by | May 18, 2015 | Pets |
For most people, having to deal with a high amount of stress each day is a normal thing, but still very damaging to their health. The best way to reduce the amount of stress you have in your life is by getting a pet. There are a number of pets out there, but none is more loving and loyal than a dog. By having a dog, you will be able to care for them and take your mind off of the stress you have in the process. Over time, you may notice your pet is becoming a bit unruly and will need to have training to get them calmed down. The following are a few tips on finding the right dog training in Ottawa.
Photo courtesy of AWESOMEK9.COM
What Are Your Goals
The first thing you have to consider when trying to find the right trainer is what your main goal is. The more you are able to find out about what you want in these training sessions, the easier it will be to choose the right one. Make sure you speak with each of the trainers in your area to find out what they can offer you and whether or not it is what you need. By taking the time to do this, you will be able to make your decision much easier.
Getting Some Information on the Trainer’s Background
The next step you need to take when trying to find the right dog trainer is to do some research on the one’s in your area. You want to make sure you are able to find out as much as you can about the trainers so you can make the right decision. The time and energy you put into find the right information on the trainers in your area is needed to make the right decision.
Photo courtesy of AWESOMEK9.COM
How Long Are the Courses and How Much Do They Cost?
Another very important thing you have to consider when trying to find the right trainer is how long the courses will last. Once you have this information, you will need to find out about how much these classes with cost you. The more you are able to find out about what each of the trainers can offer you, the better equipped you will be to choose the right one. Make sure you weigh all of the options you have before you make the decision on which trainer to use.
If you are in need of a great trainer for your dog, then be sure to call on the team at Awesome K9. They have the knowledge needed to get your dog in good shape in no time. Call them or visit awesomek9.com for more information.
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by | May 14, 2015 | Around the Home, Crafting |
Making your own home decorations can really stamp your personality on your living space. Home crafting is one of my favorite past times, and I just love the chance to get creative and let loose with some unique pieces. It’s not that hard to do, either. So, if you are a little worried about trying your hand at home-made crafts, then why not try these simple ideas? You’ll learn the basics while having a lot of fun, and it won’t be long before you can let your imagination run wild.
Fabric Samples from a Local Craft Fair
Frame Up Your Photos
Let’s start with the easiest of all – framing one of your self-taken photos. You can build a frame from virtually anything you like, from driftwood to discarded metals, or even old ceramic tiles. I love this rustic frame made from sticks, faux moss and a few flowers, for example. The only limits are your imagination, and it is such an easy way of getting started into home crafts. All you need is some material to use, some scissors, glue and string, and once you have finished, you will have an entirely unique picture in a handmade frame. It’s a very rustic effect for city or country dwellers alike.
Cork Notice Board
If you enjoy a glass of wine with your meal, why not start saving up those corks? They can be used in a number of ways to create some interesting pieces, but my favorite by far has to be the cork notice board. All you need to get started are plenty of corks and a good-sized piece of thin plywood. Use glue guns to fix the corks to the plywood, and cover the entire piece. Once it has dried, and the corks are stuck fast, use some of the framing ideas above to finish it off. You’ll be left with a stunning and hardy notice board that you can pin important info on with ease.
Leaf Painting
Leaf painting is such an easy activity that even kids can do it well. In fact, if you have children, it’s an excellent way to get them into crafts as well as teaching them about nature. All you need is some good quality paint, a brush, and a healthy dollop of creativity. How you paint them is up to you. Silvers and golds are great for the festive period (try making a garland or surround an advent wreath with them). However, you can get some excellent effects just by choosing some coordinated colors and either sticking them to your all or arranging them on a mantel or shelf.
Pot Pourri Hangers
If your wardrobe is getting a little musty, then why not make things a bit more appealing to the nose? Head to your local craft store and pick up some attractive material. Lace is always good for the more feminine amongst you, and some standard polyester will also be needed. Grab some tracing paper and an old clothes hanger, and use a pencil to draw an outline. Flip the hanger over and do the other side, leaving an inch or so for a border. You now have a template for cutting your fabric, so do that and put aside for the time being. Next, wrap the polyester strips across the shoulders, making them nice and plump. You can now secure the hanger to one side of the fabric with glue, place some of your favourite potpourri inside, and then seal the other side. Use faux flowers for added effect, and you are done! A beautiful hanger that not only looks great but will improve the smell of all your clothes!
Make A Keyholder
Need to spruce up your key holder? There are plenty of ideas that can turn this most mundane of objects into a genuine talking point. Whatever style your home is, you can create some truly stunning key holders with ease. Pieces of driftwood will look great hanging on your wall if you have a nature theme running through your house. For a more funky look, just buy some kids’ alphabet blocks, add some screws, and fix the to the wall with sticky-backed plastic. You can spell out any words that you like – even going so far as to personalizing them, so you and your partner never have to argue over keys again.
