tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28711468671844230442024-03-05T09:09:34.032-08:00Polka Dots and StripesAmy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-27253569156530658192013-01-25T18:45:00.000-08:002013-01-25T18:45:53.040-08:00For the Love of Baby..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have this amazing girlfriend who is a total fashionista. She manages a very posh hair salon in town, always looks amazing and is one of those people who can create a smashing ensemble out of a t-shirt and jeans. She knows the key to accessorizing and she's a hair and make up genius! That being said she will be the first to tell you "crafting" isn't her thing. She can make a mean greeting card but that is where it ends. No scrapbooking...sewing...or furniture repurposing! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This friend....let's call her "Diamond Girl" found out she was going to be a Mom for the second time...at almost 40...after 10 years of trying...after mentally getting herself in a good place thinking she was to be the parent of just one child (but a truly amazing one child!) Needless to say, I was just over the moon for her! A BABY! And...to top it off it was a girl-child! If ANYONE on the planet needed a girl-child to dress up it was Diamond Girl! Oh joy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted to do something wonderful for my friend and her new Miracle Girl Baby but I wasn't sure what...then she called. I think the conversation went a little something like...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Diamond Girl: "Can I come over and show you the bedding? Will you help me pick the paint?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me: "Absolutely! I can't wait!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Diamond Girl: "I don't know what to do about baby furniture. I don't want to buy a changing table or anything brand new...it's too expensive. I've been looking at painted pieces online but they are way too expensive!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me: "So let's hit the garage sales and we'll paint it ourselves!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Diamond Girl: "I don't do that."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me: "I do!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had an idea....(ugh!)... and usually that calls for me driving around like a crazy person looking for something that only exists in my head. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I convinced Diamond Girl that the spring Garage Sales they have in our town was the answer. I would drive around and look for the perfect pieces and send her photos. She would let me know when I found the perfect pieces.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I did what I do every year during our town's garage sale extravaganza...I got some coffee, got in my family roadster and started hunting. Many pictures were taken...lots of possibilities but in the end nothing. I'd spent a few hours driving around with my sister looking for just the right pieces. We had found 2 great night stands for ourselves but that's where it ended. I called Diamond Girl to let her know the day was a bust when my sister insisted I turn on the culdusac down the street from my house. WHY? There is no way...oops...wait...what is that? What is sitting on a driveway literally 6 houses from my own? THE PERFECT PIECES! I couldn't believe it! I was on the phone with Diamond Girl at the time and I think my words went something like...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Hold on..oh my gosh...do you know the ****** family? Well, I think they have your pieces on their driveway. They do! And...they're (drum roll please....) TEN DOLLARS EACH!!!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I couldn't believe I'd driven around our town for hours scouting out potential pieces when the perfect baby furniture was sitting on a drive way literally around the corner from my house! They were sturdy 1970's pieces that were crying for a make over. The male owner of the pieces said that they were pieces to his bedroom furniture. I seriously was so excited I think I was screeching! (Insert high pitched voice here!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Without further ado...here are the pieces I recreated for the Miracle Girl Baby!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUbcMZLA8yo4B4mCU0NPUidJajjuBYAooihUl4qnMnum4n7o4do493o8hlzkV-OTUh-tVsFODlB7YH6bUlnFbqwKWauxnm3SADfbrCgfhAhJp375DeLhd4wLDe1XgJbGWbEJA16fl-A/s1600/DSCN4977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUbcMZLA8yo4B4mCU0NPUidJajjuBYAooihUl4qnMnum4n7o4do493o8hlzkV-OTUh-tVsFODlB7YH6bUlnFbqwKWauxnm3SADfbrCgfhAhJp375DeLhd4wLDe1XgJbGWbEJA16fl-A/s200/DSCN4977.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhck6z5WA9wCyUyy3r3OmP28rB3VGosGZuEbR-mP-psEIHwvvstk_yTJafNz1-8AoqP2O7GtPQMgasL90R3lSw5_TdHLSNcCeK3DlgV494CrBQmBRg1j17IB8MkXXb5dP11pZp3vhj0Lw/s1600/DSCN4978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhck6z5WA9wCyUyy3r3OmP28rB3VGosGZuEbR-mP-psEIHwvvstk_yTJafNz1-8AoqP2O7GtPQMgasL90R3lSw5_TdHLSNcCeK3DlgV494CrBQmBRg1j17IB8MkXXb5dP11pZp3vhj0Lw/s200/DSCN4978.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took off the hardware before I snapped a photo (Bad Blogger!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9dQXuMCVuJoHM6sSTywLZUO8_q967PNNaasVJjictRpPW3-qmiQduwjbqAZXbC0hBu1acY0XwuYXBfQ4TOgywxADf-Rveqy-pqzz_gSC-ossy_b7uSB8wJ4PMHbOP-RBt4ErxFzMkA/s1600/DSCN4979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9dQXuMCVuJoHM6sSTywLZUO8_q967PNNaasVJjictRpPW3-qmiQduwjbqAZXbC0hBu1acY0XwuYXBfQ4TOgywxADf-Rveqy-pqzz_gSC-ossy_b7uSB8wJ4PMHbOP-RBt4ErxFzMkA/s200/DSCN4979.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Diamond Girl picked a great Arctic Blue color from Home Depot...after your typical sanding and wiping, I painted 3 coats (we got the paint with the primer already included...loved how it worked!)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK9lE2YB4n5D0UlGqfA3K1bdVO0oMmALUJAC2Dnqnkia3tM3JUIP54i3K7nDPbOxfcDBwWVwnprL_5czzjOIz4khRncheZz-GfBJdZ8DobxkilTgJLXCoNoLYP5XwfWOHIMdMnoqNAw/s1600/DSCN4990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK9lE2YB4n5D0UlGqfA3K1bdVO0oMmALUJAC2Dnqnkia3tM3JUIP54i3K7nDPbOxfcDBwWVwnprL_5czzjOIz4khRncheZz-GfBJdZ8DobxkilTgJLXCoNoLYP5XwfWOHIMdMnoqNAw/s320/DSCN4990.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once the paint dried I distressed the edges just enough so that Miracle Girl Baby could ding it with a hair brush and the ding would blend right in!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOVqkc7zsAVmQ91nHOl6sth_5RYL2-QPEKV-RyLCO31FyGpo-Srp3svbs1Ayr8vdQs0yoiFo29CdKozA2MnmqTtHyGy7-n28HTJVvLeCW9kWsMowjR6pr3rLE6vKsPQHFuXvDYwjRpA/s1600/DSCN4991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOVqkc7zsAVmQ91nHOl6sth_5RYL2-QPEKV-RyLCO31FyGpo-Srp3svbs1Ayr8vdQs0yoiFo29CdKozA2MnmqTtHyGy7-n28HTJVvLeCW9kWsMowjR6pr3rLE6vKsPQHFuXvDYwjRpA/s320/DSCN4991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After much discussion about the hardware I chose to spray paint the original pulls with basic white spray paint and distress them. They turned out beautiful! for the top pulls I found the perfect matching knobs at Hobby Lobby...white painted metal flowers that were a bit distressed. (We had to replace the top knobs because a few were MIA) Obviously, not a deal breaker.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q6ypUpPGn2cLF14rMWEo-0dUnLKfZs5VtH4HKWUPGMaY_76UbaywXdi6RwPGcVd_TQUFMRJAvflN4Plw2hyphenhyphenIW4TIvbKm5NEbWV5O5zjh7KqKOnLebm5U19uK8_Kma7QDK1mKTJOrEA/s1600/DSCN4993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q6ypUpPGn2cLF14rMWEo-0dUnLKfZs5VtH4HKWUPGMaY_76UbaywXdi6RwPGcVd_TQUFMRJAvflN4Plw2hyphenhyphenIW4TIvbKm5NEbWV5O5zjh7KqKOnLebm5U19uK8_Kma7QDK1mKTJOrEA/s320/DSCN4993.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope this is what Diamond Girl had in mind when she commissioned me to do these pieces. It was $20 for the dressers (the shorter of the two became the changing table...so posh!) plus the cost of a gallon of paint and the rollers. This was a labor of love (ha...perfect word choice!) and I finished before sweet Miracle Girl Baby made her appearance. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have you ever tried painting furniture? It'd love to hear about it! Leave me a comment. Or...send me a link to your blog post and share! Thanks!</div>
<br />Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-56916115575355460842012-05-24T09:02:00.001-07:002012-05-24T09:03:03.064-07:00Back for the Summer...Really!I haven't posted in sooooooooooooooooooo long. I got busy. Too busy. I want a blog facelift. I am working on that. I have some fun house projects to share with you soon! (I promise!)Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-58683264411749894982012-01-06T12:10:00.000-08:002012-01-06T12:11:39.550-08:00Desk Refashion...From Drab to FAB!You know you talk about your DIY dreams too often when your girlfriend calls you from a Garage Sale to tell you she found the perfect desk for your daughter's room. It was all of $15! Yep...I have that kind of girlfriend...and she's WONDERFUL!<br />
<br />
Here is the beast. I love the lines but it needed a fresh coat of paint and the laminate pulled off the top...ugh! Super Hubby to the rescue!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjIpb3QFNpWQeferYsYPYwBh50yHklcsJpq8S1UOphizt6EoYp3ZVepxqIc9044L5w5hHwzEqffJ2RwKBGgq9TOYSVqvYyWWGmw_9VL4dQIq102stta6WBiAk1x0Tv37DWmT2X-qHjw/s1600/DSCN4065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjIpb3QFNpWQeferYsYPYwBh50yHklcsJpq8S1UOphizt6EoYp3ZVepxqIc9044L5w5hHwzEqffJ2RwKBGgq9TOYSVqvYyWWGmw_9VL4dQIq102stta6WBiAk1x0Tv37DWmT2X-qHjw/s320/DSCN4065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmnxAObKrrfBewnRvTo8m1UTXqK9iAw0i1C_BMQXHQdwbFluO8XjV0jGxzx5Dq0BIdzBj3gvWexPBbzEvuJmYKTp4YK0iVJKVkpc_9AS6fyiaTxpXDv38L6iPBaO9XXNZi_hl4f6uDg/s1600/DSCN4067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmnxAObKrrfBewnRvTo8m1UTXqK9iAw0i1C_BMQXHQdwbFluO8XjV0jGxzx5Dq0BIdzBj3gvWexPBbzEvuJmYKTp4YK0iVJKVkpc_9AS6fyiaTxpXDv38L6iPBaO9XXNZi_hl4f6uDg/s320/DSCN4067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqleYIDF43eajgf7J7KKYzM3_0bKWObaN1xUck_sdJ5_5B-7h5opkHz543AEl2ge1EZRvL4w7EfP3RpRceC-FgUnrwHcm9Loj07QlZr6hTdancdhiZOUkuJe6dB7f46txXeVAtCTwZA/s1600/DSCN4111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqleYIDF43eajgf7J7KKYzM3_0bKWObaN1xUck_sdJ5_5B-7h5opkHz543AEl2ge1EZRvL4w7EfP3RpRceC-FgUnrwHcm9Loj07QlZr6hTdancdhiZOUkuJe6dB7f46txXeVAtCTwZA/s320/DSCN4111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a piece of glass cut for the top and some day soon I will decoupage some FAB scrapbook paper to the top! My darling daughter chose some mix and match knobs for the top drawers. For the lower drawers I chose to scrub the pulls clean and add some silver spray paint. The space in the middle is very small so we chose a pink chair from IKEA for the time being. It turned out FABULOUS... if I do say so myself!</div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-54982102596194067652012-01-03T07:26:00.000-08:002012-01-03T07:26:30.048-08:00Our Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Here is a peek at our wonderful Christmas season...it was spectacular! I enjoyed every little bit. Even some of the things about the holiday I usually dread became joyful. I am so blessed!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4ab37p0KclXnDFISTl8zxhQnrtyLAAUYL7669hcKV0b2yJbLpxdzLtyQwI8yHQUt0O42_XEJw3Q6pUQfuC-S4IngL1QnnbwvKJGsladJhNGzBQRt7Rsfdt1SaDOJelxQOC1msXbBXQ/s1600/IMG_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4ab37p0KclXnDFISTl8zxhQnrtyLAAUYL7669hcKV0b2yJbLpxdzLtyQwI8yHQUt0O42_XEJw3Q6pUQfuC-S4IngL1QnnbwvKJGsladJhNGzBQRt7Rsfdt1SaDOJelxQOC1msXbBXQ/s320/IMG_0080.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The BEST was the boy's Choir Concert and all the Swing Choir performances! It's those kind of activities that really make the season bright!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqQOuYiIYINUO_nG0EEl_eC0ReeSvf1mQVXamAMwpuebW96gRqSq6ZHXg2NjmILqHI_b5V7UHiKVUhwYgB-o-STuPCJFIyzEwl2yDOdVtC1hjIfNq7OWD02nIn7IhNMxrmw5ocHd_CQ/s1600/IMG_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqQOuYiIYINUO_nG0EEl_eC0ReeSvf1mQVXamAMwpuebW96gRqSq6ZHXg2NjmILqHI_b5V7UHiKVUhwYgB-o-STuPCJFIyzEwl2yDOdVtC1hjIfNq7OWD02nIn7IhNMxrmw5ocHd_CQ/s320/IMG_0109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our happy little family on Christmas Eve in front of my Mom and Dad's tree. We always spend Christmas Eve at their house with my whole family...such a great time!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlctI3Cj6EavvTOMKBXE6apDVWt9FmGK0AH-7HeNOvhzFlJ-Iz5loBfpIGSSsie6QyHxBxHws7DLi6_Pf_qkcuesmwhE_z0jJbEeIkGOEaPVIAmp8jO2Rxkt-CNzTCjLjd2LoQhdJ_Q/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlctI3Cj6EavvTOMKBXE6apDVWt9FmGK0AH-7HeNOvhzFlJ-Iz5loBfpIGSSsie6QyHxBxHws7DLi6_Pf_qkcuesmwhE_z0jJbEeIkGOEaPVIAmp8jO2Rxkt-CNzTCjLjd2LoQhdJ_Q/s320/IMG_0128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My parents with all 7 of their Grandchildren ranging from age 9-29...and their Great Granddaughter Grace.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFa0nv-5Bi3Ole9fseOwEYZFIaDLxba4s1Zz6cu_uZVvi-njnutdTi5b6XY2Bl2M-Fdk58oUArKt9q4mHfUDdPmv0DqtIWV4_1nFC9KHU4uqa-7S4C_XNZbsypRHX3MfEcA33RbJ_Mzg/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFa0nv-5Bi3Ole9fseOwEYZFIaDLxba4s1Zz6cu_uZVvi-njnutdTi5b6XY2Bl2M-Fdk58oUArKt9q4mHfUDdPmv0DqtIWV4_1nFC9KHU4uqa-7S4C_XNZbsypRHX3MfEcA33RbJ_Mzg/s320/IMG_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Mom accompanying her musical grandsons...lots of singing when our family gets together...hmmm...I wonder why?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6Z5D9k9lmTo9K5E4BxfHjlpI3mAL4ENLFGncRz45fl38-okeNrxQ3cOXMENY-oX-lFMToev1CrY6-b1-wAlXMdkVmUsp3PGoOjO8EJkqxiIMu5vJ5KmKLNXhRwVopIM8T9gDfwQKnQ/s1600/IMG_0183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6Z5D9k9lmTo9K5E4BxfHjlpI3mAL4ENLFGncRz45fl38-okeNrxQ3cOXMENY-oX-lFMToev1CrY6-b1-wAlXMdkVmUsp3PGoOjO8EJkqxiIMu5vJ5KmKLNXhRwVopIM8T9gDfwQKnQ/s320/IMG_0183.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My nephew Conner helping Emily try to find the "Pickle" on the tree. The winner gets $1. I don't think it's the money...it's the prestige of being the WINNER!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBMXvJpB5CSKQWaAqbzDE3n4TPFRhQJ1m8V2xgF-jXPIg6n3IH0s71Q7r3x4l1sVxaReCg1dfIRLLHMknDEypTqvVCgYUbWPdUGUyPLsHVme62BnpnIz4XV9qBvADvbBX_Lt-WrELcQ/s1600/IMG_0189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBMXvJpB5CSKQWaAqbzDE3n4TPFRhQJ1m8V2xgF-jXPIg6n3IH0s71Q7r3x4l1sVxaReCg1dfIRLLHMknDEypTqvVCgYUbWPdUGUyPLsHVme62BnpnIz4XV9qBvADvbBX_Lt-WrELcQ/s320/IMG_0189.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is my nephew-in-law D ready to kick some Nerf butt...I brought a HUGE tub this year filled with all of Ben's Nerf guns and darts...I think the Dads had the most fun!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhYiXJ9M7cDuQsh0ZGd7ZWLAY5hBYbjl6e7WRFaAkVp3fDm_OENFdFj9q5w9FwEal9BvIu38vLPjIn_hcT-WZ9ISq-zo1LqRxvqpbCP2MzCZJel5NS-EnUxZAui8eQGMgbhH5JK_MPg/s1600/IMG_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhYiXJ9M7cDuQsh0ZGd7ZWLAY5hBYbjl6e7WRFaAkVp3fDm_OENFdFj9q5w9FwEal9BvIu38vLPjIn_hcT-WZ9ISq-zo1LqRxvqpbCP2MzCZJel5NS-EnUxZAui8eQGMgbhH5JK_MPg/s320/IMG_0198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My beauties on Christmas morning...around 7:30 which is sleeping in for them on Christmas Day!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaQXf6K2QhilfDpPy-LdLrXnWtStjOrNw46PpymA8-lPB8nZN18BnwBpCGfDj2Lu810MsROKNiDzOy6_nxYmUPtwM6BJqptP8VqLCa9UsEh7ARSywgIc7dz-TNvuCS3YvKRvKXiRikA/s1600/IMG_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaQXf6K2QhilfDpPy-LdLrXnWtStjOrNw46PpymA8-lPB8nZN18BnwBpCGfDj2Lu810MsROKNiDzOy6_nxYmUPtwM6BJqptP8VqLCa9UsEh7ARSywgIc7dz-TNvuCS3YvKRvKXiRikA/s320/IMG_0224.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emily receiving the most wanted gift from Santa...an ipod Touch...and a good mouth cleaning from Miss Honey.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetliZaAhUt8rGv_Y_6VCquYFQ3xUP_8yhmG3RBphLzFn00Eh6ZQaXrgxuKCBcq-85m2iIHfrvblSdzyTyDF5GYLIMD6cNwMYBU763c2ZgvMLWqNpTW8b4f_eCB70_47sQ8yK3PLjvww/s1600/IMG_0229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetliZaAhUt8rGv_Y_6VCquYFQ3xUP_8yhmG3RBphLzFn00Eh6ZQaXrgxuKCBcq-85m2iIHfrvblSdzyTyDF5GYLIMD6cNwMYBU763c2ZgvMLWqNpTW8b4f_eCB70_47sQ8yK3PLjvww/s320/IMG_0229.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ben opening his most wanted gift...xbox 360...oh the fun that will be had by all the neighborhood boys!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKMz40ElNF8ZJP1O0NdCQ2csyGH-bF_BN43cczkGf6AjcP7f9oJNqq6OLoYuEHLZcadE6TUrkPbJooVZJNLXFRbyJTJOiL3yxjbB5hyphenhyphendaZ8VE6inn7cITiEBleBLSfLqlm25pD_95iA/s1600/IMG_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKMz40ElNF8ZJP1O0NdCQ2csyGH-bF_BN43cczkGf6AjcP7f9oJNqq6OLoYuEHLZcadE6TUrkPbJooVZJNLXFRbyJTJOiL3yxjbB5hyphenhyphendaZ8VE6inn7cITiEBleBLSfLqlm25pD_95iA/s320/IMG_0269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chris, opening a gift from me...but he squealed like a little girl when he saw the Justice box. Emily thought he was crazy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvKCaURDvXQGLZNDOOqiucbgCoTYbBnElG3XuglNutDgOFNT-KQWqfSJtKJNF4aFp4os4GxnzxdL0_WB5CSUmUEfG71XkIocs5kZkna_yebZK-bKEagOqWxOYKmLoXr2gbj3S-MUkIQ/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvKCaURDvXQGLZNDOOqiucbgCoTYbBnElG3XuglNutDgOFNT-KQWqfSJtKJNF4aFp4os4GxnzxdL0_WB5CSUmUEfG71XkIocs5kZkna_yebZK-bKEagOqWxOYKmLoXr2gbj3S-MUkIQ/s320/IMG_0279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Miss Honey, lounging on her Christmas stocking. She got some treats, new tennis balls and the ever popular rope toy! She's so proud!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rbMi2M1HKwFkkqWlg3Yx_2a4kRzEO1iLecuSv2owZJdQp-bcSPaTajS3x48G93sPhn52jnDS9iB4ERTcRgEDA2Szu7bOA9GIp0INvHFxAcQmy9IX0NWRYCW5mPv8ZTHp87d3xcOjvQ/s1600/IMG_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rbMi2M1HKwFkkqWlg3Yx_2a4kRzEO1iLecuSv2owZJdQp-bcSPaTajS3x48G93sPhn52jnDS9iB4ERTcRgEDA2Szu7bOA9GIp0INvHFxAcQmy9IX0NWRYCW5mPv8ZTHp87d3xcOjvQ/s320/IMG_0287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our breakfast table for Christmas morning which was filled with pancakes and fresh fruit. Yum.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwb0F_AVXDA0tvAI8eNkWXYi4Qy7CbArvRhSaViSyCP6t9C41Vc4ExQdzfWEE90aFRYPYK2SeRyb4xvFkMXDs0EUquQJir6jianWzGXB6FYj0Wr3V_h2El_iMHc2XlZU5SY61X7Qolw/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwb0F_AVXDA0tvAI8eNkWXYi4Qy7CbArvRhSaViSyCP6t9C41Vc4ExQdzfWEE90aFRYPYK2SeRyb4xvFkMXDs0EUquQJir6jianWzGXB6FYj0Wr3V_h2El_iMHc2XlZU5SY61X7Qolw/s320/IMG_0288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The girl...enjoying her new techie device!