WrenLife

Lightening my load - starting here

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:52:00 +0000

This will be short because I'm busy. I appreciate all the folks who've stopped by here and read my ramblings. Blogging for the past two years has been very rewarding. Great things are happening in our lives and as we enter this new adventure, I've decided to lighten my work load and slim down on my extra-curricular activities.

That means I won't be blogging anymore.

Feel free to email me anytime.

I'm off to edit proposals, put cute stuff away in the nursery, do some yoga and take the dog for a walk :)

Outie

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:33:00 +0000

Yes, my belly button is officially an 'outie'.

I'm here to report that two weeks ago, I had the most productive week thus far with regard to my natural childbirth training. I worked out really well for two days that week and accomplished ALL 5 DAYS of my required regular workouts.

On the other hand, this past week sucked. Everything else in my life went splendidly as I was busy with client projects and we had a different contractor at the house EVERY day doing some type of work on the interior or exterior. We finished the nursery and we prepared for my sister and brother-in-law who visited this weekend and will return home sometime today. While missing a week of exercise doesn't get me closer to preparing my body for natural childbirth, I am simply going to forgive myself and move on.

I did manage to buy some cute outfits for my baby showers and schedule the next round of contractors for this coming week. Those folks will be focused on my office which will go from a dark, wood-paneled 'shade room' to a freshly insulated, dry-walled, painted, heated and air-conditioned mecca for creativity with a brand new sliding glass door that will eventually lead out to a deck :) !!! Yeah for progress!

This will be short and sweet

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:57:00 +0000

I've not been very productive with training the last few days. Last night was our first Bradley Method Childbirth class and it was just the kick in the butt I needed. Kevin is definitely on board with helping me complete all the 'homework' our instructor gave us. However, I still need to find time in the day to complete some regular fitness and strength workouts.

That is my goal for the 5 days left in this week. Adjust, adjust and adjust ... my life. I am tailor sitting as I type this so at least I know I've got that exercise crossed off the list. I'm hoping I can be a bit more protective of my lunch hour during each day so I can fit in some fitness and eating. Running a business doesn't always guarantee that I get a lunch break, but I'm more committed to making that happen now.

Beginning this week!

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:15:00 +0000

I feel like this week is the start of a bunch of things. First off, our Bradley Method childbirth classes start tomorrow and last to the very end of our pregnancy. I’m excited about starting the class and luckily, Kevin and I both like road trips because the class isn’t exactly located nearby.

Today officially puts us at 28 weeks which starts our third trimester. I’m feeling great and I’m totally stoked about what we’ve accomplished in the last trimester. There are only two small things to do and the nursery will be ready for baby. In the next coming weeks, we’ll have new windows installed throughout the house and all the necessary repair done to the exterior brick work before we see another cold winter.

Last week was my last pre-training week before I have to kick my Natural Childbirth Training in to serious gear. I’d give myself a C grade for the weeks leading up to this. I didn’t ever get on a set schedule because we had so much going on. I lacked mostly in getting my strength training work done, but I’m hoping to leave all that behind and start fresh this week.

We’ve arrived at the middle of August, which is also my self-imposed starting date for frozen-meal-making. I’ve started putting together a list of meals that I can make-ahead and stick in the freezer for when the little boy wonder arrives. I’m hoping to start this Sunday and maybe get 2 lasagna’s made.

I’m so excited about these next few weeks and I’m hoping to stay focused and on track so I’m even more pumped about the habits I’ve been able to form. But for now, I leave you with a few nursery pictures.

One of the last small things to do is install the new baseboards.

This bookcase was left by the previous owners of the house. I painted it and I’m currently filling it with stuff.

Our nursery seating consists of my rocking chair and two storage ottomans for daddy and friends to sit on.

It Counts

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:01:00 +0000

Consider this my week 2 and 3 update for my Natural Childbirth Training. These two weeks I've given myself an A- grade for training, but I'm really proud of what I've accomplished.

While some of the days I completed training in a not-so-strictly-defined way, I sure did get a workout!

I've been able to keep up with tailor sitting and squatting pretty well each day. I put my laundry away by laying it on the floor and squatting to pick it up before hanging it. I tailor sit for at least an hour if not more during my work day.

Kegels and Pelvic rocks could use some work. I'm thinking of starting to incorporate those in my morning routine, before leaving to head downstairs for breakfast. That may be the only way I get them done.

