Did the time change throw you off too?

Oh man! It is already Monday morning and let me tell you something...that time change messed me up. I have been working two jobs and I loved it being so sunny in the morning. It was the only time I could really appreciate the sun because three nights a week I don't get home before 10pm. But, I am looking forward to more sunlight on my other nights off. I am looking forward to gardening, to walking outside, and to taking drives around my amazing state to see all that it has to offer.

On another note. I made a really great infused water last night that I am drinking today. I took a lime and sliced it and then threw in fresh mint and let it all soak in the water over night. It is really good and cleansing. I recommend making some with your favorite herbs or fruits.

Happy Monday!

Life Update

Things have been so busy around here. We are still working on the adoption process, I have picked up a part time job, and we are working on some home remodel projects. Man you haven't lived until you update the paint and flooring in your house haha!

November is National Adoption Month

For anyone who does not know we have started the adoption process. Let me just start off by saying that I had no idea what this process would be like. I was so ignorant. I do not mean that to sound bad but I thought it would be like in the movies. You sign up, they check a few things out about you, then you pick a child, and start your life.
This is so not the case. Do not let this scare you off though. It is an amazing process and totally worth it. We had to give all our personal information and finger prints to a case worker who could do a back ground check and DMV check. Next you attend classes. Classes that teach about bonding and tell you what kind of situations you might come across. I will share more about the process later. Right now we are finished with classes and we are waiting on the home study visit.
What I am asking is for everyone to take some time and pray for a child in foster care, pray for the workers, pray for the adoptive and foster families, take some time and donate what you can. DHS is always in need of something from diapers to clothes. Children are taken out of their home and sometimes only with what they have on. Take some time to reach out and see what your local area has to offer kids in foster care and how you can help.
There are a lot of things that will be happening in the next few months in our lives and I promise to share more.
This is only the beginning.

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Family and life update

So for those of you that do not know my amazing husband and I have started the adoption process. We are about half way done with classes and we are really excited. We are adopting locally through DHS and we have really enjoyed the experience.

After we complete the classes we have a home study visit. Well, actually multiple visits. They come into your home and check for safety and spend time with the hopeful/future parents to get to know them. The goal is to make sure anyone adopting is as happy, healthy, and well adjusted as possible. So needless to say we have had a lot on our plate.

After all that is complete we are taking a vacation to Cozumel! Neither of us have ever been and we are so excited. We thought it would be a good treat for completing classes and our last chance to take a big vacation before we adopt. So it is our paper pregnant babymoon!

Life in general has been good. My husband has a new job in the same hospital I work in and he is really loving it. We are both just working hard to be in the best place mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally we can be so we are ready for whatever God has in store for us.

Lovable Labels Happy Halloween

If you are looking for some spooktacular labels for lunch boxes, bottles, bags, Halloween treats, and more please click here to check out the great Halloween Pack from Lovable Labels. They are even offering a coupon for $10 off your $25 purchase! Use the coupon code SPOOKY2013

What can you give?

For those of you who do not know Censie over at Building our story then hop on over and check her out. Aside from being my best friend, Censie is a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter, and a friend to many. Censie and her husband Jeremy have always been the kind of people you could lean on or ask help from and now they need help.

Over the last few years Jeremy has been battling  Ulcerative Colitis. Here is a little time line of what has been going on.

Our Timeline:

July 2009 – Jeremy is diagnosed with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

July 2009-January 2013 – over 15 medications tried and failed.

June 2010 – Jude is born! (My godson and their first baby!)
September 2010 – Jeremy has his first hospitalization due to a horrible UC flair

September 2010 – Begins using Remicaid and Prednisone – never comes off of prednisone until after his surgery.

April 2011 – Hospitalized again – UC Flair

April 2011 – Off of Remicaid – starts Humira.  Still on Prednisone.

October 2012 – Teagan is born!! (baby girl!!)

November 2012 – Censie has gallbladder surgery

December 2012 – Jeremy has 2 one week stays in the hospital due to UC flairs

January 9, 2013 – Gustav the stoma is born!
January 21, 2013 – Jeremy finally gets released from the hospital!! 

March 4, 2013 – Jeremy goes back to work!!  Hooray!! 

March 18, 2013 – Jeremy get admitted to the hospital yet again – this time for an infection.

2012 was rough for Jeremy as his Ulcerative Colitis got worse and worse.  After 3 and a half years of trying over 15 different medications, some that were very scary medications and numerous hospital stays ($$$) it was decided in December 2012 that he would move towards having his colon removed. 

