Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Happy New Year!

I can't believe another year has gone by. I'm pretty okay with 2014, although it wasn't a fantastic year it was far better than 2013 with so many people in my family passing away. I'm actually looking forward to the new year. I love this quote by Brad Paisley:


Yes, write a good one. Kind of makes it sound like we have control over that (insert sarcasm smiley)..but when you really think about it - WE DO! It's not WHAT gets thrown our way but HOW we react to it. One of the things I'd like to concentrate on for me is my reaction to things. My reaction to strangers misfortunes. My reaction to things I have absolutely no control over. My "quick" reaction to negativity and negative people. I need to breathe.

I'm looking forward to the new year although resolutions aren't in the picture. I have "plans" lol. Plans to start the 21 Day Fix tomorrow. I bought it in the beginning of December and for Christmas Paul bought me a month's worth of Shakeology. I'm super excited about it. The 21 Day Fix isn't about losing weight in 21 days. That's how long it takes for the average person to break bad eating habits. Eating fresh veggies and fruits and not all the chips, dips, cookies, chips, fries, cakes, chips...well you get the idea. I did try out the exercise video the other day and haven't walked straight since! But I'm feeling better and tomorrow is the "official" start day and I plan on only doing 50% of the workout. Not the time but the weights and duration etc.

Tomorrow we're having our annual New Year's Day barbecue. Paul has made his macaroni salad and I made a pecan pie. (I WILL have a sliver). In the morning I'm going to make an old fashioned potato salad.

So, I will update my blog on my progress with my new healthy lifestyle. I wish you all a very Happy New Year! Here's to 2015...BRING IT ON!



Saturday, December 27, 2014

After Christmas...

Well it's just a couple of days after Christmas. I had a great one. A bit different from years past as the grands weren't here for the first time and Paul and I also had an empty house. Still, it was nice just the two of us.
I was so busy over the holidays I didn't get a chance to post some of my baking. I baked a lot! I made the regulars; peanut butter crinkles (with the Hershey kiss), chocolate walnut puffs, & magic cookie bars. This year for Sue's party I decided to make some cupcakes. They're made with peppermint oil and crushed candy canes. I also bought some sugar sprinkles to spruce them up a bit..


I've also been knitting Christmas gifts. Now that I've given them to the recipients, I can post pictures! Yay!

Here's a keyhole scarf I made for my daughter in law with a little headband to match..
The headband has a few beads in it. 

This is a keyhole scarf and some fingerless mittens I made for my friend Bev. The gloves I made with hand dyed yarn from our trip to NY. I LOVE the yarn. Hopefully I have enough left to knit a little something for me :)

And my last knitted gift was for the coffee drinkers in my life, a coffee mug sleeve for my sister and sister in law.

We went to the Christmas Story House in Cleveland on Christmas Eve. Paul and I took Jennifer and her bf Dan. All of us except Jenn had never been. We do LOVE the movie though and I came home with an awesome leg lamp that fits perfect in my upstairs windows. Paul says it looks like a beacon! LOL!

New Years Resolution...blog more! I must wrap my head around the idea of blogging without pictures. Seriously, they aren't necessary!
As always...