How to clean the saddle springs on a bicycle.

Upon trying to clean these springs/coils, whatever you call them, I got to a point where I thought "I will never be able to get to the inside"! So I did some research online thinking there had to be a video on how to clean these things! Well, I had no such luck. Lucky for me, I have a handy husband and father-in-law. With those two they were able to come up with a way to clean the inside! I decided to post this so if someone else like me were in this situation could follow this blog on how to clean them on the inside.

I don't know the names for half the stuff they used, but the pictures explain themselves really. They secured the springs inside with the nuts and pulled them apart securing them in a way it stayed uncoiled. Making it much easier to get in the inside.

 Though we still couldn't get in the inside with the tool, we had to use good ol' sandpaper. What you do is tear off a small, skinny piece and loop it around the inside of the coil. Then you sand the inside of the coil as if you were polishing the bottom of your shoe with a towel in a back and forth motion. Since the rust ruined the chrome, we decided to use the spraypaint chrome. I know it probably devalues it, but I don't plan on selling it and it's cheaper and will protect it from rusting again.

So I hope this helps those of you who may be wondering how the heck to derust the inside of those pesky coils!

Throw out your scale NOW!

Please pardon the no make up and sock bun! I'm multitasking by cleaning the house and doing laundry. Anyway! Wow! I have been doing the modified Britney workout for about 2 weeks now. 5 days a week. I have GAINED a pound but lost 1/2 in. So I weigh 146 now. I have been doing 150 - 200 crunches a day depending on when Anya wakes up. Flutter kicks and hip raises along with arm workouts. I have been doing about 10 min before and 10 to 20 min after depending on when Anya wakes up. I just had to share this with those of you struggling with the scale. I'm telling you now to throw it out!!  Bring out a taoe measure and do workouts where you rotate between cardio and strength. Also I learned to EAT BREAKFAST! If you don't, your body will go into starvation mode and turn everything you eat into fat! Just had to share my mini achievement with you. I was pretty excited. :)

Large Vintage Projects! 1959 Schwinn Bike and Glider Swing

Our old lake house that my great grandfather built is up for sale. It's aweful since we have had so many memories at the cabin. It was broken into a couple weeks ago and they took all the copper out from under the house and my grandmother's planters that were out front. Why would someone steal planters?? Anyway, Wes and I asked my grandmother if it was ok to go and get some things that we would like. She said yes and to get pretty much whatever. I didn't get a whole lot of things because a lot of it I don't feel like is mine to have. I took the glider swing (above), the old dinner bell, my great grandmother's sewing box, some old books, an oversized decorative key to hang on the wall, old tools, a fishing pole, gravy boat, coffee cups that Wes liked, those heavy irons people used to use, and my great grandmother's 1959 Fair Lady Schwinn Bike!

When I got home I decided I wanted to strip down the swing and stain it back to it's original self. The swing has been at the lake house for as long as anyone can remember and has always been white. Well, once I started stripping it down I realized it's got about a million layers of paint on it. Green being the original color. So needless to say it's going to take me a long time. I think it will look great once I'm done though. I'm not sure what I want to stain it yet. I've got a while to think about it!

Here is my great grandmother's schwinn bike. I have done some research on it and cannot find any like it with the rack on the back with the reflectors on it. I know women's bikes arent really worth anything. (I learned that from American Pickers!) Though I do want to fix it up and keep it for myself. It just looks too awesome not to and most importantly it belonged to my great grandmother. I would love to keep it in the family and pass it down! Anyone have any other information on the bike I don't know already?? I would love to hear it!

The back rack with the reflectors.

It's really not in that bad of shape considering it's been under the lake house for who knows how long! It needs some new tires and a chain and a little elbow work and it should look fabulous! I am also looking for a headlight to go with it.

What projects are you working on?

Britney Spears Official Workout - and a modified version

I am going to share with you a workout I found Via. Pinterest! I looooooove me some pinterest! When I first saw it I though "Right, I would never be able to do a workout Britney did". Well, it sparked my interest and I followed the link. It brought me to this blog. http://tiny-miss-k.tumblr.com/post/5413731336/the-britney-spears-workout . I will list the workout here and then post a modified version if you're just starting out on it like myself. You don't want to work yourself too hard at first because you will get burnt out on it. Been there, done that. Work slow at first and work your way up every week or even every two weeks. If you don't have a treadmill you can jog in place or if your place is big enough run around the house in circles. As long as your moving, you're good!  Also, if you have the Wii Fit, there is a workout to jog in place.

