Friends

Hello girls!  Well I am officially in my new home and it still doesn't feel real. 

It was a long road getting here and I could not be happier with the way everything turned out. 

I have moved many times in my 16 years of marriage.  This move was number 10.  I've always loved moving.  New place...new neighbors...a fresh start and a great excuse to shop for new things!!! 

But after this move I've just been exhausted.  It has been an emotional last few days and I am tired.  I think I'm getting too old for this moving stuff!!! 

But the reason I am posting today is to tell you I really have some amazing friends and family and I could not have done any of this without them. 

I am so lucky to have them in my life supporting me and I don't know what I would do without them.

 Thank you for all you do for me.  I'd be lost without you. 

I love you.

XOXO

Kim (AKA LabelSnob)

Getting close!!!!

Hi girls!  Long time no post!  Life has been crazy but great. 

We finished going through final loan approval for our new house and WOW what a process! 

 Banks put you through the ringer now adays before they loan you money!



8.13.11 There's a local resturant where people write on the tables and walls (crazy I know!) and we went there the day we got approved and for the first time left a message on the table!



 

Anyhoo, we got approved (whew!) and we are closing in just over a week!  I have updated pics but these are from awhile back and it is pretty much done now!  So my next post will be the finished product! 

Here's some pics and soon we'll be moving in!  Right after we move in the design of the closet room will be done and going in...

CAN'T WAIT! 

 Hope everyone has an amazing weekend and if you live in the US,

hopefully you have Monday off for Labor Day!



8.9.11 Cabinets arrived!!!



8.9.11



8.11.11 my cabinets!!!



8.11.11 Just painted!!!

XOXO

LabelSnob

House update!!!

Hey everyone!  How are you?  Things in my life have been hectic. 

I've been meaning to update forever but every time I come on Blogger to write a post I get so busy reading the blogs that I follow the next thing I know hours have past

and it's time to go to bed or spend time with the hubs

 ( BTW some of the blogs I'm currently LOVING http://thehotnessyourmommawarnedyouabout.blogspot.com/ who was recommended by one of my favorite bloggers http://www.ohtobeamuse.com/ and another new favorite is http://la-lalinh.blogspot.com/ AND the amazing Leah http://kindlifeofleah.blogspot.com/ who inspires me with every post she writes to eat and live healthier).  Seriously girls, go check out these great blogs...

I cannot believe how quickly my house is being built. 

I mean, I know the market is slow and there's not a lot of construction going on but seriously my house broke ground June 3rd and it's pretty much half way done! 

Here are some pics!



Contract signed





6/18/11





6/18/11





6/23/11





7/2/11





7/10/11





7/10/11





7/10/11

I know it's really hard to tell what's what on the inside from these pictures but the next time I go by the walls should be up! 

They are putting in the electrical first part of next week and after inspection they will start the drywall!  That's when the fun starts. 

I'll be able to see my color selections installed! 

The tile, carpet, cabinet and counter tops!  I can't wait to see it all come together.

I think I am driving Mr. LabelSnob nuts with wall paint swatches/samples! 

I know that I want grey but- OMG! There are a million different grey (or is it grays?  I never know) and it has been SO hard picking a wall color for the interior!  I'm not sure if I want a cool grey or a warm grey! 

I just know I want it to be as neutral as possible!  No green, blue, purple or red undertones, thank you very much!  Any suggestions?

I hope everyone if having an amazing weekend and I'll post again soon!

XOXO

LabelSnob

New house...Construction has begun!!!

Hello everyone!  I have not blogged in a really long time!  I've still been reading all my favorite blogs but have had no inspiration to blog myself! 

Anyhoo, I hope everyone is doing well.  My life has been hectic but that's the way I like it! 

Mr. LabelSnob and I are building a house and construction is about to begin!  They have cleared the lot so we can now see where the house is going to sit on the lot. 

My back yard is MUCH smaller than I realized but I'm okay with that.  Less to maintain.  As long as my dogs have enough room to do their business and run and play, I'm happy. 

We will have a screen in porch area which is a must for me.  I love sitting outside and enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine and when the weather is nice even eat out there. 

We've been having lots of fun picking out decor and furniture we want to get once we move in! 

I am changing my entire decor style. 

