New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Years, everyone!

Did anyone do anything fun for the New Year?

It's time again to make resolutions, but before I do, I want to reflect on how well I did from last year's resolutions.

You can find the original post here.



1. I will fit into my old wedding dress.
Done! I tried it on a month ago, and I even had spare room! Would it be weird to ever have my old wedding dress altered? Haha....

2. Complete my first ever half marathon with my mom and family.

Never even tried. I think it was a combination of being too busy and not being fit enough. During the past year, however, I have doubled my stamina, so maybe I'll give it a whirl this year.

3. Learn how to sew.
Nope. Still never learned. However, I do have a sewing machine now. I just have to find the time...

4. Be proficient at using my new Cricut.
I'm now a pro.   ;)

5. And lastly, but most importantly to me, maintain (or heighten!) my 3.5 GPA.
I brought it up to a 3.658. I feel so proud of myself for keeping that resolution.

My 2011 Resolutions

1. Complete a marathon with my family. Do you think I'll make it this year? I hope so!

2. Potty train Hailey. I'm really getting tired of changing diapers. So is my wallet...

3. Get my LPN license. I will be able to become a Licensed Practical Nurse after a year into my degree.

4. Visit family more often. I see my husband's family quite often, but I don't get to see my side much at all. My family is huge (one grandma had 10 children, the other had 5), and I know it's impossible to stay in touch with everyone, but it would still be nice to see the family that is around the area.

5. Learn to sew. Maybe. Hopefully. I really wish that I had my craft room set up.

I can't wait to see what the new year brings!

What are some of your New Year's Resolutions??

I would love to hear them!

Happy Thanksgiving

I was in a food coma today.

It was awesome.

=D

(Photos are from my "Pre-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving.)

What I am thankful for this year:

*My family's health. It's been a rough year for many members of our families, but everyone is still here with us today, and for that I am truly thankful.

*The opportunity for my husband and me to continue our education. It's been a tough road, but I know it will be worth it in the end!

*My kids. My kids are great. My 5 year old is one of the top students in his class. My daughter knows the entire alphabet at 2 1/2 years old. My 10 year old shows more morals and appreciation than many of his peers. We are great parents, even though we were young when we had them.  ;)

*My forever-friends. This year has brought a lot of harsh realities to me. I have almost successfully weeded out the toxic friendships in my life. My supportive friendships mean so much to me. I never wanted to have sisters, but I'd imagine that some of my friendships are just as strong, if not more.

*My marriage. I know that he will be making me laugh every single day until the day I die (whether it be with him or at him). He grounds me. Sometimes I can be too serious, and he reminds me to just laugh.

*My Followers. I can't even begin to describe how important you all are to me. You make me feel important. You encourage me to better my home, my cooking....well...my life in general. Without you, I doubt I would have the motivation to accomplish as much as I have. You give me advice. You pick me up when others have beaten me down. Thank you SO much for everything!

Tell me what you are most thankful for. I'd love to hear it!

10 Projects in 10 Days Recap

It was really hard for me to power through this 10-in-10 challenge.

It seems like my boss knew I was going to have a life outside of work. More hours.

It seems like my professors knew, also. Harder exams.

BUT I don't think I did too poorly.

Let's recap:

1. Winterize the outside.

I got about half done. The cushions to the expensive Lloyd's wicker set are brought in and washed. The wicker still has to come down, though. We still haven't had a freeze here, but I shouldn't wait until it's too late.

I'll give myself 5% on this. (1/2 credit, lol)

2. Winterize the indoors.

Ick. I still haven't done it. Well....actually, I did fix our furnace's humidifier. They help make you feel warmer with the thermostat set lower.

Other than that.....nadda. No film on the windows yet. In the next few weeks I'm getting my entire house winterized. We are getting insulation in our attic and the living room addition. A new energy efficient door is being put on the kitchen. A bunch of windows are getting storm windows as well. One window is being replaced. (Our attic insulation is ceiling tiles! The old owners thought that would be adequate insulation....)

