{10 minute} Fabric Letter DIY

There is nothing like a little color to put a smile on your face and that's just what this little project did.  Yep, I'm smiling one because I completed a DIY project and two I have color on my walls!  It all started with in April when I finally installed my Run Strong gallery wall.  It included a few inspiration quotes and images that revolved around running.  I was was over joyed at how it turned out, but a few weeks ago I was trying to think of a way to add some color since mostly everything is white.  

Well, as I was sorting through a few things in my spare room I came across a few pieces of vintage fabric given to me earlier this year.  I wasn't sure what to do with them so I had them in my spare room and just this last week I knew exactly what I wanted to use one of the fabrics for as soon as I read this fabric wrapped letter DIY.   So the other night I gathered all of my supplied and while watching a movie I began wrapping my R. 

Supplies:

* batting

* fabric 

* scissors 

*staple gun
* cardboard or wood letter

I also came across this Fabric Letter DIY Fabric Art that makes using the cardboard letters a bit more interesting. I will definitely have to try this when I find a coordinating fabric to wrap around the sides.

I first started by wrapping the batting around and stapled it to the letter, though I think using spray adhesive would have worked nicely to.

As you can see it doesn't look very pretty from the backside, but the good thing is that no one will ever notice unless you take it down and show them.  I had already had a command strip Velcro attached to the letter so I made sure not to cover it so I can hang it back on the wall.

 

You can still see where the fabric was to short to go around the thick side of the letter, which is why at some point I will do some coordinating fabric to adhere around the edges so it doesn't look so rough.

 Ah, now isn't that better.

Pvbody shows it all

I'm so excited that my month 2 PVBody shipment has arrived!  Yippee.  Though I have to say I was a bit nervous about how they were going to fit, heck if they were even going to fit, especially after my disappointment on having to send back the Capri's in my January shipment.  I could feel how tight they were and it made me realize that PVBody is not meant for all body types.  So if your a bit on the plump side PV Body / Ellie is only going to leave you feeling discouraged. I find that my body type is on the borderline; some pieces fit okay, but most just make me feel really fat. 

pvbody/ellie Racer Back from February, paired with yoga pants & Lululemon brisk run headband.

I did keep the top from my January shipment, however, after trying it on the other day I realized that I had obviously gained some weight since the shipment, because it was pretty tight.   So after receiving this months shipment I was glad to see that everything for the most part fit.  At the moment I wouldn't wear them together, but would pair them with other items.  The top I actually wore for my run the other day, under a Lululemon running jacket.  The pants I would wear with a loose fitting top, but I've just gained to much weight around my hips and waist to have the confidence to wear it outside the house.

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Workouts
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Friday, April 5
37:33 Walk / 2.11 miles / 190 calories

Booty Firm Up by Bodyrock
20:20 intervals
Round 1
Explosive Star 12/5/6 + Plank to Pike Jump 4/4/4
Round 2
Pendulum 28/18/20 + Seated Bicycle 16/16/20
Round 3
Modified Push-Ups 7/11/9 + Flying Scissors 11/14/14


Sunday, April 7
39:05 Run / 3.60 miles / 420 calories
+ Power 90 Ab Ripper 100

18:41 Doggy Walk / 0.57 miles / 57 calories

2013-02-04 Fitness Monday: Lululemon

I had ordered the Toque from Lululemon around the 18th and it finally arrived while I was at work on the 25th.  I was so excited that it had arrived and even more when I was able to wear it on my run the next day.  I love how soft the material is and that it actually covers my ears while I'm running - no cold ears for me!It's currently on a final sale so it's only $19, which is a nice savings from the original $28 price tag.  The Brisk Run Ear Warmer is only $23 and is the fabric / pattern that is replacing the Toque pattern.  It also has available matching gloves, toque and neck warmer.

Monday, January 28
A Mile a Day D11
1.14mi. run in 14:18

I decided after hearing the weather last night that I would run after work today. The nonexistent rain was supposed to wash away the leftover snow, but that didn't happen. Path was mostly slush, but overall not a bad run

Tuesday, January 29
A Mile a Day D12
2.03mi. run in 19:56

Today was like heaven to run compared to the weather I ran in yesterday. Even ran 2 miles, though the last mile my thighs were feeling a bit tight / sore.

Wednesday, January 30
A Mile a Day D13
1.02mi. run in 11:03

40 degree morning still a bit cold for my lululemon head cover (fabric wide headband) & could have used a light pair of gloves, but not complaining since this is far nicer then running in 7 or 12 degrees.

