Houston We Have Progress

Momentum in the living/dining room has been slow. I cannot find the right textiles for the space and that little snafoo has delayed the purchase of both the sofa and new coffee table.  How do I shoulder the burden of such good taste? Haha...I jest, I jest.

Last night I did a little rearranging/repurposing though and it's already made a difference (textiles be darned).  I flip-flopped the armoire and chairs on one wall and swapped them for the long console table on the other. 

The Living Room Before: WALL 1

Ok, yes...waaaaaaay before

Since then I have:

painted

gotten rid of furniture

removed wall art

rearranged

etc.

It is still very much a project but here's the most recent progress

The (not finished) Now: WALL 1

Lots of work still to do. Namely:

center the furniture...hello

 artwork for the walls

new pillows for the directors chairs

and other accessories

What Dick's Sporting Goods bag?

{More about the insides of that little bag later...}

Time to say bu-bye to the still-cute-but-doesn't-work-anymore robin's egg blue graphic pillows

I love my directors chairs.

This area is commonly known as "The Dumping Ground."

Ideally situated just shy of the garage entrance, it's a perfect place for mail, packages, purse, keys, shoes, etc.

Anyone else have spots like this in their home?

My purse's happy home.

Now to the other wall...

The Before: WALL 2

Wow. Looking at this reminds me of just how many changes I've already made...makes me anxious to finish this room and get my house back.

The Now: WALL 2

I still have work to do on the shelves and accessories/art but having the TV at eye level is already such a huge improvement.

Remember those art pieces? I am still uncertain of if they will stay in the space or not. 

The colors of the fuchsia/purple one aren't my fav (why did I paint them you ask? creative license. hush.)  I'm going to give it a few more weeks to see how I feel but there will likely be other tweaks coming.

This one definitely needs some work...you can hardly see the green splashes.

Today's Questions:

Do you rearrange often?  Have you noticed how much is affects a space? Do you tend to leave things alone or are you constantly in a state of room flux?

I linked up at

The Big Apple

source

Come October 21st I will be taking my first bite out of the Big Apple.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.  I'm originally from a small town...minuscule in fact. The town's population was 610.

{Yes, you read that correctly.}

I currently live in the suburbs of a big city but it's still nothing compared to NYC. 

Despite the fact that I've traveled overseas numerous times and even braved a week alone in London there's something about New York that scares me infinitely more.  

I'm beyond intimidated. 

Fortunately I'm heading on this long weekend adventure with two of my best buds, Ania and Megan.  We're also meeting up with another bb from high school (now currently a big shot Dr. in NYC), Sophie. 

Here's where you come in.

I need some guidance and/or direction.

We're staying in Midtown Manhattan near Chelsea at a new boutique hotel but are clueless (read: overwhelmed) about what to do with out limited time.

{We arrive on a Friday morning and leave Sunday night.}

So help a girl out:

Have you been there?

If so, what should we do?

What are the must-sees?

Any secret NYC tips or need-to-knows?

I'm desperate y'all.

This Texas girl is afraid she's gonna get eaten alive in the city.

H.E.L.P.

Dressing Room Sweats

I am rebelling.  "It is not 105 degrees outside" - the mantra I repeat stubbornly over and over again.  Inside my house it's cool and crisp.  I snuggle with a blanket on the sofa and drink hot green tea.  I smell a pumpkin crisp baking in the oven.  All is well with the world...

Last week I went w/ my bff (sorry I still haven't had her on here yet) to the new H&M here in Dallas.  Cute/inexpensive fall clothes everywhere! I expected to leave with full bags and a spring in my autumnal-clad step. Something internally snapped however that would not allow me said bliss.  It occurred when I was in the dressing room...sweating while trying to slip on a jacket {or was it a sweater dress?}. I looked into the mirror with disappointed horror. I just couldn't do it.

Well, that's not entirely true.  While I did put back most of the adorable jackets, blazers, sweaters, and dresses...I still kept one.  "Hope is a thing with feathers" {shout out E.D.}

Peter Pan collar in front...

Buttons down the back...

