A little at a time

Here are a few updates on our slow decorating:

Last night we added this to the wall above the bed. I got it on etsy for half the price of the last R. I think it works well with our bedding.




We also hung this by the back door as a "landing zone" for keys, wallets, sunglasses, and bills. It's the perfect size and really helps keep the kitchen counter clear. It's from Pottery Barn and I've been eyeing it for years. They finally went on sale last week and I snatched it up.







I also made a Marshall's run to try and fill in some spaces- and i think these turned out well. I used some vases I already had and filled them with fairly cheap balls from Pier One.





Finally, I got new foam for the 2 couch cushions. Anyone who has ever sat on that couch knows that the cushions were terrible. They dumped you into the middle of the couch - which meant it was really hard to sit with 2 people...and to take a nap.

You can see how high the cushions sit on the couch. It really makes the couch look much better. The downside - $147 PER CUSHION!! Crazy!!

{Oh, and the wall behind the couch is where the big new (to us!) mirror will go.}



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Mark's dream

Mark had a dream last night...that he was having an in-depth discussion with the Manchester United soccer team coach, Sir Alex.  They discussed "Giggsy" and "Scholesy" and also why Carrick wasn't playing.  Well, Giggs and Scholes both started and Carrick came on as a sub.  So who knows, maybe Mark is an assistant Manchester United coach, subcontracted in his dreams.

In other news, I owe all of you Baltimore and updated house pictures.  Also, I am know a proud owner of a Janome sewing machine.  I've bought the fabric for place mats and am hoping to have those at least started by next weekend.

Happy 2nd Anniversary, Mark!

Today is our second anniversary. Sadly we are 100 miles apart. But, in the grand scheme of life this is the best thing...and I have a pretty great setup in Dallas.

This marks the second year that we've spent our anniversary somewhere other than home. Last year we were in Montana, where we started our "foodie" dinners.

I'm so glad we both enjoy restaurants that are just a little bit different (rattlesnake, elk...) and can share those experiences.

This year, we went to Tim Love's Lonesome Dove Bistro. Yes, the Tim Love of Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef (he beat Morimoto!). We drove over to the Ft. Worth Stockyards a little before our reservations, stopped in a few shops, read some historical markers, and wandered around.

We ducked in a local wine bar and tasted some local wines (surprisingly good).

After that we made our way to The Lonesome Dove bar where Mark had boring drinks and I had the most wonderful cocktail I've ever had - Hendrick's gin, lime, blueberries, and cucumber. Yum!



And then we had the best meal I can ever remember. The entire meal was spectacular. Mark thinks it was hands down the best meal of his entire life. Don't worry, I'll do a separate post about dinner but most of those pictures are on my camera.

Mark, here's to 2 years...and 50 more! Thanks for joining me on this great adventure! I love you!

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Tomorrow

Tomorrow evening is the Manchester United v. MLS All-Stars.  Mark is as excited as a 5 year-old on Christmas Eve (in my family, that would be Christmas Eve after tamales while the dishes are being washed).

He's got all his gear ready - his Manchester United jersey (it's long sleeve, but that won't stop him from wearing it) and Manchester United scarf.  If you thought he was cheering for the United States team, you would be seriously mistaken.

Hopefully, this guy will be playing and the Red Devils will put on a show.

Happy Birthday, Mark!

Strawberry Mojitos

I made this tonight - and they are really good!  A little bit of work, but a good special occasion summer drink!  I will definitely hang on to this recipe (oh, and the soda water makes all the difference.)

Strawberry Mojito Cocktail Recipe
adapted from The Berry Bible

   * 1.5 ounces of simple syrup
   * about 3 fresh strawberries
   * about 4-5 fresh spearmint sprigs (chopped if you prefer smaller mint pieces in your cocktail)
   * soda water
   * 1/2 lime
   * 2 ounces of light rum
1. In a chilled glass (about 10-12 ounces), muddle the simple syrup, strawberries and mint leaves together with the back of a spoon or muddler. Crush the strawberries and mint leaves well.
2. Squeeze the juice from the lime into the glass, add the rum and stir well. Fill glass with ice and top off with soda water.
3. Garnish with mint sprigs or strawberry slices. Makes 1 drink.

It was only a matter of time before Rocky realized that a dryer full of warm clothes is even better than the laundry basket.

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Location:Laundry

I got a new iPhone app so I can post from my phone - including pictures. Hopefully this will mean more posts!


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Location:iPhone App