Friday, November 20, 2009

I'm Crushing On...

The Waterfall Ruffle Curtain from Urban Outfitters!

I heart the white ruffle curtain and seriously heart the cool grey ruffle curtains too! Sparky and I are starting the transformation of our "dog room" into Babalou's very own "Writing Room"! Woot Woot! You know I'm ecstatic. I guess it's my gift for handling all the months of Sparky's studying so well. At least that's what I tell myself.

We already picked out and picked up the paint. I picked somewhat of a cool grey color of paint. I think and I am crossing my stubby Islander fingers that the paint will be the right amount of light and not too overly dark.

So, currently we have sheer white curtains up in the room. I am thinking about keeping them and just adding the white Waterfall Ruffle curtains on two windows!







Now for the grey. I just heart them. I think the grey on grey would just be too much. In our guest bedroom, I'm planning on re-furbishing all the furniture from their current dark stain to a rustic white. The walls will stay white. I think the grey Waterfall Ruffle curtains would just be gorgeous in the guest bedroom with some dark purple or turquoise accents (still deciding on this).





So, what do you think?

Keep on Keepin on.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Snuggie...For Dogs

Seriously.

I am my mother's daughter. Remember when I told you about my mom and her obsession with random purchases on QVC, infomercials, and especially "As Seen on TV" products? Well, the finger has turned around to point itself at me.

I bought the Snuggie...

for dogs.



I know. Sad.

But our little chihuahua, Harley, was beginning to show the signs of cold weather. Her shivering and hiding under blankets was just too much to handle. So...




tee hee. It was just too cute. I couldn't say no.

Keep on Keepin on.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

P90X...Week One

I woke up this morning in good spirits and little to no soreness. This relief was a far cry from the torture of last night’s P90X video and the agonizing pain I endured all day Sunday and Monday due to Saturday morning’s battle with Tony. Relief today is an understatement.

Yesterday, I was Miss Waddles-A-Lot. I could barely walk or sit down to use the restroom without cursing my workout from two days ago. Dang you, workout! I will defeat you, I promise!

Last Tuesday was the beginning of P90X. Carnie and I committed to each other for the next 13 weeks to prove we too could have lean chiseled bodies in which Tony promises. I actually just wanted to see what the workout was like. I had heard so many people, many of them athletes, claim that P90X is/was one of the hardest workouts they ever did. I, of course, had to see for myself.

Day numero uno. We should have started Monday, but something came up. So Tuesday was our first day; but we started with the second video in the Lean program so that we would not get off the P90X schedule. This video was Cardio. It was actually fun! I like the cardio. It left me hopeful and thinking, “I can do this.”

Day dos. (I don’t know why I am counting in Spanish...it just feels right.) Arms, shoulders and ab ripper X. Don’t forget the “x”, ya’ll. Arms and shoulders were not so bad. I did have spaghetti arms when it was all said and done, but it was definitely do-able. Now, as for the super duper Ab Ripper X...don’t forget the “x”...

I hate you.

I hate Ab Ripper X. The “x” can go “x” off somewhere. Worst 15 minutes of my life. I was definitely defeated and all hope was lost.

Day tres. Yoga. Oh, how I love thee. Yoga, you are the best. With the exception of my sweaty hands slipping all over my yoga mat causing my downward dog to constantly force me into a pseudo plank position; and my sweaty feet slipping causing me to grip the mat with super uber toe strength, in turn ripping the mat...I heart yoga. I’ll wear socks next time and lay a towel down where my hands go...compromise is my specialty.

Plus, Carnie had work stuff on this night, so Sparky stepped in and did the yoga with me. Yoga is totally worth it on its own, but add a non-flexible male who has never done a second of yoga in his life and it is worth all the aches and pains soon to come...

Friday. Break. I suck. Pizza was far more appealing.

