Get the look for less: Dining rooms

I am obssessed with these two dining room tables and have been for some time now.  I have always loved reclaimed wood pieces and Restoration Hardware really has some beauties but the price is crazy. Till I discovered Living Spaces.  Take a look at these look a likes and you tell me is there much of a difference?

 Restoration Hardware

Trestles Table $ 2970



Living Spaces
Carolina Table $975
7 pieces $1995



Living Spaces

Tahoe table with benches $1895



West Elm
Emmerson Table $1199
Bench $599

The dining room below is from HGTV green home 2012



I think this really seals the deal.  I must have.

A formal living room space not so formal

Our family is moving in a month.  We are still going to be in the same area just moving into a larger home and better home.  We are renters at this time and let me tell you renting sucks.  Finding a home that you want to love and make yours is hard when you have limitations and a limited budget. But I am so glad that I can finally say that we have found a lovely home for us to live in, hopefully long term.  Here is where I need help from you.  We now have a formal living area.  Who uses those anymore??? I need other ideas on how to use the space. I will post pics of the space soon.  It's going to be tough because it's the first room you see when you walk through the front door.  There are no walls or doors to close it off and it extends into a formal dining space.  It's huge with high ceilings and lots of blank walls.  HELP

I have posted these pics that I have found on possible ideas.  I am thinking lounge, den, library, family friendly and functional without breaking the bank. 

via

 

I apologize but I don't have the sources for the other two rooms.  If you know where I can get the source please share.  Thank you

A must see girl's room

I must share this beauty with you all.  I am in love with this room.  The duvet was the eye catcher for me and I can't wait to get started on my girls' rooms.

go here to see the beauty

Easy Valentines for the busy.

Now that I am back at work full time I need to think of easy peasy quick and cheap ideas for school projects and parties.  I have a few hours before I head out to a superbowl party and thank goodness for my friends in the blog world.  You always come through for a busy working momma like me.

 smitten blog designs

marths stewart

mother huddle

eighteen25

I haven't decided what I am doing since I have about 30 to make.  I can't wait to show you the final results.



Goals

So happy that 2011 is over.  I really was not a fan.  It just felt like it was filled with more stressful, challenging and emotional days that I care to even talk about.  All I can say is I welcome 2012.  The stresses, the trials and tribulations have made me a stronger and more vocal person and I am ready for change.  I have been thinking deeply about my goals for this year and I can't wait to dive in and share them with you.

Goal #1:  Pay off debt

I know everyone has this goal but I seriously need to pay off my debt.  I have had it way too long.  I had no debt before I met my husband.  In fact I had just paid it all off.  It was the most amazing feeling to be in my mid twenties debt free!.  Then...... I got engaged......it all went crazy from that point.  Did I mention I've been married for 6 years.  Lets do the math debt x 6 years = no fun in my future.  This needs to be eliminated immediately.  I am over it and I think our family is due for a vacation in our near future.

Goal #2: marathon or fitness competition

I love the physique of a bikini fitness model.  I love looking though my Oxygen magazine and seeing the amazing bodies of these women.  They work hard to achieve that kind of body and they are busy hard working (some of them moms) ladies.  If they can look like that I can too.  I think my best bet is to sign up for either a race or marathon (more like 1/2 marathon) or maybe even a bikini fitness competition.  There's a deadline and you are held accountable so there's no backing out.

Goal # 3:  certification in oncology

I never really mentioned this but I am a nurse.  Not actively working for the last 4 years.  I am finally going back and my specialty is oncology.  I plan on getting my certification sometime this year.  It's a credential that shows you have knowledge and special training in oncology. 

Goal # 4:  finish my pilates certification

I mentioned this a while back and I am still not done.  Life happens and it puts several road blocks on your path to your goals. I don't have much to say on this topic.  I just need to get it done.

Goal # 5:  Take care of myself

I put everyone else first.  That is why my hair needs to be dyed, I need a pedicure and manicure, a facial, and to lose weight.  Finding time for myself is the key to my happiness.  "If I'm not happy ain't nobody else happy."  I don't even need to do anything.  Being alone in the quiet, reading a book, taking a long shower these are pleasures of mine.  They are refreshers in my day ( like a power nap) to get me going for the rest of the day. 

Goal # 6:  Retreat

I hope to attend a retreat at least once this year.  Not sure which one yet but it will involve the body , mind and spirit and solitude.  I do want it to be educational in some way as well too. 
Now that I have listed my goals I need to sit back and be more specific for each goal, otherwise it won't get done. Goal #4 is very time specific and once I am done here I will need to really put a strict deadline to complete my apprenticehip hours.  Scary.....I am not good at teaching and cueing at the same time. Funny that I can teach someone about the side effects of chemotherapy but can't teach someone how to do the hundreds in pilates. 

Whar are your goals??

Detox for health reasons

It has been a very long time since I have posted.  I can't believe time has flown by this fast and it's 2012.  So much has happened since I last posted.  First, I am going back to work after 4 1/2 years of being a SAHM.  I am sad but I am ready and excited.  I will be working as a nurse at UCI and I couldn't be happier working for a great medical facility.  Second, I ate like an animal and now I have been dealing with gallbladder attacks.  OUCH.  This has opened my eyes. I was in so much pain and I knew that I needed a detox.    I dusted off the breville, my tea pot, restocked my fridge with lots of fruits and veggies and have been loving the changes I am feeling. My goal was to rest my digestive system.  I wanted to consume pure and fresh food that was easily digestable.  No meat, dairy,caffeine, sugar or processed stuff.  It took 3 days for the pain to go away and I did it all through my diet.  I love the lightness and the energy too. Have you considered changing or eliminating foods from your diet?  How did it make you feel?  I would love to hear.

My menu for the last two days:

Upon waking: room temp water with lemon
breakfast: fruit or juice(beets, carrots, celery, apples, lemon)
snack: hot tea
lunch: green salad with lemon juice and salt
snack: hot tea or juice (carrot, apple, pear, ginger, parsley)
dinner: miso soup
snack hot tea

I know to some you may think this sounds like nothing but I must stress I was in pain and fearful of eating because I knew it may cause pain to flare up.  This worked for me and I have learned so much of what I need to avoid to prevent this from happening. 

A salad beast.  This was actually served in a medium sized mixing bowl.  I ate it all. 

Berry tea for the girls and camomile for me.  The muffins were for the girls too and I refrained.

The first juice in a long time.  Carrot, apples, celery.  It's all I had in the fridge before I did my shopping

My tea pot that I've had for 6 years.  Great for loose leaf teas.

Breville juicer has been dusted and being used three times per day.

Giddy for the Holidays

I have to say the days after Halloween I get excited for the holidays.  Not so much the tree trimming or wrapping presents but it's the little things about life that make me giddy.  They are my traditions that I look forward to making every year.

It all starts with the holiday starbucks coffee cup. This gets me in the spirit every time.

 The classics that I can enjoy with my girls like Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeeer.

 Hot chocolate at night watching tv

 Homemade marshmallows

 Christmas time at disneyland is so magical.

And of course Trader Joe's Pumpkin pancake mix.  I enjoy making these even for dinner sometimes.

What makes you giddy during the holidays?