Solar Powered

Solar Panel

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 | Link to this post

Paint It White

Paint

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 | Link to this post

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 | Link to this post

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 | Link to this post

Strut Your Mutt

Mutt Strut 2008

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 | Link to this post

TAPP To This Beat

TAPP Beads

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 | Link to this post

A Moving Feeling

Luggage

Andy and I aren’t moving, but we have been rearranging so much furniture the past few weeks that it sure feels like it. Not too long ago, we caught the renovation bug that always seems to bite us this time of year. Andy replaced the front light (easy) and the hardware on the front door (not so easy). We have a ceiling fan for the office on hold at Menards (Installation ease not yet determined), and I have been working on sprucing up the guest bedroom (more to come on that later). And that is just the half of it.

We recently got hardwood floors put in our front two rooms, which required for us to move all of our furniture out of those rooms. And today we are having our carpets and couches professionally cleaned, which required for us to move all of our furniture from the rest of our house, into the front two rooms, the kitchen and the guest bathroom.

What’s next? Well, we are getting estimates on replacing the roof thanks to some damage from a recent hail storm and general wear and tear (thankfully, insurance will be covering that one.) And in June, we are replacing our kitchen countertops and sink (goodbye porcelain sink and the hours of scrubbing to keep it clean) and painting our dark wood cabinets a nice clean white. Stay tuned.

April 9, 2008 | Link to this post

What Happens In Vegas

School of Dealing

Andy and I were in Vegas for five days last week for Patrick and Joy’s wedding and had a great time. In addition to seeing the sights of The Strip, we also made our way to the Valley of Fire, the Hoover Dam and Springs Preserve. It was sunny and in the 80’s every day, so coming back to this weather made me wish that not everything in Vegas stays there.

More photos from our trip are can be seen here.

April 4, 2008 | Link to this post

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