Organic Skin And Body

Fig Soap > LUSH

Sea Vegetable Soap>LUSH

I Should Coco Soap>LUSH

I also believe in using the very best for your skin and body too. Trader Joe's makes a nice hand milled lavender soap @ $4.95 for a huge chunk that will last a long while and fresh handmade soaps by LUSH work wonders too! So just be more aware what you put in and on your body. Check out these handmade, cruelty free products from Lush, I actually use these and I love the coconut bar with the pieces of coconut at the end because it will make your skin smooth especially great on dry winter feet :) These products are made from like 3 or 4 wholesome ingredients, NO acids and irritants! PURE! I have ultra sensitive skin so I always used good stuff for my face, but I am getting older and the moisture is harder to keep in but the trick is in the exfoliation. LADIES YOU NEED TO EXFOLIATE! or your moisturizer can't get in! My routine works for me but sometimes dullness sets in, but there are going to be those days when you feel worn out, that is what The Body Shop's pink iridescent blush is for! :) In the meantime a wise and wonderful esthetician that I used to work with, told me that it is almost always better to use a pure extra virgin olive oil or 100% pure Aloe as moisturizer, they will only help heal and soothe your skin and I do take that advice. You can also use a yummy smelling apricot oil from Burt's Bees which has to be my favorite because it has such a delicious smell :) LUSH is affordable you get a really big chunk of soap for $8 bucks, and the people who work there are really nice and usually will let you get a little more for your buck :)http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/bath/soap/

They have solid hair soap that lasts a long time and is easier on your hair!

Whole Foods Is It The Best? And If So Why?

I started walking at night again, not for very long but I feel really good and want to keep doing it. I cleared my mind and it was so nice. Right now I am limiting my processed foods, as much as I can. I have been eating lots of vegetables, and This Saturday I am going to the infamous WHOLE FOODS, organic grocery store, I will slowly incorporate seasonal organic vegetables in my diet and the rest will have to be frozen. So I am thinking of picking up spinach and cabbage, carrots, zucchini, and a few potatoes. I can make a wonderful cabbage soups and I don't have to buy big amounts of this higher priced produce, or buy in bulk. Cost DOES matter to me but I will try to shop as smart and as healthy as my budget allows. I am also getting those tupperware sets, and start preparing my food at night. I will also report back on some prices on produce and other goodies. I never really went to Whole Foods so it is kind of like a whole new world for me, but I want to see these amazing results that everyone on an organic lifestyle claim to have found. I have looked in my fridge, and of course right now, there are things in there that aren't that great, so I want to get rid of that stuff too. My whole goal is to loose weight, but I realize it is so much more than just that! I want to have energy throughout my day, I want my skin to be more radiant. I want clarity and focus. I also will get some type of healthy chocolate like maybe some dark chocolate or something good that isn't bad for me. I also want to look for a healthy sugar substitute, for when I do indulge in my cappuccinos and rich hot chocolate..............I use Equal now, but I am sure there are more natural products I can use. On a good note, I think that the non processed foods will naturally have less sugar and additives so just that will get me on my way. My sugar sometimes goes so low and then I get dizzy and have to eat anything sweet to make myself feel better which are lots of empty calories. Also watch what you eat when you watch TV, I like to snack at this time too and I need a crunchy healthy snacks LOL and not raw veggies too much of that stuff makes me sick :) I think that for me I will prepare my meals a night before and tupperware them for the next day including three small but tasty and healthy snacks and maybe 4 small meals, I have to see what is going to work for me, I also do not want to be a slave to healthy living either, so if I can simplify and make my life easier. Right now, I am researching Organic Living, and the benifits, so I am reading and googling lots, and I will report back my findings.

Check out this blog http://www.vegetarianorganicblog.com/

There is also a recipe for buttered squash, we should broaden our food horizons and vary our grains,vegetables and fruits. Amira writes some really great articles on diet, exercise and eating healthy. These pics are from her blog.

This looks so good!

