Juicy Couture Spring Line:

Spring has sprung and Juicy Couture has a new spring line out! Check out some on my favorites: 

12 Steps, Withdrawal Is Already In Kicking...

So I had to post again today because I’m 3 days clean on this healthy eating diet and I’m seriously going through some sort of withdrawal and aggression stage in this healthy recovery thing! I don’t know what step withdrawal and aggression come into play but I’m definitely there! Early this evening I decided to run out to the market for some cream to put in my tea tomorrow morning and ended up spending 45 minutes in the ice cream isle.  I looked at almost every carton and flavor and I think at one point I had one in my hand ready to check out!  But my fluffy thoughts of sweet bliss were so rudely interrupted when some random guy in the same isle asked me something. I have no idea what he said and I honestly didn’t care, but I practically ripped his head off mainly because he was bothering me while I was lost in my ice cream fantasy and secondly because he was BOTHERING me! Oh the nerve! Needless to say, I pulled myself together and go out of there (minus the ice cream) as fast as I could.

So some people might criticize me for comparing my food diet to some sort of drug recovering program but think about this for a minute; a lot of the foods we eat have so many foreign chemicals, dyes, artificial flavors and who knows what else in them so take into considerate that after years of eating these kinds of junk-things, our bodies start to depend on them and trying to go cold turkey really isn’t the easiest thing in the world! Have you ever craved something like McDonald's or Wendy’s or some other food from your favorite restaurant, well you're probably craving those chemicals and you don’t even know it!  

 I’m only on day 3 and I’ve been in a foul mood all day. I’m smelling and tasting foods that are not there, I’m thinking of food every second of every minute of every hour (this is no joke) and it’s killing me that I reeaally want pizza, tacos, and Chinese but all I can eat is fruit for breakfast, salad for lunch and a small dinner.  Then I think of how far I’ve come (3 days is a lot, seriously) and of how tired I am of feeling bad about myself every day when I get dressed and I realize that I can get through all this, I just have to take it 1 day at a time.

Keep Reading,

Food, Fitness and Top Model...

It’s Friday afternoon and I’ve had the day off from work so its been pretty laid back. I had a doctor’s appointment earlier this afternoon and am now home watching the Top Model marathon. You know I never really realized how much work models have to do and I don’t just mean keeping lean and thin, that’s a whole other workload they have.  So what I’ve learned is that models have to be able to do anything, I mean anything. They have to be able to understand the elements around them, they have to be put into harsh environments and face many of their fears and still deliver a great photo! They are critiqued and told what needs improvement and We really need to give these ladies a big hand because they deal with so much and all we think is that they just show up, put on something cute, smile and get a giant paycheck… Nope it’s so much more than that!

Coco’s been lying in her bed (a rocking chair in our bedroom near the window that she has recently staked claim on) and has been watching the birds outside all day. Every now and then she hopes down for a drink of water and then right back up. Just a side note: that green blanket is her favorite and she always had to lay on it.

My doctor’s appointment this morning was just a routine check up and I took the opportunity to talk about my recent weight gain so my doctor looked back over the past few years of my medial history and realized that I had gained a few extra pounds. Unfortunately, she didn’t supply me with any additional news that I already had not tried, work out more, eat more veggies, and get more sleep, blah, blah, blah… I’ve done all these things and still weight the same. I need something else, something major! So I pulled out a book that I recently purchased and decided that I really need to get serious about working out more on a consistent fitness plan. I just love food and love to cook so this combo is not working for my figure at all! So I’m hoping that with this new mindset and this book by my side I can really do this!

So wish me luck! 

Keep Reading, 

 

Things To Do Before I'm 30...

With my pending 30^th birthday in the horizon this summer, I checked my schedule and just don’t see any way I’m going to be able to celebrate this year so as much as I hate to have to do this, I’ve decided to postpone my milestone birthday and remain 29 for another 12 to 24 months. Oh, I just hate to disappoint and I was so looking forward to celebrating but I just don’t see any way around this…

That being said I now have some additional time to start working on some things that I want to do before I turn 30. First thing on my list, lose weight. Yes I know this is very cliché but this evening I pulled out the scale and wiped off 2 years worth of dust, breathed a deep sign, closed my eyes and stepped on… I’m not going to divulge the astronomical 3 digits that taunted me from the scale below, I will tell you that I had to reweigh myself and then take off all my clothing items and reweight myself a third time just to make sure I was getting the correct read… Yep… I was and very disappointed to say the least! I have a plan to lose 20 pounds and I know I can do it!

