Proverbs 31

Not that I am boasting, but Eron told me to write about this, since he thought it was funny. My new translation of Proverbs 31:16:

She considers a field and buys it; and then she sells it on Craigslist and makes a killing

Ok, maybe not a killing, but counting the two things that are supposed to be picked up this evening I have made a total of $103 on Craigslist. And we still have a couple higher priced items for sale! Which is good though, because it is paying for the room makeover...and now turning into a total apartment "sprucing up". :)

Exhausting Weekend

I am tired and my muscles are sore, but the hard work has been more than worth it. Our bedroom is painted and the newly painted dresser is still drying...the drawers are all layed out in our kitchen! Things have been thrown away, moved to the basement, and organized. It feels good! There is still a lot to do, including finishing decorating our bedroom, putting all my clothes back in the dresser, cleaning up the mess (toss pile) in the living room, and a few last minute touches I'd still like to make. Including, but not limited to, finding some pillows for our living room. Pillows can be expensive! I am browsing online right now, hoping to find a deal...at least something less than $30 a pillow! I am still selling stuff online and hoping I will get a few more "bites" this week...to pay for the pillows. :) I went to a few yard sales on Saturday morning in hopes of finding some end tables/night stands and reading lamps for our yet to be found nighstands, but no luck. I did score two plants in really nice LARGE planters for only $1 each!! One is now in our newly rearranged living room and the other in our bedroom. It's really all coming together!

Eron was so helpful this weekend...now he either did things because he wanted to help or because he thought he would do a better job than me, and personally I think it might be the latter of the two. :) He primed and painted our whole dresser and he helped me hang these bars above our kitchen sink that our now, in an oh so urban cool way, displaying our pots, pans, and cooking utensils. Very cool! I'll post pics soon, I promise.

If anyone has any ideas on how to "make" your own nightsands, let me know. I've been reading stuff online about using old wooden wine crates, and we checked with this store just down the street called The Wine Rack, but they didn't have any and said they only get them every once in awhile. Anyway, if you have any ideas like that, let me know...I'm hoping to come up with a cheap, yet cool, way to give us a place to put our books, alarm clocks, etc. next to our bed.

Also, I've decided I am in love with this apartment- http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/house-tours/sf-house-tour-allies-colorful-and-bright-studio-054947 - Check it out!

Well I guess that's it for now...oh and on a not so fun note, I have an appointment with an oral surgeon tomorrow afternoon to talk about getting my wisdom teeth out. Yikes! I am dreading it!! :)

TGIF- Going Green

You may have thought that this post would be about reducing, reusing, and recycling, but alas, it isn't. Although I am a big fan of those things this post is more about how much I love the color green. Now not all greens are created equal, but if it's a sage-y, olive-y, kelly, even mint-y green, I'm a big fan! So here are some fun GREEN THINGS that you should check out (click on pic for a link). A few green items that make me drool...oh and a recipe too. :)

Spicy Whole Wheat Pita Chips with Green Yogurt Dip= YUM!

Getting Organized

So for some reason my Spring cleaning bug has come a little late this year, seeing that the month of July is almost over! We rearranged the living room last night and took some stuff to the basement, threw away some stuff, and listed a bunch more things on Craigslist. The bedroom painting and furniture painting is planned for this weekend...we'll see how that goes. Eron is working all day on Saturday, but I plan to tackle it all by myself. Eek!

So, in the spirit of getting organized, I felt like my blog could use some organization as well. First of all this blog is meant to update our family members on our lives with pics, updates on Eron's seminary happenings, etc. I want to continue to do that pretty purposefully, at least once a week. I also want to designate another day of the week for random finds. Whether it's a great recipe, a great new website, a good sermon, a deal, an item I feel I just can't live without that I want to share with all of you, or something along those lines. So I plan to do that on Fridays (TGIF right?!?!).

We'll see how this goes and I will be posting again tomorrow I guess with my random, or not so random, find.

