Guess what I'm doing this weekend.

Anyone have a better idea?  I got this from here.

Dog Urine Smell and Stain Remover Ingredients Baking Soda White Vinegar Liquid Dishwashing Detergent 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

1.
If the area is still wet you should first attempt to absorb the dog urine. Leaving it there to dry out will only encourage bacterial growth which causes the smell. The best method is to place several layers of paper towel over the wet area and tread on it so as to soak up as much of the dog urine as you possibly can. You may have to repeat this several times until no more dog urine can be soaked up.

Sometimes dog urine accidents have already dried because you did not notice them previously. You can find dried urine spots on your carpet with the aid of a black light. The dog urine stains will fluoresce under the ultra violet light in a darkened room. Hand held black lights are quite inexpensive usually costing between $15 - $25. Of course, you can always save the expense of a black light to find the odors by using your nose instead.

2. The next step is to mix a solution of fifty percent white vinegar and fifty percent water. You must use a liberal amount of this solution to reach the carpet fibers deep down. Work the solution in with a scrubbing brush to ensure it penetrates the carpet fibers below. Next step: Blot the area again using the paper towel method above. The vinegar will neutralize the ammonia in the dog urine. If you own a wet/dry vacuum extractor use that to remove excess moisture. 3. When the area has dried or almost dried sprinkle a good handful of baking soda over the soiled area. Mix half a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of detergent. Plain liquid dishwashing detergent is quite suitable. Do not use caustic dishwasher detergent.

Put on a pair of rubber gloves and slowly pour the hydrogen peroxide and detergent mixture over the baking soda. Work the dissolving baking soda well into the carpet with your fingers or with a scrubbing brush.

Blot again and allow the area to dry completely. Then vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly. Use a hard bristled brush to loosen up the baking soda if necessary. That's all there is to it. Your carpet will smell fresh and free from urine odor.

If you don't have hydrogen peroxide on hand you could substitute it in an emergency for a spray laundry stain remover. Check the bottle. If it says 'Oxy' anywhere on the label then it probably contains hydrogen peroxide.

In areas that have been heavily soiled with dog urine you may have to repeat the process again.

This recipe is for one small area of dog urine. For larger areas you will need to adjust the quantities of ingredients used.

It is thinking about snowing so I'm thinking about winter gear.

Someone made fun of my "good" coat today.

It's a greyish-black men's pea coat.

Vintage Old Navy circa approximately 2003.  I paid almost $20 for it.

And I've worn it every winter since.

It is, I can now admit, looking a little sad.  Classic, but sad.

So I've begun the coat shopping process.

You need to understand something about me.  I buy for the long haul.

My ski coat is a North Face "4-seasons" shell.  Classic red and black.  Purchased in 1993.  Yes.  True story.  So glad I didn't get that trendy eggplant one.

My rain coat is a Patagonia shell.  Purchased at the outlet in 2000.

I have a heavier "barn coat" by Carhartt.  A gift from my husband in approximately 2002.

And then my brother gave me my "free with purchase" fake-Carhartt heavy winter coat (with his business logo) for Christmas last year.  I wear it all the time.  I wore it every day to the legislature last session.  Got me some style points.

So I'm leaning towards something Luxe Wool... maybe the swing coat or the car coat.  Or the Polar Thin Jacket.

Maybe next year I will replace my snowboots.... vintage LL Bean duck boots (one top is chewed off from puppies) from 1986.  Yes.  1986.

Halloween

Are you a big Halloween celebrator?

Or not?

Corn Bread

So I haven't been on a cooking kick lately.  That seems to have been a September thing.

But on Sunday I did toss some stuff in the crock pot and produce some mighty fine chili.  (Stretched into Frijoli Pies for Monday night.) 

So I made some corn bread.

Now, at some point I got all mouse-scared and put the corn meal in a mason jar.  And tossed the canister with the recipe on the back.  So I went to Betty (Crocker) and tried that one.

I don't know what went wrong.  It was bad.  Now, I've made DRY corn bread before... the cure is lots of butter and honey.  This wasn't dry but it just didn't taste good.

So.

What corn bread recipe do you use? 

Electronic Devices

Son came home from a field trip today and complained because everyone else brought a hand-held game for the 2+ hour bus ride and all he had was a book.  "A paper book, mom."

I have no answer.  I wasn't about to send my $300 ipod with a 7-year-old. 

I told him to look out the window.

It was the right thing to say.

There should be an app for that....

I confess to not having a smart phone.  I would love one in theory but, frankly, I can't justify the expense.... especially when I don't have cell service in my house.

But I do have an ipod touch.  And I love it.

So.... what apps do you love?

I've been randomly downloading free stuff and now I have the kids sorting the games they like as-is, don't like or think we should buy the full version of.....

I actually enjoy reading bits and pieces on it (The Art of War, Winnie the Poo) when I'm waiting for things.  (kid pick up, doctor's office)  And you already know I have the pinterest app on it.

