Monday, January 30, 2012
Barbara's Valetine Give-away
A very talented stitcher and finisher is having a lovely give-away on her blog. Check it out! To Stitch or Not to Stitch Valentine Give-Way
Sunday, January 29, 2012
A day with my sister....
Hope every one has had a good weekend so far. I spent Saturday with my daughters and sister. My sister wanted to go to Joann's craft shop...always such a temptation to spend money I haven't got. Well, we purchased some card stock and lovely stickers and I got to thinking that I could fold the cards and turn them into needle keepers. Below are pics of the decorated cards. I am not done with them as I will place felt on the inside to hold the needles. I think I will share these during my future "give-away" contest. I used papers from K&C Company (at 30% off...yahoo!).
We also went to the Barnes & Noble where I purchased this Cross Stitch Desk Calendar at 50% off. This calendar offers about 180 patterns. The patterns are neat but there is one page for three days so its a bit odd. I am used to these calendars having a page for each of the week (except for Saturday and Sunday). Overall, I like the collection of this years patterns very much. And, at $7.50 for the whole thing, a pretty neat purchase.
We had lunch at a Pan Asian cafe and ate sushi and curry coconut soup...yummy! I exhibited great discipline and had no-rice sushi and sashimi.
We then ran to the Cracker Barrel where I saw these adorable little bird-shaped salt and pepper shakers. At 99 cents a piece, I could not pass up.
I bought three sets for gifting....too cute.
A lovely time was had by all, but especially me, because my girls were able to spend time with their aunt that loves them very much. My own aunt lived thousands of miles away and we visited rarely, and when we did the visits were brief. I had a warm heart all day just watching them interact and chat.
Well, that's it for today. Happy stitching to all! Hugs - Chris G
We then ran to the Cracker Barrel where I saw these adorable little bird-shaped salt and pepper shakers. At 99 cents a piece, I could not pass up.
A lovely time was had by all, but especially me, because my girls were able to spend time with their aunt that loves them very much. My own aunt lived thousands of miles away and we visited rarely, and when we did the visits were brief. I had a warm heart all day just watching them interact and chat.
Well, that's it for today. Happy stitching to all! Hugs - Chris G
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
What I've learned about low-carb diets.
NEW INFORMATION: Click this link to read about Fructose and Diabetes
Pancreas May "Taste" Fructose
The following is my understanding of low-carb diets, based on years of reading and managing diabetes in myself and others. It's not intended to be a treatise on the topic...just a few of my conclusions and observations. If your curiosity is piqued, there are many books and journals out there that can shed more light on the topic.
Why do low carb diets appear to work?
Without getting too technical, the more insulin your body makes in response to carbs consumption, the more the body converts those carb calories to fat and cholesterol. In essence, the more carbs certain people eat (such morbidly obese, and pre-diabetic and diabetic folks), the more insulin is in their systems. The high levels of insulin then produce fat and cholesterol. The increase in fat and cholesterol, INTERFERES with the insulin's ability to work properly, so that the body now produces more insulin in response to carbs, and then...you got it, more fat (weight) and then more insulin and round and round you go!
The person gains a few pounds, now the body makes even more insulin in response to carbs, and then they put on more weight. This mechanism is why so many over weight people feel that they don't eat all that much. Many of them don't, but they have a metabolic PROBLEM that now causes the weight gain. (That's not to say that their over-eating in the first place didn't cause the metabolic problem - one is genetically disposed to this metabolic problem, but that is a discussion for someone else!). It's a vicious cycle and only cutting out complex carbs may break it - for these types of individuals. Carbs in vegetables are good, but again, those that turn to pure sugar quickly, such as corn and peas, can be a problem, as well. Those carbs in foods like broccoli or string beans may not be an issue. They don't seem to cause the increases in sugar levels that result in spikes in insulin levels. The American Diabetes Association states, "...subsequent research has shown that a high carbohydrate intake - even if the carbs rate well on the glycemic scale -may be at fault for excess weight in certain people with diabetes." Italics are mine. This basically might mean that all carbs may be detrimental to certain diabetics. YIKES!!! ADA - Low Carb Diets
This mechanism is why low carb diets are so incredibly effective in producing not just general weight loss (while protecting muscle mass) but also dramatically improving cholesterol levels and other hyperlipidemias, as well as blood sugars. Once the carbs are limited, the levels of insulin are reduced, and the body stops producing fat and cholesterol. Weight loss then becomes possible because there is no longer these large amounts of insulin making fat. I hope that makes sense. Fat doesn't make you fat, insulin makes you fat!!! Oh, sweet liberty!!! Freedom at last!!!!
