TEM's New Beginnings Blog

OMG, its been awhile!

2012-01-10T22:47:00.000-05:00

I haven't had too much to update on the housing front!! Life at my humble abode has been pretty business-as-usual.

Here are some pics I snapped of my holiday decor. I bought 2 things: Pier 1's holiday decor was so cute this year and I grabbed a garland for the shelf and some pretty red sparky vase filler stick things. Then, I noticed my apothecary jars needed a connection to the garland, so I bought some classic green ornaments from the Target dollar spot and mixed them in some spots in the jars (never took a pic though!!).

The holidays came and went so fast!!! I think working right until 3 pm on Friday, the 23rd and having 24 hrs to pull all of my presents together and visit family and friends made the time fly and before I knew it, it was Dec 27!!

As always, Wilson loved the tree!

Hope your holidays were joyful!!

Shutters are up and it's done-zo!

2011-10-09T19:09:00.002-04:00

Finally, my shutters are up and the exterior of the house is done. From 2 years ago to now!

New paint (Brown Tee Pee by Behr; New shutters (architecturaldepot.com); new lighting from Lowes;

Before: (2 years ago)

Now:

My fall yard plan is to trim a lot of of the shrubs and two large trees in front of the house and that's that!

Dahlias

2011-10-09T15:06:00.000-04:00

Here are some of my dahlias I planted this year. Unfortunately, I planted the tubers a little too late and while they've been blooming for a few weeks now, it will soon frost here in RI and I'm afraid my 2011 season of dahlias will just have been way too short!

Anyway, here are some of my favorites!

Ta-Da, they are done!

2011-08-15T14:58:00.002-04:00

Whewwwwwwww! I feel like I just went down the hill on a rollercoaster!!!

Just over one week later, the stripes are done! This project didn't take me one solid week, but I gave myself plenty of time to do it because I just knew it would be extremely tedious. Actually, Wed-Sat this past week were gorgeous summer days here and I didn't pick up my paintbrush once. Ultimately, I worked Sun, Mon, Tues, Sun, Mon on it.

I was excited to get the room back in working order today after finishing the second coat on the last wall, so here is a pic I captured just a short while ago. The accessorizing is basic, nothing too overblown or with anything new. From the start, I intended to keep the existing white bedding and bubble shades (both from Target), but I switched out the curtain rods (to ones I already owned, but never put up in this house, so no cost there).

Again, a look at the before w/ the seller's blue walls:

And, NOW!

Details:
Colors: Behr's Chocolate Froth (lighter color) & Wheat Bread (darker color)
Supply: Used about 2/3 of one gallon of Chocolate Froth (2 coats); Almost 2 full quarts of Wheat Bread (2 coats); 2.5 rolls of 1-inch Frog tape

Thoughts:
What did I learn from this project?

My ceiling isn't quite level. This was challenging for measuring the first set of stripes from the top of the wall. The eye wants to see them the same distance from the top of the ceiling the whole way around this room AND intersect window frames from the same point on each side--uh, tough to do.
Frog tape rocks to make clean tape lines. It's very tough, though, to maneuver in high humidity and loses its adhesiveness quickly if you mess with it a lot, causing it to buckle and peel a little. So, you've got to press the tape down tightly just before rolling the paint on.
Patience and taking breaks made this possible. My only goal was to finish it before I went back to school on August 23. Accomplished! This is not a weekend job--at least not for me!
I don't know if I would do this again.
I'd have to have a pretty darned good reason to EVER paint this room again!
I love the final product---a lot!!!
I really love Home Depot, but I strongly dislike Behr paint. For the base color, I used their new "Ultra" paint, which boasts about its built-in primer. This paint did not offer any higher quality coverage than paint I had used before. In fact, basic Benjamin Moore paint has better coverage than this paint. Then, when I painted the darker stripes, I used the regular Behr paint. It was very thin. Two coats were a must. I had a store credit for Home Depot and that is mainly why I used Behr paint. In the future, I'll definitely go back to Benjamin Moore and save my store credit for other things.

Progress!

2011-08-09T16:44:00.000-04:00

Here's an update.....Well, after peeling the tape on the test wall, I deemed it a success!

I turned the corner...literally! I've just started taping on the other side of the window and I ran out a tape and am almost out of the "Wheat Bread" stripe color (I clearly underestimated my supply demands--I only bought one quart of the wheat bread and I probably had enough to do the first coat of the next wall, but not 2 coats on the rest of the walls.) PS, the lighting is bad because I used my iPhone for these pics and not my regular camera w/ a flash.

To the other side of the window! Using the lower stripe line to keep both sides of the window consistent. Fingers crossed!

Step by step.....day by day! I'll get there! I have 2 weeks until school starts back up and this room will be done!

This is what I've been up to...

2011-08-08T13:12:00.001-04:00

....and I'm super exhausted already and it's not even close to being completed yet!

I have always been drawn to striped walls like these:

Now, all I needed was tape, paint, and patience. The kicker in never embarking on this process was the patience factor...

Last week, my inspiration was sparked by a friend's room that she just completed featuring gorgeous striped walls. She made it look so easy and gorgeous, I was set on biting the bullet and copying her look!

I decided the guest bedroom was the place to try this experiment. Here is a recent photo of the guest bedroom with its original seller's blue walls:

Here is where I am at so far...I painted the walls "Chocolate Froth" by Behr (2 coats):

Then, I taped the wall (ONE wall so far) ....I marked the wall in 8 inch intervals 4x across the width of the wall. Then, tried to line of the tape so it was level. THIS was the most frustrating part of the project (as I expected it would be and ultimately, the reason why I've never tried this project before!) I marked with a random piece of tape the areas that would be painted so I would remember to put the tape either below or above the 8 inch mark points. The main problem is that your eye starts to play optical illusions with the tape lines and they start to move and....needless to say, I kept obsessing with my level and measuring tape (and a few curse words here and there!)

Then, I rolled the color "Wheat Bread" (the next color down on the Behr paint chip). The frog tape kept peeling up because it's humid out today, so I had to press it down firmly again just before rolling. I used a brush to do the sides around the edges. The first coat is drying as we speak and I will apply the second coat later tonight (as I have to leave soon to go to a meeting at work and then teach a spin class!).

Hopefully, tonight after I do the second coat & peel the tape, I will love it so much, the remaining walls will be taped and follow in suit....but, I can't make any guarantees! That is why I only did one wall right now. If I hate it and deem myself "unfit to tape stripes properly" I will just paint over the wall again in Chocolate Froth...

We shall see what the future brings!

MLS Photo Fun

2011-08-06T16:28:00.002-04:00

Lonny and Franny* were having company over for a dinner party & to watch the Red Sox game.

The first thing Lonny did was tidy up the front yard to prepare for their guests.

Then, Franny set up a second TV for people who weren't interested in watching the Red Sox game (losers!)

Franny then called to Lonny, "Honey, make sure the bears are ready for bed before everybody gets here, I don't want them disturbed."

**Franny and Lonny aren't real people.

I hate waiting....

2011-08-06T15:48:00.002-04:00

....so I put up the new front step lights myself rather than calling someone (why I did this on an 85 degree day that is hazy, hot, and insanely humid---well, muggy as all Hell--I don't know!)

Man, this took longer than I thought as the screws that came w/ the fixtures were too long to make the light flush up against the house and I had to hunt through my stash of supplies to find some suitable substitutes. Anyway, an hour later, I had both lights up on either side of the front step. Again, as I mentioned in an earlier post last week, they were $39.97 by Hampton Bay at Home Depot. There was a larger size, maybe I should've gotten those, but I feel like they look a bit smaller in this dimly lit photo from my iPhone. But, I do love their styling and they're not too small--there were certainly smaller lanterns at Home Depot for sure. I also checked Lowe's and didn't really love their selection of exterior lights.

Here is a before & after of the front door w/ paint, new mailbox (14.99 from Home Depot), and lighting:

I also installed the floodlight w/ motion detection on the back deck. The challenge here was the old light was wedged under one of the wood shake siding shingles. I had to tilt the new fixture to fit it into place where the old one was.

After all was said and done, I was so happy when I turned on the breaker and the lights worked!

House paint is done, just waiting on those shutters....

2011-08-02T16:11:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody! The painters finished my house this week and I'm just waiting on my new black shutters to arrive from architecturaldepot.com!

To remind you, the BEFORE (and this is w/ the old rusty colored roof)

And now, the AFTER with a new roof with architectural shingles in "Driftwood" and exterior paint in "Brown Teepee" by Behr. Black shutters, a new mailbox, and lighting to come soon--but I wanted to post an update now! Let's not talk about how i opted for no impatiens this year and my flower beds lack major color...ugh. The zinnias are doing great, but they are hard to see from far away!

Here's a before and after of the back of the house:

Before:

After:

Hmmm, next I need to do something about those unsightly (and seemingly functionless) cinder blocks under the deck. I'm thinking a wood lattice panel.

New lights for the front door...

2011-07-30T23:42:00.000-04:00

I purchased two of these lights for the front door area of the house to finish off the look of the new paint job! I wanted a traditional misson style lamp and I think for the price, these do the job quite nicely--I definitely didn't want to spend more than $50 per lamp. Man, these lamps are expensive out there! I also picked up a motion detector flood light for the back deck.

I also purchased some oil-rubbed bronze spray paint to do the mailbox and the door handle on the door......we'll see how that goes later!

They were $39.97 each from Home Depot. They are formally known as the "Hampton Bay Wall-Mount 1-Light Outdoor Oil Rubbed Chestnut Lantern" (here's a link if you want to check them out on the Home Depot page: Link

Not sure if I'm going to install these myself or have someone come do it...

July flowers!

2011-07-30T10:57:00.002-04:00

I'm always torn with cutting flowers....I love the way they look outside adorning the front of my house, but I also love to enjoy them in a vase in my house! I bit the bullet and snipped juuuuuuust a few this morning.

I love the deep blue of the hydrangeas (without them turning purple) and the vibrant purple and yellow gladiolus.

Sneak Peak!

2011-07-30T00:28:00.000-04:00

Here is a shot of the front door area in the newwwwww paint color!

Lights worth a look!

2011-07-26T10:02:00.000-04:00

Overstock.com has some really cool lights! (That site has everything, man! I mean, where else could you find a watch, a light, a tent, a jumperoo for your toddler, and a new sheet for your bed!)

I thought these chandeliers under $160 were inventive ways to add some flair to one's home without going too overboard on price or style. (click on the pics to a link to its page on Overstock.com)

1. Five light rectangular glass for $139.99:

2. "Rose" design metalwork pendant for $129.99:

3. Nickle chandelier for $149.99

4. Copper & Glass pendant for $159.99:

5. Antique Copper Lantern-Style pendant for $139.99:

Painting has commenced!

2011-07-21T21:40:00.000-04:00

Yay! I am proud to say the painting project has finally started on the exterior of my house. Wish I could say I was DIYing this, but no, I hired someone to do this.....(thanks to myperfectcolor.com for the swatches!)

Here is my home from this past fall:

This is the color I chose (Brown Teepee by Behr) with white trim and black shutters.

