Devine Designs Jewelry

My Honest Opinion of the 5th Annual Howard Alan Ace Palm Harbor Craft Festival

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:12:00 +0000

This was a 2 day event in old downtown Palm Harbor Florida which can grab a ton of people usually. Day 1 had a large attendance. I did fairly well for myself. Day 2, not so much. A smaller crowd with lots of people just walking by, walking their dogs, or just riding by on bicycles. We were located on small streets between local restaurants/eateries and bars in that area. My booth was really close to a few of these.

The event included a mix of fine artists and crafters, which is just fine because it creates a diverse shopping experience for all. What I discovered: From my vantage point: The fine artisans, such as the painters, and photographers, were not doing wwell at all. I found that other crafters were doing well, some artisans did well, and for myself being a jewelry artisan- I did o.k. on day 1 but did poorly on day 2. Day 2 was just a browsing day for most. People were sure enjoying their popcorn and ice cream! My take away: This is a promoter show and not a juried fine art show. I do not know how much they advertise or their extended reach to the fine art community. Howard Alan Events charge a premium price for their booth fees. If you need to rent a tent, it is also expensive, which cuts into your overhead as well. Although, I must give "The Tent Guys" credit because they were very professional, helpful, and went out of their way to help me with my booth needs. Howard Alan Events overall are very professional in their endeavours. You must decide for yourself what show will meet your needs. This is just my personal experience with this particular event and location.

Pushing past the pain

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 12:08:00 +0000

You can say that I'm still in a negative head space. My knee hurts, foot hurts; now a new heel pain. Walked this morning. Just under 2 mi. and did 2 sprints of running. Not timed, just going as far as I can, (which isn't that far) until I returned to the walking. My various pains wake up as I try to run, but I must say that my knee and foot pain do subside after I start to run a bit. I've got to get rid of some of this excess weight.

I'm full of negative self-talk as I go along my route today. Doesn't help the situation, I know. On the brighter side, I have to give myself credit for actually getting out there today and just doing it! The humidity lives on.

To read my previous post, go here.

It's been 1 year since I started this journey

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 12:09:00 +0000

It's officially been 1 year now since I started on this weight loss/fitness journey. Today, I feel like I haven't come too far.

Went out this a.m. (pre-dawn); it was soooo humid- like, "where's the oxygen?" because it was difficult to breathe in any! Too humid to run, I walked 2.4 mi. Feet hurt, knee hurt, and sweating like it's my first time outside. This isn't fall yet. I can't wait for it to get cooler.

So, the KETO diet. Not working for me. In fact, I've gained weight! I cannot get myself into a ketogenic state, and I've been eating almost no carbs. Plus, it's so restrictive on the variety of foods you can eat.

So, I'm having one of those bad days, mentally as well, because I feel like nothing seems to work. I won't whine about it here, enough said. I've got about 3 1/2 months until the race event. I hope I can do this.

To follow along on my journey, read my previous post here.

A quick diet and exercise update

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 12:16:00 +0000

So for the last couple of weeks I have not been running. It's just been too hot and humid. I've been exercising indoor. Finally today I thought that I had better try to get back out there, and stop making excuses.
Although it was a little bit hard, I did surprise myself. I did just under 2 miles of walk/run intervals with an improved speed of about 16.45 min./mi. I've got about 4 months until the Run Disney event. I can do this!

Currently doing the "Keto" diet. I've pretty much eliminated most carbs from my diet. I'm not eating: pasta, rice, potatoes, any grains or flours, or sugar, or some fruits. What I am eating is: chicken, meat, tried some fish (didn't like it), shrimp, green vegetables, cauliflower, salads, avocado, berries, nuts, and protein smoothies with almond milk. Somewhat limiting, but I'm willing to give it a go. I think I lost 3 pounds, but did cheat on the diet and am currently fluctuating in my weight again.

Stay tuned for more updates!
To read my previous post, go here.
To start at the beginning of my weight loss journey, go here.

When something isn't working, it's time to make a change

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 13:32:00 +0000

August is proving to be quite challenging for me and my workouts. It's become too humid to actually run, for me anyway. I'm thinking about not running for the next few weeks, but will do a long fast walk once a week, if bearable. Today is did an aerobic workout indoors. It was quite challenging in itself. But a good workout. I'm currently alternating weight training; one day upper body, one day lower body. It's enjoyable, which is good also.

