5.31.2012

thrifty thursday: brass whale & wooden frog

K, two things. 
1. I haven't been to a thrift store in weeks {trying to save money mostly means trying not to spend it} but today when I was dropping off half of my wardrobe , I decided I had earned a peek inside. 

2. Yay, me! That was a good decision on my part because I stumbled across a couple little treasures that were, in fact, made for me and Matthew.

First, this little brass whale. I die. He's so beautiful, brass, and he's a whale. Need I say more? I didn't think so. 


Now we have a brass boat, mouse, owl bell, candelabra, swans, and a whale. I'm living the dream. :)

Ok, second score. As I'm talking about whales, your mind should have drifted back to Fredrick. Remember him? He was a cute wooden whale who needed a paint job and some fresh loving. Well, lookie what I found.



Look familiar? It toadally totally should. It's like a frog version of my dear friend Fredrick. Maybe we should name him Frogrick. Or Frogsworth. Or The Hopster. Everything sounds cooler with "the" in front of it. In the spirit of keeping all things happily similar, I think he's going to get a fresh coat of green paint. Not that he needs it like Fredrick did, but he could definitely use the camaraderie it would ensure. 

Just for those of you who are worried about my child toy hoarding obsession... It's gonna be ok. Either we'll have a dozen babies to play with the toys, or I'll open a child's toy shop so some happy little curly haired kid gets to take the happy duo home. It's all good. :) 

Plus, we all know that secretly I buy the toys for me. I like them just as much as the future kiddos will. I haven't exactly banned Lamby to the closet. She still lives in the living room. :)

Whats your weakness? Brassy goodness? All things rolling? Names that begin with "the"? 

Me too. Love, The Amanda

5.30.2012

what not to wear

Today while I was dog sitting, I watched Clinton and Stacy help dress a woman who desperately needed style advice. She was a "big all over" sort of woman. While I'm not as large as the woman in question, we still have the same body shape. Big all the way through, with the waist as my smallest point. They kept emphasizing the need for a neck line that didn't plunge, but also wasn't high, saying that this would help draw attention to her neck, and therefore up to her face. They also were adamant that the dress should be tightest at your smallest point, (and loose everywhere else)to show that you have a figure without showing it off to the world.

Obviously my standard of modesty is higher than Clinton and Stacy's, but I appreciated their fashion advice none the less. So, today I am going through my wardrobe and chucking things that don't fit or flatter. Even if that only leaves me with a couple of shirts, I'd rather have a base that is modest and flatters instead of my clothes just being modest or just flattering. Let's try for the best of both worlds, shall we?


Like that shirt up there. If I gained fifty pounds it would still just float off of my body; It's that loose. So, I filled up that trash bag full of shirts and set some others aside for their material which I hope to use for a couple easy diys. Speaking of which, I'm totally making a rag doll.



5.28.2012

a week off

Being a nanny is a weird job. For example, when everyone else has the day off, I might have to work all day, because what I do is watch someone else's children while they do something else. See how that works? So, Memorial Day, when everyone else is in a general "not working" mode, I'm definitely working.

But, unlike most nannies, I nanny for an awesome family who gives my husband and I free passes to a water park {yes, it is that one that you always pass on the interstate and wish you could go to} so we can enjoy some time off before working in the evening. In case you thought I was getting the short end of the proverbial stick, I'm definitely not. Oh, and I worked 36 hours this week, which is almost full-time. Whoa, baby {in a good way}.

On the flip side, when "my family" goes out of town, I have absolutely nothing I have to do, which is glorious. So, Monday- working. The rest of the week? Not so much. Here's to a week of having to do nothing, but doing a whole lot of something. Oh, and that water park on Monday will be my first one, and I am a huge fan of first times.


5.23.2012

down payments

Once a week I hear the expected question, "So..... when are you guys coming back?" It's a good question and the answer remains, after graduation, as soon as we can afford it. But what does that mean?

We are not a couple who says things like, "We're waiting to be financially set before we have kids." Do we think it's reasonable that we wait until we have a bedroom to put our first child in? Yes. But I don't imagine we will ever be "financially set". However, we do wanna be able to buy a house when we move back to Virginia.

When I watch HGTV {not at our house since we don't have a tv} I am normally disgusted by the people on house hunters. Their lists go something like this:


  • 5 bedroom
  • 3 or 4 bath
  • Updated kitchen
  • 4,000+ sq. ft.
  • 2 car garage
  • Carpet in the bedrooms
  • Jet tubs
  • Walk-in closets
  • Open concept
  • Gated community
  • Great school district
  • In ground pool
  • Budget: $800,000

Our list
  • 3 bedroom
  • 2 bath
  • Hardwood floors
  • A yard
  • A fireplace
  • 1,200+ sq. ft.
K, here's the question. What percentage is a reasonable down payment? We've been looking online, trying to figure out how much we need to save before we move back. So I'm asking you, especially if you live in Hampton Roads. What percentage is a reasonable down payment? What percentage did you put down on your house? 

