Suzanne McGrath Photography

Thrifty Thursday...a Couple Kitchen Ideas

Well hello!  I hope you are keeping warm out there.  I have my space heater right next to me so life is good.  (And warm.)

I'm dropping in tonight to share a quick update and a quick tip from my kitchen...

If you recall, I styled my glass cabinets a couple weeks ago.  When I did that I removed all my bottles of oil and moved them down to my counter top.  I wasn't sure I was going to like having them out in the open so I just left them for a couple weeks.  

Well, as it turns out, I love having easy access to all those bottles!  It's so nice not to have to reach up high and search for what I need.  It's just right there at my fingers tips.  (And I use these quite often since we don't eat out very much.)

So, what did I do to pretty it up?  Target to the rescue!  I found this adorable - and perfectly sized - galvanized metal serving tray.  I LOVE IT!  And now my bottles look intentional rather than just floating around down there.  Don't you think?

I love how the metal ties into the stainless steel appliances.  As Emily Henderson would say, they speak to each other!

(Ignore the empty roll of paper towels.  And the lack of wine bottles - I've been indulging lately.)

OK, so onto my next little tip.  Seriously, this is so small and free but it makes my heart sing!

Do you see that toaster?  Now do you see what it is sitting in?  Yep - that's my tip.  Sit your toaster in a cookie sheet with raised sides.  Since I don't leave the toaster sitting out on the counter, the cookie sheet corrals all the crumbs.  I can't tell you how nuts it made me when every single time someone used the toaster (only about 500 times a day) it left a little trail of crumbs on the counter, down the side of the countertop to the floor, to the cabinet underneath.  Every. Time.  Well, NOT ANYMORE!  And can I tell you how happy that has made me?!

I only wish I had thought of this earlier.  And if you've thought of it ages ago, lie.  Tell me it's brilliant.  And no one has every done it before.

And there you have it.  My Thrifty tips of the day.  Do you have any good kitchen tips?  If so, do tell!

Six on Sunday

This post is probably going to take me way too long to write because I'm multi-tasking - writing and watching the Grammy's.  Probably not a great combination.  Oh, and drinking red wine!  But alas, I need to knock out this post so I can fully dedicate my attention to the Grammy's.  I mean, my kids!  

1.  Last night the hubby took the middles to their Father/Daughter Game Night.  Though it was definitely a bust for #2.  They got there late and she had to leave early for her last futsol game.  She was dying to try the human hamster wheel but the line was seriously long.  Way too long.  I felt sorry for her.  But at least #3 had a lot of fun and even came home with Oreos - a total win when you're seven!

2.  I didn't have any projects planned for yesterday and I don't do well with idle time.  So I decided to embrace the free time and do some experimental baking (along with the usual laundry - LOADS of laundry.).  I tried two new recipes from 100 Days of Real Food.  Pumpin spelt muffins and Homemade Pop Tarts!  The pumpkin spelt muffins were delicious!  They were so darn good I had a hard time not eating them all in one sitting!  And I have to say, we all thoroughly enjoyed the pop tarts, too.  Although I really enjoyed the pop tarts, I have a hard time thinking they are really that healthy due to the amount of butter included.  They were definitely a little time-consuming to make so I don't think they will go into regular rotation but rather special treat only.  And that is fine with me!  

Aren't they all so pretty?

   

3.  Back to the Grammy's.  Lord - Royals. I love her.  And while her performance was slightly odd (what was with her fingernails?).  She is the real deal.  I can't imagine the pressure of performing at the Grammy's in front of all her peers and yet she was flawless - and she's less than half my age!  WHAT?!  I need to download her whole album.  For reals.  (Before my Florida trip, too!) 

4.  I went shopping with my two college girlfriends today.  It was SO MUCH FUN!  I'm not a sincere shopper (unless you are talking about thrift shopping) but it was great to hang with Darcie and Kristen!  We were sort of shopping for our upcoming trip to Florida and sort of just bargain hunting.  I walked away with a spring sweater for me and one for the hubby (Banana Republic) and a pair of black boots for #1 from Marshalls.  It was just so fun to have girl time since I knew the kids were all back at home playing outside with friends.  Such a great day.  

