Freckled Star

Shea and Debbie..........

Are you ready?

Ok so this weekend was my "French General" weekend:)

My first class was Friday night and it was taught by Shea and Debbie of The Gilded Life.

Check out their blog it is gorgeous!! They have events in Dallas that I hear are just amazing and they have started something new called The Gilded Girls Stash Society where they send out monthly boxes full of beauty:) I have yet to partake in either but seriously thinking about it!! Also they are featured in the NEW Where Women Create and their creative space is just to die for:)

I got to French General just a little early and spent just a little to much money;)

How could I not!!!

Look at all this!!!

 

Then there was our workspace and all the supplies.......

   

So after a little bit of a late start we all got to work:)

 

Cynthia (and I would link you to her blog but she says she hasn't posted in like a year;)

 

Kathleen:)

 

Terry working hard:)

And a new friend, Danette..........

Really nice ladies to sit for a couple of hours with:)

This was a little bit on the hard side. I am not big on Exacto knives unless it's a straight line lol:) This was quite a bit of detail work. The fabric was especially difficult to work with but in the end it turned out so cute!!

 
  

Some of the little details:)

I really love the way it turned out and you can't see it but it does have beaded chain attached to the embellished pins for hanging.

Well I better get goin' Lindsay needs her jeans sewn (why she asked me I have no idea;) and since it's her birthday tomorrow I said FINE!!! She will be 17! Which seems so unreal to me:)

But the good news is.........

I don't have to cook tonight! I bought tamales from the tamale lady at work and all I have to do is warm them up. JOY!!

Oh and the winner for my little soldered charm........

As you may or may not know I number comments 1 thru whatever, this time being 6 and ask a kid to pick a number.

This time Tyler picked........

Lucky number 3!!

Which is Shawn Street!

Email me your address and I will get it out pronto:)

Thanks everyone for your comments I really appreciate them!

I'll be back with more soon! I promise not to let a week pass:) Geez where does the time go!!??

 

 

 

 



 
 
 
 

 

 

 

The Crown and a surprise:)

Finally did my Terri Brush Crown class and it was amazing!!!

 

Looks like fun from the very beginning!!

It was taught at the Urban Barn in Escondido. Really a NEAT place:) Can't wait to go back just to peruse the store one day!!

But today was about FOCUS lol:)

 

Because in those cute little blue glittered boxes was a lot of baubles that all needed to be wrapped in copper........

 

I didn't take a before picture. I just got to work. 33 little pieces needed to be wrapped in that tape then burnished. Probably the most tedious part of the whole process.

Once they were done I got up and took a little break. I had been sitting for almost 2 hours!! It goes by so fast you don't even realize!!

 

Julie Haymaker was there also teaching a class. I couldn't pass these little doggies she made up:) They are too cute and one of them is an old music box!!

 Deb Hodge was there. One day I hope to have half the talent she does:)

 

Love it!!

 

The ever lovely Denise Hahn was there. And FYI she is having a "LOVE" banner workshop at Whimzy in February. I will be there:) Maybe a starter class for you!!??

And I met two new friends Shawn and Kadee who will also be at Moulin Rouge in March. Both traveled to be here!! Shawn from San Fransisco and Kadee all the way from Chicago! How is that for taking a LEAP!!!

Without further ado here is my crown.........

Drum roll........

Because I still can't believe I made it and it's still in one piece:)

 

 

The second picture I took in my bathroom last night. After our crown was complete Terri gave us a metal piece and stamp set to come up with a word to give our piece of art some meaning. I immediately thought of my word for 2011. "NURTURE":)

I am so happy with it. It was truly a labor of love I tell you!!

And once I got started I pretty much kept right on truckin' and got done with about 2 hours to spare. So Terri let me go thru some of her paper and glass pieces to make a few charms........

 

So here is the surprise.........

I am going to give this one away:)

 

Now don't get too excited. It's bumpy and it's lumpy and it certainly isn't like this lady's baubles! But it was fun and I thought I would share the love:)

I have put a piece of hand dyed silk ribbon in the ring that I had left over from my Ethereal Bangle class and I will package it super cute:) You could wear it as a necklace, a sun catcher in your window. Use as an embellishment. Whatever you'd like!

