Problems

If I said we were settled in the new home, I'd be lying.
We've been scrambling every single night,
and staying up WAY too late in an attempt to get our home in order.

Unpacking, organizing, contemplating, rearranging, arguing.
You know...all the joys that come with moving into a new house. 

Sure, we have all the necessities put away.
But we're talking about an over-analyzing, nag-the-husband, perfection-seeking, want-everything-done-right-now human being.
I have no clue who would act like that.

I can't stand having my life out of whack.
The same reason why I can't handle one thing in my house being out of place.

Let me give you a little insight.

I can't go to bed with dishes in the sink.
Clothes are never lingering outside of my closet/dresser.
I pick up my house every night so that the little things don't pile up.
If Carson's clothes aren't laid out for the next day, I consider myself behind.
I can't sleep if things aren't "in order."

Y'all. I'm anal. A fast-paced, organized freak. A perfectionist. A worry wart about the details.

So, when I tell you that I still have unpacked boxes in the basement,
and things not hung on the walls,
TV remotes not programmed correctly,
and garage tools still laying on my kitchen island,
dust bunnies, and cabinets, and bathrooms, and blinds that have yet to cleaned,
and Carson's toys everywhere,
just know that I.am.going.absolutely.bonkers.

However, we do have one amazing kitchen (more to come on that). Finally.

But, we still don't have a kitchen table. I just cringed.

Oh! In other exciting news (not), Carson is now climbing out of his crib. How fun.

Quit my day job?

I like to think of myself as a creative person with a good visual eye. I love seeing a project come together, the process as it goes from conception to reality.

I enjoy decorating my home and find contentment in bringing life to our walls. Just as I have been really looking forward to seeing our basement project come together.

My husband and I joke about "KK Designs" and "BK Designs," as we argue over what paint color to choose in the store. He wants this, I want that. We just never seem to be on the same page.

B: "C'mon, just let BK Designs take this one."
Me: "Ohhhh, no. Because then KK Designs will be forced to ride in and save the day."

It's quite humorous. Trips to stores such as Lowes, Home Depot and Sherwin Williams never go smoothly. I'm absolutely certain that the employees of these places think we are absolutely nuts.

So, we picked out a paint color this weekend. Not going to lie, it was mainly my decision. I happened to win this particular battle of KK vs. BK, but he did agree.

Well let me just say, I will not be quitting my day job anytime soon to start KK Designs and become an interior decorator.

The paint color was wrong.

And so was the second one.

Yes peeps, we are now in the process of picking out a third paint color.

In my defense though, the lighting in our basement is just off. The sales lady couldn't believe the original color with a rich blue hue undertone was looking like "baby blue." Oh, and the second color? More of a grayish blue. Well, it just wasn't what we wanted either. Too light.

So, as much as I don't want to admit it or give in, I am officially biting the bullet and turning this one over to BK Designs.

It's All Coming Together

As I sit here on a Friday night, catching up Glee Season 1 (thank you Netflix), my mind is a little overwhelmed at how much we have to do tomorrow and Sunday.

Oh yes, we will be tackling several house projects and begin preparing for Thanksgiving at our house for the first time ever.

I'm starting to get nervous about this, but I don't really know why. It's only my immediate family members (both sides are coming), but we have never hosted dinner with this many people before.

Now, don't think we are total losers, we have had our fair share of large gatherings in the past including one of my bestie's bachelorette parties and a progressive New Year's Eve party. There weren't enough chairs for everyone and not a ton of space. But cocktails were involved, so it was all good.

The group at our house on New Year's Eve 2010

Anyways, here's our weekend to-do list:

1. Hang Christmas lights (Don't worry Homeowner's Association, we won't turn them on until after Turkey day)
2. Finish painting trim in basement room
3. Pick out paint color for basement room
4. Rake leaves
5. Fix nails coming through ceiling and walls from getting roof replaced: hammer, spackle, sand, paint
6. Decide on Thanksgiving Menu
7. Start grocery shopping for Thanksgiving Menu
8. Start cleaning house to host family (This includes things like dusting the blinds...ewwww)
9. Get out the brand new turkey fryer and read up on the precautions so we don't burn our house down! (Brian is super excited about this turkey fryer)
10. And some relaxation and fun...hang with friends and Brian is going to the Chiefs game on Sunday

So, this brings me to the dilemma of number three on the list. What color should we paint our basement room?!?!

A little background -- the room is smaller, and not much natural light shines in, so I need to stick with a lighter color. As previously mentioned, a dark slate gray sectional couch will consume most of the space accented by black furniture, red, yellow and blue.

