I decided to make a few changes with regard to the blog, (some of which are still in the works) and a new URL needed to be one of them. So sorry if this has messed up your Google-reader or other RSS feed. This year I plan to be much more consistent when it comes to blogging so please do visit often!
Halloween
Since Eric went as Johnny Apple Seed he thought it would be really funny to give me a sharpie tattoo with a heart and Johnny's name. However, sharpie tattoos don't come off as easily as one would think though I did not realize this until I was teaching Primary the next day and one of my kids asked what was on my arm, whoops!.
Johnny in all his apple seed goodness!
Way back in August
Back in August we took a trip to Utah and Idaho to visit family and celebrate my grandparents 65th wedding anniversary. While I intended to get these pictures up back in September, I got a bit over whelmed with school and lots of things slipped through the cracks--so here are a few pictures from the big day.
We used vintage inspired materials to decorate the tables and hung enlarged old photos of my grandparents, Bob & Gwen.
My mother and I got a little carried away and bought a ton of white Chinese lanterns, which Eric and my Uncle Dan had to hang up in about 15 min since the morning of we had major down poor and we were not able to set up until right before the party started.
We even had a beautiful cake, which made it all the way from the bakery on my bothers lap in perfect shape despite a near head on collision, only to have one of my cousins lean against it right before the party. Though you can't see that from the perfect picture.
The oldie-weds even cut the cake!
They said that this would count as their wedding cake since they eloped to Elkco, NV way back in 1946 and never had a real wedding cake.
My grandparents have lived nearly all of their married lives in Swan Lake, Idaho and after the family luncheon we held and open-house for the whole town and surrounding areas (to which my grandmother said no one would come) -- nearly a 100 people showed up! Bob and Gwen are definitely loved.
Grams and Me
My cousins, Lisa and Amy, and of course me -- out of 13 grandchildren we are the only 3 girls.
The happy couple!
It was so fun to celebrate their wedding anniversary, I have such a wonderful extend family and it is all because these two fabulous and fun people. I have with out a doubt the best Grandparents!
Family Pictures
Last month I had the amazing Janika (in UT) take pictures of LB and I. We have not had professional pictures taken since our wedding six years ago. I always thought I would take family pictures when we had a child, well that won't be happening any time soon so I thought why not take "family pictures" of just the two of us. I just got the images in the mail so I thought I would share a few.
I can not recommend Janika enough - the lady is amazing! Let me know what you think of our little photo shoot.
I can not recommend Janika enough - the lady is amazing! Let me know what you think of our little photo shoot.
Lets Hear it for Marriage - 65 Years of it!
Bob & Gwen Hadley
This month my amazing Grandparents will celebrate their 65th Wedding Anniversary! These two eloped to Elko, NV in the summer of 1946. They claim 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. They are by far two of my most favorite people in the world, not be mention some of the best pinochle players you will ever find. I am so excited that LB and I will be in Idaho to celebrate this auspicious occasion with my grandparents as well as friends and family. So lets hear it for marriage! After all...
"Newlyweds become Oldyweds, and Oldyweds are the reasons that families work!"
Assateague Island
On Saturday LB and I and our friends the Cardons got up early and took a day trip to the Assateague Island National Seashore. The weather was perfect and so was the water - and while we all put on sunscreen multiple times we all came home a bit on the crispy side.
The island is home to herds of "wild" ponies, that pretty much wander around anywhere, including the parking lots. However, the ponies were very fun to watch and there were even several foals with their mamas.
We had such a wonderful time that we are planning another trip before school starts, but this time we will wear more sunscreen and take a beach umbrella - in fact I just bought an umbrella at CostCo. Let me know if you would like to join us on our next trip.
Cafe Rio - East Coast!
Cafe Rio has come to Virgina and Maryland and since the beginning of the month when we discovered this I have been 3 times! The even more pathetic part of this story is that each of the two locations are more then 45 minutes from my apartment.
