This month's theme for Le Challenge was PRECIOUS and it really got the cogs turning. My original thought was "diamonds" but after much umming, ahhing and Google image searches I went off the idea. Maybe one day I'll have a crack but not right now. So, what next...???
Well, due to the soon-to-be-aired-in-Australia telemovie about INXS being advertised of late, I just couldn't get this song out of my head...
... and, wouldn't you know it, one of the lines just happens to be "I love your precious heart.". Hello plan! ;)
I pinned this Pixelated Heart cushion by s.o.t.a.k handmade a few weeks ago with the intention of totally ripping it off for bub's nursery and, seeing as I love to kill multiple birds with one stone, here is my entry.
For the background I moved away from the low volume squares used in the original work - and went with a solid in pale aqua. I was nervous at first but really like the effect and it'll give me a good opportunity to practise some more of my mad FMQ skillz too. ;)
I am mixing things up a little, though, and not intending to make this into a cushion - but rather a mini wall hanging. I figure that baby girl probably has enough cushions for now (though I do have another planned... cough...).
Stay tuned! :)
E.
Linking up to the last Le Challenge for the year! Head over and check out the other entries. There are some seriously precious ones. ;)
Hellooooo. How is everyone going? Well, I hope. I must say - I am GRRRREAT! After weeks of ooginess I am finally feeling back to my normal self and have managed to get back into life - work, friends, gym etc. Yippee.
And, if that news isn't good enough then how about this...
I'm over half way to my goal weight! Excuse me while I disappear for a happy dance. And maybe some jumping on the couch. Ala Tom Cruise.
Ok, enough of that. Back to business. As per last week's post, on Saturday I started The Scarsdale Diet, which is an easy-to-follow 14 day program that I like to use as a kick-start for weightloss. Honestly, I do not adhere to it to the last letter (tsk tsk) as I will make myself a varied salad when the menu might specify just tomatoes. I guess that I mainly use it all as a guide to give me a kick-start back into the whole swing of things... whilst also allowing for some (minimal) adjustments to make the whole ordeal a little more realistic and, thus, more of a long-term lifestyle change. Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. ;)
Time for the stats? Are you ready? I am!
Weight Loss Goal: -10kgs (-22lbs) Week's Loss: -1.9kgs (4.19lbs) Total Loss: -5.6kgs (12.35lbs) Distance to Goal: 4.4kgs (9.70lbs) Week's Gym Visits:2 Total Time Exercising: 2hrs Alcohol UnitsConsumed: Nil Date of Last Alcoholic Drink: 31st December 2011 Highlight of the Week: Saying no to the offer of churros and chocolate. It didn't even hurt!
Happy dance. Happy dance! It is such a nice feeling to have a good week. Getting back to the gym has been t.o.u.g.h. but I am trying not to push myself too much. I might have slipped a little bit whilst being sick but I can still acknowledge that I am much better than I was just 2 little months ago. I now am aiming to get back to the point where the treadmill and I are friends again. Not there yet!
After all the excitement, please excuse me while I dampen the mood, just a tad. As I'm sure you are all aware, Whitney Houston passed during this week. As with the loss of anyone, particularly someone who has gone at a young age, it is time for tears but also time to realise that life is short. We have to make the best with what we are given and live life to the full. So, as a tribute to Ms Houston, this week's clip is the amazingly motivational and beautiful, Step By Step.
Unfortunately I'm still unwell and, therefore, still not really getting anywhere. Yesterday I had the joy of a lengthy visit with the doctor so hopefully things will be on the up and up from here on out. Either way, I'm still slowly plodding along. And I honestly mean "slowly plodding" - if you'd seen my walks around the block you would have laughed. Oh well, some movement is better than nothing and I'm determined to stay on track, as best I can. Let's hope this coming week will be a goodun though!
That's all I can really say about that. BUT... you guys are awesome! I was amazed last week reading through everyone's links - what an inspiration you all are. Fantastic! I'm starting to think that I need to share the love and get some of you to guest post - to inspire us and others. Really, I am that impressed. So, let me know if you're up for it and we'll sort something out.
Anyhoo... onto my stats...
