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Back to Where I Was 3 Weeks Ago
- 7/31/2008
So, since last time I wrote, I have lost 3lbs & gained it all back. I think it's that my points are a lot lower now & I definitely feel deprived. Plus, the honeymoon's just over with this weight loss thing.
After I decided to get back to it, I worked pretty hard at eating right as well as peddling my stationary bike at least 3 mornings that week. I weighed in & I had lost 3.2lbs putting me closer to being 25lbs down (I had hit this before & that is where I tripped up & started slacking).
Since then, I have slacked off on the "eating right" thing & haven't been keeping track of everything. It takes a great amount of concentration to keep under control & I haven't had that much focus lately, I think. A lot has been going on.
The week after the loss I gained .2lbs. I figured I could get back on track but after a week of eating several points over every day I weighed in today & found I gained 2.4lbs. I am still a tiny bit down from 4 weeks ago but I can't help but feel frustrated and a little depressed.
All it takes though is to persevere. I am also going to adjust my lunches to be fewer points since I like to snack so much. I'm also going to be more careful about night snacking - I've been having full fat popcorn (so good, so buttery) and that's one of the things that has been affecting me most I think.
If you're going through a slump like me, figure out what you can tweak & see if it makes a difference in your weight loss. Also, remember, any plan works as long as you follow it. Weight Watchers just makes it easier for us because it provides a support system. Use it, go to those meetings, listen to other weight watcher's tips.
Just try to stay positive - we just have to keep moving forward. And go easy on yourself if you gain - it happens to everybody once in a while. None of us are perfect but we can push ourselves to be better!Labels: Weight Loss and Fitness
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Mitered Corner Tutorial
- 7/29/2008
Here is how to make nice & neat mitered corners:
1. First, your supplies: a manilla folder (for crisp folds), fabric, an iron & pins.
 2. Iron your hemlines to create a corner, using your manilla folder as a guide. Fold one hem, iron, fold the opposing hem, iron. Now you have a point but with overlapping fabric. How can we make this neater? Note: If you want to double fold your hem you would do that here. The rest of the tutorial would work the same. I just did a single fold for simplicity.
 3. Mark your corner with your pins as shown - they go through only the top part of the fold so you can open them up in the next step. You want them to cross & to mark the edges of you hemlines.  4. Open your fold and then turn it inside out so that the pins line up. Your landmarks for sewing are where your pins line up & the corner mark that shows on the fabric from your pressing. 
5. Position the corner on your machine. I usually start at the corner since it's a little harder to see than the pins. Line it up & sew a straight line from corner to where the pins line up.
 6. Turn it inside right now & check to be sure it looks great! Then, if it looks good, turn it inside out again, snip off the extra fabric & turn it inside right again for the last time. Note: I will make an excuse at this time that I was working with a looser woven fabric grabbed from the scrap bin. If you're working with a tighter cotton, you shouldn't get the waves that are showing on mine LOL. It should be nice & flat & straight. Good luck!
Labels: Crafting and Creating, Tutorials
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I Created My First Curtain!
- 7/28/2008
 The photos are of the curtain I made for my master bathroom.
I found the fabric in the remnant bin at Joanns & it's one of my favorite looks - kind of a gothic victorian. I love that more ornate style paired with minimal shapes. That is my dream decor!
Anyway, I didn't line it, since the bathroom is pretty dark anyway - I just wanted to cover up the ugly window frame. So, instead of sewing two rectangles together & just turning them inside right, I mitered the corners for a clean look. The basics of the curtain are: I prepped & mitered the bottom two corners. I sewed a hem around the entire rectangular piece of material. Then I doubled over the top & sewed that. Then I put it up using a small rod with a spring. I read a really great tutorial in Threads magazine & that inspired me to try the mitered corners. I think I did a great job - especially for my first.  I will be posting my own mitered corner tutorial tomorrow so be sure to come back & visit! Labels: Crafting and Creating, Interior Design and Organization
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Thrifting Adventures & Today's Outfit
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 I just had to share today's outfit. I am so loving it! I am digging the colors, the layers and of course, the gigantic beads! This outfit came together from my obsessive culling of my closet.
I constantly work from one end of my clothes to the other, forcing myself to come up with outfits with the next piece on the rack. The BCBG top was up next and the For the Republic jacket was one or two over from it. Then I noticed that the Gap shorts blended well with the jacket and I wanted to add the beads so they would be the "pop".
I am liking it. It's a more dressed up shorts look for work. I'm not a big shorts girl but I am really feeling good about this one!