The next thing on my “To-Do Before I Hit 30 List” is to find a better job! Or I guess I should say a more fulfilling job. I’m so fed up with all the drama, nonsense and high school antics that take place by some of my co-workers that I don’t even bother to talk to anyone anymore. Of course there are other issues with the job and maybe I’ve just hit that point where I need something new but either way, I’m so ready to go, therefore this is right up there at number 2.

Next, I plan to revive my face so I have started a facial regimen be combat any early signs of winkles, I don’t have any yet but hey, now’s a better time than any to start the preventative method. Oh by the way, in one of my other posts I briefly mentioned that I wanted to share some of my facial products and this regime was what I was referring to. 

So I started using Oil of Olay Pore Redefining Scrub, Oil Of Olay Deep Cleansing Clay Mask, Oil Of Olay Active Hydrating Cream and Oil Of Olay Night Firming Cream. I use the clay mask about twice a week, the scrub once or twice a week and the other two products daily and I just started this facial treatment and have already noticed a glow on my face and my skin looks so much fresher and vibrant!

So there’s my short list and there will be more to come so stay tuned! 

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My Day of Inspirational Blog Hopping

Today is my inspirational day so I’ve hit up some of my favorite blogs to get big dose of creative juice flowing for this up and coming weekend! My first inspirational blog is one I refer to often for fashion ideas. Check out Everyday Eva if you’re looking for fashion on a budget! My inspiration from this blog is that my husband is always “complaining” that I spend too much money on clothes and shoes so now I read Eva’s blog to be a bit more cautious with my spending while still looking cute! Thanks Eva!

My second inspirational blog of the day belongs to Reflections of Something. I have had a heck of a week and only parts have actually been good, I have been in some sort of a foul mood and I have no idea why but this blog has help me to lift my spirits and also posed a challenge which I'm considering! (Thanks a lot Branson!)

My third inspirational blog of the day for me holds the crowning title because I came across her blog purely by accident though the Fab Friends Friday Blog Hop, but was so glad I did. Serendipity I’d call this, a fortunate mistake that has turned things around for me. This blog belongs to Rachel and is called Randomness with Rachel. Turns out we share the same love for Audrey Hepburn, Jesus, shopping and reading, oh who would have known there'd be another person who likes this same weird combination of things! Her most inspirational thing that helped me  through today was her homepage and it reads: 

So a big, BIG thank you to Rachel!

Lastly, I have decided to list Words by Katie as an inspiration blog for me today mainly because her blog just all around, cheered me up. She really had a great theme and I love her posts and concepts.  (Also we are both Tim Tebow fans!)

So to my fellow bloggers who have given me some inspirational thoughts and ideas as well as cheered me up after a somewhat bad week; you all have my gratitude! Thanks so much for doing what you do best (blogging) and inadvertently plastering a smile across my face!

Keep Blogging,
City Girl

Honeysuckle: Fashions New Color of 2011

Fashion is already makings waves in 2011. Though much of the county is seeing white, the fashion world is anticipating a bright vibrate color to heighten the scenes. Wondering what that color is? 

Think fiery, bright, oh and pink! This hot new color will definitely be much livelier than 2010's color of the year: turquoise.

This year "Honeysuckle" is the color of 2011. This hot hue was chosen by Pantone Color Institute, the research arm of Pantone Inc., the company that largely sets color standards for the fashion and home industries.

"It's a really important color for us to get in for spring. It's a real strong color, but it's wearable for lots of skin types, the reddish pink shade lights a fire to your senses and revs you up”, says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

The idea behind choosing this particular color was to bring life back to the public after bruising economic challenges that hit hard last year, bringing a sort of calming effect with a pop!

