tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53263076070571122772024-02-18T20:45:13.693-08:00Suitcase ArtNatalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-30179444022739614422012-07-16T07:15:00.000-07:002012-07-16T07:15:43.470-07:00Return from North CarolinaI've finally returned from the land of waterfalls to the land of home improvement. I traveled with my parents to visit with many members of my extended family in the mountains of North Carolina.<br />
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We spent plenty of time visiting, swimming and walking through the woods. <br />
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It took less than a day after I returned for us to tuck back into work. Richard got plenty done while I was absent, but there's always more to do. I can honestly say that I am getting more and more excited as the progress is more apparent.Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-35888269401070750622012-06-05T18:09:00.000-07:002012-06-05T18:09:00.575-07:00Found while Flea MarketingI finally got around to snapping a couple photos of my haul from Maxwell Street Days.<br />
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A rosy hankie, rhinestone necklace (that needs a new chain to fit) and a tiny majorette for a future project.<br />
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Just a small gathering of a few of the many letterpress blocks. Yes, there are more, and yes, I'm a bit ashamed to admit how many more,Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-25036472630045182312012-06-04T17:32:00.003-07:002012-06-04T17:32:23.738-07:00Tiniest GuestRichard and I went to a family cook out at his parents' house last night and we had the tiniest attendee. She tumbled down off the little garden wall and we herded her back to the safety of her nest so Wicket wouldn't get ahold of her, but that didn't stop her from peeking out!<br />
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And the roses on our arbor are just out of control! We'll need to do so much more pruning next year. And some major cleaning of the arbor.<br />
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<br /></div>Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-78869633748148163242012-05-27T18:22:00.000-07:002012-06-04T17:33:16.127-07:00Flea Market 2012 Season OpenerIn my book it is now officially summer. The flowers are blooming like crazy, it's a long memorial day weekend, and today was the very first Maxwell Street Days flea market of the year!<br />
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I journeyed solo, but met up with old friends Beth and Ben for some scourging and discovering.</div>
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I missed seeing some of my favorite booth operators, the letterpress and scrap guy as well as the couple that always have bags of used postage stamps were both absent, but there were so many new booths open that it was wonderful to see some new wares.</div>
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Had a couple of finds, but as usual only have photos of the things I left behind. I can't wait for the next flea market, and hopefully I'll have Tia to take along with me!<br />
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</div>Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-77177074056066620682012-05-24T18:09:00.000-07:002012-05-27T18:10:36.401-07:00Smelling the flowersLife has been super busy at our house lately. If we're not running in one direction, we're running in five.<br />
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After I picked up my brother-in-law Chris from the airport I was meant to drop him off and head back out to run errands... but I decided to push the errands to tomorrow and just stay home for the day.<br />
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Wicket and I spent some time in the back garden, soaking in the sunshine and enjoying the scent of lilacs and watching the peonies bloom.<br />
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Now I'm unpacking a few boxes, deciding once and for all what things stay (and putting them in their rightful places!) and what goes in the yard sale pile for June 8. It's certainly a process, but I know I'll be happy when the stack of boxes in the office diminishes and I can get some decorating done.<br />
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<br />Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-57704908221079374732012-05-19T17:19:00.000-07:002012-05-19T17:19:00.101-07:00One Year Home-versaryIt is difficult to believe that it has already been a year since we bought this house and moved right in.<br />
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It took a very long time to get to that point but now we're here and loving (nearly) every minute of making our home. There's so much left to do to this home of ours, but its been a wonderful process and simply amazing to watch the transformation. We've made a lot of steps not only to make the house more our own but to improve the house itself and to improve our own lives. <br />
