Thankful Musings

Since this was my first Thanksgiving without my husband, I accepted an invitation to feast and fellowship with another family. Brock and I got to have deep fried turkey for the first time! It was fun meeting their family and friends—an amiable bunch! It made the day more comfortable, and I appreciated that!

As I suspected, my 4-day holiday took on V-formation, winging its way to what my co-workers, in Orthopedic Scheduling, describe as a Monday on steroids. At least I have a chiropractic appointment after work.

It rained all day Friday. I mostly relaxed, although I launched some overdue projects. Yesterday, I attended the Small Business Saturday in Downtown Boise. Guests were given a passport that could be stamped by participating businesses. Amazingly, the outdoor market is still open until December 15th, which is impressive since the temps are descending fast! I warmed up with an aromatic espresso when my extremities grew numb.

I veered from my low-carbing (which I seldom do) to treat myself to Sambusas—traditional African meat pastries. They remind me of empanadas but with a fluffier crust. Africa was a theme because I also bought handcrafted items from refugee ladies who came from the Congo and Somali.

Today was comprised of an inspiring church service, grilled salmon and winter squash, French press coffee, and Christmas movies.

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French Press and Christmas

I love how this photo captures French press coffee in dreamlike puffs of steam. French press is my morning wake-up call—except when I do drive-through. Even on the go, I pour my aromatic coffee, with MCT Oil and organic heavy cream, into a Bubba travel mug. It features a ceramic coating on the inside, so you "taste your drink, not your mug".

My pressed brew was a lifesaver today because I woke up at 2:00 AM with my head full of Christmas lists. You see, the only thing I have accomplished for Christmas, thus far, is to buy 3 things: a wallet, a purse, and an Alien Green Kia Soul. I refuse to start decorating until our "2015" Christmas tree gets hauled out of our backyard. Yes, you read the year correctly. Barry—plagued with procrastination—is not bothered by what he cannot see. My son, Brock, at least strung up the outdoor lights yesterday.

I get paid once a month, so shopping waits until payday. Hopefully, I will be singing, "It's beginning to look like Christmas" tomorrow.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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Christopher & Banks

Christopher & Banks

Fall is my favorite season and I finally have them here in Idaho. For some reason, falling leaves inspire me. They make me want to purge! As Halloween stores are preparing to open, I become goal-ish, not ghoulish.

I put my family on alert regarding purging the garage in 2 weeks. Silly me, but I would actually like to park my car in our garage this winter. Anyone not present to help or defend their stuff will forfeit the task to me.

Just as important are my low-carb goals. I began this lifestyle on September 1st of 2015. As my anniversary approaches, I am even more motivated to get rid of some excess.

I visited the Karcher Mall in Nampa tonight. The mall itself has seen better days. Many stores are gated up. Yet, there are some big names like Big 5 Sporting Goods, Ross Dress for Less, and Burlington Coat Factory. I never venture past those stores, but I was distracted by a clothing display. Not expecting much, I decided to get a look-see. 

Hello, Christopher & Banks! I was previously unaware of this women's line of clothing. Immediately, I was attracted to the apparel and accessories. The lovely assistant manager informed me that I could model in their fall fashion show and receive substantial discounts. My interest was sparked.

I NEED new clothes. I just want to lose additional weight before I invest. Shedding 40 pounds enabled me to arrive at 193. My next goal is to leap the hurdle of 190 and head south to 180. This will definitely place me in a smaller size of clothing.

I became excited and motivated. I signed up for Christopher & Banks' mailing list and received my reward card.

I do a lot of online shopping, but I do not want to see clothing stores disappear. Even at my thinnest, I needed to try on clothes. I have a long torso and average limbs, so I spend a lot of time in fitting rooms.

Please share your own weight loss victories and goals with me. 

Let us inspire one another.

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Another Bonanza at Grocery Outlet!

Grocery Outlet {Click to Enlarge}

In anticipation of today's paycheck, I circled Grocery Outlet ads using my iPhone Flipp app. Of course, I had some knowledge of what I would find. Even so, if you have any experience with Grocery Outlet, you know that there are always surprises. 

I love healthy products! I do not appreciate the high-end prices of a natural market. I have been spending $4.79 for one Bragg Organic Sprinkle with a local mom-and-pop grocer. I found it for 99 cents today! The only difference was that the label was written in both English and French.

Here is a summary of my bonanza...
Retail value: $125.01
Total savings: $66.69
Balance due without tax: $58.32

What I bought...