Cafe Rio in Maryland - Our 1st Trip
Today Chira and I took her boys to the Cafe Rio in Virgina - however the boys did not find it as awesome as we did. Oh, and their new Mint Limeade is divine.
Spring In the City
Here are a few picture of our spring adventures. DC has the best spring season and two of our favorite spots/events are the Cherry Blossom Festival and the National Arboretum.
We and a few thousand others enjoyed the cherry blossoms one Sunday morning – though it was much colder then last year.
We and a few thousand others enjoyed the cherry blossoms one Sunday morning – though it was much colder then last year. 
The old columns from the US Capitol Building
The National Arboretum has the coolest Bonsai Trees that have been in “training” for over a hundred years.
If my house was on fire I would take this cooking pot
Way back in January a really big box showed up at my door from my amazing brother Ian and inside was the most beautiful Le Creuset dutch-oven in the most perfect color. Oh how I had wanted one of these - and oh how I love it. This pot has to be one of the best presents I have ever been given - my brother ROCKS!
So if the house is on fire this beauty is on the short list of things I would grab on my way out the door!
A little story about a little girl...
One Saturday, right before my birthday, LB and I were out shopping. At this point in time it was January, I was sick of the cold and I was convinced that I was old and very un-attractive. Somehow we ended up at Wendy's (I really have no idea why) and as we sat down to eat I noticed there was a little girl, who was about five, and her parents sitting next to us. As LB and I sat there I over heard the mother say "shh, eat your food" and the little girl say in what she thought was a whisper "but mom, she's beautiful". So I looked over and this little girl is staring at me. Her mother then said "why don't you tell her that" to which the little girl replied, again in what she thought was a whisper "oh no, I'm too shy!" I smiled at the little girl and she excitedly exclaimed "mom, she smiled at me"!
This little girl made my day - her sweet complement could have not come at a better moment. I can't imagine what prompted this little one to say what she did - but I am grateful that she did so.
Lucky for you I took a picture of my beautiful self that day so you could see just what I was wearing - but also as a reminder to not be so hard on myself when it comes to my looks. Got to love insecurities, right?
This little girl made my day - her sweet complement could have not come at a better moment. I can't imagine what prompted this little one to say what she did - but I am grateful that she did so.
Lucky for you I took a picture of my beautiful self that day so you could see just what I was wearing - but also as a reminder to not be so hard on myself when it comes to my looks. Got to love insecurities, right?
Yes, those are cowboy boots, vintage in fact - they were my grandmothers!!!
25 Things my mother taught me...
In honor of the upcoming holiday:
1. Be it November or June, a dress or a skirt, proper ladies wear a slip - even if you have to barrow one from the mortician at a family funeral (true story), it is not appropriate to go with out.
2. Original Star Wars + Popcorn = Perfect Friday Night
3. Take your time - especially when it comes to having children.
4. Read - as often as you can and more then one book at a time.
5. In the summer the best way to drive is with the windows down and the AC on.
6. Dinner in a pinch - cheese on bread under the broiler, and a paper towel will suffice as a plate.
7. Dangly ear-rings and high-heels are for adult women, not little girls.
8. If you love an article of clothing don't dry it, it will last longer and keep its shape - also a spritz of water and a tumble in the dryer will take the place of an iron for most clothing, but not all.
9. Good hair products, makeup, and skin care are worth the money.
10. Don't be a rug - know when to say no.
11. Keep a clean house - it will keep you from being embarrassed and reduce your stress.
12. No matter the setting if the lettuce in your salad is the wrong color do not eat it.
13. What other people think of you is none of your business.
14. Bring a change of shoes and a jacket, you just never know.
15. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
16. Red is not my color, I may wear it on my feet and on my nails or as a hand bag but that is all.
17. One should always carry theses items in ones purse: tissues, painkiller, lipstick, identification and a credit card, oh and a snack - again you just never know (I once entertained a 3 year old and a gaggle of ducks for an hour with a crushed granola bar from the bottom of my purse).
