MaggiiBleu LifeStyles

Todays Look

2011-11-18T21:16:00.001-05:00

Army Green Striped Sweater-JC Penny-last year.

Black Pants-George(Walmart)-have had these a long time.

Army Green Wedge Loafers-Not Sure, probably Target-had them years.

Sweater Details, Brass buttons on the shoulder.

Over all, I like this outfit. This is the sweater I totally forgot I had because it was shoved way in the back behind all the others. It's actually very comfortable. A little thin, but would be great layered over a long sleeved T-shirt in colder months. I love the pants, haven't worn them in a LONG time but will be definitely wearing them more often. Were almost as comfy as sweats and dressier!! The shoes I didn't end up actually wearing. Hubby and I went out for errands and I wore my fallback Black Dr. Scholls.(They are kinda like Dansko clogs)

Oh and in other good news I lost 2.8 lbs this last week. I mentioned earlier that I've been in a Get Fit Kick and it's starting to pay off. Go me!!

What I Wore Today

2011-11-17T23:19:00.001-05:00

Yep..back to posting outfits hopefully. I have found myself in sweats WAAAYYYYY too much lately. Between living in Wisconsin and just wanting to hibernate come fall, and dealing with my husbands work schedule, I find myself spending way too many days in sweats. Especially the last couple of months. CDR is on the night shift, which means he leaves in the afternoon and comes home early in the morning. I get up about an hour or so later and just throw a t-shirt and sweats on quickly so as not to disturb him too much. Then I stay out of the bedroom until he gets up , which isn't until around 2:00ish or so. By then I feel like why bother changing? Especially since now I'm on a Get Fit kick as well and do my workout right after he leaves for work. I have all these beautiful , cute clothes just sitting in my closet and I'm hardly wearing any of them these days! So THAT has GOT to STOP! I'm not going to do any kind of 'Official" Challenge or anything. We all know how well THOSE go..I manage 3 days and then forget or drop off the face of the earth. So NO promises. But I do plan to start actually getting 'dressed' each day. Sometimes I think I should do one of those NO SHOPPING challenges, but again I don't really want to commit to anything. I have been shopping MUCH less these days. I don't really feel like I NEED very much anymore. Like I said I have a huge closet FULL of many nice things. I'd like to at least wear some of them before buying more. Yesterday I made the decision to try. I decided what I need to do is pick each outfit the night before and have it all ready outside our bedroom. That way when I'm ready to 'get dressed" (I'm not usually ready to be 'dressed' when I first get up, I like to 'ease' into it) I can without disturbing CDR's sleep. And it was funny because while I was rooting around in the Closet to find my outfit for today I came across ALL kinds of stuff I totally forgot I had.....some never worn!! Like those little short suede Desert Boots that seem to be in this fall. I was just looking at a few Fashion Blogs earlier in the day and wishing I had a pair. LOW and BEHOLD ..I DO!!!!! I totally forgot that I bought some a couple months ago at Target!! Never even more em yet. They are part of today's outfit. I didn't actually wear them today either as I didn't go anywhere , but I had them out , just in case. And I did wear them for my pic. I also found a sweater I bought last year and only wore once and totally forgot. I Plan to wear it tomorrow. And those were just the tip of the iceburg, I found sooo much more! So on to today's outfit. I will probably cross post this to my Style Blog. I'll mostly be posting OOTD there but will occasionally cross post them here too.

Pink Cowl Sweater-Old Navy-bought a few years ago.It's hard to see in the pic, but there a front pocket on this , kinda like a sweatshirt.It's super comfy.

Brown Cargo Skirt-Target-recent Goodwill purchase.

Brown Tights-Willow Bay-couple years ago.

Suede Desert Boots-Target-recently.

The tights were actually very uncomfortable, the fit fine in the legs but the panty portion of the tights were too tight and also didn't come all the way to my waist and wanted to roll down. I suffered in them until CDR got up, but then changed to a pair that fit perfectly. Over all the outfit was comfortable and I felt good in it . It still had that slouchy just hanging around the house feel but I looked a little cuter!The shoes only stayed on long enough to take this picture..LOL

Here is what I REALLY wore all day:

JMU Doctor Who 500 Miles

2011-11-13T21:15:00.000-05:00

Had to share! Drama Teen is the one in the Brown Suit!

Where Oh Where did MaggiiBleu go??

2011-11-13T10:18:00.000-05:00

I know , I know, I did another disappearing act! I've really been wanting to blog again , but then keep putting it off because there's just so much to share. Hopefully in the next day or so I'll put a couple of Blogs up to update all that is going on at Chez Maggii. Keep checking!

What's For Dinner

2011-05-25T21:08:00.001-04:00

So Real housewives of New Jersey Season started a couple weeks ago. Have you been watching? OMG! I am totally Team Teresa! How about you? I can't believe what went down at her Brother's Baby's Christianing Ceremony!?? I've always kinda liked Teresa, even though she can be a bit trashy, IMO, and is definately a bit of a Hothead! But her SIL Melissa??? Oh my! Didn't think anyone could be that bad! Can NOT stand her! I'm a little disappointed about all their(Teresa and Joe's) financial issues although I'm not surprised and it's not like she's the only one. Look at all the OC couples. Most of them are in forclosure. They are all soooo living above their means, but for some reason I'm still fascinated with their lifestyles. So ...what's that got to do with Dinner you ask? Well...the other day I was able to pick up Teresa's new Cook Book, Fabulicious!

I already had her first one- Skinny Italian and had made a few of the recipes and been quite pleased. So , today I decided to try one from the new book. Pookie's Pesce Primavera. Oh wow. Soooooo good! And, soooooo easy to make.

Got Talent??

2011-04-26T21:16:00.000-04:00

Well, apparently Drama Teen Does!! ( Of course I already KNEW that!) She's one of 3 finalists that will be performing live in the Harrisonburg TV Studio tomorrow.

Another Friday Favorite

2011-04-22T17:18:00.000-04:00

This surpasses all the Lilly in the world as my ALL Time Favortie! It brought tears to my eyes.....That's my very own Drama 'Teen"!!!

Friday Favorites

2011-04-22T17:08:00.001-04:00

I thought I'd share some of my favorite things on Fridays from now on. I would have to say my all-time Favorite of anything and everything right now is ANYTHING Lilly Pulitzer! OMG! I fell in love with Lilly about a decade ago when I read an article about her in a Magazine( I think it was Towne and Country) At the time I'd have loved to own any of her dresses but they are a little on the steep end and at the time I didn't feel I could afford them. But, I signed up for her catalogues and dreamed of all the dresses I could get if money were no object. I would say I became obsessed back then, but I am now fully in the throws of obsession! It started with my first "Lilly" purchases on e-Bay about 5 years ago. Then I found a cute 'Lilly' skirt at Marshalls. I laid low for the next few years. But last year I started scouting "Lilly' on e-Bay again and started finding some REALLY cute stuff at good prices. And finally a couple of months ago I just started buying it full price online! Hard-core, I know!! One of the things I love is that every so often they have 'gifts with purchase", so I like to take advantage of those. You are able to get limited edition items that can't be bought. Today I am completely in the throws of a complete and total Lilly Wonderland Obsession!( Have I mentioned I'm obsessed????) Here is just a sampling of my 'loot':

First is my Nook Color with my Lilly P cover. I LOVE this thing. It was one of my Christmas gifts this year. I had an I-touch with the Kindle App that I had been downloading books onto and it was 'ok', but really small to read on, so I asked for the Nook this year. It took a little sweet talking( actually after pointing out the Pool Table, Ping Pong Table and Treadmill CDR had bought for himself, he realized I wasn't being overly demanding) so he caved and got it for me. I read in bed everynight while I wait for him to get home from work( he's been on a grueling schedule of working 6 days a week , 12 hours a day-Noon to Midnight-hoping to quit at the end of the year though-he's making really good overtime, and we are building our savings with it so he can quit)

These cute plastic cups..I drink my water and juice out of them everyday....

I got this adorable little cushion on e-Bay when we first moved in......it makes me happy, especially on these gray, gloomy days.

My agenda, and a journal........make me happy to greet each day!

A small sampling of the dresses I've been collecting. Most from e-Bay.

And finally......This adorable cutie was one of those "Gift with Purchase" things. It came with my last regular order. I've noticed people selling these on e-Bay for upwards of $40!!! I plan on keeping mine though!

This is just a small sample of my Lilly obsession....Stay tuned for more as I'm sure there WILL be more posted about this in the future(since I'm obsessed and all).

And here are a couple of "Lilly" blogs I'd like to share as well:

A Colorful Blog - the Official Lilly Blog
The Juice Stand -hosted by one of the Via Stores(also where I got the Cute Print at the Top of my post)

So Domestic...

2011-04-21T19:38:00.000-04:00

So ...inspired yet again by a Facebook/Bloggy friend!! Today's offering: No Bake Cafeteria Peanut Butter Bars. I got my inspiration today from my FB friend Tracy who also has a blog. The actual recipe can be found here. They were extremely EASY and QUICK to make! And hopefully they should be just as Yummy(which could be a dangerous thing , as I might be inclined to make them like EVERY day!!)

All you need are these ingredients:

Just dump them in a Microwave safe bowl:

Stir the mixture after mocrowaving for about 2 minutes:

Spread in a 9x13pan:

Microwave the choc. chips until melted and spread over the peanutbutter mixture:

And Voila!! No Bake Cafeteria Peanut Butter Bars!!! Again, Actual Recipe Here.

Oh and I guess the Apple doesn't fall too far from the Tree! Enjoy this cute funny vid of my baby girl baking Brownies with her friend!

Quiche Inspiration

2011-04-20T21:38:00.000-04:00

Often times my Dinner Menu is inspired by Bloggy and/or FaceBook friends posts. Tonight was no exception. One of my Facebook Friends posted a recipe for a Quiche she made recently and I remembered how Simple and Easy Quiche can be. Not to mention I almost always have ingredients on hand to make it. So tonight was a Quiche night. I did need to buy some veggies for it the other day, though. I bought a small container of cut up mixed veggies in the produce dept of my favorite grocery store.

I started with a ready made Pillsbury Crust(that I've had in the fridge for a while now and needed to use) .

I decided to saute the mixed veggies so they cook up softer in the quiche. I just sauted them with a little bit of Olive Oil Spray. Very Healthy!!

Then added the veggies and some sliced up Deli Ham to the Pie Shell...Mixed 4 Eggs with about 1/2 cup Milk and a few handfuls of Swiss Cheese(one thing I love is being able to just guestimate the ingredients) . I also mixed in a dash of Paprika, Tumeric, and Adobe Seasoning. Poured that over the Veggie/Ham mixture and Sprinkled some Parsley and Chives over the top.

