Ok, well, I haven't moved, but my blog has!
You now can find me at http://oneofthelovebugs.wordpress.com/.
I had to change blog hosts because of the problems I have been having with Blogger. I hate to leave and change things up, but I hope you will all come along.
Much Love,
JB
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Goodbye Weekend...
*Sigh* Another weekend is over. I know, I know, I'm still in transition, so I don't have all of the stresses of a career, but the weekends are sweet. During the week, I fill each day with many housewife tasks, keep busy organizing, building, and creating, and run errands. I'm a pretty busy girl. :)
This weekend was pretty fabulous. The hubby planned a date day on Saturday, and it was terrific. We took a little road trip to Gettysburg. We didn't go there to do "touristy things" - we did "us" things. We went to the outlets, where I had an awesome time trying on clothes. I picked out some treasures at the Gap for our beach trip later in the month. :-)
After we got our fill of shopping, we hit up the mini-golf course - our first game of the season. We were both really out of practice, but it was fun to laugh and see how many puts it took to get the ball in. The course we went to is gorgeous.
Mini golf was followed by Supermelts and Sundaes at Friendlys. Excellent day.
Today was relaxing. I went out and took some photos that I will share tomorrow. As for tonight, I'm kicking back with a rasp-strawberry non fat shake I made. Hope you all had a terrific weekend!
-JB
This weekend was pretty fabulous. The hubby planned a date day on Saturday, and it was terrific. We took a little road trip to Gettysburg. We didn't go there to do "touristy things" - we did "us" things. We went to the outlets, where I had an awesome time trying on clothes. I picked out some treasures at the Gap for our beach trip later in the month. :-)
After we got our fill of shopping, we hit up the mini-golf course - our first game of the season. We were both really out of practice, but it was fun to laugh and see how many puts it took to get the ball in. The course we went to is gorgeous.
Mini golf was followed by Supermelts and Sundaes at Friendlys. Excellent day.
Today was relaxing. I went out and took some photos that I will share tomorrow. As for tonight, I'm kicking back with a rasp-strawberry non fat shake I made. Hope you all had a terrific weekend!
-JB
Friday, June 10, 2011
I dream in color...
My birthday is in 10 days. Now, now, I’m not telling you so you’ll get me something, instead I’m telling you because on my birthday I’m going to start a big task. I am going to do a photo a day for the entire year. That's right.... 365 photographs. :-D I’m excited that I’m starting on my birthday because it’s like giving birth to a brand new project on the day that my parents celebrate the birth of the biggest “project” of their lives.
Each day I am challenging myself to take at least one photograph that is print worthy – so maybe at the end, it can be compiled for a calendar or something to that effect. Hey… they say if you’re gonna dream, then you should “dream big!”.
I’m always dreaming. In fact, I dream in color, or shall I say, colors. Aqua, yellow, orange, hot pink, sky blue, bright red, neon green (I could go on and on). Life and everything in it is so vibrant to me. I very rarely do black and white photos because I love the way the bright color prints jump out at you. When I want my photograph to be mystic or reveal that deeper darker part of emotion, that's when I go B&W. But even when I do that, I'm often tempted to let one color stay and POP! - and sometimes that's good and sometimes it defeats the emotion. The next couple of shots are full color feeling, and they POP!
This flower makes me want to stand out in a crowd...
This piece of sky mesmerizes me....
This ladybug reminds me of love....
This rose makes me wanna dance...
And this sunset takes my breath away.
I hope you will take the time to enjoy the moment and let something take your breath away. Life is vibrant!
-JB
total calories for the day: I'm not sure, I was very busy and had lunch with my parents - but I know it was less than 2000.
exercise for the day: moving furniture and doing yard sale stuff - I got up at 5:30, so I didn't if it in me to do 5 miles as well
what we had for supper: wheat rotini with red pepper, squash, onion, chicken, tomato, and sauce
what I'm reading: Folly Beach by Karen White
weight loss progress (remember I only weigh in on Wednesdays): 4.5 lbs of 25 lb goal - (18% there)Thursday, June 9, 2011
Real dreams vs. Pipe dreams
How do we know how to differentiate our "pipe dreams" from the dreams we were made to have - dreams that we should be doing our all to see succeed? I honestly don't know the difference, and it's starting to become a point of contention within me. Sometimes I think it's easy to tell the difference. For example - dreaming of having my photographs published and sold - possible dream... dreaming of having a cafe in a small beach town where I can sell and do photography - pipe dream. So what is the difference here?
