Revamped Lamp(s)

On Monday, I gave you all a little sneak peak of a project I was working on.

Let me just start by telling you a little about the decor in my home. 

I had moved away to school about 4 years ago and had to buy all new furniture because what I had in my bedroom at my parents house would not have been enough to fill my apartment. Then my husband, boyfriend then fiance at the time, moved to his first job location 2 years ago and bought new furniture and took things from his parents house.

Then roughly 2 years ago, I moved back in my parents house to save on rent after I graduated and lived there until I got married. Once I moved in with my husband, we had enough items and furniture to fill two houses. However, not one piece matched another and we are left with a bachelor pad.

Now, this does not make me all that upset because we will be moving at least two more times in about 3 years so I know not all furniture will go with each place we live. Also, this gives me plenty of projects to work on because I feel extremely guilty buying new items when the beat up item in front of someone's house that they want to throw out could be more beautiful than that new piece at a store. 

(I might be a garbage picker and thrift store shopper. Don't judge.)

Without any more blabbing by me, here is our lovely new lamps (of course a picture of before as well).

Before

Gorgeous, lovely, lamp nicely donated by my Hubby's parents. I do love that we had a table and floor lamp for free!

  After

They turned out great.

The bed and side table were also one of our free, donated items. I cannot wait to get a new bed because I know exactly what I want but I cannot find it.

What once was old, is now new!

 Total cost of project - $34.96 (excluding tax)

Table lamp and floor lamp - free

Lamp shades - $10 x2 (from Big Lots)

Primer - $2.99 (Hobby Lobby)

Spray Paint - $3.99 x2 (Hobby Lobby)

Finishing spray - $3.99 (Walmart)

Sandpaper - free

Now I need to start looking for a new project. What do you all think?

Last Week of May Meals

I have been trying my best to take photos of the meals that I make so you all can see just how delicious they are. With summer here, most of my meals are just summer meals (make sense). That means that I do not follow a recipe. It's just a little protein, pasta, rice, veggies, bread, starches, and so on. Well, the photo challenge has been a true failure, but I will work on it.

Whole Chicken with Roasted Red Potatoes and Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Puff Pastry Chicken Sandwich (from left over whole chicken) with Cheese, Spinach, Spicy Ranch and side of steamed Green Beans

Similar sandwich - different side

Grilled Chicken Breast with Baked Potato and Steamed Green Beans

One, very large, potato.

Pork Tenderloin with Smashed Cheesy Garlic Potatoes and Wilted Spinach

Stovetop Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Salad

As always, let me know if you want any of my personal recipes.

Weekend [Without Words]

Weekend via iPhone - I wish the phone had a better quality camera like my old phone.

 

Enjoyed some quality time on the balcony but it was a little chilly. For some reason, Hubby never looks happy. Maybe that's because I enjoy pulling his leg hair (and I got caught in the action).

 

Left: Sneak peek at a project I am working on.

Right: Roxi baby just cannot get enough naps.

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I am in desperate need of a new hairstyle. 

Here was my hairstyle roughly one year ago. I had it with short layers in the back and loved it. However, when my hair is that short, I feel like I need to cut it every 

4 weeks so the style still looks good.

I am looking for any and all ideas. People, send some styles over my way please!!

*Window Shopping*

I have not gone 'Window Shopping' in a while since I had my true splurge the other week.

But, here are some cute finds I found on Etsy.

Perfect for a summer party. I love this.

Amordress

I could totally use this as a building block to a new kitchen style. Love!

kristyschicboutique

 I absolutely want these place mats.

KainKain

 I absolutely want barn doors in my home.

DancingGrains

 Now I want some cookies.

AngelikasSwissBakery

fairstore

 Do you have any favorites?

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Continuing on with 31 Day Blog Challenge hosted by OutMUMbered.

Day 25

Blogs I love

  I enjoy exploring and meeting new blogs, so this is an exciting post for me. 

