Back in skinny jeans

Stephism on Support

"We can't go through life or the hard times by ourselves. A big difference between those who heal, recover, succeed, and reach their goals is having a support system."

This is the most amazing version of Ben E. King's "Stand By Me" I have EVER heard in my life. It made me shed tears of joy. This song is performed by 37 musicians from five different continents and is a project from Playing for Change, a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music.

tip from LifeGawker.

Stephism on Guts

"Just because you have testicles doesn't mean you have balls."

A wise one told me this once and I fell on the floor laughing. The statement is not really a gender thing, it's a statement about courage like stepping up to do the right thing, being up front and honest when it would feel so much easier to lie or avoid conflict, and taking responsibility and accountability for the consequences of your actions. It does take guts to live a life of honor, honesty and respect, but it is so worth it!

Stephism on Food

"When we savor our food we delight in the pleasure of eating."

We Americans are honestly some of the worst at savoring our food. We rush through meals. We dine and dash. We eat in cars, beds, couches, and standing at counters.

This week, eat one meal with loved ones and set aside the time to savor your food. Take the time to chew your food slowly. Relish the flavors of your dish. Even if it is just meatloaf or salad, be present with that meal. Pay attention to the sensations of your eating experience. I bet you'll discover joie de vivre you've never known before!

Stephism on Your Weight

"Stop letting your scale and jeans size be the boss of you!"

I said this before, "Don't let the scale steal your happiness." Who's the boss in your life your weight or you? During their last days, people always wish they spent more time enjoying their life.

While I'm Away in the Philippines...

As we speak sweeties, I'm on a jet plane this Monday morning heading to the beautiful Philippine islands with my parents and a big group of friends for a week of some rest and relaxation.

I'm going to attempt to blog while I'm in the Philippines but who knows mainly because one I'm not sure how Internet connection will be where we're going and two I just might say "Screw it!" and enjoy the beach and time with my loved ones. I'm more excited about this trip because it's quality "great memories" time with my parents. Seriously, my parents are the best people in the world and I feel like I won the parent lottery.

BUT!

I'm not totally going MIA for the week. For the last week of the Skinny Debt Diet, I'm going to push that out to next week when I get back (mainly because I didn't plan so well last week...oops!) Every day this week on Back in Skinny Jeans there will be a quick "Stephism" on a topic for the day. This way, you can still drop by and get your Steph fix for the week :-D

Also, I will be dropping some tweets on Twitter to share some of the fun things I'm doing in the Philippines. I discovered that I can text tweets from my cell phone. I can still keep up with my twice daily water hydration reminders! You can follow me on Twitter @skinnyjeans.

I'll be back full time on February 3rd...unless the possibility I decide that being stranded on a gorgeous tropical island with fruity drinks with tiny umbrellas served by a bevy of pool boys is the life :-D

photo: Alonsa Beach, bohol, Philippines by ewanchesser

Is the Sky Really Falling?

For today's Skinny Debt Diet Feelings portion, we have guest blogger Lance from Jungle of Life. If you do not have Lance's blog on your RSS, then you need to add it now.

Lance is one of the most uplifting bloggers that I have the pleasure of knowing. His blog just exudes positive vibes and goodness. Seriously, I'll pop in just to bask in the positivity.

Today, Lance gives us an excellent exercise in perspective when it comes to our money and how we choose to see our life.

-----------------------

Stock markets plunge!  Automakers want bailout!  Financial markets in ruins!  Layoffs abound!  Recession is worst in decades!

Like the darkness of a looming thunderstorm, the stories being painted by our local news, by our national news, by our world news – is depressing, riddled with gloom and doom.

Is the sky really falling?

Maybe you’re facing reduced hours at your present job.  Maybe you’re recently unemployed.  Maybe the business you’re trying to start is having a hard time building the equity it needs.  Maybe you’re doing okay.   Maybe, maybe, maybe…

These are uncertain times we’re in.  These are days that can challenge us in ways we’re not used to dealing with.

"Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results." ~ Anonymous

Is there a silver lining? 