Weight Loss Goal: -10kgs (-22lbs) Week's Loss: -0.2kgs (0.44lbs) - yes, that is where I was 2 weeks ago. Total Loss: -3.7kgs (8.16lbs) Distance to Goal: 6.3kgs (13.89lbs) Week's Gym Visits: 0 (umm) Total Time Exercising: 2hrs 30mins - comprised of numerous "granny" walks Alcohol UnitsConsumed: Nil Date of Last Alcoholic Drink: 31st December 2011 Highlight of the Week: This is a toughie as not much has been achieved. But, in all honesty, I am actually stoked that I have lost the weight I have. I recognize it as a start to a new, healthier Erin and I am excited about losing more and more (and fitting back into all those "old" clothes!). So, YAY, for positive thinking!
After crunching the numbers, though, it now looks very unlikely that I will reach my goal weight in the timeframe originally specified as, realistically, I probably won't lose 6.3kgs ( 13.89lbs) in the next 3.5wks. Regardless, I am determined to keep on keeping on, with the aim to lose as much as I can (and not beat myself up about it if I don't reach that elusive goal).
That said, I think it is about time I began dieting (as opposed to just "watching" what I eat) and start an actual program. In the past, I've found the Scarsdale Diet to be a great kickstart - the 14 day program is do-able and user-friendly. This, of course, is not a long-term solution but I will be using it to get back into the swing of things as I start to get serious. Can you believe that I am actually looking forward to this? Kinda weird but I'll work with it. :)
As I could do with a laugh this week (and what better way than to giggle over others' misfortunes?), today's clip is a loving tribute to one of my personal nemises - the exercise ball. I suggest you don't have a drink whilst watching this... or your screen may end up a little wet. ;)
Amusing, no? At least I have now filled my country quota... so you shouldn't be subjected to any more thigh-slapping tunes. This time I do promise. ;)
One more little thing before I go - don't forget to check out my birthday giveaway. And then trot off to see what everyone else has on offer for Lucy's Fugly Fabric Party. :)
OK... time for you to inspire me. Link up and spread the news. I love this part!
WOW. Can you believe that four weeks have now passed since Weigh In Wednesday began? Crrrrraziness! Of course, it also means that I am pretty much half-way through (time-wise) so... I really, really, really wanted to be able to share with you the fantastic news of -5kg today but, alas, that would just be a big, fat lie. Sad face!
This week more sickness and even more grumpiness (I promise, I'm not always such a sour cow... actually you may need to ask my friends about that...) got the better of me and somehow I managed to put my hands on icecream, pizza, garlic bread, biscuits, chocolate, lemonade etc etc etc. Never fear, though, it wasn't all consumed at once but it was consumed. And consumed. And consumed. Whoops.
So, luckily for me (and you) my lovely, live-in Superhero is still away saving the planet (or at least a small part of it) so I, once again, have no photos to scare you with this week. But I do have the all-telling stats.
Weight Loss Goal: -10kgs (-22lbs) Week's Loss: +0.2kgs (0.44lbs) - yes, that is a gain. No surprises there! Total Loss: -3.5kgs (7.72lbs) Distance to Goal: 6.5kgs (14.33lbs) Week's Gym Visits: 3 (better!) - plus, well, pretty much nothing else Total Time Exercising: 2hrs 0mins Alcohol UnitsConsumed: Nil Date of Last Alcoholic Drink: 31st December 2011 Highlight of the Week: Realising that I fit back into a pair of shorts that had been previously relegated to the rather large and depressing "I can't wear that" pile.
Um yeah. Let's move straight on, shall we? This week's clip is to get me up to, well, move that body.
And, after that classic piece of musical genius... I am... completely lost for words. Hands up who wants ONJ back. I know you do! ;)
Now, before you can link up and share your week's adventures on the weigh in train, I would just like to shamelessly remind you all that this Friday is my turn to host TGIFF - so please be sure to pop back then and see what I've managed to rustle up for show and tell. Thanks!
Time for me to shush now and pass around the microphone. Link up with your tales of triumph (or woe) and please, please, please be sure to visit each other and shout words of encouragement. We're in this together afterall. Over to you!
