No Pain, No Gain Circuit Workout

Two days until Christmas...and I am stressing.  Anyone else?  I have too many presents to wrap and assemble, menus to plan, grocery shopping to do, cleaning, house guests, and on and on.  I love the quote from Christmas Vacation "I don't know what to say, except it's Christmas and we're all in misery."  Sometimes it feels as though I pile on so much and set my expectations so high that I sort of forget to step back and enjoy everything that I have worked so hard on.

Working out is a huge stress reliever for me.  It is a fundamental part of my life.  I almost always find a way to fit in some form of exercise.  And at this time of year, I find that my workouts are even more important and more beneficial to my (mental) health.

This morning, I did a tough workout.  I really needed to push myself a little.  1000 rep workouts are amazing and so very effective.  I put together a circuit workout that combines cardio and strength.  I did 5 rounds which is a little over 1000 reps.  I was sweating, for sure.  There is only one exercise that requires weights, the plank rows.  I used a 10 pound dumbbell.  However, if you don't have weights, you could switch out the exercise for bird dogs done in full plank or simply hold a plank position for 1 minute.

I felt ten times better after I completed this workout today.  Even though I may be in the same room with the little bean, I am focusing on myself and my workout which is much like alone time.  And I am blessed. because she generally does not bother me during a workout.  She even works out with me some times.  She has actually become quite good at mountain climbers.  It's cute.

Enjoy your holidays.  Relax.  Decompress.  Enjoy.

Merry Christmas!

No Sew Table Runner

I have been known to change my holiday decor year after year.  This year, I suppose, is no exception.  However, this year I have been extremely short on time.  So, for my dining table, I came up with a super simple, super cheap, and super chic (I think) table runner.

It is just a combo of burlap and faux satin fabrics.  To make this runner, you will need:

• approx. 2 yards of burlap
• approx. 2 yards of satin like fabric (or preferred complimentary fabric)
• scissors

Seriously, that is it.  So, first lets start with the burlap.  When you have it cut at your fabric store...pay attention to HOW they cut it.  You will notice that they will make a little snip right at the edge at the desired measurement.  Then, they will take the thread that is there (going in the direction of the cut) and pull it out.  It may break, but just keep at it until you get the whole length out.  Once this thread is out, you will have a nice guide to make a perfectly straight cut.

I went with two yards of each fabric since that is 72" in length.  My table is 60" x 60" so that gives me a nice little hangover on each end.  Basically, add 12" to the length of your table to get the look that I have here.

Since my table is so wide, I went really wide with the burlap as well, 25".  Using the cutting instructions above, cut your burlap to your desired width.  Once you have made the cut, pull a couple of the threads out on the edge you just cut to give it a little bit of fray.  Lay on the table.

Next, you need to decide how wide to do your satin fabric.  I did mine at 15" so I would be able to see a decent amount of the burlap.  Make a snip at the edge where the selvage is.  Now tear down your entire length.  Yes, tear.  Then measure out your width, make another snip and tear down the whole length again.  The satin will be a lot messier and you will have strings everywhere.  Just snip them off.  Now lay on top of the burlap. 

Your edges will look a little rustic, like this...

Then, I just found these hurricanes (actually left over from our wedding centerpieces nine years ago - I have a ton and finally found a use), put plain white candles in them, and then filled in the hurricanes with fresh cranberries (I have no ideas exactly how long these will last, but one bag cost me $3, so cheap enough to replace if necessary).

And that is it.  Seriously about the easiest thing ever.  And another great thing is that once the cranberries are gone, this is completely neutral so I can leave it on my table throughout the year if I choose.

I had some leftover burlap that I had no idea what to do with.  So, when we brought home our poinsettias with their ugly foil wrapping, it came to me.  I just cut out a length of burlap long enough to wrap around the pot and cut it (I didn't bother with the complicated method above, I just eyeballed it).  Then I wrapped the burlap around the pot, tied it with some ribbon I had leftover from the banner on my mantel (scroll down to see) and then folded over the top edge.  So much nicer looking that that ugly foil, don't you think?

A friend of mine made the banner for me using her Cricut...I just LOVE it!



Meal Plan 4/24-4/30 and Easter Recap

Wow...long time, no blog.  I have been a little busy with other obligations and a little (make that a lot) uninspired.  However, I am back and have new ideas brewing in my head...hopefully some will come out as expected.

We had a great Easter...the Easter bunny came and was very generous...little Bean got to hunt for eggs at home and at Grandpa/Grandma's house.  Lucky girl.  We had some amazing weather which is a first for us in the inland northwest...it has been a cold, wet, and windy spring here.  Here are a few photos of our day...

Non-stop running all day

Love, love, love this pic

These bracelets were her favorite Easter gift!