Jeremy is now living with an ileostomy due to him no longer having a colon or large intestine, he will have this forever.

Just when they get ahead Jeremy gets sick again and the last few weeks have been especially frustrating. 

What I am asking is first if you can send them prayers of healing and peace. Second can you spare even one dollar? They are happy he is moving forward but that also brought with them $12,000 plus worth of medical bills/debt. I know it seems like people are always asking for something from us but I can promise you this is a worthy battle to fight. So far they raised about $800 which allowed them to pay one bill off totally. But, there is much more to do. 

I ask that each of you check out this site and share it on facebook, in the twitter world, even email it out. We might not have much but if we work together we can do a lot. 

Help them fight the battle of health, debt, and help them not live with such stress! Go fund me site...click here!

a very small photo update on things

enjoying the fall: gold and brown

helena/west helena: king biscuit. saw bonnie raitt and many more, went from hot to cold to pouring down rain

loving the little detail of gold and the maroon pants. new purse: glitter, gold, envelop style

new hair went a little red

love: stl cardinals game

What does 51.5 lb weight loss look like?

The more weight I lose the more I want to wear things I never would have thought I could including a very tight and short skirt. My legs look amazing and I feel great. Every day I get a little closer to my goal and everyday I share my journey with people around me. I am blessed to have such an amazing support system and I know that one of the best things I can do is to continue to seek out help from the people around me who have so many amazing talents. If you need to deal with your food issues do not be ashamed. There is always a therapist, counselor, friend, family member or even a Pastor who is willing to help you as best they can. For me it took going to a therapist to learn why I used food to deal with life and you know what? That was the best thing I could have done for me. I am learning so much about myself and how I can better deal with all the things life has to offer. So take that step and find out what helps you be the best version of yourself you can be!

Love y'all.

Fashion Friday: My very fashionable week

First off let me say hello to everyone again! My amazing husband and I took a vacation and we unplugged from the world. Limited phone use, limited internet, limited blogging, limited everything but good food and fun. My weight loss journey actually didn't take the hit I thought it might over vacation praise the Lord. I really tried to skip the apps when we went out and made sure to drink plenty of water and eat my veggies! Now, moving right along, I wanted to share my outfits for this week. Last Sunday I went through my closet and got organized and found so much stuff I forgot I even had! I went through jewelry and hair accessories so that things would be easy to choose from and not all tangled up. Such a good feeling. Now, let's hope I can stay that organized. Have an amazing weekend everyone and enjoy your time with friends and family...I know I sure will!

Lane Bryant dress and accessories. Shoes from K-Mart.

Top from Catos (love it), pants Lane Bryant, Hair accessory from etsy (red and white pin strip with a small gold anchor on it and I lust after this bow y'all). 

Dress is from my sister's closet (thanks sis), Coach bag and Coach flip flops. necklace from Catos. (PS look my hair is getting so long!)

Top from Catos, Jeans from Old Navy, Toms shoes and fake pearl necklace from target with a bracelet from Gulf Shores. The bracelet was a gift from vacation last year. Hand painted beads with little lobsters, anchors, and stars which I love! 

What I see now.

What I see now.

I see more days where I am happy. I see more days where I put effort into what I wear. More days with smiles and less days are filled with tears and insecurity. I am by no means saying things are perfect. On this new life style journey I slip and fall. But, with help from my husband, I pick myself up and try again. I have a vision board and when I feel shame about what I ate that day trust me it is hard to look up at it. I go for days without seeing it. But then I take a moment and look at the words and photographs and remember what I am doing. I hang motivation everywhere I can. Quotes on my desk and even a shirt is hanging from the curtain rod in my living room now. It is my dream shirt. I am about five more pounds from wearing it and not looking like a stuffed sausage. I am trying to get into that shirt for vacation. It is my current goal. I set goals daily and I try and focus. I have to even repeat it in my head over and over. Don’t binge eat. Don’t cheat on your new lifestyle with dirty foods. You can do it. So I am sharing a few pictures of what I see now. Please make a choice to do better, be better, act better.

I do not want to call this before and after but before and progress...more to come. 

Smiles. 

Party dress. 

So much exercising. Running. Bootcamp. 

The food. Okay so my food (my vegan food) is good. It is easy to binge on chips and candy. But, take some time and make something good. The dish on the left is eggplant, tomato sauce, and vegan cheese. Eggplant cutlets are sold premade cooked and ready to eat in the faux meat section at the store. Make life simple. To the right fresh organic asparagus with lemon, lime, sea salt, pepper, and fresh dill. So yummy. 

