This Year | Let Your Heart Be Light | Healthy Mind & Body

Resolutions are funny things.  Most people have already fallen off of the resolution bandwagon by this point.  After a couple of days of relaxing and reflection, I have thoughtfully decided to take mine seriously this year.  Yes, I'm putting them out there - for everyone one to see.  This blog will be directly effected by my resolutions - as an effort to get more fulfillment out of my blogging, it is my goal for this forum to be a truer, more genuine reflection of myself, my life and my ideas.<br /><br />The following is a little insight of what I hope to bring to the blog (and my life...) in the upcoming year.  What are your goals and resolutions?  No weight-loss goals, please.*   <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiKNTI1p_ia387DWZUEAWqf-m0BbwkdwPdWB_FjLk_dW_Dmh-eq5buYbjDq8vWypAW9RAT67Fw2PX1LZSUJP6OzfHLZ_GMcTJQT9H8py0xrmZjSoQiC3rZoO2XLwmtXzoWFs3zklUyGU/s1600/JMH_0635+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiKNTI1p_ia387DWZUEAWqf-m0BbwkdwPdWB_FjLk_dW_Dmh-eq5buYbjDq8vWypAW9RAT67Fw2PX1LZSUJP6OzfHLZ_GMcTJQT9H8py0xrmZjSoQiC3rZoO2XLwmtXzoWFs3zklUyGU/s640/JMH_0635+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this light-hearted moment - true bliss</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Let Your Heart Be Light...</span> we only do this once, people</i><br /><br />This year, I'm going to make an effort to remind myself to let my heart be light - to live with enthusiasm, leaving fear behind.  Life is to be lived and felt - richly and abundantly.  We are all so blessed - stop worrying and live happily.  After all, we only do this once.  <b> </b><br /><br />Last week I was talking to a friend that was having a hard time - she is at a crossroads of what to do next.  Through our conversation, I remembered a similar time in my life.  The advice I gave to her was the same I had given to myself.  <b>Make yourself happy.  Whatever it takes.  Just do whatever it is you need to do to be happy... </b> Not empty happiness and not happiness in a selfish way, but true, solid, sturdy, genuine happiness.  Years ago, when deciding what direction my life would take, I spent a great deal of time defining that elusive "happiness" for myself in an honest way - which you must be willing to do.  It is a process that you must invest yourself in - it takes time to discover and to decide what it means for you.<br /><br />At the end of my process, I was able to find a clarity of what I wanted my life to feel like - not look like from the outside, but feel like from the inside.  I let go of short-term goals and of what I believed to be what a picture perfect life looked like.  I looked beyond them and tried to uncover the emotions that were attached to happiness - why those goals seemed so appealing.  What I discovered were the root emotions that I wanted to feel.  I set those feeling as my goals instead of the postcard view.  I didn't want the picture perfect life from someone else's point of view - I wanted to be sure that I was really living a life of genuine happiness and fulfillment.  I still need to remind myself of this sometimes what I forget what "it's" all about and need to check myself and my goals.   <b>We only do this once, people.  </b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDVQFZrAShfuVf09LwswAFYsKF20xcUzvlus6ZFxvajLY2dCrUslKdTtukfz0_sGx4-aV3QeDOHlnuEMjgfWNib6X-ZokJ1ILaZ3-AR4Rag8JKrRIbIFSTfmqWrzyW42F6MOiXPL-frk/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDVQFZrAShfuVf09LwswAFYsKF20xcUzvlus6ZFxvajLY2dCrUslKdTtukfz0_sGx4-aV3QeDOHlnuEMjgfWNib6X-ZokJ1ILaZ3-AR4Rag8JKrRIbIFSTfmqWrzyW42F6MOiXPL-frk/s640/IMG_0441.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An attempt at a Christmas card photo... out of focus, trying to beat the camera's timer... </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Give it up... <span style="font-size: small;">Let it go</span></i></span><br /><br />As an event planner, wedding designer and food photographer, I have spent the last 6+ years producing picture perfect events and blog posts that represent life at its best.  