I'm still toying with door colors....I love the look of red, but I feel like that is super typical and cliche. So, I've been toying with some jewel tone colors. Here are some ideas, what do you like best?

1.

Happy Independence Day

2011-07-04T10:10:00.000-04:00

Enjoy this celebration of America's independence! This video is a wonderful take on why the colonists wanted to separate from the British crown. I actually show this video to my AP Government class for a laugh after we discuss the foundation of American democracy......I think you non-history dorks might enjoy as well!

It's "Too Late To Apologize: A Declaration" to One Republic's "Too Late to Apologize"

Summer Reading....

2011-07-03T11:13:00.001-04:00

Hey everybody!

I just finished reading a book by an English author Harriet Evans titled "The Love of Her Life." I've never read anything by Evans before, so I was looking forward to branching out to a new author.

The book circles around the main character, Kate, a late 20s/early 30s something woman working in NYC after moving across the pond from England in the year 2007. She is living with her mother and stepfather in Manhattan and receives notice that her father, back in England, is sick due to a kidney transplant that could go wrong...basically, Kate feels as though this is her time to say goodbye to her father, btu she feels reluctant and apprehensive about going home to London. Hmmmm, I wonder why!?!?

When Kate arrives in London, she returns to her flat that had just been vacated by a sub-letter. Clearly, being back in London and the apartment are surreal...the reader quickly senses that Kate had left London after some sort of tragedy, breakup, or both, but Evans keeps us hanging on to figure out what happened. Suddenly, we're transported back in time to 2003 where everything began.

Overall, I enjoyed this book despite its slow start and length (it was 300+ pages). I enjoyed the way Evans wove various characters' lives together and the events that transpired causing Kate to leave London. It was a good summer-by-the-pool-or-beach-read. Enjoy!

Now, I'm onto this book "Life As I Know IT" by Melanie Rose....another author I've never read before. We shall see how it goes!

How did you get through it?

2011-06-20T22:14:00.000-04:00

"How did you get through it?" is a question a few of my friends have asked me lately. Unfortunately, there is a reason why they've asked me: they, too, are getting divorced unexpectedly due to a dreaful "dealbreaker-esque" situation like me.

You see, my ex-husband (and significant other of 5+ years) had a problem. His problem was grossly similar to recent fallen Congressman Weiner's problem (search for his recent scandals if you don't understand the reference). Dealbreakers happen no matter how much you believe in the institutuion of marriage. Believe me, I never ever wanted to get divorced, let alone divorced after 8 months of marriage and at age 29. But, alas, what we want isn't always what we get. However, almost two and half years later, I feel quite removed from the pain I once experienced. Having gone through this rollercoaster ride that is divorce puts me in a separate team of women....I don't feel like every 31 year old single girl. I feel different. I feel divorced.

Divorce is like a death. I spent almost every day with a man for 5 years and then, poof......he was gone. We talked only a few times after the "day" of separation and I only stood in the same room as him twice. Our realtor even arranged for us to sell our house and sign the closing papers separately. Standing next to him in the court room on September 16, 2009 was probably the most surreal experience of my life. Well, no, it was the second most....the first was when I saw him bust out of the court room after the judge dismissed our case, allowing the court room gate to swing back and forth on its hinge, he turned the corner to the elevator shaft and was walking so fast, his jack flew open and then, that was it....he was gone--never ot be seen with my eyes in person again (well, at least to this day!)

How did I do it?
1. I cried. I journaled. I talked. I slept. I wore crappy sweatpants around my parents' house for 2 days straight and called out of work (which isn't easy when you teach high school and you can berely see a reason to live, let alone make lesson plans.)

2. I went to therapy once a week.

3. I read lots of divorce books.

4. I started a better way of eating and exercised more and lost a whole size of "just married weight" I had gained.

5. I went out with ANYONE who wanted to.

6. I sold my house, bought a new one, and had a blast decorating it. I remember coming over here and painting the living room and bedroom before I moved the furniture in and listened to breakup music on my ipod and sang REALLY loud in my empty house filled with lovely acoustic echoes!

7. I reconnected with my parents and sister and found a relationship with them I never would have had if I had stayed married. We're closer than ever now.

8. I threw myself back into teaching and developed better lessons, went to more school events, and met with more students after school.

9. I kissed boys I didn't know and would never see again. He he he he....

10. I mourned the loss of the life I thought I had......and thought I would have someday. This is still work at times. I thought that I'd be close to celebrating my 3rd anniversary right now.....but instead, I am living a life that is completely different, but I tell you, no less fulfilling I think!

More to come on this....

If you're going through this right now, don't worry. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

3 weekends of growth...

2011-06-11T11:18:00.001-04:00

Here is one of the railing boxes:

May 28:

June 4:

June 11:

Here are some of the potted arrangements on the deck:

May 28:

June 4:

June 11: The purple and white phlox are really taking off in the top planter w/ the miniature white cosmos.....and, the yellow snap dragons are starting to bud in the pots below along with creeping jenny vines that have begin to make their way down the side of the pot. The giant begonias on the middle will bloom yellow and have small buds, but they're not visible here.

Peonies Please....

2011-06-06T22:14:00.000-04:00

Ah, my lovelies are back for their third spring at my new home (transplanted them from my old home's garden) and are better than ever!!! My only sadness is that they don't last too long.....one rough rain storm and these babies are toast! I'll enjoy them while they last thought!

You looking for a house? Bad MLS photos...

2011-06-05T23:40:00.000-04:00

Here are some lovely MLS photos of homes on the market.... Let's pretend these are all from the same house, belonging to homeowners, Mark and Debbie......this is their story of how they prepped their house for MLS photos before attempting to sell their home to retire to Florida!

Debbie yelled to Mark, "Mark, I've been telling you this for 40 years...put the toilet seat down AND don't leave the toilet paper roll all unraveled when we take photos of our bathroom!"

Then, Mark yelled to Debbie "I'll put the seat down when you declutter your office!"

Then, their grandson, Mickey got upset his video game time was being disrupted by yet another fight between his grandparents!

Mark said to Debbie, "Do you think we can call it an eat-in kitchen if we just put two chairs in front of the microwave?"

Debbie answered "I don't know if we can....but I know I need to finish putting the clothes away in our bedroom first!"

Then, Mark said "Be sure to tell the realtor that we added this painting because the room lacked natural light and a great view..."

Spring's a Blooming!

2011-05-29T22:10:00.000-04:00

Life has been busy and hectic and I've not had too much going on in terms of home projects, but I always make time for that garden of mine!!!

Anyway, it's been pretty rainy here in New England this May and this is the first weekend I've had free time and sunshine to plant flowers! I decided to try planting some new things this year---from my flower beds to my arrangements in flower pots and deck railing boxes. Today, I did the back yard flower bed and deck railing boxes.

This morning I started with this:

And this afternoon, I wound up with this: (it's so hard to tell really what I planted because I started with such small little ones....hopefully, in 3-4 weeks, I'll have some great growth to report!)

Online Dating......How you know he's NOT the one to email....

2011-03-28T21:11:00.000-04:00

Ha ha ha.....this should be fun!

PS, these reasons below are mainly why I have not had one date in 6 weeks.....

1. All of his photos are self-portraits. He has no real photos at real social occassions.
2. Not only are all of his photos self-portraits, they are taken with a camera phone in the mirror of his bathroom.
3. Said self-portraits are shirtless.
4. He says "NO CRAZIES!!!!!" in his bio.
5. He's laying on his back looking longingly up at his laptop's webcam for yet another self-portrait.
6. He does have a real photo in a real social setting, but he's got both arms wrapped around scantily clad women who may or may not be drunk.
7. Or, his photo in #6 is posing with Hooters girls.
8. You can tell how he's aged through the years based on his 5 photos, with the earliest ones he has hair in and there are some where there's definitely been 5 years of hair loss in between.
9. Every photo is of him drunk. Really drunk.
10. He has only photos of landscapes he's visited while traveling or just his pets--not in front of the landscapes, not with his pets....
11. He's taken a paint tool from Photoshop and colored over his ex girlfriend or ex wife's face---and a bad coloring in at that---didn't anyone learn to color within the lines?
12. One of his profile photos is a definite wedding or engagement photo with the wife cropped out.
13. More to come.....!

Hope you enjoyed! I'm coming to the realization that........a good one is hard to fine!

Look what I did today!

2011-02-20T23:08:00.001-05:00

I am off this week from school! Yay for February vacation! But, I have a load of essays to grade....ugh. I am going to try to get a few done a day before I head off to NYC to visit friends on Thursday. BUT, I also hope to get some home improvement jobs done before the week is through! Basically, the week is project light/electricity week!

These photos are from my iPhone and prob will update with real photos soon! But, I was so excited, I had to share!

First, I had to replace the fixture in my kitchen because the glass globe had fallen down one night after I *thought* I had screwed it back on properly. Oops! The second is one that I put over my dining table because there was a chandelier there that always looks too large and banged people in the head---poor form for hosting any gatherings!

Both lights are from Lowe's and total, the two lights came to be $118.

Some tales from dating....

2011-02-16T22:19:00.001-05:00

Over the last two single years, I've done a little dating (well, a lot...)

Here's how it's gone.....

1. The first actual date I went on after my breakup was just okay. The guy was nice and sweet, but not for me---mainly because he wasn't my exhusband. I cried the whole drive home, so much so that I could barely see the road. In hindsight, I should've pulled over.

2. I went out with another guy on two dates and on the second date, I revealed waaaaay too much abot my divorce, how I went to therapy, and how I was taking antidepressants. Note to self: this isn't second date conversation regardless of how much vodka you've consumed. Luckily, I've learned to censor myself!!! He asked me out for a third date that night, but never called me again. Disappearing Act #1.

3. Another guy I dated was the super OPPOSITE of my ex. He was chivalrous. He was religious. He was a hard worker. He had dark thick hair (instead of highlghted balding hair!! ha ha!). He loved his family deeply and made time for them. He was insainly smart. He was conservative. He was thoughtful. He was the anti-ex husband. He was great. I dated him for six months. It was a wonderful time in my life and he really helped me heal. He helped me see I was "somebody" again. In my heart of hearts, I knew it wasn't going to be a serious, long-term relationship, but at the time, it just felt right and it was just exactly what I needed. I remember him fondly and he is going to be the best husband and father someday and whoever marries him will be a lucky gal!

4. The lull.................After the breakup w/ #3, I was on a lull, a drought, a hiatus (unintentional!), a famine.....you get the picture....for about 4-5 months.

5. I met a guy at a bar with live music while out w/ some other single gals (who since has coupled up with fellas and I never hear from them.....ugh). I was just ordering drinks and it took forever and I just started talking to the guy next to me. After a few more drinks and talking, I ended up kissing him. Fast forward to making out like a 17-year old at a high school dance for the next 45 minutes with this guy. We must have looked ridiculous!!! We exchanged numbers. He called me. We went out. I realized this guy was, in fact, a great guy, but not a great guy for me. The girl from Saturday night was much more into him than the girl I was on a Thursday evening after work. I told him I was "just not ready to date yet" after the divorce......I figured it was the least harmful thing to say and actually, probably still pretty accurate because even though I wanted to fall in love, I was really feeling good about just focusing on me, especially after the six-month thing (See #3) had busted up and at this point, I knew it was a rebound and delayed some of my healing process--despite all of the healing it did for me as well.

