Reunited and it feels so good....

Where to begin.....let's see. A while back I posted that there was a particular strip of stores on Person street that I wanted to check out. One such place was "the salon with the orange banner". For some reason I can never remember the name of the salon from the time I see it, to the time I get home about 4.3 minutes later. Go fig.

Well, I have been trying to brush up on the Raleigh blogs and came across the Raleigh Chronicle. As I was perusing the headlines I saw an ad to the right for Howard Jacobs Salon and it hit me. HEY that is the place! Oh finally! (insert happy dance here)

Little did I know what awaited me. I clicked the link and started reading about the owner/stylist Anson Howard and I thought, hmm THAT name sounds familiar....I did a little digging and GREAT ODEN'S RAVEN it was my long lost hairdresser from 5 years ago!

I started thinking about what ever happened to make me change salons and it hit me. Anson worked for another salon and that's where I started having him do my hair. Then one day he was gone! I wasn't told of where he went (I guess there is some debate over this practice) so I stuck with my salon. Well, after the only other person I wanted doing my hair moved away, I have been salon-hopping ever since. For 5 years! I contacted Anson and we set an appointment for yesterday and I couldn't be happier with my cut!

For those of you who think this is a silly post about a silly girl who needs to think about more than a good haircut, then you obviously never had your curly hair named "the beast" in high school. So, to everyone else who wants a great haircut, and a chance to support local business, check out HOWARD JACOBS Salon on Person Street! And tell them Andrea sent you !

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4 Years and 2 months...

If you are wondering what that number means, I'll tell you. It is the amount of time that I have been contributing my life's blog to the internet. After googling myself earlier (everyone does this right???), I found my original home at tabulas.com and my very first blog!

So as our President just finished his final State of the Union address, I thought it fitting to remember my inaugural post. It's sweet. It's sassy. It's totally embarrassing. Complete with picture of me dressed up as Pink for Halloween 2003.

Enjoy :-)

Hold Me Closer Tony Danza

Posted by Lilkidthings at 07:36 PM on November 18, 2003.

The thing is, I have been resisting a live journal for so long. But then something amazing happened and I had to tell the whole world.

A complete stranger gave me coffee money. God Bless the intArnet!! You see, it's just when you think the world has gone to hell in a handbasket that some inter-geek (like myself) says, here you go, Lilkidthings, here is $2, go get yourself an iced coffee. I just know this is why mankind was created.

Although there is always a snag in life's little plan, and that is the cruel joke of a 24-hour library with a coffee shop that closes at 11pm. Not 11:05 MR. WE MEAN BUSINESS!!! So after peppering the streets with the frantic pitter-patter of my caffeine needy feet, I finally came upon the Gelato Cafe, who though closed, took pity on this poor strung out paper-writer and bestowed upon me the sweet nectar that is my vice. God bless Gelato Cafe.

So you see, it was imperative that I have a live journal to commemorate this highly moving event in my life. I hope you know what this means.

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The Price of Productivity

It may be a well known fact that exercise only gives you more energy when done on a regular basis. Therefore, if we assume that it's true, why doesn't this philosophy transfer to other forms of productivity? This weekend, Jerry and I worked on the house some more. Get used to me saying that. Chances are every Monday's post will start this way at least until summer.

This weekend, after finally finishing our IKEA assembly, we focused on general house cleaning and laundry. We had a few social appointments with friends as well and this always helps us get the house cleaned up. But I will say, I am exhausted! Why does all this running around not count as exercise and boost my endorphins?? Why do I feel so sluggish and lethargic? These are my questions.

Regardless of the the weekend hangover that I am experiencing today, I had a wonderful time with some great friends! Some of my favorite ladies helped me cap off the weekend with a Sunday afternoon viewing of 27 Dresses! It was a great time and a nice way to slide into Monday. We did get a lot done this weekend and I am thankful for that. You can look forward to a post about my closet redo in the next few days. Happy Monday!

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Music and Fun this Thursday!

What kind of wife would I be if I didn't promote my husband's band!?? The kind that couldn't look at herself in the mirror, that's what. SO, come on out to Tir Na Nog this Thursday, 1/24 and check out The Whale Watchers! They'll be opening for Regina Hexiphone so it's sure to be a great time!

