wrapping frenzy

Posted on December 16, 2010 by victoria
I am not a born shopper, which I know will surprise a lot of people – but it’s true.  During this time of the year especially, avoiding the mall like the plague is my specialty.  What did we do before on-line shopping?   Love looking for gifts for others but am very happy when it is finished.  What I really enjoy though is wrapping all the presents!  Spending hours being enamored with paper and ribbon at Packaging Specialties has been known to happen…often.  I really should have a frequent buyers card there.  Four years ago, I bought this Elfa Drawer System from the Container Store.  It keeps me extremely organized with everything in its place; all easy to see and access.  Casters make it portable!  Total price for the pieces purchased in the photos below was $191.78, but have gotten great use out of it and will contine to do so.  The don’t have deep dividers for the 2-Runner drawers so improvised with 3-8 c Deep Dish GladWare® containers…works perfectly.  Until we get our dream farm in the country and Farb lets me have an office all to myself where I can have a large designated space for all my wrapping supplies, this cart is my trusted companion!  Mix + match the components and accessories that work best for you, but here are the ones I used.  Although the system needs to be put together, it is simple and fast!  Happy wrapping!

  • White, Narrow 7-Runner Frame
  • White, Narrow 1-Runner Drawer [3]
  • White, Narrow 2-Runner Drawer [2]
  • Drawer Trays [2]
  • Casters 
  • White Melamine Narrow Top
  • White 5 Hook Hangmate Rack
  • GiftWrap Organizer
  • Ribbon Dispenser [2]
  • Backstop pins [2 pks] + In/Out Stops [3 pks]

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Posted in black book, organize | 1 Comment

on the first day of Christmas…

Posted on December 13, 2010 by victoria
my true love gave to me…a wonderful cup of hot cocoa!  At least I think that’s what Riley is saying.

In September, our sweet four-year-old golden retriever was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called immune-mediated arthritis which causes fluid buildup around the joints and thus, pain.  I’m glad we caught it right away and were able to start treatment: 6 months of steroid therapy.  A dog on prednisone is no fun – for him or his owners – but the worst side effect was his insatiable hunger.  It was so sad to see him feel hungry all the time.  We split his regluar amount of food up into smaller meals feeding him three times/day instead of two and gave him little low-fat, low-calorie snacks.  Loved rice cakes; hated carrots! Hmmm. I hate carrots, too.  Unless they’re shredded to smithereens in carrot cake and smothered with yummy cream cheese frosting. 

Riley’s pred dosage has tapered to a low maintenance level.  We are almost done – just two months left.  But he’s already back to his normal, peppy, happy self.  Only thing, his appetite is still a little amped up.  Normally ‘leave it’ is an obeyed command.  Not today.  I guess my little guy must have heard it’s National Hot Chocolate Day.  Don’t worry, he mostly got the whip.  
 
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number 17

Posted on December 12, 2010 by victoria
Before turning forty I created a list of things to accomplish during the upcoming year. It was my Forty for 40 list.  Some were grand [run a marathon] while others simply had been never been checked off my to-do list [new washer + dryer]…for years. Well, here I am, nearly two months into my forty-first year having not completed the list.  I’d say, “Sometimes life gets in the way…” but that’s only half true.  Number 17 on the list of 40 is to create a blog.  The anxiety over coming up with a name was stifling. Until last night.  Dinner with our good friends Nanette and Todd, ginormous margaritas, quick brainstorming and thirty minutes later…A NAME!  Pretty sure I owe Nanette and Todd a bottle of wine for their help; or better yet, a bottle of tequila.  Took advantage of the Seattle monsoon this morning, skipped my race, and threw this together. While I’m not totally thrilled with its aesthetics, it’s a work in progress.  I’ve put off number 17 for far too long.  It’s time to simply dive it. 
So, ready or not, here I go! 

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