Thursday, November 26, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
In the face of a tragedy...
The world lost a most gracious young lady yesterday. A young lady that for the past 4 years always made me smile when I saw her, she took the extra time to go out of her way to help others, she always treated everyone with the utmost of care and respect. A true gem.
I met her, when she worked in a doctors office that my clients went to. For all those years, she always took the time to make my folks feel special, welcomed and cared for (even myself). Never a task too tough, never a problem too hard. Always with a smile.
It was through her, that I met her mother, for we traveled through our breast cancer journey together. Her mother courageous and spirited; her father a strong, brave soul.
In the face of yesterday's unfortunate reality, a young girl, and a young man's lives lost. Shredding the hearts of their families and friends as they prepare to bury their daughter and move forward without her in it.
To my friend and her husband: may love keep you strong, may the support help you through your days. For this is the part that really sucks, the part where you have to move on without her in your life.
You are loved!
Whatever you need, count me in. I'm there!
I met her, when she worked in a doctors office that my clients went to. For all those years, she always took the time to make my folks feel special, welcomed and cared for (even myself). Never a task too tough, never a problem too hard. Always with a smile.
It was through her, that I met her mother, for we traveled through our breast cancer journey together. Her mother courageous and spirited; her father a strong, brave soul.
In the face of yesterday's unfortunate reality, a young girl, and a young man's lives lost. Shredding the hearts of their families and friends as they prepare to bury their daughter and move forward without her in it.
To my friend and her husband: may love keep you strong, may the support help you through your days. For this is the part that really sucks, the part where you have to move on without her in your life.
You are loved!
Whatever you need, count me in. I'm there!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
HOLY WOW!
What a day I have had! I decided to go check out Michael's to see what I might be able to buy for decorations for our wedding. Can I just say that I LOVE 90% OFF?!?!? We are having a "Fall" themed wedding and I've been pondering pumpkins on the tables with some tealights (battery operated of course) and fall colored flowers, etc. I think we'll need to decorate 10 tables or so + the wedding party table and the rest of the decor around the hall. I want our guests to take home the decor since it'll be right before Halloween time and Thanksgiving.
TODAY...I BOUGHT...
35 Pumpkins
12 Gourds
15 tabletop Acorn and Pumpkin candle holders
100+ fall colored Gerber Daisy's
other fall colored stuff like some ribbon and rafia...
You ready for this?
Grand Total: About $75
SO SO SO SO thankful that I had some extra cash to spend and that I found a great deal on most of the decor. Here is where the inspiration comes from:
I envision some spray painted pumpkins, add flowers and some broken branches.
Here is the carts full of pumpkins (4 carts!) I went back in to Michael's 3 times and kept buying more and more stuff! My car and trunk was stuffed so full!
TODAY...I BOUGHT...
35 Pumpkins
12 Gourds
15 tabletop Acorn and Pumpkin candle holders
100+ fall colored Gerber Daisy's
other fall colored stuff like some ribbon and rafia...
You ready for this?
Grand Total: About $75
SO SO SO SO thankful that I had some extra cash to spend and that I found a great deal on most of the decor. Here is where the inspiration comes from:
I envision some spray painted pumpkins, add flowers and some broken branches.
Here is the carts full of pumpkins (4 carts!) I went back in to Michael's 3 times and kept buying more and more stuff! My car and trunk was stuffed so full!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Dropping the ball (again!)
I've dropped the ball on a few things, to which over the next couple days I will get them done.
More tomorrow!
- Type my November THANKFUL posts
- Type out my book review for my friend Penny's Breast Cancer Sally
- Email said friend and tell her I haven't forgotten about her!
- Update wedding plans
- Share a project I did for Christmas!
More tomorrow!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
catching up
Forgive me for being behind in my postings, I'm tired and I'm working a lot! I also don't have access to wireless internet at work, so taking my netbook to work is pointless...and probably just as well.
Rockport is still the winner, only I am yet to sign the contract because they are rewriting the contract and until I see it, I'm not reserving the venue, just yet. It's only minor details that I need clarification on and then we can move forward.
Paul and I are having a tasting at Ipswich Clambake Co. this Wednesday. The folks over there are so awesome and I hope their food is as good as their service.
Wedding planning is well under way...We've got a vision and a theme that we are trying to work with and decide how we want to do things, etc.
Til then...
Rockport is still the winner, only I am yet to sign the contract because they are rewriting the contract and until I see it, I'm not reserving the venue, just yet. It's only minor details that I need clarification on and then we can move forward.
Paul and I are having a tasting at Ipswich Clambake Co. this Wednesday. The folks over there are so awesome and I hope their food is as good as their service.
Wedding planning is well under way...We've got a vision and a theme that we are trying to work with and decide how we want to do things, etc.
Til then...
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
wedding venues.wedding venues.decisions.decisions.
OK family and friends, my friend Cynthia and I visited 2 places today for possible wedding reception venues. I've narrowed it down to these two and need to choose which one we want, like yesterday!
Option 1: Smith Barn, which is a part of the Peabody Historical Society in Peabody, MA. It's part of Brooksby Farms and is very pretty and country-like. The barn is red, it looks like it was part of a dairy or something back in the day. It was rustic inside, had all amenities like an already set up bar, modern bathrooms, white Xmas lights (I LOVE those!).
