What I've been up to

Hello Friends!

Bama Man and I celebrated our anniversary last weekend (It's actually on Monday) so I spent a large portion of my Saturday morning recreating the cupcakes from our wedding. I know quite a few of you who read this blog were there two years ago when Bama Man and I tied the knot, but for those new bloggy friends who were not, there is something you need to know: Our wedding was home to the best chocolate cupcakes (with buttercream frosting, of course) the world has ever seen. It's true. And ever since the last, solitary leftover cupcake was eaten, I have missed them very much. Me, being overly emotional about cupcakes? Shocking, I know. Anyway, I have never been able to do anything about it previously, but my dear friend who baked them let me in on a few secrets, and guess what, I did it! Granted, they are not exactly the same, but they are so very, very close and I am satisfied. Which is evidenced by the fact we have managed to eat almost two dozen in 5 days. I would post a picture...but there isn't really much to see anymore...

Let's see, what else....

Well I managed to wash my brand new amazing white Christmas sweater with last year's red Christmas sweater, which resulted in a few pinks spots, but after soaking it in freezing cold water for 3 days, and trying very hard not to cry, they (almost) completely came out!

Also, I can't stop watching Gwenyth Paltrow's 'Glee' rendition of "Forget You" even though I stopped watching the show months ago. And I have been playing a reidiculous amount of computer solitaire, since Bama Man introduced me to the 'Vegas' option...and I might have a fake money gambling problem.

I know I said I would post my To Do in 2011 list, and I haven't forgotten. I've just been thinking about it. I had quite a few short term goals on it that I have already completed (not the least of which is making my linen closet look like the magazine pictures that make me shudder at my own inadequacy) so I'm trying to limit my updated list to slightly more long-term goals. Or, at least things that may take me more than an afternoon. Know what I mean? Unfortunately, you may recognize some of these from last year. I'll do better this time. So here they are..

• Master the Pancake (I am quite good at homemade waffles, pancakes on the other hand, are my constant struggle)



• Get Wedding Pictures and album developed (I know, it's awful I still haven't done)



• Develop Honeymoon pictures



• (Finally) Finish the Guest Room



• Figure out a way to keep from falling asleep on the couch at eight or nine every night


• Make curtains for our house

• And something else I forgot, but will post when I remember

Hello Dear World

Hello Friends,

It's possible you may have noticed my recent absence of (oh my goodness) a month or so. It's simple really. A little over a year ago, frustrated as a newlywed by the shocking lack of resources available to help an old fashioned girl like myself simplify and enjoy everyday living, I set out to remedy the situation myself. I started this blog, Vacuum in Pearls, and attempted to create a place to document my advances and encourage others as I become a better housekeeper and wife. It was a lovely experience. Until the day I looked around and found I was doing more blogging about than actual "becoming." Pardon my transparency, but it was time for a priorities check. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it, but God gave me the grace to think about it a lot less often than I thought I would.

Anyway, I'm back! Probably not as often as I was previously, but still back. I've honestly embraced this year as a time to simplify, downsize, organize, and get back to basics. (Cliche right?) I'm thinking....fresh. Like my new blog layout (that's my stove back there by the way).

As I revamped my blog I took a good hard look at my "To Do in 2010" list and stuck my tongue out at the many things left undone this year (see why I needed a break). I'm bumping them to 2011. Stay tuned for a new and improved to-do list for the coming year. What are some of your expectations for this year?

I hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas season, and that 2011 is treating you well. I hope you'll stick around and celebrate this fresh year with me!

p.s. I just have to tell you that this weekend I became a virtual superwoman and cleaned out, organized, and labeled both my linen closet and pantry. Aren't you proud?