Hi everyone!
I know, I've not been consistent with blogging and I've finally come to a realization. I have let my health and weight issues get too far out of control and it is affecting all parts of my life. I have no energy, no motivation, just want to sit on my bottom when I am not at work.
I know, I've been out of shape for years but a couple of weeks ago, my daughter and I walked the Cotton Row 5K here in Huntsville, and I came in nearly last and it seriously felt like I was dying. Apparently, this was the brickwall I had to hit to drive home how urgent it was to make some life changes.
So, that being said, this past Saturday, I embarked on a new way of eating and am trying to add in at least 30 minutes of exercise a minimum of 3 times a week. I'm not doing any special diet - I've done weight watchers and low carb plans in the past. This time, I'm just tracking every morsel I put into my mouth and trying to make healthier choices.
Since Saturday, I am down 6.4 pounds. I have A LONG way to go - but I will take it one pound at a time.
So, going forward, this blog will have a lot of weight loss related posts - maybe some of the recipes and information will help someone else out. And, as I make progress, hopefully I will start papercrafting again and have things to share on that front.
The first thing I want to share is the website/app that I am using. I had purchased a similar software years ago but it could only be used on one computer and I just kind of let it go. Now I am using My Fitness Pal - I use the website on my computer and the app on my cell phone. I love the convenience of being able to track while on the go - and with the cell phone app, you can even scan bar codes to enter your foods! Check it out here: My Fitness Pal
That's it for tonight - will have more tomorrow! Thanks for your continued support!
Where I shop for SVG Files:
Support Jennifer's Fundraising Efforts for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital!
Click on Jennifer's picture to visit her fundraising page!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Have you seen these?
Working in the frame shop at Michael's, I don't always see the neat new products - so I have no clue how long we've had these - they might be old news! But, I found this product a couple of weeks ago and just had to have one to display some of my scrapbook layouts. This stand holds 20 - 12x12 scrapbook pages and sells for only $19.99 - use a 40% coupon and bring it home for just $12! This also comes in an 8x8 size - not sure of price on that one.
The page showing is an old one I made in a workshop I took with Crystal Jeffrey Rieger, author of "Cut Loose" - one of the few scrapbook "how-to" books that I own. (please forgive the shadows and glare - I really need to construct a lightbox for my scraproom)
The page showing is an old one I made in a workshop I took with Crystal Jeffrey Rieger, author of "Cut Loose" - one of the few scrapbook "how-to" books that I own. (please forgive the shadows and glare - I really need to construct a lightbox for my scraproom)
YAY! I made a Card!
It's been forever since I've done any type of paper crafting - had to relearn how to use my cutter!
I made a card yesterday for a friend - I used the SEI dill blossom paper collection, chestnut ink from colorbox, some ribbon, flowers and a pearl from my stash and a little "thinking of you" stamp set (from the dollar bin either at Joann's or Michael's - not sure which).
I used the Iris Fold Card Kit from svgcuts.com as well as a couple of their freebie files:
I made a card yesterday for a friend - I used the SEI dill blossom paper collection, chestnut ink from colorbox, some ribbon, flowers and a pearl from my stash and a little "thinking of you" stamp set (from the dollar bin either at Joann's or Michael's - not sure which).
I used the Iris Fold Card Kit from svgcuts.com as well as a couple of their freebie files:
- Free SVG File – Sure Cuts A Lot – 04.25.11 – Liesl’s Lacey Oval
- Free SVG File – Sure Cuts A Lot – 05.05.11 – Jade Accent Design Element
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Family Portraits
I mentioned a couple of days ago that we had family portraits taken.....thought I would share the link to our photographer's blog post in case anyone would like to see them. I am so excited with the great shots Lauren was able to get - just having a hard time choosing which ones to print because there are so many.
Washburn/Harning Family Portrait Session
I'm off work on Saturday and hoping to maybe be able to do some crafting. I've got so many projects that need attention that I don't know how I'll ever get them all done - it's overwhelming and makes it hard to even get started.
Anyone have any tips on how you stay focused so that you don't get overwhelmed when you have multiple projects that need your attention?
Thanks for stopping by.
Washburn/Harning Family Portrait Session
I'm off work on Saturday and hoping to maybe be able to do some crafting. I've got so many projects that need attention that I don't know how I'll ever get them all done - it's overwhelming and makes it hard to even get started.
Anyone have any tips on how you stay focused so that you don't get overwhelmed when you have multiple projects that need your attention?
Thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Please Forgive my Extended Absence
WOW - been gone too long - the look of Blogger has REALLY changed. Let's see if I can muddle my way through a post!
I apologize for my lengthy absence - no good reason except that life has just been hectic and I haven't time to create and therefore didn't have anything artsy/craftsy to post. I'm hoping to get back to creating in the near future....but in the meantime, I wanted to check in and let everyone know I am still kickin' - and THANK YOU for your continued support!
