You got a sneak peak at this one a few weeks and now it is done!!

This gorgeous quilt was created using the See Kate Sew pattern and tutorial. I do not have pointy triangles but I think it still works. Kate just released a revised pattern piece (after I had my fabric cut) and I'll use that for my next triangle quilt...we all know there will be another!

This quilt took me a little bit of time because I didn't just use straight lines.I quilted one side of the triangle which created a diamond pattern on the back. I really like how it looks on the navy backing. I also like that it works as a crib blanket, floor blanket, toddler nap blanket, kid cuddle blanket and grown up lap quilt. The colours should work regardless of the decor of A's room.

 

This one has been mailed to a very special little guy who has already stolen my heart. Kills me that I won't get to snuggle him until May! I can't wait to share a photo of him all snuggled up in it.

 

This post is being shared over on Freshly Pieced.

Focus 35: 21 Day Fix- Day 21

I finished the 21 Day Fix!

Finished is the right word because I am still doing it. It's not a diet as in a short term solution- it's a lifestyle evolution. I say evolution because it's true. Over the past year, our family has been changing the way we eat. I have always liked to cook and loved cooking all those awesome Giada DeLaurentis, The Pioneer Woman and Barefoot Contessa recipes featured on Food Network.

Some friends introduced us to the Whole30 and paleo. While our family hasn't gone completely gluten free, I am amazed at the amount of carbs we no longer eat. I make every attempt to make meals with whole foods, cut back the refined sugars and grains, and choose organic and grain fed whenever possible. Thanks to meal planning, eating real food, buying local and in bulk when possible our grocery budget comes in around $5.80/person/day. 

So why, with all those changes, was I not reaching my goals? 

Commitment and making time for myself are the biggest obstacles for me. I remember when I was a stay at home mom for a few months and doing the T25 workouts, I was getting results and loving how I felt. Then I started working full time again and carving out time for me went to the wayside. It's just so easy to get lost in the thick of working and making time for the kids, household maintenance and all the family activities that we have on the go.

I did Weight Watchers for awhile after each of my kids were born. I counted my points and stayed "on plan" everyday but still didn't lose. Part of that was a medication I was taking but the other, bigger, part was that I was eating boxed and processed foods. I don't knock WW. It has worked for so many people- it just wasn't right for me.

With the 21 Day Fix I have been re-learning portion control. It's amazing how much food you can eat when you eat whole, unprocessed foods and uses the macro ratio 40:30:30 for protein/fats/carbs.

Is my diet perfect? Nope. But it takes time to change.

Today is day 21. I have lost 3lbs and 5.5 inches. I am thrilled. Considering I had a stomach flu and didn't work out for a week, I'm pretty happy with those results.  Also the scale and the measuring tape have seemed to have been on a permanent plateau for awhile so it's great to see results!

On April 6 I am joining in a new fitness challenge group. Back to T25 workouts (Bonus Shawn T is adorable!) and still following the 21 Day Fix eating plan. Only 2 months until little Sister's graduation!

Friday Update: Focus 35

You need to want your future more than you want the moment. 

Every person who has made a change in their life remembers a specific point in time where something just clicked and they knew this was the moment to change. Forget what happened yesterday and focus on the daily changes you can make that will bring you closer to your goal. The first, and biggest obstacle, changing the way you think and talk to yourself. 

"It's too hard"- yes it's hard. Hard things are usually worth doing and are more likely to lead to long term success and happiness than the quick fix.

"I'm too tired"- I'm tired too. My daughter still wakes up at night. I don't remember the last time I had a full night of uninterrupted sleep. Life is crazy hectic- but that isn't going to change so what are you going to do about it?

"I don't have time"- yes you do. You can make 30 minutes a day to workout and 1 hour a weekend to prep your food, What would take longer- scheduling 30 minutes a day for your health or being dead 24/7?

I want each of you to remember this - post it somewhere you can see it daily -

Source

I'm tired.
I'm sore.
I'm not giving up.

This is a hard battle. For me it seems like it's been a life long battle. When I look back at pictures from 2004 I just want to cry. I want that me back. I want to feel that good and be that confident again.

It's day 5 of the Fix and I am feeling healthier. I've had non scale victories this week that I haven't had in a very long time. I was at a meeting and did not devour the plate of muffins in front of me despite the fact I had rushed out of the house without breakfast and forgot my shake. I went into a coffee shop for the first time this week this morning. I did not order the oatcake which is by far my absolute favorite. I got a coffee and only a coffee. And I was just as happy without the food. I had a few extra minutes to connect with Gordon and proved to myself that I can go into a coffee shop and resist temptation.

I'm not perfect and I'm trying to change that inner voice that says to just give up because this is a lot of work. I will make mistakes and I will mess up. But this time I will not make excuses. I will not quit. I know what quitting feels like. I want to find out what the opposite feels like.

Monday will come with measurements and weigh ins and for a change I am not dreading it or avoiding it. It will be what it is and I'm not expecting specific numbers and will be proud of the work I've done and will keep going. 

Have a great weekend!

Day 1: 21 Day Fix

Yes again....

I spent a hour or so last night measuring out a week's worth of snacks and lunches. I also did some up for Ozzy and G so that I have even less work to do in the evening around supper. I kept the meal plan pretty simple this week.

I had my alarm set for 5am to get my workout in before the day started but my body thought it was 4am and refused to wake up. Workout will happen when we get home while G makes supper (don't worry it's all planned he just has to follow the recipe which he can do really well).

Honestly....why do we do daylight savings time? The kids were a mess this morning. I got a glimpse of what my threenager will look like after a night on the town and experienced trying to wake up a teenager who is only 6 years old. My kids clung to the beds, grunting, whining that they were still tired.

 Can't we just split the difference add or take away 30 minutes and then just live with it? Or better yet just keep the clock as is and deal.

But I digress...

A new week, a new round of 21 Day fix and a house full of exhausted tiny humans. It's going to be a good week!