Thursday, November 13, 2014

Don't Fear The Decorator! Try Online Interior Design Services

Interior design, online interior design consultation
A photo of my funky seating area, taken with my crappy iPhone camera I sent to Liz.

I have a confession to make: interior decorators scare me. I have marched into locker rooms, delivered commencement addresses, covered shuttle crashes and jostled former NFL players to get a post-game interview but I fear the decorator.

I know I can benefit from their expertise but I am intimidated by them. Why? A few reasons actually. I worry that the process will take months and will cost an arm and a leg before I even walk in the door. I fear they will try to eliminate everything I have worked hard to piece together in my home while charging me a fortune for furniture that should cost a third of the price. Perhaps more than anything, I fear they'll try to make my home something it's not.

I might have found a solution.

interior design, interior decorator, lexington interior decorator
Liz Toombs of Polka Dots and Rosebuds Interiors and creator of Out Of The Box Room Design

Kentucky-based interior decorator Liz Toombs created a phenomenal concept called Out Of The Box Room Design. It's an online consultation service where she works within your budget and your taste to make suggestions based on your preferences. It's kind of genius.

My actual Out of the Box questionnaire

I struggle with my living room. It's a funky layout and, admittedly, our furniture isn't best suited for the space. I filled out her comprehensive online questionnaire and talked to her on the phone. I had to send her pictures of the room as well as some key measurements.

Within about a week, Liz delivered a comprehensive design proposal featuring photos of pieces that would work, instructions and an exact shopping guide. I was blown away.

outside of the box room design lexington kentucky
Liz's instructions and shopping guide

I love this concept. Liz made smart suggestions that were incredibly affordable based on my taste. But to that point, I can use her recommendations as a guideline for reimagining my living room. I can also incorporate them on my own timeline. If I want to add pillows now, great. If I want to do it in three months when they're on sale, even better.




Product suggestions Liz made for my house
This service is outstanding for anyone who shares my decorator phobia and is on a limited budget. I also think it's ideal for someone who lives in a rural area or has a second home in the middle of nowhere. My parents, for example, have ranch in Mineola which is about 80 miles east of Dallas. It's not practical for them to bring a decorator out there from Dallas or try to find one in Tyler. But for them to exchange a few emails and some phone calls? No problem.

Liz's service is incredibly affordable, ranging from $225 for a foyer or hallway to $600 for a kitchen. She also does nurseries. (Where was she when we were designing Jordan's room!). Click here for more information on Out Of The Box Room Design services.

*Design consultation was provide for review purposes. All opinions expressed are mine. 

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Why Yoga Pants Are Making Us Fat


Yoga pants are like a push-up bra for your butt. The right pair lifts your booty and makes you feel like you've squatted your way to a tighter tush. When you feel fat slip on a pair of Nike's Legend Slim yoga pants and you have an instant outfit that fits perfectly. And makes you look skinny, too!



There are multitude of reasons yoga pants are the perfect piece of clothing:

  • They're the ideal travel outfit. 
  • They give us that "just from the gym" look. I'm an athlete, damnit!
  • You can wear them anywhere. 
  • You can eat as much as you want and still fit in them. I can't tell you how many times I have worn them to a boozy brunch featuring mimosas, bloodies and a basket of bread. 

BAM. There's the rub. Or the muffin top.

Yoga pants, yoga pants make you fat

Yoga pants are making us fat.

Those elastic leggings adjust as you do. It's hard to tell if you've gained a pound or twelve because day after day when you slip on your Lululemons, they fit like a glove, one that's slowly getting tighter to the point of becoming see-through.

In my former life when I lived in tight dresses every day for TV purposes, I could tell if I had packed on a few pounds. That Burberry beauty doesn't lie. If I had an indulgent weekend, I felt it on Monday.

But yoga pants, they're like that bitchy girl from high school, the one who lied and said you looked great when you really had Cheetohs cheese dust all over your face.

3 Ways To Avoid Getting Fat Wearing Yoga Pants

Spanx Workout Pants
Spanx Workout Pants - A Sneaky Fat Pill

  1. Actually workout. Yoga pants are awesome if you actually exercise in them. And if you do hit the gym, don't eat Tex-Mex and drink three Mambo Taxis while wearing them afterwards. Trust me. One bowl of queso turns to four in snap. 
  2. Tight jeans. Really. If you're feeling fat or wondering if you have let the scale slide a bit too far, spend a day in your tightest pair of jeans or a form fitting dress. There's nothing like a muffin top spilling over the waistband or that "Holy crap, am I going to rip this seam?" feeling to help you get your diet back on track. 
  3.  Never take off your Spanx workout pants. Yes, these gifts from the Spanx Goddess exist. 
Be honest, have your yoga pants sabotaged you? Do you have another solution? PLEASE share it with me in the comments sections. I'm all ears. Namaste.

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Still love your yoga pants? I do, too. Here a few of my favorites. 




Monday, October 27, 2014

Great Paris Restaurants You Need To Try


This story has moved to FabFrenchFinds.com
Thursday, October 16, 2014

So Gradual Weight Loss Is No Better Than Crash Dieting?

How to lose weight and keep it off, diet news

A new Australian study publish in the The Lancet indicates that people who lose weight slowly are no more likely to keep weight off in the long run that those who crash diet.

