504 Main by Holly Lefevre

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Cinch! Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered.

The winner of the Cinch! book

(as selected by random.org)

is...

Shannon Bogan

Shannon email me with your info!

holly504main@yahoo.com

Comments off

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Working...Working...Working...

There is a heck of a lot happening...some crazy, some good, but that's life! My posts may be slow or lacking this week (don't cry now...ha, ha!) Sorry, I am sleep deprived and not in my right mind... and the little turkey named Jules wants to party every night for 4 hours and I have not slept in days! She is pretty funny, but not at 3 am!

Just a few notes...The DIY Club eZine featuring great articles and DIY's for winter and Valentine's Day will be ready next week! Be on the lookout, there is some great stuff in there!

Anyway I am working on some really fun stuff that I hope to share soon....

including...

Book proposals,
Painting my dining room, and painting and redoing my family room completely with Mythic Paint and dressing up the walls with some Cutting Edge Stencils.
Valentines crafts
Regular crafts
Furniture redo's
Preparing for a little trip...alone!

...the list continues, but not me, not right now.

The DIY Club Project Party continues...go check it out!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Tired...but Tickled Pink! No. 35

I always start the year off S....L....O....W!

I think I go into hibernation/recovery mode after the holidays.

This year is starting off with a !BANG! but it is leaving me exhausted.

I have not yet made it through the Tickled Pink No. 34 (YIKES!)

nor have I visited many of the links from the Best Of.

I will...you better watch out shout outs and spotlights may pop up at any time!

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So, I was not going to do Tickled Pink this week...but then I had a burst of energy or a hope that this stinky week could get better...

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Don't Forget to ENTER my giveaway for the new book Cinch!
Giveaway Closes at midnight on 1/11/11.
Read my review and enter!

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The DIY CLub Project Party is happening right NOW!

Go check it out for all the details.

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I have not really prepared anything else,

but I will share with you

1 new linky and

2 COOL parties happening!

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Rook No. 17 has a new linky on Tuesdays

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Whisperwood Cottage is having an 11 Day Party to celebrate the 1st Project of the Year!

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The Design Confidential has a Hand Built Pledge Party going on ALL YEAR!

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I will be DIYing with a vengeance this weekend-I have have about 500 projects in various states of completion!...so watch out!

And my crappy mac is, well crappy - I do not heart the "geniuses" at the Apple Store Genius Bar! - I have an uncanny ability to pick the lemon! So if I virtually disappear, it is because the mac has been thrown into the Pacific Ocean!

I have some other exciting news too...but that will have to wait for a bit!

So, here's to 2011!
I have hope.

Next week will be "normal" again...

I think!

I am off to find some pink happiness tomorrow...

shopping with my baby girl and

celebrating one of my favoritest people's birthday!

DIY! "Leave Your Words of Wisdom" Guest Book ReVamp

It is January Project Party Time at The DIY Club!

Two weeks to come up with a Fab project and have a chance to win SUPER prizes!

Check out the vendors - you must use a vendor sponsor product to enter...but get this sponsor products cost as little at a couple of dollars for craft paint...and did I already mention you can win cool prizes.

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To kick off the year, I created a guestbook vignette for a wedding, shower, birthday, or any other special occasion...like New Years!

I may not plan weddings as much as I used to but the thrill, the romance, the creativity of brides and grooms and the events they create is still close to my heart. Many, so many couples ask how to create a guestbook without it being a guestbook. Did that make sense? The guest book is one of my favorite projects to revamp.

Now, I love little birdies and would be truly giddy to do a stylish birdie inspired wedding. Until then, I have created this display that can be used for a non traditional guestbook at a wedding.

The back of the cards read "draw a picture - write a poem - share your words of wisdom." The guests would select a card write or draw a special something to the couple and drop it in a large glass bowl when done.I would do 3 of these displays and then have the remainder of the cards in a pretty crate or basket - depending on the size of the wedding.

The whole point of this is to get guests to eave creative well wishes in their own unique way. Have pens and markers, and even crayons out for the guests to go to town!

I do think this would be FAB if you hung the branch with pretty ribbon and had the birdie postcards hanging from the wires.

See I am all excited talking weddings!!

For those non-weeding folks, you can also do something similar at a bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, or other special event like New Years.

The key component to this display are the absolutely fabulous Chelsea Groves Postcards from Moo. As soon as I saw them, I loved them. Each and every different bird is sweet and colorful and chic and I think I may be framing some...I think I know the perfect place!