The idea of having a small business is so enticing to me. But how do you get started? I think I look at my "loves" and see doing them on the side a real dream, and doing them full time a pipe dream. Some of you know that I've had some long term time off recently. And I have been having a hard time finding a new career that is a good fit for me. I thought I had finally found it, and today I got a phone call letting me know that even though my interview was great, they had to fill it internally. Hmph.
I see each and every season in life as a gift from God. Every season, no matter how sunny, snowy, or treacherous, has a purpose for us. So today (after I realized I was back to the drawing board) I got this strong feeling that there was something I was supposed to be realizing. And I have no idea what it is. But I do feel like right now, God wants me to be using this time to be launching the part of my dreams that could someday become something big. I'll say it again, what that looks like, I'm not really sure. So if you think about it, say a prayer for me. It's on my heart that there's something I'm supposed to be learning, but I'm still in the "waiting" phase.
As for me, I will now dream of another small business of sorts. Tomorrow I'm having a pretty big yard sale. There's going to be tons of stuff - Barbies, a vacuum, some clothes, some house goods, and so many other things! We're going to be selling this bed too - so if you know anyone that needs a twin bed, contact me and I'll let you know where I'll be.
Gnight - the hubs is telling me I should sleep cause I'm getting up at 5:30, and he's right.
-JB
The idea of having a small business is so enticing to me. But how do you get started? I think I look at my "loves" and see doing them on the side a real dream, and doing them full time a pipe dream. Some of you know that I've had some long term time off recently. And I have been having a hard time finding a new career that is a good fit for me. I thought I had finally found it, and today I got a phone call letting me know that even though my interview was great, they had to fill it internally. Hmph.
I see each and every season in life as a gift from God. Every season, no matter how sunny, snowy, or treacherous, has a purpose for us. So today (after I realized I was back to the drawing board) I got this strong feeling that there was something I was supposed to be realizing. And I have no idea what it is. But I do feel like right now, God wants me to be using this time to be launching the part of my dreams that could someday become something big. I'll say it again, what that looks like, I'm not really sure. So if you think about it, say a prayer for me. It's on my heart that there's something I'm supposed to be learning, but I'm still in the "waiting" phase.
As for me, I will now dream of another small business of sorts. Tomorrow I'm having a pretty big yard sale. There's going to be tons of stuff - Barbies, a vacuum, some clothes, some house goods, and so many other things! We're going to be selling this bed too - so if you know anyone that needs a twin bed, contact me and I'll let you know where I'll be.
-JB
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Ikea and back - where our home (and life) are going!
On Saturday, my hubby and I took a long awaited trip to IKEA in College Park, Maryland. If you've never gone to IKEA, I hope you will find one near you and go (or at least click on this link to see what it's all about)! It's really fun to walk through each room they have set up. You get plenty of ideas to take along with you to your own home, plus whatever goodies you find you can't live without. Today these goodies for me were some frames, a crafting tray, and an awesome new pot for my beautiful calla lily (whom I have affectionately name Caly) because she has outgrown her old home.
Even though I found all of these wonderful pieces for me, the real reason for the trip was to buy a desk for the hubs. He is a writer, and since we moved, we hadn't yet bought the perfect furniture for his office. He had decided on a desk from IKEA last time we were there, but we were traveling and didn't have room to haul it. We decided we would buy it online once we were home and have it shipped to us, but the shipping was $349.00! So needless to say, we weren't paying more for the shipping than the desk itself cost, so we embarked on the endeavor to retrieve the desk ourselves. By the time we made it to the check out line, our cart was full!
I can't wait to show you the transformation of our spare bedroom into his office! HGTV is my favorite channel, and one of my greatest passions in life is design (whether in photography, scrapbooking, beadwork, stamping, or painting). So it is so exciting for me to know that I'm going to be doing some room design, but it is the hubbys's office. The room will have to be super functional for him and fit his style and tastes. A great and exciting challenge! (don't worry, we've designated plenty of space to my craft work!)
