25 Years...on Thursday

Well, my birthday is Thursday, my 25th birthday. Pretty nice, I am looking forward to it. Instead of acting all old, wise, and worldly, thought it would be more fun and interesting to look up the facts of my birth year, 1987. Truth is, I don't feel that different from last year...maybe that's because last year's birthday was a little under-celebrated because of the ice and blizzard that left everyone trapped in their houses for days. So this year I plan to have twice as much fun ;)

Enjoy!

1987

• Yearly Inflation Rate USA3.66% 
• Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 1938 
• Interest Rates Year End Federal Reserve 8.75% 
• Average Cost of new house $92,000 
• Median Price Of and Existing Home $85,500 
• Average Income per year $24,350.00 
• Private 1st Class Army Per Year $9.385.20 
• Average Monthly Rent $395.00 
• Average Price for new car $10,3055.00 
• 1 gallon of gas 89 cents 
• 1 LB of Bacon $1.80 
• US Postage Stamp 24 cents 
• Dozen Eggs 65 cents 

Popular Cars

• Ford Escort $6,895 
• Ford Taurus $11,808 
• Honda Accord $10,925 

The US Population Estimated at 244.6 Million
The World's Population reaches approx five billion (5,000,000,000)

Popular Culture

• Prozac makes its debut in the United States

• Televangelist Jim Bakker Scandal

• The Simpsons seen on TV for the first time

• British Government Stops Publication in Britain of Spycatcher Book

• Search for Nessie reveals no evidence after 1.6 million dollar investment

Popular Films

• Three Men and a Baby
• Fatal Attraction
• Beverly Hills Cop II
• Good Morning, Vietnam
• The Untouchables
• Stakeout
• Lethal Weapon
• The Witches of Eastwick
• The Last Emperor
• Wall Street
• Dirty Dancing
• RoboCop
• Moonstruck

Popular Musicians

• Michael Jackson with " BAD " Album and a Single
• Lionel Richie "Do It to Me"
• Fleetwood Mac "Tango in the Night" Album
• Peter Gabriel
• Janet Jackson "Let's Wait Awhile" Single
• Heart "Alone" Single
• Whitney Houston "Whitney" Album / "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" Single
• Bruce Hornsby with The Range ""Mandolin Rain" Single
• George Michael " Faith " Album and Single
• Bryan Adams "Into the Fire" Album
• Los Lobos ""La Bamba" Single
• Bananarama "Love in the First Degree" Single
• U2 "The Joshua Tree" Album and " With or Without You " Single

Pretty crazy how old this all seems...

M.LEWIS

The Pantry Project

Another project complete!

...Well, almost. I need to paint the last foot or so up to the ceiling...but it's pretty much done. :)

This project was my pantry. I kind of what to go buy some cute little container and baskets for some items, but for now, you will get to see the paint job. Now before you continue to think "Please, a pantry project? Like 4 shelves and a door?" Wrong. If you have seen my pantry, you know it is its own little room. I would guess it is about 4x4 room with 11 shelves and 10ft ceiling. There is a lot of space, which is great, but not a 2 hour project to spruce up.

Here is a picture of it before (with some blue painter's tape already in place).

The other half of the pantry is hidden, but it looks pretty much the same. The walls, especially around the trash can, were pretty yucky. 10 year old home, several different families, and I am certain they have never painted or cleaned the walls. The shelves were never lined with any sort of protection (you see my quick, messy job of such when we first moved in).

My goal: Paint the walls with the same paint from the kitchen, blue. I want a decorative design on back of the main 4 sets of shelves. The top two and bottom shelves were "add-on's" and I use them mainly for light storage...the installer did not anchor them the best.
I also planned to rip out the messy contact paper and replace it with clean, fresh, and accurately-cut contact paper.

I first planned to block off the design with painter's tape and  paint over it leaving the wall behind it with the "X" design once peeling off the tape. Now, I have painted 85% of my house thus far and I know that textured walls + painter's tape = why bother?

And here's why:
Looks okay from a distance, it's something you could just say "I could live with it." But since this house has been set-up with that mindset from previous owners, I was about to accept this motto.

