Thursday, February 26, 2009

Google Reader...

I just noticed I had 112 blog subscriptions... is that a bit much?

How many do you have?

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Things to do before Mar 09 --Update #3

1. Work out 15 times at the gym 3 times, Seriously...this isn't even funny how many excuses I made last week!
2. Go out for 5 runs outside nada
3. Cook dinner 15 times 15 yummy meals
4. Finish organizing all the closets All closets DONE...moving onto drawers (Yes, I can be a bit OCD at times)
5. Start a craft project Created a table runner for Game night
6. Work out 4 times during work hours not yet
7. Finish Puerto Rico/Cruise album don't rush me...
8. Set up sewing machine Done
9. Take one new fitness class a week 1 down
10. Read two books still stuck on Glass Castle
11. Lose 2 lbs. not telling till end of month
12. Save 100$ on grocery bills Saved 141$ so far!

How am I doing? Well, my legs forgot how to run. I've been good about my spending and tried to keep it down to a minimum. Because of this, if I don't do a single thing, I HIGHLY doubt I'll see any movement on the scale, which isn't a good thing since we're leaving for Maui in 11 days. :|

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Sneak Peak...

On one of the desserts for Game Night:



Devils Food tic tac toe cupcakes! Delish!

Top 5 things I love @ the moment....

1.XM Radio... favorite channels Lithium and 90's on 9!

2.Oranges

3.Amgen Tour of California

4.Cook Books

5.
Big Love

Wedding Package Giveaway...

Reminding you guys to go register for this fantastic giveaway.



Mark Ayoub Photography giving away one of his wedding packages! The Giveaway starts tomorrow so head on over to his blog to read the deets of how to win!

Below are some of my FAVORITE shots he has on his site:





So help him out and post about his giveaway and spread the word!!! If you win let us know!!! (BTW, I don't get anything for this, I'm just helping spread the word for my friend.)


Mark Ayoub Photography Link
Mark Ayoub Giveaway Link

Monday, February 16, 2009

amazon is the greatest site ever...

In the midst of last night's conversation in my head about whether or not I should attempt to pursue another field, I realized I needed to stop arguing with myself and just look into it. I figured spending 50$ on a few books to understand it more wouldn't hurt and if I didn't like it at least I could learn something so I can use those techniques at home. I really do love learning random skills. Anyhow, I bought three books from Amazon:



Teach Yourself Flower Arranging


Complete Guide To Flower Arranging


Art of Floral Arranging, The: Learning from the Master Florists at Flower School New York

When I did a search, I didn't realize how many books were out there. There were even books about how to open up your own shop. Let's see where this road leads.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Things to do before Mar 09 --Update #2

1. Work out 15 times at the gym 3 times, Seriously... MUST GO!!!
2. Go out for 5 runs outside nada
3. Cook dinner 15 times 10 yummy meals
4. Finish organizing all the closets All closets DONE...moving onto drawers (Yes, I can be a bit OCD at times)
5. Start a craft project Created a table runner for Game night
6. Work out 4 times during work hours not yet
7. Finish Puerto Rico/Cruise album don't rush me...
8. Set up sewing machine Done
9. Take one new fitness class a week 1 down
10. Read two books still stuck on Glass Castle
11. Lose 2 lbs. not telling till end of month
12. Save 100$ on grocery bills 99$ so far!

How am I doing? So I am apparently sucking at working out and well, the scale is not my fried. I have less than two weeks to really cross those items off my list. I am going to make it a point to add events to my calendar and just make time for me to do this. I also decided to sign up for my first running event since October so now I REALLY will have to start running. Uggh. Am I happy with my results... what results! Little miss Planner really needs to STEP IT UP!

Twitter this...

I finally took the plunge into the twitter world... follow me here!

Thinking about some changes

Finally back from a little mini vacay with the hubby and the puppies, I finally came clean that I was really thinking about changing things up, job wise. No, I'm not quitting, but I'm really thinking about trying out something new, floral design. I know, sounds a bit cheesy and lame but honestly, nothing makes me happier than a playing with a few flowers.

