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You are here: Home / Archives for 2012

Archives for 2012

The Four-poster Bed

March 6, 2012 by Amy 7 Comments

OK so last Tuesday I posted all the options for a headboard in our master bedroom.  Out of the blue, this four poster bed came charging out as the obvious winner. 

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I mean, never in my dreams have I envisioned a four poster bed in there.  Usually those huge four poster beds are way too traditional for my taste.  I picked that bed last minute as an off-the-wall choice. But something about seeing it in the room was like a magic slipper.  Pumpkins turned to coaches and suddenly my bedroom had its ball gown.  Or something like that.  I just knew it was right. 

I hadn’t even paid attention where I had grabbed that image from and was disappointed to find out it was Pottery Barn. 

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Pottery Barn is gorgeous but I am way too cheap to buy something full-price there and this bed especially was just too much.  Technically I had the money to buy it but I just couldn’t.  And there’s your tidbit for today.  Just because you have the money to buy something doesn’t mean you should.  More on that later.

A quick Craigslist search turned up nothing but those big traditional four poster beds of my nightmares.  I called a local furniture shop last last week where I got the mirrored nightstands and while they solidly beat Pottery Barn’s price it was still just too much. I couldn’t find peace in getting it.  As with all decorating dilemmas, Mom declared we’d just hold out and watch Craigslist. 

Mom calls me Sunday night and says, “I found your bed, go look at your email.”  I was already in bed so I checked my phone and I’m pretty sure I heard angels singing.  It was the perfect bed. Better than ANY of the four poster beds I had found.  If I could have dreamed up a perfect four poster bed, this would be it.  But like any Craigslist ad, you have no idea if someone had beaten you to the punch.  I immediately texted the person as the ad suggested.  No response.  Mom got antsy and while I refused to call them at 9 on a Sunday night, she called and left a voicemail.  I emailed them while she did that.  The person must have gotten the hint we were interested because a few minutes later I got a text back saying we could come see it the next day.

Of course the price was still more than I wanted to pay.  Bassett had lowered the price where they had gotten it just a year ago and honestly, I could have paid a little more for a brand new one, especially if this used one was damaged in any way.  I had all kinds of tactics on how to talk them down but my mother, the Craigslist expert, said to simply say the price had been lowered and ask what was the least they would take.  Once again, mother knows best because they lowered the price on the spot so much I’m pretty sure I heard those angels singing again and I had to suppress a giggle because finally THE PRICE WAS RIGHT.

 

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Transporting the thing is an entire other post but let’s just say we almost had to go back and pick it up in something other than Scott’s truck.  But we got it safely home and Scott was a champ and put it together right away.  Ya’ll, I could barely contain myself.  I’m not kidding when I say I nearly cried.

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I wanted to feel guilty for all this stuff we’ve bought for our room.  I mean, my heart is still torn by all the needs around me.  Part of me can hardly appreciate it. I’m not beyond tearing it all down and taking it back when I feel it’s the right thing to do.  But I’ll be transparent here and say that God keeps whispering, “Enjoy it, Amy.  Enjoy it.”

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My heart keeps getting pulled back to two things. First, is the Garden of Eden.  God said it was created for enjoyment.  In our own little way, our master bedroom is turning into our own little garden to enjoy.  I’m excited about that room and it is a sanctuary for me and Scott.  Scott and I have been through some rough times but it is such a blessing to lay in that room together and the room just radiates everything beautiful we love.  I can’t explain it except to say in a weird way a four poster bed and a lime green couch is bringing us closer.

 

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The other moment my mind keeps going to is Mary just before Jesus’ death.  Mary poured an expensive perfume on Jesus and his disciple Judas chastised her saying it could be used for the poor (although he was really just being greedy).  Jesus corrected him and said no, you will always have the poor but you will not always have me.  Jesus isn’t sleeping in our four poster bed with us but as I mentioned, our marriage is growing stronger and ya’ll,  I can’t quit thanking Him for giving us a four poster bed.  In the end, He does get the glory and for whatever reason, God has decided to bless us with this room.  This doesn’t mean we’ve stopped helping the poor. If anything, it spurs us on to give even more because we have been so blessed.

