Make It Monday: Crafty Projects

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If you follow my facebook page, you have probably seen most of the projects I have completed.

In case you don’t follow my facebook page, here are a few of my most recent projects. FYI: This does not include all the 1/2 done or barely started projects that I’m currently working on (Tess–I haven’t forgotten about you!). Can someone pay me to stay home and just do crafty things for a living? ;-)

Since pictures are worth a thousand words, I’ll just let the pics do the talking. By the way, if you click on the picture it will expand in size.

Sign for my sister. One of the letters fell off in shipping so I have to send a letter with the letter!

Sign for my sister. One of the letters fell off in shipping so I have to send a letter with the letter!

flip flops

Sign I made for a friend to give her mother in law for her birthday.

flip flop card

Flip Flop card to go with the Flip Flop Sign

pirate sign

Special project for a friend.

sunshine sign

Sunshine sign made for fun. I repainted the Laugh table a while ago. And I LOVE this owl Vase from Z Gallery.

manatee photo

For fun: We went to a Manatee Viewing center in Apollo Beach.

   If you’re interested, here’s info on the Manatee Viewing Center.

Thanks for stopping by!

Angie

Soulful Sunday: Be-You-tiful!

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There was a lot of social buzz this week about the CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch and comments he made about his target audience. Although I disagree with the words he used (according to online articles) I understand what he was trying to say.

I appreciate all the internet fiasco it created, but I became concerned when I started thinking about the individuals that could be affected most by the negative connotations his comments created.

Young people, especially women, but also including young men struggle so much with their identities. Bullying has almost become the norm. People internalize their insecurities to the point they harm themselves and/or others.

We need more positive role models. We need acceptance. We need encouragement. But if you really think about it, we need the negative as well. If it weren’t for some of us being bullied as kids we may not be strong adults. If we had no struggles in life, we wouldn’t have anything to overcome and therefore we would not be overcomers.

Whenever I hear someone be/say something negative, instead of taking it personally I have begun to learn how to see and understand that the nastiest of people are really the ones who are hurting the most.

My first reaction to hearing Mr. Jeffries quotations made me feel sorry for him. I can’t imagine living in a world where my body and size would be so critiqued. If I had to be around someone like him, I’m sure I would feel uncomfortable eating a piece of cake.

My second reaction was to take action. I brought in the big guns. My mom.

Image

I went to the thrift shop (Macklemore and me, Angie McLemore have a lot in common).

I bought an Abercrombie & Fitch shirt.

My mom helped me re-fashion it into a plus size shirt.

And I felt the desire to share it with the world.

Image

I’m into quotes. I find much inspiration in words. I’ve heard a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that says “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Making this shirt is my way of making a statement. My protest is this: “I wear what I want when I want.”

If I were thin I am pretty sure I wouldn’t wear Abercrombie and Fitch. I’m more drawn to the style of clothes at Buckle. But a CEO is not in charge of my attire, and definitely not my self esteem or identity!

Our clothes, size, race, orientation, financial status, religion are NOT what define us. Our differences make us unique. Not inferior.

I want you and the whole world to know:

YOU are cool!

YOU are amazing!

YOU are YOU!

Bea-YOU-tiful!

Abercrombie Plus Size Shirt

Abercrombie Plus Size Shirt

Abercrombie Plus Size Abercrombie Plus Size

Sharing at:

Three Mango Seeds

Where am I?

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During the month of November I focused on getting my house in order. I hosted Thanksgiving for my family at my apartment.

As an avid arts and crafts freak–my mind and home are full of project ideas. Many have been started and not completed. Not only did I host Thanksgiving, but I also hosted my sister and her husband. Which meant that I had to clean and organize my craft room to make room for an air mattress and their suitcases.

I spent many hours that I would’ve probably been blogging and/or crafting–cleaning. BTW, the most annoying thing I’ve ever experienced is scrubbing a floor clean–only to be full of dirty mess the very next day! But that is one of the sacrifices one must make when one agrees to have people over for Thanksgiving!

Expect the Unexpected 

On top of all that goes into a big holiday event at home, a few other things occurred unexpectedly but with reason and purpose.

1. I donated a Christmas Wreath to a local charity that is raising money to help Habitat for Humanity with Project Patriot. The wreaths are available for purchase through a silent auction. The profits will go to help ensure that no veteran in Marion County will suffer because of no housing or poor housing standards. Although I know many people that criticize the homeless population, they are near and dear to my heart because my uncle was murdered on the streets while homeless. The unexpected part was that I had to have it done and submitted by Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Because of all of my preparation on my house I had to complete the wreath on the day it was due. Here is how it turned out!