Oh, or!!! You guys could all come live in Powell!! Cost of living is super cheap (literally you could get 2,000 sq. ft. here for the same price you can get 1,200 sq. ft. in Virginia Beach} and then we wouldn't have to move back. So either you commit to moving, or you tell us what percentage of our home price we should have saved before we come back. Obviously, we understand that we need to save a little more for backup extra "just in case" money, but help a young couple out. :)

5.22.2012

homemade apple pie


As part of our homemade anniversary dinner, Matthew and I made our first homemade pie. The warm aroma of cinnamon apples wafted from room to room and Matthew said very plainly, "This is the best pie I've ever had in my life." If you need a recipe, I'm totally willing to share.

In this year of marriage I have learned that I love baking and even more so when it's with Matthew.

5.21.2012

one year


One beautiful, short, happy year. 

Matthew Gabriel Nowak, I now know you deeper and love you better than I did on the day we began this, my favorite adventure. We've just barely started, my handsome husband, and it will only getter better from here.

I thank God for you.

5.19.2012

me and dolly

Four years ago, Dolly Parton retired her $750,000 RV and upgraded. In the spirit of getting to know the founder of the park, Matthew and I decided we would wait in line to tour Dolly's RV. The tour guide gave us the normal run down. Who slept where, who cooked, who cleaned, and how the RV could drive non-stop from Knoxville to L.A. on its 300 gallon tank. All interesting stuff, but I'm nosier than that.



I noticed that the closet doors had zip ties on them and the drawers were all secured closed. I didn't mention it, but it stirred a nosy urge inside of me as he showed us from compartment to compartment. Then, under one of the bench seats at the kitchen table, I saw a small drawer. While he was telling us about the stove, I gave it a tug with my foot. You may call it curiosity, but really I felt immensely rebellious, like I was sneaking around. When the drawer didn't budge, I squatted down to give it a yank with my hand.

The tour guide saw me {after all, there were only five people in the RV} and said, "I've don't normally let people poke around, but I admire your curiosity. You've found yourself a treasure."

I pulled harder and a short drawer slid out and stopped my tug. It was unsatisfying. The bench was so long, and this drawer was insufficient to fill the space. One last yank, as I abandoned the fear of breaking the drawer, and another half emerged to reveal a wooden slat with a slit cut into it. Like the back half of the drawer was a box with a lid. I didn't even look to the tour guide for permission, as I lifted the lid. There, behind the drawer, under the bench, in the kitchen on Dolly's retired RV was a combination safe. Suddenly, Dolly and I were compatible. We had a secret to share, which in turn I have shared with you. Mostly, of course, so that you can understand how valuable all those long nights of Nancy Drew books turned out to be.

When making our list of top five faves on the way home, this adventure made both of our lists. Don't you just love stumbling upon a hidden combination safe in the back of a celebrity's kitchen drawer? It has to be one of the most exciting, childish feelings in the world.

anniversary weekend

Ta-ta!

We're off on an adventure to begin our anniversary weekend.


Just kidding... we're going to Dollywood for the day. Almost the same thing though, right? Neither of us have been, and someone gave us free passes so we could enjoy the day together. Isn't he the most handsome man ever? We're looking forward to riding every ride they offer! Have a great weekend!


5.18.2012

lying to children


Mom: What do you want to drink?

Daughter: I want coke.

Mom: They don't have coke.

Daughter: But I want coke!

Dad: Get her pepsi and tell her it's coke! She won't know the difference.

Mom: Here you go, honey. It's coke.

Daughter: This is not coke!

Mom: It is coke!

Daughter: No, it's not! I can tell!

Mom: Anna, you can not tell! It is coke!

Me: *thinking* Um, that's not coke and you are repeatedly lying to your child.



Next day. Different family.



Son: Look mom! Red berries!

Mom: Yep, but we can't eat them.

Son: Why not?

Mom: They aren't ready yet.

Me: *thinking* Or cause they're poisonous. Yep, that would have been a better answer.



Please, don't lie to your kids. Even if the truth will take a couple words longer, it will help them know they can always believe you.


Also, two choices is enough for any child.

"What would you like to drink?" Seemingly endless (but actually limited) choices.

"Would you like sweet tea or chocolate milk?" Enough choice so that your child gets to feel in charge, but not enough to lead to an argument where you give them imaginary coke.

