My first blog failed. I attempted too much and ended up giving up altogether. I was trying to post my monthly menus with links to all recipes, and then do a detailed "how to" post for each recipe, including pictures. After a week I discovered it was WAY too time consuming and abandoned it.
I also don't always have a monthly menu. While Jason was away for 6 months, I didn't make any menus. We ate a lot of PB&J, eggs for dinner, and ate out. Being pregnant and packing up a house at the same time just didn't inspire me to cook as much as I usually try to.
Since we got settled in in Colorado, I have been trying to at least come up with a weekly menu. The commissary is close, but not so close that I want to run out and pick up a missing ingredient. I also wasn't shopping at the commissary initially, but I've discovered it saves us between $20 and $40 a week on groceries, so I'll make the hike.
I got inspired over the weekend and dug up last year's September menu- that really made the process quicker, though I had to sub out some recipes that weren't hits- and take out some vegetarian meals since Jason has expressed that he prefers meat at every meal (too bad- we're eating meatless at least once a week).
So here's my menu plan for the next four weeks, sorry links not included.
Week 1
Rotisserie Chicken with Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Steamed Green Beans
Chicken Taco Soup with Home-made cornbread
Kung Pow Chicken over Jasmine Rice
Beef Stroganoff and Oven-Roasted Zuchinni
Lemon Garlic Tilapia over Quinoa, with Steamed Broccoli
Week 2
Shrimp Pad Thai
Chicken Fajitas
Sausage, Lentil and Kale Soup w/ French Bread
Pan-seared Pork with Potatoes and Lemon, with a side of Shredded Brussels Sprouts and almonds.
Veggie Calzones (providing I can find refridgerated pizza dough)
Week 3
Bacon and Broccoli Quiche
Turkey Spaghetti w/ mixed veggies
Pork and Green Bean Stir-Fry over Jasmine Rice
Tilapia Tacos w/ fresh salsa and guacamole
Granny's Veggie Chili and home-made cornbread
Week 4
Lentil Soup with Sourdough croutons
Keema curry w/ naan
Red-wine marinated steak with roasted root vegetables and potatoes
Stir-fried ginger chicken w/ rice
Baked pork schnitzel w/ white wine and lemon sauce, with roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes
I plan 5 menus a week to account for the fact that at least 1 night we are going to eat leftovers, and 1 night I demand to be taken out. I saw an apron at Salvation Army that said something to the extent of, "A wife who cooks and cleans deserves many thanks and dinner out once a week." But the apron version rhymed and I cannot for the life of me remember what it was- or I'd paint it on my kitchen wall. I can't agree more. At least one night a week I go on strike and refuse to even microwave anything- because there are still dished to be cleaned, tables to be wiped, and floors to be swept after a leftover dinner.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Dining Room/Front Room
After Dominic's room, the dinning room and front room (so called because it doesn't really have a function) were the next thing I tackled. This is kind of an awkward space since it it is long and skinny, and has a weird beam running straight across it. My first thought was that the beam just looked so out of place and awkward- especially since it was the same color as everything else.
This room isn't really "done" yet. I still need to line the curtains (table clothes from Target) find a corner hutch for my wine glasses and liquor, and figure out what I'm putting in that front room area. I keep hoping to find two matching wingback chairs that I can re-upholster, and I'm also hoping that when my Grandparents move, they won't have room for their piano and I'll be forced to take it off their hands. Oh- and I want to paint that brassy chandelier- but I can't decide on white or oil-rubbed bronze. Any thoughts?
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| Before-From Front Door |
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| After- From Front Door |
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| Before- From Dining Room |
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| After- From Dining Room |
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| Stairwell seating area- where the piano or wingback chairs would go |
Monday, September 13, 2010
Dominic's Room
When I arrived in Colorado, I expected my shipment to be right behind me. However, because of the wonders of military shipping, it was diverted all over the country before it actually made to my doorstep, 6 days after the date I had initially been told. I had arranged for Dominic to spend the week with his grandparents so he wouldn't have to be caught up in the moving of furniture and unpacking, and so that he could arrive at his new house with his new room set up with all his things. It was just not to be.
