All About Us!

Thank you to everyone that shared a glimpse of their lives with us yesterday!  We loved hearing from those of you that don’t comment often…and those who do!  (Commenting wasn’t so bad. Was it?)  It’s nice to know who’s out there!  (If you have no idea what I’m talking about, check out yesterday’s post here.)

I had some requests that I answer these questions as well.  At first I was like, I write this thing.  You probably know everything about me. There’s an “About Us” tab at the top of the blog.  And then I realized I don’t share quite as much of our personal lives on here as I sometimes think I do.

So here it goes…more than you will ever want to know about us!  I’ll bullet them for scanning purposes…longest post EVER…

Where are you from?

  • We live in a small town about 10 minutes outside of Davenport, IA.  It’s the town Nate grew up in.  I’m originally from north central Iowa (near Fort Dodge). 

How old are you? Are you married, single, etc?

  • We’re both 29.  It stresses me out.  I’m afraid to turn 30.
  • We’re, obviously, married.  Since 2006.  The big 5 years this year!

How do you pay your bills? Or do you?  What’s your dream job?

  • I’m a pharmacist at a clinic for those in need.  Nate is an accountant at a small CPA firm.
  • My dream job is to own a book store where I will serve hot chocolate and smoothies….think Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail.  Nate asked me if I finished watching that movie.  For those of you who haven’t seen it (which you should…today), the book stores goes under.  He’s such a dream crusher.
  • I’m guessing Nate’s dream job is to be a professional golfer.  Just a guess.  I’ll have to ask him.  He’s at work while I’m enjoying the start to my mini-staycation….mwah ha ha

Do you rent? Own?

  • We obviously own.  Like most of you, we probably own about 5% of the house.  We are working on paying off my student loans first and then the mortgage payment.  We did just refinance and decreased our mortgage from a 30 year mortgage to a 15 year.  Crazy to think we could own our home outright by the time we are 45..or hopefully sooner.

Do you have babies?  Fur or human.

  • You all know about our child…he’s enjoying the staycation as well (note the Wubba...it goes EVERYWHERE with him)…

2011-06-16_07.03.16

  • I’m not hiding any human children.  Nate and I are unsure about the children thing.  Some days we think it might not be so bad…other days not so much.   We’ve got some time.  I think we’d prefer to have kids around 45.  Darn biological clocks.

Favorite TV show? Movie?

  • Our favorite TV shows include How I Met Your Mother, 30 Rock, The Big Bang Theory, The Amazing Race, The Middle.  We really enjoyed Traffic Light but it’s been cancelled.  Why do they always do this to me??
  • I have trouble picking movies.  Nate is obsessed with Super Troopers.  Dumb.  I like girly stuff…and Elf.  Elf is my all time favorite.  I try to watch it at least 8 times (magic number) during Christmas.

Favorite Book?

  • Thanks for your recommendations!
  • I like to read.  I got a Kindle for Christmas.  I just discovered my Kindle App on my phone at a baseball game last night.  Dangerous.  I can read at a baseball game and no one thinks I’m that old lady weirdo reading her book.  Bonus.
  • I like light reads.  I spent 8 years reading text books.  I’ve done that “challenge myself” thing.  I recently finished Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and Heaven is For Real.  Enjoyed them all.  My favorites include The Help, Marley and Me, and Charlotte’s Web. 

Favorite Food?

  • Sugar.

Favorite Paint Color?

  • I really like blues.  Blues can be hard.  I really want to paint our kitchen blue.  Nate thinks I’m out of control.

Answers to Other Questions You Asked:

