VWBug Classic. Always.

1.   I am looking forward to the gorgeous weather that's showing her lovely face. It will make everything so much brighter. God, I love summer.

2.  Something kind of embarassing that I still love anyway is I guess sometimes I'm embarrassed by watching and caring so much about Teen Mom 2. 

3.  My favorite car is VWBug Classic. Always.

4.  If I could pick one type of weather to live with for the rest of my life it would be 75 sunny with a few puffy clouds, and a slight breeze once and awhile. A thunderstorm once or twice a week. 

5.  My favorite thing to do after a bad/stressful day is a deep breath and good music to distract me. I love the idea of a Latte to distract me. A walk to. I'm so looking forward to just taking a walk tonight, no pressure to workout just a stroll.

6.  This weekend is full! 5k tomorrow morning, drive to GR, weekend with friends, visit Grandparents on the way home, and squeeze in some house cleaning when I get home.

7.  If I were a color, I'd be  orange because, bright, bold - you get it.

now you.

One Month & Counting

I've been scarce. No real reason, haven't even watch tv all week. crazy. I held a baby today it was lovely, as was he. Five years and counting.

One month and counting - So You Think You Can Dance. I crumped for Matt yesterday. He didn't appreciate it.

It was amusing. This is fantastic.

Courtney & Mark, two of my favorites. And Sonya's choreography. swooon.

Fill in The Blank Friday

 

1.   Fridays are the beginning of a weekend, full of possibilities and a relief after a long week.

2.   My sweet kitties, the lovely Matt, my wonderful family and finding calm and inspiration in every day life all make me terribly happy.

3.  Somethings that inspires me are beautiful blogs and images, sunshine, flowers, color and right now, anyone that is organized. I need more organization in my life. 

4.  I have the day off today and I slept in, did the McD's breakfast thing, got my car from my mum's, did a bit of blog reading and snuggling with Matt (he has the day off too for Good Friday, I took a vacation day) now I'm about to tackle my closets! Bringing in summer with all my spring/summer clothes and telling this cold weather to get lost by putting away most of my winter clothes. Then we'll probably do a bit of grocery shopping and maybe watch The Town or catch up on the DVR.

5.  If I had to put a label on my home decor style, I would say my style is eclectic vintage. It has to be cozy and colorful with a dash of what do they call it, whimsy.

6.  Concerning politics I would say I'm liberal.

7.  I'd like to go to Italy  so I could walk the streets, eat delicious foods, drink beautiful wines and soak in the people and vibrant colors. Sounds fantastic.

 

now you. 

 

Thought I might add a little senses bit each week... listen . Florence & the Machine see . two sweet kitties sleeping and three closets to be organized. smell . the coffee i'm about to pour. taste . the strawberries and raspberries i'm going to have for lunch. feel . my cold feet that i'm about to wrap in slippers.

this is my brain today, jumping

I keep thinking it's Friday, probably because I'm probably taking tomorrow off. woohoo! (bowling banquet = too much fun)

It's Maundy Thursday. I like that term. Maundy. I first came across it in The Girl Who Played with Fire which takes place over Easter weekend if I remember correctly. Only 245 days until the release of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo!!! Can't wait to see Rooney Mara as Lisbeth.

via

I think I need this. It would so help me keep track of my cash spendings! & charges. lists!

Money Receiptables - Handy Organizers by Knock Knock

Tomorrow I hope to clean and organize and purge my closets. With Matt moving in, well I suppose the boy's going to need some space. There will be lists.

so, so organized. but please not so pink.

i love you

Matt sent me a response to an email and the only appropriate response was...

awesome sauce.





When we first saw this (thanks my love to turning me onto [NBC] comedies, Community and Parks & Rec make my life that much more amusing. as do you.) we both burst out laughing. I believe there was high fiving.

a little bit of heaven

A sweet break for your Monday afternoon...

 Do you know what is about to happen?!

 Yes, chocolate chip cookies with OREO's in the middle.

And I didn't stop there, there are Reese's bites in there too. 

So freakin' good man!

It was so fun to bake them and so messy. I'm not sure how many we made but there five giant cookies left. And I probably ate at least three pre baking. eColi is no match for me and my love of cookie dough.