In no particular order:

• Lindsey from Better After - I love seeing all the before and after pictures, and she is quite witty. 
•  Emily from Emmy June - Her posts are a joy to read and she will soon be embarking in a 7 week vacation travel abroad.
• Jayme and Mendi from Her Late Night Cravings - These two are so adorable and they are consistently doing vlogs about fashion, beauty, and so much more.
• Leigh Anne from Hart to Heart - She is so adorable and so down to earth. I love how her blog is turning to a healthy lifestyle while still sharing pieces of her life as a military wife.
• Michelle from Mish Lovin' Life - This blog makes me smile and laugh every time I read. She shares her life on being half Korean, living in San Diego, and her relationship adventures.

Day 24 - 31 Day Blog Challenge

31 Day Blog Challenge hosted by Boy Oh Boy

Day 24

 Favorite Childhood Book

 

 

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

A told B and B told C, I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree.

Wee says D to E, F, G, I'll beat you to the top of the coconut tree.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, will there be enough room?

Here comes H up the coconut tree.

And I, and J, and tag along K, all on their way up the coconut tree.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, with there be enough room?

Look whose coming. L, M, N, O, P.

And Q, R, S. And T, U, V.

Still more? W and X, Y, Z.

The whole alphabet up the... Oh no!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

Skit skat skootle doot, flip flop flee. Everybody running to the coconut tree.

Momma's and Papa's and Uncle's and Aunt's, hug their little dears and dust their pants.

Help us up cried A, B, C.

Next from the pileup, skinned knee D and stubbed toe E and patched up F. 

Then comes G all out of breath. 

H is tangled up with I. J and K are about to cry. L is knot up like a tie.

M is looped, N is stooped, O is twisted alley-oop.

Skit skat skootle doot, flip flop flee.

Look whose coming. It's black eyed P. Q, R, S, and loose tooth T.

Then U, V, W wiggle jiggle free.

Last to come X, Y, Z. 

And the sun goes down on the coconut tree. 

But, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Look there is a full moon.

A is out of bed and this is what he said, "Dare, double dare. You can't catch me. I'll beat you to the top of the coconut tree."

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

That's how I remember it. I think I am going to start using that line, 'skit skat skootle doot'.

Day 23 - 31 Day Blog Challenge

31 Day Blog Challenge hosted by Boy Oh Boy

Day 23

Dream Job

 I shared with you all the other day about the cause I support, that I volunteer for, and that I love. 

Well, that would be my dream job, public representative for a non-profit organization. I enjoy giving back and volunteering but let's face it, I do not get paid squat (monetarily). I will forever stay with RNJ for as long as I am welcome. However, I would also love to work for another non-profit and get paid for it!

May Week Four Meals

This week contains all of my own personal recipes and I do not have any pictures, sorry. I am going to work real hard to try and take photos of the meals so you all can see. Most times I am far too hungry to think about pictures and just dig in and eat. 

Anyways, here are our meal plans for this week.

Grilled Chicken with Wilted Spinach, Sweet Potato and Hawaiian Roll

Hot Dog with Green Beans and Pasta Salad

Mini Chicken Pot Pies with Puff Pastry Topping

Stir-fry Chicken with Broccoli, Green Beans, Green Bell Pepper, 

Carrots, Corn, and Brown Rice

Burgers on Hawaiian Roll with Brussels Sprouts and Pasta Salad

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Continuing on with 31 Day Blog Challenge hosted by Boy Oh Boy.

Day 22

Best Thing This Year

Last year was my really exciting year. So far this year everyday has been wonderful experiencing the life of a newlywed and living in a new state away from family and friends. 

If I had to pick on particularly exciting moment this year, it would have to be celebrating my Dad's 60th surprise birthday with family. It truly was a surprise and my Dad has enough health issues that I think he enjoyed one day just for him that didn't involve doctors or hospitals.

Weekend [Without Words]

On Sunday, many of you may have had this rare opportunity to experience the annular solar eclipse that was last seen in 1994. We were in partial line of site living slightly south of Sacramento. Apparently my baby did not like what was going on here with the moon starting to cover the sun. First she was sitting on the couch and then this popped up. This is when the staring contest started and barking took place. About a minute in, she jumps off the couch and gets face to face with whatever she thinks is going on on the tv. What a strange lady because she has never done this before.