This is definitely a color I would rock!

Weight Loss Revolution...

For the past few weeks I’ve really been pretty upset with myself over my weight gain and yet I hadn’t done anything about it. Then on Monday I told my husband that I was going to start working out so I packed my gym bag and took it to work with me since the building I work in has a gym that all employees have access to. By Wednesday my gym bag was still sitting in my car and I hadn’t made my way down to the gym so I decided that I’d better bring it home in case I decided to work out at the gym near my house over the weekend. Last night I’d had enough of my procrastination and had a light dinner of Thai Curry Soup (very yummy) and got up early to head to the gym…

                             
As I dusted off my gym shoes I thought about the last time I had worked out and it’s been about 4 months (WOW). In the Fall I had been working out consistently and then I got really sick and couldn’t go to the gym for about 3 weeks and we all know just how easy it is to make excuses after you’ve gotten out of the routine… So by the time I started to feel better I kept saying, I’ll go back to the gym tomorrow and 4 months and 12 pounds later… Well you see my point. It’s actually sad because I have access to a free gym at work and then I have a gym membership near my home but I rarely go… But believe me, that’s all about to change, not only am I going to work out but I’m going to start eating better too! Watch out New Year’s resolutions cause I’m kicking butts and taking names and weight loss is next on my list!   
                              
So since today was my first day back in the workout saddle I didn’t want to over due it so I decided to keep it light, I did about 20 minutes of cardio and burned about 210 calories then headed home to shower… Of course as I continue, I’ll definitely up my workout time.
                                  
Okay, now to have a big bowl of pasta!  Just joking, though that does sounds really good right about now… 

Rachel Zoe's Latest Creation

Being seven months pregnant hasn’t stopped Rachel Zoe from completing her latest fashion line. Zoe says,  “I’d imagine everybody is expecting something from me that’s kind of a Seventies, uber boho-glam kind of thing, and, you know, very accessorized,” says Zoe. “And it’s not.”

You can expect to see an array of skirt-suits with bubble hems; long, lean pantsuits, double- and single-breasted; and superchic shift dresses, tuxedos and coats. And of course, her collect included accessories, handbags, flats, heels and boots. Prices for this collection start at $250 for a day dress and run to $700 for a full tuxedo. The collection has a serious 1970s vibe, but still has a modern inspiration to it. 

New Years Resolutions

I have been meaning to write this blog all week and with it getting closer to the end of the first week of the New Year, I felt I’d better get it done sooner than later!  A couple of days ago I posted my Bucket List under the Writers Block section and I was planning to leave it at that until I found myself chatting with Alaina, a friend of mine from work when she randomly asked me about my New Year’s resolutions and before I knew it I had come up with a few that I thought would go along well with my Bucket List. Turns out this year I plan to:
·        Attempt to do something new at least once amonth
·        Read more, watch less T.V.
 So by chance this past Monday I came across a few art projects from Art House and decided to sign up for one or two not really thinking they would fall into any my first resolutions but just because it looked really cool and interesting!
I decided to register for The Sketch Book Project which is described as similar to a concert tour but with sketch books! So far 28,835 artists from 94 different countries have registered (including me)!   What will happen is that we will send in our sketch books and they will go on exhibit in many different galleries and museums across the county. The cost to enter was only $25.00 and when the tour comes here (The Transformer Gallery in DC, April 11-30) I plan to go see my work on display and then I will truly feel like an artist!  By the way you have to choose a theme for your sketch book and I decided to go with Below the Surface.
The second project I have decided to register for is call A Million Little Photographs which is described as a way that viewers can experience the myriad ways that a single story can be captured in an image. You also have to pick a theme (mine is The Great Adventures Of…). It will also go on cross-country exhibit starting in September 2011 and a book will be made into print in December 2011 which I plan to purchase as proof that I am a publish artist! ;)
So I think I am thus far off to a good start on my New Year’sresolution! Check out our Links section to see the story that CNN did and to view the Art House Website, also  see our Video section and watch the "I joined The Project" video for more info as well!