Baked it in a 425 degree oven for about 30 minutes. Came out perfect and tasted GREAT!

Florida Vacation

2011-03-28T09:15:00.001-04:00

Hubby has been working crazy these last few months and I hardly ever get to see him. So when my my bestie invited me to join her and her husband in Destin, Florida I jumped at the chance! Her husband is here on business and she came along with him, but has been bored spending her days alone here. At the same time the Recruit has actually been down here for some Air Force Training in Pensacola and has a Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday, so I've been able to spend some time with him(he came over for the weekend) My Bestie will be attending the Graduation with me. I'm obviously having a BLAST here. Hanging at the Beach and the Pool in this gloriously hot weather(it snowed two days before I left Wisconsin!Ha!)

Happy Birthday Bruce

2011-03-21T14:15:00.001-04:00

Today my Brother Bruce would have been 42. I still miss him so much. I keep expecting the phone to ring and hear his voice. I miss those calls so much. Here he is with his truck and three of his kids(plus a couple extras I have no idea who they are). This was about a year before his accident.

From Left to Right: My nephew , My Brother Bruce, kid I don't know, my niece , my niece ,and another kid I don't know.

Bamboo Pink!

2011-03-14T17:51:00.000-04:00

I have become involved in the launch of a new jewelry company called Bamboopink by Jude Frances (check them out at www.judefrances.com).

Over 13,000 women (and men) have signed up across the nation in only three short weeks. Come see what all the BUZZ is about…..

Bamboopink is a new fashionable, yet affordable jewelry line made and designed by a JudeFrances, a famous, high-end designer whose current line is sold in upscale department stores, is all over the red carpet and worn by Oprah and the likes! Bamboopink has already become one of the fastest-growing women’s internet start-up companies in U.S. history! This company is the first of its kind -- an internet launched company and we will be given our own websites, apps, and technology for virtual trunk shows…so all of this can be done from your own home and without hosting parties!

What sets this company apart from other direct sales companies:

* GROUND FLOOR opportunity --- probably won’t ever happen to you again! Everyone with a business background knows that the FIRST people in on a start-up company are the ones that make the money!!!

* Strongest comp plan in the industry!

* Very successful “designer” multi-million dollar jeweler making/backing this jewelry --- basically guaranteed to be successful!

* Instead of growing one sales rep at a time, we can grow hundreds of sales reps at a time with this innovative business model and free sign-up period – but the time to do that is NOW!

This company is exploding over the internet as we speak --- over 13,000 people have already signed up nation-wide -- Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

It’s simple to sign up, go to my site: https://www.bamboopink.net/maggiibleu As soon as you sign up, I will send you an email with tools and tips so you can start building your team just as I have!

Sign-ups are free for a limited time, with no risks or obligations…..just an OPPORTUNITY to take a “sneak peek” at this company, watch it unveil, and decide if it’s something you want to be a part of (you can walk away at any time if you decide you aren’t interested!) The company is still forming and “unfolding” as we speak….this is your chance to get in on the GROUND FLOOR!!! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! And you can win fabulous jewelry and other prizes just for signing up and getting your friends to sign up!

This is an AMAZING, once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity by private invitation only --- I hope you will consider joining me!

A Little Bit of Color in my Day

2011-02-18T17:02:00.000-05:00

I've been craving color lately. Probably something to do with all these cold grey/white days. I love to treat myself to some flowers every week or so. It's just something I do for myself. My favorites are Roses, in Bright pinks, Corals, and Yellows. Last week I went with Bright Pinks and Yellows for Valentines. This week I fell in love with these Coral Roses and mixed them in with some more Bright Pink ones. Now Flowers can be a bit of an expense, but I really think it is worth it. You can get less expensive ones. They don't always have to be Roses. I also love to get Tulips and Daffodils in the Spring. Or even Flowering Plants(which I also got for myself last week for Valentines-they'll last longer) They might be a frivilous indulgence but it really lifts my spirits to walk into the kitchen and see them. It just adds a little
Brightness to my day and helps me to anticipate the coming of Spring!

Survivor Rant

2011-02-16T23:09:00.000-05:00

Yes...this is one of my guilty pleasures. I like watching Survivor no matter how idiotic some of the players are. But ..why oh why do some of these people only wear underwear under their clothes..I mean hello?? you know you're on this show...you know you're probably going to be stripping down...it's going to be hot...you'll be in water a lot.....why woudn't you just wear a swimsuit of some sort under your clothes?? do they think they look good prancing around in Flimsy or Droopy undies???

Oh ad if I hear Mr. Droopy Pants anounce that he's a "Secret Agent' one more time I think I'll SCREAM!!!!! We know ...we heard you the 4th , 5th, and 6th time. You're a Secret Agent!! Great for you!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2011-02-14T12:43:00.000-05:00

A little bit of Valentine's in our home!

Another New Year!

2011-01-12T12:19:00.000-05:00

Where has the Year gone??!! A New Year , a Fresh Slate, A New Beginning! I've been thinking for the last week what My 'catch' word or phrase for the Year will be and I've landed on "Renewel" ...This year will be all about Starting over...Getting Back to Myself and How I always wanted to Live and/or Be. Getting back to a Healthy Weight. Getting back to my Routines and Getting Back to my Passions( Art and Crocheting etc.) Getting our Bank Account back up after all the expenses of building this house. Working on old relationships and making them stronger, and making NEW friendships too.

I'm really looking to making this a year of Self-Improvement most of all. I want to be Healthier, Happier, Kinder, Calmer, more Productive, more Organized and just plain "Better' than I was before.

Day 6,7,and 8..

2010-12-21T22:41:00.001-05:00

It's been a busy weekend. Saturday the Drama Teen(who is no longer a Teen) flew in from Virginia. And on Sunday we had the Family Christmas Celebration at my Mother in Laws.

So Here are the outfits for the last 3 days.....

Sunday:

Dress-Tucker for Target

Belt-not sure

Tights-Apt 9-Kohls

Boots-not sure..Payless? maybe..

and here with a Cardigan from H & M. I got it last year.

This is the first time I've worn this dress even though I've had it for a couple months...this is one of my problems...I buy things and hang them in the closet or shove them in a drawer and forget about them. Or save them to wear for a special occasion that never really materializes.....So I finally found a special occasion to wear it for. Christmas at my Mother In Law's. I LOVE it and felt wonderful in it. I don't usually wear belts either, but they seem to be 'in' these days and I've been wanting to try using some. I loved how this belt worked with the dresss. I actually tried a different one that I got from Anthropologie. It was stretchy and had a flower closure...but it wouldn't stay clasped and then finally just fell apart...I'm kinda ticked because it wasn't cheap and I expected more from Anthro.

Here we are at my Mother In Laws. Me , the Drama Teen and the Commander with our Godson.

Monday:

Gray Old Navy Sweater-had this a few years.

Levis-Have had for YEARS.

Monday was a relaxed day that I really didn't want to 'think' about what I'd wear. This is an outfit I wear all the time. I have a couple of these Jeans, and a few similar sweaters that I usually just throw on without thinking about it. I'm trying not to wear too many of my 'go to' outfits too early on. Want to make sure I have a few fallback outfits for days like Monday.

Tuesday:

Sweater Dress-JCPenny

Leggings-Not sure..Shopko? maybe

Another lazy want to lay around in my pajamas type day. It snowed last night. Commander has the day off and we just hung out at home putting our Christmas presents together. Just wanted to be comfy. I got this dress earlier this fall and again, haven't worn it yet. Didn't really like the fit.. It's a little too body concious. Shows too much. So at this point it's definitely an 'at home' only outfit.

P.S. These are NOT the same leggings from the other day....luckily I have a few pairs of Black Leggings.

Drama Teen and Commander spent most of the weekend assembling these.....

Day 5-No Repeats

2010-12-18T17:46:00.001-05:00

Another busy day. Commander decided we needed a few more gifts for a few more people...so although I 'thought' I was done, I had to venture out today....on a Saturday....during the Holidays.....the last weekend before Christmas! I wasn't thrilled! As much as I HATE shopping during the Holidays(especially on weekends) I HATE driving on icy , snowy roads even more....and in my Wimpy "Southern" Truck( has rear wheel drive-soooo not good on snowy , icy roads.And it doesn't like the cold so it stalls at every stoplight!Ugg)So anyways ..that has been my day. Now I'm cooking up a Sweet Potato Casserole for our Family Christmas Celebration at my MIL's tomorrow. And hopefully later tonight we'll be picking up the Drama Teen(who's not a 'teen' anymore) in Milwaukee...I say 'hopefully' because her flights been delayed out of DC now, for about an hour and we're not sure she'll make it to her connection in time.

On to today's oufit:

Plaid Tunic-Gift from the Co-ed last Christmas.

Gray Sequined Sweater- I think it was from Target-YEARS ago.

Dressy Denim Trousers-Target-a few years ago.

Socks-not sure, I think I got them at Goodwill(they were still in their package)

I like the top , it's comfortable and I love the colors. I've noticed that Plaid Tunic type tops seem to be popular on a lot of the Style blogs so I think I'll hold on to this one. The Gray sweater I've thought of giving away a few times. It's pretty but just doesn't fit right. Of course, sequins seem to be 'in' right now too, so part of me wants to keep it...but I'm just not sure. Love the pants, used to wear them ALL the time. Lately they've been forgotten in my closet. Definite keepers though. Will wear them often once the Challenge is over.

I did some shopping today and made the mistake of wearing these Gray Suedish Flats...NOT a good idea when the parking lots are all Dirty Slushy Wet Messes! I'm not sure I really even like these shoes very much anyway. They were cheap Walmart Slipons and I'm just not crazy about the way they feel and look. They're comfortable but they feel too much like I'm walking around in Slippers, which might seem like a 'good' thing to some people but I'm not really into them.

Later , if and when, I get to pick up my daughter from the Air Port in Milwaukee I think I'll wear these.I can't remember where I got them...Payless? maybe? They have a little bit of heel but are pretty comfortable.

Day Four -No Repeats

2010-12-17T23:25:00.000-05:00

Purple Cable Sweater-Target(Last Year)
Black Ruffle T-Shirt(underneath) -Walmart (Last Year)
Brown Cargos-Not sure..had them a few years.
Socks-Handknit, gift during a Sock Swap I participated in a few years ago.

I Like the sweater and wore it alot last year. Last year was my 'Purple' year. I wore a LOT of Purple....I love the socks as well. They are fun to wear and very warm and comfy. The pants I'm not too sure about. They fit 'ok' but I don't know...they're a little uncomfortable...they sit a bit below the waist and give me a bit of that "muffin top" feel. Maybe if I lost a few pounds they'd feel better( they were a little tight, not uncomfortabley tight , just slightly) But then again, I worry that if I lost a few pounds then they'd probably fit too loose and constantly be falling off or at least feel like it. I think it's mostly that the rise is wrong for my body. So these may not be sticking around. I really like them and like the way they look. But they just don't 'feel" right. I'll try them again in January when I've hopefully lost a few pounds and see how they feel. If they still feel wrong, then they'll go in the Goodwill box.

