My Wish List...in about 20 more pounds :)

Fact - I started hard core trying to lose a little weight about a month ago. I realized if I kept eating the food I was eating and didn't exercise, eventually none of my clothes were going to fit me...already half of them don't! Gaaah! So, with this realization came a little game. I figured I needed a little motivation to lose the weight I want to lose (about 25 more pounds), and what better motivation to lose weight than new clothes?!? I mean, really, you have to work for something, right? And it seems to be working too! I've lost right about 6 pounds so far, which is not alot, but it's better than nothing :) Mostly I'm just eating right and working out at least 3 times a week. And for a little more motivation, I've been doing some searching into what clothes I'd buy if I lost the weight I wanted to. Here's a glimpse of my wish list :) Keep in mind...this is a WISH list. There is no way I can afford to drop the cash on some of these things...they are not cheap!

From Ann Taylor Loft:









From Banana Republic:




From Chico's:




From Forever 21:




From Old Navy:




From Target:



So there you have it :) I'll keep you all updated with the weight loss progress. 6 pounds down...24 to go!

Tablesetting for Beginners

First of all, I should begin this post by telling you that on a normal basis, Jonathan and I do not eat at our kitchen table. We're more "eat while you watch tv on the couch" type people. However, when we have company over, we think it's a good idea to allow them a place to put their plate instead of sitting them on the couch with their plates in their laps.

Last weekend we had a couple of friends over for dinner, and I got totally into setting the table. We never eat at the table, so there's never a reason to set it really pretty. But I figured I might as well use the things I have a create a cute little table setting. I knew I wanted to focus on bright colors since it's still technically summer and all (even if I am ready for the Fall to get here). I also knew I had pretty much everything I needed except for some chargers, which I incidentally found at Wal Mart, of all places.

Here's what the final product ended up looking like:





I liked the simple, yet finished look of it when it was all done. I also got good use out of our sideboard buffet when it came to dessert. I'd made a cake, and since the real food was on the counter buffet style, and the table was full, I wasn't sure where to put the cake. Duuhhh...the buffet!!! It worked like a charm, and I loved being able to use it for more than just storing things.





All in all it was a great time with great friends :) And I enjoyed preparing the house and cooking for them too. MMMM...and that cake was delicious...I could actually go for a piece right now!

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend everyone :)