Break

So, I'm taking a break....Or have already started a break. The end of the year is fast upon us and my schedule leaves hardly room for sleeping. Speaking of sleeping, I will only be sleeping in my bed somewhere around 12 days in December....I've been reading and commenting on your blogs, but probably won't be back here for a bit. Happy Holidays to all! Hopefully you have better managed your schedules and are not overbooked this month!!!

Recipe Share

I had been wanting to make a butternut squash ravioli for awhile now. Actually, I have wanted to make it since I had it last fall at Sotto Sotto. So with Fall in the air and our guests in town, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to try something new. Well, let me tell you....this might have been one of the best meals I have ever made....In fact, James has not raved about a meal in this way since I made the stuffed pork chops and smoked gouda grits the first time. (for recipe, go here.) Given that this meal was such a success, I thought I would share it with you all. It actually was not that difficult.

Menu:
Maple Pork Tenderloin
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce
Green Beans

For the Pork Tenderloin: I looked all over for a recipe and couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, so I created my own marinade. I mixed maple syrup (I used Aunt Jemima), apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper and fresh sage in a baggie. Insert pork tenderloin and marinate for about an hour. I cooked the tenderloin in the oven until it reached 5 degrees less than recommended (I am not sure what that is, I use a meat thermometer).


Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce: I adapted this recipe from Emeril.

Ingredients

• 9 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons minced shallots
• 1 cup roasted butternut squash puree (to make this, I used 1 1/2 butternut squash. I cut it in cubes, placed in baking dish with olive oil and some salt. I cooked for about an hour or until soft)
  
• Salt
• Freshly ground white pepper
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus 2 ounces
• Pinch nutmeg
• 1 recipe pasta dough, rolled out into wide ribbons, about 1/4-inch thick (short cut tip: Use wonton wrappers which are usually found in the produce section of your grocery store)
  
• 12 fresh sage leaves (I used some of the left over sage leaves for the pork marinade)
  
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

In a large saute pan, over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the shallots and saute for 1 minute. Add the squash puree and cook until the mixture is slightly dry, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the cream and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in 3 tablespoons cheese and nutmeg, to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Cool completely.

Cut the pasta ribbons into 3-inch squares. Place 2 teaspoons of the filling in the center of each pasta square. Bring 1 corner of the square to the other, forming a triangle and seal the pasta completely. Add the pasta to pot of boiling salted water. Cook until al dente, about 2 to 3 minutes or until the pasta floats and is pale in color.

Remove the pasta from the water and drain well. Season the pasta with salt and pepper.

In a large saute pan, melt the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter. Add the sage to the butter and continue to cook until the butter starts to brown. Remove from the heat.

Place some of the pasta in the center of each serving plate. Spoon the butter sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle the 2 ounces of cheese over each plate and garnish with parsley.

OMG - This is DIVINE!!!! And really not that difficult. ENJOY!!!

ATL Ladies

I am in need of a local stylist! Any and all suggestions are welcomed.

I just got my hair cut in Lexington during our visit...not one of my best cuts and I am trying to hold out until December for another cut, but need to get it done here. I like EASY, CUTE hairstyles. My hair is fine, but I have a ton of it. And, I don't like paying an arm and a leg for a hair cut...I know I am pretty high maintenance when it comes to hair cuts, but I want the cut to be low maintenance....YIKES, probably not a good combo...which is why I need your HELP!!!

Thanks!!

Shocking, even myself

I have already started Christmas shopping, am looking forward to decorating this week and even listened to Christmas music in the car. WOW! I normally am the "have to wait for Thanksgiving" girl.
In fact, I LOVE Thanksgiving, because other than cooking and traveling, there is no stress and you can relax with family. Unlike Christmas, where there can be stress related to "did I get the right gift", "will they like it", "what if I don't like my gift", etc.
Now, I shouldn't be that shocked since I am sort of a planner/type A person. And since I am out of town this weekend, leaving Tues for Thanksgiving in OH and then leaving from there for the Netherlands until the following Sunday, NOW is really the time to decorate and get ready.
So, what about you....are you already in the holiday mood?

(I've also been doing a little Jessi shopping too....all good deals, but I really shouldn't be shopping. I think its a little therapy for me.)

GA Mountains

While our friends were here we took a trip to the GA mountains. We stayed up there for 2 days and it was very peaceful. We got some great pictures.

