Christmas gift comes out of the closet

Months ago I listed on my blog what I wanted for Christmas, in hopes that Mr. would read it and take the hint. Lucky for me, he did.  I scored BIG for Christmas.  One item I lusted after, intimidates me and delights me.  The Cricut. It was the talk of the town on Christmas day. My aunt also has one, and it is my uncle who uses it to make stars for my cousin's girl scout troups, hearts for the Valentine's Day dance.  I think with this new news, Mr. wanted to join in on the fun.  After watching the new Cricut sit on our couch for a month after Christmas, I decided to take it out of the box.  That was the first step.  A week later, I plugged it in...I wasn't sure what to do.  Mr. and I spent an entire afternoon playing with it - printing out signs and words.  I created a monster.  When I went updstairs, Mr. continued to print out COFFEE font.  He then discovered Modge POdge - and modge podged the words everywhere in our house, on every blank jar or canister.   Between the newly labeled "Flour" container, and the "Coffee" jar - I think if anyone is unclear where our loose pantry items are housed, they will have a clue now.

Fast forward five months......
After our initial Cricut party, we haven't used it since then.  I have deduced it is for two reasons: no space to keep it permanently. Every time I want to use it, I have to dig through a VERY cluttered closet for it, and then in a completely different area for paper.  My second reason, and probably main reason is I truly don't know what to do with it.

   If you are like me, too intimidated to use this machine, here are some ideas! Hopefully my summer will consist of some fun Cricut projects!

from Craftypod.com

found on hgtv.com

Found on Sewwoodsy.com

Hope you found some inspiration! I can't wait to dig up my machine and start something great! I don't know who is more excited about using it soon - me or Mr  :)



 

30 Day Challenge

It's official - I'm gyming it....well I'm kind of gymming it...I'm thinking about it....the inner workings of working out. I swear this isn't me attempting to procrastinate.  Really, why would I want to put off going to the gym? Picturing myself in stretch pants that are probably too small? Becoming a hot sweaty mess within the first five minutes of running(err...walking on the dreadmill. (that isn't a typo)? Sounds like fun! But in all seriousness, there are a few good reasons why I really need to start doing some physical activity. With those reasons in mind, I spent last night creating the 30 Day Challenge. After searching high and low through all the different types of challenges available (Fitness mag, Evernote, Harry Potter's challenge- the list goes on and on), I knew the only way to success was if I created my own.  After spending the last month watching what I ate, and only seeing maybe 5 pounds fall off....I know the next logical step is actual workout to gain a healthier life.  I need to make a change, and since I am kinda obsessed with lists and charts - I spent a good portion of my July 4th evening creating a 30 day challenge to help me get closer to my goal.  And if I wasn't motivated enough....Anthropologie helped a little.

 After 5 weeks of going through my self-designed "challenge" and if I actually stick with it,  I am buying this beautiful bird dress from Anthropologie as my reward for sticking with my plan.  A-dorable! I am hoping that with the five week challenge, I will be able to fit into this dress :)



I found when I was attending the regular gym, I didn't like not knowing if I was progressing or not.  In college, the gym I attended had a filing cabinet and you recorded your process on a chart.  However, I have yet to find a place that matches that system.  I had to take it into my own hands.  I found fitbook.  The fitbook by fitlosophy is a handy dandy organizer for the gym.  It neatly tracks your progress for 12 weeks (roughly 3 months).   What I like most about it is the size.  Measuring in at 5 inches, it is small enough to tote around with you, without feeling weighed down.

Hopefully this will be how I start each summer morn!

To start my challenge I am going to do the following for one week (at least 3x), and go from there. I currently do not belong to a gym for various reasons.  Before last week, no gym was open when I got home from work (after 11pm and before 6am) and frankly I didn't fit it into our summer budget.  Therefore, working out needs to be freeeeee - not $40-20  month.

Will post more when I figure out the details of my plan :) Till then, happy workout!

Breakfast fruit goodness

Hello friends! I greatly apologize for my long absence from the bloggy world! This year has been crazy hectic and I haven't felt very creative, but through the months I have felt like a piece of me has been missing.  So I am hoping this summer I can reconnect with that part of me! Here it goes......... 

Breakfast.  The dreaded B word Monday through Friday. It seems no matter what time I wake up, my breakfast always suffers.  This morning I drank my breakfast  - a Yoohoo. A what?! Nothing nutritious. If liquid is part of my morning routine, these three choices appeal to me!

New Breakfast Option
1 cup frozen strawberries or raspberries
1 1/4 cup vanilla soy milk (Have you had this before - what is your favorite kind?)
1 cup of Fiber One yogurt - any flavor.  I like vanilla or plain because then the flavor doesn't compete with the strawberries or raspberries


2nd Breakfast Option
Morning Banana Cinna-Roll
1 cup almond milk
1 frozen banana
1 tsp hemp seeds
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 scoop of protein vanilla
ice

3rd Breakfast Option
Mango Smoothie
1 cup chopped ripe mango
1/4 avocado, chopped
1/2 mango sorbet
1/4 skim milk
2 teaspoons lime juice
1/4 crushed ice
1 tablespoon honey

4th Breakfast Option
Many Fruit Smoothie
blueberries
raspberries
green grapes
pineapple
banana
strawberries
apple
greek yogurt
skim milk
protein powder
ice

These four recipes seem to be better and healthier than a Yoohoo!!!  Can't wait to go to the farmer's market, and get blending on these drinks!!