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2/28/11

project 31

When I decided that I wanted to start a blog, I knew it was because there are so many things going on in my life right now. I figured this could be my outlet, my safe haven, my trash talking, my dreams, my weaknesses, my goals, . . .
Not that this wont be just that, but I feel with only 9 posts so far, that now I dont even know what to talk about. So Ive been browsing through some very inspiring blogs. (A few of which you can find here, but not limited to just these) After some thought, Ive decided that I am going to take on the challenge like some of my fellow bloggers.
http://www.shebreathesdeeply.com/p/project-31-celebrate-beauty.html

project 31
and I will start tomorrow seeing thats its already 9:15pm, and it will make for a great start to March

What is "Project 31"?  It is a collection of thoughts, ideas, and women who potray beauty in a inspired way.  "Project 31" is you celebrating your God given beauty, and celebrating the beautiful women around you. The meaning behind the project is taken from this:


Proverbs 31

10 Who can find a virtuous wife? 
   
For her worth is far above rubies. 
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; 
    So he will have no lack of gain. 
12 She does him good and not evil 
   All the days of her life. 
13 She seeks wool and flax, 
   And willingly works with her hands. 
14 She is like the merchant ships, 
   She brings her food from afar. 
15 She also rises while it is yet night, 
   And provides food for her household, 
   And a portion for her maidservants. 
16 She considers a field and buys it; 
   From her profits she plants a vineyard. 
17 She girds herself with strength, 
   And strengthens her arms. 
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, 
    And her lamp does not go out by night. 
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, 
   And her hand holds the spindle. 
20 She extends her hand to the poor, 
   Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, 
      For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 
22 She makes tapestry for herself; 
      Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 
23 Her husband is known in the gates, 
      When he sits among the elders of the land. 
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
      And supplies sashes for the merchants. 
25 Strength and honor are her clothing; 
      She shall rejoice in time to come. 
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, 
      And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 
27 She watches over the ways of her household, 
      And does not eat the bread of idleness. 
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; 
      Her husband also, and he praises her: 
29 “ Many daughters have done well, 
      But you excel them all.” 
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, 
      But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, 
      And let her own works praise her in the gates.


Pretty good stuff, huh?  Wanna join in?  Here is the challenge...  For 31 days, blog each day about things that celebrate your God given beauty, and the beauty of the women around you.  I attached a list below (with my own personal edits) you can follow, or you can make up your own (orginal list is here, though).  

THE LIST:


Day 1.  What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2.  What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3. Post a photo of something/someone that makes you happy.
Day 4.  Style 31.  Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5.  Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6.  Write a letter to your teenage self.
Day 7.  Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!
Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10.  What have the women in your life taught you about being a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11.  Post a recipe.  Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12.  Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13.  Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14.  Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!
Day 15.  Write to encourage a friend.  Inspire her beauty.
Day 16.  Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life.  Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17.  Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18.  Describe your personality.
Day 19.  Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20.  Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.  
Day 21.  Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22.  What is one of your favorite quotes and why?
Day 23.  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?
Day 24.  Write about your most vivid childhood memory. Post a picture of you taken over ten years ago.
Day 25.  Style 31.  Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26.  What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27.  Who's your celebrity look-a-like?
Day 28.  Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29.  Write about "a day in the life of me."  (Pics are great!)
Day 30.  Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31.  Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!

 

2/24/11

photography

lately I have been obsessed with photography. as a graphic designer I love every aspect of the creative industry. during college I even took  a photography class. however at my college the beginners photography class was all about doing everything manual. now I understand that you need to have the basics before jumping right into digital and all the cool effects that modern technology can offer. but it really kind of had the opposite effect than i wanted it to when i took the class. meaning it made me like photography less.
now that i can just take pictures whenever i want of whatever i want, ive fallen right back into loving it again. currently i have a standard shockproof/waterproof Olympus digital camera. i got this camera because whenever we go fishing, 4-wheeling, hunting, etc I dont have to worry about it getting wet or getting handled ruffly. it was a great investment. i also have the manual camera i was talking about from my photography class. it was actually my fathers that he got for his photography class while he was in college. i love the camera, but it takes so much more to get photos from it than a digital version would.
in the past few days ive been dreaming about a really good dslr camera. i know they are expensive, especially the ones im dreaming about, and right now its just not a high enough priority to spend that kind of money on. and let me tell you, it doesnt really help reading through all the blogs im following. if youve taken a look at any of the blogs i follow, youll see that alot of them are photobased.
actually a new blog i found, really a particular post i read, was what lead me to writing this blog.
(jenheremphotography) the particular post is about capturing a birth story with a photographer. this womans photos are absolutely inspiring and really makes me think that i may want a photographer (a real one, not just my DH or sis) present during labor (whenever that eventually happens lol).

