healthy habits 2019!

January 2, 2019 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ Leave a comment

One of my 2019 priorities is my health so I thought I would share some of my habits to kickstart the year!

Plant Based!

Processed with MOLDIV — July 2018 to January 2019

A picture says it all! I decided to go completely plant-based (vegan) in July of this year and it has radically changed my life for the better. Not only have I lost +30lbs just through diet, my skin has never looked better (along with my vitamins!) and by eating whole foods (non-processed food) I just feel wonderful!

Not to mention:

vegan_for_everything

Some awesome documentaries and resources can be found here!

Forks Over Knives – Netflix, about the health consequences of eating animal protein — it’s no coincidence that diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity plus so much more has increased with the amount of animal protein being consumed.

I Love Vegan – holy vegan recipe batman…. they have everything here – literally you will miss NOTHING by going vegan!

Veganuary – An awesome challenge for the month of January to go Vegan!!

Sleep Tracker!

For those of you with a fitness/activity tracker like Apple Watch, Fitbit etc this is a game changer! A few years ago I talked to a nutritionist who actually prioritized sleep as the first thing to conquer/change in a daily routine for weight loss. She would see clients lose weight just by increasing their sleep! Of course sleep is directly linked to health and wellness . I am someone who had no idea what my ideal sleep was, or what my sleep patterns meant for my days/goals. Pre-Apple Watch life I would have inconsistent habits with sleep (I still LOVE a good all nighter – but my body hates them).

I started tracking my sleep and within 2 weeks I had confirmed that 7.5 hours was my ideal sleep target to function at my best each day! With 7.5 hours I felt rested, ready to engage, brain ready to work and body operating at an awesome foundational level. Now it’s easy to prioritize sleep so I work/live my best life!

Oils!

groucy_pants_blend

Surprise! Oils are a HUGE part of my health and wellness regime! I use them for everything – both physically and emotionally!

Oils to aid in metabolism, support anxiety/stress, help for restful nights, ease stomach discomfort, support lady health, support glowing skin… basically EVERYTHING.

I’ve found out so much about the efficacy and safety of essential oils and I will forever only recommend doTERRA because they are 100% clear in their process/practice and commitment to wellness with oils.

Exercise!

Tannith and I decided to get back into the whole ‘workout thing’ since we both feel so much better when we do move our bodies! We turned to Betty Rocker (you’ll remember we did a 90 day challenge and both saw awesome results back in 2015!) and I’m already LOVING her new workouts and the burn!

It really helps with stress management and my confidence when I am moving/toning my body. Plus, I get to use my fancy basement gym equipment!

Well there you have it. Just a few simple ways I’m investing in my health in 2019.

When I take care of me, I can do more for the world and others!

gfk

Sweat

February 12, 2014February 12, 2014 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 1 Comment

This fitness challenge is getting DURTY. Just kidding, but I do have a few thoughts on the word ‘sweat.’

1. I’m obsessed with my new work out clothes that wick the sweat from muh baadee.

2. I am really loving the Argus app – it combines pedometer/water calculator/weight manager/activity log/social competition. Just ask Lois she is getting fierce with the daily step competition.

3. Running – last weekend I set a new best (in the last five years) of 2 consecutive 8:30 minute miles. I ran between 6.5-9 and when it was over I was sweating and felt the strong urge to spew all over the gym. I, however, refrained because I like Planet Fitness and do not need to be kicked out for “jillian michaels-ing’ myself. YOU CAN GET OFF THIS TREADMILL WHEN YOU PUKE, PASS OUT OR DIE!!!

SWEAT.
xxx
GFK

Burda-spiration

January 22, 2014 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 2 Comments

Well after my Amy Butler Gumdrop Pillow , I’ve been inspired to sew some things. I did a small pair of shorts, I’m going to make some jersey tees for the cats (since one of them *ahem* VLADIMIR *ahem* always takes his knit sweaters off). Anyways, if you aren’t familiar with Burdastyle, it’s a wonderful sewing website with patterns, inspiration, seminars, classes, and forums. I have recently found some amazing patterns that I think would be perfect for me to gain more confidence in garment sewing. Shall we take a look? *clicking on the photos takes you directly to the Burdastyle pattern page*

Foot down, pedal to the metal.

xxx
GFK

10 Photos Past 10

November 15, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ Leave a comment

I tried to do this every :10 of the hour, but honestly most of those :10s I was sitting in my doom cube at work. That’s boring so here are 10 photos that may or may not be from :10.

