Friday, March 30, 2012

{TGIF Peeps}

weekend plans 3.30.12
Link Lovin
Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- I’m making this for my parents next weekend with a mimosa and fresh fruit!

- A 'new to me' fashion blogthat I’m obsessed with – Gary Pepper Vintage – isn’t she gorgeous?

- And another ‘new to me’ blog I’m diggin – Amanda Jane Jones – I love the graphics they add to their “My Better Half” pics!

- If you use Instagram, check out Jeanee’s tips on her Dirty Laundry Blog – I’ve taken some notes!

- If anyone could find the artist, or where I can purchase, or find one that’s similar, or an artist that could repaint this picture – please send me an email. I really really want it!

**NOTICE** You will be seeing big changes to the blog on Monday (and over the weekend) – new name, new colors, but same content – promise!

Enjoy your weekend Peeps!
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Thursday, March 29, 2012

{Move Over to the Lighter Side this Spring with White on White}

No matter the article of clothing—peasant blouse, jeans, classic blazer, or a button down—white is always a fresh choice for spring and summer. I have many white separates, however, I must admit that I haven't worn the white on white look yet. Again, while browsing through Pinterest {it's what literally keeps me sane all day} I stumbled across this pic below and loved how fresh and chic it looked. I feel like we all have these separate pieces in our wardrobe - why not put them all together - right?
white on white
{shop this look here}

What do you think - would you rock the white on white trend?
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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

{A Fur-eal Decor Trend}

A trend I'm seeing a lot over on Pinterest and home decor blogs is adding in a touch of fur to your home. Have you ever considered using faux fur {for my PETA peeps - notice I said faux - no flour bombs please} to spice up your space? From solids to prints, fur accents can add interest and drama to any room in your home. Over the weekend, I cleaned out one of my closets {as I'm getting ready to sell practically everything I own - stay tuned for more news about the sale} I found a faux fur throw blanket and pillow that I completely forgot I had. Needless to say, these aren't going to make the "sale" pile - unless the price is right, then maybe you can twist my arm. Check out a few of my fave "fur-eal" spaces below:
fur
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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

{Food For Thought Tuesdays: Overeating}

\Most people that are trying to lose weight have a big problem to overcome, and it's the reason why we are in the position of having to lose weight - overeating. I have certain trigger foods {french fries, nachos, and potato chips}that I simply can chow down on for hours - my brain doesn't cut off and tell me to stop until I'm to the point that I'm stuffed and uncomfortable.
overeating
I did some research to why we can't just stop at one and I learned that we have what food-industry insiders call a “bliss point,” a nirvana of the taste buds triggered by particular amounts of salt, sugar, and fat. Menu scientists {yes, that’s a job!} at popular restaurant chains and packaged-food corporations use their knowledge of the "bliss point" to manipulate your appetite, adding salt, sugar, and fat to their products in combinations that are designed to create hedonism on a plate—a taste experience so intense that it kicks the brain’s pleasure system into overdrive. It’s like a drug. And like any drug, it leads you to obsess about that moment of pleasure so much that you’ll do almost anything to prolong or relive it. The result: a bigger bottom line for them—and a bigger waistline for you.

This leads to the solution that I limit my eating out because I want to know what I'm eating, and most importantly control the portions that I allow on my plate and into my body. I save my "bliss point" for one day a week as I feel I can have it all - just not all at once....moderation is key!

What are the trigger foods that lead you to overeating?
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Monday, March 26, 2012

{Weekend At A Glance}

Morning Peeps! I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was great and here's a little glimpse:
weekend at a glance 3.25.12
1 - I can never pass up an invitation for burgers and fries at Chuck's! I always get the Bear in Heaven 'little chuck" and I tried for the first time the malt vinegar aioli and I just about passed out - soooo good.

2 - I went to see Hunger Games and is was all I had hoped for and more. I can't believe we have to wait another year and a half before Catching Fire comes out - but if it's anything like Hunger Games, then it will be worth the wait. PS. How cute was Rue? I just love her...

3 - So while I was supposed to be shopping for tops this weekend, I found these gray leopard print jeans and the next thing I knew - I had a bag in my hand, with the jeans inside, walking out the store. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep them - but I kinda love em. Pants was always something I had a problem buying before, but now that I'm a couple sizes down - pants seem easy to come by - which is a good thing, except as I'm continuing to lose weight I don't need to buy a lot of bottoms that eventually I won't be able to wear in a couple of months....the joys and the pains!

4 - Can I just you that these vanilla wafers are some of the best cookies I've had in a really long time. Back in the day I would spread some Nutella on them and go to town - but now, I portion them out in baggies and allow myself 5 {3 points +} every so often. Trust me - go and get them!