The kids will be getting some itunes gift cards to buy things they want... but they don't know what they want.

So tell me what we can't live without.

Can we just start easy?

I don't usually buy for the PE and Music teachers.  Is that bad?  And I get the playground paras fudge and cookies.

We don't have a babysitter to buy for....

For the classroom teachers my go-to gift is the black diamond gloves from The Base Camp.  They go on big sale ($12) in early December.  That and some sweets.  Done.  They can keep them or regift or return as needed.  But I have to branch out a bit this year.... same grade K teacher for the second kid.  Sigh.

Daycare is also pretty easy.  They love Jade Garden so we get a nice-sized gift certificate and some other little thing.  They don't really celebrate Christmas so we keep it low key but high dollar.

My work people are a pain.  We may finally elect to not do an exchange this year.  (Well... a girl can hope.)  But if we do I'm going mini-jars of lentils and a really fabulous lentil recipe.  Why?  Because I have a 25 pound bag of organic lentils in my garage.  And, also, one of my co-workers doesn't do sugar or booze.... so the creative gift creation is a little limited with her.

If I have to do a white elephant gift I'm doing this.  But with Guinness.  And possibly attaching the fabulous Guinness-Beef recipe.

Christmas Time Is COMING

Elle is up to her usual tricks.... budgeting and planning for Christmas. I do have this on my list for this weekend... but I have a pile of scanning on my list and no intentions of doing that either.

Ok.  Ok. 

Holiday Budget.

Most seem to have a rule about simplicity and the reason for the season. 

Me?  This year I've decided I'm all about being a consumer.  I intend to, single-handedly, save the economy.

The end.

Ok... while that seems blissful..... I suppose I should set a budget.

Here is who is on my list for this year....

Me.
Hot.
Sweet.
Tuff.
Bugsy.
Gunnar/Sarge/Olive/Daisy/Daisy/Jaz.
Chili/Mox.
MIL.
FIL.
SIL (Hot's sis.)
SIL Daughter 1.
SIL Daughter 2.
Mom.
Dad.
Brother.
SIL (Brother's Wife).
Brother's Son.
Sister.
BIL (Sister's Hubby).
Sister's Son.
(Great) Grandpa.
Daycare Provider.
Grade K Teacher.
Grade 2 Teacher.
2 Playground Aids.
What about SACC providers?
What about other teachers (PE, Music)?
My work people usually do some sort of something for each other.
Hot's work may require a white elephant gift or something. 

Fortunately there is no package mailing budget... everyone lives close enough.  And, yes, I do print photos and mail them..... usually around 150 printed and distributed.

I think we should dwell on this for a day or two and then start tossing out ideas.

How rural should we go?

I have days when I dream of moving to the farm where I grew up and living my life in my grandmother's house. 

Today I can't think of many reasons why I should just do it.

Anyone?

ha-ha

If I was a good parent we would be spending the long weekend working on potty training.

Bliss

I finished up work today and am heading into a 4-day weekend of.... nothing.  Bliss

School Pics 2011

True love is when he looks back at this outfit at some low point in his life and remembers his mother loved him enough to let him wear whatever he wanted for picture day AND pick his own background.  It is just so HIM.  He's 75 pounds and 4'5" and has deemed himself the "protector" of all.  Chin out, slightly cocky and very mischievious.  Love you.

And my girl.  So outgoing but so shy.... you can see it in the photo.  Wearing her favorite outfit.  The only thing missing are the big turquise window-glass specs she loves to wear.  Sweet smile and that little sparkle in her eye... you just know she's a fun-loving trouble-maker but also a thoughtful kid.  Love you.

Tossing.....

I'm on a get rid of lip stuff bender today.  Sometimes I think I need a "hoarder" tag.

"Yes to Carrots"  I'm going to say no.  I got a three-pack of these on clearance at Target... nice lip tint texture but rotten colors.  Sunset Pink sounds delightful and the cap color is lovely but the reality is nasty.  Now I know why they were on clearance and the color is no longer available on the website.  TOSSED.

Aveda lip gloss I found in the Subaru.... I know it was mine but, really, how long has it been in there.  Odd color, anyway... sort of melon-y.  TOSSED.

Sample in the bathroom drawer.  Great texture.... rotten color.  No point in writing down the brand... by the time I need it again it will be discontinued anyway... TOSSED.

I just polished off a, um, what's that dollar stuff?  ELF.  An elf lip gloss that was in a click up tube with a brush.  It was fantastic.  A shimmery champagne color and fun to apply.  Except that one time Bugsy was using it and sucking on the brush.  That was just gross.  It was my "car" lipgloss for the summer... it doesn't melt.  And, also, apparently doubles as a baby toy.  Bonus.

