ECO EGG DYE KIT

Hey finesees!  Did you know that eggs were originally dyed red in remembrance of Christ's blood?  I definitely didn't.  Current theory is they are dyed to resemble jelly beans, and symbolic of spring, fertility and renewal.  

Saturday night, the little and I dyed a few eggs with the Eco Egg Dye kit.  Dying eggs have gone to soo many intricate levels.  However, I decided to keep it simple as my "M" is only 3.  Additionaly I decided to go with an green kit as I knew the little would find her fingers in her mouth at some point doing this process.

First a little peek-a-boo photo session (pics taken with my new Canon T4i-LOVE my camera!):

HAPPY EASTER

I HEART J.CREW

If you've been with me since MyFinessedLife's Inception, you would know I have a thing for J.Crew (see here)  J.Crew Factory is having a major sale... 50% off THE ENTIRE STORE!!!!! Today is the last day, so if there is a factory store in your area, I urge you to skidaddle on over to check out the goods.  Here's my haul:

//Jacket (similar here) // stripe sleeveless top // headband // tshirt // lace top // // denim shorts (previously posted here) // white tunic // heart skirt //

When Fashion and Home Decor Collide

The lines between home decor and fashion often blur.  Previously I posted about styling a room based on an outfit (see here).  Take a look at what happens when a print from a coat dress becomes a rug (rug previously featured here and here).

1 Jill Rosenwald Fallon Hex Rug //2 Emerson Fry Mod Geo Coat Dress

Pairings: Shoes and Necklace

1Tuxedo Shirt//2 Bib Necklace//3Distressed Skinny Jeans//4 Sued Flats

I got a catalog in the mail the other day that had this necklace in it.  It was love at first sight.  I NEED this necklace.  It is such a statement piece!  Those shoes?!  They are as good as bought.

My style is very simple and tailored with a splash of trend.  My body shape calls for simple lines (petite and curvy).  Therefore I tend to wear a lot of slim cut plants and tailored shirts.  I often buy shirts larger and tailor them to fit my silhoutee perfectly (thank me later for that tip).  Ruffles and layers just don't work I don't care what anyone says.  Even Rachel Zoe could not  convince me to wear otherwise! LOLBVS.  I'm saying all this to say this pairing of  pastel mix colored shoes and neckalace are the perfect pop against a very neutral or classic palate.

What do you think?  I would love to hear about it.

Who knew? You Can Extend Your WIFI Signal Cheap!!

Hey Finessess. What it do?!  I was on the hunt for a new wireless router until I found the following solution...aluminum foil!!!  The solution looks sooo bootleg that I scoffed when I saw it.  Tried it anyway...OMG my signal is down the block now!  I found a YouTube  demo of it.  Wanna see it? Here it go! (LOL I couldn't resist saying that)

So I got to thinking...instead of spending time making this I bet just wrapping foil on the antenna works..yep.  Aluminum can?  Yep.  Take home message, save your money on buying an antenna just get some foil.  Saving money is soooo finessed!

If you knew this already or have over WIFI extension solutions please tell me about them in the comments below.

Money Monday: 52 Week Challenge

We all know that we should be spending less and saving more.  While surfing the web, looking for savings options, I came across something called the 52 Week Challenge.  It is a plan that if you follow, you will have close to $1400 saved.

The 52 Week Savings Challenge is a weekly commitment for saving money. Each week, participants in the challenge deposit into their savings an amount corresponding to the week number of the program. So in Week No. 1, participants deposit $1; in Week No. 2, participants deposit $2 (which, when added to the previous week’s deposit, now totals $3; in Week No. 3, participants deposit $3 (making the total $6), and so on through Week No. 52. See chart below.

via

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If you follow the above example, the total balance in the account after one year will equal $1,378 – not including interest. If you are able to save more than $1,378 (plus the joke of interest that our banks give) over a year can fine-tune things  to save much more (see side column).

I don't know who created the plan, but Kassandra Mooreland has a facebook page about the challenge (see here).  She like many has a hard time saving money.  After successfully, completing 52 week savings she is leading the effort to help others succeed at this challenge.

This plan will not solve all your money problems.  However, it's a start.  Something many need.  It's easy.  So why not make it a goal?  Already saving?  Use this for your holiday shopping fund, or vacation perhaps.  Will you try it?


Saving money is sooo finessed!!!!

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It's the start of Holy Week, somehow blog posting seems so unimportant right now.  Just a little recognition of the reason that we are all here.   I'm not telling you to believe what I believe.  But I encourage you to find spirituality. PEACE

Fashion Friday: Looking to Spring for the Mr.

Hey Finessees!  Today it's all about him.  Here are some spring essentials that will keep the Mr. full swag on.