Be The Change.........Even If You Take Babysteps

Whoa! I went to look for this book, and it is hard to get because so many are bidding on it which is good because people are interested and aware. The book is a tinge expensive at $24 S+H but I think it is worth it to have as a reference especially as these concepts and food choices are not really known by most people unless you a re a vegan or really living healthy already, in that case how lucky are you that are in the know! The rest of the world will catch up eventually :) I think it will be when women take over these corporations, I am by no means a man hater but women are so much more about the love and happiness aspect of things, in my opinion.................we all know there are exceptions to the rule Mommy Dearest but still, even on the Oprah show it was a women who was in the Big Biz of raising chickens blew the whistle allowing cameras inside to see just how deplorable the conditions that poor chickens endure....................she even said things have to change. I hope maybe people who can will take the steps needed to change for the better BABY STEPS! The journey of 1,000 miles begins with just one step (Confusious) Anyways if you don't have the cash for the book right now, like me, because I had to get some jewelry supplies :)you can still take a look online and see a few of the things you need. I am going to Baby step my way, and for a gal who DOES eat meat, occasionally I am choosing to buy grain fed meat so that once or twice a month when I do eat meat it will be more tasty and less fatty and lean and have no hormones and antibiotics that can have an adverse affect on me. I have been getting whole wheat pasta so that is a baby step change already. The milk I happen to like is full fat milk by Tuscons, it comes in the red container................Martha makes her cappuccinos with it because it is creamy and gets really foamy it's good for me. Find what is good for you!

http://www.ecorazzi.com/2010/01/27/oprah-shows-you-silverstones-vegan-shopping-list/

Check out the list and more about what Oprah was saying on her eye opening show "Where does your food come from?"

The List

Follow Your Heart cheese

VegenaiseEarth Balance butter

Field Roast sausages

Tempeh bacon

Sunrise chocolate chips malt

Annie’s Naturals Goddess organic salad dressing

Brown rice penne pasta

Organic olive oil

Balsamic vinegar

Gardein Chick’n Scallopini (meatless)

Amy’s Organics soups

Whole grain rice

Organic EdenBlend

Rice & Soy Beverage

Hemp milk

Leafy greens

Maple syrup as a sugar alternative

Rice Dream Mud Pie (Mint is Alicia’s favorite)

Whole grains

Newman’s Own Organics

Dairy-Free Newman-O’s cookies

Luna Bar (Alicia likes the chocolate peppermint stick flavor

Alicias recipe for Peanut Butter Cookies

http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/recipes/chocolate-peanut-butter-cups-recipe

PLEASE READ THIS! BE AWARE/ YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!

Let's go to The Green Market! I used to sell my handmade wreaths there and all of their vendors either make/ farm their own food products! Let's all Go Green!

Farm Free Range Chickens..............Isn't this what it is supposed to be like?

In India, cows are revered and protected. Why can't we be more consciences of how our own cows are raised? After all you are what you eat, so if the meat was filled with all kinds of antibiotics and hormones, and we eat that meat, aren't we also consuming all those nasty things that no one tells you about, because it is bad for business? Think about it! Corporations are playing and the joke is on us.

Did anyone else catch the Oprah show yesterday? Watch Food Ink!!!! I knew this was going on but really WTF! Large corporations looking only at their bottom line are contributing to Americans heavier bottoms. They fill our food with all sorts of stuff that are unrecognizable by name, which means if your great grandma would not recognize it as food then DO NOT EAT IT!!!! I want to loose weight and have started my own little regimen, but I am so disheartened, I want to be healthy, but unless you really start making everything from scratch again, basically the rest is shit for your body!!! This is why I love Martha and for a long time she has been saying that animals had to be farm raised and grain/grass fed although I know she is big into animal rights, I thought it was only because these large corporations abuse animals we have all seen that awful footage where the cow is run over by the overzealous and cruel man driving the tractor........SIGH........... anyways it wasn't just about the way they treat the animals it is also for us. They feed these animals corn byproduct, and the animals get sick because that would not be a cow's normal diet so they pump the animals with antibiotics. But what happens when you use the same ol' antibiotics over time? The animals become immune and get sick and we eat this "sick" meat because the cost is right. It is true that meat in general is cheaper today because they also "engineer" chickens and it isn't as full as nutrients as they were in the good ol' days. I remember my grandmother telling me how they use to raise their own chickens to eat and as a kid I was like Oh God I think that is crazy, but know as an adult I realize maybe we have to go back to a simpler times, where the animals were raised in the wild eating grains and such. I think it is an abuse of an animals and an abuse of us the American people. We are not waste bins that should be given all the left over shit which is horrible for our health and our bodies. Yeah if we go back we might have to Oh my god wait for our food because it may not be right there all the time, although when you did get a chicken or red meat it may actually be what it is supposed to be! I am of French descent and I can tell you this seems like an abomination to them! I am not saying anyone is perfect but my french family go to the market a few times a week and eat fresh and healthy. Industrialized food systems are not good for us they are now 80% in charge of meat production now as opposed to 20% in the 70's! It is true and so sad. I don't know about you all but for me, I am going to be aware. I really don't eat red meat often, but I am going to start eating more Organic vegetables and when I do eat meat it will be Grass Fed Beef.............. No more corn fed sick meat!!! I like the fact that either way you can pay more for your groceries or pay the doctor later?

