"Get Off Your Broom" Fitness Challeng - So it begins

Today is the official start date for  "Get Off Your Broom" fitness challenge hosted at http://www.thedomesticpagan.com/2011/09/get-off-your-broom-lets-get-started-on.html?showComment=1317475448446#c4905391105096861407. Haven't signed up or even seen it yet, no worries. Just join in now. Those of us who are joining are all looking to get healthier, not just shed a few pounds. The challenge last through the holiday season, so checkout the The Domestic Pagan, read some of the other blogs listed, get out your pen and paper, set your goals, make a plan, and tell us about it so we can sent positive energy for success your way.

I posted my goals last week, and I purposely made them minimal because I know myself. I am in the habit of setting lofty goals and the first time I fall off the path, I throw in the towel. I started taking a zumba class two weeks ago and I love it, probably because I love to dance (ever since I was a child, and that was a looong time ago). I only participate once a week right now, but the ultimate goal is to be taking the class 3 times a week by the end of December. 

This week, my goal is to add a yoga class to my routine. Several years ago, I had an AM yoga practice that got and kept me going, so I know I just have to do it. Telling you all will help me with accountability. Ask me about it; push me to keep my commitment.

My eating goal is to refine my eating habits, back to what I was doing in January. Eating whole, clean foods. Nothing (or at least very little) refined or processed. Lots of fresh veggies, fruits, and some meat and poultry in sensible portions. I know this works because I lost 25 lbs between January 2011 and June 2011. Yes, I let stress pull me off this program, then I went on vacation for 2 weeks, but the positive side of that is that I did not gain any weight. I just didn't loose any.

Pictures may or may not follow, as I hate pictures of myself. I have taken my measurements, and those are for my eyes only, but I will tell you that they quality for jumbo goddess size, and you all have just read about my plan. We can do this! "Get Off Your Broom" and get started! 

Fall has Arrived.

I woke up this morning to a crispness in the air that means that fall has arrived. The beginning of a new season always make me feel like I have a new opportunity, to start something new or just revisit, review, and re-adjust my habits. One thing that we all seem to want to re-adjust is our fitness level. A fellow blogger is offering a fitness challenge that will last through the Holidays, so I am going to join in for support and also the commitment. Does anyone else feel more inclined to complete something, anything, when a commitment is made to another? Yes, I agree; it seems to be human nature. Would anyone else care to join me? Here is the link so that you can read about it. http://www.thedomesticpagan.com/

So, now, here goes. My goals for
this challenge are to continue to participate in the Zumba class that I started two weeks ago and to reduce my weight by 15 pounds. The plan is to increase the number of classes I take weekly so that by the end of the challenge (December), I will be participating 3 times a week. The way I plan to loose the weight is to return to the "clean" way I was eating prior to vacation. That means reducing and finally eliminating white flour, sugar, refined and processed foods. It is a balanced eating program, with fruits, vegetables and proteins in sensible portions. Wish me success as I wish you success.

Season's Change

Summer has passed so quickly, and we are looking toward fall already. I love the changing of the seasons, the rich colors, the warm earthy fragrances, and most of all the soft, snuggly clothing that comes with the cooler seasons. I am already planning some great sewing and crochet projects, which will in turn inspire some jewelry creations. How about you? Do you have anything on the drawing board? Tell me about it; let's inspire each other.
Just in case you need a little inspiration, I am starting a new round of classes at Joann's in Stockton, California. I am loving the fleece jacket and will be wearing mine as soon as the weather gets a little cooler. Oh, and I have a new passion, polymer clay. The class focuses on making some of the popular large hole beads, and I had so much fun with them. My mind quickly went to, "what else can I do?", so you will no doubt be seeing some other fun ideas as I move more indoors for the winter.

It's Already August!

Wow, August 1 already! I still have so much left to do before Fall gets here, how about you. Are you working on some great crafty projects?  My projects have kept me indoors this summer, though I have found some time to get out into the vegetable garden. I love fresh tomatoes! And we have had a few strawberries this year. There is just nothing like the flavor of fruits and vegetables that have been allowed to ripen on the vine.

Indoors, I have been working on a quilt, making a formal dress for my son’s wedding, making samples for the classes I teach at the local Joann’s fabric and craft store, and working up plans for some new and exciting classes to offer in 2012. Yes, I have to think about these things at least 6 months in advance.

Coming up in September and October I have some really fun new classes, working with polymer clay to make some cute beads, making some costumes for Halloween, and a super cute “Tooth Fairy” pillow that even the younger ones can participate in. And for my fellow fashionistas, there is a casual jacket that you are just gonna love! I recommend that you sign up early for that class.

What are you all working on? I’d love to hear about it.

Keeping you in the loop

Hi all. This process is a little more time consuming than I remembered, but so worth the effort. I just finished putting up my fan page on Facebook, so be sure and check out the schedule (which happens to be the only thing posted right now). If you see something you like, or if you have questions, please let me know.

I have a great earring class this evening; we will be making chandelier earrings. So much fun. I have room for a couple more people, so if you are interested, stop by the customer service desk at JoAnn's in Stockton before 6:00pm and sign up, then mosie on back to the class room for an evening of fun.

Please Excuse the Mess

This blog is still under construction, but will soon be the home of the Craft Goddess. Here you will finds some "how to's" along with some clever ideas and some good old fashioned girl talk. So check back soon to see what we are talking about.