2. While I was working on this wreath, my former roommate called and asked if I could take a plate of food to her grandmother on Thanksgiving. Through some family difficulties that happened at the last minute she was going to be alone and with no turkey on Thanksgiving! How horrific! Ideally I would’ve loved to have her join us, but she lives almost an hour away from me and we were unable to make arrangements for a ride. After our festivities were complete on Thursday, I drove out to her place and brought her a plate of food. She was ecstatic I was able to share some of our delicious meal and I was blessed to spend about an hour with her just talking and visiting. My friend said her g-ma doesn’t let people take pics very often, but she let me! :)

3. On Thanksgiving morning, my friend asked if I could watch her 1 year old baby for a few hours as she had to work. Because I love her son and he is so much fun, I didn’t even hesitate! I had helpers who were able to keep him company while I prepped the Turkey and worked on other elements of our celebration. Here’s a pic of us all having fun with the baby and my sister’s dog.

    From Left to right: My sister Josie, Baby Luke, Mr. Cuddles & Brandi

The moral of this story is that in the busy-ness of life, holidays and all that entails, don’t forget the important things: Family, loved ones and giving. Also, even though things happen that are not always planned, they create more memories in the long run.

Hope you all are having a great holiday season.

~Angie

Feature Friday: Fashion Finds

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Feature Friday

Today I’d like to discuss how I find fashion for less when I want to save money on clothing, shoes, and accessories.Like most women I love to buy new clothes but with how the economy has become sometimes buying a tank of gas is more important than buying a new pair of shoes. However, even with money being tight I have perfected my method of finding clothes for much less.

I have always been a bargain hunter meaning, I don’t usually buy anything unless it is on sale. My family says I have a knack for finding deals but I think anyone can do it if they look where some are not willing to. While growing up in Florida one of my favorite stores to find deals was at Bealls’ Outlet. They had certain days where you automatically get discounts. Friday’s were discounted for 49 years old and under and Monday’s were discounted for 50 years old and up. Not only can you get those discounts on everything but you can find sale items and end up paying almost nothing.

Where I am living now, in California, we do not have a Bealls’ Outlet and the Ross Stores in my area are pretty picked through. So I have had to search out other places to save. My best place to save is in my most recent find: the Goodwill. As a military wife I get a 20% discount on everything in the store.  I have always liked thrift stores but haven’t utilized them as much as in the last year because I could find brand new clothes in Florida for about the same price as a lot of thrift stores; however, where I live now I have been able to find the best deals on clothing in thrift stores so I’ve broadened where I search.

This also helps me since I work in a preschool class and we do a lot of crafts, play on the playground, and sit on the floor a lot. I have not wanted to spend a lot of money on clothes for work if there is a chance I will just end up ruining them. I will show a couple of examples of clothing that I have purchased from thrift stores recently. I’d like to encourage you to be open to looking for nice quality clothing at places you may not expect to find them for amazing prices.

Paid: $3.99

 

Paid: $2.50

$4.99 plus 20% discount, Paid: $3.99

$7.99 plus 20% discount, Paid: $6.40

Happy Shopping,

Josie

Wisdom Wednesday: United States of America

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The last few months leading up to last night’s presidential election have torn us apart as a country. Our differences of beliefs have been plastered all over social media, and the news. Politics has become a dirty dirty game. Non-Americans would probably see us as the Divided States of America.

Seeing my friends who don’t even know each other argue on my Facebook page really heightened this feeling. The feeling of separation.

But then I started thinking about the things that bring us together. And I remembered the things we have in common.

Like knowing all the lyrics to the Fresh Prince of Bel Air Intro:

Fresh Prince of Bel Air

Here are some other things we have in common:

  • Desire to give and receive love
  • Desire to be happy
  • Desire to succeed
  • Desire to be heard
  • Dreams for the future

And here are some bad things we have all experienced:

  • Pain
  • Suffering
  • Loss
  • Anger
  • Lonliness
  • Fear
  • Judgment
  • Disappointment

Life is too short to major on the minors. Or to focus on our differences. If you want to live your life like that, it’s up to you. But why not enjoy life? Why not celebrate each other’s accomplishments? Why not support those around us instead of tear them down?

I strongly believe in our freedoms–religion, politics, speech, etc. But I do not think that our differences should divide and separate! We need to learn how to accept that not everyone has the same beliefs. And instead of spending time fighting about arguments, why not talk about the things we have in common?

A House Divided

Have you ever been in a romantic relationship with someone who you agree with all the time, about everything? I find that incredibly impossible. Most people have disagreements and sometimes it’s everyday. But if you have love and respect for each other, you find a way to make it work.

All of us were raised in different cultures, with different surroundings, experiences, outlooks, and economical backgrounds. Therefore, we are going to have differing thoughts about politics. But just like in a marriage or dating relationship, we need to find a common bond so we don’t tear each other’s hair out!

