Appreciate the Small Things..

Remember in my post here, where I talked about how my husband & I had come to the decision to eliminate the bottom level which included 1420 additional sf with a 2-car garage, storage & future sauna room (that one hurt the most), in order to cut costs and hopefully have our home ready sooner? We did end up going back and forth on it before we made the final decision- we both agreed (again) to stick with the one story- it basically came down to cutting the cost by 1/3 or more and not having to worry about working ourselves to death to pay a huge mortgage. Now that the brick piers/open beach style area is eliminated- our house will look like the pictures below-less beach style and more of a cottage design, which I love as well. We will be building a garage as well, so my husband will have a storage area for all of his tools.

We will be meeting with a potential builder next week to get the updated quote for the one-story design- I am praying that this time it will be a much lower quote. It looks like we will be starting the foundation and framing by Christmas-I keep picturing all of the fun dinners & parties that we will have in our new home. 

This is a little off of the subject, but my husband and I were talking the other day, about how we have literally been nomads for almost 3 years- we haven't had a place that we could call home & have been constantly moving, never unpacking or decorating a place of our own. It will be amazing to be able to finally relax and settle in a place of our own and have meals in a dining room, sitting at an actual table, instead of in front of a television (our apartment dining room is currently full of unpacked boxes). I'm also really looking forward to finally having a walk in closet- the one here at the apartment is really cramped- so it will nice to have things more organized. I also miss having our own parking, right now we have to walk a long way, just to bring up our groceries, especially when we have to make two trips! When we had our own home before, I never really thought about all of the little conveniences that we had until we no longer had them- so now, moving back into a home, we will be able to appreciate everything in a much different light. I have learned, that sometimes in life, we go through hard & difficult times in order to force us to appreciate the very things that we were not able to appreciate before...

What are some things that you may take for granted?

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving y'all!!! I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

// I am thankful that Roscoe is running & walking on his own!
// I am thankful for my job and having such a great boss- I knew the minute that I met him that I liked him- he is funny, kind and compassionate.
// I am thankful for people who appreciate me and express to me how much they love me:)
// I am thankful for my close relationship with God- I have grown so much as a Christian the past year.
// I am thankful for my amazing husband of almost 17 years {dating + marriage years}- he is so wonderful to me and has been such an uplifting and supportive husband:) It sounds cliche, but I love him more & more every day..
//I am thankful for my family's health.
//I am thankful for family and old & new friends..

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

"They'll either want to kill you, kiss you, or be you."

{Necklace-  City Lights by JewelMint, Shirt- Target by Mossimo}

Hi Lovelies- hope that you are doing well!! 

I wanted to talk to you today about something that is extremely frustrating to me and wondered if maybe any of you have experienced it as well. People who are rude no matter how nice you are to them-whether it be a stranger, co-worker, friend or relative- that's what I want to talk about today. This has been an on-going issue that I have faced in life more times than I care to count and I can't figure out why..

Ask anyone who knows me, and they will tell you that I am a very nice and compassionate person, I am always the first person there to listen when someone needs a listening ear, the first one to send a thank you card, the first person there to help someone in need- I don't do it to receive anything back or to get praise- it's just who I have always been. So why is it that there are always those certain people that seem to want to be rude no matter how nice you are to them?? It just baffles me to no end, I think I just don't get it because they are so different from me, because I would never be rude or mean to a person especially if they go out of their way to show kindness to me- instead I would tell them thank you and try to return the favor. The honest truth is, I most likely will never understand this type of behavior. I do have a couple of ideas of why someone would act this way - 1-they are very unhappy and want to make others as unhappy as they are or 2- they are jealous of your life and what you have.

{This sums it up}

All that I know to do is to remain true to who I am and not allow others unhappiness/misery to change or affect me. I just keep on smiling and keep being kind anyway. BUT, I have learned to take myself out of the equation once I learn that a person is just going to be negative and judgmental no matter what I do. The last thing that I want to be around is negative and draining people- I love being happy and positive about life! I am the type of person who can find the silver lining in any situation! Another great thing about me, is that I am accustomed to being on my own and I enjoy my solitude, so staying to myself has never been an issue. 

I am finally learning to not let it bother me if others can't appreciate me for who I am- I count it as their loss, not mine. This is a huge step for me because I used to blame myself when people would treat me this way- my first question used to be "what did I do or what is wrong with me to make them not like me?" now my first question is, "what is wrong with them that they don't like me?" So that is a huge improvement! 

