The office if coming along beautifuly. It's hard to beleive that after just two weekends we have the walls up, windows installed, electric and data pulled and the floor built, along with other here and there things. Hopefully this weekend we will have the siding up. After that we can start with the insulation, drywall, paint and carpet.
I am very excited about this project and without the help of my amazing uncle Dale, there is no way we would be this far. Thanks to his knowledge and help, we are going to have an amazing office addition to our home. I can't wait. :)
I Heart Hawaii
I have to be the luckiest girl in the world! I just returned from one of the most wonderful Hawaiian vacations ever. We spent 4 nights on the Big Island and 4 nights in Kauai.
This was our first time visiting the Big Island and our third to Kauai. I have to say, I didn't really care for the Big Island that much. Don't get me wrong, we had a fabulous time, but I think Kauai is much prettier and Kauai actually has beaches you can get to. A few great things the Big Island has going for it is Volcano Village Lodge, Hale Hoola Spa, and the Volcano National Park.
Volcano Village Lodge was the BEST place we have ever stayed. There are only 5 houses/huts/villas on the property and it is right in the middle of the rain forest. The "houses" have glass walls on three sides, but are very private. This place was heaven on earth. From the peaceful setting, the tempurpedic bed, wonderful food and their attention to detail. We couldn't have imagined a better place. They thought of everything. There were flip flops, umbrellas, flash lights, robes, slippers, huge bottles of shampoo and conditioner, a towel warmer, the most comfortable tempurpedic bed I have ever laid on, a video and book library to borrow from, snorkel equipment, beach mats, yoga mats....the list goes on and on. They even suprised us with a bottle of wine for our anniversary. Between this place and our spa treatment, I don't think I have ever felt so relaxed.
Now, let's chat about the spa treatment! This was Tim's first experience at the spa and I don't think anything will ever be able to top it. We received a 2 hour Pilialoha Package - (Honeymoon or Anniversary). It started with a Pikake foot soak and lomi, followed by a sugar body scrub and facial. I was then placed in an Imu-loa (sweat bath) while Tim was put in a body wrap. After that, they finished with an hour long Lomilomi Hula, leaving us in bliss, filled with the Spirit of Aloha.
The Lomilomi Hula is a creative, soothing infusion of hula (dance) and lomilomi that is choreographed to Hawaiian music. Descriptively, it is portrayed as doing the hula on the body. Lomi Hula is a more relaxing and soothing massage, offering a melodic and euphoric experience. (The Lomilomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage which begins with a pule (prayer) and employs the elbows to create a rhythmic therapeutic experience. It offers relief to sore muscles, increases circulation and is beneficial for the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the individual.)
Needless to say, we were on cloud 9 when we left. I couldn't stop smiling and using the word "amazing". This was the best way to kick off our vacation. I think we will do this kind of thing at the start of all vacations from now on.
Volcano National Park was pretty neat; however we did not get to see any flowing lava. The only way to see it was to drive 2 hours and hike 11 miles. We decided against this. Instead we just enjoyed the steam vents, miles and miles of dried black lava, devastation trails and craters. It was amazing to see the devastation the lava flows have left behind. But at the same time, it was neat to see little signs of green peek out of the black lava.
We were actually on top of the volcano when the tsunami was supposed to hit. We sat and watched (along with 100 other people) as thankfully, nothing happened. The sea did rush out but when it came back in it wasn't any higher than when it left. There was no flooding at all. Later that afternoon we drove to Hilo and were able to drive right up to the coast. Other than all the buildings being boarded up, it seemed like just another day. It was very strange to be so close to a tsunami scare but a little exciting at the same time. We even found Tsunami Survivor t-shirts to bring home.
As for our trip to Kauai, please check out my mother-in-law’s blog here. She does such a great job describing every detail and her pictures are much better than mine. :)
Mahalo!
This was our first time visiting the Big Island and our third to Kauai. I have to say, I didn't really care for the Big Island that much. Don't get me wrong, we had a fabulous time, but I think Kauai is much prettier and Kauai actually has beaches you can get to. A few great things the Big Island has going for it is Volcano Village Lodge, Hale Hoola Spa, and the Volcano National Park.
