~ A Très Chic Life ~

My Favorite Things: My Pinterest Boards.

2012-01-22T20:53:00.000-05:00

I have to admit, my Pintrest boards are a thing of beauty...

I am OBSESSED with looking at them as a collection! The images are great but even the overall color scheme seems to complement each other. There is this romantic-with-light-and-timeless mood, that is casted by my boards... well, for me at least :)

I have also learned how you can really tell what is on a person's mind by the pins they make.

Like a former intern from my company... she is single but tags wedding almost everyday! Can't blame her! I am married and still pin weddings, too.

An acquaintance of mine is a full-on, fatty food Pinner. Can't blame her! I have a few of them, too. I actually go to her board when I need something for company or a potluck. haha!

So then, that means people are pulling some assumptions of "what on my mind" because of my pins.

To best honest, BABIES ARE STILL OCCUPYING MY BRAIN! I pin things I want to remember for when the day finally comes and I have convinced myself that it is not jinxing our chance; It's smart planning.

What they will also notice, when looking at my boards, is that I am very focused on health right now. I gained some weight back from last year... the meds I am taking are known for this.

So people can gather two, very personal insights about me just by looking at my Pinterest boards. (Yes, I could set them on private but I really do not mind. It's just more interesting to think about!)

But when I look at my boards, I see the woman/wife/mother/person I want to be and the life I want to lead. And yep, it's dripping in BLUSH AND BASHFUL :)

Are you on Pinterest?

Do you adore your boards and pins as much as I do?

Miss you much!
S

Paris: Day and Night

2011-12-26T23:17:00.001-05:00

Paris: Day and Night by ssteffler20 featuring black platform heels

Martin Grant cap sleeve blouse
$265 - theoutnet.com

3 1 Phillip Lim sleeveless tank
$250 - lagarconne.com

Alexon light pink cardigan
£70 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Fleece cardigan
€65 - peopletree.co.uk

Naf Naf blouse
€40 - placedestendances.com

Kaliko wide leg denim jeans
£28 - johnlewis.com

Christian Louboutin black platform heels
$627 - shopsavannahs.com

Tory Burch ballerina flat
$225 - jildorshoes.com

Jimmy Choo expandable tote bag
£875 - net-a-porter.com

Satin handbag
$22 - macys.com

Gabrielle Sanchez quartz jewelry
$825 - barneys.com

Bottega Veneta cubic zirconia jewelry
£405 - net-a-porter.com

Wrap scarve
$350 - dealuxe.ca

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-26T13:20:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all a year of health, wealth, happiness and love,

S&G

Tom - ta-Tom-Tom-TOMS!!

2011-11-14T18:43:00.000-05:00

So obsessed with Tom's Paris Ballet Flats!!

Spring 2012 can't come fast enough... neither can the linen flats pink and natural and burlap toe flats in a 10 :)

How I Want Our Holidays to Look: The Table

2011-09-14T20:28:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Pottery Barn... and feeding into my impossible picture-perfect holiday dreams.

Halloween:

Thanksgiving:

Christmas:

How, How, HOW, do they always get it right?

Either way, there is 15-weeks left to 2011 and I can't wait to bring in some of this beauty into this year's Big 3 decor !

Are you already planning for the holidays?

Always Remember

2011-09-11T14:49:00.000-04:00

10-years ago today, my amazing state of NY and all of America suffered a lost greater than we have ever know.

Kind of like the famous "where were you when Kennedy was shot" of my parent's generation, "where were you on 9/11" is the question of my generation.

I remember so clearly that day. It was my second week of my sophomore year at our local community college. I was in my first class of the day, Journalism 2, and we were actually watching CNN, listening to the news so we could write a story based on a new report.

There was a breaking story of a plane flying into one of the World Trade Center buildings. We sat there stunned. My teacher ran out to other classrooms and other students came into our room: it's like he knew something was very wrong.

As we listened to the reports come in, a second plane hit the other World Trade Center building... we watched it happen.

Again, our teacher left the room and soon the Dean came on the load speaker to announce, due to recent events and security issues, classes have been canceled for the day and he advised us to go home and remain up-to-date on the events that were unfolding in NYC.

I remember walking numbly down the halls... seeing the TVs mounted in the lounges, halls and cafes with horrific images of a city close to my backyard, and even closer to my heart, in a panic.

First responders were just getting on the scene, people were running and flames were building.

As I drove home, the radio stations had switched over to news reports and it was obvious that the USA was under attack.

I got home, grabbed a small TV and went to my mom's office: I couldn't be alone.

I watched everything unfold with my brother and sister while my mom and her co-workers worked quickly to cancel appointments for the afternoon.

We went home, held each other close, and prayed for all of those in NYC, PA, DC and all of America.

Today, 10 years later, we again are watching the images from that day, holding each other close and praying for those lost, those who survived, those left behind and for peace.

Always remember 9/11/01

Sunday Morning

2011-09-11T14:27:00.000-04:00

(Totally thought I posted this last week!... so double post day it is)

I love our Sundays.

Typically they are slow, mostly lazy days filled with nothing big but totally special.

We start off waking up a little late... or maybe early... whenever we feel like!

Then we go off to our favorite neighborhood diner for breakfast. We are basically regulars but only our drink orders are regular: Diet Pepsi for him and a Jamaican Me Crazy coffee.

For breakfast, I typically do eggs (over-hard, egg white omelet with cheese and veggies, scrambled with cheese), bacon, sour dough toast and home fries. So much bounty for $4.99!

G tends to get the French Toast special with sausage and steals half of my home fries.

Yeah, it all looks like a lot of food but we typically don't finish all of it and ALWAYS skip on lunch. Ahhh... a good breakfast!

Then we go home or to the store to get groceries. And the rest of the day is light cleaning, lots of resting and tons of enjoying our time together.

How about you?

Not Going As Planned

2011-08-27T09:48:00.001-04:00

I am a planner.

I am damn good at it.

I always look for the opportunity to plan something. Weddings (duh), birthdays, anniversary parties (knee-deep in planning one for next month!), room schemes, grocery shopping, our days/nights/weekends, you get the point.

But there is one thing not going as planned. And I am planning, and planning, and planning yet I can't pull off this event.

I feel like I keep restrategizing, reorganizing, recalculating, re-praying, re-hoping.

And then, in less than 3 minutes, a month... 30 days... 720 hours... 43,200 minutes, of planning, waiting, praying, hoping, gone.

And then. I am left. Heartbroken.

I am blessed in many ways. And I guess this is God's event to plan and not mine.

Working on Our Fitness

2011-07-31T22:48:00.000-04:00

We took the plung and ordered an elliptical!
Geo and I have been talking about getting an elliptical for a few months now. After lots of research, we decided on the PrForm Adjustable Stride Elliptical...

It had rear-drive, which offers a more natural stride and has less electronic components to potentially break. There are 3 levels you can set the stride to, allowing you the ability to focus on different target muscles. You can also use the iFit cards to get a custom workout, which is a nice plus.

I am so excited to have the option of working out in the privacy of our home.

We ordered it from HSN.com with free shipping and handling. We were tempted to get it from the store but HSN had better warranties.

Yay for getting healthy... again :)

I will let you know how it goes!

I Am 29.

2011-07-29T16:26:00.000-04:00

I turned 29 this month.

It is almost surreal!

I keep thinking about my early and mid-twenties. In my early twenties, I fell in love for the first time. It was hardcore, crazy-stalker love. When the love was gone, I was devastated.

But I was 21.

So I did what any single, 21 year old would do: I took it to the bars!

I moved from the peaceful suburbs to the city. Dated like it was my job. I was careless and fun and confident. Not reckless: I paid my bills and went to work but not playing-it-safe either.

It was me, my friends, cute boys, cocktails and dancing. Every weekend. Every year. For 2 years.
So 104 weekends of living it up to the max. And the weekends started on Thursdays in college. So that is 312 nights of partying.

I am exhausted just thinking about it!

At 23, I met Geo. I was ready to calm down and he was ready to break out of his video-game-focused life.

I wanted to show him the world and he wanted to give it to me.

A year later, we moved in together.

For the next 3 years, we bounced around to different apartments but settled into our routine. Had our ups and downs and ups. It was bliss!

We got engaged when I was 26, almost 27.

I panicked. I had always worried about divorce and not making it as a couple/family but getting engaged took my natural-panicfilled-life to the next level. I went nuts. I got better. We moved forward.

We got married when I was 27, almost 28.

Our first year of marriage was wonderful! I can write that in past-tense because we are techinically on our second year :)

It's so interesting to see my twenties come to a close. I'm not sad or scared about getting older... I'm more interested in seeing what curves and turns and twists are ahead.

Thought I am still dipping my toes into 29, I am excited to see what will have this last year for my twenties. It was a deadline for many big events (married by 29, have a baby by 29, go to Europe by 29) but now that it is here, I see it as a "goal line" and less definate.

How are all of you with aging? Do you take it in stride? Do you get a little freaky when big events take place? Tell me I am not the only one!!

Pintrest-ed

2011-07-13T20:19:00.000-04:00

So I have spent the last... oh, 4 months, gawking at all the beautiful inspiration on Pintrest.

Last week, I decided it was time to participate.

Honestly, I don't have much yet. Even more honestly, I don't know how people fine SO MUCH STUFF!

And I am kind of a blog slut. I blog around. I blog and tell.

So if I think I am bad, there must be some real blog ho-s out there :)

But come visit me and see what I am liking -

http://pinterest.com/tres_chic_life/

Hope you are enjoying your Wednesday! George is FINALLY coming home and I couldn't be more grateful. With the week I had, all I want is him.

Tomorrow is our Friday then we are off to Toronto! Go Yankees :)

While George is Away...

2011-07-12T20:28:00.000-04:00

First, let me say WELCOME new followers! I have no idea where you came from but I am thrilled to see you hear. We are going to be the bestest of blog-land friends :)

So, as a refresher, when my husband is away on business, I love to do little projects and surprise him when he gets home.

Some bigger... like painting the entire bathroom, mounting the cabinet, bringing out our new towels from the registry.

And selecting and laying a new laminate floor in the bathroom....

And smaller projects, like hanging photographs of the sand dune from our mini-moon in Cape Cod/Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard....

And getting a new duvet cover for our bed (which, still need so much more help)

So what was up my sleeve this time?

I'm painting. Again! But because of my little episode on Thursday, I thought it might be safer to hire out; aka, pay my brother and his buddy.

Yep, you can't tell a darn difference between these pictures. But it was a tan with a strong tint of pink. Ew.

So we went with a cool, grey-green. I promise to get you a better pic when there is sunlight!

I had wanted to take off the doors from the one large cabinet in our kitchen, paint and style the shelving, in attempt to make the kitchen feel more open. But that will have to wait till he gets home.

What projects have you been working on lately?

Kitchen Inspiration

2011-07-09T18:25:00.000-04:00

Kitchen inspiration from Honey We're Home... http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/

Swoon!

And do-able. We have been slowly updating our kitchen to make it more modern and open. But since this is not our forever-house, we do not want to break our backs (or wallets) for this.

We painted the kitchen a light grey and gave all the trim a fresh coat of glossy white.

Now maybe update the lighting, the countertop (paint??) and I really want to remove the cabinet doors from our one, large cabinet.

But since I am under-the-weather, for now I will just keep swooning... le sigh.

On Not Feeling Well

2011-07-09T12:47:00.000-04:00

When I was younger, my mom fought with me all the time about going to school when I was not feeling well.
She thought I was faking.

Yes, if I had a fever or was tossing-my-cookies (anyone use that expression???), she would keep me home, no questions asked.

However, now it's been 11 years since high school and my mom finally realizes that I just never feel well.

It's true.

I have a sensitive stomach and I tend to push it to the limits. I know many of my triggers: I have not had citrus fruit or juice in at least 7 years. But there are just somethings I love and can't part with completely: some bread and pasta. And then there are things that I am okay with one day and being tortured by on another: steak, bread, eggs.

I would rather take a Tums or a Pepto when I need it instead of a daily medication. But my stomach being "off" is always a battle.

