Colorful Life

On Sunday I ran (well walked) in the DC Color Run! It was so much fun.

I'm actually doing it again in October. Although its not timed, I wanted to go faster than I did in the gym and did. I obviously want to do even better in October.

A few of us from sorority alumnae group did it since it benefitted our charity - CMNH- Children's National Medical Center.

The pink mafia is stealth before go time.


Yellow



Orange



Blue



Covered in color



James was sad he couldn't do the 5K, so he tries to make up for it at every meal.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Ring My Bell

or chime in this case...

At church this morning, the handbell choir debuted their new hand chimes, and boy was it beautiful!  It set the stage for an amazing sermon on Discipleship, and growing.  Over the next few weeks our pastor is going to go more indepth on four categories of discipleship: Contemplation, Character, Calling and Community.  I put them in that order because that's the order of my weakness to strongest.  I'm sad we'll be driving back from the FL GA game next weekend and I'll miss the message on Contemplation, but will be listening when it gets posted.  In the meantime, I plan to address this area post haste. 

A few weeks ago on Show Us Your Life - Friday the topic was favorite devotionals and bible studies.  From doing a little research, reading various posts, and seeing posts from my blog buddies, I'm planning to order and read the following:

Nine Months to a Miracle: Spiritual Preparation for Moms-to-Be by Mari Hanes

 

Expecting: Praying for Your Child's Development-Body and Soul by Marla Taviano

 

Out of the Spin Cycle by Jen Hatmaker 

I've got a pot of my favorite soup, Gingered Squash and Pear, on the stove.  Although it's been a pretty productive weekend, there's still a LOT to do today!  

I just noticed my open back door has let a bee into our house, always an adventure-ha!

Pin It!

FYI, Pinterest is the MOST amazing website on the face of the planet.  A few months ago a good friend told me about it, and I told her, I already can't keep up with facebook and my blog, I don't need something else sucking all my time on internet.  Well now that I don't have a pesky job keeping me from surfing the internet all day, I am pinning up a storm.  And it is GLORIOUS! 

Source: bethbrigham.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I have pinned close to 100 nursery inspiration pics

Source: potterybarnkids.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Sarah on Pinterest

The quote that used to describe my life

Source: theglitterguide.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

a little more like it these days

Source: uppercasemagazine.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

The best part is, you can pin for 5 minutes or 5 hours, on your iphone or on your desktop, totally up to you.  Don't be silly like me and wait to start pinning your little heart away. 
Come be my friend and pin along!! 

Blessed, I Guess

I used to kind of laugh when people would say they need a vacation after coming home from their vacation.
If there's anything Josh and I know how to do right, it's vacation (well we do a lot of things right being two type A overachievers, but vacation still holds true-ha).

We did have an amazing time in Greece, had a full itinerary some days mixed with the perfect amount of relaxation, downtime and amazing meals.
Now that we are back to real life all I have is a full itinerary of work.
Relaxation? HA!
Downtime, not really.
Amazing Meals, I'm honestly lucky if I have a free moment to even eat, and my itinerary is just going to get fuller...
To tell the truth, I haven't had a spare minute, second or hour to even look at all the pictures we took on our trip, yet alone share with friends and family (insert sad face).

I will be working at least 100 hours a week during the month of July (insert very sad face).  I knew that my new job would be very demanding and kick my butt in ways I didn't know where possible, and I'm here to attest that it is. 

"God doesn't call the enabled, He enables the called"

    This will be my mantra for the month of July.

It's amazing to receive God's greatest blessing in my life at the same time as my greatest challenge. 

Sunset in Santorini as seen by my Iphone.

An email from my aunt Sugie came in my inbox last night, a praise to God for His provision in their lives, it was sooo applicable to mine.   I hope her words can be an inspiration to you as much as me!

Let me share with you something that has become so crystal clear to me.  We all have some good stuff going in life and we all have some really tough, challenging stuff going on in life.  God is in the good stuff and God is in the bad stuff.  As I read the Bible I see more and more that it is in the tough situations in life that we feel desperate and often choose to turn to the Lord, and the good news is that He always is there and that He has answers and solutions and truth for every problem and crisis.  The way our faith grows is through us being more dependent on Jesus.  That is a discipline that must be cultivated.  So the good news is that we should not lose heart in the tough times but  be grateful that it prompts us to choose to turn to Jesus and let Him show Himself faithful to meet each need and encourage our hearts.  He is an awesome God.

