New Years Resolutions

Looking back at 2013 - it was been an absolute fabulous year. Andy and I got married. I started a new job. We bought a house.  We spent countless nights with friends. I traveled for fun, and for work. I made a few new friends. I finally got a big family, specifically two new brothers.

But this year hasn't been all rainbows and sunshine. I realized that some friends weren't really friends at all which was sometimes hard to deal with. My Dad had his second heart attack (luckily not fatal) but still a scary reality that life is fragile.

With that I'd like to start 2014 working on these few things to make me into a better, smarter and stronger person.

1. Get Healthier
2. Save More $
3. Say Yes More Often
4. Be Nicer
5. Ask More Questions
6. Wake Up Earlier
7. Run More 5k/10k Races
8. Get More Involved in the Community
9. Read More Books
10. Discover & Bake/Cook Recipes
11.  Keep in Touch w/  More Friends
12.  Use Social Media More Often
13.  Be More Fiscally Responsible
14.  Take More Pictures

What are your 2014 Resolutions?


Print above is from Note to Self ($18)  - Check out Sarah's blog here to see more.

Drought

Every New Year I always want to try a cleanse to detox my body of all the nastiness I force my body to eat and drink. Each year I fail at that cleanse. Last year, I got the worst Migraine after going an entire day and ended up taking pain meds and gorging on pizza. This year I'm still trying to find the "cleanse" of choice, but had been recommended by a friend to try Drought which serves up a variety of raw cold-pressed organic juices. 

Drought is found and distributed locally in Metro Detroit and has a storefront in Plymouth. After checking out their website and getting Andy on board we decided to try a few flavors before committing to their version of a cleanse which they call The Wash.  I've never tried a raw juice before and the menu is a little intimating based on the ingredients but why not?

Andy grabbed Apple, Pear and Ginger while I choose Green #1 which is Chard, Cabbage, Celery, Apple, Kale and Lemon.

We've tried them both and for people who don't typically try "juices" they were not that bad. I don't think I'd order Green #1 again but that's because it's got an extremely strong "grass" like taste. I guess you could say it's probably a little too advanced for my current "juicing" taste buds.

The Apple, Pear and Ginger wasn't bad, it leaves a tart after taste but given the right mind set something I'd encourage everyone to try.

Have you tried juicing before? If so what were your thoughts?

Master Bedroom Retreat

Maxim Lighting ceiling light / Ethan allen lighting / Synthetic rug / Gray bedding / Crate and Barrel window treatment / Round mirror / Modern home decor / Crate and Barrel grey throw pillow / Upholstered bed frame / Black end table

The last few months have been absolutely crazy busy. Between our wedding, searching for a new home, homecoming, weddings, work and just life I don't know where the time has gone. But I'm happy to announce this year will end on a high note with the purchase of our first house.

After 20+ house tours, we found our dream first home and can't wait to renovate and update a 1970's colonial.

While we wait until we take possession of our new humble abode in Mid January make sure to check back for design ideas and move-in tips we've heard and experience.

Above are a few items I chose for our Master Bedroom. Some of the furniture we already own like the tufted bed frame from here,  white bedding from here, and two black end tables from here, but I can't wait to incorporate some new items to our bedroom.

Spare Bedroom Redo

Lite Source table lamp / Cityscape painting / Throw pillow / Safavieh black display shelf / Black computer desk / Uttermost accent chair / Reversible Tangier Dhurrie Indoor Area Rug - Grandin Road

It's sad to admit but we've been in our apartment since April and haven't done anything with our second bedroom but use it as storage for wedding gifts. Now that we've had some time to find places for all our gifts, it's time to change our spare into a second bedroom/office. Because both Andy and I will be sharing the office unfortunately the space has to be gender neutral in colors, it doesn't mean I can't throw in some girly flair.

I'm really loving simple throw pillows with type font's with fun sayings.  Because Andy's acquired so many law books, I need another yet another book case, and I love how the one above has some design elements to it not just your typical solid wood panels - I actually had the same one in my cart last night from Joss & Main.

I'll be posting pics as this room starts to come together - so definitely check back.

The Chronicles of House Hunting

It's been a few weeks on the house hunt. After viewing just a few houses we found one we completely fell in love with. It was a tad over our budget but our mortgage lender assured we could afford it. As we put in our counter offer, he called. He made a huge mistake, it was not in our budget.  He didn't account for the taxes which I had sent him not once but twice. He was from a reputable mortgage company, and we were heart broken.  We quickly called another mortgage lender to see if we could make it work, but unfortunately the monthly payment was far to much so we had to walk away.

From then on every house hasn't compared. I still take a browse everyday and receive updates from our realtor, but we've decided to take a break on actively searching and seeing every house imaginable. We know there will be a perfect house out there for us, it's just a matter of when.

With that heart break I splurged on some items I've wanted for the apartment for awhile. Nothing fancy but this bar cabinet, a similar headboard to this, and this bedding.  I've been extremely happy with my purchases so far.  Now it's time to take on our spare bedroom.

Fall Layers Meets Motorcycle Chic

Madewell sweatshirt / Madewell blue checked shirt / Trouvé collarless leather jacket / J.Crew pants / Steve Madden ankle booties / Tory Burch black crossbody handbag / Michael Kors pave bracelet / Warby Parker eyeglass

I've never been one to want to jump behind the wheel of a motorcycle with my hair blowing in the wind - in fact it terrifies me. But, I do love the inspired looks for those that do dare and the change in texture that leather accents bring to any outfit giving you a polished look ready to see where the night takes you.  Perhaps I'm channeling my inner Sandy from Grease - but this look has been a favorite for sometime and I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon.

House Hunting

I have some extremely exciting NEWS to share! After seven-years of monthly credit checks, my identity being stolen not once but three times (by the same person), and down sizing and getting rid the debt of 12 credit cards I finally got through the pre-approval process to own my first home!

I was so excited that I couldn't sleep and just spent hours looking at houses online last night.

While you are probably shaking your head saying 12 credit cards? Monthly credit checks?  To sum it up turning 18 came with an emotional shopping problem and a heaping amount of debt.

But now that is well gone and over with and lessons have been learned, Andy and I couldn't be happier.  I can't tell you how many countless hours I've spent watching HGTV- scouring every real estate site available browsing future houses. Now it is finally here!

Our official hunt starts tomorrow starting with a small home in a downtown we absolutely love.

Can't wait to share our house hunting journey with all of you!

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