July Look Back and August 2018 Goals

Fridge and pantry clean out

"I love an organised space, so every few months (in this case, 12) I like to completely gut and reorganise the pantry, fridge and freezer. Getting rid of anything old, expired and/or forgotten and putting things back in an orderly fashion brings my OCD-ridden self with such peace."

Tick: This was such a satisfying feat. Here's to hoping that everything stays in order, even with Jesse's constant rummaging.

Buy everything needed for our holiday
"September 1 just keeps creeping up! I would confidently say that I'm about 95% prepared for our time away, I just need to buy a few small things: sunscreen, bug repellent.. things you don't really think about during the Winter months. I'd also like to check that my bathers still fit and make a little list of the types of outfits that I'd like to bring, making sure that I don't need a new pair of shoes or shorts (what a shame that would be)."

Tick: I am officially holiday ready!

Walk Milla every morning
"I'm taking a break from the workout plan that I made for myself to work on completing Jacklyn Waterson's full body program (I'm feeling muscles I've never felt before, oh boy). Since, unlike my old workout plan, Jacklyn doesn't require me to get up early for a before work gym session, I've really been enjoying laying-in, which means that I've been skipping Milla's morning walks - oops (it's also the middle of Winter and freezing in the mornings). I do feel bad, though, so rather than rolling over when the alarm goes off, I'll be getting up and moving! I'll be getting up early again when I complete Jacklyn's program and switch back to my original plan so I may as well stay in the habit."

Cross: I'm a terrible mother.

Take body measurements
"I'm lifting a lot more weights and doing a lot more muscle work throughout this program than usual, so the scales are only really going to tell me so much. For a true gauge of my progress, I need to be taking body measurements (buying a measuring tape may be a good start) and taking photos from every angle - something that I've been purposely putting off."

Cross: IN MY DEFENCE: I couldn't find a measuring tape. Although I didn't exactly go out of my way to find one, either.

Get to a Winter Fest
"Perth has some pretty cool Winter activities (in the city and in Fremantle) that I'd love to make a date out of. Considering I've never seen snow, the fake snow in Fremantle is going to be as close as I'll get and sounds absolutely magical. Sipping on mulled wine and watching Jesse attempt to ice skate sounds like a perfect way to spend an evening to me."

Cross: The weather has been terrible, which I guess is fitting for a Winter Fest, but hail and storms don't typically go hand-in-hand with outdoor ice skating. I'll get there one day.

g

Finish my business plan

There are some exciting things in the works for me. To keep things short for the time being: I'm starting my own business on the side (for now). A business that aligns with what I've been wanting to do with my life since I was a little girl. It's going to be a lot of work but I'm incredibly excited.

Pre write a couple of weeks worth of blog content

I hate to leave the blog in silence for more than a handful of days and since we go away on September 1, I'd like to have a few posts up my sleeve ready to go. I always feel amazing when I pre-write my blog posts (I should make the effort more often) so putting in a little time over August means that I can truly enjoy my break in September.

Plan dinner menu for Father's Day

Since I'm a terrible daughter and will be on the other side of the country for Father's Day, I'm planning to have dad over for dinner the week prior. Cooking for others gives me such anxiety so I'd like to get a menu and a schedule prepared early.

Book a hair appointment

I haven't been to a hairdresser in years. I've been doing my own hair since a particularly bad cut back in the day, but as a result, I've had the same style since, which I do like, but I'm ready for a change.


What are you hoping to achieve this month?

See also:

July 2018 Goals
2018 Resolutions

June Look back and July 2018 Goals

Input all food in to MyFitnessPal

"Rewind a year-or-so ago, I was using MyFitnessPal religiously and guess what?! I saw results. Shocker. I have been inputting my calories on-and-off for a few months now, but I always eventually grow tired of the process and end up not bothering. Queue the weight gain... Re-gain? I'd definitely like to get back in to the habit of inputting my meals and snacks in to MyFitnessPal each and every day. It's tedious, but it works."

Cross: I was so of on and off (mostly off) with my food input. I would religiously record everything for a handful of days and then not record anything at all for another handful. 

Find a portable power bank

"I've been meaning to pick up a power bank for years now. I'm doing much more after work these days. Whether it be going to the gym or attending blogger events, it's imperative that I have my phone charged and ready to go. I'm looking for something of good quality, that isn't going to cost me an arm and a leg at the same time. Preferably in pink.. Because I'm basic."

