Three Little Birds...

Somewhere in the midst of our bathroom renovation, traveling to New Jersey and a big snowstorm, my keys have gone a missin'. We searched for weeks but, with each passing day, the hope of recovering my keys dwindled. It was time to take action. It was time to make a new set of keys.

Coming to terms with the fact that my keys are gone proves quite sad for me. You see, I have an attachment to an enormous diamond key ring that my mom gave to me when I got engaged. Tacky? Yes. Sentimental?  You betcha. Though the hubs and I have celebrated three wedding anniversaries, I’m still attached to that rock. But it’s not only the sentimental loss that I’m feeling. I also lost my jump drive that contains the contents of my career (it’s backed up in three other spots so that’s not a huge issue) and the extra clicker to my car; an $80+ value. 

I don’t have much experience when it comes to getting keys cut. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had a key made. So when I went to Home Depot to get the key made, I was pleasantly surprised. Did you know that you can keys made in all different shapes and sizes? Keys come in more variety than just plain old silver and gold. I could not resist the temptation and made the $4.78 splurge on this:

How stinkin’ cute? The three little birds remind me of the Bob Marley classic and the bling pays homage to my long lost “diamond” key ring. I smile every time that I look down at my keys. It’s funny how something so silly can brighten my day and I can’t help but sing in my head “don’t worry, ‘bout a thing…cause everything little thing is gonna be alright…”

"That's what she said"

Being a kindergarten teacher, it's not often I get to write "like a grownup." When I began this blog, an objective I set was to use this blog as an outlet to write in a grown up fashion. This post does not reflect that goal.

One of the hubs and my favorite TV shows is The Office. We own every season and have watched each episode countless times. Often, we use Michael Scott's (a main character of the show) coined phrase "that's what she said," when referring to something of sexual or ridiculous nature. This proves no differently for our bathroom renovation. Over the last two weeks, the hubs and I have spent approximately 50 or more hours locked in our 5 x 8ft closet of a bathroom. We've needed some comic relief.

The following are actual instances to which we've added Michael Scott's famous quote. If you're easily offended, I would stop reading right about now. If you're open to crass and childish humor, get on it (that's what she said):

" It's too big."   (that's what she said)
" I swear it fit last time." (that's what she said)
" I can't get a good grip on this." (that's what she said)
" Why do I feel like the hole changed sizes?" (that's what she said)
" Oh my gosh, it's spraying all over me." (that's what she said)
" Come on, give it a good whack." (that's what she said)
" If you want it to work you have to do it harder than that." (that's what she said)
" That's not straight at all." (that's what she said)
" I can't get it in." (that's what she said)
" It's so hard to screw this. " (that's what she said)
" It's still too soft." (that's what she said) 
" I'm so tired of being on my knees." (that's what she said) 

And, our personal favorite... 

" Just get on top of it and push really hard." (that's what she said)

I hope you get a kick out of these as much as we did. I know it's silly, childish, and immature, but it has kept us entertained over the last two weeks. Plus, I know we're not the only ones there tossing out the ole' "That's what she said." Are you guilty as well?

Reving it up!

We all have them; those pesky pet peeves in your home that just irk you to no end. Most of the time, they're an easy fix, but not quite problematic enough to put effort into amending. You must have at least one if you think about it long enough. I'll give you a minute....

Got it?

Ours was in the kitchen.

If you've seen our kitchen, you'll be quick to notice that it's not very large. It's long and narrow, which doesn't allow much space for a trash can. Plus, I'm just not a fan of exposed trash. I like to keep it hidden, I'm secretive like that. So, to cater to our kitchen and my needs, we threw a small plastic bin under the sink. A fine solution, except that I always, always found trash in the cabinet. We have bad aim, what can I say? I was fed up with picking up trash from the cabinet...one Kraft Single wrapper too many threw me over the edge. 

I decided to put an end to our trash issue on one of our recent Lowe's trips. The solution? The hubs and I bought our very first under the cabinet pull out garbage can kit from:

check out more of their products here

I was so very anxious to install our Rev A Shelf and whipped out our drill as soon as we got home. Then I ran into a problem...

