Call Me Martha

That’s it. February has been insanely busy and is almost over. Starting in March, I made a promise to myself that I would be getting back on track towards becoming a Superhuman Stepford Wife Culinary Wizard. In a sexy pink apron, of course.

So, I need your help. More specifically, I need good recipes! Could you share with me some of your domestic goddessness and tell me your favorite?

Any comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. You all rock!

(p.s. My husband thanks you in advance.)

The Post Where I Embarrass My Husband

My husband is a sleep talker. And I don't mean an occasional mmmhmmm or uhhhuh. Full on conversations. So, as you can imagine, this has led to some fun times in our house. The weird thing is he can go for months without saying a word, and then all of a sudden he turns into Chatty McChatterson, talking non-stop, and none of it making sense.

My favorite sleep talking episode? That would be the time a couple of years ago when I was woken up by really loud sounds. Once I fully realized what was going on, I could not contain my hysterical laughter. My husband was humming on top of his lungs. And it actually sounded pretty good. I'm still wondering why he never auditioned for Idol :)

Anyway, it so happens that we’re currently going through a McChatty period, which was marked this week by two episodes. The episode last night lasted about 30 minutes and was silly gibberish that didn't make sense. However, the one Monday night was a different story.

ME: What?!???
HUBBY: I think it should be alright. Ok.
ME: (giggling a bit) Babe, I don’t understand you.
HUBBY: I got you. I will solve it. I just have to hurry. We will follow it!
ME: (laughing) OK, I see. Go back to sleep.

At which point he gave me a look of relief, fell to his pillow and continued sleeping immediately.

He is one weird dude. But this is just another reason why I love him :) [unless he starts talking about me!] Although really where is my video camera when I need it?

Monday Madness!

It's just another manic Monday! Sorry for the lack of posts recently. Life is totally getting in the way. I promise to be back to blogging in full force this week.

The days have been going by so fast for me it's ridiculous! One thing that seems to be taking forever is the warm weather! Last week I got my first taste of mid 50 degree weather and it was lovely. Now I'm back to huddling up!

But I did spend every hour a significant amount of time this weekend shopping and I did find some pretty great deals that I have to share with you all!

Kensie Girl- High wasted pencil skirt

The black pencil skirt is a style staple.

I am especially fond of this skirt paired with a vibrant colored cropped cardigan (purple or magenta come to mind), sexy camisole (lace is a must!) and killer pumps. The best thing about this purchase is that this classy pencil skirt is versatile and can work for a business meeting or a night on the town.

Fuschia Ruffle Satin Halter Top

Adorable satin halter top has layers of front ruffles. I love the color. The picture does not do it justice. It is much brighter and pink in real life. It looks great with highwasited skirt or dress pants. Can't wait to pair it up with my new skirt!

Lela Rose- Satin Ballet Flat

Designer Lela Rose marries the elegance of an evening shoe with the comfort of a flat. This shoes features a luxurious satin upper, a bold vamp bow and a d'Orsay cut side. The d’orsay cut and big satin bow gives the shoe a lighter feel and added femininity. This is the flirtiest shoe I have seen in a long time. I just love the flouncy bow! And the best part is that this is a versatile style that can be worn with flirty a-line dresses and even pant suits.

American Eagle Jeans- Two Pairs
I know I may not be 15 anymore - but I still love AE jeans. I love them so much that yesterday I bought not one, but two pairs. They sit low on the hips and the long style is just the right length for my heel-wearing 5’7 frame. Not to mention that they are so comfy and make my tush look grrreat. And when it comes to sizes, what I love most about American Eagle is that their jeans are dead-on accurate. I hate it when I have to test different sizes just to figure out which one is my size when I already know my waist and leg length.

And the best thing about my weekend shopping extravaganza is how much, or how little, I spent! The total for all the items above comes out to $110! Not bad for a pair of shoes, two pairs of jeans, a skirt and a top. I love bargain shopping and hunting for good deals! Shopping is always a little sweeter when you don’t break the bank.

HAPPY MONDAY!

Furbaby Friday

Wow, a lot has happened in the last two weeks since I've posted about our beloved, semi-human dog Charlie. He has started barking occasionally, and can make it up and down the three stairs from our porch to the yard. Not to mention that he has cracked the 5 pound mark! He now officially weighs a whopping 5 pounds 3 ounces. :) And, most importantly, he is slowly growing into his large head... slowly but surely. But in addition to all these physical changes, he has finally learned his name and sometimes sits on command. He also is developing all kinds of sassy personality.

