Did someone say candy?

No, no I'm not eating any just loving the phrase from this stamp set.  I think after yesterday's post, I would get in a bit of trouble if I was already looking for some candy.  I don't know about you, but yesterday I got back in the program.  Tracking my calories for the day, getting in a decent yoga workout.  And I'm telling you, if you haven't tried yoga you should.  I know that some of you are out there saying how can that be a workout?  It is!  Sometimes I sweat more doing yoga than I do walking 2 miles!  So, it was a good day for staying on track. 

And now, back to the cute little witch.  Isn't she adorable?  She's in the set Fang-tastic from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Too cute.  This card was created by Terri Mongeon.  Thanks Terri for sharing your talent with us!

I Would Really Like . . .

To Lose 50 pounds.  Really I would.  I've been saying that for quite some time.  And a few months ago, my fun friend Kim - hello darling! - very nervously approached me to do a little health challenge with her, her mom and some of her friends.  Well, I gladly jumped on board.  And it went great . . . in the beginning.

But isn't that how it always works?  I'm still working on it.  You know, watching what I'm eating, exercising more regularly.  All that stuff that we should be doing anyway and somehow just don't seem to do.  What I haven't been doing lately that I was extremely dedicated to in the beginning was tracking my calorie intake every single day. 

I know that sounds utterly dreadful.  Tracking calories.  It's horrible isn't it?  Except, Kim pointed me in the direction of the Livestrong website.  They make it so dang easy.  I mean really, you start typing in what you had to eat and it searches for tons of possibilities.  If you ate out somewhere, chances are it's on the site and you just type it in, how much you ate and voila (love that word, don't you?) it calculates how many calories you consumed.  And then, even better, you plug in your workouts and it deducts that from your calories.  So, bottom line, I need to get more serious about it.  And really track those calories!

I've even set a goal for myself.  Now, before I get to that, I do need to make one HUGE disclaimer.  I think that scales are evil!  They drive me nuts.  They are so discouraging.  So, instead, I subscribe to the if my clothes are getting looser and I'm fitting back into things that I couldn't wear before, and my energy is better, than I must be losing weight.  Now, I am a pretty honest person.  I don't believe in fooling myself.  And someday, when I really start losing, I will get on that scale and see what it says.  But in the meantime, I'm okay knowing that I'm able to move my belt just one more notch tighter and noticing that the sleeves on all my shirts are getting looser and looser.

So, back to my goal.  I have this pair of jeans that I have not been able to wear for awhile now.  And I really, really, really want to get back in them by Christmas.  And, I know that the holidays are coming up.  And I have a serious chocoholic issue.  But, I will make the commitment to stay within my caloric intake and if I cannot do that then I will just have to up my exercise for the day.  So, okay I have made my commitment to you.  And I am sharing with you a small portion of the jeans that I am getting in by Christmas!

Don't they just look so comfy?  I love these jeans and cannot wait to wear them again.  And, if any of you are wanting to join me on this one step at a time get healthy challenge, then let me know.  I would love to have the support and to share this adventure with each of you.  I really make a great cheerleader, I promise!

Back to the Grind - It's so Spooky

Today it was back to business after everyone went back to school and work.  Well almost everyone, my husband had today off as well.  Which turned out to be not such a great day to be off because I actually had more work than usual - and it totally wiped me out.  I think halfway through the day my brains were turning to jelly.  After taking a break from my computer I re-energized and was able to finish my work before school got out.  Yeah!

But, way before that I got my morning walking in with my fam.  That was nice.  I don't usually get to walk on Tuesdays it was a nice surprise to go this morning since my hubby was off work.  It's always good to begin your day with a little exercise.  And since I let myself slide all weekend long with the health challenge, it was definitely time to get back to business today.  Keeping track of calories and getting that crucial exercise in!

And now, on to stamping . . . here is a card that I made at last weeks stamp get together.  It was designed by Marlene S - a really fun stamper and friend.  She will always put a smile on your face.