What I would like you to do is leave a comment on this post (no Facebook sorry ladies) telling me one way you "nurture" yourself.

Do you take a long bath after a long day, get a manicure, read a book, buy a purse, run, cook, eat a pint of ice cream..........

Whatever floats your boat:)

And if you don't do anything to "nurture" yourself..........

Which is very sad!

Come up with something that you would like to start doing.

Maybe this is your wake up call.

We only get one life.

What's going to get you to leap?

Leave a comment.

Don't be afraid:)

 

 

 

 

Some fabulous finds........

Sunday Grace and I went to the Long Beach Flea Market.

I had no idea there was even a Flea Market there til Denise mentioned it.

Turns out it is a HUGE market place full of all kinds of JUNK as well as some really great stuff:)

Now at first I admit I was a LITTLE overwhelmed.

Because to begin with there was a lot of CRAP!!

Like velvet paintings, orange decoupage, rusty spurs, old gas station signs, gaudy gold chandeliers kind of CRAP!!

But once I got my bearings a little bit and my flight or fight response subsided I was able to take off my sweater and dig in:)

And I had to take off that sweater because it was HOT!!

So hot and so many people that the vendors ran out of water bottles!

Here's what I got...........

 

Some GORGEOUS European Grain Sacks and 2 Monogrammed French tea towels. The grain sacks were $20 a piece, which is unheard of, from Uber Chic Home and unfortunately they do not have a website. The tea towels were 2 for $40. Again excellent price! And yes you may think that's expensive but I have a love for them and on Ebay, Etsy, Home Decor stores I wouldn't be able to pick up one for that price. It's all about what you love and for me these were a STEAL:)

I love the monogram........

 

And the grain sacks are large enough to use as a table runner.........

 

The same lady with the tea towels also had this vintage Madonna for $29........

 

So pretty:)

Picked up some lace pieces for $3 for my Vintage Pillow swap.........

 

I am ready to get that one started:) Still haven't found a vintage suitcase but I will! That will be the last thing I put on so I can get to work on it.

 

Ignore the vent! 2 white chippy frames for $5:) I have been collecting these because I want to do a whole wall of them. So for the price. SOLD!!

And last but not least my vintage jewel lot found in a lovely sandwich bag!

 

Except for the card with the pins (that came from the same place I got the lace for a buck:) I got ALL that for..........

$10!!!!!!!!!!

Score!!!!!

Another swap DONE!!

So there you have it my first real Flea Market expedition:)

Can't wait til next time:)

Oh and this was one of my favorite vendors A Beautiful Mess Antiques. Her aisle space was awesome! So many cute ideas. Check out her site you will love it!!

 

 

Maison de Joie

Carol Wingert put out this kit back in November.

And it looked just too amazing to pass up!

It was an actual class in Arizona that I could not make it to:(

Now when I got the kit and opened it up my first thought was "Oh my God! This is INTENSE!":)

Sooooo many gorgeous things. Buttons, lace, tins, ribbons, paper and so much more!

All I can say is thank God Cheryl and Kim also bought the kit and could not attend the Arizona event!

Or mine would probably still be in the box;)

So for 2 Saturdays we have gotten together for about 6 hours to work on our books.

Truth be told we probably talk more than work:)

But we are getting through it:)

The first Saturday this is all we got done.........

 

Now maybe it looks easy but I assure you it was NOT! Everything about this book is handmade. Even the book itself. Yes it was seambinded but it need to be sanded and painted. We had to make the actual pages and stitch them into the spine. The wreath and flower made by us:) The gate had to be wired on.

But it is a gorgeous cover........

 

One of the prettiest things I have ever made!

The following Saturday we got 6 pages done and in case you are wondering there are 12:)

 

 

Lookin' good:)

One more Saturday in February and we are knocking this sucker out!

I have swaps to do!!

Which I am gathering a little here and there and have all kinds of ideas swimming in my head:)

You should see my studio table.

I really need to get focused!

Just not today lol;)

 

 

 

Links, treats and tips........

As you know I am starting off my new year with trying out some healthier habits........

Making healthier decisions if you will.........

I have been posting pretty consistently on Facebook about my progress......

Some things that are working for me and they may work for you too......

