I started this blog after a year of marriage when we bought my great grandparent's home in the historic Heights. It was in pretty bad condition and all of our weekends were devoted to sanding, drilling, cleaning, and general de-grossifying. When I started bloggin', it was to chronicle our home renovations. I pretty much gave this blog the lamest and corniest name - No Place Like Home. I figured that title summed up what the content of this blog would generally be about- home.
If only I would have known at that time what the title No Place Like Home would mean for Daniel and me.
I figured home was going to always be in Texas, let alone Houston. Daniel did a stint in London in 2009 and in the back of our mind, we always knew that we had the option of moving there if we wanted to. But Houston is home- our family is here, the job that I love is here, our dogs are here, and we wanted to start a family here.
Something clicked for us in November. We still didn't have a baby. Although I loved my job, I knew that this probably wouldn't be what I would do forever. Daniel was hearing a lot more at work that they wanted us to move. And we finally thought "Ok....let's do this!"
And that brings us here.
We have two more months in Houston, and then we are moving to London. We don't really know how long we will be there for- at least a year, but probably longer if we enjoy it. There is also the possibility of moving somewhere other than Houston (most likely in Europe) if we decide we want to. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that travel was important to me and that I wanted to see the world. This is the right decision for us and our life.
So, No Place Like Home will no longer be about our house in Houston. Home is with Daniel...as long as we are together, that's home. So Home will now be London, and this blog will now serve to chronicle our preparations to move, life in London, and hopefully lots of travels.
I will blog more about logistics later, I just wanted to share our news now! I hope if you do not follow this blog, you will begin to!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Lizard-Skin Cure
My skin is always painfully dry. When I was in college, my skin would constantly break into dry, itchy hives. The doctor diagnosed it as eczema and gave me prescription lotion, which never really worked well.
No lotion seems to work. I do like Vaseline or Euciderm, but the both seem to just sit on the skin so I rarely use them. Extremely dry skin is not only very uncomfortable, but also makes my skin (especially my legs) look like I just got out of a fight with barbed wire because I scratch all of the time. This often times keeps me from wearing anything that shows my legs.
This past week, I needed lotion while at work and my school nurse recommended using Neutrogena Light Sesame Body Oil after the shower instead of lotion. Because I am frugal and didn't want to spend $8 on something that might not work, I bought The Target Up& Up brand that is supposed to be the same thing.
After showering, you lightly dry your skin (but you still want it to be a little moist) before applying the oil all over. I felt a little oily at first, but my skin absorbed it within a few minutes. My skin finally felt so quenched! It lasted all day. This is worth a try if you have problems with severely dry skin, too!
No lotion seems to work. I do like Vaseline or Euciderm, but the both seem to just sit on the skin so I rarely use them. Extremely dry skin is not only very uncomfortable, but also makes my skin (especially my legs) look like I just got out of a fight with barbed wire because I scratch all of the time. This often times keeps me from wearing anything that shows my legs.
This past week, I needed lotion while at work and my school nurse recommended using Neutrogena Light Sesame Body Oil after the shower instead of lotion. Because I am frugal and didn't want to spend $8 on something that might not work, I bought The Target Up& Up brand that is supposed to be the same thing.
After showering, you lightly dry your skin (but you still want it to be a little moist) before applying the oil all over. I felt a little oily at first, but my skin absorbed it within a few minutes. My skin finally felt so quenched! It lasted all day. This is worth a try if you have problems with severely dry skin, too!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
normal
I want to start updating my blog. I'm always hesitant about writing a blog post, because...
a. I have no children and I am not artistic, therefore does my life have meaning in the blogosphere?
b. Life can be mediocre (aka wonderful yet, but maybe same ol? Yah.)
Also, while reading my old posts in order to get some bloggin ( Yes, bloggiN, not bloggING) ideas, I felt so NOT me, like I was trying to pretend I was someone that I am not. So I vow...
1. I will never post about the "it" things to buy. Because all of my things are from Amazon or resale or the GAP sale section
2. Yes, I cook healthily but at the end of the day, I love me some cheese and wine on top of those healthy recipes. Know that if I ever give you healthful advice.
3. Yes, I exercise but I also like to sit in a bubble bath and read a book until I become a wrinkly prune. That was me with Gone Girl this weekend.
So, after reading my vows, I'm thinking..."What am I ever going to write about?"
The other day, I got sad that I stopped chronicling our vacations, let alone our day to day life. Although it can be mundane, I like my day to day life, and it is a sad thing to not remember the small blessings that make life special.