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRbSop-A0paFdtdHoaONlilNDjm1cqHDRNiBJ2JjLTDWoMINQn4HRsa24BgTUnd9BhYktwD2eZL_WKT1bp0jILkKYreCKekDgpDHDNZ1E5Xd_CR0Oz9rTX9jGC8cy-MPXYJ0E1lsHOg/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRbSop-A0paFdtdHoaONlilNDjm1cqHDRNiBJ2JjLTDWoMINQn4HRsa24BgTUnd9BhYktwD2eZL_WKT1bp0jILkKYreCKekDgpDHDNZ1E5Xd_CR0Oz9rTX9jGC8cy-MPXYJ0E1lsHOg/s320/IMG_0291.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good Morning! Merry Christmas!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUIv-uoWeNoH4JiEqVdrR5fzpO8pSMVpdRDOkifCgeiBAuz2brHSqwMTkESTscA0ViAf29lVfwCxGVVtCcHYC_y-ELqSheY5sfeDC9MWFCSMPgCqnr-2HlvmkQL9izABFNRIr0i6WpQ/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUIv-uoWeNoH4JiEqVdrR5fzpO8pSMVpdRDOkifCgeiBAuz2brHSqwMTkESTscA0ViAf29lVfwCxGVVtCcHYC_y-ELqSheY5sfeDC9MWFCSMPgCqnr-2HlvmkQL9izABFNRIr0i6WpQ/s320/IMG_0293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Christmas night. My sister invited a few of us over for a yummy dinner and we had to bring some of our new games...Jenga was the hit of the night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My kids don't go back to school until Thursday. The decorations and trees were all taken down yesterday. I am usually one to be happy to put all the holiday behind me but this year I truly enjoyed each and every second. Even making the dreaded Cranberries and Rice for Christmas Eve dessert. And that is saying something! I am feeling blessed right now. I think I'll marinade in the Christmas glow awhile longer.</div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-78150512752031488422011-11-17T03:07:00.000-08:002011-11-17T03:07:08.240-08:00Great Cause...Great Event!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got to co-chair a Vendor Fair for our school's Foundation. I am a proud Foundation Board member and this is our first BIG event. This is the first time I've run an event this big and I have to say I learned a lot! We had some amazing vendors, crafters and local businesses. I was very proud with the final product! I even got to do some Christmas shopping! By the way, it was also the day of State Speech Contest for the boy...so I had to leave mid-event to go and cheer on the Speech Team.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNOp7aih_Z0r4tU1UYg_jzKOp3qZ3kZjqyhzh5_7E87NvWpMaiad50g3UpDTn02D-YCOm0w4t9CuRwxrlHwlykJwpXzeA-d_Jvz2Fj8h8ajg8PEsc4wMr21nZ7l2ywl759ZR-tJ9-Rw/s1600/DSCN4261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNOp7aih_Z0r4tU1UYg_jzKOp3qZ3kZjqyhzh5_7E87NvWpMaiad50g3UpDTn02D-YCOm0w4t9CuRwxrlHwlykJwpXzeA-d_Jvz2Fj8h8ajg8PEsc4wMr21nZ7l2ywl759ZR-tJ9-Rw/s320/DSCN4261.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IbsesXBY_296SCZWowvGYrf8H_9ca1CqmYsu6qsytkD3lO4sIbekNETDvZei6DGTt3kVO2GraPzs50kAGjeAhVspkjZviun8WK0EragF-ibPPJqPYbbZP-zyL6vdpQwr16OHmc8_Nw/s1600/DSCN4262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IbsesXBY_296SCZWowvGYrf8H_9ca1CqmYsu6qsytkD3lO4sIbekNETDvZei6DGTt3kVO2GraPzs50kAGjeAhVspkjZviun8WK0EragF-ibPPJqPYbbZP-zyL6vdpQwr16OHmc8_Nw/s320/DSCN4262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63dzZ8HsR1gUXPkkSlgnpHZg91jHvznfMB6OoB-JnAcXmVREmwVpJRgMcssiBOSJURFCjto8PBcv_U8gFETI_jg7c-kyIN7cyXXhl6uSdB3gynEj4FEjK38zaQIcCzz6AlICWkHM9sw/s1600/DSCN4263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63dzZ8HsR1gUXPkkSlgnpHZg91jHvznfMB6OoB-JnAcXmVREmwVpJRgMcssiBOSJURFCjto8PBcv_U8gFETI_jg7c-kyIN7cyXXhl6uSdB3gynEj4FEjK38zaQIcCzz6AlICWkHM9sw/s320/DSCN4263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lOC-OtZmhGuMjAw8ziRxkeud1vR7BESPjks_pu7pj7Tq3UKlD7avtMx6fAm5NZlGDzR0_iLkIQgopiQaeClzblx2t9NMeIHYBq97-JVuYyqrQjZzGDx9qS4WXKwrOkV3EFhEu5DF9w/s1600/DSCN4264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lOC-OtZmhGuMjAw8ziRxkeud1vR7BESPjks_pu7pj7Tq3UKlD7avtMx6fAm5NZlGDzR0_iLkIQgopiQaeClzblx2t9NMeIHYBq97-JVuYyqrQjZzGDx9qS4WXKwrOkV3EFhEu5DF9w/s320/DSCN4264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EELE6ahyxCjDyGDwMwvptHwIrcd06eAm-8bj_4Qzbr2esLqFo_Mzh2ggsydmoHtYx28DTiYjxQvPUzPT-XAN4Cc5WwT_2tLjUa2qbrGZS8Tfc0QlK0KfaaSepwVe1_7V5S-05iZ3gg/s1600/DSCN4265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EELE6ahyxCjDyGDwMwvptHwIrcd06eAm-8bj_4Qzbr2esLqFo_Mzh2ggsydmoHtYx28DTiYjxQvPUzPT-XAN4Cc5WwT_2tLjUa2qbrGZS8Tfc0QlK0KfaaSepwVe1_7V5S-05iZ3gg/s320/DSCN4265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl9SrBLGECMd-e6h2GWCmvRrmR4_BHE4YRgJOBjJ7bwKQVHEaNLuvMVb_lHWoHfvrL4JJupBtFUDrIoaP2cJ77hEL7ERaQ9J-CFS1EX5wLJO70_MivdmDv8fcENOsgZUsxDTkgAV11g/s1600/DSCN4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl9SrBLGECMd-e6h2GWCmvRrmR4_BHE4YRgJOBjJ7bwKQVHEaNLuvMVb_lHWoHfvrL4JJupBtFUDrIoaP2cJ77hEL7ERaQ9J-CFS1EX5wLJO70_MivdmDv8fcENOsgZUsxDTkgAV11g/s320/DSCN4266.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAudJf_mUGGsvr_kCrEfyEmgdQChICMag5r7nmzbOj7N8DFBqVrWKe6LZU9ZPxT-uH8FckVlYFZC25Ehkj90L6OId9Nl-AKfpvnxNw5NOVs1XJe6HcJsn9pTLkWDjUodqpwShT9xiD-g/s1600/DSCN4270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAudJf_mUGGsvr_kCrEfyEmgdQChICMag5r7nmzbOj7N8DFBqVrWKe6LZU9ZPxT-uH8FckVlYFZC25Ehkj90L6OId9Nl-AKfpvnxNw5NOVs1XJe6HcJsn9pTLkWDjUodqpwShT9xiD-g/s320/DSCN4270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ben and his speech partner Grace. They've been buds since kindergarten. That's how I met her wonderful mother who is now my very best friend! They do a comedic duet and they've been working together since 5th grade. The past two years they've received a 1st place and Judge's Choice Awards. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs16ZYUrpHXjV1uzq7wJGqtjpov92MrrWflmJkt-RC8fAEbCX6hKLVKXozpYoN6-zQYyf4y2wxGK4Q5h373VgqHAGZqh46nyNidcrQrXhs74UkqDXb6NqX2xuOMsfe922JqNCr3Gn9cA/s1600/DSCN4278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs16ZYUrpHXjV1uzq7wJGqtjpov92MrrWflmJkt-RC8fAEbCX6hKLVKXozpYoN6-zQYyf4y2wxGK4Q5h373VgqHAGZqh46nyNidcrQrXhs74UkqDXb6NqX2xuOMsfe922JqNCr3Gn9cA/s320/DSCN4278.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year was no different! Way to go you two! (Look...he's taller than me now...ugh!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Over all it was a great Saturday! </div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-84822226633793203862011-11-16T13:57:00.000-08:002011-11-18T06:24:59.403-08:00Master Bedroom Update...(FINALLY!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please don't mistake my lack of posting as a sign that projects aren't getting completed around here. They are...but S-L-O-W-L-Y! I wanted to give a quick update on my Master Bedroom progress...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaX3eJELZHCy9Y9HnwoDMUzDKJUJ5a-UvINl3JDRVRZclfnM6BZ_ZlAA4sxKCSsUQAl1DYn3Z-wcgRVyL30H4sBc1rWQILCEI9OhKEexUEHRfel_Hdpmit4qhSSKFA3wYgl-xSCbcQA/s1600/DSCN4103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaX3eJELZHCy9Y9HnwoDMUzDKJUJ5a-UvINl3JDRVRZclfnM6BZ_ZlAA4sxKCSsUQAl1DYn3Z-wcgRVyL30H4sBc1rWQILCEI9OhKEexUEHRfel_Hdpmit4qhSSKFA3wYgl-xSCbcQA/s320/DSCN4103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the desk I painted...it was my Grandma Fern's...it was mine in high school...then it went to live with my nephew...I saved this desk! My nephew and his buddies treated it like a booth in an old pizza parlor...now it's fresh and new (thanks to sanding and LOTS of wood fill!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfkGEthoA9-LUbeRQj_Szur81QDFHe9wIFMKMFvW8ZhCDlBLYcUxfnkIzQqYF0tt4dDhcFEG_kE-cEMI0MFK06WMNCaeVakXjLSjerzv3c79kX0oKzkbrlz8JCIBIyij4Vw9uBG21xw/s1600/DSCN4104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfkGEthoA9-LUbeRQj_Szur81QDFHe9wIFMKMFvW8ZhCDlBLYcUxfnkIzQqYF0tt4dDhcFEG_kE-cEMI0MFK06WMNCaeVakXjLSjerzv3c79kX0oKzkbrlz8JCIBIyij4Vw9uBG21xw/s320/DSCN4104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I kept the original hardware...it just fit the desk and was in great shape!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrowO9mL1yp3J7qg7ZUJgyRJn78fG7ll_IdP7E3bCLmC_uo0lk7T_uII-GCd5WNyaTQKJAfI_ovWX4MSoWD6Y2Zwbb3Zy11X3B-Js_CGBMIVFpm-0TjjT2VXZjONXTzziYxonbuHrwg/s1600/DSCN4105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrowO9mL1yp3J7qg7ZUJgyRJn78fG7ll_IdP7E3bCLmC_uo0lk7T_uII-GCd5WNyaTQKJAfI_ovWX4MSoWD6Y2Zwbb3Zy11X3B-Js_CGBMIVFpm-0TjjT2VXZjONXTzziYxonbuHrwg/s320/DSCN4105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ahhhh! Can't wait to jazz up the inside! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Eudp4PYf53ZyUQupfpOVrhZLyLLP-kQspse4fUNQ73tKL53hiP6nTaRm0Fgfi6SuMVsEzpJGiJ2hP6aT_OV_BLSbMdDIjt8tDZPlmJ4-hBaGe2xwfn1PLi7VShkHkIUu6eHxBpP0DA/s1600/DSCN4106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Eudp4PYf53ZyUQupfpOVrhZLyLLP-kQspse4fUNQ73tKL53hiP6nTaRm0Fgfi6SuMVsEzpJGiJ2hP6aT_OV_BLSbMdDIjt8tDZPlmJ4-hBaGe2xwfn1PLi7VShkHkIUu6eHxBpP0DA/s320/DSCN4106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New IKEA slipcover...I need a cute throw and pillow..hmmmm...any ideas??? My sister Melissa found the lamp. I don't know how to describe her joy. It was on clearance for $24.00 at Marshall's and she carried it around the store...never put it down...it was like she found a prized toy! The table was originally black and had wooden handles. Some spray paint and new pulls and it looks like a new night stand! All I can say about the paint on the walls is that it's a Benjamin Moore Historical Color, Georgian Green and it looks SO MUCH BETTER in person than in these photos! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAtITM601ErbbAoVO6tJAkgrQDh8cFCRygQqwJRgdTwcpJwYm8IaE7iHtlpymG6pwCCOG_Q5n9oyn71aXgpnZpSNwNc40ZQhW5TQ0mjG58xTynaSIzE8FI4Npwkqek9vTZJvLaa4JYw/s1600/DSCN4107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAtITM601ErbbAoVO6tJAkgrQDh8cFCRygQqwJRgdTwcpJwYm8IaE7iHtlpymG6pwCCOG_Q5n9oyn71aXgpnZpSNwNc40ZQhW5TQ0mjG58xTynaSIzE8FI4Npwkqek9vTZJvLaa4JYw/s320/DSCN4107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the new linens! The duvet cover and ruffled shams are from Target (Shabby Chic). I needed something easy to make in the morning and something that could be washed easily. The dog loves to camp out on our bed...I love, love, love, the look of linen...so Ralph Lauren, don't you think? The quilt and matching shams are from Overstock.com. They were $82 and FREE shipping! The monogrammed pillow covers went with our old quilt and were from Pottery Barn. I got them seven years ago and they still sell them! (I am a sucker for anything with a monogram!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tMV_Xeog17dBFcBTcrHl1pEKb6aY8oMDu_TmHP3Y62Zd8LviJl2RWMCkvWzt3QAeB7f1W6RJ_cUNNc2Xqax0WbgDWEQILpi3hmswhVwF_JqB4VsYuxWD9oKUCSkfEKFiVS57uzvw1Q/s1600/DSCN4108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tMV_Xeog17dBFcBTcrHl1pEKb6aY8oMDu_TmHP3Y62Zd8LviJl2RWMCkvWzt3QAeB7f1W6RJ_cUNNc2Xqax0WbgDWEQILpi3hmswhVwF_JqB4VsYuxWD9oKUCSkfEKFiVS57uzvw1Q/s320/DSCN4108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since these photos were taken I found a great lamp for hubby's side of the bed. His nightstand, btw, was a Kane County find many years ago...still love that wash stand! I also made a Ballard Design monogrammed burlap memo board to hang over my desk...pictures will follow soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, what do you think? Any suggestions for a cute throw and pillow for the white chair?? I'd love your thoughts!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking up to...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<center><a href="http://becca-homeiswheremystorybegins.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af319/beccaross_photos/Blog%20Buttons/HomeAndFamily.jpg" /></a></center><center><br />
</center><center><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" /></a></center>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-75525950303634176372011-10-18T15:35:00.000-07:002011-10-18T15:35:15.366-07:00Recognizing Daily Gifts Have you ever read <u>The Gift of an Ordinary Day</u> by Katrina Kenison? If you haven't, you must! A few years ago I heard her read a passage from the book on aYouTube video...I had to read this book! She talked about how tedious and mundane motherhood rituals could be and explained the importance of recognizing that those details are the things we should be celebrating as mothers. Savoring. She learned to appreciate all the tiny details delivered while we are living our lives. Katrina Kenison came to her "ah-ha moment" (to steal a phrase from Oprah) when her boys were in middle school and high school. At the time mine were still in elementary school...I felt overjoyed that I still had time...to savor all the little things...to spend more time enjoying the little daily motherly actions that in the past had been overlooked by lack of sleep, overbooked schedules or just daily chores. I vowed to stop complaining about all the details that made up my day and start recognizing the goodness in daily life as a Mom.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><please, a="" have="" i="" keep="" please,="" please="" point!="" reading,=""></please,></span><br />
<br />
So....fast forward to this past September and my eldest child has a broken arm in a cast...oh...and he had to have surgery to have pins put in place to hold the bone....ouch! This happened at football practice one Tuesday evening while I was with my daughter at her school's curriculum night. I will spare you all the details of the evening but suffice it to say Ben was home from school 2 days before he was casted. Being the paranoid mother I am...I've been driving him to school and picking him up...daily...only to make me feel better (I'm sure he'd have managed on the bus just fine!) He did, however, tell me just the other day that he will miss me driving him to school when his arm heals. And I can't lie...I was beaming all day after that one! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmHn4kCZpeNleiFab2KsXrmWUb6nLgwQo7zJiCKcgOl2jYMvofUjAdhtdpO3lnT7C8UTQ8yFdbLgU7u0boWv_EdJNvYcekun97zZANav2CA5LnxePNBReGLcrSnC0RA-BDRHhJrRd7Q/s1600/DSCN4087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmHn4kCZpeNleiFab2KsXrmWUb6nLgwQo7zJiCKcgOl2jYMvofUjAdhtdpO3lnT7C8UTQ8yFdbLgU7u0boWv_EdJNvYcekun97zZANav2CA5LnxePNBReGLcrSnC0RA-BDRHhJrRd7Q/s320/DSCN4087.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"> This was a few days after Ben got his first cast. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am so glad I had this time. Don't get me wrong, I'm not at all glad he broke his arm. It was painful and there is nothing worse than seeing your child in pain and not being able to do much about it. But throughout all of this I have learned a few things about Ben and myself that I'd like to share. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeoaOQZaUH3gemcGWj4DY1T84e2USd5wYZ3IL4MEOZN_wvghvfeEifoNvaahwsRmxex3c4pePUt1yo3JslrwPUWp208aLUEtuytImV2otqlrs-6C5K1OKTsMVX_FvbwX7Jc-pvJUHlw/s1600/DSCN4136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeoaOQZaUH3gemcGWj4DY1T84e2USd5wYZ3IL4MEOZN_wvghvfeEifoNvaahwsRmxex3c4pePUt1yo3JslrwPUWp208aLUEtuytImV2otqlrs-6C5K1OKTsMVX_FvbwX7Jc-pvJUHlw/s320/DSCN4136.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">The second cast was green...after week 1 they had to remove the case and "reset" the bone...OUCH!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
First of all, when in a traumatic situation I am not a panic-er or cry-er. Throughout the entire ordeal I have rallied to be a strong, positive mother on the outside even though there were times I was quietly sobbing behind closed doors. I am proud of how I handled the entire situation and I think my strength mixed with extra understanding made things easier on Ben.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr0OVrJ6QG7Otk-Uv1X7f_98fqppHwHS2ovWX2ys_RSZVZNLcO43B4a9DqxDi86Y6aTH7Lew392SZiy44tDHtYlA1kPgIPO1DF2VPrncCFP7mTH2OmRqT7FDtQZMGaDxsY47Bg7dkfA/s1600/DSCN4116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr0OVrJ6QG7Otk-Uv1X7f_98fqppHwHS2ovWX2ys_RSZVZNLcO43B4a9DqxDi86Y6aTH7Lew392SZiy44tDHtYlA1kPgIPO1DF2VPrncCFP7mTH2OmRqT7FDtQZMGaDxsY47Bg7dkfA/s320/DSCN4116.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">This was the second cast...split...see that white line down it? Two weeks after the accident he had to have surgery to have pins put in...they split his cast and sent us home so he could get on some "comfy" clothes...look at him...he's still smiling and goofing around with me! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysPvyrxP_yvOLjpVh8Bh3VB2aTsnpBREROigsnXUhbT4_Z5s53daxKj0UOKDGwMtyAZ2kwqI-B6WyIt6ay84vCuApW908Zb4UlRMRAiWNIDj3_9u_n3qjoeEzIrLxPkUbaZGwn8_9EA/s1600/DSCN4119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysPvyrxP_yvOLjpVh8Bh3VB2aTsnpBREROigsnXUhbT4_Z5s53daxKj0UOKDGwMtyAZ2kwqI-B6WyIt6ay84vCuApW908Zb4UlRMRAiWNIDj3_9u_n3qjoeEzIrLxPkUbaZGwn8_9EA/s320/DSCN4119.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Before surgery and he's still smiling...I just love this kid! </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Secondly, I learned a few things about my first born. He is a positive child. He's a leader and not too worried about what others think. He is innately happy and has a wonderful sense of humor that got us through lots of tough moments throughout this entire fiasco. He is tough and can suck it up when necessary...I am so PROUD of him! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGo5No4rkKb3U3DgnQdID-XbksKaI-PBAlpgGdqkGmLxIVAugFPxN70KrFjR9hmvLEYxo6Fm1PdbYIRjh_1v37j4HaxykqRlFLlsk4e9OYIYxK6L-Ch9rRgU2GZJYEy5-pm6B85S3uVQ/s1600/DSCN4175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGo5No4rkKb3U3DgnQdID-XbksKaI-PBAlpgGdqkGmLxIVAugFPxN70KrFjR9hmvLEYxo6Fm1PdbYIRjh_1v37j4HaxykqRlFLlsk4e9OYIYxK6L-Ch9rRgU2GZJYEy5-pm6B85S3uVQ/s320/DSCN4175.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">This is today's cast...PINK...(and shorter...finally!)...in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Finally, I have learned to enjoy the daily shuffling of kids. Now that mine are both school aged and in various activities I am doing lots of chauffeuring and instead of whining and complaining, I am choosing to use this time with them to bond, talk and connect. Soon they will be driving themselves to practices or riding with friends and I will miss out on that special time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>At 40 it's important for me to acknowledge that time is fleeting and my full time mother career will come to an end at some point. I don't want to miss it. I certainly don't want to waste it. I chose to pay attention to the details that make up my life. I chose to celebrate being a mother and be proud of the job I am doing with them. Most of all I will say yes when they need a ride or want to come with me to the store because that is precious time too!Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-75527541159704443802011-10-05T11:04:00.000-07:002011-10-05T11:04:22.142-07:00Fun Fall MantelIt's been awhile...I know. To all eleven of my faithful followers...I apologize! What can I say? Life has been busy! Do you want the "Cliff Notes Version"? Well...here's a list of the latest happenings...<br />
