A Little Bit A FarmHouse In My Lifeeeeeee!!!

 

I made this from twigs and shells.  These blooms will never wither!!! :)

I really don't understand what is happening with me but man, am I making things these days!!!! My crafting energy is through the roof.  In the last two weeks I have tiled a table, a vanity, made bracelets, necklaces, a floral arrangement, A farmhouse graphic sign, a large abstract Art, designed numerous prints and now I am working on hand painted coasters.  The artistic force has been strong with this one lately!!!

So without much ado here are some of the goodies these hands lovingly forged....And by the way, I have been really feeling modern farmhouse design so these for the most part inspired by that style.

             

My first attempt at a Farmhouse hand painted wall hanging......I really like how it turned out. :) I just grabbed a piece of left over wood from my husband's stash and stained it with black liquid shoe polish/stain. Say what?? Yes, I did. It worked like a charm, plus it has an applicator for easy application.  Why did I use shoe polish instead? Well, it allowed some of the wood to show through, it dried very fast, is a permanent stain and did I say how easy it was to do? lol. It was.

                 

Aren't these gorg???!!! My brother-in-law gifted these lovely sea fans to me and the blue tiled table is the one I mentioned above. I tiled it but have not grouted it yet.  I had so much fun going mad Max on those tiles with a hammer.  Who knew!!!

 The Abstract painting shown here only took me about 30 minutes to paint but it is so light and airy in the space. Perfect for the area where it now resides.  Can't wait to paint another.  I like the challenge of painting without thinking of a specific image.  So freeing!!

Finally the jewelry.  I like to recycle beads and pendants and I also love incorporating nature into my pieces...hence the lovely tamarind seeds in the bracelets and the reclaimed wooden beads.  I also used recycled glass beads.  That seafoam green color gets me every time.  It's  hands down my fav.

Well, that is all for now but rest assured, lots more to come.  I hope this inspires you to go a little  craft crazy yourself.  You never know what you can create.

Cherio!

One DIY Blog Crush and Some Pretty Epic Tee Makeovers

If you've been on my blog for more than 3 seconds, you already know that I am a DIY fanatic.  Like I need DIY Anonymous fanatic.  It is a condition however, that I hope to never, ever find a cure for. :)

So, as all crafters like to do, we are always scouting our next project.  Mine just happened to be a small heap of cast-a-way t.shirts that my hubby no longer wants.  Ahem, well, I did help him a little to reach that conclusion but hey, tomayto, tomahto...:)

Anyway, there I was on the web enjoying all the dIY inspiration for my new project when, boom!  I landed on a blog that made me do a double take. I mean this lady is like my DIY twin.  We have similar taste, style and creativity.  How do I know this, well I was still there 2 hours later on a busy day like today.  I heart her blog to the 10th...   Her site, Trash to Couture, was created in 2010 to inspire a less wasteful approach to the mass-produced fashion mainstream through DIY sewing tutorials and repurposed fashions. So smart, so fab! 

                                        This tee was made with a doily.....can't wait to try this!

One of the things I like most about her projects are the fact that the finished product always look so polished, tasteful and chic. Like they were meant to become what they are. I love that! "I want to make everything on her site.

 I.  Am.  So.  Not.  Kidding. :)

 But, before I skip on down the bunny trail, let us start with that heap of shirts I mentioned.  These are the inspiration for my tee makeovers, and they are all from Trash to Couture.  What do you think?

Cherio!

A Lesson From Shakesspeare on being a "Malm"

If there is one thing I learned in life, it is that nothing stays the same. From the sand on the seashore to our waistlines and and relationships, we all change and grow. Every day.  Sometimes for our betterment, sometimes not.

Recently, I had a major change in my life. It was as if I woke up and suddenly I had become a, gulp, "malm."   When did this happen? But more importantly, how?

I searched my face for wrinkles, sags, and bags. You know, the stuff that old age is made of.  I saw nothing in particular that wasn't there before.  Hmmm.  Is it something am giving off subconsciously? Is it my manner, my tone, a look?  Or, is this some nebulous phenomenon that happens to all women at an exact predestined moment in their lives? C'mon! THIS GIRL WANTS TO KNOW.

Don't get me wrong. I know that malm is a term of respect and endearment.  I could be called much worse and I have.  Just not to my face....... On most Days.


The question is, what is it about the "malm" word that gives me the hebbeee geebees. On the surface malm is not a bad word, not really.  But seriously I hate it.

After giving it some thought, this is what I figured out.

