tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82583631065494875492024-03-04T23:21:58.877-06:00Fickle DigsDecorating a home from inspiration-the Fickle Decorator's guide to serial redecorating. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-19746587811668915142014-05-15T08:43:00.006-05:002014-05-15T08:44:31.648-05:00Capturing the Memories: Photo Yearbooks and Photo 365Every night, when I put Peyton to bed, I ask her what her favorite part of the day was. Sometimes the answer is sweet -- "you!" and other times it makes me laugh out loud -- "when I farted on you!" (What is it with kids finding body sounds hilarious?!)<br />
<br />
We tried, ever so briefly, to write one line a day in our journal of our favorite parts of the day. But it didn't last long. <b>Commitment issues. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
So then I switched to creating a Yearbook for each year using <a href="http://www.mypublisher.com/?cmptype=b&gclid=CJCE1M-Drr4CFeY-Mgodqx4Arg"><b>MyPublisher Photobooks</b></a>. I got the idea from the <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/"><b>YoungHouseLove</b></a> blog and you can read all about the idea <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/01/yearbook-pictures/"><b>here</b></a>. I loved the idea of capturing a book full of photos for each year so I backtracked and created a yearbook for 2010, 2012 and 2013. Peyton loves looking through the books, and she does it often.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFE57Iuw9nSKDXK5s73SlWjRkbdROEfnirUii9h4Y5y5caaBQEDIA_-wfaNJP96Qumuumllr_TwfBMcOnhrksfteeoaj863vf-SyTyJPiXsZ-wpF9gi2Wdcr5TIS9Ie6w-kWPrFs6NDdc/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFE57Iuw9nSKDXK5s73SlWjRkbdROEfnirUii9h4Y5y5caaBQEDIA_-wfaNJP96Qumuumllr_TwfBMcOnhrksfteeoaj863vf-SyTyJPiXsZ-wpF9gi2Wdcr5TIS9Ie6w-kWPrFs6NDdc/s1600/006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My camera broke in 2011 and my computer also died that year so I was unfortunately not able to create enough pictures for a 2011 yearbook. I do plan to hijack my mom's photos at some point to see if I can use some of her memories to make a 2011 yearbook.<br />
<br />
What is great about <a href="http://www.mypublisher.com/"><b>MyPublisher</b></a> is that they retain every book you create so you can always re-order. I also love the quality of the books--you can order a photo right on the cover and they have a lot of great extras, like lay flat pages, glossy pages, etc. I'm definitely a fan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2raHNa9rWl9vRgTlSLnZJaG0QKqadlhtkfUsRfkOZGcHFGm927qsle84vClnYMhNl0hDYTZqvHZUMp_xSFUWef9cqcau9NjYFITK_0HUzYfUE5SOOxSoFxTTx4UJDtvn71pjnWNSuR8Aj/s1600/My+Publisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2raHNa9rWl9vRgTlSLnZJaG0QKqadlhtkfUsRfkOZGcHFGm927qsle84vClnYMhNl0hDYTZqvHZUMp_xSFUWef9cqcau9NjYFITK_0HUzYfUE5SOOxSoFxTTx4UJDtvn71pjnWNSuR8Aj/s1600/My+Publisher.jpg" height="174" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today, I discovered this amazing app on iTunes that I am excited to share! It's called "Photo 365," and I think another version is "Collect-Everyday Photo Diary." The goal is to upload one photo per day. I think it will be a terrific way to capture the moments and those "favorite parts" that we have each day. You can even order photo books using your uploaded images!<br />
<br />