  • Why did we decide to build?  Post coming soon!
  • Where are we going on vacation?  We are headed to Lake Michigan with Nate’s family for a week!
  • Are your floors hardwood or laminate, and how do you keep them from being scratched?  They are hardwood.  Brazilian Cherry.  How do we keep them from being scratched? We don’t.  Overall the cherry is a pretty hard wood but after 2 1/2 years of living here, we are accumulating some scratches…from the dog flying down the stairs 1 million mph or dropping things. We call it “giving the house character”.  That dent on the floor in the kitchen will always remind to hang my curtains high and wide because the dent occurred while Nate was re-hanging them.  Good husband.
  • Tell us about Ike.  Where to start.  I tell people I love him like he came from my uterus (too graphic?).  We got him from a breeder in northwest Iowa 4 1/2 years ago.  He’s full of energy.  He’s loves EVERYTHING…especially walks, Wubbas, bones, other dogs, and sleeping in the bed.  He’s our shadow.  Everyone we go, he is there.  Best. Dog. Ever.
  • What are your favorite parts about blogging? Why did you start one? What keeps you going?   
    • I think I started writing a blog because I wanted to share with others what we have learned along the way.  We are not experts.  Our house doesn’t have the most expensive finishes. We have no formal training in design. I don’t want to preach to you about how you should decorate your home in a specific way and the only way to do that is just like us.  Your home should be filled with colors and things that you love.  Period.
    • I also kept getting annoyed with blogs stating that they decorate on a budget.  Yes, that pillow you purchased was only $20 but I see 5 of them on your couch.  If my math is right, that’s $100 on pillows. Pillows.  You can make a cover for about $3.   
    • My favorite parts of blogging?  You all.  Seriously.  Most of my “real life” have friends have zero to no interest in decorating and design.  It consumes my thoughts and it’s nice to have people to share that with.  I’ve also enjoyed writing again.  I’ve always liked to write…and so I go into a professional field of math and science.  Smart girl.
    • What keeps me going?  You all….and the never-ending thoughts of projects floating in my brain.

Let’s Talk About You

I have writer’s block this week.  It’s weird.  I usually have no trouble running my mouth (ask my husband)…but it’s just not translating into writing well this week…

And I have a bunch of other life things that are piling up….like dishes…he’s not as helpful as he looks…

2011-06-22_18.33.38

Luckily starting today at 1:00PM I will be off work until Monday morning.  Plenty of time to recharge…and work on fun projects!!

But today, it’s your turn.  I want this post to be about YOU.   

Tell me all about yourself and what you enjoy reading on this blog! 

Don’t you hate when people do this?  I always blank…it’s like “tell me about yourself” block.

Here are some suggestions to help you out (but definitely don’t limit yourself to these ideas)…

About You:

  • Where are you from?
  • How old are you?
  • How do you pay your bills? Or do you?  What’s your dream job?
  • Do you rent? Own?
  • Do you have babies?  Fur or human.
  • Favorite TV show? Movie?
  • Favorite Book?  (This is selfish because I’m looking for some vacation reads…)
  • Favorite Food?
  • What’s your favorite paint color?

Why do you read my ramblings?

  • DIY ideas
  • Furniture re-dos
  • Recipes
  • Craft ideas
  • Photography
  • Decorating ideas
  • Ike. Don’t answer this.  I don’t think his head can get any bigger.

Anything that you’re dying to know about us? Our house?  I’ll answer any random questions that you may have for us (well, almost any question…).  Ask away!! 

I want to hear from all of you.  That includes you non-commenting lurkers, mom’s co-workers, second cousins once removed, friends of friends, etc.  All of you!  I’m nosey….

Stripey Baby Quilt

My recent obsession with stripes continues. 

One of my employee’s daughters just had a little girl.  I decided to whip up a quilt for the wee one.  This is my 3rd attempt at “quilting”.  I use quotation marks because all I really do is sew some squares or strips of fabric together and attempt to “quilt” them at the end.  Key word, attempt.

Here’s attempt #1:

Attempt #2:

And now…attempt #3:

001pn

019pn

003pn 

018pn

I had to kindly explain to Ike that this wasn’t his.  (And yes, he has a Wubba with him at all times.  Obsessed much?)  Luckily the home it is going to has multiple dogs so I don’t feel quite so bad about him stomping on it.  Don’t worry, I will recommend they wash it…

012pn

I used this tutorial for the striped top and this tutorial for the quilting.  I was going to do a how-to…but no one should be taking sewing advice from me.  It’s not pretty.  The quilt turned out cute enough.  I definitely need more practice but I know “it’s the thought that counts” will get me through on this one.

What’s your favorite beginner quilting pattern?  Have you attempted to quilt?  Do share!

Linking up to: A Bowl Full of Lemons, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, Simple Home Life

Front Entry/Stairwell

Happy Monday!  Is there such a thing?..unless you’re on vacation…

Today I am going to share with your our front entry.  I don’t think it has received a proper introduction on the ol’ blog…not that I can remember anyways…but I do have a short memory.  Wouldn’t you like me to be your pharmacist?

