FITMAS.....week one of 12 weeks


What is FITMAS you say... Well... here it is Bikini or Bust is hosting this challenge 12 weeks of fitness before Christmas...So for Christmas I am giving myself HEALTH... yes this is perfect for me....getting my health back and what a great way to finish all I have accomplished with FITMAS
http://www.bikiniorbust.com/2011/09/15/the-12-weeks-of-fitmas/

I have not yet taken my measurements or done any of that yet but I will get to it right after work... here is the link to Week #1 of FITMAS...
http://www.bikiniorbust.com/2011/10/03/first-week-of-fitmas-a-shredmill-for-hiit/

I do not have a shedmill and the weather this week does not look the greatest...but I will do this I want to be the fittest I can be for Christmas...

Laurie

7 Day Push...week #5 but my first week...

Week # 5 : 7 Day Push
(but my first week)

I found this challenge on twitter from @afterninetofive (Ashley) http://www.afterninetofive.net/ and what a great challenge for me No Desserts for 7 days... Starting today... this is going to be a hard week to do this as Saturday we have a wedding but I am sure there will be lots of fruit for me to choose from instead of having cake....
I am still joining in.. and I am hoping that I will be able to keep up this No Desserts for the rest of the month or even longer...

so this week I will stop eating sweats and I will start eating more fruit and still drinking more water...

Yesterday... I did not eat sweets... and today so far so good... so I am 2/7 YEAH!!!

I will continue on my work out regimen and continue pushing towards my bikini wearing goal in November

I am hoping with this challenge that it will keep me motivated and not eat sweets...

Thanks Ashley for creating this weekly challenge...

thanks for stopping by...

Laurie XO

Scrap~tures July Kit Reveal...

Well I can't believe that the reveal for Scrap~tures is here already...I have to say that using this kit has been fun fun fun...I love summer and what more could a summer lovin gal like me want then Echo Park Summer Days....
I create these 4 layouts for the reveal...and many more to come in the next 4 weeks (with the Scrap~tures Sizzling Simple Summer Sketches 4 week blog Challenge...)

This is the sketch from Sassy Lil Sketches which will be posted on their site tomorrow http://www.sassylilsketches.com/ we are special and got to use it a day early thank you Cherie and Katie. Check out http://scrapturesblog.blogspot.com/ for more details on this months sketch challenge

here is my take on the sketch
My next layout I used the Sketch that Christa posted for the July 1st finally Friday sketch

This layout is actually on the back side of the above layout...and this layout is my take on the one word challenge...which is "Summer" check out the post here for more info on this challenge http://www.scraptures.ca/forum/index.php?topic=3627.msg44699

And a close up and personal of the title....

and now for...my last layout..I bet you can't tell I love flip flops....

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check out the gallery at http://www.scraptures.ca/gallery/index.php for the other layouts and cards the other Scrap~ture ladies have created

Laurie xo

ps...in case you were wondering about my getting healthy and work out regiment I have decided to do Jillian Michaels ripped in 30 I loved the 30 day shred but 2 months of it I was ready to move onto something else... I started it July 1st and am loving it so far...it is intense but I am doing it..I will share my thoughts about it through out the month...

30 Day Shred {Week 5}

30 Day Shred {Week 5}
Well it is the end of the 30 Day Shred Challenge. I am so glad that I joined in on this challenge it was exactly what I needed!
I am proud of myself for waking up at 5:40am and getting the work out done everyday...yuppp everyday...for the next month I have not decided if I am going to do the ripped in 30 or no more trouble zones both by Jillian Michaels but I am doing something that is for sure...November will be here before I know it and I will fit into that bikini and rock it...With that being said...here are my results.... recap...

Before Picture


My Before Measurements:
•Arms: {L} 12.5 {R} 12.5
•Legs: {L} 24.25 {R} 24.25
•Waist: 38
•Waist Lower: 44.5
•Hips: 43

I am soooo surprised. That Jillian was right if you follow this DVD you will see Results and that I did... you cant really tell by the photo but I can sure tell by my clothes... The capris I am wearing are a medium.. I have not worn a medium in a very very long time..
Here is my After photo. (taken by my 5 year old DH was not home)

My After Measurements:
•Arms: {L} 11.75 {R} 11.75
•Legs: {L} 23 {R} 23
•Waist: 35
•Waist Lower: 40
•Hips: 41

I am not very comfortable revealing my weight but I am happy to announce that since the beginning of June and doing this challenge I have lost 5.5 pounds and a total of 14.5 pounds since starting the 30 day shred May 1st

I just want to thank Sarah from http://naptimemomtog.com/ for hosting this challenge without seeing your post on June 1st I am not sure what I would have done this past month...but having that motivation and other women doing this challenge certainly helped..

