First, I hope no one took my radio silence as a hurricane issue. We were very very fortunate and suffered no damage or discomfort during the storm, except Elliott, who had his 15 month boosters!
November is blah. I like Thanksgiving and all, but for me, it's 30 days of waiting for the BEST MONTH OF THE YEAR! December is a month full of birthdays (mine and many many others), parties, FINALS, and Christmas!
To deal, I look forward to fall foods. Taco Soup, Cheesy Crab Soup, hot meals that keep you cozy long after dinner.
I'll be sharing some of our favorite meals here over the next few days. Hopefully Jason will also update his blog, because he's been cooking up some delicious things in the kitchen.
I'm also going to label some "grad-school meals," which means they are 1. Quick (less than an hour start to finish) 2. Limited clean-up and 3. yield loads of leftovers for night class dinners and lunches.
Grad-school updates soon...I really only had time to lay out a quick plan at the moment.
- M.
Elliott is getting so big!
Friday, November 9, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Oh Sandy.
I can't believe I'm writing another hurricane prep post! I've lived my entire life in the mid-Atlantic region and never have I experienced such intense weather.
Prep this time is a little different from Irene. First, we don't have a newborn (phew!) we have a 15 month old. While he's less fragile, he's also more aware, so I hope we can protect him from the scariness of the storm.
Second, we live in a house. There is a basement that could flood, a lot of windows, and an attic that needs some retro-fitting. I took down our outdoor Halloween decor and brought in our outdoor furniture this morning (boo...), and we'll take care of trash cans in the morning (our trash is *supposed* to go out tomorrow). Our wiring is also above ground, making the possibility of a power outage much much higher than before. Fortunately, we also live near both sets of parents, so hopefully if the power stays out for long here, we can escape to one of their homes.
Otherwise, we're using our lessons learned from Irene. We are packing emergency bags; we bought bottled water, flashlights, batteries, and shelf-stable food. This includes powdered milk for Mr. E.
If you're in the path of Sandy, and not sure what to do, here are some tips:
- Fill your car up with gas. If the power goes out, the gas stations don't work.
- Tap MAC. Again, without power, credit cards don't work.
- Put your important documents (insurance, Social Security cards, birth certificates, etc.) in a Ziploc bag. If you have to leave quickly, you don't want to leave those behind.
- Clean your house. Sounds odd, but you can't vacuum without power, and if the lights are out, you want to be able to find things easily. In that, locate your toolbox, flashlights, batteries, and other emergency supplies.
- If you have a pet, make sure the carrier is ready to go. Food, toys, water are all good things to have at the ready.
- Make a plan! Work for Jason and I is still on for tomorrow, but the storm will hit during the day. We are making a plan in case I can't drive home.
- We have some shelf stable food, such as PB & J, crackers, meal bars, cereal, and tuna. It might not be a culinary breakthrough, but it's better than nothing.
I hope you all weather the storm well, and we'll see you on the flip side of Sandy.
- M. and co.
Prep this time is a little different from Irene. First, we don't have a newborn (phew!) we have a 15 month old. While he's less fragile, he's also more aware, so I hope we can protect him from the scariness of the storm.
Second, we live in a house. There is a basement that could flood, a lot of windows, and an attic that needs some retro-fitting. I took down our outdoor Halloween decor and brought in our outdoor furniture this morning (boo...), and we'll take care of trash cans in the morning (our trash is *supposed* to go out tomorrow). Our wiring is also above ground, making the possibility of a power outage much much higher than before. Fortunately, we also live near both sets of parents, so hopefully if the power stays out for long here, we can escape to one of their homes.
Otherwise, we're using our lessons learned from Irene. We are packing emergency bags; we bought bottled water, flashlights, batteries, and shelf-stable food. This includes powdered milk for Mr. E.
If you're in the path of Sandy, and not sure what to do, here are some tips:
- Fill your car up with gas. If the power goes out, the gas stations don't work.
- Tap MAC. Again, without power, credit cards don't work.
- Put your important documents (insurance, Social Security cards, birth certificates, etc.) in a Ziploc bag. If you have to leave quickly, you don't want to leave those behind.
- Clean your house. Sounds odd, but you can't vacuum without power, and if the lights are out, you want to be able to find things easily. In that, locate your toolbox, flashlights, batteries, and other emergency supplies.
- If you have a pet, make sure the carrier is ready to go. Food, toys, water are all good things to have at the ready.
