Almost the Holidays

The holiday season is right around the corner.  I am typically the worst shopper ever ... so last minute and scrambling for ideas.  I say I will work on this each year, but really, I just pretend that time flies super fast and "really, it is Christmas already!".

I also have a terrible time buying for the parents and in-laws.  Hubs and I are super minimalists and are presents are typically practical purchases.  So, for parentals that have nicely appointed homes this can be tough.  I also worry about buying the wrong gift for all the friends out there.

I came across this though, on A Cup of Jo's blog, and can find it a very practical gift for everyone.

Now, who doesn't love a little scratch and sniff book and loads of wine!  You can find it on Amazon if you so incline.

Hardware : Purchased (!!!)

I did it I purchased the hardware I talked about {here}

Compass Knob from Anthropologie

Deluth Bin Pull from Restoration Hardware

I ended up going with the 4"ers for the drawers and 6"ers for the 2 doors and 1 drawer (the other drawer and cabinet automatically get the 3"er).

What I forgot to mention is that the lower doors do in fact get pulls too, and therefore the bin pulls will be hiked up to the top of the drawer/door.  The knobs to bin pull ratio stays balanced that way, plus I like it.  Like my inspiration photos

It was Time for Some Adventure

Hubs and I headed out West ... out to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon ... last week!!  Luckily, the parks re-opened even with the Federal Government closed.  Utah State made that possible ... I like to think just for us ;)

We initially planned to do some hiking, canyoning, mountain biking and whatever else floated our boat.  The plan was to be in Utah till Thursday, and then we weren't sure what we would do till Saturday - just wanted to go with the flow.

Well, it was quite a fan-freakin-tastic vacation!

Zion National Park - these pics are from our hike up to Angel's Landing.  It was an amazing 2.0 mile hike up.  Once you get to the top, there is an area to rest (Scout Lookout) before you start the treacherous 0.5 miles to the tip top of Angel's Landing.  This 0.5 miles basically is holding on to a chain hanging off the side of the mountain.  The last 0.2 miles is a sliver of mountain with a 1400 ft fall on BOTH sides!  We made it about 0.2 miles of this part - there were sooooo many people.  Two way traffic in ONE lane.  You really needed a stop light ha.

Swithbacks up to Angel's Landing

0.2 miles in to the treacherous 0.5 miles to Angel's Landing (it is above-to the right of Hubs' head)

Here is what the last 0.3 miles looks like!

And then there are the fabulous views!

Lots of Panos!

And, finally, the drive through Zion National Park was quite an experience in itself.  It looks like you are on the moon ... with trees!

We did a little canyoning - hiking and rappelling

Then we headed to Bryce Canyon National Park.  Famous for the Hoodoos.

Ended the day with a little campfire cooking

Decided that we might as well head to Sedona, AZ for the last part of our trip.  Crossed the Colorado River and traveled by the Grand Canyon.

First day in Sedona we went on the infamous Pink Jeep Tour

And let Sissy and Tequila take us on a sunset stroll

On our last day, we went on an epic mountain bike ride.  Honestly, the best of the best for mountain biking!

Ate at L'Buerge by Oak Creek (expensive but so worth it) (also Elote ... a southwest mexican is a must to eat at ... get the Elote if you are there and one of their margaritas)

Once we filled up on some great food we headed back to the airport in Las Vegas.  We were able to drive by the Hoover Dam (yes these are drive by photos).  Kinda creepy at night (we were 1 of 2 people), but so worth it, especially when you are an engineer!

Closet Debacle

A 1950s house has tiny closets, like whoa!  Hubs is in the guest room, mine is in our bedroom.  Each is maybe 3' wide.  I managed to double it up and added a second pole to maximize the space.  However, there are several design ideas and future plans swirling in my head.

1) Our bathroom is TINY.  One sink causes plenty of little arguments as to who can brush their teeth first.  I would love to put in a double sink, but that would require that I give up my closet in our bedroom (it takes up the space at the bathroom entrance).
2) Hopefully the Grouper Room/Guest Room/Storage Room won't be forever ... if/when the Wolf fam grows, Hubs would have to give up his little closet.

What is one to do?  Well, a nice built-in wardrobe along side wall of our bedroom would be perfect.  With a tall dresser under the window (where it is now).  IKEA Pax seems like the perfect solution!  Here are some ideas I put together

Two different door ideas

And the inside organization.  I really think this would hold all our stuff that is currently in our closets.  We would still each have our own dresser.

• 3 rods for hanging shirts
• 1 rod for pants
• 2 shelves - for sweaters?
• 4 drawers for t-shirts and workout gear
• 1 drawer for shoes

It could change some, but is a good start....

State of the Grass Address

It is about that time ... time to give an update on our attempts to re-grow grass this Fall.  We did a ton of yard work on September 21st and 22nd - if you missed that, you can read about it here.  In order to get the best results, we decided to spend a little bit more money and put a timed sprinkler system in the front and backyard - 3 zones for the front yard and 3 zones for the backyard (a total of 6 hoses and sprinklers)

And, ta da ...  green grass!

Backyard - Left Side

Backyard - Right Side

Backyard - Behind the Patio

Front Yard

Front Yard - Side Lawn (it looked abysmal before ... all moss and dirt and rocks)

 Looks way better, considering this was what it looked like in August!

My 1st J&M Purchase!

I have mentioned it before ... I browse Joss and Main and One Kings Lane often but have yet to purchase anything, until now!

My first J&M purchase from the House Tweaking curated event!  It is a 4x6 jute black and natural rug which will live in our kitchen.

I took the advice of my bff and went with something that could take the dirt.  Especially since you have to go through the kitchen to get to and from the backyard.  A husband and a dog (ok, and myself) can sure track some dirt through that kitchen.  It should hold up better than the alternate rug I was close to buying from Dash & Albert ... this equally awesome Trimaran Navy & White striped rug ... maybe for a different room at a different time.