I am also the only adult I know that gets ear infections CONSTANTLY. The norm is about 3 or 4 a year. Some times it's a full-blow ear infection. Other times it's fluid that is throwing me off balance.

I am also super sensitive to medication. I tend to react in some way to everything, just like my Grandma... who has the same stomach issues as me, we call it the "Alexander Gut".

So where is this coming from you ask?

Well I fainted at work on Thursday. Yep. I felt off in my office. Went into my co-workers office, knowing something was wrong. And I don't remember much after that other than the EMTs getting there and taking my stats.

After being taken away by the ambulance and spending 8 hours in the ER, it appears vertigo and inner ear issues are the culprit.

I am taking it easy this weekend but I am MORTIFIED to go back to work on Monday. I'm so embarrassed. And it seems like it's always something with me.

Hopefully this will be the last of my issues for a while.

Praying this will be the last of my issues for a while.

Hope everyone is having a better weekend than me!

xo,
S

My Favorite Things: Helpful Apps

2011-07-06T17:54:00.000-04:00

To help me/us with our "chores", I download HomeRoutines...

(source)

For $2.99, this little lifesaver breaks the house into zones that you can add or subtract areas to suit your needs. Then it gives you a list of what to do/clean in each zone.

Then you can select if you want to clean on a rotating zone schedule daily, weekly or monthly. And it reminds you what to do in the morning and again at night.

A. MAH. ZING.

Another favorite: Fooducate!

(source)

You scan the bar-code of your food products the see how it ranks healthwise.

Last but not least, the Good Housekeeping @Home app...

(source)

It gives you tips on removing stains, cleaning various surfaces throughout the house, decorating inspiration ideas and news and tips. So many good things in one spot!

How about you? What are your favorite useful apps?

xo,

Sarah

Candice Olson Always Gets it Right

2011-07-05T20:35:00.000-04:00

Yep. Perfection.

Muted without being totally shabby-chic. le sigh...

Chores

2011-06-27T19:35:00.000-04:00

Geo and I have a confession to make: we are procrastinators.

Not like, "Oh I will do the dishes tomorrow."

I mean, we do laundry on Sundays and 50% of the time it remains in the hamper until we wear it... then back in the hamper for washing.

Yeah, and the dishes, they get done when the sink is half-full and the dishwasher has already filled with clean dishes.

After a long day, we just do not feel like doing much else than making dinner, straightening up and hanging out.

But I tell ya, we have done a lot these past few day!

Cleaning, laundry, mowing, cooking, dishes, gardening... we even got a good start on our guest bedroom! A new queen bed, bed frame and linens.

We realized our house will fall apart this month (with all the weekend traveling we have planned!!) if we don't do more chores during the week.

And when thinking long-term, our laziness will not be allowed when we have a baby so we might want to get in the swing-of-things now.

How about you? What is your method for doing chores?

Sunday Morning

2011-06-26T11:36:00.000-04:00

After days of rain and more in the forecast, the sky cleared as much as it could and Maroon 5 took the stage!

Adam sang and shook-his-groove-thang (while I had a perma smile on my face) for over an hour and it was amazing. They gave it their all and the crowed cheered for an encore.

And an encore is what they gave us; they returned with "Sunday Morning"!

Can you hear Geo singing at the top of his lungs???

And I am not sorry for the shaky camera... we were dancing to our song :)

Many may have questioned our choice of having "Sunday Morning" as our wedding song.
My response is the same every time: it's romantically realistic.
"Thing just get so crazy, living life gets hard to do. Sunday morning, rain is falling and I am calling out to you. Singing someday it will bring me back to you. Find a way to get myself back home to you."

With that, it's Sunday morning and I am going to find my way to Geo!

xo,
S

Happy Friday

2011-06-24T11:38:00.000-04:00

Geo and I have one heck of a summer planned and it kicks-off this weekend!

Tonight, we are on our way to see Maroon 5. In concert. For our first time.

For those who don't know, Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning" was our wedding song. And I am praying they play that little ditty tonight so we can beam with love and delightment at each other! Yep, I love me some cheese :)

The concert is a few hours away from our house, so we will be sleeping over then hitting up the wine trail on the way home ...

... and hopefully, the outlet mall too! Mama could use 4 new pairs of shoes and some new pots and pans :)

Then Saturday night, we get home and head out to Beer Fest for our friend's birthday! The best part... well, other than unlimited beer... is we get to hang out with our "extended" group of friends.

You know, there are your close friends, which is 3 other couples and us, and your extended friends, which is about 8 couples and us. And it sounds like almost all 9 couples will be together, drinking and being marry.

Then Sunday my youngest cousin, Johnny, is graduating from high school!

Hope you all have a great weekend as well!!

Thank You McDonalds

2011-06-24T08:34:00.001-04:00

I would like to thank McDonalds.

I know, I know... fast food is the devil (cause so delicious with calories and greasy-goodness) but when they launched the "Any Size Coffee for a $1" promotion... I fell in love and I don't care who knows it!!

So every other morning, I get my large coffee with 2 creams, 1 sugar for a whopping $1.08.

Gooood Morning Sunshine!!

And those 108 pennies that I spend every-other-day seem to make that day so much more enjoyable... like I have something to look forward to... something other than the weekend!

I hope these dollar days are here to stay!
Happy Friday morning :)

Just a Little Bump in the Rue

2011-06-16T21:43:00.000-04:00

So, we left off with Geo and I having a perfectly Parisian lunch and touring Notre Dame.
We had schedule an illuminations bus tour for that evening so we went back to the hotel to rest.

A few hours later, we decided to head to the Louvre so we would be close to the bus' pick up area.

This is the bus stop...

Haha... right?! The bus stop was right in the middle of the road that cuts through the plaza of the Louvre and drops you in front of the pyramid. Crazy!

We were stunned by the beauty and massiveness of the Louvre.

So stunned, we had to call home while there... it was just too much... we had to share!

So I took the above picture, turned around and saw this...

OMG! Eiffel Tower! Just there! I cried. It was just such a magical moment :) Worthy of a picture, in the opposite direction... haha...

Next, we started walking through the gardens of the Louvre at sunset...

And again, there in the distance, the Arch de Triumph and Cleopatra's Needle...

Geo and I were pretty excited to see Cleopatra's Needle for several reasons. 1.) His Mom and Dad are pretty in love with all thing Egypt and 2.) We have now seen all 3 Needles: the one in NYC, the one in London and the last in Paris. Pretty sweet, uh?!

And of course, the Arch de Triumph made us weak in the knees!!!!

One last pic of us at the gardens while we wait for our tour bus. This will mark the last nice picture of the evening...

The rest, from the bus tour, all turned out like this...

So we LOVED the Louvre, the Glass Pyramid, the gardens and the view.

We didn't love the tour.

They picked up us in a nice area, central to public transportation, which was nice. The bus was enclosed allowing for no pictures. The bus route made it that all the sites were on the left side of the bus; we were on the right. But the French music in the head phones we nice... but a vocal tour would have been great!

We would have been okay with all the above IF they hadn't dropped us off in a completely different area that had low lighting and ZERO public transportation options. AT MIDNIGHT.

After walking around aimlessly and consulting our Rick Steve's tour book, we found out that you need to go to the taxi stands to get a taxi; you can't hail them like in NYC. So after an hour of trying for a cab, we jumped in a cab with another couple heading in the same direction.

Overall, it was a great night. I got to see (some of) a glowing Paris with the man I love.

Next, all of Paris in a nut shell!

Unforgettable Paris

2011-06-14T22:40:00.000-04:00

So, we hopped on the EuroStar in London and arrived in Paris. With 75 lbs of luggage in tow, George had us take the metro from the train station to our hotel then walk the 4 blocks to our street.

After a few choice words from a miserable me, we arrived to this... The Sorbonne!

And a HUGE, clean, comfortable room...

That is one happy man...

And one heck of a view...

It was lunch time and naturally, we were hungry. So we headed out to explore the St. Germine district and stopped at our first bistro...

Craving vegatables, I had a salad with fresh goat cheese and toasted baguette... heaven!

George went right to a must-have; Croque Monsieur!

Mmm... ham and cheese soaked in cheese sauce then broiled for brown-goodness...mmm

Full and happy, we started walking... just to the end of the block... when we saw this from across the river ...

Like, we turned a corner and saw history. It was breathtaking! So we went in...

The main alter was beautiful. It was somber but enlighting. Though, we didn't know if it was okay to smile, so we went "neutral" face. Kind of like "Blue Steal" but more neutral :)

After walking the interior, we walked the exterior and I took a million photos of all 3 rose windows...

I told Geo, I want to print off pictures of all three and hang them in the house. I just loved them.

After Notre Dame, we went back to the hotel to rest and get ready for what will be the biggest disappointment of Paris: Our Illuminations Tour of the City.

But don't worry, hanging out at the Louvre before hand made up for it :)

More to come!

The Dream Came True...

2011-06-03T17:48:00.001-04:00

... and we can't wait to share it with you!

First, London...

we went to Buckingham Palace

strolled St. Jame's Park

stared in amazement at Westminster Abby

were super excited to see the red, British phone booths

shrugged and said "nah" to the London Eye

searched for the perfect shot of St. Paul's Cathedral

couldn't believe we got to see Shakespeare's Globe

kept repeating the words of Clarke W. Griswald, "Big Ben. Parliament."

walked the Millennium Bridge...

me, referencing Bridget Jones; him referencing the Death Eaters from Harry Potter

We also fell in love with sticky toffee pudding, Pimms, Hyde Park, Harrod's, cabs and fish and chips.

We really enjoyed our time in London and we wished could have gone into the country side but there was just no time. We both said we we were a bit disappointed in London; the blend of new and old wasn't smooth, actually it was almost jarring. It was really expensive, very upscale and, at times, intimidating.

As we set off on the next lag of our trip via EuroStar, we worried that Paris was not going to live up to our expectations.

Oh boy, we were in for the most magical surprise... PARIS!

11 Months

2011-04-22T13:12:00.000-04:00

"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

Words of Wisdom

2011-04-10T13:48:00.000-04:00

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."

P.S.

2011-04-04T21:45:00.001-04:00

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

hugs,
ss

Weekend Recap

2011-04-04T20:49:00.000-04:00

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

Our New Camera

2011-04-03T08:07:00.000-04:00

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!

An Open Letter to Our Unborn Child

2011-03-31T20:56:00.000-04:00

Hi Baby,

Mommy and Daddy love you so much! You are not even conceived yet but "so much" does not even begin to describe how much we love you.

In December 2010, Daddy and I knew 2011 was going to be a big, huge, exciting year for us. Yes, we were going to Paris and London, settling into our first home, celebrating our 1st year of marriage and enjoying our last year in our 20's. But more important that anything else happen in 2011, we were planning on starting our family; beginning with you.

We love you so very much that we decided we had to get fit and healthy just for you. And since we knew we couldn't do it alone, we enlisted the help of a diet program and would make us lose lots of weight and get healthy in a short amount of time. But Daddy and I pay $X,XXX.XX a month for the special food. Daddy has lost almost 40 pounds but me, Mommy,... well, I am struggling to meet half of that. But I am trying and I will not give up! And that means, I will be on this plan a while longer.

So we might not be able to give you the best designer stroller/diapers/clothes but we will get you the safest car seat and crib that money can buy, give you a safe house and warm clothes, a full belly and a happy life.

And I might not be able to stay home with you everyday and watch you grow, but I promise I will be able to play with you for hours when I get home and have the energy to keep up with you and everything you do.

But most importantly, we promise you a healthy family. You will be healthy and so will we. And though you might not understand the importance of it now, you will someday.

So Mommy will keep spending an insane amount of money to get healthy. Cause it is good for us but it's all for you.

Love you so so so much!
Mommy and Daddy.

And to the readers of this blog: I'm not psycho! I am just desperate to remember the reason I am on this damn diet to begin with... haha!!

Oh What a Day, What a Day...

2011-03-28T20:11:00.000-04:00

What do you get when you combine ...

