MOTIVATION!!!!

I am really going to talk about MOTIVATION today!!!  I am currently motivated to LOSE WEIGHT, meet new friends, eat RAW foods for the SUMMER and grow my DIVA BRAND!!  All these GOALS and DREAMS are NEVER going to happen without a bunch of hard work, determination and a POSITVE support group.
This weekend was great!!  I spent the weekend with my hubby who is my bestest friend and family.  We hit up the gym and spent hours getting nice tans by the swimming pool!!  I realized that Eric is all I need right now!  He is the only person in my daily life pushing me, encouraging me and motivating me.  He is a POSITIVE force reminding me that I am on the right track and that we can succeed together!!!  I am not going to mention a comment that I was told this weekend but I will say that the words..  "impossible", and "unrealistic" have now lit a fire under my butt to PROVE THEM WRONG!!!
I am a very optimistic person and I do achieve things and have had many of my DREAMS come true already.  I always think of this bible verse Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.  I trust that God has by back and that He has a plan for me.  God does not want to see me fail.  I also believe than things happen for a reason and people in your life come and go.  I am choosing to keep the negative nellies and the debbie downers far away from me.
As far as losing weight goes, Eric and I have been eating an 80% -100% organic diet, and limiting certain foods.  We hardly eat out and rarely drink pop and sugary drinks.  We take RAW daily vitamins and certain foods that are supplements for extreme health.  We have been doing great and feeling great.  My goal is to stick to an 80%-100% RAW food diet for the SUMMER!!  I know that foods that are alive provide many health benefits.  I know that vegetable and fruits, and protein are and ideal diet that promotes weight loss.  I also believe in staying away from acidic foods and following and alkaline diet.  So with all the knowledge I already have about diet, vitamins, food and health I feel confident we will achieve our goals.
Now for the workouts, we decided on Easter 2014 that we needed to get moving and join a gym.  We have equipment at our house that was only used about 1-2 days a week.  We thought by having a membership it would encourage us to workout at least 4-6 times a week.  And we were right!  We have consistently been at the gym 4-6 days a week!!  We are very proud of ourselves and are noticing results.  Every time we go to the gym we have conquered the day!!!  LOL I hope this motivation lasts for the rest of our lives.

I am very much so interested in meeting new friends as well as re-connecting with old friends.  I hope to join a women's club or society this summer.  I am looking to find people with similar interest in cooking, food, diet and activities.  If you know of any groups please leave me a comment!

I sell these clothespins for $6  They are super glittery and super cute!!  I have become obsessed with clothespins and use them for just about anything!!!  They are especially cute for decorating with banners for holidays!

I cut burlap into similar sized rectangles, then added glittered wooden letters with hot glue and hun on a pink satin ribbon with my glitter clothespins!!!!

 

These 6 inch black clothespins are also available on the etsy shop for $7.50.   I also have 9 & 12 inch sizes available in many colors!!!

This picture is a great example of how to decorate with a jumbo clothespin!!!  I added a sheep leopard ribbon to each clothespin which you can find ribbon in any of your favorite prints!! I made a card stock sign using a printed JOY and a leopard scrap book paper and glued to a black card stock!!  I think you can get really creative here with the words/colors/themes.

I want to talk about how I can stay MOTIVATED in my new DIVA Brand!!!  I find that working at least 1 hour each day on my business will help get my business going.  I have spent months planning and creating products an now its time to spread the word.  please check out www.greekdivaboutique.com and my new etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/greekdivaboutique for all the items I have for sale.  I know my friends and family are not going to make anything happen for me, yeah they can share a business card and maybe tell a friends but, NO ONE is going to get things done for you!!  YOU have to do it!!!!  You are the only person standing in your way!!! I say surround yourself by positive people even if that means you stand by yourself!! I am tired of defending my thoughts and being told I am living in a cloud!!  YES I CAN BE SUCCESSFUL AND SO CAN YOU!!!!!!  
I am a Pisces and yes I am a DREAMER!!  I know I get these crazy ideas and my family and friends think I am NUTS!!!  But, I know that I just have to find the right people that are interested in the same things I am! I  thank you Lord for PINTEREST!!  Please follow me on www.pinterest.com/helengreekdiva

Have a fabulous day!!!  I am going to head to the pool and get my swim and tan on!!!!!


Thank you for taking the time to read my blog today! If you have any encouraging thoughts please leave a comment!
~Greek Diva
Helen Day

Greek Diva's Memorial Day Weekend Recipes

Hello Everyone!
 I went to a late lunch with my BFF's today and I was inspired to talk about grapes!  We had shared a bottle of house moscato and a cheese platter decorated with yummy grapes!!  I got to thinking, I need to share my Grape salad recipe today!!  

MY DIVA Grape Salad

What you need:
2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
1 cup of my Greek yogurt (whey strained out)
1 teaspoon of Bourbon vanilla
½ cup of organic cane sugar
1 cup of toasted pecans, chopped
2 pounds of green grapes (washed and dried)
Supplies:
Medium mixing bowl
Large spoon
Hand mixer
Serving bowl
1. Whip cream cheese on low speed until smooth, then add yogurt.
2. Add vanilla and sugar and whip until smooth.
3. Toss in pecans and grapes; stir until combined, then transfer into a serving dish.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve cold!
Serves 10-12

I also have to share my Greek Salad!!  I love bringing salad to a party because everyone is always bring heavy, fattening, meaty, cheesy sides. I think its okay but seriously I need some veggies to lighten up the party food!!!  

