Last week Alex and I finished moving all of our furniture into the house. Everything is organized as much as possible considering there is still quite a bit of painting and furniture to purchase.
We accomplished our goal of painting the kitchen and living room before Derby. We moved and painted (with all coats.. 3x over) the largest area of the house in less than a week. There were also about 5 trips to Lowes in there as well... Knowing that we would would be having 10+ people staying at the house was a motivating deadline!
Our friends starting coming in last Thursday evening and stayed through Sunday. Although the initial plans were made solely for Derby, the timing of our move was perfect. We definitely needed the extra space, and it allowed our friends to celebrate our new house with us. The weather cooperated and everyone had a great time. Alex and I are so thankful for our friends, new and old.
Lexington is starting to feel a lot like home. There is still tons of exploring to do, but the beautiful weather should stay around for a while... finally!
Showing posts with label like it. Show all posts
Showing posts with label like it. Show all posts
Monday, May 9, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
It's Official.. We're Homeowners!
Alex and I will be closing on our first house in less than two weeks! The beginning of the house buying process is challenging. There are so many pieces and parts that can fall through on the deal so you have to be optimistically cautious.
Luckily, everything has gone very smoothly and the last piece will be showing up for our closing with the check in hand (not technically even that since it'll be a wire transfer haha).
We feel so excited to have found such a great house for us and to start this next journey together. There are so many possibilities and for planners like us it's ridiculously fun to brainstorm and dream.
The seller has already moved out so the house is empty. Unfortunately, the only pictures I have are of the house when she lived there so all of her furniture is pictured. Can't wait to paint and get our own furniture in there. The entire house will have a completely different vibe once we're done with it! Let the work get started...
www.flickr.com/photos/laurenjanesz
Luckily, everything has gone very smoothly and the last piece will be showing up for our closing with the check in hand (not technically even that since it'll be a wire transfer haha).
We feel so excited to have found such a great house for us and to start this next journey together. There are so many possibilities and for planners like us it's ridiculously fun to brainstorm and dream.
The seller has already moved out so the house is empty. Unfortunately, the only pictures I have are of the house when she lived there so all of her furniture is pictured. Can't wait to paint and get our own furniture in there. The entire house will have a completely different vibe once we're done with it! Let the work get started...
www.flickr.com/photos/laurenjanesz
Thursday, March 31, 2011
New House = New Hobbies
All this house hunting has reminded me of how much I love color, drawing, decorating, shopping and space planning etc. (I also love how there are still things that Alex and I can learn about each other -he's learning just how talented I am haha).
I dedicated a notebook to these new adventures...
It's never too late to reinvent yourself.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
House Hunting
Alex and I have officially (or unofficially) started our house hunt. It all started a little sooner than we thought, but we came across a house that we really just wanted to check out... next thing you know we have a realtor, we are pre-approved for mortgages from multiple lenders, and we're making lists of our needs vs. wants. Life really catches up with you. In some regards I don't think we could possibly be old enough to be house hunting but in other ways it just feels exactly right, and almost easy in a sense. (I think that's where Alex's personality comes into play big time!)
I love seeing what things have come out on top of our list as important:
I blame the whole thing on our personalitilies. Alex and I love to plan ahead and when it's something that we both put value on that means we'll be real go-getters. Before Alex and I got married I really wondered what it would be like to make life's big decisions together, and how our space would look (after all, we have different taste).
I love seeing what things have come out on top of our list as important:
- Ranch (with basement), 1.5 Story (with or without basement) - anything 2 stories (with or without a basement) is likely to be bigger than we need
- Size - 1500-2000 sq ft
- 2-3 bedrooms (looking for a master bedroom, office and/or guest room)
- 1-2 bathrooms
- Flat medium to large backyard (fence is a plus)
- Garage would be ideal, but at least off-street parking
- Houses that need work would be considered, but definitely not interested in new builds
- An older neighborhood with trees and front yards (sidewalks too!)
- Anything close to a park or within walking distance to shopping etc.
- Good school district (not important for us - but for resale purposes)
- Fireplace
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Spousonomics - Life Lessons from the Field of Economics
I randomly stumbled on the book Spousonomics on thenest.com. (The Nest is a takeoff of The Knot theknot.com - amazing!). After reading a few sentences on the book I felt compelled to buy it. I didn't happen to be "looking for answers or advice," but it just seemed like a book that could pack a lot of punch and something about it intrigued me (I will admit that the cover of the book was part of it).