The upside to this post is that I do have several positive people in my life who are extremely supportive and love me for who I am- if I didn't have anyone saying positive things about me and appreciating me, then maybe I might question myself. But thank goodness, the people that love and appreciate me outweighs those very few that dislike me for no reason. And that my friends, is the silver lining to this story..

Have you ever faced this issue in your life and if so, how did you handle it?

We now have water!!

I never thought I would be so excited to see a WELL- of all things!!! We now have water + electricity!

I'm so ready to get started on this house building- the husband is making some last minute changes- if I even hint that I would like something different, he makes it happen- he's the best! I am already imagining our new home with fruit trees all around, an organic garden & maybe even some chickens, although the hubby will have to go in to gather eggs- I have a fear of chickens pecking me (childhood trauma- for another post). I love the fact that we will live in the country but we are only minutes from the city- so we will have the best of both worlds. I still can't believe that in 5-9 months that we will be in our new home-someone pinch me!

This morning, we went to the car-wash & then went to Lowe's & bought a new washer & dryer -when they asked us if we wanted it delivered, I was like heck yeah- I don't want to carry that thing up the stairs!! So tomorrow is officially laundry day for me!!

Not too much else is going on this weekend- just the usual, clean the apartment, give the dog a bath, give the hubby a haircut, walk at the park, and catch up on some shows recorded on Tivo.

What about you guys-anything exciting planned for this weekend?

When Life Gives You Lemons..

Hi Lovelies!! Hope you are all doing well!

Last time I left you, I was on such a high with life (and I still am!)- everything just seems to be finally turning around for the better- that is why I love giving it all over to God and letting him handle things!

Things are going great, but after getting some more price quotes on our house, not only did we decide to become our own contractors but we went back to the drawing board and the husband & I came to the conclusion that it would be in our best interest to remove the entire bottom floor which included a 2-car garage, storage, 1/2 bath and a entry staircase. This will eliminate the costs of the two huge staircases, 6 brick piers, insulation, walls, etc. There was so much cost involved with it that we decided to just build an attached garage/storage house instead. So now it will be more of a cottage & less beach house style- and I am okay with that.  

Honestly, I am relieved to not have to worry about borrowing all of that money from the bank & paying the huge closing costs fees + interest. We both didn't feel like a big house would justify paying a huge mortgage every month.  Now we will have money left for travel and possible investments for our future-which is what I really want to plan for!!

Speaking of future- I have always had some dreams that I have always wanted to accomplish & I am working on something right now that I am really excited about!! I just got tired of finding all of the reasons why it wouldn't work & decided to finally just go for it! 

I know that I had my own booth at the Antique Shop and also an Etsy Shop & they didn't work out like I expected, but I love trying again- that's what keeps us alive, right?? If I didn't have my dreams & goals- I wouldn't know what the point would be in waking up everyday. Anyway, if everything goes according to plan, I should have a big reveal in the next 3-6 months..

So that is all that is going on with me lately- how is your week going?

Life is Good...

So much has been going on this week, I am not sure where to begin!!

//House Stuff

----> We met with two different contractors for quotes on putting in our foundation and framing- we should hear back next week sometime.
---> Our well should (and I say that loosely) be installed by Wednesday- it was supposed to be installed on Friday, but we all know how that goes.
---> I called our Apartment Leasing Office to find out if they offered month to month or an extended lease, which they do, from $50-$100 additional so I am happy about that!! (I do NOT want to move twice!!)
---> We went to Lowe's today and looked washer/dryer sets, options for cabinets, quartz/granite, windows, doors until my head hurt! So many details!!
---> I talked with the Insurance company & they should have a quote for us on Monday, for Builder's Risk & Liability before we start the house construction.

//Fun Stuff

{If you are new to the blog- I am the second one from the right with the "P" Christmas ornament & Alexa, my friend from work, is to the left of me with the adorable snowman!}

{I plan on making a trip back to this little town just to go shopping- they have the cutest things!!}

---> A few weeks ago, my friend & co-worker, Alexa, invited me to go to this Art place by the name of "The Rusty Bucket" about 15 minutes from where we live- in the cutest little town! I had so much fun, I met some new girls that were so nice and it was so much fun to live out my artsy side-  I am so ecstatic with the way it turned out!! I showed my husband and he LOVED it!!
---> My new boots came in from JustFab- I love them- I am wearing them with everything!!
--> I bought a few Christmas gifts on Friday- I can't believe we only have 5 1/2 weeks until Christmas!!