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One of the biggest changes is that we're truly settling into a place instead of always waiting for the next change or the next move. I suppose this is what they refer to as nesting.<br />
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As much as I am happy always to be on the move and traveling constantly, there's something comforting about know that there's always a home base to return to, and now I've found it.Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-12849020650488645882012-05-16T17:17:00.000-07:002012-05-16T17:17:00.479-07:00BirthdaysNot only did May 10th bring my 26th birthday, but also Wicket's first birthday!<br />
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At the first vet visit when we saw that the Humane Society had listed May 10 as Wicket's birthday I decided that finding her was kismet.</div>
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Richard took me away for a little overnight trip to Green Lake, Wisconsin, where we enjoyed not just a wonderful night out but a lovely morning on the lake.</div>
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I received some ridiculously nerdy artwork from Richard. <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/posters/a42d/">Battlestar Galactica propaganda posters</a>! I'm sure most of them will be put up in the basement room once its finished, but I may try to sneak one up in the back hallway.</div>
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Chris and Tia brought over something I have forced myself to put back on the shelf every time I came across it in the store - <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/geek-kids/7-13-years/ed29/?cpg=ogpla&source=google_pla&gclid=CLDY8fXi-68CFWQDQAodUCGOFA">a duck tea infuser</a>.</div>Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-1594543917331868092012-05-14T07:32:00.002-07:002012-05-14T07:32:18.053-07:00Third Annual 100-mile Yard SaleTia and I had such a whirlwind adventure last weekend, and it was simply amazing.<br />
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It begun early Thursday morning as we set off from Milwaukee and drove straight through (with a pitstop for breakfast in Madison) to Red Wing where we met Becca for lunch. With the majority of drive behind us we made that final push to the Twin Cities where we had a few hours to explore before meeting up with more friends.<br />
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We stopped first at Ikea, both for some immediate shopping gratification and to get out of the sun for a while. It was Tia's first trip and I'm a little amazed that we both managed to stay within our small budgets! <br />
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We made a stop at the Walker Art Center (first Thursdays are free after 5 pm!) and wandered through the sculpture garden for a while. After enjoying art for a while my college friend Joey and his wife Sarah invited us over to their place for cookies and visiting until it was time for us to get to Jeff and Jennie's home. And that was just day one.<br />
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Friday was filled playing with Violet, and Jennie took Tia to one of my favorite twin city stops - <a href="http://ax-man.com/">AxMan</a> - and brought home some amazing Pad Thai for lunch.<br />
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We officially covered more ground on that Saturday than any other previous year on the 100 mile yard sale. It was amazing!<br />
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Jennie and I were able to introduce Tia to a few of our traditions, like ice cream at <a href="http://www.flatpennies.com/">Flat Pennies</a> and searching for beach glass at our super secret Mississippi River spot. And we introduced a new aspect - stopping for the night at a hotel on the route so we could hit more on the way back to the city on the second day.<br />
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Next year we're doing it again - but we're using a bigger car!Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-22456876006372211422012-05-07T08:57:00.001-07:002012-05-14T07:34:42.143-07:00return from the great yardsale weekendWe've returned from the great trip west and there is so much to say and share. But today is for recovering from those long drives, unloading the car, and getting back to work. I'm just going to settle in for a snuggle with Wicket and let the experiences sink in - I'll be back with thoughts and photographs later.Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-32903567085522506182012-05-01T19:16:00.001-07:002012-05-01T19:16:18.508-07:00Just one day and change... Minnesota here we come!I'm taking a quick break from packing to jot a little note about how excited I am about the trip Tia and I are taking out to Minnesota on Thursday.<br />