Also, I went on a thrifting adventure Friday night to my favorite spot. I am always guaranteed to find something there. And find I did! I found a Versace sweater, white Theory pants, a blue Michael Stars tee, Von Dutch jeans, a pair of beautiful Italian made Mila Paoli leather sandals, an Ungaro button down as well as the softest silk butter colored top with yummy ruffles around the shoulders. Oh, and the necklace I'm wearing in the pic. Fab, isn't it?
I will try to get photos & listings up soon so you can share in the plunder!Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Layers of Interest
- 7/25/2008
You may have noticed that I've added my Amazon wishlist to the side of this blog. I did that just to share a little more about myself. But since setting it up I have noticed that it is very telling as far as my past & present hobbies.
The very last item on my list - the first one I put there - is The Art of Makeup by Kevin Aucoin. Now, I've always been a huge fan of make-up & makeover books in general (still am), but Kevin is the reigning king. I believe I have all the other books he did - I just need this one.
Next are several books from my "Book to Movie" list. Yes, I am one of those. Recently I've decided it's a little redundant to do this, since the movie versions have been better lately. Why not save my reading time for a book that I can't watch?
Then there are a couple books from my "Sci-Fi Award Winners" list. A couple from my "Super Crazy Authors I Want to Try" list. A Nick Bantock boxed set - still love him! A couple recommended by a friend from a former era. A web design/CSS book recommended by another designer.
Then, it seems the hobbies begin: Jewelry making (got rid of most of these but kept one or two), Weight Watcher cookbooks, Cyber-punk reads, more style/fashion books (loads - I do believe this will always be an obsession!), Knifemaking, Photoshop & Web Design books & mags (keep meaning to get better at my real job...), Surrealism - especially by women, Frugality guides (still need these!), Items from a list in Elle - design/fashion/etc..., Vintage fashion books - for when I started my store & thought I might focus on "vintage", Blogging books.
This last couple pages are filled with DIY, fashion, reconstructionist, sewing & crafting books. That's the latest things I've been really interested in.
I just thought this was an interesting observation. So, what does your wishlist say about you?Labels: Life
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Book Theme - Dogs
- 7/24/2008
This last library visit I just happened to end up with three fiction books that relate to dogs. I did just get my first dog ever so maybe my subconscious was at work. Hmmmm...
Anyway, I was simultaneously reading all three until I finished one of them:
This one is a story written from the perspective of a 15 year old boy with autism. It was very enlightening to look out from his eyes. The person who wrote it works closely with autistic children so I feel it was probably a fair estimation of the thought processes of children with autism.
I also ended up with this one: This is a book about werewolves. Written in verse. Erm... At first the style threw me but as I am reading it I forget to notice the verse and feel like I'm reading regular prose. I am going to attribute this to a talented & skilled author. It's a pretty interesting story too, besides the poetry.
Last of all, I picked up this little gem to finish: I started this one a while back. (I absolutely LOVED Moers' The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear!) so I got it so I can finally finish it. It's about a fantastical place called Zamonia & you never know what kind of creature you will meet next. Rumo is a Wolperting - kind of a dog, with little horns, who loves to fight & is following his silver thread. I like to think of it as a bedtime story for adults. However, I don't see any reason why you couldn't share it with your children as they could really get into such an imaginative read.
So that's the sum-up of my dog books. It was kind of an odd coincidence when I realized I had three about dogs (or dog-type creatures, who's counting?). Labels: Books
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New to Store
- 7/23/2008
Well, there are some newcomers to the store tonight. Most are starting low at $0.99, one even at $0.01! So, don't miss out - check out the new listings that include: Gap summer sweater, Target crop pants, BCBG pink leather clutch, Ann Taylor black pants and even a couple books about jewelry making. Don't hesitate!Labels: MissAmy's Shop
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Too Many Shoes?
- 7/22/2008
 Just the other day I read a fashion blogger post about having too many shoes... Whaaaa....!?!
My opinion is that you never have too many shoes, bags or any other accessories! (One caveat - one must have the storage room to properly house the items.)
Literally, you could have one dress but create infinite looks if one has multiple accessories.
So, it prompted me to take a current inventory of my shoes & bags:
Shoes - currently 76 pair, Bags - currently 65. (Those numbers don't include the ones that I have planned to ebay.)
Truthfully, I'm a little low. (I have been pickier when purchasing shoes lately. They have to 1. fit, 2. be fairly comfortable & 3. I must love them.) Usually I run out of space in my shoe cubbies but right now there are lots of empties.
