tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9937448825594973192024-03-05T16:08:03.467-08:00Champagne and Sprinkles"Too much of anything is bad but too much Champagne is just right" - Mark TwainCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-15539306096852279722009-08-19T13:46:00.000-07:002009-08-19T14:03:41.467-07:00Product Review: Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet HairI’ve been meaning to post about the wonderfulness of this product for several weeks now but I just keep forgetting. Something else I’ve been forgetting to do is actually use the product though so when I pulled it out last night and swept it over my sofa for the first time in few weeks and immediately saw the AMAZING results, I felt it was time to share.<br /><br />As you know I have this furry little friend who loves to lay around and watch tv with me and cuddle on the sofa. However Ellie’s white hair plus a dark brown sofa:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371780488533456178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKQgXZ1oBI9a1YcEbBrzlEtgCje5_wwZuhsgk5G52YNzwOV_C331Sr2ROTxaf2Y3JGthzb5i8qaWNuwycs_b4gMFfb1E-VtOb0DUdIlYQcyWkDAF-35BplPI2Bdtq-Wgu97CRV3cx-SU/s320/CIMG2125.JPG" border="0" /> is not the best combination.<br /><br />When I first saw one of these products I was so excited. I thought “Wow! This is EXACTLY what I need! This will be great – how easy!”. I brought home the 3M Fur Fighter and got to work. It did the job but the teeth on the little sheets were just so thin. It didn’t really seem like the teeth were long enough to grab much or like the sheets would hold very much hair. I tried it a few times, luckily it had been purchased with a coupon, and then resorted back to just vacuuming the furniture every now and then. Not fun or easy.<br /><div><div><div><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371780304172149490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPILZMZSEUeNLpiC3BzWBpSTTRb2NcKWRd7yJ0yV3WUY9My6EyQeQ5t6rDyItKhCc0SOJJXU4EdVahW__VMtK1LvFQsasqvwuDa5qpT5UxBb00IJOjfxcRExf3fZDt_9WlVnOpdEz4xw/s320/scotch-fur-fighterjpg-fb.jpg" border="0" />So I was super excited when Pledge released their much improved solution to the pet hair/sofa problem – enter the Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair. </div><div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371780718041975506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-v3XtmwgSOx-M5sH3eVwqOhxTYUhch8Tvra-gtGfmfPWCNc2YV70jTPll2UqCqFtTa6LLu3Qh8s5AIxLBbTy6umRtyYriN3_Bm0E4RINaG6aJZgUgxIIz5xgnb9v1-EWpWLuY7JyHz4/s320/prod_fabric_sweeper.jpg" border="0" />This product is the best thing ever! And so much better than the other version, sorry 3M. This one does a great job of picking up all the hair, lint, etc and then keeps it all in the little bubble thing on the top instead of it just being kind of ‘out there’ on the other one. Its got 2 rollers underneath with much better 'teeth' for grabbing the hair. Also, I’ve used mine several times and its nowhere near full. It’s a great thing to just swipe over the furniture before company comes over. I think it could even be useful if you didn't have a pet, just to clean things up a bit. I highly recommend it and you can <a href="http://www.pledge.com/fabric-sweeper/">click here </a>for more information! (I was going to have you click there for a coupon but unfortunately its expired - sorry! I think its normally about $5 and so worth it!)</div><br /><div></div><div>I know I'll be needing to use this tomorrow after Ellie and I watch Giuliana and Bill and the premiere of Top Chef Las Vegas tonight - yea! I really hope this is a fun group of chefs! I think it will be so much fun to watch them cook in all the fantastic restaurants in Vegas also. My friend <a href="http://www.tinystreats.blogspot.com/">Heather</a> is going to <a href="http://www.mesagrill.com/lasvegas/">Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill </a>in Las Vegas this very weekend and I'm so jealous! Hopefully she will post a great review for us next week... The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bobby-Flays-Mesa-Grill-Cookbook/dp/0307351416/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250715581&sr=8-1">cookbook</a> is amazing; I can only imagine what the food would be like at the actual restaurant!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371782808923356370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ-lKklU4dw6DflrTp_SV3Gc4TzMHCkUsIVVlGM42GiET528nzZ8MESLsvpP-k0GvV-ZqTj_BbQmUNkI6lqECQjTsHDddA3bkaZ9plykJP6OgDlaroj5FZZ15lZyWg4H8nUAK-UsXi0w/s320/topchefseason6.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-91361177254172390802009-08-07T06:12:00.000-07:002009-08-07T06:29:52.615-07:00This weekend calls for...Sangria!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkDBNyJ4q9vMGWHoqN3kD7hm5MU6z1KtW9mx518r6GnEVw6WMW3NOsVJrZyQ6fKuWfRAtvmP2fsOpKxvuZO4ViGqfQL17OfaGk5p5juwkiPct7yGj3AaJFt7mF1Gr7QBALXP6QD3gdOY/s1600-h/sangria.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367212384293889074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkDBNyJ4q9vMGWHoqN3kD7hm5MU6z1KtW9mx518r6GnEVw6WMW3NOsVJrZyQ6fKuWfRAtvmP2fsOpKxvuZO4ViGqfQL17OfaGk5p5juwkiPct7yGj3AaJFt7mF1Gr7QBALXP6QD3gdOY/s320/sangria.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> {image courtesy of ibiza hotels}<br /></span></em><br /><br /><div align="left">Well actually probably not this weekend as I already have festivities planned that include champagne and margaritas for Julie's going away party. She's leaving us to head waaaaay across the state and start law school in a few weeks. Hopefully she'll be working here in the summers! But maybe your weekend plans call for sangria???</div><br /><div align="left">I made this sangria recipe a few weeks ago when my friend <a href="http://www.lcandlwindc.blogspot.com/">Lauren</a> came to town for a girly weekend and to see The Fray in concert. I feel like I always see tons of sangria recipes, everyone seems to have one that they swear by, or one that is just SO easy. I've made a few and they always just seemed to be missing something. I ran across this recipe in a free neighborhood magazine that I ususally just toss in the recylcing bin but the promise of "cool summer cocktails" on the cover caught my eye this time. </div><br /><div align="left">As I read the recipe I saw one ingredient - that proves to be key - that I'd never seen in a sangria recipe before: frozen lemonade concentrate. My curiosity was peaked! (Plus I've been on the lookout for fun punch recipes ever since I finally gave in and bought one of those cool glass beverage jars...so this was just another excuse to use it.)</div><br /><div align="left">Luckily the meal I'd planned for that night would complement the sangria well so it seemed like the thing to do. </div><br /><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">Sangria!</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#33ccff;">1/2 cup brandy<br />1/2 cup triple sec<br />1/4 cup lemon juice<br />1/3 cup frozen lemonade concentrate<br />1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry red wine<br />1 lemon, sliced into rounds<br />1 orange, sliced into rounds<br />1 lime, sliced into rounds<br />1/4 cup white sugar </span><br /><span style="color:#33ccff;">8 maraschino cherries (optional) </span><br /><br /><div align="left">There really aren't any 'directions' for this - you just mix it all up and enjoy! They did suggest you mix it the night before for best results but I did ours right before we drank it and Molly, Lauren and I thought it was pretty tasty!</div><br /><div align="left">I made a double batch of this and we used Yellow Tail Shiraz as the red wine - it was fantastic! I was a little leery of the brandy taste but it really worked out and the frozen lemonade concentrate gave it this little extra zing that I feel like is usually missing from my other recipes. It was refreshing and light instead of sickly sweet, which is how I feel about some others. </div><br /><br /><div align="left">For dinner that night we had <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1571482">Cumin Dusted Chicken Breasts with Guacamole Sauce </a>from Cooking Light. YUM! This was so easy and I highly recommend it with sweet potato fries. (the frozen ones are actually really good!)</div><br /><div align="left">Hope everyone has a fast Friday and a great weekend!</div></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-2977951915825115852009-08-06T12:17:00.000-07:002009-08-06T12:20:36.859-07:00This week...So not much has been going on with me this week. Work has been busy so that’s nice – love it when the weekends seem to get here more quickly! I did my duty as a Junior League volunteer on Monday night and helped make 1200 (yes that’s right twelve hundred) lunches to be delivered to the homes of underprivileged children on Tuesday and I have managed to do some form of exercise on both Tuesday and Wednesday nights. All in all a pretty good week!<br /><br />Tuesday was another appt to Shred it with Jillian. I still do levels 1 and 2 back to back. I just can’t seem to get into level 3 for some reason…but 1 and 2 seem to do the trick and deliver a pretty good, sweaty workout. Wednesday I went to my parents house and used their pool to swim laps. I was really good about doing this in high school and the first fall/winter that we had the pool my dad even heated it for me so I could keep swimming as the weather got cooler. It was great! Sadly, that was the one and only fall/winter we kept the pool heated – in fact, I think we shut that heater off as soon as we got that first bill…it was nice while it lasted though! With this weather being so HOT I thought I’d try and take up swimming again and I’m really enjoying it. I’m not sure if I’ll be shredding it or swimming this afternoon but I am determined to do something and try and keep this habit of working out 3-4 times per week up for the next few months. I’ve got a bridesmaid dress to fit into for my friend <a href="http://www.lcandlwindc.blogspot.com/">Lauren</a>’s wedding in October! (Side note so Lauren does not freak out: I’m sure the dress will ‘fit’ – I just want to make sure I look as good as possible in all of your pictures – yea!)<br /><br />I’ve also fallen into the trap of a few more tv shows this week. One has been on for a few weeks and I’d been recording it but hadn’t watched any episodes until this past Sunday when I decided I needed to try it out and either keep it going or delete all of them. The show is on Lifetime on Sunday nights and its called Drop Dead Diva. Its actually pretty cute! The basic premise is that this shallow model girl dies and ends up switching bodies with an overweight super smart lawyer who was also shot at the same time – so realistic, right? So she can tell she’s in this new body and has all of her same memories of her former life but also has all the skills of this lawyer now. Its kind of cheesy but they try a case on each episode so that is interesting. It kind of reminds me of Boston Legal in a way. It’s a keeper for now.<br /><br />The other show I am now adding to my regular reality tv rotation is Giuliana and Bill on the Style network. I watched the premiere last night and just LOVED it! They are so cute together! And I love how they compete with each other on things, all in a cute way. Very good show. I’m excited to see what all is in store for this season! (I’m also fairly certain I’m going to have a major crush on Bill Rancic by the end of the season….or the 2nd episode…)<br /><br />Check back tomorrow if you’re in need of a really good sangria recipe – mine’s been tested and approved!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-83130285844481642812009-07-31T06:31:00.000-07:002009-07-31T07:25:19.275-07:00Happy Birthday Ellie!<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33ccff;"><strong>Happy Birthday to You,</strong></span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33ccff;"><strong>Happy Birthday to You,</strong></span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33ccff;"><strong>Happy Birthday Dear Ellie.....</strong></span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33ccff;"><strong>HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33ccff;"></span></strong><br /> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33ccff;">Ellie is 3 today!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364616930669387746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnGu9PvGiCEDtl5IaP9_NBa2cOADKNkLkZs-DBFbfSyBen_cQC3mXs7ac6ZxBDfWegFZZ_5izjLlpWTBzQeQqotZa__U9yXCMfRPqCZvQplDdAMGLzIHE7LDKQDSghnkXBersX7JyJx0/s320/Ellie_2.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#33ccff;"><strong>This was taken by the breeder when she was about a month old...she looks awfully innocent!</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364616931065191986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHzv4UuJaoDwSq27D326hz5-aGWt01JeIseMxiTANJ-HhKOT-H4frVJhtjCyXDfcHgLbzPcmHEByq6zpsBUwheXUcnn0Fomqsyts_isjj8g2c0ldcLxvKHQjbmj1pxe-KN92fhxSXKsk/s320/Ellie+2.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76Am6oFmn6UA7j5YZV69x9yrF2y0sEcHWhOwSoBPPxotbTKUoMGPgahmD-rBRXxYmzFQoPfpdHtX-3bD3dHugL5jFUmqm9q0qWsjY-7qn5UKZ_ewTAjB9p0_D8Hr8DDsHobsWdw4UyuA/s1600-h/Ellie+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364619399023052162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76Am6oFmn6UA7j5YZV69x9yrF2y0sEcHWhOwSoBPPxotbTKUoMGPgahmD-rBRXxYmzFQoPfpdHtX-3bD3dHugL5jFUmqm9q0qWsjY-7qn5UKZ_ewTAjB9p0_D8Hr8DDsHobsWdw4UyuA/s320/Ellie+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;"> <em>Ellie and her 'friend' the day she came home...7 weeks old</em></span></strong></div><br /><p align="center"><em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364627394538488466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgSF-ISIVAzVXw0Uks8vlVRj_ejHocUB-9PT8tPcHisDmIIUZB6S1w5GJelSMCCAosTN22UICsK3VTt2rnPJBLAShsnNESLGxlWuf_u0oR3OFY8RNYhtGKhALb9yUTilYPXM3olAvxxs/s320/EllieMolly2.jpg" border="0" /><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">First encounter with Molly... </span></strong></em></p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364616936395137874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9bTWYj1bFzW_EOBCoIbahCmjls1AnVnFvt4waK8JJY_o4Z5iky2q_kwbE4MN341rmG1iEmPeRBHWu1tgmDrzdRcoczgn4HnixOZc6rQXET3sH2j5WGhpGe3fkKmezRzN3-Cn_ZYFk30/s320/CIMG1229.JPG" border="0" /><em><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">...soon to become her best dog friend </span></strong></em></div><em><div align="center"><br /></div></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364627144987174866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLEQx_FNnGCfmOjIU6Q0ZBGo-bbYpI4inub0v1JY5QdXng1Nd0-wSB0eqnBaHtzMhxW1QxmpVI3HpOCsIF0LhHrgOA4MrqkmN-_0dR0oeRGDYGzkv_WXN7zaPkVtvaz5_OuZ619vrYbM/s320/ellie+4.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> <em><span style="color:#33ccff;"><strong>Playing on the tennis courts - about 3 months old</strong></span></em></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364619397008058482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuw_S8hw_0bBE-7ginY5ZBoHxDc_5_UWddkZWrTrXiPoT-Jr1PQxCxd0OkzbnyfQoUp9kZ8Xywy4Y6yauCqVlhXLLrUlubNWkRg-QeCQAKUXG5zUpZ8O50AnKOnCqOszbJNRimCRLD2MQ/s320/IMG_1017.