Hmmm...how is my weekly stop at Chiloso going to fit into my beautiful, newly "designed" lifestyle? Good question and I thought long and hard before I decided to go this morning.

BUT...this is exactly what I was speaking of when I was referring to diet plans making me feel restricted and unloved. I enjoy restaurants and the people in them. I don't mind eating alone, in fact, I find it very relaxing. So, it's actually healthy for me from that perspective. It's the choice of food that has to be made healthier and leaner while still providing comfort and pleasure.

This morning, I have chosen the Morning Advocado with eggs and a very small amount of cheese. I won't eat the refried beans(way too much fat) and will just probably have a taste if the potatoes because they remind me of the ones my Mamma used to make. :)

Then...I will log my breakfast into LoseIt because I really LOVE that app! And strongly believe it has great value in keeping me on track. If you haven't tried LoseIt I highly recommend it for really getting to know your eating habits and keeping track of your intake. Great tool!

What's on your plate today? What does your beautifully "designed" life look like?

Have a great Wednesday!
Kim

As part of my goals for 2013, I have taken on the challenge of getting healthy and fit FOR ONE LAST TIME. Yep, that's right ONE LAST TIME! I dont ever want to have to do this again...lose 15, gain 15, lose 15, gain 15...so frustrating and really defeating. 

I have tried it all and with much success...Weight Watchers, Jillian, The Core Balance Diet, The Fat Flush, and I have loved each one while I was "in the mode"(you have to get "in the mode"). Most recently I have been using LoseIt which I really like alot! I have even spent two years training with a personal trainor...only to gain the weight back and lose the muscle tone when I got a kidney stone and had to have two surgeries to remove it. It took me 6-9 months to feel like doing anything at all and at that point...well, you know the story...I would have to start all over again.

The reoccuring problem for me(and maybe for you) is that when I STOP using the plan and get back into my normal routine...the weight slowly comes back. So slowly in fact, that it really feels like I have control and then BAM! My pants feel a little tight and the zipper is starting to pull, my clothes look a little more lumpy than they had before...Dang it!! It really makes me crazy!!!

How many times have I been there...too many too count! So what's the solution? I WANT to be healthy and fit and that seems like it should be enough but it isnt. Simply wanting it should work but it doesnt. The problem lies in that I actually have to MAKE IT HAPPEN and it's alot of hard work. In fact, most of the time(as I am sure you have experienced) it requires changing my entire life from dawn to dusk which is probably why it doesnt last, it's unrealistic at least for me. 

So what's the solution?

I was listening to a Tobi Fairley Mastermind Telecall today(she is my business coach and I love her telecalls!) and she was talking about "DESIGNING" our design process from initial client contact to installation. She wanted us to chart our process from beginning to end marking along the way our services that make our client's feel special; a really interesting topic of discussion and one that is essential to establishing great client satisfaction and referrals.

Hmmm....I pull together design projects for clients everyday. From start to finish, I "create"  beautiful, comfortable lives for them within their homes. I create a life that functions for them daily in a very beautiful way.

Light bulb moment!!!

WHY AM I NOT DOING THAT FOR MYSELF???

Why am I not "DESIGNING" a healthy and fit lifestyle that works for me? Why am I struggling to make someone else's plan fit my life...it's never going to work. That's like trying to make a sectional sofa fit in a tiny room...not gonna happen because it isnt what you need! I need my own plan, my own menus and schedules that work in my life. The way I like to live it. :) Is it really that plain and simple? 

WHAT works for me? WHAT works for you?

Being at the gym at 5am everyday??? Ummm, I dont think so, I REALLY enjoy my sleep and for the first time in the past twenty years, I can sleep-in because I dont have to take children to school. So, sorry, but I have earned the extra z's and I intend to enjoy them! BUT, being at the gym by 9am, two days a week...now that's appealing and something that could happen and I would really enjoy :)

And what about food, that's a biggie right? Every diet that I have ever tried has RESTRICTED my food intake and the types of foods that I could eat or at least that's how it felt when I was following the plan. "DON'T eat this, you CAN'T eat that". I always feel like I am a two year old and am constantly being told that I cant have something. Anyone that knows me, knows that that boat ain't gonna float!! Tell me NO and I immediately start trying to figure out how I can get around the NO and have what I want.(I see my Mom and my Hubby shaking their heads in agreement, lol)

Just starting a diet makes me feel deprived and that is a recipe for disaster.

I LOVE food, really love food. I am a "Foodie" and proud of it! Love organics, love chef prepared dishes, love to eat out at REALLY GOOD restaurants and I LOVE to cook when I am not rushed; so cooking dinner after a long day's work doesnt interest me...I want to be fed. I want comfort. And comfort is not preparing a meal that may or may not be eaten because my family is all over the place with their schedules. Solution? 

