1. It’s really quite interesting to see just how much extra time I have when there is no internet in the house. Seriously. I’ve put Lucas to bed the past 2-3 nights and not rushed to a computer afterwards…and you know, it’s been kinda nice! We’ve had to be more aware of the data usage on our phones too, because we hit the 90% mark on Wednesday (the day before our billing cycle was up), and we really didn’t feel like paying extra.
2. All of that said above, I have no doubt that once we have cable/internet back again on Sunday, we’ll be back at it. Because…#addicted.
3. Have you guys ever tried putting leftover burgers in your salads? I did yesterday, after realizing it was the only meat left in the fridge that I could add to my salad, and I was pleasantly surprised at how good it tasted.
4. Area rug under the kitchen table…yes or no? I love the look of it, but figured that if we did do one that we should probably do something with indoor/outdoor durability since it’ll likely be high traffic and subject to numerous stains (and yes, I’m totally blaming myself on that one). So I need your opinions!
5. While we’re on the topic of rugs…I’ve determined that I do not like shopping for them. I can’t decide on them, they’re ridiculously expensive (although I do love rugsusa.com with their 75% off sales), and as soon as I find a pattern I like, it’s either out of stock or not made in the size I need.
6. Workouts and I are just not getting along very well this week. For whatever reason, I cannot bring myself to get up in the mornings, resulting in only one workout in the past, oh I don’t know, 8-9 days maybe? I’ve gotta get back in that groove…I’m missing it!
7. Jay and I can’t decide if we want to keep using our Keurig or if we want to go back to using a regular coffee pot. First and foremost, I seriously need to stop hitting up Starbucks in the mornings lately…but once I’m able to break that habit, it’s time to get back to making coffee at home. And I’m actually thinking I want to go back to a regular pot…since we use the reusable k-cups anyways, it’s probably just as much work (if not more) to clean everything out. Hmmm…what do you guys use?
8. I’ve absolutely been loving having a kitchen island. And I’ll tell you that the main reason is honestly so that I can have Lucas sit up there with me while I’m trying to get stuff done. Lately, he’s ALL about mommy, and wants to be doing whatever I’m doing. So when it’s time for me to prep dinner, he does the same thing.
9. Today, I’m 99% sure that we’ve decided on a paint color for the living room and kitchen. Right now, we’re looking at going with Popular Gray from Sherwin Williams…but ask me again on Monday, and my answer may change. (mostly because I’m now just recently looking at Mindful Gray…). Ay yi yi!
10. Breakfast for dinner? ALWAYS a winner in my book!
Alright guys, I’m off for today. I hope you all have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend ahead! <3
Torry @ A World Without Wheat says
I would be against the area rug under the table – if you are going to be using that area every day it is going to be easier to clean up if it is just the hard floor. Maybe wait a few years till most of the food is left on the table to put a rug down there if you still want one?
Erica D House says
I love crumbling a morningstar black bean burger into my salad! Add a bit of corn, black beans, avocado and cheese and I’m a happy girl!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Pancakes and scrambled eggs….jealous!!!
Tracey says
I have been having the same dilemma about a rug under our table. I thought I really didn’t want one but my mom brought down two rugs I couldn’t decide between for the living room so the extra ended up under the table and now I am really liking it and it is and indoor/outdoor one so it will be more resistant to stands and it has a lot of different colors in it so that should hid stains also. Good luck!
Amy says
We have a cheap rug (like, under $100) under our dining table and I like that it feels more homey and cozy. It’s obviously not the cleanest rug, but we vacuum a few times a week. We don’t have a toddler (yet! couple more months and she’ll be eating in a high chair and then we’ll probably change our tune about the rug under the table), but a cheap rug dresses up the area and feels good on bare feet!
We got rid of our keurig a few years ago when we started cold brewing coffee, no regrets!
Kelly says
I honestly thought that once my kids were older, the crumbs under the table would decrease. So not the case! Maybe when they are teenagers! :) My kids are 6 and 8 and I swear I’m sweeping under our table after every single meal. Ha! I would much rather sweep than pull out the vacuum or even a little handheld vacuum. :) Just my two cents… :)
Jennifer says
Love your countertops! I have a little guy same age as Lucas and agree not to go the area carpet under the table route…we have hardwood and it’s much easier then carpet we have elsewhere with stains etc.
