Master Bedroom Makeover!

When we bought our King size bed a few years ago, I found the cheapest bedding that I could stand to look at. I couldn't find something that wasn't a billion dollars that I loved so I said that I would just continue looking. I also hated our bedroom color but our bed was too heavy to move and we put the house on the market, so I never changed it.

For Christmas, Dad and Karen got me my bedding that I found that I loved from Z Gallerie. I kind of wanted to paint out bedroom a gray, but that would mean a new blanket and new curtains, so I went with a color that would go with what we had. Boy, am I in L.O.V.E. 

This is the BEFORE:

(I swear, this color is a tan but it always translates to a yellow through pictures. Weird.) 

THE AFTER!!! 

That armoire was in John's room as a child and has been painted numerous colors... I wanted to silver leaf it, but couldn't find enough silver leaf in this town, so I just spray painted it silver. It probably needs a sealer coat on it, but not happening right now. 

The 3 canvases were an anniversary present. 

The girls have tried to dismantle this pillow, but it's still kicking. One of my best friends, Brooke, gave it to me when we got married. 

"You're Husband Called, He Said Buy Anything You Want"

Did my hard work pay off? It was a lot of work by myself, but I am beyond the moon with the results!!

Christmas 2010

The girls had an amazing Christmas. I don't think we could have asked for a more perfect day... a first White Christmas, make up that has been the hit, Boots to match Mommy's... and a NEW ROOM! Yep.. Santa brought the girls everything they need to start sharing a room-- which is what Addison has wanted for MONTHS. Can you guess what I spent Christmas Day doing?? That's right... painting a bedroom blue!

In case you didn't notice, the bed was the hit. We spent most of the day lounging and playing on the bed. Too bad you can't always have one in your living room.. oh wait. Aren't those called couches?

 These next two pictures make me so happy. You see, my MIL is a picture hoarder. She loves some pictures. And the number of albums of her boys growing up is unreal. And there are so many pictures of the boys holding signs for whatever is going on. "first christmas" or "lost first tooth". Now my little Addison has her first sign from MeMac... her first White Christmas!!

 A White Christmas wasn't complete without a snowball fight and making a snowman with Uncle Jay... You really should click these two pictures to get the full effect of their different faces with the snowman!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas this year.. we have lots of Before and After's because 2011 is going to be the year of getting my house decorated exactly the way I want it!!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas... from our new bed  house to yours!!



We are having a white Christmas here... hope you are having a very blessed holiday season!

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town...

We did something we haven't done this year. We did Christmas with both Mom and Bill and Dad and Karen the weekend before Christmas. 

We went to mom's Saturday. 

Claire and Sa Sa

Mom-- giving directions...

John opening his present...

 An Oregon Ducks shirt....

 Addison got excited and didn't realize it wasn't her turn.. she covered her mistake with her hands!

 Claire got her present opening skillz from BoomPa...

 Mom loves Christmas decorations!

Bill-- he is a hard man to shop for!

Christmas picture.... 

 A goofy one!!

My camera (or it's handler) wasn't acting right at dads so none of my pictures turned out. :( I got my new bedding and it looks fabulous.. pictures to come! It makes me want to paint my bedroom.. light blue or a sand color? Can't decide... 

Rudolph Run 2010...

Ever like to look at how far you have come full circle in a year? Saturday, I made my second annual Rudolph Run 5K. One year ago, this was my FIRST EVER race. I crossed the finished line in 35:13. I was tired and not sure I was actually going to make it. This year? I ran with a friend, Robbie, and although, we did have to walk A.K.A. I had to walk-- we crossed in 32:40. I shaved almost 4 minutes off my time, and I feel like I have come a long way in my exercise habits. This race showed me last year that I could actually do something that I put my mind to-- I am stubborn like that.

I have completely run a 5K. I have completed a half marathon. I am training for my second half marathon. This was my last race of 2010, I have have completed 6 races for the year. Considering last year I did one and the years before that, none. I will take it. John didn't want to mess with the camera, so I don't have a picture. :(

I suspect 2011 will be chalked FULL of fun races!! Bring it on!

Baby, It's COLD Outside!!

So.. I am starting to think that starting half training during the holidays was stupid. A) I am running around doing other stuff and forget to run. B) It's freaking COLD outside. 20's!!! Seriously?? I don't own enough layers to be out running in that. As for that fleece lined running jacket I saw at the Nike outlet and I laughed at... I am really wishing I have that thing right about now.

I also keep trying to figure out the best times to go running. Since John gets off at 4:00, I am trying to wait until then to go, but I am so tired by that time, I don't feel like going. We all know I'm not a morning person either, but maybe I could wake up at 5:30 and go? But then, it's even colder!! I am trying to train outside, but I may have to take it indoors for a few weeks. I hate to ask people to watch the girls so I can go run. I feel like I neglect them when I go for a run. Claire starts Little Lambs two days a week in January, so I know I could do it then, but that's still several weeks away. I want to train properly and it's already getting off on the wrong foot.

