Fitness Friday: My Favorite Work Out Video

  Sometimes we don't always have time to go to the gym or to the school up the street to work out.  Luckily I had the great opportunity to borrow a work out video that, well, quite frankly kicked my butt AND gave me some of the best results I have seen.  Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred is AMAZING!  There are 3 levels and each work out is 20 minutes long.  You will be pouring sweat 5 minutes into the video.  My endurance has increased and my under arm jiggly-ness has gone away.  Not to mention I can do push ups like a pro.  Try this video out I am telling you it is worth it.  Happy fitness!

DIY Wine Charms

  A few weeks ago I was going through my jewelry box cleaning it out and came across some pieces that I didn't really want to part with but knew I wouldn't wear.  So, I decided I would make wine charms out of the charms that were on a set of bracelets.
  I removed all the charms from the bracelets and then took my eyelet hoop earrings and attached them to the eyelet.  Then I just twisted them around the stem.  See the pictures below.

The jewelry I didn't want to part with

Eyelet earring

The finished product

The complete set

  I love these!  Even though I don't really drink out of stemmed glass ware that much they make a great little touch.  These will make a good gift as well.
  You can get the earrings in a box of like 20 at Michaels for really cheap.

Fitness Friday: Workout Cover up

  During the hot months it's hard to keep cool when you workout outside.  I am not a shy person and I am not offended by any means seeing a lady running down the street (or working out at the gym) in her sports bra because I have done it.  There is just sometimes I want a little more coverage but keep cool at the same time.  So, I made an open sided, tank top cover up.  You could even use this for a swim suit cover up.

What you need:
1.  Fabric scissors
2.  Old/New t-shirts
3.  Measuring tape
4.  Cutting map (if you have one)
5.  Rotating cutter (if you have one)

How to make your tee:
1.  Take your t-shirt and fold it in half length wise
2.  Cut the neck off (see the picture below).  I measured 3 inches down from the bottom scoop of the neck.

3. Take your shirt and fold it out flat.  Measure 4 inches down the side (where your seam is) starting from the armpit.  Make your marks every 4 inches.  I made 3.  Do this on both sides.  See the picture below.

4.  At those marks measure 2 1/2 inches in and make your cut into the t-shirt see the picture below.

5.  After you are all done with both sides cut off the sleeves.
6.  Cut a total of 8 strips of fabric to tie your side sections and shoulders into bows like this:

9.  Turn your t-shirt inside out and with your strips tie each section then cut the "extra" tie off.  Then turn you t-shirt right side out.  See the picture below.

  Now you have a cover up for working out or a swim suit.  You could even do this on the back up the center or just at the bottom of a t-shirt to dress it up a little bit.  I hope you like it.

4th of July Outfit of the Day

  Happy 4th of July!  It's been very hot but luckily today isn't suppose to break another record.  Here's what I am wearing today to keep myself cool.  Hope everyone has a great 4th.

Fitness Friday: Building Your Endurance

  I first have to say that I am not a personal trainer, or a doctor and that I am not telling you that you have to do this exercise routine.  Please consult a doctor before any exercise.
  There are two things that have built my endurance to run faster and work out longer.  First, the bleachers.  I run them as fast as I can and I run them back to back.  I have increased the number of how many sets I do over time.  Obviously be careful.  Second, my run walk sequence.  My normal 5K run I split up into run walks.  I will run the length of a block faster than I normally run.  Then the next block I walk.  I have increased it to two blocks but I won't do more than that.  Both of these help me control my breathing at my fastest and gets me to realize my potential.  Sounds funny but it is very true.  My husband does this with me and it has helped him as well.  Even if you are not a runner this will help you in any work out routine.  This also gives you a different work out.  We all know that is crucial when it comes to staying motivated.  Good luck and have fun!

4th of July Cards

  I am sending some "fire works" of my own to some of my friends and family for the 4th of July and I thought I would share.  I made the cards with random scrapbook paper and added the Pop Rocks for the "fire works".  Very simple and a great way to send some 4th of July wishes.

How I Water My Garden

  For a few years now my husband and I have grown a garden.  As any gardener may know you learn your own little tricks every year.  One trick I have learned is the way I water my garden.  While reading a magazine I read a tip to put buckets with holes in the bottom in your garden and fill them up with water every day.  With my time in a crunch in the morning I thought was a perfect idea, and it was.  I have a 3 1/2 ft. by 8 ft garden box and a bed that is the same size.  I have 3-5 gallon buckets in each one.  I fill them once in the morning and once at night and my garden thrives.  The buckets are berried about half in the ground.  The water goes to the roots quicker and the plants will drink what they need.

  Here are my pictures to show you how it looks.  I realize they are not the most attractive thing BUT you won't even see them after awhile because your plants will be so big.