10.31.2011

Rant & Rave Monday #1

Today's post is the beginning of many Rant & Rave Mondays. I figured everyone always "rants" on Mondays, but it's seldom we take a moment to Rave. So, I'm going to do both!

Not My Favorite (Rant)
Masonry Work.
Okay, so I didn't really do it myself, but I'm ranting because I saw how much difficulty Josh had with it. Getting the consistency right for the mortar is just ridiculous. We used natural stone on the fireplace so maybe weight and area have something to do with it, but wow.

My job had mainly been to do the "puzzle fitting" of the rock and to know what piece came next, he was actually putting the rock up on our soon to be complete fireplace. From my understanding it got a "little" easier as he found a more correct consistency, but when people say it's suppose to be like peanut butter or toothpaste...how?! I mean I get it, but it's nearly impossible (or so it seems). I'm pretty sure he's sworn of masonry work for a very long time (that is until we put up veener outside along the bottom of the addition to our house).

Poor hubby! He's done a really good job though, I can't wait to share it with you all!

Love me Some (Rave)
Snapfish
I decided to finally give Snapfish a try with printing my photos, instead of wasting money and using places like the 1 Hour Photo at Walmart. I used Snapfish before our wedding, but it was just to print our custom stamps for the invitations. (which with coupons, ended up being cheaper than if we bought regular ones from the post office, even WITH shipping and handling).

Currently, I'm working on a photo project for our hallway/foyer and our living room as well and I need photos..of all different sizes. With coupons it came to around $20 for sizes anywhere between 4x6 - 11x14. I was pretty pleased.

Upon receiving them, I fell in love with Snapfish, the quality is top notch. I'm was very please to see my photography the way it is meant to look; crisp and clear!

Here's my next order from Snapfish: 300 photos (4x6), and I'm only going to spend $3. Thanks to a email with a great coupon code. Here it is..I won't be selfish and keep it to myself. =)

SPOOKY300..will get you 300 for $3

or if you can only find 100 to print use..
SPOOKY100

This ends Nov. 6, 2011.

That's it and that's all.
Signing off,
Ida Jade

5 Paragraphs..That's a Start!

Well, actually 6.

I'm on a roll. I was stuck for maybe 3 minutes on what to start with for the first Chapter, but then it just hit me. I can't wait to share it with my sounding board, Ber, and Josh of course!

I figured I would let you all know that yesterday wasn't a fluke and I've actually started to write, well type really.

I do all of my "thought" process on paper...typing it just doesn't seem to work for me. Something about the way a pen writes on paper when your mind is just throwing ideas at you. It's a fabulous feeling.

It's not to say I may change these 5 (6 paragraphs if you include the very last paragraph in the entire book), but to actually be able to start? To be honest with you, I didn't know if I could do it. I'll be more impressed of course when I have a full chapter.. make that chapters finished.

Just thought I'd share.

Oh and I saw that I gained another follower today..thank you! =)

Signing off,
Ida Jade

10.30.2011

Weekly Goals #1

I'll only be taking part in 1/2 of my "daily" post today. It is suppose to be Weekly Goals and NFL Picks, but I had no time to help Josh pick them for this week. Hope we're doing well though!

This Weeks Goals
Clean & Begin Organizing Kitchen/Dining Room
Work Out of the Office More this Week
Paint Hallway, Begin Painting Foyer
Complete the Fireplace in it's Entirety
Purchase Fireplace Electric Insert
Look for Sectional for Living Room and Purchase
Move Gas Stove to Garage to Get Out of the Way
List Projection TV, Light Fixture, and Gast Stove on Craigslist
Complete 4 Days of Running to catch up on C25K
Start Photo Project for Downstairs Hallway
Select and Order 300 Photos from Snapfish for $3 (Coupon Code: SPOOKY300)
Blog 6/7 Days of the Week at Least
Work on Book (even if just for 5 minutes)
Read on Kindle (even if just for 5 minutes)
Clip Coupons
Go Through Coupon Binder and Get Rid of Expired Coupons
Clean Car


Ugh, that's a lot. And I'm sure I'm missing a million different things, but that's a place to start right?

