by Amy | Sep 25, 2012 | Blog
I have about a jillion things I could write and tell you about. But my photos are not loaded off my camera…and it’s now late in the day…and I really just want to write to you.
Today I had one of “those” days. I guess it’s fitting, because it’s been a while since “that” kind of day tormented me. I’ve been off gallivanting around Cali with besties. The days I spent there were anything but “those” days. They were quite the opposite.
Then I came home.
Back to Practically Canada where things need to get done and I can just feel winter breathing down my back, about ready to pounce. Part of the home routine, as I’m sure you can imagine, is grocery shopping.
Have I ever told you that this is my all time least favorite chore in the world. I’d wash dishes for hours, I’d fold laundry for an eternity, I’d vacuum for days…just don’t make me go to the super market. I think this deep hatred is genetic. It’s very deep rooted. As a child my mom used to make me and Sis go the store with her, because she hated going alone. And what better use for children, than to coerce into participating in the pain of activities you loathe? I look forward to a day when I have kids…then I’ll make them be my misery-loves-company companions.
Then, when they get old enough I’ll do what Mom did to use: Send them to the store for me. Bahaha! Evil genius plan hatching now.
Why do I hate it? Ughh. Seriously? You have to ask? What is to like? First of all, it’s always colder than a witch’s tit in there. Even if it’s 10 degrees outside, they will still run the AC. I can never find everything. Every store in the world is organized differently, just to confuse the poor people trying to keep their cupboards stocked. Lemon juice? Oh no…it’s not with the fruit, or the juice. It’s down in aisle 17 by the salsa.
Come again?!
This literally happened to me today. “Body wash? Hmmm. That’s actually not over here.” {We were standing in the hygiene/beauty/lotion/toothpaste/razor/shampoo aisle}. “It’s over in aisle 7 between insecticides and dish soap.”
Okay. Come on out Ashton. This has got to be super-market-punked.
And here’s another reason why the grocery store is the worst. Math. You better not go while you’re brain is lagging because you need to be a mathlete to shop here. I don’t like throwing my money away, so it becomes a big game of “What’s the Best Deal.” Finding the best deal is easy…just look at the price. Divide by the number of ounces to get price per ounce. Compare that around. But don’t forget to take coupons in to account. Oh yeah, and remember that the cheapest might also taste like cardboard, so spending a little more on something more quality is worth it. Then look at the ingredients. If it’s healthier for you, it’s going to cost more…so remember this variable too. Just account for all these variables, then redivide to come up with the best deal for you. Then move on to the next item you need and repeat the process.
They really should call it a math store. I hate math.
There are so many, many reasons I hate the grocery store. Another one is awkward moments. Like my moment today with the clerk who showed me where to find the body wash. Or how about this one. Have you ever ran into someone you know at the store? Probably. It’s all good and pleasant until you realize that you are going to cross each other in every aisle as you weave your way from apples to Wheat Thins. Then it’s just awkward…at least for me because I’m an awkward person.
Do you say “Hi” again? Or just keep walking? Smile an awkward nervous smile, or bring up the blinders for the task at hand?
At the end of it all, I wish I could do all my shopping on Super Market Sweep. I would run through the aisle, willie nillie…not giving two poops about math and cost and running in to acquaintances. Then at the end of it all, instead of paying way too much and wishing I was one of those super couponers, I’d get prizes.
Yeah. I’d like it to be more like that.
Amy
PS…what is your least favorite mundane, must-do activity? I’d love to hear about it…even if it’s just to make myself feel better about hating the market so much.
by Amy | Sep 20, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Adventure
Okay. Admittedly I’ve been more miss than hit this week. But, there hasn’t been a lot of time for borrowing a computer to post on lately. I’ve been more busy experiencing life as a local {kind of}, being a tourist and catching up with two of my besties.
But here’s a quick over view of what’s been eating up my time.
We ate this fancy ice cream made in front of our eyes with liquid nitrogen. {Like gourmet Rocket Science…}
Visited a classy hotel that looks like a mission. Then we snuck upstairs to “guest only” quarters to see the views.
We ate a golden velvet cupcake from Casey’s Cupcakes…winner of Cupcake Wars. It is literally dusted with 24k gold. Yeah, not making that up.
We saw the Griffith Observatory…but it was closed.
Went to a mall with a legit puppy store. Pure bred puppies living the high life. The cutest thing I’ve ever seen. What? you want to touch one? That’s fine…just ask them at the counter, tell them which one. Then cuddle. It was amazing.
We ate blue velvet cake from Aroma Cafe in LA. It’s a local treasure frequented by celebs. No big deal.
Saw the hand prints outside that Chinese Theatre. I learned that John Wayne’s feet were the same size as mine.
Learned where TV is made. This is the CBS lot where Tyler works on Parks and Rec.
I saw where Parks & Rec is made. This is Ty’s desk. The writers are down the hall. We saw the whole cast. Working. Up close. Standing about 3 feet away. Was I starstruck? Most definitely. I just tried not to make eye contact. No photos there though…that’s not allowed.