But, since I had a week off of work (no internet access or desk yet- so I didn't have the option to return early) and nothing to clutter up the house- I decided to make the most of the situation and paint! I choose Dominic's room first for 2 reasons: 1) he would have the hardest time with the transition and 2) he has the most furniture of any room in the house- no kidding.
First a word about the general condition of the house. It was in pretty good shape- decent carpet, everything works, etc, but every wall and ceiling was the exact same color of off-white, and all the trim was this really beat-up "foak" color that had been sealed with something so shiny, you could not longer tell it was real wood and not plastic.
Eventually, all that plastic-wood will be painted white, but I'm taking it one room at at time- that's about all I can manage these days. Dominic's room got the white trim treatment, and 2 coats of "Spa" blue by Olympic. I picked Olympic because it has Zero VOCs- even the colors. Without further ado- I give you Dominic's room with it's new color, decorations, and furniture (all painted by me, btw). I have not given you a shot of his closet though- as I have yet to re-hang the doors. I need Jason's help, and I've only been asking for about a month- so it's should only be another 2 months before it actually gets done.
I didn't take a picture of his other bookshelf and the "Goodnight Moon" lithograph- it was too close to the undoored closet. I'm also not one for staging a photo. What you see is pretty much what his room looks like on any given day- wires showing, bed slightly rumpled, etc. Did I mention I also made his quilt? I am pretty proud of the fact that his toys are picked up everyday and not allowed to get out of control, now if only we could institute the same policy for our kitchen bar!
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| Dom's Room Before |
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| Dom's Room Before |
First a word about the general condition of the house. It was in pretty good shape- decent carpet, everything works, etc, but every wall and ceiling was the exact same color of off-white, and all the trim was this really beat-up "foak" color that had been sealed with something so shiny, you could not longer tell it was real wood and not plastic.
Eventually, all that plastic-wood will be painted white, but I'm taking it one room at at time- that's about all I can manage these days. Dominic's room got the white trim treatment, and 2 coats of "Spa" blue by Olympic. I picked Olympic because it has Zero VOCs- even the colors. Without further ado- I give you Dominic's room with it's new color, decorations, and furniture (all painted by me, btw). I have not given you a shot of his closet though- as I have yet to re-hang the doors. I need Jason's help, and I've only been asking for about a month- so it's should only be another 2 months before it actually gets done.
I didn't take a picture of his other bookshelf and the "Goodnight Moon" lithograph- it was too close to the undoored closet. I'm also not one for staging a photo. What you see is pretty much what his room looks like on any given day- wires showing, bed slightly rumpled, etc. Did I mention I also made his quilt? I am pretty proud of the fact that his toys are picked up everyday and not allowed to get out of control, now if only we could institute the same policy for our kitchen bar!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Itchin' for some Thriftin' (why I'm completely insane)
Hi, my name is Erin and I'm completely incapable of making realistic evaluations of what I can and cannot take on. For instance, I am whining (just a little bit, and mostly in my own head) about the fact that the next two weekends because I'll be away from home. This means that my regular cleaning has to get done some time else, but most importantly, I don't have time for projects. I really want to go to this flea market with my friend Sheena (even though I don't really NEED anything right now) and check out what's there.
What am I hoping to find? Well, I'm thinking it would be great to find a wine cabinet (that could potentially hold liquor and our wine glasses that are still in the box from our wedding). I also want some cool frames that I can turn into chalk and cork boards around the house. I'd love some floating shelves for the kitchen, some more bookcases, a rocker glider, a better desk, a futon, and a pair of wing back chairs, and some chandeliers to replace the hideous brass fixtures in the dining room and kitchen. Also, a porch swing and maybe some cool pots so I can liven up our entry way next year. I wouldn't be opposed to finding some nice fall decorations either.