"DESIGNING" a menu/dining plan that FITS my lifestyle. One that comforts me when I need comfort and one that allows me the leisure time I require when I want to prepare a meal. One that has food available for my teenagers when they appear in my kitchen and for my hubby after a long days work...sometimes 7-8pm at night which is long after I have become hungry. This plan will take some work to get it right but do you see where I am going with this? 

For me, a "DIET" isnt going to work but a custom "DESIGNED" plan for the life I want to live just might do the trick!!! Why didnt I think of it sooner? I have only been "DESIGNING" for twenty years!!! lol

So what about you? Are you struggling with your weight too? Stubborn 15-30 pounds? Why not spend the time creating a plan that works perfectly for you? I think it's a brilliant idea!! And I am really excited to get started on mine!

Stay tuned for more thoughts on creating my healthy and fit, beautifully "DESIGNED" new life for 2013! I can't wait to share it with you soon! 

I LOVE designing beautiful homes for the lives of my clients. If you are looking for someone to assist you in the area of design, please give me a call :)

(Photos are the property of Kim Hoegger HOME. Please "Pin" away! But please also give credit to Kim Hoegger HOME for the photos. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.)

Have a wonderful evening!

And CHEERS to a beautifully "DESIGNED" life in 2013!

Warmly,

Kim 

I love Saturdays. I especially love Saturdays spent with my family at sporting events. Today, we are spending the day at my daughter's volleyball tournament.

Her team is doing well and it's a lot of fun to watch. If you have ever been to a tournament, you know it can be a long day...playing and then waiting to play :)
My hubby and I are currently spending our waiting time relaxing in the truck with the heat on...it's chilly outside.

He is sleeping(snoring) and I am reading my new issue of Vintage Style Magazine. It's especially interesting this month as my dear friend, Shelley Price, has her home featured. Check out pages 24-31. So very pretty. Congrats Shelley!!! www.sweetpeahome.blogspot.com

While browsing the issue, I ran across a recipe for Lavender Limeade. Doesn't that sound refreshing? You know me and good recipes...I always have to share!

Here you go, Lavender Limade.

Lavender Limade
6 heaping teaspoons lavender
12 cups water, divided
2-3 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
Lavender sprigs for garnish
Lime slices for garnish

Mix lavender, 3 cups water and sugar to taste in a saucepan. Boil gently for 5 minutes.

Strain out the lavender and add the now lavender-infused simple syrup mixture to 9 cups of water, lime juice and salt. Mix well and serve ice cold. Garnish with lavender sprigs and sliced lime.
Make about 14 cups.
Enjoy!!

Looks like this recipe might be from the book Sip and Savor" by James Farmer T. Farmer III.

Have a great Saturday!
Kim

For those of you that follow my blog on a regular basis, you know that I cherish my business coach, Tobi Fairley, more than words can say. She is an amazing business coach and I am so blessed to have found her when I did! But, more than that, she is a beautiful person, inside and out and my life has been changed forever because of her continued support and love for me as a person.

This business of design is a tough one, heck, trying to work at all when you are a Mother of four young adults, is tough, who am I kidding. Some days I dont know why I bother to try and build a business because there really doesnt seem to be much time for it! Can you relate? I know you can :)

Through Tobi's program I have learned to take care of myself. That sounds strange right? You hire a business coach to teach you how to run your business, true. BUT, Tobi insists that our businesses cant be what they need to be if we are not taking care of ourselves. Through her program you learn good self-care and what it means to work your business so that it doesnt work you. You learn how to love yourself and believe in your dreams. You learn how to have confidence and make those dreams reality. You learn that there is NOTHING you cannot do if you are willing to work hard for it and make the committment!

 In one year's time under her direction, I have completely changed my business and my life. Seriously, I am a different person now and the changes show in my business. I am stronger and more confident, happier and less stressed, I have a design business that actually makes money and I have a design business that I run and doesnt run me! That is huge ladies! And I owe it all to Tobi and her continued support and guidance! I am so very blessed to be a part of her Mastermind group :)

I always dreamed of having my work published in local and national shelter magazines and now...because of Tobi's gentle nudges and brilliant business advice, I will accomplish that amazing task this Spring with two publications! WOW!

Her program changes who you are and what you are capable of doing. If you would have told me that I would have the courage to pitch myself to online megastores like Joss & Main and One King's Lane a year ago, I would have laughed out loud! No way! BUT...six months into her Mastermind program, I was selling with both! I have even had a Kim Hoegger HOME featured sale with Joss & Main and it was a huge success!