Before I get into my latest stats, can I just say a big WELL DONE to all of you who are playing along and linking up. It has truly been inspiring to see your progress each week and I am over-joyed that you are all so committed to working towards a happier, healthier you. Big pats on the back.
If you have only recently stumbled across our little linky party then please feel free to jump on board anytime. You're sure to find our group friendly, approachable and very inspiring so don't be scared. The more the merrier! We link up each Wednesday but you may come and go as you please - and there are no restrictions to what you can / can't / must share. You make the rules to suit what makes you comfortable and what will be the most motivating for you. Hope to see you soon.
Anyhoo...as much as I try, I can't stall any longer. Unfortunately Mr C is away this week (acting in his role as Superhero Extraordinaire) so there will be no full body shots this post. I know, I know, it is such a shame. So let's go straight to the stats, shall we?
Weight Loss Goal: -10kgs (-22lbs) Week's Loss: -1.0kgs (2.20lbs) Total Loss: -3.7kgs (8.16lbs) Distance to Goal: 6.3kgs (13.89lbs) Week's Gym Visits: 1 (ugh!) - plus a stroll & swim or two Total Time Exercising: 1hrs 15mins Alcohol UnitsConsumed: Nil Date of Last Alcoholic Drink: 31st December 2011 Highlight of the Week: Actually missing the gym whilst being sick. Could I possibly have felt the smallest niggle of a new addiction? If only!
At the risk of sounding silly, lately I have noticed (imagined?) a little more attention from the opposite sex whilst being out and about (no, it is not because I bat my eyelids!). Now, realistically, I haven't physically changed that much in the last month BUT my attitude has begun to change and my confidence is definitely growing. So, what I'm saying is, be comfortable in your skin. Walk tall. Lift your head. Be proud. When you start paying attention to yourself then others will follow. And, let's be honest, it feels damn good to be noticed.
So, on that note, here is my music clip of the week, Beautiful by Christina Aguilera. Listen. Believe. Conquer the world. ;)
Now over to you. How was your week? Link up and let us know. :)
Really, is it that time again? Already? But I'm really not ready! Argh. This week has definitely not been a good week as my motivation went AWOL and I got slack and grumpy and tired and blah. Really slack and grumpy and tired and blah. Unfortunately, the proof is in the stats...
No, I am not a morning person
I seriously should stop putting these side pics up
Weight Loss Goal: -10kgs (-22lbs) Week's Loss: -0.5kgs (1.10lbs) Total Loss: -2.7kgs (5.95lbs) Distance to Goal: 7.3kgs (16.09lbs) Week's Gym Visits: 2 (oops) - plus a stroll here and there Total Time Exercising: 2hrs 15mins Alcohol Units Consumed: Nil Date of Last Alcoholic Drink: 31st December 2011 Highlight of the Week: Making a comeback after a bad start to the week and getting back on track by Tuesday. Thanks for keeping me going!
Not as awesome as my first week, I know, but I'm still happy that I had a loss at all. Though, it seems I have discovered that sitting on the couch watching inordinate amounts of tennis does not help. Hmm. Oh well, time to wipe the slate clean, me thinks, and start afresh. I, nay, WE can do this.
To start the new week with a 'push' I've picked a motivational track from the supremely talented and always entertaining Salt-N-Pepa. ;)
So, how are you going after two weeks of the Missy Mac Challenge? I was blown away from all your efforts in week 1 so am looking forward to seeing this week's progress. Link up and share your news.
Firstly a BIG thank you to everyone who linked up or commented after last week's initial Weigh In Wednesday post. Honestly, your support and encouragement has been amazing and, no word of a lie, has really, truly helped me get through this week without scoffing down an icecream (or seventy). To say it was a tough week for me, mood-wise, is a slight understatement so the thought of having to weigh in today infront of you has really kept my feet on the... err... treadmill and my hands out of the cookie barrel (though I did have two that Mr C freshly baked... yum!). THANK YOU!
