An Open Letter to Girl Scout Cookie Pushers

Dear Cute Little Girl Scouts Who Live in My Neighborhood and Force Me to Buy Cookies:

Thank you for delivering the multitude of Girl Scout cookies that I ordered from everyone who knocked on my door because I don’t know how to say no; because I have kids of my own and pray that someone will buy some of their crap, too; and because I’m simply a sucker for cookies.



It was so thoughtful for you all to unload these boxes on me just as I started my food lockdown. I know that you think I’m an adult and can control myself and you’re right, ahem, I am. And, I did. I knew exactly how many scrumptious Samoas I sucked down and carefully counted out how many classic Thin Mints I consumed.

Please don’t feel guilty because I have less than two months to squeeze into a bikini on my 38th birthday and your delightful little smiles and cookies have thrown a big monkey wrench in my plan. It’s not like you don’t come knocking every year at the same time. I should know better. No, really I should.

The upside is this problem never lasts for long – because the cookies don’t. As quickly as they come in the door they get gobbled up just as fast. Thankfully, the three other occupants of Wifey’s House have no self-control either so I can easily blame them for eating them all.

I’d love to tell you that I’m through with your cookies and I won’t be ordering any next year but I’d be lying. When you ring the doorbell I’ll cave in, happily, just like I always do and might even order an extra box.

Thanks again for your prompt delivery, for increasing my workouts and for only selling your addictive little cookies once a year.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Wait! Ladies, have you ever missed your mother-in-law’s birthday? Are you the date keeper in your house? We’re dishing about that at Ask Wifey. I know you’ve got two cents … come throw it in.

The Breakfast Song

Ironically this video was sent to me yesterday after I announced my food lockdown. Meet my Uncle Jethro and Cousin Verna. No, not really. But I love this like they were…



If you haven’t been by Ask Wifey to weigh in on Lock and Knock, now would be a great time to do so…

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Bye Bye Miss American Pie

Isn’t she gorgeous? And, yes she tastes just as good as she looks. That was a piece of my favorite chocolate cream pie that a devoured after going out to dinner with my family last night. And now it’s time to say goodbye. I’m officially on food lockdown even though Husband doesn’t believe me.

“You’ve said that EVERY Sunday for the past four weeks.”

Yes, thank you Husband for bringing that to my attention, but this time I mean it. No, really. I mean it. I have to. See, I set a goal at New Years that I would rock a bikini on my 38th birthday. A little background – I haven’t rocked a bikini since I was … hmm … five. So, if I’m going to do this I’ve got to go on lockdown. My birthday is April 28 and I’ve got a little less than two months to get myself together.

Why am I telling you this? Because I’d love a little help from my friends. Last time I blogged about a fitness goal it helped keep me on track and accountable. And, who knows, maybe I just might inspire one of you to join me in my quest toward bikiniville, too. Yes, you would get to go on a shopping spree.

So, how am I going to do this? By working out and eating clean. Food lockdown does not mean starving myself; in fact I normally eat more when I eat healthier foods. But what it does mean is bye bye chocolate pie and very limited alcohol. Gasp! I know, that’s a big one, but I’ve done it before and I can do it again.

I’m also not stepping on my scale. Last time I became too obsessed with a number that can fluctuate so easily, it’s often counterproductive. Besides, my goal is not about what the scale says, but how I look and feel.

So, encouragement is always welcome. I can also handle tough love. And, if anyone is tackling some fitness goals of their own please let me know – I’d love to cheer you on, too!

Wait! Before you go, a quick question; do your kids miraculously wake up when you lock your bedroom door to have a little fun? I’m venting about that today at Ask Wifey. Come by and let me know I’m not alone …

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Sports?

Not if you ask me. Well, not this weekend anyway. I’m still savoring the past two sports-filled days and will probably start going through football withdrawal within the next two weeks.

First up, my little athletes… Miles was hoopin’ Saturday morning. He scored 8 points and was defensive player of his basketball game. Milani, my little shy cheerleader, was the loudest she’s been this year and got a pretty purple star for best leadership on her squad.

Next up a little tennis; or if you’re Rafael Nadal – a lot. Thank goodness for ESPN2 and The Tennis Channel replaying all of The Australian Open action – the time difference put the men and women’s finals on at 3:30 a.m. I enjoyed every second of it – especially watching Serena and Nadal win.

Last but definitely not least – Go Steelers! No, I’m not a die hard fan – if I had to choose, I’d go with the hometown Falcons – but I was pulling for Pittsburgh and enjoyed watching the game go down to the wire.

Through all of the excitement, Husband and I still found time to get to our spot to make our weekly picks. They are:

Husband’s Pick:

Baron’s Black Wattle Superior Wattle Seed Ale

Wifey’s Pick:
Gumdale Shiraz Cabernet 2008

Both are Australian, in honor of The Open. Husband’s pick was great, so great that we never tried mine. Gasp! I’ll shelve it for another time – no drinking during the week, I’m still working on that bikini, remember?

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

What's In that Cup?

Am I wrong for drinking an after workout blueberry protein shake in a Heineken beer glass?



I know. I’m shaking my head, too. But at least I’m gettin’ it done…

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Beer, Budgets and Bikinis

Beer, budgets and bikinis don’t normally fall into the same sentence, however, they seem to be intertwined in my life right now. Let’s tackle the beer first.

Husband took me to the most fabulous spirits store I’ve ever seen. Yes, I’m talking about a liquor store, but somehow saying that Husband took me to the most fabulous liquor store I’ve ever seen makes me sound like a little bit of a lush and I’m not. No, really, I’m not. I just enjoy great tasting beer and a glass of good wine – not at the same time, of course.

Anyway, if you happen to be a beer, wine or liquor connoisseur and haven’t been to Total Wine you’re so missing out. The selection is extensive, the prices are reasonable and the layout is inviting. So inviting that as Husband and I cruised the isles eyeing the massive selection of beer and wine, we decided to embark on a little tasting mission. Each weekend each of us will choose a new beer or wine to try that we’ve never tasted before. Fun, right? If you’re a beer or wine lover, discovering new tastes is exciting. Side effects are simply an added bonus.

Best of all our new mission is great for our new budget – the new budget that has us being financially responsible now so we can have financial freedom later. It’s the same budget that slashed our entertainment fund in half. It’s definitely less expensive to BYOB (buy your own bottle) than funneling all of your funds to an overpriced restaurant or bar. Since we’ve committed to saving and staying in more our tasting challenge adds an extra kick to a regular night at home.

So, it’s all good, right? Nope, not really. Not for my bikini. Bikini? Yes, the one I’m planning to fit into by my birthday (April 28). Gasp! Since I already decided that beer is not included in a clean eating diet my new little tasting mission screwed up my healthy eating plan. But, then I realized that I function best when I follow the 80/20 rule. If I eat clean and healthy 80 percent of the time – and exercise regularly – I can enjoy some not so healthy things 20 percent of the time and not feel guilty. When I deprive myself I, like most people, eventually binge; but when I consciously treat myself in moderation, I’m normally able to stay on track. Moderation is key here. We’ll see if it works.

Beer, budgets and bikinis. You’ll probably see more posts about all of these things as I continue to taste, save and get healthy. In the meantime, I figured I share this weekend’s beers:

Husband’s pick
Magic Hat, Not Quite Pale Ale

Wifey’s pick

Dogfish Head, Indian Brown Ale

Were they good? Let’s just say there’s only a few left.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey