Zombies, Lipstick, and Color:)

A couple weeks ago, a girl named Jess contacted me about doing an anniversary present for her husband of one year. That sounded fun-- seeing how she was such a cute girl, with pretty blond hair and a great smile (so easy to draw;)! But then, she made it 100X more fab when she asked if I could do them both as zombies!!:) Put the date of their wedding somewhere in the artwork...and a couple sayings that mean something to the both of them. I was really stoked! Literally, if I only drew zombies for a living, I'd be okay with that;) They are so much fun. Here is the finished product...Don't they make a cute zombie couple??!

I switched gears a couple days ago and did a really girly drawing. My Lipstick Princess:)I love her big green eyes. Big blond hair. And no shoes this time:). Cuz she likes to dance around in her stocking feet.

Sometimes the most fun part of a piece of artwork is coloring it in...deciding whether to do red or blond hair...green or blue eyes...and what color/pattern clothing. Do you have a favorite color combination??...I love weird colors together...like turquoise and brown. Red and pink. Orange and pink...Hmmm, lots of combos I really love. Could go on and on!! What's a color combo that you're drawn to?

These Boots are Made for Wearin'

There are lots of times I plan on wearing a pretty skirt or dress, pairing it with cute heels. Only to find myself in a pair of worn-in, flat heeled boots. I know this skirt would undoubtedly look better with my Jessica Simpson red and blue wedges. But I once again opted for the boots. Maybe it's the tomboy in me. Or that small obsession I have with prairie boots (I've had different versions of this same boot throughout my life...at least since sixth grade:). Oh well:). I love this Ralph Lauren skirt, too. It's very slouchy on my hips, because I couldn't find my size. So, went up one. I really like it this way, though. Very relaxed. Easy to wear. And so, so comfy. Perfect for taking the little rugrats to an evening movie:). (We saw Kung Fu Panda 2. They were laughing so hard, I thought they might end up with upset bellies:)...It was a cute movie. Spectacular movie to a 5 and 7 year old:).

I don't know...I like these boots with everything. And they aren't especially flattering on me either:). Don't care cuz I just love 'em! I tried to dress them up a little by adding the animal print belt. I don't know...maybe I just look safari-ish now;) But I was comfy and dressed for a night on the town...even if it was with two little kiddies by my side:) Is there a special piece of clothing you love...something you always seem to revert to wearing? Secret: I love Phil's pajama pants, too:P I wear them all the time at home. So comfy:)!!
I have some new artwork to share later today. A really purdy girly-girl:). Oh, and a pair of love-struck zombies:). Catch ya later!

Red, White, and Blue Weekend

Some pics of our weekend. Phil has been working long hours the last few days, so I unfortunately have no shots of the big guy:(...Next time.

Happy Memorial Day!

Some Good Food for Thought...

I asked Bec to give me a list of positive things she's learned as she has worked out and tried to eat healthier these last few months.  Here are her top five...Just some good thoughts to get you thinking:).

1. Base where you want to be physically off your own body type.

Some are born thin, some chunky, short, big hips, larger mid section... Base what your goal is off yourself. There is no way we can all look like Jennifer Lopez. Try to be the best in-shape you!

2. Do what works for you; you know you best.

You know your strengths and weaknesses. You know if you can or can't live without carbs. Be physically fit how you need to be. Everyone needs and wants different things. Stay true.

3. Ask for help if you need it.

Help is not a bad thing. Regret and self loathing are! Stand up and say... Someone Help!... Ask for help at the gym,if you aren't sure how to do or use something. Ask for help if you can't do it alone or even take the first step. Ask the big/ scary/ hunky/ sweaty guy next to you lifting insane weight if you're not sure whether your arms (or legs) go over the bars... very important to know. ;)

4. Always stay positive.

You will loose more weight and keep it off if you are positive. Sure we all have our days... weeks... but work on seeing the good things and tell the little voice in your head to back off!

5. Push yourself when you think you have nothing left.

When we are brought to our knees, it is only then that we realize we need to pray. Finish and finish hard. Be strong. Your mind is in charge of your body, even if you don't want it to be that way. Push to do anything you put your mind to and you will achieve.

Thanks Becca!  All great things to think about! 

I read in a woman's fitness magazine long ago that our best body formula has the following contributing factors: 10% genes, 10% working out, and 80% eating. I'm not a fitness expert. I don't have any degrees or certificates in health or exercise. And while I get how those percentages definitely play a role....I think it is missing an element of individuality (just my personal opinion). It has no happy factor. And that's kinda important. There is a country song on an album I really like...and it's lyrics say "I'm gonna eat when I'm out on a date, cuz that's just who I am." And that is what it is about. Finding your balance. Knowing what works for you (like, I need some carbs in my diet...or I turn into a miserable wretch), knowing where you are willing to make allowances for your own peace of mind (yeah, when I'm on a date, I eat; and I like to order dessert:), and being okay with just being you. If you focus on the results, you'll never see any changes. But if you focus on the changes, you will see results!

What is one-- just one-- change you want to make this summer...to be a better and more healthy person??...My change is eating more local foods. Farm stand food. I think it is a great way to support local farmers and put good things in our bodies. Planning on lots of corn on the cob and Jersey tomatoes in the coming months:). Okay...now it's your turn:)...

pics via weheartit.

Handmade Teacher's Gift Ideas:)

The end of the school year is fast approaching. It's always nice to send a little "thank you" to a teacher...They put in a lot of work for our children to learn and grow! Here are a few ideas to ponder. If you have any scrapping materials at home, you probably won't need to spend a penny making these items! And each of them is so fun! I have included the gifts I made for the librarian at Niamh's school (she adores her librarian:), her teacher's gift, and a gift bag I made to hold a graduation present for a family friend. I have also included links where you can find the source of these great ideas...and maybe even a tutorial or two:) Enjoy!!

Here is a handmade card that holds a box of six tea lights. The box is so easy to make...And the tutorial and template you can find here.

I wonder how much I spend on little gift bags each year...just to have them thrown out...Here is a nice alternative to those boring old gift bags. It's perfect for holding jewelry...or even a few candy treats to send home with kids after a birthday party. I love these bags, and they are easy as pie!...(Actually, pie is not that easy for me...so, let's say easy shmeesy:) You can find the instructions here.

And finally, my favorite one...the corner bookmark. Kids can make these. They are so simple. Here is a

great tutorial.

You should give a couple a go! It's so much nicer to receive a little handmade item than something you grabbed while you stood in line at checkout...You don't have to spend a lot of money to let someone know you appreciate them:). I'll be back later with a sister's post...Have a fun day with the kiddies in full-gear. We've already picked strawberries today...and it's only 10:30! Now we are going on a little day trip we've had planned forever. Have a great Saturday! xoxo

Stuck in these Darn Pants.

Have you ever been half way into a pair of pants, and you come to thee turning point. Either you continue the battle only to face defeat...or you just pull those suckers off while your ahead. Well, I was at said point today. These are my favorite cropped pants from two summers ago. A size too small. But I love them. I love them, people. I thought, maybe...just maybe, I was wrong the last time I tried to get them on-- so why not try one more time? Give the pants one more shot.

Well, I was half way into them. The kids sitting on my bed laughing their heads off at my jumping and tugging and dancing. Finally, after I started sweating, I mentally checked them off the wardrobe list. (You know once you start to sweat, you may as well call it quits...tight denim doesn't budge on sweaty legs. Nope. Not an inch.) Just then, Phil walks into the room. Looks at my still opened fly. My sweaty forehead. And maybe my muffin-top-behind in the mirror. And he gave me the smile. (He couldn't laugh like the kids...that would be a deadly move;) But I saw his grin. And, instead of just walk away and chalk it up to a monumental shrink job in the dryer, I decided to do the unthinkable. I breathed deeply and got those babies up. (He eventually joined in the laughing...I did, too. It was really an awful thing to watch.) They hurt the heck out of my hips. I'm sure there are seam marks in my thighs. Oh, and I'm still sitting here. Stuck in these horrible cropped jeans. I fear I may have to wear them all weekend. It's the only time in my life I am actually hoping my pants split down the backside:). At least I could get free then:). I feel like a shrink wrapped burrito.

What's the one thing you'd love to fit in again??...If I could only pick one, it would be my seventh grade school shoes. Clear plastic shoes with black toes and heels. Whatever color socks I wore-- that was my shoe color! Oh, and they had glow-in-the-dark soles. Looking back, I'm not sure if I was the ultimate fashion faux pas or the coolest geek ever;). Either way, I wish I still had them! So, come on...don't be shy...what's the piece you miss the most? It can't be any worse than clear saddle shoes...or jeans that need to be surgically removed:).