If this sounds like something you need to do for yourself and your design business, I would love to share it with you. Please leave me a contact below or contact me via email and I will give you the specifics of how to get started. Your new business and happier, healthy self are just an email away :) Cheers to 2013 and Cheers to a new and more confident you!!!

Warmly,

Kim

What an overwhelming response I have had to my new design workshop series! I am so honored by all the requests and thank you all so much!

I would LOVE nothing more than to be able to take all of the requests but really want to keep this group small so that I can give you all my undivided attention.

I have, however, decided that adding an additional five spaces to the class will still keep it intimate and allow more of you to participate. I am thrilled to have so much interest and am so very excited to have you all coming to my new studio!

So...here they are...FIVE MORE SPACES!!

Leave me a comment or contact me via email through Kim Hoegger Home.

Happy Tuesday!

Kim

Today, I am spending the day with my oldest daughter, Kelli, who is home for the holidays from college. I love it when she is home, it such a blessing. Each time she returns she has grown so much and it is heartwarming to hear about everything going on in her life. Children are Heaven-sent for sure and this time with her is so very precious :)

As a parent, there are days when you think "what was I thinking, I dont know how to parent?" and days when you would like to throw your hands up and walk away...raising teenagers and young adults is one of the hardest things I have EVER done in my life! But God is so good and he gives us back so much in our children. Every hour ever spent in teaching, screaching or on my knees has been worth the blessings I receive everytime I am graced with her presence. She is a real jewel and I am one lucky Mom. 

Today, we are going to McKinney to spend some time returning/exchanging a few Christmas gifts, browsing the wonderful shops and to have lunch. Ever been to McKinney, Texas and shopped their quaint downtown area? 

It's a must see and one of my very favorite places to shop. I saw a sign there once that read "Therapy on the Square" and I can totally relate. The Downtown McKinney Square is my "go to" place for inspiration and relaxation. 

The stores are Heaven...true bliss :)

Some of my favorites are Chase Hall, Gray Living, Cotton Hearts, the Smitten Flea, Spoons, and Patina Green.

Chase Hall

Gray Living

 

Cotton Hearts

 

Cotton Hearts' fabulous apparel!!

The Smitten Flea - is this not the cutest sign ever?

The Smitten Flea interior...dreamy

Spoons Cafe, owned by my sweet friend, Karen Klassen

Karen has the "best" chicken salad, and the "best" desserts and the "best" iced tea in town!

Need a caterer, she's your gal! She throws together a knock out feast that will have your guests raving! Be sure to order the Strawberry Cake...OMG! Oh, another personal favorite of mine is her Signature Spinach Salad...I am hungry just thinking about it! I always order the Sig Salad and add a scoop of her divine chicken salad on top...perfection!

and then there's Patina Green Home and Market...WOW

This place is a treasure chest of goodies for the home and the heart; beautiful antiques and home accessories, organic and house-made food that is divine! Try their unbelievable dressings in take-home containers or my personal favorite, their house-baked jalopeno cheddar bread...OMG! I always take home a few loaves! Lunch is divine with delicious gourmet sandwiches served hot or cold on that fabulous house-baked bread!

Just gorgeous!

So, I am off to have a wonderful afternoon with my precious daughter. May you have a wonderful Monday too!

God Bless,

Kim

hello again, just wanted to remind you that the sign-ups for our "first-ever deisgn workshop" are underway and we are almost to capacity! Two spaces left! Can you believe it?

If you are interested in attending please leave a comment and let me know fast!

Happy Monday :)

Warmly,

Kim

I decided to write today's post in color because I really want to get your attention. I have really exciting news!! 

Kim Hoegger HOME will be offering design workshops in 2013!! I know!!!

I am so excited too!

The FIRST of my design workshops will be called "workbook" and will be held on Saturday, February 9, from 10-4pm, in my brand new design studio in downtown Rockwall.

In that class we will be creating and putting together a design project binder for you to use on your very first design project. I will be personally assisting you in creating your very own design project binder like I use on every design project. Personally designed with your own creative touches and packed full of helpful folders, dividers with labels like "Floorplans" and "Quotes" and nifty pockets for fabric swatches and other interesting inspirations; all neatly organized to make your next design project a cinch!

See how a real designer puts together a project so that you walk away with the organizational tools to DIY!

Doesnt that sound fun and inspiring???

The workshop is open to a VERY small group. So be quick to secure your place as I am only taking 10 students. I want to keep the group small so that I can give you my undivided attention.

Cost of the workshop is $95.00 and includes all the supplies needed for creating your binder, along with snacks, beverages, an adorable sack lunch and of course, my undivided attention :)

I know....such great value and so inexpensive!!!

Hurry, secure your place and save a seat for your bestie :)

It's going to be so much fun!

