Desperate Times, Desperate Measures

I have decidedly resorted to desperate measures. But really, is it so weird that I've taped a picture of Jessica Simpson to my desk? After reading through the ever informative Us Weekly magazine I decided to pull a page from it to serve as inspiration. The picture is of the newly trim again Jessica Simpson (as if she was ever big). I have taped my inspiration up near my computer monitor so that I may be constantly reminded of my goal; LOSE THIS BABY WEIGHT! My hope is that having the slim, trim Jessica Simpson staring me down all day will make me less apt to bring snacks up from the kitchen.

I am headed in the right direction on the scale. I have been losing but not nearly as quickly as I'd like. My goal is to lose 15-20lbs over the next couple months. Secretly I'd love to lose 25-30 but I'm trying to maintain realistic goals so that it's not too overwhelming. I wish I could get back into running again. There was a time that I was running about 20 miles a week but that just seems way way way to ambitious. I'd be happy to be going for regular walks at the moment.

Last week over a lunch hour I made a quick trip to Steve & Barrys. Since I'm in transition with my weight I don't want to spend a lot on clothes but I do need a few wardrobe pick-me-ups to get me through the next month or two. If you have a Steve & Barrys nearby and are looking to pick up a few inexpensive pieces I suggest you check out Sarah Jessica Parkers 'Bitten' line. It's very inexpensive and I was able to find some stylish tops. I also found some flip-flops that are very similar to JCrew's but sooo cheap. They are having a sale right now 2 for $6! Word of advice though, they seem to run big, I bought 8's and should have gone with the 7's.

Here's a not so great picture of them.

This weekend we're going to spend some time out in the sun and handsome hubs and I are going out for a date night. Just dinner and a movie, just the two of us. We desperately need some adult time so I'm really looking forward to it. If I'm feeling inspired I think I might re-paint our front door and switch out the pots on either side of the door. I purchased two urns a few weeks back that would look nice. Just need to pick up some flowers from the nursery. Gosh though, it's been so hot here I'm wondering if there's anything left alive to choose from!

iPod download recommendations for the week: Hey Delialah, by the Plain White T's, The Boys of Summer (acoustic version) by The Eagles-Don Henley, and for more laid back fun in the sun don't forget Bob Marley's 'Stir it up' (nearly anything of his fits well)

Back at it....

I've missed you my blog friends! It has been far too long since I've posted but over the past week or two I have been trying to jump in and read your blogs. Everyone seems to be keeping quite busy with summer activities!

I started back to work on Monday after only 6 weeks off. I know I should feel fortunate to have even had that much time off but I'll admit it's a bit difficult. Legally I could have taken a full 12 wks but unfortunately it would have been 6 wks unpaid and with the addition of my dearest Delaney we really could not swing it right now. It's going to be an adjustment getting used to paying for 2 kids in daycare.

Oh my darlin' Delaney

Delaney (aka Baby Sissy, Laney and Laneybug) was 6 wks old Monday which is hard to believe. She has started smiling at us and cooing which has been so fun. She'll have her 2 mo check up in a couple weeks and I'm anxious to see how much she weighs now.
Big Brother Aidan is adjusting well to having Baby Sissy in the house and likes to give her pecks on the cheek.

Project Updates
My home office project has been at a bit of a standstill as adding the hardwood floor into the dining room, then finishing it as well as re-finishing the existing has been a huge undertaking.

Here is a 'before' shot of the dining room. This was after Handsome Hubby laid the new hardwood down but before it was finished. As you can see the room is not very large so when it was carpeted it really seemed to cut the room off since it was surrounded by hardwood in the entryway and kitchen. (Not sure what that little bubble in the upper right hand corner is but it's something goofy with my camera.)

Here it is nearly finished. If you look closely you'll see that we still have to re-add the quarter round trim to the baseboard and then touch up the molding with a fresh coat of semi-gloss white paint.

The table is an antique my mother bought for me. It was originally a walnut color which I generally like but I decided to paint it black. Since I just brought the table back with me on my little jaunt up to Iowa last week, I've not yet had time to find chairs for it.

