Chef Style half APRON - vintage inspired.

I've just completed another vintage inspired half apron now listed on Etsy. I love the tropic feel to this material. The bold colors of orange, lime and chocolate set each other off nicely, thus the name for this apron 'Hot Tropics'

Once a upon a time - weight loss

Festive break over and the realisation that 2 kgs have come back to haunt me. Pulled a muscle in my leg. What is with the injuries? So I've gone back to the initial exercises the physio gave me.

As they say, two steps forward, one step back. So I soldier on. I'll continue and get back on that horse. I must have a herd by now, surely.(lol). Getting through the edible gifts, slowly, and trying to get my head back to challenge mode. Harder then you think but I;m not as negative as I was before. What does that all mean. I have no idea but my challenged worked before so off I go again. Will keep you posted.

Once a upon a time - weight loss

As expected and as predicted yesterday was filled with to much of everything. The food was coming on the table quick and fast and my only plan was to pace myself. Of course the weight has gone up and there are many edible gifts. As a caring and considerate person I must sample these gifts to acknowledge the spirit of giving. (lol) Any reason to have the beautiful edible gifts.

I will be back on my challenge maybe not tomorrow but in the next few days, I hope. I haven't gained to much weight, about a kg so far, but hopefully it won't take to long to take off.

I am feeling fuller and heavier so I'll just have to jump back on the horse (gym) to get the weight off. Will keep you posted.

Apron mini

I have just finished another Apron mini and this one is one of my favourites I love the cooking recipe on the material and the feminine polka dots in pale blue gives such a soft and warm look to the apron. Here is the background story to it, I hope to enjoy looking at this apron.

Background Story.
I love a cooking recipe and how it is laid out with it's ingredients at the top and then written instructions at the bottom. From lining a greased tin to combining the ingredients to have a well prepared and delicious meal. A recipe has a certain look and feel about it and I hope this apron brings lots of memories of good yummy meals for you and your family.

Once a upon a time - weight loss - result

The time has come and I weighed myself. The scales read 69.1kgs. I was alittle disappointed but the numbers are going down little by little. As long as I'm heading in the right direction then that's OK. So on I march. Christmas Day will be a tough one but I'll be back on the horse ( only in speech) on boxing day. Will keep you posted.

Once a upon a time - The day has come

Well, It's Friday and in some ways I'm to scared to stand on those scales. I don't think I can get to 67kgs and yesterday my eating habits weren't great but I gave myself a goal and as promised I will stand on those scales today. Will post later the results so stay tuned and hopefully there will be some encourging news, Hopefully.

Though I have come to the conclusion that the weight will come off and I do make little changes most days to do that, either through portion control of food( that's hard) or the exercise.

So, what have I learnt from this challenge? It can be done but I need to put in place goals to achieve the end result. And it's not easy. The weight just doesn't fall off because I was good for one day. But it's something I can do everyday to help to get to the weight I'm happy with. I will have my bad days and on those days the weight will go up, for sure, but the goals and challenge can start the next day. Will keep you posted. Finally, To everyone that has read this blog thank you and I hope you have and happy and safe Festive season.

Once a upon a time - At long last !!!

I thought I would give you an update on something that happened to me the other day. I was shopping and was waiting in line. There were many people around and another couple of customers walked in.

They stood to the side of the store waiting also to be served. All of a sudden the mother comes up next to me and asked.( Here we go again, no I'm not your long lost cousin, best friend from primary school, I didn't play basketball in your team, or attended some function in some town I never heard of. I'm just me.) "Did you live in this suburb,Yes, did you live in this street,Yes,Yes, Did you live at this number, Yes,Yes,Yes. Is your name...Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes. Hello I'm your neigbour.

Oh, At long last someone who knows me for me. We reminisced about the past and caught up on how family members were going, at long last.

Once a upon a time - weight loss

It is funny how once you stop going to the gym it is quite easy to not go at all. As the back was hurting I was giving the gym a miss but I did go back after a push by my husband.

I'm glad he encouraged me as I got back into the swing of things quickly and got back into my enjoyment of the gym.

The weight is going dowm but at a slow rate. Not making a big effort to change things but a little portion control and hopefully the exercise will help. The finish line of 67kg is almost here and I'll be honest I don't think I can get there by Friday. Big efforts have to be made to reach 67kg by Friday. I don't think I have it in me. However, as long as the numbers are decreasing and not increasing, which they are, I'm pushing on.

Will keep you posted and will give you the results of Friday's weigh in.

Once a upon a time - weight loss

Still getting over the excitment of fitting into my old jeans. I still can't believe it. It gave me a much need motivational push to continue. The back is playing up but we shall see how we go.

The weather is not helping with wanting to go out and even take a walk. But going back to the gym after my little episode with the back and hopefully things will continue. I'm just so happy that nothing is distracting me and I'm not going back to my old ways.

This experience has taught me that I'm more determined then I thought. And I will lose the weight it's just a matter of time.

