Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Lindsay!

Lindsay is the winner of the Red Jasper Necklace Giveaway!

I hope you enjoy your beautiful prize, please let us all know how it is when you receive it. I always love to hear about pretties finding a great home :)

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TAGGED

I was Tagged by Audrey's Country Crafts and gallery32.

Thanks you two!

I am going to tell you 10 things about myself and then tag ten other stores.

Read up! :)

1-I am a Stay at home wife and mother of two beautiful girls.

2-I am addicted to crochet and sewing, but I love to try any craft I can.

3-I am a huge worry wart. All day and night..

4-I've always wanted to join the military...I regret not joining right after highschool.

5-I randomly dye my hair quite often- between red, brown, and blonde.

6-I'm horrible at watering my plants. I forget until I see them drooping, almost dead.

7-I am on a health food diet to lose my pregnancy weight-only 16 lbs left to lose!

8-I hate being cold, it's painful. My house stays at 80 degrees inside, and I love it.

9-I would rather text than talk on a phone- not a phone person. (Unless it's my sis)

10- I rarely watch TV. My daughter always has it. But I do like to make fun of Yo Gabba Gabba.

Now, I'm passing this on...

1-Athena's Armoury

2-kate8085

3-The Mama Dramalogues

4-Silly Little Lady's Spot on the Web

5-My Silly Art Life

6-The Rabbit Muse

7-One Little Fox

8-Ponder and Stitch

9-Pretty Much Art

10-Snowbell Jewelry

~~~

~Look what I found during my daily random Etsy browsing~

Not only is the skirt gorgeous, but what an amazing photo as well!

summer 1

idea2lifestyle

Fricken Scamming Power Colon Cleanse Chen

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

Thank You, Anonymous, for your links

I feel quite ridiculous for falling for this. I wish I didn't need to tell my hubby that I got dooped! lol I already knew I could do a Charge Back with my credit card company, so I haven't been to worried... But I still hate that I have to deal with this.

I just wanted to clean my colon! lol

Check out this Video- Chris Malta's Ebiz Scambuster Tip#1

Chris Malta talks about how to get your money back from scammers who steal your money through your credit card. Evil doers on the Internet like the Power Colon Cleanse Scammers.

I did a Google Search on the Power Colon Cleanse phone number- 519-513-2218 and found A lot of complaints! See Here

There are more complaints Here as well.

I have learned a few things here...

1-I definitely will research every little detail about an online company before using my credit card.

2-Google is great for this kind of research.

3-And maybe I'll actually only use my credit card on Etsy and Feebay.

~~~

The need for colon cleanse seems to be a big debate

Coloncleansezone.com says:

"When debris, putrefaction, impacted fecal matter, and intestinal invaders are allowed to reside in the intestines, many health problems begin to arise. Toxins build up over time and the excess fecal matter may put pressure on internal organs. This pressure can slow the natural muscle movement of the colon, leading to constipation and the accumulation of toxic waste in the bowels.
These problems can eventually lead to more serious health issues like irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, diarrhea, weight problems,vision problems, hemorrhoids, joint pains, vision problems, loss of memory and sinusitis.

It is estimated that over 50 million Americans have problems with their digestive tract, making it a very common problem."

I say one time won't hurt, especially if I lose some poundage in the process.

I mean, it does make sense that we might need to flush our bodies at some point. We weren't meant to eat all this greasy fried food.. I could see how it might need help finding its way out, right?

I'm sure it's not something anyone should do every other week.

But I would like to try it this one time, just to see how much weight I will lose.

I am not going to use the Power Colon Cleanse from China. Everything from China is covered in Toxic lead, right?

Sooo, I'm going to purchase some in the next few days and 'get er done'.