- Make a plan! Work for Jason and I is still on for tomorrow, but the storm will hit during the day. We are making a plan in case I can't drive home.
- We have some shelf stable food, such as PB & J, crackers, meal bars, cereal, and tuna. It might not be a culinary breakthrough, but it's better than nothing.
I hope you all weather the storm well, and we'll see you on the flip side of Sandy.
- M. and co.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Equality in a Marriage.
Before I was married, or even really in a serious relationship, I believed equality in a relationship was key. Stay-at-home dads are cool, moms mowing the lawn seemed normal, and cooking dinner together would be mundane.
I was right on most of these points, although I haven't mowed a lawn in years.
Jason and I are pretty equal. Our contributions to the house are on par with each other, and we support each other with projects and school and everything else. Jason is a great chef, and I definitely have some "handyman" blood running my veins.
The one thing I never counted on was having a husband who actually likes to decorate. I look around at linens and I know that this is not normal. If so, the flowery, lacy bedspreads would not sell as well as I think they do. As we've been purchasing things for the new house (curtains, etc.) and new bedding (we got a bigger mattress, so we need new sheets and such), Jason has definite and deep feelings about color schemes, fabrics, and home decor as a whole.
My aunt also said she has this "problem," so I know I'm not alone. Decorating our new bedroom has been a team effort, and since I only have so much brain power to devote to so many things, Jason has really taken the lead on the major elements. We bought our new bedset today (so many decorative pillows!), and he may even get the accent wall paint this afternoon. Our mattress arrives on Thursday morning, and I can't wait to get the bedframe soon.
Fortunately, Jason lets me have my other domestic moments, such as my recent project to make laundry day more efficient and organize our office.
I promise a house tour soon, but there are still major elements missing. It will probably end up being a "Christmastime / Home tour." My goal is to have our piano by Christmas so we can have carol singing with our very first Christmas at home.
- M.
I was right on most of these points, although I haven't mowed a lawn in years.
Jason and I are pretty equal. Our contributions to the house are on par with each other, and we support each other with projects and school and everything else. Jason is a great chef, and I definitely have some "handyman" blood running my veins.
The one thing I never counted on was having a husband who actually likes to decorate. I look around at linens and I know that this is not normal. If so, the flowery, lacy bedspreads would not sell as well as I think they do. As we've been purchasing things for the new house (curtains, etc.) and new bedding (we got a bigger mattress, so we need new sheets and such), Jason has definite and deep feelings about color schemes, fabrics, and home decor as a whole.
My aunt also said she has this "problem," so I know I'm not alone. Decorating our new bedroom has been a team effort, and since I only have so much brain power to devote to so many things, Jason has really taken the lead on the major elements. We bought our new bedset today (so many decorative pillows!), and he may even get the accent wall paint this afternoon. Our mattress arrives on Thursday morning, and I can't wait to get the bedframe soon.
Fortunately, Jason lets me have my other domestic moments, such as my recent project to make laundry day more efficient and organize our office.
I promise a house tour soon, but there are still major elements missing. It will probably end up being a "Christmastime / Home tour." My goal is to have our piano by Christmas so we can have carol singing with our very first Christmas at home.
- M.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
The Crafty Lady Goes Overboard.
I have a confession:
I went to the craft store twice this week. I even took Elliott on one of the trips because I felt it was essential that I went on Tuesday before grocery shopping.
Oy.
It all started when I got it in my head that Elliott needed a new hat for winter. He really does. I made him one last year, but I'm pretty sure it won't fit. Even if it does, he needs something warmer this year. So, off to the store we went. I had a coupon for 50% off my entire purchase (sale, clearance, what-have-you), so I figured I could get some fall decor and cotton yearn too. I paid very little for my stuff, and I got E a neat twisted blue yarn for a nice, bulky winter hat.
I had more coupons though, and those didn't kick on until today. I knew I wouldn't have time again during the week, and they are really good coupons.
So I went again this morning. Alone. I set out to buy all the materials for all the projects I plan to take on any time soon.
This week I purchased:
- 1 skein of bulky yarn for E's hat.
- 2 balls of cotton yarn for a mat I'm making.
- gel window stickies (leaves)
- Halloween gel window stickies (that glow in the dark!)
- little scarecrow for the yard.
- 1-one pound skein of yellow yarn for a baby blanket.
- 1 yard of fabric for a front door curtain.
- a glue gun (how did I not have one before?!)
- spray adhesive.
- paper cutter.