Handmade Scarf Success:)

Well, I made my own eternity scarf (see the UO one I purchased here.). And I'm pretty happy with the results. I left the edges untouched...so it could fray a little and look worn in. It only took me about 45 minutes. Not too bad for a fun summer scarf!

If you want to try your own, pick out two fabrics. Try different textures. It adds to the charm a little:). I bought a half yard of one. And a quarter yard of the other. For the length, judge how long you want it and cut them appropriately. Then, just pin the edges together, making little gathers in the half yard fabric (because your edges will need to match...so you have to bring it down to a quarter yard in width). Sew it up. And TADA!:) A new scarf for a fraction of the cost.

Mine is a pink rose-printed fabric and a cream colored eyelet material. I'm not much of a pink girly-girl...but a little pop here and there is kind of nice:). Hope your Thursday is fab...I'm going with Niamh on her second grade field trip:). Philly gets a boy day with dad. (I think they are looking forward to getting rid of us girls for a while):...So, better get going:) Bye now!

Girls Inspiring Girls. 6 Week Journey.

I am the oldest of four kids. We are all very close...In fact, we all went to a Bible study last night, and I realized we had huddled into a closed-off family conversation at the host's family's dinner table. Made me smile to myself. We still gravitate to each other...like we are kids yapping at the kitchen table, trying to get a word in:).

Of all my siblings, my sister Bec and I are probably most different. We are also best friends. But, yes...different. She talks easily with anyone, is a great hostess, a phenomenal cook/baker, and loves to fly. I am super quiet, get nervous during small talk, can't make so much as an ice-cube correctly, and am scared to death of flying. We never like the same movies. We have very different parenting styles (although the outcome is still the same...good kiddies:). I love new food trends. She likes good, home-made cooking. I drink diet sodas and coffee. She drinks water. She likes zumba. I like to run and lift weights. She's a stilettos girl. The pointy-toe kind. I don't do skinny heels. And I never do a pointy toe. (I walk like a lethargic zombie in that type of shoe.) Basically-- there isn't a whole lot of similarities, personality-wise...But, for some reason, it works nice for being sisters and friends. It helps us to see things differently, from another perspective...and in a lot of ways, I think we push each other when we need a nudge. She is the one who encouraged me to try my own business. Without her cheering me on, I'd never have given it a shot.

Now, she is the one who wants a little help...Wants a little final HU-RAH of motivation to loose those last few pounds...Get down to her goal weight. (She already looks amazing...And it hasn't even been 6 months since she had my nephew!) In the process of motivating each other, I hope we can inspire other girls and women to think more positively about themselves...to consciously make the effort to live better. Healthier. So over the next 6 weeks, on Wednesdays and once each weekend, we will do a sisters post about a health/body/fitness topic. We are very yin and yang as far as working out, how we eat, our fitness struggles, and even our ideal body type. Like I said, it will be two different stories...but in the end, it should span the spectrum of girls out there. Whether you are working off baby weight yourself or a skinny girl who still struggles with self image-- hopefully you'll be able to be inspired...get a little motivated...and, in the process, we can all push each other to our best "selves" over this 6 week period. We'll be honest when we write. And you are welcomed to leave honest comments along the way. Share your side of the journey, too! Whether you are 17 or 65, we all can take comfort in the fact, that at the end of the day-- we all have similar struggles. Someone along the way has been there, done that. So, let's join in and inspire, motivate, and encourage one another!:)

Oh, and meet my sister...For our first go at this, I asked her to tell me what she thought "IN SHAPE" meant...