Today was another slouchy type of day. I meant to get to the Post Office but it didn't happen. Commander DID take me to dinner though. We went to the Clubhouse in our Neighborhood( we live on a Golf Course with a Clubhouse restaurant) It's so great to have this place right up the street. It's like a two second drive for us, which is great on these cold winter nights when you really don't want to go out or go very far.

Busy as a Bee...

2010-12-17T18:12:00.000-05:00

What a busy day today. I didn't go anywhere but there was so much to do here at home. I spent the day wrapping and packaging gifts. Wasn't able to get to the Post Office(didn't have Genius Boy's full addy) so I'll have to mail everything out on Monday. Hopefully it will all get to it's recipients on time! I'll have to mail everything Priority. Then I spent the rest of the day working on BIL Scrapbook and FINALLY finsihed! Hopefully Commander will be home soon and I can convince him to take me out for Dinner.

I never really got around to blogging about our Housebuilding progress much. So I'm sharing pics of the scrapbook of the whole process. From Breaking Ground to the End Product.

Comfort-Day Three

2010-12-16T21:29:00.000-05:00

Sweater-Express(Last Year),Gray Turtleneck-Target(last year, I think), Leggings-Shopko

I chose today's outfit because I really wanted to be warm and comfortable. Normally I'd just wear sweats(This has been the case WAY too often since I moved here, and the main reason I want to do this challenge) so I decided to put together an outfit that would be just as warm and cuddly. I dug this sweater out of the Goodwill basket! Not sure WHY I was planning to get rid of it. I lived in it last year. It's way more comfy than any of my sweatshirts and MUCH cuter. Took me a while to find it, I looked everywhere for it for the last week . Finally found it today.

Today was a creative day. Spent most of the day working on this Scrapbook for my BIL-the one who helped CDR build our house. It's a scrapbook of the whole process.

Day Two No-Repeats

2010-12-15T18:29:00.000-05:00

I apologize again for the crappy picture....Gosh I wish I could take really awesome Style Photos like all those cool Style Bloggers do! But alas, my camera sucks(getting a new one for Christmas) , my abilities seem to suck, and I don't have anyone to take my photos for me....Commander would look at me like I had two heads if I asked to take pics of my outfits every day. Every once in a while I can sneakily get someone to take a pic of me in one of my outfits but even then it's hard because they don't usually think to get the WHOLE outfit in the pic and I can't explain that I WANT the whole outfit in the pic without them thinking I'm totally weird......so here's my Day Two pics.

Didn't get my pics done until the sun had started to set, which didn't help with the quality of the pics.

Walmart Sweater-bought it a month or two ago...first time wearing it. Just hadn't gotten around to it. I actually really like it, now that I've finally worn it. Too bad I can't wear it again for about a month!

Grey Knit Pleated Skirt-I've had this one for a few years ...I think I bought it at Steinmart in VA.

Grey Diamond Pattern Tights-Target...I've had these for YEARS...love them....very warm.

Fake Motorcycle boots-Walmart...last winter, only worn once before.

No Repeats???

2010-12-14T18:38:00.001-05:00

Ok, so I know I haven't been the most prolific blogger as of late....but......I'm ready to jump back in bloggy pool! And what better way than to start a challenge? Yeah , I know, I 'start' these all the time. Not sure I've ever 'finished' one, or even made it half way or even past the 2nd day!!!! But I'm going to give the good ole college try! I've spent the last few days perusing over the the blogs of some awesome Style Bloggers that participated in a 30 for 30 Challenge. This challenge just ended, though, so I Pretty much missed the party....

But....there's this new Challenge that is right up my alley. The No-Repeats challenge. Granted I'm about a day late for this one too and therefore can't be an Official Member but figure I can still play along. I've actually wanted to do a challenge like this for a while. Since moving to WI I've gotten a GOOD look at my wardrobe and wow...I mean ..I knew I had a LOT of clothes and shoes..but really I'm shocked at how much I really DO have! Sad thing is I don't even wear half of it. Like most people I only wear maybe 20% of my wardrobe 80% of the time. I've seen a few other Challenges where the paricipants don't shop at all for a specific amount of time....some for a few months, and some for a whole YEAR even. Part of me would like to try that ...but I'm not sure I'm really ready for that yet..LOL

The No-Repeat challenge seems like something I could handle...and I think I could even handle not shopping for the duration. To be honest, since moving to WI I haven't had the inclination to shop as much as I used to. Partly because I live out in the Frozen Tundra and don't have many decent stores nearby to shop at. And I'm not crazy about driving very far on snowy, icy roads. I have been enjoying a little bit of Online Shopping, but I find I'm a little more careful and don't make as many impulse purchases online.

So for the No-Repeat Challenge- as you might have already guessed, the idea is to wear soemthing different every day for a month without repeating the main components of your outfit(tops and bottoms) . Accessories and shoes are Ok to repeat. Actually there are two ways to participate.
1)You can wear things more than once but not together...In other words you can wear a pair of jeans more than once...just not with the same tops. ( this is mainly for those who don't have enough tops and/or bottoms to not repeat at some point)
2) You don't repeat ANY article of clothing other than accessories and shoes. ( If you think you have enough tops and bottoms to get you through the month) I'm ashamed to admit I think I have enough to get me thru a few months maybe even the whole year, yikes! And if it weren't winter I'd probably have enough shoes to get me thru as well.

So anyway....I'll be trying option 2. And as I stated earlier, I'm a day late already..so even though the challenge is from Dec. 13th to Jan. 13th,mine will be from the 14th to the 14th.

Here's a little button linking to the Main Challenge page so you can read up on it and get a better idea of what I'm talking about.

And Here's MY First Outfit for Dec. 14th 2010

Not a great Picture...sorry.

Grey Old Navy Cords-I think I bought these two years ago. I don't wear them much as they are a little too big. I think I'll probably be giving these up this year.

Teal Long Sleeve T-shirt-Energie, from Shopko-I bought a few of these this year for layering under sweaters and stuff...but I'm not crazy about the way they fit. They ride up alot and I'm always fidgeting with them , so these will probably be going as well.

Orange Sweater New York and Co-Christmas Gift from my girls a few years ago. I really like this sweater but need to find more ways to wear it.

Dr Scholls Cloggs -wear them ALL the time in the winter.LOVE them.

Bah Humbug!!

2010-12-02T11:18:00.001-05:00

Sooooo..I had every intention of sharing my Holdiay Decor with you all today. Namely my Beautifully Decorated Tree.......

Um Yeah....

I give you this!!

It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas!

2010-12-01T21:41:00.000-05:00

Ok...yeah...I know..It's been a while....So it's December 1st and we are starting to get into the Christmas Spirit around here. Thanksgiving was wonderful. We hosted at our New House this year. Drama Teen(who is a Teen NO more) was flown in for the festivities.

The day after Thanksgiving we made like the Griswalds...and went in search of the perfect Tree to chop down. Ok so maybe not sooooo much like the Griswalds..we didn't trudge thru the snow, Freezing our eyeballs off. But we did find the perfect Tree and She's a beaut!

I'm really trying to get into the Holiday spirit this year and try to have a nice Peaceful Christmas. One of the blogs I've been following has this great idea for reminding yourself to keep the Peace this year. Starting today she says to light a special candle every day this month and let it remind you to calm down and say a prayer nto create a sense of Peace in everyday. I think it's great and I'm stealing her idea. So for the month of December I'll be lighting a Candle every day to remind myself to take it easy and not overdo the Holdiays.

This is the Good Life

2010-10-14T00:30:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh. A Whirlpool Bath, some good Wine, and a few pieces of Dark Chocolate! Yeah! THIS is the life!

Good News!!

2010-10-13T21:32:00.000-04:00

Our Prayers have been answered! Samantha has been found, and is being reunited with her parents! I can tell you how excited and happy I am for all of them! Thank God and Thank You to everyone who prayed for their safe return.

How to Impress Homer and His Buddies...

2010-10-13T13:43:00.000-04:00

Commander now works at a Nuclear Power Plant(Hence the reference to 'Homer'..hmmmnn maybe I should change his nickname to Homer instead of Commander?? Nah) Anyway, last night he told me he it was his turn to bring the baked snacks tonight(he's working mid-shift--HATES it). Well luckily for him he A.) asked me a day ahead(believe me..there are times when he doesn't mention until we're climbing into bed that he needs baked goods to take to work the next morning...I am NOT a Happy Camper on those nights!!)and B.) I just happened to have a some Peanut Butter Cookie Mix in the pantry and some Hershey's Kisses leftover from the last time I made Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies.....Lucky him!

Years ago, Pioneer Woman did a post about making these in mini-muffin tins instead of just making cookies on the cookie sheet and I loved the idea. So today that's what I did. They turned out awesome and I'm sure all of CDR's co-workers will be impressed. It's amazing, sometimes, how impressed people are by some of the easist, simplist things I've done. One year I made Christmas Cookies with those Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Rolls( the ones with a picture in the middle-Rudolph, Santa, etc.) I rolled them in little noparaels, and sliced and baked. One of my neighbors was totally impressed and wondered how I got the picture inside the cookie!!LOL!

Anyway, I had fun making these today and realized I should bake cookies more often...they are really so easy and there are so many variations. I've been wanting to bake more, but with it just being the Commander and I these days we usually end up wasting half the Cake or Pie if I bake one, because we can't eat it fast enough. But cookies? I think those we'd have no problem eating up , plus they can be packaged and saved for later. Christmas is coming and I should start baking and freezing soon. I need to get out the Christmas Notebook and start prepping for the Holidays. I also figured out what I want to give friends and family as gifts this year. I think I'll make up some of those Cookie Mix in a Jar, and add a pretty handmade Doily and maybe even package them wtith a Bamboo Spoon and some handmade Potholders.(The idea came to me as I was stirring the cookies) I need to start crocheting now though if I'm going to do this.....

Pure Chicken Heaven!