Keep Reading,
CG Chronicles Editor in Chief
Faith M. Steward

The 12 Days of Christmas

The theme of the past few days for me has without a doubt been seasonal! Not only is it cold outside but everywhere I go I see holiday items out on display, commercials for gifts, cooking shows for holiday recipes and foods, Christmas trees in our neighbors windows, my co-workers asking me if I’ve finished my holiday shopping, FYI: I have not even started and all the other little details that remind me so much of the holiday season!

Yesterday I went to Starbucks for my daily Grande peppermint hot chocolate with whip and chocolate shavings, yes I did just say that! This delightful concoction is my all time favorite winter drink because both the hot coco and the peppermint remind me of my childhood so just imagine them combined together to create a hot, sweet, savory mouthful of wintertime bliss! While I there the barista offered me this cute coffee mug for 40% off as part of their 12 Days of Christmas sale. For a split second I almost purchased it but instead resisted and said “My husband would kill me if I came home with one more coffee cup.” But since this sale is going on for the next 12 days, I feel confident that I will get to purchase something from this holiday sale.

Since I’m a big fan of the Food Network channel I watch it very regularly, mainly to get ideas for new meals and to pick up on some additional cooking and kitchen tips. I’ve notices that they have been airing many Christmas themed shows with some great ideas for Christmas dishes to get viewers in the seasonal mood and believe me I have been diligently talking notes on many of those recipes for our Christmas dinner.

At work, we put up all our Christmas decorations and really got into the holiday feel with a gift exchange and potluck lunch as well as an evening holiday reception (none of which I will be attending). Also every year we do a holiday food drive for the homeless shelters to help those who don’t have the money to make their own Christmas dinner so I decided to raid our kitchen cupboards and make a donation. 

Last night I called my mom and seems that some of my family members have caught some sort of winter flu, of course what’s the holiday season without someone getting sick!

So with all this Christmas cheer going on around me, I’m hoping that this year will bring a wonderful holiday! Fa La La…

The "Thankful List"

Not to be all festive or anything, but with Thanksgiving right around the corner, I have had a lot of time to contemplate what I’m really thankful for this year and in my life in general.  A lot of things have come to mind but there are a few really big things that seemed to stand out. I don’t think that I have ever mentioned it here before but those of you who know me personally know that I am a Christian and have a great love for God, you’ll understand why I mentioned that in a minute.
While many of you might say your thankful for your car or your job, your home or even that big diamond ring your rockin’.  All these things can easily be provided for you simply by having a relationship with God but he can so easily take them away so you won’t see any of these things on my list.

I have made my “thankful list” and checked it twice (just to make sure) and though all those things listed above are wonderful to have and without a doubt make life a bit easier I have decided on things that to me are less materialistic but instead hold a real and true meaning.  My “thankful list “ is about the things that matter most, or should matter most to us in the short time that we are here on this earth so without further ado, here are the top 3 things that I am thankful for:
First and foremost, I am undoubtedly thankful for my knowledge of and the relationship that I have with Jesus.  Without this, my life on the surface might seem to be “wonderful” but deep inside I would feel empty and lost so this is my number one thing, I can’t even express to you how truly grateful I am for this! Secondly, I am thankful for my family and thankful to my siblings for making our once small family now much bigger with the laughter of little children! Next, I am thankful for my marriage and the wonderful man that I have spent the last 11 years with! Through the good and the bad God has made a way for us and we have always been able to come back stronger! 

This Thanksgiving, I wonder how many people will ramble off a whole list of things they are “thankful” for and unquestionably half the things on their list might be materialistic items that can easily be taken away from them in the blink of an eye?  I know what I’m thankful for and what really matters in life… Do you?

Want Women Want

We women love our families, our children, our men; husbands and boyfriends, and even our best friend but there’s one relationship that no one can touch! Yes, that’s right I’m talking about the relationship we share with shoes! Our intimate and passionate relationship with and for shoes developed long before we could even wobble around in them. As girls we were told stories of Cinderella and her glass slipper and that was the beginning of the end for us. We learned early on that the right shoe yields the right man and thus we are crowned the “Princess”, and what little girl doesn’t want to be a “Princess”?  We’d see our Mother and Grandmother’s dressing up for work, church or just to go out and what was the one thing that we loved the most? Their beautiful shoes, and granted the makeup and outfit came in second but it was the shoes that tugged at our hearts and we longed for the day when we owned a pair of our own.

