tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63406282120078289762024-03-05T04:30:16.822-05:00kelly can do!my (mis)adventures in adulthood.
that is: attempts in crafting, cooking, cleaning, organization, home ownership and wedded bliss--or occasionally NOT :-)kelly beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324056961119679820noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-17138670800001300942011-08-24T22:38:00.001-04:002011-08-24T22:40:27.892-04:00Stormy weather...<div><p>Power went out. Power came on.  Power went partially out, came back on. Power went fully out again and came back on a minute later.  I went and got flashlights.  I'm ready....</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7Gv_ekm6sdIisbRS6KofGwP-DARKt-G0lHHUqewJm6ydtK-CzlQyZ5RrJZx6ZB6DsJKnTuJkXB-ViqcVr4Z83E7ymjGGcc36MSlKRvDZceqr5rdwHLRYIbnNjdVfiIewXZ58r3dZ3sI/' /></div>kelly beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324056961119679820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-41926281766247536432011-08-21T10:01:00.001-04:002011-08-22T19:40:54.998-04:00Roughing It<div><div><p>It's 3:10 in the morning and I've been woken up by a thunderstorm. This isn't really such a bad thing in and of itself, except for the minor detail that I'm sleeping in a tent. Ah well.</p>
</div><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DIfoyfP27OW046Xcq3sHbN9nvblqHAmQqDpM7qEut6QCdNkx_d2cIMGNvbrJZnCXxWN7bKnNBfDCHuknjtFTkDMnI7OR40Uij3UoNVWMU_4AaY744-l68xJ2ordS0cJrgA86u-a9hSE/' /><br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iEvFsyTHM6A/TlLo-Rd3fiI/AAAAAAAAEOE/D-bWW72MkaE/IMAG0106.png' /><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7tI_uiW6ayJ-Em_mZLmR5o7_E_74WuoJab8uMit9oNkB2HPdcHfnIfD0Y3v6l1cp8WVEiswjqnsrR8dtXft6vwYaEwYjw1mHuR2TlqWCvfC4APn-Npp3yo-K1cRzNXMet6kRTK2UBiM/' /></div>kelly beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324056961119679820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-81833069053322819852011-08-17T12:42:00.001-04:002011-08-17T12:44:03.443-04:00Why I won't go into the basement...<div><p>Or...Valid argument as to why my husband has to take responsibility of they laundry.</p>
<p>I am now paranoid that there are spiders everywhere everytime I feel an itch.</p>
<p>Off to bathe in bleach, now.</p>
<p>I hope the image posts at the bottom....</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCEtV9psQsuAjRDtv1G-xlm5xZjglOjLXzRdGiZzTdaU_lFLGbqK3yPbwwpGmjRX2W-zTNH0Uxl4jfPU25GWHf0zxH0z5RwkEwIQ_-A2ZpzjRLLM_T2mS1VXMxK8G-fHDgVnGHL65Aiw/' /></div>kelly beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324056961119679820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-90132846782074375722011-07-18T15:23:00.000-04:002011-07-18T15:23:09.309-04:00Traveling (wo)Man.Busy day today, in the midst of this God awful heat wave. <br />
<br />
Scout and I leave late tomorrow morning for a week at my parents house in Wisconsin. They live right on a bluff that overlooks Lake Michigan, so there will be LOTS of walks on the beach, relaxation, etc.<br />
<br />
BUT.... today makes for a busy day. <br />
<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Packing (for me and for the dog -- you would be amazed at how much planning is involved in packing for the dog)</li>
<li>Cleaning up the house -- I can't stand coming home to a messy house. It doesn't have to be <i>spotless</i> per se, but I HATE when it looks like the house was left in a hurry.</li>
<li>Clean out the car -- This one is MOSTLY done... I just have to finish the trunk and get the dog "sheets" etc, set up in there.</li>
<li>Load the car.</li>
<li>Take out the trash -- tomorrow morning is trash day.</li>
<li>Visit my Grandma</li>
<li>Work out.</li>
<li>Water the lawn</li>
<li>Laundry</li>
<li>Bank -- Need change for the toll booths.</li>
</ol><div>I am rapidly running out of time.</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />GAH!</div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Tomorrow morning I plan to go to an early AM yoga class before I leave as I have to leave by about 10am in order to hit Chicago at the exact right time so as to avoid traffic.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Final order of business: As it is an 8-9 hour drive, I need to figure out how in the world I will get to take bathroom breaks while traveling with the dog. She will be no problem. It's me (and my small bladder) that suddenly concern me.... </div><div><br />
</div><div><b><i>How do you travel with pets? Do you have any suggestions for me?</i></b></div><div><br />
</div><br />
--happy livingkelly beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324056961119679820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-87533766661017596592011-06-30T11:58:00.001-04:002011-06-30T12:01:06.287-04:00organizing, schmorganizing!I have a confession to make... I am a pack-rat. It's true. I keep things and then I do not get rid of them as quickly as I could. Or... they end up in my basement with the lofty goal of having a garage sale -- which hasn't happened yet.<br />
<br />
So now that I am <a href="http://kellysaysso.blogspot.com/2011/06/turn-of-events-and-new-me.html">unemployed</a>, I have to clean up and clean OUT all of this crap, get organized and have a garage sale. BUT I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN!!! I don't like our basement; there are spiders down there. This means that I will leave my husband to bring up all of those boxes -- which I will then, gingerly go through, thinking of spiders the whole time.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Plan of Action: Clearing clutter in "pre-garage sale glory</u>"</b>:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Starting in my bedroom, with my clothes. </li>
<ul><li>I have a lot of clothes. A LOT!</li>
</ul><li>Tackle the guest bedrooms </li>
<ul><li>This is where the extraneous clothes and accessories are</li>
</ul><li>Bathrooms </li>
<ul><li>I am a product junkie, so I need to be ruthless here</li>
</ul><li>Kitchen </li>
<ul><li>Pare down tupperware-ish stuff that I do not use</li>
<li>Canned goods gone bad</li>
<li>Items we just will not eat</li>
<li>Get rid of paper and junk mail collections</li>
