simple.just.practical.

It’s been a long time since I was in this space and I forget that I used to keep up a blog. I still read blogs daily and enjoy them so. Everything from the professional bloggers/vloggers to the average person. I may prefer the latter in my honest opinion since it feels like real life and a bit more relatable. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you the current state of our world but to say the holidays are almost upon us and there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. One of the first vaccines was administered in my town in our state today. I’m not a 100% sure I’d get this vaccine if given the opportunity but I’m thankful for the hardworking scientists and frontline workers.  It’s been an incredible 9 months. I, like everyone else in the country/world, miss my family dearly and wish I could be with them. My folks are immunocompromised and while I could visit them I would hate to inadvertently spread the virus to them. Thankfully we can video chat as they are a bit more technologically ...

After only 8 months we finally hung curtains for the basement doors. It was always on my list but we could never figure out what type of covering we wanted. We purchased the curtains and rods at Ikea. The total cost was about $40 before taxes. Not too shabby. I'm very happy with the look of it but not so much with the color of the basement walls. I'm also at a loss on how I want to use the space. We use it as a home for my rabbits and a general dumping ground for toys I guess I always envisioned it as the adult lounge space. I thought modern, swanky, wine bar. Back to reality...we don't spend too much time there as it's cold in the winter. I spied this at the local store and thought it would be a great solution. The price is reasonable, just $150 and the reviews are decent. It can be hung on the wall or placed on the stand. It adds ambiance and warmth.  I can image sipping wine here in the winter after the kids have gone to bed. I asked for one for Christmas but d...

It's been a long time since I updated. In the past 8 months or so we've settled into our new home, welcomed a new baby, and survived the first few months with two young kiddos. We've made some small progress at changing the home, nothing major though. I think the biggest and still on going project has been painting. I knocked out the most needed painting before the baby arrived. Now I cannot seem to find the time or energy to finish up the smaller areas (master bath, kids bath, and guest room). I have paint purchased for at least two of the spaces.

We finally made it into the new place after much packing and cleaning at the old place. I knew it would take a bit of time to get settled but I wish I could snap my fingers and have it done immediately. How quickly you forget how much time it took to get a place looking the way you want it... So far we've: - put up a wire fence along the split rail fence to keep the dogs and kid in - installed new dishwasher (nice stainless one we found on clearance) - hung curtains (albeit all temporary until I figure out a decor) - installed faux wood blinds in our bathroom (I mostly did this one) - assembled patio set (really just pulling the chairs out of the box and assembling the table) - installed unfinished cabinetry in laundry room One the list: - install new faucet and garbage disposal (they are in boxes waiting their turn) - assemble new natural gas grill for patio - assemble remaining two patio chairs buried in the garage - baby gates at top of stairs (to corral the kid)...

I love it when a plan comes together! We scored my dream sectional (see post below) off Craigslist for half off! The old owners bought the couch in December then moved. The sectional didn't fit well in their new (small) space so it needed to go. It's a sleeper too, bonus! We managed to grab a second truck and DH's dad to help with the move.  I cannot wait until we get it into the new house. It's living in the garage of the new house for now. I would have bought the sofa full price from the store but getting it half off can't be beat. With a kid (and another on the way) and two dogs, it's going to get more than a little beat up. I won't feel guilty for buying a new piece of furniture.

Our 10+ yr old dishes have met their end. That and the other half hates the dishes I picked out before we were married (let alone living together). We finally have a reason to chuck the stuff and try to agree on a new set. Wants: - inexpensive (what with a toddler who likes to break stuff) - modern (but not the funky shaped plates) - non bulky (i.e. fits in the dishwasher nicely) - generous bowls for cereal and soups (hate those shallow "bowls") - lightweight-ish So far I like these based solely on their good looks and cheap price but I've yet to hold them in real life. Each 16 piece set is only about $30 from Walmart.