Just another reason I LOVE paint - Stair Rail Update

If you have read my blog for any period of time or followed me on Instagram, then you know that I love, love, LOVE me some paint!

After we removed the carpet from the Stairs, sanded and stained them, painted the stairwell, added Chevron, and added the mirros, it STILL felt like it was missing something.  (Click on the links to check out previous DIY projects on a budget)

SO... I pulled out a can of paint... AGAIN! Go Figure!

I used the flat black paint that I used on my Front Door and I think it turned out perfectly!  It saved me a fortune on updating the rails and it was done in a matter of minutes.  Nothing better than that!

 OH how I LOVE the power of paint!

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Weekend Wrap Up

I hope everyone had a GREAT weekend and that you are keeping warm with the Artic Front that has impacted so much of the United States.  It's a toasty 28 degrees here in Texas!

This weekend was the first weekend in a LONG time that we didn't have one thing planned and it was a very nice break.  We did manage to get a few things accomplished, but really just enjoyed our time together.

I did a few jalks in this weekend and my Lil Man went with me and I only had to ask him ONCE!  Best jalking partner EVER!!!

 

Also, I was able to try out my Fitbit and I must say I'm LOVING it!  I'm especially loving it on the days that I hit my 10 THOUSAND step goal, but on the days I don't, I feel like a big bum.

The best part about Sundays in our home is that Big D always serves us breakfast in bed.  He definitely knows the way to my heart, feed me and tell me I'm pretty!  

 

I've decided to focus on ONE word this year instead of having resolutions and I chose the word "GIVE".  Give more to those I love, give more to strangers, and never, ever give up!  I think I can do it!

 

We have been living in plumbing hell and the contractors will be out tomorrow to layout a timeline for construction.  All other projects will be put on hold until the upstairs bathroom and plumbing issues are completed!  I'm sure my Lil Man is so ready to have his bathroom back and I am SO ready for him to have it back!  BOYS... UGH!!!

We did manage to complete a small project this weekend that I will be sharing this week, so be on the look out!

This post was a crazy, chaotic, mixed up post, but that's my life... Beautiful chaos and I love it!

 

OHHHH!!! And if you have not heard this song, get on it now!

 

Have an awesome week and check back for our latest project!

 

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Family Recipes in the Home

We received a handwritten recipe from my Husband's Nanny after she passed away and I wanted to make sure that I displayed it and didn't just throw it in a drawer.  

After redoing our dining room this year, I though framing her recipe and displaying it in there was perfect!

It's so very simple, but exactly what I had in mind!  Don't throw handwritten letters or recipes in junk drawers, display them in beautiful frames and add a touch of family throughout different rooms in your home.

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Dining Room Do-Over

While I've taken a break from Blogging, I haven't taken a break from getting crafty at home.  My latest project is my Dining Room Do-Over.  I'm slightly (Okay, VERY) obsessed with completing projects with a minimal budget to prove that design doesn't have to cost a fortune!

Although I LOVE red, I'm always drawn to blues (I'm pretty sure it's my power color) and have very little blue in my home.  That is about to change...

I gave myself a $250 budget and recruited a SMOKIN' HOT handyman.

Here is my BOOOOORING dining room before

I can do ANYTHING with a can of spray paint!  Seriously powerful stuff!

I started by priming and spraying painting the china cabinet that was already in the dining room.  After the paint dried, I used a dry brush and an antique glaze.  I also sprayed the hardware with my favorite hammered spray paint and I just LOVE the way the piece turned out!

 While I was spraying my life away, my Smokin' Hot Handyman was painting the dining room walls the most beautiful teal color.  Honestly, it is STUNNING! 

Paint Color: Glidden Totally Teal

Now, I have used MANY paint brands and I must say that Glidden Paint and Primer in One is by far the BEST paint I have EVER used... Hands Down!

While Mr. Smokin' Hot Handyman painted the room, I sprayed the other pieces a cooridinating color.

 

I also sprayed the chandelier and added some of the antique glaze.  I sprayed the shades as well... See, I can do ANYTHING with spray paint!

I purchased a new rug, mirror, decorative plates, flowers, and decorative tray.

I added a few pieces that I already had around the house.

And Wah-Lah!

This project came in just slightly under the $250 budget with paint, spray paint, brushes and decorative pieces.  I will added a few more pieces soon, but that's how design works... always evolving! 

**UPDATE** I am slowly adding touches throughout our new dining room, including a monogrammed burlap runner, family photos and the cutest little hooter!

 

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Weekend Wrap Up

WHAT A WEEKEND!!!

Life has been CRAZY, but I'm finally back with a weekend wrap up!

Started Friday with Margarita Mania with my boys... We do this every Friday and we love it!

