Friday, July 24, 2015

FABBY: Weight loss and Vignettes


Hello sweet friends!

Three years ago I lost almost 20 pounds, not eating carbs and going to the gym for Spinning classes.
All that in four months, losing at a rate of close to 5 pounds per month. I mostly didn't eat carbs and had the 'Magic Weight Loss Veggie soup' everyday.

I shared the recipe of the soup at the end of this post

In the last year I've gained 5 pounds and it's been hard for me to lose them because of many social events, going out, dinner parties, etc.
Finally I said to myself: 'ok Fabby, for a month you're going to sacrifice even if you are invited for dinner at the 'White House,' lol... (Not all that true!)

So here I am back at almost 20 pounds less like three years ago, as I did manage to finally lose the 5 pounds that were the hardest.


This pic was taken last Wednesday after I finally lost the 5 pounds that were bothering me for so long!

I know , I know... I wear very high heels cause I'm not tall (5´2) and because I simply love them and I'm still very comfortable with them.

The friends that follow me might remember I just posted about recycling my old chintz guest room drapes into a tablecloth.
I also had some material left over to make a runner for the Summer too.


I rearranged the vintage French table in the foyer by gathering some blue and white European pieces in the center.

Another angle of the table with the blue and white vignette.

Dutch Delft garnishing set at your left. In the middle a vintage English bowl. Delft bowl in back and in front a small box and onion bowl.
French-Sevres lidded urn at your right.

In the breakfast area I also rearranged the reticulated china with the Meissen two tier blue and white server, silver tray and vintage German urn.

In the Egyptian side piece I gathered all my mercury glass candle sticks together with the 'Capodimonte' tray with 'putti' and antique liquor bottles from my In-laws.


Heirloom yellow 'Italian Art Deco' liquor bottle with six small glasses, not shown here. 

In the one end of the buffet I placed my antique Dutch pewter tea set and Lady Carlyle three tier server.


At the other end of the same buffet I placed an Italian flower vase and the Shannon cake plate with dome. I love it here, so this is where it's finally gonna stay for a good while.

And lastly... I was bored with this buffet that always had silver and sterling pieces for so long... so since a couple of months ago I placed the Asian lamp here and this enabled me to add different colors, as the cobalt blue Venetian crystal compote.

Thank you so much my friends for your sweet and kind comments, you always make my day!

Thanking the lovely hostesses for having me at their great parties.


Weight Loss Magic Soup

  • 2 cans chicken broth (you may use low-sodium)
  • 3 cups V-8 juice (you can use low-sodium V8 or even tomato juice, homemade or store bought)
  • 2 cans Italian diced tomatoes
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 package sliced mushrooms
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 yellow squash, diced
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen green beans
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3-4 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large frying pan sprayed with cooking spray, sauté garlic, onions, carrots, and mushrooms for about 5 minutes. In a large crockpot, combine sautéed garlic and vegetables with the remaining ingredients. Cook on med-high for 1 hour, or until vegetables are cooked.
  • This makes a large batch of soup. If you would like to freeze portions of it to use later, undercook the vegetables just a little. Pour the soup into freezer Ziplock bags and let as much air out as you can. Lay the bags flat on a cookie sheet and freeze. Once the soup is frozen flat, it is easy to layer in your freezer and won't take up much room. To thaw, place the bag in the fridge for 24 hours and then reheat.
  • (I just place the bag in the microwave inside a bowl)

LOVE,

FABBY


I will be joining:

Before and After Wednesday     www.thededicatedhouse.com
Anything BLUE Friday     www.thededicatedhouse.com
PINK Saturday     http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com
Show and Tell Friday     http://romantichome.blogspot.com
A Morning Cup of Joe     http://thecottagemarket.com
July CLIMBers     www.godsgrowinggarden.com
Saturday Sparks     http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
BLUE Monday     http://smilingsally.blogspot.com
Inspire Me Tuesday     http://astrollthrulife.net
Amaze Me Monday     www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com

