Tuesday, September 22, 2015

We're Expanding

The hubbs and I have added to our family, not in the way your thinking I'm sure. Sorry to disappoint ya. We've been toying with the idea of a project vehicle of some sorts for a while now. Well really the husband has and I just sit, nod and agree right along with him. That was until he showed me pictures of a VW camper van that was for-sale in Nashville a month or so back. It was completely redone and updated for the most part. I was in love and the price was perfect. We contacted the seller multiple times and their lack of returning calls and emails sent us looking else where. From that moment found ourselves searching every website we could looking for a VW Camper. Our desire to have one grew and grew, we where so excited about the idea of having one and the adventures we would have in it. I was sold, I wanted one we both did. But there was only one problem the market for VW Westy's where far and few between in and around our area. We where willing to travel a few hours to look at one if we found one we liked but no such luck. A week or so ago we went to Louisiana for a wedding and came across a Westy for-sale (before we went) and set up a time to meet with the seller to check it out. It wasn't exactly the year / style I liked but I was willing to give it a look. After talking to the hubbs on the way there and him better explaining to me more of the differences between the one we where going to look at and the one I had previously liked, I started to lean more to the Westy side. Sure it looked a little different then the older retro style camper vans but it would be a much better option for us long term.
We agreed we'd look it over, test drive it and talk to the seller but we wouldn't make any decision on wether we where going to take the plunge till later that evening or the next day. We where staying over night in Louisiana so we had time to think / sleep on it. I long story short after lots of back and forth's we decided to make a offer. Sadly he declined. We where bummed at first, we had our hearts broken. But the next day was a new day and our search continued. We where happy that he ended up declining our offer. It allowed us to keep looking, seeing what else might be out there. It wasn't like we needed to make the purchase or plunge right then and there. Not to say we didn't want to though.
The next day on our way home to TN the hubbs found a 1991 Westfaila forsale in Nashville. It was a bit more than we had agreed on spending but we though we'd at least take a look at it to have something else to compare to.
We knew what ever we got would need a good amount of work, a paint job, new upholstery and a new engine at some point. So we where prepared for that. We weren't prepared to spend what he was asking for it though. We met up with the seller one Wednesday evening looked it over, took it for a test drive and then talked with the seller some more. He was selling simply because his family out grew it and needed something bigger. We talked before and agreed we'd go have dinner and talk about it before making a decision, and that we did. We had dinner, talked about it, drove home and talked about it some more we decided we'd make the seller a offer. The hubbs called him that evening around 8:30pm but he didn't answer. It wasn't until late the next morning that he called us back. The hubbs made him a offer and he said he would have to talk to his wife about it and get back to. We though we'd know something by lunch time but lunch came and went, dinner came and went. Finally he called back and countered with us. We talked it over for a bit, I had the hubbs call his dad to get his thoughts and opinion on it. We decided to go for it. I was a ball of nerves but so excited at the same time. This was a Wednesday evening and the seller was going to be out of town for the weekend so we couldn't pick it up till the following week. It worked out because we had to wait for funds to come from the bank. (HELLO WE PAID CASH, never in my life did I think we would be at a point where we could do something like this and still have so much left in savings.) and it also allowed us to clean up the garage a bit so we could park it in there.
Tuesday evening of the following weekend the hubbs picked me up from work and we headed down to Nashville. Traffic was awful and I was still a ball of nerves, where we making the right choice. Should we really go through with this, its not to late to change our minds. But we did it, mean up with the Seller, his Wife and kiddos at a local Farmers Market they have a booth at and handed over a Check and bought our First 1991 VW Vanagon Westfaila. It was so surreal. But we where beyond thrilled and excited about the adventures ahead of us.
We both agreed that even though we may have paid a little more than we had originally planned or budgeted for we where happy that we purchased our Westy from this particular family. They where awesome, genuine and so nice. Not pushy at all and they where excited for us and our newest adventures ahead.
That evening after everything was final we walked up the street to a local BBQ joint and had dinner. Still in awh over the fact that we where officially apart of the #vanlife. After dinner we went to REI and picked up cook ware, and some camping supplies. Time to stock the Westy!! Driving home I was behind the hubbs in the car. I wish I could have got a picture but it was to dark. He had the window down and his arm hanging out the window. I couldn't help but giggle inside. This was really our life, no turning back now!!!
So with that said meet our newest Addition our 1991 VW Vanagon Westfaila, aka Westy.
Keep an eye our for more pictures to come and all the fun adventures and projects ahead of us. : 

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Picking Up The Pieces

Just a little bit of life lately and a Instagram dump. Because every blog needs a catch all here and there right, to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest of what's going on in our life. hee hee. 