Okay, maybe that doesn't sound too crazy- but keep in mind that anything I buy I will probably end up painting or refinishing is someway- and I'm 6 months pregnant with a 3-year old and a puppy. And a husband- he needs looking after too. Plus, I already have the promise of a desk and a rocker glider from my grandparents, if I can just find the time to drive up to their mountain house and get them. I also could just paint the ugly chandeliers with blogland's favorite ORB (oil-rubbed bronze) spray paint. That's actually what is most likely to happen. I'd like to get a futon so we can sleep a few more guests- right now we have twin with a trundle- and that's not so very nice for couples because even though I CAN make a king from it, there tends to be a huge gap in the middle. Plus it would be nice to have a futon in my office.
And all of this is on top of the projects I'm already trying to complete. I've got a lap quilt I've been working on for 8 years (yes, it takes me that long) and it's coming close to being finished. I've also purchased a lot of fabric to sew my own crib sheets and bedding for little Darcy Rose (all rose-themed of course), and I still need to repaint the crib and the yard-sale dresser I have for her room. Plus I'm planning on painting her room (along with all the trim) before she arrives, and I'd like to finish the living room down stairs and the hallway upstairs too. Preferrably the room painting will get done prior to my parents arrival on Sept. 23rd- yipes! I'm not sure I'm going to get the three bathrooms, laundry room, office, or master bedroom done before December. The painting seems a lot harder now than it did a few months ago, and crawling around on the floor to do trim and cut in means I can barely stand up straight the next day.
Le sigh. I'm ready to not be pregnant anymore, and I still have 15 weeks left! In fact, I'm so ready I'm even fantasizing about running again. I've downloaded a cool app to my iPhone for a 10k training program, still determined to do the Bolder Boulder next Memorial day. Potential start date is Jan. 31st- as long as I've been cleared by a doctor. I figure that's about 6 weeks after delivery and any stiches/staples/what-have-you should be healed. No need for a baby weight loss plan- I'll be running and breastfeeding- so if that doesn't do it, nothing will. Thanks for reading my ramblings if you made it this far, the next post will contain some house pictures, I promise!
What am I hoping to find? Well, I'm thinking it would be great to find a wine cabinet (that could potentially hold liquor and our wine glasses that are still in the box from our wedding). I also want some cool frames that I can turn into chalk and cork boards around the house. I'd love some floating shelves for the kitchen, some more bookcases, a rocker glider, a better desk, a futon, and a pair of wing back chairs, and some chandeliers to replace the hideous brass fixtures in the dining room and kitchen. Also, a porch swing and maybe some cool pots so I can liven up our entry way next year. I wouldn't be opposed to finding some nice fall decorations either.
Okay, maybe that doesn't sound too crazy- but keep in mind that anything I buy I will probably end up painting or refinishing is someway- and I'm 6 months pregnant with a 3-year old and a puppy. And a husband- he needs looking after too. Plus, I already have the promise of a desk and a rocker glider from my grandparents, if I can just find the time to drive up to their mountain house and get them. I also could just paint the ugly chandeliers with blogland's favorite ORB (oil-rubbed bronze) spray paint. That's actually what is most likely to happen. I'd like to get a futon so we can sleep a few more guests- right now we have twin with a trundle- and that's not so very nice for couples because even though I CAN make a king from it, there tends to be a huge gap in the middle. Plus it would be nice to have a futon in my office.
And all of this is on top of the projects I'm already trying to complete. I've got a lap quilt I've been working on for 8 years (yes, it takes me that long) and it's coming close to being finished. I've also purchased a lot of fabric to sew my own crib sheets and bedding for little Darcy Rose (all rose-themed of course), and I still need to repaint the crib and the yard-sale dresser I have for her room. Plus I'm planning on painting her room (along with all the trim) before she arrives, and I'd like to finish the living room down stairs and the hallway upstairs too. Preferrably the room painting will get done prior to my parents arrival on Sept. 23rd- yipes! I'm not sure I'm going to get the three bathrooms, laundry room, office, or master bedroom done before December. The painting seems a lot harder now than it did a few months ago, and crawling around on the floor to do trim and cut in means I can barely stand up straight the next day.