Oh and tonight is veggie night...I wonder what the box of veggies will hold for us this week?

Going once, going twice,

SOLD! I am posting some new things on Craigslist today, hoping they will sell and contribute to our bedroom makeover!

I am also loving this new website to get some ideas for organizing, decluttering, decorating, etc. in a small space. Check it out.

Photos

Click on this photo to see our pics from the weekend (along with others from this summer thus far...that you might have already seen)

And as far as the bedroom makeover, I think we may have a "yes" from the hubby!!! Now to sell some paint that we never used (brand new!), and a couple other things on Craigslist to make some cash to pay for the makeover. :)

Weekend and a Makeover

Well it's Monday and we are back home from our weekend in Cincy. It was a good time to getaway. We had some disappointments, difficulties with directions, and a lost cell phone as a part of the trip, but we also had some good food, took in a good movie, good rest, and a great trip to a museum and to IKEA! So, all in all it was a good trip.

I guess to go into further detail, the hotel wasn't all that we thought it would be, but it worked out fine. And besides, we got a discounted rate (a BIG discount) so we couldn't complain much! We did have some difficulty a few times with finding where we were going, but no big deal. Oh and Eron found his cell phone today...so it turned out not to be lost. On to the good things...

We saw The Dark Knight on Friday night and it was FABULOUS! If you are into that kind of movie, I would highly recommend seeing it. It was excellent and Heath Ledger really shined in his part as the Joker! We enjoyed a trip to the Bodies exhibit on Saturday. It was kind of strange at first, but very interesting and very informative. And it was free! (thanks to Eron being a Fifth Third employee!). We had an EXCELLENT dinner on Saturday night at Chalk, located just across the river in Covington/Newport, Kentucky. It was yummy! On Sunday we slept in, which was great, and then headed home with a "quick" stop at IKEA. I had never been to IKEA before and besides being very overwhelmed by all that is there, it was great. I got some new canisters for the kitchen, a few candles, and wouldn't mind a trip back for some more shopping in the near future. :)

I will post some pictures soon. I forgot the thing that connects my camera to the computer, so those will have to come tomorrow.

Speaking of makeovers....oh we weren't really....but if we were...

I have had a desire to do a total bedroom makeover, including repainting. I really loved our bedding when we got it when we got married, but have since decided I am not the biggest fan of it anymore. It is really nice bedding and in good shape, so I may look into selling the comforter/shams. I am looking into...tentatively...repainting and finding some new bedding and maybe even venturing into painting our dresser. MAYBE. Money is a primary issue, and well time, and just the nerve to do it ALL over. It's kind of overwhelming...but I kind of want to. I'd love to paint the walls a more neutral tan (they are a rusty clay color now) and get some neutral bedding (even just a plain quilt or bedspread) and then accent with things on the walls, and colored throw pillows. I feel like a more "eclectic" look would go better with the rest of our house. What do you think? Should we go for it?

I'll let you know what happens....if anything :)

I'll post pictures soon of the weekend!

Sticker Shock

People do realize that when you go out to eat at say a Chili's that one of the salads can have anywhere from 1,200 or more calories and sometimes be "worse for you" than a hamburger at the same restaurant? People know that portions at restuarants are INSANELY out of control, right?

Apparently not....read on....

New Yorkers Try to Swallow Calorie Sticker Shock


________________

I am glad that New York has passed this law and hopefully other cities will in the near future. I think knowledge is power! At least when it comes to this type of thing. People think that a muffin from Starbucks or a piece of banana bread has to be healthy, right? I mean it's a muffin...and come on, bananas!! 600 calories later and maybe people will begin to rethink their eating decisions.

Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed a nice vanilla latte (nonfat of course) from Starbucks yesterday and I do enjoy eating out (sort of). But, being aware will hopefully at least make eating out more seldom and dining in with fresh ingredients and portion control a more popular option.

