Digging & Size 8

So the lake/pond digging has begun.  This has been a long time coming and its almost weird that its finally happening.  We have plotted out where it would be, we have diagramed it on a plat map... but to see the actual dig is amazing.  As of this evening there are 5 pieces of LARGE equipment in our yard as well as TONS of dirt.  This is only the beginning.  Half of me is scared shitless about our decision and half of me is COMPLETELY stoked.  I guess the end of this week we will know what the thing will look like.  So far... we have something that is starting to resemble a hole.

Last week I went back to Talbots outlet for a few things and I can now say that I have left double digit jeans.  I am now an 8.  This is VERY hard for me to believe.  I see myself in the mirror as the same person a year ago.  Yes, I can easily recognize when clothes are too big and that smaller clothes fit better but I am having a hard time wrapping my head around it.  I have about 6 pounds to lose to finally hit my goal.  Hard to believe that I am almost there.  Here's a recent pic!

Talbots Outlet & Kidless

Today started out just as every other except that D1 was at Grammies house overnight so I actually slept in (until 9... yes... that is sleeping in).  I got up and did the morning ritual of breakfast for D2 and coffee for mommy.  I made a juice and checked the internet.  The things I would get done WITHOUT this damn computer.  D2 played with her toys but you could tell that she didn't exactly like being here without D2.

I decided that today was the day that I would turn D2's carseat around.  She is 15 months and kicks the CRAP out of my seat.  I overdid the 12 month mark and I'm done.  Then I decided to check out a store that friends discussed awhile back at Bunco.  Talbot's Clearance Outlet.  Let me tell you that the clouds parted as I walked in and beams of sunshine broke through the ceiling.  My style is very diverse but if I had a million dollars earmarked for clothes I would dress like Jackie O.  I like the timeless look.  Classic Natural is my official taste.  I have a cable knit navy sweater from the Gap that I got to wear in my 7th grade school pics (YES... 7TH GRADE).  It's a "bit" worn but I still wear it.  Timeless.  Anyways, I think Talbot's is that "look".  Problem is that I can't afford to shop there.  Until now.  I went from rack to rack looking for my size. Had I been an XS I would have tripled my bounty but I still found enough to cause minor damage.  The store is 60-75% off retail and they cap prices at $19.99.  Currently, they are also discounting another 15%.  This meant that nothing was priced over $16.99.  Can you say HEAVEN???????  I ran out of there like I robbed the place.  I found several things as well as a pair of shoes.  Had I been there without D2 and/or she wasn't on the verge of total nap needing meltdown I may have done more.  But 15 items later, we were out of there.

I called several friends on the way home enticing them with my purchases.  I'm afraid that this place will become an addiction.  Upon my arrival home, I added up all the tag prices.  $1407 worth of retail merchandise for $191.  I was fist pumping for HOURS.  I took a gamble and didn't try anything on in the store as D2 wouldn't have it, but surprisingly only 1 thing didn't fit.  Happy for me, it was too large!  YAHOO!  Now; they get new things in every day.  I REALLY want this sweater in an appropriate size so I think I will be heading back tomorrow or Tuesday to see if I can find one.  I also made my mind up to purchase one other thing (a blood red sheath dress) but need to try it on first.  I have found my mecca!

Cute ruffly skirt

My pile!

AWESOME $159 shoes for... yep, $16.99!

Cute sparkly sweater

The replacement to my 7th grade sweater

LOVE this sweater but I swim in it.... gotta make another trip :))))

Fall & DIY

To me fall & winter = DIY.  The last 80 degree day in the 10 day forecast was yesterday so I have started to make my 'winter list'.  All spring & summer are dedicated to outside so obviously there needs to be inside projects.  My laundry room renovation is pretty high on the list as is decorating my room and the living room.  I have been staring at the 18' walls for 3 years deciding what to do.  I figured it out a few weeks ago while surfing Pinterest.  The WALA moment happened.  I needed something BIG.  I also preferred that it was inexpensive.  Sure, I could get huge wall art but it would require me to take out a second mortgage.  My other thought was for something functional.  Our house is so open that sound bounces from my kitchen against said wall right upstairs to my (and the kids) bedrooms'.  This is what I did.

My wall has a large window.  I measured 128 inches from window to wall.  I bought two 4'x8' pieces of 1/2" pink insulating foam.  Getting them home was interesting FYI!  I decided to cover them in fabric.  It took awhile to pick out what I wanted fabric wise.  I even bought something and returned it.  The 1st selection was to 'gold' for the room.  It clashed with my tan walls.  I decided on an ivory background with brownish/copperish twig/plant looking things running up it.  Im in love.  I got some spray adhesive and went to work.  I did buy some white muslin fabric to cover the pink first as I was afraid that the pink would show through.  I also waited until the Home Decorating fabric was 50% off at Joann's as well :)

Laying fabric out first

Muslin 1st

fronts finished (let dry before doing edges 

 I laid the panels out and measured the fabric & cut it to size.  I then did the 1st layer of muslin. I pulled and stretched as I went to get any bubbles out.   I then did the decorator fabric and let it dry overnight in the garage laying flat.  The next day I did the edges and folded the corners.


