Congrats to Allison, she is my giveaway winner!
Thanks to all who entered.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Artwork search success!
You really do find things when you aren't looking for them. We'd been looking for artwork to hang in the dining room without success. We'd been wanting to find something since we got the table, back in July. It is a HUGE wall and so we wanted a really large piece to hang there or several coordinating pieces, but had not found anything we liked that was large enough and at a price we were willing to pay.
Yesterday Kevin dragged me to the mall. We were looking for a Texans sticker for his truck (which we found) and some other sports stuff (which we
did not find). We walked into the mall and realized we'd parked on the opposite end of the mall from the store we really wanted to go to. I was annoyed we had done that, but we wouldn't have found the artwork if we hadn't done that - one of those 'happy accidents' or dumb luck as my dad calls it. It was in a close-out store, it looks like its going out of business, but the signs are just to get your attention because they are also hiring. We looked at all of the artwork, and finally decided on one we liked.
My sister stopped by later in the day, and we put her to work helping us put it up on the wall. Good thing she was there, because we needed an extra pair of hands. the painting is HUGE, over 4 1/2 feet wide. Using all of the tools we have - stud finder, level, T-square, stepladder, hammer, nails - and some improvised tools, a mop handle to test whether the hangers we'd put up were level (now I see why people own yardsticks), we got it up on the wall, and it looks good!
No more huge, blank wall....and now we can start to think about accessories and curtains, now that we have some colors to plan off of.
Yesterday Kevin dragged me to the mall. We were looking for a Texans sticker for his truck (which we found) and some other sports stuff (which we
did not find). We walked into the mall and realized we'd parked on the opposite end of the mall from the store we really wanted to go to. I was annoyed we had done that, but we wouldn't have found the artwork if we hadn't done that - one of those 'happy accidents' or dumb luck as my dad calls it. It was in a close-out store, it looks like its going out of business, but the signs are just to get your attention because they are also hiring. We looked at all of the artwork, and finally decided on one we liked.My sister stopped by later in the day, and we put her to work helping us put it up on the wall. Good thing she was there, because we needed an extra pair of hands. the painting is HUGE, over 4 1/2 feet wide. Using all of the tools we have - stud finder, level, T-square, stepladder, hammer, nails - and some improvised tools, a mop handle to test whether the hangers we'd put up were level (now I see why people own yardsticks), we got it up on the wall, and it looks good!
No more huge, blank wall....and now we can start to think about accessories and curtains, now that we have some colors to plan off of.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Tour de Pink
My sister and I road the 12-mile route in today's charity bike ride for Tour de Pink! This is without a doubt the longest bike ride I've ever been on. We've been signed up for it since June and I'd trained for it - I must be honest, I'm not really sure how to train for it other than to just ride my bike, so that was my 'training'. Kevin had figured out a good bike route through our neighborhood and I drove it once to measure how long it is. It was right at 4 miles, so I've ridden that route a bunch of times, and ridden it twice to do 8 miles at a time but that was as high as I'd gotten. I was a little bit worried that I wouldn't be able to do the full 12 miles or that I'd have bike troubles, but it went really well. The hardest part was the HILLS! I got up each of the small hills finally, and loved the downhill.....I have a new respect for anyone who rides a bike in hilly areas.
We were able to ride together most of the ride, and enjoyed seeing the people who were dressed up - pink boas and pink hair EVERYWHERE. Charity and fun rides are definitely my speed more than the competitive ones, everyone was very helpful (the people parked next to us took the photo for us after we let them use our suncreen) and just out to have fun.
I will definitely participate in this ride again, maybe even plan for one of the longer routes. Thanks Laura for participating! I wouldn't have done it without you....
The rest of the day will be spent watching football and taking it easy....
We were able to ride together most of the ride, and enjoyed seeing the people who were dressed up - pink boas and pink hair EVERYWHERE. Charity and fun rides are definitely my speed more than the competitive ones, everyone was very helpful (the people parked next to us took the photo for us after we let them use our suncreen) and just out to have fun.
I will definitely participate in this ride again, maybe even plan for one of the longer routes. Thanks Laura for participating! I wouldn't have done it without you....
The rest of the day will be spent watching football and taking it easy....
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Another Giveaway
I am still loving my cutting board and garlic press from CSN stores. My only regret is that we've been so busy lately I haven't gotten to use them as much as I'd like. With Kevin back in school and me in the busiest time of the year at work, cooking has taken a backseat for now, but we'll get plenty of use out of them.
I'm pleased to be able to offer another giveaway, this time for $35 to use at any one of CSN's stores. With over 200 stores, there is something for everyone from a coffee table to an outdoor grill!
Please leave a comment to be entered. Deadline to enter is Saturday, September 25. I'll draw the winner on Sunday, September 26.
Good luck!
I'm pleased to be able to offer another giveaway, this time for $35 to use at any one of CSN's stores. With over 200 stores, there is something for everyone from a coffee table to an outdoor grill!
Please leave a comment to be entered. Deadline to enter is Saturday, September 25. I'll draw the winner on Sunday, September 26.
