Things I didn't think of...

When Robert called me from work about 8 months ago and said, "Hey do you want to move to Okinawa...in January....this coming January?" I was a little shocked to say the least. We talked about the pros and cons. It was at the top of our list to live here while in the Marine Corps, but we had no idea it was going to be so soon. After much discussion we decided that God had obviously opened a door and that it was a huge blessing to move half way across the world this early in our marriage with no kids.

I soon started thinking about all the things they wouldn't have over here in Okinawa. The first thought the shopping...can you blame me? Now, Beaufort wasn't the best but at least there were outlets about 40 min away and Charleston was an hour north (oh how I miss you King St.!). However, things that I didn't think of was how my internet was going to change. We decided not to get cable, so I figured I'd just go online and watch my shows.....WRONG!

As you can see (or maybe you can't...the pics look kinda small...sorry). You can't watch shows on ABC, NBC, CBS, HULU...you name it you can't watch it because I'm outside U.S. Territories and they have an "agreement."

I was blindsided...I had such a good plan! No Office, no Big Bang Theory, No Grey's, no nothing! After several months of not watching these shows I can honestly say it's actually not that bad. Last night Robert and I sat down on the couch in front of the TV and READ...it was lovely :D

I also have to be careful with pricing on websites. Just the other day I was looking at vacuums (ours is acting really funny and smelling extremely weird when we use it). A couple of my friends swear by their Dyson's so I started pricing some. I knew they were expensive but I about fell out of my chair when I saw the price....then I realized it was listed in Yen and not US Dollars, big difference!

I was also shocked the first time I logged onto Google, Gmail and Blogger. It was in Japanese, after a few mistakes I finally figured it out. The best part is that Google changes with the holidays just like in the States except that it follows Japanese Holidays and famous Japanese people's birthdays...it's always a learning experience!

I'm definitely adjusting to living overseas and living on a military installation makes that transition so much smoother! I'm so thankful for great friends and family even though they are far away. We just got another box in the mail, this time from Robert's parents and sister...it's so much fun getting boxes especially when they're filled with American goodies! Thanks so much to everyone who's supported us whether through prayers or boxes in the mail, we greatly appreciate YOU!

(NOTE: You have to click on the pics to get the full effect.)

Spruce Up An Old Box

I had this old nikon box that was perfect for my friend's little girl's birthday present. It's her very first birthday and so I made her gift. I'll have to share that next week because her birthday party isn't until next Sunday (sorry I can't make it Darla! I know it will be beautiful).

All you need is an old box, scrap book paper, exacto knife, mod podge, brush to apply the mod podge and a cutting mat.

Lay the box out flat and begin gluing the paper to the surface. I did one section at a time. Once it was glued down well and pretty dry, I flipped over the box and began cutting along the outline of the box.

Once you cover your surface area, you can mod podge the top of the scrap book paper. I covered the entire box with one good coat and that worked well for me. If you have lots of creases and folds like I did make sure you're gently with the paper so it doesn't rip.

Once every thing is completely dry, carefully fold your box back together. I placed Ella's little gift inside and then tied it together with some twine.

This once a useless, ugly box is now a great gift box!

a few of my FAVORITE things!

I received a box from my parents this week with lots of great surprises! I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things. Above is a close up of my new shower curtain, it's up in the guest bath and looks just lovely.

C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine from Bath & Body Works. It's lip shine and fresh breath all in one tube, what more do you need?

My absolute favorite Tazo tea...thanks dad! I heard you went to quite a few places to find this for me. It was sold out on Amazon and everywhere else.

Funny thing, the day I got this package I got an email from Amazon saying it was available again...haha, what timing?! I'll be heading over there to buy some in bulk.

And finally...Lea & Perrins Marinade for Chicken. Have you ever had this? It's amazing and it's the key ingredient in one of my favorite recipes, Jeff's Chicken and Rice. It's been a favorite since I can remember and now Robert's hooked on it too. This is one of those great comfort meals that always makes me feel happy when I eat it! Another reason this recipe is so close to my heart is that Jeff was taken from this earth much too soon, he was killed by a drunk driver several years ago. Every time I make this I think of him and usually hear the song Kokomo by the Beach Boys and I smile. I'm sure that seems kind of awkward but the first time I remembering hearing that song and falling in love with it was with Jeff at his parent's house when I was little bitty. I'll leave you with this quote from Jeff that was shared at his funeral and maybe I'll post the recipe later on this week :D

"You only get one shot at this life. don't waste it, it could be gone any day. travel. blow some money. go see some music. make some music. kiss someone on the mouth (preferably someone who won't sue you). read a book. write a book. whatever. just don't take it for granted. no one lies on their death bed wishing they had spent more time at the office. Grab Let It Be (preferably on vinyl) tonight, and sit back and enjoy yourself."
-Jeff Wilson (1974-2006)

Just Peachy!

