Getting rid of that 75 lb gorilla

Ok, world.  It’s been a looooooong time since I’ve posted anything here.  I had a feeling that when I started blogging last summer I might not be able to stick it out.  New job, lots of trips, yadda yadda yadda.  It seems that I never have time for anything, yet I always find more things to add to my to-do list.  On a side note:  I know that having the energy to start new, exciting things – but not the energy (or time) – is a HUGE bad habit that I’ve got to stop.

But, the whole point of this post is to say “I’M BACK!”  I’ll be blogging much more often.  Especially about my journey to lose 75 lbs (all while dealing with this damn fibromyalgia).  I know a lot of people are on a self-improvement journey, especially weight loss.  However, I know there are tons (I mean that as in number of people, not collective weight of people) of you out there that are dealing with that self-improvement journey all while struggling with additional health issues.  I’m not a doctor, or personal trainer, or any other fancy health guru… but, I am a woman, a mom, and a relatively unhealthy person with a really happy, healthy person trapped inside of an overly “fluffy” body — and I figure that if I can do this, a lot of others can as well!

All my fibro peeps know that sometimes the pain is more than you can bear… but, on those days it isn’t…

So, here’s the deal.  I’m going to blog my journey (I hate calling it that… it’s sounds so chipper.  And I really dislike chipper.) to getting to my goal weight.  Not just my goal weight, but optimal health.  And, I’ll post photos and video diaries and healthy recipes and product reviews and a bunch of other stuff as well.  Not because I’m looking for kudos and well wishes (though, sincere kudos will be appreciated), or because I’m gloating (seriously, no ego here), or because I’m selling anything (If I review it or endorse it it is because I genuinely used/tried/did it and enjoyed/didn’t enjoy something, not because I’m trying to sell it to you).  If I do, at some distant point, have the opportunity to promote something I use or do, and really believe in, I will absolutely let you know in advance of any affiliation.  Because it’s the right thing to do y’all.  (Another sidenote:  I know quite a few people who do train (physical and life coach), sell or promote products, and the like.  They’re all good and honest people, who have put in a lot of dedication and energy to helping others.  I’m not knocking them or what they do.  I’m just stating that I don’t do it.  Got it?  Awesome.)

I’ll document my journey because I want to share it with others, and I hope you’ll want to share yours also.  Plus, I want to be able to look back in a year or two (because this kind of change takes time: both to get to the goal and to maintain it!)

There’s truth to the old saying, “There’s strength in numbers.”  I’m hoping that we’ll build a little community here.  One where those of us with a few extra hurdles can share the passing of our milestones.  And, for those of you who might be reading this (thank you, by the way) who don’t suffer from the additional health issues, you’re welcome also.  Because, we don’t judge here.  We don’t exclude.  This will be a positive, inspirational, honest place of accountability, strength, empowerment, and progress.

Hopefully, there will be a lot of this happening around here!

So, here goes.  I’ll post my first video in a few days.  As well as the dreaded “before” photos.  And a new recipe or two.  I’m hoping you’ll all bookmark the page, join, or add Like Bumble to your BlogLovin’ list.  Heck, add me on Pinterest (I’m crazy active on that sucker) where you’ll find all kinds of things I love (food, fashion, craft, exercise, and on and on.

Oh, and I’ll be adding more to the other areas of the blog as well.  It won’t all be sugar cravings and sore muscles up in here.  Promise.

If you’re happy Like Bumble is back, please feel free to tell me so in the comments.  If you’d like to see something specific, add that in there too.  I know there’s not a lot of readers out there yet, but, I’m hoping this little community of ours will grow (while my waist line is shrinking!).  🙂

Hands Free Selfies – Link Love Sunday

I love lists.  I make them all the time.  The Boy mocks my list-making fixation, but I like being “organized”.  Ok, more like having a vague feeling that lists allow me to have a method to the madness (aka my crazy life).

In celebration of my love of lists, I’m starting a weekly list of things I’ve recently seen & love.  Link Love is a culmination of anything & everything that catches my eye.  Hopefully you’ll find something that is entertaining, useful, or inspiring here as well.

1.  Take hands free selfies with CamMe.  Just wave your hand in front of your front-facing camera & take a shot.  Duck Lips not included.  Or encouraged.

The updated version is even cooler.
I used it to take the photos in the Blueberry Pie Cowl post.

