This blog is so 2009. Come and check out my new blog location.....
Our Claverinski Casa
And STOP COMING HERE!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Our Current Location/Home
Around this time last year Joel was offered an oppurtunity at work. In another city. We talked at length about the subject and even visited our possible new town. We fell in love almost immediately.
Gainesville is a medium sized town with 114,375 locals and 49,679 temporary residents who crowd the city every semester thanks to the University of Florida. There are state parks instead of skyscrapers. Brick paved roads instead of 4 lane highways. People are friendly and courteous. Traffic only exists on game days and only on one stretch of the main road.
We live in downtown. Just a couple blocks away from this:
The Hippodrome theatre and the biggest building downtown. Yeah, I'm serious. There's a fresh market three blocks from our house. We spend at least one night a week at various restaurants we can walk to. Behind us is a park where we love to take The Pug for walks.
As nature lovers there are tons of state and national parks to fill Joel's off days. And we're just an hour from the Gulf and the Atlantic. We've taken weekend trips to Jacksonville, Orlando and St Augustine.
Twenty minutes south is Micanopy, a town known for dozens of antique shops and the cutest sandwich shop. My sister got her guitar there. I've scored great vintage jewelry and tons of knick-knacks.
Though we may not be here forever, we have learned that the community we live in is important to us. Sorry Tampa you're out. And that's saying a lot considering some of our favorite people call it home.
Gainesville is a medium sized town with 114,375 locals and 49,679 temporary residents who crowd the city every semester thanks to the University of Florida. There are state parks instead of skyscrapers. Brick paved roads instead of 4 lane highways. People are friendly and courteous. Traffic only exists on game days and only on one stretch of the main road.
We live in downtown. Just a couple blocks away from this:
The Hippodrome theatre and the biggest building downtown. Yeah, I'm serious. There's a fresh market three blocks from our house. We spend at least one night a week at various restaurants we can walk to. Behind us is a park where we love to take The Pug for walks.
As nature lovers there are tons of state and national parks to fill Joel's off days. And we're just an hour from the Gulf and the Atlantic. We've taken weekend trips to Jacksonville, Orlando and St Augustine.
Twenty minutes south is Micanopy, a town known for dozens of antique shops and the cutest sandwich shop. My sister got her guitar there. I've scored great vintage jewelry and tons of knick-knacks.
Though we may not be here forever, we have learned that the community we live in is important to us. Sorry Tampa you're out. And that's saying a lot considering some of our favorite people call it home.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Where have I been?!?
As is the usual the holidays made me crazy and left me drained. Our December was nonstop with a trip to Chicago, multiple trips to Tampa, a wedding, a graduation, a birth and a highly stressed out week for the hubby that ended on the side of I-75 with TWO blown tires. He was fine save for his sanity. He worked through it and we are back to stree free living.
This past year has been mind blowingly awesome. We moved, not once, not twice but three times! We spent most of the year procrastinating, I mean planning. WE GOT MARRIED! Joel was promoted and recieved two raises. I've decided to take a class through UF but online and start volunteering more.
This year is looking quite promising. We already have several trips in the works: New Orleans, Chicago, Guatemala, and NYC. We are so excited about all the new babies we get to see grow up (even if it's mostly via Facebook and picture messages). Not to mention the grown babies who are graduated and the ones getting there.
I hope you all had a great holiday season and that God blesses you all in the new year.
This past year has been mind blowingly awesome. We moved, not once, not twice but three times! We spent most of the year procrastinating, I mean planning. WE GOT MARRIED! Joel was promoted and recieved two raises. I've decided to take a class through UF but online and start volunteering more.
This year is looking quite promising. We already have several trips in the works: New Orleans, Chicago, Guatemala, and NYC. We are so excited about all the new babies we get to see grow up (even if it's mostly via Facebook and picture messages). Not to mention the grown babies who are graduated and the ones getting there.
I hope you all had a great holiday season and that God blesses you all in the new year.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A Very Merry Christmas
This past weekend was an absolute whirlwind! My little sister and her BF graduated from college. What a proud moment for me. I expected to cry, but I had no idea I would be that proud. Seeing her in her cap & gown made my heart swell with pride I've only felt once in my life. When my BFF/cousin was accepted into her dream school, NYU.
After the early Saturday graduation we headed for lunch at Hyde Park. Brunch menu meant bloody marys, mimosas, bellinis and a liquor bill that was more than our food bill. That night we all headed to our first graduation party of the weekend where we proceeded to hide out in a bedroom watching the Saints game. And what a game it was! We'll take 15 & 1!
The next day was my sister's graduation party. It was quite the shindig lasting from 2 in the afternoon until 3 in the morning. This party was brought to you by sangria, Coronas and passion fruit flavored rum. I can't remember a weekend where I drank so much. I am paying for it today.
