The Abbey

I recently opened a new etsy shop and have been devoting most of my free time to running that and the blog for it. I would love for you to check it out.

Here is the etsy shop: http://TheAbbey.etsy.com

Here is the blog: http://ShopTheAbbey.blogspot.com

Thanks guys!!!

Bedrest and other un-fun-ness!!!

I'm so sorry that I have not been updating or posting anything recently. I have been in and out of the hospital with horrible back pain. I am still undiagnosed (unfortuantely) and have been put on partial bedrest. I will hopefully be able to at least post in my blog and hang out on etsy while I am recovering, but my meds make me very drowsy. Thank you to all of my wonderful readers and friends!!! You guys have all been fantastic. I will resume the Weight Loss Challenge as soon as I am able to be up and about.

And on a quick note about Project G.A.B.E. - Gabe is now doing better in school. He had a perfect week this past week. His first one since starting his school career. He got no warnings or anything. I am so proud of him!!! He is still doing his artwork and making up 'adventures' with his ACEOS and I truely believe that these have helped a ton with his behavior!!!

Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family, my son, and of couse myself!!! You will never know how much it means to me. I really appreciate it!!!

I will update as much as I can. And you are also more than welcome to check out the blog for my other etsy shop. The blog is http://shoptheabbey.blogspot.com and the shop link is: http://TheAbbey.etsy.com

Skinny Bracelet - Weight Loss Challenge PIF - WEEK 1

I finally posted my PIf for Week 1 of my weight loss challenge. It is a cute little skinny bracelet made from stretch cord and seed beads.

Just pay listing fee!!! Here is the link:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14612251

Reward System...

Ok, so I am going to make like one of my kids and use a reward system for this weight loss challenge. I am only on day 3 - and this is harder than I thought it would be. Why isn't my will power enough? I figured that because I want to lose weight and get in shape so much, that this would all be so easy. That it would just come naturally. Let me tell you - it is not that easy!!! I have so much respect for people who are doing a lifestyle change. It is hard work and I just want you to know that I am proud of you all for sticking to it. It takes courage to change. It takes courage to overcome food. It takes courage to go on that walk or go to the gym. I want to be that brave...

So here is my reward system. I have 50 pounds to lose, so I am going to reward myself for every 10 pounds lost. Once I hit that last 10 pounds, my reward for hitting goal weight is going to be a new, sexy dress!!! I am so excited. I've heard that the first year after losing weight is the hardest time for maintaining the weight loss, so every 3 months (for a year) that I am within 3 pounds of my goal weight I am going to reward myself.

I think I came up with a good system to help me focus and also a treat to strive for. Here is a tentative list of what my rewards will be.

10 pounds lost: Adorable Make Up Bag - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13346134

20 pounds lost: Beautiful Art Kit - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12056745

30 pounds lost: Lovely Initial Necklace - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14127484

40 pounds lost: Gorgeous Hair Pin - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13486530

50 pounds lost: Sexy Dress - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_4&listing_id=13500400

Weight Loss Challenge - Week 1

Ok, today is the start of my weight loss challenge.

My weight today is 195.5

So the PIF for next week will be worth the dollar amount of 195.5 - weight loss (1 pound = 1 dollar).

I am so nervous and excited about this!!! I am doing the nutrisystem food program (because I still have tons of that food to go through). Once that food is gone and I start trying to diet on my own, I will let you all know.

I am using my Lucky Sparrow Moleskin Cahier (Lined) from MuffinTopsyTurvy as my food journal. If you would like one of your own, here is the link:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=13894853

If you are interested in losing some weight of would just like the support of the esty community in changing to a healthier lifestyle, please let me know. I would be happy to meantion you and your shop along with your weight loss goals in my blog.

Thanks for stopping by and learning some more about my goal for a healthier me!!!!

Weight Loss Challenge

WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

Ok, So I'm tired of carrying around this extra weight from my last baby, so I am sarting my own weight loss challenge. I spent a ton of money on Nutrisystem and because of family situations (son being sick, etc), I have not used any of it yet. So I am challenging myself and you all get to benefit from it. I am starting on Sunday, August 17, 2008. I will be weighing myself every Sunday thereafter. For every pound lost in a given week, I will list a PIF of that amount (ie, 1 pound = 1 dollar, so if I loose 2 pounds it will be a product worth $2). This is a fun way for ya'll to get cute free stuff and for me to stay accountable. This challenge will go until Dec 15, at that time I will list ONE PIF worth the total amount of my weightloss (my goal is 145 and I am at 196ish right now). So the more weight I loose by then, the more value that PIF will have. I know you all want awesome free stuff, so if you see me start to slip, feel free to let me know to get my booty into gear!!!

Thanks for the support!!!!

Revised Etsy for Christmas Wish List!!!!

Ok, stuff sells or expires so quickly on Etsy that I have to revise my wish list. So here it is, in no particular order:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10991864

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12534159

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12056745

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10434513

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11758091

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13313838

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13321779

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12794426

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10034379

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14138844

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7548225

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13476773

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12191770

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=13694150

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13184578

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13638082

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6833398

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12104329

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13568036 - and all her bobby pins!!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12806129

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13778992

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14096184 - <3

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11731792

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13207873

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9281415 - or the britney

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13560634

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13378468

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8145414

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12768967

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14060945

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14093194

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14084448

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11871413

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13783362

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11695919