Classygirl Musings

Million Dollar Update!

Well, well, well...very long time no post, no read....uuuum no see!  Where do I begin.  LOL!    I guess it's time for an update.  Since my last post here is a list with photos of what's been going on....

First, my computer died!  What a headache this was, especially since I own a business and had to start so much from scratch.  It was a trying time, which is one of the reasons why it's been so long since I posted to my blog.  YIKES.

Anyway, I decided to switch to a Mac!  Woohoo!  LOVE IT!  I got the Macbook Pro.  This thing is simply fantastic sure wish I had done this long ago.  That was at the end of July.  It took 2 months or so to get all things back in order and working condition..flowing well.

Just before the crash, I had the pleasure of a 2 week visit from my mom and Ayanna. 

Finally, I can sympathize with moms.  My niece and dh almost drove me over the edge the first 5 days.  It was like having 2 kids in the house with 2 different personalities.  YIKES!  Finally, once I was completely furious with them...they decided it probably would be better to get along and we returned to having our happy home!   'Cause you know how the saying goes, "if momma ain't happy, nobody is happy!"  LOL.  

After the happy twosome arrived we drove them to Asheville, NC for the first weekend.  Oh, how much fun I had dancing with the hippies in the park!  Literally!  This was such a cool afternoon, with people bringing their drums and just joining in!  LOVED IT!

Another highlight of this trip was that I had the chance to spend some time with my cousin Tiffany.  We haven't seen each other for about 18 years!  Whoa!  Here we are with my mom and my niece Ayanna.

Next, I celebrated Classy Coordinates 4th Anniversary with a sold out crop!  Woohoo!  Another fun day filled with tons of prizes and fun had by all.

This surely is a year of celebrations!  Not too long after the crop my dh and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary and since we were married on the anniversary of our 1st date and our 1st date was 20 years ago we also celebrated 20 years together and loving it!  

Next celebration on the menu...Mom's 60th Birthday!  In Chicago.  (an added celebration was the surprise party for JR's 30th Birthday... a young man I used to babysit.. now this was a WILD one.. also we attended our friend's daughter  Quinceniera...sp? 15th celebration...what a fun formal affair.)  Now back to mom!  60!  Wow!  We all gathered, children, grandchild...there is only 1 and 1 of her brothers and a good friend for a dinner out.  She chose the restaurant Ay Ay Picante...a Peruvian Restaurant.  Yummy Food.  Excellent Service!  Wouldn't you know my camera battery was dying as soon as we arrived.  So I decided if nothing else I needed one picture of mom with her children on her birthday.  Here it is:

The camera battery quit immediately after this photo!  BUMMER!

Now...remember I mentioned the excellent service at the restaurant?  They went out and bought batteries for my camera!  What the....?  FABULOUS!  I've got plenty of pictures from this night.  And someone got a nice BIG, FAT tip!!!

Home again, time for Sistah Retreat 5!  Glory, glory!  I cannot wait for these each year.  What fun we have cropping, laughing, talking, eating, dancing, shopping and just having way too much fun!  This one was no exception.  This year we decided to go on a shopping trip during our "Pajama Day."  And yes we did wear our pajamas to the scrapbook store!  What fun!

Ok...this is long but I'm almost done! A week or two after the retreat dh and I visited the Atlanta Botanical Gardens where we viewed cool kinetic art...art in motion, beautiful plant life, these cool blue frogs, notice you can see part of another in the top right of the photos.  Looks like the one at the bottom is looking up at it! Hmmmm?

We also "fought" the Ninja Scarecrow!  Whoa! Who's baaaad?

Hahahaha!  That was fun.  

Now, here I am getting ready to take a 7 night cruise with dh for my Big 40!!! And you will not believe that 6 days before our cruise which is this Saturday, November 29...my camera called it quits!  Am I in some kind of electronic warp????  So needless to say, tomorrow I will be out there with all the other "Black Friday Crazies" getting my shop on!  I've chosen the camera and where to shop.  Can't possibly cruise without a camera!  Or should I say without a digital camera!  LOL!  I've still got my old 35mm at the standby just in case!  Wish me luck! After shopping I'm getting a manicure and pedicure just in time for the cruise.