I have a clear tube of Bobbi Brown at work and a Burt's Bees pomegranate chapstick.  I have a lovely Clinique "Think Bronze" lipstick/gloss duo in my purse.  Something glossy and peppermint in a tube in the car.  A tube of Mary Kay stuff in the bathroom drawer (that goes with the mask they sell).  A pot of something shiny (Victoria Secret maybe?) in the junk drawer in the kitchen.  A tube of neutral chapstick that lives in my overnight kit bag.  And a tube of sunscreen stuff in the pool bag.

DONE.  The rest is gathered in a cosmetics bag in the cabinet to be used ONLY when something else runs out. 

Bonus:  Who knew me when all I used was "Natural Ice" chapstick with an Inglenook/Warren Miller label?? 

Spa Day Mama Style

In my past life I was a big-time “self spa” person.  Nothing better than a magazine, glass of wine and a bubble bath or a homemade facial.  Hedonist might be another word for it. 

I haven’t had a bubble bath in years.  (Seriously, who want to climb into a tiny tub and then be swarmed by a herd of filthy toddlers?  It isn’t fun no matter how big the bottle of wine or how lovely the scent of the candles.)  And self-care… well…. Some of that soak and scrub stuff is pretty involved… if I got out an avocado and plastic wrap right now my kids would scream, “Mexican Night,” turn on flamenco music and get out a giant bag of dorritos. 

So, dear reader, for you I have written the multi-tasking mama guide to self-care Sunday.

Step 1:  Make a giant pot of coffee, feed the kids something easy for breakfast and sweep the bathroom floor.  (Trust me, the swept floor will make sense in a minute.)  Put some leave-in conditioner in your hair.  Turn on some music.

Step 2:  Give the dog a bath.  (See why you want a swept floor?  Less mud.)  Go ahead and use your towel (or better yet… your husband’s…) to dry the dog.  While you are there, swipe the tub walls with a Mr. Clean Eraser and clean as much dog hair out of the drain as possible.

Step 3:  Throw all towels in the washer.  Extra rinse.

Step 4:  Give the bathroom a quick once-over.  Swish the toilet and wipe it down.  (Sorry… I know it will kill the environment but I like disinfectant wipes for this.)  Wipe the counter.  Do a half-hearted mop job if you want.   Light a candle.

Step 5:  Get more coffee.  Do some long-overdue self-care.  Tweeze, wax, get out a fresh blade for your razor.  Brush.  Floss.  Bonus points if you use up some old product….. facial scrub etc.

Step 6:  Put the towels in the dryer.  Break up a fight between kids.  Assign some chores.

Step 7:  Get in the shower.  If it looks to be “one of those days” go ahead and turn up the hot water heater first.  (What?  Ours is turned down so it doesn’t scald someone small…. Which often translates into optimistically reminding myself, “An ice-cold hair rinse seals the hair cuticle and makes hair shiny.”)  Use the clarisonic.  Heck…. If you are feeling crazy use the body brush.  In a perfect world you would start with a lovely homemade sugar scrub but really… you already wiped down the tub with that sexy Mr. Clean…. So why waste that effort?  Wash your hair….. I like to put some tea tree oil in with my shampoo to clarify and then wash it again.  Put a little conditioner in the ends and run a comb through it.  Shave.  Really shave.  Every section of your legs.  (Am I the only one who is so pressed that sometimes I break up shaving???  Lower legs today.  Upper legs tomorrow.  Cookie only if we are going to the pool.)  Use that foot buffer thing on your feet.  Go ahead… use up all the hot water.  When the kids come in to pester you send them to the dryer to get you a warm and fluffy towel.  Put your hair up to dry and put on some lovely body oil and wander around the bathroom for a bit while it dries.  I still love Neutrogena Sesame Oil…. Does that date me??  I also like Body Butter.  Put some of the good moisturizer on your face.  Wrap up in your (20+ year old grey fleece from the Gap) robe.  Sit on the couch and slather (I love that word.  Slather.) on some foot cream.  Put on socks.  Get dressed in something comfy but athletic. 

Step 8:  Now you are ready to face the rest of your day.  (Seriously… at this point…. Sweet is comatose in front of the tv, Bugsy is in hysterics because she pottied on the bean bag chair, Tuff is crying because Sweet scared her, someone has colored on the ottoman and the dog has soaked the couch with wet dog smell.)

Step 9:  Get more coffee.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake

Via pinterest...

I need to do more research on THIS BLOG.  Doesn't it look lovely?

Here's the recipe that caught my eye on pinterest.....  My dad's birthday is coming up and it might be perfect....

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake
2 ounces unsalted butter
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup tightly packed brown sugar
3 ounces creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 325F.
Grease three 9 x 1 1/2 inch pans.(I personally used just one 9 x 13 pan). Line your bottoms with parchement. Set aside.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix together brown sugar, peanut butter and butter for two minutes. Add egg and egg yolk and mix for another 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and mix for another minute.
Add half of the flour mixture and mix until incorporated about 20 seconds. Then add the sour cream, mixing again for 20 seconds. Gradually add the remaining flour mixture. Add the hot water in a slow, steady stream and mix on low to combine, about 30 seconds. Add the vanilla and mix for another 10 seconds. Add the chocolate chips and use a rubber spatula to finish mixing the ingredients until thoroughly combined.
Divide the cake batter into the prepared pans, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 22 minutes.