Amanda Peterson says
Hi Courtney! I was leary about putting a rug under our kitchen table, but so far so good. I just vacuum it up, if something gets on it. I really liked the look. As far as coffee goes, we prefer the Keurig since we only drink one cup each at a time and it’s much quicker than coffee pot. I went with all Sherwin Williams paint when we bought our house. The gray I chose was monorail gray. I like the one you’re considering too. My favorite color was sea salt which we put in our master BR. I fell in love with it on Pinterest! Hope you have a great Friday!
Jennifer says
We have an area rug under our kitchen table and we love it!! We used the indoor/outdoor type! The only issue is it bunches up under the legs of the table so if you can figure out how to get that to stop you are a genius! Can’t wait to see a tour of the new house! Love the grey color scheme.
Nicole says
I don’t know if u have an ollies near you but it carries so many really nice affordable rugs!
Kristen says
I use a french press for coffee.. it makes the BEST coffee!! It’s a little bit of a pain to clean and it only makes 2 medium-ish mugs or so (You may be able find bigger ones, I’m not sure). It makes an awesome cup of coffee though!!
Monica says
We thought about a rug under our table, but the thought of pushing and pulling chairs out on top of it annoyed me too much.
Overstock.com has really reasonable rugs! I was just looking at some the other day to help a friend out with her new place and was surprised that they had good prices for big area rugs!
I vote for going back to a normal coffee pot. If you don’t have the convenience of the throw-away pods, what’s the point?
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I HATE rug shopping! I always love the look of them but just not a fan of the price tags and everything that comes along with it. ha!
I’m pretty anti-K cup for several reasons but it really stems from having worked in coffee for so many years and loving the ART of making coffee which I feel like the Keurig really takes away. With that said, I do understand the ease of the keurig but I also love using my french press. The coffee just tastes SO much better!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Hi Courtney! Not a month goes by that I don’t get a text from AT&T letting me know that I’m almost out of data. It’s an expensive issue, but upgrading is even more expensive. And sometimes it’s nice not to have Internet — makes you realize what life used to be like before being a social media obsessed blogger, right? (For me it does) hahaha! You’ll get back into workouts when the time is right, so just enjoy the new-home process, lady! Happy Friday!
brynn says
Shopping for rugs is seriously difficult. I always fall in love with people’s rugs but then cannot find them when I go looking for my house. And yes, I like rugs under kitchen tables. Not practical but pretty. :)
Elle says
I’m team no rug in the dining room. I just have never understood it. Isn’t it just going to get dirty and be difficult to clean/vacuum under your table? No, just me?
As far as shopping for rugs, we moved into an old home with all wood floors and it took some time. I prefer rug shopping in person because I have a weird thing about wanting them to be soft and not scratchy. I don’t trust online if I can’t feel it. That said, rugs are expensive, so I say take your time. Find what you truly like rather than just buying something to fill the space.
Finally, team regular coffee maker as well. I think you get way better coffee that way.
Hope that helps! Good luck filling your new home.
Lisa says
Sherwin Williams Aloof Gray is also a great one!
Stefanie says
We used to use a keurig, but switched to a regular coffee pot for many reasons. It turns out to be cheaper, easier, and way better tasting coffee! I often found the k-cups to be lackluster and watered down. I love iced coffee, so on a sunday night I will make 12-cups in my coffee pot, let it cool and then stick it in a pitcher in the fridge, then I have fresh iced coffee ready all week (and what’s nice is you can adjust how strong or light you want it!!)
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Burgers on salads are amazing! Lately I have been loving turkey burgers on them.
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
I personally wouldn’t go with a rug under the dining room table with a toddler in the house. I like the look, but for practicality sake, I don’t think I could do it! Like you said too, rugs are so pricey! I, too, use the reusable K-cup for my Keurig, and I still love it more and find it easier/quicker to clean than a traditional coffee pot…but, I’m also the only one that drinks coffee in our family. I could see it being more of a pain with two coffee drinkers! Tough call on that one. Exciting you are pretty set on a paint color! I hope you love it. Enjoy your weekend, Court! xo
Heather @ Life In Leggings says
Oh my gosh, the struggle with rugs are real. I agree with all of your problems. The ones I like are wayyyy to expensive and always out of stock. #firstworldproblems. Ha! Also, I brew coffee every morning, but sometimes I get lazy and enjoy a Keurig cup at work if it’s an early morning. While I like the convenience, I have to say that nothing beats a freshly brewed cup of coffee straight from the pot. Happy weekend and painting, Courtney!
