2012 Update

Hello friends! I've decided to abandon this blog, because I tend to forget about it since I mostly post on my design blog.  I've decided to include personal things on my design blog too. So, make note of that if you choose to keep checking in on me. Happy New Year!

November Update

Hello friends. It's starting to get chilly here in Minnesota now! We're expecting our first snow tomorrow. The forecast is predicting up to 2 inches of snow fall. I am trying not to get too excited in case it doesn't happen.

Here's what else is new: We're still not finished with the house purchasing process, so it looks like it may still be a few weeks yet before we can move.  I'm just hoping it's in time to decorate and enjoy the Christmas season.

Baby D is doing well at 18 weeks, with a strong, quick heartbeat.  We find out his or her gender in a little over a week. I'm excited for that!

Also, I set up an Etsy shop this week, selling printed paper goods. So far I've only listed a couple sets of Christmas Card packs, but will be adding more to the shop soon.  I also started a Maren Layne Design page on facebook.  My sister, Dena, is designing a logo for me and I hope to get the shop and fb page updated with that soon too.

Oh, and here is a link to the knitted hat I mentioned in my previous post - I blogged it on my design blog.

I've also listed a FREE DIY DOWNLOAD for a Christmas Nut Jar for Dad (or other men in your life) on my design blog as well. So, if you need a gift solution for him, check that out.

NEWS

Hello friends.  It's been a while since I've written, but I'm hoping to begin again regularly. There have been a lot of changes in my life over the last few months and still many more to come in the next few!

Darin and I have been on a spiritual journey over the last year, which has been amazing.  We have found a new church that has been such a blessing to us.  We thank God daily for his grace and mercy and sovereignty over our lives.

Secondly, we are expecting our first child in the Spring! Praise the Lord! Some of you may know that we've been praying for a child for the past few years. My PCOS (explanation blog here) makes it more difficult to get pregnant. Lord willing, Baby Dalida will arrive around April 20th, 2012. The first trimester was pretty rough on me.  I had morning sickness pretty much all the time. But, thankfully, I am starting to feel better now that I'm moving into the second trimester.  I am in my 14th week and Baby D is the size of a lemon, and I've got a little belly (on top of my previously existing belly, that is).  We're planning on finding out the gender (I've been getting this question alot) as soon as we can. I've still got at least another month to go before that's possible.

And lastly, Darin and I will be home owners by the end of the year, Lord willing! We have been house hunting over the last few months and have put an offer on a house.  We are just waiting to hear back whether it is accepted or not. I am excited and anxious! It will be so nice to have our own place.

The weather here in MN is starting to cool down.  It's been in the 40's and 50's in the morning and hasn't risen above 60 in a few days.  I'm starting to feel giddy over the crisp, fresh air and the pumpkins and apple cider.  I made a pot of Borscht soup last night and knitted a baby hat last week (blog to come, most likely).  I just love the fall.

Is That You, Lord?

"We constantly overhear in Christian circles that someone is looking for the will of God for his life. He is most likely speaking of the major decisions - who to marry, where to attend school, what vocation to follow, etc. Others are seeking God's will for slightly lesser concerns: what car or house to buy, church to attend, vacation to take. We have been taught that the will of God can be ascertained through divinely prompted feelings, hunches, impressions or dreams. If these fail we can turn to fleeces, fasting, flipping coins or opening the Bible randomly and following the first verse that makes sense. To be sure, these methods are usually coupled with analysis of circumstances, wise counsel, and the peace of God. But here a serious question arises - does the Bible prescribe such methods? Is this how God says we are to discern his will?" Is that You, Lord? by Gary E. Gilley

Are you constantly struggling to hear the voice of God? Do you constantly question if your decisions are what God wants you to do?  If this resonates with you, I would highly recommend this book.

