A Wee Progress Report

I am happy to say that I have lost 15 pounds in total. My progress chart looks like a profile from one of the Rocky Mountains but still, the end result is 15 pounds. Nobody has noticed yet, probably because it was so gradual. I'm sure after my next 15 they'll be able to tell though.

How am I doing it? Using an app to track my daily exercise and food intake. It has a really good calorie counter that included name brand products such as "President's Choice" which comes from the supermarket chain Superstore. As well as Canadian calorie numbers for foods from McDonalds etc.

yes, I knew you were going to say that - why am I eating at McDonalds when I'm on a diet? - but believe me, it's all counted in my daily total. Sure not the best use of my calories and high in fat, but it happens every now and again - at least I'm only eating a Fish Sandwich or maybe a plain hamburger and not some of the other items.

Also, we've been making our own Egg McMuffins - which we call Egg MockMuffins.... so there is even less salt and calories consumed.

The Diet Dilemma

On February 15th I started my fitness/weigh management goal. I uploaded an app called "MyFitnessPal" and I keep track of my food and exercise. The first week I did really good, I lost almost a pound a day. The second week not so good. I've been logging on for 15 days now and have only lost 5.5 pounds.

I should've lost more, however, losing is still better than gaining and this is a reasonable healthy loss so I don't consider it a failure by any means.

I am going to blame the weather a bit because it's been cold and icy making fast paced dog walks harder or just plain not possible without risky my dog's or my safety.

All I can do is try harder from this point forward and not fret too much about what's already happened since there is absolutely nothing I can do - at least until I master time travel - right?

Okay. Had a bit of a set back as I pulled a muscle in my neck, basically wasted the whole weekend recovering. The only project I did was start to felt two bowls. I am frustrated by the lack of productivity.

After work today I will get busy. Plus we have a long weekend coming up which I also intend to be busy.

I've let my Must Have That Studio website go for now as it was $100 for the year and it just sat there for a year as I waited for my brother to finish the design process when he thought he was all done. If I do start a new website I might put it under another name. I need to figure out what direction I want to go now. I'm pretty sure I am done with the baby hat business especially since the "market" is so flooded with people making stuff, it's just not worth it anymore plus those close to me who said they would support me - didn't.

It's already February, let's get cracking!!

Just checkin' in

Hmm, not too many changes made yet for the year, but here are a few:

First I decided that 2014 was going to be a good year. I decided that positive thinking was going to be my friend and I was going to relax about money. It seems to be working so far - I've sold a couple of items and the husband and I are getting along much better.

I also decided to spend some money on myself. I was able to take 2 of the 3 classes for dance. I might still join the third one - it's every other week so I have some time still

I also spent some money on some instructional books and took a wool felting course which is coming up this weekend. Even Jp (the husband) seems excited for me to get going on that course.

I feel positive about his work situation and think we should book a vacation counting on the fact that WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A GOOD FINANCIAL YEAR.

January Game Plan

So although we are tight on cash (who isn't?), I've decided to take some classes.

First up is Dance. I didn't think I could go, but the hubs sold some items and so I can take a basic course. The dream was 3 classes - the basic + a choreography class + a "fusion" class but that was about $350. Okay so I didn't get my whole wish list but I got 1/3 of it. I'm more excited because for about a month I had prepared myself to accept that I would have to sit out the January-March sessions.

Next is my continued plans for my Shop - Must Have That (blog) and Etsy store  - I'm going to phase out of the baby items and concentrate on accessories for women. Currently I am working on some commissions for felted hats - I currently have two hat requests including deposit cheques(thanks to my super-saleslady mom). Plus requests from fellow dancers for ballet style leg warmers etc. I ordered a book on hat construction. I wouldn't call myself a milliner yet, but it's where I want to go.

A local yarn store has classes and they are holding a wet felting class later in the month. I'm just waiting for some money to come in and then I'll sign up for that. Yes I can learn from the internet and books etc but I think some hands on time with an expert will be very useful.

Another area I want to expand on is my hand embroidery and so I ordered a  drawing book - one with a style of drawing that I think I can do. Improving my drawing skills will help me better communicate ideas for knitting, crochet, felting etc and/or create hand embroidery pieces. I've always enjoyed hand stitching.

I need to decide what to do with my Website - do I renew it -($100) or do I let it go for now. It was under construction for about 8 months as my brother was working on it. I told him to forget about it, played with some free templates and that's where it sits. Any suggestions?

Dance - $150
Books - $60
Class - $70
Website - $100

Income related to the studio/shop this month - so far $75

Goal Review

I have a binder filled with my past goals and past issues of the  Amazing Life Workbook from Leonie Dawson . I am creating a whole new one for 2014 - I will go over past notes to make a plan for this upcoming year. I must improve my success this year - measured by sales in the the shop and the ability to pay bills. I would also like to take a trip to see my mom and brother this year - this year I want to drive with Eco (it's about a 15 hour drive one way), so that must be on the list.

I currently have 52 items on the list. I'd like it to be at 100. I'd like to make changes to my life almost daily but I know that momentum is hard to keep up. Some items feel really superficial but I'll leave them on my list - one can't always tell how a little item can impact on a grander scale.

Any comments or suggestions?

Online courses - 4 changes

I signed up for some on line classes. The first one is designing crochet softies. I may not be using the course materials for stuffed items but figure it will help with my hat business.

The second course I took was on product photography. Again I felt this will help with my little Etsy business. I especially need help since I broke my lens on my Canon Rebel SLR and have to rely on old little digital cameras at this time. Also, this time of year there are less days with good natural lighting so I must make the best of it.

Third  - online dance class. I am sad to say I won't be coming to the January -March classes as I can not afford the fees at this time. I will have to practice at home.

Fourth - I found a free online yoga site. I must re-introduce yoga practice into my life for fitness and general health.

That's a good, optimistic start to the new year isn't it?