In My (Knitting) Bag

I thought it would be fun to post what I keep in my knitting bag.  Obviously, this post is only interesting if you are a knitter but if not, I suppose you can enjoy the fun colored yarn.

Here is my fun bag.  I bought it on my mom's co-op for $6 (really).  It has handles a zipper top which is great.  It is large and stores a ton of stuff. 

Here is some leftover yarn from a hat that I just finished.  I should probably put it in my stash since i don't need it in my bag.  Yarn Credit:  Berroco Vintage in Aster.

I always have a ton of needles for projects I am working on or have finished up.  I occasionally go through my bag and put away any needles that I am done working with.  Needle Credit: Hiya Hiya, and ChiaoGoo,

Here is some yarn for projects I haven't started with.  The purple will be for a hat and the turquoise for some socks.  Yarn Credit:  Berroco Vintage in Dried Plum and Crystal Palace Panda Silk yarn.

My notions box is a mess.  I need to clean it out.  I always keep this in my bag because it has all my necessities:  Scissors, tape measure, stitch markers, crochet hook, cabling needles, darning needles, needle gauge, needle caps and extra needles.  The box was from Michael's and think it cost a whopping $2.00.

Oh look!  A finished sock.  I started on the other one yesterday.

Random pattern.  I have every intent to start this.  I have the needles and yarn.

Project bags.  I use these bags to keep yarn and projects I am working on.  They are actually produce bags but I re-purposed them for something else.  

A cotton farmer's market shopping bag I am working on.  Yarn Credit:  Berroco Modern Cotton in Bluebird.

Yarn for the sock above and the new one I started.  Yarn Credit:  Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock in Farmhouse.

Work in progress.  A slipper sock that is complete.  I just need to start the other one.  The yarn is gorgeous and incredibly soft.  It's made from baby alpaca.  Yarn Credit:  Foothills Yarn and Fiber.  I believe the name is Clematis.  It was hand dyed at their shop and you can't buy it online.

Seeing all of this makes me motivated to get some projects done!

WW - WWFM

Weight Watchers, What Works for Me.  That is what the acronym in the title line means.

I am currently on week a million (okay not really) of Weight Watchers and doing really well.  I am down a total of 36.6 pounds and although my losses have slowed down, I am still trucking along.  I figure a loss is a loss, no matter how small.  Most weeks I only lose about a pound and sometimes even less.  I have a long way to go but these tips really have helped me stay on track.  I am not going to lie, sometimes I veer off course.  But I always go back on Plan after a mistake.  If I don't, I am going to end up where I was before, 36 pounds heavier.

Here are some things that have worked for me.  Maybe some of these tips will help others.

* Don't feel bad about being boring:  There are many days where I eat the exact same thing for breakfast and lunch.  You know what?  That's okay.  I like these things (bowl of Kashi Go Lean, wrap sandwich, Greek yogurt) and rarely get bored with them.  It's okay, I like being boring and I am not going to feel bad about it.  If you like something, eat it!  Who cares if you ate the exact same meal yesterday.

* Make dinner interesting:  This seems like a strange tip after my comment about being boring.  I love to cook and find new recipes.  I find if I am inspired and interested about dinner, I am way more satisfied about how I have eaten that day.

* Make room for splurges:  There are certain things that I look forward to everyday.  My morning coffee is the first thing, and something sweet after dinner while I am knitting is the second.  I always save some Points for both of these splurges.  My morning coffee is 4 Points Plus because I use flavored creamer.  It makes me happy and gives me a good "boost" for my day.  My dessert always happens.  Always.  I usually save 2 or 3 Points for an ice cream bar, my 3 Point mug cake or a homemade healthy muffin.

* Keep going:  It sounds obvious but even if you aren't losing how you would like, just keep going.  A loss is a loss no matter how small.  Most weeks I only lose .6-.8 pounds but I just keep going.  If I keep going, my goal will be here sooner than later.

* Be accountable:  I manage a check in on the message board that I frequent.  If I don't make a weekly post, I feel guilty. That check in keeps me accountable for staying on track with my eating so I can be an inspiration to others.  I also post a lot on Instagram and follow other IGers who are following Weight Watchers.  Watching them lose and cook healthier meals keeps me accountable since some of them follow me.

What works for you? How do you stay on track on those hard days or weeks?