Chocolate Peanut Icing
5 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/8 cup granulated sugar
2 TBSP peanut butter
1 TBSP unsalted butter
Place the chocolate in a bowl and set aside. Heat the cream, butter, peanut butter and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. When hot, stir to disolve sugar and peanut butter. Bring to a boil. Pour the cream mixture over. Wait 5 minutes and stir the mixture until smooth. Place in fridge for about 5-10 minutes and place into a pipe bag.
Assemble:
Cut cake into square pieces. Place one piece on your plate. Pipe your icing just around the perimeter of the cake. Place another piece of cake on top. Again, pipe around the perimeter and follow up with one last piece of cake.

Source: Death by Chocolate Cake by Marcel Desaulniers, via Peabody Rudd at http://www.culinaryconcoctionsbypeabody.com

 

Tonk

Check this story out.  I think you can click the video link to see the Letterman show part.

They Caught the Bad Guy

Oh.  I'm glad they got this guy.  They had some warnings out about him.  Last time there was a big man hunt the guy was hiding out in my boss's flower bed.  Seriously.  In her back yard.  He tried to hijack her neighbor.

I can't seem to stop shopping

Anyone have an opinion on Josef Siebel shoes?  I'm still searching for the perfect sandals....

Also... can I get an opinion on these boots?  I need something fantastic and comfy in a size 10.

Hot went to bed early tonight so for the last 90 minutes I've been surfing for panties for Elle, boots for me, a hat for Sweet, socks/sandals/slippers for Tuff & anything on clearance at Land's End.  I want heavenly fleece, cashmere and anything made of modal.  This skirt is cute and very much my style.  I also want to know if blissful knits are as lovely in person as they are in the pictures.... because I'm always up for a nice drapey cardigan.

Gads... maybe I should relabel this post "My Wish List" and email it out as my Christmas list.... anybody listening??

Dinner Last Night

So we are getting down to the grim bottom of our upright freezer in the garage.  We have no meat.  Hunting season is on the way.  My mom swears she has lots of hamburger at her house but no cut meat.  But she also mentioned 4 open cows...so meat will be coming regardless of the outcome of hunting season.

Anyway.  We have several packages of halibut (courtesy of my sis-in-law's time in Alaska) that I'm terrified to cook.  My people, in spite of their boat heritage, are not fish people.  Don't get me wrong.... I enjoy a nice tuna sandwich now and then and I love sushi. 

But I don't cook fish.

So last night Hot got brave. 

He got out the electric frying pan, a little butter, some garlic salt & pepper.  Then he added some sliced sweet onions.  I made bowtie pasta with loads of veggies and parm for a side... or a backup if needed.

It was delicious.

Truly.

The kids all had seconds and we added it to our list of "likes" and have plans to make it again this weekend.

Much sadness.

Sammy died.

Sam was our daycare provider's golden.  She was a great dog.  She loved the kids and loved going for walks.  She stayed in the yard and off the busy street.  She barked at me every single time and then wagged her tail and waited for a petting. 

I've seen her at least every week for the last 7+ years.

House Stuff I Don't Need

I just ordered this bench.

And this slipcover in natural.

My husband always comments on me ordering some cheap shit in hopes of making our house lovely but he was BEGGING me to get a new couch cover.

I had a 20% off coupon and free shipping.

$55.99 for the bench and $71.99 for the slipcover.

I got a great one-piece slipcover from Target ($50) that I liked but it was chocolate brown suede.  Dark brown and suede don't match my dog.  It always looked awful.  So we will try this.... hopefully the two-piece option will work out.  And I'll cut up the old cover and make pillows or something.

Let's Go Junkin'

Part of the plan for the long weekend was a bit of photo documentation of The 'Stead.  Because, really, most people just won't believe it until they see it.  So we wandered to the junk shed.

I think this was a machine shed long ago.  Both chunks of the front open up.  And that old pallet?  Stragetically placed to cover a giant whole.

We approach.  WTF is up with that tire?  I'll tell you.  I rolled it there from somewhere else and it is too f-ing heavy for me to get over the threshhold and into the shed. 

We enter.  Dude.  Scary. 

Seriously.  I open the door and just pitch shit in.  Yes, that's an old printer, a plastic liner for a whiskey barrel and two rose plant winterizers.

I keep thinking this junk should be tossed.... and then I need something and find it in here.

Oh, wait, back up.  Back to the door.  Do you see the remnants of an old hornet nest?  I was due-any-day with Tuff and I needed something from the shed.... and a hornet stung my hand.  Stupid hornet.  I killed him and whacked his house right off the door.

