tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394128279071983422024-03-13T18:17:44.710-04:00My Semi Grownup LifeCasey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-91066858840900660192012-03-05T20:29:00.001-05:002012-03-05T20:31:02.195-05:00Take a GanderAs to where these bad boys are a hangin'. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RFeBTaUBmSw/T1Voj9TS9cI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/VQpqU3zVYPg/s640/blogger-image-651612807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RFeBTaUBmSw/T1Voj9TS9cI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/VQpqU3zVYPg/s640/blogger-image-651612807.jpg" /></a></div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-65601824812126856842012-01-26T18:22:00.000-05:002012-01-26T18:22:29.307-05:00MOVED<div style="text-align: center;">Due to some technical difficulties, I've had to move the blog to a new <a href="http://semi-grownuplife.blogspot.com/">destination</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">All of my old posts are over there and I've been attempting to chug right along.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope to see you over there!</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-78340336195646385992012-01-12T16:12:00.002-05:002012-01-12T16:12:30.191-05:00Shameless Plug?<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3371004/my-semi-grownup-life?claim=3detcm3weaz">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You know you wanna.</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-39792668976154405632012-01-12T10:00:00.000-05:002012-01-12T10:00:10.179-05:00Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">So this last week or so I've sat down and actually thought out some resolutions that I think I'll be able to stick with. I decided to stray away from the typical "lose weight, stop procrastinating, be more organized" kinds of resolutions because those always seem to fall through. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Instead I've decided to start doing small things that make me feel better, both physically and emotionally; and I want to do things that make others feel better.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because I get the feeling 2012 is gonna be awesome and I want to share that awesomeness with others. So, without further adieu...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhl4OX8Q2G0/Tw28ijOIEQI/AAAAAAAAAbg/FuRDfjsR0Pc/s1600/No+Swearing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhl4OX8Q2G0/Tw28ijOIEQI/AAAAAAAAAbg/FuRDfjsR0Pc/s1600/No+Swearing.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/christopherdale/23860378/">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Stop swearing on Facebook. For those who know me in real life, I swear like a sailor. Combined with the fact I got Facebook back when you <i>had</i> to have a college email address means that I'm used to saying whatever I want without the consequences of adults seeing it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But now that my mom AND grandmother have Facebook pages, coupled with the fact that employers are looking at the social networking site, I figured it would be a good idea to tone it down a little.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's still gonna be the occasional bad word on the ole blog though. I can't change who I am, I can only restrain. My apologies in advance.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0_cvhKMQBc/Tw290_jAlDI/AAAAAAAAAbo/25-kYJjThuU/s1600/yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0_cvhKMQBc/Tw290_jAlDI/AAAAAAAAAbo/25-kYJjThuU/s1600/yoga.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/114419646752614576/">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Do yoga at least five times a week. I've been doing pretty well with this one and already my back pain isn't nearly as bad as it usually is. I do end up swearing at the unnaturally bendy yoga instructor on my DVD. I can't even bend over and touch my toes and that woman is folded in half resting her butt on the back of her head. Unfair, I tell you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TfQvKkKSc4/Tw2-gAjTRNI/AAAAAAAAAbw/P663aGZ2uik/s1600/dictionary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TfQvKkKSc4/Tw2-gAjTRNI/AAAAAAAAAbw/P663aGZ2uik/s1600/dictionary.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://maiautumn.typepad.com/mai-autumn/2011/07/vintage-dictionary-prints.html">via</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Learn more new words. I have a pretty expansive vocabulary already (I'm not trying to sound like a pompous jerk, I just read a lot), but I enjoy learning new words (because I'm a huge nerd).<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrcI7nK8COI/Tw2_b41JDTI/AAAAAAAAAcA/ikEDQJfOEFU/s1600/gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrcI7nK8COI/Tw2_b41JDTI/AAAAAAAAAcA/ikEDQJfOEFU/s1600/gratitude.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://charmshoppe.tumblr.com/">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">I want to show more gratitude. I'm a pretty sarcastic, pessimistic person, but I'm a die-hard romantic and optimist on the inside. I have a friend who's always doing something sweet to show thanks, and I was recently on the receiving end of that from her, and it just felt really nice to be appreciated. So I'm going to start paying that forward. You know what they say, giving feels better than receiving.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrwp59rZcy1qm85q3o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrwp59rZcy1qm85q3o1_500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://yesmakeup.tumblr.com/">via</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And last but not least: wear red lipstick. This sounds pretty trivial but it always makes me feel so grown-up and pretty when I wear it. Granted, this is when I'm playing big girl dress up at home, I think it's going to take some psychological adjusting when leaving the house.<br />
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So there you have it, my resolutions for 2012. Have you made any? How are they holding up?</span></td></tr>
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</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-89484434809971293612012-01-11T11:12:00.000-05:002012-01-11T11:12:11.412-05:00Houston, We Have Lift-Off!<div style="text-align: center;">After <i>months</i> of not having internet at my place, the "Verizon guy" came and set up Fios! Let me tell ya, it's been a royal pain in the rear trying to piece blog posts together when you have to plan a trip to the local coffee shop into your day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now I don't even have to brush my teeth when I want to write a post! But I will because dental hygiene is important.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Soooo, you know what this means? "Before" shots of our new casa! Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jpPmZpV61ys/Tw2zHzv1AsI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/xF6yVdh2kJs/s1600/DSC00489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jpPmZpV61ys/Tw2zHzv1AsI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/xF6yVdh2kJs/s640/DSC00489.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9VAyQ0hCq4/Tw2zJFUZIGI/AAAAAAAAAaY/e09hy4YqVXM/s1600/DSC00490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9VAyQ0hCq4/Tw2zJFUZIGI/AAAAAAAAAaY/e09hy4YqVXM/s640/DSC00490.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Isn't it cute!?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NqFIjfhprk/Tw2zKMOk5oI/AAAAAAAAAag/616Q0HDqHBY/s1600/DSC00491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NqFIjfhprk/Tw2zKMOk5oI/AAAAAAAAAag/616Q0HDqHBY/s640/DSC00491.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from the front door. Check out that peach dining room! It was like walking into a cantaloupe. Pictures don't even do that neon hue justice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gHiPfC6MQDw/Tw2zKi3nk4I/AAAAAAAAAao/2Q9HPdw3VXU/s1600/DSC00492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gHiPfC6MQDw/Tw2zKi3nk4I/AAAAAAAAAao/2Q9HPdw3VXU/s640/DSC00492.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Why yes, the first piece of furniture in our living room was the TV. We clearly have our priorities in order around here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYvDCOg-BP4/Tw2zLaUQX-I/AAAAAAAAAaw/ZMXXMnQVPvY/s1600/DSC00493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYvDCOg-BP4/Tw2zLaUQX-I/AAAAAAAAAaw/ZMXXMnQVPvY/s640/DSC00493.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTHv4eKvaH4/Tw2zL3IrUJI/AAAAAAAAAa4/ENK6El_Z6W8/s1600/DSC00495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTHv4eKvaH4/Tw2zL3IrUJI/AAAAAAAAAa4/ENK6El_Z6W8/s640/DSC00495.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sassy purple kitchen. And by sassy, I mean terrible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xnf9bubKfs/Tw2zMjCeaVI/AAAAAAAAAbA/NJHN-fTUPUA/s1600/DSC00496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xnf9bubKfs/Tw2zMjCeaVI/AAAAAAAAAbA/NJHN-fTUPUA/s640/DSC00496.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hello, cat urine-colored sink. Our <i>entire</i> master bathroom was done in this color. You don't even want to know what it's like to bathe in a shower the color of pee. Gross.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_GxarXJRx0/Tw2zNisYtuI/AAAAAAAAAbI/sVcf_DnKlgY/s1600/DSC00497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_GxarXJRx0/Tw2zNisYtuI/AAAAAAAAAbI/sVcf_DnKlgY/s640/DSC00497.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The den. AKA, the Casey Cave. AKA the only place I'm allowed to use lots of color. Ryan's all about some neutrals.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ps4t9zw8afM/Tw2zOaQOjiI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/B6Ned2cDp0A/s1600/DSC00499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ps4t9zw8afM/Tw2zOaQOjiI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/B6Ned2cDp0A/s640/DSC00499.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This color is only acceptable when used on Levi's. NOT in our master bedroom.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqXhqr_tHuM/Tw2zO-ch0zI/AAAAAAAAAbY/TGZf4U94Yy0/s1600/DSC00500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqXhqr_tHuM/Tw2zO-ch0zI/AAAAAAAAAbY/TGZf4U94Yy0/s640/DSC00500.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The "band room," as Ryan as dubbed it. Clearly "music room" doesn't adequately convey the sense of cool Ryan is going for in here. I just call it the man cave.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, there you have it! We're movin' and shakin' on getting the place spruced up so I'll have lots of fun to follow!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-55586161361352685932012-01-09T14:20:00.001-05:002012-01-09T14:20:00.344-05:00You Never KnowWhere you're going to find a little inspiration. <br />
