tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-178370142024-03-07T01:28:01.891-06:00Two VroomsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-78887272198295840232014-09-17T15:52:00.003-05:002014-09-17T15:52:43.555-05:00Building a Baby Dresser and The Longest To-Do List Since Wedding Planning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have a huge list of things to finish before baby. It's three pages long. Typed. I assigned one task to every day until our due date, with the third page being "extra" tasks that didn't get assigned to a certain day. There were not enough days.</div>
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How much can possibly be left to do? I mean, <a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/2014/09/making-fox-mobile-nursery-progress.html" target="_blank">the fox mobile has been built</a>.</div>
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Well. Between attending weekly childbirth classes, hospital paperwork, showers, cleaning, washing, shopping and returning, organizing, thank-you's, cooking freezer meals, insurance changes, and random house projects to finish, there are plenty of to-do's. Jon has been busy crossing his things off the list, too. </div>
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See what he built!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIiDxavqFMtP_4mDvLBTUOETH2FHJHEpZ1OsSoWUrtlTXZvY_4Ckhl6fVw0u3h75EnSdPjNGi5I5WDy3A805g7CT-KdUe8v86RzCBQOJC1YngfPhfYHjj9569_-oNqtL8Qbseig/s1600/IMG_1420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIiDxavqFMtP_4mDvLBTUOETH2FHJHEpZ1OsSoWUrtlTXZvY_4Ckhl6fVw0u3h75EnSdPjNGi5I5WDy3A805g7CT-KdUe8v86RzCBQOJC1YngfPhfYHjj9569_-oNqtL8Qbseig/s1600/IMG_1420.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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Because you can never have too much storage.<br />
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And because how great is he??<br />
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I mean, today I crossed off "pack hospital snack bag for Jon." Except I could only halfway cross it off, because I forgot to buy Starbursts. The list asks for Starbursts ... don't argue with the list. So in comparison to my failure at the simplest task of purchasing artificially flavored processed sugars, Jon produced this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8JkkfqvYtpBf4ZZyq-WBQH4jMxWyJA5CgqzPhjMg1DaOk0lI81BFzPdWr9GTkmmAH4-1h5SxLf2yM0Cje-eYESaY0B-Qbrqgjs0pAAEV3dFoiADvIk-eCv6fTzZx0HepiQoTnQ/s1600/IMG_1427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="building a dresser" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8JkkfqvYtpBf4ZZyq-WBQH4jMxWyJA5CgqzPhjMg1DaOk0lI81BFzPdWr9GTkmmAH4-1h5SxLf2yM0Cje-eYESaY0B-Qbrqgjs0pAAEV3dFoiADvIk-eCv6fTzZx0HepiQoTnQ/s1600/IMG_1427.JPG" height="320" title="building a dresser" width="239" /></a></div>
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PRETTAYYY fancy to change diapers on top of!<br />
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He drew up the plans himself, a regular Norm Abrams. He probably has no idea who that is. Actually, a few times he would call me out to the garage to look at something (I can say this because he never reads this) and would say look! I am doing this the way your dad taught me! It was the sweetest thing ever. Dad, I hope you're reading this.<br />
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All I did for this project was come along to Sears a few times hoping they had free popcorn (no), and pick out the hardware on eBay. I showed the eBay picture to Jon and asked what he thought of them.<br />
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Jon - I hate them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh82-nZci3PGi2BnhZK74xbC3717fQaWTrExWfqzAanJ8V_4EO9_2O22DZfko4gikSDw-MHEKgXOkyEAxLiAQ39g43Thsl1XzX9RAPnRre1Q1SFbY-SfnLR3b6LxSDVwExqio57g/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh82-nZci3PGi2BnhZK74xbC3717fQaWTrExWfqzAanJ8V_4EO9_2O22DZfko4gikSDw-MHEKgXOkyEAxLiAQ39g43Thsl1XzX9RAPnRre1Q1SFbY-SfnLR3b6LxSDVwExqio57g/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well. Let me rephrase my question as a statement. Jon, I am ordering these handles.<br />
Jon - What? I said I hate them.<br />
Me - You will like them when they come.<br />
Jon - No.<br />
Me - I am fairly certain. That you will like them in real life.<br />
Jon - I don't know why you bother asking me if --<br />
Me - Oh look! Free 2 day shipping. (Click). They will be here in 2 days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7SI9zVWacEuzDjVG2_YFOwhO0vYO64Byu-aGYx-TVCNBWmfkMg-kbfeIHACTi0jhutBL8eF6sSMusWxrsViHXtMchoA5iS3g0I7HTP7EQ10Dx9xK2h_s4fUvcvQpnX1XY6AL0Q/s1600/IMG_1429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="white dresser for nursery" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7SI9zVWacEuzDjVG2_YFOwhO0vYO64Byu-aGYx-TVCNBWmfkMg-kbfeIHACTi0jhutBL8eF6sSMusWxrsViHXtMchoA5iS3g0I7HTP7EQ10Dx9xK2h_s4fUvcvQpnX1XY6AL0Q/s1600/IMG_1429.JPG" height="320" title="white dresser for nursery" width="239" /></a></div>
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They ended up being about $5 each.<br />
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Jon likes them.<br />
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I knew he would come around. That's why I love him enough to pack him a VIP snack bag that he can eat in front of me while I am restricted to surgical clear liquids and mostly likely wondering why I want to have a baby without an epidural when I made sure to be unconscious to get my wisdom teeth pulled.<br />
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There are a few bigger things left on the list. Choosing childcare. Repairing the side of our house where the neighbor's trampoline crash landed during a 90 mph wind storm this summer. Cleaning out the "guest room" (a euphemism for our island of misfit belongings ... sombrero's, shooting targets, fishing paraphernalia, half-crafted crafts...).<br />
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And the last item on the list, assigned to our due date: Pick a name.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-75064544315085467382014-09-07T19:31:00.000-05:002014-09-08T10:45:02.231-05:00Making a Fox Mobile: Nursery ProgressWe've been busy putting together a woodland nursery for our little boy coming in October. I guess I hadn't been spending enough time browsing nursery themes on Pinterest or Etsy, but I didn't realize that forest animals were such a popular thing for baby's rooms lately. At least it's not chevron... ugh.<br />
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One project we planned together was a mobile for above the crib featuring origami foxes. Or, "The Foxmobile," as we have been calling it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNvb9anoTLf7hahdBliwqp730On-SVfZQvDlg9ExdC8ZnqYHe9GaLJbLGO0-rOHGH8OwTCUN7Hkzq5krf9ArCF4-gVEm0rlIr5eqn5t53mlLQVhvwwra6K6AsAiOOf33UpgC_Ig/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNvb9anoTLf7hahdBliwqp730On-SVfZQvDlg9ExdC8ZnqYHe9GaLJbLGO0-rOHGH8OwTCUN7Hkzq5krf9ArCF4-gVEm0rlIr5eqn5t53mlLQVhvwwra6K6AsAiOOf33UpgC_Ig/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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I was in charge of a few months of casually folding origami foxes. I bought the paper on amazon and it came a little brighter than I was imagining, but it's a kid's room. He is allowed bright orange. I'm no seasoned origami expert, but I was able to follow Mark Leonard's origami fox pattern which is found <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbfkd4bK-_0YUxLcTpsG9UoWeIKyyrQk6wBERAfOFnPThHdul8w9cEPYPcuJYzhRWcLXiIRCXGvF_rRIr4odxXPhy2er9AGVIv2r30UWH90HlVFadaZdXGJaH41gar0RHCHSG/s1600/foxdiagrams(revised).GIF" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbfkd4bK-_0YUxLcTpsG9UoWeIKyyrQk6wBERAfOFnPThHdul8w9cEPYPcuJYzhRWcLXiIRCXGvF_rRIr4odxXPhy2er9AGVIv2r30UWH90HlVFadaZdXGJaH41gar0RHCHSG/s1600/foxdiagrams(revised).GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbfkd4bK-_0YUxLcTpsG9UoWeIKyyrQk6wBERAfOFnPThHdul8w9cEPYPcuJYzhRWcLXiIRCXGvF_rRIr4odxXPhy2er9AGVIv2r30UWH90HlVFadaZdXGJaH41gar0RHCHSG/s1600/foxdiagrams(revised).GIF" height="640" width="433" /></a></div>
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Jon was in charge of assembly, and I am blissfully unaware of the details. I am sure he found the most complicated way to reach the most perfect foxmobile setup. His original design involved a three tier fox chandelier of sorts ... which I requested we simplify. In the end, he strung a small washer inside each fox and dangled them from fishing line, which knotted up to a wooden frame that looks like a 4-pane window. There was also some business involving him crawling around the attic, purpose unclear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xg_DYWG-0xtLhdd03q6B8DGpsJQvw8jUkawCHnYrnZZtXo6GHEkFpYtoexYqZZPicWl36LMgFwr0g150vRP6yu7_g-1XVYNmjbvYnKNR7Yg77rShHAD8ez5-lbqMjjGVlpEpUA/s1600/IMG_1415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xg_DYWG-0xtLhdd03q6B8DGpsJQvw8jUkawCHnYrnZZtXo6GHEkFpYtoexYqZZPicWl36LMgFwr0g150vRP6yu7_g-1XVYNmjbvYnKNR7Yg77rShHAD8ez5-lbqMjjGVlpEpUA/s1600/IMG_1415.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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In the end, the fox mobile turned out perfect for the space. They don't tangle when the fan is on, and I don't hit my head on fifteen foxes when I (pretend to) lean over and put a baby in the crib.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwwjPEWkb4JlElTxuAlqyPTGFyuENIx3FM-vw5zrvRqN3gnC7V2_pMu5ZTsfLIScGy-1cHgBI-fvbPtnmlaiPpFXwEA33a_0Llp08dilkbEqim4NzVbfksJWqA_JVp7Xm2y6UWw/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwwjPEWkb4JlElTxuAlqyPTGFyuENIx3FM-vw5zrvRqN3gnC7V2_pMu5ZTsfLIScGy-1cHgBI-fvbPtnmlaiPpFXwEA33a_0Llp08dilkbEqim4NzVbfksJWqA_JVp7Xm2y6UWw/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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I asked my little nephew over skype if he could tell what animal it was. Without hesitation, he replied, "A RAT!" Yes. A mobile of orange rats. Because why not??</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-28864664472897037762014-09-06T23:37:00.002-05:002014-09-06T23:37:57.446-05:00Coconut Cinnamon Ginger Protein Shake RecipeIt's September and we've had one night cool enough to sleep with the windows open. Within 12 hours of this, I already switched out my Scentsy air freshener to "Mulled Cider" and was looking up fall baking recipes and planning a week full of soups, crock pots, and pasta. I think it's supposed to be in the 80's again on Tuesday. I may have to re-visit the meal plan.<br />