 

2.  This collection of street art installations.  How awesome would it be to just stumble upon one of these?

 

So pretty.

3.  This super easy, but stylish tutorial for bangle bracelets.  So easy The Kid could do them, so chic even I need a few.

Lil & I need to make stacks of these.

4.  This uber-useful oilcloth tote that is perfect for Lil’s swimming trips.  Sewbon is a sewing phenom… how does she make so many things so fast?

Follow the link above to get to the tutorial.

5.  This X & Plus quilt from Modern Handcraft.  The colors are so subtle, but work so elegantly together.  And, it’s primarily my fave color:  ORANGE!

I need to put together blocks like this!

6.  Yoga Booty Ballet!  So fun & it gets results.  I’m tempted to pop in for a drop-in class when I’m in LA next week.

Yoga Booty Ballet creators.
photo: swervestudio.com

7.  This Strawberry Lemonade Cake recipe.  Two of my fave things!  I need to make this… NOW.

Recipe & Photo:
Two Peas and Their Pod

8.  This Girl Power print by Anne Cha.  I’m certain The Kid needs one of these in her room.  You can order your own as well.

 

Every little girl needs one of these prints.
Artwork: Anne Cha

9.  This insanely gorgeous, jaw-dropping gown from the Zuhair Murad F/W 2013-2014 Couture Collection.

Get. In. My. Closet!

10.  The birth of my blog!  No link needed, you’re already here!

 

 

 

GIVEAWAY!!! Happy Birthday ‘Merica! & Happy Birthday to the Like Bumble Blog!

Fireworks & a GIVEAWAY!!!
Oh My!

So… yesterday was Independence Day (just in case you were under a rock and didn’t already know that…).  Lots of fireworks, food, drinks, and celebrating.  And drinks.  It was time to celebrate the birthday of America’s Independence, ya’ll.  Ok,  It’s actually an anniversary of America’s independence, but then my segway isn’t as good… ah, hell, you get the point.

Like Bumble is also celebrating it’s birthday.  I thought we should have a lil’ birthday celebration; and you can’t have a birthday party without presents, right?  So, I’m giving away a present to one lucky Like Bumble fan!  Plus, who doesn’t like giveaways?!?!

You may be asking yourself, “What’s the present and how do I get my hot lil’ hands on it?”

Well, it’s vintage lovliness!  I adore me some vintage anything.  It’s a bit of an obsession really.  And, I have a slight issue with hoarding collecting vintage patterns and fabric (well, all patterns and fabric really).  So, I figured I would share a few of my favorites with you.

The Goods:

Vintage Patterns! LOVE!

Yep!  5 of my favorite vintage patterns.  And they are adorable.  Let’s take a closer look at the loot.

1950’s Simplicity Full Circle Skirt Dress.  
Size 14 / Bust 34.

1940’s Simplicity Dress Pattern.
Too lovely for words.Size 16 / Bust 34.
Note: The envelope has a “little” tear, but the pattern is all there & in excellent shape. 

1950’s Pencil Skirt.Waist 26 / Hip 35.
So Mad Men! It’s all about those Joan Holloway Wiggle skirts! 

1950’s Toddler Pattern.
Ok, let’s talk about how totes adorbs this pintucked blouse & full skirt w/ suspenders look is.
Child Size 1

A Trench Dress…
How could you not want to own this in at least 5 colors & prints?
How?!?!
Size 16 / Bust 36

Keep in mind, the sizes mentioned are vintage (nearly never the same as modern day sizing).  Also, each of the patterns can be easily tailored/ adjusted to fit (within reason).

BUT, there’s still room in the shipping box, so I’m adding a little more just for you!

5 modern & vintage-inspired patterns!
O.M.G.!

Of course, let’s take a closer look at these as well… because they are patterns & we must pay respect to the patterns.

This 50’s inspired gown is just too sweet. I want one just to wear & twirl around in & pretend like I’m in a scene from Peyton Place.
Size 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 — factory folds, uncut, unused.

The details on the dress are so 40’s inspired.
That gathered piped seam waist line would be sooooo flattering!
Sizes 6 – 16. Factory fold, uncut, unused.

I’m loving Cynthia Rowley patterns.
This one has a great late 70’s/ early 80’s Calvin Klein feel, but is super modern and very Rowley!
Sizes 12 – 20. Factory Folds, uncut, unused.

