Betsy St. Amant's Blog, page 28
March 16, 2012
A little Easter prep...with a poodle on the side
So this week has been a blur of working out, catching up on deadlines, finishing up proposals, revisions, keeping up with my Little Miss's busy schedule, a girl's night, church, house projects, cleaning, working from home on my new part time job and of course - shopping for my Little Miss's easter outfit. :)
I mean really. Nothing beats a toddler in a new Easter dress.
Her outfit this year is going to be precious. I'm a bit of a stickler for "she has to be able to wear it more than once" and since toddler girl dresses can be ridiculously expensive, I refused to get anything that was too "easter" in design. I wanted spring that could transition into summer. And I found it at this cute little consignment shop called "Hock Your Smocks" - which is exactly what it sounds like. lol All smocked stuff, barely worn, all sizes, for cheap. DREAM come true for mommies! :)
We ended up finding a precious, pink and green and white gingham print, short-sleeved smocked top and pant set, with the ruffles on the pant leg cuffs. The design on the top is the cutest little poodle! Little Miss saw it and kept saying "that poodle cracks me up!!" So it was the winner. And the entire set was $30. Sweeeeet.
Are you Easter shopping yet? Have you found "your poodle"?One of these days I wanna go all out for church on Easter Sunday with the big frilly hat. hehehe. It just feels right ;) Buuuuut probably not this year.
I love springtime! (I do NOT love the wasps and horseflies already buzzing around my carport)
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I mean really. Nothing beats a toddler in a new Easter dress.
Her outfit this year is going to be precious. I'm a bit of a stickler for "she has to be able to wear it more than once" and since toddler girl dresses can be ridiculously expensive, I refused to get anything that was too "easter" in design. I wanted spring that could transition into summer. And I found it at this cute little consignment shop called "Hock Your Smocks" - which is exactly what it sounds like. lol All smocked stuff, barely worn, all sizes, for cheap. DREAM come true for mommies! :)
We ended up finding a precious, pink and green and white gingham print, short-sleeved smocked top and pant set, with the ruffles on the pant leg cuffs. The design on the top is the cutest little poodle! Little Miss saw it and kept saying "that poodle cracks me up!!" So it was the winner. And the entire set was $30. Sweeeeet.
Are you Easter shopping yet? Have you found "your poodle"?One of these days I wanna go all out for church on Easter Sunday with the big frilly hat. hehehe. It just feels right ;) Buuuuut probably not this year.
I love springtime! (I do NOT love the wasps and horseflies already buzzing around my carport)
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March 14, 2012
March 13, 2012
C is for Cupcake
There is a bakery here in town called BUTTERCUPS that is amazing.
And the calorie/fat content in one of those puppies is probably equally amazing on the other extreme, but hey. Some things are just WORTH it.
I've been craving one for awhile now, since I've been avoiding them because of the gym. I didn't lose 4 inches by frequenting the shop often ;)
But seriously. It's time. I think I've earned it!! (right??)
This place was on CUPCAKE WARS, my favorite Food Network show, a year or two ago. They are truly the best cupcakes ever, and are giant to boot. Now Buttercups has expanded to cake balls and sodas and coffee and little whoopie pies, but nothing beats their cupcakes. Mmmm. I'm talking Banana Pudding, Chunky Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Strawberry, Pink Vanilla, Wedding Cake, Cinnamon, Mint, Blueberry Muffin, seasonal varieties like pumpkin and...
Okay I gotta quit talking about it.
I just saw this quiz and had to pass it on, since I'm drooling over cupcakes anyway. Might as well embrace it, right?
http://www.blogthings.com/thefancycupcaketest/
What'd you get? My results are:
YOU CRAVE HONESTY
You are a very real person. You tell it like it is, and you try to see every situation clearly.Your life may not be perfect, but you try to make it as perfect as you can. And to do that, you need to own up to everything!People may be overwhelmed by your honesty at first, but they appreciate your candor over time.You don't hide who you are, and who you are is pretty darn great because of it!
Hmmm. Pretty true.