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="color:#33ccff;"><em><strong>Running in the backyard - about a year old...I think</strong></em></span></p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364616939669755426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoP-jLqTTh7mLkPxyj5pqesDZwm8gB3AWR_kv5bza86NCPWmT2WwGEPnVnTe3tAWVLHTZX0Y4D2TmnjDOnmrD-rFsptrtNLES789m7udjVMD7lltAmRubkmVUdnECYs8T1LU5K1BuW1A/s320/ellie+6.jpg" border="0" /><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;"> <em>Happy Halloween! - 2008</em> </span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364627149488657618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBbHpDXwjvTDIJ_BDy4Y_ta9HZ0pkJYaJ7kq61ksCyL3cEdrext9-fnKyiePx__9r9nbGjROduqfQPloe4_cCew2kVGB-CEZzovnEMIenln2I7dQ6puHEjl8InVXDT7nM5dvvxG0aZBI/s320/ellie+8.jpg" border="0" /><em><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">...and Merry Christmas! - also 2008<br /></span></strong></em></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364623909651610594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYK30TkNXBThAHvkenBtt7VW9VwIEMJFgmHmx0sQnLMApGF2foeejxjEjqpMs8-qt8QGDQovO1aGgA2qaWaXpwpw86rf6uPMA0D9Nkd1DiTJ7cAZ2gdnL-C4dMj7F-stMHPq97au5Ja1o/s320/ellie+edited.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#33ccff;"><strong>The Birthday Girl! (today!)</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#33ccff;"><strong>She was a really good sport about wearing the bow and posing so nicely...</strong></span></em></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364626339249242050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDtTyl-AfqmyLET0MQm8ybiAYwDC0F_Vhfiq782dnFM5r8Y_fkrq3mdu891mLEQd9JfQBuPUvOugzvruj2qCHXqpkBkNG6Bn5xfy0H3PmOHr4KoNg42MhQiASxI6r0oY0M8W-wPEobYE/s320/ellie+3+bday+3.JPG" border="0" /><em><span style="color:#33ccff;"><strong>I guess she knew she would be rewarded!</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#33ccff;"></span> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364625378520778514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseG5kYGqwLbUAuYRDwdSGiT63r2gGU3-i-VvNpd4u9HotZ3N339DniDk2xO4MHZ4YyczZ3PHXLS8FttQoBniFgdw7rGFtvSX2S2Mq-JsmnN4Obz_80i6hvsxWsx9fU67UiK80Rm0_Z_M/s320/ellie+3+b+day+2.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="color:#33ccff;"> <em><strong>Protecting her new zebra toy...</strong></em></span></p><p align="center"><em><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">Happy 3rd Birthday Ellie! </span></strong></em></p><p align="center"><em><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">You're now 'legal' in dog years!</span></strong></em><br /></p>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-18693266786000923262009-07-29T08:42:00.000-07:002009-07-29T08:53:03.111-07:00Cupcakes and a Movie Sunday<div><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewarts-Cupcakes-Inspired-Everyones/dp/0307460444/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1248882692&sr=8-1"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363909318060417666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYTTDFxQDpQvko13hM88JcSP3WjBED-eGw7HK4tiY2gM65pdflDuzx8Vi-q8QI6Hx-WTfRxgvUqe36s5acWyVvrYX8kXtiDpa4QkMkVR9DVMW8lnPGv4FUkh_DGZzFSUavD8RPjyyYNo/s320/martha+cupcake+book.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I was so excited when my grandmother gave me the new Martha Stewart Cupcakes book a few weeks ago. As soon as I started perusing the glossy pages, I was dying to make several of the recipes. Have you seen this book? It is GORGEOUS! Seriously – if you like cupcakes, you should buy this book. It would also be a great gift!<br /><br />For my first endeavor, I decided to make the Mint Filled Brownie Cupcakes. I invited my mom over to help and watch a movie and let me say it was MUCH easier and much more fun to make cupcakes with someone than by myself. This way we were both cleaning and splitting up the steps, it was actually pretty relaxing!<br /><br />So we’ve done this “cupcakes and a movie” thing on a Sunday twice now. Might be a nice little tradition to start!<br /><br />As I said, our first go round was with the Mint Filled Brownie Cupcakes. I am a sucker for anything with mint and this recipe only makes 12 cupcakes so it seemed like a safe place to start. The recipe was easy to follow and the cupcakes were great! I do think we cooked them a tad too long though so be sure to watch yours starting at about 25 minutes if you try these at home. The peppermint patty candy ended up being kind of hard and chewy instead of soft, as in the pictures in the book.<br /><br />Mint Filled Brownie Cupcakes - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewarts-Cupcakes-Inspired-Everyones/dp/0307460444/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1248882692&sr=8-1">Martha Stewart Cupcakes</a></div><div>Yield: 12 cupcakes</div><br /><div>8 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped</div><div>½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature</div><div>1 cup sugar</div><div>¾ tsp salt</div><div>3 large eggs</div><div>½ cup all purpose flour</div><div>¼ cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder (I used regular Hershey's)</div><div>12 small chocolate covered peppermint patties, such as York</div><br /><div>Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a standard muffin pan with paper liners. Place chocolate and butter in a heat proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until just melted, 4 to 5 minutes.</div><br /><div>Remove from the heat. Whisk in the sugar and salt until mixture is smooth, whisk in eggs to combine. Gently whisk in flour and cocoa just until smooth.</div><br /><div>Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of batter into each lined cup. Place 1 peppermint patty on top, gently pressing into batter. Top with two tablespoons batter, covering patty completely. Bake, rotating tin halfway through, until a cake tester inserted halfway into centers (above mint patty) comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached, about 35 minutes. Transfer tin to a wire rack to cool completely before removing cupcakes.</div><br /><div>The movie that accompanied the Mint Filled Brownie Cupcakes was “Last Chance Harvey”. It was alright. Good for something to have on in the background but not really something I’d want to watch over and over.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363909318021730450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiK1btdpQzZrUKI9GSlUanYOfZJWgkrjhGZeOxvmy8DhYqM9yynbn39724-GCMztX6WtzFxtCsbml1zpzcXLcf2BvkAC6G8j0iT5n1829Ry0HPP14brWOGUGI0bej7rDMyUOPnwEKh4HA/s320/LastChanceHarveyPoster.jpg" border="0" /><br />This past Sunday we had “Cupcakes and a Movie”, Round 2. This time it was Martha’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cupcakes and “27 Dresses”. We were going to watch “Confessions of a Shopaholic” but once we saw all the steps involved in these cupcakes, we thought it might be better to just have something on that we’d seen several times before.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363909327475443874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSkkQ-jD5TZyuzsDJxwZrhd-e5o0z8WmInWwneFUbR5X5pLg5lXeQB_O6YgQg2hCUNElni93SyqUVpNLa2xgYFSxG-5UJdzfTiwCRha_Uaka10YS7Kdd-RKWh-S2eX-6VFE8_UQh1vWg/s320/alg_27.jpg" border="0" />As it turns out, the cupcakes were not that labor intensive. It was just the time spent waiting for them to cool and then frosting that took awhile but we just watched the movie during that time anyway. Really though, there is nothing to be intimidated about here, it was actually pretty easy and the end result is fantastic! </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363909334791253490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVKX8s8vi8rGQoolZnEQNsXkruMlEeFZne9BzElHUYENGHjVyX-Aj_vZmcRSCJ5tXvLSZ6GpIxC-5VlNX2wcjOxzMFcjkYSDXHhdIY2Rfsisn1uPyfehYcfK2rlF0DzoySaLOpJZgrWk/s320/CIMG2335.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><em>I love how the frosting looks like real peanut butter cookies!</em></div><div><br />Peanut Butter Cookie Cupcakes – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewarts-Cupcakes-Inspired-Everyones/dp/0307460444/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1248882692&sr=8-1">Martha Stewart Cupcakes </a><br />Yeild: about 2 1/2 dozen (I only got about 2 dozen when I made them)<br /><br />Cupcakes:<br />1¾ cups all-purpose flour</div><div>¾ tsp baking powder</div><div>½ tsp salt</div><div>¼ tsp baking soda</div><div>¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened</div><div>1 1/3 cups granulated sugar</div><div>2/3 cup natural, creamy peanut butter (I used Peter Pan)</div><div>3 large eggs</div><div>½ tsp pure vanilla extract</div><div>½ cup sour cream (I used light)</div><div><br />Frosting:</div><div>12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (I used 1/3 less fat)</div><div>1½ cups powdered sugar, plus more for decorating</div><div>3 Tbs unsalted butter, softened</div><div>1½ cups creamy peanut butter (I used Peter Pan)</div><div><br />1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 3 standard 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.</div><div><br />2. Prepare cupcakes: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Put butter and sugar into bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or use a regular mixer). Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Reduce speed to low. Mix in peanut butter. Mix in eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla. Add flour mixture; mix until combined. Mix in sour cream.</div><div><br />3. Spoon scant 3 Tablespoons of batter into each muffin cup. Bake until pale golden and a toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean, about 13 minutes. Transfer to wire racks; let cool completely.</div><div><br />4. Prepare frosting: Put cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter into the clean bowl of a mixer fitted with the clean paddle attachment; mix on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy. Stir in peanut butter with a rubber spatula.</div><div><br />5. Spread 1½ Tablespoons frosting onto each cupcake. Refrigerate until frosting is firm, about 10 minutes. Using tines of a fork dipped in powdered sugar, score each top in a crosshatch pattern.<br />6. Cupcakes can be refrigerated in single layers in airtight containers up to 2 days.</div><div><br />These are good but they are RICH. I’ve still got several of these cupcakes left, even after taking some to work (this is when I wish my office had more people!), and I do have to fit into a bridesmaids dress in October so this "Cupcakes and a Movie" may not be an EVERY week occurrence but maybe every other week…there are lots more recipes I’d like to try!</div></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-73105996027048931692009-07-28T10:38:00.001-07:002009-07-28T11:08:22.574-07:00Stuff White People Like #127...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dfS84RQbFN-fBfyo0-s7oK5roHvia1dQMAXGUemiENQ3Nz9t_Uscgk4Lgtl3N7HNfqOP7xCBJzR5oAHDnYUjlbzmZOyV-ktjO9vsuJlFUwOwCwe20kS1LaQInKOy2MhutHNs0xDtrgs/s1600-h/julie+and+julia.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363573592847337634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dfS84RQbFN-fBfyo0-s7oK5roHvia1dQMAXGUemiENQ3Nz9t_Uscgk4Lgtl3N7HNfqOP7xCBJzR5oAHDnYUjlbzmZOyV-ktjO9vsuJlFUwOwCwe20kS1LaQInKOy2MhutHNs0xDtrgs/s320/julie+and+julia.jpg" border="0" /></a> While perusing another blog for the first time today, <a href="http://everydayiwritethebook.typepad.com/books/">Everyday I Write The Book</a>, I ran across <a href="http://everydayiwritethebook.typepad.com/books/2009/07/the-time-travelers-wife-by-audrey-niffenegger.html">this hilarious account </a>of how people feel when they know a book they want to read is about to be released as a film otherwise known as "<a href="http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2009/07/13/127-where-the-wild-things-are/">Stuff White People Like #127</a>":<br /><br /><div><em>"...these announcements create a ticking time bomb where by a white person must read the book in ADVANCE of the release of the movie. This is done partly so that they can engage in the popular activity of complaining about how the movie failed to capture the essence of the book. But more importantly, once a book has been made into a movie, a white person can no longer read that book. To have read the book after the movie is one of the great crimes in white culture, and under no circumstances should you ever admit to doing this. Literally dozens of white friendships have imploded when it was revealed that someone read Fight Club after 1999."</em></div><div><br /></div><div>Once again, I could not have said it better myself...I cannot tell you how many conversations I've had with people EACH and every time a book based movie comes out. </div><div> </div><div>"Oh yeah, I really want to finish the book so I can go see the movie...." - ALL THE TIME. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363573596297052850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY78D1CpK52jO5DvzG0vj4cRE1JF1CpAJH6Fbej3yLnZAauTnVFGtohs-WSzTMQdj6lvBdBrEx94a8I6TewmLTcRAGSpGznbZTMkjmWIBw1ucegS_aS-q9uEXWTGlxIum26ks8A5dLDM8/s320/time+travelers+wife.jpg" border="0" />So of course with the impending theatrical releases of "Julie and Julia" and "The Time Traveler's Wife" I tell myself each day that I will start one of these books and work on finishing it quickly so I can go see the movie while it is still in the theater. I've been wanting to read "Julie and Julia" for some time now and just got my mom's copy from her last week but "The Time Traveler's Wife" has been on my to-do list for much longer. I think it was my book for book club last September... Maybe now that I've seen the amazing movie previews it will spur me on to actually start the book though. Love Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana is someone I could definitely stare at for a few hours.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363573586246146514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3G1cJqp8O1N-gUpeGa9fQ3-PoEIKSsT9D3N1pIY5Xc7sw2SVKJ4PbEY4-ErZO-Aqnd50Kzke2Wlo24XadCXGDUIxBRwb-dUJfvfejmqBJyVpltHInkKdRuxu5BLiVZmeFZ-6D_BI76U/s320/eric+bana.jpg" border="0" />Hopefully neither of these movies will end up being the great tragedy that was the "Confessions of a Shopaholic" movie or "My Sister's Keeper" whose theatrical adaptation can be described as nothing short of purely criminal. I did not see the movie but was told about the cheap-o ending, why Jodi Picoult signed off on that is beyond me.<br /><br />(Anyone know if authors actually have to 'approve' things when they make a movie? If I wrote a book that was being turned into a movie, script approval would be in my contract for sure.)<br /><br />Maybe today will be the day I start one of these books - they are both coming out in 2-3 weeks so I need to get started!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-70793080142884086682009-07-22T08:34:00.000-07:002009-07-22T08:55:41.637-07:00NKOTB - Round 2When I heard NKOTB was touring last year I was beyond excited. This was a dream come true! How many times do you get one more chance to see your teen idols?<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361311222721064802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVA0eCr3sWSN4_wksEVu-t1rIo2PW7Vy88w6uD8leLQs_WVCXpreKkK6-klVcq5qj7MvP810wIJ52am_W4CIrXXcVpT8KZZ1zFoYl7RIXX_hY_T4LEx-H4NNkbHJl-0EL-UuYH-EnMU20/s320/old+nkotb.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>So back in October, Hailey, Molly and I braved the crowds for the NKOTB reunion tour and had a blast!