So maybe after the company comes over to do all that, I will put up the film.

I'll give myself 2% for the humidifier though.

3. Finish my Christmas wish list.

Done! Yay! I usually do a post about my Christmas list, but I'll put that up closer to Christmas. My in-laws just wanted to start Christmas shopping early, so I had to make up a list early.

10% (full credit! yay!)

4. Buy the kids' Halloween costumes.

Done!

Hailey's going as Snow White. She is OBSESSED with the Disney Princesses.

 

John is going as Mario.



Will originally wanted to be a crash test dummy. We couldn't find that at all. We ended up getting Chucky.

10%

5. Make a Halloween treat.

Done!

To check out how these are made, click here.

10% completed!

6. Clean both vehicles.

Done! Mine's getting pretty bad again, but that's because my van is the "family car." It gets dirty pretty fast. At one point, though, both the truck and van were sparkling clean!

10% completed

7. Sign the kids up for swimming lessons.

I'm still debating on whether or not to put Hailey in swimming lessons. I don't really think there's much more that a lifeguard can teach a baby that I wouldn't be able to. Just a waste of money, in my opinion. The boys, however, and all signed up and ready to go on November 2nd.

Not only that, but we are all signed up for a month family membership.

I love the YMCA. Hailey and I are actually going for a swim in about 2 hours =D

But now I'm sitting with two gym memberships....haha.

10% completed.

Can I give myself extra credit for the family membership? Just kidding ;)

8. Cut the trim for the insides of the kitchen cabinets.

Ooops. Completely forgot about that one. I didn't even buy the trim. Oh well.

0% completed

9. Finish taking the glue of the stairs.

I tried doing this every...single...day. Though I definitely made progress, it's still far from done.

I'll give myself 5% on that one.

10. Book a mother/daughter salon appointment.

Done! I booked two Express manicures and pedicures. That's the one where they do the works to you, haha. I couldn't get side-by-side ones until November 24th, though. It's going to be great having some mother-daughter time. They are so few are far between.   <3

10%

Let's tally that up......

72% completed.

Oh well.

I got more done than if I wouldn't have challenged myself, however.

So I think it was a success!

Thank you to Jenn for hosting this party!

10 in 10

Jenn, over at MX Momma, is doing 10 projects in 10 days.

It's a great way to get the motivation to get stuff done in your house.

She has provided a link-up, so you can start your own 10 in 10 and share it with the world!

Here's my 10 day list:

1. Winterize the outside (covering patio furniture, turning pots and birdbaths upside down, etc.)

2. Winterize the indoors (plastic on the windows)

3. Finish my Christmas wish list.

4. Buy the kids' Halloween costumes.

5. Make a Halloween treat.

6. Clean both vehicles

7. Sign the kids up for swimming lessons.

8. Cut trim for insides of kitchen cabinets

9. Finish taking glue off basement stairs.

10. Book salon appointments for my mother and me. (Certificates for massages/pedicures to use).

I'm actually going to be working on #9 a little bit every day, because there is no way that I can get the glue off in one day.

I think the 10 in 10 starts tomorrow, so start cheering for me!

Are you inspired to start a list now?

Vote For Your Favorite Wall Color

Okay ladies, I need your help picking out a paint color for the kitchen.

If you are not a Follower to my blog, you can still vote on your favorite wall color. I value everyone's opinions!

I know these seem to be soooo similar to each other, but I just can't make the final decision.

Green Sprout

Herbal Wash

Lemon Verbena

Olive Grove

So what do you think??

You can vote for your favorite color at the top of the page.

I really, really, really need your help on this!

Thanks a ton!

What Are Friends For?

I'm a crazy Type A.

I've known this.

Yesterday, I had a lunch date with my best girl, K-lee. Afterwards, she came over with her little man, Landen.

