I am in a great group right now where we are accountable to keep track of our food (she gives us some recipes) and we also tell what we did to stay active. I figured it would be nice to have the stuff recorded somewhere, besides my head! Here is what activities I did today: Met with the running crew, which today meant only our Coach, coach Don. He shows up whatever the weather, so I have to make sure that I show up! We ran 4 miles. My son, Boyo, went with us, this is his 3rd run with us, he did amazing! he ran 3 miles in heavy wind. Amazing little guy! After running, we headed to crossfit. There was the regular workout and then the lifting class was about to start. The regular class was packed so I decided to do the lifting class first. 4x Dumbell Bench Press Burnout (at 20 lbs). 10 push ups. I ended up with 145 dumbell bench presses. Then we had deadlifts 5, 5, 5, 5, 5 reps. We started at 65% of our max, for me that was 145 lbs. So, it went like this 145,155, 165, 175, at the last one, we were ready to put in 185 but coach suggested to go heavier. We, my friend Emma and I, said sure, go ahead, loaded up. He loaded up and I was the first one to go. I did 2 reps, ok, then on my 3rd, I lifted my butt before my legs and I felt my back twinge, Coach Josh saw this right away and corrected me immediately, 4th rep, I lifted it wrong and felt it so I dropped it before I could get it way too high. I knew what I was looking for in the... Continue reading

Check out my latest design! Pattern can be found over at the KnittingBoard.com blog. Continue reading

Decreasing the crown for a Gather Removal. No more bulkyness at the top of the hat! Use this quick method to decrease at the crown. Guideline: last 2-2 ½ inches of the hat. 1. Move stitch to the neighbor peg (from odd to even). Loom ends up as: 1 empty peg, peg with two loops 2. Ski wrap (in and out of the pegs, making sure the yarn ends up to the front of the peg on the pegs with the 2 loops. 3. Knit 2 over 1, only on the very first round, following rounds only lift 1 over 1. Rep steps 2 and 3 for approx 2-2 1/2 inches. Remove with Gather Removal Method. Continue reading

Yes, it is all very frustrating, it is like they are speaking a completely different language, and believe me, I know what that is like, I have been there! Try learning a whole new language at the age of 15. Talk about being thrown head first into a pool. Ahh! But I survived and I am pretty sure you will survive the pattern reading too. Let's tackle it! Think of a pattern like a recipe. A recipe to create a knitted garment rather than a yummy treat. First, your pattern will most likely have a photograph. The photograph will show you any special stitches or the beauty of the pattern. Sometimes the photo helps you in seeing how the item is constructed/finished/assembled. After the photograph, there will typically be a block with Materials. In this section, you will find information about the type of knitting loom you will need. The gauge/sett of the loom--meaning how far apart the pegs are from center of peg to center of peg. It should mention how many pegs to use in the gauge specified. It should also mention the type of knitting loom that was used to create the sample. Another important material will be yarn/fiber used. It should say the weight of the yarn, the amount of yarn needed, and the yarn used for the sample is usually provided. Other important tools should be listed here, such as knitting tool, scissors, row counter, etc. Sizes are usually provided. Some patterns have one size only, others have various. When the pattern provides various sizes, there will be one number outside of paranthesis and then a series of numbers within the parentheses, example: xs (s, m, l, xl). Gauge, ah gauge, none of us like to do it, yet it is one of the most... Continue reading

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The story first, my comments are at the bottom italicized. As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children an untruth. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. However, that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard. Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he did not play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers. At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise. Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners... he is a joy to be around.." His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle." His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken." Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't... Continue reading

Happy birthday to my sweet little boy. He brings so much joy and laughter to us. We are so very grateful to him and for everything he does. I love this little man more than words can express. Continue reading

A loomy friend asked me to come up with a way to do a scrunchy with ruffle style yarn. She sent me a picture and from it, I came up with the following video. I don't have a pattern per say, other than my visual presentation, if I could write one up, I would but my crochet terminology skills are terribly lacking. However, I hope you are able to create many scrunchies using this visual aid. Continue reading