5.  I am going to start on my master bedroom closet remodel next weekend.  I am so excited!  I decided I am going to do it in phases to spread out the money and also save my sanity by not trying to cram it all into a short span of time.  I think if I tell myself that it will take a couple (or a few) months I won't feel so desperate to finish it.  Plus, if I take my time I am less likely to take (bad) shortcuts.  I'll post pictures next weekend!

6.  This weather has got to stop!  Today the high was nearly 60* and tomorrow morning it is going to feel like negative 20*.  What is up with that?!  

Today the hubby, Christi, and I had a fantastic run!  We ended up running nearly 9 miles with a pretty decent (for me) pace of about 9:40/mile.  And I felt so good when we were done!  I think the beautiful weather had something to do with it.  Plus, I've been doing interval treadmill workouts the last few weeks (due to the negative degree weather) and I think it may be helping my pace a little bit?  But I have to say, I do not love the treadmill.  I miss my morning runs outside with my girls.  Here to hoping it warms up by Thursday!

And with that, I'm out of here.  Time to go watch the Grammy's and get the littles into bed.  Have a fantastic week and stay warm!

 

Thrifty Thursday...a $9 Fix to keep jeans tucked into boots!

Now that is a long title, no?  But I had to get my point across!

Anyway, do you have that problem where your jeans get all puffy around your knees after you stand up?  I hated when that would happen!  It seriously drove me nuts and I spent way too much time readjusting my jeans throughout the day.

So - I took matters into my own hands!  Mitten Clips!  Do you remember those?  I thought it was a genius solution and I tried to buy them but couldn't find any stores that carried them.  I was NOT to be deterred so I decided to make my own.  

My supplies:

I just sewed the elastic to the mitten clips and called it good.  I'm not lying when I say it took me longer to get my sewing machine out and set up than it did to actually sew them!  

The finished product:

I tried these out yesterday and wore them the whole day.  The verdict?  AWESOME!  I was afraid the clips might rub my foot but that didn't happen and I walked quite a bit yesterday (as opposed to camping out at my desk).  And my jeans stayed put!  Also, the clips really clamped down tightly so there was no risk to my jeans slipping out of the clip. 

I can't recommend these enough.  And they were so easy to make.  I still wish I could have found them in a store but they were worth the 10 minutes it took to sew them.  For reals.

And there you have it!  

Have you all found any quick fixes for fashion dilemmas?  If so, do tell!

Six on Sunday

Alrighty!  It's time for Six on Sunday...

1.  Last Monday I was officially selected to be a jury member.  I decided that if you speak up at all during jury selection you will not be chosen.  I however, who said not a word, was chosen.  Here's the down low:

I live in Johnson County, KS.  I received my summons a month or so in advance and was told to call a number over the weekend.  Certain groups were told to show up and certain groups were dismissed without even having to show up (lucky).  When I got there on Monday morning I was ushered into a certain room since everything was divided up by group numbers.  Once there, we all sat and waited for about 15 minutes or so which wasn't bad.  At 9am, a lady showed up and walked us across the way to the Courthouse building and into our courtroom.  

Once in the courtroom, the bailiff drew 20-some names and then we had to go sit up in the jury box.  That's when jury selection officially began.  Both the prosecutor and defender were able to ask a bunch of question.  A few people were let go immediately and then a new name was drawn.  That part took at least an hour!  Once jury selection was complete we were led to our room, then listened to opening argument and then dismissed for lunch.  I ended up eating at a coffee shop across the street with four other jury members and it was actually a very enjoyable lunch!

The trial took place Monday afternoon.  Then Tuesday morning we went back for closing arguments and deliberations.  I have to say, it was TOUGH.  After the prosecutor's opening arguments I immediately thought, "Guilty!".  And then after the defender's opening arguments I immediately thought, "Not Guilty!"  I can empathize with jurors on big, nationally televised trials.  It is HARD work.  We deliberated for hours before we finally came up with three not guilty verdicts and one guilty verdict.  

All in all, it was a fabulous lesson but one I hope not to repeat for a very, very long time!

