The past year...

It happens every year!...I'm amazed at how fast the year comes and goes! This past year was full of new things! New move, new jobs, new house, new church, new experiences, new prayers, new college degree, new friendships and one great adventure! Eric and I have grown so much closer throughout this past year. He's my best friend and life teammate! We're continually looking at how God can use us, and we're so thankful for His blessings along the way. Since I always love to pull in design in my posts; here are a few of my top decor rooms from this past year.[Sorry-don't know where I got all them]

Happy New Year! Wishing you all many blessings this coming year!

December already?

I can't believe it's already December A year ago we were packing up boxes to move to SA! I've had so much joy, growing closer to my wonderful husband! What I love about this time of year: beautiful Christmas lights, Christmas music, peppermint mochas, family, the aromas, fireplaces (even though we don't have one), giving/generosity, baked goodies, and most importantly celebrating the birth of Jesus!

Have a blessed December!

[Images via living with lindsay]

What I like about...

Season changes is the fashion trends. Even though the weather hasn't made up it's mind here in SA, it has been cool for the last few days. Here's some fall fashion that catches my eye!

Welcome to Polyvore! by Ksterbenz featuring a long sleeve tunic

J.Crew Plaid cotton-flannel tunic
$78 - net-a-porter.com
Long sleeve tunic »

Oxer Jacket
$158 - anthropologie.com
Tweed jacket »

CHYC 15 BOOTS
877 GBP - mytheresa.com
Yves Saint Laurent boots »

Multi-coin drop earrings
$18 - theoutnet.com
Butterfly earrings »

sale - AllProducts - Downtown denim legging - J.Crew
$88 - jcrew.com

Mom Cave

I've recently purchased a few things from HomeGoods. Then I was watching The View just this past week, and saw they did a special on a Mom Cave. You know, how men traditionally always have a "man cave" in the house. Well I think it's funny yet a great idea to come up with the "mom cave". I know several women who own their own business and have at home offices but why not transition that room into your "mom cave". Love it and I love the direction HomeGoods is headed towards.
photos via homegoods

Magazine...

I've been contemplating subscribing to a few magazine's recently. I'm thinking I'll wait, maybe for a Christmas present? :) We'll see. I would love one fitness/health mag -Women's Health would probably be my choice- and one design magazine -maybe Rue or Martha. Rue just came out with their fall premiere magazine. The colors/designs are a must see. Here's a few I found.

[Photos via Rue Magazine]

Seton Home

We've been keeping busy around here! Eric been getting ready for the up coming season along w/working out (he's lost 20 pounds) so proud of him :) and I have been getting a few babysitting jobs here and there on top of nannying; such a blessing! We've been intentional on eating healthy and working out for the past few months. Basically living healthy. It's been really nice for me to have a goal as far as working out goes. I've gained a lot of muscle already and love where I'm headed. Within the next month I'd like to eat leaner and lower my body fat percentage...but we'll see!
Anyways the point of this post was to share with you a local organization that our church has teamed up with, Seton Home. Last weekend we attended an open house they had and visited with the mother's and held their precious babies! So glad that there's an open opportunity to get involved in serving Jesus w/our love and time.

I haven't shared some thoughts on design as of lately. And well if you don't know I really enjoy interior design and I also love photography. The combination of these is best captured by Michael Robinson. Check out some of his work. [Photos via Michael Robinson]

Fabulous Weekend...

1. Got my hair done...felt great :)
2. Celebrated a friends bday
3. Sold my first car! (Within 5 hours of posting it online mind you)
4. Watched "The Back-up Plan"...cute movie!
5. Tried a new restaurant here
6. Squeezed in a few workouts!
7. Bought a new car for Eric (I get his previous car)
8. My husband makes the BEST turkey burgers :)
I hope you all had an amazing Labor Day weekend!

Here's a great meal plan from SELF.com that you can follow for a healthy workweek! I just posted tomorrow's but you can go here for the rest!

Also, substitute blueberries, light yogurt, avocados, bulgur and chocolate milk for a sexy stomach.

Tuesday: 1124 calories

Breakfast
1 whole egg plus 2 egg whites scrambled in a small pan with cooking spray, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan and 1 tsp chopped fresh basil
1 slice whole-wheat toast with 2 tsp 100-percent-fruit spread (such as Polaner All Fruit)
4 oz calcium-enriched V8 juice
274 calories, 8 g fat

Lunch
Greek Chicken Salad
Toss 3 oz cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast (such as Perdue Short Cuts) with 2 cups chopped romaine, 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped cucumber, 4 halved cherry tomatoes, 4 sliced radishes, 1 chopped celery stalk, 2 black olives
Dressing: Combine 1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt, 1/4 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta, 1 tsp red wine vinegar and 1/4 tsp dried dill. Toss with salad
2 Wasa crackers
359 calories, 10 g fat

Snack
6 oz nonfat yogurt (such as Dannon Light & Fit)
60 calories, 0 g fat

Dinner
Mustard-Crusted Salmon Combine
1 tbsp light sour cream with 1 tsp Dijon mustard; spread over 1 salmon fillet (about 5 oz) and grill or broil to desired doneness, 7 to 8 minutes
Confetti Couscous
Bring 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth and 1 tbsp orange juice to a boil in a small pot; stir in 1/4 cup whole-wheat couscous, 1/4 cup thawed frozen peas and 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper. Stir once, cover and let stand 15 minutes, until couscous absorbs liquid.
Steam 1 1/2 cups broccoli
431 calories, 12 g fat

[Photos via SELF.com]