Sprizee :: A simple girl replete with complications

Can I claim my house as a dependent on my taxes?

My weekend was full of shopping and eating.  Saturday, on the way to Rejuvenation to pick out a glass shade for a new fixture we're putting in the entry way, we stopped at Cucina De Santis.  Then onto Home Depot where we proceeded to blow $300 a new shiny drill and a 16 pound sledge hammer (for all that concrete we need to get rid of in the backyard) except it wasn't really like blowing money since we used a few gift cards. 

Then onto Restoration Hardware in UVillage to pick out a curtain rod.  $250 later we had two skinny boxes and no clue what kind of curtain to buy.  But again, it wasn't really like blowing $250 since we used a gift card.  Then onto Whole Foods to pick up $50 worth of Larabars because yummy and also, better than fast food.  And also, $50?  Yes, I bought A LOT of them.  Because THEY ARE SO GOOD!  On the way home, we spied the Iraq War Memorial at Greenlake.  That night, we drove out to Vietnam Restaurant for some tasty pho and creme puffs.

The next morning was prep work for painting the entry way before putting up the new fixture.  One of us donned booties made from trashbags while the other mowed the grass with the environmentally friendly reel push mower even though she's very allergic to the stuff.  During a break, both of us hopped in the car and drove around Ballard aimlessly looking for a place to eat until we decided upon Smokin' Pete's. 

Afterwards, The Dude returned to the house and I drove up to Kmart in a desperate attempt to find some affordable curtains to go on that very un-affordable curtain rod we had purchased the day before.  I wasn't looking for anything fancy and I'll be damned if I'm going to pay $100 a panel for some fabric.  Cotton, basic, taupe...that's all I'm asking for.  I've already tried Target and Sears and they both totally let me down.  Where can a girl get some decent curtains?  I might have to check out Bed, Bath and Beyond or Linens and Things but if you have other suggestions, please yodel in my direction.

Then back to the house where I sat under the lovely lilac tree in our backyard and continued reading The Omnivore's Dilemma while The Dude wrapped up painting the ceiling. I thought I was going to get more done this weekend, but after listing everything out perhaps I got more accomplished than I thought.

Rock the vote.

Selecting interior paints colors is hard work but I've finally narrowed it down to two options for the living room.  Now I want to hear from the peanut gallery.  If you were painting this living room would you pick Bay Laurel or Spanish Moss?  (If you click on the swatch it will throw it up on the wall for you.)  Technology is neat.  But still not neat enough to be able to do that thing from Total Recall when Sharon Stone goes to paint her nails and all she has to do is wave this magic wand, and poof, new color.  Damn you technology.  Why must you taunt me?

Reduce, Reuse, Freecycle.

A few weeks back I heard a story on NPR about a website called FreeCycle.  It sounded like a pretty cool idea, so I signed up.  I love wandering around thrift stores and finding unique treasures but free stuff is even better.  This weekend after ripping down the giant mirror over the fireplace, I listed it up on FreeCycle and within less than 24 hours over 7 people had emailed me asking if they could pick it up. 

So Sunday, I waved goodbye to the giant mirror.  Sure, I probably could have sold it for a few bucks at Re-Store.  But Freecycle was so easy and, you know, karma and all.  Speaking of which, I can't wait for the day when some pretty, original, vintage light fixtures get posted.  They're so mine.

Nervous Energy

I can't sleep. I can't sleep. I can't sleep. Why? Because I've forsaken sleep for remodeling the house (in my head). The Dude, on the other hand, was able to accomplish some remodeling outside of his head and pulled down the dining room wallpaper and the HUGE mirror over the fireplace mantle earlier today. Well, yesterday technically.

Meanwhile, I stood around and took photos. 

But seriously, about this sleep thing.  I might have to resort to Nyquil. I mean you can only browse Rejuvenation for so many hours before you start feeling like you might never be able to sleep again.  Did I mention that I woke up at 5AM this morning?  Um yeah.