Time to get serious!

Okay, the past couple of months I've been slacking off a bit with my weight loss efforts. I am below the weight I was when I got married 7 years ago and into a pants size that I never thought that I would see again so I think I've gotten a little too comfortable. Truth is, I still want to lose 30 lbs. I don't think I'll be able to do that unless I go back to tracking every bite that I put into my mouth and getting a little bit of exercise most days of the week. I think that working out is probably the hardest thing for me because I really don't enjoy it.

I live in South Carolina and it's hot and muggy and we have just about every bug known to man here. So the thought of getting out an walking or jogging in that is really hard for me. I just need to do it. It's also hard for me to find the time when I have a 20-month-old and about 1,000 projects that I'm working on at any given time. However, those are excuses. So I'm writing it down so I'll stick to it. No more excuses. Time to lose 30 more lbs and reach my big goal!!!!

You are what you eat.

This year I made a decision to get healthier. I hated the way that I looked in pictures and I was starting to have knee pain and feeling tired all of the time. I had tried so many diets and had failed so many times because they weren't things that you could stick to your entire life. I had convinced myself that I just couldn't lose weight.

Then I started keeping a food diary and counting all the calories that I would intake for a day. By doing that and getting a moderate amount of exercise I have lost around 60 pounds since the beginning of this year. Do you want to know a secret- (it wasn't even that difficult!). Now, I'm not talking about all of the claims that are out there that say- 'eat anything you want, don't exercise and lose weight!'. Yeah, I just don't believe that first, and second I think there may be some things that will cause temporary weight loss but they may not be healthy and they may not "stick". I've gotten so used to eating 1200 calories a day I don't really even think about it anymore. I don't have to be on a "special" diet, I can go out with friends and if I'm not perfect that's o.k. For me, looking at numbers (the calories) makes it so much easier than just saying, "don't ever eat this". I'm not good with absolutes I guess. Haha.

I like to browse the internet for recipes, articles, and advice. I was reading this health blog today and I found an interesting post on the correlation between food and breast cancer. This interests me because my mother is a breast cancer survivor and I've had three aunts who had the disease (one who is still fighting and two who lost the battle). So I think I'm probably pretty high risk. I found out in December that obesity can be a contributing factor for cancer. I think that was one of the reasons for my decision to get healthier (that and heart disease also runs in our family). Anyway, I was reading this article on breast cancer prevention and found out that they believe that a large amount of carbohydrates may contribute to breast cancer! Wow, that is crazy and also a little sad. I love my carbs. I tried the Atkins diet once and that was miserable for me. Hopefully since I limit my caloric intake now and also try to eat balanced my carb intake won't be too bad. This post also talked of a study where women who had the highest level of physical activity were the least likely to die from breast cancer. I have been thinking about buying a couple of tennis rackets and learning to play tennis. Maybe now would be a good time!

Meet Kitty & Bear Bear!

I would like you to meet two of my newest creations, Kitty and Bear Bear. They are best friends and they love cuddlin'! I created them for my daughter because one of my favorite toys growing up was a fabric doll that a dear aunt of mine made for me. Her name was Priscilla and she was so soft and cuddly. I do not know how many nights I went to sleep with Priscilla.

I have lots and lots of fabric left over from projects and these are great for my critter projects. They have embroidered faces so I don't have to worry about my 20-month-old ripping any buttons off and choking on anything. I designed their clothing out of more soft, toddler-friendly materials- Fleece, felt, and chenille. They are also the perfect side and width for carrying around and snuggling. I have had so much fun making Kitty and Bear Bear I'm thinking of adding some to my etsy shop, possibly themed critters... I have to think about it!

Also check out my birdie earrings that I made for myself. I know there isn't a lot to them but I like them. And it isn't often that I make something just to keep. I think maybe I need to do that more often. The necklace is from my new line of photography pendants. It's a nature photograph that I took and then baked it on translucent polymer clay. :)

Poor Blog!

Oh Poor Blog, how I have neglected you! Well I'm back and going to get back into the habit of this writing thing!

So what's new with me? I've just listed some gorgeous photography pendants to RockNRollMcMama Designs at rock bottom prices. Evidently the recession has caused me to go crazy and I'm selling these unique one-of-a-kind pieces for $9...


I've also got lots of new soaps and lotions at LOL Soap Co. Today I listed my favorite soap, MONKEY FARTS. It seriously smells better than it sounds. LOL...

This summer I decided to try a couple of local outdoor craft shows. My first was in Cowpens, SC on June 20th. I fared well at this show even though it was my very first show and my set up was not great, I had out practically no signs and it was 100 degrees. Don't ask me what I was thinking with that yellow fishnet because I do not know. I'm glad that I took pictures even though I was not pleased with them because I think it helped me to figure out what I had done wrong.

My second outdoor summer craft fair was July 25 in Chesnee, SC. As you can see I added baskets for my soaps and also some plates.

I borrowed this easel from my twin nieces to make this awesome sign....

My lotions and jewelry...

See much more neat and organized! So with all of these improvements I must have done well at my second craft fair, right?

Wr-wr-wrong!!!! I got bee stung, spider bit, sunburned (to a crisp!) and had a horrible day of sales. I think I might be kind of anti-craft fair for a while. I've actually been quite depressed since the Chesnee show. I know I have great products, but I just can't seem to sell anything lately! I guess it's just the recession but it seems to really be getting me down. I shared my tent with a fellow TeamSC (South Carolina Etsy Street Team) member, Barbra from All About The Buttons and All About The Fiber. I am always amazed at the talent in our South Carolina team when I can see the items in real life. Barbra has got some of the coolest stuff! I totally loved her recycled clocks, arm warmers, such cool stuff! I got myself a soap saver so that I can make the most of every little bit of my soap. (We don't waste soap in my house!) She gave my daughter a little kitty wash mitt that was hand crocheted. Ellery loves it. She walks around with it all of the time when it's dry.

The same weekend of the Chesnee show I set up a table at the Grapevine in Greer, SC for a Christmas in July Sale. I don't know if you can see my matching purple Christmas tree on the top right hand corner of the table. The Grapevine is SUCH a nice store and is owned by such a nice lady. There are about 15 different vendors (I believe) and I think around 11 of them make handmade merchandise. I really love this store. I go crazy for the different jewelry, children's items as well as home decor.

I'm also working on some new projects (like I need any more projects!). I made my daughter this cute little plushie last week and I think it's adorable. I also made some one-of-a-kind outfits for them. They are soft, the faces are embroidered so I don't have to worry about the youngin' choking on anything and the outfits are interchangeable. The baby loves them and carries them around with her everywhere. They are just the right size for cuddlin'.