Thursday, January 31
A Mile a Day D14
2.01mi. run in 20:55

A Mile A Day completed day 13 w a 2 mile run. A bit windy but overall weather not bad. 36
degrees.

Friday, February 1
A Mile a Day D15

Didn't run or do the Elliptical today. The wind was a bit crisp for me and I ended up working on my project board instead of going on the elliptical. I did go dancing, so I did get some exercise today, but I wont be couting it toward my running days.

Saturday, February 2
A Mile a Day D16

Today also, was a very bad day for me in completing my mile a day challenge.   I was up late last night hanging out with some friends at the Diner after dancing.  I had planned on going home afterward, but my friend Paul was in town from Philly so I made an exception.  However, it caused a delay in my day since I didn't get out of bed until after noon.  Then there was so much to be done, like heading over to the furniture store in search of a bed rail replacement {post project to be coming soon} adventure and a trip to JoAnn's, a drop off to the Goodwill, and then Home Depot, which actually took most of the day.  Didn't get home until after 8pm and then I had to work on the projects and get my bed back on the railing so I wasn't sleeping on the floor. 

Sunday, February 3
A Mile a Day D17

Yes, again FAIL.  No running today.  Darn you snow and crisply cold weather that doesn't temp me outdoors.  I felt lazy for the first few hours of waking, but ended up getting a lot done.  

I did work on my design boards for the house, dust, vacuum, sweep and straightened up the living room / dining / kitchen, because it looked like a tornado hit with all the cleaning out we've been doing.  Pluy, we have a lady coming Monday at 7pm to inspect our Vitamix we're selling and house presentably is very important.  People wont buy if the home doesn't look like the residents care about their dwelling, I know and I'm no different in that mentality.  I'm not a messy person and I have no desire of people thinking I am.  We have a lot to sell so we can purchase items that will work so the sell of this is very important.  I can buy my LACK shelves once my mom and I split 50/50.     

This Lululemon Run: Bundle up Jacket was pretty amazing.  I loved the color and the material and how warm it was, but the arms were super long {though they offer a free hemming service, but the 12 was a bit big and the 10 very small}.  For $99 as a final sale this jacket is a steal and I wish it would have been a bit more fitting.

I came into Lululemon on Saturday 2013-01-26 to specifically try this RUN: Get up and Glow Jacket and I was surprised to see how big the 12 was on me.  I can't believe that this is a 10!  I love Lululemon for helping me to feel good about my size and that I can wear cute fitness wear.  I did leave the jacket behind, only because I couldn't justify spending $149 on a jacket when I would still need a base layer.  The jacket is not meant for 12 degree runs, or brisk wind days on a 40 degree day. 

2013-01-28 Fitness Monday:Motivation Board

The last few months my workouts have been pretty laid back, nothing really regular just an occasional jot on my elliptical or some body weight exercises like from the Bikini body Mommy Challenge, which only lasted a few weeks, before I realized that it was to much for me right now.  Though even with a lack of physical activity my eating habits have been moving toward making smarter choices, and only eating 3 meals each day with a snack if needed and my morning cup of coffee.

You wouldn't believe that by my lack of motivation tat a few months ago I was one of those people who lived for working out everyday, even when I was injured you couldn't get me to rest.  I would even wake up at 5:15am every morning to hit the gym, and even after buying my home I woke up at 6:30am to make sure I got my morning run in.  Honestly, it was still a struggle waking up and going to bed early, but I love the happy, strong, and confident person I was because of those choices.   I really miss her so I've been doing what I can to get her back and this  motivational wall has been helping me find her again.. 

SOURCE

The kick start for the motivational wall came from this board and a blogger who decided to Run a Mile a Day from Thanksgiving to News Years so she could start the New Year off right.  Although there are many workouts that I've wanted to start, but either never do, or quite a few weeks into this one seemed a bit more my style.  With this it I was able to successfully create my own motivational wall after several times attempts.   Also, with it now several weeks into the New Years I decided I would run 1 mile a day until Valentines Day so I could feel a bit more fit on the big red day.

I used basic supplies I already had on hand; post it notes, index cards, green fabric that I covered on a bulletin board, a sharpie fine point pen, and a white board calendar that I had actually just purchased from a second hand store the other week that seemed perfect for this idea and I love how it came out.  In order to give the font a little more interest I doodled with the lettering and really liked how it turned out. 

I love this black white board that I found at a second hand store for $.99 and it works great with post-it notes slightly trimmed on the sides to fit the squares to mark each day and my total miles run.

The image above was a quote  Will you make this a great weekend by taking small steps to reach your goals, food, fitness, planning, anything I read while browsing though my news feed on facebook.  I can't remember if it was from Shape Magaizne or Runner's World and it inspired me to get up,so i added it to my board.