More to come......

Hmmmm, Valentine's Day: How far I've come...

2011-02-14T16:29:00.001-05:00

So, I know I usually post about home decor-related stuff, but my blog is about new beginnings in general, therefore, I'm taking a little writing liberty here and delving into the subject of dating.

Two years ago, on Valentine's Day, my exhusband and I went to my favorite restaurant in Providence. It was a big night out and we had been (well, I had been) trying to focus more on spending quality time together. We had a big discussion back on Superbowl Sunday (I think Feb 2 or something) about how although we'd been only married for 7 months, we had been living together for 3 years and not spending enough quality time together. I have NO idea how we got on the subject of honesty, but he even held my hand across the table when the subject of infidelity came up and said something along the lines of "I'd have to be so stupid to mess this up...why would I throw our life together away?" Meanwhile, he was having sex with some 24 year old floozy from Craigslist (who knew he was married) on the side!!!! Lord! Our marriage broke up exactly ONE week later on Feb 21--that was the day I found his phone in our bed and the text messages from the Craigslist floozy. I left that night and never looked back....

Now, two years later, my life is just so different. Of course, at the core, I have the same job and same friends, and same family, but I'm just truly different. I feel like February 2009 was the month I became an adult. I was 28 at the time (one month from 29) and I look back and I see a naive kid. I girl who was all too willing to settle for the sake of this man. And, to be honest, I look back and wonder what was it that I loved about him so much? Who knows....the girl I am today is not the 24 year old girl that fell for him. The girl I am today is much more confident, self-assured, proud, and determined. Sure, I have moments when I hate being single and wonder just *when* I will feel that jolt of love again....but ultimately, I'm pretty satisfied with things overall.

So, what does Valentine's Day mean to me now? It's funny, I look back on that Valentine's Day with my ex and it wasn't anything too great. Sure, we had this decadent meal out and I had a good looking man sitting across the table from me, but in hindsight, I realize now that life was a lie.....tonight, I won't be having a fancy date, in fact, I have no date at all. I'll be going to teach my spin class at 5:45 like I do every Monday night and then I'm coming home to do some schoolwork, watch some shows on my DVR, and do some laundry. It will be a great night because it will be real and authentic.

I won't be looking back on this Valentine's Day thinking "Hmmmm, I wonder if he texted her on V-Day something like 'I wish I was you, not her...ugh'" or something else horrible like that! I will not be disappointed when he gives me a piece of heart jewelry (ugh, I HATE heart jewelry and he gave me heart jewelry about 2-3 times, who knows whY!), I won't be disappointed when he acts annoyed he ha to get me a card. I won't be disappointed in a man...(particularly that man!).....period!

I will look back and think: "I was with someone who'll never betray me: Myself."

I want to paint this room.....help me!

2011-01-17T22:31:00.000-05:00

So, my spare room is blue. The sellers painted it this. It was a fresh coat of paint and I decided that I could live with it because I was painting three other rooms.

Now, I'm ready for change......

Part of me wants to go bright and expressive---a bright Kelly green or soft violet. Part of me wants to go very soft and feminine.....with a creamy color, but then again, my office is creamy and my bedroom is "Sand White"........

What do you think!?!?! I am going to keep the white bedding for now.

I'm not proud....#2

2011-01-03T09:25:00.000-05:00

......of this cabinet!

It *is* one of the coolest features of my cool kitchen (see earlier post about how much I love my kitchen!), BUT because I don't bake a lot, a lot of these items go by the wayside during the day to day grind. I typically pull out these Pyrex dishes, etc when I'm cooking Thanksgiving dishes, etc.....I also keep my toaster down here because I don't use it all of the time and I don't want the exbut anyway, I decided that during my winter break from school (between Christmas and New Year's) I should start the year with some more organized closets and cabinets!

Before: (apparently, I throw stuff in here.....an old ratty towel? a bag I of things to return to TJMaxx? My lunch tote? Where is the baking stuff!!?)

After:

Why I Love My Kitchen....

2011-01-02T07:18:00.002-05:00

When I was cruising for new homes, I was in a very surreal and fragile state. It was about 3 weeks after the breakup of my marriage and I was just in a state of utter and absolute shock. However, after it was determined that neither me or my ex would stay in our old home and we would put it on the market to sell, I needed to explore my options.

One of the things I didn't want was a COMPLETE fixer-upper because in the spring of 2009, the housing market sure was a buyer's market, and I knew if I explored enough, I'd find something modest, but yet had minor updates to make it "livable" for me. Let's face it, I didn't have the financial or DIY resources to do a major kitchen renovation! (Nor do I have the handy dad who can whittle a kitchen out of a single piece of wood!)

The MLS photos for my home showed these two pictures of the kitchen and I immediately booked an appointment to see this house! I went once with just my realtor, then that afternoon, begged my mom to come back with me and the realtor for a second viewing. By the end of the next day, the offer was in and on my 29th birthday, I had a Purchase & Sale for a new home!

MLS Photos:

I couldn't believe it! I had 2 more months in my "old" married home, a home that had meant so much to me, with a kitchen that we bought all new professional grade appliances for, installed new lighting, and redid the countertops with quartz! I looooooved my old kitchen and now I had to leave....but now, I had a new place that everyday, I walk in to my kitchen in yet another home that means so much to me, and I think, "I love my kitchen!"

So, here's the tour...

The cabinets are creamy white with a light almond glaze over them. They are solid wood and the drawers have the soft touch closure. Ah!! This trumps old kitchen for sure! I love white kitchens! Also, the countertops sort of look like they are granite! It's actually a shiny laminate countertop that looks like stone. Fooled me in the MLS pics, but in real life, it actually looks very nice. I think granite would actually be "over improving" for my neighborhood of modest ranches and cape style homes.

I love the corner cabinet with a window. I added little touches of yellow and white dishes, salt & pepper shakers, and vases to coordinate with the yellow walls. Sometimes, some red dishes peak out too, but apparently, not today when I shot this photo! I keep the kitties' fresh water fountain over here in the corner alongside of my Kitchen Aid mixer (which I must confess, I've only used 3 times in 2 years.....I don't bake too much!) Um, also, do you notice the uber storage!!! I use the top two sets of cabinet to the right of the window unit for utilities. The one of the left contains tools and other household tools. The set on the right are office supplies.

Next to the fridge is a sliding built-in spice cabinet! LOOOOOVE this!! This trumps old kitchen bigtime!

To the left of the fridge is another slim cabinet for cookie sheets, pans, drying racks, and other large size cooking items.

The angled cabinet is where I keep the animals' food. In fact, you can see Wilson is pointing out his food for me, "feed me, please, mom...." My kitty cat can open this cabinet. He opens it and meows at me as if to say, "mom, here's the food, I'll get it started, you do the rest. MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I also love the sliding drawers inside the bottom cabinets:

Last but not least, I love this corner unit that leads into the rest of the house. I store medicine here. It makes Advil, cold meds, and more very accessible! This also TRUMPS old kitchen!

While I loved my old kitchen, I think I love this one more! Hmmm, maybe I'll feel that way about a man someday too! I loved my ex-husband, but I think I may love someone new more someday!

PS, whenever I entertain or have people over, they always compliment my kitchen! They love it too!!! Ah, the love!

-TEM

Christmas Decor Storage

2011-01-01T17:37:00.001-05:00

How do you store your Christmas stuff!?!?!

Here are some "solutions" new & old from me....

1. I keep the boxes! The ornament boxes come in handy for storage for the fragile glass ones. This is super crucial and makes packing them up easy. They're pretty safe inside these boxes! AND, I kept the tree box that my tree came (I think most people do this, yes!?! I'm no genius?! Darn it!)

2. I wrap loose ornaments in paper towels, then tightly pack them into old shoeboxes.

3. I have a plastic bin of miscellaneous Christmas decor and candles. These are the items I mix & match for my shelf in my living room, end tables, and more. I also store candles with scents of the season (What, you don't burn your fresh balsam candle in July!?) in this bin too for next year.

4. I bought this handy-dandy wreath storage bin from Target after Christmas for $6. My best friend's mom made me this lovely wreath a few years ago and I put it up on my door every year!

5. I also bought this wrapping paper container at Target for $6. Well, the bulk rolls are too long (whatever, Target!!!), but I've stores my shorter rolls, gift bags, and tissue paper in here for next year's Christmas hooplah!

Dreaming....

2011-01-01T08:30:00.000-05:00

Just was wandering the web and found these lovely little biddies that would look even more lovely if I had them in my living room!!!! ha ha!

For right now, they look great on-paper!

Merry Christmas to ME!

2010-12-31T15:48:00.003-05:00

Who feels guilty shopping for themselves before Christmas? I do!

After Christmas? I don't!

Today, I ventured out to a FANTASTIC place called Legacy Place in Dedham, MA and enjoyed my fitness instructor discounts at Lucy and LuLuLemon and also, hit up a few other places. My bank account was very pleased to see Anthropologie had nothing exciting in stock........

At LuLuLemon, I grabbed another pair of "Wonder Under Crops" that I just LOVE for pilates, teaching indoor rowing, and teaching a fab barefoot cardio class called "WillPower and Grace" (FIND A CLASS NEAR YOU: www.willpowermethod.com) And, you can never have too many "to & from" tops to cover up and/or play in on the weekends (especially in charcoal grey!)

I grabbed this $58 gift set for 40% off at Victoria's Secret of my favorite scent, "Sexy Little Things: Noir", which came out to be around $34 (pretty good considering the perfume itself is around $40 on its own!)

Also, the other day, I met my newest love, my Keurig! I wanted one for Christmas so badly, but Santa isn't a coffee drinker and didn't quite understand why I wanted one so much! We have one in our department office at school and every morning (and mid day), I enjoy a lovely and comforting cup of coffee. I have an awesome top of the line Cuisinart coffee maker that I absolutely love; however, when it comes to making one cup of coffee, it is very inconvenient and labor intensive (ha ha!). So, I never used to buy into these Keurig things until I started using one at work! I now will be able to have that quick cup of coffee as soon as I wake up with next to no preparation time! When I have company or plan to drink on and off all morning, I can use the Cuisinary. Plus, I had the PERFECT little nook in my kitchen next to the fridge that was begging for something useful to sit on it! It was on sale for $139 at Kohl's, plus I had $20 in Kohl's cash, so I got the Platinum one for $119--what what!!!!!?????!!!!

YAY for Christmas presents you buy for yourself!

Guest Bedroom Switcheroo

2010-12-30T10:48:00.004-05:00

So, it pains me to say this, but after 2 years with my lovely gorgeous guest bedroom duvet from Pottery Barn (which was something I registered for and a lovely wedding gift!) was peed on twice by one of my cats.........I've washed it in the enzyme Nature's Miracle laundry booster and stored it in a bin in my basement.......I'm nervous that if I put it back on, it will be peed on again for a third time! I don't want to throw it out, but........I had house guests around Thanksgiving and just couldn't put it on the bed for them.