Volcano Village Lodge was the BEST place we have ever stayed. There are only 5 houses/huts/villas on the property and it is right in the middle of the rain forest. The "houses" have glass walls on three sides, but are very private. This place was heaven on earth. From the peaceful setting, the tempurpedic bed, wonderful food and their attention to detail. We couldn't have imagined a better place. They thought of everything. There were flip flops, umbrellas, flash lights, robes, slippers, huge bottles of shampoo and conditioner, a towel warmer, the most comfortable tempurpedic bed I have ever laid on, a video and book library to borrow from, snorkel equipment, beach mats, yoga mats....the list goes on and on. They even suprised us with a bottle of wine for our anniversary. Between this place and our spa treatment, I don't think I have ever felt so relaxed.
Now, let's chat about the spa treatment! This was Tim's first experience at the spa and I don't think anything will ever be able to top it. We received a 2 hour Pilialoha Package - (Honeymoon or Anniversary). It started with a Pikake foot soak and lomi, followed by a sugar body scrub and facial. I was then placed in an Imu-loa (sweat bath) while Tim was put in a body wrap. After that, they finished with an hour long Lomilomi Hula, leaving us in bliss, filled with the Spirit of Aloha.
The Lomilomi Hula is a creative, soothing infusion of hula (dance) and lomilomi that is choreographed to Hawaiian music. Descriptively, it is portrayed as doing the hula on the body. Lomi Hula is a more relaxing and soothing massage, offering a melodic and euphoric experience. (The Lomilomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage which begins with a pule (prayer) and employs the elbows to create a rhythmic therapeutic experience. It offers relief to sore muscles, increases circulation and is beneficial for the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the individual.)
Needless to say, we were on cloud 9 when we left. I couldn't stop smiling and using the word "amazing". This was the best way to kick off our vacation. I think we will do this kind of thing at the start of all vacations from now on.
Volcano National Park was pretty neat; however we did not get to see any flowing lava. The only way to see it was to drive 2 hours and hike 11 miles. We decided against this. Instead we just enjoyed the steam vents, miles and miles of dried black lava, devastation trails and craters. It was amazing to see the devastation the lava flows have left behind. But at the same time, it was neat to see little signs of green peek out of the black lava.
We were actually on top of the volcano when the tsunami was supposed to hit. We sat and watched (along with 100 other people) as thankfully, nothing happened. The sea did rush out but when it came back in it wasn't any higher than when it left. There was no flooding at all. Later that afternoon we drove to Hilo and were able to drive right up to the coast. Other than all the buildings being boarded up, it seemed like just another day. It was very strange to be so close to a tsunami scare but a little exciting at the same time. We even found Tsunami Survivor t-shirts to bring home.
As for our trip to Kauai, please check out my mother-in-law’s blog here. She does such a great job describing every detail and her pictures are much better than mine. :)
Mahalo!
We're so in love!
This past Monday, Tim and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary.
February 15th, 2003 was a bitter cold, icy day, but the best day of my life. I really did marry my best friend. We have been together almost 13 years and every year gets better and better. I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful husband, home and pup. We have to be the happiest little family on earth. :) I'm sure some of you just threw up in your mouth a little, but it's true.
As cheesy as it may sound, Tim and I complete each other in the best ways possible. We have fun and never sweat the small stuff.
Saturday night we went to Aya Sofia and it was amazing! I didn't take pictures of the food, but I wish I had. I cannot wait to go back.
Monday night Tim surprised me with making dinner. He made me stay down stairs until he was finished. I had no idea what he was up to. All I knew was that something smelled yummy. When I was finally allowed to ascend from the basement, I found that he had made Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps. Everything was perfect and it tasted fabulous. So good that we didn't have to order pizza.
Thank you Tim, for not only being the best husband ever, but for being my best friend and teammate. I can't wait to see what the next 7 years hold. :)
February 15th, 2003 was a bitter cold, icy day, but the best day of my life. I really did marry my best friend. We have been together almost 13 years and every year gets better and better. I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful husband, home and pup. We have to be the happiest little family on earth. :) I'm sure some of you just threw up in your mouth a little, but it's true.
As cheesy as it may sound, Tim and I complete each other in the best ways possible. We have fun and never sweat the small stuff.
Monday night Tim surprised me with making dinner. He made me stay down stairs until he was finished. I had no idea what he was up to. All I knew was that something smelled yummy. When I was finally allowed to ascend from the basement, I found that he had made Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps. Everything was perfect and it tasted fabulous. So good that we didn't have to order pizza.
