Before and Not-So-After: Living Room

I really wanted to show some updates to friends and family who have seen our house. It is coming along, slowly but surely. I titled it Before and Not-So-After because none of the rooms are actually "finished" (except my closet--I will post about that later). So my goal is to show the before and the current and to inform you about our to-do list for each room.  I will start with the living room because it is the first room that you see when you walk in (except the foyer) and the room that we spend the most time in (alone and with guests).

Our living room is the very sunny yellow color that prevails throughout the majority of our entire home.  Here is the very boring before picture:

Things that we like: 

• The carpet.  Although we would rather have hardwood here, we are happy with the color/style/cleanliness of the carpet that is here to stay.
• The blinds.  They were here when we moved in.  I don't know if they will stay forever, but they are very nice blinds and we were happy that the house came with them.
• The light fixture.  It matches all of the others downstairs.  So that's good.
• Yellow walls.  Not too bright.  Not too dull.  Makes me feel happy.

Things we didn't like:

• The size and set up of the room.  It is virtually impossible to set it up in more than one way (if you want a TV).  And we still wish it was a tiny bit bigger.
• The yellow walls.  I know I said we liked them, but there are also things we don't like.  We both have a similar vision for our living room and although we think the yellow is warm and happy, our vision doesn't include much yellow.

Here is the Not-So-After/Current living room:

Sorry about the color, I had a lighting issue with this photo

Things we have done so far:

• Bought new couches from Ashley Furniture.  This was an adventure.  Josh and I have a hard time agreeing on things like this because we have different tastes and ideas of budget.  But after many days of walking through many different furniture stores and bringing many different fabric swatches home, we finally agreed on the Ashley Zia Couch and Loveseat in mocha.  It was officially our first-ever furniture purchase together.  If this is a sign of what's to come, I'm terrified!
• New TV!  We just purchased and received our first ever TV purchase together.  We bought a 47" LG TV.  That's all I know about it.  If you're really interested, ask my hubby.

• We used our old TV stand pictured here and just took the top off.

This picture is from our old townhouse in Salisbury.

• We ordered a new TV stand! We actually just did this yesterday.  We had been searching online for the perfect stand for a while and finally came across it at none other than Best Buy!  We waited and waited for it to go on sale and when it finally did yesterday, we ordered it right away.  It should come in sometime next week.

Our vision for our living room and downstairs in general was a sort of beach-y look.  We wanted to incorporate cool colors downstairs and warmer colors upstairs.  We love the beach feel of homes and since we live close to the ocean now, it makes perfect sense.  Let me make myself clear: I like the feel of beachy-ness.  I want to create that through cool colors and simple but bright decor.  Not glass lamp bases filled with seashells or tons of dead starfish on the walls.  (I apologize to anyone who has one of those lamps with the seashells)

So, we found the perfect color pallet for our downstairs!  Sherwin Williams has a line of HGTV line of paint and one of their color collections matches our color vision for the downstairs almost to a T. It's called Coastal Cool.

Now, this isn't exact and it certainly is a bit limiting.  We would hope to incorporate a few brighter colors, too.  We don't know if we will actually use this brand of paint, as we don't know anything yet about quality or price.  But it's a good starting point.  Our kitchen most closely matches the green on the bottom called "Hearts of Palm":

This isn't the best lighting, but if you click on the picture and enlarge it, you will be able to see the green color.

We have been talking a lot about painting the living room a cool teal color.  We thought it would look good with the white crown molding and the sofas we picked out.  It turns out that on the Ashley website, our exact couches are staged against teal walls with white crown molding:

We would really like to paint our dining room a cool gray color in the future.  And our foyer and staircase are already a nice, cool beige color which we will be happy with for a long time. Our main priority is to get some paint on the walls in the living room.  But a few things need to happen before we can make that possible.  Here is our Pre-Paint To-Do List:

1. Wait for the TV stand to be shipped and make sure we like it and like the color of wood against a teal wall.
2. Mount our TV on the wall (mounting hardware is already purchased)
3. Install new in-ceiling speakers.  Yep, bought 'em yesterday.  Are you surprised?  If you know me at all, you are very surprised.  I will talk about this more at the end.
4. Run all of the wires through the wall and install all electronics. We definitely don't want to paint and then cut a huge hole in the wall to run wire.  But it certainly can't stay like this forever:

Those wires are driving me crazy!

About the new speaker purchase:  If you know anything about me, you know I am not a risk-taker.  So this post may surprise you in many ways.