2.  I finished reading Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy this past week.  I have to say, after reading some bummers, this was a feel good book.  (And I may have read the last 5 pages about halfway into it and thereby ruined the surprise.  Oops.)  Yes, there were parts where I cried because I felt so bad for her having lost her husband and then having to navigate life on her own, but it was really good.  And Bridget always kept her sense of humor about her which I just loved.  I would definitely recommend this book!

3.  #1 is in Plano, TX as I write this.  She left Thursday morning at 6am and she will get home tomorrow morning about the same time!  She swam Friday, Saturday, and today.  All in all, she has had a solid meet.  She added time in some events and then dropped time in some events.  All in all, she swam in 9 events:

• 200 IM
• 50 Fly
• 200 Yard Free Relay
• 50 Breast
• 100 Back
• 200 IM Relay
• 50 Back
• 100 Breast

This meet was a prelim/final type of meet.  She made one final each day which was exciting for us!  (We follow her with a mobile app.)  But most importantly, she has been having fun.  I know because I asked her - via text message of course.  She doesn't call us but she texts us every now and then.  And I'll take what I can get when she is 8 hours away!

And the best part?  Her aunt and uncle were able to steal her away yesterday and take her out for lunch!

4.  Meanwhile, the hubby's parents and brother were able to make it down this weekend to spoil us.  Friday night we went out for Orange Leaf which is a huge treat for us!  Yesterday Grandma Rori took the little girls to see Nut Job and I think they really enjoyed the movie.  And then yesterday afternoon we all went to the pool at Uncle Sean's hotel so everyone (except me!) were able to go swimming and hang out in the hot tub.  

This morning after church Grandpa Jerry treated us all to Einstein Bagels!  All in all, it was a really nice, really laid back weekend.

5.  I have been working on my plans for the master closet redo.  Can I just tell you - it is HARD!  My closet is not large - 6'7" by 9' 7" by 4' 2" by 7' 10 ".  It sounds big, yes.  But when you figure in three corners and a door that swings INTO the closet - not so much.  I think I have the plans nailed down - finally - but now I need to figure out my cut list in order to optimize the sheets of MDF.  It makes my brain hurt.  And I have truly spent hours on it!  Not exagerating.  At all.  

I plan on spending tomorrow working on demolition and repainting the closet - much to the hubby's chagrin.  But I really want to get it started and I know that will take a day in and of itself!  So I'm marching forward, full steam ahead!

6.  I tried two new recipes this week.  Loved them both!  

Warm Brussel Sprout Salad that I found on A Beautiful Mess.  

You guys - this was SO GOOD!  Like, I thought it might be nice but it was outstanding!  I made it twice last week.  

(I realize the teal plate does nothing for the appetizing-ness of the picture but trust me when I say this was SO GOOD!)

Warm Brussel Srpout Salad:

• 1 lb. brussel sprouts
• 1/2 load of french bread, cut into cubes
• 2/3 cup craisins (I used dried cherries, though)
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 lime (I used 2 Tbls. lime juice)
• 1/8 tsp cayenne
• 1/4 cup + 3 Tbls olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Toss the bread cubes in a few tablespoons olive oil. Spread in one layer on a baking sheet and season with a little salt + pepper. Bake at 375°F until brown and crispy (8-10 minutes).

In a food processor give the brussels a few pulses, so they are partially shredded and partially rough chopped. Once all the brussels are chopped, heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the brussels, tossing occasionally, until bright green and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). During the last few minutes of cooking toss in the craisins (or dried cherries!) so they'll be nice and warm along with the brussels.

While that cooks, in the food processor (again) combine the mayo, garlic and juice from the lime. Pulse the ingredients together until well combined. With the processor still running, drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil. Taste and add salt + pepper as needed..

When the brussels are done, combine everything together and enjoy!  It's really simple.

I have to say, next time I think I'll add a little turkey bacon and some toasted pine nuts and it would almost be good enough for a main dish!  If you try it, let me know when you think!

Is that it?  NO!  I had a salad this week this was AWESOME!  I found it on the facebook page of 100 days of real food.  

Lentil, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Salad.