I also found out that I'm going to be an Auntie to another sweet baby boy!!!  I cannot wait to love on him!

Over the last 2 weeks, I've been doing Sarah Jenks' Live More Weigh Less Challenge and I am LOVING it!

The challenge is forcing me to think outside of the box, have fun and work on being comfortable in my own skin.

One of the challenges inspired me to go through my closet and buy a new pair of jeans, jeans that are THREE sizes smaller than those in my closet and THEY FIT!

One challenge required wearing red lipstick and I ROCKED IT!

Having FUN is crucial to feeling good in your body and I'm learning that every single day!

Over the weekend, I achieved a HUGE weightloss goal and it brought tears to my eyes.  I have struggled with weight my entire life, so when I see progress I'm a little proud of myself.

Crazy things happened over the weekend DIY Style, so check back this week to see what we did!

Have a great week!

 

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Favorite Things Friday - Clean Eating

Today is FRIDAY... Whoop! Whoop!  Normally, I'd finish the day with Margarita Mania, BUT I started the Advocare 10-Day Cleanse on Monday.  Womp, Womp!

I thought I'd share some of my favorite clean recipes that I've enjoyed so far.

I'm a huge tuna fan, so I was fearful of modifying the recipe to make it healthier. Although this isn't what I'm used to, what i'm used to isn't working. This clean recipe was VERY good and with only 96 calories a serving, I can do without the mayo!

Recipe Found HERE

Isn't this the most colorful salad you have seen?! LOVE it! I replaced the tofu with feta and wah-lah!

Recipe Found HERE

If you follow me on Instagram, you know this is one of my favorite "Go-To" meals. I LOVE this salad... Like LOVE it! It's was a no-brainer to add it into this week's mix.

Recipe Found HERE

Hello Happiness!  There is SO much goodness in the lettuce wraps, you don't even realize that they are better for you.  SO worth the work!

Recipe Found HERE

You canNOT forget breakfast, it truly is THE most important meal of the day! Here is a yummy recipe to give you a kickstart!

Recipe Found HERE

Hope some of these help! Clean Eating does not mean starving and you can enjoy more than you realize! Have a great weekend!  

 

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Advocare Cleanse RESULTS

It's the Monday after a vacation and it's been a rough one!  I finally have a minute to update on my cleanse.

If you didn't know, I have been doing the Advocare 10-Day Herbal Cleanse to help jump start a healthier diet and to get the scale moving again. I LoVe food and eating is my downfall. Life is short, eat the cupcake!  Being a Carb Whore and a Margarita Momma, I was nervous about the cleanse; however, I was confident that I could do anything for 10 days! We ALL can do anything for 10 DAYS!

I ordered the cleanse online and when it came in the mail (the very next day), I did a bit of research to prep meals and get ready for the next 10 days.

If you aren't familiar with Clean Eating or you need help prepping, get on Pinterest now or check on these RECIPES!

Clean Eating isn't miserable and there are SO MANY options!  What I like best about this cleanse is YOU CAN EAT!  I did really well eating clean, but did cheat every morning by using a tablespoon of creamer in my coffee.  I'm not perfect, what can I say?!

My thoughts on my Cleanse...
Day 1-3 are the toughest. I was tired and not really myself.

Day 4-7 are definitely better.  

Day 8-10 are the easiest!  You forget you are on a cleanse, because you feel so good!

My Tips...

Fiber Drink - Order the Peaches & Cream and chug it quickly with a full glass of water.

Keep your Fridge STOCKED and be prepared food-wise.

Don't eat out!  You can't eat out often and expect this to work for you.  If someone else is prepping your food, you have ZERO control.  Know what you're eating.

If you are scared you are going to be running to the bathroom every 5 seconds - you will NOT. This is a gentle cleanse!

My Results:

I lost 8 pounds total and I was VERY happy with the results, because I felt better.  The calendar and monthly visitor worked against me, but I am still so happy with my results.  Total so far, I'm down 29 pounds!!!  I missed my margaritas and my sweets, but know that if I continue calorie counting and using moderation then I will continue to see progress.

If you have tried the cleanse and it didn't work for you, did you give it your all?!  Did you truly eat clean?!  If you want something bad enough, you will do it!  Otherwise, you'll make an excuse!

 

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Advocare 10-Day Cleanse

Happy Monday!

Today, I start the 10 Day Advocare Cleanse and we'll see how it goes.  I've never done a cleanse, so I'm a bit nervous; however, I'm super excited to see the results of the cleanse and clean eating.

Check back in 10 days for my thoughts and my results.

Get up and GET MoViNG!!!

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Lucky Number 3 - In His Thirties

Happy Birthday Big D!!

Today is Big D's 33rd Birthday and as I have over the last 14 years, I wanted to be the first person to wish him a happy birthday!  This year I wasn't... I'll blame the Ambien and his Best Friend who never sleeps.