Show starts at 10pm and there is no cover!! See you there!

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A moment of recognition for our City Garbage Collectors

It's 7:29am and I am getting ready for work. I am super excited because it's Friday and that means Jeans-Day! It doesn't take much to excite me at 7:29 in the morning. So far, I've made it into my jeans and my sweater and then suddenly, I hear the terror inducing sound of the garbage truck.

Crap! We forgot to take the garbage to the street! I run for my crocs, throw them on and bolt out the door. Our can is overflowing due to the recent IKEA trip and I am having a hard time maneuvering through the backyard to the gate. My hair is down and looking more like the cowardly lion after a tornado than a human being. As I break free of the patio furniture, I am gaining momentum. Victory! The truck is getting closer.

Seconds later, the giant green can comes to complete and swift halt pinning me between it and one swinging part of the gate. The other side of the gate, not wanting to be left out, then swung open with such force that I went down. And hard. Then as if some kind of cruel joke, the first gate broke free and slammed into the back of my leg.

Not one to give up, I jumped up, grabbed the can and ran to the street at the precise time the driver was pulling up. I flashed a sheepish grin and waited for him to unload our week's worth of trash and dragged the can back behind the house. I limped back inside to find my darling husband and adorable dog laying in bed looking up at me wondering what they missed. I fell down. I fell down on the ground next to a big giant can of garbage. In front of the whole neighborhood.

I hope somebody got it on tape.

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4- Alarm Kung Pao Chicken

Those who know me are aware of the fact that I have an unhealthy obsession with 5-Star Restaurant in Downtown Raleigh. I LOVE their food, their atmosphere, their location. It just really doesn't get any better in this area if you ask me. That being said, my favorite dish on the menu is Crispy Sesame Beef. This post is not about that. However, prior to my discovery of this (A-MAZ-ING) dish, my favorite was the Kung Pao Chicken. Sadly, 5-Star no longer offers Kung Pao Chicken on the menu and therefore I started trying new things. I am ok with that but still miss the chicken from time to time. Which brings me to the beginning of my story.

I went grocery shopping recently and came across a "meal kit" for none other than Kung Pao Chicken! At first I didn't want to try it because I generally don't like kits. But I was in the ethnic foods aisle and hoped that it would be more authentic than the typical skillet sensations or hamburger helper variety. it's called Wanchai Ferry and it's actually owned by General Mills.

There was a specific warning of how spicy it was, but I, being the sweet naive girl that I am (*ahem) scoffed at the warning. WHAT-ever, I used to eat this all the time. Some store bought kit isn't going to be too hot for me!

Ahh the ignorance of youth (again let me take some liberty here...it's my blog). I made the rice as directed, browned the chicken, added the red peppers and peanuts. I should have known when the STEAM made me start coughing that I was in for it.

The meal was beautiful. The rice was perfect and the consistency was awesome. The chicken was juicy and the sauce was a lovely red. I even used my Asian noodle bowls to serve it! We sat down to watch Jeopardy (as per usual) and dig in.

Me: "Wow...this really is kinda spicy huh?"
Jerry: "MM-HHM...Isrearrlygood...."
Me: "I mean...I just think this is hotter than anything I have ever eaten"
Jerry: "Tarkeadrink..."
Me: "Ok I can't eat this. I have to put it down"
Jerry: "More for me!"

Somewhere between the couch and the kitchen, my mouth began to swell. I could no longer feel my lips and my throat was closing up. Yes, this was indeed the hottest thing I have ever eaten. Never in my life had I experienced such a violent, immediate reaction to delicious food. Was I being punished?

After a few laps around the kitchen to cool down and a LOT of water, I decided to switch to the leftover Mexican food in the fridge. Thankfully, it was great and all was well again. Even though I didn't get my Kung Pao Chicken feast, I would actually recommend this brand. I plan to try some of the other, less threatening flavors in the future :-)

Lesson for the day, heed those warning labels!!

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I am not Ally McBeal....or am I ??

