good tidings we bring

We are at the beach enjoying our last few hours of Christmas vacation. Back to work tomorrow. ugh. Short week though, as I am off Thursday and Friday. We have had a great time this past week, tackling a big project at home and spending so much time with our families. We realize how lucky we are to live close to both of our families and are able to spend Christmas with all of them.
As much as I love this time of year, I am looking forward to going home, finishing our kitchen, and enjoying our spiffed up little house. Let me tell you, it is not fun having cabinet door strewn all across the floor. Kind of interfered with the whole Christmas motif I had going on.

I hope you all had a great Christmas week!

christmas vacation

My employer graciously gave the company paid time off this week. Peter asked for the week off. Our original plan was to spend a couple days at Disneyland. We were not on the same page regarding this trip, as his plan was to only spend one day there and as I thought that would be a waste. Disneyland, at Chritsmas, in one day? It cannot be done. So that plan died.

Our backup?



This....



This is what we have been doing for the past four days. Cleaned, sanded, primed, sanded, painted. Repeat. It has been a long, tedious project. Not hard necessarily, just time consuming. We are still waiting for the doors to fully dry before we hang them. This wet weather we have been having has not helped in the process. I also need to put away the rest of my dishes.

We have had minimal showers, drank a lot of caffeine, inhaled a ton of paint fumes, and probably ingested some poison from the old varnish dust. But we are happy and proud of ourselves. And think it looks pretty great.

We cant wait to hang the doors, add the new molding, and put on the hardware. This was a project I had in my mind since the first time we looked at this house. I am so happy we decided to tackle it.

Final before and after pics coming soon.... (hopefully!)

good things come in cute packages

For me, the simpler the better when it comes to wrapping paper. I am not sure where I inherited this simple taste, because at my mom's house it looks like Roy G. Biv himself exploded under the tree. Now this could be in part to my 16 year old sister being in charge of wrapping gifts...purple wrapping, green bow...perfection! Now dont get me wrong, a colorful assortment of gifts are beautiful, and totally reminiscent of every Christmas growing up. But for under my own tree, I kept it simple.

Last year I used brown mailing paper and red ribbon. This year I decided to change it up (I am so crazy, I know) and used white craft paper and, wait for it, wait for it....TWO ribbon colors! No, really, I think it looks pretty darn cute.

plate lust

I LOVE these plates. The small, appetizer ones. I first spotted them last year in a boutique downtown and have been lusting over them ever since. There wasnt any room for them in our apartment, which always stopped me from buying them (that and the price tag). But now, I have room and think they would look totally cute gracing my home next Christmas. Fortunately, I just found the designers website. So I can order them year around! Now about that price tag....

sweet treat

This year I decided to make macaroons for my coworkers. My plan was to actually make those and homemade marshmallows and chocolate peppermint cookies, but time, getting sick, and an upcoming house project got the best of me. And honestly, that probably would have been overkill. But I still wanted to do something for the people I love to work with.

I first made these for Allie's bridal shower. They were easy and oh so tasty. Since then, I have made them a few times with different variations. For this occasion I made some with orange zest and some with milk chocolate drizzled on top. If you like coconut, you will love these!

coconut macaroons

1 pkg shredded, sweetened coconut
2/3 cup flour
1/4 t. salt
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. almond extract
(this also works with 2 t. vanilla, if you dont have almond)

-In a large bowl, stir together coconut, flour, and salt
-In a separate bowl, mix condensed milk and flavorings
-Add to coconut and stir well
-Use a cookie scoop to drop on foil covered cookie sheet (I usually grease this as well)
-Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes, until tops are beginning to brown

I won!

Well, not me exactly, but my team won. Way to go Nick and Star! I picked you the very first episode, and you came through! You granted me bragging rights for at least one night.





Every season of the Amazing Race, Peter and I each pick a team to win. I am never successful. Once, my team got kicked off the very first episode (thanks alot Vipul and Arti). Peter has picked the top team twice (surprise, surprise). But this season I was victorious. Whoo hoo! I am the winner!

