Home Improvement Projects

For the past year we have been working on our Kitchen. First we replaced the range, then we put in a double oven. We refinished the cabinets and added some glass doors. Jason also added crown molding to the kitchen and we bought a new fridge. All that remains was replacing the dishwasher and the tile.

2 weeks ago we replaced the dishwasher and last weekend we began demo on the tile. We also purchased our kitchen tile last weekend. Saturday the first tile went down and we spent all weekend working on the kitchen. We are only about 1/4 of the way finished and will continue to work on the kitchen all week.

Below are some pictures of the new improved kitchen.

Before (See the color of the cabinets and the black tile)

The new dishwasher (Still have the black tile)

The double oven and the finished cabinets

The glass we put in the upper cabinets next to the range

Our new travertine - an up close shot. There are 4 different sizes

Laying out the tile to make sure we have the pattern right and getting our cuts right

This is as far as we got on Sunday

Meat or No Meat?!?!?!?!

Who needs beef....pork....chicken..???

...Jason and I made a life change a few months ago and decided to no longer eat meat. The suggestion was made by my doctor after my first kidney stones to eliminate as much animal products from my diet as possible. I tried to make the change but with not much success. In July, Jason positioned the idea of becoming pseudo vegetarians. The idea of doing this venture together was intriguing and we make cooking much easier. Our version of vegetarian standards include, eggs, dairy and fish a lacto, ovo, pescado vegetarian if you will.



Cooking has become a challenge and an adventure. We are trying new protein options and recipes. It's forcing us out of our routine and comfort zone of what we cook, our grocery shopping and eating out. One of the greatest finds during this change has been Veggie Grill, a local vegan resturant in the Irvine Spectrum.



Their sweet potato fries are to die for and the chicken sandwich takes just like chicken!!!! Who know chickenless chicken could taste so good!


Wish us luck as we continue on our meatless journey of food......
Watch for yummy new recipes ;)

Another Weekend...fishing and friends

So this past weekend Jason was on a fishing trip and I hung out with friends. Jason came home with some yummy fish which we cooked up for dinner last night. We had our neighbors over to share the catch. The fish tacos Jason made were fantastic.

The catch of the weekend included:

• Yellowtail
• Rock cod
• White fish

Weekend Fun!

Jason and I went down to Laguna on Sunday for brunch with some friends. It was a beautiful weekend and we loved every minute of it!

Update

So I have been a major slacker on my blog but with good reason. Life has been so busy that I just don't have time. There have been new changes so I thought I would send out a quick update.

- New job. Life should be a little less stressed with my new job. I started about a month ago and have settled in well.

- Home improvement... projects continue

- Garden is growing. We have over 16 different tomato plants and have tomatoes coming out of our ears. Other vegetables we've planted this year include

• Green Beans
• Jalapenos
• Serrano peppers
• Peppers (too many to list them all)
• Onions
• Garlic
• Butternut Squash
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Yellow, Red, Green, Orange bell peppers
• Radish
• Green Onions

- Art-A-Fair.....Jason is showing at the Art-a-Fair in Laguna again this year.

As you can see we have been busy. I'm enjoying the summer as it seems to be a bit slower than the first 6 months of the year.

The Christmas Spirit

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"

- John 8:12

Baby Taylor

Taylor

My little niece Taylor is growing up and getting so big. I recently was at my brother's house babysitting and we had a fun night together. First the park, then dinner, followed by a little dress up. Taylor's favorite thing to do is wear your shoes and walk around the house. I just love her to pieces!!!!