Peakaboo Shamrock Tee.

You have 17 days until St Patrick's Day

Make this cute little tee to show your green.

 

HERE

 About 3 years ago I made a off the shoulder Heart  Peekaboo shirt for Valentine's Day
I thought using this same idea I could make a Shamrock shirt.

I added a few  Tulip Crystals to the Shamrock Shirt  to give it that extra sparkle.

If you follow me at all you know that I am continuously trying

 to reinvent the plain old tee shirt.

A Letter.

I had a great Email the other day and because I am asked this question a lot, I wanted to share with all of you my response.  

Hi there Anne

I am following your website from a sunny South Africa.  I absolutely love your ideas.  I have a niece 8 years of age and I test a lot of your ideas on her. 

Thank you for sharing the beyond imagination arts and crafts and things to make.

I love your transformation to a healthier lifestyle.  You look fabulous!!

I want to know where can I get the recipes you used to help you lose all that weight.  I am in your “before shoes” and would love to get rid of the fat around my belly and 20 pounds will do just that.

Thanks again for sharing and keep up the “crazy” ideas we love it.

Have a wonderful day / Geniet 'n heerlike dag

Regards / Die Uwe

Isebel

Good Morning Isebel:)

Thank you so much for your Email.

 The very first thing I did was modify what I ate, which means I cut out all carbs, and sugar.  I do not eat anything processed,  no bread, pasta, potato's, rice or alcohol. and Absolutely NO Diet Drinks or anything with any Diet Chemicals in them pure Poison for your body.

I have to tell you that this was not an easy thing for me to do at first. I was addicted to sugar and carbs and the bad part is I thought I ate pretty healthy. I was sadly mistaken because when I eliminated all of these things from my diet I was left with the question " Now.. What am I going to eat?"

With that being said,There are still so many things out there that are so good for your body which heal you physically and mentally and make you feel amazing.
Some low carb dieters do not eat any fruit but I do not believe fruit will make you fat.

• I eat fruit when I crave something sweet
• Nuts when I crave something salty.
• Lots of greens and fresh vegetables when I am really hungry.
• Cheese
• Dark Organic Chocolate 85%-75%
• Organic Chicken, Turkey
• Turkey bacon occasionally (lots of salt in this)
• Tuna
• Fish
• Eggs
• Lots of water (which is also another revelation I came too)

I did this faithfully for 6 months, only indulging in an occasional  alcoholic drink or some sort of carb once every two weeks or so and when I did indulge it was just one drink or just one meal with carbs in it.

HERE are a few links to some low carb foods and recipes you can view.  http://www.lowcarbfoods.org/, http://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/foods,http://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/foods,http://metro.co.uk/2016/03/08/16-high-protein-recipes-for-when-youre-trying-to-cut-carbs-5706955/,

This was a lifestyle change for me not a diet, I have decided that I feel so good eating this way that why would I never go back to eating the way I was.  Once you eliminate  sugar out of your system your brain thinks more clearly, you have way more energy, your mood swings are far and few between and natural foods taste sweeter.

It took about 8 months to lose 20 pounds, but I did not exercise at all. Well hold on,  I did do spot exercises like the occasional leg lifts or sit ups but nothing daily. This is something that I hope to resolve this 2016 year. I am sure if you combine the low carb / no sugar diet with daily exercise the weight will come off much quicker, and you will build muscle which helps burn fat faster.

That is my next step.

 I am going to reiterate the fact that this was  not easy in the beginning, It was a BIG challenge, it was very difficult for me to give up bread, my most favorite thing in the world, but as the weeks pass it become very easy.
Stick with fresh food, nothing boxed, go for the best ingredients like organic or respectfully raised.  I still have a few pounds left to loose and that hopefully will be happening soon with a little exercise.:)  The trick is that once you get to the place you want to be, Weight wise, occasionally indulge.

Going Low carb/no sugar was well worth every bit of the little amount of detox that I went though. ( But be warned you will want to be mean and maybe even have the thought of killings things. I promise that does go away.)
It changed everything for me. Life seems a little sweeter,  my confidence is higher, my body feels stronger,  my hair is growing thicker and faster,  and I am in a size 4, which I have not been in since I was in middle school, normally I was an 8/10.

I am no spring Chicken and weight has always been a challenge for me, and turning 49 you metabolism slows and losing weight becomes much harder.   You also get saggy skin when you loose weight (I did anyway, around my stomach and neck) I used a coffee scrub that I made to help with that. The Link is here http://wobisobi.blogspot.com/2016/03/coffee-cinnamon-cocount-oil-sugar-scrub.html
 Do not get discouraged or have the scale control you, it is really is not about the weight, it is about how you feel on the inside the weight will naturally come off.
The last thing I want to do is to be on 15 different medicines as Ii age.   My goal is to stay a good weight for my size  and be proactive in my health.