Let’s start the tour of our front entry…

002pn

This photo makes me laugh…it’s like an outtake from a Better Homes and Gardens magazine…one where the editors wouldn’t quite know what to do with my awkwardness.

Here’s the view from our front door once you step inside…

021pn

Straight ahead is our living room and staircase.  If you hang a right, you will be headed to our mudroom.  On the left is the dining room.  The floors were cleaned on Thursday night.  This photo was taken on Saturday.  Slobbery dog with dirty summer feet + wood floors = ewww.

Looking back, this is what you will see…

010pn

The rug is from Lowe’s.  The wreath is up from Christmas.  I haven’t felt the need to take it down…along with the snowflake on our living room shelves.  Christmas in July is coming right up….

015pn

032pn

An an aerial shot…from the walkway…

038pn

And here’s the view looking out the front door…Iowa missed the memo that it’s supposed to be hot and sunny during the end of June…

026pn

And look at the poor dog that was trapped in the office while I had the door open for photos…

016

There you have it!  Our front entry.  I’m linking up over at HOUSEography and Cottage and Vine…link up your front entry and I’ll be sure to check it out!!

A Stroll Down Memory Lane- Staircase

Let’s take another stroll down memory lane and check out where we were on our house building process 3 years ago…

3 Years Ago This Week: 
 
Our house started to look like a house!






Do you like our plywood shoved in the patio door area to help meet code?  Classy.  And looking at the ladder up 3 stories is giving me a panic attack…I, obviously, was not involved in the roofing process.

Ike and I were enjoying the view out the guest room window.  He definitely loved going to check out the house progress…






The circular staircase was built…









I was so in love with these stairs (still am).  If they had cheeks, I would have squeezed them.

When designing our house, I wanted it to have some unique architectural elements..no cookie cutter contractor house here.  The problem with “unique” is that “unique” usually means expensive…which we really didn’t have the budget for.  These stairs were definitely more expensive than a traditional staircase but they were worth every penny. I just had to do away with my secret passage that I wanted to add.  Darn it…but seriously, how cool would a secret passage be?  I’m still trying to figure out how to add one now….

There you have it.  Our house 3 years ago this week!

And just for fun, if money was no object what “unique” thing would you add to your house?  Along with a secret passage, I think a slide would be pretty sweet.  And how about an indoor pool just for fun?!

















Let’s Talk Rugs (with a survey)!

Why are rugs so expensive?  It’s so sad for a DIY’er that tries really hard to stick to her monthly budget. 

I really thought I was done buying rugs but the other night I came up with the brilliant idea that our guest bathroom needed a runner.  Nate loves my brilliant ideas.  He's so happy he married a genius.

The guest bath is long and narrow.  Perfect for a runner…

Summer To Do (65)

The walls will be painted Valspar’s Gravity (same as the guest bedroom).  I did decide on a plain white shower curtain…because I want the rug to do the talking.

I was doing some on-line browsing and found some decent options on RugsUSA.  Has anyone purchased from them?  I had a bad rug experience with Overstock so I’m hesitant about ordering from them.  Doesn’t mean I won’t…just hesitant.  My options for purchasing a runner in a store in the area are VERY limited so on-line will probably be my best bet.

I had originally considered DIYing a chevron runner (like 100 other bloggers) but I don’t have an IKEA close and all of the runners I have found around the area are still pretty pricey for a plain runner that I could potentially ruin with paint.  The option isn’t out but at this point, I think I would prefer to purchase something.  Gotta make those long hours in the pharmacy good for something, right?

Ike and I want your opinions because we are the most indecisive pair….and we love a good survey..seriously, I'm that weirdo that fills out every survey that comes in the mail...

Boardwalk Stripes: Yellow or Black

The American Home Rug Company Beach  Collection Boardwalk Stripes Yellow Rug American Home Rug Co. Beach Rug AT064 Black / Ivory Boardwalk Stripes Rug - AT064BKIY

 

Damask: Red or Black

image image

Zebra Print: Black or Grey

Dalyn Rug Co. Safari Polyester Black Novelty Rug - SI1BKHandmade Alexa Zebra Ivory/ Grey Wool/ Viscose Runner (2'6 x 8')

I’m also open to suggestions….especially if anyone knows where I can find a chevron runner.  I really don’t want to spend more than $120-130…I don’t even really want to spend that, so the cheaper the better!

