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.
November 23, 2010
November 19, 2010
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.
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?
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.
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!
November 17, 2010
Crockpot Taco Soup
Sunday evening, we took dinner to the Greens with friends. They just had a precious baby girl, so everyone was excited to see how much baby Grace has grown since we last saw her.
The menu, fresh from Shawnee, was Crockpot Taco Soup (keep reading for recipe), Heather's Crockpot Mexican Chicken, and Studer's corn bread and delicious I don't know what it's called but oh so yummy ice cream oreo bar dessert. I'll have to get the recipe from her because it's a keeper.
It was great catching up with them and hearing all of Ted's very open, and humorous comments about having an infant in the household.
Baby Grace was a great model. She didn't like the flash much, but that may have been because she had to take her eyes off Matt for a moment. :)
Now, before I give you the recipe, I have to tell you something. But don't let it shy you away. It's a Weight Watchers recipe, but I can assure you it is mighty tasty and super easy! Let's just say the four guys didn't have any complaints.
Crock Pot Taco Soup
1 lb. ground sirloin/lean beef
½ onion, chopped
48 oz. bottle of low sodium V-8
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can of sweet yellow corn, drained and rinsed
1 can of kidney beans (or Northern Beans), drained and rinsed
I add, and highly recommend:
1 can of Rotel
Chopped Green Pepper
A little spice to give it a little kick (Tabasco or cayenne pepper)
1. Brown meat with chopped onion over medium heat until cooked through
2. Add meat and other ingredients to crock pot
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours
I normally brown my meat/onion the night before. Then, just throw everything in the crockpot the next morning and leave it.
The menu, fresh from Shawnee, was Crockpot Taco Soup (keep reading for recipe), Heather's Crockpot Mexican Chicken, and Studer's corn bread and delicious I don't know what it's called but oh so yummy ice cream oreo bar dessert. I'll have to get the recipe from her because it's a keeper.
It was great catching up with them and hearing all of Ted's very open, and humorous comments about having an infant in the household.
Baby Grace was a great model. She didn't like the flash much, but that may have been because she had to take her eyes off Matt for a moment. :)
Mid-yawn
Talking fantasy football of course
Now, before I give you the recipe, I have to tell you something. But don't let it shy you away. It's a Weight Watchers recipe, but I can assure you it is mighty tasty and super easy! Let's just say the four guys didn't have any complaints.
Crock Pot Taco Soup
1 lb. ground sirloin/lean beef
½ onion, chopped
48 oz. bottle of low sodium V-8
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can of sweet yellow corn, drained and rinsed
1 can of kidney beans (or Northern Beans), drained and rinsed
I add, and highly recommend:
1 can of Rotel
Chopped Green Pepper
A little spice to give it a little kick (Tabasco or cayenne pepper)
1. Brown meat with chopped onion over medium heat until cooked through
2. Add meat and other ingredients to crock pot
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours
I normally brown my meat/onion the night before. Then, just throw everything in the crockpot the next morning and leave it.
November 15, 2010
Dig Deeper
My motivation to workout has been extremely nonexistent lately. To be candid, I haven't had a true workout since I finished my triathlon back in August. Sad I know.
And I'm not really counting biking because other than the BikeMS ride and a few long training rides, I didn't overdo myself or anything.
I would love to say that taking Jake for walks/runs counts, but it really doesn't when both you and your lazy, out of shape dog can't handle anything more than a mile of running.
So, since I've been feeling soft around the edges, I had this bright idea to workout tonight.
Due to the depressing, way-too-early sunsets, I decided to just mosey down to the gym at my work. Trying to decide what to do -- elliptical, run, weights, -- I stumbled across Insanity.
I'm sure you have heard of this program. It's quite popular. I have heard about it, talked to several people about it, but have never been crazy enough to try it out.
For some reason, I thought I would give it a whirl. I thought to myself...
What do I have to lose?
I might as well start it off with a bang.
I mean, c'mon, the CEO and President of my company do this everyday (not kidding). And I'm way younger than them, I can totally handle this.