<li>Get rid of Dog It<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">ems <span class="apple-style-span"><s><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">I</span></s></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><s><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"> </span></s></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">Scout does not </span></span>us</span>e (and donate to the <a href="http://www.oakgov.com/petadoption/">Oakland County Pet Adoption Center</a>)</li>
</ul><li>Living Room / Dining Room</li>
<ul><li>Not much to get rid of here, but there are some odds and ends, extra tablecloths, etc</li>
</ul><li>Family Room</li>
<ul><li>Clean off my desk </li>
<ul><li>Get rid of paper and junk mail collections</li>
</ul><li>Get rid of books and magazines I have read</li>
<li>Old candles</li>
<li>Sort cords for charge-able items</li>
</ul><li>Office</li>
<ul><li>That is SOLELY my husban<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">d's </span><span class="apple-style-span"><s><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">disaster area</span></s></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"> mess -- so that one is on him.</span></span></li>
</ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Garage</span></li>
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">This one is <i>MOSTLY</i> my husban</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">d's </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span"><s><span style="color: black; line-height: 18px;">disaster area</span></s></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; line-height: 18px;"> mess -- I will help, but this one will mainly fall on his shoulders.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Basement</span></li>
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Not ready to even go there. Yet....</span></li>
</ul></ul><br />
Then, I will think about the garage sale. The one thing I do know is that whatever does not sell is going IMMEDIATELY to the Salvation Army. It will <b><i>not (I repeat NOT) </i></b>go back into the house or remain in the garage.<br />
<br />
--happy living (<i><b>and wish me luck!</b><u>)</u></i>kelly beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324056961119679820noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-44758827740388180752011-06-29T10:25:00.002-04:002011-07-12T13:35:21.385-04:00a turn of events and a new meSo, last Monday morning, when I got online, I saw a meeting notice from my manager for a one-on-one that day. Immediately, I cringed. You see, for the past three years (literally, since I started at an un<u>h</u>a<u>p</u>py company) they have been in a constant state of Work Force Reductions (WFRs) and <i><b>BEST Shoring</b> </i>(a fancy term for off-shoring your job to China, India, Argentina, Puerto Rico, etc i.e. countries where they can all but steal labor -- how can a US employee that already makes less than nothing compete with them paying less than $5000 a year for someone in in India).<br />
<br />
Anyways, I saw that meeting notice and I knew that meant my time was up. Fortunately, I work from home most of the time, so I was given the news while I was at home (which has been my wish forever). This meant that I got to assimilate the information with my husband, in private. WIN (if that's possible in this situation)! <br />
<br />
The funny thing is, after 3 years of seeing other people (constantly) get let go, and living with that kind of stress, I was actually surprised and happy that my number one emotion was RELIEF. I felt like a HUGE weight had been lifted off of me and my stress level went way down! Don't get me wrong, I am NOT HAPPY to have lost my job, that's never a good thing. But I am happy to be unshackled by that job. Where I work, NO ONE keeps anything (or very few things) of personal nature in the office, because everyone who works there knows that it is much easier to clean out an empty desk than a full one.<br />
<br />
From the first day that I started at that global computer company, I had this overwhelming gut feeling that this job was an absolute mistake. I have never worked in such a toxic environment, because make no mistake, that was a VERY TOXIC environment. Imagine interacting daily with hundreds of people, all of whom are in constant fear of losing their job. People throw colleagues under the bus (sometimes without even realizing it, but usually they know what they are doing) without even blinking an eye. People are forced to adapt very quickly in that kind of dog eat dog food chain, and they become very skilled. Myself included, even though I made a concerted effort to never deliberately throw someone under the bus, I know it's happened, usually to defend myself.<br />
<br />
Who wants to exist in that kind of an environment?<br />
<br />
And I was there for THREE YEARS, hating it from the FIRST DAY! <br />
<br />
Fortunately, when I started there the economy (especially in battered Detroit) was in a FAR WORSE PLACE than it has been in the past 6 months or so. There are job postings now, whereas before there was primarily a void. <br />
<br />
Here are the positives that I see:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>I got "WFRd" at home.</li>
<li>I had very few personal effects at the office (in fact they all fit, with TONS of room left over, in a large lululemon shopper</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="256" src="http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/2724760.bin?size=620x400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what my personal belongings fit into</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>I knew it was coming (for the past three years)</li>
<li>I don't miss the job</li>
<li>It happened on Monday, June 20, which means that I get a summer vacation.</li>
<li>I already registered months ago for the <a href="http://www.freepmarathon.com/">Detroit Freep Marathon</a> on Sunday, October 16. So now I HAVE. TIME. TO. TRAIN!!!!</li>
<li>SUMMER VACATION (and I fully intend to enjoy every single second of it)!</li>
<li>Time to get the house TRULY organized, which has been weighing on me for about 6 months now.</li>
<li>The economy is in a much better place now than it was a few months ago, so I know I will find something.</li>
<li>I have time to be more discerning in my search for a new job.</li>
<li>My husband is wonderful and supportive.</li>
