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A Fresh Start

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Embossed tart tins on antique paper with French writing, and some paperwhites.
Hello.  I hope your year is off to a good start.  So far, so good here.  I always love the beginning of a new year.  It’s a season of possibilities…not knowing what will unfold in the next twelve months and feeling like it’s a fresh start.
 
I didn’t chose any special words to reflect on or guide me throughout the year, nor am I making any resolutions…the list would be far too long.  I just want to focus on being happy and having God take control of my life instead of trying to map out the future myself.
 
It’s been so wonderful here weather-wise, that I’ve kind of tricked myself into thinking that Spring is right around the corner.  I’m sure mother nature has other plans though.  I thought I’d bring a little of that Springtime feeling into the house by planting some paperwhite, grape hyacinth and crocus bulbs.  I’ve forced paperwhites before, but have never tried the others so hopefully they’ll be as easy…I’ll keep you posted.
 
Now that the holidays are over and a new season is upon us, I’ve decided it’s time to focus my attention on something that’s really starting to annoy me…the tightness of my pants.  Oh my, it’s scary people.  I can hardly get my fattest pants on and it’s getting to the point where I’m going to have to wear my sweatpants out in public…or some maternity pants.  Just kidding about that last one there.  That definitely won’t be happening, it’s bad enough wearing them when you’re actually pregnant.  Ugh…I couldn’t stand those things.
 
Anyway, I’ve been eating much better this week…lots of salads and such.  It feels nice to be back to normal.  I cut up all my pomegranates yesterday and put the seeds in the freezer for smoothies.  What a mess that was!  Anyway, maybe I’ll have some healthy recipes to share next time.
 
Hope you have a great weekend!
 
xo
 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gail Dixon (Louisiana Belle) says

    I know what you mean about the pants!! Two days in Baton Rouge and I am eating the most delectable food, but very bad for the waistline. I decided that today is the day to change that. Plus, I feel bloated and awful. My taste buds will be mad, but oh, well! lol Something has to give!

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

  2. Deanna says

    Oh do I hear you about the shrinking pants…lovely post, lovely images. I think I will try some bulbs this year. Thank you for the inspiration.

  3. Urban Farmgirl says

    Glad to hear I am not the only one that is suffering from "the incredible shrinking pants" syndrome. Haha!

    And your photos are so gorgeous! I could just stare at them all day! ;o)

    Mary

  4. Polly says

    gorgeous photos……we are in the middle of a seemingly spring thaw here too! it is nice outside! kind of weird!

    my mother-in-law brought sooooo many cookies. i have been living in sweat pants. uggggg!!!

    hugs

    polly

  5. High Street Cottage says

    Amen! hehe
    I have eating my "skinny salads" all week, and cooking healthy. It's back to basics and for the very same reason as you, Tricia…those darned pants! 😉 Gorgeous photos, and can't wait to read your recipes.

  7. Ms. Redo says

    Absolutely gorgeous pictures, makes me want to just bask in them. Hope you can get the pants situation fixed 🙂 I feel your pain. Hugs ~ Mary

  8. Sher... says

    The pants are a bit tighter after the Holidays for me. I always gain at least 15 pounds with all the sweets I eat. I have a new bike, and have made a commitment to ride at least 1 hour a day. It helps. Also, cut out the sugar!! I am following Jorge Cruise – it's a lifestyle change, not a diet. It's awsome – I've lost 5 pounds in 1 week. Sugar goes directly to our belly – and I eat a generous portion of that just in my Coffee, but switched to Truvia. So – I love your idea of no resolutions, just living day to day and figuring it out and being happy as we go along. Sounds like a good plan!

    Your photos are are just gorgeous – the bulbs are beautiful! The promise of growth for 2012. I love it. It's nice here today – about 60-65 degrees, and the man mowed yesterday so you can just smell the fresh grass….It makes me want to plant an Herb garden. Just a little one.

    You take care this week Tricia! xoxo

  9. Robin says

    LOL! Glad to hear I'm not the only one with "shrinking pants". I actually made it to the gym yesterday(first time in almost three months) and now I hurt all over. I may have jumped back in a little over my head but I'm bound and determined that my pants will fit away by the end of the month.

  10. Tiffany says

    I so love visiting your corner of the blogosphere. The weather is balmy here to today…almost 50. I know that Winter will still hit us but I love this weather today. Have to laugh..I thought I was the only one to have "fat" pants…HA HA! I keep a few sizes just in case:)

    Tiffany

    PS: Photos lovely as always!

  11. Sandi says

    Shrinking pants you say? :)Here all this time I thought it was tiny creatures {called calories} that live in my closet and sew my clothes a little bit tighter every night. LOL Glad the holidays are over and I can focus on health once again! 🙂
    Blessings~

  13. Cassie says

    One thing is for sure about the new year–it definitely inspires to cut out all the naughty habits in food! Fresh starts are great.

