Paint Colors
This thought has really been bothering me recently.
Why do they even sell ugly paint colors???
I know that "good" paint colors are subjective but colors like "convict orange" and "pee yellow"...really? Why do we even let people have the option of picking these. People wonder why people make bad paint decisions...because we let them!!
Anyone...can you explain why we have ugly paint color options??
About tonight:
I had a great dinner at Redfeather with a few friends from high school tonight and had a great meal with some great company. The rest of my day was shopping/returning clothes with my mom, who is such a trooper to help me find awesome clothes! I ended up with a great black sweater dress and a grey sweater and some darling accessories. We shopped at Barbara Barbara which has been a favorite of mine for years. I will second the yelp reviews and say they take such great care of you and make you feel so cute when you do find a fabulous piece of clothing! And to also make a rebuttal, yes the clothes are expensive...FOR BOISE! The clothes here are a steal compared to DC prices...so stock up...especially if you are BBDakota or Jack BBDakota fan... because there stuff is darling and looks fabulous on my five foot frame.
After that my mom and I went to Cabellas to return a gift for my sister and I scouted the BBHP game to play with Erin and also scouted the fabulous Idaho Men in the store (can we same CAMO anyone?)
I am getting increasingly stressed about returning to DC. My family is awesome and Idaho is so beautiful. I miss seeing mountains and skiing and feeling like myself. But I also know there will be a huge amount of relief getting back to DC and knowing that I am not going to cry for days or plan on how I am going to pack my car with all of my stuff to move back to the west coast. At least I can say I have grown enough into DC, that I feel like I fit in, I have a place, and I like that place (even if I do miss my former lives). But...change is good. And I am growing in DC. Figuring out who I am, finding happiness in different things and learning to realize that the Idaho part of me will never leave, but i just have to figure out how to mix into my big-girl self.
Why do they even sell ugly paint colors???
I know that "good" paint colors are subjective but colors like "convict orange" and "pee yellow"...really? Why do we even let people have the option of picking these. People wonder why people make bad paint decisions...because we let them!!
Anyone...can you explain why we have ugly paint color options??
About tonight:
I had a great dinner at Redfeather with a few friends from high school tonight and had a great meal with some great company. The rest of my day was shopping/returning clothes with my mom, who is such a trooper to help me find awesome clothes! I ended up with a great black sweater dress and a grey sweater and some darling accessories. We shopped at Barbara Barbara which has been a favorite of mine for years. I will second the yelp reviews and say they take such great care of you and make you feel so cute when you do find a fabulous piece of clothing! And to also make a rebuttal, yes the clothes are expensive...FOR BOISE! The clothes here are a steal compared to DC prices...so stock up...especially if you are BBDakota or Jack BBDakota fan... because there stuff is darling and looks fabulous on my five foot frame.
After that my mom and I went to Cabellas to return a gift for my sister and I scouted the BBHP game to play with Erin and also scouted the fabulous Idaho Men in the store (can we same CAMO anyone?)
I am getting increasingly stressed about returning to DC. My family is awesome and Idaho is so beautiful. I miss seeing mountains and skiing and feeling like myself. But I also know there will be a huge amount of relief getting back to DC and knowing that I am not going to cry for days or plan on how I am going to pack my car with all of my stuff to move back to the west coast. At least I can say I have grown enough into DC, that I feel like I fit in, I have a place, and I like that place (even if I do miss my former lives). But...change is good. And I am growing in DC. Figuring out who I am, finding happiness in different things and learning to realize that the Idaho part of me will never leave, but i just have to figure out how to mix into my big-girl self.
Nicole and I take our gingerbread house building very seriously. Rather we don't do lame houses.
When I was younger I actually would make "blueprints" and would build the house from scratch. My best attempt to date was a GBH that ended up being referred to as the "cathedral". It got to be a bit bigger and more elaborate than planned.
This year we used pre-made gingerbread houses, but combined two kits to create a "Sun Valley McMansion" (yes pre-made, I know, BUT we were under a time crunch!). We also totally cheated and used hot glue to put the thing together but honestly I don't think I will ever go back to frosting construction again. The structural integrity (some architectural jargon courtesy of Nicole) was much stronger, and the construction period was much shorter, under budget and might push us into the LEED Silver or Gold range if we are lucky.
I must say I was very impressed with what we produced this year. Take a look!:
Construction Phase:
Completion: Back Yard. Check out the swimming pool with diving board complete with swimming/diving gummy bears.