Lots of Love,

Sarah

ohhhh snap

The Sorority Girl Snap: a sign of excitement, job well done and/or agreement.

It's found it's way back in my life after the last few days of recruitment with the Phi Mu ladies at American University.  Not that I've spent many waking hours away from girls who understand the meaning of the snap and like to do it all the live long day.  I'm just hoping not to start using it at work or other social situations when I head back to reality tomorrow.

The whole experience of being an adviser to these young women has been so incredibly rewarding.  Seeing their growth as leaders, helping them reach their goals, and most importantly having a TON of FUN along the way is totally awesome.  I'm so excited to see the results of all the long hours, sleepless nights and endless emails tomorrow when they meet their new member class on bid day!

For as much as I hope I've made a positive impact on them, I know without a doubt what an impact they have had on me.  It has been a true pleasure and honor working with and getting to know this chapter. 

To add to my "you know you're a sorority adviser when" list:

• Your car has a helium tank, suitcases, 500 flowers and vacuum cleaner in it.  
• You faceplant on the sidewalk on a main street in DC while going to every grocery store and florist in a 5 mile radius trying to find your sorority flower because there are way more women coming to your next party than planned for or imagined - deemed Operation Carnation 2011.  
• You think breaking out into song and dance is and should be a part of every day life.
• You are put on caffeine probation by a young woman 12 years your junior because she fears for not only your sanity, but also your life.

What I Miss...

My dear sorority sister Suzanne shared this link this morning on her blog.  Strangely, this short video was able to illustrate to me all that it is that I miss about living in Florida. 

It's being connected...
knowing a familiar face, and the story behind it.


You see, this clip was about a big tradition in Tampa's Greek Orthodox community in the town of Tarpon Springs (near where my in laws live).  Link #1. 

On Epiphany each year, January 6th-my birthday, there is a huge celebration. Link #2.

The young Greek Orthodox men in the area dive into the spring to retrieve a cross thrown in by the Greek Orthodox archbishop.  In the Greek Orthodox church, Epiphany celebrates Jesus’s baptism in the River Jordan.  Combine that with Tarpon Springs sponge diving and boating heritage and you have a tradition born more than 100 years ago that continues today. 

I've been lucky enough to witness this even first hand at a former co-worker and junior leaguers parents home that surrounds the spring.  Link #3. 

This year the young man who retrieved the cross is a student at the high school where my friend teaches.  Link #4. 

His name Louis Pappas - also the name sake of his families restaurant - one of my favorite dining establishments.  Link #5. 

The sports caster interviewing him seriously dated two of my very good friends.  Link #6. 

This could never happen in DC-unless the newscasters wanted to do a special interest story on baking Christmas cookies featuring me, my neighbors and friends.  Everything here is on a national/international scale.  A friend who had lived here had told me this before I moved to the nations capitol, but it's just now starting to click - why it is that I feel so disconnected.  From a big fish in a small pond to a minnow in the ocean...

I'm carving my niche here, but miss the community and network I used to have.

Speaking of niche, tonight begins recruitment for the lovely ladies I advise.  I'm looking forward to spending a fun-filled, sleepless weekend with them and can't wait to see the results of all their hard work with their new member class on Tuesday night.  Until then...

Resolutions

Well, I wanted to post this yesterday, but blogger wasn't agreeing with me, so today it is.  It may be more fitting that I am posting my resolutions on my birthday.  Wow, where did 31 come from?  I like that my birthday falls at the beginning of a new year-I can reflect and make goals as I celebrate and start the next year of my life.  However I do not like that my husband likes to point out that I am now older than him (for the next three months), and my next big milestone will be 40-gag.

This year my resolutions are focused on relationships, building them, bettering them and making them the gosh darn best they can be.  