I set up the sprinkler for the kids, then started picking up the yard.

K-lee proceded to park two swivel rockers under the shade.

"Sit and relax for once." -K-lee

"But it's so beautiful out! It's a perfect day to get stuff done!" -Me

"Yeah, it's a perfect day out to do nothing." -K-lee

So we sat in the shade chatting, watching our kids run through the sprinkler. We did this for hours.

I admit, it felt great to do nothing!

That's why K-lee is my best girl. She grounds me.

On another note, you guys are being so patient with me about showing this living room!

I'm still waiting for my Ebay box.

I bought new lamps from Younkers.

Unfortunately, they don't have a picture of them on their site, so I can't show you the lamps!

And I need to fix my topiaries.

My daughter thought it was a good idea to peel off all the moss.

So I'm going to redo it and make it a bit more baby-durable.

A Surprise Feature

I was just scrolling through today's posts of blogs that I follow, when I randomly saw a picture of my bathroom closet!

I didn't link up to her or anything! She saw my project on The DIY Showoff, and thought it was great! So she also linked up to it!
Then another website featured me and linked up to Someday Crafts (the website is Craft Crave)
Check out the original post here.
Check out The DIY Showoff feature here.
Check out the Someday Crafts feature here.
Check out the Craft Crave feature here.

Wow, that's such a wonderful surprise! I'm really glad I'm a follower of her website or I wouldn't have known about that feature! Haha!


You know you're an addicted DIYer when:
-you receive lumber for Mother's Day and you're STOKED!
-you cleaned out the hardware store of not one, but two, different dimensions of lumber.
-you run down a store associate to 1. ask if they have any more lumber hiding somewhere. 2. give them your # so that they can call you immediately when it arrives.
-you see 10 store associates and at least 5 of them ask what project you are up to now.
-the stock boys will start loading your truck for you while you're still paying, because they know what you drive without even asking.
-you have a bonfire with friends all night long, and the fire is completely going from your scrap wood pile. At the end of the night, you still have 75% of your scrap wood pile.

There are worse things to be addicted to.
;)

2010 Birthday Wishlist

It's that time of year again. One year older, one year wiser, one year closer to wrinkles (haha).

So I need to make my annual birthday wishlist.

What I Have My Eyes On

----------------------------

1. BHG Entertainment Center

Most affordable entertainment centers don't fit large flat screens. I like entertainment centers, my husband likes large flat screens. It's been a big debate in our house. We almost died when we saw this in Madison.

(He's at the moment off "picking out" my birthday present. He loves me!)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Entertainment-Center-Hutch/11072950

2. Pfaltzgraff Country Cupboard dishes (and any of it's accessories!)

I had a heart attack when I saw this come off the shipping truck. Glazed white with distressed brown accents. Did I die and go to heaven? It's more affordable as the 16 piece set. (My dishes ARE getting pretty bad. So this isn't a whim purchuse.)

http://www.younkers.com/product/home/dining+%26+entertaining/casual+dinnerware/place+settings+%26+sets/pfaltzgraff+country+cupboard+4pc+dinnerware+set.do

3. A garlic press

Don't ask me why I don't have one. Apparently I enjoy doing everything the hard way, haha.

http://www.younkers.com/product/home/kitchen/cooks+tools/gadgets+%26+specialty/oxo+good+grips+garlic+press.do

4. A chocolate duvet cover

We have an awesome down alternative comforter, but it needs a cover. I still haven't found "the one."

5. A large storage coffee table

I love this one from WG&R (from Ashley's furniture, but WG&R also carries it)

6. A new rabbit.

Mine busted.

http://www.younkers.com/product/home/dining+%26+entertaining/barware/bar+tools/metrokane+rabbit+corkscrew+black.do

7. A wire basket

I want it for my early birthday present (the entertainment center)

Actually, I don't really like this one from Pottery Barn. I would rather have an actual vintage wire basket.