1.  Backpack (previously featured here)
2.  Bight Colored Blazer
3.  Red Suede Loafer
4.  White Skinny Jeans
5.  Camouflage Chinos
6. Tortoise Sunglasses
7. Reversible Bow Tie
8. Blue Gingham Shirt

Pairing Options: Camo/Blazer/Loafers
                           Gingham Shirt/Bow Tie/White Jeans

                       

Thinking and Growing Big

Hey Finesees!  There is this lovely phenomenon in the blogosphere called Blog Hopping.  It's a means of networking and growing your blog.  Blog hops are a database if I may call it that of blogs.  You "hop" around to each one leave a message and perhaps even subscribe if you feel so inclined.  Today I am participating in one created by the lovely Rekita.  I stumbled onto her surfing  ahem I mean researching the internet for blog inspiration.  First impressions...great smile and FAB FAB FAB curly hair.  I have to remember to email her about what products she uses LOLBVS!!!  Click the above link to vist Ms. Rekita.  Enjoy the rest of your day!!!

Spring Spring Forward: Outdoor Projects

Although there are predictions of snow for the NYC metro area, it's spring time! The date on the calendar has me thinking about outdoor projects.  This year I want to spruce up my entryway.  I am on the hunt for a new door mat, planter and possibly a bench.  Here are a few pics that I am using for inspiration.  Pics of the final project to come!  HAPPY SPRING!!!

1 Cape Cod Planter //2 Frontgate Amherst Monogrammed Door Mat // 3 Crescent Garden Round Resin Daniel Planer // 4 Cococozy Mensch Bench // 5 Young House Love Porch // 6 Neiman Marcus Planter // 7 Houzz

Wellness Wedneday Part Deux

Hi finessees!  Here's my second post of the day.  It comes courtesy of one my favorite healthy lifestyle (that she affectionately calls healthstyle) blogs, Summer Tomato.  I found this article in search of options to increase movement.  Check it out...

How To Burn More Calories Without Breaking A Sweat

               by Darya Pino | Sep 12, 2012

Photo by Rodrigo Rodrigo Rodrigo Rodrigo Rodrigo Rodrigo

It’s amazing to me how easy it is to forget to move.

This year was the first time in about 5 years that I found myself gaining weight. It wasn’t a lot, just 5 lbs over 6 months or so, but it was strange for me since I didn’t think I was doing anything different.

I write and think about healthy living all the time, and I absolutely love the food I eat. I no longer crave sugar, and avoiding it isn’t hard. If anything I have eaten healthier than ever during this time, since I started working at home and control 100% of my meals. I’ve been eating the same or better quality food than I always have, and have even improved on my mindful eating techniques.

So what gives?

Looking to Spring.

I like to switch things up in my home for the Spring.  I usually try to go lighter with my textiles.  I went to West Elm to grab a few items for my Easter Vignette (see more about that here), but true to myself, I ventured off list and grab a duvet for my bedroom! The duvet is called Spring Blossoms.  How fitting is that?!  Final pictures to come.

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My Latest Feature!!!

Hello Finessees!  Here is my latest feature over at Copy Cat Chic !!!:

JILL ROSENWALD FALLON HEX RUG

This post is brought to you by: Veronica from My Finessed Life

ZINC DOOR JILL ROSENWALD FALLON HEX RUG 8X11

^$908

HOME DECORATORS CASTLEBERRY AREA RUG 8X11

^$479

Be Seen in Green

The Pantone Color of the year is none other than St. Patty's Official EMERALD GREEN!!!!  I must admit green is not a color that frequents my life but with a little effort , I found a few things that I would defintely  consider dropping a few greenback$ for LOL.  So in honor of St. Patrick's Day here are some green things that are soooo FINESSED.





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Talk About it Thursday: 30 Day Shred

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred is a workout that claims to produce results in about 5 days.  The principle behind this workout is not repeating workouts so that your body cannot plateau.

The emergency room intern advised me my ER visit (previously post here) may be partially due to weight gain.  Soooo here I am about to challenge myself to the 30 Day Shred.  Prepare to shield your eyes, I am posting starting pics to keep myself honest.  I took a shot of patron in order to publish these pics:

OMGeezy at that back fat and gut!!!  Ugh I have work to do -_-  I need another shot.

My FatSTATS:

     Height:   5'1"
     Weight:  152.6lb (I've gained 5lbs since Dec 25th WTF is that?!)
     BMI:      27.8 (healthy is 18.5-24.9)
     Bust:       40.5"
     R Arm:   12.5"
     L Arm:   12.5"
     Waist:     Didn't take enough shots to post 0_o  *tears*
     Hips:       40"
     R Thigh:  24"
     L Thigh:  23.5"

See you at the weigh in next week.  Please wish me luck.  I need encouragement.
   