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361309143787432546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEAJvpRbhNzJpe-uCsTYduHcDK8fPQJvcs3CH31UguPQ5WydTp0t2ecnVu6qYdDinax2mCtT03V1Lbwp22GM-fPc-yu0U5n6DmLZzwXL9jiNipu6sdQypLGxVjh1nWwmbVfYKrdOqT44/s320/nkotb1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Needless to say we were SUPER excited when they announced that they'd be adding more tour dates for this summer! We were able to get awesome 10th row upgraded seats thanks to my dad and see what they're calling their last show! I wouldn't be surprised if they had a few more up their sleeve sometime in the not too distant future, but for now - we saw the last concert they will ever perform!<br /></div><div>Sadly Hailey could not join us this time as she was vacationing, er working, in the south of France! (She really is working really hard there and not having a super duper 'vacation' time - hopefully she did have fun on her weekend trip to Nice though which is technically where she was while we were at the show....)</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361309150775079362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyviBysE_NOSHe1VDBP-YC5Y5RiPi43iwyHC2qFYn3goGM94Nj5pxVKg5v4oySd1g96pr1Nzb-W38DPb_KutHLjUT8_16errbu2oa5enLyTxgw9uCADE8mFUPSjZMzU1P9ao4triWFBo/s320/nkotb+2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361311225844156370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f4VrYULwMmsIoXZqC5BTAC3GXMQPwR6zCf1kzX6N4CtiDDOESAAGMk6I3agxWCmzjuxSBmPbd4JgvFV_GlbRWjqn8vf5LUywcpLGt2A30ImkKQQ66MGG8ZKoJMLUsagL_JAZ0ZpOj7o/s320/nkotb+4.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361311230222317362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6C2OBZ147HFwNRUh9EroAiThpyqbKXWA6Vg9-zdWYDKXA3A4hzemf1eJesNNo2RZ9-q0qt4oHfTWdPqR63cQ8sQLNQ0hdM69WuGDqjLQsdfQsY71pWzlUlr2fnxXiYQ5zuGqYmnT8Tk/s320/nkotb+6.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361311908772448514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKnD7iZNqRwfEOVIwsvR76hHxByq-X3pkbP19SM-Lo-eiKJsija0syPSGi3Hz8Wbv3rJyrUKtZ4Et5-VKrlAFKxtx8tGpoeKmyD1EEVBtNrzLWsb-XEteNIAGSBKt62rMLKtEDx8Ajow/s320/nkotb+11.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361311233800890546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmgBXtjqX3FxqJ3agNPtFPx-gu3pMA2yJk8PktEn90EGOtI_e_4a1-qITuVF6JppEL3tgKSH6D7syyJEtGmMfZuHBdHEUY6tjA6jRjWWRfURwOIB8BBbiODvJpOgoI0Fv-PgiYUfkFGs/s320/nkotb+9.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361311905074655586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXZ21CcopL8HltZXztGvkHKwl6vycatz6cX2ic3aT9uuG-R3XCzcnCdp7Pta_DGhAy8gJ2JkKwUXbPf8CQaihdw0EpVRhFB1Bz9QZhrSR2AG2zOz5aKCKgeBlRKWxTtrba4g7-eYjcXU/s320/nkotb+12.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361311237334789906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOrp5IF6W7ZA6uTOm12DG1vdxvzH7w14aocBEf55rObZwV-FKJStJq1AQeivyf3XfIEQ7DD1E0VxLBKMRflFk_zoK4wu5UR0yOi8RdZxfARMnnp_skADsgYoR8E0V0xfYc3yEir2OUIQ/s320/nkotb+10.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361312914962550290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFgpFoauZbQbvnDOOFpvNZThT3MvGHTrLoxN_PCGe3pGFq7Q5U26oN2sAf0RIl0RulKKOL0Xx2gHxvpkHJ242vNmAZSCEsAr6mAmCuksJry4NREG41WVY9pFRVn1RkaLfoiUtOJoCsxA/s320/nkotb+13.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>The concert in October was a little more fun because with this one they were all very aware that it was the 'last show'. They were even crying at one point! We still had a blast though and I think its safe to say that if they do decide to 'reunite' again - we'll be there!</p>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-40408604441986666002009-07-17T07:15:00.001-07:002009-07-17T08:08:48.264-07:00Master Bathroom and Upstairs!This is the final installment in the 'home improvement series' - the master bathroom.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Here's a reminder of where it all began...remember this house had been vacant for about a year when we were looking at it - it was cleaned up when we bought it but it had a LONG way to go!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359433629999823458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSQudD_Eftv_I5Upsw1eLjUSMcHspUBhsDaLSyjG7hdIAS7Oj_AZfk9L4D_zRHOoS4Fnm5uWPbNKUNknlb8kTBRsG9IOKYtCY4ESQpUVwRziCmS1FhIx9EgqwS51vdV-o0S4LObBcrQs/s320/IMG_1953.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359433623910105570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdhV2QbDIJqqM1AMwxuv01ppDzx8RaXGoOVm2k_KJKzRgU2IblN7jd635ByniQ_pVD4YYSvzg-hlp2i4-6quVDO5kSdczCem8b2agoEtMV1g49AiSLwgu2JSNHFLmx3FK-przF154XlA/s320/IMG_1952.JPG" border="0" />The first thing my dad wanted to do was demo that jetted tub to make room for a much larger shower on the other side...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359433631505246114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVelHm6uXeZDRqWg1zr5M8SS9RnOZZ98BRMDf8I8OgUimtBhyphenhyphenVnrrY4qncPxkTAzKhqm0GJXbxRkAaOCEE3meE7SBZ_Xip0ye-lmZWMOPc0AdPKbI3kGafgVPMspVtaGGubzReZHEtVs/s320/CIMG1868.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So in this picture, the tub used to be there on the right and the old shower was on the left. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359433636414190418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZVVSuvMdpGvvux3vlsZc_asS6ktc68Vf6NQXc4bZ1XSvx3vp3DRfO-jR648r-oi8TpZYh0lmkgZKpDoypO2DQ621PjL6uchrfzxjwI6BoWhAWdKRakwCidwnGCEp7L2KorR8B1NxNU0/s320/CIMG1869.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">The original plan was to only demo the old tub and shower but somehow that got lost in translation and they took out all the old cabinets, sinks, etc as well. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359433640016049074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjY_Ih_JDBIOvLlNVlj6qtDyeQ9mgKd8CbA_-NjxITSCfjsT-_p-KvYp9zBm6-fjyaHlmQ3KaKFZa_4gQg0bG_p9i9IlKjSMDFKv4AHyFoO7VBuX7nOH0AhvqidPc6aEBGle4DWqWolo0/s320/CIMG1880.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">So then we, ahem - my brother, had to learn to be a cabinetmaker and start from scratch on new ones.<br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359437945010724098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIY0o23yXv-Cwflgq_rS7xPYwn88gSpQTP1wfcdcvmQjJWJ41cB39y_rzsykxcwn5B2gEXrZhwsbdpRP_BYiM_5FYD7x02oQsQZWEBTS9VhEXhWuJ1GdO6rv8dFROqd04gmdeubIuEXh0/s320/CIMG1950.JPG" border="0" />Progress on the new shower...</div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359440488285635186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiUGAwGqZKlk91Exs6OpHVSJ8m8S0xDUDPSmO5XG5r1159upb38967sEEIGvJQ-ZIHIfSieMqjSnEA4q_segU21Q0Crao2XwungGKGpMQYBN6eHja1_mDWRIRPkMqpqnfP-XPGuc0zMI/s320/CIMG1951.JPG" border="0" />And this is where the tub used to be - its now a dressing area. </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359437952610624882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8MsO3uH0Umyfj2kWYm3rEdJxjDcJfpfoabraZHxrZUq2lSavXEfwhMdDay9k7M3K7-vi6nCkUqWbpQp7TxI24840Enk5qE1YbCPcBifWKNLGG46xtEpSDL-Rj4aDk7r1w3DD-T9_lZo/s320/CIMG1957.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359434900158976738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoB18z3DsyD5F3Kfu2ImRfbPhmzs3gTSAYhhoOxKHiZY1t3UoPrsN3lv7fHWF_lCOdlz8UljagUx_kNe6Jg6TRher83RiNt-tZi_CGcnYH89zlwh8hGPQx4jL0X19wmyg4BOw8RjCdR8/s320/CIMG1977.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359436613277896690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SwvIK-mLaIL8EFP8f6fXVhzJO_-qGtguEQaUiPnHoooOTohWsiKESZSyEzJ1bUJzykzGZ1IZ0R8RhAhDgSjKW-EoBFUpKZV_MVWbrwL4bE6KIFjHaBDKuNWg8dbE85FVqfor_njJG-Q/s320/CIMG1991.JPG" border="0" /></p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359436606291249842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD_xCrdZ9p0CscmvPZdUu9WrLCYUz0OQcTtN2bIQZ8nBrNLn9-eXAkt36th4CaYHn6mKpcBlf1gOv0AC-xM_XZAxkEQmERAIpGrJpsyxgglNN8Vy3L52M_8Qf2CKmzGTd4ade8RIwKjE/s320/CIMG1994.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359434427229249698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2mHGBPJPORnSOuajIiajDEh_XDvh1xVzHbBRmBflbyEBz6SB3rLiicjbi4xr1ggFSaC9UZsqr0uNc-QFh5kuQtzrUOcRv225MWMyluSyIVEQp5EA0k2cOoiV4nyxCHsvUJGoEduCZ3M/s320/CIMG1993.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359434421184106034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb83MGXL7U5YUdXScRf_bIerUq_TTPpTmOQlcW9-NyMDLXhgy28mWaD96WzvIg8o-di6OTuf9rRgoiXjHCGJzEVeTSD49JpI9fY2Q7KhkA1XDsHMh7Rd5ZeLNyY7y4Q8_iLC3kyWIdkmw/s320/CIMG1953.JPG" border="0" /></div><p align="center">We have countertops!<br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359437959449044674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSI2ij3cugFofQlNZ0_-7tUsmML0Ayadjp4Viy03Xdz7BixR17vnmHvFiF7cs2s1uW2AHGELVi_AUvlYeERjsCXUMFCmUFVNAif6z2GAmb1vndNtI2lO3jaqhUnUgnkgnDodPcS2uA-s/s320/CIMG2017.JPG" border="0" />And paint! </p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359434912351998530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3vJVwsfYVqD5BDWY9V9GqPDk9nSOn4Y9P90nuFINrOOKY1LxdzJOs915R0PXUTB-96wf-Slnc7lzhwIZ3uslIUZz6PQh3keAkmnNzHpZGkWKQ4BEmmyeqOzrL5foHgfmmX9RvJAHsHA/s320/CIMG2076.JPG" border="0" /> Finally...the finished product!<br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359442179711198146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_s37U0epnuyd6dtYPCvZpGCPb9A-yaAFgOzrh1xpaWO-7eD4JwIqcf1GRSeoe9GPpoF3LoexKcOZzvIuysPUnP_iqQRlPVoaLyOFTQQvfw1eHVfqu3slSypIsXGcVPP3o9TzrUAkb6U/s320/CIMG2144.JPG" border="0" />I LOVE this shower! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359436636861865922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZzUKIQwtjzAWynPNr9q2H2s7ZzT8X5qrslO8HSPa42JGeSMD31-YhBGKXpIftIykiVASFBXBuWlXDYH1Y1M2GlZdDCGliOzDt3fKmbguJwKMW4Ii437tWiQmz63Xv-mDT7Qq4eaFj_E/s320/CIMG2123.JPG" border="0" /> The chandelier is my favorite part though!<br /><br />And here's a few more pictures of the finished rooms upstairs, etc.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359444165282992226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6R_cOxdaDZXysIXwpai4jVAw2JxXzYw9JNOu6hc1gzvQFJwAAjKFlOPYInQ6tf9e55NOVuZqNh83vhREdqAngd-sa_LyEn_qnv3w-0HyV7JtBU_h0FYZ5S_pVDNbs5PomQx7TI80FaI/s320/CIMG2131.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Upstairs bedroom #1 aka - my old living room</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359444175637843842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DYXnHY_pj9K3e9_Xix2HVN1D-lCEfOnE8ISm4IK0cUkaSIc_hwHxEs1q6oGCyTYyUTEqcjn1xG2PFjyYWGD4H20LXQHycCtmahVKqez4Ys7ZW7-U-AnhrCBnhEg-CWjlyoVpNa-JJ7w/s320/CIMG2135.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Upstairs Bedroom #2 aka "The library"<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359444195122048530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3qr9wM-loMe2Bvd7BgokoYjahxepv8OgxfYKW4_8m-AABQMu2Nl4t49OKYST5FYdkbmr5IFrW0yjtWmuxCxBrdJJkEK1CfnSLcinyIy415tl0D5dtn_-mSnohxQbR6H1EgmJNnBuxME/s320/CIMG2136.JPG" border="0" /><br /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359444171559964322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAUss4nm0P2C6Xf5ZY6tRMPNdISSSs3vhLTQRgLLJcKa_q_gWPYYRaXHCRd9W19SZVPH_Uw_EIgcg6hM_5p0iyCGamMx67twyEXdL4yMlfqHCQtRtpyS15Jetedf6Ge26do43WiRixlc/s320/CIMG2134.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>And finally upstairs bedroom #3 - its my old college room! It was during my 'shabby chic' phase. I love having the bedroom set up this way, something about it is so comforting and its so funny when friends come over and see it because they always say "Its just like your old room!"<br /><br />Hope everyone has a great weekend!</p>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-40709679202820297512009-07-16T06:15:00.001-07:002009-07-16T07:05:19.793-07:00Housewarming Pics and Recipes!As promised here are pictures and recipes from the housewarming party I had several weeks ago. I can’t believe it has taken me this long to get this together but better late than never I suppose! All of the recipes were a huge hit – especially the Mango Chevre Steak bites, I think we only had one or two left at the end of the night!<br /><div><div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359046893663883522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtC3arG5DgT88T_-Z5y5FR6M6A7w2WU6mSlYjmOtOPZ7wPxsMQyxJISlETnAI-UUoc5THExt_tcSfltrFJ_QR8rCXrng1KlpxhNnjRpH30K9LFAXCOK5URgbzOIka-zNOSQsjxrcwZtmg/s320/CIMG2156.JPG" border="0" />The dining room all ready to go before the food was put out...</div><br /><div>Menu:</div><br /><div><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1886444"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">Mozzarella and Nectarine Skewers with Pesto</span></strong></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span>I wasn't really sure how these were going to turn out but I was so intrigued by the combination that I just had to try them. I wasn't able to find the right size skewers so I ended up using toothpicks instead and bought the mozzarella balls in 'pearl size' - they were perfect. I just put one piece of cheese and one piece of peach on each toothpick and then had a side dish of pesto for people to drizzle over their skewers. The taste was so light, summery, and refreshing! </div><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359046529587991074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscqSKOB3XsuJPz7ForVq4tjqz-s0PQFL-Es0pWxQ9MWJwT_mUShRWwlYdGN2FZyALXRICwM8PCCseRrYb3yocNnErJNmvr_IWCM8Fuqk7aE5u7BGOwPA5OC2vj6BSU2hBhklIQkannZg/s320/CIMG2146.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">Kahlua Pecan Brie</span><br /></strong></span>This is a recipe that my friend Angie has been making for years. Her best friend's mom wrote a cookbook, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Kitchen-Diva-Claudine-Destino/dp/0972846204">Confessions of a Kitchen Diva</a>, that includes this recipe plus tons of other great food for any occasion. This recipe is always a crowd pleaser. </div><br /><div></div><div>1 14 oz Brie round<br />1/4 cup Kahlua<br />3/4 cup chopped pecans<br />3 Tablespoons brown sugar<br /><br />Scrape white coating off brie. Place brie in oven safe pie plate.<br />In a small bowl, mix kahlua, pecans and brown sugar until sugar is dissolved.<br />Pour kahlua mixture over Brie and bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until Brie begins to ooze.<br /><br />(I like to let mine go about 12 minutes so its really soft and gooey!)<br /><br />Serve with Carr's Water Crackers.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>YUM!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359046542024150434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0G4eqVCNvoTg6EKH8o4EusFA9OejcQSqOyGSvcsu_FTULmN5WQ5sOhUz6JR1JPc0VfvdCbGbbPuX0sEPGbMF5ClQ9eUkBh6xQdIt6GT-2chlQFeI1AWenusxt2ldLXO3WhiLnIOcuVd0/s320/CIMG2151.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>I guess the brie was still in the oven when I took this picture but it was all set to go right behind that blue plate of crackers with grapes in the middle!</div><br /><div>Next up.....</div><br /><div><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1654760"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">Chevre and Mango Steak Bites </span></strong></a></div><div>I first saw this recipe on one of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://elizabethsedibleexperience.blogspot.com/2009/01/stunning-starters.html">Elizabeth's Edible Experience</a>. She is always cooking up something wonderful and I love seeing her step by step pictures and reading her extra tips and tricks. Seeing the pictures makes it all seem easier to me and really makes me want to cook! </div><br /><div>(I'm sorry I didn't take close up pictures of everything - I guess I was too busy playing hostess! Head over to Elizabeth's blog to see step by step pictures of the process and the finished product!)