A romantic gift

For my Valentine's gift, I asked for these running shoes. I know, it's really sexy. Not that it's even about the gift, and actually we had a quasi-agreement that we wouldn't buy gifts for one another, instead, to buy items for the house (case in point: for Christmas, we bought another one of these chairs for the LR). However, I want these before March, considering March is the absolute latest I can begin training for the half. And if I receive them tomorrow, I can start training tomorrow. Corey's getting a Shutterfly calendar and a photo card. Planned in advance, however, ordered barely in the nick of time.

Little things

I headed to a conference this week (which was a welcome escape from the craziness of work) and the dinner was held at one of my favorite St. Paul restaurants (the grilled salmon and goat cheese risotto was amazing, of course, however, the $12 {gulp} glass of wine was not). Ugh. I miss living in bigger, exciting places sometimes, esp. when someone sitting next to you at dinner talks about living in Garrison Keillor's neighborhood. I stayed at the Wallace house, which was nice, and we even managed to stop at Trader Joe's--$2.99 wine, yummy curry food, & GF granola. I held my composure and didn't buy the chocolate-covered bananas. Today was amazing weather! This was a day that we in the north live for. Everyone is happier when it's February and it's 50 degrees outside. Koufax and I had a long walk, I shoveled off the deck...it was great. I still have some lofty cleaning goals, but those might have to wait.

Life's kinda boring

I have had little to contribute to my blog in the last month or so because frankly, not much is really going on. First off, since December, I've been sick. Insert various maladies here. I am sure the stress of family/friend situations has contributed. Next, I've been working. A lot. However, since I stick to generalized information, again, not much to report. Except that, however, when my large task list is diminished I am taking a few mental health days. Some of my activities will hopefully include a massage, an elliptical machine, a movie at the theater, and an overpriced latte. The beacon of light has been CB, who's home visiting. Many of the above activities have been enjoyed in her company, not to mention the most exciting venture of the month, at its new location.

January birthdays

My mom and my niece Ashley have birthdays this month. Usually my mom is hard to buy for because if the gift is too frivolous, she'll think she should take it back, and if it's too practical, you don't feel like you're spoiling someone enough, considering it's your mom and it's her birthday. I found this really cool family archive album that's pre-designed and has acid-free paper and plastic covers for pictures. My mom is really interested in tracing and documenting her family history, so I thought she would enjoy it. Corey & I had her and my dad over for some grilled pork, garlic mashed potatoes and my favorite flourless chocolate cake recipe (I sprinkle cocoa powder on the top).


Ashley, whom I remember as a cute little girl with curls, turned 16 this month and I'm still in disbelief. I chewed on that for quite a few days. I wanted to get her something special since you only turn 16 once, and I remembered seeing this jewelry line at a local boutique. The homemade spaghetti sauce was in abundance.

Itching for a project

So my blog has been relatively uninteresting lately, and after being sick for so long I just figured life had gotten rather boring. Some house projects will have to wait for spring, ahem, summer(i.e. painting & recovering these funky little ottomans we got from Corey's grandma) but considering my mantra since June's been "What else should I be doing during the winter?" I think a project is in order. I think I'll start with the guest bedroom, since that requires the least amount of disturbance. Some items to consider: a large, funky mirror like this one, I also got some lovely pictures that our friend who's a graphic designer created, and I ordered the mats and frames for them. One's going in the LR and the other one will go in this room. It's a crazy, kind of mystical picture of two women, and some butterflies. But the woman is naked and kind of bald. Here's a link to his stuff: definitely the homiest of the content, which in general doesn't exactly scream Martha Stewart. It's on the right-hand side, third column from the bottom.

Then, the kitchen needs some work. I thought I'd start with this light for above the sink, and a happy yellow valance like this for the sink, too. These are actually really easy to make (ps my mom, not me), so maybe I could prevent a PB purchase...For the living room, I would like to cover our big entry wall with a mirror or painting, and this stuff from Target's Global Bazaar would fit nicely, as it's relatively funky and unique.

Of course creating new projects just procrastinates other tasks, like donating boxes in the garage, cleaning out closets, looking for missing boots and mittens, etc.

Where did you discover good finds (online or in-store)? What great, inexpensive places can I rely on?

Showering the baby

Liz's sister & mom threw her a shower for her family and Bryan's mom to attend. I was really glad that I was able to make it, and that Janell drove up all the way from KC for it! Thanks, J. It was great to see Liz & the bump of course, and Ryker entertained us with some guitar strumming. Amy also made it, sans baby Jack, but it was great to see her. I am amazed Liz got all of her stuff in her Jeep! I hope to see the baby's room soon, Liz!

Face off & other additions

CB was here over the holidays and we spent some great time together--out for sushi, buying very important after-Christmas merchandise, and playing with the pooches. Here's a funny clip of her Cav, Rusty, getting chased by mine, who is about 1/4 the size.

Her mom's neighbor graciously made Koufax this sweater (which we hide from Corey because he is not happy about garments on his dog. Also Koufax is trying to eat it every time I try to put it on, so I had to create a sneak attack.). It turned out great. No, I don't have it because I want to dress my dog up in outfits (he already looks somewhat effeminate). But honestly dude, it's cold outside. I also ordered some dog booties from this local store, who supplies them for all the sled dogs in the area. The salt wreaks havoc on their little paws.