Shelf Paper

Am I the only person in the world who uses Shelf Paper?

Actually - based on the condition of the inside of the cabinets when we moved into our new home - you don't need to answer that.



And based on the very limited options of Shelf Paper in the stores - you don't need to answer that.



Clearly - I am the only person that still uses Shelf Paper.

I don't know why I do? Maybe it was years of living in college dorms and not so clean apartments that made me want to cover up all signs of a previous tenant. Maybe it's because many of our homes have been older and have shown wear and tear? Maybe it was what my Mom taught me? Maybe I just have issues?



Whatever the reason, there is nothing better (to me) than a nice clean foundation to put away all your personal belongings.

In our new house - we have some really cool cabinets - so it was kind of fun.



This is our kitchen pantry - with shelves lining the inside of the doors and fold away hinged shelves inside to get access to the full depth of the cabinet.



The silverware drawer is behind a fold down drawer front - complete with built in dividers and a cutting board.



Thank goodness for Little K's helping hands. I'm too old to be down on my hands and knees reaching those bottom cabinets.

My favorite "surprise" was this one. Any guesses as to what's behind this drawer?



Have you figured it out yet?



Yep - a built in ironing board spring loaded in one of the Laundry Room drawers.



Funny thing is - we had no idea it was there until I started to line the drawers.

Sweet hubby had been living in the house for almost a month - sleeping on an air mattress, with none of our household belongings (while we were packing up in AZ).

He even went out and purchased an iron so he could iron his work shirts. He was using the kitchen counter as an ironing board, when all the while - this perfectly good ironing board was in the next room mocking him.

Everything is all put away and most of this pretty clean shelf paper can no longer be seen. But I feel better knowing it's there.

Words of Love

Today, my dear sweet hubby and I are celebrating our 21st Wedding Anniversary.

Here we are - in my parents Home where we were married - on our Wedding Day.

October 20, 1989

Someone please tell me at what point the big hair and big glasses from the 80’s stop being a fashion blunder and start to look like something classic and vintage? I keep waiting. At least my dress has some timeless styling. It could have been worse – Gunne Sax was still quite the rage at this time.

I would love to tell you that I found an amazing gift to give my loved one. Or that he is planning a fantastic surprise for me. The truth is, we don’t celebrate these events with elaborate gifts. Partly – because if we want something, we go and get it for ourselves, which makes surprise purchases difficult. But also, because those are not the things we tend to remember, or what really matter.

I hope that we tell each other, and show each other, the depth of our love on a daily basis – and not just on Birthdays or Anniversaries. Some days I’m better at it than others. My Mom occasionally reminds me not to take for granted what an amazing, forgiving and tolerant man I married. Thanks – I do need that.

I did treat myself to a little gift a few days ago that I could call my Anniversary Present.



The Cricut Create Personal Cutter. I used to have unlimited access to one via my friend and next door neighbor Marni – but now that we have moved….I have to begin stocking my own scrapbooking tools.

You could also say that I got a great gadget for my hubby as an Anniversary Present.



Our 20+ year old Garage Door Opener konked out over the weekend, so I had a brand spankin' shiny new one installed yesterday - including sensors and an outside keypad.

But both of those purchases would have most likely been made whether it was our Anniversary or not.

So to Celebrate our years together – and to look forward to the many years ahead – I wrote him a letter, to make sure I tell him how much I love him (in case I forget to mention it one day).

I bet I'll get some sweet words from him as well - because he's good that way.



He always has been.

I love you, not only for what you are, But for what I am when I am with you ~~ Erich Freid

Ten on Ten: October

The concept is simple:
A photo taken every hour for ten consecutive hours on the tenth of the month.
You can read more about it here.

I have been wanting to do this ever since I heard about it from my friend Amy. Not only to document a day in our lives, but to remind myself that something beautiful can be found in even the most ordinary of things.

So here we go!
























Because today was Sunday - Little K was able to join in on the fun and did her own set of Ten on Ten.
(all photo and editing credits go to her)
















Hope you all had a great Weekend.

Apartment Living

While we transitioned from our home in Arizona to where we are moving to in California, Little K and I spent nearly a month living in an apartment. Not actually an apartment, but one of those Extended Stay Hotels designed for temporary living.

It sounds like fun. A Furnished 2 Room suite with a kitchenette. Weekly Maid service. No yard work.



Our room was a pretty good size. Separate Bedroom. Sleeper Sofa. Furnished Kitchen. Private Bath. It reminded me of my Apartment in College. I remember having plenty of room to spread out back then.

This is going to be great - Right?

Much to my surprise - things have changed just a bit in the 20 (or so) years since I was in College. Now there is not only Me, but also Little K - and sweet Hubby who returns home on the weekends.

Add to that - the houseplants we'll be bringing with us to our new home. And the flammable items and paint that the movers wouldn't take. Painting and cleaning supplies to be used at the new house while our goods are in storage. Items to keep a 9 year old little girl occupied during the summer - and all the paperwork and important documents needed for the purchase and close of our old and new homes.

Oh yeah - and Pets. Did I mention 3 very needy pets that are not happy about having their living spaces downsized.

OK - so maybe it's not quite the adventure I expected. But it certainly is an adventure to remember.



The good news is - climbing up 3 flights of stairs several times a day, often with heavy groceries, has built up my calf muscles.



And the neighbor living next door is a fantastic cook. I can smell wonderful breakfast and dinner aromas wafting through the hall. I have to find out how they are doing all that cooking with just a microwave and a hot plate. Maybe they will invite us over for dinner.



With only 4 bowls (and one of them being used as the kitty's water dish), it doesn't take long to run out of dishes to use for breakfast cereal. In a pinch - the measuring cup will do just fine. Little K thought that was pretty fun.



It's also a great opportunity to have friends over and say our goodbye's. Always fun to have a jumbo Pool and Hot Tub in your backyard.



2 little monkey's jumping on the bed would never be allowed at home. But in the hotel - why not?



Having sleepovers - staying up late watching TV - reading teen magazines. It's all good.



Storage space is a little tight. Especially in the bathroom with two girls and all our "products". We resorted to using the kitchen drawers. Luckily - they are still within easy reach.



There's even an on site Pantry with drinks, frozen meals and fresh fruit. Much better than resorting to dinner out of a vending machine.



I'm pretty sure I could buy these things at the grocery store for less than half the price they charge, but sometimes convenience is worth the price.



Best of all. Huge Washers and Dryers. I can get all the laundry done at once.

Yes - this is indeed better than my first Apartment.



After the first week - even high strung Peanut Butter the cat settled in and relaxed. She's feeling quite at home on my bed.

We are now out of temporary living in Arizona and all moved in to our new home in California. It was a great option for us during the moving transition - but maybe just a few weeks too long.

I've been keeping busy - unpacking, organizing and making our new house feel like our Home. Can't wait to share it all with you.