When I first got married and started decorating my first house I decorated in a "country" style.  Lots of quilts, baskets, stuffed ducks (I'm kidding) but you get the idea?  It was cheap...it was tacky.

Then I started decoring very, ummmm Pottery Barnish (is that a decor style?) and now I am a less is more kinda gal and my current house is styled very "Kirklands". 

I am really bad at describing decor style I'm sorry.  And if you aren't familiar with these stores, you have no idea what I'm talking about...

But in my new house I plan a very retro decor style.  Lots of high gloss white furniture, black and silver accents and pops of color here and there.  I have been looking at decorating/style blogs every free minute I get and gathering tons of ideas and inspiration photos!  I will keep you posted and post pics along the way!

Have a great week and talk to you again soon! 

I already have another post I'm writing about clothes and shopping that will be up soon!

XOXO

LabelSnob

Just Dandy Giveaway

Just Dandy is having an amazing giveaway on her blog. 
We would all love some extra money to shop with, right?

If you don't follow her already, go check her out!  She is so adorable and has great style!

http://www.justdandy.org/2011/04/giveaway-giveaway-free-180-gift-card.html

XOXO

LabelSnob

FINAL week on Onna's 4 week weight loss challenge



http://weheartit.com/tag/scale?page=4

I completed Onna's 4 week Weight Loss Challenge http://onnaslittleblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/4-week-weight-loss-challenge.html. 
I'm proud that I actually finished it.  Not that I accomplished much but I hate when I start something and it just fizzles out -something I do all too often :(

So this past week-once again (surprise surprise) I didn't make it to the gym.  I do have a physical "excuse" though.  I actually have a lot of issues with my back and this week it was hurting all week.  On Friday I even went to a Chiropractor for the very first time.  I have always been very against going to one and frankly quite terrified.  In fact several times while sitting there in the waiting room to be called I though about dashing out the front door!  I was so extremely nervous about the treatment but when I left I was in awe.  Now I know how people get so "hooked" into going.  You just feel so amazing afterwards.  Anyways long story short-no gym this week.
I stepped on the scale today for my weekly weigh in.  Let me refresh your memory that 4 weeks ago when I started this challenge I weighed 138.2.
Today I stepped on the scale and it read 129.8...WOW! I couldn't believe it.  There was NO way.
Last week I weighed in at 133.8.  Could I have really lost 4 pounds???
So I weighed again...it read 131.2. hummmm
And I weighed again and it read 129.6.  I thought "what the heck was going on????"
Now if you have read my other posts in this challenge I have been quite surprised by my weigh ins.  Although I have tried to eat better and go to the gym-I was less than consistent with any of my goals!  I thought the scale MUST be broke.  So today when I stepped on and it read 129.8 I knew it hard to be broke!
I decided I would put fresh batteries in it (when was the last time I did that-I couldn't even remember) and stepped on the scale...3 times.  I was quite sad to realize that in fact my scale WAS BROKE!!!
I weight all three times the same...135.6
So after 4 weeks of thinking I was tracking my weight I actually have no idea what my starting weight was and how much I lost!  I cannot believe it!  I know my weight after replacing the batteries is accurate because as I said earlier I went to the doctor on Friday and we know how accurate those scales are!  It read 135.
What did I learn on this challenge?  Not much except replace your batteries in your scale often to be sure the weights are accurate and remember you have to take one day at a time when trying to eat healthy and maintain an exercise program.  If you have a "bad" meal don't turn it into a "bad" day and then a "bad" week.  Move on and strive to eat better at the next meal.  It's not about perfection.  I just want to be as healthy as I can be.

XOXO
LabelSnob



Can you help?

http://www.jenny-fromtheblock.com/2011/04/two-things.html

***UPDATE***
Jenny had to take down her blog post about her dog Brownie because she was getting horrible hate comments on her blog. I would like to wish her and Brownie all the best and I hope she is abe to get Brownie the care he needs. XOXO
_______________________________________________________

One of my favorite bloggers has posted a plea on her blog for help.  She has a sick dog named Brownie and needs help with his medical care.

She is also going to be selling off some of her amazing clothes and such in an online store to try to raise money but she needs help quick!