Now, I know I can't just go to a strip mall, sign a lease and put a up sign: Little miss Planner's Floral Design, because A, that's too long of a name, and 2, I really need to learn more about the art of floral design and arrangement. So, for valentine's day, I asked for two books on the subject... oh and some flowers for the dinner table! ;)

Ever want to completely change your professional life and do something totally different?

Friday, February 13, 2009

Wedding Package Giveaway...

Calling All Brides!!!

While I was reading my google reader posts, I came across a post from Mark Ayoub Photography and his new giveaway. If you've followed me in the past, we hired him to photograph a few of our wedding events (shower, engagement party..etc). After that, I got to know him and his wife and all I have to say is, What a great couple!



Anywho, he's giving away one of his wedding packages! The Giveaway starts tomorrow so head on over to his blog to read the deets of how to win!

Below are some of my FAVORITE shots he has on his site:





So help him out and post about his giveaway and spread the word!!! If you win let us know!!!


Mark Ayoub Photography Link
Mark Ayoub Giveaway Link

Monday, February 9, 2009

Question...


If you were a Sugar cookie and got to marry any ice cream of your choice, what kind would it be?

Photo Source
I've been tagged by Linda, my twin, only by name!

Make a list of things you can see without getting up:photos of my friends, hubby and the puppies, dried flowers (the first ones the hubby ever sent me), a massive calendar highlighting any trips of days off, Jack Skeleton, and lots of other random things you'd typically find on a desk.

What were you like when you were five? A bit shy but when around family, call me Little miss Bossy or Little miss Chatterbox.

What are you wearing now? black top and black slacks with a dark grey sweater.

What story/book/novel have you read over and over again in your life? Where the Sidewalk ends & Peaceful Warrier

What’s the last thing you read/are currently reading? Glass Castle

Do you nap a lot? Maybe on the weekend...

Who was the last person you hugged? my puppies, before that, the hubby (yes, I think of my little puppies as little humans)

What’s your current fandom/obsession/addiction? ONTD: best gossip site ever invented!

What was the last thing you ate today? Viactiv calcium chew

What was the last thing you said aloud? "Bye Babies, be good and I love you!" while closing the door of the house to go to work. (Babies = puppies)

What websites do you always visit when you go online? Facebook, Google Reader, email, ONTD

What was the last thing you bought? groceries

What are you listening to right now? Some random person chatting a little to loud in the next office

What movie are (or were!) you most excited to show your kids? Never thought about it. Probably all the Disney movies. (stealing Linda's answer)

If you could have any super power, what would it be? healing

What is your favorite weather, and why? June Gloom, because I love gloomy weather!

What time do you usually go to bed? 10pm

What is your most challenging goal right now? finishing my monthly to do lists

Say something to the person who tagged you: Linda, you inspire me to be more creative in the kitchen! I love hearing our your daily life and where the road takes you.

If you could have a house–totally paid for, fully furnished–anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? In the Ventura Keys, I used to live here a few years ago with some friends, the neighborhood was righteous!

Favorite vacation spot? San Luis Obispo, in fact we are going this weekend!!!!

What is your favorite children’s book? Where the Sidewalk Ends

Name one thing you just can’t resist no matter how bad it is for you: Oreos

If you could meet anyone famous - dead or alive - who would it be? My grandpa, but it isn't that I never met him, I just miss him terribly more than words.


THE RULES:
there were rules but if you want to play along, please do so and tag me back so I can see what you wrote! :)

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Things to do before Mar 09 --Update #1

1. Work out 15 times at the gym 3 times
2. Go out for 5 runs outside nada
3. Cook dinner 15 times 6 yummy meals
4. Finish organizing all the closets All closets DONE...moving onto drawers (Yes, I can be a bit OCD at times)
5. Start a craft project thinking about two different ones, not sure which one to do...
6. Work out 4 times during work hours not yet
7. Finish Puerto Rico/Cruise album don't rush me...
8. Set up sewing machine Sewing machine is now inside and sitting at its new home
9. Take one new fitness class a week 1 down
10. Read two books still stuck on Glass Castle but did thumb threw two cook books today
11. Lose 2 lbs. not telling till end of month
12. Save 100$ on grocery bills on track

How am I doing? I'm feeling really good so far with this month. I don't have any major challenges on the list but think I can accomplish all of these. It felt SOOO good to finish organizing all my closets. I know that sounds weird but we've gotten a little lazy tossing towels into cupboards and not really making them nice. Same goes for many other things. We even found a left over box from our move (that happened 1.5 years ago). I now want to tackle the two drawers in our kitchen (you know, everyone has that one or two drawers that everything gets tossed into) and our bathroom drawers... UGGH. As for the working out, let's put it this way, my back muscles are extremely sore from a overly chipper pilates instructor. ;)

How's this month going for you?