Here is the mess up close. Just not pretty and a bit "chunkier" than I wanted.

So...what to do?

Well, I already planned to line the shelves with white contact paper...so I wondered if contact paper would also stick to the wall. You know, like all the super-popular wall decals these days?

It did stick. So, I threw out the painter's tape idea out the window and begun measuring and cutting little strips of contact paper. Once painting the entire wall, I would then go back and add the white contact paper in the same pattern. Using a triangle shaped guider, I individually angled and placed each strip of paper.

I LOVE the completed look. So sharp, clean, and subtle. You can also easily peel off the design if you want a simple look, or different pattern latter.

 I rearranged some things, threw out some things, consolidated some things...and tada!

I would love to get a better plastic-bag-dispenser and maybe a crate or two for the loose spice bottles and baking supplies; but you get the over-all look!








So easy, affordable, and the possibilities are endless!
This idea was inspired by pinterest but refined by yours truly. ;)

Again, here is the before and after side-by-side:

  As silly as it might seem, I really love opening my pantry 10,000 times a day now. And for all my visitors who have to throw away any little thing, I think they will appreciate the clean, fresh feeling as well...maybe. :P

What's next? I am thinking the console table project or the over-the-tv shelves. Stay tuned!


M.LEWIS

And The Nominees Are...

It is another fun time of the year for me: Oscar season!

I know many people do not care about the Academy Awards or think that the whole award-scene is rigged, but I have always enjoyed them. I love movies and have wanted to be apart of them for quite some time now. Not really in front of the camera (though I wouldn't turn it down) but more so behind the scenes. My main interest and passion is with screenwriting. Characters, plot, and dialogue is the skeleton of a movie. Sure, the director is a big part of it and of course the actors that bring the words on the paper to life, but it all starts with the script.


I love a good movie with quotable dialogue...especially "one-liners."


"Joe Nast: The truth is hard. Sometimes it looks so wrong, y'know. The color's off, the style's wrong, but I guess... I guess it's where the good ones live." -Moonlight Mile


"Lester Bangs: They make you feel cool. And hey. I met you. You are not cool."  -Almost Famous


"Sean: People call those imperfections, but no, that's the good stuff."  -Good Will Hunting


"Mark Zuckerberg: You know, you really don't need a forensics team to get to the bottom of this. If you guys were the inventors of Facebook, you'd have invented Facebook."  -The Social Network


"Marilyn Lovell: No, Henry! Those people don't put one piece of equipment on my lawn. If they have a problem with that, they can take it up with my husband. He'll be home...on Friday!"  -Apollo 13


"Claire Colburn: Trust me. Everybody is less mysterious than they think they are."  -Elizabethtown


Anyway, before I get too off-subject here, I will now provide you with a list of this year's hopefully nominees:



BEST PICTURE
The Artist
The Descendants
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse


Actor in a Leading Role
Demián Bichir - A Better Life
George Clooney - The Descendants
Jean Dujardin - The Artist
Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt - Moneyball


Actor in a Supporting Role
Kenneth Branagh - My Week with Marilyn
Jonah Hill - Moneyball
Nick Nolte - Warrior
Christopher Plummer - Beginners
Max von Sydow - Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close


Actress in a Leading Role
Glenn Close - Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis - The Help
Rooney Mara - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams - My Week with Marilyn


Actress in a Supporting Role
Bérénice Bejo - The Artist
Jessica Chastain - The Help
Melissa McCarthy - Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer - Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer - The Help


Animated Feature Film
A Cat in Paris
Chico & Rita
Kung Fu Pa nda 2
Puss in Boots
Rango


DIRECTING
The Artist - Michel Hazanavicius
The Descendants - Alexander Payne
Hugo - Martin Scorsese
Midnight in Paris - Woody Allen
The Tree of Life - Terrence Malick






You can get the FULL list here. 
Now I have (unfortunately) not seen most of these films...having a baby noticeably changes your weekend plans. I do plan to make predictions based on different reviews, and my own personal opinions from past experiences. Notice I say "predictions." Who I want to win and who will most likely win are two different things. ;)




And to top it all off, one of my favorite hosts is back this year: Billy Crystal. *cheers*


Happy Oscar Nomination Day to all my fellow movie-lovers!












