TWTW - last one in March

Friday I was up, showered, had the best friend dogs walked and fed, and was sitting at my computer working by 7 with the goal of being done by 3. It was so warm at lunch I could have cried with happiness. but windy AF so not a beach walking day. The dogs closed their eyes immediately which is a sign. I was still happy to open the windows and finish my workday on the porch, transitioning right into reading. I threw together dinner of chicken breasts in the air fryer/steamed red potatoes/steamed cauliflower (that's MFD's plate I put aside for  him, my food would not be touching like that), and MFD and the old dogs arrived around 8. 

Saturday Up by 7 despite praying for a sleep in. The dogs all got nails clipped and ears cleaned so there was howling, biting, scratching, misdirected rage, and general assholery. I got rid of some stuff via Buy Nothing pickups, went to the hardware store, sanded and spray painted the stools and bench, had a family beach sit, hoagies from Sack o’Subs for lunch (never again, unacceptable roll), then I went off in search of two replacement porch chairs. I got stuff at HomeGoods but it took three more stores until I found chairs. When I got home we ordered dinner from Luigi’s for pickup, I grabbed a few groceries before getting that, and left a fucking grocery bag at the store which I only realized after coming home so I had to go back and get it. We lounged and started watching Ginny & Georgia. 

Sunday I painted my nails in an Eastery fashion, showered, packed up, and was on the road by 10:30 with all four dogs, stopping to get gas (they pump your gas for you in NJ, you are not allowed to pump your own - I do not drive alone with a mask on lol) and driving through horrible downpours. In Philly I did five loads of laundry, got a bunch of shit out to the curb for trash day including two tables from the back yard that were broken from Tornadogate 2020 yet were still out there, got four boxes/bags of donations together, ran to the grocery store for sweet potatoes which of course they were out of (but had steamable in a bag, which I hate due to the extra plastic, but this is where we are), made dinner, and fell out on the couch. MFD was at the shore doing more of the small bathroom wall tiles and got home just as dinner was done. 

It felt good to get stuff done this weekend at both houses, which is not the usual. 

I'm sad to see birthday month go, as always, but looking forward to warmer weather and being outside more and being vaccinated and seeing my fucking friends. I'll still celebrate next week with family over Easter weekend too. 

How was yours?

TWTW - the one con los madres

Friday Started with an hour on the beach with the best friend dogs, which is a great way to start any day but especially a Friday. I wasn't sure I'd get to the shore Thursday night - MFD and I planted vegetables when I got home, I dumped my clothes from last week out of my shore bag and added some new, folded sheets, put towels away, packed the car, picked up around the house, and was hemming and hawing about leaving early or after work Friday or just going. I just went right after 9 and I'm glad I did. 

Work work, and errands: Bungalow Bowls and Soma Cafe for food stuff, Hearth & Sole for gifts and the most comfortable shoes ever, returned a book to the library and cushions to Pier 1. After work I alternated between sitting on the porch reading and spray painting a rolly cart that's gotten rusted over the past three and a half years. This was one of the first things I bought for this house. 

Saturday 

Bruce was up at 5 so we were the only assholes at Dog Beach for the entire 45 minutes we were there. When we got back I finished a book and lounged. After finally getting a shower, I ran errands on my bike, including purchasing this year's seasonal beach tags. There was a modern hot rod show on the boardwalk and all the revving engines were startling the seniors and me.  When I got back I spray painted the remote holder, cleaned up, and took the dogs for a long walk. 

MFD was going to come down with Gus & Mae but the weather coming in was shit so I said I'd come home. I left at about 2 and thank God I did because there was a nail in my tire and if I would have come home on Sunday it would've been raining and everything would've been closed and it could have blown out on 95. There was a series of unfortunate events and I will have the head of one gas station owner and a call center worker at Mavis Tire but A.N.A. Towing went way above and beyond to save my ass and I will love them forever. My tow truck driver Brian was totally in that Bruce and Bender had a great adventure in the tow truck. I wish I would have gotten a photo of when we were driving and the tow truck driver was looking in the rearview and laughing so I turned around to look and there was Bruce with his paws on the steering wheel looking like he was driving. I hate car fuckery and I'm grateful nothing bad happened and I made it home thanks to A.N.A. Towing!

I finally got home around 7:30 and wolfed down a great steak dinner a la MFD. I was just a shell of myself and exhausted. I did three loads of laundry, unloaded the dishwasher, and peaced out to bed before 10. 

Sunday 

It was chilly and rainy and a perfect day to sleep in, which I did. Then I went to see Carol for Mother's Day complete with the piece of her gift Bruce tried to eat (he found out he does not like bath bombs). More laundry at home and I started a new book.