Before:

I ran into Target and decided I wanted something extremely simple that came with shams and could work with my current wall color and accent pillows....so, I grabbed this "West Elm-ish" bed-in-a-bag set by Target's Home Collection for $69.99 for my full guest bed. The lighting is bad because I took this photo in bright daylight sun and I guess my crappy $100 camera just doesn't work with this light!?!?!

After:

2010 in Review....

2010-12-28T15:39:00.018-05:00

Hmmm, well, 2009 was an EASY year to beat! But, if I had to sum up 2010 in one word, or phrase, it'd would be: low key. Nothing BAD happened and nothing GREAT happened. It was a good year. 2009 had been such a whirlwind with the whole "having to leave my husband after only a few months of marriage because he was a cheating liar and move into a new house and life" thing........that it was nice just to BE in 2010.

I had a great time doing lots of stuff to help me find out who I truly am, to heal, and see the world through new eyes.

January: On the first day of the year, I snapped the BEST photo ever of my cat, Wilson, watching "Cats 101"! How funny!

February: I met a new man in my life, my best friend's first son, Garrett. AND, I went to Disney World with my family, it was an awesome trip! I passed the one-year anniversary of "finding out" the man I was married to was a double-life Tiger Woods-esque liar. (February 21, 2009 was THE day). It felt strange--part of me felt like "Wow, it's been a WHOLE year." and part of me felt like "OMG, it's ALREADY been a year!?!?" So, I remember a friend of mine telling me in Feb 09 when I was devastated and a pile of tears: "A year form now, your life will be completely different," and she was right! I did so much in a year, but at the same time, around Feb/March, I started to feel the "come down" from the constant moving (literally and figuratively) of the breakup. I started to calm myself and just be still with my thoughts. It wasn't all good. Some days, I was very angry, confused, and upset; whereas, some days, I felt okay and ready to the take on the world. This late winter/early spring period was a time of transition....from the heartbroken old me, to the new "who will I be?" me.....

March: I turned 30! I have NO photos from my birthday night out except this one from my iPhone where I am apparently, really enjoying miso soup! I came into school and some of my students had decorated my classroom for my birthday, which was such a surprise and very flattering.

April: I partied it up w/ the Jersey Shore cast in Miami on my school vacation! ha ha!

May: I planted flowers like a maniac and welcomed some dear friends as my home's first official house guests! I even hired my house guest Mike (below) to install my AC and hang my giant mirror on the wall!

June: I went to Miami for the second time in the year to the World Spinning and Sports Conference. And, I chaperoned the prom at school!

July: I celebrated summer in style all month long with beach time, relaxing, and reading......what would have been my second wedding anniversary came and passed with ease. Last year, I was scared and upset, whereas this year, I was strangely calm and felt more removed from the date. Someday, I hope to see July 12 on the calendar and not feel that pinch in my heart....I went to St. Johnsbury Vermont to an Advanced Placement Institute to learn about the new course I'd be teaching AP GOv't. And, I partied down with Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum in the 5th row! Callie and I also had an awesome time swimming at my parents' pool.

August: I wound down the summer with gatherings with friends.....took in some Polo in Portsmouth, RI with some gals and had a big lobstah soiree to meet the 2 new members of our department at school.

September: 3 of my favorite ladies and I celebrated the start of a new school year over Labor Day Weekend.

October: We powerwashed (well, my dad did!) and then, I stained my deck all by myself. I was so proud of myself for undertaking the project! And, helped my gym promote our new programs at a women's 5K for to celebrate October's Breast Cancer awareness efforts.

November: A new roof was put on my home! I took a trip to DC w/ a school trip and had a blast!

December: The year has come to a close and I'm feeling pretty good. I'm ready for the next chapter in my life and with me all the while, is my best bud, Callie.

I hope that 2011 will bring more joy, but most of all, me feeling more confident in who I am and the road I am on. There are many days that I struggle with "where am I going?" because I'm such a planner. I intended to be married for 2 years now and perhaps on the way to starting a family, but alas, that was not the grand plan and I have learned that life throws little surprises in our way when we least expect it. I am thankful for all of my friends and family who I have learned so much from and have leaned on so much!

Decorated for Christmas!

2010-12-12T12:16:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, I put up my tree and rearranged my focal point shelf on the main wall of my living room. I need to grab some pillar candles for the crystal candle holders next to the mirrors.

Also, as a single woman in my house alone, I have a fake tree. I bought a pre-lit $100-ish tree last year. I've always had a real tree my entire life and the three Christmases my ex and I lived together, we had a real one as well. It pains me to have an artificial tree; however, it was really easy to put up and since I'm the only one putting it up and taking it down, fake the way to go for me!

Lastly, I did not buy one single NEW thing this year for decor. Last year, I bought the tree and ornaments for the apothecary jars and more. This year, I'm trying to save some cash and just make due with what I own already. It sure is tough, though, to walk through the holiday decor area at Target, so I try to avoid it!

And, one of my favorite ornaments, which pays homage to one of my favorite places & hobbies:

Happy Holidays, all!!!

Living Room Refresh

2010-12-05T22:07:00.002-05:00

Just a few changes I've made in the last month or so....

I LOVED my green rug from Pottery barn for my living room, but turns out my pets' hair/fur liked it more and I could see every bit of golden retriever fur and white cat fur all of the time! Also, one of my kitties really thought the rug was a scratching post.......hmmmm....which was the pits for a $300 rug!

So, I got this number from Target for around $100 and I feel like if my kitty takes a liking to this one, then I won't be out so much money if I have to replace it! Also, while I do vacuum twice a week or so, this color works much better for dog and cat fur. Yes, it may stain easier if I spill red wine or something, but for day-to-day, it is a better color choice for me!

I grabbed some clearance pillows and a few 20% off ones from Pier 1 last week and decided on a sapphire/teal with purple combo, inspired by the small rectangular pillow!

PS, my 3rd date was fab and last night, there was a 4th!

Psst...........

2010-11-27T16:16:00.003-05:00

I have a 3rd date with a dreamy guy tonight! Woot woot!

Wish me luck!

New roof, dead lawn....

2010-11-21T21:12:00.003-05:00

The new roof was put on about 3 weeks ago!

Also, the spring time plan is to paint the house a warm mocha color, black shudders, and white trim.

Here is my old rusty brown colored roof:

And, introducing......my new roof!!! The color is called "Driftwood" and they are architectural shingles.

My once lush lawn turned to crab grass and is now dead and gross. I think next year, I'll be throwing money at this problem and having a lawn service rip up my top layer of lawn and just start my lawn fresh! I guess it is the end of November, the grass does have a right to die at this point I suppose.....

I'm not proud....

2010-11-13T18:54:00.002-05:00

....of my messy bedroom closet.

I only use this closet for tops! The best part of being single & living alone--every room's closet houses a different aspect of my wardrobe!

I bought this ClosetMade cubby thing about a month ago and just put it together today.

I have a storage bin to the left and need ot take it out and go through it and see what I should keep & get rid of, but until then, the storage cubby does a good job of getting my frequently worn shoes in the spotlight and crap off of the floor!

Presto Changeo Loo!

2010-10-30T14:40:00.003-04:00

I was bored with my black and white scheme in my bathroom......I needed a pop of color...maybe all of the apple candles I've been burning for the fall season have been subliminally making me yearn for a rich flash of red in my bathroom!

Anyway, here is the old look--well, semi-old look. Originally, I had a white shower curtain w/ a few black stripes at the bottom of it, but my two cats (who are primarily white) and my golden retriever go in and out of my bathroom--they especially like to linger around me when I get ready for work in the morning--- and the hair just stuck to it and then it was on the black bath rugs too.

I ditched the black bath mats about 6 months ago because of the major cat and dog hair that would accumulate on them in just a few days!!! So, I grabbed a plain white curtain and grey rugs.....they were okay, but a bit boring.

Now, this all started with a random trip to Kohl's and then a stroll through the bathdecor department. I found this shower curtain with white, grey, and black on it--perfect for my bathroom and then a flash of red! Awesome! And, it was on sale! (what's NOT on sale at Kohl's?!?)

The accent rugs are Thomas O'Brien from Target and were on sale too!

Deck Makeover!

2010-10-10T22:55:00.003-04:00

So, my deck was just a deck---no idea how old it was, but man, it looked like if I didn't do a stain/water seal to it this year, one more year of water damage and snow would lead to its ultimate decay and wood rot. It seemed like a pivotal time in my deck's life!

I hired my dad to make use of my parents' smallish power washer and he went to town on the deck. I could not BELIEVE how gross the deck was! Check out this pic of the railing in progress of being cleaned! (the clean part is on the left!) EW! Kiss mildew & dirt goodbye!!!!

The deck after power washing:

Progress pic (stain is a one-step semi transparent w/ water seal built in from Home Depot; 2 gallons at $32 each). Staining the spindles was the most tedious and time-consuming part....

Application done & stain is drying (you can still see the brush strokes on the wet stain....) 4.5 hours later.....

Final madeover deck: To be posted!

Lovely treats for Fall from Pottery Barn!

2010-09-19T21:31:00.003-04:00

Whether you hit up Pottery Barn for a major shopping spree (some items here are as low as $14.99!) or try to use some of these pics for inspiration, you've got to admit these photos just get you in the mood for some leaves on the ground, crisp air, and apple cider!

My general rule is I don't put any pumpkin-style stuff out until Oct 1......so I think I'll be planning a scheme until then!

For a million bucks....

2010-09-17T23:18:00.004-04:00

Well, $945,000......this Providence, RI condo could be yours!

I love searching for MLS listings in the million dollar range because that's what will prob be my next purchase-----KIDDING!!! No, I just always wonder "What would a million buy someone?"

Anyway, this is an uber-sleek modern streamlined condo, which is weird because its exterior begs for a little New England shabby-chic Vineyard style vibe......nevertheless, I could definitely host a party here I think!!!

It sits on the hill that overlooks downtown Providence, giving it a spectacular view and potential for many floors, as you can see in the first photo.

2 fall scents I'm loving right now....

2010-09-14T19:22:00.002-04:00

Yankee Candle's "Mountain Lodge"

Slatkin & Co's "Leaves" by Bath & Body Works

I don't know why it took me so long...

2010-09-14T19:14:00.003-04:00

To update you all on my caulking adventure!!! It looks pretty darned good for my first try. It definitely has a few places where the caulk bunched up when I pulled the tape off (I think I waited too long....it started to harden faster than I anticipated). But, nothing a razor blade can't cure!

I definitely need to get my butt in gear and give my grout a good cleaning though! Any tips on good products for this besides the obvious (bleach)?

Caulking the tub!?!

2010-09-05T19:27:00.008-04:00

EW, look at the old seam between the tiles and tub.....I know, gross, huh!?!? Well, after one year of living here and seeing it get a little worse and realizing, "hey, you need to get this caulk redone....." every time I shower.