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One of my favorite races in 2012: Bolder Boulder 10K We went to visit our dear friends in Denver and it happened to be the weekend of Bolder Boulder. We went without any running gear and as we arrived my friend told us all about the race and was showing us his race packet, I couldn't resist but run it. Last minute decision, we went to TJMax and picked up some running clothes and some shoes to run with. Love last minute decisions, flying by the seat of my pants, hahaha. Registered the day before and picked up a cute visor that reads "Sea Level is for Sissies" :). The race was awesome. Tons of people, as in 40,000 people! The course was very nice and it was the perfect temperature. The best part--finishing inside the stadium, I felt like a rockstar! hahaha! At the end of the race, we were able to see some of the elites run, and boy that was exciting! Not my best time but surely had the best "running time" of any 10K race. We are planning on going in 2013. Continue reading

Wanna feel like a beast? Do any of the benchmarks and it makes you feel like a rockstar for the duration. Just like when I run, I go to a special place in my head, I really don't know what happens but I lose myself in the process. Last time we did this, back in January, and my time was 30:14. “300″ 25 Pull ups 50 Deadlift (95/135) 50 Push ups 50 Box Jumps (20/24) 50 Floor Wipers (95/135) 50 KB Clean and Press (26/35) 25 Pull ups New time: 20:01. Yeah, I was 2 seconds off from breaking 20 minutes, it is okay. I am still happy with the time :). Shaved 10 minutes and 13 seconds. And I got me a nice souvenier from it...my new wings. These are going to hurt in a bit when I go in the shower. Continue reading

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I have to admit that I am a lover of all accessories, if I have a choice of an item to knit, it will most likely fall in the range of scarves, mitts, hats, socks, or something “chic” to enhace the wardrobe. The Storybrook cloche was inspired by one of my latest show-series obsessions, Once Upon a Time, the actresses are always wearing gorgeous hats! Choose any episode and they have a new hat, I want to have a wardrobe full of hats, one for each day of the year, or at least a full month’s worth! The lace section is only 8 rounds, after that it is just a matter of knitting and purling to the very end! Go ahead, give it a try! Materials Knitting Loom: All-n-one-Loom Yarn: 130-150 yards of worsted weight yarn. Knit Picks Chroma Worsted in Galapagos color was used in sample. Notions: Knitting tool, tapestry needle. Gauge: 9.5sts x 12 rows= 2 inches in stockinette Size: Sample fits a head that measures up to 21 inches. Stitches: K: Knit Stitch P: Purl Stitch k2tog: knit two stitches together (to decrease) ssk: slip, slip, knit (to decrease) psso: pass slip stitch over sts: stitches rnd: round DIRECTIONS Cast on 80 sts, join to work in the rnd . Rnd 1: p to the end of rnd. Rnd 2: *yo, k3, sl1-k2tog-psso, k3, yo, k1; rep from * . Rnd 3: k to the end of rnd. Rnd 4: *k1, yo, k2, sl1-k2tog-psso, k1, yo, k2, p1; rep from *. Rnd 5 and 7: *k9, p1; rep from *. Rnd 6: *k3, yo, sl1-k2tog-psso, yo, k3, p1; rep from * Rnd 8: *k9, p1; rep from *. Repeat Rnd 8 until cloche measures 8 inches from cast on edge. Crown Decrease Next rnd: *k2tog; rep from... Continue reading

Loom: AllnOne Loom Yarn: 60 yards of worsted weight cotton Notions: Knitting tool Size: 8 inches x 8.5 inches ABBREVIATIONS k=knit stitch p=purl stitch CO= Cast on BBO=Basic Bind Off sts= stitches Rep= repeat DIRECTIONS Cast on 38 sts. Border Row 1: k. Row 2: p. Row 3: k. Row 4: k. BODY Row 1: k2, *k2, p2; rep from * to last 4 sts, k2, k2. Row 2: p2, *k2, p2; rep from * to last 4 sts, k2, p2. Row 3: k2, *p2, k2; rep from * to last 4 sts, p2, k2. Row 4: p2, *p2, k2; rep from * to last 4 sts, p2, p2. Rep BODY rows 1-4 until piece measures 8 inches. Rep BORDER rows. BBO. Weave ends in Continue reading