Random Kitchen Desires...

Apparently I'm on this massive kick of really wanting to learn how to make all things. I've already requested birthday presents (my birthday is in November) coming from Sur La Table and now I found another item I want to add to the the list:



KitchenAid® Ice Cream Maker Bowl Attachment
Turn your stand mixer into an ice cream maker instantly. Just turn on the mixer, pour in the batter and let the dasher and freeze bowl do the work. Make up to two quarts of soft ice cream, sorbets and frozen desserts in 20-30 minutes; just place soft ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer to harden further.


Do I REALLY need this? NO. Do I want it? Yes. Do I eat a lot of ice cream? Not at all. Still... Can you only imagine how fun it would be to whip up new flavors in your own home?!

Ohhh drool...

Another Dinner Party...

So I never did a recap of Superbowl. Food was great and everyone had fun. I just got so busy last week I barely had time to tie my shoes.

But now I'm already getting ready to throw another Dinner Party. This one?

GAME NIGHT


I already know some of the things I will do:

Veggie tray
Antipasto
Kabobs (Shrimp, Chicken, Salmon, Veggie)
Petit Fours
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Homemade Ice Cream sandwiches

Seems like a great start, but I think I need just one more side dish. I prefer finger food types but not sure what to do. I could just do a little meat and cheese platter but want something a little more original... these are my choices:

Mac-n-cheese balls
Stuffed Mushrooms
Bruschetta and Tapenade
Mini Crab Cakes

What do you think would work with what I have planned so far?

Friday, February 6, 2009

Leaving you with words to live by...

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."
-- Robert Brault


Have a great weekend!

To Do List before Mar 09

1. Work out 15 times at the gym
2. Go out for 5 runs outside
3. Cook dinner 15 times
4. Finish organizing all the closets
5. Start a craft project
6. Work out 4 times during work hours
7. Finish Puerto Rico/Cruise album
8. Set up sewing machine
9. Take one new fitness class a week
10. Read two books
11. Lose 2 lbs.
12. Save 100$ on grocery bills

Yes, some of the things I had from last month but I liked challenging myself so why not try again!

To Do List before Feb 09 --Final Update

So, I'm only a few days late on how I did...

1. Work out 15 times at the gym I've worked out 10 times.
2. Run/Walk 30 miles 10 miles down, 20 more to go
3. Cook dinner 15 times Cooked 20 meals
4. Fit into dream jeans never tried them on
5. get 7-8 hours of sleep for 25 nights 20 great nights of sleep
6. Work out 10 times in the morning Never happened.
7. Start/Finish Puerto Rico/Cruise album photos no in the the guest room, not in an album
8. Set up sewing machine Sewing Machine still in the garage, but I know now where I'm going to put it.
9. Take one new fitness class a week 3 down
10. Read two books Still reading Glass Castle, took a two week break
11. Lose 2 lbs. lost 5!

So, how do I feel so far?

Basically I did less than half the stuff I wanted to do but really kept all of it on my mind. I'm the most proud of the cooking. I think we really turned over a new leaf by making more meals at home. Meals included the following:
Corn Chowder
Chicken Pot Pie
Meatless Taco Salad
Lemon Chicken with Broccoli
homemade Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Popcorn chicken with roasted sweet potatoes
Chicken noodle soup
BBQ ribs
Baked potatoes with stuffings
Black bean burgers
cheddar broccoli soup
salmon and couscous
bacon wrapped chicken and corn onf the cob
open faced burritos
lemon pepper catfish and veggies
bbq chicken pizza and salad
chicken stir fry
spaghetti and meatballs


Now on to make this month's list of things to do...