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/wire-basket-handles/?pkey=cbaskets

8.  Six Ruff Hewn Chargers.

They would bring a little country to my formal/modern dining room. I love eclectic <3

http://www.younkers.com/product/home/dining+%26+entertaining/casual+dinnerware/exclusive+brands/ruff+hewn+round+charger.do?keyword=charger&sortby=newArrivals&thumbby=36

9. Paula Deen Stockpot

I would LOVE to make chicken noodle soup in this!

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Paula-Deen-12-Quart-Stockpot-Red/11015389

10. A clean house
*Hint hint* Hubby ;)

Coming up...

Sorry again, guys, for my lack of projects. I'm juggling a lot right now.

BUT I do want to let you in on what will be going on here at Superwoman.

1. A new video tuturial. You want to check it out if you have OOCD (Organizational Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) like me. It's simple, fast, and easy.

2. A "31 Days to..." series. It's not decorating or home-improvement related. I'm using it as a filler for the days that I don't post any projects. That means there may be two posts in a day. You'll want to be around for it!

3. A VERY late V-day project. Hey, I can store it for next year!

4. Highlights of the gayla I will be attending (and maybe a video of "the 303 dance party" lol.)

5. St. Patty's Day decor. (and my b-day!)

6. And of course, random extras that I like to throw in. (Maybe another giveaway?)

I Wish....

Is anyone else in love with this sunroom?

(sigh) I wish I had a farmhouse...

Photo Cred

Things to look forward to:

-table skirt (and hopfully my first video post!)

-one last valentines project before the big day!

-highlight's of William's 10th birthday bash

-and of course, odds and ends.

Island Centerpieces

(sigh)... I can't tell you how much I love having my island functioning as an actual island.
If you missed my kitchen transformation, check it out here:

I'm a centerpiece freak. My coffee table and dining room table must always have a centerpiece on it. Actually, so does my piano...my patio table, my patio coffee table, my bistro table....you get the idea, right?

So with the island in the middle of my kitchen, it gave me a great opportunity to fiddle with different ways to accent it.

You could try a bowl of fruit...

Or a vase of fresh cut flowers...

A cake dome has a way of making even box brownies look good...

For a more permanent fix, you could go with a simple plant...

Or set the mood with a candle centerpiece...

So what do you do for centerpieces??

Etiquette For Gift Giving

With hectic Black Friday (the biggest shopping day of the year) coming up, I see it fitting to give a little etiquette lesson to anyone buying gifts for people, especially on that day. I've acquired little bits of information from my job, mistakes as a gift giver, and from receiving gifts. This is what I know:

1. Always give a gift receipt. Always!
Even if the person specifically asked for the item you are purchasing, so you know they want it, get a gift receipt. They may have already purchased it for themselves, or someone else may have. No one wants duplicates.

2. If they made a registry, use it!
Nothing is more frustrating than knowing that all the time you've spent making a registry was useless. The recipient will get double of things they didn't want in the first place. I've seen many an angry bride from this one! I registered for some power tools for my wedding. Yep! A lot of people were critical of me for it, but I HAD most of the servingware I needed! Thank you to my two cousins for sticking to my registry! You guys are awesome!

3. Just because you like something, doesn't mean someone else will!
Though it's cute, I hate watching elderly ladies bring up ugly Christmas sweaters for their teenage daughters. Yes, it would look cute on you, but your granddaughter's friends will make fun of her for wearing it. Don't embarrass her!

4. If you re-gift, make sure the original gift giver doesn't find out!
Re-gift in a different friend or family circle. Of course, if you have the original gift receipt, all the better!

5. If someone gives you specific details for a gift list, don't take artistic freedom with it.
Oh man, I've got tons of funny stories on this one, but I won't go into details. Basically, listen for brands, models, colors, etc. If someone takes the time to list specifics, then it must be important. Pay attention to them!