 

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So all that to say I love our bed and I think it’s ok.  And speaking of, Lexi HATED the idea of getting this bed. There were tears and pouting.  She just hates change. She was not happy even after she saw it in the room, actually especially after she saw it in the room.  But this morning, she came in the room, hugged one of the posters and said I love it.  I don’t understand that girl but I think we’re all on board that it’s a winner, folks.

Next on the list is to find the right comforter and artwork above the bed and couch.  I feel Photoshop calling my name.

Filed Under: decorating

Weekend Recap

March 5, 2012 by Amy 3 Comments

This weekend was a nice weekend at home.  Friday night we stayed in and the girls decided to do a little sleepover of their own in the living room.  I only mention it because when Scott got up at 4am Saturday to go to work, the girls woke up.  They got up about 5 and tried to watch TV.  I nixed that fast and got them to come lay down with me.  But at 5:45 Lexi declared she was getting up at 6 no matter what.  And then they never went back to sleep.  Saturday was a loonng day.  I think by 10am I had all my chores done. 

We went grocery shopping where I had an epiphany about all this dinner cooking.  I’m going back to the basics.  So I got a chuck roast, chicken breasts, steaks and ground beef for spaghetti that were all on sale.  It’s not going to be revolutionary or Pin-worthy but it’s going to be easy.

Saturday afternoon the girls decided Emma was going to give Lexi art lessons.  They needed more canvases and with that tidbit, I got them to go to Hobby Lobby with me without a fight.  You can see Emma’s latest art from paint lessons on the right and Lexi’s copy-cat.  I was just happy they were working together. 

 

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I think I had a divine appointment at Hobby Lobby because I got these candle sconces I’ve had my eye on for either side of our bedroom TV.  They were 50% off but one of them had some chipping on the edge and they had marked it down already to 50% so I got another 50% off of that.  The chipping was no issue at all because it was on the back and on an angle no one is going to see anyway.  So I got one for 50% off and the other for 75% off.  Amazing.  And look! 

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I LOVE them.  The room is really starting the fill in.

Sunday we had church and the girls spent the afternoon with their cousin after lunch.  I baked up a storm and did some other odds and ends around the house.  It wasn’t an overly exciting weekend but you know when the hot spot on the kitchen counter is entirely clean, it was a good one.

Hope you had a great weekend!

Filed Under: what i did today Tagged With: candle sconce, hobby lobby

John Carter – The Teaser

March 2, 2012 by Amy Leave a Comment

Let me tell you a story. They say that’s what blog posts are made of. 

Last night my sister Heather and I went to a screening of John Carter.  The lead actor is Taylor Kitsch aka “Tim Riggins” aka “Riggins” aka “Riggs” aka “33” from Friday Night Lights.  I walked in very skeptical of the movie and walked out and told someone named Sarah what I thought of the movie.  But then they said I couldn’t tell you what I said to Sarah until next week.  So this morning I wrote a very long blog post expounding on what I told Sarah.  And then I watched every YouTube video I could find involving the words “John Carter” “interview” and “Taylor Kitsch”.  And then, I had absolutely nothing else to blog about except how I watched a movie and had some thoughts about it but couldn’t share them. 

The End

Oh, and go ahead watch this trailer.  And maybe make plans to go see a movie next weekend.  Just sayin’.  Or actually, not.  I’ll be saying it all next week.

Filed Under: movies

How We’re Coping Going Gluten and Dairy Free – Day 10

March 1, 2012 by Amy 21 Comments

OK it’s been about 10 days since we started gluten/milk free (technically 12).  I told my mom two and a half weeks this morning.  Clearly I am delusional and want this over fast.  Speaking of, we go back at the end of this month for a check-up to see how it’s going.  This week I started to get super frustrated with all these changes.

On top of simply going gluten/dairy free I was also introduced to the book Wheat Belly.  Has anyone read/heard of this book?  I haven’t read the book but just a few articles and perused their Facebook page.  And they say no grains at all, even the non-gluten ones and of course, sugar is a no-no too.  Oh and I read another article that said I shouldn’t be eating spinach because it’s bad for people like me who have thyroid issues.  After a week, I thought I was starting to make progress on finding new recipes and spent all this money on new flours only to be finding out I probably shouldn’t be having those either.  So frustrating!

But a few friends talked me down and made me realize I just need to concentrate on one change at a time.  Gluten free first.  Then if we decide, we can eliminate more grains later.

But even still, going gluten and milk free is not all rainbows and puppies. 

