Neat Stuff Friday | 4

Currently
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Happy first day of fall!

It's been perfectly fall-ish here this week, with some rain and cool weather, and today it's sunny and cool and a Friday, so win-win-win if you ask me :)

I'm hoping some good progress can be made this weekend on the house. Dane will be working on our front entry and my job for the weekend will be stripping the interior doors for the house. They are vintage five-panel doors from the early 1900s and luckily they only seem to have one layer of paint on them! But in the interest of having a better finished product, I'm going to strip them down and re-paint them.

I'm looking forward to enjoying some more outside time this weekend and soaking in the perfect weather. And maybe finalizing my exterior paint color as well! Now, onto that neat stuff I came across this week.

NEAT STUFF

  1. Did you catch our anniversary post this year? I found a very cool spot to have a romantic picnic for our date!
  2. Apparently there's a rumor that instagram is going to be changing it's layout from a three photo grid. Does that bother you, or are you like, meh?
  3. I have a growing pile of clothes that need some minor adjustments, including some jeans that need hemmed. I found this tutorial and I think it'll be just what I need!
  4. If you're not following my fall board on pinterest, you really should be ;) it just makes me so happy, and if you love fall as much as me, you might find some good inspiration there!
  5. This post is making me really want to do pine boards for our flooring. I have been tossing the idea around for a while, and that color is just so close to what I'm picturing for our house!
  6. I've been seeing this rug around being layered under a front entry rug. So cute! And pretty inexpensive too :)
Alright, I hope you all have a fantastic first weekend of fall! Thanks for stopping by!

Thankful...

Etsy

Is it just me, or does it seem like November has just flown by??

It seems like Christmas is around the corner, but it's nice to take a minute and think about all of the things I'm thankful for as we come up to this holiday weekend.

I'm thankful for my sweet, caring husband, a roof over our heads, family (and vehicles to take us to visit!), friends, and that most of those close to us have good health and happiness! I know that we are very, very blessed.

And thank you to each and every one of you who take the time to read my little ol' blog and support my little business. I really and truly appreciate it!

I hope you all have a very wonderful Thanksgiving, and a great weekend to follow! Eat tons of food, take long naps, and have a safe and happy time shopping too, if that's what you end up doing :)

We will be spending time with all of our family this weekend, and so I won't be around too much. If you want to, you can catch me over on Instagram for the next week. There's a pretty big chance I'll be sharing some sweet deals for stuff in the shop ;)

And don't forget, if you want to order anything, use the code THANKFUL15 from Friday through Monday to get free shipping on everything in the shop.

Again, I hope everyone has a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by!

Our 7 Year Anniversary Weekend

Anniversary

It's well into October, but I forgot to mention that last month we celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary!

<3 <3 <3

I can't believe it's been that long already. I still remember when we started dating like it was yesterday! But, seven great years it has been, and I can't wait for the many more to come. Every day I know I am so blessed to have the amazing husband I do, and I still consider myself the luckiest girl in the world!

This year we decided to spend a night away, but not too far away. We drove about an hour-ish from where we live to Idaho City. It's a cute, tiny little town that has been described as a living ghost town! It is full of so much history, and at one point in it's gold rush hey-day, it was bigger than Portland! (though you wouldn't know it now).

There are a lot of very cool historic buildings there, and we had a great time walking around the town and looking at them.



For the evening, we went to a hot springs that has been built into a spa and resort, and we spent the night in an adorable little cabin!


As those of you who have been following this blog for a while know, I love to do special things for our anniversary weekends, and this definitely fit the bill!

And if you're ever in the Boise area (or if you live here already) I definitely recommend taking the drive up to Idaho City and checking it out!

It's Our Anniversary Again!

Anniversary
Well, actually yesterday was.

But I feel like I haven't really blogged much since I wrote about our last anniversary!

This year marks six years since we've been married. We've had our bumps along the road,like everyone does, but we all know that bumps just make you stronger.

I love planning fun things for us to do, and I love to go all out. It works really well, because there's not much I enjoy more than planning an event (whether it's a party, vacation, or date night), and watching an idea unfold is almost as exciting to me as the actual occasion!




This year, I wanted to do a picnic, even though that's similar to what we did last year. This time though, I wanted to go somewhere special, instead of staying at home.

Since our move to Idaho, we have loved spending time in Boise. One thing that we haven't gotten to do yet though, was hike in the foothills. I decided to find the spot with the best views, and go there to have a picnic, so off to Tablerock we went!




I managed to keep it a surprise until we got to the trail head, and we had a bunch of goodies packed in back packs to take up the hill.

Now, I figure that I'm in pretty decent shape. I work out and go to the gym pretty regularly, and I didn't think the hill would be any big deal. Oh, so it takes most people an hour to climb to the top? Pshhh, well we would probably do it in 45 minutes, tops!

Hahaha!

Let's just say, that trail knocked me down a couple pegs....