1 Stressful Day ...

1 Bud Light ...

1 Girl on a Diet ...

Ya get a little loopy blogger!

Ugh, who has to find the steadiness to walk off the beer calories.

Have a Molson/Mojito/Margarita/Milk Monday :)

(all images from Google.com)

My New Best Friends

2011-03-23T19:56:00.001-04:00

are...

( http://www.amazon.com/ )

I am a woman obsessed. We bought 3 books to help us prep for our trip. Yeah, that means two books on Paris.

George and I love the practical advice Rick Steves offers. And the Top 10 books from Eyewitness are helping us focus on the "top 10" things to see and do. For example, the top 10 gardens, the top 10 museums, the top 10 things to see in the Louvre, the top 10 cheap cafes, .... you get the point!

We had been very conflicted on what to do with our savings. We saved for this trip but once it was time to start booking we were so torn: Life vs.Responsibility. Do we take the trip of a lifetime or pay off debt and have a savings?

Yep, we chose life!

And it's funny, people keep saying "Good for you" and telling us how they had wanted to go to Europe/Asia/Africa before having children but never did and that it is hard to once you have kids.

That was our fear, too. I hope, once we get there, we will realize we can bring a family overseas and it won't be so overwhelming and unfamiliar.

Have any of you traveled with young kids or plan on doing it soon? What are your thoughts on long trips with little ones?

That's all I got! Happy Wednesday :)

oh, p.s. - George also received his passport today!! And he keeps reminding me that HE is going to Paris but I'm not yet; not until I get my passport...bah!

Time Flies

2011-03-22T18:10:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that 10 months ago today, Geo and I ... after 5 years of dating... became husband and wife...

I swear, I don't know how it's been almost 6 years since we first met but it's the wedding anniversary that boggles my mind!

It's funny, I was totally "that bride" with dates and events. Everything was "This time next week, we will be married." Or "when we do this next year, we will be married." Heck, I would even say "as of tomorrow, I can say 'I'm getting married next year/month/week'."

I did this for everything!

And now that we are married and settling into our home and life, I've started say, "next St. Patrick's Day, I won't be able to drink (hopefully!)." Or while making summer plans, I will say "next year, we can't travel/camp/eat out with a 2 month old".

I don't mean to wish time away... but oh, how I wish we could start growing our family now!

But it's okay. Geo and I are enjoying our anniversaries, our travels and our little family of 2 :)

Drastic Decor Decision

2011-03-13T18:11:00.000-04:00

Everything is changing.

I think I lost "my" style in the sea-of-shabby-chic. I have always loved the muted colors but but not the distressed look.

Most of the blogs I read, are heavy on the shabby-chic/rustic ocean-side cottage look. And that's okay!!

More often than not, I love the blog-land rooms I see! And slowly but surely, my style started to evolve into the distress, beachy look. But that's not me!

Clean, classic, crisp and muted is me. Like this...

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/ - wall color: Grey Mirage

Okay, okay... this is almost me. I'm not a fan of the cubes on the table or the vines on the stairs but overall, it's clean, classic, a touch modern and subtle.

Of course this all come to head when we are in no position to redecorate, with the trip coming up and all.

So for the next 2 months, I will be planning the elements and stalking the sales so, the moment we return, I can get to work!

Another inspiration came from an old mood for from http://www.younghouselove.com/ ...

That is our dining room set! We have similar blinds and green glassware! And I have been adding pops of spring green for our spring/summer look. I want to add white curtains over our French doors to cover the hideous vertical blinds. So though we have this look in the making, having a little guide is helping me stay focused.

More ideas to come but in the meantime, have you had a decor change-of-heart?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-03-09T19:52:00.000-05:00

Yay for Wednesday! I have to admit, this week has been a long one and I am very excited to be over-the-hump and closing in on the weekend :) So with that, this is what I am loving tonight.

{one}

This weekend is St. Patty's Day weekend in our city! And it's the one weekend I (along with everyone else in the city) get to show my Irish roots and celebrate. Yes, I will wear green. Yes, we are hosting Kegs&Eggs. And yes, we will be in the bars before noon!

{two}

Our flights and hotels are all booked for our London and Paris trip! We are 10-shades of excited to go to Europe. Geo filed for his passport on Monday and I go tomorrow. It's getting so-so real! Now we just need to work with the travel agent to book some excursions and experiences.

{three}

I started working out. I use the words "working out" in their loosest sense. I'm walking 15 minutes on the treadmill each night. I picked up our treadmill for $50 at a garage sale 2 summers ago. And it's not the best. It's loud and the belt slips around so it's kind of annoying to use. But it's something for now!

{four}

Today is my Grandma's birthday! We are getting together with her next weekend for a birthday breakfast and I am very excited! I haven't seen my Gram-cracker since Christmas (ugh, I know... I'm that grandchild) so it will be so nice to catch up.

{five}

Spring! I am so ready for spring. I have started planning our garden and planters. We are getting ready to restore our back deck with Restore

Restore

You select a color, get it mixed, washer deck then paint this thick, crack-filling, waterproofing paint that gives the surface a composite wood-like feel and look. We are so excited to get this going. And to get to the farmers' market, take walks and enjoy the spring :)

Hope you all are enjoying your Wednesday night!

Tracey's Bridal Shower

2011-03-03T22:17:00.000-05:00

I am SO excited for this weekend. We are going to be insanely busy but at least it's a lot of fun events with wonderful people.

First, tomorrow night is our usual drinks with friends! Did I ever mention that Geo, his best man and 2 of his 3 groomsman all work together? It makes it easy for planning our friend events!

Saturday is Tracey's Bridal Shower!!! I am very excited to see Tracey step into that "bridal" role. Similar to me, she has struggled a bit getting that bridal feeling. Mine hit with my bridal shower... not my dress, not booking the reception but a party celebrating me becoming a wife. I bet the same will happen for her.

Any how, since dropping some weight ~~which seems to be in my chest, where I don't need to lose weight~~, I thought I would get a few new pieces for the event.

My outfit consist of a new, light pinky-taupe silk top from Target, black pants that now fit, a simple long gold necklace, gold earrings and a-pop-of-pink shoes...

The shower is at noon and at 4, I am off to Natalie's 6th Birthday Party!

Like her sister, Natalie will be receiving a Fisher Price Digital Camera and a little photo album.

Then Sunday is devoted to relaxing and redecorating! Yes, everything in this house is changing. I don't know why this happened but the muted, beachy look isn't working for this house.

So my plan: Classic Style with a modern twist. I want to keep it simple, timeless and welcoming. Updates to follow :)

Happy Almost Friday!

Sarah

Chip Chip Cheerio and a Bonjour to You Too!

2011-02-28T20:23:00.001-05:00

WE ARE GOING TO LONDON!!!!!!!!

AND PARIS!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe this is happening! I can't believe this happened!

I have wanted to go to Paris since... birth? And London... well, we all know my Obsession with The Royals.

George and I went to AAA on Saturday, put the ticket on hold and tomorrow, they are ours!

We leave mid-May and are there for our 1 year anniversary. If not our honeymoon, at least our first anniversary as husband and wife: adventurers of life :)

I have started our budget spreadsheet. Broken down by city, just to see

London

- Double Decker Bus Tour $35 pp (2 hr. 15 min)
- Globe Theater $16 pp
- Westminster Abbey $21 pp (mass is free)
- Buckingham Palace $25 pp (if open!!) State Room and Palace
- Changing of the Guard FREE - 11:30 am daily
- Windsor Palace $23 pp
- Madame Tussauds $52 pp
- London Eye w/Madame pass
- Harrod's FREE!!!!!
- Piccadilly Circus (round-about) FREE!!!!!
- Cleopatra's Obelisk FREE!!!!!
- Tower of London $26 pp
- Afternoon Tea $26 Euros pp The Georgian Restaurant or The Savoy
- Big Ben Free - sightseeing
- Parliament Free - sightseeing
- Notting Hill Free - sightseeing
- Picnic at St. James Park Free Get food at Fortnum & Mason
- Gardens Free - sightseeing

TOTAL $326 in sightseeing

The Paris budget is barely started but at least this will give you an idea of what we are planning...

Paris

- Train $232 one way
- The Louvre eat at Café Richelieu
- Notre Dame
- Luxembourg Gardens
- Eiffle Tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- Laduree
- Musee d'Orsay
- Versailles
- Seine River Cruise
- Montmartre - Free http://www.montmartre-paris-france.com/
- Champs-Elysees - Free
- O Chateau Wine Tasting near Lourvre
- Sainte Chapele Church
- Café de Fleur
- Molin Rouge
- Chez Janou Bistrot for Chocolate mousse
- Boulangerie Eric Kayser (best croissants in Paris)
- Napoleon's Tomb
- The Pantheon
- Chanel Flagship Store - Free
- The French Open (? For George?)
- Galeries Lafayette - Free
- Sacre Couer in Montmartre - Free
- Street Market - Free
- Luxor Obelisk - Free
We are very focused on not over spending so planning ahead is important. And because I am a little bit Type-A, it's fun!

So now I need to:
1. Lose weight
2. Exercise and get ready for lots of walking
3. Get a European-inspired wardrobe
4. Get a passport (make this priority 1)
5. Get a new camera
6. Practice my French
7. Go to the doc and get something to make me sleep on the plane!

In the words of Jesse Spano...

HAPPY, HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Date Night Conversation

2011-02-26T17:25:00.001-05:00

Did you hear about this study last spring...

If you and your partner don't have much to talk about, you're not alone. A new study has found couples who have been married 20 years or more barely speak to each other.
The British study found that couples who have been married 50 years will sit together in silence for up to 57 minutes in an hour.
Unlike young lovers who chat about shared interests and goals, older couples often limit their conversation to "pass the sauce" and the weather.
While some say they prefer a relaxed atmosphere, others admit they simply can't be bothered to talk, according to the study by dating website ForgetDinner.co.uk.
Couples married for 30 years or more talk for only 16 minutes in every hour, while those in a 20-year relationship enjoy only five minutes more.
Even newlyweds chat for less than 40 minutes during an hour-long meal, according to the study of 500 couples across the UK.
In contrast, unmarried pairs natter for an average of 50 minutes in every 60.

I hate these studies, they freak me out. But at least they make me take preventative measures.

When I was at the spa last week, I was this article in Parents Magazine about making the most of date night conversation. It also offered this cheat sheet...

So a few things:

A. I love me a good cheat sheet

B. This is something we actually did prior to the study! 1 point for us :)

C. This has some questions I haven't asked yet!!

We use to go out to eat. A LOT. And we noticed couples ranging from much older than us to much older than us, and they didn't talk while at dinner. Like at all. They would talk more to the waiter than each other. And years ago we vowed to never get like that.

So I always ask "what if" or "hypothetical" questions... often ridiculous but always entertaining.

We plan things (travel, parties, friend nights) and we talk about work. I love helping George come up with ways to connect with his team (he manages 30 customer support reps.). Family, friends and memories are other common topics.

Basically, we just try our best to talk. Oh, and while holding hands.

How about you guys? Are you and your SO talkers? Any other tips you want to share?

Happy Saturday!

Off to dinner and a movie night at our friends' house!

Life vs. Responsibility

2011-02-24T21:42:00.000-05:00

Well, we have some good news. Geo and I can take the trip of a lifetime!

But, here's the thing. We have some debt. We have a house. To be honest, I am worried about my job right now (buy out rumors are circulating).

Our debt isn't crazy; a bit on charge cards but a substantial amount in student loans. Our savings is growing but we planned on using that for this trip... or a chunk of it.

So we are torn.

Pay off the charge cards and be down to my student loans and car payment (we paid off George's car and he didn't have student loans).

Go to Paris and London or Paris and Rome.

We could scale back the trip but I'm not too sure how much more we can scale back. And to be honest, we might never get back there. Kids+Flying+Europe = An Expensive Nightmare!

We are going to talk to a travel agent and see what else we can do to keep cost down.

We might wait and pay off the debt and re-save up for the trip but I don't know. I would like to think we could save enough by September or October but it might be more like next spring: That's OVER A YEAR AWAY!

