I'm handicapped...when it comes to fashion

Hi, I'm Tori and I'm fashionably challenged.
But there is hope.
Have you found it? Have you? What am I talking about you ask, well Polyvore of course. I just stumbled upon it several years ago but didn't do anything with it but now, wow, now I totally see the worth of this cache of fashion greatness.
Like any other lady out there I like to look nice. I like to be well put together but honestly I'm a bit unenlightened when it comes to fashion. Now, any of you who really know me know that I'm serious about being modest. Modesty is important to me and it comes before fashion any day but If I can have them both then I'm all in.
So anyhow, there are tons of ideas on Polyvore. Hey I'm not awe-inspiring when it comes to combining stuff but I can shop from a photo.  Ü

Hey and it's a great tool for shopping your own closet. Like this outfit below, most of us have a khaki skirt and brown top, so we're already half way there.

Or like this cute little Sunday ensemble, I've got that skirt, So a little plum cardigan and ballet slippers and wallah.

Loving this gray sweater below. So many possibilities.

BTW, you can click on each of the above outfits and it'll take you directly to Polyvore and the account of the person who created it. You can follow that person and get a feed of all her creations, it's very addicting. I created my own user and this adorable little green outfit was my first okay only creation.

I created a Pinterest board for all my Polyvore goodies. When we get to the states in April I think I'm gonna use my phone and shop this photos.

Hey maybe you're a fashion simpleton like me but there's hope. Polyvore and a host of talented, modest fashionistas are there for us. We can do this!!


Oh yea and I'm linking up with Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims for Your Whims Wednesday.

WTG! Monday & Brownies!

Okay so today is Monday and you know what that means....WTG! Monday. How in the world I ever decided to be happy about a scale day I have no idea. I'm strange that way! Anyhoo, today is not just weigh-in day but today is my official 1 month on the diet. I'm super excited and thrilled to give you my 1 month stats.

So on the actual numbers home front I'm down for the first month of 2012 2013......(drum roll please)........14.1 lbs! Yeah me!
Oh yea and bet your bloomers I'm totally counting that .1 lb.
14.1 lbs. in 1 month is pretty awesome.

Also along with my 1 month anniversary it's measurement time. I was excited this morning to finally get to measure after waiting a whole month. So the results are...I've lost 12 inches in 1 month. Wait a sec., 12 inches is that like a foot? I've lost a whole foot from my body size and that's pretty awesome.

Remember I have a goal, my goal is to lose 30 lbs. by April 2nd when we fly to the States for our middle son to graduate high school. So I'm well on my way. I have a total of 65 days left until we fly out and I still need to lose 15.9 lbs. I'm working really hard not to cheat and I think I've got this thing.

There are a few things we miss from the States but most things we've learned to live without. Still to be able to taste some of those favorites from home is a real gift to missionaries and we we're so blessed to receive a package from our dear friends for Christmas. Talk about a Christmas gift, we were over the moon to find such goodies in our Christmas package. I had forgotten how awesome Peter Pan peanut butter was, AMAZING! 

Anyhoo, there was a family sized box of Duncan Hines brownies in there and I have to tell you, that box of brownie mix has been my constant nemesis since it entered this house. So I thought, black beans and brownie mix makes an awesome brownie and low fat too, until I realized  I can't get black beans here. BUMMER! Anyhow, the box continued to sit on the shelf and tease taunt me until today!

I walked downstairs to grab the meat for the day (pantry is in the basement) and there it was, that brownie mix, sitting in the same place still glaring at me in ridicule until I saw it, a lone can of pumpkin sitting innocently on the shelf. Are you kidding me, how did I miss this? Eureka!!! The answer to the months of chocolate misery; pumpkin. 

Okay so this is a really difficult recipe so stay focused! 

