French February

OK, so French February is underway!  I'm reading "Entre Nous" which is an investigation into French, feminine culture.  Throughout the book, the author suggests a variety of French films to watch.  She also lists notable French women and their contributions to society.  It's an interesting book and I'm almost finished with the read; I'll update you upon my completion.
Soooooo, what do you do for French February?  Here are a few ideas that I have:

• Visit a French art exhibit
• listen to French music (Ravel anyone?)
• eat French food
• cook French food
• have a French dinner party
• study famous French people
• read about French culture
• watch French films
• plan a trip to France (although I won't be able to travel there this year)
• drink Kir Royales

So far, I'm really enjoying French February and the refined sugar that accompanies it!  

Bonsoir!

Game Over!

I recently finished my last meal of the 24-day Challenge; 3 ounces of grilled chicken and roasted broccoli, mushrooms and onions.  What a wonderful challenge this has been.  Somedays were really difficult but as time went by, things got easier.  I'm looking forward to eating a less restrictive diet yet maintaining many of the principles of the meal plan.

As February approaches, I'm beginning to have a bit of anxiety over my next challenge.  Or, lack there of.  Still debating a few ideas but I'm not necessarily pleased with any of them.  I'm really interested in "French February" but I'm not sure what activities to include.  If you have any suggestions, please share them with me!  

Day 19

So, it has been 19 days since I've had refined sugar.  Never thought I'd make it this far!  Who am I kidding, I knew I would because I'm OCD and combined with sheer determination, anything is possible!
It hasn't been easy though; there have been good days and bad days.  I really miss my dear old friend, cake, and I'm starting to daydream and have fantasies about my first few meals off of the plan (pasta, fondu, cupcakes, potatoes, squash... need I go on?).  For me, life is not worth living if I can't have cake!

I've also started thinking about my challenge for February.  I have a few ideas but haven't made a decision yet.  I would love to hear your thoughts or feedback.  I'm also open to other suggestions!

1.  Foreign Language February
2.  French February (French language, French cooking, French kissing, etc.)
3.  Fitness February (although I pretty much do this anyway)
4.  Flexible February (yoga EVERYDAY for the entire month)

Did I mention that Crumbs delivers???

http://www.crumbs.com/

New Year Challenges

Two years ago, I resolved to try "something new" each month of the new year.  This year, I've decided to tweak it a little and take-on a challenge each month. No rules or expectations, just challenge myself with something new each month.

The month of January is "Jumpstart January."  Today, I started the 24-day Challenge.  The 24-day Challenge is a diet that focuses on decreasing portion sizes while increasing frequency of meals.  It also cuts out many of my favorite things to eat!  I'm not dieting to lose weight, nor I'm I dieting to achieve some idealistic body.  I've chosen this challenge to help me break my sugar addiction and force myself to eat healthier.  I've always enjoyed practicing extreme self-discipline, and a sugar restricting diet is the perfect test for me!

Today is a cleanse day.  I'm only allowed small portions of vegetables and fruits today.  I started the day with a "fiber drink."  I must say, it was one of the most disgusting things I've ever ingested!  I felt like I was drinking a liquid loofa sponge!  I drank as much as I could with out puking, but it was definitely a challenge!  The meal replacement shake that I had for breakfast was much easier to swallow.  The only real, solid food that I've had all day has been green peppers, homemade salsa, and oranges.  Can't wait for my next "feeding time"-- salad!  Yum!  I have very little energy and hope that tomorrow will be easier, although I'm already dreading the fiber drink.  However, I can have protein, carbs and healthy fats tomorrow; definitely something to look forward to!

To Blog or Not To Blog

Early in December, while enjoying a delicious brunch at my friend Katy's home, I was introduced to the phenomenon of blogging.  It wasn't like I'd never heard of blogging, I had just never considered it for myself.  In the past few weeks, I've found myself increasingly interested in other peoples' blogs.  Many of them focus on home, style and family.  Well, anyone that knows me, knows that I'm not crafty nor am I terribly domesticated (although I do give it a shot occasionally).  My true interests revolve around family and friends and the relationships you make with others.  Oh, and did I mention how much I love dogs?  My husband, Roland, and I have four wonderful, furry creatures that share our home.    


My blog, as with many of my endeavors, is a jumping off place; "just trying things out"!  I love to experiment with new ideas and challenges.  I'm not really sure where this will go, or if it will go, but I'd like to thank you for joining in on the journey; whether it be short or long...