First I cooked some lentils in chicken stock according to the directions.  On their own, these are not good - trust me.  But I tossed some lentils on top of an arugala salad (any lettuce would work) and then topped it with mozzarella and prosciutto.  For dressing I just used a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  I loved the salty prosciutto with the mozzarella and the balsamic was just the perfect amount of flavor.  I had this salad both Thursday and Friday and then made it for the hubby on Saturday.  I highly recommend you give it a try!

7.  BONUS!  We had my sister, her boyfriend, and her two kids over for dinner.  It was a really fun night. I made homemade pizza dough and then we all made our own pizza.  So yummy!  It was really nice to catch up with them and let the kids play.  #2 had been waiting all day for her cousins so they could play flashlight tag.  They did and had a blast.  (It was so nice having warm weather for a change.)  Everyone got along really well and I was able to drink some red wine.  Perfect way to end the week!

Have a good one, everyone!

 

 

     

Thrifty Thursday...Styling my Glass Front Cabinets

Hi there!  I haven't done a Thrifty Thursday post in awhile but I thought my little project this weekend fit the bill perfectly.  As in, this project cost me $0!  

It all started when I meandered over to the piano to grab my Christmas dishes to put away.  (They had been sitting there for weeks.  Oops.)  Well, it all snowballed from there.  You know how that works, right?  One thing led to another and the next thing you know, my floor looked like this:

My piano looked like this:

And my cherry china cabinet (as opposed to my 1940s white china cabinet) looked like this:

I may have a slight obsession with china and glassware.  I admit it.

Oh - and here is a little piece of trivia for you.  Do you know how you can tell if something is bone china?  If you hold it up to the light, you can see your hand behind it.  See?

Yes, that is the china we registered for when we got married.  It's Colosseum by Wedgewood.  I still love it - nearly 17 years later!

 

Anyway, from here, I started putting everything back.  When I was finished in the music room, my china cabinet looked like this:

I ended up moving my crystal Millenium by Waterford wine and champagne glasses to this cabinet.  I just felt they looked better in this china cabinet vs. the kitchen glass cabinets since they are more formal.  And I moved my (totally incomplete) set of wine and water glasses to the kitchen.  

Here are some detail shots.  I just love the milk glass!

If you want to know if it is possible to own too many brass animals, the answer is totally no.  The hubby may disagree with me, but I heart them.

 

OK.  Enough of that china cabinet.  Here is the one in my dining room.  I use this one to house my Salvation Army china and my grandmother's china (that my dad brought back from Japan when he was stationed there in the Army).  I think this set-up works because they both have gold details.

And here is the glass cabinet over my desk in the kitchen.  I think I need to paint the back because then everything would pop off a little more...

Notice that bare spot on the bottom?  You know what that means, right?  I NEED to fill it up which will require some thrift shopping.  I'm debating about adding more milk glass or should I get a few more Pyrex pieces?  Hmmm...

And now, the last set of glass door cabinets - the microwave wall in the kitchen.  If you remember, when I posted the final pictures of the kitchen I mentioned I didn't like how all the color was on the right side and the left side was all white.  It looked lopsided.  Here is what it looked like before:

And here it is now:

I actually moved all my cooking oils from the top shelf to my counters.  I think I will like the arrangment much better once I find a tray to corral everything.  If they are in a tray, they will feel more intentional and organized I think.  At least in my head!  But I do like having them down.  I didn't realize how often I reached up for them before and now they are at my fingertips.

Here's a detail shot of the right side:

And now the left side:

And there you have it!  If you made it this far, thanks for reading.  Have you tackled any free projects so far in 2014?

 



 

Six on Sunday

Ahhh...I am sitting here, finally, with a cup of green tea while wearing my PJs and it feels great.

1.  Tonight #1 had School of Religion (SOR) and the parents had to attend.  However, we got out 45 minutes early - not really early enough to go home.  So, I ran a few errands.  I got coffee beans, some organic fruit I didn't get yesterday, and gas in the car.  I got back to the church with about 15 minutes to spare so I pulled up, parked the car, turned off the engine, turned on the light, and started catching up on gossip reading.  #1 was about 5 minutes late getting out.  By the time she got out, the battery was dead.  Can you believe that?  I was being good to the environment by turning the engine off and I was rewarded with a dead battery.  Ugh.  That is such my luck.  And guess what?  The hubby is out of town.  Yep.  In Pennsylvania.  Far away.  So I racked my brain and immediately called for help.  Thank goodness my friends were home and Chad came to the rescue!  The car immediately started with a jump.  I think there are two morals to this story:  1.  Don't read in the car and 2.  Have fabulous friends!