The last 4 days have been full of heavy duty working! I'm not sure if it's nesting because of the pregnancy or simply delayed Spring cleaning, but I've got a bug! Saturday I spent the day cleaning out and organizing the basement. Sunday I finished the basement and helped Kevin begin prepping and painting the nursery. I painted an ENORMOUS wooden bookcase which took every last bit of weekend energy I had.

On Monday I created a mock nursery in my office so that I could let the new rug breathe and get cleaned, set up furniture and assemble other decorative pieces. I did some more nursery painting and then slept ..... like a baby!!

Yesterday my mother-in-law joined me in cleaning out and organizing the garage and then I spent the evening painting and getting the guest bedroom ready for family visitors. So far, today is full of press releases, copy writing and a load of laundry here and there.

I'm hoping to find some time for water fitness tonight but we'll see how the nursery projects progress!

Week 1 – Natural Childbirth Training

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 01:13:00 +0000

I’ve got one week under my ever expanding belt and it feels good. I’ve almost finished this book and we’ve got 3 weeks until our Bradley Method classes start.

I started this first week of ‘training’ with 2 things in mind; discipline and forgiveness. I wanted to focus on disciplining myself to workout and find time for the exercises. However, I also wanted to keep in mind that early on in any training, it’s good to forgive yourself for not being perfect. That’s worked out well :)

I also got started with a simply checklist that really helps me see my progress and stay on track.

At the top of the sheet I have blank lines for the 2 days of miscellaneous fitness I want to complete each week. I also have two more lines for the two days of strength training I want to complete each week. The bottom has a chart that lists the basic exercises I need to be doing five days a week and I simply check those off as I go.

I’ve tried to maintain a record of my workouts on the right side of this blog and that helps me as well, knowing I have to post to the world wide web :)

My notes for the week:

1. I give my self a B – as a grade for this week. This is based on the fact that I didn’t complete one of my miscellaneous fitness days, and I missed one day of my 5 days/week workout.

2. I feel more confident about this training and the end result as I’ve been reading and researching. That always helps.

3. It feels great to be training again!

In other news, our nursery furniture and decor is 90% purchased and is being stored in my office until the room is ready for it. Woo Hoo!!!!!

Day 1 - Natural Childbirth Training

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:47:00 +0000

Let's address a few things:

1. When I refer to Natural Childbirth, I'm referring to giving birth to my little boy without taking medication for pain.

2. I am taking classes in about a month and I've chosen to learn the Bradley Method, a popular childbirth method.

3. Yes, I am crazy.

4. While my intention is to succeed, I have no prideful issues about getting pain medicine and I've decided to leave my mind open to whatever happens.

5. I am completely proud of and supportive of all the mothers who've come before me and their path to delivering their child. Yeah for every mom out there :)

Now to the rambling ...

I've officially started my natural childbirth training. On vacation a few weeks back I started by reading this book and then today at the library, I got this book.

I'm naturally a researcher and a planner so reading and gaining as much information about this topic as I can is good for me.

You can see my weekly goals on the right with regard to the exercises that are recommended. I have the same checklist in my office so I can maintain some sort of progress report as I go along. Yesterday I focused on kegel exercises, tailor sitting and squatting. My main goal is to develop a solid routine and good habits BEFORE the start of our childbirth classes in mid August.

My resource for exercise is this website.

So far, so good folks!

Here We Go!

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:21:00 +0000

In my last post I mentioned there's a new training plan in town. Before I get into the details of what I'm training for, here's a recap of what got me to this point.

- In 2008. I started taking a serious look at my health and fitness, which brought me to running. I followed the Couch to 5K training program and succeeded.

- In 2009. I trained for and completed my first half marathon.

- In 2010. I trained for and completed my second half marathon.

Then ... I experienced what I'll call "a runner's low" :)

I got an ego and wanted to continue running after my May 2010 race at the same intensity I was training at. I wanted to skip rest and keep running, in hopes I could add another 13.1 miles and complete my first full marathon in 2010. That didn't happen. I didn't rest. Therefore, I didn't recover well. I spent the rest of 2010 pulling workouts straight out of thin air, just to prevent stopping altogether. I was productive in other areas of my life, however. The latter part of the year, roughly 6 months, I built a new business, while somewhat ignoring the fact that I didn't have anything to train for.