2010-10-12T22:14:00.000-04:00

Oh-My-God! This meal was one of my best in a looooonnnnnggg time! And it was sooo frickin' easy! I will definitely be adding this one to my repertoire. I hardly ever buy a whole chicken, I've been more of a boneless chicken breat type person, but I really loved how this came out, and it's a much better deal to buy it whole like this......so far we were able to have dinner tonight, tomorrow CDR will bring some leftovers for work, and I still have a big container of mostly breast to make another meal, and I'm thinking ....I'm going to try to make chicken stock out of the carcas!! Woo Hoo ! Look at me, all home-makerish!..LOL

A Little French Cooking

2010-10-12T20:26:00.001-04:00

Ok, So a few months back I ordered a book on Amazon by Dorie Greenspan. It wasn't actually 'out' yet , so I had it on hold to be shipped as soon as it was published. I recieved it about a month ago, but hadn't tried any of the Recipes yet. I've been soooo looking forward to having my new kitchen so I could cook scrumptious meals like the one I'm making tonight. I've really been obsessed with All Things French for quite a while now( Heck really, my whole life---I'm French Canadian/American BTW), and really wanted to make something 'French" ..so I started pulling out some of my French cookbooks(I have quite a few) and noticed my new Dorie Greenspan Around My French Table cookbook and thought, why not? I quickly found a ton of recipes for Roast Chicken, and seeing as how I had recently bought a whole fryer chicken , I decided to make the first recipe I saw. It seems very simple so I'm sure I can't go wrong with it. It's roasting in the oven as I type and OMG, the smell is INCREDIBLE right now! Oops, there goes the timer....need to go add the veggies so they can roast too..be back in a sec!

There , I'm back. Added a few potatoes, and carrots. Opened a bottle of wine and had a quick snack of some Raspberry Asiago Cheese..YUMMM. I've never really been much of a Wine drinker, but since moving here, between having a ton of really good Wineries in the area, and the close proximity to a SIL who LOVES wine , I'm starting to become quite the Connoisseur. As I mentioned I'm obsessed with All Things French and have been trying to incorporate a bit of French Chic into my life. What could be more Chic than sipping on a glass of wine while inhaling the wonderful aroma of a Roast Chicken in the oven?

A Little Halloween Decorating...

2010-10-11T16:28:00.000-04:00

Been doing some decorating...Brought most of my Halloween Decor over from the Two Rivers house and last week I spent a little time decorating....I LOVE Halloween! It's one of my favorite holidays. I just LOVE all the "spooky" decorations!

I got this Glass Pumpkin years ago from Princess House ...The Doily I crocheted myself.

I'm loving my table runner and decor...The runner I got at Kohls last year....those Monkey Candlestick holders I got at goodwill last year! They were an awesome find!

Crocheted pumkins I made YEARS ago....threw a few silk leaves in with the pinecones...

Got this at the Octoberfest Craft Show in Appleton last year.

Got this there as well....

And finally my most favorite Decorations of all ...my Spooky Village!!

Happy Halloween!!!

Need Prayers

2010-10-10T11:04:00.000-04:00

Samantha O'Haver is the daughter of a Good friend of mine. She has been missing since October 4th . She was last seen with Charles H. Mikolajczyk III. They are believed to be travelling in a 2001 White Dodge Pickup Truck(single cab). Please Pray that the are found safe. You can find more information at http://www.findcharlesandsamantha.com/ . Please pass this link on and post it on your blogs and on your facebook pages.

Baking Day

2010-09-23T16:31:00.000-04:00

Well....lately almost EVERY day is 'Baking Day" as I've had tons of apples and pears that need something done with them. The Two Rivers house has about 4 apple trees and 2 pear trees and ALL of them have been producing a TON of Fruit. I've mainly been making Apple Crisp, but I've also made Apple Cake and Applesauce. Today I needed to do SOMETHING with the pears....so I found a recipe at Allrecipes.com for a Cheddar Pear Pie. So far it 'looks' pretty good...I guess we'll see how it tastes this evening when we have it for Dessert.

Movin' On In...

2010-09-22T18:56:00.008-04:00

Wow ...so it's been a good month since my last post. We've moved into the New House. (Actually I'm still moving stuff over from the Two Rivers house) I'm slowly getting it all put together. I've been a bit paralized when it comes to hanging pics and such(what with all those newly painted, never had holes in them, walls!) But the girls over at Sweeping the Cobwebs have inspired me to bite the bullet and just get it done. So it's really starting to come around and look like 'Home". I finally have it presentable enough to share a few pics. So here goes:

Welcome to ChezMaggii:
Here you get a nice view from the Living Room, thru the Dining Area, to the Kitchen.

I suppose I could probably take the tags off the couch now...LOL

The kitchen. It looks way less cluttered in person....Our latest purchase were these bar stools. I put them together yesterday. I actually have one more to put together but they were aggravating me so I gave up with one left..LOL. I'll get to it tomorrow...

Had no idea I had THIS much wine! Had to get a wine rack...found this one at TJMaxx in GreenBay.

Looking into the Living Room from the Kitchen.

And here is my Library/Art Area. ...still a little cluttered from moving and unpacking. Eventually I'd like to have some seating in here..Maybe a love seat and some chairs...or maybe just a few chairs?

Master Bedroom....

Master Bath..I LOVE how this room turned out!
Walk-in shower.....

and my closet!! (ok...I DO share it with the Commander)LOVE it. CDR put in those shoe shelves last week. Had NO idea I had THAT many!! and THAT's not oven all of them...not even close! YIKES!

Spare room downstairs....

Jack and Jill guest bath, downstairs....I decorated it with kids in mind...(have tons of grand nieces and nephews)

The other spare room-this will probably be my craft room.

Theatre area...we are still finishing up this area so it's a little messy now...

The bar area...there is another larger TV(for movies) on the wall to the left....

This is the area behind the Theatre Room....not much going on in here yet....eventually we'll probably get a pool table and some arcade games or something....
Back upstairs....we JUST finished this room today! Commander and his Brother put in the carpet today. This is CDR' s 'man' room....(not to be confused with the 'man cave" downstairs(ie. the theatre/ game room)We'll probably put all his music equipment in here....

And here is the "company" bathroom upstairs....I really LOVE how this turned out too!

Paintings from my trip to VA Beach this summer....

Well, except this little one..CDR brought this home from one of his Navy Trips...

And last but not least my Laundry Room (Exciting ..I know!!)

Well I hope you've enjoyed your visit..come back soon......

P.S. There's another bathroom that I forgot to take pics...and there's CDR's 'workshop downstairs that I also forgot to take pics of....

Yayyyy!!!

2010-08-16T23:38:00.000-04:00

We passed!!!! We'll start moving in this week!!!!

Today is the Day!

2010-08-16T15:44:00.002-04:00

We have our "Final Inspection" today...the one that determines wether we can move in or not. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes well and we get the approval. Co-ed is visiting this week with her Boyfriend...and Genius Boy is visiting with his Girlfriend. It would be sooo nice to be in the New House when they get here.

I'll update later with some new pics...here's hoping!

Drama Teen No More

2010-08-14T00:20:00.002-04:00

Yikes! Drama Teen is no longer!!! She turned the BIG 2-0 today!!! Now what am I going to call her??.....She's not a 'teen" anymore....Then again Co-ed isn't really a 'co-ed" anymore and The Recruit is no longer a 'recruit" as well. Hmmmn...so I've got to come up with 3 new names, I guess??

A Giveaway Over at The World I Know!

2010-07-19T11:38:00.006-04:00

NOt a lot of time to post. But wanted to share this awesome blog I just found, The World I Know . And she's having an awesome Giveaway. Your chance to smell just like a Celebrity!! So click Here to enter!

Kai Perfume Oil and Body Polish Giveway at The World I Know I'm hoping I win! But ....if not me.....then I hope it's YOU!!

What Happened??????

2010-07-09T12:00:00.001-04:00

Yeah , I know...where have I been,huh??? I don't know...things have just been crazy busy these last few months....too much to really recap....a wedding in VA...then going back to pick up the drama teen for the summer...hanging with my best friend in VA....working on the 7 Lakes House( ALMOST finished...although there seems to be no real end in sight....ONE of these days we'll move in though) ....so I just thought I'd share a little vid of Drama Teen doing what she does best!

Remember 32

2010-04-16T14:04:00.003-04:00

3 years ago....I waited to hear from my daughter ..hoping she wasn't one of the Victims...Thankfully she was safe. Please keep the families of those less fortunate in your prayers....

My Brother...

2010-04-13T14:10:00.000-04:00

4 years ago today I drove past the worst accident of my life in Alabama on my way to Mississippi to visit my family.....and instead of Celebrating Easter with you, Bruce..we planned your funeral...I miss you soooo much Bruce....

BTW

2010-02-19T15:36:00.003-05:00

I remembered what I 'gave up' for Lent last year....it wasn't Soda...it was Coffee and believe you me it was HARD...but I did it! With one small slip up..at a friends house after dinner she offered Coffee with Dessert and I accepted ..I was halfway thru my cup before I realized what I had done! But I decided to go ahead and enjoy the rest of my cup that night and vowed to be more careful for the rest of the Season and I didn't make THAT mistake again. Of course eventually after Lent was over I started back to drinking Coffee and now have as much of a habit with it as I ever did(which isn't really THAT much of a habit...I DO like my cup every morning..but most days that's ALL I have.. the one cup..and some days I don't even have that..)

A Good Day

2010-02-19T15:21:00.003-05:00

Here are some things that are making me happy today....I know yesterday I posted about wanting to be less materialistic and not so concerned with fashion and fads...but the truth is...sometimes 'things' can lift your spirits and help you to be happy. Like today....I just needed a little pick me up and so I decided to wear a few things that 'make me happy" ...Now , none of these things are new, they are things I had hanging around for the last year or so. I don't think I've ever even worn the shoes before!! Pink has really been on my mind and in my thoughts a LOT lately..I don't know why but lately it makes me 'Happy" so I've been finding all my old pink stuff and revisiting it.....

Tonight we are going into Appleton to Celebrate my Nieces Birthday with family. I did shop today, as I wanted to get a little something for her....I can't tell you how tempted I was to buy some little thing for myself but I stuck to my guns and ONLY bought for her. I also considered gettin g some lunch while I was out but then decided against it and ate at home before heading out. We'll be eating out tonight as part of her Birthday Celebration so I really didn't need to eat out again for lunch. Especially during Lent, on a Friday, when I'm supposed to be fasting....tonight I'll try to order something simple and meatless....

The Lenten Season....

2010-02-18T13:01:00.002-05:00

has begun and I'm really excited about it this year. I have so many things I want to accomplish during Lent and hopefully beyond. Every year I have a hard time deciding what to 'give up' ( mostly because I'm weak and my good intentions never pan out) but this year I'm determined . I can't remember what I gave up last year...but I'm pretty sure I was sucessful. I think it was Soda....but just can't remember( how bad is that..LOL). So, this year I'm actually going to give up unnecessary shopping. No new clothes, shoes, accessories, decor, magazines,books....etc. I will only purchase things we need. I 've always wanted to do this...but my selfishness always got in the way...but I'm feeling different this year. I don't know...my satisfaction in shopping really hasn't been that great these days....and I think I'm really ready to conquer the Shopaholic Monster in me.