I normally would NEVER post something like this but I am such a huge animal lover with 4 dogs of my own and I know how hard it is to have a suffering pet and not have the money to pay for his care.  Go read her post and help if you can.  And you can't donate send Brownie some good wishes!!!!

http://www.jenny-fromtheblock.com/2011/04/two-things.html

XOXO

LabelSnob

Closet inspiration

Hi girls!  Just a quick post to show you the light fixture I got that I have been wanting for my new house.  We are going to set up one of the spare rooms as a master closet and cannot wait to design it!  This light will be my inspiration piece!



Purchased at Lowes

I have been stalking home decor blogs and websites

this weekend and saving pictures I'll use for inspiration.    I'll share some of my favs!

WARNING: I am horrible at noting the sources of photos I save on my computer.  I am very sorry I am not giving proper credit for all the photos.  If I am using a photo of yours, please let me know if you'd like me to remove it or give you credit!

http://www.domesticjenny.com/2011/03/dressing-room-reveal.html



http://www.domesticjenny.com/2011/03/dressing-room-reveal.html





http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/2008/04/glimpse-into-my-home.html



I can't wait to design and decorate my own closet room! 

 I'll be sure to post pictures when it's done!

XOXO

Kim





WEEK 3 Onna's Weight Loss Challenge

Hello girls!  Hope everyone had a great week and weekend. 

 I'm checking in with my results for the past week for Onna's Weight Loss Challenge. 

I am afraid my gym goal for last week was a total fail.  I didn't make it once.  I had every indention in going several times throughout the week. 

 One day I even got dressed but never made it there!  I will try again next week! 

I didn't do well with my veggie and fruit goal either :(

I am a Online member of Weight Watchers and I haven't tracked my food in WEEKS and I'm really disappointed by that. 

Logging and tracking my food and drink intake has been something that really helps me be accountable for what I eat and has helped me lose weight in the past.  When you know you're going to have to log in those 4 Oreos and count the 50 points (I'm kidding)- I'm less likely to eat them!

I have been trying to count my points in my head though but I really need to get back to tracking. 

So this week I lost 1 pound. 

Weigh in today was 133.8

TOTAL LOSS-4.4

Goals for the coming and FINAL week!

Lose 2 pounds

Track all meals on Weight Watchers site

Gym-3 days and include at least 1 class

Eliminate night snack (this one is going to be hard) unless it's fruit

I went to the store today and mostly shopped the perimeter which is where all the fresh healthy foods are located and only purchased a few packaged/processed items from the middle aisles. 

That was pretty amazing for me as I'm sure no one eats as many packaged foods as I do. 

So I am trying to shop smarter so I can eat smarter! 

One more week on the challenge and I hope I can lose a couple more pounds!

Good Luck to everyone who joined this challenge and I'll post final results next Sunday!

XOXO

LabelSnob

WEEK 2 on Onna's 4 week Weight Loss Challenge plus MARCH Spending Challenge results

I have to be honest.  This week was not a good week personally for me. 

Work was crazy.  The weather was crazy. 

I didn't get to the gym one time. 

Since I knew I wasn't going to make it to the gym last week I did do one thing

 and that was be careful about what I was eating. 

I ate often (small amounts) so I wouldn't get hungry and I ate sensible things. 

I did go out to eat a few times which I am trying to cut down on. 

We did have a pizza night but I ate only a couple slices and

my parents took us out last night to a great steak restaurant to celebrate our upcoming home purchase (Thanks Mom and Dad)! 

Dinner was amazing and I ate the leanest steak I could order and only a quarter of my baked potato. 

My parents ordered a Baby Blossom (fried onion goodness) but I only ate 2 bites of it. 

I did have some fruity sweet drink which probably had more calories than my steak but who cares-we were celebrating!!!

All in all I lost 2.8 pounds.  Don't ask me how.  I think the scale is broke!  I do always weight at the same time of day and with no clothes but still. 

There's no way I could be down that much but whatever!  I'm going with it.  I even weighted 3 times to be sure! 

Total loss on the 4 week Weight Loss Challenge- 3.4

Goals remain the same for the upcoming week except I am going to aim for 3 trips to the gym this week which will be a challenge for sure because I have a crazy week coming up but I'll do my best! 