Hello, I am Krista's sister, Bec. Today is my first attempt at a blog post. I am very much a private person, so this is BIG for me. I asked Krista if I could do this, as a way of making myself accountable and a little shove to help me reach my goal weight, and get me out of my comfort zone. I have fifteen more pounds to loose and wanted to do this by July first. I am a huge Biggest Loser Fan! Even though I desperately need Bob and Jillian, that is so not an option. Instead I am doing what I see all the other people on the show do- making myself uncomfortable and doing something that scares the crap out of me... posting on this blog.
For some contestants they go, loose weight, and leave. Others take a little longer, not only to lose the physical weight but the mental weight also. I am the latter...I know what "being in shape" means. I understand the whole eating, exercising, and living science to it. That is not where my problem lies. It is all mental for me. I have been bashing myself the last five years over the baby weight I have never lost, and now I am almost done my journey and see no good yet. I feel as if I never will. I know how it feels to be in shape. I was until five years ago. I just don't believe it anymore. I know I will have this "aha!" moment when the light will come on and I will be good enough and "in shape" again, but I've lost 32 pounds so far and haven't gotten there yet. I feel the same as when I started, if not worse.
Jillian always asks- "What are you so afraid of?" My answer- never feeling good enough again. I don't know this person I have been looking at these last five years. She is not confident, proud, or me. So, what does "being in shape" mean to me....???... I am not sure yet. I am hoping at the end of these six weeks I am proud, confident, and excited to let you know! I know I can do this! I know I will do this! Thank you Krista for giving me the chance to be completely freaked out and willing to say it- cause that is sooo not me. ;)

For myself, being in shape has meant different things at different points in my life. For sure, in my twenties, it was all about my actual body shape. Whatever it took to get my best body, I tried. Now, having matured a little;), it means first being healthy. Eating good. Working out consistently. And not doing anything that compromises being healthy just to get the nicest physical shape possible. The second (and better) view of being in shape makes it feel much more like a life-style...much more real...and not so much like a quick fix. What is your view on being in shape?...Does it mean something different now than it once did?...Or are you still figuring it out?...We'd love to hear what you think!...

If you finally got down here-- thanks for reading a pretty long post today:). Bec and I are looking forward to sharing our views and lessons learned (or still being learned) on lots of fun topics...From baby weight to recipes...workouts to body image...We'll be posting about it all:). Hopefully, you'll enjoy...and be inspired along the way!

Strawberries on a Stick

Niamh has a summer birthday. Last week her teacher invited summer birthday kids to bring in their birthday treat anytime before the end of the year. I'm officially on Team I Hate Cupcakes-- have been since becoming a room-mom for her class last year. Those kids are cupcaked-out by May. And I can't count the number of times Niamh has brought home a crumbled up, half-eaten cupcake in her lunchbox...because she just couldn't finish it at lunch time. (I always wonder if she thinks eating it off the sides of her lunchbox at home that night is really gonna happen...) So, no cupckaes. If you follow my blog, you know I'm no Martha Stewart in the kitchen. But I still always try to send in something special and different...Make the kids ohhh and ahhh over Niamh's treat:). I love when she feels special...:). I thought about cake-pops. But those visions always ended with me chucking cake pops at the back of the goat barn in our yard...Cuz, those aren't gonna happen for me. I already know that story and it ends in frustration. And a deep resentment of all things Martha Stewart-esque. Instead, I did strawberries on a stick. Covered in chocolate. And sprinkles.

All I have to show for it is one left over strawberry that melted in the truck (see above)....But they looked pretty cute coming out of the fridge. The best part of the whole thing are those little crunchy sprinkles! And, if you look closely, I have me my very own sprinkles guy:). Phil does the sprinkles for me...so they stick before the chocolate hardens. (Told me not to get a picture of him doing sprinkles...Does the hand count?...Nah:) Anyways, that's my kiddie bday treat this year:). What do you send in for your child's birthday??...I've got years of this ahead of me, so ideas are very much appreciated! Just no cupcakes please:).

Warm Weather Scarf...

I found the sweetest summer scarf at UO's this weekend. Now, you have to understand-- I'm a scarf lady. Wear them all the time. They have to be my favorite accessory; right up there with big hoop earrings and ball hats (not together, of course...although-- can't say I've never mixed all three:) Anyways, summer isn't exactly scarf season...Unless you find the perfect material-- and print. They both need to be light and airy. This one is my new favorite. A tiny floral print mixed with a lacey fabric. And, it's an eternity scarf...so just loop it twice around my neck and it never needs a fixin'. (There was also a darker print...You can check them out here.)

Speaking of scarves, here is some material I bought today to give my own eternity scarf a go. It can't be that hard...right? My biggest problem with any sewing project is patience. I'm gonna try, though. This way, I can make lots of pretty summer scarves:). Hopefully, I'll be able to show you a finished scarf later in the week. *Fingers crossed* Has anyone else tried this before? It's just a circle, so I really can't mess it up too badly-- but, then again, I could mess up a ketchup sandwich:)

Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

This morning we went to Philadelphia to walk around the outside market near Rittenhouse Square. It was super fun! Great music. Good food. Happy kids. The makings for a perfect Saturday:)

Purple flowered white jeans-- I want to dress like her when I'm a grandmom...They were awesome pants! Oh, and I found an Urban Outfitters store! Finally:).