Alicia Silverstone wrote the book called The Kind Diet, which focuses on a more healty way of being

I am going to check this out and tell you what I find out. I was contemplating on going on Jenny Craig to loose weight, but after seeing this documentary and seeing how all our food is so processed I don't think it is right for me. I am going to find more places where the key is organic. Whole Foods is where to go, # Pay for food or pay the doctor later! Think this way and why shouldn't you have the best, especially when it goes in your body! We buy the best clothes we can and the best makeup or art supplies we can so why not the best food we can, Right? Add whole grain rice, rice milk, leafy greens,maple syrup instead of sugar! I am going to try this type of diet for a month starting in February 1. I always say that it isn't all about weight for me, it is getting back to a more healthy and the best I can be ME! Oprah is wonderful and Martha is too because they bring these topics to light! We all need to start a revolution a Food Revolution!!

This is where my mind is at now LOL I never knew that organic could look sooo good :)

BUY ORGANIC VEGETABLES THAT ARE FREE FROM CHEMICALS, YOU DON'T WANT YOUR KIDS EATING PESTICIDES, HELL, I WOULDN'T WANT MY DOGIE TO GO NEAR THESE CHEMICALS IN A FIELD............... BUT WE EAT THEM? ARE WE INSANE!!!! WE AS WOMEN DO HAVE THE POWER OF WHERE WE CHOOSE TO SHOP, LET'S PUT THESE GREEDY CORPORATE ASSHOLES OUT OF BUSINESS! LET'S ALL START TOGETHER AND EAT BEEF FREE FROM HORMONES AND CRUELTY!

I am pms-ing so forgive me, but look this yummy stuff is organic and that means whats in there is really supposed to be in there, no substitutes, I imagine it will be a bit to get used to. I think of it like if you had high blood pressure and had to get the sodium down, the taste buds need to readjust. You would still do it because of helth reasons so what is the difference?

I will be wearing this beautiful head piece for a special Valentines evening

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bethanylorelle

I passed my test! I am happy to say that I already have a few contacts that may be able to help me find a private care case, we will see what will happen

I will start to do flea markets on the weekends beginning in April/May so this is a very exciting moment for me because this is my Dream to have a successful business........... I once had been doing fleas at one point every weekend and did really well, so once you have that taste of your Dream Come True it has been hard for me to not want more. The economy has been terrible and so this should give me more incentive and time to create something wonderful for myself. So at this moment, I will go into art overdrive and try to make all my stuff for the flea market. I found a few new places to sell. I would love to sell my jewels in Manhattan, but most places are really expensive to rent the space. I am trying to think in terms of how a Hairdresser operates where you rent a chair for a week or so, and see if that is a profitable location. I just have to get out of my own way. I will update soon and I will post pics of my new stuff and adventures along the way :)

Prayers For Haiti

Taking a test tomorrow, so I can get my certification/license in the nursing field again. I am only going to work part time as a nursing assistant right now because I am gearing up to make crafting my primary business. I realize you get what you put in, and as I always put all my love into making my jewelry or paintings, I suck at marketing so I will work on that in the New Year. On a serious note, my heart and prayers go out to all the families who lost loved ones in Haiti. Let's send them all our love and prayers. I can't imagine tragedy like this, and to think I had the nerve to bitch and complain about any aspect of my life is absurd! I have been working on that and I even Thank God every night as I lay in my warm, comfortable bed that I appreciate all that I have and my life and since my thinking has changed I have felt even more blessed. I made this change, a change to choose joy not despair. These poor people in Haiti, sleep in the street huddled together hungry, thirsty, and overwhelmed by the loss of loved ones. I think Americans need to be more appreciative in general to what we do have. I think we should all have to travel to these poor devastated countries and stay there for a week and when we come back to our own US we would realize. I was at fault for this "bratty" behavior as well, but I changed all that. My mother was born in North Africa and my family lived there for many years and believe me the stories I heard sound crazy as an American born citizen, but I promise you what always comes across in all the stories, is how happy they were because of the strong bond of community and they were very in touch with old cultures, fresh foods they were happy with practically nothing. I know that the people in Haiti will come back stronger than before because of their spirit. Anyways tragedies like these really make one appreciate our own lives doesn't it. Also it was nice to see that our President Obama, reacted so quickly to try to help the people in Haiti unlike the Bushster who had let's just say a delayed reaction. Kudos to President Obama!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I wanted to wish all my girls a great New Year's Day