Also Christina over at http://lipglossnheels.blogspot.com/ 

suggested checking out Naked Juice Green Machine to help me get in my fruit and veggies so I am def going to be checking that out-thanks Christina!

Hope you all have a great week! 

 I'm going to be posting pictures of my recent purchases soon. 

I am also part of a Spending Challenge (inspired by http://www.closet-fashionista.com/2010/08/closet-fashionistas-spending-challenge.html)  where I limit my monthly spending for non essentials to $200 a month.  March was a total fail (spent $988.39-OUCH) but I hope to do better in April.  I figured I mine as well show you some of the things I purchased last month!

XOXO

LabelSnob

Week 1 on Onna's 4 week Weight Loss Challenge

Yum! Crab, spinach, artichoke dip



BFF and me enjoying some beverages



Mr. LabelSnob and I after "a few"



Yes, we ordered 3!!! We couldn't decide on a flavor!!!



 Hi girls!  Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. 

Mr. LabelSnob and I had Thursday, Friday and Saturday off together and it was so great.  It is rare that we have multiple days off together in a row so it was really nice. 

Then today when hubby went back to work my friend Tricia and I went SHOPPING! This means however  my Spending Challenge (see post http://labelsnob.blogspot.com/2011/03/spending-challenge.html ) has been a total FAIL.  I have been spending money this month like I have tons of it (which I don't) and I'm really regretting half of the purchases I have made!  I am afraid I am really going to have to reevaluate the purchases I have made and return some items. 

Now let me get to the topic of this post! 

Week 1 update of Onna's 4 week Weight Loss Challenge results. 

Now unfortunately since my husband and I had those 3 days off together we ate EVERY meal out which is soooo bad for my waistline!  I always go overboard when I eat out.   On Friday, we went out with my BFF Stacey and her husband and I had WAY too much to eat and WAY too much to drink (the pictures above show our good times). 

But in the end my results were:

LOST .6 pounds! (I'm sure this was a total fluke-as I ate wayyy too much this week to lose)

I DID go to the gym 3 times this week!!!

I did eat sweets this week though :(

and I did not eat my goal of 1 fruit and 2 servings of veggies each day :(

I am not going to give up though!  Tomorrow starts a new week so I will try again! 

Goals remain the same.

Have a great week everyone!

XOXO

LabelSnob

I am joining Onna's 4 week Weight Loss Challenge!!! EEEKKK

Hi Girls!!!  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. 

Mine is coming to a close and once again as I do on many Sunday nights I am feeling guilty about all the horrible eating I did this past weekend! 

I do so good during the week and can maintain a

decent caloric count most days but come Friday-look out! 

 All my plans seems to focus around food. 

 Where are we meeting for drinks?  Where are we meeting for dinner? 

Dessert?  Sure-why not? 

I have no control!!!

So when I came across a blog post by Onna (whose has a wonderful blog you should def check out by the way) and saw this post I knew immediatly I was going to join her Challenge!  Check out her post here:

http://onnaslittleblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/4-week-weight-loss-challenge.html

After I quit smoking in May 2008 I didn't want to end up packing on any more weight than I already had over the few years before I quit so I joined Weight Watchers. 

I lost 35 pounds and was back to my healthy weight and felt really great! 

I learned to eat better, focus on portion control and take better care of myself.

Over the past year I have gained 15 pounds back and feel quite miserable about it. 

It's time to do something about it! 

I am joining her challenge and will post my success (or failure) here on my blog.  It helps to keep me accountable!  My ultimate goal weight is 125 but during this 4 week challenge the goal is to lose 8 pounds.  I really cannot lose more than 2 pounds in a week. 

 It's just not healthy for me to try to lose more than that and I would be a very grumpy person!

In following Onna's challenge I am making 3 small goals each week to reach for.  So here it goes:

WEEK 1

I will go to the gym (at least) 2 times this week

No sweets

Eat at least 1 serving of fruit and 2 servings of veggies each day

CURRENT WEIGHT

138.2

If you'd like to join this challenge, please do!!! And let me know how you are doing and what your goals are!

XOXO

LabelSnob

How much does your face cost?



Image from Google images



Hi Girls!  I have been reading a few posts of bloggers doing the "How much does your face cost" tag. 

I thought it sounded interesting and I am quite curious what my total would be! 