Leave me a comment below and let me know you are interested in attending and I will send you all the details via email.

Isnt it time you had a little fun and learned something too?

More design workshops to follow soon!

Next on the agenda is

"Finding your personal style"

This workshop promises to be the perfect starting point

for your next design project.

(Students must have attended my first workshop(above) entitled "workbook" to be a part of design workshop 2, as we will be working from your newly created design project binder)

Warmly,

Kim

Hello all, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

(Me and my sweet hubby)

I can hardly believe it, 2012 is officially over and 2013 has begun...WOW. Where does the time go? With the new year comes new goals and resolutions, right?

Ever heard of non-goals? I hadnt until my business coach mentioned them to me this week and I was very intrigued by the concept so I thought I would share it with you. A non-goal is something that you have accomplished; a moment, a habit or a choice where you were really great in the past year and you want to note and repeat. The concept of the non-goal encourages us to give ourself credit for working hard and accomplishing great things. I love that dont you? How often do we give ourselves credit for our accomplishments? Not often enough :) So in the spirit of good self-care I think we should try this non-goal thing.  

Hmmm...let's see, what would my non-goals be for 2012? What are yours? What have you accomplished in 2012 that is worth noting and repeating? 

2012 was a year of change for me. I feel like I have grown so much, learned so much and implemented so many new things into Kim Hoegger Home. It has been a great year, one certainly worth noting :)

Non-Goal No. 1  One of the greatest changes I made in 2012 was hiring a business coach. I felt it was time to focus more on the design side of things and really dive into my design business. With that decision came the closing of the store in downtown Rockwall. It was a hard decision but a good one for me personally and professionally as my design business is stronger and more productive now because of the choice. I am proud of myself for being brave enough to make such a really hard decision and stick with it! Yay me!

Non-Goal No. 2  Part of focusing on my design business meant focusing on my design work and spending the time and money to capture it with photography. I decided to  start with my latest project which happened to be our family's new lake house. Having never professionally photographed any of my work, it was quite the challenge and a lot of really hard work! The work paid off and my work has been considered by House Beautiful, Traditional Home and others. WOW! To be considered by the TOP shelter magazines in the country...little old me? A year ago I would have never considered that a possibility. It was just a dream. And now, my work on the lake house will be published in a lake publication this Spring and our guest house will be published nationally this Spring as well! Yay me!

Non-Goal No. 3 I love to write...blogs, journals, whatever, I love to think and share my thoughts on paper. I was blessed with the opportunity to write a design column this year for a local online publication, Savvy Texas Magazine. I have thouroughly enjoyed the experience and am fortunate to have been asked to consider writing a column for yet another magazine. Really, me, writing for magazines and sharing design tips with readers? Who would have thought that I would be accomplishing this task a year ago? Not I. Yay me!

So, do you see where I am going with this non-goal thing? What are your non-goals? What are the things that you deserve a pat on the back for? Give yourself some credit, a high-five and a great big hug, you deserve it! Start 2013 off with loving yourself and acknowledging all the hard work you have done thus far. It feels great! And what a great way to start 2013!!!

Congratulations on being a wonderful you :)

Warmly, Kim

For those of you who are designers and would love more information on Tobi Fairley's Mastermind Group, please watch the video below. It's amazing and you will love Tobi! If you are interested in being a part of Mastermind, be sure to register for the upcoming telecall on January 7(yes, that's Monday and it's FREE!) Click here. If you decide that you want to grow your business and become a better "you" like I and so many of my designer friends have done, please do join us in Tobi Fairley Mastermind! We would love to have you and you will be so glad that you did, it will change your life :) And if you would be so kind to mention that you have discovered Tobi Fairley Mastermind via reading my blog,  I would be ever-so grateful as we are praised for sharing our group with others and it would mean the world to me that you mentioned me :)

Watch the video here: 

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Stay tuned for some really fabulous news regarding upcoming Design Workshops in our new studio in Rockwall!! We are going to have so much fun!!! 

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Warmly,

Kim

I am a designer by trade, an artist and a dreamer by God's design.  My mind is busy every moment of everyday with thoughts of "what if?". Beautiful things inspire me and I seek out places that fill my soul with warmth and happiness.

Vintage Living by Lisa Luby Ryan is one of those places...overflowing with loveliness and charm. Walking through the front door brings on a blissful sigh as you escape the hustle bustle of the street and your daily schedule. Lose yourself, if only for a few moments, in one of their beautiful design books. Pamper yourself with lotion from Lothantique, drift away to far off places with candles by Low Country LUXE and dream of living in a french country farmhouse as you discover glorious european antiques with the perfect patina.