Anyway, after about an hour (and a whole lot of stops for rest), we made it to the top. Right in time to catch the sunset! The views were stunning, and it was definitely worth the climb.




Yes, this is his annoyed face, in case you were wondering ;) he doesn't like pictures


After we watched the sun go down, with all of the other sunset chasers and their cameras, we found a quieter spot nearby and set up our picnic. I went with all the works! Italian themed, sandwiches, chocolate, strawberries, candles...you get the gist.

And we watched as it got darker and darker, and the lights of Boise glowed brighter and brighter.




It was such a nice, relaxing dinner, even if it took so much work to get there! It's definitely somewhere we would like to go again.

I would recommend it to anyone, because you really can't beat the view. One bit of advice though: if you're coming down after dark, like we were, don't forget to bring a flashlight that works! It's a challenging trek when you can't see where you're going. Ooops!




Now, I'm going to continue to lay around and rest my sore muscles, because the gym is going to come too soon! Enjoy this last evening of the weekend!

Sunday Currently: Volume 21

Currently
Good morning all! How was your Fourth of July weekend?

We had a great time, and my best friend Kayla came over to see me! We went swimming, bought giant sparklers, and spent a day at the coast. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend our weekend!













|Currently|


Reading  I bought an Us magazine, which I never do, and that has been the most enthralling reading I've done all week! There was a time in my life when I never thought that I would become that girl who only reads magazines (and loves celeb gossip a little too much). I'm not sure exactly when that happened, but I suppose I'm not in too much of a hurry to change it at the moment.
Writing  Obviously I didn't write much last week! Life just gets busy, and I was so silly to think that it would slow down this summer. But with our friends here, I've been getting some material for future posts!
Listening  I've had All the Little Lights by Passenger on repeat all week. I always do that. I find something I love, and I just listen to it until I can't hardly stand it anymore! I am absolutely loving this album though. I think I have something for those Brit singers! (ie, Mumford & Sons, Ed Sheeran, and Passenger types, not One Direction types, ha!)
Thinking  About how stinking tired I am this morning! We have been staying up way too late this weekend, and my dog has woken us up early with his barking every. Single. Morning. Usually it's around seven or so, but he really out did himself today, and started in at six.
Smelling  Outside. Probably one of my favorite things of summer is having the house opened up at night, and that amazing fresh smell that comes in in the mornings.
Wishing  For our friends to have a safe drive home today!
Hoping  To eat perfectly today. I am so sluggish and bloated after these last few days, and I could really use a clean eating day.
Loving  Side braids. I've had my hair in one so many times this week! I think I've finally perfected it (for me) and it's been a great way to do my dirty hair when it's driving me nuts.
Wanting  My coffee. Like right now! I'm going to meet my best friend for coffee this morning before she leaves town, but man, I could use some of that right at this moment I think.
Feeling  Bittersweet. We had such a fun weekend, but my best friend is leaving and that always makes me a little sad. I will be seeing her again in about a month though, so I can't be too sad I suppose!
Clicking  Not much at all. I've been browsing a lot of facebook and pinterest, and that is about it.

As usual, I'm linking up with Lauren :)

Sunday Currently: Volume 20

Currently

Summer weekends really are the best sometimes. 

The heat really rolled in around here (as with most places, I'm sure) so while it has made for some sweaty, muggy days, it also makes for the perfect opportunity to go to the river!

Yesterday I got to spend the day hanging out with a really good friend (who I don't see often enough!) and just relax by the river. It was so nice and relaxing, even though we got pushed out of our first spot by a couple who seemed to think that bare and au natural was the way to be! Ha! Thankfully, it was only the woman who wanted to skinny dip, and the guy kept his shorts on!

After we found a better, more private spot, things were better. You just can't beat getting too much sun your tan on, swimming, and chatting with one of your best friends! 




These pictures are actually from a few weeks ago, when I went with my sisters, but it was the exact same spot, so I figured I could use them! (Because I'm a bad blogger who took 0 pictures yesterday)