Okay, I need opinions and I need them now. What do we do?

Pay it off... Get our travel on... or pay it and wait it?

Hope everyone is enjoying the NBC Thursday night lineup :)

Sarah

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-02-23T19:29:00.000-05:00

(linked up with http://www.littledaisymay.blogspot.com/ )

Happy Wednesday (spelled out in my head as Wed-Nes-Day)! I have many reason to be lovin' this day so here we go!

{one} I have been planning a family room/play room for our attic. I really want a space for our nieces and nephew (and eventually our children) when they visit. Since they are really into dress-up, fairy tales, glitz and glamour, I have been looking for some fun things to get them for when they visit. My discovery: Halo Heaven! http://www.haloheaven.com/

$1.50 for gloves, $3 for tutus, $1 for a little purse, tiaras, wands, caps, parasols... so many cute things! I can't wait to surprise them with a chest of goodies :)

{two} I am signing up for tap classes! I took ballet, tap and jazz for 12-ish years and I miss it (I miss creative outlets in general, these days). I also need exercise so I thought I would combine the two. Lessons start March 7th and I am thrilled to try this again! Anyone else take dance lessons as adults?

{three} Spring is coming and I am in garden mode. I have been picking up pots and planters at Good Will, VOA and Rite Aid (yep, a drug store with a 50% off sale) and planning our garden for this year. I see lots of herbs, tomatoes, peppers and zucchini in our summer.

{four} The IRS! Someone told me once that you shouldn't get a large tax return since that basically means you give the government an interest-free loan (any they never would do that for you). But I don't care! It's always a nice surprise, even though we took a huge hit since I was unemployed for 6 months of last year. And since we are savings for our trip, this will be helpful.

{five} And speaking of trip... tomorrow we find out where we stand on affording the trip! I am getting my commission checks in tomorrow's paycheck so hopefully (fingers crossed), we will have enough to book the trip this weekend (internal scream!!!!)!!

George is out of town next week so plan on seeing some new house-project posts.

But for now, it's ABC line-up!

Have a great night and hopefully I will have some big travel news tomorrow :)

*Sarah

Long Live the Queen, Princes and Kate

2011-02-21T19:30:00.000-05:00

I am unapologetically obsessed with the Royals.

It started here, after a 9th English research paper on Grace Kelly; The Film Star...

And, after her divorce but before her death, I thought Princess Di was almost a saint...

I thought Wills and I were destined to be together since we are exactly 1 month apart. I guess he had other plans because I woke up on November 16, 2010 to this...

(and, cue my heart breaking)

Once I overcame my shock, I started planning a Royal Wedding Day Celebration!

My mom, sister and I have taken the day off from work and are planning our British Morning Tea while we watch the nuptials take place.

Yes, it's at 6:00 am EST so mom and sister are sleeping over and waking up early to watch the ceremony play-by-play.

I am collecting tea bits and pieces over the next few weeks. Then planning our menu, which I hope to be very English.

My aunts might come over too. Maybe the obsession started earlier? Like birth?

I am sure I will post more about this soon... cause April 29th isn't too far away :)

Anyone else a little crazy for the Royals?

It's Too Real...

2011-02-21T18:11:00.000-05:00

Thursday, we will know for sure... but we could book our trip THIS weekend!

Wishing and Hoping and Praying...

Three Little Ladies Jumping on the Bed

2011-02-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

Our three nieces are coming over tomorrow night for a sleepover!

Katelynn, Lauren and Ally (who NEVER looks at the camera)... 3 of the 4 lights-of-our-lives! Ethan is too but he's a bit too young to sleep so far away from home.

Ally's 7th birthday was this week and she asked to go shopping for her birthday.

Right.

It's official: kids are growing up too fast!

But Geo and I were okay with it since she hasn't slept over since summer. So we added her sister Katelynn and cousin Lauren to the mix and we have a party :)

She also asked to go to "the Chinese place where they cook the food in front of you"- aka. hibachi!

Her plans include "go shopping, go to Chucky Cheese's and have a tea party."

Sadly, they are coming over at 6 on Friday and leaving around 12 noon on Saturday so definately not enough time to accomplish everything on that list but she knows I will try! I'm a sucker for shopping, singing animals and tea.

How are you spending your weekend?

Happy Almost Friday!!

And that's a weekend

2011-02-13T22:45:00.000-05:00

Wow, how is it Sunday night already???!!

Saturday was a whirlwind. We woke up and went to JC for weigh-in and food. After that, I stopped in the new Tuesday Morning while George cut his hair cut.

Before we knew it, it was time for our pre-cana hosting duties. It went really well! We both agreed though, the engaged couples loved but we might not be asked back.

I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE THINKING!

It wasn't that we weren't serious or weren't on topic. But I think we were just too easy to relate to. We were honest: we don't go to church every Sunday. We aren't strict Catholics and that's okay. It was okay with all the couples as well... since they all told us this first before we confessed that as well. But I don't know if the pre-cana leaders feel this was something to share.

Oh well. We covered what was needed and we know we sparked some conversation topics that a few of the couples never had. We did our job and we did it well. I hope we are asked back. I hope I am worrying about it more than needed. Only time will tell.

This morning, we got a 8 am wake-up call from George's dad. He was at the hospital in our area. He had slipped at work and dislocated his shoulder.

With that, George and I were off to the hospital so we could drive dad home, which is an hour away.

We got home, did some cleaning then off to my mom's house for tea.

It's always wonderful to see my mom, sister and brother! My mom works a lot... it's a single mother thing. So when we get to spend time with her, it's a blessing and always entertaining.

Now we are home, resting up for the week.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Check our ~Est. 2010~ page to see new pics of the bathroom and bedroom!

lots of love,
Sarah

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-02-09T20:46:00.000-05:00

It's time for another installment of What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Once again, thank to Jamie.

:First: I'm loving Old Navy's easy breezy dresses...

My vision for these include gold bracelets and necklaces, maybe some chunkier turquoise or coral pieces. And cute sandals, naturally!

:Second: Our pre-cana duties. We have made great progress with our topic: The Rite of Marriage. We are getting great feedback on our ideas and I am so excited to share this experience with the engaged couples. I remember how much we LOVED it and I hope they all do too.

:Third: The fact that it's WEDNESDAY!! That means The Middle, Better with you, Modern Family and Cougar Town. Even better, tomorrow is payday. Even better than that, only two days till the weekend! I hate to say it but I work for the weekend. It's my favorite time. I get to be with George, at our house, with family and friends stopping over and lots of relaxing!

:Fourth: This man with that smile...

Happy Wednesday!

Bedroom and Bathroom Update

2011-02-07T20:22:00.001-05:00

With 14 of our closest friends coming over for the Super Bowl, we had a great excuse to kick some home projects into high gear.

First, remember that sad... pathetic, really... bedroom?

No? Oh, here, let me remind you...

Yep. Pretty bad.

Well, we ordered new wood blinds, new duvet cover, hung some curtains and honeymoon art work, and now, we have this...

It's not great but it's an improvement!

The collection of photographs are all from our honeymoon in Cape Cod. I had a HUGE obsession with the dunes...

From Hyannis

From Martha's Vineyard

From Nantucket

I'm not exactly Ansel Adams, but I was proud of my point-and-shoot camera prints!

We still need to get a headboard and spruce up the end tables and fan but it's progress!

And the now the bathroom!

We painted and added some decor but it was in desperate need of a new floor. The original floor was a large piece of marbled, cream laminate.

So I picked up some concrete grey peel-and-stick laminate tiles and we (when I say we, I mostly mean George) spent 8 hours peeling, laying, cutting and shaving to get the perfect fit. So worth it!

Here is the before...

Our tile samples...

the original floor is under the small brown square

Final product!

It's a bit different but we really like it! It makes the room more polished. We have to touch up the trim here and there. And we plan on installing a new double sink and vanity and a new shower surround this summer.

These two projects were done within a week of the party! Maybe we should plan another gathering to get us going on the next project??? :)

Happy Monday All!

Super Bowl Snacks: Our Quest for the Golden Spoon

2011-02-03T18:13:00.001-05:00

For the past 3 years, our group of friends have gotten together for every Super Bowl to watch the game and fight for foodie glory!

Our mission: Make the best appetizer.

Our prize: The Golden Spoon!

LOL... it's a wooden spoon with gold metallic paint but boy, does that thing carry some heavy bragging right for the year!

We are the current Gold Spoon Champions and we are excited to compete again this year!

I've been trying to find something DELICIOUS but low-fat, low-cal and low sugar. y.u.m.

I've been looking at my Hungry Girl cookbook and I think I have some ideas!

I'm thinking her Fiber-Fake-Fried Onion rings (since they are savory, crunchy and George and I can eat a ton worry-free)...

Mmmm... thank you http://www.hungrygirl.com/ !

Another option might be the Fiber-ific Fried Chicken Fingers...

i die. http://www.hungrygirl.com/

But I'm still not 100% sold.

I have people to impress and a Golden Spoon to fight for!

George and I are known for our chicken nachos. Like, people request us to bring them to fancy dinner parties because they are that good (the tricky: a hot, hot, hot oven and non-liquid producing toppings go first).

Buuuut, we can't use chips.

So we got to thinking: what if we make chips? What if we make them from veggies?

We are thinking BAKED zucchini chips...

Now we need a low-fat topping... low fat blue-cheese? Maybe Bethany Frankle's Skinny Girl version?

Blue Cheese Dip:

•1 container (8 ounces) reduced fat vegetable cream cheese, softened
•1 cup reduced fat sour cream 1 cup crumbled blue cheese (about 4 ounces)
•1 tsp. garlic powder
•1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
•1 tsp. minced fresh parsley
•1 tsp. minced fresh dill weed

Dare I sprinkle crispy turkey bacon? I don't know?! We might be on to something here. It's different but it could be amazing!

I will probably make the onion rings for real snacking and the chips for a taste or two.

What do you think? Do the veggie chips sound good?

What are you all making? GO BILLS! haha

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-02-02T20:13:00.000-05:00

I linked up with Jamie (who I don't really know but I hope it's okay with!)

for my FIRST What I'm Loving Wednesday!!

I'm loving work! This is another first for me :) My job is salary plus commission job.

I have been with the company 6-months and I am now officially receiving my

full commission percentage on clients that renew their license to our product.

Money, Money, Money!

I'm loving travel planning! With my commission, our tax-returns and savings, we are

FINALLY booking our trip to London and Paris this month! I have placed

Samantha Brown's Passport to Paris and London in our Netflix que and

we are ready for the official planning. Suggestions are MORE THAN WELCOMED :)

I'm loving our Pre-Cana prep! George and I met with Lori, the Pre-Cana leader,

over the weekend and she gave us some great tool to help us with communicating

our topic to the engaged couples. By far our favorite tool has been:

When the Cake is Gone: How to Get Married and Stay Engaged.

It's a couples therapy CD that offers a Catholic Christian vision of marriage.

We LOVED the explanation of having different marriages through your marriage.

And, finally, I am loving my husband! He's always up for whatever crazy adventure

I have up-my-sleeve at the moment. And I completely appreciate him.

Happy Wednesday!!

Weekend Recap

2011-01-30T11:24:00.000-05:00

Wow, such a busy weekend! We had lots to do but found downtime here and there, which I am always grateful for.

Friday after work, we had our dinner at home then went to Target. George's 2 sisters, mom, dad and great Aunt Betty took nieces Lauren and Ally to gymnastics, which in our area. So we all met up at Target for a little shopping.

The little ladies helped me shop for my first-cousin once removed, Delaney's 4th birthday. Ally remembered she got a camera for her 4th birthday (insane memory on this girl) and since she LOVES Delaney (they walked down the aisle together at our wedding), she thought Delaney would love it too.

So we got her the Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera -

And a little photo album. I hope she loves it! Ally and Lauren were so happy to help.

On Saturday, we had our early morning meeting at Jenny Craig. I was only down 2 pounds (I blame the personalized menu... I had too much freedom and NO IDEA WHAT I WAS DOING!) but George was down ...