<br />
1. Girl and Boy started school...3rd and 7th grade.<br />
2. On the third day of school Girl woke up with head LICE!!! (what a nightmare...ugh!)<br />
3. One week later Girl got a virus with a fever and missed 2 more days of school. grrr....<br />
4. 5 Days later Boy broke his arm at football practice...can you say "End of the season"? So sad!<br />
5. 1 week later Boy had to have his cast removed and arm reset (OUCH!)<br />
6. Exactly 1 week after that Boy had to have surgery to have 2 pins put in to keep 1 of the 2 broken bones in place.<br />
7. Six days later I had gum replacement surgery! (Seriously...I'm not making any of this up!)<br />
<br />
I feel like I am behind with EVERYTHING! I need to start working on that writing class I am suppose to be taking...I should be substitute teaching up a storm...but I can't...and...then there is the regular chores of the week. To top it off...I am writing this post on the couch watching Narnia with Girl who is home "sick". I think she's suffering from my choice to stop her OTC allergy meds. oops! Bad Mom move!<br />
<br />
Anyway...there has been some progress with some of the MANY MANY MANY projects I have started around here. Am I the only one in "Blog-o-sphere" who starts dozens of projects thinking that they will be quick and easy...only to have WEEKS pass and they sit there only half done? Please tell me someone else suffers form IPS (aka Incomplete Project Syndrome)??? please?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCpbVhMKcTKRpuG5i9jU0nf0uZJ4wRE8xgCqV8T5ZaDMCnlB_BD3OkG55AqpT4ZZ6iPm7z9IVjh27hO3BcOXAEc4mM-HYYwnTm218_J1pICv0Lp7pnPWHobzLaRME_01SYjrws8f-yg/s1600/DSCN4100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCpbVhMKcTKRpuG5i9jU0nf0uZJ4wRE8xgCqV8T5ZaDMCnlB_BD3OkG55AqpT4ZZ6iPm7z9IVjh27hO3BcOXAEc4mM-HYYwnTm218_J1pICv0Lp7pnPWHobzLaRME_01SYjrws8f-yg/s320/DSCN4100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT1anGcoKLIaos0VoabmyarV3IvxwoJuBojsOJJ8GPNAp0AKFaap0Y3Is9gPUWAub9lRAWY5BpKvQ1IVaJi6_aV6UJKdRHrU3rWif1Fh4a6szcimw8SdO2n8POH2wUCBxXHeYMYTgYw/s1600/DSCN4101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT1anGcoKLIaos0VoabmyarV3IvxwoJuBojsOJJ8GPNAp0AKFaap0Y3Is9gPUWAub9lRAWY5BpKvQ1IVaJi6_aV6UJKdRHrU3rWif1Fh4a6szcimw8SdO2n8POH2wUCBxXHeYMYTgYw/s320/DSCN4101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here is my version of the Autumn mantel. I have had the star for forever...I know it's not really "autumn-ish" but it matched the color scheme and did you see the above list? I can't believe I even got to this project! The lantern is a $7.99 beauty from IKEA (love it!) and the pumpkin was an old decoration that I painted last year with a handy can of spray paint. The banner was made by ME!!! I love it and it was easy thanks to my circut and some paint! The grapevine pumpkins on the hearth are from Dominick's...I picked them up several years ago...couldn't pass those babies up. Simple but festive...what do you think? How are you decorating for fall? Tell me all about it. And if you're not a follower please think about becoming one...I have some fun new projects I will be sharing...SOON!Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-59241898770966756932011-07-08T04:37:00.000-07:002011-07-08T04:37:21.869-07:004th of July Mantel Decor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you ever get an idea in your head and you just HAVE to try it? That was me this July 4th. Why? Who knows! But I decided that although I was having house guests for 3 nights and hosting a party for 20+ people...I also needed to decorate my mantle with a homemade banner. So...off to Hobby Lobby I went...idea in head.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDyrsNIe65WC194bO6XucCC8sDd2FL3uZNhD0cN4PzoFP0i_rOELQjkAn2m9uwnbWlBFrJYCMbJCyCEQYRfaIUeM2n6jDAvQanrUZ4Xaw7ksNOgP8YYIcuzWexY_hoLSA0NU6M99aIQ/s1600/DSCN3294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDyrsNIe65WC194bO6XucCC8sDd2FL3uZNhD0cN4PzoFP0i_rOELQjkAn2m9uwnbWlBFrJYCMbJCyCEQYRfaIUeM2n6jDAvQanrUZ4Xaw7ksNOgP8YYIcuzWexY_hoLSA0NU6M99aIQ/s320/DSCN3294.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I purchased 3 bandanas for $.99 each and brought them home ready to CREATE!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAFZxDZX5tDzZfPgWW6zj-TagJxzP2LhBYJNG-WyDVe7ZT9kO62RMavSSreNOUq9UsxnqQ1noRVGXKKqkLZmDjrDhn_AXoTrd5UOCMXfUYfOVdjo9W7RWQhUggLDjW_f4pjmXEJ5Vsg/s1600/DSCN3295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAFZxDZX5tDzZfPgWW6zj-TagJxzP2LhBYJNG-WyDVe7ZT9kO62RMavSSreNOUq9UsxnqQ1noRVGXKKqkLZmDjrDhn_AXoTrd5UOCMXfUYfOVdjo9W7RWQhUggLDjW_f4pjmXEJ5Vsg/s320/DSCN3295.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am new to sewing and not exactly worried about making everything PERFECT at this time so I just got out my scissors and started cutting. I cut each bandanna into 4 smaller squares. I then ironed each square so my next cuts were more even. I took the squares and cut out triangles with room at the longest end to fold over and stitch.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdfhejMA5BMncOK8QS0A72voyxAETPOcD-T6pu2Bl-vLEGa-I-C4wJ3jbRBkovZvbB3zgGXI7pKSdV06K8TcQCQ1QuQ1g6nNir9yn5JlGklIxRzVRUglfq4b9SPHUuLWQEz8Mi_dcqA/s1600/DSCN3296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdfhejMA5BMncOK8QS0A72voyxAETPOcD-T6pu2Bl-vLEGa-I-C4wJ3jbRBkovZvbB3zgGXI7pKSdV06K8TcQCQ1QuQ1g6nNir9yn5JlGklIxRzVRUglfq4b9SPHUuLWQEz8Mi_dcqA/s320/DSCN3296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuIN3Ed6KMd6Sr0NL1LBHUrqFqoZuMVCFhgIMYLhIN3cd3IHf0B43RTI7WHgsPzSVwAeF4kpzIDgPKAb4sFKfvgc5LuA7orkezSnyyFH2D4n0qJSYOjVnb2Qkvuq-O0pYJ4nk5c40rw/s1600/DSCN3297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuIN3Ed6KMd6Sr0NL1LBHUrqFqoZuMVCFhgIMYLhIN3cd3IHf0B43RTI7WHgsPzSVwAeF4kpzIDgPKAb4sFKfvgc5LuA7orkezSnyyFH2D4n0qJSYOjVnb2Qkvuq-O0pYJ4nk5c40rw/s320/DSCN3297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, I ironed the longest ends over twice to make a nice edge. I left room at the top to thread some twine through for hanging. I know you can sew it right in but I wasn't sure how far apart I wanted each triangle. Good thing I waited because I started this project thinking I wanted lots of space between each triangle and that wouldn't have worked on my mantle. See? There is some bonus to being a novice without a real plan!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl9EPw9KOk0EpIiJM1Ls0EMC4ecnwD6llkb10qPnDKaWqNu94T1dAGugJuwU5n5GGQS9UAbCFgFCxWXBBMSYyKHhmuOS9miY-4zNZ8VjDoeeTbrul2ZAUHZ-KG6ACqwg5ikPwgg_QPg/s1600/DSCN3298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl9EPw9KOk0EpIiJM1Ls0EMC4ecnwD6llkb10qPnDKaWqNu94T1dAGugJuwU5n5GGQS9UAbCFgFCxWXBBMSYyKHhmuOS9miY-4zNZ8VjDoeeTbrul2ZAUHZ-KG6ACqwg5ikPwgg_QPg/s320/DSCN3298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zaaRMpjhyphenhyphendsGBSdkJOJdE19S1IYYwXrVIjgOc7k4v1rYhxmyWMls5k8uiePQ0S4YQ09kgObDgifu8KgHpVlEMAtEy2KOUZCfXOkQ0MQOh_yGzgggV6-R_OY9-pljj4RO4Jx3wCQzFQ/s1600/DSCN3299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zaaRMpjhyphenhyphendsGBSdkJOJdE19S1IYYwXrVIjgOc7k4v1rYhxmyWMls5k8uiePQ0S4YQ09kgObDgifu8KgHpVlEMAtEy2KOUZCfXOkQ0MQOh_yGzgggV6-R_OY9-pljj4RO4Jx3wCQzFQ/s320/DSCN3299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I cut the 2 remaining edges with pinking shears...I love those zig zag edges!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSU1aV0N6ENuVSUimgf7LWwSw8tjimkhpHAczJZg1Ym4il5o_IQobq4vBKEJ_5G9VbLXCyaWDtsOvDnBfyMxb7W123Gq8cOddJv_g1rrfEObtk5zwl-cOOKXFXzKzDlQ00Vi4iIInFVw/s1600/DSCN3300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSU1aV0N6ENuVSUimgf7LWwSw8tjimkhpHAczJZg1Ym4il5o_IQobq4vBKEJ_5G9VbLXCyaWDtsOvDnBfyMxb7W123Gq8cOddJv_g1rrfEObtk5zwl-cOOKXFXzKzDlQ00Vi4iIInFVw/s320/DSCN3300.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once the tops were sewn I went around the other 2 sides with a small stitch. Again, not perfect and no measuring occurred. Just sewing! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0puhYWToI3QBYqyxh7bGX0An1S_DiYQWRV-VzeDDlos0K3zAyXyr9lLz97XUawybF6EbjWgvWFtdJr89DgEBtfEDeUJ7AU1GwpuuCf30xaUe8IEYdnw1UfomA288uu_OuFUkWsHpBAw/s1600/DSCN3303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0puhYWToI3QBYqyxh7bGX0An1S_DiYQWRV-VzeDDlos0K3zAyXyr9lLz97XUawybF6EbjWgvWFtdJr89DgEBtfEDeUJ7AU1GwpuuCf30xaUe8IEYdnw1UfomA288uu_OuFUkWsHpBAw/s320/DSCN3303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWDN5xT9HBYsNbjBQBC2uEhaTpBs2jippHz-Km9-jbLJpKY_Qbn049IezFSURTFVP-2O4Subtqd0ddsFZC2PJEbTeDUD-9M3W8UpLxZRyGEfvhpt939ilYbdD6kmfSsvq6qCjuxTpGQ/s1600/DSCN3304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWDN5xT9HBYsNbjBQBC2uEhaTpBs2jippHz-Km9-jbLJpKY_Qbn049IezFSURTFVP-2O4Subtqd0ddsFZC2PJEbTeDUD-9M3W8UpLxZRyGEfvhpt939ilYbdD6kmfSsvq6qCjuxTpGQ/s320/DSCN3304.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I reached the point I left the needle down, lifted the foot and turned the triangle so I could sew up the other side. EASY! And although there was little measuring...I think it turned out REALLY cute! What do you think??</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJSi3h8t0I_QaLVyL4xOu0d3B4E-UGA_nkNcNwtHbSAaGnB-TrAtKoekzUNFlSV6q0AP3s1CHE2rgSZ_nBejYRoV6lBRZAK30hroXKBx6VB3o6uFH2FUhLy_cjseA5omIEOBMh06yEg/s1600/DSCN3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJSi3h8t0I_QaLVyL4xOu0d3B4E-UGA_nkNcNwtHbSAaGnB-TrAtKoekzUNFlSV6q0AP3s1CHE2rgSZ_nBejYRoV6lBRZAK30hroXKBx6VB3o6uFH2FUhLy_cjseA5omIEOBMh06yEg/s320/DSCN3314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The star is an old purchase from Kane Co. Fair...the glass vase is filled with sand and the mini flags were 4 for $1.99 at Hobby Lobby. EASY!</div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-77840120105490644282011-07-08T04:12:00.000-07:002011-07-08T04:12:35.023-07:00Independence Day!Happy July! I have so much going on right now I could ramble on for several paragraphs. Instead I will share with you some of our July 4th highlights. We had a really great weekend. Busy but great! On Saturday my cousin and her husband and 2 children came to stay with us. They are so much fun and we love to just hang out with them and enjoy the great weather.<br />
<br />
They arrived on Saturday mid-morning right as my niece was sent to the hospital to be induced. Huh? Yep, my niece was due to have her first child on July 1st and ended up being induced on the 2nd. (More on that later!) The fellas were suppose to go golfing but it was toooooooooo hot and humid...so we stayed home and hung out by the pool. FUN! The kids were so happy to have their cousins here and the 4 of them virtually only surface for food or drink. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, my sister was at the hospital with my niece and her husband keeping us posted with frequent updates. <br />
<br />
Saturday morning (early) I got the call to pick up my mother and head to the hospital. It was a treat to have my cousin there with us. We sipped coffee and waited. At 10:22 am my brand new niece made her way into the world and let me tell you...she's gorgeous! Mother and Grandma and Daddy are all doing well. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKo_9tl5BI2VSUpDhcoDeUiuFJ0W5dUurJRjj_nAggS7zDODu0wQv-M1vVzL2tbinRiY6LKhly4uREiIqGZpPhszXY7INWfYh6erawGWrjV4MCOI92BNCfUgNog-ZgQJTj7NsUzo0yg/s1600/DSCN3348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKo_9tl5BI2VSUpDhcoDeUiuFJ0W5dUurJRjj_nAggS7zDODu0wQv-M1vVzL2tbinRiY6LKhly4uREiIqGZpPhszXY7INWfYh6erawGWrjV4MCOI92BNCfUgNog-ZgQJTj7NsUzo0yg/s320/DSCN3348.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
By 1:30 on Sunday we had experienced the miracle of new life and were in our suits zipping around Lake Essex watching our kids knee board. (whew!) It was a beautiful day to spend in a boat and the kids had a blast!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JUv1Doe-WeorlHua90CS6750cKHU51Zvb4VKrZuYRAMS-E-jkvCRy0EY8NoBbEX_8zq-t5slAItaLxUH-AWGQswTd2DcwaoMwsZYNNJiLMjjfUSxYSLeF5zz6wbPNnYz65csFGWbYQ/s1600/DSCN3351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JUv1Doe-WeorlHua90CS6750cKHU51Zvb4VKrZuYRAMS-E-jkvCRy0EY8NoBbEX_8zq-t5slAItaLxUH-AWGQswTd2DcwaoMwsZYNNJiLMjjfUSxYSLeF5zz6wbPNnYz65csFGWbYQ/s320/DSCN3351.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDftaRUhwqCu0tiOga0xHQNlsY1AdLefcYDlj8rR88PmKXckJUmCbXkxj1SAsUv19Ndeg5Eg8JVLNkO9D5UGJsZWG0K9StgLMZrpolXZt0ZSef6_Vpt7OmMhHMoC-KMon5N_ms2-ezaw/s1600/DSCN3358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDftaRUhwqCu0tiOga0xHQNlsY1AdLefcYDlj8rR88PmKXckJUmCbXkxj1SAsUv19Ndeg5Eg8JVLNkO9D5UGJsZWG0K9StgLMZrpolXZt0ZSef6_Vpt7OmMhHMoC-KMon5N_ms2-ezaw/s320/DSCN3358.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZI2vvHeAIA7rgWKjc92dG7_xr5jT-5-Fc82V3Fnb9TdKthubCLTDBe3OrempE0PC6rBeR3rlqvwYLm5MBawAxWeEyC1Y9YB1xhlvjcBykOVAlY0vsGICfRUsz_pmkdagLozAtNIrzQ/s1600/DSCN3378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZI2vvHeAIA7rgWKjc92dG7_xr5jT-5-Fc82V3Fnb9TdKthubCLTDBe3OrempE0PC6rBeR3rlqvwYLm5MBawAxWeEyC1Y9YB1xhlvjcBykOVAlY0vsGICfRUsz_pmkdagLozAtNIrzQ/s320/DSCN3378.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
We finished the day in our pool, cooking out burgers and roasting extra large marshmallows over a very smokey fire (the best plans!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt9Q2nvAwD5vqPUK2Buu9PtAslgfe5RJ93Dzr6c-xHHgyUnzlLLyFsoHFcq-pZjwOlggJfGG8sOJgOXI5JIA0wUNMOq74zgTOD_Q_95GGGg56iDybPWWuGcjgyEe5yb4N0nuLO3_zEg/s1600/DSCN3381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt9Q2nvAwD5vqPUK2Buu9PtAslgfe5RJ93Dzr6c-xHHgyUnzlLLyFsoHFcq-pZjwOlggJfGG8sOJgOXI5JIA0wUNMOq74zgTOD_Q_95GGGg56iDybPWWuGcjgyEe5yb4N0nuLO3_zEg/s320/DSCN3381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are our "Adult Juice Boxes" Found at the local Jewel for $1.99. YUM!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Which brings us to Independence Day! We woke early...ate homemade pancakes, baked and prepared and welcomed more family and neighbors around 2:00.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdwCZ6YY-L6FgYQpvoQZzcIDw9LdtZ3LWsS-S3OH5LrIG6_223lixOfctmyLtYM3yH6jT12wCIylrt7fd7dL_jPQwWTEMSMb7AOjgZLG6w8YwIzDlKMpIwYtMbcsI1muXkek1s_i7Gg/s1600/DSCN3388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdwCZ6YY-L6FgYQpvoQZzcIDw9LdtZ3LWsS-S3OH5LrIG6_223lixOfctmyLtYM3yH6jT12wCIylrt7fd7dL_jPQwWTEMSMb7AOjgZLG6w8YwIzDlKMpIwYtMbcsI1muXkek1s_i7Gg/s320/DSCN3388.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Here are the girls making our 4th of July cupcakes...gotta love little helpers! They made and decorated the cupcakes all by themselves! Way to go girls!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqAgNB8Tneo9LT1_2XxqcSoGA2XYrPlPGd89kwXt42kDOU3nP8IEIt2kwspPkWBYjkzOFxXHwpjkZAnfGrX0eCobf8sUqbx_0JjaikbhyiFr1douX_1t69zdkj247Gms8H8BjmbOsIQ/s1600/DSCN3385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqAgNB8Tneo9LT1_2XxqcSoGA2XYrPlPGd89kwXt42kDOU3nP8IEIt2kwspPkWBYjkzOFxXHwpjkZAnfGrX0eCobf8sUqbx_0JjaikbhyiFr1douX_1t69zdkj247Gms8H8BjmbOsIQ/s320/DSCN3385.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_0G2orYq2GCOmro_jGKFvCMUcZ7XfxMC10fmzBzIsjvH0gwKRqYZ15Ov2Rk-vkAomhFYKPUdQ8VP21giPrJVbNIym3LuCtRwr51ByfZSQbdlXNvHqNEmyaeIHdWeQJAM1zbQVTY50A/s1600/DSCN3390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_0G2orYq2GCOmro_jGKFvCMUcZ7XfxMC10fmzBzIsjvH0gwKRqYZ15Ov2Rk-vkAomhFYKPUdQ8VP21giPrJVbNIym3LuCtRwr51ByfZSQbdlXNvHqNEmyaeIHdWeQJAM1zbQVTY50A/s320/DSCN3390.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6X-wfULStmU1JF85YToll_1nQLm1kq-kWSEk-xv46e0c4EsqDwKttS3lazZ-4G7LdoVRoM_bBZuQczwmDmamXd_Xre0wWWqq1Kb9ps6Md2ItKgsJB5RbB2uil3fNGUEYQlHobfJJ5A/s1600/DSCN3401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6X-wfULStmU1JF85YToll_1nQLm1kq-kWSEk-xv46e0c4EsqDwKttS3lazZ-4G7LdoVRoM_bBZuQczwmDmamXd_Xre0wWWqq1Kb9ps6Md2ItKgsJB5RbB2uil3fNGUEYQlHobfJJ5A/s320/DSCN3401.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT-eKY-g3LcoDfIwDyMKaxswFwVrcJFwS74Beq9qp9oPbHEl65QC7pJDAfjmWI2-6T6P6Z_0dGTMdpe2Qgfk14iEVtfZ5MKyriuz1ucWeDPLbaY5GjGRg_IiyLMP-YyNaJPpiskM-4g/s1600/DSCN3406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT-eKY-g3LcoDfIwDyMKaxswFwVrcJFwS74Beq9qp9oPbHEl65QC7pJDAfjmWI2-6T6P6Z_0dGTMdpe2Qgfk14iEVtfZ5MKyriuz1ucWeDPLbaY5GjGRg_IiyLMP-YyNaJPpiskM-4g/s320/DSCN3406.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihLF6NUGqcoIkDI4kqYbcHnH0ZtouC024c8wrQa4UAbQGNHLhzn5Wn9Bzw-JoYif193kanBzf3v_CrWK7OZ_r-q5rpKU0UiliAka_LzZymwJG-0JcDf6NRyGVoqvlt5jgJ504XYcg5w/s1600/DSCN3396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihLF6NUGqcoIkDI4kqYbcHnH0ZtouC024c8wrQa4UAbQGNHLhzn5Wn9Bzw-JoYif193kanBzf3v_CrWK7OZ_r-q5rpKU0UiliAka_LzZymwJG-0JcDf6NRyGVoqvlt5jgJ504XYcg5w/s320/DSCN3396.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkpjfjKUaCC9Yhbw4e02f7AeJQxZpH4xJ0RX_IMwlyiudAoJ_kbaxZGFi3Yjpv0xriMLwSuQ_jkusBw2uHEQ5gNGBkF7qp8GBOX-1gwWFSMu0UevCHaALFD6Aydgz6ysAPMsyHvjutQ/s1600/DSCN3407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkpjfjKUaCC9Yhbw4e02f7AeJQxZpH4xJ0RX_IMwlyiudAoJ_kbaxZGFi3Yjpv0xriMLwSuQ_jkusBw2uHEQ5gNGBkF7qp8GBOX-1gwWFSMu0UevCHaALFD6Aydgz6ysAPMsyHvjutQ/s320/DSCN3407.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Lots of swimming, eating, drinking and fun was had by all. The kids had a blast! The fireworks were incredible. The weekend was a success...and I was TIRED! I can't believe the 4th has come and gone and summer is chugging away. It always goes too fast! I hope you enjoyed the holiday and I hope we all remember how lucky we are to live in this country. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWBo3p85Y_tPA-mZGn7S96RpSu-PpFxpmOEjtkbI2Nko_1Xk9eXwYvni3P1vjqzUCjqHqkDfcXRjNR4tOXSYE2wQxgtU6fLh0wrV6j7qc9DFa2JYrjbU-plrVTPj4oIPBRzkXNJk0ag/s1600/DSCN3415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWBo3p85Y_tPA-mZGn7S96RpSu-PpFxpmOEjtkbI2Nko_1Xk9eXwYvni3P1vjqzUCjqHqkDfcXRjNR4tOXSYE2wQxgtU6fLh0wrV6j7qc9DFa2JYrjbU-plrVTPj4oIPBRzkXNJk0ag/s320/DSCN3415.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9xWUgTEdVCLjuDcmzh811anPBMRRcIPmO4fpAeIvfQs5TCYV3mHhlSEf7glBqawStCIYn5iSzBF57E6njcGwLPBUTKJMqSIodAZguTUcIKOaz5fyqvs8opYCvTt_Xiq7OLeLCo1Gxg/s1600/DSCN3418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9xWUgTEdVCLjuDcmzh811anPBMRRcIPmO4fpAeIvfQs5TCYV3mHhlSEf7glBqawStCIYn5iSzBF57E6njcGwLPBUTKJMqSIodAZguTUcIKOaz5fyqvs8opYCvTt_Xiq7OLeLCo1Gxg/s320/DSCN3418.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5T-MPKOYcTL30i_QX59k-Aovgz7hgLJiAgmFMO0agRhdicYAwCDxm7-wqmGMTwdPAv0QdqzNsCi2-0yPESWbFZ4bSc9v6cyjPPx0dQYhjtUfPyHCkST6FsrC2Q30zuJufqUeGiArEg/s1600/DSCN3421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5T-MPKOYcTL30i_QX59k-Aovgz7hgLJiAgmFMO0agRhdicYAwCDxm7-wqmGMTwdPAv0QdqzNsCi2-0yPESWbFZ4bSc9v6cyjPPx0dQYhjtUfPyHCkST6FsrC2Q30zuJufqUeGiArEg/s320/DSCN3421.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-50911910293876047902011-06-10T06:21:00.000-07:002011-06-10T19:53:44.123-07:00Here We GO...............!!!!!Summer has officially begun around here. These past few weeks have been a blur of end of the school year events, yard work and work! But it has arrived...school is out and we are trying to "wind down" from our busy spring. I am so happy to start work on our Master Bedroom Makeover Project! I think I should give some background information before I delight you with some before pics and hints to future fun!<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>When we built our house we were quite excited but I had a 4 year old and a 1 year old so I think I made some decisions that seemed "easy" at the time and now? Well, now I regret some of those decisions and need to make some changes. One MAJOR mistake is that I agreed to put the same cabinetry in every bathroom, laundry room and kitchen. They're nice, don't get me wrong but..WHAT WAS I THINKING?? I am so SICK of looking at them! This summer some changes will happen! </div><div><br />