Check out these shoes!!!

Cousins climbing a tree

What else is this thing for?

Okay, thanks for pretending that you care about my Easter :)

Now, here's the meal plan for the week:

Meal #1: (was supposed to be Easter dinner, but we were still too full from Easter brunch to eat):  Sauteed Chicken with a Lemon Buerre Blanc with Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus
Meal #2:  Penne with Eggplant Marinara and Feta Cheese
Meal #3:  Egg Salad Sandwiches (to use up all of those dyed eggs) with Tossed Salad
Meal #4:  Asian Chicken Salad (again) with Sesame Ginger Dressing (gotta use up all that dressing)
Meal #5:  Butternut Squash and Black Bean Winter Chili with Cornbread

Have a great week everyone!

Snowy (or Rainy) Day Kid Project - Cookie Pops

Let me start by saying I take zero credit for any of these ideas.  I didn't even find this myself.  So, thank you to my friend Nicole who posted this link on Facebook which gave Little Bean and I a big project for the day.  And might I mention that we had a hideous blizzard two days ago which left is with 12 point something inches of snow...and now we have FRIGID temperatures...like -16 last night (yes, that is a minus sign!).  So, needless to say, we are  little stir crazy and this was the perfect project to fill a good part of the morning.

So, with out further ado...here it is..."play dough" cookie pops!

Aren't these so much fun?!  I don't know if I will ever make sugar cookies the regular way again!  Little Bean was REALLY into it too.  She had so much fun picking the colors (pink and purple, of course...and yellow) and of course playing with the dough.

Say "Cheese!"

This is the brainchild of Amanda's Cookin' (link here).  I can already think of a million different ways/occasions to make these.

Have I inspired you?  I hope so!

Christmas Cookies Quickie

For the first time in a long time, I actually busted out the royal icing to decorate my sugar cookies and my gingerbread.  It is so labor intensive and makes such a mess, but it is so worth it every once in a while.  Check out the results...

Okay, I'm done showing off...for now. :)

Merry Christmas to all!

"Little Bean" Bag and other Christmas Goodies

Remember the bag I made?  The Grandview Bag (link here)?  Well, Layla was so excited about it that I made her a miniature version for a last minute Christmas present.  I think she's gonna love it!

Mammy and Me matching bags

 I just had to make her one of those crayon rolls too.  There are tutorials everywhere for these, but I used the one here at Chocolate on My Cranium.  I did change the height to 7" instead of 5"...it just felt a little more substantial to me that way.

Loving this Michael Miller bird fabric!

I must be stopped!  I saw these felt cupcakes in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog and just had to try to make some.

Pottery Barn Kids version

Although admittedly not as cute, these literally cost pennies to make:



My version

 I used the tutorial here at Sew Hip Mama for the basic construction. 

And finally, something that is NOT for Little Bean (if you can believe it)...aprons!  I made a few of these and already sent them off, but here is the last one standing.  These are so cute and a cinch to make.  Here is the tutorial from Stop Staring and Start Sewing.  Here's hoping none of the recipients read this blog!

What gifts did you make for the holidays?

My Holiday Decor

I am painfully behind on creating tutorials/new projects.  I am too busy making everybody else's for Christmas gifts!

So, just so I feel like I am doing something, here are a few pics of my home decorated for the holidays.  Please try to ignore any mess you may see in the background.

The one on the right is striped, not pink

I have mentioned my mild obsession with throw pillows before.  I used a few from years past and only made eight new ones this year.  Here is a look at the other couch in the room:



That is Zeus, perhaps the best cat in existence.



Loving the fireplace!  My garland (see tutorial here) looks perfect with our stockings.  The only trouble - I have to put in the chocolate right before Little Bean opens it, otherwise it all melts from the fireplace.  Next year, I'll have to be more creative with the contents.

Oh, and yes, we have stockings for our cats.



 Yes, yes, my dining room wall desperately NEEDS something.  I know.  I just can't seem to figure it out.  I made the runner on the table simply because the table is huge and regular size runners look lost.  As long as you have a rotary cutter, this is the easiest project.  I just used bias tape on the edges to make it even easier.

I'm still thinking the tree is lacking something, but I am pretty happy with it.  I am loving the birds that I made from this tutorial. 

And with the pretty lights and the wintry background.

Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas!

Holiday Inspiration Links

Well, my posts have been few and far between lately since I don't have a functional camera.  My husband is being cruel and making me wait until my birthday to actually get it.  Oh well. 

I have been very busy in the Christmas department though.  I have been making many, many throw pillow covers, because yes, I am obsessed with them.  I have made ornaments for my tree and I have been making gifts galore.

Here are some of the tutorials/patterns that I have been working from to get you inspired.

