a new menu and other randomness

I'm leaving for my annual scrapbooking retreat with the Scrap Out Loud ladies on Thursday.  The week has just dragged by, because I'm really excited to go and see everyone and work on my Project Life album.  I'm hoping to finish all of last year's memories and get all the way through this year.  I'm also taking my computer this year, and I'm going to work on some digital projects. 

Eric and I, both, started a new eating plan this week.  This is the list of foods we are eating.  Not that the 5 people who read this want to know, but I want to record it for myself.

Breakfast:  1 hard boiled egg and oatmeal (and coffee)
Snack:  a pear or apple
Lunch:  half a turkey and cheese sandwich and a salad with veggies
Snack:  yogurt and almonds (I have fallen in love with lemon yogurt...)
Dinner:  grilled chicken and roasted veggies
Snack:  Eric is making fruit and yogurt smoothies,  I take a drink or two, but don't drink much.

I have cut out Dr. Pepper.  I do drink a glass of unsweet tea.  And then my goal is about 50-60 oz of water a day... I would like to add a protein shake at some point... but one step at a time.

 Eric is down to 1 Dr. Pepper a day (from 3!) plus a low-cal redbull.

By the time I get home, I'm not super hungry.  I've eaten throughout the whole day.  A small meal is just what I need to get me through to bedtime.  I know... that's the way it's supposed to be.  But, I'm having to train myself for correct eating b/c I do not eat this way naturally.  Someday, maybe the hightlight of my diet for the week will be a trip to the HyVee salad bar like my trainer, Amanda! HA!

So far, in two days, I have lost 2.5 pounds and he has lost 6 pounds.

When I talk about losing 2.5 pounds...I feel like Fat Monica in Friends when she tells Rachel at Ross and Chandler's college party that she's lost 2 pounds and Rachel says, "You can totally tell."  And Monical says, "I KNOW!"

NOT! of course you can't see it....

But, I'm trying to keep myself on track. So, that's why I'm sharing......

The food at this retreat is UH. MAZING!  I'm going to try very hard to keep my portions small, drink lots of water, and take walks to keep moving.

I saw The Hunger Games last night with Eric.  Since I was going to be gone this weekend, I didn't know when I would be able to go.  So, we decided to see a movie right after school/work.

LOVED. IT.

I liked it sooooooooo much more than the Twilight movie.  (not the books, but the movie) 

I also felt that they stayed pretty much exactly with the book.  There were a few small changes. Maybe they didn't want to add a few characters to the mix.  For instance, in the movie, Katniss finds the mockingjay pin, gives it to her sister and then her sister gives it back when she leaves the district. But in the book, the mayor's daughter gave it to her.  That's not really something that takes away from the flow of the storyline.  Quite frankly, it makes the pin more special I think.

And the actress who played Katniss did a great job of portraying the character... unlike the actress who played Bella in Twilight... 

I enjoyed the movie so much that I wouldn't mind seeing it again.  And, I'm not the see-a-movie-twice-kind-of-gal.  But, I may just do it.  If you haven't read the books and don't plan on it.  I am positive you would still enjoy the movie.  I don't know that I could say that about the Twilight movies. ;)

By the way, for those that asked... I'm team Peeta.  I wasn't for a long while through the books, but he eventually won me over... :)

My little fisherman..... He loves fishing with his Daddy.

a plethera of playroom perfectness...

How is that for some alliteration?

At least it's perfectness for me, because that playroom has been driving me crazy.  And now, it's an organized room again. 

I thought it would be nice to show some of the before pics that I took of the playroom, so you could see the transformation...

I removed the train table before I took pics of the room.  So just imagine the train table below, in the right corner with the ferris wheel.  And, it was full of other junk and legos also.  I. mean. full.

Before...................................................................

 .....................................................................After

Before.....................................................................

 ......................................................................After

Before....................................................................

.......................................................................After

Before.......................................................................

.....................................................................After

Here is a close up of the labels that I made.  I'm hoping Carson can do a better job of putting away the toys with the labels.  I always knew how the bins were organized before, but it was hard for him to understand.  I think with the labels, he will be able to put toys away more easily. :)



The room isn't completely finished.  I want to put a vinyl decal above the bed, display some of his artwork on the long wall of the bed, and get a  roman shade for the window.  But, it is such a huge improvement.

Now we just have to get the train table and diner sold. 

I plan to post before and after pics of his bedroom and closet soon. 

This is just the playroom believe it or not. 



February Photo A Day {2012}

 I have thoroughly enjoyed taking a photo a day with fatmumslim's February Photo-a-Day challenge.

Many friends have joined me, and I've loved seeing their photos, too!

Some favorite memories:

2.2  Carson turned 6!  He's growing so quickly.

2.8  Watching Carson carefully and neatly write every one of his Valentine Cards for school.
                 So precious.

