Homemade Holiday

Yesterday I went to HyVee on a money-saving kick. I stuck to my list and did fairly well. However, I may never go back for I get nightmares over getting in and out of that place with my two little ladies. I won't go into boring details, but I will say that I walked my cart outside in the sleet b-lining it to the liquor store and I did briefly consider popping open a Mike's Original Peach Margarita bottle in the car for the drive home. The small aisles, large crowd, and impatient children made for one exhausting trip. Someone please remind me next week, when I muster up the courage to do it again, to wait for a time when I can leave the littles at home!

On the subject of food, I know I have really been slacking/losing motivation on all of this weight loss business. I did do cycling again the other day and it continues to kick my butt. I now officially have my Y membership and I am very much looking forward to deep water aerobics with all of the grandmas on Monday morning. There is something about working out in the water that I prefer.
You see, I am what some would call a sweater. Not the cute wool kind, but one who sweats profusely. I have been going through my entire life putting minimal physical effort into everything I do to keep from pitting out. You will seldom see me wear grey. (Attractive, right? It is funny to me how open and honestly I write now that I am not single.) I have been known to respond, "I don't play sports" when asked to join in on a game of four square or laughed at when I thought I had water in my knee -- apparently that only happens to the physically active.
Not only do I sweat but I am laughably uncoordinated. Even swing choir dance moves in high school would really stress me out. Aerobics has never been a good class choice for me. I look ridiculous. So, again, I am putting forth an effort here, but I am still climbing this hill slow and steady. Only eight more pounds to go before Christmas -- can I do it? If the snow would slow down it would really help. The temptation to cook rich comfort foods is getting stronger by the day.

Speaking of temptation, I did a little shopping around town today at a couple of different places to take off the edge from my Target withdrawals. I'm over one week in and I will admit I almost relapsed...twice. I went to JoAnn's to get some supplies for Christmas gifts. Yes, I am officially doing 100% (okay, maybe not quite) DIY Christmas Gifts. It will be glorious and I will call it a Homemade Holiday.

After decorating my kitchen for Christmas (pictures to come) I got started on crafting up some gifts. I am dying to write all about them and include pictures and maybe even some tutorials, but I cannot spoil the surprise. Unfortunately I have never been good at keeping my own secrets and I will probably give in very shortly and ruin everyone's gift for them.

I have always been in love with Etsy.com and have always wanted to have my own page, but I have never seen myself as creative or capable as most sellers...or anything to sell :) . As of today, I am changing that. After Christmas I think I will start selling online many of the things I have been making for family and friends. My mom and sister-in-law are going to love their gifts (as well as my close friends, neices and nephews, friends' kids...) Hint: There may or may not be an explosion of ruffles in my dining room right now. Okay, I'll stop.

I, again, have been behind on my list of thanks, so I'll fire off three;
1. Margaritas (in all shapes and forms)
2. Etsy
3. Christmas decorations including, but not limited to, plates that read, "Cookies for Santa"