For example:

Mom made me go outside for some 'walk' pictures but I wasn't feeling it. After all, I'm an adult and can make my own decisions these days.

This is my, "What the heck do you want, lady?" face.

You like?

Grrr, 'tuff' puppy.

Please, Mom, don't pretend like you love me.

I refuse to look at the camera for you.

Last picture. I just can't take this sun anymore.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Is it wrong

That I just called my husband at work to tell him that I placed an order for 3 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, when I really ordered 5?

I am just stocking up for a potential economic disaster.

...mmm thin mints and in my belly...

Edited to Add: I know this post is completely contradicting to the post below. But I couldn't help myself and I tried. I mean what cold hearted person could say no to the cute little girls as they turn their giant doe eyes and blink slowly allowing their eyes to water as they describe girl scout camp and how MY box of cookies could make the difference between a lifetime of happy wholesome memories and the entire troop turning into drug addicts and school dropouts.

So I cracked

and bought a scale this weekend. I haven't owned a scale in over a year. This means that I won't be able to make false claims about my weight anymore. I'm actually going to have to hold myself accountable.

Also, just this morning, I ordered this butt kicker DVD which came in highly recommended by a few friends and coworkers.

It's a 20 minute workout every day for 30 days. I will probably do it every morning before I go to work. Easy enough. Right?

Probably not. From the reviews I read, this is grueling. [For ex: "This is an all out balls to the walls fitness regime that is very painful, grueling and intense."] Did they just say balls to the walls? haha.

So my copy should be arriving in the mail next week. And once I get started, I will keep you posted on my progress. My temporary inability to squeeze fit into my clothes will hopefully be just that: temporary. Fingers crossed.

There you go! My new and improved tush kickin' workout plan!

Now if any of you have any good healthy recipes that you are willing to share, my thighs I would appreciate it. :)

Edited to Add:
Why am I doing this? A lot of people kind of rolled their eyes at me when I mentioned embarking on this 30 day program. I'm know I'm not overweight, and I don't think I'm fat. I'm a small person. That said, I can't button some of my favorite jeans, and that makes me mad. I also cannot make it up three flights of stairs without getting completely out of breath. I don't necessarily want to lose weight, but I want to have a more defined and more toned shape. I'd like to have a great body and I want to be healthy.

Thank you Mr. President

Well I love our president, especially when he gives me a Monday off from work so that I can blog about my weekend ;)

I LOVE SURPRISES <3

My husband knows this about me.
He also knows that when he says he has a surprise I will do anything and everything in my power to find out what it is.
I can't help it. I've always been this way.
Ask my mom.
So bless my husband for still planning surprises for me. Bless him.
Anyway....all that to say my husband planned a V-day surprise for me Saturday.
He made me breakfast in bed.
I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
We went to a park.
Reservations at our favorite restaurant.
For dessert, he prepared chocolate fondue.
It was perfect.

The Letter Game

I hope everyone is winding down from a busy work week and gearing up for a great, relaxing [for me, three-day] weekend...I know I am!!

A fabulous blogger, Jimmy Choos and Tennis Shoes, assigned me the letter "R" a few days ago after she did this on her blog. I'm supposed to list 10 things I love that begin with the letter "R." So here it goes!

1.) Reality T.V.

2.) Roadtrips [or just trips in general]

3.) Red Wine

4.) Rent [The musical]

5.) Roses [preferably pink]

6.) Richie [Nicole.I have an unexplainable obsession with her. I <3>

7.) Renovations [I do secretly like beautifying our home]

8.) Reading

9. ) Real Friends [Im so lucky to have so many :)]

[I was never your typical rock concert chick. But after my husband successfully dragged me to a few, I'm hooked]

Wedding Wednesday

Wowsah! It’s been a busy week, but thankfully today is Wednesday. Can I get an Amen?!

Anyways, since there isn't anything new going on in my life that I haven't already mentioned, I'm taking today to share with you some of our most cherished wedding details and favorite photos.

My favorite memory of the day:

I dreamed about my wedding day since I was a little girl and I can honestly say that my daydreams didn't even come close to how amazing our day really was.