To further assist us in picking out the best color, and to also convince my husband that there are enough dark features in the room already and it needs to be a light paint color, I made my own mood board. Learned from none other than one of my favorite blogs Young House Love.

 

I must say, this whole mood board thing really helped. It allowed me to see everything together, or at least the possibilities.

Mood Board Details:
1. Sectional: Not our exact Jonathan Louis couch from Nebraska Furniture Mart, gypsy graphite color, but you get the idea
2. Pillows (come with couch): This is the exact pillow I picked out! Love it.
3. TV Stand: Got ours from NFM, by Aspen, black finish
4. Rug: Momeni, New Wave Collection, looking forward to adding some bold colors to our house decor:)
5. Ottoman Cubes: Not sure what we'll go with, but this one is by Hillcrest from Home Decorators
6. Yellow vases: Picked these beauties up at NFM
7. Red centerpiece bowl: Love this stylish red bowl from Crate & Barrel, want something like it
8. Square frames: 19" frames from Crate & Barrel, lovin' these so much I just might have to get them

Color Scheme:

Paint:
So here's what I'm thinking. All swatches from Sherwin-Williams. Can you tell I like the blue hues?

What do you think?

I'm hoping whatever we pick out we don't have to re-paint due to changing our minds, hello master bedroom! But that's the glorious thing about paint. It's super easy to repeat!

Give and Get

A few weeks ago, we had our annual United Way Campaign at work. A week full of events and activities encouraging people to donate, with all proceeds going to United Way.

Each year, the prizes that come with giving your money get better and better. And the more you give, the better chances you have at winning.

This year's prizes were an iPad, an iTouch, a Playstation, a 50" TV, one week of extra vacation, and two plane tickets to Hawaii.

Did they just say plane tickets to Hawaii? Uhhhh...Sign me up!

Boy, did I want that trip, but I had an overwhelming feeling that I was going to win the TV. I even had a dream I won it and turned our unused partial basement room into an actual functioning living space.

Well, I wasn't fortunate enough to win me and the husband a trip back to Hawaii or a new TV, but I felt good about giving some of my paycheck to those in need. What's even better, it all goes to folks right here in Kansas City. What a great feeling to give back.

So, what does one do when they don't win a TV at work that they fully expected to win?

Trip to NFM! And that's just what we did.

First, let's get a few things straight...so people (mainly my parents) don't think I'm a crazy person and just went out and spent tons of money on an impulse buy.

We have talked A LOT about finally turning our basement room into something we can be proud of. Something we can use and enjoy. Let's get real, once kiddos come around, we are going to need the extra space. It's something we have kicked around for a long time, just haven't had the funds to see our dream come to reality.

Yes, we have purchased quite a few things from NFM in the past and happen to have a credit card that had a hefty balance at one time. However, we have finally paid off the current balance and were ready for a new purchase:) More of a bonus, Brian happened to manage NFM's recent renovations to the store, so we got employee pricing for one weekend only.

That meant we had to act now. And it saved us about $550!! What. A. Steal.

Now, for the reveal of our purchases: 

Sectional Couch: We are both so ecstatic about this. Especially Brian who hates our couches upstairs and complains they are not deep enough. This will finally put his unnecessary comments to bed. Divine slate gray color, and super comfortable. I have dibs on the chaise lounge!

TV: Brian picked this out, so I couldn't tell you one measly thing about it.

TV Stand: Not much to say, just a simple black TV stand.

Rug: A beautiful pop of color, contemporary rug. The style of this rug was a big step for me. Not one or two -- but three big, bold colors all wrapped into one.

It looks absolutely perfect with the couch. How do I know this?

Because I made the NFM rug sales guy carry it all the way up to the couch in the store just to see exactly what it would look like! Brian thought I was crazy, but I call it efficient. I would have hated to get the rug home and then not have liked it.

Here's the rug and some vases that will go perfectly.

So there you have it! Our soon-to-be new basement room! The only bad part? We won't get the couch for 6-8 weeks.

I'm so sad we won't have it when all our family comes for Thanksgiving:( Time to start painting and getting the room ready!

Gotta love home improvement projects.

A Weekend of Firsts Part 1

This weekend was full of firsts for me. Some fully expected where I knew they were coming, and others, not so much. I have a lot to tell, so I'm going to have to break it up into two posts.

I'll do it by days.

Friday: Some Interesting Firsts
Saturday: New Experiences Firsts

Friday night, we had the pleasure of celebrating Mr. and Mrs. Stein. They were married in Kauai back in July, so this was their reception.