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Who knew my place of employment could give such sage advice? Embrace some happiness today. :-)<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3e4svJhr6Eo/Tws93yCHosI/AAAAAAAAAaI/TyG80RW5SXw/s640/blogger-image--480644363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3e4svJhr6Eo/Tws93yCHosI/AAAAAAAAAaI/TyG80RW5SXw/s640/blogger-image--480644363.jpg" /></a></div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-29897546587929125362012-01-05T16:07:00.000-05:002012-01-05T16:07:58.875-05:00Stupid Electricity<div style="text-align: center;">So yesterday as I was writing up the long-overdue house tour post, the power went out at Starbucks. And now my camera is dead so I can't upload the pics onto my computer right now... because I was on Ryan's yesterday. Grrr. So instead I'm gonna show y'all how to DIY some beadboard!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When we moved into the new casa, the kitchen was not one but two frightening shades of purple. So that nonsense had to change and change fast. So in stepped that guru of home deliciousness, Martha Stewart. Ok Martha didn't <i>really</i> come over but I did purchase her beadboard wallpaper for 35 bucks from the Home Depot. And now for iPhone pics and a how to!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">This stuff isn't really wallpaper, but more like an embossed foam with a paper backing. I was pretty dubious about it at first but I'm really glad we went ahead with it because this jank is AWESOME!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hxFanbuaoOk/TwYNs6JFTZI/AAAAAAAAAZg/j2VTJ0X7s14/s640/blogger-image-95118878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hxFanbuaoOk/TwYNs6JFTZI/AAAAAAAAAZg/j2VTJ0X7s14/s640/blogger-image-95118878.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you <i>see</i> that atrocious shade of eggplant!? Above the chair rail was a wonderful shade of lilac that really just set the whole room off. It also made a great contrast with our avocado green sink. Gag. Anyway, back to wallpapering....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This really was the easiest stuff to use ever. We just rolled wallpaper paste <i>onto the wall</i> (yay for not having to put it on the paper!), cut our piece of beadboard paper to size, and stuck that baby up there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, make sure before you slap that first piece up there you make sure you have a plumb line to go off of. Fortunately our chair rail was installed nice and level, so we just guided off of that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also, DON'T start in the corner of your wall, start in the middle and work your way out. That way just in case your wall joints aren't plumb you won't end up with ghetto slanty wallpaper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aBNFfeaUAcU/TwYNtRd9TmI/AAAAAAAAAZo/uBrEf70wL5s/s640/blogger-image-1425426924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aBNFfeaUAcU/TwYNtRd9TmI/AAAAAAAAAZo/uBrEf70wL5s/s640/blogger-image-1425426924.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ryan ran a caulk line under the chair rail and along the baseboards, and I decided to run a caulk line between the wallpaper joints. This may have been a little anal of me but those tiny little cracks were just glaring at me. Mocking me, even.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-icriVdH_Oy0/TwYNtqAWpZI/AAAAAAAAAZw/gvGMOPgPIts/s640/blogger-image-1479721049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-icriVdH_Oy0/TwYNtqAWpZI/AAAAAAAAAZw/gvGMOPgPIts/s1600/blogger-image-1479721049.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How's that for some sick caulking skills? I of course smoothed it out...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4mp2mlkWYgY/TwYNuHPW_rI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/eIUpsA7-ovI/s640/blogger-image--777475980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4mp2mlkWYgY/TwYNuHPW_rI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/eIUpsA7-ovI/s1600/blogger-image--777475980.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Muuuuch better! You can barely see the crack now! All that was left was to paint (an entirely optional step, but you could see a little bit of that dastardly purple and I wanted to cover my caulk job).<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Yet3j7F-AVU/TwYNujJgOpI/AAAAAAAAAaA/Kz0CCWP0gMU/s640/blogger-image--311169594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Yet3j7F-AVU/TwYNujJgOpI/AAAAAAAAAaA/Kz0CCWP0gMU/s1600/blogger-image--311169594.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And now you can't even tell it's not the real thing! The new paint and beadboard realllly brighten up the kitchen (just wait 'til you see the 'before' pics! Blech!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6g1E_KanCvQ/TwYNsZbsMgI/AAAAAAAAAZY/DZN0_h5dk2o/s640/blogger-image--968501328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6g1E_KanCvQ/TwYNsZbsMgI/AAAAAAAAAZY/DZN0_h5dk2o/s1600/blogger-image--968501328.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please ignore the Budweiser bottles and wallpaper paste vignette. I promise we're classy.... somewhere underneath all the redneck....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, what do you think!? I think it's a keeper (and we used so much damn paste that stuff will probably survive a nuclear attack, so I don't think it's coming off any time soon).</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-67370090915575931532011-12-21T17:05:00.002-05:002011-12-23T12:58:07.797-05:00Sneak Peek<div style="text-align: center;">Here's a little sneak peek at what's been going on at the new casa.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm up to my eyeballs in paint and boxes here but I've got a home tour to show you guys soon!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PEMq7QgPnbI/TvJYHg540NI/AAAAAAAAAUg/hiq4Z5HxlpU/s640/blogger-image--724448054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PEMq7QgPnbI/TvJYHg540NI/AAAAAAAAAUg/hiq4Z5HxlpU/s640/blogger-image--724448054.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gHDAT4EA5vY/TvJYLS40hiI/AAAAAAAAAUo/EFQ23KZWjsE/s640/blogger-image-953190121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gHDAT4EA5vY/TvJYLS40hiI/AAAAAAAAAUo/EFQ23KZWjsE/s640/blogger-image-953190121.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gGNl2jrAMIY/TvJYMTpo5ZI/AAAAAAAAAUw/gsCUNVuCWVQ/s640/blogger-image--1800714446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gGNl2jrAMIY/TvJYMTpo5ZI/AAAAAAAAAUw/gsCUNVuCWVQ/s640/blogger-image--1800714446.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bodd0S3L4XA/TvJYN-2zJgI/AAAAAAAAAU4/3Orhf_6M83g/s640/blogger-image--1465303764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bodd0S3L4XA/TvJYN-2zJgI/AAAAAAAAAU4/3Orhf_6M83g/s640/blogger-image--1465303764.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dfsLns10c1E/TvJYPPksCeI/AAAAAAAAAVA/sIId8DebHLE/s640/blogger-image-848062964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dfsLns10c1E/TvJYPPksCeI/AAAAAAAAAVA/sIId8DebHLE/s640/blogger-image-848062964.jpg" /></a></div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-32278266549823215062011-12-08T22:39:00.002-05:002011-12-23T12:58:36.156-05:00Jack-elopes and Rhinoviruses<div style="text-align: center;">So I meant to post yesterday but got completely laid on my ass with what I'm assuming was some kind of Spiderman version of the common cold. I couldn't even get out of bed. Fortunately today I feel a lot better.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ryan and I went to sign our lease today! We move in on Wednesday and we couldn't be more excited. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But Tuesday was our really big day. We went down to the courthouse and Ryan made an honest woman out iof me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That's right. We're married. Get it? Jack-elope? I know, I'm a riot. We're shooting at having a ceremony next spring so I still get to go through the exciting/stressful wedding planning. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm cool with that. 'Cause I'm stuck with my best friend with the rest of my life. :-)</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-61246310765631233572011-12-05T12:03:00.000-05:002011-12-05T12:03:54.494-05:00Hello, Friends!<div style="text-align: center;">Let's ketchup.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't believe I've let two weeks slip by without a post! Actually, I can, because it was kind of intentional. I personally hate to be blown off, so I'm truly sorry I did that to you guys, but it was all in the name of spending some much-needed quality time with my family.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And that was just week one. Week two has consisted of doing a bunch of grown-up type things.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For instance.... WE FOUND A HOUSE! After months of hunting and creeping around back yards, we finally got a place and it is P-E-R-F-E-C-T for us! There are spare bedrooms! A garage! A fenced-in back yard! THERE'S A FIREPLACE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We move in on the 14th and Ryan and I are both super excited. Now if only we could stop arguing about TV stands. ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We have a reaaaalllly big day tomorrow. Can you guess what's gonna happen!?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll leave you in suspense until then. ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Monday, friends!</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-55595880229270876652011-11-18T11:04:00.000-05:002011-11-18T11:04:29.171-05:00Haircut!<div style="text-align: center;">After a couple months of hemming and hawing, I got a hair cut yesterday!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">About two years ago, I thought it would be a really cool idea to grow my hair reaaaally long. You see, I'd always had pretty short hair. Like... Kate Gosselin short (but way more classy and a lot less porcupine-y). And then I fell through the mirror into blog land and found out that "boob hair" is super cool. And I had boob hair! Such a fulfilling moment of my life, I tell ya.