To those of you who have joined me on this journey - CONGRATULATIONS - you've made it through the first week of Missy Mac Bootcamp. ;) I hope you've been positive and successful in your endeavours and haven't raided the pantry at 2am more than, say, five times. No matter what, I am proud of you all for starting the journey and committing to keeping on track with me. You'll all be looking hot, hot, hot in no time. :)
It is now a new week, though, and it's time to look forward to the next seven days of healthy eating and exercise. Here's where I'm at, Day 8, beginning of Week 2...
Front - Can you see the difference? Nah, me either. Yet!
Side - Can you see the difference? Yep, it is worse! Bloaty, bloat, bloat. Ugh.
Weight Loss Goal: -10kgs (-22lbs) Week's Loss: -2.2kgs (4.85lbs) Total Loss: -2.2kgs (4.85lbs) Distance to Goal: 7.8kgs (22lbs) Week's Gym Visits: 3 - plus walks along the river / beach (yay for summer!) Total Time Exercising: 2hrs 55mins Alcohol Units Consumed: Nil Date of Last Alcoholic Drink: 31st December 2011 Highlight of the Week: Managing to drag myself to the gym for 30mins of exercise when I really, really, really didn't want to go. Even though I hated every miserable second, I was still proud of myself for doing it.
As per usual, I'm finishing with a little bit of music - to make you laugh, smile, cry or groan. So, little lady, it's time to jump down from your trusty steed, yank off your cowboy boots and pull up a hay bale. Here is Bobby Dare with the "Diet Song".
Ha! Ok, I promise... no more country. Actually, that's a complete and utter lie. I have another ripper lined up for you... but that'll have to wait a week or two.
Now it's over to you! Link up and let us know how your first week went. :)
Welcome to the beginning of Weigh In Wednesday with Missy Mac Creations. I hope you will support and encourage (and join!) me in my quest to lose 10kgs by Saturday 3 March 2012. Why then, you ask? Well, basically, that will be the day of my 30th birthday party and I want to look smokin'. ;)
Each week I will post an updated photo of myself (ugh... but I'm sure I'll appreciate it down the line) along with a series of stats. If you are playing along please be assured that this is a supportive environment - you will never be forced to show/reveal more than you are comfortable. For example - I have chosen not to advertise my actual weight, just the +/-. You set the rules!
First up I'll share the lifestyle changes I will be concentrating on during the next two months (and beyond) -
a) Eating more healthily
b) Eating less (portion control!)
c) Exercising more
d) NO alcohol (uhh... whaaaattt??!!)
e) Drinking more water
For me, these are all totally doable goals and are things I want to incorporate into my every day life from here on out. Well... the no alcohol is not a life-time goal but it won't hurt me to back off the drink for the next few months. As for the a, b, c and e... these are things we all know we should aim for... but sometimes the knowing and the doing can be two different things. Time for me to remedy that and teach myself some better habits.
So let's get this ball rolling...
Day 1 - front
Sad face! Please excuse the "just got out of bed" look. You'll probably have to get used to it over the next few months. ;)
Day 1 - side
I wasn't going to include a side profile (because it is realllly embarassing) but in the interests of 'keeping it real' there it is. Got to love Mr C who gave me a cuddle and said "You're not as bad as you think you are, sweetie." Aww. Thanks babe. I think. ;)
Weight Loss Goal: -10kgs (-22lbs) Week's Loss: 0.0kgs (0lbs) Total Loss: 0.0kgs (0lbs) Distance to Goal: 10kgs (22lbs) Week's Gym Visits: 4 (including 2 in one day... whoop!) Total Time Exercising: 2hrs 30mins Alcohol Units Consumed: Sorry... wasn't counting before New Years Day (I didn't need to know!) Date of Last Alcoholic Drink: 31st December 2011 Highlight of the Week: Putting myself out there and starting Weigh In Wednesday. Scary!
That's it, as painless as that. Now, who's with me? I would love to have you on board as we battle the wobbly bits together. We CAN do it!
Let me give you a few minutes to think about it... with this week's clip. Never fear, though, as I received numerous death threats complaints after the last WIW post, today's entertainment will not be brought to you by Ms Newton-Jones. Instead, here is a little bit of inspiration from OK Go who are not only singing but also showing off their mad cool treadmill skillz. These are just a few of the moves that Mr C and I practise in the gym...
