Author: Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®, a budget and financial strategist helping families pay off debt and live the life they've always wanted.

It’s all about the turkey, no gravy – Happy Thanksgiving

thanksgiving, turkeyIf you thought you were going to see some picture of a nice juicy turkey then you are sadly mistaken.  Not because I won’t be having turkey today, I will.  But because it hasn’t come out of the oven yet.  You see, I’m writing this hours before we are even leaving to head to J’s family.  I am imagining the turkey that I will be eating later, and it’s good.  Real good.

I’m a simple kind of girl.  I like turkey with no gravy.  I think gravy ruins it.  Gravy ruins pretty much everything it touches – biscuits, turkey, and even chicken fried steak.  They are all ruined with the addition of gravy.  Some call un-American to not like gravy.  I call it normal.  It’s thick, dark in color, the texture is off and smothers the best part of any meal.  So today I will be sitting down enjoying some turkey and stuffing sans gravy.

I remember the first Thanksgiving J and I were together.  He had to work black Friday and wasn’t able to make it home.  I decided to stay with him and skip out on my family’s dinner.  I couldn’t let him be alone!  I went all Betty Crocker on him and worked so hard on creating a Thanksgiving feast for the two of us.  I bought a turkey, stuffing, made biscuits from scratch, had bacon-wrapped asparagus, and even made a chocolate chip cookie cake.  I spent hours in the kitchen working on dinner and in the end, we would have been better off going out to eat.  The turkey was dry because I didn’t wrap it right or baste it at all.  I had misread the directions for the biscuits and used 3x the amount of butter I was suppose to so they came out soggy.  I burnt the asparagus to a crisp.  The only two things that turned out was the boxed stuffing and the cookie cake.  Needless to say we didn’t keep any leftovers that year.

Although the food was a disaster, that Thanksgiving has been one of my favorites.  We were able to spend it together.  We laughed and laughed.  He calmed me down when I realized ALL the mistakes I had made and was on the verge of a panic attack.  I really got to see the sweet, sensitive and supportive side of J.

thanksgiving

I hope your Thanksgiving is wonderful.  May you get the opportunity to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy each other’s company.  May you not stress about what’s happening next week, but instead take a breather so you may have a relax, fun-filled long weekend.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Weight Loss Wednesday: Week 2

Well it’s week 2 of my weight loss journey and I’m back, which means I haven’t given up.  I have to admit I was much more aware this week of what I was eating and how much I was moving around.  It was a hard week for me.  I was out of town this past weekend, I’m studying for a big exam coming up in a few weeks (whenever I’m stressed, all I want is chocolate!), and clients are bringing cookies to the office as a thank you.  Why cookies?!?! Why?!?!
weight loss, weightloss
This past weekend was my sister’s bachelorette party.  It was a blast.  I had so much fun walking around old St. Charles, staying in a B&B, drinking, and dancing.  I was very conscientious of the decisions I was making and tried hard to stick to a good path.  We went to dinner at Trailhead Brewery off Main in St. Charles – if you’re ever in the area, I would recommend checking this place out.  The food is good and the beer is even better.  I ordered a sandwich with a salad in place of the fries.  I have to admit that was kind of hard – you see, I love fries. L-O-V-E them!  I can never get enough of them and I usually order them on the side of everything I get.  So I was pretty proud of myself for asking for no fries.  Then… I got my order… there were fries on the plate and no salad.  Damn!  I asked the waiter for my salad and then avoided the fries.  I did good!  At the very end I had not touched one single fry then I got caught up in conversation reached down, grabbed one and took a bite.  I had half the fry gone before I realized what I did.  I sat the rest of it down and covered them with my napkin.  They weren’t even the good kind of fries – you know, the skinny ones that are a little crispy.  Sooo good! I didn’t even feel bad for not eating them.

I also didn’t drink a lot and when I did I tried to go to lower calorie drinks instead of Budweiser, which is usually my go-to.  I also switched to water pretty early on.  I don’t think anyone even noticed I had water in my cup!  Between the walking and all of the dancing we did, I felt pretty good about it.