Le sigh. I'm ready to not be pregnant anymore, and I still have 15 weeks left! In fact, I'm so ready I'm even fantasizing about running again. I've downloaded a cool app to my iPhone for a 10k training program, still determined to do the Bolder Boulder next Memorial day. Potential start date is Jan. 31st- as long as I've been cleared by a doctor. I figure that's about 6 weeks after delivery and any stiches/staples/what-have-you should be healed. No need for a baby weight loss plan- I'll be running and breastfeeding- so if that doesn't do it, nothing will. Thanks for reading my ramblings if you made it this far, the next post will contain some house pictures, I promise!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Transition Sucks
Well all, I'm back. I've survived a huge move without my hubby, while in my first trimester, with a temperamental 3-year old. Of course, I had help. My wonderful father-in-law flew out to Virginia just to spend 3 days in a car with Dominic and I, and then my in-laws kept Dominic for a week so I could "move-in" without him. Unfortunately, my shipment arrived 6 days later than originally anticipated, so Dominic was back with me by the time I actually got to do any unpacking.
But the week of no stuff and no Dom gave me a chance to start painting (and I mean start, there is still SOO much to do) and to get some things squared away. I will post before and afters as I finish rooms. Dominic's is almost done, I just have to finish and rehang his closet doors and get some of his decorations up on the wall.
I also got a chance to tour the school that Dom is attending while he was up with his grandparents. It seems very nice and had a philosophy of learning that both Jason and I embrace, but it is the source of my tears this morning. We LOVED Reston Children's Center where Dominic went from the time he was 10 months old to just three weeks ago. Dominic knew and loved the teachers, and they reciprocated in a way that you don't expect from a facility serving so many different children. It was very hard to leave it, and I've already shed many tears over that.
Dominic started his new school last week and seemed to do fine. He was a bit clingy in the morning, but there were no tears. His teacher reported that he was transitioning well and I was pretty pleased. Well, pulling up this morning Dom says, "I don't think I like this school. I think I just want to be with you all day, Mommy." As soon as we stopped he unbuckled himself and went to hide in the back seat. I had to tell him I would sit with him a bit before he would come out.
So we went inside and I sat with him in his class room, just hugging, for a few minutes until he was ready to go join the rest of the children who arrive early. Then I helped him find a toy, lay out his mat, and gave him another big long hug. But he wouldn't let go. When I left, he wasn't shrieking or being hysterical, just quietly sobbing into the neck of the teacher. It was heart wrenching and I barely made it to my car before my own sobs erupted. Maybe it's the hormones, but this morning was especially hard.
I'm sure that part of Dominic's sadness has to do with the many, many goodbyes and transitions lately. First, with his dad going off to training, and it being more than 5 weeks since we last saw him. Then leaving VA, then leaving his grandparents and favorite uncle in Greeley. We also had my brother and sister-in-law here for a whirlwind trip of 4 days and my parents here for 6 days. We had to say goodbye to them at the airport yesterday. I imagine that Dominic is feeling pretty insecure, and I am the one constant through this whole transition. Hopefully things will improve next week when Jason finally comes home. Sunday can't come soon enough.
Now off to work, the whole reason why I have to send Dominic anywhere in the first place.
But the week of no stuff and no Dom gave me a chance to start painting (and I mean start, there is still SOO much to do) and to get some things squared away. I will post before and afters as I finish rooms. Dominic's is almost done, I just have to finish and rehang his closet doors and get some of his decorations up on the wall.
I also got a chance to tour the school that Dom is attending while he was up with his grandparents. It seems very nice and had a philosophy of learning that both Jason and I embrace, but it is the source of my tears this morning. We LOVED Reston Children's Center where Dominic went from the time he was 10 months old to just three weeks ago. Dominic knew and loved the teachers, and they reciprocated in a way that you don't expect from a facility serving so many different children. It was very hard to leave it, and I've already shed many tears over that.