And I still promise to let you all know how it goes, no icky details though! :)

METAL PENDANT NECKLACE - FITNESS SCALE Pendant with FREE Silver Ball Chain Necklace - Fun Retro Jewelry
pinktophat

weighty issues pendant
cathywalters

WALL DECAL MURAL STICKER EASY HOME DECO --DIET--

rm67

Sneaky Chen

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

~~~

I received my Power Colon Cleanse Wednesday.

It was shipped from China, which I did not know.

Here's the address from where it is sent:
FLOOR 1 BUILDING 22 QUCHU GARDEN CHAOZHOU
GUANGDONG CHINA

Original Office: CHAOZHOU

The phone number and everything else on the label is in Chinese Characters, which is no help to me.

The label also says the declared value is only $11.00! HA!

Someone named CHEN signed the package, hi CHEN!
Chen is a very sneaky person, dontcha think!? Small print and all...

The package says there is a $180.00 charge, I'm not sure if that is Chinese money or U.S. But I definitely am not going to pay that much money for something that was supposed to cost me less than $5. That's slightly twice the amount that is stated in the Terms of Agreement.

There is no invoice in the package- Odd, right?

Luckily, I have 15 days after the order was made to cancel my subscription. Since I ordered this 6/30, and today is now 7/10- That only leaves me 5 days to cancel. How can they expect anyone to even have time to try the "free trial" if you only have a few days once you've recieved it??!

Hmmm, I'm just keeping the pills and returning the empty bottle.. We'll see how that goes!



I will be reporting this company to the BBB.

I do NOT recommend anyone ordering this product. It's really too much of a hassle. I know that I can buy many other great colon cleanses from local stores, for about $10-20.00.- Much better!

I haven't tested the product, yet. But I will shortly. I am trying to contact the company before I do anything.

I called today and was on hold for half an hour, then decided to email them. I will get a hold of my own Credit Card Company tomorrow to put a stop on this.

Wish me luck everyone!

That's my "Free" 30 day supply.

It came to me crushed and beaten..

~~~

Now Some Good News!

I have lost another pound!

10 pounds down & 16 left till I hit my goal weight!

Please remember, during this time of losing weight I have done no extra exercise. The only exercise I have done is from regular day to day activities of being a mom.

i.e. cleaning, changing diapers, crafts...

All it took was cutting out sugar and changing my diet.

I will start to exercise soon though, I hope to see an increase in weight loss, but also an increase in muscle mass.

I am using a The "Ultimate Flex & Core Cookbook" from Weight Watchers for my meals.

Though I am not participating in the Weight Watchers Program...
I simply found this book at a yard sale.

The recipes are delicious and very healthy.

Vintage on Etsy

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

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I know if it was yard sale season that knocked it into me or the style, but I am all about vintage right now!

I went to the thrift store on a wig hunt the other day, I found lots of beautiful things. Sadly, I wasn't able to buy them... But I did find two wigs! No photos today, but I'll get some up. My daughters like to play with one of the wigs, it's really cute.

I had a lot of fun strolling through Etsy's Vintage- I even like just looking at these photos! I love when sellers take fantastic photos! I bet you do too! It really shows their artistic sides.

Do you dress in Vintage?

I haven't yet, but as soon as I lose the rest of my unwanted weight, I plan on buying some.