My biggest frustration is dinner and that Lexi is super picky.  And I hate.  Hate, hate, hate having to make two meals.  I was always very insistent that Lexi ate whatever we all ate.  Usually it was something I knew she would like but she was just being picky.  But now, I’m fixing things like gluten free, dairy free spinach pizza and ya’ll, I just can’t make her do it.  So I’ve been fixing two meals on many nights.  And really I just mean I fix Lexi a quesadilla while the rest of us eat soup or pizza or stuffed peppers.  I guess I could keep it really simple and just have baked chicken and two veggies every night but everyone knows that gets tiresome. Plus, the other thing is there are a lot of sauces you can’t use because of the gluten and dairy.  Who wants bland baked chicken every night?? I could do BBQ sauce but Lexi hates BBQ sauce.  Anything creamed is out because of the milk.  Anything breaded is out because of the gluten.  We all love steak but it’s expensive and I’m trying to stay away from red meat because that is known to lead to cancer.  It’s just frustrating to be honest.

Lunches at school are really hard too.  That first day they were home and serving fresh fruit is really easy.  But for whatever reason, they never eat it if I sent it to school.  We bought several lunchbox friendly gluten free items like fruit bars but they aren’t too into them.  They end up eating their PB&J and cookie and then come home starving. 

Afternoon snack and desserts have been the easiest though. I’ve found great banana and zucchini breads and old standbys like deviled eggs, tuna salad and popcorn do the trick.  Dessert is a cinch.  Did you know gluten free desserts are pretty easy to come by?  In fact, I have found A LOT of gluten free recipes use a lot of sugar.  It’s kind of ridiculous actually.  We easily found a dairy free ice cream and even gluten and dairy free donuts that are to die for.  Yum.  Dessert is definitely not an issue.

I think in general too my two biggest frustrations are that I HAVE to meal plan and we can’t eat out like we used to.  I have said on multiple occasions how bad I am at meal planning and just having to think about dinner all the time is hard and that has absolutely nothing to do with the diet changes.  I’m just being forced into meal planning and I don’t like it.  Whine, whine whine.  Plus, I miss Taco Bell, darn it.

BUT.

Emma has only had two stomach aches since we started.  Both were mild and after eating boiled eggs.  She’s had scrambled eggs and eggs cooked in things with no problem.  She’s also had softer stool even though it hasn’t been as regular as it should be.  (Sorry for TMI) Scott has had no acid reflux and his gas has certainly decreased.  I asked him if he was just being polite around me and he nearly laughed.  I definitely can tell a difference.  His whole attitude has been generally better too thanks I suppose to the serotonin spray.

So all that whining to say so far it’s really been worth it.

But also?  All that to say it really is hard at times. I didn’t want to leave with the last post sounding like it was simple because it’s not. Or maybe it is and I’m just trying to make it difficult.  In any case, cooking is my main priority.  I’ve been spending lunches cooking breads, desserts and even dinner and the evenings finding recipes.  Let’s not even get into the cost of this.  But like I said, it’s worth it.  We’re only 10 days in and already seeing changes.  And who knows what changes there are we can’t see.  I just have to believe it’s worth it.

And on that note, if anyone out there has some ideas for dinner that might work for Lexi, please lay it on me.

Filed Under: what i did today

American Idol Top 12 Girls

February 29, 2012 by Amy 2 Comments

Chelsea – First off, that was really the first I’ve seen her personal side and she seems really down to earth and sweet. As for the song, Carrie Underwood makes singing look effortless but that didn’t feel effortless. She seems like a good enough singer but maybe she ran out of umph.

Erika – She really has a beautiful big voice but the performance was lackluster. That was definitely not Cher quality.

Jennifer – Wow these girls are really picking top notch folks to be compared to. Sadly, this doesn’t compare in the least. Adele drips emotion when she sings and this felt like a karaoke number 🙁

Ps what is with the judges? I still miss Simon!

Brielle – What was she trying to do with that song? I don’t know. Whatever it was didn’t work for me.

Hallie – She kind of lost it towards the end but she was the first one who actually put on a decent performance. It wasn’t perfect but it was the best so far for me.

Skylar – Why does it look like she is wearing party streamers? Hm, I’m not sure what to think about that performance. She sounded good and obviously feels comfortable on stage. Just a little manic I think. I did appreciate the Reba quality to it though.