<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">Hot Artichoke Dip</span></strong></div><div>I'm not exactly sure where this recipe came from but my family has been making it for years. For some reason it always seems to appear as an appetizer on Christmas Eve but its so easy that I make it all the time. </div><br /><div></div><div>1 can of artichoke hearts, drained<br />1 cup Parmesan cheese (the kind in the can)<br />1 cup mayonnaise<br />1 tsp lemon juice<br />¼ tsp garlic powder<br /><br />Blend all ingredients in food processor or blender until smooth. Spread evenly into greased pie plate and bake at 350 for 30 to 45 minutes or until edges are golden brown.<br /><br />Serve with wheat thins or as a dip for vegetables. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359046538794369298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs28oIsakvsmkT8Y870dMwvcym-5KcwJuHwUPBj06FvkUag11UZiYirHr_FqdADvgWc8Fz1xcPUEv9ecuCuPblcFlVNbdC9nk9qm6WDL1arYW44SI11lwdcRjK3X2AjLSEEWAfjsiy43Q/s320/CIMG2150.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>The artichoke dip is pitctured in the square turquoise dish on the far right...the crab dip is in the other turquoise dish, a little to the left. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;"><strong>Crabmeat Dip </strong></span></div><br /><div>This recipe is from Southern Living but unfortunately its from one of their special holiday books and the recipe isn't available online. But luckily my friend <a href="http://www.tinystreats.blogspot.com/">Heather</a>, sent me a copy via email. We made this a few years ago at Heather's house on one of our cooking club nights and all loved it. Since then I have made it a few times but usually reserve it for special occasions as it is a bit time consuming. Also, the original recipe suggests that you reserve one cup of the dip before baking and use it to stuff chicken breasts. We did this the first time we made the recipe and it was great!</div><br /><div></div><div>Crabmeat Dip<br />From Southern Living<br />(can make a day ahead and then bake when ready to eat)<br />1 (8 oz) package 1/3 less fat cream cheese<br />1 (5.2 oz) package boursin* buttery garlic & herb spreadable cheese<br />1/2 cup mayo (can use low fat)<br />1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper<br />1/4 cup chopped green onions<br />3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese<br />1 tsp dijon mustard<br />1/2 tsp worchestershire sauce<br />1 tsp hot sauce (Tabasco)<br />2 tbsp fresh lemon juice<br />1 garlic clove, minced<br />2 tbsp capers<br />1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper<br />1 lb fresh lump crabmeat, drained </div><br /><div>Combined all ingredients (except crab), stirring well. </div><br /><div>Gently fold in crabmeat. </div><br /><div>Spoon dip into a lightly greased 8" square baking dish. </div><br /><div>Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly. </div><br /><div>Serve with crackers. Yeild: 4.5 cups<br /><br />*A few tips - If you can't find the Boursin cheese, you could use Rondele or Alouette. Boursin is the highest in fat among these and the most expensive (at least at my store). Also, when I made this for the party, I used fake crab for the first time and it came out great. So if you don't have the time to sift through the real thing for pieces of shell or don't want to 'shell out' the money for genuine lump crabmeat, the fake will work just fine. There are so many other flavors in this dip that you can't even tell.*</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=682808"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;"><strong>Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups</strong></span></a></div><br /><div>When I made these I really simplified the recipe and just used smoked salmon and 1/3 less fat cream cheese for the filling. I think I probably added a little salt and pepper also but I kept it all pretty easy so that the salmon flavor would be most prominent. These are pictured on the little stand in the picture above. As you can see, we made quite a few of these!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>And now on to dessert!</div><br /><div>I wanted everything to be easy to just grab and eat so these desserts were perfect.</div><br /><div></div><div>For the chocolate lovers...<br /><a href="http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/easy-oreo-truffles-95085.aspx"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;"><strong>Oreo Truffles</strong></span><br /></a></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359046548008383426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXiI5T1OtybyGTfq_C7Rr6Wi1Gig9Ezw2WM7IcQlQp913QG_kbN6JDocUrXUzTeNDI4ccZXAzt8k4WYEKB6-ei-IOC-6d0kfu2Uwg1wIyglU90oJjqAhcBOujoroKQ-zHvocUUBdYuZE/s320/CIMG2149.JPG" border="0" /><br />And for the vanilla lovers...<br /><a href="http://bakerella.blogspot.com/2007/12/red-velvet-cake-balls.html"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;"><strong>Cake Balls </strong></span></a><br /><br />I believe Bakerella is really where this cake ball/cake pop craze came from. The recipe link above is for some red velvet ones with chocolate coating but you can sub in any flavor of cake mix, frosting and coating to make your own combo. For the party I used yellow cake with vanilla frosting and white coating. They were fantastic!<br /><br />It was so much fun having everyone over and having a reason to make all this 'party food'!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-76031199139255849762009-07-14T10:33:00.000-07:002009-07-14T10:55:21.474-07:00General Observations<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLNMr0FI6v5b9WTgyJ4rgNZwhKauB4k1geWeJ4VHqnIyLUt1vSTWnKWPIi0UHE2eI8c8-QAXcWEU57DlgvfCAIBgZEgWhwd4aXc75dFYpOep5n-LPB0CAzi-JcLqFFzBRWK-1JwuSW1Y/s1600-h/sonic_chillers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358371822413707586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLNMr0FI6v5b9WTgyJ4rgNZwhKauB4k1geWeJ4VHqnIyLUt1vSTWnKWPIi0UHE2eI8c8-QAXcWEU57DlgvfCAIBgZEgWhwd4aXc75dFYpOep5n-LPB0CAzi-JcLqFFzBRWK-1JwuSW1Y/s320/sonic_chillers.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So I saw an ad over the weekend for the new Sonic Chillers and while it does sound tasty to mix vanilla soft serve with a cherry limeade - isn't this just the same thing as the cream slush or blended floats they've always had? (btw: orange cream slush = yum) I guess I just don't understand what all the fuss is about for this 'new' product when its really not that new...</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358374747320896546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 251px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwrZvhe0f827sl4w9uXC8QzeQ1qLNCp9BIQdP_IpTuCTgrtvvDcmS372AHBAEUhX_avoKLP9ZEBg19xP7vvPLEGFK0_q4APcQuXn5ngXtDpkRAmePiUf1D3mNJtgq2oSTH5sNszA6uGM/s320/black+eyed+peas.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Also, I feel like the Black Eyed Peas could be very successful with a children's album if this whole hip-hop/dance thing doesn't work out. Usually I have a thing against songs that spell but they do it in a way that I can handle with "Glamorous" (now you're singing it, G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S........) Now they've got the days of the week going with "I Gotta Feeling": Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Saturday to Sunday. Minus that little hiccup there with the two Saturdays in a row, it could help the little ones out! </div><br /><div></div><div>I know I always get their songs stuck in my head and they seem to really put on a show that you can't take your eyes off of when they perform live - kids would love it! They would need to clean up their act a bit and watch the language but just think if they were actually singing about something you needed to pay attention to and could learn from instead of "My Humps"?</div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-25540637532487904912009-07-13T07:00:00.000-07:002009-07-13T07:10:13.956-07:00Song of the MomentI think I'm a little behind the times on this one but as I am currently without internet access at home, I went to my parents house for a little bit this weekend and was finally able to update my iPod with some new tunes. My current obsession is "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon. I've heard the whole cd is really good but for now, this is on repeat...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MHQRDl7XUbc&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MHQRDl7XUbc&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-65663992691664353672009-07-09T10:42:00.000-07:002009-07-10T10:04:30.601-07:00Where have I been??? MIAMI!<div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-q0N1ddG71DwaEfsx7SuuOtGArKMhKOodRuChk1XbNTBxJr04NOuPkxQv_pff-WpBPGc_Wfrr4PFW4g8Oead188s2dHc-lTMKfcWY7ghtZV81HEACWha8dQ31Khu9nUUDYJdbczdFzI/s1600-h/miami+5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356520173045482642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-q0N1ddG71DwaEfsx7SuuOtGArKMhKOodRuChk1XbNTBxJr04NOuPkxQv_pff-WpBPGc_Wfrr4PFW4g8Oead188s2dHc-lTMKfcWY7ghtZV81HEACWha8dQ31Khu9nUUDYJdbczdFzI/s320/miami+5.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">We were all so excited to see that we were actually staying on A1A - Beachfront Avenue!<br /></span></em><br />So its been awhile since I posted and I know that I still need to post pictures of my bathroom redo and pictures and recipes from my little housewarming get together but I thought, for now, we'd go with Miami and save those things for another day!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356520736707073522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlBjGYuJvAqpZqE_rY5sG10SDApjODSD2wN0-JAcm7rVzJ3H9PDz8MDOSpgeNrTkte0WSbAhJrL3eW5zk6H8uPRGQ_pGzTEBCTiEWM2oAGtVl16oxd4n3lK291rNLA9Ymv8tlkyFwcMw/s320/miami+9.jpg" border="0" /><br />This trip was amazingly planned in all of about 30 minutes via email. I still can't believe we were all able to get it together so quickly. We stayed at my friend Julie's parents place near South Beach and had the BEST time! Having never been to Miami, a lot of us, myself included, weren't really sure what to expect but now I think we're all hooked! We celebrated Julie's 27th birthday while we were there also - I think we're going to make this an annual trip!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356520740465245538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoV2GzSUUMW_iqLqK3P7b3-TXXHm26pVcl92u98tUteqpsFlYp12mpBasz71DxTVT2E_40po-DtBQYsNKD_1XFIsEwcHYmNQEDpEg_lOEFNNKjjAJMgauhICZnVnrv2LbDSOL9goIQes/s320/miami+10.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="left">We spent the days on the beach reading and talking. The beach was gorgeous and we even had a quasi-celebrity sighting! </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356520170173853730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 122px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMUZufHk14HtJG2qAcfAetw0_8crxiw93WUgbsvsuZPETMLV283NmkqfYq4sXD0I5u98QTuAkqOKsmVo1V4l5wmYyhd4-vjV9BF7IvKXZn5oBEep_sa80goVppq9nOpbvPn5JcWXvl98/s320/miami+4.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Can you guess who is in the white hat in this picture???<br /></span></em><br />And then we spent the nights out! Things in Miami don't get started until about midnight and then go until about 5 am, luckily we didn't have any problems adjusting to this routine! </p><br /><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356876650632154498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTwitQKxnEFzbemp043CiVvnbuJ3z9fWrvDKDZmeJ_yAzU9_E3xRxKizPFlngh-omP_qoo4XMIy6lbr6M4oIX6Pe-yBg3uKeZWpxJo7dcZXH8D9vhjAZVrnf3DkRb-Q98EFOOyaa7-8I/s320/miami+12.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Our first round of drinks in Miami - Strawberry Champagne Mojitos! YUM!</span></em></div><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356873521634970386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6A7c-QpCLz8epglSrZDbid3LHWFTnSPl3TaeBo2MRPPe2HU9R47nJFr7PaR0A9QS2b98PF6B4r4DljdvsXd8gJCiy-sJ4QzTCkelCDd0wf6BRpoGatadGzm2IKC_cJjVgTkWbcc982OU/s320/miami+11.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356520155339580642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCnNveqL7aShaSJ6_J88vBDX__r2Z76DyesSVKALlhCDVZpp86bH9a7zZk-HhA_c2Hy4Z6HD-MiRJunaUB7Guj5At7mFX5dOx5vB4kVyy2_LshkQ8JHvAs4gmfNast1lo-QfMsJbm354/s320/miami+1.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Before dinner for Julie's birthday<br /></span></em></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356520719490266754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaCisUhsJ9jr0m_PXiHUohYLCNqgidOcgBlF2FiKtsehMl5CeNOXuQvfzE8mO65RCYGRKXIUax45IEfqY7Xjj3kc4LxaCScm9KwxJinLzXtbXBOZYjCgPGEUz8ovBFIeL6GLmZTV7Xfw/s320/miami+6.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356520723315828610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-PhMa41qkFYujNs-LNAYRL-qYmBprnRyyLDvWImyeeGT83zVPDcgvfXtxoFlI1c3PYZ-PUCnTbvnqDJnQqdFyAaovA-nFPTIOmNpNnn5ORWLmWHWLdHkt2GD04es7Ly1Nos0BXKNbFw/s320/miami+7.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356878228535547474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmOHcNDPF3vQObAlVrKB28pcgD0gxqHC8KlXSOfHmTREO6fLjATCWpBM-pM7VrH7ljgSOiCJXoUSA3iVqdWLtq-A9TyI60Jq-RVvgECG5f-X4TwWZ2ex4srDSCkkKaYI0sDrR2FTdlpk/s320/miami+15.jpg" border="0" />Out at Mynt celebrating the big 2-7!</span></em></p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356520730917456738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WMHEhyNk4xB7aPd9qBd0gqdWrc7YLhL1WCvH0TiIYmD6YDQXspCZ9E0DeaDzIN5OW1dci2B0M5V18a_hEPz2YUsEE0HDXUIQ_Egkv7vdiLzSMh6fMU8mYsGaBYHNzw_UWYliO-cTVuE/s320/miami+8.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Cool chair in the lobby of the Delano...I could totally live there...</span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356876650536475586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6FehOV4WLywVfmI0_GYaqNdnoJsoFS5MSo1fDYY79W8KBqZUoUYG5R1hrky-1NUFF2mlMUKqMlIF-hSvE0aazMOba8PkvCiTn4JzAZDTFxOoKm4hMyh51x2b8BEL88z3hV6LwYZpet8/s320/miami+13.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356520159992909650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgN_Zur5HWKCilYdC4OrzHPhwe7zcxIJc6Y3uW5KXGviYzJIXKK4Udlc-dHSivm0jUzHcOFQm3HRtNMR8ZikXlnu_nYPytlqnWH4X6BHqNkSntRXgmAVlBf6VXmYAog-r15bLaCwriJa0/s320/miami+2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356876652904238738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwaAZu-4MBBbc2svnmp57-Jk_mNnSOEkKlxqlIpBI6mx1R7jHctyx2v5DwDlRaDN7Mo-45eZwjcPIM1BlgzF2Izu8l1V7gdSsGAJGYLnGBa9GT6WCU7OJNLayGX9QfRo1bOX_0DgYVIo/s320/miami+14.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356520165250585570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLtEZqym1y_bYHUoi7wzh6rIUx_nvchz3Xm88O6qes3vh2tCDja1JYIOoL1GupI27kLuNTUScN4JcFQAv1sSrwAB4ZXJLTTNHW4O0yZ5CdnFWlMKJxgBkblVUIwu27attRpMryvEH6m4/s320/miami+3.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">We were so excited to finally find a place that played songs with words!