Gearing up for Training: DIY Hot/Cold Pack

What would training be like without soreness? 

While I was home for the holidays, I made some hot/cold ice packs. I found cold/hot gel at Big Lots for a buck each. I used those in two of my packs, and for my third one, I filled it with rice. 

I’ve read blog posts where folks have used beans inside. It’s a super easy and quick project to make. 

Here’s how mine turned out. 

Check out these tutorials if you want to make your own. 

http://lauralilarson.blogspot.com/2011/07/diy-wednesday-rice-filled-eye-pillow.html

http://www.brassyapple.com/2009/03/diy-therapy-sacks.html

http://www.elmstreetlife.com/2011/02/diy-heating-pad.html

If you want to see other sewing projects that I plan on doing, follow me on Pinterest. http://pinterest.com/chasann/

Have a great day!

Yours Sincerely,

Chasity 

Let the training begin!

This week I began training for a half-marathon. Ever since I ran a 10K about four years ago, I always wanted to run a longer race. I made several excuses and a year-long injury set me back. But in December of 2012, I was motivated by a blog post written by national best-selling author Jon Acuff that now was the time. 

Acuff wrote that somebody isn’t a day on the calendar, and I agreed whole heartedly. I threw away my checklist and illusion of perfect conditions and decided Jan. 7 was the day to start. My training began with lifting weights, and I hit the gym with friends. Walking in the gym with support boosted my confidence that I can do this. My friends pushed me to places I never thought I could go. That first day in the gym working my arms, back, legs and abs left me with a degree of soreness I have never felt before. It also left me with the tangible memory that I am stronger than I think I am. 

Yesterday, I ran three miles. It’s been awhile since I have ran that far -  nonstop. Throughout the run, I had to tell myself to keep going. I knew I could run 2.6 miles because I had done it over Christmas break, but I wasn’t sure I could run at a 10-minute a mile pace. 

I ran my first mile at a pace of 9:49 and then slowed down to about 12:00 for my second mile. I speed up for my third mile. When the treadmill read three miles, I was so relieved to be done. But my journey has only begun. 

I know as my training progresses there will be days that I don’t want to lace up my running shoes and the thought of lifting a single weight will make me want to stab myself in the eye. However, I know on the other side of this journey is a higher level of strength and endurance. Two traits I will need in all areas of my life. 

So this week I began a journey. Not just one that will lead me down 13.1 miles, but one that will show me anything is possible with diligence and patience. 

Here’s to never quitting. 

2013: The Year to Do It!!

The New Year always bring in new resolutions and goals. Well - actually- goals tend to roll over from year to year. I think most people do a great job making goals, but the tough part is following through.

I know that's usually where my struggle is. I can make a list of goals with the best of 'em. They'll be ambitious and noteworthy. By March or April, I'm feeling discouraged, and by May, my goals have been abandoned and are collecting dust.

I would create a list of 12 or more goals; however, I have decided that less is more. I'm not as good as multi-tasking and multi-goal reaching as I would like to think that I am so in 2013, I'm keeping it real; and keeping it simple.

I have three goals for 2013. When I complete those, I'll add some more.

Here are my goals:
1. Run a half marathon (Race date: August 2013)
2. Write 200 pages of a spiritual memoir
3. Have poems published in six publications.

I started on the first two goals. I found two training schedules online, and I have written then in my planner. Training starts Jan. 7 and I found two possible marathons for early August. I just have to pick one.

I've been working on my spiritual memoir more often. I typically do all of my creative writing by hand. Eventually, I'll type my spiritual memoir so that I can see how many more pages I need to write.

I think I have taken the most important step which is focusing my mind on achieving those goals. I have found that when I can set my mind to do something, I'm more likely to get it done - no matter what it is.

This year, I am not over-committing to a bunch of goals. I want to take baby steps and reach my goals one by one. This year, I plan to be like the tortoise who wins the race by being consistent and taking it slow and easy. I've tried to be the hare, exerting a lot of energy at the start of the race only to wind up not meeting my goal.

I encourage you to keep it simple this year and for heaven's sake: just do it!

Card in Progress

Hey folks! See how I make a card from beginning to end. Enjoy!

Reasons to Buy Handmade: It's Personal

Often times when I create a card, I have a person in mind. 

Maybe I’m thinking about the funky, fun loving mom-to-be. So, I create a card that puts a spin on traditional zebra stripes with bold, bright colors. 

For the lady who likes pearls, cardigans and up dos, I made a birthday card that featured a vibrant flower print, a classic black and white dotted pattern and a pop of color with a deep purple bow. 

Or how about a simple man. I added some burlap and a few black buttons to make this Father’s Day card. 

I frequently make custom cards. Clients chose the color schemes and feel of the card. If you have a friend who likes earth tones and owls, I create a personalized card for your friend. If you need a card for your grandmother who is turning 80 and is a spiritual person, I can weave both of those into a one-of-a-kind card. 

Personal cards allow you to give cards that were made specifically just for your loved one. 

Interested in a personal, custom card? Email me at: yourssincerelygifts@gmail.com 

See other blog posts on reasons to buy handmade. 

Ready. Set. Go.

Summer days are here again. For many, this means cookouts in the backyard, hanging out by the lake and attending annual outdoor festivals. This also the time of year when many couples say ‘I do’ and when many babies are born. 

Who has time to spend hours searching through aisles for the perfect card? Why not have a few cards on hand for all of your summer festivities? That way you can enjoy more of the summer and make the most of your time with those you love. 

Yours Sincerely has new card sets created just for you.

Order a set of wedding cards. 

Or a set of baby cards. 

You can even have a mixture of both. 

You can create a custom set to your personalized needs. You can purchase this set and just let me know what type of cards you need in the message to buyer. 

Order your cards today and get back in the sun. Ready. Set. Go!

Introducing: Card of the Month

June is a good time of the year for me to begin new things - like starting a handmade business. Two years ago, I took my sister-in-law April’s advice and starting a handmade greeting card business. (You’ll hear more about that journey later this month when it’s nearer to the anniversary.)

This June, I will continue the tradition of starting something new. 

Today, I am introducing a Card-of-the-Month. Each month, I will feature one of my cards at a discounted price. The cards will be in limited supply so once they are gone, they are gone. 

This month’s card is perfect for all of the summer weddings on your list. 

What better symbolizes love than hearts and the color red?

 This card includes a heartfelt sentiment on the inside. 

This solid red heart has a dimension and gently pops off the card. The grosgrain red polka dot ribbon ties it all together. This card is $3. Quite a bargain. 

Order yours today :-)