I also have been thinking of my 'Word of the Year" ...LOVE? So far it hasn't been a very "Loving" year.....it started out with CDR and I bickering and hasn't really stopped...Valentine's was pretty much a flop as well....I know a LOT of the Problem is me and my attitude( although HE could definitely use an "attitude adjustment" too!)but, the fact is I can only change myself and that is something I'd like to work on this Lenten Season. How can "I" be more loving? How can I share it?etc. etc.

And although this may sound 'selfish" ( I know I have a bad habit of using 'quotes" too much...LOL and "LOL" too much ...sue me!) but I need to really focus on taking care of ME...not to become "self -centered" or anything...but to maybe lessen the demand for others to have to take care of me....If I can LOVE myself instead of trying to force it from others...If I can find MY OWN happiness instead of making others responsible for it? That kind of thing.

And the biggest thing I need to focus on God more. Turn to him for help.. Be thankful for all he gives me. I really want to spend this time meditating and reflecting on what it is to follow Christ?What role can prayer have in my life? I think this is the thing I have a really hard time with....leaving it all to God? Trusting him? Why can't I? It's like I KNOW I would be happier and more content if I just trusted God with everything and stopped worrying who 'loves" me or 'cares' about me...or what I can 'get' from other people...just let God BE all that for me....but then I worry that IF I do that then I'll never actually GET what I want from others(love, caring, etc etc.) Which is silly because if I HAD all that in God...why would it matter if I didn't get it from them? and I KNOW that chances are I probably even WOULD get it from them because I wouldn't be such a needy, grasping, shrew....and they then COULD give me what I so desperately WANT from them.

Anyway, I really want to make a lot of changes in my life...it's something I've been thinking about for a long time....I've mentioned many times in the past my desire to be more Green, Simplify, be less materialistic, be more Natural....self sustainable..more relaxed... etc..and I think NOW is the time to start....it's a struggle ..part of me would really like to just live a simple, farm type life...not worry about the latest fads and fashions...etc.

Of course with CDR building us our very own McMansion it seems to condradict everything I claim to want...but I need to find a way to make it work...

He's Been Busy....

2010-02-16T10:53:00.012-05:00

lately too....by HE, I mean CDR! It's been a while since I've put an update about the 7 Lakes Property. A few other bloggers have been doing 'Home Tours" so I figured I'd do one of my own..Welcome to our Home in Cato Wisconsin!
We are still at least a couple of months from being able to move in. As you can see the Wallboard is up and plastering will be starting soon. The heating has just been installed so now CDR and his Lil'Bro can work more comfortably.( The heat was also needed before plastering could start)We plan to hire someone to do the plastering. We've gotten a few estimates and should be making our choice sometime this week....So .....come on in.. here we are at the garage entrance.....you are looking into the dining area with the living room just beyond. Immediately to your left will be our Laundry Room...Once you walk all the way in...to the far left is the Kitchen...The opening to the left is my pantry closet. Around the corner to the left will be my fridge and a built in wall oven and microwave..a desk in the corner...on the far wall will be our stove and in the alcove to the right will be the sink. There will also be an island right about where that scaffolding is standing. You can see some plumbing tubes sticking up for the island prep sink...there will also be another 'bar' coming off that wall on the far right. here we have a better of view of the pantry. That space to the right is where the fridge will go...Now we are standing in the kitchen and looking into the Dining Area...and the small hallway where we came in from the garage...that little doorway in the hall is a coat closet...now you are looking directly into the Dining Area and on into the Living Room. There is an updated pic of the Living Room below this one.. The french doors on the left will go out to a deck...

Looking into the Living Room from the Dining Area...Fireplace insert ..with alcoves for built in shelving....Looking around the corner into the Entry...around the corner to the right is the guest bath and then a Library Area( It was supposed to be a Formal Dining...but I'd rather use it as a Library /Sitting area)....then to the left of the Entry Door ..you see the entry to another small room...that is CDR's Office...Guest Bath...Library/Sitting Area....I plan to have built in shelves along most of that long wall...and it's hard to see but to the right ..perpendicular to the back wall will be another small wall...I plan to have shelving on that one too...Entry to the Master Bedroom Suite.....

Master Bedroom....Looking into the Master Bath....Whirlpool tub? I think...or Jacuzzi...can't remember...LOL

Counter and Sinks will go along that wall to the left of the tub...

CDR wanted the toilet in it's own seperate area.....Looking into the shower...linen closet to the right...Master Bedroom Closet...Stairs going down to the Walkout Basement....
Spare Bedroom #1

Looking into the guest bath downstairs...it is shared by the two bedrooms downstairs....there is also access to it from the back yard ...we have a pond we plan to use for swimming in the summer and this way people can swim and have access to the bathroom without traipsing thru the rest of the house dripping wet.....

Bedroom #2 ..looking into it from the shared
Bathroom...

This is the main area downstairs....the Family/ Party/ Game Room...CDR wants to have a pool table and ping pong and such here....Entry to the Workshop/ Garden Tool storage area....this area will be left relative unfinished... Another guest bath for the Basement area....

Looking at the Stairwell area again..

And finally this will the our Theatre/Bar area....It's hard to tell but directly in from there is a space for a Huge Big Screen TV or for a Projector Screen....we haven't decided which route to go yet....and then around the corner to the right will be a full bar...for parties...This area is open to the Game Room behind me..

So there you go.....Our 7 Lakes House so far....like I said we are probably at least a couple months away from moving in.....plastering comes next.....then we'll be able to get the flooring in and cabinetry....etc. I'll be glad once it's fininshed and we can get into it...

I've Been Busy...

2010-02-12T18:00:00.002-05:00

..lately. The last few weeks I've been Crocheting up a storm. I've been in a Crocheted Potholder Craze for a bit. They are fun and quick to make. Not sure WHAT I'm going to DO with them all! A few will get used in my own kitchen... a few will be given away to family and friends...and I think I will put some up for sale in an Etsy Shop. Most are made with Woolblend Sockyarn...a few are made with Cotton..

I've also been able to add a few more squares to my long forgotten "Deployment Blanket"...that blanket I was working on WAY back when....when CDR was deployed to the Med.? There's still not a WHOLE lot of progress on it as I want each square to be a different yarn from a different project.Origionally the idea was to hopefully get some sockyarn scraps from other knitters and crocheters out in blogland but that never panned out. I got a few scraps from one or two people way back when but that was it.

the "new' squares are each one all the way to the left of each row.....

Loving the Pink and Red lately...

2010-02-12T16:09:00.004-05:00

I don't know what is is, but lately I've really been feelin' the Red and Pink! Maybe it's because Valentine's is just around the corner and so Red and Pink are the colors of choice in most of the stores and I'm 'feeling the love" ? or maybe it's just that they are so bright and cheery and and in these grey and cold days they are refreshing? I don't know , but right now it's my favorite color combination! Felt a little 'domestic' today so I decided to bake some cupcakes!

Valentine's socks on my feet make me Happy!!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T22:45:00.003-05:00

Wow! I can't believe another year has passed us by...it went sooo quickly. 2009 was a Pretty good year for our family. I finally got to move to Wisconsin to be with the Commander...we bought a house ...we sold a house....we bought some land and started building a house....I got to go to Florida with the Co-ed....and visit my family in Biloxi...I got to attend my best friend's daughter's Wedding in Virginia( which means I also got to see my best friend!!) ...and I we all got to visit with the Co-ed and her boyfriend and the Recruit in Oklahoma this past week!

I'm not really one for 'resolutions"...I never follow thru with them....after about a week I break them and forget about them so I've given up making them. Last year did come across the idea of have a goal or theme for the year to live by. Last year it was "Enjoy Life" and I think I did a pretty good job of of that last year. I have to say 2009 was one of my best years.

It's taken me a while to come up with this years theme...there are so many things I'd like to accomplish and work on this year. I finally decided on "Love'...yeah...kinda basic and something you would think is already a goal or theme in a person's life....but like many I tend to put 'love' on the back burner and let other things get in the way. I like that 'love' can encompass many things as well. Loving our families and friends...showing love...loving ourselves...taking care of ourselves....being kinder to those we love and strangers as well. It can even be incorporated into decorating and fasion! Granted the year hasn't started out all that "Lovely'.....for some reason Commander and I have been 'at' each other all day....and NOT in a 'good' way.

Another reason that maybe I need to focus on "Love' and not let one bad day ruin the whole year?

Merry Christmas Eve!

2009-12-24T18:36:00.002-05:00

It's Christmas Eve! The Presents are all wrapped!Dinner is in the Oven....for the last few years I've been make this Turkey Pastry Wrap type dish on Christmas Eve..It's really easy and has a 'festive' feel to it.And.....it's delicious!
And I thought I'd leave you all with a View of Today's Lake!!
Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Gone Skiing

2009-12-23T22:27:00.005-05:00

Haven't been on much....too much to do ..getting ready for Christmas. Drama Teen and Genius Boy are in for Christmas and we are all heading out to Oklahoma the day after Christmas to visit with the Co-ed and the Boyfriend....the Recruit will be there too. So we'll all be together as a family!

Today we all(Me, CDR, Drama Teen, and Genius Boy) went skiing!! CDR little Brother also came, although he's really not so 'little'...he IS 30.....It was the first time for all of us except CDR and his lil Bro'. CDR's been a few times in the last few years....he took Co-ed a few times.

I lasted all of about 10 minutes!LOL. I just couldn't handle it. I have weak ankles and legs and I just didn't have the strength to maneuver the ski's. I'm also totally out of shape...I proud of myself for at least trying though, and I had fun watching the others.

Drama Teen had a Blast and even tried snowboarding! Genius Boy did pretty well..I think he had fun but didn't enjoy it as much as Drama Teen and CDR.

Considering the fact that I HATE snow and cold, today really wasn't too bad.....I don't think 'skiing" is MY thing....but I could see myself enjoying Snowmobiling..or even sledding...maybe...

I stayed pretty warm with all my gear......the snow pants, snow boots, ski socks, long underwear, ski gloves and hats...etc.

Off to Milwaukee..

2009-12-15T13:10:00.002-05:00

...to pick up Drama Teen!! Yay!!

mark. Christmas Deals

2009-12-12T11:03:00.010-05:00

Just wanted to share that mark. has some awesome Deals going on right now for Christmas. If you've ever wanted to try the products, now is a good time to do so. You can shop at my mark. store.

First we have mark. Juice Gems Squeeze On Lip Gloss Sale:
Buy 1, Get 1 FREE! Mix & Match. Save $6.00!

And/Or you can get some Free Earrings!

If You're looking for some great gifts for yourself of the other women in your life...how about this cute mark. On the Case Holiday Blockbuster
Value: More than $50!
Price: $26.00

She'll love this case full of faves and exclusives.