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The next few days are sure to be a whirlwind. This trip has been a long time coming and I can't believe that it seems to have crept up on me all of a sudden. But here I am writing a note to remember the excitement when I really should finish packing and getting the puppies ready to go to my parents' house while I'm at work tomorrow.<br />
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Tia and I are leaving bright and early on Thursday morning and we're planning to squeeze in a couple visits with friends and maybe even a couple of sights before getting to Jennie's home Thursday night. There is lots of visiting to be had on Friday before the real chaos of the 100-Mile Yard Sale begins. This will be the third year in a row that Jennie and I have gone out on this little excursion and I'm so glad that Tia is coming along this year!<br />
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Now, back to preparations!Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-56229843098318548252012-04-22T17:11:00.002-07:002012-04-22T17:12:39.055-07:00Building a GardenOne of the big projects we tackled recently was building a raised garden bed for vegetables.<br />
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We drafted and redrafted plans for it, figuring out how tall and how wide and how deep, and we wound up with a very tall planter - out of the reach of the little bunnies and just high enough to make gardening very easy on my back.<br />
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It was the work of a very long day, but we built, installed, filled with dirt, and planted our seedlings last Sunday.<br />
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That poor red-stemed dogwood never stood a chance. The plan next year is to build an identical planter that will nestle directly to the right of this one, and sooner or later bean trellises along the back to give a bit more (green) privacy to the fence.</div>
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<br />Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-6234202700993514722012-04-14T08:32:00.000-07:002012-04-14T08:32:09.294-07:00Progress isn't always PrettyAs promised we've really knuckled down for the last few days of spring break and here we are at the weekend already. After demolishing the large cabinet (sledgehammers are fun, but boy do my shoulders ache) Richard popped up all the terrible tiles and I came along after scooping them up. The glue removal promises to take a couple days so we'll hopefully have the floor fully prepped for painting by next weekend.<br />
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Before:<br />
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Currently:<br />
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One section of basement tile down, three more to go!<br />
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Because the weather promises to turn stormy later today and tomorrow we're going to spend as much time today outside. We're taking a break from the basement and garage work to run to the building supply store to pick up lumber and dirt for my raised vegetable garden. Here's hoping we get the bed built and filled before the rains comeNatalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-38943821977666549332012-04-12T19:32:00.001-07:002012-04-12T20:02:51.672-07:00Spring Break 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6d4FX2kYAhcwsE7pJhX4SSP-1GEeHWmQa-XqBO32GwoeCGJBsY9R-NCEOriCep2WFWM8UBHwuyGB9ugMuVr5uB42TKX5MVgDrFj6jKAn8HpLZYsX5v-mFgL-QiKRKLzdZQrvjASwec8/s1600/IMG_2169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6d4FX2kYAhcwsE7pJhX4SSP-1GEeHWmQa-XqBO32GwoeCGJBsY9R-NCEOriCep2WFWM8UBHwuyGB9ugMuVr5uB42TKX5MVgDrFj6jKAn8HpLZYsX5v-mFgL-QiKRKLzdZQrvjASwec8/s320/IMG_2169.jpg" width="239" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKYAx5IMHsJdQZmEPHqqTiy8iuRzJiqWnPhtgaFuT1Wd_0f1q5QwlKidsckGPnLt-clQnCwNkJqjYfsJvAR71EWvKgH_DUAmImaeCZcBZjyZHaOag0HA02umJ38YhoF5tq9w3DaD_tKc/s1600/IMG_2160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKYAx5IMHsJdQZmEPHqqTiy8iuRzJiqWnPhtgaFuT1Wd_0f1q5QwlKidsckGPnLt-clQnCwNkJqjYfsJvAR71EWvKgH_DUAmImaeCZcBZjyZHaOag0HA02umJ38YhoF5tq9w3DaD_tKc/s320/IMG_2160.jpg" width="239" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></div><br />
