to achieve maximum energy

I've been trying to be more active outside the house. Inside the house is no problem. From the moment I walk in, it's cooking, laundry, cleaning etc., but still it doesn't burn enough calories. I realized that I get burned out around 3-4 pm and I need a pick me up. Now what can fuel me and not load me up with fat and calories? I got this email from Fitness magazine and it looks like its a great list. Fitness magazine

A blend of high-fiber cereal, nuts, and dried fruit
"It's got carbs for fuel and protein for a longer-lasting effect, plus lots of fiber and iron."
Peanut butter on a banana
"The protein and fat in the peanut butter give you long-lasting energy, while the banana gives you plenty of carbohydrates and the electrolyte potassium."
An apple drizzled with honey
"Lots of fiber, plus quick energy from the honey."
Popcorn tossed with dried cherries
"It's sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy, with some fiber to boot."
Pretzels or Wheat Thins with a few teaspoons of hummus
"Hummus provides fiber and protein and the pretzels or crackers give you carbs and electrolyte-replacing sodium."

gotta love that splenda

I'm a splenda junkie. Especially in my coffee (yum) So when I saw this ad in my Cottage Living magazine, it made me very excited. SPLENDA with FIBER! 1 gram per packet is pretty good! Can't wait to pick it up.

to my everything

8 years ago today, I married the man of my dreams. A man who has made me realize that I am wonderful just the way I am. I would do it all over again too ~ I love you sweetie!

Heart and Soul.

getting out of that rut

There is no hiding that I'm in a rut and need to get dragged out. QUICK! I'll be honest and say that I am in a few ruts actually..

Ok rut 1) hair
Back in May I chopped off 9 inches. I was sick of the time spent styling it. Well it was a good decision, but I've now got no style. With my hair people! It's flat and yuck (yes yuck) and I am not happy with it. I have an appointment Friday night so hopefully it will start the flow of getting out of this rut. I'm not even gonna starting complaining about the color.

rut 2) my jeans
I just cleaned out numerous closets, and they were filled with last years, the year before (and so on) jeans. I fondly call them "my fatass jeans." Please just kill me now. I swore for the past few years that I would not be buying this same freaking size, and guess what? They still fit this year too!!! UGH! Well I have a plan...the secret? It's called STOP fucking EATING!!! I have a doctors appointment on Friday (physical), followed with an appointment with a nutritionist. Man, Friday is a happening day with me huh?

rut 3) the war against wrinkles
I'm pretty anal about my skin care routine, well I was pretty anal about it. Seems like I've been slacking a bit on this war of the skin. My skin is just not cutting it anymore and I am done with it! I'm waging war on it, but just don't know how to WIN?? The other night I was looking in the mirror, dissecting my skin, like I normally do, and saw that my skin still looks good, just not great. There is no glow going on. I need to glow. It's just my nature. I'm a glowing skin kinda girl. I need to restore this skin (the only one I freaking have) to its former glory. The glowing kinda glory.

ok baby steps.

Have to mention this site!

I love to throw a party. Dinner parties, cocktail parties, birthday parties.. you name it! I try to come up with themes, original menu ideas and fun decor. I like to think I throw a pretty mean party. I found this site awhile ago, and have been on it non stop planning my next party. Of course, I will pass off any ideas as my own (ha!). Admittedly we have been slacking in the throwing parties area, but with all the wonderful friends that I love to spend time with, we plan on changing that real soon. This site is so cool and just filled with all kinds of great ideas you need to throw a great party. I just had to share! Check out this cool site: Hostess with the Mostess

picture from hwtm.com

starting today off with greek yogurt

Have you tried Greek yogurt yet? Besides Van's waffles and oatmeal, it's probably my fave breakfast (snack) food. My absolute fave is Chobani Blueberry yogurt. Although it is a little more expensive (around $1.59) than regular yogurts, it's altogether better too. It's thicker, creamier and just more delicious. Nothing like regular yogurt. Regular yogurts are just too sweet for me, this is not sweet. It's kinda tart? If you can't find Chobani, try Fage or Oikos. It's just as delicious. While I am writing this blog, I'm actually enjoying one as I try typing. What better way to write a review?