Day quatro. Saturday morning. 8:30 am. Little did I know when I woke up at 7:00am that at 8:30am I would be meeting my doom. Good thing I got some coffee and vacuuming in before impending death occurred. (yes, vacuuming relaxes me...don’t judge)

Legs, back, and my biggest foe, ab ripper X. screw off, “x”. An hour of legs and back didn’t sound so bad in the beginning. My tree trunk thighs are pretty strong...so I thought. I swear that in one of the sets of one legged lunges I felt my muscle rip in my thigh...I swear. Too bad there wasn’t any immediate or short-after pain to back up my claim. Dang it. This hour of torture and pain caused one of the few times I’ve ever had spaghetti legs. Even 20 plus miles on a bike didn’t cause this pain. As for the ab ripper X, I brought it (better than before) this time. I will not let you defeat me.

So, what did Carnie and I do after our 1 hour and 15 minutes of legs, back, and abs? We did what any normal girls would do to make them feel better about themselves...we got a carb-filled breakfast, expensive coffee, and went garage selling. Woo hoo! As soon as I found the original Trivial Pursuit in perfect condition with all the pieces for just $2...my morning was all better. Now I can work on memorizing all the answers!

Sunday. Can’t move. Calf muscles feel like they are trying to rip away from the bone in revenge from the 90 calf raises the day before. My glutes (that’s muscle talk for “butt”) have shooting pain every time they jiggle (which is a lot). I woke up feeling like I could get through the day’s workout, Kenpo.

I still don’t know what the Kenpo video looks like. I’ll find out later this week.

So, obviously, Sunday was another break day. Carnie and I rock.

Last night, Monday, was Core Synergistics. Remember, all day I was Miss Waddles-A-Lot. I still tried to tough through the Core Synergistics as much as out-of-shape humanly possible. 50 minutes...we skipped the bonus round. Are you surprised? I had never felt so beat up in my entire life. During the entire work out, my body parts were competing for which part hurt the most. People say the key to P90X is the “muscle confusion”...I think the body’s muscles are just confused at which one hurts the most.

This morning...relief. Most of my pain seems to have subsided.

Carnie and I are back to the second beginning with Cardio tonight and I’m actually EXCITED. Can you believe that?

Perhaps all the hard work might actually pay off...eventually.

More to come.

Keep on. Keepin on.

Monday, November 09, 2009

A Tune for a Monday Afternoon

I'm crushing on Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johanssen today. You should too.



Keep on Keepin on.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

P90x - Day One

You've seen the infomercial for P90x. You've wanted to try it. Well, at least I did. I wanted to see for myself what all the hub-bub was all about. I heard it really works and it is supposed to be one of the most difficult work outs ever because of it's "muscle confusion" blah blah blah..so...

A friend of mine and I started it today.

Day numero UNO. All I have to say is I'm ready to go to sleep...so more details on my midget leg kicking, confused boxing, uber super yoga, sweaty slipping hands during downward dog, and name calling and hating on the only female who was perfect at everything in the video...will have to come later this week.

Good times. Bring it, Day two!

Keep on Keepin on.

Monday, November 02, 2009

I Heart Ellen

I heart Ellen. She knows how to have good ole fashioned clean fun and she never fails to make me laugh HYSTERICALLY!

I saw this video today which is from Ellen's show and I laughed out loud for a good few minutes; and then I made Sparky watch it and he laughed hysterically for a good few minutes...I could hear him from the other room.

I hope this at least brings a smile to your face if not make you laugh out loud.



Taylor Swift is such a good sport. You can't help but like someone who can laugh at themselves.

Keep on Keepin on.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

I hope you had a Happy Halloween!

So does John and Kate and their 8...


So does Octo-Mom


So does Olive Oyl


So does Prince


and even the Paparazzi



You missed out on some goodies!



And the s'mores were uber dee-lish!


Dress up is always a good time with friends!



