Staying motivated can be one of the biggest challenges when it comes to obtaining any goal or breaking any bad habit.  That is definitely true when it comes to staying healthy through eating right and working out.  The best way I think to overcome this by a physical representation of what you are trying to achieve and daily reminders.  

A motivation board is a great way to visually see things that will keep you motivated and on track with your goal.  My suggestion is to keep this in a place you will always see it and put items on there that motivate, inspire, and challenge you.  My board is a work in progress and I still have loads of other things to add but it's a start.

Yesterday was by far one of the best Mondays I have had in a long time.  Not only did I quit my miserable job, but I was able to focus on me and all those little things that come along with extra time.

It's truly unbelievable how entirely refreshed I felt after I turned in my resignation letter.  It's so silly to think how much a little tiny piece of paper can allow you to feel so liberated.  I'm ready to start this next chapter in my life.  I'm ready to start my classes, change my career, become more focused on my quiet time, and continue to grow with my honey.

I spent yesterday as a way to catch up on some stuff like bed making, cleaning, and rearranging some furniture.  I also managed to exercise a little as well.  My treadmill has literally been collecting dust...gross.  Gross because it's gotten dirty and gross because I am so out of shape.  I'm ready to be rock hard again and ready for this new phase.  The Spending Freeze has already proven to be challenging but so life changing in a certain way.  It's wonderful how content you feel when you can control your wallet.

Since I took yesterday as more of a "personal" day after I quit my job I was able to cook and be merry.  The cooking part comes from making this tasty Cranberry with Crystallized Ginger Bread and creating this sorta Valentine's Day like banner.

For the bread I substituted lime zest and juice instead of the lemon in both the batter and the glaze and it was perfect.  The loaf is beautifully studded with cranberries and crystallized ginger and not too sweet.  This quick bread is the ideal snack or indulgence.

 

Small Container either Plastic or Glass

Witch Hazel (available at most big box stores, pharmacies, or grocery stores)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Mix equal parts witch hazel and olive oil in container.  The mix should be 50/50 and will separate so to use simply shake and apply to a cotton ball or washcloth.

2-3 Tablespoons of your Favorite Conditioner

Water

Plastic Container with a Spray Pump (16 - 20 oz)

Put 2-3 tablespoons of conditioner in the bottom of bottle then fill up with water being sure to leave about 2 inches of headspace in the bottle.  Screw on the top to the bottle and shake until everything is combined in the bottle.  Apply to wet or damp hair.

I know I have been absent from here for a little bit and I apologize but here's what I've been working on.  Among all the recipes and work topsy turvy-ness I've been working on these beautiful topiary pieces.  They are the first step to transforming my living room into an eclectic retreat.  I will be furniture shopping next week, but these are the perfect start to changing the look.  

I have seen topiary pieces in every expensive design magazine for years, but they are always so pricey.  After a trip to Hobby Lobby and a little help from these tutorials I was able to add that Parisian element to my space that I've been looking for. 

Check out these links below for a step by step walk through to create your own masterpiece.