I would like to take this time to thank CBS for such a great show, Phil for being a fabulous host, and of course, Nick and Star for winning the race, and giving me the opportunity to jump and dance around the living room and gloat in Peter's face. I dont often have that opportunity :)

deck the halls

Our Friday night plans included finding the perfect tree, buying lights for the outside our our house (still working on that one), and scoring some yummy Chinese food. After scratching the first and third off our list we proceeded home to decorate the tree, listen to Christmas music, and drink hot chocolate. You know, be all cute and cozy and Christmasy. Of course, things didnt go exactly as planned.

First the tree would not fit in the holder. The trunk was too fat. I refused to believe this when Peter told me, so I just kept pulling out the ornaments. Please just make it work. I mean, how can we be cute and cozy and Christmasy without a tree? So after whittling the tree down with his carving tools (what? Peter doesnt seem like the type of guy who likes to carve animal figurines out of logs?? Yeah, you're right. He had a saw)it fit into the stand. Check.

So then my sister came over to help decorate the tree. Perfect! A little sister bonding time while decking the halls. Definitely meets my Christmasy goal. Well, the hope of some great Christmas music was slashed by Delilah. I couldnt find my cd's. No worry, I thought, 101.5 is playing Christmas music 24/7. Well, no, they aren't. When Delilah is on all you hear are annoying callers taking way too long to tell their holiday stories. They were either depressing or super cheesy. And after the story Delilah proceeds to play the chorus of a great carol, only to cut it off short and come back on the air with her husky, monotone voice. Great.

Sans-music, we put the decorations up. They look great. Its pretty late by now, sister has gone home, I am sleepy, but a part of my original plan was being cute and cozy. So by golly, we were going to be cute and cozy. So I heated up a kettle of water (no milk in our hot chocolates) and we sat down to watch something fun on tv. Nothing fun was on. NOTHING. During this time of searching, the kettle was done. Too done apparently. The hot chocolate was scalding. So we ended the night watching Prison Lock-up on MSNBC (a show profiling prisons and prison violence in CA)and barely being able to sip our boiling drinks. I mean, if that isnt cute, cozy, and Christmasy I dont know what is.


a shot of our front room, complete with a big window to show off our tree--something I have always wanted

december

Things I am looking forward to in December...

Finally becoming adjusted to leaving work when it is dark
Driving to work with my man
Christmas decorating
Putting up outside lights for the first time
Holiday-scented candles
Wrapping gifts
Girl's Christmas party
Family Christmas celebrations
Church choir program
Week off of work
Disneyland trip
Christmas cookies (making and eating)
Christmas songs on the radio
Celebrating our Savior's birth
My mom's stocking stuffers
Downtown Christmas lights
Wreaths on cars
Eating. Lots of eating

endings and beginnings

Tonight marked the end of my Twilight ending experience. I am sad it is over, but oh so happy I got caught up in the hype long enough to enjoy a great story line. No matter your opinions regarding the series, I have loved reading the books. They are fabulous.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of me working in a new position with new hours. For the past 6 months I have been working from 6am to 3pm. Crazy, I know. But necessary for the work I did with our East coast clients. Well, I thankfully received a promotion. My first real promotion, actually. And not only will I be doing work I enjoy and went to school for, but I will be working from 8-5. Like a normal person. And Peter and I will be able to carpool. Yeah, I will miss getting off at 3 and having more time to run errands and relax. But I will not miss crawling out of my warm bed at 4:40 every morning and getting ready in the cold dark while Peter quietly continues to snooze. Not worth it. Not at all.

giving thanks in portland

We celebrated Thanksgiving this past week in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. These two cities are just a river apart and we spent some time in both. Peter's aunt and family live in Vancouver, so we spent Thanksgiving day in their home, complete with zwiebach, ham, turkey, sweet pickles (gross to some of you, but I love them), and the rest of the traditional carb-laden but oh-so-yummy side dishes.