Family Portrait - this would make a good Christmas card. Barley is even looking a the camera.

Walking through the forest

Barley and Me on the walk

Barley Relaxing with a stick....great picture. Isn't he a cute dog.

Our friends brought their little one....I spent the week loving on him...isn't he cute!!!!

The girls hanging out at the fire.....We had cheese/crackers and wine before dinner.

View from the cabin where we stayed.

It was a 3.5 mile drive off the main road to get to the cabin where we stayed. This waterfall is about halfway up the drive and goes under the road.

Pictures on our way down the drive after a relaxing couple days. The sun was awesome and really provided some great lighting.

James and me at the pumpkin patch. We had to take our European friends since they don't get to experience them at home! Plus it provided for great shots with the baby!

(the photos look a bit blurry, but I promise on my computer they look awesome!!)

I got tagged....

I got tagged by E at Some Like it Hot and just now am getting around to answering.....Sorry for the delay...I think most of you have done this, so I am not tagging anyone.

The rules: answer each question below with one word, then tag six friends to receive the Award!

1. Where is your cell phone- purse
2. Your hair- bad cut
3. Your mother- stressed
4. Your father- quiet
5. Your favorite food- pasta
6. Your dream last night- weird
7. Your favorite drink- vodkasoda
8. Your dream/goal- fulfillment
9. What room are you in- kitchen
10. Your hobby- tennis
11. Your fear- drowning
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years- idontknow
13. Where were you last night- home
14. Something that you aren’t- loud
15. Muffins- cinnamon
16. With list item- cartier
17. Where did you grow up- ohio
18. Last thing you did- costco
19. What are you wearing- casual
20. Your TV- solving cases
21. Your pets- Barley
22. Friends- Awesome
23. Your life- crazy
24. Your mood- overwhelmed
25. Missing someone- family
26. Vehicle- Acura
27. Something you’re not wearing- earrings
28. Favorite store- Nordstrom
29. Favorite color- pink
30. Last time you laughed- notsure
31. Last time you cried- october
32. Your best friend- multiple
33. One place that I go to over and over- grocery
34. One person who emails me regularly- husband
35. Favorite place to eat- toomany

ENJOY!

Lexington Trip Pictures

Our trip to Lexington was a whirlwind. Arrive lunch Thursday - Jessi to work - then to massage, which I needed (we always go in Lexington because we have the best person there - it hurts so good, but you always feel better the next day). Leave massage for birthday celebrations at Ali's brothers house. Picture below is of me and my SMIL and FIL. Notice the ponytail - that's post massage hair and pre hair cut hair.

Opening my gifts - the now famous JCrew TShirt
After the birthday celebration we crashed. We'd had some long nights at home before getting up early Thurs to drive to Lex, so that was all we had in us. (Notice the cute dress, I wore that with leggings, perfect car trip outfit! You may see that again)

Friday, I got up, went to work, had my review, attended several meetings, managed to upset James and all before lunch. Then I got my hair cut, ran back to work to drop something off (subject of upseting James) and then to get ready for the wedding. Did I mention it has been raining the entire time, especially on Friday? This wedding was meant to be outdoors? Well they moved it inside and it was beautiful. James has a way of capturing random pictures of me, see below. I was really excited to get my hair cut because I could wear the style (usually, I get my hair cut and then go home, but now I got to "show it off"). Well the rain had other ideas, so I ended up pulling it back a bit. Also had a bit of a wardrobe malfunction. The dress had a deep v in the back. Well I had brought sticky things in the place of a bra. Needless to say sticky things did not stick. So I went braless. Lucky for me, I can get away with it, but I hung on to that shawl most of the night anyway.
This is the best picture of the two of us and its still a bit blurry.
Saturday we went to Keeneland with my girlfriends. It was supposed to be a couples thing but the other guys bailed. And by we, I mean I went to Keeneland until about 3, when James joined us. He spent the morning helping pack up the moving truck for his mom and sister. And, truth be told, for us too as we got a few pieces (those pictures are coming too). After Keeneland, we went to Jonathan's at Gratz Park Inn for dinner. BEST FRIED GREEN TOMATO SALAD EVER. I had dreams about it. I should have just ordered 2 salads as my meal...awesome! (Check out the menu, I dare you - its awesome. And if you are in Lexington, I suggest you go). No group shots with the girls, but below is a picture of James and me.