We just enjoyed a 9 day visit from our daughter Jennifer and her family. They came down the weekend before Easter and went back home the Monday after the holiday. We had a busy week while they were here - we had family portraits taken on Sunday (photos were taken by a wonderful local photographer, Lauren Sanderson - if you live in the Huntsville area and want a great family photo session, check out her blog here.) This is just one of my favorite candids from this session.
On Tuesday, we drove to Chattanooga to visit the Tennessee Aquarium; Jenn had a consult with an oral surgeon on Weds; and of course, we did lots of crafty things with the kids throughout the week. On Saturday, we all got up bright and early to drive to Lynchburg, TN. Jennifer ran the Oak Barrel Half - 13.1 miles of grueling up and down the hilly terrain. After her run, she and I walked up to the Jack Daniels visitor's center and had her medal signed by the master distiller and purchased a couple of bottles of Jack Daniels and had them laser engraved to commemorate the event. Next up was lunch at the BBQ Caboose Cafe.
We concluded our day in Lynchburg with a walking tour of the Jack Daniels Distillery.
Sunday was Easter - the kids received lots of goodies from the Easter Bunny and enjoyed hunting for eggs in Grandma & Grandpa's front yard.
It was a wonderful visit and I am looking forward to their return in May (Jennifer is coming down then to have her wisdom teeth removed - they do not have a local doc who participates in their dental plan so she is going to the one Melissa used a couple of years ago who does.)
If you are still with me, I'd like to share one last bit of news. Those of you who follow my blog will recall that about 18 months ago, Jennifer embarked on a weight loss journey. With dieting and exercise she has lost over 125 lbs. She ran her first 5K about 5 months into her journey and has since completed many 5Ks and next weekend will run her 5th half marathon.
This week, Jennifer made a HUGE commitment - she signed up to run her first FULL marathon - yes, you read that right - she is going to run 26.2 miles! She chose St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital as the charity to run and raise money for. She has commited to raising $2500 for this wonderful cause with a personal goal of $2620 - $100 dollars for each mile she will be running.
To help Jennifer achieve her fundraising goal, I have decided that I will be offering some giveaways on my blog over the next couple of months. The prizes may be scrapbook related, they may be handmade items, there will be a variety! Anyone who is a follower of my blog who donates during the "live dates" of the giveaways will be entered for a chance to win. I hope to have the first giveaway posted before the end of the month so be sure to check back.
Jennifer is also running a giveaway on her blog - Running for my Life
I apologize for my lengthy absence - no good reason except that life has just been hectic and I haven't time to create and therefore didn't have anything artsy/craftsy to post. I'm hoping to get back to creating in the near future....but in the meantime, I wanted to check in and let everyone know I am still kickin' - and THANK YOU for your continued support!
We just enjoyed a 9 day visit from our daughter Jennifer and her family. They came down the weekend before Easter and went back home the Monday after the holiday. We had a busy week while they were here - we had family portraits taken on Sunday (photos were taken by a wonderful local photographer, Lauren Sanderson - if you live in the Huntsville area and want a great family photo session, check out her blog here.) This is just one of my favorite candids from this session.
On Tuesday, we drove to Chattanooga to visit the Tennessee Aquarium; Jenn had a consult with an oral surgeon on Weds; and of course, we did lots of crafty things with the kids throughout the week. On Saturday, we all got up bright and early to drive to Lynchburg, TN. Jennifer ran the Oak Barrel Half - 13.1 miles of grueling up and down the hilly terrain. After her run, she and I walked up to the Jack Daniels visitor's center and had her medal signed by the master distiller and purchased a couple of bottles of Jack Daniels and had them laser engraved to commemorate the event. Next up was lunch at the BBQ Caboose Cafe.
We concluded our day in Lynchburg with a walking tour of the Jack Daniels Distillery.
Sunday was Easter - the kids received lots of goodies from the Easter Bunny and enjoyed hunting for eggs in Grandma & Grandpa's front yard.
It was a wonderful visit and I am looking forward to their return in May (Jennifer is coming down then to have her wisdom teeth removed - they do not have a local doc who participates in their dental plan so she is going to the one Melissa used a couple of years ago who does.)
If you are still with me, I'd like to share one last bit of news. Those of you who follow my blog will recall that about 18 months ago, Jennifer embarked on a weight loss journey. With dieting and exercise she has lost over 125 lbs. She ran her first 5K about 5 months into her journey and has since completed many 5Ks and next weekend will run her 5th half marathon.
This week, Jennifer made a HUGE commitment - she signed up to run her first FULL marathon - yes, you read that right - she is going to run 26.2 miles! She chose St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital as the charity to run and raise money for. She has commited to raising $2500 for this wonderful cause with a personal goal of $2620 - $100 dollars for each mile she will be running.
To help Jennifer achieve her fundraising goal, I have decided that I will be offering some giveaways on my blog over the next couple of months. The prizes may be scrapbook related, they may be handmade items, there will be a variety! Anyone who is a follower of my blog who donates during the "live dates" of the giveaways will be entered for a chance to win. I hope to have the first giveaway posted before the end of the month so be sure to check back.
Jennifer is also running a giveaway on her blog - Running for my Life