a post from the war zone...

Sadly, my house does feel like a war zone lately. Things are getting done, thankfully, but sometimes it has to get messier before it gets cleaner!

I have also been MIA for a few days, and for this I sincerely apologize. I have been taking things like this:


And turning them into this:


(Don't worry, this is still a work in progress.)

The chair had an alarming number of old, rusty staples in it. I seriously think someone had WAY too much fun attaching that nasty green upholstery fabric. It took us (first me, then Josh stepped in because I was starting to cry from frustration...) a few hours to get most of them out. But, we did. And soon, I will be able to share the "after" photos. I can't wait!

Also, sadly, my plant died. I don't know what else to say, so I'll leave it at that. I really hope it wasn't my singing that killed it. That would be unfortunate.



Life really caught up with me this week. My family is having issues, my job situation is not fun, I am considering a major career change, and I just have a lot of things going on besides. Thankfully, God is never far away and when things get crazy He is so quick to remind me of His love. Also, you ladies (and maybe some gentlemen? I don't really know because there are some people that never leave comments....) have been so encouraging! I really love having this online "community" of friends.

Thanks for being here.

Beloved Plant
Jorge

February 2010-March 2010

Rest in Peace

rundown for March... so far

Well, I am happy to report that so far, March has been very productive for me.

I have:

1. Nearly killed one of my houseplants. (I watched my Rosemary die last month- and learned to never type "Rosemary is dying" in a Google search).

2. Started 4 different projects.

3. Moved 2 of those 4 projects to the "craft graveyard," (aka the 2nd bedroom).

4. Completely messed up the other 2 projects to the point of no return. I thought I was the queen of spray paint- guess I was wrong!

5. Contracted some type of virus that makes me unable to do anything but lay around, read copies of "House Beautiful," watch the Dick Van Dyke Show, and eat string cheese.


I guess that's why my new blog description is "Tales of an aspiring housewife." I am bound and determined to share the good and the bad so I can make everyone else feel better about themselves once in a while!

The good news is, my houseplant is looking better. I realized I had been neglecting him by not watering him enough. So yesterday, I treated him to some plant food, and his very own performance of "Amarilli Mia Bella." I heard somewhere that plants love classical music, and I was more than happy to put my music degree to some use.

Today, I am happy to report, he looks much better.

(image found here)



I used to watch the Dick Van Dyke show a lot when I was growing up, and yesterday I thought I would relive the good old days so I brought the laptop in the kitchen and watched it again while I baked cookies. Did you know that Hulu has all of the episodes, and you can watch them on your computer for free? Awesome.

Well, I just have to say that I am in love with their TV house. I would pack my bags and move into black and white if I could live there! I was just drooling over their furniture, amazing lamps, and fun decorations. I love the show because it is so light-hearted, uplifting, clean, and absolutely hilarious. Why can't we have TV shows like that these days? It seems like our comedians have all been replaced by foul-mouthed wierdos who just want to shock people into a laugh. I would rather watch Dick Van Dyke fall over a chair any day.

How about you? Any fond memories of watching old TV shows? What are some of your favorites?

Martha is copying me...

As I was browsing around Martha Stewart's website last week, I came across this cute little bathroom vignette. As I was admiring it and thinking of how to re-create something similar for our WC (water closet), I realized I have that same little cup and saucer thingy (purchased at GW for 5.99)! Mine is orange, and sadly I don't have a picture of it handy, but it's the exact same thing.

I might have to contact her people for compensation for copyright infringement...

in which I discuss oatmeal

I MUST share this discovery with you!

My hubby and I decided to try making steel-cut oats a few weeks ago, and we absolutely fell in love. They take a while to cook, but they are so good!

From what I deciphered on Wikipedia (aren't my sources awesome?), steel cut oats differ from regular oats because they are cut (by steel) into 2-3 pieces instead of being rolled. The texture is better, and the flavor is richer than regular oatmeal. It's also pretty inexpensive- we found some in the bulk section at Rainbow for a little over $1.00 per pound.

Recipe-wise, the only thing you need to know is that it's 1 part oatmeal to 4 parts water. Bring the water to boiling, then add the oats. After 1 minute, reduce the heat and simmer on low for 1/2 hour to 45 minutes. I asked how they make their oatmeal at Jamba Juice, and the guy said they substitute some of the water with soy milk, which is yummy too! For toppings I use craisins, dried cherries, raisins, and a little bit o' brown sugar. Yum!

Unfortunately, the lengthy cooking time means I can't enjoy them during the week usually, but it's the best breakfast for a lazy Saturday morning!

Enjoy! (And, let me know what you think if you try them, or if you have already tried them!)

a makeover waiting to happen

Sometimes I find something that catches my eye...


(picture from Craigslist)


Then I scour the internets for something similar, waiting, hoping. Will it be in my price range (which my husband prefers to be zero dollars)?


For 2 months I have looked for a chair like this.

Yesterday, I walked into GW and guess what was waiting for me?



For 9.99.

I think I may have heard an angel choir singing. Or something.


I have seen quite a few of these chairs being redone- with paint and new upholstery fabric I think it could be stunning!

It is just begging for a makeover, don't you think?


P.S. It is Friday, I just got home from work, and I am making myself some coffee. In short? Life is good.

just joyful

Today I met a dear friend of mine for lunch at one of my favorite places- Panera Bread.

We had fun chatting and catching up, and it was especially fun because she and her new hubby got married just a couple of weeks before we did last summer. As we talked, I could see the joy that lit up her eyes.

I knew it immediately, because it's the same joy I see in my own eyes every day.

I have never felt more at peace, more grounded and rooted in joy in my entire life. It's like God has opened the floodgates of Heaven and just poured out blessing after blessing. My Dad wrote an email to me a week before my wedding that completely summed it up for me.

He said, "It's so much blessing, it's like trying to drink from a fire hose!"

Is my life perfect? No, most definitely not. I could rattle off a list of things that I am unhappy or concerned about now. But now is not the time for that.

Because right now, I'm just joyful.




From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

John 1:16 (NIV)