I have big thighs....and it's ok....

So obviously, this post is NOT about crafts...lol....but that's ok....it's about big thighs... :)  This is what big thighs do to your favorite running shorts...

(yes I promise this is them on my arm, lol)  They've been patched several times and I refuse to give them up.  Needless to say, I patched them again.



I never used to have a hard time with having big thighs.  In school, I could press as much weight with my legs as the boys...even though I was half their size, and I never thought about having big thighs until I started modeling.  One day after a runway show, I was pulled into the office and told I needed to do something about my fat thighs....I was 5'9" and 118 lbs, but it didn't matter, my legs were too big.  I will never forget that day.  From then on I was self conscious of my legs. 

That's me on the right...with my "too big thighs"  HA!
Fast forward almost 20 years...It's been a fight to lose the weight gained from 3 kids, and life in general....
I kept thinking I just wish my thighs would GO AWAY!!  but then I started thinking...these thighs have carried me for 36 years.....they have bounced babies, climbed stairs, have run miles and miles, and will soon carry me through a half marathon.  They have built amazing muscle, and are strong beyond belief.  They can pedal a bike as many miles as I want to go, chase my children around the park, and have never let me down...

So if I have big thighs...good....I'm ok with it...because they are strong and healthy, and I will continue to build the muscle in them, so that they can chase my grand kids and great grand kids....
I guess what I'm trying to say is, everyone has something they wish they could change...sometimes you just have to change the way you look at it.

hugs,
heather

Today's the Day!!!

Today is the day!  The Relay for Life is TONIGHT!!  I just wanted to drop by and share all the wonderful items that have been donated, and the quilt that I made for the live auction tonight!!  All of the pictures have links attached to them that will take you to the shops facebook page!  Stop by and let them know how awesome they are for supporting such a great cause!!!

 

hugs,

heather

Where I've been......and where I'm going.... ;)

It seems like forever since I've written on here.  My life has changed so much since the beginning of this year.  I have been on such a wonderful journey, and realized this is not one that anyone can convince you to take, or one that anyone can take for you.  I have discovered that I am stronger than I ever thought I could be, and that I can do anything I set my mind too.  Those of you that know me, (in real life, not just through the computer) know that I've always had that attitude, but what you didn't know is that on the inside, I was a scared little kid. 
The last time I got on a scale before this journey began, I was 189 lbs., after that, I refused to get on the scale, but knowing that I out grew another pair of jeans, I'll wage I was closer to 200 lbs.  I couldn't go up the steps in my house without being out of breath.  I was exhausted all the time.  My allergies and asthma had taken over my lungs.  All I wanted to do was sit and sleep.  Not play with my babies, not walk with my dogs, not dance...which I love to do.  Something had to change. 
Finally, after a conversation, I realized, it was me believing the same things I had felt as a child, that I could never make anyone happy, or that no one would ever be proud of me, and decided, that's it...I need to find out how to make ME happy, and anyone that doesn't love me for who I am, and wants to put me down, needs to not be in my life, and after that moment....I was a different person.
This, is the girl that started this journey on January 6, 2011.

It was a struggle to make myself do anything, but luckily, I have some wonderful people around me, that listened, and told me to move my ass when I needed it.  The girl that kicks me around the gym, is some one you may know....Lisa from ToldUSo.  Whether or not she admits it, she is an amazing motivator and friend...(besides, she likes to see me in pain...lol!)  I started taking her spinning class, in fact the first time she had me on a bike, I lasted exactly 18 minutes, and then had to lay on the floor because I wasn't sure if I was going to pass out, or puke.  I also started running.  I used the couch to 5k program, and thought I was going to DIE after 30 seconds of running.... I used things I have learned from a friend named Julie about eating, and started keeping track of how many calories I was eating...which was scary at first... :)
Fast forward until today...this is me now....

If you go by the last weight I knew, I've lost over 20 lbs.  I can run over 3 miles, (4 if you tell me to run to Subway..lol)  I take spinning class for 45 minutes twice a week, I'm careful of what I eat, but I will not starve and there are things I won't give up, I will not ever be on a diet.  This is a change for life, not until I drop weight.  I don't take crazy weight loss pills, I will be HEALTHY, not skinny.  I will be strong, not a twig, and most of all, I am happier. 
I will run my first 5k on May 21st, and another in September, then I'd like to train for a 10k, and then a half marathon... o and for the first time in my life...I have the coolest muscles in my calves...lol!!
So if you've wondered where I've been...now you know....and if you see me running down the road...please don't splash me with the puddles!! 
My shop will also be under going some changes.  I've been busy making candles and new items, along with working on the Relay for Life quilt.  I've started getting donations again this year for our live auction, and hope to share all of those items with you guys soon!!
hugs!
heather

Drum Roll Pllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

We have a WINNER!!!!!

