tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063294710872509072025-12-24T14:24:54.241-05:00We're a happily married couple living and working in the NYC area. Check out our blog to hear about what life is like at our home -- including favorite recipes, vacation travels, home projects, holiday traditions and more!nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-28561120260441109232014-02-14T22:00:00.003-05:002014-02-14T22:00:36.205-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day, and 6th Engage-aversary, to my handsome and loving hubby!  Six years ago today, Shep asked me to be his wife, and changed my life forever. I still remember getting dressed that morning, leaving work to meet my boyfriend for a romantic dinner, and the surprise visit we made to the Empire State Building. The rest, as they say, is history! Here is the site we made

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-49760456429752224422014-02-13T21:07:00.002-05:002014-02-13T21:07:20.544-05:00

Remember me?  I know I've been MIA on this blog for a while, but I have a pretty good excuse.... That's right, ladies and gents -- we're expecting a baby in late May, which means... Only 100 days to go until baby is expected to arrive! And given that only 5 percent of babies are born on their actual due date, for all we know it could be sooner than that {though I hope not much sooner of

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-12870827794142378512013-11-03T17:03:00.002-05:002013-11-03T17:03:34.065-05:00

Sorry I've been MIA on the blog lately.... we've both been pretty busy, working late during the week and doing grown-up chores on the weekends!  You know: buying curtains, returning said curtains, putting summer clothes away for the season {wah!!!}, unpacking our cozy winter sweaters and pajamas, and the like.  As I type this, Shep's at our good old storage unit putting away our

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-45984680044351057722013-09-11T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-11T21:16:12.560-04:00

From the windows of our apartment, we can see the new World Trade Center.  Today marks the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Twelve years ago, I was a college student living just 8 blocks from what would be known as Ground Zero.  I remember the morning of September 11th like it was yesterday... the clear, sunny, blue skies were so pretty that morning.  I had a

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-4344073343179595842013-09-08T15:04:00.001-04:002013-09-08T15:04:22.390-04:00

As many of you know, we LOOOOOVE us some vacations!!!  We're not a couple that needs an excuse to go away, just some time off from work and a travel destination!  Where did we go most recently, you ask?  Watch Hill, Rhode Island! I'd never even heard of Watch Hill before I stumbled upon this restored inn's website a few months ago, but as soon as I saw the "Ocean House" I

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-70360155563093878402013-09-02T22:33:00.000-04:002013-09-02T22:33:03.297-04:00

I've mentioned my affinity for recycling before {read more here and here}.  I also love shopping, so have no trouble using up gift cards when I'm lucky enough to receive them.  ;)  Which left me wondering what to do with all of these... I've been looking for an eco-friendly way to dispose of all the gift cards I've been hoarding gathering over the past year or so {

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-18660068486219638132013-08-18T20:45:00.004-04:002013-08-18T20:45:54.830-04:00

A couple weeks ago I was aimlessly perusing the aisles at Target, when I stumbled upon my new favorite home accessory: I'm not kidding when I say that this rug actually makes me smile every time I walk into the room.  The beautiful beige and blue floral design that coordinates perfectly with our kitchen has me just smitten!  I've literally squealed with delight numerous times

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-29617607689600393132013-08-15T21:51:00.001-04:002013-08-20T15:52:02.643-04:00

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." ~Nelson Mandela While many of us are making plans to enjoy a few more weeks of summer sunshine, families with children are getting ready to soon go back to school!  I remember my own childhood "back-to-school rituals"... getting my hair cut, shopping for new sneakers ... and of course school supplies!  I

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-13864096874546516282013-08-02T23:00:00.000-04:002013-08-02T23:17:43.694-04:00

... We ALL scream for ice cream!!!  Well, maybe some of us scream a LOT louder than others!  ;)  Those of you who know me personally know I am an ice cream FIEND.  My adoration of the treat borders on addiction.  And I don't want help or an intervention -- I just want more ice cream!!! Source Well, I'm in luck because today is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day!  {

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-52239085954625865772013-07-31T22:10:00.003-04:002013-07-31T22:10:26.962-04:00

Remember the beautiful potted plants I showed you from our balcony?  Given the heat wave we've recently had in NY and title of this post, I think you can see where this post is going... It's a good thing killing plants isn't illegal -- we'd be serving a double sentence for this!  Actually, we'd be serving many repeating sentences because, though I'm ashamed to admit it, these are

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-88104423806195634712013-07-20T22:57:00.000-04:002013-07-27T22:13:36.589-04:00

Like most everything in life, living in an urban environment has its pros and cons.  We live in a condo building, and although we sometimes dream about the peace and quiet of a standalone house {e.g., when riding the elevator with nosy neighbors or listening to the "dog parade" out in the hallway as owners take their furry best friends for walks}, for the most part condo living suits us

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-59053694874311033212013-07-18T22:03:00.002-04:002013-07-20T13:59:10.123-04:00

This is a recipe I heard about from a friend.  At first I was skeptical of its name, but "Texas Caviar" as it's known is YUM-MY!!!  {Can I get a YEE-HAW?!}  It's a very simply recipe to follow {even for a novice like me!} but be sure to prepare it the night before you need it, because the overnight marinading is key! Texas Caviar Recipe Ingredients: 1 x 15 oz. can Black Beans 1

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-30141381327493277922013-07-11T23:10:00.001-04:002013-07-11T23:10:13.445-04:00

I shot a 60 at golf this week!  One minor detail... it was mini golf.  :)  I began with a couple of hole-in-2s {is that a thing? it is now!} but things went south very quickly.  I even lost my ball in a shrub during the game! There was ONE almost-magic moment during my game where I ALMOST got a hole in one.  It was close.  Really close. So Close Yet So Far Away...

