Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The Glamour of Vanities ~ Every Girl Needs One

 
Every girl needs a vanity to feel glamorous
and feminine. This post is dedicated to vanities
to give some inspiration. While some of these
may be fancy, it really doesn't take a lot to
create a vanity of your own. You just need a
desk or counter space, a chair, a mirror and
personal items to make it all your own. Make
up, perfume, or jewelry can add great touches
to a vanity area.

One of my favourite Vanities is the one above
that belongs to none other than Georgina Chapman
who designs the Marchessa label. It's obvious she
takes her cues from old Hollywood glamour as
you'll see below. 
 
Earlier in the century is truly when the age of
luxury and glamor ruled. Screen stars of the
past really knew how to live it up.
 

I really love how soft everything looks in this scene from an old Black and White movie.
Shaggy rugs and a completely tassled vanity table with a tassled ottoman pouff to match!
 
There's nothing quite like mirror and crystal that gives a room or little
area an instant feeling of glam.

 

If you want to go bold, you can choose an eye popping
color. With a simple screen, you can transform
your vanity into a dressing area.
This is an interesting rendition where
instead of having a small mirror on top
of the desk, a large floor length mirror
is used instead.
 
If you don't opt to have built in shelving,
a nook such as this is the perfect place for
a vanity.
 
I love how eclectic this vanity with. You can
tell this space is truly personal to the owner.
I hope this has inspired you to make your own
vanity!










Skinny Tuesday


Well, needless to say, I've been busy around here. I find I have so much to do, I haven't had too much time to focus on my weightloss. I've been really pushing myself to make it to the gym and it's been hard to make the right eating choices with being so busy.

I was really worried I'd step on the scale today and see a 5 pound gain.

But...nope! I was the same weight as I was two weeks ago.

The same weight. That is a nice place to be at the moment.

This gives me hope that I am re-training my brain to enjoy good foods that are healthy. Even though I felt like I was over-indulging, the scale didn't budge. So, if I go back to what I was doing before, I will probably lose weight...

One of my big shifts I've been doing is how I think about, or how I visualize the food I eat.

Nothing is bad, or off limits. Food is something to be enjoyed...savored. But I am training my mind to find comfort in different kinds of foods.
I am very much a creature of habit, and the truth is that my old habits involved a lot of cheeseburgers, fries, cokes, and chocolate. Lots of chocolate.

And on the occasions I drink a huge soda or eat a bucket of fries...those days are okay, too. But now my body drags afterwards, and I find that I don't like how I feel for the 12 hours I'm digesting. I associate that sluggish, yucky feeling with those so-called "comfort" foods I used to enjoy, and now I don't find those foods quite so comforting or enjoyable.

This is definitely a big journey for me, and I am not interested in getting to my goal weight fast. Don't get me wrong, I do want to get there! I just want to enjoy the process and find a way to sustain a healthy weight over my whole life. I'm re-training my brain, and I know that doesn't happen overnight!

Monday, February 22, 2010

It's Time!

A few months back I blogged that I needed an electrician to come fix my bath tub, so I could have the jets on WITHOUT using an electric cord. And so I could get my pretty little chandelier put in over my tub. You'll remember...  Bathtub Blog

Well, this Saturday it will finally be getting done and I am SOOOO grateful! The more I look at the picture the more I tend to think I need a window treatment... What do you think? Any suggestions?

Even better anyone want to come decorate my house for me?!?!?

Project #1 Bathroom ..... CHECK... errrr ALMOST!

Project #2 Tile Backsplash in the Kitchen......

Project #3 Deck for the Backyard.....

Change!

I changed my blog around a bit! I was getting tired of the old layout and thought it was time to change it up. Now I do not usually like change, but in this instance I think change is good!

Tell me what you think?

Saturday, February 20, 2010

My name is Kristina and I...

.... am addicted to paper towels. Really.
And I am a paper towel snob.

They must be all white. (no ugly designs, or even cute designs. Just can't take it)

I prefer the ones that aren't the cheapest, simply because the cheapest ones are awful. They fall apart. But usually I buy Costco Kirkland ones and I can handle that.

I have plenty of dishrags. But for some reason, I feel I have to wipe up counters, wipe up dogs, wipe up anything, with a paper towel. Instead of using a dishrag and then just rinsing it to use over and over through the day.

Wasteful. Compulsive.

But I can
not
stop.

Help?!!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Deal of the Day!

As you know I am a super bargain shopper! I shop A LOT, but I only buy great deals! I found this today...

I'm not 100% sure it "goes" with my house, but for only $8.00 I'll take my chances!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

things that make you go hmmmm

The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury.

Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.

Coca-Cola was originally green.

It is impossible to lick your elbow.

The state with the highest percentage of people who walk to work is Alaska.

The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28%
The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%

The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven is about $6,400.

The average number of people airborne over the US at any given hour is 61,000.
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.

The youngest pope was 11 years old.

The first novel ever written on a typewriter was written by Tom Sawyer.

Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades - King David, Hearts - Charlemagne, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Diamonds - Julius Caesar

111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321

If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in The air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in The air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the Horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.

"I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.

Conception occurs more often in December than any other month.

Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace.

The most popular boat name is Obsession.

If you were to spell out numbers, would you would have to go to one though to use the letter "a."

Bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all were invented by women.

Honey is the only food that doesn't spoil.

There are more collect calls on Father's Day than any other day of the year.

The thing most ironic about Mel Blanc (voice of Bugs Bunny) is that he was allergic to carrots.

In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase "goodnight, sleep tight".

It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in- law with All the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month we know today as the honeymoon.

In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts. So in old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them mind their own pints and quarts and settle down. It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's"

Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the Rim or handle of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle" is the phrase Inspired by this practice.

In Scotland, a new game was invented. It was entitled Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden.... and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Crimson Wave

So after nearly 4 years of birth control pills to cure my irregular, long and painful periods I decided last September that it was time to do away with them. No, not to become pregnant, but to rather heal my body the best way I know how. Although birth control pills helped my periods and gave me great skin there was a down side to them... EXTRA HORMONES! I was a hormonal mess once a month for a few days. It.Was.BAD! And it was in NO way healthy for my marriage. I was always told birth control was straighten out my cycles and when I go off them someday periods should be fixed. Boy, were they wrong....

January 15th: I got my period! I was thinking okay this is GOOD! A natural period.
January 16th....17th....18th..... still on my period. All the way until January 29th... whew I think it's gone! A 15 day period- man never again! Luckily, I was scheduled for my annual exam that day. As he examined me I told him I thought the bleeding was finally gone. He asked a few more questions, and then said, “No, it's not. You're still on your period?”

I threw my head back and howled, “nooooooooooo!”

January 29th... 30th......31st.... now onto February..... and day after day after day It would not stop! My. Body. Hates me.

Today.... Day 35 of this crimson wave it's still going. Luckily, I got to see a specialist about it today and I was given some Provera to make it STOP! It should be gone in about 2 days, but she said to expect it back within 10 days. She said it will not be fun, in face, it should be heavy and last about 5 days. After that it may regulate itself. I have an ultrasound scheduled for next Friday so they can get in there and really see what is going on. Stay tuned....

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Ryder 7 Months Old

February 16, 2010


Skinny Tuesday


So I have decided that I will blog on Tuesday's about....WEIGHT LOSS! I have a 20 pound goal for summer!
I will be calling it Skinny Tuesday!

This week I focused on making good choices, and finding victory away from the scale. I remember from a health class in college one diet program focuses on successes other than actual numbers on a scale these milestones being referred to as "NSV" or Non-Scale Victories!

I had a few Non-Scale Victories this week:

1) I found a dress I bought back before our honeymoon- over a year and a half ago, and it FIT! Granted, I still have lots to lose until I am back into clothes I wore prior to our wedding and honeymoon, but...that's progress.

2) Although I DID have dinner at KFC this week I went for grilled NOT fried and skipped the pop!


3) On Saturday night, we ordered Domino's Pizza - which is also an old habit of mine. As embarrassing as it is to say, I love Domino's and we usually order two large pizzas and eat one the first night and one the second night. Well, this time, I had two slices and that was it. The next day, I had one slice (and not my usual half-pizza).

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Movie Theater Annoyances!

Normally Alex and I are not the kind of people who go to a lot of movies at the theater. We usually wait for the movies to come out and then we rent it on Red Box or sometimes we'll hit up the Regal $3.00 theater that is near our house. However, in the past week we have been to 3 movies- 1 at the $3.00 theater and then we had gift cards so we saw 2 movies in the regular theater. This made me realize just why we do not like to go to the theater very often...people are VERYYY annoying and it makes the experience a little less than enjoyable. Let me give you a few examples...


* We got there about 20-30 minutes early for each of the 3 movies we saw this week. We bought tickets either earlier in day or the day before and we STILL got there early to get the good seats. We sit about half way up and right in the middle.
So I get really annoyed with people who get there LATE and there are plenty of open seats, but they have to come sit RIGHT next to us. Maybe if they were to get there early they could get a decent seat. Sorry if you come late. If you do then you deserve whatever seats are open and not climb over people to squeeze in the 2 open seats that are near us.