Dominic started his new school last week and seemed to do fine. He was a bit clingy in the morning, but there were no tears. His teacher reported that he was transitioning well and I was pretty pleased. Well, pulling up this morning Dom says, "I don't think I like this school. I think I just want to be with you all day, Mommy." As soon as we stopped he unbuckled himself and went to hide in the back seat. I had to tell him I would sit with him a bit before he would come out.
So we went inside and I sat with him in his class room, just hugging, for a few minutes until he was ready to go join the rest of the children who arrive early. Then I helped him find a toy, lay out his mat, and gave him another big long hug. But he wouldn't let go. When I left, he wasn't shrieking or being hysterical, just quietly sobbing into the neck of the teacher. It was heart wrenching and I barely made it to my car before my own sobs erupted. Maybe it's the hormones, but this morning was especially hard.
I'm sure that part of Dominic's sadness has to do with the many, many goodbyes and transitions lately. First, with his dad going off to training, and it being more than 5 weeks since we last saw him. Then leaving VA, then leaving his grandparents and favorite uncle in Greeley. We also had my brother and sister-in-law here for a whirlwind trip of 4 days and my parents here for 6 days. We had to say goodbye to them at the airport yesterday. I imagine that Dominic is feeling pretty insecure, and I am the one constant through this whole transition. Hopefully things will improve next week when Jason finally comes home. Sunday can't come soon enough.
Now off to work, the whole reason why I have to send Dominic anywhere in the first place.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
All Quiet on the Eastern Front
I haven't been blogging as much as I've been meaning to, but I hope that will be forgiven considering my current status as a single-mom trying to get ready for a move while also preparing to be out from my extremely demanding job for two weeks.
Since my last post I've managed to accomplish many things. I have now notified all my utilities that they should be turned off, and I've arranged to have internet connected at the new house the day I arrive (yeah, I can't live without my internet). Thankfully all the other utilities for my new house are on and all I have to do upon arrival is switch them to my name. I've finished de-cluttering the house, except the fridge (top and inside) which will be done this weekend when I officially start eating out 3 meals a day (can you see my butt getting bigger?). I've also patched and touched up every nail hole in the house and had a walk-through with our moving company.
With some of these more onerous tasks done, I'm looking forward to the weekend. On Saturday, I'll get to see my aunt, cousin, and grandparents at my cousin's bridal shower. My family is probably the single most important thing in my life, so I'm so grateful I have the opportunity to say goodbye to at least part of the East Coast clan. I'll be with my grandparents much much more in Colorado, and that will be wonderful.
This post is getting long, but let me just take a moment to talk about how much my grandparents mean to me. Grandfather has always been a supporter and encourager of my sometimes wild imagination. For years he encouraged me to pursue writing and become a published author like he is. I think my writing may be a bit different, but I have a dream to write a series of children's novels, something I've been harboring since I was about 12. LONG before Harry Potter, I dreamed up many magical worlds that are somewhere between Narnia and the wizarding world of the Potter series. Grandfather, you may see me published yet. And Grandmother. Well, if there was ever a more gentle, stubborn, loving, and determined person, I haven't met them. My grandmother taught me to quilt, and basically gave me my entire stash of fabrics when she was "cleaning" out hers. She also taught me to drive (or tried to) the summer before I went to college. I remember taking a right turn at the bottom of a hill WAY too fast and swinging all the way over into the left lane and on-coming traffic. She didn't scream, didn't clutch at me, she simply said, "Erin get back into the right lane as quickly as possible." I can't wait to be near you again.
Okay, now I forgot where I as going with this post, so I'll wrap up. I'm excited to get going and to be so close to some family I haven't seen much in the last five years.