Then on Sunday, James got up, drove his mom's car to TN to meet them and unload/reload the truck. I met Nikki for breakfast (thanks Nikki) and headed back to ATL. The crew ended up at our house around 8. They did some unloading, then called it a night. Unfortunately mother nature intervened the next day and the rest of the truck was unloaded in the pouring rain. All in all a packed weekend. Then it was my birthday day and I've already posted about that.

Coming soon....pictures of our trip to the GA mountains!

Facebook Status Update

This is my current status update....I've given up trying to eat food that doesn't upset my stomach, I had ice cream for dinner last night. Stupid antibiotics upsetting my stomach, seriously, I'd like to feel "well" again sometime soon.

(sorry for the blurry words, but wanted to cover up my real name....and that's the best way I found to do it)

Red Dress...Outfit picture

So finally, pictures of the Red Dress with the belt I got from Target....not as awesome as the Cole Haan one I found, but it worked. I also wore this outfit to Keeneland while in Lexington last month, but I paired it with tights and riding boots (it was cold and muddy out.) I am thinking the wider black belt that I just got from Banana Republic might look good, too...maybe being wider will add more definition at the waist. Thoughts???

(sorry for the poor quality, I tried to clean it up a bit. That's a sneak peak of our bedroom! I think I need to clean the mirror, too....)

Castle

Anyone watch Castle? I have gotten hooked! There's just enough sexual tension between the characters, there's always a parenting lesson, and the cases are good too.
I love the www.abc.com lets me watch it whenever and it doesn't take up my DVR space, because there is not a lot of memory on our Comcast DVR. I just got hooked this season, so I haven't seen the first season.....maybe I'll try to get it on Netflix.

(I know the picture is a little outdated, but was the best one I could find)

Banana Republic Gift Card Purchase

I got a gift card to BR from my grandma, so I had to go see what I could find....Came home with this belt, sweater in a tan color (though not available online) and the v-neck tshirt in white. I took the sweater and top to my work meeting and loved them. The fabric so soft and comfy, and awesome....may have to pick up different colors. What do you think?

Birthday Loot

So my birthday was 3 weeks ago, but it has been crazy busy around here, so I wanted to share with you my birthday "loot"!

First picture is of me with my birthday "cake." Its actually a fruit tart from Harry's (Whole Foods) YUM - I am not a traditional cake type of person and this was perfect! Hubby picked it up for me and we enjoyed after dinner at Craft (review and menu coming). Also somewhat showcased here is one of my birthday gifts, tissue tshirt from JCrew. I got this from my SMIL and FIL. LOVE IT!! (don't mind the cleavage shot....that's how they all were since hubby was taking picture while sitting on the floor.)

Another picture of James and me at dinner. Again showcasing the JCrew shirt.

My SMIL and FIL also got me these black pencil jeans. They are super cute, now I just have to figure out how to style them....any ideas? I'm thinking they go with flats, my black riding boots, but not really heels? Also, the stitching on them is a brownish color, so I think they would look good with chestnut riding boots or Uggs....hmmm, sounds like a Christmas wish list item!


In addition to U2 tickets (OMG one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Great seats, music went on for 2+ hours! No pictures though....bummer) Hubby bought me a black purse. Its from BR, similar to below. I love it and its perfect to hold tons of stuff. I used while travelling last week and its great for the plane! Holds all the essentials, plus a water, book and magazine!
In addition, I got several gift cards. I scored some things at BR, but will post separately.

Overall my birthday was AWESOME! and I am so happy to have spent it with so many special people in my life! Thanks everyone......30 isn't so bad after all.....

MIA

Yes, I know...I've been MIA...our friends left, and I was left with a terrible cold. Then I hopped on a plane to Memphis/Tunica (that's a post for later) for a work meeting. Left there early to make a doctor appt today...I have no energy, no voice and am hoping they can give me something to make it better.....

Happy October everyone....mine's been a blur!

update:bronchitis it is...steroid and antibiotic for me...off to take a nap!

Not enough hours in the day

shew....I have been organizing our new furniture, decorating for Fall, getting the house ready for guests, making sure there is enough food and drink for said guests, and fighting a cold. Needless to say we're busy. I know I keep promising pictures, but hopefully it will be soon.

For some reason, October always ends up super busy and flies by in a blur...

And Baby Makes Three

No, not for me, sillies.....

I know I still owe you a recap of last weekend, but in the mean time hop on over to And Baby Makes 3 and enter her giveaway....3 winners!!!