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Things were going well, and then we went on vacation. And my hair asplode. I guess it was the mixture of Gulf water and chlorine, because all my ends decided to just freak out and split all at once. I tried to ignore it, I really did. But the hair at the nape of my neck kept getting all dreadlock-y and all I could do was braid it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I couldn't even style it anymore because it would just get all tangled and crazy. I had to cut out more than one knot. Eventually I just had this weird, frizzy, wavy matted thing living on top of my head. It kind of reminded me of a shaggy sloth.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80he2Ps1mt4/TsZ_jWTKZZI/AAAAAAAAAT0/70m2FQ-SP_8/s1600/DSC00465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80he2Ps1mt4/TsZ_jWTKZZI/AAAAAAAAAT0/70m2FQ-SP_8/s640/DSC00465.JPG" width="472" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Those split ends were mocking me. And I had way surpassed boob hair. I could use my hair as a scarf. Or a slutty shirt. Once your hair starts doubling as bad clothing, it's time for a trim.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7SaI3jfxxVQ/TsZ_-uvmUhI/AAAAAAAAAT8/cJgHCRmgH3E/s1600/DSC00466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7SaI3jfxxVQ/TsZ_-uvmUhI/AAAAAAAAAT8/cJgHCRmgH3E/s640/DSC00466.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now dammit if <i>that</i> ain't the most attractive thing you've seen all day! I had a major case of triangle hair... pyramid hair...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So anyway, I booked an appointment with an apprentice at a local salon and this girl for real worked wonders. Wonders, I tell you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I haven't had a different hair style in four years. And man, sometimes change is good. Like when you change your underwear. Or your haircut. Or the channel when reality TV comes on. But I digress...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxzWrxDrer0/TsaAj09W8eI/AAAAAAAAAUE/TKrvihkfPB8/s1600/DSC00467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxzWrxDrer0/TsaAj09W8eI/AAAAAAAAAUE/TKrvihkfPB8/s640/DSC00467.JPG" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ta da! I didn't know my hair could get that curly! I'm so excited. I had this big shit-eating grin all day yesterday and couldn't stop looking in the mirror. My hair <i>bounces</i>, people!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7AFjXDQoEg/TsaA4i2-1EI/AAAAAAAAAUM/REC8Y2eua28/s1600/DSC00471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7AFjXDQoEg/TsaA4i2-1EI/AAAAAAAAAUM/REC8Y2eua28/s640/DSC00471.JPG" width="314" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't judge me. It's the only way I could figure out how to take a picture of the back of my head.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I'm not sure why, but I feel like a bonafide grownup with this haircut. Not a semi-grownup, a <i>real</i> grownup! Oh, and the best part? My cut was free! F-R-E-E! Because my stylist is still an apprentice her cuts are free and her colors are only thirty bucks! I know, right!? I'll give you a minute to pick your jaw up off the floor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If any of you are in the Virginia Peninsula area and want to know the name of the stylist and salon, just shoot me an email!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwjzLgM45kY/TsaBwfxlFVI/AAAAAAAAAUU/HdavMrXaBOc/s1600/DSC00469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwjzLgM45kY/TsaBwfxlFVI/AAAAAAAAAUU/HdavMrXaBOc/s640/DSC00469.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a happy weekend!</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-27719321566490699322011-11-17T17:39:00.000-05:002011-11-17T17:39:42.780-05:00Stickin' It to Design<div style="text-align: center;">I must have gone and lost my damn mind. Seriously. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday I got this crazy idea to go outside and get some sticks. Pretty harmless, right? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9T8lHNBDEh4/TsWKH1WlX5I/AAAAAAAAASs/y4bwzO5ILtE/s1600/DSC00447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9T8lHNBDEh4/TsWKH1WlX5I/AAAAAAAAASs/y4bwzO5ILtE/s640/DSC00447.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just some sticks, sittin' around my apartment, all innocent like. For the record, Bear was <i>really</i> confused and kind of pissed that he couldn't chew on these sticks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx0vONHOzUo/TsWKIiMPf4I/AAAAAAAAAS0/qNY9pPLg_es/s1600/DSC00448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx0vONHOzUo/TsWKIiMPf4I/AAAAAAAAAS0/qNY9pPLg_es/s640/DSC00448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He was even <i>more</i> confused when he couldn't chew on them after I painted them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxZLQeKqlP8/TsWKKBdeCFI/AAAAAAAAATE/_9sW_FoLpVE/s1600/DSC00451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxZLQeKqlP8/TsWKKBdeCFI/AAAAAAAAATE/_9sW_FoLpVE/s640/DSC00451.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-gEPvtOxsE/TsWLaiC_zII/AAAAAAAAATs/lOzLXWFBMd8/s640/DSC00458.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Quit taking pictures of those sticks and let me chew 'em, already!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRaSAx-4tTo/TsWKJYOomxI/AAAAAAAAAS8/tokHMmvN0Ic/s1600/DSC00449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRaSAx-4tTo/TsWKJYOomxI/AAAAAAAAAS8/tokHMmvN0Ic/s640/DSC00449.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not bad, if I do say so myself. But I wasn't content to just let them sit in a vase on my coffee table. And I had to get them out of the dog's reaches, so...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHfZ_ag1Zxs/TsWKMGj9QUI/AAAAAAAAATU/wwfP3pksIuQ/s1600/DSC00472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHfZ_ag1Zxs/TsWKMGj9QUI/AAAAAAAAATU/wwfP3pksIuQ/s640/DSC00472.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I put 'em on the wall. Not only did I put 'em on the wall, I <i>hot glued</i> them to the wall. I'm pretty sure there's a line in my lease that says you can't hot glue shit to your walls. And if there's not, there should be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcmEJ34rLus/TsWKNgLHWwI/AAAAAAAAATc/iPxxCpxLu0g/s1600/DSC00473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcmEJ34rLus/TsWKNgLHWwI/AAAAAAAAATc/iPxxCpxLu0g/s640/DSC00473.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just hope it doesn't mess up the paint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSe9i4Q3lww/TsWKK21H3iI/AAAAAAAAATM/Y9G6YpMK1m8/s1600/DSC00455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSe9i4Q3lww/TsWKK21H3iI/AAAAAAAAATM/Y9G6YpMK1m8/s640/DSC00455.JPG" width="480" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think I kind of like it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, done anything <i>completely irrational </i>lately?</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-63962849275391697482011-11-14T08:00:00.003-05:002011-11-14T08:00:14.862-05:00Editing Photos in Picnik<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In <a href="http://mysemi-grownuplife.blogspot.com/2011/11/perfect-day.html">Friday's post</a> I briefly mentioned that I had edited all of the photos in Picnik. If you've never used it, <a href="http://www.picnik.com/">Picnik</a> is a free, online photo-editing program. Just upload your photo, edit, save, and you're done! You can even print from Picnik. I know, how sweet is that? So today I thought I'd delve a little more into the world of Picnik. This also gives me an excuse to post 23857 pictures of my dog. ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, here's the original photo. It's not a bad one, but it could use a little touching up. Note that Bear's ears are in the "I just heard the phrase 'do you want a treat?'" position.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yaOKpnaOh-4/TsA0dAjheCI/AAAAAAAAANo/-ud03l_FLTQ/s1600/IMG_9772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yaOKpnaOh-4/TsA0dAjheCI/AAAAAAAAANo/-ud03l_FLTQ/s640/IMG_9772.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I uploaded my photo into Picnik, cropped it a little, and then used the Auto Fix function. This button is magic. MAGIC, I tell you! Just see for yourself:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vAzrGTgr3zc/TsA0fnGU9uI/AAAAAAAAAN4/_KJodcGMGFs/s1600/IMG_9772_Auto+Fix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vAzrGTgr3zc/TsA0fnGU9uI/AAAAAAAAAN4/_KJodcGMGFs/s640/IMG_9772_Auto+Fix.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let me just say there are about a billion functions in Picnik, but I'm just going to highlight a few of my favorite effects that I use on a lot of the photos I take. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one is called 1960s. It gives the photo that nice warm tone of those old photos you find in a shoebox in your mom's basement. Because of the orange tinge, it's really great for picking up blues in your photos. You can also opt to round the edges of your photo for an authentic look, or keep them squared.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCYv0A08kro/TsA0eQMfw_I/AAAAAAAAANw/4rNITLgYHb0/s1600/IMG_9772_1960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCYv0A08kro/TsA0eQMfw_I/AAAAAAAAANw/4rNITLgYHb0/s640/IMG_9772_1960.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This next one is called Cinema Scope. This one also gives a nice warm, almost Sepia tone to your photos, and adds a slight film grain. In this function, you can choose to letterbox your photo, which automatically zooms to focus the center of your picture.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJtyqDNbBdE/TsA0gj_g6vI/AAAAAAAAAOA/B3smBTqoypw/s1600/IMG_9772_Cinema.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJtyqDNbBdE/TsA0gj_g6vI/AAAAAAAAAOA/B3smBTqoypw/s640/IMG_9772_Cinema.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This next one is called Cross-Process. It gives that trendy greenish tinge that has been popping up on photos recently. It's definitely one of my most-used effects.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0QiyUwD2-4/TsA0jXewrtI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/DqXwNwOneJY/s1600/IMG_9772_Cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0QiyUwD2-4/TsA0jXewrtI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/DqXwNwOneJY/s640/IMG_9772_Cross.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lomo-ish ups the contrast of your photo and also softens the photo from a central point (it's called a "bloom") while also adding in a soft black outer edge for a slightly telescopic effect. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oq08kko3eRU/TsA0kjqMB3I/AAAAAAAAAOY/BbDp-31q71A/s1600/IMG_9772_Lomo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oq08kko3eRU/TsA0kjqMB3I/AAAAAAAAAOY/BbDp-31q71A/s640/IMG_9772_Lomo.