<li>So are my parents</li>
<li>My 90+ grandma just moved into an assisted living facility that is only a few miles from my house, so I will have time to pop in and visit her, frequently :-D</li>
</ul></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, there you have it -- I choose to look at this as a window opening, rather than a door closing!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">--happy living</div>kelly beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324056961119679820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-33940419122524936282011-06-18T16:25:00.000-04:002011-06-20T14:38:43.872-04:00melissa, melissa, melissa -- for all that you do, this post is for you! or: ridin' the v(eg)-train<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Dearest Melissa,</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>As requested. :-)</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><i><b> Love, </b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><i><b> Kelly</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>*** this is a bit rambly, I'm tired and don't really feel like trying to edit too much... Feel free to judge me, but i still love you ***</b></i></span><br />
<br />
So in the past several months, I've made several unplanned, highly unanticipated changes in my life. The biggest of which has probably been the fact that I stopped eating meat. That's right, I've vegged out! The funniest thing about it is that I really have not missed it. At all.<br />
<br />
More than once I have foundthat the smell of burgers and hot dogs on the grill is enough to make my mouth water like one of Pavlov's dogs. However, I have not felt tempted by it. To me, the real test was when Hubs and I were down in the basement chilling on the aerobed watching television -- it was a hot day and the basement was cool. Chilly even. Don't judge! -- and somehow ended on Food Network and we began watching a marathon (3 episodes) of <u style="font-weight: bold;">Diners Drive-ins and Dives</u>. It was ninety minutes of barbecue ribs, pulled pork, hamburgers, etc. All foods I LOVE -- or is that loved? When we turned the television off, Hubs got all hot and bothered to grill something, but I was able to watch with detachment, I guess. While the food all looked fantastic, delicious and downright delicious, I did not WANT it. I could appreciate it. But I did not want it. That was rather empowering to me, that I could resist and it was not hard! Restaurants are, on occasion, a bit of a challenge. Not all have a good list of vegetarian cuisine; and of those that do have offerings, many just go through their menu and say, "Ooh, there's no meat in this, let's label that Veg" In other words finding things beyond salads, grilled cheese sandwiches or Garden Burgers can be hard. But it's not impossible.<br />
<br />
I should clarify, I am not vegan -- I really do not want to make that kind of a commitment. In other words, I still eat eggs and dairy (which certainly makes it much easier), and I also let myself have fish & seafood -- this makes travel a LOT easier. Not to mention that there is NO WAY I could give up sushi. I love it so.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, I should add that there was no motivation behind my shift to vegetarianism. In fact, it was so anticlimactic that I am unable to even pinpoint when it happened. It just did. I know it was right around my three year wedding anniversary (March 7, if you were wondering), but that is the best I can do. It just happened. I'm not committed for life to this (I'm leaving myself that out as it takes the pressure off of me) but I am curious how long I can ride the V(eg)-Train.<br />
<br />
Another change which I have made -- this one had a bit more conscious of a decision -- I switched from salon shampoos and conditioners to natural, organic ones. It took about two or three weeks before my hair stopped feeling like a straw-like, knotted mess when I washed it, but my hair has acclimated, and is shiny, full and silky. If you are wondering, I use Desert Essence Shampoo (<a href="http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/desert-essence-organics-shampoo/ID=prod6056133-product?V=G&ext=frgl_Google_Beauty">right here</a>) and Conditioner (<a href="http://www.walgreens.com/store/store/product/view_product_details.jsp?id=prod6056114">and here</a>) in Italian Red Grape. I bought mine at Whole Foods. The fragrance is AMAZING and lasts for days -- I wash my hair every other day, and I can still smell it on my hair.<br />
<br />
Last but not least... this one has been slowly growing for the past two years! When it comes to household cleaning, I have switched from harsh cleaning chemicals, to more kid and pet friendly, green variety. Having Scout has been very eye opening, and was the biggest catalyst for this evolution. She is such a curious dog that every time I would go to clean, I would constantly worry that she would lick at something or worse, so it became important to me to find things that I would not be as paranoid about. Not to mention the fact that we are planning to have kids, why not be ahead of the curve. As it is, I already hate cleaning and scouring, so when I felt like I had to constantly put effort into keeping the dog away to clean it became an even bigger chore. Now, I am much less worried when she shadows me. <br />
<br />
I use a couple of brands for cleaning products. The first one I love because they are actually pretty reasonable and they are effective in cleaning (obviously important) is <a href="http://www.naturallyitsclean.com/">Naturally It's Clean by Enzyme Fresh Home</a> which you can buy at <a href="http://alice.com/products?manufacturer=7D678C3A&order=best&page=1&per_page=20&view=traditional">Alice.com</a> (I love ALICE! You <b><i>always</i></b> get free shipping, there are frequent coupons for products and the mark-up is nominal over a grocery store -- and you more than make up for it with the FREE SHIPPING!). The best perk of using these products is that they are made and produced right here in the Metro Detroit area in Bloomfield Hills. WINNING!<br />
<br />