</span></em></p><p align="left">It was a blast girls - can't wait for the next trip!</p>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-84167882780208221772009-06-10T07:37:00.001-07:002009-06-10T08:04:48.186-07:00Free Shipping at Anthropologie! Could it be?I was very surprised to find the following email in my inbox yesterday:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345710255553472610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi077IRAyceAysFP1dIq3S-MH583jrT0GMsRTZmtpv-8enF6jig0Obp_Z4V9rHMB_fkSUCOL1G9LUTKsqwStYf7ifOlMA4N96rFi6z9M9b7XgU9RJhm-HcqkNypbYlVrLy2fhj1DMnJ9Co/s400/ScreenHunter_04+Jun.+10+09.40.jpg" border="0" /><br />Since when have they EVER done anything like this??? “Simply link your anthro number to a new or existing online account to enjoy the summer off”! Crazy! Their shipping is always outrageous! (as is J Crew’s but that’s neither here nor there) I am so glad they are jumping on this free shipping bandwagon, even if only for a short while. They are actually offering a pretty good deal here since the promotion runs through September 7th!<br /><br />Luckily I’ve already got one of those anthro cards but I never really thought it had much of a purpose – until now!<br /><br />Now if only I had money to pay for the things in my imaginary shopping cart! If I were placing an order today, I would get:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345709253518013714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeAdWhBIJOGfdLquGfEMc3muuTdAfEkBVt3p2R8wS_76Nz5mcCIBtU57cO7ITEA-d1czIpa-rJjfoBN6WL-hRMyQXCUAIUPmqZf7bjRzp8WILpjz1cX63ZT49t21xQnoHJqPL8Eq8zgQ/s320/910122_ora_b.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345709251743836322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6NMuPGe3VAP3OuHXcKNsgodu1sxV9HmesSqRtwTQtbS4aCXV3jLBOeKvB1jwRNEDYNq93HWgqR-2hcpVXSJ32RhNcKm9TlRk1mAKw7KN4nLFKk5o0Rigap2CwLbshbaSIZX20VMAf9Q/s320/910119_bum_b.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345709257973099410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8JAik1K4kTWLXyGwk312W22EuGeiAcVtVrE_CSA2Vm5I-WREZKnNo5yayJnR9IcgQPAPC-mQTJjFe3BCX2QIO1gunc5nBzgO_lYJwXiGeJnhXalvTgtHnpcI6hpDxX3KrBd90mezjFI/s320/930069_080_b.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345713699518766066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUTOAvwpiTNH9ooH7zmshfsV2aA-YH9Qrxbq11c6MXUb1vY-Tw48uVdSrVrIx0Wra3Xunw6S8U8f_GPvZY-Gp0M64y7FudFbLb3UFEQmCsvPWR3D4Yv3b4fLmxfSl9pi_t7moB9MnSV4/s320/943528_040_b.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345712569649715266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUE5Z_E4z-i5CuPaGNdYVuoEcJzGgJcQi5_i_wW5Yukcf36i0nzJZUqg-nk7_p2WTnP5HjjCw83OpAUFxSermCwl2G3woMHFtcpxh_d7YEzqnL2Zlk-ER82_MBpsm2Xo7f0C0xeHelyg/s320/840356_bum_b.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345714158459208642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84SqeA5_0H27FG609cDW9KbYmt-X3SGntDThk1ZJEZBLwYsMj4eVsqxBnG8r5QVq00hmzWP0a24hnkY-XKciKX9XMf14lfCs1U0D3ZUW_dwjaW2Lev0PRDwnpMZchA3bH0W5oOCMbtlU/s320/970038_blu_b.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345714469046793346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Xr6wQDpWassBOfnd0c-2d3JsCdlNAQ1sSosy7uSZ6rtOEcVclZkSNSLkwHVG7D1uxkBb9QIBnf8HsqGjYawSJq-aFIaPKQG8xrj6eV3cE6JiBFFePB9_DussMgmBobgMPjWrHkfAorU/s320/943084_gol_b.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345714881216042498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuA1Z4amNMnaCF23bfwWTQaaMwFwEqn59NNoXMAm828SWeSm3zbuDl2Gg1ii9EnSixRwtkKJa8seNeRuFiFsvkDjr0B5bgNDDAIuEY-Q5KUIXFAtt4Zlr2g-25KgXhzsw07jPbySysFY/s320/913383_015_b.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345714160671539858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z0bBRokgbdJnCVmMhmzxc5fCsPN3WvMclKdGq-ChynvsF5Xu-F-_qL_G6WlqFjw64vZuczIWUrya92FQDth9JcGv5HKLHbcBt56nHdiY8U3bval34Sz5QIw8RWgKZfmSQ9M08YYO2c4/s320/930054_rap_b.jpg" border="0" />Yes, I know that would be one full cart but remember this is just an imaginary exercise!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-40793151266050188532009-06-05T08:47:00.000-07:002009-06-05T08:08:13.702-07:00Product Review: Suave Volumizing ShampooI bought this shampoo and conditioner on a whim while stocking up on some things at Ulta a few weeks ago. I was looking for the purple Sunsilk (I think its ThermaShine?) and looked everywhere in that store but they do not seem to carry Sunsilk anymore. I swear I've bought it there before but thats neither here nor there. When I couldn't find the Sunsilk, and armed with a 20% off my entire purchase coupon, I decided to try John Frieda's Root Awakening Shampoo and Conditioner. Over the years, I've tried to save money on my shampoo and conditioner and shy away from the $6 smaller bottles that I feel like John Frieda uses. Once again though, I'd heard something good about this, had my coupon, and decided to give it a whirl. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343859914177833826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zo30pXhUVYhlTZ38ggrZVFbMVT_vtCSa9xTRFXVBR-sc-5VyWVH5CS_h1VN6LedqPBKjxLzHccllBSnpo-EXMrGL1yL5_WHw_0GAY7VU0Ld5OW_3w6ELx7SyBWQQNPKOqCy573DG6TY/s320/A-New-Leaf_articleimage.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div>I really liked this product for the first 4 or 5 uses. The minty aromatherapy bonus was nice too but I felt like it made my hair really flat after the first day. Based on the name, I was expecting a lot of volumizing action but that was not the case. Nor do I think it is actually the point of the product, the name is a little misleading if you ask me. I do not wash my hair every single day unless I work out or am doing something special, etc. My hair is thick, not oily at all, and I don't sweat that much so I'm typically a wash every other day girl. By day 2 with this shampoo though, I was not impressed. (also, do any of you ever read those articles that say that people like Heidi Klum and Giselle prefer their hair when it hasn't been washed for 4 or 5 days? GROSS! I guess maybe they are on to something there because my hair will never look like theirs but if thats their secret you can count me out!)</div><br /><div>Because I'd just spent more than I would like on the John Frieda duo I was out for a bargain with my replacements and decided to try the Suave Professionals Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner. And boy am I glad! I think these were $1.99 each and I LOVE it! Great bang for your buck. The website says that the shampoo/conditioner combo is formulated to work as a duo and provide results similar to those achieved with Matrix Amplify Shampoo and Conditioner. I have never tried the Matrix version but this Suave one is great! I feel like the shampoo gets my hair really clean and does not leave any build up and the conditioner isn't too heavy at all. Winner!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343860256960069810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIbTBINFgyyopd36uadgi8bBcmSEwUSMChqFkfW3nK9PVT88wHk_Moxm3kqAFsXmWC0pqatZ1E76zPcPRrVQV50uFd0lTw1VcZYaZxX67DZZ-8ClMDAzFIxHY0IvTJENnNWU-ID0K2Ug/s320/a+suave.jpg" border="0" />I'm all about trying to save where I can these days and while on the Suave website I saw that they also have a clinical strength deodorant. I may have to try this out also because that Secret Clinical Strength is $$$! I'll let you know how it goes...</div></div></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-9596649978642047962009-06-04T14:56:00.000-07:002009-06-05T08:08:45.078-07:00Book Review: Change of HeartIt took me longer than normal to get into this Jodi Picoult book - I did read My Sister's Keeper in three days DURING the work week. That was a book I could not put down, I took it everywhere I went and even stopped into Starbucks a time or two when I had 20 to 30 minutes to kill just to read more and see what would happen next. Talk about a pageturner! Sidenote: I don't know about you but while reading My Sister's Keeper I never in a million billion years would have pictured Cameron Diaz as the mom. Interesting casting choice. I guess she's got to break out of those silly, somewhat annoying, 20-something roles sometime. After all, the girl is going to be 37 this year - how is that even possible?? No wonder she needed to go ahead and get a more serious act, I think her days of being able to pull off a "What Happens In Vegas" or "The Sweetest Thing" are definitely over! (and in looking up her age I just realized she has the same bday as my mom...interesting...)<br /><br /><div><div>So back to the task at hand, Change of Heart. As I said before, it was a little harder to get into than your normal Jodi Picoult but it was so interesting and so worth it in the end. (And by the end I was rushing home at lunch and after work to keep reading...how does she do that EVERY time??) There isnt' a ton of action but in true Picoult fashion, she never diappoints with the twists and turns. This book also had a lot of issues involving law and religion. You could tell she really had to do her homework when writing this one. It left lots of room for discussion and really made you think about how you would react to certain situations.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night was our book club meeting to discuss this book. Of course there was not much actual 'book discussion' going on but we did manage to get a little more in than normal. We also surprised one of our book club members with a surprise baby book shower! Two girls in our club came up with the idea and we all thought it was so cute. We couldn't wait to go out and buy fun childrens' books. The hostess, Heather, even got all these fun teddy bear cookies with blue sprinkles and petit fours and pecan cookies with blue icing. She had all of it out on a table where everyone was putting their gifts when they waked in and luckily when the guest of honor, Ali, walked in, she didn't even notice! She was really surprised when we walked her back into the living room for her shower and she realized she'd missed the pile of gifts and blue desserts!<br /><br />Everyone brought such cute books - it was so fun to see what each person brought and hear about what they remember reading when they were little. This will be a very well read baby boy!</div><div><br /></div><div>Some of our favorites were:</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343483650971547186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU6_L84iL-5mdHy_6FaE1PxkfA0Q8gR3u9noZfMKSGbPMRm-jEEGlUVLEdRs8Li2zvv0x84Z4bdQmpS3Eu6vsThy_kmj1llIesA7tJJgXYFqW6kL0bVUONMiA2YJV-q_9_xAk6R5uKnM/s320/goodnight%2520moon.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343483655817468226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3ySlDaOlpqCT6EQXV1-Sv_WW6uPpW0huuowW3mH4WqKHVwdCfW2QhmXkdA_rl7vzI8-jsGHhT6aX55BgqJKizW8yUlRLp1pT1AQx1PO6xZLOG-uY3pN1vTo_0AE7KiEr6YizqS-dSUI/s320/ss_patthebunny.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343483643870741554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3fyWrC6X-mVyKXqyAp7qC8mjuidXwj_RtbgZ8NMn_9VBggAgrX4Sr7DPRZ8PesSS26RVZIFRYcXp3zVpNnuYYcDCWu89poxWjtwVreDlHucmjTEIDLkaF9FxV5fN1MR_zRbDhtyNC7k/s320/9780307021342.jpg" border="0" />The book club selection for next month is "Drowning Ruth" by Christina Schwarz. I've got to start that soon... </div><div></div><div></div><div>(I'm taking a break from the house post today - I promise to do the master bath and the recipes from the housewarming party soon!)<br /><br /><div></div></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-24574278228404724742009-06-02T12:38:00.000-07:002009-06-04T09:17:59.580-07:00Kitchen and Dining Room!So today we're moving on to the kitchen and dining room....as you can see in the pictures below, we had quite a project ahead of us!<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342819594107126450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4wyE_5Tx01XkdtXq7HbkMjC7fHJ2a4u1ph7iA_DCsZvz1SDULbuDpgQFFY5VC0lMcpNYCabGGBgmULDv1ypCNL1VVMFvr02LQRqe25VSM7X055bvuzUGESsMIO4OdbvhdDuEV8-Ddj8/s320/IMG_1961.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342819600380071810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4wGLUGHxvj7HeSyofQKf05UoE3uljpzeLNFrNJ_WHrswJROEmTosceCsWwtmG_IG89jmwHUhI-tyl5nLIFLlnZBthLLMmzRpnPymrLZ95UW5gGr9ThXN8PfZLEdmv4cIKxTBMYf6-e0/s320/IMG_1962.JPG" border="0" /> The picture above is of an island that was sticking out into the kitchen and some cabinets that were above it. We felt like it really closed the room off and decided to take it out and open up the wall a little more between the kitchen and dining room.</div><br /><div>And the wall is gone!<br /><br /></div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342818566718956290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hXdTPLsa_kEKrHGqy1Y2KVbkSyVZvXqW0BBYkGqeIN_xItUbCfxyUX5sx0TSqYBIjyfuT1MoB3uQrtPjHNQ6WboXqF-rdG9tCWpQYHUJLrqDY20n0BbfvhMJPbdu-Ngtw_TXf2XdktI/s320/CIMG1875.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342818560271697410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyDptSH4HHY7gk9HBr80MXOo8B-7YFCRNSptVsVX0Iu34dBpqCnG5v8XO7yW0-8RBBXo55LT9glVJWwG5eV_pQHzVazEsvMMZcwGX-x9dyCsypHYEMkKKDQbA2JE_SIocn-UHU6DA3K0/s320/CIMG1860.JPG" border="0" /><br />We also took down the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">furdown</span> above the cabinets and redid the entire ceiling to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">accommodate</span> more lights.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342817551557737106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaidlD6BdOGamYWPecMUIFiHFK3gTHS0wHnx3grZ2qRuEdBfW1NMNjTWDdIXwjbIY7VsXkT0qC1DsLCWth_sapLgrQb64Y15UcGQB8UG7nlvaVH4tlkKTriPnfR1lVXOfG7a5LGOwDZwI/s320/CIMG1861.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342817564618861570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSv9hOyHqb73pxq1FRZckZ-fmStqADkw7DtijQnuyZ-JGPAwkX3FR-82GlyQOG7KqJWQ_aNHnIgJx1lPq5R9dQZjNHxvaL3m9pVNVsgEMieopNNzhyphenhyphenAsJfmHhlJqve-M19vNJ6YnSvLR0/s320/CIMG1879.JPG" border="0" /> <em>My happy brother aka "the contractor" </em></div><em><div align="center"><br /></div></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342817560624381170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOfREtKpm6nfciFHyW3xd9W2A9KMp7OWJlr7NerIyAIUwMnxl8MkeAtpNtWlX1J-v72V464jNpZD3ThyupwVSkq3Eo5o1G7rlABtxPcLLWaASvbHktO5yFUB5615oeKTUjALkZKwgSJQ/s320/CIMG1872.JPG" border="0" />All of the wood in the kitchen was stripped and sanded. Then molding was added to the tops and bottoms of the cabinets as well as to the cabinet doors and drawers themselves. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342818574319250818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxD-icYqarA3O-fNDB8MYTFhNaakTRkXWg3aEtJYN81QOokZGacjCN2mNph_Lnt4my1Mg2OKnCJgJUXHxuTi74GPu7CRWODDr1opxRcM2VGkHESXyZUZ-N_U2y7C4n2yReQRPDl3S_QQ/s320/CIMG1913.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div>Additional upper cabinets were built around the microwave as well as an additional lower cabinet to go on the other side of the stove.<br /><br /><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343140877084749090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSByKCf0nwCgd9-UAR4A0NB7e1MQ25D095CdxPpVsBY402Oz-STiKCRebsrCLI8ub6FhrYPPwsNEw7uGraOf13Sa6mkMIrN3Xiw4nKbm9sdlhZmshHZMe3bGOUZhADdQRmxa8otnNlgSk/s320/CIMG1924.JPG" border="0" />My brother and dad also built this amazing bar/island from scratch!