DIY: Yoga Mat Carrier

I had bought a Groupon for Core Power Yoga, and finally activated it last week. Talk about a workout! (Core Power, if you would like to send a free membership my way, please do!)

My previous yoga mat carrier wasn't thick enough to hold my mat and towel rolled up together. Also, the pocket on the outside wasn't secure and with my luck my keys would end up in the sewer. Thus, it was time for an upgrade.

Here's the fabric you need:

• 1/2 yard fabric of your choice (carrier)
• 37 inches by 1 3/4 inches (closing strap)
• 32 inches by 3 1/2 inches (arm strap)
• 8 inches by 5 3/4 inches (pocket back)
• 6 inches by 5 3/4 inches (pocket bottom)
• 2 1/2 inches by 5 3/4 inches (pocket top)

First, the pocket:

 Hem the exposed edges of the pocket. Since this is for me and the pocket is interior, I didn't care much about the hem not being exactly straight.

Line up and pin the pocket.

I didn't want to worry about the security of my belongings in this pocket, and I wasn't in the mood to install a zipper or snap. So, I created a pocket in which the edges overlap a bit.

Here is the pocket all sewn up! I left a 1/2 inch allowance at the top of the pocket, so allow for installation later.

Second, the arm strap:

I folded the arm strap fabric in half and hemmed a half an inch from the edge. I considered flipping the strap right side out, however, I liked the look of the hem. I cut the excess fabric close to the edge. I did the same thing with the closing strap.

I pinned the arm strap to the exterior fabric.

I sewed the strap to the exterior fabric, reinforcing it by going over and reversing twice.

Installing the pocket:

I folded over the exterior fabric two inches to allow for the closing strap to fit through. I pinned the allowance on the fabric between the folds of the exterior fabric and hemmed the length.

To create the tube:

I folded the fabric half, hot dog style, so that the fabric was inside out. Starting at the bottom of the closing strap hem, I hemmed the edges.

To create the bottom:

I folded the  tube, like you would to create a line when ironing pants, and sew the hem.

 I folded the fabric to create a diamond (fabric origami!).

I brought up the points of the diamond together.

I sewed the hem just above the base of the triangle.

Chop! Turn the tube right side out.

Inserting the closing strap:

If you have a safety pin, it would work best to guide the strap through the opening. I couldn't find any safety pins, so a clothes pin had to do. Warning: be careful where you place your hand when guiding the strap, it can easily be lost with a clothespin.

Insert the clothespin and guide the strap.

All tied up!

Voila! A completed yoga mat carrier, just in time for yoga class tonight!

Chobani Cupcakes

Being allergic to oils (canola, vegetable, rapeseed, cottonseed, and anything expeller pressed) makes traditional baking very difficult. I usually substitute applesauce for oil when baking, but tonight I was also missing eggs. I read about using Greek yogurt in lieu of both, so I figured I'd give it a try.

I am bias when it comes to Greek yogurt. I love Chobani. Chobani has the best flavor of all the Greek yogurts, but I'm also biased towards them since they are located in upstate New York, where my grandmother was born and raised.

Here's what you need:

• Boxed cake mix (Funfetti is my favorite!)
• 3/4 cup plain Chobani Greek Yogurt
• 1 cup water

Heat your oven at 350 degrees. Mix the ingredients together. I would usually use a hand blender, but being cautious of using yogurt in the cake mix I hand mixed the batter. Needless to say, I was nervous about how these cupcakes would turn out.

Once mixed, I was even more nervous about the cupcakes since the batter seemed "spongier" than a normal mix. Bake regular cupcakes for 20 minutes, and mini cupcakes for 12 minutes.

Once baked to a nice golden brown, let the cupcakes cool. The texture of the cupcakes seems more like a sponge cake, but they taste great! Great tasting cupcakes that are actually good for you?!? No longer impossible!

These cupcakes would be great for vegetarians and those watching their figure alike!

Honestly, I felt a lot less guilty eating four cupcakes tonight.

While I used plain Greek yogurt this time around, I thought of using raspberry yogurt in chocolate cake mix next time. Yum, raspberry chocolate cupcakes! Really, the possibilities are endless!

What cake flavor would you make?