Arabella and Daddy have a new evening routine. When he gets home from work, this is what they have to do:
She loves it!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Closet Transformation
If there is one thing that I miss from our Dublin house, it is the Master Bedroom Closet (and Bathroom). I loved that the light would turn on as soon as you walked into the closet. It was also large enough that Jay and I could share the space. Jay also installed a great light above my shoes so that I could see what pair I was looking for. Oh how I miss the small things that make a closet amazing. Our current master bedroom closet is about 1/4 the size of our last one, therefore, I had to plead with Jay to let me have the whole space. There is just no way that we would have been able to share it. Besides, the closet in the guest room is also a walk in and it fits his clothes just perfect!
I had thought that when I unpacked the wardrobe boxes from the move that I would be able to organize the closet as I went. However, that did not happen. It came to a point where I just wanted the boxes emptied and things away. Now, I am ready to tackle the organization of my new closet space.
Here are the before pictures:
I knew that this would be a daunting task so I started by removing everything from the closet. I then began to organize like items together. While grouping the items, I also removed pieces that were old, worn, outdated (unless it was something that I just could not part with for various reasons) or I was just sick of it. Once the clothes were grouped together I began rehanging them in color order. I know, it is kind of anal, but I like to see all of the same colors together, plus it makes things look neater and it is easier to find things. If I want a black top, I just go to that section instead of hunting through all of the shirts. Since there were rods on each side of the closet, I have tops, jackets and oxfords on one side and dresses, pants, capris and skirts on the other. I also picked up 2 great hanging storage units at Ikea and there is one on each side.
Once all my clothes were hung, it was time to address the growing amount of shoes in my wardrobe. I find it hard to part with them even if they are completely worn out or I don't wear them anymore. I have no idea why. I have a hanging rack on the back of the door for most of them. However, I do have 2 shoe shelves that I am using. The one towards the back of the closet holds my boots and a few other pairs of sandals, etc that are not worn often. I even found a use for my old magazines, (Jay, this should make you happy), I roll them up and put them down in the shaft of the boot so they stand up! The other shoe shelve is home to some of my favorite (and expensive) pairs of shoes (and apparently Arabella's as well). She has already taken them out to play with them and tried to put them back without me knowing, she is a girl after my own heart! I just love the way my shoes look, all lined up and ready to be worn, come on warm weather, melt the snow so I can start wearing cute shoes instead of cute winter boots! I also was able to get my flip flops under control. I have to say that they are a staple of my warm weather wardrobe and I just adore flip flops. They are now neatly organized in one of the Ikea hanging organizers.
After my shoes, I took stock of my purses and accessories. I did something that I never thought I would do. I removed all of my classic/vintage Coach bags from their boxes and stored them all in one clear tote. Jay has been joking (at least he better be) that he is going to start selling them on eBay...I am sure he could make a pretty penny but we are not going to find out. He said that the clear tote would make it that much easier for him to get to them. Don't worry Dearest Jay, I know how they are arranged and even have taken pictures of them for "inventory" purposes so just remove the eBay idea from your mind! I amassed such a collection from working at Coach throughout college and am still in love with the brand. I do not think that I can or ever will part with them. Every so often I break one out and use it. As for the reminder of my bags that I use on a season to season basis, I organized them by brand/season on the top shelves of the closet. All of my "small leather goods" were also organized, with the help of Arabella, and are neatly in a basket. It is a good thing that she cannot reach that top shelf or I would be in trouble, she had a hard time letting me put them away. She was having too much fun and just wanted to play with all of the purses and bags. She even learned a few new words along the way. She can say "purse" and will pick one up and say "bye, bye" as she walks away, it is too cute. I think Jay and I are going to be in trouble when she gets older, at least she and I can share accessories! Thank you Arabella for helping Mommy go through her clothes, shoes and fun stuff - you were such a big help!
In the end, the process took more time than I wanted it to, but the end result is perfect. I love how everything is organized, with the exception of my suits and wedding dress, all of my (hanging) clothes are in "my" closet! I also like that I was able to make some room for some new fashion finds!
And After:
I had thought that when I unpacked the wardrobe boxes from the move that I would be able to organize the closet as I went. However, that did not happen. It came to a point where I just wanted the boxes emptied and things away. Now, I am ready to tackle the organization of my new closet space.
Here are the before pictures:
I knew that this would be a daunting task so I started by removing everything from the closet. I then began to organize like items together. While grouping the items, I also removed pieces that were old, worn, outdated (unless it was something that I just could not part with for various reasons) or I was just sick of it. Once the clothes were grouped together I began rehanging them in color order. I know, it is kind of anal, but I like to see all of the same colors together, plus it makes things look neater and it is easier to find things. If I want a black top, I just go to that section instead of hunting through all of the shirts. Since there were rods on each side of the closet, I have tops, jackets and oxfords on one side and dresses, pants, capris and skirts on the other. I also picked up 2 great hanging storage units at Ikea and there is one on each side.