Let me just go ahead and say that I have no intentions of strictly adhering to this program. I'm not much of an every day worker-outer, and P90x only lasted about 2.5 weeks for me. I like programs such as these simply for the good workouts.
So, I popped in the DVD, and hoped the next 45 minutes wouldn't be hell.
Boy, was I wrong. I was so very wrong.
Dig Deeper. That's what Shaun T was asking me to do.
The only answer I had for him was, "This is absolutely insane. Screw this."
And that was only the first DVD of the program. The people in the video couldn't even keep up without looking like they were going to die.
Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I did it, and might consider trying another one, but it is INSANE!
In my opinion, at least 10 times harder than P90x.
Well, Shaun T, thanks for pushing me to dig deeper tonight. I was sweaty. I was exhausted. And I hated you.
But, for now, I will enjoy digging deeper into my carton of Haagen-Dazs Fat Free Raspberry Sorbet. Yes, please.
And I'm not really counting biking because other than the BikeMS ride and a few long training rides, I didn't overdo myself or anything.
I would love to say that taking Jake for walks/runs counts, but it really doesn't when both you and your lazy, out of shape dog can't handle anything more than a mile of running.
So, since I've been feeling soft around the edges, I had this bright idea to workout tonight.
Due to the depressing, way-too-early sunsets, I decided to just mosey down to the gym at my work. Trying to decide what to do -- elliptical, run, weights, -- I stumbled across Insanity.
I'm sure you have heard of this program. It's quite popular. I have heard about it, talked to several people about it, but have never been crazy enough to try it out.
For some reason, I thought I would give it a whirl. I thought to myself...
What do I have to lose?
I might as well start it off with a bang.
I mean, c'mon, the CEO and President of my company do this everyday (not kidding). And I'm way younger than them, I can totally handle this.
Let me just go ahead and say that I have no intentions of strictly adhering to this program. I'm not much of an every day worker-outer, and P90x only lasted about 2.5 weeks for me. I like programs such as these simply for the good workouts.
So, I popped in the DVD, and hoped the next 45 minutes wouldn't be hell.
Boy, was I wrong. I was so very wrong.
Dig Deeper. That's what Shaun T was asking me to do.
The only answer I had for him was, "This is absolutely insane. Screw this."
And that was only the first DVD of the program. The people in the video couldn't even keep up without looking like they were going to die.
Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I did it, and might consider trying another one, but it is INSANE!
In my opinion, at least 10 times harder than P90x.
Well, Shaun T, thanks for pushing me to dig deeper tonight. I was sweaty. I was exhausted. And I hated you.
But, for now, I will enjoy digging deeper into my carton of Haagen-Dazs Fat Free Raspberry Sorbet. Yes, please.
I Just Love Mondays
NOT.I really hate Mondays if you want me to be completely honest, but at least I get to offer you a Memoir Monday (hosted by Mrs. Ruby), recapping our much-needed 'kick-start to our basement project' weekend.
However, I keep telling my overly-anal husband, that if we would just go to town on priming/painting and not get too caught up in sanding, removing floor trim from the wall, sanding again, etc. etc, these projects would go much faster. But he doesn't listen.
He wins most battles when it comes to painting.
And as I stated in my last post, we had some time to do a little family photo shoot for our Christmas Card. The photographer you ask? Only our good friends, Tripod and Timer. Tripod is very trust worthy and always stands very still.
Not sure which one(s) we will use, but I think we have some pretty good choices considering our quick, self-photo shoot, sans photographer, at a park near our house.
Brian hates this one because of his culdesacs, but I just love it:)
Isn't Jake such a cutie? He was such a good boy while we were snapping photos on the bridge. He stayed close by and wasn't even leashed!
So, I was so excited seeing the photos on camera screen that I applied them to my Shutterfly drafted cards last night. I am very pleased with how they turned out, but am even more confused on which card to go with now! The colors in a photo can make the card look completely different.
Sunday, we had the pleasure of visiting the Greens and baby Grace. More to come on that adventure, along with the crock-pot taco soup recipe I took over there. Delish.
Here's to a happy Monday!
Here's to a happy Monday!
November 11, 2010
Blogging has PERKS!