Friday and Saturday were spent in Portland--such a fun city! We went to the World Forestry Center (which is not nearly as boring as it sounds) and walked through the famous Rose Garden. Although there was obviously a lack of roses this time of year, the scenery and view of the sity was amazing. We had lunch at Elephant Deli, a upscale deli with so many wonderful choices. I decided I could eat here everyday if I had the chance. If ever in Portland, you must check it out. We continued the day by walking and shopping our way through Pioneer Courthouse Square. We were lucky to have dry weather--cold and overcast, but dry. Perfect.

Saturday was spent at the Portland Saturday market. An amazing street fair with local artisans, right along the river. The people, food, and handmade goods were so eclectic. I loved it. I walked away with a handmade ceramic spoonrest.

The 13 hour drive with 6 other people was a challenge, I will be honest. Although we all love each other, by about the 6th hour, we were all irritated. No one could say or do anything right. My plan to take a few dramamines and sleep the majority of the way was successful, although sleeping for 13 straight hours in a car is pretty impossible. But we made it, and I had a great time. I would love to go back to the city with Peter. Maybe in the summer. It is a beautiful place with old buildings, bridges, interesting people, and great shopping. A perfect combination.

at the world forestry center

rose garden amphitheater

skyline over the willamette river

loved this building near the saturday market

happy thanksgiving!

made in oregon

thank you

A big thank you to my husband and family for a great birthday. I spent the day at work, but was able to leave a little early and get a surprise massage :). That evening I opened up gifts with my family and then went to a nice dinner with Peter at one of our downtown faves, Mama Roomba.

I have been trying to fill these built-ins with white serving pieces. I still want to paint or stain the shelves in the future, but want them to look cute in the meantime. Many of these pieces were a birthday gift from Peter's parents and my sister-in law--Thank you! They look fabulous, kick start my collection, and will be great additions to my table.



I was quite shocked when I opened this gift from my husband (and parents). Truthfully, I was expecting a bike basket and the fourth Twilight book. The book I received (thank goodness, because I was going through withdrawals) but this was a complete surprise....


A KitchenAid mixer! I have been wanting one forever and have been frequently stealing my moms. I have mentioned to Peter that I love the Martha Stewart blue color mixer and he surprised me with it! Of course, in true Toni fashion, I screamed and clapped my hands really fast as soon as I ripped off the paper--I love it!

happy birthday

to me!

Plans include work (boo) and dinner out with my husband (yay!)

Edited to add: plans also included getting off work early and enjoying a company paid massage!
And receiving some fabulous gifts!! (more on those later)

concert

My sister and I went to the Carrie Underwood concert last Friday. Carrie definitely did not disappoint. Fresh off the heels of her big CMA win, she put on an amazing show. She sang every song I really wanted to hear and some fun covers too. And her voice? Aaaamazing. Seriously.

me . nikki

vanessa . nikki . toni . jill

birthday list

So my birthday is next week. I know all of your are just dying to know what I want. I give you even more. I will tell you what I NEED. Here are a couple options....



Now the Hawaiian Chair is a little pricey, I know that. But I am moving to a new office soon, and this chair would just really make the transition that much better. So maybe it could be a combined birthday and Christmas gift.


Or...if you are watching those pennies a little more carefully, I would also love to receive one of these. The red color please, so it can double as a monk outfit for next Halloween.

it's back

I love this show. I love, pretty much all, Bravo reality shows, but this one takes the cake. It combines drama, competition, interesting personalities, and food--all the necessary components for an amazing hour of television. I am super excited for season 5 to start tonight!

Will Chef Tom be as brutally honest as ever? Will Padma continue to wear completely ridiculous outfits and pretend to know a ton about food? Will the contestants have to prepare an entire 5 course meal using only canned food? Will Stephanie come back as a guest judge? More importantly, will Sam or Ilan come back??

Ahh!! I cant wait for it to start!

saturday at the coliseum

We spent Saturday tailgating and watching the USC game with friends. We bought tickets a few months ago, and Jay and Jill shared Dave and Angie's season tickets. Luckily, we were all able to sit together for the entire game.

Highlights included:

Spending time with these people...

