Conferences, weight loss, business, and blogging

Hey all!

Have you noticed my absence? Completely unplanned, but I got a little overwhelmed this week.

I attended Bloggy Boot Camp last week, and left so completely inspired! You'd think I'd run home and knock out some amazing blog posts, but I didn't. Instead, I was inspired to take a look at what I want to come from blogging - what is my end game?

For me, blogging is something I started to keep myself accountable while I lost the baby weight. It is something I stuck with because I had so much fun sharing my projects, recipes, and life. As I passed my stay-at-home goal of 6 months I began to think about using this blog to bring in some extra income. I realize I have a lot to learn before I can make that happen. It also may never happen with this blog, but I have so much to learn before I embark on my business venture that I think will benefit so many people and may buy me some extra time home with my kiddos if I can do it right.

I've been spending my time this past week getting used to Twitter (I'm so behind, I know!), so come follow me because I'm really getting into it!

I've also had a couple of days with a migraine where I did the best I could to keep the kiddos alive and Hubby took over when he got home so I could rest. No fun!

I have been taking plenty of pictures of projects I have been working on, so many blog posts are in the works! Check out this frame I put together for two friends who got married this past weekend. I'm also nearly finished with my little guy's monster costume, just need to add some claws and we'll be all set!

Ok, so let's get down to the weight loss progress... Good news and bad news here. I was doing pretty awesome. I was losing weight and eating super healthy without even thinking about it. It really felt like I was getting into a great rhythm. I had three DietBets going and I staggered the weigh-outs so I would keep my motivation up longer. Well... I rocked the first two and ended up about two pounds below my goal. Since then, I haven't logged my food, I've eaten junk, I drank copious amounts if wine at the wedding, and I'll have to be so insanely good today and tomorrow or I'll never make my goal!

Coming soon: Turkey Barley Soup

I've still been cooking some pretty amazing and healthy meals. Remember this black and white bean salad? I've found even more recipes to make with it. My husband was head over heels when I filled the center of a spaghetti squash with it before cooking. Yum! I have to be honest and say my kiddos, who are not at all picky eaters, did not enjoy it as much as my husband... We also loaded up on bell peppers at the farmers markets and my freezer is full, so we'll be good to go all winter! I've got some fresh broccoli for tonight, and I'm going to try cooking my first acorn squash tomorrow.

If I can get back on track so I don't lose my first bet, I'll be in good shape. I think I nearly have that overwhelming desire to snack constantly out of my system. I also have hit the 50 pound mark!! Woohoo! We were seriously behind with the laundry and I was out of jeans so I grabbed the last (and smallest) pair that I stocked up on from Target. They fit!!! Granted they are not at all true to size and I'm probably more of a 12 than an 8, but I was wearing pants with the number 8 on then again! And they looked And felt great. It might be time to try on some of my pre-baby clothes soon!

So, the great news is that I'm feeling better in clothes again. I even posted my first awkward selfie on Instagram before the wedding. It was the first time in a long time that I wasn't self-conscious about what I was wearing and I got plenty of compliments which felt great.

Whew! I promise not to go so long without posting again! I have way to much to say in one post. Maybe sure to check back tonight and link up your weight loss advice at Tips and Tricks Tuesday!