MFD headed to the shore to see his mom and stay over to paint the ceiling (tomorrow) and I went to Aubrey's parents' to see my Mom and have a lovely Mother's Day dinner. 

Weekly food prep: breakfast is greek yogurt with granola - I am totally into this lately. Lunch tuna salad over spinach, which I haven't made yet since I don't need it until Tuesday. Snacks are mango and pretzels. For Mother's Day I made cheesy sausage dip in the crock (file under: tastes better than it looks) and a pasta salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto. I'm figuring out dinner as we go along this week, I only need three nights.

Show Us Your Books is tomorrow, see you back here for that! 

6 Home Improvements To Make This Summer And How To Ensure They Run As Smoothly As Possible

Not my house...Peace Valley Lavender Farm in Doylestown, PA

Now that warmer weather is starting to make an appearance and summer is creeping up on us, it's time to start thinking about home improvements. Whether it's getting your home ready for grilling and BBQs and gatherings or just setting up your place to make the most out of the warm weather - summer is the perfect time for home renovations. Less rain, more light at night to work, and the perfect weather...let's do this.

6 Home Improvements You Can Make This Summer

- Give Your Yard and Garden a Summer Makeover

The first and most obvious place in which to work is your garden and yard because you're outside so much more in the summer season. Whether you're out in the yard with the kids or hosting a BBQ for fam and friends, the yard and garden must be prepared. Is it safe? Is it an enjoyable place to spend time?

If you look out and see too much work, it might be worth bringing someone in to do the heavy lifting and get rid of overgrowth and hanging trees. Although landscaping is a lot more expensive in comparison doing it yourself, it could give your outdoor space the boost you need to fall in love with it all over again. If you're going to do a straight up renovation and need tips and tricks, check out this site here. Maybe it's just adding new rocks or mulch or switching out your cushions. That took us years because they're so pricey but it was so worth it to freshen everything up. 

- Create a Communal Space for Gatherings and Parties

If you're planning on hosting a lot of summer gatherings, consider making the communal area closest to your outdoor entry more people friendly. Mats to save your floors, a place to store your citronella candles and bug spray, etc.

- Change Up Your Accessories for a Sunnier Feel

If you're on a budget but you still want to give your home a fresh feel for summer, change up your accessories to reflect the season. One of the best ways to refresh your home without the cost is to swap accessories every time the season arrives. Whether it's swapped wall art, fresh pillow covers, candles with seasonally appropriate scents, bright dish towels, or different sets of flowers, it's amazing how much difference small changes actually make. I always shop my house and switch wall decor out between rooms to save money. I also move to lighter quilts that I move between rooms too. For more inspiration on how to create summer decor, check out this pinterest board. 

- Renovate Your Kitchen or Bathroom 

If you're ready to bring out the big guns on the renovation front, you may want to consider a kitchen or bathroom renovation. This is infinitely more work and money than most other home improvements, it will definitely be worth it both in use of spaces and in resale value down the line. With a kitchen or bathroom renovation, you must think about a number of different things before you get started. Do you need to hire help? Will you need a plumber? What design and features do you want to include? How long will the renovation take? How will you function without these vital spaces while they're under construction?

- Bring the Outside in With Some of the Season's Best Flowers

Another inexpensive way to improve your home during the summer months is to bring some of the outside in. This means looking at what some of the season's best flowers are and incorporating them into your home in a way that suits you. Whether that means looking after your first ever houseplants or buying a fresh bouquet every week (if you're near a Produce Junction, you can get gorgeous flowers under $5) , you will love the difference it can make. If you have flowers you can snip and bring in, then free is even cheaper. I do that with my hydrangeas a lot. 

- Upcycle Your Old Furniture to Bring it Back to Life

One of the best ways to give your home an entirely new look and feel without the cost is to upcycle any unwanted furniture you have. Give it a fresh coat of paint or completely renovate it for a new purpose. Upcycling is incredibly affordable and so easy to do. I've done it with a lot of furniture at the shore. I love when everything old is new again. 

How To Ensure Your Home Improvements Run Smoothly 

- Make Sure You're Setting Yourself A Budget You Can Stick To

One of the most important aspects of home renovations is setting a budget. This means not only thinking about what your overall budget is going to be but thinking about how much each individual aspect is going to cost you. Think about hiring help, materials and any extras you may need. Need advice when it comes to setting a budget?  

- Plan Everything Out Well In Advance

If you’re going to be carrying out home improvements it’s important you’re planning everything out in advance. There are so many different things you need to consider before you get started, so writing things down and creating a detailed plan will help ensure you don’t run into any errors.