2.  I tried out a new grocery store yesterday called Sprouts Farmers Market.  It was a little hard to tell how much I might really like it because it was so INSANELY busy!!!  My review?  It was very nice, I liked the layout, but the organic fruits/vegetables weren't as good as what I had pictured.  The deli section was really good and I actually was very pleased with the bread selection (lots of 5 ingredients or less choices).  But like I said, the organic fruits and vegetables weren't any better than Hy-Vee, where I normally shop.  The selection of nuts that you can buy in bulk was excellent - that was one of my favorites!

I do think I will go back, but I don't think I will make a permanent switch.  I can find much of what I usually purchase at Hy-Vee (though not all of it) and will probably only make special trips.  Plus, I earn a lot of money off my gas at Hy-Vee and when you drive a gas-guzzler like me, that starts to add up!

3.  We had a nice weekend.  Yesterday we went couch shopping (more on that in #5) and made homemade pizza for dinner.  It was really nice!  Today the hubby and I went for a run with our friend, Christi.  It was a really enjoyable 6 miles.  We had to hustle home, though, so he could get ready to go to the airport.  We missed him the rest of the day.  Oh well, such is life.

While #3 was still at her sleepover, I took the other three girls out for Einstein Bagels - something we haven't enjoyed for a LONG time!

I was productive today, which was nice.  I managed to "style" all of my glass-front cabinets; including two free-standing china cabinets and all my kitchen cabinets.  I mixed it up and it was really fun!  I moved around my china, switched up my wine and champagne glasses, and moved my milk glass collection around.  I am really happy with the results.  I also moved some of my cooking oils down onto my counter (now I need a basket or tray to house them) which freed up quite a bit of space in my normal kitchen cabinets.  I also moved some things around in them which disperses the color more.  I am finally pleased with the end result.  It's too late to edit the pictures, but I will post them later this week or next.

The rest of the day was spent running around:  picking up kids, dropping off kids, birthday party, ice skating, couch shopping, Costco shopping, and SOR.  Busy! 

4.  I have jury duty tomorrow.  I called to see if I would be needed and sure enough, group #18 is needed.  I have never been summoned so I'm not sure what to expect?  I just know that I have to give myself enough time to get lost before finding it!  I'll let you know how it goes next Sunday.

5.  Yesterday the hubby, myself, and #2 - 4 went couch shopping.  I was kind of excited to start out but but that excitement quickly faded.  It's so much harder than I thought it would be.  We desperately need to replace the sectional in our family room.  I was originally thinking we got it when #2 was a baby but the more I think about it, it might have been before #3 made her appearance - which is still 7 years!  And it's disgusting!

Anyway, we went to four places and then #4 was done and actually, I was done!  We started at La Z Boy.  Nothing.  Then we moved on to Crowley.  They had an England brand that I liked because the back actually didn't have separate cushions - it was all one piece.  (Hard to describe - check out the link)  I really liked the idea of not having back cushions to ruin but it was fairly inexpensive and made out of plywood, not hardwood.  The reviews I found online were not kind.  They also had a Broyhill sectional where you basically pick your own couch.  However, it was fairly expensive and again, the online reviews were not kind.

So, we moved on to Crate and Barrel.  We actually found a sectional we really liked - the Davis.  (We would not get the chaise on the end.)  We love the fabric and think it would be very forgiving.  The configuration is a little smaller than what we currently have but most of the sectionals we looked at were slightly smaller, too.  And it was very comfortable for both the hubby and me.

But after we got home, we started to have second thoughts.  I've always loved the Karlstad from Ikea.  But the hubby refuses to buy a couch he can't sit on first.  (Dont' blame him)  But the reviews online are really good, especially for the money.  And don't forget, we have four kids and the youngest is still only four.