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Orton-ish has a slightly similar effect, but adds even more contrast and brings up the highlights and softens a lot more. It lends a dreamy, romantic look to photos.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9sGQNQnUrE/TsA0lustePI/AAAAAAAAAOg/rz2ZiT2TyYI/s1600/IMG_9772_Orton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9sGQNQnUrE/TsA0lustePI/AAAAAAAAAOg/rz2ZiT2TyYI/s640/IMG_9772_Orton.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soften does just that - it softens your photo! A tip: there's a brush function that un-softens (is that even a word?) wherever you want. When dealing with a human or animal subject, I <i>always</i> un-soften the eyes. A photographer friend once told me that if you take a picture and the entire thing is out of focus, but the eyes are in focus, your picture will always look... in focus! (I wasn't aware it was possible to use the word "focus" so many times in a sentence. Sorry!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47HUjfOBHlY/TsA0mrv4lWI/AAAAAAAAAOo/hfwmA2sPVmE/s1600/IMG_9772_Soften.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47HUjfOBHlY/TsA0mrv4lWI/AAAAAAAAAOo/hfwmA2sPVmE/s640/IMG_9772_Soften.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And of course, you can always combine effects for a unique look. In the below photo, I used Cross-Process at 50% fade, and then applied HDR-ish with a radius of 15, strength at 81%, and fade at 0%.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1cOWYA5iN7A/TsA0iO1fTwI/AAAAAAAAAOI/OpAd2tyNO28/s1600/IMG_9772_Combo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1cOWYA5iN7A/TsA0iO1fTwI/AAAAAAAAAOI/OpAd2tyNO28/s640/IMG_9772_Combo.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So have you used <a href="http://www.picnik.com/">Picnik</a> before? If not, hop on over and check it out! I'd love to see what you come up with!</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-13351215155141541242011-11-11T08:00:00.001-05:002011-11-10T14:58:52.271-05:00A Perfect Day<div style="text-align: center;">So the other day I said I was going to wake up early and go jogging. That totally didn't happen. But what did happen was way better. I brought Bear to one of our favorite trails with the full intention of jogging but I forgot how much running <i>hurts</i>. I am many things, but a glutton for punishment isn't one of them. I also brought my camera and kept stopping to take pictures. So what was supposed to be a 20-minute jog turned into an hour-long walk with just Bear and I. And it was perfect. I'll let the pictures do the talking.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofyRoBEt6PI/Trwo5XPx0fI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/zkNXfO28laE/s1600/Walk+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofyRoBEt6PI/Trwo5XPx0fI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/zkNXfO28laE/s640/Walk+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was so quiet and peaceful. It was like walking in a cathedral. Only better. I'm not a very religious person, but sights like this remind me that there <i>has</i> to be something greater out there.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-am3aPPGQlrU/Trwo-bkNJII/AAAAAAAAAMY/HARt6wL-MZo/s1600/Walk+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-am3aPPGQlrU/Trwo-bkNJII/AAAAAAAAAMY/HARt6wL-MZo/s640/Walk+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7qKPhc4d_k/TrwpBDX5XWI/AAAAAAAAAMg/Vhiue_M9Hr0/s1600/Walk+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7qKPhc4d_k/TrwpBDX5XWI/AAAAAAAAAMg/Vhiue_M9Hr0/s640/Walk+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bear was not impressed by my need to stop and take pictures every ten feet.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3ICteqe4kY/TrwpDNrXLXI/AAAAAAAAAMo/lagV-C9xbIA/s1600/Walk+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3ICteqe4kY/TrwpDNrXLXI/AAAAAAAAAMo/lagV-C9xbIA/s640/Walk+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I love the fact that this trail is never packed with people. It's the only place Bear can run free off his leash and I don't have to worry about being screamed at by park rangers. One end of the trail dead-ends at the reservoir, and Bear always gets to swim around and make a mess. Unfortunately he didn't get to today because he just got a bath yesterday. He was NOT happy about his lack of a swim. Oh well, you win some, you lose some.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xu4gM-v0d9A/TrwpN2X7-XI/AAAAAAAAAMw/jTv3HXxoNbA/s1600/Walk+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xu4gM-v0d9A/TrwpN2X7-XI/AAAAAAAAAMw/jTv3HXxoNbA/s640/Walk+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkTWnAUUbHI/TrwpUlVBDWI/AAAAAAAAAM4/rpDEOf9DkdM/s1600/Walk+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkTWnAUUbHI/TrwpUlVBDWI/AAAAAAAAAM4/rpDEOf9DkdM/s640/Walk+6.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9OFq_AYPEY/TrwpVzw0xdI/AAAAAAAAANA/AI41QWufEvk/s1600/Walk+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9OFq_AYPEY/TrwpVzw0xdI/AAAAAAAAANA/AI41QWufEvk/s640/Walk+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dang it if that ain't the most handsome mutt you've ever seen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rhuo72C-yic/TrwpZD_obJI/AAAAAAAAANI/BeXhm18JOpE/s1600/Walk+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rhuo72C-yic/TrwpZD_obJI/AAAAAAAAANI/BeXhm18JOpE/s640/Walk+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkLNNRv4l5Y/Trwpa_y5RrI/AAAAAAAAANQ/75N9oDqzcxA/s1600/Walk+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkLNNRv4l5Y/Trwpa_y5RrI/AAAAAAAAANQ/75N9oDqzcxA/s640/Walk+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbHCgow_YuU/Trwpc_wIAuI/AAAAAAAAANY/-t4JRkX6QB0/s1600/Walk+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbHCgow_YuU/Trwpc_wIAuI/AAAAAAAAANY/-t4JRkX6QB0/s640/Walk+10.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bear kept sticking his tail in the shot. He was getting pretty antsy at that point. He doesn't understand why his human wants to just sit around and take pictures when there are so many things to sniff and pee on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did I mention that it's a perfect 70 degrees out right now? Autumn in Virginia is probably the most perfect thing ever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">P.S. Have you ever tried <a href="http://www.picnik.com/">Picnik</a>? It's probably the best thing ever. I edit all my photos on there and it just turns them into magic. AND it's free. Doesn't get any better than that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have you been having any fall adventures lately?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-80822320010942735272011-11-10T11:08:00.000-05:002011-11-10T11:08:46.899-05:00Thank You, Anthro!<div style="text-align: center;">As soon as I buy new book cases I'm totally doing this:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-brj1Y0GxD1M/Trv1JhGJowI/AAAAAAAAAMI/IpS8cuwsn5M/s1600/book+case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-brj1Y0GxD1M/Trv1JhGJowI/AAAAAAAAAMI/IpS8cuwsn5M/s640/book+case.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23473770&catId=HOME-FURNITURE-LIVING&pushId=HOME-FURNITURE-LIVING&popId=HOME-FURNITURE&navCount=48&color=020&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Also, I am requesting either (or both) of these couches as a housewarming gift. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/483899480_gXPZu4lb_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/483899480_gXPZu4lb_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=21077318&catId=HOME-FURNITURE-LIVING&pushId=HOME-FURNITURE-LIVING&popId=HOME-FURNITURE&navCount=48&color=043&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/483915985_KMEjeesz_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/483915985_KMEjeesz_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22663686&catId=HOME-FURNITURE-LIVING&pushId=HOME-FURNITURE-LIVING&popId=HOME-FURNITURE&navCount=48&color=005&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Start pinching your pennies, people! We <strike>need to</strike> can make this happen!</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-34396215523069688662011-11-09T15:36:00.000-05:002011-11-09T15:36:20.119-05:00Debt<div style="text-align: center;">Before I graduated from high school, I really wish someone would have sat me down, smacked me across the face, and said "Listen up, 'cause this shit is important" and then proceeded to tell me the following things:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Go to community college for two years and get all the stupid core classes out of the way, and then transfer to a real university. Because if you don't, you'll be in college an extra 3+ years because you can't manage to show up to Sophomore English.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Don't get a credit card, because you're going to be way too broke to make the payments, and then lawyers and creditors are going to start calling and harassing your 80-year old grandma.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Don't be a Music Major! Get a real major so you can get a real damn job when you finally graduate.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Start exercising, because you're going to be too broke to buy real groceries and your main form of sustenance will be something off the McDonald's dollar menu. Every. Day. And fat ain't cute and you can't afford to buy new jeans every time you gain or lose a pound.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Live at home until you're 30. Yeah, living with Mom sucks and you hate her rules, but having roommates with alcohol/drug problems who do things like beat your dog, file false police reports on you, and bail two days before $1100 of rent is due are WAY worse than being home by midnight.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">6. Just don't date. Boys will ruin your grades and the bad sex is way overrated. Just make sure you make it to a certain bar on September 16, 2010, 'cause that guy is actually worth keeping around.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">7. You can't raise your brother, make good decisions for your mom, or repair the relationship with your dad, so quit stressing out over it. All that crying you do while driving is probably going to cause you to wreck (again) and you can't afford to total another car.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That being said, I think it's pretty apparent I'm under a LOT of stress right now, most of it being caused by financial burdens. I wish just a few short years ago I'd really understood what living above your means actually meant. More importantly, I wish I had understood the consequences.