Ghostface Get-ups…

October 28, 2013October 28, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 4 Comments

The Blog challenge: Outfit post! Show us your favorite or your usual get-up!

I guess I have a unique style. Some say retro/rockabilly/vintage I say it’s a ghostface thang. Here are some of the latest outfits/looks I’ve been sporting. I feel like Beeker… memememememememememe.

some hair.

anti-hair/coldweather meanmuggin ghostface

The Front Tip…..

October 23, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ Leave a comment

….of the week…. get your head out of the gutter! Geesh! 😉

So the start of this week was WILD. But a fun wild, not an unplanned for wild. I ended up getting my new and awesome jacket in from Black Salt. If you haven’t looked at their store/site yet, please do they are awesome. You will want many shoes/accessories/clothes.

Then I finished all the Halloween cards from Sunday. Just when I thought I got rid of all the glitter under my nails…. Look forward to that when you open them lovely friends and family. MWAHAHAHAHAHA.

Work has been super busy as we have department training. I have broken up my day by taking shameless selfies – you know how I roll.

Then last night I got to see Orange Goblin again. I saw them back in 2011 or maybe it was 2012 I can’t remember, I’ve been ‘metal – posing’ for so long now I can’t remember. I went alone and HAD A BLAST. Which is great because I have a few more concerts (Red Fang/Pentagram/Queens of the Stone Age/The Kills) to attend solo this fall/winter. Anyways- Orange Goblin are awesome guys in an even more awesome band. Here are some pictures from the show and if you’d like have a listen to the video below. They are doomy-metaly and from the UK (sigh).

This video is great – just make it through the intro. Be a metal poser and power through till the music starts.

xxxx
GFK

WHERE’S THE CRAFT?

October 18, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 4 Comments

I know what you’re thinking… where are the crafts?!

Well oddly enough I have been covert-crafting. This means I’m making gifts! Therefore I cannot post what I’m up to on here as it would ruin the surprise! Duh!

But I will share the next big knit project I’m about to start. It’s 100% selfish knitting. I found a marvelous pattern book of vintage knits a few weeks ago and have been going gaga over this sweater. The Perfect Christmas Jumper by Susan Crawford. You can buy the pattern for exclusively this, or her book Vintage Gifts to Knit is available for purchase and download.

The reindeer body is worked in intarsia whilst while the legs and antlers are done in fairisle.

You know GFK will pop this pose the ENTIRE time I wear this. — You know GFK will pop this pose the ENTIRE time she wears this.

I know isn’t it AMAZING? I’m going to do a ‘plain’ version without the reindeer to start. I got all the supplies and am ready to start it probably this weekend. I always enjoy ‘working’ the pattern first before I dive into the ‘real project.’ Kind of like a Muslin for sewing. I’ll post progress here. I’m hoping to bring this with me to the MIDWESTKNITFEST – who knows maybe I’ll go full on knitter-machine and be able to work on one with the reindeer pattern there instead. Basically Susan Crawford is a vintage knitting GODDESS. Check out more of her work on her website.

Would you wear a Christmas ‘jumper’ like this? What does everyone think about the sleeves/shoulder area on this garment?

DUN DUN DUN.

xoxo
GFK

Ghostface GOALS.

October 16, 2013October 16, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 5 Comments

What are your goals and dreams for the future? You can share to us your dream house, dream workplace, or even your bucketlist before you turn 25!

Well since I am over 25, I’ll just ignore that part of today’s October Challenge prompt. I can tell you some dreams for my future though. In no particular order:

1. Be the authentic me – always. Never compromise myself again – for anyone.

2. Get a little professional with GHOSTFACEKNITTER. Meaning gain 5x more followers by next year for example – that sounds like a challenge to me – CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

3. Be tattooed by the greats – by as many well known and unknown artists around the world. Valerie Vargas, Dan Smith, Grime, Jher, Tim Lehi, Walter McDonald, DestroyTroy, Mario Desa, Alexander Grim, Liam Alvy, Jordan Teear, Danielle Rose…. Here are some photos of a few of these amazing artists.

