Sunday, March 24, 2013

Bud Light Discount

Let me start this post by saying I NEVER thought I would write these words...

Bud. Light. Discount.

That just seems silly. But, it happened. For all those haters out there who make fun of a bud light drinkin girl, it finally happened. I got a discount.

This year my whole family went to Steamboat to go skiing. This marks the 5th year in a row John and I have gone and we decided that we are serious about the commitment to go every year. So, that led to me finally buying my own ski boots. (Of course, John got his skis and boots years ago- but I waited it out). Since we went in March, towards the end of the ski season, all the boots were on sale- still pricey though.

The worst thing about buying the boots- isn't the cost- its the time. It takes a while to get the right boot- and its super important for safety and comfort.

***Its really like buying jeans. I HATE buying jeans***

So, in my discussions with the "boot guy", I shared with him how all I wanted to be doing my first day in Steamboat was have a beer and look at the mountain- not sit in a ski shop and try and walk and sit and walk and try again. That led to a discussion, and a free beer from the ski shop fridge, about our favorite beer.

"Boot guy" has some great taste- his favorite beer- you guessed it. Bud Light.

So, when we went to the register to close the sale, he told the guy at the counter the sale price, stopped for a minute, and said,

"Take another $20.00 off. Its the Bud Light Discount."

And there you have it, saving money left and right- just by drinking Bud Light.




Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Rome wasn't built in a day- but a kitchen remodel was

Ok, maybe not a day- but it was 2 days, And what a whirlwind it was!

We have a guy....I'm telling you having a guy is really not all that its cracked up to be. Why? Because it ends up being a money pit. Once you find a guy you can trust who is cheap and can do anything- your mind wanders and the sky is the limit. Hence, the new kitchen in a weekend.

Here are the after pictures- we are super happy with the transformation and I love, love the new sink! Dishes are a breath of fresh air.

There have been many a night already at the island where dreams are made and long days are discussed. And of course, a glass of wine is enjoyed!

 What do you guys think?!?!

Before

Before- sink

Before

Demo- night one

Demo- night one
Granite installation


Granite installation

Another view of granite
Granite again

Complete with backsplash
Finished!


Finished   
    


Bottoms Up!

There are so many studies that are constantly coming out about the health benefits of beer.

There are also many friends and family that make fun of me for only drinking Bud Light.

However, this article sums up how I feel- I'm getting the most bang for my buck. Most people in this article are complaining- I however, think its greatness.

The great taste of beer with less alcohol and more water!

Now, that's my kind of beer!

Happy Bud Light drinkin

http://money.msn.com/buhttp://money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?date=20130226&feed=AP&id=16168855#scptidsiness-news/article.aspx?date=20130226&feed=AP&id=16168855#scptid

Friday, January 25, 2013

Wining and Dining my Man

Kitchen "Before"
This is a very important thing. I love doing it and he deserves it.

However, this weekend he really deserves a special 6 pack of beer- must remember to get!!

We had a faulty disposal. Like really faulty. It started leaking and the we realized we had a problem. However, when the house started to smell we realized we had a BIG problem.

But, the disposal led to another conversation- the sink. We hate the sink that we have. Its an 80/20 sectional sink with the 20 percent side having the disposal and being the "washing side". I have been cleaning plates vertical for years now and I am over it! So, that led to sink ideas....

Uh-oh.

The sink we have now is over-mounted on top of our solid surface counter top. I really don't care for this look- but if we stick with our budget of a new disposal and possible new sink plus installation- what choice did we have...well, there are always options and this girl can dream BIG!

We have been back and forth on granite since we moved in the house. The solid surface is fine- and the question- do we really want to put more $ into the house. Will we stay here long term? We will get the $$ out? Do we have the $$? Are we willing to give up a trip? You know- all those questions that have always led us to NO. But- at this crossroads with a new sink in the horizon- we decided to take the plunge.

So, from a faulty disposal 2 and a half weeks ago to a new disposal, new under mount sink ( I wanted farmhouse- but it wouldn't fit), new granite counter tops, and a new back splash.

Yep, he definitely deserves that 6 pack. And heck, I may need one of my own!

Pictures to come!