Painstakingly tedious, designing perfection takes time, effort, patience and obsessiveness.  Sometimes I find myself 'producing' my own life instead of living it.  I want every dinner, family gathering, trip, and occasion to be perfect.  My career of designing these perfect events and blog posts has crept into my real life, sometimes prohibiting me from enjoying life as it comes and living in the moment.<br /><br />In just the first few weeks of motherhood, I have discovered that I'm going to have to give up the idea that great moments and experiences are created and methodically designed.  As we were (attempting) to pose for a family photo complete with newborn and dog, after a half hour of frustration and not being able to capture it just as I had planned - I said to myself (and out loud), Give it up.  The shot wasn't perfect.  Don't obsess.  Let it go.  After all, a real photo is much better than a perfect one, right?  Right.<br /><br />While I don't intend to "Give Up" trying to do my best, I am going to give up trying to make every project and occasion perfect.  It will be perfect just as it is.  For the blog, this might mean more photos taken of our dinner just before we eat it instead of earlier in the day when I've had time to style it and shoot it in natural light... which takes hours, by the way.  It might not look as perfect, but it will be real.<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Be Open...</span> I'm open and ready to take in what the world brings to me.</i><br /><br />I tend to be a bit of a closed person.  I'm introverted, private, a bit of a home-body... perhaps borderline recluse?   No, I don't think it is that bad!   Yet.  Everyone asks me if I get lonely working at home by myself.  Nope.  I love it.  I enjoy my quiet days of projects and writing all by myself - it is very comforting for me.  I'm very content with my lifestyle.  With that being said, I realize that I need to step outside of my comfort zone to grow and push myself.  Contentment can be comforting, but it can be debilitating!  This year I look forward to being more open.  Open to everything - people, experiences, business ventures... even new foods, style choices, decorating inspiration.  I'm opening my heart, mind and eyes so I am ready to take (and run with!) what the world brings to me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4c1klWN9E1YwYDgP8TNBh_P5Ri0lWh1oMbaByAAo4HcHZLT0MbeNtwhb8UHrMQ1VV7gqiQUBLVklOup2HpWThQiQhDwv9zYcwEEb2JlrWnl3CkozPlcwTbTZYxGw3WfxKS7HsUyc8mL0/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4c1klWN9E1YwYDgP8TNBh_P5Ri0lWh1oMbaByAAo4HcHZLT0MbeNtwhb8UHrMQ1VV7gqiQUBLVklOup2HpWThQiQhDwv9zYcwEEb2JlrWnl3CkozPlcwTbTZYxGw3WfxKS7HsUyc8mL0/s640/IMG_0781.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6X2RscgZGktdVt1pBXxO8LtNyqTs0Wk4n2FO11F9t8ZpyUtvUfy0zUzt9uPmmRKkJ-ynaGStWsnakJq8ge-ibMuxKVem3Ge7Yz3Z-UnE8QdFU9zGZsCBe-LAKCESYf_wurU3FHFRBqM/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><i><span style="font-size: large;">Baby Life</span></i>... <i>Welcome, Baby Emma</i><br /><br />As this blog is a reflection of my life, I will be introducing a new blog topic... Baby.  I'm sorry if you are not a baby person and you don't have any need to read about baby things - I am and I do!  So there.  I'll try not to post too many baby photos (how many is too many...?) and gush over how beautiful she is constantly... but no promises.  As I said before, it is my goal for this forum to be an honest reflection of my life - and Miss Emma is a (very) big part of that.  If I didn't include baby references, then I would be selling myself and the blog short.  With that being said, I do not plan on offering (or taking...) parenting advice or theories.  