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But seriously:<br />
<a href="http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/quick-recipes/breakfast/easy-oatmeal-recipes/?page=6" target="_blank">Baked Raspberry Cheesecake Oatmeal</a>?<br />
<a href="http://damndelicious.net/2014/03/22/cauliflower-chowder/" target="_blank">Cauliflower Chowder</a>?<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/241575967487207109/" target="_blank">Gnocchi a la Sorentina</a>?<br />
<a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2014/09/maple-apple-granola.html#more" target="_blank">Maple Apple Granola</a>?<br />
I'll be back for you all.<br />
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I have about 7 weeks left until my due date, and am still trying to load up on protein. This shake is easy, packs some fall flavor, and is infinitely more guilt-free than yesterday's pumpkin spice latte. Sorry about that, baby.<br />
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<b><br />Coconut Cinnamon Ginger Protein Shake</b><br />
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1 cup coconut milk<br />
2 T shredded coconut, I used unsweetened<br />
1 T coconut oil<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
1/4 tsp almond flavoring<br />
1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp ginger<br />
2 scoops protein powder (I used Body by Vi ViShape Sweet Cream)<br />
Ice to thicken (8-10 cubes, or whatever you like)<br />
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Blend in blender until smooth. Makes 1 serving.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com2Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-24879117402149040472014-05-25T20:41:00.000-05:002014-05-25T20:41:00.294-05:00Apple Nachos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93quf0n5_W0/U4DubDST3DI/AAAAAAAAmUw/quFXyvwFVc0/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93quf0n5_W0/U4DubDST3DI/AAAAAAAAmUw/quFXyvwFVc0/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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I found a new favorite snack! These apple nachos are quick to make and more fun than just eating an apple.<br />
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Slice your apple thinly and cover it with whatever you think sounds good on an apple. I melted some peanut butter with coconut oil and sprinkled on some chopped chocolate, pecans, and coconut.<br />
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I made a later batch with strawberry rhubarb jam, chopped strawberries, marshmallows, and crushed pretzels.<br />
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All the options remind me of a caramel apple store in Long Beach ... I think I can eat these all summer!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-9045181127362807232014-05-24T13:34:00.000-05:002014-05-24T13:35:20.424-05:00Waiting For a Bump: Un-Bump Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I thought I would be one of those pregnant people who took a cute belly picture every week. In two days, I'll be 19 weeks pregnant (almost halfway!) and am still waiting for a bump to happen.<i> I</i> can tell that I look different, my jeans fit tighter, and I feel funny laying on my stomach. However, I mostly just look like I'm putting on weight. So great.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvymSdtitMU/U4DfdQhw3TI/AAAAAAAAmPY/71EAvGgmQAU/s1600/IMG_0961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvymSdtitMU/U4DfdQhw3TI/AAAAAAAAmPY/71EAvGgmQAU/s1600/IMG_0961.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 weeks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCIo7p7gL6g/U4Dfdf7qsfI/AAAAAAAAmPY/HX03QR-KQA0/s1600/IMG_0963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCIo7p7gL6g/U4Dfdf7qsfI/AAAAAAAAmPY/HX03QR-KQA0/s1600/IMG_0963.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtA3FFmIdZE/U4DdAwjDEoI/AAAAAAAAmOE/g7Sk49wNz5c/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtA3FFmIdZE/U4DdAwjDEoI/AAAAAAAAmOE/g7Sk49wNz5c/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11 weeks</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06OnVQkozpo/U4DgAJRL6iI/AAAAAAAAmRI/aBX0fFCi8z0/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06OnVQkozpo/U4DgAJRL6iI/AAAAAAAAmRI/aBX0fFCi8z0/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" height="320" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16 weeks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wcr_lnmmvRk/U4DgF1jg8SI/AAAAAAAAmRc/0C9YneuiG6k/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wcr_lnmmvRk/U4DgF1jg8SI/AAAAAAAAmRc/0C9YneuiG6k/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">17 weeks</td></tr>
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Doctor checkup at 17 weeks was normal! The baby's heart rate was 143, and I'd gained .4 pounds.<br />
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<b>Feeling: </b> Good! I'm sleeping well, feel like I have my normal energy back, and haven't been nauseous since about week 14. If I don't eat right away in the morning, I get light headed and tingly very easily. I'm not a headache person, but weeks 14-15 I had some pretty miserable ones. I tried drinking more, eating more, and sleeping more, but the best thing was caffeine. My doctor told me reasonable amounts of coffee are fine, as long as I am not drinking espresso. I haven't felt the baby move yet.<br />
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<b>Craving:</b> Orange juice, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob (with lots of salt and pepper), unsweetened iced coffee. I really haven't been hungry for sweet things -- Jon eats ice cream without me, and the other day he brought home a cookie from work for me and I didn't want it. Also, there are 7 Hershey bars in the pantry for s'mores which are strangely uneaten.<br />
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<b>Boy or Girl?: </b>Our ultrasound is scheduled for June 11, and we're hoping to find out then! I don't have "a feeling" either way. Jon is reallllllly hoping for a boy because, his words, "I don't know anything about girls."<br />
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<b>Shopping: </b>I'm working on a baby registry on Amazon, but have been avoiding any more baby shopping. So far I have a few boring things like baby hangers and a boppy (no cover), and a some more fun things including a couple outfits and a nursery chair.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkBfNKIn9_w/U4DkLH7PLBI/AAAAAAAAmUE/Oa8vUN_ptCk/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkBfNKIn9_w/U4DkLH7PLBI/AAAAAAAAmUE/Oa8vUN_ptCk/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon is probably putting rockers on this</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8KJ9wwI8Uo/U4DkWAoPSdI/AAAAAAAAmUM/XEWRytdqGuk/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8KJ9wwI8Uo/U4DkWAoPSdI/AAAAAAAAmUM/XEWRytdqGuk/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also ... tiny irresistible garage sale finds. Not exactly gender neutral.</td></tr>
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<b>Looking Forward To: </b>Decorating the nursery, ultrasound, having a bump by family vacation!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-71087923025599593152014-04-26T21:31:00.000-05:002014-04-27T12:06:28.193-05:00Peach Creamsicle Protein Shake Recipe<span style="font-family: Arimo;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.03999900817871px;">There is sort of no such thing as a smoothie recipe. Add what you have until you can drink it through a straw. Hope for the best.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.03999900817871px;">6 slices frozen peaches</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.03999900817871px;">1/2 cup crushed ice</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.03999900817871px;">1 cup orange juice (or Trop50 for low cal)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.03999900817871px;">2 scoops protein shake mix - I used Visalus/Body by Vi Sweet Cream flavor</span><br />
Optional: 2 spoonfuls of greek yogurt - I used Chobani Vanilla<br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.03999900817871px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.03999900817871px;">Blend in blender. Adjust thickness of shake by increasing or decreasing amount of ice.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.03999900817871px;">If you like your smoothies sweeter, try using milk or coconut milk instead of orange juice. I like my fruit smoothies tart and as fruity as possible, so I stuck with orange juice.</span><br />
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This was the perfect lunch after garden planting, which I'm proud to report is FINISHED except for onions and basil.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.03999900817871px;">I no longer sell Body by Vi products, but still love their protein shake mix! You can </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Visalus-VI-Shape-Nutritional-Shake-Flavor/dp/B005ZA0VUO/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1398617739&sr=1-1&keywords=body+by+vi" style="font-family: Arimo; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.03999900817871px;" target="_blank">buy it online</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.03999900817871px;"> at Amazon if you don't know anybody who sells it. Adding some greek yogurt gives this smoothie an additional boost of protein. I'm aiming for 75g of protein a day, and this smoothie has about 17g. Good thing we hit up a local BBQ place for supper and I at a mountain of pulled pork.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-60943758886290852692014-04-25T12:07:00.000-05:002014-04-25T12:09:26.402-05:00Kitchen BacksplashThe kitchen is now my favorite room in the house!<br />
