Peaches, cucumbers, and tomatoes...

Since I'm a little incapacitated, I've been staying with my grandparents. They aren't your typical grandparents. Oh no! They work more now that they are retired, have a huge garden, and love computers! They are original "greenies" and did it before it was cool. For example,

~ Their garden is filled with potatoes, corn, tomatoes, cantalope, beans, and peach trees! I've picked so many beans, I can now peel them and talk at the same time! Last night we got creative and had ice cream with peaches. {yum!}

~ Instead of buying new, they try to re-use what they already have. Right now my grandpa is working to repair his riding mower. It's cute to see him mutter to himself. ;)

My grandpa also loves computers. He makes alot for family and even neighbors. I can't tell you how many times he's worked on my printers.

If you can't tell it, I'm really close with them and they truly are gems. So right now, I'm just enjoying being with them.

Enjoy! :)

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Doors and Windows

Unfortunately, this post isn't about any real doors or windows. Instead, it's about how when doors may close, a window usually opens. With these terms, a lot has been happening here. (Big sigh)

Let's jump in shall we?

* My program at work was cut, which included my job. So, as of June 30 I was among the many who were laid off. Not what I was expecting. {door}

* My relationship ended. So much to be said there, but I won't bore you with the details. {door}

* I applied for another job, got a phone interview, an in-person interview, and an informal offer..which means:

* Kentucky Fried Home may be Alabama Fried Home very soon. {window}

(everyone breathe)

********************* ************************* **************************

So, back to our regularly scheduled program. In light of this weekend, I thought I would link to Real Simple's stories of "Why I Became an American Citizen." It really is inspiring, and I hope you enjoy it.

Enjoy! :)

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Project for the Mobility Challenged

Since I've been unable to walk around as usual, I've been doing a lot of reading (stalking various blogs like NewlyWoodwards- have you seen their home pictures?! Swoon!). Unfortunately, this means that my to do list is getting huge. :)

Anyway, the other day while couch surfing I stumbled upon the blog Under the Table and Dreaming. So looked a bit and then crawled under the table. It was wonderful. It has so many good ideas, and here is one I can try while in my (wheel) chair.

It's mini bird seed trees, and you can see the full post {here}.

Step 1:













Step 2:










Step 3:












Step 4:
Watch the birds enjoy their treat! :)

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If I had only known..

I've been looking for a coffee table for my t.v. room for quite a while now. Unfortunately, I'm a little unsure of what I want. Some storage would be nice, but I already have too many "heavy" pieces in the room, and am afraid that something with storage would add too much. I would prefer something durable and unusual.

Luckily, while couch surfing today, I think I found an alternative.














Topsy Turvy made this guy out of an old window! See the full post here.

Once I'm back on my feet, I'm definitely going to try this.

Enjoy! :)

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Long Time Gone (Boy do I have a story for you!)

Sorry I've been MIA. My Memorial Day weekend was good, until the end. Me and the boy headed to a Kentucky State Park to do some camping. And of course a whole lot of eating of the usuals- hot dogs, hamburgers, and smores! Yummy!

Everything was going good until the very last day. We were starting to pack up when Alby and I headed to the bathroom, which was up a slight hill. Going up was fine, coming down was the problem. Unfortunately, Alby wanted to walk down the hill, and I wanted to use the stairs. Alby won and I lost, big time!

Coming down the hill, I fell and fractured (broke) both sides of my ankle. Big ouchie! Pain everywhere! Needless to say, the boy took me to the hospital (at warp speed- no complaints here) where they gave me glorious pain meds and x-rayed the boo-boo. To make a long story short, I'll be having surgery this week where they will insert screws to help the ankle heal.

What can I say, when I do it, I do it right!

How was your weekend?

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April Goals Update..

Yes, I'm a bit behind on the goals update.

Personal Development:
1. Make a new healthy recipe and blog it.- DONE. I made and blogged a potato recipe.

2. Take at least 5 new pictures, and label them, to keep memories.- DONE. These include pictures of Alby, the house, the Wicked play, and craigslist finds.

3. Be romantic on a $5 budget.- DONE. I purchased the boy an ice cream treat. :)

Clean/Organization/Decorate:
Work on the home office including:
1. Paint the twin bed. - FAIL
2. Add new hardward to white desk.- FAIL
3. Paint the room.- FAIL

Healthy Me:
1. Walk for at least 20 consecutive minutes at least once a week.- DONE. Since getting Alby, it's not hard for me to walk at least twice a day!

2. Attempt small changes in diet to eat healthier- more veggies!- DONE. I've been on a cucumber kick lately.

3. Plant tomatoes.- DONE. I also planted cucumbers and peppers.

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Room Switcheroo

Over the weekend, I began to consider my furniture and whether or not it has the best placement. This is actually a hobby of mine. You never know where the furniture will be when you come over. :)

Currently, I have a mixed set in the dining room, with an expandable table, and 4 comfy chairs. See below.

















The kitchen area has an oak color table which seats 6.
















I think it's time to paint the kitch oak set a black with a brown diamond pattern, and move it to the dining room. It would look a bit more formal with a different color and I can move the small hutch with it.

The mixed dining room set will be moved into the kitchen, with the table extensions removed. It's chairs are so comfortable, and with a few white slip covers, it would make a nice kitchen set.

Thoughts?

Enjoy! :)

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Weekend Recap

This weekend was super! I spent Saturday with beer, brats, and baseball! And of course- my favorite boy in the whole world!

We went to the Louisville Slugger Field to watch the Louisville Bats kill the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Even though it was pretty warm to be outside in the sun (80), it cooled off in the shade by the last two innings. :)

This week I plan to work on the home office (again), and get some camping supplies together.

Enjoy! :)

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Sweet and Salties Recipe

I saw this in a magazine and had to share! Warning: it's not low fat, or low-cal! :)

Sweet and Salties
(20 servings)

You'll need:

40 saltine crackers (use grahams for sweeter snack)

2 sticks unsalted butter

1 cup light brown sugar

8 oz semi-sweet choc chips (about 1 1/3 cups)

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 425. Line baking sheet (not glass) with aluminum foil and the crackers

2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and sugar and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 min.

3. Remove from heat and pour over crackers, covering them evenly.

4. Place baking sheet into oven and watch them closely. Bake for 5 min or until just bubbly.

5. Remove from oven and pour chocolate chips over crackers. when chips begin to melt, spread them over crackers with a knife or spatula.

6. Transfer pan to freezer. Let stay 15-20 min or until cold.

7. Remove from freezer and break/cut into pieces.

8. store in air tight container.

Enjoy! :)

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Giveaway (Fashion under $100)

Isn't he gorgeous! He's also the giveaway on Fashion Under $100. Head over to the blog, enter the contest, and then look around!

I personally like Amy Adam's look, Reese Witherspoons look, and (of course) Kim Kardashian's look.

Enjoy!
:)

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