I love that this can be a new beginning

Your past should never be forgotten but you should always move forward

don't let your past hold you back

even your mistakes have helped

shape who you are and who you still want to be

reinvent yourself

MERRY MERRY

I had a great time over the Christmas holiday and I can't wait for New Year's Eve! I am going to see more family that I haven't seen in a while! I got so many lovely and thoughtful gifts including a GPS for my new car :) Baking pans and all sorts of goodies to bake with. Nice cozy socks and pajamas and even liqueur! Yummy :) A gorgeous bag and cuff watch from an etsy shop named Moxie and Oliver

http://www.etsy.com/shop/moxieandoliver

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

THE SCHOOL YARD SNOWMAN SAYS HELLO :)

This Christmas since money is extremely tight especially after our car purchase that I am making the most delicious cookies in cellophane and the gift of a great book. I think nothing can beat a Chocolate chip cookie and snuggling up and reading something wonderful! I saw the whole Twilight book series, but they were too much at like $80 but that may be something to snag after Christmas, if it's on sale. I lost another pound which is great, and my mom and hubby are starting to notice and that makes me feel awesome! I used to be hot, I always say now, holding my round belly and laugh, and hopefully I will get to that place where I am more comfortable with me. I don't take my weight that seriously, I just think it is time to be more healthy. I wish it would snow on Christmas Day because we will be home that day and it would be so magical.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

XOXO

MICHELE

Love & Luck

Smells so good and I am picky when it comes to scents! This one is fresh and clean and I got just the perfume without all the other hoopla for only $30! The whole gift set is like $85 and I really don't like lotions other than good ol Aveeno for my sensitive skin so I thought why spend extra.

Our New Car ............... Finally!

( Not my car just a picture of how my car looks, my car is minty green )

We got a beautiful Hyundai Sonata LX, this is what the car looks like. It has all the little luxury features! I was just soooooo happy it has heat!!! Our car did not have any of that frivolous nonsense LOL It was so nice driving, so smooth a ride and it looks really classy too! It has leather interior and the seats are nice and high. I have to get those waterproof mats to protect the floor part because its beige. The color of our car is a like a shimmering mint green, it was a limited edition color and I think it is so pretty because it shimmers!

Working Time & Baking Time

I need to start separating work time from home time. Right now I am not working which will change soon { I am waiting on taking my NYS license exam as a nursing assistant } I just want to set and keep a certain time that I work in my studio. It has been a week since my wisdom's were taken out and I think 15 pounds later, I am starting to feel better, it wasn't just a normal extraction for the bottom right tooth it was really infected and it was so painful that the pain meds weren't helping. I feel okay now, but eating is really slow going. Anyways that is why right now I am pretty much a professional lounger LOL I think that I will start baking next week, I bought a really cool cupcake pan, and want to make cupcakes for the holidays. Cupcakes with icing that's like a ganach and strawberries. I also may make a Tiramisu cake :) I know everyone will love that or I think maybe Tirimisu cupcakes! I am going to look for a recipe! I also like Nigella Lawson's Fairy cakes which are lighter than air cupcakes. I have her book "How To Be A Domestic Goddess" It has everything in there even recipes for meals and they are not complicated or fussy. This is where all the amazing cupcake recipes are at

http://www.cupcakerecipe.net/labels/Chocolate%20Cupcakes.html

MICHELE IN WONDELAND

I was thinking something like this over the dress

My grown up inspired "Alice" dress that I will have made by this fantastic Etsian

http://www.etsy.com/shop/missbrache

I am not sure I am bold enough to wear these striped stockings! I am planning a party for me and my husbands 5 year Anniversary! Since I love Alice In Wonderland, so much I wanted to have fun with this whole thing and do like a little theme :) Chris liked the idea too, so that's what we are doing. My family has a huge yard and I want to get a big tent and set up tables and chairs with beautiful bows and flowers everywhere! I want to do small tea lights in shimmering white glass votives and have ornate black candlesticks. I also saw something where twinkling lights were put on the sides for added romance and the sides were able to be drawn for privacy. Sort of like The Mad Hatters Tea Party!