I will be including some of my favorite baby things, moments and occasions.  Hopefully you'll find our new addition an inspiring new addition to the blog.  Photos of her nursery are coming soon!<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Music</span></i>... <i>Getting back into the swing</i><br /><br />This may seem a little 'light' compared to my other goals and resolutions, but that is the whole idea.  A couple of years ago when Mike and I were dating, I had a ton of music that I loved and a playlist for every occasion - working, sleeping, spiritual, dinner parties, late night, old school... somehow I fell off the music wagon.  Music can be so magical - I miss it!  Maybe it is that I only listen to NPR in the car, or maybe it is just an age thing...  Well, I'm ready to hop back on.  Feel free to recommend your favorite artists and songs... please.  I'm desperate.  I'm still listening to Regina Spektor and Joshua Radin, people. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtrokF65BBxGGRxNi7aWKLEkV8QpVnAY95spbCakG3ucu_rD-EgJlbWjDoU3BlgI8gHHkmLZumvv-nqAL9ACcVgYo2YhrLc4PwmwYzpP22lhPbEJbF5njiCRvf_wRKqzXLT-Vtt2V3MQ/s1600/IMG_6041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtrokF65BBxGGRxNi7aWKLEkV8QpVnAY95spbCakG3ucu_rD-EgJlbWjDoU3BlgI8gHHkmLZumvv-nqAL9ACcVgYo2YhrLc4PwmwYzpP22lhPbEJbF5njiCRvf_wRKqzXLT-Vtt2V3MQ/s640/IMG_6041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Misty morning walk with Mr. Darcy last January in Fairway</td></tr></tbody></table> <i>*<span style="font-size: large;">Mind & Body</span>... Enjoy yourself </i><br /><br />Notice you won't see weight-loss goals resolutions here.  I don't get motivated by short-term goals - I need real meaning behind everything I do.  I workout only to feel good and to clear my head, not to lose weight.  I eat things I enjoy and that make my body feel good.  Sometimes I will forget to eat until 2pm... because I'm so busy doing something I enjoy.  Basically, get busy doing something that you love (for me, that means working) and that makes you feel good (for me, walking Mr. Darcy!).  These are the only slim-down tips I have - they are the only things that have worked for me.  Perhaps they'll bring some clarity to your weight-loss goals.  For me, in my post-baby body, this Mind & Body post will help remind me not to get in a hurry - it will happen in time if I do things that make me feel good!

This Year | Let Your Heart Be Light | Healthy Mind & Body

Resolutions are funny things.  Most people have already fallen off of the resolution bandwagon by this point.  After a couple of days of rel...

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Christmas is Packed Away

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6X_l75X7BqNI4vJ-IOYzq1cTy8zs9Eq0SXLLzozJveUUIk9LDR5Sc0iB_wj1pdqT-xsDJb2rSml95yCvvVui1CAFJjHUPyFqcl7-CTuyTAR8HP1TRpuKktDgniTPo1qcxaEyWbW5eurs/s1600/P1020318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6X_l75X7BqNI4vJ-IOYzq1cTy8zs9Eq0SXLLzozJveUUIk9LDR5Sc0iB_wj1pdqT-xsDJb2rSml95yCvvVui1CAFJjHUPyFqcl7-CTuyTAR8HP1TRpuKktDgniTPo1qcxaEyWbW5eurs/s640/P1020318.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had the best weekend filled with rest and relaxation.  How about you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMbuWs0xWhKmPWIUP7nYCsQFFA-34-MCxhtI5sU7Aj-VeqV3_1uHXWVSsfAAlth1MmmHstdIDr92IVDKWfUKFt_DSKdl95Y5CjZRlUnM3HxoFxV8Y6GBgOQUozxqciCfYuj6r8k4Bbvc/s1600/P1020321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMbuWs0xWhKmPWIUP7nYCsQFFA-34-MCxhtI5sU7Aj-VeqV3_1uHXWVSsfAAlth1MmmHstdIDr92IVDKWfUKFt_DSKdl95Y5CjZRlUnM3HxoFxV8Y6GBgOQUozxqciCfYuj6r8k4Bbvc/s640/P1020321.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The living tree is planted outside although I can't help but feel guilty everytime I see it.  It looks so sad and lonely out in the cold.  Am I transferring?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I undecorated the pruned tree today.  