So this is it. Sometimes I will blog the things that make me happy, in order to remember them. I vow to be my 100% pure self. It's not cool and it is pretty ordinary. If I bore you, HEY GET OFF THE INTERNET!!! DO SOMETHING PRODUCTIVE WITH THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE!!!
I probably won't post for another 3 months. If you're lucky. And there will probably never be pictures to accompany my boring posts.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
A healthier lunch
I don't go out for lunch. I'm not trying to sound like I'm healthier-than-thou, I just don't. Of course, a lot of it has to do with only having 20 minutes for lunch, my lunch time being at 10:40, and working in an area where my choices are McDonald's, Jack in the Box, or a taco truck (not one of the cool trendy ones, either). If I worked in an environment where I could go out for lunch then I probably would (although I'd be 20 lbs heavier and a lot broker).
I sometimes find myself bringing a frozen entree for lunch if I don't have leftovers. Since I only get Amy's or Cedar Lane, this usually costs about $5 per entree, which is a little much, especially since I'm always hungry afterwards. Not to mention they are still high in sodium.
Lately I have been making satisfying and healthy lunches that are cheaper than frozen entrees and more nutritious than going out. Plus it only takes 20 min to prepare for a whole week of lunches- thats less time than it takes to microwave a weeks worth of frozen meals!
Have you ever cooked quinoa? It is an ancient South American seed that tastes similar to couscous. It is also very high in protein and fiber, low in fat and calories. I find it in bulk at krogers, heb, or whole foods.
For every cup of quinoa you cook, boil in 2 cups of water or low sodium veggie stock. I like to make 2 cups for a weeks worth of meals..Once your quinoa has cooked, just add your favorite veggies and some Siracha or lemon/ lime.
My fav concoctions:
- mix with kale, feta, and sun dried tomatoes. You can even add some egg to make it stick and cook quinoa patties in the oven.
- make an Asian one with fried egg, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, green onions, ginger, low sodium soy sauce and Siracha.
- make a Greek one with feta, olives, tomato, spinach, red onion, cucumber, and lemons
-make a tex mex with jalapeños, lime, cilantro, bell peppers, and carrots.
I love the way I feel after eating this- full yet still flat-stomached ( you know those foods that make you feel 3 months pregnant when you're not? This def isn't one of them).
Any other great lunch meals that are healthy, high in veggies, yet satisfying?
I sometimes find myself bringing a frozen entree for lunch if I don't have leftovers. Since I only get Amy's or Cedar Lane, this usually costs about $5 per entree, which is a little much, especially since I'm always hungry afterwards. Not to mention they are still high in sodium.
Lately I have been making satisfying and healthy lunches that are cheaper than frozen entrees and more nutritious than going out. Plus it only takes 20 min to prepare for a whole week of lunches- thats less time than it takes to microwave a weeks worth of frozen meals!
Have you ever cooked quinoa? It is an ancient South American seed that tastes similar to couscous. It is also very high in protein and fiber, low in fat and calories. I find it in bulk at krogers, heb, or whole foods.
For every cup of quinoa you cook, boil in 2 cups of water or low sodium veggie stock. I like to make 2 cups for a weeks worth of meals..Once your quinoa has cooked, just add your favorite veggies and some Siracha or lemon/ lime.
My fav concoctions:
- mix with kale, feta, and sun dried tomatoes. You can even add some egg to make it stick and cook quinoa patties in the oven.
- make an Asian one with fried egg, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, green onions, ginger, low sodium soy sauce and Siracha.
- make a Greek one with feta, olives, tomato, spinach, red onion, cucumber, and lemons
-make a tex mex with jalapeños, lime, cilantro, bell peppers, and carrots.
I love the way I feel after eating this- full yet still flat-stomached ( you know those foods that make you feel 3 months pregnant when you're not? This def isn't one of them).
Any other great lunch meals that are healthy, high in veggies, yet satisfying?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Why has there been a smile on my face?
Mostly because of the amount of time I have spent with my husband, that's why! If you are reading this, I warn you that there are no pictures and this might get uber mushy-gushy. I am merely writing this because I do not have a diary and I want to remember these past weeks!
1. First and foremost, my hubs planned a SURPRISE trip to Napa Valley for us! We both love wine and cannot wait to go! This is where we are staying...
Daniel already booked a limo tour for us one day, another day we will rent bikes, and I think we will also go to San Fran for a couple of days. CANNOT wait! It is just so sweet that he planned a vacation (that is normally my job) to a place that is so "me".
