Freckled Star

An incredibly bad blogger............

Ding, ding, ding!

I'm right here.

I'm sorry:(

It's not that I haven't been doing anything creative lately..........

In fact I am in full Valentine, full swaps mode...........

My desk is currently a huge mess with pink, red and cream goodness all over the place........

Glitter, paper, ribbon, twine, paint, tapes, stamps all sorts of stuff........

It's been fun:)

I also got some French General bracelets done and they are soooo cute!!

And then Affaire at Tiffany's swaps went up these past two weeks and I couldn't resist!

So I am doing The Never Go-Lightly Tiara, Oh So Chic Altered Bottle, A Very "Charming" Tiffany Necklace and Holly Go Comfy Slippers..........

Oh and I can't forget I am hosting swap!!

The Stylish's Girls Compact was a huge hit and I am sooo excited to see what everyone comes up with:)

So creatively I have been on the go go go...........

Keeping myself busy! Trying not to think too much about Zachary and what he's going through right this very minute..........

He's been gone 2 weeks. We've gotten 4 letters and he was in good spirits through all of them:) His sense of humor definitely intact!! But that was last week. This week he is in full training mode and I know it's got to suck. The weather there is miserable. They don't call it Fort Lost in the Woods for nothing!! And there is nothing funny about that..........

But that's coming from a mom and I know he isn't a baby anymore. That doesn't make it any easier to let go...........

So that's all I'll say about that or you'd be bored to tears!

Trust me!

Well I am still here:)

Still pushing through the Whole Living Mind+Body Challenge. Exercising pretty regularly too. Maybe that's another reason I haven't been able to write much. I'm exhausted and hungry lol:) I did figure out one thing though. I can't live on vegetables and fruit alone no matter how good it is for me. I had no energy whatsoever. And I'm not eating tofu! Sorry!! So chicken showed back up in my diet after about 10 days. Along with a little lean red meat on Sundays. I felt much better. Of course that may be because I ate a piece of cake and 2 chocolate strawberries over the weekend;)

That was literally my first sweet in 21 days!

Pretty good in my book:)

Even if I did go a smidge overboard............

Speaking of which look at these!!!!

Are those not the cutest, sweetest thing ever!! Williams Sonoma Doughnut Cookies oh my God!!!

Moving on before I start to drool.........

 

 

 

That's all I got:)

Be back soon???

 

 

 

 

 

Swap madness.......

 Is coming!!

In less than 4 months An Affaire at Tiffany's will be here!

And swaps are going up very, very soon.............

This time around I decided I would host a little swap..........

A first for me.......

I'm calling it "A Stylish Girl's Compact":)

Just what the doctor ordered to! Because instead of sitting around worrying endlessly I have been thinking about these and just what to do with them.............

These are pretty easy to find and relatively cheap. These were all under $5! Even the monogrammed one..........

So I got out some super pretty stash and went to work!

Chain, pearls, bits and baubles:)

The results............

Oh my gooooodness!!

They look so pretty all grouped together!

Anyway just one of the many GORGEOUS things to come at Kim's FABULOUS event!! There is still a little time left and I think 1 or 2 spots. Won't you join all of us??!!:)

 

Yesterday and progress.............

Yesterday I gave my Zachary Ryan to the Army...........

Definitely one of the hardest days of my life and I have had some pretty hard days............

It doesn't matter that you know it's coming. It doesn't matter that you think you are prepared for it. Because all that really does matter is that nothing will ever be the same again. He'll never live with us again. This 4 months of boot camp and training are only the beginning. Then he'll get his permanent duty station which won't be near us. Then more than likely he'll be deployed to that God forsaken middle east. He will be forever changed. Our family is forever changed............

But with that comes a new chapter, and yes I could sit around and wallow but I won't. I did that yesterday and it was for the birds. Now granted the lump is still lodged deep in my throat. I will worry about him every single minute of the day. I will pray that he stays healthy and that the Army doesn't drain out of him all the love and compassion I have instilled in him these last 21 years. And that every day he'll get up, keep his head up and persevere. I know he can do it and there is no doubt in my mind that he will be an outstanding soldier. I am so incredibly blessed to be his mom. I have not regretted staying at home with all my children for one minute. I have never missed a word, a step, a bad dream, an tummy ache, a laugh, a cry, a broken heart, an accomplishment, a school assembly, a driver's test and so many more tiny little things that add up to 21 years..............

