Friday, April 22, 2011

11 Months

"If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don’t expose it to the elements. You don’t make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by."


— F. Burton Howard
 

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Words of Wisdom

I was clicking through my blog-roll and my favorite wardrobe consulting site, Style Your Life, had this great things-to-remember list that I had to share.

Let's just say, I need to remember #2, 11, 16, 21, 22!  And definitely 21... I have so many things that are "for a special occasion" but everyday is special and worthy of fine things.

What are your favorites? 


1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3.. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone.. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time..
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Monday, April 4, 2011

P.S.

Check out Worth a 1,000 Words and Est. 2010!... lots of new pics added :)

hugs,
ss

Weekend Recap

How is it Monday already?  At least the day is coming to an end and we are, once again, one day closer to the weekend!

And since we got our spiffy new camera, I thought I would show you our weekend via PHOTOS!!

Last week was George's birthday!  But since it fell on a Wednesday, it was easier to celebrate with family and friends on the weekend. 

On Saturday, we had all of his family and my family over for dinner....



I bought some store-roasted chickens (so much cheaper than purchasing raw and preparing) then made a big salad and vegetable ratatouille with fresh whole-grain bread.  HUGE hit!  And low in sugar and carbs, since Katelynn was just diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

And cupcakes!





These were called sugar-free Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss and oh yes, they lived up to the name! 

After the feast, the kids were ready for a rest and some TV in our room...



But once the camera came out...


We had 3 little monkeys playing in our bed!



Yeah, there were lots of adults too but, let's face it, it's the kids that make the party!

On Sunday, we went to brunch with our friends (mmm.... mimosas) then out for a walk on a gorgeous day with our new camera ...

This is me, ready to hit the trails...

 The Reservoir...



Geo at the Reservoir House...


George actually "styled" this pic... he moved the leaf on the bottom to get the contrast just right!


I fell hard for this tree, literally.  I was on the ground at one point getting an upward view!


This spot was a stop-for-a-pose during our engagement pics...  and yes, we recreated it but without a pic :)


The old Gate House tower...  I loved the orange brick...



These pictures were all us with our Nikon D3100.  Not bad, right?  I mean, I know they aren't good but we are still getting use to the settings so most of these were in manual mode. 

Oh well!  Here's to reading the owners guide :)

How was your weekend? 

Happy Monday!
Sarah

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Our New Camera

We got the Nikon d3100!!!!



I have wanted this camera for almost 2 years now.  And after seeing my cousin and his wife use it on their 2-month road trip across America, George wanted it too. 

And let me say, this camera was meant to be ours!

We went to Best Buy on Friday night, with every intention to buy the camera.  And online, it was $600.  When we got to the store however, it was $699 and the lower price could not be honored since online does it's one thing.

You've Gotta Be Kidding.

So George and I hmm-and-hawed for a few minutes then we realize, there is an Open-Item sticker on a d3100 box in the locked case.  So we strapped on our bargaining boots and go to town!

We asked the sales guy if they could come down on price.  He went to ask his manager while we jumped on the iPhone to check prices at Target.  Sure enough, it was $599.00 at Target, which is literally next door.

The sales guy comes back with 10% off.  Not impressed, we ask him if they competitor price match: THEY DO!!!  So the sales guy called over to Target to confirmed the price and gave it to us for $599.00.

SOLD.

Then, out-of-the-blue, George digs deep into his negotiation pocket (like the clothing references???) and say "Can we get the 10% off the competitive price?"

The sales guy leaves to ask his boss and comes back with a big, fat Y-E-S!

So we got this amazing camera for ... wait for it... $569.99!!!!

Why yes, that is a choir of angels you are hearing!

Like I said, that camera was meant to be ours.

Now, we just have to learn how to use it ... haha

So this morning we are walking, going to brunch then off to the park for a photo session :)

Happy Sunday everyone!