Creative Mondays Blog hop     www.clairejustineoxox.com
MMM #288 Block Party     www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com
Mix it up Monday     www.flourmewithlove.com
Rose Chintz Cottage Tea Party     http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Tuesday Cuppa Tea     www.antiquesandteacups.info
Tea Cup Tuesday     www.marthasfavorites.com
A Return to Loveliness     www.adelightsomelife.com
Friends Sharing Tea     http://blog.berinideens.com
Show and Share     http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Metamorphosis Monday     http://betweennapsontheporch.net

Tuesday with a Twist     http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com
Brag About it Link Party     www.vmg206.com
Wake up Wednesday     http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com
Wow Us Wednesday     www.savvysouthernstyle.net
What's it Wednesday     http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Creative Ways Link Party     www.posedperfection.com
Share Your Style Link party     www.21rosemarylane.com
The (Not Jus) Homemaking Party     www.hopeineveryseason.com
Create it Thursday     www.lambertslately.com
Grace at Home     www.impartinggrace.com





















 

50 comments:

  1. You are gorgeous and so chic. Your home is always as beautiful as you are. I am trying to lose 20 lbs now, so wish me luck.

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  2. You look amazing!!! I have found out just how hard it is to lose, myself, but am on track I hope. Your runner is gorgeous, and you have so many beautiful things it's hard to pick a favorite:-)

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  3. You are one gorgeous lady Fabby, and seeing how well you carry yourself, I bet no one noticed you ever gaining at all! Love all the changes in your home!

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  4. Wow you look good,your home it so nice many beautiful pcs around your home,
    Have blessing weekend
    Isora
    XO

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  5. Congratulations, Fabby! It's a challenge to loose five pounds when one is our age. I've spent the last year concentrating on loosing weight that I've gained in the last 17 years since retiring. I joined Weight Watchers. It took me a good four months to drop 20 pounds, and now I've managed to keep it off for over a year. Like you, I gained back a few pounds and it is a struggle to keep them in check.
    Your home is always lovely. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Congratulations on the weight loss, Fabby. You look so beautiful!
    Love the table runner...pretty fabric.
    Have a great weekend.

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  7. Oh, Fabby, you are simply gorgeous! You look stunning. Congratulations on your weight loss. I need to quit eating! :) Love your pretty runner and all of your pretty changes.
    Have a nice weekend.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  8. Me alegro que hallas perdido unos kilos, eso sí, no hagas régimen durante mucho tiempo sin consultar al médico pues puede haber un déficit de vitaminas.
    Besos Fabby

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  9. Fabby, you look FABBY - good job on keeping yourself healthy! The soup sounds yum (I'll just add a loaf of bread, lol), and your vignettes all freshened up. I love the chintz runner on the DR table, and the foyer arrangement. Your home and furnishings are pure luxe.

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  10. You look so good and how disciplined, Fabby. I wish I had your will power. You have so many beautiful things to play with in your besutiful home. Thanks for sharing. .Christine

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  11. Lovely home very well arranged. I admire you for the dedication to your health.

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  12. Thanks for this lovely visit for Pink Saturday. And thank you for the diet idea. I may just have to give it a try. Have a great week.

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  13. Just love your Blue and White pieces! I have always loved them. Congrats on the weight loss, I admire your determination :)

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  14. You look absolutely FABULOUS. I am so impressed with your dedication that got those stinking 5 lbs. gone, gone, gone.

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  15. Fabby,
    You look Fabulous, my Dear!! I am back on my Weight Loss journey because of my health and need for a Knee Replacement. I would love to try this soup but with my IBS, I can not eat any fruit or veggies. So unfortunately, this soup would do me in.
    Your home looks as spectacular as always!!
    Thanks so much for taking the time to drop by and leave such a sweet comment too!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  16. Fabby, You really do look fabulous dear lady. Congratulations on using your will power to accomplish your weight loss goal. Your soup recipe sounds tasty and healthy too. Your home looks lovely as always. Your blue and white vignette looks beautiful and the new chintz table runner looks so pretty on the dining table, no one would ever guess it was made from your guest room drapes.