Which is why with a heavy heart I let him go. He was ready and for as much as I thought I was ready I really am not. But there comes a time you just have to let them go. And make their own mistakes, learn their own lessons and live their own life and just hope to God they don't forget everything you taught them the minute they step out the door.

So that's my sad story...........

Now I'll take a deep breath and move on.............

Let's talk progress:)

Last week blew to be sure. I had a headache starting Wednesday and didn't end til Saturday night. We went up to Cayucos for 3 days and that sucked. No Duckies Chowder or garlic bread or soda or Brown Butter Cookies or gramma Dee's cooking. I stuck to salads. Except for breakfast I ate a half a pancake 3 mornings straight. But I did do a 4 mile hike up to Bishop Peak in San Luis Obsipo. Only felt like I was going to throw up twice:) So not a complete cleanse I guess. I did better sticking to it last year but then again last year Frank was not home and Zachary was not leaving. Today I am getting back on track. Yesterday I didn't eat anything so I think my weight right now isn't a true number. I'm not an emotional eater, I am an emotional non eater. Which is just as bad as over eating in a way. I need to force myself to eat today even though I am not hungry.

Conclusion I'm all jacked up right now but I am starting again. Because every day is a new day......

"It's not how many times you fall that matters, but how many times you get back up"

Be back soon:)

 

 

And away we go............

Well it's here..........

Monday January 2nd........

Bleh!

Just kidding I am pumped!!;)

So here are some links that might be helpful if your looking to start the year off right........

I am doing the Whole Living 2012 28 Day Mind+Body Challenge...........

But tweaking it just a smidge..........

Because I think the recipes are just a little worse than last years!

Pink Beet soup no thanks and there is SQUASH in EVERYTHING.......

YUCK!

Also the juice recipes look yucky, sorry not drinking juice made of kale so like I said a few tweaks:)

To begin with it says if you don't have a juicer, which let's just say I don't, you can use these Detox Smoothies. All of which look totally doable except the kale and beet one. And yes I know I am brat:) This morning it was the Antioxidant one and it was quite tasty.

2 cups frozen mixed berries, love the Trader Joe's Fancy Berry Blend

1 cup Pomegranate juice, make sure it has no added sugar!

And then break out those Magic Bullets girls:)

Moving on...........

Lunch looks miserable but for the good of my ever expanding bottom and the fact that I am not getting any younger I'll give it a shot............

Week 1 Lunch Recipes are here. I have agreed to the stupid Kale Slaw and the Avocado with Bell Pepper and Tomatoes. NO SQUASH and Sweet Potato Salad gag me!! So I'll just rotate those two:)

Week 1 Dinner Recipes are here. Here's where the pink soup comes in! Bleh! I said yes to the Roasted Peppers and Cauliflower with Almonds. And no to the other stuff. The tweak is the Healthy Soup Recipes. I will be making the Creamy Broccoli and White Bean, Wild Mushroom, Herb Pesto Barley and the Creamy Cauliflower. If they have chicken broth in the recipe I will substitute with vegetable broth.

Because this week we are avoiding all animal products. So no cheese! Along with added sugar, caffeine, anything processed, anything white (rice, potatoes, pasta) and alcohol. Next week we get to add some fish. We'll go over those recipes when we get there. Note to self: I should not have looked ahead:(

Oh and before I forget............

SNACKS!

The challenge's all suck, who's going to poach apples or wants crispy kale??!! Ummm no one! Maybe this was designed that you'd be so repulsed by the food you just wouldn't eat:) Now there is a cleanse!

So I went to Trader Joe's and bought a few trail mixes. Cranberries and walnuts seem to be all they are made of! Sad face here:( Then I got some of that oriental rice cracker mix, filling. Plus I could always have an apple, orange or banana. I know this doesn't sound good at all and I am getting depressed just thinking about it.............

Ok so I have given you some links, a little information. Maybe more than you wanted! Take it for what you will because as they say the rest is up to you:)

The pedometer is back on and as of right this minute I have 5399 steps! Light to moderate exercise this week. They say you will probably feel like crap the first week. FANTASTIC:)

Happy Monday!!!