If you only want to lose 25 pounds, and have no issues with cholesterol or blood sugars, sure - then reduce your total caloric intake to be less than your expenditure; however, if you are morbidly overweight, have pre-diabetes or diabetes, or have lipid (cholesterol) issues, then you might want to seriously consider looking into a low carb diet. By the way, in the States, 7 million people with diabetes don't know they have it! If you are morbidly overweight, and have no idea what your blood sugar or cholesterol levels are, then see a doctor (assuming you have access and can afford it). You might just have diabetes or pre-diabetes and not know it. The American Diabetes Association has accepted that low-carb diets may be the way to go for diabetics, for short -term weight loss. See link above. Continued research will prove whether low-carb diets might also be a treatment for Type II diabetes!
Exercise will help too, but I've seen the benefits of low-carb diets without exercise. For a more in-depth discussion of Exercise in the management of hyperlipidimias, see : Lifestyle Interventions in the Management of Hyperlipidimia. The article also discusses using exercise in combination with a low-carb diet.
Anyway, just wanted to put some information out there. I have found that different diets work for different people, but if you are morbidly obese and have other issues (sugar or cholesterol) and are interested in improving your general well-being, then seriously consider learning more about low-carb diets and see your physician.
Wooh, OK, I am done. I felt motivated to write this because too many folks are misinformed about low carb diets and their benefits and risks. Power is Knowledge...and in this case Life!
Pancreas May "Taste" Fructose
The following is my understanding of low-carb diets, based on years of reading and managing diabetes in myself and others. It's not intended to be a treatise on the topic...just a few of my conclusions and observations. If your curiosity is piqued, there are many books and journals out there that can shed more light on the topic.
Why do low carb diets appear to work?
Without getting too technical, the more insulin your body makes in response to carbs consumption, the more the body converts those carb calories to fat and cholesterol. In essence, the more carbs certain people eat (such morbidly obese, and pre-diabetic and diabetic folks), the more insulin is in their systems. The high levels of insulin then produce fat and cholesterol. The increase in fat and cholesterol, INTERFERES with the insulin's ability to work properly, so that the body now produces more insulin in response to carbs, and then...you got it, more fat (weight) and then more insulin and round and round you go!
The person gains a few pounds, now the body makes even more insulin in response to carbs, and then they put on more weight. This mechanism is why so many over weight people feel that they don't eat all that much. Many of them don't, but they have a metabolic PROBLEM that now causes the weight gain. (That's not to say that their over-eating in the first place didn't cause the metabolic problem - one is genetically disposed to this metabolic problem, but that is a discussion for someone else!). It's a vicious cycle and only cutting out complex carbs may break it - for these types of individuals. Carbs in vegetables are good, but again, those that turn to pure sugar quickly, such as corn and peas, can be a problem, as well. Those carbs in foods like broccoli or string beans may not be an issue. They don't seem to cause the increases in sugar levels that result in spikes in insulin levels. The American Diabetes Association states, "...subsequent research has shown that a high carbohydrate intake - even if the carbs rate well on the glycemic scale -may be at fault for excess weight in certain people with diabetes." Italics are mine. This basically might mean that all carbs may be detrimental to certain diabetics. YIKES!!! ADA - Low Carb Diets
This mechanism is why low carb diets are so incredibly effective in producing not just general weight loss (while protecting muscle mass) but also dramatically improving cholesterol levels and other hyperlipidemias, as well as blood sugars. Once the carbs are limited, the levels of insulin are reduced, and the body stops producing fat and cholesterol. Weight loss then becomes possible because there is no longer these large amounts of insulin making fat. I hope that makes sense. Fat doesn't make you fat, insulin makes you fat!!! Oh, sweet liberty!!! Freedom at last!!!!
If you only want to lose 25 pounds, and have no issues with cholesterol or blood sugars, sure - then reduce your total caloric intake to be less than your expenditure; however, if you are morbidly overweight, have pre-diabetes or diabetes, or have lipid (cholesterol) issues, then you might want to seriously consider looking into a low carb diet. By the way, in the States, 7 million people with diabetes don't know they have it! If you are morbidly overweight, and have no idea what your blood sugar or cholesterol levels are, then see a doctor (assuming you have access and can afford it). You might just have diabetes or pre-diabetes and not know it. The American Diabetes Association has accepted that low-carb diets may be the way to go for diabetics, for short -term weight loss. See link above. Continued research will prove whether low-carb diets might also be a treatment for Type II diabetes!