First I want to focus on the relationship I have with myself.  Priority #1 my health and achieving a manageable and healthy weight.  My action plan is to make menu’s in advance and prepare foods I like to have with me all the time.  Checking in with myself throughout the day, keeping my hunger (and excitement about food) level low, ideally not letting myself get overly hungry then eating waaaay too much.  I want the foods that I eat to be well balanced, nutritious and yummy.  I plan to participate in physical activities that are rewarding and that I enjoy.  I’ve started yoga, and plan to actually use my gym.  I’m looking forward to dusting off our bicycles and going on lots of hikes in the surrounding parks once it warms up this spring.  Oh yes, and flossing-my dentist will be thrilled I said that, he gets excited about things like that-that's why I love him and all his oral hygiene trivia questions.

In addition, I want to find and participate in rewarding activities that bring joy to my life.  Being a good friend, committed to fostering the amazing friendships I have, and growing some new ones along the way.  I plan to continue my involvement with the Junior League of Washington DC, Daughters of the American Revolution, Washington DC Phi Mu Alumnae Chapter, and advising the Gamma Delta Chapter of Phi Mu at American University.  I want to give fully and my very best to these organizations.

This year, I would like to read lots and lots of books, magazines and blogs.  I’m going to start the year off focusing on Americana, our history and heritage-and see where my interests lead me.

Next, is the relationship with my dear husband.  I want to go out of my way to learn more about him, make him feel honored, special and loved.  I plan to do this by sticking to our extremely detailed budget, keeping a beautiful home, and planning special treats for him.  He is my partner and very best friend and throughout this year (and our lifetime) I want to nurture our relationship and continue to grow in our marriage.  By communicating clearly my intentions and expectations, I hope we can grow even closer and set amazing plans and goals for our future together.

Last, but certainly not least, my relationship with the Lord.  Although my faith and beliefs have never wavered, I want to challenge myself to grow spiritually this year.  I plan to do this by praying more often, doing devotions and becoming more active with church.  I know every effort and amount of energy I put into my spiritual growth will help me achieve everything else I have set forth to accomplish, and even more importantly tune in and focus on what God wants me to accomplish.

Wishing you all the very best for a hopeful and prosperous 2011!

And one more trivial thing: I am making it a resolution that I will find a way to use our hundreds of thousands of airline miles to book a flight to Greece-Business Class or Bust!  I will be eating feta cheese on some picturesque Greek Island this spring.  United.com you will not defeat me!

Tonight at DAR

This evening at our Daughters of the American Revolution meeting we had a presentation on this history of American cookbooks.

America and Cookbooks, two of my very favorite topics.  If the spiked peppermint ice cream punch didn't already have me in a jolly mood, the evenings presentation did. 

First, I just love to read cookbooks, look-up and try new recipes.  I loved my mom's cookbooks and recipe card collection growing up.  Thumbing through the cards and figuring out new things we could try for dinner was always a favorite pastime. When I babysat for families in college, I would love to read all their Junior League cookbooks.  As out speaker said tonight, cookbooks reflect the society and time period in which they were written.  They really are a piece of Americana.  I honestly enjoyed the stories and history that went along with the recipes as much as the recipes themselves.

Then, once I became a member of the Junior League of Tampa, I saw how the cookbooks really reflect the women of the league and the community as a whole.  I learned so much about entertaining and being a good hostess from my experiences with these women.  Always bring a nice spread and a bottle of wine to every committee meeting!  Part of the spread better be a recipe from one of the leagues cookbooks-we knew and recognized every one.  A general membership meeting just wouldn't be the same without a hamwich, I need to make those for my Christmas Party this year.  The whole league is invested in the production of the cookbook, whether providing the recipes, testing the recipes, helping with the creation and layout of the book or selling them in the community.  It brought us all together, and we were proud of what we had to share.  I'm looking forward for my set of cookbooks from the Culinary Collection to be complete this year with the final in the series, Capture the Coast!  It's on my Christmas list, and I'm sure hoping it's under the tree.

I just loved being a part of that in Tampa.  The DC League doesn't care for cookbooks the same way the women of Tampa did.  I was at a meeting facilitated by the Chair of the Steering Committee.  The discussion was about planning our centennial celebration, but we would NOT be making a cookbook.  Sad face for me.