I downloaded it to my iPhone and iPad and they are syncing beautifully. I backtracked a few days with some memories that I could capture, but it starts today. <b>Game on.</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6ERQzbICJodDE1v_j5g35VFuyh6l3erijRejPl0ENo_qYFF2SmA4zygZ8MbuHq62rA7Q6T8Zh_3Pp9bo_7-BCm-jxB-GJV0tJ4jS_IH0hyphenhyphen9KmADbUWz8-NiYhQyg_28cjQdWv7XHwKAp/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6ERQzbICJodDE1v_j5g35VFuyh6l3erijRejPl0ENo_qYFF2SmA4zygZ8MbuHq62rA7Q6T8Zh_3Pp9bo_7-BCm-jxB-GJV0tJ4jS_IH0hyphenhyphen9KmADbUWz8-NiYhQyg_28cjQdWv7XHwKAp/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've also created an <a href="http://instagram.com/"><b>Instagram</b></a> account, but since I'm not a tremendous fan of social media (well, other than <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/"><b>Pinterest</b></a>!) I don't know how much I will use it. But I do so love those miniature IG pictures and magnets you can get from those images. I'm a <b>sucker</b> for anything miniature. Unless it's chocolate. Then you'd better <b>supersize </b>that puppy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How do you capture your memories? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-91389729385044445802014-05-10T19:15:00.000-05:002014-05-10T19:15:16.352-05:00Wild Baby RabbitsMy mom texted me this morning and asked me to bring Peyton by her house.<br />
<br />
"You will like this too," she says.<br />
<br />
So we hop in the car and stop at her house where she leads us to her backyard, and proceeds to pull what looks like fluff from the ground under the tree house. At first I wasn't sure what to expect--before getting close it honestly looked like a big webbed spider's nest. I thought surely my mom wouldn't be so cruel as to make me see a big fat hairy spider. <b>Not the day before Mother's Day.</b> That's just mean. I think my voice might have even trembled when I asked if it was a spider's nest before moving closer.<br />
<br />
I watched with trepidation and confusion as she pulled the ground away from itself.<br />
<br />
<b>Baby rabbits.</b> I swear my heart went pitty-pat! I have never seen a rabbits burrow, though I have heard of them in Wonderland, yes I have.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6Q1OdA7vQ2zkhsQqWqmQfwfg_2GO4fH84ekgTRy5NGK-cVEIOSH5xrHVru5Pp156PFFfEQqKpg0qr3i20qFh280u-IAsEp_idJIYACoNozB7-KV3I7rz8ysZtW3nkWifRMRGBwLHlW2j/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6Q1OdA7vQ2zkhsQqWqmQfwfg_2GO4fH84ekgTRy5NGK-cVEIOSH5xrHVru5Pp156PFFfEQqKpg0qr3i20qFh280u-IAsEp_idJIYACoNozB7-KV3I7rz8ysZtW3nkWifRMRGBwLHlW2j/s1600/032.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxNrXzMVtgPxYj7jQkThiDIZxjzWoURECbPUd6-dJ75i3lHz35CZMu0sXBWIZmcltACfsBC2DBVZXSNHuhYFjED5cezdG2YmnVQP6odWxMedPfS0UQhU7-4BLRQNkQuUPpmtdPpsmh6Dt/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxNrXzMVtgPxYj7jQkThiDIZxjzWoURECbPUd6-dJ75i3lHz35CZMu0sXBWIZmcltACfsBC2DBVZXSNHuhYFjED5cezdG2YmnVQP6odWxMedPfS0UQhU7-4BLRQNkQuUPpmtdPpsmh6Dt/s1600/033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRavFGkYnIZgsendIUU7SVQcyR4YIKLUCHmw6tRPNxSlbh6yWN4OUDKpr9b8ShBfRC9FUSHFFtXuUlxkxESbmDd4Q6gHnIGiikp6QfjNn8NdBDLvRyIEZKwBQLX3mxuhM8j3poyEUyqKZC/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRavFGkYnIZgsendIUU7SVQcyR4YIKLUCHmw6tRPNxSlbh6yWN4OUDKpr9b8ShBfRC9FUSHFFtXuUlxkxESbmDd4Q6gHnIGiikp6QfjNn8NdBDLvRyIEZKwBQLX3mxuhM8j3poyEUyqKZC/s1600/034.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-j5vh_u1gU0TQlgmW3W5O7U5yFOzL_pGqBRdW-zhbjIY4zJZdHUer2nBeGV7KWGLbPMdikUaWLpL6QGUG-0YyYdhQVXlWmg-Gq9PtzeZH1WU4AVEZSnphuzqMxpzKgV7YvjMX6ZHdOdm/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-j5vh_u1gU0TQlgmW3W5O7U5yFOzL_pGqBRdW-zhbjIY4zJZdHUer2nBeGV7KWGLbPMdikUaWLpL6QGUG-0YyYdhQVXlWmg-Gq9PtzeZH1WU4AVEZSnphuzqMxpzKgV7YvjMX6ZHdOdm/s1600/035.