Tuesday and Lent
turquoise tee (Gap) -- black sweater (casual corner, thrifted) -- Levis -- black boots (Liz Claiborne, thrifted)
I hate my clothes today. You know, it’s just one of those days. I tried this outfit with a belt and then a turquoise pashmina scarf. And then tried taking pictures with my other camera on the timer and I just looked like I have packed on a few pounds this winter. And guess what — I have. So, let me take that back. I don’t like the way my clothes fit because of my weight. And as many of you know, this is not the first time I’ve had this realization and not done anything about it.
So, no more snacking this winter. I can’t afford to replace my clothes so that is my only option right now.
Menu:
Breakfast: homemade bread toasted with peanut butter and banana slices; cafe au lait
Lunch: turkey and cheese sandwich; apple
Dinner: chili; wine
My friend and neighbor who was raised Catholic, but is not practicing just told me about her “Not a Cent in Lent” program and I’m onboard.
Besides gas for the car and groceries (and essential toiletry items such as toothpaste!) she does not spend any other money for the entire 6 weeks of Lent. To her that means no lattes, no eating out, no Target clearance aisle, no new (or in my case — used — clothes,) etc. I’m in.
Anyone else?
What a great idea! I have been trying to think of something to sacrifice for Lent and I think that would be perfect!
I had to Google when Lent starts — whew, not till the 17th! So yeah, count this old lapsed Catholic in.
I, too, hate dickering around with those last few pounds that disappear, then come back. One thing that’s helped me a lot (which may not apply to you) is that I’ve given up the nightly cocktail. It was giving me heart palpitations, so my doctor suggested I cut out the nightcap and see what happens. Well, what happened besides losing the palpitations was that I also lost about five pounds in a month! There are a lot of empty calories in alcohol that I really hadn’t given their due.
Marsi, I have thought of that — I get crazy heartbeats a lot, too, especially if I drink more than one glass of wine … for me it’s a toss up because the wine also helps me relax … hmmm I wonder if I could survive the winter without my nightly glass of wine?
I love the Not a Cent for Lent idea. Recently, I was trying to decide what to do for Lent this year. Last year I gave up watching the news. I went through some withdrawals but ended up feeling much more peaceful. For a long time afterwards, I still didn’t watch the news. Now I try to limit how much I watch. This year I think eliminating unnecessary spending is perfect. I take for granted the ability to just pick up whatever little item catches my attention. This will certainly make me painfully aware of all the frivolous spending I do.
Yes, eliminating wine really resonates with me, too. As much as I love having that evening glass, I think it’s what keeps me from losing those last few pounds.
I’m absolutely in. I was going through our budget last night, trying as always to see where we can shave off a dollar here, a dollar there. Not a Cent in Lent. Perfect!
It *is* a wonderful idea and the catchy name is good marketing for it as well.
I’ll play along with you ladies!
La
Kristi, by the way, have you hit Aldi yet?
interested to see what you found/thought.
I’ve done that for Lent before and it was hard, but worth it. It made me think of the meaning behind it all the time.
La,
Not yet. It snowed here the day I needed to go shopping and I didn’t want to face the roads so I went to my regular market which is right up the road … I’m still interested in checking it out, though.
Kristi, in the last two months I have talked to so many women our age (or past our age) who’ve experienced the same cardiac effects with alcohol. I think it must be hormones. I found it easier than expected to give up my nightly drink; once I got past the first week and broke the “five o’clock reflex,” I then just kind of forgot all about drinking. I feel much, much better in ways I hadn’t expected.
I’m in!
No Cent in Lent will be a Challenge – not because of the need/desire for new clothes purchase, because like you (I believe) I would be feeling better if I dropped a few pounds (grrr) and of course more comfortable wearing my clothes. By no means do I plan to go to bigger size for comfort!!!!!! even if I could afford it-anyway, the eating out will be the hardest, I believe, because after a few days or a whole week of work, it is easy to say ‘yes’ to my husband’s suggestion of ‘ take out’ because of pure laziness of not wanting to shop and cook- but I’ll give it my best! I still have about a week to ponder and plan. Thank you for the ‘Challenge’ -I am a non practicing but raised Catholic too-Look forward to checking in on your Blog!! Best Wishes, Stevie