I practically met Li’l Sebastian.
All in all it’s a good trip. Today we are going to Sea World…among other awesome things. I miss you, and I promise I’ll tell you more interesting things in the coming days.
Have a good one. Make today an adventure…even if you aren’t on vacation.
Amy
by Amy | Sep 18, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Design, The Art of Projects
You remember the garage sale, right? Well, after it was all said and done we still had a few goodies left that we didn’t want to haul off to the thrift shop. A few things we thought just might sell on Craigslist.
So after giving myself plenty of time to procrastinate, I finally listed. them. I thought you might like my ads. First the ad for my sweet poker table.
I wish craigslist had a category in ‘for sale’ titled “Awesome.” Because this table is awesome. It was my grandfather’s. He played a lot of poker in his basement in the 1960’s. I inherited it. Then I moved to Minot…where housing is hard to find and very expensive once you do find it. And alas, there is no space in my humble abode for this sweet piece of man-cave-must-have.
The table comes with four chairs. There are eight place settings, each with a tray and cupholder. And who cares if you don’t play poker. Use it for game night. Any way you cut it this is a good deal. There is a small crack near one of the cupholders. I’m not shady…I’ll tell you how it is.
The legs collapse and the chairs fold up so you can store it easily. Email me or text me if you’re interested.
Now, let me tell you the best part. I listed this bad boy for $30. Now even 24 hours after I slapped it up, I got an offer. Then about 10 seconds later I got another offer. We ended up selling it for $40. Amazing, right? I’m so sad I had to sell it, but the couple who bought it was young and cute, so I know it’s in good hands. Well…better hands than just living in my basement.
Here’s my second ad. It’s for my winter coat. Which I love, but would really like a new one.
This is a wool Hollister coat. Women’s size small. It’s super cute. It’s been worn, but is still in great shape. I’m a clean person. I don’t smoke. And I don’t have unruly BO or anything like that. This coat is clean and darling, but I’m ready for change. I would love for you to have it. It’s not just for looks. It’ll keep you legit warm.
Email me if you’d like to make an offer.
And finally, the ad I made for a set of retro casserole dishes.
I have two lovely casserole dishes for sale. We’ve all seen these. They are classics. And they don’t call them classics for nothing. There’s a reason your grandma always used them. These babies rock. Safe for oven use. Safe in the dishwasher. Convenient for fridge leftover storage.
Now, I know what you’re thinking…if they are so awesome, why aren’t you keeping them. Well, I’ll be honest with you. I’m a glassware hoarder. I’ve got casserole dishes and cake stands coming out my ears. So the hard decision had to be made. And I had to let go of a few. I hope you’ll give them a good home. They won’t let you down.
Email me if you have questions or would like to have them for your own.
Now, will the coat and casserole sell? Honestly, I don’t know. But it was worth a shot, right?
At any rate, I hope you got a good chuckle out of my lame antics. As you can see…Minot, ND is not a very happening place. {Making these ads was the highlight event of my Friday night.}
Amy
by Amy | Sep 16, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Projects, the house, Uncategorized
You know I’m a bit of a color-phobe. The one color I’m not afraid of?
White.
It’s fresh. It’s clean. It’s timeless.
When something is dated beyond repair, the first thing I want to do is paint it white. I like color on my walls, but I adore a room framed in pretty white. It’s so crisp and neat looking. Like a well ironed tablecloth.
So, we’ve started sloshing white around the living/dining room. Starting with the dark, sloppily stained built in hutches in the dining room. I know, it’s a rough preview…but it’ll have to do. And as Der-Bear and I like to say…”There’s no going back now.” The white is officially on and we are only going up from here. Our next victim? That wood paneling!
This project will be on hold in DIY purgatory until next Monday. Why, you ask? Well, friends…let me tell you. I’m lucky enough to have two wonderful friends who live in California and let me come visit. I leave today. I’ll be home in a week. I can’t wait for all the adventures in store. With this girl.
And this guy.
I’ll be posting on and off, but forgive me if I’m hit and miss this week. I really will miss you dearly.
Amy
by Amy | Sep 14, 2012 | Blog, Crafts, The Art of Projects
I have about a million of those re-useable grocery bags. My problem? I get to the store and realize they are still in my basement at home. Then I’m asked the question. The big question:
Paper or plastic?
Kill a tree. Or get my groceries in a bag that will never really decompose. It’s a lose-lose.
About a year ago I first showed you this project over at Aprons & Ambitions. It’s a super easy wreath you can make using just a paper grocery sack, an old box and some hot glue. I’m revisiting this tutorial today. It’s a bit updated, but still as easy and thrifty as ever.
Here’s what you do:
Draw a leaf shape on your bag. Mine is about 3″ long and 2″ wide. I cut one out then trace it over and over so they are all the same size. Then cut then all out. One bag full of leaves is enough for one wreath.