1. I am actually going to paint my living room teal.  This is not in accordance with my simple, clean, white usual self.  I mean white as a metaphor to blandness.  Not to the color of my skin.
2. Because I am not a risk taker, it is unusual for me to spend money on non-essentials.  And it is unusual for me to spend a large amount of dough on anything all at once.  However, you have seen through this blog that we have made the following purchases in the last 2 months:
• A house.  Largest check I ever wrote.
• A new couch and a new love seat
• A new, large, flat screen TV
• In-ceiling speakers
• TV stand--the real kind of wood.  No pressed wood or laminate for us.

"How did you do that?!", you ask?  Well, because I am not a risk taker, I have spent the last two years working modest paying jobs (teacher and teacher) and I have literally saved every penny that I didn't need to spend (with the exception of a few trips to New York and Company and our favorite Italian restaurant).  Josh is the opposite in this respect.  He is a risk-taker and I am super proud of him for not spending a dollar more than he needed to in the last year of our marriage.  And because he did that part my way, he was happy to be able to pick out our TV, speakers, and TV stand.  He is really interested in those things and I left it all up to him.  Plus, I don't really care to know about the specifics of different LED TVs.  So, I am happy to spend some of our carefully saved moo-lah on things that we really want for our home.

Plus, once we get the room painted, it's my turn to spend money on decorations!

Weeds and Weeding

Do you want to know the best part about living so close to the beach?  Waking up and saying, "Hey, Josh.  Want to go to Ocean City today?".  Next thing you know, you are in the car on your way!  We got to OC yesterday around 9:45am and it was already about 95 degrees outside.  Yeah, we only stayed until 1pm.  It was a beautiful day, just super super hot.  The heat index was actually about 110!!!!!!  We routinely applied sunscreen and jumped in the ocean to cool off.  It was a good time!

Do you watch Weeds?

It's a hilarious show on Showtime that incorporates some drama and weird humor.  It's all about weed... yes, marijuana.  And you don't have to be a pothead to enjoy this show.  I vouch for it!  It's addicting and hilarious.  You should definitely watch it...  What is that?  You don't have premium cable?  Oh, neither do I.  See, my friends, that is my next point.  You need Netflix.  I don't care if you don't want it, can't afford it, don't watch much TV or many movies.  You need it.  Josh and I got a free one-month trial the other day (which you can do, too!).  And after the first month, it is only $8 per month!  It's not all just about movies, either.  At the risk of sounding like a Netflix advertisement:  You can get one DVD at a time.  When you are finished, mail it back in (for free) and receive the next one a few days later... any movie or TV series you want.  In addition (and the reason we got it): you can stream an enormous amount of stuff on your computer, wii, xbox, etc.  We stream through our XBOX360.  That is how we have been able to watch nonstop episodes of Weeds from episode 1.  Seriously, think about it.

All of this weed has gotten me in the mood to do some garden work outside.  I have been weeding and gardening like crazy the last few days.  And if you know me, I am not the gardener-type.  I have no green thumb.  In fact, it looks more like this:

Yeah, I am Barney.

But I was mildly successful.  I will post updates about the garden situation later!

Tonight, Josh's friend from high school is coming to visit for a few days.  We plan to go to the beach and to Dogfish Head again to take him to the brewery tour and probably hit up the pub afterward.  And tomorrow night is an exciting one!  It will be our first "party" in our new house.  Actually, it's a taco night.  But lots of friends are coming and we are going to have tons of tacos and margaritas and hang out on the deck and probably play cornhole in the yard.  I am super excited to show all of our friends our house... even though it kind of looks empty right now.  We are still working on getting the furniture we want and decorating.  It will take time and money, but we have a pretty good start, I think! 

In other news, I am continuing on my 100 push up challenge program.  I started only being able to do 7 push ups consecutively.  After two weeks, I could do 22!  That's what I call progress!  

Hump Day! & A Vent That I Have Been Waiting to Let Out...

Usually I hate hump day.  Today it was my reminder that at exactly 12pm, the week is half way over.  It is amazing how much I need this Thanksgiving break.  I REALLY want to sleep in on a weekday.  Don't ask me why... I just do.  I would also like another fog delay... that would be terrific.

On to bigger things...  I have a vent that I am going to express.  Ready, here I go.  I love the Duggars:

They are the family from the show, 19 Kids & Counting on TLC (in case you didn't already know).  Some little factoids: Yes, they have 19 children.  And one of their kids is married with a kid and a kid on the way.  They do not take birth control for religious reasons.  The girls only wear skirts and dresses.  Their television and internet is very limited and restricted.  They all live in the same house and they all pitch in and keep it running.  They are homeschooled.  They often taken mission trips and volunteer.  They own commercial properties and the dad, Jim Bob, was formerly a state legislator in Arkansas.  The mom, Michelle, delivered every child.  She also contracted eclampsia in her last pregnancy and was forced to deliver very early.  The baby was born very premature and almost didn't make it.  Some people say it is because she is getting too old to have babies (she is now 44), but no one really knows for sure.  They say that they will welcome another child if they get pregnant again.