Yes, this is parenting advice from someone who doesn't have any children, but I do raise children for a living, so I pretend my opinion counts for something.

And, since I don't have a picture for this post and that's lame; Here is one of my kiddos.








5.17.2012

thrifty thursday: 12 days of Christmas

I can't think of anything as out of place as a little Christmas spirit on a hot summer day. Well, maybe metallic fowls sitting on digits. Yep, that seems a little out of place too. :)


But who cares? I saw them and I loved them. Suddenly, we were gathered around a large Christmas tree and little hands were helping us place the ornaments as we sang songs about our Savior, mostly off key. I could see their pajama covered feet standing on tiptoe as they tried to fill the empty spots. Yes, everything that I can relate to our future family does make me happy, so these did the trick. We picked up the 12 of them {in a black velvet lined box with perfectly shaped forms to hold each ornament} for $10. A little steep for a cheap-o like me, but Matt told me to go for it, so we brought them home. I've been learning to appreciate the happy little things in life.

This week I have worked 3 eight hour days, which is amazing for a part time job. Yesterday, Matthew got a $100 tip from a millionaire who was happy with the job he did washing her windows. Last night, we were jerked awake by a jack hammer right outside our bedroom window. I glanced at the clock to see 2:59 glowing back at me. Instead of pointlessly yelling at the men or whining about the poor turn of events, Matthew grabbed our blankets and pillows and we migrated into the living room where we continued a {not as comfortable but still restful} night sleep.

I'm just happy that God has given me so much to be thankful for, and still so much {like metallic birds in chubby fingers} to look forward to.


5.15.2012

handmade leather moccasins

My husband is a cobbler. See? He made me shoes.


The soft leather perfectly envelopes my feet, and they feel somewhere between a sock and a slipper. I feel like a hunter, with silent tread. I am someone who braves the woods and lives high in trees, somewhere between Robin Hood and Peter Pan. Except I'm a girl. Ok, fine. I'm Katniss. I admit it. These shoes magically transform me into Katniss. 




After my husband cut up a leather skirt that we thrifted for $1 and made me these moccasins, he had me try them on. I'm walking around, remarking about how light they are and how light they make me feel when Matthew tells me I'm sexy. Sexy. Yes, first he makes me shoes that fit me like a glove, and then while I'm feeling all skip silently through the woods unnoticed, he's calling me sexy. I am one lucky woman. :)

Excuse the macbook photos. I took a bunch of pictures outside in the strip of grass between our apartment buildings but my computer is having trouble accepting that they are a readable format. Sigh. So, you'll have to settle for some lame inside pictures and my awkward declarations of love for my surprisingly talented cobbler.

I have the best life ever. :)

5.14.2012

globe diy

Check out my globe. Do you like it? Does anything seem out of place? Go deeper than that.

What looks out of place? Why? Ok. You may continue.



I know you have a dozen globes rolling around at home because they have no base to keep them steady. Yes, that is sarcasm. But really, if that's you, then I have a solution.

I wonder if anyone looks at our globe and says, "Of course something seems out of place! Your globe is sitting on the lid of a pot!" Something tells me that most of you didn't. To be honest, I think it looks entirely natural.




We got this globe at a thrift store in Nashville for $1, but it needed a base. My husband isn't just remarkably handsome, he's also full of novel ideas. Me, I'm a pretty little parrot; I'm only able to remake something I've already seen. Matthew has no walls around his creativity, and it is one of my favorite things about him.


We bought this lid for $3 {panless} at a thrift store, and Matthew carved it out and then glued the globe into the crevice. It's lovely. It's perfect.

Be honest. Did you notice before I mentioned it or does it look natural to you? :)

5.11.2012

peg people: take one

For almost five months now I have had a little basket full of peg people who {while having much potential} were waiting sadly for their personalities to be painted on. Today, I gave a little bit of personality to two of them {though painting for me is one of those "man, it looked so much better in my head" things}.

I'd like to introduce you to Emily and Peggy.


I like them, but I don't love them. You understand the difference. Hopefully every set will get better and better and I'll end up with some immensely cute ones for my kids to enjoy. :)

Everyone has something that makes them frustrated about the details. What's yours? Cleaning? Ironing? Sketching? Cooking? Painting itty bitty peg people? :)

5.10.2012

thrifty thursday: embroidery hoop earring holder


Today I accomplished something I've been meaning to do since we got married. I've finally whittled down my jewelry to things I actually wear. In doing that, I needed a more awesome way to display the sparse amount of jewelry that I deemed worthy of saving.