It was at Californos, where I had never been before (First #1). A beautifully nestled spot in Westport, great patio, delicious food and nice decor. The weather couldn't have been more perfect to celebrate their marriage.

As expected, Julie looked beautiful. Her dress suited her perfectly, and was something different and unique (because of the length) than the average dress you typically see. Tommy looked equally stunning:)

They provided a photo booth, which was a lot of fun. I have read about these in magazines, heard about them numerous times, but never attended a wedding with one (First #2). Super great idea!

Each guest received a copy of their photos and another copy was compiled in a book for the bride and groom. I got to see the book on Saturday night, and it was so cute!

It reminded me of our save the date:).

Now for the interesting tell-all parts of the night...

More like horrific. At least I think so.

So, all day Friday (and Saturday) we were getting our roof replaced. Thanks hail and wind. If anyone has ever been through this process before, you know how annoyingly loud it is, and how trashy your house looks for several days. Boy, did I love waking up at 8:00 am Saturday morning to a bunch of loud banging on the roof. Oh, and not having a place to park for three days!

Anyways, I headed home after work on Friday to get ready for the reception. The roofers were still there when I arrived. After maneuvering around tools, old shingles, plywood boards, nails, extension cords and mexicans that wouldn't stop staring, I finally made it through my front door.

I go into our bedroom to get ready to hop in the shower. I undress and place my clothes in the hamper in our closet. As I enter the bathroom in my birthday suit, I am surprisingly greeted by roofers through our skylight window! I scream and run out. (First #3)

Should I have known better? Yes. Should the skylight glass be completely off where they can jump down into my house and get me in the guest shower if they really wanted to? I think not.

Time for horrific story numero dos...yes there were two in one night.

We had only been at the reception maybe 30 minutes when we we're standing at a cocktail table and I was browsing the patio area. You know, getting in some good people watching.

I spotted some family of the bride and groom, a cute hair bow pin, some people I haven't seen since college, a random pedestrian passing through Westport, an adorable little girl. I span my eyes to the right again as my stomach drops.

A girl standing there wearing EXACTLY the same dress as me. (First #4)

I know people this has happened to, but never me. I didn't know what it would feel like, until now. It is a horrible experience! How embarrassing. And it wasn't even a simple black dress. It was a dress with a prominent pattern and structure (one shoulder).

I eventually got over it. But I must say, I don't wish that upon anyone.

Here's to the Steins!

 Dance Partay!

 Ado's solo. Awesome!

 Pass the champagne bottle

 Betas

 Me and Lang: the photo taking queens

Driver or Camera????

Sorry to keep you all waiting, I was in Columbia, MO for work all day.

Here's the outcome from our little bet. Drum roll please...

Ta-da!! Yes-sir-eeeeeeee...that's a photo of a pretty new point-and-shoot camera!

Okay, I have some major explaining to do because my husband deserves A LOT of credit for taking on this project. Although, it's not complete yet (he finished all but caulking and painting), he did a fantastic job! Not to mention the crazy wind on Sunday and Monday that highly affected his progress. Large pieces of wood + extremely tall ladder high in the sky = NOT SAFE.

 Mark helped out for a bit on Sunday.

There was also one other thing that slightly held him back. A couple games called Golf, Waterfalls and P&A. Thanks to friends that came over Sunday night for a bbq, where it turned into a college reenactment of drinking games, he had a late start on Monday. He said he was "sabotaged." LOL :)

To reward his hard work (he was out there almost all day, every day the entire weekend), he will most likely end up with the driver anyways:) He definitely deserves it!

But a bet is a bet, and for the sake of saying who won, I win!!

Game On

I had to work a little later than the hubs yesterday, so I came home to a little surprise.

This is what greeted me when I pulled into the driveway:

Brian on a very tall ladder and the entire chimney pretty much ripped to pieces. What do I call this? Oh, only another project he has gotten himself in to.

Just so you know, this is typical behavior for my husband. It doesn't really surprise me anymore. He will find something that needs repaired, or just something he thinks needs a change, and just go at it right away. No need to think about how he will put it back together or if he even has the time to complete it. Hence, the tons of other projects he has started that are not finished in our home.

He thinks it's really funny to start these projects when I am out of town so I can't talk him out of them.

Seriously. He is up to his ears with home improvement projects.

This one just happens to be on the exterior, where it is entirely visible to everyone that goes by our house, including our neighbors. So this little project has to be completed in a timely manner.

He is convinced it will be done by the end of the Labor Day weekend, which means end of day Monday. We have initiated a little bet.

If he completes the project by Monday (paint included), he gets a new driver (golf club). He has wanted one for a really long time.

