Weekly Wrap: January 18-24

This has been a great week for me.  I learned something very important that I hope will stick with me forever.  Sometimes the fear of doing something and failing is worse than actually doing it.  I have wanted to sell my handmade stuff for a long time, but was so afraid of failure, or the criticism of others that I held back.  Since I decided to make 2015 a year when I do things that scare me, the first thing I did was to open my Etsy shop "Little Blue Machine" this week.  Not only have my family and friends been very supportive, I made my first sale!  It's an incredible feeling to actually be paid for doing something that I love.  I wish I had done this a long time ago.  I may never replace my previous income by sewing and selling, but if I can make enough to fund my fabric addiction, I'll be happy!

I'm also about to complete my second week of the Beachbody 21-Day Fix, and so far I am thrilled with the results!  I lost 3 pounds in my first week, and I can see definite changes in my eating habits and my body.  I can push through more exercises now in ways that I couldn't do the first week.  I still don't like to exercise, but I tell myself every day that I can spend thirty minutes to improve my health and my self-image.  I love the variety of the exercises included with this program.  I have seven different workouts, so I do each one once a week.  They don't get boring or repetitive that way.  Week three has an option to do two workouts a day for maximum results, and I'm actually considering it.  You wouldn't have heard me say that last week!  I started cutting back and watching calories even before I started the Fix, and I am so happy to say that I've lost 6.5 pounds altogether, and that I now weigh less than I did when I got pregnant, and about the same as when I got married!  I haven't felt this good about myself in a long time.  Even when I veer a little bit off of my Fix plan, I'm making healthier choices overall.  Not only are the pounds and inches coming off, but my digestive health is better than I can remember it being for years!  No tummy aches when I stick to this plan!  Shakeology is amazing!  I drink it every day, usually for breakfast, and add some fruit and peanut butter.  It really makes me feel like I'm cheating because it's so good!

This week has been awesome, and I'm ready to take on the next one.  I know it's going to be a little more difficult because Billy is working on a new schedule, which throws my schedule off.  I'm always inclined to overeat when I'm off my schedule, but I'm really going to fight the impulse this week.  I'm also determined to drink more water.  Even though I drink very little else now, I'm still not drinking enough.  I've never really liked the taste, although I have found that adding some lemon juice or frozen strawberries really perks it up!  I'm also hoping to list a few more items in my shop this week, too.  Some Easter goodies are coming soon as well!

I've made so many positive changes this year, and it's only January.  I'm determined not to lose momentum, but to stay healthy and happy and productive for the whole year!  How was your week this week?  Do you have goals for next week?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Lyndsie

Weekly Wrap

Well, the first week of 2015 has come to an end.  It's been a pretty good week all told, but with a few setbacks.  My goal was to open Little Blue Machine on January 15, but alas, I don't think that's going to happen now.  I was already a little behind in my projects, but on Tuesday I broke the bobbin case in my Brother sewing machine and was forced to order a new one...all the way from Oregon!  Needless to say, that probably won't be here any time soon, so I'll have to push the opening back a little.  Although I am able to use my old machine for now, it's really basic and the going is very slow.  I am thankful to have it though and have to keep reminding my frustrated self that I sewed my first three quilts on this little blue machine (get it?) and I can sew a few little table toppers with it now.  I'm really blessed to have it.  Maybe I should devote a whole post to it?

My goal of eating healthier has gone really well this week.  I'm still waiting for my Beachbody tools and equipment to arrive, so I've been mostly counting calories this week, while focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables.  I've cut out most sugar, and I actually don't miss it much, although I do let myself have a little treat every once in a while.  I'm using the My Fitness Pal app along with my UP by Jawbone band to keep track of steps and sleep as well as things like fiber and carbs.  I have cut back on bad foods, but I really don't feel like I've cut back on eating and I absolutely don't feel hungry.  I've been eating smaller meals, and healthy snacks through the day, and I actually feel pretty good!  I still can't wait to get my Shakeology though!

As for my other goals, I've only read one book so far which really puts me behind, but a few hours of sewing with my Audible app will help me catch up.  I'm actually listening to A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens with a signature performance by Tim Curry.  I know it's a little out of season, but I'm enjoying it a lot.  I've never read the original and I have to tell you that if you haven't either, you really should.  It's so much better than any movie version.  (My favorite is the Disney animated version, though.  Shhhh! Don't tell!)  I'm also really working on cleaning out junk and organizing.  I'm following along with a plan by Becky at cleanmama.net.  Her plan is awesome and you can find it on her Instagram page.  Some of the projects don't take very long, because I did them when I changed out my wardrobe in the fall, but others are making a big difference for me. 

So, how was your first week of 2015?  Are you resolutions/goals going like you hoped?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Lyndsie