PROS: It's pretty, its rustic, cost includes bartender that is TIPS certified, licensed and insured. You don't have to have a DJ, you can bring your own music (but no sound system to tap into.)
CONS: $2500, can only get married 10/29/10 (Friday night!), use of facility is 5 hours only, must use their preferred caterers, can only get in 3 hours before to set up - basically you pay caterers to do the work for you and it would not seem that one can put their own "special touch" to it. Approx. 12 miles from our house. Pretty much your general wedding reception site that costs more so you are less stressed about the details.
Option 2: Rockport Golf Club, in Rockport, MA. This "rustic" place sits on top of a hill overlooking their golf course and the ocean. The scenery is beautiful. The foliage would be just right.
PROS: $1300, all of October is open next year so far (so we can play with the dates!), the cost includes the place all day and we can get in a day before to decorate, it has a gas fireplace, it has an open bar area, kitchen and loft as well as a large back porch area that has all windows looking out on the golf course and ocean. This place is a DIY girls' dream!!! You can bring in any caterer if you want, or cook yourself and you can bring in your own booze or you can hire a bartender. The options here are limitless.
CONS: The place needs cleaning! Rockport is about 35 miles North of where we live. I worry about people drinking and driving. Might have to hire transportation somehow.
Please look over the pictures by CLICKING HERE and share your thoughts on which places says Tanya & Paul!!!
Option 1: Smith Barn, which is a part of the Peabody Historical Society in Peabody, MA. It's part of Brooksby Farms and is very pretty and country-like. The barn is red, it looks like it was part of a dairy or something back in the day. It was rustic inside, had all amenities like an already set up bar, modern bathrooms, white Xmas lights (I LOVE those!).
PROS: It's pretty, its rustic, cost includes bartender that is TIPS certified, licensed and insured. You don't have to have a DJ, you can bring your own music (but no sound system to tap into.)
CONS: $2500, can only get married 10/29/10 (Friday night!), use of facility is 5 hours only, must use their preferred caterers, can only get in 3 hours before to set up - basically you pay caterers to do the work for you and it would not seem that one can put their own "special touch" to it. Approx. 12 miles from our house. Pretty much your general wedding reception site that costs more so you are less stressed about the details.
Option 2: Rockport Golf Club, in Rockport, MA. This "rustic" place sits on top of a hill overlooking their golf course and the ocean. The scenery is beautiful. The foliage would be just right.
PROS: $1300, all of October is open next year so far (so we can play with the dates!), the cost includes the place all day and we can get in a day before to decorate, it has a gas fireplace, it has an open bar area, kitchen and loft as well as a large back porch area that has all windows looking out on the golf course and ocean. This place is a DIY girls' dream!!! You can bring in any caterer if you want, or cook yourself and you can bring in your own booze or you can hire a bartender. The options here are limitless.
CONS: The place needs cleaning! Rockport is about 35 miles North of where we live. I worry about people drinking and driving. Might have to hire transportation somehow.
Please look over the pictures by CLICKING HERE and share your thoughts on which places says Tanya & Paul!!!
Friday, October 23, 2009
I know. I know.
Paul and I got engaged on Columbus Day (October 12th)! We are so excited to plan our wedding. Date is set for 10/10/10. So far, that's all we've planned!
Sooooo, I meant to get back here sooner, but seriously...I've been, well...BUSY and LAZY of sorts!
On September 18th, I put in my notice to quit my job. Remember that I was managing group homes for developmentally disabled adults for the last 3.5 years. It was slowly killing me like arsenic in a fruitcake. (Nip/Tuck reference!) I felt so liberated to say "I'm done!" The stress I put myself under all that time was so unhealthy. I'm not perfect, never have been, never will be...but everything I did was done with the ultimate goal of perfection. It was killing me. In human services, there is no such thing as perfection. It's definitely not the career path I choose to move forward with.
I still currently work for the company, I just jumped into a direct care position, took a $5/hour paycut and am happy as a pig in mud! (This happiness may change after I get that first reduced paycheck!) No stress, I can sleep at night not having to worry about things, and I have some flexibility in my schedule where it used to be so uncertain day to day.
It's amazing how happy I am on my days off, now. I used to do NOTHING for 2 days to recoup from a hell week, and to go back to it in 2 days. I wouldn't go out, I was a homebody, I didn't clean, I literally sat in front of my computer for 2 days or at my craft table doing nothing. It's the weirdest feeling now. I feel so happy to have a day off, but I also want to clean and cook and do fun stuff! I think that now I just feel so much more free and I LIKE IT!
As you know, I've been going to school for the last 1.5 years for my Paralegal Certificate - I am so excited to get going in a law firm doing what I probably should have been doing YEARS AGO! I'm done this coming December with my last class. I've already been applying to get a paralegal job since this past summer - no luck yet! I did have one interview, got into the top 2 candidates and they hired the other person (I'm sure that that person had experience) but they said they'd keep me in mind if something came up in the future.
