Have you heard of Tabata?

Have you?  It is has been dubbed the 4 minute exercise.  It is supposed to be as beneficial if not more so than a 60 minute aerobic exercise.  Hmm, let me see, 4 minutes of exercise vs. 60 minutes.  I know what I'm going to choose.  

Actually, I've done it Tabata and it is hard and intense. I hopped on my elliptical and did the workout and let me tell  you it literally wiped me out for the rest of the night.  You don't need any equipment to do Tabata though.    Google Tabata and you'll find all kinds of information on it.  Here are a couple of articles from reputable fitness magazines, Shape and Men's Health,  to purview and decide for yourself.  I'm going to keep it up every other day to see if I notice any difference in my metabolism.   I'd love to know if any of you have tried it.  Maria

Heart Inspiration Day 14

 Whew!  Fourteen straight days of posts....I didn't know if I would make it. 

 It has been fun searching the internet looking for heart themed ideas to inspire you.  I hope I gave you a few things to think about and some rugs to challenge the designer in you.  

These sweet hearts are from Kelley Bellfast.  You can find her blog here

The next three hearts were hooked by Sara and you can see more of her work on her blog 

Look how she finished off this heart.  Very creative and clever.  Think of how you could use this technique for other projects.

The beading in this heart makes this design so special.

Again, look how Sara used to two wools to create a unique finish.

Thanks for joining me over the last 14 days.  Til tomorrow or maybe the next day!  Maria

Heart Inspiration Day 13

Today's rugs are a little more colorful than previous posts.  The vibrant colors used in this rug are right up my alley.   What really speaks to me in this rug is the border.  You can find the rug here

The next rug comes from the Merry Hookers website and you can find it here.

This is a great pattern to use all those worms. Til Tomorrow, Maria

Heart Inspiration Day 12

Its hard to get past the wonderful design of this rug to see the hearts.  This is a great old rug both in the design and color.   Don't you just love the red mane, tail and feet of the horse?  This may be my favorite rug in this "Heart Inspiration" series.   How about you, do you have a favorite?

I was checking to see if the Goode Wife was on tonight and I happened upon Masterpiece Theatre and ended up watching a show called Downton Abbey.  Boy was it good.  I've DVR'd episode 7.  If my mom is reading this post, I know you are smiling right now!  Til Tomorrow, Maria

Day 11 of Heart Inspiration

Today's rugs both come from the Canada Textile Museum found here. Again, this rug shows you that you can make quite an impact with just a few colors.

Yes, this rug has hearts in it but I love the background and border of this rug.  Just think about how many worms you could use hooking a rug in this manner.  I'm not wild about the duck in this rug but picture another motif in its place.  What an impact with a cat, horse or dog motif.  You can find the original rug here.

Want an easy craft project to do with your kids?  Aren't these little wire yarn hearts cute? You can find a tutorial here

Til Tomorrow, Maria

Day 10 of Heart Inspiration

The first rug is a Woolley Fox  pattern called Shenandoah Valley Eagle.

The picture of this rug does not do it justice. I've seen it in person and it is spectacular.  Katy Hartner hooked the rug to make it look old and worn and boy did she accomplish it. Her wool selection was terrific.  

Here is another beauty offered by the Woolley Fox. This pattern is Tennessee Heart. Gloria Ault of Shelby Ohio hooked this lovely rug.  The neutral colors in this rug make my heart go pitter patter.

Another piece of jewelry to share with you from Etsy.   I'm a big fan of the hammered look and love this sweet little ring.  

I'm going to enjoy a Christmas gift tomorrow.  One of my friends arranged for a spa day for me, her and two other friends.  Life is good...hanging with friends, being massaged and pampered!  Enjoy your weekend!  Til tomorrow, Maria  

Heart Inspiration Day 9

This rug is wonderful.  I love everything about it.  It sold at auction at THIS auction house.  How much do you think it sold for?

$9,800.00 Can you believe it?  It is beautiful.

I chose this next rug because of the heart border.  What a great way to incorporate hearts into a rug.  The patchwork background of this rug is fun and would be an instant way to antique a rug.

I'm working on a Valentine giveaway that should be ready by the weekend.  Til tomorrow, Maria