Final product. My beautiful Christmas lilies in the background and the poodle getting ready to lick the house...
When I was younger I actually would make "blueprints" and would build the house from scratch. My best attempt to date was a GBH that ended up being referred to as the "cathedral". It got to be a bit bigger and more elaborate than planned.
This year we used pre-made gingerbread houses, but combined two kits to create a "Sun Valley McMansion" (yes pre-made, I know, BUT we were under a time crunch!). We also totally cheated and used hot glue to put the thing together but honestly I don't think I will ever go back to frosting construction again. The structural integrity (some architectural jargon courtesy of Nicole) was much stronger, and the construction period was much shorter, under budget and might push us into the LEED Silver or Gold range if we are lucky.
I must say I was very impressed with what we produced this year. Take a look!:
Construction Phase:
Completion: Back Yard. Check out the swimming pool with diving board complete with swimming/diving gummy bears.
Final product. My beautiful Christmas lilies in the background and the poodle getting ready to lick the house...Sunday, December 27, 2009
Home for the Holiday(s)
My first week at home has been wonderful (despite STILL being sick, pretty sure I am going to lose my voice and have a cough for the next year of my life) but spending time with the family has been great. Wyatt and Nicole took off today (Jon had to go back yesterday which was sad, but I relished in every moment I got to spend with Wyatt. While I know I am a bragging Aunt, I think you would have to agree with me that Wyatt is the most amazing, adorable and sweet loving little guy you will ever meet! Last week I got to have an entire afternoon alone with him while Nicole took one of her architecture exams and it was the best 4 hours I have had in a long time. He is really engaged with people and laughs a lot! Last night I got him barreled over with laughs singing my version of "your a maniac a maniac!" he loved it! He hasn't started crawling yet, but he is getting really close and when you hold him sometimes he will start jumping up and down with his legs like he is in his jumper, so he is ready to go!
Here are some favorites of Wyatt:
Here are some favorites of Wyatt:
Wyatt became increasingly aware of Theo and really wanted to "play" with him by the end of his visit. Luckily Theo can put up with Wyatt petting (rather pulling large chunk of fur). But I have a feeling Wyatt and Theo are going to be good buddies.
Me and Wyatt
Wyatt Hanging out with the Christmas tree awaiting Santa.
For Christmas eve we went to my Aunt Dixie's house for our traditional get together with them, my family and my cousins who live in Mtn. Home. It was crazy to see my second cousins...every year they get taller and more grown up! We did our usual Christmas gift game and then had a delish dinner and opened presents. My cousins got me a great little microwave steamer and my aunt and uncle got me a much needed scarf and glove set.
Christmas morning we got some exciting news... (More information to come!) and then ate breakfast, did stockings, and started on gifts. Wyatt had to take a break for a mid-morning nap but then joined us and was really into unwrapping (and eating) the wrapping paper. Family friends came over to see Wyatt (and us) and then the rest of the day consisted of constructing and decorating the gingerbread house ( another post) and decorating gingerbread cookies which is a long standing family tradition. We use food coloring and toothpicks to draw designs on the cookie frosting. Some turn out really cool...some are really ugly....
Tomorrow we are going to go skiing in the afternoon and then I am sure I am going to need to take a nap for sure. Hope everyone had a great Christmas!!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Doing Absolutely Fabulously Nothing
Today consisted of...nothing.
In a good way. Nicole had a good friend come over with her family to see Wyatt and then I took and nap along with Wyatt (boo being sick- I hope I get over this soon!) and then ran some errands with my mom and picked up some cold/cough medicine.
I have to comment that one thing I forget about being home is how quiet the world seems. Granted things in Idaho are just a tad bit...."slower", but in general there is just less noise. When you sleep you can hear the hum of the refrigerator upstairs. And when you walk outside you can hear a siren downtown. And that whole people are friendly, I forgot just how friendly. I am constantly taken aback by people talking, commenting and generally just treating you like their BFF. I am sure my face says "strange" every time it happens to me.
Hopefully tomorrow I really start to feel better because as much as a love lounging around my parents house, I am ready to get out and get some shopping done!
I will also say...and this is for the record books...I wish I was in DC and could play in the snow (BUT I am very thankful to be home safe and sound).
In a good way. Nicole had a good friend come over with her family to see Wyatt and then I took and nap along with Wyatt (boo being sick- I hope I get over this soon!) and then ran some errands with my mom and picked up some cold/cough medicine.