|Currently|


Reading  I still haven't started reading anything different. I need to go find something new, but I kid you not, it is impossible for me to check something out from the library and not have it be two months over due! So, maybe for now I'll stick to magazines and internet articles.
Writing  Not a whole lot. I've got a couple of ideas for posts this week, and last week I did a ton of brainstorming! I've got some good prompt ideas, so now I just need to choose the ones I like best and go for it.
Listening  I've been listening to a lot of Spotify lately, and even though they didn't have it, I was able to search (or buy, in a couple cases) for songs and make a playlist of a movie soundtrack I loved. It's from The Romantics, starring Katy Holmes, Josh Duhamel, and Anna Paquin. I liked the movie, but it got terrible reviews, so I'm not sure that I would recommend it for that reason. The soundtrack, however, was awesome! So I would try to look it up if I were you.
Thinking  About doing my first ever hair tutorial! Not that I really have to best equipment or anything, but I just discovered an amazing way to do my hair and I would love to share it with you guys! It's so great (and easy), I think it's probably going to be my new summer hair-do!
Smelling  Nothing, but that reminds me that I need to go make my coffee!
Wishing  For some extra motivation this week to get some serious deep cleaning done around my house. It needs it so badly, and I'm trying to prepare for a yard sale in a few weeks. We have way, way too much stuff, and a good chunk of it is going sayonara!
Hoping  For another fun afternoon with friends today. I'm not sure if I could handle another river day, because I got a bit sun burnt yesterday, but volleyball or disc golf sound like good items for the agenda today!
Loving  Well, summer mostly. I have a hard time being happy in whatever season I'm in (except when it's fall) so I'm trying to really enjoy it. Especially since we're only technically a week in, and it would do me no good to be wishing for fall to be here already!
Wanting  To go make my coffee. I need to get my breakfast done and over with, so I can take my little spaz Handsome on his walk!
Feeling  Happy, and sore. I've changed up my workout routine lately, and now I'm lifting weights! It seems to be working, because after one week I already feel stronger, and I have been so sore that it hurts to move, ha! No pain, no gain I guess.
Clicking  Nothing is really coming much to mind. I've been searching for a lot of lifting tips, and I've been on Pinterest a lot! But that's all that' really coming to mind. I haven't been keeping up with other blogs very well lately, and I should try to do that more this week.

As usual, I'm linking up with Lauren :)

Sunday Currently: Volume 19

Cleaning
|Currently|


Reading  I haven't started anything new, but I did finish The Lost Wife last week. It was a really good book, but I almost didn't enjoy it, because it was so sad! It's a holocaust story, so obviously I wasn't expecting a happy story, but there is just so much grief permeating the whole book, that it was almost too much. Or at least too much for me to have read it as fast as I did! Still, though, I would recommend it, because it was a very good and touching story.
Writing  I wrote a couple of posts about our vacation, here and here, with a third to come! I've also been doing some brainstorming, so there should be some more new stuff in the works here soon.
Listening  She & Him, Volume 3. I love this album so much! It has such a summer feel, and maybe it's just because that retro sound always sounds summery to me! Either way, it's great and I've been listening to it a lot lately.
Thinking  About our plans today. We're doing a group belated birthday/Father's Day barbecue with Dane's family today. One problem I discovered with celebrating Father's Day late, is that if you didn't buy your card on time, you can't buy one at all! They are all gone! Drat.
Smelling  That wonderful, amazing, morning smell. I think you all know what I'm referring to. Yep, coffee!
Wishing  That I had been able to go to sleep earlier last night. I'm tired, and running behind this morning (surprise, surprise). I hope I can get my sleep habits under control, because since I don't have a summer job, I'm going to have to give myself some structure to my days. I don't have the will power to get out of bed at a decent time, if I consistently fall asleep after eleven!
Hoping  To create a new housekeeping schedule this week. I used to have one, and it worked really well! There was a period of time that housework was never an issue as long as I mostly followed the schedule, but that went by the wayside a long time ago, and it's been a struggle ever since. So, once I get things running more smoothly on a day to day basis, I can get to some much needed deep cleaning and organizing!
Loving  That I'm (mostly) getting back to my better eating habits. Our trip really took a toll on me, but after just one day of being home, and not eating out, I noticed a difference in how much better I was feeling. Now, hopefully I'll be able to drop those vacation pounds soon!
Wanting  To get a mani/pedi. My finger nails have been neglected a lot lately, and my toe nail polish is chipping. I should get gel polish, because that stuff lasts forever!
Feeling  Happy to be back in my own home, even though I had a blast on vacation! There's always a certain relief in coming home and getting back into the usual routines.
Clicking  Not a whole lot. I read some of the funny tweets about baby North West,  even though, for the record, I don't mind the name! It's just unfortunate that it was paired with west, ha! And I have been doing a lot of reading a research on weight lifting. This weeks starts my lifting program, and I found so much good information from the blog Girls Gone Strong. If you are interested in using some heavier weights, I totally recommend checking out their site!

Now, currently I should be in the shower, so off I go!
Linking up with Lauren :)

Sunday Currently: Volume 18

Currently

We are currently on our first vacation of the summer! It's a work/vacay trip, but it's been super fun so far. We've spent some time at the beach, bought some cheap produce, and rode a roller coaster! Right now we're set up in our nicest hotel of the trip, in the suite that Dane's work put us up in. This place has complimentary cocktails and snacks for two hours every evening!

Anyway, here's a few pics of our trip so far, there will be a lot more to come!

Dane and I on the beach!