Now, I'm done for now!  It's time to get dressed and head out to our friends for Turkey, stuffing and plain ole...GIVING THANKS!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!  GOBBLE, GOBBLE!  WOBBLE, WOBBLE!

June Big Blog Challenge: Catch Up #2!!!

Ok girls...I'm playing catch up...which is pretty much how this Challenge will be for me.  I'd love to say, I'm going to update daily but that just ain't gonna happen.  Every couple of days...now that I can handle.  So here it is for June 4, 5, 6 and 7th!

June 4: Something You Love!  Besides the obvious friends and family one of my favorites, something I LOVE is COACH!!!  Every girls got to have her Coach or in my case COACHES!  My preference is Coach Leather Bags.  I'm really diggin' on this one right now...hmmmmmm?  Just might need to add to my collection.

June 5th:   While we are talking favorites...let's talk summer theme song.  I really don't have a theme song yet for the summer.  However, I've got Ledisi and Kem cranked right now!  Lovin' em!

June 6th: Moving on to Vacation Destinations!  I've got my eye on the Dominican Republic this year!  Woohoo!  Can't wait.  Dh and I will be going there in December to celebrate someone's BIG 40! Whew!  This resort is a current contender!  The beach is calling my name...

June 7th:  While I'm buying Coach, cranking my sounds and planning vacations this summer, I'll be snacking on my favorite summertime eats...FRUIT!!!  YUM!  It's just so tasty and REFRESHING!  Can't get enough.  I'll be making smoothies and simply popping chunks of watermelon, handfuls of cherries, and bunches of grapes, peaches and plums into my mouth..savoring every sweet, yummy moment!  Mmmmmm!

SWEET!  Enjoy your day!

Tiare.

Big Blog Challenge: Hot and Refreshing!!!

Ok, this month I have accepted the challenge to update my blog regularly.  The daily subjects have been chosen and I am just going to follow it,  as often as I can.  I must be crazy...cause I'll be starting my job at Lifetime Fitness and running Classy Coordinates at the same time and time will be short.  However, I'm giving it a true effort!  Stay tuned!

I have combined the first two daily challenges: Something Hot and Something Refreshing.

I'm Hot!!!  No doubt. I'm in GA and it's been in the upper 80's...90's later this week.  However, I remain committed to taking my daily walks.  Whew!  It's been a little humid on some days.  A gentle breeze here and there makes it a bit more tolerable.

He's HOT!  Oooo...baby!  At least he is to me!  He's got beautiful arms and legs and...EVERYTHING!  LOL!

After all that HOT stuff...I need cooling off!  LOL!  Nothing better than a nice, cool REFRESHING glass of water.  My beverage of choice!  By the way, my daily walks are quite REFRESHING, as well.  REFRESHING for the body,  the mind and the soul!  LOVING IT!

Tiare.

I'm Having Too Much Fun!!!

I've had a couple of really wonderful weekends.  Although, I think all weekends are wonderful, these had a little extra kick!  LOL!   

This'll be an update for the month of May!   Here goes.

Dh took the day off at the beginning of May and we decided to go to Kennesaw Mountain.  What a beautiful view.  It was so exciting and scary driving to the top!  No barriers for the edge of the road as you get higher and higher.  It is so worth it once you get to the top and look out over the city.

Sistah Retreat 4!  Woohoo!  Now this was just non-stop laughter, scrappin', fun and sistahood!  Loved every single minute.  Nothing like a Sistah Retreat there was:

Dancing!  Everybody Clap Your Hands:

Right Foot, Let's Stomp!

How low can you go?  All the way to the floor!

Tears as we share my mission of Love Your Heart, Love Yourself!  One Heart. One Love.  My desire to see women care for not just their bodies but their minds, their souls, their lives!  To love themselves more through healthy eating, exercise and wise choices in love and life.

Each retreat attendee had to decorate a puzzle piece, which once put together formed a heart!  One Heart, One Love!

There was some cropping too!

My Sistah Friends - Sistah Retreat 4 Attendees

The following weekend my dh and I had a party and some of scrappin' buddies showed up with their dh's.  How fun!