I am getting in a running funk of, "Why do I do this to myself? It's so cold! It would be so much easier to sit and cuddle with the girls and drink hot chocolate. Who wants to run 13 miles anyway??" I need to snap out of it!! I've still got 11 weeks of training!

I am running a race this weekend that is sure to be the coldest run yet... The high is 43 and the low is 21. Fun times.

How do you snap out of the funks and get on with training? I need advice people!!! How do you talk yourself into those runs when you aren't feeling it?

Christmas Desperation...

Long story short, Addy wants a new room for Christmas. A BLUE room to be exact. Here is the room she saw and told me that she wanted. Cute, right? Problem is, she also wants Claire to be in her room too. So, double to expense of mattresses, beds, and bedding. 

So, I set out to find something. I found this adorable comforter in a bright pink from PB. 

I fell in LOVE with this sheet set from PB as well. 

I told John how much all of this stuff was. HE HAS GOT TO START LISTENING TO ME!!!

So, I go to order it tonight, he has a mini coronary, so I start frantically searching the internet for something cheaper. I found this gem at Bed Bath and Beyond... it really goes better with the room theme she wanted, but I think the other is more her personality. It's also less than $200 for two sets for the girls vs the $450 from PB. What should I do?

I thought I might be able to find a different comforter and still get those sheets I love so much, but so far, not looking good. HELP! 

I think I may run to Tuesday Mornings and see if I can find anything there? Or TJ Maxx?

Flash Mob?

This. This is what has started my utter and complete fascination with being a part of a flash mob. Don't know what a flash mob is? Well, it's a group of people who get together and choreograph dances and do them in public places.

I saw this one today, and it's probably the best one I have seen. I immediately started youtubing these videos...



Stop. Hammer Time.


Backstreet's Back. Alright?


Can't have a Flash Mob without MJ...


Ohhh. Modern Family. I double heart you.


I totally want to be apart of one of these!! I don't care how dorky you might think it is... This is totally awesome!!!!

I found a new event to add to my bucket list... Who's with me???

Jingle Bell 5K

Saturday Morning, Jana and I got up and met her sis in law to head downtown for the race. It was windy and sprinkled a little. I had goals for this race ( like that is new for a runner!). My ultimate goal is a sub 30 min 5K and to actually run the whole dang thing. 

I promised lots of out of focus pictures, and I am not here to disappoint people! A runner with a point and shoot, makes for bad pictures. Apologies. 

(Let's talk about what a fatty patty I look like standing next to skinny minnie, Jana) 

Start line.. Gotta love the peeps in the background!

The race wrapped a lot on itself. It's kind of disheartening to not know where the turn around are and not know how much in front of you these people are. And also.. who runs in pajamas???

"SANTA!! I KNOW HIM!"

This, my friends, is a "Don't do it, boy." And by that, I mean the tight running tights on boys. No Thank You. I'm just glad I didn't see him from the front. PS-- They were strangers who talked Auburn Football the entire time they ran next to me. Fun times! 

A pretty church.. I must tell you. This race took place on Highland Ave. If you don't know about Highland Ave. It's HILLY, people. HILLY!!!!

The twelve days of Christmas passed me around the half way mark. Sad day.

Jana may run off and leave me for races, but she has always looped back to cross the finish line. The green and orange and her running in the opposite direction wasn't hard to spot! 

So sad that it's blurry! 

Look who met me at the finish line with a sign!! 

Best picture ever.. I love when my girls see me at the finish lines! Addison asked GiGi why I ran so much.. :( Really. I don't run THAT much. I'm a slacker runner!

So, I can mark one goal off my list!! I ran the whole damn thing! Hills and all.. although my time was 34 and change- wasn't truly timed and I forgot to stop my garmin when I crossed. I am still pretty proud of myself!! The sub 30 5K is going to hard in a couple of weeks with Robbie. (Becca's hubby is running the Rudolph Run on the 18th with me and he is determined for me to run a sub 30.) It's going to be very hard to shave 4 minutes off my time, but I am sure all get out going to try!

P.S. Half Marathon training starts TODAY, people!!! 12 weeks until the Disney Princess HALF! Let's get those running shoes laced up!

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday, folks! 

I am getting all packed to head to Birmingham tonight so I can run the Jingle Bell 5K in the morning. It's totally last minute but I am getting some good girl time in with Jana Banana. Gonna have a spend the night party-- no boys allowed. That is, until her husband comes home. 

I went for a run last night, and it was COLD. Running the C-town hills after the sun has set is a LOT different than running the flat sidewalks of Destin. I wore too many layers, and started shedding them at the end. My ear muffs and gloves were too much, but my new capri tights and jacket were amazing. I REALLY love the capri tights.. Nike, size Large-- no zippers. Mesh behind the knee-- *Ahem* Christmas present? *Ahem* 

Here is my running outfit for the race-- new capri tights, jacket and my awesome leg warmers. Make fun if you will, but I think they rock. They may get on my nerves, but I think I will know soon enough and I could just take them off. 

I was thinking of taking my camera along and doing some pictures Skinny Runner style? Are you interested in seeing blurry pictures from the race view? People always wear some fun race gear. 

Have a great weekend!