</div><div>When we built our house I was bound and determined to bring COLOR into our home. I grew up with a mother who has EXQUISITE taste but everything is a shade of beige or cream. My parents TRULY believe that painting a wall a real "color" will ruin your walls. REALLY! But I needed color so I went for it. I hired a great decorator to come and help me select colors for my home. I had pictures from magazines of dreams for each room and she was wonderful in coordinating my dreams with rich, lovely color. The point I am making is that my bedroom is a color. "Of course it is Amy," you say. But when I say a "color" in my family it means something other than a shade of beige. I chose Benjamin Moore's Georgian Green because it went well with my brand new Pottery Barn bedding that I LOVED! I decided to splurge and get a beautiful quilt with reds, golds, greens and blues. I got 3 Euro shams and even had monogrammed shams made from their hotel style linens. I LOVED my bedroom! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Fast forward 7 years and...my bedroom has been the sight of many camp outs, family TV viewings and naps. The dog and the kids REALLY love my big, soft bed and they've REALLY broken in my quilt. Now, I am well aware that bedding really isn't suppose to last THAT long. Especially with the kind of wear and tear and the number of washings it's gotten. I've gotten my money's worth out of my bedding. With the current national economic crisis directly affecting my husband's career (real estate appraiser...ugh!) we are tightening our belt and room makeovers have not been in the budget for 2 years. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I went into a period of denial with my bedroom. King sized bedding is just too expensive and I didn't have the money to hire a painter...besides, our paint looks fabulous and it would be a waste to repaint since I still like the color. What to do? What to do? Suddenly it came to me...MY SISTER! Melissa's home is RIGHT out of a magazine. SERIOUSLY! (I will have to give you a picture tour some time soon!) And she loves working with a budget...it's the challenge! I asked her a few weeks ago if she'd be willing to help a sister with a shoestring budget, and she jumped at the project. We talked about many options and she agreed that my paint was great and we should work with it. Just under a week later I get a message from her to check out OverStock...she'd found a new quilt. Let's just say it fit the room beautifully (and my budget). So now we are off and running! YEAH!!! We have thoughts, we are scouting out sales and we've snagged some new furniture (FREE)! It's moving forward with great speed but I need to share some <b>befores</b> with you so here we go....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_o-f2oWVMaOnfScAtbcv8sYQfpUzDWiZKbGg6UUH21Ii1UcXhkA0jYuUA5d0YnW2oUOmBId_q2Kxs3nkS-zgIW597XLf9BAG3ewV2AxCi4ygXK4pAdpoRzsYPLMwrCda0IlfUri8a1A/s1600/DSCN3168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_o-f2oWVMaOnfScAtbcv8sYQfpUzDWiZKbGg6UUH21Ii1UcXhkA0jYuUA5d0YnW2oUOmBId_q2Kxs3nkS-zgIW597XLf9BAG3ewV2AxCi4ygXK4pAdpoRzsYPLMwrCda0IlfUri8a1A/s320/DSCN3168.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love the IKEA chair and pillow...hubby hung the frames too far apart but it was such a project I let it go. They will be coming down, chair will be recovered, nightstand is being painted and new hardware purchased. We also found CHEAP new lamps (oh is THAT a story for another time!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXSDdNtPYB_2wghbNeVx5VsrDs_x6EJcDvZRVrCRzyvqEPMB0M-GmwZhHgrpW_N34yt5azMN6Hdm8uvQbAO_glL4HaZX-5pgvg2swp4qsTCCr1QYx40orLwpFavGKZphEz2EqUXCojA/s1600/DSCN3169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXSDdNtPYB_2wghbNeVx5VsrDs_x6EJcDvZRVrCRzyvqEPMB0M-GmwZhHgrpW_N34yt5azMN6Hdm8uvQbAO_glL4HaZX-5pgvg2swp4qsTCCr1QYx40orLwpFavGKZphEz2EqUXCojA/s320/DSCN3169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please note the vibrant color of the Euro Shams...that is the color the quilt USED to be...look how FADED! Too sad! The monogrammed pillows are missing because they have been laundered and pressed and are part of the new bedding </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC0f59Zt2mykKjcMf2BRJF96N_8LcdBSYUfsvim2FRq0X9tLkQt4gfEYApBmay__SSPEp7ufI5xkjgSFHCDBifNv2ABL3hQN-xIan-Bw1EwkpmG50mJ2oOdKD6QKieiMt7u1NF1Wumg/s1600/DSCN3170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC0f59Zt2mykKjcMf2BRJF96N_8LcdBSYUfsvim2FRq0X9tLkQt4gfEYApBmay__SSPEp7ufI5xkjgSFHCDBifNv2ABL3hQN-xIan-Bw1EwkpmG50mJ2oOdKD6QKieiMt7u1NF1Wumg/s320/DSCN3170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpit9iKWb86sOAieVRo5bVkIDzylfOs8bUiVqmwpJ4wwXwqoxQVsZWqa157XEvFhi4wAtiMESIivFQhPKdkwAoTXXOIF13kGcwkHjE2cWQG1kdDQDHpsCh8YgVJM5yZoYPWIZm16PQw/s1600/DSCN3171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpit9iKWb86sOAieVRo5bVkIDzylfOs8bUiVqmwpJ4wwXwqoxQVsZWqa157XEvFhi4wAtiMESIivFQhPKdkwAoTXXOIF13kGcwkHjE2cWQG1kdDQDHpsCh8YgVJM5yZoYPWIZm16PQw/s320/DSCN3171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found some sale plain white curtains at Target and used some stitch-wichery (sp?) to add some ribbon detail at the bottom. Done with it! The curtains will be coming down and we are dreaming up a whole new window concept. The shades, however, will stay. They are room-darkening and I like it dark when I sleep. Sometimes function trumps fashion around here....just sometimes!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcBVrehaQBjhUeOCFU0aHqY6ClytTuBjCce37dyaTLUAMQHcfl29hzPtPM_4Jl39qjuxXGflT1R7qlibShqotNLPEoLue991_vZNj8ZJRyxBz7c18JNLaBc0M38APh4XMZ-HPmns70A/s1600/DSCN3172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcBVrehaQBjhUeOCFU0aHqY6ClytTuBjCce37dyaTLUAMQHcfl29hzPtPM_4Jl39qjuxXGflT1R7qlibShqotNLPEoLue991_vZNj8ZJRyxBz7c18JNLaBc0M38APh4XMZ-HPmns70A/s320/DSCN3172.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This washstand is from the main level of our home. My sister and I did some furniture swapping before we got started with our project and I like this size piece better than the dresser that was there. In all we moved 3 pieces and it made my house feel like it got a face lift. I will have to share those pics soon too! And I feel like I am about to share a naked picture of myself...this is BAD...really BAD...look at my pathetic quilt! I've NEVER in my life worn out bedding...so sad...but look...holes!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflAun82cah7hHRmdw0V2gpHUe2AnP91P1AYctsSVk2UsNOOGISI3EiFNjJM4BXBh9aBas7XXexZCbduvkYrKqlmOlfQRDF57lUy6tmdbivsaaRfWFNM9POaGGQW_8hOVn0pd-2df5Fg/s1600/DSCN3175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflAun82cah7hHRmdw0V2gpHUe2AnP91P1AYctsSVk2UsNOOGISI3EiFNjJM4BXBh9aBas7XXexZCbduvkYrKqlmOlfQRDF57lUy6tmdbivsaaRfWFNM9POaGGQW_8hOVn0pd-2df5Fg/s320/DSCN3175.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggI7dANyZGKy9Lxn4XqARMFaDf6u2s9OhMJa0o97n0WV4a1zKlR136Ua3eDvElXRxJvoTwRoLd3vVrRl0eKoEzPnnYOKSwoCTwBmA1gjePocAIkElQI7Rfctze_e2vT4It_0dZarCT7Q/s1600/DSCN3176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggI7dANyZGKy9Lxn4XqARMFaDf6u2s9OhMJa0o97n0WV4a1zKlR136Ua3eDvElXRxJvoTwRoLd3vVrRl0eKoEzPnnYOKSwoCTwBmA1gjePocAIkElQI7Rfctze_e2vT4It_0dZarCT7Q/s320/DSCN3176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdI7qM6pXKy_2pX6SiTJf_y3IgedztTIVIQzb81KVqzpMM3PrBdYg7aQ9s6XhibD45k0g7spmH3McPAfW3qdcp7RT1yg0trFDD8yWMUaJ8uS7fVu-IV9ufQI-uTcCaScRi_Z4wqW0mQ/s1600/DSCN3177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdI7qM6pXKy_2pX6SiTJf_y3IgedztTIVIQzb81KVqzpMM3PrBdYg7aQ9s6XhibD45k0g7spmH3McPAfW3qdcp7RT1yg0trFDD8yWMUaJ8uS7fVu-IV9ufQI-uTcCaScRi_Z4wqW0mQ/s320/DSCN3177.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And look at how FADED...ugh! (Hide my head here!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Dw95TAj6vVSQRGzfoK_3j-zaPLm3Lksh3gBpydWiMVxXOWAunAY6-9Gicv-bS6f_wSTLzPDLUwEBApOZkUL5gHwol6fqloBZ_AkpCwpRZsfLheH0Og_cWO1k8rYL_boQKFDNTwyy6g/s1600/DSCN3178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Dw95TAj6vVSQRGzfoK_3j-zaPLm3Lksh3gBpydWiMVxXOWAunAY6-9Gicv-bS6f_wSTLzPDLUwEBApOZkUL5gHwol6fqloBZ_AkpCwpRZsfLheH0Og_cWO1k8rYL_boQKFDNTwyy6g/s320/DSCN3178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzg1xaeDZDi5SiCAuENkADNyUB2oukchLfX1VI6OxxwEXU5deFZbDfLRG8WdgJtnYP97AeQdcqE8tL1bZvN-mOJjHheD8_Rseo3bSxg-To5YlvB5YBcV_URr0Suu6MOLeftDeuDpewA/s1600/DSCN3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzg1xaeDZDi5SiCAuENkADNyUB2oukchLfX1VI6OxxwEXU5deFZbDfLRG8WdgJtnYP97AeQdcqE8tL1bZvN-mOJjHheD8_Rseo3bSxg-To5YlvB5YBcV_URr0Suu6MOLeftDeuDpewA/s320/DSCN3179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK...on to the NEW AND FABULOUS! Here is just a sneeky peeky (can you tell I've read too many Junie B. Jones books this spring?) We did some budget shopping and found some yummy items...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ESwHy4sxpyclcL0nzEP93klY0Vn9Mc7sGYSAKRt7cwgdaLMh0_TaV58J_5ACA7WN9f8TClV5WYI_2cDudCbzXOqbJDssBiv3woDTL410ZOXCxE1MOznjvaNH0jVrvPRUXndiggJewg/s1600/DSCN3180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ESwHy4sxpyclcL0nzEP93klY0Vn9Mc7sGYSAKRt7cwgdaLMh0_TaV58J_5ACA7WN9f8TClV5WYI_2cDudCbzXOqbJDssBiv3woDTL410ZOXCxE1MOznjvaNH0jVrvPRUXndiggJewg/s320/DSCN3180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Polka dots...of course!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3yEOesJEfpVZTt2shzUjnvME5Z1OV037z9508oaI2yITaNUueKXpPCs5UjbPt6dpa7w6iAej7M9myeyc6CMcTgTgxYi4NnR2OMGwVp49uSkv3qs243JsByMdaIQMPIeB7tnpdneNIw/s1600/DSCN3181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3yEOesJEfpVZTt2shzUjnvME5Z1OV037z9508oaI2yITaNUueKXpPCs5UjbPt6dpa7w6iAej7M9myeyc6CMcTgTgxYi4NnR2OMGwVp49uSkv3qs243JsByMdaIQMPIeB7tnpdneNIw/s320/DSCN3181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">also the OverStockoooohlala!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY42CuaOCn1olZR7eRMMl2rkHumrnMmIy8F_30BJOtdnQmgoSAEjLvLwGO56OlJlht-SzCKVzIYPKpj-0c9hoV_fGzx2RyELjcKqtYyAeZbJd2PfN2spD7AhQKcnTAxxARX-bLrVn-cQ/s1600/DSCN3182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY42CuaOCn1olZR7eRMMl2rkHumrnMmIy8F_30BJOtdnQmgoSAEjLvLwGO56OlJlht-SzCKVzIYPKpj-0c9hoV_fGzx2RyELjcKqtYyAeZbJd2PfN2spD7AhQKcnTAxxARX-bLrVn-cQ/s320/DSCN3182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wait til you see what we found for this wall..."Bye bye picture...hello dazzling!"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRWPBB2HYKeR7ik9bxbZC2jnn4iCCftlOSHj5V26xMHmvTrAC9yD_hzCARhPIEMWwSB6yGV2pSw-EVD-4rCgvXzjH1E-M-sGhV-f6Ti9yQPco1oA3OHGHvS7CQL3UJsykFZxR4vT4QQ/s1600/DSCN3183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRWPBB2HYKeR7ik9bxbZC2jnn4iCCftlOSHj5V26xMHmvTrAC9yD_hzCARhPIEMWwSB6yGV2pSw-EVD-4rCgvXzjH1E-M-sGhV-f6Ti9yQPco1oA3OHGHvS7CQL3UJsykFZxR4vT4QQ/s320/DSCN3183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last but not least...I leave you on a humorous note...my hubs idea of home security! Seriously? I feel so much safer now! (LOL!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvkFho-38xPfdrTfA7WMSxj7zeXUeQGuTBAVWNO2joLnv11hceGhcZC3YdbNW2fDK8-DMMKp21S6MkeAmKL0DK2RHYKh1hHmQTJJbh1iG6qHU0giag9yp64xPwA3rKrcwESle5qbuww/s1600/DSCN3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvkFho-38xPfdrTfA7WMSxj7zeXUeQGuTBAVWNO2joLnv11hceGhcZC3YdbNW2fDK8-DMMKp21S6MkeAmKL0DK2RHYKh1hHmQTJJbh1iG6qHU0giag9yp64xPwA3rKrcwESle5qbuww/s320/DSCN3185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by! Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think! Also, if you haven't yet...become a Follower! I'd love to have you! Come back soon....updates to follow! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking up to...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<center><a href="http://becca-homeiswheremystorybegins.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af319/beccaross_photos/Blog%20Buttons/BlogButton.jpg" /></a></center><center><br />
</center><center><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
</div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-3250400037051585002011-05-22T18:17:00.000-07:002011-05-22T18:17:01.251-07:00I'm Still Here...I'm still here...just busy with kindergarten and opening the pool and planting flowers and being a Mom (the BEST job!) But...here is a quick peek at what's been going on around here. Please come back in early June because I have some projects I have been working on that you might like to see...and...BIG NEWS! I am "sprucing up" my master bedroom with the help of my uber talented sister...you won't want to miss this! I have been busy ordering and taking "before" pictures so this will be good!!! Enjoy this lovely weather (oh how I hope you are having some nice weather where ever you are!) See you SOON!!! Amy<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KWrITULXwGE7s1QhOmXYOyLynxgy2g6IO96tJ8q9cC4XO_eKYlpC0C2yrzbtFdE_ODTlUFunodRxAg4tb1Zb17yRq147HQBC1k3A3O4JbiimS5botGjtse47aioJW_OtuJDqaZ2lyg/s1600/DSCN3036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KWrITULXwGE7s1QhOmXYOyLynxgy2g6IO96tJ8q9cC4XO_eKYlpC0C2yrzbtFdE_ODTlUFunodRxAg4tb1Zb17yRq147HQBC1k3A3O4JbiimS5botGjtse47aioJW_OtuJDqaZ2lyg/s320/DSCN3036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQdqhZOOHbOfC_RZ9qkujhQmh7Rdd0Z_kngy-vtWrG4GkWFQJ3ZQaD348cZC6bIQ8fKGcx2pwBtlJqA5cESdBWdwf5w5wKaWjX6tmOMiocIKUlxUqCy9EwM9PRkVmr3OIJuG0CUCExQ/s1600/DSCN3038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQdqhZOOHbOfC_RZ9qkujhQmh7Rdd0Z_kngy-vtWrG4GkWFQJ3ZQaD348cZC6bIQ8fKGcx2pwBtlJqA5cESdBWdwf5w5wKaWjX6tmOMiocIKUlxUqCy9EwM9PRkVmr3OIJuG0CUCExQ/s320/DSCN3038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERRquM-7Qw6epDmrA6pLoneKXZI_QEtFcL3yyJX7lfo41IicOoBCc8kdutqJk3tEbhRkeh-yqeuP5nV4c5COPtJOYWRUD9tHdnbV-_uhyphenhyphenlzuDzLj5KxvUleSdcXt07UYQYJcAQMi92w/s1600/DSCN3056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERRquM-7Qw6epDmrA6pLoneKXZI_QEtFcL3yyJX7lfo41IicOoBCc8kdutqJk3tEbhRkeh-yqeuP5nV4c5COPtJOYWRUD9tHdnbV-_uhyphenhyphenlzuDzLj5KxvUleSdcXt07UYQYJcAQMi92w/s320/DSCN3056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzj2kg8YtPqMGWADlw29GuwJOnVraAZgs0_QzrfzipwK9U1CN57NNmZ3b1CjkSRiQSzyVESQKaVkOr9QSXOaRdknsZicioMpiQiNbdjS87Ul4cDizAJ38iDsDTGitaH4rwt1RiFu9Ng/s1600/DSCN3074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzj2kg8YtPqMGWADlw29GuwJOnVraAZgs0_QzrfzipwK9U1CN57NNmZ3b1CjkSRiQSzyVESQKaVkOr9QSXOaRdknsZicioMpiQiNbdjS87Ul4cDizAJ38iDsDTGitaH4rwt1RiFu9Ng/s320/DSCN3074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTih5-HKg6cFVy7frnvpyWoVWbFVZB5kHVnE9jdY2ljxj1hKISJzPZ14q_OqV7Atz30Mzyo_UO6tW-A_dp0d-Bzj63K5nYjn2v9uB3qT_9MogFZdQ8a0-qOIGZ2Z8A7CBzpTs9EQPAAw/s1600/DSCN3075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTih5-HKg6cFVy7frnvpyWoVWbFVZB5kHVnE9jdY2ljxj1hKISJzPZ14q_OqV7Atz30Mzyo_UO6tW-A_dp0d-Bzj63K5nYjn2v9uB3qT_9MogFZdQ8a0-qOIGZ2Z8A7CBzpTs9EQPAAw/s320/DSCN3075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55G-rwNtLh39lbf8cpnzo5bLtgp_YhmiEA74e6j9p_UXVDGQ5HsQEbSl08kZS2NIVPk59JaeFeJqjc4IGQMh3GuP9kd8qd-0rOC-nuzJpCoj8GEap99aWgJycuWYlXZDGykUiArn4Gw/s1600/DSCN3103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55G-rwNtLh39lbf8cpnzo5bLtgp_YhmiEA74e6j9p_UXVDGQ5HsQEbSl08kZS2NIVPk59JaeFeJqjc4IGQMh3GuP9kd8qd-0rOC-nuzJpCoj8GEap99aWgJycuWYlXZDGykUiArn4Gw/s320/DSCN3103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw1hc-FJJB-km_U6CIuNIHkB1qX1RFwaanz0xJRPLmi09e9Ny7tXghEIwpw7QcrNmC6rMxa78mX9Pg-hbwQaDkZFGL1sOnprXPDxcKZM8iLUnhXX8HeJ_2LbkDyRK-BjYgBfOx0BziA/s1600/DSCN3104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw1hc-FJJB-km_U6CIuNIHkB1qX1RFwaanz0xJRPLmi09e9Ny7tXghEIwpw7QcrNmC6rMxa78mX9Pg-hbwQaDkZFGL1sOnprXPDxcKZM8iLUnhXX8HeJ_2LbkDyRK-BjYgBfOx0BziA/s320/DSCN3104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mrbFd4aBLL-AQD5YQaw6uZZqwEQUt-nHAIv1FmB3fc28PmcG71L9n9meeYalTvOTzt9gvyF7c8OhiBS0xB9Br-yR0yh-6ktu46H_veInRGaOGTYu2fw07EU1spsLBzQlRwFCM5uVfw/s1600/DSCN3106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mrbFd4aBLL-AQD5YQaw6uZZqwEQUt-nHAIv1FmB3fc28PmcG71L9n9meeYalTvOTzt9gvyF7c8OhiBS0xB9Br-yR0yh-6ktu46H_veInRGaOGTYu2fw07EU1spsLBzQlRwFCM5uVfw/s320/DSCN3106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8e6xsD09GkIU73UhaZSnoKopIVzih76pkJ25WtSm89yDntio_9JgR3kzdbUxf8KqlUc7u6VYqgxiGgBLzHR-rS7A1UJ4b5ujCSxGP6d_IU8xeuE30rnAY10BFkzdX7ISpc_eZsleYw/s1600/DSCN3107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8e6xsD09GkIU73UhaZSnoKopIVzih76pkJ25WtSm89yDntio_9JgR3kzdbUxf8KqlUc7u6VYqgxiGgBLzHR-rS7A1UJ4b5ujCSxGP6d_IU8xeuE30rnAY10BFkzdX7ISpc_eZsleYw/s320/DSCN3107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyV3339s3w0xw_CsMMMBTvwf7LN3pBwVdSeKLfoWx34gg2FrtI-wjb3ik6TVjGeVz5NacTxhgC7RbYfFvIeXX61xrKlNoae6yOgobisjXsHHomb9Kr2HcVi7IQE5PjGw5owGSJt6hNgA/s1600/DSCN3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyV3339s3w0xw_CsMMMBTvwf7LN3pBwVdSeKLfoWx34gg2FrtI-wjb3ik6TVjGeVz5NacTxhgC7RbYfFvIeXX61xrKlNoae6yOgobisjXsHHomb9Kr2HcVi7IQE5PjGw5owGSJt6hNgA/s320/DSCN3108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWLdR8cGZZA8FjkHO1WSlVARzCKkxGkYWkgkcPBDz5nuDktS0YbxmHEf69wsun9hM2_Rcu73h2lSOIcOuRC1YmLN5HbDtxtCvXNOWta1sNoX7MKoQpuIjAPedmxi2QiLH1e7w2pnI1w/s1600/DSCN3109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWLdR8cGZZA8FjkHO1WSlVARzCKkxGkYWkgkcPBDz5nuDktS0YbxmHEf69wsun9hM2_Rcu73h2lSOIcOuRC1YmLN5HbDtxtCvXNOWta1sNoX7MKoQpuIjAPedmxi2QiLH1e7w2pnI1w/s320/DSCN3109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My before garden pictures are missing mulch...that is being delivered next Friday. I was bound and determined this year to plant EVERYTHING before we spread mulch so hopefully I am now DONE! I planted some green bean, broccoli, tomatoes, herbs, flowers and even some pumpkins and watermelon as an experiment behind the pool. We shall see. I think I will be waking early to water before school..only 9 1/4 days left until SCHOOL IS OUT!!! See you soon and thanks for stopping by!