Once your leaves are all cut out crease them in half. Like so:
Next…make your wreath form. You can cut it out of an old box…or use up some more paper bags. For the one I made yesterday I used bags and a cereal box. The point is to make a form that is fairly stiff to glue your leaves to.
To make your form from bags do like this:
Use a big mixing/salad bowl to trace half a circle on your bag. If you are making a bigger wreath you may only be able to fit half on one bag. Use a smaller bowl to make an arc about 2″ wide. Cut them out of four bags. Trace your arc twice on a cereal box and cut those out too. Sandwich all your arcs together to make a full circle and hot glue them all together.
Then it’s time to glue on your leaves. Please don’t be too repulsed by my hideous carpet. You know how much I hate it. It’s days are numbered.
Glue them on in small clusters until you’ve gone all the way around. Finish it off with a dusting of gold spray paint. I usually get mine out in the fall…but it’s a super versatile wreath for all year.
And…I know Christmas is still a long ways off, but while you are at it, you can easily whip one up for Christmas. Follow the same instructions, but spray paint it green and add some paper bag poinsettias. The tutorial for those is on the old blog. See it here.
Happy Crafting!
Amy
PS…This post is partying at Sew Can Do…and these other great linky get-togethers.
by Amy | Sep 14, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Fitness
Hey all! Here are the Trim and Tone circuits from last night’s class. Get your fit on!
Here’s how it works. Do each exercise in a row with no rest between moves. Once you’ve done the whole circuit, recover for 60-90 seconds…then do it again. Do each circuit three times.
Circuit #1:
- Nosy Neighbor: 30 Seconds
- Squat Kick: 1 minute
- Globe Hops: 1 minute
- Plank Jacks: 30 seconds
Circuit #2:
- High Knees: 30 seconds
- Mountain Climber: 30 seconds
- High Knees: 30 seconds
- Mountain Climber: 30 seconds
Plank Jacks: Start in a plank position {see above}, next pop your feet out and in…like a horizontal jumping jack. Keep your hands firmly planted.
Globe Hops: Squat then take a small hop to the right. Squat again, hop forward. Squat, hop to the left. Squat, hop backward. Make your box in one direction for 30 seconds, then reverse your direction.
Have a great weekend!
Amy
by Amy | Sep 14, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Fitness, The Art of Living, The Art of the Moment
This is a video post. To lessen the frustration of waiting for the video to load…why not scroll down now, then read what I have to say? By the time you’re done, you’ll be ready to watch.
A few months back I got an unexpected email. I’ll tell you more about it next week, when I share the companion video to this post…but this gist is this. I had been praying that God would open a door for me to use my professional skills to further His kingdom.
Then bam! I was blessed with a tremendous opportunity to create a video to help gain support for Nick and Amanda Dunn’s upcoming mission to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. They are brave. They’ll be gone 5 years. The work they’ll be doing is awesome.
Like I said. More next week. For tonight I’ll just show you this video. It’s a combination of footage the adorable couple in question sent me and photos from their trip to the mission field. This is proof that when you ask God to provide outlets for you to use the talents He has given you, to do His work…He’ll provide. We are all given specific abilities. Even our silly quirks play a role in our life’s ministry. Spend some time tonight thinking about your interests, passions and quirks. Ask God to show you how they can be put to service. You might discover something you never expected.
Now enjoy this short video.
Amy
God of this City: Missionary Support Video from Amy Allender on Vimeo.
by Amy | Sep 12, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Projects, the house
The other night I was talking to my dad about my carpeted stair situation. He said something that kind of scared me: “Well, if there’s one thing I can say about carpet….it’s that it’s usually hiding something.”
And it was. Brown stairs, a broken tread, a million staples, and some nasty wallpaper.
But it was also hiding something else. A pleasant surprise, in the form of nice, warm wood flooring in the upstairs hall.
I finished ripping up the stair carpet today and it led all the way up to the hall. So I figured it might as well go too. And I’m glad it did. Not only did I find these gemly {is gemly a word…as in h”like a gem”?} wood floors, I also took out a lot of gross smell.
Since day one in our house I’ve noticed a smell. And I think I know where a lot of it is coming from. These shag carpets. They soak up bad smells like a Sham Wow. I would be lying if I said I didn’t dry heave at least a half dozen times while tearing up the hall carpet and pad today. It was bad. I cleaned the wood and things smell much improved.
Now, on to the second order of business. I wanted to paint this week…but that is going to be put on hold. It turns out that Sherwin Williams is having a 40% off sale the weekend of the 21st. To me {queen of the cheapskate clan} a savings of 40% is well worth the wait. Fo-Real. So I’ll take it easy on the prep.
I did, however, bring home these sweet paint samples. Tell me what you think.
Now, before you ask…yes this is a photo of the same colors. They are just on two different walls and the light hits them differently. Isn’t it crazy how the colors seem to change?
We are putting one color in the nook with the stairway. And a different color in the dining room and living room. All the trim will be crisp, clean white…as will the wood paneling and the built in hutches. Opinions welcome!
Amy
