*Blehhhh*
I had this grand idea to tell you about all the new stuff I'm getting right now: My camera arrived at home today, I'm waiting on some new earrings from Mom to come in, a movie ticket I bought for CHEAP should be here soon, and a great deal on my favorite perfume from No More Rack tells me I should have Cool Water in the mailbox veeerrry soon. So, I'm excited about the mailman and all the things he'll be bringing soon!
What I wish I could get brought to me? A MILKman with a new jug of milk. And a mental eraser.
I bought a new jug last night at the store, only to have it fall out of the back of my car in the parking lot at home, bust open immediately and spew milk all over my pants, socks and shoes.
It is in that vein that the "blehhhh" comes in: I was remembering that though I took off the milk-wet pants and socks as soon as I got inside the door, and although I put them in the washing machine I added neither water nor soap, so my pants and socks still have milk on them - only now - it's surely dry. Sour milk on my work clothes = blehhhhh.
What gets a "double blehhhhh"? Googling an image of a busted milk jug to be used on the blog ....There is no reason those words should have brought up a picture of a big-busted woman with her chest painted to look like a cow's udders. In fact, nevermind the Google picture - there is no reason to paint your bare chest to look like a cow's udders!!
I wish I had something witty to say, but I am so disgusted right now. All I can say to you, big-busted, heifer woman, is that that picture is udderly inappropriate. Oh, the things I go through for this blog...
;) That's all, folks. Happy February.
Just an FYI for my Triangle-area friends:
Tonight (1/28) you can get a $.99 Joey Jr. burrito at the Moe's in the area. This deal is good for today only, so if you haven't eaten yet, go get a good, cheap burrito at the 14 Raleigh-area locations. While you're out, use this (MRC37H) coupon code for a free Blockbuster box movie rental. We both grabbed a Joey Jr., with chips and salsa, and Secretariat for a grand total of $2.16.
I don't know why my text is suddenly in bold, so my apologies on that. Maybe because it's such a boldly cheap date night? Yes??
Have fun and enjoy some cheapo things!
Some of you know that my amazing husband and parents and in-laws all pitched in for my birthday/Christmas present - a new camera. A, knowing how I love to bargain shop, put it all on a gift card so when I found the right deal, I could snag it.
Well, after a month of researching, consulting my good friend (and wedding photographer) Courtney with always.autumn.studios, I decided to purchase this steal of a deal on a Canon Rebel T2i with a 18-55mm kit lens for $649.95.
If you've been looking for a great "starter" DSLR camera that will be able to transition well into the "prosumer" market, check this out. It is refurbished, but from what I've read and heard, has been thoroughly checked out and "fixed" before being placed up for sale. Although the lens isn't the best, it's a good starter lens for me to get used to so I can determine what I like and need for future lens purchases. It's a great camera to grow into :) Although this is the newest model of Canon's Rebel series at the moment, rumor has it (over at Canon Rumors) that next month will see the announcement of a new Rebel, maybe dropping the price of the T2i a bit more around March, or whenever the new one is released.
If you don't want to wait till then (and who does? I didn't!), seriously, check out the deal I got from Adorama. All signs point to a great company with a good warranty (1 year return-to-Adorama) for a great little camera. In fact, I was so upset when I missed this deal a couple of weeks ago that I have been stalking their website ever since. Yesterday was my lucky day (as I was home sick.) I saw the deal back up on the site, ran into the bedroom for my giftcard and fast and furiously began the purchasing process.
Because I used a giftcard for a portion of the purchase, and Christmas money in the bank account for the rest, I had to call Adorama directly and purchase through them, which was fine. However, if you're going to buy the camera online and want to save even MORE, go through Ebates first for 2.5% cash back, bringing the grand total to $633.25 (free shipping and no sales tax, too!)!!! Seriously - a steal. DO IT :)
Once the camera gets in (next week!) and I've had some time to get used to it, I'll let you know my thoughts. Until then, happy hunting!
P.S. - Ebates is a GREAT site where you go before you shop online. Click through to the store you're going to buy from, and they give you a check for a portion of what you spend back. I've already gotten one check, and there's another on the way!
Last week was a baseball-filled week for us here in the VanderHouse. Thursday night, my husband and I recreated our first date: We went to dinner in downtown Durham, and then went and watched our friend (and roommate for this season) R.J. pitch for the Durham Bulls.
Two years ago, we ate at a cafe called the Sojourner Cafe that was filled with foreigners, including our Russian waiter, who told us it was his dream to move to Myrtle Beach. The Sojourner is now out of business, so I hope that was impetus enough for him to realize his dream!
Thursday, we ate at a restaurant called Tyler's (try their garlic fries!) in Durham, right along the little "waterfront." We got a perfect table - the water flowing right behind us, we had a view of the green and there was live music at the restaurant.
Afterwards, we went to the ballpark to watch R.J. pitch. On our first date, he was playing for the opposing team and we were in the minority cheering. Thankfully this time, there was plenty of cheering for R.J.'s team, spurring them on to a win in the final championship series.