 

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, The Bible)

Love Is Still A Worthy Cause

have you listed all the times you've tried
do you call on all your alibis
when somebody asks the question why are you hiding

did you feel the pull, did you hear the call
did you take a chance and lose it all
do you fear there's no collateral left for trying

friend i know your heart is raw
but love is still a worthy cause
picking up and pressing on
oh love is still a worthy cause
like the touch that starts the thaw
oh, love is such a worthy cause
or the word that breaks the pause

in the midst of passing bravery
in the face of our own injuries
is the constant generosity of grace
it's the beauty in the tales we tell
it's the pressing on and ending well
it's the joy that comes when we give our self away

chorus
i love because he loved me when i had nothing
i love because you loved me when i had nothing
i love because he loved me when i had nothing
i had nothing

when you count the cost and all seems lost
love is still a worthy cause
when you're pressing on though your strength is gone
love is still a worthy cause

oh, love is still a worthy cause
oh, love is still a worthy cause
oh, love

by Sara Groves, Tell Me What You Know

MMEL Update

As you guys know from previous posts, one of my goals for 2011 is to move more and eat less junk (MMEL). I admit, partially for vain reasons, but mostly for health reasons. I haven't been doing so hot with the move more part, because my foot has been bothering me from over exertion. I wasn't patient running with my Merrell Pace Gloves and over did it. Now I'm paying for it by having to wait for my foot to heal. I'm dying to go for a run outside in this new spring weather. But, it will have to wait. Anyway, I'm very excited to report that I'm starting to see some teeny tiny results.

Last week I bought a digital scale so that I can get an accurate reading. My old scale is difficult to read in between the 5 lb increments.But after comparing my weight on both scales, I realized I have lost 3.5 lbs this past month.  I probably owe a huge thanks to the Sugar Smackdown regimen I have been following for the past week. It played a huge role in those numbers. I also took my measurements (chest, waist, hips, arms, thighs) and have positive results. After last month's 1 lb gain, I'm glad to see these new numbers.

Day 6 Sugar Smackdown

Today is the start of day 6 of my Sugar Detox.  It's honestly been pretty easy so far. Not that I haven't thought of soda, chocolate or other sweets. But, I'm very good at sticking to rules once I've committed to something.  I am having a difficult time being creative with what I eat. So far, I've been eating pretty much the same thing every day. Maybe this weekend I will have time to plan some more interesting meals.

My usual foods:
breakfast: apple, banana, and/or oatmeal
lunch: salad, veggies or cottage cheese, wasa crackers with meat and cheese
dinner: milk, chicken, brown rice and veggies
snack: veggies or wasa crackers with cream cheese

I have also been eating considerably less because I would normally have a sweet snack and dessert after dinner.  I wake up with a grumbling tummy. For this reason, I have been a little tired. (I think next week I need to ramp up my protein intake and probably my grains too. I've been eating a little high on the fat grams.) The funny thing is, if I can't oblige my sweet tooth, then I'm not all that interested in snacking. I might have had a breakthrough.

On another note, I spent the last two afternoons reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I hope to spend the weekend reading book #2, Catching Fire. So good!

The Sugar Smackdown

While I don't normally fall prey to detoxing, cleanses or fad diets, this one intrigued me. It's called The Sugar Smackdown, designed to help kick sugar cravings to the curb.  I try to be health conscious about what I eat, limiting my sugar, salt, and other problem causers. But ever since Christmas, I've had a mega sweet tooth and can't seem to get rid of it. I don't know if it's because of my hormone imbalance, or just really bad discipline. Whatever the case, I'm determined to beat it.

Here are the things I'm going to avoid for the next 21 days:

white granulated sugar

brown sugar

maple syrup

agave nectar

honey

fruit juice or fruit juice sweetened food

fruit, except green tipped bananas & apples

stevia – because it’s sweet and you want to recalibrate your taste buds too

refined white flour – it acts like sugar in the body

sugar substitutes – no diet drinks

alcohol

Yesterday (Sunday, March 27th, 2011) was my first day of the SS.  It went pretty well. I only broke 1 rule, that I am aware of, and it was because I was a dinner guest and I didn't want to be rude by not having part of the meal.  Sometimes it's awkward having to explain to someone why you're not eating a particular something.

Here's my day in food:

Breakfast: steel cut oats oatmeal with milk and cinnamon for flavor, and a green apple
Lunch: Panera Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and an apple (probably should not have eaten out)
Dinner: Raw Veggies, Beans, Sloppy Joe on wheat bun
Snack: Wasa Crackers (2) with turkey and cheese

Thankfully my day was busy so I didn't have any major cravings.

Check back to see my progress :)

My Day in Photos (so far)

:: 7AM Laundry Folding ::

:: 8AM Motivation ::

:: 9AM Prep ::

:: 9AM Work Out ::

:: 10AM Ready for the Day ::

:: 11AM Brunch ::

:: NOON Lunch ::

Merrell Pace Glove Review

As you guys know, I have taken up minimalist/barefoot running. This has included a gradual change in running form and type of shoe worn during running.  I recently got a free pair of Merrell's new barefoot shoot, the Pace Glove, to test out. You can read my review on my professional blog.