AND you could totally make her day by voting for her blog on the Bump.com.

Happy Birthday to me

Here's a picture of James and I at dinner last night. We went here...it was amazing!!! I'll post more about our weekend and my wonderful birthday soon, but wanted to give you something to tie you over.....(BTW the painting behind us was BEAUTIFUL!!!!)

(yes, that's my new hair cut...maybe a little shorter than what I wanted...but it will grow...it looks more "30" to me....)

T MINUS 0

Today's the day...I'm officially 30. And its not that bad (I guess.) Busy, busy here...got some great gifts, had a fun, but rainy, time in Lexington and we're off to dinner tonight. I will update tomorrow with the 411 on our trip and dinner. Pictures coming too (not as many as I had hoped, but pictures nonetheless).

Busy Busy Weekend

Working in Lexington, Wedding on Friday, Keeneland on Saturday, and back to Atlanta! Plenty of picture taking opportunities, so I will be sure to post next week....

Also - getting my hair cut.....still haven't decided, thinking about 3 inches off...

(T minus 4 to the big 3-0)

Husband of the Year Award

Goes to James.....he just got 2 tickets for the U2 concert tonight...15th row AND he is letting me take a friend....That's love....and he is all mine!

I am so blessed!!!!

Gloomy Monday

Its raining here in ATL...AGAIN....But, I have decided to make this a productive day....laundry, dishes, cleaning up and then tonight whoopin' some butt on the tennis courts!! Hope you are having a good start to your week!

(T minus 7 days til the big 3-0......)

Happy Friday

Or at least we're going to try to make it happy!

Hubby is home! Got back last night. Nothing too exciting planned for the weekend. Lots of Tennis. There is a wine tasting tomorrow night, so we may go to that. Though, I promise it will not result in the same ending as the last tasting (I am sure I posted about bringing the after party to our house)

After writing Wednesday's post, I went to the mall. Nothing like some retail therapy. (I did not spend too much, and the reason for going was to return some things to Banana Republic. Very disappointed with my order.) But I did come home with these. The dress is from Francesca's and the leggings are from JCrew. I also found a cute skirt at JCrew, but they did not have my size. But thanks to the red phone in the store, they have found it in my size, in 2 colors and they are on the way to my doorstep! I plan to wear the dress with the leggings and flats or tights and boots. For $38, I thought the dress was a steal! I can't get the pictures to rearrange....the skirt below is the one coming to me in the charcoal grey color and black. I think it will be good for the fall and can be worn with tights and heels or boots (I think). Then the dress, and the leggings.




Enjoy the weekend and the cooler temps.....Don't forget to watch some football....We'll be rooting for: UNC, UK and OSU......I think the first and last have a chance.....UK is taking on #3 Alabama...hoping for the best!

Ironic

Not sure if any of you follow the Zodiac - but above is the symbol for Libra....(my sign) kind of ironic given my last post, huh?

Still Pondering and Revelations

And trying to figure out how I feel about turning 30. Or maybe it isn't the turning 30 part that has me down lately. Here's what has been going on...

- Back in February I finally gave in to the Husband and decided to go off the pill. I say gave in because he was ready for kids the day we got married. I have always known that I wanted to be a mom, and if you had asked me 10 years ago, would have told you I would have at least 1 kid by now. Things changed, as they normally do, and I found myself holding out. Not because I didn't want kids, I just didn't think I was ready. I have been lucky to have a decent job and have excelled (at least until recently) quite quickly. I grew to love the thrill of completing a project or task successfully and didn't want to give that up. Also, I was scared I would get pregnant right away and would be totally freaked out (I had reason to believe this as several friends were pregnant within 2 months). So, I decided not to go off the pill until I would be prepared if it happened month 1.....well if you read my previous post on turning 30, you know that hasn't happened. Guess I shouldn't have been so worried. Who knows what may have happened. And now I can only believe that God has a plan for us. And it will happen, in His time.

-The Husband is still working to establish his business. While this is nothing new to you all (I think I have mentioned it before), the stress of this can wear one down and it has done that to me on several occasions. Not only the monetary stress, but the beating oneself up for not being the supportive spouse she should be. Its hard to get past the stress and realize this is a lifelong dream of his and the hard part will pass. And believe me, when it passes, we will be celebrating like crazy....hopefully with a fabulous trip and some shopping!! ( Tahiti anyone?!?!)