Stamp Set:  Dark & Dreary, Wicked Cool
Paper:  Wicked Fun Specialty Paper, Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink:  White Staz On, Basic Black
Accessories:  Raven Lace Trim, Spider Web Embossing Folder, Rhinestone Jewels

Stamping Tonight

In a little over an hour from now, I will be heading out to dinner and stamping with some friends.  And that means I will have some great samples to start sharing very, very soon. 

Today was back on track for the health challenge.  I let myself slide just a bit over the weekend, meaning no exercise and I enjoyed a wonderful hamburger from a favorite restaurant - Joe's Farm Grill with family and friends.  It was very yummy & I'm glad I could enjoy it guilt free.  I still haven't been very good at getting on that scale regularly, but my clothes are getting looser and looser everyday.  I have a pair of "goal" jeans.  These were a pair of jeans that I love and have not been able to wear for quite some time.  I'm planning on getting in them comfortably by December.

So, this morning I went for my 2 mile walk with family and after getting showered and ready for the day, decided to give those jeans a try.  I got them pulled on and zipped up - and probably could have worn them all day, but they would not have been the most comfortable.  That means progress is being made!  Woohoo!!!

Oh, and before I forget, check out the clearance rack at Stampin' Up!  They just added new items.  Check them out and be sure to get them ordered.  It's so easy, you can order directly from my website.  Here's all the places you need to go:

Clearance Rack on My Stamp Website

Be sure to click on the Clearance Rack on the left hand side of the screen to check out all the great deals!

Hope you had a great Monday!

Season's Greetings?

It's never too early to have the Christmas spirit right?  And it's definitely never too early to get a head start on your Christmas cards. 

I kinda got off track a little on my health challenge over the weekend.  Nothing terrible, just wasn't being as good about getting my exercise in.  Well, Monday I started over again.  I did get a good walk in on Monday and Wednesday.  Tuesday was a bit of an off day again.  Lots of work that needed to get done and I just wasn't feeling my best.  So I took a nap instead.  And let me tell you I felt tons better afterward.  I have been watching the amount of food I'm eating and still feel pretty good about the whole challenge.

Today's card is from my day of stamping at Amy's house.  It was so sweet of her to share her wonderful projects with us. 

Stamp Set:  Many Merry Messages
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday Designer Paper

Health Challenge Update

I got to walk with my brother and my father yesterday.  That was so fun.  Don't get me wrong, it was a workout, but it was a fun one.  And, I finally did weigh myself pretty consistently over the last week.  And by the end of the week, not only are my pants feeling a tad bit loser, my shirts not so snug, the scale even confirmed it - down a pound and a half!  I will take it.  Any movement in that direction is wonderful in my opinion. 

I am busy planning my next stamp class.  Mark your calendars now - September 18.  And it is going to be Christmas stuff.  I'm thinking cards, but not 100% sure!  So, within the next week, I will be making the announcement.

In the meantime, enjoy this card using the shadow stamping technique.

Stamp Set: Baroque Motifs
Ink:  Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant
Paper:  Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Shimmery White

Middle of the Week

Well good morning all!  At least, I hope it's a good morning.  We are smack in the middle of the week and so far it's been a good one!  Don't forget you have just 3 more days to order saving either 10 or 20% off your order!  Contact me right away to get your order in before it's too late!  mlharper@qwestoffice.net
Read the entry on Sunday August 15:  Special Discount valid through August 21 for more information.