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been feeling really overwhelmed lately, and when that happens I tend to just hide from everything so I don't end up having a giant panic attack (been there, done that, ain't fun). Seriously, I didn't get out of bed until 2 pm today.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I get like this, I remember what my friend Jamie told me, and it's some of the best advice I've ever gotten: "You can't do everything all at once. You need to break things down and take care of one thing at a time." So that's what I'm going to try to do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's what needs to happen in the next month:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tomorrow I'm going to wake my ass up sometime before noon. I'm going to take Bear and go for a jog. Because like I said before, McDonald's is making my ass bigger than it already is and I don't need that extra stress.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tomorrow I'm also going to apply for Federal Student Aid for next semester.</div><div style="text-align: center;">On Friday I'm going to send off the check to make the first payment on my student loans. It's due on Monday and I can't afford to deal with any late charges.</div><div style="text-align: center;">On Monday I'm going to pay off the $140 hold on my student account and attempt to get registered for the last two classes I need in order to graduate.</div><div style="text-align: center;">On December 1 I'm going to pay my rent.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Through December, I'm going to save up for all the money that moving requires (damn you, security and pet deposits!).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once Ryan and I move in January I'm going to call those pesky debt collectors and set up some kind of payment plan.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've got to get a handle on my money, I can't keep living life hiding from my bank statements. And I'm pretty sure my family is going to disown me if those lawyers don't stop calling. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On the up side, my car will be paid off in May, and that means that not only do I not have to worry about car payments, I can also drop my car insurance down to liability and that will save me a little money too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Breaking things down I just realized that I only need $250 by Monday to make sure my immediate concerns are taken care of, and that has alleviated the stress a little.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Am I the only 20-something that feels like they've been thrown out on the wind with no sort of idea how to be a grown-up? You'd think they'd have some kind of class or handbook for this sort of thing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I wish I was rich enough to just have some kind of financial advisor. But then, if I were rich, I guess I wouldn't worry so much about my car being repossessed. </div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-78402578889147084602011-11-02T11:51:00.000-04:002011-11-02T11:51:43.243-04:00Living Room Inspiration<div style="text-align: center;">Despite the fact Ryan and I have <i>no idea</i> where we'll be moving to in the near future, I've got design inspiration on the brain. We've narrowed our choices down to two houses (even though those plans can change in a second), and I'm already dreaming up furniture layouts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I <a href="http://mysemi-grownuplife.blogspot.com/2011/10/im-torn.html">posted</a> about the colorful vs. neutral quandary I was having, and some of the owners of those lovely living rooms gave the tip that I should keep the big things neutral and bring in color via accessories. Well, I've been Pinning like a madwoman, and here are some of the ideas I've slapped together.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As much as I love bright, colorful spaces, I just can't get neutral rooms out of my head. So here's a sort of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">not entirely</span> logical progression in lieu of going from entirely neutral to adding that perfect pop of color.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/428215242_n0qFYuPm_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/428215242_n0qFYuPm_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Completely neutral and completely perfect. I think one of the things I love most about neutral rooms is how much plants shine in them. This room would border on boring if it weren't for some simple potted plants. Downside: my cat looooves chewing on house plants.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/428166339_OXTKdch9_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/428166339_OXTKdch9_c.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Again, the perfect shades of white with the same lovely plant action. What can I say? I love leaves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next two design boards are by the lovely and talented <a href="http://www.fieldstonehilldesign.com/">Darlene</a> of Fieldstone Hill Design. The way she adds subtle colors to an already beautiful neutral background makes my heart pitter patter. This is more in the direction I want to go in with my own space.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/428158602_pL7OqDJB_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/428158602_pL7OqDJB_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/428152350_Y1PuhQyj_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/428152350_Y1PuhQyj_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/428210708_oVrmV81c_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/428210708_oVrmV81c_c.jpg" width="640" /></a>And then there's this living room. Designed by Jamie Meares of <a href="http://isuwannee.com/">i suwannee</a>, it is probably one of the most prefect rooms I've ever seen. I especially love the fact that it's a gorgeous room that looks like you could actually <i>live</i> in. I'm especially diggin' those dark orange velvet chairs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, there you have it. Aside from writing music for my high school group, these living rooms are pretty much the only thing I've been thinking about lately. And of course, Ryan thinks I'm completely crazy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">P. S. This pillow is going to come live with me someday. Hopefully that someday is in the very near future (A.K.A. after I pay rent!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/428247213_neWUfueh_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/428247213_neWUfueh_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you all are having a lovely week so far!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-67861982938793821562011-10-31T12:34:00.000-04:002011-10-31T12:34:37.975-04:00Happy Halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://vintage-witch.com/images/vintage/SchmuckerHwnFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://vintage-witch.com/images/vintage/SchmuckerHwnFairy.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Halloween! Stay safe and have fun. :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-805460866795925472011-10-28T10:31:00.001-04:002011-10-31T10:01:19.935-04:00Apple & Pear Crostadas<div style="text-align: center;">I've been a busy bee over here, trying to get both my semi-grownup life and my Halloween costume together. And I've been recruited to be Ryan's official makeup artist tomorrow night. He's going to be some kind of Satanic demon-priest? And he wants his look to be perfect. This guy is putting on the pressure, let me tell ya!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I digress. Needless to say, between the makeup and the aforementioned roommate situation, I've been a little stressed out. Which means I've gone into blog-reading overload. Some people, when stressed, drink. Or cry. Or clean. I read blogs. In fact, on Tuesday I didn't even get out of bed until it was time for my night class. But before I was forced to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">put on pants</span> get it together, I was pulled in by that homemaking maven, Martha Stewart. This woman ALWAYS gets me in trouble.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was browsing her Thanksgiving recipes (I refuse to think about Christmas yet), and found a recipe for an Apple and Cheddar Crostada. So, I got to baking and let me tell you, these things are <i>perfection</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TP665KPEISg/Tqq0Ou4wxcI/AAAAAAAAALg/l1kpoFFI5sI/s1600/DSC00397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TP665KPEISg/Tqq0Ou4wxcI/AAAAAAAAALg/l1kpoFFI5sI/s640/DSC00397.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Please, try not to drool on your keyboard. Wanna know how to make this puppy? Of course you do! It's so easy even <i>I</i> didn't screw it up!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Okay, here's what you're gonna need:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>For the Dough:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 teaspoon salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 sticks <i>cold</i> unsalted butter, cut into small pieces</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water (I just stuck half a cup of water in the freezer for a few minutes while I got my other ingredients together.)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese *</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, for the following directions, you can use a food processor. I don't own a food processor, and the flour was threatening to kill my blender, so I did this the old-fashioned way: with my hands. And it was way more fun to make a mess.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Directions:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. In a large bowl (or food processor) combine flour and salt.</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Add butter, making sure to break up all the butter pats and mix until your dough resembles corn meal.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bBsynrdl9SY/Tqqz1cb-LZI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/_vM4hUaoHqk/s1600/DSC00384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bBsynrdl9SY/Tqqz1cb-LZI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/_vM4hUaoHqk/s640/DSC00384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Drizzle 1/4 cup ice water over dough, and work in. If dough is too dry, add more ice water 1 tbsp. at a time. Work dough into a ball. Try not to eat all the raw dough! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xj95Vi4-RS0/Tqqz3pfL9wI/AAAAAAAAAKY/p025H0dJ554/s1600/DSC00386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xj95Vi4-RS0/Tqqz3pfL9wI/AAAAAAAAAKY/p025H0dJ554/s640/DSC00386.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. *Now, at this point you can add the cheddar cheese. This recipe makes TWO dough disks, and I only wanted one with cheddar, so at this point I divided my dough in half, and cling-wrapped one dough ball.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BinpOhs0818/Tqqz5_uWnKI/AAAAAAAAAKg/P4eQCREl5Ks/s1600/DSC00387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BinpOhs0818/Tqqz5_uWnKI/AAAAAAAAAKg/P4eQCREl5Ks/s640/DSC00387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I then added 1/2 cup of regular sharp cheddar cheese. It was what I had on hand, and the dough turned out delicioso, regardless of the cheese color.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BkhsBw9reH0/Tqqz7j5JnzI/AAAAAAAAAKo/OI7kDbXHRSg/s1600/DSC00388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BkhsBw9reH0/Tqqz7j5JnzI/AAAAAAAAAKo/OI7kDbXHRSg/s640/DSC00388.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">5. Cling-wrap your dough balls and refrigerate at least 30 minutes, or overnight.</div><div style="text-align: center;">6. After dough has chilled, roll out into an approximate 13-inch diameter disk, about 1/8 inch thick. Use a lightly floured surface! Or you and your counter will hate yourself. Transfer to a parchment-paper lined baking sheet, and refrigerate another 30 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A note on parchment paper: I wasn't sure if this project could be completed without it, but I decided not to take the risk. I'm not sure if it actually effects the baking process, but it definitely makes clean-up a breeze, which totally makes it worth it. You'll see what I'm talking about.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, in Fruit Land...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">While your dough is chillin' like a villain, make yo' fillin'! Um... I guess if this whole blog thing doesn't work out I can always become a professional bakery rapper?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>For the Filling:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tart apples (I used Granny Smith but you could also use Gala), 2 McIntosh apples (I used Red Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup granulated sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tablespoons all-purpose flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tablespoons lemon juice (Martha suggests fresh. I use that stuff that comes in a lemon-shaped bottle. There is NO way I'm squeezing lemons without a juice press.)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup apricot preserves, warmed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 large egg, lightly beaten</div><div style="text-align: center;">Coarse sanding sugar, for sprinkling (I don't even know what that is, so I just used regular sugar and everything turned out fine.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Directions:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Toss together apples, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqtx0Ysfujg/Tqqz9YDrl2I/AAAAAAAAAKw/ZiUT6bw7LJo/s1600/DSC00391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqtx0Ysfujg/Tqqz9YDrl2I/AAAAAAAAAKw/ZiUT6bw7LJo/s640/DSC00391.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Arrange on your pastry, leaving about a 1 1/2-inch margin.</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Fold your edges up. I kind of overlapped things to make everything stay together.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tpxyR_9gQaY/Tqqz-xZZOtI/AAAAAAAAAK4/mqxqgpjs2zM/s1600/DSC00392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tpxyR_9gQaY/Tqqz-xZZOtI/AAAAAAAAAK4/mqxqgpjs2zM/s640/DSC00392.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. Brush your crust edges with egg so you get a nice, shiny finish. Yes, that is leftover acrylic paint left on my brush. No one was poisoned in the eating of this delicacy so no harm, no foul. Just do me a favor and don't notify the health department.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. Sprinkle top of fruit with sanding sugar (again, granulated worked just fine).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-poU7Hx_xnKY/Tqq0A_nDdnI/AAAAAAAAALA/kZO2USZSeq0/s1600/DSC00393.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-poU7Hx_xnKY/Tqq0A_nDdnI/AAAAAAAAALA/kZO2USZSeq0/s640/DSC00393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6. Pop back into the fridge for about 20 minutes so the edges of your crust can firm up. (If only I could do that for my thighs!) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">7. Bake for about 1 hour 20 minutes. I baked the apple crostada for about an hour at 375, and the pear for 1:20 at 350, and I think the second turned out a little better. But I have a gas oven, so just check on it about every 30 minutes or so, just to make sure nothing is on fire.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4G8WD4s2s4/Tqq0KzIyVgI/AAAAAAAAALQ/jBr3Vt6rQ_Q/s1600/DSC00395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4G8WD4s2s4/Tqq0KzIyVgI/AAAAAAAAALQ/jBr3Vt6rQ_Q/s640/DSC00395.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">8. Warm 1/4 cup apricot preserves. I zapped mine in the microwave for about 45 seconds and it was enough to set it to boiling. Brush over apples.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Voila!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJxZjPlr7JQ/Tqq0Mzy3GcI/AAAAAAAAALY/3pd3KLNpmRw/s1600/DSC00396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJxZjPlr7JQ/Tqq0Mzy3GcI/AAAAAAAAALY/3pd3KLNpmRw/s640/DSC00396.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I decided to switch things up a bit with the second one, and did a Pear and Brie Crostada. I already had my non-cheesed dough ball refrigerated and at the ready, and for the filling I used the same recipe above, just with the substitution of 3 Bartlett pears.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I rolled out my dough, and brushed some honey over it. (I was feeling pretty confident by now and wanted to jazz this one up. I'm glad I added the honey, it was yumm-o). I also thinly sliced some Brie cheese and arranged it over the honey, and "smooshed" it out a little with my fingers.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcC-_VGDrt8/Tqq0RIvPWeI/AAAAAAAAALo/FSpB9Gmarsw/s1600/DSC00399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcC-_VGDrt8/Tqq0RIvPWeI/AAAAAAAAALo/FSpB9Gmarsw/s640/DSC00399.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I arranged my pears and baked for 1:20 at 350. I then pulled it out and...AH! PRIMORDIAL PIE OOZE! My pie crust busted a seam and some juices came pouring out during the baking process. The pears were way juicier than the apples, and fortunately my crostada didn't dry out at all.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVCsapr9orE/Tqq0TaXiJWI/AAAAAAAAALw/35kYBhHJxyM/s1600/DSC00402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVCsapr9orE/Tqq0TaXiJWI/AAAAAAAAALw/35kYBhHJxyM/s640/DSC00402.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here's the part where you thank whatever deity it is you pray to for the invention of parchment paper. This stuff is infused with some kind of magic, because that black goo didn't stick to my crust AT ALL, and I just crumpled up the paper and tossed it, as opposed to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">swearing</span> scrubbing vigorously to get that crap off my baking sheet. Again, I brushed the finished product with warmed apricot preserves.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">These turned out beautifully and I can't even tell you how delicious your house is going to smell while these are baking. They even passed the boyfriend test! Of course, Ryan refuses to try the pear one, but he tore into the apple one, and recommends the addition of Cool-Whip. Whatever. I think they're perfect just the way they are. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yijtLbTF3fE/Tqq0WSMPWPI/AAAAAAAAAL4/NJjI14MJtoE/s1600/DSC00403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yijtLbTF3fE/Tqq0WSMPWPI/AAAAAAAAAL4/NJjI14MJtoE/s640/DSC00403.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Ryan was amazed I didn't burn the house down, and even more impressed they tasted good (I'm not much of a cook. I'm notorious for serving burned chicken and under-cooked sausage). So, there you go! Go bake some deliciousness, and let me know how it goes! If you're feeling brave, I'd love to know if you come up with any new flavor combinations. These are so easy and tasty I think they'll be making frequent re-appearances.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They're even more delicious the next morning as a breakfast tart. Yep, your mornings just got better.</div><br><br><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PW8uWCYYdO4/Tqq0Y_47qOI/AAAAAAAAAMA/D9oo6RbczEk/s1600/DSC00404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PW8uWCYYdO4/Tqq0Y_47qOI/AAAAAAAAAMA/D9oo6RbczEk/s640/DSC00404.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><center><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/homemakeronadime/creativeblogbuttonjpg.jpg" /></a></center>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-20300003474258481512011-10-24T10:23:00.000-04:002011-10-24T10:23:51.350-04:00Unexcused Absence<div style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the lack of posts, friends. I've been doing my usual 7-day work week, which leaves so much spare time for blogging.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ryan and I were house hunting all weekend, so hopefully in the next couple weeks we'll have a place to move into!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also might sue my roommate. Doesn't that sound like fun!? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It actually doesn't sound fun at all, it just sounds like a bunch of extra stress, money, and drama. But hey, that's the real world, right?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be back soon. In the meantime, I added my bedroom to my Home Tour page. I want to try and get all the rooms in my apartment photographed and put up there, so I'll have a reference to things I want to do/change in the new place.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope everyone's weekends were great! Please tell me you did something more exciting than house hunting and retaining a lawyer.