It took me about three days to decorate and about 15 minutes to take apart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwd4XdYJJo4qCOxza7UxaVjOPh9xVu8gsujUHarprBBtZYgLjVhI7SlLEuRXrLagHtD66DUmlLGxB_LC8xVrdYwwXukVzSUiZreRYVpliZNHFGgnwS-me585BtUVN-9x7nDpub95Z_3ow/s1600/P1020312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwd4XdYJJo4qCOxza7UxaVjOPh9xVu8gsujUHarprBBtZYgLjVhI7SlLEuRXrLagHtD66DUmlLGxB_LC8xVrdYwwXukVzSUiZreRYVpliZNHFGgnwS-me585BtUVN-9x7nDpub95Z_3ow/s400/P1020312.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know why it took me so many years to figure out I should just take all of the ornaments off and place them in a basket rather than wandering around the living room with ornament boxes laid out on every surface looking for the box each ornament came from.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mHRbnNuKFrwkDsBv0A-qZxLsoFKRQcmQcPkYljZyDCpZFGJW7QYEYbvCvnyaQzs7KbHhel_43sebzqFP4DR4koouXq1q-9hYgiwosIyHQ1aDRJB4938ykzPOLgHFNFoi8pzZk3bGelQ/s1600/P1020335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mHRbnNuKFrwkDsBv0A-qZxLsoFKRQcmQcPkYljZyDCpZFGJW7QYEYbvCvnyaQzs7KbHhel_43sebzqFP4DR4koouXq1q-9hYgiwosIyHQ1aDRJB4938ykzPOLgHFNFoi8pzZk3bGelQ/s400/P1020335.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then I set up all the boxes on the dining room table to make quicker work of putting everything back in its place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaI_TfepeEBjT2iKDT_boAwIMlcayLmUigsvpCYJ6Ih_rLl4R2GiRGhCDHaMuQar3Pai_dEWp69Ho4dkUc2ViKZEXHDcz-hI8KxRIQ23W4rRzZV3v9DWhKgVHyASzLqDNhDOQVxXDtQg/s1600/P1020342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaI_TfepeEBjT2iKDT_boAwIMlcayLmUigsvpCYJ6Ih_rLl4R2GiRGhCDHaMuQar3Pai_dEWp69Ho4dkUc2ViKZEXHDcz-hI8KxRIQ23W4rRzZV3v9DWhKgVHyASzLqDNhDOQVxXDtQg/s400/P1020342.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All the lights are neatly wound up and packed away ready for next year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But the day wasn't without incident.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCqfk6dP68uTBq-O3qbGqU9sHbFUoMGxtXMP940UmBRZqY4pjV8ry2LgORndCQdRb-XV7Su6uDbEuwaGt9HmxXW9G_zycW_mfaStMwLNxZSh7fqf5P72Gkt1_kIjC5leny-ZoD0a47XA/s1600/P1020311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCqfk6dP68uTBq-O3qbGqU9sHbFUoMGxtXMP940UmBRZqY4pjV8ry2LgORndCQdRb-XV7Su6uDbEuwaGt9HmxXW9G_zycW_mfaStMwLNxZSh7fqf5P72Gkt1_kIjC5leny-ZoD0a47XA/s400/P1020311.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Broken item of the season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOu5wAkUTLMhvIbWJMW5E1FeV9he2s_hnfybIunQdAFW8FIJBmSG3YQDoX1vzo5uJonewzmCHzMXFw4dpWFSz0asAA1-FiFufu2FDwkqZ8OQfmlkKpHvTyEe4ozUGLKkl3kBJf5zQTno/s1600/P1020322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOu5wAkUTLMhvIbWJMW5E1FeV9he2s_hnfybIunQdAFW8FIJBmSG3YQDoX1vzo5uJonewzmCHzMXFw4dpWFSz0asAA1-FiFufu2FDwkqZ8OQfmlkKpHvTyEe4ozUGLKkl3kBJf5zQTno/s400/P1020322.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I was unpleasantly surprised to find a big patch of mold growing under the tree!  I'm not sure what happened.  Perhaps the tree stand leaked?  I've scrubbed it up and there's a little stain but I swear I can smell it.  I think it has to go.  Thank god I'm too poor to have nice Persian carpets.  I'd be more ill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everything is packed up and put away in the basement except the outside lights which I usually leave up until somewhere between the Epiphany and the date that a former neighbor left me a note in my mailbox that the lights should come down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNKy3sacaH94sZTrFRDkZlJaC4Zxo6WmRACYeSx1i2vPiQqPDI-dPhgUVoybjGStyKnN45eEYtDYUv9jSxsK2cwj4Us7Fgtgzc2P_nWcAcqIxOTecvXGfgu-V0oIa4mk9wLx1GNZEfoo/s1600/P1020262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNKy3sacaH94sZTrFRDkZlJaC4Zxo6WmRACYeSx1i2vPiQqPDI-dPhgUVoybjGStyKnN45eEYtDYUv9jSxsK2cwj4Us7Fgtgzc2P_nWcAcqIxOTecvXGfgu-V0oIa4mk9wLx1GNZEfoo/s400/P1020262.