The other products I use are made by <a href="http://www.shaklee.com/products_prod_getclean.shtml">Shaklee </a>-- who have been making GREEN cleaning products since the 1956. Their <b>Basic H2</b> is not only extremely long lasting -- you use a few drops to a tablespoon depending on your instant need, so a small 16oz bottle can last for a couple of years, easily! Further, it's unscented, so I add a drop or two of the essential oil of my choice for fragrance (currently lime). I love it!<br />
<br />
What have you done to green / healthify (yep, made that word up) or otherwise spruce up your day to day routines? Tell me in the comments. <br />
<br />
PS: Melissa, you are required to leave a comment. Consider it my reward for posting ;-)<br />
<br />
--happy livingkellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-53924298891857693012011-05-23T18:14:00.000-04:002011-05-23T18:14:47.766-04:00where it's at!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">This is where I was at with the house last summer.... Lots of changes!</div></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/d8e07d2146d2118c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/d8e07d2146d2118c.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a view from the top (of the stairs, that is)</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/eaf8a1f630878fa5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/eaf8a1f630878fa5.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">living room. this pic is probably the closest photo representation of the blue that i have. Other pics look like it's "electric blue" I don't LOVE this color, and do want to repaint it... but I'm not there yet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/24ab13cdda3a3982.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/24ab13cdda3a3982.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another view of the living room. plus, say hello to Audrey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/8b192e17402af8ba.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/8b192e17402af8ba.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my argyle wall masterpiece. I am SO proud of how this turned out and it was (surprisingly) <i style="font-weight: bold;">very</i> easy to do!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/7ae1402979a2ab4b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/7ae1402979a2ab4b.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">see what i mean, electric blue!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/38541e5eb47f6207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/38541e5eb47f6207.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/a77d4ba814225bee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/a77d4ba814225bee.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kitchen: view II</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/386cb6372781719a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/386cb6372781719a.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">family room. This no longer looks like this. There is now a big wall dividing the room right at the back of the loveseat now (the house originally had a wall as well. Now that smaller area is an office. </td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/f3d1b1fc51221784.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/f3d1b1fc51221784.jpg?size=320" style="cursor: move;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">which we already used as such!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/8436910c53ca9687.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/8436910c53ca9687.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">family room area</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/394c75c44a8a329b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/394c75c44a8a329b.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and now, up the stairs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/2122aa7f92bb4be5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/2122aa7f92bb4be5.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">large guest room (front of house)</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/4610a7acdb5d87d6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/4610a7acdb5d87d6.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another view</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/c6f7e65af9a4965b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/c6f7e65af9a4965b.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and another.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/15d9bfce20cadd65.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/15d9bfce20cadd65.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">small guest room (rear of house)</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/868d05a4176160ed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/868d05a4176160ed.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blue room</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/9f234c99867cea89.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/9f234c99867cea89.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blue room</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/ebd78c7051aec663.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49772/ad5e16a51c2f2c7668d9d4defd121b42/image/ebd78c7051aec663.jpg?size=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ahhh, my sanctuary!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><br />
<br />
<br />