So, where does that leave us?  The hubby is on a mission.  He is 6 miles from an Ikea.  Short of getting fired, he has to make sure he carves out enough time to sneak over to Ikea and sit on the Karlstad.  I truly have no idea where we will land.  Wish us luck!  I will keep you posted.    

6.  We have decided to take our annual spring break ski trip this year.  We are now trying to find a great condo.  Rather than Breckenridge, we're thinking we'll branch out and stay in Frisco this year.  I love the town and we're hoping to keep costs down a little by not staying IN the town of Breckenridge but a few miles away, instead.  I'll let you know where we land.  

And with that, it's time for me to pay attention to Darby who has tried to sit on my keyboard twice as I've been typing this!  Have a fantastic week.

2014 Goals

Tonight I'm talking goals.  Both 2013 and 2014.  I'm going to kill two birds with one stone, you know?

I'm a little late with sharing my goals for 2014, but whatever.  It's all good.  Afterall, it's January 7th so technically it is still the first week in the new year!

I shared my goals last year and it was a long list!  I will say, though, I accomplished most of my goals and I really feel good with everything I accomplished!.  A couple where I fell short? 

• Painting 100% of the baseboards.  We did make progress but we still need to finish.  Why are we not done?  I am blaming the hubby:)  He fills the nail holes and then I paint.  I am still waiting for him to fill the nails holes!
• Music room - I still need to paint the piano white.  I am now waffling on this one?
• Family room - we STILL need a new couch.  It's getting desperate.  Seriously desperate.
• Kitchen - I need to sew new roman shades and valances.  I tried to order the fabric last year but it was out of stock.  I hope to get these done before the weather turns nice and I want to be outside.
• #2's room - She still needs roman shades.  We couldn't agree on fabric but now I have a new plan.  This will get done.  Soon.
• Basement - We (ahem, the hubby) still need to cover the circuit breaker box.  This WILL get finished this year.  Five years is long enough.

But now onto the good stuff.  What I DID manage to accomplish:

1.  The foyer.  It's brand, spankin' new and it looks like a million bucks.  I seriously, for real, could not be happier!

2.  Family room.  I recovered the white cabinet tops with dark, chunky tops and I love the look!

I don't have a "real" photo so this one of my Christmas decorations will have to do:

3.  The deck.  I spent serious time out there last summer re-staining it but I love how it turned out. 

4.  Kitchen.  We did not spend serious dollars in here but I think it still looks like a million bucks.  My favorite part?  The hidden hinges.  Genius.

5.  Dining Room.  It officially looks like grown-ups live here, don't you think? 

Again, I never took serious pictures in here so I had to go searching for the best to use:

6.  Master Bedroom.  I don't have a picture yet but I managed to complete my to-do list in there.  I'll feature it this year.  Pinky promise.

7.  #2's Tween Bedroom.  This room was so much fun to design and install!

I just realized I never featured her (nearly) finished room.  What happened there?!

8.  Basement.  The hubby trimmed out the windows and they look awesome!  But they don't make for a very fun picture.  So just imagine five pretty windows!

OK.  I'm done with 2013 and now it's time to move on to 2014.  I will say, my goals for 2014 are less lofty than they were last year.  Partly because there aren't as many large projects left and partly because we need to let the savings account build back up!  Home improvement ain't cheap!

1.  Finish painting the baseboards.  Gross but necessary.

2.  Music room:

• Paint the piano white?  Jury is still out on this one.
• Paint the ceiling
• Add crown moulding (This one is the hubby's to-do.  BUT, I bought him the Kreg Jig for Crown moulding set for Christmas.  I don't think I could have given him a bigger hint!)

3.  Family Room:

• NEW COUCH!!! 
• I'm thinking about recovering our ottomon - I originally wanted a lucite coffee table but when using my parent's glass table it hurt my feet.  I need comfort.  I'm a delicate flower, you know?
• I need to sew a new Roman shade because we installed a new window that ended up being about an inch or two wider than the original window.  Curses.
• Fix the cabinet doors (they need new hinges)

4.   Kitchen:

• New window treatments

5.  Dining room and Powder Room:

• Install new artwork

6.  #2's Room:

• Sew a roman shade
• DIY cool, flush-mount light fixture

7.  Upstairs Hallway:

• I removed our gallery wall and I plan on making my own modern frame for a large piece of artwork

8.  Basement:

• Cover the circuit breaker box (Ahem..hubby?)
• Paint the doors - black?
• Install door handles - five years is long enough!

