took old ties and repurposed them into purses ~ sooo cute!

Yes, I still buy my girls Wii games, Kindles and overpriced clothes for Christmas and birthdays; however, I try to buy a few things each holiday for friends and family that are homemade.  Not only do I enjoy the uniqueness of the gifts, but supporting an artist or fellow SAHM just feels right.  Here are some of this year's finds:



http://www.etsy.com/shop/OutlawHeartCreations



http://www.etsy.com/shop/RogueTheory



http://www.etsy.com/shop/Boojiboo



http://www.etsy.com/shop/OneJellybean

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bebesniklefritz





Notch on My Belt

How many meetings/articles/consultations have you been involved with that ask you that very stale question, “Why do you want to lose weight?”  Ugh!!  We all know what comes barreling out of our mouths…”Well, it’s to be healthy and live a wonderfully long and happy life” ~~ blah, blah, blah. 

In my teens, I really just wanted to look slammin’ in a bikini.  In my twenties, I only wanted a non-wiggly ass when I played that imaginary game of beach volleyball with the cute soccer team that my girlfriends and I just happened to come across.  In my thirties, I wanted to get the baby weight off and not have to wear my preggo pants anymore.  Now, at 40, I want to wear a belt again.  And I’m talking about a kick-ass belt.  I will know that I’m at the top of my game again when I’m wearing a crisp white shirt, new jeans, funky shoes and that kick-ass belt that proves that I still have it!

I have found that belt.  About six months ago, I came across a vendor on Etsy and found the perfect, super-excellent belt that fits into my dream of coolness.  I’m about 15 pounds away from this dream, but I will get there and get there soon!! 

So, this may all sound really shallow.  But, after reading that “notch on your belt” is defined as a success or achievement that may help you in the future, I no longer feel so superficial.  This belt will represent perseverance, health and happiness for me.  It will represent that I have finally achieved moderation in my life with food, work, parenting, spouse hood (is this a term?) and everything else I have tried to go balls-to-the-wall with.  Moderation.  My belt will represent this for me.  And, I think that’s an O.K. goal ~ at least it’s realistic and mine.  It’s not what I think I’m supposed to be saying.  I just want to wear a cool belt again.

Click on the following link for your belt personality:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/awcombes ~ there are sooo many cute designs.  I even bought one for my best friend for her 39th birthday last year.