M.LEWIS  

What Ever Happened to Accountability?

I have a bone to pick with America.

While I have an array of topics to choose from at this moment, this bone is concerning the "controversy" over Paula Deen. If you haven't heard the bickering news, Ms. Deen has recently shared with the country that she has type 2 diabetes. I don't know about you, but my first thought over this news was "That's not surprising."
The woman is known for her recipes that involve large amounts of butter, oil, heavy cream, and sugar. Now this "good southern cooking" has never been known to be healthy by any stretch of the imagination. I mean, you hear a menu of "chicken fried steak, loaded mashed potatoes, pecan pie, and sweet tea" you think: "Holy cow!" That kind of eating should probably never happen, but if it does happen, it should be called "Thanksgiving."
It should be clear to everyone that if you eat this way on a regular basis, you will have some serious health issues. Some of which might be: high blood pressure, clogged arteries, heart disease, obesity, and yes, diabetes (II).

Why is this so shocking? Why does America feel duped? And more importantly, why does America feel like helpless, defenseless victims?

Hey guys, here is a little secret: You are, in fact, perfect capable of using your brains. You can think for longer than 3 seconds. You can make decisions. You do not need the marketing and advertising agencies of the world to tell you what to eat, what to buy...how to live your life.
Just because Paula Deen provided the recipes, doesn't mean you are forced to make them and consume them. Why are so many people furious at Ms. Deen? I can't speak for everyone, but I do not feel entitled to know of any medical and health issue going on with absolutely anyone (outside my immediate family).

"How dare you trick us with your delicious, calorie engorged food and not inform of us of any of your personal health repercussions!?"

...Do you now feel guilty of eating the foods in the first place? Are you forced to face the reality of "you-can't-eat-everything-you-see?" What about if she didn't have diabetes? Would you still load up on the butter without a second thought?

This is the same reason why I hated "Super-Size Me." And why I hate all the new restrictions companies now have to enforce. Take some responsibility people!

Our country's obesity issue is not due to McDonald's, Cute cartoon characters on cereal boxes, or even Paula Deen. The issue stems from our lack of self control and our inability of accountability.

I went to McDonald's several weeks ago and split a happy meal with Lorelai. I was shocked by the barely-there portion of fries.
This is not an exaggeration. This is the actual size of fries kids now receive in their happy meals.
I grew up having a happy meal maybe twice a month. I had a bigger portion of golden goodness and apple slices were years away from being added to the menu.

Guess what! I was not an obese kid, nor am I an obese adult!

The key is not giving people these predetermined amount of food; it's teaching them self-control and, more importantly, it's teaching them to accept the word "no."

Just like in Super-Size Me, the film-maker blamed McDonald's for his weight gain and health issues after embarking on his insane experiment. He made himself eat at the fast food chain 3 meals a day (who does that?) AND he had to say "yes" if they asked him if he wanted to "super-size" it.
WTH?
You have to say yes? You are forced to eat more? Please. How about thinking logically for a minute and remember you are not a puppet designed to follow any little suggestion someone may throw at you?

I heard rumors they may start charging for the toys in the happy meal because kids are being "hypnotized" by the toys and their parents are unable to set any sort of ground rules. You are the parent. If you want them to eat healthy, DON'T TAKE THEM TO MCDONALD'S! If you are the average parent, take them every few weeks, let them enjoy a little burger and fries. Moderation people!

Just because there is a cute dog on the box of "Cookie Crisp" doesn't mean you have automatically buy it for your 5 year-old shouting "pleeeeease!" in the aisle. You can say what my mom used to say (and what more moms need to say): "No. We do not eat cookies for breakfast." And she was right. Even of your child has Guinness World Record fit in the middle of the grocery store, you can say "no."

Sorry Paula Deen that people are hounding you about your health problems. I know when I heard, all I wanted to do is yell at you and blame you for every extra pound on my body. *psh*

Stop passing the buck America. You are responsible for some things in your life.