Thank you Tim, for not only being the best husband ever, but for being my best friend and teammate. I can't wait to see what the next 7 years hold. :)
Let's get slow cookin'
I have really been slacking on my cookbook challenge. So I thought it was about time I got back to it. For this challenge I choose a crock-pot cookbook that my mother gave me a few years ago.
This chilly weather is great for a bowl of clam chowder, so that is what I made. The ingredients were very simple and it really didn't take much time to put it together. However, being a slow cooker, it did take 7 hrs to cook.
All in all it was a pretty good chowder, but I think it could have been better. It was definitely no Oregon Coast chowder! I did add a red and green hot pepper for extra flavor and used the stick blender to make it a little less chunky. Still I think it could have used more potatoes and should have been a little thicker. But, that's why we have leftovers. I'll jazz it up tonight and I'm sure it will be delish!
Until next time, I send you love and best dishes y'all!
All in all it was a pretty good chowder, but I think it could have been better. It was definitely no Oregon Coast chowder! I did add a red and green hot pepper for extra flavor and used the stick blender to make it a little less chunky. Still I think it could have used more potatoes and should have been a little thicker. But, that's why we have leftovers. I'll jazz it up tonight and I'm sure it will be delish!
Until next time, I send you love and best dishes y'all!
The Office
No, not the television show. I'm talking about what will soon be our new home office.
We have a screened in porch attached to our house that is in desperate need of some TLC. When we bought the house I pictured us cleaning up this space and having a small dinner party out there, reading a book on a nice summer day or what have you. Well, that never happened. It's dirty, gross and spidery so we never go out there. Plus, it's main view is the side of our neighbors house. Although our neighbors have a beautiful home and yard, I would rather sit on our back patio and admire our yard than covet my neighbors. It's just wasted space.
So, after chatting with Tim one day, we decided it would be the perfect space for an office. And thanks to my wonderful uncle, we may have a beautiful new office sometime next month!
We have a screened in porch attached to our house that is in desperate need of some TLC. When we bought the house I pictured us cleaning up this space and having a small dinner party out there, reading a book on a nice summer day or what have you. Well, that never happened. It's dirty, gross and spidery so we never go out there. Plus, it's main view is the side of our neighbors house. Although our neighbors have a beautiful home and yard, I would rather sit on our back patio and admire our yard than covet my neighbors. It's just wasted space.
So, after chatting with Tim one day, we decided it would be the perfect space for an office. And thanks to my wonderful uncle, we may have a beautiful new office sometime next month!
I cannot wait to get started on this project! More to come.
Until then, here are some before pictures.
Until then, here are some before pictures.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Yet another New Year's Eve spent at home, just the way we like it!
For the past three years we have spend our New Years Eve at home. I make a surf and turf dinner, we drink something tasty and then watch movies. May sound lame and boring to some, but to us it's heaven. After a busy Christmas it's so nice to not have to make plans and to just stay home. I half thought about joining our other friends at Octavia and John's house this year, but that didn't happen. After dinner and a few drinks we were in for the night. I almost made it to mid-night this year but I fell asleep about 11:05. I awoke at the strike of mid-night to Tim jumping on me screaming HAPPY NEW YEAR! It was a great night and I wouldn't have it any other way. :)
Here is a photo of our New Years feast.
For the past three years we have spend our New Years Eve at home. I make a surf and turf dinner, we drink something tasty and then watch movies. May sound lame and boring to some, but to us it's heaven. After a busy Christmas it's so nice to not have to make plans and to just stay home. I half thought about joining our other friends at Octavia and John's house this year, but that didn't happen. After dinner and a few drinks we were in for the night. I almost made it to mid-night this year but I fell asleep about 11:05. I awoke at the strike of mid-night to Tim jumping on me screaming HAPPY NEW YEAR! It was a great night and I wouldn't have it any other way. :)
Here is a photo of our New Years feast.
Cookie Bake 2009
This year we had the largest turn out yet! We had 14 girls and 11 different holiday treats. Along with eating snacks and baking cookies, we played rob your neighbor. However, we forgot to do the robbing. Doh!
All in all, I think it was a success. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and all the cookies and treats were amazing! Thanks to everyone who attended!
Merry Christmas.
All in all, I think it was a success. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and all the cookies and treats were amazing! Thanks to everyone who attended!
Merry Christmas.
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