Little girls all over the world snuck into their Mother’s closets and tried on her heels, prancing around even tripping a bit. But we’d always get right back up again, determined to learn how to perfect our walk, meticulously watching each foot move in front of the other while wearing shoes 3 times too big for us!

When I was a little girl, my Mother bought me a pair of plastic dress-up Barbie “high-heels” and I wore them until the heels broke off, and then cried for another pair, or maybe I stole my sister’s pair, but then again, it’s been so long, I don’t really recall (in case my sister is reading this)!

What is it about shoes that we love so much? I think it’s the fact that no matter what you look like, no matter what body shape you have, what your age or what color hair or skin is, when you slip into a great pair of heels you are instantly transformed into a sleek, elegant, sexy, powerful and trendy women (yes, shoes can ignite all those feelings)!

The shoe is like the topping on the cupcake, the cherry, if you will. You can wear a great outfit but with the wrong shoes, why even bother! I recently read one of my favorite blogs about a girl that starts her outfit with the shoes and from there, worked her way up to the skirt or pants and the then the top she feels best suite the shoes, and if the cloths don’t seem right, they are instantly replaced with a new set but the shoes always remain the same. Interesting concept, I thought, “Pick your shoes, and then build the perfect outfit around them!”  Why not!

I personally have a shoe collection ranging anywhere from 150 -175 pairs of shoes, some of which I don’t even remember buying and some which have never even been worn but I keep them regardless because parting with them would seem, well… wrong. Most women (not all, I don’t want to put us all in a “shoe” box) have two great loves: shoes and chocolate! 

For me, when I arrive home with a new pair of shoes, it s like opening the best Christmas present that I could have ever imagined giving myself and soon that joy is followed by the familiar sound of my husbands voice asking, “Don’t you already have some shoes like that?” And of course my response is always, “What?!  No these are a lighter shade of green,” or something to that effect, but you get my drift. How can we be expected to limit our choices when shoes come in so many different styles, colors, designs, shapes, sizes and patterns and while one pair of shoes might look just “okay” with an outfit, another pair might set the tone and completely change the outcome of your day and no, I’m not being dramatic here, believe me it has happened!

From Cinderella, to Top Model to movies like Sex and The City, a womens love for shoes is apparent and very difficult to come between.  So, too all my shoe lovers out there, “Strike a pose ladies, because I feel your passion!!”

Note To Our Readers

Note To Our Readers:
I wanted to address a few things with our readers. First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to stop by and check us out, we love you all for that! Our site is fairly new (just went live about 2 weeks ago) and all the staff is working very hard to get more content added as quickly as possible so bear with us in this process.
Secondly, though we are called City Girl Chronicles, we are in no way trying to exclude the male demographics; quite the opposite in fact, we would love to hear from the men and there is always room for new writers on our staff (check out the Join Our Staff link). It just so happens that at the moment all the staff is female! 
Lastly, each CG Chronicle writer is here to make a name and showcase their work, we are not professional writers but we DO love to write and enjoy what we do.  Keep in mind that each individual writer is writing, researching, editing, and promoting their own work, therefore mistakes are bound to be made.  Again please bear with us and by all means, if you see minor mistakes, leave a comment and we would be happy to correct it (check out the Guest book or Contact Us link to leave a comment).

Welcoming The Newbies!!!

Well, the staff is growing and I'm proud to welcome all of our staff writes (check out their bios under the Staff Writers Tab)! I think the site is doing great, I have an interview lined up for later this month and I'm getting a lot of positive feedback from people stopping by to check out the site and what not...
I received a random email today from an independent designer wondering if I'd do a piece in one of her items that she's currently promoting! Yeah, why not, we're all in this game for the same reason right! Oh and Abby posted a new column today so check that out in Ask Abby it’s pretty good! (You go girl!)

So, I think I might take a quick break from CG for an hour or so and catch up on some personal stuff...