// Health Stuff 
---> I did a 5-day juice fast this week- which included green juice, low-sodium tomato juice, broths, water, etc. I lost about 5 lbs, but most importantly, I felt so much better! I had more energy and I noticed my thinking was clearer and I felt much more motivated about everything. I even started waking up earlier in the mornings to enjoy my days- which is SO unlike me, I love my sleep! It's something that I want to start doing more of- not every week though- I really missed my wine & cheese nights!!
--> I didn't get to go walking much this week- mostly because of having to meet with contractors and building suppliers- I am going to try to fit in more exercise more next week.

//Emotional Stuff
--> I hate to say this, but most of my life- even at my prettiest & thinnest, I have never really learned to love myself for who I am. Lately, I have begun learning to love myself- the little quirks, imperfections and all- after all, isn't that what makes us beautiful? Those characteristics that are different from others and a loving & compassionate heart- that is what is beautiful..

//Work Stuff
---> I had emailed my boss a list of ideas for our Senior Health Expo for 2014 and his wife emailed me the sweetest message saying how much they appreciated & loved me- it totally made my day! It is one of the best feelings to be appreciated for hard work- more and more I see that God has placed me in this job for a reason{s}!

It has been a really great week- I am feeling so blessed with my job, friends, our dog, Roscoe being healed- life is amazing!!

What is something that you feeling blessed or are thankful for?

25 Things you didn't know about me...

25 Things You didn't Know about me..

I actually had 50 things before I decided to edit the list- I don't want to be an open book..best to leave some things to the imagination, right?

//When I was 17, I worked as a Visiting Nurse, which turned out to be a much too intense job for me at the time. I found out at an early age that I take on others pain & sadness as my own & it tends to overwhelm me
//I also worked with Mental Health Patients and Vocational Rehab and as a Medical Center Rep. in the Oncology Department. For some reason, I have always worked in the medical field.
//A couple of years ago, I had a booth at an Antique Shop called Toscogas- it was a really great experience for me to live out my artistic/creative side.
//When I was 19, I invented several things- nail strips, a dog seat belt, a three prong curling iron- I mailed them to some invention place and never heard back, but later they were all invented. I still have the drawings.  I would be a millionaire by now, if I had patented them correctly, but I was just a kid.
//I am extremely sensitive and get my feelings hurt easily- I am more fragile than I appear. I do not like being picked on or embarrassed- that is the fastest way to lose me as a friend.
//I hate when I am talking to someone and they ignore me/text on their smart phone. If someone does that, I will walk away- I consider my time very valuable.
//I have very strong discipline & am very self-controlled. I don't fly off the handle or do rash things- I think about the outcome & consequences before reacting.
//Sometimes, there are so many ideas & thoughts in my head, I feel like I don't have enough room to hold them all! I have so many ideas, I think ALOT. I am a big dreamer..
//I hate sharing my deep feelings with people- I only share with God and my husband, that's it. I don't trust many people at all, so if I open up to you in the least, you should definitely feel honored..
//I am also extremely compassionate & cannot bear to see anyone suffering- animal or people. Yes I am THAT girl who will save the squirrel in the middle of the road (I have done it before)- I have been known to bring hurt animals to the DNR and report abusive animal owners. Animals can't speak for themselves, so we have to be their voice.I am a huge animal lover & rescued 3 dogs that were going to be euthanized unless I saved them -so my husband agreed to drive me 3 hours to rescue them- they were so happy..we later adopted them out to good homes. I also used to be a member of PETA until they went too extreme. I became really extreme & it consumed my life- I would email my friends & families daily (several times a day) of animals that needed rescuing, and all of the petitions to sign to save the animals from being tortured for fur, food, etc. People got annoyed with me because of it, I am just extremely compassionate- I am an all or nothing type person.//The first time I saw how animals were kept in slaughterhouses with no fresh air & slaughtered inhumanely, I started crying & convinced the husband to go vegetarian with me. He did for several years, then I felt bad and now he eats only organic, free range meats.
//As cliche as it may sound, my husband really IS my best friend, when all of my friends & family abandoned me, he (& GOD) was the only one there for me to encourage me & help me through things.
//It is impossible for me to be on a budget- I HATE it!! Although, I love when I find items on sale.
//I am a prayer warrior- there is nothing that I don't believe that GOD can do!! I don't think that anything is impossible with God! //I have had God give me several visions in my life that have come to past- I am a HUGE believer in the power of dreams. Remember Daniel in the Bible? God gave him many visions! I could tell you about several visions God has given me that has come to past- but I will save that for another post.
//I believe that a cup of coffee/tea & a good book makes any day better...
//I am a person that sticks by my morals & beliefs and regardless if someone dislikes me for it, I refuse to change. I don't believe that we should change just so people will like us more. I like being different- it's what makes me who I am.
// I am a very good judge of character- within minutes, I can figure out what someone is all about. Unless they are extremely hard to read..like yours truly...
//I can be picky & occasionally high maintenance..but I'm worth it..
//When I was younger, I was such a nerd. Proof: I was a member of the Book club, fastest reader in school, Advanced English and Algebra classes, choir, knitting, bird watching, soccer. No wonder I didn't have a boyfriend!!
//I had a guy serenade me once (while I had a boyfriend)..
//I have been a victim of bullying & verbal abuse. I've been told it's because I am TOO nice of a person...but I refuse to change who I am..
//I hate crowds and big parties- I prefer to socialize with small groups of people. I hate lots of noise and when everyone speaks at once.//I am a homebody, I would rather get takeout, movies and just chill out than go out to eat at a fancy restaurant.
//I am a very creative & visual person, I love beautiful things-which is why I love photography!
//I love music- I live by it, by the lyrics, the sound..I couldn't live without it..it's my way of showing how I feel without having to say it...
//I am the favorite Aunt who will jump on the trampoline, have camping nights, have fashion shows, dress up parties, tea parties- I am a big kid at heart!
//I have been told that I have bedroom eyes..whatever that means..