Big D is beyond happy and content right where he is in life and I can only imagine it's the greatest gift he could ever ask for.  I think he is not-so-secretly hoping Sweet Kamille Baby is born today, because how awesome would that be?!

3 is his favorite number, so being 33 must mean that this year will be a great one!

There are so very many things that I love about Big D, and I've decided to write a list. I have to admit it's somewhat of a task, but one I'm happy to complete.

A list of 33... Here it goes:
1. I love that you are a dare devil and will never back down from a challenge. (I DO love this, even though I'm bound to have a few panic attacks thanks to you!)
2. I love how eclectic your taste in music is. I never know if it's going to be Texas Country, TuPac, Alice in Chains, or Phil Collins playing in your truck.
3. I LOVE that you are one helluva swimmer (Especially since I'm a non-swimmer).
4. I love the color of your eyes (Tiger eyes).
5. I love your cute tushy (ALWAYS have) & I love that you love mine!
6. I love that you win any discussion about the most rebellious thing someone has done. Hands down!
7. I love how liked you are by others because you are YOU.
8. I love the way you help and talk to elderly women and make them blush like a 20 year old.  Seriously, ADORABLE!
9. I love the way you loved your Nanny and would have move Heaven and Earth to keep her happy.  I love the way she loved you!
10. I love that you appreciate my head full of useless knowledge.
11. I love that you never pretend to be something you're not.
12. I love that you can make me laugh more than anyone else I know.
13. I love that you absolutely appreciate my shoe addiction, because you have one of your own.
14. I love that you can fix anything I break (minus the ducktape).
15. I love that you respect the way our Lil Man looks up to you.
16. I love the way you love my girlfriends and appreciate how important they are to me.
17. I love how you will grab hold of me and kiss me as if it were our last.
18. I love how much you love sports. (Did I just say that?)
19. I love that you can quote lines from so many movies.
20. I love listening to you sing (Even if you don't always know the words... Yes, it still makes me crazy!).
21. I love that you bring me coffee most Friday mornings as I get ready for work. You don't even ask if I want it, you just know!
22. I love that you don't require a hot meal every night for dinner. You are beyond happy with any meal I make!
23. I love that you will drop everything for anyone who needs help. Your heart is SO BIG!
24. I love that you will watch every single episode of Sex and the City a hundred times, just to spend another second with me!
25. I love how people in your life will never have to question your loyalty (Even if you begin to question theirs).
26. I love how possessive you are of me as your wife when people are being disrespectful to me.
27. I love how you support all my extra activities and very gently let me know when I am in over my head!
28. I love how particular you are about your hair (or lack there of).
29. I love the way you make me feel like I can do anything and succeed.
30.  I love how the baseball kids love you as their coach, when most parents think you are completely insane.  The kids love you and THAT is what counts!
31.  I love that the simplest of things keep you smiling!  Like the Big Red Thunder From Down Under!
32. I love that what we have is so very different from every other relationship, but somehow it works for us and it works so well.
33. I love that you are the man I get to spend the rest of my life with!

I love your guts Abel Jones! Have a VERY Happy, Happy Birthday!

Knock, Knock! Who's There?? (My Love for ZuMBA!)

**The post below was originally posted in April 2011 and I'm updating it for this week's Workout Wednesday.
The reason i've decided to repost this is, looking back at how much I loved Zumba it still amazes me how far I came while having fun. It amazes me! Exercise can be fun! Zumba changed my energy level, my body and my heart. I was BORN TO DANCE! After doing Zumba 3 times a week for many, many months, my instructor moved her class to the dreaded... GYM! *GASP* I have a fear of the gym, a fear of being judged and an insecure mind. I quit immediately! I stopped working out all together and continued with an awful diet filled with salads loaded with ranch dressing and ended up in the same place I began.

And that brings us to the present... I'm not a girl you will find in a gym, but I'm not the girl who wants to remain tired and unhealthy either. You HAVE to figure out what works for you, you have to change your diet and you have to get moving. It doesn't happen overnight, but it will happen if you change your lifestyle!**

It’s Me… I’m HERE!! I know, I know... I have been MIA forever. *sigh* I have a tendency to get on these "kicks" where I am SUPER, CRAZY passionate about something until something ELSE takes over! {It’s a good/bad thing & a habit I'm trying to break} Does that ever happen to you??

I am channeling my creative juices into a different direction, but I AM working on combining the things I enjoy so much. I miss blogging, I miss blogland and I miss (SUPER MISS) reading everyone’s updates… BIG TIME!!

As for now and the past few months, I have been completely focused on something new, something fun, & something that allows me to be creative (but not crafty), something that is a completely different direction... my NEW passion… ZUMBA!!