Thank you for stopping by...

Laurie xo

PS stay tuned Scraptures reveal is fast approaching and I am incharge of the blog challenges...hope you can join me...a little hint..it will include Sketches and Summer...ok not a very good hint but I can't give it all away...

30 Day Shred {Week 4} Plus a couple of days

Yes...plus a couple of day...was suppose to do my weekly post on Thursday but it has been one of those weeks... Thursday I rode the "Big Bike" for Heart and Stroke..with my Friend Amanda and her Husband Brent for Inspire Marketing....it was so much fun..then Friday I went on a field trip with LittleKs Class...60 kids at a farm...what a fun day that was...and then Friday night Greg and I went to see USS ~ a Toronto Band at the Studio Theatre in Hamilton... and then YESTERDAY...Saturday...this co-insides with Re-Shaping it All...Yesterday Greg, the Boys and I were all baptised together...it was a great day...we really wanted Stephen to perform the service before he and his wife Pleuntje move to Belgium ... it was a great day... We will miss them...they leave on the 6th of July...and I think I have asked them that question 12 times already ... "so when are you leaving??"
Now on to Today...I have completed most of my goals...but with a busy week it was hard to do some of them...
But yes I have completed the Shred work out everyday this week... and to me that is the most important goal...
and on to this weeks goals....

is to continue continuing on... with all the goals... we are on the home stretch...and June 30th is around the corner... YEAH!! can't wait to see the difference in my measurements from June 1st to June 30th...

The best part of doing the challenge...is it is bettering me as a person..and I am only gaining confidence and something else to add a healthy lifestyle...

Thanks for stopping by
Laurie XO

My Organized Chaos - Giveaway....

Just in time for Father's day is right...or in our case this would be perfect for our family trip to Punta Cana in November..for BILs Wedding...

here is the link for the giveaway....

http://www.myorganizedchaos.net/2011/06/kodak-playsport-hd-video-camera

who would not want to win this video camera... I know I would...

Thanks for Stopping by....

Laurie

30 Day Shred {Week 3}

Week 3 plus a day...Yesterday at work was our year end celebration for the girls that attend school here so it was kind of a crazy day...so I did not get a chance to post so here it is....

Last week my goals re-cap
•Drink more water I am trying for 10 cups per day
•Do exercises at my desk during the day
•Wake up Earlier to do the 30day Shred DVD before work...and on weekends... 5:40 am...(AHHH)
•Instead of sitting down and watching the boys soccer...I am going to walk the field...at least at practises
And All Completed.... YEAH!!!

I am excited to see my results in 14 days....

My Goals for next week: Along with continuing with my previous weeks goals I would like to.......

•Eat more Fruits I don't get enough....
•No eating after 8pm (I was doing really well with this and have slipped a few times so this is the week to get back on track)
•Add another few 100 steps to my day....

This is the type of Bikini that I would like to wear on our Family Vacation in November. I can see myself wearing this and I know that I will be there. November is 5 months away...

Thanks for stopping by
Laurie .... XO

Scrap~tures June Reveal... A little late but better then NEVER.....

As soon as I saw this kit I knew I wanted to do a layout about my new life...and these are my new daily tools...how great that this paper is called Simple Stories Life Documented..My life is simple..and with a little help (ok a lot of help) from Jillian Michaels and her DVD 30 Day Shred. I have started a new out look on life and getting fit...
For my base paper I used Colorful (Colourful **If you are from Canada like me...) Life how perfect that there is a slight calendar faded behind...and then for my accent paper I used 100% real life... and yes that is me.. 100% real...I used the Ranger Cranberry Colour wash on some of my letters and on the Fancy Pants Artists Edition Pinking Edge Coffee Filters... I love how this makes them pop off the page...I also was able to use the Copics Multiliner Sepia Pen to write the 30 days of the month on one of the calendars on the background paper...these papers are certainly perfect for my simple type of scrapbooking I can not wait to dig into the rest of the kit... But I am saving it for LauraLee's Blog Class... Check back to the Scrap~tures blog for more details....

