Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Things You've Learned About Friendship

First, I can't believe I'm posting a Top 2 Tuesday on a Tuesday afternoon! I'm so behind!

1. They aren't all meant to last forever...

Sometimes people out grow us, and sometimes we out grow them. Sometimes someone moves away or you just drift apart. Sometimes you find out you didn't know each other as well as you thought you did. That does not mean they were less important or special at the time, it just isn't all meant to be forever.

2. Distance doesn't always matter

My two bestest best friends live 2 1/2 and 5 hours away. Both have full, busy lives. I don't get to talk to them as much as I"d like, and I sure don't get to see them as much as I like. But when I do, it's like no time has passed and they are always there when it counts.

Here's the part where I post a couple of pictures of me and my friends. If I've left you out, it's just b/c I only have 5 more minutes and still have another post to do...;-)



Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Favorite Healthy Recipes and Snacks

So we know I am pregnant and have been indulging more than usual, but I do still feel better when I eat better. And (being pregnant) sometimes the snacking is more important than the meal. So here it goes...

1. Edamame

worldcommunitycookbook.org

I like it steamed with a little sea salt. And while I could eat it every day, I do only have it occasionally b/c of the soy and the pregnancy.

2. Hummus and fresh veggies

istockphoto.com

Just the BEST:)

In other news, I've started prenatal yoga (nothing like waiting til the last minute, right??). I'm hoping it helps with circulation, swelling and strengthening for labor-related activities. Wish me luck:)



Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 New Year's Resolutions

1. Declutter and organize - BEFORE the baby comes.

I need to get this house ready. That means crazy organization of everything. And I actually want it done this week (while I'm off of work).

2. Make a schedule and stick to it.

This is for everything - plan meals, exercise on certain days of the week, do certain chores, etc. We have to be disciplined and keep ourselves in order to have Little Woman on a schedule.

That is all! Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! I will get our pictures up eventually - obviously, I'm busy cleaning and organizing right now:)

Top 2 Tuesday Plus

Top 2 Favorite Christmas ornaments

1. These are a set. They are ornaments my grandfather cut out and my aunt painted. They are probably 16 or 17 years old. He passed away 15 years ago and had been my mom's. I asked her if I could have them for my baby's first Christmas, and she decided to give them to me as part of my 30th birthday gift. I think it was a hint to have a baby. And apparently it worked:)

The other's are ties. The first two are our first Christmas ornaments. They were gifts at our wedding reception.

This one is part of several really pretty ones my grandmother gave me for my first Christmas tree.



This one was the cake topper at our reception Bill's parents' threw for us.



Speaking of decorating, we have been VERY busy around our house.

First, we had the guest bathroom and the baby's room painted. Then wood floors put in the baby's room.

The guest bath was painted a light blue with a silver wash streaked over it. She also did fleur de lis wall mud stencils in different sizes around the room. We have a picture to hang over the toilet that I just haven't had the  patience for yet. I also play to get a vallance for the window and a small cabinet for all the extra stuff we're going to have once Baby Girl gets here.

The colors don't show as well in the pictures, it's actually a brighter blue.

I also couldn't resist a matching tree for the room...

Speaking of trees....

The first one has the ornaments my mom gave me. Plus, I added some fillers. Next year I'll add some more, but I just couldn't find a ribbon I liked. And i ran out of money, lol.

 This is our main tree. It's the first year with the 9 footer, though. Very tedious to decorate, I needed a step ladder. The mantle has stockings that match, though I downgraded the mantle big time this year. Ran out of energy and patience.

 And Baby Girl's room...

Here's the before (my workout/craft room)

And here's the after! The bedding for the nursery is bold and has a lot of teal. I wanted neutral walls, but not boring, so I went with a faux finish by the fabulous Gwen (who also did the guest bath).

And that is all for my super long and random post!

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Things on Your Christmas Wishlist

1. Valentino 360 Denim Hobo

I've been 'saving' for this for a while now.

The baby and need for clothes that fit my expanding belly have made that a slooow process.

But a girl can dream

2. Some time at the spa.

Facial, massage, pedicure...I want it all!

So neither of these is likely to happen, but it's a nice relaxing thought:)

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Favorite Jobs

I really haven't had a LOT of different jobs, but some have definitely been better than others. The tanning bed was the easiest, Student Government in college had the most perks, but my favorites are...

1. Facilitator/Department Head

Which is how I spend a minimum of 50% of each day. It's really challenging, sometimes frustrating, but it keeps me busy and I never get bored. The other 50% is spent co-teaching, which I really liked at first, but...well, I'm way too much of a control freak. Co-teaching takes compromise and I don't want to compromise on my teaching style. Especially when I'm right, LOL.

2. Levi's Store Sales Associate (may it RIP)

I actually had this job twice - in highschool and briefly again in college. In highschool, when Kathleen took over, it was the BEST. That's when the whole "crew" worked there. If you've ever seen the movie Empire Records, it was kind of like that (without the live music and the brownies, LOL)

So, this week I'm also obsessed with getting things ready for Christmas. I don't even want to talk about how much I've spent on ornaments and other tree-related items! Hopefully I can get that done by the time the weekend is over.

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Favorite Gifts

Such a no-brainer!

2. My car

Was a surprise anniversary present. Bill even special ordered the hot-pink thread.

1. The Munchkin

Technically, she's not here yet. But what could be better than the greatest gift from the greatest person?? (and that would be God)

Have a great week!

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Favorite Old Photos!!

1. Oldest digital file I have...and we are pretty cute, too:) Can you guess which one is me??

2. Big man, little airplane. Yes, my husband is ADORABLE!

There are PLENTY more I'd love to share, but I can't do this all night!

Have a great week!

Top 2 Tuesday: Favorite Places in Your home

Favorite Places in Your Home

This is pretty easy.

1. The chaise lounge.

Why? I'm pregnant and it keeps my feet elevated:)

2. The dining room.

The curtains are bought (but still not up!), but I think it's the prettiest room in the house (especially with the new lighting). And it's where I end up visiting with all of my girlfriends when we have parties:)

Top 2 Tuesday....Songs

Taylor's Top 2 Tuesday this week is songs.

So now you will all know just how random I really am...

1. The Outfield, Your Love

My all time favorite, never change the station when it comes on good-time song.

2. Willie Nelson's version of Elvis's Always on My Mind.

It's just beautiful, what can I say?

I think these remain consistantly my faves because they don't remind me of anyone/anything. Just all-around good to listen to:)

Top 2 Tuesday - Goals

Top 2 goals I want to accomplish by the end of this year.

1. Dismantle the work out room. Time to move all of my workout equipment, Christmas decoration and the contents of the craft corner. Baby on board and the little one needs a room!

2. Survive the semester! This semester's class in killing me! I know it's not b/c it's THAT hard. I know it IS b/c I'm pregnant and learning a new job. But I'm so tired of doing homework already!

Don't forget to check out Tay's page:)

AND I (obviously!) need a new blog name - taking suggestions!

Top 2 Tuesday: Favorite Things About Fall

Taylor's Top 2 is favorite things about fall.

I'm pretty big on fall, I love the slightly cooler temperatures and....

1. Thanksgiving

I really love Christmas and all the meaning behind it, but Thanksgiving is by far my favorite.

You get together with your family because you want to enjoy time together - not to exchange gifts.

It's a hassel-free Christmas:)

And traditionally, the weekend after Thanksgiving means...

2. Football

Us at LSU/Ole Miss game, 2008

We generally make it to an LSU game the weekend after Thanksgiving (when it's home).

Though I won't turn down a trip to the Texans, Saints or any local high school team.