Dave and Angie, us, Jay and Jill

-Finding creative ways to light the bbq...umm, excuse me sir, do you have a cigarrette we can borrow?
-Yummy food
-The strange, confused (high?) woman who had her eye on my purse, demanded a piece of bread, settled for a cookie and then placed it on the ground a few feet later. Only to pick it back up again and take a bite. Only to place it on the ground a few feet later...
-The USC lifer who wore maroon velour pants (what is it with ladies in velour at sporting events?), made her own necklaces, covered her eyes on every play, and high fived with everyone in site (including Jill and Peter)
-Kettle corn
-The USC victory!

buddy poppys

These small, red flowers are dear to my heart. They are provided (with a donation) as a fundraiser by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and benefit disabled and needy veterans around the country. What is really neat, is that those veterans who will directly benefit from the monies raised are also they ones who assemble the small sweet flowers. Programs are set up in VA hospitals to make the buddy poppys and active VFW members set up outside grocery stores and shops to offer them to the public.

I grew up watching my grandpa sell these every year. For Pop, buddy poppy time was a season of the year, we all knew when it was coming and knew he would be out in the community every day. He was a very active member in his local VFW, serving as President for many years. I have so so many memories of being with him at VFW events, he was a dedicated military man and a dedicated VFW member. He was also the most sweet and gentle man with white hair and a deep love for his family.

So today, when I walked up to Vons and saw those sweet men with their white hair and pin-covered VFW hats, I felt the lump in my throat and new I would have to stop on my way out. And I did. And I told them my grandpa sold these for many years and he was very, very dear to me and I miss him very much. And then I walked out to my car and called my mom and texted my brother to tell them it was buddy poppy time. And closed the door and cried.



So if you see these sweet men with white hair and pin-covered hats, please consider stopping by. You could drop in fifty cents and they would love you.

downtown

So one of my favorite thing about working downtown is the abundance of cool shops, fun restaurants, and antique stores all within walking (or short driving distance). Yesterday I took advantage of and spent my lunch hour wandering around Woolworths, my favorite antique shop. My parents used to take us here when we were younger, so they could shop around and we could eat at the old fashioned lunch counter. It is a very charming place. While I could have spent well over an hour there and purchased many things, I was looking for something specific. A small bedside table for the guest room.

shown in the front room while the bedroom is being painted

I found it. Not sure how "antique" it is. But is the perfect size, shape, and finish. Needless to say, it was a successful lunch hour.

Piece by piece, the room is coming along!

november

The beginning of every month I write in my planner things I want to accomplish or fun events I am looking forward to that month. I thought I would share them here as well.

November....in no particular order

Finishing the ceiling/walls of guest bedroom (maybe this week!)

Trying new soup recipes

Reading third Twilight book (thanks Jill!)

Twilight movie (ahhh...Edward Cullen)

Thanksgiving in Vancouver/Portland

Carrie Underwood concert

Sean and Allie's wedding!

USC game with friends

Making my Christmas list

Deciding what colors to decorate my Christmas tree (last year was red and gold)

Pumpkin anything (pie, muffins, bread, cake, coffee…)

Colored leaves

My Birthday!

fall back

Thank you daylight savings time. Not only did I get an extra hour of sleep this morning. But tomorrow (and for the next couple weeks at least ) when I have to leave at for work at 5:35 am, it wont be pitch black outside. And I appreciate that. Maybe I can trick myself into thinking I actually start work at a normal hour....

baked goods

So I have been on a baking kick lately. Which is not exactly a good thing. I would be much more proud to say I have been on a grapefruit for every meal kick, or a salad with no dressing kick, but that will probably never happen, so moving on. I usually make chocolate chip cookies every couple weeks, but all these yummy recipes floating around have tempted me even more.

I saw these pumpkin muffins on her site a couple weeks ago and thought they looked scrumptious. And then she made them too, and I know I just had too. The recipe was simple (I used pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, instead of all the individual spices) and added the optional streusal topping. Except I didnt have any nuts, so I used oats instead and it worked great. So, thanks Sharon for the inspiration!

ready to go in the oven

I am hoping this method of freezing fresh pumpkin Pioneer Woman talked about works for canned pumpkin too. Because I have a feeling I have a couple more batches of pumpkin muffins in my future and I need that baby to last

I also made a Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf this week. It was also very good. I dont have any pictures but here is the recipe. I added more lemon zest and juice for a stronger lemon flavor. The addition of plain yogurt makes it super moist and keeps the butter consumption a little lower, which is always good. No matter what Paula or Ina say...

Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup butter, softened

2 cups white sugar

3 eggs

1/2 cup lemon juice

3/4 cup plain yogurt

3 tablespoons lemon zest (I used about 5)

1/4 cup poppy seeds

1.	Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Heavily grease and flour two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
2.	Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3.	In a large bowl, cream butter or margarine, and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
4.	Mix lemon juice and yogurt together and add alternately with the sifted flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just blended. Stir in lemon rind and poppy seeds. Pour mixture into prepared pans and smooth tops.
5.	Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 minutes or until browned and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on rack for 15 minutes before turning out of pans.

happy halloween

Peter's office gets wild and crazy on Halloween, complete with a costume contest. Those of you who know Peter, know he is not really a costume kind of guy. But he is a good sport, so last year he went as a Dodger fan. Not exactly a costume (more like his everyday wardrobe from April to October) but it was free, so I was all for it. Well this year he decided to up the ante.

Instead of Dodger Fan '08, Peter transformed himself into the one and only Manny Ramirez. He even removed the dreads from and old Jamaican hat and carefully sewed (thats right, sewed) them into the lining of one of his old Dodger hats. Sunglasses and a baggy Dodger warm-up outfit made the transformation complete. He was definitely an office favorite.




As for tonight, we are staying home and passing out candy, hoping to see lots of trick or treaters from our little neighborhood.

6 years

On October 28, 2002 Peter and Toni became boyfriend and girlfriend. Well, technically we never really said those words, but we had our first kiss together, which, you know, basically means the same thing when you are in high school. It was after Bible Study in front of our youth pastor's house. Scandalous, I know. While leaning on my old turquoise Mustang. We were so cool.

Our first date happened 4 days later. We went to see The Ring. Such a fun and light-hearted movie for our first date.

Here is a look back through pictures of our dating years. It was fun looking at these again, and there are sooo many more. Just let me know if any of you would like to create a cute scrapbook for me for free. I will pay you with moral support, of course.

high school beach retreat

first of many, many Dodger games

snowboarding in college

making fajitas in the ghetto ranchwoods in fresno

Disneyland

Christie's wedding

torrey ridge apartment in fresno....shudder

the beach

all of that (and so much more) led to this...


and here we are, 6 years after that first kiss. which led to more than I could have even imagined.

plates

I am horrible about remembering my camera and did not take any pictures of out time at the beach. So to make up for it I will take some pics of what I bought! Um...thats just as good, right? I couldnt wait to unpack my new dishes and try them out. I am definitely happy with my purchase. As if the $3.50 price tag wasnt good enough, they actually look great on their own or paired with my green PB dishes. And they compliment the black table very well.

So if you are in need (or want) of some cute accent dishes, check out Pottery Barn. They are on clearance and come in a few different designs.

time off

I am sitting here typing this post from our family's beach house, although I really should be cleaning up. We planned this long weekend away a while ago, but it could not have come at a more perfect time. Between tax deadlines for Peter and meetings and projects for me, work has been stressful lately. Not to mention, the emotional end of the Dodger's season. So this time off at the beach was definitely needed.

We spent our time doing the usual things, sleeping in, watching a lot of hgtv and espn, eating at our favorite places, enjoying large amounts of frozen yogurt (um...irish mint...yes, please), and shopping. I am really excited about some super cute black and white accent dishes found at Pottery Barn on sale and a wall hanging that I think might work in the guest bedroom (with a little tweaking of course).

The weather was perfect and the time spent away with Peter was even better.

Now its back to the Valley, back to getting up early, and hopefully back to working on some house projects. I think Peter is sensing my ansyness, as it is only a couple months till the Holidays and then tax season sets in. When life as we know it ceases to exist.

one down....

three to go! Sunday afternoon, the Frantz fam went to cheer on the Dodgers. We were definitely not alone, as that night set a record for the most people at a Dodger game. The game was exciting (5 runs in the first inning), the crowd was electric, and I swung that rally towel around like nobody's business.