6. Don't make fun of what someone wants for a gift (or call it stupid).
Not only is it rude and tacky, but there's a decent chance that the person wanting the gift will find out and broadcast your tackiness all over the internet. Haha, this one's for me =)

7. Always get a card.
We all know that kids don't really care about the cards, but some parents keep them. I've kept all my kids cards from their 1st birthdays, baptisms, baby showers, etc. It may help them remember loved ones that have passed.

8. Try, try, try to be punctual!
Nothing says "I don't care" more than a late gift. Did you forget?

9. Gift cards are ONLY for extended family or distant friends.
My uncle gave me a gift card for Menards once. Can you imagine how giddy I was? It was like letting a kid loose in a candy store. I loved it!
Now if my mom would have done the same....not so much.
Your mom doesn't want a gift card to Younkers on her birthday, she wants you to have a mother/daughter or mother/son shopping day at Younkers. Be classy, people!

10. And lastly, if someone returns a gift, don't get upset.
Maybe you didn't follow these rules, maybe they just didn't need it. Yes, there could be a chance that the outfit you picked out is hideous to them. So what? Get over it, because it's the thought and love that count, right?


I hope this aids everyone with such a wonderful holiday (and shopping event!) coming up. And remember: Be kind to the store associates!!

31 Days to a Better Dressed Nest Chronicles

I was recently participating in Nesting Place's "31 Days to a Better Dressed Nest"

Click on the button above to check it out.

Anyways, here are my chronicles:

Day 1: Give something away

I had originally put this coffee table on Craigslist, but it wasn't selling, so my husband brought it to school for the Student Union.

Day 2: Move Something

I rearranged tons of plants around. I don't know if I'm sold, but it's okay for right now.

Day 3: Using Plants

Again, I have tons of plants. 28 to be exact. I love the feeling of fresh air inside my home. The only problem is, I only have 1 of those plants upstairs. I think it would just be a pain in the ass to have to haul a watering can up there. Maybe someday. Day 4: Surprise

There's lots of fun little things going on in my house. I numbered my stairs (yes, unlucky 13), I have Figment the Disney dragon hanging out on my plant stand, an old car bank hanging out by another plant....etc.

Day 5: Paint Something

I've been painting tons of things lately, but I can't actually tell you what they are right now. I haven't revealed the staircase or the other BIG REVEAL, so you'll have to wait. Just trust me that I did it.

Day 6: Decorate Bookshelves

I was happy to do this one. My bookshelves are always utilitarian. It's nice to dress them up.

Day 7: Get Advice

I asked for advice on my dining room archways. Still waiting for any ideas!

Day 8: Define the Space

This one is fun. She asked everyone to list the words that they want their house to be defined as.

Welcoming

Cozy
Warm
Fun
Bright
Surprising

Inspirational
Personal

I'm working on getting my kitchen brighter.

Day 9: List Something On Craigslist

What haven't I listed? I got rid of a highchair, swing, filtration system, mop, etc.

Day 10: Focus on the Focal Point

I don't know if the focal point is the big window, or the big frames above it. Maybe I should get rid of the big frames. I don't know, everyone seems to like it. But my "focal point" still needs work.

Day 11: Incorporate architecture

I have faux wainscoting in both my bathrooms to give a little visual interest. I'm also planning on adding some fun architecture to a part of my kitchen cabinets and to the crown moulding in my dining room. Stick around for that!

Day 12:Gender Balancing

My husband shouldn't be forced to sleep in a girly room. It's blue with some chocolate stripes. The bed is chocolate. All manly colors. It's very contemporary. But there are some feminine touches, like the lace around my kids' baby pictures, the sheer scarf window treatment...

Day 13: Tablescape

Make your tables look pretty. Well, if it's practical. My dining room table is always dressed with linens. I'm a freak, I know. But this day's work was concentrating on the console table. Do you like?

Day 14: Maximise seating

I'm not going to show you every seat in my house, but I'll list them.

