ShabbyBlogs - Must be Maddie

Sunday, February 26, 2012

It's happening

One of my new year's resolutions is coming true: we are moving!  Our new residence will be in beautiful Charlottesville, VA, with rolling hills, views of the Blue Ride Mountains, delicious restaurants, and breweries and wineries galore.

We found a charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house right in the heart of C-ville.  It has pretty much everything we were looking for:

-Right in town
-3 bedrooms
-More than one bathroom
-Gas stove
-Dishwasher
-Washer & dryer
-Yard with the ability to have a grill
-Workspace for tools and bicycles
-About 1200 sqft

It was the second house we visited and we are really excited.  We have wanted to move out of NoVA for about 3 years and we took our time finding the next place to live.  The three years of wishing gave us plenty of time to prioritize the things that are important to us and we firmly believe that Charlottesville and this home will satisfy our desires.

So you wanna see it?


Isn't it cute?!  It's in such a nice neighborhood too and we are maybe 7 minutes away from Whole Foods (which is a huge plus if you know us).  So that is the only picture I have right now but believe me, there will be many more.  

So here is the general layout of this super cute home.  

First floor has the master bedroom w/ adjoining bathroom and a good sized closet.  There is a small-ish living room that opens next to a dining area which is right next to the kitchen.  The kitchen was a big selling point for us for several reasons.  One, gas stove.  Enough said.  It also has a dishwasher and the cabinets have pull out drawers which I think is great.  Next to the dining area is a sliding glass door to the deck that looks out to the backyard.  

Downstairs there's a second living room (woot woot!), a mud room and then a large unfinished portion.  The unfinished portion has the washer and dryer and a lot of room for storage, which is great because Husband has a lot of tools.  And it gives us a safe place to store our bicycles.  

Top floor, there are two good sized bedrooms (one of them will become my sweet office) and a bathroom.  One of the bedrooms has a small room attached to it - interesting but I think it'll be great space as a reading nook or a storage place.  

So there's a LOT to do in preparation for the move...like packing, getting our utilities set up (mental note to make some phone calls tomorrow), and changing our address.  

That is the biggest thing happening in my life right now.  Does anyone have any tips for moving or getting to know a new town?  

Love & Hugs.  





Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Fat Tuesday

I did not realize it was Fat Tuesday.  So tonight, I eat chocolate.  Because I am giving it up for lent.  


I have become too close with sweet chocolate so this is a welcome break.  

Anyone else giving up sweet treats?  

Love & hugs my friends. 

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Modern woman

So it's been a little bit since I've posted.  

First, work is crazy busy as usual.  It has become the norm that I stay late 30-90 minutes every day.  When I actually leave at 5pm, it's like going home early.  But I have to say, for once I enjoy my job.  It's challenging and satisfying, a great combo right?  And I am so happy to be growing personally and professionally.  

But since I'm coming home around 6pm during the week it means I can't fit in the gym AND making dinner AND life things AND hanging out my sweet husband.  Usually I can fit in one or two, but that's it.  It reminds me of the modern woman pin from Pinterst.  



So true right?!  

And I'm trying to be more healthy but it is TOUGH!  It feels like I'm always taking two steps forward and then one step back.  I'm sure you other modern women feel this frustration too.  I'll have a day with good healthy food, but the next day I can't make it to the gym and I'm eating thai.  Grr.  As a result I'm moody and self conscious.  Did I mention I am the matron of honor for my BFF's wedding in May?  Yeah, lets add to the stress.  

Oh well, at least it's one step forward, right?  On to some good news!  

I started running again!  After about 4 months of no running, I'm able to squeak in some easy runs at a snail's pace, but hey, at least I'm running!  I think my new shoes help.  :)  I felt like with my new start, maybe I needed to get some new shoes (the old ones could have been the problem!).  Is anyone else out there a tad superstitious about working out or work out gear?  No?  Maybe it's just me wanting new running shoes.  


Also I got a bicycle!  I need an alternative to running since I really need to take it slow and a bike seemed to be a good investment.  Let me just tell you, it's been about 10+ years since I have been on a bike.  Oh man it is awkward and a little terrifying and fun all at the same time.  I'll have to post more about it later.  

A third thing, I am done with taxes!  Woot!  They were much easier this year, which was wonderful.  That's one less thing to stress about.  

I hope everyone out there is doing well! 

Love & Hugs!