My Goodwill Haul

After spending the weekend re-painting my 2nd bedroom/office, I've been on the lookout for a 'new to me' desk.  At Goodwill tonight, two desks weren't exactly what I was looking for, but could have worked.  But of course, there was no way one would fit in my Toyota Corrolla and they weren't "perfect enough" to coordinate a pick-up.

I did leave, however, with a good haul from Goodwill and I can't wait to share with you all what I have planned for these treasures - oh yes, this girl has ideas!!

  



I believe in a type of "Goodwill karma".  I can't take treasures that should belong to someone else.  But boy if you have a preschooler in Summerville - check out this $6 find!  How cute is this?  E-mail me if you'd like the address to the store.

 

Otherwise it's been a relaxing week.  The more I'm home, the more I've come to appreciate my "creature comforts".  And of course, Camden is at the top of the list.  Grateful for the big guy, who decompresses with his Mama while she watches HLN. :-)

 

 

Love to all, xo-

Madeleine

 

Mason Jars & 1st Reupholstering Project

It's been so long since I've last posted!  But this little space sure has been on my mind -

First, these beauties from  Southern Tradition Crafts.  These mason jar wall hangings were custom made-- manu patterns, finishes, and color options are available.  At $10 a piece, they were a steal! They extend the kitchen in a beautiful way.  Check out this company, just love them. 

On Pinterest there are some really great ideas on how these mason jars can be filled.  I loved the idea of putting them in a bathroom and filling with cotton balls, soaps, and Q-Tips.  Another thought, potted herbs for the kitchen.  But for me, some pretty straws, paper and pens/pencils for jotting down quick notes, and flowers fit my need.  Each time I see these, I smile :-)

In other home news, just finished my first reupholstering project.  Pics below... 

 

Like everything else in life - the first time upholstering was a learning experience.  First, my project cost (originally $5.69 for the chair, purchased at Goodwill) escalated quickly.  When all was said and done, the project cost came in around $100.  Biggest mistake I made was not sanding before the first round of paint. 

Best purchase that came from this would have to be the staple gun - that will definitely come in handy for future projects. 

The fabric for the chair was an old pillow case from Pottery Barn that I had been saving. 

My advice to anyone that's recovering a chair like this one, is to strip down to the wooden frame.  The new foam pad I bought for this chair was about $6 but it was money WELL SPENT.  The previous pad was just disgusting and I'm very happy with my finished product, pictured below...

I like to think that for the most part, I did this project right (and didn't cut corners).  I'm excited to see if I can shrink the refurb budget in the future and have project ideas for my office.

More updates soon!  I have big plans for this blog, and they start with some more frequent updates:)

XO XO Love, Madeleine

Changes + Yes, I'm still here!

Sorry it has been so long between posts.  A lot has been happening including some great visits and celebrations with my family.

Other big news, is that I have a new job.  I took a position with a company that will allow me to live/work close to home.  I'll miss my current colleagues but know we will keep in touch.  Today was my last day, tomorrow is my first day.  Definitely bittersweet, but I am excited for the next big thing.  I am settling in to "life off the road".  There have definitely been some laughs as I have "adjusted".

Today I enjoyed a birthday gift given to me by my sister.  It was great to spend some time at the spa here in Charleston, SC and to get my hair done.  I really love the new look!  It's super natural which works for me.  For all the years I spent in college trying to change my hair color, I've learned to love it.

Running has been going great!  I recently completed a 7 mile run.  I also had to buy a new pair of Asics Kayanos (19s) after leaving my 17 or 18s on a plane.  I was bummed to lose my shoes- but what can you do?  Next time I'll be more careful!

Well, I'm going to call it a night.  Best love from the SC.  Please expect more updates soon!!  Also, sorry no pics tonight.  Having trouble pulling up my gmail.

Disney + 10K

~*~ Interrupting this regularly scheduled blog post to give a shout out to my Mom- just because she's an amazing woman that always makes me smile - Mom, you're the best - thanks for giving me peace of mind & a smile on my face :-) Dad, you're awesome too!~*~

 

On to another awesome lady,  let me start by saying - every girl should have a BFF as awesome as mine!  I'm beyond blessed to have Cait in my life. She's beautiful on the inside & out and an incredible person. Cait, you're amazing!

 

 

                                                   

 

So this last weekend in Disney World pretty much super exceeded all expectations of the best girls' weekend ever.  If my expectations were comparable to a Unicorn - this weekend was a Unicorn flying through cotton candy clouds, twirling sparklers.  All at once.  With Robert Pattinson riding his back.  It was THAT awesome. 

 

The weekend took us through the Magic Kingdom for a Halloween celebration (hence the Pirate costumes), to MGM, and also to Epcot.  My favorite highlights:

 

* Mojitos at Bongos - so good!  And grabbing the recipe for Cait's Mom (who I also love), we each remembered three ingredients and left w/the best drink combo ever!

