New Pretties

Mr. Grubbs and I have a fun Friday night ahead of us. A friend of my sister Ashley I. is having a CD release party for his band and we got an invite to it! I'm very excited about having a fun night out, we haven't had a real good one in a while. Which obviously leads to a new outfit, so off to the mall I go. I often have a hard time looking for a worthy purchase, as much of the "going out" clothes tend to be very tight, low, skanky, etc. And when I do find something I like it is expensive, but I don't like to pay a lot because I don't wear these types of clothes often- I'm more of a comfy-chic gal. But I did find 2 very cute shirts from Charolette Russe and lots of earrings to choose from. My favorite shirt I couldn't find a picture of but I also picked up this one:

To go with it I got these earring from Forever 21:

Forever 21 is a good place to find these cheap, not-so-often worn clothes. As the saying goes, pay cheap for trends and expensive for classics.

I'll have to post some pictures from the party with the new threads.

© The Simple Wife

Just in Case...

You needed further explanation of what you should and should not do with a curling iron.

© The Simple Wife

My Darlings

Curtain Call at West Side. 

Tonight was our 2nd Graders' Go Fish Play, and they were very nervous. I had been working with the kids on painting the underwater backdrop for a week and they have been rehearsing for the past week and half. The play was about a Tiger shark that couldn't find any friends because everyone was scared of her- because she was a shark. There was a blowfish, starfish, 7 legged octopus, zebra fish with spots, and several other fun characters. They did so well, they were adorable in their costumes and they had a blast! The night ended with a beautiful bouquet being given to me. So sweet!!! Another fun time with my darlings.

© The Simple Wife

Weekly To Do

This weekend was a nice and relaxing one, but there is much to accomplish this week. Here is the run-down:

1. Pick Up new backpack at REI, hopefully Monday
2. Clean House- yikes! The dust bunnies are taking over.
3. Target (of course)- Return items and search for an organizing system for office closet, a new duvet for our bed?
4. Recipe Book- Type recipes in new template that I created
5. Trip to H&M @ Atlantic Station- find a Rock and Roll outfit for a party on Friday night
6. PTA meeting- Our 2nd graders are performing their Go Fish play

That may do it, but I'm sure that more will be added to the plate very soon...

© The Simple Wife

Waiting Game Part 2

I am anxiously awaiting yet another jewel to arrive in my possession- a brand spanking new backpack. After our latest wilderness adventure, I have come to realize that my small day pack will not longer work on the trails. I have far too much stuff to carry, and am in need of more space. So here is the upgrade:

{ Marmot Diva 35, Womens }

I found this darling on REI's online outlet for a steal, so I grabbed her up. Granted, the name doesn't do much for me, I like that it is blue- I was never a pink kind of girl- which matches all of my other gear- although, I am that kind of girl. Since we are already planning another adventure soon, I will get to put it to good use. Next on the outdoors wish list:

{ Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp }

{ REI Base Camp Pillow- a necessity for a good night's sleep }

{ Ruff Wear K-9 Overcoat- I hope it comes in XLong for Doc }

Who knew you needed so much stuff to enjoy Mother Nature??

** All products featured are available at REI.com**

© The Simple Wife

100 days.

{ Courtesy of www.bereanbaskets.com }

Not only did we celebrate a new President yesterday, but it was also the 100th day of school! This is a huge day in an elementary school. Younger students learn how to count to 100 and they create hats and other festive crafts to celebrate the centennial. My favorite was project a Kindergarten class did where they created a portrait of themselves as 100 year olds. They wrinkled the skin, put glasses on and almost all were bald. Teaching younger students is the most rewarding when you can witness their innocence up close. They don't really have a sense of time- half of them think I'm 50 years old, while the others think I'm fresh off my 18th birthday. However, if you wear one flowing shirt or eat a big meal they ask if you're pregnant, go figure. But in lieu of all the other events of the day, I think the celebration of the 100th day of school was the most fun. Plus it means that we only have 80 more to go...  

© The Simple Wife

Cohutta Wilderness In Pictures

© The Simple Wife

Yes, We Are...

CRAZY that is. Mr. Grubbs and I have been living in the wilderness for the past 2 days. The two coldest days in Georgia in a long time! Friday night we headed out with two friends to the Cohutta Wilderness in North Georgia. We arrived at the Beech Bottom trail head at around 10pm that night in about 10° F. It was FREEZING!!! But we were determined to brave the cold and make it to Jack's River and set up camp. It was a cold hike and we had to cross the river a couple times. Once we had about a 5-6 foot jump from rock to rock in order to make it across but we did it and made it to camp. Things didn't start off too good because we couldn't get a fire started but eventually we got a small one but by the time we had our tents up it was out so we went to bed. It was 1:30am and 8°F.

{ Our fire that didn't last long...}

The Saturday morning we awoke wide-eyed and ready for the day after a long night of sleeping in blistering cold in our Zero Degree sleeping bags. (mine is actually -5 degrees, Mr. Grubbs is very jealous of that)  When I crawled out of the tent the fire was a roaring thanks to the guys. We had breakfast and started hunting for more firewood. 