2.11 My Lemonades arrived.  Love. them.

2.13  Our one and only snow day this year.  Love spending time at home with my boy.

2.14  Loved the bracelet Carson picked out for me.  Love his kisses and hugs. (XOXO)

2.15  I'm slightly addicted to my iphone.  ;)

2.18  Loved spending time with couples from our church family for the Roses' annual party.  FUN TIMES!

2.20  InkJoy pens.  So. Fab.

2.21  Billy Crystal was back, and he was MARVELOUS!  (Does anyone remember that character from  SNL?)

2.29  And my new favorite artist, Ben Rector... OH MY!  Love his music and his remix of Whitney Houston's, I Wanna Dance with Somebody.  Check it out if you haven't already.




    I'm linking up with the House of Smiths, fat mum slim, life rearranged, nest of posies, & perfect imperfections.



Getting back on track....

I am determined to get this right, this time!

 

I want to feel healthy and happy about myself again........

 

 

 

Healthy Life Plan- 2012
Goals started on August 19, 2012.

1.  Stick to 1200 cals using the my fitness pal app and send this to Amanda each day.

2.  Drink 6 to 8      - 8 oz glasses of water a day.

3.  Exercise 4 times a week.  Tues after school and Sat morn- strength training/cardio
Wed and Fri morn - cardio/ running couch to 5K---- 3 miles every time

4.  NO MORE DR. PEPPER!

5.  A lean protein and green veggie for dinner.  No carbs.... If I do have one, make it a small portion.

5.  No eating after 7 pm. and no snacking on sweets in the evening.



{organize twenty12} the house

There are many areas of my life that need to be organized.  One of them is, of course, my house.
That is where I'll begin...

I've decided to make a list in every room that will keep me focused on  all of the areas in our house that I want to organize.  Some of these areas are not in bad shape and some of them are in horrible shape, but my goal for this year is to get the whole house COMPLETELY organized.  So, I might as well aim high!

I've already crossed some items off this list... which feels good.  And, I'm sure as the year goes on, I'll be adding to the list.  But, it feels good to just get it down in writing and OUT. OF. MY. HEAD.



Foyer
Move buffet into dining area   1.22.12
Get a new entry table
paint mirror for above it
finish decorating walls in entry
paint the exterior front door

Living Room
De-clutter TV shelves
Keep up with changing mantle for the seasons ongoing

Master bedroom
headboard for bed
new mattress (but not this year)
clean out side table drawers  3.4.12
re-organize under bed
clean out dresser drawers 3.4.12
Eric organize drawers with electronics/cameras

Master bath/closet
organize drawers under sinks
get shelving unit for towels and storage across from sinks  8.1.12
keep closet organized  7.15.12
get closet system for both closets (not this year)

Kitchen
organize all drawers and cabinets
organize pantry and pantry floor
decide how to decorate over cabinets
finish decor on walls
new stools with low backs for island

Dining
move buffet into dining  1.22.12
add shelves above buffet
colorful roman shades for  bay window
mail/message center for address book, messages, cards, stationary, coupons, family schedule

Laundry room
keep up with baskets for bills, etc.
shelving for shoes that get left in laundry room
clean off hooks
add shelf above shelf that is already there in laundry room
new washer/dryer (not this year)

Coat closet
move luggage to closet floor
organized gloves, scarves and hats in an over the door shoe organizer
clean out old coats/jackets
organize shelf above

Hall bathroom
eventually get new shower curtain/rugs
get ocean water color framed and hung on wall
clean out bottom portion of towel closet that keeps the extra sheets and rugs
re-organize and better use the storage area and drawers under the sink

Craft room
get a table to work on
Add shelving to existing shelves
pick up future craft projects on floor and put in closet.
clean closet out so it's workable for now
Add shelving to closet
new lighting
decor for walls - in progress
new curtains
fancy yet comfortable chair
a work light to spotlight on the table
wall art for above new dresser  7.15.12
bar hooks for behind door

Carson's room
pull out and donate toys he no longer plays with 3.16.12

Playroom
sell diner with accessories
sell train table with accessories  spring 2012
get more shelving to store toys and display his many Lego projects  3.16.12
re-organize crafts 3.16.12
move his little table to playroom
put up artwork display

Garage
organize tools
organized new shelving Eric built
buy storage for easy access of above items

The house isn't the only area that I want to organize this year...

My list of other areas are below.  I plan to do more in-depth posts on each in the future.

I have plans for organizing:

my budget- (do some reorganizing.... we have a good grip on it already)

my free time- (TV watching... enough said)

my spiritual time

my health/exercise routine- needs some tweaking...

my wardrobe- so in need of some updating...

{one little word} 2012

For the last 10 months or so, I've known what my one little word for 2012 needs to be.

