Loser Monday- we like to move it

So exercise is the topic this week. I have nothing exciting to offer except that I have been walking. In fact, I walked tonight after work. I am thinking about getting an MP3 player for my birthday...for walking. What songs would your recommend I download to keep me moving? Suggestions anyone?

I will close with a reminder. It is that time of year, people. The time of year when the Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs are everywhere. Just because they are there, you don't need to eat them every time you see them. I'm just saying....just in case this applies to any or you...or me.

Loser Monday

Well, I can't believe another Monday is here. I have lost nothing, but it is purely because of the walking that I haven't gained anything. SO I still feel that it is a win.

Sharon asked for something with fruit....

Strawberry Pudding Parfaits

Prepare instant sugar free pudding (I use vanilla) according to the directions.

Clean and chop strawberries.

Layer pudding and strawberries in a goblet.

Top with a scoop of sugar free cool whip.

Refrigerate!

Thanks!

I have been meaning to post this nice giftie Sharon sent me. I won this loot in a Diet Challenge contest. Check out that cute fabric! Isn't it great? That chocolate was simply delicious...perhaps not too good for the challenge though! LOL Luckily, Buddy helped me enjoy it.

Loser Monday is tomorrow!

Loser Monday

Well, I haven't lost any weight. But, I did walk 3 times last week and I can feel it around my trouble area...my ribs/belly. I really haven't been dieting more like reigning myself in a bit and trying to get some exercise. I feel good. I wish I would have taken some measurements.

SO, I would call this last week a success. More next week!

Still playing with stacked coins

More stacked coins anyone? Boy, AmandaJean....this is addictive. Many thanks to you for the idea over at the Moda Bake Shop. This time I thought I'd make a couple of table runners. I thought this first one turned out cute. Plus, it gave me time to practice more free motion quilting...I almost had fun this time, LOL! I'll even let you enlarge the picture this time if you must....LOL. This was a gift for my college BFF, Jen. I hope she enjoys it for spring. I still have one left to quilt and plenty of coins left to make a couple of more, if I'd like. I used 16 coins per top, just in case you get the itch!

The Last of the Valentine's Projects

Just a few extra projects that I finished up recently.




I really love the treasure box with the Lil' Squeaks Markers in it, they fit so perfect.

Speaking of Valentine's- I had one person from the swap stop all communications. She didn't send a gift. She didn't thank her partner that sent her one. It is upsetting after all the time I put into the swap, organizing it and following up with reminders and such. I have emailed Wendy M. several times and her partner has emailed her as well. She doesn't return any messages. I know for myself, I feel conned. If you are organizing a swap, beware.

Loser Monday

Well, I did get my walking in last week. I felt that was a positive change. I haven't been watching so much what I put in my mouth, but adding some exercise I think will help balance life a bit.

So, Sharon asked us to post a soup recipe. Drum roll please. . .

New England Clam Chowder (low fat style)

In your crockpot add,

11 ounces shredded hashbrowns
2 cans 98% ff cream of mushroom soup
1 can 98% ff cream of celery soup
1 pint of ff half and half
pepper
2 TBSP real bacon pieces
2 cans of minced clams (with juices)

My crockpot seems to cook a bit high, so I cook this on low for about 4 hours. You'll know it is ready when the hashbrowns are tender.

This is a delicious soup anytime. All of my friends I have shared this recipe with over the years like it. Enjoy.

What positive changes have you made recently?

Baby Cakes Quilted

Well, I finally mustered the courage to attempt free motion quilting. I watch so many of you stipple and it looks so great. Envy finally won and I gave it a go. I must say I was proud of myself. For once, I had reasonable expectations of what I wanted to accomplish. I knew it would not be perfect this first go rather a learning experience. I meandered all over this quilt and can honestly say that every cent I send to the quilter normally is worth it (but I already knew that). I survived the experience and I have a few more quilts in mind to practice on. I used bamboo batting and it was so soft. It is a definite must from now on.






I love the pieced back. I must say it was more difficult than I every guessed it would be to get the stripe straight, but I persevered. I think had I videoed the basting session, I could have won America's funniest home videos. I love it though and it was worth the extra anguish and a few choice words. LOL I also love the striped binding. I think I almost like the back more than the front, not that the front is darling.
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If you haven't already you have a few hours left to get in on Jen's 100th post giveaway. So head on over there, she has some really cute gifties up for grabs.

Too Cute To Be Burped On

What did I do with my time before the Moda Bake Shop? Seriously. How cute did these burp clothes turn out?
Boy version:

Girl version:

Matching bib that I designed my own pattern for:

Personalized Girl Version and unfinished matching bib:

So, the personalized version is very cute, but I was having problems with the material pulling despite the 2 types of stabilizer I was using. My friend, who also embroiders, assured me she just thought it was the material. Any other suggestions out there? I still like these though. A couple of burp stains and I doubt anyone will notice! LOL

A few tips for your burp rags:

1. My personalized version is about 2 inches wider of focus fabric. I think I liked the looks of it a bit more as it gives the personalization a bit of space. Plus, I love all that pretty fabric!
2. I wanted to add some embelishments to mine. But I found that it was coming out uneven because I was pushing the material down as I sewed. After a frustrating first set, I used basting spray to stablize things when sewing them and I used my quilting/walking foot. Perfection!!

Loser Monday

Find your happy weight. I read this article about how to determine your goal weight. Perhaps you'd like to read it too.

As far as weight loss goes, I have not been making good choices. Could I help it that my husband goes to a sausage making party and comes home with 13 pounds of brats? Could I make this stuff up? NO, I could not. Just doing my part to help it all fit in the freezer, that is all I am saying. Did I mention it had cheese in it? Delicious. Oh, and so were the chips and dip I had on the side. I see you rolling your eyes over there....seriously my husband piled them on my plate. Okay, maybe he didn't. I need to climb back on this thing and commit. On a positive note, I have made arrangements to start walking after work with a co-worker.

Baby Cakes Quilt Top- finished

Well, my mailman delivered my border fabric so I just whipped it all together lickity split! Really, it felt like it moved fast. I am giving my girlfriend her choice of the 3 baby quilts I posted about recently. It will be fun seeing which she will choose. I suspect I know which. Sorry for the dark photo again. It has been quite gloomy in these parts.

I have been working on lots of projects this weekend. I cannot share yet though as I have a surprise or two to get in the mail. It feels good to get some smaller projects done.