I am so ~~jealous~~ proud of him!! He is down 12 pounds total and you can really see it. Me, well, I am down 9 pounds and I can feel it in my clothes, which is a good start.

After weigh-in, we went to our church to discuss our pre-cana topic: The Rite of Marriage.

We are getting excited to do this! It's a bit intimidating but we have some good tools now to start planning our discussion.

After that, we came home, ate lunch, wrapped Delaney's gifts, grabbed our dinners and went to the birthday party!

Delaney is on the left, Aundrey is in the middle and Natalie is on the right. Delaney and Natalie are sisters and Audrey is their cousin. All are my first cousins once removed... follow that??? :)

The party theme was Tangled so the girls had matching Tangled shirts, tootoos and glitter shoes. Delaney loved the camera and Natalie requested on for her birthday too.

This was our first family gathering while being on JC. And honestly, for a family who is obsessed with food, we did awesome! We brought our dinners, were mindful of exchanges and didn't snack much at all.

After the birthday party, George and I came home took on New Direction at regionals...

And The Steffler Sing-sations totally won! We love karaoke and Glee so it doesn't get much better than this. Well, Sing Star on Playstation 3 now has Lady Gaga, which might top Glee... haha

Exhausted from channeling Finn and Rachel, we went to bed but not without watching the last episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills..

Haha!! Talk about a long day!

Now it's Sunday and we have lots of house projects planned and NOTHING ELSE!!!

I hope you all had a great weekend and a restful Sunday.

How to Eat Mama JC's Food

2011-01-26T19:11:00.000-05:00

It's not secret, we are on the Jenny Craig program, which I affectionately call Mama JC cause she does all the cooking for me!

And before we started the program, I had wondered, what is the food like?

Being a foodie (which is the reason we are in this mess), food is important. And not just food but the quality of ingredients, preparation, cooking, seasoning, presentation and taste. The whole experience is fascinating!

So I was worried about this. I didn't want to eat high sodium, cardboard that I have to rehydrate before eating.

But Mama JC's cooking is really good! Low sodium, low sugar, perfectly portioned and fairly flavorful.

So I thought it might be fun to show you how to eat Mama JC's food.

Tonight: Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with at least 2 cups of vegetables and Triple Chocolate Cheesecake.

First, heat your broccoli as directed and chopped 2 cloves of garlic, like so ...

With non-fat cooking spray, heat a pan with chopped garlic...

Add the broccoli and stir...

mmm... now heat your tray of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo...

Combine broccoli and pasta then serve!

Yes, I basically had an entire bag of broccoli to myself but it's a free food! So we are encouraged to load up on vegetables to keep us satisfied for the night.

Around 8 o'clock, I make a cup of decaf Irish Breakfast tea to have with my cheesecake/cookie/cakes or yogurt with almonds (it rotates between a real dessert and yogurt) and eat them s.l.o.w.l.y.

We try to bump-up all the entrees with broccoli, green beans, pepers and onions, mushrooms, cabbage slaw mix, whatever complements the dish best.

Overall, we really like it! And almost 10 pounds off in 2.5 weeks isn't too shabby either.

I am sure I will show you another cooking session soon.

Happy WED-NES-DAY!!

Bedroom Blues

2011-01-26T18:43:00.000-05:00

I have absolutely no idea what to do with our bedroom.

Ugh. I wish I could blame it on the lighting but I can't... it's that blah and white.

As Oprah would say, "Let's get real".

Okay, let's.

Confession: I was going to copy this picture -

I know! I know! I promise, I know what you are thinking. And I don't know what to say. I am SO lost.

I have no passion for this room. I have scoured blogs, HGTV.com and magazine websites. I have bookmarked a bunch of looks we love. But I can't seem to get it together on this project.

I ordered the duvet. We had added chocolate brown, wood blinds to the windows. We painted the walls white. I have made efforts. But I can't seem to figure out how to pull this look together!

I simply don't know what to do. I don't want to put the duvet on yet so I can go match shams and pillows, so maybe that is the issue?

So I need design advice. I have even asked some design blogs who do inspiration boards for help.

I am getting to the point where I am not liking this look anymore. It's annoying me! haha

Any help/thoughts/input would be GREATLY appreciated!

Have any of you been stumped on a room? How did you get past the funk?

Resoultions 2011 - Update

2011-01-25T20:22:00.001-05:00

In my last update, it was just a few days into the new year and I was already making progress on achieving my resolutions.

In recap, the resolutions for 2011 are:

1. Lose weight and get healthy
2. Volunteer
3. Be more aggressive with money (savings, 401k, trim monthly budget. etc.)
4. House projects
5. Travel and have more experiences with Geo (just added this!)

So here is what I got...
1. Lose weight and get healthy
Update: Yep! George and I have been eating Mama JC's food and, after just 19 days on the program, we are both down 8 pounds! We haven't been crazy active but that is our next goal to getting the weight off faster.

2. Volunteer
Update: You are ~~looking at~~ reading the blog of the newest couple to join the Pre-Cana Married Couples Team! Oh yes, all 8 months of married life wisdom will be passed on from us to engaged couples that are looking to get married in the Catholic church. We loved Pre-Cana and are looking forward to experiencing that connection again.
3. Be more aggressive with money (savings, 401k, trim monthly budget. etc.)
Update: It's a process. When you get paid every-other week, saving takes time. But we have cut back here and there so we can afford Mama JC's food, travel and plan for house projects.

4. House projects
Update: Hoping to put new flooring in the bathroom this weekend and maybe take some doors of the kitchen cabinets to do an exposed shelving look.
5. Travel and have more experiences with Geo
Update: Again, this takes some time but with our tax returns, we are hoping to book Paris and maybe get to NYC or DC for Geo's birthday in March.

Okay, going to eat my Triple Chocolate Cheesecake (yes, that's on the program!).

Our Wandering Jew(ish)

2011-01-25T19:08:00.002-05:00

Yes, Wandering Jew is the name of this plant...

(And I have to say the whole word... it's just not right otherwise)

Anyhow, I needed something fresh but not overly springy for our dining room table. I have this great, white pedestal bowl that my mom gave us as an engagement present. It's wide and deep so knew I needed something big to go into it.

I had thought about throwing some dirt and seeds in it and trying to make a wheatgrass centerpiece kind of like this...

I love the look and TOTALLY want to do this around Easter time as a chic alternative to creepy bunnies and technocolor grass.

So when we were at Wegmans last weekend, I stopped at the floral department to see what they had. I loved the seeded eucalyptus but couldn't figure out how to put that in the bowl.

Then I saw a sale on hanging plants. And then I saw this perfect plant; with dark green, light green, light purple, deep purple leaves and sprouts. It was $6.99 and PERFECT!!

Then I read the name: Wandering Jew(ish). Yep, leave it to me to find the most politically incorrect named plant ever! But it's cool, cause I have nothing but love for this Wandering Jew(ish).

So I grabbed the plant, came home, cut off the hanger, popped into the white pedestal bowl and vola!

Love!

It's a nice way to remind me that spring is just around the corner. Even though it is -3 with a windchill making it feel like -15 degrees.

Yes, it's still in the pot it came in. And yes, those are MacKenzie-Childs salt and pepper shakers - a birthday present from Aaron and Amy!

(okay, just one more pic cause I love the contrast!)

Do you have any house plants? This is our first. Here's to hoping I grow a green thumb!

Happy Tuesday!!

Simple Sundays

2011-01-23T16:34:00.000-05:00

~sigh~ I love our Sundays. George and I sleep in, have a "Sunday" breakfast (which we can still do with JC food), watch Sunday Morning on CBS, look at the ads in the newspaper, do a little cleaning and a lot of resting!

(Google Image...not mine!)

This is the most divine way to send the day before we are back to work on Monday. We do everything in our power to make the day so slow. Just keep the day simple; no plans, no fuss, just us.

How are your Sundays? I hope today was a happy one!

Happy Friday!

2011-01-21T22:18:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!
Sorry to post so late but better late than never.

My boss was in town this week (she is great but a bit of a tornado that whips through the office, creating a mess, then leaves for a month), I had my company holiday party (which I was the lead of the planning committee... no pressure) and I had my 6-month review today. So needless to say, sister needed the weekend!

Tonight, George and I made Mama JC's Chicken Carbonara over broccoli, sun dried tomatoes and slivers of fresh garlic.

Then we went to see the King's Speech... and was blown away by how amazing it was!! I heart Colin Firth -

And since we were in the area, we made a pit-stop at Walmart. I needed to get some wall anchors to hang the frames art display in our bedroom, a few door stoppers and mascara, naturally!

Now we are going to watch a movie at home and rest for the night :)

Tomorrow is weigh-in, groceries and staying home where it is warm for the rest of the weekend.

Hope you all had a wonderful week and have a AWESOME weekend!!

While George is Away: Part 3

2011-01-21T22:03:00.001-05:00

George is leaving next week so you know what that means: I'm pulling a While-You-Were-Out!

Back in August, George went away on business so I painted the bathroom, brought down our new bathroom stuff from that attic (where we are storing some of our bridal shower/wedding gifts) and surprised him with a little update!

Then a few months ago, I did a bunch of little projects. Like made and hung art in the living room, bought a new area rug for the living room, rearranged the dining room and put all of our engagement, bridal shower and wedding cards into a scrapbook.

So he is off again next week and I am planning to keep plugging aways at that bathroom!

I know laminate isn't every one's cup of tea. But honestly, I think the titles have come a long way... and, well, this isn't out forever house! It's our starter home. And I would rather make some cheap but good updates in a few areas (bathroom, master, attic, deck) with one big-ticket update (the kitchen!).

So I am laying laminate next week!!

We will see how this goes. ehow.com said I need to pull up the baseboard. Riiiiggghhhttt.
And after reading all I have done, I guess it's time to post some finished project pics ... opps!

I Miss Cooking

2011-01-19T21:30:00.000-05:00

Yeah, Mama JC (aka Jenny Craig) does give us much of an opportunity to cook. And I miss it.

I miss the smell. I miss the chopping. I miss the dashing and sprinkling and stirring and tasting.
I don't miss the dishes so I guess that's something!

But if I could eat what I want, and cook what I want, and host a fancy-shamancy dinner party, this would be the menu...

First course: Warm Goat Cheese Salad with Figs

Second Course: Seafood Bisque with warm sherry

Third Course: Seared Sea Scallops

Fourth Course: Herb Roasted Beef Tenderloin with vegetables

Fifth Course: A Cheese and Fruit Plate for sharing

Sixth Course: Assorted Pastries with coffee and tea

Is it bad that I am thinking about celebrating our weight loss with food? Yeah, it kind of is. At least my vision is in portion control :)

But how fun would it be to have a black-tie dinner at home with your friends? It my dream. Well, one of my many festive food dreams.

The lack of grease in my diet must be getting to me! haha

Happy Wednesday!

I'm a Benevolent Designer

2011-01-18T20:59:00.001-05:00

Wow, I visited a new blog and low and behold, there was a link and a recommendation to a personality test!

I'm not the type to ever turn down a personality test. And I must say, this is one of the most accurate... http://www.personaldna.com/

And this is me...

Basically, a compassionate people-pleaser with an eye for all things beautiful and a love for trying something new.

Take this test!

Well, That Was Brief

2011-01-18T18:09:00.000-05:00

My last post might have been a bit premature.

I was looking at the stats of this blog and realized most of the traffic was me and George.

And that's okay! Sure, it kind of stinks to think no one is reading my words, thoughts and ideas but I didn't start blogging for readership; I started so I could be creative again.

I honestly do not have the most stimulating job. It's actually quite redundant. And kind of boring. And not very fulfilling. But, it pays the bills! It allows me to lead a comfy lifestyle for my age! It keeps me marketable to other employers! It gets me interacting with co-workers, clients and vendors! And come on, what else am I going to do with my days!

Writing here gets me out of the corporate mindset and into a comfortable space where I can offer a narrative of my life.

So I am going to keep blogging. And maybe someday someone will read it and tell a friend. Or maybe I will just keep writing for myself and dropping present hints to George (let me just say, he did awesome this Christmas!).