We never had a wedding, so we thought it would be sweet and special to plan something we both can remember and have fun with. There will only be like 10 or so people so it will be really doable, I hope. I saw fun invitations on Etsy that I am considering and also a few ideas about what I want to wear and what the hubby wants to wear. We were thinking of matching navy blue silk dress for me and button down blue navy shirt for him.............. with some red accents like a petticoat in red under my dress to make the dress a bit puffy and a matching red boutonniere for Chris shirt. Such Fun! I can't wait! I want to surprise my Love with a new and blingy diamond wedding band! With a beautiful inscription only meant for us to know :) He will flip! I want him to feel special, I mean after all the man does love me and puts up with my antics!!!! So in laue of this absolutely breathtaking gift of blinged out love................ I also want to get perhaps a gag gift, I am not sure what yet, but it is a good crowd who loves to laugh so it will have to be good :)

For My Love

I was going to bake a super huge cupcake with chocolate mousse and strawberries all over with chocolate strawberry icing and a little stick in the center that says EAT ME soooo cute and swizzle sticks that say DRINK ME oooohhhhh and the table cloth will be red with a few playing cards here and there

Check out these yummies!

http://www.foodbuzz.com/blogs/1182317-go-ask-alice-alice-in-wonderland-cupcakes-

I need to find Alice pics for my cupcakes! I will put them all in a sealed baggie as a favor and whom ever finds Alice gets a prize!

How I Am Feeling Now

Teeth are still swollen although I felt ok during the day, the night was a different story which is why I am up! Tomorrow I will feel like this again!

I love this movie Ever After!

Three Out!!!

Three wisdoms out today! I am in some pain but it's more a throbbing from where I had the infection. I will be fine its just that I can't eat anything right now! LOL I love to eat so that's the hardest thing LOL I will hopefully do some art stuff when I feel better :) Talk to you all soon my lovely artsy ladies

Getting Wisdom Teeth Out/ Have You Gotten Your Wisdom Teeth Out?

I have been so uncomfortable for the past week! I am suffering from a wisdom tooth infection! AHHHH it is a constant pain that only subsides when I take a vicadin! Before this I only took Tylenol occasionally so for me, I feel very groggy which I don't like but it beats the throbbing pain! I have oral surgery next week to take 3 out of the 4 wisdom's out because the one is in pain and infected and the two on the upper part of my mouth cause my teeth to shift so it may be only a matter of time that they will hop on to another tooth's nerve, lovely right? I will be sedated so my doc says why not get them all out because it will be cheaper and why go through another surgery, I tend to agree. So I will be going this Tuesday morning, I think the surgery will be like 2 hours and then I will wake up have my hubby drive me home so I can rest. I guess I will be on pain killers for a while, and I was told that I have to eat soft foods and pretty much liquids for 24 hrs which is fine by me................. even now I lost a few pounds because obviously when your in pain really in pain you don't care if your eating. Yogurt and soup is pretty much it for the last week. Did anyone else ever have their wisdom teeth taken out if so, tell me what it was like! Thanks all, Michele

Upstate For Thanksgiving!

Well I had a long weekend with my husband, and family and it was really wonderful!!!! We went upstate but couldn't go too far into the woods because it is hunting season. We ate so much! My husband played cards for hours with my family and I have to learn to play Poker next! I can't wait till Christmas so I can do it all again!

Applications! Some Jewels On Display

My old booth in Florida I used to set it up every weekend! I started out making wreaths and simple glass necklaces that sold really well. I was steps from the beach! Those were the days. Some glass jewelry that I made. Some awesome earrings too!

I got all my paperwork for the renewal of my license Yay! Getting paid biweekly here I come. It will be nice to return to getting a semi decent paycheck ( I used to make almost 2,000 a month) which isn't too bad! Cna's definitely don't always have it made, most days you need to be physically and mentally tough, I am a sensitive person and had to take some time away to recharge.............. but I think this is a job that I need that will give me flexibility and will allows me to go further because most facilities will pay for school. I have so many things I want to do I will just do it one day at a time one step at a time. When you are financially secure their are many more options and directions you can go in. I am taking some jewelry classes in January and by that time I should have all my crap together and be working already. I usually try to get the 7-3 shift, which is a bit more difficult than the others in my opinion (I have done them all) but of course it is wonderful, because you are out by 3! LOL You have the whole day still to yourself. We'll see what happens. I also would like to do more shows and get back to doing them every weekend like I used to, so much fun and that was my job my Dream job come true, then I moved back to NY and it is way harder to do all these fun shows because they are soooo expensive and I have to have all this paperwork which of course leads to even more money out the window into the governments pocket, but anyways I think in order to truly live to my full potential I have to try again to make my Dreams work!