My diet plan is not working. In fact, I'm gaining. So here is where I need to make a change. I'm thinking about doing the "keto" diet, and have started to eat this way this week. I'm hoping my husband will like this food and benefit from it too.
I am going to see a dietician as well. Hopefully, I'll get this weight thing under control. My new weight loss goal at this time is 23 lbs. I'll be grateful for the fall weather!

To view my previous post, and follow along, go here.

New routine: Working on speed

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 13:55:00 +0000

It's official. I've registered for the 2019 Run Disney race event. I'm not where I need to be, condition wise, so it's time to change things up. My speed needs to increase. You must keep a 16 min./mile rate in order to not be pulled from the race. I've been averaging an 18min/mile, so today I decided to move more, faster and increase my run/walk/run ratio. So I increased to 30sec/30sec (run/walk), and on walking, going a bit faster. I did do a 17min/mile.

So it must be about 200 percent humidity out there today, but I managed to go almost 2 miles. Quite winded, as I could only do about 10 cycles. I blame some of this on the heat. The fall will be easier to train for the race in January. I'm not worried about distance, I know that I can go the 3 miles, I just have to work on the speed.

Last Sunday I tried swimming. I did not feel that I got a good workout. Even though I did 15-20 minutes of water aerobic exercise and then swam laps. It's just not the same thing as running. Plus, I really didn't like being at our pool. There were 2 other people swimming laps, and I don't like to be looked at in swimwear. And with our stupid condo rules, the pool doesn't open until 9:00 am. By then I'm usually far into my day, since I run about 6:00 am. Well, I tried. I may still use this as an alternate form of exercise.

Stop back for more! To follow my progress, you can read my previous post here.

It's now too hot and humid to run

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 12:40:00 +0000

For me, anyway. Today I walked 2 miles. Way too humid to run. It is difficult to feel like there is any oxygen out there! Swimming to start this weekend.

Weight update: Up 3 lbs. last week. Down a pound on weight in today. Still on the see-saw. Should I join a gym so I can run on a treadmill for the summer? I hate treadmills.

Stop back for more. To read my previous post, go here.

Post July 4th workout and update

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 11:43:00 +0000

I took off a week from running since my legs were hurting everyday, all day. So it was a bit challenging to start back up this week. I'm so greatful for the cooler mornings that we've been having.

Today: 1.77 miles
Weight: let's not talk about it; I'm on a see-saw right now.
Eating fairly well. Staying away from sweets.

Bought a new swimsuit yesterday, so can start swimming when it is too hot to run or walk. Not your traditional swimwear; I wanted something to exercise and do laps in. It's more for cross-training.

More to come.....
To read my previous post. go here.

This week's update

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 11:18:00 +0000

Sunday was my long workout. Did 3.42 miles. Walked about 2/3 of it, ran the rest. Definitely need to carry a water bottle now with these high temperatures and humidity. I bought this one from Amazon.

Today I did 2.17 miles at my current rate/speed (25/35sec.) It seems to be working for me and I might stay at this rate throughout the summer; not sure yet. Today's humidity this a.m. was the highest that I have felt while running. I might have to change up my routine come July and August. I'm thinking about other options.

Kind of a boring update this week. To read my previous post, go here.

Why won't my body do what I want?

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 12:22:00 +0000

Good run this morning. My legs felt strong, no foot pain. Doing the same intervals and did 2 miles. Low humidity pre-dawn, then it started to get a bid humid. The only problem was my pounding headache half way through the run; so bad, that the pain went from the top left side of my head, down thru my eye and side of my nose, and down into my teeth. I never had a pain in my head like this. (I hope I'm not having a brain aneurysm.) Finished with a walk.

Weight update: I'm up 2 pounds. You know, I'm about ready to give up the fight with my weight. Maybe the numbers on the scale don't matter just that much as long as I feel good, feel strong, and am gaining strength and endurance with my run/walking. My heart and lungs are strong and I continue to feel stronger, and running is getting easier. As long as my current clothes fit and I don't get any bigger, what's a number anyway?

Though I continue to struggle with sugar, I am eating healthy overall. So, I'll continue to listen to my body more. It seems to know better than what my head tells me.

If you like to follow along on my fitness journey and countdown to my goal of running a 5K race, you can follow my blog. To read my previous post, go here.