Here is my layout...

Here is an up close look at the vibrant colour the Ranger Cranberry Colour Wash Spray is...I love the dark vibrant colour it created...with just a few sprays...

And here is a look at the Copics Multiliner Sepia Pen...I love that it was thin...and able to write inside the little calendar boxes....

So...On to some news about Scrap~tures...I am sure most of you have heard that Denise...has sold her business...To Christa...I am so glad that Scrap~tures is not going anywhere and that we will still be able to get these awesome kits...Denise you have been a great FRIEND to work for I have loved every kit that you ever sent me.....Thank you and all the best in your new journey of life where ever that will lead you...And I look forward to more kits to come...

Thanks for stopping by XO..

Laurie

30 Day Shred {Week 2}

I can't believe we are at week 2 already... and today was the last day of work out ONE!! I love workout ONE!!! I have been able to keep up and do it everyday...Still doing the beginner push ups..but I do try one or two regular ones...but that is as far as I get...Bring on Level TWO....

I have to say that I am proud of myself for someone who never used to work out at all to be on Day 9 of Month number 2 of the 30 day Shred...Wow that is a huge accomplishment... I have the motivation and the drive to succeed in this adventure. I have had a lot of help.. after reading Re-Shaping it all by Candace Cameron Bure http://www.reshapingitallwithcandace.blogspot.com/
which opened my eyes and kept them open...And of course the support of Greg (My DH) and the boys...How could I fail... I have always said that the only thing I am going to gain through all of this is confidence and that I have...

My Goals for next week:

•Drink more water I am trying for 10 cups per day
•Do exercises at my desk during the day
•Wake up Earlier to do the 30day Shred DVD before work...and on weekends... 5:40 am...(AHHH)
•Instead of sitting down and watching the boys soccer...I am going to walk the field...at least at practises


Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

PS... Scraptures Reveal will be posted on the 15th this month due to the Postal Strike... FUN TIMES!! I have not forgot about my hobby...

30 day Shred BEFORE....

Ok...So this is a big step for me to put this out there for everyone... {Week 1}


My Before Photo...

My Before Measurements:

•Arms: {L} 12.5 {R} 12.5
•Legs: {L} 24.25 {R} 24.25
•Waist: 38
•Waist Lower: 44.5
•Hips: 43

Last month I started the 30 day shred work out and loved it...and so the challenge continues..
In case you are interested in what I am doing check it out here.... http://naptimemomtog.com/tag/30-day-shred/

There you have it... I am super excited to see the results at the end of this month...
Last night during my work out I was super proud of myself that I was able to complete level 1 with out stopping... Bring it on Jillian...
**I completed the 30 day shred last month with results of an 8 pound loss however I am sad to say that I did not take my measurements...but my clothes need a belt to hold them up... so that is a great motivator to keep going... along with this I will continue to seek guidance through reading Re-Shaping it all...

My goal is to be bikini ready for NOV. for my Brother in Laws Wedding in Punta Cana....

thanks for stopping by...
Laurie

I am Doing the 30 day Shred June 1-30

Yes you have read this correctly.... I am going to do the shred again... After completing it in May I felt so energized and rejuvenated...but thought hey what is the next step...What do I do now...then I was led to this blog via my blog reader .... http://thepapermama.blogspot.com/2011/06/living-healthy-continuing-my-30-day.html#idc-container
If Chelsey completed the shred in April and is doing it again why can't I do it back to back months... so I am doing it again... And Chelsey had a link to this blog http://naptimemomtog.com/tag/30-day-shred/ So tonight I will have Greg take my before photo and measurements (I may be a couple days late but I have still done the work out so I am sure that it still counts RIGHT??)

Thanks for stopping by...
Laurie xo

Sketchers Give-Away.... Over at My Organized Chaos...

Tammi ~ from My Organized Chaos is giving away 3 pairs of Sketchers...yes 3 pairs of Sketchers...

