Don't Be A Couch Potato - Let 2017 Be Your Year

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 30, 2016

Total steps: 5371
Floors climbed: 3
Calories burned: 2177
Elevation gained: 9.14 meters
Traveled: 3.41 kilometers


December 30, 2016
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VIDEO: How To Crochet the Summer Strawberry Applique

I love the look of this strawberry applique.

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 29, 2016

Total steps: 5750
Floors climbed: 1
Calories burned: 2231
Elevation gained: 3.05 meters
Traveled: 3.65 kilometers


December 29, 2016
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That's a lot of Floors #fitbit #floors #blog

via IFTTT

Thankful Thursday

Here's what I am thankful for this week:

• Receiving season 5 of Call the Midwife as a gift from Angus ♥♥♥ - although I have requested that if he wishes to purchase any more seasons of this show in the future that I would appreciate it if he included a box of tissues *sniff*
• Cool changes - although the weather has been humid it was very pleasant in the morning after  that cool change initially came through.
• Chatting with family interstate. It was nice to catch up with everyone on Christmas Day.
• Hearing that Dad was still going well even though he doesn't have many lucid and clear moments any more. Dementia really sucks.
• Finding some amazing crochet patterns. I just wish I had more time and the skills to complete them all. Maybe if I grew some extra arms I might be able to accomplish this (~_o) 

What are you thankful for this week?

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 28, 2016

Total steps: 5600
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2163
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.57 kilometers


December 28, 2016
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WIP - Crochet - Woodland Blanket No.2 - Beaver Applique

I'm making another woodland blanket.

Mainly because it's a gender neutral theme and I am 

making it for another friend who is having a baby.

That way if they have any more kids it will be good for them to use again.

Patterns are from Knot Your Nana's Crochet

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 27, 2016

Total steps: 5350
Floors climbed: 2
Calories burned: 2202
Elevation gained: 6.1 meters
Traveled: 3.4 kilometers


December 27, 2016
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Weekly Fitbit Stats - 19 Dec 2016 to 25 Dec 2016

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 26, 2016

Total steps: 3844
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2062
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 2.44 kilometers


December 26, 2016
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Fitbit Daily Summary for December 25, 2016

Total steps: 5073
Floors climbed: 7
Calories burned: 2201
Elevation gained: 21.34 meters
Traveled: 3.22 kilometers


December 25, 2016
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Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

May your day be filled with lots of love and laughter 

& may you create some wonderful new memories to cherish!

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 24, 2016

Total steps: 5037
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2187
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.2 kilometers


December 24, 2016
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Christmas in Summer

We're all set to celebrate Christmas in our home. It's going to be a VERY HOT weekend. The perils of having Christmas during Summer! At least it's not going to be as hot for us as it will be for my family who live in South Australia.

We have our Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve. It's been our tradition for several years now and stems from Mark's mothers side of the family, who are from the Netherlands.

Since it's going to be a really hot day and I am cooking a roast dinner. I didn't want to  use the oven so I have opted to cook Lamb Obsession (using a lamb roast) in my slow cooker. We've had this a few times using chops or lamb shanks & it's a big hit so I know this will go down well tonight.

Tomorrow will be even hotter. Getting close to the old century mark (100°F - 38°C) but I am hoping that the weather bureau got it wrong and it will be cooler. The wonderful plus side of living in the southern hemisphere when Christmas time rolls around. At least it isn't as bad as when I was a kid in Adelaide. I am sure we had temperatures around 45°C and we even went outside to play in the heat. Far out we must have been either mad or we didn't know any better?!

We've lots of cold drinks at the ready. If it remains hot for a long period of time I will need to put my Diabetes Hot Weather Plan into action. I probably should any way just to be on the safe side.

Anyway, I have to get things ready to go into the slow cooker for tonight. I am looking forward to dinner just not the hot weather that's been predicted for the next few days. Thank goodness it should be cooler by the end of next week. Something to look forward to.

Stay cool or warm depending on where you live. Merry Christmas!!

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 23, 2016

Total steps: 4775
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2112
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.03 kilometers


December 23, 2016
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Video: Silent Night by Chewbacca

Silent Night by Chewbacca

via YouTube http://youtu.be/Vd79mpzBnJ4

Do You Have Room? (Christmas Song by Shawna Edwards)

The children at Church will be singing this during Sacrament on Christmas Day.
It's such a beautiful song that I wanted to share it.