According to our random.org generator, Anna is the winner!!!!  Congrats Anna!!!  and Thank you so much to everyone else that entered!!  Stop over soon and check out what Lisa has going into her shop for spring!!!  I have my Tolduso hat, do you????

hugs!

heather

GiveAway GiveAway GiveAway

Who doesn't like a giveaway...I mean REALLY!!!  And this one is even better, because who doesn't love HATS!!

I'm hosting a giveaway for my girlie Lisa over at ToldUso !!

The prize.....any hat from her shop...or a custom hat of your choosing!!

(and there are so many to chose from, trust me, I'd have a heck of a time!)

This girl can make anything!  and just wait to see what she has coming out for spring and summer!!  

SSOOOOO here's how to win!! 

1. Join as a follower of her blog...and if you have a blog, grab her button and add it!  Leave me a comment here...

2. If you are already a follower, leave a comment that you already follow

and what kind of new accessories you'd like to see at ToldUso!!

3. Talk about the giveaway on your blog with a feature post...

then come back here and comment that you did.

4. On your blog, post my Button linking back here, then come back and comment that you did.
This giveaway is open to everyone!!

Remember, each of your comments as detailed above becomes your entry.

We will use good ole random.org to pick the winner on March 11th, so make sure your entries are in by midnight on March 10th!!!

Good Luck!!!

hugs,

heather

Running Away.... :)

Ok, I'm not really running away, but if any of you have seen my facebook page recently I talked about starting the Couch to 5k program.  Tomorrow will be my first LONG (for me) run.  Two straight miles, no stopping, walking, crying, or I can'ts will be tolerated!!  I believe tomorrow will be more of a mental challenge for me than physical.  4 years ago tomorrow, my dad passed away.  Ironic to me that my first hard run will fall on that day.  I mentioned to my friend Lisa, I've run in freezing temps, rain, snow, sleet and with ice on the ground, so I'm taking this as a challenge issued from above.... I've mapped out my route, and it's hard, I'm hoping I have a bright sunny day tomorrow...preferably above freezing...lol :)
Other than getting myself back in shape, I've started working on the Relay for Life for this year!!  I already have over 30 shops offering to donate items for our auction baskets and will be starting to work on the Memory and Honor quilt soon!  You can check out all of the items that were donated, the auction and quilt from last year here and here!!
If you are interested or would like more info about it, shoot me an message at thepineconeteacup@cinci.rr.com, and I'll send you all the details!! 

Look for pics of all the donations as the start coming in here too!!  I'll be sharing all of the fantastic shops and pics of everything they send!!

hugs,
heather

                                           My daddy and i camping :)

2010....

I can't believe I'm sitting here on the eve of yet another new year....where did you go 2010?  As I look back at this year, there were so many things that brought over whelming emotion, both good and bad...the loss of an amazing grandfather,

                   and of a fantastic uncle,






 my youngest first day of school....

 There was an amazing sense of joy when the lovely Gail from The Widow's Walk, sent me a message that said my Relay for Life goal had been met...and even more when all of the amazing people I've met this year, from all over the world gave to help search for a cure to that terrible monster we call Cancer....

 I've watched my children as they grow, and have been amazed at how kind and giving they are...










And watched them spread their wings and fly into new experiences...



I sat exactly where I am now last New Years eve, and made a list of resolutions....this is what it said....This year I will..open a handmade shop where I can help raise money for the Relay for Life.  I will enjoy the fact that I am able to stay home with my kids and appreciate every moment that I get to spend with them, and I will try my hardest to be the best wife and mother I can be.
I can honestly say I have done all of those, and so much more...a lot of it due to the help of all of you wonderful friends.
My resolutions for this year are simply to continue what WE have started...I will begin asking for donations for the Relay for Life auction in the beginning of January, I am trying to come up with something that can be put into the shop that ALL profits from it would go to the American Cancer Society, I will begin working on the Relay for Life quilt for this years Relay.  I will continue to try my hardest to appreciate every day that I am given with my family and friends.  I will take more pictures, make more memories, hug more and cry less....and I promise to take the best care of myself that I can. 
I am amazed and thrilled that you all have joined me on this journey, and would be so happy if you continued it with me....I promise, it'll never be dull..lol :)

Have a wonderful New Years........hug the ones you love...and maybe just for giggles...smile at someone just to make them wonder what you're thinking....
hugs,
heather