tag, you're it

So I have been tagged by the fabulous Christie. Most of you know alot about me, so instead of racking my brain to come up with random facts no one knows, I will pretend I have a bunch of anonymous readers out there. So fellow bloggers, these are for you....

Random Facts...

1. I don't know how to whistle. Like, at all. I get the whole concept and have tried it many, many, many times but nothing even remotely sounding like a whistle comes out. Sometimes in the car I will try and whistle to a tune, then my husband looks over and gives me the "that was not even close" look. Then he will proceed the whistle the remainder of the song flawlessly. Ugh.

2. One day, I hope to live in the country and raise a family there. My husband had that kind of upbringing and I think it is great for kids. In the meantime, our project Pine is keeping us busy in the big city :)

3. Speaking of family, I was raised in a family of funeral directors. My grandpa started the business and my dad and aunt took over. At one point we had four funeral homes. My parents are currently running a mortuary in another city. I grew up working at the business, it was a huge part of our lives. My favorite question people ask is "Have you ever seen a dead person?" Um...yes (wouldn't you if you grew up down the street and worked there??) Many. And in all different stages. Some may think this is gross or weird, but it was and is normal to us. I actually respect and admire my parents for having a compassionate heart of service for people in need, whatever walk of life they may be. They have taught us all a lot about serving others. That, and our family always has interesting dinner conversations.

4. I have a very bad habit of reading through the gossip magazines in line at the grocery store, without the intention of ever buying them or putting them back in the right spot. I usually pick my line according to what one has the magazine I want to see. Often, I will leave my cart, step out of line and reach over someone to grab the desired magazine (usually US Weekly). So rude, I know. I need to stop. I have become used to the dirty look I get from the store employee when I put the magazine away at the last minute, in completely the wrong spot, whatever one is closest to the register. I mean, there is no way I am spending $4.99 on a magazine that doesnt have useful information or pages to tear out. Especially when I can get my fix on Perez. But while I am in line I just have to be doing something besides staring at the person with the overloaded cart in front of me, wondering how long this will take, and how much their total will be.

5. Going along the lines of shopping, I always walk out of Target stunned by the total on my receipt. I mean, didnt I come to buy toothpaste and toilet paper?? Because of this sticker shock, I have gotten in the habit of checking my receipt as soon as it is handed to me. No-I do not want the receipt in the bag! I try to analyze how the end number appeared on the screen in front of me. I usually walk out accepting the defeat that is red and white store, however two weeks ago my receipt analysis paid off. They charged me twice for three items! Over $20 in overages. So I told the employee checking me out and she directed me to the exchange counter (of course), where I promptly explained my situation. Everything was taken care of and I walked out of there proudly. Like I won or something. Toni-1, Target-infinity

6. I love to read cookbooks. My own, my moms, at the bookstore, wherever. However, I hate when there aren't any pictures. I know, serious foodies dont need pictures. But I do. And come on, I know it is more expensive to publish with pictures and everything, but dont you think the book would sell more copies. I am not saying a picture for every recipe, but quite a few. Like 90%. They can leave out pictures for recipes with fish or goat cheese. But dont expect me to buy the book and make the Thai Noodle Salad if there isnt a nice, glossy picture.

I cant remember if I do 6 or 7, so here is an extra just to be sure.

7. I pop my joints. All the time. Fingers, neck, back, toes, ankles, wrists, you name it. Its kinda gross and a horrible habit but I have been doing it forever. I know, I know, I will have huge knuckles when I am 60 (or something like that). But for the previous 50 years I will have had the satisfaction of knowing I can pop my fingers 4 different ways whenever I feel like it. Eww.

