The Chipmunk Diet
When I took Skyler to the vet last weekend for a routine nail trim (because $12 is SO worth it considering it takes Andy and I at least an hour to do it) I was surprised to see that she had lost a few pounds. At 28 pounds, Skyler is always teetering on the line between a healthy weight and being a bit chubby so this was good news. Our vet said that typically dogs lose weight in the winter, especially if they love being outside because they burn calories staying warm. Based on how much Skyler loves the snow (seen here and here) you would think the pounds would just melt off in the winter months, but for her, not so much.
I am certain that Skyler’s weight loss is a direct result of what I like to call “The Chipmunk Diet.” No, no, I would never let Skyler eat these furry little nuisances that kill our rose bushes and are wreaking havoc on our brick patio, but chasing them is certainly one of her favorite summer time activities. She will flush them out of the iris (shown in the photo above) and then scurry after them. But the end of the chase is always the same. They scamper into one of our downspouts at which point she barks at the downspout (and I question her intelligence) or she will patiently lay there, WAITING (until she is called to come inside).
July 2, 2008 | Permalink
Drawer Pulls and Door Trim
I am starting to get used to not having to open a cabinet door to get a glass, or open a drawer to grab a spoon (which are conveniently located on the countertop). We are making some serious progress on our kitchen renovation project (see photos here), but there is still work to be done.
The drawers still need a top coat (they have been primed twice) and have the hardware added. Additionally, now that all the cabinets are white, it has become obvious that the trim around the kitchen needs to be painted white as well (it’s currently the same dark brown that the cabinets were.) Once we do that, then the only room in the house with brown trim will be the utility/laundry room, so that trim (and window) will need a coat of white as well.
July 1, 2008 | Permalink
Solar Powered
I’ve always been pleased with my hosting provider for this site, but over at Green-Lemonade.com, Liz and I thought it was time to make a greener decision in regards to who hosts our site.
AISO.Net is “the first and only 100% completely solar powered hosting company that does not use energy credits.” Their Network is pretty impressive, however watching the live Web Cam of their solar panels is about as exciting as watching paint dry.
Note: I took a photo of the solar panels shown here on our recent trip to Vegas.
June 25, 2008 | Permalink
Paint It White
Amidst all of our other home renovations, Andy and I decided it was time to do a fairly major renovation of our kitchen. (Curses to HGTV for always reminding us that an updated kitchen will increase the value of your home more than any room in the house.) It would be an understatement to say that we have neglected the kitchen. Since moving in, we have torn off the floral wallpaper (no easy task) and given the walls a fresh coat of light green paint. We replaced the overhead light above the galley and above the table. We bought new appliances and new sink fixtures. And we bought a new sliding glass door.
But that hideous brass (?) hardware on our cabinets continued to remind us that this kitchen was built before we were born. We thought all those hinges, handles and pulls would be easy to replace, but apparently in 1974 cabinet carpenters used uniquely sized hardware that is no longer made as a standard size. Upon doing some research, we learned that to get custom made hardware (including hinges) for a good amount of cabinets is NOT CHEAP. So after some calculating and multiple trips to home improvement stores, we decided to paint our dark brown wooden cabinets white, add new hardware, install a new counter-tops and get a new sink.
Because we are doing all the work ourselves (with a weekend visit from my helpful and hardworking parents) the last week and a half for me has consisted of the daily routine of: Eat. Work. Gym. Eat. Paint. Sleep. Repeat.
June 19, 2008 | Permalink
Take A Peak
I’ve updated the portfolio section of this web site. Take a peak at the new Grace Assembly web site, a logo for A Recipe for Wellness, a custom-designed baby shower invitation, and a web site for a Vegas-inspired restaurant.
May 7, 2008 | Permalink
For Like Ever
That’s how long I have been wanting this poster. I first fell in love with it when it was featured in Domino, but saw no way that a fluorescent red and pink poster could look good anywhere in our house. However, when I heard that a limited edition “deluxe” version was being printed in gold and cream, I began devising a strategy on how to make it my own.
With the help of a friend in the custom framing business and a road trip from Atlanta, this beautifully framed poster is now hanging proudly on our bedroom wall.
May 1, 2008 | Permalink
Strut Your Mutt
Yesterday, we took part in the Mutt Strut for the second year in row. Unlike last year’s record high temperatures, the weather this year was in the 60s, which was much more bearable for the extra furry dogs like Skyler.
The event had a record-breaking 4,000+ participants, 2,000+ four-legged friends, and more than $335,000 was raised to benefit the Humane Society of Indianapolis.
April 28, 2008 | Permalink
TAPP To This Beat
I first heard of Tumaini AIDS Prevention Program (TAPP) when they contacted the design firm for which I work. The necklaces that TAPP sells are more than an interesting product (made from recycled paper). They offer hope to people in the Republic of Uganda, where “a staggeringly young population struggles to find ways to make a better life for those who will come after”.
Like T-shirts from Rosa Loves, a TAPP necklace is more than just a trend. Its a purchase that tells a story and makes a positive difference in a life other than your own.
April 16, 2008 | Permalink