- My parents have decided to move. They are staying within the same town (which is a bummer itself since I had hoped they would move closer, especially with the potential grandbabies.) They will be moving before I am able to get home. The house they are leaving is the one we moved into when I was 12 (I think). Its the only real home I have known and it will be weird to go to visit at another. I am very happy for them though as this is what they have worked towards for years and it seems the house has everything Mom and Dad wanted. Can't wait to see it! (Plus its a bit bigger so will have more room for visits and those grandbabies when they do come.)

- Speaking of babies...is it me or is everyone around me getting pregnant?!?!? Which makes point one even more difficult to handle. I'm trying to balance the supportive happy friend with my own disappointment.

-My birthday is coming up, but I am having to plan everything. We're visiting in Lexington and I have organized our outing to Keeneland and Dinner. And then the Husband keeps asking what I want....um, its only 12 days away now.....

-Some reorg is going on at work and the way it was going to shake out was not good for me (or at least that is how I felt). A couple days later it was sorted out or at least its better. Looks like I will be traveling to Lexington one week a month.

Sense a common theme?!?! BALANCE....and let me tell you - I am about BALANCED out..........

(shew I guess I just laid it all out there. But I have been holding these in and figured its my blog and it should be an outlet for me....so there you have it. I'm going to try to be more open in the future. I've heard that putting things in "words" makes you feel better. So, here's to me feeling better.)

Secret Single Behavior

Some of you have posted about what you do when your husbands go out of town. Generally that includes girls night, sappy movies, wine drinking, shopping, etc.

Let me tell you what mine has consisted of so far:

Working
Cleaning, serious cleaning. I dusted and vacuumed downstairs. Traded the summer pillows and throws to the Fall/Winter patterns. Cleaned the windows where Barley puts his nose to people watch. Removed the rug from the dining room (I hated it and decided the room would be better without it until we find one we like).
Yard Work. Pruning rose bushes, trimming trees and pulling weeds. And its not even done. But don't worry, I have told the Husband our Saturday is going to be filled with yard work since we need to aerate and seed.

Doesn't sound too fun does it......

Red Dress....

So I was going to post a picture of me in the cute red dress and the great belt I got to go with it...but the Husband took the camera.

Yes, you read that right I found a belt to go with it. But, you'll never believe where I found it, well maybe you will......I found it at Target for $16.99 or 10% of the price of the Cole Haan belt I wanted. It worked well. You all will be able to see once the Husband returns with the camera....Until then...

Birthday Wish List

Ladies (and gentlemen if you are reading) I need help....I need you to help me figure out what it is I want for this birthday of mine. I just don't know...there are a couple things at BR (purse, shoes and jewelry, I think the clothes are leaving a lot to be desired right now)that I like, JCrew has some cute stuff, blah, blah, blah...that relates to asking for Gift Cards. That's not really fun (and it should be a fun birthday). Though I do need some new clothes that fit. I know you all don't want to listen to me rant on about how my clothes are too big, but its the reality and I really need a couple new things (mainly for work) that actually fit.

BR Shoes

BR Purse (above and below) The one above might be too big and the one below is grey and I told the husband I wanted black, but I like the style below. There are a couple at Nordstrom (can't get the pictures to download) in Black - Francesco Biasia, Elliott Lucca and Marc by Marc Jacobs...

JCrew Kelsey Ruffle - very cute but see above, I would probably need to find a skirt or pants to fit as well

Then I come back to my ultimate wish list...a Cartier watch (I used to say Tank, but there are some other pretty cool designs), some diamond studs, etc. Those are probably out of the picture this year. And are really only gifts The Husband would get me or I would get myself with a big bonus!

Cartier TankCartier Roadster

And there are things I would like for the house, like picture frames (Big ones for paintings), a new rug in the dining room, etc....

So....I am still stuck with this dilemma ... people want to know what I want for my birthday........and I DON'T KNOW and Gift Cards are BORING....but might be the easiest answer.

Anti Shedding Shampoo

Not for me (though I seem to need it lately) but for the dog does NOT work. I vacuumed before Barley's bath on Friday. By Saturday morning there were little hair balls everywhere. Thus increasing my vacuuming frequency.

Anti Shedding Shampoo for Dogs....FAIL

29 going on 13

Or at least that's how it feels....my hormones are so out of whack from not being on the pill (referenced in last post and more details to come sometime). My face has been breaking out more now than it did when I was a teen....Seriously WTF...I thought you were supposed to outgrow that.