At least there are more cookbooks out there than I could ever imagine.  I'm looking forward to reading more and adding to my collection after tonight's presentation.  Our guest speaker had lots of great information to share with us, and it lead to a very fun discussion.  On of my favorite moments was when the elderly lady sitting behind me (we're talking 70's) said Google was her favorite cookbook-I about died y'all.  I was just tickled to death!

I hope everyone is getting out their cookbooks and making family favorites this holiday season!

Tonight at Junior League

Soo on Tuesday nights I volunteer with adults with mental disabilities as one of my Junior League placements.  Tonight's theme was focused on health and a yoga activity.  As I was leaving work in heels, hose and skirt, I realized that I left my yoga clothes at home-great.  Luckily I had to drive past the mall on my way to the church where our group meets, so I ran in grabbed a T and yoga pants in less than 10 minutes, and in true last minute fashion-changed in the car.

Oh yes, the yoga leader had an emergency and couldn't make it.  So the whole running in and out of the mall in the rain, and changing in the car-not even worth it.  Awesome!

At least I got to spend time with my favorite guys there who love to talk about their TV shows and crock-pot cooking.  I spent the entire evening talking about slow cooking recipes and various CW shows, then we ranked our favorite tv networks.  Unfortunately none of the guys watch Real Housewives of Atlanta or Beverly Hills-which I think are my favorite shows right now!

Oh and the focus on healthy lifestyles?  I was telling everyone at my table how to make cake and Oreo balls-hey, it's the holidays right?

Setting Goals

So over the past few weeks, I have come to realize that I do not have too many goals set right now.  I've always been a goal driven person, so I'm adding to the list of things I would like to accomplish.

First, I would like to be one of the volunteers that helps decorate the White House for Christmas, next year.  I'll be researching and networking to try to accomplish this in 2011.  In the meantime I am building my Christmas Decorating Resume.  At our last Daughters of the American Revolution meeting, I volunteered to help decorate the DAR Memorial Continental Hall for our open house.  I am so excited!

The open house is Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., so come by if you are in the area.

Another goal inspired by Starbucks buy one get one Holiday Coffee's last weekend is to try all the Starbucks Holiday Flavors this season.  So far I've had Peppermint Mocha - my all time favorite, and Gingerbread Latte.

On my to try list is Eggnog Latte and Creme Brulee Latte. As you can tell, I really like to challenge myself with my goals.

You know what I found out about last weekend from the very lovely I Do Declare?  Starbucks rewards cards=lots of perks.  Now that I've heard about Starbucks Rewards, I am spreading the word - who knew that for every drink you purchased with your registered Starbucks card, you could get stuff..
Free Coffee on my Birthday
Free soy milk and flavor pumps
Every 15th coffee on the house
YES PLEASE!

I was telling a girl in my office who is a tried and true Starbucks addict that she needed to register her card stat. 

For a favor given a favor returned...

She told me about the 12 Days of Starbucks. 
So now, I'm telling you. 
If you Text  “12Days” to 29943 - you will get sent offers to your phone to bring into Starbucks starting Dec 1st.  You know I've already done it.

Speaking of Starbucks, guess who I met there today?  Mike from HGTV's Real Estate Intervention. 

I did a double take because, I felt that I totally knew him, but couldn't figure out how.  Did he work in my building?  Was he a client?  Where have I seen him, and then it clicked-I watch him on TV all the time.  He is so nice.  He had just sold a condo this morning in a building next to my office.

Humm maybe that's a sign that my next goal should be buying a bigger house, are you reading this Josh?  Wink, wink...

A Day in the Life

So, I'm showing off where I spend most of my days.  We're sharing offices today at Kelly's Korner.  I'm guessing most are showing their home office, but I don't really have one.  Don't get me wrong we have a home office, but it isn't mine.  It's my husbands, unless you count my laptop which is kept on our sofa downstairs or the exorbitant amount of stationary I keep tucked in our guestroom closet as a home office.

My "office" office is my work office, and I love it and love my job.  I get to help make what could be the most negative situation in someones life into one of the most positive, and to top if off my colleagues are fantastic.

My office building is fully appointed and filled with friendly faces, of which our concierge Jane's is the friendliest there is.  It's always a pleasure to see her.  She is a true example of a professional and sweet as can be.

