2 'fer

I got 2 things today. 1 good, 1 very bad.


First, the good. My mom gave me these curtains. Aren't they fab! They would make a good re-do to my bedroom. I may shop the house this weekend, and try to add them and a few other goodies to my bedroom. It could use a change.






Now, the very bad. As I was on my way to one of my favorite home shops, I got this baby on my windshield. I cannot tell you how excited I am to contact the insurance company to get this fixed. Luckily, Kentucky is a free replacement state. Whew!


Happy Weekend! :)

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Weekend Warrior

This weekend, I'll be doing this. Although simple, it will add warmth and invitation to the front entrance. I might also add the small word of "welcome."

Happy weekend to all! :)

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Hide and Seek: TV Room Ideas

As usual, before I re-do anything, I'm gathering for ideas for a family tv room, specifically from magazines and other blogs.

It's a bit frustrating, as a lot of pictures have nice family rooms, but no tv. Do people not have tv's in these homes? Come on!

Here area few that I like, some with, some without the tv's.
































Thoughts? Recommendations?

:) Enjoy.

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Re-Purpose the Living Room?

My home has both a family room and a living room. Since I've had my home, I've used the living room as a formal space. Which means it really hasn't been used. Since I hate the idea of wasted space, I'm thinking of re-purposing the living room into a a comfortable study/tv/reading room.

Right now, I use my family room for the tv/reading room, but because the room is so long, furniture and tv placement is difficult. As you can see by the picture below, I only have one real wall, as the opposite is open to the kitchen/breakfast area.

This is my current formal living room. It's much more convenient for tv viewing and is much cozier for reading.

Here are the (proposed) details of the re-purpose.

1. Paint the formal living room the same neutral color as my family room.
2. Move the large tv armoire into living room, and paint it white.
3. Add some comfortable chairs.
   

Have you re-purposed a room? How did it turn out? I would love to hear your thoughts.

:) Enjoy.

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Date with a Moving Truck

This weekend my parents moved from one house to another house about 10 minutes away. Luckily, they had already cleaned out the junk, so the moving was relatively easy. There were 5 of us moving and 2 supervisors. The supervisors stayed with us every minute, and let us know when it was time to eat, play, and nap. Take a look..















What can I say..it's a hard life...

Enjoy! ;)

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What NOT to Eat in the Car

In case you were wondering...

1. Coffee: It always finds a way out of the cup.

2. Hot soup: Many people drink it like coffee and run the same risks.

3. Tacos: "A food that can disassemble itself without much help, leaving your car looking like a salad bar," says Hagerty.

4. Chili: The potential for drips and slops down the front of clothing is significant.

5. Hamburgers: From the grease of the burger to the ketchup and mustard on top, plenty of goop can end up on your hands, clothes and steering wheel.

6. Barbecued food: Similar issue arises for barbecued foods as for hamburgers. The sauce may be great, but it will end up on whatever you touch.

7. Fried chicken: Another food that leaves you with greasy hands, which means constantly wiping them on something, even if it's your shirt. It also makes the steering wheel greasy.

8. Jelly- or cream-filled doughnuts: Has anyone ever eaten a jelly doughnut without some of the center oozing out? And jelly can be difficult to remove from material.

9. Soft drinks: Not only are they subject to spills, but they also can fizz as you're drinking them if you make sudden movements. Most of us have childhood memories of soda fizz in the nose; the sensation isn't any more pleasant now.

10. Chocolate: Like greasy foods, chocolate can coat your fingers as it melts against the warmth of your skin, leaving its mark anywhere you touch. Try to clean it off the steering wheel and you could end up unintentionally swerving.

Enjoy! :)

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Garage Gadzookery (part 2)

Brace yourself.

The garage is crazy.

It will probably be next month's goal. :)

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Garage Gadzookery

I was so humbled (and shamed) by watching Young House Love's garage re-do, that I've decided to tackle mine.

It's unorganized, I dread going in there, and I barely have enough space for 1 car (it's 2 car- rolling my eyes).

Although I would love to purchase an organization system from Lowe's, I just don't have enough stuff. Luckily.

I'll post a picture tonight. It really won't disappoint.

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Easy Peasy Iced Coffee

I hEaRt iced coffee but don't like the cost. Boo.

So, to satisfy my craving, I came up with a make-at-home-easy recipe!

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• sugar to taste
• 3 cups water
  

1. Using the coffee pot, make 3 cups regular coffee.
2. Once complete, pour the coffee into a small container which can hold hot liquid (I use pyrex).
3. While hot, add sugar to taste and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
4. Stir.
5. Using a clean glass, cup, or travel mug, add ice.
6. Add milk to 3/4 of glass (cup or mug).
7. Add the hot coffee to the top, or near-to.