Did anyone get a chance to see the eclipse? I did not have proper eye wear to take any photos, sorry.

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Continuing on with 31 Day Blog Challenge hosted by Boy Oh Boy.

  Day 21

10 Favorite Foods

Well I do love to eat but I am not sure that I have a particular 

order of my favorite foods, but here we go:

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Kraft Mac 'n Cheese [the blue box] (oh so bad for me)
• Klondike bars
• Chocolate chip cookies
• French toast
• Blueberry bagels
• Brussels sprouts
• Chicken
• Bacon

Wow, good thing I do not eat all of these on a daily basis. Yikes on the fatty foods.

Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe

As promised on Monday, here is the Fresh Strawberry Pie recipe.

Yummy!

Filling Ingredients:

- 3 cartons plus 1 additional cup Fresh Strawberries

- 1 Cup Water (separated into 1/3 and 2/3 Cup)

- 1 Cup Sugar

- 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch

Crust Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour (plus additional for rolling it out)

- 3 Tablespoons Sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon Salt

- 1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

- 1 1/2 stick Unsalted Butter, cubed and frozen

- 4 to 6 Tablespoons ice cold Water

Directions for Crust:

- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F

- In a large mixing bowl combine Flour, Sugar, Salt, and Vanilla. 

- Cut the Butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter.

- Slowly add 1 Tablespoon of Water at a time until mixture forms a ball without being wet or sticky

- Ball dough up and pat into a disk, then wrap in plastic wrap and place in refrigerator.

- Once cold, dusting flour as not to stick, roll dough out until it is about 1/2 inch bigger than your pie plate.

- Place into pie plate and bake at 425 degrees F for roughly 12-15 minutes.

Directions for Filling:

- Half 3 cartons of Strawberries and set aside.

- Quarter 1 Cup of Strawberries  and place in medium saucepan with 2/3 Cup Water and 1 Cup Sugar. 

- Boil mixture for about 3 minutes.

- In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 Cup Water and 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch mixing consistently.

- Add Water and Cornstarch mixture to the saucepan, reducing temperature to medium.

- Allow mixture to thicken to desired liking, remove from heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, adding additional water if too thick.

Making the Pie:

- Add the halved Fresh Strawberries to the Pie Crust.

- Top the Strawberries with the cooled strawberry 'syrup'.

- Refrigerate for several hours

- Enjoy with some whipped cream

Yup, I enjoyed it.

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Continuing on with 31 Day Blog Challenge hosted by Boy Oh Boy.

Day 18

My Blog Name

 I have heard from many people that coming up with a blog name was challenging for them. For me it was quite easy. When I had decided to start blogging, the main reason why I was blogging was because I moved away from family and friends and will be moving often for a few years (more to come later in the challenge). I then decided 'a traveling Wife' would be a good name. Of course the emphasis is on Wife because that is what I am and I will be traveling on the side. 

Just because my blog name has traveling in the title does not make my blog a travel blog. I consider it more of a lifestyle blog showcasing diy projects, volunteer work, recipes, my life on a daily basis, and much, much, more.

Flaunt Your Cause

I am so excited to be sharing this post with you all today and linking up with 

Emily and Lindsay for the Flaunt Your Cause link-up.

I have been a staff member volunteer with Rape is Never Justified (RNJ) since Jan. 2011. When I first started with RNJ, I was the Public Representative. As of May 2012, I took the position as the Vice President and Public Relations Manager. Wow, you might be thinking that I have a large title for just a volunteer position. However, it is true. I do not get paid in anyway, shape, or form, for the hours that I 'work' for RNJ. To me it is not work. I enjoy 100% what I am doing and could not be happier.

So, a little about the cause. 

What is Rape is Never Justified?

 RNJ is an internet based movement providing support and education for sexual abuse and rape victims and survivors. Our goal is to help the victims and survivors find their voice to speak out and heal.

What specifically does RNJ have to offer individuals?

RNJ provides one-on-one, free, internet based peer support.

Why do I support RNJ?

