busygirl

going green

Remember this kitchen and family room?

Me too.  It drove me nuts.  When we moved into the new house we were so anxious to paint since the house had a cave-like feel with the grayish-tan walls.  And since everyone and their mother agrees that yellow is the most appropriate color for a kitchen, that's what we went with.

And WOAH was it bold.  Very bold.  Actually, for a few weeks I somewhat liked it.  After living in an apartment with no color, ANY wall color was a welcomed change.  Until about two weeks ago.  When I realized that I wasn't that crazy about it.  I hung red curtains hoping to make everything look rich and bold, but all it ended up doing was making it feel like a 'country kitchen' to me.

So, I whined.  And Adam listened.

We were already at the paint store looking at samples for the living room when he made the decision that we weren't painting the living room.  I was miffed.  I mean come on...was it really killing him to stand in the paint aisle for five minutes?  But I was wrong.

Adam asked me what I wanted the house to look like since I obviously wasn't happy.  Bet you can guess what I said...Pottery Barn!  Oh course, who wouldn't want their house to look like that?

So, he whips out this sample guide that has these soothing neutrals in all different colors, points to the green one and says, this is what we are painting the kitchen.  And then we are going to paint all the other rooms one of these other colors.  Got it?  Good.

So how many people would on a whim, just buy the first color of paint that your significant other picks and goes with it?  Yeah, I must be crazy.  It's all the paint fumes, I swear.

But it looks AMAZING.  I never in a million years would have picked this colors but it's so calming.  I just sat at the table this morning sipping my coffee and feeling relaxed.  No obnoxious yellow in my face.

It's hard to take a picture of it, but here's a glimpse of Adam's color pick - pretty good for a guy ;)

What do you all think?

today will be better.

I almost broke down in the middle of Lowe's because I can never seem to make up my mind.

Adam was painting all day yesterday so the dog couldn't sleep on the couch.  He was devastated.

I dropped Adam's large Dr. Pepper on the floor...soda...everywhere.

Allergies.  I. Can't. Breathe.

The dog rolled in something that can only be described as fecal matter.

I had to give the dog-who-hates-water-with-a-passion...a bath.

The kitchen sink is leaking.  All the way into the basement.  I could cry.

Adam vacuumed after he finished painting.  The dog was not pleased.

I've been blessed with another ear infection.  I thought those stopped when you were an adult.

This morning the dog and I went on a long, long walk.  Cause let's face it - we both needed to regroup.

frugal friday: jeans jeans and more jeans

Ahh the everyday essential.  Well, not for me since Monday-Thursday I must resort to my black/brown/gray pant basics to fulfill the business casual requirement.  So really, I really cannot justify spending $100 on a pair of jeans, no matter how small they may make my butt look (which is by no means an easy task).

So imagine how THRILLED I was when I went to Old Navy the other day to replenish my white t-shirt collection and discovered that they had jeans for $19!  In cute styles!  In trendy washes!  In my size!!! (Seriously how many times have you rummaged through sales with no hope of ever finding anything in your size...frustrating)

So, I picked up a pair of Dreamer jeans (which, were also on clearance, so they only cost me $9 - what a deal!)

They are fabulous!  I love them and can't wait to wear them (after I hem them of course.  I'm one of those lucky few cursed with a long torso and very short legs).

Here are some other jean options to check out that are great buys:

$29, DIVA Skinny Jeans from Old Navy - bought them last year and LOVE them!  Very cute with flats and a loose, flowing shirt.  Have also worn them rolled up slightly with heels.

 Discover denim worthy of a Diva. Our chic, sleek Diva jeans fit you like a second skin. Subtle fading, dynamic two-tone stitching and copper rivets add classic appeal. Features scoop and coin pockets in front and patch pockets in back. A touch of spandex adds stretch.

 

 

$39, Aurora Jeans from New York & Company - bought a pair and they are my casual friday staple!  I didn't even have to hem them and the fabric is soft and comfortable.

The jean cut to flatter your curves, in a sanded, vintage wash. Perfect from weekend downtime to nights out. Curvy low rise sits at hip. Slim through thigh; slightly flares at knee.

 

$30, Long and Lean Jeans from Gap - I definitely had to hem these a little, but I wasn't disappointed!  They really elongate your legs and look great with a pair of heels!

Our best-selling jean is instantly slimming. Perfect with a sweet cami, a cool belt, and your Saturday night dinner date.

try this: s'more brownies

I have a co-worker (another avid baker) who loves s'mores.  And I mean LOVES.  As in, we sometimes go to her house for lunch and make them on her gas stove.  As in, I drive her to the airport and she repays me by getting into the car holding her suitcase and a s'more to share.  As in, we once put a picture of s'mores on her desk next to her photo of her parents.