And HONESTLY - I want a cupcake.... ;)
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And the calorie/fat content in one of those puppies is probably equally amazing on the other extreme, but hey. Some things are just WORTH it.
I've been craving one for awhile now, since I've been avoiding them because of the gym. I didn't lose 4 inches by frequenting the shop often ;)
But seriously. It's time. I think I've earned it!! (right??)
This place was on CUPCAKE WARS, my favorite Food Network show, a year or two ago. They are truly the best cupcakes ever, and are giant to boot. Now Buttercups has expanded to cake balls and sodas and coffee and little whoopie pies, but nothing beats their cupcakes. Mmmm. I'm talking Banana Pudding, Chunky Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Strawberry, Pink Vanilla, Wedding Cake, Cinnamon, Mint, Blueberry Muffin, seasonal varieties like pumpkin and...
Okay I gotta quit talking about it.
I just saw this quiz and had to pass it on, since I'm drooling over cupcakes anyway. Might as well embrace it, right?
http://www.blogthings.com/thefancycupcaketest/
What'd you get? My results are:
YOU CRAVE HONESTY
You are a very real person. You tell it like it is, and you try to see every situation clearly.Your life may not be perfect, but you try to make it as perfect as you can. And to do that, you need to own up to everything!People may be overwhelmed by your honesty at first, but they appreciate your candor over time.You don't hide who you are, and who you are is pretty darn great because of it!
Hmmm. Pretty true.
And HONESTLY - I want a cupcake.... ;)
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March 12, 2012
Truth or Dare Contest
So I think it's totally time for a new contest and ADDISON BLAKELY GIVEAWAY! :)
The last contest was so much fun - the picture contest, where readers sent me a photo of them holding up their copy of ADDISON, and were entered to win a fun prize. (congrats again Tonya! Hope those Hello Kitty boots are treating ya well!!! hehe)
Let's mix it up this time. Since I'm giving away a copy of ADDISON, I can't very well tell everyone to send me a pic with their copy already. ;) So....
Let's play truth or dare.
I'll admit it - I HATED playing this game at slumber parties. I always had to tell a truth about the boy I currently liked, because no way was I freezing my bra or streaking the backyard or toilet papering the neighbor's trees. ::shudder::
But this is my blog, so I don't have to play ;) YOU DO! So, in the comment box, either leave a confession of sorts (has to be true!) or leave me a description of a dare you once performed (either during via playing this Truth or Dare game over the years, or by losing a bet, or just in general) Doesn't have to be shocking or impressive, just true. Keep it honest! And remember this IS a public post. LOL.
At the end of the week (Friday) I'll do a drawing and the winner will receive an autographed copy of Ms. Addison in the mail. Sound like fun?
Truth.....or dare? ;)
GO!
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March 9, 2012
M-Day!!!
So today was the day I measured! The dreaded "M-Day". I went out with a friend last night for a girl night dinner, and was so proud of myself. At a steak house that boasted buttery rolls made from Heaven, peanuts at your table, and the best fatty appetizers and desserts around, I simply had grilled Tilapia, grilled skewered veggies, ONE roll with no extra butter on it, and diet coke/water. As much as I wanted the dessert shooters and the cheesey fries, I restrained, because there was no way I would blow it the night before M-Day!
And it paid off!
After six weeks of working out hard at the gym, 3-4 days a week, and slightly moderating my diet (as in, counting calories again but not being overly strict), I lost 2 lbs, 4.25 inches, and 1% body fat.
Not bad! I'll take it! :)
My trainer said that was just right with my goals and my starting weight, and she was pleased with the numbers from all the different areas. We knew I wouldn't drop much lb-wise anyway, since I've been gaining a ton of muscle, and that weighs more than fat. I was glad to see the inches came off the areas I'd hoped though. Woohoo!
So we revamped my workout routine, mixing things up a little (I'm adding the row machine for arms and cardio options, and adding pushups and pullups and more floor routine in regards to lunges, squats and leg lifts, while at the same time ditching the leg press, leg extension, and leg curl machines, etc.....uh, to name a few. Yeah, she keeps me busy!) We'll measure again in 6 weeks and see how it goes again.