Hello my loomy knitters, I bring you a new pattern for your AllnOne knitting loom, the whimsical pixie hat! I loved knitting this precious little hat and I was so excited when I finished it to find a little someone to wear it for me so I could take pictures. I looked and looked for about two weeks and I couldn’t find a little girl model, then came to the rescue little Lily, she is precious and so sweet and she has the perfect little face for this little hat. Thank you to the Pace family for letting me model my little hat on their beautiful daughter and to Wendell Pace from PacePhoto.com for taking the pictures for me. I hope you all enjoy knitting the little pixie hat! Loom: AllnOne Loom Yarn: 120 yards of DK weight bamboo/nylon yarn. Lion Brand Casey was used in sample in colorway Pink Spots. Notions: Knitting tool, safety pins, tapestry needle Gauge: 10.5 sts x 15.5 rows Size: 3-6 (6-9, 9-12, 12-18, 18-24) months. Sample shows 12-18 months. Abbreviations: CO=Cast on BO=Bind off k=knit stitch (may use the flat stitch) p=purl stitch sts=stitches DIRECTIONS CO 65 (71, 75, 81, 85) sts. Row 1: k. Rep Row 1 until piece measures 5 (5.5, 5.5, 6, 7) inches from CO edge. Next row: *k1, p1; rep from * to last st, k1. Next row: *p1, k1; rep from * to last st, p1. Rep last 2 rows, 2x. BO Cord CO 4 sts. Work a 4-stitch i-cord, 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) inches long. Weave ends in and block lightly. Assembly Fold the rectangle in half, mattress stitch seam along the back side (see picture). Use pins to set the i-cord in place along the bottom section of the piece, making sure to leave long... Continue reading

Slip into a pair of cozy, warm, and super soft handmade slippers. Knitting Loom: All-n-One Loom Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Bulky in Sable. (2 skeins). Notions: Tapestry needle, knitting tool, safety pin to mark row. Other: 2 buttons, size 1 3/8″ (34mm). Puff paint or fabric glue to make the bottom of the slippers less slippery Gauge: 8 sts x 11 rows= 2 inches in e-wrap knit. Stitches used: E-wrap knit Size: 6-7 (8-9, 9-10). Sample shown 6-7 US Women Abbreviations: k=E=wrap knit CO=Cast On BBO= Basic Bind Off GBO=Gather Bind Off Method sts=stitches DIRECTIONS CO 36 (38, 40) sts, leaving a 10 inch tail. Next: k until piece measures: 8 (8.5, 9) inches from CO edge. (Place marker on row) Next two rows: CO 3 sts at beg of row and k to end of row (42, 44, 46 sts total). Next : knit 3 (3.5, 4) inches from increase point. Next row: *k2tog; rep from * to the end of row. (21, 22, 23 sts total) Next row: k Next row: Size 6-7: *k2tog; rep from * to the last st, k1. Size 8-9: *k2tog, rep from * to the end. Size 9-10: *k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1. GBO leaving a 15 inch yarn tail. Use tail to mattress stitch seam up the center in the toe area (Red to Blue). Weave tails in. At the CO edge, mattress stitch the Heel area (Red to Blue) Strap (make 2) CO 8 sts. Next: k until piece measures 4.5 (5, 5.5) inches from CO edge. BBO. FELTING INSTRUCTIONS Items needed: Top Load Washer Zippered pillow case 1 tsp of Eucalan Wool Wash or baby shampoo Pair of jeans 2 towels How to: Insert felted pieces inside zippered pillow case. Set Washer to: Hot and Small... Continue reading

It is ready!!! I hope you all like it :). I am in love with the clutch and I am looking forward to getting a chance to try it out. Materials Knitting Loom: 52 peg small gauge knitting loom. All n One Loom by KnittingBoard.com Yarn: Approx 80 yards of worsted weight yarn. Martha Stewart Extra Soft Wool Blend in Bakery Box White was used in sample Notions: Tapestry needle, curved sewing needle, cable needle, clutch handles (7.5 inches in length). Size: 7.5 inches wide by 5.5 inches in length. DIRECTIONS CO 52 sts, prepare to work a flat panel. Written instructions below, chart instructions also included for all 52 sts. R1 : p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k4, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k4, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k4, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1 R2 : p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k4, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k4, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k4, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1 R3: p1, k8, p1, k4, p1, k8, p1, k4, p1, k8, p1, k4, p1, k8, p1 R4: p1, k8, p1, k4, p1, k8, p1, k4, p1, k8, p1, k4, p1, k8, p1 R5: p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, 4-st LC, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, 4-st LC, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, 4-st LC, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1 R6: p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k4, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k4, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k4, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1 R7: p1, k8, p1, k4, p1, k8, p1, k4, p1, k8, p1, k4, p1, k8, p1 R8: p1, k8, p1, k4, p1, k8, p1, k4, p1, k8, p1, k4, p1, k8, p1 R9: p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k4, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k4, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k4, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1... Continue reading

