Week 46: Metamora!

I've somehow never been to the cute little town of Metamora, IN (which I've affectionately dubbed Metamorie- just because) until today. I really don't know how that happened. I remember friends and family making trips to this little place filled with crafts, fudge, Christmas decor and general charm, but for some reason, it took me 29 years to make the trek. I loved this special place and am looking forward to many return trips in the future. I definitely need to eat at the restaurant we (my bestie Laura and I) ate at today- it was a very country kitchen and a scene from Rain Man was shot in that very restaurant. It was so tasty- my favorite bites involved chicken salad and homemade croutons. I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but I'll be back. I found unique gifts for Christmas and loved supporting the independent retailers that we got to talk with as they worked in their cozy shops. Definitely looking forward to making this Christmas trip a tradition.

Week 45: The Year I Became a Baker

The title is probably a bit much.

But, I'm not going down without a fight this year. I've baked so many batches of cookies this holiday season and am trying to be patient with myself as I learn why I (historically) don't do so well with the baking times. My friend Katie grew up baking and, I'm convinced, has kitchen superpowers and she and I spent the day baking (me observing more than anything) yesterday so I could learn some of her tips and trips. And, learning, I am. I am confident that this year, with continued trial and error, I'll be able to produce a few batches of cookies that I'm proud of. And that feels like a holiday miracle.

Week 44: Less Holiday Stress

(If you notice by the date...I'm 38 minutes late on this. The crazy perfectionist part of me really hates that. But, life happens).

So, I didn't really know what my "thing" was going to be this week. Earlier today (err...yesterday), I realized that I've been doing something all week that is abnormal, but also a really good idea. There has been intention behind the action but I didn't really think about it being this week's focus.

Anyway, this holiday season, I've made a goal to buy Christmas presents while I'm out and about, with hopes of not needing to make one (or more) giant, miserable trips where I have no idea what to buy for who but have also reached the point where not being anything is no longer an option. I'm happy to say I have a great start on holiday shopping and am so pleased that I've found things for those people on my list that have historically been a little more difficult for which to shop. Christmas time causes me so much (unnecessary) stress because I so badly want to buy the perfect gift for everyone. Something they will love, pass on to future generations, put on the mantle for years to come...etc. I'm sure a lot of people feel the same way, but I kind of let it overtake me and, therefore, kill a lot of holiday spirit. Hopefully, with this different mode of shopping, that feeling won't get in the way too much. Here's hoping!

Week 43: Sweet Kicks

Another investment was made this week. This time, in the name of gym shoes.

How often do people, in general, buy gym shoes? I feel like it's nuts that I have not purchased a new pair of gym shoes since well before I moved to Cincinnati (which was 2006). That changed today when I bought a pair of black Nike gym shoes with very bright pink highlights. They are kind of intense-looking, but supercomfortable and... I love them.

People ask me how I've lost weight, and there are lots of ways that have come into play. One of them is, in a very general way, motivating myself for brief bits of times with whatever would work to lose the next say... five pounds. I've changed my routine lots with whatever got me to the point of achieving a goal several times. So, case in point, I'm hoping that the fact that I get to wear my new fancy gym shoes will push me to go to the gym and knock off five more pounds. Then, I'll switch something up and get inspired/motivated in some other way. Other things I've done include Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred, jogged, joined a gym, bought a new exercise outfit, and bought a new water bottle. So that's my basic motto...do whatever it takes to get myself in gear.

Week 42: A Not $7.99 Haircut

I invested in a quality haircut this week that I'm thrilled with! It really wasn't all that expensive in the grand scheme of things, but since my last five or six haircuts have been roughly $7.99 (plus tip!), it feels like a lot. I often have to remind myself that sometimes "investing" in things is a good idea. Without further ado...

Week 41: At Least I'll Be Warm

This week was lame. I have not been feeling up to far (though, as of yesterday, I'm feeling much better). Also, I was terribly busy with work. So, sadly, the highlight of this week thus far has been the purchase of a flannel shirt. I've wanted one all season and just never found one that fit the bill (or, fit me the way I wanted it to). I don't know how I missed it, but I ended up finding my winner at Target. I'm very excited to incorporate it into my fall & winter wardrobe.

Next week, there will only be 10 weeks left in this yearlong project. I better start thinking of how to go out with a bang...

And here's the shirt:

Week 40: Finally Quilting

I've been dreaming of making a quilt out of vintage sheets pretty much all year. This week, I started the daunting task of cutting the many squares I will need to complete this project. I got a rotary cutter and board recently and have found that I love cutting fabric this way. It is very therapeutic. I hope to show you a completed quilt before week 52!