Maybe…

Maybe…it’s your choice, tough.  You CAN choose the life you desire.  That doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy.  That doesn’t mean you won’t stumble along the way, or want to turn around and go back.  What it does mean, though, is that you are choosing.  You are being the “you” that you desire to be.  You are living authentically.  You are seeking your life’s purpose!

This is the time…NOW…to really look within.  Take some time to evaluate where you are in your life. 

• Do you love the work you’re doing?
• Are you genuinely happy?
• What is it that really, deep down, excites you?
• Do you love the life you’re living?
• What are your real passions?
• How can you use these passions?
• Do you find purpose and meaning in your life?
  

We’ve all been given one shot at this life we’re now living.  You.  Me.  Everyone.  How do you want that life to be defined? 

If you’re at a point where you dread Monday, and can’t wait until Friday – then the time to ask these questions is now.  If you’re unemployed, or underemployed, and thinking about new directions in your life – maybe out of necessity – then the time to ask these questions is now.  If you’re going through life on auto pilot – then the time to ask these questions is now.  If you’re happily employed and yet, have never really thought about these questions – then the time to ask these questions is now.  If you’re alive, yet not really “fully living” – then the time to ask these questions is now.

Today Is Your Day

Don’t wait.  Next week will turn into next month.  Next month will turn into next year.  And next year will turn into a pipe dream that never happens.

Don’t wait.  This is YOUR day.  This is YOUR life.  Seize the moment!

Working the Core In The Car, on a Train, at Your Desk

For today's Skinny Debt Diet Fitness day, we're going to focus on the core again because I really think that when you strengthen the muscles in your core area you create a more stable foundation for yourself spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Plus, you work on getting rid of that Muffin because yeah believe it or not Spring and tees, tanks, and shorts weather is quickly coming upon us.

MizFit shows us how to do an Isometric Ab Contraction. Yeah, I was kinda new to that term too, but what is really cool is that you literally don't have to go anywhere or lay down on the floor to do this exercise. In fact, you can do this sitting at your computer as you watch MizFit.

You can do this core exercise in your car, on a bus ride, or on the train home from work. You can even do this Iso while you're waiting for your food to come when eating out, waiting in the doctor's office lounge, or waiting for your accountant or tax preparer as it is tax season.

Let's get that core of yours strong and solid!

To see more exercise goodness from MizFit, visit her YouTube page.

If you recently cut out your gym membership and are looking for some ways to get exercise, here's some awesome tips from our Skinny Debt Dieters group. I like the jump rope idea :)

Stephanie Is Featured Success Story on CNBC's "On the Money"

Last Friday, I landed my first TV spot on CNBC's show "On the Money" with Carmen Wong Ulrich.  Here's the clip. Skip to minute 5:20:

For a little back story, in my "On the Money" segment, we go back to 1998-2001 during the last tech boom and how I found myself on a 3-month medical leave from my "fabulous" startup-that-went-IPO job. {I use the quotes because that job should have been fabulous but was not on many levels because well as Dr. Phil would ask, "How'd that work out for you?" Um, I ended up sick.}

If you're curious, here's what happened the day I quit that job. Here's how many people thought I was a moron for leaving all that money behind and my moment of clear decison making despite being partly insane, and here's one of the first things I did to get my health back.

Yikes! Digital cameras didn't exist back in 2000

The funny part was that the CNBC Producer wanted some pics from 98-01, and I couldn't find any on my computer because well, mainstream digital cameras didn't exist back then. Yeah, freaky realization as that was only 8 years ago. I had to call friends from that era and ask them to dig in their shoeboxes of photos. Then I had to scan. Oy vay!

The benefits of the art of self promotion

When we got to the part about how I'm now one of the top healthy living bloggers in the world, saying the "...in the world" part was a tough thing for me to say even though it is true and I can prove it because unafraid self promotion is not one of my strong suits as it is for many women.

Self promotion is an area where men have an edge over women in the workplace because men are more likely and more agressive about self pumping. Need a fast example, look for any male "WTF's" in top positions at your company. One probably popped into your head immediately. Those guys are not necesarily the smartest or the best, but they were the most proactive in letting the bosses know what they did and accomplished.