Good luck!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Football is back
NFL football is back! I'm writing this as I watch the Texans game on tv. Kevin is at the game with his parents. They've been season ticket holders since before I met him. I'll never be as big a fan as he is, but have definitely become a fan in our 6 years together. Funny thing, in my family the football fan is my mom, not my dad.
Its been a good game so far, and I hope they can hold onto their lead and BEAT THE COLTS! I have no doubt that Kevin will lose his voice from all of his yelling and cheering at the game, but it will be worth it.
In addition to watching football, we play fantasy football, and I realized that Kevin's team name has come true. He's called his team the "Arrogant Scholars" for the last couple of years and he finally is getting to be a scholar (but not an arrogant one). He's loving his classes, and I'm glad its him and NOT me who is doing all of the reading, I'll take my beach reads...
Its been a good game so far, and I hope they can hold onto their lead and BEAT THE COLTS! I have no doubt that Kevin will lose his voice from all of his yelling and cheering at the game, but it will be worth it.
In addition to watching football, we play fantasy football, and I realized that Kevin's team name has come true. He's called his team the "Arrogant Scholars" for the last couple of years and he finally is getting to be a scholar (but not an arrogant one). He's loving his classes, and I'm glad its him and NOT me who is doing all of the reading, I'll take my beach reads...
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Cellphone kid
A couple of weeks ago when I came out of my house to leave for work I saw a kid riding his bike to school. I thought how cute, until I saw that he was on a cellphone. I saw him again today, and again he was on a cellphone. I have to wonder who can a kid that young talk to on the phone at 7am and also shouldn't he be paying attention to where he's riding? I know there are good reasons for a kid to have a cellphone, but I find myself wondering how kids will relate to each other when they are constantly 'plugged in' to everything. Yes, I see the irony as I type this on my blog...
I definitely have turned the corner away from young and have had more than one 'back in my day' moments. When and how does it happen? Don't get me wrong, I love where I am in my life I just wonder when I stopped being young....
One more soapbox moment, I was watching an episode of Glee last night and they said they were going to sing a classic rock song. I was ready for something from the '70s, but then they started to sing "One" by U2. When did U2 become classic rock? I had to look it up, it came out in 1991....I guess 'classic' is anything that came out before they were born. I'll be listening to all 'classic' rock before too long...
Review #2
I finally used my garlic press and I love it! I didn't have to peel the garlic, just put the bulb into the well, pushed it together and boom - squishy, yummy garlic. I am sure I'll still chop garlic for certain recipes, just depending on how it is needed but will get a lot of use out of this, and save myself from needlessly peeling a bunch of garlic cloves.
Hooray, love my purchases from CSN stores.
Hooray, love my purchases from CSN stores.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
I was able to talk to my brother last night! They are getting settled into their new place in Nicaragua for his new job, and he worked his first day on Friday. He sounded happier than I've heard him in a LONG time.
They were able to SURPRISE his wife's family. They knew he got a job, but had assumed it was in Austin, TX and had no idea that it would put my brother and wife only a few hours away. I can only imagine the surprise, disbelief, and excitement that must've happened when they pulled off the surprise. It was quite a secret to keep. I'll definitely miss having them only a few hours away, but with the wonders of technology we should be able to talk to them somewhat regularly and know this is the right place for them to be for now.
He'll be busy learning his new job, and get lots of practice with Spanish. He said he had to ask MJ (wife) to speak English on his lunch break Friday so that his brain could rest.
They were able to SURPRISE his wife's family. They knew he got a job, but had assumed it was in Austin, TX and had no idea that it would put my brother and wife only a few hours away. I can only imagine the surprise, disbelief, and excitement that must've happened when they pulled off the surprise. It was quite a secret to keep. I'll definitely miss having them only a few hours away, but with the wonders of technology we should be able to talk to them somewhat regularly and know this is the right place for them to be for now.
He'll be busy learning his new job, and get lots of practice with Spanish. He said he had to ask MJ (wife) to speak English on his lunch break Friday so that his brain could rest.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Review
I received the items I bought from CSN, hooray! I actually received them last week, I'm just slow on coming back and writing a review. I decided to get two smaller items rather than one big item with the gift certificate, which means - double the reviews!
This was the first time I've ordered from CSN, so I was pleased that the items came very quickly, I had received both items within a week of ordering them.
The first item I bought was an Epicurean cutting board. I know you are thinking
(my hypothetical readers) - a cutting board? could you be more boring? but it is exactly what I needed. Aside as to WHY I needed a new cutting board - I had cut THROUGH one of the ones we had when using our scary sharp knife to cut corn on the cob and found it worked best if I really slammed it down (with all fingers well out of the way), it cut the cob great but also cut the board, it was a flimsy one anyway. So having to retire that cutting board and having only one other flimsy one and a HUGE one that is reserved for cutting meat, meant I needed a new one. I like that this one is more sturdy and has the magic words for me *dishwasher safe*. I was a bit concerned that it says it is "Constructed from paper" but have found it to be fairly sturdy. It does seem to get stained easily, but with a little scrubbing it has come off. I love the handle cut-out, so I can easily hold onto the cutting board when I pick it up to push what I've cut onto a bowl, plate, etc. That is a unique feature compared with most cutting boards I've had. Anything that makes my life easier in the kitchen is a WIN for me. Bonus - it is made in the USA, rare in my shopping experience.