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I mean, besides the fridge and pantry (hello second trimester, it's about time), Jon finished the backsplash!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlXwmWndv88/U1qLKYBhUkI/AAAAAAAAmCM/_cwOo0TuSlo/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlXwmWndv88/U1qLKYBhUkI/AAAAAAAAmCM/_cwOo0TuSlo/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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We used 3x12 glass subway tiles in a blue gray color named "Serene" by Bodesi. They took four months to get here, because there was some Canadian trucker strike causing a delay.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFZLLS_0NGA/U1qLS1BkFyI/AAAAAAAAmCU/PhunhJqksLA/s1600/IMG_1037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFZLLS_0NGA/U1qLS1BkFyI/AAAAAAAAmCU/PhunhJqksLA/s1600/IMG_1037.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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We opted to remove the existing 4" backsplash and run the tile all the way down to the counter. Jon laid them in a brick pattern with the seams staggered on the thirds. He had to use a special ($$) glass-cutting diamond blade on the tile saw, and said it was <strike>infuriating</strike> tedious to get a good cut, but we made it and there was no smashing of glass tile in the streets. Although it was threatened at one point before we got the correct blade.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6QN8Usnhxk/U1qLmkN9VOI/AAAAAAAAmCc/D6troY_lH-g/s1600/IMG_1033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6QN8Usnhxk/U1qLmkN9VOI/AAAAAAAAmCc/D6troY_lH-g/s1600/IMG_1033.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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Move In Day:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymc-FTY7oTCAeTkIRvFHXSLTfukekUWg01RMSdd-sTLTvrCva1SBr4yCIb6VISb8G99URhqaRTKHY0L7RSlaJK9XbcFt8UieEAp4tAq0VujsZL_G1Ra24rEIjb9wOkRome660mw/s1600/DSC00437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymc-FTY7oTCAeTkIRvFHXSLTfukekUWg01RMSdd-sTLTvrCva1SBr4yCIb6VISb8G99URhqaRTKHY0L7RSlaJK9XbcFt8UieEAp4tAq0VujsZL_G1Ra24rEIjb9wOkRome660mw/s1600/DSC00437.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before backsplash: (also before new pendant shades and faucet)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WKrsiQvBhZc/UmQUxozMCmI/AAAAAAAAGeM/lNPPLCcAUI0/s1600/IMG_0402.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WKrsiQvBhZc/UmQUxozMCmI/AAAAAAAAGeM/lNPPLCcAUI0/s1600/IMG_0402.MOV" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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After:<br />
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The color is definitely a little cooler and more blue than I expected it to be, but it fits in well with the rest of the main floor and ties in with some blue flecks in our counters. We're happy -- especially for picking a color online without ordering a sample! Which was dumb. But I didn't want to wait another four months. And it worked out :)</div>
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This morning Jon woke up and said he wants to tear the deck off the back of the house and rebuild it with no railings and a big wraparound step and raise it a few inches and build a second level and unside/reside/reflash part of the back of the house. Um, what? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com0Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-91336823850722524232014-04-24T17:04:00.000-05:002014-04-24T17:09:32.778-05:00VIPs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some good friends of ours got tickets from work to a White Sox game. Despite Jon being a die hard Cubs fan and me being a general baseball un-fan, we were both pretty excited to get out of the house and you know, enjoy some spring sunshine.</div>
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Unfortunately, it was about 40 degrees and raining. Rain delay? No problem! I'm actually here for the bacon on a stick. And hot chocolate.</div>
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Eventually there was a gap in the rain, so they started the game. We wiped off our cold plastic seats with paper napkins and as time passed, I basically seized up into a frozen apathetic spectator. Why are there so many innings. Why did I wear flip flops today. WHY are people buying cold beer in this weather?? </div>
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Three eternal innings later, a woman leading a party of three marched down to us and informed us that we were in their seats. Apparently we sat on the wrong side of the aisle. In a stadium that is 10% full. There were about, oh, several thousand seats open. For example, the ten open rows in front of us. And every seat to every side of us. </div>
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"YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO MOVE." In all caps because she was speaking in the most annoying way possible. "BEST PART IS OUR SEATS ARE WARM AND DRY!!" Incredulous stares beamed at Caps Lock woman. "HA HA!"</div>
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I am not sure if I can adequately convey how much I hate being cold, how long it had been since I finished eating concessions, and how close this shorts-wearing caps-lock-speaking woman was to getting strangled by a deranged hypothermic girl in flip-flops.</div>
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Fortunately, the company had also comped us with passes to some VIP lounge which sounded <strike>very expensive and not appropriate for people wearing wet coats and carrying a baby</strike> better than sitting in a new row of cold wet seats. We decided to check it out.</div>
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This was the best decision all day, trumping bacon on a stick. </div>
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We sat (almost) right on the glass and had a great view, a nearby bathroom, a waitress, a happy baby, a steak burger topped with macaroni and cheese...</div>
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BEST PART IS OUR SEATS WERE WARM AND DRY!!</div>
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And we watched Caps Lock and her followers get drenched and run for the stands as the next rain delay began.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com0Chicago, IL, USA41.8781136 -87.62979819999998241.4995241 -88.275245199999986 42.256703099999996 -86.984351199999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-49766418603383749972014-04-23T10:38:00.000-05:002014-09-06T15:52:48.746-05:00Where Have I Been?Well, unemployed.<br />
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Sort of.<br />
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I left my full-time position working at the rehab hospital in March. There were a lot of reasons I left, but after a year and a half the bottom line was that although I loved what I did at work, the company was unorganized and unprofessional. And sometimes, I felt, unethical.<br />
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The plan was to pick up more hours at my second job, where they pay me 30%+ more per hour. According to my math, I would need to work 25-27 hrs a week to bring home the same amount of money. They reason they pay me more is because it's a PRN or "as needed" position. This means no benefits and no guaranteed hours. While paid time off and money for continuing education was great, I didn't need health insurance through work so no benefits? No problem.<br />
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The kicker has been the no guaranteed hours. When I was working full time somewhere else, my second job was constantly contacting me and asking me to work because they were SO busy. Fast forward until I quit my full time job -- now they have a super low census and don't need me. Going on 4 weeks.<br />
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Ideally I didn't want to juggle multiple jobs, but I need to work! I am waiting to hear back on two other job opportunities that seem to offer good pay and flexible hours.<br />
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So here's a little smattering of what I have been up to:<br />
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<b>1. The house is clean. </b>Obviously something is up, because the folded laundry is put away, and the bed is made. I rediscovered<a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/2013/09/home-management-binder.html" target="_blank"> my obsession with my cleaning list</a>, and have been trying out some new cleaning supplies from <a href="http://honest.com/accept_invitation/514633" target="_blank">The Honest Company</a> (referral link). So far I am impressed. With strategy and coupon codes, they are reasonably priced and clean well without the heavy chemical smell creating an acid rain cloud in my bathroom. Also, no vinegar. Winning. <!-----><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_SwzoMaX1c/U1kspR6ebWI/AAAAAAAAl_o/DGqH_d0rLrA/s1600/IMG_1040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_SwzoMaX1c/U1kspR6ebWI/AAAAAAAAl_o/DGqH_d0rLrA/s1600/IMG_1040.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>2. I bought a bird feeder. </b>This was at the beginning of my quitting days. Jon was all against this idea, stating "we're not old enough to start buying bird feeders" and arguing vehemently that this would cause birds to poop on his truck. I, however, am on a mission to bring our backyard up from its current level of lifelessness. It's somewhere around "surface of the moon" inching up towards "clay basketball court growing some weeds". I hung the bird feeder on our fence because sadly, we have no trees large enough to hold it up.<br />
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<b>3. Watering straw bales. </b>We're adding two straw bale gardens to the backyard this summer. I read about this in Fine Gardening. They have a twofold benefit of hopefully providing enough garden space to grow pumpkins AND satisfying my compulsion to create 2000 pounds of compost to spread on our <strike>clay basketball court</strike> lawn.<br />
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<b>4. Painted the bathroom vanity. Hate. </b>I am so disappointed with how this color turned out. I was going for something like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/cat2520052?$l-cg$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/cat2520052?$l-cg$" height="157" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?categoryId=cat2520052" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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but ended up with something more like this:<br />
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Except without all the marble and fresh flowers. I haven't even taken a picture because I am that underwhelmed. To make this even more frustrating, we made the mistake of venturing into the counter top section and discovering how much some fool paid for our current counter top -- a brown speckled plastic/resin with integrated sinks. Quartz. Was cheaper. WHO BUILT THIS HOUSE.<br />
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<b>5. A year's worth of mending. </b>Enough that by the end, I threw some things away instead of attempting to mend them. At least I rediscovered five pairs of leggings that had been languishing in the mending basket/pile long enough to be forgotten.<br />