I believe in the goals of RNJ. I enjoy researching new articles about alternative therapies to laws of rape victims and survivors. I love hearing from individuals their stories and how they have overcome a traumatic past or  experience. Education is the key in every scenario and I enjoy helping other people learn about sexual assault and rape. 

 

How can you support RNJ?

First off, you can like the Facebook page.

  Then you can check out the webstore for RNJ merchandise.

Finally, you can share all this information with someone who has been sexually assaulted or raped.

(Chances are you know at least one person if not more!)

Yes that's me. Supporting the Strength to Speak Campaign.

Most recent campaign - The Sound of Strength Campaign.

What a great link-up and thank you to everyone who took the time to read this!!

Day 16 - Top Of My Bucket List

31 Day Blog Challenge hosted by Boy Oh Boy

Day 16

Top Of My Bucket List

Honestly, I have never really thought about a bucket list. I spent the last year discovery myself as a Wife and moving miles and miles away from my family and friends.  

Maybe in a few years items will creep up onto my bucket list. As for now, I am more than content with where I have been and what I have experienced.

Oh - Monday

Here is yet another Monday without 'Weekend [Without Words]'. Sorry folks! I am terrible at remembering to snap photos especially when I am not doing anything too exciting. 

I will fill you all in on what we did though. Friday night was absolutely lovely. After going out to dinner, we came home and enjoyed star gazing on our balcony with the dog and a few beers. I have these huge lanterns with candles in them (a centerpiece from our wedding) and I lit them for the first time. It was very romantic and relaxing. Saturday I was not feeling very well. Maybe a mixture of a little too much beer and some other things. So this day was used for running around and grocery shopping. Sunday was an extremely active day. Oh, and it was Mother's day (yes I am a Mother to our puppy dog). Husband made a delicious breakfast. We followed that with some tennis, walk/run along the creek, and swimming a few laps in the pool. 

Also, for the first time this weekend I made a homemade strawberry pie (recipe and pictures to come this week). I used my Grandma's recipe and she would have been so proud. It was absolutely delicious and it looked really pretty too. 

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Continuing on with 31 Day Blog Challenge hosted by Boy Oh Boy.

Day 14

If I Won the Lottery

Honestly, I never play the lottery so this though never crosses my mind. I do not find it beneficial to spend money on something that does not have a return value. For example, we buy food to nourish our bodies, we buy clothes to cover our skin, and so on. 

I guess if for some strange reason I were to have won the lottery, I would only want enough to be debt free with enough for a vacation. That's it. Pretty simple.

Day 10 - 31 Day Blog Challenge

31 Day Blog Challenge hosted by Boy Oh Boy.

Day 10

What's Your Best Physical Feature?

I absolutely love my smile. I would say that is my best physical feature. 

My sister and I.

Wedding Reception - Photo taken by Chelsea Brown

After the NorCal Survivor Mud Run.

Enjoying the weather in Yosemite.

Boost the Economy

Whoops! Yup, I went shopping. I did a lot of shopping.
After cleaning my closet this past weekend, from top to bottom, I now have room for new items. Plus, I have very little tank tops and the weather here is hot. That's when I loaded up on the clothes today.

Also, we were all out of stinky, smelly soaps, body washes, and shampoos. So I stocked up on those too. I am done shopping for awhile.

However, I still need a new pair of jeans. If only looking for jeans wasn't as bad as pulling teeth.
Does anyone have any tips on shopping for jeans? What brand are your favorite jeans?
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Continuing on with 31 Day Blog Challenge hosted by Boy Oh Boy.

Day 9

What is Your Worst Habits?

• I tend to lose my temper easily [especially around the ones I love - I am constantly working on this]
• I sometimes bite my nails
• I guess my OCD is a bad habit because if someone else does it different it has to be fixed
• I am a perfectionist and I will work on something for hours, days, weeks, until it is perfect
• I tend to only wear black, gray, or pink clothing

That Was The Weekend?

My weekend was pretty lame. Besides eating beignets and playing tennis, that is. 

So I am just going to jump right into the 31 Day Blog Challenge hosted by Boy Oh Boy.

Day 7

Your Pet Hates

 You are all going to think that I hate every single person in the world and that I have no friends. 