 Leading me to discover that I must shop! What a wonderful revelation, yes?Labels: Interior Design and Organization, Shopping and Fashion
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Closet Upgrades - Accessory Storage
- 7/20/2008
 Over the weekend I made a couple additions to my closet. No, I did not go shopping for even more clothes! I got one new organizer bit & made something old work as something new.
I bought a tie rack when I was in Target on Friday. It works ingeniously as a scarf rack instead. So now I can see all my scarves at one glance. Maybe it will inspire me to work them into more outfits!
I've been wanting a transparent pocket hanger thing for my more costumey jewelry. I've had all of my jewelry stashed for a long time - we were renovating our master bathroom & were living out of the guest bathroom, which didn't have enough counter space to allow for anything but the bare minimum. Since everything was tucked away where I couldn't see them, I pretty much forgot what I owned & haven't been wearing anything accept for my most classic, go-to pieces.
 It's interesting, I am the most minimal person when it comes to decor. I want everything stashed where I can't see it - I hate clutter. And dusting. But when it comes to clothing, shoes, purses, makeup, nail polishes, jewelry, et al, I need to be able to see it all (albeit in an organized manner) in order to know what I have to work with. So hard to marry the two wants, no, needs. So, anyway, I was thinking about ordering the clear jewelry organizer when I remembered that on top of my pile of things to drop at Goodwill is an empty CD over-the-door style organizer. I figured I would try to work with it instead of buying someting new - just yet, anyway.
And guess what? It works. I quite like it & can't wait to start wearing more of it again. Labels: Interior Design and Organization, Shopping and Fashion
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Finally - What I did With that Shirt
- 7/15/2008
 You may remember this post where I bought a couple things at TJMaxx to "do something" with.
I finally accomplished one makeover! Originally I was really inspired by the second challenge on Project Runway, Season 2. They were asked to make new things from what they were wearing. So, I got a bug up my butt to do some making over of my own.
To the left we have the original bit. It was a pseudo-layered twin set with many snags but nice colors & fabric - kind of a fine sweater knit & silky.
For this particular project I was inspired by a project in the Tease book as well as a photo of a necklace in InStyle.
Below is a couple versions of the after:
  
It actually looks like they were inspired by candy, even though that's not what I was going for. Tutorial is below if you are interested: 1. This may not apply to your project as this is specific to the shirt I started with. I separated the over layer from the under layer by using my seam ripper - very carefully. 2. Put the underlayer on the mannequin for about 2 months. It has to age, you know.  3. Okay, now for the necklace. Gather your supplies - sleeves, balls (I used foam but you could use ping pong balls), ribbon.
4. Thread the ribbon through the sleeve & make sure it's centered.  5. Center one of the balls in the sleeve, so there are equal amounts on either side. Tie a knot on the right, push the ball into the knot & then tie a knot on the left. It will look like the photo at left. I found that using a hair clip on one side helped to keep it centered, otherwise it slides off center. As you are making your knots, the ribbon stays with the sleeve - you want it poking out the ends still.
6. Add a ball on either side of the first ball & tie knots on the open sides. 7. Tie the ends of the ribbons together & you have a necklace! No real skill needed. Hope you had fun! Labels: Crafting and Creating
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Interior Ideas
- 7/14/2008
 Since we've been in our house (going on 5 years or so now) I've had an image of my interior style as being clean neutrals with lots of pops of color. But that all gets confused when I try to decide what types of brights I like the most.
There are those great retro brights - pinks, aquas, oranges - that are found in retro kitchen decor. There are kind of the Swedish design brights - remember the clock with balls for numbers? Also, almost flourescent brights - fuschia, bright orange, deep turquoise - that I have strewn throughout my office.
To say the least my decor is a bit confused.
To mix me up some more, while on a purchasing binge at TJMaxx the other day, I realized how drawn I am to more subdued hues - almost pastels but not quite, colors like banana, soft lime, brown tones (see rug I bought at right).
I don't know. I'm feeling very mixed up about what I want in my home. Ultimately, I think that I want a common thread through the entire house without it becoming boring. I just am so MPD with all the different colors I love.
 Our bathrooms have both become very neutral though, so maybe that's where I start. Sigh...Labels: Interior Design and Organization
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New to the Store
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I have decided that I cannot give up the store. It is a source of never ending amusement in the form of shopping - yay! - besdies the fact that I can offer such great prices on my finds & in this economy, we all need a little relief!
So, I did a shopping stop on Friday & found many treasures to share with you all! Oh, the excitement - I found Pucci, MaxMara and numerous other attractive pieces. Super fun & such a rush!