* Another is when the person sitting behind you decides to rest their feet on the seat next to yours. I do not what to have someones dirty feet next to my head. I encountered this at each movie this week.

* When people clap after the movie! What are they clapping for?

* Obviously people who TALK during the movie. Are you kidding me? There were people talking throughout the entire movie. I just don't get that.

* We were at one this week and obviously the person sitting behind us had seen the movie before and was telling the person she was with everything that was going to happen in the next scene!

* How about the price of things? Over $40 for 2 movie tickets, a popcorn and a drink? What?!?

Grrrrr..... It was fun going out to see these movies, but the people are just soooo rude and inconsiderate.

♥ Happy Valentine's Day ♥

Today marked mine and Alex's 5th Valentine's Day together. We were at dinner tonight and we were TRYING to remember memories from each of the Valentine's Days we've shared. We've only had five, but still it is hard to remember the details of each one. I don't want to forget, so I am going to blog a little about each one and from here on out if I happen to forget I will have a place to look! :o)

♥Valentine's Day 2006♥
This was our very first Valentine's Day together. We had known each other for 32 days and we were an official couple for 10 days. Alex came to pick me up at my dorm room and he showed up with a large teddy bear, a pillow, and a huge bouquet of Valentine's balloons. Also, my gift from him was a gift certificate for a day at the spa! We had dinner at the Yellow Church in Ellensburg. This was also the night that Alex first told me that he loved me. It was perfect!

♥Valentine's Day 2007♥
I know we lived in Ellensburg. I know Alex got me a very cheesy lion that sang. I don't remember anything else.

♥Valentine's Day 2008♥
We spent this day apart. Sad. I was living in Tacoma and Alex was living in Vancouver. We celebrated in Vancouver... sadly I can't remember anything else about that day.

♥Valentine's Day 2009♥
This was our very first Valentine's Day as a married couple. I woke up to breakfast in bed...

♥Valentine's Day 2010♥
We slept in! It's been a long week for the both of us. Alex bought a package of plain heart shaped sugar cookies and a bunch of decorating supplies. We opened gifts and decorated our cookies! Next, we went to lunch and then to see the movie "Valentine's Day." If you have not seen this movie yet, you really should. It was very good. Tonight we had dinner reservations at the Macaroni Grill in Clackamas, OR. We ended our night in sweats and blankets in front of the TV! Perfect!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Gillette, Wyoming???

Yesterday I got a call from a strange number while I was at work. It was an area code that I surely did not recognize. I answered it anyway and to my surprise it was a school district offering me a full-time kindergarten teaching position that will begin on August 17, 2010! Of course, I was VERY excited and then I had to ask… “Where exactly is Campbell County School District located?” his answer shocked me, he said, “ Gillette , Wyoming !” I have gotten offers from a few school districts to come work for them, mostly larger cities like Compton , California , Kona , Hawaii and Dallas , Texas . Why in the world I do not get offers from local school districts I have NO idea… oh yes I do. I’m OVER qualified! Can you believe that?!? OVER qualified and not getting a job?. I have a major and a double minor, plus I’m considered to be “Highly Qualified” because I pass a few stupid state tests. They say I’m in too high of a pay bracket for a first year teacher- then pay me less I say! Just give me the freaking job!!! Anyway back to the story… I told him that I would get back to him within 48 hours. At first I thought surely there is no way that we can just pick up and move half way across the country for this job. But then I told Alex and we really got to thinking about it…and the idea kept sounding better and better and better. The town of Gillette is VERY similar in size to Ellensburg , Washington . And if you know me or if you know Alex you’ve never seen two people more in love with the town of Ellensburg . I am not kidding you that is the best little town on earth. We miss it dearly. Why don’t we just move to Ellensburg you ask…? Well I’ll tell you. Alex could take a transfer there to that store, but it cannot compare to this store he is now when it comes to pay. Not to mention the list with over 300 teachers trying to get on to teacher there. I most likely couldn’t even sub there and I’d probably resort back to my life as a florist.

Okay, back to the real story again…So Alex could take a job transfer to Wyoming . Easy. No problem there. I would be making a little more there with a full time position than I do now subbing here in Vancouver . That’s a plus! The school district would pay for us to relocate! That is a DOUBLE plus!! Our house? Ehhh… we’d rent it out. I’m sure we’d be back eventually. The truth is I am not all attached to our house. We were thinking “INVESTMENT” when we bought it- not a forever home. Within 2 years from the date we bought it we were hoping to buy a new house and use that one for a rental property anyway, so that didn’t really hinder any plans. The dogs? They’d love it there! Only problem… Family!