As we clean out the room, we are going to have to move this super awesome bed out. A double papasan will be taking its place. If you know anyone in the area that is in need of a nice twin bed and nearly new mattress, let me know! I'm going to be selling it at a yard sale this weekend, and I would love for it to have a great new home.
If you were following along with PlateOnDisplay (my healthy eating blog that I have discontinued), you know that today is Weigh-in Wednesday. Just because the blog has ended, doesn't mean that my weight-loss journey is stalling or stopping. So today I will report that in the last week (June 1-8) I lost 4.5 pounds. Today you will see that I am still keeping track of my calories at the bottom of the blog, and if you are interested in the detailed synopsis of my food journal, let me know (because it still exists).
I hope you are all having a terrific day!
-JB
total calories for the day: 720 calories as of 5 o'clock
exercise for the day: 1.5 miles (hey, it was hot!) + another walk after dinner
what we're having for supper: turkey burgers, homemade sweet potato fries, and a veggie
what I'm reading: Folly Beach by Karen White
weight loss progress (remember I only weigh in on Wednesdays): 4.5 lbs of 25 lb goal - (18% there)
Even though I found all of these wonderful pieces for me, the real reason for the trip was to buy a desk for the hubs. He is a writer, and since we moved, we hadn't yet bought the perfect furniture for his office. He had decided on a desk from IKEA last time we were there, but we were traveling and didn't have room to haul it. We decided we would buy it online once we were home and have it shipped to us, but the shipping was $349.00! So needless to say, we weren't paying more for the shipping than the desk itself cost, so we embarked on the endeavor to retrieve the desk ourselves. By the time we made it to the check out line, our cart was full!
As we clean out the room, we are going to have to move this super awesome bed out. A double papasan will be taking its place. If you know anyone in the area that is in need of a nice twin bed and nearly new mattress, let me know! I'm going to be selling it at a yard sale this weekend, and I would love for it to have a great new home.
If you were following along with PlateOnDisplay (my healthy eating blog that I have discontinued), you know that today is Weigh-in Wednesday. Just because the blog has ended, doesn't mean that my weight-loss journey is stalling or stopping. So today I will report that in the last week (June 1-8) I lost 4.5 pounds. Today you will see that I am still keeping track of my calories at the bottom of the blog, and if you are interested in the detailed synopsis of my food journal, let me know (because it still exists).
I hope you are all having a terrific day!
-JB
total calories for the day: 720 calories as of 5 o'clock
exercise for the day: 1.5 miles (hey, it was hot!) + another walk after dinner
what we're having for supper: turkey burgers, homemade sweet potato fries, and a veggie
what I'm reading: Folly Beach by Karen White
weight loss progress (remember I only weigh in on Wednesdays): 4.5 lbs of 25 lb goal - (18% there)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Back in full bloom...
First off, I want to apologize for my absence over the last few days. I've been spending some time thinking about the direction I want to see the blogs go, and I've come to the point where I've finally made my decision.
Some of you know that about a week ago I started a blog on wordpress that I named "PlateOnDisplay". Each day I post everything I've eaten, show a picture or two, talk about my workout, and try to squeeze some laughs in. My desire with this blog was to get my weight loss goals in order and have a forum available for other people that felt the same way about the current state of their health.
While it was fun to have another blog, I found it incredibly frustrating. I know that a lot of my readers overlap, and this small town doesn't provide enough different experiences each day to provide enough unique and interesting stories for two blogs. So here is my solution - discontinue plateondisplay and devote all of my blogging love and affection to "OneOfTheLovebugs". Now, now, I'm not giving up on my weightloss goals, and I'm not going to make that simply a private battle. I'm going to have some information I give at the end of each blog - total calories, exercise for the day, what we had for supper, and what I'm reading. More than likely, once a week I will focus a post on nutrition, weight loss progress, or an awesome recipe that we tried and loved.
In addition, I made some changes to my etsy shop plan. I changed my shop name to "oneofthelovebugs" so that I could gain continuity between the shop, my blog, and completed the plan with a new email address. This is all well and good, but it's been a setback on opening the shop. It's good that I realized it was important for me to have it this way before my bog public launch - because once it launches, there's no turning back.