Anyway, here are a few new additions to the store. If these catch your fancy, click through & have a gander!
DKNY ivory silk slip/dress lining - auction starts at $2.00
Tommy Bahama brown leather boho bag - auction starts at $0.99
Happy Monday!Labels: MissAmy's Shop, Shopping and Fashion
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Excercise - Day 1
- 7/11/2008
I pedalled my bike & lifted weights for my arms at the same time for 20 min this morning. It felt good & I still feel good! Just that little bit can make a huge difference in how I feel.
Dante (my dog) sat with his face near the pedals & let them hit his whiskers as I pedaled. He is such a strange one!
I am also very aware of what I am eating & have come up with a reasonable menu to keep my points in check. I am very excited to be rallying against the weight gain!Labels: Weight Loss and Fitness
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Weight Loss Goal - Renewed
- 7/10/2008
So, I weighed in today in Weight Watchers. It is the second week I have gained. Of the 25lbs I have lost 5lbs have slipped back on.
I have not been focused on this lately at all. There has been a lot going on for me here but I need to make this a priority.
Coincidentally, the meeting was actually about this, which made me smile.
I have resolved to refresh my focus. One thing that is a major motivator is that once I reach goal & maintain for 6 weeks, I will be a lifetime member. This means that I will no longer by paying the monthy fee. That will save me a bit of cash - yay!
Another focus is health & feeling better. Lastly, is looking better in my photos. Shallow, oh well...
New plan:
Pedal my stationary bike & lift weights at the same time for 20min 4 to 6 times per week.
Work out a more point friendly menu. I've been eating a lot of fast food & not a lot of fruits & veggies.
Must add more water & milk to day's menu as well. Will work these into snacks.
Well, wish me luck. I will be doing my best & trying to better myself each week.
It's sad that the honeymoon's over though!Labels: Weight Loss and Fitness
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Inching My Way Forward
- 7/09/2008
 Over the weekend I tried another of the projects from the Tease book. I mainly wanted to try out the technique of ruching with elastic. So, the result is at right. You can see I didn't get my elastic quite the same on each side. It's acually pretty sad, expecially on my right. Amazingly, the more effective side is on my left, which was the one I did first.
I think this will be really useful to me once I get a handle on the tension to keep on the elastic so it's even all the way.
What fun! I'm also in the middle of converting an old pair of shorts into a skirt. Expect photos soonish.
Last night I went to Joann's Fabrics to stock up on some things for even more projects. I am realizing that this hobby, sewing & crafting, tends to be much less expensive than my jewelry making. However, the little notions & threads have a way of re-producing in your basket so that once you get to checkout you are completely amazed at how much all those individual inexpensive notions add up to.
Anyone else notice this? Labels: Crafting and Creating
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Nice Long Weekend
- 7/07/2008
 I had just the most wonderful long weekend! I hope yours was just as nice.
Lazing around - spent lots of time by the pool. All three days!
Growing - My herb seedlings are starting to sprout just the tiniest bit - it's so exciting! The compost heap is growing.
Sewing - I made a simple sewing machine cover from an easy tutorial I found online from Not Nigella. I wimped out though & skipped the inside.
 Cooking - My husband & I made a really great meal of Beef & Blue Cheese Crostini on the grill Saturday. Ingredients are in the photo above: baguette, blue cheese, garlic, spicy mustard & watercress plus beef (of course). It was a lovely meal that went perfectly with red wine. I also made a fresh chili last night & while prepping found this most adorable mushroom. My husband couldn't believe I took a picture. Of course I did, duh. It's a Siamese mushroom!
Household - cleaned my office/craft room plus the guest bed & bath. It feels so wonderful. I also have a bunch of things to drop off to Goodwill heaped on the guest bed. For some reason, it feels so good to cull my collection of crap!Labels: Crafting and Creating, Gardening and Growing
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From T-shirt to Tote Bag
- 7/04/2008
 I did a simple project from the "Tease" book. Awesome book by the way. I highly recommend it for a DIY starter book.
I made a small tote bag out of an old t-shirt. I found the tee at the thrift & I really liked the deer graphic that wraps around it. Neat-o!
So, I followed the simple instructions, and voila, I have a bag!
 First, I cut off the sleeves and scooped out the neck - at this point it kind of looked like a loose tank top. Then, I turned it inside out & sewed the bottom seam closed. After that, you are supposed to cut the sleeves into strips & wrap them around the handles but instead I folded them over & sewed them. You can see photos of all the steps here on my flickr page.Labels: Crafting and Creating
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