Dinner in Nashville a few weeks back at Hattie B's. It was quite tasty, we must have gone at the right time because we got right in. Typically this place is packed with a line out the door and down the side of the building. I went with the chicken tenders, coleslaw pimento cheese mac n cheese. I was semi disappointed to find out that they only serve their Chicken and Waffles on Sundays. :( 
Finding ourselves in Nashville once again we went to Blaze Pizza for lunch. You can choose from one of their pizza's on the menu or you can "customize your own" and its made right there in front of you. This place reminded me so much of Chipotle and let me tell you it was so so good!!! We'll def. be going back here. I got the BBQ Chicken and the hubbs got the Green Stripe. Both where delis!!!
Our most resent Nashville outting was complete by gathering some goodies from some of my favorite stores that we don't have in Clarksville, such as Trader Joes, REI and Fresh Market. I'll say we cleaned up pretty well and are going to be eating some tasty snacks. I finally got my hands on Cookie Butter which I'd been looking EVERY where for, for months. Its soon good!!! 
 What better way to enjoy your 3 day weekend, Thank You Labor Day. Then go for a nice long run on post. I typically don't run on post. In fact this was the first time I ran on Ft. Campbell. I wanted to change things up, you know put a little spice in my life. I didn't have a set milage I wanted to run when I headed out but knew I wanted to make it a long one. And that I did, 15 miles just shy of 2.5 hrs and I was sweating my booty off. But it felt great. I'm officially training for my 2nd Full Marathon, which I plan to complete next April for my 30th birthday. Yikes we aren't talking about that though. 
 This past weekend the hubbs and I headed out early EARLY Saturday morning for a quick two day trip to Louisiana for a wedding. One of the Soldiers in his platoon was getting married to the Post's Deputy General's Daughter and had plans to attend. Driving through the city of Monroe we where talking and the hubbs made a big deal about it. I wasn't sure why he was making such a deal for then he reminded me about the Duck Commander store / filming location. Well of course we had to stop then. We / I are big fan and I had to get the obligatory picture in front of the sign. The "shop" turned store was packed with loads of goodies and souvenirs to take home. We took a quick look around before heading back on the road. 
 Only 3 hours away from home, if only we come make a quick stop. But only having two day's we just couldn't swing it. 
 We stopped for lunch once in Shreveport at a local restaurant and the hubbs orders Fire Gator bites even after I told him I would NOT be trying them. Something about it just completely weirds me out and I just can't do it. The idea of eating Alligator, NO thank you. However he pretty much twisted my arm and I tried the tiniest bite. No it wasn't horrible but just the idea of it I couldn't get behind. Mixed in was fried Jalapeño slices so I chowed down on those since the hubbs doesn't care for Jalapeños by themselves. 
Busy enjoying ourselves and the beautiful wedding I failed on getting any pictures of us at all. EPIC FAIL. I was so bummed, but there's always another time. I did get a picture with my fabulous boots on. I mean you can't go to a country themed wedding and not wear your boots!!! It was a absolutely beautiful wedding and I couldn't be more happy for the newly weds. I'm so glad we where able to make the trip out to be apart of their celebration. 
The next morning we slept a little bit, if you call 5am sleeping in. We decided to take advantage of the hotel's complementary breakfast they have. I mean after all I'm pretty sure we paid for it in our rate some how or another. Waffles, Yogurt, Banana's and a Muffin just to name a few things that may have crossed my plate. On the road by 6:30am headed home. 
Our GPS took us out of Louisiana through some back country roads and blessed us with this beautiful sunrise. It doesn't get more relaxing or better than looking over a fog covered pasture with cows out grazing around. 
On our drive home we finally had a chance to stop at the largest Bass Pro Shop ever. The outside looks way neat, and on the inside you'll have just about everything your normal BPS has. I think it get's the title being the largest one simple from the building size. There is a restaurant inside, a body of water aka mini pond that has boats for display and I believe its the worlds tallest free standing glass elevator in the middle. It's one of those places where we can save we've been and check it off the list of must see's. 
Back at it first thing Monday morning. My BB group is hosting a 5 day clean eating challenge this week and its just what I need after a weekend of splurging. I'm going all out and doing 10 days. We have another little trip planed next weekend and I / we plan to fully indulge in lots of yummy goodness. 
Day 1 workout complete, and lunch curtesy of Hops Java and Juice in downtown Clarksville. This little joint has only been only about 2 maybe 3 months and let me tell you they are fabulous. All clean, organic, natural ingredients. Plus selection of baked goodies, a ice cream bar and pup cups (puppy ice cream). Its just what we needed here in town. My new Monday lunch spot, Military Monday Discount day. 












Tuesday I headed out for a 6 mile ride after my morning work out and it was so chilly. I'm not at all ready for the cold weather, I mean really who is. I'm really enjoying my bike and even more so that we both where able to purchased one when we where home in Texas. I try to make a point to go riding at least twice a week in the mornings before work and then the two of us go together on a longer ride on Sunday's. We've been going on post and riding around a couple different area's which has been really nice. I foresee lots of fun times ahead of us. :) 
"We've got Spirit, Yes we do. We've got Spirit, How about You?"  It's Spirit week at school and today was Story Book Day. Dress up as a Story book character. Barbie and I decided that we'd go together as a team, seeing's after all we are always working together and getting into one thing or another. I'm not one for dressing up all the time and to be honest this was the first time this week I remembered or even put effort into what I was going to wear. I have to say our outfits / costumes turned out pretty darn cute and we had so many complements on them.  


I suppose that catches things up for a bit. Until next time folks. 

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Cooking for Two: 2nd-Edition

SouthWestern Grilled Chicken, Cilantro Lime Black Bean Quinoa and side Salad 
Homemade Pumpkin Pancakes 
Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers and side Salad w/ homemade Salad Dressing (Fixate)
Homemade Black Bean Burger sliders and side Salad w/ homemade Salad Dressing
Hummus Pita Pizza's w/ Homemade Chipotle Hummus 
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls w/ Homemade Cream Cheese Icing
 Grilled Kabob's (pre-grilled)
Mexican Taco Meat (ground Turkey) w/ Chipotle Spicy Cauliflower Bites (Fixate)
Grilled Chicken, Steamed Broccoli and BBQ flavored Corn

 Italian Turkey Meat Balls w/ Grandma's Tomato Sauce (Fixate) and side salad
 Teriyaki Chicken with Sautéed Bell Pepper, Broccoli and Pineapple severed on a leaf of Lettuce