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hey, while I think of it, did you know you can keep paperwhites from getting too leggy by giving them a shot of gin?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Read about it at <a href="http://www.yankeemagazine.com/issues/2011-01/home/marys-farm-paperwhites">Yankee Magazine</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04yISkjh8SpNWrFC_TLwn_jLF2w-61L3WolnsEuPYfrpy6xuXx58FAs0If6_lnZJchXfaalyKmaAocdr47d4WctLZTPIlQUvKhtPNksVfUG80DNYAjtMmW9DchDVW0BpgL3CSK53T5Qs/s1600/P1020348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04yISkjh8SpNWrFC_TLwn_jLF2w-61L3WolnsEuPYfrpy6xuXx58FAs0If6_lnZJchXfaalyKmaAocdr47d4WctLZTPIlQUvKhtPNksVfUG80DNYAjtMmW9DchDVW0BpgL3CSK53T5Qs/s400/P1020348.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although we've been really lucky with warmer than average temperatures and no snow since October, there's cold weather coming.  So we're all snuggling up and hunkering down for what we hope is a very short winter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Still working on my damn goals for 2012.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How 'bout you?</div><br /><br /></div>

Christmas is Packed Away

I had the best weekend filled with rest and relaxation.  How about you? The living tree is planted outside although I can't help but fee...

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In the works.

Happy 2012! Here's to a year of happiness, health, success and more house projects! <br /><br />I know this Etsy business of mine has totally been cramping my d&r style (and therefore this blog), but now that the chaos of the holidays have died down, I'm ready to jump back in. <br /><br />I've actually been borderline depressed about the lack of weekend house projects lately, and I can't handle it anymore. My New Year's resolution is to get back on the wagon and finish some of those projects I thought would have been done a long time ago. <br /><br />First thing's first... that master bathroom of ours.<br /><br />I finally swapped the twine-wrapped handles for some real rope ones. Check out this in-progress comparison shot:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv1Y70RRs33aBCnmtNQxaV6Mz9r1GBzNto9EGz6UrI_xHqaqv-hFXtheMlxAlCo_Nkw4MQ-2g0xwCGeVD2m5awA9zRqKBPlHO27tmRR73iIzb0FgCli1gcDmjbkDOMAwrqLywO3c2dkc7/s1600/IMG_6968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv1Y70RRs33aBCnmtNQxaV6Mz9r1GBzNto9EGz6UrI_xHqaqv-hFXtheMlxAlCo_Nkw4MQ-2g0xwCGeVD2m5awA9zRqKBPlHO27tmRR73iIzb0FgCli1gcDmjbkDOMAwrqLywO3c2dkc7/s640/IMG_6968.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I think I like them better.<br /><br />Next, I bought this bamboo bench (from Macy's, $80) to put inside the shower:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/1074axs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/1074axs.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Very spa-like. I think it will go well in there (and useful for storage!)<br /><br />Also, I finally pulled the trigger on this wide angle lens I've been craving (Canon 10-22mm)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.martinscamerashop.co.uk/ekmps/shops/weston2739/images/canon_10-22mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://www.martinscamerashop.co.uk/ekmps/shops/weston2739/images/canon_10-22mm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Which means I can also finally take the official "After" shots of the bathroom... and then retake shots of every other room in the house. Woo!<br /><br />I did manage to sneak in a quick project yesterday. We stumbled upon the doorbell aisle in Lowe's which reminded me how badly we NEEDed a new one:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQx0oyEZ1k-FQnwz1u9GUBh1TOFmy2faTLyaAOqssDxpCxry9xMddhVaKtqhzBTWu98bEpUV_FkYcDI0K7OoOK5x5UEmYPKXMIi1I3a_c23vZ2AHcSA2BvoI8OANN-VB-Go6J3G7-_OWn/s1600/IMG_7037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQx0oyEZ1k-FQnwz1u9GUBh1TOFmy2faTLyaAOqssDxpCxry9xMddhVaKtqhzBTWu98bEpUV_FkYcDI0K7OoOK5x5UEmYPKXMIi1I3a_c23vZ2AHcSA2BvoI8OANN-VB-Go6J3G7-_OWn/s640/IMG_7037.