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Hi Darlings, I finally finished our bedroom and it is GORGEOUS! I can’t tell you how important it is to have a bedroom that feels like a getaway. It took us sometime to get the room together because it’s the room we go to at the end of the day when the house is quiet and you can relax and reflect on the day. We sit and talk, catch up on missed television shows and plan the next day. The sitting area of our room is one our favorite places. We work on our computers, watch TV, sit and chat and just relax with each other. It is such a welcoming space for us. The sofa and love seat were in our living room at the townhouse in LA and now they are perfect in this space. The chevron rug and some of the accents were also from our previous home. *This post was sponsored by Beautyrest and Style Coalition*

Hi Darlings! I have a fun shoot this week and am so excited but I have so much to get done. I am finishing the house, cleaning and arranging so I am going to be a little MIA this week. I am also flying my mom in for Thanksgiving and I am so excited to see her!! Do you guys have your menus planned yet? So…because of the nutty schedule this week I am leaving you with a lil video of my recent haul at Target and some awesome gifts for my kids courtesy of the fab folks at Hasbro. I also grabbed a few goodies for myself 😉 Easy Bake Ultimate Nerf Rebelle Bow Blaster Olafs In Trouble Game #hasbro #haul #target

Hi Darlings, You guys know I don’t blog on the weekend so I thought I would do a round up of the last few days. I did good on Friday and Saturday and did a little tiny bad on Sunday, LOL! Ugh the kids wanted pie and what kind of parent would I be if I denied them and didn’t share in the joy of eating it with them, LOL!!! okay…I am back on track even though I know very well that on Thanksgiving I will be enjoy the spread but will go right back to it. I figure I may need to do this ripped in 30 twice…The first 30 to get the hang of it and the second 30 to actually kick butt. Either way I am still trying my best to stay on track and and drinking almost a gallon of water a day. I just ate the same things over and over for the last few days to make it easy on myself. I think next week I will venture into some new recipes and meals to share. How are you guys holding up? I am a little scared to start week 2 workouts. I think I need to order some more Blue Apron meals (read HERE if you missed the post) so convenient when I am busy. #ripped #workouts

Hi Darlings, I love being able to share things that excite me, and this is one of those things. I am fortunate to work with some really great brands but every now and then I get to work with a company that offers a really useful service, and Blue Apron is that service. You guys know how busy my days get and sometimes I just cant even make it to the grocery store which unfortunately means we eat out a lot. So, when the opportunity to work with Blue Apron came up I was stoked. I mean seriously darlings…THREE meals shipped to your home with everything you need to make the dishes, including beautiful recipe cards…..how do you say no to that. *This post is sponsored by Blue Apron* This is how it all works, you sign up for the service and every week you get 3 meals delivered to your door in an ice-packed box so cold ingredients stay cold. Meals are 500-700 calories per serving 35 minutes to prepare on average Pre-portioned ingredients to save time and reduce waste Easy to follow beautifully printed recipe cards No commitments, Menus are available so you know what to expect and the meals start at just $9.99 per person per meal! Blue Apron is available to most of the country, shipping to over 80% of the country CLICK HERE for a full map Blue Apron sends meals that you wouldn’t always decide to make on your own, so it helps you discover new recipes and/or improves your cooking techniques Shipping is always free! READER DISCOUNT! I love it so much I cant wait for you to try it so the first 100 readers will GET TWO FREE MEALS on their first Blue Apron order! Just CLICK HERE Don’t forget your gift! The first 100 readers will GET TWO FREE MEALS on their first Blue Apron order! Just CLICK HERE #BLUEAPRON #COOKING #RECIPES

Hi Darlings, I hope you had a wonderful week and have awesome plans for the weekend. I am pretty swamped at the moment and I have photo shoot next week that I need to prepare for so the next few days will be pretty hectic around here. I have a ton of errands to run so I am keeping my look uber cozy. The COCOON SWEATER TUTORIAL is perfect for dressy and casual looks and it’s SO EASY to make! I promise. If you haven’t grabbed it yet you can CLICK HERE and use coupon code “MGLEARN” and save 10% off any TUTORIAL DIY Cocoon Sweater: Tutorial HERE (10% Off Code MGLEARN) /Boots: Steve Madden HERE /Sunnies: Vintage / LV Bag #cocoonsweater #Jeans #motoboots #tutorial

Hi Darlings, well…..today was ok. I did not do my workout (she suggest 6 days a week and rest one day) so today is my rest day. I feel so tired. I also went to do Zumba yesterday with my sister-in-law so I am just taking it easy. My soreness is better today so that’s good. I did manage to eat clean and take my protein and of course drink my water (almost a gallon of water) I will make sure to get my workout in tomorrow. Breakfast: 2 Egg omelete w/ Turkey sausage links (2) Snack: Protein Shake Lunch: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Snack: Protein Shake / Apple Dinner: Yesterday’s Left Over Chicken Fajita Wrap #cleaneats #Health #ripped #workouts