We’re all living on the same piece of land (U.S. as a whole), going to the same stores, driving on the same roads. We’re all going to work or looking for work. We all have the same basic needs: food/shelter. So whether you want to admit it or not, the U.S. is like a big ol’ house. The only way we can build momentum and fix the broken parts is to come together, accept our differences and embrace our brothers and sisters–of all races, religions, creeds, etc.

I think it’s time for us to realize again and to show the world that we are:

The United States of America!

 

Merry Monday: Still a Guy

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This past weekend my dad and I attended Jeeptoberfest, which is an annual event in Central Florida and has been taking place for 15 years now.

There were over 1,027 Jeeps that entered the Jeep show. And with their entrance fee they could choose 1 of 3 obstacle courses to drive and prove their Jeepliness (Angie’s made up word).

Here are a few pictures of Jeeps being Jeeps at the event.

Photo Credit: 4LowPhoto.com

This is what I’d like to do to my Jeep Grand Cherokee!

Thank God for Jeep Snorkels!

Photo Credit: 4lowphoto.com

Maybe if I take my passenger door off, my jeep can go up and down concrete stairs??

Photo Credit: 4lowphoto.com

Even Jeeps love a good mud bath!

Photo Credit: 4lowphoto.com

Hey, how did he not get mud in the doors?

Photo Credit: 4lowphoto.com

What’s wrong with this picture? Tire missing!!

Photo Credit: 4lowphoto.com

Funny part of this post

So the funny part of this post is that while I was sitting there watching Jeeps go through the obstacle courses I heard a song that made me chuckle. I have to admit that even though I was raised in the south, and have good ol’ country roots, I don’t really listen to country music very often. So it was the first time I heard this song that has been out for a few years, called “I’m still a guy” by Brad Paisley.

If you haven’t heard it before and want a good laugh, check out the song here: “I’m Still a Guy.”

And here are the lyrics:

“I’m Still A Guy”

When you see a deer you see Bambi
And I see antlers up on the wall
When you see a lake you think picnic

And I see a large mouth up under that log
You’re probably thinking that you’re going to change me
In some ways well maybe you might
Scrub me down, dress me up but no matter what
I’m still a guy

When you see a priceless French painting
I see a drunk, naked girl
You think that riding a wild bull sounds crazy
And I’d like to give it a whirl
Well love makes a man do some things he ain’t proud of
And in a weak moment I might walk your sissy dog, hold your purse at the mall
But remember, I’m still a guy

I’ll pour out my heart
Hold your hand in the car
Write a love song that makes you cry
Then turn right around knock some jerk to the ground
‘Cause he copped a feel as you walked by

I can hear you now talking to your friends
Saying, “Yeah girls he’s come a long way”
From dragging his knuckles and carrying a club

And building a fire in a cave
But when you say a backrub means only a backrub
Then you swat my hand when I try
Well, what can I say at the end of the day
Honey, I’m still a guy

I’ll pour out my heart
Hold your hand in the car
Write a love song that makes you cry
Then turn right around knock some jerk to the ground
‘Cause he copped a feel as you walked by

These days there’s dudes getting facials
Manicured, waxed and botoxed
With deep spray-on tans and creamy lotiony hands
You can’t grip a tackle box

With all of these men lining up to get neutered
It’s hip now to be feminized
I don’t highlight my hair
I’ve still got a pair
Yeah honey, I’m still a guy

Oh my eyebrows ain’t plucked
There’s a gun in my truck
Oh thank God, I’m still a guy

Blog Follow Up: BB Cream

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2 weeks ago I posted about a tinted face cream (BB Cream) in this post: Nails/Face Care.

I am an avid coupon clipper and try to save money as much as possible, so I came across a free sample for this product for those of you who would be interested in trying the BB Cream but maybe not willing to pay full price at first.

Free BB Cream Sample

Please note this asterisk on the website: 

*While supplies last.
Sample is Light/Medium shade.

Lastly, I just want to thank all of you who have followed my blog so far. I appreciate your readership and I want you to know that I do not take it lightly. If you have any feedback/questions/input that you would like to share with me personally,  you may send an email to me at angiemusic@hotmail.com.

Soulful Sunday: New Friends

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I have lived in the same general area most of my life, so I know a lot of people in my hometown through school, college, church and work.

I have had many friends over the years who have come and gone. Sometimes I have a hard time accepting that people go. My sister and her husband and stepson live in California. My best friends live in Texas and Georgia. And I have great friends I have met over the years who live as far away as The Netherlands!

A thought that has popped into my mind is “why make new friends if they’re just going to leave?”

But the overwhelming inner response is always: “Look what I would’ve missed out on if I hadn’t been open to new friends?”

As much as I wish I could keep all my dear friends close to me physically, it is impossible–unless I become wealthy and pay for their expenses to live nearby (which I’m not above doing if I ever win the lottery).