The cabinet wouldn't close. In my moment of excitement, I forgot to measure to ensure our new trash can would fit. Due to our feed from the dishwasher, it didn't. Drats!

Lucky for us, I was able to think outside of the cabinet box and put the new Rev a Shelf under the left side of the cabinet where there are no pipes. And wouldn't you know, it fit like a glove. Well not quite like a glove, but you get the point.

After four quick screws and a switcheroo of our cleaning supplies, our pesky problem was solved.

Don't you just love organization? It makes my heart flutter.

For the record, it's now been about three weeks since we've switched our garbage can set up, and I'm happy to share that our cabinets are free of debris. The downside? The hubs and I are creatures of habit and haven't adapted to it's new location. We'll get there...hopefully!

Now that I've shared our silly little home issue, I want to know about yours. What is that one (or more) thing in your home that is so irritating but not quite worth your effort? Or maybe you're crazy like me and need to fix what's not quite that broken. Do you own any Rev A Shelf products and love them as much as we do?

5 years ago today...

I have so much to tell you about our bathroom remodel but today marks something a little more important. Five years ago today, in a little restaurant in Hamiliton, New Jersey, Paul asked me to be his wife. I tearfully said, "yes," and the rest, as they say...is history.

Paul proposed to me during the entree course of a fancy five course meal. As the ring was presented by our waiter on a silver platter, my normally reserved hubs (boyfriend) asked the restaurant for their attention and dropped to one knee. In the shock and blur of the moment, I don't remember the words he said, but I know they brought me and many in the restaurant to tears. That evening goes down as one of the most exciting nights in my life because I knew, that day, it was official that I would spend my life with the person I love most. I am one lucky lady!

I would love to hear your engagement stories. I'm feeling extra sentimental tonight!

Want to know what's not fun?

A few weeks back, I shared with you my love for using our fireplace. I've used it a bunch since, but it was starting to get expensive as I was buying bundles of wood for $6 each at the local convenience store. Paul decided it was time to order wood to lower the cost per fire. Well, tonight that wood was delivered. The problem? The "company" my darling hubs found on Craigslist wouldn't stack the wood because we didn't have a wheel barrow. You would think a company that moves wood, would have their own tools. Maybe that's just me. Anywho, long story short, the hubs and I got to DIY once again and stack our own wood.

Our mission was to move 3/4 chord of wood from our front yard into the backyard onto the wood rack that the hubs assembled. Did you know you can't put firewood straight onto the ground? I didn't.

Good thing I have a big, strong, and determined hubs. He moved that wood like a champ. 

My job was to stack the wood. Not bad for a newbie, eh?

Forty five minutes, one small cut, and one dog poo covered shoe later, the hubs and I were done.

I think this photo may be the most unflattering and "awkward family photo" we've ever taken, but nonetheless, we dominated that pile of wood!

A love letter

Dear Turtle Wax Oxy Interior1,

I don't really know how I can express the love and gratitude my heart holds for you today. We don't often interact, in fact, for the last 1 1/2 years you've been residing untouched in the hubs' shed. Sometimes, the hubs and I will look at you and remember why we bought you in the first place. Do you recall? It was when Macie was 10 weeks old, pooped in my brand new car, and walked it all over the back seat. Oh, the memories. You've moved with us from Florida to Virginia and have stayed in that dark shed through record snow storms, nor 'easters and unyielding summer heat. Many cleaners would have given up by now, but not you. You've been waiting around for when I would need you again, and today, Oxy (can I call you that?) was your day.

When I left work today and noticed a funny smell in my car, I had no idea what it could be. Soon, it was apparent. You know that stenciling project I've been slaving over? You know that quart of green paint I bought for it then decided I didn't need? Well, I think that paint had it out for me. It spilled half of its contents across my passenger seat. Oxy, I had a puddle of paint on the front seat of my car. I didn't know what to do. Worse off, how was I supposed to tell the hubs? He despises that I keep a messy car.

In my moment of sheer panic and crisis, I had no idea how I would clean the mess. I tested a few options. Paper towels just spread it around. A scrub brush and water just made it worse. I needed something stronger. Then you dawned on me, Oxy. You, brought light into my life when I all I had was green paint darkness. From the moment I sprayed your white foam on that paint,  I knew you were what I needed.

