Fall Dreaming

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I can't believe it is already August and Fall is almost here. This means it is time to put together my wish list of items I would love to add to my wardrobe, home and life. 

There is something about Fall that calls for a bulky Irish sweater. They keep you so warm and toasty.  I am thinking this 3/4 length coat with hoodie would be a great addition to my wardrobe. I think this would be perfect for a football game or a hayride.

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I love these boots. The buckle details are too cool! Added bonus that they come in wide calf. (I have wide calves so it can be a giant pain to find boots.)

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I am into chunky necklaces like these that I found on Etsy. They fill in a neckline so nicely.

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I adore wide leg pants and lam loving this pair from Nordstrom. Though I don't think I could walk with such high heels. 

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I know chevron is almost over but I think this teeny chevron pattern on this rug from Rugs USA is subtle and not so in your face. It would be perfect for the dining room. I think it would hide any spots quite nicely.

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This is the one I want for the living room since diamonds are the new chevron, right?  My only fear is that the design might be to busy and make one dizzy.

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I so want the Cute-as-a-Button chair from World Market. I love how the buttons are subtle pops of color.  Two of these flanking a small table would be perfect for reading.

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 I can't forget the mutts.  I am thinking they need new collars.  Maybe matching collars preppy collars?

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And finally, for D.  He is dreaming of getting a smoker.  I could get behind this purchase.  Smoked beef brisket or pork shoulder?  Yum!

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Do you have anything interesting on your Fall wish list?  Or am I the only one dreaming of cooler temps right now?

I'm Getting Back into the Blogging Saddle

After a very very long hiatus to get some balance back into my life, I am back to blogging.  I was spending so much time on the computer that other parts of my life were suffering and I needed to get some things back on track.  All is good and Claiming Our Space is back in business.

We have been busy in the K & D household.  Lots of projects to reveal and crafts to show you.  But first, we have a new family member.  No it isn't a baby.  It is a second dog.  Meet Cricket.  He is a "foster fail" and we couldn't be happier.

Last summer, we decided that we would foster for the same rescue, Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan, that our sweet Willow came from.  Alfalfa was our first foster (you will meet him in a couple of weeks, I am sure) and we while we were sad to see him go, he was never meant to be ours. 

Cricket was another story.  From the first day we had him, he just fit with our little family.  Someone inquired about adopting him after we had him for about 6 weeks and we panicked that he wouldn't be in our lives forever, so we decided to make him a permanent member of the family. 

Willow likes him (some days more than others).

He loves D, especially when they get to snuggle in the ugly blue recliner.

And he is laying under my desk right now with his head on my foot. 

So from now on Wednesday will be Willow & Cricket Wednesday. :)

Haven't yet worked out my posting schedule but I can tell you that we will be focusing on the house, the garden, food, exercise and nutrition and of course, the dogs.  D and I are on a weight loss journey to get back in shape for 2014.  Doing well so far but still have a ways to go. 

So stay tuned...

Look Out!

We finally got some snow that was "packable" on Sunday.  

So what happened?  

My stepson tried to get me with a giant snowball!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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D and I wish you and your families a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday! Wahoo! I am mumble mumble mumble years old today. :-D

Southern Living

D surprised me last night with what could be a totally cool present. Unfortunately I can't share it just yet.  I will keep you posted if everything falls into place.

I am giving myself a present with some of my birthday money - a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens. I have been wanting one of these since I got my camera. I am so excited to try it out but sadly it won't get here until next week.

No big celebration planned but we will be going out to a local Irish pub this weekend with my BFF and her beau to celebrate. I am looking forward to having a couple off pints of hard cider, lots of laughs and some good food.  I am hoping there will be some traditional Irish music.  I would love to hear some pub songs.

Hope everyone else has a fun and possibly music filled weekend!

5 Years

D and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary last weekend.  It is hard to believe that it has already been 5 (wonderful) years.  We have had our challenges (3 moves, several job changes, and the usual, and not so usual, family challenges) but in the end, we have each other.  And that is the way it is supposed to be, right?