Once all my clothes were hung, it was time to address the growing amount of shoes in my wardrobe. I find it hard to part with them even if they are completely worn out or I don't wear them anymore. I have no idea why. I have a hanging rack on the back of the door for most of them. However, I do have 2 shoe shelves that I am using. The one towards the back of the closet holds my boots and a few other pairs of sandals, etc that are not worn often. I even found a use for my old magazines, (Jay, this should make you happy), I roll them up and put them down in the shaft of the boot so they stand up! The other shoe shelve is home to some of my favorite (and expensive) pairs of shoes (and apparently Arabella's as well). She has already taken them out to play with them and tried to put them back without me knowing, she is a girl after my own heart! I just love the way my shoes look, all lined up and ready to be worn, come on warm weather, melt the snow so I can start wearing cute shoes instead of cute winter boots! I also was able to get my flip flops under control. I have to say that they are a staple of my warm weather wardrobe and I just adore flip flops. They are now neatly organized in one of the Ikea hanging organizers.
After my shoes, I took stock of my purses and accessories. I did something that I never thought I would do. I removed all of my classic/vintage Coach bags from their boxes and stored them all in one clear tote. Jay has been joking (at least he better be) that he is going to start selling them on eBay...I am sure he could make a pretty penny but we are not going to find out. He said that the clear tote would make it that much easier for him to get to them. Don't worry Dearest Jay, I know how they are arranged and even have taken pictures of them for "inventory" purposes so just remove the eBay idea from your mind! I amassed such a collection from working at Coach throughout college and am still in love with the brand. I do not think that I can or ever will part with them. Every so often I break one out and use it. As for the reminder of my bags that I use on a season to season basis, I organized them by brand/season on the top shelves of the closet. All of my "small leather goods" were also organized, with the help of Arabella, and are neatly in a basket. It is a good thing that she cannot reach that top shelf or I would be in trouble, she had a hard time letting me put them away. She was having too much fun and just wanted to play with all of the purses and bags. She even learned a few new words along the way. She can say "purse" and will pick one up and say "bye, bye" as she walks away, it is too cute. I think Jay and I are going to be in trouble when she gets older, at least she and I can share accessories! Thank you Arabella for helping Mommy go through her clothes, shoes and fun stuff - you were such a big help!
In the end, the process took more time than I wanted it to, but the end result is perfect. I love how everything is organized, with the exception of my suits and wedding dress, all of my (hanging) clothes are in "my" closet! I also like that I was able to make some room for some new fashion finds!
And After:
Thanks Uncle Mike
One thing that we are still adjusting to here is how long it takes to send and receive mail to and from the States. There is also a whole process for filling out customs paperwork for an envelope larger than a letter sized envelope. And if it is a box, forget it. You are also limited to mailing options as well.
Anyway, I digress, the reason for this post is to THANK Uncle Mike for our Valentine's Day cards that we received in the mail today! Arabella gets to excited when she receives mail and today after opening and reading her card, she asked for "more, more". So she had to help me open my card and then she didn't want to share it with me!
Thank you Uncle Mike, we miss you and love you!
Anyway, I digress, the reason for this post is to THANK Uncle Mike for our Valentine's Day cards that we received in the mail today! Arabella gets to excited when she receives mail and today after opening and reading her card, she asked for "more, more". So she had to help me open my card and then she didn't want to share it with me!
Thank you Uncle Mike, we miss you and love you!
New Blog Name???
I was thinking of changing the name of the Blog from The Ripp Family Journal to something more fun...any suggestions or thoughts? The current name is just "blah" and isn't a true reflection of us and how much fun we really are and have. So please send me an email or post a comment with your ideas, suggestions and thoughts!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!
We hope that everyone had a love filled day spent with those you hold dear!
Cupid paid a visit to our house and brought a few presents and cards for everyone. Arabella enjoyed opening her gifts and cards. She received puzzle cards with animals on them and they are in French. Auntie Lori sent her a puzzle type game as well. It is 8 x 10 cards that have different animals and bugs on them, but there is a cut out for her to put her face in. Then she looks in a mirror and tells you what the animal is and makes the noise the animal would make, she loved it and was just giggling away.
Arabella also helped Dad open his card and gifts. She even helped to make sure his chocolate was good enough for him to eat!
As for me, I received the best Valentine ever! Merci Little Bean!
Jay also thought it would be funny to give me a Valentine's Day card that was in French...yes it was humorous to see me try and translate it...but what is even funnier is that he can't completely translate it! He did however, get me one in English too! And I also got a gift certificate to Bikram Yoga! Thank you for a gift that I am so excited about!
This afternoon we went to the Centre des Sciences de Montreal. It is in Old Montreal on the King Edward Pier. We took Arabella to see her first IMAX movie. We saw Under the Sea and she enjoyed it. She kept pointing at the screen and saying "fish, fish". The movie was in French which was interesting since there were no subtitles. I am not sure I understood a word that the narrator was saying, but nonetheless, it was still interesting.