Let me hear your thoughts!  Or should I just stick to good ol’ bath rugs and call it a day?  Is a runner weird in a bathroom?  Do share! 


Raspberry-Lemon-Yogurt Bread

I love bread.  I really do.  I couldn’t do the whole Atkins thing.  Carbs are my thing.  Don’t judge. 

I was in the mood for some homemade bread this past week-end and I saw a recipe in Self magazine for a Raspberry-Lemon-Yogurt Bread.  It sounded healthy-ish so I decided to try it.

If you’ve been following this blog for awhile, you may know that I’m kind of a disaster in the kitchen when it comes to meals….the husband is the cook in this house.  I, however, can bake up a storm….look at this baked to perfection bread…

Summer To Do (16)pn 

 Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup plus 1 tbsp. sugar, divided
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup nonfat lemon yogurt
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • grated zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh raspberries

How do you bake it on up?

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Coat a 1 lb loaf pan with cooking spray.
  • Combine flour, 2/3 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  • Combine yogurt, eggs, butter, zest, and vanilla in a second bowl.
  • Toss raspberries with remaining 1 tbsp. sugar in a third bowl…so many dishes.
  • Fold yogurt mixture into dry mixture; stir to combine completely.
  • Gently fold in raspberries.
  • Scrape batter evenly into loaf pan.
  • Bake until top is golden and springs back when you gently touch it (~65 minutes)
  • Enjoy

Our Review/Changes We Would Make:

  • The lemon bread component was really good.  Good flavor and texture.
  • We would cut the raspberries up.  We folded them in whole and they just turned to mush in the bread.  I think it would be better with blueberries.  Nate hates blueberries so he disagrees.
  • I used my new Pampered Chef mini loaf pan (darn co-workers and their parties). I was pleased at how well the stoneware baked the bread.  Fancy.
    • This recipe made 3 loaves in this pan.  Hopefully the other two freeze well.  The ability to make little loaves was the main reason I purchased this pan. We try to eat fairly healthy (as in no sugary stuff) during the week and then we eat whatever we want on the week-ends. My co-workers will probably hate this pan because whatever “sweet stuff” we have left over from the week-end goes into work.  Poor co-workers!

  • We’ll definitely make this bread again!

What’s your favorite bread recipe?  Do share! 

Linking up to: Little Brick Ranch, Sweet as Sugar Cookies

Sewing Cabinet Re-Do

This past week-end while I was cursing at my sewing machine sewing a baby quilt, I realized that I haven’t shared my sewing cabinet re-do with you all.

I found this chair for $3 at the Salvation Army Outlet (which reminds that I need to stop by and risk my life for some more bargains like this)…

Colorado_137

I love a good chair seat covered in cat fur…

I found this sewing cabinet at a local garage sale.  It was marked at $15.  Nate’s mom haggled them down to $10.  Nate and I are bad hagglers…glad we had the pro with us!

sewingb

I was previously sewing on a our kitchen table so the thought of having my very own sewing table was very exciting.  I followed my trusty painting steps (read them here) and ended up with this….

Summer To Do (18)
Summer To Do (19)

My sewing machine doesn’t fit inside the table (the top folds out) and I haven’t gotten around to finding a solution for that but I don’t mind the sewing machine on top…it really doesn’t  have much effect on my spectacular sewing skills.  You may also notice my sewing machine manual on the stand…I don’t sew without it near. 

My sewing machine is a cheap-o Singer Target special.  It works fine except the bobbin randomly decides to randomly jam.  At first I thought it was just me…and then I read the reviews on-line…lots of good sewers with bobbin issues…still doesn’t make me scream at it less when it jams but I do feel slightly better…

Summer To Do (27)

I have to watch what I say because I usually have this pretty face nearby helping me with my projects.  He’s also kind of a chair thief.  He thinks my chair re-do is pretty comfy!  (You can read how I refinish chairs here.)  I think all of your nice comments about him on yesterday’s post are going to his fuzzy head…

sewing

There you have it.  A sewing table and chair set for under $15!