Ok...bone picked. Thanks. ;)

M.LEWIS

Recent Life Summary

Just going to update you all on a few things happening over here at the Lewis household.



Lorelai is now officially walking now...well, she has been for several weeks now, but it is very exciting. She waddles a bit and, in shoes, it's worse...in a good way. I compare her to Charlie Chaplin often, she just need a bowler hat and a walking stick. ;)
She still only has 2 teeth, but more seem to be making their way down...slowly.
She has her first hair trim was a week ago, just her bangs. I was hoping to avoid a haircut that needed frequent trims, but she kept pulling out all her hair clips, and then her long hair pokes her in the eyes. We took a few more recent pictures that showcase her adorable little face, with newly cut bangs. :)
How can you not love that little face ♥



Chris has had a little break from work...the work load that is. I enjoy seeing him in the morning and still be able to have dinner with him at night.
Phoebe is Phoebe...February was the month we discussed getting her teeth cleaned (her breath could stop an 18-wheeler) she also needs an extra baby tooth removed.

I have been trying to stick to my goal of at least 15mins of continuous exercise a day. Some times I do fit in 2 sessions but Lorelai's napping schedule is a little off lately. I basically run in place for 10mins (I look silly, I'm sure) then do pilates for another 10mins (5mins if I don't have time). It is just basic stretches and toning exercises, but I think it goes a long way. In fact, I dug out 2 pairs of old pants the other week and I could fit in them! Now I still have plenty I don't fit into yet, but it is the best encouragement. :)

My mom had a birthday on Monday. We all got together (all 11 of us) and ordered pizza, shared a cake, gave presents, and played pictionary. I do love seeing all my siblings for happy occasions. We have the best moments that pop up...especially with some people's drawing skills. :P

The house is pretty much the same. We have raked up the leaves several different times and have probably filled up at least 8 lawn bags with the leaves. I also pulled up all the dead, frozen plants (that I didn't like anyway), but we still need to spray weed killer on all our clovers sprouting up. This winter hasn't been that cold at all so sneaky little weeds keep on coming. :( I am looking forward to buying new mulch and pretty plants to help spruce up the curb appeal! Inside the house, I am thinking I will get that console table I was talking about for that bare wall. I really think that will look sharp. I also need to call someone to finally hook up our gas logs in our fireplace and I need to buy paint for the halls. I did accomplish one goal this past week: my "picture wall." I received a coupon for shutterfly last week and I used the rest of my giftcard to hobby lobby to buy half-priced picture frames. They all came together yesterday, and I am loving the results. I purposely placed them in a way I can easily add to the collection as time goes on...and change out the pictures as girly gets older.

I did see my friend Maggie a little while ago...I love my "Magipher" and I hope to see her more often. In fact we discusses getting together with another friend of ours and her little girl...*winkwink* Jen. ;)
I was supposed to see my other friend, Erin, today, but she fell under the weather. :( Hopefully we can reschedule soon, I haven't seen her in a little while.

Now I need to figure out what I want to make for dinner tonight. Most likely something fast and simple, for Lorelai will need a definite bath tonight after her "syrup in the hair" breakfast. At lest she smelled good today. :P ...Hope that is not a mark against me in the "good mom department."

Until next time!
M.LEWIS

[Day] Dream Bathroom

I really love decorating. I have enjoyed going through my house and updating its blank-canvas-feel to something classy, fresh, and me.

Slightly old picture, I now have white curtains on the windows

My upcoming project that I am so anxious to dive into is our master bathroom. It is so plain. White walls, white tile, original light fixture, original vinyl floor...you get the idea. Our master bedroom is probably my favorite room in our house. I feel so relaxed and comfortable in it, and yet, modestly modern and fresh. That is the feeling I want to carry on into the bathroom. In the apartment we had more updated faucets, lights, cabinets, floors, etc. It did need much to feel "complete." I picked out generic colored towels (gray and black) with match rugs and a black/white shower curtain. Now...I don't know about those. I really want that fresh, clean feeling; and black doesn't invoke that feeling. But first, I have to pick out a paint color. I think that has to be job #1.