I have to comment that one thing I forget about being home is how quiet the world seems. Granted things in Idaho are just a tad bit...."slower", but in general there is just less noise. When you sleep you can hear the hum of the refrigerator upstairs. And when you walk outside you can hear a siren downtown. And that whole people are friendly, I forgot just how friendly. I am constantly taken aback by people talking, commenting and generally just treating you like their BFF. I am sure my face says "strange" every time it happens to me.
Hopefully tomorrow I really start to feel better because as much as a love lounging around my parents house, I am ready to get out and get some shopping done!
I will also say...and this is for the record books...I wish I was in DC and could play in the snow (BUT I am very thankful to be home safe and sound).
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wyatt is in the House
Wyatt and Nicole just showed up about an hour ago. Pretty sure I won't let anyone else hold the baby!! Here is the latest from our feeding adventure! Yummy peas!!
Miracle of miracles my flights all worked out yesterday which is even a bigger miracle since I am hearing word that DC is going to be getting about a foot of snow and a lot of my friends could be stuck in DC! I am so content to be home and enjoying time with my family.
My thoughts are with all of you trying to make it home for the holidays!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
nahnahnahnahnah hey hey gooooodbye
I am headed to the airport in just a bit to catch my flight to I-D-A-H-O and I am so excited. I can not wait to see the poodle tonight, the 'rentals and on Saturday Nicole and Wyatt!
This cold that has been making me feel a bit blah will hopefully go away after a relaxing day tomorrow. I have a lot of Christmas shopping to do...ok more like ALL of it. But I am so ready for baking, gingerbread house making, movie watching, smack-down with the poodle, some Idaho football and some major nephew time.
Everyone keep your fingers crossed that I actually get home tonight (I finally learned and packed some extra clothes in a carry on so when my luggage doesn't arrive I at least have something to wear tomorrow). But I am stocked with some good reads, some work (if I get reaaaallly bored), a few DVDs and my furry hood vest that I can use as pillow in case of the off chance of a miracle and I fall asleep on my flight!
It is strange that while I am very very excited to go home and see my family, I am not dying to get out of DC like last year. I honestly could hardly get to the airport fast enough last year, and so much of me want to not buy that return ticket back. Hindsight...read about it on BBTAs, its a mocking jerk of a concept that has some interesting implications. But the best thing about hindsight is when you look back, and see that in that 20/20 vision....everything turned out just fine. In fact, sometimes it turns out more than just fine and you find yourself exactly where you should be. (4 rules for living anyone?: The right people, what happens happens, things start, and things end and it all happens at the right times with the right people and in the right places). So there....that is my very small statement saying " I am not going to take out the little old ladies crowding towards the door of the plane to get on two seconds early to get out of this forsaken city"....in fact I just might be saying..." DC...I'll be back". OMG.
See you all on the other side/right side of the country!!
This cold that has been making me feel a bit blah will hopefully go away after a relaxing day tomorrow. I have a lot of Christmas shopping to do...ok more like ALL of it. But I am so ready for baking, gingerbread house making, movie watching, smack-down with the poodle, some Idaho football and some major nephew time.
Everyone keep your fingers crossed that I actually get home tonight (I finally learned and packed some extra clothes in a carry on so when my luggage doesn't arrive I at least have something to wear tomorrow). But I am stocked with some good reads, some work (if I get reaaaallly bored), a few DVDs and my furry hood vest that I can use as pillow in case of the off chance of a miracle and I fall asleep on my flight!
It is strange that while I am very very excited to go home and see my family, I am not dying to get out of DC like last year. I honestly could hardly get to the airport fast enough last year, and so much of me want to not buy that return ticket back. Hindsight...read about it on BBTAs, its a mocking jerk of a concept that has some interesting implications. But the best thing about hindsight is when you look back, and see that in that 20/20 vision....everything turned out just fine. In fact, sometimes it turns out more than just fine and you find yourself exactly where you should be. (4 rules for living anyone?: The right people, what happens happens, things start, and things end and it all happens at the right times with the right people and in the right places). So there....that is my very small statement saying " I am not going to take out the little old ladies crowding towards the door of the plane to get on two seconds early to get out of this forsaken city"....in fact I just might be saying..." DC...I'll be back". OMG.
See you all on the other side/right side of the country!!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Oh Kate, You've Done it Again.
My love affair with Kate continues. Bows, ribbons, sequins and fabulous colors...what is there not to love?
