Back Home

Not too long ago, Kevin and I moseyed back to my hometown to visit.

My nephew wowed us with his scooter skills.

MacDuff made it quite clear how much he hates his leash.

And we looked at my mom's four garden plots.

Of course, I had to stop and say hi to the ladies while we were there. I even made a couple of them let me hold them.

We picked delicious blackberries (that we are still finishing off).

And I got ridiculously excited about picking radishes.

So tell me: What does "going back home" include for you?

Smells of Home

Lately, my husband and I have noticed a strange odor in our bedroom. 

Could it be that we weren't able to thoroughly vacuum before the movers put the (very heavy) bed in there?

Did the cats, who used to sneak up here before our arrival, leave something that was never found? (And trust me, I did find plenty.)

Is it because we have covered the windows to block out the light, and therefore kept airflow from happening?

I just don't know. 

I do know that the bed is too heavy for us to maneuver at this point. And the problem needs attention. My solution? Odoban. Sprayed all over the floor and left to sit. 

So we'll see.

Thankfully, the smelly garbage under the kitchen sink was removed a few days ago, the laundry is caught up, and our pup doesn't shed. That, added to my freshly baked cookies, has left the place smelling much better.

For now.

I'm actually just proud that I addressed the issue at all today. This morning was a very low energy morning. I've been fighting off a cold and woke up feeling icky and exhausted. While Kevin was at work I proceeded to sit on the couch with MacDuff and watch the Food Network. (In case you were wondering, watching hours of cooking and baking does in fact make one want to cook and bake in their own kitchen, not just watch too-skinny ladies do it on TV.) 

Once Kevin came home (he's only working until noon for now), my mood and energy perked right up! I just love that guy. We had lunch and I got to work! Folded and put away laundry (that was on the couch since yesterday afternoon), washed the dishes, cleaned up the living room, prepared our peach crumble dessert for tonight (totally threw this together based loosely on a recipe I saw on TV earlier - I'll let you know if it's worth sharing), made peanut butter oatmeal whole wheat cookies (again, I'll let you know how that goes after we've tried them), went through the mail (I hate bills), and am about to tackle the rest of my dishes (I don't have a dishwasher). 

Not bad, eh?

Also, the pooch cuddled with me on the couch this morning. I've been complaining for weeks that he's not very cuddly. I guess he heard. Love that Schnoodle.

So tell me: What do you do about smells?

Welcome to My Humble Abode

I promise: this post contains way more pictures of our apartment than you want to see. Enjoy!

Our stairwell "entryway".

"Front" door. 

BEFORE: Living Room.

BEFORE: Living Room.

Notice the large wire contraption. Not the prettiest piece of furniture, but it keeps us sane.

BEFORE: Dining Room/Kitchen.

The kitchen extension and pantry.

BEFORE: Kitchen

Dry erase board on the fridge.

Extras bin. Little bit of everything.

One of my favorite little aids to fitting it all in.

Notice the very long curtain. One of my "to dos" still undone.

Laundry room, extended pantry, and a spaghetti squash.

Magnet board above my kitchen sink.

The MacDuff cupboard.

Who invited you, Sir?

BEFORE: Bathroom.

BEFORE: Office.

This is the catch-all room. 

Sadly, most of my scarves are buried in our storage unit. We will be reunited again soon, my loves!

Closet: games, tools, gift wrapping paraphenelia, vacuum, exercise equipment, etc.

BEFORE

The hubs studying away. Good job, Babe!!!

BEFORE: Bedroom.

Closet: I have used every last inch of space to make everything fit!

My re-planted herbs in my MIL's greenhouse. There was no direct sunlight in our kitchen (where they were living previously), so they had to be relocated. Thanks, Mom, for the herbs! I hope I didn't kill them!

I am so excited to be settled, unpacked, decorated, and even entertaining in just three weeks after moving! God has been so good to us, even when we can't see it right away. I am feeling blessed, missing the comforts of my hometown, and thanking God every day for the tremendous blessing in my husband and partner. This (huge) transition would be unbearable without you, Kevin. Thank you for listening to me, tending me, and being patient when I "OCD" about the bathroom counter!

Thank you, too, all my readers, whoever you are. Thank you for joining me along this journey. And welcome to my new home!

So tell me: What things or areas in your home give you the most joy?