{and I still take a terrible picture. haha}

I had to bring it home w/ me.

Summer, your days are numbered.

With this same spirit of what I term "responsible rebelliousness," I marched right into Anthropologie and bought one my favorite fall candles. Heat be gone!!

Baltic Amber from Voluspa Candles

I swoon.

Have you smelled these candles?  They are the BEST!!  Let it be known that I am a frugalista (new word, yep) but I willingly and gladly pay the $18 for these bad boys.  They. Are. Worth. It.

I was visiting with a friend the other day and we were talking about what candle snobs we are. Interestingly though we discovered that neither one of us have lit any of our candles this summer.  Why is that?  I'm still not sure, but for some reason candles tend to remind me of fall and winter. Maybe it's because that's how I grew up.  I don't remember candles in our home any other time of year.  That's not to say my mom didn't have them...actually I'm almost positive she did. But I have powerful scent memories that cause me to almost crave candles during the colder months. 

And yes, I brought my candle home and struck a match.  Fall was present for a few hours.

What about you?  Are you a candle person?  What are your favorite scents or brands?  Do you burn candles year-round of primarily in certain seasons?  

Homemade Ice Cream (No Churning Needed)

Remember last week when I told you about the 2 (dos) batches of homemade ice cream that I slaved over?  Yea, I'm a liar. There was no slaving involved. None at all.

I ran across this recipe at I Am Baker (although I think it's originally from Kevin & Amanda) and had to try my version of it.  Honestly I'm not a big ice cream fan, but my family is crazy about it so I made several more batches for the weekend.  The recipe is sooooooooo easy but definitely not a clean eat {or healthy in any way possible}.  It's a great one to have on hand for special events though (think baby showers or kids parties) or save your calories for this custom creamy splurge. 

Disclaimer: I'm a horrible blogger who forgot to take pictures. These are from the world wide web (sources cited and linked).  Forgive me.

Are you ready for this?

Here's what you'll need:



1 (14oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 
(I made one batch with the fat free and the other with the regular...both were great.)





2 cups heavy whipping cream


That's all folks...

Ok, well not exactly {this is the fun part}
The above 2 ingredients make the perfect creamy vanilla-y base. But this is where you get to add any kind of flavors you want!  We used fresh strawberries in one and health/chocolate pieces in another.  The possibilities are endless.

Here's what you do:

1. Beat the cream until stiff peaks form (Do Not over beat.)
2. In a separate bowl combine condensed milk and whatever flavors you want (honey, fruit, chocolate, nuts, protein powder, koolaid...heck, I don't know)
3. Fold cream into condensed milk mixture until fully incorporated.
4. Place in freezable container (I used my Glad plastic containers) and freeze for 4-8 hrs depending on your container/freezer settings.


The resulting concoction will be the most luscious, rich, and creamy ice cream ever. 
It's like a work of dairy art.

Try not to disturb the freezing process though.  I know it's hard not to sample as you go...but don't...give it the time it needs.  You won't be sorry.

Word of caution: A little bit goes a long way so if you're trying to be good share with a friend or make this for a group of people who will gobble it up.  You'll look like Martha Stewart (and enjoy a little indulgence) while maintaining your status as a MENSA member by outsmarting your temptation.

You're welcome. :)


I linked up with Home Stories A2Z

 

Workout

Today's workout was fun. 

 I think I've arrived at that stage of health/fitness where I LOVE working out and truly miss the gym when I can't get there. It's true. Feeling weak, wobbly, and sweaty is amazing.  Sometimes I stop and think "Wow, I just did that." 

{cue woman roar}

I wanted to give you a taste of my workout today. 

First: 1 hour Zumba/Hip-Hop

Here's a little sample of some of the stuff we might do.

{Don't stalk. And no I'm not in the video.}

These aren't my favorite songs. They're actually some of the slower/catch-your breath ones...but you get the idea.
I love it because dancing never feels like exercise to me and that hour flies by! Plus, we typically burn between 500-600 calories per hour. 
Get. outta. here.
A great cardio workout that's fun?!!
Can't beat it.