Keep on Keepin on.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Singing the Night Away

I've being singing show tunes all evening...well all day actually. Ok. All weekend. I know. I know. That's not really a surprise to anyone. But I've been singing "RENT" masterpieces all evening because that is what I got to enjoy earlier this afternoon. It was wonderful! I love live local arts! Especially in the form of musicals!!!!

The movie "Rent" came out in 2005 and I did not hesitate to see it in theater or purchase the soundtrack in order to sing my Rent heart out in my car...of course.

My two favorite songs are...

"Seasons of Love"...of course. And..



"No Day But Today" (my absolute FAVE!) I heart the message.



I'm off to sing my show tunes in my dreams! I hope you do too!

Keep on Keepin on.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Honey Do's

I'm getting a late start to my busy Saturday and I am losing more time with this post. I'm okay with that though. Here is what is going on this wonderful, beautiful, Autumn Saturday.

Sparky is currently taking an 8 hour long exam. That's right. 8 freaking hours! E to the U (EW)! The last few months have been stressful and frustrating with 2-5 hours of studying almost everyday. Frustrating for me because I knew how frustrating it was to him and me no likey unhappiness in anyone's life. Also frustrating to me because I've had to deal with these books and several others scattered about the house; in the bathroom, in the kitchen, in the living room, in the sauna, in the bedroom. I'd find a book in a different place everyday! If you know me, scattering and not putting things back where they are supposed to go is a huge issue for me; so keeping my mouth absolutely shut and not moving them was very frustrating! I persevered. I don't think Sparky even knows how much it irked me.



But as of 5:40 pm later today, the first round of frustration will be all over. If he fails this test, I'm mentally prepared to support the second attempt.

I was up and at 'em at 5:09 this morning to cook Sparky a nice scrumptious breakfast before his big exam. I did go right back to bed after my duties were done. I left Sparky to feed his tummy as well as his mind with some additional last minute studying and strategizing. He had to report for test taking at 7:20 am! More E to U!

So, I slept and wandered out of bed just before 8:00 am and I have been contemplating all the wonderfulness of a day to myself.

Feed the dogs. Check
Cup of coffee or two. Check
Watch a little Rachel Ray. Check

I have quite a bit to accomplish today before 4:40 in the afternoon. Sparky and his brother have a cross bike race tonight, so his brother is picking me up at before-mentioned time and Sparky is meeting us there.

Sparky and I are hosting a big Halloween bash next Saturday, so I have quite a bit of preparation still to accomplish. We have only just started our front yard cemetery but still have some ghoulish items to add.





Our big front window is creeping with a spider, but I need the perfect web to create the perfect welcome.


I'm all about the funny and original Halloween costume, so Sparky and I came up with the perfect couples Halloween costume for us. With all the decor, food, and beverages we're planning on dishing out for this spooky shin-dig, Sparky and I will be saving a lot on our costumes; which all of you know is right up my alley. Our only purchases necessary to perfect our costumes are a wig (which we got in the mail last week), a t-shirt, and two handfuls of cheap accessories. Everything else is right in our closets. YES!

So, on this gorgeous Autumn day, I'm Halloween party costume and decor accessorizing. The t-shirt is key so I have to find it. Wish me luck!

Do you have any special plans this Halloween?

Keep on Keepin on.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Playing Around

So, I'm playing around in photoshop trying to create a new banner. Above is what I have come up with so far. It's definitely not a keeper but it's a start.

What I'd like to incorporate:

My dogs
My love for food (cooking, baking, and eating)
My love for simplicity
My love for home decor
My love for anything beautiful
My love for writing
My love for fun
My love for nature
My love for pictures
My love for inspiration

Do you have suggestions?

Keep on Keepin on

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Wierd-O Alert

You know you have issues when you're sitting at work in your cubicle with your co-worker/cousin trying to figure out if you can lick your own elbow...ISSUES I tell ya! Issues.

Wierdo-O Alert on steroids...I CAN lick my own elbow.

Just sayin.