I really need to get back into the habit of meal planning.  When I don’t plan ahead and know what we’re having for dinner then I’m more likely to want to go out to eat or pick up something on my way home.  At least when I’ve picked up something it’s been a big salad for me and then something else for J.  I like cooking at home.  I feel accomplished once dinner is done and we’re sitting back, enjoying a nice meal.

My first goal for this next week is to plan at least 4 meals.  With Thanksgiving tomorrow and us being out of town until Sunday afternoon, it’s going to be tough to do more than that.  My second goal is to not over eat over the holiday weekend.  I want to track what I eat using myfitnesspal and be aware of how much I am consuming.

Two goals – that’s it.  Let’s see how I do next Wednesday.  What are your goals for the Thanksgiving holiday besides watching the Christmas Day parade, which is a must?

What I’m Thankful For

thankful for
I saw the best sign at a local church this past week:

“You don’t need more to be thankful for, you just need to be thankful more.”

I think this statement is so true!  We always want more – more time to get work done, more money, more time with family and friends, more stuff.  But we shouldn’t look at it like that.  We should be thankful more for what we do have – family that supports us, a career that pays the bills and then some, friends that are there for us, a roof over our heads, a car to get us from point A to point B.

The one little sign really got me thinking of what I’m thankful for this year.

It’s important to be grateful for what you have, right now.  It’s easy to get caught up in the materialistic side of life.  But you have to ask yourself  in 5 years, 20 years or even after we’re long gone from this Earth, what will be important to you, your legacy and those you love.  I want to leave a mark on this world that truly represents me.  I’m a passionate, hard working, wife, daughter, sister, friend, that cares about others and puts their needs before my own.  I would go without food to make sure my dogs ate and are cared for.  I would drive miles and miles to help a friend in need with a moments notice.  I love the person I have become over the years.  I have found myself and know that I can achieve any goal I set my mind to.  I’m thankful for what my parents taught me, the love my husband shows me everyday and the excitement I receive from three little dogs when I walk through that door each night.  I’m lucky to have a job I love and work for my Dad.  I’m blessed to have a close-knit family that I call my cousins some of my closest friends.

I am loved, blessed, lucky, adore.  I cherish, delight in, and treasure those around me.

thankful

thankfulHere is my thankful for list for this year.  I know I have forgotten some and know that I could go on forever with this list.

My husband, J
Our 3 dogs – Maggie, Tiny, and Bud
Being able to save Bud from that gas station parking lot that one afternoon
A career that I am undoubtedly passionate about
The ability to learn and develop my skills in the finance world
My parents who stand up for me
My in-laws and J’s family
My sister and her soon-to-be husband
My friends that are still with me after all these years and all the miles between us
A car that is paid in full for and still runs
A roof over my head and for the first time in years is actually a roof that covers a very nice home that we get to call ours for the next few years
My health
My drive to do more and be a better person

I really think I could go on and on with this list.  I really am a pretty lucky lady.

Weight loss Wednesday: Week 1

I’m going to start a new series over here on merelynne.com.  Something that we all may be struggling with, have struggled with, or know someone who is struggling with it.  It’s weight loss.

weight loss, weightloss

 

I’ve never had an eating disorder.  I’ve never exercised past the point of exhaustion.  Maybe I didn’t have the will power or maybe it’s because I’m too logical and I knew those approaches were not good for me, mentally.  I’m not sure what it is.  I was pretty fit in high school.  Sure I had a little chub to my stomach, my arms were always huge and I never liked my thighs, but I was still small.  In college I gained weight, but lost it towards the end of my graduate program.  I kept the weight off for a few years, but then came marriage and becoming settled in my adult life.  I’ve noticed over the past year that the weight as slowly crept back on and I’m struggling with getting it off.