I have been getting some really positive feedback about my postings so I thought I would share here as well...........

Also if you are on my Facebook wall and missed a link or can't find something I will have it all here on one post:)

I'll start with links.......

First of all I have been doing a smoothie every morning now for the last 9 days. It has really helped a lot with my energy level and my need for a big lunch. I have never eaten anything for breakfast. I usually don't eat til about 11am and of course by then I am starving and eating the WRONG type of stuff! Also I don't particularly care for fruit at all. But this is one way that works for me so that it is incorporated into my diet. I have eaten more bananas in the last week than in probably my whole 37 years by mixing them in a smoothie:)

Smoothies from Whole Living

This is also a great magazine to get every month to keep you motivated and inspired!

To go with these I am using Magic-Bullet available at Amazon.com or Kohls. It's nice. It's a single serving blended right in the cup. No mess or lugging out the big blender.

As far as making more nutritious meals I am looking at Cooking Light the website for now. I just ordered the magazine. Oh and I signed up for their email and I get a new recipe everyday. I've actually used two:)

I am also doing Whole Living's 28 Day Challenge.

Action Plan from Whole Living

The plan can be started at any time. Any time you feel you're ready for change:)

I am using this pedometer also available at Amazon.com

Today I broke 10,000 steps!!

I am wearing RunTone Action's by Reebok and they are pretty killer:)

And Lululemon's Stride Jacket is awesome on these cold mornings.

I had mentioned before I am doing "Crafting Fitness" with Jenny Doh (link to the top right) and it has been very interesting. We are only in the beginning stages of the 5 week course and already I am learning alot about my eating habits and how much I move. I love that it's really getting down to the thought process we use as to what we put in our mouths. Are we even thinking at all?? I can tell you right now I wasn't:) If nothing else it will at least have opened my eyes to exactly how much I eat and what it is I am eating. All those words that get really annoying.......

trans fat

fat from calories

sodium

SUGAR

protein

You know those BAD words:)

So in thinking about that I have found a couple really tasty almost guilt free snacks that curb my craving but leave me completely satisfied.........

(which is hard to do;)

 

 

So we've got Late July's Vanilla Bean Green Tea cookies, TLC Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars and Special K's Chocolate Pretzel.

All perfect for a little snack and all under 120 calories. No trans fat!!

I am the kind of person that needs at least two little snacks. One mid morning and one mid afternoon. And since I am also the type of person who does not like fruit these do the trick. Without the sugar of a candy bar or a soda. Or the fat of a bag of chips.

Since I am not drinking soda or juice I am trying to down that 8 glasses of water a day.....

That's so weird I just realized that besides my smoothie in the morning I have literally drank nothing but water for the last 9 days!

I am a work in progress I know:)

Anyway I am finding it easier if, for some bizarre reason, I make my water prettier. So I add things like lemon, lime or orange wedges.

Also as soon as I get up I do these Yoga Release moves from Whole Living. Very simple easy stretches to open up the body and spirit for a new day. I count my breaths and shake out the cobwebs:)

I really like this line of vitamins GNC has put out for women called Well BEing.

I have started reading again for pleasure. Right now I am reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

And I think you have noticed I am taking a lot of art classes. Going beyond my comfort zone. Having that time for me away from the kids, the house, work, the computer. I need that.

These are just a few of things I have started. Really just getting back to basics. Thinking about myself a little bit more. Where I want to be health wise. It's not just about eating. It's an overall look at everything I do everyday. Stress. Over stimulation. How long I sit in a chair. How many times I rub my temples. How often I look at my phone thinking I may have missed a text from Frank.

I am only as good to other people as I am to myself.

I have to constantly remind myself of that.

And this..........

To be my best self I NEED to take care of myself.

Well it's 8:30 time for a nice long soak and then off to bed:)

Remember to breathe........

and drink water!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baby steps.....

Each day of the last week was a challenge.........

Not sure if it's the sugar or the caffeine that has my body in such disrepair but I have to tell you I had a headache for 3 days when I cut out both.........

Thursday I finally started feeling like myself again..........

But with a list of errands for the week and cutting my calorie intake by probably half (those french fries, sodas, Cheese It's, bagels add up!).........