So, I've missed you all, and I have so many pictures I want to show you!
As for today, I went to my parents' house to go through the many boxes they have graciously stored since my childhood. I went through box after box, and eventually mom and I needed a break. Here's a glimpse at what that looked like. :)
Some of you know that about a week ago I started a blog on wordpress that I named "PlateOnDisplay". Each day I post everything I've eaten, show a picture or two, talk about my workout, and try to squeeze some laughs in. My desire with this blog was to get my weight loss goals in order and have a forum available for other people that felt the same way about the current state of their health.
While it was fun to have another blog, I found it incredibly frustrating. I know that a lot of my readers overlap, and this small town doesn't provide enough different experiences each day to provide enough unique and interesting stories for two blogs. So here is my solution - discontinue plateondisplay and devote all of my blogging love and affection to "OneOfTheLovebugs". Now, now, I'm not giving up on my weightloss goals, and I'm not going to make that simply a private battle. I'm going to have some information I give at the end of each blog - total calories, exercise for the day, what we had for supper, and what I'm reading. More than likely, once a week I will focus a post on nutrition, weight loss progress, or an awesome recipe that we tried and loved.
In addition, I made some changes to my etsy shop plan. I changed my shop name to "oneofthelovebugs" so that I could gain continuity between the shop, my blog, and completed the plan with a new email address. This is all well and good, but it's been a setback on opening the shop. It's good that I realized it was important for me to have it this way before my bog public launch - because once it launches, there's no turning back.
So, I've missed you all, and I have so many pictures I want to show you!
Needless to say, my afternoon brought back beautiful memories from my childhood. I love you momma!
So how are you all doing? I've missed hearing from you!
Hope your week is starting off well!!! I'll write again tomorrow - and I can't wait! <3
-JB
Starting tomorrow look here as I track my progress!!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Gearin' up for a SUNsational Summer!
Even though summer is about 17 days away from it's official kick-off, is has been FEELING like summer lately. The last few days have had the perfect balance of sun, breeze, and blue skies. This has really got me thinking about what I want to accomplish this summer. I love to-do lists, so I find great joy in writing a Summer of '11 "Bucket List".
So this is my list of to-do's by Labor Day (which is the start of my next favorite season)!
1. Read 6 books in their entirety. I have a hard time sitting still and just reading, so this will be really good for me. This means I should be reading 2 each month. This is totally do-able. Plus the best part of this challenge is that it strives me to keep up with my writer-husband's reading goals.
2. Walk 3 miles at least 5 times a week. Lose 25 pounds. At least.
3. Create our own personal cookbook.
4. Go to the beach and take some awesome photos!
5. Submit my photos to at least 10 possible "publishers".
6. Establish a successful Etsy page.
7. Complete the Bible challenge - read the whole Bible in 90 days!
8. Take great care of my vegetable plants and see if they can be really fruitful.
9. Climb another mountain with the hubs.
10. Experience the boardwalk at OC. :-D
And every day approach the journey with a smile. I know that God has a great plan for me (and US), and I'm praying that he shows me where He wants me to be in the day to day. He's given me an awesome husband and great life.
I will update these goals occasionally to let you know how they are going. I'm so excited about our first married summer. :-D
The journey has really only begun!
Have a happy Saturday!
-JB
Currently Reading: "Fearless" by Max Lucado
So this is my list of to-do's by Labor Day (which is the start of my next favorite season)!
1. Read 6 books in their entirety. I have a hard time sitting still and just reading, so this will be really good for me. This means I should be reading 2 each month. This is totally do-able. Plus the best part of this challenge is that it strives me to keep up with my writer-husband's reading goals.
2. Walk 3 miles at least 5 times a week. Lose 25 pounds. At least.
3. Create our own personal cookbook.
4. Go to the beach and take some awesome photos!
5. Submit my photos to at least 10 possible "publishers".
6. Establish a successful Etsy page.
7. Complete the Bible challenge - read the whole Bible in 90 days!
8. Take great care of my vegetable plants and see if they can be really fruitful.
9. Climb another mountain with the hubs.
10. Experience the boardwalk at OC. :-D
And every day approach the journey with a smile. I know that God has a great plan for me (and US), and I'm praying that he shows me where He wants me to be in the day to day. He's given me an awesome husband and great life.