We did have a really wonderful trip. Wicket met her cousin Diego, and we're pretty sure she didn't even tease him about his lack of hair. We visited everyone's favorite restaurants to enjoy good food and conversation, went on a walk through the Arboretum, and even hit up a few Goodwill Thrifts. It's a little sad to know that Bob and Tim will be leaving Kentucky soon, but we hope they like their new home in New England and can't wait to schedule a time to visit them out there. Wicket did fairly well on her first long car trip, but she had to check up on us from the back seat every so often just to be sure Richard was doing a good job of driving.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4Q4Hcp4RoWWwA2iiUGRAf91Xt43HX-1vb5yrGgZrx5KhGUu-AcnI7GJGkyjpx8sNICsVR4cWGusAmFd5o34UHYkZQRmeYVuv71yFKZiOpxIcIbrHP14S0FtKaJEUmtCkGZp2MXuYcvk/s1600/IMG_2186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4Q4Hcp4RoWWwA2iiUGRAf91Xt43HX-1vb5yrGgZrx5KhGUu-AcnI7GJGkyjpx8sNICsVR4cWGusAmFd5o34UHYkZQRmeYVuv71yFKZiOpxIcIbrHP14S0FtKaJEUmtCkGZp2MXuYcvk/s320/IMG_2186.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And so we've returned from our little jaunt down to Lexington to visit Uncle Bob and Uncle Tim and have a relaxing beginning to our spring break but now that we're back we're diving straight into work. Today while I was taking my charges on walks through their new neighborhood park and playing a game of Monopoly Richard tackled the task of demolishing more of the basement in what should soon be a store room.<br />
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After dinner we were able to spend a couple hours around the fire pit in the yard to burn the wood scraps that resulted from said basement demolition, but we have plenty to last us through a summer of bon fires. While we enjoyed chatting around the fire I was able to knock down more of the still unidentified shrub that stands in the way of my vegetable garden and cut it into burnable/compostable pieces. There's still a lot of work yet to do in the yard before the garden goes in and hopefully the weather complies over the next couple days.Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-79713421468532454612012-04-01T07:55:00.001-07:002012-04-01T07:55:49.532-07:00Happy Birthday Jennie!Today is the birthday of one of my very best friends.<br />
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Since she's moved across the state I'm only able to see her a couple times a year, but I look forward to those visits all year long. I cannot wait to see her a month from now, and meet the new little baby girl who came into her family this year.<br />
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Happy Birthday Jennie, I love you with all my heart!Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-29579794008729237492012-03-30T20:23:00.000-07:002012-03-30T20:23:57.877-07:00Dreary Spring Days and Garden PlansToday was a dreary and rainy sort of spring day, so despite not having to work or run errands I didn't get out in the yard as I had planned. I did make a dent in the chaos that we call the office and the usual household chores, but I can't wait to get back into that yard and get working on the garden.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-p9jFBS0dhrlwVnHYSkW16D-18zhZUsxd4sfsnv3Flh69BKxhlb3UkYY9X9wAi9kEd6FIMko4kIyNtjUH18PX436wthzwwhMA41uR4G-RVDGDpoJsg9TcIGAyKieuki4_BZDe9stazY/s1600/IMG_2150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-p9jFBS0dhrlwVnHYSkW16D-18zhZUsxd4sfsnv3Flh69BKxhlb3UkYY9X9wAi9kEd6FIMko4kIyNtjUH18PX436wthzwwhMA41uR4G-RVDGDpoJsg9TcIGAyKieuki4_BZDe9stazY/s320/IMG_2150.JPG" width="320" /></a>Tomorrow I judge my last Forensics tournament of the 2012 season and I'm sorry to see the season end so soon. But I do look forward to knowing that (for the most part) my Saturdays will be mine again.<br />
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Richard has put a seed tray to start seedlings in his window at school where they will receive lots of sun to get them ready for the vegetable garden and the front flower beds. The photo is from last week and while I haven't seen any more progress Richard promises that a few of them already need transplanting. I'll start some of the herbs soon and send them over for the same care.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4qbom6WaEFs8T1uucc3NCVj_rSPn1AI5wKROpHOAUDj2cr63xHqVgkSExxS2-sq60TM1onLjR5Py-Cs9glzrdtn8_68udMSMBCXPTGGl6fl6IZ-fowsGdd8Pq2vxwkEST8fm8QxFe2I/s1600/IMG_2148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4qbom6WaEFs8T1uucc3NCVj_rSPn1AI5wKROpHOAUDj2cr63xHqVgkSExxS2-sq60TM1onLjR5Py-Cs9glzrdtn8_68udMSMBCXPTGGl6fl6IZ-fowsGdd8Pq2vxwkEST8fm8QxFe2I/s320/IMG_2148.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>While we were in the yard yesterday Wicket discovered that sticks are for both fetching and chewing. She proceeded to bring that exact stick into the breezeway each time we returned from playing fetch in the yard, and that's where is resides even now. There is no doubt she has claimed that stick as her own.<br />