18. Always answer the phone correctly, when the caller asks for you, your reply is "this is she/he" not her/him.
19. All girls need silly frivolous things from time to time.
20. Buy the good toilet paper, even if you're poor, and keep the house well stocked.
21. Know how to play cards, specifically Pinochle, Hearts, Scum, and Texas Hold'em.
22. Take a big purse and a sweater to the movie - stop at the grocery store candy aisle on your way.
23. It's better to be feisty, strong willed, and blunt - but keep it in check.
24. Cookie dough should be enjoyed both raw and cooked.
and above all remember...
25. God helps those who help themselves!
1. Be it November or June, a dress or a skirt, proper ladies wear a slip - even if you have to barrow one from the mortician at a family funeral (true story), it is not appropriate to go with out.
2. Original Star Wars + Popcorn = Perfect Friday Night
3. Take your time - especially when it comes to having children.
4. Read - as often as you can and more then one book at a time.
5. In the summer the best way to drive is with the windows down and the AC on.
6. Dinner in a pinch - cheese on bread under the broiler, and a paper towel will suffice as a plate.
7. Dangly ear-rings and high-heels are for adult women, not little girls.
8. If you love an article of clothing don't dry it, it will last longer and keep its shape - also a spritz of water and a tumble in the dryer will take the place of an iron for most clothing, but not all.
9. Good hair products, makeup, and skin care are worth the money.
10. Don't be a rug - know when to say no.
11. Keep a clean house - it will keep you from being embarrassed and reduce your stress.
12. No matter the setting if the lettuce in your salad is the wrong color do not eat it.
13. What other people think of you is none of your business.
14. Bring a change of shoes and a jacket, you just never know.
15. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
16. Red is not my color, I may wear it on my feet and on my nails or as a hand bag but that is all.
17. One should always carry theses items in ones purse: tissues, painkiller, lipstick, identification and a credit card, oh and a snack - again you just never know (I once entertained a 3 year old and a gaggle of ducks for an hour with a crushed granola bar from the bottom of my purse).
18. Always answer the phone correctly, when the caller asks for you, your reply is "this is she/he" not her/him.
19. All girls need silly frivolous things from time to time.
20. Buy the good toilet paper, even if you're poor, and keep the house well stocked.
21. Know how to play cards, specifically Pinochle, Hearts, Scum, and Texas Hold'em.
22. Take a big purse and a sweater to the movie - stop at the grocery store candy aisle on your way.
23. It's better to be feisty, strong willed, and blunt - but keep it in check.
24. Cookie dough should be enjoyed both raw and cooked.
and above all remember...
25. God helps those who help themselves!
For Mom (and me too)
I bought this print by Don Carney from 20x200 the other day. When it showed up in the mail today and it was even cooler then I imagined, I bought one for my Mom - we both have a thing for birds. I hope she likes it!
I also have my eye on this fauxidermy deer head - I think it will be our anniversary splurge this year. What do you think?
Am I beginning to sense a wildlife theme here?
Steph's Top 5 Under-Appreciated Movies
Because I know you care, and because we are having a bit of a film festival at the Maughan house. Here are 5 movies that I think are fabulous and need to be appreciated more.
Released in 1988 - story by George Lucas - staring Val Kilmer and Warwick Davis. A great story in which a reluctant dwarf must play a critical role in protecting a special baby from an evil queen. This movie has it all: fantasy, romance, knights, magic, whit, and a feisty redhead to boot. I loved this movie as a child, I think I love it even more as an adult.
#1 Willow
Released in 1992 - my mother bought me this movie on VHS when I was a child and I have watched it hundreds times! A great story with a great message, this movie is funny and the dancing is great. It is a bit of a mockumentry that turns into a real movie half way through - you must watch it more then once to really get it, but damn if I could only watch one movie for the rest of my life this just might be the one!
Released in 2005 - staring Zooey Deschanel and other people. LB and I quote this movie constantly, its pathetic. This movie is a hoot, it takes a quarky sense of humor to truly appreciate it, but totally worth your time. Mostly this movie is just funny but it does answer the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything - I won't ruin it for you by giving you the answer. Watch this movie!
