Goodies and Treats!

Today was such a fun day. I recieved my new web cam in the mail on Monday when I was home sick (I had it sent to my work, since I wasn't sure if it would need to be signed for) and then I forgot it at my work yesterday, so I still hadn't gotten a chance to try it out yet...until TODAY! So the new web cam is my goody. It works great on my end, but I still haven't had any friends with web cams online yet to try it out fully...so the verdict is still out. One little glitch that came into play is that USB port web cams are not actually compatible with ichat (which Miss Jenn got me hooked on). That was still no biggie since I mainly want this to chat with my sister and the kiddos, so we could easily use AIM or Yahoo Messenger...but just one quick google and I found a $10 plug-in that makes it work. I'm using the free trial to make sure I like it before purchasing, but it seems to be great so far.

Plus, we lost electricity in the city of Concord today. So, after about an hour of no computers, copiers, phones, or light, they sent us home!!! That was at 1:30 in the afternoon, what a super TREAT! I didn't think I'd have power at my apartment when I got home, but some sections of the city were restored very quickly and my block was one of those back up and running in no time! My friend Joanne carpools with her husband, so since she didn't have a car, she came to hang out with me. We set up the web cam, played around on itunes and best of all...enjoyed the beautiful weather we had here today and walked downtown. It was great exercise and a lot of fun! We even stopped in some cute shops too, but we were smart and left our purses at home. We are known to cause some damage to the wallet when shopping together!

Sorry for the lack of photos lately, I haven't had too many fun ones to share. But I should be back in action after this weekend, stay tuned.

Rejuvenated

Although I'm still under the weather with this silly head cold, I'm feeling rejuvenated today! I have been doing a lot of thinking over the past few days about my weight loss situation and the true goals that I want to reach. Losing the weight is the biggest one, but also understanding why my habits have been so poor lately is also really important to me. Why am I making excuses for my poor choices or my lack of determination when it comes to exercise? Why do I sulk, but then have a bagel for breakfast instead of some yogurt and cereal or fruit? Only I can answer these questions and know that I NEED to start taking responsibility for my actions. I think I'm taking a first step in the right direction by asking myself these things and reminding myself that I'm doing this for me...this is what I want!

Today was a good day. Healthy choices with food throughout the day, taking walks on my 15 minute breaks (the fresh air was GREAT for my head today), eating a healthy/balanced dinner instead of my regular soup. Seriously, why do I only cook an actual "dinner" when John is here? I need to eat a good dinner every night. Soup is okay for lunch - once in a while, but I really do need to cut back on the soup for dinner kick I've been on. Plus, then when I don't feel good, soup will be so yummy instead of just being the same old thing. I didn't make it to the gym tonight, but I wanted to be in full swing tomorrow and I did all I could to make it through the whole workday. Anyway, sorry to ramble, but I'm finally feeling like my focus is back on my goals and that makes me happy!

Sick

There are no two ways about it....I'm SICK today. I started feeling kind of crappy on Friday night and have been getting worse all weekend. Go figure, I have a weekend all to myself to do whatever I want and I get sick! I decided to stay home and rest today, but now I can't seem to get myself back to sleep. Since I wasn't feeling so great over the weekend, I didn't end up getting my office finished, but maybe later this week. In the meantime, I wanted to share some pics of the valentine's day cards that I sent to everyone. I realized that I never shared and since you didn't all see them...here they are:







Although I made all these cards, I'm afraid none of them are my original designs. They were made in classes with the fabulous Miss Jenn Shurkus (demonstrator for A Muse) and the wonderful Linda Carnell (Owner/Lead Designer/Demonstrator for A Muse). Just wanted to make sure the proper credit was given! Enjoy!

In a Rut Today

I'm afraid that I'm in a bit of a funk today. Feeling kind of sad and down, and my current weight situation is still bothering me. I ended up gaining back the two pounds that I had lost and for some reason I can't let it go this week. My total goal is to lose 23 pounds and I'm determined to do it by this summer. I'm going to try and climb of this rut tomorrow by making myself look and feel really beautiful. I might even treat myself to a pedicure...