Hi Darlings! I can hardly move a muscle but here I am pushing through, lol! If you missed the last two days let me fill you in. I started a new workout by Jillian Michael’s called Ripped In 30 and I am on day three (Read Day 1 HERE and Day 2 HERE) I can seriously say that this video is the truth and the 24 minutes are crazy hard but not too hard that you can’t get through it.  I talk more in detail int he posts linked above so if you are interested go take a read. So….because of these last two days every muscle in my body is on fire. I like the burn but day 2 and 3 of sourness are always the worst. Today I am keeping my look super cozy because I just can’t fuss with much today. Getting this tunic over my head was hard enough today, LOL! The jeans are old from F21 and the tunic is McCall Pattern #7020 with modifications of course. I did a full review below including a how-to for my mod’s. DIY Tunic / F21 Jeans / Nude Pumps / MK bag PATTERN REVIEW Pattern Description: Misses Tunics and Tops McCall 7020 Pattern Sizing: I cut the XS Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing? Yes, with some changes Were the instructions easy to follow? YES! This is a VERY easy pattern and great for newbies. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It had the shape I wanted and knew it would be an easy mod to get the look I was going for. Fabric Used: Navy Double Knit HERE (use code MIMI10 for 10% off) Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I created the hood from the cowl pattern piece by slashing the pattern piece in the middle and spreading it 11″ and then joined my lines and cut the new hood (image below) I also wanted the pockets but I hate  having pockets flopping around in dresses and tops so I stitched them down creating a nice flat pocket and it created design interest with the topstitching. Would you sew it again? Yes! I plan to have a lot of these. Would you recommend it to others? YES, if you are new to sewing this is a great starter pattern. If you are a seasoned sewist you can use this as a great block. #hood #flaredjeans #mccall #DIY #tunic

Hi Darlings, well…. I got through day 2 of the Jillian Michael’s Ripped in 30 Workout and it was just as hard as yesterday, lol. I did however have another clean eating day so that keeps me happy because it’s mostly about what you put in your body anyway. I did my workout this morning before eating because I knew the rest of the day was going to be pretty hectic. Here is what I had for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I you missed yesterday post on DAY 1 you can read it HERE. I am so excited so many of here and on IG will be joining me. Info on purchasing or downloading Jillian’s video can be found in yesterdays post or you can click HERE SWAPPING FOODS: I got a few questions about swapping out foods and or following the meal plan. I cant follow a diet so I don’t but a meal plan in general is a guide to help you make better choices. I had pork loin yesterday and although it is not in the meal plan that comes with the DVD it is lean and tasty and I had some handy. Here is the thing, If I don’t like it I am not going to eat it so I play with my meals following the “Clean Eating Guidelines” I usually have my pita, brown rice, pasta for lunch. I eat only clean organic (mostly) veggies, fruit only in the morning or in my shakes. Lean meats and no more than a handful of ingredients. If it”s in a box or can, I don’t eat it. I read what she suggest every day and if I like it I eat it and if I don’t or want variation I follow the guide as closely as possible by just swapping out one main item (like pork for chicken) so I don’t get board. Mostly I watch the portion that I am serving. Portions are critical so I limit myself to only 3 ounces of meat. DAY 2 Workout > Protein Shake Breakfast: Bagel Thins w/ Fat Free Cream Cheese, Strawberries, Coffee Snack: Protein Shake w/ Pineapple Lunch: Warm Spinach Salad (recipe below) Snack: I was out and about and missed it so I just waited until dinner. Dinner: Chicken Fajita Wrap (Chicken, Sautéd pepper and onions, Black beans, Whole wheat tortilla) So one of things that helps me feel like I have eaten is having hot food, but sometimes when I am trying to limit my carb intake I tend to eat a variation of salads…problem is after a few days I feel like I am missing something so now I have been making “warm” salads. Here is one of my favorites. WARM SPINACH SALAD Spinach Asparagus (or any veggie you like) Chicken Breast Sweet Tomatoes Feta Goat Cheese Raspberry Vinaigrette I sauté the veggies, tomatoes and chicken, then I sit on top of the spinach (which instantly starts to soften my spinach), Sprinkle the cheese and drizzle the dressing. Stir it all together to mix well. How was your fist day? #day2 #Health #rippedin30 #workouts