Keep on Keepin on.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Good Times: I Heart U2



Last night was the night of the long awaited and anticipated U2 concert in Oklahoma. I heart U2 and I was so ecstatic that I finally got to see them live; because face it...how many times do we really get the chance to see U2, especially in Oklahoma?

I'm so happy that a humung-go crowd turned out for the concert. Sparky and I did not realize what 70,000 people really meant when we set out for the drive to Norman. We were all smiles and jazz hands (literally) in the beginning of our adventure.

****Side-note: I was not happy about Sparky's mustache. He thought it was hilarious to sport the mustache ALL weekend. I absolutely do not endorse the mustache unless you are Kip from Napolean Dynamite. Luckily, the stache was shaved off this morning.



Then we hit traffic. Then we took a detour. Then we didn't get to eat because everywhere was a two hour wait. BUT...we did park for free and we got a work out with the walking. So, I'm all good.

We finally made it to the concert while the Black Eyed Peas were doing their thang. It was good.

The "mother-ship" was huge, magnificent, and really just a bad-mamma-jamma. It was definitely a site to see. My phone doesn't take good pictures in the dark. So this is all I got. Super sad.




I got to hear "With or Without You", which is one of my most favorite songs of all time, so I was an uber-happy girl.

With the exception of someone around Sparky and me passing nasty gas every 15 minutes, the concert was super duper uber amazing. I am so happy I got to see them live and I am so happy that Oklahoma turned out such a humung-go crowd!

Keep on Keepin on.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

It's Getting Hot In Here

Since most of the continental US is experiencing official Autumn weather and the sneaky greediness of Winter is trying to take over Autumn's spotlight, I've decided to post about something HOT!



NO!

Not that kind of HOT...although he is uber scrumptious.

You know how most people save their money and can't wait to purchase that great luxury item they have always wanted? In the category of "relaxation" at home, I would normally think hot tub or swimming pool or personal masseuse. But in Sparky's world, his luxury item is....a sauna. Yup. You read it correctly. A sauna. He has always wanted a sauna. It must be a guy thing...or a European thing; even though Sparky is not European. I don't know. What I do know is that Sparky saved and got his dream luxury item. Yay!

Oh, dear. This is what I came home from work to one day.


Ruby thinks she's got it all figured out.


So far so good. It only took us an hour to figure out where to put the dang thing.


Choo Choo just making sure Sparky has got it all handled.


Oh, the life of a spoiled chihuahua.


Someone is at a loss. I think this is the "what did I get myself into?" look...HA! HA!


Directions! What a concept!


I know, Choo Choo. He never listens to me. You don't have to tell me. But thanks for agreeing.


Hot sauna in the Autumn!


Keep warm and

Keep on Keepin on.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Pumpkins, Hay Bales, Mums, Oh My!

A crisp air and sunshine on my mums is enough to make my heart warm. And of course a hot cup of coffee.

Autumn!! I love decorating my front porch in Autumn!

Hay bales. Check.

Pumpkins. Check.

Mums. Check.

Blissfulness. Check. Check.



Our little corner of Autumn. Of course we had to throw in those random things of grass in the back...I think we were shooting for "modern"...and definitely got the "what the heck are those?" feel going on. But for some reason, they have grown on me and I kind of like them there. The white pumpkins are definitely my ultimate favorite and I think I might splurge on a few more and place them sporadically.



I heart mums. The wooden box was a $5 purchase at an estate sale a few weeks before. They were the perfect home for a couple of Autumn mums.



I heart these little minis!



I heart them so much that they totally deserved a close-up.



I never thought I'd heart warts so much.


The "fairy tale" pumpkin. You have to get one. It's just wrong not to.


And this is too much. Who can resist a man that lets her call him Sparky and he waters her plants for her? I mean, really??!! It's just too much. Blissfulness deserves a few more "checks"....CHECK! CHECK! CHECK!


Keep on Keepin on.
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