Now, I hate to brag on D but I think he wins the "Sweetest Husband" award with this present. He took a photo of our wedding cake and sent it to the woman who owns our favorite local bakery. 

Why? So she could create this - a replica of  the top layer of our cake.  It was even vanilla and chocolate swirl cake with raspberry mousse filling.  Yum!  He is just the sweetest man!

Once I was all warm and fuzzy on the inside from the cake, D then upped the ante by getting me fun toys for my camera. I am now the proud owner of a tripod, a monopod, a flexible tripod and, best of all, a remote shutter release. Woohoo! 

 I, on the other hand, haven't finished D's present and it still looks like this. (I promise I will work on it this weekend, sweetie!)

Now, how after all that, guess how we spent our actual anniversary day?  Cleaning up our yard.  Yup, nothing says "I love you!" like dragging at least 50 tarp-loads of leaves to the curb and straining muscles we didn't know we had while raking.  We needed to get the leaves up because the tree people were coming on Monday.

Sadly, we needed to have three trees taken down because they were hollow on the inside. Why? Stupid Carpenter Ants.  They are usually the culprit when trees come down in a high winds around here. So we are doing some preventive cutting.

Take a look at the bases of the three trees.  Looks like we were right to take them down.

 

This is the big oak tree. At one point there were carpenter ants and then it appears that some bees took up residence. Awesome. (yes, that last bit was written in sarcasm font if you couldn't tell.)  This one was closest to the house.

 Here's the big Maple. Did you know that tree stumps were supposed to be U-shaped? We didn't think that was quite right so this one needed to come down too. The positive on taking this tree down is that I now have the perfect spot for some hydrangea bushes. (Yay!!)

 Finally, we have the Choke Cherry. This one was so rotted.  There was actually dirt and grubs in one of the hollowed out limbs. Ick! The tree guys were totally surprised it hadn't come down on it's own. Good thing it didn't, it would a have hit the neighbor's house for sure. 

We will have lots of wood for the fireplace this winter!

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for the Thanksgiving Treats & Fall Fun link party!

Shopping for Glasses Made Easy Thanks to GlassesUSA (with a coupon code)

Hello, my name is K and I wear glasses.

Have since 6th grade (man those frames in the 70s and 80s...bad) and while I love a cool pair of glasses, I hate shopping for them. It always seems like I have to go to several shops to find just the right pair. This is especially true now that I live in a smaller city without the selection that I became used to in Chicago.

However, thanks to the wonders of the internet, I have found a website that is perfect for buying eye glasses online. GlassesUSA.com. Why? Their Virtual Mirror (check it out at the end of the post).  This is the coolest tool I have seen.  You upload a photo of yourself and then "try on" any of the glasses in their inventory.

I am in the market for a new pair of glasses so spent quite a bit of time checking out what a bunch of frames would look like.  Nice to do it while sitting on my couch with Willow, watching Good Eats and drinking a Diet Coke.  (isn't online shopping great?)

I narrowed it down to 3 different eyeglasses.

What do you think? (please do not be distracted by the crazy pattern in the background. I was standing in front of some stairs and that is carpet, if you can believe it).

I think I like the last 2 the best. The Masyn Tortoise frames make me look studious and the Kitty frames in silver are a bit more subtle. Agreed?

The other best part is the cost.  The frames are so inexpensive. I did a quick run through on my (pretty) strong prescription with the Masyn frames and it would be only $127 for the premium package (which includes 1.67 Index Super Thin Lenses, Scratch Resistant Coating, UV Protective Coating (UV400) and Premium Anti-Reflective Coating). I was pretty shocked at how inexpensive it was. That is less than half of what it would be at a local store. Plus, at that price I can get a pair of regular glasses and a new pair of sunglasses. Woot!