This peach smoothie is one of those perfect Spring/Summer afternoon treats! I was first introduced to them by my friend Tavia. This was one of her pregnancy cravings and I soon learned why...it was amazing! The original is from a local coffee shop in Beaufort (Common Ground), but Robert being the dear that he is helped me figure out the recipe!

Side note: I always tease him that I married him for his beverage making expertise. He worked at Smoothie Factory and Starbucks...I know, I'm spoiled! I tell him that him working at Starbucks is one of the many reasons I married and the ONLY reason my dad let me marry him...haha! (if you know my dad you totally understand).

Back to the recipe! You'll need the following:

1 can peaches (8.25 oz)

1/2 cup yogurt

1/4 cup Half & Half

1.5 tablespoons honey

3 cups ice

Blender

This should make two medium or one giant sized portion(s). I noticed in the above picture that I have fat free yogurt and half and half, I guess in mind that made it a wash as far as calories go!

Add all ingredients to your blender. I find the best success when the ice is on top. And then blend away!

Check your consistency...you may want a tad more ice or yogurt, it's a personal choice.

Then pour yourself a heaping cupful (as I did) or share with a friend and ENJOY!

Special thanks to Robert for helping figure out the recipe and being a good teacher :D

We're Ready for Guests!

The final touches have been put on the guest bedroom, so all you guys and gals who are planning to visit...go ahead and book those tickets! The pic is of Robert's grandparents...love that shot.

And of course I had to add some chalk board flare. :D I'll post some pics of the entire room soon. Can't wait to have our first guests :D

Chalkboard Bliss!

I was tired of this large mirror that we had and decided it needed a change. My dear husband had a few presents waiting for me when I got to Okinawa and one of those was a can of....you guessed it.....chalkboard spray (ok, maybe you guessed something else)! I was ecstatic I've been wanting to jump on the chalkboard bandwagon for some time now.

As you can see, the best part was that the entire spray paint bottle was in Japanese. I asked Robert how he knew what he was buying? I shouldn't have been surprised by his answer, I have an app for that! He's a walking advertisement for Apple...love you baby.


I sprayed several coats of chalk board spray on my mirror. I would suggest if your mirror can be removed easily from the frame, that would be the easiest route. Dealing with tape on the frame is quite tedious and sometimes frustrating.


If you have any old picture frames laying around, these work great for this sort of thing because the glass is so easy to remove. Also make sure it's dried thoroughly before taking chalk to the freshly painted surface...that can get messy.


Once spray painted we decided to add our own little flare to it. Robert created the "W" in the center...yes, with chalk! He's so handy. My contribution was the paisley designs on the edges.


All in all I was thrilled with the end result. It's great when a project turns out even better than how you envisioned it in your head! Hope you enjoy....

Picture Frame Tray

I actually made this tray some time ago, but recently revamped it. I found this wonderful idea from the amazing Ashley Ann (I'm hopelessly addicted to her blog). It's a very simple and quick project. My frame was a $5 Walmart buy that I sprayed painted green (once again my solution to everything). I picked up the old, rustic handles in a consignment shop in Beaufort.

I recently decided my picture frame tray was in need of an update. When I was home in Texas I spent a couple of days going through tons of "treasures" w/my Memom. She ended up giving me all my Daddy Jack's service metals, dog tags, and paper work from his time in the Army.

Some of this dates back to 1940 and it contains two of my favorite pictures of my grandparents. One is of their wedding day and the other is them standing in front of an old car in the middle of a bridge and it's gorgeous!

I didn't want to put scrap paper as the background because it just didn't seem to fit. My solution was an old paper bag that I crumpled. I was so pleased with how this turned out!

I'm just so glad I found a great way to display these precious items that my Memom entrusted me with! Hope you enjoy :D