It was a memorable night. I loved our first date, and I loved this one too. Thankfully, at the end of this date, there was no awkward side-hug and goodbye! I got to take him home ;)
Our dinner view.
At the ballpark.
The Bull blowing smoke after Thursday's win.Friday night we took our man-child and a friend of his and went and watched R.J. pitch again. Unfortunately, it was not a winning night for the Bulls, and because it was their third loss of the series, their season was over. We still enjoyed the game and the fireworks that followed!
Watching him throw a "R.J. pitch." That is, a curve ball that clocks in around 48-65 miles an hour.
Enjoying the game...as a brunette!
Adrian bought the commemorative mug and he loves it :)
Friday night lights
Riding the bull!Day 9: A photo you took
I took this photo years ago, while working at a medical clinic in Guatemala. The kids were supposed to be in class, learning, but since a bunch of what faces had set up a free clinic in the courtyard of their school - their attention went elsewhere. They were beautiful and hopeful and such a stark contrast to the hard life we saw and heard evidences of throughout the countryside.But, I will try to remember to take some good shots of it tonight (while there are some sunflowers Mom bought for us on it!) and post them tomorrow.
Speaking of sunflowers, which were our wedding flower, today is our 10-month anniversary! I can't believe it was 2 months ago that we were celebrating in South Carolina, and I can't believe 2 months from now will be a YEAR!! Crazy. We're trying to figure out exactly what to do for the anniversary (which A calls our honeymoon ;). Any suggestions?
Today is the day. Our little man-child is about to sprout his wings and fly into the dorms.
Thanks for the offers of stuff to give him and encouragement about the situation. We had a successful day of yard-saleing and Share Shopping on Saturday and John walked away with a lot of good stuff for his new dorm room. I'm waiting to hear from A that they have his keys, and then I'm going to go be a good little Mom and take my camera and document the moving-in festivities.
Don't be fooled - I'm not planning on hauling stuff into the dorm, just documenting it :) I'm on day #3 of migraines/period headaches that make me sick to my stomach and just want to sleep, so unless my (unfortunately, still-sick) husband really needs me to help carry things, I think I may sit this one out.
After John is all moved in, I'd like to say we'll be empty-nesters, but alas, we won't be. Roommate and wife and baby are in town all week, then my mom comes in this weekend. I'm hoping my mother is game to help me refinish a table I found that has been sitting on our porch since LAST time she visited! That time, there was snow on the ground. Don't judge me for how long it takes me to get to projects. Anyways, I don't know how Mom will feel about that, but we shall see. Also on the docket? Some golf. It's been a while, and I'm excited!
Anyways, I swiped this idea from a friend's blog and wanted to see if I could do it. Thirty days of me. Sounds scintillating, right? I know. Anyways, I think it will be a good personal challenge to see if I can blog for 30 days straight, since, as my blog manager Kristel will tell you, all the good bloggers blog daily! Haha.
So, here goes with day #1!
30 Days of ME
Day 1: Your favorite song: Painting Pictures of Egypt by Sara Groves
I don't know if I can honestly say I have ONE favorite song, but this one would be darn near the top of the list. Not only do I love Sara Groves' music, but I love this song for the myriad of times it has reminded me that, like the Israelites who wandered in the desert, longing for Egypt, I have a tendency to romanticize the past rather than running confidently and with faith toward the future the Lord has promised me. I too often yearn for the mediocre and the comfortable, rather than trusting God's promises to bring me into sweeter fellowship with Him and to do good for me. Sometimes the current situation seems so rough, and the unknown future seems even more bleak, and this song is a much-needed reminder that the Father in Heaven desires to bring me into a land of milk and honey, if only I'll let him lead me into the inheritance he has prepared for me.
Day 2: Your favorite movie
Day 3: Your favorite television program
Day 4: Your favorite book
Day 5: Your favorite quote
Day 6: Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 7: A photo that makes you happy
Day 8: A photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 9: A photo you took
Day 10: A photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11: A photo of you taken recently
Day 12: Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 13: A fictional book
Day 14: A non-fictional book
Day 15: A fanfic
Day 16: A song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17: An art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.)
Day 18: Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 19: A talent of yours
Day 20: A hobby of yours
Day 21: A recipe
Day 22: A website
Day 23: A YouTube video
Day 24: Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 25: Your day, in great detail
Day 26: Your week, in great detail
Day 27: This month, in great detail
Day 28: This year, in great detail
Day 29: Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30: Whatever tickles your fancy
Well, things are starting to come together, little by little. It's been a long, slow process, but it seems like things are looking up.
First of all. Tuesday I was home when maintenance at our apartment finally came by to look at the dishwasher. Although he blamed it all on our soap, he decided he'd replace our dishwasher "just in case." Uh-huh. Just in case you're wrong and the dishwasher actually does suck, you mean?