The other item I bought should also make cooking easier. I bought a Calphalon garli
c peel and press. I'll have to review it later since we actually haven't used it yet. We had the *perfect* opportunity to try it out, but forgot we had it. It is supposed to peel the garlic for you as you press it through, which would make my life easier and make me oh so happy, I hate peeling garlic. I had wanted one since BOTH cooking classes I attended used one and can't wait to try out this one. I'll keep it in mind when I make our menu out for the week. Stay tuned....
If you'd be interested in hosting a giveaway or doing a review, let me know and I can send you the contact information of the woman I've worked with. It was the first time I shopped with CSN but will not be the last.
This was the first time I've ordered from CSN, so I was pleased that the items came very quickly, I had received both items within a week of ordering them.
The first item I bought was an Epicurean cutting board. I know you are thinking
(my hypothetical readers) - a cutting board? could you be more boring? but it is exactly what I needed. Aside as to WHY I needed a new cutting board - I had cut THROUGH one of the ones we had when using our scary sharp knife to cut corn on the cob and found it worked best if I really slammed it down (with all fingers well out of the way), it cut the cob great but also cut the board, it was a flimsy one anyway. So having to retire that cutting board and having only one other flimsy one and a HUGE one that is reserved for cutting meat, meant I needed a new one. I like that this one is more sturdy and has the magic words for me *dishwasher safe*. I was a bit concerned that it says it is "Constructed from paper" but have found it to be fairly sturdy. It does seem to get stained easily, but with a little scrubbing it has come off. I love the handle cut-out, so I can easily hold onto the cutting board when I pick it up to push what I've cut onto a bowl, plate, etc. That is a unique feature compared with most cutting boards I've had. Anything that makes my life easier in the kitchen is a WIN for me. Bonus - it is made in the USA, rare in my shopping experience. The other item I bought should also make cooking easier. I bought a Calphalon garli
c peel and press. I'll have to review it later since we actually haven't used it yet. We had the *perfect* opportunity to try it out, but forgot we had it. It is supposed to peel the garlic for you as you press it through, which would make my life easier and make me oh so happy, I hate peeling garlic. I had wanted one since BOTH cooking classes I attended used one and can't wait to try out this one. I'll keep it in mind when I make our menu out for the week. Stay tuned....If you'd be interested in hosting a giveaway or doing a review, let me know and I can send you the contact information of the woman I've worked with. It was the first time I shopped with CSN but will not be the last.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
tv premieres
A lot of people look forward to football coming back in the fall, and I do to a point but mostly I look forward to the cooler weather and the return of must-see tv! The summer reruns and the summer shows are just a bummer - Persons Unknown, I'm sorry but you did not answer ANY of my questions and I hated Janet whom everyone else on the show seemed to just love.
In college I had a roommate who would put the season premieres of shows into her calendar. We thought she was crazy to do it, but I am finding myself looking up when my shows start, which is not a far stretch from actually calendaring it! Part of me feels bad for how much tv I know I'll be watching, but eh....I work hard, I get my stuff done and if I want to veg out in front of the tv so be it. I do love my DVR so I can skip the commercials and watch the show on my schedule, and tv shows getting tricky with whether or not the show is coming back from commercial - don't think we don't notice! DVR has made my life so much easier, I remember not that long ago having the VHS tapes to try to tape something and trying to remember which ones I'd watched and just having a headache over it all, but now its all in that little box with the menu to show me what is on there. and my DVR is going ot get a workout the week of September 20th!!!
I found this great link that has the schedule of when all of the shows premiere, hooray!
The shows I'm most excited about: Big Bang theory (wish it was still on Mondays!), Fringe, and Modern Family.
What will you be watching this fall?
In college I had a roommate who would put the season premieres of shows into her calendar. We thought she was crazy to do it, but I am finding myself looking up when my shows start, which is not a far stretch from actually calendaring it! Part of me feels bad for how much tv I know I'll be watching, but eh....I work hard, I get my stuff done and if I want to veg out in front of the tv so be it. I do love my DVR so I can skip the commercials and watch the show on my schedule, and tv shows getting tricky with whether or not the show is coming back from commercial - don't think we don't notice! DVR has made my life so much easier, I remember not that long ago having the VHS tapes to try to tape something and trying to remember which ones I'd watched and just having a headache over it all, but now its all in that little box with the menu to show me what is on there. and my DVR is going ot get a workout the week of September 20th!!!
I found this great link that has the schedule of when all of the shows premiere, hooray!
The shows I'm most excited about: Big Bang theory (wish it was still on Mondays!), Fringe, and Modern Family.
What will you be watching this fall?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)