#4 Once
Released in 2006 at the Sundance Film Festival - A modern day musical in which you must also buy the sound track! This movie is a love story set in Dublin and staring two people who are not actors but really musicians. Now this movie is rated R and before all my fellow Mormons freak, it is rated such because they say the "F" word a few times and that is it (also in Ireland the "F" word is used in the same way we use like and umm - or so I'm told). This is a fabulous movie about following ones dreams, the music is amazing (oscar winning even), and the characters are lovely. I have even seen the two main actors/stars in concert, they were amazing!!
Released in 2000 by Disney - This movie is Hysterical, easily one of Disney's best and oh so quote-able. This movie has great characters, there is no breaking into song, and the story of the emperor turning into a lama could not be more fun. Kids will love this movie, grandparents will love this movie, you will love this movie.
So there you have it folks - 5 great movies that you need to appreciate more, and by appreciate I mean watch, love, and own. Now I realize this is just my opinion, so you must have a few movies that you think are under-appreciated so do share and tell me what movies you think I need to be in the know of as well.
Deep Breaths...
Last year sometime I decided that I was going to apply to graduate school. I have always wanted to get a Masters Degree, partly for me, somewhat for the security that comes from more education, and partly because I am too competitive with my extremely brilliant spouse. So I hoed and hummed and dragged my feet for several months and then finally signed up to take the GRE (GRE=test of death). The GRE did not go well, let just leave it at that. However, way back in December I applied to grad school anyway.
Well since we will be paying off law school student loans for eons to come I decided that I needed to go to a state school, after all that is why we live in VA and not DC. So there is really only one Sate University within reasonable distance that had the masters program I was looking for; that's right folks, despite what my mother taught me I put all my eggs in one basket and applied to only one school!
Then came waiting, so I waited, then the school informed me that there were changes within the department and it would be a while longer. So I waited some more, two more months to be exact. Then I gave up hope and convinced myself that I did not really want to go to grad school, that I really had little hope of getting in, and that teaching ballet was my new career and damn it I was going to good at it. But I emailed the university and asked if they had made a decision anyway - to which I was told they had and I would get a letter soon. Then I waited some more, it was painful, I was stalking the postman.
Well the letter finally came! And after getting the mail and while walking to the car to get the groceries I tore the damn thing open and upon seeing the word "congratulations" I started to cry. Apparently I did want to go to grad school after all! It was such a relief to have a direction in life again, to feel successful, and to get something I really wanted. But then the fear set in, the fear of going back to school, the fear of the unknown and of the debt that I would accrue in the process. I lied awake at night for hours going over and over in my head whether or not I was making the right choice and if I could really handle grad school. However, sleepless nights, debt and doubts aside I have decided to go for it.
So as of Fall 2011 I will be attending George Mason University working towards my Masters in Public Health (MPH) - Go Patriots!
Well since we will be paying off law school student loans for eons to come I decided that I needed to go to a state school, after all that is why we live in VA and not DC. So there is really only one Sate University within reasonable distance that had the masters program I was looking for; that's right folks, despite what my mother taught me I put all my eggs in one basket and applied to only one school!
Then came waiting, so I waited, then the school informed me that there were changes within the department and it would be a while longer. So I waited some more, two more months to be exact. Then I gave up hope and convinced myself that I did not really want to go to grad school, that I really had little hope of getting in, and that teaching ballet was my new career and damn it I was going to good at it. But I emailed the university and asked if they had made a decision anyway - to which I was told they had and I would get a letter soon. Then I waited some more, it was painful, I was stalking the postman.
Well the letter finally came! And after getting the mail and while walking to the car to get the groceries I tore the damn thing open and upon seeing the word "congratulations" I started to cry. Apparently I did want to go to grad school after all! It was such a relief to have a direction in life again, to feel successful, and to get something I really wanted. But then the fear set in, the fear of going back to school, the fear of the unknown and of the debt that I would accrue in the process. I lied awake at night for hours going over and over in my head whether or not I was making the right choice and if I could really handle grad school. However, sleepless nights, debt and doubts aside I have decided to go for it.
