The sunrise was beautiful this morning! Each morning is brand new, a fresh start, a clean slate!
Happy Friday everyone!
Winter Showed Up!
Saturday was a beautiful day with a high only in the single digits! Thankfully it only lasted two days- this kind of weather is easy to handle!
See my boot socks? Aren’t they just adorable? My favorite part about cold weather are boots and boot socks! I was tempted to take a walk in the back to get some great pictures, but the wind was harsh and made it feel like -30! When it gets this cold the snow actually squeaks when you walk on it.
Today brought a snowstorm which dropped 16 inches of snow and shut down expressways. Snowplows couldn’t keep up with falling snow which was coming down at two to three inches an hour at times.
Businesses closed and travel advisories of no unnecessary travel in several counties were issued. I have to say that although I love walking through a snowstorm in my yard, I decided not to and took a nap instead. It was heavenly.
I’m in Day 4 of the Plank Challenge! Tomorrow is a rest day and sometimes it’s the only thing that pushes me through my workouts!
I try to remind myself of the results I’m going to see in the next week or so!
It’s important to keep records of your weight and measurements to track your progress. On those days when you feel like giving up it’s good to look back and see how far you’ve come!
Plank Challenge
I’m going to be doing this Plank Challenge for the next month along with my regular workout! I’m on Day 2 which is easy enough and hopefully I can make it to Day 28!
Planking strengthens core muscles and helps prevent injuries.
It can be done anywhere and doesn’t take much time!
How to Lose Weight Eating Chocolate and Skipping the Gym
Okay, okay that title makes it seems like I lie around the house and stuffing my face. I don’t. Well, not always.
I do eat chocolate and I have never been to a gym. Since September 2015 I’ve lost 15 pounds and dropped a pants size! Most importantly though is that I have maintained the weight loss.
This is my gym- pretty basic but that’s what I’m all about!
My weight loss journey began two years ago when I saw this picture. (That’s me on the right and the cutie with me is my daughter!)
I gave a lot of excuses as to why I couldn’t work out- I was too busy, I couldn’t find the time, or I didn’t have a place to exercise.
I live out a little ways on a dangerous, busy road with no sidewalks to speak of. I do live on two acres of land however.
I would never walk on my property because although two acres sounds like a lot, I would essentially be walking in circles in my backyard. I figured I would look like an weirdo- though I’m not sure who would think so since my only neighbors are horses.
In July 2014 I upgraded my phone to an iPhone mostly so I could listen to music.That’s when I began walking. It was ridiculously that simple. The music motivated me to walk.
I began walking every night for about a half an hour in the warmth of the setting summer sun and loved it! I loved it so much that I began walking in the morning too!
I didn’t lose much weight at first… but I did start to feel amazing and I knew I was doing something to help my health!
The purpose of this series is to encourage other women who want to lose weight as well. It can be done without weight loss supplements, giving up their favorite foods, or paying for a gym.
Sunday Funday!
Sunday was one of the most beautiful February days you could imagine in New York! The sun was shining, the roads were clear, the air was fresh, and it was 40 degrees out! It felt like March!
We started off the morning with my son playing drums on the worship team for the first time. God is good!
See that sunshine just pouring through the windows! My husband picked forsythia branches from our yard to replace the baby’s breath. (Side note: baby’s breath stinks)
My parents came over to watch the super bowl with us. We made pizzas, egg rolls and buffalo cauliflower bites instead of chicken wings!
Winter Birthday Celebrations
This posting pictures is a little late! This weekend we had a fun time celebrating three winter birthdays- my daughter, husband and son! I can’t believe how fast time flies! 
Sunday Funday!
I have been wanting to knit for quite a while now and this weekend I finally took the time to try it. I found a YouTube video and picked the knitting needles from my sister and gave it a shot!
While I was trying my son asked if he could try. He picked some needles and yarn and learned to knit and much better then me!! He has been at it all weekend and it’s awesome to see his hands busy creating!
I am much better at crotcheting so I got cozy near the wood stove and caught up on Downton Abby.
Sunday Night Tradition!
Sunday nights are Downton Abby nights!
My sisters and I “watch” the show together even though we are each in different towns and one sister in another state! I look forward to texting us each other and commenting on the show as the drama unfolds!
Last night I made blueberry scones- an idea I stole from one of my sisters.
Soo yummy!
Needless to say they didn’t last long!
My other job…. meal planning and grocery lists!
My Homebasics 