September 30th...

It's time for another Commitment to Loveliness! This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life!

Here is my list for this week:

1. Look for a little coat for the baby... we have a gift card that will be perfect for this I hope!
2. Reserve some new books at the library.
3. Clean out the closet in the nursery
4. Spend some time with my little family doing something fun... like going to the beach!
5. Take a nice long soak in the bath rather than the usual perfunctory shower

Once you have chosen five simple things, post them on your blog and link to this post in your post, and then post the direct link to your Commitment to Loveliness post below. If you do not have a blog, but have a commitment to share, please post them in the comments section.

What Can You Buy with Ten Dollars?

The Finance Committee at our mission parish is trying to encourage people to raise their pledge to the church by ten dollars a week. One of my ideas is to provide a list of things that people usually buy on a regular basis that cost about ten dollars (i.e. movie tickets, two magazines at the newsstand, etc.), giving people the initiative to forgo these "extras" to help the church.

Please give me your ideas!!

Selecting a Presidential Candidate for 2008...

This is obviously not a political blog, but my aunt sent me a link to this quiz and I thought many of you would be interested... I scored like I thought I would (probably due to all our Tucker/Glenn Beck/Bill O'Reilly watching), but it helped me to know what the main issues are in this upcoming election.

Choosing a Fall Jacket...

This is the fall jacket I have chosen to wear this year (it is not a maternity one!). I have been looking for a quilted jacket that looked good on me for several years and was happy to finally find one! This one is perfect because of the darts that shape it and because of the rich brown color.

If you still haven't gotten your jacket yet, here are some common styles as compared with body type guidelines to help you:

Jean

• Curvy or Full Bust: The pockets on jean jackets make this style less flattering than other jackets. Look for a high-collared version with a snug fit and without any detailing. Avoid jackets with dropped shoulders.
• Short-waisted or with Tummy: Opt for a jacket that hits the top of the hips, with a high collar, high armhole, and a straight body.
• Short in Height or Long-Waisted: Choose a snug, cropped fit.
• Bottom Heavy: You can wear the classic, straight style that hits at the top of the hipbone. A snug fit will look best.

Biker

• Curvy or Full Bust: Chose a high-collared version with a snug fit and no detailing.
• Boyish: You can wear the classic styler that hits at the top of the hipbone and has a bone asymmetrical closure.
• Short in Height or Long-Waisted: choose a snug, cropped fit.
• Bottom Heavy, Short-waisted or with Tummy: Opt for a jacket that hits at the tp of the hips, has a high collar, a natural fit at the shoulder and a straight body.

Bomber

• Curvy or Full Bust: This style will look best on you if worn open. Chose one that fits in the shoulder, is more fitted that round, and has a high neck with no detailing.
  
• Boyish: You can wear the classic waist-length style.
  
• Short in Height or Long-Waisted: Opt for jackets that are waist-length or a bit shorter. Snug-fitting styles are best.
  
• Bottom Heavy, Short-waisted or with Tummy: The elasticized hem of this style makes it a poor choice for your body type.

Boxy

• Curvy or Full Bust: Choose a single-breasted style with a high collar and minimal detailing. the jacket should hang at least to the hipbone and should not be over-sized.
  
• Boyish: A straight style that isn't too voluminous will look best.
  
• Short in Height or Long-Waisted: This is not a flattering style of this body type.
  
• Bottom Heavy, Short-waisted or with Tummy: A straight, single-breasted style that ends below the hips will be most flattering.

-From: InStyle Secrets of Style: The Complete Guide to Dressing Your Best Everyday-

What does your Fall jacket look like?

Ways to Accessorize Your Fall Jacket...

Homemade Fried Chicken...

A few days ago, I was reading through some blogs and one lady listed her recipe for fried chicken as adapted from Ina Garten's (sadly, I can't find the blog in question). I can even remember seeing this Barefoot Contessa episode and wanting to try the recipe out! Since we had all of the ingredients for Ina's version and there are very few foods my husband likes better than KFC, I decided to give it a whirl. The result was very tasty and really not that hard or messy. We all enjoyed it a lot and I will definitely be making this again!

September 23rd...

It's time for another Commitment to Loveliness! This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life!

Here is my list for this week:

1. Make Mrs. U.'s Blueberry Yogurt Cake
2. Give self a pedicure and trim Baby's nails... they are so sharp!
3. Take advantage of the exercise equipment in the club house and work out three times this week
4. Experiment with pretty hairstyles while waiting for a trim (no, I never got my hair cut... I didn't know what I wanted and didn't want to regret anything!) and make a few more headbands for my little girlfriend.
5. Take the time to write some "real" letters to friends and family rather that hastily typed e-mails

Once you have chosen five simple things, post them on your blog and link to this post in your post, and then post the direct link to your Commitment to Loveliness post below. If you do not have a blog, but have a commitment to share, please post them in the comments section.

A Tour of Our Home...

The next eleven or so posts are pictures taken this morning of our home. With the exception of my husband's office (which he was working in while I was taking pictures), all the rooms of our home are represented. If you have any questions about the pictures, I would be happy to answer them.

I hope that you enjoy seeing our home!

The Front Door and Entryway...

The Front Room...

The Half Bath...

The Screened-In Porch...

The Family Room...

The Kitchen...

The Dining Room...

The Guest Bathroom...

The Nursery...

The Nursery is not much to look at right now... there is a crib mattress on the floor, a baby swing, a co-sleeper full of outgrown clothes, and a rocker. We have plans to purchase a bed and hang some nice pictures soon (hopefully before the new baby comes). When it comes together, I will photograph it!

The Master Bedroom...

The Master Bathroom...