 

* Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom

 

* Rock and Roll Rollercoaster - hard to tell we are having fun here.... :-)

   

* Riding this water slide!!

 



* Epcot

* Captain EO

 

Other amazing rides and adventures - Soar'n, Tower of Terror, the troll ride in Norway (lol), list goes on.  I did not want the weekend to end.  Of course, being that we have already planned our next 2 vacations, we couldn't be too sad!  Can't wait for next time :-)

In other news, I ran my first 10K since breaking my foot last night.  It went so well!!  Thanks for everyone's support + love along the way.

How are all of you doing?  XO Madeleine

First 5K and Quick Update

What is it they say about best intentions?  I have been so hungry to sit and write a blog post – but just now am getting to it.  There were probably too many nights lately where I have been working late.  But the weekend is almost here and I sleep best after a good day's work anyway. :)

This week took me to New England, where I enjoyed sunsets like this....

Now that I've reached the 5K goal - no way will I let it go.  Somewhere between miles 1.5 and 2, my legs make like cog wheels.  They know what to do and I get in the zone.  Then it’s about getting myself to stop!  3.1 miles, easy.

Last weekend I ran in my first official 5K race following my broken foot injury.  The race was for the heroes of 9/11 and it was an incredibly moving event. 

So excited last weekend, to celebrate with my best friend's family as they welcomed their beautiful little one!  This weekend I'm enjoying time with my other best friend... SO EXCITED!  Feeling like a kid the night before Christmas....so much more to come!  Life is good :-)

 

Cruising + 5k Complete

Hope everyone's enjoying the long weekend!  It's been a good while between posts but I had a great reason - was CRUISING in Mexico!

The cruise to Mexico was amazing.  We took the Carnival Elation.  Granted, Carnival hasn't been having the *best* luck lately at sailing the seas - but I've gotta say it was a great time.

The first stop on the trip was Progresso.  Seen below, the water was beautiful but the city itself was pretty run-down.  The port at Progresso has not been open too long.  Hopefully, the city's economy will improve as the tourism industry grows.

Cozumel was amazing!  We took a great excursion to go snorkeling and to a private beach.  We also had a great time enjoying the port area. Here's a picture of Cozumel from the ship's deck, where we gave a lookout for stragglers!

 

In both cities, the souvenir shopping was great!! It was fun to think about the people back home and I was wishing I had more room in my luggage...

 

All in all, it was a great time with these peeps... Can't wait for the next one.

Thanks to my M&D for taking care of things while I was away.  It was a wonderful vaca!

In other big news - I finished workout #24 (gulp) today and completed my 5K training. 

Yesterday, I tried doing some outdoor running.  There's an amazing trail that I've found which is closeby - you don't notice the heat (as much) in the shade of the trees.

 

While running, I see lots of squirrels, birds, and even a bunny rabbit.  However, my favorite site, is when I see other runners.  We share a mutual understanding!  My favorite part of the trail, is when it passes by this beautiful lake.

 

After last night's run, I returned again this morning and completed running a 5K at 33:26.  This was faster than I expected (had assumed I would finish in 35 minutes) but not as good as my PR which is 28:39 (set in 2010).  I am watching what I eat so I can increase my speed.  I'm also planning on continuing to run every other day - because as they say, "practice makes perfect".

 

Funny/ridiculous story.  I finished the 5K around 11:45.  I ran 2 miles out, turned around, and ran a mile (+.1) back.  Figured from there, I'd jog for a few minutes and then walk to the car.

 

So I started walking.... And walking... And walking...

 

Finally, GPS showed me that I was about 25 minutes in the wrong direction.  Well, after walking for 50 minutes in 95 degree heat (following the 3+ mile run) - 2 sweet older ladies asked me if I wanted a ride back!  I thanked them, said I was OK, and laughed... Lol. I must have looked like such an athlete for them to stop and offer me the car ride.  ;-)

 

Hope everyone is having a great week - thanks for reading & thanks for the comments! Post your blog links so I can follow you too. :-)

Second Chances

This is a quick post tonight - but I hope it finds everyone doing well!  I want to write about second chances.  I've been thinking about that a lot this week.  On Tuesday night I went to the gym, hopped on the treadmill, and approximately 1.5 minutes into my run said "forget it, I'll be back later".  And you know what - 2.5 hours later - I was back and rocked through the workout no problem.

Second chances!  The last week or so has found me doing some shopping and enjoying Charleston.  Looking forward to time with the big guy tonight.  Hope that everyone is doing well - and remember - give yourselves some second chances :-)

Ooh la la pictures courtesy of the Gap :)

Madeleine