Last week, I had a major breakdown when I suddenly realized it was already November.
I mean, we have some big things coming up -- hosting Thanksgiving at our house in KC for the first time ever, getting our basement ready for show and tell, lots of holiday parties, my cousin's wedding in Dallas, and the always dreaded...Christmas Card.
Don't get me wrong, I love cards. And I know our family and friends love receiving them.
It just so happens that the annual Christmas card requires a lot of time and preparation. I have always designed, printed and mailed my own cards. The process goes a little like this...
1. Scour your computer for a photo worthy enough to go on the card
2. Realize you don't have a worthy photo, so force your husband to do a self photo shoot
3. Select a photo
4. Start designing the card
5. Edit, edit, edit
6. Change the photo because you decided you didn't like the one you chose
7. Ask your husband for his input and get nothing
8. Finalize the card
9. Purchase paper and fun envelopes
10. Print cards and address labels (no turning back)
11. Trim cards
12. Stuff envelopes
13. Address envelopes
14. Stamp envelopes
15. Send to family and friends
Doesn't that sound like a lot of work and somewhat stressful?
Well, Shutterfly is making my life a little easier this holiday season.
They are offering 50 free holiday cards to bloggers. What a perk! I can't tell you how excited I was when I read about this deal on a friend's blog.
Did they just say free!? Why yes they did. Click here to join in on the sweet deal.
So, after spending hours on their site browsing the endless options, I have narrowed it down to four designs. Now, I used the photo from last year's Christmas card (plus a few random others), just as an example. Why you ask? Please refer to number two above. Can you guess what we might be doing this weekend? :)
Which one do you like? I need your help to decide!
With SO many options available on their site, it was super hard to narrow down, For someone who was dreading this process, I had way too much fun with this.
Their Christmas Cards were at the top of my list, but I was tempted to throw in the towel, and just do a Thanksgiving Card this year. How fun and different would these be with a nice photo of trees/leaves in the background?
I also plan to check out the Canvas Wall Art. Maybe something to go in our new basement room?
So, a big THANK YOU to Shutterfly for turning the much-dreaded-annual-Christmas-Card-fiasco into a fun, shopping adventure!
Don't forget to comment and help me decide which card to choose!
I mean, we have some big things coming up -- hosting Thanksgiving at our house in KC for the first time ever, getting our basement ready for show and tell, lots of holiday parties, my cousin's wedding in Dallas, and the always dreaded...Christmas Card.
Don't get me wrong, I love cards. And I know our family and friends love receiving them.
It just so happens that the annual Christmas card requires a lot of time and preparation. I have always designed, printed and mailed my own cards. The process goes a little like this...
1. Scour your computer for a photo worthy enough to go on the card
2. Realize you don't have a worthy photo, so force your husband to do a self photo shoot
3. Select a photo
4. Start designing the card
5. Edit, edit, edit
6. Change the photo because you decided you didn't like the one you chose
7. Ask your husband for his input and get nothing
8. Finalize the card
9. Purchase paper and fun envelopes
10. Print cards and address labels (no turning back)
11. Trim cards
12. Stuff envelopes
13. Address envelopes
14. Stamp envelopes
15. Send to family and friends
Doesn't that sound like a lot of work and somewhat stressful?
Well, Shutterfly is making my life a little easier this holiday season.
They are offering 50 free holiday cards to bloggers. What a perk! I can't tell you how excited I was when I read about this deal on a friend's blog.
Did they just say free!? Why yes they did. Click here to join in on the sweet deal.
So, after spending hours on their site browsing the endless options, I have narrowed it down to four designs. Now, I used the photo from last year's Christmas card (plus a few random others), just as an example. Why you ask? Please refer to number two above. Can you guess what we might be doing this weekend? :)
Option 1: Bright and Cheery Holiday
Option 2: Simple & Clean
Option 3: Holly Jolly, Jake Front & Center
Option 4: 2010 Timeline
Which one do you like? I need your help to decide!
With SO many options available on their site, it was super hard to narrow down, For someone who was dreading this process, I had way too much fun with this.