I probably shouldn't, because I'm pretty low cash this week...thanks Mom! : O )...but that shopping trip was well worth it and my tootsies are too!

Okay, enough feeling sorry for myself. Off to set my alarm for an 8 a.m. workout. AND stay tuned tomorrow...I have taken some "before" pics of my messy office and I'm going to be tackling that this weekend as well. Hoping to have the "after" pics tomorrow evening to post. Wish me luck!

This Song May Be Bitter, but I'm HAPPY!

Can I just tell you that I'm so excited today???!!! Ever since last week's episode of Grey's Anatomy, I've been searching for the artist that they were playing when the show opened. Something about that song just grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I kept searching on itunes, listening to clips and samples from different Grey's Anatomy soundtrack albums, but to no avail. Tonight it finally dawned on me..."go to abc.com and try to find it there." I'm happy to tell you that the episode songs were even highlighted with details of what was happening in the scene when the song was played, so it made it incredibly easy to find! The artist is Butterfly Boucher and the song is "A Bitter Song." I tracked her down on myspace and learned that the song is from an album that isn't slated to finish for some time, but they are allowing that single to go on itunes next week, Feb.27! I'm so excited and I can't wait. I added it to my profile on my myspace page if you want to listen to it. Or you can go here:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=7391778

I promise, it's worth a listen...or two, or three, or a million!!! LOL. Goodnight everyone!

Busy Snugglin'

Sorry that I've been missing for a little bit, I didn't mean to leave you all wondering about me. It has been a whirlwind of a week around here. Johnny has been here since Friday and we've been relaxing and having fun.

Friday night we went out to the Barley House for a nice dinner, and came across a band called "Duty Free" that we hung around for after we ate. It turns out I used to be friends with the drummer back in college. It was so funny to think I recognized him on the poster and then find out it really was him. We talked with them during the night, had some drinks, danced some dances. All in all, a very fun night.

On Saturday we relaxed, as the few drinks I had were actually a few too many and I wasn't feeling so hot. Later in the afternoon I was feeling better and we went to have dinner with Mom and Dad. So much fun to hang out and have delicious AND healthy food.

Sunday was a lazy day...we were going to go sledding across the street, but ended up in pjs all day hanging out and organizing some old files of bills and such.

Monday we had the day off for President's Day, but it was packed with plans. Had an awesome time shopping with my Mom (I'll post pics of the cute clothes later). I'll expand on that story later this week, I promise...funny stuff! Monday night Joanne and I headed to Boston for an InDesign User Group Meeting. Fun time, but not what we expected...a little disappointed that we spent our night there.

Tuesday back to work and then had friends over to make some cards that evening.

AND today, work again, lovely dinner with my honey (who had a job interview in Woburn, MA today - Keep your fingers crossed so he can move up here) and now off to do some more snugglin' before he heads back to CT tomorrow. Goodnight everyone! HUGS!

Results Are In....

The fudge was a hit! Have some leftover goodies too...so Mom and Dad beware, I might be bringing some home this weekend. Tomorrow is Friday and I have a date night planned with my sweetie, can't wait! Anyone heard of good movies coming out tomorrow? Let me know before tomorrow night. Thanks!

Kitchen Rugs

As promised, here are shots of the new rugs!

Valentine's Treats

In honor of Valentine's Day, I made some little treats for my landlords. I found this heart shaped pan at Target a few weeks ago and decided to see if the Rachel Ray Fudge Wreath could be made into little fudge hearts. I hope they turned out yummy, I didn't get a chance to try any before packing them up and sending them on their way. There were made with some TLC though, so I think they'll be delicious.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hey everyone, wanted to wish you some love and hugs this special day. I've been busy making little fudge heart treats for my landlords and Johnny, so I'll have some pics of that to post later tonight AND the rug photos finally. Hope that you had a special day.