Tick: The Mophie XL Powerstation, in case you were curious (there was a smaller size and a larger size - I went for the middle option). It has already come in handy!

Have at least 2 date nights

"Jesse and I used to have a date night every Wednesday after work. Since building a house, once a week dates aren't as doable with the funds that we have available but it's no excuse to not have any at all! We haven't had a date night in over 6 months, easily, which is sad because I do love spending quality time with him. Adult life has definitely gotten in the way, but I think that two Wintery date nights this month would be wonderful."

Tick: I booked a torchlight tour of Fremantle Prison (highly recommend) and Jesse actually surprised me with a movie date night himself. What a cutie. It was so good to get out and have some fun again.

Visit a (dog friendly) walking trail

"For as long as I can remember, I was excited to get a dog because it meant that I would have an excuse to explore plenty of hiking trails. Do you think that I've visited even one since getting Milla? No, Sir. It would be a great excuse for a doggy playdate and catch-up with a friend and it's an easy way to get a bunch of steps in! Being Winter, there is likely to be far less people around and the creeks and waterfalls should have at least a little water in them. Lovely."

Tick: My sister took me to a trail that is actually about a 5 minute drive from my house. It was lovely and has got me excited for many more trails to come.

Fridge and pantry clean out

I love an organised space, so every few months (in this case, 12) I like to completely gut and reorganise the pantry, fridge and freezer. Getting rid of anything old, expired and/or forgotten and putting things back in an orderly fashion brings my OCD-ridden self with such peace.

Buy everything needed for our holiday
September 1 just keeps creeping up! I would confidently say that I'm about 95% prepared for our time away, I just need to buy a few small things: sunscreen, bug repellent.. things you don't really think about during the Winter months. I'd also like to check that my bathers still fit and make a little list of the types of outfits that I'd like to bring, making sure that I don't need a new pair of shoes or shorts (what a shame that would be).

Walk Milla every morning
I'm taking a break from the workout plan that I made for myself to work on completing Jacklyn Waterson's full body program (I'm feeling muscles I've never felt before, oh boy). Since, unlike my old workout plan, Jacklyn doesn't require me to get up early for a before work gym session, I've really been enjoying laying-in, which means that I've been skipping Milla's morning walks - oops (it's also the middle of Winter and freezing in the mornings). I do feel bad, though, so rather than rolling over when the alarm goes off, I'll be getting up and moving! I'll be getting up early again when I complete Jacklyn's program and switch back to my original plan so I may as well stay in the habit.

Take body measurements
I'm lifting a lot more weights and doing a lot more muscle work throughout this program than usual, so the scales are only really going to tell me so much. For a true gauge of my progress, I need to be taking body measurements (buying a measuring tape may be a good start) and taking photos from every angle - something that I've been purposely putting off.

Get to a Winter Fest
Perth has some pretty cool Winter activities (in the city and in Fremantle) that I'd love to make a date out of. Considering I've never seen snow, the fake snow in Fremantle is going to be as close as I'll get and sounds absolutely magical. Sipping on mulled wine and watching Jesse attempt to ice skate sounds like a perfect way to spend an evening to me.


What are you hoping to achieve this month?

See also:
June 2018 Goals
2018 Resolutions

May Look Back and June 2018 Goals

f

Spending ban

"I did it again: I spent far too much money on unnecessary personal shopping. Don't get me wrong: I'm a strong (too strong) believer in treating yourself, but the amount of money that I spent in April was ridiculous. I actually set myself a spending ban back in March (hint: I failed) but I'd definitely like to be far more strict on myself this month and not buy a single non-essential item. My bank account looks atrocious right now."

Cross: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA

I did terribly (see here and here and another one coming soon)

Continue following my workout plan and lose 2kg

"I created a pretty intense (intense for my lazy ass, anyways) workout plan for myself last month and I pretty much stuck to it, with the exception of one public holiday day. Its only been a month but I already feel pretty great. I've been a fair bit heavier than I would like to be for the past couple of years and with our holiday coming up, I just want to feel my best, especially when it comes to wearing a bikini. Continuing to work out the way that I have been lately should definitely yield some results if I don't slack off. I’m hoping to really get in to it and lose 2kg this month."

Cross: I followed my workout plan pretty consistently, actually. I'm a little disappointed because I feel that I could have accomplished my weight goal if I had pushed myself harder and eaten a little better. I did manage to lose some weight, but nowhere near the 2kg mark that I set myself. Maybe we'll call this one a semi-achievement?