The most recent blogger who did this post was http://laurensdressingroom.blogspot.com/ 

and if you don't follow her already, go check out her blog!

So here goes my typical everyday "face":

Clinique City Block SFP and face primer-$18.50

Revlon Colorstay in 180-$12.99

MAC Studio Finish concealer NW30-$16.50

UDPP in Sin-$18.00

Urban Decay eyeshadow in Sin-$18.00

Milani eye liner-$7.00

MAC eyeshawdow in Embark over liner to deepen-$11.00

MAC Studio Fix Lash mascara in black-$14.00

NARS Penny Lane cream blush-$27.00

ELF blush in Passion Pink-$3.00

MAC Faux lipstick-$14.00

Neautrogena Lip Shine-$4.99

Total-$164.98

Honestly I don't think that is too bad! 

All of those products last me months so I figure they are worth the cost! 

This is a fun post to do and read. 

I love to see exactly what products my favorite bloggers wear on a daily basis! 

Feel free do to do this tag and let me know if you do so I can read it!!!

Spending Challenge

I came across a new blog today http://www.closet-fashionista.com/ and noticed something very interesting in her sidebar.  It is called The Spending Challenge.  She wrote a pledge, has a spending limit and keeps track of her spending each month.  I think that is a GREAT idea and I am going to join the challenge!  Check out her blog post where she talks about it here http://www.closet-fashionista.com/2010/08/closet-fashionistas-spending-challenge.html

 I am trying to buy a house and I NEED to stop spending money! 
A complete spending ban is just not for me (Frugal February?  Yeah right!) so I am hoping this will help my spending problem!
Here is my pledge:

I Kim; AKA LabelSnob pledge
that I will not spend more than
$200.00 a month on non essential items
such as
clothing, makeup, beauty products, mani-pedi's, hair cuts or any body or hair treatments. 
Before purchasing a product I must think long and hard...

Is it a NEED or WANT? 
Do I have something like it already? 
Will it fit within the monthly spending challenge budget? 

I will not count any gifts for others in this challenge, only items purchased for myself. 
I will not count necessary items I use and need on a daily basis-however I pledge (and this is the big one!!!) to use up what I have (especially makeup items that aren't being used) before purchasing anything else (when possible) even if it is an item or product I use each day(ie: use up all those foundations and lipsticks!).  But I am not counting things like soap, deodorant, hairspray...
I will keep track of my monthly spending here on my blog!

Join me in this challenge if you are like me and need to curb spending!!! 
Thanks Closet Fashionista for this idea. 
XOXO
Label Snob

Favorite Blush Combo

Happy Friday everyone!!!
I for one cannot wait for the weekend to be here! 

One of my friends is getting married next month so we are heading to the "big city" for her Bachelorette party.  It's going to be a great girls weekend. 

I'll be sure to post some pictures of the weekend once I return!

 I wanted to let you girls know about a beautiful blush combo I have been wearing everyday since I paired them together a couple weeks ago and I just love it and thought I'd share! 

*Drum roll please...*






NARS cream blush in Penny Lane

 

PAIRED WITH

E.L.F. blush in Pink Passion

I purchased the NARS Penny Lane awhile ago and to be honest I wasn't in
love with it like I expected to be! 
I felt it was too light on my skin and when I would try to "build up"
the color it then just looked heavy on me. 
So I tried it again recently and to try to get it to pop I added (with a VERY light hand)
 E.L.F.'s powder blush Pink Passion.  I used the MAC 187 to apply both.  I really love the combo.  So beautiful fresh and glowy!

What is your current favorite makeup combo???

XOXO
LabelSnob

Buying a house!!!

So Mr. Labelsnob and I signed a contract on a house and we're so excited. 

We really weren't planning on making a move any time soon but the deals out there are amazing since it's a buyer's market and we are really glad we went out and looked. 

The house will actually be new contruction and will be completed in about 8-9 months.  We'll get to pick out all the colors and finishings for the house which will be fun. 

I'll be posting pictures of the process along the way to document the progress. 

Now I want to go shopping for all the perfect home decor pieces to complete the inside! 

  I know that I MUST have these lamps below from Target, what do you think of them?

I want to get two of these for each side of my bed.  And of course I want new nightstands as well!  I want something like this...