Shape-Ups at that... check out the link for more details...

http://www.myorganizedchaos.net/2011/05/skechers-shape-ups-canada-review-giveaway

Good Luck..but I have to be honest I hope I win them... How cool...are they..

thanks for stopping by...

Laurie

Re-Shaping it all Day 18

This is not Scrapbook related but I guess in a way that it is because I am documenting me...and I plan on doing a before and after layout...so I guess this could turn crafty...but for now ... on with the post

I don't really think that this was a coincidence I believe I was lead here by God but call it what you want, I started officially working out and eating better May 1st.... and I recently descovered the 65 days to ReShaping It All.. and it started on May 1st......hmmmmm

so...I decided I had to join in...the blog... and following on Twitter... #reshapinginitall
I am almost done reading the book and love the motivation and the determination that Candace has given me... since starting May 1st I have lost 5 pounds... but the best part is that I am feeling great... and that to me is all the motivation I need... July 4th will be here before I know it and there will be less of me but a more confident me... I am even going to share photos soon...

Take care and thanks for stopping by...

Laurie

Scrap~tures Reveal Day....

May 10th 2011 brings Scrap~tures Kit reveal.... I have to admit I really love this kit so fresh and spring like... although I have to admit that I only have completed 2 layouts with it so far...
The Scrapbook Kit Features Little Yellow Bicycle Elizabeth Park

For the Exclusive Sketch that only kit subscribers get to see I created this Layout......

... I flipped the Sketch and decided on one big photo instead of two smaller ones.... I love the make your own flower kit that came in this months kit it was so easy to make a flower just fold, squish and stick....I love this photo of Kurt... and the wording Be TRUE Be YOU, Really went well with the photo...

For more on this reveal...it check out here....
http://www.scraptures.ca/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=119

Scrapbook kit...May 2011 Scrapbook Kit Featuring LYB Elizabeth Park

http://scraptures.ca/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=290

Card Kit...Featuring Echo Park Springtime

http://scraptures.ca/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=289

Thanks for stopping by....

Laurie

Re-Shaping it All .....and 30 Day Shred

I have been reading.... "ReShaping It All" by Candace Cameron Bure.... and gained a lot on inspiration and motivation... SO then I decided to finally crack open my Copy of the 30 day shred DVD by Jillian Michaels... I am on Day 8 and wowsers...it is hard... but I am doing it... So that is what I have been up to lately... ReShaping ME....
And I have just read that there is a 65 Days to ReShaping it all....I am hoping it is not too late to join in... I am really enjoying her book and recommend it......

http://reshapingitallwithcandace.blogspot.com/search/label/65%20Days%20to%20Reshaping%20It%20All

Not to mention.... Gina.. from SkinnyTaste.... wow... we have been eating really well thanks to all of her recipes... so yummy we have not been disappointed yet...

http://www.skinnytaste.com/

On the Crafty front... I am busy creating 3 different sets of invitations..... All due shortly... so between working on me... I am working on these invites.. I can't wait to share them with you....

Also.... May 10th is coming quickly and Scrap~tures reveal...I have to admit this has taken a back seat this month.. but I will have Kristine Davidson's Exclusive Sketch done.. this is a great kit... you will not be disappointed....

And I wont forget to do My project 12 layout for April either... I got some great photos of our trip to Manitoulin for Easter... Here is a picture of me with my Nephew David... on the day of his baptism... we were so fortunate to be able to be there for this...



Anyway...that is my update....

Thanks for stopping by... Wow......

Laurie

March 2011 Project 12 Layout

Happy Birthday to me Happy Birthday to me....March 21st is my Birthday so what better way to showcase it with doing the Project 12 Sketch for March with my Birthday photos... here I am enjoying a red velvet cupcake from Beyond the Batter... yummy....my favourite.... Here is the sketch.... And this is what I created.... If you want to find out more about Project 12 check out Scrapbook and Cards today Website.... here.....http://www.scrapbookandcards.com/ Thanks for Stopping by.... also don't forget you still have until midnight tonight for the Scrap~tures blog hop.... see post below... Laurie

Scrap~tures Retro Road Trip blog hop!!