Make better food choices

"I tend to make poor choices when it comes to meals and portion sizes, especially when it comes to dinner. As a result, my weight loss hasn't been as drastic as I would like it to be. I know that no matter how much I work out, eating well has to be a part of the process too, so I definitely need to learn to control how much I eat at mealtime (I always cook too much for the two of us) and be much stronger when it comes to ignoring my cravings. I guess this goal goes hand in hand with a spending ban (bye fast food) and a big ol' exercise plan. I just have to have enough self-control. R.I.P."

Cross: I started off pretty well, but by the end of the month I was right back to my snacking ways. I definitely was more mindful about what we were having for dinner, though, which is definitely something that I could build on.

Closet clean out
"I have a lot of clothes. Many of them are pretty well-worn and have reached the end of their life, and a lot more just plain don't fit anymore. It's gotten to the point where my closet rails are clogged and my chest of drawers is difficult to open and close. I've accepted defeat and am planning to get rid of the clothes that I am hoping that I will fit back in to one day, sigh, so I do need to buy a couple of pieces that fit me properly. What better time for a long overdue clean out?"

Cross: I thought about doing a closet clean out a handful of times during May but did I actually do it? No I did not. I feel as though the month just kind of came and went for me.. Next thing I knew, we were starting June.

Input all food in to MyFitnessPal

Rewind a year-or-so ago, I was using MyFitnessPal religiously and guess what?! I saw results. Shocker. I have been inputting my calories on-and-off for a few months now, but I always eventually grow tired of the process and end up not bothering. Queue the weight gain... Re-gain? I'd definitely like to get back in to the habit of inputting my meals and snacks in to MyFitnessPal each and every day. It's tedious, but it works

Find a portable power bank

I've been meaning to pick up a power bank for years now. I'm doing much more after work these days. Whether it be going to the gym or attending blogger events, it's imperative that I have my phone charged and ready to go. I'm looking for something of good quality, that isn't going to cost me an arm and a leg at the same time. Preferably in pink.. Because I'm basic.

Have at least 2 date nights

Jesse and I used to have a date night every Wednesday after work. Since building a house, once a week dates aren't as doable with the funds that we have available but it's no excuse to not have any at all! We haven't had a date night in over 6 months, easily, which is sad because I do love spending quality time with him. Adult life has definitely gotten in the way, but I think that two Wintery date nights this month would be wonderful.

Visit a (dog friendly) walking trail

For as long as I can remember, I was excited to get a dog because it meant that I would have an excuse to explore plenty of hiking trails. Do you think that I've visited even one since getting Milla? No, Sir. It would be a great excuse for a doggy playdate and catch-up with a friend and it's an easy way to get a bunch of steps in! Being Winter, there is likely to be far less people around and the creeks and waterfalls should have at least a little water in them. Lovely.

Let's hope that I achieve more in June than I did during May.

What are you hoping to achieve this month?

See also:
May 2018 Goals
2018 Resolutions

April Look Back and May 2018 Goals

Follow my fitness plan

"I created a fitness plan for myself two weeks ago and so far, I've stuck to it. My plan consists of me working out twice a day most week days which does seem quite intense and my non-morning person self sure was daunted by the early morning starts at first but I've found that it has really been working for me. My motivation to work out after work is always lacking and I'm the type of person who cannot get back to sleep once they've been woken up so once the alarm goes off, rather than lay there for an hour or so, I get up and work out. By breaking up my workouts in to two less intense sessions a day, I find that I'm working out more parts of my body and I'm doing it more effectively than I would if I had done one big workout after work where I almost always slack off in one way or another, skipping bits and pieces or whathaveyou. This way, even if I skip an after work session (which I'm determined not to do), I can still feel good about myself because I still worked out that day. I can feel myself adjusting to the early morning starts (I can also feel parts of my body that I didn't know existed) and I'm determined to stick to it, especially considering my upcoming island holiday! If you're interested in a more in-depth post about my fitness plan and how I've been staying motivated, definitely let me know in the comments!"

Tick: With the exception of a lazy public holiday, I stuck to my workout plan religiously over April. I must say, I'm rather proud.

Rejuvenate the back yard

"Ever since we brought our little Milla *insert all the heart eyes here* home, our yard has looked worse for wear. I've got some ideas in mind to bring the yard back to life in a more dog-friendly way (read: less plants for her to dig up)."