Now I need a snack............

Or maybe not:(

 

 

 

 

It's time..........

Well it's that time again ladies!!

The first of the year is upon us.........

Again........

I know hard to believe isn't it!!??

So if you have been reading for a while you may know that last year I started it off by clearing the clutter, having a food diary, making healthier choices and walking regularly. You can go back and read those posts if you like they'd be January and February 2011 posts. I think I will:) A little refresher course to help me thru this transition!!

Well let's talk about progress...........

The first month was HARD!! I cut out everything from dairy to flour. No juice, no soda just good ol' water and it sucked to be sure! But the whole fruit smoothies were a Godsend!! I kept my food diary all month, did weigh-ins at the Club every Wednesday and it was very helpful to help me make conscious choices plus hold me accountable. Also I wore that damn pedometer everyday! I lost 4 pounds.

February was moving right along. Just kept right with January. Only I added some dairy and chicken. Also I let myself have Dove's Dark Chocolate squares as a treat:) Lost an additional 4 pounds.

March it was pretty much habit and I can say I lost the craving for soda all together. I still wanted Reese's Peanut Butter Cups though, sugar can be an evil mistress!! No more food diary, but still kept the pedometer. Lost additional 3 pounds.

All together 11 pounds on my 5'4" frame. I had weighed in January at 134 pounds and was down to 123 by April 1st. Went from a snug 6 to a loose 4 in pants.

Then April came and with it my 38th birthday and a trip to Arizona with girlfriends. To say I hit the wall would be an understatement:) All of a sudden I was in line at McDonalds with my medium Coke!! It wasn't pretty.

May I gave myself off. Don't ask why.............

June I got back on the wagon and in a big way Frank was coming home!!!

July he came home and it all went to hell for 2 weeks. I actually had margaritas and steak!! Ughhhhh!!!!

August I said !@#$ it!

September back on! He was due back home in less than 2 months and wanted to start working out with me. Ughhhh!

October crashed and burned! Can you say "Halloween CANDY"!!

November first two weeks I was on fire. No junk period!! Walking 3 miles 2 weeks straight!! He came home............

All went to hell:)

December first two weeks started lifting weights, a little cardio. Last two weeks............

All went to hell!!

Conclusion............

I weighed in today at 130 pounds even, I had cheese popcorn for breakfast this morning, I really am thinking about going next door to El Burrito for a Coke and taquitos, my back hurts from this chair I've been sitting in the last 3 hours, these size 4's used to be loose and in less than 4 days I'm starting all over again!!

Stay tuned:)

It's going to be fun!

 

 

 

Very Merry Christmas...........

Hi everybody!

Well it's less than 48 hours before Christmas now.........

Hope you're ready:)

I'm beyond ready!

And I don't know about you but I'm also ready to put 2011 in my rearview..........

During the last week and a half I have been lucky enough to have attended some fab soirees........

First was Song of the Season at Kim's and taught by the very talented Karla Nathan.

I of course forgot my camera! So you'll just have to trust me when I say it was amazing:)

We made this gorgeous wreath with wire and lace............

With that cute little bird. We also learned a little painting technique and did these boxes........

Sweet! Now with that box are a couple of the gifties I've gotten over the last few days...........

Let's look at some more gifts shall we.............

Earleen made me this and you should see everything inside!

Can you say WOW??!! She even made me a cuff. Which is great because I gave all mine away:)

Then Sherry sent me this..........

Packaged all sweet..........

How fun!! I love the mail:)

Then I got this beautiful Madonna from Kim.............

Then I have been talking about swaps right? We did a charm, bath product and ornament. Here are just a few pics. It was too amazing to even put into words!! Everyone is so talented and thoughtful.........

I tell you we were like a bunch of 6 year olds on Christmas morning!! Just look at that packaging! Have I mentioned I like a good package! And this is not everything! It was CRAZY!!

So to top everything off, last night was my Annual 3 Pea's Christmas I do with Char and Elaine. This year we went to tea at Martha Green's in Redlands. I brought my camera but..........

Only took like 3 pictures! I know I am hopeless but I got one of the dessert lol:)

And my wrap, French General inspired..........

Some pretties.........