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Speaking of spring, one of the perks of Richard's teaching job is looking forward to spring break. We're taking just a few days to visit family out-of-state before returning for what is sure to be more yard work, basement work, and just work in general. It'll be Wicket's first real road trip as the furthest she's been before was to Madison and Oshkosh. She's a trouper though, and we can't wait to see her meet Diego, her canine cousin of the Mexican hairless variety. Does anyone else look forward to spring break as much as we do? Or is that a feeling reserved for students and those that teach? Either way, I hope everyone's gearing up for what looks to be a beautiful spring.Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-12601468128665050752012-03-27T06:02:00.000-07:002012-03-27T06:02:43.275-07:00Spring Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRG3t_J0uD4hYKHrVstaTEpkQkjMvDxlC0ORaHWAecHKB7-2AaMW3emAgZgtQ2rIIXJ0xzTa-Cxxh5i5tBu4Z6gbEK33B4eMCHFnd71QZ3P5LQbTTS69_2qKBWXO9CKiShg-RLKBHf4A/s1600/IMG_2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRG3t_J0uD4hYKHrVstaTEpkQkjMvDxlC0ORaHWAecHKB7-2AaMW3emAgZgtQ2rIIXJ0xzTa-Cxxh5i5tBu4Z6gbEK33B4eMCHFnd71QZ3P5LQbTTS69_2qKBWXO9CKiShg-RLKBHf4A/s400/IMG_2113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Sunday was a really georgous day weather wise. Everything is in bloom and the sun was shining and it was just cool enough to wear a light jacket to protect my arms while I pruned the roses. It was so nice that we spent the better part of the day working in the yard. There are a lot of things I need to learn how to care for in our little outdoor space, like the blackberry bushes and the peonies.<br />
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We're taking out two trees (dead from rot) and three unidentified red bushes that take up more space than necessary and are in the way of my future vegetable garden. We're still trying to find a way to transplant the apple tree from the back garden to my parents' home because its trying to get into our foundation where it is now.<br />
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We installed one of our rain barrels last week and the recent spring rains had it filled to the brim. Richard came home with a second rain barrel on Saturday night from the German Immersion Foundation dinner and silent auction. It's blue and covered in red and white handprints from the kids who painted it.<br />
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The night ended cooler than expected as we gathered with Richard's parents and grandfather around a fire fed by old cabinet pieces. It didn't take long before we retired indoors for some hot cocoa before everyone went home.Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-18876165843774009812012-03-15T09:43:00.000-07:002012-05-14T07:38:26.480-07:00Weekly Goals UpdatedDespite no longer posting my weekly goals on the blog I have been able to keep up with them. Which I think is saying something since we're already into March and I'm still going strong.<br />
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One of the things I've gotten back to doing is keeping all my lists in one place. Not only do I make one primary list of the big things I hope to accomplish that week but everyday I have a list of all the little things I need to accomplish for the day. I don't use any fancy planners or anything, just a small notebook (<a href="http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/150351/Five-Star-Notebook-5-x-7/">this one if you're curious</a>) that's easy to tote around so I can write things down whenever I think of them.<br />
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I've found it really helps me to write down even the littlest chore for each day as a simple reminder that there are things to be done. And putting a box at the beginning of each task to check off when I'm done not only helps me keep track of what's left to do but keeps me motivated to keep checking off the tasks.Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-5129967845103957902012-03-09T17:37:00.001-08:002012-03-14T14:59:15.738-07:00Lovely Days and Last Minute PlansToday was just a lovely day. Wicket and I took a nice stroll through the neighborhood enjoying the sun and the ever so slight warmth. Later I met up with my father for lunch and after we were done I walked over to the Apple store to say hello to our old neighbor Tom before going home. I had the fortune to walk in just before he started his lunch break so I got to spend a whole hour chatting with him before he had to go back to work and I had to come home.<br />