I have forgotten to update you on the health challenge for the past couple of days.  Sorry about that.  On Monday, I was so excited because I got to return back to walking after having to take a few months off.  For a little background...my dad walks every morning (except for Sundays) and has for years.  I couldn't even tell you when he started walking, it's just something that he always does.  If I had to venture a guess it would be in the early 90's.  But it could have been even earlier than that.  He walks for health reasons and we, the family, can see that he has benefited from it over the years.  He walks at the local mall.  It's great, you go in early before the stores open and make a few laps around.  And it's not boring, we are constantly entertained by the ever changing displays in the windows.  One lap around our mall is a quarter mile.  One of my brothers walks with him.  My brother's original goal was to get his endurance back up to be able to start running again.  (I think we have enjoyed walking so much that I'm not sure he is still wanting to run anymore - I can't be a runner so that's not an option).  Last year, when my son started band, he had to be to school an hour early two days a week for it.  So, at last, I was finally able to walk too.

I really wanted to start walking to help with the terrible shin splints that I had gotten from doing karate.  I had the shin splints for almost two years, been to the doctor, had inserts made to retrain my ankles to keep my feet from rolling in.  Wore those, felt better but still wanted to be able to get some good exercise.  I started walking at the mall for two reasons, to get that exercise and to consciously make the effort to retrain my feet to walk properly to avoid shin splints.  Well, it worked great.  I haven't really had any shin pain for a year. 

Once school got out, I had a pretty rough summer and was unable to walk.  Well, band started up again this past Monday and I was at the mall with my dad and my brother ready to walk.  The three of us really enjoy getting together.  I mean the physical exercise is great, but the chance to get together and chat and such is even better.  I'm so glad that I am able to start going again.  And even prouder of the fact that I was able to jump right back in to my old pace again.  Even if I do have three brand new blisters on my feet.  That won't prevent me from going again this morning!

I would like to say long story short, but I guess I can't.  I am a bit of a talker after all.  I have not weighed myself for a few days.  I do however feel better already - more energy and all that good stuff.  I also feel stronger since I've started this challenge so that is a good thing.  I will try to remember to weigh myself today and see how that goes.  I just don't want to see no change and get discouraged you know?

 Okay, so on to stamping.  Here is a card I made a few weeks ago.  I think I wanted to get something going that was using the color Rose Red.  I stuck with colors from within the color family for easy coordination.  I am still getting use to the new color groupings and really am finding some of those colors to be quite fun together.  I hope you enjoy.

Stamp Set:  Priceless
Paper:  Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Naturals White
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Rose Red
Accessories:  Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon, dimensional

Thanks for stopping in!  Have a great Wednesday!

You asked for it...

Well kinda.  I had a few people let me know that they would like to see my swap card.  Well, I'm just not ready to show the whole thing.  So, instead I will give you a sneak peek.

Ain't I a stinker? I just love these new brads. They are very fun and beautiful. I'm trying to figure out how on earth I can add them to my clothing or jewelry somehow.

Let's see, it's day five of the health challenge.  I've been pretty good.  Sticking to my calorie intake and have worked out everyday.  Today's workout was a little bit lighter than I had anticipated but that's okay.  Sometimes you just have off days.  Maybe I was too excited about seeing a couple friends this morning that I rushed a bit.  It was fun to visit with them and share goofy stories about our kids.

Now, I need to finish getting everything ready for my Stampin' Garage Sale and Welcome Back to Stamp Class in the morning.  I'm looking forward to both and hope to see some fun stampers tomorrow!

Be sure to come back tomorrow for a special for ordering that is being announced tomorrow!  And to see some fun pictures from tomorrows events.

This just in . . .

Yesterday came the most wonderful knock on the door. It was the UPS man coming to bring me some new goodies. I mentioned the other day that I joined a swap.  It is featuring items from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog.  One of the items that I ordered in include on my swap are these beauties right here!  I couldn't wait to share them with you.

I designed my swap today and am pretty excited to get going on that.  I also already cut out all the cardstock  for it too.  Now comes all the fun - stamping, stamping and more stamping!  And sorry, you are just going to have to wait until  after I get the swaps back to see the final card.  Although, I may be enticed to show you a "sneak peek" of it, or part of it before then.  But, you will have to let me know you'd like to see it.  So, leave me a comment and let me know if you'd like to see something of my first official swap.  I can't wait to see all the wonderful cards that I will be getting back too.