Photos via instagram, username katerees711.

I used the recipe right on the Nestle Chocolate Chip bag but here are a couple of others:
http://anxioussparrow.tumblr.com/post/4386389369/zaphal-afrightenedrabbit-oreo-stuffed
http://zulu-in-nl.blogspot.com/2011/03/give-me-strength.html
my original inspiration was a photo from tumblr... but neither of these.

It's link time friends.

 Wow, I would really love to recreate this in my backyard!
OFFICIAL CREDIT VIA oh, hello friend (image via pottery barn, thanks beth c!)

Having a bad day? You should ask yourself, what do you love about yourself? You'll probably be amazed with what you come up with. And if you don't come up with a few good things then email Lacy or me or maybe take Not that Kind of Girl's survey via Yes & Yes. You have the answers you just need to uncover them.

via

I love Shanna Murray's work. This one supports ShelterBox who provides assistance in Japan and other places in need.

The day before I read this post from Bleubird I made full-fledged Betty Crocker Banana Bread. I'd love to try her gluten free version. Another BB recipe.

Holy moly, I love this bag! from Ika Bags via Haute Whimsy

I love these Charcoal Drawings from little lady/lady bop. Thinking about getting a set for Matt and I. What do you think about including the cats too?! Yes, we're kind of those people. ;)

 
via 

love:
this special Birthday Book from A Cup of Jo.
these amazingly colorful shoes via The Dainty Squid.
me a colorful tight via Pugly Pixel.
Lacy's post about nightly pillow talk.
The Bright Side's colorful theme this month.
Alec Vanderbloom's photos, always.
the Before I Die wall.
love, love these twinkle lights via oh, hello friend.
Meg's wonderful reminder that changing locations isn't going to change who you are and basically every post she's posted for the past month.
more color from The Bright Side.
Lauren's (of Fill in the Blank Friday's) reflection on "losing" to "the Plan" and embracing life where it is now.
the colors in this post from SFgirl! 

Of course it wouldn't be a link love list (Lx3!) without a few from Heck Yeah Tying the Knot!

And others with link love.
http://www.puglypixel.com/2011/04/15 . http://daintysquid.blogspot.com/2011/04/ff-1001.html . http://brightbazaar.blogspot.com/2011/04/sundays-bright-links_17.html

I on a Gray Saturday

I'm glad the sun came out for just few minutes. I'm glad that we're getting some April Showers to bring May flowers, even though the weather is gray. I'm definitely feeling this way about our spring weather. I made it through 400 google reader items this afternoon. I probably spent way to much time there. I need to reevaluate what blogs I follow and why. I really, really do. I just heard Matt pull in the driveway from a trip to the grocery store. I think I will turn off the computer and spend some time with my love. I will probably be back with a giant link post tomorrow. I believe this will make you smile, adorable.

chew some gum man - FitBF

1.   My favorite daily responsibility is, really other than brushing my teeth and showering I'm pretty awful at daily responsibilities. I would love to have Lauren's, I love to have a tidy house but I'm struggling to learn the daily routine. My favorite chore is laundry. I love having everything clean on one day. 

2.  My least favorite daily responsibility is, I'm really not good at chores or daily responsibilities. This is something I'm learning to embrace. So let's go with all of them. Am I really a grown up? sheesh.

3.  My favorite cuisine to eat when going out is, dude, it's like picking a favorite star in the sky, burgers, Italian, steak fajitas, BLTs. I love good eats.

4.  My favorite cuisine to prepare at home is, well I love trying new recipes, but I love the standards too, but my favorite thing to cook, that I know I do well at, is probably spaghetti chopping the veggies, simmering the garlic, as long as remember to boil the water and cook the pasta. mmm.

5.  Andy Warhol said that everyone is famous for 15 minutes. My claim to fame is I was in the local newspaper once for inviting Representative Dave Camp to my elementary school. I also invited President Bill Clinton but he just sent me a form letter back. I've met a couple of celebrities, Nellie McKay being my proudest one. I've thought about this before but I'm totally drawing a blank now!

6.  If I could have 3 wishes I would wish for a maid apparently, for a comfortable financial situation (not that it's bad), to have more energy along with four-six more hours in the day.