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  17. Good for you to win over those last five pounds. You look wonderful and if you love high heels and feel comfortable, wear them with pride!

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  18. Lord help me....I am a carb addict. I will have to get psyched up to do away the carbs. I love them so.
    Glad you were able to reach that goal.

    Thank you for sharing this recipe.
    Blessings,
    d

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  19. Since I don't eat meat, carbs are a big part of my diet. I try to select 'good' carbs- multi grain, whole grains, etc. I usually have 5-7 servings of fruits/veggies every day, along with legumes, nuts, soy and some low fat dairy. It would be quite difficult for me to eliminate carbs altogether. For me the key to maintaining a healthy weight is to exercise more! I'm so glad you are keeping to your goals- good for you! Your blue and white collection is lovely. Nice runner, too :)

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  20. You're a beautiful lady! Congrats on the weight loss. Your runner is cute- love the ruffle! The table vignette with the blue and white pieces looks wonderful!

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  21. Dearest Fabby,
    For losing those stubborn 5 lbs, I salute you and you look like a model in that photo.
    You are very smart for wearing high heels as it gives you a perfect extra height and works very slimming as well! As long as one is comfy wearing them, it looks stylish and elegant.
    Your table runner looks gracious and how clever for recycling like that.
    Lovely groupings you created and yes, that adds a new look to our daily life.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  22. Congratulations Fabby! Your recipe sounds wonderful and with results too...you look great!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  23. Que guapa y elegante amiga. Se lo dificil que es perder unas libras demas. Poco a poco. Pero es un gran logro perder 5 libras a nuestra edad. Me encantan tus zapatos tu esa hermosa falda. A mi tambien me gustan los tacos pero por dias no puedo con ellos.

    Tu hogar tambien es super elegante Fabby. Tienes excelente gusto.

    Que tengas una semana fabulosa.

    Janet

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  24. Fabby, You look beautiful ! I love your outfit too.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  25. Fabby, you look wonderful. I too am short so need all the height I can get. Thanks for the recipe. A friend of mine said she loves this soup because it fills her up and yet is very good for you. A do love your runner! So nice on that beautiful table. Congratulations on your success story of weight! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  26. Fabby,
    You look amazing. Are you a friend of the Royalty.

    I mean I never seen anyone living in a home like this. Only Royalty. My first time here to post.

    Gorgeous. Do you clean all that or you have a maid?

    Love your blue.

    Sorry for acting like a dizzy person. I just thought you were showing me in a place you visited on a trip.

    Never seen a runner like this. Wow!

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  27. Hi Fabby,

    You look so good, and you put me to shame. You're as pretty as your home! Thanks for sharing.

    Happy Blue Monday!

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  28. You look fabulous, my friend! I know it sometimes seems harder to get rid of that last five pounds. You have two inches on me. I am very short {petite} and I can't wear high heels either because of back issues. Your outfit is cute too. Congratulations on your success!

    You have so many beautiful pieces in your home. It would be fun displaying them in different areas. The runner is pretty as well. Thank you for sharing and joining my tea party and enjoy your day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  29. You look gorgeous, Fabby, and congratulations on your weight loss!!!
    All your vignettes are so pretty, and I enjoyed taking a peek at all your creativity.

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  30. You look stunning, my friend! congratulations on the weight loss -- it is so hard, but it is worth it, isn't it! You and your home are both so beautiful. I love to rearrange things, too; it gives everything a fresh look. You have some lovely pieces to "play" with.

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  31. Fabby, you look absolutely beautiful.....but what makes you truly perfect is how beautiful INSIDE and how it matches your outside so well.

    Always enjoy seeing your beautiful home and china collections.