I got 2 of those, JOY!!

Adorable table runner for Spring and the cutest little dresser with soaps in it:)

I also got this amazing white crown from Char and a beautiful scarf from Elaine and a sweet bird that chirps and starfish ice tongs and and and...............:)

People probably thought we were insane when we walked in packin' heavy lol:)

It was really a wonderful night! This past week and a half with all my friends has been wonderful. I am so blessed. I am so thankful!!

I hope you all have a very blessed, very peaceful holiday and that you find joy in the little things.

That and that no one has to call the cops on anyone;)

 

 

 

Lace and baubles.........

So I was kinda hinting around at these cuffs I made from Karla Nathan's tutorial..............

But I had to wait til they all found their proper home..........

Some are still waiting but since I have a little time I thought I would just post them:)

Every one I made I thought about that specific lady and how much they had meant to me all year long.....

I tried to think of colors and foofiness they would love and went from there.........

I didn't have to go very far lol:)

Everything I needed was right here, so nice to use stuff I already have!!!

In this crazy artsy crafty world I have the tendency to become a little bit of a supply hoarder! I find these awesome, beautiful pieces and I hate to use them!! They just sit all pretty in their little container and smile brightly whenever I open it:)

Some of you know what I mean and some of you don't;) Like the girls who will get the whole dress form thing and then there are those who just don't. It's ok;) I know I am crazy!

Here are a few............

Ms Denise

Ms Cynthia

Ms Terry

Ms Earleen

Ms Cheryl

Ms Kim

Ms Annette

I've got 3 more that still need to find homes:)

I'll post those later because they have some awesome vintage jewels on them!!

In case your interested in learning how to make go visit Karla at Karla's Cottage!!

Have a lovely day!

Just for fun............

Fun I say and impractical some other people say...............

It's a good thing I don't really care what other people say;)

"June" in her holiday finest...........

All white this year. And don't you just love the vintage suitcases??!! The train case is from Lisa Loria. Bought it at The Vintage Marketplace a few weeks ago. She painted it and I just LOVE it!! Goes perfect with my cream suitcase I got off Etsy last year. So much fun. The larger suitcase is monogrammed and I always wonder where it has been and imagine the clothes it held. Probably lovely!! Gloves, stockings and all kinds of fun stuff:) The tall hat box Earleen had given me a gift in and it just looks so sweet all together.............

Her little skirt from Rita Reade and the doilly scarf from Serendipity Salvage. Both at The Village Marketplace in Rainbow a few weeks ago.

I don't think my pictures do her justice. But she is super cute and makes me smile:)

I mean seriously just look at the pink ballet shoes!

I want to be her lol!!

 

 

Give, give, give...............

I just love giving and I absolutely can't wait for The Song Of the Season holiday party at Kim's tomorrow!!

We have swaps galore!!

A few bags of goodies:)

A few tokens of appreciation:)

Our colors for the party are aqua, pink and white. I just know everything is going to be absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to see everyone!

Can you tell I'm excited:)

I am all packed and ready to go! Can't wait to share our fun projects with Karla and all of our swaps!!

Have a great weekend!!

Don't drink too much punch lol;)

Hello there.............

Well it's a cloudy Thursday here in SoCal today.............

And I am home.............

ALONE!!!

It's glorious:)

At least for the next hour anyway...........

I have been asked to put up some pictures of my holiday decor. Which I must say is a little lacking this year. No tree............

{GASP}

I know my mother is probably turning in her grave!!

But with Christmas Day at dad's this year and leaving for Jackson Hole the very next day for 7 days taking down a dried out Christmas tree, after being in the car with ALL the kids for the equivelent of 3 days, when we get home seemed very unappealing..............

But I did get the bannisters done and took out some of my favorite things............

So here you go:)

That's about it. As you can see I still have a thing for burlap:) Also still loving all my natural looking decor from Pottery Barn last year. Birds nest, twigs, acorns love it all! Crystal bowls filled with white and silver ornaments plus a few vintage tairas here and there. Beautiful! And this year I took out all my mercury glass votives. They look really pretty beneath the "Joy" banner we made with Denise last year:)

Well I have about 20 minutes before the first head comes thru the door..........

Think I'll blast the Christmas music lol:)