Supplies

Moo postcards in design of choice - be careful you may be over there for days! So many GORGEOUS choices.
Gorilla Glue
Branches (I used only one branch for this display...and found it in the yard)
Drill with small bit (how technical is that)
16 gauge copper wire (or color of choice)
Moss, optional
Wire cutters

DIY IT!
Go check out THE DIY CLUB for the FULL TUTORIAL!
PDF coming tomorrow (a girl has got to sleep!)

To decorate the table, I used natural elements - burlap, twigs, branches, etc. - mixed with some vintage pearls and buttons and finally a crystal or 2.

There are so many possibilities!

Stop by in a bit..It is Tickled Pink Time!

Disclosure: Some products have been provided to me for my use though my affiliation with The DIY Club

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Possibly, Slightly DRUNK!

No, that word is not describing me! Rather that is the prompt I chose for this week's Writer's Workshop. I may have a personal story or 2...but I am not telling on myself. Instead I shall bring you a tale of love, weddings, an aunt's credit card, and too much bad beer.

Have I mentioned before that my family may be, just may be a little nuts? If you are unfamiliar, you can read about the chickens or the crazy aunts or the wedding toast. If you want to read about My-Big-Not-Supposed-To Be-Redneck Wedding, keep on going. Names have been concealed to protect EVERYONE.

My cousin C was all set to get married to a very nice girl D (yep, we all liked her). On the big day, my immediate family and I headed out to meet up with the rest of the family for a pre-ceremony gathering. We arrived at the house just as the ice chest were being packed....why you ask? What!? You have never drank Coors Light in the church parking lot? Come on now, those ceremonies are so long and tedious and unnecessary, right? (For the record, I went in the church to find a seat.)

After a round or two in the parking lot, everyone headed inside for a nice ceremony. The clan seemed to survive the ceremony unscathed (whew!)! And so on to the reception we went...that is where the fun begins for real!

First the cousins were none-to-happy that is was a cash bar...so back and forth to the car they went for the cheap beer...until Crazy Aunt M misplaced her credit card and one of the cousins found it. Can you say "The next 20 rounds are paid for?" Oh yeah, Crazy Aunt M was already DRUNK. That was the beginning of the end for most of the crew, but at this moment the bride and groom are doing well and seem happy. The groom, possibly a little DRUNK...or possibly a lot DRUNK!

The dancing begins and everyone is having a good time (sort of). My brother and his very pretty, athletic girlfriend start dancing. Up to this point I had failed to mention what she was wearing. It was not meant to be risque, but it was a fashion mistake...a lightweight ivory jumpsuit with a white thong that pretty much every dude in the place could see and had seen and made a comment about from the moment they saw it. I mean she did have a nice butt, but ick! In her defense, she was young and didn't even think about this little issue.

The party continues and my cousin...the groom...starts to flirt with her. He makes mention of her butt and how gorgeous it is (he may not have used those precise words). Finally he insists on dancing with her. She is young (and not so bright, but pretty) and says OK...to a slow dance. Beyond the fact this this was already inappropriate, he begins to fondle her see-thru-thonged-butt on the dance floor in front of everyone.

You can imagine how happy the bride was? She grabbed him, drug him out of the room (my Dad was following close behind to make sure she did not kill him) and straight to the big-ole 4 x 4 pickup in the parking lot. In her big white dress, she drove the groom home while my Dad say between them (still to keep her from killing him) and holding my cousins head out the window to he could puke.

And they did not live happily ever after.

Might I add in case you did not know or remember), that I was a wedding planner and if you think that is the end of my drunk wedding stories...you are wrong! It is just always more fun to relive family memories. Ah good times!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Brussel Sprouts...You Know You Love Them!

I grew up eating corn and spinach from a can - at least that is what I remember. It was fancy to have frozen broccoli. I am not criticizing anyone or anything, but that is what I remember. We did grow carrots and other veggies from time to time. Needless to say my range of veggie eating for along time was pretty narrow. Back in teen years this changed...more fresh produce and when I moved out on my own fresh and some frozen produce was high on the list (of course I was a strict vegetarian then, so it made sense).

Even with that there were many veggies I had not tried, and might I even add a little afraid of...Brussel Sprouts was one of them! Last year Joe and I attended a Slow Food USA Eat In (I am not going into what they do, etc. here, just PLEASE check out the link !). I was thrilled with what we heard and saw at the community garden where the "Eat In" was held. After the very informative portion of the program, we were treated to a FANTASTIC potluck lunch. There were some really talented cooks there - everything was so fresh and yummy...I could eat that stuff all day.