       
Through two hours and four rolls of paper towels, you stood by me as we soaked up that paint until the sun went down, literally. Together, we cleaned my car until no one could ever tell a trace of paint had fallen on that gray fabric. Oxy, I truly believe that if we can get through this, we can get through anything. Thank you for standing strong with me and still working though you've sat in that shed for so very long. Thank you for not poisoning me with toxic fumes, but most of all, Oxy, thank you for saving my marriage. Because had you not worked, I'm fairly certain Paul would have left me.

Farewell my love. I will miss you, but I hope we don't meet again soon.

Love always,

Trish

Are you a Groupy?

Sorry I've been MIA the last few days...I'm a bit under the weather. I've been downing tea like an English woman and hopefully it's going to help soon.

Have you all heard of Groupon? If not, let me fill you in. Groupon is a deal of the day website that you subscribe to for your city. Each day, you will receive one deal (via e-mail) for your area. Deals range from fitness classes, to services, to restaurants. The savings are usually fantastic!

I've been subscribing to Groupon for about three months but had not bought anything until today. One of the hubs and mine favorite restaurants was offering a $20 brunch gift certificate for $9. Cheap mimosas? Yes, please! I bought my very first groupon and plan on surprising the hubs when he comes home next weekend (unless he reads this first...Surprise, Honey!)

via

So, are you a Groupy? Have you bought anything worth bragging about? If you're not on the Groupon train yet, I recommend you hop on and see if it's available in your area. Even if you don't make a purchase, it's still fun to hear about the deals!

Muffins anyone?

This weekend I hit up my favorite store, Ann Taylor Loft to see what was going down in the land of petites. I was so excited when I saw these jeans on sale for $19.99. Add in my 25% of coupon and teacher's discount and that dropped them down to $13.99!

$13.99 for hot new jeans? Yes, please!

Well, there was one issue and it was sort of a big deal. The jeans were one size too small.

When I tried them on  the dreaded muffin top reared it's ugly, jiggly head.

This is not me! Got it here

I instantly pictured myself strutting down the block with my flub hanging and being cat-called...bowchichabowow!

Are you kidding me? Muffin top is the worst. But, guess what I did? I bought the jeans anyway....I'm such a masochist. Truth is, I decided that if the jeans don't fit me, well gosh darnit, I'm going to fit the jeans! I was this size not too very long ago so it's probably time I get my rear in gear (a smaller gear of course!)I've enjoyed every second of indulging but now it's time to get a movin', literally.

So wish me luck that I can get myself comfortably into these jeans in the not too distant future. Until then ladies, flaunt it! Muffin tops and all.

Inspiration at the commissary

Earlier this week, I took a quick trip to the commissary- one of my favorite places ever. For those of you who are not familiar with the commissary, it's a military grocery store. But it's not just a grocery store, no, no, no. It's a grocery store where nearly everything is about 20% cheaper than your average Harris Teeter or Food Lion. Cha-ching!

Most people hate going because it's usually crowded, but I LOVE me a commissary trip. Infact, food shopping with Paul is one of my most favorite things to do. Seriously. I'm crazy about food, what can I say?

While most commissary trips are uneventful, this week's trip inspired me. Check out what my hubs spotted:

A girl walking around with a four inch binder, itemized by aisle, full of coupons. I've never seen anything like it. A-mazing. Are you green with coupon envy? I am.

I stink at coupon clipping and, to be honest, wasn't sure where to even find coupons outside of the commissary aisles. So I had to inquire as this girl was obviously an expert. If you know me, you know I have no fear in going up to a stranger and striking a conversation. Clearly, I also have no problem asking someone if I can take a photo of their coupon binder. So, faster than you can say "buy one get one free," I made a beeline to pick this coupon phenom's brain.

