knitting

Down Right Random!

After a very random Wednesday, I only have randomness to offer to you. I have a recipe I’ll share tomorrow, but tonight… random seemed the way to go.

I hope you love it, Baby Illyana!

A SUPER SPECIAL CREATION

One of my bestest of friends is having a baby girl ANY DAY NOW. I finally got her baby blanket completed and shipped and it actually arrived BEFORE the little lady makes her grand appearance.

If you’re a knitter who wants to make a similar blankie, I found the pattern on Ravelry. It’s a super easy pattern and looks VERY complicated and impressive.

I kind of want to make another one… and I just heard of a baby boy on the way! But, I’ve also gotten a request for a hat + a Cleveland Browns scarf. I probably should go in order.

JUST BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE TELLING YOU

I’ve never eaten a strawberry (that I can remember). When I was little, I loved Strawberry Shortcake (the doll) and all of her friends, but I can’t ever remember eating the fruit.

Since I’ve been on JC, I’ve tried the freeze dried strawberries and I definitely like them. I think I might try the real deal some time soon. I know it’s weird, but I’ve been picky all my life…. working through this one new thing at a time!

I may wait until summer when the strawberries look so beautiful and delicious, but I think this is the summer I’m going to try it.

SUPPORT WOMEN IN NEED OF BRAS

When you lose weight, you lose weight everywhere. So, I know I can’t be the only one who had to change bra sizes during this process. What does that leave behind? Lots of delicates with no where to go.

My sister-in-law Beth found out that Soma Intimates is collecting new and gently used bras this month to be donated to the National Network to End Domestic Violence. What a great place to donate!!!

I boxed up mine that don’t fit and am mailing them to Soma (address on right), and you can also drop them off at any one of their retail locations nationwide now through February 26th!

If it doesn’t fit, you’re not going to wear it and/or shouldn’t be wearing it. Donate to a good cause. I love this one! Click here for more details on how to participate!

I HEART THE MOUNTAINS

I flew home from Boise tonight, and I got to see the most beautiful view of the mountains from the airplane. Keep in mind, I fly over these guys almost weekly. Interestingly, I never get sick of seeing them, or of taking pictures of them.

I probably have about 40 others that look just like this, but this is the first one I took on my iPhone from about 25K feet and before the flight attendant told me I was allowed to turn on my portable electronic equipment.

Sorry, United… I couldn’t resist.

FUN BEFORE AND AFTER SHOT

I get to wear suits to work sometimes… and sometimes when I’m trying to decide which look to go with I take a pic of them. Yes, I’m a nerd. BUT, in this case I am glad I did because I have a rare full body progress pic.

I see some differences. Do you???

Note: The pants in February are a size smaller and the jacket is TWO sizes smaller. I think the thighs are slimming…. and I like to think that it’s the elliptical making it happen.

What's in My Fridge?

Five Things Friday

25 Random Things About Me

A Few Days Away + Nat arrives in Colorado

It’s only been since Friday, but I feel like it’s been FOREVER!!! I’m still alive and kicking – - It’s just been a BUSY few days!

Shipped Xmas gifts – Check!

Finished the latest Nicholas Sparks book – Check!

Pre-holiday hair appointment – Check!

Finish an ongoing knitting project – Check!

Prepping for another visitor – CHECK!

Spotted these calla lilies at Whole Foods – - Couldn’t resist!

Another visitor you ask? One of my DEAREST friends made a trip to Colorado this week! Nat lives in New Jersey and has definitely become on of my besties. She and I connected as co-workers and have been in touch daily ever since! As you can imagine, I was SUPER-excited to hear she was Colorado-bound.

Now… this is the part where I post a cute pic of me and Nat… um, we didn’t take any! Not a single one! Having too much fun I guess, we didn’t get around to it. Darn it!

Nat and I back in March in Los Angeles: 40 lbs ago for me.

We’ll need to snap a new one of these at GOAL soon…. in NYC!

Here’s one of many things that’s awesome about Nat… Not only is she an amazing friend, she’s super-healthy role model and offers me GREAT motivation and support! Even from afar, she keeps me inspired and doesn’t mind chatting about weight loss and talking me off the ledge when I’m tempted to eat crap!

Nat also has tried to get me to the gym for a YEAR (from thousands of miles away!) Well, she and I went to the gym together bright and early this morning! While Nat killed it on the treadmill, I went to town on the bike and the elliptical…

What a change from a year ago… I love moments like this. Thanks, Natalie, for all you’ve done to support me on this journey! I know that I would not have been able to do this without you and it definitely would have been less fun. xoxo, Natz!

FMM: If Life Were a Movie...

A Letter from a Reader and an NSV

WOW: Treadmill Time