I always knew a career wouldn't be all fun and games. And I especially knew it would be NOTHING like the Law Firm on Ally McBeal. Regardless, I find myself having daydream moments where I exist in a world that is completely my own. For instance, I was in the lobby at work and I heard Barry White's, "You're the First, the Last, My Everything".

Now if that doesn't take you immediately to the co-ed bathrooms at Cage, Fish & Associates, then I don't know where you were in the 90s. How was it that they always managed to dance in the bathrooms? I worked in a law firm for 4 years, and while we definitely had some TV moments, none of them included dancing in the bathrooms. This is the magic of Barry White. Call it a combination of great music and good TV, but every time I hear his music, I feel a little bit better about, well, everything!


At what point was this considered an accurate depiction of the workplace? I don't think it matters. But when I heard White's booming voice overhead, I had a smile on my face and a spring in my step. Maybe we don't have to take life so seriously. Maybe we should all start dancing in the bathrooms.

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Road Trip!

Jerry and I made our first joint trip to IKEA this past Sunday and let me tell you, this picture is no lie! Granted, we borrowed a Yukon and managed to fit everything inside the vehicle albeit barely....

As we stared at our 4 carts of flat-packed boxes in disbelief, we pressed on and made it all fit. Well, except for a few long boxes that had to stick out the back window....details.

This trip was particularly exciting for me because it was the first major shopping trip we have taken together and it was a lot of fun to pick things out that we both love. It helps, of course, that according to HGTV's design taste test, we both have similar "design styles". I know that must not be THAT exciting...but we really do like the same things and we're excited about it ok???

We've been staying up late to put everything together each night and I am really beginning to feel more than ever that we are settled into OUR house. (...in the middle of the street...) It's a good feeling.

Some of my favorite things from our trip? The ever exciting Expedit Bookcase and the Grundtal Mirror! Happy Shopping :-)

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Sinus Headache

Thank God for google image search....if not for them, I wouldn't be able to really explain how I feel right now. I think this guy really understands me.


I hope we can find some medicine...soon!

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My Own Backyard....

Do you have places that you drive by every day that you always say, "Man one day I am going to check that out," and then keep on driving? Well, I do.

Every single day on my way home from work, I drive through the Krispy Kreme District. I usually count it a victory to plow on through because it's almost always during the "hot now" hours. But lately I have been wondering how I made it this long without checking out the small businesses near the corner of Person and Franklin. You know the ones, they look almost forgotten, but thriving. I am determined to make the time and finally get to know these places. They are after all, practically in my backyard. I love Seaboard Station but I noticed that I always seem to blow right past a bit of Raleigh history. So that being said, here is my list!

Places I want to go (in no particular order):

Person Street Pharmacy

• not just a pharmacy, this local store also boasts a restaurant and great Raleigh history!Conti's Italian Market

• I seriously think this is the biggest offense. Don't hate me for not going here yet! I'm getting there! Here is a fan page which lists their menu....mmmmmm

• That Hair Salon with the Bright Orange Banner....
• I can't think of the name right now, but I am a perpetual salon hopper and it intrigues me...

• The store with quilts in the window

• I know this list is deteriorating quickly, but you get the idea....

Basically, I need to take a morning and just head over to Person Street. Maybe I'll even get a donut! If anyone has any more suggestions for that corner of the world, I'm all ears!

***pictures courtesy of mordecai.org

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Art

Jerry and I have really been enjoying the process of selecting artwork for the house together. Last year we bought a few things locally and when we went on our honeymoon, we knew we would choose artwork as our souvenir to enjoy for as long as it hangs on our walls!

One of our favorite pieces came from Artist Mikel Robinson whose work is positively haunting. I only wish I had known about this one before it sold! It's called Dreams of Flight and what I love about it is that the background is an x-ray of a bird with the lyrics to I'll Fly Away overlaid. All his work is covered in a thin layer of wax (maybe paraffin?) so the finish is really smooth and beautiful!


I would love to get one of his installations...He had a bunch at the Handmade Market and they were awesome. His suggestion was to place them in an unexpected place, like a corner or behind the door. I have just the door!!!