Exercise will help too, but I've seen the benefits of low-carb diets without exercise. For a more in-depth discussion of Exercise in the management of hyperlipidimias, see : Lifestyle Interventions in the Management of Hyperlipidimia. The article also discusses using exercise in combination with a low-carb diet.
Anyway, just wanted to put some information out there. I have found that different diets work for different people, but if you are morbidly obese and have other issues (sugar or cholesterol) and are interested in improving your general well-being, then seriously consider learning more about low-carb diets and see your physician.
Wooh, OK, I am done. I felt motivated to write this because too many folks are misinformed about low carb diets and their benefits and risks. Power is Knowledge...and in this case Life!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Pet Peeve - The Disembodied Greeting
I don't think I have many pet peeves, but time will tell. I am going to share one particular pet peeve. I just hate it when I enter a store and a disembodied voice says "Hello". Sometimes the voice says "Welcome to ____". Many stores are doing this, I can only assume it's in the name of improving customer relations. Frankly, its a annoying, especially since most times, the person is looking down or has walked away and other times it's just mumbled and you can't tell if you were just insulted or not. There is no eye contact and its certainly not personal. I'd prefer to be able to be greeted in the aisles by someone that says. "Hi, finding everything ok?" or how's this, when I go to the cashier, he/she says "Hi, how are you today?" and " Have a great day, come again." I know all those might be considered tacky, but not as tacky as hearing a voice saying "Hello" and then there not being anyone there. That's just plain creepy.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
UFOs and a Valentine Finish
Greetings fellow stitchers, hope it's been a good week for all. I finished a biscornu that I was making for the Friendly Stitchers Group Spring exchange. I didn't like the way it turned out. The linen was too drab and it was too quirky to share, so I am keeping it and working on another. Here is a pic of it. This is a freebie I got some where, maybe from the Free Patterns web site.
Below is a pic of my progress on my UFO. It's a freebie from Jane Greenoff. I almost done with this one. I might be able to finish it in another 2 sessions of stitching. Have been hitting the gym at night so less time for stitching but I feel great!
I just discovered an error (so what's so surprising about that?). I have an extra row on the right somewhere....am not frogging so I will figure out how to work around it.
And last but not least, here is a pic of the wonderful scented flosses I have been pining about for years. DMC put these out several years ago but they never made it to the states. Probably due to some inane law against non-edible products smelling edible....our government's ever present concern for it's stupid citizenry's inability to differentiate the actual from not. Example - Some kindergartener was expelled from school for playing with a piece of pizza shaped like a hand pistol. Anyhow...I digress...here is the pic. Michelle AKA Mouse from the Friendly Stitchers group sent me these. She sent a pack of pink, blue and white and free collection of designs. Just wonderful! As you work with the thread, the scent is released. The pink smells like roses, blue like lavender and white like lily-of-the-valley. I am so psyched!!! I had to admit, that I felt compelled to chew on the blue one...JUST KIDDING!!!I hate paternalism.
Thank you Mouse! Mwah,mwah!
Anyway, that's it for now! Wishing all a successful week of stitching. Hugs,
Christina G
And last but not least, here is a pic of the wonderful scented flosses I have been pining about for years. DMC put these out several years ago but they never made it to the states. Probably due to some inane law against non-edible products smelling edible....our government's ever present concern for it's stupid citizenry's inability to differentiate the actual from not. Example - Some kindergartener was expelled from school for playing with a piece of pizza shaped like a hand pistol. Anyhow...I digress...here is the pic. Michelle AKA Mouse from the Friendly Stitchers group sent me these. She sent a pack of pink, blue and white and free collection of designs. Just wonderful! As you work with the thread, the scent is released. The pink smells like roses, blue like lavender and white like lily-of-the-valley. I am so psyched!!! I had to admit, that I felt compelled to chew on the blue one...JUST KIDDING!!!I hate paternalism.
Thank you Mouse! Mwah,mwah!
Christina G
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Latest Issue of Cross Stitch and Neelework Magazine - Pros and Cons
I am a fan of this magazine, and most often than not, enjoy the issues and can find something in them that I admire. I have issues going back to when it was called Cross Stitch and Country Crafts and Stitchers World. They have changed the editor-in-chief recently - I am holding off on my opinion on the change until I see a few more issues. The magazine is a good source of inspiration for trying other techniques. For instance, I discovered stamping fabric because of this magazine and my craft shop was having a sale on stamps that very week...talk about timely!