{Our camp site and tent}

{What kept us warm and cozy!}

{We camped right next to the river.}

{Mr. Grubbs trying to break through the ice for water for hot tea and cocoa to keep us warm.}

{MMmmm...}

For lunch we decided to have a scenic picnic, so we hiked down to the Jack's River Falls. It was about 10 minutes from our camp site. The river was beautifully adorned with ice and snow from the cold weather. We set up our lunch on the rocks of the top waterfall. We couldn't get down to see the larger fall because of ice. It was amazing. And thank goodness it was now where near as cold as the previous night, but it was still below freezing.

{ The heat to cook the soup.}

{The soup}

After lunch we headed back to camp for some down time. Most of the night was spent talking and huddling around the fire. Which was then accented with some snow and sleet later in the night. We headed to bed and eagerly awaited the morning to hike home. It rained while we were sleeping so we didn't have a fire to warm us up before the hike, so we packed up and hiked out. It was an amazing trip. The cold wasn't as bad as we had anticipated, so it was very enjoyable. To see such beautiful land and to know that I was able to jump over freezing rivers, climb a mountain, and hike about 10 miles in 2 days, makes a very fulfilling weekend. We will definitely be doing it again soon.

© The Simple Wife

It's Here!

My ibook has arrived! Although the excitement was squashed a bit when I came home to find that Mr. Grubbs had already opened the box :( Still, I was a bit disappointed in the product. I bought a little gem on ebay for a sweet deal knowing that it was a used product. However the seller said that it was a clean machine which was not the case. Who doesn't clean up their merchandise before selling? It would yield a higher bid! Any who, with the help of some q-tips, baby wipes and a vacuum, it was in much better shape. I also picked up this product from Amazon to help get rid of some of the scratches on the acrylic case. we'll see how it does.

{ www.amazon.com, $12 }

These wonder drops also say that they work on ipods and other electronic devices with  clear acrylic or metal surfaces. I also have to replace the screen bumpers that have been worn off. But for a decent price this little guy will help me break free from the chains of the desktop and let me roam free every once in a while.

P.S. My AirPort card is also on its way... so I can roam and surf the web, glorious freedom! 

© The Simple Wife

Book Review: The Last Lecture, Pausch

{ Information and Image courtesy of lastlecture.com }

I'm sure that many of you have heard of this amazing man and his book. I was instantly intrigued as he was a professor at Carnegie Mellon, a university in my birthplace of Pittsburgh. However the synopsis on his website gives you a better idea of why this book is a must read:

On September 18, 2007, computer science professor Randy Pausch stepped in front of an audience of 400 people at Carnegie Mellon University to deliver a last lecture called “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” With slides of his CT scans beaming out to the audience, Randy told his audience about the cancer that is devouring his pancreas and that will claim his life in a matter of months. On the stage that day, Randy was youthful, energetic, handsome, often cheerfully, darkly funny. He seemed invincible. But this was a brief moment, as he himself acknowledged.

This book is THE most inspirational book I have ever read. Pausch describes how to best live your life, with optimism, while dealing with and facing the pessimism.  My favorite quote from his book is one that relates to the obstacles that we all face at one time or another: "The brick walls are there for a reason. They're not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something." His book is full of thoughtful ideas like this. It is about how he is leading his life while dealing with Cancer, but in all actuality, it is about living a fulfilled life no matter your circumstances. I hope that you have an opportunity to read this book or at least view his lecture on YouTube, I promise it will change your outlook on life in the most astounding way.

© The Simple Wife

Versus: Almonds

Almonds, the secret to a great diet- well, so says just about every fitness magazine or wellness publication on the market now. They are said to be one of the Ab Diet's power foods because they pack a huge punch when it comes to vitamins, nutrients, and fighting off hunger. This is when I add that I really do not like any kind of nuts for snacking except for wonderfully salted and deliciously bad for you peanuts, so I am going to have to force feed these little guys. I tried two different varieties to see which is better.

Blue Diamond Natural, Oven Roasted Almonds with a Vanilla Bean flavor: These little ones are acceptable. The Vanilla flavor is not overbearing which is nice, and they aren't too dry (which is the main reason I don't like almonds- they are very dry), but definitely have a glass of water handy. The best thing about Blue Diamond is that they put serving measurements on the side of the container for perfect portions. 1-10, I would give the Vanilla Bean Almonds a 7.

Emerald Nuts Cocoa Roasted Almonds: I had to try these, being a slave to the chocolate. They too come in a re-sealable plastic container, but not with serving measurements. They actually do have a chocolate like flavoring, but it doesn't last long. Again have a drink with you, but these are a little easier to handle. Again, I am not an almond person, so any kind is hard for me to swallow. 1-10, Cocoa Roasted Almonds get an 8.