I'm sure I'll be writing more on this if I ever do a book review of that book I am reading...if I ever finish it. :)

In Defense of

Food....well I haven't gotten to read much more of my book. We have been dining with friends the past two nights, so my evenings have been taken up with food and fellowship! We had a great time with some friends from church last night. Tortilla soup, cookies, and good conversations! Doesn't get any better than that!

Also, for whatever reason most people that I come across seem to have a strong dislike for Rachael Ray. I'm not sure that I get it. Well, I guess I can understand that on her daytime talk show she is very....loud. The boisterous New Yorker in her really comes out! And maybe if you pick up her cookbook you get overwhelmed by the titles of recipes or strange ingredients, but all in all she is an AMAZING cook. I'm not much of a recipe follower anyway. In the sense that you tweak with what you have, measurements are relative, etc. :)

So in defense of Rachael Ray check out a few of my favorite recipes from her. Now, anyone can make these and they are super good.

Apple, Potato, Onion Hash (Great for Fall when the weather is cool and apples are in season!)

Beef Fajita Burgers (The seasoning for these burgers is fabulous! We use it every time we make up some burgers to grill!)

Chicken Parm Bites (enough said!)


Now some of her recipes may have something that seems odd. "Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese"---just use good ol' parmesan cheese! No fresh parsley, use dried (in smaller quantities). No grill seasoning? Substitute pepper, and whatever other spices you have on hand that seem good. Red pepper flakes, garlic salt, black pepper, etc. No recipe (especially of Rachael Ray's) is meant to be followed exactly....except for maybe when it comes to baking. I'd stick with the recipe on those type of things.

Ok, anyway that's my tangent. Just thought I'd give a shout out to one of my favs. :)

T-minus two days until weekend getaway with hubbie!!!

Recap

To recap the weekend, the yard sale went pretty good. We got rid of a lot of our stuff and then gladly hauled off a truck load to Goodwill of what was left. We didn't make a ton of money, but it's more than we started with! And believe it or not, people really do want to buy your stuff! The weekend also held some sweet fellowship with our dear friends Tom and Franny. We are so thankful for their friendship and how they spur us on. Not to mention, they have the cutest little baby in the world! The sermon at church yesterday was really good (Romans 9:1-29). Dr. Schreiner preached and I really enjoyed it. I went to the park to read for a little bit and get in a nice walk yesterday afternoon. It was sunny, but not too hot at all, so that was enjoyable. I am almost done with my book (In Defense of Food)!!! I should be able to finish it this week...hopefully!

I am looking forward to this upcoming weekend! Eron and I are having a weekend getaway to Cincinnati. We plan to leave Friday afternoon and check into our hotel (actually 15 minutes outside of Cincinnati) and take in the new Batman movie Friday night. It looks a little creepy, but I think it will be good. The rest of the weekend should hold some sleeping in, relaxing, an aquarium visit, some shopping at IKEA, and hopefully some fine dining. I can't wait!

I will try and update again sometime this week before the weekend. Maybe I will share a book review of the book I hope to finish soon! :)

Cow Appreciation

No I'm not a vegetarian, and yes I do appreciate cows! :) But I'm not sure if I will be appreciating them in THIS way today....anyone gutsy enough to do this? You get a free meal!

(scroll down for my post from earlier today)

Time to post a recipe since it is Friday. From a blog I frequent often, here is what looks to be a great recipe for SNICKERDOODLES! Everyone loves a snickerdoodle! I may have to try these out soon. SEE RECIPE HERE


And for those of you who will be in the 'Ville this weekend, come check out our yard sale tomorrow and see if the statement, "one man's trash is another man's treasure" really is true! We sure do hope so!!!


MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE IN CRESCENT HILL
SAT. JULY 12TH
8:00am-1:00pm

415 Franck Ave. Duplex on cul-de-sac. Sale up the driveway in the back.

Furniture, treated wood (from deck project), lots of household items, clothes, shoes, luggage, books, and lots, lots, more!!!!
Young couples selling lots of great stuff!! WE MAKE DEALS!!!!