They get a lot of criticism when it comes to their lifestyle and the way they are raising their kids.  Many people say they are crazy for having so many kids.  Many say they are neglecting their kids because they have so many.  Many people say they shouldn't have more.  Or that they are using our tax dollars to raise so many kids.  Or that they are too conservative.  Or that their kids should be exposed to more socialization. And many, many more things.

Here is my vent: for some odd reason, I feel offended by these statements.  I don't know why, especially because I have no desire to live a lifestyle like theirs.  But here's my point of view:  Who are they hurting?  You? Probably not.  Their kids?  Nope.  Their kids are VERY happy and lead productive lifestyles and are good people.  Themselves?  Nope.  They are happy, too.  So what's the flippin' deal?  Should we go out and criticize every woman who delivers prematurely and say she should never have a baby again?  That's ridiculous.  They are doing well financially because they are responsible and are great money savers!  They are very protective because they see what the world is like!  And I think they are right!  And it just goes to show.  Watch an episode some day.  They are possibly the happiest family in America, and they aren't hurting anyone!  What's wrong with that?

Oprah, Michelle Rhee, The Today Show, & Waiting for Superman

It would take me forever to describe what happened this week on Oprah.  It was absolutely life-changing. Check it out for yourself:

Oprah's Education Page

Things I Want You to Know:

1. Go see the movie, Waiting for Superman, the movie.  It IS the most important movie of the year.
2. Read Oprah's Lessons in Education page and watch the videos.
3. Learn about The Shocking State of Our Schools and find out what Michelle Rhee is doing about it.

NBC's Today Show visited Josh's School last week!  Ann Curry came to visit and do a special taping of a school that is "Doing What Works".  It will be featured next week on the Today Show's Education Nation Week.  Here are some articles from Worcester County Public Schools and Delmarva Now, our local newspaper, highlighting Ann Curry's trip to the eastern shore!

Ann Curry with a few of Josh's students

 

Watch the Today Show on Wednesday to see Josh's School, Pocomoke Middle!

Yay! Gaga: 2010 Video Music Awards

She won every award she was nominated for!  Sometimes I feel crazy for liking her, but, dang is she talented!  Yes, that is a raw meat dress.  It looks so REAL!

Comfort

After conversation with Annie, I go to thinking about all of my comfort foods.  And other comfort things.

• My mom's dippy eggs with 12-grain toast and REAL butter.
• Chinese take-out
• Taco Bell
• Dateline NBC
• Dark Chocolate!!!
• Spaghetti with marinara
• Wine
• Staying at home on the couch!
• Roseanne
• The Office
• A good Book
• The smell of wood
• Marshmallow Fluff

 Updates later...

Dancing with the "Stars"

I just must make a comment about this television phenomenon.

First of all, this is the first season that I have ever watched. I cannot make any judgments about the past.

I will also shamefully admit that the only reason why I started watching is to see Kate Gosselin. Even when it seemed as if everyone was against her and her world was crashing down, I sort of secretly felt a lot of pain for her. I really liked her even when she was being ridiculous and making a lot of poor choices. I think it is because I feel like I am a lot like her.

So, anyway, I kind of wanted her to do well so she could prove everyone wrong and be really successful at something. I thought she had it in her. And I will admit, she looks great.

I was wrong.  She is just terrible.  I could do better.  My 10 year old brother could do better.  His 2 year old puppy could do better.

Now, I may keep watching.  I still have some hope.

I just wish they would make a reality show with ONLY professionals so I can watch trained people be musical and artistic.  But no... I would have to pay $80 to see that from a balcony...

Un Dia Feliz--The First Day of Spring

Yesterday was the best day EVER.

I woke up nice and early (for a Saturday), watched some Saturday morning TV on the couch and had a cookie and milk for breakfast.

Then Josh woke up and it was so nice out that we spent some time outside cleaning our porch and making it look pretty again from the gross winter.

Then a nice shower and I wore pretty spring clothes.

We cleaned the entire inside of the house (fairly quickly) and did all the laundry. All while the windows were open blowing a light and wonderful spring breeze throughout the apartment.

