A Passion For Home

He's a little outdoorsy, that's all...

And if he is 'outdoorsy', maybe he'll like this:

Looking for daylite?



What's in your pocket?

I love your tackle box.  Can I borrow it for scrapbooking storage?


There's nothing wrong with being 'outdoorsy' as long as I don't have to go along. 

More gift-giving ideas...

We've got a marathon of gift ideas going on here where I am continuing to share them by interest:

Travel Well
Paris Double Handle Cosmetic Case and Roller Duffle bag by Room It Up are a chic way to travel.  And a Dual Access Rolling Computer Case is convenient when traveling by air as it has a separate compartment for your laptop (which you can easily access and remove when you go through security) and one for your clothing.

There is also a Wheeled Underseat Tote that fits underneath a seat of an airplane.  This appeals to me because I do not like lifting bags. 

A masculine Passport Case makes for a nice gift for the international traveler.

Scrapbooker
A pair of Scrapbooking Girl socks would make a great stocking filler.  And Copic's Spica Glitter pen set are delightful pens that add just a touch of sparkle to your cards and layouts.  They are my current favorite.

Dymo's Caption Maker (pink) is a wonderful label maker with tape in a variety of colors.

Sports Fan
A do-it-yourselfer as well as sports fan would appreciate a Baseball & Football Hammer.  Perhaps a NFL jersey?

Cosmetics
Bare Escentuals is a favorite among my friends as well as myself.  And their Ruby Collection ia gift set worthy of gift-giving.  For a stocking stuffer, John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Hair Spray is a favorite.  It's hard to find locally, so AmericaRX.com has helped keep my medicine cabinet well stocked.

Sentimental
A nativity by Willow Tree is one I can personally recommend.  It brings serenity and can become an heirloom for future generations to enjoy.  Also, a crystal ornament from Waterford is a nice family gift and keepsake.

While shopping for gifts, whether it's online or at the mall, I like spoiling myself with a Gingerbread Latte from Starbucks.  It slows me down, believe it or not, as I sip and savor a few minutes of solitude.

I hope you too take the time to do something for yourself during this busy time of year as we prepare for the holidays with our family and friends.

And I promise to provide more ideas as I continue to finish my own holiday shopping.

An ultimatum...

If it has to do with exercise and fitness, I do need an ultimatum.  If you do not exercise, your muscle tone will continue to decline and gaining weight follows.  I know the benefits to exercise, how come I am not motivated enough to be consistent about it?  Two words...I'm lazy.  I'd rather read a magazine, scrapbook, go meet friends for dinner, watch a movie with my guy or stare at the sky. 

My friends will get a laugh out of this when I share the fact that I pre-ordered a new "game" for the Wii Fit.  I didn't know anything about it until my best friend sent me the link. 

So, Jillian Michaels, I need a Fitness Ultimatum.  Make me move, make me sweat, make me exercise.  And motivate me to be less sedentary.  Brainwash me.  Tell me I need this or else....

Fit Flops...

When my sister stopped by for a visit last Saturday, she mentioned the flip flops on her feet were called Fit Flops.  I've heard of the sneaker version but never laid eyes on the flip flop version. 

The description mentions it tones muscles, including your thighs.  So, I wonder if I wear these Fit Flops all summer long that I will have nicely toned legs by the fall. 

And the Wii Fit arrived and I plan to muster-up the courage to use it over the weekend.  I'm intrigued by the challenges it presents when I saw the preview.  It does not allow you to go to the next step until you've completed the current step properly.  I need this!

The accessories for the Wii Fit are adorable too.  A board sleeve for storage, exercise mat and a pink silicone sleeve are nice options.  There is also a We Ski game that you can use with the balance board.

Finding new ways to stay fit keeps me interested and intrigued.  Quite frankly, I find the treadmill dull and boring but I am not giving up.  That is what I tell myself, particularly when I look at the Bean Exerciser my husband inflated for me months ago and is still sitting in our bedroom untouched. 

Cave man...

Quality time today was spent with my guy playing the new Wii system we purchased.  And let me just add that it was not easy to find a Wii.  I've spent the last 2 weeks seeking one and fortunately purchased the last one at Target today. 

We boxed, bowled, played baseball and now I'm spent.  My arms have seen more movement than they ever have before.  Golf is also on the agenda but I suggested to my one and only that he'd be better off playing it by himself.  Yes, I'm a wimp.  Once my heart rate reaches above a certain level, it is time for me to call it quits.  I guess that's why I never succeeded with aerobics. 