--happy livingkellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-22297541657597429572011-05-05T22:17:00.002-04:002011-05-05T22:19:16.181-04:00mexiquinoa (a cinco de mayo delight)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Cinco de Mayo and Happy Birthday to my dear friend Maggie!!!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So really, there is nothing special about this dish. However, because I have recently stopped eating meat, instead of rice I use quinoa, which is a source of complete protein. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If you want a really nice breakdown on quinoa, what it is and why it's wonderful, you can read Emily's post over at the Daily Garnish (read <a href="http://goo.gl/yDglu">here</a>) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients for MexiQuinoa (Yields 4 - 5 servings)</span></u></b><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1¼ c. Quinoa</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 can of Black Beans</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 can of Pinto Beans</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 fire roasted red pepper (diced)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">½</span> onion (diced and sautéed)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Salsa (whatever your preference)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 to 2 tbsp Sour cream</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">⅛ - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">¼</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span>c. shredded cheese (depending on cheesy preference)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tortilla chips</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So first off, I rinse boil 2 cups of water. While I'm waiting for it to boil, I rinse off the quinoa in the sink.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Once the water boils, I dump the quinoa in. Stir occassionally. Like rice, it will absorb all of the water moreover, when the little tails sprout, it's done. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">While the quinoa is cooking, I dice and s<span class="Apple-style-span">auté the onion and once that starts to cook down, I add the fire roasted red pepper</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I open the can of black and pinto beans and rinse them off.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Once the quinoa is done cooking, I add the beans to the grain. As those are incorporated, I add the onion and pepper mixture. Then I add the salsa, sour cream and shredded cheese and mix it all together. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The brilliance of the recipe is that it really does not require a lot of cheese or sour cream before it becomes deliciously creamy... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Add to a bowl, and scoop with tortilla chips and enjoy!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">--happy living</span>kellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-48729701681323111082011-04-19T18:41:00.004-04:002011-04-21T17:17:36.257-04:00My Response to "Parents don't dress your girls like tramps"<div class="MsoNormal">Both the CNN article AND Katy's post.<br />
<br />
While this post is a little off topic from my usual posts, I read, posted and commented on this<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/04/19/granderson.children.dress/index.html?hpt=Sbin"> LZ Granderson/CNN</a> article, Parents don't ress your girls like tramps," earlier today. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When <a href="http://katywidrick.com/2011/04/19/dont-dress-your-girls-like-tramps/">Katy Widrick wrote her opinion over at her blog</a> I had to write a lengthy/personal reply. Further, I wanted to share my thoughts here, as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Katy made the point that</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sDQL9u8SHcyDG-jIT6y1YZLcyGMWU92CvR3umwFzUvWv_jDA_Mkl8GKsUyu4pTVxKNkkGwhdpv9SmVmhry1xa1NoC6p6SLyFmJAH-EnAPpXgV1DqgaEcE5KYf_LgGqllxUAlUcAXglc/s1600/like+mommy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sDQL9u8SHcyDG-jIT6y1YZLcyGMWU92CvR3umwFzUvWv_jDA_Mkl8GKsUyu4pTVxKNkkGwhdpv9SmVmhry1xa1NoC6p6SLyFmJAH-EnAPpXgV1DqgaEcE5KYf_LgGqllxUAlUcAXglc/s400/like+mommy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is representative of a further issue -- in my opinion, that issue is largely the fact that parents are increasingly absent. However, I can only partially agree with your point about parents letting their kids have some freedom in their choices... but I only partially agree with you. It's one thing to let your daughter wear your high heels and lipstick, it's another when they start parading around in your or their (I have no doubt that will eventually happen) lingerie.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Parents MUST to play a role in GUIDING their children's choices. Because I don't care how "free" a spirit your kid is... No little girl needs to be running around have naked and dressed like a sex symbol. That is SOLELY on the parents. Shame on companies like Abercrombie for marketing the merchandise, but even more shame goes to the parents for saying, "Yeah, that's a GREAT IDEA" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think LZ Granderson made a HUGELY valid point which is that PARENTS are the one buying these items for their kids. And from first-hand experience, pushing and or encouraging it. Case in point: My (then) 7 year old niece Annie and her mom. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I can't begin to tell you how disgusted I was when my sister-in-law bought some kiddie bras for my niece (who at the time was seven). My SIL, Shelly bought them NOT because my niece asked or begged for them, not because Annie NEEDED them (she didn't). Shelly bought them because SHELLY thought that they were funny and cute. While I love my SIL, to me, that is just plain inappropriate. And I have friends who would/will/have bought similar items for their little girls, for the same reason.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These parents make up the demographic that companies like Abercrombie, etc are trying to "reach" with these items. I have never yet met a kid that chose outfits that are purely sexual because that's how they want to dress. TV & media have A LOT of influence but it comes from even closer. What are those kids learning at home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Back to my niece Annie (who is now 11). Annie has had some pretty serious body image issues since she was about 8 years old. It was about this time when she (who IS beautiful and also a little toothpick)started comparing herself to other kids, real and on TV, and saying that she wasn’t pretty, or skinny, or she was too fat, she needed to lose weight. This is the girl who understands the sexual undertone to Katy Perry’s “I kissed a girl” and sings it that way in order to get attention. This, btw, is something that still leaves me appalled.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The question isn’t what are we letting our KIDS do. The real question is <b style="text-decoration: underline;">what are we encouraging our kids to do</b><b>?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><br />