I love the Saying  "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of Cure." Benjamen Franklin
I hope this helps you.

Thank you so much for your sweet letter.
Have a Beautiful day and let me know how you do.
Love,
Anne

Cocount Oil, Cinnamon, Coffee, Sugar Scrub.

Everyone knows getting older in what we do. How we age is a choice we make as individuals.

 About a year ago I decided to do a spring cleaning on my diet getting rid of all the junk, (sugar, carbs, processed food)  as I could. I also do not eat red meat or pork, and when I do eat chicken or fish I eat organic when it is there.  The change that came after was  a Much Healthier BODY, a clearer mindset, including very little (if any) headaches, no cramps during my periods, A lot more energy and no or very little crazy mood swings. My husband can verify that for me.:)

 It also came with some sagging skin on my neck,  Torso, legs, and arms,  not a lot but enough for me to notice, it is just part of the territory that comes with the aging process you can't stop it. But when you add weight loss to the aging equation, well you get my drift. 

So I did a little research on some natural skin tightening for the body /face.  Coffee scrubs were the #1 out there.  I decided to create my own and try it to see if the hype was all it was cracked up to be. Needless to say if I did not absolutely love what I made I would not be typing this right now. 

I have used this coffee scrub for about 6 weeks now and  although it has not made me look like I  am 20 again it has made enough of a difference that I will never go without it.

Not only does if smell amazing, it is really good for your skin and slows down the aging process. Here is why

• Coffee is a natural stimulant firming skin and reducing the signs of cellulite. HERE
• Coffee is a great exfoliate HERE
•  Coconut oil  HERE it also stimulates collagen HERE 
• Cinnamon benefits HERE 
• Sugar benefits HERE  

 This is the one I came up with and you can add and take away whatever you like. 

For instance, I read where you can add cayenne pepper to you body scrub for more cellulite relief.

 I have not done that yet but if I do I will let you know. 

The best part is that it is not expensive, you know what is in it and you can make it yourself.

Off the Shoulder Sweatshirt DIY

Off the shoulder shirts are super flattering on everyone. 

They show off what I think is the most beautiful part of all women, her collar bone.

There are so many different types of shirts you can use to make a off the shoulder shirt, 

but what I used  was a white sweatshirt that I have had sitting around 

the house for the  last couple months.

 It really is super easy but it does require basic sewing skills.

Silver Glitter Heart, Cut- Out Pink Sweatshirt:DIY

 Making different Styles out of plain old sweatshirts is one of my biggest obsessions.

I am constantly challenging myself, constantly pushing myself creatively. 

Seeing different pieces and then asking myself  "Can I make that?" 

The answer is most likely " Yes I Can, and Yes I will."

This Idea came from one of my favorite down time activities. Pinterest.

This could be completely no Sew or you could sew the little strips on the shoulder if you would rather. That is the best thing about DIY you can change it and make it your own.

Nothing is set in Stone on how it should be done.

Coach, Pom Pom Bag Charm DIY.

I have to confess when I see something I love or that I want I always think to myself 

 "How can I make this?"  I  love to  DIY's everything. 

Especially if I can save a ton of money by making it myself.

 VIA

This Coach pom pom bag charm has fascinated me since the first time I saw it.

I finally decided to sit down and DIY it, saving myself $60.00.

Links to the what you need in the tutorial.

Heart Tee Shirt RE-Post!

I had to re -post one of my most favorite DIY's.
  This heart Tee Makes me Smile every time I see it.
One of my very first Tee Shirt DIY's
Love to you All on this day to Celebrate LOVE and Life!
**
I hope I am finding all of you well this week.  

In honor of Heart Day,
I wanted to do a Heart, off the shoulder Tee-shirt. 

Now, I am going to be honest with you,

this was not a super easy 5 minute shirt, but it was not the hardest either. 

If you have a  sewing machine and an hour, you could most definitely make this.

All Things Hearts And One Kiss: DIY's

In celebration of Valentine's Day I thought I would do a little special Heart Post.

These are all off my heart DIY's I have done over the last few years,

 with the exception of my one Kiss Me Sweatshirt which is my favorite. 

Hearts, Flowers and the colors Pink and Red make my heart smile.

I hope Love and happiness comes to you all this year.

 Happy Valentine's Day!

 All My <3,

Anne

Chevron Tie Dyed Wrapped Tee

Trapped inside for a couple of days because of snow?
Why not tie dye a few shirts to help pass the time.
 Plus dreaming of warm weather is always a good thing to make you feel warmer.
This is a great project for kids too.
 Tie Dye is one of my favorite craft projects. 