2. About a week after Daniel told me about this, I saw a raffle for Brenner's Wine festival on facebook. I decided to put our names in the raffle because Brenner's was featuring wines from Napa and Sonoma. I found out I WON two $75 tickets ...I haven't won anything in my life, but I am very happy with this being the first thing that I have won. The food was gourmet (Port steak kabobs, duck flat bread sandwiches, French cheese, salmon, Cabernet truffles, and more) and the wine samples were unlimited :-) The fest was beautiful...perfect weather, luscious landscaping, my favorite company...I wish I took pictures.
3. My honey and I took a couple of days off to take a road trip to Austin. We got there around 1, made a pit stop at P Terrys (mmmmm best veggie burger and fries), had a picnic in our bathing suits with Modelo at our hotel, and got to see Band of Horses (they were better at ACL) and Kings of Leon (never really listened to them, but they had a great show). We also got to see my brother, who is a sophomore at UT. He showed us what is new at UT, walked on the drag with us, and we got to treat him to some food OTHER than cereal at El Sol y La Luna (I highly recommend the salmon enchiladas). Today, we had some delcisious pancakes at Kerbey Lane, made our way home, and now I have made a pallet in front of our TV to watch Oprah.
4. Oh yah, I got a new car a couple of months ago..brand new Toyota 4 runner...I love it!
5. Why else am I smiling? Oh, maybe because next week is Easter, the week after that is field trip week, and then it is 1 more month until summer and guess who is NOT teaching summer school this year :-)
I thank God for Him blessing us with each other..I understand that He gives and takes away, and I just feel so loved that He is choosing to overwhelm us with blessings when we have done nothing to deserve this! Thank you Lord for Daniel and for our marriage. Thank You for the blessings that might seem small, but make me so happy!
1. First and foremost, my hubs planned a SURPRISE trip to Napa Valley for us! We both love wine and cannot wait to go! This is where we are staying...
Daniel already booked a limo tour for us one day, another day we will rent bikes, and I think we will also go to San Fran for a couple of days. CANNOT wait! It is just so sweet that he planned a vacation (that is normally my job) to a place that is so "me".
2. About a week after Daniel told me about this, I saw a raffle for Brenner's Wine festival on facebook. I decided to put our names in the raffle because Brenner's was featuring wines from Napa and Sonoma. I found out I WON two $75 tickets ...I haven't won anything in my life, but I am very happy with this being the first thing that I have won. The food was gourmet (Port steak kabobs, duck flat bread sandwiches, French cheese, salmon, Cabernet truffles, and more) and the wine samples were unlimited :-) The fest was beautiful...perfect weather, luscious landscaping, my favorite company...I wish I took pictures.
3. My honey and I took a couple of days off to take a road trip to Austin. We got there around 1, made a pit stop at P Terrys (mmmmm best veggie burger and fries), had a picnic in our bathing suits with Modelo at our hotel, and got to see Band of Horses (they were better at ACL) and Kings of Leon (never really listened to them, but they had a great show). We also got to see my brother, who is a sophomore at UT. He showed us what is new at UT, walked on the drag with us, and we got to treat him to some food OTHER than cereal at El Sol y La Luna (I highly recommend the salmon enchiladas). Today, we had some delcisious pancakes at Kerbey Lane, made our way home, and now I have made a pallet in front of our TV to watch Oprah.
4. Oh yah, I got a new car a couple of months ago..brand new Toyota 4 runner...I love it!
5. Why else am I smiling? Oh, maybe because next week is Easter, the week after that is field trip week, and then it is 1 more month until summer and guess who is NOT teaching summer school this year :-)
I thank God for Him blessing us with each other..I understand that He gives and takes away, and I just feel so loved that He is choosing to overwhelm us with blessings when we have done nothing to deserve this! Thank you Lord for Daniel and for our marriage. Thank You for the blessings that might seem small, but make me so happy!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Twas the week before Half Marathon...
... So excited to DO THIS! I completed my last "long" run on Sunday and it felt great...now I just have to allow myself to rest this week so that I will have no muscle soreness come Sunday morning!
To celebrate, I got a new running jacket and I am in love! I am not in obsessed with it on the model because it looks a little loose fitting, but I love it on me- it has an empire waist, 4 pockets (2 on the outside with zippers, 2 on the inside), and thumb holes!
