11 in 2011: Day 7 -- Favorite Memory of 2010 and J & A Chronicles: All Things Wedding Paper

**Disclaimer: there are a LOT of pictures in this post.  Hope you don't mind! =)

It's not too late! Link up with Kit and MJ for the 11 in 2011 blog Challenge!

Day 7: Favorite Memory of 2010

Many of you can guess what this answer is: that's right! The day I became J's wife! Since I am getting to a full recap by our first anniversary, I will just post some of my favorite shots to hold you over =)

There are LOTS more pictures to come and stories behind some of the pictures =) I can't wait to share it with you in the next couple weeks!!! =)
Now on to the scheduled J&A Chronicles: Wedding Paper!

Invitations

 Programs

 Reserved Seating Signs

 Tears of Joy

Table Numbers

 Menu

 Cake Table Napkins

 Tissue Pomander Aisle Decor

All of these paper items were DIY-ed by Moi and the help of a few lovely bridesmaids, my mom and mother-in-law! =) I designed all aspects of each -- with a little inspirational help from my fave P-Dub ladies =)

Have a Fabulous Friday all!!!

11 in 2011: Day 6 -- Getting Organized

It's not too late! Link up with Kit and MJ for the 11 in 2011 blog Challenge!

Day 6: Getting Organized

Ok so I have a confession.  I feign organization. That's right folks, I look like I have it together, but underneath it all I don't.  Not even a little!  BUT I will provide you with a list of things I TRY to do in the hopes of being organized.

{1} Make a List! Try to make only ONE list a day. I have a bad habit of making multiple lists and having more than one piece of paper and then things are missed/lost/etc! I'm trying to be more organized FOR real this year =)

{2} Use a Notebook! To avoid having 20 pieces of paper, use a small notebook and keep it in your purse (if you're a lady lol) =) I got a cute small one from 'Santa' for Christmas and I have already started using it!

{3} Create a Filing System! We have a filing cabinet at the house. I have to get better about USING it! I have lots of folders in there with labels and everything. I just don't file in a timely manner.  I am getting better about it, as I need to, since J and I are taking over his business book keeping starting the first of this year.

{4} Sort by Style and Color! Yes, I am one of those people who sort all my clothes by style and color in my closet.  It's just SO much easier to see what I haven't worn since doing laundry lol! AND it's makes it easier to get ready in the morning or if I'm looking for something specific.

{5} Get a Calendar! I still haven't bought my calendar to hang in our Kitchen for 2011 and I feel SO lost! I HAVE to buy one like TODAY! haha =)

What do you do to keep you the most organized??

11 in 2011: Day 5 -- Places You Hope to Go & WILW

It's not too late! Link up with Kit and MJ for the 11 in 2011 blog Challenge!

OK so I am going to cheat a little because we already have at LEAST one trip planned this year.
1. We are planning a trip to Texas for my cousin's wedding.  She is getting married in May and I am so excited!! I love visiting that family it's just sad that they are so far away.
2. J and I hope to be able to go to TN for the (hopefully) 2nd annual TN trip with our little group of people.  it looked like everyone had such an amazing time last year and I hope we are able to plan it again.
3. HOPEFULLY we'll have another Girl's Weekend.  I have such a good time and it's so fun to come home to J after being gone because he is SUPER affectionate and cuddly =)

I think we are going to keep a lot of traveling to a minimum this year with trying to save for a new home and paying off credit cards.
Where do you hope to travel??

Be Sure to Link up HERE!!!

 

I'm Loving -- 6pm.com!!! My wonderful parent's ordered me some AMAZING shoes for a STEAL of a deal last night! I can't wait to share them when they come in!!!

 

I'm Loving -- That we are half way through the week! It's already been a long week at work and at home with all our running around.  We discussed this morning and we have NO PLANS for the weekend...well except for a friend's birthday Saturday night but otherwise NOTHING.  We'll see how long that lasts.

 

I'm Loving -- P90X!!!! J and I started on Sunday and it's fabulous!! We are 3 days into it and while I am sore I am so pumped.  I know I shouldn't have already weighed myself but I did this morning and I am down a POUND already.  I promise I won't weigh again until Sunday morning.  Oh and just to reassure you -- I am not doing this for the weight loss, I want to get into better shape and be more toned =)

 

I'm Loving --  My amazing family!! In case you haven't noticed yet, they are so fun and full of love. They are so supportive and encouraging. I love love love the family I have and I know I am so blessed to have such an amazing relationship with them!

 

I'm Loving -- leggings and sweater dresses.  Yes this not-so-trendy lady FINALLY entered the world of sweater dresses and leggings.  I am sure I will kill the fashion and it will be "out" in a week but I'm in love!