Up the elevator to my floor and down the hall to my lovely home away from home.  Complete with a tribute to the Gators and appointed with matching pink accessories, I mean really, does it get any better?  Even my recycling bin is pink!

I tried to stack as many things as possible under my monitor so I can see the screen without slumping over.  I'm one tall cookie.  After a few months I figured out this nice drawer feature was a lot more professional looking and functional than a stack of last year's Staples catalogs...what do you think?

Speaking of a nice view, mine is of Macy's could you think of anything more fitting?  It's my husbands worse nightmare - but it does help me maintain a Platinum Macy's Card.  Other than my office building being connected to the mall, another thing I love is having two Starbucks in walking distance.  I'm one lucky girl.

I have been exploring the coffee options at the office as well, making full use of our Flavia machine.  A few weeks ago I took myself on the Tour de Flavia.  Where I tried every flavor of coffee in the machine because I like to challenge myself.

It was a difficult task, but I succeeded.  I can now proudly say I have sampled every flavor of coffee my office has to offer.  But when it was all said and done, I returned to my old faithful House Blend taken with two Splendas, two Mini Moo's.  It's just perfect for me, and rumor has it the lighter the roast, the more caffeine.  Of course this information could be totally false, I think it was passed on to me by my husband who I can not describe as a coffee connoisseur by any means-ha!

* note the hubs reminded me that he is a former barista, and well trained in the art of coffee from the days his family owned coffee shops.  So he knows all about it, just doesn't drink it.  I guess I'm the connoisseur and he is the expert.
So there you have it, my office, was it as exciting as you thought it would be?

All I can say is TGIF.  Hope y'all have a great weekend.  You know I'll be cheering on my Gators.  Speaking of which, my husband went to Athens today to pick up an authentic stuffed Georgia Bulldog, so he can tie it to the back of his SUV and drag it from DC to Jacksonville in two weeks for the FL GA game-way to prepare in advance honey!

My Goals for what's left of 2010

So, Top Two Tuesday is what we want to accomplish with what's left of this year.  Why is this list so easy to write in January, but so difficult to reconcile come September?  Gosh, all those things that I said I was going to do but haven't.  Also I think my priorities have shifted slightly with the events that have taken place in my life over the past few months.  I want to follow-through on the action plans I have set for myself.

Loose the weight - lost 30 pounds earlier this summer, gained it back living in the hotel.  I have the healthy food at my finger-tips, have the support, now, need to stick to it. 

Couch to 5K - this is kind of a subset of Loose the Weight-as they kind of go hand in had.  But gee, I've started this like a begillion times, I would like to stick to it this time around.  Maybe with the beautiful cooler temps, I can enjoy some time outside while teaching myself to run.  Fingers crossed.

Via

Madness

To my pleasant surprise AMC was running a marathon of the second season of Mad Men last night.  I'm so glad that my DVR is set to record every. single. episode. What if I missed it?  I shudder to think.

Who else is so excited for the season starting next week?  What's to come for the new ad agency and Betty's new life?

Then a few short weeks later my guilty pleasure of housewives now in my own hometown.

I am going to be logging some serious late summer TV time.  I may as well spend as much quality time with my couch while I can.  Football season is fast approaching, and I won't know which way is up or really which SEC city I have just left or are headed to is more like it.   So long to sofa time, and hello to interstate 81-we'll be seeing a lot of each other.

A rather interesting thought process taking me from my favorite TV shows to college football, I'm a lonely tailgator, what can I say?

via

Surviving the Remodel

Well, we have survived the remodel...for the most part.  I've got to put everything back in the correct cabinets, and the appliances come on Friday.  I'll post pictures as soon as we get settled.  I'm so excited that I won't live in a construction zone anymore!  It really takes a tole on your sanity-I feel like after this weekend we will be all back to normal.

Speaking of this weekend one of my best friends is coming to visit, and I can't wait! 

I don't think we'll ride any big waves in DC like we did at Universal Studios a few years ago, but we are bound to have a good time.