Vintage Living is the creation of Lisa Luby Ryan, a renowned interior designer, product designer, mentor, brilliant business woman and entreprenuer. She is one of the country's most saught-after designers and for good reason as her work is simply breathtaking.

Last week, I had the priviledge of spending the afternoon with Lisa and her staff at Vintage Living and what a delight it was. A simply lovely afternoon surrounded by luxurious Bella Notte linens, beautiful lamps designed by Lisa for Arteriors, and gorgeous perfectly patinated european antiques hand-selected by Lisa herself and artfully arranged into dreamy vignettes by her very talented staff. The store is lovely, it will inspire you, warm your heart and carry you across the pond to places you may have only dreamed of.

Lisa and her staff were ever so thrilled to share their love for the world they have created within Vintage Living. And I am so honored to be able to share it with you. Take a look at the video below of Lauren White, one of Lisa's very talented sales staff members, as she tells us about their gorgeous Bella Notte Linens.

(Pardon my voice at the beginning of the video urging Lauren to "go ahead", lol. Working on my video skills!)

Here is another video where Lauren shares the elements of a Vintage Living  bed. Loving the bed skirt from Bella Notte! What a brilliant idea!! And the custom designed pillows add just the right touch of color and texture dont you think?

Hope you have enjoyed our time today in Vintage Living. It is truly one of my favorite places to visit. Stay tuned for Part 2 of Vintage Living with a personal interview with Lisa. Coming soon!

For more information on Lisa and her retail boutique located at 6701 Snider Plaza, Dallas, visit Lisa Luby Ryan Be sure to "Window Shop" on the website(fun!!) and check out the "before" and "after" pics...truly amazing work! 

Comment on this post and be entered to receive a very special gift from Vintage Living! The lucky winner will be drawn on Friday, December 21. 

Still plenty of time to shop with Lisa and her staff at Vintage Living! Take home a bit of loveliness from Vintage Living :)

Happy Shopping!

Warmly,

Kim

Isn't this dreamy? I love it. I could see myself on this patio in France. 

So many wonderful things going here...a glorious olive tree, a simple potted flower on a vintage wicker table accompanied by a pair of folding patio chairs( a french classic). And look at that french iron bed outfitted with vintage linens...the perfect place to read a book I think :) Laundry hanging nonchalantly in the breeze in front of a fabulously painted green window! That green is perfect too wouldnt you say? And the old doors standing in as the shutters?...my oh my...I could live here or at least visit for a week or two. How about you? :)

Creating a similar space to enjoy is easy!

French Folding Chair from Wanelo $178

http://wanelo.com/p/135538/terrain-french-folding-chair-dollars178

French Wicker Table $695

https://www.onekingslane.com/vintage-market-finds/product/766697?f=google_shopping_guest&utm_campaign=Side%20Tables&utm_content=gbase&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_term=12847_528186

French Basket $625

https://www.onekingslane.com/vintage-market-finds/product/894040

See what I mean? Just start dreaming of a space and pulling it together a piece at a time. Shop places like Joss & Main and One Kings Lane for vintage items and fabulous reproductions too! Great prices and great finds!

Dont be afraid to do your own thing. It doesnt need to look like the photo above, it needs to look like you :) it should reflect your personality as well as your budget. You needn't spend $695 on a french vintage basket if your budget allows you to spend $50. You can have a fabulous patio on any budget as long as you stay true to yourself :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Kim

Ok, I admit it...I have a book fettish ;) I really do and my Mom is truly concerned and has been for years, lol. 

I just cant help myself! I see a beautiful book and I have to have it! Especially if it's a design or decorating book or a cookbook or a self-help book...ok, there are lots of books I cant seem to live without....I LOVE BOOKS!

And dont even get me started on vintage books, Lordy, Lordy, I can really go nuts collecting vintage books(that I never read but have to own because they are so wonderful and someone needs to own them, right?) I can hardly pass up a classic when at an estate sale...what a wonderful treasure!

In addition to Barnes & Noble and Amazon, two of my FAVORITE places to shop, I also love Anthropologie for their cute and clever selection of books. I always seem to leave with a book when I am shopping there...and a hand lotion from Lollia

Lollia Classic Peta...FAB!

and a candle from Capri Blue, Volcano being my favorite fragrance...delicious!

Traditional Blue Jar

"NEW" Mercury Glass Jar

And then there are the books through which I could browse for hours...and usually do, truth be known. Anthropologie is a "must see" on my holiday shopping list. I love it this time of year, dont you? Well, I love it all year round, but the holiday season is always really special. Dont you just love their ornaments? The cutest I have ever seen. And I love that they have a nostalgic, handmade, vintage look about them. Just dreamy.

Did you see what just happened here...it's just like in the store, I get sidetracked by all the loveliness, lol. 