So, I read up a few helpful posts/videos from people who have done this before....

1. First, I googled and read a few DIY pages.
2. Then, I read Young House Love's caulk how-to tutorial from their former bathroom (the one they just renovated.) Here's their tutorial!
3. Then, I watched some DIY videos online (one suggested using an old gift card or credit card to edge the caulk, wiping the excess clean.....I tried this, I didn't love this tactic (maybe I didn't do it right...) I preferred wiping it with a covered finger (used the Lowe's bag I bought the caulk in!)
4. Then, I asked some girls on the Decorating Board on The Nest for experience tips.....THANKS, girls!!! They gave me some ideas.

I have NO idea if the caulk job will be a success, but from judging the way it looks so far (with the tape still on the tub), it may come out just fine for a first-time DIY caulk job!

I grabbed a few tubs of the caulk from Lowe's, they were about $4.50 each. (I also have an old health insurance card there for the credit card wipe trick which I failed to master......)

First, I learned that I should fill the tub to make it heavy and give the most expansion possible between the tiles and the tub. Then, I taped either side of where the caulk would go....

Here it is after caulking & wiping the excess with my finger covered in a plastic bag----ps, I found that holding the tube in my left hand and keeping my right hand in the plastic bag, ready to wipe, worked the best--just back & forth, apply caulk, wipe clean; apply caulk, wipe clean.

I'll keep you posted on the final result after I pull the tape in a few hours!!

PS, I can't shower in this tub/shower for 24-48 hrs.....fun stuff!

-T

The "I'm not 100% ready for fall" shelf change....

2010-09-03T11:50:00.002-04:00

So, I snagged this box of vase filler from Target for $9.99 and grabbed my existing apothecary jars, threw the vase filler in strategically (picking certain colors to sit next to each other...) and then boom, done. Easy! 5 minutes later a different look!

Love this!

2010-08-22T23:31:00.004-04:00

Tonight, I discovered Etsy Seller Signs Of Vintage!

I think I will be purchasing this sign for a gift for a friend of mine. I love it, but I live alone, so.........unless my 2 kitties and doggy become suddenly literate some day soon, it sort of doesn't make sense! BUT, I have a friend who will just swallow this sign whole!

Love it! PS, check out some of their other stuff. So cute! Click here to visit the shop!

Thank You, Target!

2010-08-18T18:13:00.002-04:00

For $30, I have a brand new stylish purple lamp for my boudoir! And, I love the texture of the lampshade! It fits great with the other "fluffy" white textures in the room!

Yay!

Oh, Martha!

2010-08-18T17:27:00.006-04:00

Martha Stewart, you darned genius, you've done it again!

In college, you had me at "goodnight" with your bedding line at KMart! Then, you had me hook at Michael's craft store with your lovely seasonal and every day crafts!!! NOW, you have me at Home Depot with your new kitchen cabinet line! The only problem.....my kitchen was newly renovated when I moved into my home & you're line is no use to me, but a girl can drool, no?!?!

I love the fresh, modern, yet traditional cottage feel of the line's preview photos on Martha's blog. Here are some of my favorite teasers!

Look at this! Martha, you devil, you! Organization and a dry-erase board tucked into a slim cabinet!!! Yay! We'll never misplace those scissors in a junk drawer again!

And, the vintage inspired bronze pulls......

Then, a understated set of shelves, framed by glass front cabinets! In love!

I may just have to sneak into Home Depot this fall and drool in real life!

Help me pick a quilt!

2010-08-11T20:46:00.003-04:00

Time for a job!!! I've found two quilts that I love.....that are both in the right purple color family (I'm sticking with purple for awhile....) Comment below to help me determine the winner!

This is my bedroom now:

Option 1:
1. Target
2. 71.99
3. Two coordinating shams included

Option 2:
1. Overstock.com
2. $59.99
3. 2 coordinating shams included

My children....

2010-07-24T22:28:00.002-04:00

Callie, Wilson, and Oliver.....

I was away for a week at an Advanced Placement Institute to train me for a new course I'll be teaching this fall. My first day home and they are stuck to me like glue!

READ these two fantastic books NOW!

2010-07-13T10:17:00.002-04:00

I am here today to share with you two novels that I have read recently that I just absolutely loved!!! I wanted to post about them because I don't think their authors are very famous, and these two ladies deserve a little public praise! Both books are actually pretty short--about 300 pages--and read very easily. The authors are smart and insightful, but have amazing voices and humor!

Time Of My Life, Allison Winn Scotch:
In this book, the main character, Jill, goes to get a massage and suddenly winds up back in time 7 years. Suddenly, she is still dating a boyfriend who today, she looks back and considers him "the one that got away". But, is her memory of him romanticized? Was he truly that great? Also, she is back hanging with her very good friend, who we know had been killed in a car accident. Now, Jill has a second chance to spend time with her friend whose life was cut too short. While reading the book, I couldn't help but think of Doc and the Flux Capacitor (Back to the Future) and the Space Time Continuum!!! Sometimes I wondered if a small action would create an alternative continuum of time--you'll have to see what happens!!!!!! It was a fun read and I could not put it down!! You will enjoy!!! PS, this book has been sold to he Weinstein Company to develop it into a motion picture!!!

Secrets to Happiness, Sarah Dunn.
A friend bought me this book over a year ago for a gift. I was going through my breakup w/ my husband and I actually thought it wa sa self-help book! But, I read the book jacket for the first time recently and discovered that it was in fact, a NOVEL! Well, I started in on it one night and the book starts in Amanda's kitchen. Her husband Mark is helping her cook dinner and we're then introduced to Holly, the book's main character. Holly is a divorced (maybe this is why my friend bought me this book---hello, lightbulb moment!!) and 30 years old-ish. She is just at the phase of her life where she is trying to figure it all out--her life didn't turn out the way she imagined and now what? She decides that she is ready for love and adopts a dog from a local shelter. But, this doggy (named Chester) is a special boy and will continue to surprise her throughout the novel. Holly's life takes a turn when she takes on a 22-year old lover for no-strings-attached sex and companionship. Then, Amanda urges Holly to date one of her own ex lovers......hmmmm, dating your friend's ex? That can't work, can it? We also catch up w/ some of Holly's exes: the boyfriend before her ex husband, and then her exhusband. In the middle of all of this, we learn more about Holly's career as a tween sitcom's writer. Her writing partner, a financially unstable and drug addicted gay man, has some adventures of his own in this book. This novel is short, but man, does it have a lot of content in it and it certainly reads quickly. There were even moments when I laughed out loud during it. Sarah Dunn is a very talented writer and I look forward to reading more of her work!

I hope you enjoy these as much as I did!!!

Gladiolus Glee!

2010-07-11T10:49:00.003-04:00

I planted a ton of gladiolus bulbs this year and here are the two that are right outside of my front door. I planted them on May 22. Today is July 11. So, it's taken them 7 weeks to be in full bloom! These get a lot of sun and the soil is pretty rich, so that is why I think they've bloomed first. I have many more that are out back, but are probably a week or 10 days behind these guys!

The glads grow into leafy stalks like this (these are ones currently in my backyard. I have no photos of the ones I'm showing here in bloom when they were stalks)

Then, then a tubular stalk comes out of the middle that looks like scales on a fish....then the scales split and break apart, with colored blooms starting to poke through. July 6:

July 8: the first blooms appeared in the morning sunshine!

July 11: Almost the whole stalk has bloomed. They are a bit heavy and after a pretty hefty rain storm yesterday, they were starting to topple a bit, so I stabilized them w/ a stake.

I hope you've enjoyed this walk down Gladiolus Lane!!!

Happy Independence Day, America!

2010-07-04T12:44:00.003-04:00

I'm a history teacher......so, this post today is only fitting!

When was the last time you read the Declaration of Independence? (or, at least the first part of it!!!) Give it a read--it gave our country its amazing, legendary, and revolutionary birth that many nations since have tried to emulate!

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America:

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

— That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,

— That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.

But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

— Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such..

.... is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.

To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of....

...large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence.

They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare,

That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.

— And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

Loving these!

2010-07-02T07:29:00.000-04:00

Ah, loving these two things from afar right now....(I'm on a spending freeze....Lord, help me!)

I have always adored Fossil watches. They're nice, but not over the top. I love the smooth styling of this "Stella Collection" watch---so unique and also, very similar to my skin color & therefore, looking chic!!!! Also, love this tank by Anthropologie! My favorite color is green and this one has a cut and rouching to flatter the bust & waistline!

Capiz, please........

2010-07-01T11:19:00.007-04:00

Oh wow, I love capiz chandeliers! I want one!!!!!

Anyway, they range from faux capiz and very affordable to real and slightly affordable and then, very expensive (AKA, unaffordable for TEM!)

Here are some lovelies from all price ranges!

Faux Capiz

19.99 (Amazon.com)

Real Capiz $129 (Pottery Barn Teen)
This baby also comes in a teal blue combo; pink/red combo.

$259, Real Capiz (West Elm)

$259, Real Capiz and another gem by West Elm

OR, grab the above chandelier in a NEW color, a grey capiz----ooooo, lah lah!

Or, enrich your space with this RICH choice by Horchlow.com for.....wait for it......wait for it.....$1,395 + $160 for shipping!

So, I could pay my mortgage or.........buy this?!?!

2010-06-30T20:51:00.003-04:00

Ha ha! Um, I think the choice is obvious what $700 will buy me this week, but.........oh wow, this mirror-wall decor thingy-gem would be a boon for the casa 'de TEM! PS, it's from the coolest store ever that I will never be able to afford: Anthropologie!

More summer blooms!

2010-06-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

This year, I took a chance and planted some bulbs! I've never planted bulbs before, even if my florals were perennials, I planted ones that were already in bloom and in pots from local nurseries. However, a more affordable (and gratifying!) option was to plant some bulbs!

Well, my lilies came up and one bloomed this past Saturday morning! Oh my, I love the rich pink color of the lily!!! WOW! I cannot wait to see this lily develop and spread out in my garden over time. Next year, more stalks should come back.

I also planted gladiolus bulbs (a lot of them!!!). Come to find out, my grandmother used to plant a lot of these too when my mom was growing up---I guess we have the same taste! So, the stalks are up, but no blooms yet....As of June 27, this is how they look. I will update as the grow!

This is how gladiolus look and they come in every color imaginable!!! I don't remember what colors mine will be---some of my bulb packets were just assorted colors. I know I grabbed a bunch of red ones too!

These are my stalks right now:

Living Room Changes....subtle, but there!

2010-06-26T16:30:00.000-04:00

So, a year after moving in, my living room has evolved over time....

May 2009:

June 2010: (oh, and the kitty is also new!!! He joined the family late last summer!)

2010-06-25T12:48:00.003-04:00

Get excited!!!!!

I loooooove Meet the Parents and here is some hype for the upcoming second sequel, The Little Fockers....

Summer blooms in the backyard!

2010-06-25T09:07:00.001-04:00

These babies were all out this morning when I woke up! I love how things bloom overnight!

Lawn Makoever!