I have to admit that the only reason this set made it into “real life” was because of the color of the yarn-HOT GREEN, or as I like to call it “Zumba Hawt” It is the color of many of my Zumba clothes…hey I should probably take it as my new towel during class. I saw it at the store and it was an impulse purchase. I had to get the yarn and knit something with it, it didn’t matter what, just something. Then it occurred to me, my bathroom downstairs could use a splash of color and voila the little set was born. I hope you enjoy knitting it and gifting it or keeping it :). Happy looming! Materials: Loom: AIO loom Yarn: Sugar and Cream in Hot Green Tools: knitting tool, tapestry needle, measuring tape (or simply eye ball it). Other: 2 cute small buttons (for towel) Size: 8 x 8 inches (washcloth); 8 x 10 inches. Gauge: 9 sts x 14.5 rows= 2 inches in Welted Rib stitch pattern Stitch Pattern Welted Rib (multiple of 4 + 2) Row 1: k2, *p2, k2; rep from * Row 2: k to the end of the row. Abbreviations approx=approximate CO=Cast on BBO=Basic Bind Off Cont=continue k=knit stitch (not flat stitch or u-wrap or e-wrap). p=purl stitch yo=yarn over (either e-wrap the peg, or take the working yarn in front of the empty peg) sts=stitches k2tog=knit two stitches together (a decrease) p2tog=purl two stitches together (a decrease) DIRECTIONS CO 40 sts, prepare to knit a flat panel. Row 1: (Going from left to right). k to the end. Row 2: p to the end. Row 3: k to the end. Row 4: p to the end. Row 5: k3, Welted Rib to last 3 sts, k3 Row 6: p3, Welted... Continue reading

A stunning and elegant scarf that will have everyone turning around just to look at it again and again. Knit with Circulo Renda Trico yarn this scarf knits up in just a few hours making it the perfect "gift" for the holiday season. Gather up your materials and let's get started. *A special thank you to model, Dominee Rose. Materials Knitting Loom: All-n-One Loom, set with the knitting board 1-inch spacer. Yarn: 1 skein of Circulo Renda Trico Margarida or similar style yarn. Notions: knitting tool, tapestry needle. Size: 34 inches x 5 inches Pattern notes: This yarn is very similar to the ruffle style yarn that we have used previously in many of the scarf projects. This particular yarn looks like lace and it has small orifices that are used to knit. We will place those small holes on the pegs and knit with the "yarn" We will be using the loom in a special way, set it up as if using it as a knitting board with the 1-inch spacer. We won't be knitting as a knitting board, rather, we will use first the front rail, then we will switch the loops to the back rail and knit there, then we will switch them back to the front rail and knit there. We will repeat this process so that the ruffles go on the front and back of the piece and not just on the front side. Directions Step 1: Place a loop on 6 pegs of the front rail of the loom. Step 2: Place a second row of loops on the pegs. Step 3: Knit off (Lift the bottom most loop up and off the peg). Step 4: Move the loops from the front rail to the opposite 6 pegs on the back rail. Step 5:... Continue reading

Almost to the end of the running season and I go and do something completely stupid. I injured my right knee. How did it happen? Well, I went to a Zumba class where they have a spring board, a gymnastics place. I have never done gymnastics and have never been on a spring board so to tell you the truth, I had no idea what to expect. I went to the front to dance and of course, I like to jump and when I jumped, my leg was prepared for the first landing, however, I didn't realized that there would be a second jump produced by the spring floor, on the second jump, my knee/leg was not prepared for it and it went under me and to the side. It hurt. I felt the pain hit through the knee and up my leg but I continued and finished the song. As the song ended, I went to the back of the room to check my knee. It wasn't swollen and it looked "in place". I hobbled around and then left to go home. As I got home, I inspected the knee closer and it was getting swollen. Pain from 1-10 was about a 8 when I walked and a 10 if I touched the knee. I decided to massage it and stretch it. I rolled it and it hurt. I wanted to make sure that it wasn't my IT band so I rolled the band and it hurt but not badly, just regular IT band tightness. But there was something wrong with my knee, pain is not normal, hahaha. Next day, I made an appointment to see my A.R.T doctor, he worked wonders on my achilles and was hoping that he would be able to see if was my ACL.... Continue reading