Again, I am not saying it is easy. But. It is worth it. 

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Very Fashionable Friday y'all

This was a shirt that was faded white that I brought back to life with a little Rit Dye. It was a navy blue dye but I did not let it soak too long so it came out a very pretty soft purple color. You can really update your wardrobe with a few simple things including adding new colors to dull pieces. Below is a picture of the back of the top which I love. The pants are army green linen from Lane Bryant and I am wearing some faux leather braided sandals from Target.

Red top from Eddie Bauer (yes you can get some plus size things there go check it out), Capri's from Old Navy, and TOMS. 

I never thought I would take a picture from the side but my current weight loss journey is making me feel so much better I thought why not! Dress is strapless from Old Navy last summer. Yellow sandals from Cato's. 

Necklace from Target and dress is an old one from Wal Mart about four years ago. Some things are just always great for summer and if you take care of your clothes they will last a long time. Also, my hair is finally growing out! 

Military green strapless dress from Old Navy, Cardi from Lane Bryant, Leapord Print flats from WalMart (about three years ago) and leggings from Forever 21. I posted a picter of my hair below. I used a sock roll to make a nice full bun and added a little tulle bow for fun. My necklace which is hard to see is from Target. 

 So what are ya'll wearing? What are your favorite trends for summer? Fill me in already! Happy Easter!

Have you seen the ducks?

If you have ever been to the Peabody in Little Rock (or Memphis, or Orlando) then you have seen the ducks. They have to be one of the best parts about visiting the Peabody. If you have not been able to hear the story of the ducks let me give you a little back story. In 1932 in the Memphis Peabody two friends (two happy on Jack Daniel's whiskey friends) thought it would be funny to put some live duck decoys in the beautiful fountain. Instead of people being upset the guests were ecstatic about the ducks splashing in the water and soon a tradition was born.

These ducks live the life let me tell ya. They have a Duckmaster, get to swim in a beautiful marble fountain, and live in the Peabody hotel. You can check out the march of the ducks at 11 am when they come down to the fountain and 5 pm when they go up to their penthouse for the evening. During those hours can always check out the ducks eating, swimming, and splashing around. When my friends over at Building Our Story came down for a visit I got to see a child's reaction first hand. The kids were so excited and the ducks were adorable. Everyone was taking pictures and smiling. You can tell it brought out the little kid in the adults too. Such a great moment.

Now a new tradition is coming to life with a very special blog (<--click here to go to the blog)about the ducks and the Duckmaster. The big blog launch will be coming up on Monday but I am giving you a little sneak peek! What is a Duckmaster you ask? Well let me share an interview that was done with the Little Rock Duckmaster.*


Little Rock's Duckmaster Lloyd

1. What made you interested in becoming the Duckmaster at The Peabody Little Rock?

I went to The Peabody Memphis and saw all the history and stories of the most incredible hotel I had ever been in, and I decided I wanted to be a part of the heritage of the Peabody Hotels.

2. What do you enjoy most about being the Duckmaster?

All the incredible people that I have met, not only celebrities, but the people going through a difficult time in their life. I get to be a part of making a difference by taking them away for just a moment during the magic of the Duck March!

3. What’s your most memorable moment to date?

Having a Duck March at the Cowboy Stadium and seeing the Ducks up on the Jumbotron. There are too many to list, but that has to be one of the best.

4. What part of a duck’s diet is most appealing to you?

Well, it would have to be the Romaine lettuce that I should get more of myself!

5. Would you live in the Duck Palace?

Probably not, but if I were a duck that would be the place to be.

6. What’s the funniest thing the ducks have ever done?

I had Scott Rook, the Ford Bassmaster champion, as an Honorary Duckmaster. He wanted to bring his duck call, and I told him it was “not a problem.” Well, he did and when we stepped off the elevator, he started to blow it and the Ducks went everywhere. There are several others but this one I do remember very well.

7. How do you explain your job to your friends?

Well, it is always an ice-breaker at any event and a great opportunity to highlight the hotel and all its many attributes.

8. What other responsibilities do you have at the hotel, other than being the Duckmaster?

I help in Guest Services and assist with bells, valet, concierge and local marketing efforts. I also help to put together promotions for the hotel during the year, so I assist our sales and marketing department with trips, school events, etc.


9. What personality traits have prepared you for this prestigious position?

I served for seven years in the military, six years in ministry, had my own business for 12 years and have been married almost 29 years while putting three children through college. These jobs developed in me commitment, discipline and a love for people that translates well to the Duckmaster position.