Why The Word Malm Is A Soul Crushing Blow To Some Women

A "malm" is officially recognized as grown.  A grown woman is supposed to act grown...do grown things. All the time.  

"Malm" is telling me you think  I am old or older than you....

"Malm" suggest you are no longer "cool", fly or current

"Malm" let me know that I becoming more invisible. Every day.

"Malm" is saying I should reek of benjay and have my teeth soaking in a glass next to my bed

"Malm" says that my boobs are in a sprint to reach my toes or have been there for a while

So in a nutshell, "malm" is the end of youth and all the glory that goes with it.


And so, do you see why I hate this word?  Sigh.  As Shakespeare wrote, "rage against the dying of the light".  He probably wrote that the day he became a "sir", so  Shakespeare I feel you.  Thank you. I am not going down without a fight.  I will NOT stop until I am un-marmed. I promise.

Cherio!

Top 5 Naturalista Products!

Hello lovelies!  

Today am gonna give you the scoop on my favorite products. And trust me, I am NOT someone to share a product unless it is life changing.   The products below are "till death do us part" .   Seriously.

1.  Cantu -  Sistas...sigh, you know how it is when you try to tame your hair but your hair says "No not today! and refuse to cooperate...."  This is a job for Cantu.  

I have very thick coarse natural hair that has a tendency to dry out very quickly and break if not addressed soon enough.  Cantu changed all that for me.  Now, my hair is soft, moisturized and super healthy.  No more breakage what so ever. What I love best is that, as soon as you put a little on your hair, literally in seconds your hair is soft. It's like my hungry hair just devours it instantly. My hair strands are so strong, my husband jokes that he can sew with them.  :)

Some people have an issue with Cantu because if you apply too much it can leave a bit of residue which makes the hair take on a little whitish tinge to it.  I personally do not have this issue. Nothing else that I have ever tried works like this so residue or not....I ride or die with ma cantu.

2. Dudu Soap  -  Warning: TMI Ahead


 So, I live in the Carribbean and here, dudu means poop. Sorry, TMI I know but it's true.  And, due to that fact, I was turned off from this soap for the longest time. Then, one day my sister had a rash and a pharmacist recommended this soap. Long story short, she got great results in one week!  I decided at that point to jump in!

Let me tell you, this soap is the truth! It lathers and cleans like no other soap I have used, ever. My skin hates soap so the fact that I can even use this soap without breaking out is amazing to me.  I have used all sorts of natural shea butter soaps before and NEVER had these results.  My skin loves it.  In one week I went from having a bad breakout out of hormonal acne and dark marks to acne totally disappearing and the marks are significantly lighter.  And, like I mentioned, this happened in the first week! 

3. Hemp Oil 

If you can get this oil, RUN and go get some.  My love of hemp oil started when someone I love and respect recommended it to me.  He said it changed his life and that it could do the same for me and so I bought one to see what the hype was.  Best decision ever!!!!!

I used to take vitamins and Cod liver oil to get all the nutrients my hair needs to thrive and also for my overall heath.  One of my objectives was to get as much omega 3s in my diet as possible since it is so good for my hair, skin, bones and well being.  When I started taking hemp it changed my omega 3 game totally.  Instead of taking 4 different things to get enough omega 3's I only take hemp oil. It is loaded with omega 3s so I get all I need from one product..  My hair has grown so much and it is so thick and healthy. My skin also has a lovely glow and I feel very good overall.  Hemp is also good for pain.  I use my hemp oil for headaches, as a rub on my sore muscles, for any kind of skin irritation, and on my hair.  Every night I take a tsp before bed and I sleep like a baby.  E V E R Y night.  And trust me, prior to this I suffered from insomnia so I loooooovvvveeee my hemp oil.  We are pals for life.


4. Charcoal 

 As we age our teeth can become discolored among other issues so it is good to do what we can to help them not to look Sponge Bob-ish in color.  Just sayin...

I personally use charcoal.  I stumbled on it when I was on Amazon a few years ago and never looked back.  My sister also reminded me that our grandma ONLY used this product. I did not remember that until she reminded me and it is true. My grandma had a beautiful smile until she passed at 97.  Charcoal will lighten your teeth with the first use and it cleans like no other!  It looks gross while you are brushing with it am not gonna front but after you rinse thoroughly, you will not regret it.  


5. Sudden Change Facial Mask

 

Last but not least, my favorite facial mask.  This green tea mask softens, tightens, brightens and rejuvenates the skin like no other I have used....and the price is just as incredible.  Less than 10 bucks folks, now you can't beat that with a stick!  It is well worth looking green like the hulk for a little while. :)  Trust me, your skin will thank you for it.