To continue on with my ramblings...I really, really wanted Joe to try Brussel Sprouts...um, OK I really, really wanted to try Brussel Sprouts too! He had asked about them before and I was a little intimidated to make them - I had never personally done anything with them and all I could imagine was me spending hours in the kitchen to have Joe eat one (that's the rule - you must chew and swallow the "new" food before you get to say "yuck!") and walk away.

He reluctantly ate one, and then looked at me and said "Those are good. Can I have more?" Seriously, if a kids asks for Brussel Sprouts or any vegetable run and grab more,

even if it is the last one.

So, I am not sure who brought the Magical Brussel Sprouts, but I thank her (or him)! Better yet, she (or he) brought a copy of the recipe - only one copy though! Luckily it is a simple recipe, and even more luckily (clearly not a grammatically correct term, but you get the picture), my friend Jenn and her family were there and she had her camera, so she snapped a photo of the recipe. Yipppeeeee! And now, I share it with you, with a big, humongous thanks to it's creator, whomever that may be (I have made some changes).

By the way...this is not complicated or fancy!

Magical Brussel Sprouts
(Oh, yeah, did I mention it is not real scientific or specific)

1. Brussel Sprouts: Amount varies on size of group you are feeding. I started with 1 1/2 pounds.
2. Olive Oil: Again, no measurement given.
I drizzled about 1 Tablespoon over the sprouts, add more, sparingly, as needed.
3. Fresh Ground Black Pepper: To taste.
4. Salt: I used Kosher Flake Salt, sparingly
5. Fresh Lemon Juice: again to taste. How much do you like lemony-flavor?

To Prepare:

Blanch your Brussel Sprouts first - I find they cook way better....Blanch by boiling water; add the Brussel Sprouts and cook for 5 minutes; immediately remove the sprouts from the hot water and submerge in ice cold water until they are no longer warm.
Preheat oven to 400.
Slice Brussel Sprouts (or not). The first time I made this I had small sprouts, but this last time (see photo), they were huge so I quartered them. Put sprouts in a bowl and drizzle Olive Oil over them. Mix to coat the sprouts.
Add pepper and salt, to taste.
Spread sprouts evenly on a cookie sheet or roasting dish.
Bake until fork tender...it didn't take long, maybe 20 minutes for the little ones....just keep checking!
Remove from oven when ready, place in a serving bowl and toss with lemon juice (we used a lot of lemon juice...it is one of the magical liquids in our house!)

Option#1: We also drizzle Balsamic Vinegar instead of lemon juice (Balsamic is the other magical liquid in our house).

Seriously good stuff..Joe asked for them again and again!

Let me know what you think? Do you have any other great Brussel Sprout ideas? Do you eat Brussel Sprouts?

P.S. As if you cannot figure it out, this is Jules above...Joe would not pose for me! And that is a Baby Jules...so long ago it seems!

Think Tank Momma

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Cinch! Review and Cinch! Giveaway - CLOSED!

A few weeks ago I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing Cinch! Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds, and Lose Inches by Cynthia Sass (I LOVE her last name). She is also the coauthor of The Flat Belly Diet and a registered dietitian. I did a little poking around and liked what I saw and agreed to review Cinch!

In the past I have struggled with my weight...in fact on Monday I pulled a long, lost post out of the archives to tell you my weighty story. The one thing I strive to be is honest and real here and I feel like you should know where I am coming from...I have tried many plans and menus that are considered to be healthy. I am open to new ideas, but I firmly believe in eating real food and conquering with my mind, body, spirit - not a quick fix.

On to Cinch!

When I first opened the book and started reading, two things jumped out at me. Early in the book there is a section entitled "What's Different - Cinch!"

The first two points (and I am paraphrasing) are:

#1 - An emphasis on portion control and balance instead of counting calories. YES - Score #1 for me - as soon as you tell me to count calories I feel deprived...my successes in the past have all been based on not counting calories.

#2 - A strong emphasis on whole foods and local and organic foods. YES - Score #2 for me - this is huge in my belief system on food. I am striving to do away with processed food in our house, and have switched over the pantry to include whole and organic foods (an occasional junky-something makes it in there however).