Welcome to Scrap~tures Retro Road Trip blog hop!! Thanks so much for joining us! We are very excited to show you some scrappy projects from the ‘past’ and hope that you gain lots of inspiration and continue to hop with us!! If you just happened by my blog and didn't realize a blog hop was taking place, please go back to Scrap~tures http://scrapturesblog.blogspot.com/ and start the Hop. You won't want to miss all the inspiration from our team....... or the chance to win a Rak :-) Here is my first ever scrapbook layout... If this does not scream retro I am not sure what does... This Layout was created with all CM Products.... I have often wondered if I should re-do these layouts...but I have to tell myself...no this is what scrapbooking was to me then...why change... This blog hop will run from today, April15th – April 17th. We will be drawing for winner on April 18th. Follow along in our blog hop! Your next stop is Laura-Lee ~ http://doublel-paperprincess.blogspot.com/ Also if you want to win a RAC from me.... Please post a comment and I will do a random draw for some scrapbooking goodies...and don't worry they are recent products not retro ones... Thanks for stopping by I hope you enjoy the HOP!!! Laurie PS....stop by Scrap~tures forum.... http://www.scraptures.ca/forum/index.php we are having a retro crop this weekend.. with lots of challenges...and of course prizes.. and I am pretty sure Denise... is having a SALE which you wont want to miss to stock up!!!!

Opposites-Photo-Class - Beth V Photography

I have just come across this photo class while blog surfing..... the classes started a few days ago but still have time to join... so of course I decided to join...better late then never... I can't wait to get the first sets of classes so I can get caught up... so over the next few weeks... I will be taking photos and putting them on the blog.. love learning new things...especially when it comes to photography... if you are interested in this... you have until April 29th.... and it is FREE... here is the link to sign up...

http://bethvphotography.blogspot.com/2011/04/opposites-photo-class.html

Laurie

April 10 2011 Scrap~tures Reveal....

Scrap~tures April Scrapbook Kit... Consisted of MME Papers line Stella and Rose I have to say that I have always been a fan of the texture and weight of MME papers. The patterns of the papers are super fun, small and subtle enough that they don't over-power the photos. I found that it all works perfectly with every type of photos from Black and White to Colour.And that is what I did. I created this layout of Kurt using Black and white photos.I took a little bit more of an artsy step (or Jump for me then normal) with this layout and cut the paper and then pieced it together with ribbon and eyelets. I loved the look of the "Numbers Paper" the blue side and was super excited to use it and of course the title block "so much more DELIGHTFUL than you know" worked perfectly for my title with these photos.

For my next layout...I created this layout "balloons belong in church" with the Exclusive Sketch for Kit subscribers only, Created my Kristine Davidson. The Sweet Stripe paper worked well with my photo of Kurt holding his Balloon at the Thinking Day Service. I also added to the embellishment a stamped image from one of the doilies in the stamp set provided with the kit. The ribbon was part of an old Scrap~tures kit that I had left over and added some bright glittery thickers. (thanks Shannon I love them)

Using the Scrap~tures card kit, I created this layout using the Scrapbook and Cards Today April Calendar Sketch I have to admit (BLUSHING) that this was my first attempt at using Copics and I am hooked... I was shocked at how bright the colours are. I also went a few steps further and cut out some of the petals and added some Liquid applique for the centre of the flower...but that is not all I also added some rock candy crackle paint to make the flower shine and crackle...I loved the saying A mother’s love does not divide between her children it multiplies. And of course mine is X2

Here is a closer view of the flower.... I am actually pleased with the way that it turned out

Check out the Scrap~tures store if you are interested... only 1 more scrapbook kit and 3 more card kits left as of today...so get them while you still can....http://www.scraptures.ca/store

Thanks for stopping by.... and stay tuned next weekend... Scrap~tures is having an on line crop with lots of challenges...and prizes.. and of course a blog hop....hope to see you there...

Laurie

My Birthday....

My Birthday was on March 21st....and what a day it was...from all the birthday wishes on Facebook, Twitter and Scrap~tures to the cards and phone calls I have to say I am one lucky girl to have such a great group of friends... and of course my family... but the best gift of all is the love from my boys....big and little... Greg took the boys out shopping and bought me the Kinect for the Xbox... I am still wondering in they had other ideas why I would like this for my birthday but it is certainly the thought that counts... and of course I love it.....it is so much fun... and something we can all participate in which is even better....