Create Unique Lampshades
Creating your own lampshades is so easy to do, yet so few people attempt it. Pick up a DIY lampshade kit and come up with some ideas. You can either wrap it in old wallpaper offcuts or use fabric. A good material allows a little extra creativity, as you can create a self-inspired design or pattern. Just buy plain material and sculpt a lino block to your liking. Then dip the block into the paint of your choice, and go wild with your design. It is simple and cheap enough to make plenty of mistakes when you are just starting out.
Make Use Of Your Cardboard
If you go into any home design store, you will often find beautiful storage boxes made from vinyl or cardboard. But, when you look at the price tag, all of sudden they don’t seem that pretty at all. Why spend the money when you can make your own storage boxes for a fraction of the price? Even an old shoebox can look magnificent wrapped in some cheap hessian or burlap and a simple design printed on it. You could also look at your local thrift store for old metal handles to stick on. Even old wallpaper and some off cut upholstery fabric can turn a standard delivery box into a glorious storage unit. Again, all you need is a glue gun, some excellent raw materials, and a good imagination.
I hope this post has given you some ideas on how to jazz up your living space. It is so much easier than you think to create something entirely unique. None of these ideas are expensive, so even if you struggle with the learning curve you will be able to afford to make mistakes. Happy crafting!
by | May 11, 2015 | Accessories, Fashion, From the Heart |
Hi Beautiful People,
JT on Mothers Day after Church
Yesterday was Mother’s Day and I have so may thoughts going through my head during this time. My Birthday is today and Mother’s Day was yesterday. My mother has been with the Lord going on 21 years this November. I remember everything so vividly as if it were yesterday.This time has been difficult for me in years past because I get all these thoughts about my mother and it gets me down. The thoughts tried to creep up on me this year; but that negativity has got to go now. I have to cast those imaginations down because feeling like this does nothing for me. My mother is with the Lord and she has no suffering or pain. She is an inspiration and I am so thankful for how she and my dad raised me.
VInny and JT
As I said today is my birthday and my hubby has kept the celebration going since Friday. This party is going on the whole month. We eat to Red Lobster yesterday and had some really good salmon and tilapia.
Celebrating life, love, and happiness! Thank you Lord for my life and longevity!
My hubby knows that I enjoy Erte’s fashion illustrations, so he gave be a book that shows illustrations and gives some more information into the genius of his creations.
Erte
And this cool sculptural stainless steel ring, very different. It is a bubble marquise design.
Stainless Steel Bubble Marquise Ring
The dress above and in these pictures below is my birthday dress that found at Ross for 29.99 and retailed for $138.00. I paired it with with my Tommy Hilfiger jean jacket. The colors is this dress remind me of a Monet painting, I got so many compliments on this dress.
My Clark wedges retailed for 120.00 and was able to get a half off purchase price.
Clark Wedges
Deals like this make shopping so much fun. My Vinny loves posing with me, it’s to cute.
JT in her birthday suit
My hubby treats me like a queen and I never want take it for granted, I thank the Lord for him in my life.
Birthday dress collage
by JTwisdom | May 10, 2015 | From the Heart, Inspirations |
Today is to celebrate Mother’s Day! We honor our mothers with cards, flowers and tokens of love and appreciation. I have been blessed with a wonderful mother who raised me right. I thank God for her and for all of the sacrifices that she made to me. I would not be who I am without her guidance and her support. She is the greatest mother that I have ever met.
Me with Mommy Bernice.
There is a another lady who I know to be a wonderful woman and the greatest mother even though I never met her. I know her only from the memories shared by her daughter and the spirit that lives on in my wife. She is my mother-in-law, Gloriastean. I never had a chance to met her because she passed away three years before I met her daughter.
My mother-in-law, Gloriastean.
In spite of never meeting her in the natural, I feel that I have gotten to know her well through the many wonderful stories that my wife shared of her. From the times that she sang in the jazz clubs as a teenager, to the time she lived in California with her father and attended San Fransisco State University as a music major and the stories of her driving a Cutlass.
My mother-in-law had a passion for life and a passion for excellence. My mother-in-law only wanted the best for her daughter. She gave her the best education, making sure she attended private school all the way through college. Her mother and father sacrificed and bought my wife a grand piano in college so she could her learn how to play. She also encouraged my wife to learn how to sew by investing in buying my wife a sewing machine so she could learn how to make her own clothes.
My mother-in-law had a passion for excellence in taking care of her house and her family. She instilled in her daughter the same passion. Whether it is keeping the grass cut in the yard or the floors swept in the house, I see that today in the way that my wife keeps our home.
My mother-in-law spent her life making sure that her daughter was taken care of and to provide her with a good life. Even though she is in heaven and I never met her, my mother-in-law’s passion deeply influences me today. It is my desire to take care of my wife the best way that I can. I look to my mother-in-law for this inspiration. I only hope that I can continue at the same level that she started. Thank you for being the greatest mother, and greatest influence, that I never met.
by | May 7, 2015 | Fitness |
Why Bootcamp Workouts?
