Deck Dreams

I've finally bit the bullet and began to move forward, formulating and working on my ideas to make our deck more inviting and relaxing. Since leaving LA, I've missed having an outdoor living space and I want to make what we have now even better than our little nook we previously had.

When we moved here we brought our bar table from our LA pad, but we ended up totally and completely neglecting it. It sat alone and sad down in the side yard, out of sight and out of mind. The wood table top was completely ruined by the rain and the day before yesterday I finally cleaned all the junk off of it and removed the trashed top.

Gary decided Teak would trump our old oak top and after much searching I finally found the perfect one...

Via Outdoor Restaurant Seating

Of course we need the largest and most expensive one ( 36", $140 ), and I will still need to carefully cut a hole in the middle so we can put in an umbrella. I can't tell you how long it took me and how frustrating it was trying to find websites that sold ONLY table tops. Majority of my search was links to replace those ugly glass patio tables, thankfully I was able to find a gem in the middle of all the weeds.

The completed table will go on the north side of the deck, with a nice view of the mountains, and at the south end, which currently looks like this...

I plan to build a little lounge area! I saw a post on Stylizimo Blog about using a crib mattress to make a chaise lounge for a sofa. Unfortunately I can't fit a sofa + chaise there, but I can make my own little "couch". The plan is to build a basic frame for it, and after setting the mattress on it I want it to be tall enough so if we wanted to move the table over to use at the lounge, it'd not look/feel awkward.

I'll be putting a protective plastic cover on the mattress to protect it from rain and the dampness we often have and will layer it in comfy blankets and pillows. I want to have two nice looking storage boxes to slide underneath it to put the blankets and pillows in when the weather is nasty (we get some pretty nasty wind here too).

The grill you see in the photo will move further to the right so it'll sit right in the middle of the deck, not too far or too close to the table and lounge area. My hope is to have these little projects done before my birthday as I am hoping to have a pool party with a bunch of girlfriends and I want to have a nice, relaxing hang out spot for the evening. I'm picturing either a lot of jewel tones or more of a caribbean island feel. I'll have to see where my heart takes me once the basics are all set up.

In the meantime aka till I have the funds, I'm still working on getting a job. I had a great interview today and I am really excited about this place and the opportunities I could have there. Also I'd be working with one of my favorite things! I have my fingers crossed incredibly tight and am studying up as much as I can so I have a good amount of basic knowledge before I hopefully get the call for a second interview.

As for my weekend, my parents came to visit. My Mom and I made a wonderful enchilada dinner for everyone and then we all chilled on the couch and watched Once Upon A Time. Didn't really do it for me, but I'm very picky about how my favorite fairy tales are handled. Oh! And my Mom brought me an adorable little topiary for my current patio table. 

I finally get to use my beautiful, aged "Rosebud" pot. It all looks so perfect!

xoxo,

    Gina

Happy New Years! It is officially 2012 and one of my many goals, as featured on one of my boards on Pinterest (I've become absolutely addicted to it!) is to be more attentive to this blog.

I'd like to feature more on fashion, DIY interior design and of course, I don't think I could ever let go of my personal posts.

In the last few weeks my cousin and I have joined a gym and are working on making ourselves healthier, more fit and happier. We've been pretty good about going a few times a week and I can already see a positive change in myself. I feel more motivated and happier, my arms have been aching the last couple days (muscle!) and I'm amazed whenever I cross a mile mark on one of the stationary bikes!

I'm currently out of a job, but am beginning my search this week. I'd really love to get a good restaurant job so that I can save tips to help pay property taxes in April.

One of the things I'm most looking forward to is hopefully getting a SmartCar again once we've paid off the car in late spring. I miss that fun little thing and the fact that even filling it with Super, I never spent over $40 bucks on gas for that thing in a month.

Christmas was wonderful! Some of my family from AZ came out to celebrate with us and it was wonderful having that time with them.

I got a lot of wonderful gifts, a new stereo system for the car that I can finally hook my iPod directly into (getting installed Wednesday), some beautiful clothes and what I've been wanting all year, a NookColor!

The hubby, Katie (my cousin) and I spent our New Years Eve at the Mission Inn last night to see the lights and ring in the new year. It was a wonderful time and Katie came over beforehand so we could get all prettified together. She did my hair in a lovely 50's style and now I've got to buy myself a teasing brush so I can try to replicate it.

