Happy New Year!

I hope everyones year was great!  Mine was great this year.  I learned a lot of new things, my life has progressed considerably since last year, and I met friends that I think I will keep the rest of my life.  I'm gonna watch the ball drop tonight but I will probably celebrate it on sunday.  Sunday is what I call my cheat day, it is the day I can eat whatever I want to, regardless of my diet.  Actually I wouldn't really call it a diet it's more of a lifestyle change.  I'm not really omitting certain things I just don't eat crap often.  Like sweets, soda's, or horrendous amounts of salt, sugar, fat, carbs or calories.  I believe in everything in moderation, along with a steady workout plan and lots of nutritional education.  I have lost a considerable amount of weight since I began this lifestyle change.  I have gone from over 200 lbs and a size 20 jean to a healthy 165 lbs and a size 14 jean... and I'm only halfway there.  I still have to get to my goal weight of 125 lbs, which is the weight I was at before I started gaining.  Here are some photos.  First is what I used to look like at 125 lbs,  what I gained to which is 200+ lbs and where I am now at 165 lbs.  If you are trying to lose weight and want to know my secrets, comment or send me a message and I will be thrilled to share them with you.  My husband is working on a book to chronicle our journeys in hopes that someone will be helped.  Thanks for reading and I hope that you all have a great night.  Be safe and remember to keep on crocheting!

Coffee and Crochet

Ahhh! Could there be a better thing than a great cup of coffee while sitting at your computer updating things, crocheting and watching tv?  I don't think so.  Looks yummy huh?  Can't wait to do it again tomorrow.

Finally Something For Me!

Yay, I'm so excited.  I haven't crocheted anything for myself yet and finally I get to make something for me.  I'm always excited to be crocheting but I guess more now because I get to keep my project.  I am using Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in worsted weight.  The color is Coffee Fleck and the hook size is I-9.  I am making a extra wide scarf.  I am so far pretty pleased with the way it is turning out however it is a little scratchy kinda like a potholder.  I love that the color of the yarn makes me think of those cakes that have the chocolate frosting and sprinkles.  Here are some pictures of the project so far I will post a picture of myself with it on when I've finished with it.

Welcome to Artful Insights

Hello, my name is Sharlena Aronhalt. I am really crafty and love to shop for and blog about crafting. It doesn't matter what type of crafting it is (except for knitting and tatting) I love to try new things and love to self express. I hope to one day soon be able to sell my designs once I have perfected them, but for now I just enjoy sharing them with others. Yarn is my guilty pleasure of choice... I began crocheting on November, 13 2009 and have been stitching up a storm ever since. I also love to make bouquets and arrangements out of false flowers, and love to scrapbook as well. I frequently go to Hobby Lobby and think... that is so cute... but I could make that for cheaper than they are selling it for. And so begins my life long obsession with crafting of all sorts. I hope you can be inspired by my musings or at least love to look at and read them. Other than crafting I enjoy fitness, fashion and blogging about my goals and dreams so you will also see a few things on here about that. Thanks for reading and I hope to get to know you through your comments. Sharlena