Weekend recap.

We had a great weekend!  Friday night we got pizza and rented a video game to play.  I don't know what it is, but I do like playing video games from time to time.  However, after we settled in, had pizza and watch an episode of The Big Bang Theory*, I was falling asleep.  People, it was 9:00pm!!  I've been super tired and just not up for doing much lately.

Hubby and I have both been sick for eternity a few weeks and just can't seem to shake it.  Hopefully this is our week and we'll both start feeling better!  It makes for a long week when you don't feel well, that's for darn sure!

Anyway, Saturday we headed to my hometown so that I could go dress shopping with my friend Natalie and some of her wedding attendants.  I'm a personal attendant in her wedding in September and couldn't be more excited!  She ended up finding her dress (which was gorgeous on her!) and her bridesmaids dresses.  It was a successful trip!  Then we headed out to my parents to relax for a bit before going out for dinner for my dad's birthday.  His birthday isn't until Tuesday, so I'll post more about that tomorrow!  It was fun to get together with my family and just have fun.  My brother & his fiance, Natalie, just got back from 10 day vacay where they got to go on a cruise and to the Orange Bowl to see our beloved Hawkeyes win!! I am so jealous, they were very tan and had a great time.

Sunday we went to breakfast with my parents and then headed back home.... The never ending journey I suppose.... We watched the Packers play an incredible 2nd half, only to lose it in overtime.  We weren't too excited about that.

Anyway, I was laying in bed by 8:00, reading a book and was asleep by 9!  I'm telling you, this cold is kicking my butt!

Hope you have a great Monday and boy do I have some stories to tell you!

I also have a great convo with Dish Network that I can't wait to share.  So stay tuned and enjoy your marvelous Monday!

*More on the Big Bang Theory and how Sheldon reminds me of my hubby at times.... haha In a good way!

P.S.  Today is the LAST day to enter my giveaway!!! 

You won't want to miss this!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!  It ends January 11th 8:00pm CST!  Come on, who wouldn't love a crock-pot and a free one at that!

It's almost like having your own personal cook, just take a few extra minutes in the morning throw together somethings and voila (vwɑˈlɑ)!  How exciting is that!?!?  P.S.  I totally had to search on how to spell the dan world voila!  I would have never guessed that's how it's spelled!

Maybe you can even teach your hubby how to use it, how awesome would that be? **



So anyway, stop what you're doing, head here and sign up for the giveaway!  It's actually a really cool crock-pot that you can set the time on!  Check it out!  you won't be disappointed!


Good luck and have a great weekend!


**- Disclaimer:  In no way is this blog suggesting that your husband should do the cooking or that he will actually use the crock-pot once you win it or that the crock-pot will make your dinner without any effort on your part.  But I do promise you it will make dinner making simpler!   However; if this post helps do the trick and get your hubby cooking then by all means I'll take the credit! :-)

I've come to realize...

I stole this from Brittany Ann at Living in the Moment, check her out, she's fabulous!

I like doing these types of things once in awhile because it gives me a chance to reflect on my own answers and also it gives me something I can return to and see how much I've changed, or stayed the same! Plus, it's also kind of fun!

Anyway, sit back, relax and enjoy.  I know I did!

***

I’ve come to realize that my job. . . is not the one I want to stay in forever.  I want to be and will be a school counselor, hopefully within the next school year and if not then 2011-2012 school year, Here I come!

I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . . sometimes I make it to my destination and have no idea how I did it.

I’ve come to realize that I need. . to stop worrying about the little things.  I get so wrapped up in worrying that it can't be healthy!

I’ve come to realize that I have lost. . . my desire to go out and drink because I have so many other things to do.

I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . . people are rude for no apparent reason.  Get over yourself and realize that everyone has their opinion and it's just that, their opinion and they are entitled to it.

I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . . it doesn't happen very often and I get very chatty, sometimes to the point of no return if you know what I mean!

I’ve come to realize that money… is not something one should worry about.  But don't look at this girl, she worries about it as if it's her job.  Money is also not everything and definitely does not buy happiness.

I’ve come to realize that certain people. . . may not like me and I'm ok with that.

I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . . think of home (my parents home) as my home.  Maybe it will change when we have kids, but I'll always want to live close to my family.

I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . . is very different than I am, but that's what makes us unique.  He is my only sibling and I love him with all my heart and wish the very best for him.

I’ve come to realize that my mom... needs a vacation.

I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . . should be apart of my body because I cannot leave home without it.  If I do, I have to go back and get it, most the time.

