New Series: {Weight Loss Monday}

I am in the final stages of pregnancy weight loss. I have 10 pounds left to hit my goal out of the whopping 78 pounds I had to lose after having my second daughter {Carli}. I am proud of how much weight I have lost but these last 20 pounds have been killing me and now that I have just 10 pounds left I am seriously fighting every pound tooth and nail. Since I finally hit the 10 pound mark I decided to start a {Weight Loss Monday Link Up}. Starting next week I will encourage all of you (who actually read my blog lol) to link up your weight loss over the week or any weight loss you are proud of. 

I will post my stats every Monday and provide before and after pictures. I will post my actual weight (embarrassing as this is). 

I am doing this in order to motivate myself and others who are struggling with some final weight loss. I hope to provide my strategies for attacking this weight and conquering my body desired shape. 

~My Weight Loss Story~

After giving birth to my second daughter Carli (September 6th, 2011), I was carrying 78 pounds of extra weight some from this pregnancy and some from my first daughters pregnancy. Having two children in 18 months definitely took a toll on my body. I will definitely admit that I did not work out much near the end of each pregnancy and I ate whatever I felt like it. I know this is not healthy and I plan on taking care of my body the next time my husband knocks me up. However, the next day after Carli was born, I desperately desired to loose all the weight as soon as possible. I immediately had no desire for unhealthy pregnancy craving type foods and my body wanted to jump from that hospital bed and do sprints till I passed out. Now, even though I wanted this I knew that I needed to treat my body with care after what I just did. Giving birth to a human as all moms know causes major stress to the body. After my first daughters labor I had terrible back problems and it took 9 months for me to not be in constant pain, so this round I decided to take it easy and not work out for 5 weeks. Instead I just watched everything I consumed and ate as healthy as I could. 

Once I hit that 5 week mark, I hit the pavement and started walking and slightly jogging. Every week I increased the amount of time I would run non stop and over the past 7 months of my little Carli's life I have added a mile a month. I can run 7 miles non stop at this time in my life! This fact I am proud of. I try to get outside and run 3-4 times a week, though if the weather is bad or I just can't get out, I work out on my trusty elliptical machine and watch a movie to pass the time by. 

My health and what I put into my body has been a battle on and off over these 7 months. In that I mostly eat healthy and sometimes I will have a week or two where I find that I eat what I want. I have been desperately trying to get this mind set under control. I know that "What I eat can either be the most powerful form of medicine, or the slowest form of poison", and I want every decision and every meal to be a wise decision. 

Over the past month I have struggled with get past 160 pounds and I am sick of it. Sick to death of not getting over this stupid plateau. I know what I need to do, and now I just need to do it. "Just do it" I say to myself daily. 

My goal each week is to work out 5-6 days a week, Make every meal a wise decision and eat 9am, 12noon, snack at 3pm and dinner at 4:30pm. 

In order for you to see me from where I was to where I am now, you will have to know my original stats and compare against my current stats which include before and after pictures. Oh god, I am about to be so so embarrassed. 

Original Weight Loss Stats

Weight: 228 pounds

As of September 16th, 2011

Current Weight Loss Stats

Weight: 160 pounds

As of today 4/30/2012

Weight left to lose:

10 pounds. 

Here is my before picture:

Here is my current pictures as of today:

{Guest Post: Festival Fever}

Yes, it's that time again when we can picnic, spend time outside, go camping, enjoy music festivals, carnivals and outdoor sports. It's time to glam up the outside living space and prepare for barbecues and lots of fun. Link up any projects that make the outdoors fun; these could be games, summer fashions, foods, whatever goes!

