I Hate My Bath, DIY TV and Baths That I Love

The other day I decided to watch the DIY TV channel instead of HGTV. I am not a DIY'er or a Weekend Warrior by any means, but I still enjoy seeing what once was and what it can be and the steps that it took to get it that way. Several episodes of "I Hate My Bath" aired. It is just Ah-May-Zing! to see what can be done to obtain someone's dream out of a nightmare. I actually like my bathroom. The only thing I would change is to have a huge bathtub that I can take leisurely baths in. So by all accounts, I really don't hate my bath, but there are other baths that I love. Here are some bits and pieces of some bathrooms I love:

From kountrychicdesigns.blogspot.com

I love the colors lime green and hot pink together. Usually, bathrooms tend to have light colors for that relaxing, zen-like feel. But, I think this bathroom gives you a dose of stimulation in just the right amount, which is good when you are trying to get moving in the morning. I love how an old buffet has been re-furbished to fit the shabby-chich aesthetics of the bathroom.

From twocarolinanesters.blogspot.com

Now here is a bathroom that has the spa ambience. Less is more. I like the silver accents. I can see myself soaking in this tub until all my skin was one big prune. I also like the size and placement of the window. It gives you just the right amount of natural light but it's no too big so your neighbors won't get a peep show.

From pinkchocolatebreak.com

A workout at the gym would seem so much more worth it if I could reward myself with a bath in this tub afterwards. The tub, the tile, the light, the curtain. Need I say more?

From mainstreethouse.blogspot.com

I am partial to black cabinets and old world charm, so this bathroom is just right for me. The oval mirrors, the double sinks, the white trim and especially, the monogrammed plates...what's not to love?

What does your dream bathroom look like?

Clothes, Work and Plans

Here is what I wore today:

Top: MKM Designs
Sweatshirt: Chicago Cubs sweatshirt, which I bought at some shop in Wrigleyville
Pants: Express

So, I came across a quote that said, "Plan your work, then work your plan." Very simple quote, but one that means much to me. I have some major changes that need to be made. 2 being (1) Get a job and (2) Lose weight. In order to do this I really need a plan to make this work. So what's my plan? First of all, I need to have structure. I seem to thrive when I have more structure in my life. I need to make sure I wake up at a certain time each day. So, let's make sure I wake up at 7am.  Then,

I need to be at the gym by 8am.
Out of the gym by 9:30am.
 Showered and dressed by 11:30am
11:30am-12:30pm- Look for a job.
12:30pm-1pm- Lunch
1pm-4pm-Look for a job.
4pm-5pm- Take Lily for a walk.
5pm-6:15pm-Dinner
6:15pm-8pm- Look for a job
8pm-9pm- Clean
9pm-11pm- Read, blog and watch my TV shows or movie rental.

I think this is a really good schedule. Of course, life happens and this schedule may have to be adjusted, but if I try to stick to this plan as best as I can, I will dedicate each day towards being healthy physically and just looking for employment. If you have any suggestions for my daily schedule, feel free to let me know.

I also need to record how many calories I consume each day. I need to stay under 1400 calories each day. I would like to look bathing suit ready by the time we go to Florida in June.

OK, so I got the plan. Now it's time to work this plan. Wish me luck!

Clothes, goals and plans

Well, I have am going to write about having goals and a plan, but I have some more thinking to do about it. So, today I will just post what I wore today.

Top: Charlotte Russe
Skinny Jeans: Forever 21
Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Clothes, Moms and Obsessions

Here is the pretty outfit that I wore today:

Earrings: Charming Charlies
Top: Forever 21
Pants: Gap 1969
Boots: Dress Barn

The other day I DVR'd the TV show, My Mom's Obsessed. I have not watched it yet, but it has got me thinking. Is there anything I'm obsessed with? Right now, the answer is no. Prior to me losing my job, losing my Dad and gaining the weight I've gained, I would say I was obsessed, but I was passionate about many things. Some of these things I still have an interest in, but being fully passionate, that's gone right now. This is not meant to be some sad sob story, but somethng more positive. I know I will get that passion back. It's going to be a journey to get it back, but I know I will get it back. It will be in God's time.

Anyway, these are the things I was obsessed/passionate about:

1. Fashion: I always dreamed about being a buyer for Neiman Marcus. Life took me in a different direction, but I the interest in fashion has always been there. I am a visual person and I think that's part of the reason why I have this interest. I love the history of fashion, the feeling of the different fabrics, the colors and combinations of different clothing and the beauty overall. Clothing is like artwork to me....some items are masterpieces and others are..eh, not so much.

2. Movies: I could watch a different movie everyday. My Netflix list would be a mile long. I would love the Friday's paper because all the new releases would be critiqued, along with the synopsis of the movie. And I had to know who every actor and actress was in the movies I watched. IMDB was my best friend. I have a small talent of being able to name the actors in each movie and also tell you what other movies that have been in. I can talk about actors and their "stats" like guys can name athletes in their favorite sports and quote their stats.

3. Experiencing the world: This could be traveling to Spain or going to the farmers market down the street. There is so much that this beautiful world has to offer and I want to see and experience as much of it as possible with the time God has given me. I never got people who were homebodies and never do anything outside of whatever town they live in. Right now, I am that person, but this is a phase, not my true lifestyle. I used to rather be on the go and either have my friends or family by my side. I especially liked to bring my daughters along for whatever adventure I would partake, because I wanted to broaden their horizons. I want them to try different foods, experience different cultural events, see different parts of the world or learn a new activity. I also loved being a part of what I considered to be traditional events. Some of these are going to the South Side Irish Parade, opening day for the Chicago Cubs, going to the Taste of Randolph or some other street festival, going to Ravinia, having a night out in the summer eating outdoors at my favorite Tapas restaraunt, going on our yearly family vacation to Florida, etc. This year, that's all been on hold. But the desire is there. For example, this Thursday is the Cubs opening day and I already feel that longing to be there; to be part of the energy of the fans in Wrigleyville. Next year...next year.