Next up: Weights

It's Leg Day.

Thanks to the Tone It Up girls for another great workout.

I was actually surprised how well this one felt...especially the Hee-Haw's.

Ha! I thought those would be a breeze. Wrong.

I am spent.

But it feels great. 

Isn't that what everyone says? It's so true though. It feels so good to take care of your body and have it love you right back. I'm not citing perfection here but discipline. Discipline is a dirty word to most of us right? We either ride on one of two extremes: rigid and harsh or so lackadaisical we just do whatever we want in the moment.  I used to be the same way.  I'd either beat myself up for not doing more/better or being more/better or I'd wallow in self-defeat, feeling as if I'd never be able to do anything so why try.

I feel like I may have finally conquered that monster.  That's not to say the temptation isn't there, but living healthily has become so much a part of me now that those old patterns lose their power.  I know I've changed my body (am changing my body.)  I feel and see the difference.  Instead of wishing I was different I am now putting energy into stewarding what I have well. I push and stretch myself every day. 

It's remarkable how closely united are our inner and outer persons are.     

Disciplining my body has done maybe more to transform my mind and heart than anything you can see.

I'm really grateful.

So wherever you are - don't despair. Start somewhere and keep going. Don't measure your success by others. Be your own measuring stick. Take care of yourself.  And do it because you want to be healthy not because you want to look like "so-and-so". 

Remember: Healthy isn't a number.

What lessons have you been learning lately?  Has exercise {or the lack of it} affected your feeling or thinking more than you thought?

I linked up at Home Stories A to Z

Some Days Call for It...

a good poem that is...

enjoy.

I held a jewel in my fingers
And went to sleep
The day was warm, and winds were prosy
I said, "Twill keep"

I woke - and chide my honest fingers,
The Gem was gone
And now, an Amethyst remembrance
Is all I own

- Emily Dickinson

Kitchen Plans

I'm probably about to commit a DIY no-no.

The crime?

Starting a new project without finishing the one before.

oh well.

The Kitchen

My kitchen is currently blue/green and white. 

It does not jive well with the gray in the adjacent living/dining.

I have leftover wall paint.

I have a sander.

I have a plan.

I want to paint the walls the same shade of MS gray as the living/dining

but

I'm planning on tricking out the backsplash inexpensively

(those dated beige squares have got to go)

and

painting the lower cabinets a darker shade of gray

plus some counter decluttering...I hate lots of stuff on the countertops

currently.

Lovely bay window area soiled by ugly dog bowls...

how do people with pets have pretty houses?

someone help me.

See how the gray and the blue-green don't work?

Plus I love a monochromatic color scheme.

I also want a rug.

Not for the dogs...for me.

Clean Eating Magazine

I typically don't listen to music or read anything when I'm doing cardio on one of the machines at the gym (treadmill, bike, etc.) 
I'm a weirdie. 
But as I walked past the magazine rack Thursday this pretty little cover caught my eye...


{Ok, so it wasn't this exact cover...I couldn't find a picture of this month, but this is the mag.}

I admit I was a bit skeptical at first.  Was this magazine going to be all about salads?
Gag me.

I imagined gourmet/bizarre/expensive recipes or ones so impractical no real person could/would do it.  I also expected to read about never eating anything with sugar or butter ever again (as much as I'm an advocate for eating real food...I know I'm gonna have Chick-fil-A once in a while or *gasp* a brownie or slice of cake.) 

Have I been living under a rock? 

Can I just tell you how delighted I am by this magazine?!!  There are so many GREAT recipes, ideas, and articles.  We're talking cream cheese stuffed french toast (yes! that's right), chocolate desserts, burgers, tacos, lasagna, stuffed shells, etc.
I was slack-jawed.
And wanted to rush home and subscribe right then (I heart magazine subscriptions.)
Caution won though.  Maybe I just got a good month or something...it is possible this is a fluke...but I am hopeful.  So help a girl out...

Have you heard of them before? What are your thoughts?
Check it out and let me know what you think. 
 