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<b>6. Which turned into an "I want to sew again" obsession. </b>Something fun! aka not the busted out seams on 5 pairs of leggings. If you have access to an appropriate size child, I found this free dress pattern today at <a href="http://thecottagemama.com/2014/03/party-dress-free-pattern-re-release/" target="_blank">The Cottage Mama</a>. You have to sign up for her email newsletter, and the pattern gets emailed to you.<br />
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<b>7. Thinking about these muffins. </b>From <a href="http://www.thelawstudentswife.com/2014/04/chocolate-chunk-coffee-muffins/#more-5183" target="_blank">The Law Student's Wife</a>. (not me). Chocolate chunk coffee muffins? Yes.<br />
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So! Hoping PRAYING work picks up. $oon.<br />
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Any inspiration of the sewing/eating/cleaning variety that you'd like to share?<!----referral-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com0Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-17202276035878944452014-01-08T17:32:00.000-06:002014-01-08T17:35:51.726-06:00Snow Day(s)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99HH5Gn4EKg/Us3e_ME4v4I/AAAAAAAAKbM/qXd1OcrYCfE/s1600/IMG_0893-SNOW.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99HH5Gn4EKg/Us3e_ME4v4I/AAAAAAAAKbM/qXd1OcrYCfE/s1600/IMG_0893-SNOW.gif" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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We're buried! About 12" of snow, 35 mph winds, and -50 degree windchills filled our weekend and the first part of the week.<br />
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I use the term "snow day" rather loosely. Even though the county had closed all roads and nobody was allowed out except emergency workers, I got several messages from my managers making it clear that I was expected to be at work. Jon brought me in on Monday, as there was no way the Malibu was making it out of our unplowed, drifting, neighborhood.<br />
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After working a full day, I was informed that legally I wasn't allowed to leave the hospital since the roads were closed -- I was only allowed to COME to work. The hospital told us that police officers were fining people returning home $500 to $2500 for being out. Our CEO told us that our safety was "first priority" (although ... apparently only AFTER I had seen all the patients) and recommended we sleep at the hospital. Um, no thank you.<br />
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Millie is very displeased that we won't let her outside.<br />
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We're thankful for a warm house, 4 wheel drive, and some sun today to begin to melt the roads! Stay warm!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com2Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-90104374984843981972014-01-05T17:50:00.001-06:002014-01-05T17:53:37.411-06:00Kitchen Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This winter we haven't done many house projects, but recently we made some updates in our kitchen.</div>
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This faucet (my Christmas present) is a<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=twov-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00BGSNGLK&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank"> Ruvati commercial-style pullout spray faucet</a>. It switches to and from the spray setting by twisting the end of the faucet head. We bought it from Overstock.com with one of their holiday %-off coupons. Almost makes you want to come over and wash my dishes, right?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho98xLcQygY/UsnUHfcf1hI/AAAAAAAAHMo/RFU8rpsNpR0/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho98xLcQygY/UsnUHfcf1hI/AAAAAAAAHMo/RFU8rpsNpR0/s320/IMG_0887.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Below is the "Before" shot of our old faucet. It still worked fine, and we gave it to friends who were excited to inherit a faucet with a pullout sprayer.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhH5_3PkEfQ/UsnWygR2UOI/AAAAAAAAHPc/oV-RXqWhe3M/s1600/IMG_0402.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhH5_3PkEfQ/UsnWygR2UOI/AAAAAAAAHPc/oV-RXqWhe3M/s320/IMG_0402.MOV" width="320" /></a><br />
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We also switched out the glass shades on the kitchen pendant lights. They were a yellow nearly-opaque glass that I didn't like. They <strike>always were dirty</strike> always looked dirty, didn't give off much light, and the bare lightbulb hung out the bottom of them. (You can't tell in this picture).</div>
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One particularly aggravating Saturday, we hunted EVERYWHERE for a shade that we preferred. Fail. We gave up and ordered these from <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/lens-glass-shade-w774/" target="_blank">West Elm</a>. They were back ordered. Here they are!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6j96p4UmZvE/UsnUJSo_MYI/AAAAAAAAHM4/zd1X-Ej8W-s/s1600/IMG_0888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6j96p4UmZvE/UsnUJSo_MYI/AAAAAAAAHM4/zd1X-Ej8W-s/s320/IMG_0888.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Since the bulbs are exposed, we used<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001797M6S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001797M6S&linkCode=as2&tag=twov-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Edison bulbs</a> with the fancy filaments. Those two updates really changed the feel of our kitchen! We also have a tile order on backorder, so expect a backsplash sometime in early February!</div>
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Tonight, we're staying in. All the roads in our county are closed due to winter weather, and the wind chill is supposed to dip down to -50. Jon has already snowblowed the driveway three times today. Unfortunately, I am the closest employee to work so there will be no snow day for me tomorrow!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-63304704762251638772013-11-19T22:53:00.001-06:002013-11-30T19:15:05.080-06:00Last Day Being 26<div style="text-align: center;">
It's my birthday tomorrow!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ybf8Yc277Ps/UowxrEqH7GI/AAAAAAAAG-E/3P1mmbTpZAE/s1600/Slideshow+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ybf8Yc277Ps/UowxrEqH7GI/AAAAAAAAG-E/3P1mmbTpZAE/s320/Slideshow+062.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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I have the day off of work, because I'm going to a continuing ed class about incorporating techniques from Yoga and Pilates into my therapy sessions. The brochure had me at "dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat." </div>
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About this time last year we were<a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/2012/11/basement-slobs-and-new-house-pictures.html" target="_blank"> living out of boxes</a> and <a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-ants.html" target="_blank">anxiously waiting</a> to close on our house. Looking back, it's felt like a long year. No House. New house. No friends. New friends. New town. New job. Manager drama. New school. Role reversal with me working and Jon studying. New manager drama. New job at the job where I already was. New church. New additional job. </div>
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While I'm feeling very blessed by all these new things, I'm looking forward to a year of growing instead of being re-planted. Goodnight, 26!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com1Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-24742913218341699652013-11-11T14:33:00.002-06:002013-11-11T15:02:26.988-06:00Overnight Coconut Chia Seed PuddingI'm trying new things lately. I'm trying not to eat string cheese, peanut butter, and leftover cheesecake for breakfast.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VbDjCnL2Kxs/UoE8zciQmEI/AAAAAAAAG9c/hTBNyXDUXkw/s1600/IMG_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VbDjCnL2Kxs/UoE8zciQmEI/AAAAAAAAG9c/hTBNyXDUXkw/s320/IMG_0784.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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A friend from work asked me to do a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008SY2VFC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008SY2VFC&linkCode=as2&tag=twov-20" target="_blank">10-day cleanse (Advocare)</a> with her, so I'm only supposed to be eating vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and complex carbs. No sugar. No dairy. And unfortunately, no peanut butter. I had to go to the store yesterday and buy a mountain of produce. I'm on day 2 and haven't cheated!<br />
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I came home from the store with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009AH7OU8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009AH7OU8&linkCode=as2&tag=twov-20" target="_blank">Chia seeds</a>, SUPERFOOD OF THE AZTECS. Why not. Chia seeds have several nutritional benefits. According to the back of my bag, 3 tablespoons of the seeds contain 5g of protein, 48% of your daily fiber (12g), 20% of your daily calcium, and 20% of your daily iron.<br />
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The recipe I used fits in an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008586UJY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008586UJY&linkCode=as2&tag=twov-20" target="_blank">8 ounce canning jar</a> with some room left on the top to add fruit or other toppings. I made a couple of jars at once to store in the fridge, since I had already made a mess. I hate those tear-to-open "resealable" zip top bags. THE WORST. One thousand chia seeds on my kitchen floor.<br />
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<b>Overnight Coconut Chia Seed Pudding</b><br />
1/2 c. + 2 T unsweetened coconut milk (<i>not</i> the kind from a can - I used So Delicious)<br />
2 T chia seeds<br />
1 (small) Tablespoon agave<br />
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Add ingredients to an 8 oz. canning jar. Shake to mix. Store, covered, in refrigerator overnight until seeds have softened. Makes 1 serving. Top with fruit, nuts ... hot fudge ... before eating.<br />