Glitter Hummingbird

Pollyanna Bunny

Felt Arm Chair

Felt Madeline Chair

(I had to include these felt chairs, afterall, I am a designer!) 

And when I finally make it around to the books, lol, I am in pure bliss :) I can browse through their selections for what seems like all afternoon. Glorious recipes and decorating "how to's", gardening, more decorating and there is always something French and always a book about a celebrity! Last year I bought my daughter "Just Being Audrey" for Christmas and she loved it!

My Favorite Book Pics this Season from Anthropologie are as follows and I can hardly wait to own each one of them...well, maybe not all of them.   

French Flair: Modern Vintage Interiors

Kit Kemp: A Living Space

Decorate Workshop

The Gospel According to COCO CHANEL

The Elements of Style

At My French Table

Vintage Cakes

Vintage Cocktails

Plenty

How is a girl supposed to choose? They are all so wonderful and pretty ;)

Warmly,

Kim

Need a little help counting calories? Thanks to my sweet friend, Brooke, for introducing me to LOSE IT! I am well on my way to taking care of myself and learning so much about why I haven't been able to shed unwanted pounds.

I always thought I was doing things right...eating healthy and watching my carbs, etc. Through the use of this new App, I am learning all kinds of things that I was doing wrong. Most importantly eating wayyyy too much! I was shocked at the calorie content of things I assumed were good for me! No wonder I haven't been able to lose weight! I was eating twice as many calories as I am supposed too! Yikes!

With LOSE IT! I am able to really see what I am eating and it's been eye opening. Here are a few of my discoveries:
1. Salad dressings tank your calories for the day! Crazy bad!
2. Fast food salads are dangerous too! Watch the calorie count!
3. Tacos and tortilla chips aren't that bad, lol.
4. Kit Kat only has 200 calories! (Some days I just need chocolate)
5. Pei Wei has very few entrees under 1000 calories! Scary!
6. Fresh Spinach has only 11 calories per serving!! Whoo hoo!
7. Pickles have 0 calories!
8. Turkey is not only heathy for you to eat, it has a really low calorie count!!
9. Exercise gives you calories back!! Yay!
10. If I continue counting calories and staying within my daily plan, I will weigh 125 in February! YES!!!!

Try LOST IT! I love it and think you will too! It really keeps you on track ;)

Here's to being healthy and fit!!

Kim

Happy Wednesday friends,

This is the final recipe of my Thanksgiving recipe file for this year! Well, except that I need to get my sister's new recipe for Pumpkin Rigatoni! This is a must share and I will get it to you soon! Oh, and my neice brought a family favorite that was delicious!! AND my daughter's made divine individual raspberry cheesecakes, corn dip and a wonderful pasta salad. Those are coming soon too! This may well be a month of recipe sharing :)

I LOVE Wild rice but have to say this was not my favorite recipe although everyone else seemed to really like it. I think it was the bacon in it that through me off. I think I would have liked this one better without the bacon and maybe the addition of apricots or cranberries. But, if you LOVE bacon then you will most likely LOVE this recipe. I also think I made the mistake of using a wild rice blend rather than 100% wild rice. I would recommend the latter. Overall, a great recipe! Cleaned the bowl so I would say it was a hit with the family :)

• 1 1/3 cups uncooked wild rice
• 4 bacon slices 
• 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, cut into thin wedges 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth 
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh fennel fronds or flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Preparation

1. 1. Cook wild rice according to package directions; drain.
2. 2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 7 to 8 minutes or until crisp; drain on paper towels, reserving 1 Tbsp. drippings in skillet. Chop bacon.
3. 3. Sauté fennel bulb and onion in hot drippings over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until softened. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add broth and next 3 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 8 minutes or until tender. Stir in rice and bacon; cook, stirring often, 3 minutes.
4. 4. Transfer to a large serving bowl. Stir in fennel fronds and vinegar. Stir in walnuts just before serving.

Note:

Use wild rice, not a blend, for the best texture. This is really important!!! I didnt see this note at the bottom of the recipe and bought a blend. Mine didnt turn out as pretty as the picture but it was really tasty! I would also recommend using both the fennel fronds and parsley for color. Very pretty. 

Jackie Mills, Southern Living 
DECEMBER 2012

This has been fun for me to share with you. Hope you have enjoyed the recipes. Let me know if you try them and how you like them!

Blessings for a wonderful week,

Kim

Hello friends,

Today is day three of my Thanksgiving recipe sharing and this is a good one! Fresh and light. Enjoy. 

