Buddies

Jeff's Upcoming Projects

Now, that I know that Jeff is game to make more furniture for our future nursery. I have been looking online to see different designs that I like.

I want Jeff to build a changing table that matches the crib. I found this one on Restoration Hardware Baby + Child. I like that the footing matches the crib. The only modification that I would like is doors instead of drawers. I think that shelving with doors would be a better way to organize diapers, wipes, lotion, etc.

I also found this rocking horse on RH's website! Isn't it cute?! I think I want Jeff to paint it white to match the crib and changing table. I also think I want to find some fabric that matches our bedding for the seat.

This toy chest is also perfect for our nursery! Again, a few modifications would be necessary. I want the footing to match the crib and I want to make a cushion for the top to sit on that matches Matthew's bedding.

Looks like Jeff is going to be busy! He swears these projects will be much easier than building the crib. Now, all we need is our house, so that Jeff can have a workshop!

Mom's Hair Session!

My mom came in to school to be my model a few months ago. We refreshed her color, trimmed her ends and styled her out! I apologize Mom, but I have to show the before picture. (I told her not to do anything with her hair and to wear absolutely NO makeup). However, I don't feel too bad, she looks pretty damn good for having no makeup on!!!
And after...

Movin' Movin' Movin'

Matthew has been doing so well with his "tummy time" lately! He is so determined to crawl. He rolls over sometimes, but he is more motivated to get a toy that is out of reach. He kicks his legs and moves his arms and sometimes they both move together to push him forward. I posted pictures in sequence to show him moving. I would have posted a video, but it usually takes a couple of minutes for him to reach his toy...and I don't think blogger allows that much video!

Hey Momma.

Oooh, my favorite toy.

Reaching....

Got it! Yay!

Extreme Makeover!

My sister-in-law, Julie, told me that she wanted an "extreme makeover" for her hairstyle. I was so excited at the chance to do some major highlighting (my favorite!) and create a cute summer style for Julie. Here is the before picture...

And after...

Doesn't she look sexy? That is what I am all about...sexy hair.

Play time!

5 Months

Look at what a big boy Matthew is! And, can you honestly tell me that he looks nothing like me? Come on! I see myself in him all the time. I have to admit this boy has me wrapped around his little finger. They say there is a special bond between a mother and her little boy...I completely agree. I love my Mr. Man.

Say WHAT?!

Michigan Senate OKs $10K tax credit for homebuyers

The Michigan Senate has approved a state income tax credit for people who buy a house in 2009 or 2010. Homebuyers could claim a credit for 10 percent of the purchase price or $10,000, whichever is less.

The legislation won approval 36-0 Thursday and moves to the House.

So, this means that Jeff and I could potentially have $18k to put towards home improvements $8k from the federal government and $10k from the state...someone upstairs is DEFINETELY listening to my prayers.

Another beauty post!

My mom bought all of us girls a Clarisonic two years ago for Christmas. I used mine every day and then got out of the routine. Now, I am back on it! My skin is extremely sensitive, so I need something that will effectively cleanse without harsh exfoliants or chemicals.

The Clarisonic promises..."a reduction in the appearance of pores, improved skin tone, a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improved absorption of serums and moisturizers. The sonic technology is so gentle and effective that it is used and recommended by luxury spas and leading dermatologists across the country. Clarisonic is the sonic revolution that delivers clear, soft, smooth and younger-looking skin. The way you cleanse and care for your skin will never be the same. "

When I was using it daily, I did notice my skin was more radiant and looked a lot healthier. I would recommend the Clarisonic to anyone wanting to try something that doesn't take a lot of time and wants to see almost instant results. The Clarisonic is a little pricey...$195, but a way better value than buying expensive cleansers/moisturizers that come in tiny bottles, need to be replaced every two months, and promise the same results.

In my bag...

shu uemura Depsea Water Facial Mist
During this time of year, my skin gets very "thirsty." This light facial mist helps me to hydrate. Whenever I am feeling a bit dry, I just mist away!






Flower Bomb is the perfect scent...sexy, yet feminine. I wore it on my wedding day and I wear it almost every day to work. Perfect for every occassion.




I am a mascara junkie. I have tried all brands from the
drug store and have not found one that comes close to comparing with Bad Gal Lash. I call this mascara my "sure thing." Thick, sultry lashes are guaranteed. She is an expensive little kitty at $25/tube, but worth every penny!

Bumble and Bumble's surf spray is the best product for achieving soft, subtle, beach waves. With a little humidity, a few sprays of surf spray and a little bit of natural wave...great hair is guaranteed.

Be still my beating heart

Ever since I saw Angelina's emerald earrings on the red carpet, I have longed for a pair of stunning earrings for my ears. Alas, my fav jewelry designer Roberta Chiarella has answered my prayers. She has made a pair of Swarovski crystal earrings modeled after the pair Angelina wore.
JEFF - HINT HINT HINT HINT!

Good Reads

My new treat is XM Radio. I love listening to Dr. Laura Berman's "Better in Bed," series on my ride home from school. I bought her latest book on a whim and LOVED it! Dr. Berman shows how it is possible to combine the reality of everyday life with fantastic sex. Maybe this is an overshare read, but whatev...I am just being honest about what piques my interest.

