Progress

Today marks the end of another month and we are officially entering into the third month of 2014. Guys, where does the time go?

I've found myself anxiously awaiting this day simply because I get to write down my month's progress in my fitness journal and then sit back and relish in the thought that hard work pays off.
I know that there are some of you out there that can understand my journey, that know that feeling when you look in the mirror and see change. You also understand when you can't see the change, when the numbers aren't there, when you just don't feel like it anymore, and when it takes a double dose of strength and courage just to get up off the couch and move.
I've been here before and I'm trying to tell myself that this time is different. I'm trying to convince myself that I won't give up this time. Convincing the mind may just be the hardest part.
I don't know why it's so hard because it feels so good to move, to feel my body changing, to use a work-out I did a month ago as a warm-up. It just takes so much determination and discipline and some days I can't seem to find either any where.
However, the progress is there, and that is something that I cannot deny. And it feels good to say, "look at how much I've changed, how much I have grown, how far I have come", even two months in.

Pray for me as I continue my journey, I have so far yet to go and there is so much I want to yet do. I can do this. I will do this.

DIY Personalized Phone Charger

If there's the chance that I can update something and make it my own, especially simply, I am bound and determined to do it. I am not a huge fan of the ordinary, in case you haven't noticed. It took me a little while, but I finally jumped onto the washi tape bandwagon. At first I thought, seriously, it's just tape, I don't get it. But soon I realized that there was a mound of endless possibilities as far as what these little rolls of tape could do.

I wanted my first project to be simple and fun and completely unique, so I decided to tackle personalizing my phone charger first. I love how it turned out and it seriously takes an entire FIVE minutes to do!
[Step One] Buy some washi tape.

I found this little gem at my local grocery store for $1.00. I think I can afford this DIY! I loved it because it was something neutral but fun so it would go with just about any decor in any room of my house and yet also stand out from just a plain charger.

[Step Two] Grab your phone charger & go to town!

You can add one strip around the middle, around the top (like I did) or cover the entire thing! You can mix it up and add two different colors, or cut the tape so that it's tinier strips and add a bunch of different colors. This project is limited as far as your imagination can go - so have fun with it and make it your own!

[Step Three] Admire the finished product!

I love how the simple design of mine doesn't scream 'look at me!' but still gives my charger a little unique pop of personality. When my husband saw it he immediately said: Now when are you gonna do mine?!

Let's Get Together

Given the chance, there are a lot of different people that I would love to meet. Between historic figures, celebrities, that one family member that you never really had the chance, and friends from outlets that don't let you see them face-to-face, the possibilities for sitting down together and just chatting are endless. When asked to choose just one, I get a bit anxious trying to make up my mind!
I decided to make it a bit easier for myself and cut out the first few possibilities: historic figures, celebrities, and those long lost family members. Instead, I thought I would think of the people I have met and gotten to know through different outlets in which we have never had the chance to meet face to face and immediately one person came to mind: this girl.

Meet Gillian Claire of Comes in Colours. I initially met Gillian on Flickr and immediately fell in in love with her photography. It was light and airy and oh so beautiful - everything I loved. She still takes the most beautiful photographs, especially of her two little boys, and I love keeping in touch with her through her blog.

Not so long ago, she lived not so far away from me and I dreamed of us getting together and immediately having that bestie bond because guys, she's really that amazing. But...her and the hubs packed up and moved out west and now I get to be envious of all of her beautiful mountain photos instead. I love that Gillian shares a lot of the same values as I do - she co-sleeps and breastfeeds and believes that boys are meant to be outdoors exploring.  I just think we'd have so much to talk about, so many life experiences to share, and the best time watching our boys play.

If you guys haven't met Gillian or seen her blog, hop on over and check it out. I have a feeling you'll want to sit and chat with her just as much as I do!

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Now go link up with The Girl Between the Lines! The prompt this week was: 

If you could have lunch with any blogger, celebrity, or public figure, who would it be and why?

A Day in My Life [February]

This February was so cold, activities were limited, and we spent most days like this:

with dogs...

without pants...

with toys...

with dirty shoes...

with occasional treats...

with movies...

with excitement to be outdoors...

with snow shovels...

and way too much snow...

with learning...

with long naps...

with body changes...

with little hands on everything...

and with crafts (especially those with hearts).