How exciting, I LOVE shopping! hehe

LEMON Red Bow Dolly Leather Flats - Size 7

BluesyMod

Mod Yellow Daisy Mini

leasvintage

Vintage 80s Deadstock SATIN Brush Stroke Heels Pumps 7.5

hellcatvintage

1960's vintage RAINBOW disc heels 7

allencompanyinc

Vintage 70s Peach Floral Ruffle Maxi Dress L XL

Erstwhilestyle

Dragon Flower ALYN PAIGE Graphic Black Floral Dress - Small Medium

DJVV

Vintage 70's White Eyelet Sun Dress

MaidenRaptureVintage

70's Crochet POM POM Convertible Mini Dress Gilet Vest

viralthreads

60s EMILIO PUCCI Tulip Print Vintage BRA and PANTIES

modernbohemian

3 pounds down

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

~~~

~I've lost 3 pounds this week~

(9 pounds lost so far)

-17 pounds away from my goal weight~

In my last post about weight loss I talked about leaving out sugar and just drinking water, I had lost 6 pounds that week.

This week has slowed down. I cheated a little :/...

My MIL has started chemo so we've been at her house a lot. There are lots of sugary drinks and food there and I couldn't say no! ooops.

I swear, they're all sugar pushers over there!

I swore I would not be seen in a bathing suit this summer, remember?

I bought a bikini the other day! My hubby says my tummy is much smaller now, eeek!

How exciting!

We bought a massive water slide for my daughter, so I needed a suit of some kind.

I find that bikinis are more flattering on me than a one piece, weird-I know.

I am going to start doing 15 sit ups each morning, starting tomorrow. I know 15 isn't much, but my tummy isn't strong enough for more yet. I did just have a baby....8 months ago.

Did you know that your body continues to burn calories after a work out?

So it's more beneficial to work out early rather than just before bed.

It is recommended that we work out at least 30 minutes, 3 days a week.

But did you know it doesn't have to be all at once?

If you don't have the time or stamina for 30 minutes, try 3 sets of 10 minutes. Sounds easy enough right? 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes before lunch, and 10 minutes before dinner. Though I recommend finishing all 3 10 minute sets before 5PM. This allows time for the post workout calories to keep burning before bedtime.




I don't have time or money to join a gym. A friend and I like to go on walks twice a week, these aren't brisk walks.. We both have 3 year olds who like to slow us down, lol. But something is better than nothing! Remember that next time your being a couch potato.

I have one of these that I use when I can't go out. And I stand in front of the TV! lol






You don't want to discontinue your couch potato throne?

Fine, pick up some 2-5lb. weights and do some curls while watching your favorite show.






I want one of these! You can sit on your couch while pedaling away! Only $30.00 at Target.


See you can be lazy and still work out! Who woulda thunk?

~And now some tips to help on this journey to get fit~

Focus more on getting healthy than losing weight, the pounds will melt off quicker.

Eat small amounts more frequently and slowly.

We are natural grazers, dating back to the caveman days. We were nomadic, picking fruit, herbs and veggies, and butchering animals along the way. Our bodies were made for this kind of eating, not 3 large meals. Grazing will speed up your metabolism.

Eat slowly, give your body time to feel full before you've eaten more than you need.


Eat more naturals-Fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

People can eat just about as much as they want when these are on the menu. Most fruits and veggies are packed with water along with all the vitamins and antioxidants. You'll feel full quicker and with far less the calories from a slice of pie.


Eat more fiber.

Fiber takes longer to digest, making us feel full longer. Fiber also pushes fat through our digestive system quicker so that less of it is absorbed. That's a huge plus in itself!


Put that sugar down!

Firstly, a lot of people forget that the calories,carbs, sugar etc. from drinks do count in the fight to lose weight. er.... be healthy. Don't forget to look at your drink labels!

Sugar causes a spike in our insulin levels, when that spike dwindles away we are left feeling tired and hungry. What happens next? We reach for more sugar hoping for the much needed energy! It's an endless, unhealthy cycle.


Watch out for condiments, they aren't as harmless as they may seem!

Take a glance at the label on your mayonnaise, ketchup, salad dressing, mustard, and so on...
I'll give you a moment to go look. See? I don't think I need to say anymore on that topic.


Are you eating lots of salad but not losing weight?

What are you dressing it with? Not to call out my DH, but he is very guilty of the 2000 calorie salad mistake.

I often find his mixed garden salad piled high with Ranch Salad dressing, salt, pepper, croutons, shredded mozzarella cheese, and olives. This ends up being around 1000 calories (I measured). I've heard of salads that contain more than 2000 calories! That's not a salad! That's sabotage.

I like to eat a mixed garden salad with 2 tsps of Olive oil. That's all. Much better!


I'm going to stop here for today.

I hope some of these tips have helped you in your weight struggle.


I'd love to hear how YOU eat your salads..?

~~~

Remember the Power Colon Cleanse?