So, it's been a fun week so far.  My health challenge is going well.  I haven't lost any pounds yet.  But I feel better.  More energy.  And even better than that I feel in charge.  Like I'm actually doing something good for myself.  I have been easing back into working out.  I am one of those weirdos that really enjoys working out.  I mean it.  Strange, I know.  But true.  I look forward to them.  This week I have worked out with weights and a stability ball on Monday and Wednesday and have done yoga everyday this week.  On the weight days, I did a lighter yoga.  Tomorrow morning the plan is to get an hour in before I shower and meet up with a wonderful friend for some much needed girl chit-chat time.  Hopefully I will at some point lose some pounds.  I just really want to have to go shopping for new clothes because the ones I have now just do not fit anymore.  Wouldn't that be awful.

And, my little boy started 6th grade yesterday.  That's been pretty exciting.  He's a smart kid, schoolwork isn't a problem for him.  But, he really does not enjoy school.  He loves learning things.  Discovery channel and the likes are always on at our house.  I'm not sure what it is either.  Well, his first day went really well.  He came home with a smile and in a great mood, so I will take it!  I'd like to keep that trend going.  Here he is on his first day of school.

Thanks for stopping in.  See you soon!

Looking forward to Saturday Stamping

Phew!  I finally have everything ready for my stampin' garage sale.  That took some serious sorting and pricing and moving around.  But, my stamp area is looking very nice and clean - and almost empty!  The horror!!!  Anyway, here is a copy of the email that I sent out to my email list. 

A friendly reminder about upcoming stamping events this weekend. I have openings in my class on Saturday and would love to see you there! Please sign up by Thursday so that I can be prepped and ready for you that day.

I have three great projects planned. You can view one of them on my blog. Just check out the entry for Thursday July 29 titled Unique.

As always please contact me with any questions you may have!

Welcome Back to Stamping Class
Saturday August 14, 2010
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost $10 for 3 cards
Class special - bring a friend and you stamp for just $5
Recommended bring your own Snail adhesive

Stampin' Garage Sale
Saturday August 14, 2010
7:00 am to 9:30 am
Whether you are needing to add to your stampin' collection or you are ready to start a collection, you will not want to miss out on these deals. I have boxes of items that are priced to sell. Items including stamp sets, ink pads and refills, full packs of paper as well as individual sheets, and lots of accessories including ribbon, brads, buttons and much, much more. Get here early for the best selection.

Here's an idea of what to look for at the sale:
25+ stamp sets - all marked at over 50% off
Over 10 different styled punches
Glitter and embossing powders
Brads, eyelets and beads
Over 15 different ribbons - some brand new
Coloring tools - pencils and more
Over 30 cardstock colors some brand new - never been opened
Retired stamp pads and ink refills

The stack of cardstock that is ready for the garage sale.  Tons of colors here and several have not even been opened yet!

On a personal note, today started my health challenge.  Kim approached me the other day with the idea of tracking our calories and workouts for 14 days.  I was so excited to jump on board.  I love this kind of stuff.  I'm not a very competitive person.  Actually competitive people drive me crazy.  Mostly because I am not.  I have never felt the need to compete with anyone else.  I can only do better than myself.  I have always heard that you should automate your meals and such.  I guess I am going to be hardheaded about this though.  I am going to eat as I normally do with minor tweaking - and with keeping track of the calories as I go.  This way I won't feel as though I have missed out on the things that I love.  The biggest thing I am looking forward to (that's right I said looking forward to) working out again.  I have always enjoyed a good workout and miss them when I don't do them.  There's just something about getting the good physical workout to get the brain cleared out.  So, today I got out my weights and my stability ball and went to town.  It was really fun and set such a great tone for the rest of my day.

And now for tonight - some yoga!  I know I'm gonna feel it but soon I won't and that will be awesome!  Wish me luck!