At the end of 2010, Kevin and I decided to add a baby to the mix and we got pregnant very quickly ... Yeah! For the last four months or so we've been enjoying the summer and watching my belly grow. There's been a lot to do and plan for, but one thing has been on my mind since the beginning. I loved training and I miss it. I loved having a physical fitness goal plotted out in the future to look forward to. I miss the discipline that training offered and the productive feelings I gained from those experiences the last few years.

Enter ....... my next training goal, and my only one for 2011.

Sitting before me is a pile of papers outlining workouts, exercises, suggested nutrition guidelines and loads of advice about .... Natural Childbirth.

That's right folks. I'm spending the next three and a half months training my body and mind to hopefully push a baby out sans medication. I'm sure most of you officially think I'm crazy, but we'll see. To keep this post from becoming an epic novel, I'll be writing more details about my plan and my perspective in the next few days.

Cheers to this next crazy training goal :)

Good Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:56:00 +0000

It’s a good day over here at WrenLife headquarters! This cool morning breeze means I can open all the windows and doors and breath in beautiful smells while I work. Our dog, Mina, is kind enough to simply lay at the front door landing and nap. It’s so cute to see her nose hard at work, taking in all the scents from outside and watching her head pop up every time someone walks by on the sidewalk.

My business partners and I are celebrating a very special day today. Our first business-baby was born early this morning and I can’t wait to meet her. I’ve got roughly four months to learn everything I can from this new mom before I contribute the second business-baby to the bunch! Here’s hoping these kids grow up smart and hard-working so they can take over for us one day :)

Construction on the nursery finally starts this weekend. We’ve has a few hiccups with the Whos and Whens of this operation, but we found a great person for the job and look forward to adding fun paint colors and furniture in the next few weeks!!

Last night, Kevin and I had a fun time taking our neighbor’s kids out to an outdoor movie at our town’s riverfront walk. We got their faces/hands painted and settled in to see How to Train Your Dragon.

Here we are just finishing up our walk before we stand in the painting line. Yes, I am slouchy. Yes Mom, I will start standing up straight :)

It’s early in the morning and this good day is just beginning. If the weather holds, we’re heading to dinner in downtown Cleveland and then to my first Cleveland Indians game!

In other news, I’ll be posting about my newest training goal and 3.5 month training plan here soon!

Been a while!

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:36:00 +0000

I’ve been busy growing a child and growing a business and going on vacation!

I’ve just returned home from 8 wonderful days at the beach with my husband and it was magical, to say the least.

Here’s a week in pictures, if you will? I don’t have any time this week to write so this is all you get :)

Moments after we arrived at the beach, we took our ultrasound envelope down to the ocean for the big reveal :)

Kevin almost jumped right in the ocean and we both yelled and jumped all over the beach.

We’re having a BOY!!!

We enjoyed beautiful walks on the pier along with breathtaking views.

LOVE – is GRAND!

Our baby boy’s first outfit … I couldn’t help myself!

We found a corn hole game on the island!

Already dreaming about next year’s vacation with our son!

Reaping the rewards

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:31:00 +0000

Another week has passed and I’m feeling good. I’ve been keeping up with my prenatal workouts and I think it’s really paying off. On the weekends, we hang out by the pool and I spend some time playing in the water to keep cool and feel the baby move around quickly!

I’ve found that I can complete 3 sets of 10-12 reps for each exercise and I’m mixing it a bit by Google-ing new moves too. My favorites so far are …

- Squats against the wall with the fitness ball at my back

- Standing push ups against the fitness ball that I press to the wall

- Arm work of all sorts is feeling good too.

I am on a mission to find some more back strengthening moves but I may just need to go to the gym to safely cross those off my list.

A Good Start

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:15:00 +0000

It has been a week since I started feeling the baby inside me. At first, it was just a few flutters like air bubbles popping very low in my tummy. Now those air bubbles and thumps are more frequent. I’ve taken it as a sign the baby wants me to work out :)

I’ve got less than 3 weeks until vacation and I’m one of those crazy people that think working out during vacation is always more fun. Therefore, I’ve decided to start now and use my workouts at the beach as a type of' ‘reward’. I know, I’m sick in the head sometimes.

This morning I completed a 15 minute workout including the following with my 5 lb weights.

5 minutes of stretching

5 minutes of chest and tricep work

5 minutes of bicep and back work

I did some breathing exercises before starting my work day.