Ever drive through a ritzy neighborhood and wonder, "What do these people do for a living?!" The author of this book took a very direct and entertaining route to answer this question: he picked the 20 wealthiest neighborhoods in America and went door to door, garnering interviews with 50 very wealthy, very different individuals. While the author freely admits that his sample is far from scientific, weighted heavily to friendly people who happened to be at home when he went calling, this book is witty and inspiring. Makes me want to go knock on some doors...

So sad...

Yesterday, I brought Matthew in to school, because Jeff was getting a haircut. While I was shampooing Jeff, my friend held Matthew. All of a sudden, he stuck out his lower lip and tears started rolling down his cheeks. He didn't let out a cry...he was just sad! It broke my heart to see those little tears! I went over and comforted him. He was fine, just missed his momma. I am such a wimp when it comes to tears. I still can't get that little sad face out of my head. Poor baby!

Calling all friends/family...

As most of you know, I will be graduating from Douglas J in a few weeks. Upon graduation, I would like to offer friends/family the following services...

Haircut - $20
Haircolor - $20
Highlights/Lowlights - $50+
Haircolor/cut combo - $30
Highlight/cut combo - $60
Manicure - $15
Pedicure - $15
Mani/Pedi - $25

* First service free!

I would love to offer my services to all family/friends for free all the time, but this is going to be my line of work, so I have to treat it as such. Please understand =)

Happy Boy!

Look at that face! Matthew loves playing with his daddy. Matthew is learning to roll over, laugh out loud, and eat rice cerael. We will be starting him on some veggies and fruits this week. He is growing up so fast! He seems to want to crawl, but can't quite figure out coordinating his arms and legs together.

Today, we took Matthew for a walk in downtown Northville. The weather was too perfect to not spend some time outside. We strolled down the charming streets and did some shopping. What a perfect way to spend the day together!

YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeff and I have had a backup offer on a house in Plymouth (pictured above) for quite some time. To make a long story short, the the listing agent on this home called our real estate agent this week. Apparently, an investor is buying the home and wants to turn around and sell it ASAP. The listing agent forwarded our offer to the investor and his intention is to sell the house to us as soon as he buys it. So, basically he is looking to make a quick buck.

I really hope and pray to God that all goes according to plan. I know she doesn't look like much, but with some modest upgrades/improvements and a little bit of elbow grease, I think Jeff and I can make this little gem shine like the top of the Chrysler building! (Is the Chrysler building still shining?) We have been hunting for the perfect house for almost two years now. Please say some prayers that our search has come to an end and we get this house!

On another note...I would like to give mad props to Uncle Sam. In 2008, there was a $7,500 tax credit for first time home buyers. However, BIG catch...you have to pay it back. In essence, this is an interest free loan from the government. This year, first time home buyers will receive an $8,000 tax credit...AND you do not have to pay it back. Giddy up. CATCH - there is always a catch...you have to live in the home for at least three years. Whatev, I am taking my $8k and running with it!

It's Saturday Night!

The meaning of "date night," has changed for Jeff and me over the past four months. With a new baby, we have spent most of our Saturday nights at home. However, this has been really fun! With a little imagination, we have come up with some creative ways to spend our date nights. This has been great thing for our budget too! I thought I would share some of our ideas.

#1 Jeff and I devoted one night to celebrating and re-creating our honeymoon at home. We made a Hawaain-themed dinner, watched our helicopter tour on DVD, and fell asleep to our ocean waves CD.

#2 Spa Night! Jeff drew me an amazing bubble bath complete with my favorite eucalyptus body bubbles. I always love Starbucks and getting a pedicure. So, we improvised a little by making iced coffee with french vanilla creamer at home. We took turns giving each other, mani/pedis, facials, and full body massages. What a relaxing night!

#3 Puzzle Time. We bought a glow in the dark puzzle of the Eifle Tower and sipped some wine while putting it together. With the TV turned off, this was a great way to enjoy some good conversation while exercising our brains.

#4 Home Improvement. Hoping to buy a home in 2009, Jeff and I spent our night watching HGTV and flipping through home design magazines. Ripping out what we would like to do someday in our first house was so much fun. It helped us get to know each others likes/dislikes in home decor.

#5 Go team! Routing for the Spartans is one of Jeff's all-time FAVORITE past times. With the occassional basketball game on Saturday night, this is the perfect reason for us to make some chips n' salsa and crack a beer. Matthew likes to share in the fun by "sporting" his MSU T and booties!

Child of the Day

Matthew won "Child of the Day," yesterday at daycare! He got a cute certificate and this note...

"Matthew is such a good baby, it's unbelievable! He is always smiling at his teachers when they talk to him. Matthew has a wonderful disposition and he is a joy to have in this class. We look forward to many more fun filled days with Matthew!"

- Maggie & Amber

The crib is done!!!

Check out Matthew's new crib!. Jeff built this crib with his own two hands. When Jeff initially informed me that he wanted to build Matthew's crib, I was more than a little skeptical. However, Jeff blew me away with his craftsmanship. The crib is exactly what I envisioned. It brought tears to my eyes to see our son sleeping in his brand new crib. When I first found out I was pregnant, I would daydream of putting my baby to sleep in a crib just like the one Matthew now has. It is one word - perfect. Jeff, thank you for making my dreams of having the perfect crib for Matthew come true.

I also would like to mention that I LOVE our bedding! Mom and Dad Burch purchased it for us and it looks perfect with the crib. Looks like it has Matthew's seal of approval.