This week is Christmas. An occasion where in a family of grown children and no grandkids is getting less and less festive. My parents are aching for grandbabies and my sisters want a niece. Pressure?!?! Our plans are pretty simple and Include adopted family members. Cmas Eve we'll cook a big meal and play games. Cmas we're doing brunch and opening gifts. Later on we'll head to the theater to watch The Blind Side.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
After the early Saturday graduation we headed for lunch at Hyde Park. Brunch menu meant bloody marys, mimosas, bellinis and a liquor bill that was more than our food bill. That night we all headed to our first graduation party of the weekend where we proceeded to hide out in a bedroom watching the Saints game. And what a game it was! We'll take 15 & 1!
The next day was my sister's graduation party. It was quite the shindig lasting from 2 in the afternoon until 3 in the morning. This party was brought to you by sangria, Coronas and passion fruit flavored rum. I can't remember a weekend where I drank so much. I am paying for it today.
This week is Christmas. An occasion where in a family of grown children and no grandkids is getting less and less festive. My parents are aching for grandbabies and my sisters want a niece. Pressure?!?! Our plans are pretty simple and Include adopted family members. Cmas Eve we'll cook a big meal and play games. Cmas we're doing brunch and opening gifts. Later on we'll head to the theater to watch The Blind Side.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Christmas in Chicago
2 posts in one day!
We recently came back from Chicago. Joel's cousin Matt got married. We had the BEST time as we always do when we visit Joel's family. We arrived Thursday morning to the coldest day of the year. My skin was seriously burning after 10 minutes of being outside, but I was completely comfortable. Joel however has officially gone Southern.
We took it easy mostly, doing some last minute shopping and hanging out with Joel's dad. We got to see our GORGEOUS niece. I swear I'm not biased this little girl is the most beautiful baby. And she's so happy! She has the biggest smile and most adorable laugh. AND she can stick her feet in her mouth. Yeah, she's pretty awesome.
That night we went to the rehearsal and then went out to have a few (too many) drinks with Joel's BFF, sister and her BFF. AWESOME night! I am in love with Chicago. I really am. Friday was the wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony, and, as always, I cried. Mostly just remembering our own nuptials that took place less than 2 months ago. We danced all night. ALL NIGHT. My legs were aching the next day, but it was so worth it. And as tradition we did a late night White Castle visit.
Saturday was by far my favorite day. Joel's brother and sister in law threw a Christmas party since we were in town. We had done grab big gifts, and Meg even through together a White Elephant game. This is where Joel got the Christmas mugs and I got a car cleaning kit! Or course, we switched!
My grab bag gift was awesome. French coffee press, a teapot and $25 GC to Barnes and Noble. If you haven't had coffee from a press I HIGHLY recommend it. Coffee comes out creamy and rich. SO good.
This trip was the shortest trip we've taken up there. But it felt so important. I've always been close to Joel's sister, but this trip sealed the deal! She is SO awesome. I had a blast hanging out with her and serenading each other on the dance floor. She has the most amazing voice. We were SO glad to make her performance with her church's choir on Sunday morning. It was my first church choir experience, and it was so moving.
Leaving Chicago is always EXTREMELY sad. I cry. Joel cries. His mom cries. Living apart from family is the hardest thing, but we're making it work. I'm so glad to have a man that comes from a good family that is full of amazing people. I am so blessed. We are so blessed.
We recently came back from Chicago. Joel's cousin Matt got married. We had the BEST time as we always do when we visit Joel's family. We arrived Thursday morning to the coldest day of the year. My skin was seriously burning after 10 minutes of being outside, but I was completely comfortable. Joel however has officially gone Southern.
We took it easy mostly, doing some last minute shopping and hanging out with Joel's dad. We got to see our GORGEOUS niece. I swear I'm not biased this little girl is the most beautiful baby. And she's so happy! She has the biggest smile and most adorable laugh. AND she can stick her feet in her mouth. Yeah, she's pretty awesome.
That night we went to the rehearsal and then went out to have a few (too many) drinks with Joel's BFF, sister and her BFF. AWESOME night! I am in love with Chicago. I really am. Friday was the wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony, and, as always, I cried. Mostly just remembering our own nuptials that took place less than 2 months ago. We danced all night. ALL NIGHT. My legs were aching the next day, but it was so worth it. And as tradition we did a late night White Castle visit.
Saturday was by far my favorite day. Joel's brother and sister in law threw a Christmas party since we were in town. We had done grab big gifts, and Meg even through together a White Elephant game. This is where Joel got the Christmas mugs and I got a car cleaning kit! Or course, we switched!
My grab bag gift was awesome. French coffee press, a teapot and $25 GC to Barnes and Noble. If you haven't had coffee from a press I HIGHLY recommend it. Coffee comes out creamy and rich. SO good.