Here is the color I was really taken with (online) I need to go and get some samples to decide.
I think it is a neutral color. It is gray, but a blue-gray. It flows with the bedroom, but it is its own area too. I can keep my gray towels if I choose, or I can get another color...I think white would be an amazing contrast to this color, so I can match my white tile with white towels (and I want to paint our cabinets white too).

I also want to rip out the "eh" floor and replace it with a new, modern, self-adhesive tiles. Economical, easy-to-install, and durable.  I really like the look of the "slate" tiles. Something like this is a good mix of modern and classic. This is something we could do ourselves (which I am ALL for!) and it would only take a day...assuming nothing goes wrong. :P

In a previous post, I mentioned replacing the faucets...and we will, asap. The originals are cheap, awkwardly installed, and are out of date. I would LOVE to replace them with something very similar to this. Again, something not too expensive, easily accessible, and simple to clean. This brushed silver is much preferred over the shiny silver in my opinion and I can find matching hardware for the cabinets and towel racks if wanted...of course this probably means replacing the shower faucet too...and that scares me for some reason. *shrugs*






I then want to take down the one large mirror and replace it with two smaller, framed mirrors. One over each sink. This, I think, will define more of the "his and hers" vanities and will create a larger feel in the not-so-large room.

I want to install 2 or 3 of these small, glass shelves in between the 2 mirrors. We have very little storage space in the bathroom, so this will add a place for "pretty" objects to sit and it will blend in with the mirrors so I will not take away from the open feeling I previously mentioned.

Also in the shelving department I would love to add even more storage with an over-the-toilet cabinet. I really like this one:

And to top off the whole look, a new light. Again, brushed silver, and classy. We have one whole in the wall for a light, and I am not too keen on making more. So I think one light that stretches over the 2 sinks would look kind of cool. I think it would need to be more like 6 lights than 4, but you get the idea.











As you can see, there is a lot of work and money that I would like to pour into redoing the master bath, but I think once it's done, it will add a lot of value to the house and it will make me so happy! I will keep you all posted of my progress. Beware, it will be slow! I love having projects to think about and plan out. :)

M.LEWIS

Cut it Out

Warning: Most of you all will not care about this post, nor will you know what I am talking about.

I usually write silly, lighthearted posts. That's more than fine with me, I am so lucky my life consists of silly, lighthearted events...but there is one growing issue amongst my siblings.

I don't know what exactly started the tension, nor do I care...I don't want to dive into the details, mainly because I am not privy to that information, but I also do not want to alienate anyone any further. I just can't sit quietly any longer.

We are an awesome family. We are large, loud, opinionated, augmentative, kind, humorous, and close...or at least, we were. I know this is just a bump in the road and it will eventually pass, but I dislike the feelings floating around my parents' house. Now these feelings are not shared by me, nor are they directed at me...and I think that is the frustrating thing for me. This issue mainly exists between my younger siblings (mostly teenagers), and so I have this to say to them: Cut it out. This is so ridiculous...and that goes for both sides. Stop the 'tude; stop the freeze out; stop the dirty looks; stop the childish games. We are family, and you need to figure this out. Everyone needs to come together and air their grievances in a calm, mature manner. If you guys don't figure this out, I will warn you...I will get more involved; and I think we can all agree we don't want that. ;)

Ok...I just had to get that off my chest....but seriously guys, stop it.

M.LEWIS

House Update To-Do

Things I want to get soon to continue in our mission to update/improve our house:


New faucets for the bathrooms (3 in total)
Paint master bathroom
Paint the 2 halls
Buy table for the "awkward" wall (and small things to put on it)
Chris wants to drop wires to bring it up to "modern technology"
I need to get a new set of dishes...I keep breaking mine
Buy picture frames for my collage wall
And we need to figure out the fireplace still

There is more, but I am trying to limit my list for now. Now I need to budget and prioritize.

I will try accomplish some of these tasks soon, with updates! :)

M.LEWIS

The Christmas after New Year's

Due to illness last week, we never finished Christmas with my in-laws. We did today. It was fun having that little piece of Christmas saved for later...like Hanukkah...for Christians. Anyway, I got an awesome little treasure. The U pillow. 