We arrived home yesterday afternoon to a hand-written note on our door that said, "I came to install dishwasher. -Ed" There was no indication as to whether or not he actually did install it, but we knew he had come by! Thankfully, as we soon ascertained by the bike in the middle of the living room (why there? We don't know. It wasn't blocking the dishwasher) he had actually installed a new one. We haven't run it yet to see if it works, but my hopes are high.
Also, after several more conversations with incompetent Sam's employees (and one competent one) our bed is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. TOMORROW. That is super exciting for us :) Here's to our backs and our bodies waking up pain-free and refreshed! Although, the process included another several e-mails from Sam's saying our order was about to be canceled again, A talked to the one helpful supervisor, who assured us we were on schedule for delivery tomorrow. However, when we then called back (because of the order-threatening emails), we were told our order was for "a twin bed to be delivered to Illinois, right?" Uh......WRONG.
My hopes are a little less high for the ease of the bed transition than they are for a working dishwasher. Sam's has proven to be a slippery little sucker to pin-down, and to have horrible customer service, to boot. We shall see.
In other news: Thrifty Thursday! I'm all about finding some deals, so whenever I can find things I think would be helpful or of interest to thrifty people, I'll share. So, here's your Thrifty Thursday tips:
Next Thursday (7/29/2010) McAlister's is giving away free tea. Now, I don't care for tea myself - I think the stuff is nasty - but I have been told numerous times how magnificent McAlister's tea is. For my Raleigh peeps - the McAlister's I know of is in North Hills. Plus, on Thursday evenings, they have live music and shag dancing in the square at North Hills, so go get some sweet tea and then head over to the square for some dancing. What a lovely summer evening :)
Next Friday (7/30/2010) is National Cheesecake Day. Thus, the Cheesecake Factory is doing 1/2 price cheesecake all day. I CAN attest to the deliciousness of CF's cheesecake! Every flavor I have ever tried, in addition to their incredible whipped cream, is FANTASTIC. Anyone want to make it a date and hit up CF at Crabtree with me next Friday? I'm game!
Thanks for all of the delicious-looking recipe ideas and the recommendations on Pioneer Woman! I'm definitely excited to get back into the swing of cooking. Tuesday, when I asked for requests on dinner, I ended up experimenting and trying to recreate an idea I had seen on Kraft Foods - Bruschetta Chicken.
We ate dinner with an "autentico Italiano" last week, who informed me that bruschetta should be pronounced bru-sketta. In her honor, I tried some Bru-Sketta Chicken and parmesan asparagus with a Caesar salad.
It was tasty, although if you try and do it, don't do what I did: Place chunks of raw garlic in the mix. Woo-wee - was our breath strong! I diced a Roma tomato and mixed it with fresh garlic, some chunks of mozzarella and some fat-free Italian dressing (which I cook with A LOT), then put it on top of some baked chicken. Instead, saute the garlic in some olive oil first, then add it into the mix. This keeps the garlic flavor more subtle and palatable. Unless we're trying to ward off vampires (and since I'm Team Edward, I'm not) we won't be partaking in raw garlic again!
Tonight is date night, or I'd be plotting exactly what I can do for dinner and trying out some of those recipes!
Since it's date night, I wanted to try and look cute for my beloved, so I threw on a new skirt I hoped he might like. He did. I like it for this reason: It was less than $4.
Those of you who know me know I LOVE a good bargain, and I like the thrill of the hunt for them! Before Montana, I had gone to Goodwill to find some cowboy boots (no luck) and instead walked out with this skirt and genuine leather purse - $3.59 and $4, respectively. Ann Taylor Loft and Gap, respectively. I was pretty delighted and still am. This thrift store kick may stick around for a while! If it does, I'll try and institute Thrifty Thursdays, since I love alliteration!
Do you like bargain hunting? What are some of the best spots to snag a good deal? We are all about saving some money here at the VanderHouse, so let me at 'em!
Last night, A and I were watching "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" It's a cutesy romantic comedy in which the main couple witnesses a murder and gets put into the Witness Protection Program.
After seeing this man murdered, they're informed they'll be protected by the U.S. government, and they're introduced to their protectors - Marshal Lasky and Marshal Henderson.
(Cue blond moment) I laughed and looked at A and said, "Ha! It's funny they named both of them Marshall!"
He looked at me and shook his head and said, "Babe. It's not their names. It's their title - U.S. Marshal...."
Right. I knew that.
I think it's been a while since I've had just obvious blond moments. Hopefully, they won't stick around for much longer, since I'm going to dye my hair dark very soon! We're heading to Florida for the Southern Baptist Convention next week, and after that, I'm going in to get acquainted with my dark side ;) There is a Mitchell's Salon school in Raleigh, so I'm going to take advantage of their $30 color and $8 haircut. If it looks horrible, blame it on a student!
I've had my hair dark a couple of times before, and I'm ready to do it again. Bored and needing change, you know? Plus, my hubby thought I was a brunette for the first 6 months he was pursuing me and he liked me dark, so we're full-steam ahead in the Vanderburg house!
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