I Have to GET UP!

I have been struggling to get in my workout time lately.  It is really important to me that I stay physically active because without daily exercise, I struggle with depression, anxiety and weight problems.  Like everyone else, I have 24 hours in a day, and some of them are more full than others.  Some of them are more productive than others as well!  I used to exercise from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, Monday through Friday.  I kept this schedule for about three years.  When I moved, it became harder, not just because I lived out of town, but because life was crazy!  I can see the results of this crazy life and not enough exercise, and it isn't pretty.  With homeschooling, etc. how can I fit it in? 

One savvy blogger came up with the challenge to "Maximize Your Mornings."  This means working toward getting up early enough to have workout, Bible study, and planning for the day done by the time the kids get up.  Difficult, yes; impossible, no.  Totally worth it!

My wonderful Mother-in-law has been maximizing her mornings for years.  She gets up super early to get to work two hours before everyone else, just to get things done before the day gets busy and people need her.  So diligent :) 

Why can't I bring the same concept to being a stay-at-home-mom and homeschooler? 

So, in the words of Charlotte Mason:

"I AM.

I CAN.

I OUGHT.

I WILL."

This is day two for me.  I have succeeded thus far in having a workout, Bible study, planning time and breakfast before the little ladies awaken.  I am working toward getting up at 5:00 AM so that I can go to the gym again and be home before The Husband leaves for work, as the gym will only be a couple of blocks from my house when I move it two weeks.

I am tired. 

But, oh, so proud.

For more information on "Maximize Your Mornings," click here.

Menu Plan Monday

To participate in Menu Plan Monday, visit www.orgjunkie.com

Monday again!  This week I am trying to use up some pantry items, so I am making things that will allow me to not purchase anything but a little produce until Friday.  Then I have a plan...more on that at the end of this post!

Monday:  Cheesy Potato Soup and Whole Wheat Beer Bread

Tuesday:  Bean Tostadas and Salad (I may make a little taco meat for the carnivores)

Wednesday:  Veggie Quiche and Homemade Bread

Thursday:  Spinach Enchiladas and Mexican Rice

Friday:  Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn.  I may try a lentil loaf also.

Saturday:  Leftovers or out?

Sunday:  Homemade Pizza and veggies

I will post other recipes as I try them!

So, a friend of mine sent me an interesting link last week.  The site claims that you can buy 90% of your groceries from Aldi and save a lot of money. 

The benefits of shopping at Aldi:

• no coupons are necessary
• limited stock means fewer impulse purchases
• the prices are pretty hard to beat, even with sale ads
• the selection does get better all the time

Drawbacks of shopping at Aldi:

• not many name brand items
• not all products are available all the time
• not all Aldi brand products are as "good" as the name brand
• you have to bag your own groceries
• they don't carry specialty food items (tofu, veggie burgers, protein powder, etc.)

Still, you know how I love to save money!  I enjoy the couponing, but I find that on food items, Aldi is hard to beat.  I like most Aldi products, so I think I am up for the challenge!  So, for a month, I am going to menu plan and shop for food using Aldi items. 

Exceptions to the rule:

• I buy eggs from a local source.
• If I can get milk cheaper than Aldi, I will.
• I will buy things that I have coupons for only if I can get them free or almost free!

I can't wait to see how much I can save this month!  When I am frugal with the grocery budget, I feel like I am still contributing monetarily to our family while I stay at home.  Plus, I like to be trustworthy with the home budget, and the Husband likes it too :)

I will post a grocery shopping recap on Friday, and I will plan an Aldi menu that will be up next Monday! 

Are you ready for Aldi adventures?