Summer is here!

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 14:43:00 +0000

And so is the humidity! Ran today, my long run/walk (3.18 mi.). Went out at 6:00am, pre-dawn. So humid. I don't know what this summer will bring. It's time to buy a water pouch to carry along with me now while exercising. If not to drink, I can always pour it over my head to help cool down. Still working at 25 sec. run/35 sec. walk per minute. I have NOT gotten on a scale this week.

Seven months till race time. Is it crunch time? I think it is time for me to really get serious about what I'm eating. I've got to remind myself what is important to me and why I decided to take this exercise challenge and continue to work towards my goal. I'm not having problems with the exercise part. I'm going to work on my mind. Thinking before I eat, staying away from sweets, sugar, desserts, and limiting my bread/carb intake. I will eat more fruits and vegetables! This has got to work. Stay positive.

If you like what you're reading and would like to follow along on my fitness journey, you can read my previous post here. And stop back weekly for updates!

This is one of the hardest things I've tried to do

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Sun, 20 May 2018 15:31:00 +0000

Update: This morning's run: 2.3 miles at a new interval speed of 25sec. run/ 35sec walk per minute. I wanted to increase to 30/30 starting this week, but making the 25/35 is challenging enough for me right now. Cooler outside, a bit of a breeze, and very cloudy for my run this a.m. Body felt heavy during this workout this morning. Did abs also. I'm glad I got out early enough before the rain started this morning.

No weight change.

And here is my problem. I definitely have a problem with sugar. I need to avoid it all the way. I am constantly struggling with this "diet" plan. Doing Weight Watchers if you did not know. I'm honestly tracking my points, but I can't get past the bad foods I end up eating. I love sweets! It is so hard to avoid, refuse, or just not think about eating something sweet. A true sugar addiction.

Don't let me grocery shop alone. I can't be trusted. Today, I told myself that I would not buy any snacks, treats, sugar for the week. I figure if I don't keep it in the house, I won't be tempted to eat it. I did buy healthy vegetables, tofu, quinoa, (our weekly pizza treat), and bananas as the only real sweet. Then came the chip isle. I had a craving; bought chips at 40% less fat than regular chips; then proceeded to eat them on the way home. And finished the entire bag! It's like I'm searching for the hidden prize at the bottom of the bag, when the only thing I get is the shame of gluttony. It's just an illusion.
And that's my confession for today.

To read my previous post, go here.

I had a hard morning running

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Sun, 13 May 2018 13:29:00 +0000

It was a tough run this morning. First of all, not getting enough sleep; I got up at 12:30 a.m. this morning. Did a bunch of stuff around the house, took a 1/2 hour nap, then went out to run. Really humid this morning. 78% humidity. Is that high? No energy. I got winded fast. I know that I need to slow down or walk when I feel like I can't swallow. (I'm allergic to exercise-just kidding!)

Did 2.23 miles total. Managed to get to 77 IntV, which is better than my usual 82-84. So I surprised myself. I also did abs this morning. I want to increase running time next week, but I might do one more run at my current rate, since today was difficult. It might just be one of those "bad" days. I'm not discouraged.
Check back next week.

To follow along and read my previous post, go here.

It's just a journal

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Sun, 06 May 2018 12:35:00 +0000

Basically, this is a journal record of my progress with some points of interest thrown in along the way. Some of what I post may not make that much sense to the reader.
Today's update:
weight loss: maintaining the same
Today's run/walk: a total of 3.23 miles; my first long run. Still at 20sec run/40sec walk intervals. increased cycles by 16. I was going about 84, today I managed 68! I'm amazed how far you can push your limits and how the mind can work with you, or against you. I just kept pushing myself today.

Feet hurt along the outsides while walking in beginning, running stops that. My left shin hurt afterwards. Iced it down.

Weather was cloudy, 74 degrees and a bit humid. I'm not looking forward to August here. I am excitedly waiting for the Run Disney race registration to open!

To follow along and read my previous post, go here.

Move it or lose it

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 12:44:00 +0000

How true it is! Even though we were on a mini vacation, and walked 7 or 8 miles a day, not actually running for a week has set me back just a bit. Today, my first run since vaca, I am only able to go about 15 sec./min. running, a slight decrease from my 20sec/min. schedule. Finished 2 miles today. Have not gotten on the scale yet this week. (Scary)

The funny thing was that while we were at Disney last week, it was the Star Wars Run Disney event. I did not plan this. What a surprise. It was inspiring to see the runners come back after their finish, as well as, getting a preview of how the events are set up. Glad it worked out that way.
Keep following my progress until it's Run Disney Marathon 2019!
To read my previous post, go here.