I’m not talking about an unrealistic goal of me with a six-pack abs, a thigh gap and no love handles.  I’m talking about a healthier version of myself.  One that I’m proud of and walk around with confidence.  I’m tired of hiding myself in over-sized shirts and sweaters.  I’m tired of feeling guilty after every meal – even the meals that I know are clean and healthy.  I’m just tired.  I figured if I actually talk about my issues and share them with others then maybe I will give myself a chance to heal.

You know what I really want from all of this?  The chance to play with my puppies at the park without getting out of breath.  The ability, that when the day comes and I’m a mother, to spend time with my children on the floor playing or in the backyard running around.  I don’t want to be a lazy adult or tired parent.  I don’t have kids right now and we don’t plan on starting a family for a few more years, but I want to get ready now.  I don’t want to put this off until after I have a child.  I’m already the queen of excuses now I can imagine adding a baby to the mix.

I’m starting small.  Eating cleaner, less processed food.  Portion control will be key.  Exercising will be a huge component.  I joined Crossfit in my town about 2 months ago and I love it.  I feel accomplished and challenged each time I go.  Plus, I’ve met a few people and knowing someone there always helps encourage me to actually go.  However, I need to be more consistent.  I currently go about 2-3 times a week, but I don’t make it a priority when I’m tired or have to work later.  I need to change that.  It should be ranked higher on my to-do list.

I don’t have a set goal weight that I’d like to achieve.  I think I’ll know it when I get there.  I think there is too much emphasis being placed on a number on a scale and for me, I want my emphasis to be on how I feel.

I plan on sharing weekly updates about how I’m doing and how I’m feeling.  You see, I know that a lot people I don’t know reads this blog (which is amazing!), but I also know my family reads this too.  I think it’s important for me to show them how I’m feeling because I need support.  I have J and he supports me with everything I do, but I need more and I want more support.

So with all that being said I’m crossing my fingers, saying a prayer for guidance and sending this off to be published.

DIY Photo Table Runner / Day 3 of Feel Good Blogging Challenge

Sharing a tutorial that adds value to my readers kind of freaks me out a little.  I’m not going to lie.  I have written tutorials in the past and I love each one I’ve done.  But being asked to write one today, without warning is a little scary.

DIY PHOTO TABLE RUNNER
I’m going to share how to create a fabulous photo table runner using muslin, pictures, sheet music and paper doilies.  You see, I hosted my sister’s bridal shower in my backyard a few weeks ago.  I went all Pinterest crazy on it and create a lot of neat, personal touches for her.  She is the only sister I have and her wedding is a pretty big deal.

I found a few different versions of a personalized photo banner and decided to combine them for this event.  My sister’s favorite song is Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  Our Mom used to sing it to her before bed when she was a little girl.  I had several copies of it printed, pictures printed and purchased some paper doilies on sale at Hobby Lobby.

I asked my Mom to come over the night before so we could get it started.  I had purchased some muslin from Hobby Lobby (with a coupon – my sister would be proud!).  I had an 8 foot table and the table was 30” high.  I wanted it to hang pretty far off the table to where it was actually draping the ground.

bridal shower decor
What you need for this DIY photo table runner
:

4 ½ yards of fabric in about a 5” wide strip (if you don’t want yours to be as long as mine then you can take off some length).
50-70 pictures, all different sizes
15 pages of sheet music
15-20 paper doilies, all different sizes
hot glue gun\

Here’s how you do it:

Lay out your fabric on a table.  Start gluing your pictures, sheet music and doilies randomly.  Keep in mind the direction of the pictures.  More than likely the runner will be in the middle of the table with people sitting on both sides.  You want to try to get the pictures to be facing the correct direction so someone or words aren’t upside down.  Keep gluing until you have all of the muslin covered.  I went over the runner one more time gluing smaller pictures and doilies to add more of an interest.

DIY table runner
It’s a pretty simple DIY project that really adds some personal touches to the table.  I think overall I spent about $35 on the entire project.  I ordered the prints from Walmart.com with a coupon and had them shipped to my home for an even cheaper cost.  I would recommend doing that if you have several weeks before the party.