I’d miss my/our family terribly…

Eventually we’d love to have babies and I can’t imagine being that far away from family. My grandparents were such a huge part of my life growing up, (same with Alex and his grandparents) so I can’t imagine raising my kids without theirs being near. That basically settled it. In Vancouver we stay… probably for always. If there were ever a time that we could do it, now would be the time. The possibility was very exciting and the fact that it was Alex who was pushing for it really opened up my eyes to just how great he is. He is very solid in his career right now. And to think he would have given up on that (possibly depending on what level of management he could start on there) to let me pursue my hopes and dreams says a lot. I think he’ll stay with the job he’s at for the long haul. At this point in time him taking a career in law enforcement would be such a hit to our pocketbook. I don’t think we’d be able to take that pay cut even if the opportunity did happen to present itself. He’s doing a great job- I am very proud of him, so for now I’m okay with taking the backseat and letting him soar all the way to the top!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Nicholas Sparks

In case you didn't already know I am a HUGE Nicholas Sparks fan! I love ALL of his books. It's safe to say that he is by far my favorite author. My love affair with Nicholas Sparks' books began with...

Message in a Bottle

I remember checking this book out at the library in 1998 and I love it. I think that the movie was okay....but the book is WAY better!
Message in a Bottle is about a woman who finds a love letter in a bottle and becomes determined to track down the author.


A Walk to Remember

My FAVORITE of all his books and my second favorite movie of all time! My Papa bought me this book knowing that I loved 'Message in a Bottle' so much. I went to the theater with Katie to see this. I think mom dropped us off and we cried and cried like little babies in the theater. I'll never forget that.


The Notebook

This was a FABULOUS book and it is my ALL TIME FAVORITE movie. The Notebook was Nicholas Sparks' first book, but I didn't read it until 2004 after the movie was released. I am pretty sure that I could quote this movie to anybody line by line.

Nights in Rodanthe

I read the book 'Nights in Rodanthe' during my freshman year in college. The movie came out in 2008 and I was veryyyyy excited to see it. Similar to 'Message in a Bottle' I thought that the book was much better than the movie.



Dear John

The book 'Dear John' is trademark Nicholas Sparks...romantic, sappy, sad and redeeming. I read this book about 3 years ago and LOVED it. I am excited to say that I get to go see the movie TOMORROW. I am, of course, dragging Alex along with me to see it!!



The Last Song

I have not read the book yet, but I am going to start it soon. The movie will now be out March 31, 2010, so I hope to have the book finished my then. I have to admit that I am not thrilled that Miley Cyrus is the lead in this movie :/ but I've heard it's a great story so I will give it a chance.

Spring is in the Air!



I cannot wait for spring and summer to get here. I am so anxious!!! Today was a BEAUTIFUL day outside and I was able to get out and work a little in the yard. To my surprise my bulbs that I planted last fall are ALREADY coming up...


There have been some squirrels or something that have been digging up some of my bulbs and burying nuts there instead! Grrrrrr. I planted about 30 bulbs and I think only about half are left.

Florists!



1. If you want more flowers for your money, find a florist in your recipient's town and call him directly. But it's harder than you think: some florists in the yellow pages and at the top of your Google search are national businesses masquerading as local ones. They even buy local phone numbers. So make sure you look for a physical address in town.

2. Our smartest customers ask for a bunch of those packets. Most of us will gladly give you extras.

3. Put away those scissors, which can crush the stem. Instead, use a sharp, non-serrated knife to cut a quarter of an inch off the bottom of stems, at an angle. While you're at it, cut off those leaves below the water line. They breed bacteria.


4. Looking for a way to jazz up your red roses? Try pairing them with purple statice or heather. Or ask us: "What can you put in that will really make her roses stand out?"

5. Believe it or not, weddings are not that profitable for most of us, mainly because of labor costs. But we're banking on your future business. Once we do a wedding for you and do it right, you're a customer for life.

6. Thanks for continuing to buy flowers, even in this economy. We really do understand why you're choosing floating bowls instead of $50 centerpieces for your wedding. And why you're sending your wife a mixed bouquet every week instead of the $50 roses. But that's part of the reason our business is down by 8 or 9 percent.

7. What's trendy? Tropical flowers in a geometric vase without a lot of greenery, mounded arrangements of just one type of flower, and woody branches with fruit or berries.

8. Speaking of Valentine's Day, how about thinking outside the box? Lots of women would love a vase filled with red tulips still in the bulb.

9. A box of dead flowers for your friend's 40th birthday – ha! – that's funny. But you'll have to look somewhere else. Come on, my name goes on that.