Increasing my run/walk ratio

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 11:53:00 +0000

Started this week's run sessions by increasing to 20sec run/40sec walk per minute for over a mile. Total distance: 2.2 miles
62 degrees. Did surprisingly well on this first run. Only had to skip 2 intervals. Recovery time is quicker. Felt good overall.
Knees bothering me a little bit. (over-worked at the job, I think) Getting a little more flexible with stretches. Great weather to exercise in. The new clothes designed for fitness, definitely make the difference, as well as, my new running shoes. Looking forward to more great sessions. No weight loss this week.

To read my previous post, go here.

Today's run

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 12:53:00 +0000

A good training session this morning. Weather outside: 62 degrees. No weight loss. Distance: 2.31 miles.
Currently walking a mile, running a mile (training). I'm now doing 10sec, run/50sec walk per minute, although I am really doing about 15 sec of running. Next week I think I will increase training to 20sec run/40sec walk per minute. Little improvements at a time.

Bought some new workout clothes. Found some good deals in clearance at JCPenny on-line.

Getting my mindset in the proper frame too. Watching some Run Disney videos on YouTube for motivation.
Check back for more......

To view my previous post, go here.

Making progress with small goals

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 09:48:00 +0000

*Weight loss update: down 2 pounds
*Got myself new running shoes-Definitely makes a difference. Great heel support and great cushioning. Glad I made the purchase.

*Current routine: Trying to walk/train 3x's a week. On 2 days, I do 2 miles with the Jeff Galloway's "run/walk/run" method. The other day I do a long walk (3 miles). I am surprised how the body does adjust to running so quickly. I did not think I could run at my current weight, but I can! Slowly making progress.

*The Noom app: I can't recommend it. Not as personal guidance as they describe. Costs too much. Didn't learn anything that I didn't already know. Too complicated to track foods eaten. I've decided to continue to track using Weight Watcher's. I really need to track what I eat to be accountable.

Run Disney's marathon for next January begins registration in April. I cannot believe it. So I have to commit very soon. I'm ready; mentally that is- the physical will come. Keep following my progress!

To read my previous post, go here.

Yes, I'm still here

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 14:25:00 +0000

To update: I'm still the same weight; up and down (but mainly up) those 3 pounds. This new Weight Watchers system is giving me troubles keeping within the points allowed. But I think I also lack the support of others and the meetings, since I officially quit paying to go but am still trying to maintain the plan on my own.

What's new: I started a new job. Which is extremely physical and demanding. It has taken over 3 weeks to get my body somewhat use to this pace. For example, yesterday I tracked 10,367 steps on my phone app- at work.

Currently reading "Galloway's 5K/10K running", so I can start training myself to run. 9 months to my goal of running a 5K in Disney.

I also bought this "Gymboss" interval timer to help me train the Jeff Galloway method of run/walk. Tried it just once. I've got a long way to go.

I'm also doing a free trial of "Noom". A weight loss and fitness system I found out about on Instagram. So far, I'm logging my food and exercise. They keep you accountable giving you daily stuff to do via phone app. We'll see how it goes.
More to follow....

To read my previous post, go here.

What I've added to my routine

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 14:25:00 +0000

Current weight loss: 2 pounds
I haven't walked much since the temperature here has been freezing-very cold outside, but I have been doing a lot of indoor exercise; aerobics, step, Bosu, kickboxing. This morning was step, a somewhat complicated routine that I had a hard time following. Just continue with movement, and I'm still getting a workout.

Things I've added to my weight loss program:
I've put up little inspirational signs around, like the one in the photo (on the refrigerator) for encouragement. The quotes are from
the website: http://notsalmon.com/

Another trick I'm trying, is chewing gum whenever I feel the urge to eat when it's not mealtime, or when I'm not really hungry.
Just a short and brief update for now.

To read my previous post, go here.