(NOTICE: It is a BIG deal, I mean MAJOR, that I posted the picture below.)

This is why I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Zumba! It was NOT my plan to lose weight, inches and tone up in ways I just didn’t realize I could, when I started Zumba. I wanted something in my life that was fun, something different than what I had done before and something that just allowed you to be free for a short period of time everyday. However, when I looked at the above photos side-by-side and shared with friends, I could not believe the benefits that Zumba offered. I had no idea that I was working the muscles that I was; I just thought I was dancing and having fun. Who knew?! A girlfriend said to me, “If I had that type of improvement, I’d be posting these pics everywhere!” Really? I just couldn’t! My first thoughts… “Look at that before picture…Was that really me? Did I really allow myself to get to “that” place?” I was so embarrassed and ashamed of where I was that I could not even see where I am now. I should be proud and slooooowly day by day, I am becoming more proud of what I am accomplishing and that I am feeling like “ME” again!

Zumba did this! I am blessed with a Zumba instructor who is a breast cancer fighter and survivor and is beyond encouraging and a group of family/friends who want nothing more than for me to be the best “Me” that I can be.

Yes, I will be back and I’m beyond excited to share all of the projects I have been hiding and the ideas that I have in-store. I am still SUCH a craft-a-holic & have so many FuN & Spectacular projects that I just canNOT wait to share!!!

*Tiffany

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Favorite Things Friday - Booty Movin' Music

It's FRIDAY!!!!!!  Budget Season is in full effect and Fridays are still my FAVORITE!

Today's post is about Booty Movin' Music that keeps me shakin' and songs that will never, ever, ever (getting baaaack together) be removed from my Get Movin' Playlist!

1. Fergie Ferg - London Bridge - I LOVE this song... always and FOREVER!

"I'm such a lady but i'm dancin' like a ho!"

2. Blackstreet - No Diggity - WHY isn't this on YOUR playlist.  Seriously, NO EXCUSES!

"Shorty get DOOOOOWN good Lord."

3. Robin Thicke, Pharrell, T.I. - Blurred Lines

"You the hottest bitch in this place!"  HOLLA!!!

4. Demi Lovato - Get Back - Don't judge, this song KEEPS ME MOVING!  I super love it even though I'm not 14!

"I wanna get back to the old days, when the phone would ring and I knew it was you."

5. Savage - Swing - Wanna shake that booty, download this song NOW!  I move every.single.time it's on!

"Stop, Whoa, Back it up and let me see your hips swing."

Get your booty movin' NOW!  Cheers to the Freakin' Weekend!

Weekend Wrap Up - In Photos

It's MONDAY... UGH!  Why OH Why does it take SOOOO long for Friday to arrive, but Monday arrives so quickly?!

We had a GREAT weekend!

Started Friday night with Margarita Mania... Surprising, I know!  Lil Man decided to stay and help the neighbors with their flower beds in order to get ready for a birthday party.  He was SO excited about the birthday party, that he didn't mind working his tushy off.  It's crazy that I can't get him to put his laundry in the dirty clothes basket, but a birthday party can get him moving mountains of dirt.

(A Sangrita, because no good story ever started with a salad!)

Saturday started with a weigh-in. 

I am still weighing in every Saturday (even after Fat Girl Friday) and it's much better than obsessing daily. MUCH BETTER!

This weeks weigh-in:

(Holy Hell, Calorie Counting WORKS!)

 I picked up a new weekend casual outfit for less than $40!  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a good bargain and I am not afraid to admit it.  I can't tell you how many compliments I receive that I follow up with "Can you believe it was only $7?"  People tell me ALL THE TIME that I shouldn't share my secret and I quickly tell them, when I don't share the price then you know that I've paid way too much! ;-)

 Saturday evening I spent with my Sister and Mom at The Paint Pub!  We super LOVE this idea and I super LOVE our time together.  My Sister is about to PoP, so I know that I have to get all the time I can before she's busy with my Sweet Baby Kamille.

 Saturday night, it was just Big D and Me since Lil Man was at his Birthday Party Camp Out.  We CHiLLaXeD, watched a documentary on ESPN and fell asleep.  CRAZY WILD Couple we are!

 Sunday I spent the day at the neighbors, since the kids were still going strong from the night before.  Later in the afternoon, Big D shows up with the below and at first I'm like "SERIOUSLY?", but after a few beers with the neighbors I said, "Whatever...".  Pick and choose your battles people!

 We ended up having dinner at BJs, because after a great day of girly gossip, and waiting on the Super Moon, I was just TOO exhausted to cook!  Plus, doesn't this California Chicken Sandwich look SO FREAKIN' GOOD?!

Hope you all had a FABULOUS weekend!