Beach in Marina, CA


Farm stand fun :)

|Currently|


Reading  I just started reading The Lost Wife, by Alyson Richman. I picked it up today from Bookstore Santa Cruz, and it's really good so far! It's about a Jewish couple, newly wed, separated during WWII. I think it's going to be a very good read! 
Writing  Nothing really, but I will have lots of time to myself the next couple of days to write about our trip so far!
Listening  The air conditioner. We don't have anything else running at the moment. Dane is messing with his tech-y stuff at the moment, and I'm on mine. So, there's pretty much silence. Except, we were just discussing the flushing options on the toilet, ha!
Thinking  About what I'm going to do the next couple of days. I'm thinking pretty much just being lazy.
Smelling  That hotel smell. Has anyone else noticed that most hotels smell the same? And also, our complimentary bag of popcorn!
Wishing  That I hadn't ate that popcorn, ha! I haven't been doing my workouts the last few days, and coupled with all the eating out we've been doing, means that I'm feeling super bloated.
Hoping  To eat a little better tomorrow, and that Dane wants to head down to the pool soon.
Loving  Summer vacations, and companies that put their employees up in super nice hotels, ha!
Wanting  To head down to that pool, so time to wrap this thing up.
Feeling  Pretty fantastic!
Clicking  Nothing really. Facebook and Google maps have pretty much been it.

I hope you all had a very happy Father's Day!
Linking up with Lauren :)

Sunday Currently: Volume 17

Blogging
I'm baaaack....

But for reals, I'm sorry everybody! Things have just been crazy around here, and it has been weeks (!) since I've been around!

A few weeks ago, I started working a lot of hours, and it just zapped me completely. I was so wore out in the evening, that all I felt like doing was sitting in front of my netflix! Then I got sick. So that bogged me down even more. Then I had to get ready for a camping trip, and my family came to town! So, obviously, the last month or so has been absolutely crazy!

And not only have I been a terrible blogger in terms of writing...but I also didn't take hardly any pictures of all of the fun things I've been doing!

I went on a camping trip.

It was Dane's twenty-eighth birthday!

I went to the coast with my family.

I've had a few of my sisters staying with me for a couple of weeks!

And I have no pictures......

Well, mostly no pictures. The other day, we did go swimming in the most beautiful river, and I was smart enough to bring my camera for that!

Still, though. Bad blogger! Bad!

Anyways, I've missed this little space of mine, and I'm happy to be back! I hope I won't be missing quite as much around here lately, since I'm pretty much on summer break. And here are a few of those pictures that I took from our river jaunt last Friday.




Sandy toes


My sissies


The clearest river




|Currently|


Reading  Nothing much lately. I kind of forgot about Gatsby, then we went and saw the movie anyway! I may still finish it though, we'll see. 
Writing  Well, obviously nothing! Hopefully I'll be better about that from now on.
Listening  To the quiet. My sisters are out at the moment, and Dane just went to bed. I'm writing this way too late, and bed is where I'm headed next.
Thinking  About how tired I am, and all of the stuff I'm going to do this week. I've got another pretty busy week ahead!
Smelling  Summer air. I've got the windows opened up, and the ceiling fans on.
Wishing  That I had thought to write this out earlier in the day! It's getting late, and The Office is calling my name, ha!
Hoping  To stick to my healthy eating this week. I'll fill you in on why pretty soon! Plus, I've got an update on my eating/work out plan as well!
Loving  Summer time! Technically it isn't even summer yet, but it feels like it around here. I've already gotten in camping, swimming, the beach, and lots of volley ball!
Wanting  To get all caught up on blogging stuff this week. Ads, emails, comments, and new posts! Pretty much everything I've been neglecting lately.
Needing  To wrap this up and go hit the hay!
Feeling  Pretty good! Sun burnt, but good.
Clicking  Not a lot, but I did just read this interesting article about growing up as trust fund baby. Then, of course, I've been keeping up with The Daily Tay! 

Happy to be linking up with the fabulous Lauren again!

Also, I just wanted to give a quick shout out to all of my new followers from the bloglovin' hop! I'm so excited to have you all here, and I will be getting back to you're comments soon! Thanks so, so much for following along!


Sunday Currently: Volume 16

Currently


|Currently|


Reading  I'm still reading on the Great Gatsby. I haven't gotten too far, but I'm hoping to get it done soon, because we want to go see it for Dane's birthday! 
Writing  SPretty much nothing! I slacked off so bad last week, and even now I'm writing this on Sunday evening, instead of in the morning like I usually do. I need to get some posts drafted so I have them ready for the week. I'm going to be just as busy in the coming up days, as I was last week!
Listening  To my dog barking. He's driving me up the wall today, just barking at everything!
Thinking  About all of the things I should be doing tonight, and everything I need to get done this week. But after I write this, Dane and I are going to watch The Office on Netflix instead, ha!
Smelling  Fresh air from having the windows open~
Wishing  That I had been more on top of my blogging lately. I really, really don't like that I slacked off so bad on the BEDM challenge!
Hoping  To get a new bed frame this week, before my family comes over. I have two sets of mattresses on top of one frame, and that will definitely not work! We've had our new mattress for a while, we just haven't gotten around to buying a frame. Nothing like waiting until the last minute!
Loving  Ice! I've been eating a lot of ice, and drinking a lot of ice water lately. Maybe I'm low on iron? I don't know, but I've been enjoying it.
Wanting  To get all caught up on my laundry tomorrow, so I don't have to worry about it for the rest of the week! I'm tired of being so behind on it.
Needing  To eat some food. I've been snacking on almonds, but I don't think they're cutting it. I'm wanting something a little more substantial!
Feeling  Good, but a little tired. Pretty much my usual, but that's a-ok with me.
Clicking  Not on much. I've been super busy, and nothing's standing out. Still the occasional Pinterest spree, and that's about it. 