1 15 oz. can of pumpkin (not pie filling)

1 box (family size) Duncan Hines brownie mix

Whewww, that was tough but I go it all typed out. Just mix it all together, spray you dish and follow the baking instructions on the box. Be really careful not to bake them too long, no one likes a dry brownie. I think dry brownies should be considered an abomination!                                                                                

Oh yea and the calories. If you cut them into 25 then they're only 87 stinkin' (in an awesome way) calories!!!

Anyhoo, this was my week, how'd you do???

***also if you'd be interested in participating in a WTG! Monday in the future let me know.

Awesome Free Apron!

So I've seen this sewing project all over the web and Pinterest and I've been wanting to do it for ever. Finally, I did it. I used one of my husbands large dress shirts and whaala! Some people get very fruffy and add ruffles and resets but I kinda like the masculine look. There are a ton of tuts out there, here are just a few. 

Paulette @ My Junk Obsession

Selissa @ All Palmer

Amy @ Gabriel's Good Tidings

Oh yea and I'm linking up with these Blog Hops. 

          

Weigh-2-Go Monday

Okay, so I'm here and excited about Weigh-2-Go Monday. I'm tickled that I'm actually on my way to goal and I can almost see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. So this week I lost......3.5 lbs. towards my 30 lb. goal. So I am officially down 11.7 lbs! Yeah me! You know what that means?? I only have 18.3 lbs. left to make it to my goal. I think I can totally do this.

So how'd you do? I'll see you here next week for Weigh-2-Go Monday.

These are a few of my favorite...blogs!

There are a few blogs that I really love and spend way too much time reading on 'em. Here they are in no particular order. Proceed with caution, addiction is possible!

1. BETTER AFTER

2. THE DATING DIVAS

3. SEW MAMA SEW 

4. TIP JUNKIE

5. THRIFTY DECOR CHICK

6. HOW DOES SHE?

7. SIX SISTERS' STUFF

My very first, "Join me for coffee" #1

So glad you dropped by. You know you've never had coffee till you've had it in Croatia, we have the best coffee.  So settle in and let's chat. 

You know my mind's been preoccupied lately. In just a couple months I'm gonna be 40. I remember when Johnny (loving husband) turned 40, it was a real bummer for him. I totally thought he was being a drama queen but you know what, everything he said is totally true. 40 is the big one!

Seems like all of the sudden, out of no where I'm falling apart. Look I've always been healthy, no sugar or blood pressure problems and for the most part no other problems either until now. 

Is it possible that its true, is 40 the big one? 

What'cha think? Is 40 the big one? Have you survived it? What'cha think?

I kinda like chocolate too much to be dead

It's crazy, right when you think your past discouragement and settled in, BAM life slaps you up side the head. I would think, duh, after 12 almost 13 years of life in Croatia that I would be a pro and able to deal with anything that comes my way. I've managed to master this whole missionary thing, right?

Well, hold up! The status quo has changed. Things aren't as simple as they were before. I figured out how to make it with things like they were but wait a sec, someone has changed the rules. The playing ground isn't level any more. It's not us 5 against the world anymore.
Two years ago we took our oldest son Cody back to America to graduate and begin college. Leaving him on his own in the perilous United States was the hardest thing I've ever done. The whole idea that I would no longer be there to protect him scared me to death. Yea, I know and don't discount that the Lord was watching over him but somehow that wasn't the same thing. There were things that only I could protect him from, he needed me, or so I thought. Here we are two years out and he's doing fine. He's making it without me to watch over him, he's able to function, he's a man.
So okay, I can live without him here with me where I can keep an eye on him. He's okay and even safe. Life has leveled out and I've learned to deal with the change. But WAIT! another curve ball and I don't even like baseball.
We have 2 and a half months (according to Josh's countdown on his Kindle) until we return to the states so that Josh can graduate and stay for college. Are you kidding me, I just got over Cody leaving and now I'm losing Josh. Hold up, do you know how long it took me to stop buying candies in 3 count? How long it took me to stop setting 5 places? Like till yesterday it seems and here we are again...another change. Now I'm down to 3 place settings instead of 4. Life is shaking me up and I don't like it I hate it.