And just because the game is over and it was so good to see it...Love my Steelers!<3 6-2!!

WOOO!!

Signing off,
Ida Jade

10.29.2011

And So the Writing Begins..

I'm taking a short moment to get my post up for the day, I'll be headed shortly to a Halloween Party. I'll tell you more about it tomorrow.

Last night Josh helped our buddy Garrett move some couches and while I waited for him I did some work, got a shower, and started to play around on my Kindle (which I haven't been able to use at all really because my sister, Aleece, got me the Twilight series for Christmas). I had to finish those books, before I could go on to anything else. The Kindle was a fabulous gift from Josh for Christmas as well.

Here's what I purchased:
1. Steve Jobs Biography
2. The Help
3. Gotham: A History of New York City
4. A Notepad Application

By the way, the one click purchase is dangerous. I had to force myself to stop or I would have bought a ton more books. I love to read.

After I sat the Kindle down I decided to break out a new notepad and begin a VERY rough outline to my book. From there, I wrote the last paragraph of the book. This may seem weird, but any other time I've had an inkling of an idea it always fell through because I didn't know how to end the book, but this was different it came to me and quickly. Afterwards I called my dear friend Ber (Am"Ber"), who has been my sounding board thus far. She loved it too.

That's where I am, but that's a larger accomplishment then I've ever had. I think it's clever and different. I'm excited to see where it goes; time will only tell.

Signing off,
Ida Jade

10.28.2011

My Husband Rocks Friday

So I'm linking up with Rachael who is doing "My Husband Rocks" Fridays.

Josh deserves more than one day every other week, but it's some kind of way to show my appreciation. He is a wonderful man and does so much that I don't thank him for nearly enough.

This week My Husband Rocks, because of what he did for me on Tuesday.

As you all know, I hurt my ankle and it was really bothering me Tuesday afternoon. After complaining a little too much he disappeared into the kitchen, when he came back in he had ibprofen and a glass of wine. He instructed me to take a hot bath and soak my ankle before I needed to sleep before work (11-7AM). So I listened, how couldn't I? I played some music, drank my wine, and relaxed. It was heavenly. I love how he takes care of me. Thanks, hubby! =)

Signing off,
Ida Jade

Home for the Holidays..

Well in this case it's "NOT Home for the Holidays".

Originally, Josh and I were under the impression that he must work Christmas, which is fine, it's his turn and it won't be too bad. I will get to go to the fire station and enjoy Christmas dinner with him and the rest of his shift, who are good friends of ours.

So, we were thinking we could go for Thanksgiving. Well then at a closer look we would have to leave when Josh got off that morning, he works the day before.

And now that I'm working at the track, well we won't be able to go up "on" the holidays at all. I work Thanksgiving 7PM-3AM. I would call off, but it's a dreaded "black out" day. The casino runs on a point system. Once you hit 10 points you're fired, there are ways to gain them back, but they have a no fault policy. It's kind of nice, except on black out days. If I call off on a black out day, I acquire 2 points. Since I've had to call off for being sick multiple times (Working 80-100 hrs a WEEK, will do that to you)..I'd essentially have to quit and I'm definitely not ready for that.

So that's that...we both work the holidays this year. Now don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful that we'll be able to go up "around" the holidays, but it's just not the same. It's an adjustment that's for sure.

There's always next year right? ..We hope.

Signing off,
Ida Jade

A Year & A Day..


This beauty is ours. We closed on October 26, 2010. Hard to believe it's been over a year.
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Some work done to that same wall pictured above

Work done to the door way between the Living Room and Kitchen. Also, in the background you can see the shelves we have added.

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Purchased a new fridge, almost immediately after move in, since the home did not come with one. We were lucky to get one that matched the rest of our appliances and still get a good deal.