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It's just so nice when a really nice day comes out of last minute plans and sunny mornings.Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-47419836325863433542012-02-24T13:50:00.002-08:002012-03-04T18:49:07.204-08:00Snow DayThe snow really piled up last night, so Wicket and I ventured into the yard for some snow adventures.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqshfq3QTseArvr1lx-yEhW56rdMkNXDRovuqBpcSAt20vXtp8rIX9zOmQ23petXFPD2Oqns8FYktp9BlWWlQ12LmNkpvmAzpikHpXeLRegk8yIiNXSDh2vJxRAHkquqHkr7x21z3UHY/s1600/IMG_4843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqshfq3QTseArvr1lx-yEhW56rdMkNXDRovuqBpcSAt20vXtp8rIX9zOmQ23petXFPD2Oqns8FYktp9BlWWlQ12LmNkpvmAzpikHpXeLRegk8yIiNXSDh2vJxRAHkquqHkr7x21z3UHY/s640/IMG_4843.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was some searching for bunnies...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69CTiYIv65BIvPNrM7nvIGr7iq9CFv9jFn3WRH1k-bPYUN9uDcmseYKCeZTdvpgHysQEQkPU3IonMB287eP02UAP7NvcWETwYgYz_CI9G9nB7dKpZDCehJ9IucYSVgn1zQVIx-iZcOR4/s1600/IMG_4805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69CTiYIv65BIvPNrM7nvIGr7iq9CFv9jFn3WRH1k-bPYUN9uDcmseYKCeZTdvpgHysQEQkPU3IonMB287eP02UAP7NvcWETwYgYz_CI9G9nB7dKpZDCehJ9IucYSVgn1zQVIx-iZcOR4/s640/IMG_4805.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and some bouncing around...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx11rCLWw4Y3vUdApCcavvCEeYFJDPTXjB79qGggi1_efHRwkTDowGaQ72wFevZ5r4RaEZ9cK7wemNYuI5fil__1yqhUXTJQ9ttq2TYlXJ_FodYkHChhR2c5AnmCu-xwdf7qLY4j28jA/s1600/IMG_4812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx11rCLWw4Y3vUdApCcavvCEeYFJDPTXjB79qGggi1_efHRwkTDowGaQ72wFevZ5r4RaEZ9cK7wemNYuI5fil__1yqhUXTJQ9ttq2TYlXJ_FodYkHChhR2c5AnmCu-xwdf7qLY4j28jA/s640/IMG_4812.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and then there was this. Whatever this is.</div>Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-49844938318101036232012-02-21T07:24:00.000-08:002012-02-21T07:24:30.939-08:00Making new MealsIt has been very easy with all the moving and kitchen renovation to get into the habit of making quick and easy meals. We frequently find ourselves falling back on meals that don't have to be thought about much and that we're practiced in making, but at least I haven't used a packet of ramen for any recipe in years.<br />
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Now that things are (mostly) settled and the kitchen is (mostly) done we're attempting to branch out. In the last few weeks we've been making the effort to try making new, albeit relatively easy, meals that build off what we already have and what we already know. We've already tried <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71494712804194278/">Slow Cooker Orange Chicken</a> and <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71494712804346793/">Mongolian Beef</a>, and both of those dishes were big hits.<br />
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Today I'm making <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71494712804318988/">Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Chicken</a> and attempting to use the <a href="http://simplyhealthyfam.blogspot.com/2010/05/shredded-chicken-bbq-sandwiches.html">Kitchen Aid</a> tip for shredding the chicken. And later this week we're trying <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/07/slow-cooker-sweet-and-spicy-bbq-pot-roast.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+melskitchencafe%2FNvNP+%28Mel%27s+Kitchen+Cafe%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Pot Roast</a> from <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/">Mel's Kitchen Cafe</a> using some of Richard's venison roasts.<br />
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Now if I'd just convince myself to invest in a food processor my olive tapenade would come out looking as delicious as it tastes, but one step at a time I suppose.Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-21375769243596809542012-02-19T18:11:00.001-08:002012-03-04T18:55:32.471-08:00Puppy Love and Basement UpdatesThe last couple weeks have been rather hectic. While my parents were out of town we took care of their dog Daisy, and the first couple days of her and Wicket adjusting to one another's company were a bit tense, but they're better friends now.<br />
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With the extra puppy around time has been tight, and schedule has been packed, but we've been working on the basement. Richard removed a lot of the tiles from the floor and then removed the glue from that strip so that he and his dad could frame the new wall on Saturday while I was away judging a Forensics tournament. Photo is pre wall building.<br />