I was not a happy camper:(

It was just one step at a time........

then another......

And before long Sunday was here!

One week down, lost three pounds and feeling pretty good:)

Got some crafting done this weekend and went and saw Country Strong with Lindsay. LOVED the sound track:)

And I didn't even want popcorn or a soda.

Although today Tyler requested Mac and Cheese and Lindsay is making chocolate cupcakes for her friend so it gets REALLY hard!!

But I guess that's why it's called the 28 Day Challenge:)

For Jenny's class we have to keep a journal. In it we answer questions about ourselves, write what we eat, weigh and how many steps we take everyday. I was truly amazed at the amount of steps we take. I can also start to see a pattern with my eating habits. When I get hungry, what satisfies and what does not. It's been interesting:)

I was falling behind on my journal so I took the afternoon and got all caught up.

 

I ended up typing up my journal questions. Typing and cropping is easier for me:) I also transferred all my eating, steps info in. So now it's all organized and I feel a little more organized about it:) I swear I had about 100 things to do last week!!

We are supposed to do a "Decision" page. No real rhyme or reason to it. I guess that's where the crafting part comes in:) I took some key words and phrases that I find myself using all the time and of course typed them out. I have had this scrapbook paper FOREVER and finally used it:)

I like it. This is actually the second one I did. The first one was when I was having a mini meltdown last week so I tossed it:)

That's where I am at. Bring on week two! This week is all about "Sacrifices" for Jenny's class. What we are willing to give up in the name of being fit and for how long. A day, a week, a month, a year, a lifetime?? I guess it really depends on how bad you want it. So now it's on to my "Sacrifices" page. I have some things to think about.

Which I can do while I am meditating because that is what Whole Living's Challenge is about this week. Although I do believe you are supposed to clear you mind when meditating. I am a little out of practice:)

I'll probably be thinking about Kettle Cooked chips and soda the whole time because I think that will have to be my sacrifice. Those are my trigger foods and I know it.

I will be strong this week:)

I've got a busy week ahead but I am going to try to get some pictures up of the Carol Wingert book I am doing. It is turning out amazing and it has been so much fun getting together and trudging thru it with Kim and Cheryl:) If not for them I think the box would still be sealed!

Be back soon........

 

It's official..........

I am a becoming a vintage bauble junkie:)

Went to Treasures&Junk in Ontario with Char today.

A quick trip!

Now I went here, before the metamorphosis I went thru a few short weeks ago, and hated it!!

But now.........

Well I can't help myself:)

I got some really great stuff from Sweet Magnolias Farm and Sissy Dre.........

Picked up some more vintage baubles for my bracelet swap.........

A cute blue wood chippy sign that says "Beach House" on it......

And a vintage crown:)

What's even more awesome is almost all the vendors are having 10-30% off all their booths.

So yes it's official "I am a JUNKER":)

Anyway remember these??

 

All tagged up and ready to go for a swap I am in for Moulin Rouge in March.

I was so happy I had one swap down.........

Well think again!

Apparently I misinterpreted what we were supposed to get. They were all supposed to be pastel RHINESTONES. I just picked up cute pastel vintage anything. These are mostly lucite and polymer beads. Oh and at the time whites and pearls were supposed to be a part of the color scheme too.

Big miscommunication on my part!! I had already invested a small junk of dough in these and being that I had already taken off the backs, attached a Moo card and a jump ring I don't think many Antique stores would be willing to take them back:(

So what are you going to do right???:)

I had to take myself out of that swap. I think I was too heart broken to really do it anymore anyway:(

And to be honest I really didn't want to invest any more money on 16 new pieces.

Swaps are supposed to be fun. It's fun to search and find stuff for a really great price or use what I already have and make something fabulous. This wasn't going to be fun anymore so.........

I did what I do best......

Worked with what I had:)

 

 

I think it turned out pretty darn good:)

Love it with the white shirt but a having tan would be nice;)

All together I paid around $45 for all the "baubles". I took off the backs and attached a jump ring. Next I purchased.......

 

Some jewelry chain from Micheal's and made it the length I wanted. I attached a toggle clasp to the ends. Then threaded some white silk ribbon through it. To give it a little extra something:) Laid it flat and attached baubles.