I'm very inspired and happy! Besides the obvious benefits of weight/inches lost and feeling better about myself, the endorphins have been fabulous. Since I started working out 6 weeks ago, I've had fewer headaches, slept more soundly at night, had more energy during the day and less need for naps, etc.
I highly recommend finding a gym - preferably one with a 5'6, blonde, booty-kicker named Alyssa like I have at mine. hehehe.
Now the goal is to simply NOT celebrate with a cupcake....
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And it paid off!
After six weeks of working out hard at the gym, 3-4 days a week, and slightly moderating my diet (as in, counting calories again but not being overly strict), I lost 2 lbs, 4.25 inches, and 1% body fat.
Not bad! I'll take it! :)
My trainer said that was just right with my goals and my starting weight, and she was pleased with the numbers from all the different areas. We knew I wouldn't drop much lb-wise anyway, since I've been gaining a ton of muscle, and that weighs more than fat. I was glad to see the inches came off the areas I'd hoped though. Woohoo!
So we revamped my workout routine, mixing things up a little (I'm adding the row machine for arms and cardio options, and adding pushups and pullups and more floor routine in regards to lunges, squats and leg lifts, while at the same time ditching the leg press, leg extension, and leg curl machines, etc.....uh, to name a few. Yeah, she keeps me busy!) We'll measure again in 6 weeks and see how it goes again.
I'm very inspired and happy! Besides the obvious benefits of weight/inches lost and feeling better about myself, the endorphins have been fabulous. Since I started working out 6 weeks ago, I've had fewer headaches, slept more soundly at night, had more energy during the day and less need for naps, etc.
I highly recommend finding a gym - preferably one with a 5'6, blonde, booty-kicker named Alyssa like I have at mine. hehehe.
Now the goal is to simply NOT celebrate with a cupcake....
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March 8, 2012
Oops!
Sorry! I posted on Scribble Chicks today - I promise ;)
www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com
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www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com
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March 7, 2012
Crafty at Scribble Chicks
Visit me today at Scribble Chicks and hear something new on writing craft I learned at the local conference last weekend!
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March 6, 2012
A day for daydreams...
Okay, so I'm in a daydreamy mood today, maybe because our weather this season has been so jacked up. One day I'm dreaming about Vermont or the Alps, the other day I'm dreaming of the Bahamas and Hawaii.
Sigh.
I think Spring is here. Actually I think it's been here for about 4 weeks, and the groundhog was not only confused about seeing more weeks of winter, he was downright wrong. It was humorous at the time anyway because the same day he predicted 6 more weeks of winter, it had already been 80 degrees here. Ha! Sounds like someone should retire.
So I guess I need to accept reality - winter just never happened, and it's time to put away the beautiful orange peacoat jacket and bust out the sundresses. (and go get a pedicure) No more dreams of snowball fights like last year. No more snowmen or watching the neighbors pull a kid on a makeshift toboggan down the icy road behind a four-wheeler. (I told you we live in the country)
Bring on the sunshine. The toenail polish. Cardigans. And...bugs. Yes, the wasps and bees are already out, probably just as confused as the rest of us. (but still sporting stingers so...they win)
So what's your mood today? You feel like skiing or laying out in a bikini? :)
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Sigh.
I think Spring is here. Actually I think it's been here for about 4 weeks, and the groundhog was not only confused about seeing more weeks of winter, he was downright wrong. It was humorous at the time anyway because the same day he predicted 6 more weeks of winter, it had already been 80 degrees here. Ha! Sounds like someone should retire.
So I guess I need to accept reality - winter just never happened, and it's time to put away the beautiful orange peacoat jacket and bust out the sundresses. (and go get a pedicure) No more dreams of snowball fights like last year. No more snowmen or watching the neighbors pull a kid on a makeshift toboggan down the icy road behind a four-wheeler. (I told you we live in the country)
Bring on the sunshine. The toenail polish. Cardigans. And...bugs. Yes, the wasps and bees are already out, probably just as confused as the rest of us. (but still sporting stingers so...they win)
So what's your mood today? You feel like skiing or laying out in a bikini? :)
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March 5, 2012
More as promised...