90 minutes/4x a week

Warm up: 10 minutes on cardiovascular machine (treadmill, stationary bike, etc) at a medium pace.
Abs: 50 crunches, 50 bicycle twists, 50 hip raises
Strength Circuit: Use weights to work on arms, chest, back, and lower body. Bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, and fly exercises and presses.
Abs: 50 crunches, 50 bicycle twists, 50 hip raises
Strength Circuit: Use weights to work on arms, chest, back, and lower body. Bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, and fly exercises and presses.
Abs: 50 crunches, 50 bicycle twists, 50 hip raises
Strength Circuit: Use weights to work on arms, chest, back, and lower body. Bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, and fly exercises and presses.
Abs: 50 crunches, 50 bicycle twists, 50 hip raises
Back to Cardio & Abs: 30 minutes of jogging on treadmill or elliptical machine
Abs: 150 crunches, 150 bicycle twists, 150 hip raises (Do each 3 times)

That's a whopping total of 1950 ab exercises

DONT FREAK OUT!  Here's a modified version I did to start out with.

Warm up: 10 minutes on cardiovascular machine (treadmill, stationary bike, etc) at a medium pace.
Abs: 50 crunches, 50 hip raises ( I really reccomend doing crunches on a yoga ball. It seems to work out your whole stomach)
Strength Circuit: Use weights to work on arms (only did my arms. I alternated between biceps and triceps 20 reps each. The hip raises from before really work out your legs and butt. You'll know what I mean when you do them!)
Abs: 50 crunches, 50 hip raises
Strength Circuit: Use weights to work on arms.
Abs: 50 crunches, 50 hip raises
Strength Circuit: Use weights to work on arms
Back to Cardio & Abs: 10 minutes of walking at a fast pace on treadmill or elliptical machine (I would have walked longer but Anya woke up early this morning. Try for 30 min if you can but 10 is ok too)
Abs: 50 Crunches

That's what I did this morning and I feel great! I like alternating between things because it keeps me from getting board. Before getting started go on Pinterest and find some motivational pins. You can take a peek at mine on my board titled "Work out heffer!". You can find me on pinterest under the name "Thesketchyeasel" or "Ashley Wes Riner". ALSO, go on playlist.com and make yourself a work out playlist. It's absolutely free and all you gotta do is log in and click on your playlist when your ready to work out. Here's my playlist of you need some inspiration. The funny thing is I never listen to these songs otherwise but they get me going to work out! What will be on your playlist? Maybe I missed something!

1. 3 by Britney Spears
2. I Wanna Go by Britney Spears
3. Piece Of Me by Britney Spears
4. Blah Blah Blah by Kesha
5. Blow by Kesha
6. Take It Off by Kesha
7. Tick Tock by Kesha
8. Single Ladies - Beyonce

Follow Me In My Weight Loss Journey!

I had a bright idea while walking on the treadmill just now. I really need to buckle down on losing weight before I get pregnant again. I have been really bad about snacking and it's showing. So I figured post the most unattractive  pictures of myself for the whole world to see and keep everyone informed of my progress....or lack thereof....of me losing weight. As of now I weigh 145 lbs. I know you're thinking "That's not bad", but it's not great to me. Funny to think this was my goal weight once upon a time. I got up to 160 lbs in high school. That was my "enough is enough" weight. I then did weight watchers and walked a lot and got down to 135lbs. I felt awesome. So that is my goal weight now...135lbs. I'm starting at a mile and working my way up. I will cut out snacks and keep my portions way low. I kind of know weight watchers by heart now, so I know what is good to eat and what's not. Basically keep your portions low and work out or walk 3 to 4 times per week.

So here I am now...145lbs...I look thrilled, don't I?

This is my goal. 135lbs. This was my wedding day. <3 I was feeling great about myself here.

This is me and Leo. on my honeymoon in Gatlinburg Tn. lol  Couldn't fit into those pants if I wanted to now. Probably wouldn't if I lost all the weight. My hips will never be the same after having Anya! haha. I'm ok with that I suppose.

 

Are you on a weight loss journey?  I would love to follow!

Over and Beyond Frustrated With Myself.