I heart ETSY

I am seriously in love with this online shopping heaven known as ETSY. "Your place to buy and sell things handmade"


Seriously, it is great! I can browse through all of the fabulous homemade items and fabulous vintage finds. You should browse around yourself and see what little treasures you can find!


Here are some of my favorite Etsy items (click on the pics for more info):

One word

The best cinnamon rolls ever....ok that is 5 words. DELICIOUS! YUMMY! GOOD!

Try this recipe out sometime. You won't be sorry.

EDIT:

Think this recipe looks good? You can share this one and many others if you join in on the online cookbook greatness! Just e-mail me your address or leave it on here. I'd be glad to send you an invite. Come on...it's fun!

:)

How's that for a shameless plug?

Cinnamon Rolls, Salsa, and What Ever Else is New

The title of this post is kind of random. It's all I could come up with. Just got done having a farewell breakfast here at work for a girl who is leaving. Had a yummy cinnamon roll from Panera Bread and some coffee. Yum! And as far as the salsa goes, well that's what I brought for our afternoon 4th of July, red, white, & blue party today. Lots of good eatin' going on at work today!

So, HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! If you have the day off from work, I hope you enjoy it and get to relax a little. That's pretty much what we have on the agenda. And possibly checking out the local "Crescent Hill Old Fashioned 4th of July" down the street, weather permitting. It is supposed to rain starting today for the next week or so. Can't complain though, the rain cools it off and makes things green! So, bring it on!

The past couple days I've gotten the chance to read a little bit more in my new book, In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. It has been good. Perhaps a book review will show up at some point on The Booked Blog. It has really made me think about what we eat. I think I've mentioned this on here before but I've really been trying to steer us more towards fresh fruits, veggies, and homemade things. Less processed stuff. I've enjoyed making my own granola and bread occassionally...that way you know exactly what is in it!

On a completely different note, after tonight Eron will be halfway done with his second summer class. Woo hoo! We both have the day off tomorrow, but sadly he has to work all day on Saturday, so the whole "three-day weekend" isn't quite a reality for him. I hope to make it up to him though by making some homemade :) cinnamon rolls for breakfast tomorrow morning. We'll see how that goes!

I've been thinking how quickly this summer has flown by. I cannot believe it is July! Eron will start school in just a few short weeks (August 18th I believe). New students will be coming to campus, things will start getting busy with work again, Eron will begin new classes with new professors. And I'm sure the semester will fly by just like all the other ones have.

It's been almost two years since we moved to Louisville. I think next week will mark our "two year anniversary". Perhaps in honor of that, and in closing to this post I can note a few things that I miss about Texas and a few things that I love about our new home--Louisville.


THINGS I MISS ABOUT TEXAS:

• Family
• The friendly waves you get when driving
• Access roads
• The common understanding that everyone has that Texas really is the best state!
• Seeing the Texas flag on license plates, flying high outside almost every business, and proudly displayed on peoples' homes
• Warm winters
• Tubing down the San Marcos river
• Those token Texas places like Hastings, Baker Street, and GOOD MEXICAN FOOD!

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT LOUISVILLE:

• Seasons! Fall is perfect, Spring is beautiful, Summer isn't too hot, and Winter is...bearable
• Our church--one of the biggest blessings we have here
• Living with the Bebees
• Summertime fresh produce at local farmers markets that seem to be popping up on every corner
• Beautiful big green trees...that will turn orange in a few months and will be beautiful then too!
• Parks, lots of parks filled with those beautiful trees
• Southern Seminary
• Crescent Hill--This is the neighborhood we live in. It is a great place to live. People walking their dogs all the time, families out playing. It's great!

I guess those are just a few things that came to mind. It's hard to believe it's been two years since we moved here. There have DEFINETLY been ups and downs in our lives, our marriage, and in our relationships with others, while we've been here. We've learned a lot, grown, moved, experienced new things. All and all, I can only stop and truly thank the Lord for His goodness in bringing us here!

HAPPY 4TH EVERYONE!!!