I have a lot to look forward to, including a trip to the Kennedy Center tomorrow.  We are going for a corporate event with Josh's company.  I am excited to see his office and have supper in the corporate dining room.  I hear of all the amazing catered lunches he has everyday, and now I can finally get a taste of these amazing dishes.

It has been a real treat to figure out what to wear, I need to be both conservative and business.  I've decided on a black textured sheath dress with a matching jacket.  Standard black heels and pearls.  I kind of wanted to be a little more fun and summery with another suit I have with a cream jacket and black skit, but in the end I felt better safe than sorry. 

On a little jaunt over to the Hallmark store to buy a card for a friend on my lunch break, I stopped at Saks to gaze at the St. John collection.  I wish that's what I would be wearing tomorrow night.  I just don't feel like "I'm there" yet.  When are St. John suits appropriate? 

via

I had a friend in Tampa who wore one to a reception where we were both being honored as Tampa's Top 30 Professionals Under 30.  She looked cute as a button, so I guess if you can pull it off, you can.  She had also worn it when competing in the Miss South Carolina pageant.  I just feel like I have to be at a certain level career wise/or age wise where the suit works for me.  I just think it is the perfect "evening" suit, and I'm looking forward to adding a few to my wardrobe down the road.  If only "down the road" was tomorrow...     

Bamboozeled

I have to share my slightly humorous horror story from my experience at the Lancome counter yesterday.

I got a phone call last week from an associate at Lancome to let me know that they were having a make-up artist come in to do summer look makeovers, and asked if I would be interested in having an appointment.  She also let me know that they had reserved a few of their gifts with purchase (that had ended the week before) for everyone who participated in the make-over event and made a purchase.

This was a great opportunity I thought because I had meant to buy my dual finish compact during gift with purchase, and didn't get around to it.  Plus I would love to get a new summer look-double bonus.

Now, being the make-up connoisseur that I am, I knew that this was a sales event.  I expected to be hit up to make a purchase after my make-over, and I was planning to get my standard compact, a new blush and possibly some new eye-shadow.  I went in prepared.

What I wasn't prepared for was that they also brought in a skin care expert, who gave me a delightful mini-facial before my summer look make-over.  After all was said and done, I was brought to the counter and every product that they had used for my skin care and makeover were there waiting waiting for me.  I have to say great approach, very similar to what I get at the spa after a facial, etc. 

Let me tell you there was NO product left behind here.  The counter was piled high.  This staff had their sales skills turned on high and I was surrounded and trapped by four associates on each side of me.  They turned the pressure on, and for every reason I gave why I didn't need a certain product they gave me 2 why I did.  I even said I wanted to wait until I finished up using all my Estee Lauder skin care products before I made a decision and was told how much better Lancome was and to use my Estee Lauder products on my hands (really people I am not putting $70 lotion on my hands). 

So I figured the safest way to get out of there unharmed was to pick and choose some products, see what the damage was and return what I didn't want later.  When they told me oh, it's not that bad, I was expecting to sign on the dotted line for something in the $400 range.  HA - think again sister.  Let's just say I ended up dropping a grand.  NOT ok.

Josh thought it was hilarious, and went along the lines of when I got to get a $25 oil change and end-up spending $150 because I get new wiper blades, cleaning fluids and air filters, etc.  I guess I'm an easy sale.  We did agree that I would return everything except my compact that I use on a daily basis.  I may have kept a thing or two, but the more time that passed the angrier I got that I was slightly taken advantage of.  So I am taking it all back-dang it.

I do have to say, I think the products are wonderful, and my skin looks and feels amazing.  But I just don't want to pay $1,000 for my skin care products right now.  Wish me luck when I go to return everything this afternoon (at a different store of course).

Life-Long Learning

So now that the kitchen remodel is well underway and I am not designing, planning and researching, I feel the urge to take on my next project.  The problem is there are just so many things I want to learn about I can't narrow it down.  I figure writing it all down will help me be able to prioritize!

Professionally, I want to get my PHR -Professional in Human Resources- Certification and eventually PMP - Project Management Professional - Certification.  So I need to jump in and actually order the study materials, crack open the books and set a test date.  Ahh deadlines and commitment...two of my very favorite things.