Let's talk about that dress. (minus the tights, cute but not me!) I would rock feather headpiece as well!
Let's talk about that dress. (minus the tights, cute but not me!) I would rock feather headpiece as well!
The shoes might be the next 
LOML. Black satin ribbon and a bow? Yes that is right, made for me. Thank you Kate.
LOML. Black satin ribbon and a bow? Yes that is right, made for me. Thank you Kate.This green, so cute. The bow, so darling. The size, so perfect. I feel like I am goldylocks stumbling upon the "just right" porridge. 
Ok, so hats...not cute on me. I just can't really pull them off. But this. This might be the exception. I can imagine myself looking pretty darn cute walking my poodle, wearing my black coat, rocking this hat and carrying that green clutch. Fabulous. I think so.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Another One...
These Christmas advertising campaigns always get me. Banana Republic has a sappy one that got to me this evening...
Someone slap me and my sentimental self and tell me to stop being a sap. (But admit it....cute. Right?)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
I've had Better
I drove to MD to do some Christmas shopping. Both the gifts I needed....sold out. Lame. Frustrating. Time to revamp plans.
THEN I drove around looking for parking for 2 hours. Seriously. Shoot me now. Just when I start to like DC I have a night where I want to put my head on my steering wheel and cry.
Again, lets attribute this all to being anxious to get home in 6 days!
Me Madre called tonight, I am so excited to spend time with my parents, sister, Jon, Poodle, ANNNNDD WWWWYYYYAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!
Work Holiday Party tomorrow...bring on the debauchery and please let me wake up feeling somewhat okay on Sunday.
Secret Elf reveal was today. I got this awesome book on walking tours of DC, sooo perfect for me!
ok waaay past bed time.
Night all! Hope everyone is snuggled up and bundled for this cold weather!
THEN I drove around looking for parking for 2 hours. Seriously. Shoot me now. Just when I start to like DC I have a night where I want to put my head on my steering wheel and cry.
Again, lets attribute this all to being anxious to get home in 6 days!
Me Madre called tonight, I am so excited to spend time with my parents, sister, Jon, Poodle, ANNNNDD WWWWYYYYAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!
Work Holiday Party tomorrow...bring on the debauchery and please let me wake up feeling somewhat okay on Sunday.
Secret Elf reveal was today. I got this awesome book on walking tours of DC, sooo perfect for me!
ok waaay past bed time.
Night all! Hope everyone is snuggled up and bundled for this cold weather!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Maybe I am Awake Too Late But
Today I was super annoyed walking home. Please read Blackberries to Apples, to get a better understanding of my annoyance. For some reason everyone seemed to walk to slow, or their feet shuffling bothered me, of the fact that they were glued to their cell phone. I just wanted peace and quiet. I think I get like this right before I am leaving to go home. I am in the final stretch and I think I just get antsy and frustrated. Especially going home this time, I feel like my heart is stretched in a million directions right now. (ok more like three). I still miss home, I still miss Seattle and my friends, but I know when I am in Idaho there will be things about DC that I miss ( Did you fall out of your chair? Yea thats right, this place is growing on me).
Well I hope people walk better tomorrow. Or maybe I just need some sleep!
Secret Elf revealing at work tomorrow! And t-1 days until debacherous holiday party!!
Well I hope people walk better tomorrow. Or maybe I just need some sleep!
Secret Elf revealing at work tomorrow! And t-1 days until debacherous holiday party!!
The Main Attraction!!
So what you have all been waiting for, and what took me forever to get around to doing. Presenting.....The Apartment!!
Alright folks...
Here it is in all of it's glory...
I'm a little nervous to show you all these. It seems so personal. I feel a little vulnerable! Okay maybe that is a bit dramatic, but no judging!!
The door in back right is our front door. The door straight back and to the left is my roomates room.
These are our little plants, my basil is starting to sprout, so hopefully some pesto in the near future.
The couch and other side of the living room.
The "reading nook" 
More Kitchen, and if you look really closely you can see my giraffe measuring spoons next to my roommate's measuring geese.
So that is it! The abode! I feel so Carrie Bradshaw. If only I stored my extra clothes in the oven (which I might have to because my closet is SO packed). But I am a fan! Hope you all think it is as charming and darling as I do!
Alright folks...
Here it is in all of it's glory...
I'm a little nervous to show you all these. It seems so personal. I feel a little vulnerable! Okay maybe that is a bit dramatic, but no judging!!