</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-53602959139874476282011-10-18T16:53:00.001-04:002011-11-09T15:40:19.885-05:00Tights!<div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday at Target I was wandering about aimlessly, as I am wont to do on an afternoon when I'm trying to waste some time before work, and the idea of patterned tights popped into my head.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I found myself wandering awkwardly amongst the old lady bras and little kid shoes and finally found myself in the tights aisle. Not much appealed to me, and then, all of a sudden, something fuschia and zig-zaggy and wonderful just jumped into my hand unbidden. Missoni for Target tights.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I guess I had a small moment of insanity, leftover from the Missoni Madness that happened all across the country a couple weeks ago, because when I saw I was holding the last pair, I decided I <i>had</i> to have them. I could always return them if I didn't like them, right? Well, I got home, pulled those bad boys up, and <i>fell in love</i>! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I haven't worn tights in over fifteen years, but as I kid I had all kinds of tights. I guess these just bring back happy memories. Then I realized, how the hell am I gonna outfit these? I have a HUGE donk, aren't these going to look dumb? Ryan's going to hate them. I need to color coordinate.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I hopped on Pinterest and found a new obsession: shorts with tights! And now, for image overload:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashionsfinest.com/images/photos/blogs/leeanne_weise/Patterned_tights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://fashionsfinest.com/images/photos/blogs/leeanne_weise/Patterned_tights.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/346067837_2DjtEYeI_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/346067837_2DjtEYeI_c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/346070321_nPMvoDJV_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/346070321_nPMvoDJV_c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8358081ff69e2014e8c0b0243970d-500wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8358081ff69e2014e8c0b0243970d-500wi" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/346071005_e4fPRTtG_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/346071005_e4fPRTtG_c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/346066694_o4ZaQdhh_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/346066694_o4ZaQdhh_c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think the key here is keeping the shorts a little longer and loose, as opposed to Daisy Dukes. And let's face it, no one looks good in hot pants anyway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm super excited to try out a couple outfits, although I'm sure Ryan is going to make all kinds of fun of me. But whateva.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, what are your thoughts? Am I the only one itching to release my inner six-year-old and jump on the tights bandwagon?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-23604843512062647832011-10-14T10:08:00.004-04:002011-11-09T15:40:50.640-05:00Restoration Hardware Hack: Framed Sheet Music<div style="text-align: center;">About a month ago, the Restoration Hardware Source Book arrived in my mailbox and I've been trying not to <strike>drool all over</strike> buy everything in it. Because I'm moving in a couple months, I've been avoiding buying anything decor-related for my apartment; but when I saw this picture I realized it would be a pretty easy DIY.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsY5Sh4npdE/Tpg9QGBYowI/AAAAAAAAAIw/040PKShpFt0/s1600/music+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="329" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsY5Sh4npdE/Tpg9QGBYowI/AAAAAAAAAIw/040PKShpFt0/s640/music+wall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">A gallery wall of framed sheet music? Lovely! Paying $199 a pop over at RH? I don't think so. Being a musician, I have TONS of old sheet music laying around so lucky me. If you're not musically-inclined, there are a ton of websites out there where you can download free sheet music, so no worries. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a>I have a couple original pieces of music that are already yellowed and fraying, but that would have been just too easy. They were also all fairly large, and the mats I had were cut for an 8x10. Instead I decided to use some photocopies of a Beethoven piano sonata I played a few years ago, conveniently sized at 8 1/2x11 and period-appropriate for a Restoration Hardware hack.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5-K3jZNGvNc/Tpg-MsrhFLI/AAAAAAAAAI4/RZSBZfgiVQw/s1600/Music1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5-K3jZNGvNc/Tpg-MsrhFLI/AAAAAAAAAI4/RZSBZfgiVQw/s640/Music1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm just going to go ahead and apologize now for the less than stellar photo quality. I don't know what was going on with the camera. Oh, can you tell the music was photocopied from a spiral-bound book? </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Because my music was all snowy-white and RH's isn't, I decided to tea stain. Yes, I realize I'm using expensive Starbucks Tazo tea, but any black tea you have on hand would be more than acceptable. This is just what I had sitting around. If you're wondering what black tea is, it's anything not labeled green/white/herbal. Earl Gray and Lipton's are black teas.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6kMRi5Rcjw0/Tpg-NZrOd2I/AAAAAAAAAJA/cuqVGIMegLM/s1600/Music2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6kMRi5Rcjw0/Tpg-NZrOd2I/AAAAAAAAAJA/cuqVGIMegLM/s400/Music2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> I soaked one tea bag in about a half inch of hot water for a couple minutes while I gathered my supplies. I <i>gently</i> squeezed out any excess water and rubbed it on the paper. At this point I'm going to advise some caution: BE CAREFUL WITH YO' TEABAG! Tazo uses a silk bag, which is pretty durable, but cheaper teas use paper bags, which can and will bust if you rub too vigorously and leave you with a big mess <strike><span style="font-size: x-small;">that's what she said</span></strike><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjfubmFJSKY/Tpg-N2ZOYhI/AAAAAAAAAJI/guVFiJaIkCM/s1600/Music3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjfubmFJSKY/Tpg-N2ZOYhI/AAAAAAAAAJI/guVFiJaIkCM/s640/Music3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I only did one "coat," but if you don't think it's dark enough, wait for the paper to dry <i>completely</i> before going another round with the tea. You don't want to get your paper too wet or you'll risk your ink running or, even worse, the whole thing just turning into a pulpy mess. I hung my pages proud-kindergartener-style on the fridge to dry. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCSDUsgV93M/Tpg-OTYA9NI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/UcyULpsItEE/s1600/Music4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCSDUsgV93M/Tpg-OTYA9NI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/UcyULpsItEE/s640/Music4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, while my pages were drying, I set about to glam up my frames. I buy a two-pack of these frames whenever I go to Michael's. They're cheap, always in stock, and I just like having a few extras around in case the mood suddenly strikes me to frame something.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmNXrm80cQA/Tpg-PNtDnJI/AAAAAAAAAJY/w3FprHSlSIk/s1600/Music5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmNXrm80cQA/Tpg-PNtDnJI/AAAAAAAAAJY/w3FprHSlSIk/s400/Music5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I used Rub n' Buff in Antique Gold. (Yes, my fingers <i>are</i> that fat in real life.) This was actually the longest part of the process. DON'T do like I did and take everything out of the frame. They're plastic and flimsy and hard to work with. Instead, take that picture that already comes in the frame and put it in front of the glass. Or tape it off. Whatever floats your boat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVM7XbcJi7M/Tpg-QTUk3VI/AAAAAAAAAJg/LWNaLjoxcPI/s1600/Music6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVM7XbcJi7M/Tpg-QTUk3VI/AAAAAAAAAJg/LWNaLjoxcPI/s400/Music6.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The finished frame, all snazzy and gold. I only did one relatively thin coat because I wanted some of the black to show through so the frame would look sort of mottled like the original.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBd3G61SSQs/Tpg-TOz2WcI/AAAAAAAAAJo/6IlaZ9GSCww/s1600/Music7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBd3G61SSQs/Tpg-TOz2WcI/AAAAAAAAAJo/6IlaZ9GSCww/s640/Music7.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And a blurry photo of the finished result! Told you my pictures today were gonna suck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAt9bXXn2Pk/Tpg-VIOIPNI/AAAAAAAAAJw/fp_H5EO2Elc/s1600/Music8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAt9bXXn2Pk/Tpg-VIOIPNI/AAAAAAAAAJw/fp_H5EO2Elc/s640/Music8.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hung 'em up in my hallway, which was needing a little love. The best thing about this project is that I can expand upon it as much as I want. I can leave it with just four, but if I want to, someday I can do an entire wall like the inspiration photo. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tXEw5NZHPQ/Tpg-XKnbvMI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/h9akNVrfNaw/s1600/Music9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tXEw5NZHPQ/Tpg-XKnbvMI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/h9akNVrfNaw/s640/Music9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V8fojh4nFLs/Tpg-XXghTTI/AAAAAAAAAKA/sq4tpFqSQrc/s1600/Music10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V8fojh4nFLs/Tpg-XXghTTI/AAAAAAAAAKA/sq4tpFqSQrc/s640/Music10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The original is on the left. So mine doesn't have a fancy calligraphy title. Whatever. Mine was free. That's right, friends, F-R-E-E! All the materials I already had on hand. <i>And </i>it only took me an hour to complete, start to finish!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a plan in mind to jazz up the mats over the weekend, so I'll show you that next week.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have you done any crafts lately? Anything so simple and effective it should be a crime? I'd love to hear about it! Happy weekend!