But here we go...

• I cannot stand when people do not return phone calls; or text messages, or emails.
• I do not like people in my 'personal bubble'. 
• I cannot stand when you let someone turn out in front of you [when driving] and they do not give you a courtesy wave.
• I cannot stand when people are late.
• I cannot stand clutter
• There is a long, long list of words that make me uncomfortable or I do not think are appropriate.
• I cannot stand when the toilet seat it left up (or even worse, not flushed).
• I cannot stand mouth breathers.
• I hate the smell of cigarette smoke.
• I cannot stand when people lick their fingers while eating and make a 'smacking' noise.
• I hate when people do not pick up after their dogs outside (even when you're watching).
• I hate when people pick their nose while driving in the car next to you.

The list definitely goes on but I will spare you all.

It's - Friday

Yay for Friday. I look forward to this day every week because that means I get to spend some quality time with the Husband. However, he is on call this weekend so our time will be minimal. 

On a different note, I have decided to join in on the 31 Day Blog Challenge hosted by Boy Oh Boy.

I am jumping in on Day 4

What are you afraid of...

- I am deathly afraid of spiders. It is that time of year when the spiders start invading our houses.

This year is much different though. I grew up in a house that had a crawl space so we had some pretty big spiders trying to make a home of our house. But this year, I moved to California, and let me tell 

you - the spiders are huge! 

I was trying to do some yoga the other day and looked straight ahead and then froze.

This is what my eyes laid on...

Oh. My. Gosh.

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Remember my post the other day? About 'throwing my dress'?

Well, lovely Vicky from Sleeping in an Unmade Bed wrote a post 

about her opinion on trashing the dress. 

Sleeping in an Unmade Bed

Next week, Vicky and her husband will be celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary [congrats to them]. When she contacted me to write her post, she was absolutely adorable emailing me stating, "My wedding dress DOES fit me!! I cannot believe it", upon trying on her wedding dress. 

Go check out her post and leave a comment on how you feel about trashing the dress. 

Let's Get Muddy...

A few weeks ago Hubby and I ran in the NorCal Survivor Mud Run. 

It was our very first 'adventure' run and had an absolute blast. 

I am not runner by any means and we do not workout like crazy. Pretty much all Hubby and I do is 4 days interval training and run about 1.5 miles about 2 times a week. That is probably more than some people but I feel like that is a really weak weekly workout. With that said, anyone can do these types of races. They are a lot of fun and a lot of fun to see and use team work. You never know who will be pulling you out of the mud or giving you a nice gentle push to complete an obstacle. 

Here are all the details of how we did and what we did.

Top Left: Pre-Race

Top Right & Bottom Left: Victory drink

Bottom Right: Post-Race

Obstacle 1 - Mud Pit

Obstacle 2 - Weaving Web

Obstacle 3 -Survivor Slide

Obstacle 4 - Rubber Legs

Obstacle 5 - 'Mystery' Planks

Obstacle 6 - Hurdles

Obstacle 7 - Cargo Climb

 Obstacle 8 - Trench of Death

Obstacle 9 - Monkey Bars

Obstacle 10 - Cargo Crawl

Obstacle 11 - 'Mystery' (not sure what it was)

Obstacle 12 - The finale Mud Pit

This is not our video - rather other runners from the same day.

Overall, our times were 1:03:40 (me) and 1:03:39 (husband). 

I was 1536 out of 5277 people and Husband was 1535 out of 5277.

We did awesome for not knowing what we signed up for.

Official photos during the race:

(I am buying these photos and do not have them to scan without the watermark)

(Taken by Sportraits)

We are helping someone over the mud mound.

Yay, done!

Submitting our bib number to get our time.

I recommend these races to everyone. We had so much fun we are planning on registering for our next race this year.

May Calendar Wallpaper

It is the beginning of a new month. That means Smashing Magazine has a whole bunch of new desktop wallpaper calendars to choose from. They actually have 22 free desktop wallpaper calendars this month.

Here is what I chose this month...

Solitude is Bliss

Cute, right? If you want your own, head over to their website for a free desktop wallpaper.