Preparing for Spring

This weekend I finally "deadheaded" all of my hydrangeas and ditched the old shells of our black eyed susans. Here are a few before and afters for you.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

I'm sure the neighbors were happy that we finally ditched all of the dead stuff in our front yard. We are now ready and waiting for all that spring has to offer!

Signs of Spring!

On my way out of the door this morning I happened to glance down at my hydrangeas (really I was thinking about the fact that I really need to clear off all of the dead flower heads) and look what I found...

New, green buds!! Hooray for spring and a little bit more green in my life! We are hoping to spend some time in the garden this weekend....I can't wait!

Zumba

It's true. I am now officially licensed to teach Zumba.

Have I lost my mind? Maybe.

Will it be really fun? Yes, definitely.

Last Friday I attended the instructor training in Tuscaloosa, AL. Although it was a long day, I feel mostly prepared to start teaching. I am practicing my little heart out to learn the routines and figure out how to teach and cue them as well. The plan is to take over a Sunday night class we have been doing at the church--which is free--and to add some weekday classes in April for which we will charge a minimal fee. I'm excited about the possibilities!!

(If you live in Bham, you should come on down to First Church for some Zumba classes! You won't regret it!)

Cleaning and Scrubbing

Disclaimer: This post may be boring to some of you. But so what.

If you're like me, you like a clean house. I mean a really clean house. And that includes a sparkling white bath tub. I have fought over and over with the soaker tub in our bathroom...it's as if the old owners never cleaned the dang thing. But recently Matt and I bought a new round of Scrubbing Bubbles cleaner (b/c we had a coupon! remember that resolution?). Best purchase ever. I sprayed one round of this stuff on the tub and guess what? All of those months of scrubbing on soap scum and dirt just melted right off. You should try it, you won't regret it.

Keeping in Touch

So my sister & brother-in-law bought a Kinect for Valentine's Day. I am happy for them because it really is a fun toy....and I'm jealous of my sister's new Zumba game. But the real fun in all of this is the Kinect's video chat function.

See here:

We can now chat with each other from the comfort of our own couches! It's almost like we are in the same room! (of course, the dogs were awfully confused)

Now if we can convince mom and dad to get one too......

You are Loved!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I made a real mess last Friday as I baked sugar cookies to decorate and spread love on Valentine's Day. Although it took a long time (and a lot of cleaning), I think they turned out rather well.

(Yes, I'm aware that Texas cookies are not really Valentine's treats but I've never been able to use my Texas cookie cutter, so why not now?)

Here's wishing you a day full of love, hugs, and tasty treats!

And, of course, love to my Rushmore, you're the best!!

And Again...

This morning we woke up to more white on the ground.

Luckily, the roads weren't really affected this go-around so we didn't have to halt much of our normal routines.

This makes for our 3rd round of snow

(4th if anyone wants to count the mess we had last Thursday).

It is certainly beautiful but I have never been more ready for spring to arrive.

South Africa here we come!!

After the pain-staking process of booking through a third party vendor (I wouldn't do it if it weren't so dang cheap), we finally have our tickets set for our trip to South Africa this summer!! Matt was selected to attend the World Methodist Council which will be held in Durban, South Africa in August (and means his tickets & accommodations are paid for). We are flying in a few days earlier with some of our friends to visit Cape Town and drive up the coast to soak in all things wonderful about South Africa (things like vineyards and safaris and beauty).

It'll be a long ol' trip, but oh so worth it in the end. While Matt attends conference stuff, I will be free to head out on the town and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Durban. Can't wait for our next adventure!

Spring Looks

I'm in love with these bold spring looks from JCrew.

1. Love the orange. Love the 1 shoulder.

2. LOVE the shorts. Love the pink. (can I pull off that much pink??)

3. I seriously want this dress. Like now.

4. The orangey-red color is hot. And also, that skirt is too cute.

Seen any looks that you love lately?