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says
I LOVE our Keurig, but Starbucks is dreamy and wonderful and its almost PSL season. so I’m trying to cut back on the Starbs trips to save for then! haha!
Sandra says
We recently painted our mainfloor popular gray. Like you, I debated and flip flopped between several shades. I am so happy with the choice we made! It is a great gray, with no ‘surprise’ undertones! Good luck!
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
I do the same with my Keurig at home because I don’t like buying the crazy pricey pods! I hate the filter cleaning, etc., and kinda feel like traditional pot coffee is more practical, especially if you’re making more than one cup and want to save a few bucks. ;)
Good luck with yo rug buying!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Real coffee! I love my pour-over Melitta pot filter pot! I can my as much as I want, use my own fresh ground beans or pre-ground, it’s perfect!
Katy @ Keeping Up With Katy says
LOVE your blog! Okay, let’s talk coffee pots. I go to Starbucks at least once a week, and for the longest time was so against the Keurig. I just love the act of pouring a cup of coffee. Then for Christmas last year, my boyfriend got me the Keurig 2.0, which allows me to brew either one cup OR a pot (which is usually my weekend go-to). So for me – it’s the best of both worlds! Good luck settling in and have a great weekend! :)
Julie says
Leftover burgers in a salad are actually really good! Also, I use a regular coffee pot. It’s a little extra work, but I think the coffee is waaaay better that way. Have an awesome weekend!
Stephanie A. says
DO NOT BUY RUGSUSA.COM!!!!!! They’re 75% off because they’re absolute crap. We bought one around christmas time and it shed so much (way after the “three week” period they make you wait out). They didn’t refund and they did not care at all that the dang rug broke out vacuum.
DO NOT BUY!
Amanda says
Definitely go with Popular Gray – I painted 75% of my last house with that color and it is AMAZING! It really is the perfect shade of greige – dark enough to see it easily against the white trim, but light enough that it brightens the space (and matches everything). One of my friends became hooked with the color too and painted her family room Popular Gray with the back of some bookshelves Perfect Greige (from the same swatch) and it also looks amazing. I’m thinking about using the color in my current house now too…I miss it!!!!!
Mama Pat says
My only concern on your rug issue would be possible scratches on your new hardwood floors from chairs being pushed around. Easier to vacuum than sand and re-stain down the road
Jennifer L. says
Shopping for rugs is HARD – I am with you on that! I remember trying to find on last year when we bought our house…eh, not fun!
Our walls are light gray in our house, but they were already painted when we moved in, but I really really like the color. We have dark hardwood floors and cabinets, and white and gray granite (so, kind of similar to your colors, maybe?).
Oh, and I use to have a Keurig, but honestly prefer an espresso machine or Bunn coffee maker. To me, Keurig wasn’t worth it (cost and taste).
Trisha says
First I must tell you how much I’ve come to look forward to your Fun Facts Fridays posts. Of course I enjoy the rest of them too, and have for years, but we seem to have a lot of the same thoughts/ideas lately so I love that end of week rundown. Since I can’t seem to get my act together enough to write any blog posts of my own, it’s like I come here and see some of my own thoughts or get inspired by ideas of yours that I end up loving too!
Aaaaanywayyy…I’m really here for my input on coffee. :) I know you enjoy iced coffee like I do, so perhaps our coffee “routine” will work for you and Jay, too! We use a traditional coffee pot, which sometimes ends up being too much coffee for just two of us. Of course we could just brew a smaller batch but you just never know when you’ll need that second or third cup, right?? I generally only drink hot coffee on the weekends when we’re home drinking coffee together. The rest of the time I like my coffee on the rocks ;). So we brew a full pot almost daily (sometimes we forget to set the timer) and I refrigerate any leftovers once they’ve cooled. I put it in an airtight container so it stays fresh for a few days and then I always have nice, cold coffee on hand! The only thing it’s missing is the fun, coffee shop ice that I love so much but I’ll settle for the crush setting on our fridge & savor that extra $4 in my pocket every day.