In the meantime we've been cleaning and organizing. I got the bedroom all cleaned up and rearranged, as well as the living room and kitchen. I still have so much more I want to do though! I want to get started on DIY projects around the apartment and the first place I want to focus my attention is the bathroom. Nothing too insane, but it needs better storage solutions first and foremost. It also needs a touch of excitement and some beautifying. Of all the rooms in my house, the bathroom is my least favorite place to end up in and I want to change that. All the details on that will be in an upcoming post.

A couple days ago we bought ourselves a SodaStream. Ya know, that thing that lets you make your own soda at home? I had a taste test at Costco the day after Christmas and was amazed at how close to the brand name soda's it tastes. The money savings is what is most exciting to me, oh and not having to lug bags of soda bottles up the stairs a few times a week! We bought some extra bottles yesterday and I am eager to get a couple bottles of soda going. Another great thing about it is that it requires no electricity or batteries. Amazing!

Have you bought any great, money saving items lately? Do you have any money saving resolutions for this year? Oh, and what did you do last night to celebrate the New Year? 

Whatever you did, I hope you had a wonderful time surrounded by friends and family and that this new year brings you lots of happiness and success!

xoxo,

    Gina

Empowerment/Life Thursday

I feel incredibly blessed. I have a wonderful home, a loving husband and so many family and friends that make my day happier and brighter just thinking about them. I don't know where I would be without these people and I don't ever want to know. They bring such a vibrance and peace to my life that I've never felt before. They're there when I need them, whether it be a shoulder to cry on, to listen to my angry rants or laugh and enjoy life with.

I wouldn't wish life any other way!

My parents are the most caring, giving people I know. Teenage life was rough and it was tough getting along like any family, but now I am thankfully out of that phase and have an appreciation for my parents that I've never had before. They are always there, always compassionate and give the greatest advice. They go out of their way to make sure and my sister and I feel loved and happy. They give and give and give, and I want to be able to give as much back and make them proud and happy, as they already are, to have me as their firstborn.

My Grama Mc makes me laugh! She says the funniest things and is so incredibly sweet. She's a no bullshit kinda person and I appreciate that about her. She took me on a cross country trip to South Dakota when I was a kid, and I still treasure that time and the photographic memories from that trip. She always looks beautiful and has the greatest laugh and a love for life and family that I so enjoy! She's thoughtful, caring and is there whenever you need her, no matter what it is. And she brings a fun sarcasm to everything.

I grew up with this beautiful Lady living down the street from me. We didn't exactly click at first, but now Meredith and I are the best of friends and I miss her all the time. I wish she didn't live so far, so we could spend more time together, but she's only a phone call away and I can talk to her about anything. She's funny, sweet, and has a laugh that inspires everyone around her to laugh too. She brightens up any and every room!

These Ladies rock! I always have soooo much fun with them! They are wild and crazy, but then we can talk about the most serious of things and we click together so much! I feel like I teenager whenever I have the opportunity to go and visit my Ames and Krista. Whether it be a night on the town in Laughlin, watching marathons of the Golden Girls or huddling together for a scary movie night, they're where I want to be. I can't imagine life without them and I will never let our friendships slip away. Even if I ever somehow wanted to, they'd never let me! LOVE you guys!

My husband is the funniest man I know. We talk about the weirdest things and we do the weirdest things and totally understand each other. I feel like I've found the other half of myself and he makes me so happy! I can't wait for us to renew our vows on our 5th anniversary this December!

Cousin Joey, Aunt Lanie, Mom, Uncle Mike, my sister Aubrey, and my baby cousin Aubrey

I love these people to death. There is no one like my Aunt and Uncle and I love spending time with them. They're silly, fun and make me feel so loved. My cousins are a huge part of my life and I love being around them. They are silly and crazy fun! I'm so happy when I'm around all these people.

My sister surprises me every day! She's so smart and beautiful and she has such a bright future ahead. I know she's going to achieve all her dreams and kick ass while she does it

My sister Aubrey, Krystle, me, Krista and Ames

My BHC girls! Life is perfect with them!

Katie, me and Kristen

Me and my bar hoppin Ladies. We act wild and crazy and enjoy many a Midori Sour together. I can't imagine life without them.

Heather, Me, Nin, Kelly

All my model lovelies! Pure fun and always ready to chill and have a good time!

I met these gals at a rough patch in my life. But we all helped each other to get through it. Kind, caring and understanding I wish nothing more than happiness and love and hope we'll all get the chance to get together again!