9.  #1's Room:

• This is a biggie - she wants custom shelves with a built-in window seat.  Last year I told her I'd do it when Ikea got here.  Well, she won't let me forget and Ikea is supposed to open this fall.  So really, this one is entirely dependent upon Ikea!

10.  Master Bedroom:

• Finish the gallery wall around the TV.  I have a start but I need to focus on it.
• This is the biggie - you know there had to be one good one in here - custom master bedroom closet.  I would like to start this project in Feb/March.  I am literally going to rip everything out of there and start from scratch.  I'll document along the way!

If you are still here, thanks for sticking with me!  This post got a little long.  Whoops.

Do you have any fun goals for 2014?

Six on Sunday...in 2014!

As I sit down to write this post it is only 6* outside with negative windchills.  CRAZY!

1.  The girls are supposed to go back to school tomorrow.  However, school has already been cancelled.  I normally love snow days but I wish this were actually more like a month after Christmas break and not the next week.  Oy!  What can I do?  Nothing, I guess.  I am going to try really, really hard not to go outside tomorrow since it will be so cold.  We'll see if I can make that happen.  Because it is important to have goals, no?

2.  Have you ever turned on the TV and there was a certain movie on that sucked you in and you knew you had to finish it?  Yeah, that's me.  Right now.  I'm watching Bourne Identity as I write.  I LOVE that movie!!  It is so darn good.  The fight scenes are just amazing - I love how they are silent with no music playing in the background.  So good.  Plus, Marie.  She's so cool.

3.  Our New Year's Eve was so fun this year.  We went out for drinks and dinner with our friends but sadly we were missing two other couples who had sick kids.  We started out at Bier Station for drinks and games.  I had never been there before I loved it!  We followed up with a five course meal at The District in Waldo.  Seriously, it was an amazing meal.  For each course we had two choices and every single thing we picked was awesome.  I highly recommend it!  After dinner we went down the block to Louie's Wine Bar.  Back at Jason and Susan's house we played cards and Just Dance.  Unfortunately, I didn't last very long before the bed was calling my name.  All in all it was a really fun night.  

Here we are at The District:

Meanwhile, my parents offered to watch our kids and my sister's kids for the night.  My mom had all kind of fun food planned and the kids had a blast!

4.  My friends from college and I just booked our plane tickets to Ft. Lauderdale for next month.  Considering it is currently 6* here, I can't wait!  Plus, girls trip!  Hello, it is going to be so much fun!  What better way to celebrate all six of us turning 40 within the last year or so?  

5.  I woke up this morning and thought, why not?  So I started a fire.  It was a beautiful morning - with snow outside - to sit and enjoy the fire with the girls.  Well, not all the girls because #1 had a swim meet this weekend but today was the hubby's turn to take her.  (She had a solid meet.  Dropped time in 4 out of 6 events.)   

Later in the day, this was the scene at our house:

I mean, seriously, how cute are they?  They played outside for about 45 minutes in the morning and then again later this afternoon.  It is a major process to get them all bundled up but they are so cute and have so much fun that it is totally worth it!

6.  I finished the Hunger Games series.  I loved the first two books but thought the ending of the third book, Mockingjay, was a bit odd.  I didn't hate it but I didn't love it.  I sort of felt as though the author phoned it in a little?  I don't know - I think she could have done a better job.  

I started Brigitte Jones Mad About the Boy this week.  At first I thought she got a divorce and I was mad at her for that.  But as I started reading I found out Mark Darcy actually died.  While that was so sad for Brigitte, it made me feel better about the series for sure.  I just didn't think it would have been possible for them to get divorced.  So, Phew.  I know, I write about these books and characters in a personal manner but they really end up meaning so much to me!  I guess I really get invested in them.  Does that make me weird?

Anyway, that's all I've got for this week - the first of 2014.  I hope you all had an excellent New Years and a great week.  Stay warm!