Set includes:
• metallic faux snakeskin train case, 7" L x 4" H x 5" W (1.5" handle drop).
• EXCLUSIVE multi-mix color cream* in roxette and solara (0.05 oz. net wt.), plus snap to it mini to hold both shades.
• on the edge hook up liquid eyeliner in cleo (0.08 fl. oz.) plus hook up connector.
• scanda-lash hook up mascara in blacklash (0.12 oz. net wt.).
• just pinched instant blush tint in cheeky (0.14 oz. net wt.).
• shimmer glossblossom ripening lip tint, (0.33 fl. oz.).
• insert card featuring complete how-to's and face charts for looks created by Mai Quynh, celebrity makeup artist and mark beauty expert.

*Limited-edition Multi-Mix Color Cream is only available in this case!
- 3-in-1 formula - adds a shimmery, radiant glow to eyes, lips or cheeks
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It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas....

2009-12-11T19:33:00.010-05:00

Finally started unpacking some boxes and getting some of the Decorations out. Put up the tree the other day and finally found the box with the ornaments. I don't have too much out this year as we wont be in this house too much longer and it's still a mess. Especially now that we got all the rest of our stuff that's been in storage for the last few months....oh my....my house is floor to ceiling boxes...and we are STILL renovating! I really don't want to unpack all the boxes as 1) I have NO WHERE to put half this stuff here and 2) we'll just be moving AGAIN in a few months when the NEW house is finished. So here's what I've got to share so far in the line of Christmas Decor......
As I said the Tree is up.....you can see a few boxes off to the right there....and if you look carefully under the Tree you'll see my cat Ambie Hiding under there...LOL ..I had no idea she was there until I looked at the pics later...
This Little Angel is one of my Favorites....The Co-ed made her WAY back in the day...kindergarden, I think? She's graced my Tree every year since.

Update:I've just been informed that she made it in Girl Scouts...the ONE year she was in it. She was sooo deprived as a child.....LOL

Of course EVERY Tree in Wisconsin needs a PACKER ornament!!! And it doesn't hurt to also have a WI Badgers Ornmament as well!

And this cute little Bird House is my NEW one for 2009....I went to the Osthoff Craft Fair last weekend in Elkhart Lake, WI. I also got a couple of cute figurines from the same vender..The two German Characters on the left are from the same vender as the Bird House Ornament...The Tall Russian Doll in the Middle is an ornament I got at another Vender...I chose to stand her here with my other Russian and German decorations instead of hanging her on the Tree. And then I have the 3 Matryoshkas. The smaller one on the left I also got at the Osthoff Fair from yet another Vender. The other tw were both given to me by a couple of adortable Russian Girls who had come over in a Student Work Exchange program....the larger one in the Middle was from Olga....she stayed with us for about a month a few years ago. She was friends with The Recruit and when he told us she had nowhere to stay(long story) we allowed her to stay with us. I really enjoyed having her stay with us and wish we could have had her longer. The smaller one on the right was from Camille. She was the Recuit's girlfriend for a while. He had met her at work and they started dating. They continued their relationship for a good year or two after she went back home . He had planned to move to Russia, and marry her. But ...it never worked out.

Here are a few pics of my Nieces and their children at the Osthoff Craft Fair....

My Very First Packer Game Ever!!

2009-12-09T22:13:00.011-05:00

On Monday I got to attend my VERY FIRST PACKER GAME! That is a BIG deal here in the Frozen Tundra also known as PackerLand!!! I almost didn't get to to go. CDR had planned to take his 'sister"????!! WHA??? He didn't think I'd 'want' to go....Are you kidding me?? an actual Packer's Game? Heck Yah , I WANT to go. So he took me, and WOW what an experience! It was all very exciting! Coming into Green Bay on 'Game Day" ...Seeing the Throngs of people all headed towards the Stadium.....Everyone Partying and Tailgating! And then getting into the Stadium. all the Pre-Game festivities!

We had pretty awesome seats too. We were on the Packer Side....40 yard line....only 18 rows up, so we ahd a GREAT view of the game. And best of all, it wasn't anywhere near as COLD as I expected(pre-snowstorm...).

Oh...and YES They WON!!!!!!

Winter Has Arrived!!

2009-12-09T22:03:00.004-05:00

And she's come in with a Bang!! Views from my windows in Two Rivers, Wisconsin....

From my Living Room...

From my Dining Room...

From the Kitchen.......

From the Kitchen Sink......

We got quite a few inches....it snowed all last night and we lost power for a good 3 hours. CDR got to break-in his new snow blower this morning..then he had to snow blow again when he got home from work early this afternoon.....the snow seems to have slowed down a bit, although we still have some 'flurries". As for me? I plan to Hibernate for the next 5 months or so...LOL

30 Days of Thanksgiving/ Day 16

2009-11-20T23:51:00.004-05:00

Today I am Grateful:

For Dinner out with family and finally having some decent Sushi!!

Day 15/ 30 Days of Thanksgiving

2009-11-19T22:46:00.002-05:00

Today I am Grateful:

This has been such a great year for our family. It's been a full year...Full of many changes...mostly good. We've been "Empty Nesters" for a few months now..and it's been kind of nice. We've really been enjoying each other's company. The kids are all doing well in their lives. Our move to Wisconsin has been really nice as well . It's great to be around the extended family, and I'm enjoying my new home.

30 Days of Thanksgiving/ Day 14

2009-11-18T18:55:00.005-05:00

I am Thankful:

That we now have a vehicle that should be able to make it thru snow and ice!!!

Day 13/ 30 Day of Thanksgiving

2009-11-17T23:38:00.005-05:00

Today I am Thankful:

For Birthdays, Nieces and their babies, and Nephews.

Three of my Nieces and one of my Nephews. The Niece in the center has a Birthday tomorrow and my Nephew has a Birthday later this month. Today was actually the Birthday of my Nephew Tony. He was the sibling of the two on the right. He passed away 4 years ago in a car accident during Spring Break. He was with 4 other friends and they got caught in a freak snow storm that came out of nowwhere. Two of the other passengers also died that day, his girlfriend and another friend of hers.

The Babies all belong to the Nieces up above....One for each..LOL

Online Shopping

2009-11-16T22:25:00.004-05:00

We just ordered this baby for the New House! I have wanted a Farmhouse Sink for ages, but Commander was fighting me on this as they usually seem soooo expensive....but.....we found this one over at vintagetub.com...WooHoo!! I guess we'll soon see if it is worth it....

And.....we met with the Cabinet Maker today. He brought samples of the cabinet doors for the Kitchen. LOVE them!! The kitchen is mainly going to be White(more like Ivory) with an antique glazed finish. And then we'll have an island in a distressed Black. So far, we are thinking Granite counter tops. I pretty much know what I want, but we haven't actually picked it out yet.

30 Days of Thanksgiving/Day 12

2009-11-16T15:33:00.002-05:00

Today I am Grateful:

For the life I have with the Commander. I don't always realize how truly blessed I am. I have an awesome husband that is able to provide for me and really does his best to make me happy. I don't always appreciate how hard he's worked, or how much he's sacrificed for me and our children. He is truly one of the "Good' guys!

Cougar Town

2009-11-15T23:58:00.001-05:00

OMG! I just watched the last 5 episodes of this show on Hulu.com ....I LOVE it!!

30 Days of Thanksgiving

2009-11-15T15:21:00.002-05:00

I am Grateful:

For Commander and his Brother, who are presently upstairs working on our new master bath, and the flooring in our bedrooms. Thanks!!!!

Days 9 and 10/ 30 Days of Thanksgiving...

2009-11-14T12:56:00.003-05:00

Yeah I I know...I missed a day.....looking at my blog it appears I missed Thursday but I really missed Friday....I must have blogged Thursday's Post after Midnight, so it showed up as Friday. Yesterday I missed because I had planned to blog about it in the evening after I got back from bringing dinner to my "builders". (i.e. Commander and his little brother)But.....we decided to head into Appleton after instead to pick up some tiles(for the current house that we are STILL remodeling..LOL) and check on his computer that has been with the Geek Squad for a good two weeks now...argg. We didn't get home until late and I was exhausted and went right to bed, so I never got my post up. Anyway....on to the 'gratitude"..LOL ..I'll list two things to make up for yesterday. Today I am Thankful:

The roof is nearly finished on the New House...

and that CDR plans to work on the Old House tomorrow....

As I menitoned above...we are STILL in the middle of remodeling THIS house, so I'm living in a half finished wreck of a house right now...and most of CDR's time is going to the New House....so this one isn't getting better anytime soon!

30 Days/ Day 8

2009-11-13T00:19:00.003-05:00

Today I am grateful: for Ambie....who likes to snuggle up with me each night on the couch and helps keep me warm...LOL

30 Days of Thanksgiving-Day 7

2009-11-11T18:33:00.008-05:00

Today I am Grateful:

Following in yesterdays theme for Veterans Day. Again, I am thankful for all the Veterans who have served in our Military, including the many family and friends we have.

My Brother Ed,again....and My father who also served in the Air Force for 20 years.(do not have a photo of him in Uniform)

The Recruit in the Air Force as well.

Co-ed's boyfriend joined the Navy 3 years ago.He's a Pilot.

Nephew(In-Law) again...Serving in the Army. (in center)
CDR with Mr. Marx , an old family friend who served in the Navy in WWII.He was a Submariner like CDR.

And of course the Commander... a Naval Submarine Officer.
Served nearly 30 years in the Military. Three in the Air Force, the rest in the Navy.

Day 6/ 30 Days of Thanksgiving

2009-11-10T15:46:00.002-05:00

Today I am Thankful:

Today as I watched the Fort Hood Memorial Service, I realized how Grateful I am for those who serve our country and keep us safe. At the moment I have two family members serving over in Afghanistan. I would so appreciate any prayers you can offer up for their safe return home.

My brother Ed is in the Air Force and will be in Afghanistan for the couple more months.
Ed with our mom at CDRs Retirement Ceremony

And my Nephew(in law) Tom has just deployed to Afghanistan . He will be there for at least a year.
Tom during training excercises
Please keep them both in your thoughts...

Day 5 / 30 Days of Thanksgiving

2009-11-09T17:21:00.003-05:00

Today I am Thankful:

That I'm part of such an awesome company! I accidently had my recent order delivered to my old home and apparently no one seems to be able to help me get it back! But......mark. did send me a new package to replace it, FREE of charge! How cool is that!

Star Wars in Concert!!

2009-11-08T13:21:00.004-05:00

photo courtesy of The Official Star Wars Blog

Check it out!!! Drama Teen will be performing with her JMU Chorale Group in the Norfolk showing of Star Wars in Concert tonight!! To say she is EXCITED is an understatement!! Can you tell I'M excited!?? They will also be performing in the Baltimore show on the 18th.