There are so many more beautiful people that have touched my life. Obviously, these are just a few. I am thankful for the joy of having everyone who has touched my life in some way. You all are such a blessing!

Who are your blessings, what are you most grateful for? Please do tell in the comments!

Happy Fall

I apologize for my absence, things have been quite hectic lately.

A couple positive things have happened though and I have a lot to be grateful for.

On Wednesday, after nine months of dying to have something done with my hair I was finally able to afford to go in and have my hair tended to. After some of the disastrous hair shows (for my hair at least) that I've been through, my hair has become pretty unmanageable. Tangled and curly/wavy, less than a blow dry and a curling iron, my hair looks like hell. A big frizz ball. Think Mia Thermopolis (Princess Diaries) pre princessification. But now it's pretty smooth and sleek, thanks to a Brazilian Blowout. I got a great deal on it, had my hair dyed and trimmed and decided it was time to test out bangs. I absolutely love what I see when I look in the mirror now and it's made my morning readying time so much quicker. And I don't have to blow-dry my hair when I get out of the shower now. I can just run a brush through it and let it do it's own thing. Though I'll admit, it will look a bit sleeker if I run a hot iron over it.

I don't have a good before shot of my hair, but here it is after my salon appointment...

G and I also had a nice lunch in Downtown Claremont this week and had a wonderful brunch in Downtown Upland yesterday. We fall more and more in love with our new home everyday and all the wonderful amenities the location offers. I don't miss LA in the least and am happy to be putting down roots here.

After my lovely morning and afternoon with G, I decided to go spend the evening with my parents and sister. We had a fun dinner at Chili's, did some shopping at Barnes and Noble and a bit of shopping at the local outdoor mall. Let's just say I was very spoiled and got a wonderful early Christmas gift.

At B&N I got 2 large novels...

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Dracula in Love by Karen Essex

Next we went to Anthropologie and my parents bought me this wonderful bag...

Autumn Garden Bag

Quite expensive, an early Christmas gift, and so incredibly beautiful. And it has TONS of storage. I'll be able to fit pretty much everything in this bag. So many different compartments (2 small on the sides, two large and then the large zippered middle with compartments in there too. Makeup bag, wallet, camera, on the go snacks, and my journal will fit easily in here. I will be using this bag for years to come and will always hold it dear. Thank you so much Mom and Dad for all the wonderful gifts you gave me yesterday. I can't wait to gift you guys for your birthday this month, though unfortunately it will have to wait till beginning of next month, but if I'm able to get what I'm hoping to for you guys, you're both gonna LOVE it. 

Today so far has been a cool, rainy day. And G woke up feeling quite ill, though he is feeling better now, but is still feeling physically weak. I hate when he's sick. It worries me so, but hopefully by tomorrow he's well and his usual self.

I had planned to go around turning in job applications today, but with G feeling as weak as he does I don't dare leave him alone. Hopefully by the middle of next week I get myself out to do that, that way I have myself out there and maybe/hopefully hear from someone by the time I get back from visiting my family for my Mom's birthday and the Halloween holiday.

Have a great weekend y'all!

Worrying and waiting

Received the unfortunate news that little M is not at 100% right now. I'm trying not to let my imagination run away with what-if's, but it's hard when things are quiet. I'd like to think that the phrase "no news is good news" applies, but I'm not so sure. 


I don't really pray anymore, but the moment I got the call about him this morning I've been praying non stop and thinking constantly of him and A, my wonderful and beautiful cousin/best friend and hoping that all is going well and that she and the rest of the family are okay. Fingers crossed that good news is on it's way, and this whole scary ordeal will be over soon with A and baby M returning home happy, healthy and full of joy.




***UPDATE*** 3:45PM


Word through the family news vine is that baby M is ok, but will be in the hospital for a bit.
Awaiting a phone call from my Uncle to get more definitive news. Makes me feel better though to know that he is doing ok/a little better. Of course, as a friend said and I echoed, I won't be completely satisfied until they are home safe.

New addition to the family

Via Captured by Carrie

A few hours ago my wonderful and beautiful cousin/best friend gave birth to an adorable little boy. I am so happy he is finally here and I can't wait to meet him next month! I have so many little gifts and stories for him. 


Congrats J & A! And little A too. You're going to be a great big sister! Our whole family is so blessed to have little M in the world!