By Jher (Mr. 451) If you live in Denver please go see him

Walter's Facemelting awesomeness. — Walter‘s Facemelting awesomeness.

Alexander Grim. It's just so epic I can't look away. I also tried to source it back this was the farthest. — Alexander Grim. It’s just so epic I can’t look away. I also tried to source it back this was the farthest.

In the books for 2013: Dusty Neal at Black Anvil, Alisha Rice at Th’ink Tank Tattoo, and Ajarn Bpom Monk in Thailand. (You can check out that link to see the actual Monk tattooing with bamboo shoots.)

4. Meet as many crafters/knitters as I can. I seriously love meeting other craft artists. I get along with them and I just have so much fun being able to seriously ask another person if I should hoard yarn now or risk waiting for a sale?

5. Here’s the one I just can’t let go of: Get my PhD. What’s that you say? Dr. Ghostfaceknitter has a nice ring? I know. It’s something I have always thought about whether jokingly or not. It would require the most time and dedication of anything I have ever pursued – but most things that are worth having require that don’t they?

6.Travel! On deck in 2013 alone: Des Moines for knitting at MIDWEST KNITFEST with Jen at MakeXdo. Thailand to visit my MINI ME. Denver for the holidays to celebrate OG style.

7. I just really can’t stress NEVER COMPROMISING AGAIN.

I’m excited I switched gears in my life – actually I got on an entirely different road – and am able to get the most out of me and in doing so, give back to others. I’m stoked to be a part of this blogging world, knitting/crafting communities, helping with the Elders, loving life, loving my family and friends, and for the first time in YEARS loving me.

xxxxx
future Dr. GFK.
*drop mic out*

Car Shows, Coffee, Trinkets, Knitting OH MY.

October 13, 2013October 13, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 2 Comments

So yesterday’s blog challenge was to post your day in pictures. Yesterday was an awesome photo day for me. I went to the Iron Invasion classic car show in Woodstock, IL. It was so fun, plus I surprise ran into some great friends and spent the day walking, talking, and staring at vintage cars. Here we GOOOOO.

Some more coffee with a stop at Intelligensia.

This way my favorite car from the show - I have a thing for station wagons. — This was my favorite car from the show – I have a thing for station wagons.

They had a swamp meet so I bought the Heart Princess/Shirt/Earrings.

I used the camera on the bottom left to shoot a roll of 120mm film. It was fun and carefree. I did not use a light meter etc. so we shall see if the photos come out like dark blobs or if there are some awesome gems among them. I also came home to some Halloween cards which I LOVED. I love ‘real mail’ and I send a lot out, so it’s nice to get a few back in return every once in a while.

Some more purchase items. — Some more purchased items.

This babe tried to hold me up for all the trinkets I bought!

Then of course I knitted. With my peeps.

I was tired at the end of the day. I looked like FRANKENKNITTER.

It was a fun Saturday with a surprise friend day and all the things I love. I really enjoy getting to do the things I want to. I spent a lot of the last few years waiting around for things to come to me or to ‘get better.’ I can assuredly say I am in charge of my own life now and am having an ATOMIC BLAST!

xxxx
GFK

GHOSTFACEKNITTER REVEAL!

October 1, 2013October 1, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ Leave a comment

Ahoy! Blog Friends!

After much thought and research I have decided to re-brand my blog as GHOSTFACEKNITTER. I think it suits the content and the personality behind this blog much more than the old name of tattoosandtarts. ALSO! You can now visit my blog directly from the http://www.ghostfaceknitter.com domain! Rejoice! I will also be changing my other accounts to reflect this so look for the changed names in my ABOUT section soon!

This new blog will still have the old things you love, but now it will focus more on crafts and my life! I hope you enjoy and please leave comments and/or suggestions for me. I LOVE FEEDBACK!

xxxxx

GFK