enjoy them.. they dont stay little forever

have a great weekend

picture by... me

purging

For the past few days I have been in the process of cleaning out my closets, rubber maid container and boxes of accessories for Fall/Winter 2008-2009. I decided to finally purge this year. So no more holding on to those pants that haven't fit for 2 years, the sweater I hope will come back in season, the purses I just had to have (some with tags still on it). OUT of HERE! So far I have 4 full trash bags with clothes, shoes and purses. Goodwill here I come! Hubby is next, although that has to be done on the sly. He does not like to get rid of anything.

Now I need to replace those things with new things I just have to have. Did you really think I wouldnt? geez. Sweaters are really in now. Sweater vest, cardigans and dresses. It just so happens that I need ALL that stuff. yes, you heard me, need. How cute are these?

Thought I would share

gap sale

old and new

I love my UGGS, but I want another pair.

old

Hello New!

Detoxing my house

I made a promise to myself a few months ago that I would detox my household of all cleaners that contained any ingredients that were harmful to my children (myself and hubby also). I am pretty much there. I have gladly embraced eco-friendly products and practices to save energy (bonus - we are lower our bills). I have turned into a recycling fanatic, switched almost every light bulb in the house (to energy saving) and insulated the openings in the crawl spaces. Next we work need to work on insulating the windows.
I have tried lots of cleaning products and finally settled on all things Mrs. Meyers. I just love these products. Yes, it bit cost more, but honestly aren't we worth it?? My house smells wonder, the products work and I am doing a small part by buying Earth Friendly. Easy decision if you ask me! Now the hunt for laundry Detergent, fabric softener and dishwasher detergent.

My faves so far are:

Lavendar all purpose cleaner, Lavendar window cleaner and Basil Counter spray.

let's try slow cooker weekends

While cleaning out my pantry last night I found my slow cooker (refuse to call it crock pot) on the floor. I completely forgot I even had one. Just goes to show how much I use it. I've never really been a fan of the slow cooker, but since its now football season, the idea of not cooking or having a meal waiting after a game is very appealing to me. I think I will try making Sunday's during the Fall and winter months I will try it out.

My team plays a late game Sunday so I thought it could be a wings, dips and sandwiches kinda night. I found a pulled pork recipe on allrecipes.com (one of my fave recipe sites). Seems easy and delish. Hubby will most likely love it. I actually need a new one, mine is old and clashes with my kitchen pantry floor. I really like this one.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Barbecue

5 pound Boneless pork butt or shoulder
1 teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoon chili pepper
cayenne pepper pinch
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 cups BBQ sauce
2 teaspoon salt
1 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups Beef broth

Instructions: Rinse pork and pat dry. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne. Rub into pork on all sides. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours or over night. Cook pork in a slow cooker on low setting 10 hours. Transfer to a cutting board and using 2 forks, shred; discard any large pieces of fat. Return pork to slow cooker. In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce and 3 cups broth; stir into pork and cook 2 hours more.

lovely

I hope I look half this good when I am 43 years old! Diane Lane is still gorgeous. Here she is at the premiere of her new movie "Nights of Rodanthe" with Richard Gere. He doesn't look to shabby either.
I cant wait to see this movie. ahem.. yk who I am talking too.

Your opinion doesn't mean a thing

If you're not registered to vote.. Declare Yourself! This Friday night is the 1st debate between Obama and McCain. Make sure you watch it and then decide who you think is the better candidate. Register to vote, so your decision can be heard. There is nothing I can't stand more than someone who is opinionated on their choices, but not registered to make a decision!

what I picked up last night

I stopped by Pier 1 last night and man did I want to go crazy..but I didn't. I picked up these baskets.. how cute are they? I have the larger one filled with my orange and brown throws in my living room. The colors go perfect!

a cool home

I saw this gorgeous pics on marthastewart.com.