Baylie – She is so pretty but I think nerves got ahold of her or something. Parts of that were painful. Wow, judges, thank you for actually agreeing.

Tonight is not going well for me. I feel like I’m being super negative. I hope this gets better.

Hollie – Ok I’ve decided there’s something wrong with the sound. She was having a really hard time staying with the music, especially in the beginning. She has a beautiful voice though. Really hope she goes through.

Haley – ew. That was awful. She was yelling and uncontrolled and…just no.

Shannon – Now that was a great vocal. Great passion. Great performance. The only negative I would say is it felt a little pageant-y with the dress and song message. But seriously good. I had chills for like 30 seconds straight.

Jessica – The beginning was sketchy but she was amazing towards the end. I think that was the best vocal of the night so far.

Elise – Ok that still wasn’t Adele but it was gorgeous and like expected, she was comfortable on stage. Definitely one of the best of the night.

Favorites of the night: Elise, Jessica and Shannon

In trouble: Baylie and Haley

So if this doesn’t get better I’m not sure I’ll be blogging this whole season. Tonight was painful for me.

Who was your favorite?

Filed Under: tv

American Idol Top 13 Guys

February 28, 2012 by Amy 1 Comment

I went for coffee with Dani and totally forgot Idol was on tonight.  Definitely not back in the habit of watching something live every week yet.  But, don’t get me wrong, the time with Dani was way better and I’m glad I went. In any case, here are some quick thoughts!

Reed – Reed is too full of himself.  His gyrations are weird and so are his facial expressions.  His voice is beautiful and his take on the song was unique.  I don’t know, I just can’t handle his performance.

Adam – I felt like this was a bad song choice and came across cheesy.  Which is a shame because I love his story and want him to do well.

Deandre – *sigh* I love his falsetto but it did not come across well on stage.  I couldn’t understand half of what he was singing.

Colton – Colton is a smart man.  Singing a song from Twilight?  He knows his audience.  And really?  Did we know Colton could perform like that?  What a pro!  I’m impressed.  He’s no Paramore but Colton is definitely on the right track to be the American Idol.

Jeremy – Totally bored.  Sorry, Jeremy, you seem really sweet.

Aaron – Felt like he was off pitch.  Just not a good sound.

Chase – Felt like that was a bad song or he just didn’t have the umph to sing it.

Creighton – I’ll be honest, Creighton scares me a little.  But tonight I felt like his performance was reserved yet unique and beautiful.

Phil – Phil!!!  Yay!  He totally pulled it off.  Great song choice.  He sounded awesome.  Did you see Jennifer giggling after his performance?  That was basically my reaction.  LOVED IT.

Eben – That song is way too big for Eben.  Felt a little like I was at a high school talent show.  I mean, technically Eben I think is good, it’s just not enough power…or years behind him.

Heejun -  Aw, I loved his clips with his family and friends.  So funny!  But sadly, this song was not good for him.  His performance was underwhelming too.  Sad face.

Joshua – Chills!  I got chills from that performance!  He is awesome!!

Jermaine – Sadly I think they should not have given him a call back.  I’m just not a fan of his voice.

 

Favorites tonight: Joshua, Phil, Colton

In trouble: Deandre, Jermaine, Reed

 

What’d you think??

Filed Under: tv Tagged With: american idol

Top Ten Tuesday: Help Me Pick a Headboard

February 27, 2012 by Amy 23 Comments

I promise I have serious thoughts rolling around my brain but today is another fun post. I got a little carried away in Photoshop trying to determine if I needed a new headboard and if I did, what it ought to look like.  Please, Photoshop experts, look away!  Look away, I say!  Just kidding, I really need your input too.

Here’s what it looks like now:

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And ten options.  Saying it’s the Top 10 options might be stretching it but here are 10 nonetheless.  Also, I’m wanting to change the bedspread too but there was no way my brain could handle all those options at once.

1 – Sleigh.  Too traditional for us.

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2 – The Blue Nailhead.  I think it’s too much color fighting against each other.

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3 – The graphic wood.  Love, love but is it too much pattern?

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4 -  The four poster.  This feels more like a master bedroom to me.

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5 –The Tan Zebra (ugh, no)

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6 – The Tufted Blue.  I really like this style but again, the is the blue too much color?

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7 – The African.  Not formal enough?