And there you have it lovelies, I have attached all of the links so you can check these products out for yourself.  Let me know what you think! 

Cherio!

This Video Will give you Life...Seriously

So my sister shared this video with me and I love it! It is so anointed but it also has another unexpected element that I appreciate too...this beautiful Christian sista has perfected the head toss and she did not even practice it.  Not even once.  Made me remember the following scripture.  "the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things"  John 14:26  

Sorry Beyonce, love you sis but you late. :)

Cherio!

Weekend Warrior Project - Dresser Makeover, Guest post by Shanda Neighbors

I tend to be an all or nothing kinda gal. I'm either doing everything, or nothing at all. This weekend due to the weather and the time change, I was in do everything mode.   We bought a house a just over a year ago. It was a foreclosure and the task of making it home on  a tiny budget was frankly, overwhelming. For the longest time I did nothing... but complain. In the last few months though, the idea of starting small has gained momentum. I decided I'd tackle my "projects" one at a time. This weekend's project was to make a french mid century modern chest in the master bedroom reflective of the people that share that room. Sounds simple, but my husband taste is more like this:

Now doesn't that just scream MAN!!!! The problem is  my taste is more like this:

  

I'll admit it, this is feminine. So how do I make us both happy? How do I take this:

                            and make it reflect us both? 

 
This is what I came up with:

 

 

It was a lot of work, but I like the results. This dresser has a mate, any guesses what (God willing) this weekend's project will be?

Cherio!

Pumkins And Pine Cones! - DIY ThanksGiving Table Ideas

 

Thanksgiving is almost here and it is one of my favorite holidays for obvious reasons! :)  If you are hosting though, getting the thanksgiving decor together can be a little daunting, especially if you are unsure of what you want and running out of time...and you probably are.  No worries though, this post will either provide an idea you can execute or spark one of your own.

What is more earthy, humble, simple, budget friendly and easy to find than pumpkins and pine cones?  Answer, not much!  So, for this thanksgiving I think keeping things simple and using elements that are easy to find and abundant is the perfect solution for your table setting!  And don't let the word "simple" and "humble" fool you.  Pine cones and pumpkins can be quite spectacular!
Enjoy. :)

Cherio!

True Confession Of A Rat Race Escapee

Two days ago I celebrated my birthday and as usual it was a time of deep inner searching  and reflection for me.  I thought about my journey to the person I am today.  Emotionally.  Spiritually.  Physically.  And financially.  Am I living up to my true potential?  

In 2006 when I graduated from university my goal was to eventually step away from the 9-5 and support myself by owning and operating my own business. It was something I wanted sooooo bad! It was a goal then, but now I can say I am DOING it.  I officially began working from home 7 years ago and never looked back. It was hard, really hard but I had to get off the hamster wheel. I felt so stifled, it truly felt like a  "rat race"

. 

I made up my mind that I would grind and research and do whatever was lawful to see results!  Along the way I've had epic fails and countless booohooo sessions.  Sometimes I struggled really hard to pay the bills but with the support of my husband, we got through it.  Fast forward 3 years and I found myself separated and alone.  Suddenly I was at rock bottom wondering, now what am I gonna do?  Thankfully I was able to lean heavily on my faith in God which provided guidance and an endless supply of emotional strength. I was also blessed to have support from family and friends and then a little later, God totally restored my marriage.

Out of The Nest

 

Well, every baby bird must leave the nest eventually so 3 years ago year I took a leap of faith.  I moved to a new State, and decided to just do everything in my power to succeed.  I decided go hard with Ebay in addition to my Graphic Design business.  I also set up Etsy accounts as well and created new products.  As time passed my hard work started paying off!  I spent countless hours researching home based jobs, lost money with some of them but learned a lot along the way as well so it was the most beneficial experience as a business person so far.  I regret nothing. 

As I write this, there have been changes yet again in my life. I now reside in my native country. The Bahamas. 

While my location has changed I am grateful that my outlook on life is still the same.  Same Drive. Same Faith. Same Passion to go and get it for myself!

 I am not a millionaire by any standard or affiliate guru or any of those things. I am just someone who learned to support myself from home so I can live the life that feeds my spirit.  Someone who believes any dream or goal can be achieved if one is willing to work at it and above all be honest and diligent. Money can be made and lost in a second but character is the building block of lasting success. 

And so my friends, to your success and mine!

Cherio!