A Fresh Start....or something like that....

So, here we are at the beginning of another new year. It's the time for new beginnings, fresh starts, exciting new goals and just a sense of starting anew. So many people have posted about their goals and resolutions. I wasn't going to but sometimes being held accountable helps and when others see it, it may make you try a little harder, push a little harder or strive to reach those goals. So, here are my goals, in no certain order: Start meal planning and grocery shopping accordingly. I have done this before and it worked out so well for me. I was working full time outside of the home when I did it and it was awesome to just go home and start on the listed dinner. I have gotten away from it and we all know how stupid it is to just go to the store wandering around looking for something for dinner. It might work well for some but for me, not so much. I ended up wasting money at the store because I was buying on impulse. Menu planning will allow me to outline my grocery shopping and buy less in the long run. I would like to aim to spend around $50 less every two weeks which is when I will do my main grocery shopping. I have been browsing the sales ads and coupons to try to further help in attaining my goal. I will try to run my household a little better. I have been doing a good job on keeping up with laundry so that is under control but I can stand to do better with my general cleaning. I have 2.5 hours to myself each day and I can better utilize that time rather than oh, say, watching tv. :/ I will try to workout at least 3-4 days a week. I would love to say that I will workout every single day but I know that I am going to have off days and I feel it is better to put out a goal that is realistic to myself. I dont' want to set myself up for failure so 3-4 days a week is totally realistic. My overall weight loss goal is to lose 12lbs. by July 15th. I have lost a few pounds from being sick so I am already starting the new year at a lower weight than I thought I would (perhaps the only pro to being sick!) That means that if I can lose 2 pounds a month, I will reach my goal. However, as always, it is not just about the number on the scale. I will be in a summer wedding in July so I would really like to have nice, toned arms and legs for the wedding. I would love to look great in the photos. It is my baby brother's wedding so I want to look good. We would like to build our lives up again. The past year has had more bad than good so we are hoping to bulk up our savings again, take a few small, short family trips and just do better than we did in the last year. We are finally starting to get back on our feet and we hope to continue to do so. I am hoping to get a job and help my husband with the income. I am doing some small things now that bring in small checks but I need to do more so the burden isn't all on him. I will be working part time but as long as I have something steady, it is better than what I am bringing to the table now. So, there are my goals. Here's to 2013, may it be better than 2012!