- a jumbo pack of embroidery floss for my grandparents' Christmas present.
- Fall themed table runner.
- fall / owl themed vinyl table cloth.
Nothing was purchased "for kicks." I had next to no fall decor, and I got all of this for 50% off.
I can't wait to show you the outcome of all of these projects and decorations!
- M.
I went to the craft store twice this week. I even took Elliott on one of the trips because I felt it was essential that I went on Tuesday before grocery shopping.
Oy.
It all started when I got it in my head that Elliott needed a new hat for winter. He really does. I made him one last year, but I'm pretty sure it won't fit. Even if it does, he needs something warmer this year. So, off to the store we went. I had a coupon for 50% off my entire purchase (sale, clearance, what-have-you), so I figured I could get some fall decor and cotton yearn too. I paid very little for my stuff, and I got E a neat twisted blue yarn for a nice, bulky winter hat.
I had more coupons though, and those didn't kick on until today. I knew I wouldn't have time again during the week, and they are really good coupons.
So I went again this morning. Alone. I set out to buy all the materials for all the projects I plan to take on any time soon.
This week I purchased:
- 1 skein of bulky yarn for E's hat.
- 2 balls of cotton yarn for a mat I'm making.
- gel window stickies (leaves)
- Halloween gel window stickies (that glow in the dark!)
- little scarecrow for the yard.
- 1-one pound skein of yellow yarn for a baby blanket.
- 1 yard of fabric for a front door curtain.
- a glue gun (how did I not have one before?!)
- spray adhesive.
- paper cutter.
- a jumbo pack of embroidery floss for my grandparents' Christmas present.
- Fall themed table runner.
- fall / owl themed vinyl table cloth.
Nothing was purchased "for kicks." I had next to no fall decor, and I got all of this for 50% off.
I can't wait to show you the outcome of all of these projects and decorations!
- M.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Plastic Bags Everywhere!
I've been an active supporter of the "reusable bag" idea for a long time. Even in college, I tried to have a couple with me at the store. Try as I might, I don't always remember. Perhaps the last big trip took all the bags out of the car, and when I need to take a quick trip in for produce and milk, I'm left NOT holding the bag. Therefore, I end up with plastic bags. The Giant has a place for us to take them to be recycled, but we also need some around the house for emergency diaper disposal and everyday kitty litter duty.
Anyone who is on Pinterest has seen the tutorial on using an old Clorox wipes container as a pop-up plastic bag dispenser. As much as I love Pinterest, I'm always a little skeptical that something is going to work until I am completely done with the project.
It really works.
The tutorial is here at Tater Tots and Jello.
As a side note, I'm using scrapbook paper (since I don't really have fabric around), and I easily put 14 bags in mine, not 12. I also had a lot of usable bags (bags with holes went to the Giant to be recycled), so I started a second roll, and just put a rubber band around it until I have enough bags and another container.
They suggest stowing one in the car, but mine will be in my laundry room (until I can make a second) taking up far less room than the big ol' bag-o-bags did. It will also open up a hook in the mud room for jackets, now that fall is around the corner.
It was really simple and I'm oddly satisfied with having done something from Pinterest, even something this easy.
*Pictures soon*
- M.
Anyone who is on Pinterest has seen the tutorial on using an old Clorox wipes container as a pop-up plastic bag dispenser. As much as I love Pinterest, I'm always a little skeptical that something is going to work until I am completely done with the project.
It really works.
The tutorial is here at Tater Tots and Jello.
As a side note, I'm using scrapbook paper (since I don't really have fabric around), and I easily put 14 bags in mine, not 12. I also had a lot of usable bags (bags with holes went to the Giant to be recycled), so I started a second roll, and just put a rubber band around it until I have enough bags and another container.
They suggest stowing one in the car, but mine will be in my laundry room (until I can make a second) taking up far less room than the big ol' bag-o-bags did. It will also open up a hook in the mud room for jackets, now that fall is around the corner.
It was really simple and I'm oddly satisfied with having done something from Pinterest, even something this easy.
*Pictures soon*
- M.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Meal Planning
In my not-so-humble opinion, meal planning is essential to maintaining a personal budget. I actually learned this habit from Sara, who always pre-packed lunches for her internship our senior year. She goes months sometimes without buying lunch out. When I consider how much money that saves her just to plan lunch, it's pretty convincing.