Ok, I tag Angie and Sean (and by Sean, I mean Allie). Oh, and Jill. I did one and now you have to!

cute cooking

I love to cook, and usually do almost every night. Usually I am wearing scruffy shorts and an old t-shirt. Hey, I'm home, who cares. But there are times a cute apron is just what I need. My mom made me a full apron for Christmas last year, and I love it. The other day I found an etsy site, Boojiboo, featuring a seller with adorable aprons and bags. I know many of you make your own aprons and all that, however I do not know how, and buying is easier for me (and my patience!). So, if you are in market for a cute new apron, and do not want to make your own, I would highly recommend Boojiboo. My mom, sister, and I all ordered one and they came in two days. The seller is very sweet and her retro shapes are super cute. Here is a picture of my half-apron......

kitchen pantry project

We we first looked at our house, before we owned it, we walked through and talked about all the things we love and the MANY things we would change (gotta love old houses). There was a large pantry/broom (shelves on one side, empty space on the other) closet on the far side of the kitchen near the back door, and although it provided nice storage, the thought of having my cereal next to a broom just wasnt working with me. So we decided, if we bought this house, to use it as a pantry only, with the plans of building shelves on the other side in the future. So since May, all of our stuff has been crammed on one side, with towel rack awkwardly balancing on the other side.

geez...that is embarrassing. I now realize I should have cleaned up a little before this pic

As you can see, this was not working. The shelves are very deep and I could never see what I had stuffed in there. Thus accounting for the over-buying of many groceries. You would think penne pasta was like being discontinued or something. This madness had to stop. So we decided to follow through on the plan we made when we first looked at the house. I was envisioning two top shelves, even with the other side, and some sort of drawer thingy (technical, I know) on the bottom. With a little bit of space on the side to hang my reusable shopping bags (yes, I am one of those--most of the time)

So, during our last trip to Ikea, I bought a metal shelving unit, with two wire baskets and one large plastic bin. Took it home, put it together, fit great. Perfect. Moving on to the shelves. Peter made them out of reused wood from some cabinets we took out. The wood was in great condition, and green at that. Wow, saving my pantry, organizational sanity, and trees--I feel good. Here is the finished product. And though it make look busy to you, I assure you, everything has its place and I can finally see just how many bottles of BBQ sauce I have.

it has begun...

We have finally started the long process of landscaping our front yard. Last week we planted a few shrubs and bushes in front of our front window and along the driveway. Now they are just tiny green poofs surrounded by dirt, but soon they will be flourishing bounds of greenery. I am hoping. This HOT weather is doing nothing for their complexion, but we diligently look after them. Next step is picking out a medium sized shade tree that doesnt cost a fortune and planting flowers when the weather cools off. But for now, we are enjoying our little patches of green.

the boys in blue

Most of you know we are Dodger fans. Peter has been one, essentially, since birth. And since I love him, and he loves the Dodgers, I love the Dodgers. Although, I would say his loyalty is deeper than that of a normal fan. If you know him, you know what I am talking about. Our summer has included the voice of Vin Scully almost everyday. Whether it is on the stereo at home, on tv, in the car, or at the game, the Boys in Blue have been apart of our lives. And although it can get annoying at times, I wouldn't have it any other way.

We have been blessed with the opportunity to attend many games. Peter's dad has season tickets and we are so appreciative of him letting us use them throughout the summer. This weekend was especially exciting. Peter went with his dad and brother on Friday night to see Manny's first performance as a Dodger. Now, Manny coming to LA was ALL, and I mean ALL, I heard about last week. If you dont know what I am talking about, ask me. I now know everything about the trade. On Saturday, Peter and I went back to LA with good friends of ours Sean and Allie. We stopped at Ikea first, for some organizational shelves for my pantry, hit up In-n-Out (which I dont really like, I know...How could I not? Spare me), and were off to the stadium.

The game did not disappoint. Our seats (not Pete's dads) were great. The crowd was crazy for Manny and he responded by hitting his first home-run as a Dodger. Very exciting. And they won! It was a great day, spent with a great guy, great friends and our Boys in Blue. Here are some pics....

us

me and Allie

us again

Sean, Allie, me, Peter...not sure where we are all looking

fake Manny. This guy was classic.

real Manny...thanks to Allie's super zoom camera

the soon to be newlyweds