So as of Fall 2011 I will be attending George Mason University working towards my Masters in Public Health (MPH) - Go Patriots!
Favorite Things
I have nothing to blog about! I spend my days in a ballet studio with children and teenagers. My major stressors at the moment have to do choreography, teaching pirouettes, and getting 6-year-olds to stand in a line while remembering their dance, now these things maybe keeping me up at night they are not however great blogging material.
So, since I have nothing great to blog about here are a few of my current favorite things - cuz I know you care.
So, since I have nothing great to blog about here are a few of my current favorite things - cuz I know you care.
#1
essie nail polish in turquoise & caicos
I have a small obsession with nail polish and it is a personal goal of mine to be able to paint my right hand finger nails with my left hand. The great part of essie nail polish is that it says on longer then a day and you can buy it at Target - the draw back it cost about $8.
#2
She Laq by Benefit Magical Makeup Sealer
I was skeptical at first but this stuff is genius! Between the humidity and the fact that I spend hours in hot ballet studios with sweaty kids I was ending up with mascara everywhere until I found this stuff. If you are moving to or living in a humid climate check this stuff out.
#3
The hair tutorials on A CUP OF JO (photo via a cup of jo by Jamie Beck)
This three bun do is so fun and easy and I am loving the fact that my hair is long enough again to do more then a stub of a pony tail.
Happy 1st day of spring!
photo from the cherry blossom festival 2010
The best part about living in the DC area is that Spring is Fabulous! Between the cherry blossoms, the magnolia trees and the perfect weather (65-70 degrees) it is my favorite part of the year! I am so happy it is spring I have been looking forward to riding bikes, going for picnics and living in sun dresses for a while now. So Happy First Day of Spring, I think I need a Popsicle now!
What should I Read?
For my birthday my parents sent me this little beauty (it's a kindle e-reader) and I absolutely love it. But now I need some book recommendations. So please tell me what should I read?
Also for my birthday my sweet husband took me to a ballet at the Kennedy Center, and kept his mouth shut as I shopped all month long, but now I am just bragging so I will stop - but turning 28 hurts and retail therapy helps!
Up and Dressed...
First I want to thank everyone for your kind words of encouragement and those that shared your own experiences of dealing with depression! I can not tell you how much your words meant to me - it is comforting to know your not the only one going though something and depression has a way of making one feel very alone and isolated, so Thank You!!
I have decided to start a little series titled "Up and Dressed..." where I will continue to post pictures of my efforts to get up, dress up, and show up for life (my new year resolution #7). Please note I dress up for myself and my self alone - well maybe a little bit for LB but 99.5% for me!
I have decided to start a little series titled "Up and Dressed..." where I will continue to post pictures of my efforts to get up, dress up, and show up for life (my new year resolution #7). Please note I dress up for myself and my self alone - well maybe a little bit for LB but 99.5% for me!
Please excuse the poor quality of the photos, the lighting in our cozy apartment is absolutely terrible and we are far from the best photographers!
The Grand Tour
Back in October 2010 we moved from our then 725 sq ft one bedroom apartment to a 500 sq ft studio apartment. You may be wondering what on earth would possess us to be willing to live in such a small space, well the answer would be $$! Rent in the DC Metro area is expensive, especially if you want to be within a 10 min walk to the Metro. When we decided to take the teeny tiny apt I was worried how we would fit and if it would lead to the murder of one of us. But so far we have loved our new little space and have made a project of decorating and organizing it - the only draw back is when I'm mad and need to slam a door I have to hang out in the bathroom!
So here is how we live in 500 sq ft! Tell me what you think of our decorating.
living-room area
other half of living-room area
bedroom
office
dinning area
the kitchen (which I love)
other half of kitchen
the view
We live in the Ballston neighborhood of Arlington VA.
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