So I guess what I am trying to say is, intermission is over and let the show begin!

Intermission

2011-01-14T23:29:00.000-05:00

I started blogging when I wanted to share ideas on bringing back cocktail hour. You know, like 1950's housewife style. With martini shakers, highball glasses, pigs-in-a-blanket, red lipstick and a full skirt dress.

Then I really got into blogging when George and I got engaged. Then I slowed down. Waaaaay down.

Then I started again, going full-speed ahead after we were married. And now, here we are.

I guess it was a release at first. But now, it's kind of a source of defeat. So I think I am going to stop for a while until I have something Great, Wonderful, EXCITING to report about.

Maybe it will be our Paris trip and 1 year anniversary in May. Or maybe the laundry list of house repairs we have this summer. Or maybe it will be when we finally get to start a family.

But right now, I guess not much is going on of interest to anyone. So I guess I will take an intermission. A pause, if you will.

So if you stummble on this blog, and like what you read, I hope you come back soon and see me.

Thanks for reading, George! I love so you much...avec toi.

Dieting Sucks...

2011-01-13T20:34:00.000-05:00

... but, it coud be worse! George and I started Jenny Craig 5 days ago. All in all, it's really good!

The food is good... my favorites are the french toast, blueberry mini loaf (like a muffin), turkey panini, the turkey buger, fish and chips and turkey and gravy dinner. Oh, and the triple chocolate cheesecake and bruschetta veggie chips.

And we are eating a ton of fruits and veggies, which was never really a problem for us... we strive for five! haha

We noticed right off the bat that we didn't "think" about food. Like we planned meals, almost always went with healthy options but we didn't think about portions, when we ate, how we prepared it, etc.

When I cook, I usually just wing it! No measuring. No recipe. Just chopping, mixing, stirring, sauteing, grilling, etc. I would use too much oil and didn't know. Or cook 4 servings for just the two of us.

JC takes over the majority of portion control for you so you can recognize what is a healthy portion. We do measure some things, like our daiy 1 tsp of oil and 2 cups of salad greens, to get us ready for when we take over cooking.

But 5 days in and so far so VERY good! But still, dieting sucks. I feel guilty for having a glass of red wine tonight but come on... sister needed a drink!

Happy Thursday!

It's coming! It's coming! The 100th post is coming!

2011-01-06T18:36:00.000-05:00

I should probably give something away. I should probably give away something good. And something I like too. I will have to think about this....

In the meantime, HAPPY ALMOST FRIDAY!!

Fur baby

2011-01-04T19:21:00.000-05:00

There's reason to believe that I am kind of stubborn.

I kind of eventually get what I want. And I may or may not employ such tactics as being over dramatic (throw a tantrum?), slightly pout (crying?), lingering quiet (silent treatment?) and PowerPoint presentations.

I kid, I kid (or do I?)!

But I do bring a PowerPoint into the situation should I need to get my point across and grab my audience's (cough, cough, Geo) attention. I've only resorted to a PowerPoint for one, very important topic close to my heart: A Fur Baby.

Now, I offer my presentation to you.

First, I had George hook the computer up to the TV. Then I introduced myself and the reason for today's presentation -

Next, I listed the reasons as to why we needed a dog.

Reason 1: Man and woman's best friend. I could use a companion since Geo travels, has night/weekend activities and works late some nights.

Reason 2: Building a family (yes, that is JT and Jess). I am ready to start expanding our family. We have had each other for 5 years now and I am ready for the next step. He is too... even more so than me. And we can learn to take care of another being.

Reason 3: Dog vs. Baby. And speaking of taking care of another being, a dog would allow us to satisfy our "baby itch" yet be cheaper, easier to care for and can offer us comfort/security. Since we live in the city, and close to a not-so-great area, security is big!

Reason 4: Dogs and Health. I offered a few additional links of interest for him to consider. All are related to health issues that we face. I mean come on, science is backing me up!!

So I convinced him to get a dog but we haven't gone for it. I think what does hold us back is the noon-time potty time and the traveling we will be doing.

At least the presentation worked! I opened his eyes to the benefits. Now it's just a matter of timing.

Okay, be real with me here: is it that hard raise a dog? Discuss...

Pack it up. Pack it in. Let me begin.

2011-01-03T14:44:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned here and here, we have a lot of plans for 2011. And I have no idea why I have this mindset, but I will not start resolutions until January 1st of any given year.

In recap, the resolutions for 2011 are:
1. Lose weight and get healthy
2. Volunteer
3. Be more aggressive with money (savings, 401k, trim monthly budget. etc.)
4. House projects
5. Travel and have more experiences with Geo (just added this!)

So, it's time to begin tackling that list! Here we go... I am going to list efforts for my list... because I love lists.

Goal 1: Lose weight and get healthy
Efforts:
- Joined Jenny Craig today (can't wait to tell you about this process... the food better be good!)
- Taking a daily pre-natal vitamin
- Cleaned out our kitchen cabinets of holiday foods and snacks
- Purchased Zumba for the Xbox 306 Kinect

Goal 2: Volunteer
Efforts:
- Looking into run/walk events for a cause that I support and can raise money for and participate in
- I suck. I need to do more here but it's only 3 days into the new year.

Goal 3: Be more aggressive with money
Efforts:
- Purchased a copy of SmartMoney magazine... haha! yes, that's an effort :)
- Looking into better life and disability insurance policies

Goal 4: House Projects
Efforts:
- Christmas is put away
- Basement is reorganized
- Kitchen cabinets are cleaned out

Goal 5: Travel and have more experiences with Geo
Efforts:
- We are going on Jenny Craig together, which will be one heck of an experience!
- Paris in May '11
- NYC or Toronto in late summer early spring for a Yankees game

Not bad for 3 days in, ay?

I think January 15th is the national Resoultions Lost day so we will see how I am doing then :)

Happy Monday!

I Always Feel Like Someone's Watching Me...

2011-01-02T15:59:00.000-05:00

... cause our bedroom has sheers!

Yes, currently our bedroom has sheer curtains.

And I'm not sure why I haven't gotten around to switching them out sooner, but I haven't. Maybe it's because over the summer, they looked fresh and airy? Maybe it's the overall lack of decor in that room? Maybe my subconscious likes to show my goods to the neighborhood? Who knows!

But with out new bedding coming (any freakin' day now, UPS), I'm ready to kick our bedroom makeover into high gear. Next on our to-do list comes window treatments.

We are keeping it basic and sticking with faux wood blinds in mahogany. In the fall, we bought these faux wood blinds for the living room...

(Ugh, sorry for the poor lighting!)

I stumbled onto SelectBlinds.com and decided to make the purchase, even though I had never heard of the site before.

OMG! We LOVE them! They are dark, classic, custom made to our window specifications and super easy to install (huh, Geo?!).

Oh and they seem to ALWAYS be having a sale (doing my happy cheap-o dance!).

And today was no exceptions. We ordered two sets of faux wood blinds, made to our weird window sizes, for $96. But wait, that's not all! And with today's 30% off coupon they post right on their site (no need to Google for a code), that is two sets of blinds for $68! And it's 2 days to process and free 2-day shipping.

Thank you SelectBlinds.com! I heart you.

Welcome 2011!

2011-01-01T14:12:00.000-05:00

Last night, I said farewell to 2010 and hello to 2011 with some good food...

My mom and sister...

And that little man I call my husband...

It was mellow and simple and exactly what I needed after a long holiday season.

And yes, some pics are blurry. This is me trying to figure out my camera. I'll keep working on it!

But for now, Happy 2011 ... we are going shopping!!

I'll Miss You 2010!

2010-12-31T13:35:00.000-05:00

George asked me out on a date last night so we went to breakfast at Simply Crepes this morning. What a great way to end 2010! Crepes with eggs and bacon, a good cup of coffee and Geo.

As we waited for our breakfast, we did our annual month-by-month recap of the year. It's funny how much took place this year! So, naturally, I thought I would share our recaps with you :)

January 2010

George looked at a house.

A few days later, he thought maybe I should look at the house.

I looked at the house.

A few days later, I suggest we put in an offer.

We put in an offer.

Two days later, we were homeowner!

February 2010

We packed.

We made Valentine's dinner.

We closed on our house :)

The next day, we attended pre-cana and LOVED it!

And that same night, we picked up our caterer's dinner sample box, went to our new house, and had, what eventually would be our wedding dinner, our first dinner at our new home. (ya follow that??!)

March 2010

We moved in a snow storm.

I unpacked like crazy.

We sent out our wedding invitations.

We hosted our first St. Patrick's Day Kegs-and-Eggs.

We purchased our wedding bands.

George turned 28.

April 2010

We hosted my sister's 30th birthday party for 30 of our family members and friends.

I had my bridal shower.

Celebrated my brother's 24th birthday at our new house.

Finalized our wedding plans.

May 2010

I interviewed at a little medical software company the week before and the week of our wedding.

On the 22nd, we promised forever in front of our family and friends!

On the 24th, I was offered the job.

June 2010

I started my new job.

We went on our honeymoon in Cape Cod: Our first vacation alone!

I returned to blogging and I can't believe how much I didn't know I missed it.

July 2010

House work, house work and more house work.

Our good friends, Jordy and Tracey, got engaged :)

We celebrated my 28th birthday with brunch, a random wine tour and some outlet mall shopping!

August 2010

We. Did. Nothing. ... and loved it!

Well, except for house work but we love that, too.

September 2010

George traveled for work.

Did some "While You Were Out" house updating.

George paid off his car!

October 2010

We signed on to host Thanksgiving.

We got down to business with decorating the dining room and living room.

We celebrated our 5 year anniversary on Halloween.

November 2010

I finally planned for the holidays, early.

We hosted our first Thanksgiving for George's family... all 15 people.

We had our first Thanksgiving in the house and as a married couple!

We gave thanks... for everything.

December 2010

We sent out Christmas cards.

We decorated the house for Christmas (which, besides a tree, we never did in an apartment).

We had our first Christmas in the house and as a married couple.

We spoiled each other and our families, for the last time (we are going a different direction from now on)

We slept-in, ate our faces off and survived our family parties.

We had our last date of 2010.

Hope your 2010 was as blessed as ours! Here's to 2011: You have A LOT to live up to :)

Happy New Year!!

xo- Sarah and George

Bedding Breakdown

2010-12-29T18:07:00.000-05:00

I did it. I finally broke down and bought our dream bedding...

I still can't believe fate brought us (me and the bedding) together again!

After two months of stalking... and finding it impossible to pull the purchase trigger... our bedding had sold out on Overstock.com. I searched all over but could not find it anywhere. Heck, we could not find bedding we like, period. This was the first we both loved and I let it go because I am cheap.

So after staring at our sorry-excuse-for-a-love-chamber for a few hours, I thought it was time to re-energize our efforts to get the bedroom complete.

Naturally, I turn to Overstock once again. And there it was; with a big, red label saying "Only 1 left!"

In 2.2 seconds, I had the bedding in my cart and my card number ready.

I called George one more time to confirm I should get it. He agreed and I click "submit order".

It should be here next week! So I am hoping to make an upholstered headboard this weekend.

I'm thinking something like this from QVC...

But who knows. Maybe I will go crazy and end up with ...

Or ...

We shall see!

May In Paris

2010-12-28T23:34:00.004-05:00

May In Paris by ssteffler20 featuring santi clutches

Um, yeah... I wrote this awesome post to go with the above inspiration board and the bastard didn't post! I will never be able to write that epic post again! No post will ever compare! okay, being dramatic... but I do hate when that happens :)

Anyway, this is my style board for our Paris trip in May. I want to blend feminine with edgy. Classic with modern. Casual with special.

The pieces to the left make up my daily wear. I hear Europeans don't wear shorts and neither do I! So I will probably wear lots of sundresses and jeans with flowy tops that can layer well for flights/ferry/train rides and flats.

The little black dress is for the evening. I love the neckline with the floral detail! I think it's spot on for the feminine/edgy look.