As if it couldn't get better,  right now GlassesUSA.com is offering 15% off your entire order amount + FREE shipping (orders over $50). Code: FS15 and you can take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10.  So your glasses could be even less. Double woot!

Easy shopping, low cost and a coupon. Maybe I should have said triple woot!

There are plastic, metal, rimless, semi-rimless frames to choose from and they have sunglasses too. GlassesUSA is your one stop shop for glasses frames. 

If you want to check out the Virtual Mirror yourself, it out below.  See if you think it is as cool as I do.

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This is a sponsored post; I was compensated for my work by GlassesUSA, but all words and opinions are my own.

Bad fan + too much heat = one new laptop

Sorry for the lack of post but my laptop gave up the ghost. It was overheating and shutting down at random since there was an issue with the fan.  Thanks to Dell and their fast shipping, I have a new and fabulous laptop (plus a new XBox - it was a package special.)

So this past weekend was spent moving files and recovering data (and maybe playing some too much Fable III).

On the plus side, I did finally find some pics of old projects that I never got around to blogging. On the negative side, what a giant pain!

I am back up and running now.

See you tomorrow when Tout It Tuesday will be up and running.

My New Kitchen Gadget - The Mandolin Slicer

I am digging my newest kitchen gadget! 

I am now the proud owner of a mandolin slicer! Yes, I said newest. I am constantly buying gadgets, pans and other utensils, which is why my utensil drawers are a mess. (Yes, I said drawers since I have too much to fit in just 1 drawer.)  Basically, I am a gadget nerd.

The best part is how I got this gorgeous thing.  I had some airline miles that were expiring but didn't have enough to get a ticket or an upgrade so I was able to trade them in for this beautiful silver baby. Oh yeah, my mandolin slicer was my favorite price - FREE!

Check out all the things it can do!

Thick straight slices, thin straight slices, crinkle cuts, waffle cuts, thick julienne strips, thin julienne strips. The possibilities are endless!

Ooooh, pretty!

 I can't wait to make scalloped potatoes, baked sweet potato fries, zucchini "spaghetti," cole slaw, potato chips, slicing stuff for the dehydrator, and on and on.  One of the first things I want to make is potato scale fish, like this.

Oh my, with all those in the plan, I think I need to schedule a few more sessions a week on my exercise bike!

The Versatile Blogger Award

Last week I was nominated for The Versatile Blogger Award by It's not just about the recipe.

I am a recent reader of It's not just about the recipe but as someone who has lots to learn about food (see # 4 below), her blog has the best recipes. I mean tasty looking stuff there.  You should go check this blog out.

As per the rules of the VBA, when nominated for award, I thank the blogger who nominated me, share seven "secrets" about me and share 15 blogs that I enjoy and read regularly; then, in turn, award them with this Versatile Blogger Award.

Here are my "secrets!"

1.  I have weird food likes and dislikes. It drives D nuts. It is all related to texture. I won't eat a hamburger but do like steak. I won't eat a slice of tomato but like marinara sauce. Shellfish is a total no, but I like fish.   It doesn't make much sense to others but makes total sense to me.

2.  I talk to our dog, Willow, like she can totally understand everything I say.  Sometimes I even think she really does understand me.

3.  I am not at all graceful.

4.  Before D and I got married, my idea of cooking involved a telephone, a credit card and a take out menu.  Chicago has great take out places!

5.  My brother and I have the same initials.

6.  I totally love sci-fi movies.

7.  I have more jewelry than one person needs but love every single piece. I have a whole organization system with labels and everything to keep things organized.

Now that I have shared my secrets and you are now aware that I am an odd food issue, talking to Willow, klutzy, formerly bad chef, initial sharing, sci-fi loving, too much jewelry owning blogger, I am nominating the following bloggers.  I hope you go and check them out and maybe find a new blog or two to follow.  They are all great!