See?  There it is.... down there between the old picture frame and the old tv antenna.

The old picture frame was actually the point of this expedition.  But I decided it isn't quite right for what I want... so it stays in the shed.  Also note handy roll of flashing in the front.  Sharp as all hell but excellent as a magnet board if properly framed. 

Hee-hee.  Who doesn't need an old cake pan, a fossilized suitcase, a few bricks and a rusted coffee can? 

The "work" bench.  Oh look... more flashing.

There is a project in those old wooden boxes.... I just know it.  Also... see that grind stone?  I need another one and I'm going to make the coolest water feature EVER.

Seriously.... treasures.  And an old gate. 

More storm windows and more old oil drums.  And a basketball hoop.  Oh.... the stacks of tires are actually my father-in-law's....

Wh doesn't need an old tv antenna?  You laugh but I've used lots of those lightweight aluminum pieces for.... stuff.....

 

I was going to hang some baskets on this frame and put it behind the toilet.... but I don't know if it will work.  I thought it was smallish but now looking at this picture I might have to go get it and drag it in the bathroom to see.



Saturday's Struggle

I'm struggling here.

It's a lovely Saturday and I have big plans for cleaning and organizing and I can't get off the couch.  My head aches and I have chills and a bad case of laziness. 

The kids and I got flu shots yesterday.  I swear... they make me sick.  I'm on the second pot of coffee so things should start looking up soon but....  Bugsy has a fever and that random glassy-eyed look.  Sweet is gimping and limping because he got his shot in the leg.  Tuff woke me up at 5:30 this morning with a stomach ache.

So we are watching a fairy movie in our jammies and folding laundry.... I'm still catching up from not having laundry detergent for 4 days.  Lunch will be snack foods and if we feel betterlater we will get cleaned up.  If all goes as planned, we are heading to a fund raiser tonight.

Bug didn't have a daycare provider yesterday so I took the day off.  We dropped the bigs at school and hit Target.  Didn't find a damn thing on my list except some kid shampoo.  Then to Shopko to try to find a couch slipcover.... Shopko doesn't open until 9.  So we walked over to Albertson's and picked up a few groceries to kill time.  We got absolutely nothing at Shopko OR at Joanne's.  Joanne's kind of depresses me these days..... I can't keep my kitchen floor clean... why would I need another freakin' project or craft to do???  It STILL wasn't 10:00 (The real goal was Costco for laundry detergent and supplies.  Also *rant* I went three weeks without going to Costco and all that happened was we ran out of milk and I spent $300 this time instead of my usual $200) so we stopped at Lowe's.  Big Mistake.  I didn't buy anything but came home with a stack of smartstrand samples.  It has a lifetime warrenty for pet urine.  Can this possibly be true?  The online reviews are promising.

That brings up color.  Hot is a big fan of "frieze" style carpeting.... although he doesn't know what that means.  I don't like carpet as a rule so I'm ok with frieze.... it is soft and furry and will hide a lot of sins (and a lot of lego and barbie shoes).  As to color.... Hot is color blind.  He's voting neutral beige and not too dark.  But I could put in peacock blue and he wouldn't be able to be sure it wasn't beige.  I like Gwinnett Cool Cactus and Gwinnett Diamondback.  Slightly darker than apartment beige but not chocolate-y dark. 

So that's the current carpet saga.  Now we are battling about which rooms to do.  He thinks we should just do the living room and stairs.... I think the install cost is $100 for the whole house so why not do the upstairs bedrooms at the same time.  Peach.  Do I need to say it again?  Peach.  And, also, stinky.  Odd... old lady smell.  His reasoning.... how do we do it and move the furniture around?  My answer.... I already asked.  We cram the furniture in one bedroom while they carpet the other.  Then they move to the stairs while we shuffle the furniture from the uncarpeted bedroom into the one that is done.  Ta-fuckin-da. 

Watch and see.  Nothing will happen.  We won't do a damn thing.  Sigh.

Cuteness from last weekend....

Forgive the old photo from when I was painting but here's my next design challenge.  The closet door.

Let's look at it, shall we? 

1.  Notice the fake wood trim on the outside door and baseboards and the painted trim on the closet?  How does that happen?

2.  I'm plotting a built-in where the little desk it.  Probably 24"-36" wide.... cabinet below with pull-out shelves filled with baskets of shoes.  A big (narrow) drawer and 12" deep upper cabinets with doors.  The drawer will become the junk drawer.  The upper cabinets may house my wine glasses and good dishes..... or hats and mittens.  The challenge is figuring out what to do with the phone jack and outlet.... either move them or have part of the cabinet cut out.  But that is in the distant future.

3.  I need ideas about the trim and about the door itself.  I thought of getting a new door but I'd rather repurpose. 

Chalkboard paint
Beadboard
Some sort of trim
Pegboard
Markerboard
Corkboard
Sheet metal
Hooks
Hanging baskets

Here are some more "keeping it real" photos for ya......