The magazine also has a theme library. There is a page that has little designs that can be used to embellish all sorts of things, and if you want to give designing a hand, you can use the designs to create mini banners and samplers. They are "cute" though. There is also an educational article that explains different needle techniques. There is usually also a designer highlight. It is always cool to read about the artists' stories.
So in general, I recommend this magazine if you want to do different techniques and are new to the art. I am finding, however, that the magazine is going down a path that I may not follow along for much longer.
I received the March issue of this magazine yesterday. I sat down to it with a cup of coffee and a bit of eagerness. I flipped thru the issue really quickly, seeing nothing I would want to make. Then I thought, Chris, go back and look again. So I did. Nope, still nothing. As I flipped thru the magazine, I thought that perhaps I am too old for this magazine. All of the designs in this issue were cutesy, bright and just "too much". I couldn't figure out what was wrong, and then it hit me. The designs called for that annoying DMC Memory thread and other surface techniques. One of the designs had applique. I wouldn't mind it so much if the editors provided the stitching pattern for substitutions to the applique or the Memory Thread. There was an adorable little biscornu with simple hardanger that I might try...that's the only thing that I saw that I could see myself finishing.
The only design that I saw in the magazine that was not a theme project and had no embellishment was a design with bird houses on it. REALLY??? Bird houses? Enough with the #!&@! bird houses already.
There is always an article in the back of the magazine where a stitcher shares her thoughts/experiences. I am not clear on who she is. In this issue, she writes about the green shoots and buds that are sprouting and how inspired she is by the sight.....I don't know about you, but most of the US is right smack in the middle of winter and its only going to get colder and stormier from here. I know March is spring, but the issue comes out in January, well then, its Winter NOT Spring, isn't it?
CS-N, as a reader, I prefer to have a few options in the magazine that do not include other techniques, and if using the DMC Memory Thread and applique, how about providing substitution graphs...that would be really sweet! Oh, and no more birdhouses. Thank you!
The magazine also has a theme library. There is a page that has little designs that can be used to embellish all sorts of things, and if you want to give designing a hand, you can use the designs to create mini banners and samplers. They are "cute" though. There is also an educational article that explains different needle techniques. There is usually also a designer highlight. It is always cool to read about the artists' stories.
So in general, I recommend this magazine if you want to do different techniques and are new to the art. I am finding, however, that the magazine is going down a path that I may not follow along for much longer.
I received the March issue of this magazine yesterday. I sat down to it with a cup of coffee and a bit of eagerness. I flipped thru the issue really quickly, seeing nothing I would want to make. Then I thought, Chris, go back and look again. So I did. Nope, still nothing. As I flipped thru the magazine, I thought that perhaps I am too old for this magazine. All of the designs in this issue were cutesy, bright and just "too much". I couldn't figure out what was wrong, and then it hit me. The designs called for that annoying DMC Memory thread and other surface techniques. One of the designs had applique. I wouldn't mind it so much if the editors provided the stitching pattern for substitutions to the applique or the Memory Thread. There was an adorable little biscornu with simple hardanger that I might try...that's the only thing that I saw that I could see myself finishing.
The only design that I saw in the magazine that was not a theme project and had no embellishment was a design with bird houses on it. REALLY??? Bird houses? Enough with the #!&@! bird houses already.
There is always an article in the back of the magazine where a stitcher shares her thoughts/experiences. I am not clear on who she is. In this issue, she writes about the green shoots and buds that are sprouting and how inspired she is by the sight.....I don't know about you, but most of the US is right smack in the middle of winter and its only going to get colder and stormier from here. I know March is spring, but the issue comes out in January, well then, its Winter NOT Spring, isn't it?
CS-N, as a reader, I prefer to have a few options in the magazine that do not include other techniques, and if using the DMC Memory Thread and applique, how about providing substitution graphs...that would be really sweet! Oh, and no more birdhouses. Thank you!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
UFO
Below is a pic of a freebie designed by Jane Greenoff. I started this about 2 years ago but didn't like the way it was turning out. I had made some substitutions - not very good ones, apparently, as the design looks quite muddled. I will finish with this in a few more hours, I believe. Which will be my second finish with this Challenge.
Here is what it looked like a few weeks ago when I started work on it.
Here is what it looked like last night.
It can't be seen in the pic, but the material is a wonderful vibrant yellow color. It's a 28 count evenweave that I am working with two threads over one. I can't wait to finish it!
Here is what it looked like a few weeks ago when I started work on it.
Here is what it looked like last night.
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