OK Chelsea! YES, I am excited about snow this year! First because I love snow...and we did get some last Sunday - maybe an inch. It was a fall Nor'easter that came through - not cold enough to stay and accumulate :( I also got new tires on my car yesterday and I am damn happy to be able to go places in the snow, because literally I've been on bald tires the last 2 years and I knew that if I didn't get those new tires on my car SOON, I was going to be stranded this winter!
OK, that's all for now....I have to head out to a training! I'll be back soon!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Happy Fall!
Well, I said I'd be back after summer was over and well, summer is officially over!
Be back soon!! (It's late, I need sleep!)
Be back soon!! (It's late, I need sleep!)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
It's a Facebook thing!
CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER!
Updated: 7/13/09
Things I will be doing while I am not here blogging this summer:
Sew something cool - checked out a great book from the library: Sew What! BAGS! on a recommendation from How About Orange!
6 week summer class - Business/Corporate Law - DONE!!!
Scrapbook more! DONE!
Make 2 special "albums" (I forgot what the special albums were?)
Go on at least 2 Boston Walking/Photo tours- 1 photo walk done!
Read all of the Twilight series - DONE!!!
Paint the kitchen - SOON!
Paint the kitty's room - I cleaned it, half counts!!!
Revamp the office - FAIL!
Revamp the back porch - FAIL!
Clean out my closet - DONE!!!
Paint ceiling medallions and hang them on a wall
My kid sister is coming August 1-5 from Fargo, ND - DONE!
In the meantime...I'm over at Facebook - where it's the hip-cool place to keep up with your peeps!
Don't worry, I'll be back when summer is ovah! (Or before, if I have something cool to share!!)
Updated: 7/13/09
Things I will be doing while I am not here blogging this summer:
Sew something cool - checked out a great book from the library: Sew What! BAGS! on a recommendation from How About Orange!
6 week summer class - Business/Corporate Law - DONE!!!
Scrapbook more! DONE!
Make 2 special "albums" (I forgot what the special albums were?)
Go on at least 2 Boston Walking/Photo tours- 1 photo walk done!
Read all of the Twilight series - DONE!!!
Paint the kitchen - SOON!
Paint the kitty's room - I cleaned it, half counts!!!
Revamp the office - FAIL!
Revamp the back porch - FAIL!
Clean out my closet - DONE!!!
Paint ceiling medallions and hang them on a wall
My kid sister is coming August 1-5 from Fargo, ND - DONE!
In the meantime...I'm over at Facebook - where it's the hip-cool place to keep up with your peeps!
Don't worry, I'll be back when summer is ovah! (Or before, if I have something cool to share!!)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Butterfly
When I adopted Abigail from Lansing, Michigan's Capital Area Humane Society in August 2004, her name was "Butterfly". It's not a name that stuck with her. "Helga the Horrible" might have been a better choice, but I settled on Abigail. I did this digi page for Designer Digital's 4th Birthday Contest.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Dirty Dancing!
I had the most amazing night, with 2 of my girlfriends; we went to see Dirty Dancing at the Boston Opera House. WOW! I was amazed at how awesome the production was! It was right down to the little antics of the show that made it so special and memorable! Of course, theater productions add their own flair to some parts and it was totally awesome!
My crappy old (hideable) camera didn't take the greatest pictures of the inside of the Opera House. That place is MAGNIFICENT! Hopefully Andrea's camera grabbed better pics. I'll share when I get them. Of course, my camera had 2 pics of us girls on there and both are blurry, too. I can't even fix them.
Here we are!
Inside:
Inside:
Stage:
The End:
My crappy old (hideable) camera didn't take the greatest pictures of the inside of the Opera House. That place is MAGNIFICENT! Hopefully Andrea's camera grabbed better pics. I'll share when I get them. Of course, my camera had 2 pics of us girls on there and both are blurry, too. I can't even fix them.
Here we are!
Inside:
Inside:
Stage:
The End:
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Let's Go Red Sox!
Well, today might be a better day for the opening game at Fenway. Yesterday it rained so hard and it was windy! I was prepping part of dinner when I saw the kids walking home from school in the rain. I sort of felt bad for them, because it started just about the time school let out. The high school is about 1/2 mile from our house.
Saw Twilight last night - good movie! Wishing I had read the book first though! That's my summer goal - to read the books when I get a 2 month break from school in July + August.
One more day before I go to the Boston Opera House to see the theater production for Dirty Dancing!!! Am so excited! I am going with a couple of my girlfriends, we've been waiting for this!!!
The only thing that stinks is I lose a homework night tomorrow night. Been buried deep in a paper that is probably the hardest part of my Legal Writing class. Plus, my Wills, Trusts & Estates class is vamping up to 2 chapters per week because we're a bit behind. UGH!
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!
Saw Twilight last night - good movie! Wishing I had read the book first though! That's my summer goal - to read the books when I get a 2 month break from school in July + August.
One more day before I go to the Boston Opera House to see the theater production for Dirty Dancing!!! Am so excited! I am going with a couple of my girlfriends, we've been waiting for this!!!
