Smartwool Hoody Review

I was recently sent Smartwool's Dazzle Dot Hoody in Claret.  Its part of their new line of "urban" clothes.  Items that are functional, cute, warm and beautiful.

I have used Smartwool's sock for years and loved them.  However, I was curious and a little nervous about putting wool on my upper half.  I will tell you that I live in CT and we were hit by a freak October snow storm so it arrived during a week we had no power and little heat.  I put the hoody on and I was instantly in love.

Its a stunning pink color with bands on the sleeves that are eye catching.  It has a flattering v neck and one button closure.  My favorite parts are the hood itself, with a contrast pattern and a kangaroo pouch.  Its ADORABLE and I've gotten a lot of compliments while wearing it.  I wore it out to the local coffee shop during the storm and I was actually stopped by people wanted to know where I could get such a nice sweater.

I have to tell you, the warmth is unmatched.  I am ALWAYS cold and when I put this on I feel comfy and cozy, inside and out.

This would make a wonderful holiday present for the active lady on your list or even as a treat to yourself.  You can see the hoody here:
http://www.smartwool.com/womens/womens-dazzle-dot-hoody.html

Keep in mind this is just one of their many new items that look good, feel great and are functional at the same time!

Moving Out~Part Four

So I learned something very valuable during the move out and renovation....well I learned a lot of valuable things.  I figured I'd break it down into a list...because that's what organizers do :)

1.  Everything takes more time than you think it will.

2.  You can't help but depend on other people.  There is only so much you can get done along.

3.  Surround yourself with the things you use and love.  Everything else doesn't matter.

4.  Make your surroundings beautiful.  It makes all the difference in the world.

5.  Challenge yourself to learn a new skill.  You will feel so accomplished when you tackle it.

6.  Let go of excess.

7.  Let go of negativity.

8.  Take your time and be present.

9.  Make decisions slowly.

10.  Smile, no matter what happens.

Moving Out~Part Three

Well since I wrote my last post a lot has gotten done.  I have completed my closet installation first of all.  Despite the fact that I design, install and organize closets for a living, doing one for myself was a lot of fun.

I used Elfa systems and a few bins I already had in my old closet.  I ended up with lots more hanging space than I had previously as well as four drawers that were just right for my running clothes.  I also have a great top shelf that I'm using for out of season shoes and rarely used shoes (like shoes to wear to a wedding) in plastic shoe boxes.

I have still been keeping up with my daily to do lists to manage the process.  Now, I am in the packing and moving stage.  EVery day I pack up some items from my old location and then bring them to my new location and put them away.  I'm sure this process does take a little longer.  However, I don't have a mass of boxes anywhere that is over whelming to me and I know exactly where items are going to go before they even arrive at my new location.

My husband is working on getting all of the TV/Internet/Cable sytems hooked up.  I will be the firt to admit, its not my expertise and he's much better at it than I would ever be.

We are also in the picture hanging stage.   I'm just letting things go where I feel they should go this time. I feel like its more natural and easier to tackle that way.  I will see if I like the end result.

Thus far I've gotten some great bargain finds.  I found some throw pillows for the bed or couch.  They ere just $2.50 and by Nautica!  I also found some awesome Umbra curtains for $2 a piece!  Gotta love a clearance table in the middle of the store!

I know that I have miles to go before I sleep but at least for now, I'm cautiously optimistic!

Moving Out~Part Two

Well although this week felt like it moved slowly, in retrospect, we really did get a lot done.  The entire basement area is clear of all of the stuff that was down there.

We Freecycled a LOT, Goodwill took a lot and we were even able to use a local children's consignment store to sell some items back.

The area is now clear and ready to be painted, the carpets need to be cleaned and then we can start moving things into the space.

The painting doesn't seem that daunting, however I know it should as it is a lot of "cutting in" to do, a lot of  taping things off, runs to the supply store, etc.
However, paint feels more productive than moving things around to me for some reason.

The other big thing we finished this week was the floors in the bedroom.  They came out amazing and I am so proud of my uncle and husband who really did a lot with just a little Googling and some rented equipment.  Take a peek at them!

They say the devil is in the details and I agree.  Its taking the longest it seems to get the small things done; paint the base board, install toe kick, install the lights, etc.  However, I know it will all be worth it in the end!

Moving Out~Part One

My husband and I have recently gone through a move.  By the time you are reading this, it will be done and I will hopefully be happily settled in.  However, as I right this I'm in the middle of what I like to call organized chaos.
We are moving into a place that needs some work. It is partially finished, partially full of stuff, etc.  Let's just say it needs work to be able to bring our things in.

