The VEGAN Challenge...{GIVEAWAY}

So, if you missed the episode of Oprah yesterday on 

"Harpo's Vegan Challenge"

check out a preview here 

and the run down of what took place here

Since I am turning 30 this year! 

Yup that's right the BIG 3-0!!

I have been thinking a lot about how to get myself healthier 

and live my best life!

I am beginning to see the fine lines around my eyes a little more, 

having a few extra aches in the morning when I get out of bed, 

a lack of energy and just an over all need to feel healthy!

A lot of people make New Year's resolutions 

to get in shape and diet,

but have never been one to feel like I needed to diet or exercise.

Now after having two kids and approaching a pivotal age,

I can definitely sense a change in my body 

and I am not really liking it!

SO...

time to make some changes,

I have decided to take the 

ONE WEEK

VEGAN CHALLENGE

and see how my body responds!

What is a VEGAN? 

A type of vegetarian diet that excludes meat, eggs 

and dairy products 

and all other animal-derived ingredients.

Did you know?...

 *Americans eat nearly 10 billion animals in a year.

*The average American's yearly meat intake is 

70 pounds higher 

than it was a century ago.

*Research has shown that non-meaters tend to 

live 6-10 years longer 

than meat eaters.

For more info, check out the FAQ's

I would love it if others would join me and keep me motivated!

I know this isn't going to be easy 

and I may get a little cranky at first {sorry hubby}

and

I can't guarentee that after this I will be 

100% Vegan or meat free.

But...

I just think it is important take charge of my eating habits now,

in order to be a good example for my girls!

I want to show them how to be more conscious 

about what goes into our bodies,

and where our food comes from!

For those of us {meaning myself} that have no idea 

what we are getting into

here is a sample vegan grocery list of items 

to get us started!!

As a little incentive to my readers

that want to take this challenge with me,

if I get at least 5 people to do this with me

I will be giving away a copy of Kelly Freston's book
to one lucky challenger!

Veganist

where she gives you meal planning ideas

and alternatives to meat like this...

Instead of spaghetti with meatballs,

Try spaghetti with veggie meatballs (found in the grocer's freezer)

Instead of pizza with sausage,

Try pizza made with Daiya cheese, veggie sausage 

or mushrooms and a whole grain crust

Instead of chili with meat,

Try chili with three kinds of beans and veggie meat crumbs

So if you are up for the challenge 

and want to enter my giveaway

Go here to enter

Veganist {for a week},

Erica

xo

February PB Inspiration!

One of my favorite things to do is look through the Pottery Barn catalog 

and daydream about being able to buy everything in it!

Since my bank account won't allow that and it is slightly over priced anyway ;)

This is my inspiration post to start searching for these little lovelies!!

Here is something I have just been trying procrastinating 

to get done in my hallway

Oh I can't wait to find some of these for my new mantel

These might work too!

I don't know why, but I LOVE clocks

This just reminds me that Spring is on it's way 

and I can wait for picnics in the park

Fun little vintage pharmacy jars

Serenity...

Home sweet...

Hopefully I will get lucky and find a few of these fun treasures to share,

and as always please feel free share your finds!!

Inspired,

Erica

xo

I {heart} classics

Who said there was no such thing as LOVE at first sight?! 

Well I guess they hadn't seen these yet!!

These are the most adorable classic books!

I knew I had to have them the moment I saw them. 

I love finding vintage hardcover classics, 

but these are great for my girls! A must have :}

Anthropologie never disappoints!

<3,

Erica

xo

Pinterest is the NEW...

INSPIRATION!!!

Wow this new network is so exciting!

For me, 

this is what I have been needing 

to catalog all those ideas and inspiration 

for DIYs, blog topics, decor ideas, and the list goes on!

I was turned on to this site by Beth from The Stories of A to Z

She did a great tutorial on what Pinterest has to offer!

Here is a picture of my first PIN!

Aren't they adorable!!

Well I have a feeling I am going to be going Pin wild

all over my board with inspiration :}

Pinner,

Erica

xo

Christmas Mantel

I know it's a little late, better than never ;)

Here are a few pics of what my Christmas mantel looked like this year!

Our stocking holder train

I love this thing!

I got it four years ago at Target no less ;)

after Christmas sale for $15

This thing in no joke,

SUPER heavy iron,

your stocking won't fall,

but if you drop one

WATCH YOUR TOES!!

The mercury glass votive holders I got from Target this year

ONLY .99 each!!

monogrammed stockings from PB $15

The key is to order them right around Thanksgiving

when they offer FREE MONOGRAMMING

and FREE SHIPPING on all holiday items!!

So far I have been ordering them every year for the past 3 years ;)

Does anyone remember Illuminations the candle store?

Unfortunately, they closed :(

But that is where I got those great tree candles

(that i don't dare burn)

They are just so pretty!!

I have these small and large set of pine cones 

on the other end of the mantel.

The hurricane jars are a reuse from here

I had picked up these natural pine cones 

with the yummy cinnamon smell to fill them with!

Hope everyone had a holly jolly Christmas and

best wishes for a wonderful New Year!

On a side note:

I am clearing out my Etsy shop!

TODAY ONLY

Use code CHRISTMAS30

for 30% ALL ITEMS

These items will be gone after today,

I am working on new things for the NEW YEAR

so stay tuned!

Cheers,

Erica

xo

'Tis The Season...

To be CRAFTY!

So I finally finished the scrabble ornaments I talked about here

I really like how they turned out!

 

Even our little pooch Lucy got one!

Actually, once I got started I wanted to do one for everyone I know ;)

     

    

    

    

I ended up using twine I had and just hot gluing the letters together!

Super easy and fun project for a rainy day :)

Plus, my daughter was able to help me 

and get some practice on her letters!!

Holly Jolly,

Erica

xo

Linking to these parties

Whole Foods vs. Trader Joe's gift card winner...

SOFIA @ Sofia's Ideas

she said "Wow! I'm so glad to have found your blog!"

I am glad you did too and you are the lucky winner! 

Email me with your address and you giftcard preference 

(Whole Foods or Trader Joe's)

Happy Holidays,

Erica

xo