Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4: Weekly Update

1. Last week my goal was: to be completely smoke free by Dec. 1st and... drum role please....... I DID IT!! Today is my second day of being completely smoke free! I did it with the help of the patch and focusing on my reasons for wanting to quit.
2. My biggest challenge so far came on thursday when i bought a pack of smoke and smoked half of it that night. However, I was back on track the next day and hated the way I fet after I smoked. For the past two days, even though I thought about smoking, I was able to push the thoughts out of my mind. I went out with my friend yesterday and was able to talk with her while she smoked without asking for a cigarett or feeling like I had to leave. It's good for me to know that I can still be around my friends who smoke without smoking.  
3. I felt really bad when I had that major setback on thursday, and a friend called me on it. He told me his was disappointed that I had started smoking and that if I smoke when I'm sad or frustrated I'll never quit. I felt horrible, like I had failed and I hated myself (just for a second). But i knew he said those things out of love, so i was able to get back on the horse on friday. 
4. I learned that even if you fall you don't have to stay on the ground. It's hard to get back up but if and when you do you are that much stronger. 
5. Most of all I want to continue to be a non-smoker so I will keep that goal and as a secondary goal I will add: I will drink 73 oz of water everyday for the next week. Wish me luck!

Share and Voice: Composting

Carly and I were talking about composting the other day. I was curious about starting my own compost because I live in an apartment building, so I took to the net for some tips.

Here's What I Found:

• When beginning to compost, its best to start in the spring so that the pile can heat up.
• A good Carbon to Nitrogen ration is important or the compost could get stinky.
• A good size compost is about 3x3x3 because it is manageable to turn and mix.
• There are about a bazillion types of composts a person can buy, build or assemble depending on your needs.
• Don't put animal products in there though! Carly taught me that one ;)
• One UMD professor gives his compost as gifts! What a great idea!

So after looking through all this good stuff about composts I have decided to order a kitchen compost. There are many different places to order from. I'm in the process of deciding between a "high tech" one from Williams Sonoma or a more "interactive" version from target. Ill have to talk to some people and see what they suggest! 

Eye Opener: Photo Essay

(Almost) Smoke Free Me

A place to rest your butts. 

What you dont see is that my bedroom window is about three feet to the left and three feet above that receptacle so even with the windows closed I get the pleasure of stinky (ciggarett) butt smell. 

What I hope my lungs don't look like

It was hard to look at this lidless smoker post without thinking "God I hope my lunges don't look like this"

You kill 'em we chill 'em

not only is smoking smelly, unhealthy and unattractive, it's not environmentally friendly.  

Move over Rosie

The red spot on my arm is an itchy deterrent. If I smoke while I'm wearing this it makes my heart race. Thus far the patch has worked better than the gum (just as an FYI).