Conscious Eating

If you read my blog regularly, you know that this year I decided to commit to moving more and eating less (junk). So, I'm trying to be more conscious of what I eat. I've been logging my calories on caloriecount for a few years now, which has helped me stay at a semi-consistent weight (never fluctuating more than 10lbs), even with my PCOS.  But I always forget to log on weekends, and that's when I tend to make poor food choices. "What you don't know can't hurt you" sort of thing. Unfortunately that is not true.   It's exactly those things that are the culprit of obesity and an unhealthy body. I believe that knowledge and education on nutrition makes all the difference.

I have found that being prepared is the key to success when making healthy food choices. Some pointers (even if I fail at following them a lot):
1. Plan your meals ahead of time. You have no excuse to go through the drive-thru at McDonalds if you have a meal waiting at home for you.
2. Don't grocery shop on an empty stomach. This will cause you to impulse buy your guilty pleasures.
3. Study your menu ahead of time if you are eating out.  Check the nutrition facts online beforehand and commit to choosing the healthy foods before you get to the restaurant. Seeing the shocking calorie or fat amount will make you think twice before ordering a no-no.
4. Always keep healthy snacks on hand to curb your cravings. Strawberries or trail mix work for me.

Some shocking stats about "our" favorite foods:
Big Texas Cinnamon Roll/Danish: 460 calories, 22 Total fat, 10 cholesterol, 470 Sodium, 61 Total Carb, 33 sugars (The fat and carb count is HALF of the suggested value of a 2,000 calorie diet. Sickening).
Papa Johns Orig. Crust Pizza Slice (Pepperoni): 310 calories, 13 Total fat, 20 cholesterol, 800 Sodium, 38 Total Carb (This is not soo horrific if it was an entire meal, but we're talking ONE slice of pizza here. The sodium intake for this is 1/3 of the daily intake suggestion. Stay away from pizza if you have high blood pressure).
Mountain Dew 12oz Can: 165 calories, 46.5 carb, 46.5 sugars (This is a crazy amount of sugar)
McDonalds Double Cheeseburger: 440 calories, 23 Total fat, 80 cholesterol, 1150 Sodium, 34 Total Carb
McDonalds Small French Fries: 230 calories, 11 Total fat, 160 Sodium, 29 Total Carb
McDonalds Meal (3 listed above): 835 calories, 34 Total fat, 1310 Sodium, 110.5 Total Carb, 40 sugars (This is truly horrific for one meal. And even worse if it's super sized, eh?)

I was watching The Biggest Loser last week and they have a 500 lb man as a competitor. He said that previous to coming to the Ranch, he had a standing appointment with his local pizza place. EVERY DAY, they would actually call him up to make sure he was home so they could deliver him a LARGE pizza for dinner. EVERY SINGLE DAY.  That's what? -- 310 calories x 12 slices of pizza = 3720 calories.  Not to mention a lot of fat.  His actual age is 30 something and his age based on the health of his body is 60 something. Pretty scary. Since coming to the Ranch, He's lost 48 lbs in 3 weeks though (pretty impressive).

Anyway, I'm not try to scare anyone with my statistics and numbers.  But, the truth is, there is a lot of food available in America that is killing us one bite at a time. We need to be informed and aware of what we are consuming and feeding our bodies. I'm guilty of not always eating right, but, the more I know, the more I want to overcome the battle of the bulge.


Until next time.

Top 3 Picks

Yes, I got roped into watching again. Here are my top 3 picks after the first episode of The Bachelor.

Lisa didn't have much air time, but she entered the scene wearing red glittery Dorothy shoes and was one of the few who didn't do something ridiculous and embarrassing.

Emily is sweet and has been through heartbreak already, which has made her a mature individual. She seems like a quality gal.

My favorite has to be Ashley S., though. She reminds me of Kelli Pickler a lot -- cute accent and friendly personality. But, she's also so very sweet and humble. Love her. I hope she doesn't disappoint.

I'm looking forward to tonight's episode.

DIY: Headband

Hello! Happy New Year! Just wanted to share this rosette wire headband I made, based on one I saw at American Apparel. If you'd like the DIY directions, I've posted them on my HeadsTwogether blog.