Linking up with Lauren :)


Happies and Crappies Friday #13

Exercise

The Vintage Modern Wife: Happies and Crappies Link Up


Happies
  1. I've gotten back into working out lately, and I'm feeling great! I really needed to get myself moving again, and after these last couple of weeks, I'm to be happy seeing those results again.
  2. I've been working so, so much! I love staying busy like this, and I actually don't feel like I'm behind on things! (besides blogging, but I'll get to that) I'm so glad that I love my job as much as I do, because I don't think I could be this happy about  all the time I spend there otherwise. 
  3. Dane finished his school term this week, so he's going to have some more time on his hands for the next few months! I'm excited, and I know he is too. It's been a busy, packed, and stressful spring for him!
  4. Handsome has been behaving really well lately. He's still having some issues with jumping up on us, but overall, he's improving a lot! This is great, because we're taking him camping in a week! He's always surprised me with how well he does camping, even when he was a puppy, so I'm not too worried about it though.

Crappies
  1. Well, obviously the biggest crappy for this week is the fact that I seemed to have fallen off the face of the earth! Between work, and trying to keep up with chores, I just have been way too tired to write! I'm way behind on the BEDM challenge, and I haven't posted since Sunday! Blogger fail! These next few weeks will be just as busy though, so I need to figure out a system that still lets me fit in my blogging.
  2. The Office ended! I'm watching the last episode as I write this right now, and I think I might cry! I love this show, and this finale is a doozy! It just makes me so sad when something that has been around for so long is going away. I guess that just means it's time to start watching re-runs on Netflix!

Well, I hope to start catching up a little bit around here, and to not let myself fall so far behind again! This was the longest I've gone without writing in months, and I'm not a fan. 

I hope you all have a fantastic Friday, and a great weekend!

Happies and Crappies Friday #12

Handsome

The Vintage Modern Wife: Happies and Crappies Link Up
Whoo! After writing this heavy post, I'm glad to be focusing on the positive things going on in my week!

Happies
  1. I got to get my grill on this week! Last summer, I didn't grill. Not one. Single. Time. I know, what a disgrace, right? Well, this year, I'm making up for it! I've already grilled twice in the last three nights! Let me tell you, it is one super tasty treat!
  2. I know I always gush about how nice our weather has been lately, but seriously. It's like summer already! We've been in the 80s for most of the last couple of weeks, and it has been so nice. I've been doing a lot more stuff outside, and I feel like it's really helping my mood!
  3. This weekend is Cinco de Mayo! I'm going to get my Mexican food on, and I am beyond excited!
  4. I've been working on some projects lately, and things are looking good! I might have some things to share with you by next week, if things go well. I love when I can start on something, and get it finished in a reasonable amount of time. It makes me feel very accomplished!

Crappies
  1. The other night, my dog peed all over my screen door (while the other one was open). It was all over my rug, my floor, and Dane's shoes! Then, tonight he destroyed a pair of my flip flops. To say he's pushing my buttons lately is an understatement!
  2. I have blisters all over my hands from doing yard work this week. I love getting things done, but I hate the after effects! I think maybe I need to invest in a good pair of gloves!

Well, it's been another good week, with more good than bad! Usually now, I would say goodbye until Sunday, but since I'm doing the Blog Everyday in May challenge, I will be back tomorrow! 

I hope you all have a great Friday, thanks for stopping by :)

Sunday Currently: Volume 13

Currently

Before I get into my "currently," I would like to take a moment to tell you about a very special person in my life. You see, today is the day that we celebrate the day she entered this world, twenty-three years ago. I'm talking about my most absolute, best friend ever, Kayla!

We have literally been friends my whole entire life. Her name is in my baby book as "baby's best friend." We grew up together, having sleep-overs, getting into trouble, and being tomboys. That evolved into boys, break-ups and navigating high school together, before finally walking together on our graduation day. We were each other's maids-of-honor, and we've helped each other through some of the hardest things that, unfortunately, we both had to go through in this life. Through the good times, and bad, we have always been there for one another, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

I miss her like crazy (as much as I miss my parents and sisters), and she's the person who will probably never stop asking me when I'm moving home! I don't know a lot of people who can say that they share this kind of bond with somebody, but let me tell you, it is very special!

So, (since I know you're reading this Kayla!) I hope today is the best birthday ever, and I can't wait until the next time I see you! Have a totally fantastic day!