Anyone know any good websites to go to find some style inspiration?

No inspiration!

http://weheartit.com/

I have been feeling so uninspired to blog. 

I have still been reading all my favorite bloggers and I feel so inadequate! 

The truth of the matter is I am not happy about the direction my blog has taken.  I guess when you start a blog it takes a while to get a feel for your own style and what you want your blog to be about and what part of you you want to share and have represented on your blog.

My intent in starting a blog was to better document my life. 

As I have said before I have a bad memory (and I'm not even that old)! 

I can't remember events very well and have a really bad sense of time.  I'll think it was just the other day I did something or went somewhere and it really happened a couple years ago!

Blogging is a great digital diary as we all know. 

But when I started blogging I was trying to find my "style" and was only talking about beauty or fashion topics.  Honestly after a few months of that I was bored!  I felt like I had nothing to talk about that wasn't already being said on the blogs I read!

I haven't been doing a lot of shopping.  I have plenty of makeup to last me years and I've been gaining a little weight and clothes shopping has NOT been fun.  So not a lot of things to post about!

I am still going to post things about fashion and beauty when I feel like it but I am going to switch things up and make this blog a little more meaty and more of a "lifestyle" blog.  It may be boring-I am going to warn you right now!  But it may be interesting!  You'll just have to stick around to find out!

Thanks for reading.  What keeps you inspired?  Please share!

XOXO

LabelSnob



Update on my Clarisonic Mia!!!

Hi girls!! I just wanted to update you on my recent purchase of the Clarisonic Mia. 

So for a long time I didn't really want the Clarisonic.  I remember a long time ago Laura of Lollipop26 You Tube fame had mentioned she felt it was widely over hyped and thought a battery powered toothbrush would do the exact same thing. 

But lately some of my favorite YouTube guru's (in particular Michele1218 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DpTxtDAwYI ) have been talking about it again so I decided I HAD to have it!  Well...I returned it. 

That's right...I am (almost) the only girl on the planet that didn't like it!  When I posted that I purchased it Cari at http://sisterssincere.blogspot.com/ mentioned she didn't have a good experience with it either!  

Honestly I just didn't think it was THAT great!  And recently (I wish I'd seen these BEFORE I purchased) I watched GinaBinaWina99's review on her YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KWOsF39pj8) but more importantly KathySpear's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5ZUR_hs3eI) review on YouTube.  These are comparison videos comparing the Clarisonic vs. The Olay Pro X but there is also some interesting information in both the videos. 

My biggest issue was that honestly it made no difference in the way my skin felt or looked and for the money you pay I wanted to see and feel results!  Now I know I only had it a few weeks so maybe I didn't give it enough of a chance but I almost immediately started breaking out.  And Kathy Spear's video talks about this and why it may happen.  My skin went from being clear to breaking out!

I am in my mid 30's and Kathy Spears video talks about how this kind of manuel exfoliation is not the best thing for more mature skin. If you want to hear an excellent explanation from a skin care expert (really, Kathy is a professional aesthetician) go watch her video!  It just didn't work for me but I know a lot of girls love it!

XOXO

LabelSnob

JAN Girl's Night Out

Hi girls!  Hope you had a wonderful weekend.  Mine was pretty low key. 

I did have a wonderful date night with Mr. LabelSnob on Saturday

and then we spent the entire day together today! 

The weather was actually warm so we went to a local outdoor shopping area for some lunch and walked around enjoying the sunshine.

I have been meaning to post my recent Girls Night Out photos but have been lazy and haven't done it. 

We are going to start making it a "tradition" to meet up once a month for a GNO. 

Spending time with your girlfriends is good for the soul, don't you think? 

There's a group of 6 of us that are always invited although not everyone could make it.  And of course some months others may join.  The more the merrier!

 Here's some shots of January's GNO.



Getting Ready at Tricia's and having appetizers and cocktails




Stacey and me



Kara and Tricia



Stacey with one of the couple bottles we enjoyed that night!!




Stacey and me on the left, Tricia and Kara on the right



We ended the night at our favorite piano bar with our favorite bartender.

XOXO

LabelSnob

Project 365 Day 29 and 30

Mural at restaurant



Late night snack



Project 365 Day 28

Lunch break (at my desk)