Organization 2009

One of my major New Years Resolutions is to organization - major organization. I'm talking top to bottom, east to west, office to bathroom cabinets type of organization. No corner will be unturned. It's going to be a huge hurdle... I don't expect to be finished until summer time. However, it's much needed in the D family household.

Here are some key objectives for my re-org....

A Place for Everything and Everything in it's Place.

This saying has been around since 1827 (seriously, I googled it), and it's probably one of the best motto's around. Unfortunately, I've never lived by it. But I've spent too many mornings, evenings and weekends tearing the house apart looking for a pair of scissors, a cd, a roll of tape, an ipod. There is no excuse for that. Plus, I've learned, it actually saves money. No need to go out and buy 3 more rolls of tape if you know you already have 3 sitting at home, in it's place.

Slowly, Room by Room.

I'm going to tackle this job room by room. I've actually gotten a head start on the office - I cleaned out everything, threw away what we didn't use/need, and designated "stations". In the office, I have a drawer just for our checks. I have a cabinet just for paper goods. I have another cabinet just for computer/electronic components. I plan on designating each room a specific purpose - one guest room will be for arts/crafts, the other for decor and luggage.

What Goes In, Must Go Out.

I plan on getting rid of everything we don't actively use. I guess you could say there is a little hippie living inside of me who is disgusted by excess. That hippie wants to come out so badly. I especially am going to use this idea with our clothing - if we don't love it and actively wear it, out it goes. 2009 will be all about living simply.


So what does this mean for you, the Newlywedism reader? Well, I am going to take you along on my organizational journey. I'm going to snap pictures of the before (you will be shocked) and of course, the after. I am also planning on setting up an Etsy shop to hopefully make some money off the items we don't need anymore - as they say, 'One man's trash is another man's treasure'. So needless to say, stick around! :D

Tidings of comfort and joy.... and lots of good food

Christmas was great this year, filled with small gifts and lots of great food. We went to Matt's parents house, who live an hour away. I came back home with some great gifts: Domino Mag subscription, Cooking Light subscription, pearl earrings and a KitchenAid Pasta Maker attachment (from my in-laws).

But the gifts weren't what was important - we laughed and ate lots of great food. We even called my family in Texas on Skype's video chat. It will definitely be a tradition from this year on; I had such a great time talking with my family 'face to face'. It was a Christmas to remember!

And on to the fun part - the pictures!


My awesome vintage dress - I just loved it, even if my brothers-in-law called it a tablecloth ;)


My "Please don't take my picture while I'm cooking" face


Scrabble is not my forte.


15 months of marriage and still going strong!


The aftermath of Christmas morning


It was pouring, and I LOVED it!


Matt's Nanny, she's a hoot!


And our adorable Charlotte, doing what she does best.

Christmas in Blogland 2008

This is my first Christmas in blogland, and I have to say, what a great time it has been! I have loved seeing so many inspirations out there, so on this Christmas Eve, I'll leave you with my favorites of Christmas in Blogland 2008:

Honorable Mention - This Young House's Christmas Tree

I loved their all white Christmas tree- I think the key to this room is the fact that their decor is all neutral as well.

Honorable Mention - Eddie Ross's Ornament Wreath

This has been posted all over blogland, head on over to his blog to check out an easy way to make this yourself!

Honorable Mentin - Making It Lovely's Ornament Cluster

I just love this mass of ornaments, it is so modern.

THIRD PLACE: This Young House's Christmas Tablescape

Feather trees, 'nuff said.

SECOND PLACE: Eddie Ross's Tree

I love that this tree is in a NYC scale, and could be straight out of the 50's. I have a major crush on vintage ornaments this year.

FIRST PLACE: Pam Garrison's Coffee Filter Garland

This woman is extraordinary; this garland is made out of coffee filters (!) and tissue paper. It looks so chic, and doesn't scream Christmas, which I love.

I see a trend - all these design ideas are unconventional Christmas decor. It's pretty obvious I prefer to ditch the traditional snowman and nutcracker and go for a more modern, seasonal look.

If I don't get a chance to post again, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Welcome Baby Carter!

Sterin's baby, Carter, was born last night via c-section. He weighed in at 8 lbs 13 oz and 19 inches. He's a football player, for sure! Mom is doing really well.

He is one of the most beautiful little boys I've ever met, and I just can't get enough of him!




And here is one of his mom and dad in 2005 after Steve came home from Iraq (stolen from MySpace). He looks a lot like dad, but a lot like mom too!


horrible picture, but you get the idea

A Friday Laugh "or two" for You

I've always hated how some people put words in quotations when they blatantly should not be. Well, "this blog" takes it a step further and shows you how stupid some people really are - enjoy the "laughs"!

I feel ashamed...

...that I can't lose 15 lbs!

