spring break

Ok, so we dont technically have a Spring Break.

But we do have an annual After Tax Season Break. And after almost four long months of long hours, weekend working, and hardly seeing each other, we needed a break.

The week started with our first Dodger game of the season. The game was lame, but we had a great time.

Then it was on the the beach house for a few days of bliss.

Big Sky Cafe in SLO. Our favorite.

We came home just in time for Easter Sunday. After an amazing church service, we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon with family.

I am well aware that I am not the one working like crazy during this time.
Peter is.
So, thanks Pete. You're the best ever.

project: laundry room

So I am not sure if this classifies as a laundry room. Its more of a laundry space.
But it does the job and its all I have.
And I am thankful that its not outside in the garage.

Regardless, the laundry room was a not-cute, highly disorganized space that has remained untouched for the past three years. Before we moved in, the owner of the house had this room (and a few others) painted a horrible shade of "neutral". Think yellowish-beige. All over. Walls, ceiling, door, trim.
....shudder....

Aesthetically, it was not good.
Also, (and this I can't blame on anyone but us)it quickly became a disorganized dumping ground for all sorts of stuff. I have learned by living in a small house, that you have to take advantage of storage space and use it efficiently. And I was definitely NOT taking advantage of this space.

It is with storage and organization in mind, that I decided to tackle the laundry room this past weekend. Nothing major, so dont expect new cherry red, front loading machines....

Just fresh paint for the walls, cabinets, trim, and door. Cleaned, organized cabinets, and some pops of color, to help make doing laundry a bit more bearable.

This project was done using some existing materials. The gray paint was leftover from our bedroom. The yellow shelving rack used to be the microwave cart in our old apartment. It has been in a closet for 3 years and by turning it sideways and spray painting it, serves a whole new purpose.

I utilized the space by installing a closet rod for drying clothes. This allowed me to get rid of the janky drying rack I've had since college, which took up space and was barely staying upright. The built-in hamper will now be used (as well as a hamper in our bathroom)and in the empty space, we plan on putting a small chest freezer.

Overall, this was a quick, simple project that most people wont even notice, but makes a huge difference to me.

dodger baseball

The boys are back in town.

The Frantz family love for Dodger baseball has been well documented on this blog.

I mean we named our dog after Vin Scully for crying out loud.

It should not surprise you that Opening Day is treated like a holiday around here. For years, Peter would go to Opening Day with his dad - unfortunately, it just so happens to be tax season now and Peter is a grown up now.

BUT! We still celebrate, like any true fans would.

{please excuse my messy kitchen. we were mid-bbq}

We love having great friends so close (practically neighbors) that we love and who also love the Dodgers. When we cant go to the game, we love watching it with them.

{please excuse Scully's backside. she is normally more modest}

Last inning is serious business. No sitting down.

Thanks Macks! First of many games this season.

Go Blue!

burlap wreath

Inspired by Angie and her love for burlap and a few other cute wreaths I have seen on the blogosphere, I decided to make the most of these free weeknights and rainy evenings and get my crafty craft on.

I just love wreaths. They are so cheery and can be used year-round.

Everything was going fine, until I got to these damn flowers.
{can you say damn when being crafty?}
Took a little while, and a few do overs, but I finally got the hang of it. I think these rolled flowers would also look cute attached to a headband or used in gift packaging.

This new wreath is on a coat closet door in our {small} entry way.
It is far from perfect, but I think the loose strings and raw edges gives it some charm.

saturday

This was my first free Saturday since January 8.

I have spent the last three months volunteering with my town's Distinguished Young Woman's (aka Jr. Miss) program. And although I love it, I am very, very happy to have my weekends (and Monday and Thursday nights) back.

So yesterday, I spent the day doing what I wanted to do. It may seem mundane (boring?) to you, but it was wonderful to me.

Climbing Mt. Laundry

am I the only one who has this?

You see, Peter thinks he has no clean socks. But that is just me tricking him! Actually, ALL of his socks are clean! They are just under Mt. Laundry and he has to find them! Its a little game we play. So far, its not really catching on.

Ahhh....thats better. At least he can find a towel.

I am happy to report, that Mt. Laundry has been leveled. That is, until next time my life gets busy, or hectic, or stressed, or....

Enjoying a pedicure and lunch with my mom and sister. Not only did I need this time with them, but my toes needed it too. Lets just say I have not gotten a pedicure in....a while.

The rest of the day was spent at home. My favorite place to be.

In my apron.

Cleaning and cooking and baking and reading and resting. And drinking multiple cups of coffee.

Even Scully enjoyed her afternoon.

I am so happy to have my weekends back.
Only 30 more days till April 18.
Then I will have my husband back.

bloom

I LOVE seeing this sight everyday.


When the orchards around my house and that surround our small town are breathtakingly beautiful

The bare winter branches are gone and a brilliant white appears before the familiar green starts to set in.

The trees are literally buzzing with activity from thousands of bees, working their magic on the blossoms.

{which can also make running and walking the dog along my usual country path a little dangerous}

For a few weeks in late February, our little town becomes alive.

evening walks

I am so happy the sun is staying out a little bit longer.

I can take Scully out for a long walk when I get home.
Its good for her. Its good for me.

Quiet. Calm.

The almond trees are starting to bloom. And I have one geranium showing her face.

Spring is almost here. And that suits me just fine.