10. What advice can you give to someone who wants to grow up one day to be Duckmaster?

It is an incredibly rewarding job that can be a career or prepare you for one. The things you learn in hospitality will transfer to any career choice that you may be aspiring to.


If you have not ever seen the ducks let me share a few pictures of the Duckmaster and the stars of the show the DUCKS!

The Duckmaster for Little Rock, AR

Ducks on the move...coming down the red carpet

The ducks enjoying fresh food and a swim. 

The Peabody Little Rock, Ar

Don't forget to click here http://peabodyduckmaster.com/ or above on the big blue bold world blog to take you to the new blog.
*I did not conduct this interview and was not compensated for this blog review.

I made tiny vegan friendly pie. Yum y'all!

Today I am linking up with We are That Family

They want to know how you save money and what works for you. I was looking for a great sweet treat idea and instead of running to the store I checked out what I already had and found I could make something delicious with out breaking the bank. My best tip when it comes to grocery shopping is know what you already have in your fridge, pantry, or freezer. Save your money and use what you already have!

I know we have all seen so many great treats on Pinterest. As some of you know I have been vegan now for over a month (vegetarian since November last year) and I was looking for some sweet treats that did not need egg or milk. So when I saw homemade pop tarts on Pinterest I knew I could work with that. I had a pre-made pie crust in the refrigerator some fresh organic berries and organic cane sugar. Which meant I did not even need to buy anything! Win! I used a champagne glass to cut the rounds for my top and bottom because it had a nice clean sharp edge and was about the size I wanted. After I cut an even number of rounds I put them in the freezer for a few minutes while I cut up the fruit. Next I simply put fruit on one side and then placed a top on and pinched them closed. I brushed them with non-dairy no soy vegan friendly butter and sprinkled cane sugar (organic from Whole Foods) over the tray of pies. Next pop them in the oven on 350 for about 20 minutes. Watch them. I started check them at ten minutes and just kept an eye out to see when they got golden on the tops. Lastly set them out to cool a bit and then the best part is enjoy!

Link up: Curvy Girl Fashion Friday

So last week I asked you where you shop for clothes. This week I want to know what are your best tips for pulling on outfit together. For me it is all about a pop of color. I think that color can take any outfit from boring to fabulous.

A bright color pant can really brighten up your day.















Sometimes a bright scarf is all you need to spruce up a top.

What are your tips for bringing an outfit out of the dark and into the light? Do you use fun make up, nails, accessories, shoes, let us know!

Don't forget to link up below.

Making your Mark! ***Giveaway***

Welcome to the Making Your Mark. In March $200 Beauty Products Giveaway Event!

You have a chance to win $200 worth of mark. products PLUS ‘Get Positively Beautiful: The Ultimate Guide to Looking and Feeling Gorgeous’ Paperback Book by Carmindy (a $15.99 Value)!

The $200 Prize Pack contains the following:
* mark Super Flip Color Kit – 9 Eye shadows, 1 Highlighter/Illuminator/Bronze/Blush ($20) * mark Super Flip It Kit – 9 Eye shadows, 9 lip glosses ($20) * mark Sassy Fragrance Mist - 1.5 fl. oz. ($16) * mark Multifaceted Necklace in Smoky Mix (Light Color) ($30) * mark Midi Cosmetic Bag ($7) * mark Bling On the Brushes Mini Brush Kit ($16) * mark Make It Go Away Makeup Removing Wipes ($10) * mark Mist Opportunity Multi-tasking Refresher ($8) * mark Primed for Perfection Face Primer - 0.4 fl. oz. ($10) * mark Keep It Going Longwear Eyeliner & Shadow in Iconic ($11) * mark Glow Baby Glow Hook Up Lip Gloss in Smooches ($6.50) * mark Glossblossom Ripening Lip Tint ($6.50) * mark Make It Big Lash Plumping Mascara in Raven (Black) ($7.50) * mark Get in Line Hook Up Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner in Cleo (Black) ($6.50) * mark Glowdacious Illuminating Powder in Shimmied Up ($13) * mark Get Misty Lemon Sugar Body Mist ($12) * ‘Get Positively Beautiful: The Ultimate Guide to Looking and Feeling Gorgeous’ Paperback Book by Carmindy ($15.99)

PICTURES of EACH product can be seen by CLICKING HERE! :)