I bought it on amazon.com (also amazing - did you know they have an iPhone app?) and it arrived a few days later. I immediately started reading it. It had quite an interesting personality - it was easy to read, entertaining, thoughtful and intelligent, and most of all real. The authors of this book are real women who are using their passion (and careers) to write about something that the majority of people can relate to. Here's an overview on spousonomics.com:
Now that I'm finished with the book I'm Alex will read it too. Previously he was trying to read it over my shoulder at bedtime but that didn't work out so well because I'm a speed reader - even sometimes a page scanner (gasp). It seems to be a book that the male species can sink their teeth into as well, but I'm not sure if I can tear Alex away from his real-estate and finance books. Maybe that's where the word "economics" could be beneficial...
As with economics, marriage is an on-going challenge. The authors have started a blog so they can keep sharing real world examples and their theories. (They're even on facebook, twitter etc.) Speaking of the real world examples, I loved that they had an array of couples, situations, and lengths of marriages (everything from one year to 25+) - it's truly a book for anyone. I don't believe that you have to be married, or even in a relationship to learn something from this book. Many of the conflicts they discuss can be related to any type of relationship, coworker, sibling, friend etc.
Next on my to-do list is to share the book with Alex.. then come the coworkers.. then I'll probably read it again...
I bought it on amazon.com (also amazing - did you know they have an iPhone app?) and it arrived a few days later. I immediately started reading it. It had quite an interesting personality - it was easy to read, entertaining, thoughtful and intelligent, and most of all real. The authors of this book are real women who are using their passion (and careers) to write about something that the majority of people can relate to. Here's an overview on spousonomics.com:
"Paula Szuchman and Jenny Anderson, journalists from The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, present a radical new idea: Every marriage is its own little economy, a business of two with a finite number of resources that need to be allocated efficiently. With great wit, insight, and compelling stories from real-life couples, Szuchman and Anderson apply bedrock economic principles to some of the most common conflicts in domestic life."To me economics has always reminded me of the horrible classes I had to take in college.. Well I take that back... They were interesting, but I just didn't prefer to be tested on the information because it wasn't the type of stuff that stuck well in my brain. (Let's face it - I would not be as well-rounded without those classes even if I can only remember the general principles).
Now that I'm finished with the book I'm Alex will read it too. Previously he was trying to read it over my shoulder at bedtime but that didn't work out so well because I'm a speed reader - even sometimes a page scanner (gasp). It seems to be a book that the male species can sink their teeth into as well, but I'm not sure if I can tear Alex away from his real-estate and finance books. Maybe that's where the word "economics" could be beneficial...
As with economics, marriage is an on-going challenge. The authors have started a blog so they can keep sharing real world examples and their theories. (They're even on facebook, twitter etc.) Speaking of the real world examples, I loved that they had an array of couples, situations, and lengths of marriages (everything from one year to 25+) - it's truly a book for anyone. I don't believe that you have to be married, or even in a relationship to learn something from this book. Many of the conflicts they discuss can be related to any type of relationship, coworker, sibling, friend etc.
Next on my to-do list is to share the book with Alex.. then come the coworkers.. then I'll probably read it again...
Friday, February 25, 2011
Flavors of Kentucky
I received a few cookbooks as bridal shower/wedding gifts. I've started to reference them on a normal basis for different recipe ideas. My friend Amy gave me a "Flavors of Kentucky" cookbook that features the state's best recipes. I love seeing local ingredients, even Bourbon, used in the majority of the recipes. I decided to give the Bourbon Fudge Cake a try to go along with a dinner menu I planned for myself, Alex and his cousin Amanda.
After 15-20 minutes prep time, 80 minutes in the oven and 20 minutes cooling, the cake came out just perfect. It's a cake I will make over and over again - the recipe looked intimidating at first, but was actually very simple.
Alex suggested that it could be my signature dessert. I would personally like to come up with my own recipes before I start having signature dishes, but this does seem to be a favorite already. Don't let the name mislead you, while it does have bourbon in it (and coffee) it's only meant to enhance the taste of the chocolate. It's a light and fluffy chocolate cake with the perfect amount of chocolate flavoring if you ask me!
Bourbon Fudge Cake
Here's the recipe straight from the book:Bourbon is as common as vanilla for flavoring cakes, pies, and puddings in Kentucky. When a dinner or Derby party calls for a special dessert, here's one that's a winner every time.
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Coat a 12-cup Bundt pan and dust with unsweentened cocoa. Remove excess cocoa and set aside.
Combine the water, instant epresso and bourbon in a medium-size heavy saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 3 minutes. Add the chocolate and butter; cook over moderate heat, stirring until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from the heat. Add the sugar and stir until well-blended. Let cool for 3 minutes.
Transfer the chocolate mixture to a large bowl. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Add the flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, to the chocolate mixture using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue to beat for 1 minute after all the flour has been added. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin.
Pour the batter into the Bundt pan. Bake for 80 to 90 minutes (mine only need 80) or until a cake tester inserted in the cake comes out clean and the cake pulls away from the sides of th epan. Cool in the pan on a rack for 20 minutes. Invert the cake onto the rack, remove the pan and cool completely (I cut and served immediately and did not crumble and was delicious to eat warm!). Serve at room temperature.