</div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-69000577003544749922011-04-24T04:51:00.000-07:002011-04-24T04:51:14.844-07:00"Hoppy" Easter...and Other "Stuff"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was very excited about a long weekend this Easter. After not working full time for 11 years I am REALLY enjoying being back in the classroom (way more than I thought I would) and I am COMPLETELY enjoying those little kindergartners! But...the crazy schedule and trying to do my VERY best at school as well as at home was taking their toll on this 40 year old Momma...I needed a break! Especially since the last 2 weekends were JAMMED with kid activities, chores and have-to-dos...didn't leave Momma any "down time". I am starting to recognize that I am a girl who desperately NEEDS down time! So...I was quite please this was a 3 day weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It started off with a bang...both kids were having a friend spend the night. Not a huge deal but truth be told I am NOT A FAN OF THE SLEEPOVER! I like just my family, tucked into their beds at night. End of story. But...the friends in question are GREAT kids and we had a plan. Since boy child is getting older and half the fun of a weekend is "staying up late" we decided to let him and his bud take over the basement. They slept on the couches...had snacks in the fridge and there's a bathroom down there....add the king sized television and a Wii system and they were set...no need for me to stay awake and they could get us if they needed anything. I had already informed the girl child that she is 8...not 11 and she still has a bedtime with sleepovers...when we go to bed at 10...so do she and her buddy! End of story. She was fine with that...so fine that at 10 she was asleep already...I should have known that was too good to be true!!! With everyone hunkered down for the night...bellies full of pizza and ice cream hubby and I settled in for a good nights' sleep...WRONG! I was awakened by the girl child at about 1:30am complaining of a tummy ache....then she threw up a little...I took her temp...and she had a fever...here is where I insert apology to other parent! She showed NO SIGNS of being sick on Thursday but low and behold...when I took her to the doctor on Friday...she has strep throat! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So...Thursday night's rest was rough...Friday I went back and forth about whether or not to take her to the doctor on Friday or wait until Saturday. This time my Momma's instinct was 100% correct! Good thing I didn't wait because by Saturday she'd have been miserable!!! We started the meds on Friday and she had 2 full doses before bedtime...she woke up on Saturday with a little sore throat but no fever and feeling better...whew! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Friday was to be "errand day" so I could take it easy on Saturday and maybe have some "me time" but...after a trip to the doctor, McDonald's, CVS and completing a writing assignment that was due the same day...Friday was a BUST!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The good news? Saturday was better! The girl spent most of the day working on a cardboard dollhouse with egg carton furniture she found in this month's Family Fun Magazine...with some help from her Dad!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7ZAocOCvoQN33FdW958fcub5V4Rk-Th3QWw4RPOrPGTcfP_TZzrU3ITnKdqckCxlT0lnFgXQNMMtlZtVfO2aUIE5QP6TBkPbhs2WklSqD11jqWkRpzNw3ozwl7qMFJv6Yb0PHJaszA/s1600/DSCN2994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7ZAocOCvoQN33FdW958fcub5V4Rk-Th3QWw4RPOrPGTcfP_TZzrU3ITnKdqckCxlT0lnFgXQNMMtlZtVfO2aUIE5QP6TBkPbhs2WklSqD11jqWkRpzNw3ozwl7qMFJv6Yb0PHJaszA/s320/DSCN2994.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdTAUpz2YcL9VNOdkc7G4pRJK06kv78UH1n4fZQWF1p-Lpq0Z7duM3zuD2cdkuTvHAqo8zOId_SlZ8IUs2y0yHFGPQmolkCzJGF0KHBAvjVQgjvhJWxyaojiEanfMsdqjRiNXihmTIA/s1600/DSCN2995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdTAUpz2YcL9VNOdkc7G4pRJK06kv78UH1n4fZQWF1p-Lpq0Z7duM3zuD2cdkuTvHAqo8zOId_SlZ8IUs2y0yHFGPQmolkCzJGF0KHBAvjVQgjvhJWxyaojiEanfMsdqjRiNXihmTIA/s320/DSCN2995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It turned out REALLY cute! (Forgot to take an "after" photo...I was just enjoying the process!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then...in the afternoon...after I finished baking for Easter Brunch (aka...ordering yummies from Panera because I had no intention of spending what was left of my "break" in the kitchen) we decorated Easter Eggs. Hubby informed me that maybe this would be one of the last years boy child would want to decorate eggs...WRONG! I informed him that decorating eggs was a REQUIREMENT for this family and even when he is home from college on break, there will be egg decorating before there is partying and girlfriends! Momma has spoken! Boy child laughed...maybe he thinks I'm kidding?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So...here we are...Easter morning. I've been awake since before 4am (why???) and the boy child has already broken into his basket and hunted down the hidden eggs to have the annoying big brother advantage. Girl child is all snuggley in her bed getting her beauty rest, hubby is also getting his beauty rest and I am on the bed in my scrapbook/craft room (thank you Patrick!) writing my blog and snuggling my dog. I plan on picking up the bakery goods around 8am and then spending some time communing with God outside while exercising and taking in all the beauty spring has to offer. I may top it off with some Joel...who knows! Either way I will spend brunch time with my sisters and their families enjoying some yummy treats and then come home and maybe...just maybe... get some of that "down time" I've been craving for weeks! I wish anyone kind enough to visit Polka Dots and Stripes a very blessed and happy Easter...be sure to count you blessings! (I know I have too many to count but I certainly try!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCb8fwc-qdmTbyo_9ZsxH1QA4k8BpCpbu4ZuZM93u__KrSjlLn5OasU8WNZ6ZJb1_ipFk8J_FENsUGt_79NUEi086ugnwHIozOZOfYJd8zKdJnlCy22DJ5HNX9dCAFTKzuJzIji6a8Tg/s1600/DSCN2997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCb8fwc-qdmTbyo_9ZsxH1QA4k8BpCpbu4ZuZM93u__KrSjlLn5OasU8WNZ6ZJb1_ipFk8J_FENsUGt_79NUEi086ugnwHIozOZOfYJd8zKdJnlCy22DJ5HNX9dCAFTKzuJzIji6a8Tg/s320/DSCN2997.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ykW94crtp2OwbixpVi5yuiGQ7h-d4OT3RQ1121asNrAys7CkQsjPNYAk1aWj4PgP1huIi5FyfMAreWW3Uw6N6AjFZTUR40764HZE1vglRCmfdZjN2rX_Je67UVh-FhmqzeNgo3mV1A/s1600/DSCN3001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ykW94crtp2OwbixpVi5yuiGQ7h-d4OT3RQ1121asNrAys7CkQsjPNYAk1aWj4PgP1huIi5FyfMAreWW3Uw6N6AjFZTUR40764HZE1vglRCmfdZjN2rX_Je67UVh-FhmqzeNgo3mV1A/s320/DSCN3001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-81379959953093338602011-04-16T08:00:00.000-07:002011-04-17T06:31:40.722-07:00Handmade Flower Headbands <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXBvrjGozceiGT7q0rRSyEtzlsEY53Hgc7lreZSl2HZNcLzyXJxfRZUXCH5s91S9VIoLR77lqpY8Y-HfOUwL9OtayOVABunv1kWm-4Al8F66Y2tDuRXXKW3pQ0SPdyK-29Us6i9swEA/s1600/DSCN2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXBvrjGozceiGT7q0rRSyEtzlsEY53Hgc7lreZSl2HZNcLzyXJxfRZUXCH5s91S9VIoLR77lqpY8Y-HfOUwL9OtayOVABunv1kWm-4Al8F66Y2tDuRXXKW3pQ0SPdyK-29Us6i9swEA/s320/DSCN2967.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Where do I start? Ok...it all started last summer. My sister and I visited the French Hens' Farmers Market in Morris. Adorable town with adorable shops with a Farmers Market? We were there! As we wandered the quaint sidewalk booths we came upon an adorable booth with big paper pom poms and bright colored head wear in familiar patterns. This was a booth of headbands and barrettes for little girls made from ribbons and Amy Butler fabric (being scrapbookers we'd recognize Amy Butler <heart> anywhere!) Of course we HAD to go in her tent and check out her handmade items. Here is where it all went wrong. My sister...the perfectionist...started asking the owner HOW she made these headbands. The woman was very nice but was honest enough to tell us she glued the ends because she didn't know how to sew. My sister was asking a LOT of questions but it's not unlike Kiki to be a bit...inquisitive...shall we say...so I didn't pay too close attention. I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN! Once we were a safe distance away...and $20 poorer...my sister pulled out a headband she'd purchased for my daughter and informed me that although the idea was good...WE COULD MAKE THEM BETTER!!! Now...at this point it's only fair to share with you that when my sister gets something in her head everyone better watch out. It means she's on a mission....it means she has a one track mind...it means no one at her house would get dinner for a few nights because she was in project mode. And this trip to the Farmers Market was no exception. Although we saw some other really cute booths my sister couldn't stop talking about the headbands and how we could make them better...cuter...much MUCH better!!! </heart><br />
<br />
<br />
She did. She made them better. She found a way to make them even more darling and even better quality...and WAY CUTER!!! And she was making them faster than she could embellish them. So she called in the troops (me). I instantly became her chief headband decorator. I glued...I embellished and we created some pretty GREAT head ware. But I was JEALOUS! I want cute head-ware. Why do the little girls get all the fun? They didn't have princess dresses and play shoes and tiaras when I was little. I want a "re-do"! I want sparkles and pretties and fancies. WAIT...what about head-ware for Mommas? Something I would wear. Something cute and sassy but sophisticated. Not something that looked like I snagged it out of my daughter's dress up bin. So we started creating some GREAT Momma's head-ware that I will soon be selling on Etsy. (If you're interested leave a comment with your email and I will be sure to contact you when my Etsy shop is up and running.)<br />
<br />
Now...fast forward to this past October when I turned 40 and got an AMAZING sewing machine from my parents. Who would want a sewing machine for the big 4-0 you wonder??? ME!!! I've always wanted to learn how to sew!! My sister's though of EVERYTHING to go with it (including a CUTE sewing box!) My new machine is amazing....<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHepEOcBJK2z043-BH1EDfzh_PostHm1Lm84uOGrQQ4r5SAenWJf8El7cDiRBdsbCYR-uk5Y2kzi-hYiuTyaCV8yizSCNG4Ya13Lg8Um6RlIRHjNlMPRtSAMPVPggPwwPoGua2qug1A/s1600/DSCN2966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHepEOcBJK2z043-BH1EDfzh_PostHm1Lm84uOGrQQ4r5SAenWJf8El7cDiRBdsbCYR-uk5Y2kzi-hYiuTyaCV8yizSCNG4Ya13Lg8Um6RlIRHjNlMPRtSAMPVPggPwwPoGua2qug1A/s320/DSCN2966.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
and it came with a lesson! So, I called and went to the FIRST possible lesson time. All I have to say is HEAVEN! New hobby! Anyway, on to the headbands. Months later my talented sister has abandoned our headband making...but not me! I have fine tuned our process even more and I am going to show you how to turn a dollar store headband into a cutie, boutique-worthy headband! <br />
<br />
Step 1: Supplies. You will need:<br />
1. inexpensive headbands (I get mine from several local dollar stores)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVP59YmNaUMu8EU50NJBtz-KmM-UZh3LV05lT1xJMi240vEM1Pp2Way4gwOiM04nre24AcuFLnov7XHcwmo2o-beFskCQzqC3eYNOhveJdCkD3ym-LReRtpcmhFtyVLtQbfc2Me7NDw/s1600/DSCN2968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVP59YmNaUMu8EU50NJBtz-KmM-UZh3LV05lT1xJMi240vEM1Pp2Way4gwOiM04nre24AcuFLnov7XHcwmo2o-beFskCQzqC3eYNOhveJdCkD3ym-LReRtpcmhFtyVLtQbfc2Me7NDw/s320/DSCN2968.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
2. ribbon<br />
3. matching thread<br />
4. adorable flowers (the fancier the better!)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtcBNVNNRGDnXHlQLWAOlkOWESfn3EeAPjvV9PlefYLDbIRI6nZdrkjGAlzlwVFYZCxT0o7COghNQ7LzNDcmDQNWcDYqpyazyPsYIK9YxXkQ8ktDfKg1r_A8iyt49eiTEnZg7jJW0HQ/s1600/DSCN2695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtcBNVNNRGDnXHlQLWAOlkOWESfn3EeAPjvV9PlefYLDbIRI6nZdrkjGAlzlwVFYZCxT0o7COghNQ7LzNDcmDQNWcDYqpyazyPsYIK9YxXkQ8ktDfKg1r_A8iyt49eiTEnZg7jJW0HQ/s320/DSCN2695.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
5. embossing gun (if you have it...helps make the headband look more "finished")<br />
6. E6000 glue (best choice) or hot glue gun works too...<br />
<br />
Step 2: Cut your ribbon into strips that will easily cover the headband with about 3/4-1" extra at each end. This is important because these headbands are COMFORTABLE! They don't tend to give the headband-wearer (is that a word?) a headache while wearing it...BIG PLUS!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iQmEhR67Ul08stSKgLYRXoD10jEkPe-lhqV7ZGv-UKYI092QMvfW6Nz-dTgsVjOgPUVxDFHSe_m7CAO1zo6gXt1KliIUlfJb7g6ubJj22WnAlRcYdVwTqDuUqCcIeSZ4P_-8BL1FWg/s1600/DSCN2969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iQmEhR67Ul08stSKgLYRXoD10jEkPe-lhqV7ZGv-UKYI092QMvfW6Nz-dTgsVjOgPUVxDFHSe_m7CAO1zo6gXt1KliIUlfJb7g6ubJj22WnAlRcYdVwTqDuUqCcIeSZ4P_-8BL1FWg/s320/DSCN2969.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBpufcc1HuqfE_v9SFtla8UhXpzJ5tQh-jfKI3c_mqP-65xlkF4hPHOIbQ6AMkEDf7dPMEWrP-l8j4I4LmxgU9MUNeLcSinTkKfensN3ewW_GEe7P6SqQGWXOCMSzwHz6QX9afkGPTA/s1600/DSCN2970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBpufcc1HuqfE_v9SFtla8UhXpzJ5tQh-jfKI3c_mqP-65xlkF4hPHOIbQ6AMkEDf7dPMEWrP-l8j4I4LmxgU9MUNeLcSinTkKfensN3ewW_GEe7P6SqQGWXOCMSzwHz6QX9afkGPTA/s320/DSCN2970.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Step 3: Sew the 2 sides of the ribbon together making a tube. When you finish trim loose threads.<br />
<br />
Step 4: Insert headband and leave extra ribbon at each end.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioU1OKFDPfSVkaj6vXB1DyWT4NNVaPkaoJpqQrB9Ogt4goUaJt1nhqAG4F32w9fW2UPwH9MztrBwZZ0Bg33IAjA0zf2q-vo8N3wkzPCTyhWu16nSCX4GspDnXyeh48-x7wIpHZb5e2Eg/s1600/DSCN2692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioU1OKFDPfSVkaj6vXB1DyWT4NNVaPkaoJpqQrB9Ogt4goUaJt1nhqAG4F32w9fW2UPwH9MztrBwZZ0Bg33IAjA0zf2q-vo8N3wkzPCTyhWu16nSCX4GspDnXyeh48-x7wIpHZb5e2Eg/s320/DSCN2692.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Step 5: Trim the end of each ribbon so they are smooth with no stray threads or frays. <br />
<br />
Step 6: Emboss the edges of the ribbon just slightly so that they are melted and the thread and ribbon won't fray. Good step to make your headband look more Boutique-worthy!<br />
<br />
Step 7: Fold one edge at a time and machine sew. I run it through and then back-stitch once to ensure it will stay finished.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4HUadEONw1qzj_CZtzX317J4tIOUS18H48HmCD_AWI_3lioam4Gx2zIlWjCZECU660PENyG2Q_Ns1ZvMTKXEK_bHh5C3bqCgu2C1cqsS_oe10iWMSemCK_ygnNhvQOfkLru7zTlTag/s1600/DSCN2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4HUadEONw1qzj_CZtzX317J4tIOUS18H48HmCD_AWI_3lioam4Gx2zIlWjCZECU660PENyG2Q_Ns1ZvMTKXEK_bHh5C3bqCgu2C1cqsS_oe10iWMSemCK_ygnNhvQOfkLru7zTlTag/s320/DSCN2693.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3xeb7BW4JZR8zfH4aGm9JL4cWRVIvgldmq3E025kFYWxTmQHk_TS44_h4OwAG5JZrhkT7YLlmFVAeVzpQ2oK1vjUuuBNHgl9SAC9a6yP1RzBhdspxMpucKRUNxQeYu53n0EjJcekvQ/s1600/DSCN2694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3xeb7BW4JZR8zfH4aGm9JL4cWRVIvgldmq3E025kFYWxTmQHk_TS44_h4OwAG5JZrhkT7YLlmFVAeVzpQ2oK1vjUuuBNHgl9SAC9a6yP1RzBhdspxMpucKRUNxQeYu53n0EjJcekvQ/s320/DSCN2694.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Step 8: Glue your flower in the desired spot. I like the flower off to the side...looks so CUTE! I apply glue to the center of the flower at first. Once it's in place I use clothes pins to hold the flower in place as it dries. I usually let it sit overnight to ensure it's dried.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRhxs3LCdhVuvngTuakUm08LVM1BW4mL31DxBeM_pcs-8Io9Qh-lxboDIZkI9QZbUceGC1nwrnlOnPUvnO6UZ7TiHmznEd0uEqJNnqWDa1zGzcgx5F8JFEnJrlrSSqBH7-oFg5t8hWA/s1600/DSCN2696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRhxs3LCdhVuvngTuakUm08LVM1BW4mL31DxBeM_pcs-8Io9Qh-lxboDIZkI9QZbUceGC1nwrnlOnPUvnO6UZ7TiHmznEd0uEqJNnqWDa1zGzcgx5F8JFEnJrlrSSqBH7-oFg5t8hWA/s320/DSCN2696.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>There you have it...a CUTE...handmade flower headband.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDZXxTMwnkIY4EHTKPoyawj10B_pV-fz8UrXokqtmyiFkhjW5Ve-eUCyNVGYyzOsOBh1PglJdBBcI8FhRSSWsjsDdk9kHx2fAJLL0s1GeMDx9XnSPghMZgZ-6KNw97Lf70P0NGCjxCA/s1600/DSCN2702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDZXxTMwnkIY4EHTKPoyawj10B_pV-fz8UrXokqtmyiFkhjW5Ve-eUCyNVGYyzOsOBh1PglJdBBcI8FhRSSWsjsDdk9kHx2fAJLL0s1GeMDx9XnSPghMZgZ-6KNw97Lf70P0NGCjxCA/s320/DSCN2702.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E8QXXzQdqyBibsY76j_Qox0UCmlshFsOBwUeZ0Odrlx_UpoPfVyzvs2x6B6Vh8Xh35DExGfiWIyhZEvOr1ZUU1RxoAmqbMv2IjHV3BAwKATJa_6XgtJRjRenjoDs7PQzZk1AO9k9Tw/s1600/DSCN2703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E8QXXzQdqyBibsY76j_Qox0UCmlshFsOBwUeZ0Odrlx_UpoPfVyzvs2x6B6Vh8Xh35DExGfiWIyhZEvOr1ZUU1RxoAmqbMv2IjHV3BAwKATJa_6XgtJRjRenjoDs7PQzZk1AO9k9Tw/s320/DSCN2703.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJhwsZZjr6MkM7qbopt4i08Bud2-tHiPRFaJjG0h2rAJf8G1L_9B7OOAaKRXPwZqtndFP3-QdORLNeXe9AhAfHPohMOHFXzF80iOB0k0ZfEAX5ZhQXo-Ije5D9D7Gy1EdzTgwAG_wlA/s1600/DSCN2704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJhwsZZjr6MkM7qbopt4i08Bud2-tHiPRFaJjG0h2rAJf8G1L_9B7OOAaKRXPwZqtndFP3-QdORLNeXe9AhAfHPohMOHFXzF80iOB0k0ZfEAX5ZhQXo-Ije5D9D7Gy1EdzTgwAG_wlA/s320/DSCN2704.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gPWr6CMCTifCqpcwgKqkZl-oLRI7Lqt57qhMJdd7gsIMdAnGVMwcfL78rPh-1ePS7_dyqhPrHQjS3yGlLxYEcfizKspHSTxTEkQ_Bzp8n1pGfMQba18dT9wAOXK9VZm8oXtsSDo-Sw/s1600/DSCN2701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gPWr6CMCTifCqpcwgKqkZl-oLRI7Lqt57qhMJdd7gsIMdAnGVMwcfL78rPh-1ePS7_dyqhPrHQjS3yGlLxYEcfizKspHSTxTEkQ_Bzp8n1pGfMQba18dT9wAOXK9VZm8oXtsSDo-Sw/s320/DSCN2701.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
If you're not up to making these or you don't sew you can order them from my Etsy shop as soon as it's opened (busy covering a maternity leave in kindergarten and shuffling the kids to their activities so free time is limited these days...maybe first thing in June?) If you're interested in purchasing my headbands please email me with your email address and information and I will contact you AS SOON as the Etsy shop is up and running! Either way, thanks for stopping by!!!!<br />
<br />
Linking up to...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd202/jmrammell/shabbynestbutton.png" /></a></center><center><a border="0" href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/978446896_kPVcp-O.png" /></a></center><center><center><a href="http://creatingahouseofgrace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="HOG" src="http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv204/bonniejane03/HOUSEOFGRACEBUTTON-1-2.jpg" /></a></center><center><br />
</center><center><br />
</center><center><br />
</center><center><br />
