I eat. a lot.

Here's my problem with dieting - I can't.
Clearly I know what is good for me and what isn't, but I go through long periods of just not giving a shit. Then, when cellulite's bumpy head pops up in places no one should be, I panic.

So, here I am, on a health kick again -- also hoping to god I fit in my, or any, gown when I give up my title as Miss Hooksett in November.

My latest is going gluten-free. I've convinced myself after months of binge drinking beer and stuffing my face with pizza and pasta, I feel terrible because I have a gluten sensitivity.
After one week, I do have to admit this is the first time I've been on a "diet" and not felt deprived. I can still have my share of carbs with potatoes, corn and rice, just no oats or wheat. I feel less bloated, and have more energy through out the day -- but my stuffy nose I was hoping would go away hasn't and I didn't magically become an up and at 'em morning person... damn.

Here's a little glimpse at my most recent eating habits because yea, I'm one of those #foodporn instagram addicts.

Follow me on instagram: @janfrances

Instaroundup

I have an obsession with Instagram. If there was an Intsas Anonnymous, I could run some pretty profound expressive sessions on why I feel the need to take photos of my dinner.

But, long-story short I snap pictures when something inspires me -- whether it be the sunset from my porch, the home-cooked meals Jose and I share, or something that makes me belly laugh (which is, I must say, pretty easy).

I'm a very excitable, easily placated person. So, when something evokes emotion in me I assume at least one other person will be able to relate.

I love how the iPhone has made capturing the little moments so easy and practical. I don't need to fumble around a Nikon D7000 to remember quick moments when my phone can take a halfway decent photo.

Instagram is chronicling my life's most important moments and I don't even think twice about it.

So, here are a few of memorable moments - Follow me @JanFrances

Follow me @JanFrances

DIY Before & After: Restoring history

I can't help wanting to breathe new life into old things.
Okay, it may be because I'm a broke young-profesh wanting to save a few bucks but hey, I've found some resourceful ways of making (free) old, outdated, furniture look new fresh and chic.

I start the "Before & After" restoration collection with a craft desk.

I was given by my step-mom, Valerie, this dainty wooden desk. I snatched it up knowing the simple lines and structure were exactly what I wanted.

First things first, I took off the wooden knobs and roughed up the glossy finish with sandpaper. I have to admit I was tempted to leave it like this --  the rough, worn in look kinda rubbed me the right way.






Next, I bought Rustoleum oil-based paint in grey and cream, and applied the grey first.

Tip: Unlike latex paint you can't clean your brushes with water. You'll also need to buy  paint thinners to clean your brushes after paint application. Or, just use disposable foam brushes, though not recommended because of their flimsy construction.

Jose and I applied the grey (which turned out looking chicly greyish blue) to the entire desk, making sure to go with the grain of the wood on each section. I started underneath the desk to avoid sneaking under there with wet paint above me. These are the times having a petite frame comes in handy!


It took about 2 coats of paint and 3 anxious days of drying time to perfect the grey layer.

Next came the nautical stripes, and boarders to the drawers. To do this I used painters tape, a ruler or measuring tape, and a pencil. Carefully, I measured, marked and taped off the stripes and borders. Then, got to painting! Again, it took several coats.

Tip: Make super sure the bottom layer is dry! I made the horrible mistake of being too eager and some of the grey peeled up when I removed the tape after the cream stripes.




Now, more waiting.

After about 2 days I slowly peeled back the tape and squeeled reveling in my restoration project. Finally, I finished the piece with classic glass knobs from a local antique shop, only about $1 each!

Voila! My new sewing and craft storage desk!

As my dad's one-year wedding anniversary approaches, I recap the last couple years of my life as a complete wirlwind. Cue the Anchorman scene when Ron Burgandy is stuck in a "glass case of emotion."

Through several disagreements on what to do with my mom's things, and who has more rights to them, me or Dad's wife, all while trying to stay cordial and understanding of them both (having lost the loves of their lives in the past few years) was draining to say the least.