Birthday

So, I kind of have a big birthday coming up...one that will change my profile description...and I am not sure how I feel about it...part of me thinks it is no big deal, the other part thinks HOLY SHIT! Am I where I thought I would be, have I done what I wanted to in my 20s, should I feel older? Yikes, this is kind of freaking me out. I'm trying to hold on to the "its not that big a deal" but its getting harder. It is making me reflect on everything...jobs, life, kids, friends, etc. I think its good, in the long run, but my head is spinning...so much so that I've been a bit emotional. Last week was WEIRD...I totally lost it on the first day of my period. I blamed it on the fact that I started - not only the PMS bit, but the actual fact I had started (not what you want when you're trying to procreate - yes that's a whole nother story I haven't shared on here). But, I think maybe its been this whole birthday thing, maybe underneath it all, I am scared. Maybe really scared, because as I reflect, I'm not sure I am where I thought I would be. And so I am left pondering this big birthday....

I'm sure there will be more posts of this sort in the next couple weeks as I approach the "big X-0" but I thought I would just put this out there. I may regret it, but its out there now...

On to brighter things...I better start thinking about what I want for my birthday........

HIMYM

James and I just love this show. Tonight was pretty good...not the best they have had, but good nonetheless....

Anyone else watch???

BTW - did anyone see NPH on the Emmy's last night? I missed it (we had football on) but hear it was great....

Floating Away

I think those of us in Atlanta might be floating away....This rain is absolutely crazy.

Had a wonderful weekend with my hometown BFF and her husband. She left this morning. We enjoyed catching up, I had not seen her since her wedding last May. Best part of the weekend...I get to be a Godmother!!! YEA!!

Pictures and a better recap to come...

Fall TV is starting

Tonight is the first night of BONES....I got hooked on the show last year and have been trying to watch the old episodes on TNT. I've seen a few. I am definitely curious how the brain surgery has impacted Booth....Or will they just move on....There are no clues on the website.

Now the decision is....DVR or watch live...hmm guess that depends whether or not we have tennis practice.

Closet Cleaning

I mentioned before that I cleaned my pantry and actually removed the China we got as wedding gifts from the original packaging. I thought I would show you photo proof (the pictures are a little late, but I assure you, I did the unpacking when I posted about it here.)

You can't see it very well, but all the china is there. I also worked to clear that counter. I left the KitchenAid Mixer (love it) and the phone. When I have fresh flowers I'll put them in that window. I would like to get some succulents (3 probably) to have there all the time.

I thought I would throw this picture in too. This is looking from the steps into the kitchen. As you can see, during the day the counter serves as my desk. So don't mind the computers, notebooks and lunch remnants.

I believe I mentioned this was the first of many closets that needed to be cleaned/organized in our house. You see, we do not have a basement for true storage, only the attic and the garage (which will eventually get cleaned as well). And somehow the 2 of us have amassed a load of stuff, some of it JUNK and some of it stuff we do need to keep. Most of this stuff is in the various closets we have. Fortunately, we each have our own closet in the master. I tackled mine yesterday and decided to post pictures (more timely this go 'round). I did not get to the color coordination that I would like, but after 2.5 hours in the closet, this will suit me for awhile.

This is looking to the right after walking in the door. The shoes used to be in a large pile and all mixed up. It is so calming to see them all on the shoe racks. I've covered the top layer in the back to keep the dust of (that's why you see the yellow and white cloths)

This is looking in the closet door from the bathroom. Under the pants is where the shoes used to be piled. Now it clear under there, except for my workout shoes (running, tennis, aerobics, and old running - yes still 4 pairs)

I am glad to have these 2 closets marked off my list...Hopefully next week I will have another one done. (see I said I would try to be better about posting pictures.....)

Dilemma

I bought the dress below during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. (This is the best picture I can find, but if you go here, you can see a better picture.)

I have decided I need to belt it. It looks good either way, but much more "trendy" belted. I was looking for a belt and found the one below...problem...its $178.00 and I have fallen in love. It is very versatile and I'll be able to wear it many ways. But still, that's a lot of $$$ for a belt....What do you all think??? (Oh, I'd be wearing patent black heels with it)

UPDATE: I did find this one at JCREW...what do you think? Its cheaper and in the same family, but skinnier....