2/22/11

i have a confession to make

so I have a confession to make. I just received three packages in the mail that I ordered.

  1. A nursing cover
  2. A baby sling
  3. A nursing cover to give as a gift to a friend
And Im not even pregnant, nor are we officially trying yet.
I have to admit, I kinda got lured into buying them through a post on one of thenest message boards. All I had to do was pay shipping and handling for both and they would be free. I figured why not? I can just put them in the spare closet until I can actually use them. Is this just pathetic or what? I know, dont answer that lol

Deal details: Visit uddercovers.com and enter promo code "EXPECTING" and it will take the price of the nursing cover off your order.
Even better, from there your email address becomes a promocode for sevenslings.com for a free baby sling (again, you have to pay shipping.)
Shipping was around $10 per item so for $20, you get a nursing cover and a baby sling.  Pretty sweet deal!  The offer is valid for both the US and Canada.

dreaming of a family business

Let me start this post off with everyone knowing this: I love my job, I work from home for a company based in a different state than I live in, its a great company with lots of opportunity and great people to work with and for.
But this doesnt stop me from constantly dreaming of one day opening a family business. I dont know what it would be yet (cupcakes, party planners, daycare, ice cream shop,.....) but I just think it would be so much fun to open a business with my sister and mom. If I havent already mentioned it (doubtful), I am obsessed with TLC. The story behind DC Cupcakes is just so inspiring to me.
2 sisters
quit their corporate jobs
start a business
and hope to sell the best cupcakes in town
I know its a big dream and it of course takes money (of which I dont have) to open a business. But I just feel like it would be so much fun and rewarding.
Here are some links to some of the stories that inspire me:
 

2/18/11

plan {note: way ahead of myself}

so I know Im waaaaaaay ahead of myself, as DH and I are not officially TTC yet, but I was watching A Baby Story this morning (yes Im completely addicted to TLC) and started thinkg about what my birthing plan would be.

Its never really been a question in my mind that Id definitely want to give birth in a hospital and Im all about the whole epidural thing. However a few years back I found out after passing out while at the dermatologist that Im allergic to Epinephrine, hello isnt this like the key ingredient in an epidural? lol. Ive talked to my gyno and she said when time comes we can actually do the allergy test to see if Im in fact allergic or just had a minor reaction.

But back to my main topic, so this episode of A Baby Story was showing a water birth, and it got me thinking, maybe I could do that. It looks so natural, but at the same time that means ITS NATURAL, no pain medication. what?!?!?! Im thinking that sounds pretty scary to me.

At the same time, it really intrigues me. Guess Ill have to weigh my options when I do actually become pregnant. I know my sister is going to think Im absolutely crazy if I even discuss a natural birth with not pain meds.


ETA: I mentioned the above in the GP board on the Nest, and one of the ladies brought up an interesting idea she heard about hospitals bringing back laughing gas for laboring mothers. Thought Id share the article since it was news to me: Laughing gas returns as option for laboring moms