    Nice job on the runner- perfect summertime look!

    And lastly, thank you for sharing the recipe. The Good Lord knows I need to lose weight. I am at my largest, and REALLY feel it wearing my foot boot. Shame on me. You and Deb Montgomery have really inspired me. Well, kinda, um maybe I will lose weight....lol.....hugs! ♥♥♥

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  32. Congratulations Fabby, you have done amazing :) you look great, I love spinning!!

    Pinning :)

    Thanks for linking up to Creative Mondays

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  33. You look mah-velous, Dah-ling! I will save your soup recipe. It looks a bit like the one that made the rounds about 20 years ago from weight watchers, only better!

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  34. Congrats on your weight loss! You look great and so does
    your beautiful house :)
    Joy @ Books and Life

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  35. Good for you, Fabby! The last 5 pounds are always the toughest to shed! Congrats on the successful weight loss!

    Your blue and white decor are lovely, as always.

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  36. Your home is so lovely and interesting too!! But not as lovely as you!! So chic and upscale.........you did good!! xoxoxo

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  37. I found your blog through a comment you left on another blog, and I was going to congratulate you on your weight loss but dang-your house is amazing! I totally got sidetracked lol.

    Congrats on the loss :)

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  38. Like it happens with your Vignettes and Tablescapes everything you do is for better. Always getting better. One could think "oh well, Fabby has a new Vignette" and just stop by to check on it but we get in awe by the amazing pieces you have and the magical touch you have to make them shine in an amazing Home. When I read weight loss I immediately thought "but she already looks so perfect the way she is" but you got even better... and more happy with the goal achieved so GO FABBY! Getting ready for the new baby to know the most amazing Grandma ever.
    You wear heels very well. Somehow I thought you'd like them as you're so feminine and coqueta ahahahah
    Well done dear friend! All in all.
    Love,
    Teresa

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  39. Such a beautiful home and wow on the weight loss! Enjoyed your post very much. Thank you for sharing it with us at the Brag About It Link Party!

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  40. Dear Fabby.. Thank you for your stop. I always admire your beautiful home and your collections. The runner with frills on the table is so pretty. You look gorgeous with your new look. Have a great morning. Love and hugs...Sujatha:)

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  41. You look amazing...as always! Congratulations on your weight loss; I'm going to try the soup myself, it sounds very tasty. Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday :)

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  42. Great job, Fabby! You look amazing I'm going to have to make some of that magic soup!
    You have such beautiful collectibles.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  43. Hi Fabby,
    all you do, is great. You look so pretty and so does your home. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  44. YOU look FABULOUS!!!! Thank you for the recipe!

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  45. My sweet, and beautiful friend! Fabby, you look amazing! I too have been working on losing weight. So far, I'm down 15 lbs. You have given me much inspiration to keep going! And, you know how much I love your blue and white in your gorgeous home! Thank you for sharing. You are one of the features at the Round-Up from the Before & After Wednesday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link so you can check out your feature. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/07/the-round-up-from-before-after-wednesday_29.html Sorry for being so late in letting you know. I'm a little behind since being away on our little beach vacation. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  46. Fabby you look beautiful!! Your home always looks beautiful...I love the blue and white pieces you added to the table in your foyer!

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  47. I am a new reader. I just want to say that you look lovely. I think I found you from Rose Chintz Cottage? I have been reading many blogs, so I cannot remember. I love your decorating too. Blessings, Kathi

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  48. Fabby! The Weekly Feature Series is live, where you are one of the features. Here's the link so you can check it out. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/08/weekly-feature-series.html Have a wonderful Sunday! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  49. Que linda eres y estas, querida Fabby! Congratulations on your weight loss--those few pounds ARE often the hardest! Your vignettes are lovely, as always. I'm so glad to visit you for a little while! Carinos para ti y tu familia linda. ~Zuni

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I love to receive your sweet and generous messages. You always make my day !

FABBY