Weight Loss Diary- just dropping in..

I had a doctor's appointment this morning for a yearly physical, etc. and I wanted to share my happy news. I've lost 7 pounds since my last visit with them (no, it hasn't been a year! lol.) 

This number is derived from my last visit to them to this visit. I don't do regular weigh-ins. I can't, it's too frustrating and just to see that it dropped 7 on their scale was enough for me. 

This was of course taking into consideration holidays and getting sick and knocking me out of commission. (It irks me to no end to get sick but sometimes it's beyond my control.)

Now that I'm on antibiotics, I'm hoping taking it easy this weekend will give me a jump start to a better week next week. Last week stunk with working really long hours and being sick- the gym just was gonna have to wait. But now...now, the gym is mine. I'm so determined to be back into a bathing suit this summer. Even if I don't go to a pool or the beach, just knowing that I could and not be so self-conscious would be enough for me!

I just have to get back in my zone and I'll see the weight start melting. I'm. So. Stinkin'. Ecstatic!

Here are a few changes I've already seen myself:

I have kneecaps again. Seriously. I can see an actual kneecap where it's supposed to be instead of what looked like an elephant's leg before. 

My panties are baggin'! It's weird to say it but it's a milestone none the less. 

My nice trouser jeans are too big, I have to wear a belt. I love having to wear a belt. It's fantastic. 

Little changes are making it worth it. I'd rather do it this way than being given an easy way out. 

Have a good one!

Hugs, 

A. 

Craft Ironing Table - a tutorial

I rang in the new year with a cold that unfortunately likes to become worse with my awesome lack of an immune system. So since I'm forcing myself to stay at home, I figured getting some of my to-do list items crossed off is in store.

Besides, I did a teaser back in October and I'm just now getting around to crossing those items off my list- how sad! Here is the original post.

Remember this picture? Well, only 1 'X' out of all of those projects. Tsk Tsk. Well, onto the next as pointed out by the arrow. 

Pinterest always gets me in trouble. I see things that I know I can make and I stumble across things that remind me of a post and then when it's time to find the rest of the stuff, I can't find it come hell or high water. I had the everything but the correct type of batting. Insul-Bright proved to be one elusive little creature. I stumbled across it when I was shopping for material for another project- go figure!

Now, for those of you that are already bored stiff and ready to move on and are thinking this isn't worth it and are in the Tampa Bay area, just know that Inspire in Plant City sells these for $30.00 already made. Check 'em out- I love this store!  Click here for their website.

Supplies needed:

TV tray
Insul-Bright
Material 
Staple gun
Scissors

Steps:

I took very detailed pictures so as to keep me from typing a novel. Here you go. If you have any questions, just ask. 

There is more than enough Insul-Bright in a package, just cut out what you need. 

Just enough overlap. 

Sandwich. 

Trim so as to create clean lines. 

Fold material over Insul-Bright before wrapping around the edge. 

Wrap. See how the lines are clean?

Staple in place.  

This may be over-kill on the staples but I don't want the material looking wonky.

Turn around and do the same thing to the opposite side. 

Doing the opposite sides ensures no twisting and a smooth surface. 

Now, for the corners:   

Fold the material over the Insul-Bright as shown. 

Pinch so as to make an invisible seam going at a 45 degree angle . 

Fold away from you a bit and you'll see the excess material that will bulk up unnecessarily.

Cut. 

Make hospital corners and staple, nice and neat. 

This is what it will look like when it's done correctly. No bunching or bulges. 

 And for the reveal: 

I love it. I don't care that the tv tray was in rough condition. I'm covering it up and just using it to press seams while sewing. I just wasn't willing to spend that amount of money. The table came from the St. Pete Goodwill for $5.35. I already had the fabric, so that's paid for. And the Insul-Bright cost $7.50 and I didn't even use a quarter of it, so about $1.75. This cost me $7.10. I'm not complaining. The rusty screws don't bother me a bit, either. :o) 

Hope this inspires you to make your own, or at least to go visit the ladies at Inspire- they are sweet as strawberries and have beautiful fabric! 

Hugs, 

A. 

Happy New Year!

2013. Whoever thought 13 was an unlucky number never had 4 black cats. Despite the possible bad omens, I have a lot of hope that I can finally get to where I want to be in life. I’m not saying anything unrealistic, mind you. I’m just hoping to see some light at the end of my own personal tunnel.

Here are my New Year’s Resolutions:

1.       Give more of myself to those that are in need. Donating time and/or money to good causes just makes me feel so amazingly good.

2.       Pay it forward Jayden style.

3.       Enjoy peaceful quiet times more.

4.       Invest in amazing shoes that will last me for years to come- not just for right now.

5.       Continue on my weight-loss goal.

6.       Go to the mountains again- it’s been since 2007- I need to go back. It’s beyond a want. The mountains ground me in some way that a beach just can’t touch.

7.       Be closer to my goal of buying my own house. I want to live here in town. The thought of being more than 10 minutes away from family, especially if there is an emergency, is enough to cause nausea.

8.       See the good the world has to offer.   A tear caused by mankind’s good is a wonderful way to shed tears. I rather tears be over happiness than sadness.

9.       Learn more of my ancestors, hold onto items given to me by Granny and enjoy them more.

10.   Really get into photography more. This camera is itchin’ to get a good workout!

11.   Post more on this blog of mine- it’s been really neglected from the holidays. (sorry.)

Hugs,

A.

P.S. I really hope that this year is good to all and that this world can start making sense. Too many tragedies have occurred recently. Death is bad enough, destruction is needless.