Knitting Patterns Inspired by Jane Austen Novels?!

Knitting Patterns Inspired by Jane Austen Novels?! How wonderful! You can buy the Magazine here.

I especially like the very masculine patterns for Fitz and Frederick. I may need to buy this magazine for myself.

My First "Plarn" Experience

I've been anxiously waiting for some yarn that I ordered over eBay to come in so that I can start my next knitting project. In the meantime, I decided to try something a little different.

I stumbled across this knitting pattern (via Ravelry.com) for a shopping bag made entirely of used plastic supermarket bags. I started last night and this is my progress so far:

How fun! I used the "Loop Method" for creating "plarn" (yarn made of plastic bags). This method is recommended because the yarn is two-ply and thus sturdier than other one-ply plarn. It was my first time trying an "in the round" project so I've learned a lot (this tutorial was helpfull). I messed up a lot but fortunately this bag doesn't need to look pretty. If I were to ever do this again, I think I'd use smaller needles.

You can view my Ravelry profile here.

Today Is A Good Day to Change

When I was 14 I had abs like a brick wall and could compete with any boy at any sport. Now, at twenty-two, not so much. I have no energy, I'm slowly getting flabbier, I breakout constantly and I have little motivation. And, I have "activity-induced asthma." I've been needing a change for a long time.

These two chicks inspired me to make that change today.

Source

This quote moved me deeply. I don't want that to happen to me. I want to be able to look back and be proud of the person I was at my peak.

Source

Her goal was obviously not weight loss, it was health. That's what I need.

What I Want:

• More energy
• Rock-hard abs
• Toned arms and legs
• Clear skin
• Less miscellaneous body aches
• Better posture
• Better mood
• Self-respect

How am I going to get it?

...That's more difficult to answer. My main barriers are motivation and consistency. But fortunately the internet is full of great suggestions. Like this one...

Women's Health Mag via My not so secret obsession
Put one dollar in a jar every time you complete a workout. When you achieve your fitness goal, use the money to treat yourself! a massage, a cute pair of skinny jeans, etc.

I'm going to put this into practice!

My first short-term goal will be: To be able to do 10 pull-ups. (I can't even do one now)

My reward will be: A full-body massage. (one of my most favorite things in the world!)


I really like this exercise plan:

Melavond via Anything-Pretty

And since I have that little problem pouch (and its Tuesday), I'm going to attempt to do these:

Fitness Magazine via The Stirring Place

Flat Back
Targets: Rectus and transversus abdominis

Sit on floor with lower back against a wall, knees slightly bent and feet planted wider than shoulder-width apart. Place hands on floor between legs and squeeze abs.
Press into floor with fingertips and lift feet about 6 inches. Make it easier: Lift and lower left foot; then repeat with right to complete 1 rep.
Do 3 sets of 20 reps.

And last but not least, my body befores:

And can you believe it? I don't even own a scale or a measuring tape. I'll have to get back to you on that. For now, I'm off to have a jog around the block (if I can).

Way Too Much Food For Three People

My sister came to visit a couple weeks ago so we decided to cook a big family dinner. I think we went a little overboard. We still have left-over ham sitting in our fridge!

That night we had barely made a dent.

This Life

Graphics By Coco

A Haircut For Any Length

Finally! A guide for getting through those "in-between" length months. I stumbled across this on Pinterest.com, I just wish I knew the original source!

Via Beauty

Amazon: Smart Phones for a Penny Each! [expired]

Amazon Wireless has an incredible offer now until Cyber Monday. All phones from Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T are just a penny each! The Hubs and I just happened to be looking for new phones so we took advantage of the deal. I'm going for the DROID RAZR. :) My first smartphone!

Free Lancome Sample

http://www.getitfree.us/app.php/Lancome-Free-Complimentary-Sample-Of-Visionnaire-Advanced-Skin-And-Wrinkle-Corrector--256

Our Budget-Friendly Beach-Themed Bedroom

Our new mattress just came in this morning (good-bye, couch and air mattress!) so our new bedroom is finally starting to come together.

The comforter set we got on store credit at Bed Bath and Beyond and the vanity came on sale and 25% off from World Market. We painted the chest and dresser ourselves which saved us a ton of cash!

 We're waiting on this Seagrass Headboard to come in from Pier One.

Hubby found and ordered this mirror and these side tables on Amazon for cheap. I think he did a good job! I can't wait until everything comes in!

My next project is to figure out a solution to store all this makeup in an organized fashion. Any suggestions? The drawers are only two inches tall and I have all my jewelry to think about as well.

Eventually, I'll want to get a nicer chair to go with the vanity; perhaps something made of seagrass to match the headboard? This Pennington Seagrass Side Chair by Howard Miller is cute but way too expensive for me!

Trip to the Aqaurium

Mote Aquarium in Sarasota, FL

Blazer Round-Up

A classic look.

http://thezhush.blogspot.com/

Burberry via http://pinterest.com/andihegedus/

Kate, you've done it again.

Painting Wood Furniture

Hubby and I had a blast doing this weekend project! And it was simpler than we expected. The best part -- we saved a ton of money by not buying a new bedroom set.

We found this wood dresser in great shape from a inexpensive second-hand shop.
We also got a nice chest of drawers from an unpainted furniture store.

We Used:
Valspar Asthma & Allergy Friendly White Paint in Satin
Valspar Maximum Adhesion Bonding Primer
Denatured Alcohol
Rags (to use with alcohol)
Tarp to Protect Floors from Paint
Fine Sand Paper
2" and 3" Paint Brushes
Screw Driver (to remove hard-ware from furniture)

Step One: For stained furniture: Use a rag and some denature alcohol to clean the surface; lightly sand the wood surface with fine sandpaper.
(Some say you can use rubbing alcohol instead of denatured)
For unpainted furniture, you can skip straight to step two.

Step Two: Apply primer and let dry over night.
(Most primers only need a couple hours to dry; however, the longer you let it sit, the better it will bond with your paint.)

Step Three: Now the fun part! Apply your first & second coat of paint. (Check the can for drying time.)

After drying, reassemble. And that's it!