For lunch, I cut up tons of vegetables. Cherry tomatoes, celery, cauliflower, baby carrots, cucumbers, and peppers... all with ranch vegetable dip... mmmm. Our own vegetable buffet tray for a spring lunch. I paired that with my fresh brewed berry iced tea :-)

After that, Josh and I started a game of Monopoly on the living room floor while watching episodes of The Office. After about TWO HOURS, Josh went to get ready for work.

After he left, I did my workout routine... 50 minutes of core and abs! It hurts so bad--still. Then I showered and put my spring clothes back on.

I met Kirsten at The Outback Steakhouse, which I haven't been to since 2006 (when I worked there). It was a nice long dinner. We had that great pumpernickel bread with REAL butter, a frozen peach drink from the bar, steak, shrimp, and garlic mashed potatoes. It was soooo good.

When I got home, Josh and I finished our Monopoly game (I lost), went to bed, and slept in late this morning.

Best weekend EVER.

It's 70 degrees!

A look at my day:


Crap.  This morning I woke up late.  I got to school on time.  Crap.  I realized that I left my lunch at home.  It was too late to go back.  Oh, I will just call Josh and ask him to drop it off this afternoon.  Crap.  I forgot my phone, too.

I am walking up the steps in my new pretty shoes.  Already I have three compliments on them.  I get upstairs... Crap.  I already have three blisters from them.

Oh well, at least I have a long plan period this morning to get all that stuff done that's been on the to-do list for a while.  Crap.  Vice-principal asks me to go watch another class while the teacher is in a meeting.  Planning time--gone.

THEN---all was better.

Good lessons.  Day went by fast.  I took my last class (of 2 students) outside to play on the playground this afternoon.  It was so nice outside! Came home, ate something for lunch and took a nap.  Woke up and went to zumba (yay).  Came home and made pork chops and asparagus for dinner.  Watched the new episode of The Office with Josh.  Did the dishes... [don't ever tell Josh, but I enjoy doing the dishes in the evening.  Sometimes I complain about it, but it's just because he never does them.  It's me standing my ground.]  Now I am watching The Marriage Ref, which is a ridiculous show, but kind of funny.  Then I will watch Chelsea Lately (my favorite) and THEN the world premiere of the 9-minute music video "Telephone" by Lady Gaga featuring Beyonce at 11:30. woot.

WOW.

Called Out By 911

February 24, 2010 1:05 PM

Two Palm Coast, FL teenagers are under arrest after police say they accidentally called 911 during a car robbery, and operators listened in to their conversation.
According to dispatchers, 19-year-old Stefanie Vargas, pictured, and a 13-year-old friend were caught talking about items worth stealing and what should be left behind as they rummaged through a car on Sunday.
The teenagers apparently had no idea a 911 operator was listening to their every word.
Cops say when they arrived on the scene the pair still had the stolen property in their possession.
They were each charged with burglary.
Special bonus: You can listen to the Actual 911 Call

Snow Day!

So, they were calling for over a foot of snow.  It was supposed to hit at 6am.  So, at 5am they canceled school.  It is now 3pm and there is still no snow.   Of course.

I am not complaining.  Believe me.

Today, I woke up late, Josh made me bacon and eggs for breakfast, I laid around and watched Roseanne, talked on the phone, and played online games.  Now I am drinking a cup of tea and doing a puzzle.  What a great day!

I think I will make us a nice dinner tonight, drink wine, and watch a movie.

Tomorrow I will be productive, I promise.

Date Night

I had a wonderful evening last night.

We didn't have school on Monday (Thank you, Dr. King) and Josh and I accidentally got stuck watching that show, Intervention.  It's on A&E, I think.  Anyway, I couldn't stop watching it and ended up staying up forever.  Well I did have school the following morning.  It was actually a great day at school, but I was exhausted.  I went home, had some wheat thins and hummus (mmmm...)  and took a nap.  Josh woke me up two hours later and we started a puzzle!  What a great way to spend time together!  Just sitting and working on a puzzle.  Then we ate the dinner that I had prepared in the crock pot... white chicken chili!  We finished our puzzle while watching Roseanne, my favorite show.  Then I went back to bed and got lots of rest for today!  Probably the best day ever.  Full of comfort: Josh, naps, crackers, soup, puzzle, Roseanne, and bed.


On another note:  This morning while listening to the radio on the way to school, I heard something VERY weird.  Apparently, there is a Holiday Inn in London which pays people to warm your beds for you.  Say you know you will come to bed around 11:45pm.  You call the front desk and ask for your bed to be warmed.  They will send a REAL person up there at 11:40 to lay in your bed for five minutes before you get in it... SERIOUSLY.  This is real, people.  It sounds strange and weird, but to be honest, why didn't we think of this earlier?!?!  No one likes hopping into a cold bed.