During our quality time together today, I was introduced to a new show on DIY Network called Man Caves.  It's dedicated to men and their havens.  How neat.  I enjoyed watching how they created their own space, typically in the basement. 

The question a couple could ask each other is: my place or yours tonight?  How nice we each have a space of our own.  The good thing is it's under one roof. 

It's all super...

Although my heart belongs to the 'Skins, I am happy for my Giants-fan friends that their team won the game of all games tonight.  It kept us at the edge of our seats most of the evening.  During those moments I found refuge in a pile of home decor magazines. 

And since I'm surrounded by Giants fans where I work, it is going to be a great day tomorrow. 

Also, I appreciate the feedback on brow kits.  I purchased Smashbox's Brow Tech and Brow Brush that I plan to try tomorrow.  The salesperson at Sephora also recommended I try Too Faced Eye Shadow Base in First Base to prevent my eye makeup from creasing (which I will order online since the store was sold out). 

We then visited our local Bare Escentuals retail location where I purchased their Prime Time Eyelid Primer to hold me over until I try the Too Faced version.  Then I will decide which one works best for me.

The majority of the time I order cosmetics online, but it pays to go into the retail location every-so-often for feedback and guidance.

Now it's time to rest these eyes.  Have a super-duper week!

Improving thy self...

It's a constant in my life.  Always seeking some way and/or something to help stay healthy and grow old gracefully.  And lately, I've focused on the following to help me find that fountain of youth:

• Drink lots of water.  I gave up soda over 2 weeks ago and still going strong. 
• Sleep 8 hours each night.  Most nights I'm successful.  Sometimes it's between 6-7 hours and boy, what a difference.  I need my sleep.
• Stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen.  The sun is not my friend.  I suffered from sun poisoning years ago and have the scars to prove it.  Good and stylish eye protection is good too.
• Skincare and eye gel --- a must!  With periodic facials.
• Exercise --- not my thing but we do walk most evenings.
• Pedicure --- also a must, at least twice a month. 

My mind, body & soul feel pampered as well as healthy when I do these things.  I do need motivation when it comes to walking.  I'm even considering an ipod nano as I just discovered a neat accessory for it that monitors your walking distance.  Definitely worth purchasing another gadget, I'd say.  If you are going to wear stylish sunglasses, you should have a stylish MP3 player as well.  Right?

There is also an exercise balloon that has been in our sitting room for a couple months now...untouched.  I do have the best of intentions when it comes to exercise, I just really have to push myself.

In my spare time, should I work on crafts or exercise?  These decisions can be tough.

Almost there....

It's Saturday night, 10:30pm, and I'm staring at this:

My hubby spent the entire day painting.  I helped paint close to the trim, and as you can see from these photos, my job is not yet complete. 

Admittedly, I had a few breaks throughout the day.  First, we needed more paint rollers, so I volunteered to go to Lowe's.  While I was there, I discovered a kit that converts recessed lighting so that you may hang pendant lighting or a ceiling fan.  Our home is filled with recessed lights and we've wanted to hang pendant lighting over our kitchen island.  So here's hopin' this kit works!

My 2nd break involved a trip to Target to pick up a prescription.  I took a quick stroll down a few aisles and found a few rolls of giftwrap on sale, 90% off.  That is practically free!  I do not believe I've ever managed a visit to Target that has been quick (according to my hubby). 

Then there was a major distraction this afternoon with the playoff game.  I am not thrilled with the way the Redskins played (offense was awful), but I am relieved they won. 

My mission tomorrow is to tape-off around the bamboo shades and some of the trim, get it painted, and then we're done! 

Then we can focus on painting the living room and dining room!  And if I can ever get anyone to return my phone calls regarding hanging wall paper, well that would be lovely.  :)

Redskins go PINK

The Redskins fan that I am, I couldn't resist ordering this baseball cap.  There were two good reasons to buy this cap.  One, it supports a good cause.  And two, the pink "R" is just downright adorable.  I usually do not wear baseball caps, but I will wear this one proudly!

By the way, the Skins play the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday at 1pm on Fox.  Go Skins!!!

Monday Night Miracle

That is what they called it....a Monday Night Miracle.  The Redskins pulled it off in the last 3 minutes of the game and beat the Cowboys on Monday Night football.  I didn't stay up to watch it but enjoyed the replays on the news this morning.

Go Skins!!!!