Here are the minutes from our interrogation convo:

-Most people use a two inch binder for their coupons, my guru uses four.
- The best way to store the coupons is in baseball card sheets.
- If you have a numbered and itemized coversheet with the aisles of your grocery store, you can number your binder to find your coupons quickly.
 - The best place to get coupons is in a Sunday newspaper and if you hit up the dollar store early, you can get the newspaper for $1 instead of $2.
- Websites for coupons include www.coupon.com, www.redplum.com, and www.smartsource.com

I am absolutely in awe and am completely inspired to make a coupon binder of my very own. So, I have to know, are you as inspired as I am or do you already have your own way to organize coupons? Are you a coupon clipper, or just suck it up and pay full price? Any other tips to share? Help a girl out!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

You may not know this, but I'm obsessed with Thanksgiving. If I had to forgo every other holiday, birthday, and anniversary celebration just to celebrate this one glorious day of thanks, I would. I wouldn't even bat an eye. I love Thanksgiving so much that I plan for it all year round. I scout out new recipes and perfect my existing "classics." When I start getting antsy around mid-August to make our Thanksgiving plans, the hubs has to remind me on a weekly basis that it's not time yet.

Well...tie me up, get out your basters, and stick a pop up thermometer in me because it's finally time for Thanksgiving!

The problem with Thanksgiving this year is that Paul and his squadron won't be home to celebrate. So I've taken matters into my own hands and declared a Sunday in early November our Thanksgiving. Afterall, it's about the people, food, and time spent together, not the actual day right? Technically, it could be Thanksgiving everyday if I really wanted to try, but too much a good thing is....errr, too much.

I haven't even started shopping for the perfect centerpiece and table settings to dress up our new table but the menu has been set for quite some time. Usually, I make everything myself and don't ask for contributions, but since we're a little crunched for time, I have asked friends to bring a couple of side dishes and desserts. Here's what I'm whipping up this year:

Appetizers:

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Pesto and Bruschetta on a Baguette

One more TBD-suggestions?

Soup (tentatively):

Poor Man's Garlic Soup 

 Main Course:

Brined Turkey

Ham with Apple Glaze

Home-made Gravy

Home made biscuits (recipe in the works)

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Orange Infused Asparagus

Crock Pot Stuffing

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

 Dessert:

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

I haven't been this excited about something since....well, last Thanksgiving. What makes it even more special is that it will the first time the hubs and I will host Thanksgiving in our very own home, which makes it all the more special.

What are you favorite Thanksgiving dishes? Any past successes (or failures) hosting this oh-so-special holiday. Do you share in my enthusiasm or think Thanksgiving is just a day to eat and watch football? I'd love to hear your recipes, experiences, and opinions on my very favorite day of the year!

Tour de Scent

I received the ultimate compliment this weekend. I had a friend and his daughter over and as he was leaving our home, he said to me, "I wish my house smelled like yours."

This may not sound like much, but one aspect of house keeping that I'm over the top about is making sure you can never tell that our house is occupied by these two:

Let me rephrase this, I want to make sure your nose cannot tell that our two furry babies reside in our love nest. I work endlessly and spend obscene amounts of money on air fresheners to make sure this does not happen.

Follow me around our house as I give you the tour de scent:

I'm still finishing up the last of our summer scents so our home has a light, citrusy smell to it. The first scent you will smell as you walk into our house is Hawaiian breeze, a passion fruit based scent by Febreze. As you enter our dining room, you are greeted by Coconut Lime Verbena. It's subtle and not very coconuty actually. Which is good because I'm not a coconut fan.

 As you enter the living room, more Coconut lime welcomes you.

And, since plugin's are not very manly, I have a reed diffuser in the manroom. It's the hubs favorite scent; Vanilla. And yes, diffusers are way more masculine. Wooden rods? Come on now!

Upstairs, more Hawaiian Breeze greets you in our bathroom.

Even our unoccupied guest room has a plug in! Just simple Bath and Body Work's Clean Cotton.

And, since the hubs can't get enough wooden rods (hehe) we have another rod diffuser on his night stand in the bedroom. It's Lemon Grass and Citrus by Glade (said with an accent of course).

Besides the massive amounts of plugins, we also have countless scented candles in our home. And, I know you're gagging from all of this thinking our house smells like a Citrus Puerto Rican shower, but, I assure you, it's not overwhelming at all. It's light, fresh, airy, and subtle....just like me! Best of all, there is no trace of dog in our home- success!

While I'm loving the scent of our home these days, truthfully, I cannot wait for these plug-in's to run their course. I'm ready for some fall scents. How delish do these sound from Bath and Body Works' new line; Autumn Apple, Chocolate Mint, Frosted Cranberry? I'm drooling!

