It`s Haute Pink!!

My cute little purse was featured in Project Lena!
 "Everyone knows that fashion-forward chic boutique, Henri Bendel has always discovered and fostered the work of young design talent. Calvin Klein personally rolled a rack of coats he designed up Seventh Avenue to the appointment…and got his first sale ever.
You used to have to show up in person for a chance at the Open See to meet with a buyer. Now, they’ve gone online and opened up the creativity to everyone across the U.S. by doing an online “Open See” contest.
The accessory that wins the most votes will be actually produced and sold at Henri Bendel."
This puts in perspective for anyone. This is how you break out!
Thank you Project Lena!!!
XOXO

Dukan Diet Update-I Dukan No More-Before and After Pics

Elizabeth and I celebrating the comeback of my hair.
You heard me right. I Dukan no more. I tried hard and I was very good. The diet is so restrictive that took all I had in me to follow it. But when my body decided to hit a plateau and not budge, followed by my hair falling out and my nails breaking, I realized this is not the diet for me.

What Happened
I was on a roll, losing about a pound a week. I exercised daily 30 minutes and ate my oat bran as per the diet. When I got sick and cheated a bit, I recommitted myself to the diet on the following week and had no consequences from cheating.
The week after, my nails became brittle and broke. That same week, my hair started falling. That was my last straw. I can handle nails breaking, not hair falling. Taking vitamins while on this diet hurts your stomach, so that was not an option.

That was three weeks ago. I have to confess, I started to panic that the 20 lbs I had lost would come back.

What I did
I started a new exercise routine-30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels. This routine is hard and gets progressively harder. After the diet, it seemed I gained just under 3 lbs. 3 weeks after Dukan, I am at the same point , weight wise when I stopped. I am taking vitamins and something called Shakeology. Portion control and drinking water before a meal as well as eating about every 3 hours is helping me.

I hate shakes. I like my eggs in the morning!! But I add so much fruit and yogurt to the shake, they are filling and yummy. Yet I don`t feel I need to gorge myself. They are super good! My hair is back and super thick and my nails are growing strong.
20 lbs. is not a lot when you have 40 to go, but it is a respectable start. Still, I don`t see it ....

What I learned
I really did learn a lot. I learned about food combining, cooking with low fat and baking without sugar. I also learned to satisfy my hunger with natural sweets rather than a Snickers Bar. That was hard, but doable. I also learned that the more I said, I can`t have that or I can`t eat that, the more I wanted it. Instead I say, I can have a small piece. By the time I get to have it. I no longer want it. Once something is back on the menu, it becomes invisible.
It took me since April 1st when I started exercising, May I took that picture and July the now pic. I am averaging 6lbs. off a month and I am happy. I am not starved. I have energy and my hair.:)

Vianney Creations Handmade Bride's and Bridesmaids' Clutch Purses

To give you a little intro, the owner of Vianney Creations is my lovely cousin Jovana Martinez-Almodovar. She designs and creates bridal clutch purses. Being creative in our family is certainly genetic and the entrepreneurial spirit must be closed stitched along with it. No pun intended.

Here is my interview with my lovely cousin and her creations.
1-What is your inspiration? When did you have that moment that said; "Aha! I should make purses!"
The bridal collection is versatile inspired by the desire to have a clutch not only for a wedding but a clutch that you can take with you to girls night out and to an elegant and sophisticated party. I`m inspirited by colorful tropical island that I am from(Puerto Rico), the Asian descent in my blood and my kids. It is funny how I can pair two colors by just looking at my daughters coloring book, she is only 3 years old. I started making clutch purses when my husband and I were invited to a special dinner and I wanted a unique purse that’s when I decided to make my own unique clutch line, there I said “Aha! I can make it a business.

2-How do you choose your fabrics?
Choosing the fabrics is very simple, but choosing the colors are very fun and relaxing. Since my line is Bridal Clutches I look into all bridal fabric selections. I have few online stores that I buy from that provide a quite variety of fabrics.

3-Are there any designers you admire? Why?
All the well known bag designers are inspiration to me. Each of them have their unique style that make me wonder

4-How long have you been sewing for?
I officially started a year ago and when I say officially is because I have always sewn little sewing craft projects. It was a year ago when I decided to make it a business and started with making clutches.

5-Why did you choose purses?
I have a passion for small handbags because I am petite and when I look at my handbag designers I think of what would I change to make one differently.. I love to make small purses for special occasion to complete a nice outfit to go out with girlfriends, a date, to grab a coffee. I am focusing on bridal accessories because I believe a small clutch it is a chic unique gift for bridesmaids. Most of bridesmaids often spend a lot of their personal time and money making sure the wedding is exactly as the bride’s desire, why not an appreciation gift for their time and effort? It is a unique gift that they will use again and again.

You can visit Vianney Creations on etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/VianneyCreations
 and on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vianney-Creations-Brides-and-Bridesmaids-Clutches/188389364533572

Fashionable Stationery & Gifts