</center></center>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-61844859683861614132011-03-29T15:35:00.000-07:002011-03-29T15:35:16.123-07:00Spring Break!We are so lucky to have a BEAUTIFUL place to visit each and every spring. Seriously, we never venture to new places because we LOVE LOVE LOVE Marco Island, Florida! My parents visited for years before they built a house here...and then a BIGGER house so they'd have room for their family to visit. My parents have been retired for a few years and now every year they leave right after Christmas and spend the cold winter months here...in paradise. I can't blame them. Don't get me wrong, I miss them and sometimes wish they were home but we are so lucky to have such a LOVELY vacation spot!<br />
<br />
They live on a canal so they can have a boat and here is a little factoid about me...I <heart> boating! It's the BEST! Someday the hubby and I want to live on a boat for a year...just for the experience! So we boat, swim, go to the beach, eat fresh fish and get our necessary dose of vitamin D. My kids are always in heaven. My parents also got a puppy a few years ago and we get to spend a few days loving on Miss Lily...oh she's so CUTE! She's like a stuffed animal come to life! Here is a peek at our vacation fun...</heart><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsbCaRlCtREB5-XkSgdJ4nX65ScwEV3CMMIS5kF3dYd_QhvZOK0JBZzvLVIB7wfe2eN8Hk4KLV8lw874O2yY2TUCbgn9bT1semuA5s0rNRjlzJqG0MCwGC_Rh69OY7dm9hVpZUXf2Ug/s1600/DSCN2770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsbCaRlCtREB5-XkSgdJ4nX65ScwEV3CMMIS5kF3dYd_QhvZOK0JBZzvLVIB7wfe2eN8Hk4KLV8lw874O2yY2TUCbgn9bT1semuA5s0rNRjlzJqG0MCwGC_Rh69OY7dm9hVpZUXf2Ug/s320/DSCN2770.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXlbGnKqiCeZB4vaKXk9uzWV8DhdBIP6dYGhG-vFOQ7Fy_OSY_Z9MQZG8fBK5a-42zZMnM8UWX6GeWAf4OcAu-dkJamjQRbRqnayRwT5sP2eA8Ekc1OIofxOdmzOIuWk5s5vhu2uiuw/s1600/DSCN2822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXlbGnKqiCeZB4vaKXk9uzWV8DhdBIP6dYGhG-vFOQ7Fy_OSY_Z9MQZG8fBK5a-42zZMnM8UWX6GeWAf4OcAu-dkJamjQRbRqnayRwT5sP2eA8Ekc1OIofxOdmzOIuWk5s5vhu2uiuw/s320/DSCN2822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H3p4fIRHpjIUBHn_-Ya9F-tRKkhWjtL90RBNozXbfbx6GroJRdrGiudZ95qTBv8GIRuM1XUCstgCSkdzhL72NyaK4YtC_2WhGreN91LWX5CZvB4F8DjEAEwyyW03ZTtDYbGWbp4YsQ/s1600/DSCN2827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H3p4fIRHpjIUBHn_-Ya9F-tRKkhWjtL90RBNozXbfbx6GroJRdrGiudZ95qTBv8GIRuM1XUCstgCSkdzhL72NyaK4YtC_2WhGreN91LWX5CZvB4F8DjEAEwyyW03ZTtDYbGWbp4YsQ/s320/DSCN2827.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmvAFBBlVpE0dpvf6sd-0UBZTWQ8A5pkh7oT_WwGqPdza_Gkahh2m8b5eoSj4_zbkF6otSQV9P51esqpIfABS7KydFzWT7ge2pBzZef_It1Fr8uVwR6CJyKdAtucvD55XxPMt_kLJVw/s1600/DSCN2830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmvAFBBlVpE0dpvf6sd-0UBZTWQ8A5pkh7oT_WwGqPdza_Gkahh2m8b5eoSj4_zbkF6otSQV9P51esqpIfABS7KydFzWT7ge2pBzZef_It1Fr8uVwR6CJyKdAtucvD55XxPMt_kLJVw/s320/DSCN2830.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWuFYqamoaGZ0mSy8psktmiz5zgGm6Y57MlNJt2EK5H7Mkue5Aub1qtY1uWdP4SZ9QgNnpgRGak6DDrYjrbV0ZBUrap6WYkZaXE2rjhWkEAUQ0C0vDMMvZHTNgbaMLYvr9wh0VWrraQ/s1600/DSCN2835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWuFYqamoaGZ0mSy8psktmiz5zgGm6Y57MlNJt2EK5H7Mkue5Aub1qtY1uWdP4SZ9QgNnpgRGak6DDrYjrbV0ZBUrap6WYkZaXE2rjhWkEAUQ0C0vDMMvZHTNgbaMLYvr9wh0VWrraQ/s320/DSCN2835.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Spring Break from Marco Island...Island in the sun!!!</div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-69012018984809421122011-03-20T06:39:00.000-07:002011-03-20T06:39:57.988-07:00Girls Only Day!Although I am not in the habit of letting my children frequently miss school, I did offer a "treat" to the girl to help ease the pain of Mom going back to work full time (really? Forty nine days=Full Time?) Anyway, I told her we could have a special Mom and Sissy day...ya know...play games...ride bikes...make cookies...the whole day just doing fun things...TOGETHER! So last Wednesday was our day. We started by playing some "Guess Who" (a classic & a favorite!) <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyNSc7_FhfUszPhuL3z4MgGIxK9_x7QjgwmEqc9qSqA9xOsY8onwQLefV2g_SYMZKHAQiOfvMhWqPg2WPf0O7Lb71wNzNIzu6ZN-bPjyGYqGLjHC0KyucXe7cxcBVHhAYTD4JudbcKw/s1600/DSCN2681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyNSc7_FhfUszPhuL3z4MgGIxK9_x7QjgwmEqc9qSqA9xOsY8onwQLefV2g_SYMZKHAQiOfvMhWqPg2WPf0O7Lb71wNzNIzu6ZN-bPjyGYqGLjHC0KyucXe7cxcBVHhAYTD4JudbcKw/s320/DSCN2681.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
We then moved on to cookie making...I let her do EVERYTHING by herself! That little genius has even mastered my Kitchen Aid! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Wr8_PaiqhejipbqCxcLQ0GZwZJvi_RcjwgVLXbSlznaa91Lk3hSEXF2izwh7mT24ny1nOq7A1zAP2owzWmS5LQ0d5qZDIee9QiMzhwslDqxuhw5Ngzbn3PadrbehAktVGADbYbv7oQ/s1600/DSCN2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Wr8_PaiqhejipbqCxcLQ0GZwZJvi_RcjwgVLXbSlznaa91Lk3hSEXF2izwh7mT24ny1nOq7A1zAP2owzWmS5LQ0d5qZDIee9QiMzhwslDqxuhw5Ngzbn3PadrbehAktVGADbYbv7oQ/s320/DSCN2682.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a> <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlgg2XTmcRAloTUp7CnFcRD0S6z6UVe7YLBrXP6qd-8-B49LZtQ1OqMtOvO6wYDIXjq8WuwoR5lqjDi-eDxcexbMWre8H5Z_O2UQfmqVm8yf5f_Cyu5cwOfCEX4yIyxhdfz1d11FVGA/s1600/DSCN2683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlgg2XTmcRAloTUp7CnFcRD0S6z6UVe7YLBrXP6qd-8-B49LZtQ1OqMtOvO6wYDIXjq8WuwoR5lqjDi-eDxcexbMWre8H5Z_O2UQfmqVm8yf5f_Cyu5cwOfCEX4yIyxhdfz1d11FVGA/s320/DSCN2683.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MMzwPx2FeRBec8QC8R51kKtYlDKIWb8YMcQJ36sbwBXSI7mKbkrITXTZT-osYpVDpEMESKkFGubmsULFfr9nG47NG2FlQU2ncAH7Ugxx4V4ECmEyamTHiO9tt-SDgf74J4dnCyrpyA/s1600/DSCN2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MMzwPx2FeRBec8QC8R51kKtYlDKIWb8YMcQJ36sbwBXSI7mKbkrITXTZT-osYpVDpEMESKkFGubmsULFfr9nG47NG2FlQU2ncAH7Ugxx4V4ECmEyamTHiO9tt-SDgf74J4dnCyrpyA/s320/DSCN2684.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
It was a glorious pre-spring day so we took advantage by making a few trips around the block with Miss Honey. Em rode her bike, I walked/ran. Nice!<br />
<br />
After showering and gussying up we proceeded to do a few errands and met Chris at Panera for lunch. Her favorite place!<br />
<br />
Finally, we topped off the day with Mom and Daughter pedicures. When you have a gift card and an up coming Florida trip you simply HAVE to have nice toes! (She held my hand while we sat in the chairs...I really love this little girl!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48rgJBx72eNQMEGaysqOEUcp3-dH3095fXeBpP-eeu94p_5JF8wlq_-W9n2PWv9yXJ6l5uSl1H4rUp5_CylsBiwMgCnjBySKD-S04cYrXQYpvMoQwe4a7FPSfEhq4LK771a-bjM65uA/s1600/DSCN2687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48rgJBx72eNQMEGaysqOEUcp3-dH3095fXeBpP-eeu94p_5JF8wlq_-W9n2PWv9yXJ6l5uSl1H4rUp5_CylsBiwMgCnjBySKD-S04cYrXQYpvMoQwe4a7FPSfEhq4LK771a-bjM65uA/s320/DSCN2687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT7lvqCd7iDSafA-2r_N5IzQGwsoJvztmifLIb1YbDXWETc-R38hX-LboUn0GbJr-cM91WR7fcIcjYgxPqHOGebq57EFzEz24HaNRWEI6CQQ07BCZWSjNddUvhIHRWSgzH5RwojcS1Q/s1600/DSCN2688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT7lvqCd7iDSafA-2r_N5IzQGwsoJvztmifLIb1YbDXWETc-R38hX-LboUn0GbJr-cM91WR7fcIcjYgxPqHOGebq57EFzEz24HaNRWEI6CQQ07BCZWSjNddUvhIHRWSgzH5RwojcS1Q/s320/DSCN2688.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIuRdQ8RcGRNeS-YYg5ateGhW_H9W6H9OzrSYKaxegZsu3k1tU3XOWni0euBSn5rdvVDfLJ0DU0FrrpkDlVtzL1sTiCEWbT0svXhGIREKADmtMFrsBk79LxYRo8kDvhnH6-Mp2YpPuQ/s1600/DSCN2689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIuRdQ8RcGRNeS-YYg5ateGhW_H9W6H9OzrSYKaxegZsu3k1tU3XOWni0euBSn5rdvVDfLJ0DU0FrrpkDlVtzL1sTiCEWbT0svXhGIREKADmtMFrsBk79LxYRo8kDvhnH6-Mp2YpPuQ/s320/DSCN2689.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJHtplq-cE6hKPXJXdGfQzqacJojhrRW3aEBJL8a0LgcYjTcu0bOaxSDP5hf0QfbDSIS9e7l7fWKBxf-IPLKiQ-pTmyorOUpa4qe31VuueGElO292zTrVoZ3rL05nTSixBD0blyPsBw/s1600/DSCN2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJHtplq-cE6hKPXJXdGfQzqacJojhrRW3aEBJL8a0LgcYjTcu0bOaxSDP5hf0QfbDSIS9e7l7fWKBxf-IPLKiQ-pTmyorOUpa4qe31VuueGElO292zTrVoZ3rL05nTSixBD0blyPsBw/s320/DSCN2691.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It started out being a day for her...to help her get through the rest of the school year with a little less Mom but I think it ended up being a gift to me. She's such a little happy ray of sunshine and I am SO LUCKY TO HAVE HER! I think in the coming weeks when I'm tired or frazzled or frustrated I am going to will myself to think about our Girls Only Day and remember how lucky I really am!Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-61764707611287331652011-03-17T18:39:00.000-07:002011-03-17T18:39:24.538-07:00Happy Green Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfySWI2IyHyJd2A88yxlU_gRgxSkJQfSOXCZxcYMiIMzViLdZNAPcWxR8fjrmLXRrPas8fIzZ2lBFz4vM6UrXgwqaU0-6Myxhs7HrAWmwblkOvNhryPf6pOFqKPmuxwu9X2Jf5E6_Kw/s1600/DSCN2698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfySWI2IyHyJd2A88yxlU_gRgxSkJQfSOXCZxcYMiIMzViLdZNAPcWxR8fjrmLXRrPas8fIzZ2lBFz4vM6UrXgwqaU0-6Myxhs7HrAWmwblkOvNhryPf6pOFqKPmuxwu9X2Jf5E6_Kw/s320/DSCN2698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is my beautiful boy before school...I ironed the underneath shirt...he added the flannel...puzzling since it was in the high 50's today?? But he's SO cute and SO good and SO wonderful...who cares! He could wear a paper bag and be adorable! He's so busy these days with the middle school play...Cinderella. He's also working on his second degree black belt in TaeKwonDo and in a number of other school activities so I miss him...A LOT! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7mEGt1vSpDSJC7Rf9wUpiUf1fC6_3DtCgZJAoQFZJMcawDuj359EMmUYblSKR8Z1HNWiQGwxySGgtwU3YmmYwFm_0Hs_DMwxrdCIe6x1f9JQank4673KKvjXu2DOkjqHTCGNrnxKLw/s1600/DSCN2704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7mEGt1vSpDSJC7Rf9wUpiUf1fC6_3DtCgZJAoQFZJMcawDuj359EMmUYblSKR8Z1HNWiQGwxySGgtwU3YmmYwFm_0Hs_DMwxrdCIe6x1f9JQank4673KKvjXu2DOkjqHTCGNrnxKLw/s320/DSCN2704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my cute girl after a long day of school and hip hop dancing...I made her model headbands so I could post my activities on facebook! She did wear a headband similar to this today for green day...she also wore a shamrock shirt and rainbow socks...she looked ADORABLE! Yesterday we had a girl day and I let her play hooky. I will post about that later...(here's a hint...it was FUN!)</div><br />
Anyway...happy St. Patrick's Day to you...we celebrated with surprise shamrock shakes Chris brought home...yum!Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-28539685563770400272011-03-16T06:17:00.000-07:002011-03-16T06:17:22.080-07:00Spring Cleaning...and other Stuff!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
It's March. Just a few more days until it's "officially" Spring. To many this means birds chirping, trees budding, flowers breaking their beautiful green stems through the dirt preparing to dazzle us all with their beauty...a relief after a L..O..N..G winter. To me it means it's TIME TO CLEAN! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few of my favorite blogs are challenging readers to purge while cleaning. I love this idea! Of course this idea is presented days before I start teaching kindergarten full time until the end of the school year so I have to vastly scale down such an ambitious plan. I started with our Master Bath with hopes to just wipe away all the baby powder and throw out some expired toiletries...well...4 garbage bags later (and 2 hours) I was done and it felt GREAT! I didn't take "before" pictures on purpose...too gross! But here are some snazzy "after" shots for you to admire!</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoI7yiMabpe7JRhOCEKeAVePnCtFilmY5knx0eGXWBVWiXs9n4AzT8zqgLojjmyzimREa1nn3LZmgbsijTwZ2DH0OCQG0SycEDulkE9KqZyyqkxkRd0Z6XpbaLG2gB5wjEbCy8JqyEw/s1600/DSCN2665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoI7yiMabpe7JRhOCEKeAVePnCtFilmY5knx0eGXWBVWiXs9n4AzT8zqgLojjmyzimREa1nn3LZmgbsijTwZ2DH0OCQG0SycEDulkE9KqZyyqkxkRd0Z6XpbaLG2gB5wjEbCy8JqyEw/s320/DSCN2665.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Most of the bags came from this closet. I downsized many of the bins from medium to shoe box size! I threw out all those OLD little shampoo and lotion bottles from hotels we visited YEARS ago (yuck!) I also unearthed a First Aid kit given to us before we married...almost 18 years ago! We've NEVER used it...good bye! Now our closet is home to necessary supplies. Everything is labeled and the bottom shelves house my cleaning supplies. Nice!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fK34LZ3pHOZyxBbwh457Ys33SPHzSC6pxUWq_4BcR-4RbWkYYq17qL4xltfComjD1GdTbQDpCdFwX-ZzvAoJxwvW4BzyNEJId2_cUwE8OmJ4j-4GK_GsfIQ3VU5ItcRJZJChj2mY6A/s1600/DSCN2666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fK34LZ3pHOZyxBbwh457Ys33SPHzSC6pxUWq_4BcR-4RbWkYYq17qL4xltfComjD1GdTbQDpCdFwX-ZzvAoJxwvW4BzyNEJId2_cUwE8OmJ4j-4GK_GsfIQ3VU5ItcRJZJChj2mY6A/s320/DSCN2666.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
This drawer is home to all my hair-doing supplies and it was a tangled MESS! Now it's clean and organized. I will no longer spend time in the morning untangling cords so I can dry my hair or plug in my flat iron...AHHHH!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-t_d68uns_SRICiPS9i2uWCELtKyg9P5urw9pvcL_LmoUzg8dTncs6mZ86EFZpPU1Fr8O5s34N8_1ifZcRTPTJow2l1YaqfHEJvaLEWmXL-EPzBxIvuXPVwPoCXHSKoGvx9u5OlIo_A/s1600/DSCN2667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-t_d68uns_SRICiPS9i2uWCELtKyg9P5urw9pvcL_LmoUzg8dTncs6mZ86EFZpPU1Fr8O5s34N8_1ifZcRTPTJow2l1YaqfHEJvaLEWmXL-EPzBxIvuXPVwPoCXHSKoGvx9u5OlIo_A/s320/DSCN2667.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
On a regular day I would NEVER show ANYONE my bathroom cabinet but I am so proud of my newly organized...clean...space! I am hoping this will shave 5-10 minutes off my morning routine!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdPDyKOCL-wdFfHuPc0XQ7m4cGYm2MruQ2YPkeSk3Hv4cz8eQfH1nzorQPX4Ogt3RHGq6WeEDCtxzpSqA-7FIJrTKwFPxkQRsQ6Qy0a7vX43o9RjojsljUTr67eovUny6cAmlPzulPQ/s1600/DSCN2668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdPDyKOCL-wdFfHuPc0XQ7m4cGYm2MruQ2YPkeSk3Hv4cz8eQfH1nzorQPX4Ogt3RHGq6WeEDCtxzpSqA-7FIJrTKwFPxkQRsQ6Qy0a7vX43o9RjojsljUTr67eovUny6cAmlPzulPQ/s320/DSCN2668.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Here is the view under Chris' sink...he's so pretty he doesn't need all the beauty supplies I need! (Isn't that the truth...guys just get better with age...ugh!)<br />
<br />
Although I only cleaned and purged one room in my house I am hopeful I can hit a few more spaces before summer officially starts...I'll keep you posted. Until then check our <a href="http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/2011/03/one-week-from-now-40-bags-40-days.html">this</a> and <a href="http://www.aprettycoollife.com/2011/03/stuff.html">this</a>...these girls are getting it done!!!Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-58869004797444526642011-03-14T11:00:00.000-07:002011-03-18T19:52:28.808-07:00Terrariums...BEAUTIFUL! Well...if you've gotten the latest Pottery Barn catalog you know that terrariums are all the rage this spring. I actually made a few this past weekend and I am REALLY impressed with the results! Terrariums are easy to make...and FUN! (This is a good spring project for those anxious to get outside and start digging in the dirt!)<br />
<br />
I've been on the prowl for information about terrariums...looking for cool little factoids and what to include in a children's piece I am working on...but there are also tons of great YouTube videos as well! Pretty much everything I've read led me to make the following supply list...<br />
<br />
1. potting soil<br />
2. ground charcoal (I'll explain this in a bit.)<br />
3. gravel or small rocks<br />
4. clear glass containers with or without lids<br />
5. plants with the same growing requirements<br />
6. decorative elements (optional)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWExplyzKDHMoq9dGEINUkpjX1tCYRqMSxYuNm7zEB0OVATkayAZIwzfYD7m-6QLfkTBixPB8d90bbVF7usmnOHYniTYqunbgNg3fJaonck1yFZjHH__7vGfotTVl7M3qUP-EsbUQhbw/s1600/DSCN2652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWExplyzKDHMoq9dGEINUkpjX1tCYRqMSxYuNm7zEB0OVATkayAZIwzfYD7m-6QLfkTBixPB8d90bbVF7usmnOHYniTYqunbgNg3fJaonck1yFZjHH__7vGfotTVl7M3qUP-EsbUQhbw/s320/DSCN2652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Total side note...looking at these photos just solidifies my decision to repaint my laundry room this summer...a soft cool blue maybe? I don't like the red anymore...AT ALL!)</div><br />
<br />
I have these FABU glass containers I bought a few years ago at the local Home Goods. They've traveled all over my house and been home to glass ornaments, pine cones, and fake lemons. They are so versatile... I had to have them...and...they make PERFECT terrariums!! I decided to make terrariums in all 3 so I could spread them out around the house and add a bit of green in anticipation of spring! <br />
<br />
I headed to Home Depot thinking I'd be able to purchase everything on my list. Here is where it got tricky. I found potting soil (obviously) and some great succulents but I couldn't find the charcoal (and I knew I could find stones cheaper!) While doing research I found out that charcoal is an important ingredient because it helps keep your terrarium mold-free. I know I can use all the help I can get when it comes to growing anything so I brought my succulents home and checked online as to where I would find charcoal. (Here is where I give BIG kudos to my WONDERFUL husband because he told me I should go to the pet store.) I headed to Pet Co and purchased the last 2 items on my list...charcoal ($10.99) and gravel ($3.99 a bag) which I found in the aquarium section. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The first step for me was to rinse out my jars and dry them well. I made sure not to use any chemicals to clean out the jars for fear this may hurt the plants. Next, I put about one inch of gravel in the bottom of each jar for drainage.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirey3fwm5kj1rd2Pi6EQMFOU6_F4hvLEfZtKMdLbqJ5xpdkkSMydHZHa6tKwU4K_wTuzdQKpRxKe2-xwb-WokzK7P4FF1uvKa0wBlWmObZ64a1-WAD1hZwgx3W-3-_3g18xcmDbZxhA/s1600/DSCN2653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirey3fwm5kj1rd2Pi6EQMFOU6_F4hvLEfZtKMdLbqJ5xpdkkSMydHZHa6tKwU4K_wTuzdQKpRxKe2-xwb-WokzK7P4FF1uvKa0wBlWmObZ64a1-WAD1hZwgx3W-3-_3g18xcmDbZxhA/s320/DSCN2653.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Then sprinkle about 1/2 an inch of charcoal over the gravel...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIv58DYzqsGOVvPAlfs-ROstqIr2ZwT-R-Cs6_R0PdF1rgQcP-91HM3xyX9e-ws2SvdT1xBL1HpJ2lQPqAwp5KmtFFPQhb7W3Ak63q85F75u_MPdCR_heqDgsNm_YReX6101jDkS1fQ/s1600/DSCN2654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIv58DYzqsGOVvPAlfs-ROstqIr2ZwT-R-Cs6_R0PdF1rgQcP-91HM3xyX9e-ws2SvdT1xBL1HpJ2lQPqAwp5KmtFFPQhb7W3Ak63q85F75u_MPdCR_heqDgsNm_YReX6101jDkS1fQ/s320/DSCN2654.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HMjKtgTOwQYIo06roSQeno12setEGBlArpKwip1wc_-fScg1G-Bm1yVBKwpCQvEaqGYNy2MoXF5nmeDxDDdDNQ4PzmwFZtrQzmHKy5odvj50N9W2FeP-pnaGloXK9oisJccheNHqDQ/s1600/DSCN2655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HMjKtgTOwQYIo06roSQeno12setEGBlArpKwip1wc_-fScg1G-Bm1yVBKwpCQvEaqGYNy2MoXF5nmeDxDDdDNQ4PzmwFZtrQzmHKy5odvj50N9W2FeP-pnaGloXK9oisJccheNHqDQ/s320/DSCN2655.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