[Verse 1]
They journeyed far, a weary pair,
They sought for shelter from the cold night air.
Some place where she could lay her head,
Where she could give her Babe a quiet bed.
Was there no room? No corner there?
In all the town a spot someone could spare?
Was there no soul come to their aid?
A stable bare was where the family stayed.


[Chorus]
Do you have room for the Savior?
And do you seek Him anew?
Have you a place for the one who lived and died for you?
Are you as humble as a shepherd boy,
Or as Wise as Men of Old?
Would you have come that night?
Would you have sought the light?
Do you have room?


 [Verse]
A star arose, a wondrous light
A sign from God this was the Holy Night
And yet so few would go to see
The babe who came to rescue you and me.
This child divine is now a King
The gift of life to all the world He brings
And all mankind,He saves from doom
But on that night for Him there was no room


[Chorus]
Do you have room for the Savior?
And do you seek Him anew?
Have you a place for the one who lived and died for you?
Are you as humble as a shepherd boy,
Or as Wise as Men of Old?
Would you have come that night?
Would you have sought the light?
Do you have room?


Will you come tonight?

Will you Seek the Light?

Do you have room?

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 22, 2016

Total steps: 8602
Floors climbed: 11
Calories burned: 2363
Elevation gained: 33.53 meters
Traveled: 5.46 kilometers


December 22, 2016
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Thankful Thursday

Here's what I am thankful for this week:

• cool changes - have I ever mentioned I hate the heat? 
• the smell of rain on a hot day
• kitty cat snuggles
• being able to spend a full day at Church and not needing to leave because Mark or Brodie aren't feeling well enough to stay
• baking & decorating sugar cookies with Angus

What are you thankful for this week?

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 21, 2016

Total steps: 9713
Floors climbed: 11
Calories burned: 2453
Elevation gained: 33.53 meters
Traveled: 6.17 kilometers


December 21, 2016
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Video: How to Decorate Simple Christmas Cookies with Royal Icing

How to Decorate Simple Christmas Cookies with Royal Icing

via YouTube http://youtu.be/KJXUWDGOhSc

New Book: Corner-to-Corner Lap Throws

I pre-ordered this book back in October. It was meant to be ready for delivery in November.

It finally arrived on Saturday.

I am a little disappointed that there are only 5 designs in the book. I was hoping that there would be a few more patterns. Although, that being said I do like three of the five designs. The one on the cover is a favourite as is the sheep rug and snowman throw.

I guess I know what I shall be making in the near future but it wont be until I have completed another baby blanket that I have already begun.

I purchased the book HERE from Booktopia.

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 20, 2016

Total steps: 8496
Floors climbed: 1
Calories burned: 2439
Elevation gained: 3.05 meters
Traveled: 5.4 kilometers


December 20, 2016
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Video: 27 CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES How To Cook That Ann Reardon

27 CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES How To Cook That Ann Reardon

via YouTube http://youtu.be/jOmD2tIvsJg

Video: Cheaters Chocolate Cherry Trifles | One Pot Chef

Cheaters Chocolate Cherry Trifles | One Pot Chef

via YouTube http://youtu.be/Qw31HUI6EpU

Weekly Fitbit Stats - 12 Dec 2016 to 18 Dec 2016

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 19, 2016

Total steps: 5469
Floors climbed: 3
Calories burned: 2208
Elevation gained: 9.14 meters
Traveled: 3.47 kilometers


December 19, 2016
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Finished Item - Crochet - Under the Sea Blanket

I love how this blanket turned out. I'm glad this one is now finished.
The patterns for the Under the Sea appliques can be found HERE on Ravelry.

I have another baby blanket to make and set aside. Lots of friends from Church are expecting babies or grandchildren. Also one of Brodie's friends. I want to make sure I have them ready to give to the mums before the babies are due.

Video: SUGAR CHRISTMAS SNOW GLOBE DESSERT 🎄 😍 How To Cook That Ann Reardon

SUGAR CHRISTMAS SNOW GLOBE DESSERT 🎄 😍 How To Cook That Ann Reardon

via YouTube http://youtu.be/kKTXzsjejEs

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 18, 2016

Total steps: 5539
Floors climbed: 2
Calories burned: 2239
Elevation gained: 6.1 meters
Traveled: 3.52 kilometers


December 18, 2016
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VIDEO: Crochet Plaid Slouchy Hat Video Tutorial

This pattern would look great as a blanket.
I'm thinking it's one to add to my ever growing 'to do' list.