Where do you sew? Or do you?  Are you one of those with a pretty sewing room?  Or is yours hidden in your maybe-someday baby room like mine?  Or do you sew old school on your kitchen table? Don’t worry..I’ve been there!

Linking up to: Primitive and Proper, A Bowl Full of Lemons, Type A, Someday Crafts, http://simple%20home%20life/

Summer To-Do List: House Edition

Are you a list maker?  I am in every aspect of my life…except for house projects.  That’s about to change today!

Our week-ends during the summer are packed!! Packed full of fun with family and friends but that leaves little time for house projects (as you may have noticed in my lack of substantial house related posts).  We spend our week nights doing laundry, mowing, cleaning, etc. which leaves little time for projects (and no one wants to read a post about me cleaning dirty underwear).  When we do have time for projects we seem to forget what we were going to tackle and end up doing nothing.  It’s time for a change. 

We have some free week-ends coming up and here are the plans…slightly lofty plans but still manageable.  We built a house in 8 months…I think we can tackle a few decor projects in 3 months.

What do we hope to accomplish?

Mudroom:

Remember our big mudroom plans??  Yeah, the mudroom still looks like the before picture.  This room will probably be first up on our to-do list.

010image

Kitchen Shelf?:

If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have noticed a slight new obsession with shelves over windows or doors.  I think a shelf holding vintage kitchen items would look pretty over our patio door?  I’m not completely sold but I think it may work.  What are your thoughts?

image Summer To Do (41)pn

Girly Laundry Room:

Our laundry room is a hot MESS.  I can’t even believe I am posting these photos.  I am hoping to shame myself into motivation.  The rest of our house was shot as is…I’m a slight neat freak but I do have my dark secrets…and this is one of them…the shame! 

I have big plans for this room.  I’m thinking lighter walls and girly.  I think Nate has been in the laundry room 3 times since we have moved in so he won’t even notice if I have a little pink in here…

Summer To Do (43) Summer To Do (46)

Bed Frame:

Our bed needs a bed frame to go with our DIY’ed headboard copy cat.  I can’t find a bedskirt that I like and I think a bed frame would give the room a cleaner look. I’m thinking another West Elm knock-off is in store. Ike flew off the bed in excitement when he heard about this plan…

Summer To Do (61)

Guest Bathroom:

Our guest bathroom needs a coat of Valspar’s Gravity…to coordinate with our guest bedroom.

Now I need your opinions on the shower curtain situation (why do I think of Jersey Shore every time I type that word?…focus). 

Should I go with a white shower curtain for a spa-like feel or something more bold?  I’m afraid a white shower curtain may be too much white in the room but I also feel that it would look clean and crisp against the grey walls.  I’m open to all opinions…

Summer To Do (62)

Guest Bedroom Gallery Wall:

Our guest bedroom is getting a gallery wall.  I have ideas in my head.  I just need to get to work on making the prints/printing them out.  I think I also need to paint some frames.  Again, I will take opinions.  Black frames, white frames, yellow frames, a mix?  Glad I went with a white comforter in this room…that dog was on a roll during this photo session…

Summer To Do (68)

Outdoor Patio:

I recently showed you our deck but we also have another backyard space….and it needs a little TLC.  Neither of us has a good vision for this space but we know that it needs cleaned up (hello power washer) and at least some hanging baskets.  We are also going to look for some clearanced furniture to replace our 5 year old Wal-Mart special…which is still holding strong…

015

018

Kitchen Backsplash:

If we get really ambitious, we will tackle our kitchen backsplash…but this may need to wait until fall…or later because we are the most indecisive people on the planet solar system…

Summer To Do (42)

There you have it.  Our summer to-do list!  What’s on your to-do list?  Also, feel free to share any opinions/ideas on our oncoming projects!

Happy Daddy-O Day!

Nate and I would like to wish a Happy Father’s day to our dads. 

We think they are pretty swell dudes!  I mean they raised us!

001pn

My dad very rarely smiles in photos so this one from our wedding always cracks me up!

And Nate needs to take more photos individually with his parents!  The things you learn when blogging!

Happy Father’s day to all of those lovely father figures out there!