Taking these past few weeks off from blogging has been bliss. Each time I go to reach for the computer, I tell myself, “NO!” I’m not missing the extra stress whatsoever. What I do miss is the creative process and even more than that… YOU. I miss the interaction with my blogging friends, but am confident that you guys, of all people, understand the need to take breaks and refresh. I feel so happy taking time off, that I wonder if giving it up all together isn’t the route I might take. So torn… so very torn. Still so many posts in my dashboard so it won’t be for awhile.
Last week was uneventful for us personally. My kids schedule just got busier with sports, so we will be out every night. I’m trying to figure out how to make wholesome dinners and avoid eating out all of the time. Please someone give me some ideas! I did find this really awesome post by Fit N Cookies about how she prepared several Freezer Crock Pot Meals ahead of time in anticipation for the arrival of their baby. I was so inspired that I made my own list of Slow Cooker meals. So last night I made my version of a Polynesian Chicken that was so delicious, but more important… MY KIDS LOVED IT! I might even post the recipe in the near future.. oh wait, I’m supposed to be quitting blogging– sigh, see what I mean? SO torn!
I was very inspired by Pope Francis’s visit to the US last week. What an amazing and gentle soul is. He is truly bringing the world together–exactly what we need right now, yes? It gives so many of us hope. He truly understands what he needs to do to unite the world. This morning I woke up with yet another migraine, feeling crappy and snappy. When I felt myself spiraling downward, I envisioned the Pope and asked myself, “What would Francis do?” It transformed my day and now I sit here typing still with a migraine, but with so much positive energy and gratitude. He is spreading the love, and for me personally, that is awe inspiring.
I’m going to keep it short this week. I am still slowing getting back into my routine and need to keep it simple. As you are painfully aware ( I mention it way too much) I suffer from TMJ and get very severe neck and shoulder pain. Carrying a purse was becoming painful, even my lightest bag felt like a lead weight and caused shooting pain up my neck and into my jaw. I needed something feather light to carry my wallet and other essentials. I found this shopping bag at Micheal’s and quickly took a boring beige bag and turned it into something adorable and cute by simply adding some gold fabric paint.
Easy DIY Golden Arrow Half Marathon Tote- great gift for runners #fitfluential #sweatpink #runchat Click To TweetI selected 13.1 instead of 26.2, because right now in my life I need the reminder that it’s not always about extremes. We are enough and should be proud of anything that is honoring our well being. Being firm but gentle to ourselves and finding balance is far more important than trying to compete or prove something. Right now it’s about doing things that lift my spirit. I do not need to compare myself or feel depressed if someone passes me. I remind myself to let them pass and while you’re at it send them sincere and loving vibes.
Being envious or fighting back does not serve me, and it’s not very nice to them, now is it? I need to lighten my load, another symbol of this feather light tote that I am now carrying around full time. Goofy metaphor? Perhaps, but for me personally having these tangible reminders is an essential tool for my sanity. So I give you my lightweight Gold Arrow Half Marathon bag. This is a completely easy DIY craft to make, and would make an AWESOME Christmas or Holiday gift for the runner in your life.
Speaking of the Holidays— at the end of this post I have included links several DIY craft ideas for runners for those who would like to get a head start on that– I realize it’s only October! I’m one of those annoying people who slowly gets things done before the madness starts. Feel free to pin it for later though if that’s something you’d like to revisit later on.
What You’ll Need
1- Beige Tote Bag
Gold Tulip Fabric Paint
Paint Brush
Stencils
Tape
Small stencil spouncer
Painters Tape
How To Make It
10 Plus Gift Ideas for Runners
With Christmas and Chanukah just around the corner, I’d thought I give you some easy DIY gift ideas for the runner in your life. Get your crafty on!
Race Bib Serving Tray
Race Bib Running Journal
Race Bib Clip Board
Jacket Pull/ Key Chain for Runners
Marathon and Half Marathon Candle Jar
Trucker Hat for Runners
Race Pace Band ( great stocking stuffer)
Hand Held Water Bottle Holder
DIY No Sew Thumb Hole Arm Warmers
DIY Polka Dot Ombre Running Capri
DIY Marathon Map Phone Cover
Christmas Cracker for Runners
Homemade Energy Bars
What do you think about Pope Francis ? Do you have any fast family friendly meal ideas for a busy mother? Do you start getting ready for the Holidays early or like to wait until December?