I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . .that I did not want to get up for work and that I wished I worked for the schools because I would have had an extra 2 hours this morning!

I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . . I forgot to say my prayers

I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . . about all of the things I'd rather be doing than being at work. BUT then I become thankful that I have a job.

I’ve come to realize that my dad. . . is a very hard worker, he is kind, fun, hilarious at times and irreplaceable and I'm lucky to have him as my dad.

I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . . I spend entirely too much time on there.

I’ve come to realize that today. . . . is Friday and I have a ton of work I should be doing.

I’ve come to realize that tonight. . . will be a movie night with the hubby.

I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . . I get to go dress shopping with some of my friends from back home for one of their weddings and that I get to see my family to celebrate my Dad's 54th birthday!

I’ve come to realize that I really want to . . . have a baby, be finished with school, find a great counseling job, move back to my hometown and start living our life as a family. :-) 

I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to re-post this is. . . anyway who is in need of something to post.

I’ve come to realize that life. . . should not be taken for granted.

I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . . will be fun and relaxing.

I’ve come to realize that my friends. . . are one of God's greatest gifts to me.

I’ve come to realize that this year. . . is hopefully going to be a great one!

I’ve come to realize that my husband. . . is my other half, my best friend, the love of my life and the person who keeps me grounded.

I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . . get back to work.

I’ve come to realize that I love. . . staying at home more than leaving it.

I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . . why some of the most wonderful people don't get all they deserve.

I’ve come to realize my past. . . has shaped me into the person I am today.

I’ve come to realize that parties. . . are usually not for me.  Sometimes we like to go to a party, but we're always that "old" couple who leaves early to go home because we hate feeling sick in the morning.

I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . . of never being able to have children.

I’ve come to realize that my life. . . is amazing and I wouldn't have it any other way.

***

Please steal this if you want to, it was kind of fun.

Happy Friday!  I hope you all have a great weekend and we'll "see" you Monday!

2010 Handbook

Since I'm not feeling well I thought I would post something for you all to enjoy that doesn't take much effort on my end.  I received this via e-mail a couple times and I thought it was a really great message.  So go ahead, take a look at the 2010 handbook.  It really opened my eyes and was very interesting.

 

 HANDBOOK 2010

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily.  And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11.  Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12.  Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13.  Don't over do. Keep to your limits.
14.  Don't take yourself so seriously.  No one else does.
15.  Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16.  Dream more while you are awake.
17.  Envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need.
18.  Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/her mistakes of the past.  That will ruin your present happiness.
19.  Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20.  Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21.  No one is in charge of your happiness except you.  
22.  Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.  Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23.  Smile and laugh more.
24.  You don't have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree...  

Society:

25.  Call your family often.
26.  Each day give something good to others.
27.  Forgive everyone for everything.
28.  Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29.  Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30.  What other people think of you is none of your business.
31.  Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.  Your friends will. Stay in touch.  

Life:

32.  Do the right thing!
33.  Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34.  GOD heals everything.
35.  However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36.  No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37.  The best is yet to come.
38.  When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it. 
39.  Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the  least:
40.    Please  Forward this to everyone you care about, I just  did

**Don't forget about my giveaway!  It ends January 11th!** 

January Goals

It's goal time ladies!

Let's take a look at how I did in December.

December Goals:

• Workout at LEAST 3 times a week  Done!  I did it, well except the week of Christmas, because of all of the traveling we did.  Otherwise, this one was a success!
• Make dinner 4 times a week  This was also a success! :-)
  
• Get a pedi for Christmas, just to treat myself!- FAIL.  I didn't have any time!
  
• Lose 5 lbs before Christmas.  Success & Fail. I think I lost the weight, but put it right back on with all of the holiday goodness going around!
  
• Take a vitamin every day  Success!
  
• Not buy myself anything this month- This may have been a bit of a FAIL.
  
• Super-clean the house before Christmas Success!
  
• Give back to some organization we care about  Part success!  We gave back, but not like I wanted to.

Let's start off 2010 with some great January goals and then I'll post some 2010 goals!

January Goals:

• Paint & put up new window treatments in office.  (Yes, this goal is already complete, but it was an actual goal that I wanted to get finished in January!)
• Continue taking vitamin everyday
• Cut back on spending.
• Cut back on eating junk food.
• Repaint the laundry room.

2010 Goals:

• Expand our family.  I would love to welcome a little one into the world and our family in 2010 :-)
• Start learning how to budget our money better.
• Sell our home and buy my parents old home.
  
• Move back to my hometown.
• Secure a counseling job or finish my practicum and substitute teach while doing so.
• Pay off our last vehicle.