I haven't received it yet, but I only ordered it about 2 weeks ago..

I did talk to my bank about the possibilities of getting ripped off. I am covered. The bank will give me my money back and they will pursue this company.

So whether I get this cleanse or not, all is well. And I will try another colon Cleanse.

Both my sister-in-law to be and my male buddy lost some weight from a colon cleanse. I didn't get specifics, unfortunately...

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this product.

Featured Etsian Artist~fivelittlegems

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

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I am in absolute lust over this shop! When I saw her avi in the Etsy forums, I knew she had to be on my blog! Her avi showed off a beautiful beaded wire necklace at the time.
The photos look professional, the lighting and placement is perfect, IMO.
Worthy of being framed upon my wall...

I love all the wire necklaces, but I have to say this one is my favorite.
Which beauty is your favorite?

fivelittlegems

Your store name is cute, how did you create it? It was either that, or 5 little stinkers. I always wanted to name my shop for my children, of which I have 5, and I didn't think the stinkers thing would go over too well in the jewelry world!

You're very talented, when did you discover this talent? Thank you! I've been doing some sort of craft since the day I figured out how to use my hands, I think. I'm sort of a jack of all trades when it comes to crafts. I settled on jewelry because I have a serious jewelry addiction myself and it was so much fun to wear things I had created and have strangers stop me and ask "where did you buy that?" That's the ultimate compliment, I think.

I love your Flower Wire Necklaces, what is your favorite piece? It always seems to be the one I'm currently working on. But if I had to choose a favorite, it would be my "Tanzanite Crystal and Lucite Flower Wire Necklace" because my favorite color is purple.

I see you have a houseful! How do you find time to focus on your craft? Mostly I work on my jewelry and webstore in the evenings after the kids have gone to sleep. I was laid off from a full time job I had been at for 23 years last October when I was on maternity leave with my youngest. It's been both a blessing and a curse, with 7 mouths to feed, but we're hanging in there. Being a full time mom is tough, but it's much more rewarding.

When you're not busy creating beautiful jewelry, what other craft do you enjoy? I love crocheting! I've been making my way through all my family and friends crocheting afghans to keep everyone warm in the cold Ohio winters. It's such a relaxing craft.

If you could do anything, what is the one thing you'd hope to accomplish in your life?

I hope to accomplish a perfect balance between business and pleasure. Right now, things are pretty hectic with 2 teens and 3 little ones under 6 years old. I don't get a whole lot of sleep with all the responsibilities that come with that as well as a jewelry business, but I'm working hard at making it all come together. Oh yeah, and I'd like to spend a few minutes with my husband every once in awhile! Sometimes he gets really neglected around here. But he's a great guy and knows that I love him even when I'm sleeping at my desk.

We know what you love to make for others, but what kind of things do you buy for yourself?

I'm sort of a minimalist in regard to my home and my choice of clothes (except jewelry, of course!). With all these people here, less clutter is a good thing. Plus the kids are constantly growing out of their clothes and wearing out shoes, so most of my spare money goes toward that. One of the things I do indulge in is scrapbook paper! I have hoards of it. I'm a scrapbookaholic. It's tough to squeeze that in, but I'm sure I'll have more time as the kids grow older so I just keep socking away the pictures and quotes and stories for later and buying pretty paper whenever I see it.

Our Fellow Etsians are great people, if you could meet one of them who would it be? It's so tough to choose just one. There are so many wonderful and talented artists on Etsy. But one stands out above all others. EarthGrrrlCrafts. She was the first person to befriend me and lend a helping hand to my clueless self when I joined Etsy. She's always been able to give me a chuckle and knows just when to send a convo if I'm having a bad day. Plus she makes cool jewelry!

Is there an interesting blog that you can recommend to my readers? I haven't had much spare time for following blogs, so I'm afraid I don't have any recommendations at the moment. But I've recently been signing up to follow some great blogs, like yours for instance, so hopefully if I'm asked in the future I'll know just who to recommend!