I remember being so much younger and critical and watching missionaries leave the field as soon as their last child flew the mission coup. Thinking to my self how they gave in and quit. Wow, it I had known what I now know I would have bit my tongue off before criticizing one of those families. I know that all families go through empty nest syndrome and yes it's real but not all families send their children 5000 miles away across the Atlantic Ocean.

Our son called us the other day at 10 pm. his car had broken down on the side of the road 5000 miles away. There he was in need of help and here we were feeling as helpless as ever. Sure the Lord jumped in as always and did what we couldn't but it's troubling to lie in bed at 3 in the morning and wonder if your kid is safe or not.
And what about when if my baby Hannah leaves. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? How could I possibly send my sweet little girl out among the wolves??? I ask you? It this world fair? What if..... okay totally not gonna go there but Hannah, my baby?

Life is changing for us, there's a whole new set of rules and to tell the truth I don't like it one bit. Crossing my arms and holding my ground, I'm in protest! I don't and won't let it change. I want it to be like it was. I'm not ready for another to leave. It can't happen......but it will and there's not a thing I can do. Okay yea I could hold onto them for dear life and kick and scream through this whole change and make my sweet husband miserable or I can agree to accept it and make the best of it. I mean really, is it so bad??? If the kids are safe and living for the Lord then what's so bad about Johnny and I having the house to ourselves? Hmmm....let me ponder this thought for a sec.

pondering....pondering...pondering...pondering...

Hold up! I'm thinking I've been looking at this whole thing all wrong. Sure life's gonna be lonely without our children in the house with us. I'm gonna miss their hugs enormously, their  "good morning Moms", and laughs but wait a minute. They're not disappearing from the face of the Earth, right? They're still gonna be around, right? I mean, we do have Vonage, Facebook  e-mail, Facetime, messaging, Google+, snail mail and a ton of other ways to communicate, right?


So I think I got my proverbial cart before my unicorn (yes since it's not real it can be a unicorn). As usual my mind took off and worried and fretted long before I considered the Maker and Designer of it all. Hey He knew long ago what was going to happen in my future. He knew those children were a loan for a small amount of time. He knew that life wasn't always gonna be the same old present state of affairs. Life is living, all living things grow and change. Would I want to be dead? I mean really, the only way things aren't going to change for me is if I'm dead and well, I kinda like chocolate too much to be dead. He knew and already sent encouragement and council ahead of me so it would be there when I needed it.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
It's a promise! If His Word is true and it is as sure as I'm sitting here and even more so then I can claim his promise in my life. He promised it and I believe it!!!

Yea, I think I can do this. I think as life for this missionary family changes we're gonna have to let this missionary life change. We can't keep things like they were. Life grows and changes and that's a blessing from God. Hey, how else am I ever gonna get someone to call me Mimi and Johnny, Poppy???

Yeah, I think I could learn to love change! When's that plane arriving anyhoo?

Weight a sec!

Do you realize what today is??? Weigh in #2! I've officially made it through 2 weeks and I am psyched! I've been using My Fitness Pal and I love it! I've been tracking and being so good and I've not taken one moment to cheat.
So with all my bragging done I'm ready to let you in on my success. This week I'm down 46.4 ounces, 1315.42 grams,  0.207143 stones, 1.31 kilos, or 2.9 lbs. 2.9 lbs. is awesome and I'm totally happy with that after losing 5 lbs. last week. So I'm officially down 7.9 lbs but I'm gonna round up to 8. *wink*

Wow!

Okay so guess what today is??? No, it's not my birthday but your welcome to send gifts anyhow. No, today is weigh-in #1. So my goal is to lose 30 lbs by April 4th. Don't say it! I know that's a tall order, it's pushing it for sure but I want it!!

So for weigh-in #1 (drum roll please) I lost 5.3 jiggly pounds!!! Oh yea so that means I only need to lose another 25 lbs in the next 12 week. How'd you do?

Wow, FREE digital diet helps!

