2012 Resolutions

What are yours??

Mine are... to save more money { dream vacation fund, keaton's savings fund, emergency fund }, lose the rest of this baby weight { yes, I am less than pre-pregnancy weight BUT nowhere near as toned } and to spend more time with my family and less on the internet, in front of a tv or by my phone.

Three major goals, we'll see how we do.  I also plan to take a daily photo and create a 2012 scrapbook of them... since I take daily pics of Keaton anyway that should be a breeze.

Totally making these...

a bit of sunshine: peppermint marshmallows

Just have to get myself corn syrup and a candy thermometer! (Hopefully the store by me has some) ...I love mashmallows, if only I knew how easy they were to make! Ack. Totally saving recipe!!!

Omaha Steaks Deal & More...

Jills Steals & Deals on the Today show featured an Omaha Steaks package I couldn't resist buying... here's what it was:

4 (5oz) Bacon-Wrapped Filets
4 (4oz) Boneless Pork Chops
4 (4oz) Omaha Steak Burgers
4 (4oz) Boneless Chicken Breasts
4 (5.75oz) Stuffed Baked Potatoes
4 (4oz) Caramel Apple Tarts
4 Mini Cheesecakes

Total: $39.99 pre-shipping... value: $185.00
+ i got a $20 gift card for my next order!! so like $19.99!!!


Ryan's home finally, we're going to the mall today to do some coupon shopping.  I have a $10 off $25 coupon for JC P -- thinking of buying some K-Cups with it... then a $10 off $25 at Yankee Candle -- thinking of buying a candle for a gift basket I'm compiling... then a free gift with $10 purchase (up to $13) at Bath and Body Works --- another thing for my gift basket.... then 15% at Kohls which I will probably save

Fun

Crafts Galore!

Totally making these tomorrow: http://www.thingsforboys.com/2011/12/salt-dough-decorations.html

http://blog.al.com/breaking/2011/06/birth_announcements.html

Note to self:

* stair case rail (top of stairs) = $135.10  { rockler.com }
* stair case molding under rail = $79.95 { wishihadthat.com }
 + Primer, Nail Gun, Liquid Nails, White Paint

+ lower stairs/rail... ~ $100.00

updating & recreating

note to self: ryan, please don't leave me home alone for an extended period of time again.  i just look at diy decor blogs ALL-DAY-LONG! *guilty!*

i'm going to need a separate blog to showcase all the updates i'm hoping to accomplish in 2012!!!

here's a brief idea rundown...

Pantry / Laundry Room: swap out "wire" shelves and put in solid wood shelf painted white, with decorative corbels.  Clear jar for oxyclean powder, small wood box for dryer sheets, faux flowers, colorful wreath & vases.  Move the Washer next to the Dryer (right now there is a gap) and put a skinny basket on side of dryer.  Get a large area rug in front of the w/d.  Paint room in Benjamin Moore Butter Pecan.  Change pantry shelves from wire to wood shelves with cabinets, pull out drawers, etc.  Similar to the ELFA system.

Powder Room: Change pedestal sink to white vanity with under sink storage.  Swap out oval "builder grade" mirror for a chunky white framed mirror.  Create chunky baseboard and chunky faux crown molding.  Paint room Benjamin Moore Barely Beige.  Add in grey/white photos & shabby chic decor.  Faux greenery potted plants.  I'd love to paint the ceiling too!  And change out the ugly & annoying fan for something much quieter.

Entry Way:  Paint front door interior glossy black.  Add black framed mirror to side wall with yellow vase & greenery plant.  Grey and yellow entry rug.  Maybe a funky key hook from a fleur de lis design or such.  Add in new nickel ceiling chandelier.

Dining Room: Add in white Ashley Gel Fuel fireplace on staircase wall, black framed photos above and simple black/white/yellow decor on mantle... candles, trinkets, etc.  Refinish & paint oak curio cabinet (hand-me-down from mama) in a satin black and swap out for a new nickel finish handle.  Swap out nickel chandelier for something warmer and add a dimmer switch.  Add faux chunky baseboard addition.  { Evenutally: swap out dining table for a round black dining table, like from Pottery Barn }

Kitchen: backsplash & floors tiled, microwave above stove, glass corner cabinet.  Continue chunky baseboards.

*to-be-continued*

Happy Holidays!

New Bedding!

Torn between these two, Serena & Lily "Catalina" or Serena & Lily "Wyeth" 

The first would go perfect with our room and make the white trim, doors, etc. really POP especially with white furniture.  The latter would go good with a black bed and still pop with the white details.

Day 4 Teeth

I'm trying to keep a bunch of pix of my teeth thru the invisalign process. You can't see any change but boy can I feel it. My bite is off, so my upper teeth are off center. My lower teeth were crowded so he shaved down the middle so they will sit together. I have "grippers" of cement on my teeth to help my invisalign stay on tight. I wear it 22hr a day except during eating, brushing or flossing. I need to stop drinking coffee to keep them sparkling, or invest in a good whitening program!

Oooh a door stopper!

Yay

Keaton has been asleep now for 11.5hr ... I hope this is a "7 month good luck charm" :)