Blondie & Feather Bands

I was a brunette but wanted to play a Blondie for a little while. 9/10 times I hate the way pics look of me but I like these, probably because they are a bit airy fairy or whimsical if you will. My hair does look better when it was done but who the hell has an hr to blow out the hair everyday. I usually use hot rollers they work wonders!

I made some art today including a really cool head band, I am not quite done yet with it but it already looks good. I really love Hair Jewels, I usually make them myself but there were a few I saw on Etsy that I just had to get my hands on!!!

What can I say I guess I have a little show girl in me............Don't we all :)

Dreaming up my next art project :)

This will be customized with an M, of course!

This is for New Years, I already have plans, but I have a bigger and sparklier rhinestone that I want to add :)

Sometimes I just can't resist, I think these would look great with a nice pair of jeans and an aubergine velour blazer that I have...............perfect for date night with the hubby :)

Feathery Head Bands &Taking Care Of Stuff

Not much going on today, I am just drinking some cafe and then I will be working on my closet today............. I vowed to look cute even when I am at home alone and no one can see me, but I see me and when you feel good, I swear you become more motivated. No more ugly, stained, old sweats in the house. I got a few pairs of inexpensive leggings and I wear them with these sweet hot pink slipper boots. I feel pretty wearing stuff like that, and I also am a sucker for comfort. What the hell is the point of this life if you are going to hoard all the good stuff for special occasions or for this or that.............. wouldn't that be really sad if we became ill or worse yet died and then wouldn't be able to enjoy them anymore? I think so! So let's all realize as much and move in the right direction ladies. I also believe that when you do buy something beautiful, take care of it, I hate when I see people not taking care or their stuff and just think everything is so replaceable. Today I will be cleaning all my boots with shoe polish, and repairing and sewing 2 pairs of pants. I also want to make my own one of a kind headband for my hair. I got some feathers so I will see if I can do this myself, if not I am getting my headband from this shop! LOL This Etsy shop has some wonderful items for the hair at great prices, go take a look for yourself :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LovMely

SKIN LOVE

The Micro delivery Exfoliating Wash from Philosophy is spectacular! The Cinnamon Bun body gel makes you crave cookies LOL Love it! http://www.philosophy.com/

I am getting back into a healthy lifestyle so the smell of sweets is enough for me, no more processed sugars for me. I am taking care of myself these days, hence the actual spending time and money on myself......... Oh yes I did :) and I do NOT feel guilty..... I feel good and it has motivated me to look in the mirror and pull myself together and want to achieve my goals because I deserve to. I got my hair did, oh yes, it looks great, I am now a Drew Barrymore blond, same haircut as this month's InStyle cover. I got some cool new trinkets with skully love that I posted and I am going to get some new makeup next week to go with my new cool colored hair. I have loved Benefit cosmetics for years now and love their foundation play sticks, they are the best because they are light and cream, my color is spin-the-bottle. For a soft glow, use Hoola bronzer blush. I always used their lip stain benetint too, which is another great product http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/

We Want A Camper!!!!!!!!!

My husband and I both need some adventure in our lives so we are working toward getting a camper!!!! And it was HIS idea!!!! I always thought it would be cool to just pick up and go.......... and yeah if ya know me well enough you know that I always wanted to live in wide open spaces :) We have seen some really nice trailers that had like two bedrooms and all that hoopla but they cost like 50,000+, we don't need all that, we just want a clean, safe place to eat, sleep and shower while we are on our hiking and antiquing get aways. So some trailers aren't that expensive, and I have seen some really nice used trailers for like $10,000. Check out some cool ones here http://coachmenrv.com/ We figure it will be a good way to go on more getaways and in the long run save some money. We love exploring new places and I just find the idea of sitting by a fire in the middle of nowhere healing :) Especially living in the city. I wonder if financing is available for trailers, I mean, probably right? After all it is like buying a vehicle, but better :)

Another Skull Cuff For Me

Skulls Skulls Skulls!