High-school, 2007


Graduation party, 2008



Summer, 2008


My wedding, 2008


Kayla's bridal shower, 2011


Fun. concert, summer 2012


Spring, 2013



|Currently|

Reading  Ugh. I may have to get rid of this option too. I still haven't even cracked open Pride and Prejudice, and it's due back to the library in a couple of days! All I've been reading are some blogs, and I'm even way behind on those! What can I say? I guess I've just been being a total slacker in the reading department lately.
Writing  I've been trying to work on getting some drafts done, and I've been writing a lot of emails! I'm trying to grow and expand my blog, and the best way I know how to do that is to connect with other bloggers. So far, it's kind of slow, but I'm optimistic that things will pick up.
Listening  Mat Kearney! Just some nice, easy listening (but still fun), music. Just what I like to listen to on sunny, relaxing weekends!
Thinking  About trying my hand at a sewing project soon. I found a dress that I am absolutely in love with, but there's just a couple of problems with it. 1) It's a designer dress, so out of my price range, and 2) I don't even think it's available anymore, even if I could afford it! So, after looking around at similar patterns, I think I may have found a couple that I could alter a little to make them work. We'll see though, sewing is not really my friend, and I have zero patience for it. But I really want that dress, so that may be enough motivation for me!
Smelling  Fresh, spring air! I can't believe that this gorgeous weather has stuck around as long as it has! I keep expecting a rainstorm to blow through, but so far the sun is holding out. That means my windows are open all the time, and I'm loving it!
Wishing  The diet root beer I wanted in a two liter hadn't been sold out the other night. I had to buy a twelve pack! I usually don't drink much soda, and I don't like to keep it in the house, because I can't stay out of it! I'm feeling a bit bloated, because yesterday I went a little overboard. Maybe I'll just stick to water today.
Hoping  To get a few things done around the house today, to get a head start on my week. It's going to be a busy one, and I'm (of course) wishing I had taken more advantage of all the time I had off last week. Oh well.
Loving  My husband! He works so hard all the time, between school and work and projects around the house. Yesterday he worked in the yard all afternoon, and then had school exam to do too! Today he will be back at it again. I need to always remember to tell him how much I appreciate him, and all that he does!
Wanting  To finish up some yard work today. I'm fighting that never ending battle with weeds, but I think I'm making a dent. Yesterday was spent doing some clearing, and today I'll be back at it, so hopefully I get the area done that I started.
Needing  To buy bandaids! I am all out, and digging out all of those weeds left me with blisters all over my hands! I knew I would regret not buying any the other day, when I saw them at the store.
Feeling  A bit sleepy. I always stay up too late these days, it seems, and never for a good reason either! So I guess I'd better get my coffee now, and get moving so I can shake this grogginess.
Clicking  On Pinterest a lot these last couple of days. I've been finding a lot of really good blogging information, and that keeps me glued to the computer for a while! I've also been browsing a little on someecards. Some of those are so good! It makes me wish I could come up with some of the witty, hilarious things that people put on them.


Happy Sunday everybody!

Linking up with Lauren :) 


P.S.- Don't forget to check out and enter my Smile Bright giveaway, and I also started doing ad swaps! You can look at the sponsor tab at the top of this post, or click here to see details.


Sunday Currently: Volume 12

Currently
Hey, I'm actually wearing real clothes as I write this today!


Gotta love crappy selfies in dirty mirrors! Dress (old) from Romy. Pretty much my favorite store.


|Currently|

Reading  I still haven't started reading Pride and Prejudice yet! I'm being a total slacker on the reading front. Meanwhile, it's due back at the library in just a couple of weeks. I'm not sure that I'm going to make it. 
Writing  I haven't done much for writing lately either. I even skipped my Happies and Crappies link up on Friday! I've been so busy lately that I haven't had a lot of time to devote to writing. And any time that I have had has gone towards playing around with graphics editing. You guys, I think I might have a problem!
Listening  To my washing machine run, and to some Vanessa Carlton on Spotify. I love her song "Carousel," from Rabbits on the Run, and I just set it as my ring tone on my new phone! (Yes, we found a loophole! We were able to get new phones for cheap, while still holding onto our renewal option on our plan! Can I get a "what, what!")
Thinking  That even though I have had a blast working these last few weeks, I'm happy to be getting a little break. I will have a chance to get caught up on some cleaning, play with my puppy some more, and go visit my grandparents! It should be a good week.
Smelling  Nothing at the moment. My house smell I guess? Which, honestly, isn't too great at the moment, ha! I should open up all my windows, because it is absolutely gorgeous outside today!
Wishing  Dinner would make itself. But it won't, so I need to go get it done. I have been planning on making burgers for days now, and it just hasn't happened, so I'm off to do that as soon as this is posted!
Hoping  To hold onto this feeling of peace and contentment that I have today. Sundays tend to be good for me, and I wish I could keep this feeling around all week long! It's something I'm definitely going to work on.
Loving  This fantastic weather we've been having. We had our fair share of rain these last few weeks, but the sun is out and it looks like it's here to stay for a while. Our forecast is showing eighty by Wednesday, and I'm so excited! I may even have to start laying out in my yard, and get my tan on.
Wanting  To eat! I'm hungry, so I need to wrap this up.
Needing  Nothing. Today is a good day, and all I need is to soak it up!
Feeling  Well, to summarize, happy, peaceful, fantastic, and hungry! I guess I should remember to save some of how I'm feeling for this last one, ha!
Clicking  On so many things. One thing I loved from earlier in the week was this post by Kristen at All in my Twenties. I loved her take on the whole SAHM struggle. I also just read this article this morning from Hello Giggles. I thought it was such an interesting topic, especially for me, because I feel like I am kind of in the middle of that whole situation right now. I'm married, but I don't have kids, so where does that put me with my friends who are in different stages of life than me? Good food for thought!