7.  My biggest pet peeve is people that are constantly annoyed, it rubs off on me, and it's an attribute I don't find appealing in myself. I annoy myself when I am annoyed and it becomes a viscous cycle. Also, hawking up giant loogies in public. So gross. I really can't tolerate bad breath either. I visibly cringe... chew some gum man.


now you.

1/3 less excuses

I have a confession, I partially, finally posted about Train4Change yesterday because Rachel is doing a fun little challenge - 1/3 Less Excuses.

"Each challenge will last for two weeks, and I hope in those two weeks you’ll make those little changes that motivate you in all areas of your life."

The first challenge is Fitness related and you pledge to make 1/3 Less Excuses about skipping a workout or not pushing yourself enough in a workout.

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm seeing changes in my attitudes about working out and how I feel when doing so, but I'm still struggling to get there a consistent basis. This really couldn't come at a better time.

My entry:

Last week I didn't work out because... my feet hurt, I needed more sleep and I was a crabby bitch that didn't want to deal with my problems. The week before it was because I had a headache. In the past month I've chocked my excuses up to the weather good and bad, eating to much and to little and continually absurd, cop out excuses. As you can see I have no lack of excuses...but I'm participating in a triathlon, in 47 days. It's time to get serious. I'm supposed to train five days a week, but I've only been doing three. I pledge to hold myself accountable and only miss for a truly valid reason if one arises.

 I love the idea of tweeting the workout excuse that I would use if it weren't for the challenge. @RachelGettingIt and @Kraftsingles with the hash tag #BetterForYou (+ bonus entries!)

So really, go check out the Rachel's blog and give making 1/3 Less Excuses a try!

train4change

Meet most of my Train4Change Team. 

Train4Change is a group of eleven Delta College women preparing to run a the Seahorse Sprint Triathlon in Climax, MI (between Kzoo and Battle Creek) Memorial Day weekend. It’s a .5 mi swim, 12 mi bike, and 5k run. We have the honor and pleasure of training with Carla Murphy. She is a Delta College Lifelong Wellness Professor and ran the Louisville Ironman Triathlon last August.

We’re making Our Miles Mean More We by training and collecting change for the Delta College MyAlert fund for students in crisis. People can pledge miles or give a straight donation to the Train4Change fund. Many of us were not doing any or much physical activities before training started and have now completed almost or over 100 miles and ran the Bay City St Pat’s 5k. I like to think we’re not only collecting change but changing our lives.

Activity is not my default setting (can you tell, I barely pick my feet up off the ground ;). I always knew that I would need a real motivator to get myself into a workout routine that would last for the rest of my life.  I've tried joining gyms and taking classes, but I fell short on consistency. The last time I ran was at 14 for basketball. That was 11 years ago. So when I overheard there was a group starting to train for a triathlon I knew it was time to take the opportunity right in front of me and start changing my life. Now, I've jogged/walked/meandered a 5k, and in 47 days I'll be participating in a TRIATHLON. 


The team has kept me honest about my motivation, by no means am in the gym every day yet. I am there at least three-four times a week, and I'm learning to understand my goals and motivations more. I'm also learning to appreciate my body. I got on the treadmill last week, and it seemed to know what it was supposed to do - my body, not the treadmill. It still wasn't easy, but it wasn't so hard. 

47 days from now I'll be swimming, biking and running my way through a triathlon. Wow.

reality check: budget

I overspent, not just spent, enough to buy this plane ticket in March:

$571 RT flight from Saginaw to London (MBS-LHR) 

A freaking (pissing!) flight to London from my home airport. And actually, nearly two...That's alarming.

Why is it so hard for me to stick to a budget? I cheated in February and told myself I succeeded because most of what I overspent came out of my savings. In March I put everything in the total spent column until the very end of the month. A portion of what I spent did come out of savings but not nearly that much.

One of my goals for my twenty-fifth year was not to not spend outside of my budget and I'm definitely not succeeding. NOTE: I AM NOT IN DEBT EITHER. I HAVE ENOUGH MONEY IN MY SAVINGS TO SPEND AS I DO. It's frustrating when I consider myself a responsible, money conscious person and yet I overspend like this. I'm not saving like I should be considering I own a home and love to travel or that I want a comfortable retirement.