I know some folks wouldn’t consider this a real workout but they can hush it! I’m just happy I started my day feeling rested and made my arm noodles sore. Here’s hoping I wake up the same way tomorrow and can do it all over again :)

Lovely Days

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Tue, 24 May 2011 18:43:00 +0000

That’s right, my days have been absolutely lovely. My evenings have been nice too now that I think of it :)

Here are some pictures from my recent 30th birthday trip to NYC with my best friend.

Our beautiful hotel neighboring Times Square. I also call this hotel ‘The Home of The $27 Martini’.

I had to get shots of Radio City and Times Square!

On our way to Central Park! This is my BFF of 17+ years and our new friend, the giant Jelly Belly Soldier! I would rank FAO Schwartz as one of my top 5 shops. I loved seeing all the little adorable children glaring at the life size stuffed animals.

The beginning of Central Park. This is where I was told to stop talking about thin sliced pizza and enjoy the sites and sounds around me! I did get my pizza though :)

Rockefeller Center and Trout, the one-eyed, phone talking, lap sitting dog! He was adorable and I just had to snap a shot of him.

The best cupcakes ever from the one and only Magnolia Bakery! I could smell the icing being made from a block away and the 20 minute wait in line was well worth it.

We had our birthday dinner at Fresco by Scotto and it was delish! The girls at the coat check lit up when I told them they were the future cast of The Real Housewives of NYC :)

We enjoyed beautiful weather the first two days we were there as the rain held out until we were leaving! The fog over Bryant Park was breathtaking and I couldn’t help but capture my friend with her adorable umbrella!

Cheers to turning 30 in NYC … I loved every minute!

In other news, today will mark almost a week of long walks with my husband and Mina. Each day we’ve enjoyed our chats and the warm weather and my body is definitely reaping the rewards of getting out from behind the computer and moving!

The carpet cleaning guys came today so once we can move our stuff back in to the dining room and office, I’ll hopefully be starting some sort of prenatal workout routine.

16 weeks … 150/160 heartbeat … 25 days until we’ll be blessed with Boy or Girl news!

Some may call this a baby bump. I’m still calling it a fat sac :)

The Big Tease!

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:37:00 +0000

I’m about to tease you with some nursery ideas. You won’t hate me, right?

Today has been an exciting day around here. I booked our vacation to a beach town in North Caroline where I’ve vacationed with my family tons of times growing up. Our plans to go to Mexico fell through but I’m not bummed, I’m ecstatic that I get to take Kevin and show him this little part of the USA where I have so many dear memories. I’ll be all grown up and we’ll be celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary. Better yet, we’ll also find out the gender of our baby on the big day too!! I cannot wait.

We also decided on the construction plans for the nursery and a good friend came over to help us hash out the details. Work will begin in a few short weeks. So I feel it’s appropriate to show you a few inspiration items we’ve been drooling over since we found out about the bun in the oven. So here goes….

The old owners of the house left a LARGE solid wood bookcase in the ‘empty’ room that will be the nursery. This image grabbed us right away and we’re convinced we’ll paint the wood a bold color and fill it with decor and fun storage pieces.

Some of you may know that I’m a bit of a container freak :) I’m not ashamed … how could I be when I came across these handmade paper suitcases that can hold … whatever I want!

I’m really loving the simplistic look of all the modern furniture out there. We live in a 1929 brick colonial that has plenty of history and character. I think it will be fun to go in an opposite direction completely for the baby’s room and do bold, funky colors with modern appeal!

I know I’m a tease :) Can’t wait to start tearing down walls and painting.

More than that, I can’t wait for this weekend! I’m turning 30 with my best friend and we have plans to turn New York City upside down.

Chow!

Happy May!

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:04:00 +0000

Best month ever!!!

Well, I’m biased obviously because May is my birthday month. I can’t wait to throw a good-bye party for my 20’s and say howdy to 30. I get to spend my 30th birthday in New York City with my best friend of 17 years. I’m going to shop and eat sliced pizza and shop and eat and …you get it :)

Before I celebrate May too much, I should look back at April for a moment and reflect on my More and Less as I always do at the end of the month. Here’s my most recent update from March.

Here’s my first More and Less post, my January update, my February update.

More and Less for April …

More Cooking at Home – This has worked out nicely. We’re definitely enjoying some new meals and K2 has stepped in to the kitchen a few times to help cook when I’m tired from growing a baby inside me. The last two weeks I vowed to clean out as much of the fridge and pantry as I could before going grocery shopping.

