I am learning to sew

Madison's birthday gifts

 For Madison's birthday this year I presented her with a few items I made myself using my mom's sewing machine.  These are simple projects, as I am just learning on the machine.  All these are made with discount material from Fabricland's clearance section.

Piggy wallet

 The first thing I tried was this piggy change purse.  I found a detailed instruction list and pattern at http://www.noseynest.blogspot.ca/.  I thought it turned out really cute! 

Piggy magic bag

 Next I made this magic bag.  I didn't use a pattern for this, just made up my own shape, and I thought it would be cute to keep with the pig theme.  I researched what to put in the bag online, and tested a variety of materials before settling on pot barley as filler. 

Caddy

Lastly, I made this "caddy".  I thought it would attach just under the side of a mattress to put your book in etc beside the bed; but it can hold school supplies on your chair, or remote controls beside the couch etc.  Again, no pattern I just sewed squares of material onto each other to make pockets. 

Madison was thrilled with her pretty material, and she has been using all the things since her birthday.  I have made another gift set for my nephew (forgot to take pics), and have plans for many more fairly easy handmade things to come!

#7: I Run

I ran. I finished.  It was good. 

The half marathon in Vancouver went well.  I felt relaxed about the race because I had not set a pace goal.  It felt nice to just enjoy the experience without worrying about how fast I was going and pushing the entire time.  That said, I was feeling pretty strong and was able to make some time during the downhills and the straightaways.  And then I "dropped the hammer" in the last 5k just for the sake of a fast finish.  Whoot!

My time was not anywhere near my last 21.1k race, but I had not trained with any speed in mind.  In fact, I trained at a SUPER slow, snail pace the entire time so this finish was a pleasant surprise.  My chip time was 1hr:55min:30sec.  Not bad for dogging the whole training program!

This was my first bout of running after almost an entire year off due to injuries, and I feel pretty good about it.  I might do some more no-pressure races this year! 

Sugar!

52 Things about me #8

I don't have a sweet tooth.  Every tooth in my head is a sweet one.  I love treats.  My favourite is chocolate, but I also hear noisy name calling from cookies, candies, cakes, pies....

Lately I have been noticing that my sugar threshold has been steadily increasing and I  need larger and larger servings to be satisfied.  I always feel guilty, stuffed, and depressed after a sugar binge, but that doesn't stop me from eating more the next day (or later that same day if we're being honest).

So here goes with another sugar purge.  No treats for a couple of weeks to dampen the cravings and lower the threshold, then I can start all over again as usual.  I'm afraid it's never a lifetime habit because I enjoy my chocolate too much to give it up forever (at least right now).

When the craving hits, here is what I will be doing:
Crafting - when my hands are busy they can't be stuffing my mouth
Tea - it's a nice diversion and I can drink sweet herbal teas without adding any calories
Gum - sugar-free and it gives my jaws something to do

What are your craving avoidance strategies?

52 Things about me # 5

I am a cat person.  I love cats; their cute, soft, cuddly, playful, clean, and charismatic nature.  I have almost always lived with cats throughout my life.  Now, however, I live with a dog.  He can be cute (sort of).  He is soft and fluffy, though he's much nicer after a bath.  He is VERY playful.  He is mostly dingy and stinky except for after said bath.  He is a troublemaker, though, and I miss the easy going, independent, maintenance-free cat ownership.  We have committed to being a dog family, and I am doing my best to be a good "dog mommy" even though it is a struggle now and then. The children do love him very much and have lots of fun playing with him, so he seems to make them happy!

52 Things about me #6

I love to plan parties!  Kids' birthday parties, wedding and baby showers, themed dinner parties, you name it.  I am currently blissfully planning three upcoming events:  Madison's birthday (beginning of May), the school's Spring Carnival (late May), and Caylie's birthday party (late June).  Each of these fun events have to be organized ahead of time, activities and materials gathered, timelines worked, guests listed.   But the kids have so much fun and are so proud when the day finally comes, it's all worth it!

Wanna be a cowgirl

52 Things about me #3

Dressed up at the Calgary stampede

I love all things cowboy.  The country music, the southern drawl, the twangy banjo, the rugged aloofness, and most of all my beautiful boots!  Everyone should be allowed to dress up cowboy a few times a year!















52 Things about me #4

I love the Beatles.  I listened to their music when I was young, and still enjoy them today.  I know all the words to all of my favourites, and I even like those few "weird" songs from the 70's.  Their music makes me happy, it puts me at ease, it's a comforting sound from a simpler time.

I bake

 52 Things about me #2:  I love to bake.  And I love to make my baking look fancy.  It may taste just like regular hum-drum, but at least it will be the cutest cupcake on your plate. 

I'm a Mom

Reading one of our favourites

 52 Things About Me #1: 
I am a Mom.  My three angels are Madison (9 years old), Kai (7 years old), and Caylie (5 years old).  They make every day wonderful, and I don't know what I would do without them.  They also make every day busy, and I don't know how I survive with them.  And I love them for it. 

Goofing for the camera

Smiles aren't hard to come by