Since my last post I've managed to accomplish many things. I have now notified all my utilities that they should be turned off, and I've arranged to have internet connected at the new house the day I arrive (yeah, I can't live without my internet). Thankfully all the other utilities for my new house are on and all I have to do upon arrival is switch them to my name. I've finished de-cluttering the house, except the fridge (top and inside) which will be done this weekend when I officially start eating out 3 meals a day (can you see my butt getting bigger?). I've also patched and touched up every nail hole in the house and had a walk-through with our moving company.
With some of these more onerous tasks done, I'm looking forward to the weekend. On Saturday, I'll get to see my aunt, cousin, and grandparents at my cousin's bridal shower. My family is probably the single most important thing in my life, so I'm so grateful I have the opportunity to say goodbye to at least part of the East Coast clan. I'll be with my grandparents much much more in Colorado, and that will be wonderful.
This post is getting long, but let me just take a moment to talk about how much my grandparents mean to me. Grandfather has always been a supporter and encourager of my sometimes wild imagination. For years he encouraged me to pursue writing and become a published author like he is. I think my writing may be a bit different, but I have a dream to write a series of children's novels, something I've been harboring since I was about 12. LONG before Harry Potter, I dreamed up many magical worlds that are somewhere between Narnia and the wizarding world of the Potter series. Grandfather, you may see me published yet. And Grandmother. Well, if there was ever a more gentle, stubborn, loving, and determined person, I haven't met them. My grandmother taught me to quilt, and basically gave me my entire stash of fabrics when she was "cleaning" out hers. She also taught me to drive (or tried to) the summer before I went to college. I remember taking a right turn at the bottom of a hill WAY too fast and swinging all the way over into the left lane and on-coming traffic. She didn't scream, didn't clutch at me, she simply said, "Erin get back into the right lane as quickly as possible." I can't wait to be near you again.
Okay, now I forgot where I as going with this post, so I'll wrap up. I'm excited to get going and to be so close to some family I haven't seen much in the last five years.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Making Progress
Jason headed of to GA for some more lovely training on Saturday morning. Thankfully, we got to spend Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening with him. I had to work all week, but Dominic did get to go hiking with his Dad and gruncle on Thursday. Anyway, with Jason gone before 9am, I pretty much had the whole weekend to get stuff done. And I got'r dun.
On Saturday:
Erin
On Saturday:
- 3 loads of laundry
- trip to Walmart for vacuum bags/filters and car stuff for the upcoming road trip
- trip to Bed, Bath, and Beyond to pick up shower gift for my cousin Lara, who is getting married this summer
- 2 1/2 hour nap (much needed)
- posted items on Craigslist and freecyle
- 3 more loads of laundry (washing sheets, towels, and comforters to be stored until after the move
- cleaned out master closet
- trip to recycle center to drop off too much stuff
- trip to target (after discovering I purchased all the wrong vacuum components on Sat)
- Starbucks date with the Dom to celebrate mothers' day
- Home Depot to drop off propane tanks that will NOT be moving with us, and buy tool caddy and hardware organizer (plus pick up paint chips for my home records book)
- Trader Joes for groceries (mostly frozen meals since I won't be cooking much until after I settle in in CO
- sanded primer and painted two dresser/side tables one coat
- organized tools and paint downstairs
- made arrangements for treadmill pick up
- took Dom on roller skating adventure around the neighborhood
- sold massive corner desk and watched in leave (if somewhat painfully) the premises
- made chocolate chip cookies and dinner with Dom
- call Verizon and cancel service, despite not being the name on the account and not knowing the account number or the customer service number
- follow up with WashGas to confirm service cancellation
- cancel service with Fairfax Water
- clean grill- it's yucky
- paint one (or two?) more coats on dresser/side tables
- put together important documents file and continuing cleaning office
- clean out Dom's closet
- clean out bathroom cabinets
- patch and paint various parts of house
- sell sofa and love seat
- freecycle guestroom bed
- use or lose pantry and refrigerator items
- take video of household goods
- pack up stuff to take in the van with me
- wash pots (for flowers) and replant one plant for a colleague
- finish removing personal touches from work office
Erin
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