</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">And the future right now is beginning to look pretty grim.</div><br />
<br />
--happy livingkelly beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324056961119679820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-29604645530152429212011-04-16T17:50:00.003-04:002011-04-16T17:53:39.280-04:00Simply Delish - Vegan Muffin(tops)Every once in awhile I stumble upon a recipe that I have to try right then and there. Even more rare is when that happens and I actually have all of the proper ingredients (or acceptable substitutes) so that I actually <i style="font-weight: bold;">do</i> make them. Emily provided just one of those recipes with her vegan <b><a href="http://www.dailygarnish.com/recipes?recipe_id=6000652">Blueberry Banana Whole Wheat Muffin</a> </b>recipe over at her blog, the <a href="http://www.dailygarnish.com/">Daily Garnish</a>.<br>
<br>
Unable to resist the promise of muffin-y goodness, I got to work. The only problem...? I didn't take any pictures until I made a second batch, anyways...<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrGaYjMp2S8/TaoOIVZUYUI/AAAAAAAAD8U/d1Zq-jsKYqM/s1600/2011-04-07+19.01.39-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrGaYjMp2S8/TaoOIVZUYUI/AAAAAAAAD8U/d1Zq-jsKYqM/s320/2011-04-07+19.01.39-1.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oh. my. yumness!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Emily's recipe calls for the following ingredients <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">(</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">my modifications will be noted in parentheses and in blue</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">)</span><br>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"></span><br>
<a href="http://kellysaysso.blogspot.com/2011/04/simply-delish-vegan-blueberry-muffin.html#more">But wait! — there’s more...</a>kellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-141128025046612092011-04-04T22:49:00.012-04:002011-04-13T22:00:12.300-04:00Chili Time<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I saw <a href="http://afoodiestaysfit.com/2011/03/my-famous-three-bean-vegetarian-chili/">this post</a> the other day, and was eager to try it. So on Sunday, I finally did.</span><br>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br>
</span><br>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I modified Teri (over at A Foodie Stays Fit)'s <a href="http://afoodiestaysfit.com/2011/03/my-famous-three-bean-vegetarian-chili/">Famous Vegetarian 3-Bean Chili</a> recipe. Let me just tell you... She nailed it. <b>It. Is. Good! </b>Really good.<b> </b>She was not kidding when she said that there was just one step, "throw it all in a pot." The most time-consuming part of the process was opening all of the cans of beans and tomatoes. I topped it with some guacamole and a blend of plain yogurt and sour cream. I was very pleased that mine turned out as thick as if there were meat in it, not watery like most veggie chili.</span><br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HShQS4e1DrxuENbfGk2jPQl3lfyG0jq9YfMpqNnvtA9eWDdTVwNsrpfNSPCVMeREMmrLlcinKtVcnQjhqnJYci9kovVVPlysMHCZRyl7v5DKpPjqP4CdeA9zcTuOmxiRmt1Noewmc8M/s1600/2011-04-03+11.21.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HShQS4e1DrxuENbfGk2jPQl3lfyG0jq9YfMpqNnvtA9eWDdTVwNsrpfNSPCVMeREMmrLlcinKtVcnQjhqnJYci9kovVVPlysMHCZRyl7v5DKpPjqP4CdeA9zcTuOmxiRmt1Noewmc8M/s400/2011-04-03+11.21.16.jpg" width="400"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Nom! Nom! Nom!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://kellysaysso.blogspot.com/2011/04/chili-makin-mama.html#more">But wait! — there’s more...</a>kellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-59755728649825619292011-03-16T18:16:00.003-04:002011-03-21T12:30:38.174-04:00f is for flu but b is for birthday.So, I have been sick as a dog since Monday afternoon. 'Sick is a dog' is actually a rather silly analogy as my dog is generally healthy as a horse, but... (See, a sure sign I'm sick. Dumb jokes)<br>
<br>
<a href="http://kellysaysso.blogspot.com/2011/03/f-is-for-flu-and-b-is-for-birthday.html#more">But wait! — there’s more...</a>kellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-87352984658087864062011-03-11T17:16:00.003-05:002011-03-12T15:19:56.779-05:00friday +/-So, this has been an interesting week, to say the least. Despite the negatives that I list, I can claim absolutely that the positives SIGNIFICANTLY outweighed the negatives. That said, I usually start with the negatives so that I can end on a positive note... but for this week only, I am going to flip that around. Be warned... this is probably going to get a bit ramble-y in spots.<br>
<br>
So... Let's get started, shall we?<br>
<a href="http://kellysaysso.blogspot.com/2011/03/friday.html#more">But wait! — there’s more...</a>kellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-55517251519993268162011-03-07T18:30:00.002-05:002011-03-18T23:02:26.536-04:00walking in a winter wonderlandFirst off: <br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, BABY!!! WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR THREE YEARS, TOGETHER FOR NEARLY SEVEN YEARS, </span></b></i><br>
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">AND THROUGH IT ALL, I AM STILL MADLY. IN. LOVE.</span></b></i><br>
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">WITH YOU!</span></b></i></div><br>
The past weekend was amazing for my husband and myself. We celebrated our third wedding anniversary on Monday -- I can't believe that it's been three years, already! -- and we spend the weekend driving southwest of Pittsburgh to <a href="http://7springs.com/">Seven Springs Mountain Resort</a> for a weekend of snowboarding. And the past weekend was epic for me!<br>
<br>