How was your weekend?
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Friday, March 23, 2012

{TGIF Peeps}

weekend plans 3.23.12
Link Lovin
Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- I love pickles – pickle flavored chips (which I don’t eat anymore), fried pickles with ranch (which I don’t eat anymore)... uh oh I’m seeing a trend… but this dill pickle dip is something that I may be able to splurge on. May sound weird to some, but I’ve gotta try it

- This entire outfit brings tears to my eyes – I LOVE IT!!!!

- Love this top 20 list of Los Angeles bites - makes me want to go back so badly!

- A new to me blog that I'm crushin on: Single Girl Dinner - check it.

Enjoy your weekend Peeps!
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Thursday, March 22, 2012

{Magazine Inspiration: Small Space Living}

I recently signed up for a Groupon deal and got both O Magazine and Elle Decor year subscription for only $10. Last night while relaxing and flipping through the pages of Elle Decor, I came across three ideas for when I move into a much smaller place after my lease has ended.
Elle Decor - Mirro Placement
I have a very larger mirror very similar to the one shown in this picture and no matter what, it's coming with me. I would love to have it in my bedroom, but depending on the amount of space I will have available - I like the idea shown above by placing it behind the couch. Additionally, to save space - I like the idea of have a floor lamp instead of having a side cocktail table with a lamp on top.
Elle Decor - Shoe Storage
I can probably forget about my current walk-in closet - which poses a big problem - what in the heck do I do with all of my shoes??? I love this idea of floor to ceiling shelving on a wall in the bedroom to store many things, especially shoes. And while I'm not a fan of seeing clutter, placing ceiling to floor panel of curtains in front of the storage piece {or IKEA Lack shelves} will make the space look clean and fresh. The ideas are rollin...
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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

{How To Wear Mint Jeans}

I ordered a pair of mint jeans over the weekend, and I can't wait until they arrive. I have definitely not shied away from the colored jean trend - in fact, I've jumped in with both feet. I have just about every color in the rainbow - but I'm most excited about the mint! Below {borrowed from Shop Talk} are several ways for how you can wear not only your mint jeans, but all colors!
mint jeans
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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

{Food For Thought Tuesdays: Alcohol}

I would love to say this pic is from many years ago, but in reality is was just last Thursday. In fact, I had a few drinks last week as it was a very trying week, on top of one of my co-workers/dear friend was leaving the company…and the state. So to get me through the week, we went out for a bunch of liquid lunches and dinners {did I just admit I had a drink for lunch? While working? Yep I did! Lol}.
Big beer
Now that I’ve admitted I went on a binge last week, honestly drinking alcohol is something that I don't do that much. Don’t get me wrong, I usually have a glass of wine or a single cocktail on Saturdays {my cheat day} but now that I literally count everything that goes into my mouth – I’ve decided to eat my points rather than drink them. The beer shown above was easily 10+ points {and I only get 29 points a day}. So it got me thinking – what does alcohol do to your body as you’re trying to loose weight? Sigh…..here we go:

Alcohol is metabolized differently than other foods and beverages. Under normal conditions, your body gets its energy from the calories in carbohydrates, fats and proteins, which are slowly digested and absorbed within the gastrointestinal system. However, this digestive process changes when alcohol is present. When you drink alcohol, it gets immediate attention {because it is viewed by the body as a toxin} and needs no digestion.

On an empty stomach, the alcohol molecules diffuse through the stomach wall quickly and can reach the brain and liver in minutes. This process is slower when you have food in your stomach, but as soon as that food enters the small intestine, the alcohol grabs first priority and is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. You still with me?

When the body is focused on processing alcohol, it is not able to properly break down foods containing carbohydrates and fat. Therefore, these calories are converted into body fat and are carried away for permanent storage on your body.

Alcohol can easily be the enemy when it comes to weight loss. It adds extra calories to your diet, encourages you to eat more food, and alters the normal digestive process. Not only are the extra calories a hindrance, but the changes in food breakdown sends turns those extra calories into unwanted body fat. Alcohol does have a bad reputation when it comes to weight loss, and rightfully so, so be smart about your alcohol choices if you're watching your weight.

In summary – while we all need to let loose from time to time, we simply need to be smart about our alcohol consumption and frequency. For a full list of alcoholic drinks with calories and points - click here.
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Monday, March 19, 2012

{Trend Alert: Mixing Patterns}

How comfortable are you mixing patterns? It used to make me nervous as it was one of those things that seemed to look good on others but hard to pull off on myself. I’ve been told the key to mixing patterns is to have a base color, one color found in both of the patterns. Plus, mixing different types of patterns that won’t compete too much with each other, like stripes with florals, or plaid with polka dots works really well.

In an attempt to encourage myself to mix patterns more often I tried on a bunch of different outfits from my closet above sticking to those two rules as much as possible (even if my instinct was telling me it wouldn’t work). 