Living room-9

Kitchen-1

Dining room-6

Basement- 6

Upstairs total- 4

Mudroom-1

outside total-35 (yeah, I like to entertain)

Day 15: Light it Up

I can't tell you about this one. Only that it's part of the BIG REVEAL, and that this is my favorite part of it.

Day 16: Introduce your favorite color

Okay, I don't know if this is a fair one.My favorite color is red, but I would hate it in my house. Too contemporary. I like in in clothes, cars, sheds,y you name it. But not in my house. I cringe at the thought of red on the walls (excepts in kids' rooms!) or, could you imagine, furniture. Bleck!

I like blues, browns, creams, greens, natural colors in the home. Okay, my kitchen may be orange, but not "in your face" orange.

Day 17: Shop the House

My favorite hobby! Let's see...I found a cool dish in a box in the basement that was my husband's grandmother's. I have linens around the house that were also in that box. And some decorative plates...

Day 18: Don't Be Hatin'
I got these awesome canisters from my mother-in-law (that she made!) for my kitchen. I love them! But then I also received the matching casserole dish. I know it would never be used, I have my favorite casserole dishes already.

It was donated.

Day 19: Freshen up a Forgotten Space

Oooo....another one I can't show you. It's the BIG REVEAL. A lonely, forgotten space that I should have done something with a long time ago. I can't wait to show you!

Day 20: Fill in the Blanks

I love little blank spaces. Like the one above my patio door that I filled with frames, or a cute little nook above my daughter's chair rail that I felt a cute little black bird should go.

Day 21: Layer It
I love layering things. Like my shelf in my mudroom.

Day 22: Fix Something Broken

I already fixed the knobs on my entertainment center and installed a new lock on my kitchen door, but here's the list of things that still need to be done:

New door handle for the patio door. It's barely working.

The selves that are missing the support rods on the entertainment center and my microwave stand.

Day 23: Group It
My favorite grouping: our Japanese teacups given to my husband by his grandpa from the war. Okay, the top shelf I actually got at an auction, but everything below is from the war.

Day 24: Incorporate Fabric

I have fabric everywhere: blanket baskets, throw pillows, 1,000 kitchen towels, linens ALWAYS on my table (a table always looks better dressed!), area rugs, etc.

Day 25: Set Goals

I always have a daily to-do list made. It's one of my favorite things to do in the morning. It helps to keep me on track. But here's my secret weapon: my big black book! It's a drawing that I use to glue pictures of things that I want to do in my house. It's one of my favorite hobbies.

Day 26: Put a Frame On It

Where aren't there frames in my house? Really? Every room has at least one frame, including the bathrooms.

Day 27: Drapery Check

Okay, my scarves aren't touching the floor. If they are scarves, the should touch. Valances are okay in the kitchen. But look at these curtains in my living room! They are left over from the old owners. I haven't gotten around to replacing these hideous monstrosities. I've been going between scarves in a heavy fabric (like 2-3 per window so that they touch the floor) or do formal drapes. Any suggestions?

Day 28: Up & Out

Oh my gosh! I didn't even know I was committing crimes when I read this one! Your drapes should be up and out far enough so that it barely covers the actual window. Look at the before and after of this hallway curtain. Much better, right?

Day 29: Proportion and Relation

I used to have a huge old window above this small console table. I replaced it with this gorgeous mirror about a year ago. Other than that, I don't have portion control problems in my house. I've learned my lesson!

Day 30: Rescue Something

I rescue tons on things from my parents as well as my husband's. Here are some rescued objects.

Day 31: Incorporate the Season

I'm not much for decorating for the seasons. I'm too lazy to keep taking things out of boxes and boxing up others. Too much work. But I do have pumpkins from the kids, and I love having pine cones in this dish.

Wow, that's a lot! It was a fun, productive month for me! Thank you The Nester for having such fun ideas! And thanks for forcing me to make my house a "better dressed nest."