After the charcoal goes the potting soil. These three items should take up about 1/3 of your glass container.<br />
<br />
Finally...the FUN part...the plants! When selecting my plants I tried to pick a variety of color and again, pick plants with similar growing requirements. Before you place each plant in your terrarium you want to gently shake off excess soil and loosen the root ball a bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEICjUvL0adn6U8uA_XC6efXe0_tV1lBStHaeABmMUPLer28b8fNg2mascEviy0B515yL9SVB4eIlrKJMv7cCx5eoHXCRzjhez0-x7tspK_vdCcH_BWiJf-3GO9WZyXPDLPlmTD2CIlw/s1600/DSCN2657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEICjUvL0adn6U8uA_XC6efXe0_tV1lBStHaeABmMUPLer28b8fNg2mascEviy0B515yL9SVB4eIlrKJMv7cCx5eoHXCRzjhez0-x7tspK_vdCcH_BWiJf-3GO9WZyXPDLPlmTD2CIlw/s320/DSCN2657.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzuk3-92vUzkhij3LBq7Myi9mulJ-B4GV8uiYXIc02zlH6Ai5i2q3o4EqDLhd6y0Eds2jRWM0SIL-AjpdmH6cH2yGr8IwT0mLSxmuk8SYCX7ZGo3e7asRWBoI2z6lTz2OX6NJDYXmIw/s1600/DSCN2660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzuk3-92vUzkhij3LBq7Myi9mulJ-B4GV8uiYXIc02zlH6Ai5i2q3o4EqDLhd6y0Eds2jRWM0SIL-AjpdmH6cH2yGr8IwT0mLSxmuk8SYCX7ZGo3e7asRWBoI2z6lTz2OX6NJDYXmIw/s320/DSCN2660.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally...I chose to use a squirt bottle to water my plants. You never want to over water a terrarium. A spritz with a bit of water should do the trick...and then the cover...and I was DONE!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji716TUwpxxqvNbfjs5tThT3vJuaLoWoMbFIEYZ_8QwVN23AhffZfN55DyHNR1fqTd5PXEIk1-aVlNczql0xP0rkLd2_JOspLAB-CXlbFcXLBW2RQEgpmngC64MAYI_6jgZpn7vKyd_g/s1600/DSCN2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji716TUwpxxqvNbfjs5tThT3vJuaLoWoMbFIEYZ_8QwVN23AhffZfN55DyHNR1fqTd5PXEIk1-aVlNczql0xP0rkLd2_JOspLAB-CXlbFcXLBW2RQEgpmngC64MAYI_6jgZpn7vKyd_g/s320/DSCN2662.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These beauties now live in my family room ...and I LOVE how they turned out. I made another one with a skinny, taller glass container but I had to add one more plant to that one so back to Home Depot for another plant. The third terrarium is on a table at the top of my stairs and it looks so cute! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As far as my research about children's terrariums I learned that kids can make them in glass jars that can be recycled like pasta jars. I also read that some terrariums can house small pets. This was a fun project and one that I intend to repeat with my kids. I think the kids will most likely want to add decorative elements like favorite stones or mini figures. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One last bit of important info...when your terrarium plants start to grow bigger, they can be split and replanted. You don't want the plants to completely take over all the space in the container...it should look like a tiny habitat! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am linking up here...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd202/jmrammell/shabbynestbutton.png" /></a></center><center><br />
</center><center><center><a href="http://becca-homeiswheremystorybegins.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af319/beccaross_photos/Blog%20Buttons/HomeAndFamily.jpg" /></a></center><center><br />
</center><center><center><a href="http://creatingahouseofgrace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="HOG" src="http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv204/bonniejane03/HOUSEOFGRACEBUTTON-1-2.jpg" /></a></center></center></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-90416267410898007372011-03-02T14:53:00.000-08:002011-03-02T14:53:38.712-08:00Kids Summer Clothing...How I Organize (and Make Money)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know about you but my DARLING daughter likes to wear summer clothes ALL YEAR LONG! I swear she was born that way. She thinks it's always shorts weather and would go without a coat all winter long if she could. Well...sister...we live in the Midwest so it's cold 9 months of the year and we can't live in shorts. I actually had to start packing her summer clothes away right before Halloween. I've been doing it for years so I have a system down and I'd like to share it...for all of you who tend to have piles and pile of out of season clothes sitting around that make you feel overwhelmed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 1: Around October I set aside a few hours to pull out all the kids summer clothes and go through them. I usually find this easiest to do in their rooms so I always am sure to do 2 things... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8AV2GRV8hkLdKhLs8QEyDktAwTJXCf3prOO0ccjIGKV-YKdqvdLoSS2eqgKE0y5GjeDoX9rvsooDBTptVUcjpg_TDicIkDkk7LugO3hYyf3sMapu8bfuHNGj3E6yYyA7eyiYHV3Jog/s1600/DSCN2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8AV2GRV8hkLdKhLs8QEyDktAwTJXCf3prOO0ccjIGKV-YKdqvdLoSS2eqgKE0y5GjeDoX9rvsooDBTptVUcjpg_TDicIkDkk7LugO3hYyf3sMapu8bfuHNGj3E6yYyA7eyiYHV3Jog/s320/DSCN2626.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1Z4lT2gDJ5zzsiDgT73NUQXBDLWynEYzzYSEO1ePOhrslCYbAqJ1nqt5IspsH1F4SNChLovBzjaHJhy7NCcX7I42GjqzkLM8CJjYDPmvt13PK9GVTlD7RKs_T0OUmjWbD7fibW-rxA/s1600/DSCN2624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1Z4lT2gDJ5zzsiDgT73NUQXBDLWynEYzzYSEO1ePOhrslCYbAqJ1nqt5IspsH1F4SNChLovBzjaHJhy7NCcX7I42GjqzkLM8CJjYDPmvt13PK9GVTlD7RKs_T0OUmjWbD7fibW-rxA/s320/DSCN2624.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhch-CihUyMuQ-DuwM2aOjMsC4-QQlFcxupQobuzICMgJkEViT1aGspSv7AtLNOSZuHIFDIXdatSOKxHxl-hS-i4C6nSfe7LV1GWuA3HoQ7OkZ48OYhTFCswLouxDiPYkSuT-_AMQQCcA/s1600/DSCN2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhch-CihUyMuQ-DuwM2aOjMsC4-QQlFcxupQobuzICMgJkEViT1aGspSv7AtLNOSZuHIFDIXdatSOKxHxl-hS-i4C6nSfe7LV1GWuA3HoQ7OkZ48OYhTFCswLouxDiPYkSuT-_AMQQCcA/s320/DSCN2625.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Above pile is for "give away" but boy has some little cousins who will love getting some of his character shirts!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. Make sure your children are not home or are occupied so as not to disturb you worse yet, cry when you decide it's time to let go of that FAVORITE cover up that has seen better days!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. You will need 1 tub per child and then a larger tub to store Consignment Store items. I only use tubs with lids so while they are in storage all winter they are stackable. So, for 2 children I will need 2 medium bins and 1 larger bin. My consignment bin is white to blend in with my closet and the kids bins are clear on the bottom so I can see what items are in each from a glance. I got the flatter, rectangular bins that can easily slide under a bed. Don't get me wrong, I can't actually put my daughter's bin there because then she would pull out her hippest sundress in the middle of a blizzard. Nope, I put her bins on the top shelf of her closet so even with a chair she cannot reach it! (Mean Mom!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_GsAcrk3LTZUb2qgREigCYpTHoOzEnSQY9iCj8Q6Jb_6UMDzkOr77O8i18PD6h4Ej3ggbIe2KEOJi3WPaIy25xpxMqaDHvE9uJh4sPYatoYWUC0KfD_4epQBa9ryew97CAZRuK6a0w/s1600/DSCN2622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_GsAcrk3LTZUb2qgREigCYpTHoOzEnSQY9iCj8Q6Jb_6UMDzkOr77O8i18PD6h4Ej3ggbIe2KEOJi3WPaIy25xpxMqaDHvE9uJh4sPYatoYWUC0KfD_4epQBa9ryew97CAZRuK6a0w/s320/DSCN2622.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Top bin goes in daughter's closet...big white bin gets put in my closet. If my closet wasn't big enough I'd put it in the basement or attic.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 2: I go through each item and decide if it's bound for consignment or can make it another year in my child's wardrobe. As they get older lots of summer items can actually make it more than one year. Especially if it was roomy the summer before. If it's a keeper it goes in the smaller bin folded to lay VERY flat. You can get more items in the bin that way. If it's bound for the consignment shop I check VERY carefully for stains. If there are stains or if the items needs any repairs then it goes in a pile for later attention. If not it goes in the bin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 3: I am sure to wash and treat stains RIGHT AWAY. This is key because when it's time to send these items to the consignment shop I don't have to worry about them being rejected for stains.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 4: Put your items away. I am sure to call the Consignment shop a few months before each season to find out when they are taking new items. For example, it's March 2nd and I just dropped my spring/summer bin off today. I use a Consignment shop in Morris, IL called "Still Stylin" They have a big following and fair prices. Here is my trick though...BEFORE I drop off my items I iron/steam each one. Dresses from the dry cleaners are still hanging on the hangers and items are looking their best. This is the best way to ensure that the shop owner will want to keep and sell your items. I also think items go faster when they are in good shape and look like they've been cared for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpGF3C24TxDS84WssEH7QlDHy-HMHh86XROwgRNy-K32fPqHQEs3iH91OGUV3evv5jA4AYsVqXfRpT-_6kv5WcVxNzl3LXQVEvCQfPDHPI9zEGYpfxSN49xhGkbOM2YDGNVny4cmjyA/s1600/DSCN2620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpGF3C24TxDS84WssEH7QlDHy-HMHh86XROwgRNy-K32fPqHQEs3iH91OGUV3evv5jA4AYsVqXfRpT-_6kv5WcVxNzl3LXQVEvCQfPDHPI9zEGYpfxSN49xhGkbOM2YDGNVny4cmjyA/s320/DSCN2620.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(My ironing pile for today...makes the clothes look like new.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's it. Pretty easy if you have a plan and execute it all in one day. I had both kids try on the items I kept for this summer and it gives me an EXCELLENT idea of what each child needs and sizes so if I'm out and I see a good deal I can be a confident shopper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUmAYdebELlqKUjCVdZVy9CsHJ6Py_UMSHqFD7kePAQxCnhKYChcS8fVDnqZ1dyOLSVtijlcE_gYTUiLk1Ia4BBQfbCkxFhMzcpTbK-wGM-Vv_fX9jbQ229HfHO3pGZ7_PLBjOGhrgQ/s1600/DSCN2623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUmAYdebELlqKUjCVdZVy9CsHJ6Py_UMSHqFD7kePAQxCnhKYChcS8fVDnqZ1dyOLSVtijlcE_gYTUiLk1Ia4BBQfbCkxFhMzcpTbK-wGM-Vv_fX9jbQ229HfHO3pGZ7_PLBjOGhrgQ/s320/DSCN2623.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Here are the Consignment Store items.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYGzko61yoOCPnNnt9OloWvJXvPjnLbCfK71TjKYh99p1OFpqBbfpGRo4ZMQrNix-zXSbU13cJG6FCRNgKaemgWdfWzfTy6tNHXV0q6mHgpn2CR7jKjiWfQ8s22_GpMLyjWEToYSSrg/s1600/DSCN2621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYGzko61yoOCPnNnt9OloWvJXvPjnLbCfK71TjKYh99p1OFpqBbfpGRo4ZMQrNix-zXSbU13cJG6FCRNgKaemgWdfWzfTy6tNHXV0q6mHgpn2CR7jKjiWfQ8s22_GpMLyjWEToYSSrg/s320/DSCN2621.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(These bags are Goodwill or BUST!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope my system helps you out even a little bit. I feel better knowing that I am recycling my kids clothes. BTW... the clothing items that have permanent stains or are out of style go to a local charity. I make a little money to put toward new clothes and I'm not wasting money on clothes my kids don't need. Now if I could just convince my kids that even though it's March...it's still 39 degrees and they need their winter coats and hats!!! (but that's for another day!)</div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-75245792299973680452011-03-01T14:07:00.000-08:002011-03-01T14:07:32.904-08:00Fun Weekend and Cute Bags! (What Could Be Better?)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRUlzlKAcPdR4qYhDN7aRezXNoPbdTQPwd3JdwC5mzLXLk7KL6wmJw27_ALi7kdNfmjigXrucOe4Qeunf_W51UoFelEjcrSSgOC1jPlfr76KMnUoKmC8BFVYoIvfMQclpGubtq9vU2w/s1600/DSCN2604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRUlzlKAcPdR4qYhDN7aRezXNoPbdTQPwd3JdwC5mzLXLk7KL6wmJw27_ALi7kdNfmjigXrucOe4Qeunf_W51UoFelEjcrSSgOC1jPlfr76KMnUoKmC8BFVYoIvfMQclpGubtq9vU2w/s320/DSCN2604.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a little 411 on this past weekend...it was SO much FUN! Let's go in the way back machine to last November. We traveled to Champaign, IL (in the in-laws' RV) to visit my cousin and her family and attend a U of I football game. The husbands were psyched to tailgate with the RV for the mere fact that they wouldn't have to travel far to use the bathroom (really?) We left on a Saturday morning and picked them up in our glorious ride to head STRAIGHT for the tailgating area. When my fabulous cousin loaded her tailgating items in the RV I immediately noticed her AWESOME bags! I was in awe. I couldn't stop drooling over them...but the big question..."WHERE DID YOU GET THOSE CUTE CUTE CUTIE CUTE BAGS??" Mind you, I think I said that before I even said "hello" because I LOVE A CUTE BAG!!! (I'm sorry but...who doesn't?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My cousin told me about a company called "31"...I'd never heard of it but I was TAKEN with all the CUTE bags in their catalog! She'd been to a few shows so she had LOTS to show me. I was hooked...I needed some 31 bags...but HOW? I'd never heard of the company. ME! The girl who has had almost every home party known to mankind! I knew I'd have to do some investigating. Well...I didn't have to look far...a few months later my cousin called me to tell me she was becoming a 31 consultant...YIPEE! I immediately told her I'd have a party and the planning began. It had to happen soon because Momma wanted a cute polka dot purse for spring!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This past weekend we hosted a 31 party while the dads and kids went to a local pizza joint to hang out. We had a GREAT time! I had a wonderful group of women over to oooh and ahhh over the catalogs and all of my cousin's demo bags....what do you think happens when you get a group of women together with cute bags and endless possibilities? Loads of shopping!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> But we weren't the only ones who had fun...the kiddos turned my basement into play central and even had a sleepover down there! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELLQvdIfeAH3yx9wym_hN4fcha5CIyUEXI3hUH-JqoIHKVRAi2fpvsjs610a7ZMHQWq1-Cjct-XMQk-sxkrJn1VTMflCFpJShGufeoYQunQZb18gZjCPevvGsxM7xl16pzAMcd6NnUA/s1600/DSCN2601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELLQvdIfeAH3yx9wym_hN4fcha5CIyUEXI3hUH-JqoIHKVRAi2fpvsjs610a7ZMHQWq1-Cjct-XMQk-sxkrJn1VTMflCFpJShGufeoYQunQZb18gZjCPevvGsxM7xl16pzAMcd6NnUA/s320/DSCN2601.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBSwq76BaryTBvIwrmI1T1UUXwYLcgr2J2jwG1nc3UhyphenhyphenSGfxB8iXSEM4OIHWaa-nJ7QAMPqxbUWChyphenhyphent1XAGF-Nn8stC2s0y9Hz4WlS5qH6zX5-hf_KnHVwhWPquEojUUPq5qd6y_jdQ/s1600/DSCN2600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBSwq76BaryTBvIwrmI1T1UUXwYLcgr2J2jwG1nc3UhyphenhyphenSGfxB8iXSEM4OIHWaa-nJ7QAMPqxbUWChyphenhyphent1XAGF-Nn8stC2s0y9Hz4WlS5qH6zX5-hf_KnHVwhWPquEojUUPq5qd6y_jdQ/s320/DSCN2600.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We all got to catch up and it was a wonderful weekend! Thanks Sara and John for making the trip simply to sell some bags! Kate and Griff...your cousins love you tons! Here's to another fun weekend sometime soon! If you are interested in 31 bags or just want to check out the catalog go <a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/52619/">here</a>. My cousin, Sara Doyle will be VERY HAPPY to help you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLNhuhM4EzScFm2LLc5C3Pencf1NTsZJwodHkVLj30iHzy0RMyY-WkmGbxZFlFf71EdPDefDERLpD_zqCGYdbe5T19SX_uuf3RBHerigpv-N6mVaSttYDCGVHmlnM9752i2l7uDXLGQ/s1600/DSCN2607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLNhuhM4EzScFm2LLc5C3Pencf1NTsZJwodHkVLj30iHzy0RMyY-WkmGbxZFlFf71EdPDefDERLpD_zqCGYdbe5T19SX_uuf3RBHerigpv-N6mVaSttYDCGVHmlnM9752i2l7uDXLGQ/s320/DSCN2607.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will post when all the cute loot comes in! Until then...I will hopelessly stalk the UPS delivery man!</div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-13053632771850035932011-02-25T14:31:00.000-08:002011-02-25T14:34:56.379-08:00Pink Room Projects....Take 1,000!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes...another project in the "Pink Room!" When I FINALLY finish this room my darling daughter will want to change it. I just know it! Oh well! We rearranged her furniture after the holidays and it left me with this blank wall in the corner...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZXzEg1lR_tYXjyAG5ktRrnmlF61xcmLnljtAYhQL16XWSfNgACyxDxmWkw_qYhIL6NHpDHBhQxleXymKqkZslvWlGv_n4jdceJSN14CfBWnNxtErdMreA7Dgd0O7aswOCxJufehyVA/s1600/DSCN2486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZXzEg1lR_tYXjyAG5ktRrnmlF61xcmLnljtAYhQL16XWSfNgACyxDxmWkw_qYhIL6NHpDHBhQxleXymKqkZslvWlGv_n4jdceJSN14CfBWnNxtErdMreA7Dgd0O7aswOCxJufehyVA/s320/DSCN2486.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't like blank walls but what to do? What to do? I decided to take a cue from Centsational Girl and try an edited version of <a href="http://w.centsationalgirl.com/2011/01/playroom-art-gallery-wall/">this</a>. The girl creates a lot of art and decorating her room with it would really be a "win-win" for us both. Now...here is the FRUGAL part....I already had all the items to create the idea I had in my head....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. frames</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. white spray paint</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. clips</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. IKEA shelves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. art!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had my WONDERFUL hubby hang 2 IKEA picture ledges I got from my sister....about 2 years ago! (I knew they would come in handy some day!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuD3Uo6d3myTmwAZcPbMPVeGosQiBQETuocHMu7EY854HR9MsgvIwXKMDfk6c5oNOq_vk6fEZodPifHrIBvpy_4s5zn_Nfwii7l65CsCIXiZY7VClsQuI60oUsFmUD6VjaU1IfAMjSw/s1600/DSCN2490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuD3Uo6d3myTmwAZcPbMPVeGosQiBQETuocHMu7EY854HR9MsgvIwXKMDfk6c5oNOq_vk6fEZodPifHrIBvpy_4s5zn_Nfwii7l65CsCIXiZY7VClsQuI60oUsFmUD6VjaU1IfAMjSw/s320/DSCN2490.