Winterizing Your Home

So Chicago just had its first snow fall, and there are many things you must do to get ready for winter. The mind boggling thing is that many people just don't do any of it?!

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1. Disconnect your garden hose outside and store it for the winter.  Leaving hoses connected to spigots may cause interior water lines to freeze and burst.

2. Store your patio furniture.  Why leave it out to get damaged?  Some folks are just lazy, others just have too much crap in their garage.  But why leave your nice items outside to get damaged by old man winter?  Don't even get me started on those folks with too much crap in their garage...

3. Maintain your furnace.  We have our heating/cooling company come by each year to maintain our furnace and a/c.  Is it a waste?  No. Preventative maintenance can identify issues before you have a furnace go kaput in the middle of winter.  This past time he found out a piece of our humidifier wasn't working properly and was recalled.  He replaced it for free.  Also, change your furnace filters!

4. Install storm windows/doors/weatherproofing plastic over windows.  We also have energy efficient drapes in two rooms of the house.  They are black out curtains that can also keep heat out/in.  Love them.

5. Call your local energy company (gas/electric/etc) and get an energy assessment.  We did this over the summer and had COMED (Chicago company) come and see where we could cut down costs.  We installed all new LED light fixtures, especially outside.  You don't have to change lightbulbs with an LED fixture.  Why is this cool?  In the winter, the temperature fluctuating can affect the life expectancy of these bulbs.  So why not just get a new fixture?  We did, spent about $20 per fixture, and they should last 10-15 years.  NO LIGHTBULB CHANGING!!!  

What are some of your tips and tricks for getting your home ready for winter?

Saving $$

So lately, I have realized I need to mainstream things in our life.  Save money, get organized, etc.

I have a method to my madness, and it is pretty awesome.  I have found a few websites that have been very helpful during my save $$ quest.  I really got motivated because I want life to be as easy as possible before the baby arrives shortly.

Do you shop at Target?  And love it?  I know I do.  I downloaded the Cartwheel app a few months ago.  I have saved almost $100 using it over the past 6 months.  I use the app, combined with coupons, and look at the sale paper via the following websites Target Fanatic and The Couponing Couple.  This way I know what the best deals are, and can plan out a logical trip to the store.  I usually save 25-45% off my entire bill, and get some gift cards in return.  I am saving those up for holiday gifts.

Do you shop at ALDI?  Er my gerd.  I used to think it was not worth my time.  I take my grocery list, shop there, and find what I need.  Anything they don't carry, I go to Jewel/Marianos.  I bought a weeks worth of groceries there for about $30 the other day.  All fresh.  All organic.  Just good food.  Bring 25 cents for a cart and some reusable bags!

Do you Shopkick?  Ibotta?  I use these two apps.  While I troll through the aisles of Target, I scan items via shopkick and get rebates via Ibotta.  So awesome.  Why have I not done this before?  I make money just because I am out of my house and shopping?  Yep.  I sure do.

Needless to say, between groceries and stocking up on items at Target every week, I spend about $150.  3 meals a day for my husband and I, that are almost entirely organic and made from scratch.   That is on groceries, soaps, etc (and yes, even diapers when they are on sale at Target!!).

So what are your secrets on saving money?  Any helpful websites?

Household Binder

So in preps for a big move, and since I just got married..I figured I should revamp my binder system.
I am one of those people that has a binder for everything.  I mean, everything.
Wedding, Bills/Budget, Christmas/Gifts, Household Items, Moving/PCS binder..you name it.

Some of my favorite websites to use to get some great ideas for these binders are:

http://www.organizinghomelife.com/

http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/31-days-of-less/

and..last but not least..

http://www.pinterest.com/cassics/organizing-printables-home-managment-binders/

Some areas I am focusing on are:

• Utilities and Services Contact List (Cable/Gas/etc)
• Medical and Health Insurance Info for each family member
• Pet Info for the Vet
• User Name and Password Section
• Cleaning Lists (yearly, monthly, daily, etc)
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Menu Planner (I hate wasting food..)
• Party Planner (what supplies do I need, what do I have?)

I made my own binder instead of buying a premade binder because I want to edit as I please.  I am that OCD.  

What checklists do you use?  What works for you/doesn't work for you?  

Quick Trip to Chicago

I had my last trip before the wedding a few weeks ago.  Yes.  I am crazy.  Planning a wedding from Florida/the ocean.  But..it has to be done. :)

I got to Chicago on Friday night, and Mike and I had our standard date night.  Our fav sushi place.  We caught up, and just relaxed. 

The next morning, his mom took me to get my dress altered.  Yep.  The lady there freaked when she found out my next/last fitting is going to be just days before the wedding.  Woosah.

Mike and I then went to a family party, as a cousin of mine is headed off to start college this week.  He met that side (mom's side) of the family for the first time. 

The next day was the wedding shower...stay tuned for a Wedding Wednesday post about the details!

And finally..the day I left.  We met with a general contractor for the home remodel we are planning.  I can't wait to get it done:) 

Short, quick, and sweet update.  Stay tuned for more:)

Such a great family party!

Sweet Home Chicago!

So I am back in town to take care of some much needed wedding planning, and drop the monkey off back home.  My work schedule right now is too hectic to have her in Florida with me.  It is just not fair to her. 