The only thing that stinks is I lose a homework night tomorrow night. Been buried deep in a paper that is probably the hardest part of my Legal Writing class. Plus, my Wills, Trusts & Estates class is vamping up to 2 chapters per week because we're a bit behind. UGH!
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Trying something new!
Smokie and Abigail have both asked if they can have their own Facebook page and while I thought about it, the thought of Abigail or Smokie sitting in my office on the computer all day instead of napping made me shudder. Instead I told them they could have their own blog. It seemed more age appropriate for them two!
Without further do, please come visit Smokie + Abigail's "Cat Box Chronicles" as they blog about their lives, their humans and whatever else they see fit!
Without further do, please come visit Smokie + Abigail's "Cat Box Chronicles" as they blog about their lives, their humans and whatever else they see fit!
Friday, April 3, 2009
April showers...
bring May flowers!
At least April is good for something!
Been super busy with school - being in school for my paralegal certificate is just like being in law school. The classes are taught by attorney's (and judges) and the work is hard. Interpretation and analysis of the law is not an easy task and definitely takes some getting used to and practice to learn all of this stuff.
Something wrong with my Smokie-Mokie. He has been super quiet (no meowing), passive and he's limping on one of his front paws and that leg is swollen. Paul said he laid in his basket all day yesterday and didn't move. I don't want to go feeling him all over and making him hurt, so I'm typing this as I am on hold with the vet to get him seen today. He's eating and moving around a little bit and is using the kitty-box, so that's good. He's 18 years old and has been in kidney failure for about 3 months though we have that under control and he is doing very well on his new diet and sub-q treatments 2x/week. He's even gained some weight! I hope it's maybe a sprain or something little because I can't afford to take any more big hits to my checkbook!
Back from the vet: It appears that Smokie may have dislocated his shoulder, or fell on it or hurt it somehow. We opted to wait 2 weeks to see how he does and will Xray it then. In the meantime, we'll watch to see if he gets better.
At least April is good for something!
Been super busy with school - being in school for my paralegal certificate is just like being in law school. The classes are taught by attorney's (and judges) and the work is hard. Interpretation and analysis of the law is not an easy task and definitely takes some getting used to and practice to learn all of this stuff.
Something wrong with my Smokie-Mokie. He has been super quiet (no meowing), passive and he's limping on one of his front paws and that leg is swollen. Paul said he laid in his basket all day yesterday and didn't move. I don't want to go feeling him all over and making him hurt, so I'm typing this as I am on hold with the vet to get him seen today. He's eating and moving around a little bit and is using the kitty-box, so that's good. He's 18 years old and has been in kidney failure for about 3 months though we have that under control and he is doing very well on his new diet and sub-q treatments 2x/week. He's even gained some weight! I hope it's maybe a sprain or something little because I can't afford to take any more big hits to my checkbook!
Back from the vet: It appears that Smokie may have dislocated his shoulder, or fell on it or hurt it somehow. We opted to wait 2 weeks to see how he does and will Xray it then. In the meantime, we'll watch to see if he gets better.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Yes, I'm alive! Just busy!
HA!
Wanna see something very cool? I stop in at Sandy Krieger's blog (she has some of the best eye candy!) from time to time, and she posted pics of someone's wedding (Not sure who, but you gotta go check this out! What a FUN FUN FUN wedding reception and check out those colors!) Reception and Wedding Photos.
OH, btw...does anyone NOT see the background on my blog? It's a blue/black damask background. I can't see it from my iPhone, so I wonder if my iPhone just doesn't pick up the linked background or it's really not working. I see it, but temp files/cookies, yada yada might contribute to that.
Not a lot of excitement in my life as of late. I'm dreaming of warmer weather.
Finishing up the last DIGI class at Jessica Sprague - Digi In Deep. Will share my projects next week, when I get them all completed.
Wanna see something very cool? I stop in at Sandy Krieger's blog (she has some of the best eye candy!) from time to time, and she posted pics of someone's wedding (Not sure who, but you gotta go check this out! What a FUN FUN FUN wedding reception and check out those colors!) Reception and Wedding Photos.
OH, btw...does anyone NOT see the background on my blog? It's a blue/black damask background. I can't see it from my iPhone, so I wonder if my iPhone just doesn't pick up the linked background or it's really not working. I see it, but temp files/cookies, yada yada might contribute to that.
Not a lot of excitement in my life as of late. I'm dreaming of warmer weather.
Finishing up the last DIGI class at Jessica Sprague - Digi In Deep. Will share my projects next week, when I get them all completed.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Happy Spring!
Well, we should be over the hump they call winter by now, though it can creep up on us if it wants to for another couple weeks (although rare). The temperatures are getting a bit warmer and the sun is staying out a bit longer as the weeks pass! I've noticed that its getting a bit "greener" out, too! Trees are starting to bud a little bit, but also the snow has melted and the grass that had been suffocating under blankets and blankets and blankets of snow, can breathe again!
My camera gets used a LOT this time of year! Like a breath of fresh air waiting to be photographed for memories to come!
My camera gets used a LOT this time of year! Like a breath of fresh air waiting to be photographed for memories to come!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Vaca over...back to work tomorrow!