Ryan and I just learned this winter. Well, Ryan grew up on a skateboard, so it was a really smooth transition for him. Both of us skied growing up and wanted to get back on the slopes, but also wanted a more cost effective way to do it. So... it just so happened that last August, Ryan stopped at a <b><i>HUGE</i></b> <a href="http://dickssportinggoods.com/">Dick's Sporting Goods</a> in Novi that we normally never go to as it is an hour drive from our house. While he was there, he saw these beginner decks that were on sale for $50 <i style="font-weight: bold;">each</i>, which is really an insanely low price. That said, he bought a new 5150 snowboard deck for each of us. Below are the pictures that Ryan messaged me when he told me his plan.<br>
<a href="http://kellysaysso.blogspot.com/2011/03/walking-in-winter-wonderland.html#more">But wait! — there’s more...</a>kellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-75911695215684371642011-02-25T11:10:00.065-05:002011-04-17T00:22:43.034-04:00ABCs of Me<div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Everyone always says that "Oh, I don't usually do these, but this one looked fun, so here I go..." Well... Count me in that bucket. I really don't usually fill these things out, but this one was easy enough without getting too overly personal. So...<br>
</div></div><a href="http://kellysaysso.blogspot.com/2011/02/abcs-of-me_25.html#more">But wait! — there’s more...</a>kellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-52418609051494080872011-02-14T22:31:00.000-05:002011-02-14T22:31:37.436-05:00love is in the air!Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope your days are all filled with love and sunshine! (Not practical, I'm sure--but I can hope, right?)<br />
<br />
My husband had an amazing series of surprises planned for me when I got home from work. I love him with all my heart. I can honestly claim that I am truly blessed to have found my soul-mate in him! A claim I do not make lightly.<br />
<br />
--happy livingkellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-9549667769758272612011-02-11T07:33:00.000-05:002011-02-13T23:00:11.088-05:00friday +/-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Nobile; line-height: 16px;"><b><i>negatives:</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Nobile; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Nobile; line-height: 16px;">The hubby was stuck in training on Monday and Tuesday while we were in Houston. And Tuesday was a very long day for him.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Nobile; line-height: 16px;">Mom almost got run off the road by a semi-truck in a dangerous spot on i-94 in Milwaukee. She wasn't hurt and neither was her car, but she was definitely shaken and it delayed her arrival to our house. Meaning, we didn't get to spend as much time with her. But--she's safe!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Nobile; line-height: 16px;">Hubs and I had to leave the Scout-dog for 5 days. I'll admit it--I missed her!</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Nobile; line-height: 16px;"><b><i>positives:</i></b></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Nobile; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<ul><li>I got to go to Houston, Texas this week and see the sun and experience some warmer temperatures. Much needed!</li>
<li>Hubs and I were able to rent a car on Sunday and drive down to the Gulf of Mexico/Galveston, Texas.</li>
<li>We enjoyed several amazing meals whilst traveling.</li>
<li>I walked approximately 5 miles per day while we were there, and it was very enjoyable.</li>
<li>Got to give my Kindle a fantastic workout while we were there.</li>
<li>Enjoyed the gorgeous weather.</li>
<li>Came home to my puppy!</li>
<li>Came home to my house that my mom had (beautifully) cleaned for our homecoming. I LOVE coming home to a clean house, so it was wonderful!</li>
</ul></div><div style="font-family: Nobile; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">All in all it's been another grand week!!!</div><div style="font-family: Nobile; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5Ngxrw1Q8z-STgXSJv9Hawb37VLIRimVTVkeWcgHMaB94t2ThqL8vothhxdtPd-JcDSlWTZChKpL5TYWl606gMLQXwCKG8ZFJUUTWA38wuSOB_TAHoeWXRsoDt8hffA_rSBKtDHGjfI/s1600/DSCN0991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5Ngxrw1Q8z-STgXSJv9Hawb37VLIRimVTVkeWcgHMaB94t2ThqL8vothhxdtPd-JcDSlWTZChKpL5TYWl606gMLQXwCKG8ZFJUUTWA38wuSOB_TAHoeWXRsoDt8hffA_rSBKtDHGjfI/s320/DSCN0991.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...i missed this girl!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
</div>--happy livingkellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-45497499274214133722011-02-10T17:56:00.000-05:002011-02-12T11:31:22.955-05:00everything's bigger in texas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seriously, it is! I have been MIA the past several days as my hubby and I have been holed up in this mystical land of the south--specifically Houston. I have to say a few things have surprised me.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFrxDHUZe2VSPHcCaDkZJJyUONw-aHvwbLJ8sj63tB7PfT5DY0bOPDetEBZOtdxF8RKXzsK1KRbfIS_CPg0LtmMVo0gDqyuQCMLEQR4wqVMsLlNWaz-NBemjQXiB_yh4b6LNOVeIffb4/s1600/DSCN1057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFrxDHUZe2VSPHcCaDkZJJyUONw-aHvwbLJ8sj63tB7PfT5DY0bOPDetEBZOtdxF8RKXzsK1KRbfIS_CPg0LtmMVo0gDqyuQCMLEQR4wqVMsLlNWaz-NBemjQXiB_yh4b6LNOVeIffb4/s320/DSCN1057.JPG" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our view of the houston skyline from the hotel. the toyota center is where the houston rockets play.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><u><b></b></u><br>
<a href="http://kellysaysso.blogspot.com/2011/02/everythings-bigger-in-texas.html#more">But wait! — there’s more...</a>kellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-6462880575325211292011-02-02T16:47:00.001-05:002011-02-02T16:51:29.915-05:00it's a marshmallow world!Well, the blizzard came and left. It did not leave as much snow as predicted (and unfortunately, it never does), but it still left a beautiful coat of snow. <br>
<br>
Ryan, Scout and I all teamed up and cleaned out the driveway. Ryan used the snowblower, I took the shovel and played cleanup, and Scout was really just an observant (and faithfully diligent) project manager.<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FNDAprH9qnM7dY4s9AQ-eraN_mcqsC2tBk_VZ7RQ-w3LIpVrYA45aAWYLq3-YJLidveZTNnGsrb5tj7z0v3jm1EaZQRwF-IlSOxBWOGySp0ED9m7ebIRnFWaU53RtZLRBJAd_sPEHYo/s1600/DSCN0994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FNDAprH9qnM7dY4s9AQ-eraN_mcqsC2tBk_VZ7RQ-w3LIpVrYA45aAWYLq3-YJLidveZTNnGsrb5tj7z0v3jm1EaZQRwF-IlSOxBWOGySp0ED9m7ebIRnFWaU53RtZLRBJAd_sPEHYo/s320/DSCN0994.JPG" width="242"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i've got my eyes on you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br>