If he doesn't complete it, I get a new point and shoot digital camera (a smaller one that is more than 5 pixels). Yes, my old one is 5 pixels. Does that give you any idea as to when I purchased this? A LONG time ago. Luckily, I have my big camera as my main source of documentation.

We'll just have to see who wins the bet. I think he's absolutely nuts. Our neighbors do as well. One of them asked, "Are you doing this all by yourself?" Brian responded, "Yep." Next, they asked, "Do you know what you're doing?"

I'm confident in the hubs, but only time will tell. I have a feeling I might be impressed with his skills.

 Demolition. Taking out all the wood-rotted pieces.

 Installing new pieces.

Smorgasbord

How do I explain my Memorial Day weekend? Well, it was packed full of an assortment of activities and to do's. A little bit of everything really, a smorgasbord.

Our 3-day weekend consisted of shopping, lots of grilling out, yardwork, more bee killing, laundry, cleaning, friends, laying out, golf, cocktails, painting, bike riding, running errands, Jake time and relaxation!

A few of the highlights...

I went shopping with Heather on Friday afternoon and I must say, our attempt was VERY disappointing. We both had specific things we were looking for and both came up pretty unsuccessful. I actually ended the shopping excursion with more things for Brian than myself. How does that happen?? :)

Brian golfed on Sunday while I laid out with Heather, Walker, Matt, Ted and Cindy (Heather's mom). It was nice to just sit by the pool and relax. Great weather!

We went on a bike ride on Monday and it went very smooth! Twenty three miles! That's good for me.

Miscellaneous house to-do's started up again. We finished mulching and planting, started painting the trim again (ugh), and completed various projects we have been majorly procrastinating about.

South side of the house. The bushes are so small right now, but hopefully they will get big sooner than later!

Lilies on north side. Just bloomed!

North side. Love the hostas.

Hydrangeas. Almost bloomed. We have them in the back yard by the deck and on the north side.

Flower pots.

We grilled out A LOT. Chicken, steak and ribs. As much as we love grilling paired with wine or cocktails, we will probably be taking a little break:)

Friday: Chicken, veggies and red potatoes

Saturday: Steak, corn and pasta salad

Jakey Boy really wanted to snatch the steak off the table. He kept putting his nose as close as he could without getting in trouble:)

Looking after the yard while we eat. He always lays his head on the top railing.

Foot rub after dinner while enjoying the evening on the deck. What a nice hubby:)

Best Friends

Sunday night, we had Cole, Abby, Gabe and Denise over. We cooked ribs.

Cole said he brought a little surprise.

Little did I know...it was a video from back in college, 2004 to be exact, that included both Gabe and I in a KY Jelly wrestling tournament!! Bahaaaaaaaaaa! Here's a little reminiscing.

Not my proudest moment, but a college experience to remember:)

If it's not one thing...it's another

We are still without air conditioning. In fact, I am sitting here in the hotness right now. It sucks. The AC guy had to order a part and it won't be here until tomorrow. So we will be shackin' it up again tonight.

To top it all off, we have pesky, nasty carpenter bees!! And they are eating our deck!

Thanks to my web diagnosing nature and my ability to not procrastinate (ahem, brian), I found out we had them via the internet. We have actually had them for quite some time (they come out every summer), we just didn't know they were the type of bee that causes damage.

We truly thought they were just large bumble bees that were attracted to our sweet smelling hydrangea plants. Well, we were wrong...big time.

After jumping on the web and researching many different bees, it came to me. Crap, I think we have carpenter bees. I tell Brian and he just pretty much ignores me and acts like it's no big deal.

So, tonight after work I headed to Home Depot to get the weapon to kill these disgusting little insects. Notice, it's for termites too. Because these little sons of biatches eat wood just like termites. Don't worry we had those last year too. Good times.

And then I made Brian get out there and kill them. Well, sure enough, underneath the deck he found tons of holes where they had built a colony.

Here's the holes with the white spray in them. 

 

Some of the holes were so deep that the red straw on the bottle went all the way inside the hole. Brian was worried.

The even crazier thing was that we could hear the bees inside the wood going nuts and flying all over. I have a feeling there are many more inside the wood than I really want to know about.

While he was taking action, he had the spray in one hand and a towel in the other. The spray to shoot up in the holes and a towel, to swat them with as they came flying out.

It was too funny watching him get all flustered and swat at them. He kept saying things like, "Ha Ha sucker!", "Got ya biatch" and "Come back and see what happens!"

See for yourself.

He was really getting into it. Hopefully they'll be gone after we fill the holes.