Cynthia's approach, as also descried in the book is one of a "whole person perspective" - physical, emotional, social, occupational, intellectual, spiritual, and environmental. Because of these and many other statements in the book, I was getting excited and completely on board with trying this plan.

So, I made the decision...I am doing it. I am doing the 5-Day Fast Forward to jump start my results (I am an instant gratification type of person...results keep me going). You do not have to begin with the 5-Day Fast Forward...the meals are the same for the 5 days and the food choices are limited to 5...but it is only 5 days...and I happen to like all the food choices.

For the first five days, you eat combinations/meals of these 5 foods:

Spinach (fresh of frozen)
Raspberries (fresh or frozen)
Almonds
Organic Eggs
Nonfat plain yogurt (I am using Greek yogurt...YUM!)
(You can substitute tofu)

There is no soda (even diet) and only one cup of coffee - that is hard for me (I rely on my mochas way too much!). I have actually cut back on the coffee by not purchasing my special Coffee Bean No-Sugar Added Mocha Powder - it is just not as good without it, so that makes it easier to not drink it. Tea, water, flavored calorie-free seltzer water, and flavored calorie-free flat water are all OK.

Cynthia is lucky enough to have a cool last name - SASS - that also translates into Slimming and Satiating Seasonings, which include citrus juice or zest, vinegar, hot peppers, tea, and herbs and spices you use to dress up your meals. In our house we use these on a regular basis anyway! Another huge SCORE!

So, I am starting my 2nd day of the 5 Day Fast Forward tomorrow...I have practiced for a few days...I simply decided that to start while the kids and hubby were all on vacation and we were all over the place was not ideal.

The menu for the remaining 25 days - the Cinch! Core - is much more diversified and sounds fabulous. It also include vegetarian and vegan options - HUGE points there!

Some of the recipes include:

Open-Faced Pesto Egg Sandwich
Strawberry Vanilla Hazelnut "Ice Cream"
California Sunshine Salad
Spinach Walnut Feta Pizza
Chilled Herbed Chicken Pasta Salad

So, as you can see the variety of meals is immense...it is only if you do the 5-Day Fast Forward that you are limited (for only 5 days)...after that it is all about eating like clockwork and eating from the 5 pieces of the puzzle:

Produce
Whole grain
Lean protein
Plant based fat
Seasonings - SASS)

My family will easily enjoy many of the meals, and I will feel good preparing and serving them as they are wholesome healthy meals. There is even a 5-piece puzzle cheat sheet to assist you with planning the meals.

Additionally...you get to enjoy some chocolate with Cinch! Yes, you heard me...find some time and some dark chocolate and enjoy it, really enjoy it.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the fact that while I know a decent amount about nutrition, Cynthia covers a lot of information about nutrition and also touches on emotional eating and how food issues begin when we are young (yes, I have given my kiddos a lollipop to sit in the shopping cart...I am guilty). I enjoyed these sections very much, because I do believe this is where the root of my issues lie and I am trying to not pass that on to my kiddos.

In my opinion, Cinch! it is a sensible, healthy, approach to getting on track and conquering the scale. It is definitely a book I would pick up at the book store. It is a plan that works or appears (cannot tell you for sure until I am done!) that it would work for me and my family (I just cannot prepare multiple meals at dinner time).

As I go about this plan, I am hopeful...I am ready to conquer this little demon of mine. This plan gives me flexibility while providing quality guidelines...I can live with that! I'll keep you posted!

UPDATE: I think I left this out and feel it needs mentioning....I know the only way to get and maintain the results I desire are through a lifestyle and attitude change. So, I am incorporating the good habits into my life and workign on staying on track.

Now...how would you like to win your own copy on Cinch!?

There are multiple ways to enter...You must leave a comment for each entry. If your email is not visible in your profile or linked to your profile, you must leave it so I can contact you. Giveaway ends 1/11/10 at 12:00 am PST. Winner will be announced on this blog.

1. Mandatory---Be a follower of 504 Main via Google Friend Connect.

2. Like 504 Main on FaceBook.

3. Like Cinch! on Facebook.

4. Follow 504Main on Twitter and Tweet the giveaway. "Win a copy of Cynthia Sass's Cinch! @504Main." Leave url in comment.

5. Post on your Facebook wall.

Here is a little taste of Cinch! from The Early Show.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a proof copy of Cinch for review. The opinions here are my own.

COMMENTS OFF----GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

A Little Birdie Told Me There's a New Linky in Town

Hey all! My Cinch! review is coming,

but I just wanted to let you in on

a not-so-secret-secret I heard form a little birdie.