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Have you tried chia seeds before? How else can I eat them?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-80698190606212474812013-10-24T15:30:00.000-05:002013-10-24T15:30:00.486-05:00An Old Lady ThingI don't know how this happened. I found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/99011888/cat-wall-art-baby-nursery-print-cat-home&ref=em" target="_blank">these kitten prints</a> on Etsy and became obsessed. They're from a shop called <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ParagonVintagePrints?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Paragon Vintage Prints</a>.<br />
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LOOK AT IT.<br />
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It makes me want to squeal. I am squealing right now.<br />
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Jon: "This needs to stop. This is turning into an old lady thing." What does that even mean?<br />
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Too late. I already know their names.<br />
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Surely there is a way I can work Butch and Brenda (and friends) into my decorating scheme!<br />
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We're visiting friends and family this weekend, and hopefully next week I'll have some good Halloween costume pictures to share!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com0Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-7115420386469376012013-10-23T19:24:00.000-05:002013-10-23T19:24:19.255-05:00Stitch Fix Reveal 6I don't know how I am up to 6 stitch fixes ... but the letter from my stylist says this is number 6! (See my other posts <a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/search/label/Stitch%20Fix" target="_blank">here</a>). She is so sweet, and always writes me a little note at the top of my paperwork.<br />
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I usually love stitch fix. By far, this was my least favorite stitch fix to date. I don't know if it's the end of the season and they're trying to clear things out or what. The note from my stylist says she looked at my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/twovrooms/dress-up/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a> for inspiration, but I promise I only pinned cute things!<br />
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<b>1. Cathleen Split-Neck Tulip-Sleeve Blouse</b><br />
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I liked the fit and style of this top, and it looked good with jeans and skirts. It was made of that matte silky material that they make all shirts out of lately. You know, it's really light and thin but not excessively see through. However, there was a hole in the seam right in the center of the neckline where the interfacing was coming loose from the shirt. Sadly, I sent this one back.<br />
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<b>2. Shara Herringbone Vest with Black Piping</b><br />
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Whatttttt. I am not sure I could hate this vest more. The quilting. The pockets. The way it made me look like somebody who survives in the wild. They know I am 26, not 62, right?? This looks like something that would be very nice on my grandmother. With "slacks". Return, with a grumpy face.<br />
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<b>3. Georgia Crew Neck Raglan Sweater</b><br />
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I felt like a man in this sweater. The washed out blue color was bad with my skin and the fit wasn't flattering. Ugly-colored man sweater: return.<br />
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<b>4. Alvaro Bead Embellished Sleeveless Top</b><br />
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I loved the beaded pattern on this top, and it paired nicely with jeans and skirts. It fit a little wide, but I have 2 bags of jumbo Halloween candy downstairs. Huge mistake buying them a week before Halloween. HUGE. I kept this shirt so I wouldn't lose my $20 styling fee / credit. It was the only intact item in the box that wasn't an awful color and/or style.<br />
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<b>5. Kaleigh Ankle Biter Skinny Jean</b><br />
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The fit and style of these jeans were fine, but they are olive green. Oh good, I can wear them with all my camo. Gross. Return. (See the cute bottom of the shirt though?)<br />
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<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3064851" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To sign up for your own Stitch Fix and help support my closet addiction, click here to use my Referral link.</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com2Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-50199261181471933542013-09-28T15:29:00.000-05:002013-09-28T15:29:00.498-05:00Home Management Binder: Getting Started<div>
This spring, I put together a home management binder to organize my daily paperwork relating to food, money, the house, schedules, and other information I wanted to have accessible. I use it all the time, and it keeps paper clutter out of my kitchen. After putting my system to the test over the summer, I am happy with how it's set up so far!</div>
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To start my home management binder, I used:</div>
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A binder (I believe 1.5")<br />
A set of 8 binder dividers with pockets<br />
A legal pad</blockquote>
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I tucked the legal pad into the inside cover of the binder, and use it for making short-term to-do lists.</div>
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I used binder dividers (with pockets) to split my binder into 8 sections.</div>
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<li><b>Food: </b>This section includes the meal plan for the week, as well as the grocery list and a separate list of our favorite menu ideas. We call this list the "make again" list, and it's a growing list of recipes we have tried and liked enough to keep on the roster.</li>
<li><b>Cleaning: </b>This section includes the cleaning schedule (daily, weekly, monthly, annually), the maintenance schedule, a recipe index for homemade cleaners, a stain removal chart, and an auto maintenance log.</li>
<li><b>Calendar: </b>I printed off monthly calendars to keep track of our events and schedules, and also created a perpetual calendar to keep track of birthdays and anniversaries. In the divider pocket, I keep invitations until the event has passed.</li>
<li><b>Finances: </b>In the pocket, I keep bills that need to be paid as well as our <a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/2013/02/envelope-budgeting-and-aldi-love.html" target="_blank">2-envelope envelope system</a>. We keep a separate monthly calendar in this section listing which bills are paid when, and for how much. I also have a list of dates for recurring bills that are set to autopay. In the back of this section are some notes from a Dave Ramsey class. I'd love to attend the actual classes, but so far have only watched a few sessions on YouTube before they were taken down for copyright infringement. This section would be an ideal space for a budget or coupons. (I have a separate folder for coupons).</li>
<li><b>Garden: </b>In the pocket, I keep receipts of plants that are guaranteed for a certain period of time. In the section, I have my planting map for the raised beds this year, as well as a form to record what and when I planted and harvested.</li>
<li><b>To Do: </b>This section is a catch-all for paperwork that doesn't belong in other sections. The pocket holds non-bill paperwork that needs to be addressed. The section includes lists of goals, pending house projects, and long-term to-do lists. I find this section essential for combating paper clutter in the kitchen.</li>
<li><b>Contacts: </b>Here I have all my contact information regarding banks, insurance agencies, doctors, hairdressers, and utility companies, etc. I also have business cards organized in baseball card sleeves.</li>
<li><b>We're Out: </b>This section is probably more useful for families with children, and would be a good spot to leave babysitter information. We don't have any kids, so our section includes "pet sitter notes" and a list of what to pack when we're camping.</li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com2Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-5925310452200897232013-09-27T16:05:00.001-05:002013-10-05T15:16:58.003-05:00Forty-Four House Plants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After getting a <a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/2013/09/fiddle-leaf-fig.html" target="_blank">Fiddle Leaf Fig</a>, I liked it so much that I thought ... it is not good for this plant to be alone. And I got it two friends! </div>
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I had some small red pots in the basement with the Christmas decorations. They had a past life as a <a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/2010/06/no-18-grow-herb-garden.html" target="_blank">failed windowsill garden</a>. I sprayed them gold and planted a Dracaena and an Aloe Vera from Lowe's. I love the contrast between their leaves!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfe84IVi8oI/UkXldpK5DDI/AAAAAAAAGc8/bkRR45peQXE/s1600/IMG_0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfe84IVi8oI/UkXldpK5DDI/AAAAAAAAGc8/bkRR45peQXE/s320/IMG_0605.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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After I got house plants on my brain, I started reading. NASA did a study in the 80's regarding the use of plants to purify the air in the space station. Besides producing oxygen from carbon dioxide, plants can filter out indoor pollutants such as ammonia, acetone, benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. These are commonly referred to as "VOCs" (volatile organic compounds), and they come from everyday materials in your home such as paints and varnishes, car exhaust, carpet, cleaning products, plywood, electronic, textiles, dyes, insulation, and plastic. So, everything.</div>
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Are my three little house plants making a difference?</div>
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<a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20452423,00.html" target="_blank">This Old House</a> has an article listing 10 houseplants that are great for air purification. Unfortunately, none of my three houseplants made the list. Their expert recommends at least 2 plants (10-12" pot) per 100 square feet of space in order to purify the air, with more if you are renovating. Our house is about 2200 square feet (I can't remember if that includes the unfinished basement) so that would be 44 plants. FORTY-FOUR?? </div>