Painted the cabinets to a lighter color to brighten up and show off how large this kitchen/dining room really is. (Realized I don't have a completed picture of this yet, I'll have to take one soon)

Painted Dark Brown Trip and inside the "open" shelves for a different dynamic

No one ever uses the cupboards above the fridge really, right? Josh and I created this from the existing cupboards. It pulls out just like a drawer. We house our wine and liquor here. (Don't have a picture of this finished either).

Another favorite kitchen addition..a wine glass rack along with lighting underneath the cupboards for a neat design effect. =)

Josh designed and made this pot holder. I just love it! It goes so well in the kitchen. =)

Couldn't stand the yellow...

Painted cupboards the same color as the kitchen, added backsplash left over from the previous owner (same as kitchen, but we did a different grout color). Marble sink top is from the ReStore and we purchased it for $15. It was too short, so we added cement board and layed down seashells from our honeymoon. Not everyone may like it, but I simply love it.

 

We've actually done a lot more than this, but I have to keep the fireplace we are building from the ground up a secret. I will post when it's completely finished, I'll have a "reveal". It's amazing and I'm so proud of the work we've done, only some small details and it'll be done.

I will talk more about the specifics of the home and what we've done in my House to Home posts, but I just wanted to share some of the work we've completed in the past year. And like I said, there's a lot I'm not posting.

Some how it still doesn't feel real though. I know it's been a year and it definitely feels like home, but even pulling into my driveway or driving past the house throughout the day just baffles me. It's ours. We own a home. We're not throwing our money away to rent and we have a GORGEOUS house! I couldn't be happier with it. I always think, "You're not suppose to get your dream home on the first try." It really is though, granted we are changing things, but I love that about it. It's perfect and so unique.

I'm anxious to see what all we'll have completed in the next year. We have a lot of plans and we're working floor by floor. Hopefully you'll get to see the journey through my House to Home posts.

I love home ownership.<3

It is afterall how I got into Real Estate, and I'm quite certain I've found my career here. I love helping others find their "house to call home". It's a glorious feeling. Especially since I was able to find mine.

Signing off,
Ida Jade


10.26.2011

Inspiration is Flowing Through my Fingertips..

I worked the Swing last night, came home not a bit tired. So I hopped on Pinterest for awhile and that made me sleepy. I fell asleep aruond 8 AM and woke back up around 1030AM...when I fell back to sleep something amazing happened.

I had this dream inside a dream, not like I woke up in my dream to still be in my dream, but about 3 different plots all in one, it was a whirlwind and some how I remember it. Forever whatever reason, I remember. I never remember my dreams unless they are so life like it's unreal, this was and it wasn't.

When I woke up and looked at my clock it was 1:10PM, I got out my laptop and tried to type out everything I remember.

Guys, I'm pretty sure I was inspired last night to write a book.

Ahh, I know call me crazy and I have no idea where I'll find time, it may take me YEARS...but this idea..it's good. I've always thought about writing a book and never had any idea that was worth writing,..it came to me last night and I KNOW it's not in a book I've read, or seen, or even heard of. My mind created this last night and like I said it wasn't just the plot of this book it was many rolled in one.

I'm obviously not going to go into details, but I assure you...I know a good book.

Well, I'll update at some point, no idea where this will go or lead, but I hope it goes somewhere. I swear I'm not crazy.

Signing off,
IDA JADE

C25K Hault..

C25K. For those who don't know this means "Couch to 5K". It's a beginners running program to help you train for a 5K in 9 weeks. I've taken this journey on with Rachael and was doing quite well.

**For those who would like to check it out, just google search C25K...they even have an application where you can play music while you run on your ipod, ect. and it will let you know when to run/walk, etc.**

The day after our 3rd run in the first week I started to have this soreness in my left ankle. I figured it was just a sore muscle and Josh, my husband, thought the same thing. So I continued to run 2 of the days for the 2nd week. And, then the pain just got worse.