The giveaway will run from March 1 till the 15th (ending at 11:59PM EST on 03/15) but the winners will not be announced until March 17, 2012 so we can make sure that everyone who entered followed all the rules.
I made sure to double check the links and made sure everything was working but if you run into any problems, let me know!
This giveaway is open to U.S. & Canada readers only – we wish we could include international readers as well but we hope you guys understand. (If you're in Canada, please check our Giveaway Policy to make sure you qualify to enter You may be asked to answer a question if you win.)
Must be 18 years old & older to enter. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be e-mailed & will have 48 hrs. to reply or we have no choice but to pick another winner.
The Rafflecopter will be split & the links will be put on 3 pages. Just in case it doesn't work below, here are the links to find the follow links for Facebook, Twitter, & Google+.
Below are the following blogs who helped sponsor in this giveaway along with the Rafflecopter! We all have the same Rafflecopter code so just as long as you enter in one blog, it’s okay – as long as you make sure to visit each blog to follow them according to the Rafflecopter form below (we check for duplicate entries)! ALL ENTRIES WILL BE VERIFIED so please don't try to cheat. ;) Good Luck!

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Curvy Girl Fashion Friday Y'all: Where do you SHOP?

So lately my clothes are very similar to what I have posted in the past. I am working hard to lose weight so I am not trying to buy much right now. But, then it got me thinking...when I do reach certain weight milestones where will I shop? I have been shopping at Lane Bryant for a few years. What I like is that they have a lot of good basics. Camisoles, black dress slacks, bras, underwear etc. They are however not cheap (my Lane Bryant credit card can vouch for that). Sometimes the close are little to...fashion forward for me. I am not always looking for a shirt that shows my chest off or why do I need a push up bra that puts the gals up in my face? There are always pros and cons about any store the key is to finding what works for you.

Aside from LB, I really like Old Navy, Torrid (online), Target, and Forever 21. All of these places have pros and cons as well. What I like about Old Navy aside from cute outfits is a variety of work out clothes. So nice not to be in the same black yoga pants and black t shirt. They have loads of color and they fit well. Target has great swim suits and summer clothes. I am not a big fan of their pants but, I have a short torso and long legs so they just are not made to fit me too well. Forever 21 is great for inexpensive and fun things. Great accessories and leggings. I love leggings! I have so many from there in a variety of colors and prints.

It is important to find what you like. There are so many ways to shop aside from your local stores. You can order catalogs, shop online, or even host a swap with friends. Where do you shop?

Forever 21 Finds: www.forever21.com

Target Finds: www.target.com

Old Navy Finds: www.oldnavy.com

Let me know your tips, tricks, deals, and steals!!! Love finding new places for great clothes.

Homemade Tortillas

So after discovering that most tortillas are made with lard...yeah LARD that really grossed me out and made me sad. Sad because as a vegan I was really sticking to hummus and tortillas as an easy snack or light lunch. So I found a recipe to make my own and I changed it so that I could enjoy it with no worries. I will post the recipe both ways so you can certainly choose how you want to make them. They are easy and let me tell you a fresh and hot tortilla is so yummy. A little vegan butter or guacamole and salsa and yummy.

4 cups all purpose flour (I use unbleached)
1 Teaspoon salt (I use sea salt)
2 Tablespoons lard (I use 1 and half tablespoons vegetable oil----- This is to make it vegan friendly.)
1 1/2 cups water

Mix your dry ingredients together then add oil and water and mix. You may need to add a little more flour if it is to wet still. It can vary a little with the oil vs lard. Then take a spoonful of dough and roll it out thin on a little bit of flour to prevent sticking. You will have to try different thicknesses. Thicker means it will take a little longer to cook and will not have the ability to be folded as easily like a tortilla. I like to mix it up. Some come out softer some are crispy. Just do what you think you will eat. I use a large flat cast iron skillet but any skillet will do. Set the temp to medium and let it get hot before you put any dough on. Make sure you do this because if you put it in a skillet that is not hot enough it will not cook right. I do not use any spray but you know your skillet better than I do. If you need it use it just do not use too much.

I make sure to let them cool for about two hours before I put them in a bag and put them in the refrigerator. If they are even slightly warm they will sweat and moisture will make them not keep well.

These are so easy to throw together and make. It is cheap, quick, and healthier than store bought. They taste great and I use them for hummus, dips, veggies, a little vegan no soy butter and toast them to enjoy with soups, and even pb and jelly. Get creative!

Unbleached flour, my rolling pin, and my dough. 

Tortilla on the skillet.

 

Tortillas cooling...yes there are elephant shaped ones. I got an elephant shaped sandwich cutter. It is fun to change it up.