1.  The NY Melrose Family

2.  Mamal Diane

3.  Kathe with an E

4.  Five Little Chefs

5.  My Turn (for us)

6.  Michelle's Tasty Creations

7.  Cherrios and Lattes

8.  4 You-With Love

9.  Shabby Beach Nest

10.  it all started with paint

11.  Our Pinteresting Family

12.  Love Bakes Good Cakes

13.  Our Homemade Happiness

14.  Makin My Apt a Home

15.  NZ Ecochick

Happy Independence Day!

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Here's hoping you and your families all have 

a safe and happy Independence Day!

Here are some interesting facts about Independence Day and patriotic sounding places and names.

On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation=2.5 million
The nation's estimated population on this July Fourth=313.9 million

Thirty-one places have “liberty” in their names. The most populous one as of April 1, 2010, was Liberty, Mo. (29,149). Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.

Thirty-five places have “eagle” in their names. The most populous one is Eagle Pass, Texas, with a population of 26,248.

Eleven places have “independence” in their names. The most populous one is Independence, Mo., with a population of 116,830.

Nine places have “freedom” in their names. The most populous one is New Freedom, Pa., with a population of 4,464.

One place has “patriot” in its name. Patriot, Ind., has a population of 209.

Five places have “America” in their names. The most populous is American Fork, Utah, with a population of 26,263.

Ranking of the frequency of the surname of our first president, George Washington, among all last names tabulated in the 2000 Census.

Other early presidential names that appear on the list, along with their ranking, were Adams (39), Jefferson (594), Madison (1,209) and Monroe (567).

Source: http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb12-ff12.html 

 Willow Wednesday will be back again next week!

Claiming Our Space Is Now on Instagram

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Claiming Our Space is now on Instagram!  It's so exciting! 

You can follow us via the icon on the left.

D and I both have Android phones so we needed to wait until Instagram for Android came out.  Once it did, we were all over it.  OK, I was all over it and D signed up later.  I love all how you can manipulate your images to make them look amazing.

My personal favorite effects are probably Hefe or Nashville.

Be warned, Willow is probably our most photographed subject but we be sharing projects in progress, photos of some of some of our adventures and basically anything else that catches our eye!

We hope you will join us on our Instagram photo journey.

I'm So Excited!

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!  I'm about to lose control and I think I like it! [[Does a little dance in my desk chair!]]

Sorry, just had to channel the Pointer Sisters for a minute because, after saving since Christmas, I am now the proud owner of 

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A Canon Rebel T3i DSLR camera! 

After both of my point and shoots died late last year, my Dad was kind enough to loan me his Canon Powershot.  While it was much much nicer than my other cameras, I had been drooling over the thought of getting a DSLR ever since. Especially when I saw how nice the photos can be.

So when I saw Costco was having a sale, well at least as much of a sale as Costco has, I made my purchase.  I was able to get the camera body with 2 lenses, a carrying case, SD card and several other cools accessories.

It is going to be quite a bit of a learning curve but here's hoping I am a quick learner!

Here is one of the first pics I snapped in our garden. We have our first baby tomato! D is so happy since this is on a tomato plant he has claimed as his. I am still marveling at the detail. 

Happy Mother's Day!

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Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.  

May your day be full of love and happiness (and relaxation!).

Painted Bowl - Before and After

One Friday a month at my work we raise money for charity on Jean Friday.  I know several people whose companies do the same thing.  For a small donation, you get to wear jeans.  I have to say, I love Jean Friday. Work just doesn't seem to be quite so long on Jean Friday.

Well, a couple of months ago we also had the opportunity to paint bowls that will be auctioned off at the next fundraiser of one of the charities.  Being crafty, I of course signed up to paint a bowl.  The fundraiser is called Soups On For All, raises funds for a food and local pantry programs and of course, has a soup theme

The amazing part is how the color transforms from the before to the after.

Here is the before.

To be honest, I am not sure why I went with the french theme but it seemed to make sense at the time.  I guess I thought that lots of people like french things so maybe they would pay more for the bowl.  