I am really pleased to have some awesome co-hosts this week.  Joining me are:
Brooke @ Covered in Grace (TWITTER/BLOG)
Mandi @ Debonair Bandit (TWITTER/BLOG)
Some rules:

1. Please follow your host and the guest co-hosts for the week.

(If you want to co-host let me know: 12craftsofcrimbo[@]gmail[dot]com)

2. Display the button somewhere on your blog!

<a border="0" href=" http://craftbotics.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src=” http://craftbotics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhVk4R_-9q8Xa88yzo7GVnIv5gIAfrUOrDRSLLD16_tG7Y0ECoq7Vv9uoiy1uLbZkbK7BakF5J4YZlzwf424KIl87ifYEPM2vOana3z1KmglGAu5RgvE9f8JbovuTZVsqPg_5_pk2ahs/s512/party%252520badge%2525201.png "/></a>

3. I'd appreciate a Tweet Out or mention on your blog encouraging people to join in. The more the merrier!

4. Please only link up your projects: no pinterest items, shops or your own parties please.  If you want me to feature your shop or party - just drop me an email and I am sure we can sort something out.

So, let's get the Festival Fever season started.  I am really excited to see what you will be making!

{All things Ombre}

I have become obsessed with Ombre anything and decided to share some things I found lovely among some must make crafts and decor for the house. I hope you enjoy some if the inspiration I see in Ombre! 

I have been a bit tempted to dye my hair this color

These would be great for toy storage

Beautiful bed idea for one of my kids bunk beds?

Pretty Cards to Print for FREE {HERE}

Inspire me OMBRE

Curtain Love

Must try these nails

Fun shorts DIY

Cool Tshirt Idea

{The No title title}

Lately I have been feeling guilty that the most we go out and do with the kids is head to the park. They are still small but I feel guilt that we aren't exposing them to more. I yearn for them to experience the zoo, fairytale town, the lake and swimming. I want them to learn more of the miraculous things this world has to offer.

This weekend I kind of jumped on my husband to go with us to get out of the house and do ANYTHING new. I begged to go to the lake {but all we could picture was Chloe drinking the dirty water} and we were going to head out to fairy tale town {but all we could picture was Carli sweating from the 90+ degree heat}. Normally I am not one for excuses. I don't believe in them, but when it comes to my kids I sure do. Instead we opted stay I doors and work on our house while trying to keep cool.

In order to keep me happy my husband did take us out to Barnes and Nobles to pick out a book for each of us. Air conditioned shopping, what a great idea!

My husband reminded me that sometimes I feel something and run with it so long not remembering that not everything emotion is feasible for that moment in time. This is true in many aspects. If I feel unhealthy I want to go out and get all kinds of super healthy food and not a bit of bad food and after a while if deprivation I want that bad food so so bad, that I eat bad all day.

I tend to think all or nothing. This is a bad trait I carry and I'd like to work on it. We may not have been able to go out to the Zoo, or Fairytale town or the lake but we did get to go out and experience with the kids a book store wonderland! My Chloe girl loves book and as we walked through those door her eyes widened and she chuckled with giddy. Amazed that books come in all shapes and sizes and colors.

This weekend I was humbled. Humbled that not everything needs to be ran with. I was satisfied and happy to give to my kids what we as a family could do for them and with them. We may not be rich and things may not always work out but we can work with what we have before us and as parents that is the best we can do for our kids.

Motivation for your workouts

We all need to feel inspired to keep going. After a while of eating healthy and working out religiously we all kind of fall off the wagon because we forget what those last few pounds felt like on our skin or how eating bad food made you feel. I forget this after a few weeks of being good and well I'm starting to forget it now. I am forgetting that I want health. Long lean and toned legs that can sprint after my kiddo's. I want rocking ab's that aren't afraid to show off the stretchmarks I now have, when it's time to chill at the lake. I want non-bulky but strong arms and clothes. I want clothes that fit easier and most of all I want to not feel like I'm 40 when I'm only 25. I want this so bad. I want to feel healthy, and have a long life to watch my family grow.

Since I started forgetting why I want this so bad, I decided to provide some inspiration and motivation to get out their today and kill it! That is why this post is going to be short and simple, because I am going to be KILLING IT! 