I'm glad to be going back to work tomorrow, actually! I miss my peeps! That and I am excited to get back to routine! Up at 630am tomorrow, off to the gym by 8 and at work by 10:30...
Plus it's one more day towards Wednesday when we get our new bed - I can hardly sleep on this mattress we have anymore!
Plus it's one more day towards Wednesday when we get our new bed - I can hardly sleep on this mattress we have anymore!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Vaca Day 7
WOW! I have to go back to work in a couple days! This week cruised by pretty slowly (you know how vacations fly by? This one was just right!) and I guess I feel relaxed and rested. I'm ready to go back to "normal" - and normal means going to work...and school, in my case!
Paul and I went out today on a mission to find "decor" for our bedroom and we didn't come home with anything exciting. We did buy a new bed though. We've struggled with beds. We started with my Full sized bed in 2005, then upgraded to a pillow-top Sealy in 2006 and that is the most uncomfortable mattress, EVER! We have been dying to get a new bed and never knew where to turn. Finally we decided on a Tempurpedic - memory foam mattress. I hope we like this one because I am so ready to sleep better. At least it comes with a 30 day in home trial.
It's been so beautiful here the last few days. 50*+ and the sun is shining. It's so nice!
Paul and I went out today on a mission to find "decor" for our bedroom and we didn't come home with anything exciting. We did buy a new bed though. We've struggled with beds. We started with my Full sized bed in 2005, then upgraded to a pillow-top Sealy in 2006 and that is the most uncomfortable mattress, EVER! We have been dying to get a new bed and never knew where to turn. Finally we decided on a Tempurpedic - memory foam mattress. I hope we like this one because I am so ready to sleep better. At least it comes with a 30 day in home trial.
It's been so beautiful here the last few days. 50*+ and the sun is shining. It's so nice!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Vaca Day 6
After a long week of painting, rearranging, moving, shopping, and trying to put a bedroom back together, I present you with the semi-finished results! Of course as you might be able to see, Paul still needs to finish cutting in the dark brown to the light paint color on the right of the bed... (I am terrible with paint in the first place and sure as hell can't paint a straight line in a corner connecting 2 paint colors!!)
The next thing you'll notice is that I am yet to "decorate" the walls. I honestly was in no mood to go shopping today for a few things to decorate...maybe tomorrow or Monday. I made the 3 little pillows on the bed. I purchased the pillows at IKEA, then I bought material to cover them and I can change them anytime I want to. I painted the large light one, with the orange paint. Inspiration came from here as I was trying to work out curtain ideas.
Those curtains you see are $5 a panel at Target (I have 6 panels) and these were the 2nd set of curtains I bought. The first ones were SUPER UGLY and make the room look like a freakin' cappucino - they were tab top panel curtains which let no light in and they were khaki brown.
We still need to buy a headboard or make one. The original bed we were going to buy was too big for the room, and alone it's $209. If I'm going to spend that kind of money, I want the whole damn bed frame for $249.
I put together the bedside tables. They were super easy, really. I bought a dresser, too. Paul is yet to put it together...anyone want to place bets on how long it'll take for him to do that??
The lamps are from IKEA, too. We're trying to sell our 50" Plasma TV to buy a smaller LCD for the bedroom. Anyone interested in a great deal on a plasma tv? You don't see that honkin' tv in the room as it's inside on the right and no sense in taking a picture of the tv...but if you are interested in it (seriously), then I can certainly take pics.
OK, without further ado...
Bedroom After 1
Bedroom After 2
Bedroom After 3
Bedroom After 4
Then, I got a wild hair up my ass to update our bathroom. There was not much "style" in there until I found the hand soap pump, blue cup, and the shower curtain rings at Kmart. Then I found the great blue curtains at Target. I originally didn't buy the accessories until I went to Target and saw the curtains and then I went back to Kmart and got the accessories and the candles in the window! The blue really made my day! I LOVE Martha Stewart and I love her brown/blue color combos...funny... the accessories are Jacqueline Smith!
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
It took me over a year to get that bedroom done, Paul and I are so happy with the way it turned out! Not sure where I'll go with the decor. I might do a ton of black and white pictures with different frames on the inside right wall. It'll definitely be a work in progress!!!
The next thing you'll notice is that I am yet to "decorate" the walls. I honestly was in no mood to go shopping today for a few things to decorate...maybe tomorrow or Monday. I made the 3 little pillows on the bed. I purchased the pillows at IKEA, then I bought material to cover them and I can change them anytime I want to. I painted the large light one, with the orange paint. Inspiration came from here as I was trying to work out curtain ideas.
Those curtains you see are $5 a panel at Target (I have 6 panels) and these were the 2nd set of curtains I bought. The first ones were SUPER UGLY and make the room look like a freakin' cappucino - they were tab top panel curtains which let no light in and they were khaki brown.
We still need to buy a headboard or make one. The original bed we were going to buy was too big for the room, and alone it's $209. If I'm going to spend that kind of money, I want the whole damn bed frame for $249.
I put together the bedside tables. They were super easy, really. I bought a dresser, too. Paul is yet to put it together...anyone want to place bets on how long it'll take for him to do that??