Wellnes Wednesday: Gassy Without a Chance of Flatulence

This past Christmas, I went to the ER for chest pains.  I had gas that was mimicking signs of a heart attack.  The entire ride to the ER, I thought to my self, I eat somewhat healthy, I workout regularly, and I have a 3 year old.  THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING TO ME!!!!

After an EKG, chest x-ray, and blood work, heart attack and gall stones were ruled out.  The diagnosis: GAS.  Yes ladies and gentleman I went to the ER for heartburn.  The average person expels gas 10 times a day.  Apparently, I am not expelling enough.  My husband says I hold it for souveneir  LOL.  The doctor, suggested I go get a physical, consider losing 5-10lbs (shocker!), eat slower, and get more active.

Everyone suffers from gas every now and then.  Unfortunately, for me it's more often than not :(    Going to the ER may seem extreme, but ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry.  This visit has led me to closer evaluate my health, nutrition, and declining fitness levels.  Please join me as I post my progression towards a less gassy, healthier and more fit me.  More to come tomorrow.  Pics and all (OMG am I really about to put my fat girl on display?).

Retail Finessing: Looking to Spring

I'm jonesing for warmer weather.  I've been surfing the web for items that I can wear this spring and transition them into summer, maybe even fall.  Here's a few...

1. Gucci Belt 2. Zara Peplum -previously owned (similar here) 3.Waterfall Biker Jacket 4.Skull Tee 5. Zara Quilted Cardign  6.Paul Green Prague Sandal  7. Gold Monogram Necklace 8. Denim Shorts 9. Canvas/Leather Biker Jacket 10. Skull Scarf 11. Asos Pint Pants 12. Zara Wrap Around Skirt

Cleaning 101: The Toilet

toilet

I love a clean house but I HATE to clean.  I especially, loathe and detest (did I mention I hate cleaning) toilets!  There is nothing worse than a dirty, smelly commode.  I am known to walk in and walk out of public restrooms due to their unsanitary conditions. I will wreck my bladder and hold it rather than use a filthy restroom 0_o!

Because I am such a fanatic about the clean factor in restrooms, I took to the internet for ways to REALLY clean the toilet.  Thanks to +Anna Moseley over at askannamoseley.com., I found a completely natural combination that works better than any store bought chemical.  

Here’s what you will need:

Baking Soda

Lemon Juice {fresh is better}

White Vinegar

Damp rag

Step 1: Mix a paste of baking soda and lemon juice.  If you don’t have lemon juice you can use water but lemon juice is a great disinfectant and great for removing odors.  The consistency of the paste should be about that of pancake mix.

Step 2: Spread the paste all along the bottom of the toilet {where it meets the floor}, the toilet seat, and any other area that gets a lot of over spray.  Let it set for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: When the timer expires spray the dried paste with white vinegar and let it fizzle.  Once it is done fizzing wipe it up with a damp cloth.

It’s very important that you don’t forget about the walls and/or cupboards on either side of the toilet.  It’s easy to remember to wipe the floor and the toilet but the walls and cupboards will also get sprayed and they will need to be wiped down regularly too.  Spray them down with vinegar, let it set on them for a few minutes and them wipe them down.

Cleaning the toilet, floor and walls at least once a week, with these steps, will keep the smell at bay and you won’t have to worry about what your guests think anymore!  A clean toilet is sooo #finessed.

Coo Coo for Starbucks

I love Starbucks and will do just about anything for it such as participate in fill in the blanks for gift cards.  Besides this one gives me an opportunity to share just how hot of a mess I really am.  This one comes complements of Jake and Holly.  Hope you enjoy reading as much as I did completing

1. People always tell me that I look like Kim Fields from the Facts of Life.

2. In the movie based on my life, there would only be characters based on the voices in my head and they'd all have theme music.

3. Typically, I end up regretting my daughters plum organics because I poop like crazy from it.

4. I always ask to leave off the onion off the burger, extra pickles!

5. Kim and Kanye really need to refer to themselves as Kimye

6. My Parents always reminded me that being told no built character -_-

7. Every single day I wonder if I'm talking in my sleep when I snooze on the train.

8. This one time in College I threw a gallon of water out the window onto students waited at the shuttle bus stop...it was a dare.

9. My grossest habit is chewing food that my daughter half chews (don't judge me)

10. My latest white lie was  I told someone their breath stunk because I didn't wanna chat with them...I work in a dental ofc I can say this with out being fired.

11. I know all the words to Coming to America

12. When I grow up I want to be less neurotic

13. Sexy time is waking up at 6am w/stank breath cause you don't want to run the faucet to wake the little.

14. I will never, ever be able be to look at grumpy cat and not see my co-worker

15. I think it's hilarious pop culture is more important that current events.

Finessing in Process...

MUSTARD FLEUR CHINOISE FABRIC