Bone... Bone... who knew I loved herringbone?????

traditional bathroom design by san diego interior designer andrea may

First... I love that style of cabinet and color.  Second.... I love those tiles.  Can I have this look in my bathroom please????

More Kitchen Love

traditional kitchen design by san francisco architect Mahoney Architects & Interiors

traditional kitchen design by san francisco architect Mahoney Architects & Interiors

This is a lovely floor plan if we ever do get around to remodeling.  I already have stools like that.  Now I just need white cabinets and wide plank floors.  And about 100 extra square feet or so....

Clever Idea to Create a Closet

traditional kids design by manchester architect LKM Design

I'm saving this idea in case we ever need to give Sweet a closet.  Also... that looks just like the rug he already has in his room.

Whirlwind weekend

Last week was a perfect storm at work.  All sorts of deadlines and programs and things that had me running absolutely ragged, multitasking to the enth degree and hitting Starbucks with alarming regularity.  Add in some other stuff and stir. 

Friday night, instead of curling up with a good book and a glass of red, the kids and I headed to Butte.  My sister was doing music for the rodeo and my mom was hanging out with my now-one-month-old nephew.  So we got some good baby face time.

The kids swam and swam.  We learned that dorking around at breakfast equals spilled.... everything.  We hit the mall..... why is Butte's mall go much better than ours?  Silverbow Pizza for a late lunch and we hit the road again.

The plan was to get home about 4:30 so we could spend time with Daddy and have all day Sunday to dork around.  Alas..... Daddy called about 3:30 and was on his way to a fire.  Change of plans.  So we hit Target for a bit and then took Sweet to a birthday party at the corn maze.  The girls and I did some long-overdue errands and goofed around at Bed, Bath & Beyond.  Gotta love those massage chair displays. 

I actually, for one short moment, had EVERY ERRAND done.  Then I realized we are almost out of kid shampoo and I had to start a new Target list.

Then home for snuggles, bedtime routine and that long awaited glass of red.... and the last two episodes of Sons on Anarchy Season 3 on netflix. 

Sunday morning was pretty productive in the cleaning arena.  We put up the new rod for the girls' play house.  Photos later.  Then my mom showed up and we sat around and talked like we hadn't spent the last two days talking.  I made a bit of progress on the laundry room constant struggle... although I didn't do any scanning and the pile grows ominously HUGE.

Made delicious calzones for dinner and had a dreamy sit-down meal with the whole family, baths, played hair dress up and then off to bed for all.

More Floors

I don't even have a Houzz account but I just love looking.....

I like the flooring in this one and the white cabinets and hardware.  I'd love a big stack of drawers for my pots and pans.

Why do I like white cabinets?  Mostly because I can't figure out how to do wood cabinets and still get wood floors and deal with the wood paneling in the living room all at the same time.

traditional kitchen design by philadelphia interior designer Deborah Leamann

I still dream of kitchens

traditional kitchen design by other metros general contractor Tongue & Groove

Oh picture of a kitchen.  How I love thee.  I've reinvented my kitchen theory.

My original theory was to have a remodeled and bigger kitchen.... same basic layout but with an island instead of a penninsula.  That evolved into an extended kitchen with a penninsula on the end and a rolling cart island.  That's still my ideal.

But now that I've given up on ever adding on (yes, people will be using the peonies as a second bathroom for eternity) I've decided to focus on the remodel concept.

I still have this post as my primary inspiration.

I want (today anyway):

wide plank farmhouse flooring
white cabinets
dark counter tops (but if I had an island or rolling cart I'd want butcher block on it)
stove with gas top/electric oven/microwave above
remove the upper cabinets over the penninsula
lazy susan in both corners (one is currently a 9 inch wide opening that goes all the way back... at a right angle... to the wall.... not cool)

The current "look" is docuemented below... this was actually a photo I took showing the insanity several hours before a party.....  Those upper cabinets must go.  And all that lovely golden oak.... let's paint it white.  Once the uppers are gone... does the corner cabinet and appliance garage stay?  Or get replaced by a slightly awkward-to-reach regular cabinet?  Hmmmm.

So, left side... doorway to laundry room, fridge, 24" of counter with drawers under it, stove w/micro above, lazy susan in corner.  Front and right bottom views stay the same (although the little 9" cabinet on the left will be a lazy susan and not the horror it is now.... I can tell this is an old photo because the microwave in the wall hasn't died yet and the old black dishwasher is there.


This was the kitchen the day we first looked at the house....  I'm sad to see how much HASN'T changed....

I think I missed September somehow......

I forgot to post any goals or progress for September.  Oops.

 

1.  Post every day in September.  (So far, so good.)

2.  Go on a fall family vacation.  I think we should do this every month.  (Done.  Fairmont.  Fun.)

3.  Buy new bras and new boots.  (Half-assedly done.  I got a couple bras at Target.  I bought three at Macy's and HATED them so I took them back.  I'm shopping for cute fall boots but haven't really focused on them yet.)