2/16/11

limbo

I constantly feel as though everything is in limbo. The house, TTC, job, friends, the list goes on. All I think about these days is trying to start a family. But I know we need to be responsible and get the things done to the house before we start TTC.
On our honeymoon we had talked about our plan for when to start. We decided that we would first get the kitchen done. A reasonable timeline we agreed was 4-5 months. That would mean we would start TTC in April or May. Ok, so I wanted to start sooner, but this was our compromise. Then of course we get the notice from the insurance company that if our roof isnt replaced by Nov 2011 they'll drop our policy. can you say BRICK WALL. Thanks insurance co. :(
So we talked again, we cant really afford both the kitchen and a roof within 4-5 months. And although we have till Nov, we cant actually wait till then. For one, trying to do a roof in south florida during hurrican season and/or rainy season would be absolutely ridiculous. So that pushes the roof before the kitchen. I  knew as I said it what it meant, "So we have to push TTC farther back?" yep :(
Well we finally did our taxes last night with my aunt. Seems like we are getting more back than I had hoped. That means that maybe with the money from the wedding and our tax refund 4-5months is still possible? I didnt want to bring it up with DH right away. I feel like if he does realize I have baby fever he may freak out.
But then I start thinking, what if we have trouble TTC? They say that it takes 6months to year to regulate your cycles after being on birth control for so long. What if it takes us a long time to get pregnant? Should we start now, that way it goes faster? But then what if I get pregnant on the first cycle, cause that happens too. And in that case the roof and kitchen arent done. Then I kind of feel like, well hell we have 9 months before the baby actually comes, why cant we do the renovations during that time. Thats where DH and his responsible self come in, he doesnt think its safe for me being pregnant to be in a house under construction (I know how cute, hes thinking like a father and good husband).
Then I have my sis and one of my good friends constantly asking when Im going to get pregnant. Trust me girls, I want to, its just not that easy right this second. I guess I just needed to get that all out. Back to limbo I go.....

2/15/11

double-date valentines dinner

So as I mentioned in my last post, we decided to celebrate Valentines Day early on Friday. It actually turned out to be a really good idea. The original price was supposed to be $99 per couple. I spoke to a friend of mine during the day on Friday and asked if her and her boyfriend wanted to join us for dinner and they did. When I called to changed the reservation to 4 people the host informed me that it was now considered a "double-date" at the Melting Pot and the price would drop to $89 per couple. (score!) On top of that it turns out that each couple got a little goodie bag at the table that included:
  • mints
  • small lotion bottle
  • bath confetti
  • candle
  • picture frame
  • dip certificate valued at $25
  • and our picture taken
yes the boys are holding up their lobster tail shells

score! score! score! lol. We all had a lot of fun and it really turned out to be an awesome deal. And now we get to go back again (yay!) with a dip certificate!
first valentines day as husband and wife = complete success! <3 <3 <3

2/11/11

tgif

The company I work for lets me work from home since they are based out of Boston. Its a really cool job and I love that they allow me the opportunity to do what I love from a place that I love (home). But I do have to admit, it did take a little bit of an adjustment to get used to not being in an office setting. I do keep in constant contact with fellow employees, whether by IM, email, Facetime, or conference calls. But it just isnt the same as being out of the house and going somehwere everyday.

My work day usually ends at 5:30pm, and my husband usually gets home around 6:45pm. We normally have dinner, hang out with some friends at our house, and then go to sleep. 

Read in between the lines=not much time for me out of the house.

However, this week just flew by for me. Im not sure where the days went, but I am sure glad its Friday already. Last night I did get to meet a couple of my girlfriends at a bridal boutique for a close friend of mine to have her first wedding dress fitting. Just so happens its real close to a strip of upscale restaurants and bars, so we got dinner and a few drinks afterward. I love my husband, but I do have to say it was nice having some time with just the girls.

Tomorrows my only day off since I work two jobs, but Im really excited for this weekend. Tonight we are going to my favorite restaurant, the Melting Pot, to celebrate an early Valentines Day, our first as husband and wife. They have a pretty cool special tonight for Valentines Day, and its cheaper than going Sat, Sun, or Mon. So we figured why not celebrate a few days early.

Tomorrow we are celebrating my fathers birthday and my aunt and uncles anniversary with a little get together at my parents. Then, if we have enough time afterwards we are going to meet some friend at a Greek Festival nearby.

Hope everyone has a joyful and eventful weekend like me :)

2/10/11

our fixer-upper

I'd have to say the November 2010 was an extremely overwhelming month. Not only was I making last minute preparations for the best day of our lives (Our Wedding), but I was also in the middle of purchasing our first house. We had started talking in the beginning of 2010 about wanting a house before we got married and as the month of November approached it got very stressful. Thankfully, we found a house right in time that was in the same neighborhood I had grown up in. We literally closed a week before we got married, then had family in for Thanksgiving, Rehearsal Dinner, then the wedding. It was a foreclosure (good for us, bad for the neighbors/past owners, who just so happen to be my brother-in-law's ex-boss), so we definitely got a good deal for the neighborhood, but what came with that was a slew of other projects. Here are some stats about our "fixer-upper:"