Happy New Year & Goals

I know it's cliche to make New Year's Resolutions, but I can't help but feel like I get a fresh start at certain areas of my life.  I always feel excited about the beginning of a new year.  So, without further adieu, here is my list of goals for 2011:
- Run a 10k Race
- Participate in and finish a Triathalon
- Learn to drive a stick shift
- Become familiar with my new DSLR
- Get to know my Bible and my God better
- Memorize scripture
- Sew an article of clothing
- Move more, eat less (junk)
- Send more snail mail
- Be financially disciplined
- Pay off car loan #1
- Log 300+ miles this year (running)
- Cook more healthy meals, low in GI
- live more simply :)

Excited for this

I'm super excited about the upcoming movie adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's novel, Jane Eyre. Alice in Wonderland's Mia Waskowska is starring as Jane along side Michael Fassbender.  Having seen Alice recently, I think Mia will be the perfect fit for the role.  (Earlier this year, there was talk of Juno's Ellen Page as the lead. Although I was intrigued by the possibilities, I feel more certain Mia is the right choice.) The novel is at the top of my favorite books list so I'm anxious and excited to see this in motion picture. I would also like to give props to the designer of this poster. It's exactly what I picture when I think of this story.

The movie is due to appear in theaters March 11th, 2011.

Why My Blog is Named What It Is

It sure has been chilly in Minnesota this week! I've woken up to negative temperatures the last few days. But that's not everything. This past weekend, we got about 20 inches of snow! It accumulated over a day and a half. The above picture #1 (I apologize for) was taken through the glass of the front door. Picture #2 is a photo of our back deck. It already had some snow from the previous accumulation. But still. And Picture #3 is my very funny kitty, Mabel. Doesn't she look joyous? All three of these photos were taken with my new (!!!) NIKON D3000! I'm obviously still learning how to use it. But I'm loving it already!

Stay tuned for more blabbing.

Snowy Days and Knitting

This is what I woke up to this morning ...

It's been snowing all day and we're likely to get up to 10 inches of snow by tomorrow. This snowy weather puts me in the Christmas-y mood. And all I want to do is wrap up in blankets, pop in a movie, and knit.  Last weekend I finished a pair of mittens.

Goals for 2010

I recently found a list I had made for my goals of 2010. Don't laugh, because some of them seem silly. But here they are (the ones I've completed have a strike through them):

1.  Eat less fast food
2.  Exercise more, lose weight, tone up
3.  Run a 10k race

4.  Draw more
5.  Design more
6.  Crochet an animal from book
7.  Print by hand from book
8.  Sew an article of clothing
9.  Knit something besides a scarf

10.  Portfolio Website
11.  Sell on istockphoto
12.  Advertise on Craigslist

Not too bad, eh? #1 was easy because I stopped working my second job. So no more dinner drive thru's. #2 is sort of a so-so. I've lost weight and gained it, but, I have been exercising more and doing strength training, something I never did in the past. #3 I'm doing in 2 weeks.  #9 I knit a pair of mittens just this past weekend and started a hat a few days ago! #10 I started a design blog and put up some design examples, so, it's sort of completed. #12 I advertised my organizing business on craigslist and actually got a gig out of it :)

I'm actually ok with not completing #4 to draw more. But I would like to complete #7 and #8 before the end of the year. #11 isn't a big deal either.  I kind of feel good about myself right now.

So...

I originally planned on abandoning this blog for my new design blog, Maren Layne Design: Simple & Pretty. BUT, I thought I should keep personal things here instead. There are some things better left off the professional blog, I think. Which brings me to my next topic.  Some of you may not understand why I want to share such personal information with the world wide web, but, it's not for attention or even sympathy. I'm sharing this in hopes of helping others who may be in the same boat.

I recently found out I'm insulin resistant due to my PCOS.  Yes, that term is associated with Diabetes.  Let me break it down for you if you are interested in understanding what that means. Skip down if you're not.

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body produces insulin but does not use it properly. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps the body use glucose for energy. Glucose is a form of sugar that is the body’s main source of energy.

The body’s digestive system breaks food down into glucose, which then travels in the bloodstream to cells throughout the body. Glucose in the blood is called blood glucose, also known as blood sugar. As the blood glucose level rises after a meal, the pancreas releases insulin to help cells take in and use the glucose.