4.  Hang pictures in both kid rooms.  (Almost done.....)

5.  Reorganize the kitchen.  (About 50% done... need to do the two upper corner cabinets this weekend.)

6.  Find a place to store the sewing machine.  (Ideas?)

7.  Plan a minor exercise routine.  (Done.  October's goal will be to implement.)

8.  Do some fun things with Tuff.  (Ears pierced, coffee shop stops, planning a "girl party" and plans for a lunch date.)

9.  Wash outside windows.  (Fail.)

10.  Paint porch posts.  (3 done... thousands to go.)

 

Things I may have said this week.....

"Why can't she just find a nice little transgendered boy to play with?  Why does she want to be friends with those snotty little girls with the snotty mothers?"

"Son.  Truly.  Sometime in the distant future when you look back on your second grade class picture know that I love you.  And I demonstrated that love by letting you wear those goofy-ass shorts with that shirt and those socks for picture day."

"We sit when we eat suckers."

"Hell yes.  Coffee helps women not be depressed.  The New York Times says it so it must be true."

"Please.  If you love me.  Bring me back some gingerbread from that fantastic bakery in Bozeman."

"But I like salted caramels.  And the NYT says I need my coffee so I don't get depressed...."

"I know I said I want to support small local coffee shops but the drive-thru I usually go to when I need a treat has gotten too f-ing strange..... let's go to Starbucks."

"Surely today is Friday."

"Boots.  I need boots.  Riding boots."

"Fuck-a-nuck."

My girl has style

Menu planning gone awry

Last week's meals were a hodge-podge so I'm trying to get back on schedule this week.  Technically, this is week 2 of my two-week meal planning and it is going to be sketchy.... this is a rough week at work and this is my sad little attempt at control.

Su:  Pot Roast
M:  Burgers & Potato Wedges
Tu:  Mac-n-cheese and leftover chicken after football
W:  Uh-oh.  I only have planned until Tuesday?  Ok... um....  Cheese & Tortillas
Th:  Sandwiches & Salad or maybe McD's before football
Fri:  Pizza Bites or Egg Rolls
Sa:  Regroup and Try, try again

The Classic Pot Roast

Found a stray chuck roast in the back of the freezer in the garage.

I can't say how long it has been there.  I don't know.

I tossed it in the crock pot with a can of cream-of-something soup, some onions, carrots & yukon pototoes.

Cooked the hell out of it.

Dog Days

We celebrated the dog days of summer today.

Ate an early lunch of snack foods and went to the pool.  Intended to spend an hour but we had provisions (water bottles & a big bag of stale pretzels) so we stayed a few hours. 

Came home for late naps and then watched the Saints on tv.

Goats in the Pool

All that time in Fairmont and I took exactly two pictures.  This is a goat we named Apple. 

Apple Martini Goat Cheese Crostini.

We shortened it to Apple Goattini.  

Tuff loves her.

The view at our house.....

I just love it when the little man is all bundled up....

Strawberry Jam

I threw together a quick batch of fridge jam.  Those new smaller clamshells of strawberries at Costco are about the right size for 2 cups of mashed berries....

2 cups mashed berries (about a pound)
1.5 c sugar (or so)
1/4 c lemon juice

In a heavy bottomed saucepan, mix together the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to high, and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil, stirring often, until the mixture reaches 220 degrees F (105 degrees C). Transfer to hot sterile jars, leaving 1/4 to 1/2 inch headspace, and seal. Process in a water bath. If the jam is going to be eaten right away, don't bother with processing, and just refrigerate.

Little Things of Note

My lovely basil crop froze.  Bummer.  Happens most every year. 

I saw a guy walking a wheel barrow today.  He was crossing the street.  No apparent reason for the wheel barrow.

My son has outgrown all of his shorts.  All.  Of.  Them.  And, in spite of the freezing temps at night, it appears summer isn't quite gone.  He came out dressed like a hobo this am.  So we are off to find a few pairs of shorts and a new hoodie sweatshirt.  I miss hand-me-downs. 

I'm making a list of ailments to talk to the doctor about... the list is really long.  Geez.

Chili

Fairmont Hot Springs: The Vacation Guide

So we decided to get the hell out of Dodge this weekend. 

So it was off to Fairmont Hot Springs.

We left fairly late on Saturday and stopped in Anaconda for lunch.... at Pizza Hut.

It was one of those lunches....  Milk, please.... we only have chocolate milk.  Ok.  A sandwich please... we don't have sandwiches.  Salad bar.... nope.  Ok.  Well.  What DO you have?  And, also.... this Pizza Hut does not have the classic (and iconic) Pizza Hut Ice.  (Side note:  I just googled to find an image of the ice and I can't find one.  That's a first.  Google failed me.)