67kg might be a hard goal to reach by Friday but I'm under 70kg and I'll just push on.
Will keep you posted.

Chef Style half APRON - HANDMADE - NEW

Here are some new Chef style half aprons for you to see. I hope you enjoy these. I love picking the material, working out patterns, colors and the contrast of different materials. These aprons bring me such happiness in making them. I hope you enjoy the contrast and colors of these new ones.

Once a upon a time - weight loss

Big news on the weight loss front today. I got into the jeans I haven't worn for about 2 years. Yes it's true. They were tight but I got them pasted my knees. Do you know what that means. All the hard work I have been doing is working and I'm now more then ever motivated to continue.

It always helps when the old clothes fit to keep you on track. Though, it brought me back to my younger years in the seventies when wearing the tightest of jeans was the in thing. I really don't know how I breathed.

So, things are going well but just around the corner is, no don't say it, yes Christmas, and the Christmas lunch and dinner. Many relatives to see many meals to eat.

Challenge, BRING IT ON!!!

Vegie patch - update

The rains have been coming here and so the vegie patch is looking good. We have green beans, radishes, spinach, lettuce, zucchini and 2 snow pea. Yes that's right, just 2. No big feed with the snow peas but they look fresh and healthy. Here are the pictures.

Banana Cake with Lemon icing

I made banana Cake with lemon icing last night.(I love the taste of lemon icing and it seems to go with most cakes). Not great for the weight loss but maybe just a sliver, it's too good to say no.

It's the usual butter cake recipe and just mash up three ripe bananas and stir througth the cake mixture. Cook for about 50 minutes to 1 hour until cooked through. Yummy. I never really go wrong with this recipe( and believe me I have gone wrong with some)Loved by all in the family.

Chef Style half APRON

I've been a hard a work making some more aprons. I hope you enjoy the latest pictures. I'll be posting more aprons soon.

Once a upon a time - weight loss

Weight has been steady at just under 70kgs. So the good news is I haven't gained any weight. The bad news is it's taking longer then I thought. Now I have a new goal 67kgs by next Friday.

The back is causing some concern. So gym work will be minimal. So portion control on the food front will take a priorty and hopefully that will work.

I need to get to 67kg soon as Christmas is approaching quickly. The festive food is being organized and and as usual there will be plenty. Some moral support would be great at this stage. Post a comment and let me know what might work by Friday.

Will keep you posted.

Once a upon a time - weight loss

Was able to see my physio today and she worked on my back. She wasn't terribly worried about the back and gave some advice on what to do. Having someone you can talk to about your problems , in my case about my back, is helpful.

A shoulder to cry on, never hurt anyone. She has helped with answers to my questions and worries I had, and I tell you I had a few when I couldn't walk very well.

I'm maintaining the weight and gettig there slowly, which is better then not at all.The goal now is to reach 67kgs. I wonder how long it will take. It will be interesting to see. 14/12/10. Will keep you posted

Once a upon a time - weight loss

Twenty steps back, one step forward. Back to the Physio today. Back is not in great shape. Hopefully, things will pick up and I'll be back on track soon. The gym takes another back seat to getting me fighting fit.

My thought process has changed and now I take on what is thrown at me. The gym is always there and I'll go back soon. The weight is steady between 68 - 70kg so I haven't gain any weight.

Food takes a front seat and portion control is how I control the weight. It would be great to have the gym and portion control working at the same time, but I just take one day at a time. Will keep you posted.

Once a upon a time - weight loss

The weight loss challenge has hit a huddle by having pain in my back. Exercise taken a big hit today, had trouble walking.

Hot water bottle is my best friend in these situation and hopefully it won't get any worse.

Family lunch and did some Christmas shopping. Another challenge to tackle next year.So you can see the weight challenge was very challenging today. But lets not give up hope and tomorrow is another day.

Will keep you posted.

Once a upon a time - weight loss

There is good news and bad news. First with the bad, to get it over and done with. The weight has gone up and down this week but I am still at the 70kg mark. So I've still kept some of the weight off.

The good news is I'm going back to the gym and I'm feeling much better. The positive thing about the journey is that time for losing the weight is not as important then making better choices in general, ie: food, exercise and fitness and happiness.

I have learnt alot about the journey and the challenge and that is I can take anything on and succeed at some level and as long as I feel it's working for me then I will continue along this journey.

So, I'm off to the gym and hopefully as I've blogged before the weight will just fall off me and I should look fabulous by tonight, (lol).

Will keep you posted.

Apron mini and half aprons

Here are some of the newest aprons I have just finished. I hope you like them.

Apron mini and half aprons

Being keeping busy with more aprons on the way. The aprons are now becoming a journey as is the weight loss. Every apron representing part of me, my likes, my passion, my artistic side and my love of creating something that could make someone else feel special. I love that side of making the things I do and why I love showing my creations. Here are some more. I hope you enjoy them.