I just want to scream "WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

And here's the thing: those who crash diet and those who adopt the slow and steady approach are all likely to gain their weight back in the long run.

This after experts, for years, said that losing weight slowly is the way to go.

No wonder we're so screwed up when it comes to weight loss.

The Science
An Australian trial recruited 200 adults assigned to a crash diet or gradual weight loss program. The slow and steady group reduced their calorie intake by around 500 calories a day for 36 weeks. The crash dieters ate between 450 and 800 calories a day for just 12 weeks.

Researchers found that those who lost weight rapidly were likelier to reach their target weight. Duh....you see the scale move, you get motivated. Read more here.

What I know
The contradictory findings when it comes to weight loss news is one of the most frustrating for anyone fighting the bulge battle or trying to maintain lifelong weight loss.

diet tips, fitness tips, healthy living tips
Me, circa 1999, close to 200 pounds
Here's the thing: do what works for you. I have lost more than 50 pounds on one occasion (in the early 2000's) and then lost the baby weight after having Jordan. Eating real food, mostly produce while truly savoring indulgent meals works for me. I never feel deprived. Ever.

There are times when restricting calories or doing a juice cleanse to jumpstart weight loss can be effective. It can serve as motivation to keep going. It has worked for me in the past.
mediterranean diet,


If you're looking for a true "diet" to follow, the Mediterranean Diet is outstanding. I also like the principles of the Greek Diet (essentially the Mediterranean) and the whole French Women Don't Get Fat thing.

At the end of the day, educate yourself and do what works for you. A common sense approach to weight loss and maintenance is truly the best way to go: eat real food, indulge occasionally, enjoy it and exercise regularly. It works.

Promise.

What's the most frustrating thing for you when it comes to weight loss and diet news? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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I have been there....and am fighting to the good fight every day to avoid going back there.


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Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Gameday Boots Review


gameday boots, college boots, texas A&M boots, texas boots, TCU Boots, Texas tech Boots, North Texas Boots
Click on any item to learn more about it.

If you're a college football fan, you need to learn more about Gameday Boots, the Austin-based company that is KILLING IT when it comes to gameday style.

Their boots are simply fabulous, offering them for women, men, boys and girls in both tall and short styles.
Thursday, October 9, 2014

Celebrating The Icons And Essentials On National Handbag Day


October 10, 2014 marks the second straight year celebrating the accessory that millions of women (and some men) can't leave home without. PurseBlog.com created the genius marketing gimmick unofficial holiday but it has taken flight as retailers like Bloomingdale's will be celebrating.

When you think about it, the handbag is worth celebrating. It's a wonderful expression of personal style yet incredibly functional. What else can hold your makeup, work essentials, money, cell phone, wet wipes and more while adding the finishing touch to any wardrobe?

I'm a believer in investing in handbags because they can truly last a lifetime and be passed down through generations. I love my grandmother's bags and can't wait to share them with my daughter, along with some of my own collectible pieces.

National Handbag Day, Essential handbgs, mcqueen clutch, valentino rockstud crossbody, gucci handbag
Click on any item to learn more about it.

There are certain handbags every women needs in her wardrobe, what I like to call The Essentials. I couldn't live without my Gucci Swing Leather Tote or Sophie Hulme Tote. They're both outstanding bags for work and errands. While my Bottega Veneta Clutch is something that will remain stylish forever.

Handbags icons, most iconic purses, hermes birkin, hermes kelly, lady dior, gucci jackie, chanel 2.55, fendi baguette
Click on any item to learn more about it.

While The Essentials are important, The Icons are revered. From the white glove treatment, literally and figuratively, people give the Hermès Birkin to the lasting timelessness of the Chanel 2.55, these bags become a part of their owner. Not as something that defines them but as an heirloom that remains in a family for generations.

They should be considering some cost as much as a house. Case in point: Heritage Auctions sold a crocodile and white gold Hermes Birkin for $185,000 in September. That's one bangin' Birkin.

What about you? 

Are you a handbag lover? What did I miss? I was on the fence about adding the Louis Vuitton Speedy to The Icon list. Should it have been included?

What's your favorite bag? Please share in the comments section!

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Thursday, October 2, 2014

The Best Online Outlet Stores That Will Make Your Shopping Pants Go Crazy

Shopping at outlet malls is a passion of mine. It's truly a treasure hunt. A day at an outlet mall can yield a booty full of designer goods for less while other days it can produce a big fat bag of nothing.

Gucci outlet, Gucci bracelet, Gucci scarf
Gucci bracelet and scarf purchased at the Gucci outlet in San Marcos

Some of my favorite outlet finds include a Gucci scarf and bracelet from the San Marcos Gucci outlet, Prada shoes from the San Marcos Prada outlet and a YSL Muse bag from Last Call in Allen that has seen better days.

You don't have to slog to outlet stores in remote locations to score designer finds. Although if you do get the chance to visit the Prada or Gucci outlets (whether they're the ones in Florence, Italy or San Marcos, TX) go!

Thing is, a lot of these outlets have an online presence. In general, the offerings aren't as "boutique-y" as in the stores but you can still score some good merchandise for less.

Here is a round up of the best online outlets:
What are your favorite outlet sites? Please share them in the comments section.

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