"We hate to break it to you, but your financial priorities aren’t last-minute concert tickets or weekend-long birthday celebrations. They’re a little more serious than that: your priorities are making sure that you have enough money to sustain you in an emergency situation, enough to fund your life in retirement, and enough to finance your dreams." http://www.learnvest.com/pages/article/LV-Top-5-Have-A-Savings-Plan

When I read this it makes so much sense. I know budgeting is important. So this month I'm pledging to make a budget and honestly stick to it. If it's not in the budget I WILL NOT BUY IT. This will decrease my regular spending to a third of what I have been spending. A definite adjustment.

I'm happy to say that when I told Matt about my plan he asked, "What can I do to help." I love that kid, he's such a great guy.

From my twentyfive before twentysix:

"8. make and actively stick to a budget, if it's not in the budget don't buy it, no more retrospective"

and 

9. buy toms

Seriously, that's what follows my be responsible grown up goal. follow a budget. Good, now buy something! sounds about right. so i'm actually going to use this as my goal.

If I stick to my budget, which will include the Tom's, I will purchase a pair at the beginning of May.

  

Classic Canvas

"TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about. The TOMS mission transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support." http://www.toms.com/our-movement/movement-one-for-one

I'm honestly excited to work towards this goal. Twelve days in and I am over half way to my budget. Money goes faaaast.

This is post 151, I was going to do a big hoopla but since I've been lagging in my posting I'm just saying hey, say hello if you would. I'd love to know who's reading.

omg. unbelievably cute.

http://dirtyprettything.tumblr.com/post/1487247771

"Whenever we go to bed, we hold hands. That way we talk a little, say good night and drift off holding hands. -- Yen, Front Studio and Lunch" via A Cup of Jo. I can't believe I waited this long to follow her blog.

I'm going to have to convince Matt to do this. It won't be that hard. <3

April Goals

There haven't been a lot of blog posts here, I'm missing it but... I feel out of it. I feel very unbalanced. I know that I am not actively working towards my goals for the year, month or 25before26 the way I thought I would. I knew this a month ago - a very long month - when I wrote it out as a goal. I'm frustrated. I've stopped tracking my training, my eats and it's probably why I didn't do FOUR goals for the FOURTH month yet. Gah. I don't want to whine, but I do want to get this frustration off my chest and writing it out seems like a great way.

Update: I started writing this on Friday and today, Monday, I'm feeling much more positive. It was probably the warm weekend and productivity in the yard and good times with loved ones. Whatever the reason, I'll take it. I feel refreshed and ready for this week!

But we're still going to go here... my sources of frustration:


working out sucks up my free time . I'm slow to get into the gym, slow on the treadmill, and slow to get dressed. It takes longer than it seems it should. When I work out once I get home I just want to sit and stare. So when I work 50 feet from the gym and get out of work at 4:30 it seems like I could get home by 6:30 not 7. What am I supposed to do when Green Friday's start and I don't get out until 5:30 not get home till 8?! Boo. Thank goodness for Wellness time.  I thought working out was supposed to give me more energy. I'm not there yet. I do feel the changes, and I need to focus on them.

not keeping my house tidy/lack of organization . When I get home I drop my stuff and sit instead of preparing for tomorrow. My laundry doesn't get completely finished on the weekends. I can't find my workout socks. It's not easy to step into the kitchen and cook. I worry that Matt gets frustrated by it. It's tidier than it has been, but not where I would like it to be.

cooking fewer yummy meals than I'd like. . see above, cluttered kitchen, boo. Also cooking is kind of overwhelming - picking a recipe, having all the ingredients, the time it takes and unsuccessful attempts. If I just take a breath, get the ingredients organized and read through a recipe before I start it's so satisfying!

time on my own . All the time I get to spend with my love is fantastic, don't get me wrong, but I sometimes wonder how much I'm missing the time I spend on my own. It's been about six weeks since our last day apart and I love it, I do. But I wonder if I'd feel more balanced with an evening to myself, one human heartbeat in the house. Matt and I talked about this Sunday, and I feel better getting it off my chest. I didn't want to blindside him with, well I really don't want to see you tonight, and he totally gets it. Thank goodness.

lack of balance . This all comes down to my word of the year, balance. I think I can do it all, if I balance it out - one or two recipes a week, one night alone once a week or every two weeks (or when needed), better time management of workouts and tidying the house each evening. It sounds so simple and this month I hope to consciously work towards these goals.