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When I came home with these two plants, Jon was genuinely confused. "What are the plants for? Didn't you just get a plant?" If I came home with forty-one more he would probably shred my bank card. But would the air smell different? Would I have more energy? Would I live longer? I do have a third red pot that is still empty...</div>
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I have the two new plants sitting out on the dining room table, since we never eat there anyway. Unfortunately, Millie is still digging in the plants like a mole. She's also chewing on the leaves -- see the teeth marks below at the tips of all the leaves? If I had forty-four houseplants, Millie would turn into a wild jungle cat.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fgMgkM1qkQU/UkXllA64VMI/AAAAAAAAGdM/SJYPMX5TQ60/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fgMgkM1qkQU/UkXllA64VMI/AAAAAAAAGdM/SJYPMX5TQ60/s320/IMG_0606.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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I think some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0089EPOW8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0089EPOW8&linkCode=as2&tag=twovro-20" target="_blank">of these</a> mole-cat prevention devices may be in my future:<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/3126DMz9MrL._SY450_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/3126DMz9MrL._SY450_.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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How many house plants do you have at your place?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com5Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-920994650099762572013-09-26T19:53:00.000-05:002014-02-01T17:50:45.470-06:00Stitch Fix 5<i>Read about Stitch Fix <a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/search/label/Stitch%20Fix" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br />
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I found Fix 5 pictures! I asked for an extra girly <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3064851" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">stitch fix</a>, and LOVED what my stylist picked out! So much, that I kept them all! (25% discount, holla!)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSA-hU5Wt4I/Umhr-77lwBI/AAAAAAAAGv8/b0WSUh7nXcQ/s1600/IMG_0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSA-hU5Wt4I/Umhr-77lwBI/AAAAAAAAGv8/b0WSUh7nXcQ/s320/IMG_0623.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>1. Emmett Colorblocked Striped Sweater</b><br />
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This one is not girly, but I loved it. It was lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear <strike>when I don't want to look like I am trying too hard</strike> when I don't want to try very hard.<br />
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<b>2. Mini Rose Buds & Gems Necklace</b><br />
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So pink. I am actually a little afraid of wearing this necklace, but if I bought the whole box I got a sizable discount. With the discount, this necklace and most of another shirt was "free". The marketing people got me.<br />
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<b>3. Milan Lace Print Sleeveless Dress</b><br />
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HELLOOOOO pretty dress that I now need an occasion for! I want to wear this on Christmas! But let's be real, I'll most likely be wearing royal blue scrubs. Can you wear ivory in December? Maybe with a red sweater? For sale online <a href="http://deloom.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=2110" target="_blank">here</a>, for about half of what I paid for it....<br />
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<b>4. Delilah Sheer Floral Cluster Blouse</b><br />
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I like wearing patterns, and this shirt has some pretty detail up close as well (sleeves/cuffs, buttons). It's light enough to layer under a jacket.<br />
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<b>5. Adelaide Silk Ruffle Overlay Sleeveless Top</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ5RMTjDIEU/UmhuXF739kI/AAAAAAAAGws/AX55YM1D1AI/s1600/IMG_0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ5RMTjDIEU/UmhuXF739kI/AAAAAAAAGws/AX55YM1D1AI/s200/IMG_0687.JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h271lsSx_Ms/Umhuc8xlKJI/AAAAAAAAGw0/Oq_lJuFMG9Q/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h271lsSx_Ms/Umhuc8xlKJI/AAAAAAAAGw0/Oq_lJuFMG9Q/s200/IMG_0688.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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This is a soft gray tank with a ruffled gray sheer layer over it. I like it when a shirt is pretty from both sides!<br />
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What's your favorite from this box?<br />
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Sign up for your own Stitch Fix (and help me pay for my next one) using my referral link <i><a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3064851" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></i>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com0Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-86484295952834359502013-09-23T17:38:00.000-05:002013-10-20T13:06:01.965-05:00Fiddle Leaf Fig<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On my <a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/2012/10/one-month-of-less-day-6-make-cleaning.html" target="_blank">weekly cleaning schedule</a>, Monday says "water house plants." On Mondays lately I have been thinking ... I don't have any house plants! Problem solved.</div>
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One <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003GMD1Y6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003GMD1Y6&linkCode=as2&tag=twovro-20" target="_blank">Fiddle Leaf Fig</a>, courtesy of Amazon. <i>Ficus Lyrata </i>is its official name. It came protected in a box of packing peanuts and looked healthy right away, unlike other "plants" I have bought over the internet.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdEpyrsMP7w/Uj9g8PCCSSI/AAAAAAAAGZw/XHPVysNxgK0/s1600/IMG_0592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdEpyrsMP7w/Uj9g8PCCSSI/AAAAAAAAGZw/XHPVysNxgK0/s320/IMG_0592.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The label says it can grow 15-20 feet tall. FEET! I re-potted it in a 7" ceramic pot I picked up at Lowe's for $2.50. The growing instructions tell me that it likes sun, and that I am only to water it when dry.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxOg9JgQCNE/Uj9s43IrxUI/AAAAAAAAGaA/MK0FtGAFSwg/s1600/IMG_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxOg9JgQCNE/Uj9s43IrxUI/AAAAAAAAGaA/MK0FtGAFSwg/s320/IMG_0593.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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I am curious how fast it will grow! I am hoping it turns into something tall and beautiful, like this one over at <a href="http://makingitlovely.com/2012/10/24/the-fiddle-leaf-fig-tree/" target="_blank">Making It Lovely</a>:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://makingitlovely.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_2880a640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://makingitlovely.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_2880a640.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://makingitlovely.com/2012/10/24/the-fiddle-leaf-fig-tree/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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Currently, it's living on top of our piano in the living room. It doesn't get much (any) sun there, so I'm looking for a better spot.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GZD7N5iS1M/UmQbN3k4pqI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/D1UsdEIO5cE/s1600/IMG_0604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fiddle leaf fig plant, yellow forsythia, framed photos decorating piano" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GZD7N5iS1M/UmQbN3k4pqI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/D1UsdEIO5cE/s320/IMG_0604.JPG" title="fiddle leaf fig, forsythia, and picture frames on upright piano" width="239" /></a></div>
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Part of the reason we had zero house plants -- besides our moving every 5 months for the last 2 years -- is that Millie, our cat, likes to dig in dirt and chew leaves. Good luck, baby fiddle leaf fig. I cannot protect you during the work day. May the odds be ever in your favor.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com0Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-21668027523639280832013-09-22T16:21:00.001-05:002013-09-22T16:27:40.638-05:00Fall Orchard Outing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I want to live somewhere that has this weather 75% of the year. It's dry and sunny and 65 degrees, without any wind. This weekend we took an afternoon at the County Line Orchard with some friends. Apparently the rest of the state line area also decided to take the afternoon ... It was packed!!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJkUQ390BY8/Uj9aNyF7ypI/AAAAAAAAGY4/VgkXnAb42lw/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJkUQ390BY8/Uj9aNyF7ypI/AAAAAAAAGY4/VgkXnAb42lw/s320/IMG_0597.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Jon refused to take a picture by this sign, because "they spelled it wrong." We didn't take home any Jonathon apples because they tasted bland, but we did end up with a bag full of McIntosh, Gala, and Jubilee Fiji. I think I have enough to make 2 pies.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0vT4PrQqIY/Uj9a6522a0I/AAAAAAAAGZM/5qtU72DHGNQ/s1600/IMG_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0vT4PrQqIY/Uj9a6522a0I/AAAAAAAAGZM/5qtU72DHGNQ/s320/IMG_0599.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Besides picking apples, we drank hot apple cider, ate apple pie with ice cream, and sampled various dips and spreads. OH. And ate pumpkin donuts. There were hundreds and hundreds of people at the orchard, and you could smell the donuts from way out in the field where we parked. It was out of control delicious.<br />