Mixing Patterns

What do you think? Have you mixed patterns? Or are you afraid of the stares from the peeps that just don't get it? I'd love to hear how you mix and match!
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Friday, March 16, 2012

{TGIF Peeps}

weekend plans 3.16.12
Link Lovin
Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- Shamrock Protein Shake -100% making this, and BTW please thoroughly check out Dashing Dish blog, it's full of amazing recipes and she even calculates the WW points. This is my new fave foodie blog!

- My new girl crush – I want every single thing in her closet...

- Sweet Paul’s new issue is out – check it

- I think I want to purchase a juicer and make this recipe - anyone recommend any specific one?

- Cute outfit – I definitely will replicate this...
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Thursday, March 15, 2012

{What's Your Choice?}

We all have good days and bad days. The good days are great and the bad days...well they suck. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could control how today will turn out? The choice is really is up to you - and today I've decided to have a good day by using this recipe below:
how to have a lovely day
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

{Loving Small Spaces: Lonny Magazine Mar/Apr 2012}

The new issue of Lonny Magazine is out, and per the usual it doesn't disappoint. It's chugged full of interior inspiration, and as I'm looking to transfer into a much smaller apartment, I was drawn to the page shown below. Adding lucite to a small space allows you to have an unobstructed view and keeps the eye flowing. It's clear and light in appearance, which lends a polished and clean look to any interior, a quality that is useful in smaller rooms where the illusion of space is a priority.
Lonny Mag Mar-April 2012
1 | 2 | 3 | 4

I'm so ready to start redecorating...I have a big itch!
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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

{Food For Thought Tuesdays: The Skinny On Fat-Free}

Below I have take a picture of two different versions of the same brand of cream cheese. One version is the "regular" kind and the other is "fat-free". Can you tell just by reading the label which one is which?
fat free vs regular label
As you can tell, there are quite a few things that are different - so let's get started! The first label is the fat-free version and true to it's label, it has reduced the fat content of the cheese down to nothing. There's also 70 calories less in the fat-free version than there is in there regular. Should we insert an applause here? Not so fast.

Now look at the number of ingredients in the fat-free cheese in comparison to the regular version. Better yet, how many of those ingredients are actual real food items and not the result of a chemistry experiment?

I’d also like to compare the contents of the ingredients lists. In the regular version of cream cheese, it’s straight-forward: “Milk, cream, cheese culture, salt, carob bean, guar gum (a thickener, similar to cornstarch).” In the fat-free version? There’s… tragedy. And shame. And two “kinds” of salt (salt and sodium tripolyphosphate, a preservative derived from triphosphoric acid.) And twelve more ingredients than you can't find in the regular version.

It takes a manufacturer 18 ingredients (many of whom not found in nature) to present you a cream cheese with the same taste. Sure, it has twice as much sugar and almost 60% more salt, but hey – at least you get fewer calories, right?
fat free vs regular label 2
Why does this matter? It matters because in the quest for hunting for “fat free,” we’ve neglected the primary purpose of food – nourishing our bodies. If you change the structure of the milk used – from regular to skim – then you change the nutrients available. You change its ability to nourish you and fill you up. You’re sticking more chemicals in your body.

If you spend some time in the grocery this weekend, compare your “regular” versions with your “fat-free” versions – and see how unclean they are. I think you may be quite surprised.

In summary - eat clean, eat food NOT chemicals, READ YOUR LABELS, and eat in moderation.
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Monday, March 12, 2012

{Springing Forward To Sandals}

How amazing was the weather yesterday - it definitely got me excited for spring {not that any of us can really complain about the winter we've had}. Now that we've had to spring our clocks forward - that means we're just days away from wearing white pants {yes I still follow that rule}, outdoor concerts, wine tastings and movies in the park, and most importantly sandal/flip flop weather {so get those toes ready ladies - no chipped nail polish or crusty heels allowed, lol}. Below are several that I have my eye on, because as I've been losing weight, I've gone down a size in shoes - so I have a lot of replacing to do.
Spring Forward Shoes
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
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Friday, March 9, 2012

{TGIF Peeps}

weekend plans 3.8.12
Link Lovin
Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- Good friends of mine {Allie & Steven} recently opened up the cutest Etsy shop. If you have any babies to buy for - check out OKsmalls!

- Healthy smoothies - definitely getting all the ingredients to make these this weekend!

- I want this entire collection in my closet!

- Removable wallpaper - I want some...a renters dream!

- Maybe not the whole mommy thing - but I relate to this in major way. lol!!!