I love how the home owner, Photographer Tosca Radigonda, uses orange throughout the whole house. My kind of house.

Goop

Goop? hmmm very weird name. It's the new website from Gwyneth Paltrow. Seems like it will be cool. I signed up for the newsletter, so I am sure I will be passing along her advice. I gotta say I just LOVE her 1st statement on the site


"My life is good because I'm not passive about it".

Am I the last to know?

ok, I absolutely love love Glenny's Soy Crisp! It seems I am the last to know about them. There are a ton of blog reviews online. Well I dont care cause it's a first for me and I LOVE them. So far I am addicted to BBQ & Sea salt. Try them!!

The Limited online is well.. limited

Now you can shop The Limited Online!

Pretty exciting since I barely have time to get to the mall lately and I really need fall clothes. Be warned though.. it doesn't look like they don't have all their merchandise online as of yet. Hopefully they will have it fully loaded soon.

huggable hangers in ORANGE!

I went to Target for lunch today to pick up a few things.. rat food (ok she's a hamster but still a rodent), 24-pack of water (on sale this week), and a few other boring things. Guess what they had?? Oh yea I already told you in my title line - ORANGE Huggable hangers!! How exciting is that? Seriously, it's exciting! I consider myself a huggable hanger addict and I am willing to get a support group together for all us CLOSET addicts HA! My closet is filled with tan, black, cream, sage green and baby blue huggable hangers. They just make me happy. Upon inspection of Target's selection, I noticed there was also yellow, purple and hot pink!! Those will be are next. seriously believe the hype with this product. My closet looks stylish and my clothes just look better.

Healthy food shopping made easy!

Fitness magazine released its 2008 Healthy Food award shopping list. How easy is this? Nit only do they tell you what are the best products, they give it too you in a shopping list! I love that they do this every year.

I don't buy the magazine but I do get email updates. I'm subscribed to a bunch. All with great tips like this one. I just love their site.

Here are a few products mentioned, that I just love:

Best Waffle: Van's Gourmet Multi-Grain Waffles (sooo good)

Best Greek yogurt: Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt

Best Almond Butter: Justin's Honey Almond Butter Squeeze Pack

my best and worst..

I'll be honest I didn't bother watching the Emmy's last night. I was too exhausted from my long day at the Eagles game (WOO HOO) but I do love looking at what the stars wore.

America Ferrera looked absolutely gorgeous, Hands down my fave.

Can I ask, What the heck was Eva thinking? That makeup is just all wrong for her. The dress didn't do anything for me either.

ahhh friday

I'm having coffee tomorrow with a great friend, then a block party with complete strangers and then Sunday, again a day with great friends! What a diverse weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend!

really showing your support

adorable? I think so.

actually wearing them in your hair? I think not. Barack Obhama barrettes on etsy.com

they would be cute clipped on a jacket? it's different and I love that~

oooh nice.

I need a new pair of black shades and how cute is the name?
juicy's "dont look - viv la juicy"

huh?

nope, don't like it at all

put away those flipflops

Fall "officially" starts on Monday, Sept 22nd. Time to put away the summer clothes & sandals. You know who you are, the one that thinks it's ok to wear capris and sandals cause its still warm out. No no no!

For the fashion fearless, be prepared. There are a ton of looks for the young this season. Most of us "older" women can't pull this off (so don't try), find pieces that are a more sophisticated look for you. There is nothing worse than seeing a 50 year-old woman with PINK across her ass. Leave the college look to the kids actually in college? mmm ok?

Oh and no more butt cracks. Yes for several years now, low-rise and ultra-low rise jeans were all the style. This year, women will find what's in is high-waisted pants and skirts. You'll see that straight-legs will be a popular style for jeans, but trousers/pants are all about being wide-leg and flared!