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342818576776917858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF50RlmAjBYZXMLobG7iGaSoKOgYJwy_YzkxTFj-EMwUHxbJiNrPCGkPPcFCG7jTH7uLIRuA3Xo7oo2ZxTGjPsggHz18buXd6oDG5tkhxKWMZt1WinFLZoILR0IYkXULJELY1l9hH-6rk/s320/CIMG1923.JPG" border="0" /> This is the view from the inside of the kitchen. This is now my 'party cabinet'. I keep all my fun serving dishes, cocktail napkins and WINE right here! Love it!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343138125686166578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggliXPBh9LzEmnBvF0pB_DXa94T-uvFVMoxy8BAhhppkPbz8kr-6sRJ10iw8IAQtHBB4Tq19ZaeRh8pQ-3d2_iVikYCsLK-_PfRkxQxT2MQpR-9Cdlc0zyn8J13dbEg-VZpQu1EedVb7s/s320/CIMG1925.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343135608118690034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcXC2ReQDAf0PFnn02HtDcF4PxWF2LZ_kqdw8Z-QS2kzhtiZkzYA8RJ9pfx24VyJWmcVC27GY8bcF69U3WXQKd8yCJOLb2oupJpkOuPyWfJI96GdtVe6_gxatIGq6sprouhePPcYm8sg/s320/CIMG1930.JPG" border="0" />Now we've got some color on the cabinets! </div><div align="left"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343135612128158530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPSdSKZcHX-JQaMjs0SR9Q6UYSEdybRUaGzVA4GQuHG1LJEyyMV8iesJ13bEekm980u2DLSYuyhayUrgq4P3n0jjmMrxW5usEiMgPhM7p2No2tnBOf9MmBeGOrfr810Zx0t4QQg0xqqY/s320/CIMG2006.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343138134538974306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZDsWA-6lyoDAwecp3EJ_STWo9_LcYlFZl8VtMYUzTs5bFkFmfOfiY7yPgpRqe4YqTedJQUYYDL2JbuNjd4HvvMUgHqlygGk4NncekiLl_eLD84UTD8NWdUSretljWU3xdPSrWYrzQko/s320/CIMG2028.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>It was important to us to keep the island/bar looking like its own special piece of furniture so it was painted black instead of the dark brown and also is supported on little feet instead of being flush with the floor.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343138128760707106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-1_TEzU154hqy8BViNt0-PZyytUHkmasmOimkGMgGKQJu81k_2o4YVISn5s0eO3pmFMe7Vdx2J8zmzwhc7AEYd_sSGvUrfuWeNMSJMpc1shx9xxImRvePi4Jmm1R0eMhUGhAyHyNgqc/s320/CIMG2029.JPG" border="0" /> Almost done! The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">backsplash</span> was another great addition that we almost skipped. I feel like it just makes a huge statement now and I love having the under cabinet lighting to show it off!<br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343138979252677522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlhGYLpP7bwqwK2tFgnp6xUNtrLv1i2B0W6Eaxkj_cHLH5YDQSHAXTLBnjd7GWBwAWZ9CC3xIHgF6Lx2dfI2AOuVLlS0tdfv93MDKB7pVy2gGGi_TDmtiGLNHdi7kqeqA0XZ6xdkLjb8/s320/CIMG2066.JPG" border="0" /><br />We've got can lights in the ceiling as well as under cabinet lights and lighting above the cabinets - apparently my contractor has a thing for lights!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343135618878533890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuT3nan0VTXb6tTss9xBNa2e313YfuPu2wSspxrx8uV1WPog84Bo_ks8G1gaDUoW0l3fMb-bOeYvNZiKdkj7Cwugu94jwxoT_JuY7CboJ3jyV-CREGpXA8EqEIm_OSjXI5CqwAxzUFzkY/s320/CIMG2070.JPG" border="0" />This garden window was a real eye sore until we jazzed it up with some fun curtains and bright accessories. Now its just my "fun" window and gives me something cheery to look at while doing dishes.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137667660864290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgjnuwHgh5eTFtzFAU8JdOw4pykj0JPzb9BRn0nLfd5RTo0jg5LaCzLFX8cty9jOR2zyAeuKZWPa9Nmwn4fjgcqlNIng0p0wP1mnqABdnea6aOh31QqGelGLPcecHUUwtZoJEgVTZvFE/s320/CIMG2065.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343135624865186866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETDnSLTX0VuB0uZq4yROS__-EBD6jC9Ee295oFjDa7jSBAR2orwryA8IA2Fj_dSH_Zm_xjpKEgMYru3lF05bgMWQSMT6SSlni2quPvmKF78HnqrAXVbQ8RcxhMdQp2hyItEQ__F8TXFI/s320/CIMG2152.JPG" border="0" />The truly finished island/bar. We also put special hardware on this piece to distinguish it from the rest of the cabinets. You can't tell in this picture but there are little grape clusters on the hardware.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmybFichYuZF3PRFIS_FO4G33KRMSORBCYKNReexIglLd37DOm1LrMKvWaXdXSjaxZsrlEgqzCyZhcSsUricv0ZsHXkaBYxmCXW0xJMSQ1fPnAJp4UmOKpnYbPmpd7gjDbZQ8Pln5ApV4/s1600-h/CIMG1924.JPG"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343138302665603794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEIkmTBErKrhBDMs_h7ywSZ-KqnVC9vyy1YF_Azj1yBIrQ2TdNxYVFclHUxQlP9IkQhCT1AFIJAwgx3rs82UHIK9X1QREUEwBds2lHMoRzp-ipX7x6pIs-ZV8c-4eOj5IJQbCI8ymg5Q/s320/CIMG2154.JPG" border="0" /> And this is what is lurking on the other side of the kitchen - the breakfast room! We did reduce the size from the original breakfast room but we gained a much bigger kitchen, more counter space and a much more open feel for the whole layout downstairs. I love the stained glass fixture above the table!</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137662718879202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeQrMN7zTCqUPUw3Aug72_OU66v-pT581LktxI7gGT0a4E0Drv-ZP1UxCZHQEUGkZuiXEe1N7cNZNLzG52b1CxFPwMh-WGJc4zoK-4QGXuH76Pc-MWBvCJPv3nRBCyugaahYEBBzE_jQ/s320/CIMG2138.JPG" border="0" />And now we move on to the dining room. As you can see whoever choose this floor was either very creative or very indecisive. We've got granite, marble and bamboo going on here!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342819591350895650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDeUnciyHSC4ci6NWULy2X8scXlh-Jh1Kswnw-Df0afeKBjPFAeAHoffOl4bl7ce3csZUmduws7D53KV7Uge-SafShwRdhLVXTgerVFhbSekOyTfK5dcfbC5gqz3asCL0Zctd2HUA5jw/s320/IMG_1944.JPG" border="0" /> As I said before, we opened up more of the kitchen my removing part of the wall in the dining room and creating that island/bar into the kitchen. So now the large green wall that you see in this picture is only about 2/3 of that size.<br /><br />The window above looks out onto the screen porch and really took up a lot of valuable wall space that was lacking in the dining room.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343144706352445746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPhpL7Kc-0pc-IJlICDIAa1F1CA3SZiooilCCQurN5sJSkcO5lpSyJvQ5icTkQHQz75FWUV2ZzhI9ubRfDILGE9rXuZ7xn8xBYnKtYQCufISdQbEyq1o_15ZjtYiwaLposzBBEuOPDMs/s320/CIMG1863.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_9TMvEPk8Q0klZN6vl-GHV3fItc9kkechfIIgIaij3DChQ8jcmg_5Po6Uf1WIKyGZNXtb9r00W3svmVwkIfnQQKqkn11MsUuY46exLBzduz1Z-tqPylUFLlzHhwFFiC1dqf6z5Bw4BU/s1600-h/CIMG1876.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342819605861198994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_9TMvEPk8Q0klZN6vl-GHV3fItc9kkechfIIgIaij3DChQ8jcmg_5Po6Uf1WIKyGZNXtb9r00W3svmVwkIfnQQKqkn11MsUuY46exLBzduz1Z-tqPylUFLlzHhwFFiC1dqf6z5Bw4BU/s320/CIMG1876.JPG" border="0" /></a> So we closed it in....also if you look back at the picture above this one, you will see another window to the left looking out onto the screen porch...that one was in a wet bar that will soon be a computer nook so it was a goner too. </div><br /><br /><div>Here's a view of the 'after' from the screen porch: </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343144702769225714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YevNTPKrfrhEWUjbza1-GVPJStokjd7KWHG9Ai4IhwntEV0EbHikxhLd7rkQIdMzypGstF2JaoPS6i-iv5xZikrKCJVE30qVE11agKfZ1vOVvGnV-Lgtzc1uq5-mz5hWwr0XVWzDJrg/s320/CIMG1871.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>And here's the finished dining room and screen porch!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343135601885169922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjul5bq3zishXUf3ZGQCIE2GEd4j7Bp5e4m-PY7OsY0bwsCABxHqBF3y4ksYrIoIlv2mUZeT3E0AH6g1Slw_MCh_qp2QHP-qO3-fKRHH9LYShsXZzNTAx_jAanVKXQtBqiwflQkxwn0rcM/s320/CIMG2156.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343145368598436754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHJwibenyTnR8NrRnlx1Mm_bPR75FwQLRge3oGQNhyphenhyphenlvac_jGSzg5U2DsPj2aDVZNd3sGL3pHcdpzPvP6XfLNxudYqsPdq5PIhUG1w0QDKwU6T5SCNJcQD83220Cwj-3SmqizR2jL7nA/s320/CIMG2140.JPG" border="0" />I love love love spending time out here in the evenings and even occasionally eat lunch out here - it makes me feel like I'm on vacation!<br /><div><div><div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-11946185264194671592009-06-02T06:45:00.000-07:002009-06-04T07:34:37.627-07:00House stuff!So this weekend I had an unveiling/housewarming party at my house! It was so fun to have people over and show them around and discuss all the projects we took on. I loved getting to play 'hostess' in the new place! The company was perfect, the food was great and we all had a really good time. <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>I know I've kind of been hinting around about a major before and after post on this house project and today I will begin! I had to do lots of cleaning before having people over so it was a good excuse to take some really good 'after' pictures. I do have to preface these 'before' pics because they are a MESS! The house had been vacant for about a year and was just trashed when we first looked at it. So they're all pretty bad! Makes for quite a transformation though...</div><br /><div>I'm going to start with the living room and dining room today and then move to other rooms throughout the week and also post about all the yummy food we had at the housewarming party! I had so much fun cooking and planning everything and it meant a lot to me that my friends gave up their Sunday evening to come hang out and see what I'd been up to with this big project. I can't wait to have people over again! </div><div></div><div>Here we go!</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342731203618500834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcHs2xQBjnd2diA8HXbJWBEzFb80ldgi9SwRKxNLaeABVe6WijnpQpx8yR9UGZRMACUVADvbpZI7aRkd36AXIbLXZ_PMmGxXm8fJ9Kh5t9X6om5J9D3nC9GwiC_JEUqy7G8Hf7mP83zs/s320/IMG_1943.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342727118471406818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzf185tQCZnX-kzZjBCYVrgx7Nax0WKjVpGjLrqitY18JjhUK-zevpmt7yQLrRN1eiW1xBzW54xiSBAXBGcUp-QDXj2X1fqGyI6MaxjBo-Eq9TAM3Uh4wsAqQBugn87-zjMoNLbUPSec/s320/IMG_1960.JPG" border="0" /> The pictures above are of the living room "Before". As you can see it was quite a mess! The living room was carpeted and sunken in about 6 inches. One of the first things we did was rip that carpet out and fill in the 'hole' with concrete to make the whole house level. </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342732095467094514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMG-n4Gvf3gd897nP2tFla5Q-lUxIVhruCWbcDfVGHcXWwDXxnJ2zM9SKk3nf9GYAeBwB_IIr5bdKmcjbE6HCWDHyGjBEziLcwlhR537Bkb8Xm-mmcr8JMy5TaxDn0wJpTtlL6Bgc8pTI/s320/CIMG2039.JPG" border="0" />Big change from before! My brother is quite the handyman and did all the carpentry/cabinet work in the house...here's how we got from the 'before' to the 'after' in the living room...</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342734458535045554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20uaLhlvjVKEjYQcZScr15LDP3agjb70gXUzcvu3Xs52sRrCjM47wij1qcrmXixaWF_1FEo-1JjVKbjBL3i9ZZ9G5lO7E9FvNBXnjwBqKeuxV5zaV35MyrH7x-NhtyKv0aS2klwwMX6Q/s320/CIMG1911.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342734467869302562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CiU4oFYRfwGADZt4l_DnoAaoXiTIkaTCPPdPt1LEobNGnbhSnpYqAAan0KNxCQlWvKiTXivGHwPKOXpdEWGLeG84PjXdTWl__A69jkbWp64mu9I-IO3GofZstVYTG6NRnK2h8Gzb5fY/s320/CIMG1997.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342734472752860066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhYOXHofzhjz3bXQY0RPgqtKGl64ZM2HgPNlbD4p2rXIwM36_IdphwfOu9V4KZNKbRLpMkpUq238xUHIpJupkkauDjDBG0xEs-Oi_V9G-XshfdXkiinWsIbkl1S7CX2pCNrsqpjB5qV4/s320/CIMG2031.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342736177900188498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqS4_OtjFnVSDW-NPzqQ_ONxjID1xSTUPfGtvbh8mYoA4OpvPwAkoS1t92ajKHcXfmXslWd_fY83xHm5eWm14LwBTpoPrQV1aplEy7BSmMuog0lQfuYmz60N7ONIjMG2iIr1KXbXy8yqk/s320/CIMG2141.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342742389670342370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoH-bBzWHhp3VfQZZSvm8daiQv9Ao3CToLOWwMRerec-0bh-NjOm5QYrTW3uztxA5um8k_zNn4ZNt2G5JrUSuXNqXU-SBPmcvFARX9s14bhqPl0wpPWXXXuyKysiCzzDjqui1aHcWVVxQ/s320/CIMG1865.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342734464035152450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfa7ms9FAMx64b7UNeOPhnbqcj8IpfZ1vfxdI_tYGYg00GK_0H9i2Hpgjhb4jDSn6OPTo_pStgrLx2uksjgLCZRjs5c20OJmKglqD04xswA0DMIKT6Eyt6VtWFVZvwju3wxfLgyIjX58/s320/CIMG1932.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342736192935323346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XEZWeOhWUx6iGygMr8s5zmzh6LrKDpWD8zTje9_8I_khbirne9IvTJkX4MzSfMbhQgh-Vq7SQ2VNBS4cBr4KGKdNqTcKS8b_Ak3w15AwbldEr8xgWJ3sVfbu_ymO_BdTFx_Dxc_sud0/s320/CIMG1963.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342727630394583826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcJSd1x_fZ7yWb27zgp_OLOdrBj3ZAyJ-dnLHDcWNKSH5TgcRETjVM1nqvtJbuvnYI-Py8YQ4sCgI7_gWy-dPgde_cTxkYw1tEvNhOCNRXND63ZfmTQIGJifmiq2sad-x_WSRcOHrzFc/s320/CIMG2124.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342728047475059122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X7Zbm3ONzjtPdMAdYKaalhO4TgQ0sWJtkpwWunGU7qNcjg47htu6erCI5HDSi22A60-utxFT9zNpUts0ONbotef2Tevjfc9fuk2GikC8yMVGEzJEsMQr0j7yqpU8bFznIhIqRri5-mE/s320/cimg2130+(2).jpg" border="0" /> </div><div>The stairs were another huge undertaking. We weren't quite sure what we wanted to do exactly but we did know that this was not the look we were going for...(I apologize for the dark picture!)</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342740233633757154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBb5_DegZ4Er_cze8w4Lca9tUCiKMjOZDOlJw1Rg49EgonwXcLdxiUXAvCnSBFhazjjPgHcOrO0mWLZ1WUV9E4ts6Rsjg1bL1D6403VjUqq6sZtMvEWI_PYdsiCJWk4UXea9SR7giOv0/s320/IMG_1947.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div>We toyed with keeping the stairs open but then ultimately decided that wasn't the best idea. We were all really pushing for the stained banisters/wrought iron look but weren't sure how that would work out with the budget. One day my dad just decided to go for it though and we walked in to find that he had removed the banisters!<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342739824650014306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhHROzY4WxpXHbRNTSv3iBRZahzXdBzAXsWwBkjm4jrxm12tfS9s47XdEF7-Hi75BdvEPtnYoDKgLJv8PyVWx7Bn11bW1EtIzKFB2d5HQiGuEjghwkAof1jeveYmaR0jfsu470DEf2C8/s320/CIMG1899.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342736189012337170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsB3M5utPeAEuVYqAJFtq2P3tJPdG59cfeopd0BMBL6Az9rZu0IpaVuhXn2TkiNiparmuhi_4zJT9qBESUN8PHqhR4Z6GJ3ddViAoqlfsvPt8RQ2SI85r9-pc_e_RNsgoTqNRnsOnH9c/s320/CIMG1900.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div>Not long after that, my brother learned how to build a staircase all on his own and started this huge highly detail oriented carpentry project - lucky for me that is what he is best at!</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342736194406385890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCmklzg85H1P9SuYYkdzlp_HxmnFgky101dkZOvszNP8mCXeIeyhHrtn_GAQzYIpnYXO03Q0DAVfq56k6Izp0s8KNojI0Y5Ks0QO0oHavijMBBr-6QqNc9gEFb3OOQuWiR2XcY3_CM8o/s320/CIMG1962.