Katy Slimdown Challenge - day one

I received our "Day One Email" from Jason Hodge, with Medical Fitness Pros - he is the Slimdown Challenge Ring Leader. Our challenge for today is to write down our goals. Why are we doing this? What do we want to receive from this experience? Hmmm.. There are just SOOO many reasons. Let me see if I can put this into words.

The simple version - I would like to lose 30 pounds. Since Madi was born, I have had a difficult time - health issues, emotional issues, and now weight issues. I am carrying enough excess weight to create a small child. Yuck, when you think about it.

I've never had a weight issues... Many of you know that I was less than 100 pounds, most of my younger life. I believe I hit 105, just before my pregnancy with Cy (12 years ago), oh - I was in my late 20's at that point. I think most of us want to turn back the clock and look young again. ME ME ME.. Now reality is - 105 pounds is just not healthy for me, a dream, yes - reality - nope.

My goal is to return to a size 2-4 and return tone to this short body. I would say that I would love to be 110 pounds... but - as most of us know - muscle weighs more, so - I'm not putting too much into the end weight number. I have this beautiful wardrobe with size 2/4 clothes and I'd like to wear them again.

So - at my weigh in on Monday - my "stats" are:
Height: 5 ft 1in
Weight: 140
Chest: 35
Waist: 34
Hips: 41 (YUCK)
I didn't write down my leg and arm measurements....

Time for a new look ~ or am I just crazy??

Well... Turning 38 this year has been a bit difficult to handle. Who knows why.. but - inching my way towards 40 - ACK!.. Plus... There's this little issue of these extra 30 pounds that I have been dragging around, since our daughter was born. Yes I KNOW that was over 2 years ago. And now my extra poundage weighs as much as my 2-year old. Something MUST be done!! Ok, so some of you have known me for years.... Ahh, remember - the days when I could fit my rear into a size 2. Gee - that was only 12 years ago. After Cy was born, I was back down to a size 4.. and I would LOVE to be there again.

So, here's the deal...I received the weekly newsletter from Freckletown, in Katy, TX - and there was an article about the "Katy Slimdown Challenge" and decided to take a leap and seek a bit of "official" guidance and peel off this excess weight. Plus, the winning price is a cruise - so, what do I have to lose - right??

So, wish me luck and ugh!!!

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere!!

Flower Loops Hair Bows have arrived at April Michelle Designs. Be sure to check back often because they are just starting to bloom and we are expecting many different designs to blossom. I personally love wearing the smaller flowers ~ they are just precious!

Summertime Fever!!

So... it seems I am having a bit of SummerTime Fever!!! With the crazy schedule of the last two weeks and looking at our end of school events for the next 8 days, turning 38 a couple of weeks ago and watching my 5th grader - graduate and start the journey into Jr. High School....I Am Ready For Summer!!! of course, summers are just TOO HOT in Houston, but the pools are near and the air conditioning has been charged.

Here we are... Summer fun... Watermelon and Lemonade... Swimming pools and summer camps and living through the youth of my children, now I have hit a creative stride - so enjoy the watermelon, ruffles and ladybugs.. More is soon to come!!

Funny Stages of Life

So, I'm sitting here, watching "Farrah's Story" (about Farrah Fawcett) and thinking about life, past, present and future. Growing up, I watched Charlie's Angels and saw some of Farrah's movies. I remember thinking - who pays attention to her, she's ditzy and the typical blonde responses. Now, I must say that my view has changed and I respect her as a woman. So many women only want to make themselves feel better by pushing other women down. And it makes me wonder, when their time is near, how will they reflect on their life? A small (very small) part of me is sad for those women, they have no idea what is precious in life and how to live life on the positive.

Of course, while watching this show, I reflect on my own life. The ups and downs, changes for the better and lessons learned. On Tuesday, I will turn 38... and I still have so many things to do and such much life to live. I'm extremely thankful for every day, live in the moment, but plan for the future!! Kiss my children and hubby daily - Laugh as though it was the cure and just keep going on. Earlier in the week, I heard Donald Trump make a statement - that I now have taken and put on my list of "Life Mottos"... If you are headed in a direction that is not working... don't give up - keep pressing on.. the plan may need to change, but do not let anything stop your dream. And I love that idea. But I also sit here and think about all that I have had to deal with this week with fellow women, and it saddens me a bit.

I am always amazed that as women, how can we be so cruel to each other. More cut throat than any two business men. We must cut each other personally, professionally and emotionally. It's just horrible. Part of the joys of being a lady is you are able to learn and grow from others, admit when you made a mistake and learn, be kind to others while always looking out for your family. Maybe that's the difference between a lady and a woman. I don't know, some women "just don't get it". Nothing is their fault, the blame of their failure is always pushed onto others and they are always right. Wow - wouldn't that be the perfect person??? But we're not all perfect, are we. Anyway, sorry to run off on that tangent. This has been a wild week.

But on the funny side... While watching the story about Farrah Fawcett's battle with cancer, they showed a few moments after she had shaved her head. Wow, all that famous hair, gone - except her bangs. The one thing that defined her for so many years - gone.... But yet, she remains the same. To me, a little ditzy in her mannerisms, but so sure of what she wants and loves. Then, I remembered that I have a hair appointment tomorrow...and I just laughed!!! How many different hair cuts and colors have I had over the last 23 years. yes, I say 23, because tomorrow, I am cutting my hair and will see more of my natural hair color. A color that I have not scene since I was 15 years old. So over the years, the blonde highlights have changed tones, color ranging from platium to now red, hair from super short, down the back long and shoulder length.... Tomorrow - it will all return to the "naturale" look. Or as one of my groupie friends say... "Virgin Hair". That just made my night.

So, every night - reflect upon your day. Ask yourself... Did you help fellow lady today? Did you kiss and love your hubby and children? Did you live today as if it was the best day of your life? Did you take a moment out to enjoy just being you? If not... then maybe you need to take a moment and think... what if this was the end for you.. do you have regrets? do you need to make amends? what can you do to make yourself a little happier tomorrow?

Ok.. I'm off my soapbox for the moment. What can I say - this has been an insane week and only to close with an amazing story, about a 70's icon losing her signature image. Best of luck Farrah - my prayers are with you!!!

New Pony Cuff's

It's amazing what happens when I can find a few hours to sit down and create new goodies!!! So.. I'm thrilled to introduce Pony Cuffs!!! I wish my hair is long enough to use these.. but - it's too short now. Oh well. ha! More for my customers!! Happy Mother's Day everyone!!

The little things that make you laugh

How many times in one day can one laugh?? Not enough, if you ask me!! Most of us, pass the day - working - handling the kiddos - dealing with life.. and often, we forget to laugh. Well, for me - today was one of those days, until just a few moments ago! I received an email from a fellow craftier and this cute image was attached. So.. This is my laughter for the day!! Enjoy!!