Rook No. 17 has joined the linky party world...

but I assure you hers will be fun and unique like she is!

Go on over and link up recipes and crafts of all kinds!

See Ya soon!

*****COMMENT OFF*****

Monday, January 3, 2011

Weighty Issues and an Upcoming Book Review of Cinch!

Now that visions of pumpkin pies and sugar cookies are hopefully

no longer dancing in our heads or on our plates,

it is time to get back on track...

at least for me and many of those I know.

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I have not really made it a secret here that I have struggles with some extra pounds...not a lot but just enough to be annoyingly stubborn. I first ran a very similar post about one year ago. I have updated it a little, but mainly I am sharing it because, well, one it is something that is always on my mind (unfortunately) and I have not yet conquered it (which I will).

Also, recently I was asked to review a book...

To me, it is important t know where I come from in my review and why I was willing to do the review. So, that is why I have decided to share portions of this past post again.

My review of Cinch!: Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds, and Lose Inches
will be up on Tuesday Evening. In the meantime, you can catch the author on The Early Show on CBS on 1/3/11 and on The Rachael Ray Show on 1/5/11.

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NOW....Weighty Issues

WARNING...This Post is LONG!

When I first wrote this, I struggled with how to approach this. I try to keep my content light and happy or entertaining (I hope!) and not go too personal, but every time I sat down, this post got personal. I used every excuse I could think of, including “I don’t have any pretty pictures to include.” Yes, I know L-A-M-E! Again...this post is long...you have been warned.

PROLOGUE:

Have you seen the Slimquick commercials? You know the ones where the husband quits drinking soda and drops 10 lbs....that is my house. My hubby who considered potatoes to be his vegetable source, started eating salads and dropped white flour from his diet and lost a ton of weight without exercising in a matter of months. I however workout everyday, eat lots of veggies and NADA! Complete frustration. I began talking to my friend Renee, a Holistic Health and NLP Practitioner, AADP, about what the heck to do.

PART I

Here is the back story…I have a love/hate relationship with food and it is probably safe to say a mild addiction to sugar. In my very early 20’s I would exercise and then justify eating ½ gallon of Thrifty Mint Chip ice cream. Then I met a much older man (who I thought was also much wiser) and we dated. He suggested I eat healthier…duh (for now we shall leave alone the idea that he just wanted to date a really hot 20-something chick)! Additionally, I was moving out on my own at the time and had no idea how to cook. So the timing was perfect, he suggested a book and a way of eating that I loved and embraced for 4 years – no dairy, no meat, no oil, no sugar, no salt – Vegetarian+. I looked H-O-T and felt great. Eventually we broke up, I started dating future-hubby (who never met a meat or potato he didn’t like) and I fell off the wagon…just a little.

Fast forward…I battled with 5-10 pounds after this. Good or bad, I am tall, 5’11”, and can hide the extra pounds so that it doesn’t seem like so much. Then I got pregnant. And I ate and ate…chocolate chip pancakes…more mint chip ice cream…and pickled green beans (yum). I gained a staggering amount of weight. I was really appalled and surprised – I just didn’t think for a second it was that bad…until it was that bad. Over the course of the next few years I yo-yo’ed with my weight.

I have been to Weight Watchers, I have seen a nutritionist, I have the South Beach Diet book (never used it), the Atkins Book (NEVER used it), and the Six Week Body Makeover system (sort of used it). I also have just about every BeachBody exercise system (Yoga Booty Ballet, Power 90, Slim in Six) – and I have used them all, Winsor Pilates, The Firm – do you see a pattern…I used to stay up late watching infomercials…just fascinated by them!

I eventually got to within 10 pounds of pre-baby weight…and then I was “knocked on my butt”…we moved from So Cal (I am a native So Cal girl…boo-hoo!). I compensated for the move, the lack of friends, and the 55 straight days of foggy weather that summer with a lot of wine and chocolate chip cookies and gained back some weight.

I got pregnant again and vowed I would not do to my body what I did the first time…and I didn’t. I walked 3-4 times a week…long walks, and ate really well, and only gained 15 pounds. So technically, I have lost the second baby weight, but still have the first baby weight. And, I have not been able to make real and lasting dent in the number on the scale since….but I refuse to accept this.