The door in back right is our front door. The door straight back and to the left is my roomates room.
Looking into the apartment from the front door you look into our dining/living area. And to the right is the door to my room, which we will get to later. You can see my Christmas lights and chandelier decorations.
Here is some more living room, TV, and the closed door is the 2nd door to my bedroom which I keep closed.
These are our little plants, my basil is starting to sprout, so hopefully some pesto in the near future.
The couch and other side of the living room.
The "reading nook"
The Kitchen, (minus the roaches)
More Kitchen, and if you look really closely you can see my giraffe measuring spoons next to my roommate's measuring geese.
And finally.....MY ROOM! I love the shelves that I bought from the girl who lived here before me.
So that is it! The abode! I feel so Carrie Bradshaw. If only I stored my extra clothes in the oven (which I might have to because my closet is SO packed). But I am a fan! Hope you all think it is as charming and darling as I do!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Bang!
Here is a shout out to my newly dubbed hair dresser...Mark and Bang! I read some reviews, did some research and finally settled on trying out Mark and seeing what magic he could work with my fine, long, not-quite-grown-out-not-short-enough hair. He is the first stylist to encourage me to leave my bangs long and move away from having the traditional swoopy bang like I have had for past years, and going with a more sophiticated look with some longer bangs that frame my face. He also LISTENED! Usually I say " I am growing my hair out for locks of love so I don't want to lose a lot of length" and I leave 5 inches back from where I was in growing out my hair which is so defeating! Not Mark... Mark held true to his word and simply "clean-up my look". The thing I am most excited about, I am totally going to trust Mark when it comes time to chop the locks and go back to super short hair again. I love his consulting style AND his gift of gab. We had a great conversation that was more than favorite TV shows , and he also wasn't in any hurry to push me out the door. I also love that he seems to know his clients and I know if I return he will remember our conversation and my hair goals. Anyone in DC looking for a great hair stylish... I am sending a Holla to Mark!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Love This!
I saw this. Fell in love. And now can't think of anything else.
Too bad on me that long back would be a cathedral length train similar to Mrs. Kelly's wedding dress! Ahh the joys of being 5 feet tall.
10 Days! Eep!
In ten days I will be snug as a bug cuddling with the poodle in the green room (yes we have a room with green--rather teal carpet) watching Christmas movies and hopefully hearing the crackling noises of the fire.
While I am still in DC I wanted to make the apartment a little more festive so I brought out my glittery snowflakes, gold star garland and single string of lights and put some Christmas pizzaz around the apartment. I decorated our chandalier and according to my roomates BF it is very "Anthropologie-esque" which I love! The combination of christmas decor and the cold weather has gotten me super excited for Christmas.
To backtrack...This weekend was pretty low key. Friday night I grabbed dinner and drinks with Erin. While we were eating dinner I also saw the TV flash the news about Amanda Knox being found guilty. Strange to finally hear some sort of conclusion after two years and all the times of checking in on the case to see what was going on. Granted there will be appeal after appeal I am sure, but crazy to think Amanda has been in jail for two years while they have been holding this trial! After dinner we headed to grab some beers and then headed home for the evening.
Saturday I grabbed lunch with Scott to give back his keys and DVDs I had borrowed from pet sitting Puck. Note: It really looks like you are breaking up when a girl hands back keys and a DVD in public...kind of funny looks passed our way. That evening I started making some cookies for my cookie exchange with the ADPi Alum Board for the following evening. I ended up having to make two batches but now I have TONS of left over cookies (and other people's cookies sitting around!).
Sunday I finished baking and then headed to the board meeting and then came home and watched a movie.
Upcoming this week: Tomorrow I am getting my hair cut...a little nervous about this. Wednesday evening I am going to check out the Young HR professionals networking event hosted by SHRM. Can't turn down free wine and cheese! Hopefully I'll meet some cool young HR people. Saturday is my work's holiday party and I am very excited since last year I had a stomach flu and didn't really get to enjoy the party.
I need to squeeze in some Christmas shopping and hopefully picking up my new bedframe somewhere in there too!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Warm Fuzzies
I was doing some online browsing/shopping for Christmas today and the Tiffany's website pops up with this gem:
Warm fuzzies galore.
And then to top it off, I watched the "Give Voice to Your Heart" advertisement and Tiffany's does it again. I was a little misty-eyed. Check it out...with all this snow and blustery weather (yes it is SNOWING in DC) you'll feel all warm inside!