You work hard to learn and become the best that you can be. You, like everyone else start at the bottom and work and work to better yourself. One day, you look around and you are there. You made it. You accomplished your goal. However, instead of rejoicing about reaching your goal, you spend half the time worrying because others see you as a threat. Even if you don't see them as a threat they see you as such. No matter how friendly you are or that you try to be helpful, it doesn't changes things. The question is: is it worth working so hard to be the very best if while doing it, you make frenemies all around? Perhaps it is the industry? Maybe that is the reason why I am moving away from what I "love". I am tired of competing in something that really doesn't mean that much in life. At least not in the long run. Continue reading

What a gorgeous day for a race! Not a cloud over the sky, unlike last year, weather was a bit cool but not too bad for a race. Better to start off cool that way hot. Hubby and I headed down to load the bus in his little green bug car, it is small enough so it fits anywhere and makes parking a breeze. We loaded up with no trouble and on our way we went. Thankfully, we got a bus that wasn't too loud. I don't like it when you have that one loud guy in the back who "knows it all" and continues either scaring the newbies or trying to impress everyone around. I take my "bus time" really seriously, it is the time I have to catch a few more zzz's or the time to look deep inside me and see what my heart is telling me for the day. We got up to Hardware Ranch safe and sound and we made our way to the Honey-pots. Gosh, each year I think to myself that they are going to get more Johnnny's but they never do. There is never enough honeypots for everyone, it is a ridiculous long way, ridiculous as in 30 minutes long wait-in-line-hold-your-pee/poop! One of these days, I hope they realize that they don't have enough honeypots up there and double the number. Or maybe, it is a strategy to keep the runner's minds away from the upcoming ordeal and focus on other matters. After waiting what seemed an eternity at the honeypots, we made our way to the start line. We had about 10 minutes til the gun went off so we shed our clothes and went to line up at the start line. We met some friends/neighbors there and we made some... Continue reading

On Saturday, Sept 22, hubby and I had the chance to participate in the newest half marathon/marathon in Utah. We were a bit skeptical at first about the entire thing, it was completely new so we had our doubts that it would run smoothly. However, we were proven completely wrong! It was one of the best organized events we have been to. I just found one thing that was odd but I am sure they will get it under control-there was no water or any type of nutrition (bananas) at the start of the race, usually there is at least water/gatorade along with some first aid stuff-vaseline. Everything else was top notch! Packet pick up was a breeze, bus load up-the easiest ever, volunteers at aid stations-the best (all running events have the best volunteers ever!), post race nutrition-sandwiches, medals-bling, bling, free photos from Zazoosh.com (what race does that, none, ever, this was my ultimate fav part!), and an awesome/fun announcer at the end :). On to the race report: the race was scheduled to start at 6:30am which called for an extra early wake up time. The alarm sounded at 4:30am, a total insult to my ears and my little eyes. Seriously, the only reason I would ever back out from a race is the early wake up times--can't I just get my beauty sleep, promise that I am a much agreeable person if I sleep at least 8 hours. We got up and got ready for the race. I was concerned about my back as I threw it out on Wednesday doing "regular" stuff at work. I had gone to the chiropractor both Wednesday and Thursday and even took 2 days off from crossfit to allow my back to heal. Saturday morning, it was still bugging me, especially... Continue reading

Tomorrow marks 4 years since I began running marathons. My very first was 4 years ago, this very same event. I remember being so scared that day. As I loaded the bus by myself, I kept shaking and telling myself that I could do it, that my chubby little legs had it in them to run and walk to the very end, plus it didn't matter if I finished last, all that mattered was that I finished. I did finished and I finished about 1 hour and 10 minutes ahead of my "goal" time. I remember crossing the FINISH line and the tears just rolling down, not due to pain, but to the happiness that inundated my heart, I had accomplished one of the biggest goals in my life. My only regret that day was that my hubby couldn't be there to witness it, as he had to be at Firefighter training. Tomorrow things are a bit different, I have 10 marathons under my belt and this will be my 4th time running TOU. I know what to expect, especially on this course, I know what I am even going to be thinking at certain points and I know that there is a certain area where I struggle the most and just want to quit every single time, and I also know where I get my second wind and where my legs want to say no more-please-no-more. And my expectations of myself are a bit different, I have a goal time now and with all my heart I hope I can make it. Nevertheless, despite my experience in the course, I am afraid. I am afraid because I haven't trained like the previous years. My longest run in the past 2 months has been 13.1 miles. I am banking on... Continue reading