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 17, 2016

Total steps: 6732
Floors climbed: 12
Calories burned: 2304
Elevation gained: 36.58 meters
Traveled: 4.28 kilometers


December 17, 2016
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Video: River Song's timeline 2016 version

River Song's timeline 2016 version

via YouTube http://youtu.be/HDrYa8GG2ac

WIP - Crochet - Under the Sea Blanket - Seahorse Applique

That's the last square for this blanket.

All I need to do is join them altogether.

You can find the pattern for the seahorse HERE.

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 16, 2016

Total steps: 5087
Floors climbed: 1
Calories burned: 2181
Elevation gained: 3.05 meters
Traveled: 3.23 kilometers


December 16, 2016
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Happy Birthday in Heaven Bro

It would have been my brothers birthday today. Mark, would have been 54 today.
I hope you are celebrating with Mum.

As a toddler in our front yard.

Mark's the one in the middle with his cheeks all puffed out. It was full of food.

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 15, 2016

Total steps: 8302
Floors climbed: 12
Calories burned: 2396
Elevation gained: 36.58 meters
Traveled: 5.27 kilometers


December 15, 2016
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Thankful Thursday

Here's what I am thankful for this week:

• not losing my cool when an ebay seller is trying to fleece me due to a faulty product they sent. If I had bought this same item from a store I would expect a full refund. They only want to refund me $8 for an item that cost $116 and said I could keep the broken item.
• being able to say goodbye to a friend from Church who will be moving to China to work as a teacher for 5 years. We will miss him but in his words, he will be going on a new adventure. Sounds an awful lot like Bilbo Baggins to me (~_o) 
• my crochet - it's been keeping me busy!
• mild weather. I know it is summer but I love how it hasn't been overly hot for too long. I have probably jinxed myself now.
• air-conditioning for those days when it is super hot!
• cool changes that bring so much relief.

What are you thankful for this week?

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 14, 2016

Total steps: 7208
Floors climbed: 3
Calories burned: 2318
Elevation gained: 9.14 meters
Traveled: 4.58 kilometers


December 14, 2016
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Video: Origami Tutorial: Box with Lid from a single sheet (Anna Kastlunger)

Origami Tutorial: Box with Lid from a single sheet (Anna Kastlunger)

via YouTube http://youtu.be/F-7Ck4Mkzrk

Video: How to wrap presents without tape or ribbon - origami-style

How to wrap presents without tape or ribbon - origami-style

via YouTube http://youtu.be/fmnGO1chfGM

WIP - Crochet - Under the Sea Blanket - Blue Tang Applique

This would have to be one of my favourite squares for this particular blanket.

"Dory" works up so easily and looks really good.

You can find the pattern for the blue tang fish HERE on Ravelry.

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 13, 2016

Total steps: 5693
Floors climbed: 5
Calories burned: 2218
Elevation gained: 15.24 meters
Traveled: 3.62 kilometers


December 13, 2016
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Video: Cloverton presents : A Hallelujah Christmas

Cloverton presents : A Hallelujah Christmas

via YouTube http://youtu.be/kIoNfQ97RME

Weekly Fitbit Stats - 04 Dec 2016 to 11 Dec 2016

WIP - Crochet - Under the Sea Blanket - Seal Applique

Oops I goofed with the seal. It is meant to have a white patch under it's nose.

By the time I realised I had forgotten it the nose was already sewn on to the face. It still looks good though.

You can find the pattern for the seal HERE on Ravelry.

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 12, 2016

Total steps: 6985
Floors climbed: 1
Calories burned: 2327
Elevation gained: 3.05 meters
Traveled: 4.44 kilometers


December 12, 2016
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Finished Item - Crochet - Woodland Blanket

Ta Da! 

The blanket is now complete. I think it turned out rather nicely.
Brodie decided to hold it up so I could get a 'good' shot of it.
I just love the patterns by Teri from Knot Your Nana's Crochet.

You can find all of the patterns HERE on Ravelry.

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 11, 2016

Total steps: 5826
Floors climbed: 6
Calories burned: 2223
Elevation gained: 18.29 meters
Traveled: 3.7 kilometers


December 11, 2016
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VIDEO: My Favourite Time of Year - The Florin Street Band (New Christmas Songs)

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 10, 2016

Total steps: 6388
Floors climbed: 1
Calories burned: 2277
Elevation gained: 3.05 meters
Traveled: 4.07 kilometers


December 10, 2016
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WIP - Crochet - Woodland Blanket

Here's what all the squares look like for the Woodland Blanket.