  • 2 bedroom
  • 1 bathroom
  • 1 carport
  • screened in back porch
  • LARGE backyard (the dogs absolutely love this)
  • outside laundry room
We knew this house had great potential, and since my husband used to be in construction we knew we could do most of the work ourselves, that is, with my dad's help (yes Im a daddy's girl). Here are some of the things we knew and were planning on doing:
  1. Lots of painting
  2. Carpet for the bedrooms
  3. Large window replaced with halfsize window
  4. Needs a refrigerator (great sale on Black Friday at Home Depot)
  5. Needs a washer and dryer (missed the sale on Black Friday but got a good deal at Best Buy in January)
     
  6. Kitchen Renovation
  7. New Roof (has to be replaced by Nov 2011 or insurance policy will be dropped)
  8. Possibly close in the carport to make a 3rd bedroom and 2nd bathroom
As you can see, we already have a few things crossed off our list. Ill try to post some before and afters as we complete the rest. I guess the hubby is right, we should probably hold off on the whole "baby-making" thing until after our house is done being a construction zone, hopefully sooner rather than later.

    2/9/11

    to new beginnings

    I've always enjoyed writing (and reading for that matter). Growing up I used to buy journals every chance I got. I actually stumbled across a box of old journals, sketchbooks, and letters to friends that I've collected over the years during our recent move.
    Ironically, they all had a common theme, UNFINISHED. It made me a little sad to think that I never stuck with it. They are, in fact, a story of my life. Some from being a child (man I sure did like ice cream), my teenage years (wow, did I really care that much about what people thought of me?), and even a few from after college (told ya, he was the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with).
    So with that in mind, I decided, why not blog? If you ask any of my close friends and family, Im on the computer every day, the majority of the day, anyway. Whether for work, social, or just browsing. Im sure my posts will evolve over time and the topics may not relate to each other, but I hope to have fun while writing it. So to new beginnings and sticking to things, my blog is born.

    things i blog about

    #Roads #SentimentalJourney 14months 2012 2013 3 months 4th of july about me about us advice anniversaries babies baby #1 baby blues baby boy style baby elf baby fever baby giraffe baby pumpkin baby shower baby-free weekend babys firs valentine's day babys first bath babys first christmas babys first easter babys first halloween babys first pumpkin babys first pumpkin patch babys first smiles babys first thanksgiving bachelorettes beach beauty before and after bin laden birth birth story birthday giving birthdays birthing books Brave bunny business cameras careers celebrations challenges Chris Mann christmas christmas eve cold weather confessions conneticut constests country country music cousin frankie cousins cruises currently day-in-the-life deals death debt design diet disappointment Disney disney pumpkin donate dream house earache easter easter basket elections emergency room emmy rossum exercise fall family fashion featured posts finances five on friday florida football freebies fridays letters friends fundraise gender reveal gift giving gifts giveaway goals grandparents hair halloween health high school history holiday bucket list holidays home home tour house renovation hubby i won infantino inpiration intro iPhone iphone 5 jack-o-lantern kitchen labor life living room love Luminous married life marry-wed game matthew me memories merry christmas mickey mouse jack-o-lantern mickey mouse pumpkin milestones mommy meltdown monthly updates movies music my family rocks neighborhood New Jersey new mom new york niece oceans office pajamas parenting parents photo challenge photography photography business pinterest pixar PONDS post-baby pre-baby pregnancy premama prenatals procrastination product reviews project31 project365 pumpkin patch pumpkins questions quotes recipes republican reviews road trip Roads rock the ocean rolling stone sante fe saving schedules shopping shopping cart cover show and tell sick sleep issues snow so what social sponsored spring stress style swingset target tuesday tennessee thanksgiving The Croods The Little Mermaid The Voice things we love thoughts throwback thursdays TLC toddler tortuga music festival traditions trendy tot tuesday TTC turkey ultimate blog party vacation valentine's day videos vitamins voting vows walking weddedn bliss wednesdays wedding bliss wednesday weddings wednesday weigh-in wee bit wednesday weight weight watchers wife wine night winners winter wish list wordless{ish} Wednesday work working from home working mom year in review