Travel Day

I'm about to hop in my car and drive 3 hours to visit my Daddio, step-mom, and grandparents for the weekend. 

Average daily temperatures still hover above the 100 degree mark.  My aim is to be as comfortable and cool as possible while traveling (read: no pants). 
Dress it is!

I'm admittedly stripe crazy.

Detail

Dress: Target

Shoes: (ah! I forgot to get a picture!!!) Urban Outfitters

Sorry y'all!  I gotta get on the road. 

 Have a great weekend!

Tone It Up: Arms

A Double-Post Day? 

What kind of alternate world have we stepped into?!!

I just had to share my arm workout with you though. 

I saw this video on Pinterest (isn't P great!) from the Tone It Up girls and wanted to try it this week.

Now, as a real girl talking to real girls (and dudes too...who knows) let me just say

DO NOT be intimidated by these chicks and their "perfect" bodies.

Don't do it!

You will paralyze yourself before you even begin.

You're not them, you're you...so do YOUR best.

Be your own fitness goal.

Stop getting in your own way.

.............................

Now, back to the workout...

It's a circuit workout for your arms.

I really felt it working e.v.e.r.y. part.

{triceps, biceps, forearms, deltoids (shoulders), etc.}

The important thing to remember is DO NOT STOP!!!

No breaks. 

 Keep going until the entire circuit is done (3x start to finish).

You CAN do it!

I also used moderately heavy weights.  It looks like she's lifting maybe 5lbs/arm but I went with quite a bit more weight.  You can adjust that to your comfort level but I would go on the heavy but not impossible side...you'll see results faster. Promise.

My arms are jello now. 

It feels so good

Red (Gasp) Tie-Dye!!

Here's what I'm wearing today:

Photo is still blurry...I realize...but I've come to the conclusion that although my skills leave much to be desired, my current frustrations may have more to do with the present age of this photo-taking device (5yrs) than said operator error.   

Back to the clothes Faith

Red Tie-Dye Dress?

Oh yes.

haha...I look so mad.

I'm not.

It's just my normal face.

 

Red is my least favorite color.  I don't know why it rubs me the wrong way but it does. 

I tend to prefer cool colors but bought this fun little dress for two reasons:

 1) It's really more red/orange (and while not much better) I have nothing like it in my closet... it was time to add a little something new.

2) It's a tie-dye dress. Casual, fun; easy to wear on hot, sticky summer days.

*I love dresses for these reasons. They're the simplest complete outfit out there...and remember, I don't stress over clothes. No way Jose!*

Oh and I'm not wearing shoes in the pics but I did put on my go-to gold sandals.

This outfit isn't meant to wow...it's just a casual, cotton summer dress good for running errands and working around the house...which is exactly what I'm doing today.

Sure beats jammies. 

 

Dress: Target

Shoes: Dillards

----------------------------------------

Sooooo....in other news guess what I did yesterday?

(No more culinary Olympics.)

I painted two more pieces.  I like these even more than the previous two (actually I painted over both pieces using the same canvas...don't freak...it's ok.)

What do you think? Mistake?

I found my inspiration for these from an artist I ran across on Pinterest (Cocoa & Hearts.)

Her work is so beautiful right?

I wanted to create something very similar so I chose my color scheme and got to work.

I'm loving it. 

I'm going to keep experimenting using her work as inspiration. 

 I love her use of color and large thick brush strokes.

Here's the second piece I did.  I really had no idea what I was doing here.

I just wanted a sharp contrast with black and white and then I dripped a sea foam green across the black. 

I'm still not sure if this one is finished or not. I like to sit them in the space (notice it's not hung) and see how I feel after a week or two. 

 There's no rush. 

Navy & Stripes

I'm baaack.

Told you I would be...doubters.

Here is today's outfit: 

I just realized these photos are pretty pathetic. Surprise!

 None show the outfit head-to-toe. 

wow. someone teach me. this isn't neuro-science.

I suck.

Let me give you a word picture instead...starting at the toes:

ahem

my gold sandals...you remember those.

dark skinny jeans

cotton stripe tunic

 (yes it has a hood. no I don't like hoods. but it's still cute anyway.)