Happy Valentine's Day from Montreal! xoxoxoxo
Cupid paid a visit to our house and brought a few presents and cards for everyone. Arabella enjoyed opening her gifts and cards. She received puzzle cards with animals on them and they are in French. Auntie Lori sent her a puzzle type game as well. It is 8 x 10 cards that have different animals and bugs on them, but there is a cut out for her to put her face in. Then she looks in a mirror and tells you what the animal is and makes the noise the animal would make, she loved it and was just giggling away.
Arabella also helped Dad open his card and gifts. She even helped to make sure his chocolate was good enough for him to eat!
As for me, I received the best Valentine ever! Merci Little Bean!
Jay also thought it would be funny to give me a Valentine's Day card that was in French...yes it was humorous to see me try and translate it...but what is even funnier is that he can't completely translate it! He did however, get me one in English too! And I also got a gift certificate to Bikram Yoga! Thank you for a gift that I am so excited about!
This afternoon we went to the Centre des Sciences de Montreal. It is in Old Montreal on the King Edward Pier. We took Arabella to see her first IMAX movie. We saw Under the Sea and she enjoyed it. She kept pointing at the screen and saying "fish, fish". The movie was in French which was interesting since there were no subtitles. I am not sure I understood a word that the narrator was saying, but nonetheless, it was still interesting.
Happy Valentine's Day from Montreal! xoxoxoxo
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Back to Yoga
This evening I had my first yoga class in over a year. I have been meaning to get back to my lessons, but things were a little too hectic this past year and the timing was just not right. I looked forward to my class all day, not just because it was going to be 90 minutes of relaxation and stretching, but because I was trying a new practice, Bikram. I was also looking forward to the heat as winter is becoming long and cold up here! For those of you not familiar with yoga, Bikram Yoga is done in a room that is heated to 42 degrees celsius / 105 degrees fahrenheit. The room is intentionally heated to warm your muscles and allow you to work deeper and safer. The heat also heals, helps prevent injuries and promotes sweating which flushes toxins from your body. It reduces stress, increases blood circulation, improves strength and flexibility. Regular practice (at least three times a week) can reduce the symptoms of many chronic diseases (i.e. arthritis, diabetes and thyroid disorders). It also promotes relaxation. Bikram Yoga is a demanding 26 pose (asana) series that is an intense and challenging workout.
The heat was pretty intense and you feel as if you are walking into a sauna when you enter the room. I almost felt as if I started to immediately sweat, but that is one of the purposes of this practice. The sweat and heat help you to improve your stamina, increase your muscle tone and lose weight/inches. I actually was surprised at how much I was sweating. During one pose, I looked down and noticed that I had sweat on my toes and it was running down my legs. I am one of those people who actually likes it when I sweat while working out and if I don't sweat I feel like I am not working hard enough. I did get lightheaded a few times, but that is to be expected and with continued practice will go away. I left feeling great, how I feel tomorrow is another story. I am sure I will be a little sore but in an odd way, I love when my muscles have that pain.
Another bonus, the class is taught in French and English so it just might help me in picking up and understanding more French. I am glad I decided to try this class and can't wait to go back!
The heat was pretty intense and you feel as if you are walking into a sauna when you enter the room. I almost felt as if I started to immediately sweat, but that is one of the purposes of this practice. The sweat and heat help you to improve your stamina, increase your muscle tone and lose weight/inches. I actually was surprised at how much I was sweating. During one pose, I looked down and noticed that I had sweat on my toes and it was running down my legs. I am one of those people who actually likes it when I sweat while working out and if I don't sweat I feel like I am not working hard enough. I did get lightheaded a few times, but that is to be expected and with continued practice will go away. I left feeling great, how I feel tomorrow is another story. I am sure I will be a little sore but in an odd way, I love when my muscles have that pain.
Another bonus, the class is taught in French and English so it just might help me in picking up and understanding more French. I am glad I decided to try this class and can't wait to go back!
Friday, February 12, 2010
We Got Them!
One of the hottest selling items in Canada right now are the red mittens that everyone at the Olympics will be wearing. They have been selling out all over the country. As soon as the stores get them in, the fly right out the door. I even received a call from my mom this morning saying that she say the anchors on the Today Show wearing them and that she wanted a pair. She lives in Florida and needs mittens...really?? So Arabella and I ventured out to Zellers to see if they had any in stock. Now we had never been to Zellers before and I was not sure what to expect. I was hoping for a Target like store, but no such luck. It is a step up from Wal-Mart and a step below Target...oh, how I miss Target. But that I will save for another post. Back to the mittens. As soon as you walk in the store, you are bombarded with display after display of Team Canada merchandise. They actually had the mittens hidden in a corner near customer service. There we at least 3 other people there buying them up. I must say that they are pretty cute and nicely made. The inside is nice and soft so they will hopefully keep your hands warm. Yes, Mom, when it gets to be 30 degrees in Florida, I am sure your fingers will stay toasty! With this purchase, Arabella and I have done our part in supporting Team Canada and made one more step of fitting in with the rest of Montreal and Canada!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)