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No, he's not scowling...he has a something in his mouth. "Bad idea, honey!" Anyway...he was quite THRILLED with another "honey do" job...really! I don't think I give him enough (HA!). So, I had all the frames...just add a bit of white paint and some Tim Holtz bronze mini clips and "Tah Dah!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN7P7bjduqh7Fvt7J46MKGhZifLmc97ogBhISnmNCGBxHNyyx2uJLGpe_a4-yzH3mbuHXime8Ylwtr5QY4loo3ygj1goWDaX-0ttCqoXT9X6TUkkiCHfLynNwnbbpk1QDrdE953ujGQ/s1600/DSCN2594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN7P7bjduqh7Fvt7J46MKGhZifLmc97ogBhISnmNCGBxHNyyx2uJLGpe_a4-yzH3mbuHXime8Ylwtr5QY4loo3ygj1goWDaX-0ttCqoXT9X6TUkkiCHfLynNwnbbpk1QDrdE953ujGQ/s320/DSCN2594.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have yet to hang art in the 3 empty frames because I have yet to get my handy man back in there to put the necessary hardware in to hold them up....(shhhh! They are currently just hanging there via some Sticky Tack! Not the frames...the clips. The frames are mounted on the wall with Command Velcro picture hangers...LOVE them!) I got the idea to hang empty frames and put clips in them from Family Fun magazine. I think it was in an issue last year. The idea behind it is so that children can hang their own art and switch it out by themselves. GENIUS! I thought so and this idea has been tucked in a corner of my little brain for months....now I can free that corner up for something important! The empty frames were from my local thrift store, the other 2 frames were hand-me-downs from my Mother (thanks Mom!) and they originally came from Pottery Barn (score!) I love that my sweet little pink thing can create something new and display it immediately...not when Mommy gets around to it! (whew!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now...would you like to hear about our next little project in this pink room? Well...this one kind of came about because SOMEONE...I won't name any names...decided to hang from her curtains and PULLED THE HARDWARE AND MOLLIES RIGHT OUT OF THE WALL!!!! (ugh!) Look!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM49roVRE-Z457qw_xIb075ceeC60ZMXiCgj49FWueqzL4JencVM2HdMMI5EIoGdxHN5D9IqdkRkriClXeeIcg88o4X0HHIrUPsaXr3m4CBeiG6QI4W5Bixjw-KQajST6ojHtO3V0ieQ/s1600/DSCN2597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM49roVRE-Z457qw_xIb075ceeC60ZMXiCgj49FWueqzL4JencVM2HdMMI5EIoGdxHN5D9IqdkRkriClXeeIcg88o4X0HHIrUPsaXr3m4CBeiG6QI4W5Bixjw-KQajST6ojHtO3V0ieQ/s320/DSCN2597.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is where the CUTE Pottery Barn tie backs USED TO BE!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj55IjzZjv-eKnRvG_utyo2gzCWrnQ-68pbR0j0Rrgqui4BcKsQ72oelQiTUurzZgShyEZQ1tSgKlBO7hGHAAL8N_y-eafmkxpeKvtH6eqvxL8KT5Yfj_-q_y0tmeXExlUmaKDDdax-g/s1600/DSCN2596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj55IjzZjv-eKnRvG_utyo2gzCWrnQ-68pbR0j0Rrgqui4BcKsQ72oelQiTUurzZgShyEZQ1tSgKlBO7hGHAAL8N_y-eafmkxpeKvtH6eqvxL8KT5Yfj_-q_y0tmeXExlUmaKDDdax-g/s320/DSCN2596.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvc1ixq0uGFGIiB8rIuvkM2guC-b12amCI-3jRd8ywMgHBsR-9wmDeEcJ5M_WNhFsvKhYsYr3-oLLlc1a2K2jlQrfA09ybCaYp5CsDhTtqIL_vZolSC994A1kFMTQxkjZj4Rm0rFoHig/s1600/DSCN2595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvc1ixq0uGFGIiB8rIuvkM2guC-b12amCI-3jRd8ywMgHBsR-9wmDeEcJ5M_WNhFsvKhYsYr3-oLLlc1a2K2jlQrfA09ybCaYp5CsDhTtqIL_vZolSC994A1kFMTQxkjZj4Rm0rFoHig/s320/DSCN2595.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But wait! I start thinking..."Look at how clean it looks. Uncluttered...no more yaya around the window...hmmm....maybe that little turkey did me a decorating favor???"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a mini conference with hubby the executive decision was made to spackle...paint...and leave it bare! The trim is beautiful...and the magazine rack that I hung a year AFTER the curtains is now not so crowded. I think maybe a cute handmade pennant banner would be fun hanging at the top of this window??? Maybe with some of the old curtain fabric along with fabric from the NEW upholstered headboard we are making this summer...OH THE PROJECTS KEEP COMING!!!! YIPEE! (Insert groan from husband here!) lol! Oh well! Bring on the spackle!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm having a 31 Party tonight...ever heard of it? If not...go <a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/52619/">here</a> and check it out! My amazing cousin Sara would be happy to help you out! She's driving here as we speak from Champaign, IL just to do a party for me!!! xoxo to Sara! So...enjoy your weekend! I know I will!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">p.s. Look what we did with the knobs off the PB tie backs...so cute!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk49V_rHVxz2t0fz-ddiyl8U8vRvXQKCkR8Ytc9SlV4AX0VFVfNJk7Ag4f9lwEPQEMQrVQ-cL3-s9XgPWpQBBTBS3ZN20nPrmB0fkNgRFXW0WqfRNnMh3tOPCqPxCDzR3bmLlV8S5bpA/s1600/DSCN2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk49V_rHVxz2t0fz-ddiyl8U8vRvXQKCkR8Ytc9SlV4AX0VFVfNJk7Ag4f9lwEPQEMQrVQ-cL3-s9XgPWpQBBTBS3ZN20nPrmB0fkNgRFXW0WqfRNnMh3tOPCqPxCDzR3bmLlV8S5bpA/s320/DSCN2598.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am linking up here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<center><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd202/jmrammell/shabbynestbutton.png" /></a></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-22742314220639008452011-02-22T11:22:00.000-08:002011-02-22T11:22:16.604-08:00I Am Not A Killer! (Proof Below!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslq9fhgc_WI9gjlYuhWR4IRThDlfG0-qNlNnjYfMcmxKT9zzeJ7l028tO8vfzN8AY5nH2C69b181Vsom6f_bizgtjTpxv7TQNFMSc-m0g5V4Xf9hQxyksuYT29xW5WCY2-XXfvHYW4g/s1600/DSCN2588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslq9fhgc_WI9gjlYuhWR4IRThDlfG0-qNlNnjYfMcmxKT9zzeJ7l028tO8vfzN8AY5nH2C69b181Vsom6f_bizgtjTpxv7TQNFMSc-m0g5V4Xf9hQxyksuYT29xW5WCY2-XXfvHYW4g/s320/DSCN2588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the "plant in question" right before his transplant.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK...the title is dramatic but you have NO IDEA how excited I am right now! I am kicking myself for not taking the ever popular "Before" pics because I NEVER NEVER NEVER in a million years thought I'd ever be posting about how I SAVED a plant. Yes, me...the black angel of plant death! I SAVED not one but...TWO...YES TWO...COUNT THEM...1....2...PLANTS! Here is how the story played out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few months ago I was in hubby's basement office (if you've read previous blog posts you know...not my favorite space so I must REALLY love him...or need something). I noticed that the ivy plant I bought him at IKEA was for lack of a better term...dying. I decided since I'd spent good money on this plant...and I did go to college for goodness sake...I should be able to keep one tiny house plant alive. Right? Well, I tried anyway. I brought it upstairs to the kitchen. A much much MUCH sunnier place, trimmed off the brown leaves and gave it a big drink of water. Then I set it on my kitchen island and waited. Before I knew it the little guy came back to life. And...a few months later he's GROWING!! Yipee for me but not really blog worthy material...until yesterday! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I do really feel bad sometimes that my sweet, tolerant husband is stuck in the basement all day and I actually had 3 plants in his office. I purchased 1 cactus (a U of A reminder for him...can't really kill those), one ivy that was now on my kitchen island and a mini philodendron. Those are the wonderful plants for people like me. Beautiful, green and can't be killed even if you douse them in gasoline and start them on fire...ok...maybe then but let's just say those babies have a will to live like no other house plant on the planet! Anyway, 2 days ago I took one look at his mini philodendron and decided I had to be the paramedic. It was PATHETIC to say the LEAST! Here is where the kicking of myself comes in because if I were on my A-Game I would have snapped a "Before" shot. I guess I have an extremely low self image when it comes to all things green because I NEVER thought I'd actually save the thing...BUT I DID!!!! YES I DID! IT LIVED! I gave it some water and put it under my pretty glass bell thing (no idea what the real name is...but they are CUTE!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had the glass dome thing in the basement. It is usually the cover for the guy I affectionately refer to as "Sparkly Santa"...but I may have to make other plans for the guy in the red suit because look at this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7Cz7y3CdQMRQcaXKrg30Izt9xSBsXEJ5YyjCepkTgM3WvIPd9ZgOv32S4kBh5G9PoojZjbPcUImZxfxmKkBy8BVGDMctHll7xYrV1G-ZKjMWrNHwwS-2GjhyphenhyphenQTyYhNtWNDeNLEEA7w/s1600/DSCN2592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7Cz7y3CdQMRQcaXKrg30Izt9xSBsXEJ5YyjCepkTgM3WvIPd9ZgOv32S4kBh5G9PoojZjbPcUImZxfxmKkBy8BVGDMctHll7xYrV1G-ZKjMWrNHwwS-2GjhyphenhyphenQTyYhNtWNDeNLEEA7w/s320/DSCN2592.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(insert "ooohhhs and aaaahhhhs" here!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the two beauties I saved from sure basement death! Aren't they GREAT?! I actually replanted the philodendron once I was sure he was going to live. He now resides happily in a Crate & Barrel chili bowl (I registered for like 50 when I got married 17 years ago..why??) filled with a bit of tiny pebbles on the bottom...like this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiryDUa3QPLb2eUVkmbtXSG7XTZP5b2-kDEc5DUYHOj63Qov8E8jBxvrAYSnoEmIwVOtpkkgCIA3KmWHsqlEjSrY5o-T6poKmpzTdYFVkssOO4cuWfd1GDDdPLPqbrjfIcofkF7-2qQ/s1600/DSCN2589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiryDUa3QPLb2eUVkmbtXSG7XTZP5b2-kDEc5DUYHOj63Qov8E8jBxvrAYSnoEmIwVOtpkkgCIA3KmWHsqlEjSrY5o-T6poKmpzTdYFVkssOO4cuWfd1GDDdPLPqbrjfIcofkF7-2qQ/s320/DSCN2589.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't even need to add any more dirt. I cleaned up the glass dome thing-y...here is what it looked like before a tubby...all humid and wet...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6-ZgIxSSMu6n1HD7S5Y3_Rk74K2ssau2jrsM_YsVIZBMWHNHXy6F0LhdsQa8kr6ntDBl__Owon61FgOviT93_82w99B3Wib49FHungO6TtKTWeHzqmFpsmP-5cX1UBsbp_tEu88GqA/s1600/DSCN2590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6-ZgIxSSMu6n1HD7S5Y3_Rk74K2ssau2jrsM_YsVIZBMWHNHXy6F0LhdsQa8kr6ntDBl__Owon61FgOviT93_82w99B3Wib49FHungO6TtKTWeHzqmFpsmP-5cX1UBsbp_tEu88GqA/s320/DSCN2590.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(note the brown paper bag in the background...I am making a trio salad for dinner...found it <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/recipes/?p=209">here</a>...and I need them to ripen ASAP!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, to some of you this may be no more than the ramblings of a crazy lady. To those of you who know me well I hope your mouths are gaping open over the wonder of it all! I think there will be more live green things around here soon...just to ward off any more snow and remind me that spring time and outdoor planting is really just around the corner! (And yes, Mom, since you are enjoying sunny Marco Island...they may even come from you house...HA!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-9035567091742701522011-02-20T15:49:00.000-08:002011-02-20T15:49:31.942-08:00Basement Dwelling...Not My Thing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am not a basement dweller. Don't get me wrong, I was happy when my husband wanted to "finish" our basement. We actually started the project RIGHT when we moved in and I am glad we did it. Our basement is "functional". Chris' office is down there. I don't mean a "home office" I mean his OFFICE. No one needs to visit their real estate appraiser. He does all the visiting so he chose to save money and put it in the basement. It allowed him to be home often and he really did see our kids grow up. I have many friends who wonder how I can possibly stand to have him home all the time but actually, I love it! He has his space, I have mine. We meet in the middle (the kitchen) at lunch time or sometimes we get crazy and have a middle of the week lunch date. I love my husband. I REALLY love spending time with him. I guess we are practicing for retirement and we are doing really well! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK...back to the basement. Our basement is nice. It has an office, a bar area with a refrigerator and a large television. I have tons of closet space for the kids toys. I had the nice carpenters who finished our basement put a door on the space under the stairs and that became the Christmas closet. I have a small storage area and we have a half bath. Sounds nice...right? Well, the truth is, I hate basements. Even with SUPER SIZED window wells it's still dark down there. It doesn't help that I had the bead board and all the trim work stained kinda dark. Ok...I know that was a bit of a 70's idea but hear me out. Our last house had a finished basement and we trimmed out everything in white and it got dinged and nicked by the kids and looked beat up. So I thought I'd give the basement a fighting chance and start dark. I am lucky to have a place for all the kids "stuff" and a space for them to play their wii games and not be right in my beautiful family room but I still am not a basement fan. That being QUITE clear now...let me explain how I handed off the basement choices to my husband and didn't have much to do with them. I didn't care. I still really don't but now I am a bit aggregated with my lack of basement decor participation. Now I am back pedalling and trying to spruce it up a bit. Here is a small...small...small...attempt to make my basement not seem so...(what's the word?)...generic. Here is our bathroom (generic) vanity BEFORE...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlQ0nUvLOisBK-87OOjETPJ2Et3GWArgxcYzDbsfeHsyGpHLQbsjKpcEI1tw4Kx4EggoTrNn5YEtDJwBlL7i055ixEHpRg5PJx5fybFTn71MMrEWEkqFyNOxI9b_6pK3rkNyv2_F_jQ/s1600/DSCN2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlQ0nUvLOisBK-87OOjETPJ2Et3GWArgxcYzDbsfeHsyGpHLQbsjKpcEI1tw4Kx4EggoTrNn5YEtDJwBlL7i055ixEHpRg5PJx5fybFTn71MMrEWEkqFyNOxI9b_6pK3rkNyv2_F_jQ/s320/DSCN2519.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Look at those LOVELY brass (plastic) knobs. Yuck! So...while wandering around Hobby Lobby last week I stumbled down the knob aisle. WOW is all I can say! THE CHOICES!! I think I spent 20 minutes ooohing and ahhhhing over all the options! Since I am a polka dot fan (hence the blog title) I settled on these babies...take a look...don't they make quite a different??? Don't you think?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEYnW4yjE-B5Emt78SIwWGxoxRYgfnySZoof0mzyaNpBvlSDKBQXCR7sRTzBY5UFbrMNyx902WYaiofW8Zu_3mHeMJUaIPW9yfDFJ9IeEhWYEeHfJpMJqAS2Bo4rVNcU4zs_lVOaHTA/s1600/DSCN2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEYnW4yjE-B5Emt78SIwWGxoxRYgfnySZoof0mzyaNpBvlSDKBQXCR7sRTzBY5UFbrMNyx902WYaiofW8Zu_3mHeMJUaIPW9yfDFJ9IeEhWYEeHfJpMJqAS2Bo4rVNcU4zs_lVOaHTA/s320/DSCN2521.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is one up close and personal...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8Qa86WfzZQRZrYesVeLzL2raofBhykfpKvox9XBea34zQoMG7blxO148WM9fEOs5IB3ClQFUDrszLM_x_FHPeGCqJOPONiiHzWTHCr_e3atIjtuQJw4IhRSpF3V4OcVAjh98sl5a2A/s1600/DSCN2522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8Qa86WfzZQRZrYesVeLzL2raofBhykfpKvox9XBea34zQoMG7blxO148WM9fEOs5IB3ClQFUDrszLM_x_FHPeGCqJOPONiiHzWTHCr_e3atIjtuQJw4IhRSpF3V4OcVAjh98sl5a2A/s320/DSCN2522.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello cutie! $9 well spent. Does it improve the WHOLE basement. Let's not get crazy...they're just knobs...but it's a START! And I think I can live with these babies for awhile. Now...if I could just do something about the sink! I think that will have to wait a bit! Right now I have 3 screaming children down my basement and I don't think even those cute knobs will distract me from the MESS I am sure they are making! Enjoy President's Day tomorrow!</div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871146867184423044.post-63809300336073664662011-02-19T06:40:00.000-08:002011-02-19T06:40:11.303-08:00On Being "Artsy"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love all things artsy. As a child I knew I wasn't "artsy" but I loved coloring, crafting and even scrapbooking (yes, I made scrapbooks before I knew what they really were!) I sometimes wish I could spend all my free time doing "artsy" things. I would take one whole day to make headbands...the next day I may spend the day with photos of my family and try to create scrapbook-worthy pages. I love the different adhesives, ribbon, patterned paper, gems and ink. I love browsing through scrapbook and craft magazines. (add a cup of hot coffee and I'm in HEAVEN!) I think my daughter may be an "artsy" girl too. She loves to make things....she had BIG ideas...she sees treasure where others see trash. I think my desire to be artsy may have transferred to her in the womb...because she IS! She makes up some crazy outfits or crafts but I can see her mind working and I can ALMOST see in her eyes that some day she will do some AMAZING artsy things!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So...here is my version of "artsy"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQ02KibVA0y9fUDnoRddH2KqonrQZOsT3l5_DcWwH5QLAexaG0QxfwQLlaS-qcZraNC8ssfJznic-gp4wBzWKX3Wkz_CzCPyey1TfHXDB3A8lIt4GPIEEX8-VtjPTuWDo-XyoNq6BpQ/s1600/DSCN2441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQ02KibVA0y9fUDnoRddH2KqonrQZOsT3l5_DcWwH5QLAexaG0QxfwQLlaS-qcZraNC8ssfJznic-gp4wBzWKX3Wkz_CzCPyey1TfHXDB3A8lIt4GPIEEX8-VtjPTuWDo-XyoNq6BpQ/s320/DSCN2441.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And right now, at age 8, here is hers...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsyw8S7ULlSA87Bc-AN5mdhsX58RfSkQ2m2tqBtHEnQYGVeJTY041ooFyZacOB6ZLJ6sAieXZ2J5ww0KRw6v3tBB8Fgb4BRdT9cpl4REWN-bSiUYClnXPLIdwYOamKcxvbLSZCpyvig/s1600/DSCN2456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsyw8S7ULlSA87Bc-AN5mdhsX58RfSkQ2m2tqBtHEnQYGVeJTY041ooFyZacOB6ZLJ6sAieXZ2J5ww0KRw6v3tBB8Fgb4BRdT9cpl4REWN-bSiUYClnXPLIdwYOamKcxvbLSZCpyvig/s320/DSCN2456.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make your own paper doll outfits...HOW COOL! I would have LOVED this book as a kid! I think I will pretend...just for today...that I am 8 again...gotta go find my bestie so we can be "artsy" together!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have an "artsy" weekend!</div>Amy http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011952105440652818noreply@blogger.com0