Here's what I have in mind...

This is one of my faves. I like the texture, and the mix of black and browns. I've tried to intermix blacks and browns throughout my house and these have received great reviews. They're from Target and are only $79.99 a piece.

This chair is at Amazon.com and is also a steal. I like the distressed black and think it too would compliment the table.

I like this one as well however I'm a bit concerned it'd be too much black.

I'd love to get your input on which you think would look best!

In my next post I'll have to share pictures of our living room. We had new carpet installed and I think it's looking quite nice if I do say so myself. :) 'Til then happy hump day!!

***Update: Just noticed Head Hen from Runnin' the Roost asked in a comment earlier what I do for living that allows me to work from home. I'm a Project Manager and fortunately due to the nature of my postion I am able to work full time from my home office. I wake up everyday feeling so fortunate for my job and being able to work from home.***

I'm still alive!

Hello all! So sorry for the lack of updates. The past 2 weeks have been crazy around here. Lot's of projects plus a trip up to Iowa to see family has taken my attention temporarily away from my blog. I go back to work this Monday (boo hiss!) so I will be back on my computer more often and will start posting again.

I'll have a lot of pictures to share with you all! Until then take care!

Home Office Projects

As I mentioned in my post yesterday, I've been working on a few home office projects and was finally able to take a couple pictures yesterday.

This is the clipboard project that I talked about doing awhile back. I've got two more that I need to hang somewhere but I love how these turned out. I purposefully used contrasting patterns for a bright pop but tied them all together using the same ribbon across the top and bottom. I plan to clip notes and/or pictures to them. (For instructions on how to make these clipboards please see my post from April 30th.)

This is the bulletin board that I orginally posted 'how to' instructions and pictures of on March 13th. I had since decided I wanted some brighter and when I stumbled upon this fun green print at Walmart of all places I knew that's what I wanted. I love apple green color accented with black and I added the polka dot ribbon to trim it out.

I've worked on a few other little projects for the office as well that I'll have to share later. I'm anxious to add my new desk but I hate to even mention it to Handsome Hubby since he's in the middle of the big hardwood floor project. I'll take some pictures of that project to share with you too. He has finished laying down the hardwood in the dining room, next step is to rent a big sander to sand it and the rest of the hardwood. Final step will be staining. Still trying to decide how to maneuver that with the kids.

Nothing too exciting planned again this weekend. It's gorgeous out so we'll probably be outside alot. Likely we'll have a few beers and visit with the neighbors tonight. Tomorrow night we're planning to go over to some friends house for a BBQ. Other then that, not much else officially planned. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

So sorry for the lack of posts as of late! It's been a whirlwind here made especially so by the fact that Big Brother has been home with me this week. His daycare provider is down in Mexico on vacation likely basking in the sun as I type. How envious I am!

I can't believe it but Baby Sissy is already over 3 weeks old now! She's growing like a weed and is more and more alert each day. The sad thing is that means I'm already halfway through my maternity leave. I'm only taking 6 weeks and have to return to the ol' grind on June 25th.

Last week a received the most adorable monogrammed burp cloth made by none other then the lovely Workin' that Preppy. If you've not checked out her blog you must! She owns a monogramming business and is currently in the process of setting up a shop on Etsy. I can't wait for her to get it up and running and I will be sure to let you all know when she does. Not only is she super talented but she is kind and thoughtful. What a pleasant surprise to receive this gift from her! Stay tuned for an update when her shop opens and in the meanwhile check out her blog to see some of the fabulous items she makes!

Good news on the camera front! I unexpectedly had a visit from the much loved FedEx man a few days ago. Canon fixed my camera and returned it to me in just over a week and at no cost! I can't even believe it! I'm wondering if perhaps instead of doing a recall on the camera due to all the issues with the LCD screens if they are just repairing them at no cost if they receive them into the service center.
I'm so happy to have it back and am ready to start snapping pictures!

My home office continues to slowly evolve. I've got a couple projects in the works and will post about them soon. Found this picture at Ballard Designs that would look just perfect in my office! Don't you just love the colors?!

Project pictures to come soon!