Day 2 of 7: Multi-Passionate

multi-passionate

I’m continuously fascinated with learning more, developing my skills, and becoming a better person.

I love the idea of growing into a deeper, wiser individual.  I’m passionate about helping others, expanding my horizons, trying new experiences and being with those I care for the most.

Being creative touches my soul and awakens my senses.

It all started in grad school (well this blog did, my other ones started in undergrad and that’s a whole other story!).  I needed a creative outlet to keep me sane during the long hours of class, school work and having three jobs.  I’m truly a creative at heart – not one particular area of interest.  I like to call myself a free spirit, a multi-passionate woman.  I took my nickname – Mere and my middle name – Lynne to create the site name.  It seem to flow off the tongue easier than my previous attempts at blogging.  I wrote about the stressors of working too much, studying too hard and not having enough fun.

I tried for a short period to be a fashion blogger, but I had to face the fact I preferred to be in jeans and a t-shirt over high heels and designer labels.  I have finally found comfort in who I am and where I want my blog to be.  I share DIY tips, recipes, my life, my love for our three dogs, and a lot of being married.  The love I have for my dogs and to create a more organized home really shine through.  I try not to force myself to fit into any box.  I think it’s more inspiring to let things flow naturally.

I’m following along Alex Beadon’s Feel Good Blogging Challenge.  Hop on and join us!

Feel Good Blogging Challenge

Alright, I need a kick in the pants to get my spark back for blogging.  I have ideas, I think about future posts but I have had zero motivation to come here and actually post anything.  I follow the super-inspiring Alex Beadon and jumped feet first for her Feel Good Blogging Challenge.  Today is day 1, challenge 1.  I am wasting no time to get started on this post because I know myself.  I will put it off and wait days, weeks or even a month before getting around to it.

brewery
We were asked to answer 5 questions about ourselves.  Here are my answers:

  • Who are you?

I’m Meredith, blogger and founder of merelynne.com.  I’m also a wife, a dog-mom who wants to rescue every stray dog I come across, and I’m a professional.  I recently moved myself and my family back to my hometown so I could start working for/with my Dad.  I’m slowly learning the business while beefing up his marketing efforts.  I love what I do.  More than I ever thought was possible.  I finally feel like I have a purpose and am excited to wake up every morning to get ready for work.

I’m passionate about so many things – my family, my career, helping others, being there to listen when someone needs a friend, taking pictures, being organized, and building a solid foundation with my husband.

  • Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging years ago during my undergrad.  I had a different site name and a different point-of-view.  I was mainly doing DIY projects, but that was hard to keep up with under a college girl’s budget and time frame.  Now under a new name, new domain address and with a little more maturity behind me I blog about my life.  I feel confident about who I am, where I’m going and who I want to be.  I like to share stories of being a newlywed, DIY projects (when I have the time), parties I throw, dinners I cook that don’t end up in the trash, and tips on being more organized with a busy schedule.

  • Who is your blog for?

My blog is for me and women, who like me, are busy.  I may not have children, yet; but I do have quite a bit going on.  I know I’m not the only woman who has family living in different parts of the state, a full-time career, schooling to further oneself, a blog, side projects that bring joy, and so much more.

  • Something I’ve been working on lately that I’m really proud of?

Being healthier.  I joined the local Crossfit box and have fallen in love with it.  J and I have been focused on eating cleaner and at home more often.  I’m proud of myself and the journey that we’ve been on.  I’m excited about our future as a team and know that I will never be little-miss skinny Minnie, but I will be proud of my body and my confidence.

  • What’s one message that you hope people take away from my blog?

You can do many, many things with the 24 hours in your day – including spending more time with the ones you love.  That it’s okay to not be perfect and have a new post every day – people will understand and relate to you better if you’re a little more real.