Here are some highlights:

spending time with my peter

garlic fries, need I say more?

a bench clearing (almost) brawl

seeing Tiger Woods...and not just on the big screen--he was sitting in the section in front of us

seeing our friends matt and sam at the gas station on the way out

sorry no pic--I had been sleeping in the car anyway, so a picture would definitely not be flattering

did I mention this guy?

and please disregard the people behind us...they were super grouchy. I tried to make sure the lint from my crazy, flying rally towel went all over them. And I will say, when they stood up to leave, she definitely had some fuzzies on her forest green velour suit. mission accomplished.

yard sale

So every year, the ladies in our church have a big yard sale (inside our gym). I was asked to come and help set up a couple days before. It also gave me a chance to scope out the loot and hide anything I wanted to buy the next evening, when the yard sale was open to the public. Here are my finds:

old wooden tray. I have a thing for trays right now (anyone know where I can find a galvanized metal tray? I am on the hunt) . Not sure what color I want to paint this one.

old chair. I really liked the lines of this cute chair. I am thinking of painting it creamy white or maybe a buttery yellow for the guest room.

white plates. I really want to do a display of white plates on the wall in my front (dining) room. perhaps hang them with ribbon.

tray-table. I just thought this was cute. Not sure if I will use it as is, or maybe just the tray top.

Now I am a yard sale novice. I will not pretend that I go all the time (or thrifting for that matter) and find all these great pieces. Nor will this one experience spur a love for yard sales within me. If you knew how early I have to get up during the week for work, you would understand why searching for yard sales is the last thing I would want to wake up and do on a Saturday. However, I will say I was happy with my finds and happy with the price tag. $5.50.

dresser....check

Well, in my quest to finish the guest room before, I dont know 2010, I have checked re finishing the dresser off the list. I loved the lines of this old dresser and knew I wanted it white with clear knobs, so this was actually quite an easy project. All it took was sanding it down, 2 thin coats of oil-based primer (better for furniture), and 2 coats of Martha Stewart's Picket Fences. Add a few clear acrylic knobs from Target (wanted glass, but didnt want the price) and viola!--a new and improved dresser.

I love the way it turned out, a creamy white with a little original wood on the edges, and it will look great in the guest room and a baby's room later on. much, much later on.



Other than that and a few additional accessories and a possible headboard idea, the room is at a standstill. We need to replaster the ceiling , which needs to be done obviously before anything else. My goal is to get to that this week. However with the current state of the Dodgers and the up and down roller coaster they are putting us through, the ceiling might get the back burner this week. So stay tuned, I swear this room will be done before 2010.

dear los angeles dodgers,

Because of you, I am spending this Saturday night alone. Because of you, I have spent many nights alone. I have also spent countless hours in the car driving to and from the stadium.

Because of you, I have learned the legend that is Vin Scully and the crapness that is Charlie Steiner. I have learned that even if the game is not on tv, we will for sure be listening to it on the radio. And that if the tv announcers are not up to par (meaning, not Vin), that it is just as effective to turn the tv to mute and turn the radio on.

Because of you, I know so many team facts that I am somehow able to retain. Players names, positions, where they are from, numbers, mothers maiden name. I know the power of Manny and what he has brought to LA. And I know at any given time, what major players are on the DL.

Becuase of you, I have regular discussions with my husband about not painting a blue stripe in our office. Excuse me, a Dodger blue stripe. I have to read articles found by my husband just to learn more about you and further understand his love for you. And I have spent countless, countless hours listening to him analyze you, complain about you, and cheer for you.

And because of you, tonight, I have a very happy husband. And because of you I was teary eyed (no, more than that--I was crying) sitting here and watching that last out and clapping my hands really fast (my way of showing excitment, or what happens when I see something cute--clothes, houses, babies...) Knowing how exciting and ecstatic he is at the staduim. I wish I could have been there to see his face.

...............................................................