So this week we tackled the bedroom.  This really sounded like the small, easy part of the process.  Well I was wrong.  And I have to say, I think I'm pretty good at project management as I do it all the time for my clients.  I've even played the role of general contractor on lots of jobs for clients.  However, this time there was one difference, I am doing all of the work myself (with my husband) AND managing the project.

Okay so we started by taking everything out of the room, filling the holes in the walls, sanding, etc.  Just getting them ready to paint was a project in itself.  And the dry wall dust was worse than locusts.  It got on and in everything.  It even stuck to the silicone case I keep my iPhone in!

Then came the paint.  Well I will be honest.  My husband and I have never picked out paint colors before.  Ever.  It was a hilarious journey with two only children neither of which have a clue about design.  My husband wanted bright blue.  I meant BRIGHT blue.  I wanted something serene but in the blue or green genre.  (I clearly didn't really have any idea as that didn't narrow it down much.)

Well we settled on a lovely color by Benjamin Moore called Casco Bay.  Its a deep green/blue and its just right to accent all of our Maine pottery, bedspread and nautical maps that we plan to decorate with.  I will post a finished product picture later.

The bathroom was a whole other project.  The tile floor needed to be fixed and regrouted.  The shower needed new caulk.

The fixtures had paint on them from the last time the room was painted and the cabinet was falling apart.  So all of that took little old me one day to fix.  I did it and honestly, I'm quite proud of the outcome.

And so we are currently in the process of putting paint on the walls....every area needs more than one coat and every area needs to be "cut in" before every coat .  I feel like its a funny game of solitaire.

However, its all starting to come together and look amazing.  After the painting is done, we are going to tackle redoing the floors ourselves.  However, we have one day before the floor sanding rental arrives and I'm hoping to get all the fixtures hung back up in the space and get all the trim painted.    Time will tell and I will keep you posted!

Justin's Nut Butter Review

I recently had the experience of reviewing the entire line of Jason's Nut Butter products.  I had tried some of them previously that I received as gifts but I wasn't familiar with the whole line.  

I tried the following products; Maple Almond Butter, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Hazelnut Butter, Classic Almond Butter, Classic Peanut Butter, Honey Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Almond Butter.  While its very hard to pick a favorite, I have to say that the Maple Almond Butter was the most versatile of the bunch. It fed my sweet cravings, and was a yummy snack just out if the jar.  

I have to confess I'm a HUGE peanut butter fan.  I eat it on just about anything and everything.  I like it as a snack, as a topping and generally as its own food group.  

I love Justin's Nut Butters because its healthy and all natural.  I love reading the ingredient list and its short, pronounceable and healthy.  

Kids will love the Chocolate butters.  They are wonderful for satisfying a sweet tooth craving without doing too much damage to your diet.  I LOVE the chocolate Hazelnut butter in particular.  Its great on crackers, toast and my personal favorite, waffles.  

If you want to buy Justin's Nut Butters take a look at where they are sold in your area.  I actually just found some at my local Target.  

So while peanut butter might be seen as an odd holiday present by some, I think it would make a great addition to a foodies' gift basket or an adorable gourmet peanut butter and jelly gift basket.  Even if you don't give Justin's Nut Butter this holiday season, try it for yourself and your kids, you will never go back!

http://www.justinsnutbutter.com/

A Year Straight Review

I was recently sent a copy of A Year Straight.  I had no idea what idea to

expect but I couldn't wait to get started.  We were just hit with a freak

October snow storm so I was given the perfect opportunity to read a lot.  I

grabbed the book and started it.  I was immediately enraptured in the

characters and the plot line.  Despite the book being non fiction and the

characters being real people, the book reads like fiction.  It very quickly

becomes a page turner.  You can't wait to find out what the main "character"

is going to do next and you can't wait to find out where her adventures will.

lead her. 

The plot line is unbelievable at times, as only real life can.

The book will make you laugh out loud one minute and sympathize with the the 

main character the next.  What makes this different from most books you read

it that this one tells the real tale of a modern girl, living and surviving

in New York City.  There are no perfect shoes and no perfect job, just real

life and some of the all struggles we face day in and day out.  Of course,

these are told so that you can laugh about them.

Unlike most books, you aren't sure how you want this one to end.  You don't

know if you want the main character to end up with her current boyfriend,

some one new, a boy or a girl....you know you want her to be happy, no

matter what version of "happily ever after" she desires.

You will love this book, its a great book to buy a your best friend going

into the holiday season!