I hope you all have a great week, and of course I'm linking up with Lauren! 


P.S.- What do you all think of the (second) new look?

Sunday Currently: Volume 11

Currently

Oh yeah, check out that number, I'm a runner!


After the race, with my complimentary water bottle.


Well, yesterday was my race! I got under my goal, which was to run it in 36 minutes or less. My time was 35:19! So not too shabby for not really pushing my limits during my training. I had fun, even if it did feel like a step down from the ten mile I ran last year.
Oh, and I was also late getting to the race, in case you were wondering. 
Classic Amy! Ha!


|Currently|

Reading  I haven't started reading anything new since I finished Wildwood, but next on my list is Pride and Prejudice, because I don't think I've ever read it. It's one I think I tried reading a couple of times, but I just couldn't get into it. I have it from the library, and I've already renewed it once without ever even picking it up, so I need to get on it! Then, since the movie is coming out, I'm going to re-read The Great Gatsby! 
Writing  I got several new posts up last week that had been in draft form forever, and now I'm working on a few more! I'm really excited, because I felt like I had started to lose motivation for a while there, but it's nice to have it back. In case you're interested, and you haven't read them already, I posted about Dane's and my love story, and a funny (and embarrassing) story of one of our anniversaries!
Listening  Nothing at the moment. Usually I have some music going, but I guess I just didn't think about it today. Actually, scratch all that, I just turned on Yiruma! If you are in the mood for some beautiful, and relaxing piano music, go for him. Right now I'm listening to his album First Love, and I also threw in the song "Kiss the Rain," off his album From the Yellow Room.
Thinking  That I should put away the laundry on my couch! This load has been totally kicking my rear, but overall things have evened out a bit around here. I finally feel like I got things back together after being gone on my trip!
Smelling  My coffee of course. No surprise there! Best part of my morning usually.
Wishing  Cell phone plans weren't so expensive. We have been up for renewal for quite a while, but we never went and renewed, thinking maybe we would wait until we could upgrade to smart phones. Well, it's been decided that won't happen, for a while anyways, but our timing couldn't be worse! In an attempt to get people switched to smart phones, the phone company has requested our carrier up the prices of non-smart phones. So no good deals for us, if we want to stay with normal cell phones! And hubby's phone is on the fritz.... Blast!
Hoping  To come up with a good workout schedule to stick to, now that my 5k training is over! I have a general idea, and I want to stick with the days on/days off schedule I have already. I just don't want to fall into my usual trap of "taking a break," right after my race, and having that break turn into nine months!
Loving  That we had a fun get together with some of my mom's family last night. We see most of them on a fairly regular basis, but it's been a while since we were all together at once for something. It was one of my cousin's birthdays, and we were invited over for tacos! Mexican food is just about one of my favorites, so it was delicious! And it got me thinking, Cinco de Mayo is only a couple weeks away! That is one holiday I love celebrating, because of all the good food! Sometimes I'll go all out and make a really fancy, full dinner, and once we even had some friends over for it. This year, though, I think I want to go out, because it's been a while since I've gotten to go to my favorite Mexican restaurant.
Wanting  To start getting back into yoga again. My work schedule this week works out well with my gym's class schedule, so I should have no excuse for not going tomorrow! It's been a really long time since I've gone, and I'm ready to change that.
Needing  A shower. I've got third day dirty hair, and I look like a hot mess this morning!
Feeling  Like this weekend was a good one, and it's not even over! I love weekends like this, and I hope we do something fun today, even though we don't have any plans yet.
Clicking  On this video. You've probably seen it, and if you watch the show Nashville, you'll know exactly who they are. These little girls are so talented, and it's no wonder with such talented parents!

Linking up with Lauren! 

Happies and Crappies Friday #10

Exercise
Wow! Ten weeks of Happies and Crappies! This seems like a lot you guys (even though the link up itself is older), and I'm having so much fun with it. It's nice to know I can look back on the proof that all my weeks are more happy that crappy. Sometimes we just need that extra perspective!