The lamps are from IKEA, too. We're trying to sell our 50" Plasma TV to buy a smaller LCD for the bedroom. Anyone interested in a great deal on a plasma tv? You don't see that honkin' tv in the room as it's inside on the right and no sense in taking a picture of the tv...but if you are interested in it (seriously), then I can certainly take pics.
OK, without further ado...
Bedroom After 1
Bedroom After 2
Bedroom After 3
Bedroom After 4
Then, I got a wild hair up my ass to update our bathroom. There was not much "style" in there until I found the hand soap pump, blue cup, and the shower curtain rings at Kmart. Then I found the great blue curtains at Target. I originally didn't buy the accessories until I went to Target and saw the curtains and then I went back to Kmart and got the accessories and the candles in the window! The blue really made my day! I LOVE Martha Stewart and I love her brown/blue color combos...funny... the accessories are Jacqueline Smith!
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
It took me over a year to get that bedroom done, Paul and I are so happy with the way it turned out! Not sure where I'll go with the decor. I might do a ton of black and white pictures with different frames on the inside right wall. It'll definitely be a work in progress!!!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Vaca Day 5
OMG! I slept like a baby last night! We're finally back into our bedroom, instead of the living room floor!
I got a ton of great stuff at IKEA yesterday, but I wasn't able to buy the bedroom furniture I wanted originally :( Our bedroom is way too small and the dressers were either too tall or too big, so I opted for a smaller one, same color (black-brown). I couldn't buy the bed frame, again it's because our room is too small. The frame adds an extra 3 inches all the way around to the already tight squeeze we have in the room. (I had sort of already came to terms with this the other day when I actually measured the room...but still had hope until I saw the beds in person!) I did buy the bedside stands though, which match the smaller dresser. All in all, I'm happy with what I got for furniture...now to put it together!
I didn't get to buy curtains or curtain rods at IKEA, they were wiped out of rods, seriously. I opted to wait and go to Wal-Mart to see what they have. I got rods and some panel curtains, which after an hour of trying to get the rods hung and curtains washed, dried and hung...I HATE THEM! Off to buy something different today. I might even go to JoAnns and buy material and make my own curtains if I don't find anything good!
So, today I will work on the decor and share pics soon!
ALSO...I want to share a cool website that I find very inspiring! How About Orange - I love the daily posts and the color and design ideas. If you ever feel down and out, step into this blog and just look at the color and you're sure to feel much happier when leaving!
On a side note, this blogger shares a LOT of great ideas for books about crafts, DIY, etc. I am not a book collector and I try to avoid buying new books, as I seriously do not have the room for them, they collect dust, and are heavy to tote around. If I do want to buy it, it's probably because the library won't give me any more rental time on them, as there might be 5 people waiting on the list because the book is so good! I get all books at my local library first, when I can. If I find that the book is really good and something I can refer to in the future, I will try to buy a used copy and if all else fails, I make the dreaded trip to the bookstore.
My message here? UTILIZE YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY! Especially more now than ever when we can't afford to spend money where we don't have it!
I got a ton of great stuff at IKEA yesterday, but I wasn't able to buy the bedroom furniture I wanted originally :( Our bedroom is way too small and the dressers were either too tall or too big, so I opted for a smaller one, same color (black-brown). I couldn't buy the bed frame, again it's because our room is too small. The frame adds an extra 3 inches all the way around to the already tight squeeze we have in the room. (I had sort of already came to terms with this the other day when I actually measured the room...but still had hope until I saw the beds in person!) I did buy the bedside stands though, which match the smaller dresser. All in all, I'm happy with what I got for furniture...now to put it together!
I didn't get to buy curtains or curtain rods at IKEA, they were wiped out of rods, seriously. I opted to wait and go to Wal-Mart to see what they have. I got rods and some panel curtains, which after an hour of trying to get the rods hung and curtains washed, dried and hung...I HATE THEM! Off to buy something different today. I might even go to JoAnns and buy material and make my own curtains if I don't find anything good!
So, today I will work on the decor and share pics soon!
ALSO...I want to share a cool website that I find very inspiring! How About Orange - I love the daily posts and the color and design ideas. If you ever feel down and out, step into this blog and just look at the color and you're sure to feel much happier when leaving!
On a side note, this blogger shares a LOT of great ideas for books about crafts, DIY, etc. I am not a book collector and I try to avoid buying new books, as I seriously do not have the room for them, they collect dust, and are heavy to tote around. If I do want to buy it, it's probably because the library won't give me any more rental time on them, as there might be 5 people waiting on the list because the book is so good! I get all books at my local library first, when I can. If I find that the book is really good and something I can refer to in the future, I will try to buy a used copy and if all else fails, I make the dreaded trip to the bookstore.
My message here? UTILIZE YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY! Especially more now than ever when we can't afford to spend money where we don't have it!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Vaca Day 3
Didn't get the first coat of color up in the bedroom last night, like I wanted to. Paul said it was best to let that 2nd coat of primer dry really well.
Today I should be able to get a coat up this morning and then another coat in the evening. Depends on how it dries, it's going to rain most of the day. I'm getting excited! Most of the prep work is done, just have to slap up the color and call it good.