And we managed a nice quiet ride home...

Rittenhouse

Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the summer, and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. year-round.
18th and Walnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Summer Style Prelude

Do you guys feel like summer is just completely set apart from the rest of the year?...Like, a new start...A fresh slate to get in all the fun you can?...It is by far my favorite time of year! I love having both kids home every day. We play outside, go to the beach, play sports, do day trips...ice cream stand at night and usually finish up our days with late bedtimes and nice snuggles:). It's great when it doesn't get dark till after 8 o'clock. The days are long, free of schedules, and full of fun.

Warm weather is really fun, style-wise, too! Some years I'm into shorter day dresses and flip flops...sometimes my summer staple is a pair of capri's and wedges...Other years (maybe only one, actually...when I was 21 and wasn't aware that shorts can be too short)it has been cut-offs. This year I'm really loving super long skirts. I need summer clothing to be effortless. To me, that means comfortable, cool, but still pulled- together. I like a skirt that sweeps the ground. The hem does get a little more dirty, but the look is very boho and feminine. So, it's worth the extra washing efforts:). I'm super sick today, been that way all week:(, so I wanted to feel comfy..but still look like I got dressed this morning. Gave this summer's style a prelim run...

(The weatherman said it would be warm today...but it felt kinda chilly-- that's why I look cold in half these pics:)

What are you looking forward to wearing this summer??...Any particular styles or trends?...I'd love to know! Also, on a side note, I may be replacing my Wednesday (What I'm Lovin') feature with something a little different for the next few weeks...Just to take a little break and have fun with something new. Stay tuned!

Dreading It. Part 2.

I wanted to make my second dreads post something to make you smile. So, here are the ups and downs of having a head of big synthetic hair. Hope you enjoy.

My Dad's face. Mmmm...Let's say priceless. I still don't think he understands what I'm doing:). But, he got use to the tattoos...so the hair is probably no big deal. Just get that funny glance here and there:).

Jamaican guys love me:).

If I'm wearing them in a pony and driving, I have to put my seat super far back. There is a lot of hair back there, and otherwise, I'm hunched over the wheel. Cuz there ain't no place to put it. So, please know...I am aware that my dodge truck is not a suped-up civic. And I really shouldn't be laying back like I'm a 21 year old guy trying to impress chicks. But I have no choice people.

Be careful, girls who get very long dreads. When you try to do that flippy-hair thing (the move that swooshes your hair back all cute and sweet)...You may hit people at the restaurant table next to you. It does make a dining experience somewhat awkward from that moment on.

I don't have to do a thing to my hair in the morning. It is already done. Boy-YA!

The poofy pillow at night that feels like a cross between corn husks and hay. It takes a little getting use to. But now I know for sure, I could camp out in a barn and not loose a wink of sleep:).

I learned a lesson in judging people. When a woman in line at Wawa looked at me, then moved her kids to the other side of her body. Rude. I wanted to chase her out of the store with my hair,but I stayed in line...thinking I will try never again to judge a book by its cover. Not assume I know who a person is by their choice in style. Because I'm actually very nice, Lady at Wawa...And I even take the occasional shower;)

Colors I've always wanted to try but could never achieve with dye; well, it's all there to try with dreads. It is really fun to plan your next style. So many options...If you missed it, check out my first post here.

Make sure they are all in the vehicle with you when you close the door. Make sure you don't dip them into your soup. Be prepared for people to stop you in public and want to touch them. And yes-- do use them to annoy your sleeping guy on the couch. (I must have had Phil jump in his sleep 10 times one night. I need to find new hobbies:).

I have wanted to try a style like this since I was maybe 20. I'm 31 now. It took a few years, but I did get around to it. Glad I did...You should always try the things you dream about doing. Even if they scare you a little. Even if you are over 30. Even if other people look at you cross-eyed! Who cares. It's your life, and you should feel happy about who you are and how you look:).

So, that's it:)...Hopefully between the two posts, I have answered all the questions girls asked. They are very much like having tattoos...People either love 'em or hate 'em. But all that matters is that you like your personal style. If you feel happy and comfortable with something; go for it! ;)