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342739606753474818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB8T8oylFsRC2Q1yezTZJmiw_1hmkY0HMFDvwYHJ9F4ZZnQpyx9pTU0IGuM-H_OwODGJhAu3EAtN0oJK6vVGI2mpmRatwGwn8RKIrBAUuJuPl4qOUIevmiGqBFVMa55fQFzNWUah1QVY/s320/CIMG1972.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342743457227660002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8S0bagbjnrJ2GNzeyeXkGs0IfA-_4qVrQBKH7GBku_hEe2BkKAtHPbBYVNRJbIkWA_pmEce56MlaFksgoZpOXB1f5Xd_wpFjQV4Fs43wG3YeldQDUBus_pfoMzVeh9gEvPQmdrpUIuY/s320/CIMG1985.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342736202227177634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjedN8rkaJPCvReEEqvOe3yDou5EF-qTf9Lq9vmixxo3wP8t8B2q246mH33dAz-OAHuaEjQefq3rIewv0i98zpMq7KHOPM1cJd_TBUO0-8KH6d5BfA1mRa6tKcY3eWuwXVzVwVvzzSxkM/s320/CIMG2037.JPG" border="0" />And finally......TA DA!!!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342729020415961682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeB2aTHslkFuVSmBG-wLvdy6U4qcBrRK9GaAaAs8ZdWn8uRUe3RVHqeHIs4IvQYJYxc_DaYYrzbHDJElWhbJs-cRT5_YEv3rBcg8PlvtZTMMBNO3s_MxOIjl0T7hJ7zGxKV4903_BhiY/s320/CIMG2035.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>This staircase really added a big 'wow' factor to the house - I LOVE it!</div><div></div><div>I think tomorrow I will move on to the dining room and kitchen - we did a LOT of work there! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-11740988404189175042009-05-29T07:05:00.000-07:002009-05-29T09:12:13.521-07:00The verdict is in....WINNER! <div><br /><div>As promised, I tried the <a href="http://www.murad.com/11196_20442_vitamin-c-infusion-home-facial-kit.html?a=b&startIndex=12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Murad</span></span> Vitamin C Home Infusion Facial Kit </a>last night and while skeptical at first, I must say I do believe it works! </div><br /><div>I tried this last night after my shower and it was very easy and quick once I got the hang of mixing the powder with the gel. There is a lot more powder to work with than gel so some of it did fly out of the bowl at first, I'll have to be more careful next time. I love the little brush that it came with too, it seems so 'professional'. The directions warn that you may feel a slight tingling feeling or heat so I was ready for the worst but it wasn't too bad. I only felt the tingling for a minute and it wasn't anything awful that I wanted to immediately wash off or anything. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341278963909680658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8fZvtyCpY2ja-jshZTG4Rl_EBtDt_GRe7ITPWOst0czfsUZfRpqgYZmZ2os5WKGB4yK-Y5VRuZLK3vzeuPDDmMuMqllhLynDbhVj7GHNmoNlq2fI99gZ2-uEzvyFTdpIRJU4bDeM6w8/s320/brt028.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><em>It wasn't quite as relaxing as this...but for 10 minutes it was just fine. </em></div><br /><div>You keep the mask on for 10 minutes but be careful not to touch your face during this time. It isn't one of those treatments that hardens or anything, it just stays wet and thin on your face. When the 10 minutes were up, I rinsed my face with warm water and then immediately began inspecting it in the mirror for these fab results I'd read about yesterday. Right away I noticed that my pores were visibly smaller. It was hard to tell on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">brightness</span> factor as I'd just splashed warm water on my face and my face was still a little flushed from that and a shower. My skin also felt very soft and smooth. </div><br /><div>The Sensitive Skin Smoothing Serum is the finishing touch to this process and I was very pleased with it as well. Its just a clear gel that goes over your face and neck to, I assume, calm things down from the vitamin C treatment. You get quite a bit of the serum in the kit so I may keep using it in between 'treatments'. </div><br /><div>I was so excited to wake up this morning and assess the 'brightness factor'. I examined my face closely and, to me, it did appear a bit brighter but I may have just been hoping for that. I do feel like my face feels more 'alive' though and that my skin looks really clear, soft, and smooth so I guess <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">thats</span> a plus. It might be the kind of thing that gets better the more you use it so I'll keep you updated on Round 2 in a few weeks. For now I am a happy girl though and feel that I have at least taken one step in taking better care of my skin!</div><div> </div><div>Hope you all have a good weekend!</div></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-40538445535034869142009-05-28T14:38:00.000-07:002009-05-28T14:46:36.169-07:00Wish me luck!Well today after work I'm off to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ulta</span> to purchase this:<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340992604052661554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxR4iCiAdnGOMZk95FITj6fibwDatXYTVDUHULy7200QVQs2aXd3Rwu3ShRrVFjDjaR9RowrEqAEEU7099mrH-QovBvEC3RP39DCjr-9uXhKXY8vWebJ34hPXRbVmxNtSmLWBlmFIHx4k/s320/murad.jpg" border="0" />Its the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Murad</span> Vitamin C Infusion Home Facial Kit - said to "Restore Clarity for an Instant Glow". Sounds good to me!</p><p>After debating for a few months on starting the process of getting facials regularly I started looking into at home products that could do the job and this seems to be the best of the bunch. (That I'm willing to fork over the money for anyways) I saw this at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sephora</span> over the weekend and was intrigued enough to check it out online today at <a href="http://www.murad.com/">www.murad.com</a>. </p><p>I read tons of reviews and everyone just seems to love this and has amazing results. Once again, I'm sold. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">instructions</span> seem pretty foolproof too. The kit comes with 2 pouches that you mix in the provided bowl with the provided brush. Brush the mixture onto your face. Let sit for about 10 min then rinse off and follow with the included skin smoothing serum. </p><p>I can't wait to try this - I'll be sure to post a review tomorrow!</p>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-69501995742301974772009-05-21T08:39:00.000-07:002009-05-21T09:09:16.952-07:00I'm a big girl now!<div align="left">I finally have real bedroom furniture! I am so excited to have a real grown up room! Before I moved I had been using the same dresser and one nightstand that I'd had since I was very young, probably about 4 or 5 years old. Lucky for me, my parents picked a very classic design and I was able to paint it and change the pulls through the years to get me through. However when I moved into this house I no longer needed the dresser because the closet came with all these built in drawers. I could have just used the nightstand in my room but I thought it was better to keep those items as a 'set' and move them into a guest room where they could be used together. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">So, until yesterday my bedroom consisted of a bed and an entertainment center for my tv. And thats about it. For some reason I had the hardest time finding bedroom furniture! I think part of it may have been that I had my heart set on this:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338307287827524466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuHACAwvQ-2KW6iy1v6qaMgvXo6ho1woD6Mr5HhbonX-dMj0o6L0Ng6KeGYsvb0Z9Y2bsT3fZYjpyF6hxS8qbx0WflG8qhNeL9D6zKmJv2SsYjbz1_LNLRumdlqFGrMr_K6_vhvY7gbM/s320/mirrored++nightstand.jpg" border="0" />I came very close to getting 2 of these at Tuesday Morning to use as nightstands - they were advertised for only $150 each - GREAT deal! Then I wavered, thought they were too trendy and didn't go that Tuesday so I totally missed my chance. And when that did not happen, nothing else would do.<br /><br />While visiting every furntiture store within a 30 mile radius I also felt like it was so hard to see things in stores and imagine them in my room. Those showrooms they set up just have every single matching piece there together and its kind of overwhelming! Plus I didn't need the dresser and matching mirror, etc. I just needed 2 nightstands and a bed! I finally got over all of that, decided that the mirrored look probably would have been way too much, went to one final store on Saturday and found something perfect! It was delievered yesterday and I just love it. I feel like my room is a hotel now!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338304625854936786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bIJnH2IbD_04I3WhTmeW5MySt9KSIkUISt1ZBD4tohV5dYu9byGE5N-XkTBCacqDypdNpa25KWghqK69_AI-MmsDNxhHdR4akyWM2fafsmGC9KvsPfWyRwx4Q_Zk8YsJNXqIm9hGJ_Q/s320/CIMG2109.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>I'm also really glad I did not go with the mirrored furniture since apparently everything else in my room is shiny! </em><em></p></em><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338304630893430274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsDoRQDX_7Mb3KOSSBeMGYQSmz6Do1A1rBeDFdQ9eLw3hS2560olhWEklCGeGexSK9ZEOyFl8z__w1nngu1kT31NOzk0iSNwgHagM12edNWdsB96F18S7g176UCXZGmAF_-Uo9RTyOAQ/s320/CIMG2107.JPG" border="0" /><em>I really like these lamps - thanks Homegoods! </em></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338304636300059202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRAQfPXFwliPJybkHCL9-XI-QO837la7vv-99tlVsYr5XBpl2oS9bwJOOhA1p11gxaGE9DavdAvgitW3lTomw3fFChCudacsUYPAGconY1k2GngzV115ucHMHGYCTcvy-aSF8wxc2kdY/s320/CIMG2104.JPG" border="0" />The picture above captured a very funny moment. That's Ellie pretty much throwing a temper tantrum in all my pillows. She is used to sleeping all day and lucky for me, my mom had been kind enough to come over and wait for the furniture delivery yesterday so she got there around 1 pm, totally cutting into Ellie's nap time. Then my brother arrived around 2pm and stayed until 8 pm closing in the bottom of my deck with lattice (see below), installing a fan on my screen porch, and hanging the lovely curtains you see in this picture. (THANK YOU!) Ellie, of course followed him around all day and by the time he left, she had just had it! As soon as he was gone, she jumped on the bed and started her little tantrum and then just passed out once she was buried in the pillows. This picture caught her mid-tantrum. Too funny! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338306681187743250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhaXq29i5ZLIfcMu-4YpTzVSleN5qEl9AmGgtM-ptVUY7y8gOu2lmkjHqWhXSmeB60_h3GcU9N7QxMf7OMg5b4F4BRuT74d325x17oZcnSaPPJ0OcABAeGgRaJDiF37Oq4qqntMRz0YE/s320/CIMG2120.JPG" border="0" />The prior owners of this house had been nice enough to build this deck but not nice enough to really finish it off in any way. I am so glad to have this closed in because not only does it look nicer, it keeps Ellie from crawling around under there and running into who knows what! Steps, railings, and finishing touches to come - stay tuned!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-35156640335237027702009-05-20T07:45:00.000-07:002009-05-20T07:59:22.216-07:00Scented Handles?A year or so ago I was buying razors and noticed that the ones I usually buy suddenly had the option of with or without “scented handles”. Maybe I just don’t get it but I’m not really sure why I would want to smell the handle of my razor or why I would prefer a scented handle over a non-scented handle. I go with the non-scented version. I have enough scents going on in my shower with shampoo, conditioner, face wash, shower gel, and the occasional sugar scrub, or facial treatment without throwing something else into the mix.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337917731963758642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 244px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLB15oQcUjYO6SofQXzdGLjmY1R9ww-F4Bty17QQiMoevRMo0QW0FZhXTm5Ju5y6vZATh8Sg0__qaefaQbKwoATX21VmsQRmzB24SSz0LaXmx9QYS7Mc0bqqqyYM49-1nwNwW54w47PRw/s320/167622_l.jpg" border="0" /> Yesterday I’m at the grocery store, buying a toothbrush this time, and see that there is something minty on the one I’m getting. They are also touting some ‘tongue refresher’ so I quickly assume that the plastic scraper thing on the back of the toothbrush must be mint flavored, drop it in my basket and head on my way.<br /><br />Last night I open the new toothbrush package and am nearly floored by the minty scent. I look at the package more closely and it’s a mint scented handle! What does a scented handle have to do with dental hygiene? I read online that apparenlty its part of the new Colgate MaxFresh line and it is supposed to “enhance the brushing experience”. I don’t really get that. I’m hoping it will wear off over time.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337918560725794466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7EGru28aHWTyVlxyKBG-FasDd7ETixNXjM2TTzRSv4iDYWvezG10SwUBn0di3cIWGfAdu4lbtAGy81DkuOxL7gqHWXrV9aPHHiP6cGK8G_iQLVcx69VgGhokHu-wTDmUjMnF-1RY9ec/s320/peppermint.jpg" border="0" /><br />This whole scented handle thing just baffles me. Who thought I’d have to look out for it in the toothbrush aisle? I guess I’m going to have to read the fine print a little better when purchasing any product with a handle. But for now I’ve got minty fresh breath and minty fresh hands…whatever plus that is supposed to be…<br /><div></div><br /><div>And on a sidenote, I am so glad Shawn Johnson won Dancing with The Stars! I had a feeling it might be Gilles after his stellar season but I think Shawn probably got more votes in the end. She has just been so good these past few weeks and her freestyle routine this week was so fun to watch. And I loved that she chose to repeat her dance to "Pretty Young Thing" as her final this week! That was by far my favorite dance of the season. She did such a good job and just looked like she was having so much fun out there. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I think Melissa pretty much sealed her fate with her freestyle routine. I think hers could be described as a 'halftime routine' at best. Not a good decision on her part but really who would have thought she'd make it this far anyways. After all she's been through, that girl's gonna be okay.... (and she looks AMAZING after all this dancing! Has anyone else noticed how she just keeps looking better and better from each week to the next?)</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337917737732694722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi0jLyuRlSM4rqCmaeldsHJSeH_vjDLROjnR8l5-XEWicT6ag8Nz-QDArayfbx3WCjzWXHxxgz5VohyTa7NqtV77hrCRPu5tgXrZuihWWmMLAwlBbEsFghISXEhOvRTuf4RICv1QcSaA/s320/abc_Shawn_Johnson_090520_ssh.jpg" border="0" /></div><br />And YEA Shawn Johnson - she can do anything!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-6909764869507247692009-05-19T08:22:00.000-07:002009-05-19T08:28:49.939-07:00Product Review: MAC Lustreglass<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BT68-_zmMsT3xKFxby_ypMN8aqhxzf6mxkWROI8PP3-XGJ2jJzo84VvETEb98EhFfSlawQsrnjU9w5205rlwgyoc4VGcjmW198fkIwbVABQzlO2gxPmqYG9gAWt3qLjNxuaWq25PwJk/s1600-h/macbeautylogo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337556295584427490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BT68-_zmMsT3xKFxby_ypMN8aqhxzf6mxkWROI8PP3-XGJ2jJzo84VvETEb98EhFfSlawQsrnjU9w5205rlwgyoc4VGcjmW198fkIwbVABQzlO2gxPmqYG9gAWt3qLjNxuaWq25PwJk/s320/macbeautylogo.jpg" border="0" /></a> Is it just me or does everyone else have multiple make up items run out at the same time? I am currently in need of blush, eyeshadow, bronzer and 2 lip glosses. Its fine if I have to buy one of these at a time but all FIVE! I’m trying to make do for now and get by with samples, etc but I think I am going to have to break down soon and get the lip glosses.