Pondering Lent...

With Lent fast approaching (next Wednesday, February 6th!), I have been thinking about what I would like/should give up this year. Here are my ideas:

1. Treats

This is probably the hardest thing for me to give up. I go through sugar withdrawals, which means suffering through headaches and intense cravings.

My mom had the whole family give up treats one year for Lent. She went about it in a very strict sort of way. We were not even allowed to have gum or chocolate covered granola bars! We didn't even have Sundays off. It was no sugar for 40 days and 40 nights.

2. Alcohol

This wouldn't be a problem if I didn't put in 15 hour days every day during the week. When Friday hits, there is nothing more that I want then to get out of school, rush home, and enjoy a Mojito.

Jeff and I have spent the past two Friday nights sipping Mojitos and watching Miami Vice. It really brings you to a warm place...despite the cold weather outside. I don't know if I can give that up!

3. Make a commitment to God to exercise 3-4 days a week

I have heard instead of giving something up, some will pledge to do something instead. I would do this, but I feel like there are selfish motivations behind it...I want a smoking hot bod by summer...not very God-like motivations.

4. Try with all my heart not to swear

I rarely swear and when I do it is more like a reflex than a concious action, so I feel like this isn't a very good idea either.

5. Be Kind to Everyone and Think Happy Thoughts

Again, I feel like I should do this anyway.

I better get back in the drawing room and think of some more ideas!

Another view of my favorite haircut....

Here is yet another view of my favorite haircut. I am getting my hair colored and my bangs trimmed this weekend. I think I will wait until my sister comes home next, before I attempt another dramatic change. I really only trust her to cut so many inches off!

Stay tuned...

And even more house hunting...

Jeff and I took a drive over a street to look at this beauty in Farmington Hills. This is a foreclosure home with again, a TON of potential! To our surprise, the home was left unlocked...so we took a quick stroll through the house (yes I know this is considered trespassing!) This charmer has 4 bedrooms, two full baths, an all seasons room, fireplace, two-stall electric garage, spacious backyard, and all sorts of other features. It would require a LOT of time and effort to fx up, but for the area this home is priced fairly competitively. I would love to learn more about the home and what the bank is willing to sell for. Stay tuned...

There she is Miss America

And the crown goes to....MISS MICHIGAN! Kirsten Haglund of none other than FARMINGTON HILLS, Michigan is our new Miss America 2008. She truly is a beauty queen after my own heart. Not only is she from the city where I currently reside, but as her talent she sang none other than my FAVORITE song..."Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Congratulations fellow Michigander!

The ITCH!

I am getting the itch for a puppy again. I have been in contact with a breeder in the area, who hopefully will have a litter of puppies by Spring. I am really looking forward to getting a dog. Now, for the hard part...finding a suitable name.

The Miracle of Green Tea

"Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one."
- Ancient Chinese Proverb

The benefits of green tea in our body are so remarkable that it is believed that the key to a longer life may be brewing in your cup!

Green tea helps fight cancer, lower bad cholesterol, fight tooth decay, reduce weight, and lower high blood pressure.These benefits are proven facts coming from in-depth studies performed around the world. Properties found within green tea have multiple impacts on the body, all good.

I switched my regimen of caffeine loaded D. Coke to green tea. I have more energy and feel healthier overall. I am adding it to my list of things that I cannot live without!

This weekend....

Jeff and I are on the house hunt again. We are touring a home in Brighton, near our property. It is tudor-style, which is definetely NOT my style, but hey that's why I married Jeff...to turn the not-so-dream-home into a DREAM HOME! Over 2,000 sq feet at a great price. Can't beat that. It would be again, a lot of work, but hey what's the fun if there isn't any work! I love a good challenge. Two fireplaces and a spacious floor plan. I can't wait to see what this little gem has inside.

After the weekly house hunt, it is off to the Home Improvement Show! Ya! I am really excited to spend the day looking at all of the products, vendors, and ideas. Viva la Home Show!

Cocktail of the Month

Snowstorm Café

ingredients
3 ounces hot strong-brewed coffee
1 ounce Frangelico
1/2 ounce Licor 43 (sweet citrus- and vanilla-flavored liqueur) or Navan
1/2 ounce Cognac
1 large dollop of unsweetened whipped cream
3 coffee beans

directions
In a mug, mix the coffee with the Frangelico, Licor 43 and Cognac. Top with the whipped cream and garnish with the coffee beans.

2008 Resolutions

So, I know I am a little late in making resolutions for 2008, but hey - better late than never!

1. Enjoy the small pleasures throughout my day...my morning green tea, the sunshine, waking up next to the man of my dreams...my list could go on and on!

2. Buy a "Canon Rebel" (best camera ever) and start taking lots of pictures

3. Find a puppy and convince Jeff to let me name her Princess Cupcake Sparkle (just kidding)

4. Start meditating every day for health, happiness, and success for everyone in my life

5. No more eating chocolate before noon

6. Find a home!

7. Try one new recipe a week

8. Make yoga a part of my routine

9. Develop patience

10. Live for today

House Hunting

Jeff and I are on the search for a house! Yesterday, we looked at a home in Milford (pictured above). This area has a very quaint dowtown area, that I love! The home was quite large with a spacious floorplan. It would require a lot of work, but once updated would be ideal for the two of us. The home has a lot of charm and would be "something" with some TLC. It also has a beautiful, fenced backyard with plenty of room for a large deck and still space for a garden and a play area for our future puppy. I could definetely see myself coming home to this house at the end of the day.

Valentine's Day Wishes

My Valentine's Day wish list this year is just that... a WIST LIST. Can't stop a girl from dreaming...

Classic Chanel Purse...in baby pink! Who wouldn't want this adorable mini. I might be waiting a while for this item

My Favorite Haircut

I think this haircut is so adorable! This cut first caught my eye when my sister told me to check out last month's edition of InStyle magazine. I am looking for a new look. My blonde, limp locks are not doing me any favors these days. Who knows...maybe I will be donning a new, sleek, brown bob soon!

Busy Busy Girl

Hello blog readers! I am sorry I have not been posting much lately. I have started my education at Douglas J. So...my schedule goes something like this: work, school, sleep. Not much time for blogging or anything else! I will keep you all posted on my venture to be a stylist! It is going to be a long, grueling, 14 months, but it will all pay off in the end!

Happy New Year!

Cheers! Jeff and I wish everyone a year filled with good health, happiness, and success!