But, I have fought choosing it for awhile, because I wanted something that sounded... I don't know... cooler, more sophisticated, deep.  Well, this word kept coming back and hitting me smack dab in the middle of everything I do.

So, my {one little word} for 2012 is........... drumroll please..........................

organize!

I will post a more in depth look at my word soon.  I will continue with my word from 2011 {live}.

I have many thoughts and lists and goals whirling around in my head....

my. new. planner.

I am so excited about my new planner!  My friends, Jen and Erin, have always been big fans of the Erin Condren planners, and so I decided to check them out myself.   I was hooked at the first click...

This is the box.. Even the box is adorable!

 And then it's wrapped in tissue paper and a cute little sticker!

 What's even better?  They're PERSONALIZED!!!!!!!!!!  I picked the design, the colors, and was able to add our name.

Do you see those FABULOUS tabs????  Do you?

There is a monthly layout.

and weekly layout.

Some cute pockets...

And STICKERS!  Some are pre-labeled and there are many blank ones too!

There are lots of extra lined pages throughout the year also.... for those wonderful lists I like to make and check off.

So, I just had to share. I know the pics aren't the greatest, but you get the idea.  

I'm

one

satisfied

customer!

{spice} it up!

I. am. so. happy.

I finally got a rack to put in my pantry for all of my spices!!!!  This is the cabinet that I had them all in....

I forgot to take the picture before I took the spices out.  So I put a few in the front so you could see how it was so hard for me to tell what I had and where they were.  I had to pull out 5-10 containers just to find the 1 or 2 I was looking for.

And my new spice rack is sooooo perfect.  I just love it.

It's so easy to get to everything and find it quickly.

That space on the right side of my pantry wasn't even being used. And now, I have a whole cabinet that is empty and ready for something else that needs to be organized!

project {organize} strikes again

My laundry room is a dumping spot for mail, paperwork, coats, shoes, bags, socks, and pants (Carson removes his pants upon entering the house immediately.)  This was next on my list of things to organize.

I love the mail basket I found at Pier 1a few years ago, but every time I straighten it and go through things... it looks like this again very soon after...

what a mess...

I decided to try labeling folders so we could file the mail and paperwork as we received them. Maybe, that will help....we shall see....

I think it looks much better, and I think maybe, I can keep it organized this way.

This is a file that I made for Carson's school papers.  It's right by the door, and I can go through his folder and pull out the paperwork I want to keep, and slide it in his Pre-K folder.  I've labeled folders all the way through 8th grade.  I'm sure they'll be less paperwork through the years, but I'm thrilled to have it all in one spot.  I plan to add a sign to the front that has Carson's name on it.

And here's the after of our bench.  I love this area in the house, but I would also like for it to stay more organized.  I fixed a hook lower on the wall that Carson can reach for his coats and jackets.

I'm grateful to have one more thing checked off of my organize list!

{P is for Pantry}

My pantry has been driving me CRAZY!!!!!  It has been on my list of things to do for a lonnnnngg time.  I finally decided to give it a try, and attempt to organize it.  They way the shelving is... I never thought I could get it organized so that I could keep it that way.  But, I've read a few blogs lately that had before and after pics.  Their shelving was similar to mine, and I was inspired to use some of the ideas I saw.

Here is the before of my very messy pantry...

I know... the floor is just horrible.... I get tired.  What can I say?

 And here is the AFTER!!!!  I'm so excited!

On the top shelf, I have everything pulled forward so I can reach it.  But on the second shelf, I pushed the boxes back.  I found that when I pull them forward, things get shoved behind and it gets messy.  I noticed that many of the pantries I saw had things pushed back to the wall.  I think I'm going to like it better that way.

I found the black baskets at Target.  They were actually very reasonable.  I used my label maker (I said label maker, Jen and Tammy!) to make the labels.  I have a basket for chips, pasta and boxed soups, seasonings/mixes, snacks, drink mixes/coffee/tea, and baking.  

One idea I found, which I really like, was to use a spice rack for all the can goods.  This helps me see everything and keeps it neat.  I found this one at Lowe's (woohoo Lowe's, Ang!) for about 20 bucks.  I like this one for 2 reasons.  I couldn't use a wire one because it would fall through the holes on my wire shelves.  It's also expandable.  So I can make it longer or shorter.

This is the space on the right hand side of my pantry.  I plan to get some spice racks that I can hang on the wall and I'm going to place all of my spiced here.  I have such a hard time finding my spices now, because they are in a narrow cabinet on top of each other.  I'm so excited to get this done and have them all in the open where I can get to them easily.

Happy to have this done.  

Now, to tackle the next thing on the list.  I need to literally organize just about every closet and drawer in this house.  After 5 years, they desperately need it.  I would love to have it all done by the end of July.  That is the goal!!