One quality I liked about myself was my passion, my lust, for life. One of my good friends once said I could talk about going to get a gallon of milk at the grocery store and talk about it like I was on the most amazing adventure ever. I would make the story so interesting that it would make her want to go get milk at the grocery store, too. Ha, Ha! I WILL be that person again.

Clothes, Macys and Diamonds

Here is the outfit I wore today:

Top- My Michelle from a Thrift Store
Pants-Mossimo from Target
Shoes- Mossimo from Target


Macys is having their semi-annual diamond sale. There are many items that are marked down considerably and plenty of good deals to be had. If you are looking for nice jewelry at great prices, Macys is the place to go right now. I browsed their selection on-line and I found some items that have peaked my interest. Here is a sample of what items are on sale right now.

Multi-stone Sterling silver bracelet

Regular price $300

Sale price $143.20

Unwritten Sterling silver filligree drops earrings

Regular price $60

Sale price $23.20

Unwritten Sterling silver Mini Starfish Pendant with necklace

Regular price $50

Sale price $20

Effy Collection 14k gold ring, citrine and diamond swirl ring

Regular price $1300

Sale price $623.20

Studio Silver sterling silver mesh bracelet

Regular price $370

Sale price $151.20

Diamond ring, 14k white gold certified diamond band

Regular price $3500

Sale price $1959.20

Now go scoot your pretty selves over to Macys and get some beautiful baubles!!!

Clothes, Easy A and my lil working girl

Outfit of the day:

Dress: JC Penney

Cardigan: Target

*I also wore black Jessica Simpson platform pumps, but after looking at the pic I took of the shoes, I didn't like it, so I'm not posting it. I am sure I will wear them again. :)

Yesterday, Marisa and I went to have dinner with my Mom. Before we went to her house, I had to drop Michaela off at work.  On Fridays, she ususally works until 9:30. It gives me plenty of time to have dinner together and then do have extra time to do whatever. My Mom had DVR'd a movie that she thought we could watch together. A movie that she was hoping we have never seen before. She said, "It has Emma Stone in it. It's an older movie and  Emma Stone paints. The movie she was referring to was Easy A. I don't think my Mom read the summary of the movie. For those of you who have not seen the movie, it's about a High School girl who gains a reputation for having sex for the 1st time, when in reality it was a lie she created. I had seen the movie before, so I knew the plot of the movie very well. Not a movie a Grandma would probably want to watch with her 12 year old grand-daughter. She seemed dissapointed because she thought she was doing something fun that we can share together. So, I caved a little and let her start the movie,  but Marisa was on her Ipod listening to music. She was in the room with us, but had earphones on and so was not really "there". It was 8pm when we started the movie. 10 minutes into it, Michaela sent me a text to tell me she was getting off of work and needed me to come get her. I felt bad that I had to leave my Mom earlier than I wanted to, but I did get out of watching that movie and have some awkward moments. I have to leave places or events early because I have to either drop Michaela or pick her up from work. I am frustrated sometimes, but I have to put it in the right perspective. My daughter has a good work ethic and I need to make sure that stays a part of her. I need to be supportive. She's my lil worker bee. :)

Clothes, Motivation and Fur Babies

Today has been a busy day. Certainly a day of unexpected surprises.

First of all, this is what I wore today:

Top: Bebe
Jeans: Forever 21
Shoes: Gifted

I have done some thinking about my life today. I have had a lot taken from me in the past year and a half. One of my major losses was the loss of my job that I had for 12 years. I am having such a hard time finding a new job. I don't know why. I have come close to landing some great positions, but once I am in the home stretch, dissapointment ends up popping out of nowhere and I am left in the dust. My cousin's girlfriend posted this quote on her Facebook page that really reasonated with me and it's a quote I know I should be referring to during these tough times. It keeps me motivated. There are different ways to look at situations and the glass half-full mentally is certainly a better crutch to help you through the madness of life sometimes. Maybe this quote will help someone else. 

     "Dissapointments are God's way of saying, "I've got something better." Live life, be patient, have faith."

Very simple, but it packs a punch.

Before dinner, I took the girls to a pet store to buy our bunny Otis some new cage bedding. On the way to the store, I was telling Michaela that I felt bad for Otis because he is in his cage all day alone. I am doing my own thing throughout the day so I can't give him attention. Also, when I try to hold him my beagle Lilly wants to sniff him and  be right there. It's too much for me. I know Otis wants me to pay attention to him and it was too bad he didn't have a buddy to keep him company. So, what do I do? I end up buying another bunny! I think it's a good thing, but let me tell you, it has been a crazy evening!!!!  So now we have 2 bunnys and a beagle. And, can you believe this, my daughter's tried to talk me into buying another beagle! Can we say animal hoarder??? I would love another dog, but I need a bigger home with a yard. I don't want my home smelling like a barn! Jeesh!!!

Now we are a family of 6. 1 adult, 2 children and 3 fur babies. What a life!

.

  Meet Blake. Lilly is checking the new addition to our family out and he is checking out this odd animal he has never seen before.