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks2tWDmqqekxfExa2-O0CJFBAO6jQkRHY4PSfLGxoc5t_cwn7I8h8e6gB_cEVuR707rx5sFzpiTvGGkbK8ycAkCNpw44hsIbV3P0Er7tWUC5pIivGjrpcc_J2vv4Bajrsc9njWSz3RfUR/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks2tWDmqqekxfExa2-O0CJFBAO6jQkRHY4PSfLGxoc5t_cwn7I8h8e6gB_cEVuR707rx5sFzpiTvGGkbK8ycAkCNpw44hsIbV3P0Er7tWUC5pIivGjrpcc_J2vv4Bajrsc9njWSz3RfUR/s1600/036.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKf25hKn2wB9PjHojedoNgvKHhvVf9JNun5RnKnzHX9FNxZhjnZbwNBpQZMNSLfAKxmHY2NEfmJMoCHPbVIQ9zV1QEu-8ZsWjItNAejoZ18AiQP8mtePwffYH9_rVrOMPGHc3pDCS_eT-p/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKf25hKn2wB9PjHojedoNgvKHhvVf9JNun5RnKnzHX9FNxZhjnZbwNBpQZMNSLfAKxmHY2NEfmJMoCHPbVIQ9zV1QEu-8ZsWjItNAejoZ18AiQP8mtePwffYH9_rVrOMPGHc3pDCS_eT-p/s1600/037.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
There were seven babies in the nest, and as hard as it was to put them back in the nest, I knew we had to, to give them a fighting chance at survival. But they were so cute, cuddly and oh-so-soft, it was hard not to tuck them into my purse and haul them home. <b>So hard. </b>But even rabbit mothers should be with their babies on Mother's Day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-2627033102931747562014-04-18T06:29:00.000-05:002014-04-18T06:30:17.340-05:00Blogger Inspired Project: Cameroon Juju HatI know my posting has been spotty the last few weeks. Work has been stressful and I just haven't had two brain cells to rub together at the end of my days. So I'm sorry this post is two days late but knowing me, it's probably not the last time I'll do that. Moooving on.<br />
<div>
<br />
I have always loved Cameroon Juju hats. (I mean really, even the name tickles my funny bone-in highschool, before I even knew Cameroon Juju hats existed, I used to go round saying everyone needed leopard in thier house or the bad juju would get you. So really, this project was like.. kismet.) <br />
<br />
Most people I've talked to don't know what a Cameroon Juju Hat is. So in a nutshell, it's a feather African hat that is worn by royal dancers during ceremonies. You can read a little more about them <b><a href="http://kronbali-deco.blogspot.com/p/standard-size-juju-hats-a14.html">here</a>.</b> (Note: I do not know anything else about that site or the quality of their work-it was just a page that I quickly Googled to get additional details for you!) </div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The problem was that most Cameroon Juju Hats were very costly--typically ranging in the $400-$500 range. The other night I did a quick Google to show my mom what a Juju hat was and the first one that pulled up was $1,250! Yeah, I'm not inspired to spend that much on a decorative object. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I continued to see Juju Hats <i>everywhere</i> (ok, not really. But I can be surprisingly single-minded when it comes to an obsession...). I pinned several images on Pinterest of Juju hats and dreamed about dancing in Juju Hats (ok, not really. But if I did would you be surprised?)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/b6/7f/a5/b67fa535265df0f9cd9b1302810d9dac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/b6/7f/a5/b67fa535265df0f9cd9b1302810d9dac.