I was so glad to get home on Friday! 

Saturday was Pre-Cana.  We were definitely the couple with the most time until their wedding #militaryproblems

Sunday was a relaxing day.  We walked the dogs in the park, and I took my sister and her kids to lunch.  It was her and one of the little's bdays', and the older one graduated from grade school!!
One of my bff's came over later in the day, and we watched the Hawks.

Not bad for my first weekend back!!!

So happy in my last state of the drive from FL to IL!

Cutest 2.5 year old ever.

I am so happy! and suck at taking selfies.  But that is ok.  It isn't going on my resume. 

Love my neighborhood! 

Dinner Party How To

I love hosting guests for any occasion/meal.  I usually host brunch or dinner for anywhere from one other person to a crowd of 20.  Here are a few tips that I try to stick to, to make sure that I have repeat customers!

-Know your guests.  Know their allergies, loves, likes, etc.  I have a few friends with allergies, so I cater meals to their health concerns.  Making pasta for someone who has a gluten allergy can make the evening a nightmare, so I try to get gluten free ingredients, or just make a meal with protein! 
-Invite your guests early so you can get RSVPS, shop, etc.  I try to stick to Saturday/Sunday, as weekdays can be busy with work.  Plus if there are kids/babysitters in the mix, folks need to plan ahead.  Invite via phone, email, or written invite in the mail.
-Creating the menu.  I always stick to a theme.  For a Sunday evening meal, I might make a pot roast, and for a Sunday brunch, I may have an array of items to choose from buffet style.  Either way, I inform my guests of what I am making.  This way if they want to bring a dish or a dessert, they know what to pick up! 
-The day before the party, get the house ready for your guests. Clean, clean, clean.  Ensure all flatware is ready to go for your event!
-Prepare as much of the meal as possible in the morning. In between food preparation, you can focus on decorating the house, setting out flowers and making sure the dining area is clean and ready.  Set a tablescape.  Don't light candles, as the smell may mix with the food.  Light them after the food is done and people are done eating.  This way, your food smell will be the highlight!
-Start setting out appetizers and drinks just before guests begin to arrive. Turn on music to create background noise during the mingling portion of your party!
-Dessert.  I always have dessert that goes with the meal, whether it is a healthy option, or just plain indulgent.

Some recent meals I have made:

Sunday Dinner

• Pot Roast
• Mashed Potatoes
• Steamed Corn
• Crescent Rolls
• Apple Pie

Friday Dinner

• Baked Ziti
• Salad
• French Bead/EVOO/Spices (I use Delalo Spices for dipping)
• Gelato

Sunday Brunch

• Monkey Bread
• Breakfast Casserole
• Blueberry muffins
• Fresh Fruit
• Mimosas (I prefer Chandon champagne)
• Bloody Mary's (I prefer Mrs. T's mix)
  Coffee (assortment of Keurig coffees)

Fall Decor

Fall is my favorite season.  I love football, pumpkin, apples, the smell of leaves, pumpkin spice lattes..you name it.  I love it all.

I have never decorated for Christmas in my life.  Gasp.  I know.  Never.  Usually because I am always deployed, or I travel for the holidays, so I always feel that there is no reason.  Hence, my love to decorate for fall.

I just bought a few new decorations for the house...and I am waiting for a few more.  Standby for more photos, links, and fall recipes too!!

Love this pillow.  Purchased at festivehomedecor.etsy.com

Dining Room Table. 

Table Runner, Pumpkins, Candle purchased at Kirklands



Bought this at Bath and Body works.  I want to eat it.  Just kidding.

More Decor!

Many of you have seen my post "All Settled" where I wrote about my new apartment in Jacksonville, Florida.  I still had a few more pieces of art work at Michaels getting framed.  Here they are! 

I purchased the Pineapple print from the Third and Elm Press.  It is owned and operated by a sweet woman, named Mrs. Nesbitt.  I bought this print and other cards from her at her shop. 

The other two prints I purchased from a local Newport artist by the name of Anthony Gill.  His shop is located in Bannister's Wharf. 

I absolutely love these three pieces, and they embody Newport to the fullest.  The pineapple is a major symbol of hospitality, especially on the East Coast.  The other two pieces show the Newport Pell Bridge and the lighthouse, as well as Bannister's Wharf, two prominent locations in town.  I really want to visit Newport more often, perhaps even purchase a home or a time share there.  Dreams...dreams. :)

All Settled...

So folks..I am all settled into my new apt.  I absolutely love it!  I have already hosted 1 party, and had my bf visit..while still working on some decor.

Here are a few pics of the new place so far.  I love the location, and the fact that it has an amazing pool.  Perhaps I will go there tomorrow??

Pics in my bedroom.  Got these from www.photobarn.com

Art in my bedroom.  Center is a print I got while studying in France over 10 years ago.  The other two are Art Institute prints.

Above my desk.  Irish Prayer, Last name/family crest, and St. Brigid's Cross

Entry Way.  Name from Spain and the San Damiano Cross.

Living room and Dining room

I <3 Chicago.

Housewarming orchid from my love.

Home!

Well folks..I'm back! I got back Sunday- and escaped to paradise with my guy. Back to the real world! Good to be back!

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