So, how do you scent your home? Candles, plug-in's, reed diffusers? Any DIY remedies? My mom loves to boil cinnamon in the winter for a festive scent. I want to hear all about your yummy house smells! Give a girl some tips.

Sumner, Sumner, Sumner, Time...

I can't stop singing Will Smith's summer classic today.

After months of saving, our dream dining room table is finally where she belongs; our house! Thanks friend's and family sale at Pottery Barn and your 20% off for making it all possible.

Not sure which table I'm talking about? Look, here, or here.

Or...Here:

Isn't she stunning? I haven't seen an addition this grand since Jon and Kate Plus Eight, circa 2008. For the record, my addition is going to last a heck of lot longer and be a lot less annoying than that drama.

Stay tuned for how I will decorate this piece de resistance of our home. For now, feel free to sit and gaze at the table in all of it's natural glory. That's what I'll be doing the next few years hours.

PS- a special thanks to my amazing friends who lent some girl power while the hubs is out of town. There was no way I could have moved the 213lbs monster of a table by my lonesome!

Boys and their toys...

I had every intention of photographing and blogging about the manroom this evening, but it's still not done! I've showed you the DIY board and batton, told you about our IKEA trip to furnish the room, but we are moving slowly in finishing the room. It would've been done tonight but....

The hubs decided he needed a new car.

Guess where he is?

At the car dealership, buying one of these:

Yep, I'm not kidding. He was a man on a mission. We've traded in my lease, I'm taking his Cherokee, and he is getting a brand new Wrangler. Have I mentioned this will be his 4th wrangler?  He goes through cars like Tiger Woods goes through women.

Boys.

I wonder what I can whip up that I "need"....I know just the thing.

                                                                             A girl can dream, right?

PB 2 good to be true?

Hi, My name is Trish and I'm addicted to peanut butter. Whether it's served with honey, bananas, jelly, or straight from the jar, I love peanut butter. The problem with this is that, like most delicious things, peanut butter is super fattening (but it's good fat, right?) which means I have to eat it in moderation. Well, I'm not a big fan of moderation...when it comes to well, anything. I'd like to introduce you to my new best friend:

PB2 is "peanut powder made from roasted peanuts that have been 75% defatted and ground into an aromatic and tasty powder"  that you mix with water to create creamy peanut better. It does not taste exactly like the real deal, but it is a fabulous substitute. If you are a peanut butter lover but also like to watch those calories I highly recommend you go out and get this product asap. Check out the nutritional info versus traditional peanut butter:
             

PB2

The Real Deal

How can you say no to this? Apparently, it also comes in a chocolate flavor now too which I have yet to try.

Has anyone else tried this product?

It's that time of the year....

Happy Monday everyone! As far as Mondays go, this was a good one. I had such a fun time at work with my students today- I'm starting to love them already. As always, check out Mingle Monday and Life of Meg! Such a fun idea.

Don't forget to submit a recipe tomorrow to What's Cookin' Good Lookin' and help make dinner more fun during the week!

Ok, shameless plugs are over and on to the good stuff.

Admittedly, I'm usually working for the weekend. Not this week. Why not you ask? Let me explain it to you with pictures...they do speak 1000 words, you know:

Tuesday

 

Wednesday

 

 Thursday

 

I love me some fall tv and have been waiting for months for some new, amazing singing scenes, hilarious comedy, and wondering if Michael and Holly will get back together. Week nights are about to get a whole lot busier!

Are you as pumped as I am?

Brand spanking new

Happy Monday to you all! It's my last Monday before I go back to school. Yikes! It's also Mingle Monday time on Life of Meg. Check it out- what a fun idea!

I have so much to post about; our California vacation, some new home changes, new dumpster finds, the beginning of the school year...I could go on and on. But, what I am most excited to share with you, and though it's a bit obvious is....

This amazingly beautiful new design 

                                                                                                          I am in love 

I have no responsibility for the beautifulness (new word) of this page except for some of the images. The genius behind this is the talented, wonderful and patient, Sarah Ann at http://www.bonblogdesigns.com/. Is she incredible or what? Be on the look out for some improvements coming your way. With my blog being so fabulous, I have a lot to live up to! For now, just tell Sarah Ann how amazing she is :)

Ker-plunk!

