Bathroom Re-do

I hate my bathroom. It's the only room that we really didn't touch when we tore the rest of the house apart. Because, well, it was the only room in the house that didn't date (completely) back to 1956.

Here is my bathroom in all of it's glory. It's a little confused... 1950's floor and wall tile meet 1990's builder grade vanity, toilet and shower surround. We acquired it with all of the above, as well as 3 gorgeous layers of wallpaper, taking us on a trip through the 60s, 70s and 80s, above the wall tile.

We're pretty much stuck with the floor and wall tile for the time being, so I tried my best to make it work by removing the wallpaper and uncovering drywall that was in pretty rough shape. (I wish I had before and during pictures to show you... it was awful. And took way longer than anticipated.)

After skim-coating, sanding, priming and painting the walls white (I'm pretty handy, you know, for a girl), I thought I would be happy with the result. I was looking forward to having a nice, serene, clean, white bathroom. I really thought it would take away from the wall tile a bit.

I was wrong.

Please don't make fun of the navy blue towel by the sink... I only bring out the fancy towels for company ;)

I did the best I could with it. But I want more!

I'm thinking about... gasp... wallpapering again. Or maybe painting something more interesting over the white. What do you think about horizontal black stripes? Would that be overkill or would that help disguise the wall tile? (You'd think that having paid thousands of dollars for a BS in interior design, I'd have the answer, but this room has me stumped.)

So now is the time for all of you blog-stalkers (I know you're out there, I see you!) to come out of hiding and comment with an idea or two. Give me your opinion and I'll give you a cookie ;) (Girl Scout cookie time is upon us, after all!)

The Patient

Miles had to go to the vet yesterday.

He hadn't been doing much of this.

He started limping and doing nothing more than laying on the couch all day. After a trip to the vet (and after pooping on the table in the exam room), Miles is like a new pup, thanks to the cortisone injection in his back. Poor little dachshund... the back problems are starting early... he's not even 7.

Special thank you to Grandpa Yono for coming over to puppy-sit Bella... God forbid she be alone for alone for an hour... she seriously might've had an anxiety attack. It's ridiculous.)

She's such a diva.

So now that Miles has diagnosed back issues, he's not allowed to jump on or off the couch anymore. Yeah. Good luck to us.

Here he is, as I try to coax him up his new doggy steps (at least they kinda match my living room) with his favorite treat. (Notice the tongue). It didn't go well. He just stood there and wouldn't go all the way up the steps. Or down them for that matter. He prefers jumping over. And probably re-injuring his back.

Such is life, with a stubborn dog.

Has anyone noticed...

that I start the majority of my posts with the word "so"? I'd say I'll work on that but I can guarantee it won't happen.

So there.

Running like the wind...

So I've been off to a fairly good start with my non-resolution to pick up running again. I'm actually impressing myself. Since last week, I've been running at least 3 miles each time I make it to the gym. Just don't ask me how many times that has been ;)

To keep this routine up, I need some motivation by way of actually signing up for a few 5ks. I'm not sure where to start though... I know they exist around here. I always seem to hear about them after they're over, though. Please help. I need a recommendation or 3 of a good race. And a running partner. Who's slow.

THE wedding post. Part 1

So now I'm going to bore you with all the details of my wedding. 'Cause, you know, it was my wedding, and therefore the best wedding ever. Of course I'm biased, but (get ready for some shameless bragging) we actually received emails from guests thanking us for inviting them and telling us about the great time they had. The wedding was kinda the talk of the town for awhile. Now how many people can say that? (No more bragging for at least one post. Pinky swear.)

On to the pictures. And there are a lot. Bear with me, people. I started with over 1,100.

Let's start with the "getting ready" shots.

Ah, the Manolos. Aren't they gorgeous? I dragged the husband (well, then fiance) all over NYC one weekend to find these. He was a trouper.

This is not me. I don't do blonde. Except for that one time a few years back. But that's a whole 'nother story. Anyway, this was the inspiration for my hair.

And here you can see how close we came to the inspiration 'do, while the amazingly talented Alayne of Make Me Fabulous makes me, um, fabulous.

And here's the other side, with my vintagy flower. Too bad my hair will NEVER look like that. Thank God for extensions ;)

My mother is still smiling because this was only the start of the 30 or so minutes, one wedding planner and one matron of honor it took to button my dress.

It's almost like my mom and I hadn't just spent 3 hours upstairs getting ready together ;)

The perfect backdrop. A gritty, white wall. I love these pictures.

How cool is this?

Ryleigh Cayman, i.e., the cutest flower girl ever. Please ignore the fact that my boob is trying to escape.

Mom-in-law, Sis-in-law, Bride, Mom

Daddy's little girl, all growed up.

My handsome groom, showing off the most perfect wedding gift ever. A Breitling Superocean Heritage 46. ha. I learned A LOT about watches shopping for this bad boy.

The boys outside the church, doing the infamous "lookaway".


Gabriel James. What a handsome (and well-behaved!) ring bearer.

That about does it for the pre-ceremony festivities. Stayed tuned for the ceremony shots. I know you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat in anticipation. Humor me.

(All photo credit goes to Joe and JP Elario of Joe Elario Photography.)

Happy Half Birthday to ME!

Yes, I'm one of those annoying people who celebrates (well, acknowledges) her half birthdays. I don't know why. It's not like anything exciting happens. In fact, I'll be working (if you can really call showing houses working, 'cause it's actually kinda fun) today. But I do get to attend a wine fest gala later this evening. Maybe I'll just pretend it's really a dinner in honor of this ever-important occasion.

Here's to the last 6 months of my twenties. Eek.

Working for a living...

...is not something I'm necessarily fond of. But since I'm partial to shopping, keeping my car full of gas, eating and paying my mortgage, it's undoubtedly necessary.

I seem to be in a bit of job-related funk lately, though. But don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I do.

See, I'm smiling because I want to help you buy or sell a house.*

The problem with this business is, I have to stay insanely motivated to succeed and be known as a good agent. (Although in the eyes of my past clients, I already am the World's Greatest Real Estate Agent!**) And right now, I'm not that motivated. I think getting married had something to do with it. I went from super-agent extraodonaire, selling a butt-load of houses a month, to doing nothing so I could focus on the wedding and honeymoon. And then it was Thanksgiving. And Christmas. And New Year's. Seriously, who wants to work during that glorious time of year???

But now it's January and I have no excuse for my slacking. I know in my head what I need to do, I just need someone to kick me in the ass and make me do it. Any takers?

Enough complaining. Maybe I should do some work now. Since I am, you know, at work ;)

*I loathe this picture. Any guesses as to my age here?

**I have proof. Although I don't think the testimonial release form my clients signed mentioned blog-posting, so I'll keep those words of praise to myself.