Tick: It wasn't a huge rejuvenation project, but the yard definitely looks better now that I've added a few small (dog-proof) touches and given it a little bit of a spruce up.

Post to Instagram more
"I've set this goals a couple of times throughout my time as a blogger but with all the drama in relation to the algorithm that is constantly clogging up my feed and just the general negativity towards the app, really, I've been finding it hard to upload consistently for more than a month (on a good month). There was a point where I went for over three months without uploading a single image! If I'm honest, though, my lack of activity goes further than just posting to Instagram and I can't even blame it on the changes that the app has been making.. I haven't really even had the motivation to take photos in general, let alone for Instagram. I've gotten a little better recently but I am nowhere near as consistent as I'd like to be (or have been in the past). The algorithm is pretty shitty, yes, but it's not necessarily about the likes and the comments for me. I don't make money from what I upload and my livelihood is not at stake.. I just genuinely enjoy taking pretty pictures and sharing them with whoever cares. It's as simple as that so there really is no excuse for me to be shying away from the app. I'm chalking it up to pure laziness on my behalf.Come find (and motivate) me @christieee__x!"

Tick: Guys! I actually had fun doing this! I sure didn't post was much as I used to, but I still managed to post once a week, which was the benchmark that I had set in mind, anyways. Nonetheless, I definitely remember why I loved Instagram in the first place. Hopefully this is the beginning of a long-standing rekindling.

Produce more blog content
"Hi, I'm Christie and I haven't been around these parts a whole lot lately. A combination of a lack of motivation, a mild case of writer's block and handful of new personal commitments has meant that I have definitely been slacking in the blogging department of late. I need to find a way to get re-inspired, which I guess more or less goes hand in hand with uploading more content to Instagram, and start blogging regularly, and most importantly, enjoying it, again."

Tick: Heyhey. ;) Not only did I actually bother to blog last month, I've also been batch drafting and photographing. I also realised that I tend to post the same 3-4 things each month, so I ended up brainstorming and semi-drafting a plethora of different topics to publish too. Stay tuned.

Reply to blog comments
"I went from replying to every single comment left on my posts to replying to absolutely no one (I'm sorry. Don't leave me). I read every single one of them, but when it comes to replying.. oops. It warms my heart to see that people care enough about my content to take the time to leave me a comment.. the least I can do is reply so I'm definitely wanting to get back in to the habit. If you get a reply to a comment you left four months ago, heyho! I'm following through."

Tick: If you had commented on my blog any time between February and May, you would have received a very late response. Hooray!



Spending ban
I did it again: I spent far too much money on unnecessary personal shopping. Don't get me wrong: I'm a strong (too strong) believer in treating yourself, but the amount of money that I spent in April was ridiculous. I actually set myself a spending ban back in March (hint: I failed) but I'd definitely like to be far more strict on myself this month and not buy a single non-essential item. My bank account looks atrocious right now.

Continue following my workout plan and lose 2kg
I created a pretty intense (intense for my lazy ass, anyways) workout plan for myself last month and I pretty much stuck to it, with the exception of one public holiday day. Its only been a month but I already feel pretty great. I've been a fair bit heavier than I would like to be for the past couple of years and with our holiday coming up, I just want to feel my best, especially when it comes to wearing a bikini. Continuing to work out the way that I have been lately should definitely yield some results if I don't slack off. I’m hoping to really get in to it and lose 2kg this month.

Make better food choices
I tend to make poor choices when it comes to meals and portion sizes, especially when it comes to dinner. As a result, my weight loss hasn't been as drastic as I would like it to be. I know that no matter how much I work out, eating well has to be a part of the process too, so I definitely need to learn to control how much I eat at mealtime (I always cook too much for the two of us) and be much stronger when it comes to ignoring my cravings. I guess this goal goes hand in hand with a spending ban (bye fast food) and a big ol' exercise plan. I just have to have enough self-control. R.I.P.

Closet clean out
I have a lot of clothes. Many of them are pretty well-worn and have reached the end of their life, and a lot more just plain don't fit anymore. It's gotten to the point where my closet rails are clogged and my chest of drawers is difficult to open and close. I've accepted defeat and am planning to get rid of the clothes that I am hoping that I will fit back in to one day, sigh, so I do need to buy a couple of pieces that fit me properly. What better time for a long overdue clean out?

What are you hoping to achieve this month?

See also:
April 2018 Goals
2018 Resolutions