 I love it because it always surprises me when I  make one.
This summer I have been experimenting on different techniques,
and different ties of folds, rolls and wrapping.
Not only does Tulip One step Tie dyes make it super simple and fast, 
Tulip makes it and  a lot less messy.

I was so pleased when this side wrap turned into a  Chevron design.
My only advice is to wear gloves at all times,
but even with gloves you will get dye on your hands.
Winter and Tie Dye, is a great thing.

Weekend in Savannah.

 Marriott Riverfront

 The Treylor Park

 

 Not sure what this means but I had to take a picture of it.

 Beautiful old staircases everywhere.

 The World of Beer

and Jenga.

 The Coffee Fox

 Paris Market

 The Rocks

 Molly MacPhersons

 Birthday Kisses

 Birthday Dinner.

 The Olde Pink House

 Forsythe Park

This week I am on a long needed Vacation and it is Kevin's Birthday so we decided to get away for a few days, and scamper off to the beautiful Savannah, GA with my brother and Sister in law. Savannah is the perfect long weekend trip because it is only about 5 1/2 hours away from were I live and full of beautiful, historical  sights, great food and of course unique shops. 

We pulled into the city around 9 pm, Checked into the Riverside Marriott and headed straight to a restaurant called the Treylor Park for a late dinner. Great Atmosphere, delicious food and drinks ended our travel day perfectly.

The next morning we woke up and headed to J Christopher's   

where we ate every morning for breakfast. This is My Favorite Breakfast spot!

When we were finished with breakfast we  headed out to walk around the town and explore all the beautiful houses and historic buildings. If you ever visit Savannah keep in mind walking is the best way to get anywhere and enjoy the true beauty of the city,

 so bring your walking shoes and your Camera.

After we had our fill of the Beautiful buildings we ended up on Broughten Street to do a little shopping at the Paris Market (The Bathroom there was so beautiful ) and we drank some delicious coffee at The Coffee Fox. The Boys discovered The World of Beer

 and were perfectly happy hanging out there while we girls shopped.

 Once we had  our fill of shopping we met the Gentleman at The World of Beer and all played a game of Jenga, quite hilarious!  Once our games where finished we decided to move to another location and ended up at the Rocks on the Roof with a beautiful view of the Savannah River.

There we snacked on the hunters plate and had a cocktail. Watching the Sunset we decided to head to Molly MacPhearsons to play some darts and have an Ale. 

Then we walked back to our hotel and had a fabulous nights sleep.

 Up early on Sunday for another Breakfast at J. Christopher's and a day of doing what ever Kevin wanted to do because it was his Birthday. We spent more time at the Rocks on the Roof Top restaurant  and then walked down River Street back to our Hotel, enjoying all of the beautiful sites,  like the Steamboats and the beautiful old buildings. Once we returned back to the hotel we rested for about an hour then got ready to head out to dinner at The Olde Pink House. This is a (must go to) place for me if we visit Savannah.   The food there is delicious and the atmosphere takes you back to a time forgotten. Under the hotel there is a quaint little bar that transports you to the year 1776.   In this bar can enjoy live piano player, and warm cozy fires while you rest your tired legs on comfortable leather couches. Seriously the best place to transport you back in time. Once we were all finished there and truly worn out we walked  back to the hotel for another great nights sleep. 

On our last morning  we ate yet another yummy breakfast at J Christopher's  then traveled  to Forsythe Park to take a few pictures in front of the fountain. I was so disappointed when we arrived because  the fountain was being cleaned, we got a great picture anyway so I left happy.

 I hope Kevin had a great birthday, I know I did.  

There were a couple of places I left out that you definitely need to go visit while you are in Savannah.

 For those Civil War, History buffs there is a wonderful Fort called Fort Pulaski  that you can visit. Imagine walking inside a real Fort,  if you love history, like I do, you will love visiting this fort.

Also another must see is the beautiful Bonaventure Graveyard.  Johnny Mercer is buried there and the stone work in this Graveyard is incredible.

We visited those places last time we went so we did not go there this time.

Make sure if you visit Savannah to plan a little time to go  and see each of these places too.

Kevin and I  have both decided  to head to  a different place every vacation 

so we can  make great memories.  

Time is Flying by and we are not getting any younger.

I wonder what place we will decide to go to next.  

 If you have any questions about the places we visited please Email me.

I have linked everything I listed so you can take a closer look.

Have a beautiful day!

 I think we are off the the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World today.

I am squealing on the inside.

All my <3.

Anne