So, after that awesome bit of inspiration, are you in? You are?! So very glad to have you on board. Don't forget to link up (and grab the button from my sidebar) so we can cheer each other on. :)
If losing weight isn't on your list for 2012 please don't feel left out (ha!) - I'm sure everyone would love you to be part of the support crew. Membership is easy, just visit the various links and shout out your encouragement. Thanks!
Hope you all have a fantastic (and healthy!) week. Can't wait (weight?) to see your progress next Wednesday. Good luck. :)
Ahh! I'm so sorry if that song is now stuck in your head (it is in mine!) but it seemed a fitting tribute to this post (and who doesn't love a bit of ONJ every now and then?). Some of you may remember that my numero uno resolution for 2012 was to get fit and healthy and now, one day in, I'm pleased to report that I haven't yet fallen off the wagon. ;) BUT... to help keep me on-track long-term I am enlisting your help. Yes, YOU! Thus, I introduce...
"WHAT????" you ask? Well before you get all scared and run for the "unfollow" button, please hear me out. This isn't about competition, judgment or nastiness or any of that kerfuffle but a chance for us to unite in our goals of getting fit and losing weight. A forum to provide support and encouragement to each other as we sweat it out (pun intended). And, well, the knowledge that people are watching is always a great motivater to get physical... physical...
Oops, sorry. Momentary lapse there. Right, what was I saying? Oh yes...
Weigh In Wednesday, for me, will be a chance to keep a record of the stats, such as loss to date, time spent exercising, visits to gym etc, whilst also allowing myself the opportunity to celebrate each milestone because, let's face it, dieting is THE PITS and if you can't do a jig after every kilo (pound?) lost then you'll be scoffing down those chocolate bars in no time.
So, if, like me, you'd like to get fitter and healthier in 2012 and would like a supportive shoulder to cry on when it gets too much (errr...) then please feel free to link up to Weigh In Wednesdays with Missy Mac Creations, starting this week. I would love you to join me - we can do it together!
If weightloss isn't a goal of yours for 2012 then please feel free to follow along with my (our?) progress anyway and help us celebrate the good and commiserate the bad. The more people joining me in my happy dance the better (it makes me feel less of a fool, for starters).
Remember, it all kicks off this Wednesday, 4th January. Don't be late. ;)
Before I go, though, here's a little treat, just for you. I know you would have googled it anyway. ;)
This is an unusual post for me because, well, I've never been a huge music lover. Sure, I love to sing and bop with the best of them but if you asked me about a band or singer or song name I couldn't tell you to save myself. Seriously. But, for many reasons, this guy is different. I love, love, love him and that makes me want to shout it from the rooftops.
So, without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Passenger, as he sings "I Hate" live from the Borderline in London. (Thanks YouTube)
The brainchild of 26-year-old Brighton born singer/songwriter Mike Rosenberg, Passenger is redefining the troubadour for the 21st century. Formerly a five-piece band, Passenger has now pared back to basics, quite literally bringing music to the streets on a series of lengthy busking journeys across Australia, America and the United Kingdom. A classic journeyman musician, cut from the same mould as Van Morrison, Neil Young and John Prine, Passenger has the unique ability to move from the humorous to heartbreaking with every song (excerpt from the Passenger Facebook page).
The first time I saw (indeed, even heard of) Passenger was earlier this year when he was the support act at an Angus & Julia Stone concert in the Perth hills. From his very first song both Mr C and I were blown away by his talent, lyrics, sense of fun and, well, whole performance. It was such an amazing gig (made even better by being nestled amongst the trees with the Perth city skyline in the background) that right then and there I jumped onto his website and booked tickets to his next gig in Fremantle. No joke - right then and there. AND... I will not hesitate in saying that he completely and utterly up-staged the main act of the evening. Yep, that good.
Of course, I now have two of his albums and I play them ALL THE TIME. It drives Mr C mad as he has a vast collection of music yet I always pick the same thing. I'm pretty sure even the neighbours know all the lyrics by now. That's how much I love this guy.
So, in the interests of bettering the world and making people smile, here I am spreading the word. I hope you like Passenger as much as I do.
For more information on Passenger and/or his current tour in Australia, check out the website.