"The U pillow?" you say?

Yes. The U pillow. It looks a little something like this: 

It looks so comfortable. Obviously I haven't tested it out yet, but I hope it is as promising as it seems. I think it will be awesome for pregnancy too; and NO, that is not a hint that am I pregnant. Again, no pregnant people at this moment in this house...just clearing that up before people pounce.

We also got a nice handful of giftcards, candy, trinket toys, and stocking stuffers. Lorelai received some cute things as well...thanks M&FIL. Sorry to ruin one of your gifts with a previous purchase...oh well. *shrugs*

On a completely separate note, I will be cutting my hair. Now, people who know me well shouldn't be surprised...not that anyone is surprised really. I wanted to grow it out loooong, but it's take too long and I have decided my best look is not the long, flat, "eh" hair. I think my hair looks better shorter, with some shape. So I will be doing that soon, probably tomorrow.

I also want a sofa table. Not for my sofa, but for a wall in my house that is awkwardly positioned and desperately need something to will the empty space. I also need more places to do everyday chores...like charge my phone or kindle. Right now I am taking up valuable kitchen counter tops with this and would very much like to find a remedy.

This brings me to my last thought of the night: new year's resolutions. Cliche, but I think it is good to evaluate and better one's self. I don't want to go crazy here, I have it pretty nice; but I want to do 2 things: Get in shape (how unique, I know) and continue to improve and upgrade our home. I look forward to latter more...duh.

Alrigthy. G'night friends!

M.LEWIS     

My 2011 in Pictures

A friend of mine did this and I thought it was cute and required few words on my part...so I am stealing it. :) Last year was pretty eventful, not as eventful as 2010, but still...I think 2012 will be a bit more "quiet" but we'lll have to wait and see on that. Here is 2011 in pictures:

Lorelai experienced her first snow...a record fall. It fell over my birthday 02/02 and we were snowed in for days.

Christopher and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary on 02/06. I made a replica of our top tier to share.

Lorelai starts solid foods around 5 months old.

I received a generous gift of a new semi-professional camera, and I begin to take pictures almost everyday.

Lorelai celebrates her first Easter

"Mimi," my dad's mom, passed away. This is the only picture I have of her in my possession. (Far left)

I begin to discover a new passionate hobby, photography. I create a small  fan page on facebook.

6 months old and house hunting!

Packing up to move out...this is a small fraction of our things.

Signed closing papers and received our first house key :)

Our first home

It needed a lot of "spiffing up"

Record heat in the summer...great time for moving in

A melted candle...in my mom's house. That's hot.

Painted half the house myself and upgraded light fixtures, faucets, and decorated the house all within a couple months

Lorelai celebrates her first Independence day at Kaboom Town in Addison. She loved the fireworks.

My good friend (and MOH) and first, beautiful child. A little girl named Ava.

Things settle down from the move and we baptize Lorelai. Our friend, Jeremy (my good friend, Maggie's, husband), officiates. 

First "big kid" shoes for Lorelai.

She learns to pull herself up and stand.

My friend, Katie, married her best friend, Nick. They are the coolest people you will meet.

Her first Halloween. She was a skeleton...a girly skeleton ;)

First jack-o-lantern with matching bottom teeth.

First Thanksgiving...complete with shirt reading "Everyone's thankful for me"...and it's true.

First visit to the zoo. She LOVES animals.

Lorelai's 1st birthday!!!

Birthday invitations...I never send them out.

Lorelai and Christopher on Christmas Eve...NOT her first, but one where she was actually awake. ;)

Santa's gift to Lorelai, she enjoys it thoroughly.

I believe these are the main highlights for me and my life. I know there were many more babies, weddings, and partings that I did not include; but that does not take away from their importance in others' 2011. We did so much and shared so many "firsts." Thank you to all made 2011 memorable and special. 

(It is amazing to watch Lorelai grow up in these pictures!)

Come on, 2012. :)

M.LEWIS