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8 – The Asian.  Not a fan of this with the lamps.

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9 – The Basket Weave.  Too casual I think.

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10 – The Tufted Cream.  I like this but not with the brown bedspread.

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I think the four-poster one might be my favorite.  However, one of the tufted ones would be the cheapest alternative since we could just cover what we have.  What say you?

This post is linked up to ohAmanda.com

Filed Under: Top Ten Tagged With: headboards

Weekend Recap

February 27, 2012 by Amy 9 Comments

Friday night the girls stayed at Scott’s parents’ so Scott and I spent the evening watching Big Bang Theory. It’s so silly but Scott and I are really enjoying laughing so much together.  To be honest, we haven’t done that a whole lot lately.  We’re so busy working and getting kids fed and driving them to and fro and when we’re not busy, he’s playing his video game or I’m baking or spending time at my computer or in a book and we just don’t have an occasion to laugh a lot. That sounds so sad but it’s so easy to get caught up and forget to have fun on purpose.  We are now randomly saying “Bazinga!” to one another.  It’s pretty great.

So Saturday morning we got up and listen to this fun…went mattress shopping!  In all of our years of marriage we have never, not ever bought ourselves a new mattress.  Well, Scott’s side had gotten so bad that I really felt like I was being pushed into a ditch when I rolled over to his side.  He was complaining about back aches every single morning.  When a LivingSocial deal came up, it was just the green light we needed.  We’ve also being eyeing furniture for our master bedroom.  The deal also came with a 25% coupon on any same-day furniture sales so we snatched up a lime green couch and two chairs.  And Scott would like to state for the record he picked out the lime green couch.  Seriously.  A man after my own heart.  Or, has my heart.  Or whatever.  Everyone knows I love green.

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Aren’t those chairs so fun?  I love that they’re in my sight while we watch Sheldon.

 

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I can barely take all the fun and laughter.

 

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I guess you can’t really tell but that’s a pretty new Tempurpedic-ish mattress.

 

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To be honest, it’s as hard as a rock and I don’t like it much.  Scott loves it a lot and it’s not actually causing me pain so I guess I’m going to live with it. I surely can’t afford one of those sleep number beds with separate sides.  Well, technically I could probably afford it if I really wanted it but I couldn’t bring myself to pay that much.  I already about had a heart attack at the cost of this one.  Did you know brand new king mattresses aren’t cheap?!

So we probably still want a new bedspread and headboard.  That black leather I think is just too severe and the bedspread reads more purple than the brown that it is. Once we get that, we can figure out the wall above the bed and of course decorate the wall with the couch.  It’s slow but it’s all coming together.

The rest of the weekend was pretty easy-going.  The kids had their cousin over for Saturday afternoon, I fixed a nice steak dinner Saturday night, we watched Dangerous Animals of Australia or something Saturday night.  Watching documentaries on Netflix is now Scott and the girls “thing”.

Sunday was church and dinner.  We went to Jason’s Deli.  We’ve only eaten out one other time since going gluten-free (oh my word at all the cooking! breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack, it never ends!).  I had to take butter and sour cream for Emma to have on her potato and also bring her cookies since she couldn’t have the ice cream.  I was officially one of “those moms” pulling food out of Tupperware from her purse.  Whatever.

Sunday afternoon and evening we did a whole lot of nothing.  The kids spent the entire afternoon playing with a neighbor and Scott had a meeting at the church.  I baked (surprise) and the kids finished up the evening playing a few computer games and watching TV while I checked out the Oscars red carpet. 

I found this note between Emma and Lexi on my desk just as Scott stopped in today for a break from work.  Speaking of laughing together, this one had us rolling.

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Translation:
Emma:

Dear Lexi,

Please play Bearville on your account with me please!?

Love, Emma

Lexi:

Big Fat nooooooooo 

Love, Lexi

 

Bwahahahaha.  Can’t you feel the sisterly love?

Thoughts on what color bedspread or headboard I should get? Who wore your favorite dress on the red carpet last night? Or just say hello below!  Hope you had a great weekend!

Filed Under: what i did today

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Hey! I'm so glad you're here. I'm Amy, working mom of 3 in the Southern suburbs. I love Jesus, my family, books, chocolate and coffee. I write about faith, parenting, adoption, marriage, fashion, and design. Read more here

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