Finishing Projects

Yesterday, I worked on finishing up my Valentine's Day cards for some of my co-workers and thought I had them done. But, then today, I realized that I really should give one to everyone in my dept. or it would just be plain mean and that isn't the kind of girl that I am. I have 6 left to finish, so off I go again. I hope to download the pic of the new kitchen rugs soon...sorry to keep you all in suspense.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

I learned a great lesson from my Dad when I was growing up. Measure twice, cut once. It refers to cutting things for projects, but I also refer it to measuring spaces before you purchase things, i.e. rugs, baskets for shelves, frames for walls. I have to admit, I don't always do this and the end results when I don't aren't very happy. I get all excited about my purchase and then it just doesn't work in the space like I planned. ("So, did you measure the lawn mower?" I asked my dad as he's cutting one of the final pieces for the shed that will house it later. Hehehehe. To this day, the back end of the lawn mower sticks out about 2 inches longer than the shed.)

Luckily today wasn't one of those days. After my post about the rugs the other day, I decided that I really should measure the actual area that I wanted to rug to take up and it wasn't 4'x6' at all, which is what I had originally thought. Instead, the max was 3' x 5' and apparently this rug size does NOT exist in any dept. store even though it is listed on their website. There are 30" x 50" or 22" x 60", but not the magic size I was looking for. Finally today, I strolled into Khols and came across my closest match. A tan jute rug that measures 3'7" x 5'. Still a little larger than I planned, but I think it will work well. I will be setting it up later this afternoon and I'll share some pics then. Have a great Sunday!

So They Say it's Your Birthday!!!!

Well, Happy Birthday to ya! My oldest niece Mariah turns 12 today. Here she is sporting her new bike!

I hope that you get to do something very special for your birthday today sweetheart. Wish I could be there to celebrate with you. Love and miss you very much!

Stacy's Has Done it Again...

Last week, after my first post about Stacy's pita chips, their vice-president for Marketing e-mailed me. He had seen my blog and they were thrilled that their campaign got the reaction that they had hoped. He said, "your blog perfectly captured the excitement we were hoping to generate."

I was so excited!!! First of all, that other people are finding and reading my blog, and secondly, that the people at Stacy's Pita Chip Co. really do appreciate those who love their chips! They asked me to be an "official ambassador" for Stacy's Pita Chip Company and wanted to send me a shirt or other token of their appreciation. I had seen an adorable apron on their website, so I was secretly hoping that might be coming my way. This company is just so darn cute! When I got home today, this was waiting for me at my door. I can't wait to share all the delicious flavors with everyone (and you're not seeing double, then sent two bags of each flavor)!!!

Help Me Choose a Rug!!!

Okay, here are two that I like from IKEA. The top one is 4' 7" x 6' 7" and is $29.99. It is reversible and has contrasting sides for variation which I like, but it's made out of polypropylene so I think it's going to feel plastic-like. The bottom one is 4' 4" x 6' 5" and is $59.99. It is made of wool, so the material is more along the ideas of what I was thinking, but being twice as much makes me unsure. I know that they both look very similar, but I want something pretty neutral so it will work in more than one area. Also, I want to get/make some fun curtains for the kitchen and I haven't decided on colors/pattern yet. What do you guys think?

Christmas in February?

This past weekend, my parents came over to deliver (and help me assemble) one of my Christmas presents! They got me a kitchenette set for my kitchen. It's a cute little table, with sides that fold down, and four chairs. It fits perfectly in the spot by the window. Can't wait to sit there and have a cup of tea on Saturday morning! John and I tested it out for dinner last night and it was great. We put the other two chairs in the dining room with the current set that only had three, so it worked out perfectly! Now I'm on the search for a rug to go under it. I think I found on at IKEA online, but still undecided. Enjoy the pics of us putting it all together.

