Try These Super Simple Ways To Beat Holiday Weight Gain Before It Beats You

I LOVE the holidays... the food, family and friend togetherness, presents, cozy weather, and of course, the traditions. And by "traditions" I mean, Halloween candy, Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas cookies.

What I don't love is how every year at the end of December some asshole elf sneaks into my closet and shrinks my fu*king clothes.

In other words... It's time for a 30/30 Challenge!



So what is the 30/30?

Spending 30 days (in a row) being mindful of your health and physical activity.

Why do it?

In 30 Days you can lower heart attack risk, lose weight, add years to your life, sleep better and of course, better your overall health and mood. Don't believe me? Here's the actual clip from the Doctors Show:

How much will it cost?

NOT A DAMN THING! 

I love that the 30/30 Challenge requires no gym membership, diet or personal trainer screaming at you. No excuses. Just you and a short 30-day goal focusing on a problem area or areas.

Just think... in two weeks you could be sleeping better, reducing your cholesterol and chances for a heart attack, losing weight, and become a healthier, happier person. How could you not want to at least try?


Where to start?

For a FULL mind, Body and soul makeover, do the 30/30 walking challenge. It's the ultimate 2019 weightloss resolution jumpstart. All you have to do is walk for 30-minutes for 30-days in row. 

The key is to find a way easily incorporate 30-minutes of walking into your day- You can walk twice for 15-minutes or 3 times for 10 if that's eaiser. That will help make the walking stick after the 30/30 is over.

TIPS:
  1. Take public transportation to work? Leave 15 minutes early and walk to the next stop or station. (I know, for those non-morning people this is a stupid suggestion)
  2. At lunch walk 15 minutes away from your desk, eat, then walk back--maybe even the long way back.
  3. On the weekends, go explore a new (historic) town or nature trail with the family.
  4. New mothers on maternity leave, make it a point that this challenge is CRUCIAL for you. Go for a walk by yourself every evening when your partner gets home.  Of course, you can take the baby, but getting out for some alone time will kill two birds with one stone for you!
  5. Only need a couple things from the store? If one is close enough, walk there!
  6. Walk the kids to school for the month.
  7. On rainy days, clean or organize a closet for 30 minutes, better yet, go to an indoor mall for some retail therapy--Again, kill two birds with one stone!
  8. Go walk through an outdoor mall.
  9. For a week straight, walk out of your front door and take a different street or path and see what you find!
  10. Download an awesome mystery ebook to listen to while you walk. TIP: Only let yourself listen to the book when walking, this might get those walks stretched out well past 30 minutes.

Once you decide to commit to the 30/30 Challenge, tell as many people as you can that you are doing this to add accountability.  Get a support group to help encourage and hold you accountable!  YOU CAN DO THIS!  It's just 30 minutes for thirty days.  It's not hard, or an on going commitment.  This is a challenge that you know you can do.

     YOU CAN DO THIS!

Don't need a full body workout, but have problem areas? Try a 30-day targeted challenge for but, thighs or abs. Below are a few of my favorites!









If you want to target more than your butt and core, the following 30-day workouts will give you all over results, inspire you to work out every day and only take a minute a day!



Want a Brazilian Butt?  Try this:





 Thighs keeping you down? Try this:


Do your abs make you sad? Try this:





 Are your arms causing your self-esteem harm? Do this:




Butt AND Gut have you in a rut? Never fear, help is here!



Looking for a whole-body 30-day tone every ounce challenge plan? Look no further...



If you already have a workout routine, here's a more advanced program that starts Day-1 with higher reps. 



or, this one:

Here is a four-month plan you can follow each month, or combine into one month:




If you have injuries or physical limitations, and none of the above will work, here is a 30-day food challenge. If it's too restrictive for you, break it up and try to avoid one-or-two foods for the day or week... 



Don't forget to Pin or print your favorite challenges!


                                







2020 Budget Planning: The Best Time To Buy Cars, Dishwashers, Baby Crap + More


As a homeowner, it never fails that every few months something leaks, squeaks, breaks or dies. For the things that can't be fixed, kicked, patched or rigged, knowing when to buy a replacement could save you hundreds of dollars, even waiting a week could make all the difference. There really is a, best time to buy a car.

According to Consumer Reports:

"In these high-tech times, you might think the days when the calendar dictated when consumer goods would go on sale are behind us. Not so. Consumer Reports' market analysts have found that deep discounts for many products are still tied to a particular month of the year: Some sales are timed to the introduction of new models, while others are long-standing traditions, such as January white sales.  Consumer Reports' market analysts have found that deep discounts for many products are still tied to a particular month of the year: Some sales are timed to the introduction of new models, while others are long-standing traditions, such as January white sales." 

Below is a list of the best time to buy various big-ticket items according to consumer reports. 




For the best time to buy a car and the free Consumer Reports Car Buyer's Guide click, here.

For the complete Consumer Reports Buyer's Guide click, here.



Happy Budgeting in 2020! 

Make THIS For Your Halloween Party... #SoGross #SoYum #Halloween

Below are some of the most amazing Halloween treats I have ever seen.  And I'm not talking about hot dogs that look like fingers. Been there. Done that.



No doubt a few will be gracing my Halloween Party table... (For the recipe, click the name under the photo)




LOVE these yummy and super easy to make, edible pumpkin candy bowls.


This Halloween inspired cake is SO easy and So cool. Halloween Tie-Die Bunt Cake.

I positively LOVE these. The Ultimate witch's hat cupcakes!


Super simple Cheese puff pumpkin giveaway bags







So easy, the kids can make them...Monster Marshmallow pops.




This is so gross, it's good. Ear wax (caramel) marshmallows



SO CREEPY!!!  Skeleton Cheese Skull





Spider PB&J!
I love Healthy Halloween-inspired treats.


This Monster Meatloaf is so gross. 
I'm totally feeding it to my family.

Genius. 



I LOVE this Coffin Bread Bowl.


Mmmmmm. Homemade gummy worms.



What's your favorite? Have you ever tried any?

For more Halloween inspiration from costumes to decorations to more eats and treats, check out my Halloween Pinterest Boards.

20 Next Level Outdoor Space + Garden Hacks You Need To Know


I like to think of myself as an Urban Gardner. I have strange small spaces, odd shade times, and the city at my doorstep; with all, it's hustle, bustle, and congestion. Still, gardening is my therapy, so I work with what I've got. Sometimes, that means getting very creative. Below are twenty of my favorite gardening hacks, especially for those urban gardeners out there like me, trying to grow everything you can in a concrete jungle... 

























And last... I'm trying this over the weekend!!






To see how-toe and more garden hacks, check out my Gardening Board on Pinterest.