Anyway, because of our schedule, I end up planning almost every meal, as well as how Elliott will eat what Jason and I are eating. I get stuck in ruts A LOT. I thought I'd post our meal ideas to help my readers...reader? Oh, who cares.
Note: On work days, I have an instant breakfast shake and toast or an English muffin.
Monday: Lunch (packed) - Turkey sandwich with mayo, tomato, and colby-pepper jack cheese.
Dinner (packed) - Steak salad with lime, oil, and vinegar dressing.
Tuesday: Breakfast - pancakes (it's my day off)
Lunch - PBJ and mandarin oranges
Dinner - Taco night! (Elliott will probably have veggies and a baby food. Tacos are spicy.)
Wednesday: Lunch (packed) - Beef quesadilla with all the fixin's.
Dinner - Grilled cheese with tomato soup (topped with Hot 'n' Spicy Cheez-its)
Thursday: Breakfast - waffles (I have my Thursday mornings off too)
Lunch - Pasta and hot dogs (not together...)
Dinner - DIY (class night...I'm thinking Neato Burrito for Mama).
Friday: Lunch (packed) - Pasta with homemade red sauce; salad.
Dinner - Pulled pork in the crock-pot
Not that any of these are intense meals, but our weeks are crazy. The pulled pork recipe is from Real Simple, and it is amazing.
Do you meal plan? What are some of your go-to-meals?
- M.
Anyway, because of our schedule, I end up planning almost every meal, as well as how Elliott will eat what Jason and I are eating. I get stuck in ruts A LOT. I thought I'd post our meal ideas to help my readers...reader? Oh, who cares.
Note: On work days, I have an instant breakfast shake and toast or an English muffin.
Monday: Lunch (packed) - Turkey sandwich with mayo, tomato, and colby-pepper jack cheese.
Dinner (packed) - Steak salad with lime, oil, and vinegar dressing.
Tuesday: Breakfast - pancakes (it's my day off)
Lunch - PBJ and mandarin oranges
Dinner - Taco night! (Elliott will probably have veggies and a baby food. Tacos are spicy.)
Wednesday: Lunch (packed) - Beef quesadilla with all the fixin's.
Dinner - Grilled cheese with tomato soup (topped with Hot 'n' Spicy Cheez-its)
Thursday: Breakfast - waffles (I have my Thursday mornings off too)
Lunch - Pasta and hot dogs (not together...)
Dinner - DIY (class night...I'm thinking Neato Burrito for Mama).
Friday: Lunch (packed) - Pasta with homemade red sauce; salad.
Dinner - Pulled pork in the crock-pot
Not that any of these are intense meals, but our weeks are crazy. The pulled pork recipe is from Real Simple, and it is amazing.
Do you meal plan? What are some of your go-to-meals?
- M.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Organizer Tutorial
 |
| Finished product! |
Here's my little tutorial (some of the other tutorials were more complicated or had measurements that were a little off).
Materials:
- Stack-On 22 drawer Organizer (Home Depot, $16.92) *There is also a 39-drawer unit, if you feel like that might serve you better. I'll be buying one of those when I finally get a craft space.
- 2 pieces of 12"x12" scrapbook paper. I used two different colors of the same pattern, but obviously the creative choices are up to you. I used DCWV's Citrus stack, which was on sale for $9.99 at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I always have a few of these paper pads around to make boxes and to scrapbook. This one has glitter!
- Scissors
- Clear Scotch Tape
Procedure:
1. Cut 14 1 5/8"x 2" rectangles for the small drawers.
2. Cut 8 2 1/4" x 4 1/4" rectangles for the large drawers.
3. Place the papers inside the front of the drawers. You may find you need to trim some of the tops down.
4. Use the Scotch Tape to tape the sides of the paper down INSIDE the drawer. This is easily the most tedious part of the project. I found that placing the paper in first, then putting the tape up the sides was the easiest.
5. Put stuff in! I haven't labeled mine yet, because believe it or not, not all of the drawers have things in them! The big drawers are ideal for pens, pencils, highlighters, 3"x 5" index cards, and regular sized Post-Its. The little drawers rock for those little things: paper clips, rubber bands, staples, Post-It tabs, and binder clips.
If you are looking for something sassier, or with more sophisticated labeling, check out See Kels Learn, who made an amazing Teacher Toolbox.
She was inspired by another blogger (whose post I can't find), who was inspired by Create-Teach-Share. These are intense!
I can't wait to make another one for my crochet supplies!
I think I have an organizing addiction...
- M.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)