You deserve an Award

We as bloggers from big-deal blogs to newbies are all in the same boat. Trying to use our voice {or our keypad} to lay out and document our lives and what we do in this world and why it matters. Well I am sure there is much more to say on why people blog. We all have our own reasons. I recently received an award from my blogger friend {Craftbotic}. It's called the versatile blogger award and here is what you do. 

Firstly then...some information!

The rules of the award:

• Thank the person who gave you the award.
• Include a link to their blog.
• Select 15 blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly.
• Nominate those 15 for the Versatile Blogger Award.
• Finally, share 7 things about yourself.
• In the same post include this set of rules.
• Inform each nominee with a comment on their blog.

I am still a newbie in the world of blogging but I love several bloggers and find it hard to chose JUST 15; However, here are my nominations. These ladies are my favorites that I real religiously ever post. I am choosing to not list them in ranking 1-15 because they are all wonderful! You should follow them or atleast check them out. 

• Rosie @Craftbotics
• Stephanie @Sandandstarfish
• Liz @blueeyedowlboutique
• Illy @ muchlove-illy
• Ashley @ 5ohwifey
• Brooke @ brookecoveredingrace
• Gussy @ gussysews
• Kashoan @ kraftykash
• Shey @ shealynnbenner
• Michelle @ vinatagewannabee
• Casey @ thewiegands
• Ginny @ chasingoursunshine
• Lisa @ mommasmetime
• Laura @ our-reflection
• Katie @ Partyoffour

Thank you all for checking out these wonderful women! All of them have beautiful souls, lovely shops or just gorgeous crafts. They are all kind and just wonderful people in general! I just plain Luv these ladies!

Feels kinda weird not Having a picture, so here is a funny picture when I was prego like 8 months ago faking labor and freaking facebook people out...

Goodbye {Easy}

I've been training for this 12 k for about a month now {even though I was out sick for a week} and tomorrow race day finally arrives. I'm a little nervous but also thrilled. My running partners have been my bestie Sara and my too short kiddo's. I thought I would share some pictures of us on our long runs taking a moment to teach her about nature and out doors things.

It's hard when your a stay at home momma to get outside when your a full time student and it's winter weather right now. If I don't have a big project I have to get done, it's raining. Lately I have been stopping everything I am doing and going outside if it's nice out, because I know that getting my kids outside is so beneficial to their intellect and growth. I'm getting fit and healthy for my kiddos and if I don't allow them the ability to get outside and do the same, what kind of mom am I?

Most of the time I automatically want to do whatever is easiest. I know that as parents, this is totally normal and understandable, but I am constantly having to remind myself that easiest is not always whats best for my hubby and kids.

As I am always trying to improve myself, I am going to work really hard this week to quit "Easy". It's not even allowed to be in my vocabulary. Instead, I vow to do the "best".

When I was first pregnant I wanted to buy the best and everything they would need even when it wasn't a necessity. I wanted to be the best mom, an always put my kids and hubby first. However, over the years and one kid turned into having two, and my plate of to-dos got huge, I kinda lost sight of doing my best and replaced it with this doing whats easiest concept. I'm sure that most of you are understanding of this especially if you have kids, but I have become unhappy with my effort. Unhappy that my husband has recognized this "easiest" thinking. I no longer want the easy road.

I want bright and intelligent kids that have had several books read to then a day. I want to be showered and dressed before my husband gets off work {instead of drowning in my pj's} most of the day. I want to get outside and run or head to the park every nice day even if I am super super busy. I want to make time to write more meaningful blog posts everyday not just a few times a week. I want to not just zone out on pinterest or twitter every second of free time I have, but work on craft projects I have saved on pinterest. I want so much more in this life which mean that laziness and easy roads need to leave my life.

Life is for living to the max and getting everything you can out of it. Who is to say that I'll have tomorrow to get "it" done. Who know if today will be my last.

Hello Friday the 13th

Today I am guest posting over at {The Struggling Cyster}! Its my first ever guest post. I was so honored to be able to take part of her lovely blog. I am so excited about guest posting and have several lined up. Stay tuned for more (wink).

