Monday Weigh In: 304.5

Down 0.2! Doesn't seem like much, but I was on vacation this past week - thus the lack of posting - and I was having trouble with my knees. This means much less walking than in the previous 2 weeks, and while I stayed within my calorie limits, I was not as low as I could have been. So, holding even is ok by me.

I have gotten another cortisone shot in the left knee and will be getting a second in the right knee as well. This should help with the walking - would also help if the weather would stop being stupid, but that may be too much to ask for in Kansas. Back at work this week, so will be able to get back to regularly scheduled meals and snacks. Looking forward to next weeks weigh in!

Thanks to those who comment on this weekly baring of my soul. Your encouragement and support really does mean the world to me!

Monday Weigh In: 304.7

I am down 3 lbs! Woo! I had a really good week. Long walk of nearly 30 minutes on Tuesday and a shorter walk on Wednesday. Kept to my calorie goals all days but one. And it has paid off! Woo!

On the down side, the Salonpas patches that I was loving are now causing a rash. Not sure if it is the medication or the adhesive that I am having problems with, but I will have to stop using them... boo! I will not let this deter me though! I will keep going!

New Ring Pattern: Recycle!

Monday is Earth Day in the US. Last year I featured a ring with a picture of the earth. This year I am giving you a ring that encourages recycling! To support this theme, if you make this ring try using recycled beads that were salvaged or left over from a previous project! If you are looking for more recycled goodness, you can check out my recycled tile pendants! Happy Earth Day!

What I have been working on

So, I haven't really shared lately things that I have been working on... and I have been working on things. Today I will share two of those things with you.

First up is the case for the Kindle Fire I got for Christmas. It started life as a plain black leather case, but I knew from the beginning that I wanted something more geeky. After looking at different ones online, I decided I could paint mine the way I wanted it and ordered some leather paints for this purpose. Then I didn't paint. I was afraid... cause once you put the leather paint on, you can't really take it off, and what if I screwed up royally? Well, this weekend I said "screw it" and went for it. So very glad that I did cause I love it!





For those of you wondering what on earth this is... first, go watch Doctor Who! Start with the 2005 season on Netflix and move forward. You will love it! Second, it is the diary of River Song (BCC printable dust cover version). Basically, a prop from Doctor Who... but a really cool prop!

Next, I made a necklace this week. Oddly, it is a strung necklace - I almost never do strung jewelry. But this design just popped into my head one day and demanded I make it. The original concept in my head was for black beads, but I didn't have any. So I used some dark purple beads instead. I have decided after careful consideration that I am glad I did. The color is wonderful!





Sorry for inflicting the really crappy mirror picture on you, but I wanted to show what it looked like on. The back is chain... and some chain extender as I need it really long to go under the collar of this shirt. Do you ever dress up a little just so you can wear a particular piece of jewelry?

So, this is not by any means all I have been working on (cameos anyone?) but it is all I currently have pictures of. More to come in the future!

Monday Weigh In: 307.8

Hey look! An actual number!

So, this past week I started meeting with my sister 2 nights a week. We go for a walk - short right now - and are talking about nutrition and general health. Since my sister has managed to loose 48 lbs over the last six months while dealing with back issues and knee issues she is a good person to help me with this.

Tuesday's walk was 10 minutes, Thursday's was a whopping 17 minutes! I also took a walk on my own on Saturday. It was short, only ten minutes, but was followed by a trip to the grocery store which I am counting as another 10 minutes of walking.



Speaking of grocery shopping, my sister has me making some alternative food choices as well. A lot more low calorie options, and a focus on portion sizes... have you noticed that healthy food is kinda expensive? Yeesh! I am now tracking my food and excorsize through MyFitnessPal.com. I am liking it because it has a phone app that will actually scan the barcodes of things and then give you the nutrition info. AND, you can also download Runtastic which will track how far you walk and then automatically update MyFitnessPal. I can be lazy even while I am being more active! Woo!

So, all in all, I am feeling much more positive about things this week than I have in a while. And that is good.

BSBP - Ronxanne's Creation

My partner in the 7th BSBP was able to post this weekend. I love what she made - such an innovative use of some of the things I sent! Go visit her site - now! GO!

Oh, and while you are there, be sure to click the link to the rest of the second reveal!

Monday Weigh In: ????

So, the Wii (which I use with the Balance Board to weigh myself) was hidden behind a large stack of boxes today. This means we have no number for today. Which is ok, cause I am sure it was up. BUT! I have a new plan. I spent some time with my sister this weekend and she has agreed to be my new weight loss buddy. So starting this week, we will be walking twice a week and she will be supporting me in my weight loss mission. She suggested that we walk outside, her theory being that you can always get off the treadmill, but if you walk out side you are required to walk back home - thus you will walk more, even when it hurts.

She also introduced me to the Salonpas pain patches... and boy am I loving those! Pop one on either knee and for a couple of hours I feel almost like a real girl.

So, that is what is up with me. Hope you are all doing well.

New Ring Pattern: Zodiac - Aries

This month we get a ring pattern for Aries - March 21 to April 19. Apparentley, Aries is actually the FIRST astrological sign... figures I would start in the wrong place. Some famous Aries include: Lady GaGa, Jackie Chan, Robert Downey Jr, Eddie Murphy, Mark "The Undertaker" Callaway, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Jim Parsons. Want to skip ahead to your (or your signifigant other's) sign? Well, you can! There is a PDF that includes all 12 designs and some tips on creation and care available in my main etsy shop for the low low LOW price of $5.00. Or, you can just wait a year and collect all 12 for free... you know, which ever. Of note, the PDF for the Signs of the Zodiac rings does NOT include instructions on how to do peyote stitch. Tips only. So, if you don't know peyote stitch, follow the link at the top of the page to the How to Make Peyote Rings post.

Monday Weigh In: Postponed

1) There is no way in hell I am stepping on a scale on April Fool's Day.

2) There is no way in hell I am stepping on a scale the day after a food holiday weekend.

3) Hope you all had a great Easter and that your pranks today are playful and not hurtful!