So that wasn't too painful... What are 25 things about yourself that you find interesting?

Vapour Organic Beauty Review

Recently, I spoke with Victoria at Vapour Organic Beauty and she offered me some of their beauty products to sample. I decided to try the Soft Focus Atmosphere Foundation and the illusionist concealer for my dark circles. Especially, since I have always had issues trying to conceal my dark circles.

Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation is made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments and vitamins. Atmosphere nourishes with Organic Pumpkin and Papaya Complex, brightens the skin with Organic Camellia, and is infused with Vapour’s face-specific infusion of anti-inflammatory Frankincense, antioxidant Tulsi, and moisturizing and calming Lotus flowers.

I love that their makeup is made from entirely certified organic plants, vitamins and minerals- so basically, all day it is improving my skin! Not to mention that is is not animal tested, which I love! I love how silky the foundation feels when applying, it has a nice smell to it as well. The concealer was very easy to apply and did a really nice job of covering my dark circles. I love how the foundation and concealer worked together to make my skin appear more glowing and natural, instead of thick and painted on like so many other makeups tend to.

If you try Vapour Organic Beauty products and decide within 30 days that you are not happy, they will refund your money. But to be honest- I really don't think you will have that problem. If anything, once you try their products, you will probably want to order more, I know I do! I have had several people comment on my skin since I have been using Vapour Beauty for a week- one comment was that my dark circles were gone, which was one of my main reasons for trying the illusionist concealer. I will definitely be ordering it again, once I run out!


*The Vapour Organic Beauty Products- Illusionist Concealer & Soft Focus Foundation were both sent to me to review free of charge, however I was not paid any money to do this product review. Any products that I review are of my own personal opinion and experience.

House Progress..

We are finally making some progress on this house thing..it's slow but at least things are moving in the right direction! As excited as I am to be getting a new home- all of the details can be so stressful!!

Here is where we are so far:

//Our building plans were approved by building inspections! (No shocker there since the hubby worked in Engineering for over 13 years of his life)
//The temporary power pole was approved by building inspections & we now have power!
//We contacted the guy who is going to install our well- he should be able to work on it next week- so within the next week or so, we will have water!
//We should have a builder quote first thing next week. Sending prayers to heaven for an awesome quote!
//I have been on Houzz constantly adding things to my idea book- hopefully, I will get it all narrowed down.

If everything goes to plan, it looks like we will start building our new home in the middle of November. I am really excited to be building in the Fall because it is such lovely weather, not to mention starting a new year with a new house! I am so excited!

{Like this, but dark floors}