30 Days Thanksgiving....Day Four

2009-11-08T12:36:00.005-05:00

Today I am Grateful for:

Finally breaking the 195 mark in my weightloss! I know this might sound silly to some...or even shallow...but it's been YEARS since I've made it below 196. I haven't really been 'trying' all that hard to lose weight these days... just trying to cut back on servings, eat more 'healthy' foods, drink more water and move around a little more. Just baby steps, which is why I'm excited to have broken a barrier that I haven't seen for years.

3rd Day of Thanksgiving

2009-11-07T17:25:00.004-05:00

Today I Give Thanks :

For wonderful family members who come to help build my new house!!

Later we have lunch together at the Neighborhood Club House

House

2009-11-07T00:37:00.002-05:00

Gratitude Day Two

2009-11-06T18:39:00.005-05:00

Today I Am Grateful:

That my kids all seem to be doing really well.

Genious Boy has been in negotiations for a National Security Job. He has had phone interviews, been thru the Security Check and last week had his In Person Interview. He wont know for another month or so if he's hired but so far it sounds VERY promising. He called after this last interview VERY excited( if you knew him you'd know 'excited' is not something he gets very often). We don't get many calls from him and talking to him is usually like pulling teeth, so it was really great to have him call, happy and excited about this job prospect. He stayed on the phone with me for a good 45 minutes and then another 30 or so with his dad......( THAT is a BIG deal)

The Recruit is doing well. He is training in Pensacola at the moment and gets done in January at which time he'll be transfering to Texas. He's b een spending some time with his sister The Co-ed, who's also in Pensacola now. We are probably heading down there ourselves for Christmas and he is excited about that and then excited about coming up here to visit in January before he heads out to Texas.

C0-ed is presently in Pensacola with the Pilot( boyfriend) . They are being trasnfered to Oklahoma in January though, and seem very happy about it. They just bought their first house ( in Oklahoma). I've seen pictures and it looks really nice. She's also been looking into what she needs to do to be able to teach there, and it looks like she can take care of most of the certification process online now, and be ready to teach soon after moving there.

Drama Teen is in her second year at JMU. Things are MUCH better this year. She made it into two of the Audition Choirs. And one of the Choirs has been invited to sing with StarWars in Concert. As you can imagine, she is VERY VERY VERY excited....They'll be singing with them in their Norfolk and Baltimore shows.

I'm also grateful that it looks like I may just have most of my "Christmas Letter" written right here...LOL

26 Days of Thanksgiving?

2009-11-05T12:52:00.004-05:00

Ok so I came across this project started by Ann over at Keeping Up with the Tatums after reading BJ's Sweet Nothings blog. I'm a little late though so instead of 30 days..it will have to be 26 days...LOL. Hopefully I can keep up with this everyday for the rest of the month!

Today I'm Grateful for:

Beautfiul Weather and the Sun Shining....after weeks of overcast rainy drizzly gloomy weather, today's SUN is a Cheerful Welcome sight.

FREE Lip Gloss!

2009-11-04T17:08:00.004-05:00

Progress!!

2009-11-01T13:50:00.006-05:00

I came home from my trip to Virginia to something that is starting to look like a REAL house!! It's really starting to come together! I loved the look of the trusses...they look so sculptural....so much like art!

At our "Front Door" again.....

I had such a GREAT time in Virginia...I really need to do a post.I"ll try to get one up soon!!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T18:16:00.002-04:00

Today's Look

2009-10-27T19:05:00.002-04:00

It's been ages since I posted my outfits....really need to get back into it. I dress so much better when I'm participating in a Fashion Blog and/or Wardrobe-Remix.

So here's today's Outfit...Earlier in the day I had to make a Menards(think Home Depot, Lowes...etc.)run to pick up some 1/2 in. Sheeting Clips( We are building a house)...so I wore comfy boots and a heavier gray cardi over the rest of the outfit.

This evening we are heading into Appleton to greet a bunch of WWII Veterans coming home from a trip to DC. One of the Veterans is an old neighbor of the Commander's. He and his wife often took care of him and his siblings when they were younger. His son wanted to get a big group together for the "Homecoming' , so we agreed to come. We'll be greeting them at the Airport. It's also special because Commander was a Submarine Officer in the Navy just like his neighbor that we are greeting.

Grey Dress-Daisy Fuentes-Kohls

Mustard Cardi-Target

Grey Cardi(first pic)-Thrifted

Grey Tights-Apt9-Kohls

Mustard MaryJanes-Target

Brown Suede boots(from first picture)-Thrifted

TurquoiseRose Necklace(no longer available)-mark.

Scripture Bracelets-National Shrine DC

Rose Cuff(no longer available)-mark.

Need to Pack

2009-10-13T12:22:00.003-04:00

So, tomorrow I leave for Virginia and I really need to pack. But what am I doing instead? Putzing around on Facebook and such......LOL. I'm addicted, I tell ya. Anyways I'm heading to VA for my Best Friend's Daughter's Wedding. Yay! And to top it off some really good friends from my VA Church are having a Marriage Ceremony at Mass this Sunday morning, so I'll get to be there for that TOO! They've been married for 18 years but not in the Church.. so now they are having a Catholic Wedding Ceremony. I'm so excited! Two weddings in one weekend. It's going to be great! I should get to town in time for the Monthly Birthday Dinner with my old neighborhood friends on Thursday , and for lunch with my old church friends on Friday! And......I get to see the Drama Teen and Genious Boy!....she also has a wedding she's attending in Chesapeake this coming weekend...so I'll get to spend some time with her and Genious Boy(he is still living in Chesapeake) in Chesapeake over the weekend, and then I'll head up to Harrisonburg on Monday to spend more time with her.Can you tell I'm excited?...ok....so... I REALLY need to pack! As an added bonus I get to get out of this freezing weather and hopefully enjoy some WARMTH!

My Morning Cuppa

2009-10-12T13:12:00.002-04:00

Found this really cute Halloween Cat mug at the local Goodwill. Halloween is my all time favorite Holiday. I just love everything about it...the colors ( who wouldn't love ORANGE!! and this year I'm really rocking PURPLE--which CAN be dangerous here in Packer Country-I've never lived somewhere where I had to be careful what colors I was wearing on certain(ie. football) days of the week....) The weather(ok I could have done without "snow" in October....YES it actually snowed the other day!)but I love the crisp autumn weather . And Halloween is such a fun and easy Holiday...no major 'expectations' or potential for 'disappointment"...and Candy Candy Candy...LOL

Things are Moving Along Nicely..

2009-10-08T15:33:00.006-04:00

...on the Seven Lakes House. Floor joists have gone in and floor boards have been installed. The main floor framing has begun and is nearly finished. I'm amazed at how quickly CDR's Little Bro is getting things done. Yesterday I went over and got to help put up a few walls! Yes little ole me! Got to help build her house...granted I didn't do much...just helped lift the walls into place. But still , I'm glad I can honestly say I helped build my own house!!

CDR and Me

Posing at the "Front Door"..LOL

Funny!

2009-09-28T22:58:00.001-04:00

Another Bit of mark. News

2009-09-25T11:24:00.003-04:00

Win one of 100 Only Need Me Tees from the Britt Bardo for mark collection
Check out shop.meetmark.com/instyle for a chance to win from September 21st until October 31st.

mark. News

2009-09-25T11:07:00.005-04:00

mark. also has a Promo going on until October 1st. Just enter the MAKEITBIG coupon at Checkout and you'll get a FREE Make It Big Mascara with your $10 order.

Today's Bounty

2009-09-23T21:02:00.003-04:00

Our garden at the Two Rivers House is still going pretty strong. We have more green beans than I know what to do with...I keep giving them away...and now the tomatoes are finally coming in ...and coming in STRONG! Need to find a good recipe for Tomato Sauce and maybe Salsa too!

We've Been Framed!

2009-09-23T20:46:00.003-04:00

Framing has begun on the Seven Lakes House! Things are moving along pretty well, so far. CDR's Little Brother is doing most of the building, and his Big Brother is helping out. BB works in the afternoon at his real job so he's been going out in the mornings to help before work...then CDR heads out after he gets off his real job to continue with the help in the afternoon. LB is a Home Builder by trade and we've hired him on to build the house...so this IS his real job! It poured rain most of the yesterday afternoon and evening , so today the ground was really mucky. I learned this AFTER stepping into it up to my ankles and losing my shoe in it!! LOL.Here I am walking precariously along the concrete walls. They're MUCH higher than they look..and I was too afraid to go much further. I used to do really well on the balance beam as a kid, but that was about 30 years ago and 100 pounds ago!

I managed to find some firmer ground to get around back and get a few pics of the framing that got started today. Tomorrow the Excavator should be coming out to backfill and then we get the basement floor poured and continue with the rest of the framing.

LB picking up after a hard days work!

Our Garden This Week

2009-09-19T10:03:00.004-04:00

Thought I'd share a few pictures of the Garden at our Two Rivers Home...this garden has been doing amazingly well!! The previous owner really did a good job building up the dirt here.

My Tomatoes are FINALLY starting to turn ...we were worried they wouldn't make it before the first frost.....it's been getting awfully chilly here at night.

Green Peppers are doing great....we've had a steady stream all summer...

The Squash are getting HUGE!

The Corn has done well.....we have some every few days......and it is REALLY good!

Some flowers blooming in the Garden...the previous owner didn't do veggies just flowers and he had it set up so that there would be something blooming all summer...

One lone tiny Watermelon....the only thing that didn't seem to workout this summer...

Pumpkins are starting to turn ..just in time for Autumn..

And here is our bounty for yesterday.....most of the Carrots and one of the Green Peppers went into last nights Stir Fry...as well as some of the Green Beans ( underneath)...the Cherry Tomatoes get snacked on thruout the day here.

It's been a really great year for the garden.....CDR plans to take the garden with us to the Seven Lakes House...LOL....he literally plans to dig up the dirt and most of the flower plants and move it there!!!

Basement Walls!

2009-09-17T15:14:00.004-04:00

Stopped off at the site yesterday to see the progress....they were pouring the Basement walls!! Yay!

Today

2009-09-15T14:54:00.006-04:00

Haven't done one of these in a while......

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window...The sun is shining thru the leaves on the trees...

I am thankful for...this gorgeous summer like weather ...FINALLY!

I am wearing...plaid shorts and a ruffled tank top(see above)

I am remembering...how much work it is remodeling a home...

I am creating...a crocheted baby blanket for my niece...

I am going...to our Seven Lakes Property later this afternoon to see the what progress was made today...

I am reading...Suck Your Stomach In & Put Some Color On!

What Southern Mamas Tell Their Daughters That the Rest of Y'all Should Know Too

I am hoping...concrete got poured today..