<br /><br />As I’ve said before, I am a sucker for a new product, a marketer’s dream, always willing to try something new – especially any sort of health/beauty product or make up. BUT over the years I have gotten much better about make up buys and have finally narrowed my lip glosses down to 2. These have been the only colors on my lips for a few years now and I just love them.<br /><br />The first comes courtesy of my friend Lauren. She is a slave to MAC and happened to pick this up on a whim in the spring of 2004. At the time Lauren was coming to Houston quite a bit and we had regular weekend slumber parties. Because I saw her so often, I immediately noticed the new color she was sporting on her lips and had to try it for myself. I have to mention that Lauren and I do not have the same coloring at all. She has blond hair and blue eyes, I have dark brown (almost black) hair and brown eyes but I was sure this color would somehow magically work on me as well. And I was right! I LOVED it right away and bought it as soon as I could. It has also become a favorite of my friend Hailey, who does have brown hair and brown eyes like me, as well as several other people. This color seems to look great on everyone – if you’re looking for something new, check out MAC’s Decorative Lustreglass! </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337556300192077634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 193px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 228px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHXJMWTyJZu1vocKhtY0yRURVoqQ2ikMTMGwGDFqtcXqpw4QPIENwzTBUU7iyQnTPKHbQOs3-jRtua-glz4h3VUY_s7UEenQmTuVJt5TXLG56twMkpZ0oVOXIVMXLhhRG1b0xWwRV1Zo/s320/ScreenHunter_01+May.+19+10.09.jpg" border="0" /> <div>I know this picture looks like its a very grape-y purple gloss, but it is a very pretty color! Very similar to Clinique's Black Honey, its just got more of a 'kick'...</div><div><br />Once I fell in love with Decorative, I was looking for something a little more subtle and found Star Nova. This color is great for a lighter look; I find that I wear it at the office a lot and in the summer. Looks great with a tan! </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337556306328597938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 191px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoPTKqIg3n0C0Pm8Si9bGBwNCq_utsVvvI9ya7-ysvTcLlI021tlhU0zUQJ49rI67CAzVNMVjKphH5LHalHLfyeSzIcgfAFEk0HVBQglFxBmt7MIkze6l8vV5JX5_6uGuNrAdoNpxjZ8/s320/ScreenHunter_02+May.+19+10.09.jpg" border="0" /><br />Both of these products are from MAC’s Lustreglass collection and which I also think is just fantastic because the application wand has a little brush on the end of it instead of one of those sponge things. Not a huge deal but I highly prefer the brush. Lustreglass is pretty moisturizing, the color lasts a long time and its not too sticky. I’ve been running low on these items for a few weeks now, scraping the tubes for the last bit of gloss. I think today might have to be the day I restock…</div></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-53541103074530388362009-05-05T09:40:00.001-07:002009-05-05T09:43:13.624-07:00Happy Cinco de Mayo!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg1Opp4pTDt0Jr7hktqEFHE8LG4p_ICv1Y-L_2pX6GtDj8TwdWB4mGOcmCeuKzL1xk9irsYGaXYHOfaLnUvbRT-12F_HKyTMhrvTqiOAfPY7PNuclrBzXmmM9mRUngkgGlQA-zn2TS3o/s1600-h/margaritas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332380768770992674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 315px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg1Opp4pTDt0Jr7hktqEFHE8LG4p_ICv1Y-L_2pX6GtDj8TwdWB4mGOcmCeuKzL1xk9irsYGaXYHOfaLnUvbRT-12F_HKyTMhrvTqiOAfPY7PNuclrBzXmmM9mRUngkgGlQA-zn2TS3o/s320/margaritas.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hope everyone has fun celebrating!</div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-76840493954878448402009-05-01T06:33:00.001-07:002009-05-01T06:35:14.442-07:00Things I Love: Sally Hansen Salon Hydrating Foot Cream<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinM36bVxZqXNRcYk1AgQSh7bfEV3KgUOlI7IP9vy1btBYCt5ExqQRCI37lBNv1ErnqLGg_Uq2xpOQQH3EBcKAgM7sDXqnyRFzz95QIPnaq13tdmBsAKgU1QlOVEYDTTgtJeSQ6LNWaE2E/s1600-h/sally+hansen.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330848367158535042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinM36bVxZqXNRcYk1AgQSh7bfEV3KgUOlI7IP9vy1btBYCt5ExqQRCI37lBNv1ErnqLGg_Uq2xpOQQH3EBcKAgM7sDXqnyRFzz95QIPnaq13tdmBsAKgU1QlOVEYDTTgtJeSQ6LNWaE2E/s320/sally+hansen.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I tried this the oher night and it is A-mazing! As you may know, I have been called ‘a marketer’s dream’ from time to time. If there is something new out there, chances are I’m going to try it, I get easily sucked in at the grocery store, ULTA, Sephora, whatever. I’m also an avid magazine reader so I’m always reading about the ‘best beauty buys’ and on the lookout to purchase them.<br /><br />This product first crossed my eyes a few months ago in a magazine and I started looking for it from time to time at Target, ULTA, the grocery store. When I couldn’t find it there, I would try and remember to look at CVS or Walgreens whenever I happened to be there – still nothing. And lately this has been on some of the ‘best beauty buy’ lists in a few of my magazines and with sandal season fast approaching I was really on the hunt! I ran into Wal-Mart over the weekend hoping to find some bathroom accessories and while I was unlucky on my original mission there I did find this elusive foot care wonder!<br /><br />I have only used this product once so far but let me tell you – it is fantastic! I woke up the next morning and it seriously felt like I had gotten a pedicure in the night. After just one use! I put the lotion on around 9 pm, with socks, and then took the socks off a few hours later when I was climbing into bed. I bet my feet would have felt even better if I had left the socks on all night!<br /><br />Now if only you could put socks on and wake up with a polish change – that would be an amazing product! I highly recommend this one for those of you who are a fan of the ‘at home pedicure’!<br /><br />Have a great weekend!</div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993744882559497319.post-80419701653857676172009-04-30T06:28:00.000-07:002009-04-30T06:45:57.728-07:00Weekend Update and Cinco de Mayo Recipes!<div align="left">Once again, I’ve been absent from the blog for awhile (minus the DWTS post yesterday – I am still so sad that Chuck is gone!) and once again its for a very good reason! I am finally all moved into the house and had my first houseguest over the weekend so I spent all of last week getting things ready for company! I had one friend coming in on Thursday night and another on Friday so Mon – Wed was major crunch time! Usually I am in bed on a ‘work night’ by 11 pm at the latest but last week it was all 1 am or later for me. I was cleaning, decorating, unpacking, organizing – everything! I am very pleased with the way things turned out though and glad to have that process behind me so that now I can enjoy everything and not continue working when I get home at the end of the day.<br /><br />(I was going to wait to post this until I had taken some more house pictures but thought you all might want the recipes (since they were all mexican food) if you were planning on anything for Cinco de Mayo –I will post house pics in a separate post next week!)<br /><br />My friend <a href="http://whenagirlsgottagab.blogspot.com/">Tiffany</a> was in town last week from Austin for work and came by on Thursday. We got to catch up over a bottle of wine and some Texas Caviar – a recipe I got from the <a href="http://fourfatchicks.blogspot.com/">Four Fat Chicks</a>. Its not often that I get to see my girlfriends when we have the time to just sit and talk without some other ‘event’ going on so it was so great to spend so much time just chatting and hanging out. I miss the times in college when that’s pretty much all we did! Its sad that we’re all so busy these days!<br /><br />Here’s the recipe for the yummy Texas Caviar that we had for ‘dinner’! </div><div align="left"><br /><strong>Texas Caviar</strong></div><div align="left">(makes a LOT)</div><div align="left"><br />1 can corn (drained)<br />1 can pinto beans (drained)<br />1 can black beans (drained)<br />1 can Ro-tel (I don’t drain this very much)<br />½ cup chopped green bell pepper<br />1 clove garlic (minced)<br />1 16 oz bottle fat free Italian dressing<br /><br />Mix and serve!<br /><br />Some recipes call for more Italian dressing so feel free if that’s the taste you’re after!<br /><br />I find this to be especially yummy with Tostitos Baked Scoops and that it is better once it has had some time to chill in the refrigerator……<br /><br />On Friday my friend Meredith came in town from San Antonio to stay for the weekend. I lived with Meredith in college along with another girl, Molly, who also lives here so she came over for dinner on Friday as well. It had been a long time since the three of us got to catch up together!<br /><br />Meredith is not a fan of fruit (crazy, right???) but Molly and I enjoyed some pomegranate margaritas before dinner. </div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330478427463682386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 183px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBFkS53GjEu92GAgkMaLr18hvceONgRi7GF2AuyGnXOa-ZYqX7-ZQx8B-qsvUGlJcorQ9JyOFlSZYZiLrbVqHAoTsGpgyUzLNVJ5IwmN7PaKHmpQn5749mXcIw71IajiiFmK5LGn5zoI/s320/Pomegranate_Margarita_002.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo Courtesy of The Food Network</span></em><br /></p><div align="left"><br /><strong>Pomegranate Margaritas</strong></div><div align="left">(serves 2)<br /><br />¼ cup lime juice<br />2 shots POM Wonderful juice<br />½ cup tequila<br />¼ cup triple sec<br /><br />Serve over ice with a squeeze of lime.<br /><br />And for dinner we had Chicken Tamale Casserole from Cooking Light. I first saw this recipe on <a href="http://elizabethsedibleexperience.blogspot.com/search?q=tamale">Elizabeth’s Edible Experience </a>and had made it once before. I made this using her advice on the recipe to leave out the creamed corn in favor of just regular corn and it works great. I read some reviews online and some people complain about the ‘too sweet’ taste but I think this must be cured by the normal corn because this does not seem too sweet to me. Also, some people have used green enchilada sauce instead of red and really liked it so use whatever you prefer!<br /></div><br /><br />Head over to <a href="http://elizabethsedibleexperience.blogspot.com/search?q=tamale">Elizabeth's blog </a>if you would like to see step by step pictures - you'll also find lots of other yummy recipes over there!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330478002928745202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC904hYlSdfDp9J9BqL5wZ2CJ4LHy-wmiJ7Mtf6SE1ros3628spv6bKgGT_9I5ZeN1FLlCloyYKbzSubtsK5My9BNYboFVRKDcxGIufHGvY7jiXWn-b02J1enEFOtKdWki8J3Zsv2Nn_I/s320/chicken-casserole-ck-1854020-l.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo courtesy of Cooking Light</span></em><br /></p><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1854020"><strong>Chicken Tamale Casserole</strong></a><br />Cooking Light November 2008 </div><div align="left">and <a href="http://elizabethsedibleexperience.blogspot.com/">Elizabeth's Edible Experience </a></div><div align="left"><br />1 cup (4 ounces) preshredded 4-cheese Mexican blend cheese ( I used reduced fat 2% blend)<br />1/3 cup fat-free milk<br />1/4 cup egg substitute<br />1 teaspoon ground cumin<br />1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper<br />1 (14 3/4-ounce) can cream-style corn ( I used regular corn - I hate cream corn)<br />1 (8.5-ounce) box corn muffin mix (I used Jiffy)<br />1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained<br />Cooking spray<br />1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce (such as Old El Paso)<br />2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (I used a rotisserie chicken and used more than 2 cups…) 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream (optional topping)<br /><br />Preparation<br />1. Preheat oven to 400°. </div><div align="left"><br />2. Combine 1/4 cup cheese and next 7 ingredients (through chiles) in a large bowl, stirring just until moist. Pour mixture into a 13 x 9–inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. </div><div align="left"><br />3. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until set. (I had to cook mine about 20-22 min) Pierce entire surface liberally with a fork; pour enchilada sauce over top. Top with chicken (When I made this recipe the 2nd time I poured some sauce over the bread, just to coat it and then mixed the remaining sauce and the chicken together in a separate bowl and then placed that mixture on top of the bread);sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup cheese. </div><div align="left"><br />4. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until cheese melts. Remove from oven; let stand 5 minutes.<br />Cut into 8 pieces and serve. YUM! </div><div align="left"><br />Our plan for the rest of the night was to watch the Sex and the City movie because Meredith had only seen it once – can you imagine? – but of course we ended up talking with the movie on in the background. We had a great night full of girl talk! </div><div align="left"><br />Saturday I proved to my hard core workout friend Meredith that walking really is a workout! I knew she thought I was crazy and even wore her heart rate monitor to see if she was getting a good workout – I was actually a little worried at what the official stats would be but luckily the walking workout got a good rating! We walked about 4.5 miles in just over an hour so we were moving! </div><div align="left"><br />That night we met some friends for sushi had a great time catching up and having some great food. That was pretty much the end of our girly fun-filled weekend. After Meredith left on Sunday I caught up on a LOT of tv (I am loving having my DVR back!) and ran some miscellaneous errands. This week has actually been pretty nice thus far and I’ve been able to work out and just relax in the evenings now that most of the house stuff is out of the way. I’m so glad I got a lot of that done last week so that now I can just enjoy it! </div><div align="left"><br />I tried a new Jillian Michaels workout dvd this week that I’ve had on Netflix for about a month now, “Banish Fat Boost Metabolism” – it’s a good one! I’ll post a review after I’ve completed it a few more times, so far I would recommend it though! </div><div align="left"><br />Tonight we’ve got our book club meeting for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Straight-Up-Dirty-Stephanie-Klein/dp/B000OFOUKW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241099012&sr=8-1">“Straight Up and Dirty” by Stephanie Klein </a>– I’m looking forward to a fun night, and then the weekend is almost here!</div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05098834840099693921noreply@blogger.com1