Okay now, the digital age has been a huge bump in the road for America and the world when it comes to our health. We are sitting, watching, surfing or working at a desk way longer than we ever were before which means way less walking, exercising and outdoor activities than before. The truth is the digital age is here to stay and while it's been a determent in many ways it's doing it's best to redeem itself.  

The World Wide Web has a lot to offer when it comes to health and guess what, a ton of it is free. So, this is my list of some great, free digital diet helps on the web or for tablets and phones. 

I haven't tried all of these yet but I have looked into many of them. As with anything be very careful, I can't vouch for the content of every part of these resources. If you find something improper please let me know. 

GET MOVING

Hasfit

This is a great resource for workout videos. The trainers are very clean and always dressed. This is awesome for beginners and advanced. It’s like having your own personal coach rooting you on and encouraging you through each workout.

Price: Free online only

Fitness Builder

Whether you’re starting an exercise routine for the first time, or just want some workout inspiration, Fitness Builder can help. This app lets you choose from an impressive library of more than 5,600 exercise images and videos, or, you can even ask a personal trainer for helpful advice.

Price: free on iPhone and Android. Download here.

Sit Ups Pro

If you’re in search of that elusive six-pack, or just need to know how many calories you’re burning with every crunch, this app is for you. To use it, enter your age, weight and fitness level, hold your smartphone above your chest and get crunching. It keeps track of the amount of sit ups set for you. This app is a good motivator for those who exercise best when working towards a numeral goal.

Price: free on Android. Download here

Nike Boom

Now you can achieve that long, lean and toned body with Nike’s personal trainer workout app. This version lets you choose from more than 60 workout sessions (including images and audio) matched back to your own music. Just download it.

Price: free on iPhone, iPad and Android.Download here.  iPhone  Android

  

Just Start Walking

From the Australian Chiropractor’s Association comes this easy-to-use app. It allows you to track, map and measure the distance you’ve walked, share updates with friends, while offering information on how to maintain correct posture or find a chiropractor in your area – if needed. 

Price: Free on the iPhone and Android

Nike Training Club

I haven’t used this app yet but I did download it and it looks like it’s packed with info. Nike has recently updated its star training app that offers targeted, custom-built workouts in easy-to-follow step-by-step images. It contains more than 60 workouts which you can watch or listen to for guidance. Plus this version contains five new workout routines from professional athletes including Rhianna’s personal trainer, a yoga instructor and more.

Price: free on iPhone and iPad. Download here.

TRACK THAT STEP

iMapMyRun

If you’re looking for a new running route, want to log the distance travelled or find someone nearby to run with, them this app is a must-have. This version also suggests the foods you should eat before and after your workout, and logs the number of calories burned.

Price: free on iPhone and Android. Download here. iPhone  Andriod

iMapMyRide

Like iMapMyRun, this app uses built-in GPS technology to track your cycling distance, while keeping track of the time, distance or speed you’ve cycled.

Price: free on iPhone, iPad and Android. Download here. iPhone 

iMapMyWalk

The Australian Heart Foundation recommends walking 30 minutes every day in order to keep our weight, heart and cholesterol levels in check. This app lets you keep track of how far you’re walking, and how many kilojoules you’ve burnt by storing the information on your phone (which is then uploaded to the website).

Price: free on iPhone, iPad and Android. Download here.  iPhone  Android 

iStepLog

This app is like having a mini pedometer in your pocket. Launched by Australian charity 10,000 Steps, it keeps a tally of how much you move each day which you can sync to the website to keep track of your progress. Simple and motivating.

Price: free on iPhone and iPad. Download here.  iPhone

Sports Tracker

This app contains a built-in GPS to track your performance as you get fit. It analyses your workout data, lets you share your information and photos with friends and comment on their workouts. This is the most powerful tracking app available for Nokia smartphones and it is also available for Android devices, Windows phones and iPhone.

Price: free on iPhone, Android, Nokia and Windows. Download here.