10. Do you like cold baths? Neither do flowers.

11. Do us a favor and choose your bridesmaids' dresses before you come to us about your wedding. But after spending an hour with you picking flowers, it's a bit of a drag to do it again six months later because you ended up picking different color dresses.

12. Don't buy your wedding flowers at Costco then ask me to design them for you. Would you buy your steaks there, then bring them to the caterer to prepare?

13. Call to complain because your flowers died after just three days, and we know you probably didn't even add water to the vase.

Ahhhhhh Valentine's Day! At this time of the year I am very glad I am no longer in the flower business. I do, however, still do the occasional wedding and help out my florist friends whenever they might need an extra designer eye or an extra pair of hands. I will never miss working through the night to make a dozen roses, 24 hour straight shifts and living at the flower shop. Good times, but now I actually get to ENJOY Valentine's Day with my Sweetie! <3

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Costco... Oh How I Love Thee!

Growing up Costco was always a favorite of mine. When I moved away from home I really missed going there all the time. I considered getting a membership when we got married, but we had a little problem called LACK OF STORAGE at our last place, so we didn't get the membership. I relied on Mom or Papa to bring us toilet paper and paper towels to Vancouver each time they came to visit! Thanks guys! :o)
For our first year wedding anniversary in August my family got us a Costco membership! I wasn't sure how much we'd use it since it's just the two of us, but.... MAN do we use it! I'm kind of a Costco addict. I am there wayyyyyy too much and that leads to me spending way too much money there. At first I was making weekly visits, but now I'm happy to report it's down to every other week visits now. Heck, we even upgraded from the "Gold Star" membership to the "Executive" membership!


Basically I love Costco. Here is why:

* It is 5 minutes from my house. SERIOUSLY.
* They have cheap hot dogs that taste really good. I love hot dogs.
* They have great stuff there that I actually WANT, including:
o Meat that I buy and freeze for later
o Take and Bake Pizzas
o Bananas (I LOVE bananas)
o Dog Treats
o Cleaning Products
o Eggs (18 for the price of a dozen elsewhere)
o Essentials for daily life including: paper towels and toilet paper
* And, of course, free samples. We all love those, right?

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

20 Days...20 Toys


So Ryder has gone through exactly 20 toys in exactly 20 days. He is going though a VERY destructive stage. Thank God it is his toys he is destroying and not our house.
The dogs had a HUGE basket over flowing with all kinds of toys. That basket that was overflowing just 20 days ago is now down to about 6 toys. I have had to throw away pretty much a toy a day. Going to a pet store to buy toys is wayyyy to expensive. I bought the $15 INDESTRUCTIBLE toy and within about an hour it had to go into the garbage. I went to the Goodwill and loaded up and cheap toys. I bought a bag full on Sunday and today I had to throw the last one away. I am sick of wasting so much money! He has bones etc. to chew on and he does, but he LOVES toys.


{These kind get their eye balls, heads, hands, and feet torn off and the stuffing ripped out immediately.}

{Ryder LOVES ropes, but shreds them to pieces very quickly. Oh and eats the thread...}

{He DESTROYED a baseball AND a softball within an hour... tore it to pieces and ate most of it :/}

{This went from normal soccer ball to this in about 20 minutes tonight...}

WHAT CAN I DO/BUY?
HELP?!?

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

YIKES!



Welllll....let me tell you about MY day today...so a kid came to school with a gun it was a cap gun, but nobody knew that at the time. I guess it was kindergartners that saw the "gun" and reported it as "there is a kid with a gun!"
This happened about 10 minutes before school started, so I only had 4 kids in the classroom with me at the time. We went into full on lock down mode and we were just hanging out in the portable until we were told to do otherwise. I was at the computer going through the emergency procedures entering in what kids I had with me and which ones were missing when the door opened and the SWAT team came in yelling to "get down and get our hands up!" It was a little scary to see them pointing guns right at us and asking us if a certain kid was in the room. When they said the kid's name I knew EXACTLY who they were looking for. I told them that he was not in the room with us, but they checked anyway and one officer came and whispered to me and asked again if the kid was really in the room or not. He wanted me to whisper to him either yes or no just in case the kid was in the room and I was protecting him because the police was in the room. They did a full on search and then we were escorted out of the room to the district building that was near by. The cops had shields and protected us as we walked to safety. We were there about a half hour and then the lock down was lifted. I don't think that they knew until it was over that it was in fact just a cap gun and not a real gun. I'm really impressed that the kindergartners actually recognized it and told a teacher. Needless to say it was quite the eventful morning. :o) Gotta love the teaching profession...this day in age you seriously take your life into your own hands everyday. Sigh....