Like you @Chinkiri, I live in a small space. Furthermore, I do think I live minimally (at least compared to my relatives).

New art is my reward for 2021 and my focus is local, BIPOC art created by women...which, ironically, tends to be cheaper despite being so evocative and purdy 😩 I have my eye - and wallet - on my first numbered piece.

Other treats for me are:
* spa days
* plant acquisition (or successful propagation)
* clothes' sales shopping (I snagged a brand new $105 cropped camo jacket for $4.99 yesterday. Was it a mistake?! Who cares? I ran out of the store like I stole it lol)
* DIY projects or thrifting
* Education (new language, skills, etc)

It all depends on what calls you 🤷🏿‍♀️

Brilliant, @MaltedTea, we have things in common! French thrift stores are not really a thing, but I used to love them in England, and as for Brussels, Belgium, it's vintage paradise! Spa days etc. will have to wait post lockdown. I do buy art, have several artist friends and acquaintances. I need to buy a drill though, to get stuff on the walls! I feel inspired to buy myself more pictures as a reward now!

@Chinkiri I reward myself with new workout clothes but I've kind of reached the max on that space wise too. I've also done some where I upgraded things I already had, like new bedding, blankets, pretty bowls. Fresh cut flowers are a favorite but those are already on your list! What about fancy soaps, lotions or something like that? I get a seasonal box from Margot Elena - all her packaging is so pretty. It will change but often has a perfume, lip balm, stationary, lotion, and shower gel. I don't know if you are interested in any of those things, but they make me feel pampered!

@fractaltiger Brilliant!

@Chinikiri I think I will make fabric as my reward! I started quilting again when coronavirus hit, and I love it. It is very calming to me, which is what I need right now since I have too much stress currently. I have some weight to lose, so I think I will also use a new piece of clothing as future rewards as well. I have used nail polish in the past too.

@mshawski sounds great! Would look lovely on my bedroom window. I have no curtains, not overlooked, and I like to wake up with the sun. Thank you!

@Chinikiri that sounds like a good plan.

fractaltiger wrote: »

For me, this is going to be an attitude adjustment day. Every now and then little things just stack up on me. Hearing they are extending the tax deadline, knowing what is waiting on my desk, not sleeping well last night, cold rain outside, etc...

So I am making sure I get my cardio in this morning first thing and have spent the time thinking about what I am thankful for and how to approach the day so it turns into a good one.

How do you turn days around when they start out being off in some way?

"knowing what is waiting on my desk" - it means you have work and many people don't
"not sleeping well last night" - but still staying in the warm bed
"cold rain outside" - nature needs some rain and just remember that there's always a sun above the clouds
Bottom line: When thinking twice, may be everything is not so bad

@Winner_in_Life and @MaltedTea
Thank you! I had thought through those things as well including the prayer. I just knew that with what was coming I needed to decide to be positive about everything or I'd feel pulled too many directions. It was a positive day. I was busy all day. Now I'm just tired but I get to relax and enjoy my Mom.

Question: Do most people subtract calories from their daily intake based on their exercise? I haven’t been...

shrkldy wrote: »

Question: Do most people subtract calories from their daily intake based on their exercise? I haven’t been...

I do. I find if I don’t eat all my allotted calories - including the exercise ones - I am dizzy when I workout. My progress is slow sometimes (4-5lbs a month) but it’s more sustainable for me in the long run. I’m set to lightly active and 1.5lbs a week. Lightly active may be an overestimate some days but after several failed attempts this seems to be the combo that works best for me.

I also do. I pretty much do it the same at @fractaltiger .

One note, I've found my Whoop band gives a much, much lower calorie burn than MPF or my Peloton App. The biggest differences are for things like pilates and yoga. Strength training and spin classes aren't that far off normally.

I raised the problem (?) of why and how I need to keep an eye on protein at my age - 69. It seems my bones and muscles still need it. I have been looking at this, have set my protein requirements at 30%, which seems to be a minimum requirement. I found that I am mostly way under as I like carbs and fat to make up the bulk of my calorie intake. I am now paying more attention. Not easy!

@mshawski I have to say, I don't have a 'problem' about protein, and I agree with you. Like you, like I said, I like carbs and fat, but I try and eat a balanced diet, I think. I eat enough protein, I think. I was a little concerned about Vitamin C, but I monitored it for a few days, and seem to be well over what I need. Someone else raised Calcium, so I monitored that for a bit and I was getting plenty, yoghurt and cheese. Like most people, I am trying to lose weight, so I monitor the intake of food, log it, and exercise, very simply. I am often crap at it, but I keep going.
Based on what I have found, I think that what matters for me is to get a healthy balanced diet, which includes proteins (it does), carbs (it does - not sugary stuff, but nice whole wheat bread, pasta, potatoes, brown rice mostly, but I am partial to some nice white jasmin or long grain rice with my curry), and mostly the right kinds of fats (it does, olive oil - think Mediterranean Diet - some lovely French butter), enough fruit and vegetables for Vitamins (it does), even fashionable Vitamin D, which I get by walking outside in the 300+ days of sunshine we get a year here. My partner's GP prescribed him Vitamin D the other day, to a man who goes out walking or biking for several hours in this sunshine every day!
I sometimes look at North American diets and think that some people really need a bit of education into what is good, but more importantly healthy, and, into the bargain, tasty food!
I am not perfect and some days I just like having carbs and fat, macaroni-cheese, ready-made, pizza, just carbs and fat, too much salt, total comfort food. I feel disgusting on those days and unable to cook. Become my friend and look at the horrors I eat sometimes, but also how I try to eat and cook (sometimes just throw together) some reasonably healthy and tasty food. I cannot eat it if it doesn't taste nice. I don't have a blog, or a vlog, I don't want followers but sometimes I despair looking at people's menus and I think, I can help! I have plenty of problems, so you can help me in exchange!. Sorry about rant, but we can do so much better if we actually start to love food for the blessing it is!

Just a note, I carry almonds for snacks and edamame is good any time.