I watched only one episode of Biggest Loser, but deemed Amy my favorite. After a whole season has come and gone, I checked out the website today to see who won, and was SHOCKED to see Amy's transformation (not the winner)

Before:


After:


Absolutely amazing. I'm using this as motivation!

On a side note, the weather has been COLD here in So Cal this week, so I've been exercising inside to free On Demand videos - Biggest Loser ones to be exact!

Happy Holidays to You!

We've sent out our Christmas cards and they should be getting to homes today or tomorrow... So I thought I'd "send" a Christmas card to all you Newlywedisms readers out there!

Thank you for reading my blog and commenting; I thoroughly enjoy blogging and it makes me so happy to have folks out there who enjoy reading the silly things I have to share.

And stick around - I have some new stuff for '09!


{click to view at full size; designed by yours truly}

ps- nope, I'm not taking a blog hiatus for the Holidays... I'm actually working Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas, so if you need a break from the fam, come on over! I will still be posting away.

I also had to add - if you haven't watched Love Actually this Holiday season yet, get to it! I think I'm going to have to watch it every year from now on. It makes me laugh, cry and feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

I fully appologize for this post

I'll finally come out of the closet: I've been bitten by the Twilight bug.

But I have to share...


Totally does it for me.. weak in the knees.


Totally does not do it for me... seems like a total tool.


Anyone else only like him as Edward? I think it's the white skin..?


Anyway, had to share! I'm mid-series, I have the last two books to read.

Ideas for a Friend

My awesome blog friend, Sarah at Jeune Marie, emailed me asking to help her with her office. She already had some great ideas, so I can't take all the credit for this idea board.

She brought to the table....

- hunter green walls
- ghost chair (on sale!)
- white french provincial desk
- Ikat fabric

She asked me to come up with some ideas for the room with brown and yellow accents. Well, I sort of threw out the brown and yellow when I stumbled upon this image while searching for hunter green rooms in google search:


{I have no idea where this came from, do you? it's the perfect wall color}

hunter green + black = love

So I took that and ran with it and put together this little board:



So here are the details....

- Sarah originally said she was going to use the ghost chair for the desk, but I think it'd be better hanging out on an empty wall with this amazing handmade Etsy pillow.

- I'd place a glossy black French provintial armchair with a black velvet seat behind the desk. If you cruise Craigslist long enough, you're bound to find one that you can paint and upholster easily.

- As for the Ikat print, Sarah was thinking of curtains, but once I found this pink Ikat rug, I knew it was perfect for the kelly green. I'm not too fond of Ikat prints, but I really think the pink is perfect for a glam room.

- Curtains... I couldn't think of any color that would marry with the green and pink, so I just stuck with a monochromatic style and went with silk green curtains. The ones I chose are slightly different in color from the walls, which I like.

- A little bit gothic, but undeniably feminine... this chandelier is perfect for the room.

- And last but not least, who doesn't love coral? Especially pink coral.

This idea board is an overall picture, because I know Sarah has the talent to take it and run with it. I can't wait to see what she does!

In the mountain (wo)man spirit!

My co-worker wore this plaid shirt yesterday, and I've been loving plaid lately. I went to urbanoutfitters.com to check it out, and it's $48! Too rich for my blood.



The husband has also been feeling the mountain man spirit; he's grown out a beard for the "winter" (I use that term loosely here in Southern California)... doesn't he look cute??

A red and black plaid shirt is on my thrift to-find list, and the husband's beard is free! It's all about saving money here at Newlywedisms.

A Wisteria Lane Christmas

Nope, this post isn't about Desperate Housewives (haven't watched that show since the first season...)

But it IS about one of my favorite online shops, Wisteria. Although some of their things can be quite expensive, they do have the best sales, and now they have a major Holiday sale in progress.

Here are some items that I just adore:

Mercury Glass Antiqued Ornaments - 5 for $24.50 / originally $49
{these would definitely do until you can find real antique ornaments}


Austro Artwork Ornaments - 4 for $14.50 / originally $29
{these are hand painted and perfect for passing down to future generations to come}


Boullion Tree (Medium) - $24.50 / originally $49
{the julep cup makes this tree, but the beaded branches are a close second}


Golden Angel Wings - $69.50 set of 2 / originally $139
{"Angels we have heard on high"}


Birch Wreath - $14.50 / originally $29
{literally the most beautiful wreath I've seen to date.. comprised of strips of curled birch tree}


Glitter Star Ornament Set - $17 for 3 / originally $34
{those are mirrored orbs in the middle, drooling now}

5 pm and In Bed

It's close to 5 pm and we've been lounging this afternoon. Yesterday us old folks went out to LA to see one of our favorite comedians and now we are exhausted.

I had to blog because we had some "LA" type experiences...