I must vent for a moment because I am so frustrated with myself. I am fairly decent artist but as of recently I haven't liked anything I have been putting out. I am used to drawing portraits of people and painting ladscaped to look realistic. Ever since I have been on Etsy I've been trying to put things out that would sell. To be honest, if my college professor were to see what I've been up to, he would be greatly dissapointed in me. I am feeling the pressure to put out Christmas themed cards but am having a hard time doing that.  I don't know if it's because I'm rushing myself through a drawing or not really giving myself the time for each piece. All I know is I need a mental break from art for a while. So until then I'm going to put up a few pieces I'm actually proud of.

Setting Up Shop At Warm Springs, GA

WARM SPRINGS, GA

Left side of the street...

Right side of the street. My cards are in the shop that's circled "Southern Magnolias"

If you have never been to Warm Springs and you live in Georgia, you have to visit! There is a lot of history there and they always have a lot of festivities going on around the Holidays. Warm Springs was the adopted  hometown of President Franklin Roosevelt. They also have a quaint little shopping center for you to visit. There is a restaurant called "The Bulloch House". A restaurant that used to be fresh home cooked meals buffet style in a beautiful house that's over 100 years old, has now been taken over by new owners and all their food seems to come from a can nowadays. That's the only negative I have about Warm Springs. I would recommend visiting the shops beside it, but go to one of the places to eat in the town where all the shopping is.

Anyway, Anya, myself, my mother, sister-in-law and her baby all went to Warm Springs to visit. I have always thought to put some things for sale in one of their shops, but seemed like I was always moving around to where I couldn't commit. Also, I have a fear of committing and not selling anything. So we visit and we go into this shop "Southern Magnolias". This store has always been my favorite filled with booths from local artists, crafters and collectors. So I ask her how much a section is. She mentioned renting a shelving unit for $25.00/month. What a great deal! So I got her number and was planning on renting next year. Well, my mother-in-law threw me a curve ball and rented me a booth. So this past weekend I had a love affaire with my cards and envelopes. It took me days just to get an inventory of about 50 packs and that's even after I cut them down from 10 cards to 5 per pack!

My plan is to rent through the holiday season and see how I like it. They have a few events happening that brings a lot of traffic into the town:

 Saturday, November 5 - 10 am - 3 pm Fala Day in Warm Springs -  Merchants in downtown Warm Springs will host Fala Day. 

 Friday, Saturday, November 18, 19  10 am - 10pm & Sunday Nov. 20 - 12 noon - 6 pm 28th Annual Candlelight Tour Festival in Warm Springs Village! Experience Christmas the Warm Springs way!  Start your holiday season here in Warm Springs!  Entertainment, candlelit streets, refreshments and more!  Shops open til 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19.  (Regular hours observed Sunday thru Thursday).  Tradition will continue with our "After Candlelight" festivities when shops will remain open late each weekend until Christmas.

Friday, November 18 - Candlelight Tour Run - 1 Mile - 9:30 pm, 5K - 10:00 pm.  Chamber of Commerce in Downtown Warm Springs.  The course is a fun, rolling, race through the holiday-season lighted downtown Warm Springs.  Both races begin and end at the Chamber of Commerce building at 91 Broad Street. 
   

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December

Shop Warm Springs!   Shops have extended WEEKEND hours this holiday season (beginning Nov. 25) - each Friday and Saturday night until Christmas,  shop with us til 9:00 pm.  (Regular hours observed Sunday through Thursday). Share your holiday season with us in Warm Springs!  Our town is beautifully decorated with thousands of tiny sparkling  lights, green garland and red bows!  Streets and walkways are lined with candles.  From the moment you step out of your car you'll feel the excitement of Christmas!  Hear the clip-clop of the horses?  That's our horse drawn carriage giving rides to shoppers. 

Hear the music?  Sounds of Christmas drift throughout town.  Smell the wonderful aroma?  Enjoy refreshments served by many of the local shops. Visiting Warm Springs will surely put you in the holiday mood!   Front door parking and warm friendly faces to greet you and fantastic prices that can't be beat!  We're open every day year 'round!  Shop weekdays and Sundays til 6:00 pm AND, beginning Thanksgiving weekend (Nov 25) until Christmas, shop til 9 pm on Friday and Saturday.  Candlelight tradition began back in 1983 during a major renovation of Warm Springs when one shop owner rolled a piano onto the sidewalk.  Customers were invited to share in the playing and singing of traditional Christmas carols.  As night time approached, the sidewalks were lit with candles and the music continued for hours!  Today, we continue that candlelight tradition. During this Christmas season - shops have extended their weekend hours.  Each Friday and Saturday night until Christmas we'll be open til 9:00 pm.  (Regular hours observed Sunday through Thursday).