Today we measured everything out and I got Hubby to hold the ladder.  16 feet is pretty high!

Ladder wasn't high enough so we had to convert it

The naked wall

18' of ladder!

 Here is the finished product!  Hoping it looks "artsy".  Hubby now decided that he needs a bigger TV (sigh).

Next is reusable sandwich bags and then it will probably be the laundry room!  MUAHAHAHA!!!!

Other than these projects I am busy with the kiddos and Mom's Club.  We had our 1st general meeting on Wednesday and I was SO nervous. We had a FABULOUS turnout so it went from nervousness to excitement.  I hope that its the start to a GREAT year.  I have LOTS of ideas of fun things to do... Hope all works out!

Busy Life & Applications

Life has been insane the last few weeks.  I have been running nonstop with the girls and I'm starting to feel it.  Fall is almost here and it seems like I'm wanting to squeeze all I can out of the last of summer.  Mom's club is now in full swing which is probably the main source of my business besides D1 & D2.  I have had communication meetings, financial meetings, committee meetings, multiple emails and weekly updates all going on with a full household.  I am hoping that now the initial meetings are pretty much done that things will calm down.  I have an AWESOME group of women on my board and I got the joint board meeting (last year & this years board meet) under my belt.  Sept 12 is the first general meeting and I am getting the agenda done this week.  Hubby keeps asking me what I am getting paid.  HA!  Funny man!  But really, I do love it.  I get to connect with people and stay busy.... VERY busy.

Looking at my short term future I somehow decided that I have some free time coming up.  As in next fall.  Therefore, I submitted grad school applications for both Ursuline College and Kent State.  Got my essays done, reference packets sent, transcripts ordered... now I wait.  Hoping for interviews soon so I can breathe normally again.  Hoping my path is well lit and that I can accomplish my career goals.  FINGERS CROSSED.

Redemption & Tomato Sauce

Today I FINALLY got to donate blood.  Last week was such a disaster I dreaded what would come of today.  ZERO, yes, ZERO issues.  I was in and out in 50 minutes.  That was even allowing my information to be reentered into the system because apparently Brecksville didn't load me into said system, surprise, surprise.  Oh well.   I will be on Hinckley's 6 week call list any day.  It will be nice to get back into the donating groove.  Red Cross got some redemption.

D2 is ill.  She was very clingy and cuddly.  I almost feel bad that I enjoyed it.  She is 14 months so is in the 'go-go-go' stage and hardly cuddles.... so it was very sweet to have her laying on my lap enjoying me rubbing her back.  Love her.

I am becoming the party planner.  I am working on an event for Mom's club which I am QUITE excited for (hope everyone else is!) and I got the idea in my head that we should do something within our neighborhood.  Our development has only 12 homes with the building neighbors being 13.  I wave at these people daily as I drive or jog by but don't know anything about them, let alone their names.  We have gotten to know our immediate neighbor as well as the house across the street.  I like them a lot.  There have been several people that have moved in since we have and I know NOTHING about them. Well in my party planning mood I decided to organize a block party.  I picked a date... printed up a flier and went door to door.  I received nothing but positive feedback so I hope that is the direction this shindig will go.  We are going to make burgers & dogs and bring some tables and everyone will bring a dish to pass as well as their own drinks.  Fingers crossed.

I'm on overdrive with Mom's club stuff right now.  Planning budget meetings, board meetings and general meetings.  Getting nervous about the year.  I just filled my board and I'm pretty elated to be done that chapter.  I just hope that its smooth sailing from here and that everyone has a great year.  I hold this organization so close to my heart that it would pain me for things to go awry.  I want everyone to have fun and have the club do great things.  Hoping I can lead it in that direction!

Tonight the fruit flies invaded my kitchen.  I HATE flies and I ESPECIALLY hate fruit flies.  I went through the bowl of tomatoes and sorted out the bad ones and made another quart of sauce with the ripe ones.  This time I impressed myself.  Im starting to feel like I should be inducted as an Italian!!!  I'll have to take a jar to my new Italian friend to see if I qualify!!!  I did set up a fruit fly trap (thanks Pinterest) and I've already caught quite a few!  YEAH FOR ME!

Canning & Donating

Today was a whirlwind; hence me blogging at 12am.  Lately D1 has been in the "I want to sleep in mommy's bed" kick.  Every night we get her into her bed and somehow I wake up with an extra body in my bed.  Oh well.  Hubby says we should enjoy it and remember that she will be 16 before we know it and not want to be in the same room as us.  HA!