Can’t wait for tomorrow’s challenge.  If you’re ready to take the jump then join me.
Bud's paw

Twisty Braid Hair Tutorial

braid hair tutorial

Working in an office where I see clients most days gives me the opportunity to do fun things with my hair.  I don’t want to constantly be wearing the same hair style day in and day out.  Nor do I want to look childish by having immature hairstyles.  So, I’m constantly coming up with different ways to style my hair.  This morning I came up with a new one and I have to say – it’s probably one of my favorites.  It took no time at all and it stayed in all day, which to me is a bonus.

braid hair tutorial

I came up with this great twisty braid hair tutorial that is super easy.  Here’s what you need:

1) straightener (if you feel like you need it)
2) 3-5 bobby pins
3) comb
4) hairspray (optional – I didn’t use any, but my hair is pretty thick)

If your hair is wavy or needs a little straightening then go ahead and do that first.  I went to bed with my hair up so I had a few creases to work out.  Take a comb and part your hair heavy to one side.  I did a deep part on the right side (facing me it’s the left).
braided hair tutorial
Next I took a small section about 2 inches from the forehead and braided it.  Pin the braid in the back.  Next take the section that’s remaining near the front of your head and twist.  Twist until it wraps around and meets the braid, and pin.  Add 2-3 more pins until you feel that it is secure.

Slow Cooker Taco Meat Recipe

I found out you can make taco meat in the slow cooker… what?!?  I was shocked, excited, and couldn’t wait to try it out.  Then I learned it was super easy and then I decided to make it the very next day.

slow cooker taco meat

I used my own taco seasoning recipe to save on all of the sodium, plus it tastes better than the pre-packaged junk.  You can double this recipe then freeze the leftovers for another day.

crockpot taco meat

While it’s cooking the meat will look a bit watery, but that’s okay.  You’re going to strain it once it’s finished cooking.

crock pot taco meat

 

This is the finished product – looks pretty good for not taking too much effort to prepare.  You might have to break it up a bit, at least I did.

slow cooker taco meat

Ingredients for slow cooker taco meat:

1 lbs. lean ground beef
1 serving of taco seasoning (or 1 pre-packaged seasoning)
1 cup water
whatever toppings you like

Place your meat, seasoning, and water in the slow cooker.  (I used completely frozen hamburger meat.)  Turn to low and let cook for about 6 hours.  I came home on my lunch and started the meat then after 4 hours I switched it to medium for the last hour, but you don’t have to do this if you want it to cook for the full 6 hours.  Then strain the water and juices, break up the meat and create your tacos!

 

 

 

I’m linking up with Sweet Bella Roos, Katherines Corner, A Handful of Everything, and All Things With Purpose.

My Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

homemade taco seasoning recipe
If you want something easy to make for dinner then try this homemade taco seasoning recipe.

J and I love Mexican food.  He could probably eat it everyday for the rest of his life.  I couldn’t eat every day, but I do really love it.  I ran out the pre-packaged taco seasoning the other day and decided to try my hand at creating my own.  Of course I scanned Pinterest and found a few that looked pretty tasty.  I squished the recipes together and added my own flair to come up with a homemade taco seasoning recipe that can’t be beat.

Here’s what you need for this yummy, can’t get enough taco seasoning recipe:

½ tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. onion powder
½ tsp. oregano
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. ground mustard
½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp. of both salt and black pepper

Mix the ingredients together in an airtight container to store any leftovers.

Add 2-3 tablespoons of this homemade taco seasoning along with ¾ cup of water to one pound of cooked ground meat (beef, turkey, or your choice).  Allow to simmer over medium heat, stirring until there is little liquid left.

J likes things spicy and I don’t.  So if you like your tacos abit on the spicy side just add more red paper flakes and chili powder.  For a real kick you could always add a little hot sauce to the ground meat.  But I’m not that brave!

Later this week I will be showing off how you can make your taco meat in your slow cookerwhat?!?! I know, I was so happily surprised by this revelation that I cannot wait to share it!