I also got this cuff, that I thought was different from http://www.etsy.com/shop/BellaLili

I am also going to make my own skully earrings with these

Upstate Serenity & Wonderful Etsy Artists

My weekend upstate was beautiful and relaxing. No TV/phones/computers! I was so happy with no distractions. I went 4 wheeling with the husband, hiked by the stream, talked about life by the waterfall, ate steaks and shrimp for dinner, you really can't get much better than that. Me and my husband have decided to fix up the house we are in right now instead of moving because besides the fact that it is hard getting a job right now but the home is close to everything and rent and bills are somewhat manageable here. We want to go ahead and get a nice economical truck where we can make trips more often upstate. We have found a Bed and Breakfast or two, that were not too expensive in the Catskills and we both would like to go there more often. My husband and I want to learn archery, we thought that would be something we both liked to do. He wants to go hunting with my dad and the boys which I think is good for him to have some stress relief, we all need our space. For Christmas, I want to get him a bow and arrow set. I also think this trip helped my self esteem too, there was some soul searching and I found what I was looking for....finally. I am going to put some more effort in my arts and crafts business and quit my weekend job and get something during the week. I thought I had found my dream job a few weeks ago and let's just say it turned out to be a nightmare!

Anyways I got my Christmas gifts early this year, I picked them out and the hubby got them for me but I can't have em till Christmas I will show ya. I love this bag so I had to get it! It is handmade and hand painted! I will have roses and sugar skulls on mine! Can you believe how great these are :) My cuff will just be darker and have more roses. Check them out, they have the most beautiful leather goods there http://www.etsy.com/shop/moxieandoliver

I also got another amazing item which is a Day of The Dead necklace, and 2 pairs of customized earrings with skulls and roses and hearts, I also got 2 pendants, one with a skull and wings the other a heart with wings, see a theme here LOL ................... I seem to be drawn to sugar skulls and roses, and winged creatures these days, one of my favorite bands of all time is Guns N Roses so after all it seems appropriate :) Anyways check out these awesome ceramic creations here, http://www.etsy.com/shop/gaea She is sooo talented just look at the beads and jewelry in her shop. She also has a color chart with all the different color washes for her fired ceramic pieces. I find what she does very interesting. I wish she taught an art class!

I made these and I they smell wonderful also! I spray my arrangements with apple and cinnamon spray :)

Upstate This Weekend!

So we really are going on a mini vacation upstate. I am soooo happy! My mom is going to look after my little furies, and watch the house for me. Hiking and fresh air. Nothing else really going on, I will be packing tomorrow and need to get some fleece pants.

Tooth Problems

I have been in so much PAIN the last 2 nights with a horrible tooth ache.............I had to actually go to the dentist! Which was overdue for me anyways. I need a root canal YAY FUN! I have a broken tooth. I never had one before, my teeth were always pretty good so I am on antibiotics to lessen the infection and in about a week I go back for the joyous root canal! I guess what I am most afraid of is the needle, but I am glad that I will be out of my misery soon, and I know there are worse things LOL I think I will make a tooth fairy painting in honor of the whole tooth hoopla :) I can't wait for this weekend, I am going upstate for the weekend,a whole weekend to just mellow out and clear my head of the noise. I hope the weather holds up I plan to go hiking in the woods and drinking coffee by the fireplace and to hang out with my family around a fire pit eating marshmallows :)

All Saints Day Remember The Ones That Passed

I Will Always Love You............. You were the ones who were always there and who loved me so much without any limits. You were so good to me that it is hard at times to connect with others because no one could ever take your place and be to me what both of you were. You listened to me and all my crazy schemes and you thought I was entrepreneurial and artsy instead of flaky and crazy like every one else in the family. I learned allot since you are gone,most of which at times is somewhat negative, sometimes people do not have the purest intentions, you both protected me from that, but you taught me really well, so I am still OK just it seems that the color in my world dulled a little since you guys left for Heaven, by the way thanks for the dreams, they really helped me..... The Cadillac was a nice touch LOL I still miss you guys so much and I know that will never change for as long as I live. I love you both so much.

Halloween Soul Cakes

This Halloween I will be working till 8 pm, which sucks, so as soon as I get home I will change into my pj's and cuddle with the hubby and watch scary movies. I heard from Sting, who was on the View today his new song Soul Cake is a song about what people in England used to do for Halloween. The people baked Soul cakes, for loved ones passed, and the poor would beg for the cakes in exchange for praying for the lost souls. Obviously souls can't eat cakes