Kinda funny story. I never spend a ton of money on workout gear. Even though I use it on a daily basis, I don't feel the need to spend $100 on pants I am just going to sweat in. Well, I was wearing my favorite Target dryfit leggings while doing down dog at home...Daniel started cracking up and said he could see my undies STRAIGHT through my pants...could name the color and everything. Of course, I had just worn the pants to yoga class (and I pretty much wear them once a week)....really hope the lighting was dark enough that no one could tell I like leopard print. Needless to say, I went out and bought some nicer yoga pants!
I am SO taking of the Monday after the marathon...planning on sleeping in, getting a pedicure, and doing nothing more strenuous than a light walk. I love having small things to look forward to!
In honor of being the day after my last long run, I spent the day shopping (see above), and will now eat a Crave cupcake while watching The Bachelor (seriously I hate this show with a passion but I love reading the FUNNIEST blog the next day!
To celebrate, I got a new running jacket and I am in love! I am not in obsessed with it on the model because it looks a little loose fitting, but I love it on me- it has an empire waist, 4 pockets (2 on the outside with zippers, 2 on the inside), and thumb holes!
Kinda funny story. I never spend a ton of money on workout gear. Even though I use it on a daily basis, I don't feel the need to spend $100 on pants I am just going to sweat in. Well, I was wearing my favorite Target dryfit leggings while doing down dog at home...Daniel started cracking up and said he could see my undies STRAIGHT through my pants...could name the color and everything. Of course, I had just worn the pants to yoga class (and I pretty much wear them once a week)....really hope the lighting was dark enough that no one could tell I like leopard print. Needless to say, I went out and bought some nicer yoga pants!I am SO taking of the Monday after the marathon...planning on sleeping in, getting a pedicure, and doing nothing more strenuous than a light walk. I love having small things to look forward to!
In honor of being the day after my last long run, I spent the day shopping (see above), and will now eat a Crave cupcake while watching The Bachelor (seriously I hate this show with a passion but I love reading the FUNNIEST blog the next day!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Some random thoughts
1. I've read that one of the top indicators of a happy marriage is the split-up of household chores...the closer the couple is to splitting the chores 50/50, the happier they seem to be. I love our new "chores routine"...I go around the house and clean all of the counters, plus our 2 bathrooms, then I go grocery shopping. While I'm shopping, Daniel goes and cleans ALL of our floors (our whole house is hardwood, so it isn't an easy feat!) I do not mind cleaning counters, but I HATE cleaning our floors because I feel like I can never get them clean enough. Daniel has been sweeping and mopping since he was practically in diapers, so it works out well!
2. Made the YUMMIEST dinner tonight! I have never cooked fish before tonight because I worried that it wouldn't turn out well. Made this recipe and it was amazing and healthy! Daniel loved it, too!
3. I am obsessed with forearm stands...I have been doing it in our house on every empty wall I can find. It was a pose that I figured I would never be able to do (it is pretty tough on the core, upper back, and triceps/ shoulders) but I randomly kicked into it in class last week...and then did it 4 more times in a row! It is crazy how much stronger our bodies are than we realize. It's similar to a head stand, but your head is lifted up off the ground.
4. I kinda like these boots. I got some Toms for Christmas and I wear them all of the time. I definitely want to try them on before buying them....I am hoping Whole Earth provides them to save me a trip to Nordstroms. Do you or someone you know have these boots and like them?
5. An instructor I go to is opening a new yoga/ piltes gym on Studemont called Happy Belly Yoga and is charging only $20 bucks for UNLIMITED yoga for a month. Cannot wait!
OK, I think that about covers it! Have a great 3 day weekend, everyone!
2. Made the YUMMIEST dinner tonight! I have never cooked fish before tonight because I worried that it wouldn't turn out well. Made this recipe and it was amazing and healthy! Daniel loved it, too!
3. I am obsessed with forearm stands...I have been doing it in our house on every empty wall I can find. It was a pose that I figured I would never be able to do (it is pretty tough on the core, upper back, and triceps/ shoulders) but I randomly kicked into it in class last week...and then did it 4 more times in a row! It is crazy how much stronger our bodies are than we realize. It's similar to a head stand, but your head is lifted up off the ground.
4. I kinda like these boots. I got some Toms for Christmas and I wear them all of the time. I definitely want to try them on before buying them....I am hoping Whole Earth provides them to save me a trip to Nordstroms. Do you or someone you know have these boots and like them?
5. An instructor I go to is opening a new yoga/ piltes gym on Studemont called Happy Belly Yoga and is charging only $20 bucks for UNLIMITED yoga for a month. Cannot wait!
OK, I think that about covers it! Have a great 3 day weekend, everyone!
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