The following weekend I found this quote from Runner's Magazine on January 20 Believe you can do it. Think no other way but 'Yes you can.' The human body is capable of considerably more physical endurance than most of us realize. - Paul Reese 

January 18, Friday
A mile a day till Valentines Day.
It was F-in cold on Front St & so glad I ran 2nd on the way back - far more tolerable. Though I wasn't alone running this morning their was a guy running in shorts on the river side of Front.

WARM UP: 5 min walk & 2 min cool down (included in pace).  1.52mi. run in 18:27

January 19, Saturday
A Mile a Day - Day 2 completed. .
1.13mi. run in 11:34

January 20, Sunday
A Mile a Day day 3 complete.
1.53mi. run in 16:01

January 21, Monday
A Mile A Day completed Day 4.
Weather for run was crisp, but not windy & enjoyable.
1.07mi. run in 11:16

January 22, Tuesday
A Mile A Day Completed Day 5
1.06mi. run in 11:01

Thankful for my running ninja mask to block the wind chill, however my legs missed a layer. I thought my Lululemon wind pants would be fine, but nope not meant for this kind of day.

January 23, Wednesday
It was a a bit cold out this morning, so I opted for the Elliptical instead of my morning Run outside. I'm still counting it as part of my Run a Mile a Day so Day 6 complete. total Time: 22:35 / Strides: 3166 / Resistance: 5 / Incline: 7 / Calories: 231.5

January 24, Thursday
A Mile a Day Day 7 complete.

Elliptical Workout: 30 Minutes
Strides 4386 / Calories 325 / Resistance 5-6 / Incline 7

Also read pg 220-228 of my book while working out. Snippet from book to repeat to self: Don't indulge in something that's less healthy because it's around. That's not a good enough reason. pg 227.

Morning Run again thwarted by the snow, but it didn't keep me from my workout. I simple swapped my run for my elliptical again, though I would rather be outside running.

January 25, Friday
No workout

January 26, Saturday
I thought with the snow an elliptical workout would be best, however, on my way to Baltimore I saw 4 runners on Front Street which made me feel a bit guilty for now going outside for my run.

Elliptical: 31 minutes / 340 calories / 4700 strides / 5 resistance / 7 incline

January 27, Sunday
A Mile A Day completed day 10. Plus got to try out my new lululemon running hat that just arrived yesterday. Love it. Even ran an extra mile for missing my workout Friday. .
2.24mi. run in 24:43  

I was using Pinterst the other week to search for Running Inspiration to inspire me to get out of my lazy streak and secondly to find inspiring quotes to frame so that I can read them on a daily basis as I'm waking up to inspire me each day to wake up and chose healthy choices.   I've been slightly overwhelmed with items I would like to add, but have been trying to narrow them down.  

Sources for the quotes and images I want to use on my fitness wall: 

- The Best Way to Make Your Dreams Happen... Is to Wake Up  Tone It Up

- To Happiness  Shut up and Run
-  Keep Calm and Run Strong  Lazy Girl Running
- Keep Going 
   Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way
   I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalms 143:8 R-L Blesses Tumbler
- Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
   {Dec 28, 2012 10:23 pm} R-L Blesses Tumbler
- Be the Girl you were to Lazy to be Yesterday Unknown Source

2013-01-21 Fitness Monday: New Clothes

I've not been wanting to wear any of my gear, as most of it's 2-4 years old and really needs to be revamped so on the 6th I headed to Marshall's to see what cute and inspiring outfits I could find to help me get back to my workouts.

I couldn't believe that I was there for several hours - to many that I lost count - and tried on 32+ pieces that's 3 trips and lots of hangers in my cart.  Though there was a woman in her 30's who had almost as much as I did.   I chatted with the clothing attendant a bit as well who had recently moved to the area with her husband and kids.  Although, once everything had been tried on I again brought back all of my yes & maybe's back to the dressing room and tried them on again to pick my favorites and even that total just over $100. 

I also enjoyed reading this short post from ROO Magazine, 4 ways to renew your workout, which listed buying new workout clothes as #4) Get new gear!

It really is refreshing having a few new pieces my favorite outfit I didn't snap a shot of while at the store, but hopefully I can add one soon and on the 18th I signed up with pvbody.com.   You can read more about it at either at pvbody.com or check out these bloggers reviews Freckleberry Finds / The Photographer's Wife / Living Smart Girl / Some Day's Off /  The Gift Blog / And Twins Make 5.  I'm still  anxiously awaiting my package.