Arugula-Pear-Blue Cheese Salad

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. pear preserves
• 1/2 cup Champagne vinegar
• 1 shallot, sliced
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 8 cups loosely packed arugula
• 2 Bartlett pears, cut into 6 wedges each
• 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Preparation

1. 1. Process 1/4 cup preserves and next 5 ingredients in a food processor 30 seconds to 1 minute or until smooth. With processor running, pour oil through food chute in a slow steady, stream, processing until smooth. Transfer to a 2-cup measuring cup or small bowl, and stir in remaining 2 Tbsp. pear preserves.
2. 2. Place arugula in a large serving bowl. Top with pears, blue cheese, and walnuts. Drizzle with vinaigrette.

Jackie Mills, Southern Living 
DECEMBER 2012

Lol, I have to admit that I didnt do this one exactly right initially as I was talking and laughing and really not paying attention. I read through the recipe quickly, while trying to do too many things at once, and added only 2 tbsp of pear preserves rather than the 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp that is called for. It tasted really great but I noticed it was light on the pear flavor...and as I am typing this recipe now, I see why :) It may have also been that by the time I made this I had had a few Sparkling Winter Sangrias, lol. 

Enjoy!

Kim

Keeping it simple this year and making time for myself to ensure Peace! How about you?

Grumpy isn't a good character trait. And I know me...if I don't do something to keep the pounds off and the stress down, I will be Grumpy!

I started today with my workout to ensure I am putting my health and well being first. This ensuring that my family and friends will have a wonderful holiday. Lol

Next I am running my household errands and planning dinner(in the crockpot it goes) and then...work.

Work has to come AFTER taking care of myself and AFTER I take care of my family. That is Peace to me!

How about you...what are you doing for your healthy and well being today? Keep it simple!

Cheers to a simply elegant Holiday Season!!

Kim

Good Morning all,

Day two of my Thanksgiving recipe sharing! So excited about this one...it was divine! Still nibbling on it....yum! Be sure to make this one ahead of time as it needs a few hours to set up in the refrigerator. If you love fresh cranberries, you will absolutely love this one!

Cranberry-Apricot Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar 
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice 
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 (1/4-inch-thick) fresh ginger slices
• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
• 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries 
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

Preparation

1. 1. Bring first 5 ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Stir in cranberries and apricots, and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes or until berries begin to split and mixture begins to thicken.
2. 2. Remove from heat; cool 30 minutes. Discard cinnamon and ginger. Pour into a 3-cup mold; cover and chill 8 hours or until set.

Southern Living 
NOVEMBER 2012

Have a beautiful day! Do something for yourself today...it makes you a better you :)

Warmly,

Kim

Hello friends, 

Hope this post finds you feeling warm and fuzzy from a fabulous Thanksgiving with family and friends. Mine was wonderful; surrounded by family and friends and a table overflowing with lovingly prepared food.

I am blessed to belong to a family who loves to cook and bake. From garden to table, I have learned from the best. I remember helping my Mama pick tomatoes, okra and blackeyed peas from the garden when I was barely old enough to carry the basket. What wonderful memories I have of working with her as she tended her garden. Row after row we gathered the bounty of her garden, then home we would go to begin the preparations for lunch and dinner. My brother and sister, cousins and I would sit on the front porch shelling peas until our fingers became purple. Some of you will smile with a memory similar to this one...remembering that shelling purple hull peas will turn your fingers purple :)

What glorious food my Mama would prepare...chicken fried steak, fried okra, fried green tomatoes, blackeyed peas and cornbread...oh, and sweet tea!!! Yum! I could hardly wait for the next meal! I can smell the orka and cornbread cooking now ;)

What delicious memories I have of the meals lovingly prepared by my Mama :) and what a grand appreciation for the art of preparing food for my family and friends I have been blessed to receive.

With that thought, I want to share with you one of my personal Thanksgiving traditions. Every year, a few weeks before Thanksgiving, with a Starbuck's decaf, two pump, pumpkin spice nonfat, no whip latte in hand, I head to the magazine section of my local Barnes and Noble. I scour my favorite magazines like Country Living, Country Home, Southern Living and Traditional Home for the best of holiday recipes. I may sit with my latte in hand for several hours savoring every page of every magazine. I plan my Thanksgiving meal according to the recipes that inspire me. One from here, one from there; until I have put together a meal that makes me smile. A meal that I know will bless the hearts of those that I serve, a meal that will make them smile too. 

It's a simple personal tradition, one that I havent shared until now. But one that I treasure and find myself repeating every year because I love the result of the time spent. I love that taking time for myself doing something that I love wll result in making others happy too!

Today I would like to take my personal tradition one step further and share it with each of you :) For the next few days, I will be sharing the recipes with you that I prepared on Thanksgiving day for my family and friends. I will share with you my favorites, my not so favorites and why. I will also share with you my suggestions, corrections and additions if any. Hope you enjoy them as much as I have!