 

I'm Loving -- my amazing group of friends -- especially the wonderful ladies! They are all so beautiful and I hold them near and dear to my heart.

 

I'm Loving -- The Fabulous Husband.  He makes me laugh and cuddles with me non-stop! AND did I mention he tells me how much he loves me and how pretty he thinks I am =)

Alright -- I think that's it for the moment!  Have a Wonderful Wednesday (loving the alliteration haha)

11 in 2011: Day 4 -- Best Leftovers

It's not too late! Link up with Kit and MJ for the 11 in 2011 blog Challenge!
Day 4: Best Leftovers

For the LONGEST time I didn't eat leftovers.  I don't take my food home in a doggie bag from restaurants. It's never as good the next day.
Recently, in an effort to eat out less at lunch (especially on days I am running late) I have started taking leftovers.  I'm SUPER picky about what I'll eat as my leftover. 

*Anything that is pasta related, I'll take as a leftover. Spaghetti ESPECIALLY. 
*I also LOVE chili leftover -- but chili in general is pretty amazing =)
*Chicken & Rice meal we make -- found here

I think that about covers it -- I'm not big into leftovers, as I said.  I'm still really picky about it. 
The other reason I don't eat a WHOLE lot of leftovers is that J and I have figured out how to cook for 2 people, so there isn't usually enough leftover for another meal.

What do you suggest for leftovers??

11 in 2011: Day 3 -- Workout Tips & My Sister's Engagement Pictures

Day 3 -- Workout Tips

Listen To Your Body

If your body is aching some where, take a break, slow down, do something less rigorous.   This will help you stay healthy and injury free.  Don't be stubborn like me, or your break will go from a couple days to a month. =/

Do Something You Enjoy

Whether it's Yoga, Pilates, Running, Cross Training -- whatever it is be sure it's something you enjoy.  I have found that if I'm not enjoying my workout, I lose motivation and have a tendency to stop the training.

Indulge But Don't OVERIndulge

It's important to eat well. However, it's also important to give in every once in a while. In my experience, if I completely abstain from something, I give in and have no self-control. PLUS someone who doesn't EVER have a cupcake/ice cream tends to be grumpy -- a little sweet is good for the soul =)

  

Don't forget to link up with Kit and MJ for the 11 in 2011 blog Challenge!

This weekend I took my sister and her fiance's engagement pictures.  We went to a couple locations and I think they are very pleased with the outcome.  Jess made the signs that are used in the pictures -- She has found creative motivation in her wedding planning =) Here are some of the pictures::

I hope everyone enjoys their First Monday of the New Year!!

11 in 2011: Day 2 - Favorite Holiday Memory

I have decided to link up with Kit and MJ for the 11 in 2011 blog Challenge! Head over and link up!

Day 2: Favorite Holiday Memory

This one is tough because there is always something every year that becomes a favorite memory. In general it's the Christmas pictures we take as a family.  We usually take some outtakes and it is a little bit before we get a good picture of all of us.

2004

 2006

 2009

2010

 

We always have such a great time together as a family and I love that we have these silly pictures to look back on =)

My other favorite memory was created by my parents -- every year (even now) my dad chews up some carrots and spits little chuncks of it onto the grass/sidewalk so it looks like the reindeer were there eating =)

I can't wait to read everyone else's Favorit Holiday Memory!! Enjoy your second day of 2011!!

11 in 2011: Day 1 -- New Year's Resolution

First things first -- HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 
Today I FINALLY ran after a month off due to an injury.  I ran 2.5 mi!  I'm so excited -- I don't hurt AT ALL and I felt like I could have kept going! YAY!

I have decided to link up with Kit and MJ for the 11 in 2011 blog Challenge! Head over and link up!

Day 1: New Year's Resolution(s)

1. get into better shape -- this isn't about losing weight. It's about being healthier and feeling better. I plan on eating better (including greens!) and staying in good physical shape. 
2. Start and successfully complete P90X Lean -- The Husband and I are starting this tomorrow.  I will have before and after pictures along with progress as we go =)
3. Run at least 1 1/2 marathon this year -- last year I had such a fabulous time and I am really looking forward to training for this again.
4. Pay off my credit cards -- this has been on my list of things to do but due to some unforeseen circumstances it had to be put on hold.
5. Be a better friend to my family, friends and Husband and continue to build strong relationships with them.

Well I think that does it! At least that I have come up with so far =) Each of these things are something that will make me happier and I am so excited to see what the new year has in store for me and my family!