Biting the Bullet

And it tastes funny.

What does that mean anyway? I need to look that up.

Well, I’ve decided to go ahead and do something I’ve been dreading for a while. Which is to start keeping a food log. I know deep down I need to do this to get a better handle on what I’m consuming from day to day. I know I have a snacking addition. I know I have an emotional eating problem. I know there are times when I just plain over eat, eat too fast, don’t pay attention.... I KNOW!!! So I’m doing something about it.

In the past I’ve used a website called www.fitday.com and it really helped me keep things in perspective. There are things the site allows me to track that are important to me. I can get as detailed as I’d like in tracking my weight loss, physical activities and food intake. So I’m going to use that site again. I already started logging my intake today and wow... I’m already on the fast track to obesity. Seriously, I must get a handle on this. It's surprising how quickly those calories and fat add up.

Fortunately seeing what I've realistically eaten today motivated me to partake in some physical activities. I hit the heavy bag, did some sit ups and some push ups today. It was some sort of sporatic workout frenzy. Something is better than nothing. But I'd like to get into a meaningful, organized routine.

In crochet news, check out the start of a recent custom order. This will end up as a pair of dark blue wrist warmers. Another part of the order is a pair of black wrist warmers for a guy. I’ve started those as well. I’m making them in a different pattern than these so they look more masculine. Also the black ones will have a thumb hole. Because of my recent custom orders I’ve gone out and bought new yarn. Which is fun for me because I love new yarn. But totally not what I originally planned because I’m trying to get rid of most of this acrylic yarn stash. But I didn’t fully consider that winter is not over and wrist and arm warmers are nice even into spring. Those spring days can get chilly too! My customers want the warmers, so they shall have them.

I fooled myself into thinking I'd actually have the chance to crochet during my lunch break at work. Well, this week I haven't really taken a lunch break. I've been eating at my desk or on the road. I'm working on a couple of big loan requests and it seems like there is always something that needs to be done, updated, commented on, written up, etc. I enjoy the fast pace nature my job sometimes offers. But sistah is about ready for a vacation.

Completed order in Action

The Spiritual Griot herself, rocking her custom made set. This woman is so beautiful. She needs to just model all of my stuff.

Completed order

Check it

Updated TO DO List:

• purchase a blank journal to jot down ideas, designs and "to do" lists (DONE)


• compile inspirational pieces and patterns for Spring/ Summer inventory (Started)


• Buy rubber stamps and card stock for tags (DONE)
  


• research digital cameras (Started)
  


• create email account exclusively for BreathofLight (DONE)


• research sewing machines (Started)

• create flickr account for BreathofLight (DONE)

In other news I've been slacking in the active lifestyle change department. It's a shame really. I could be down at least 5 elle bees by now.
le sigh...
But it's not too late. The weather is warmer and now there is not as much a frostbite threat if I workout in the attic. That punching bag is calling me. Methinks I need to make a house announcement that for a certain block of time (about an hour) each night I am not to be bothered. Twill be my ME time and I shall use it for my betterment.

They grow on trees!

It feels so good to make progress toward promoting and selling my hand made items. I've even been dreaming about yarn and crochet designs. It's madness! But in a good way.

I finally linked up with my home girl to get better pictures for the online shop. Check it out!

BreathofLight

And since posting up more creative, clearer pictures I've sold 2 items! That really boosted my spirits on Monday. But now I'm feeling more pressure to build up inventory.

Yesterday I used the money from the sales to order some clipboard tags, and a custom made rubber stamp to attach to my sold merchandise. I figure I'll use a cheaper and more creative method to lable my creations until I up my game and get those fabric labels. I'm going to do cartwheels when I purchase those. I'm sure of it! For now, the clipboard tags will do. One side will have my Knotty Gal logo. The other will have my online shop address and care instructions.

I started a "to do" list for my online shop:

• purchase a blank journal to jot down ideas, designs and "to do" lists


• compile inspirational pieces and patterns for Spring/ Summer inventory


• Buy rubber stamps and card stock for tags


• research digital cameras


• create email account exclusively for BreathofLight


• research sewing machines

The list will grow as ideas flow.

I give thanks to my Creator for the Love that surrounds me.

Calling you out!

I want to give special shout out to cut2clothe since she commented she would like a pair of black wrist warmers. Sis, if you are reading this email me, I have something for you.

I've been spending a good amount of my free time creating. Half that time I've been creating for my lil Prince who has lost a few hats, mittens, lunch bags and BOOTS over the last few weeks. I can not believe he lost those boots, they BETTER be in his classroom. I can't just crochet up a new pair. I've spent the rest of the creative time building up inventory for my online shop. Which is now open at http://www.breathoflight.etsy.com/

I am fully aware at the bootleg pictures, but I really wanted to get something up ASAP. My own digi cam is busted, and my homegirl never made it over Saturday to allow me to borrow hers. Not to worry, this weekend it will happen and the quality will be much better. In the mean time please check out my shop and take a gander at the crafting collective shop which I've already sold items in http://www.cussincrafters.etsy.com/

I've been researching various tags to attach to my crochet items. I'm really going for a professional look and exchange with people who buy my things. I've decided that for now I'll create card stock tags. I'm researching a couple of vendors who hand make the supplies I need to create my tags. I'm all for buying handmade and wish to support the small business owner however I can. I guess it's not enough for me to be a business loan officer full-time. lol

The last two crowns pictured are items I custom created for swaps. I'm an advocate for the exchange of goods and services for other goods and services. Imagine the simplicity and economic fairness if the world still used that method. Who's idea was paper or metal money anyway???

I'm still in my crochet zone. I have a few more items in the works, and many more stored in my brain for future creations. Life is good!

Action

Recapping the last few weeks is a task I do not intend on taking up at the moment. I will say there are many things I've been putting into action and manifesting in my life. And in those aspects I feel good! Other things (read: active lifestyle) I have not been as proactive about. Excuses never make me feel better. I just plan to do better at this.

My relationship is being tested. And my patience in this relationship is surely being tested. It's stressful but I'm upping my meditation times and breathing exercises so that I can stay centered through it all. I'm also making attempts to get proper rest on a more regular basis.

Outside of that, great news and positivity have been flowing my way. I plan now to manifest more of those blessings so that they flow into my relationship as well. We have some building to do.

In my last post I posted an online store that I'm currently selling some of my crochet creations. Very soon I'll be posting my own separate online store which will feature my creations only. This is a big move that I had been putting off much to long. But I'm ready!

Bless up!