When we eliminated the pantry closet in our kitchen remodel so we could move the backdoor we also eliminated the wall where we hung all our coats, bags etc. So I have been on a hunt for a hall tree that was sturdy, simple, and could not be knocked over my a 16 month old.
Target came through with this Madison Coat Rack on casters.
Although downsizing has its challenges we really enjoy living in more of our home.
We are on day 70ish of our remodel. And hopefully we are moving back into our home this weekend. Fingers crossed!
We spent last week in Michigan visiting extended family, but while we were gone lots got accomplished on the house. Next up is trim, paint, new exterior door and window, and countertops. 
We are hoping to be finished sometime mid September…. because I am supposed to have a baby shower at my house Sept 30đ±.
Good morning and happy Monday.
Well back to school is here and the amount of additional traffic on the highways is almost bad enough to make me want to be a stay-at-home mom.
Almost.
My husband is trying to convince me that I want to be a stay-at-home mom.
But he is also afraid that if I stay at home he will return from work everyday with furniture that has been rearranged.
And in case you think this is an announcement that I am pregnant, it’s not.
At least as far as I know.
It’s not, really.
Anyway, over the past week our bedtime started at about 11pm Sunday and by Thursday night we were in bed by 9pm.
Not sure what has come over us.
But exhausted is the best way to describe it.
I am blaming it on allergies and work stress (and not pregnancy, see note above).
And Friday night I decided to go shopping with my sister and a friend because I was afraid if I went home I might go to bed at 8pm.
Because this is what my life has become.
Shopping instead of sleeping.
But I am going to blame it on the fact that I am turning 30 soon.
And my old age is catching up with me.
Amazingly we had a quiet weekend with only a few obligations, so I was able to catch up on a few projects.
Have a great week.
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I am working my way back to a regular blogging schedule.
But since I went on hiatus in March this is what we have been up to.
I got pink eye.
Got two spray tans.
Catered a wedding.
Battled some serious spring allergies and termites.
Finished our kitchen cabinets.
Worked on our new front porch.
Got my first pedicure in 4 years.
Joined a gym.
Helped my family throw a rehearsal dinner for my brother’s wedding.
Attended my brother’s wedding.
Hosted out of town guests for a few days.
Attended my stepson’s high school graduation.
And I plan to spend the rest of the summer laying by the pool with a good book…in my dreams anyway.
But we have been pretty busy with projects.
And I have a few new recipes to post as well (easy oven roasted corn on the cob and make-ahead baked spaghetti to name a few)
Can’t wait to share them with you.
I am going to take a hiatus from blogging for a few weeks.
We need to wrap up my kitchen project and the front porch so we can share the finished products.
And I am helping with two weddings next month.
And generally I need a brain break.
But if you would still like to keep up with what we are doing follow my blog’s facebook page and instagram.
Recently, I was listening to someone complain about how bad their day was.
And it struck me how natural it is for me to dwell on the negative and forget or ignore the little things that make the monotony of day-to-day life great.
Here are a few of the things I came up with this week.
What little things make your life great?
Happy Friday and have a great weekend!
Originally posted 2/14/2013
I will be honest.
I have never been a huge fan of Valentine’s Day.
The crowded-restaurant-manufactured-love-day called Valentine’s Day.
There is something about forcing your loved ones to show you “love” one day of year that somehow does not ring true.
Don’t get me wrong.
I usually celebrate it with my someone special.
I just think that a lot woman have these grandiose ideas of great gestures of love and affection on this day.
And if the grand gesture that is offered to them on this day of love does not meet their expectations they either become mad/irritated/disappointed.
The reason I know this is because I used to have that attitude towards this amorous day.
Well I am here to tell you:
Don’t be that way.
If you have a man that:
loves you when you are cranky,
loves you when you are moody,
puts up with your shopping trips for items you most likely don’t need,
goes to work everyday to help provide for you and your family,
and is kind to you,
then sweetheart, you have a winner 365 days a year.
And if your joy and happiness in your relationship is based on chocolates and flowers one day a year then you may need to rethink your priorities.
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And in case you think I am completely “heartless’ (pun intended) we actually celebrated Valentine’s Eve last night with dinner and a movie.
We celebrated it last night mostly because we are weird and the other reason being that we didn’t want to fight crowds at the restaurant of our choice.
I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
And go hug someone you love today, and tomorrow and the rest of the year.
I am so thankful this week is almost over (and apparently Poppi is too).
I am still have not caught up on missed sleep from last week so I have been dragging at work and at home.
I hope you plan to try out the recipe review post from this week.
I made it again last night. Just simple comfort food perfect for cool busy nights.
I have high hopes for completing some home projects this weekend.
High hopes because it’s about time I post a new COMPLETED project.
I also plan to hit up our new TJMaxx and DSW that both opened yesterday; now if we just had a Nordstrom’s Rack my world would perfect, in the vainest way possible.
Have a great weekend everyone!
personal life and small business blog by Rene' Beagle 