Oh, and that blush dress with the black ribbon at the waist, that's my wedding dress vision! I want something light and special but that I can go out to dinner in.

I am LOVING the mix of blush, honeysuckle and white with light taupe, dark denim and black.

Let the shopping begin!!

What do you all think (cause I know there are so many of you :) )?

My 30 Before 30 List

2010-12-28T09:38:00.000-05:00

On January 20th, I will be 28 1/2 years old. And I'm cool with it. Actually, I am looking forward to getting older; especially turning 30!

I read an article about a girl who created a to-do-by-30 list and I was inspired. Seeing that I have 1 1/2 years until I am 30, I figured I would have enough time to do a 30 Before 30 List.

So this is what I got...

1. Loose weight and get healthy
2. Attend church more
3. Go to Paris with Geo
4. Have a fancy picnic (champagne, sunset, etc.)
5. Renew our wedding vows
6. Go to Washington DC with Geo
7. Wear heels once every weekend
8. Take dance lessons
9. Adopt a dog
10. Do karaoke in public, again
11. Have a baby (God willing)
12. Rent a convertible for a weekend with George and just drive (that's our retirement dream, too)
13. Bike around the Finger Lakes Wine Trail
14. Spend a summer day on the grand lawn in Central Park with Geo
15. Hike... anywhere
16. Swim in the ocean
17. Finally use Rosetta Stone's Learn French tutorial
18. Strengthen some friendships
19. Finish one of my 4 screenplays and submit it for development (worth a try)
20. Learn to use a sewing machine
21. Host a fancy, black-tie dinner
22. TMI ALERT - make out with Geo more
23. Save money - 3 months salary to start
24. Spoil our nieces and nephew
25. Get better at photography
26. Learn Photoshop/Indesign
27. Find a signature scent
28. Wear more jewelry
29. Accept compliments better
30. Accomplish half of this list :)

What do you think? There are 2 things crossed off because I have started those. Honestly, they were part of my feel-more-like-a-wife goals (which were wear female pjs and not Geo's, wear more jewelry and wear heels once a weekend).

I will re-post as things get checked off. I'm looking forward to tyring this!

Anyone else have a Life's To Do List? I would love to hear what is on yours!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-25T13:13:00.000-05:00

Best Wishes and Lots of Love,

Sarah and George

The Season of Giving

2010-12-23T11:16:00.000-05:00

I'm not proud of this, but I did not give back much this season. I have always been able to find an Angel Tree...

You know, the tree at the grocery store/public library/church with paper angel tags that have a child's Christmas wish on it? I could not find an angel tree ANYWHERE this year. I feel awful about not giving. It means there is a little child out there who doesn't get a Christmas this year.

I did donate some food and dropped some change in the red kettles. And a woman at work, who has fallen on hard times, told me how she saved up to get her son a Wii for Christmas (er, we have two and no kids). And when our other co-worker was pumping her to get other games, I offered to give her some that we aren't using. Cause I knew she Santa might not have had the budget for more Wii games at their house this year.

I wish I did more. My resolution does include making more of an effort to volunteer and pay-it-forward. But I wish I could rewind time a week or two so I could have done more.

Do you give during the season of giving? Any ideas of what I could do in the New Year?

New Years Resolutions: Part 2

2010-12-20T19:29:00.000-05:00

Yep, I forgot to mention another resolution I have for 2011. Ironically, the resolution I forgot to mention is the resolution I always forget to practice: Finances.

I'm not talking money. I'm talking wealth.

I have the basics: a retirement plan, a life insurance policy and a few hours of pay in my savings but that's about it.

Since getting married, we have been trying to get better at watching and controlling our spending. Honestly we could do better. George is pretty darn good at it but me, well, I am the shopper. I'm a cheap, wheeling-and-dealing shopper but a shopper all the same.

I can make any event into a shopping experience. I'm a marketing company's dream (probably why I'm in marketing). I crack under the pressure of the impulse items in the checkout line at the grocery store. I claps at the sign of a sale. I caved at the dentist and bought a fancy toothbrush and he didn't even push it!

So when I say "it's not money, it's wealth", I mean, I am fine income-wise (though I could ALWAYS use more) but I want to have long-term wealth. I love the idea of having a few months of income saved. A more aggressive retirement plan. Stocks, bonds and CDs... whatever those mean. I want my car paid off faster. My student loans paid off faster. And to throw more in my savings and retirement.

I want to retire early. Travel. Live well and enjoy life. I don't want to ALWAYS think finances and wealth but I do want to stop forgetting about it.

How about you all? Any tips where to start?

Paris - 2011

2010-12-18T15:57:00.001-05:00

It's happening! It's REALLY happening!

Naturally, you need some back story to understand this news.

I have been kind of vague on the drama that took place at our wedding back in May. Sorry about that. The whole situation broke my heart. Like cried-hysterically-the-night-of-our-wedding-and-for-days-later heartbreak. I never thought that my drama-loving family would lay it on thick at a wedding, but they did. And it was our wedding. I have not talked to my dad, his family or my two bridesmaids/cousins since. It's for the better.

But any quiet moment moment I have, is usually plagued with thoughts of the sadness I experienced that day and the days after. As I do dishes, cook dinner, take a shower, fold laundry... do anything, I will think about what happened, how silly their actions were, how I didn't do anything and how I wish we went with our other wedding ideas. How I wish we kept it small and destination and didn't worry about hurting others' feelings. And I cry. I still cry (7 months later... I'm emotional like that) thinking how I can't say our wedding day was the happiest day of my life. It was far from it, actually. It rivals for worst.

But they didn't take our ceremony from us. That was the best hour of my life!

I don't remember if it was our wedding night or the day after, but within hours of vowing our forever, we promised to go to Paris for our one year anniversary and live our dream wedding - just us.

And it's happening!! Almost seven months later and planning our vow renewal in PARIS!!!

No lie, the above picture is my desktop at work.

George has developed an affinity for French culture (... thanks for the line Buddy the Elf!) almost as strong as mine. We even had our wedding bands engraved with 'avec toi'... which means 'with you', in French.

We had wanted to go to Paris for YEARS now and had planned on honeymooning there. But with my 9 months of unemployment during our 13-month engagement, Paris was not happening.

So we are going for our 1 year anniversary and will renew our vows while we are there. I am so excited to replace the sad memories of our wedding day with happy, beautiful memories of our Parisian wedding.

And can you bet your sweet tushy that I am looking at wedding dresses that will travel well! I'm not sure if we will have an officiant or just do them on our own, in a private garden. It almost doesn't matter. I will be in Paris with George: My two loves in one place!

We have found a travel agent to help us plan our trip (we are stopping in London, since it's on the way!) and are putting down our deposit after the holidays :)

I'm kind of excited for a redo. I get to marry George twice and we didn't have to divorce first!

Any tips for vow renewing, traveling overseas or handling hurtful family is always appreciate :)

Happy Saturday!

Sarah

New Years Eve and Resolutions

2010-12-15T12:30:00.000-05:00

Each New Years Eve, I have visions of George and I, along with our friends, having a glamorous party, at a fabulous hotel, with lots of bubbly champagne, dancing and celebrating...

(almost this fabulous... haha! it's all I could find, but you get my point)

However, our typical NYE is less than fabulous. It's usually pretty standard with junk food, cheap sparkling wine and sleepy eyes come 11:00 pm. Last year was fun though! Look at the sleepy eyes on George... and the elastic band from his NYE hat ... haha!

And this year, we are planning for the same. We are going to George's sister's house. My mom and sister and going to hang out too. It's junk food, games and drinks. I will probably pass out and George will wake me up just in time for our 2011 kiss, then I will pass out again :)

But this year, I am really looking forward to my resolutions. I need to drop some lbs. and I want to get healthy for:

1. My self

2. Going to Paris

3. Family planning

And of those reasons, it's #3 that is really driving this goal. 2011 is our year for starting a family (God allowing). We plan on going to Paris in May and starting our family that summer.

We would have started earlier but we wanted to go Paris for our 1 year anniversary....aaannnd I may or may not find it really important to be able to drink wine in Paris!

Efforts to get healthy have started but I am looking forward to all the deals on weight loss programs that the New Year will bring. More on all of that later...

Another resolution is to volunteer more. Last year, I learned how lucky I was to have a wonderful husband and family that helped me get through the hardtimes. And I would like to pay-it-forward and help those who are struggling too.

Finally, I want to get a few things done around the house before we start our family. I would LOVE to get new kitchen cabinet doors, a new dishwasher, refinish our deck and make the attic more of a living/working space.

What are your New Years Eve plans?

Are you thinking of resolutions yet?

Our First Christmas: Card.

2010-12-14T21:04:00.000-05:00

First let me say that there are a butt-load of Christmas card options out there!

With that, I narrowed down our search using the Sarah Method; Whatever is Cheapest.

Armed with my coupon codes for Snapfish and Shutterfly, I scoured each site, looking for a card the best complemented our formal wedding picture...

We found SO many cards...

But our picture was not working in ANY of them! I really wanted my bouquet to show and not be too zoomed-in. Also, we just wanted one picture. The small card looked SO busy with more than 1 photo.

And, well, our picture is formal. And many of the cards are a bit more whimsical, which I am typically into but felt like that look wouldn't be a match.

So after much debate, we decided on a classic look...

This isn't the exact card we selected but it's very close (Snapfish doesn't offer the design anymore... I'm sure it was because it was sooooo popular :-) ). The green ribbon is more of a green scroll on ours. And the year is framed with scroll work as well.

Anyhoo, I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS METHOD OF CHRISTMAS CARD GIVING!!! It's so easy to print, stuff, address and send.

Do you send holiday cards? Do you go with the standard card with a note or the photo card?

It's Not that I NEEEED Anything...

2010-12-14T20:25:00.000-05:00

buuut, there are a few things I would like to get for Christmas, should Santa be reading!!

3 years ago, George and I went a little bit nuts and brought uber expensive bikes. He loves his. Mine, on the other hand, KILLS my back. They never mentioned that, if you have lower back pain, mountain bikes are not for you. wah-wah. All in all, I never ever use it. Anyone want a bike?!

This year, I want to bike with my husband and maybe (just maybe), as a family. So we have been looking at comfort bikes. Thicker tires for stability and a bit of off-roading riding. High handle bars and I low seat so I am in more of an upright position. Swooning over a bike... yeah... I am that old!

As most of you know, I am living/blogging without a camera! We had this one. It was great, cheap, easy to use and my fault for breaking it. I would not mind one bit having it again

Stella and Dot is my new obsession and I could totally use some vintage-luxe jewelry! I mean, look at that bracelet... gimme-gimme-gimme!

I have also been dropping hints that I would love a Kelly Green or pink passport cover, a deep frying pan with a lid, a big tote bag to use as a carry-on and socks.

Yeah, these are big-ish ticket items but I am not expecting any of them. Er.. well, maybe one item.

What are you hinting at for Christmas?

It Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2010-12-08T21:57:00.000-05:00

We hosted Thanksgiving on Thursday and by 11:00 am Friday, the harvest was out and the tree was up!

And our stockings were hung on the ledge with care. Yeah, next year, we are getting a fire place... George just doesn't know it yet :)

I am totally in love with the silver, gold, white and green color scheme this year. But I can't help but add some red (I mean, come on... Christmas is the season of red). So I picked up a red sequenced and a red pillow with a white snow flake, swapped the blue for the red and ta-da!

I had some extra garland, a mini tree and a poinsettia so we added them to the dining room (cause, I love the dining room!) -

Said it once. Saying it again. BAD LIGHTING! WORSE CAMERA! Pinkie swear I will get a few better pictures and do a decor recap... cause I know you want it ... haha

We are finishing up the outdoors and I am hoping to get a GREAT winter pic of our first home. I have an art project in mind but, if nothing else, at least it is a nice memory.

How is your holiday decor coming? Send me a link to your blog... I would L.O.V.E. to see what you are up!

Holiday Hugs -

Sarah

Silver and Gold.. Silver and Gold... Everyone Wishes for Silver and Gold

2010-12-08T21:33:00.000-05:00

(name that Christmas claymation!)