- Don't Be Afraid To Ask A Professional For Help

While it's nice to feel as though you can do absolutely anything, the reality is you can’t. Whether it’s hiring an electrician or plumber or even an interior designer -if it's not in your wheelhouse, hire some help. 

- Shop Around When it Comes To Buying Materials And Equipment 

If you’re going to buying all of your materials and equipment personally, you must shop around for the best possible prices. Go to different stores and price things out online. You want quality items that will last. 

- Don't Rush Into Things 

When it comes to making home improvements it’s easy to get carried away and think you can do everything. The best thing to do to ensure you don’t make any mistakes in your excitement is to leave it for a couple of days before you start anything. Please note, that is not the way I do things. I jump in and don't look back. But not rushing into it is probably the way to go. I do schedule out improvements especially at the shore because we have to be doing something every weekend in order to be ready for rental season. 

At home we've changed out the outdoor cushions and gotten rid of our rusted out grill. The yard is mostly cleaned up but still needs work, and planting of the front garden will happen in mid-May. At the shore my dad is going to change out the faucet in the bathroom and fix the outdoor shower door. I need to finish contact papering the bathroom and changing out bedding and MFD has to power wash in May and paint the ceiling in the main house.

What's on your home improvement agenda this summer? 

TWTW - the springish one

Friday was work from shore home day. I arrived Thursday night with only Mae and we had Bungalow Bowls for breakfast and changed curtains, cushions, and bedding out at lunch. A screen guy came late in the day and after work I painted my nails (OPI She's a Bad Muffaletta) and got a few groceries before MFD and the rest of the dog cavalry arrived. 

MFD had to do a little music gig so Bruce and I went to the beach in the rain because that's who we are. When MFD got back I did some touch up paint on the vanity in the bathroom upstairs, and we were in bed reading by 11. 

Saturday MFD was up at the crack of dawn and I was trying not to be but the dogs said otherwise. More touch up paint followed by a coat of poly on the vanity, MFD put a new rug down in the living room, and the dogs took advantage of the missing screen. 

MFD left before 9. When I was in the shower I heard ceramic moving around and thought oh I thought I took the dog bowls up. I fucking did, Bruce was drinking my entire cup of coffee. I took him and Bender to the beach for an hour to walk and pick up trash. Lots of plastic bags and single use coffee cups. 

 I headed over to Somers Point to get a clock for the apartment, pick up cushions I ordered at Pier 1, and get gas. When I got back I wrestled a surprisingly heavy and totally awkward bench to the driveway to spray paint it (Rustoleum coral glossy). The coral is new, from Ross, for $20...the original cushion was one billion dollars so I'm pretty happy with the whole thing. Those stools might be next, I haven't decided yet. I have to see the room together first. 

The screens were returned, I cleaned up the driveway a little then sat in the sun in and finished a book in between coats of spray paint, and took 485 dog walks. 

After wrestling the bench back upstairs, I was inspecting one of the bedrooms and saw something needed to be painted so I brought that downstairs to do it in my apartment. I also ran up and down a few flights of steps a zillion other times with trash and things that needed to go home or to the apartment. The dogs finally passed out after Bruce zoomed around leaving a trail of destruction in his wake and I painted two coats on a side table, finished out the last episode of Santa Clarita Diet Season 3, and wrote my SUYB blog post. This is what I look like after working my ass off all day: disheveled as hell and not too fucking good but feeling accomplished.

Sunday 

We were up at 5:30, all dog walk, then an hour on the beach with the best friend dogs. The sunrise was phenomenal in the misty morning fog. I was annoyed with a lot of things when I got to the beach and annoyed with nothing when I left. 

Before 8 am I had done the above plus the third coat on the blue side table, the final coat of poly on the bathroom vanity, brought two green side tables down from what is essentially the fourth floor to ground level and cleaned them/sprayed them with a glossy coat, showered, and eaten breakfast. 

I took the two green tables back upstairs, cleaned our apartment, walked two dogs at a time, loaded up the car, and put the first poly coat on the blue side table. Next weekend the main house can finally be cleaned and we can begin to put it back together. It's always a disaster from the time we close it down until we get into the swing of things and get the porch furniture out, new things in, old things out, etc. 

I was on the way back to Philly by 11:30 and everyone and their mother was on the way to the Phillies game so I had to take a South Jersey detour to pee. At home I did four loads of laundry, put sheets and towels away, and picked up around the house while MFD cleaned up the yard. I was super tired and only able to sit with my teeth in my mouth, I couldn't even read. But I was very pleased and  killed it this weekend.  