When I have guests, I fancy it up a bit by adding whipped cream and cinnamon to the top.

Slurrrrp and enjoy!

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Sunday Night Out

Yesterday I had the pleasure of having a nice dinner at a local restaurant called Avalon. We ate on their patio and watched the world go by.

We munched on truffled lobster mac & cheese, organic deviled eggs, and various cheeses.







Near the patio, they have a boutique which had purses, sweaters, baby items, and odds n'ends.

I restrained myself from buying a super cute bag! It was huge and white! Ya'll know how much I love big bags!It would have happily held everything I put into it.

Enjoy :)

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Haicut!

It was my first time at a new salon, and I am a very happy camper.

It's my new go-to place.

:)
Enjoy!

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Patio Party Design Board- Craigslist!

As you know, I love CRAIGSLIST!

It has super deals, and I like finding oddities that no-one loves, only to put it in my home and show it off for the wonder it is!

To show how Craigslist can be used, I created a patio party design board for a grand total of $60 buckaroos! Yep, this would be the cost. But I would advise you to offer a few dollars less, and bargain!

Here's the breakdown:
Game: $7
Appetizer Tray: $7
4 Chairs: $16
Table: $10
Sisal Rug: $10
Lantern: $10
TOTAL: $60.00

**although, if you bargained, I think you could get all of this for $51.00**

:) Enjoy!

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What Do I REALLY Do All Day?

After reading another blog about where time goes (or flies), I began thinking about my own day. Where do I spend the most time? What do I wish I could do more of?

The answer is, the sandman, and volunteer, respectfully.

How do you spend your day?

:) Ashley

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July Goals Update

Ok, here we go.

1. Complete at least one weekly meal plan.-
Grade: A+
I did really good on this. Each day of the week had a meal planned, although it didn't go as planned. Unfortunately, I didn't take into account the size of the meals, so I ended up eating leftovers for a couple of days (which were yummy).

2. Paint the twin bed for guest room.
Grade: C
I recently signed up for a free sample of paint, and am waiting for this to finish the bed. If it doesn't come in the next few days, I'll hit Lowe's and finish it.

3. Walk at least 3 days per week.
Grade: B-
Before the sick spell, I was doing pretty well. In fact, I look forward to walking around the neighborhood at night.

4. Eat at least 1 serving of vegetables per day.
Grade: B+
This is surprisingly easier than I previously thought. Sometimes I add extra veggies to meals, and sometimes eat them as a side item.

How are your goals coming along? :)

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Sick Post

Lately, I've had a cold/allergies/sore throat/cough/running nose (read- not sure what that is). So I'll be out of commission today. But I do have some interesting things to post, once I'm able to not cough every 5 minutes.

:)
take care.

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Thrifty Thursday

One word- C-O-U-P-O-N!! Love. Enough said.

FREE Arby's Roastburger with the purchase of a fountain drink:
http://www.arbys.com/coupon/

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(Semi) Wordless Wednesday

Have you ever thought about living in less than 1000 square feet? Having a small water and electric bill? Only having the essentials in your home?

This idea fascinates me!

I've been reading The Tiny House blog and am getting lots of inspiration. Enjoy the pictures!

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Green Envy

Over the weekend, mom and I visited some local "unknowns." Our favorite was a little shop near the local university. We knew we had hit upon a favorite when we bought something right away. (pictures to come)

As I wandered around the store, my eye caught on this pretty green chest. It would be a perfect addition to my dining room!

• nice green color
• fabulous storage drawers
• super duper price $$

I would mention the cost, but I don't want someone to snap it up before me! (Yes, I'm odd like that!)

I. can't.stop.thinking.about.it.

Thoughts about what I should put on top of it? I really don't want it too cluttered. Hopefully I can use something I already have.

Enjoy! :)

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Meal Plan Monday

So, here goes. My first meal plan (part of my goals).

Monday- Pesto turkey burgers and rice. I'll modify this recipe by removing the cheese, and adding dried onions instead of garlic.
Tuesday- Turkey and cheese sandwich with tomato soup.
Wednesday- Spinach ravioli lasagna and salad. Mushrooms and roasted tomatoes will be added, and the alfredo sauce will be omitted.
Thursday- Leftovers.
Friday- Tuna Noodle Casserole and salad. Again, I'll modify the recipe and remove the butter/margarine.
Saturday- Leftovers.

Enjoy! :)

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Semi-Wordless Wednesday

Enjoy these pictures from my work-cation in Las Vegas.


We stayed here at the Paris Las Vegas.











Sleeping lion in the MGM Grand.












































































Take care. :)

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