I will update these goals occasionally to let you know how they are going. I'm so excited about our first married summer. :-D
The journey has really only begun!
Have a happy Saturday!
-JB
Currently Reading: "Fearless" by Max Lucado
Thursday, June 2, 2011
All of the beautiful things in life...
Life is so beautiful. Last week I started walking each day. I've now committed to making sure my life adjusts to being more healthy and active. If you've thought about getting more active and watching what you eat, check it out, it might motivate you! You can find this blog at http://plateondisplay.wordpress.com/.
Today while I was walking, I saw something amazing... a robin's egg laying on the road. The egg was unhatched, unharmed, and alone. First of all, I have no idea how it got there. The only thing that really seems to make any sense is that the bird laid in there. But why would a bird do that? I don't know... so I'm throwing this one out there to all of my readers... what are your thoughts?
My walks and the quiet time I spend outside has gotten me so in touch with nature and my beautiful and holy God. I do three miles each time, and when I started the routine, I meant it simply as a way to get in shape. I'm facing the fact that my metabolism isn't what it used to be, and if I want to run a marathon someday, I've got some work to do! But more importantly, it's been really good for my soul.
The weather is beautiful, and if you mostly spend your time indoors, I hope you will switch things up and head outside. Chances are you will be pleasantly surprised!
How have you all been lately?
-JB
Today while I was walking, I saw something amazing... a robin's egg laying on the road. The egg was unhatched, unharmed, and alone. First of all, I have no idea how it got there. The only thing that really seems to make any sense is that the bird laid in there. But why would a bird do that? I don't know... so I'm throwing this one out there to all of my readers... what are your thoughts?
My walks and the quiet time I spend outside has gotten me so in touch with nature and my beautiful and holy God. I do three miles each time, and when I started the routine, I meant it simply as a way to get in shape. I'm facing the fact that my metabolism isn't what it used to be, and if I want to run a marathon someday, I've got some work to do! But more importantly, it's been really good for my soul.
The weather is beautiful, and if you mostly spend your time indoors, I hope you will switch things up and head outside. Chances are you will be pleasantly surprised!
How have you all been lately?
-JB
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Intricacies of life...
Happy Tuesday!
Today got off to a pretty great start for the week. I got a great work out in right off the bat this morning, and then I got to work on my crafts. I think tomorrow is going to be the day for the Etsy.com launch (finally)!! Woohoo!
I love knowing that I'm getting closer and closer to my goals. And I think that the little things in life are often my motivators - the things that make me smile are the things that keep me going. For example, right now, whenever I open up my laptop, this is what greets me:
How can you look at that and not smile? And what makes it even sweeter for me is knowing that at the moment the picture was taken he was trying with all his might to take the camera from me so he could play with it. :) When he realized he wasn't going to get the camera, he settled for being happy and entertaining me.
Kids are great. (Don't worry, we're still not ready to have any, lol) They are so intricate and unique. We have two nephews, and they are different as night and day. It amazes me all of the awesome details that go in to each of us as individuals.
Today while I was painting, it hit me that the same amount of detail and care goes in to each flower.
I spend a lot of time photographing flowers, and now I find a lot of joy in painting them as well. I was getting a little frustrated because I felt like it wasn't turning out exactly how I wanted, but then I realized that might make it more realistic. Flowers are all different (and unique and beautiful)!!!
Have a beautiful Wednesday!
-JB
Currently reading: SELF (yes, a magazine) :)
Currently listening to: Lee Ann Womack -"There is a God"
Today got off to a pretty great start for the week. I got a great work out in right off the bat this morning, and then I got to work on my crafts. I think tomorrow is going to be the day for the Etsy.com launch (finally)!! Woohoo!
I love knowing that I'm getting closer and closer to my goals. And I think that the little things in life are often my motivators - the things that make me smile are the things that keep me going. For example, right now, whenever I open up my laptop, this is what greets me:
Today while I was painting, it hit me that the same amount of detail and care goes in to each flower.
Have a beautiful Wednesday!
-JB
Currently reading: SELF (yes, a magazine) :)
Currently listening to: Lee Ann Womack -"There is a God"
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