Makes 12 servings.
Here's the picture of the cake the day after I made it.. (just too yummy not to share!)
Enjoy!
After 15-20 minutes prep time, 80 minutes in the oven and 20 minutes cooling, the cake came out just perfect. It's a cake I will make over and over again - the recipe looked intimidating at first, but was actually very simple.
Alex suggested that it could be my signature dessert. I would personally like to come up with my own recipes before I start having signature dishes, but this does seem to be a favorite already. Don't let the name mislead you, while it does have bourbon in it (and coffee) it's only meant to enhance the taste of the chocolate. It's a light and fluffy chocolate cake with the perfect amount of chocolate flavoring if you ask me!
Bourbon Fudge Cake
Here's the recipe straight from the book:Bourbon is as common as vanilla for flavoring cakes, pies, and puddings in Kentucky. When a dinner or Derby party calls for a special dessert, here's one that's a winner every time.
2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa
1 3/4 c. water
2 tsp. instant espresso
1/4 c. bourbon
5 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into small pieces and softened
2 c. sugar
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking power
Dash of salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Coat a 12-cup Bundt pan and dust with unsweentened cocoa. Remove excess cocoa and set aside.
Combine the water, instant epresso and bourbon in a medium-size heavy saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 3 minutes. Add the chocolate and butter; cook over moderate heat, stirring until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from the heat. Add the sugar and stir until well-blended. Let cool for 3 minutes.
Transfer the chocolate mixture to a large bowl. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Add the flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, to the chocolate mixture using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue to beat for 1 minute after all the flour has been added. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin.
Pour the batter into the Bundt pan. Bake for 80 to 90 minutes (mine only need 80) or until a cake tester inserted in the cake comes out clean and the cake pulls away from the sides of th epan. Cool in the pan on a rack for 20 minutes. Invert the cake onto the rack, remove the pan and cool completely (I cut and served immediately and did not crumble and was delicious to eat warm!). Serve at room temperature.
Makes 12 servings.
Here's the picture of the cake the day after I made it.. (just too yummy not to share!)
Enjoy!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Couples Who Play Together Stay Together
This past weekend, Alex and I made a trip with friends out to Maryland for some skiing. Prior to this past weekend I had only skied once or twice, while Alex had never skied. At first when our friend invited us we were a little hesitant because we weren't "skiers." (I personally think the sport can be a little intimidating for those that have not experienced it).
After our friend asked us again if we were going to come along, we decided to go all in. We decided that life's too short and we spend so much time on work, errands and chores, why not fit in as many adventures as possibile too?
It ended up being a great weekend away. While it was absolutely exhausting and involved 12 hours of driving within three days, it was worth it. We were able to get to know our new friends in Lexington more, as well as meet some other new friends. We had a brand new experience together and marveled at the beautiful scenery in Western Maryland.
Weekends like this remind you of the benefits of having a significant other. Alex and I were the only beginner skiers, so we stuck together the entire time and neither one of us had to pretend like we were better skiers than we were! There were a couple points where I was feeling very apprehensive and wanted to give up, but Alex was there to coax me to try again, and I was glad I did.
I appreciate his willingness to try new things and his extremely supportive nature. I can't wait until Spring hits in Lexington and we can have more impromptu weekend adventures!
P.S. On The Bachelorette, Michelle (and maybe some of the other girls) has talked about how the girls that are able to do physical activities with Brad (or whatever bachelor) they usually have an edge up because they've formed a bond with the bachelor that comes from taking on those types of adventures. I think this comes from the fact that things like skiing, zipling, scaling walls and waterfalls, all require trust and encouragement. Out of curiousity I googled the topic and there were plenty of articles, here's one good one about the positive benefits of physical activity on relationships.
After our friend asked us again if we were going to come along, we decided to go all in. We decided that life's too short and we spend so much time on work, errands and chores, why not fit in as many adventures as possibile too?
It ended up being a great weekend away. While it was absolutely exhausting and involved 12 hours of driving within three days, it was worth it. We were able to get to know our new friends in Lexington more, as well as meet some other new friends. We had a brand new experience together and marveled at the beautiful scenery in Western Maryland.
Weekends like this remind you of the benefits of having a significant other. Alex and I were the only beginner skiers, so we stuck together the entire time and neither one of us had to pretend like we were better skiers than we were! There were a couple points where I was feeling very apprehensive and wanted to give up, but Alex was there to coax me to try again, and I was glad I did.
I appreciate his willingness to try new things and his extremely supportive nature. I can't wait until Spring hits in Lexington and we can have more impromptu weekend adventures!