Though changes to my family's home for over 300 years is tough to witness, I'm thankful Valerie has welcomed me to take various furniture and nick-nacks as of late. Am I crazy for wanting possession of them knowing they're "safe?" As if they're my children. Maybe it's my undying loyalty to my family, feeling lucky to have been adopted into such a tight-knit bond, or being simply afraid centuries of history will be thrown or given away.

Either way, let the restoration begin!

getting real

Surprisingly, I haven't had much to say lately. Since competing for the title of Miss New Hampshire this April, I've become overwhelmingly satisfied with my current life, realizing I don't need the heavy weight of a crown on my head to keep it up strong, and high. When I won both of the community service awards for my hundreds of hours devoted to my community - both in Boston, and in Dover, NH -- I knew I had achieved what the program really has to offer.

Whether or not I ever transformed into Miss NH, I had become a woman with a kind heart, open arms, and a healthy, kick-butt bod!

Photo courtesy of Katrina Bernard Photography (c)

Photo courtesy of Katrina Bernard Photography (c)

        

Photo courtesy of Katrina Bernard Photography (c)

The Miss NH program has lead me toward an enormous amount of self respect through my adolescence and into young-adulthood. Entering into the Outstanding Teen competition at 15 years old, in the first year, which Meghan Lamontagne was crowned, I was a fish out of water. I had never done anything glamorous like that in my life, but jumped at the opportunity to perform a solo dance. Having not made top ten, but amazed by the kindness and excitement of the volunteers involved I came back for more the next year.

Low and behold, I was crowned Miss NH's Outstanding Teen 2006, and "shocked" was an understatement. I remember them putting the crown on my head, tears dripping down my face, thinking to myself, "Oh, shit." Floods of fear escaped through my eyeballs, scared every bad thing I had done in my life was going to surface - instantly regretting being torturingly fresh to my German teacher in the 8th grade. How could I possibly be a "Beauty queen" when just the weekend before I watched someone pass out after taking too many drugs?

--gasp-- Here comes the part I never shared, with my parents and even some of my best friends.

The Miss NH organization saved my life.

Signing the contract to be a titleholder tossed my nerves and morals around, knowing very well there were times I didn't "meet the character criteria" of a titleholder. I had been in questionable situations for any one of any age; had helped my sister hide her drinking problem too many times by dragging her up the stairs to her room so my parents wouldn't wake up after she threw up all over herself; went through a rocky, very personal depression; and overcame a dangerous phase of cutting.

However, at the crowning moment of shock, fear and elation, I vowed to bang a hard left off the winding road I was headed down. I knew I had been through enough in my 16 years of life that I really could turn it around and be a touchable, relatable, down-to-earth role model to other teens, preaching self love and worth.

And, I did it. Seven years, five titles, three platforms, and three tatoos later I know I have made a difference in teens lives while being myself every step of the way. I helped many self-loathing teens find inner beauty and raised countless funds for vulnerable teen healing programs and for foster children, deserving a chance to have a loving family.

I am the luckiest girl/queen/woman to have had this program as my backbone. From adolescent woes to breaking up with an emotionally abusive boyfriend to the death of my mother, I knew my Miss NH family had my back and would help pick me up, if even unknowingly, when I fell.

...in with the new

People who know me well know I normally slip into a mild cranky-coma once the winter months wear me down. This year was a little different.

I managed to keep a positive attitude, and remain appreciative for what I have and accept what I don't.

I don't know if it was losing my mom to cancer and having a new found devotion to my family, or simply growing up and being so in love with the friends who stayed around through the bad to see the good again -- either way, a normally gloomy season was handled with much more determination and pride than ever.

BIG BUT-- I'm still dying for summer to hurry her little tan-lined tush back into my life.

In lieu of being proud of myself for handling the winter with grace, and the overjoyed anticipation of the sweaty summer months, here are a few things I will (actually) miss from the chilly days, and look forward to in the steamy ones.

I will surely miss...

Boots

Through the fall, winter, and spring boots are a must-have staple to my wardrobe.

So much so, when I lived in downtown Boston and walked everywhere I went I wound up replacing my brown booties every season because they were so worn in.

Not to mention the high socks or leg warmers match my comfy slouchy fashion during colder months.