This trip was the shortest trip we've taken up there. But it felt so important. I've always been close to Joel's sister, but this trip sealed the deal! She is SO awesome. I had a blast hanging out with her and serenading each other on the dance floor. She has the most amazing voice. We were SO glad to make her performance with her church's choir on Sunday morning. It was my first church choir experience, and it was so moving.
Leaving Chicago is always EXTREMELY sad. I cry. Joel cries. His mom cries. Living apart from family is the hardest thing, but we're making it work. I'm so glad to have a man that comes from a good family that is full of amazing people. I am so blessed. We are so blessed.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Santa Claus is Coming...
I *heart* this time of year. The weather, wardrobe and wrapping make me giddy! I love the tough decisions of the season: Egg nog or hot chocolate? Sugar or gingerbread cookies? One big present or several stocking stuffers? And my favorite question to ponder: What will this Christmas look like?
Last year's colors were blue and white; a winter wonderland theme. The year before that was a pastel Christmas with the apparent theme of NON-traditional. This year I wanted a mix of modern and traditional. I wanted the colors to stand out and be the theme. This year's colors? Red and silver with touches of green.
Our tree this year was a MAJOR fail. I messed up on measuring from the floor to the ceiling. And even when Joel insisted that we could get a bigger tree I had already fallen in love with this one. I've always liked the skinny ones! This is a pretty awful picture of the tree. It's so hard to get it with the lighting. It's mostly red and silver balls; glittery, shiny and matte with several larger novelty ornaments. We also hung clear beaded garland I intentionally bought for wedding decor, but never used. It looks amazing in real life.
Last year's colors were blue and white; a winter wonderland theme. The year before that was a pastel Christmas with the apparent theme of NON-traditional. This year I wanted a mix of modern and traditional. I wanted the colors to stand out and be the theme. This year's colors? Red and silver with touches of green.
Our tree this year was a MAJOR fail. I messed up on measuring from the floor to the ceiling. And even when Joel insisted that we could get a bigger tree I had already fallen in love with this one. I've always liked the skinny ones! This is a pretty awful picture of the tree. It's so hard to get it with the lighting. It's mostly red and silver balls; glittery, shiny and matte with several larger novelty ornaments. We also hung clear beaded garland I intentionally bought for wedding decor, but never used. It looks amazing in real life.
Here's a closer look at the ornaments and garland.
And, or course, my wrapping paper matches our Christmas color scheme.
This actually looks quite different now. We've added Christmas mugs that Joel got at our Chicago Cmas party, plates and I made a new centerpiece. Which means that the silver tree with tiny red balls goes back to the corner of the bar where I meant it to be all along.
I used these ornament place card holders as more table decor. I scored 4 of these for $4 at Michaels and made little holiday greeting cards to put inside. This missing 4th in the set is in the garbage, since I had an accident and dropped it!
Our stockings this year are from Target. $9.99 each! Can't beat that! I customized them with our names using iron on printer paper. They're hanging off of silver 3M hooks I just stuck to the wall.
We have a few hanging Cmas plates and wall art, but not too much. One of my favorites is a Cmas basket I picked up to put magazines in. I'm still trying to get accustomed to this MUCH smaller place to decorate. Temporary homes are not too much fun. My sister-in-law had her house decorated SO cute. She wrapped all the frames hanging up on her wall, so they looked like presents. Definitely stealing her idea next year!
And, or course, my wrapping paper matches our Christmas color scheme.
This actually looks quite different now. We've added Christmas mugs that Joel got at our Chicago Cmas party, plates and I made a new centerpiece. Which means that the silver tree with tiny red balls goes back to the corner of the bar where I meant it to be all along.
I used these ornament place card holders as more table decor. I scored 4 of these for $4 at Michaels and made little holiday greeting cards to put inside. This missing 4th in the set is in the garbage, since I had an accident and dropped it!
Our stockings this year are from Target. $9.99 each! Can't beat that! I customized them with our names using iron on printer paper. They're hanging off of silver 3M hooks I just stuck to the wall.
We have a few hanging Cmas plates and wall art, but not too much. One of my favorites is a Cmas basket I picked up to put magazines in. I'm still trying to get accustomed to this MUCH smaller place to decorate. Temporary homes are not too much fun. My sister-in-law had her house decorated SO cute. She wrapped all the frames hanging up on her wall, so they looked like presents. Definitely stealing her idea next year!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanks Giving
I am thankful for an amazing husband who fills my life, my world and my heart; a crazy pug who makes us laugh everyday; the world's most awesome family. I could go on forever about each and everyone of them.
I have been very blessed in my life. I thank God for that.
God bless you. Have a great Thanksgiving.
I have been very blessed in my life. I thank God for that.
God bless you. Have a great Thanksgiving.
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