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Brad did not think we "needed" one but he clearly had forgotten what ours looked like. Once he saw the word "LED" written on the package, however, he changed his mind (I can convince him to do any house project if there are LEDs involved).<br /><br />Here is our pretty new ORB and LED-lit doorbell now:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_XXolcrY3fRQ8C4FapHfYKxyuPJyPCkfWHiC5Y9xY8l_krXErxcPOk35Uyu9KAx68iWe0zJJWdGrgpbIfjFJvr89iormPWImnQFvx7oXji482U1AzDdsdt19Z0FL5Pf7zhmS5Dn9bdoT/s1600/IMG_7043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_XXolcrY3fRQ8C4FapHfYKxyuPJyPCkfWHiC5Y9xY8l_krXErxcPOk35Uyu9KAx68iWe0zJJWdGrgpbIfjFJvr89iormPWImnQFvx7oXji482U1AzDdsdt19Z0FL5Pf7zhmS5Dn9bdoT/s640/IMG_7043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Here's something else I bought yesterday (Brad doesn't know yet... surprise!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/44613852528141734_Xl8i5ept_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/44613852528141734_Xl8i5ept_c.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><br /><br />How sweet is this aqua chevron rug? It's a 5x7 from Urban Outfitters, and only $73 shipped! I was browsing through pinterest and it caught my eye.... I had to have it. I decided it would be perfect for the office. Last year I spent months searching every corner of the planet for the perfect office rug, and when I finally found "the one" and placed the order, they told me it was out of stock. So I gave up and forgot about it. Now I'm glad that happened, because I like this one so much more. <br /><br /><br />Because I've been deprived for over a month of making progress on the house, I'm in a bit of project overload mode and trying to do a billion things at once to catch up. <br /><br />First on my list... building open shelves on this empty wall (on the right):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDM_lFP5WguEReovJ4TsKr5dhpLzDvUPKr-yJHvORj6GETs5baweu7NTQnIPfGHAHVDi1iNVF3hKSIefGQSBeLsdlXZyrXge_FweyG0Vllo1jUVG5Hygl8XGJ8nDXu0B6WMHOm9egQQzE/s1600/IMG_5423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDM_lFP5WguEReovJ4TsKr5dhpLzDvUPKr-yJHvORj6GETs5baweu7NTQnIPfGHAHVDi1iNVF3hKSIefGQSBeLsdlXZyrXge_FweyG0Vllo1jUVG5Hygl8XGJ8nDXu0B6WMHOm9egQQzE/s640/IMG_5423.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The weird wall angles in our house usually end up creating challenges, but this one is a blessing in disguise because it's just begging for some good old fashioned open shelving. Talk about untapped potential from the last homeowners. I am <em>so</em> excited for this one. <br /><br />There will be two shelves, painted white, each held up by two wood brackets like these (also painted white):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/public/Jy15hFpghyXsQ8-d6URftX_p3oyVvc014H-NTrd1HpOBQU8Ntcigil4VybR0mIxTAfhXxzY1nszY3BbXubaQIBWzR81bpd4vOaXGBmdovr6l9NOZTx2SuQ47oFfrbtx4XJayh1WHKu4Kiqz8ddy3jzbHow" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/public/Jy15hFpghyXsQ8-d6URftX_p3oyVvc014H-NTrd1HpOBQU8Ntcigil4VybR0mIxTAfhXxzY1nszY3BbXubaQIBWzR81bpd4vOaXGBmdovr6l9NOZTx2SuQ47oFfrbtx4XJayh1WHKu4Kiqz8ddy3jzbHow" /></a></div><br /><br />It will be a little tricky, however, because we have that weird corner angle where the microwave and cabinet stick out, so we'll have to outsource this one. I'll also feel more comfortable with someone else who can properly drill through the tile and locate the studs so these things are secure. Then I can get some painting tips from them for high-use and durable surfaces, because as soon as those shelves go in it's cabinet painting time! (I'll be doing the work on this project).