Wardrobe Update: New Robe

Baby its cold outside...

Brooks Brothers Robe – Cashmere

Best Laid Plans Meet a Wall of Resistance

Just as I announced to everyone that I was going on the 2012 Whole Living Action Plan for 28 days my family stepped up and refused to go on it with me.  Healthy eating - fine, Exercise - fine, Contemplation - fine, but no fast and they're weren't even thinking of themselves.  They saw how much I suffered last time and didn't want me to go through it again.  Stubbornly I refused and announced I was doing this by myself then.  Well after one week I've conceded.  Cleanses just don't work for me and leave me in such grief that it's just not worth it.  For this entire week I've felt nauseas, tired and irritable.  BUT, I'm going to continue with the exercise program at any rate. 

Cinnamon Poaches Applies with Walnuts

This is one recipe that I tried this week that the family all agreed they could live with.  There are few others that were good too, but they left me in discomfort so I'm not posting them.

There might be other factors involved as well since I've been pushing myself since the beginning of November when my mom died.  I've been going non-stop as we ramped up for Christmas, I started a new job and dad was diagnosed with ALS.  We've sold the home they lived in for 34 years and began sorting through everything and packing up to move my dad into a new apartment on his own.  Doctor's have advised us to keep stress to a minimum for dad so you can imagine what this move has been like. 

The timing just isn't going to work for me.  Maybe I'll tired again next year.

Meditation of the Week

Think before you eat. Take three deep, slow breaths before every meal and give each bite your full attention.

For those who still want to follow along:

Week 2 Shopping List
Week 2 Recipes
Wake up with weights

Bathroom Cosmetics Makeover

I love a clean organized bathroom and this just speaks to me...

Domino Magazine

As part of my get organized again plan, I'm weeding out under the bathroom sink today.  Yuck - why do we hold on to old toothbrushes and empty toothpaste tubes?

What Time is It? #11

I love this watch from Ralph Lauren.  Diamonds, black alligator print watch band.  Classic, simple, elegant and diamonds..  Everything I love.

Ralph Lauren

I'll take it in this simple gold and brown alligator print watch band as well.

While I'm at it, I could go for some of these gold link chain bracelets to wear with my black turtleneck collection.

All images Ralph Lauren

New Lamps for my Entranceway

I’m thinking a pair of these would look nice on my entrance table...

Ethan Allan

For the Record

I have to say that I am in total agreement with Heather of Habitually Chic when she recently blogged that Looking Good is the Best Revenge.  I could never see what Demi Moore saw in Ashton Kutcher.  They just seemed so wrong for each other and it had nothing to do with the age difference.  She looks fantastic and I hope she finds happiness with someone more mature (and again I'm not talking age here).

Demi Moore for Harper's Bazaar

Vacation Destination - Round Hill, Jamaica

Poor Ralph is going to think I forgot about him...

India Hicks paid a visit to Ralph Lauren’s Round Hill home in Jamaica.  This is the one once owned by Babe Paley and her husband so you know it’s got style.  However, in typical Ralph fashion, he’s made it even better.  I’m hoping for my invitation any time soon.

Photo by India Hicks

Closet Inspiration - Made by Girl

It’s time to start organizing my clothes...

I think a clearing out of my clothes closet is definitely in order.   I was truly inspired after viewing this closet that her husband designed for her using IKEA materials.

 Leopard Runner by Ballard Designs

Closet System by IKEA

Labour by her husband

A Wakeup Call - We're not 21 anymore

When my niece opened up a collection of pretty bras at Christmas both my sister and I looked at each other and commented that we really needed new lingerie.  So we decided to bite the bullet and go together for inspiration to buy what we needed.  This was not a good experience to say the least since we both tend to put this off until absolutely necessary.  Definitely not a good idea so soon into the New Year.  However, it did get us both motivated to stick to our New Year's resolutions.  Our goal - hot lingerie for Christmas 2012. 

Image source unknown

Entertaining with Camille Styles

Camille is a great entertainer.  Whenever I'm looking for inspiration I check out her site.  Here are two of my favourite video's showcasing her party setups in her home chock full of great ideas. Enjoy

A New Year's Day Brunch

New Years Day Brunch from Camille Styles on Vimeo.

A Bachorlette Party

"Made for Each Other" Photo Shoot: Behind the Scenes from Camille Styles on Vimeo.

Along the Same Vein

BMW came up with some new concept car interiors this year.  I must confess I love this look.

Close up of the details

This one is referred to as the Steinway.

OK, OK

My son is at it again.  I MUST post these cool images of a Bugatti - one of his favourite car designs.  And yes, he has framed photos of hot cars all over his room.  At least their tastefully displayed.  Ralph would be proud.

For those of you who can afford one of these.

Bugatti

2012 Whole Living Action Plan

Well I'm back at it again.  It's a New Year and a new action plan.  I learned a lot from the last one so I'm going to give this one a try but stick to the 28 days keeping in mind my doctor's instructions from last time.  So here goes. 

2012 Whole Living Action Plan

If you're interested in following along as well, here are the links for Week One:



Shopping List for Week One

Recipes for Week One

Detox Yoga Moves

Meditation of the Week:  Think about your relationship with food.  Separating physical nourishment from emotional comfort helps you eat better.

I know this is true.  Given the large amounts of stress we've been dealing with lately, I've found myself turning to comfort food and fast food that I can grab quick on the run.  How soon we forget.  At any rate, food is my comfort weakness.  You can always tell how my life is going by my weight.  Oprah and I have a lot in common.

A Fun Tutorial for Wearing Scarves

I'm all thumbs when it comes to tying scarves properly...

 so you can image my thrill when I found this fun tutorial.  It's really well done and lots of fun.

Welcome 2012

Welcome to A Serene Life for Me - 2012 Edition.

Image Source Unknown

A New Year is a time for reflection of the previous year and time for a fresh start. 

2011 was a difficult year for me.  I lost my mother, my father was diagnosed with a debilitating illness and I found that some people I thought cared about me definitely didn’t when the chips were down.  However, it wasn’t all bad.  I started my blog and found some solace in that.  My priorities have changed which is for the better and I’ve reached out to some truly wonderful people online.   I’ve found inspiration and interesting articles that have helped to put my life into perspective.  I lost some weight (unfortunately with the stress of the last month I’ve quickly gained a lot of it back), but it’s taught me that with proper eating and more self control I can lose it again when things have settled down, and they should very soon.  I’ve become a much better cook and I’ve found many great recipes that my family really enjoys.  With this blog I’m finding me again and that is worth everything to me.

2012 is a year that I’m actually looking forward to.  I have a new job that I’m finding very rewarding; a recent diagnosis for myself has made me realize what foods are disagreeing with me and what I need to do about them. Resolutions are not my strong suit so I tend to stick to themes.  This year my theme is for more self-control, personal organization, and finding more serenity from within.  I also plan to try and be there more for my family, and relax more about the small stuff.  Basically it’s about finding the balance in my life that’s been missing. 

So here’s to a wonderful New Year.