Now the Dodgers are not in the World Series (yet!), but this is the farthest they have gotten in 20 years. And I have faith they will go all the way. This may seem dramatic to some of you, but let me assure you, the Dodgers are a big, BIG part of our lives. It is not just when we go to games, it is everyday. Sometimes I complain. Sometimes I get tired of it. But I am so happy and thankful to have a husband who is so passionate and excited about something...besides me of course.


even though my husband thinks blogs are pretty lame, this post is for him. because I love him and he loves me. and the Dodgers.

a good way...

...to get over the mid-week blues is to watch the Dodgers beat the Cubs in the first playoff game and have some great friends over for dinner. Thanks Dave and Angie! And thanks James Loney. You helped make for a happy husband and a fun evening.

Here's to Game 2!

three things

Here is an idea from Katie...a good post filler considering I made absolutely zero progress on my guest bedroom this weekend.

Three jobs I've had: lifeguard/swim instructor (3 years), university library aide extraordinaire (2.5 looong years), admin/communications for a software company (present)....there are a few more scattered in there along the way

Three places I have lived: with the fam, Fresno, on Pine Street with my husband

Three shows I watch: anything and everything on Bravo, The Office, Grey's Anatomy

Three people who email me: Peter, Christie, Jill, and many disgruntled teachers and techies from all over the country (I know thats more than 3, but this one is work related. And too substantial to ignore)

Three of my favorite foods: BBQ chicken pizza, pita from Cafe Med, angel hair pasta with fresh tomatoes, basil, and pine nuts

Three places I'd rather be: in my cozy bed sleeping, the beach, anywhere with my husband

Three things I'm looking forward to this year: Christmas in our first house, finishing the guest bedroom and our bedroom, weekend getaways (the beach, Portland...) and my dear friend Allie's wedding to Sean. They rock.

Thanks Katie for the great idea!

guest bedroom

So since this blog is called Project Pine, I thought I would share a project I am hoping to start soon. If I can ever drag myself to Lowes after work one day. Or if I ever have a free Saturday. Or if I can ever decide what I want to do with the room. So although I say soon, dont hold your breath for updates.

This is our guest room. Which I have never posted pictures of. Partly there is nothing really in it besides a bed and also because said bed is usually covered with laundry waiting to be folded. Not really something I want blown up on your screen. It has also been used as a storage room (and not organized storage, more like "I dont know where to put this crap" kind of storage). However, I recently cleaned all that up in hopes of motivating me to start on the room. It has worked....I hope.

So basically, I am starting from scratch here. The room contains a bed, covered with a quilt made by some lovely Mennonites, purchased at this auction by my husbands generous grandparents. It was a gift and of course will stay in the room. There is also an antique dresser belonging to Peter's grandma that I want to refinish. The quilt and the dresser are inspirations for the room. I want it to be light, cozy, and comfortable. Somewhere a guest would actually like to stay.

Needed are as follows.....
Headboard (I either want to make one or find something creative)
Nightstands
Art/Photos for walls
Window treatments
New closet doors
Accessories
New paint
Light fixture (although the original one in there looks quite similar to a popular style I have been noticing around the blogging world)
So if any of you have anything that might work and is at a cheap price, let me know :) I will also take cash.

The hardest part is getting started right?

shower

Last weekend, I (with the help of my fabulous friends and fellow bridesmaids) threw a shower for our dear friend Allie. She will be saying I Do in November and this was the kickoff of shower season. I was going for a classic motif with muted colors and a vintage feel. Not sure if I followed that exactly, buy I LOVED the final outcome and I think Allie did too.

table centerpieces--hurricane with coffee beans, votive candles, fun facts about the couple, lace overlay, and a gorgeous pic of the future Mr. and Mrs. Munoz

LOVED the flowers

not to toot our own horn....but toot toot! we made all of the petite desserts (fruit pastries, mocha cupcakes, macaroons, brownie bites with orange zest cream cheese, lemon bars) and they tasted fabulous and looked cute on white cake stands and trays in varying heights

the bridesmaids extraordinaire....seriously people should pay us to be bridesmaids. we got this thing down pat.