    You've got me thinking of planting and springtime. I can't wait!

  14. hootnonny says

    I feel your pain (in the rear!) Am hoping this will be the year that I follow through on a lighter me!

    You images are so gorgeous…always love stopping by.

  17. Pam says

    I don't think I've ever forced bulbs before, but that sounds like a fun way to get a little spring in to the house. Good luck on the tight pant issue. I've been trying to get out and walk a little more, but I'm sure winter will rear it's head at some point this year.

  18. Evelyn S. says

    I know one of the reasons I get lost in your blog posts….you have color and light and textures I don't have! 😉 Your images are all so wonderful, Tricia. I'll be interested in seeing the results of the forced bulbs. My elderly mother has 4 huge amaryllis plants blooming their heads off right now; they were bulbs given to her in past years.

  21. Susan says

    Another one that hears you on the pants! I lost some weight last summer, and was debating throwing out (or donating) my big girl pants. I'm glad that I didn't, because I'm finding that I need them right now! Good luck with your weight loss!

    Your pictures (as always) are gorgeous. Good luck with forcing the bulbs – I've never attempted that before!

  22. Posy and Co. says

    I, too, posted about the extra 'girth' I need to shed this year. My, oh, my! Where did it come from? Oh, yes…lattes, pound cake and chocolate covered pretzels. Reality check time! Much love, Lisa

  23. Faded Charm says

    Beautiful photos! I tried forcing white hyacinths this year and they were actually easier than the paperwhites, so hopefully your other bulbs will be also.

    I know what you mean about the tight pants….I need to get an excersice routine going SOON!!!

    xoxo
    Kathleen

  25. A Cozy Cottage in the City says

    Hello dear Tricia! I can SOOO relate to the "tightness of the pants" issue! I currently have only ONE pair of pants that fit properly…and they are the fattest of the fat pants! lol So I'm with you on eating much healthier! I love to drink green smoothies too!!! Just organic greens and fruit. 🙂 Anyway, Happy New Year to you – love those gorgeous images!!!

    Hugs,
    Jessie

  27. Stacey@A Sort Of Fairytale says

    Well, it looks like we are all in the same boat with the tight pants! Just this morning I noticed some extra love on my "love handles", and I told myself no more sweets for awhile! It's those darn xmas cookies…every year I tell ya! Loving your gorgeous photos as always!

  28. Andrea says

    Even my regular maternity pants aren't fitting…I'm onto my 'big' girl mat pants lol (I'm 30 wks prego, which is my only good excuse =)

  30. Shannon says

    oh gosh so happy just about everyone is agreeing with the tight pants. mine are way too small over here too! our weather has been so nice as well, it's making me want to shop for backyard decor but I know as soon as I get it all pretty back there it will be raining again 🙂
    Love your pictures as always Tricia, hop you have an amazing 2012!

  31. Privet and Holly says

    I'm so wishing that I'd
    bought more bulbs for
    "reserves" when my others
    were done blooming. Maybe
    I still can…..

    Maybe next year I will have
    a resolution like yours. This
    year is about moving some
    dreams along to reality : )

    As to your fitness goal, be
    sure to stop by on Monday.
    I think you'll be inspired.

    Happy Weekend and enjoy
    this amazing weather!!!

    xx Suzanne

  32. Deborah says

    I love your thoughts on the new year Tricia.
    Those flowers will be gorgeous and so fragrant!
    I hear you on the tight pants thing!!
    Lol
    Love your photos so!!

    Deborah xoxoxo

  33. Blondie's Journal says

    One thing you better promise us this year is that you will keep these gorgeous pictures coming!!

    I hear you on the tight pants! I just pray I don't have to go up a size. Too many sweets and carbs.

    Good luck with the bulbs…I have never forced crocus or hyacinths before indoors, they will be pretty!!

    XO,
    Jane

  34. Sylvia says

    Tricia , you are not alone; the tightness of my pants irritates me too. I too need FRESH veggies and fruits …
    Love your dreamy photos ( as always ) . My bulbs are blooming now and I sense a promise for something new in that …
    Enjoy life and stay happy !

  38. kerrie of sea cottage says

    Your photos are always so lovely to look at. Our weather has been so warm too…feels like spring already. But I know the storms will come. I always eat healthy but since I hit 40 (five yrs. ago) I slowly began gaining wt. I work out, eat right, and can't fit into my favorite jeans. Ugh! I do think I may have just lost about 10 lbs…but that is because I've really watched my diet and exercised daily ever since Sept. I do what I can but most importantly try to be happy with myself just the way I am.

  42. Linda R. says

    Such a lovely post.. I don't make resolutions either. I put to much pressure on myself and feel bad when I don't follow through.. And I just can't think of one word to last the whole year.. Although I love the thought of it! Here is to a new year full of possibilities.. Can't wait to see what it brings..