How cute will those wide-legged trousers look with another look that's in for the fall.. ruffled blouses! You gotta love this look. I know I will be wearing it. Cardigans, scarfs and sweater vest are also huge this season. I wish I would of took a picture of my daughter this morning, she was rocking an adorable outfit with a cropped sweater vest and matching Chucks.

Of course us fashionistas already know that the colors for fall are jewel and earth tones! Another trend is going green. As in being more eco-conscious when selecting your fabrics this season. Try and buy ethically-made organic cotton t-shirts, Doing this is a great way to support the environment.

a wish

Please, please, magically appear in my closest ...... I REALLY want it it.

Here is my wnter coat.. how perfect would they look together??

I love lists

I make lists all day long. I transfer one incomplete "to do" list to a newly made list, just so I never forget things I need to do. If it seems like a lot of work. nope. I have it down to a science AND I'm organized and that's all that matters.

Today's list.
1. make yearly appt. ~ ack!
2. get more creative with my Fall decorations. I need more original ideas.
3. walk more than 2 days a week.
4. make farmers market "to buy" list (check fridge & pantry)
5. think about switching summer clothes for fall clothes. just think about when to start that project!

Sassy Recycled Shopping

VivaTerra is online/catalog shopping that is Eco-friendly. Their products are reclaimed, recycled and just plain gorgeous! I am all about trying to help the environment and love that this site shows people you don't have to sacrifice style to help the Earth. Just look at a few of the pieces I am wanting..

Still in style, but better than ever.

This Fall the Cross body bags are "in". There are now so many stylish options for this bag. This makes me so happy cause now I actually want one. I'll be honest, I haven't always been a fan of this cross body look. Coach's swingpacks were once upon a time the Designer that held the market on this style of bag. To me, they are ugly, butt ugly. Sorry but they are, it's a look I don't care to spend my $ on.
I found these and now I am really loving this kind of bag. Can't wait to find one I really love.
Hopefully in a brown leather.

Tano (weird it's my brothers name)

Urban outfitters

I'm a Modernist

What's your decorating style?

Seems like it's what I would like to achieve in my house, the whole uncluttered, minimal look, but the word "modernist" just seems cold?

Here is the description they gave, along with my comments (of course).

As a modernist, you live by the motto that less is more (So TRUE). To you, interiors should be minimal and sparse, not embellished and cluttered (hate clutter). With a focus on color, texture and shape, the bones of a modern space evoke a neutral yet elegant environment. Timeless, white-lacquer walls (don't have a white wall in my house), interesting woods like bamboo and gray oak, and fancy stones like polished limestone and carrara marble add contemporary sophistication. For warmth and interest, you’ve painted a few walls in bold accent colors or hung simple wallpapers made of grass cloth or metallic foils in intimate spaces such as the bedroom and bathroom. To further energize the room, you’ve added geometric touches in rugs and throw pillows and upholstered a few of your mid-century modern favorites in pop colors like indigo blue, apple red and canary yellow (yup bold printed yellow dining room chairs). Organic yet linear accessories such as trees (hold the fakes, please!), coral and orchids complete your design.

GO EAGLES!

My gf and I are going to the Eagles Vs. Steelers game on Sunday (thanks honey) and of course I need to look adorable. Since I REALLY am an Eagles Fan, the gear is necessary but one must always project ones self as lovely as possible. Correct?

My husband loves to buy me the same black Eagles T (he forgets he got it on numerous occassionals) I really do need new Eagles gear. I love the stuff sold on NFL shop, especially the TOUCH line from Alyssa Milano. How cute are these? Now I hope some of these pieces are being sold locally.

The Art of Displaying

I have a room that I want to redecorate. It's the 1st room you see when you walk into my house and it is lacking a "wow" factor. I know everything I want to do with the room, but not how I want to arrange all the framed pictures I have. There are so many, and each I love more than the next one. Right now, most are "leaning" on floating shelves, the rest are in boxes waiting to be displayed. Here are some ideas from Domino.com

I especially love this look for my teenager daughter's bedroom. So sophisticated.