Home Sweet Home

So my hiatus is officially over and you'll be seeing me around here A LOT more. I know, I know you're so excited. Like Jessie Spano on caffeine pills excited.

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Last Friday, the hubs and I closed on our first home! We're officially homeowners!!! But let's back up a bit. First I need to let you know that our attorney we hired looked like someone named Gianni who looked like an Italian mob boss. Okay now fast forward to the closing day. We scheduled a final walk through in the house...but when we got in the house...the house felt like we were suddenly transported to an igloo in fricken Alaska. It was FREEZING. Which meant, uh-oh...the furnace. Which really I was all "go ahead furnace, break! Our awesome home warranty means we can replace you at zero cost to us." But it was just the igniter switch so once we had a guy come out and fix it, all is well and our move in day for the following morning was still on...thank the good lord. When our realtor handed me the key to our home...I felt like doing the fricken Carleton dance around the office. MONTHS of looking and going through this long process was well worth it. 

Come moving day, we had an amazing crew of family and friends helping us and we were SO very grateful (because hell if I'm paying hundreds of dollars for some other people to move and break my shit). We were done moving everything in (despite the freezing rain) by lunchtime and I can't wait to repay them in pizza and beer once we unpack everything. 

That night we could only do so much until we collapsed on our new couches and ordered Chinese. Obviously. Look at this lovely mess. My inner clean freak is in overdrive...

 

 Once we moved in, I felt very under the weather...short of breath, wheezing etc...and because I'm stubborn and hate doctors, I avoided it until I couldn't any longer. The hubs ended up driving me to Immediate Care Monday morning and it turns out that I have an awful case of bronchitis. Really right now? For someone who runs 4-5 miles on the daily to one who now can't even walk up the stairs without needing to sit down and catch my breath, I knew it was serious. And it blows more than Kim Kardashian. I'm now on various meds and an inhaler. Can this stop now? K, thanks. The kitties are at least adjusting to the new house and think they're kings of this castle. Apollo appreciates the fact that we chose a rug that matches him....

Ever since we moved in, we've done a million things already with setting up cable/Internet, changing the locks, fixing some plumbing issues, the furnace, garage door...man it's tough but call me crazy...I love having these issues because it reminds me that we are finally HOMEOWNERS. Once I feel 100% I can't wait to go to town on decorating for Christmas. And yes I've already occupied 99% of the space in our walk-in closet.  I've somehow fallen into a red/grey theme with the couches, curtains and rug I purchased. 

 I'm so very thankful especially this year for SO many things. So much has happened and the house is already feeling like home. I can't wait to map out some new running routes too! Just watch me get lost...I'll be that idiot running and looking at my GPS at the same time. 

I hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving everyone! Remind yourself of everything you're thankful for, eat your weight in turkey, and wear stretchy leggings. #getonthat.

 

Shopping Therapy

Alright so I'm on week two of my training schedule for this fricken half marathon. Yesterday morning I threw my plan of getting up really early to run out the window and slept in a couple of extra hours...yeah that was a horrible mistake. Little did I know that doing so would have me running four miles in blistering hot and humid weather. My legs felt like lead and I thought I was going to collapse on the pavement iPod and all. My time was awful but I did it...so yes...lesson learned. If I don't want to run in the fiery pits of hell, I need to drag my ass out of bed bright and early whether I like it or not. I also bought some new running shoes since my other ones were pretty awful for running longer distances. I got Brooks Glycerin shoes and my feet cannot be thanking me more for making this purchase. They were not cheap by any means but if you run long distances on a regular basis, I personally recommend these shoes.

This past week was definitely a frustrating one too with the possibility of not being able to have an engagement party. A while back my parents said they'd help out with some of the cost but not that might not happen since my sister needs some financial help from them. Am I bitter? Yes....not going to lie. So instead of sitting at home and stewing about it I decided to do some shopping therapy. Nothing turns a frown upside down than some new outfits...or at least distract me temporarily. Some may say that's running away from your problem, I just find it easier face them looking fabulous.

I was beyond ecstatic when I FINALLY scored this teal maxi dress. I absolutely fell in love with this color for the summer and it's now hanging in my closet and ready to be worn to my cousin's bridal shower next weekend. It came with a black belt but I'm planning on pairing it with a white or brown belt.

 

After I scored the cute dress for the bridal shower, I bought some cute tops to celebrate the remainder of the summer. The first was a striped, over-sized yellow top that I coupled with a white tank underneath. Normally, a top like this usually makes me look sickly and pale...but I'm currently rocking an awesome tan so I felt like I could ignore my "no yellow" rule. 

Next, I got this really cute silky white and navy blue top that had little tie details on the straps. I always try to aim for versatility when shopping so I figured this top would work for both a nice summer night out or at work with a blazer.

I snagged this midnight blue bow tie blouse that I thought was fabulous for work or for some other event that requires something other than a T-shirt and shorts.

Last weekend I also spotted this whole display of area rugs on the side of the road that I had to check out. I've watched too much HGTV in my day so for me to pass by a great opportunity to spice up a room...yeah not happening. I stopped to see the prices and the initial asking price was right around $200 for an 8X5 that I had my eye on. The second he told me the initial price though he nudged me and said, "for you though...$170"....it was then when I knew that I could get this awesome rug for a steal. He was not very subtle that he was attracted to blondes...even asked my age and commented that my pedicure was "sexy"...thank goodness I was sporting some sunglasses because there was some serious eye rolling involved. I talked my way into getting the rug for half the price he initially offered. I remember seeing a rug identical to this one for over $300 in a gallery too so I left feeling quite victorious...and made sure to pay in cash. The last thing I need is to leave any kind of paper trail leading to me. Total creeper to the max. But hey, thanks dude for the awesome rug!