Travel Reviews

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

An Update PLUS Design Direct to your Door

I know it's been a while since I last posted. I can't believe how the time has gotten away from me. Let me first start this post with a little update. It's personal, maybe too personal, but as I fight my way through this change in my life, I figure the more people that know, the more accountable I must be.

About 8-years ago, my weight became a problem, and I spent the years after cycling in and out of the yo-yo, new-fad, trendy diet thing. From one day to one week, they were impossible to stick to, and the weight (if any) that I lost was instantly thrust right back on plus a significant bonus. Nice, right? In January, before we left to celebrate Scott's birthday in New York City, I stepped on the scale for the first time in months, and THAT, was when I decided that I, indeed, had to make a change. So, these last two weeks have been filled with all sorts of lifestyle changes that have consumed a lot of my extra time that I used to spend searching for blog filler. I apologize for the absence, and thank you for the understanding.

If you're in a diet mode, or are just looking for a little meal replacement that's quick, easy, and inexpensive, I highly suggest that you try the Atkins Advantage French Vanilla Meal Replacement Shakes.

High in protein, low in carbohydrates, and filling enough to get you through to the next snack or meal, they really are quite delicious and have been an incredible saving grace to my little journey. I've thought about starting another blog to document this progress, but haven't gotten the courage. I'll let you know if I do, and if you choose to follow along you can learn more about what I'm doing, how I'm losing, and what the overall goals are! 

In other news, Scott and I discussed the blog and some ideas for my readers and friends who follow along that I could do on a bi-weekly basis. He and I both agree, that many of you live in an area where you either have to drive hours to find stores, or shop online to buy things for your home. Thus, the idea for a bi-weekly posting called DESIGN DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR! I'll find some great things online that I think are worth your taking a look at. 

For instance, this candle from Aspen Bay. Anthropologie has made this their signature fragrance, and the 20oz jar sells for 29.00 plus tax at their stores ... located primarily in high income areas. If you don't live near one, and want to save some money - you can get the same candle through Amazon.com for $25.00. 

Now, the discount doesn't seem like much til' you factor in tax and shipping - which ultimately will save you $10, and before you know it your home will smell like a slice of paradise. Absolutely my favorite candle! 


Recently the use of the Union Jack flag has been a big trend in interiors. I like the look, but I'm not sure that I can make the commitment to a full chair upholstered in one of these vintage textiles. Enter the idea of a pillow. I found this heavy weight chenille 18x18 pillow cover that's quite nice: 


And at just $9.99, how can you afford to say no? Amazon has a great and easy return policy. I actually ordered 2 of these myself for our guest room. They haven't come yet - but when they do, I'll let you know what I think of them! They also have the US flag for the same price in the same size. 


Lastly, Wisteria is offering 20% off EVERYTHING for Presidents' Day, but the sale ends TONIGHT at midnight. I particularly love these shelf tables and skirts that they currently have on clearance for $174.99 (take an additional $35 off during the sale). 


These tables are so useful. I've used them as bedside tables for a bedroom I did for a client and her teenage daughter, but I could see it as an entry table, a bar table (as shown above) instead of a buffet in a dining room, a dressing room table - perfect for storing things beneath. This price is both the table and the skirt - so it's a great deal!

That's all for now folks! See you next time! 

6 comments:

  1. Ah yes, a struggle so many of us share. Including me. So many outside (and inside) elements factor into why and where and when I eat foolishly. Keeping a food journal helps .. if I keep it consistently. Thanks for the "Shake" tip and the order from home advice! I'm one of those order online folks because of where I live. My most recent purchase? A bed frame. Take care and keep up the good work ... So much depends on how we care for ourselves. You deserve good things.

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  2. Love the skirted shelf Artie!
    I have used this frigid weather as an excuse to get out of exercise and it is showing!
    Know that you are not alone in this quest for better health!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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  3. Good Luck...I fought the same fight until I was about 40...I finally quit thinking about it and haven't had a major problem since....I was obsessed with food

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  4. Artie, so happy to learn that you are taking steps to look after your body and health. Fortunately I was blessed with 'slender' genetics but even then have learned you are not 'only what you eat' but it is also 'how you eat' so I wish you success on both accounts as it can be a challenge to change old habits. Also regarding "Design Direct To Your Door"; I have always appreciated when you've posted shopping links as living in Canada our choice is often limited and pricing on most things is through the roof compared to that in the United States. Thanks to you I even took the initiative of getting an U.S.A. address when you recommended an online fabric source and purchased some that was five times the price here. Needless to say it was well worth the one hour drive to pick it up regardless of the 14% Sales Tax that I would have had to pay anyway, on a much higher sum. ☺ -Brenda-

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  5. Great post! You don't look overweight in your photo??? I love the Union Jack chairs, I wonder what will happen to it if Scotland vote to leave the Union? Will the blue stripe disappear? Just a thought. Keep well.

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  6. Your article and photos both are perfection .

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