Greek Salad the DIVA way

What you need:
3 large organic tomatoes
2 organic cucumbers
1/4 of a large organic red onion 
1/2 cup Kalamata Greek Olives
3-4 oz. Greek Feta cheese
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Mediterranean Sea salt
1 large serving bowl and tongs
Cutting board and knife
1. Slice tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion and feta cheese.
2. Place all ingredients in bowl and mix with tongs
3. Place in refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Serves 3-4

So this four bean salad is a hit every time I make it!!  I apologize for this blurry picture but when I was writing my "Cook like a Greek DIVA" cook book this was one of the very first recipes I began to test.  I discovered features on my camera to take close up pics and boy you can tell a difference.  Anyways, I think your family and friends will be impressed with this tangy sweet balsamic dressing surrounding the beans!

My four bean salad
What you need:
2 – 12 oz. cans of organic green beans, thick cut
2 – 12 oz. cans of organic black beans
12 oz. can of organic red kidney beans
12 oz. can of organic garbanzo beans
8 oz. of water
1/4 cup of extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil
1/4 balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon of Mediterranean sea salt
1/2 teaspoon of organic black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Large pot
Large serving bowl and spoon
Large strainer

1. Put all beans in a large pot with water
2. Cook in medium heat for about 6 minutes
3. Drain all the liquid and place beans in a large serving bowl
4. Pour oil and vinegar on beans.
5. Sprinkle salt, pepper and garlic
6. Mix beans thoroughly and place in refrigerator to cool for 30 minutes
Serves 4-6

I hope you guys try some of these recipes. Please leave a comment below!
Please check back daily!
~Greek Diva
Helen Day

p.s. Go to: www.etsy.com/shop/greekdivaboutique to check out cute SUMMER decor for sale!!

SUMMER WEATHER IN CHICAGO~ Check out my Summer GLITTER Beach decor!

Hello everyone!!
I just checked the weather in Chicagoland today, and its gonna be in the high 80's! YAY! Summer weather is finally here!!  I was super excited for the weather to be in the 60's 70's and now the 80's!!!!

As someone who loves to decorate, I plan out items I want to make almost a year in advance!  I get crazy fun ideas about wreaths, centerpieces, wall decor and things I can fill my apothecary jars with!!!!
I find colors that inspire me and literally hunt down things that match!!  There is something I should share with you guys...  I love when things match, I obsess over items that are I find while shopping that match perfectly to items I already own!  I don't mean just match a theme... I mean like the colors are the same exact shades and that they do not clash!!  I am not scared to expand into the world of GLITTER or BLING, I prefer my decor stand out!!  For example I will share the piece I started back in January 2014.

So this piece is by far the largest word collage I have made!  This is 4x5 feet plywood I painted white with a flat indoor paint.  I hand painted each of the wood letters and then topped then with 2 coats of fine glitter.  I have to mention that the "SAND" word is actually covered in sad with a little bit of fine gold glitter mixed in!!! I added some real white finger starfishes that I painted and glittered and one blue anchor at the bottom!  How do these colors look together?  I am absolutely mesmerized when i look at this wall decor!

 I get these visions of art I need to create and this was one I could not wait to start painting!  I love that I am Greek and have embraced it however, I am not a huge fan of deep blue (like the Greek flag) so, I decided to do aqua and white stripes and a gold anchor!!  everything was first hand painted with acrylic paint and then covered in fine glitter! This is a 12x12 inch canvas wall art that I currently sell for $30 in my boutique. www.etsy.com/listing/189022132/glitter-aqua-white-stripes-and-gold?ref=shop_home_active_17

 This is another 12x12 inch canvas I designed to match all my beach decor. I hand painted a beach scene with acrylic paints, then added sand and glitter to the ocean and beach.  I topped the piece off with real sea shells, a real white finger starfish and wooden "BEACH" letters painted and glittered in light pink fine glitter!! I sell this wall art for $35 in my boutique.  www.etsy.com/listing/189027225/sandy-beach-seashells-starfish-glitter?ref=shop_home_active_15

              

This is one of the 12 inch Jumbo clothespins I make and sell in my boutique.  I got  unfinished clothespins and hand painted the metallic gold brushed bronze from Martha Stewart.  I then used my sand and glitter mix to add a real beachy feel.  I topped it off with a light pink glittered starfish, "BEACH" letters and a few seashells! You can purchase this in my etsy shop for $25 www.etsy.com/listing/189390930/12-inch-sandy-glitter-starfish-beachy?ref=shop_home_active_15

The boat wheel you see here is another item from Hobby Lobby I found that I had to paint to match my white boat shelf.  I didn't like the brown color it came it so you know, this Greek Diva painted it!!  I debated whether or not to add glitter on top and I decided not to.  I had my dad and friend Amy tell me "where is the glitter?  I think you need to add glitter! and is this finished?" LOL They know me too well.  