I'd like to share a little life lesson with you all today: 

Never, ever, take a cell phone into the bathroom 

                                                                

Allow me to explain myself.

Something about me that you probably don't know is that I carry my cell phone with me everyday, all day, no matter where I go. This is not because I'm anxiously awaiting a phone call or text, it's simply because I want to know what time it is. I just haven't gotten around to buying a watch. I don't need it, I have a cell phone :)

About two years ago I was the proud new owner of an LG Envy cell phone. I was the hip girl on the block that had a key board built into her phone to text at super lightning speed. In usual fashion, I carried my cell phone with me everywhere, bathroom included. I had owned my phone 6 days before that darn cell phone slipped out of my back pocket and fell into the  toilet just as I was about to...well, assume the hover position. 

Ker-plunk!

Fast forward two years to tonight. I'm now the super cool owner of a Motorola Droid. I've had a crazy busy and hectic day. The specifics aren't important to this story, except for the fact that I was winding down the day by mowing my front and back yards (with my push mower, of course).  I was hot, sweaty and ready to take a shower so I could put on my PJ's, eat dinner and watch TV. Well, the phone gods had other plans for me.

Wouldn't you know that as I walked into the bathroom, my darn "smart phone" hopped out of my hand  and dove straight into the toilet. 

Ker-plunk! 

Though I rescued my not so smart phone faster than you can say splash, it was to no avail. My beautiful Droid gave one last flicker before the water seeped through it's sleek flat screen. Droid had met the same watery demise as the Envy did just two short years before.

So yes, I have dropped not one, but two phones into the toilet. TWO! I don't know what this says about me, but I will tell you, insurance plans are a necessity in our house.

In case you're wondering, I raced to Verizon 15 minutes before closing, gave the lonely military wife sob story and received a new phone. Which, by luck, happens to be the upgraded Droid 2 so it's not all bad.

                                              I wonder how I'll end up breaking this one.

You like tomato...

In early May, I decided to surprise Paul by redoing our yard while he was gone for training. I worked for hours and hours to clear, weed, landscape and mulch the yard. It looked fantastic for my first time doing landscaping, let alone the fact that I did it all by myself. 

With my new found confidence in my green thumb abilities, I decided to set my sights higher; I would grow a vegetable garden. Visions of homemade sauces, salads, and herbs clouded my mind. I was already deciding where I would clear land to plant my "crops" when reality tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Let’s start small." Topsy, Turvy it was! It doesn't get much smaller or easier, right?

My vegetable garden

On many of mine and Paul's trips to Home Depot, I had picked up the Topsy Turvy, contemplated purchasing it, and put it back down. I'm such a sucker for these "as seen on TV" items but now that I was a "serious" gardener, it was time to commit. I was finally ready for the 30 plus pounds of tomatoes that the Topsy Turvy promised me. I bought my Topsy Turvy, added my plant, soil and fertilizer and read the growing manual three times, yep, three. Serious gardeners do research, of course.

That was two months ago, and, let me tell you, I've watered this thing every day, numerous times because you can't water tomato plants too much. Topsy Turvy says so. Want to see the fruits of my labor? Here it is, in all its glory:

That's it, isn't she beautiful? 

Two months, lots of TLC, and all I get is one partly rotted stinking tomato? Scratch that, I actually had two tomatoes until three days ago when I accidentally picked the other one. I wanted to see if it was turning red.  It wasn’t.

I threw that stupid, green tomato across the yard. I also cried. Yep, really.

The good news is, I still have one little guy growing. I'm really pulling for him. Send good growing vibes his way if you can. Thanks.

I'm not quite sure where I went wrong. I truly did everything that I thought I was supposed to do. Maybe I should've sung to it? Nevertheless, I will grow a vegetable garden next year and I will be successful. That's a promise.

Do you think the Topsy Turvy was the wrong way to begin my vegetable garden? Am I the only one who is a sucker for As Seen on TV products? What novelty products have you bought? Did it live up to the hype? Spill- no product is too embarrassing!