Their Christmas Cards were at the top of my list, but I was tempted to throw in the towel, and just do a Thanksgiving Card this year. How fun and different would these be with a nice photo of trees/leaves in the background?
I also plan to check out the Canvas Wall Art. Maybe something to go in our new basement room?
So, a big THANK YOU to Shutterfly for turning the much-dreaded-annual-Christmas-Card-fiasco into a fun, shopping adventure!
Don't forget to comment and help me decide which card to choose!
November 8, 2010
November 8th
Man, am I lovin' this weather. Seventy degrees in November!? In Kansas? Can you believe it?!
Reminds me of a day back in November of 2008.
Our wedding day! It wasn't quite seventy degrees, but it was nice enough to run through the leaves.
And pose for the camera while smoking cigars in a strapless dress.
Love these two shots.
I know some of my posts have been quite sappy lately, and chock-full of major cheesiness, but I couldn't let this day pass without expressing my appreciation for my hubby and our marriage.
And who doesn't love a great wedding recap of photos? I just love them. Anybody's really. Not kidding. I find myself searching through random blogs and photography websites admiring the photos and how the day was captured.
Most of these are taken right out of our flush-mount coffee table album.
We didn't do much. Decided to save some money due to our recent purchases and spend a nice, quiet evening at home over dinner, drinks and each other's company.
It was fabulous. I had the day off, so I spent the latter part of the day preparing and cooking all the hubs favorite dishes. Meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes, oriental salad (this is the only salad I can get him to eat) and Mexican Wedding Cake.
It was delish. And yes, that is our unity candle you see! I didn't have any candle sticks, so I figured we would put the unity candle to good use:).
Brian surprised me with some of my favorites:
- Relax Riesling wine
- Champagne (yes, we had both) :)
- Gerbera daisies
- French silk pie
- And a card!
I know this last one sounds weird, but an explanation will help.
I love cards. I am a total card freak. I love sending cards for random reasons and picking them up at the store for no good reason.
On the other hand, Brian is not a card person. However, I am changing him:). He gets such a kick out of finding a humorous card that fits our relationship to a T. I know we will love going back and looking at these when we are 80 years old.
What a fun evening spent at home!
Oh, and our new TV and TV stand was delivered during the day. Here we are trying it out:) We can't wait to get our sectional couch and get the room decorated!
Reminds me of a day back in November of 2008.
Our wedding day! It wasn't quite seventy degrees, but it was nice enough to run through the leaves.
And pose for the camera while smoking cigars in a strapless dress.
Love these two shots.
I know some of my posts have been quite sappy lately, and chock-full of major cheesiness, but I couldn't let this day pass without expressing my appreciation for my hubby and our marriage.
And who doesn't love a great wedding recap of photos? I just love them. Anybody's really. Not kidding. I find myself searching through random blogs and photography websites admiring the photos and how the day was captured.
Most of these are taken right out of our flush-mount coffee table album.
Ok, enough about our special day. On to how we celebrated our 2nd anniversary. Errr, didn't?
We didn't do much. Decided to save some money due to our recent purchases and spend a nice, quiet evening at home over dinner, drinks and each other's company.
It was fabulous. I had the day off, so I spent the latter part of the day preparing and cooking all the hubs favorite dishes. Meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes, oriental salad (this is the only salad I can get him to eat) and Mexican Wedding Cake.
It was delish. And yes, that is our unity candle you see! I didn't have any candle sticks, so I figured we would put the unity candle to good use:).
Brian surprised me with some of my favorites:
- Relax Riesling wine
- Champagne (yes, we had both) :)
- Gerbera daisies
- French silk pie
- And a card!
I know this last one sounds weird, but an explanation will help.
I love cards. I am a total card freak. I love sending cards for random reasons and picking them up at the store for no good reason.
On the other hand, Brian is not a card person. However, I am changing him:). He gets such a kick out of finding a humorous card that fits our relationship to a T. I know we will love going back and looking at these when we are 80 years old.
What a fun evening spent at home!
Oh, and our new TV and TV stand was delivered during the day. Here we are trying it out:) We can't wait to get our sectional couch and get the room decorated!
Dorks!
November 7, 2010
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.
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.