2010-06-23T17:53:00.008-04:00

I had a major grub problem.....

In the first photo above you can see the damaged lawn patches from the grubs. Here's what I did:

1. I raked up the dead spots & pulled out the damaged top layer of dead grass and top soil.
2. I sprayed "Seven" insecticide on the lawn w/ a hose attachment & let it sit for a few days.
3. I raked again lightly and added new top soil to the patches.
4. I put down Scott's Patchmaster & Turfbuilder
5. I watered
6. I waited.
7. After a week, I put down a little more patchmaster in empty spots.
8. I waited.
9. The first 2 weeks barely anything happened....a few grass blades started to come up. I was nervous that all of my sweat & money was wasted....

Then, take a look at a month later! Whoa!

Run, Forest, Run!

2010-06-23T17:24:00.001-04:00

Snagged this Table Runner for $12.99 at Homegoods today!! Yay!

I like.....

2010-06-22T20:12:00.005-04:00

Here are some cute decor items I've spotted online! Enjoy!

A GREY zebra rug from West Elm (8x10 @ $500)

Overstock.com: Magnolia Wall Plaques ($46.99)

Metal & Capiz Shell Butterfly accent piece ($34.95) from Pier 1

Oval Candle Sconce by West Elm ($39.00)

Boudoir Updates!

2010-06-21T19:59:00.009-04:00

So, I've grabbed a few things over time and have made some updates to my masterful master boudoir!!!

I bought these 3 square mirrors from Lowe's almost a year ago and wasn't quite sure what to do with them yet (Actually, I bought 4, I was thinking about doing a grid of 2 across, 2 down...). So, today, I decided to mimic the look of 3 side-by-side looks like the framed art I have on the opposing wall by putting 3 of the mirrors side-by-side. I was really torn about the placement of my tv. At first, I deliberated getting it mounted on the wall, but what if I ever wanted to change my room and put my bed on that wall (which will probably never happen, but....) Also, I sort of don't like the look of a mounted tv in the bedroom. So, while it's covering the first mirror right now, I'm okay with it--for now!!!

The mirrors were $24.99 each from Lowe's

Here is a closeup so you can see the fine detailing on the mirrors:

Then, at Homegoods, I grabbed a few cute storage boxes for that random stuff that accumulates in the bedroom!!! I love them because they are modern and clean looking, but also romantic and feminine, which is what I am going for with this room! (They were all $9.99--$14.99)

Lastly, I picked up this wire wall art dress form from Pier 1 for about $15.

Need some laughs?

2010-06-12T14:55:00.004-04:00

Love these digital short movies from Andy Samberg on SNL!

On a Boat: (warning: explicit language in this one!)

The Ground:

Which light!? Rock the vote!

2010-05-31T22:43:00.002-04:00

Okay, so on the list for the summer: new exterior lights on either side of my front door. So, here is another shot of the exterior of the home. (PS, see my painting plans here: Paint inspiration post)

Here are the contenders (so far!)

Option 1:

Option 2:

Option 3:

Option 4:

Option 5:

Okay, rock your vote!!! Thanks!!!

Ode to my singledom....

2010-05-26T23:09:00.004-04:00

So, I often get caught up in my malaise of my failed marriage and take on a "woe is me" concerning being divorced and child-free when most of my peer group is the opposite (I have next to NO single friends or childless friends.....only a handful of them). Recently, I've been trying to focus more on the positives....this is a just a little ode (are odes solely poetry? This isn't a poem....just a list of ramblings!) to being single and living alone!

1. 2 weeks ago, I stripped the sheets off my bed & threw them into the laundry. Then, I was too lazy to remake the bed, so I just slept on a my mattress pad w/ a comforter for 3 nights! I felt like it was rebellious at the time and now as I type it, maybe not so much! But, had I still been married, my ex would've wanted the bed made before sleeping! lol!

2. The other night I had stone ground wheat things with melted mozzarella cheese on them for dinner.

3. I dropped everything and went to the spa after work last Wednesday.

4. I took a nap today from 4-5:30 and then went to out to dinner by myself.

5. I went to Miami a few weeks ago with a girlfriend of mine. If I were married still, I'd probably only be taking couples vacations or a vacation with just me & him.

This may be the only and last time in my life when I can just do what I want when I want.....and I kind of like it!

Blooms!

2010-05-23T12:34:00.003-04:00

Hey!!!

Peonies have not bloomed yet, but the Irises and Poppies have!!

I cut these irises from another set of iris bushes on the side of my house that doesn't get much visibility.

Flower update!

2010-05-08T16:42:00.004-04:00

Here come some buds!!!

"Dinner plate" Dahlias budding! Gorgeous colors!

Peonies that I transplanted from my old home. Last year, their first year in the soil, was rough,but this year, I think there's gonna be great things!!! Here are 2 pics!

Rhododendrons!

This is periwinkle blue perennial that I snagged last weekend, but I forgot the name. Anyone?

I will post pics in a week to update their progress! I bet this time next Saturday, blooms will be everywhere!!!

New music.....love it!

2010-05-04T10:37:00.006-04:00

I love the Dixie Chicks, but they are taking a break from recording and touring. However, the 2 sisters in the group Martie McGuire & Emily Robison formed a little duo as a supplement in the meantime. They named their duo "Court Yard Houds" and their debut album was released today!

If you like singer-songwriter, music that's not over produced and allows the string instruments to really shine through, crisp angelic vocals, soothing and catchy melodies, and you're a sucker for lyrics......pick this one up! Iw ouldn't even call it country music per-se, for those of you with a bad association w/ that genre. It's just good stuff.

www.courtyardhounds.com

It would be cool if....

2010-05-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

I could buy this GEM and GENIUS of a chair by Brookstone. Seriously, Brookstone, this type of engineering is just the type of thing that could solve the world's problems!!!

It could be yours (and mine) if we spend $199.95!

Link to the chair on Brookstone!

Spring time planters!

2010-05-02T15:31:00.007-04:00

Hey everybody!

I hit up a local nursery and Lowe's today for some planting goodies. Needless to say, the local nursery FAR surpasses big box stores' selection of annuals & perennials. But, the box stores are far superior for potting soil varieties, rocks for drainage, and grass seed for my patchy grub-ridden lawn--(that issue is to come in an upcoming post!)

Here are some lovely planters that I got at a local chain, Ocean State Job Lot for about $10.99 each (yes, huge deal!) and some railing planters I ordered on Amazon.com for $14 each (they are awesome! You have so many options: railing size, shape of planter, and color! Links are below!

I planted a variety of vinca vine, impatiens, double impatiens, begonias, and daisies.

It will be interesting to compare these photos with new ones in a few weeks after the baby flowers have taken roots in their planters!

Amazon Seller: Apollo Plastics Deck Railing Planter (24 inches; 2x6 railing; mocha colored) $13.55 a planter!

Dressing up the spare room!

2010-05-01T11:13:00.005-04:00

I gotta be honest, I don't host a lot of overnight guests!!!! BUT, I love having an extra room to play with!

Last weekend, I added curtain rods, sheer & dainty balloon shades, and 4 wall vases that I bought from Pottery Barn almost 5 years ago! (I just haven't had a good place to put them!)

Here is the look at breakdown of price & links for you to buy if you want!

Before: Without wall vases & curtains & painted furniture:

After!

Target's Shabby Chic® Balloon Shade: 2 @ $24.99 each
Target's Room Essential's Square Rods in brushed chrome: 2 @ 13.97 each
Pottery Barn Wall Vases: 2 sets (2 in each set) at $20.00/set

=$117.00 total!

Oh no, J. Lo....

2010-04-29T23:30:00.005-04:00

At a premiere of her movie "The Back Up Plan"

Oh sad......bad hair......

I'm halfway through....

2010-04-29T08:07:00.001-04:00

"Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Let me tell you, I actually did not want to read this book. I thought it was too pop-culture, too cliche, and too Oprah Book Club-y (well, it was an Oprah Book Club book and I do love Oprah, I DVR her everyday, so why do I care if it's an Oprah Book Club selection?) Anyway, one of my friends who teaches English at my school reads all of the time and she reads a really diverse collection of books and she's really smart. I remember her recommending it to me shortly after I started going through my divorce proceedings....I shook it off (knowing that I thought I was tooooooo goooooood for Eat, Pray, Love! ha ha!).

Anyway, I saw the trailer for the movie which will come out on August 10 and star Julia Roberts. The trailer grabbed me and I immediately starting thinking about how many days were between now and the release of the movie. Then, I thought....hmmmmm, this book may actually be something I could sink my teeth into and if I see the movie first, I'll never read the book!

Bottom line: I bought the book and so far, I love it. I'm halfway through and have been reading a little bit every night before bed. Right now, after I finish this post, I'm torn between: read more Eat, Pray, Love or grade Economics tests?? Hmmmmmm.....

Check out the book & the movie!

House Painting Inspiration

2010-04-28T08:00:00.002-04:00

So, this is the current look of my home (pic from last spring)

And, while I love green, I feel like my house is sort of blahhhhhhhhhhhhh looking! I like something snappy! Anyway, the paint is also chipping (even though my neighbors say the house was painted not too long ago...they must have used the wrong paint!?). I found this photo on HGTV.com's Curb Appeal website gallery and fell in love!

Getting an estimate in May, so stay tuned!!!

Thank you, Pier 1 & Homegoods!

2010-04-27T09:00:00.001-04:00

Ah, how I love little finds at these two shops!

I found this lovely table runner for $39 that coordinates well w/ my living room decor (my dining area & living room adjoin, so I try to keep things consistent between the spaces). I also found this mosaic-style vase at Homegoods on clearance for $7!! Woo hoo!

I think it brings the space into the spring time juuuuuuuuuuuust a little bit!!!!

It would be cool if....

2010-04-26T12:00:00.001-04:00

I could buy the following things......

Pottery Barn's Chesapeake Bench Ice Chest ($369)
I'm not sure what makes it a Chesapeake ice chest (maybe the wooden slats...) but it's a cool way to disguise a..........cooler!?!?!

Meandering Meadow Rug by Anthropolgie ($998)

A pretty Granny Smith apple green rug!

Artemis Stone Necklace by Stella & Dot ($298)
A lovely combo of green jade, lemon and smoky quartz, and chrsophase all complete a gorgeous look!

Azobe Wood Planters from Restoration Hardware ($495-$995 each)
According to their website, "Modeled on containers from 19th-century European orangeries, our exclusive planters are hand-built in Poland from wood that once supported drying bricks at a Belgian factory." WHOA!

Pottery Barn's Palmetto Outdoor Sectional ($4,000)

Things I need.....(well, kind of!)

2010-04-25T10:53:00.000-04:00

These are products that I HIGHLY recommend. They are tried & true and absolutely part of my daily routine!!!

First off, my favorite face wash EVER: Olay Deep Cleansing for Oily/Combination Skin:
This sucker is hard to find too!!! Every drugstore (Rite Aid, Target, Walmart, etc) no longer carries it in my area! I check every time! But, I have bought it a Ulta and also, online at Amazon.com. I buy 2-3 at a time. It removes tons of dirt and oil (nothing is on my cotton ball when I use my Pro-Active Astringent) and makeup. I use Pro-Activ for acne control, but their cleanser doesn't really remove eye makeup or foundation too well, so I use this first. Love it!