Once a upon a time - weight loss

Here's the exciting news. Yes, I broke the 70kg mark. That's right I was 68.8kg this morning. Now stop jumping up and down with my exciting news. There is a few things I need to tell you.

I weighed myself this morning, before breakfast, lunch and dinner, but heck anything to make me feel better (lol). The funny thing is that as I looked at the scales and saw the number under 70,and lets face it, I have been trying to get that number down for a while, it kinda inspired me to do better. Everyday I do alittle better, hopefully the numbers will continue to go down.

My portions are smaller, but I do have my bad days. I try not to miss out on to much but I do make some,some better choices.

Exercise is still not happening but I am watching what I eat. I seem to be getting there and my goal is now in breaking the 68kg mark. These are small steps to reach the bigger goal. Will keep you posted.

Once a upon a time - weight loss

Weight loss is good and now steady just about 70kg. So I have lost about 3 kgs. Now, lack of exercise due to illness has set me back but I am maintaining the weight and not increasing it while recovering from the illness. Back on track soon but I am surprised I'm controlling the amount of food and weight. Blogging and weighing myself has kept me in check.

So, so far so good. I'm hoping when I get back to the exercise the weight should just fall of me (lol). I wonder?

New apron on the way will post soon.

Apron mini 'Tropical'

Here is another to the collection of Apron mini on etsy.com/runawaywombat. I hope you enjoy the background story to this apron. I hope it gives a tropical feel too.

Background Story.
This material takes me back to beautiful Queensland with it's hot days,perfect for swimming in the ocean. It's warm nights spent walking along the beach. Tropical drinks and seafood dishes.

Apron mini Tea Towel

Hi everyone I have just listed my matching tea towel to the Apron Mini. I love the hot pink and polka dots. It gives me a festive feeling and I love the warm color of the pink. I hope you like this too.

Once a upon a time - weight loss

I thought I might have had some exciting news that I broke the 70kg mark but not as yet. Having said that I'm getting quite close so it shouldn't be much longer. I am happy the weight hasn't increase with the fact I can't go to the gym and I think that is because of my mind set.

Gone are the days of negativity and I know now that every day I can do something to help the weight loss or anything else going on in my life.

I'm feeling better and the gym work will continue next week. I have gone back to early exercises the Physio gave me to help my back as I'm in the process of getting better. This won't help the weight loss but it helps strengthen my back which is always good.

Will keep you posted. Stay positive.

New Design Apron 'Apron Mini'

Just posting the latest Apron Mini I have just finish. I love the bright and sassy hot pink. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Vegie patch

If you have to plant anything in the garden radishes and lettuces are the way to go. We have now being eating the radishes in salads for about a week. I do know that they are very unique in their taste but they are so easy to grow.

We have had above average rainfall and all the vegies we planted have caught on. The plums which I posted when in flower have now become fruit but are still at the green stage.

Our snow peas are doing well, we have two snow peas (lol) certainly not a crop but they look fresh and ready to pick.

I hope you enjoy the photos and will post soon on Etsy updates and my continuing journey on my weight loss.

Once a upon a time - weight loss

Today I weighed myself and I haven't gain any weight. The gym is the key here and as I'm not going because I'm still unwell I have to control the eating. Now don't think I'm going all out with the healthy food. Food is nice and that is a challenge. But I'm very concious about how much and that is the key, how much.

So, what I have learnt from this journey is exercise, portion control and belief in one self. Now, I know this is nothing new and the experts have always told us this. But I'm the type of person who has to learn it for my self. And they are right. There is no magic way, but for me it's about putting into action every day something positive. Whether it is portion control on food, the gym on that day or going for a walk.

Now I have bad days, don't get me wrong, but this time I seem not to give in and just do something good to counter act the step back I have had.

Now the back has held up but I will have to take it alittle easy when I go back to get into the swing of things. I am close to breaking the 70kg mark and I hope that is soon.

Trim and fabulous by Christmas might be a stretch but I don't care anymore because I will get there.

Once a upon a time - weight loss

I'm getting alittle better and had my Physio appointment. Off I went in the rain to see her. She had become someone I had turned to every week with my aches and pains and she would help me get better week by week with a range of exercises.

Her constant help and support with dealing with life's issues was a great comfort. As she said today, "your back will never be one of a 16 year old but with the gym work and a better understanding of yourself you can improve you body strength and hopefully have less back issues. At this I thought not only physically but mentally too.

With that, we finished our sessions. I was a little sad as she helped me for almost 6 months with all my aches and pains but on the other hand I knew now what to do and how to keep working on my body strength.

I think this experience has help me understand, to reach out for help. And after the bad back pain I had experienced in the last 6 months, I had no problem asking, begging for help. As I told the Physio to day, I can not have that pain again and I will do all in my power not to have that pain again.

As I haven't been well I haven't beening going to the gym. And surprise, surprise, I missed it. I miss the X-trainer, the rowing machine but I will be back soon. Will keep to posted.