P.S. On The Bachelorette, Michelle (and maybe some of the other girls) has talked about how the girls that are able to do physical activities with Brad (or whatever bachelor) they usually have an edge up because they've formed a bond with the bachelor that comes from taking on those types of adventures. I think this comes from the fact that things like skiing, zipling, scaling walls and waterfalls, all require trust and encouragement. Out of curiousity I googled the topic and there were plenty of articles, here's one good one about the positive benefits of physical activity on relationships.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Household Item Appreciation Day
One thing I've noticed after being married (or just from getting older) is that we start to appreciate more practical items in a way we never have before.
Below is my list of the 10 things I couldn't live without (well I could.. but why would I?). I posed this question to Alex and his response was "1. MINI BLENDER.... by far my favorite. After that i have no favorite....(I need to give this one a little thought)."
I'll be curious to see what the man of the house comes up with and how it compares to my list.
I love to know how people think, so to me it's really interesting to see how people respond to a prompt like this... I think it can actually tell you alot about a person (Alex's response is so Alex. He likes to keep life simple).
Below is my list of the 10 things I couldn't live without (well I could.. but why would I?). I posed this question to Alex and his response was "1. MINI BLENDER.... by far my favorite. After that i have no favorite....(I need to give this one a little thought)."
I'll be curious to see what the man of the house comes up with and how it compares to my list.
1. Sponges, dishrags, towels…
- Anything use to wipe surfaces clean! (It’s difficult to have a spotless apartment, but I at least have to have all of the counters and tables clean and free of crumbs at all times
2. A soap dispenser filled with dish soap
- We have brushes that have dish soap in them, but having the dispenser makes it easy to soak items in soapy water and clean the wine glasses that I can’t use the cleaning brushes on - broke two that way oops!
3. Good smelling candles
- These help make the apt smell good and they help me get into a good mind frame.. right now I’m burning a Fresh Cut Roses yankee candle to get into the spirit of Valentine’s day and infuse a little spring!
4. Measuring tape & sewing kit
- Very useful for ordering clothes online and making sure they’re right size.. also the seam riper is handy for those new clothes!)
5. Girly tool set
- This comes in handy because I know how to use everything in it and it’s easy to grab because it’s so light!
6. Ice maker
- Love not having to empty ice cube trays and refill them
7. Recycling bins & shredder
- recycling makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the environment and it evens help me organize “trash”)
8. Blinds/curtains
- Love opening them in the morning and closing them at night. This is probably a habit from my childhood, but there's something refreshing about opening them when the sun has risen and letting in the sunshine.
9. DVR
- I love to watch tv, but this ensures that I don’t miss anything – tv shows or nights out with friends or nights in with alex
10. Coffeemaker
- Although it’s annoying to clean this out every day, I love the auto program function, it’s easier for me to wake up when my coffee is already ready!
I love to know how people think, so to me it's really interesting to see how people respond to a prompt like this... I think it can actually tell you alot about a person (Alex's response is so Alex. He likes to keep life simple).
Monday, January 24, 2011
Swedish & Italian Meet
Last night Alex and I had dinner with his cousin Amanda. She made the most delicious turkey meatballs and whole wheat spaghetti pasta, a beautiful Italian dinner. It was on the healthy side of the spectrum as opposed to the artery clogging side. I was charged with dessert, so I scoured my section of cookbooks looking for something light and potentially fruity to complement what I thought would be a heavy dinner.
I decided to take a risk and make Swedish Cheesecake. It turned out to be amazingly simple and quite good on top of that. It would be a slight bore alone, but when paired with berries and whip cream it's perfect.
Here's the recipe from "The Swedish Table."
Ingredients:
2 eggs
4 tbsps all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1/2 cup blanched almonds, chopped fine
15 oz. whole-milk ricotta or cottag cheese
2 tbsps sugar
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl whisk eggs, flour and half-and-half. Stir in almonds, cheese and sugar. Whisk until well-combined. Pour inti a greased 1.5 qt bread loaf pan and bake for an hour. Serve chilled with fresh berries and whipped cream.
(when I make this next, I'll probably leave out the almonds because I don't like the crunchiness of nuts - they interrupt the texture)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I decided to take a risk and make Swedish Cheesecake. It turned out to be amazingly simple and quite good on top of that. It would be a slight bore alone, but when paired with berries and whip cream it's perfect.
Here's the recipe from "The Swedish Table."
Ingredients:
2 eggs
4 tbsps all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1/2 cup blanched almonds, chopped fine
15 oz. whole-milk ricotta or cottag cheese
2 tbsps sugar
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl whisk eggs, flour and half-and-half. Stir in almonds, cheese and sugar. Whisk until well-combined. Pour inti a greased 1.5 qt bread loaf pan and bake for an hour. Serve chilled with fresh berries and whipped cream.
(when I make this next, I'll probably leave out the almonds because I don't like the crunchiness of nuts - they interrupt the texture)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)