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Now go check out Andrea's post and follow the circle around to see how our entire group of ladies captured A Day in My Life.

Rain

It's raining here today and I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I love the rain.
Even when I have very little to say, it soothes my soul in a way that makes me want to write, to bear my soul, and to expose some of my deepest thoughts and secrets.
I've found that different seasons in life bring different purposes and I feel as if the same rings true for the weather. On days when the rain falls and I can hear it against the windows and roof, there is always a calming presence and longing present. Likewise, when the warm sunshine is bright and it falls on my skin, I am pulled to pause and soak it in and then move. I miss the sunshine after this long, hard winter, and I have also missed the rain.
Living with purpose this year, or striving to, has guided me to make a lot of changes in my life. They've come in all shapes and sizes: some small, some large, and all with a lasting impact. 2014 has barely began and I already feel as if it has changed my life for the better, and I am so impatient, and excited, and yet longing for it to last awhile longer, to see what else it has in store.
Today I am listening to the rain, soaking in that feeling of longing and need, and dreaming of what the future holds.

Pinterest Favorites

When I saw the prompt for this week was going to be about Pinterest, I was super-duper-uber excited because I am a self-proclaimed Pinterest queen. I am addicted (still, even after the newness has wore off) and I use Pinterest for every-day life at least daily if not a ton more. Pinterest is my recipe book, organizer, inspiration, and therapy. I can't imagine having to give it up at this point.
So what am I loving-on in Pinterest this week? Well...

This outfit. I considered coral skinnies last year and settled on a white pair instead because I just couldn't justify buying something that didn't go with more. But I love this outfit - everything about it, and especially the lace top. I think I'll put it on the 'must-have' list for this summer.

This nautical bedroom. As soon as our master bath is finished (which should be in the next month or so) I am going to start working on our bedroom. Up to this point it has been completely neglected so that the rest of our fixer-upper could be the focus. I already have quite a few things that would fit the theme and the navy is something I've been wanting to incorporate somewhere anyway. Besides, anything with the world 'rustic' in it is made for me!

These baked apple chips. My grandmother (gotta love her) sends an entire bag of apples home with Henry almost weekly. I don't really like apples. I mean...they're okay, but I'm not a huge fan, and the kid can only eat so many. Apple chips however? Yes please! I made these yesterday and they are DELICIOUS!

This quote. 'nough said.

This vanity. We are in the process of figuring out the vanity in our bathroom. I want something completely unique and this is my inspiration. We're meeting with a man tonight about having one built out of reclaimed barn wood and I cannot wait to see what he comes up with!
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What 5 pins are you loving-on in Pinterest this week? Go link up with The Girl Between the Lines and tell us!
 

5.75 Inches

Excuse me while I rant and celebrate both in the same post.
 I stepped on the scale this morning and weighed two pounds more than what I did a week ago, or even two days ago when we returned from our little trip.
It annoys me.
But I decided not to be discouraged and did 30 minutes of Zumba and some strength training, took a shower, got dressed, dolled myself up a bit, and took time to notice that these pants are almost too big now.
And I ignored the scale, because it taunts me at times.
Then I grabbed my fitness journal (yeah, I have one of those) and decided that although I promised myself I would only take measurements once a month, I was going to record my progress half-way through the month. Because...ya know, a girl sometimes needs some encouragement when the scale refuses to cooperate.
And I did. 
And I wasn't 'surprised' because I may have taken measurements just a few days ago (for the first time this month, I'm not obsessive, promise), but it felt good to put them onto paper and know that it makes them permanent and that I've really come this far already.
I've lost 5.75 inches.
Just this month alone. Like two weeks. Like...18 days to be exact. 
That's so amazing to me.
And I really needed that boost, that confidence in knowing that I'm doing something right because although the scale isn't changing, my body is.
I know this will not be a short journey. It will take a lot of time, and work, and dedication, and ups and downs to see the finish line.
But I'm okay with that.
I'm willing to put this work in. I'm willing to make hard choices (like offending my mother-in-law and bringing my own dinner to dinner Sunday night) and I'm willing to tell myself daily that this could take years because it will be worth it.
It will be worth it.