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Now I am even more excited for the apple trees in our <a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/2013/04/bubblers-and-deck-undersides.html" target="_blank">(barren) backyard</a> to get big enough to have apples! I planted a Honeycrisp and a Pixie Crunch back there this spring, and there are two small mystery trees planted by the previous owners. One mystery tree bore a single miniature apple this summer, and the other did nothing. According to Gurney's, where I bought my apple trees, the Pixie Crunch apple is a similar texture to Honeycrisp but with a sweeter flavor. Honeycrisp 2.0. Thankyou, scientists.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com2County Line, Orchard, NE 68764, USA42.315909 -98.30047200000001342.3041675 -98.320642 42.3276505 -98.28030200000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-49609375043271275702013-09-11T20:31:00.000-05:002013-09-15T18:59:56.214-05:00Ideas for our Uninspired Laundry Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're in a self-imposed no-project zone right now, as our house is totally livable and my student loans are oppressively earning interest. (I'm about 50% through <a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/2013/01/resolutions-2013-paying-off-my-first.html" target="_blank">paying off my highest interest loan</a>, if you're curious.) </div>
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When I went to orientation my first week of Physical Therapy school, I vividly remember someone from financial aid getting up to say that nobody ever complains about their student loans once they graduate and start working. I now understand that this is the case because said graduates are busy working a second job, doing paperwork to qualify for government assistance repayment programs, and heartily recommending to hapless underclassmen that they consider public universities. Much too busy to call financial aid and mention their distaste for the excessive cost of education. OR the fact that after earning a doctorate degree, if they want to pay off loans on a 10 year standard repayment plan, after monthly student loan payments they'll make approximately the same amount as the tech who helps them lift patients and went to 4 years of high school.</div>
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Okay, rant over.</div>
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Anyway. My laundry room looks like this:</div>
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Or from closer up, like this:</div>
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And I need something to think about while I drive from my first job to my second job as I try to avoid thinking about milkshakes. Something that is not the actual mound of laundry waiting for me at home ... the one that I can't remember whether it is clean or dirty but took my scrub pants from this morning because the <i>seemed </i>clean, and they are for sure not the ones I wore on Tuesday when I stepped in a lake of urine. Again: I am underpaid.</div>
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Here's a color scheme I am drawn to. If you're ever looking for color inspiration, check out Design Seeds (link below) for some quick ideas! I could imagine either color 2 of 3 as a cabinet color. Maybe 2, with 1 on the walls and 5 or a lighter 3 on the ceiling?</div>
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<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/96/db/a7/96dba76a608b13b1a3afda563ef95f9e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/96/db/a7/96dba76a608b13b1a3afda563ef95f9e.jpg" /></a></div>
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Color Scheme from <a href="http://design-seeds.com/" target="_blank">Design Seed</a>s</div>
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Love the vintage style of the sink and faucet in this room. And hello, are you carrara marble??</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinned <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/241575967481402854/" target="_blank">Here</a></td></tr>
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This room is too bland for me color-wise, but I love the sink, the extra-tall cabinet uppers in this laundry room, the few open shelves and the folding counter on top of the machines. Maybe if I put a plant in the laundry room Millie will refrain from burrowing around in it like a pig.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/design-lesson/4-stylish-laundry-room-designs/a/42779/4" target="_blank">Style at Home</a></td></tr>
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Here's a clever idea: pullout drawers for each family member's clean and folded clothes. They can take the drawer with them to their room to put away their own clothes. I don't mind doing laundry (gathering, sorting, and washing), but I dislike the folding part and DESPISE the putting away part. It's almost as bad as making the bed. I will know I am an actual adult when in my morning stupor, I will not only have the foresight to eat a breakfast that is not a cheese stick or a cheese cake, but will also make my bed even when I am not expecting company that I may need to impress.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.familybringsjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/all-baskets-broom-closet-301x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://blog.familybringsjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/all-baskets-broom-closet-301x450.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://blog.familybringsjoy.com/place-for-washing-clothes-family-laundry-room/" target="_blank">Family Brings Joy</a></td></tr>
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Obviously this picture is a kitchen, but I love the apron front farmhouse sink and the tall faucet for easy bucket clearance. I am also a huge fan of the hardware on these shaker style cabinets! I think I am leaning "modern farmhouse" for my style inspiration here. Is that a style? It is now.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinned <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/241575967481406055/" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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I don't know if laundry rooms end up with pendant lights, but I like this one dropped over a sink.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For sale <a href="http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Capri_1-Light_Pendant/105/" target="_blank">Here</a></td></tr>
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<i>****I feel compelled to confess that I had a milkshake today, and am typing this from my unmade bed while eating a dish of ice cream after having a supper of Fritos and Mounds. Not every day is like this. But today is. And my gym friend is pregnant and unable to exceed a heart rate of 140 bpm, so ... maybe I'll plan another room tomorrow.</i><br />
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Check out my powder room inspiration <a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/2013/08/uninspired-powder-room.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com1Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-31501416104882124182013-08-31T17:37:00.000-05:002013-09-11T21:17:13.046-05:00Ideas For Our Uninspired Powder Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is our main floor bathroom:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTuj01T1ljY/UiJn0MTvgCI/AAAAAAAAGUA/0y3DCnVN3N4/s1600/IMG_0402.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTuj01T1ljY/UiJn0MTvgCI/AAAAAAAAGUA/0y3DCnVN3N4/s320/IMG_0402.MOV" width="239" /></a></div>
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Ugh, even more uninspiring in pictures.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">If I had built this house, I wouldn't have chose that light fixture, mirror, sink, or faucet, but there they are.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yL8i4TyCgds/UiJn7bUHSmI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/NfxItqKU1QU/s1600/IMG_0402.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yL8i4TyCgds/UiJn7bUHSmI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/NfxItqKU1QU/s320/IMG_0402.MOV" width="239" /></a></div>
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Since moving in, we removed a metal shelving unit that was attached to the wall, painted the ceiling white (it was beige like the walls), and plopped down a rug and a trash can (both from Target).</div>
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I love the idea of doing a wainscoting with a tile strip at the top, similar to this:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via houzz, pinned <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/241575967484040585/" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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Jon thought that would be too much work getting it behind the toilet and sink. I still like it. Because I would not be doing the work, obviously.</div>
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I also like this black and white bathroom from <a href="http://www.remodelista.com/posts/a-brazilian-in-san-francisco" target="_blank">Remodelista</a>. (Except I have that pedestal sink, which is staying, due to cost). I'm imagining open shelving over the toilet made from and old-looking wood, similar to the wood of the vanity in this picture.</div>
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<a href="http://www.remodelista.com/files/styles/733_0s/public/img/sub/uimg/04-2012/700_antonio-martins-city-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.remodelista.com/files/styles/733_0s/public/img/sub/uimg/04-2012/700_antonio-martins-city-2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Here's another lovely bathroom with a hanging mirror (from Pinterest, I can't find the original source). I wonder if I could transform my current oval mirror into something like this or if that would be a pointless attempt. I wish I could see what it is hanging from. And I wish that shower door was in my bathroom upstairs!</div>
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<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/74/f7/02/74f702942a3b694250e801c5bc28d198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/74/f7/02/74f702942a3b694250e801c5bc28d198.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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Here's a set of <a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02402935000P" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">oval hanging mirrors from Sears</a>, and I think the oval shape looks fine. However, my light fixture mount is above the mirror so maybe that wouldn't work after all.<br />