The text reads "Soup nourished the body and the soul." Or that is what I think it says..I used an Internet translator and you just never know. So if you can read french, let me know if this is right.

Here is the after: 

I think it looks pretty good. Here's hoping it helps them raise a bunch of money. (and here's hoping it actually says what I think it says.)

Now You Don't See It, Now You Do

A couple of weeks ago, people in my area awoke to a thick dense fog.  Not the usual morning.  Driving was slow and the air was so thick.  Makes me glad it isn't like this every day. 

To give you an idea on how bad it was, this was the view from one of my office's conference rooms.

It is pretty thick out there.  But just how thick doesn't become apparent until you check out the photo below. 

This is the view out that same window that I took later in the afternoon.  Much better!

I call that a definite "Now you don't see it, now you do!"

Just one more example of the crazy crazy weather we have had this spring.

Spring is Here!

It's the first day of Spring!  Well, on the calendar at least.  We have had made it to 80 degrees once this year already, which is 40 degrees higher than normal.

Warm days aside, the first day of Spring means that the growing season is just around the corner. But before the veggies get planted in the garden, we should be seeing some of the flowers that seem to love the Spring showers.  I just love spring flowers - the crocuses, daffodils, tulips and hyacinths.  Their bright colors are the signal that summer is just around the corner.  OK, truth time - I like tulips least and daffodils most. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!! & To Do This Weekend 3/17-18

It's St. Patrick's Day!!!
and today,

Everyone is Irish!

Sláinte to you all!

Now raise a glass of Bulmer's, Guinness, Jamesons, Smithwick's or maybe an Irish coffee and rock out to some U2 or maybe sing along to one of the classic pub songs with The Cheiftans.

Me, I will be singing pub songs as I drink a Bulmer's (or three) as I work on my projects around the house.

Here's hoping your St. Patrick's Day is a good one and you find yourself a leprechan at the end of a rainbow with a big pot of gold.  Just make sure to send me some...I want to redo my center bathroom.  :-D

Now onto our To Do List for this weekend...

Asking for Your Feedback on Merging Blogs...

Source: Microsoft Clipart

I also have another blog, mainly a cooking blog, called About a Bit of Everything.  But once we moved to Michigan and we started working on the house, I just wasn't able to keep it up.  Trying to post to two blogs with limited time just wasn't happening. 

However, since Hubs and I still love to cook and bake and putter about the kitchen and fire up the grill, I am thinking of importing all the posts from that blog into this one, and then adding some recipes to the post mix. I am thinking that this could be a good thing. Since it would add some more dimension to the blog and maybe give some more insight into our personalities.  Plus, it would be a reason to use more chocolate! That is never a bad thing, right?

What do my, few, readers think?  Would a few recipes thrown into the mix be a good thing or bad thing?  Or would it not really matter at all?

I would love to know what you think.

Winter is Finally Here!

This past weekend we finally got some snow that actually stuck around for more than a day.  This hasn’t been our usual Michigan winter.  We have had 50+ degree days in December, thunderstorms in January. All in all very very strange winter.

It snowed for three days and we had no wind.  A totally unusual occurrence here in the north.  Usually snow is accompanied by wind and lots of it. Think blowing drifts and the wind chill in the single digits. But that wasn’t the case so I headed out to the backyard with Willow to take a few photos (she doesn’t really like the cold, even with her red jacket).


I think this one of a tree in the backyard looks like lace, woven by Mother Nature.


There were a few berries on one shrub and I can only imagine that the one of the many birds who live in our backyard will find them soon and have a winter snack. And that is about an inch of snow on those branches. The snow was so light and fluffy.


One of my plant hangers is waiting for spring.


The snow was so light, it didn’t settle but stacked up, like little snowflake building blocks, that you could see through.

These beautiful pictures almost make me like winter…almost.

I know that we have at least 2-3 months more of winter so I am spending some quality time flipping through my growing stack of seed catalogs. Makes spring seem a bit closer.