FOUR GOALS FOR THE FOURTH MONTH

ONE. Actively work to feel more balance, make a daily list of goals and must do's when needed.
TWO. Bringing this forward from March: KEEP IT TIDY/FINISH ORGANIZING/Get my home ready for Matt to move in!
THREE. Make and stick to an official budget.
FOUR. When there's sun, get some freakin' sun!/Get outside when it's over 50. 45? 


And how did I do in March? ONE. KEEP IT TIDY/FINISH ORGANIZING. Mediocre. TWO. MORE SPECIAL DATE NIGHTS. I'd like to think so. THREE. WORK ON/REEVALUATE/PRIORITIZE MY LISTS Not so good, will work on it more this month.


Check out: Elsie's post on finding time to have a life. 

Well this sure is a lot of words for a Monday... so here's a nice reminder.

 

cosmic

I love me some blanks

It feels like it's been weird week and needless to say I'm happy it's the weekend. I need to work on finding some balance...more on that in a later post. Whether we stay home and garden/clean/organize/veg and dance awfully with my family or head to GR and hang with my bestie and her hubs, this weekend is going to be great. And without further ado...

1.   Something that makes me a great friend is, I'll always be there for your and will always try to make you laugh.

2.  I am hungry and excited to eat the leftover curry in the fridge! Oh, and absurdly excited for 70 degree weather on Sunday but so afraid it's going to get away. 

3.  I am not good at staying on task unless it's something meaningless like vegging in front of the tv or filling out these blanks every week.

4.  If I had to describe myself in 3 words, they would be  loving, kind and funny.

5.  Something I'm really cheap about well, Redwood Creek Cab is $9 at Rite Aid I don't spend more than that unless I'm not paying. ;) And I know I love it. I did spend more than that when I bought a wine.com Groupon and I'm so afraid that I won't like them I won't try any of them.

6.  Something I'm willing to splurge on is food, I probably spend the most every month on food.

7.  I would trade my new shoes I've never worn and won't wear until next fall for an actual spring in a heartbeat.

now you.

A day without laughter is a day wasted.

1.   The best prank I ever pulled was well, I'm not a prank puller. I find most pranks obnoxious. I like reading the google April Fool's but that's about the extent of it.

2.  The best prank ever pulled on me was well, I have this memory of my Grandpa Rees playing a prank, but I don't remember what it was. 

3.  A day without  laughter is a day wasted.

4.  The most important things in life are the people you love, no doubt. Oh, and good food.

5.  I dream of owning a B & B/small shop/coffeeshop/wine/martini/beer/whisky bar, loving and laughing every day, having my own little family, and beautiful craftsman house and living life to the fullest.

6.  I dread failing, being lonely, losing, awkward conversations, the smell of diesel exhaust and other awful smells in general.

7.  A discovery I made this week was my body is learning how to run, it's adapting to what I'm doing and it's gotten easier. It's still hard, but it's miserable (sometimes).

now you. 

I'm soooo looking forward to this weekend, lots of fun plans ahead! The Pioneer Woman is doing an AMAZING giveaway and I got to list my plans. I'll share them here too:

tonight is a girl’s night with some friends; there’s garlic mayo and some bad (or fantastic) action movie in my future, then sleeping in (of course), breakfast with my love, mani-pedi for myself, ? shopping with my love to finish his anniversary present (??? hidden in case Matt reads), maybe a trip to visit my friends new addition to her fam, 10 day old Gavin (and her of course!), definitely a sushi date and source code or sucker punch, more sleeping/breakfast/lazin/snugglin/cooking, moving a absurdly heavy bar from my mom’s to my house for the basement, maybe one or two house projects, and all with lots of love and stolen kisses because we’re celebrating our 6month anniversary. such a good weekend ahead. 

Oh, and welcome to APRIL!