Loreal Voluminous Mascara:
A genius mascara. Period. I never leave the house without it on my lashes.

Moroccan Oil Treatment:
My stylist got this product line in at her salon about 6 months ago. I thought it was just another product....just another gimmick. No. It is unreal! It seals, protects, conditions, controls, and shines your hair!!!! It's expensive, but honestly, I've searched high & low for the ideal hair smoother and styler. This is it. I put a littl ein before blowdrying, before flat ironing, and then to finish. (PS, my hair is thick, wavy, and coarse, so I can put that much in it. People with thin and prone to oil may not be able to do that).

Nasal Cleansing Neti Pot:
Around the age of 28, I started experiencing seasonal allergies. Now, at 30, they are worse than ever (coincidentally, the news say 2010 is the worst year for allergies in ages too!) So, I am really not that keen on taking an allergy pill everyday. I'd like to do something more natural. So, every night (or every morning) I use the Neti Pot to naturally cleanse my nasal and sinus passages. I've felt a huge difference. Love it! Hey, if it's been around for a thousand years, it must be tried & true, right? I bought this Neti Pot below at Whole Foods.

Yard updates....

2010-04-24T13:34:00.001-04:00

April 23:

1. Did the first mow of the front yard
2. Spread insect disease killer
3. Spread Scotts Turfbuilder
4. Weeded front yard flower beds
5. Planted spring blooming perennials
6. Planted summer blooming perennial bulbs

April 24:
1. Mowed the yard
2. ATTACKED the overgrown, weedy flower beds. Here are the pics....

Note: the old woman who lived in my house since 1953 and raised 7 children (yes, 7 children!) in it has LOVELY perennials and an actual flower cutting garden. However, she went into a nursing home about 4 years ago. Then, her adult son lived here for a year and according to my neighbors, didn't do much with the back yard at all. Then, last summer when I had just moved in, I focused on my indoors and front yard only. This year, since I don't have may "indoor expenses," I am focusing mainly on the outdoors, and definitely on making my backyard with its fabulous space and deck to be a little sanctuary for reading over the summer time. It took me about 2 hours, but I cleared out all of the weeds, leaves, and crapolla!

Before 1: (leaf bags that I did a week ago before major rain, great! And, our local trash guys aren't picking up leaf/yard bags yet!)

AFTER 1: Whew! Cannot wait to plant some leafy green shrubs and flowers!

BEFORE 2: Other side of the deck. This flower bed is HUGE!!!

Inspirational reads for the single girl....

2010-04-23T20:03:00.000-04:00

I've been single for a year. Well, February 21, 2009 was the day I left my lying cheating husband. So, the weeks that followed I don't know if I count "those days".....(you know those days, those no makeup, puffy eyed, pajama panted pathetic days...).

Anyway, in addition to A LOT of things I have done to "get over" the trauma of my experience, I have also re-entered the world of singles. Deep down, I don't really even want a boyfriend. I feel like I'm really enjoying sleeping in my big queen-sized bed all alone; waking up, turning on the lights & playing loud music while I get ready for work in the morning; watching whatever I want on tv whenever I want to (and keeping a football-free household!); knowing that the only laundry I have to do is mine.....etc etc etc.

But, sometimes, I do get sad that I am single. I do want to share my life with someone and have a family, but alas, it's just not my reality right now. I think it's mostly due to the fact that I had prepared my life for a married-existence since I was engaged at age 26. I was ready to be a wife, start a family, and be married. Now, my existence is quite different than I imagined it would be when I was 30--I turned 30 on March 25! It's sad sometimes because I yearn for the life I dreamed of, but it's also exhilarating because I get to have this whole new life that I never anticipated and it's sort of like when you were a kid and you got to yell out: "Do over!!!" So, this is my do-over! And, it's kinda fun!

I have been reading a lot and two books that have been awesome in my search for single-satisfaction are below. If you are ever lucky enough to get your own do-over--OR--you have a friend that needs support and you'd like to recommend something, these books rock:

Easy & tasty summer salad!

2010-04-23T19:49:00.000-04:00

Let me preface this by saying: I'm not much of a cook, this is a big moment for a girl who used to have a husband to cook for her all of the time! In the year that I've been single after my divorce, I've dabbled more in cooking, but honestly, I must say: cooking for just yourself sucks. It's hard to spend a lot of money on rich ingredients and take the time to cook a delicious and intricate meal for just me. But, I need to take more time to do things to make myself joyful and appreciate the little things. So, here is a meal I made tonight for myself.

So, there's a local vegan restaurant called "Garden Grille" in Providence and I LOVE their Pear & Asparagus Salad. I decided to make a close cousin of the salad on my own and here's how it went! PS, I'm not a vegan so I added my favorite salad cheese, crumbled goat cheese!

1st, I sliced pears (any type of pear will do!) and chopped the bottoms off of the asparagus. (I purchased both items from Whole Foods; also, ever since I've watched "Food Inc." I'm hooked on organic produce now!) I brushed the asparagus and pears w/ extra virgin olive oil using my trusty Pampered Chef silicon brush. (By the way, this $10-ish brush rocks! I hate the hair brushes that get all hard & crusty after using them! This one with a shot of warm soapy water is all clean and ready for its next job!)

Then, I put them on my Hamilton Beach indoor grille, which was one of the best $30-ish purchases I ever made!

Grill the pears till they are browned slightly and start to become a little translucent. The asparagus will need a little more grilling time. Then, I pushed the pears to the side for less intense heat until the asparagus was done.

Meanwhile, I prepped the salad: spring mix greens; crispy onions; chopped pecans; crumbled goat cheese.

Then, chopped the cooked asparagus & threw it (with the pears) onto the salad and mixed in some fat-free Balsamic Vinaigrette and there you go! Yummy!

PS, you could probably add chicken to give it more substance & protein.

All the women who independent? Throw your hands up at me!

2010-04-05T22:39:00.000-04:00

......quoting Destiny's Child!

When I was married, I had never attempted anything like this!! I had always asked a man (ugh!) to do this for me. Well, I had watched them install switches/dimmers and thought, "Hey that's not so tough..." And tonight, it was either switch out the plug or have no light in my bathroom.

Anyway, the switch in my bathroom wasn't working really well lately...the lights would stay on when I had turned the switch off and also, I'd jiggle the switch around and hear an electrical crackle.....not good. Anyway, I decided to bite the bullet and replace the little guy myself!

This is the original 1953 switch. I should've taken a pic of it in the wall, it was so dusty and disgusting.

I grabbed this new switch for about $10 at Lowe's and the switchplate was on clearance for $3.88 (score)! So, for about $15, I ended up with a surprisingly easy & modern look for a classic vintage tiled 1950s bathroom!

To do this, turn off the power circuit to your outlet.
Then, take the old switchplate off of the outlet.
Unscrew w/ a screwdriver the little screws holding the wires.
Remove the wires and then loop them around the same screwy thingys on the new outlet.
Tighten the screws to anchor it back in the wall & new switchplate!
Easy! Took me 5-10 minutes!

And here it is when switched off, a nice little orange glow....I thought this would be good for late night trips to the potty!

Spring 2010: Operation Outdoors

2010-04-04T11:22:00.000-04:00

Last year, when I moved in, I focused primarily on getting the inside of my new home up to par, but now I want to use this year to focus on the outdoors. Things I hope to do....

To-Do List:

Front Yard:
1. Remove excess shrubbery
2. Plant annuals
3. Trim trees in front of house
4. Install window boxes
5. HOUSE PAINTED! (this is the biggest project and I'll be hiring someone to do this!)

Back Yard:
1. Clean up flower beds along back yard fence and house
2. Plant perennials along fence line and mulch beds
3. Patio furniture
4. Planters w/ annuals on deck

Spring/Transition LR Shelf

2010-03-20T11:12:00.000-04:00

I switched out my large mirror for two smaller ones from Homegoods that were $16.99 each! Great deal! Then, I used to lanterns from Homegoods as well @ 12.99 and mixed with other stuff I had in my box of treats---candles, potpourri, my green birdie....

Check out this Knotty Pine makeover!

2010-03-20T11:00:00.000-04:00

My best childhood friend just bit the bullet and had her knotty pine and wood built-in bookshelves painted to update her 1980s-built home to the 21st century! I love love love it!!!! I think it adds warmth, personality, and a modern flare! She still has to add the chair rail to the tv wall, but I love the painted fireplace and crisp color choices!!! Yay!

Here is the before of the tv wall:

Here is the after:

Here are the bookshelves on the opposing wall before:

Here is the after: (PS, I love the dark brown from below the chair rail used on the background of the shelves!)

Holiday Decor

2009-12-20T19:09:00.001-05:00

Hey!

So, for the holidays, I like to do decor that is holiday-orientated, but not full of pre-fabricated holiday decor. I wanted to keep the decorations consistent w/ the same color themes of the room, but also make them holiday-like! Also, I wanted to continue to use the mirror and apothecary jars. My goal is to see how they look for four seasons!

All of the ornaments in the jars are from Michael's and Pier 1 Imports. The pearl garland and candles are from Michael's as well.

And I had to throw this photo of my lovely Callie enjoying the first big snow storm of the season. She loves frolicking about in it!

Operation Organization!

2009-09-28T14:31:00.000-04:00

Let me preface by saying: I'm not a neat person at the core. Because staying neat & tidy isn't really my strong point (I have a tendency to just leave things everywhere), I have to be rather diligent at putting things back where they belong. These systems have helped me!

So, today I took some time to revamp my organization in my hall closet. It wasn't terribly messy, but it was certainly time for an overhaul and some more tools to keep me organized. I purchased the tall & skinny rubbermaid drawer organizer recently and today finally filled it up. I labeled the drawers & sorted all of the toiletries into their respective locations. Here are the final results.

Oops! Labels a little crooked! Oh well!

Another project I did after moving into my new home: my necklace system. I did this in my old home & found it was sooo helpful in figuring out what necklace to do with my outfits (I keep earrings in a separate hanging system in the closet next to the necklaces). I have to constantly remind myself about putting necklaces back in their correct locations at the end of each day. (I used those Rubbermaid double-sticky safe removal hooks & organized by color with the necklaces).

What are you organization tips & systems!?!? Share!

Fall Decor...

2009-09-21T16:21:00.000-04:00

Fall is my favorite season....I love the crisp, cool, and dry air (mainly cuz I have good hair days! lol) and I love the scents!!! Oooooh, I love burning apple, pumpkin, and harvest scented candles all day long during the fall!

If you recall, I don't have a fireplace, but I love the look of a decorated mantle. So, over the summer, I installed a 6 foot shelf from Ikea (the Lack® series at a GREAT $29.99 each!) and it is sort of my makeshift "mantle." (PS, I just looked up the spelling of mantle and I guess it can also be mantel! Cool!)