YUMMY TO MY TUMMY

 

Fooducate - Diet Tracker & Healthy Food Nutrition Scanner
Lose weight, eat real food, and track your progress. Fooducate grades your food, explains what's really inside each product, and offers healthier alternatives. We've got the largest database of UPCs - over 200,000 unique products and growing. Price: Free on iPhone , iPod and iPad

Spark Recipes

This Healthy Recipes app by Spark People lets you browse and search thousands of recipes. I particularly like that it’s all geared towards healthy eating (and they include nutrition info for each recipe).

Price: Free on the iPhone iPod iPad and Android

Honest Label

Scan any barcode in the grocery store (their database is already over 250,000 items), and it should give you clear nutritional information. I particularly love that you can keep a list of ingredients you want to avoid, and the app will warn you if it’s in one of the items you scan.

Price: Free and available here or on the app store.

 

Food labels with nutritional facts

Like to know how much saturated fat is in a Big Mac? How about the sugar content in your favourite chocolate bar? This app lets you keep track of the nutritional content of more than 7,000 foods in one handy device. Use it to monitor your overall fat and calorie intake while eating out and at the supermarket.

Price: Free on iPhone and iPad. Download here.

Good Food Near You

This is a pretty awesome resource. Type in your zip code and it pulls up all the eateries in the area and healthy options. Great for traveling or  just nursing an unexpected hunger pang while out and about. Good Food Near You helps you make an informed decision before grabbing the nearest burger.

Price: Free on  iPhone, iPod Touch

Superfoods HD

Do you know your goji’s from your gooseberries? This app teaches you about a wide range of superfoods and how to integrate them in your diet. It gives you the health information on each superfood, along with clear, useful images so you can spot them when shopping in the supermarket and over 200 recipe ideas too.

Price: free on iPhone and iPad. Download here.

Smoothie Recipes

This app contains 110 delicious and healthy smoothie recipes. There’s even suggestions for making your own mocktails, and best of all, calorie content is included.

Price: free on iPhone, iPad and Android. Download here  iPhone  Android 

WRITE IT DOWN!

Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker by My Fitness Pal

I use this App daily, even hourly. I love My Fitness Pal! Enter your age, gender, weight loss goals and this clever app will help you reach your weight loss goals in your requested time frame. It lets you keep a food diary, tracks the amount of exercise you do, and after all your hard work it tells you how much room for manoeuvre (such as a glass of wine) you have left at the end of the day. Addictive.

Price: free on iPhone, iPad and Android. Download here. iPhone  Android

SparkPeople

This is an awesome site for tracking everything. There is a wonderful food tracker, database, workout videos and community here. This is an all in one site for health. I’ve tried it and highly recommend it.

Price: Free

Calorie Count

We have over 250,000 foods in our database.

Get support from our community of 5 million members.

Receive personal consultations with our independent Registered Dietitians.

Have fun and earn points, rewards, and achievements with our Calorie Camp.

Price: free on iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry. Download here. iPhone Android Blackberry

 

Lose it!

Life is busy enough as it is. Lose It! makes weight loss easy by putting healthier choices in the palm of your hand. Set up a personalized weight loss plan, connect the latest apps and devices, and start losing weight.

Price: Free

 

 

Traffic Light FoodTracker

Developed by the Obesity Policy Coalition, this waist-whittling program compares packaged food products by entering the amounts of salt, fat, saturated fat and sugar per 100g. This then generates a traffic light for each nutrient: red for high, amber for medium and green for low.

Price: free on iPhone, iPad and Android.Download here.  iPhone  Android

Easy diet diary

According to a study at Wisconsin-Madison University, photographing your meals can help you keep your overall kilojoule count under control. Use your iPhone to record your meals, then upload them to this site to keep track of how much you’ve eaten (and drunk) each day.

Price: free on iPhone and iPad. Download here.  

p.s. sorry for the sloppy formatting, Word to Blogger doesn't jive like it should. :0)