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Sometimes it feels a bit congested trying to schedule home improvement projects with the regular every day chores of the household. But there's always that sense of accomplishment when a big project is finally done, and this basement is one really big project. Thankfully we've broken it down into four smaller "chunks" so we can finish one before moving onto the next, plus we've had lots of puppy love to see us through.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PsO0MYOOsr4Bf4Kg6VOYPUrhHEnNkIzEk-bhAJdPHJYhy105aiSDHpYdHHYKvL40tXRKwXGcXwqcgGki1pgJeudVjLc3J69-_1LUhhdiFC3EYDlKpg38j6YoU3l5Uu8cR6KQ_3HZQLY/s1600/IMG_1951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PsO0MYOOsr4Bf4Kg6VOYPUrhHEnNkIzEk-bhAJdPHJYhy105aiSDHpYdHHYKvL40tXRKwXGcXwqcgGki1pgJeudVjLc3J69-_1LUhhdiFC3EYDlKpg38j6YoU3l5Uu8cR6KQ_3HZQLY/s400/IMG_1951.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-90546146985050937852012-02-06T10:52:00.000-08:002012-02-06T10:52:58.891-08:00Vitacost.com Free $10 coupon from referralI've gotta admit I really love freebies. I was perusing some of my favorite freebie blogs this morning while I'm in bed sick and there's not much else to do, and I managed to come across a real gem.<br />
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I'm trying out <a href="https://www.vitacost.com/MyAccount/CreateAccount.aspx?wlsrc=rsReferral&ReferralActionId=784000068792">Vitacost.com</a> which offers lots of health care items at discounted prices (including my favorites from Burt's Bees) with standard shipping starting at $4.99. If you spend more than $49 the shipping is free.<br />
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Right now (though April 6th) if you sign up through my <a href="https://www.vitacost.com/MyAccount/CreateAccount.aspx?wlsrc=rsReferral&ReferralActionId=784000068792">referral link</a> not only do you get a free $10 coupon to use on the site, but I get one too. So take a look, and see if its something you would use and if it is please consider signing up through my <a href="https://www.vitacost.com/MyAccount/CreateAccount.aspx?wlsrc=rsReferral&ReferralActionId=784000068792">link</a>.Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-71881168777916963942012-02-02T20:04:00.001-08:002012-03-04T18:56:06.912-08:00Butterfly WingsThis week has been a little sparse on eventful things, rather the time has been filled with going to work and working at home and walking through the neighborhood with Wicket.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvfofF3q9L5jhGJT-zwWFHhW1mvHrD3swmpllQ9-ZbimN8raeolSOkJQzuHvqnPW879cy7EmcPYjPNPBWTIFuAq9N76eED6sQSidBwwmt8do9qd8dFcdpJLF5aYNnOonwUpHlVkwUpz0/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvfofF3q9L5jhGJT-zwWFHhW1mvHrD3swmpllQ9-ZbimN8raeolSOkJQzuHvqnPW879cy7EmcPYjPNPBWTIFuAq9N76eED6sQSidBwwmt8do9qd8dFcdpJLF5aYNnOonwUpHlVkwUpz0/s400/IMG_1915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Miss H did refuse to remove the butterfly wings all day on Wednesday, and I had to wait until she was down for her nap before I got them off. It was actually quite adorable.<br />
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I do get to spend the afternoon with my Mom tomorrow, and on Saturday I'll judge my first Forensics meet while Richard spends time with his friends and Wicket has a play-date with Buddy, one of her many partners in crime. Besides all these plans we hope to make a run to the hardware store this weekend for some supplies and get started on the basement, and I'm hoping to unpack just a couple more boxes. I'm not sure if I say it enough, but as much work as this house is I really love making it into our home.Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-2023572600989536522012-01-29T13:39:00.000-08:002012-01-29T13:39:00.113-08:002012 Week Five Goals<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Reading: A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin. Page 400.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">House: Finish organizing the office and designate a space to set up the light box. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Creative: more stamp projects!</span></div>Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5326307607057112277.post-60955867410579777492012-01-28T09:50:00.000-08:002012-01-28T09:50:38.722-08:00This week and more...Well I didn't make it to any more thrift stores this week but for good reason, and after all there's always next week. Yesterday I dropped by my parents' house before running my errands and ended up taking my Mom with me which made all the errands that much more enjoyable.<br />
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When we were done our friend Marilyn swung by since she was in the neighborhood and we had a nice visit before I had to run home to let Wicket out and spend a couple hours with Richard before he headed back to work to chaperone the middle school dance. When Richard left for work I scooped up Wicket and the two of us spent the evening with my parents and their dog Daisy. It was a lovely end to a busy week.<br />
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I'm only halfway to my page goal in my book this week, but I have to work this evening so I'm hoping to read a bit after I get the girls to bed. And I certainly made good use of my new stamp pot for my project this week, and I can't wait to do more.Natalie Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05416732509615399219noreply@blogger.com0