We checked in (early) and hit the pools.  The kids decided to do the slide.  The water slide is $8.75 for a half-day, $10.75 for a full-day or $1 a ride.  The pools are free if you have a hotel room. 

Lots of fun.  I recommend bringing a few floaties and life jackets.  We also travel with googles and snorkels.... but we are those people.

In a perfect world I would get to the pools earlier, swim, then get out and have lunch and rest and then swim again later in the afternoon.  I'd also pack a delightful picnic lunch of crackers and fancy cheese.  And some microwave soup for the kids.

Alas... I don't live in a perfect world... but I did remember a giant bottle of red wine AND a corkscrew.

We had dinner at the cafe.  We could have done the dining room.

Everyone was pretty beat so we went to bed.  The next day we soaked early, showered and got ready and hit the Sunday brunch before it closed at 11:30.  Then we visited the little animal menagerie (horses, goats, ducks etc) and played on the playground.  We didn't do folf or golfing or mini-golf (although we would have done mini golf if we had realized it was there).  It was a little chilly and windy.

Cost breakdown:
Fuel:  less than a tank ($60)
Lunch:  Pizza Hut $34.96
Hotel:  $145 plus tax
Dinner:  Fairmont Cafe... we probably could have done the dining room so Hot could have steak but it was still pretty tasty.
Lounge:  ?  Hot had a drink or two while watching football scores while the kids and I "rested" in the hotel room.
Waterslide:  $20.50 (2 kids 1/2 day at $8.75 plus three single rides for Hot)
Brunch:  ?  ($10.95/adult and $5/96 for kids... but I think they gave us free coffee and I think the girls both ate for free....)  Also... I totally snagged three chocolate chip cookies from brunch and fed them to the kids on the drive home.... is that awful??
Snacks:  Pretzels, chips, water bottles in the car.  A bottle of wine for the hotel room.  Some microwave popcorn would have been good and maybe some other snack foods for in the hotel.

We drove home via Anaconda-Georgetown Lake- P-burg.

I recommend the fish hatchery at Washoe Park in Anaconda.  Great visitor center and for a nickel you can feed some GIANT trout.  Very cool.  We wanted to visit St Timothy's at 7 Gables and the candy store in P-burg but kids were conked out so we didn't stop.

Our next grand adventure may be to P-burg to do sapphires and the candy store. 

Boy Party

Every day this week Sweet has been counting down to Friday for the BOY PARTY at our house.  Monday we reminded everyone of the party (Friday, our house, 4:30-7:30).  Tuesday we planned the menu (take-n-bake pizzas, juice boxes, popcorn).  Wednesday he cleaned his room.  Thursday he planned his outfit.  Friday we PARTIED. 

He invited 3 buddies and they ran and ran and ran.  Many bad guys were tranquilized.  Many monsters captured.  No vegetables were consumed.  Much fun was had. 

Next:  Girl Party 

Things I Love for Breakfast

Toast topped with a runny fried egg and cheese
Oatmeal with milk, brown sugar and craisins
Scrambled eggs with veggies and sausage
Nuked egg with spinach and parm on a whole-wheat english muffin
Vanilla (or Greek) yogurt with Fiber One cereal and chocolate sauce
Apple with laughing cow cheese wedge
Pancakes or waffles or biscuits

I've never been a breakfast eater.  But I try.  I think breakfast should have some protein and a little bit of fat so it sticks with you.  Following are the top 5 breakfasts my kids will eat:

1.  Hot pocket
2.  Corn dog
3.  Chicken nuggets
4.  Cocopuffs
5.  Leftover pizza

Do you see the problem?

More Table & Chairs

In my ongoing quest to doll up the girls' room (on a zero-dollar budget) I bring you Project:  Table and Chairs. 

First, can I say, someday I would like the luxury of just buying something new instead of working my ass off to doll up some old piece of crap.  Sorry, but true.

Second, this ugly old table and chairs might be worth the work... my grandma, in the throes of alzheimer's, picked these up at an auction to give me for "when I had kids" someday.  My grandpa kept them in his basement.

Here we are.... with our safety gear.  Masks and giant white t-shirts.  Yes, I let a 5-year-old run an orbital sander... how else will she learn?  Notice the classy spray paint can... there will be a quiz later.

Bugsy was not so interested in wearing the mask or the giant white t-shirt so we called her the supervisor.

Wow, people, that's some seriously bright turquoise you selected.  Wait.  Remember when I said there would be a quiz?  This color turquoise and the amethyst purple seen in the background.... where else have you seen them???

Keep thinking....

That's right!!!!  My sister's boots.....

Yup.... and there is that lovely purple......

Oh, what?  You've never spray painted a pair of cowboy boots?  I did tone down the turquoise a little.... mostly because the chairs are really beat up and I'm hoping a solid coat of semi-gloss will cover it up a bit better.......

Next steps are to finish painting the white parts.  It took a long time to get this far with little people with sponge brushes doing the painting......  Then we will see how it looks.