Sorry for the novel!
Angie says
I say no rug under the table – easier cleanup without.
At our old house, we painted our great room Comfort Gray by Sherwin Williams and I loved it! I never got sick of it. It was seriously the perfect color. Is that one you’re considering?
Amy says
We just painted our daughter’s nursery light French gray by Sherwin Williams and I absolutely love it. It’s a true gray so no brown or beige undertones
Marielle says
Decorating a house is so fun but so exhausting too! And rugs are so expensive, my hubby and I had a hard time agreeing on them too! Ha!
Courtney says
I’ve had great luck with modular carpet from http://www.flor.com. It comes in squares so if you stain something you can clean it and if it is that bad you can just replace that square. Though I got a pattern that has white in it and it has gotten dingy I think it would clean right up. Or just stick with a dark pattern. You can also cut the carpet to fit an oddly shaped area. I cut an angle out on mine to allow for a rolling chair on wood flooring. They are similarly priced as a traditional carpet but these are much more earth friendly. Check my site for my full review and see what pattern I picked. (I feel weird posting the direct link here) Hope you find something you love!
Katie M says
Hey Courtney,
If you haven’t already, you might want to check out Homegoods (if you have one?), Target, and Kohls for rugs. I moved to my house last year, and like you, I had a terrible time finding rugs. I preferred to shop either in person at a store or at places where I could order online (and get free delivery!) that also had a nearby store where I could take rejected rugs (and there wre quite a few rejects…). Good luck!
Natalie @ The Ravenous Mommy says
We have a regular coffee pot… a “fancy” cuisinart grind and brew which I love! I think Keurigs are good if everyone in the family likes different drinks or it’s a one cup a day deal. I’m going to get my mom a keurig for Christmas though… she makes instant and i’m trying to get her off that! haha
suzanne says
love islands too – they are the best….
and I love burgers on my salad (though Im vegan so not real meat that I use)
and my whole family LOVES breakfast for dinner….
Good luck with the colors….we built our house 10 years ago…a guy who was helping us told me it looked like a rubics cube bc I had so many colors …but it did flow and worked to separate spaces….your house looks beautiful!!!!
I am not a coffee drinker so cannot give a vote on that one…
Hope your weekend is wonderful!
Christina Caputo says
Try Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige! You won’t regret it! It is seriously the perfect neutral! We painted our living room Perfect Greige and then our Kitchen the shade darker (we have white cabinets so it works).
Jessica K. says
You can have the best of both worlds with the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew. On the left it has a regular coffee pot, and on the right you can brew a single cup. The little drawer that pulls out of the single cup side has two adapters, one for grounds and one for K-Cups. It doesn’t fit the grey My K-Cup filter or another brand of external Keurig filter. I mean you don’t really need it if you can just do loose ground coffee in the mini filter basket. I had a My K-Cup filter and a 4 pack of another brand so I would set all 5 up on Sunday and use them throughout the week to save a few seconds of messing around in the morning. But it’s easy enough to setup the night before. And I think there might be a timer anyway to auto-brew at a certain time.
Here’s the link to it on Target’s website: http://www.target.com/p/hamilton-beach-flexbrew-2-way-coffee-maker-49983/-/A-15044274?ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=15044274&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=pla_appliances+shopping&adgroup=sc_appliances_coffee+and+espresso+makers&LID=3pgs&KID=88e66cac-d743-4336-812b-899dc30e59ee&kpid=15044274&gclid=Cj0KEQjwsIWvBRCnzevvor2g4L8BEiQAAN234fgz_OcKZkHC3zmB99xn9XwBOuaecHlDKUw6VX9BbXUaAnut8P8HAQ
Bridget Bailey says
Wonderful Friday! I also am not a big fan of rugs. They are so expensive! Also they are so hard to maintain. For my rugs and carpets I’m calling professional cleaners (www.hirecarpetcleaners.co.uk) twice per year, otherwise they keep moisture and mold. The patterns are also really hard to choose from. I have mine from my parents and they are nice but in the summer I prefer to remove them! Thank you for sharing!