Enjoy your weekend Peeps - I hope you are doing something fun!!
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Thursday, March 8, 2012

{Out of Office}

Sorry Peeps - I'm taking an unexpected non-paid {lol} day off from blogging today. I'll be back tomorrow with my Weekend Plans post. Enjoy your day!!!
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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

{My Daily Face Wash Routine}

Last night after getting home from the gym, and trying to rush through my nightly routine so that I could sit down and eat and watch The Biggest Loser, as I was washing my face I wondered if I'm the only one that goes through this long drawn out process:
Face Wash Routine
I first pull my hair back out of my face with either a head band or the clips shown above. I then pump a few drops of Johnson & Johnson soap-free, hypoallergenic face wash {I've been using this for years} onto my Clarisonic cleanser {I love this thing more than I love macaroni and cheese} and go through the 60 second cycle. From there I dry my face, grab the tweezers to do a little plucking {mind you I don't do this every night}. Hope in a Jar, I swear by it and use it daily, but if I feel I need a little more moisture {as my skin is super sensitive and dry} I grab the KP Duty. I then put on some Burt's Bees lip balm {as I constantly keep my lips moisturized - I have one in the bathroom, on my nightstand, in the car, in my purse, and one at work - obsessed, yea maybe a little}. Finally I take the clips out of my hair...and done! 

Tell me - I'm not the only crazy that goes through all of this, right? What happened to the good ol' days when all you did was slap on some Noxema?

PS. I lied about the macaroni and cheese - as if I could love anything more!
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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

{Food For Thought Tuesdays: Real Bacon vs. Turkey Bacon}

While I've been cutting way back on my meat intake {basically only eating it when I go out to dinner on Saturdays} but when it comes to bacon, I have a major weakness. Because probably like many of you, I've been eating turkey bacon only because I thought it was better for me. But lately it started to dawn on me that if 1 slice of regular bacon is 1 point+ on the Weight Watchers program, and 1 slice of turkey bacon was also 1 point+ - how much different or better is it really? That's when I started to do a little research and was shocked at what I found out - so here we go:

As far as calories go, the difference between “healthy” turkey bacon and “fatty” regular bacon is negligible—and depending on the slice, turkey might sometimes tip the scales a touch more. Additionally, while turkey is indeed a leaner meat, turkey bacon isn’t made from 100% bird. One look at the ingredients list will show a long line of suspicious additives and extras that can’t possibly add anything of nutritional value. And finally, the sodium content of the turkey bacon is actually higher than what you’ll find in the kind that oinks—so if you’re worried about your blood pressure, opting for the original version is usually the smarter move.

LOTS of turkey bacon brands out there are, in fact, still hiding pork {some even dip their turkey bacon in pork fat}. They’re also put together using TONS of chemicals because turkey does not have a CUT of bacon. Bacon comes from a very specific part of the pig. Turkey bacon is just put together pieces of turkey, sometimes held together by foreign substances, dyed a certain color to make it appear to be more like bacon, and formed into a shape similar to what you’re used to expecting from pork bacon. Ummm....yuck!

BLT Sandwhich Kicked Up A Notch
In summary - 1. READ YOUR LABELS, 2. Stick with as few ingredients as possible, 3. Watch and try to minimize your overall intake of meat in general. Just a little food for thought...
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Monday, March 5, 2012

{DIY: Painted Toe Pump}

As I mentioned on Wednesday, this weekend {after being completely held captive all day Saturday reading Hunger Games - soooo good} I committed myself to completing this painted toe DIY project. It what super easy and only took 10 minutes from start to finish. I really love how they turned out - you should definitely try this!
DIY Painted Toe Pump
What do you think?
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Friday, March 2, 2012

{TGIF Peeps}

Weekend plans 3.2.12
Link Lovin
Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- Shredded brussel sprouts, kale, and bacon salad - yep, making this over the weekend!

- Give back by shopping! 31Bits is a shop that sells jewelry made from women in Northern Uganda and the proceeds offer an opportunity to counter poverty.

- I have a few friends that have a tough time with being on time - I swear they own this watch.

- I'm such a fan of my girl crush, Gwyneth Paltrow, - loving this spring post.

- Check out Jamie's new website for Furbish - lucky me I get to drive down the street and visit whenever I want!

Enjoy your weekend Peeps - I hope you are doing something fun!!
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Thursday, March 1, 2012

{March Picks: It's All About Transformation}

Well - it's the beginning of the month so you know what that means...time for my March picks!
March picks 2012
1. I really really....really love this shirt. With white pant season coming up, I can totally see myself wearing the heck out of this!

2. These stud earrings will soon be mine. I've been looking for a pair of gold stud earrings - and thanks to Pinterest, I've found them!

3. This dress - yea, there's nothing not to like about it. Great structure, great price...I'm putting it in the bag.

4. Don't step on my orange suede shoes - love these. need these.

5. I truly am. The quote that people don't change unless they really want to is true - and I'm living proof. Always a journey, a process, but I'm liking it...

6. Loving this lucite necklace - I'm wondering if I could make something like this? Man I miss my jewelry making days - I need to find more time in my days. That's going on the long-term goal list for sure - re-opening my jewelry shop.

So what are some of your favorite products, brands, trends right now?
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