Then, in a small act of serendipity, we stumbled across a giant embroidery hoop and thrifted it for $4. It doesn't happen to me often, but as soon as I saw it I was sure about what I would use it for. Filling it with fabric that used to be a skirt, I then stabbed it through with my dangling beauties.



Easy, beautiful, and functional. You probably saw it coming, but I want to remind you that we still need to paint this room white. :) 

Just for the record, I had forgotten it was Thursday, but luckily I seem to always blog about thrifting, so I was safe. :) I hope your Thursday was as pretty as mine. 

5.09.2012

first year favorites: kitchen


Since we're basically pros at this whole marriage thing {almost a year! whoop whoop!}, we decided to round up our favorite first year items for you. These are the top ten things we use the most/like the best in the kitchen.


This happy little plate is where I leave spoons/spatulas that I'm currently cooking with. I have another plate that is brown and cream and I used it through the fall and winter months. I like these better than a typical "spoon rest" which tend to be pretty boring imho. (thrifted)


Tip me over and pour me out! This cheery little teapot helps us make chai on the cool nights and cold sweet tea on the warm days. I'm very proud of what a good job it does while still being incredibly good looking. (etsy.com)


Probably our most worth while {expensive} kitchen purchase was our Henckel knives. They're so stinking sharp and make every job a cinch. (target)


We use this baby an average of 5 times a week. :) It was a hand me down gift from my Grandparent's friends and it has been faithful to cook everything I put into it.


I love our drying mats. If you are "dishwasherless", these are the perfect solution. (bed, bath, & beyond)


One my personal favorite kitchen items {though sadly, mostly unused} is my growing pyrex collection. :) This particular design reminds me of fish, either looking deeply into each other's eyes or making out. I can't decide. Anyone else see that?? (thrifted)


Another happy part of our kitchen is all the happy organized stacking we have going on in our main cupboard. A place for everything, and everything in its place. :) As much as we can, I want to stick with sets, even once we have kids. Often people have like 20 different brands of kids plates {all with different sized sections that don't stack easily}, and that is not my cup of tea. I like my dinnerware to be stackable and have friends. :)


If the meal is small enough to not need the full dutch oven, we lean toward using this pan. Not to say we don't use our normal stainless steel set; we do, but if it's a small job we reach for the cast iron. (thrifted)


This scrub brush makes washing the dishes a breeze. Push the button, scrub a little, rinse, set on drying rack, and repeat. :) (bed, bath, & beyond)


We got these bags at Walmart for $1. 100 bags for a buck. Yes, you have to twist and tie them yourself, but it's a way cheaper route then ziplock. I'll let you know if they ever run out, but they've been awesome for keeping veggies fresh. (walmart)

Well, that's our one year kitchen tour. Isn't it funny how we all have our list of "often used and important" items, but yours aren't the same as mine? What would be your number one item?

5.08.2012

life decisions


Do you remember when the hardest choice you had to make on a regular basis was the decision between grape, cherry, and orange? How I miss the innocent bliss of carefree summer days. Oh, to be two again. :)

School's finally out for the summer and I am stoked to jump on some of the projects that we have been putting off. You'll be hearing from me alot more often up in here. I'll let you decide whether you consider that to be a positive announcement or not. :)

5.03.2012

thrifty thursday: art deco glass bottles

My husband has the best eye for awesome things. He claims that he just looks for things he knows I will like, but I don't believe him. Really, it's just that he has amazing home decor taste. :)

For $1 a piece, we thrifted these two glass bottles with beautiful glass stoppers. I adore their lovely little details.





Perfectly full with sharpies and paintbrushes, they are doing their job of being functional and beautiful incredibly well. You know me. I'm all for function, but function without aesthetic makes for a very boring home. :) I'm striving for both.


Oh, and take a good look at that bookshelf. The next time you see it, it will be even more ridiculously good looking.

5.02.2012

foxy lady

That would be me. At least for today, I am straight up foxy.



How much would you pay for a legit "Saga Fox" jacket that makes you look like a marshmallow and feel like a kitten? No, you would not believe how amazing I feel in this jacket. I didn't say I looked amazing, but I feel fantastic. It doesn't even fit, May is quickly approaching, and I am still dying for an occasion to wear it.










This jacket is worth up to $600 online, and we paid a buck for it which is ammmazing. If you're like, "Yes, I would pay $500 for that foxy jacket." {or $400... or $300} Then, in exchange for that check, I will be willing to part with it.

Until one of you mails me that check, it will hang out on the side of our wingback chair and I will pet it as though it is the kitten we aren't allowed to have.





How about you? Do you have any legit fur? Does it also make you feel like Cruella DeVille, but in the best way possible? :)