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2008 - off to a Good Start!

I shopped my local grocery store this week and found a couple new (to me) products that I am ready to fully endorse! The first is Cascade Fresh Yogurt!


I love yogurt and eat it almost every day. But I can't stand the sickeningly sweet kinds. Especially the low calorie ones with sugar substitutes. While I am not completely weaned off of my dear friends equal and splenda, when they are added to a product by anyone but me, the result is almost always too sweet. Enter the yogurt! Here is a bit of information about the company from emaxhealth.com

The Cascade Fresh Philosophy

For the past 23 years, Cascade Fresh has been following their hearts, not a corporate formula.

-- All Cascade Fresh products contain 8 live active cultures, more than any other yogurt brand, to provide maximum health benefits.

-- All Cascade Fresh products are naturally sweetened with fruit juice instead of refined sugar.

-- Cascade Fresh yogurt is cultured in the cup. Each cup is an entirely separate batch of yogurt. This means each cup of yogurt has a higher pro biotic count and more natural flavor.

-- Cascade Fresh does not use milk from cows treated with rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone). In fact, they pay their farmers more not to use any steroids, hormones or antibiotics.

-- Cascade Fresh products use no preservatives, excess stabilizers, artificial sweeteners, or artificial colors and are 100% gluten free.

Sounds good to me!!

Secondly, this yummy discovery was a risk I took in the salad dressing aisle. I generally have always been a straight up Italian, Balsamic Vinaigrette kinda gal. But I know that Jerry prefers creamy ranch-like dressings. For some reason, I don't like buying lots of dressing at once...don't judge me..This time it paid off because I found a compromise!


Drew's All Natural Dressing and Marinade is excellent! I chose the Kalamata Olive and caper dressing and it is so delicious! And it's another all natural product. Gluten, Dairy and Sugar Free! And with only 60 cal per tbsp, I can't complain!

Now I am not making any grand statements about going natural, but with all the stories about hormones and cloned meat and antibiotics going around, I can't help but take notice of my labels. Let me know if you decide to try one and what you think! Or if you already love it, enjoy! :-)

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Backsplash ideas???

So one project I am hoping to tackle in 2008 is putting a tile backsplash up in the Kitchen. At the moment we are in research mode, so that's where you come in! Here is a picture of my kitchen.

The theme we have been going for is a hacienda style with a very welcoming feel. We like lived in, but organized. To me, the obvious first choice would be something like this


But I am not sure I want to go with obvious. A particular fear of mine is being forever tied down to one color scheme. So the idea of something multicolored is appealing. I really like this image as well, it uses recycled tiles and I think you could pretty much go in any direction with all that color.
Some things to keep in mind; We have all white appliances but we have lots of black in the room as well, we love color but with a bit more of an earthy tone than primary colors, we are on a budget! We want a classic timeless style that isn't too modern, but not totally old fashioned either.

If anyone has any experience in this area, we would love your ideas...actually even if you don't have experience, any comments are welcome! We'll let you know what we decide and keep you posted on the whole process!

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Oh Friday.

Calm
Normal
Tension
Tense

After holding my thumb and forefinger on the little mood square for 15 seconds, it is completely black. Sounds about right.

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She'll be comin down the Mountain.....

If you're counting, all 14 are there :-)

Happy New Year! Jerry and I had a wonderful Christmas with both our families! It was so great to get out of town and enjoy the mountains! Roan Mountain, TN to be exact! As I mentioned in a previous post, Roan has always been very special to me and my family. And this year, we were finally complete with Jerry's presence! My sister Angie also blogged about the trip. Check it out!

Top o the Roan to ya!

We truly had a blessed time of rest, relaxation, food and fun! Jerry and I were on the road by 10:30am Saturday morning before Christmas. It is a good 4 hour drive and it went really well. Even if we did get a little sleepy....
Once we got there, we unloaded the van and got all settled in. Jerry went with the men and kids while the ladies went grocery shopping. Not a bad deal if you ask me. We spent an inordinate amount of time and money at the local Ingles (you're welcome) and probably gave the poor cashier a heart attack when we rolled up with 3 FULL carts of food. Thankfully, we had planned ahead and had them all separated to make it simple. But that is where the planning stopped. We unwittingly only brought one vehicle. To make it clear, there were 4 of us riding. 3 CARTS full of food was somehow all crammed into the back of Amy's SUV (save for a lapful of eggs and bread) and off we went.