Anyway, I wasn't thrilled with decorating with yellows, oranges, and reds for the fall season in my living room since it's bright greens, yellows, and magenta/pinks...So, I went with a green apple, white, and nature-inspired look. Here is the finished product:

Everything, including the apothecary jar fillers (which I made into a mixture of plain green apples, birch bark, and pine cones were bought as separates), except for the little green bird (Pier 1), clock (Pier 1), and white vase (Ikea), was all purchased at Homegoods.

Close up views:

That's it for now!!!

Craft Room / Home Office is Taking Shape!

2009-08-05T11:21:00.000-04:00

So, it's all still a work in progress, but teachers report back to school on August 25, so I have vowed to finish this room before I am back to work!

I had 4 white Lack floating shelves from Ikea in my previous home, and this is the perfect room for the shelves in the new house! So, yesterday, I installed 2 of them (oh, it's so fun getting them level!!) and then I installed an Ikea "Bygel" bar w/ some Ikea hanging tin cups for markers, pens, glue sticks, and scissors.

Almost 2 full walls done pretty much.....2.25 walls to go!

Here is a close-up of the bar & hanging cups (see below for how to buy these!)

Here is the next wall. I am going to put some art between the shelf and the ribbon rack.

I made a ribbon organization system using a dowel from Michael's (I spraypainted it white) and then used two curtain rod brackets I bought at Home Depot for a cheap price and then rested the dowel in the brackets. Here is a close-up:

Here is a metal knife rack from Ikea I'm using as a rack to hold magnetic jars full of office supplies. Love it! Easy to install!

Shopping List:
Ikea Lack Shelf in white, $19.99 (Click here for link!)
Bygel Bar, $1.99 (Yes, only 2 DOLLARS!!!) (Click here for link!)
Kroken cutlerly caddy, $3.99 each, (Note, these aren't really a good fit for teh Bygel bar, their hooks don't reach around the bar....but I didn't want to return them, so I pried the hook open wider with a hammer to allow them to fit around the bar!) (Click here for link!)

Not Knotty Pine!?!

2009-07-29T00:22:00.001-04:00

No, not for me....

It was a tough decision to redo the knotty pine walls in my 3rd bedroom of my new home. It's the only room with paneling and it's the smallest...go figure! I want the room to be my home office/creative zone....I need a place to grade papers and do some lesson planning as well as make the many crafty things I enjoy!

So, lots of people came into my house saying how much they loved the pine, "It's like a ski lodge!" they'd say......or they'd say "Do you know how expensive that was when they put that up!?" or "Wood is sacred, you can't paint that!" But, hey, it's my house and I was totally not feeling the wood!

The process began.....let me preface this with that I didn't use regulation goggles....my sunglasses had to do since i forgot to buy goggles. Also, I've NEVER ever done a paint effect before. This was my first try and it was pretty easy and it was actually the easiest step of the process! The priming was the hardest because the primer is thick and was tough to get into the grooves between each panel.

1. Sand w/ rotary sander. PS, wear goggles & mask......so much dust. I didn't wear a mask at first and I was suffocating and blinding myself (saw dust stuck in my eyelashes!!)

2. CLEAN up all of the saw dust!!!

3. Prime the walls with an oil-based primer. The wood soaks it up better than latex. It stinks. You will be high. Wear a mask here as well! Keep the room ventilated as best as possible. I did 2 coats of primer. The toughest part about priming was the fact that I had to use brush to get into the tongue & groove joints between each panel. AYE!!! I also primed the baseboard, crown moulding, door frames and doors.

4. Then, I did a coat of Sherwin Williams "Medici Ivory" which was a real classic ivory that reminded me of French Vanilla ice cream as I was painting. I only needed one coat.

5. Then, I mixed a quart of Glidden's "Soft Suede" paint with a half a gallon of clean glaze. (in a separate mixing bucket)

6. I used a wispy brush & very little paint to apply burts of the paint/glaze mix. Then, I brushed until the brush was dry and then wiped the color around in inconsistent locations....thicker coverage in others, more bare & translucent in others. This went fairly quick---I was done with this step in about 20 mins!

**This is what it looked like after I had finished the paint effect, but still had to do the moldings..

7. Paint the trim other white moldings w/ 2 coats of semi-gloss white. Also, I will be painting all of my interior doors white eventually, but this room is getting the ball rolling! I painted the closet door white on both sides and left the hallway door wood on the hall side for now--so I don't have one white door in the hall for a month until I get the courage to start that project.....I'm all set w/ painting right now! Do you see how my doggy is so sad I'm in here painting all day!!

8. Done! (I have to have someone come over 7 help me remount the doors and then move a furniture into the room, so until then, the room is "done" but not decorated.)

Before & After!!

What's in a name?

2009-07-22T15:21:00.000-04:00

Here are some great Etsy vendors that will help personalize your home's space with their wonderful creations!!!

I started a little gift-giving tradition of my own with these sellers....I buy one their signs for my friends for wedding gifts. I try to go with the seller that would suit the couple's style.

Click on the designer's logos to visit their shop!

1. Java Jane Designs:

2. Off Woodland Way:

3. Mary Beth Zeitz:

4. Bosheree

Enjoy!!!

Hold up, so cool....

2009-07-21T09:13:00.001-04:00

Check this out!

I was on my new favorite blog, The Lettered Cottage.....and I saw the link to an great Etsy shop with cool wall art.

Check out some of the great wall art ideas at: Red Letter Words on Etsy

Cool, huh?!

Where Art Thou? Art on AllPosters.com

2009-07-20T16:21:00.000-04:00

Here are some fun floral pieces of artwork for your home! I like florals, but ones that are a little more abstract or "messy" looking.....a trick I've learned when hunting for art on allposters.com (a site I love!)---never shop without a coupon code (sign up on their site w/ your email and you'll always be in the know) and when you find a piece you like, click on the artist's name, you'll find the artist's whole collection and possible complimentart prints or some prints you like even more!

Happy flower picking! PS, click on the pics to link to their page on allposters.com

(I have this black, red, and white one above in my bathroom)

What's new at Pottery Barn!?

2009-07-19T19:21:00.001-04:00

They have a new vintage-inspired line for the latter half of the summer...

Here are some things I'm sure many customers will lust over!

1. Monticello Floor Lamp, $150

2. Danville Mica Pendant Lamp, $399
3. Circles Wall Mounted Sconce, $119

4. Floorstanding Frame, $129
5. Harvest Double Sink Console, starts at $2400, (Um, I LOOOOOVE this, but wouldn't have the $ for it.....ever!)

Project Organize!

2009-07-18T14:45:00.001-04:00

I'm weird. I'm organized about certain places....for instance, my linen closet is very organized....my car, a mess!

Oh well!

My small ranch house has one hallway closet....Eventually, I would like to take out the shelves that are in this closet and install a more modern shelving system with hanging drawers, etc. But, for right now, a quick coat of paint was the only thing in the budget!

Before: The poor little closet had disgusting shelf liner paper on each shelf and a really bad musty smell. I was scared to even put my nice white towels on the shelves! So, I ripped the paper off, primed with an oil-based primer & then followed up with one coat of Sherwin Williams' Dover White. The primer really helped wipe all of the stains away!

After: Clean and safe for my towels and other things! The brown canvas bins are from Bed, Bath & Beyond, they were left over from my laundry room in my old house. Eventually, I'd like to switch them out for 2 bins that would fit side by side, but for now, these work...the top shelf is filled w/ home fragrance and wallflower (Bath & Body Works) refills. (I used to work there part-time and I have TONS of product from there! It's almost embarrassing!); I also have a smaller plastic bin of travel size beauty products, so they're easy to find when I'm going away for a night or weekend.

The bottom of the closet: I used the Rubbermaid drawers for extra hand soaps, body products, and hair products. Extra toilet paper & paper towels in the bin above that.

Wall art, anyone?

2009-07-17T12:55:00.000-04:00

Scored this baby at Pier 1 yesterday for $35.

I wanted to do something relatively neutral on this wall with art so that I could easily change out my table linens during the seasons without a clash.....

This wrought iron piece was perfect!

New Life for Old Furniture!

2009-07-16T10:37:00.000-04:00

Before: The guest room w/ the two old nightstands...(dresser is on opposing wall....I didn't take a before shot...oops!)

This bedroom set was my great aunt & uncle's in the 1950s and 60s....then, they handed in down to my parents. My parents used it from 1972 to about 1995....it sat in our basement for a long time and my sister and I grabbed peices of it to use in random apartments over the next few years. When my Ex and I got our first apartment together, we used the whole set and then brought it to our house.

Well, when I bought my new place, I decided to treat myself to some brand new bedroom furniture (see my bedroom pics in a previous post). This set is now in my spare bedroom. My mom said "Give it a new life!" and I did.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day, so I brought everything out to the deck and started sanding, priming, and painting. There is one more piece to this set that I didn't redo (a long dresser) but I think I will one day paint this a darker color and make it a storage piece for my finished basement.

Some of the drawers are falling apart, so I got out the wood glue and made some repairs to those. The paint color was Sherwin Williams, Ivory Lace, in semi-gloss. I used an oil-based primer as this is the best for wood. After applying the primer, I only needed to do one coat.
Sanded & Primed:
In Progress:

Done!!! Now, the hard part....putting all of the crap back into the drawers! I guess this is a perfect opportunity for me to purge some old clothes!?!

My big question--see how there are grooves under the drawers to put your fingers it to open the drawers....even though those are there, could I add knobs? What do you think--answer in the comments area. I'm totally stuck on this one!

I can do it!

2009-07-14T23:23:00.000-04:00

So....in the last 2 months of being the sole resident of my home, I have learned that not only can I envision home decor & maintenance, but I can pretty much make it a reality all by myself!!!

Things I've done for the first time or learned in last two months:

Mowed my lawn for the first time w/ a push mower! When I was a kid, I grew up on a huge property and we had a riding mower. I mowed the lawn all the time for my family. However, once my ex and I bought a home, he did all of the mowing and yardwork because he enjoyed it. He said the mower was really heavy to push & I probably couldn't do it.....Uh, wrong! I mow and I love it!
I can hook up a washer & dryer! I installed a new lint vent for the dryer and hooked up the washer all by myself. I had to use a wrench to pry off the old owners' cold & hot water tubing from the hookups, but after some prying, I did it!
I painted my a good portion house's interior in one week! (well, excluding touchup & 2 rooms of the 5 rooms!) In our home together, my ex and I painted together and he insisted upon doing all of the cutting in, especially the ceiling (Which he always messed up....) and now, I am an awesome painter! I do even cutting lines across the ceiling and trim. And, with the help of an adjustable roller, who needs to be over 5'2!?!?
I met my new friends: the drill, electric screwdrive, and level.......I love them. I find myself searching for things to install now!!! I was a curtain rod up--boom, I do it! I want a new shelf up--boom, I do it! Love you drill, screwdriver, and level! (oh and your friend pencil!)
My next mission is to learn how to do some basic electrical work: installing dimmers and changing out light fixtures.

I'm sure the list will grow!!!!!!!

Yahoo!

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