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<a href="http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/image/spin_prod_830749912?hei=600&wid=600&op_sharpen=1&qlt=90,0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.9,0.5,0,0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/image/spin_prod_830749912?hei=600&wid=600&op_sharpen=1&qlt=90,0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.9,0.5,0,0" width="320" /></a></div>
Lastly, I am in love with these whales. We used to have a whale hanging in the kitchen when I was a kid. With a rubber tail and purple eyeshadow. Named Wanda. In Iowa, as far from the ocean as you can get, in a craftsman farmhouse.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com0Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-20614622232090762792013-08-30T18:41:00.000-05:002013-09-11T18:43:34.928-05:00Praying Big<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our sermon recently was about blind Bartimaeus calling out to Jesus through the crowd, asking for mercy, and saying "I want to see." Our pastor talked about the importance of asking God for things, praying big requests, and explained how God is glorified in this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First, why do we pray? From John Piper's <i><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/dg/id118.htm" target="_blank">Desiring God</a>:</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. And prayer is the turning away from ourselves to God in the confidence that he will provide the help we need. Prayer humbles us as needy, and exalts God as wealthy.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What do we pray for? So often we pray for "small" things: keep us safe driving to the family reunion. Give us energy for studying. Heal my stuffy nose. Our pastor challenged us this morning -- what do you <i>really</i> want from God?? This is God who sent his son to die for you and gives you eternal life. Pray for big things. From a <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/faith-in-hope-against-hope-for-the-glory-of-god" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Piper sermon:</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The harder it seems for him to fulfill his promise, the better he looks when you trust him. Suppose that you are at the deep end of a pool by the diving board. You are four years old and can't swim, and your daddy is at the other end of the pool. Suddenly a big, mean dog crawls under the fence and shows his teeth and growls at you and starts coming toward you to bite you. You crawl up on the diving board and walk toward the end to get away from him. The dog puts his front paws up on the diving board. Just then, your daddy sees what's happening and calls out, "Jump in the water. I'll get you." </i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Now, you have never jumped from one meter high and you can't swim and your daddy is not underneath you and this water is way over your head. How do you make your daddy look good in that moment? You jump. And almost as soon as you hit the water, you feel his hands under your arms and he treads water holding you safely while someone chases the dog away. Then he takes you to the side of the pool. </i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>We give glory to God when we trust him to do what he has promised to do -especially when all human possibilities are exhausted. Faith glorifies God.</i></span></blockquote>
We glorify God by trusting him. In <i><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/dg/id118.htm" target="_blank">Desiring God</a>, </i>John Piper writes:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>We do not glorify God by providing his needs, but by praying that he would provide ours-and trusting him to answer.</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Reflecting lately on both asking and trusting.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com0Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-3849010571860121382013-08-21T09:42:00.000-05:002013-09-11T21:18:33.610-05:00Family Visit PhotosAll summer I've been looking forward to my family coming to visit! When we bought our house, one thing we loved about it was the extra space that would accommodate my family staying with us when they are out. Our Omaha house held 2-3 visitors, but it was tight. Last week was the week: Our house held 9 people!<br />
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Enjoy some pics :)<br />
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Now I'm exhausted, have a sore throat, and am laying in bed eating Hall's Fruit Breezers and chocolate chips. It's a terrible combination, but I was about 400 calories in on the cough drops and thought I might as well eat chocolate too.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com0Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837014.post-45438439838261747532013-08-12T07:35:00.000-05:002013-09-11T21:19:07.786-05:00Stitch Fix Reveal: 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love shopping + I have no time + I love mail = <a href="http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3064851" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitch fix</a> believer.</div>
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If you've never heard of <a href="http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3064851" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitch fix</a> before, here's a summary:</div>
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<b>How do they know what I want?</b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
On their website, fill out information describing your personal style (they give you pictures to choose from), sizing, and price range. Add any special requests for your personal stylist. Pick a date you would like your 5 hand-picked items to arrive at your house. </blockquote>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkOnvksaMDM/UgVUI4l549I/AAAAAAAAFgw/HN2_BwU0oWY/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stitch-fix-box" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkOnvksaMDM/UgVUI4l549I/AAAAAAAAFgw/HN2_BwU0oWY/s320/IMG_0359.JPG" title="Stitch-fix-box" width="239" /></a></div>
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<b>How do I know what I want?</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Take 3 days to try them on with things in your closet and think about it. </blockquote>
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<b>How much does it cost to try it?</b></div>
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If you don't buy anything from the box, you will be charged a $20 processing fee. (You actually pay this as a "down payment" when they ship your box, and use it as a $20 credit towards anything you buy).</blockquote>
<b>What do I do with the clothes I don't want?</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Drop them in the provided postage paid, addressed shipping envelope and stuff it in your mailbox. </blockquote>
Easy! Here's what they sent me this time.<br />
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1. <b>Burgundy exposed-seams shirt</b> and <b>gold honeycomb necklace</b>. The shirt was super comfortable but I didn't think the exposed seams would look very nice after washing. I sent it back.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AW0T6EC7h9o/UgVT0rm9tuI/AAAAAAAAFgI/LVEQxj5UW44/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Burgundy exposed-seams shirt and gold honeycomb necklace" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AW0T6EC7h9o/UgVT0rm9tuI/AAAAAAAAFgI/LVEQxj5UW44/s320/IMG_0369.JPG" title="Burgundy exposed-seams shirt and gold honeycomb necklace" width="239" /></a></div>
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2. <b>Feathery-print pleated chiffon button up. </b>Love! Never seen anything like it. It fit very comfortably and looked good with jeans. I kept it. Oh, and I kept the necklace too.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_sObXglYa44/UgVT3oFgSfI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/5lkGj2-iAU0/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Feathery-print pleated chiffon button up" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_sObXglYa44/UgVT3oFgSfI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/5lkGj2-iAU0/s320/IMG_0363.JPG" title="Feathery-print pleated chiffon button up" width="239" /></a></div>
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3. <b>Gold chain-trimmed tanktop. </b>I kept this one for layering. The material felt high-quality, and the cut didn't accentuate any muffin top.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7YcLBIWmPE/UgVT6sOHiyI/AAAAAAAAFgY/DdXHu6tXdqo/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gold chain-trimmed tanktop" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7YcLBIWmPE/UgVT6sOHiyI/AAAAAAAAFgY/DdXHu6tXdqo/s320/IMG_0360.JPG" title="Gold chain-trimmed tanktop" width="240" /></a></div>
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4. <b>Colorblocked floral shirt. </b>Too much going on. I thought I would be sick of this shirt by spring, so I sent it back.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8I86MI-oaEI/UgVUBqYI5uI/AAAAAAAAFgg/0HO5GBhAKDY/s1600/IMG_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Colorblocked floral shirt" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8I86MI-oaEI/UgVUBqYI5uI/AAAAAAAAFgg/0HO5GBhAKDY/s320/IMG_0367.JPG" title="Colorblocked floral shirt" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqMDBJwe4Y8/UgVUEVWB2MI/AAAAAAAAFgo/VEHtl-M6rbs/s1600/IMG_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Colorblocked floral shirt" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqMDBJwe4Y8/UgVUEVWB2MI/AAAAAAAAFgo/VEHtl-M6rbs/s320/IMG_0365.JPG" title="Colorblocked floral shirt" width="239" /></a></div>
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I've written before about Stitch fix before, <a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/2013/04/stitch-fix.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://twovrooms.blogspot.com/2013/04/stitch-fix-reveal-1.html">here</a>. </div>
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If you'd like to try it, you can sign up using my referral link below. I get $25 if you do!</div>
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<a href="http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3064851" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3064851</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620421395128217565noreply@blogger.com0Indiana, USA40.2671941 -86.13490189999998834.0219326 -96.462050399999981 46.512455599999996 -75.8077534