Burda makes the greatest patterns.
This chemise, slip, & tap panties pattern set is seductively sweet.
Very much 30’s & 40’s inspired.
Sizes 10 – 30. Factory folds, uncut, unused.

This classic suiting set reminds me of the boom of the business woman that took place in the 80’s.
But, these pieces are timeless. Plus, made in classic, quality fabrics these pieces will last you a lifetime.
Sizes 4 – 16. Factory folds, uncut, unused.

Ok, there you have it.  10 fantastic patterns are yours for the winning.   I’ll ship these anywhere it’s legal worldwide, so enter away!   To snag these up just complete the rafflecopter right below.

You get an entry for liking Like Bumble on Facebook, following on Pinterest or BlogLovin’, or for joining the Like Bumble email updates (go to the email subscribe option at the top right of this page).   You can also get a bonus entry for leaving a comment about what you like about Like Bumble so far or letting me know what you’d like to see on Like Bumble soon.

Giveaway closes at midnight July 31, 2013.  Winner will be chosen at random & notified by email.  If you are a no reply commenter please make sure to leave an email address in your comment so that you can claim your prize.  I will ship the goods to the winner August 2.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There’s also 134 more of these delightful vintage & antique patterns in a lot auction on Ebay.  If you’d like to bid, just follow this link.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181170782648?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Good luck!

PATTERNS!
It’s like happy, happy magic paper that makes pretty things!

Lovin’ BlogLovin’!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

So, I never used Google Reader.  I was one of those folks who tried to follow all of the blogs I loved using a Favorites bar & email subscriptions… which is IMPOSSIBLE.  However, I came across BlogLovin while reading a blog (naturally) and instantly fell in love.  I totally get where the name came from!

My BlogLovin’ obsession is nearly as deep as my Pinterest addiction.  I’m sure they will be equal in time-suckage soon.

Let me know how you feel about BlogLovin.  And definitely follow my blog there if you’d like!  🙂

Blueberry Pie Cowl (Free Knit Pattern/ Tutorial)

The Blueberry Pie Cowl.

Soooo… remember that delightful handspun yarn I purchased last week?

This yarn! It’s pretty… so pretty. Even though it is purple.

Well, as I mentioned in my previous “7 days earlier…” post, I decided to knit it up into a cowl for my good friend, Amanda, who is visiting this week.  We met long, long ago (over a decade *gasp!*) in my very first class at University of Idaho.  The instructor read out the attendance list, said the name of my ex, and I realized the guy I had moved to University of Idaho for a week earlier (and then went through a break up with 2 days later) happened to be in the same class and mumbled some sort of expletive under my breaths. Amanda asked if I knew the guy and I half-heartedly said yes.  That’s when she told me she had gone to high school with him and he was one of her close friends ex’s as well!  Well, how could I not be friends with her?!  It’s a small world.

The ex & I got back together, 2 years later The Kid was created, and Amanda was there for me like no one else was when I was pregnant, in a small college town with few real friends & no family, and terrified about the huge life changing experience I was going through.  We’ve remained friends ever since, even though she lives 8 hours away.  Amanda is now a food scientist in Olympia and we stop in to visit & chat when we head to Seattle & she stops in on her way to see family in Idaho.

She’s a busy gal who loves outdoor activities in gorgeous Washington, where the weather is often a bit chilly.  So, even though it is 116 degrees in Idaho this week I thought a cowl would be great for her (most of the year… just not necessarily right now).  When I knit up a sample piece of the pattern I created I noticed the slight variations of light blue & grey in the handspun yarn.  It reminded me of blueberries swirled in batter.  And then, the super simple lace pattern created a lattice effect, like the top of a pie.  TADA!  The Blueberry Pie Cowl was created.

One of the things I like about this pattern is that you don’t turn the work each time you get to the end of a row.  I. Hate. Turning. Work.  It’s such a hassle.  Honestly, when I began knitting I figured out how to reverse all the stitches in my head so that I wouldn’t have to turn the work (can you tell how much I dislike turning work).  But, with this pattern, you don’t have to do that, because I’m nice like that.

There wasn’t enough of the handspun to create the cowl, so I edged it in a gorgeous dove grey color.  I used Sheep(ish) brand yarn, because it was the best color combo I could find on short notice.  The Sheep(ish) knit up well though and was a great compliment to the handspun.

