A Teaser

I really have to get better at going to bed on time! The problem is, when I have something really exciting going on, I just CANNOT fall asleep! I seriously lay there thinking about it. Last night I was like a kid, reluctantly ignoring my bed time and walking room to room admiring the work we've done over the last few days and making lists of the small tasks still to be done:)

I wanted to take pictures and show you the almost finished product, but there are still some key things left to do. Chris is hanging our curtains tonight and our dining room table should be finished by next week:) So, I thought I would give you a little peek for now...





Keep checking in, more photos to come soon!

Merry Monday:)

A Nice LONG Weekend!

I just love when the weekend seems to keep going and going! I ended up getting off work at noon on Thursday! What a nice boss I have:) And I was off Friday!!

The last 2 1/2 days have been filled with cleaning and organizing every room, closet and crevice, painting, shopping for stuff for the apartment, fun with the family, great food (you know how I love great food!), making money from Craig's list (we finally sold our dining room table!), and of course, fireworks! I am so pleased with how the apartment is coming along! More to come on that tomorrow:)

Here's a peak into our weekend so far! Hope you had a lovely 4th!!

We're off to Ikea...again:)

All In Good Health

Good morning! Guess what? I'm off work tomorrow! Wait, have I already told you that;)

I am in a great mood this morning, but you know what could have made my mood even better? Being able to exercise this morning. According to a study I found on ACSM's website (originally written in USA Today), the good feeling you experience after moderate to heavy exercise can last up to 12 hours post-workout. How great is that? This is a very big reason it is so productive to get a workout in at the beginning of the day;the better you feel after exercising, the more motivated you will be to make it a habit. Obviously any time of the day is good to exercise and some of us aren't able to fit it in the morning, but if possible I definitely recommend it! Some of my favorite workouts are done on Saturday mornings, when the good feeling seems to last all day! So get out there and put yourself in a good mood:)

I thought this was really cute and appropriate:)


And after you've completed your exercise, make sure to nourish yourself! And why not do that with a deicious piece of healthy banana bread, lightly toasted with some natural peanut butter?

I had every intention of making this new banana bread recipe I found, but I got a little wrapped up in painting last night:) I'm still going to give you the recipe because it just sounds like such a great, healthy version of the classic. I will try to make it this weekend and let you know how it turns out!

So here it is: Light-n-Luscious Banana Bread

Wishing you good health always!

Sweet Inspiration

I love any excuse to put together a yummy dessert and the 4th of July is no exception! These sweet creations have lended some inspiration as I try to make a decision. Oh, the endless possibilities:)

Got any great ideas or recipes? I'd love suggestions! (Don't be shy)

These are from Country Living:




And these are compliments of Epicurious:







Don't they all look absolutely delicious?!

Yep, It's Summer

Happy July!!

Lots going on this month, but the thing I am most looking forward to is a visit from our friend, Rebecca!! I am so excited to see her! She was my college roommate for two years and also one of my bridesmaids and I can't believe I haven't seen her since our wedding:( How I've lived without her this last year I'll never know! She'll be here in just over two weeks, which means we have a lot to do in the apartment until then!

PS~she will be here the opening weekend of the new Harry Potter movie! Good timing Rebecca:)

Good times in our crazy house in Abilene! Yes, we're coloring Easter eggs:)



Even Abby is excited to see her Auntie Rebecca:)


I am also getting my wisdom teeth out at the end of the month and as it draws closer, I am getting more and more nervous. I've never been put under and it makes me a little uneasy! But the good thing is I won't have any more of these awful headaches:)

It feels like Summer can officially begin now that it's July and the 4th is just around the corner! Mmm, grilling and laying out by the pool, margarita popcicles, corn on the cob, the California state fair, triple digit weather...I love it all!

The week is all down hill from here~two more work days and then a day off!!

Happy hump day!

In The Words of Audrey...

One of my all-time favorite actresses, Audrey Hepburn, once said, "If I get married, I want to be very married."

Just a note to say that I really like being "very married" to this guy!

Bright Eyed Baristas and Holidays

My eyes are having some trouble cooperating this morning with the whole, it's time to be awake and alert thing! I have only myself to blame though. I just had to stay up and watch "Here Come the Newlyweds", and I'm paying for it now. Imagine the state I would be in without the help of my favorite Starbucks that's conveniently located in the middle of my morning commute! Thank you bright eyed baristas for giving me exactly what I needed in the form of a tall soy, no water chai:):):)

As I was sluggishly getting myself together this morning, it occured to me that this is a four day week for me! Whoo hoo!!! That's right, I get Friday off because of the 4th:) That oughta be enought to get me through this Tuesday!

It never fails that when I get a day off I unconsciously plan it with things I'd like to accomplish; a long workout, organizing, cleaning, getting caught up on reading I've wanted to do, a mani and pedi,(I even plan time to relax!)and before I know it my day off needs to be a week long to get it all in! I'm telling you, I should have been a teacher just for the summer vacation! I guess I will have to settle for a day, which I will say is much needed and appreciated:)

Have a happy Tuesday!