So I remind myself to be open to new people. And when a person who I am close to announces they are leaving, I tell them I’m sad for the departure but I’m happy they have a better opportunity elsewhere. And I always think one day we will be together again!

Having friends all over makes it awesome to get to visit and go to new places. It just makes it hard to decide where/who to be with for holidays!!

How do you accept change when it comes to friends and family moving?

Super Craft Saturday: Pallet / Reclaimed Wood

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I found a free pallet on the side of the road so I loaded it up into my car.

I have some thoughts floating in my head of what I’d like to do, but I have yet to decide.

I looked at a lot of ideas online and found the following link with a lot of wood project ideas.

75 reclaimed wood projects

What would you do if you had a pallet or what have you done with a pallet? What is your favorite re-use project?

Feature Friday: Healthy Living

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Today’s Blog is written by my sister Josie.

I want to give a few personal tips for maintaining a healthy weight and losing weight. I am at a weight right now that I like and feel good about but this hasn’t always been the case. I usually judge my weight based on how I feel in my clothes and not so much on what the scale says. However, just like most women I know, including myself, we go through seasons where we put on weight and lose weight. My hope now is for maintaining my weight. I am not an expert on the subject but I have some things that work for me and wanted to share how I have been able to achieve weight loss success.

I went through some emotional things in my early 20′s which ended up effecting my physical body. I gained weight and ended up weighing a little over 30lbs more than I should have and was used to. Once I was back where I needed to be emotionally I realized I needed to do something about my weight and began a journey on becoming healthier. I will share a few of the things that started my weight loss and things that I use to this day; close to ten years later.

The following picture is the best before picture that I am willing to share and at this point I had already begun to lose weight.

Heavier side of Me: 2006

My First Weight Loss Accomplishment

I began to drink more water than any other beverage. It was a big deal for me because I LOVE  my sweet tea and at the time I had a pretty strong attachment to Mountain Dew and coffee. I stopped drinking soda altogether and began to limit the amount of sweet tea and coffee that I drank. I think it is best to make small changes because they are more likely to stick if you don’t feel like you are depriving yourself. When I first stopped drinking my sugar filled coffee and soda I lost 10 lbs in just a few weeks. That jump-started the rest of the changes I made because I began to feel better and it motivated me to make better choices. I still drink water more than any other beverage but when I do want coffee or the occasional soda, I limit the amount and add it into my calorie count for the day. This leads me to my next point.

Second Important Key to Weight Loss

I count my calories. When I first stared counting calories I wrote everything down that I ate to keep track but after a while it just became second nature. Now I know the calorie count for most of the foods I love to eat and can keep track mentally. I have a resource that I use and recommend that will calculate what amount of calories you should have in a day if you want to lose, maintain, or even gain weight based on your age, height, and activity level. I love this tool and especially the zig-zag feature. It will allow me to eat different amount of calories each day which will prevent my body from reaching any plateaus. I limit the amount of sweets and carbs I eat and drink but do not cut anything completely out. I believe in moderation for all things and portion control versus deprivation. I heard a tip from a nutritionist in the past who said it’s okay to have 200 “cheat” calories each day. I also have 1 “cheat” day per week to keep myself motivated. But even on that day I don’t eat everything I see, just the things that I normally don’t eat like pizza or brownies I may indulge in on these days.

Calorie Resources

Resource for calculating calories needed: Calorie Counter

Also if you would rather not write down the calories, you may want to use an online app like:
My Fitness Pal.
This app is also available in the Android and Apple markets.

Food That Works for Me

As far as actual foods, one go to food that has helped me maintain and lose weight is soup. Campbell’s Soup has some pretty healthy options available now and they carry some of my favorites like Healthy Request Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup. If I need to lose a couple pounds quickly or want to jump-start any weight loss I will replace one meal a day with one healthy soup and it has done wonders. I told my mom about doing this a couple years back to replace her meals at night because she had to eat late due to her work schedule and she lost 20 lbs in less than a month!

Important Weight Loss Element

Let me not forget to include adding some movement to your daily life. I started running a few years back and that was awesome for my body but I don’t do as much running now. I mainly walk and use Kettle Bells, which I can expound on more in another post. However, moving in some way is important to your overall health. Walking is awesome and will help you drop pounds if you add it to your diet changes. I would suggest getting a pedometer and keeping track of your steps. 10,000 is the recommended amount of steps you should take in a day. Add more steps and you’re doing even better.

Here is me before a run I completed in 2008.

July 2008

After 4 mile run!

July 2008 After 4 mile Run

I hope that what has worked for me in my journey to healthier living is helpful to someone else. Feel free to share anything you do that works for maintaining a healthy eating plan or let us know if you decide to make any of these changes.

This is me currently, in my maintaining phase.

Thanks for reading,
Josie