First, if you haven't made a Circle Skirt yet, you MUST.  It is so easy and so flattering.  The only drawback...it does take quite a bit of fabric for an adult skirt.  The circle skirt tutorial is from MADE.  I have made gifts, two for Layla, and one for myself.

A friend of mine shared this pattern from Spool for a bird mobile a few months ago.  When I saw it, my husband said that those would make great Christmas ornaments...and boy was he right.  I enlarged the pattern so that the birds are about 10" long when finished.  I can't wait to show them to you.

And finally, this tutorial for a ruched throw pillow from Delia Creates is just terribly cute.  I had to make one.  It turned out great.  The best part, I made a white one, just like the onle featured and not only will it go with my Christmas decor, but everything else too!

Jeremy's staff is always a hard one for me... I never know what to do.  This year, I am already done.  I can't believe it.  I made them all those rice warmer bags (with lavender oil) - you know, the ones you pop in the microwave and put on sore muscles.  Super easy and pretty inexpensive.  I am also giving them jars of Homemade Taco Seasoning - I got the recipe from $5 Dinners.  I have tried it and it is awesome.  The best part - NO sodium!  I got these great little jars at Hobby Lobby for $1 each!  I will print up a little recipe card and attach it to the jar.  A great gift!

I will post pictures of these lovely crafts on or after December 2nd (my birthday - when I am allowed to have my camera).  I hope, in the meantime, that these tutorials will inspire your Christmas crafting.

Advent Calendar Garland Tutorial

I don't know if I am the only one...but I am going crazy waiting to decorate for the holidays.  I am the person who puts up the tree immediately after Thanksgiving dinner is over.  Call me crazy, but I love it.  So, I have already started crafting.  First up, this advent calendar garland.

 I got the idea after flipping through the Garnet Hill catalog and I came across this beauty:

The only downside to the Garnet Hill version would be the cost:  $58 plus shipping.  So, count me out.  The GH version are little knit packages with big wooden buttons with the numbers "burned" on.  Well, I can knit, but man, oh man, would that take a long time.  And I don't know how to solder (do I even know how to spell it - ha!).  So, here is my easy (although a little time consuming) version.

Here is what you will need:

• 7 sheets of felt (I used red, lime green, and forest green)
• various buttons
• thread
• festive rope (~9 feet long)
• felt numbers (more on this later)
• matching yarn
• large needle - I used a tapestry needle

Here is the shape that you will be cutting out.

You should be able to get four of these out of each sheet of felt.  Once you have cut out all twenty-five, yes, twenty-five, you get to move on to button holes.

I really hope you have a button-holer on your sewing machine.  If not, you might want to use snaps or something else.  If you have a button-holer, then get familiar with it.  Once you know how to use it, it's an absolute cinch.  I put my sewing machine right by my computer so I could read blogs while I "sewed."  The size hole you make will depend entirely on the size of buttons you find.  I just did all my holes to fit the largest buttons and it worked out great - that way I didn't have to plan ahead exactly how I was going to lay them out (and then somehow remember).  You'll want your button holes centered in the triangle flap piece.  Here is a closer up shot of the buttons I found.

It's hilarious, because normally I wouldn't be drawn to these styles at all, but somehow all together I really like them.

Anyhoo - the next step is to fold up your little pouches and sew them up.  Match the four corners together and sew all the way around the outside leaving about 1/8" edge.  Sew up and around the traingle "flap" too.  I used white thread to contrast, but do whatever you like.

Next, sew on your buttons.  I detest hand sewing, but even I can handle this.  Super easy.

Okay, we're ready for those felt numbers.  THIS was not easy.  Every single craft store (online and elsewhere) sells felt letters, but not felt numbers.  I almost went crazy.  There is ONE exception.  Michaels carries "Stick-it" brand felt letters and numbers (yes, you have to buy the letters too) for $4.99 IN STORES ONLY.  I got by with 3 packs and had to make about 4 numbers (I think) by myself.  If you have the coupons, it's not too expensive.  Plus, you have all the letters left over for something else.  Note to self:  Think of a craft to use up all those letters and post tutorial.  If you have a Cricut, consider making felt numbers for all of your friends.

Last step!  Thread some yarn through your large needle.  Create a loop in the corner of your package to hang on the rope.  Be sure to make the loop long enough that you will be able to pull the package through it in order to secure it to the rope.  Once all your loops are made, hook them on to the rope (in numerical order, of course).

Now that it's all ready to go - isn't it December 1st yet?  Layla keeps saying "Put candy in there."  Sorry, little bean, a few more weeks!

Side note:  As I was typing this up, I happened upon this post from Making The World Cuter teaching a burlap stocking version of an advent calendar.  OMG - super cute.  I wish I would have thought of burlap!  It's not too late for the rest of you!