When people are insulin resistant, their muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond properly to insulin. As a result, their bodies need more insulin to help glucose enter cells. The pancreas tries to keep up with this increased demand for insulin by producing more. Eventually, the pancreas fails to keep up with the body’s need for insulin. Excess glucose builds up in the bloodstream, setting the stage for diabetes. Many people with insulin resistance have high levels of both glucose and insulin circulating in their blood at the same time.

Insulin resistance increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Learning about insulin resistance is the first step toward making lifestyle changes that can help prevent diabetes and other health problems. (source)

Over a year ago, I went off birth control and did not get my normal cycle. My gynecologist diagnosed me with PCOS, which is a hormonal imbalance.  I didn't really understand what PCOS was -- only that if I wanted to eventually get pregnant, I would need to correct the situation.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (say "pah-lee-SIS-tik OH-vuh-ree SIN-drohm") is a problem in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with your periods and make it difficult to get pregnant. PCOS may also cause unwanted changes in the way you look. If it is not treated, over time it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS) is common, affecting as many as 1 out of 15 women. Often the symptoms begin in the teen years. Treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent long-term problems. 

The most common symptoms are:

• Acne.
• Weight gain and trouble losing weight.
• Extra hair on the face and body. Often women get thicker and darker facial hair and more hair on the chest, belly, and back.
• Thinning hair on the scalp.
• Irregular periods. Often women with PCOS have fewer than nine periods a year. Some women have no periods. Others have very heavy bleeding.
• Fertility problems. Many women who have PCOS have trouble getting pregnant (infertility).
• Depression.

Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. That is why it is called polycystic ovary syndrome. The cysts are not harmful but lead to hormone imbalances.(source)

Because I wasn't getting a regular cycle, I was put on Prometrium pills every other month to help with that. My doctor also told me that it would be difficult to get pregnant without the help of drugs and/or other procedures. Since my husband, Darin, and I weren't in any rush to get pregnant, we decided not to delve into that. However, I did want to get my cycle under control so I wouldn't be at risk for Uteran cancer. After 2 months of the Prometrium pills, increased exercise, and a lot of prayer, my cycle was back on track without the aid of the pills. I have been off those since the beginning of the year. Praise God! 

Anyway, I promise I have a point to my ramblings.  I've been doing a lot of research on PCOS and came across a study done by the University of Sydney, headed by Jennie Brand-Miller. For the past 20 years, her team has been researching foods and how they affect our blood sugar.   Foods are tested and rated on a scale of 1 to 100 (pure glucose = 100) to determine their GI (glycemic index). Foods 55 and below, are considered Low GI, 56 and above are Medium to High GI.  Jennie's research has proven that eating foods low in GI, will keep the glucose levels low, as well as insulin levels low, helping you lose extra weight, as well as reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease, giving you life long health. This is wonderful news for women with PCOS and others who are high risk for diabetes. 

If this has interested you, then, please check out the website about the Glycemic Index and Jennie's research. There are a number of books you can purchase including cookbooks and how to manage your PCOS or Diabetes with a low GI diet.  I purchased the cookbook along with the managing PCOS book.  It's so great to know there is a natural way to treat health problems. 

I've already cooked two recipes out of the Low GI cookbook. Both were delicious! Today I made Tuna-Cucumber Sushi.  

 I'm hoping to lose a little weight (I've got some extra around my tummy) and get in shape. Check back for some updates :)

First Week of May

I love the month of May. Why? Probably because it's my birth month. But also because the weather starts to warm up, and grass turns green. The air smells soo wonderful. Darin suprised me with tickets to the sold out She & Him show in Minneapolis happening in June. I am so stinkin' excited! What a wonderful surprise it was. I have the best husband.

Two days after my birthday is my Wedding Anniversary. We celebrated our 4th year of marriage. I didn't really expect anything since it's so close to my birthday. But Darin was so sweet, he left some Australian black licorice and a nice, hand written card for me sitting on my laptop when I got home from work. It totally made up for him going to a Twins game with a buddy on our day :)





To end the lovely week, Darin & I carpooled with Dena and Doug down to Iowa to spend the weekend with family and friends. We got to see my friend, Ryan and his bride, Cassie, tie the knot on Saturday. Rico was there too! It was a nice, small and intimate wedding with food and dancing to end the evening. Sunday we celebrated Mother's Day and Dena and my Birthday with an after Church cook out with the fam and guests, Alisa and her new fiance, Marcus (wish I would have gotten a photo with them too)
.