Today is also Friday the 13th. The reason I am a believer in the weird mysteries of this day is because weird things happen every time. Today my kids slept in until 8:30am! This has NEVER happened. Its usually like clock work between 6:30-7am they rise. My daughter is not clumsy and I am but today I have missed falling over things, or getting bumps and bruises as I usually do, though my 2 year old has not stopped tripping or falling over . It's only lunch time, so I have half a day left to get through this odd  day.

If your having a rough or odd day, I thought I would share a few things that make me smile no matter what.

{Gotta Love her pout}

{A random conversation with my hubby}

{Yes I caught her picking her butt}

{This was my running partner the other day}

Funeral for my favorite...

Two of my favorite TV show are ending this year. One Tree Hill and Desperate Housewives. I have watched these shows since the beginning and have not missed an episode. I know these are just fake lives, stories on film but I cant help but feel like my best friends are breaking up with me. I feel sad, hurt and overwhelmingly disappointing that these relationships I've watched are about to be over. I know this might be silly but I feel the same way I do as when I finish reading a book series or a really long and good book.

Little funny fact about me: When I finish a good book and wish I would not end, I wear all black the day I finish it. It's like I mourn for the end of the characters I've grown to know and love and even hate.

Do you have any shows or books that you wish would never ever end?

{Hair Tutorial-Bee Hive Pouf}

I love doing my hair in some new hairstyle and try learning something new quite often. Last night I was asked my a friend {Absolute Mommy} how I did my hair for last nights class. Well, if the people want a tutorial, a tutorial is what the people get!

This is my first video tutorial, so don't mind the fact that I am a total goof on camera.

This is a picture of how I usually wear a bee hive updo.

So here it is. Have fun watching, learning and laughing at my first video tutorial.

Happy Birthday Husband and Easter fun!

Today is my husbands Birthday! He turns 29 today, so I told him next year he gets a cane (Bah-ha-ha). It is customary for one to celebrate their birth once a year. As children we count down the days and include 1/2 birthdays to our calendar in anticipation for this one day we get. Just one single day does not seem like enough in my husbands case. He is deserving of so much more. That is why this year my husband is getting a whole week of Birthday from me and his girls! Yes, I said it. Each day he will receive a gift. Each day he will be pampered and given all choices on TV shows, back massages, and dinner choices. I will give him all I have, and if I had more, he'd get that too. Today is the mark of his week. Today he got a beautiful small green garden for his office (no picture, he already took it with him) and tonight his parents are bringing him pizza and a little party (I'll be in school, but I'm sure he'll enjoy it) The rest of this week I will post the presents I will shower him with and the extra love I offer. Happy Birthday my love(r), I hope you feel as special as you are this week!



On another note.

Easter was fun this year because my oldest actually was able to partake in the Easter egg hunt! We ate way too much candy and good food, laughed and chatted around bottles of wine while the men watched golf. We sang an early Happy Birthday to my hubby with a cake yesterday, and ate it too.








Me and Chloe

Inspiration can come from anywhere

Inspiration can come from anywhere. A word, a place, a picture, a moment, a day even a season. As artists and bloggers we seek out this inspiration, we seek out creative outlets. We all have different reasons why we create, why art soothes our souls. My reason is to feel like I am contributing one of a kind beauty that my mind came up with.

When creating something it comes from somewhere deep. It's something we are feeling. A happy little home pillow or a dark and passionate painting. It is a part of us, this piece, this creation. These feelings come from what makes up our lives and what choices we make. 

I have been sick the past few days and unable to create because I don't want to spread germs to those who will (hopefully) purchase those creations. Because I have been sick I decided to inspire myself, and design and dream up. This is all I have right now and I am becoming to inspired, and filled with the desire to GET BETTER so I can get back to creating. 

Many things do inspire me. A word, a thought, a picture, doodling, and of course Pinterest (though I do not copy, I alter or change it up completely unless its a hair style or makeup tutorial). 

This week I found some things that inspired me. 

Words.

Pictures.

Crafts.

Homes and decor.