To give the cowl a little bit of panache, and help it fit flatteringly under a coat collar, I added a little mobius twist when combining the seams.  I like it!  I plan on knitting one for myself in pale grey & pink (to go with my hot pink trench coat).

Here’s a super simple pattern for the Blueberry Pie Cowl:

Supplies:

–  1 skein (at least 144 yds) yarn color #1  (4.25 – 4.5 sts/ inch)

–  1 skein (at least 167 yds) yarn color #2  (4.25 – 4.5 sts/inch)

–  set of size 8 circular knitting needles

– yarn needle (or crochet needle, if you prefer) to join seams & tuck in yarn ends

Morel Cream Sauce with Shrimp (aka. Tasty Alien Pinecone Mushroom Things)

Morel Season! YES!

My maternal unit was born & raised on ranches in rural Oregon (Pendleton-Hermiston area, to be exact).  She was always a very “fruit of the earth”, moderately hippie type of woman.  The goal was to grow, raise, hunt/fish, or forage most of our food when possible.  Morel foraging was one of my favorite ways to source food (as opposed to butchering our “pet” rabbits).  Morel foraging meant a road trip up into the mountains and hiking, two things I love.  Every late spring we would head towards McCall, ID to hike and forage, spending the entire day surrounded by pine trees, cool mountain air, wild huckleberries (an added treat), and solitude.

When hunting morels, it’s wise to look for fallen, decaying trees, preferably in areas where there was some sort of recent-ish forest fires.  Once you find something that resembles a tiny, brown-ish grey pine cone you’ve likely found a morel… or a poisonous mushroom.  Really, it’s best to know exactly what you’re looking for.  Or, better yet, purchase your morels from a knowledgeable local produce grocer.  If you want to forage your own, definitely educate yourself about what to look for (and what not to look for) or take a guided hike with an experienced mushroom hunter.  They can also teach you how to avoid poison oak/ ivy (a lesson I learned the hard way).

I foraged these morels at a fantastic produce stand in Boise’s NorthEnd neighborhood (the best hood in Boise, if you ask me).  Morels can be a bit spendy, which is why it’s great that you don’t need a lot of them in this recipe to get the great taste.  Morels also have a limited season, so you can always use dried morels (can be found at most gourmet, organic, or health food grocers).  Just soak the dried morels in hot water (or veg broth) until they are softened through — don’t toss the soaking water, use it in another recipe or freeze in ice cubes & store in a freezer ziploc for use later!

   Morel Cream Sauce & Shrimp

7 days earlier…

What a week!   I was so busy with the last 7 days that I didn’t even have time to blog.  If I’m going to get good at this I need to schedule some time each day to make it spectacular.   For now, I’m giving you a weekly round-up.

I’m really a country girl at heart. What can I say?

Last Saturday:   Fiddles & Funnel Cakes.

Saturday I went to Weiser, ID (my hometown) for the National Old Time Fiddle Festival.  Ordinarily, I would go with friends or family just to check out the craft vendor booths, get a funnel cake & lemonade, and listen to  some impromptu bluegrass sessions being played by some of the world’s best musicians.  Yep, I said *world’s*.  People come from all corners of the globe to compete in the festival, but I prefer to walk around and hear all of the jam sessions being played by the folks in the campgrounds and the fairgrounds.  Anyone who has ever been will tell you that that is where the real music magic happens.

This year I attended the festival for work though.  My job takes me to communities all over the state where I get to set up an info booth and talk about the amazing non-profit I work for.  This meant I was pretty stationary in one of the local parks and missed out on a lot of the usual activities.  But, there were a few highlights!

There was a delay with my booth space so I had a few minutes to walk about and check out vendor booths.  I came across a spinner’s collective and some delightful yarns.  I always have a trusty set of circular needles in the car (just in case), and figured a new project would help pass the time throughout the day when/ if things got slow.

Always carry a pair! You never know when a knitting emergency may arise. Or boredom…

I purchased this lovely skein of yarn (Llama, Ramie, Sparkle, faux cashmere mix) spun by Jennifer Green at Desert Garden Farms.  Jennifer is based in Weiser, so I was supporting the local economy.  Naturally, I had to do my part…

It’s quite lovely… Now, what to do with it?

