Date Framing

New DIY project - I'm so in love with this one, I might actually complete it.  I found it at Frame The Date - oh yes, these people are ridiculously creative! As opposed to the DIY re-do our bedroom project that has exploded to 317 photos in a file labeled "bedroom needs help", but not actually resulted in any purchasing, sewing, or curtains.

From: Occasions Niagra

Regardless - I'm going to find background paper at Michael's, either Google or neighborhood stalk my way to our wedding date, and get this bad boy finished and on the wall! I think I'm going to stick with black and white so it will go with everything, I just need to determine the logistics of photo size and frame size!  And, if I can figure it out - this might be a go-to gift, although a little difficult to use as a wedding gift, since I won't have the photo.  But whatevs.  Logistics later, creativity now.

Numbers... who knew they could be so cute?

Happy Spring Training!!!

Oh yes, that's right - we are headed back to the wonderful city of Clearwater for some Phillies 2011 Spring Training action! I can't wait to share spring training with two awesome friends (shout out to Moe & Andy)!

We leave mMch 9th & come home March 13th! Yep, and that's about all the further we've gotten with planning.  I mean, we only came up with this hairbrained idea about a week ago.  And I only booked plane tickets last night at midnight.  Hey, we're young, might as well live it up while we can, right?!

200 : 100 Challenge

Self admittedly, I need a goal to motivate me.  Running over the summer would never have happened if I wasn't training for the Baltimore Half Marathon.  I just have a hard time without a set workout schedule,  and I'm okay with that.

Goals for 2011 may include a bike ride or two and some running.  However, in addition to not being able to motivate myself, I also am a total sissy about being in the cold.  Enter: Winter Goal for 2011. 

200 : 100

TwoHundredSquats : OneHundredPushups

The challenges are 6 weeks and are set-up the same.  There is an initial test where you do as many squats/push ups as you can to failure, and then you use that number to determine which column you'll operate out of.  There are Progress Tests (test to failure) at the end of weeks 2, 4, 5, and the final test at the end of week 6. 

Both programs are set for working out 3 days per week, so my days will be Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.  My real goal is to do these in addition to riding my bike 2 - 3 days a week, but as we all know - snow and/or work can throw a real wrench into those plans.  If nothing else, the sets shouldn't take more than 10/15 mins, and even I can make time for that!

I am super excited to give this a shot, and we'll see where I end up in 6 weeks! I'll try to keep you updated as I go along - anyone interested in trying it out with me?

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Plans found here:

One Hundred Push Ups

Two Hundred Squats

CSA - Fresh & Local Summer 2011

Kevin and I have decided to join a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) for the summer! I am super excited after having heard about them from several other people in our area.  There are about 9 farms in the general Chester County area that participate in West Chester Open Market, as well as a 20/22 week CSA Share program. 

The farm that we joined is North Star Orchard, based out of Cochranville.  Their primary focus until about 3 years ago was fruits, but they have a huge variety of vegetables as well.  You sign-up now (February - April, depending on your specific farm), pay for the produce, and wait.  But, you get to lock in the produce at a set rate, and regardless of how high the prices may rise at the grocery store, your price can't change because you've already paid for it! North Star does vegetable and fruit CSA shares, although I only signed up for the vegetable, because I don't think we would eat that quantity of fruit, but am more comfortable with the veggies. 

We chose to pick-up our vegetables on Thursdays,  and the pick-up location is about 10 minutes from home and is open from 4pm - 6:30.  Something really exciting is that North Star is also partnering with a local bakery and a gardener, so we will have the opportunity to pre-order baked goods (muffins, pastry, bread, doughs) and flowers (cut or to plant) throughout the summer.  Our season will run 22 weeks, and will start the last Thursday in May. 

So... here is the list of types of vegetables we may see throughout the summer.  I'm going through cookbooks now to get some ideas, and am excited already!

2011: The Year of Weddings (Numero Uno)

Have you ever heard people say "you're that age where everyone (fill in the blank)"?

I used to tease a friend of mine, because every year for her was the year that everyone got married - I mean, this girl had like 5 weddings every year! Welp, that girl is getting married (got married now) and so are 3 of our other friends! Yeppers, 4 weddings in 2011.  Hint: that means I'd better not get surprised with any more!

Lori & John - January 29th. 

Beautiful Bride, Wonderful Vows, Great Party, Oustanding Band - Oh and a photo booth!

7 people in our pew: cozy

The Reverend had a great message, about the 4 layers of the rings and what they all mean.

Mr & Mrs John Gebert, Jr!

 Oh, and let me tell you who my favorite dancing partner was at the party - Pop-Pop! Lori's grandfather is quite a good time, let me tell you! Oh here, you can check him out for yourself!

I think we clean up pretty nicely though... if I do say so myself

...and Good Night! 3 weddings to go