The first recipe that I want to share with you is a Sparkling Winter Sangria. This recipe is from Country Living and it's deliciously refreshing. As my guests arrive, the gentlemen wonder outside to assist my hubby frying the turkeys and baking the ham(my hubby has his own kitchen out in his barn(the man cave)) and the ladies gather around my kitchen island where we begin pulling together all the pieces of the meal. This year was extra special as both of my daughters were old enough to WANT to help. My oldest daughter, home from college, even brought her own recipes from Pinterest, how cute is that! We enjoyed shopping together the day before...so much fun!

Pulling together the meal is so much fun and such a great time to catch up with everyone. My niece volunteered for preparation of the Sangria and she did a FABULOUS job! The Sangria was a hit!

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!!!

Ingredients

• 1 cup(s) St-Germain Liqueur
• 1/2 cup(s) Superfine Sugar - I would recommend a little more sugar be added. Use 3/4 cup rather than 1/2 cup as I thought it was quite tart without it. 
• 3/4 cup(s) Green Grapes, halved
• 2 Tangerines, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small Ruby Red Grapefruit, quartered then thinly sliced
• 2 bottle(s) (750 milliliters each) Prosecco, chilled

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine St-Germain liqueur and superfine sugar; whisk together until sugar dissolves. Add green grapes, tangerines, and ruby red grapefruit; toss to combine.
2. Refrigerate until chilled, 30 minutes or up to 3 hours.(the longer the better). Mash the fruit slightly to release the flavors into the syrup.To serve, spoon some fruit and about 1 tablespoon liquid into each glass(We used two tablespoons). Divide 2 bottles chilled prosecco among glasses. 200 calories per serving.

This is a wonderful recipe and I am so happy to share it with all of you. Hope you love it!

Warmly,

Kim

Today is a very special day for Kim Hoegger Home. Today we share with you our "first ever" feature sale on Joss & Main!! What a beautiful event Joss & Main has put together and we are so very honored to be featured :)

As a long time collector of vintage collectibles and antique furniture, this kind of sale is a dream come true for me. From California to NYC, and Texas to Virginia, Kim Hoegger Home is becoming part of beautiful homes across the country. I would never have dreamed I would be where I am today....sharing my collected treasures with so many wonderful people..Thank you Joss & Main!!!

From vintage ornaments to table top trinkets...

To glorious Pink Tufted Sofas and custom-made Marble Topped Side Tables...

Hope you a can spend a few minutes today on Joss & Main and share a part of a dream come true with us!

https://www.jossandmain.com/Kim-Hoegger-Home~E2624.html

Hello friends,

Well, it's finally here, my private sale with Joss & Main begins tomorrow morning and I am so excited! I am so honored too, to have been chosen by J&M to do this sale, you just cant even imagine how honored I really am! I feel like I am dreaming. Take a few moments to check out the Lifestyle Banner on Joss & Main, they have done such a lovely job with it. www.jossandmain.com  Scroll to the bottom of the page under Upcoming Events and click on Kim Hoegger HOME...so very exciting!

With this season of Thanksgiving, it's the perfect time to count our blessings and to show our thanks to those we love and appreciate. Take a few moments today to think about how really blessed you are. Send a note to someone who isnt expecting it, send flowers to someone who cant be with you on Thanksgiving Day, bake a special treat for a neighbor who keeps a special eye on your home when you are away. It's the little things that make the most difference.

Yesterday, I received a lovely gift of the most divine English Toffee in the mail from Kathy Greeley of www.kathygreeleydesigns.com as a "Thank you" for a guest blog I had done for her recently. The gift was unexpected which made it even more special. I have to admit too, that I dug right into the bag of toffee(and had several pieces)!!! MY FAVORITE candy in the world! Thank you so much Kathy!! What a pleasure to have been a guest on your blog!

I am so thankful for my family and friends and so honored to be hosting Thanksgiving day at my home this year for them. I love pulling everything together and making such a special day for them. As soon as I finish this blog post, I am headed out to the backyard to cut some branches from my evergreen tree to use on my table and staircase. I love the smell of fresh greenery. Then I am headed to Calloways Nursery to find a small tree for my kitchen island to place in the new industrial container I posted on my facebook page last week. Such a great vintage find! Cant wait to decorate it! I will post pics when I finish!

Who are you thankful for? What can you do that will show them how special they are to you? My list of those I am thankful for is long...I better get busy :)

Check out www.jossandmain.com today to view the Lifestyle Banner and then be sure to tune in tomorrow for the Sale! Great finds for everyone on your list! 

Happy Thanksgiving to all,

XOXO Kim