• 3 - 12 oz. packages of Natural Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon
• 3 jars of Bragg Organic Sprinkle
• 2 - 2 lb. packages of Organic Valley Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 2 - 1 liter bottles of Tejava Tea
• 1 Earthbound Organic Baby Spinach and Spring Mix
• 1 Earthbound Organic Baby Romaine
• 1 jar Kordatos Kalamata Whole Olives
• 1 jar Organic Peanut Butter
• 1 carton of Meadow Gold Whipping Cream
• 1 package of Aidells Organic Cajun Style Andouille 
• 1 package of Wensleydale & Cranberry Gourmet Cheese

Just a 2 lb. package of Organic Valley Sharp Cheddar Cheese was over 50% less! I would have spent around $19.00 for each brick at a natural store. I also try to stock up on nitrate and nitrite free bacon whenever they have it . 

I was told that the owner of my local Grocery Outlet loves Tejava Tea, so it will probably stick around. It sells for $1.29 each! This makes me smile.

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Saving Money

Do high prices keep you from eating healthier? I am sometimes stunned by the investment. If I were the only one eating in my family, maybe I could justify it. It is true that cheaper products are often inferior because manufacturers have cut corners, added sugar and chemicals. It costs more to do it right, but is this a reasonable explanation for huge markups?

I occasionally shop at Whole Foods. The store inspires me despite their preference for carbs. I buy hard-to-find products and food items that are on sale or have a store coupon. My aim is to leave without having spent $40 for just 3 things.

I tried couponing in my early 40's. I was never extreme enough to become a ninja, but I worked up a sweat. Just my low-level commitment gobbled up my life. Even then, I rejected junk and I had no interest in storing up needless bulk items. I also had a pet peeve for being stuck behind the shopper with 50+ coupons. If patiently watching the scanning process was not enough, there were always discrepancies between coupons and what was actually purchased.

Couponing is no longer a hobby, but I still use them. I have found that I can buy high-quality, healthy products in discount stores—even those without membership fees. Grocery Outlet is a prime example.

Here are some of my recent Grocery Outlet finds . . .

Chosen Food's Avocado Oil Mayo with Harissa; Tejava bottled tea; Bragg's Liquid Aminos and Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil; bacon, andouille and beer brats without nitrates and nitrites; organic chicken thighs; natural avocado dip without additives; huge packages of chicharrones; Chobani Mezé Dip with Smoked Onions and Parmesan; grass fed ground beef; and provolone cheese slices. (I make taco shells out of the provolone.)

I paid $62 after $54 was deducted! I bought a variety of items without buying too much of any one thing. I read labels for carb counts and hidden sugar. If one of my favs had gone up in price, I chose a less expensive similar product.

Unless the aisle is crowded, I usually make the NOSH isle (above) first on my agenda. I then head for the meat and cheese section. After I have selected things from these locations, I check my budget before moving to other sections.

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Keep Your Eye on the Prize

We all get sidetracked in a grocery store, especially when it is important to stick to our goals. I regularly don my earbuds and plug into a low-carb podcast while I shop. The facts, advice, interviews, testimonies, and latest news keep me excited and focused. I am less inclined to purchase something that is not beneficial.

My iPhone is loaded with low-carb, keto, and paleo podcasts. Before upgrading my iPhone, I used the Stitcher Radio app. I began having issues with it and switched to the Overcast: Podcast Player. I have not returned to Stitcher since the upgrade, only because my Overcast app is organized and performing beautifully!

Consider these low-carb suggestions . . .

• Jimmy Moore's "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show", "Keto Talk", and "Fasting Talk"
• "Low-Carb Conversations"
• "The Ketovangelist Podcast"
• "Ketovangelist Kitchen"
• "The Paleo View Podcast"

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Fat Sat | Tasty Tidbits

In the spirit of keeping low-carb fresh and surprising, I am always searching out interesting products. If you miss bread or are hungering for a sweet treat, try these guilt-free products.

Mikey's Original English Muffins

There are some dreadful-bread-full counterfeits out there. Mikey's baked goods are a cut above. Their products are certified paleo; gluten, grain, dairy, and soy free; and they contain no GMO's. Think of their muffins, pizza crust, and sliced bread as a blank canvas for whatever you can imagine. Visit them HERE.

SkinnyMe Belgian Chocolate Truffles

Going sugar-free changed my relationship with chocolate, not my love for it. SkinnyMe confections are deliciously zero-sugar and low-carb. Utilizing stevia and erythritol, I can have my chocolate and eat it, too!

There will never be a real-food substitute that tastes just like white table sugar. SkinnyMe comes pretty darn close. Visit them HERE.

Cheers,

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