A Hot Minute

Sooooooo, it's been a hot minute since I last blogged.  Truth be told, I needed a break.  Time out.  

To Pause

 Rewind.........

and here I am again.

Refreshed

Invigorated and ready to go!

Again.

To be perfectly honest, it was good for me to step away from everything for a while.  If you need time out.

Take it.  


Life for me in the last year has been a world wind.

Ups

downs

turn-a-rounds

relocation

separation

divorce

and all that goes with it.

Important, life changing stuff.  And so with that being said, I move on.  Happy in the knowledge that I emerged like a butterfly from a cocoon.  Beautifully and wonderfully molded from the intensity of the struggle.

Wiser

Stronger

Determined

But most of all,

Winning!

Tapestry In Fashion

Hola, Compadres!  I feel like a bad mama. I've been so busy, my poor sweet little blog is not getting all the love it deserves.  Sometimes it is so hard trying to balance it all but like a true soldier I keep at it.

I had a few hours of R&R this today so I decided to spend some time searching for one of the things I am madly infatuated with at the moment.  Tapestry! 

Now I know this may not sound exciting but after this post you will see why I am so hyped. Trust me, a good piece of tapestry is like comfort food.  It is soooooooo good!

Tapestry has always captivated me because of it's texture, depth and personality.  It is so much more than just a piece of fabric. Tapestry has heart. Soul. Love. And history.   Many of them are hand woven and can take months even years to complete. The hard work and attention to detail is what makes these pieces so endearing and special.  I particularly love the fact that tapestry allows for boundless artistic expression. From fashion to decor and beyond, there are no limits, only fabulous-ness.   

Enjoy.

I am still looking for a vest similar to the one pictured here but anyone of these pieces would be very welcome in my closet.  

I absolutely adore this framed piece.  So romantic and dramatic at the same time.  Pieces like these are hard to find but perfect to express one's personality and well worth the time spent searching for them.  

Cherio!

Joy To The World!

Christmas is by far my favorite holiday.  There is a wonder, grace and beauty about this season more than any other.......and there is a joy that is  truly as undeniable as it is infectious.    

One of my absolute favorite things about Christmas though, is the nativity scenes and vintage paintings depicting the birth of Christ. Although these are steadily being replaced by more commercialized or "politically correct art", this is what warms my heart and makes me feel like it's Christ-mas.  

So without further ado, here are some of the paintings and nativity scenes I am in love with at the moment, enjoy!

 

Cherio!

Just Do It!

8 weeks ago, I set out on a journey along with three other inspired ladies to achieve our ultimate health and fitness goals by starting a support group.  And we did.  Every Saturday we email a report to each other on how the week transpired.  Whether we succeeded or failed during the week, we tell it all.

 If someone had a bad day and did succumb to junk food instead of a healthier choice, there is never condemnation.  The focus is always, "Learn from this and keep moving."  The love and support shared by the the ladies in this group never fails to touch my heart.   It really has been a tremendous blessing. 

In the sixth week after joining the group I began to notice a very unexpected dynamic happening within my own life.  I realized that I was naturally applying principals learned in my health and fitness journey to my everyday life............principals like, learn from your mistakes and move on, never give up and "challenge yourself " have become my daily mantras.  And it's not that I didn't know this before or hadn't tried to do this in the past.  Somehow now though, it's much easier to do, very effortless, like breathing.

I am learning that real power is not about feelings too.  Pressing on in spite of those feelings is where the real victory is.  And yes, I know there will be days ahead when I want to throw in the towel but I also know that "wanting to do something is not the same as doing it".  Sometimes  I want pie instead of whole wheat bread, ..........and sometimes, I really don't feel like exercising for 45 minutes .......but I do anyway.  It's all about staying focused and never giving up.  We all have the power to change our own lives.  Whether the goal is big or small, it is all achievable if you believe in yourself and keep working towards your goals.  So, let's just do it!

Cherio!

No Fear Holiday Glamour

Christmas hands down is my favorite holiday! How could it not be? Once a year I get a free pass to:

• Decorate my home like a palace or mini toy land, no questions asked
• Eat all my favorite foods in ridiculously large portions of course since its Christmas
• Have fun with family and friends......tell off said family and friends, no worries since its the wine! 
• Get days off from work
• Have people shower me with gifts while looking exceptionally fierce in my new outfit.  

As you probably can tell, I totally enjoy just about every aspect of this season, even the crazed panic shopping that occurs when we forget a gift a day or two before Christmas.  As you know, if you've ever braved the "stampede" at your local mall on Christmas eve, this is not for the faint of heart. 

One of the reasons we all shop so much is to buy the items we need to create the look and feel we want for our home or residence.   This look and feeling or AMBIENCE is vitally important.  From the front door to the back you want your guest to feel welcome and full of holiday cheer!  One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to think of the 5 senses.  Hearing, Tasting, Touch, Smell, Sight. This is what stimulates the average human being and enables us to enjoy an experience.  

SMELL:  Vanilla candles, fresh flowers, cinnamon sticks, and fresh apple pies are all distinct aromas that foster a sense of well being and welcome in a home.

TASTE:  Freshly baked cookies, wine, turkey, ham and all the trimmings are definitely a favorite on this special occasion.

SIGHT:  From a wreath on the front door to the Christmas tree and other festive decoration inside your home, nothing says Christmas better than lights, sparkle and fresh pine!

HEARING:  Classic Christmas  music, I personally love anything by Nat King Cole

TOUCH:  There is nothing better than a good welcome hug!

Holiday decorating does not have to be complicated, it could be as simple as arranging a few candles on a table with some holly leaves or fresh pine.  Now how easy is that, in the end its all about the ambience.

Here are a few links to inspire your holiday decorating:

http://hellobeautiful.com/special-features/holidays-2009/deborah-bennett/how-to-decorate-your-bedroom-this-christmas/

http://curbly.com/diy-maven/posts/7596-fresh-christmas-decorating-ideas

http://www.marthastewart.com/