That night we all sort of got settled in and later Jerry and I were coerced into hanging at Brad and Amy's cabin. Little did we know that my sister Angie had big plans for us that night! We came back to our room and were greeted with this!

My whole family knew how special it was for me to have Jerry there with us this year. He's never been there and I haven't ever had a 'someone' to share my Roan Mountain Christmas with. It was such a sweet gesture and I'll never forget it! Thanks!!!

Each day was full of rest and even some adventure! Dean and Angie brought the Wii and we hooked it up to the projector! It was a lot of fun to see it on the 'big screen'. If you know my dad, then you'll recognize his Mii immediately.

We took a hike up to the top of Roan Mountain where it was incredibly windy and COLD! It was icy the whole way up, but I am glad we went. It was a clear day and the view was amazing! On the way back down, Roan found some snow and wanted to bring it back to the cabin. Of course Grandpa said no so he threw it at me! I have to admit, it was staged so I could get a picture...

Nice Roan....nice

On the way back we were looking for deer. After a few treacherous stops on the road and a far a way spotting, we saw 12 deer right in the field by the cabins! I am sure they were wondering why all the humans were standing there in silence for so long...but they didn't revolt so we made it out unscathed.

Vicious Attack Deer....about to strike

Christmas eve is also Jerry's Birthday! I wanted to make sure that we didn't skim over it so we had a birthday brunch for him in our cabin! I made quiche and orange-cranberry crescent rolls and Angie made a yummy banana bread! The bread doubled for his cake which (of course) we filled with 37 candles! And for the record, he blew them all out in the first try :-) He also learned how to knit - a definite must!

mmm...quiche

Make a wish!

We finished his scarf - Which I started 2 years ago at Roan Mtn....

On Christmas day, we had a great time opening presents and hanging out. We showered Dean in scavenger-y goodness (to be saved for a later post) and the kids all enjoyed their presents. I absolutely LOVE what I got though, a handmade quilt from my mom!!! It matches our bedroom perfectly. I can't wait to display it!

My perfect Quilt!

Jerry got a great Northface cycling jacket from Dean and I threw in some self-adhesive mustaches for fun. He immediately put one on and was instantaneously transformed into a porn-star.

bow-chicka-bow-wow

Thursday we took the fun "creek-walk" over to the Doe river. We stopped at the conference center to observe the stuffed bear that had been caught earlier that year. This Black bear was over 7 feet tall, 610 lbs and caught 70 miles from where we were. However, it is likely that it had wandered through the park at some point. Only the second largest bear to have been caught in the area, the bear was killed by a hunter who was only 10 feet away. He shot the bear under the right eye as the bear was charging him! Scary!!!

Don't feed the bears...

Scary bear stories aside, we had a lovely walk and the light was just beautiful/ We took LOTS of pictures..No shortage of cameras in this family!!

what are we looking at??

ohhh...pretty!

After we got back from the river, we stopped to play with the kids at the playground. Kai and Jerry immediately climbed a tree and Angie and I took advantage of the photo op. I also took some shots of the kids happily playing. Again, awesome light. I might be starting to like my camera!

comfy?

wrong way Canyon!

Alyssa's ok with it!

Kai was having a great time on the swingset and showed us how he can go realllllly high and then jump off in mid-air! This was always one of my favorite things to do on the playground so I made Kai keep doing it til I could get a good picture :-)

Ta-Da!

We were all relaxing after our big walk and Jerry decided to play a bit on the Ukulele. Alyson was so enamored with "that wittle guitaw" that she couldn't stay way. He was singing Christmas songs for quite a while for his little audience of one...adorable.

Look out Janis...

We spent another day shopping and driving around Beech Mountain, the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis and back through Banner Elk. Definitely the best Christmas ever!!

See you in 2 years Roan Mountain!

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