Come and experience the warmth of Warm Springs...

Warm town...Warm people...™ Warm Springs, Georgia!

(http://www.warmspringsga.com/calendarofevents.htm)

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Anya enjoying the fountain at one of the cool local shops.

 I loved this picture of her.

Usually Anya likes being around Noa, I guess not today, lol!

That was our trip and how my crazy weekend started! How was your weekend?

Warercolor Pencils and Christmas

So I'm dabbling in watercolor for the first time since elementary school. I got inspired while watchung Project Runway. There is a girl on there with the same name as my daugter , Anya, which was cool to me since her name is so unusual. Anyaway, there was a quick scene where Anya was packing up her stuff and I saw a pack of colored penciles labeled "Watercolor Pencils".  Why have I not heard of these or seenthem in the arts and crafts store? So I did a little "You Tube" research on how to use these babies and learned it's a beatufiful combination of drawing and painting. Well, i ended up buying me a small pack of pencils just to try it out before I forked over 40.00 for the bigger pack to see how I lked them. The imiges below are two designs I'm working on for Christmas cards. My designs are going towards fashionistas in winter. I love how they're almost cartoonish. I know I keep jumping around to different mediums but I love the challenge.   Any ideas for some fashion forward wintersnow bunnies? I'd love to hear it!!                                                                                                 

Sample Z BOX - Zibbet

HOLA! Well I felt the need to blog about the sample Z BOX!  What is a Z BOX you ask??  Well first you need to know what Zibbet is.  Zibbet is a an online store of artists and crafters. I have a shop there and you can visit it here.  Z BOX is a wonderful box you can purchase here that is stuffed full of wonderful goodies from various Zibbet shop owners! They are always changing things up so there are different samples all of the time. I sent in 20 of my cards with envelopes with them and my fancy new business cards I got from "MOO".

  Go check it out if you haven't already! You will not be dissapointed!

Edible Finger Paint!

So you want to introduce finger painting to your toddler but don't want to bring in the regular finger paint in the reality that they will put it in their mouth and everywhere else. Well, I'm happy to tell you there is a solution! Edible finger paint and you probably have everything in your cabinet.

Supplies You Will Need: 

• Plastic Containers (One for each color)
• Water
• Food Coloring
• Clothes that can get messed up
• Large towel, newspaper, or a large garbage bag to put under everything

These are the plastic containers I'm using. We're only using primary colors today!





 Flour and Food Coloring

1. Put 2 tablespoons of flour in each container.

2. Add enough water to make a paste. If it's too watery, just add  a little more flour. Too thick? Add some water. You'll get it right eventually!

This is about the right consistancy.

3. Add some food coloring and stir until blended.

This is Anya in her messy clothes wondering why she can't touch the dog after fingerpainting.

Anya enjoying painting! It's her first time doing this.

Her finished masterpiece! Will be on sale at my Etsy shop for $500.00. lol

Anya had a blast fingerpainting and I didn't have to worry about her if she decided to put it in her mouth. She also enjoyed her bath afterward!

How I Papercut...

Ok, so I'm teaching myself how to papercut with the help of some online papercutters. Though they don't know they're helping me. Basically I have done research on what the best paper to use and tools. That's about it, the rest I've taught myself. Supposidly Etsy has been going around shops asking to prove they do their own work. Glad Zibbet doesn't do this! Well, I thought I might as well have it ready, you know, just in case they come after me! Also, I thought some of you might like to see my process.

You will probably see a lot of papercutters using Photoshop to make their designs (Or stealing images off of Google). I don't do this. #1: I can't afford photoshop. #2: I am an artist, why not use my God given talent? Who needs the computer? Although I do use the computer to research and get inspiration. If I see something I like on Google search I'll use the image as inspiration and change it to make it my own. NOT COPY IT!

First I draw out my design. Nothing fancy. Just a pencil and my sketchpad. I do this sometimes at night while watching a movie or before I go to bed.

 Here's the completed drawing.

 The silhouette pape is black on one side and white on the other.

 I then tape the image to the white side of the paper. I only put tape on the part of the image that will be cut away.

 I get my tools ready. My X-Acto knife and a swivel knife. Pink of course.

 I then cut out from in inside of the picture to the outside. It's easier this way. get all the tiny details first!

 Then I pop it out.

 .....Voila! I can't wait to post this one up. I love it!