It's been too long

The hubs and I took a little staycation from everything. I've been working so much and often on the weekends so we finally decided to give ourselves a break and take some time off together during the week. It was sooo nice.

Day 1: We were just so happy to sleep in and have enough time to exercise and have a great breakfast. We decided it would be Bella day and we did everything she loves. Off we went to a local park for a walk and picnic. The weather was great.

I was so inspired by a recent Giada show to pack up a nice picnic so we carried along a small bag pack and sat here for lunch.

Making time to exercise

Lately it's been so hard to find time for gym. I work late, Bella needs a walk, trying to finish another house project, friends coming over..... it's just hard to fit in. So I decided to try my luck at some fitness videos.

I used to be fitness trainer and do some nutritional counseling but I'm bored with the same old thing. I went from heavy weight training.... to classes.... to yoga.... then bikram yoga....then pilates. I loved them all!

Now we have a schedule of classes at our house! Mr. Terrific even participates sometimes.

Monday - Pilates
Tuesday - 30 Day Shred + run

Wednesday - Step with Cathe

Thursday - Jillian Michael's - Banish the Fat

Friday - Biggest Loser Cardio Sculpt

Saturday - Jillian Micheal's - No More Trouble Zones

Sunday - Long hike and weight training

Next project?

Our kitchen is pretty much done. I've struggled to find the right island lighting but still haven't found anything I love. I have some ideas in mind but it would require some new wiring and Mr. Terrific is planning to add recess lights later so I may have to wait for my island light until then.

We talked about what big project we may want to take on next. Of course you know I really want to do some creative molding but he's pretty certain he wants to start working on the back patio. We'd really love to build out the patio and create another living space...just outdoors. We talked about larger windows that can slide open. Like this...

Here are some other inspiration photos. This isn't coming in the very near future...we're just now piecing together what we like. The area isn't as large as some photos pictured but we love the height.

Shopping for lunch...again!

Not bad for an hour lunch! Look how cute these ruffles are. I got this blouse in this color from Ann Taylor Loft. It wasn't on sale, but $44.50 wasn't too bad. It's such a neutral color, I know I'll get a lot of wear out of it. I was thinking tucked into a high waisted skirt, or with a punchy cami, maybe belted or just with some black shorts and gladiators.



After seeing Michelle Obama's cute JCrew sparkly cardigan I just couldn't pass this one up. I found this slightly sparkle cardi in a gold color. On sale at Ann Taylor for $29.

Easter Goodies

Bella got some new chews and a squeaky toy..... she loves her wine :)

I picked up some cute little chick cupcakes and cookies for the kiddos! I didn't feel like doing baskets this year so I opted for these cute little containers instead.

Mad about Molding

I really would like our next project to be adding details with molding. I'd love to detail a single wall with some design or possibly a chair rail. I would love to see some molding on our arches and windows. My girl trip to Vegas last summer has me so in love with the details and molding int the Bellagio

Mr. Terrific has another ideas for our next project... I think I may have cooked up a way we can compromise and sorta do both..... but for now I can swoon at these inspiration photos and start thinking of plans.

Entry table, new lighting

This is what I've come up with... Everything shown was already lying around or packed up, but no purchase necessary! My brother provided the palms :). Now I just need some lighting and some flowers or something...just some height. I'm not 100% satisfied with it, but it will have to do for now.

Some new lighting also came in! Check out my dining room before and after. The before was all the previous owner's things.

The light is from Overstock and really did fit perfectly with our long dining table.

Here is a before of the kitchen area... also the previous owner's stuff


I love this kitchen light from CB2. The price was unbeatable...$50! It needed some adjusting because it's a plug in. Mr. Terrific was able to make the modifications. Thank goodness the hubs is handy and free!

Now we just need an island light... that's been a challenge.

Yay for moving more tasks over to the DONE list!

Entry tables

I finally found a foyer/entry table I love! I found this gem... a carved Luna table at World Market. I love the little details on the side and I actually have some bowls and picture frames with a similar detail. Now what to put on it. I'm planning to play around with an arrangement tonight and see what I come up with.

I have some ideas to use things already lying around but here are some inspiration photos I love too!

Party at our house!

Surprise! It was so much fun surprising my father in law for his 60th!

We even had mariachi's!

Me...doing what I do best... boy those margarita's were a hit!

Here we are trying to get Bella in the family pic... she didn't want to cooperate!

Here's our obligatory photo of us :)

New items!

I admit I've been on a frenzy for finds... and I have quite a collection of new things for the house.

I was wild about this west elm table but $249 was higher than I was willing to go for some sparkle. I settled on something similar from Target for $99 and also scored this awesome radian for this empty space over our wine cabinet. I'm planning to paint it a different color... but haven't settled on what just yet.

Bringing the outdoors in

My living room inspiration is to bring a the outdoors in...with a touch of glam.

Now that it's heating up down south I have the urge to freshen up the living area for summer. Mr. Terrific (my husband) laughs at me because my explanation of what I want is tricky. In my head I want our living room to look like

an exotic upscale resort outdoor lounge area… in the Mediterranean… by the beach…where cocktails come on mirrored trays.

I even sought out the help of a fellow blogger designer. I promise to provide more of thier info soon, but I want to wait for them to post information on their blog first.

The transformation is in progress.

I don't think these photos quite touch on the glam factor but I'm hoping just to add some sparkle with mirrors, metallics and glass.

Shopping for lunch!

It's amazing what I can get done in a lunch... Look what I found! This cute teal dress was at Express for only $69 and it's adorable! I also found a slinky summer dress at Forever 21 fo $ 39. I also managed to score a sweet white necklace that resembles the sunray necklace at JCrew and a knotted serpentine necklace. I love shopping for lunch!