The Wives

The Husbands and Me!

It was wonderful to finally meet the dh's of these ladies, afterall we have been croppin' together for a couple of years now.  We had a blast!  Their dh's were friendly and funny.  It was a great time for all..including our other guests!  LOL!

Next, thing you know we are at my neighbors house for a party.  Whew!  We had some firsts at this party!

Potatoe Gun!  What the...?  Who shoots potatoes out of a pipe!  Only in the south!  Never heard of this in Chicago...but dh did it and hit the target!

I played a Football Game..Wives against the Husbands!  We lost!  Yikes 3-10.  However, I had fun!  75lbs ago..I wouldn't have done this..but now that it's gone...I'm just having a blast being active!

The Wild Ones!  LOL!  We don't drink...so we aren't in the photo.  However, I couldn't resist getting a photo of some of my neighbors guest doing this shot together!  Whoa!

Well that's it for now!  However, there is plenty more fun to be had and photos to share in the future!  Stay tuned!

Tiare.

Episode 3: Listen Up!

Episode 3: What the...Meat and Stripping!  is now available for your listening pleasure.  Click here to listen now.

Here are a few shots of this week's show subjects!

Victor and Julie celebrating 15 years of wedded bliss!

Robert and I at Taboo Bistro (with Dave).

Us again...this time with Mark.

Feeling sexy...with my crossed legs!  Woohoo!

Adore!  Yep!  I sure do!

Listen to the podcast here!

Enjoy,
Tiare.

Get New Podcast Updates Here!

Fun with Love - Quick and Classy Layout Idea

Here is this week's Quick and Classy Layout Idea - Layouts you can create in 30-45 minutes (or less)!

Use a Classy Sketch to jumpstart your page!

Use coordinated supplies, such as these included in the May 2008 Plush Pak!  For this layout, I turned the sketch 90 degrees to the right.

Let the sketch also inspire a layout idea, using the scraps from your page!

If you use this sketch, I'd love to see your creation!  Send me an email!

Enjoy,
Tiare.

Sign Up: Quick and Classy Layout Idea

For Email Marketing you can trust

Healthy Scrapper Weekly Tip - Let Them Eat Meat!

Can I Get Some Meat with My Veggies?

I love meat and it's not something I've been willing to give up on my journey. 

For all you meat lovers out there, there is good news!  You should be able to have your meat and eat it too!

Let's be clear, when I speak of meat, I'm talking beef and poultry.  However, these tips can also apply to pork, lamb and other meats.  Here are a few tips to help you enjoy meat, without the added fat, calories or points!

• Keep portion size to about 3-4 oz.
• When buying ground beef look for sirloin or top round (especially packages labeled as 93% lean or more.
• After browning ground beef, drain to lose the fat!
• Lean cuts of red meat include the loin, round or leg portions.  Choose lean cuts as often as possible.
• Trim all fat and remove the skin from poultry before or after cooking.
• Choose grilled, baked, broiled or roasted over fried meats.
• For less saturated fat choose white meat over dark.   Also choose poultry over beef/pork.
• Whenever possible, skip processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs, and cold cuts, which are often high in sodium, undesirable ingredients and linked to certain health risks.

Looking for a great alternative to meat?  Try dry beans!  They are filling, nutritious, high in fiber and a great low fat alternative!

Tiare.

This newsletter/blog provides weight loss/health information and is intended for informational purposes only to encourage users in their personal weight loss/health efforts. I am simply sharing my personal experiences and what I have learned. I am not a nutritionist or doctor and do not diagnose or treat illness. Please be advised to seek the advice of a physician before beginning any weight loss/health program.

Episode 2: What the....Grains and Punch?

Podcast: Episode 2 What the...Grains and Punch? Is now available for your listening pleasure!  Give it a listen...I'm giving away a prize and you've got to listen to win!   Click here to listen!

Some subjects from this week's show!

The Couch

Kids Climbing

Sweet Sour Sassy

Ethnic Scrapbooking

Enjoy the show!

Tiare.

Healthy Scrapper Weekly Tip

Join me every Monday for a new Healthy Scrapper Weekly Tip.  I want to share what I've learned and encourage and support your healthy lifestyle/weight loss goals!