Hi Darlings, It’s that time again. My free sew-along video is now on the MICHAEL LEVINE BLOG so head on over when you have some time to sew along with me. I love this pattern because it was super easy and by using the sequin fabric it made a very casual pattern into something I can wear to dinner or even a holiday party. The shoes are from Steve Madden and are linked below. I love the shape of the shoe! and of course it’s leopard…I know, it’s a sickness for which I want no medicine. The jeans are from American Eagle and I am in love with their washes and stretch (linked below), they are great for curvy girls 😉 Sequin Cardi Tutorial: HERE / Shoes: Steve Madden HERE / Jeans: American Eagle HERE / Tee: Target / Flat shoe option: I LOVE THESE #sewalong #sequin #cardi #tutorial #michaellevine #DIY

Hi Darlings, I am having trouble typing because I am feeling queasy, LOL! Okay so over the last year the blog has exploded and therefore so has my bum. It has been HARD this year to keep up with my workouts, and the hell with eating well. Let’s face it, I am human and no matter how conscience I am of my health I get caught up with business,s traveling and family and before I know it I am stuffing cheeseburgers and fries down my throat and moving on to the next to-do. I was perfectly happy going along ignoring the fact that my jeans don’t fit, LOL!!! and just telling myself that I will start next week, next week, next week…and now here we are almost at years end and I haven’t done a thing. Then to top it all off I was reminded that I have a photo shoot in December where I need to be in a SWIMSUIT O_0 I figured what better way to stay accountable than to blog about it every day even if it’s a short post where I share what I ate and how I felt. If you want to join me you can DOWNLOAD Jillian Michael’s Ripped in 30 (digital edition) and start watching right away or you can get a HARD COPY DVD both are under $10 and comes with a FREE 30 day meal plan (link given in the video) It’s always more fun to do this with someone else, so find a friend and join me. Under $10 with every single day spelled out leaves no room for error. DAY 1 MAN!!! I have not been working out so day one of any workout sucks so I executed as much. I did not expect to be so worn out after the 24 min video.. yeah did I mention it’s only 24 minutes! It was rough and even had to stop for a few seconds to catch my breath. I am seriously out of shape and because I have knee injuries I feel it first there. I am always pain free when I am in better shape and have strengthened my leg muscles. The moves are not complicated and there is a modification for each move so you can keep up. It goes by pretty fast but I promise by the time she says you are done you’ll be lucky if you are still standing, LOL I will say that I like that I don’t need to listen in order to the moves (if you know basic form anyway) and I can just blast my music while I zone out and pray through each set. So, I am looking forward to tomorrow and really looking forward to day 31! SEE YOU TOMORROW WHAT I ATE (chosen from her 30 day meal plan) Breakfast: 1 Cup of  Cheerios with a Banana / Coffee / 8 ounces of Lemon Water Snack: Protein Shake: 1 Scoop Whey Protein, Ice Water, 3 Strawberries (blended) Lunch: 6″ Whole Grain Pita, 1/4 Cup Hummus (spread) Red Onion, Spinach Sandwich Snack: Protein Shake: Water/Protein Powder (after workout) Dinner: 3 Ounces Pork Loin w/ Salad and 1 Tablespoon of Balsamic Vingar Dressing This is the protein powder I like best, I have used several over the years but this one has everything I need when it comes to nutrition, and it taste like cake batter, LOL! I plan on not eating after 7pm and am trying to go to bed a decent time to allow my body to recuperate and rest. If I get hungry at night I drink water w/ lemon. So first day was a success and the eating is the hardest and most important part of transforming your body so #inailedit #30days #Fitness #workouts

Hi Darlings, Good heavens it’s getting cold!!! I wanted to show you guys this H&M Sweater Dress so badly that I froze my tush off taking pics, LOL! I found this lil number last week when I was in LA and snatched it up. I LOVE dresses that I can just throw on and go, especially when I can wear it so many different ways. I also like that it’s loose and fitted at the same time, so it’s comfy to wear and I can be in it all day even after I eat a big lunch lol! After going to bed last night I just couldn’t sleep, I had so many things running through my head that I got out of bed and went downstairs to my office to work and when I looked outside it was snowing! I was so excited to see it falling and reminded me of how much I missed winters. Not necessarily the 27 degrees but it looked pretty and one of the benefits to being self employed is I can stay home! I hope you guys are busy sewing the NEW COCOON SWEATER TUTORIAL! xoxo Dress: H&M HERE / Shoes: Aldo HERE / Bag: Burberry HERE / Coat: Forever 21 / Sunglasses: Forever 21 #slouchyboots #aldo #forever21 #hnm #sweaterdress

Hi Darlings, I wanted to make sure you guys were aware of tomorrows Sewing Party! and if not make sure to read below, it is going to be a full day of DIY classes, virtual sponsor booths, and even live chatting! COME CHAT WITH ME LIVE! I will be hosting in the SIMPLICITY BOOTH (Booth23) from 11am-1pm CST and then again from 3pm-5pm CST! so hurry over to the link below to get SIGNED UP or CLICK HERE to LEARN MORE “The Sewing Party” is the first ever online-all-day DIY event in history!