Here is me with my newly opened gift... you can see the boys in the background....mmmmm what are they thinking... yes I am sharing with them LOL!!




here are just a few pictures taken .... and of course I will be scrapbooking these photos for my March project 12 2011 layout just have to find time to print the pictures and create....

Love from all my boys....






and of course my new found love... Beyond the Batter Red Velvet Cupcakes (which Greg bought for me for me instead of a cake what a great idea...) not going to help with the diet plan I have but certainly a nice treat....



Thank you again everyone for all the birthday wishes.....you all know how to make a girl feel special...

XO Laurie

The Super Moon March 19 2011

By definition, a supermoon is simply a full moon that happens to be close to the earth.

On March 19, the supermoon will be one of “rare size and beauty,” said NASA’s website.

The Super Moon..... was on display for the all the world to see...and I was able to capture it in photos....I set up my camera gear at about 7:30pm at a look at point over looking Lake Ontario which in my opinion was the perfect spot to take photos of the moon rise....
and....
here are some of the photos I took....

And another of life's moments captured.....how beautiful...

Laurie

February 2011 Project 12....

PROJECT 12..... February 2011

I love that with project 12 I can capture everyday life and document in monthly...I can't believe that SB&CT have done it again with this lovely February sketch so using This Sketch ....



I created this layout....


Picture taken prior to journalling

I used the new Twig line from LYB I love how it fit with my theme of my pictures.... Can't wait to take my March photos to create with the next inspirational sketch....

Thanks for stopping by
Laurie

March 2011 Scrap~tures Reveal

March 2011 Scrapbook kit Features Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 paper line and also brings something new an exclusive sketch created by Kristine Davidson of Creative Scrappers. There will be a new exclusive sketch every month and will only available to kit subscribers. (yet another great reason to subscribe besides all the great product you get in each kit every month)

I used the Ginger pattern paper as well as the 3 colours of Bazzill Cardstock (Aqua, Butter Cream and Watermelon) they complemented this kit perfectly. The embellishments I used were 12" of the Starfish Breeze Trim and to create the look I got with the Heidi Swapp Glimmer Glass Flocked Tabs I first adhered it to the Aqua Bazzill cardstock and then added the Golden Goddess Glitter Glam by Tattered Angels to make the white flock pop wow did it ever bring out the image. I also added my Title Captured Moments with Alphas (not include in the kit but thought they went perfectly with the paper)…. I am fortunate enough to give you my take on the sketch with this reveal and here it is……

For my next layout that I created using the kit…. I used the black side of Bette to create this layout, and part of the Borders page for my Title. I highlighted the centre of the flowers in the title with the Patina Stickles. And of course the entire package of Petaloo Chantilly Velvet and Lace Flowers...I so never thought I would ever use these flowers but so glad that I had them to finish off this layout....I love this photo of my husband and I and this will be him and I always…..

One other layout that I want to feature in this blog post has nothing to do with the reveal but a challenge that I post monthly on the Scrap~tures forum and that is a one word Challenge….a little bit about the challenge is that a new word is given each month and either you are to take a photo or use a photo from your stash that interprets the word and then to scrapbook it with that word somewhere on the layout or as part of your title. This month's word is Lucky….. I decided to look through my stash of photos and create this layout….. I hope to see some of your Lucky layouts in the Gallery very soon…

Thanks for stopping by don't forget to check out more of the Scrap~tures March 2011 Reveal here….. http://scrapturesblog.blogspot.com/

Laurie…..

Fancy Pants - Hot Chocolate Scrap~tures Kit Reveal

I think I must sound like a broken record.....because I seem to always repeat myself...month after month but Scrap~tures February kit was so awesome and of course my favourite (that is where I seem to repeat myself because they are all my favourites).....from the Paper... Fancy Pants Hot Chocolate to the Alphas that are included to the tool and all the floss... wow the sew easy tool... FUN FUN FUN.. is what I have nicknamed this kit... I had sew much fun sewing.. and creating with this kit... I don't have very much to show for it.. but I do have these 2 layouts that I have created with this kit....


Thanks for stopping by....Check out Scrap~tures blog for more of this reveal from other members of the creative team... and how could I forget the card kit too... http://scrapturesblog.blogspot.com/

Laurie