November 4, 2010
To Blog or Not To Blog?
Blog. What a funny word.
A word that is widely used in the world of social media today. One's attempt to get their voice heard among the online crowds. Or maybe just a place to think or daydream.
By definition:
A blog (a blend of the term "web log") is a website or part of a website maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries.
Well, mine is most obviously the latter. A personal online journal where I post the most random experiences and thoughts. A weekend adventure, a recipe I discovered, my obsession for Nutella or my opinion on a random subject.
Weird combo, I know. But it's the direction my blog decided to take me in.
I never really knew what having a blog would be like. Honestly, I contemplated the idea of starting one for about three months before I actually took the plunge. I thought to myself, is my life exciting enough to tell people about? Do people even care? Do I have time for this? Isn't this a little self-serving and narcissistic?
The whole blogging world was absolutely crazy to me. It still is. I sometimes wonder why I ever started one, but certain moments and thoughts bring me back to the real reasons I put in the effort.
It's a place where I vent and reflect.
It forces me to be creative and somewhat artistic.
Encourages me to really think about things longer than I would have.
Therefore, teaches me to be a better person, and strive for things.
Often surprises me.
Can annoy the hell out of me for time sake.
Is a place where I collaborate and collect my thoughts.
The blogging world has also reunited me to old friendships. I never would have thought I would reconnect with some college friends via online commentary.
And I can't tell you how much I actually learn from reading blogs. Each and every one of us has a story to tell - in our own way of course - whether it's a random experience, opinion, idea, thought, project or tip, somebody out there wants to listen or know about it.
So, to all you fellow bloggers and readers, keep it up!
A word that is widely used in the world of social media today. One's attempt to get their voice heard among the online crowds. Or maybe just a place to think or daydream.
By definition:
A blog (a blend of the term "web log") is a website or part of a website maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries.
Well, mine is most obviously the latter. A personal online journal where I post the most random experiences and thoughts. A weekend adventure, a recipe I discovered, my obsession for Nutella or my opinion on a random subject.
Weird combo, I know. But it's the direction my blog decided to take me in.
I never really knew what having a blog would be like. Honestly, I contemplated the idea of starting one for about three months before I actually took the plunge. I thought to myself, is my life exciting enough to tell people about? Do people even care? Do I have time for this? Isn't this a little self-serving and narcissistic?
The whole blogging world was absolutely crazy to me. It still is. I sometimes wonder why I ever started one, but certain moments and thoughts bring me back to the real reasons I put in the effort.
It's a place where I vent and reflect.
It forces me to be creative and somewhat artistic.
Encourages me to really think about things longer than I would have.
Therefore, teaches me to be a better person, and strive for things.
Often surprises me.
Can annoy the hell out of me for time sake.
Is a place where I collaborate and collect my thoughts.
The blogging world has also reunited me to old friendships. I never would have thought I would reconnect with some college friends via online commentary.
And I can't tell you how much I actually learn from reading blogs. Each and every one of us has a story to tell - in our own way of course - whether it's a random experience, opinion, idea, thought, project or tip, somebody out there wants to listen or know about it.
So, to all you fellow bloggers and readers, keep it up!
November 1, 2010
Memoir Monday
We were on Union Program Council (UPC) together and became buddies while planning fun events for the K-State Union. Check out her amazing blog here, it's one of my daily reads!
I already posted about Halloween, so here's about the rest of our busy-filled weekend.
We surprisingly had a stress-free trip to Nebraska Furniture Mart on Saturday. Most of our trips there end in arguments, with both of us not agreeing on anything. However, this trip concluded with more decisions than I thought I could make in 2 hours. More to come later about that. :)
After not getting to bed until 4:30 am (thanks to some difficult temporary tattoos), we were up early the next morning to see the Chiefs take on the Bills.
It was quite a scare for a Halloween game, but luckily, we pulled off a win! Chiefs are 5-2. Hooray!
Fun fact I pulled off a friend's facebook: The Chiefs have won 5 games in the past 49 days. And the 800 days before that? 5 games. Yikes.
I found Waldo! And Michael.
We ran into my cousin and uncle who were only one section over.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
