Friday

Once Up on a Time, in the Land of Bren, there was a girl who struggled to lose weight and keep it off…

Okay, that was lame. But what else do you expect? IIIII am lame!

In honour of Fat Free Friday (which still needs a new name…any suggestions?), let me give you a little recap on how my week has been.

Friday-Sunday I ate well and exercised well.
Monday and Tuesday I goofed up and ate my feelings.
Then Thursday and Friday, I ate AMAZINGLY and worked out enough to KICK MY BUTT (literally…I think I did kick my butt doing some of the moves!)

So, then, how does that leave me feeling? Pretty good…I wish that I had controlled myself better Monday and Tuesday, but I mostly I just want to move forward.

How does that leave me on the weight front? Well, I lost three pounds this week - that is the good news! The bad news is that I now weigh 185. I pretty much feel like I am going to be mad at myself until I hit at least the 160s...but I am trying to work on my attitude, I promise.

My goal weight is still 155lbs, and I'm really hoping that you will all stick with me as I continue on my journey.

Keeping at It

So I have had a great last three days in terms of following my health plan. Yes, I know, it's only THREE DAYS. However, that is reason to celebrate, as it seems like it only takes three days on track for me to feel like a new person. And I really feel like I am going to stay on track this time. I am already sleeping better and feeling WAY less bloated, among other things. Why do I let myself fall off the rails when I KNOW how much better I feel when I eat right and exercise?

I finally made it to a gym class on the weekend. I haven't been going to classes lately because they haven't fit in very well with my schedule. However, I was able to hit up Body Pump on Saturday morning. I think I did pretty well considering how long it has been since I've been there! I am, however, still feeling quite sore...although I must say, I don't hate the feeling...

Have a great week, everyone!

Two Favours and a Throwback

Hi guys!

First of all, don't worry...you won't hear any whining from me today!

But, I do have a couple of favours to ask, if you don't mind...

First of all, I am having some trouble with my blogger account, and I'm hoping someone can help me. For the past couple of months, I haven't been able to use the photo function. I used to have no problem whatsoever adding photos to my blog, but now the only way I can do it is through tinypic. When I click on the picture icon here on blogspot, I am able to go through most of the process (choose the photo, upload, etc.) except the process never quite completes, and the photos don't get added to my post. Does anyone have any clue what is going on? Anyone? Does this count as whining? Darn it...

Secondly, I am looking for guest posters! Especially someone who wants to write about either weight loss, crafting, or parenting. If you are interested, please email me at bren.babysteps@yahoo.ca (yes, .ca NOT .com!) I look forward to hearing from you!

And finally, here is my throwback picture...Disney World, almost two years ago. I have always loved this picture!

Another week has already begun. I can't believe it. Time feels like it's passing by so quickly lately. The days and weeks are just blending into one another, which may be part of the reason that I just feel like I'm stuck in a permanent rut. That and the fact that, well, it's almost autumn and I feel like we've barely had a summer up here . C'est la vie.

I actually had a bit of a mild panic attack earlier tonight when I was driving to the gym. I don't know what happened, but I was thinking about how it's already starting to get darker earlier at night, and how it's already starting to become cooler, and how before we know it, fall will be here...anyway my body had a strange reaction to those thoughts, and now I'm nervous about how I am going to handle the upcoming months considering the lack of a summer reprieve. I don't really feel completely okay.

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer AGAIN! I'll try to think of something fun or witty to post about next time!

RIP Robin Williams

Since hearing about Robin Williams tragic death yesterday, I have been trying to find the right words to describe how I feel. I'm still working on that.

You all know that I have been very candid with my own struggle with depression, and I don't hesitate to talk about when I think it will help others. I guess if we can find one good thing from this tragedy is that more people are talking now. I am glad that the media, and even social media, is focusing on what a harsh disease depression can be - and debunking some of the myths.

Here is an easy read that I thought might help others to understand: Click to read

RIP, Mr. Williams. The Genie is now free...

My Backside

Do you ever catch a glimpse of yourself in someone else's photo, and you find yourself completed horrified with what you see? And you try to convince yourself that it's just a terrible angle, that you don't REALLY look like that?

Yeah, it happens to me too. A lot more recently!

But, the other day I found what SHOULD have been one of those very types of photos - and this time it was of the worst part of my body: my rump-a-roo. So, I was surprised when I found myself not completely horrified with what I saw:



I mean, I don't think I look GREAT, and I have some work to do...but I wasn't embarrassed. And I guess that's what this journey is about: hard work, healthy habits, and gaining confidence. I'm sure in the past I would have picked apart any and every photo that I laid eyes on, but now I am trying to give myself a break. No one's body is perfect, so what should I shame mine? I would never do that to anyone else!

Another Sick Day

Here I am, home from work again, struggling to stay awake long enough to eat something.

My breakfast of choice was a glass of wine (to ease my sore throat) and a piece of banana cake (to easy my sore soul!). Not much running happened for me this week and I knew I was fighting something.

Here's hoping next week is better!

Lalaloopsy Bank Tutorial

I had a lot of fun making this bank as a present for one of my daughter's friends. There is just something satisfying about giving a unique gift that you made yourself. She and her mother both loved it, so my work was worth it! I totally stole the idea from my friend, Jenn, who made a Frozen-themed bank for my own daughter. All credit goes to her!

This is a fairly easy project, so I thought I'd write up a little tutorial for those of you who are interested in making one yourself. I promise, it's not too complicated!



Materials

- Glass block (I got mine at Michael's with a 40% off coupon, bringing the cost to around 10$. That's in Canadian dollars.)
- Picture that you want to use (I copy and pasted mine into Word, made it the appropriate size, then printed it at Staples because they print using a laser printer...this way the ink won't smudge when completing the project)
- Optional: second picture for the back of the bank. I did not do this.
- Stickers (to use as a border around the picture)
- Ribbon
- Modge Podge and foam brush
- Scissors



To start, look at the "plug" for your glass block. Does it have a coin-sized slit in it? Great! If not, you are going to have to make one. I found that a plain old pair of scissors worked, but heavy duty ones would be even better.

Next, spread a thin (but not too thin) layer of modge podge over the area where you want the picture. The place the picture overtop. Use something like a credit card to smooth it down and get rid of any air bubbles that may be trapped inside. Wipe away any excess podge that leaks onto the glass.

Next, cover the picture with a thin layer of modge podge, and let dry for 30 minutes. Then do a second layer. This should be enough, but if not, wait another 30 minutes and put on an extra coat.

After that is dry, place your stickers around the perimeter of the picture. Make sure to press hard!

Next, tie your ribbon around, whichever way you like. Make sure to make it tight so that it doesn't slip!

Lastly, add a few coins to the bank. It's bag luck to give an empty one as a gift!

Voila! You are done! Easy enough?

One hint: I highly recommend printing 2 or 3 copies of the picture you are using, just in case you muck it up on the first attempt. I know I did!