As I walked down the aisle, hand in hand with my dear Dad, Pachalbel in D softly played. I glanced towards the altar, to see my husband standing there proudly and patiently waiting for me as I made my way. A tear slowly rolled down his cheek. He had never looked more handsome. From that point, I didn't see anything else. I didn't see any of the guests or the wedding party. I kept my eyes focused on him and I couldn't stop smiling. My heart felt like it was going to burst from happiness.

As we stood at the altar, listening to our priest speak, Matt and I mouthed the words "I love you" over and over. I took in every moment of our ceremony. I soaked in every word. And as I said I do, I meant it with my whole heart. When I said forever I meant every day until I died.

I was told by many people that during your wedding ceremony, you don't really hear anything because it's all a blur. Well, mine wasn't like that at all. I heard everything and took in every moment, every word. When we were pronounced husband and wife, we walked past our loved ones, hand in hand, and again, I don't remember seeing anyone except him. Our day perfect.

My husband is my perfect match, my missing puzzle piece, the love of my life. I am completely lucky and blessed.

My favorite pictures:

Notes From the Construction Zone

Our House is a construction zone- again. Just when I swore that the cabinets would be the last house related project this year in a while, my husband proves me wrong.

Being the workaholic that he is, we he has currently undertaken yet another tiny ginormous project- Tearing out the carpet in our living room and replacing it with Pergo flooring. By himself!

Now I understand putting in a door yourself, swaping out that toilet yourself and even welding that new plumbing yourself. But tearing out the carpet and cutting/putting/installing the floors? Kinda crazy if you ask me, but I am trying to be a good moral supporter. We are saving a lot of money by installing it ourselves himself. I am just hoping we can get our living room back relatively soon because I am not sure how much longer I can handle watching TV on our tiny 19” upstairs tv.

On the plus side, this whole our house is a construction zone thing= Chinese takeout tonight! Yippie!

Happy Tuesday!

p.s. Can this weather get any better? 55 degrees. in Ohio. in February. I am NOT complaining.

Our next adventure!

After talking about it for a while, we finally booked our next trip- Music City, here we come! We’re taking a long weekend in April and driving to Nashville [about 6 hours]. But here is the best part: we’re staying in a bed & breakfast! Neither of us has ever stayed in one, and I can’t think of a better way to experience southern hospitality. Here are some pictures:

This is a picture of our room. We will be staying in the Valentine Room, oh la la. [Description from the website: A romantic, French provincial suite with queen size bed and a tub right in the room itself. Adjoining sitting area with day bed. You'll feel like you're in another place in time.]






I’m so excited!!!

Any recommendations on what to do/places to see/eat? So far we’re thinking of seeing a performance at The Grand Ole Opry, checking out the Parthenon replica, and touring the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Furbaby Friday

Being the gushing Mom that I am, I had this idea to dedicate a Friday each week to post new pictures of Charlie. We can call it furbaby friday. He is growing up so fast and with that he's definitely developing such an attitude a personality.

My favorite face currently is the "im not happy with you"

On another note, is it 5 o'clock yet? I really really need this week to be over. I'm slammed at work and have been working late almost every night. But I can't complain. I always remind myself of how lucky I am to still have a job :) And to be working for a place that i LOVE, doing what I LOVE.

But here is what I am looking forward to this weekend [in no particular order]: no plans, being lazy, drinking lots of wine, warm warmer weather, cooking out, getting my nails done, lounging, sleeping in, doing laundry [honestly. i love it], shopping for a valentine's day outfit, Real Housewives of Orange County marathon, Charlie, pilates.

Sweatpants and nights at home make me happier than maybe they should at my age. But I am more than okay with that. :)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Random thoughts...

My latest obsession: chopping cutting my hair. I don't know why, but these last couple days I swear I have spent hours searching for the 'perfect haircut.'

So far, I have found a couple possibilities. My hair is pretty long now, and I think I need to change it up a little bit. I am not a big fan of the short-short [Victoria Beckham] type hair on myself. But I am thinking something more along these lines:

Any thoughts/ideas?

I need help girls since the only feedback my hunky sidekick provides is 'i'm sure it's gonna look great babe.' Very sweet but not so much constructive feedback. I mean who can blame him... this is a guy whose every haircutting experience has only ever required three words: "number two please." I tried to explain to him last night that in my world that just indicates a fast food meal.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I need positive reinforcement to muster up the courage and actually make an appointment. :)

happy thursday. xoxo <3>