Bootcamp workouts are fun. You work out with other people in a challenging, rugged setting. There’s a real sense of accomplishment and camaraderie completing a tough workout with others whether you are competing to be first, encouraging others to keep going, or need the encouragement yourself! Bootcamp workouts are a great workout routine. They involve large functional full body movements that activate a lot of muscle mass. You can get a great aerobic (cardio), anaerobic, and strength training workout all at the same time. You will also burn an average of 10 calories per minute.
Bootcamp workouts can be performed virtually anywhere and require very little (if any) work out equipment. You don’t need an expensive gym membership or any fancy machines. Bodyweight exercises are perfect for military style bootcamp workouts.
Bootcamp workouts
How to Create a Bootcamp Workout
Step 1: Find a location to workout.
One with natural obstacles is perfect. The average public park is excellent (just make sure you don’t break any city ordinances). Look for obstacles such as:
– Steps or stairs
– Hills
– Obstacles that can be climbed or jumped over and crawled under. Picnic tables and playground equipment are perfect!
Note: Be courteous of families and children and schedule your bootcamp when you will have the park to yourselves.
Step 2: Select the boot camp exercises to perform.
Click on the infograph on the right for a free Periodic Table of Bodyweight Exercises. The exercises are arranged horizontally by muscle group and vertically by difficulty. Pick several exercises for each muscle group and choose a difficulty that will be appropriate. If you aren’t sure how to perform an exercise correctly, click on the image, and you will get free workout videos of Sergeant Volkin demonstrating each exercise.
Step 3: Design your obstacle course.
Choose a location for performing each bodyweight exercise and make sure there is an obstacle between locations. For example:
– Run up a hill and then do some pushups
– Run backwards down the hill. When you get to bottom, do jump squats
– Run up the stairs and do vertical crunches
– Run down the stairs and do tuck jumps
– Do a burpee, climb over the picnic table, do a burpee
Use your imagination, be creative, and take advantage of natural obstacles. Anything that involves moving your body upwards against gravity is potentially a great exercise. Remember to keep your circuit short enough that everyone will remember the exercises. You can do multiple laps to get the desired workout length.
Step 4: Use a stopwatch.
Whether exercising by yourself or with others, competition is very important. Everyone will push themselves harder and gain more from the workout if they are racing the clock.
Step 5: Warm up and go for it!
Make sure everyone warms up properly. A great warm up is to have everyone perform a “trial run” of the obstacle course at a slow pace. This makes sure everyone understands the course and exercises at each station. Warm up until you are sweating lightly, and then start the clock and go for it!
How to Create Bootcamp Workouts with Stack 52
Want an even easier way to design an authentic military bootcamp workout? Use Strength Stack 52 Bodyweight Exercise Cards. Each card is a bodyweight exercise designed by a military fitness expert and actually used by the US military. With Strength Stack 52, designing a bootcamp is as easy as 1, 2, 3:
Stack 52 Cards
Step 1: Find a park or outdoors pace with natural obstacles
Step 2: Shuffle the Stack 52 deck and draw as many cards as you need for your bootcamp
Step 3: Place the cards at various stages in your bootcamp location.
– Place a few cards on top of a hill. Run up the hill and perform those cards.
– Place a few cards at the top and bottom of a flight of stairs. Run up the stars to do a few cards and run down the stairs to do other cards.
– Place a few cards behind a picnic table. Climb over (or crawl under) the table and perform those cards.
– Place cards a few dozen yards apart. Sprint to the cards, perform the exercises, and then sprint to another group of cards.
Be creative, the possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Bootcamps can be an awesome way to meet people, build friendships, and encourage and motivate each other to accomplish your fitness goals. Bootcamp workouts are tough, but the feeling of accomplishment stays with you and helps you realize that all challenges in life can be met and vanquished. Your workout can be fun, effective, and truly enjoyable even though it’s difficult. Fitness is a lifestyle, and the secret to fitness is enjoying the process. Your workout can make you fit, keep you healthy, empower you physically, mentally, and emotionally, and connect you with some amazing friends. My workout is the best part of my day. Yours can be too.
This article was written by Kurt Boyd, fitness fanatic, and director of Strength Stack 52, a unique way to transform bodyweight exercises into fun, competitive workouts that can be performed anywhere.
Disclaimer
Bootcamp workouts can be strenuous, and you should consult your doctor before starting any exercise program. Inherent risks are present in any physical activity. It is your responsibility to warm up and stretch properly, perform each movement correctly, and ultimately to decide whether or not you are capable of performing the exercise/workout without sustaining injury. It is your responsibility to evaluate your bootcamp workout circuit for safety hazards. Ultimately you are responsible for your own safety.
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