After looking in my stash, I found a pretty pink box that I've saved for a few years - just waiting for the right time to make it fabulous. The box originally held a beautiful, pink Victoria's Secret planner that my in-laws bought me for Christmas in 2009. I knew that one day that sweet little box would be PERFECT for something. And now it is.
Here comes the non-crafty, personal section. If you're here only for crafts, feel free to skip...
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If you've followed by blog for a little while, you might have come across some of my more personal posts. Namely, about my journey towards a healthy lifestyle. When I made the decision on December 31st, 2011 that 2012 would be MY YEAR to get healthy, I had no idea that would involve running. RUNNING?!?! Only if something was chasing me, I thought. I figured I'd be a Zumba fanatic. Maybe branch out to Yoga. But running was out of the question.
That was until March 1st when I got the guts to sign up for my first 5k race. I had never run a mile in my life. Never. But I was determined to finish the race - running more than walking. And you know what? I ran the whole thing. Of course, I burst into tears as soon as I crossed the finish line. And though most of the race I was asking myself, "why in the WORLD am I doing this?", after catching my breath at the finish, I asked my husband, "When's the next one?".
I completed FIVE 5k races and one 1 "Firecracker Mile" this year so far. And I'm currently training for my first 10k that I'll be running Thanksgiving morning. Do I love running? Not yet. But I LOVE the way I feel when I cross the finish line, or reach home after a morning run. Knowing that I did it. I did what I honestly thought was impossible for me to do.
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Back to the crafty stuff...
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| Click photo for larger view. |
I used the Jubilee Cricut Cartridge to cut out the "run while you can" title. The orange layer (with the zebra ribbon) is actually a 'belly band' that keeps the box closed. I stamped the journaling lines from MCT's Cherish This Moment and wrote, "There will be a day when I can no longer do this. Today is not that day." I then cut the funky shape out by hand, matted it on aqua, and cut the shape again - around the white.
In the bottom right corner, I added "Dedication + Motivation = Success" from the Sports Sentiments stamp set. The flag shape was also hand cut and matted. As you can see, my color palette was inspired by my beloved running shoes.
Personal stuff again...
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If you're wondering how my journey for a healthy life is coming along - it's awesome! I've lost 51 pounds so far and I feel amazing. My energy has skyrocketed and my confidence is building. While I haven't reached my 'goal weight' quite yet, there is a bright, shining light at the end of my tunnel. I'm in the best shape of my life right now. Shopping is fun again (maybe a bit too much fun *giggle*). And when I look in the mirror, I see me. It's been a long time since I could say that.
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| The photo on the left shows me at 186 lbs. Photo on the right is me now - a healthy 135! |
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Thank you so much for stopping by today. If you haven't already, I encourage you to head over to Emma's blog to see what she and the other designers have up their sleeves for today's 3D Wednesday.
I hope you were inspired!
- Veronica
20 comments :
First, I love the box and I would like to ask you how you did it? I was very small all my life and about 6 years ago I got a rare illness called sweet syndrome, and the only way to treat this was to take very strong steriods for 6 weeks in the hospital through an I.V. Then when I got out to come home I had to stay on them for several months until God healed me. But the outcome is the medicine made me gain weight, in a couple months I gained 20 pounds and I wasn't eating, I was sick with sores all over me. Anyway now I weigh 165 and I was 105 when I went in the hospital. I was always small and I don't know how to loose weight. I also can't run, and do some excercising like most people because of some back injuries. I do walk, and do what I can but I am having problems loosing weight. I have lost 10 pounds can you give me any tips?
bamagurl1999@gmail.com
Thanks and God Bless,
JoAnn
Veronica, I just love this idea! Your box is beautiful, and I'm so glad you are saving your race bibs as mementos of your amazing journey!!!
First off you look amazing and how inspiring you are! Good for you getting healthy! I love, love your box and the idea behind it, to keep your number tags in-such a fabulous idea and such a fabulous box!!
Wow, what a great project!! I am a runner myself and this really inspires me to create something for my race bibs..
Scrappy hugs,
Amanda :0)
Hi, JoAnn!
It has been all about less calories in, more calories out for me. I'm conscious about my portion sizes and stop eating when I'm full (though it took me some time to figure out what 'full' really feels like). I workout 6 days a week on average - including a variation of: Running, Weight/Resistance Training, Yoga, Zumba, Spin Class.
Keep up with the walking! And be intentional when putting food on your plate. Think about WHAT you're eating and HOW MUCH of it. Of course, I'm no expert! I'm just telling you what works for me (and it might NOT work for you). My biggest food rule for myself: I can have whatever I want. I just might not be able to have as much of it as I want :o)
Good luck! I'd love to hear how it goes!
- Veronica
What a sweet box to keep your mementos from your races.I am sitting with your Aunt Lesly while she is having chemo and crying telling her how I remember your face as you crossed that finish line and how overwhelmed and PROUD I felt at your accomplisment.What a LUCKY mom I am to have you for my beautiful daughter.
Love you,
Mom
Cute box! I've been holding on to some myself and have recently altered to actually be useful! Great job on the weight loss as well!
Thanks, Mom! Love you!
What a great idea! And the perfect box for them. It turned out so beautifully. ♥
I want you to know that you are SERIOUSLY a HUGE INSPIRATION to me right now. I LOVE that you have become healthier doing it the way you should. For me that includes exercise and moderation in eating NORMAL foods. Your box is beautiful and I think it turned out absolutely perfect. How nice to have a special spot to store your momentos. Awesome job. Hugs- Glora
WOW Veronica!!!! You look absolutely amazing girl!!! You just seem to radiate happiness in your pictures! I'm so happy for you, you truly are an inspiration! :)
Beautiful keepsake box too! I bet someday there will be one from a full marathon in there!
Hugs Tracy
Saving race bibs is a wonderful idea! Maybe a quick note with each with something to remember about the race. Your box is so happy...Congratulations on finishing races and eating healthier. You look marvelous!
quilt 4 fun 2 at hot mail dot com
I want to say first that your "personal stuff" brought me to tears!!! you look amazing!! and to share your story with us is awesome!! and I love the box to keep your things in! great job! and keep it up!
brwneyes46@gmail.com
Veronica ~ OH WOW! I LOVE this box! There must be something about boxes and woman becauseI save them too! Well I ADORE you box to pieces but I have to say your post ~ WOW! you are truly a inspiration to me! I just need to listen to you more often! You should be OVER the moon with yourself! All that determination, hard work and fotitude paid off! You go girl! I also have to say what you wrote back to the first comment was beyond kind and helpful!!! Again ADORE your box!!!
This is such a fabulous post! I am so happy for you and all that you have accomplished. I did the same thing back in 2009, but I never quite made it to my goal. I wanted to lose 50lbs, but I got to 46 and then life kinda got in the way. Just so you know...you totally inspired me to get back on track. I am loving my new workouts too. Congrats on all that you have accomplished :)
Congratulations! You look fabulous and I know you are proud as you should be. Keep it up! Oh, and the project is very pretty. Love the idea.
Congratulations!you look AMAZING:)GREAT job with your project too!!!:)
love your box!! saving this bibs also your saving your accomplishments
rosiemini@gmail.com
www.scraplovingminis.blogspot.com
What a fabulous idea Veronica! I love the colors on the box and that stamp is perfect! I think you look fabulous, and I can't wait to see some new pics from your photo session!
what a fun idea! I bet you will fill that box up quick too!
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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I appreciate your feedback and hope you were inspired!