Weekly food prep: breakfast is breakfast burritos from the freezer. Lunches are going to be leftovers. Snacks are cucumbers and strawberries. Sunday MFD made burgers on the grill and I did sweet potatoes in the air fryer. 

Show Us Your Books tomorrow! See you back here for that. 

And of course, Happy Rex Manning Day.

TWTW - the one sponsored by spray paint

When I finished writing this post, I thought hmm, this feels frantic. I read through it again and yep...still frantic. Like rapid fire spewing crap at the wall and daring you to decipher it before it all runs together on the floor. On your mark, get set...

Friday afternoon I checked out the kindness banners at City Hall before leaving work to battle that dickhead 95 that has been under construction my whole life and will still be under construction when I die. At the shore I did something not in my wheelhouse - line shelves. I am awful at it. When MFD arrived we moved some furniture around and walked down to the beach. Since we have no cable there right now, we're finally watching all the DVDs we own and never watch. Friday night was Empire Strikes Back. Guess who picked it.

Saturday sunrise. 

The Shore Chore Wish List was big this weekend. My back was hurting last week and Saturday it was pretty unbearable which looked like it would put a huge damper on the wish list. We hired an OC local and he painted both rooms while I painted furniture and MFD stripped the wallpaper in the kitchen. He also came back Sunday to paint the steps and helped move furniture for the Mission to pick up this week. He totally saved our asses since mine was largely out of commission. Even though MFD told him my name twice and I told him three times, he calls me Mrs. Lady. I am totally okay with it. 

Current status: basically there's shit everywhere. 

The pictures I'm going to show you aren't really before and afters...they're before and in progress in most cases. When we're done done in a room (will that happen? lolz), I'll do the true before photo from the listing and the after. MFD removed the wall paper in most of the kitchen this weekend. The kitchen walls and cabinets will be painted. 

In the two bedrooms...I like blue, but I didn't want a border. So I went a little brighter in this room with Sherwin Williams Spa (SW 6765). Befores on top, in progress on the bottom. I need to distress the dresser a bit to finish it off and find nightstands. We are putting a queen bed in this room in place of the double. 

I adore yellow, but I wanted to tone this down a bit and get rid of the border. It is still quite yellow (Sherwin Williams SW 6674 Jonquil), but much more mellow in person. It'll be a nice balance for the blue and white and coral stuff that will be present. This room will also get a queen in lieu of the double, and there's a nightstand in here that I painted this weekend too. 

The kitchen stools got a shot of teal spray paint. I wish every blessed thing in life could be spray painted because I freaking love spray paint.

Since I had some free time due to the bum back on Saturday, I donated some bedding to the Humane Society, picked up pizza for the guys from the boardwalk, went to the hardware store in town, perused the thrift shop, and then took my ass down to the beach to enjoy an iced coffee and a Reese's pumpkin. My toes were in the sand - it was warm Saturday. I also went to Wawa six times on Saturday. Six. S-i-x.

Saturday night excitement was watching Ghostbusters, American Pie 1 & 2, realizing I had my slippers on while in Home Depot at 9:30 p.m., and picking up this cabinet for the efficiency unit.

Sunday morning while the stairs were being painted, I cleaned the efficiency and made 4029834 lists. 

The dogs fared better this weekend. I think they're more comfortable on the bottom floor with no stairs to contend with. Gus has succeeded in getting on the back of the couch, Geege is comfortably close to the door so he can police the area, and Mae (not pictured) is lording over both dog beds with a tiny iron fist.

We were home by two on Sunday. Is it just me, or do you feel like you can really kick ass productivity-wise on fall back day? I did five loads of laundry, broke down boxes, painted my nails (Essie Cocktails & Coconuts), placed a Wayfair order, placed an order for some canvases using my photos, cleaned up the kitchen, and shopped my house. I do this periodically to move decor around. This time I did it to amass wall decor that will go to the shore house. 

Weekly food prep: egg muffins with cheese and tomatoes with a Granny Smith apple on the side for breakfasts; loaded mashed cauliflower for lunches (recipe soon); bananas and bell peppers with tzatziki for snacks; cheater spinach lasagna (recipe soon) with steamed broccoli, and beef tacos for dinners. 

Today is my Dad's birthday. Cheers to a man who always lets me know he loves me, is proud of me, and is there to support me in everything I do, even as a full on adult. Growing up knowing someone is behind you 100% and there for you if fail really gives you the confidence and courage to fly and be and do. Thanks Dad! I love you. Happy birthday.

Don't forget - tomorrow is Election Day!

Linking up with Biana at B Loved Boston for Weekending