I really like it!

All things happen for a reason:) 

Have a wonderful evening!!

I am making Turkey meatballs with wheat spaghetti.......

Think my kids will notice:)

 

 

 

The "ME" plan........

Ahhh the first Monday of a New Year!!

2010 kinda sucked to be honest!

STRESS!!

Getting Frank ready to leave, Dealer Academy, the constant traveling, it seemed like something major broke in this house every month, trying to squeeze every second out of every day! It was exhausting!!

Now this year won't be great I admit. I am going to have to do alot of things on my own. The only thing that really bothers me is making all the decisions about the kids. They are handful!! I think it was easier when they were little. When we would color all day and the only thing I had to worry about was kindergarten homework:)

So this year I vow (ok I am going to try!) to just go with flow (wherever the wind blows me:), not sweat the small stuff (Lindsay and Ty's messy rooms), be thankful for each day (even when my heart is heavy), not whine (it serves no purpose at all), not spend too much money (well we'll see:), learn something new (sew), take better care of myself (I am going to be 40 in 2 and 1/2 years after all!) and on and on.........

With that said......

Today I am starting 2 things.

One is  Jenny Doh's Crafting Fitness 

I've got my pedometer, my notebook and I am ready to write down and be honest about all the crap I eat!!

 

Will it be fun? Probably not. Assigning colors to my food is not really my thing but I am going to try it. And the best part is there are some other crafty ladies who will be joining me:) If your interested in the program the link is to the right:) It starts today for 5 weeks.

The other thing is Whole Living's 28 Day Challenge.

I am going to incorporate the two because I really like the exercise portion of the Challenge and I need to get my butt moving for that pedometer. I am throwing out the meal plan though because it is unrealistic to me. I will cut out what it says to cut out. The norms, sugar, white anything etc, etc......

But I think I can make a better meal plan for me than salmon and quinoa both of which I HATE!!

Beet salad??

YUCK!!

So anyway........

You have to make your plans according to you. You know what you'll eat and what you won't. You know what will get you motivated to exercise and what won't. Only you have the power to really change your lifestyle and stick with it. If it takes incorporating several different plans than it takes several different plans. If we fall down we have to get back up and try again.

We are all unique individuals. No one is perfect.

In fact the beauty of each of us lies in our imperfections.

And we all only get one life perfect or not.

And I want to be my best self. I want to feel healthy. I want to look smokin' in a bikini when Frank gets home this summer for R&R;)

Ok so that's my real motivation lol;)

That and my size 6's are getting a little snug:(

Well I am ready!

Off to work with my pedometer attached:)

 

 

 

A new beginning........

I always love the beginning of the new year......

So full of promise........

Then January 2nd comes;)

I kid, I kid:)

As you know I read A LOT of blogs!

And I keep seeing women come up with "words" for their new year........

Like hope, inspire, dream, enjoy..........

you get the picture.

So last night as I was laying in bed at 11 (yes I am the party pooper:) and I was thinking what should be my "words" this year.......

I came up with a couple of things........

Here we go:)

My "word" will be......

Nurture

My "color" will be.......

Pink which emanates tenderness and affection

My "affirmation" will be......

I have

My "inspiration" will be.........

Prosperity, felicity and grace

My "element" will be.......

The Earth grounded and controlled

My "ruling body" will be......

Venus the goddess of love and beauty

And my "centering stone" will be.........

The pink topaz which is rare in true color and formed inside the most volatile of places, the volcano. In arabic the topaz is said to mean the subject of searching.

Seems pretty fitting since I am l aways looking for answers, trying to figure out why things happen the way that they do.

I will be searching for the rest of my life.

So there are no real resolutions for me. Besides to try to be a better person and help who I can. But I try that everyday:)

I hope each and every one of you reading this has the best year ever. Whatever your problems may be remember every day is a new day. If you are looking for a job I hope you find one. If you need a purpose I hope you find direction. Every day is a chance for a fresh start. Change doesn't have to come on certain dates. And it doesn't have to happen over night either. We are all a work in progress. There is unfound potential in all of us. We just have to open our eyes to it.

Be your best self.

And I will do the same.

 

I pray you find your peace and can see the beauty in God's grace.