I think all of these goals are doable and I cannot wait to accomplish all of them and hopefully more! :-) 

Happy Monday!

Do you have any goals?  Long term or short term?

**Don't forget about my giveaway!  It ends January 11th!** 

Office Transformation

Hubby and I have been off for about 2 weeks now and we have been very lazy unproductive.  On New Years Day, I got the itch to do something.  We have a lot we need to do, but time just seems to get away from us.

Anyway, we bought our home 2.5 years ago and have never touched the office.  It has the same paint and the same window treatments (left by the old owners mind you). We've just had other things to do and we hardly spend any time in there.  Finally, it got to me.  I couldn't stand the hideousness that was this office anymore.

Friday morning I set off to remove the wallpaper boarder.... Yes, wallpaper boarder.  Look at how completely necessary, modern and fun this boarder is....

 Isn't it beautiful??

By the way, the painting above was done by my hubby in high school.  It's very good, I'm quite impressed myself.  When we have a baby, I'm going to try to get him to paint something on the walls for us! :-)

It wasn't that hard removing it, just a spray bottle full of vinegar and water did the trick. 

Look at that paint job! :-)

Ok, so after all of the wallpaper was off, I went to town on the glue.

We then removed the beautiful curtains! Take a look at these babies, they are for sale if any of you would like to purchase them?? No?  What?? haha I kid. I kid.

It's hard to see, I know

Ok, so then it was on to priming.  If you would like to enlist my services to help paint, just let me know.... Being just 5'0" does help when trying to paint, so hubby is stuck doing everything I cannot reach.

Case in point

See how good I am? haha

Then we painted the 1st and 2nd coats

It looks so much better

After all of the painting was finished, we set out to find some window treatments.

Here's what we settled on.

You can't really tell, but they are brown curtains with swirls.  :-)

View from the kitchen

View from the other doorway

And the other side of the room

So, a little over 8 hours of total work and we are very excited with the final product. Sorry, I'm still figuring out how to work my camera correctly, so some of these shots are hard to see with the lighting. 

What do you think?  Do you think it's a big difference from the before shots of the 90 year old grandmothers room? :-) We're pretty proud of it.

We have yet to find things for the walls, but we put up what was there before for the time being.

**Don't forget about my giveaway!  It ends January 11th!

An after Christmas giveaway!

Happy 2010 Everyone!!! I hope the new year is treating you right already!

To  make your new year even better, I'm hosting a giveaway! :-)

Remember back in September, no?  Well anyway, I Won a fantastic workout bag from Brittany at Living in the Moment courtesy of CSN Luggage.

Well my friends, CSN has contacted me to do a fun little giveaway right here at Livin the Great Life!  Can you believe it?  I hardly can!

So here's the deal..... Like Brittany, I spent hours cruising their plethora of inventory to find the right gift for one of my lovely readers!!   I thought to myself, what would make one lucky reader very happy?  I then began to think of all of the things I had to do at home.... Laundry, dishes, cleaning, cooking... Cooking!  That's it!  My slow cooker is my lifesaver and now it can be yours too!  Who doesn't love a quick 10 min food prep, throw it in the slow cooker in the morning, set the timer and come home to wonderful deliciousness ready for you to devour?? If you're saying "not me", we all know you're lying!

Here she is!




The Hamilton Beach 33966 Set n' Forget 6 Qt. Programmable Slow Cooker

This beaut allows you to "set & forget".  You simply throw everything in, set the timer and when time runs out, it sets it to warm.  So when you walk in that door on a cold winter evening and want nothing more than to sit back and relax, have no fear, your "slow-cooker" is here! (Yes, that sounded lame didn't it?) Anyway, there's a million things you can cook in one of these bad boys!  If you're lucky, when I post the winner, maybe I'll post a few of my favorite slow-cooker recipes!  You'll just have to wait and see!

So, without further ado, the rules: (Please post a separate comment for each entry)
1. Post a comment below about anything, really: what's your favorite thing to cook?  What are you doing for the new year?  What did you eat today?. (1 entry)

2. Become a follower (or remind me that you already are one) (1 more entry)

3. Post about this giveaway on your blog, then of course put the link in your comment(1 more entry)
For a total of 3 entries!


So there you have it. This giveaway ends at 8 p.m. CST January 11th 2010. I'll announce the winner on January 15th, 2010.

CSN will be sending you this item in the mail.  Once I have a winner, I will forward your info to CSN and they will ship your item directly to you.

Thanks so much for stopping by and entering!  Good luck to those that enter! :-)