<br /><br />A few more things I've been aching to get done include:<br /><br />Replacing the stained glass front door with modern frosted glass<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUqtZjvs8A8xmKDwEsbtVXzZIZyYfcWOTTO4hbPMaXIUAtGiGtv5lV9v3iAjMBSEZh9S9H9tXhs3mv24Ywn5vYTfhMt4Z13k86XAGl9cz7pV6swxvtGe2hdX7_OMvGqeZRK4d55EGopoj/s1600/IMG_6887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUqtZjvs8A8xmKDwEsbtVXzZIZyYfcWOTTO4hbPMaXIUAtGiGtv5lV9v3iAjMBSEZh9S9H9tXhs3mv24Ywn5vYTfhMt4Z13k86XAGl9cz7pV6swxvtGe2hdX7_OMvGqeZRK4d55EGopoj/s640/IMG_6887.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><br />Making an upholstered headboard and getting some art on those walls<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0KYnbcAthYizBw1S4kPvzhDD898gRKIowMxsxrU5B8nrr3GqEquKqJ3ZAHgSNhLMoTFJoXLBB2gfv9grFafcGnVDaP8Vl2I5lsFHFu5eREm4qOEa8eqlurESe-ZxEstR72nAlfV8dg7v/s1600/IMG_5873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0KYnbcAthYizBw1S4kPvzhDD898gRKIowMxsxrU5B8nrr3GqEquKqJ3ZAHgSNhLMoTFJoXLBB2gfv9grFafcGnVDaP8Vl2I5lsFHFu5eREm4qOEa8eqlurESe-ZxEstR72nAlfV8dg7v/s640/IMG_5873.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Getting a new mailbox/post (sorry, no pic available... just picture a giant white plastic rust-stained dinosaur box)<br /><br />Installing a new closet system...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrojuiBYQd8UogfW1O_AI03kMxYy8bDtAEuCLFxL7ESvWhAgL949Bd4DSv3O5jDyZvuc7enL_bEnsmJJ2Q2J859UV4fVQ2neLfuXpy1NPR3R59mMYVFqUyuHsryVcnfvjLR5Wul1xaqRTg/s1600/IMG_6652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrojuiBYQd8UogfW1O_AI03kMxYy8bDtAEuCLFxL7ESvWhAgL949Bd4DSv3O5jDyZvuc7enL_bEnsmJJ2Q2J859UV4fVQ2neLfuXpy1NPR3R59mMYVFqUyuHsryVcnfvjLR5Wul1xaqRTg/s640/IMG_6652.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We clearly need this. As heavenly as it would be to have California Closets come in and build the closet of my dreams... I just can't justify the cost. Instead, I'm going to attempt to find a way to plan everything out using pre-made systems... like this allen + roth from Lowe's:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/764053/764053458224xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/764053/764053458224xl.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>I haven't actually taken any measurements or done any planning yet, so that may all change if those angled walls ruin my plans (see how they are problematic?) but I really hope I can make this work. I can't exist in this disorganized manner much longer.<br /><br />Then of course there are the other projects nagging at me... like adding stackstone to the fireplace mantle and front of the house, planting some palm trees in the side yard, adding a large mirror and gallery frame wall in the living room, figuring out a better storage solution for all of the supplies for my business, remodeling the entire sunroom, figuring out a garage storage solution........ the list never ends. I really hope we can accomplish it all by the end of this year. I've been trying to convince Brad how amazing our house would look if he would just let me do whatever I wanted. So far it hasn't been working... but I'll keep trying. <br /><br />Thanks for sticking with me through my extended vacation away from this neglected blog :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hIQnbXAwDyaGAMqMsgUDN7opcFzgxEs23rJKRrAp2n0UTqu-auFdP81cjlg2vm0lfzLZ5dfCjU5RR9jzgJs0S_FFXpvNCYxS4y6dFIAqR0DsGSCnvghW0hiSZsTWa0CXbIj4J86OAh8O/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hIQnbXAwDyaGAMqMsgUDN7opcFzgxEs23rJKRrAp2n0UTqu-auFdP81cjlg2vm0lfzLZ5dfCjU5RR9jzgJs0S_FFXpvNCYxS4y6dFIAqR0DsGSCnvghW0hiSZsTWa0CXbIj4J86OAh8O/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>

In the works.

Happy 2012! Here's to a year of happiness, health, success and more house projects! I know this Etsy business of mine has totally been c...

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