My next review: Publix Greenwise Honey Nut Oats v. Publix Honey Nut Oats- non organic.

Go out there and get munchin!

© The Simple Wife

*Sigh*

What a week! I returned to work on Monday for a teacher workday- i.e. no students + meetings = workday. Then the students came back on Tuesday and boy were they insane. After a two week hiatus from order, schedules, sharing, working, and being productive, they had to adjust, as did I. Things are going smoother now, but I am exhausted. When the last bell rang today I couldn't help but run to my car and speed home to take a siesta on my couch with Doc. I was dreaming away until Mr. Grubbs woke me up to go to the gym. Needless to say, it is difficult to work out and lift weights when every time I moved, I yawned. So I bid you goodnight so that I can go back to my ZZZs on the sofa!

© The Simple Wife

Saving

{ courtesy of  www.uwe.ac.uk }

Of course we are all in need of a little CPR in the wallet-area, right? My life Bible, Real Simple, is featuring 20 ways to save some moo-la in your everyday expenses. From checking your insurance premiums, to going paperless with bills, all those little expenses add up. Go visit their money-saving secrets to see how to keep a couple more bucks in your sad little purse.

© The Simple Wife

Must See

Mr. Grubbs and I had our date night on Thursday as planned, however we passed on Valkyrie and went with Will Smith's new one 7 Pounds. It was amazing. We didn't really know what to expect since the trailers are pretty vague, but it didn't disappoint. Smith is an amazingly emotional actor so you can feel what he feels when you watch him. I don't want to give any of the plot away but if you like movies like Crash, that make you think, then you will definitely like this one. Check out the trailer below.

P.S. I still don't know why is it titled 7 Pounds...

© The Simple Wife

Scrub-A-Dub in Style

How can one not love dark walls? I know, I'm obsessed but I can't help it. This beautiful interior picture from Photographer Guido Barbagelata shows a breathtaking bathroom with a stunning contemporary tub. Perhaps I'm biased since the color theme is the same as my newly painted bedroom. Navy and gold is a delicious pairing.

© The Simple Wife

Happy Birthday!

To my Wonderful Mom. You have given, Tony, Becky, Dad and I the most amazing life we could have asked for. When I was little I remember staying up late with you while you worked on projects like your dollhouses, helping you with Girl Scout duties and running from practice to football games in our van. We have had countless, memorable family dinners in which I left with a stomach ache, not because I ate too much, but because I laughed too much! Now I rely on you for cooking tips and advice on how to deal with stress at work. 

Being silly and having fun has always been the Inglese way, and I couldn't imagine it any different. Times have been pretty rough lately but you have managed to weather it all.  Family is our strong-suit and you have done an amazing job of keeping it together. I love you and I hope that you have an amazing birthday!

© The Simple Wife

Waiting Game

My time in the office at the computer has greatly increased lately. With this little number growing, Grad school and lots of surfing the web for the best tips and ideas, I have been a hostage at my iMac desktop. So I decided that I needed to be able to break free from the desk, and I found a refurbished iBook on ebay. It was a steal and I ordered it before Christmas, but it still hasn't arrived yet! I'm sooo anxious to get it all set up and ready for some couch time. But with my Big Goal, just because I'll be free of the desk I still can't exceed my 1 hour screen time limit. It will be difficult but I think I can manage.

© The Simple Wife

New Year's Bowl Games

{ very sleepy, ZZzzz... }

One of the perks of New Year's Day is the plethora of college football on TV. Our Bulldogs are playing in the Capitol One Bowl versus Michigan State today. This is one of Mr. Grubbs' favorite days, however because of the amount of adult beverages that were consumed to welcome in 2009 he and Doc are taking a little rest from the pigskin excitement for the time being. Later we are going on our first date of '09 to the movies. I think we will see Cruise's new movie Valkyrie- it is about a plot to kill Hilter. I'll have a review of it tomorrow. Happy first day of '09!

© The Simple Wife

Resolution Update

Step 1 of the 'Big Goal of '09' was to get more organized. So I began with our filing system. I went through old bills and statements and purged the old and out-dated and re-filed them in folders with printed labels. Much neater and more efficient. 

Check out this site to help you determine when to discard different types of paperwork.

Also, I found this awesome book on Amazon that has been a wonderful help with ideas for getting the house in order. It has tips on everything from how to fold a fitted sheet, to Green alternative cleaners, to a whole list of the treatments for different laundry stains. A must read for any housewife, or OCD organizer!

{ by Cynthia Towney, around $12 new on Amazon }

Product Description
America's leading housekeeping expert shows you how to de-clutter, organize, and clean your home, with easy-to-remember tips for every job, from keeping your bathroom clean and doing the laundry to sorting out paperwork and organizing the family photo album. Where there is hope, there is help. You can win the chore wars!

• Author, founder, and editor of the top-ranked website OrganizedHome.com
• Introduces easy-to-remember tips for organizing the home
• Step-by-step photographs throughout show how easy it is to reach your goal

© The Simple Wife