PART II

Fast forward again to 2009…it is high school reunion time and I reconnect with Renee on Facebook. She talks about nutrition and has a way of approaching and accepting food that I understand, that I want to be able to adopt fully. We talk a lot about body image and I realize that even when I was thinner, I was still self-conscious…so while losing weight is important, so is fixing the negative body image issues, not just for me, but so that they are not passed on to my kiddos. I also have an “A-ha!” moment…

I was at the beach with Joe. A friend and her daughter joined us. Joe just wanted to play in the water, but no one wanted to do it with him. I had my bathing suit on, but not really for that purpose…more for necessity (like in case I had to rescue him from the sea). He kept asking and he was sad…and bored. And finally it hit me…how do I want my kids to remember me…the mom sitting on the beach who won’t get in the water (of course they don’t know the reasons…yet) or as the mom who was willing to jump in and play. I chose the “play.” A HUGE step for me, and the moment when I realized what I needed to do for me and for my kids.

PART III

One of the most important things I realized is that, as a mom I am responsible for the little nuggets of wisdom I put into the kiddos heads. They also pick up on everything I do – how I act and react, what I say and how I say it. To be a good mom, I need to be happy with me. I need to be able to take some time for me…even if it is just 20 minutes here and there. I need to sleep. I need to move and exercise and be a positive example. It is true, when I am sleeping, eating better, working out and taking time to “work on me,” I am happier and a better, more patient mom.

These are some other thoughts I walked away with that night. I KNEW MOST OF THEM, JUST NEEDED TO HEAR THEM AGAIN. I will elaborate on them in future posts (if anyone is still reading after this long-winded one).

1. Food is not the enemy. It is a source of nutrition, energy, and power…if it is the right food.

2. Pure, natural (organic, if possible) food in it’s original state is the best source of nutrition.

3. There is a physiological and emotional connection to food and always will be. It is about learning how to tame it.

4. You do not have to give anything up (except for health reasons), but you must realize when it is OK to have a smaller serving of that special thing and make sure it is not frequently eaten.

5. Stay away from low-fat and non-fat processed foods.

6. We need the right kind of fats in our diet – olive oil, avocado, etc.

7. Good carbs are not the enemy.

IN CONCLUSION:

My family already eats pretty healthy...of course, there is always room for improvement, but for the most part, I would give us an A-. I know what is good and bad for me...for us. I know how to cook it. Now I just need to find that "something" that is missing to make me really get the connection.

Because of all of this, I was pleasantly surprised at the content of Cinch!: Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds, and Lose Inches and was excited to implement some of its practices and rules, which I just started doing (seriously, did you think I was going to do it over the holidays?)

Do you have any issue that you feel like sharing? A story? Something that has worked for you? An "A-Ha" moment?

Happy Eating!

DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor, nutritionist or food expert. I am simply sharing my thoughts and ideas. A doctor should check you out before you begin a new eating or lifestyle plan.

DISCLAIMER: I was provided with one copy of Cinch! to do my review. The opinions expressed are mine.

Friday, December 31, 2010

Best of Tickled Pink and your BLOG 2010...LINK IT UP!

Before I go further, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who comes by each week to link up! I have met some really amazing people this year and seen and read some amazing posts. I am so happy to be a part of this bloggyworld!

I have gotten a little - a lot - overwhelmed in these last few months, and I have not been the kind of blogger I want to be. I believe what makes blogs so unique and fun is the interaction...I have been remiss in my visits and comments and I apologize. I have read you in my Reader and visited intermittently but not regularly...so I thank those who keep coming back for their continued reading and support. {I still have not visited the links from 2 weeks ago...I will and I will post those this coming week.}

Over the next few weeks I will be finishing up a project and I am looking for some awesome guest bloggers...so let me know if you are interested and I will send you the guidelines...of course the content needs to be relevant.

Now....on to Tickled Pink!
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO A SPECIAL POST...JUST ADD THE BUTTON AND THE CORRECT URL OF YOUR FAVORITE POST!

Here's the recap of The Best of Tickled Pink 2010!
Part 1 is BLOG Info
Part 2 is Causes
Part 3A is Cool Ideas
Part 3B is Inspiration

Part 4 is In The Kitchen
Part 5 is Creativity: DIY, crafts and Home decor

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Pick up a button at the top of the blog!

I have a confession...doing these linky's were way more difficult than I imagined. I do feel I bit off a little more than I could chew. I had a lot of unexpected circumstances pop up over the last few weeks and that threw me off a little bit too...ultimately what it came down to...Family is more important than the blog {I already knew that of course...but I do sometimes slip up}.