Sorry it's not the best photo. I used my phone to take it and I am still getting used to it.

The next photo of this should be a completed blanket (~_o) 

I will be using a dark green to join the squares and add an extra border.

Let's hope it looks good when it's complete.

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 9, 2016

Total steps: 9770
Floors climbed: 12
Calories burned: 2488
Elevation gained: 36.58 meters
Traveled: 6.2 kilometers


December 9, 2016
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WIP - Crochet - Woodland Blanket - Moose Applique

The final square for the Woodland Blanket is now complete.

Now I just need to join all of the squares together.

You can find the pattern for the moose HERE on Ravelry

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 8, 2016

Total steps: 6863
Floors climbed: 12
Calories burned: 2287
Elevation gained: 36.58 meters
Traveled: 4.36 kilometers


December 8, 2016
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Thankful Thursday

Here's what I am thankful for this week:

• afternoon naps on hot days
• cool changes
• family
• wedding anniversaries and being able to spend time with Mark, just the two of us without the boys.
• snuggles with the cats
• chatting with friends

What are you thankful for this week?

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 7, 2016

Total steps: 6231
Floors climbed: 5
Calories burned: 2225
Elevation gained: 15.24 meters
Traveled: 3.96 kilometers


December 7, 2016
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Weekly Fitbit Stats - 28 Nov 2016 to 04 Dec 2016

WIP - Crochet - Under the Sea Blanket - Dolphin Applique

Oops I didn't do the nose right on the dolphin. Oh well. It looks more like a whale now.

The pattern for the dolphin may be found HERE on Ravelry.

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 6, 2016

Total steps: 10044
Floors climbed: 7
Calories burned: 2511
Elevation gained: 21.34 meters
Traveled: 6.39 kilometers


December 6, 2016
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WIP - Crochet - Under the Sea Blanket - Puffer Fish Applique

Another square complete. This time it's the puffer fish!

You can find the pattern HERE on Ravelry.

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 5, 2016

Total steps: 9163
Floors climbed: 8
Calories burned: 2415
Elevation gained: 24.38 meters
Traveled: 5.82 kilometers


December 5, 2016
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WIP - Crochet - Under the Sea Blanket - Crab Applique

It's Sebastian from The Little Mermaid! 

You can find the pattern HERE on Ravelry

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 4, 2016

Total steps: 4880
Floors climbed: 5
Calories burned: 2192
Elevation gained: 15.24 meters
Traveled: 3.1 kilometers


December 4, 2016
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VIDEO: 10 Secrets to Perfect Planned Pooling Crochet

This is a follow up tutorial to Marly Bird's other planned pooling tutorial
which can also be foung on youtube.

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 3, 2016

Total steps: 5910
Floors climbed: 2
Calories burned: 2240
Elevation gained: 6.1 meters
Traveled: 3.75 kilometers


December 3, 2016
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WIP - Crochet - Woodland Blanket - Wolf Applique

Only one more square to go for this blanket. I have no idea what the last animal will be. 

Although I am sure it will be cute.

You can find the wolf applique HERE on Ravelry

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 2, 2016

Total steps: 8184
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2418
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 5.2 kilometers


December 2, 2016
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WIP - Crochet - Under the Sea Blanket - Clown Fish Applique

Is this Nemo or his Dad Marlin? 

Either way it's a clown fish so it's all good.

You can find the pattern HERE on Ravelry

Fitbit Daily Summary for December 1, 2016

Total steps: 9403
Floors climbed: 7
Calories burned: 2479
Elevation gained: 21.34 meters
Traveled: 5.97 kilometers


December 1, 2016
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Video: Air New Zealand presents Summer Wonderland #AirNZXmas

Air New Zealand presents Summer Wonderland #AirNZXmas

via YouTube http://youtu.be/QmfIfqZc-jE

Thankful Thursday

Here's what I am thankful for this week:

• Wedding Anniversaries. Today Mark and I celebrate our 4th. Happy Anniversary Hon!
• sunny weather 
• cool changes
• my crochet - I've been busy working on two blankets recently. I don't usually work on more than one project at a time but I am not minding the variety at the moment
• my gorgeous family

What are you thankful for this week?

Fitbit Daily Summary for November 30, 2016

Total steps: 6204
Floors climbed: 2
Calories burned: 2237
Elevation gained: 6.1 meters
Traveled: 3.94 kilometers


November 30, 2016
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