The struggle is real

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 21:46:00 +0000

Today's walk: 2.1 miles
Recent weight gain 5 pounds

What can I say, with all the holiday eating- I've let things go (to my waistline). I know that I am an emotional eater, and I've been "disliking" my job lately, so I eat. I've got to STOP eating sugar and cut out the sweets and desserts.
I must continue to track the foods I eat and stay within my Weight Watchers points.
I'm working on the job thing, so I expect changes will be coming this year. I'm I work in progress. I think changes are good with the new year coming. I don't want life to become stagnant.

Plus, I've been a little lackadaisical with exercise too. My excuse has been it's too cold. But I walked today, and it was cold. I'll make my way back to weight loss. More motivation will come. These are the ups and downs.
The struggle is real my friends!

To read my previous post, go here.

Updates on weight loss and exercise

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 15:27:00 +0000

Walk today: 2.01 miles
Weigh in day: lost 1 pound

There's a new Weight Watchers plan with an updated program that I like. Now more foods are free- as in zero points! Food like chicken, fish, beans are all zero points now. This little improvement of the plan may help me to loose more weight now.

I've added a new exercise program too. The Bosu ball workout. I had forgotten that I owned this. I have a few different workout CDs for this ball workout. Here's a link to some workouts on sale. Bosu workouts.

I forgot to mention this: When we were at Disney a couple of weeks ago, while walking in a parking lot, I walked/tripped into those parking bars/blocks that you pull your car up to. I went totally on the side of one of my feet, and somehow managed to upright my foot to normal. If it weren't for walking and strength training, I might have broken my ankle. Now that's a testament to exercise!

To read my previous post, go here.

I gained 3 pounds in 3 days

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 13:42:00 +0000

That's all it takes for me to gain weight. Go on a little vacation, eat what I want and bam! Weight gain. We were walking 5 to over 9 miles each day. Apparently, that did nothing. I did not over eat- just made poor choices.

Today I walked 2.47 miles. I'm good with that. And it was a bit difficult. I feel fat. I am completely frustrated with myself. It is so hard, this weight loss thing. I'm struggling. I'm wondering if I will ever loose any more weight. I question whether I will be able to run a 5K. I'm dealing with a lot of internal dialog, most of which is negative. My mind is like a hamster on a wheel, going round and round. I need a positive message. I need a cheerleader.

There's so much on my mind, it sometimes seems a bit overwhelming. I feel too busy. I never have enough time to do everything I want to accomplish. Like sticking to these weight loss and exercise goals. Keeping up with my jewelry business, plus I'm looking to make a career change at my day job. Classes to take, apps, interviews, etc.

I'm just putting this out there, so maybe someone else will relate or get something from my journey. I guess these are growing pains.
Stick around; follow me on my journey.

To read my previous post, go here.

What To Do After Over Eating? Top Tips - Mind Over Munch

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 23:33:00 +0000

A dreary morning walk and food

noreply@blogger.com (cindy) — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 13:39:00 +0000

Overall update: Walked 2.17 miles today. No weight loss, in fact I have gained 2 pounds.
It's the morning after Thanksgiving, a dreary morning. It just stopped raining, although I would have walked in the rain too. So the ground's a bit slick. I feel good. No more foot pain, just typical muscle soreness in my thighs and hips, which is to be expected. So what's my problem? What I put in my mouth. I am not sticking to my Weight Watcher's plan and counting my points. I know for myself, if I don't follow the plan the way it is outlined, I don't loose weight.
I'm eating too much junk, and too frequently. (This is where I struggle).
For Thanksgiving I ate just a normal sized amount of food, plus dessert, because deprivation doesn't work. What do you do when you're eating at another's house?

You can't ask your host to make everything fat free, or expect them to count your points for you. So, I eat what I want, in smaller quantities. Weight Watchers says that you can have any food you want. You just have to figure out the balance of things; and what works for you.

This is such a difficult time of the year for food. But like I said, I don't want to live in deprivation, then get resentful, and eat everything in sight. So I'm going to watch (be aware) and make better choices of the snack/treat types of food I choose, eating holiday meals, and choosing selectively, plus keeping to my food plan every day I can. (I don't want to call it a diet, because that can lead me to feeling deprived too).

"Eat more seafood"
So, on I go. Until next time......
PS: On another note, if you're looking for great deals on my handmade jewelry, I'm currently running a 50% off select items in my Etsy shop thru Cyber Monday. Check it out, here.

To read my previous post, go here.