Less Last Minute Shopping – This one has naturally been a success. I’ve not really wanted to go shopping and I got help from the above mission of cleaning out lots of kitchen stuff we already had. I went on a big shop yesterday and I definitely think that while I only had a week’s menu with me, the food I bought will probably last two weeks :) yay!

More Entertaining at Home – I’m loving being at home. Now that the weather has warmed up and I’ve moved my office back in the actual office space, which is a seasonal addition to the house, my house seems so much bigger! My best memory was our Easter brunch with friends and a few times we had folks over for dinner and movies.

Less Laziness – This obviously comes and goes right now. I’ve been able to stick to some light jogging, a bit of running and have recently introduced stretch time and yoga in the mix. I keep my mat and ball out in the office as a reminder.

~~More~~ ~~Volunteering~~ – With the news of the baby and the time we’d like to spend at home doing projected and with our friends that have new little ones in their lives, this got the chopping block. We’re still active at church, but we won’t be visiting hospitals or building homes in the city like we wanted to :(

Less Commitment – This has been easy! Sometimes we have a busy week, but otherwise we’ve been able to maintain free evenings to enjoy our family and the warming weather. The only commitment I’ve made this week is to introduce myself to a dear friend’s new baby when she decides to get here, and to put up my new living room curtains, finally! Don’t get me wrong, business commitments are still in full swing and keep my very busy on that front, but I love what I do!

More Simplicity – Kevin and I are both enjoying this with the knowledge that our next year will not be so simple and quiet all the time :)

Things They Are a Changin’

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:52:00 +0000

We’re pregnant. There I said it!

It’s been hard not to post it on the blog, or Facebook, or hire a sky writer to fly overhead and tell the world :) We were waiting for the perfect time and have really cherished having an intimate secret with family and dear friends.

Kevin and I are so excited and we feel so loved by the support and well wishes we’ve received already. We’ve ended our first trimester so the clock is ticking until our little one gets here and we can’t wait. In the meantime, we’ve got plenty of things to distract us …

Business is booming and that means lots of work and meeting new clients and the opportunity to be creative, which I love!

The weather is finally warming up, which opens the door to my favorite season for cookouts and picnics and I love filling the calendar with them.

In less than a month my best friend of almost 17 years and I will be celebrating our 30th birthdays in New York City. I’m stoked to eat good pizza and go shopping. Our birthdays are one day apart and we’ve talked about celebrating 30 together since we were young. The time has come and I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

Because the weather is warming up and the sun is coming out, that means it’s time to start our house projects again! We purchased an old brick colonial three years ago and we’ve been lovingly repairing/renovating it ever since. It was built in 1929 and we’re only the 3rd family ever live here, ever. We’ve got original windows, cabinets, floors and plaster walls to deal with, but we’re getting there and loving every minute. The empty room that’ll be the nursery just officially moved further up the list :)

I’ve got Yoga tonight at the gym so we’ll see how that goes!

Good Morning Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:22:00 +0000

I am officially back from my business trip which went splendidly! The combination of great business deals, wonderful food and the best clients put a smile on my face the entire week. I came home to a clean house filled with fresh flowers from my hubby and friends and a dog that couldn’t stop wagging her tail :) That’s the good life folks!

Yesterday was the big 5k race with my friends J and T!

This was J’s first race ever and she wasn’t a runner until about a year ago. She did great and running next to her was a blast. The University of Akron is very close to my home and their new stadium, where we finished the race, is beautiful! It was cold and windy yesterday morning but the three of us had a blast and enjoyed each other's company a breakfast after the race.

Then I went back to sleep :)

This week I’ve got a bit of a fitness goal and that is to simply find some TV yoga on one of the fitness channels I have and possible attend a beginner’s class with my hubby on Thursday evening.

Cheers to being back home for a month before I turn 30 in NYC with my best friend!!!!!

It’s Been a While …

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:14:00 +0000

Since I’ve had a ‘middle-of-the-nighter’. You know, where you wake up and can’t go back to sleep. This time I’m not getting any brilliant business ideas. On the contrary, I’m stressing about a GABILLION last minute details. Saturday I will be here:

Yes, that is a hotel room. That is where I’ll be BARELY spending any time for the next week :) I’m attending a conference with a client and the place I’m going claims to be warmer that where I’m at currently, which is a bright side. I’ve attended this same event for about 5 years now and still, there are always specifics and details that can’t be finalized until just before I fly away, no matter how much I plan. Working from home allows me the benefit of traveling very little for work and this is one of my longest trips each year. I actually really look forward to it, even though I miss the hubby and pup.