One thing you’ll learn about me pretty quickly is that I HATE the color purple (not the book, the actual color).  It’s like someone tried to ruin red & blue by combining them.  However, this was just too good to pass up.  There are little streaks of a faint sky/periwinkle blue and tones of grey throughout.  The pictures don’t do it justice.  But, there was only 114 yards of it… what to make?

Why must you taunt me yarn? Tell me what you want to become. Tell me!

I played around with the yarn, otherwise known as the knit-it-don’t-like-it-rip-it-start-over game for a while, but then things picked up at the booth.  I swore to all that is good in the world I would do this yarn justice as soon as possible though.

My Sees-tor, niece, nephew, and maternal unit swung by the booth with the best surprise ever: Funnel cake and fresh lemonade!   And I met the tiniest, oddest, cutest looking little pug named “Mailbox”.

Ella delivered sweet, amazing funnel cake. Best niece ever!

Not helping with the whole weight loss thing… but worth it!

Mailbox the Pug.

After 14 hours in the hot park and 2 hours of driving, The Boy & I spent a long night playing card games with the besties.  There was, of course, drinks involved.  And delicious braised chicken & fresh corn salad.  All in all, a great day.

Then there was last Sunday:  The muumuu incident

The Boy and his friends had been planning to get dressed in costume and play in a bar-hopping mini-golf tournament.  I decided that since I had to make The Boy’s costume, I would tag along.  I ended up playing as well.  Here’s the thing… I don’t golf.  Even mini-golf.  I hit the ball so hard (because I was told to!) through one hole I broke the hole.  But, it was a fun day, I won a bunch of free beers for the boy, and we spent some quality time together.  Even if he was dressed like Mama June from Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.  It’s a good thing I love him, because that muumuu was a bitch to sew at 6:30 am the day of the event.

The Boy (right) dressed as Mama June, complete with pillow padding, and his best friend, Joe (center) as Honey Boo Boo.

About 9 mini-golf holes, 100 degrees of heat, and 3 drinks in…

Monday:  I WON poker!

I beat out 10 guys to win.  I like poker night when I win.  I like pretty much anything when I win.  That is all.

Stacks & Stacks!

Tuesday:  I found the perfect Red!

I am obsessed with lip cosmetics.  I honest to Betsy have over 25 lipsticks/balms/glosses/etc in my purse right now.  Not including what is in my cosmetic case, cupboards, and what not.  Even though I have nearly 100 lip goops, I still hadn’t found the perfect red or pinkish-brown.  Until Tuesday.

I stopped into Sephora for my annual birthday gift (thanks Sephora, too kind).  While there, I bought myself a little gift as well.  The perfect red!  And I do mean PERFECT.  I’ve read reviews about the wonders of Dragon Girl by NARS, but it wasn’t right for me.  But, I tried on Cruella by NARS and it. was. love.  I adore it matte (appropriate for all occasions), but it works great with a balm or gloss over the lip pencil as well.  The only down side is it does transfer a bit (unlike the stains I’ve been preferring lately), but it’s so good I’ll reapply. **

Cruella by NARS.
This. is. amazing!!!!
photo: NARS.com

I also found out one of my oldest & dearest friends, Amanda, will be visiting from Olympia, WA this coming weekend.  That’s when it hit me!  The gorgeous purple hand-spun yarn I bought Saturday would knit into a fantastic cowl for Amanda.  Olympia gets a bit wet & chilly.  Sure, it’s summer now… but, a cowl will be handy this winter.  I got to knittin!  (photos to come soon).

Wednesday:  Catch-up while talking about Ketchup…

Wednesday The Boy & I met up with another of my old-time friends, Sara, who was visiting from Las Vegas.  Miss Sara is an extraordinary dancer, specifically belly dancer.  I hope to drag The Boy down to Vegas for some real poker action rather soon.

Thursday & Friday:  Work, Work, Work.  And I finished the cowl!

So, the rest of the week was pretty boring.  Just A LOT of work.  But, I love my job, so that’s ok.  The cowl turned out fantastically.  I’ll post more later.  However, this is a REALLY long post, so that’ll be all for now.  Here’s to another amazing week ahead!

** Note:  I have not been paid for any promotion of products in this post.  Any opinions are my own and not made as advertisement or for promotion.  Having said that, if you’d like to pay me or give me free stuff to speak honestly about a product or service, I am game!