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-48810140659303262512013-07-04T23:57:00.002-04:002013-07-04T23:57:57.834-04:00

Happy Birthday, America! Wishing all of you a great day with friends, family and hopefully BBQ'd hot dogs!

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-61658269584973238192013-06-28T16:36:00.000-04:002013-07-01T17:03:30.604-04:00

As many of you already know, Google Reader will be retiring on July 1.  Don't care?  That probably means you never got hooked on it like I did!!  I am sangry {sad and angry} that I must bid farewell to my favorite RSS feed reader.  We've shared lots of blog reading together! If you're like me and rely on a feed reader to help you stay up to date with your reading: Follow

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-38999361702924087922013-06-24T23:00:00.000-04:002013-06-24T23:00:13.641-04:00

This edition of "Fantastically Free!" is super belated, but equally as impressive (if I do say so myself!) as the first edition... After we purchased our living and dining room furniture from Raymour & Flanigan, we received a $100 "thank you gift card" in the mail from the sales agent that helped us in the show room.  At first I assumed it was too good to be true -- one of those "

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-42276081523639502282013-06-19T23:25:00.002-04:002013-06-19T23:25:59.888-04:00

Shep and I both feel very lucky to have been given the opportunities we have in life, and we strongly believe in supporting our communities to help those who are less fortunate.  One organization that's quickly becoming one of my favorites to follow and support is One Simple Wish.  One Simple Wish was founded by a NJ mom in 2008 with the mission of brightening the lives of foster

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-2570763348354067772013-05-23T16:00:00.000-04:002013-05-23T16:00:05.593-04:00

Four years ago today, Shep and I tied the knot!!!! To quote a friend upon hearing we've been married for 4 years:  "Holy Sh*t!"  ;) Sometimes it seems likes just yesterday that we walked down the aisle, pledged our lives to one another, and then boogied until the wee hours of the morning.  Yet sometimes it's hard to believe that it's been only four years because it's nearly

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-48831887753843666602013-04-23T22:54:00.002-04:002013-04-23T22:54:58.754-04:00

Remember when I revealed my minor obsession with adoration for address labels? Vistaprint is the source of many of my personalized address labels and, unfortunately, the smallest batch of labels one can order from the site is 140, which means I have looooooots of extras. In addition to these beauties, though, I also receive a ton of address labels from the various charitable organizations

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-34547578716158894082013-04-16T22:36:00.003-04:002013-04-16T22:36:35.649-04:00

Well, technically spring arrived a few weeks ago, but the only thing I've felt in the air thus far has been a chill.  I wore my down coat to work as late as yesterday, for crying out loud!  But, since the forecast predicts that the next few days will be in the 50s and 60s, I figured it was time to "officially" acknowledge spring by posting photos of our Easter and spring decorations --

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-51563720596398955572013-04-14T14:44:00.002-04:002013-04-14T14:44:23.174-04:00

I just made back $7 by making a 30 second phone call!  How?  Sale adjustment to the rescue!!! 'Caitlin' Chevron Knit Throw, Plum It's just my luck that a blanket I bought on sale would get even further discounted not even 2 weeks after my purchase!  Well, it turns out that Nordstrom has a "Sale Adjustment" price policy {here} that saved the day!  I made a quick call

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-20879900547555550792013-04-09T23:30:00.000-04:002013-04-09T23:44:16.804-04:00

Happy 100 blog posts to us! Source Wow, it's hard to believe This Is Life At Our Home has published 100 posts since its inception in 2011!!!!!!!!!!  {Actually, this post makes 101, but who's counting?!}  When I created this blog on a whim after really missing the blog Shep and I wrote together while planning our wedding, I honestly wasn't sure whether we'd maintain it or what I'd

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-61901802050998711632013-04-03T11:15:00.000-04:002013-04-03T11:17:58.399-04:00

Attention all cupcake lovers in the NY Metro area! Source Sign up for New York magazine's New York Deals and get a FREE cupcake (up to $3.95) from any of the 39 Crumbs Bake Shop locations in the NY Metro area!  New York Deals is New York magazine's short list collection of what its editors think are the best deals in NYC.  It's free to sign up and you can receive alerts delivered

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-83294943561542049222013-03-26T23:44:00.000-04:002013-03-26T23:44:12.785-04:00

It's been far too long since my first {Un}Real Estate post and I am just itching to share some more ridiculous real estate eye candy with you, so without further ado I present a NYC penthouse fit for a rock-star.  Literally... Bon Jovi's NYC Penthouse 7,452 sq. ft. duplex ~ 5 bedrooms ~ 5.5 baths Floor-to-ceiling windows ~ 360 degree views Located in SoHo

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606329471087250907.post-44790153510709490432013-03-15T19:15:00.001-04:002013-03-15T19:15:43.333-04:00

Like many of you out there, I just LOVE me a good deal.  That's one {of many!} reasons why I get excited about the changing seasons -- it's a great opportunity to score big savings on seasonal items.  Here are a couple examples: This pair of leather boots retails for $250 at macys.com, but I got myself a pair in February for only $80.99!  {WOWZERS, that's 68% off!} Enzo

nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134297554088124274noreply@blogger.com1