Are you rah-rahing for yourself?

So here's the thing, and this is how I got over my modesty, if we want to get paid what we're worth financially and move ahead professionally like I stated in my 2009 NY's resolution, then self promotion is part of that package. Modesty is not helping you. In fact, here's a recent Wall Street Journal article on how young women are more vulnerable to getting laid off in this economy mainly because they aren't doing enough self promoting. Yes, there is not being arrogant but really, there is a difference between self confidence and arrogance.

Oprah and Martha didn't get where they are today without self promoting, and anyone who is at the top of their game self promotes. You have to be your own best cheerleader, and I'm learning from that. So, the CNBC spot was one of my first homework assignments in stepping up to the plate. I also promoted my clip on my Twitter, Facebook, the Skinny Debt Dieters Group at Wesabe, and Linked-In pages.

You too can be on TV

Over at The Everyday Blogger, I share how I got this CNBC spot for those of you who are working towards building your own online brand and influence. And guess what, you too have a chance to apply and get picked to be on CNBC's "On the Money" as well. Oh yes!

Thank you to everyone who has given well wishes. It means a lot to me. The best compliments were, "You deserve this. You worked hard to get here." And ya know what everyone, if I can do it, so can you. Seriously!

Quote on Advancement

Eat Healthier and For Less With Dinner Parties Instead of Eating Out

The most active discussion over at our Skinny Debt Dieters Group over at Wesabe is "Could you NOT eat out at restaurants for 30 days?"

That's a good question to ask because eating out is one of the top areas that suck the cash out of our bank accounts, and adds to keeping or getting to the healthy weight. Just as a small example, in cookies alone, I calculated that I had spent $40 at the Whole Foods bakery in December. Yeah...just for cookies. I know. That's an Internet access bill, phone bill, or credit card payment. I was eating one cookie like almost every day as cookies are my vice. And yes, we've cut that down significantly.

Eating socially and cheaper in the comforts of home

One of the best suggestions that has come out of the Wesabe group is having dinner parties. People have been telling their friends and family that they can't eat out like they used to so they can save money. Many people eat out not just for the convenience but for social needs. However, you don't need to eat out to still be social and have bonding tine with the loved ones. Welcome to "Come eat at my house!"

Lots of people have been doing rotating meals at their house amongst their circle ie. One weekend dinner is at Jenna's house. Next weekend is at mom's place. This Friday is at Jim & Lucy's house. You can do a theme where everyone brings a dish for a buffet style, or the host does all the cooking. I really love the idea of the rotating brunch and dinner. Here's an easy fun theme:

Put A Filling On It {chime in melody Put A Ring On It}

For "Put A Filling On It", you'd have stacks of tortillas corn and wheat, and then everyone could bring a different filling for the tortillas. It's like a taco or wrap buffet basically but with some creative non-traditional fillings. Tell people to get creative and/or give them specifics like someone brings a meat filling, a vegetarian/vegan filling, a dessert filling.

To spark the imagination:

• Fajita'd chicken, beef, tofu, shrimp, or scallops.

• I like doing salad tacos.

• Foodie MattBites likes to put crazy cool things in tortillas like: hot dogs & sauerkraut, Chana Masala, and Peanut Butter, Banana & Honey. See the rest of his tortilla gallery it's amazing!

• Here's Butternut Squash tacos with black beans from digginfood.

• Vegan friendly crunchy blue corn chickpea tacos from Veggie Terrain.

• Here's a gluten-free crunchy pesto, bacon, smoked turkey with lettuce and tomato wrap from Karina's Kitchen.

• From What's For Lunch Honey, this looks so divine to throw on a tortilla: Figs, pear, and bacon. I'd try prosciutto.

So what other fun, creative things have you thrown on a tortilla? I could see "Put a Filling On It" night not only good eating for cheaper than a restaurant but really fun and creative. I can see the kids doing gummy bears with cheese pizza :-D