</div><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/homemakeronadime/creativeblogbuttonjpg.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://homestoriesatoz.com/"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SlgTz2PxxQE/TebzzF1WeyI/AAAAAAAAJrg/AlsHSBlb3Ag/s1600/Home+Stories+A+to+Z.jpg" /></a></center>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-31223133135205983972011-10-13T12:11:00.002-04:002011-11-09T15:41:59.393-05:00Tipping: It's Not a City in China<div style="text-align: center;">Before I start this post I know that some asshole is going to post an anonymous comment talking about how whiny I'm being. And to that, I say: shut up and go somewhere else.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A Little Background:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, on with the show. If you don't already know, I'm a server/bartender at a fairly upscale restaurant in my area. I've been there for almost four years and, for the most part, I love my job. I grew up with a single mom who was a bartender for years, and I remember seeing how difficult it was for her to support us, and now I'm finding myself in her shoes. (Seriously, when was the last time you had to make the choice between <i>buying groceries</i> and paying rent? If you've ever been there, you know how terrible that feels.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seriously, I didn't buy groceries for six months one time. I lived off of leftovers from my mom's house and free meals my friend in the kitchen provided because he felt bad for me. Oh, and peanut butter sandwiches.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">August - October are notoriously slow in the restaurant industry. My manager gives us the same spiel every year- "Save your money, turn as many tables as you can, etc." I get it. I have a daily budget. I'm not an idiot.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But when I work five days a week and consistently make 10% tips, avoiding homelessness gets pretty difficult.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I'm Good at This:</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, let me just say that I am <i>awesome</i> at what I do. I'm one of four certified trainers for my job. That means that every server we hire is trained by me. It took me three years to work up to a bartender's position, because we only promote from within. In my manager's words the bartenders "are the cream of the crop." I've been employee of the month. I'm good with people. I'm NOT one of those jerk waitresses who doesn't give a damn about you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I understand that your tips pay my bills. More importantly, I generally like you (unless you're rude). I honest-to-God want you to have a good time while I'm waiting on you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Cutting Corners the Wrong Way:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But these last couple months I've noticed a really disturbing trend: people are still coming out to eat, still spending the same amount on their bill, and are tipping <i>less</i>. Um.... what? If you can't afford to tip, <i>you can't afford to go out to eat!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Salary? What's a Salary?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In case you didn't know, I DO NOT make minimum wage. In fact, I make <i>$2.13 an hour</i>. Yes, you read that right. Two freaking bucks an hour. AND I tip out 3% of my total sales to the bartenders/bussers/hostesses. AND I pay taxes on those sales.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So when you come out to eat and have a $75 check, don't leave me $5! How is <i>anyone</i> supposed to live off of $5? Where I used to average $500/week, I'm now averaging less than $250. That's over a fifty percent pay cut. Imagine your life if your salary were cut in half, without notice.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wednesdays are one of the busiest days of the week in my restaurant. With my sales, I should have made around $100- $120 last night. I made $39. Last Sunday, I made $18. Eighteen. Dollars. I sat in my car and cried when I got off work. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't know how many times in the last four years I've gotten the "Thank you so much for your service! You were wonderful!," followed by a tip like the one below. Hint: A verbal compliment (or what we in the biz like to call a "verbal tip"), while very much appreciated, DOES NOT pay my bills. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tr8Vvlf2-6w/TpcJ_Qkp-MI/AAAAAAAAAIo/5c8KMT6Ah2A/s1600/tip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tr8Vvlf2-6w/TpcJ_Qkp-MI/AAAAAAAAAIo/5c8KMT6Ah2A/s400/tip.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my finger.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">This is just unacceptable. Trust me, if I could find a full-time day job, I would. But I'm <i>putting myself through college</i>, with classes during the day, so I can't. I have rent. I have bills. I have a grownup life I'm trying to live and pay for. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The "Standard":</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm sure at some point you've heard that the tipping standard is 15 - 20%. What exactly does that mean? That means that 15 - 20% of the total bill is what you should leave as a tip. Now let's get real: 20% is actually the standard these days. Living is expensive. I give great service, and I'm disappointed when I get a tip that's less than 20%.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I Suck at Math! Help!:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, the easy way to figure out 20%: Take your total. For an example we'll use the one from the picture above - $89.00. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now move the decimal to the left by one place. That gives you $8.90; that's 10%. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now multiply that by two. That gives you $17.80. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now go out there and start leaving 20%. And for the love of God, if you get terrible service, TALK TO A MANAGER about it! I've left two bad tips in my entire life, and trust me, they were warranted. However, the problem was brought up to a manager beforehand.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you've stuck through the rant this far, thanks. Sometimes you need to get something off your chest before you're forced to start pouring bleach into people's sweet teas. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally kidding. I don't poison people because that's illegal. </span></div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-37843256428913765022011-10-12T12:49:00.002-04:002011-10-12T13:26:04.230-04:00I'm Torn<div style="text-align: center;">Ryan and I are looking at moving in together after the new year. Let's not even talk about how scared I am to take such a big step.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm SO sick of looking at Craigslist and realty websites. I've been stalking streets with Google Maps, trying to discern if the neighborhood is "sketchy," and whether or not the house in question has a fenced back yard.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, not being the most practical of people, I'm already dreaming of how I'm going to decorate our new place. Let's keep in mind that Ryan is <i>way</i> more opinionated about decor than any sane man has a right to be.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, here's my dilemma: Do I go colorful or neutral? Because I am drawn to both! I know, I know, keep big things like furniture neutral and then you can change it up with accessories, but who really has an extra closet for things like throw pillow covers? Also, Ryan is drawn to what <i>he</i> dubs modern, while I like a mix of old and new. So, some inspiration photos from both sides of the color argument.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Colorful:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/kfddesigns/IMG_8898.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="397" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kfddesigns.blogspot.com/">Kristen F. Davis Designs</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Roi2RLGEngE/TiOrqGxLmII/AAAAAAAAGcg/XJ_wQkbaqeI/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-07-17+at+9.39.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Roi2RLGEngE/TiOrqGxLmII/AAAAAAAAGcg/XJ_wQkbaqeI/s640/Screen+shot+2011-07-17+at+9.39.30+PM.png" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://danielleoakeyinteriors.blogspot.com/">Danielle Oakey Interiors</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Neutral:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AuSuXuCre9k/Th8o7sOtwNI/AAAAAAAABUc/QeFRREKLoP8/s1600/2213WashingtonAve_016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AuSuXuCre9k/Th8o7sOtwNI/AAAAAAAABUc/QeFRREKLoP8/s640/2213WashingtonAve_016.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hauteindoorcouture.blogspot.com/">Haute Indoor Couture</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LYr-2wQKFoE/TX0--qfQylI/AAAAAAAADIg/ZzFPxuDHWRk/s1600/IMG_3230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LYr-2wQKFoE/TX0--qfQylI/AAAAAAAADIg/ZzFPxuDHWRk/s400/IMG_3230.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/">For the Love of a House</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's so much to love about all of these rooms! I'm instantly drawn to bold colors and pattern, but neutral rooms are the ones I find myself thinking about again and again. I also have a mild obsession for anything old. The more falling-apart, the better. I also have a dog who makes keeping anything clean impossible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Help! Where do I begin!?</div><br />
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</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139412827907198342.post-19639882824112848762011-10-10T17:37:00.002-04:002011-10-10T17:37:40.252-04:00You Know What I'd Like?<div style="text-align: center;">A day off. I've been at el restauaranto five days a week, while teaching and going to class on my two nights off. I've also been teaching during the day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Um... can a girl get a day off ova hea!?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll see you lovers tomorrow.</div><div style="text-align: center;">With pictures.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I promise!</div>Casey @ {My Semi-Grownup Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04084267497129659031noreply@blogger.com1