More on the 2012 NOLA STARS conference as requested! (which is the North LA chapter of the RWA - Romance Writers of America)
Here's a pic of me with Connie Cox and Amy Liz Talley, both locals and fellow authors with multiple books. Amy is President of the local chapter.
As I said before, we had about 70 people come and a great line up of speakers, editors and agents, including editors from Bantam Dell and Sourcebooks. The big time!
Friday night we had an invitation-only "President's Tea" for the speakers and staff and editors/agents, an opening ceremony for all attendees, two workshops, an editor/agent panel (which was really fun and funny!) and then an evening finger-food reception where I stayed up late having a fabulous conversation with another woman - one of those God-ordained appointments. Love those! It's so neat to me how God can show up in unexpected places (a secular romance conference!) and bless your socks off.
This is me with Judy Christie and Janice Hanna Thompson, but fabulous CBA authors.
After I crashed and actually slept well in the hotel bed (after making a nest of six pillows and a folded-in-thirds-for-thickness decorative bedspread coverlet to ward off the cold since there wasn't an extra blanket in sight), Saturday started off with a granola bar and Diet Coke in my hotel room (this sounds terrible but was actually a relaxing way to start my day lol) and opening remarks in the Board room. Then several more workshops, a fancy lunch and awards ceremony, workshops, a multi-author booksigning, and closing reception with more heavy finger foods (which I actually skipped to go have a dinner date with my hubby and Little Miss!)
A pic of me Friday night before the festivities. I wanted to document my new purple shirt I now adore, but had no one to take a pic for me yet. LOL.
I taught on subtext, and it was a great class. I had about 30 participants and everyone contributed via questions and the exercises I had prepared. One author of over 45 books joked after the class ended "well I guess I need to go back and rewrite all my books now". haha! As if ;) It was a great time, and of course, I handed out chocolate as rewards ;) (and maybe kept a little for myself....)
My name card reservation seat at lunch for being a speaker :) It's the little things...
This is me with Lenora Worth, author of over 45 Harlequin novels (mostly Love Inspired) and a New York Times Bestseller. She's such a sweetheart and we've been friends and were nearby neighbors for a long time!
I also learned a lot. I loved Janice Hanna Thompson's class on humor, and Amy Liz Talley's on finding your voice and developing it as an author. No matter how many books you have under your belt, you are never past learning more!
So all in all, the NOLA STARS really know how to put on a good show! I think everyone left a little drained and tired but at the same time, inspired and ready to incorporate their new writing skills into their manuscripts! Several also got requests for submissions from agents and editors, and we all had fun. Not a bad weekend :)
Booksigning with Janice and Karen Witemeyer, a writer for Bethany House of historical fiction :)
How was yours?
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March 3, 2012
MIA for good cause...
So I've been MIA because of this weekend's local RWA conference! (Romance Writers of America) It was a GREAT weekend, we had about 70 people there and I'm just now getting home and settling in! I had a great time and the workshop I taught seemed to go really well and had a wonderful turn out as well.
(ps - totally fun to stay in a hotel alone because there is zero towel consideration. They're alllll mine ;) hehe)
I'll post more on the conference and what I gleaned from it (and pics!) on Monday. For now...nighty night!! It's back to the real world of Tangled soundtrack lyrics, ketchup stains and piles of laundry.
Can I go back to conference now? ;)
Happy weekend!
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(ps - totally fun to stay in a hotel alone because there is zero towel consideration. They're alllll mine ;) hehe)
I'll post more on the conference and what I gleaned from it (and pics!) on Monday. For now...nighty night!! It's back to the real world of Tangled soundtrack lyrics, ketchup stains and piles of laundry.
Can I go back to conference now? ;)
Happy weekend!
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