It's developed into a sharp pain, especially in the morning (when it's not "warmed" up) going up and down stairs. It shoots up from right around my arch, into my ankle and up the side of my calf.

Yesterday after working 7 hours on my feet at my part time job at the casino it was quite swollen. So today, Josh poured me a glass of wine and had me soak it and ice it, and then prop it up before I went to bed before another Swing Shift (11PM-7AM). The swelling went down while I slept, but of course has returned since I've been on my feet for the past 6 hours.

I know I need to let it rest, but I really want to get back out and run. I'm so bummed out. I really want to run my 1st 5K in December with Rachael. *Fingers Crossed* that it's not something serious and it heals in a timely manner.

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Okay, onto my previous post subject.

I have gained 4 followers (that I know of). *Round of Applause*

Thank you *bows* Thank you *bows*! I'd like to thank....haha. Thanks, guys good to know this isn't just for my entertainment and I can inspire someone else. =)

I've decided to begin the daily posts next week, starting on Sunday.

Sunday - Weekly Goals/NFL Picks
Monday - Rant (Not My Favorite) & Rave (Love Me Some)
Tuesday - NFL/NHL Update (seasonally of course)..this may get pushed to Wednesdays on occasion, we shall see.
Wednesday - House to Home
Thursday - Tried It Out - Before/After (This will include Recipes, Ideas, Organizing..mainly from Pinterest)
Friday - Pic of the Week ...Also I'll be participating in Rachael's Hubby Rocks every other Friday. So I'll be linked up with her. =)

Can't wait to begin this, I need some motivation to keep this up..maybe more followers? =) Spread my link around like butter to fellow bloggers and friends, I'd love to see what they have to offer and entertain any thoughts, ideas.

Signing off,
IDA JADE

10.25.2011

Brainstorming..

So I'm pretty sure I'll just be talking to myself, but who knows, I may gain a few followers.

I am the kind of person that when I lay down to go to sleep my mind reels for what seems like forever until it lets me actually fall asleep, no matter how sleep deprived I am (and that's a lot lately). So today, before my part time job at the casino I tried to lay down and sleep around 6PM, so that would leave me with about 4 hours of sleep before I had to work the dreaded Swing shift (11PM-7AM...blah.) I'm pretty sure it wasn't until a little after 8PM that I actually fell asleep.

And, that brings me back to my mind reeling before bed. I couldn't stop thinking about this blog and ideas, so I got out my phone and used the simple notebook application all phones have these days and jotted some of these down...

*Weekly Goals
*Football Picks
*Football Recap, NHL Update (on my Pittsburgh Penguins of course)
*Rant (Not My Favorite) & Rave (Love Me Some)
*Organzing Me (Life, Household, Etc.)
*Pic of the Week
*House to Home
*Tried It Out (Ideas from Pintrest tested and put to use)
*Recipes

Also, back to my dear friend, Rachael and her blog, I love her "Husband Rocks" posts..I hope she doesn't mind that I take that and occassionally do something of the like. I'm thinking of "Hubby +'s".

And of course there would be some random posts here and there of day to day happenings.

I don't want to use all of the above weekly, so I need help picking 6 that I can stick to. The others will just be scattered in occassionally.

Any help, anyone?

Signing off,
IDA JADE

10.24.2011

And It Begins..

Here I am back on board. With a new look, blog name, and url. Okay, so I've completely stripped down and started over. I'm doing this a lot in my life lately.

My inspiration comes from my good friend, Rachael. Check out her blog here. She's been getting back on board with her blog and I really want to keep one too. I've said it before, but ask my husband I'm working on completely reorganzing everything in my life. I enjoy writing and that's what I'm going to do.

My other inspiration? Pinterest. I'm flat out addicted to that site and there are far too many ideas to not try and share.

I have a lot of ideas so lets see how far I get. I like the idea of a "themed" post on certain days of the week so I'll play around with some ideas and get back to you. (Look at me acting as if I have even 1 follower right now). Haha.

Signing off,
Ida Jade