<a href="http://kellysaysso.blogspot.com/2011/02/its-marshmallow-world.html#more">But wait! — there’s more...</a>kellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-56612229202941278862011-02-01T23:15:00.000-05:002011-02-01T23:15:52.785-05:00snowpocalypse now!Batten down the hatches, the storm has descended upon us! <br />
<br />
That said, my husband and I are all prepared for being snowed in tomorrow. We stocked up on groceries over the weekend, ahead of all the blizzard warnings. And for that I'm grateful. I mentioned yesterday that when I ran to the grocery store to pick up my husband's birthday cake, all of the grocery store staples were all but depleted. No bananas, milk, etc. It was crazy!<br />
<br />
I took my girl Scout (I don't know that you have been formally introduced yet. So I'll do that now. Scout is a one and a half year old yellow lab. She was named after one of my favorite literary characters, Scout Finch, from <i style="font-weight: bold;">To Kill a Mockingbird</i>.) for a long and gloriously snow-filled walk this evening, as the blustery wind had picked up. <br />
<br />
Now that I am warmed up, with my blanket, my pup at my feet and a steaming cup of hot cocoa... All that is left is some entertainment.<br />
<br />
And... With that, I will leave you with a clip from YouTube. In the past 36 hours, I have NOT been able to get this song out of my head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pDcPBGESkAI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
--happy living ( & stay warm!)kellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-24748679608458171162011-01-31T23:53:00.003-05:002011-02-01T23:05:37.677-05:00the waffler…<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Today was my husband's 35<span class="Apple-style-span"><sup>th</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> birthday, and it was pretty low-key. We always proclaim that, 'this year we're having a party' or something similar, but we never do. It's funny—and I think my as we've gotten older, we want our birthday to be recognized. BUT, we still want to celebrate with each other.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br>
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">This year, hubs genuinely only wanted a few things.</span></span></span><br>
<a href="http://kellysaysso.blogspot.com/2011/01/waffler_31.html#more">But wait! — there’s more...</a>kellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-49633879057127166212011-01-30T16:36:00.000-05:002011-01-30T16:36:09.335-05:00lemon lawsSo apparently, I have been feeling very, well very citrus-y, of late. Examples:<br />
1) My new KitchenAid mixer is Tangerine (I call her, 'Clem').<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhc07dPi9yXlj9pVGEY7EmKGYAdDyEfo5k_m9KucXRr4x3GTaZlMiCKHC1cWe69EfpsGVa-_v0lSyjRJ_Ozvo_clNRy4tdq43NatamtmK7lfDqXTuciySUVP86-2CLu6LxDJVn3KUx0bY/s1600/DSCN0974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhc07dPi9yXlj9pVGEY7EmKGYAdDyEfo5k_m9KucXRr4x3GTaZlMiCKHC1cWe69EfpsGVa-_v0lSyjRJ_Ozvo_clNRy4tdq43NatamtmK7lfDqXTuciySUVP86-2CLu6LxDJVn3KUx0bY/s320/DSCN0974.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm in love.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
2) I bought a new bottle of dish soap, as I was out. Previous frangrance? Also Tangerine. New fragrance: Clementine.<br />
3) The week prior, I bought a new candle from Target: Meyer Lemon<br />
4) I used Clem to make Lemon Meringue cookies<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixD-Gk1VV0euGFtPVFqs4LQ1sxO8JHngieH1DqlcqswKtRl1nU-DRN9RuuuHihCvrh8m5iRdpedHl29LA4P9aGs1FOgrB5rZ_2njmx9qoTd01QPNAT4BbGO04eV00m4QE0KfJZMnPkQyQ/s1600/DSCN0976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixD-Gk1VV0euGFtPVFqs4LQ1sxO8JHngieH1DqlcqswKtRl1nU-DRN9RuuuHihCvrh8m5iRdpedHl29LA4P9aGs1FOgrB5rZ_2njmx9qoTd01QPNAT4BbGO04eV00m4QE0KfJZMnPkQyQ/s320/DSCN0976.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what was left of the meringue cookies, after my husband hit them</td></tr>
</tbody></table>5) Feeling ambitious, I made my husband a Lemon Meringue pie.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kcVuxO31PWfSpsHZxHL9gXpSxoWnQlH6W0yZ5UTBaFFCeHZZrqo9fmENmUonOSX5z8-OF6Ti_AUHNZnQaahNh4TEcU00mYhUuZMAMus5VvwnHM-_dEDCkIlsN8Qhto4N1anrHGI7bhI/s1600/Lemon+Meringue+Pie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kcVuxO31PWfSpsHZxHL9gXpSxoWnQlH6W0yZ5UTBaFFCeHZZrqo9fmENmUonOSX5z8-OF6Ti_AUHNZnQaahNh4TEcU00mYhUuZMAMus5VvwnHM-_dEDCkIlsN8Qhto4N1anrHGI7bhI/s320/Lemon+Meringue+Pie.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at least i managed to snag a picture of this before the hubs tore into it. :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've heard of 'lemon laws', but not like this. Maybe this is a different <i>kind. ;-)</i><br />
<br />
--happy livingkellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-4489976545611397412011-01-29T13:00:00.003-05:002011-01-29T23:16:46.404-05:00the cow says "moooooo"Love is finding a vintage '<i>Moo Cow Creamer</i>' that takes you back to your childhood and summers spent at your grandparent's house. OK, so that might not be the <i style="font-weight: bold;">true</i> definition of love, but it certainly brings me 'warm & fuzzies'.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://kellysaysso.blogspot.com/2011/01/cow-says-moooo.html#more">But wait! — there’s more...</a>kellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340628212007828976.post-333070649388437822011-01-29T00:15:00.004-05:002011-01-29T00:20:42.317-05:00friday +/-I am borrowing this post idea from Christine over at <a href="http://christinehennessey.blogspot.com/">the new me</a>. I think it's a fantastic way to sum up the week.<br>
<br>
<b><i>negatives:</i></b><br>
The hubby worked a really long, stressful week and did not get home until 7:30pm on Friday.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://kellysaysso.blogspot.com/2011/01/friday.html#more">But wait! — there’s more...</a>kellybeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422951311431799233noreply@blogger.com0