On my mind...chores I need to get to before heading out to Seven Lakes...

Noticing that...the front bushes need to be pruned back

In the kitchen...Ripening tomatoes...need to be used soon!

Around the house...what isn't around the house...in the middle of Rennovating an 1880's home....everything's a mess..LOL

One of my favorite things~relaxing on the front porch

A few plans for the rest of the week...Hopefully being able to get all the Electrical wiring finished upstairs , Starting on the flooring upstairs...seeing the progress on the Seven Lakes House...etc.

From my picture journal...stopping off at the Seven Lakes Property last Saturday morning, on our way to a wedding , to see where the sun rises....

And So It Begins....

2009-09-15T14:30:00.005-04:00

We finally broke ground on the Seven Lakes Property yesterday! It's all so very exciting...I didn't think we'd ever get all the paperwork and permits together to be able to start. It's all like a dream....finally turned REAL!

Concrete is supposed to be poured today...We HOPE..we'll be heading out later this afternoon to check on things....

And now I leave you with this cute little duck swimming in our Pond.

Making Progress...

2009-09-10T11:23:00.023-04:00

...on the Two Rivers House...We bought this place back in March, as a temporary home to tide us over until the VA House Sold...It was built in the 1880's and in dire need of updating, so Commander got right to work practically tearing the whole thing apart....he tore down most of the walls upstairs....reframed for a larger Master Bedroom and adding a Master Bath...We are finally starting to get it 'put back together"...all the walls are pretty much 'up' and we've plastered and painted most of them. We still have one bedroom and bathroom to redo( the ones we are using presently)

Here CDR is spraying on textured plaster.....WHAT A MESS!!!

CDR and his brother confer while figuring out how to install my new Hall light ..YAY!!
View of my newly painted stairwell, the color is Clam Bake..and irridescent ivoryish color...maybe now I'll finally get REAL stairs...and not just boards balanced on the frame...LOL ...check out the cool Archway CDR and his Brother placed at the bottom of the stairs!

One of the spare Bedrooms...freshly painted in Khaki..

Here we have two views of my newly painted Walk-in closet...this connects to the Master Bath....Painted in Wood Lily.

and finally the piece de resistance.... The Master Bedroom...freshly painted in Opal Ice On Walls with a Periwinklish Blue Ventian Plaster on the Ceiling.

This is the ceiling insert with the Venetian Plaster. CDR mixed a little white paint into it to give it a slightly 'cloudy" look. The pics don't show it, but this turned out pretty shiny...like a mirror finish, almost.

Upclose shot of the Ceiling insert and tray trim...

Oh ....and top of all this.....we are hoping to break ground on the NEW place early next week!!!!

mark. News! and a Special Offer!

2009-09-09T11:41:00.008-04:00

It's been a while since I've done a mark. post, but just had to share this 24 hour special offer with you all. You have until 10:00am tomorrow to get a FREE Scandilash mascara!

You also can go to meetmark.com and see a sneak preview of Jordin Sparks new Video! Did you know Jordin Sparks was the FIRST mark. Rep ever?

Big Changes Coming!

2009-08-21T00:24:00.005-04:00

So...it's been a few weeks and so much has happened....3 of our kids came up for a short visit! It was great to see them all. Drama Teen drove up with Genius Boy...and we flew in the Co-ed. The Recruit wasn't able to get the same week off , he actually has this week off but has chosen to head to his Grandparents in Mississippi, then he will come here for Christmas instead. Any way it was a great visit. We spent a few days up in Door County with the rest of CDR's family, camping. No melt downs this year, so that's a plus!! The girls left together last week for Virginia. We gave Co-ed a car so they drove back. Drama Teen starts a new semester at JMU next week, and Co-ed is presently on way back to Pensacola with two new puppies she picked up in NC. Genius Boy is still here but will probably be heading back early next week. He is spending the weekend in Appleton with the cousins. We'll see him this Sunday when we drive into Appleton for my Niece's daughters First Birthday.

Work on the Two Rivers House is coming along....we finally have all the walls up upstairs. And CDR has reworked the Electrical in the kitchen so walls are finally going up in there as well. There's hopefully not a whole lot more than needs to be done before we can finish...and finish we must because the biggest 'change' of all is that : WE BOUGHT LAND and will BUILDING OUR OWN HOME SOON!!!! Yay!!!

We've purchased 1.6 acres in a Golfing Community. We share a pond with two of our neighbors and there is another large Community Swimming Pond in the neighborhood. The lot next to ours is also for sale and we have a one year option to buy. We are considering it. As for the property we've bought. The Septic guy is going to be putting in our septic system soon and building should start soon after. We've purchased and recieved the houseplans (although we'll be doing the outside a bit different..some stone but no stucco..we'll be doing some Cedar shake and some regular siding instead)CDR's brother and sister will be helping. His brother is a house builder and his sister is an owner in a commercial contruction company. It is all VERY exciting!!

The End of the Day

2009-07-29T22:08:00.005-04:00

After Dinner and the Dishes were done we decided to go for a 'short' walk....yeah....right.....

We ended up walking down to the lake. First we walk thru town.....

Some nice landscaping....These Kayaks used as planters are ALL over town.....

Here's another one in front of the Pick'n Save...

and another one.....

Ah ....finally the Beach...

Walking along the Coast of Lake Michigan....it's only about a 10 minute walk from home.

Someone must have had fun making this today. I couldn't resist a pic.

and...this little guy was waiting for us when we got home....

2009-07-29T22:07:00.001-04:00

A Day in Two Rivers

2009-07-29T17:18:00.007-04:00

Gosh, it's been a while , huh?

Lot's has been going on and I've had so many things I've been wanting to blog but not really had the motivation to actually sit down and blog it!...If I get the energy later I'll try to catch everything up. For today I figured I'll just post about my day.

I've been enjoying having a clothesline here in Two Rivers( they weren't allowed in my old Chesapeake Neighborhood) So today started with some Laundry. I haven't yet gotten one of those clothespin holder thingies that you hang on the line...so, for now, I just clip a bunch to the hem of my shirt......After hanging my laundry for the day, I needed to pick some raspberries before the birds get to them all.I managed to fill a small bowl...I planned to do something special with these later in day, but not before snacking on a few!..LOL

Then I thought I'd share a few pics of our garden here in Two Rivers. Our HUGE Crazy mega Tomato Plant. We also have a smaller cherry tomato plant that I forgot to take a pic of.These are the beets....we've been eating these for the last week or so. Off to the right you can see Lettuce(the lighter leaves there) . We've been eating it for weeks. CDR actually cleared it all out when he came home today because it was pretty much done. We're going to plant some more.These are the green beans...we should be getting some in soon.The Peas are just about ready...I think in another day or so I'll have some to harvest.

Green Pepper plants. We picked our first couple for dinner tonight. I'll be using them in a chicken dish.These are what's 'blooming' in the Garden these days....Here's what I did with those Raspberries I picked earlier. It's some kind of Raspberry Cookie Bars. While this was baking in the oven, I took my clothes off the line and decided to fold them outside on the patio table since it's such a beautiful day. While I folded CDR picked some beets for tonights dinner( and also cleared out that old lettuce I mentioned earlier)

Here are the beets. Washed and ready to be peeled.They turn my hands bright pink!I love the look of them sliced...all the colorful rings.And these will be used in a Chicken Dish I'm making tonight.Of course I did a few other things today as well. Made the bed, did some dishes, etc etc. I even read for a while this morning...and of course hung out online......LOL

IN a bit I'll start tonight's dinner and then I'll have dishes to do and a kitchen to clean. And who knows what CDR and I will do later tonight...maybe go for a drive, or just hang out together on the front porch.

Update: So here I am getting ready to start dinner. I made a modified version of this recipe.
Although I didn't have any Apricot Preserves, but I did have some Orange Pineapple Marmalade with Mint and Carrots that I used instead. I also didn't have any Broth or Sherry, so I used wine instead. It turned out really great. I served it with some leftover Jasmine Rice from a few nights ago...and the beets of course.
Oh, and I chose to cook it on the stove rather than microwave the whole thing. I cooked the chicken with the Green Peppers and heated the 'sauce' in a separate small pot. When it was all pretty much done I mixed the sauce in with the chicken and let it simmer for a few minutes more.

Dishes were washed right after Dinner.

And for tonights entertainment we didn't go for a drive or relax on the porch( well ok I 'tried' to relax on the porch...but was interrupted every two minutes by CDR yelling 'Marrrrge") In my spare time I often get to 'help" CDR with the house rennovations. I get to hold up wallboard, Hand him screws, help him carry plywood....etc etc. Tonight was no exception.

Shopping Trip!

2009-07-09T10:57:00.002-04:00

So... yesterday I finally decided to venture into Green Bay....They have a Target and a Barnes & Noble....heaven!! It's a good 30 minute drive and due to contruction and detours I got lost and had to backtrack to find them.....Eventually I arrived at Barnes & Noble.....the selection was 'ok'...and I did manage to spend a bit there, but it was a little disappointing.....then on to Target ..took me a while to find it...and wow....TOTAL DISAPPOINTMENT!! They hardly had anything interesting.....thier clothing racks were pretty sparse...I figured by now( it's been a good month since I was last at a Target) there'd be all kinds of new stuff...and that there'd be all kinds of good stuff on clearance.....not really...even in the housewares department I wasn't able to find much that appealed to me....and that's REALLY shocking!!

Looks like I'll have more luck doing online shopping out here....Thank God for Online Shopping!

I'll have to venture out some more...who knows maybe I'll find some other cool shops....or maybe Milwaukee or Appleton will have better shopping?

PS. I did find some Cute Sandals(on clearance)...and a cute Skirt/Dress thing(smocked top...can be worn as a strapless dress or a long skirt)

Relaxing?

2009-06-28T18:03:00.003-04:00

Today's been spent "relaxing" in my new home....reading a book...surfing the net...puncuated about every 1o minutes with a "Maaarrgge"...or a "Ma-aaa-rge" or a "Margeeee"(I think he's realizing I'm getting sick of hearing it, so he tries to say it differently each time...as IF that will make it more palateable) coming from up the rickety(sp?) stairs.....where I then proceed to hold wallboard for a few secs while he screws it into the 2 by 4 framing.....then back down to try and read another Chapter or Post ..or maybe even get IN a quick Post of my own...LOL

I swear to God...I better be getting Thighs of Steel from all the stair climbing I've done today!

26 Years....

2009-06-25T15:39:00.002-04:00

...of Wedded Bliss! Today is the Mine and the Commander's 26th Wedding Anniversary....it's been a rocky marriage at times...but each year seems to bring more stability than the last.

I don't know...maybe we are finally growing up?
I have to say this last year has been a good one...then again we've been apart for more than half of it!! LOL