Regardless of your level of devotion to these childhood treats, this recipe captures all the flavors without all the mess!  And by using a brownie mix, it's simple and easy!

Ingredients:

1 box of your favorite brownie mix

Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for in brownie mix

3 cups of miniature marshmallows

4 graham crackers, broken into small pieces

2 milk chocolate candy bars, broken into small pieces

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease bottom of 13x9-inch pan.  Prepare and bake brownies as directly by brownie mix box.

During the last three minutes of baking time, pull out brownies, sprinkle marshmallows and graham crackers and replace back in oven.  Bake the remaining three minutes.  As soon as you remove the brownies from the oven, sprinkle the broken pieces of chocolate on top.   Cool, serve and enjoy!

***I love making these with dark chocolate brownie mix and dark chocolate pieces for something a little different!

something borrowed

Something Borrowed tells the story of Rachel, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. Rachel has always been the consummate good girl---until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend, Darcy, throws her a party. That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiancé.

Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from. As the September wedding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make a choice. In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness.

I picked up this book after reading Love The One You're With by Emily Griffin as well.  Even though I didn't thoroughly enjoy Love The One You're With, I usually try to give authors a chance to redeem themselves.

I was surprised when I found myself somewhat glued to this book, even though I regarded it as a quick summer read.  Rachel became a complex character as glimpses into her past with Darcy reveal a friendship anchored in loyalty, but also deceit.  And even though she brings a situation full of lies and uncertainty upon herself, you can't help rooting for her to get her happy ending.  It's a good thing I gave this another try, because it turned out to be a great, quick, light read.  I'm anxious to read Something Blue now, which is the extension of the story, but from Darcy's point of view.

relaxed for the first time in weeks.

I came home to an empty house tonight.

I cleaned up the house.  Without grumbling.

I walked the dog.  And took my time.

I sat outside on the deck reading a book.  And lost myself in the storyline for an hour. 

I spoiled my dinner.  By eating a huge bowl of cherries.

I walked around the yard aimlessly.  And played with different camera angles.

I took an extra-long shower.  Without feeling guilty.

I played with the dog.  And let him win at tug-the-rope.

I made homemade tomato basil pizza for dinner.  With a glass of wine.

I lit a candle.  Lavender and mint.

I cuddled with the pup.  And enjoyed how sweet he can be.

What a perfect Thursday night.

you capture - peace

This week's you capture theme was peace.  With so many things that can bring peace into my life, it's hard to pick just one.  So I thought I'd capture the one moment of my week when I feel completely worry-free.  My weekend mornings out on the deck with a cup of coffee, either reading a book or watching the dog run around the yard.  Absolute bliss.  This is the most peaceful part of my week. 

For more you capture moments, click here!

workout take two

Typepad has a Question of the Day that pops up when I check my dashboard.  Considering I had logged on to entertain you all with my gym adventures, it was fate that today's question was:

 

What are your fitness goals? What is helping or preventing you from accomplishing them?

 

Well, to answer that, I basically don't want to have the fat-arm-syndrome in my wedding photos. You all know what I'm talking about.  How many of you put your hand on your hip during photos in order to not smush your arm against your body making it appear larger than it actually is?  I don't want to be all dolled up for the big day and then have half my picture taken up by my arm.  Since I have virtually no muscle in my upperbody I figured regular visits to the gym we recently joined could help me tone up my arms to have a picture-perfect day.

 

We actually had our second personal training session last night where we met our personal trainer for the rest of the year, Brandon.  Thank goodness.  I actually survived his workout without having take a break.  He was great though, especially since he tailored the workout to each of us and taught us exercises we can do when we come to the gym on our own...which should be a lot since we only have an appointment with him every few weeks (just to keep us on track).

 

And I'm actually not terribly sore today.  I can move my arms, sit down, breathe.  I'd chalk it up as a success!

wordless wednesday: merry-go-round magic

try this: roasted brussels sprouts

Just like everyone else, I'm very wary of brussels sprouts.  But I have to admit that prepared this way, brussels sprouts rank among my favorite foods!  These make a great side dish for chicken or steak dishes, although to be honest, we normally eat them as an appetizer because they never last till dinner is done!

Give them a try, I bet you anything you'll love them!

 

 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

Olive oil

Kosher salt

Seasoned pepper

5-6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place a piece of foil on a cookie sheet and spray with Pam or drizzle with olive oil. 

Place brussels sprouts in a bowl, cover with olive oil and season with kosher salt, seasoned pepper and minced garlic.  Mix and spread onto cookie sheet.

Bake 20-30 minutes.  Sprouts should be slightly brown on the edges.