Even as I wrote up the 5 parts of these linky's I was remembering other posts and realizing that there was NO WAY I could recap it all! As I type this up I am remembering more and more. So, if I missed you...I am so sorry. I plan on going back and spotlighting some of the other posts in the early part of the year.

Also, I said I was going to do categories...too complicated. What I like about my blog and tickled pink is that it is a mix of all things that I love...so just link up with your favorite post of the year, the week, the month...whatever tickles you pink!
(be kind...I keep finding tons of typos in my posts this week...too tired...too busy!)

PINK RULES

Add the button...pick it up at the top of my blog!
Link up...whatever makes your blog fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? You post does not have to be PINK!!
PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, NOT YOUR MAIN URL****
I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not adhere to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.
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2010 ROCKED the Creativity! The Best of Tickled Pink! Part 5...WHEW!

Well, I am on he final roudnup and getting ready to post the linky. I originally intended to break this up into categories...but well, I will be honest I have ran out of time. I have spent time with family and friends rather than the computer this week!

So, I am sorry, this is LONG!

Here's the recap!
Part 1 is BLOG Info
Part 2 is Causes
Part 3A is Cool Ideas
Part 3B is Inspiration

Part 4 is In The Kitchen

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Picnic Perfection from Lisa at Moore Minutes. This charming summertime picnic has so many amazing details that is can be inspiration for an entire party or event as well. You MUST go see this amazing spread and take in all the detail and care Lisa put into this picnic.

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The Antonio Treatment ran on HGTV after one of my favorite shows, Design Star. I LOVE this show! And, well, I love Antonio - yeah, I like a bad boy {didn't marry one though!}...I think he is dreamy {in a tattooed designing dude way}. He won me over with his Bright pink painted birds last season...

{photo above from HGTV}

...and then he painted a room purple {I have a purple living room!}, and well, on his new show, let's just say I cannot wait for more of him...I mean his designs.

Check out this wall of reclaimed wood! I have watched this part of the show at least 4 times. You will be seeing this in my house, my garden, anywhere I can sneak it is. L-O-V-E! Sorry for the photo quality - I could not find one photo online, so I took photos of my TV - I felt so 13 again! Now I need to go record some songs from the radio and try to sing them.

{above photos from my TV...of The Antonio Treatment}

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You must go visit Bubblin' Over. Claudie's blog is like a fairytale all full of pink sparkly goodness...and this woman is one of the most thoughtful visitors you will ever meet!

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Kirsty Girl's Paintings!

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Malia at Yesterday on Tuesday created this patriotic photo prop.

I had to share it. I seriously think I am doing this for the 4th!

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Words on Wheels who in the spirit of kitchen demolition {something I can relate to!} made this fabulous tray out of the old doors!

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How About Orange is brilliant and she makes gift bags made from newspaper!

Easy and unique and FAB!

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Clever, clever, clever! Paisley Passions upside down shelf is awesome.

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Who doesn't love a lollipop. Thanks to Bird Crafts for the tutorial on how to make one!

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Gorgeous, better-than-designer bag from La Maison Reid.

I am making one. She has a great tutorial!

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A gorgeous work of art in the form of a sofa throw from The Wonders of Doing.

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Fun way to fancy up a bracelet or necklace from Creative Mind.

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A kitchen sink craft (I need to do one of these).

Look at this adorable vintage flashcard banner from Yesterday on Tuesday!

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I am needing {to make?} this Paisley Rebirth necklace!

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I store everything in Mason Jars. I love them.

Girl In Air has a really great tutorial on making them into soap dispensers.

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A very cool Alfred Hitchcock inspired table from The Autocrat

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Totally cool and slightly creepy pumpkins from Fine Fettle

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Fun way to fancy up a bracelet or necklace from Creative Mind.

************************************************************ SHUT THE DOOR!-What Allie's Making Now made these boots...from scratch.

IMPRESSED

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Don;t ya just love getting something with your initials on it.

Check out these cards from Funky Mom Cards.

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Candle holder redo complete with tea cups...it is thriftastical from The Thrifty Groove.

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I know we are moving into Christmas, but this is an idea

not to be missed from What Allie's Making Now

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This idea is super fun...I have a soft spot for VW's, from Made at Greenlodge

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I really want to crochet. Look at these cuties from My Crazy Simple Life!

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I love the technique Lisa at The Pursuit of Happiness uses on this project...and I love the final product

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My Repurposed Life has some serious skills! Check her DIY island top!