I have a wall separating the living room and dining room that is perfect to display each season's word.  For example "SUMMER" is painted in an aqua blue then glittered in fine glitter.

This boat shelf/prop is one of my favorite items I found at Hobby Lobby!!  I had to tip the existing netting and shells out because I was not happy with the colors.  My mom and my friend Julie thought I was nuts!!  They were like "you should keep it the way it is... it's beautiful"  yeah and it was the way I bought it however, I saw the colors of my other decor and could not have it look different.. The colors didn't match up and totally clashed. Also, the boat was weathered in it's painted style.  I am not a fan of the rustic, weathered beach decor..  So I busted out my white acrylic paint and painted it all brand new!!  I added an aqua blue paint to the edges and topped it with glitter of course!!  I used my netting that matches other beach decor i already have made, and also added real seashells, blue glitter anchor and a hot pink glitter starfish!  It turned out great!!

I love burlap and am very happy it is trending now!!  I had to make this wall word board because I love adding shells to letters and I had to make this vision com into light!!!! this wood is 3x4 feet plywood covered in a light burlap with hot glue! I will tell you that it took hours to assemble everything you see, but to me it was totally worth it!!!  I had to add the gold glitter letters and starfish for some bling! I love how these natural colors all blend together!!

This anchor is another Item I found at Hobby Lobby that i painted and glittered!!  Honestly I was eye balling this item since last year!  I am sorry this picture is turned on its side..  not sure why it's doing that? Anyways I added this pretty burlap bow because I did not like the rope that came with the anchor.  Again, i am  showing you that it's okay to personalize things you find at the store!! 

I am in love with this fish, I love the color I chose to paint it and the hot pink glitter just makes me happy!!  This fish was also a summer seasonal item at Hobby Lobby that I just had to have!  I used the Martha Stuart Amaranth high gloss paint and fine glitter! 

 
 I just love my sea horses I also found at Hobby Lobby.  I chose the Aqua and light pink to match the rest of my beach theme colors! Apothecary jars are fantastic!  I found these at Home goods on clearance.  I have to change them up for each holiday or season! So I chose sand (I am really proud of my trend in adding gold fine glitter to my sand) and sea shells with 2 starfish aqua and gold.  It's super simple and super cheap!!!

I had fun sharing my stuff, now time to go outside and enjoy God's beautiful day!! 

I hope you like my Summer BEACH Decor!!  Check back daily for more home decor ideas!!
~Greek Diva
Helen Day

Welcome to Greek Diva Boutique

Hello Everyone!! I am Helen Day, Author of 'Cook Like a Greek Diva' and owner of an Etsy Shop, Greek Diva Boutique.  I am very excited to start my new online blog about cooking, crafting, being a housewife and Greek Diva, new items available at my shop, doggie things, party tips and tricks I use, shopping, home decor, losing weight and much much more. Check out my two websites for news and recipes. www.cooklikeagreekdiva.com and www.greekdivaboutique.com

My cookbook is available on: www.createspace.com/3873347  www.amazon.com   www.barnesandnoble.com

I am such a DREAMER!!  My family thinks I sometimes live in the clouds!!  I imagine life in many ways and scenarios however my family and close friends are always in the mix.  My newest accomplishment is this Greek Diva Boutique I just opened on Etsy. Check out the shop at: www.esty.com/shop/greekdivaboutique  This dream was accomplished after about 5 years of on and off planning.  I began my store  May 2014 but not after losing my day job in December 2013 due to downsizing.  I am sure many people can relate in this economy that we are in currently.  I do believe God has a plan for this beautiful U.S. Nation that we live in.  But, I went through a slump and not sure what my husband and I would have as a future, since we would like to start a family and build a new home soon.  

I applied for many jobs of which I am over qualified for and having no luck. I decided I should focus on what I really LOVE to do!  My passion is creating beautiful sparkly things! I am obsessed with glitter, sequins, feathers, rhinestones, fur, animal prints, beachy decor, greek decor, tropical deocr and every shade of PINK!! I am not afraid to stand out in a crowd, so I dress in PINK and I wear some BLING and I make my hair as big as I can and top it of with a big BOW!!  I want to be able to offer my Diva creations with as many people as I can.  I know there are soo many others into my style out there because I find them on PINTEREST..  My other obsession... check out my PINTEREST www.pinterest.com/helengreekdiva you will quickly see all my favorite things!!  

I am currently a doggie mom to Pito (a yorkie poo 8yrs old) and the little DIVA... Daisy (shih poo 6yrs old).  I love to dress them up in all their little outfits and costumes.  I have recently started making tutu's for dogs with will be available on my etsy store.   I do post many pics on facebook.  If you would like to check out and "like" my facebook page at www.facebook.com/greekdivaboutique I also love making the muffins homemade organic food which I will be sharing on this new blog.  Please check back for recipes soon!

I am currently trying to get all my photos on Instagram and Pinterest so everyone can share my ideas with their family and friends!  

Thanks for stopping by!  Please check back daily for more posts!!