Been in a standstill about bedroom furniture though. Paul's mom and I were looking through the online catalog yesterday (she and I are headed to IKEA tomorrow to pick everything out, then Paul and Steve will go back to IKEA on Saturday and pick up all of the big pieces (bed, dresser, etc.) I started looking at the bed sizes that go in the frames and we have a pillow-top Sealy spring mattress and I'm not so convinced that it will fit in the bed. IKEA furniture is made about a 1/2" to 7/8' smaller than regular beds and if you have a spring mattress, it may not fit. I'll make all final decisions tomorrow when I get to IKEA and can talk with someone about it. The back up plan is to get a platform bed that any bed can go on. Decisions! Decisions!
I went over to HomeGoods yesterday and found the quilt that I've been "drooling" for! It is so pretty! Once I saw it about 2 weeks ago, I knew it was the inspiration for our bedroom...I just wasn't convinced I wanted to spend $70 for it! BUT, I did yesterday because I went back and it was still there. I knew it was meant to be for me! It was still $70!
I took before pics and realized that I should have just changed over my lens on my SLR to take wider shots (I was too lazy), I was trying to take shots on my 50mm and I couldn't get wide enough angles, so I opted to use the point and shoot nikon and I hate that freakin' camera! It takes the crappiest inside shots!
Here's the pics...crappy shots included!
The wall colors. Seriously this is a BAD representation of the colors I picked out. This swatch looks like a freakin' cappuccino , the brown is more of a grey-brown, no so chocolaty and the light color doesn't look like a version of dusty rose. It's a very light non-yellow cream color. You'll see it soon enough on the walls.
THE QUILT! OMG is she not the most beautiful things you've ever saw?
WARNING! Paul can't hang up his clothes in his closet, he had recently turned the treadmill into a clothing rack and we look like we live like the Beverly Hill Billies - We got LAZY and didn't care anymore and this room became the room to throw all the shit in that we didn't want to use!
Before 1
Before 2 (SLR)
Before 3
Before 4
Getting there 1
Getting there 2
Today I should be able to get a coat up this morning and then another coat in the evening. Depends on how it dries, it's going to rain most of the day. I'm getting excited! Most of the prep work is done, just have to slap up the color and call it good.
Been in a standstill about bedroom furniture though. Paul's mom and I were looking through the online catalog yesterday (she and I are headed to IKEA tomorrow to pick everything out, then Paul and Steve will go back to IKEA on Saturday and pick up all of the big pieces (bed, dresser, etc.) I started looking at the bed sizes that go in the frames and we have a pillow-top Sealy spring mattress and I'm not so convinced that it will fit in the bed. IKEA furniture is made about a 1/2" to 7/8' smaller than regular beds and if you have a spring mattress, it may not fit. I'll make all final decisions tomorrow when I get to IKEA and can talk with someone about it. The back up plan is to get a platform bed that any bed can go on. Decisions! Decisions!
I went over to HomeGoods yesterday and found the quilt that I've been "drooling" for! It is so pretty! Once I saw it about 2 weeks ago, I knew it was the inspiration for our bedroom...I just wasn't convinced I wanted to spend $70 for it! BUT, I did yesterday because I went back and it was still there. I knew it was meant to be for me! It was still $70!
I took before pics and realized that I should have just changed over my lens on my SLR to take wider shots (I was too lazy), I was trying to take shots on my 50mm and I couldn't get wide enough angles, so I opted to use the point and shoot nikon and I hate that freakin' camera! It takes the crappiest inside shots!
Here's the pics...crappy shots included!
The wall colors. Seriously this is a BAD representation of the colors I picked out. This swatch looks like a freakin' cappuccino , the brown is more of a grey-brown, no so chocolaty and the light color doesn't look like a version of dusty rose. It's a very light non-yellow cream color. You'll see it soon enough on the walls.
THE QUILT! OMG is she not the most beautiful things you've ever saw?
WARNING! Paul can't hang up his clothes in his closet, he had recently turned the treadmill into a clothing rack and we look like we live like the Beverly Hill Billies - We got LAZY and didn't care anymore and this room became the room to throw all the shit in that we didn't want to use!
Before 1
Before 2 (SLR)
Before 3
Before 4
Getting there 1
Getting there 2
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Vaca Day 2
Here we are, day 2 already! It's really day 3 if you consider Sunday in there, and then it's really day 1 if you consider Sunday and Monday's are my days off. Either way...Day 2. Here we go!
My back is KILLING me, I'm icing it up and headed to the gym as soon as I finish this post.
Yesterday, I prepped the bedroom, taped everything off, covered everything in plastic, blah blah blah...and I primed with 1 coat. Today I will prime again and later tonight I should be able to put 1 coat of paint on.
I'm taking pics as I go...I'll put them up later today!
My back is KILLING me, I'm icing it up and headed to the gym as soon as I finish this post.
Yesterday, I prepped the bedroom, taped everything off, covered everything in plastic, blah blah blah...and I primed with 1 coat. Today I will prime again and later tonight I should be able to put 1 coat of paint on.