After the show (around 12 am), Kirsten Dunst stumbled in front of our car. I was staring at a really cute dress, then I looked up at the face and oh! There she was right in front of me. Cute hair.. cute dress... I'm trying to google pictures just to see if our car happen to make it to a paparazzi pic.

We knew the show would end pretty late (for us) so we decided last minute to get a hotel thanks to Priceline. We got back pretty late to the hotel (stupid LA traffic), and were awoken at 7 am with some serious screaming. Right outside our hotel balcony was a large film production.

We were curious and called the front desk, they were filming 2012, which will be released next summer. We spent all morning watching the scene.

I know for those who live in LA these things are a daily occurrence, but it made for a very interesting overnight stay for us non-locals :)

Now it's back to our mundane lives of folding laundry and Office Christmas parties. Be back Monday!

These are a few of my favorite things....

It's been a while since I've cruised Rate My Space, but I hopped on lately and found some great inspiration.

These are a few of my favorite things.... from Rate My Space!


This Christmas room is perfection!!


This mint green makes this amazing kitchen so unique! And those floors are original and were covered by linoleum.... absolutely amazing.


Someday the husband and I want a basement... and I just love this one! I love the stone wall, the sectional and the creative media storage. I don't love the accent color and the African accents. But what a great way to make a basement chic and cozy at the same time.


What a great, inexpensive way to personalize your front door.


I can't stop by Rate My Space without looking at the nurseries... isn't this one great? I love the monochromatic theme.

Newlywedisms + Jeune Marie

Did you know that Jeune Marie is french for "newlywed"? What a coincidence!



The lovely (seriously - SO lovely... I envy her on a daily basis) Sarah over at Jeune Marie let me be a part of her Budget Week, and I had such a great time writing up a post for her! I tackled meal plans - and I broke out some of our favorite meals to show you how budget friendly they really are (so much better than eating out).

Head on over to her blog and check out the awesome and smart week she's doing, plus she's giving away a prize!

'Tis the Season to Have a Baby: Nursery Tour

(Not us.)

Sterin! Excitement is in the air for us and our good friends Steve and Erin as they await the arrival of their first child, Carter. He's due next week and can come literally any day now! It feels like just yesterday when they told us!


{the adorable bump full term baby in front of our tree}

When Erin started thinking about the nursery, she came to me for help (yay!). I immediately showed her one of my favorite nurseries, and she liked it as well. It's the perfect inspiration because in CA you can't gamble with putting anything that can fall above baby because of earthquakes. So I told her we can nail the art to the wall with picture moulding, and thank god Steve is the handiest guy I know!

He built all the mouldings in this room and also cut the plexiglass for the frames.

Inside the square they used the lightest color of paint in the room, and had Lowe's lighten it by 50%. This is an easy way for you to make your own custom color.

As for the art, it was done by yours truly. I took the bumper and squared off four sections with painters tape and copied the shapes onto paper - this is an easy way to see something "zoomed in".

I loved this project because it is so special to the couple - Steve spent a good part of their early marriage overseas in the Military, so this is a special way the couple and their new baby can honor his time over there. (Thank you for fighting for this country, Steve!)

The second reason I loved this project was because when I copied the camo shapes onto the wall they turned from camo into abstract art - I especially love that one of the shapes I copied turned into looking like a little duck... do you see it? :)




This rocker is COMFY!


We made this side of the wall's picture molding the same size as the other wall. I love that there is so much extra room inside of the square; I imagine when Carter gets here and Sterin takes all the adorable pictures of him, they can put them up in picture frames and create a picture collage inside the picture moulding.

And speaking of babies.... I have a little baby (read: project) in the works for my 1 year anniversary of blogging! Nothing too exciting, but I'm pretty excited about it!

Christmas Love List

There is roughly only two weeks left until Christmas! Both families this year are going budget friendly with the gifts, so it's important to pick out items for every price level. Here is my list!

$25 and Less


Moleskine Cahier Set of 3 - $10

{I am obsessive about lists, and I make at least 2 a week - a grocery list and a to-do list. I keep everything organized in notebooks, and these are simple yet chic}




3 Lightweight Old Navy Turtlenecks - $24
black, white and purple / size medium tall

{they currently are on sale for $8 each and are perfect for cold weather layering.}


$50 and Less


Overstock.com Pearl Earrings - $35

{What can I say, I'm a simple girl with simple tastes. Pearl earrings are a must for everday wear, and I'm due for some new ones.}




Buffalo Exchange Gift Card - $50

{I know, gift cards are lame, but after discovering this store in Austin, and then discovering that they have two locations in Orange County, I've been obsessed. Think how far $50 can go at a consignment shop!}


$150 and Less


Ikea Lunna Chair - $150

{Matt likes to lay down on the couch, and I like to sit with my laptop... which makes it hard with just one couch. This chair would be perfect for my blogging and tv watching.}