I started decorating 8 hours after Thanksgiving came to a close. My name is Sarah, and I am a decor-oholica.

Decor of Christmases past was very traditional. I love the look of red and gold, like this...

And yes, our wrapping paper coordinated just like the above. I have OCCD: Obsessive Compulsive Christmas Disorder.

But after 5 years of "traditional", this year I have been plotting and scheming for something a bit more modern, a dash more muted and a touch more frosted.

I lust for table and buffet decorating (yes, lust.), so naturally our dining room was my first makeover victim.

My inspiration look: Silver, Gold and Green a la Pottery Barn ...

We went from Harvest (think one table, 3 hurricanes and 6 gourds grouped) ...

To winter wonderland...

God, I hate bad lighting and using a iPhone to take the photos. Sorry for the lakc-luster appeal in advance...
So, on the table, we have a larger platter we got last year as a gift (it's from Macy's), topped with 2 crystal candle sticks we registered for and 3 smaller cut-glass candle sticks I picked up at a church rummage sale for $.25 each. The white tappers and little green trees were also $.25 each from Craft Bits and Pieces, which is a crafts thrift store. The table cloth is a silvery-white Lenox table clothes and from TJ Max that I scooped up for $14.99. The dishes are from Christmas Tree Shop 3 years ago but are IDENTICAL to those currently at Target. A few pine cones and pearly-silver ornaments round out the tray.

The buffet, too, was a mix of new and old objects. The jute-colored runner was $4.99 at TJ Max. The wreath, candles, garland, lights and bottles were all gathered over the years. I picked up the cake stand at Sears two weeks ago in the clearance section for $3.50!! Again, I tossed in some pine cones, silver ornaments, steam wear and green wine bottles to achieve the Pottery Barn look.

So what do you think? Did I get it close?

I know, I know... I love the PB version more too but this sister is on a budget! I promise I will try to get better pics soon.

Who knows, maybe Santa will bring me a camera???

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T21:47:00.000-05:00

We did it! We hosted and survived our 1st Thanksgiving! 14 people, 32 lbs of turkey, 4 batches of green bean casserole, 10 lbs of mashed potatoes and 5 lbs of stuffing later, everyone is in a turkey trance and on their way home.

Here are some highlights of the craziness...

My happy helper!

I am so thankful that George stuck by my side and took on this crazy task with me! I really missed having Thanksgiving with my family (my mom wasn't ready to give it up... story for ~~my therapist~~ another time...George's family was ready to order take-out and call it a holiday). But we talked 4 times today, going over what we were making, when we were starting each dish, etc.... still, just not the same.

So I am thankful for my husband, thankful for a healthy and happy family, our good jobs, a beautiful home, health insurance, reliable cars, food on the table, clothes on our backs, Starbucks grande non-fat caramel lattes and Netflix instant streaming.

What are you grateful for?

FCOR's 1st Birthday

2010-11-22T19:17:00.000-05:00

My first cousin once removed (FCOR), Audrey had her first birthday this weekend...

Isn't she precious! I just love her sweet-pea face and Cindy Loo Whoo hair.

Her Grandma (my Aunt), has been making the first birthday cake for every child in our family for the last 32 years. And the cake is almost always a self-portrait cake. And with that same "doll" pan, she made Audrey's Audrey cake...

Yes, the top and the skirt match what Audrey is wearing! Naturally, there is usually another bakery cake for everyone to dig into. But I love seeing the cakes with every new baby in our family. Maybe someday, if we are lucky, our children will get a portrait cake too.

Oh, and just because they are too cute not to mention, here are my other FCORs: Natalie, Lany and their brother Griffin...

Aren't they all too beautiful for words?! And my cousin Jackie, is due any day now with FCOR Leah.

I love my family. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUDREY!!!

Boxed Wine is Fine

2010-11-21T11:06:00.000-05:00

We live in the Finger Lakes area. That probably means nothing to you, so let's just call is The Napa Valley of New York.

The Finger Lakes are is giving Napa, Italy and France a run for their money when it comes to wine. With our warm summers and cold winters, the Finger Lakes offer the perfect environment for growing grapes. The lakes help balance the climbs and fall in temperature, protecting the grapes for being shocked by the elements.

About 5 years ago, I started working at a local winery where I gained a boat load of knowledge on growing, harvesting, making, bottling, storing and drinking wine.

Two things I thought were odd but TOTALLY made sense we the industries interest in transitioning to synthetic corks (they let less air in than the porous, real corks) and cask or air-tight bag to replace bottling. You might know it as BOXED WINE!...

Oh the horror, the horror!!

It actually makes a ton of good sense. Boxed wine hold air-tight bags prevent air from getting to the wine prior to consumption. Yes, it's great to let wine breathe so the flavors and aromas can develop. But air eventually spoils the wine. So after 2 or 3 days, your pinot noir tastes like pinot-of-crap.

There are a few brands that are leading the way in banishing the cheap-wine stigma that is associated with boxed wine.

One is Black Box.

Their reds are full bodied, bone dry and really good. Their whites range from a semi-sweet Riesling to a dry and citrusy Pinot Grigio. The Riesling will pair well with Turkey (all Rieslings will) and be a hit with George's sweet-wine loving family.

For myself, I went with Big House Red...

I haven't had it yet but the online reviews are great and my wine shop pros were all a buzz over it. For $16 and the equivalent of 3 bottles, I went for it!

The best part, once opened, these each should last 3-4 weeks!! That will bring us into the holiday season with a well stocked bar.

I'm a firm believer in boxed wines taking over the market. Glass bottles will never be gone completely but I do think the boxed wine will become the norm.

Have you had any great boxed wines? I would LOVE to know what you think.

Thanksgiving Check List

2010-11-21T10:29:00.000-05:00

As you know, George and I are hosting his family for Thanksgiving. Yes, there will be about 18 of us packed into the first floor (cause the second floor is a bathroom and 3 bedrooms... boring) of our 1600 sq ft. colonial.

But it's cool because we are in full-planning mode.

First, I have made my lists and have checked them 200 times.

List one: Wegmans!

Many of you are familiar with Wegmans or already adore the majesty that is WEGMANS. However, where I am from, Wegmans is more than a store. It's a way of life. A respected institution. Mecca. It is our city. Wegmans was founded in my hometown. It employs a third of George's family and thousands in our area. Sure, there are a few other places to shop for groceries but none are as trusted as Wegmans. People suffer through the economic hardships and lack of opportunity in our area because we know Wegmans is a catalyst for change. They drive pricing competition (I know, I worked in PR for their top competitor), quality standards, green efforts, and bring other businesses to our area.

And no one said it better than Alec Baldwin's mom - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqEUYzOpvZ0

Okay, enough of my Wegmans obsession and back to the list.

List one: Wegmans
~~2 turkeys - one 15 lbs. and one 22 lbs.~~
~~3 servings batches of green bean casserole~~
~~2 cans of corn~~
~~4 bags of dried bread cubes for stuffing~~
Parsley, Thyme, Sage
~~Onion, celery and carrots~~
Yams
Marshmellows
Butter - 1 box of each salted and unsalted
Poultry seasoning
Nutmeg
Allspice
2 boxes of chicken broth
2, 5-lbs bags of potatoes
Cream cheese (for potatoes)
Sour cream (for potatoes)

List two: Perkins... I am getting some assistance on dessert cause sister needs a break!
~~1 peanut butter silk pie~~
~~1 pecan pie~~

List three: Liquor Store a.k.a. - my happy place... more on my wine interest later
~~1 box of Black Box Riesling~~
~~1 box of Big House Red~~
~~3 bottles of red wine~~
~~3 bottles of white wine~~

List four: Decor
~~Paper plates (the fancy brand)~~
~~Plastic utensils (the fancy brand)~~
~~Snack plates~~
~~Festive napkins~~
~~Clear cups (the fancy brand)~~
~~Brown craft paper - 1 roll~~
~~Crayons~~
~~Area rug~~
~~coffee table~~
Table clothes
Flowers
~~Folding chairs~~
~~Folding tables~~

Ahh, nothing better than seeing a bunch of tasks crossed off!

As you can see, we have a good start! There are a few more things we need but we are getting there. I anxious to finish up and start cooking. We both took off Wednesday so we will get the rest of the items, start some prep work and make a few dishes ahead of time.

I would love to have grace but, as I mentioned before, George's family isn't religious. So I am thinking about having a "Moment of Thanks". We can all go around saying what we are thankful for. I know this might open me up to some gruff but I want to start some traditions. So we will see.

How are your plans coming along? What new or old traditions do you have?

Soapbox Moment: Positive Thinking

2010-11-16T21:41:00.000-05:00

I sometimes welcome the little-black-rain-cloud. And though I think it's totally normal to have days were you don't want to do anything or don't want to turn on the smile, I do think I welcome that mopey mood too much.

My can easily blame my former job, living with my in-laws, being unemployed for 9 months, money, our less-than-drama-free wedding, being new at a job that's not my ideal job, my hair/body/skin, etc., for being a grump or a little sad. And I let it linger too long.

So here and now I am making a promise to try and change my Debbie-downer ways. I will be more proactive in swiping that rain cloud away. I have to think positive... but not loose the sarcasm completely! I deserve to be happy. I deserve to have happy people around me. I deserve to have a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye.

(stepping off my soapbox)

Wordle: Cheap Art

2010-11-16T20:47:00.000-05:00

While the search is on for bedding, I have started thinking about art and accessories.

I took some of the sand dune photos from our honeymoon, sharpened them, made them black and white, printed and framed those little lovelies to make a college on our largest wall.

Now I am turning to my old bag-of-wedding-tricks and making some art. My assistant: Wordle.com.

The program asks you to enter a bunch of words then they mix them up and gives you cool layouts, colors and fonts to choose from.

So I took a bunch of words from George's life that have meaning to him or us. And a bunch of words from my life that have meaning to me or us. And the result... his and hers art!

Now, you are not able to save your Wordle (without publically publishing it) but you can increase your monitor zoom, print-screen, paste in Paint, mess with the margins and paper size then you got some custom art.

Now, I just have to figure out printing and framing. Stay tuned!

Dream a Little Dream

2010-11-15T21:33:00.000-05:00

George and I are in the midst of redoing the bedroom.
At first, we were going with something like this...

It was summer. It felt fresh and cool and, well, summery!

I had been craving a more patterned duvet for years now. We have been doing the solid and the solid-with-a-contrasting-boarder looks but I'm kind of over it.

I thought this was feminine yet not floral and the colors were obvious without being bold.

So I bought the paint and $80 and four months later; We ain't lovin' it.

We kept with the Pottery Barn Simply White walls (because sister is not about to take an $80 bite on paint) and are now researching new bedding that is in the grey-color palette with some scroll or geometric shapes.
Something like this...

And that's about it. We want this bedding! We just have to wait until the budget can let us have it.

Any thoughts on affordable grey bedding? And ideas on how to make our white walls work?

Coffee Table: Before & After

2010-11-15T18:49:00.000-05:00

We had purchased a matching set of living room furniture when we first moved in togther. You know, the couch, love seat, coffee table and matching end tables. We had nothing, we were renting... it worked.

Well, now that it's been about 4 years and our collection of stuff has grown and our amount of space has like tripled. So we are kind of over the matchy-matchy and are slowly moving towards breaking up the set and adding new pieces to creat a fresh look.

The first thing out: the matchy coffee table.

The tables are perfectly nice, but we wanted something a smaller and round.

So I scoured craigslist and found this 1970's beauty...

"This stupid, wagon wheel, Roy Rogers, garage sale COFFEE TABLE."

~When Harry Met Sally

Pa-errrfect!!

With so much thick, dark wood in the molding and trim, we wanted to lighten things up. So with a few cans of white spray paint and spray varnish, Ta-da!

We got EXACTLY what we wanted! And our new area rug came in today from Overstock.com so it's a double-bonus day for our living room :)

The area rug is a bit more traditional than we wanted but the price was right and the colors are so wonderful... it's hurts.

How was your Monday?

BTW... George is away on business, so you know what that means...