I am dreaming of one for myself.

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This necklace is screaming my name. A book Page necklace from Mandipidy

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Postmark stocking from Mandipidy

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Tree decorating with florals at Cheri Quite Contrary

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Big Bear's Wife made some seriously cute snow jars!

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These ideas repurpose items - LOVE IT!

Vintage-style tea light Holders from Modern Country Style

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Calamity Anne's Adventures was reading my mind.
My friend and I were just discussing these little houses

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Beautiful Faberge Beaded Eggs - it's a tutorial!
From Susie's Artsy-Craftsy Sitcom

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A Diamond in the Stuff has a great use for a tomato cage - a card holder!

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Track the years with this photo stocking from Cleverly Inspired.

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Sparkle is always good. Not Just Paper and Glue shows us how to add sparkle to a bow!

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Pottery Barn Inspired Ornament advent calendar from Hallelujahs by Holly

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Gorgeous book page ornament from House Revivals!

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Red Heads Craft More Fun made this amazing Rattan tree topper!

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Super cute snowman PJ's at Harrigan Howdy!

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Primitive and Proper super fabulous table redo

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Speaking of organization...

Welcome Sunshine Home did an amazing job organizing her ribbon and wrapping.

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A Little Bit of Everything is just how I like it!

Oh yeah, I am in love with this ribbon holder idea.

I am trying very hard to get my crafts organized. I see this in my future!

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I am dying for this pillow. I have always loved this technique

and Atelier Caroline has it done right!

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Can you ever brag enough about your kiddos...

Take a peek at this brag book from Katie's Nesting Spot.

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Super Cute Homemade Minnie Mouse (can you ever get enough of the mouse...don't answer that!) costume from Mine for the Making. See the final product {HERE}

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I want to be laying right there taking a nap! Thanks Modern Country Style...gorgeous!
Check out the full master bedroom reveal here!

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I LOVE sweaters...that is all I used to wear (even in So. Cal!) Cristina's Adventures has a twist on the sweater...it is art!

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Fun and Fab Christmas trees from Emerald Cove.

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Homemade seed packets from Life is a Party!

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Beautiful necklace from Keefer Style Creations

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Paper weaving art from Can't Stop Making Things

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AWESOME Chandelier from The Little Apartment.
I really must try this.

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Have you seen these pillow...AWESOME!
Michele at The Scrap Shoppe has outdone herself!

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Shoe flare {LOVE IT!} from from the Nato's

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I love repurposing, recycling, make something old new or better...
and Kelley's at Kelley's Family Jewels motto of
"Just do it. Get out a saw and try it.
What's the worst that can happen?"

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Great decorating tip from BJ at Sweet Nothings!

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My kiddo makes everything into a baby bed...I see a Christmas present in my future here with this sweet moses basket from Clever Faeries

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I am getting ready to play with fire myself,
but I LOVE what The Answer is Chocolate has done...gorgeous!

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Even your organizers should look FAB! And they do at 5 Minutes Just for Me.

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The first flash of brilliance I encountered at Emerald Cove was this hutch reveal...I tell you, I wanted to drive up there and steal it in the middle of the night...
it is fabulous...{will you come paint mine?}

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Decorating with books is essential in my home...

The Gathering Place has a fun twist to it.

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Buttons are one of may many weaknesses.

Checkout The Scrap Shoppe's button bib necklace!

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How much do I adore silhouettes!

Little Apartment on the Prairie has a fun take on them!

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Sandy of Sandy's Space is a somewhat new read for me,

but "Oh my!" does she have amazing talents!

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Fabulous idea for a ruffled number shirt from Sumo's Sweet Stuff!
What a fun way to celebrate a birthday...or any day!

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Craftopotamus upcycled messenger bag

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Fabulous painted pumpkins from Calamity Anne! Great tutorial too!

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She has done it again! Lisa from Moore Minutes has this great idea for Vacation Jars. I think this is brilliant...we always have tons to little chotchke's...now I know a GREAT way to store them.

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I am all about the Ampersand! Love them and so does Karie's Chic Creations.

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You better watch out, you better not pout, you better not cry,

because Christmas is coming! Some crafty peeps, like Elizabeth at Twelve Crafts Till Christmas are ambitious in their ways are are going to craft their way to the holidays!

But do not fret if you are not crafty {or do not celebrate Christmas!},

there is a lot more GREAT stuff over there