Flannel

My relationship with flannel gets pretty steamy during chilling temps.

Lets be honest, who can resist a lumberjack woman, or half gloves, or again, the peek-a-boo socks? 

Get. Real.

Do the words "Lincoln Park After Dark" mean anything to you? If so, you must completely understand the yearly infatuation with the I-swear-it's-not-gothic-it's-dark-purple shade of OPI polish I don every year as my bones begin to rattle. Edgy girls need love too.

"sleepy" coffee :)
I'm a die-hard sucker for boozy coffee when it's chilly out. 

 My hands cupped a coffee with Kalua and irish creme many, many times after dinner with friends this year.

And, I loved every slow sip of it!

Grandma scarves
This year, working in an office where they think the AC should always, always be bumping on high, I snuggled into bulky scarves regularly.

Not only warm, but incredibly cute, I have to admit I'll feel a little neglectful leaving my long, warm, snuggle buddies in the closet 'til next year.

__________________________________________________________

I'm bouncing in my seat for...

Sun Dresses

Last summer my boyfriend, Jose, always complimented me on how easy it was to put on a pretty little sundress and look "put together" for the day.

What could be easier? No worrying about pairings, or layering -- just throw on few delicate pieces of jewelry, some wedges and you're set to go!

Casually attractive

There's so much less to think about when the temps are higher.

This summer I'll for sure be showing off my hard work in a staple pair of jorts, a flowy top, my flips and some rocker shades.

Margaritas

There are very few things in life that are better than a pink lemonade margarita while porch dwelling with my best friends watching the sun go down over the marina next to my apartment.
Sounds good, right?

Bare Feet
It goes unspoken that barefoot at the beach is the best feeling in the world.
However, it's totally under rated how great it feels to be barefoot in general in the summer.
Sitting on the porch-way better barefoot. Running out to the car-way easier barefoot.
Driving from the beach with sand stuck to your toes and Dispatch blaring-perfect barefoot activity.
Get it?

Family & Friends Cook outs
Honestly, what is better than hanging with your favorite people eating U.S. fatty food and indulging in a few adult bevs?
Even better if you can float in a pool or lake and work on your tan!

What are you gonna miss about winter, but can't wait for this summer?
Comment below :) I don't bite!

Gimme, gimme

I'm the first to admit, I often feel like I'm running the JanineFund marathon that never ends and constantly bustling around. Yet, some how, some way I always make time to visit my favorite cooking, DIY, and decorating sites.

So, I share with you my design inspirations this week -- 

Courtesy of www.designsponge.com

I can't get enough of these colors. I love me some blues and greens-- and that artwork!? 

Are you kidding me?

Courtesy of www.designsponge.com

I love, love this living room.

No, it's not the most perfect and pristine looking space, but it's comfortable!

My biggest rule in design is making sure your family and friends would

be comfortable there. Who wants to hang out in a perfectly placed

showroom? No one. A home should feel like a home.

Courtesy of www.designsponge.com

What inspires me about this room is that it's edgy but feminine. 

I love the graphic rug, bed spread, and pillows combined with the delicate 

flowers. And, who can resist a pink Marilyn photo?

Courtesy of www.housebeautiful.com

This bedroom is dreamy. I normally don't like matching chairs but

these I could love for life. The designer took great use to the

wall space when hanging that vintage 20s mirror -- the sash is

to die for, genius.

Courtesy of www.apartmenttherapy.com

I will never organize my books by size again. Granted, this "library" makes my

one shelf of books look shameful but it's about making a design idea

work for you. Ammiright?

Maybe soon I'll give you a tour of my own apartment design... Stay tuned!

Hello, in there!

I live for the moments that remind me I'm alive.

This morning I woke up to an email from my aunt. I was a little skeptical because I really hate wasting my time with chain letters, and refuse to forward them.
But, this one was different:

To: Janine
From: Aunt Sharon
Subject: To 8 women who have touched my life

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.May you be content with yourself just the way you are.Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

That's the kind of chain email I can get with.

A friendly reminder I am just fine the way I am, and any improvements I make are simply a bonus -- but not needed.

Truly words to live by.