The Vintage Modern Wife: Happies and Crappies Link Up


Happies

  1. I woke up to sunshine this morning, and in my opinion, there is just nothing better than a beautiful, sunny Friday! Gets my weekend started off on the right foot. 
  2. People are starting to notice that I've lost weight! It takes a little while after I start noticing before other people do too, but it's such a nice boost to hear it when they do. It gives me some extra motivation!
  3. Like I mentioned on Wednesday, I got a really great opportunity! Now, I will tell you that it is a product review, but I won't tell you what for. I'm super excited about it though, and like I said, it may or may not be coming with my very first giveaway. So keep an eye out for that, because it will be coming soon!
  4. I discovered that I pretty much rock at SuperMario Kart for the Wii! Ok, well maybe I don't completely rock, but I did get the most points out of the group (the group being me, Dane, and a friend of ours). It was a lot of fun, and it was a nice middle-of-the-week breather. It's not very often these days that we hang out with friends during the week, and I would like to change that.
  5. Pear Blossom is tomorrow! (That would be my race) I'm excited, but it starts at seven in the morning, so I have to be up early! It will be good though, and I'm hoping that I get a decent time. (And by decent, I mean I hope I beat the walkers, that's how slow I am!)

Crappies

  1. My hair is needing a trim in a bad way! I have so many split ends, that it's not even funny. But, being the over spender that I am, I spent my extra money for the month already. And yes, I know we're not even quite half way through! So, I will either have to do a trade (which I probably could because my friend does my hair) or I will have to wait until next month. Hello two weeks of buns! 
  2. Before my 5k tomorrow (!) I have to go get registered today. To do this, I need a postcard that they mail to me, and I usually get it a few days before registration day. Well, last night it dawned on me that I haven't gotten it yet! I'm waiting to check my mail before I go, and I'm hoping I get it today. This is the fourth year in a row I've ran in one of this festival's races, and there hasn't ever been a problem, so hopefully it isn't too big of a pain.
  3. Right now, I still haven't worked out, or showered, or done anything I needed to this morning, and I still have to take my honey his lunch before I drive several towns over to get my race registration packet. So I probably should go, and wish you all a very happy weekend! 

Sunday Currently: Volume 10

Books

One of my all time favorite pictures.  The Butchart Gardens, 2008


Reading  Nothing at the moment. A couple magazines, and a few blog posts. But I did finally finish Wildwood! I'm just going to ignore the fact that it took me over a month. Oh, and my friend Molly finished it before me, so since we were having a little competition, you can expect to see a guest post from her soon!
Writing  Not much. This week has been so busy, I didn't get much done for posts. I have some things that have been in the works for a while, and they just need some finishing touches. Hopefully these next couple of weeks will be better, and I'll start getting some of them posted!
Listening  I've talked about him before, but I've been listening to a lot of Ed Sheeran lately. I just love his album +! I usually listen to it about once a day, or more. I've also been listening to some hymns, both singing and piano covers. Some days, those are just what I need to hear.
Thinking  Too much. I have a bad habit of letting my mind get away from me sometimes, and it's not too great. I'm trying to do better though, and to keep my thoughts on the positive things, not the negative.
Smelling  Nothing. My nose is plugged up again! I guess it's just one of those years. Hopefully this is the last time I get it though, because by the fifth time, I'm over it.
Wishing  That the sun would come out! It's been a bit dreary lately, but I suppose that's what spring is all about. At least everything is turning extra green!
Hoping  That it won't be too rainy next weekend. That's when my 5k race is! It starts at seven in the morning, so that will be a little rough, since it's a half hour's drive away in the first place. I'm excited though, and it should be fun.
Loving  That I finally bought some hydrangea bushes, after several years of saying that I would. I just go slow like that I guess. I was going to plant them this weekend, but I did some research and read that you should plant them after the threat of frost. Well, we are having at least three nights this week with mid to low thirty degree temps! So, I will be waiting at least a couple weeks before putting them in the ground.
Wanting  Like the last time I wrote one of these, I really want to start using my camera more. It's just a little point and shoot, but I would like to learn some of the tweaks and tips you can use to take better photos, instead of just always shooting on auto. I just need to take the time to sit down and do it. I would love to get a better camera someday, but I know it won't happen for a while, so I need to just make do with the one that I have!
Needing  To get back on track with my eating. Last week I had a couple of not so great days, and one really, really bad day that I paid for by being sick all day yesterday! Wow, that was a lot of use of the word "day." Anyway, I feel like I'm learning a lesson in moderation, so hopefully I can just get back on track.
Feeling  Pretty busy, a little stressed, and honestly kind of anxious these days. For those of you that deal with anxiety too, you know what I'm talking about. I'm feeling optimistic though, and I know better than to let it get me down!
Clicking  On several things. I've been on Pinterest a lot lately, and that's been fun! I also loved this post by Dana, over at The Wonder Forest. It really inspires me to get some lawn work/landscaping done! And then there's good old Netflix! We've been loving that season five of Mad Men is finally available. The only bummer is finishing them, and having to wait a whole other year for season six! So, we're trying not to burn through them too quickly.

Linking up this morning with Lauren!

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