All My Fav Artists & Using Skulls In Art

CATRINA LLORONA

I got some cool stuff today at the craft store. I got skull heads AND actual whole mini skeletons, 5 inches in length 6 in a pack! I figure those will be perfect for my shrines. I can't wait till all the Halloween stuff goes on clearance and then I will stock up on bats and creepy crawlies LOL I just want to glitter the hell out of everything! Is that normal? LOL These skulls and macabre decorations really appeal to my dark side just as much as pretty girl paintings and cupcakes in pinks :) I also got some barrette blanks so I will make some skull love for my hair, some mini glittered skulls in the middle if some black feathers. I finished some clay projects and I have to take the pics to show ya how cute they came out! http://www.mysticvoodoo.com/day_of_the_dead_altar_art.htm#Day_of_the_Dead_Altars_ this site has a tutorial on making your own altars, it may be a little different to what you may have thought. CASTILLO FAMILY

CASTILLO FAMILY

I like to share with you all some of the artist who inspired me, I always give them the credit they deserve which is why I mention them in the first place, to share their brilliance! I have a blog for me, it's cool if you like my blog, but it is really for me. My way of reaching out and connecting with the world especially like minded artsy folk :) It is my artistic journal and sometimes personal confident where I share what I am inspired by or what I am doing or feeling at the time. I don't really care about how many followers I have, or writing every day to keep up with the Jones, hell I have no use for texting either, and I am NOT on facebook. I am just a nice artsy girl who enjoys looking and the feeling of making cool art using cool shit :)

I also love this issue of Somerset Studio, there are so many cool things, I LOVE the Article/ Art, by Lisa Kaus,http://www.lisakaus.com/index.htm she used a dirty pink, warm green, olive to create a few boxes and good God they are so flicking fabulous and its only with three colors! A while back while searching for some hardware at Home Depot, I passed by the paint section and saw three paints just sitting there already mixed and on their way into oblivion, so I asked if I could buy them and they came out to like $1.00 each! The colors were a shabby pink, cream, and the loveliest turquoise blue. I was so happy and now I am inspired to create something wonderful with my own palette :) Just look at Lisa's work!

LISA KAUS

LISA KAUS

Also there was another artist in there that I LOVE Suzi Blu, http://suziblu.ning.com/ I love all her classess and have taken them all! LOL I like that type of shabby, cool, grungy, art. I like art stuff and feeling a texture on a painting. I learned to really look at my art supplies in a new way.................... and it has been awesome :) So go out there my art peeps and try some new stuff, I certainly cannot wait for tomorrow, where I have an art date, with myself even if you are a Miss Busy Bee, you can spare 15 minutes to glitter or draw something at least twice a week, whatever start small...........but start :) The TV is not your friend it will suck time and brain power out of your life, and I am right there with ya being a TV Zombies

SUZI BLU

Color Baby

I Think These Are Really Whimsical

I Love Earrings! You Can Even Wear These To Work & Play

I Shall Art

I have a few projects that I will do this week, and I hope to finish at least half of them by the end of the week which I think is doable :)

Make beautiful and sparkly flower clips, headbands, tequila rose doll, spider and bug clips

I also made a cute clay doll that will have move able arms and legs so she needs to be painted and a few other things need to be repaired. Here are some jewels that I just finished

Island Beauties Of Summer

I was trying to find some inspiration so I was going through some of my old pictures, and I saw some great ones of a family trip to the Islands (St Thomas) and in all the pictures everyone just looked so happy! So it made me happy too and then it made me long to be there once more so I did some art that reminded me of my beautiful moments on that piece of paradise of days long past.

My Baby Magic Is Growing

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Look at me! LOL

Yes Yes I Am A Pretty Boy :)

My name is Magic and I am about 3 months old and I love my new home, I get treats, lots of love and I enjoy long naps in the sunshine. I have a sister and a brother to play with too! Life here is wonderful and I think my mom is going to make me wings for Halloween. My brother is going to be piglet from Winnie The Poo and my big sister who I love chasing around is going to be a Princess. I hope I get lots of kitty treats, I always do and sometimes I get so hungry and eat my brother and sisters treats, even Mom's waffles once, hee hee I just get sooo hungry! I wish all my relatives ate so well. I will come back to update you all on how great we all looked for Halloween! Love you all XOXOX Magic

More Ideas For Skulls

Drill a hole in the skull and all tea lights for an eerie effect.

Paint the skulls with all different color glitters and make them like sugar skulls with flowers all over them

Velvety red roses strewn all over black glittery skulls that have flickering candles

I was thinking maybe using the skull as the base for an eerie arrangement of foliage

The pics were taken from this wonderful website. Look at these sweet earrings! http://www.mexicansugarskull.com/

They have it all!!!! Jewelry,bags and recipes to make your own sugar skulls from meringue