Here is how it looks now
Counter tops


Walking in
Hate This sink




Thursday, January 24, 2013

A lifetime is never long enough...to love

I needed an outlet. Yes, this is supposed to be about cold beer and finding cold beer and sometimes about my unique experiences - but today is about something different.

Today is about a man.

I am blessed.  Many days I am ungrateful and feel like God has handed me a raw deal- there are things that are hard, things that I want- and obstacles that sometimes seem too much to bear.

But- when I come to a week or a month like this- I feel like my cup runeth over.

Once upon a time there was a poor paper boy who fell in love with a star pupil in Chicago. They went to a party after a minstrel show and the rest is history. They fell in love, got married, had 2 children and lived happily ever after. 76 year dating, and 71 years married! Woo-hoo!



However, there are things to note about this special couple. This man went to war and came back wounded- very wounded. He was in the hospital for weeks. His story is below- and its quite a tale. I mention this esp because this is the ONLY time he has been in the hospital in his entire life- until now.

A GI's WWII Experience


They worked very hard- both coming from poor families, no college degrees, and his wife never worked or drove a car.

I have memories beyond memories of these two. Quite a pair- they never, ever stopped giving.

Favorite quotes:

"Many hands make light work"

"Give it with a warm hand"

"Cur non" - "Why Not"

Its never about the money. I don't care about money- its just a thing- but my grandparents changed WORLDS with their generous hands- and the most generous part is that they never had it themselves.

They paid for my college. Part of my sister's college. They contributed towards our wedding. And the most giving thing of all- random love notes filled with a 20 or a 10 or a 100 to let us know he cared.

I've wanted to share for a LONG time (well, 3 years) the most moving thing he has ever done. Well, never mind- he moves me everyday- but something for the books.

Their 90th birthday party. he had it all figured out. He booked the hotel, restaurant, the band, everything for the best party in 90 years. And let me tell you- it was! We had a blast! At the end he passed out each family- 12 envelopes total and said there was a check inside that he wanted us to spend. But we could open the envelope till Tuesday (it was Saturday night) and he would know if we did. But first, we had to write what we would do with it- and send it back to him that Monday. No saving- just spending!

And- of course- he matched the church


I wont tell you what was in it- but it changed all of our lives.

That's just what they do. Its just what He does.


I love him, I honor him, I cherish him. He's still here tonight and I pray one day I will have a son to honor him for my lifetime.

****forgive me for a rambling post about an amazing man I am not quite ready to lose to heaven****










Wednesday, October 24, 2012

10 things I have learned in 10 years

Wow! As the countdown to my 10 year college reunion begins...its officially 10 days away- I am reminded of just how different things are, how different I am, and yet all still the same.

10. "Top 40" can be popular at any age- even when you are too old to be a BIG fan

9.  Losing weight was a LOT easier at 21. And 25. And 30.

8. 10 years ago, beer was gross- but it was the cool thing to drink. Now- beer tastes good...and well, its still cool to drink

7. Nothing good happens after midnight- including my singing on a stage at karaoke. I'm much better at 11:59

6. Friendships really can last a lifetime! (or at least 10 years and going strong)

5. PJ pants never look good out in public- who made that look popular to go to class in?!?!

4. Driving around on a gorgeous day listening to awesome music really can turn a day around

3. French fries are a major food group. Could #9 have anything to do with this??!

2. Parties are a blast- but some of the best weekend nights are at home with my family

1. College really was a blast- a time I loved, friends I cherish, and memories that make me smile. However, where I am today- is my favorite place to be.

(that's at a bar, with my husband, drinking a cold, draft beer)

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Oh, the Places You'll Go!!




I never thought that when I received this book for my high school graduation from my dear friend, Emily, that it would refer to the summer of 2012. Wow, it has been a busy one! I counted...from May to August- I haven't been home 37 days!!! That's a LOT!

I kicked the summer off with a trip to France and Belgium. I ended the summer with a trip to Norway and Ireland. Throw in helping my parents pack in Nashville, traveling to Phoenix to meet my niece, going to Florida to celebrate July 4th and Father's Day- plus construction in our backyard, a lake trip, mother in laws knee surgery, and our anniversary----wowzers! No wonder I haven't had time to blog! Forget blogging- I haven't had time to drink beer!

But.... I'm BACK! For now anyway...and ready to relax, watch football, and enjoy fall! And of course, drink cold beer!