Got Grains?  Whole Grains That Is!

Whether just keeping healthy or embarking on a weight loss journey whole grains should be a regular part of your everyday meal plan. Opting for whole grains over refined will provide you with lower fat, nutrient dense and vitamin rich choices!

We're not just talking bread!  Think pasta, rice and even cereals! When shopping look for whole wheat breads, bagels, tortillas and crackers!  Try substituting regular pasta with whole wheat pasta and white rice with whole grain rice, not only is it filling and nutritious for those of you on Weight Watchers the same size serving will cost you less points!  Woohoo!

Be careful and be sure to read the labels!  You want to find products that list any of the following first: whole wheat, whole oats, whole rye, brown rice, bulgur, oatmeal, cracked wheat or graham flour.  Enriched wheat flour is not whole wheat flour.

Here are a few products that I enjoy!!

• Nature's Own Double Fiber Wheat Bread.  With only 50 calories, .5g of fat and 5g of fiber, you can enjoy 2 slices for only 1 point!
• Uncle Ben's Fast & Natural Whole Grain Rice. 3pts per cooked cup.  Cooks in about 15 minutes!  Tastes great!
• Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Spaghetti. 3pts per serving.  Be sure to look for whole wheat macaroni, lasagne, bow tie and other pastas.
• Thomas' Hearty Grains 100% Whole Wheat English Muffins. 2pts per muffin.  Great idea for breakfast with some fruit on the side!
• Kashi Heart to Heart Honey Toasted Oat Cereal. 2pts per serving.
• Wasa Multigrain Crispbread (crackers). 1pt for 2.  Great topped with peanut butter, cheese, chicken or turkey.
• When baking try substituting white flour for whole wheat pastry flour!  You might be delightfully surprised! 

Don't stop at whole wheat, look for your favorites featuring other grains, as well.  Adding a bit of variety will keep you on point!  LOL!

I hope you find this information useful in attaining your goals and making healthier lifestyle choices.

 

Join me on my journey...be sure to come back each Monday for more ideas, tips and weekly motivation!  Be the first to receive our weekly tips, plus additional information by subscribing to our newsletter!  Have the Healthy Scrapper News delivered directly to your inbox by visiting Classy Coordinates Web Site and simply choose your news of choice!

I'd love to hear from you!  Share your whole grain favorites!  Tell us if these tips are helpful to you, or post your suggestions/questions for future Healthy Scrapper Newsletters.

Have a Happy, Healthy Week!

Tiare.

This newsletter provides weight loss/health information and is intended for informational purposes only to encourage users in their personal weight loss/health efforts. I am simply sharing my personal experiences and what I have learned.I am not a nutritionist or doctor and do not diagnose or treat illness. Please be advised to seek the advice of a physician before beginning any weight loss/health program.

Happy Scrappy Friday!

Isn't it amazing how you go from using your heat to using air conditioning!  Whew!  It's going to be 78 degrees today here in GA, which for me means I'll need to either turn on the air or at the very least turn on the ceiling fans. I just had the heat on a few days ago.  LOL!

I am so looking forward to the weather being consistently warm.  I'm just waiting to break out all my short skirts and dresses!  Woohoo! 

Anyway, I hope you all have something fun and wonderful planned!  I am planning to have a BIG SALE tomorrow!  My neighborhood is hosting a garage sale and I have purged my scrappin' supplies and most of my TOO BIG clothes!  Some lucky person is going to get some really great deals on scrappin' supplies and on some CUTE clothes.  I've got at least 7-10 boxes of scrappin' supplies and probably 50 or more pieces of clothing to sell.  Whatever doesn't sell, I will donate to a worthy charity.  Actually, I already have some stuff set aside for charity.

That's it..that's all I have planned, but I'm sure something else fun and wonderful will come up.  I'm sure dh and I will go out for dinner and probably hanging out with friends.

Oh...I cannot forget that I will be walking this weekend and doing some strength and core training..which I love..it feels so good!  Although it is the weekend your health still matters be sure to do something good for yourself and do not abandon your healthy lifestyle goals!

Have a Healthy, Happy Scrappy Weekend!

Tiare.