So that’s why I’m up at 4am typing this … trying to give my brain a rest from the constant ‘did I remember’ and ‘have I forgotten’ and ‘did I print enough’ thoughts that have haunted me for that last 24 hours.

PS: I’m running this 5k with a couple friends when I get back. That’s right, you’ve rarely read about running and here I go. Don’t expect magical pace miracles or beautiful shots of some former toned version of me :) I’ve run every 4-5 days for the past 2 months and while I’m going slow, I’m still going. I haven’t completely waddled back to the couch for good. I’m still moving folks!

Seriously?

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:51:00 +0000

My last post was about 10 days ago and I was talking about SUN. Yesterday and today – SNOW! Crazy Northeast Ohio, just crazy. I was hoping for one last fire in the fireplace so it looks like I’ll get my wish :)

Two days ago Mina and I stomped down old familiar territory with a 2.5 mile run along the main road in my neighborhood. I like that route because there’s tons of shops and people to distract me and nice long sidewalks on both sides. There’s also a few hills mixed in there for a good workout. It’s a lot of fun to tell Mina ‘left’ and ‘right’ and ‘halt’ and ‘cross’, as she knows these commands and can turn on a dime or stop at red lights before I tell her we can cross. She’s skinny but strong enough when I’m tired that she could pull me out into the street and injure both of us if she wasn’t trained.

I was excited to run again this week but looking outside, I have absolutely no desire! I may try and go to the gym for a run and treat myself to the sauna afterwards :)

Here’s a quick More and Less update for March:

in case you’re curious … here’s the first More and Less Post, My January Update, and My February Update

Cooking at Home has gone splendidly that last few weeks. I’ve had no problem coming up with meals to make and healthy ones at that. Tonight I’m Google-ing an easy recipe for BBQ chicken quesadillas :)

Last Minute Shopping was almost non-existent this month. I’ve done a few big shops and my last Sam’s Club run left me plenty of protein options in the freezer to use.

Laziness with regard to working out hasn’t been an issue. I’ve gotten in a groove and I’d like to add some yoga and weights back in, just need to get started on that.

Volunteering outside of church has lost the battle to a VERY busy schedule with clients and work for both Kevin and I. We’re ok with that and feel blessed!

Less commitment and more simplicity have definitely been winners since the first of the year. I’m proud of that and enjoying a healthy mix of the work hard/play hard lifestyle!

Alright folks, cheers to a few last days of winter and wishing for a long sunny season ahead.

The Sun is Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 21:04:00 +0000

This week I managed to take Mina on a nice run on Wednesday and Saturday. Today I’ve focused on napping in the front yard under the sun, cleaning the house and completing some client work. I’ve got the bug to go to the gym and get my swim on but who knows if I’ll actually get around to that or not.

Kevin and I have been pretty busy around here but we’re loving this time of year and planning our next few projects in the house which is always fun :)

Now back to a bit more or this …

Have a great Sunday and cheers to a great week ahead for everyone.

Lately

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:10:00 +0000

I’ve been forgetting about my More and Less focus, but simultaneously improving in some areas. Here’s a quick rundown of February and my growth or lack thereof throughout the month of February.

MORE Cooking at Home – There was a stint in February where I think we ate out at least every other day for a week :( Shame on me. Kevin and I did make a wonderful Valentine’s day meal with seared scallops and creamy onion risotto that we drooled over until it was all gone! February was also the month for …

LESS Last Minute Shopping – I actually did a one-month shop at the beginning of February and planned all of our meals, but alas, I failed to cook everything and have loads of stuff still in my freezer. On the bright side, I’ll have to do less shopping this month in March!

Note: I made a friend some frozen meals to stock her freezer up before her second child arrives. I learned how easy it would be to double a recipe every once in a while and just freeze half as a back-up meal for a lazy night. I’m not a fan of buying frozen dinners or microwave meals so this would be my version instead.

MORE Entertaining At Home – February was the month for Sunday brunches and weekend movie nights with friends. We enjoyed it and hope to keep this habit up!