I let hubby sleep in and did breakfast duty.  I had spent the entire day yesterday cleaning so a few things needed to be done.  That last load of laundry had to be folded, the dishes from the dishwasher had to be put away and there on my counter sat 2 large zucchini.  It has just been TOO hot to bake.  They were intended for my FAMOUS Zucchini Nut Bread.  Today it was rainy and cold.  Perfect baking weather. Once hubby got up I got to work.  I cranked out 4 loaves of bread in a little over an hour.  Im a machine when it comes to this bread.  I shredded the rest of the zucchini for later batches.  I had to try it before I served it to anyone else.  It was AWESOME.  I delivered one loaf to a foodie friend that hasn't ever tried zucchini bread, yes, really!  Another loaf was to go to my BIL as I was heading in their direction to donate blood later in the afternoon.

I got D2 to nap and got ready to head to my appointment. I dropped off a loaf of bread and headed to the community center.  It seemed like there was one conundrum after another while trying to donate today.  I gave them my donor card from 3 years ago.  I have been "off" having babies so I haven't donated in 3 years.  I used to be the every 6 weeker!  Anyways, my info didn't come up correctly.  Then it turns out that my card was generated in Columbus Ohio and is not valid here.  Ummm... ok.  Then I get through the process where they stick your finger to check your iron count.  I needed to be 12.5 to donate. It was 12.4.  Now, I am a medical professional and know for a fact that I have NEVER been low.  They retested and miraculously I was 13.1; ummm. ok.  Then I get back to the recliner and get comfy.  She scanned all the barcodes on the bags and we were all set until the tech noticed that I had a "rash" on my arms.  I had gotten some sort of heat rash while shopping last week and I still had a touch of it.  I was now denied.  I understand the reasoning but I had now been there an hour with 2 finger sticks.  I was a bit irritated.  I rescheduled for next week.  Grrrr.

I then went to the in laws to pick tomatoes.  They now have a HUGE quantity of tomatoes that are ripe and the market is only on Saturday.  I decided to help out and process some into sauce.  We picked 4 crates of tomatoes and 1 crate of basil.  I brought everything home and started the canning process.  The thing that sucks about canning is the return.  From everything we picked I got 2.75 quarts of sauce.  I also processed the basil into pesto cubes.  It really makes you understand why a quart of spaghetti sauce is expensive.  TRUST ME.

Losing & Life

I finished my 10 day juice fast on Friday.  I am pretty strict about my eating habits and I must say that it was harder than I thought. The first days were the easier ones.  Its the last days that get ya.  I tended to be looser with myself, but all in all it went well.  I am still doing 2 juices a day with a normal (sensible) meal for dinner.  I have 10 pounds to go and I plan to get there sooner than later.  Then I will post pics of my before and after.  I shudder when I look at the before photos.

This week I went shopping for D2.  We hit the mall in search of some 18 month jammies and shorts.  Poor girl gets all of D1's hand-me-downs and is growing just a slight bit faster than D1 did.  Time for more clothes.  I was trying to hold off until fall because we have a ton of cute fall outfits but her belly wasn't going for it.  Poor kid is popping out of her PJ's.  While at the mall I happened to walk past The Limited.  Now, I am not a Limited shopper, and I haven't been since high school, but they had an awesome houndstooth skirt.  The outfit on the model was awesome.  I walked in and looked for my size.  I was in luck... they DIDN'T have it.  On my way out I got stopped by an employee.  She asked me to try it on and I explained that they were out of my size.  She prompted me to try on a smaller size. I replied "if I fit into THAT then I will DEFINITELY buy it!"  Well,  I FIT INTO IT!!!  YAHOOOOOOOOO!!!!  Makes that juice taste a bit sweeter!  Now I just have to find a reason to wear it!

Life is settling down a bit.  We are still waiting on the barn quote and I have contacted our financial advisor dude to get his opinion on the situation.  We will see what happens.  I just finished getting my references together for my applications and lastly I have to get my essay ready.  I want to get them submitted this week.  Then its sending off for my transcripts and the waiting game starts.  Hopefully I get my interviews sooner than later so I can relax.  Once I know that I am in (or not) then I can mentally prepare for next year.  Fingers crossed!

Tonight I made an awesome dinner!

Grilled Salmon with a Creamy Pesto Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes.

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/2 stick butter
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• Salt and pepper

Directions

Boil potatoes until tender, drain and reserve. Return the pot to the stove top over medium heat. Add butter and bananas to the pot. Cook bananas 5 minutes and add the juice of 1 orange to the pot, reserve the zest. Allow the juice to cook out, 1 minute. Add potatoes to the pot and the stock and sugar. Mash potatoes, banana, stock and sugar together until well combined. Season with nutmeg, salt, pepper and orange zest, to your taste. Mash to combine spices and serve.

1 pound Salmon

8 Oz Cream Cheese (cut into blocks)

4T Basil Pesto

3/4C whole milk

Grill salmon on George Foreman grill (or similar) sprayed with pam.  Cook approx 10 mins until fish flakes apart. In small saucepan over med heat warm milk & cream cheese.  Whisk until blended.  Add Pesto.  Spoon over cooked salmon.