Shutterfly Holiday Cards!

Shutterfly is where I got my holiday cards last year. Let's just say I was disappointed when I didn't have enough friends and family to send every last card out to. Sad isn't it?!

This year they have an ever better selection of Christmas cards. I'm leaning towards the tropical Florida-ish cards for 2011.

We don't have any kids yet so maybe our fur-baby can make the cards? Ha, Kado is cute and all, but we know who REALLY eats the last Christmas cookie. . . its probably me.

And there are also so many other pretty cards to choose from! I love this chevron card. Don't be surprised if this baby makes it in the mailbox this year.

I also like this one if I go the more traditional route.

And Shutterfly also has cute thank you cards for all those unexpected gifts this holiday season. Or maybe some invitations for a New Years party?? That may be happening at our house too!

FiTBF: Childhood

1. When I was a kid I wanted to be   a horse vet or horse trainer when I grew up.
2. As an adult, my dream job would be a stay at home Mom at a beach house  .

3. When I was younger I wanted to be just like my grandma =)  .

 

4. The childhood Halloween costume that I remember most was when I was    Belle from Beauty & the Beast.

 

 

 

5. My favorite childhood toy was   the backyard! I was never inside, from what I can remember.

 

6. The time I got into the biggest amount of trouble when I was a kid was when I ...I got grounded for sneaking out.

7. I get daily inspiration from  Pinterest and people watching.

Now head on over and play along!

Fav. Fall Decoration!

I've jumped on the pinterest bandwagon. I'm afraid I'm addicted! I'm sure I'm one of the last to find out about it, but seriously there is everything on there!

I went through my boards and picked out my favorite fall decorations. I hate to admit it but I'm almost over the fall stuff already and its my absoulte favorite part of the year. I'm ready for christmas!

Source: adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: None via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: None via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: myheartsdesireblog.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Punkin' Carvin'

I'm having a hard time choosing a pattern for my pumpkin this year. It's something I look forward to every year but I don't want to do something lame...These are the ones I've found that I like so far. What do you think?

(from here)

I think I have a sick sense of humor. haha

 

(from here)

& The Steelers pumpkin is a thought to irk my hubs. He does not like the steelers, while I do. He'd rather I did a Patriots pumpkin.

(from here)

 I think I'm going with the hello kitty one though. If I get to carve my own, I might as well go with the girly one. Plus who doesn't like Hello Kitty!?

Fill In The Blank Friday

I love that there is a new photo each week! I'm linking up with the little things we do.

1. Nothing says fall like having the windows open and feeling the crisp breeze through the windows.

2. My favorite autumnal tradition is carving pumpkins! I love going to the pumpkin patch and picking out the best pumpkin.

3. My favorite fall treat is a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte and a scone. Soo good.

4. Fall makes me think of  family and happiness  because the humidity in the air goes away and I feel like I can breathe. Also cuz' of all the holidays. Unfortunately Florida doesn't have a fall/winter we only have cold fronts so we have to take advantage of the "cool" weather while we have it!

5. Autumn free form word association, go! Pumpkins, apples, boots, bon fires, scarves

6. My go-to outfit in the fall is jeans, boots and my camo jacket. Or jeans, boots, a scarf and sweater. Jeans and boots are a must.

7. My favorite fall holiday is (Halloween or Thanksgiving) . Well I love Halloween in October and Thanksgiving in November, does that count?!



5 Foods

I know this post isn't diet friendly but ya know... It's a nice farwell to the things I won't be eating much of.

{1} Jalepeno Mac N Cheese

{2} Publix Sugar Cookies

{3} Steak and Baked Potato

{4} BBQ Cheeseburger

{5} Dominos Cheesesteak Pizza

16lbs down!

Any time I want to try a new project, its nice to have some guidelines right? I'd been thinking lately that my life could use some sprucing up. Mainly my eating habits. I eat like a 5 year old! Well, uhh so does my husband so we're both over due for some diet rehab.

A woman I work with started the 17 day diet and has lost 14lbs so far. It's a clean eating program that is long enough to create a habit. I was excited to check it out, and bought the book on my Kindle app. After reading though the first chapter I was hooked. Call it a fad, or w/e you like but I was game to try it. Even the Hubs was down to do it.

So far I've lost 5 lbs on this diet and my energy has gone through the roof. Getting rid of processed food is a HUGE step in the right direction for us. I just FEEL better all around. I sleep better, I move better, and I don't miss all that fat/sugar that I use to eat.

NO, I'm not paid to write this post. I'm just sharing my own personal experiences. It's just something for you to think about ;)

2 years.

Yesterday I got to celebrate two wonderful years of marriage to my husband!

Sigh.

This is the post that I've dreaded writing but I'm finding is oddly liberating. I had mentioned previously that I've had some misfortune lately and some fears were realized.

September 1st: I found out I was preggo. Jumping for joy doesn't even cover our surprise and excitment. We'd been trying/not trying (if it happen it happen kinda attitude) since last October. It looked like our time had finally come. The same morning I found out I made an OB/GNY appt for the next morning so we would be able to confirm the home test. This put me at 4/5 weeks along.

September 2: I had my appointment and had a blood test done.

September 4: I had some spotting at about 4 am. I was scared but had heard this happens to a lot of people.

September 5 ( Labor Day): we told my parents cuz' we couldnt keep it in any longer.

September 6: I had to go back to the Dr. to check my HCG levels. The first blood results came back at 117.

September 7: I get a phone call from the Dr that my blod test from the previous day had come back. My HCG levels had dropped down to only 32. She informed me that it was not a viable pregnancy and I would lose this baby. I would start miscarrying soon.

September 8: The miscarriage starts. I won't go into detail there but lets say its 10x worse then your normal monthly "visit". Emotionally I was a wreck. Crying all the time, sad at the loss and not knowing how to deal with it. In just the weeks time, I'd already gotten attached to my baby.

For over two weeks following that I was still bleeding and feeling horrible. I was a b*tch and didn't care what anyone said or did. I was also going to the Dr every two/three days to check my blood levels. My arms were black and blue from all the tests, and I had to keep answering questions about what was wrong with me. I expecially loved when the lab lost a blood test and I had to go back the very next day and do it all over again. I think in September I gave blood over 10 times.

To make matters worse, the lab screwed up a blood test and told the Dr. that my HCG levels had gone back up. Which ment I was ectopic or there was a problem with my miscarriage. Hence, this nightmare was now being coninutally dragged on.

It's looking like things are finally getting back to normal now. I had what I hope it my last blood test this morning. As long as its showing my levels are still down then this is over. Fingers crossed.

I'm not posting this out of sympathy. More or less this is my story about something that happens to 80% of women. Thats a little fun fact I had no idea about. Most women just don't even know they've miscarried because it happens to early on.

For the next few months I'm just going to let my body recover and get my head straight before we even start thinking of trying again. I'm praying we have better luck next time...