Personally, I have a few areas that I would like to focus on right away.  Taking a photography class and learning how to use my DSLR camera.  I know there are many options, I just can't decide the best path to take.  There are classes offered through the Smithsonian which I think would be totally amazing.  Also classes offered through NOVA Community College.  I'm sure there are also resources on the Internet.  Has anyone taken a actual class or found good tutorials online?  Let me know!

Also, I really want to take a knife skills class.  I can cut, dice and slice - at turtle speed.  We have an amazing set of Wusthofs, and I use them daily.  But I want to be better and faster!  In addition to being better and faster, I would like to not slice and dice my fingers at least once a week.  I will look into finding a class on this in the near future.  I know some are offered at Sur la Table from time to time, any recommendations?

I loved the gift wrapping class that I went to with Lacey at the Paper Source in December.  I will totally be going again this year, but they also have some fun classes this summer.  Both a Summertime Party Invitation Workshop and a Sassy Personal Stationary Girls Night Out in July - hummm decisions decisions.  Anyone want to come with me?

Jo-Ann's recently opened a new super center in Fair Lakes.  It is huge-and much nicer than their last place in Centerville.  They offer classes, and I think I will take the Basic Sewing Class - I know how to sew-just haven't done it in a few years.  I need to make some basic items with my little machine and then consider upgrading down the road.  My plan is to one day (soon) get an embroidery machine so I can monogram everything to high heaven.  But I feel like I need to be consistent with the basics before I go overboard. 

I also need to add some books to my summer reading list.  It may be a good thing for me to get a real library card.  I was so proud of myself for joining the Falls Church Library after going to the farmers market a few weeks ago only to learn that they are not associated with any other library's so I can't download books to my e-reader from them.  PS-did you know you can "check out" downloads for your e-reader and kindle from the library for free - pretty awesome!  

For now, I think I will open up The Lost Symbol.  It's only been sitting on my night stand table for a few months.  Usually covered by Better Homes and Gardens or Southern Living Magazines.  Josh has already read it and after I finish it we are going to go to all the places mentioned in the book-should be an adventure!

What's something that you want to learn more about?

China Patterns

Today at Kelly's Korner, it's show us your china pattern.  As a girl who drempt of selecting a pattern, and now with a house full of three different collections, I am excited to share mine.  I love everything that china is about; the beauty, the occasions to us it and of course displaying meals for me, my family and guests!

I was lucky enough to start my china collection at a young age.  My aunt AB sent me a piece of Cuthbertson Original Christmas and Dickens Embossed pattern every year for Christmas.  At the age of 30 I have an outstanding collection that I LOVE.  She got me hooked on fine china at a young age.

With my fondness of all things crystal and china, I couldn't wait until the magical day that I got to roam around the department store and choose my patterns for my wedding registry.  I dreamed of it for years.

Then the time came for us to register.  My fiancee had moved to DC, and we had to register on a weekend he was home visiting me in Florida.  On a Sunday after church, we went to Macy's to make all my magical dreams of china, steam wear and silver come true. 

An empty stomach and uncomfortable high heels probably didn't get us off to the right start.  Then handing off the scanning gun to Josh turned into a blessing and a curse all at the same time.  At first, I picked elaborate colors, patterns, florals, scrolls and swirls.  Josh did not like any of it.  We decided to move on to linens and come back to china later.  We spent hours at the store.  Finally it came to a point that everything just got so overwhelming.  I had a short time frame, pinching high heels, and had become a hungry grumpy girl.  I ended up sitting on a display bed in the linen department and Josh would pick something out, show it to me and I would either approve or disapprove.  He 100% registered us.  My husband picked out EVERYTHING!  But it turns out he was able to find things that we both love.  I like that I have a "clean slate," so I can decorate with fun table linens, centerpieces and accent plates! 

Our everyday china is Mikasa Antique White.

Our Fine China is Lennox Federal Platinum.

We were able to use every piece of our 12 piece place setting and every serving dish at Thanksgiving this year.  Not every newly wed can say that!

Have a wonderful weekend.  I will be eating off paper plates and plastic cups because every last bit of china I own is put away in a box as we re-do our kitchen.  Can't wait to get it back out for my first meal in my new kitchen!