LESS Laziness – So there was a week where I was sick … then a week where I got to the gym early a few days and felt great. Then the next week I walked around the neighborhood with Mina but not much more of anything else. This week the sun has invited me outside to start running with the dog again and I pounded out about a mile and half on Monday and hope to do the same today.

MORE Volunteering – We’ve been pretty busy helping at church but that’s not really our plan for this goal. Maybe we’ll be more motivated once it gets warmer!

LESS Commitment – We’re right on track with this one. My business is picking up which is great, and so if Kevin’s, but we’re still able to have time in our schedule to just relax and enjoy life and friends and anticipating spring!

MORE Simplicity – This is still going well and I’m loving it!

PS: Reading The Comback on my Kindle and just downloaded a sample of Jay Z’s book too!

Don’t Jinx It

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:46:00 +0000

Today is the second day this week that I’ve been to the gym at 5:30am! A friend of mine is training for a 5k in April and has asked me to run as well. We’ve been picking each other up for our gym date and getting there just as the doors open.

I just got over a bad cold so running on Wednesday morning turned into a run/walk/cough/sneeze scenario but then I spent some time on the bike and did some stretching and felt great!

This morning I biked for 3 miles and did some light abdominal work before relaxing in the sauna then heading home.

Cheers to one week of working out. Let’s hope next week is the same with possibly the addition of a run outside with Mina since the weather has been so nice :)

Happy Friday!

Things I’m In Love With

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:37:00 +0000

Aside from my wondertastic husband and super-obedient-howling-wolf-like dog, here are some things that are turning up the corners of my mouth!

First, I’m almost done with this …

Andre’s tennis power combined with my Kindle power … unstoppable :) While I get a bit tired of the play by play stuff sometimes, I’m engulfed in his romantic life and all of the internal battles he fights.

Also loving the site of this …

I know it’s just a window. But if you look closely, it’s actually completely open to the elements. There was an old air conditioner in the guest bedroom window that Kevin decided to push out of the window, onto our driveway. I missed the fun but I sure did hear the massive boom as it landed.

We held a moment of silence ceremony before taking it out to the trash and sealing up the window. That particular window has now moved to the top of the ‘Old Steel Casement Windows to Replace’ list. I’m hoping that also means the entire guest bedroom is now in the ‘Bedrooms to Renovate’ queue just waiting to be called!

Oh Sunshine!

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:23:00 +0000

Yes, that’s right the sun is shining … here … yes in Northeast Ohio :)

I did 6 weeks of grocery shopping yesterday minus the fresh stuff that I’ll get at the local market once a week. Last night I made a cleaned-up version of Enchiladas. Tonight is date night with some friends at Flemings. What to wear? What to wear?

I also bought this home with me:

250 pages of recipes! I read it as I took a bath and before bed and only got to page 20! I’m in love with how the pages feel and the food photos and the proud feeling of knowing the recipes aren’t bad for my family.

I haven’t seen the gym in a week. Yes – that one time I wrote about last wee – that wasn’t much of a start to anything it turns out :( I’ve got try a bit harder.

Valentines Day Mantle

noreply@blogger.com (Aynsley) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 13:57:00 +0000

So my living room used to be painted a nasty yellow-cream color and the previous owners covered EVERYTHING in it. The paint was flat, so every mark and spec of dirt was impossible to get off. We painted the dining room a few years ago and just recently finished the living room. You can see from the old vent covers the color was gross, not to mention the rust! Kevin worked his magic at the welding shop and brought them home looking like new on the left there!

So now that the living room is no longer yellow, my red decorations look a lot better :) I’m far more motivated to decorate now! Onto the mantle….

There are only two items I bought recently. Everything else is either from around the house or from our wedding day :) I bought the Orchid a few weeks ago and usually keep it in the breakfast nook of my kitchen. A few days ago I bought the bag of heart shaped Dove Creamy Milk Chocolates to fill the glasses with.

We always keep the gold mirror and our wedding photo up on the mantle. The rose petals and Love book of poems were from my decorating box and my office book shelves. The candles and holders were favors at my wedding. That was kind of a last minute idea but I’ve got tons of the red glass taper holders left so I always bring them out for V-day and Christmas.

This little bear was a wedding gift from Denise, an old coworker of mine when I lived and worked in Baltimore. Those glasses were placed at our seats for Kevin and I at the bridal party table … and our friends sure did keep them full!

I’m officially out of my ‘what-am-I-decorating-next phase’! Unless you count my search for double curtain rods and window treatments decorating? :)