    Hugs, Linda

  44. Fresh Vanilla For C says

    Hi Tricia~~~ I just discovered your beautiful blog. I am loving it. I am your newest follower;) Looking forward to reading more in 2012. Would love for you to come visit me sometime.

    ~Cheryl
    FreshVanillaForC

  45. Farmgirl Paints says

    I'm full on in love with pomegranate. I just discovered them this year. I've totally been missing out. So glad that MN has been nice to you this year. Obviously last year broke the camels back for us.

  46. Heaven's Walk says

    Well….you're not alone on the pants issue, Tricia! We're all be-"hind" you 100%. lolol! I've returned to running on my treadmill and using the elliptical 4-5 days/week for 3 weeks. I put a big "X" on the calendar every day I work out as like a gold star for me. (It's all in my head, ya know.) I just read tonight that 80% of weight loss has to do with what you eat, though. THAT I've gotta work on. I love my "See Food" diet to well….

    xoxo laurie

  47. jessica says

    I get the tight clothing feeling!! I am thankful for tons of black clothing…and no I am not gothic…nothing against that lifestyle…I just feel the most comfortable in black 🙂

    I will have to check into 'forcing' bulbs. I have heard of it, but have never done it myself!!

    Lovely pictures as always!!

    Thanks for the sweet comments 🙂

    ~*Jessica

  48. LizlovesVintage says

    No, need to worry! Once the warmer weather arrives you will be able to get out more and do extra activities to shed those minor pounds. I know how you feel. Aren't we all so critical of ourselves?
    Lovely photographs 🙂
    Relax!
    xxx Liz

  52. Lara says

    gorgeous!!!!
    my pants are getting dreadfully tight. i eat good, but my problem is helping myself to my kid's snacks & the late night bowl of cereal – my two guilty vices i need to quit. maybe i should put them in my husbands car trunk? lol.
    love your straight down shot perspectives – love the flower print fabric you have here!

  53. Bohemian says

    Grape Hyacinths do quite well actually. I'm Loving that Sprig in your 1st Photo, what is it called? That is a picture postcard perfect Image in fact… your Vignettes and Photography always Delight the eyes!

    Happy New Year from the Arizona Desert… Dawn… The Bohemian

  54. Hartwood Roses says

    I totally hear ya about the pants. One day you reach for a pair of jeans, and the laundry gnomes shrunk 'em on ya. It's a choice to either get the pants to fit or get bigger pants … I choose to get back into my pants … I wish you luck with your quest.

  55. Kaitlyn says

    I hear you on being happy to be back to normal!! Goodness, i am so happy the holidays are over. I always gain like 5 pounds or more from it and it's so depressing! Happy new year dear! I love those pictures! Can't wait to see more of your beautiful work in 2012!!! <3

    In our sea of love

  58. Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com says

    I'm at my daughter's gymnastics class reading your blog and I actually giggled out loud at your tight pants dilemma. I'm laughing only because I can relate sooooo much to it. I'm down to being able to squeek into one pair of jeans and my sweats, that's it baby. It's getting pretty scary 🙂

  60. Mira says

    My pants are shrinking too! I started eating better and working out more and I just need to keep doing that. Your photos are just wonderful (as always). good luck with plants!

  61. keity says

    I planted a hyacinthine bulb, too and am looking forward to seeing its flower…
    So glad that you shared the beautiful photos with all of us.

  63. Linda Trine says

    I absolutely love lingering over your amazing photographs. I know what you mean about the pants situation! I got some amazon gift cards for Christmas and instead of getting that 35mm lens I've been dreaming about, I opted to get the spin bike instead *sigh*

  64. Ashley Sisk says

    LOL – I was just telling someone today that I'm going to reverse the typical new year's resolution and gain weight…that'd be something different right? Beautiful post.

  65. Between You and Me says

    beautiful pictures…..
    I'm with you..eating cleaner these first days of January…hopefully, it can last longer than this month!

    I'm your 65th commenter…geeeeeez louise, how awesome is THAT?

  66. jacqueline says

    Dearest sweet tricia, HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I am so happy to know your year is off to a beautiful start! I am back from vacation and getting back to my routine slowly! You are such an inspiration and i am looking forward to more adventures with you in 2012! Have a lovely merry day and love to you!

  67. Cindy@french-grey says

    I just discovered your blog via pinterest and I love it!! I'm new to blogging and you (and your beautiful photos) are so inspiring! Looking forward to following you. Now excuse me while I slip into my sweatpants… heh heh
    Blessings,
    Cindy

  68. Lynda Naranjo says

    I can't wait to see your bulbs in bloom! It seems like such a long wait until Spring … I know I'll be heading to the garden center soon to buy small pots of spring flowers! xo