I'm taking pics as I go...I'll put them up later today!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Vaca Day 1
I'm off from work until March 17th. I spent almost all of today on the computer working on some digi stuff for a book I am having printed eventually from one of our trips to Vermont this past year. I did a couple LO's about Abigail today, too. I'm in another one of Jessica Sprague's Digi classes: Digi in Deep.
It was like 60* out today! WOW! But would you believe that I didn't really pay attention to it, probably because I'm used to being cooped up in the house all damn winter. Speaking of winter...more snow tomorrow! 1"-3" - no biggie, but just enough to annoy me!
I intend to get all of the supplies tomorrow, to paint our bedroom on Wednesday. Going with a light and dark combo of some sort. Something neutral that will work with anything...and I vouch to never paint with the color maroon again!
Got back in touch with an old friend from high school this week. I think Kim and I have been friends for about 22-23 years! We've lost touch a couple of times, life just gets in the way but am so happy she threw me an email last week!
Off to change the blog scenery again! I just love House of 3's Couture!
It was like 60* out today! WOW! But would you believe that I didn't really pay attention to it, probably because I'm used to being cooped up in the house all damn winter. Speaking of winter...more snow tomorrow! 1"-3" - no biggie, but just enough to annoy me!
I intend to get all of the supplies tomorrow, to paint our bedroom on Wednesday. Going with a light and dark combo of some sort. Something neutral that will work with anything...and I vouch to never paint with the color maroon again!
Got back in touch with an old friend from high school this week. I think Kim and I have been friends for about 22-23 years! We've lost touch a couple of times, life just gets in the way but am so happy she threw me an email last week!
Off to change the blog scenery again! I just love House of 3's Couture!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
3 days to go...
and I'm off work for 9 days after that. Taking a little time off to kill some excessive vacation time I have at work. If you don't use it, you lose it. End of story.
I plan to repaint our bedroom and then go to IKEA and get our new bedroom furniture and some decor.
Funny, I intended this very same thing here and here last year around this time! The only difference is this year I get new furniture!
...off to the gym!
I plan to repaint our bedroom and then go to IKEA and get our new bedroom furniture and some decor.
Funny, I intended this very same thing here and here last year around this time! The only difference is this year I get new furniture!
...off to the gym!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
It just tastes better with whole milk!
OH how I miss whole milk in my diet! I used to live on that stuff, seriously! Back in the day, all that was in my refrigerator was a gallon of whole milk, bottles of water, and a bottle of ranch dressing! The ranch was for the occasional hot wings and the milk had special dates with the box of cereal (probably Rice Krispies) or it was goin' in my coffee!
I just ate some Rice Krispies, my fave cereal ever, and I had it with 1% milk, which is a definite upgrade from skim milk. However, it is NO CONTEST to whole in all its milky glory!
In other news, I took my sweet Smokie Mokie to the vet on Monday and he gained a few ounces and his blood work came back great! He is almost back in the normal range again and we'll just keep up with the sub-Q treatments 2x/week, his special diet and come back in 3 months! HOW GREAT IS THAT NEWS!?!
I just ate some Rice Krispies, my fave cereal ever, and I had it with 1% milk, which is a definite upgrade from skim milk. However, it is NO CONTEST to whole in all its milky glory!
In other news, I took my sweet Smokie Mokie to the vet on Monday and he gained a few ounces and his blood work came back great! He is almost back in the normal range again and we'll just keep up with the sub-Q treatments 2x/week, his special diet and come back in 3 months! HOW GREAT IS THAT NEWS!?!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
4 years!
Today marks 4 years that Paul and I have been together. We use today's date as the day we met each other, 10 days after Valentine's Day...our anniversary! It's been a terrific journey, it's been a blast and I love him as much today as the day I met him!
XOXO
Monday, February 16, 2009
OH!
Hi there! LOOKY! It's Monday again! My fave day to blog! LOL! Seriously, nothing too exciting in my life to blog about lately. Same ole, same ole!
That's my exciting life...ta ta for now!
- Weather has been nice
- Snow is melting slowly
- In another month, it'll almost be Spring
- Had a nice VDay
- Back to the pool tomorrow
- Smokie is doing so much better
- Thinking about redoing our bedroom, new paint, new rug and new bedroom set:
That's my exciting life...ta ta for now!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
...it was one of those days...
started with the phone going off at 630am to tell me one of my clients was sick. ANYTIME my phone rings before 9am, it sets my mood for the day and it ain't pretty.
...without further detail, I'm not gonna complain. I say the worst of it's over and tomorrow is a new day. At least it better be! *Screw* you Tuesday, HELLO Wednesday!
I need an anti-depressant.
OH and last night, I watched My Best Friend's Girl - OH MY GAWD! What an outrageously FUNNY, comical movie that was! LOVED IT! I highly recommend it if you need a good laugh and the *F* word doesn't bother you!
...without further detail, I'm not gonna complain. I say the worst of it's over and tomorrow is a new day. At least it better be! *Screw* you Tuesday, HELLO Wednesday!
I need an anti-depressant.
OH and last night, I watched My Best Friend's Girl - OH MY GAWD! What an outrageously FUNNY, comical movie that was! LOVED IT! I highly recommend it if you need a good laugh and the *F* word doesn't bother you!
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