Navy & Stripes = <3

I tried the self-portrait again. It's an exercise in futility.

striped navy top - Target
dark skinny jeans - Banana Republic
gold strappy sandals - Dillards

Failure

Outfit posts.
So I don't even make it two whole days?  Really Faith? 

But like any respectable failure I have an excuse.  Ready?  I made two batches of homemade ice cream today.  Yes, you read that correctly...home - (wait for it) - made. Impressed?  I also made about 1000 melon balls from two beautiful, juicy specimens (picked this morning nonetheless...but not by me) from the farmer's market, and made homemade potato salad (hint: use non-fat plain Greek yogurt instead of mayo) with oven baked chicken for dinner.  You are now free to imagine me blowing smoke from the barrel of a blazin' hot 6-shooter.

I will return in full force tomorrow.  I'm sure you're all waiting to be dazzled.  I hope you don't pass out. 

I also am nursing an injury. Oh yes friends, tis true. The bodily misfortune resulted from nothing less than complete ineptitude. My family calls me "Crash" for very good reason, but I am happy to report I bore no hand in the grisly matter. Nope. Not this time sucka!

WARNING: avert your eyes if you have a weak stomach. It isn't pretty.

Forgive the blurriness...but this is my elbow. or was.

I had blood drawn at my Dr's office yesterday morning but I think the technician was a rookie. I bled out. In my skin. And on the little pillow they use to support your arm. And on the floor.

Thankfully I'm not squeamish and did not add to the debacle by passing out.

Good news: the swelling is going down

Bad news: 1. I am a leper the constant recipient of ugly stares and awkward gasps,

2. it hurts,

3. it is still swollen

4. I think it's getting bigger, not smaller.  What does this mean????!!!

Threads

True to my word I'm doing another outfit post today. 
I'll wait for the clapping to stop.

My goal is to post what I wear everyday this week. Lofty intentions...we'll see how it goes. :) 

In case I haven't disclosed as much before, let me be clear: I am not a rockstar, I don't dream of Fendi purses, and I won't stuff my feet in 5-inch stilettos. I enjoy fashion but with an approachable, wearable, easy, casual; effortless aesthetic.  Sure I can glam it up if I have to {although even then I prefer a natural look} but I'm not trying to dazzle you with my style prowess.  Mmmkay?

Normal girl threads...buckle up.

Since I don't have a photographer (or any photography skills myself) I decided to just lay out my outfit on the bed and snap away. 

 I'm adapting.

(yes that's my bra...I'll explain in a sec)

Starting at the feet:

Gianni Bini gold strappy "Jesus" sandals ;)

I love these and have pretty much worn them every day since late April.

Banana Republic gray skinny jeans.

1. I am OBSESSED with gray denim right now.  These jeans are my absolute fav!

2.  They were originally priced around $100...I got them for $17. 

I'm the good-deal fairy.

J.Crew nautical striped tank

 I love stripes.

And now the bra. 

Incredible Demi Bra by Victoria's Secret (the non push-up one)

Ok, don't get squeamish.

If you're a woman who's struggled with bra fit and/or comfort then you will appreciate this undergarment shout-out. 

The thing I love most about this bra is that it doesn't fall off my shoulders.  I have small shoulders and always struggle with rogue straps that drip down my arms and poke out from under t-shirt sleeves.  That's not pretty. 

These straps don't have those adjustable buckle things that never work anyway.  Instead, they're made from a material that stretches to fit your shoulders, not the other way around.  genius.

Another thing I love about this bra - it's not padded.  A girl can't find a quality, non push-em-up-to-your-teeth bra anywhere. I am not voluptuously endowed but I still do NOT want a push-up.  No. I . Don't.  Nor do I want a bra that is so thin any change in temperature is immediately visible to the general public. What is wrong w/ you people?  

This bra is lined perfectly for modesty but adds no bulk or ridiculous "umph" to the girls.

It also has great, shape, support, and comfort. 

Probably the best bra I've ever owned.   

What are your favorite undergarments? 

Tell me. Now.