The New Shirt Appears

As promised, here is my new red shirt from its first appearance! I wore it on Friday in honor of "National Wear Red Day" to help women gain a greater awareness of the growing issues with heart disease and what they can do to prevent it. I haven't quite mastered the in-the-mirror shots, so you'll have to bear with me as I practice. I think its debut was a smashing success, what do you think?

Flying High With Dad By My Side

These pictures are back from when I was in Denver for vacation in December, but I just got them from my dad last weekend. We didn't know how the ones from the sky would turn out, but they aren't too bad. Some have the flash bouncing off the windows, but others came out pretty clearly. You can see the Rockies in one of them too...so cool. My dad flies single engine planes for fun and he asked me to spend the day with him in the sky! We had a blast and it was so nice to have a special "Dad and Daughter Day!" We hadn't had one in quite a while and I cherish them when we are able to have them. My dad is such a special person in my life and I just don't know what I'd do without him. Love you Daddy! Thanks for our day.

A little competition never hurt anyone!

Hehehe, I titled this post for Joanne! We had to agree that we are both pretty competitive when it comes to boardgames. But seriously, that is half the fun...especially when you are the blue piece on the finish spot (*wink* I was blue)!

Here are some more pics from the Friday night "Girl's Night at Joanne's" adorable house. When we left Saturday morning we also headed down the road to Profile Falls to take in the wintery scene. We didn't make it up to the actual falls due to some pretty icy trails, but it was still beautiful from the road. Anyway, thanks again Joanne for a really nice night with the girlfriends. I can't wait to do it again soon.

Girl's Night!

I will have more pics to post later, but here is the first one from Girl's Night on Friday. My friend Joanne had some of us girlfriends over (Erin, Ashley, and myself) for a night of pizza, drinks, games, ice cream (Ben & Jerry's of course) and movies. It was a really fun night and I tried to capture most of it with pics. But I have to pick up the apartment now, so I'll keep you hanging for more until this afternoon!

Surprise Mail!!!

I was going to save this post for tomorrow, but I'm just too excited to wait!!! When I got home tonight, I found this random box on my front steps. I realized it had been delivered from the mailman, who couldn't fit it through the door slot, but I still didn't realize what it was or why it was sent to me (it was dark when I got home and I didn't leave the front light on). Once I got inside and turned the light on, I realized it was a package from Stacy's Pita Chip Company, but I still didn't know what it was. Upon opening, I discovered the GREATEST marketing idea EVER!!! There was a cute little card from the owner, named Stacy, inside explaining that they wanted to send their delicious chips to everyone in America, but realized they couldn't really do that. So, instead they decided it to all the people named Stacy that they could find. They included a coupon and a sheet to bring to your local store or deli that doesn't already carry their wonderful products letting them know the contact info for local distributors. Then they included a card that you can send back to them, letting them know of another person who would enjoy a delivery from them (and their name doesn't have to be Stacy). All of this along with the best part...a variety of flavors of their yummy chips to enjoy!!!

So, I bet you're all thinking the same thing...who am I going to have them send another package to??? Well, it was a long, hard decision, but I think I came up with the only fair solution! My parents of course! They are the ones who named me, so they are indeed worthy of sharing in the good treats from those who are named Stacy. Sorry sis...hehehe. Enjoy your night!

Colorful Inspiration

Today I wanted to post this picture that I shot a few weeks ago at a scrapbooking store called Absolutely Everything in Topsfield, MA. Miss Jenn was teaching a card-making class there, so I went down to have some fun and make some ADORABLE Valentine's Day cards. Keep your eyes peeled because they may be coming to a mailbox near you in the next two weeks!

This picture inspires me because it has so many yummy colors of markers. I love seeing different shades of colors all together like this. It makes me feel like the colors are endless, and you can have one in just the right shade for anything you want to color...even skintones (which seem soooo intimidating to color). When I look at it, I want to go get my artistic energy flowing and create, create, create! Look for your inner artist this weekend and think about what inspires you.

What is your inspiration today?