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from Pinterest <b><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/b6/7f/a5/b67fa535265df0f9cd9b1302810d9dac.jpg">here</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Finally, like any inspired blogger, I wondered if it was possible to make one. I found several sites where bloggers provided tutorials on how they made their Juju Hat, and <b><a href="http://www.vintagefarmfurniture.com/2012/08/diy-feather-african-juju-hat-tutorial/">Vintage Farm Furniture</a></b> is the the one that convinced me I could do it. Half of the battle, I figured, was ordering the feathers. (The other half was conquering my allergies to feathers in order to put it together. Oh yeah, I did that.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After researching various feather options, I ultimately went with the same site that <b><a href="http://www.vintagefarmfurniture.com/2012/08/diy-feather-african-juju-hat-tutorial/">Vintage Farm Furniture</a> </b>used: <b><a href="https://www.featherplace.com/">The Feather Place</a>.</b> I ordered 3 quantities (it is sold by the 1/4 lb.) of the 6-8" <b><a href="http://www.featherplace.com/feather-types/rooster/coque-tails/bleached-dyed-half-bronze/rooster-coque-tails-bleach-dyed-77148.html">Shocking Pink Rooster Coque Tails. </a> </b>I ordered extra because other blogs mentioned using more and I wanted to have a margin of error. For this project I only ended up using 2 of the feather rolls. (Hm, an extra roll of feathers. I spy another project in the future?!) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyhoo, I digress. So I ordered the feathers. I don't know it if was just my experience, but I ordered the feathers and I did not receive an order confirmation e-mail or a shipping confirmation email. Days went by and I kicked myself for not writing down the order confirmation number (I have <i>never</i> not gotten a confirmation e-mail!) and I wondered if anything had gone wrong with my order and if I was going to have to call customer service.... and then I came home from work one day and the feathers were there. Like magic. Ok, not really magic, but just thought I would share that in case anyone else orders and has a similar experience. Learn from me-write the confirmation number down and then don't panic. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm going to skip the tutorial here since it's not really mine and just say if you would like to make one yourself, definitely check out the tutorial on <a href="http://www.vintagefarmfurniture.com/2012/08/diy-feather-african-juju-hat-tutorial/"><b>Vintage Farm Furniture</b></a>. Because I really did follow it step by step. Here are some progress shots. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TsLkipV1gNQ-KG20ur6ShuhwMY48HEKWnz47wPzzVW3QfXgLfejBhlVMft14HEX230JQplcOL0VRuC76_jM2lm4h7uIaNL6VfLLbpBUf8ti7g_xHXsJhcJjmrnuEs4d-Mih4K9Hl_2Rx/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TsLkipV1gNQ-KG20ur6ShuhwMY48HEKWnz47wPzzVW3QfXgLfejBhlVMft14HEX230JQplcOL0VRuC76_jM2lm4h7uIaNL6VfLLbpBUf8ti7g_xHXsJhcJjmrnuEs4d-Mih4K9Hl_2Rx/s1600/020.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgc4luEI5m2_QLmrcSz22BYxisIFShXOs-ryl2ZEBtq8Pp7C22bPPtnyxRauxidcYJOjgtfsPqTISWiVHQLMLf0TWvD_Xc2LcGNbqu2q-e1_SrPRTdJ3s4jU_onwFrEX04xkmcF0YJ3fX/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgc4luEI5m2_QLmrcSz22BYxisIFShXOs-ryl2ZEBtq8Pp7C22bPPtnyxRauxidcYJOjgtfsPqTISWiVHQLMLf0TWvD_Xc2LcGNbqu2q-e1_SrPRTdJ3s4jU_onwFrEX04xkmcF0YJ3fX/s1600/021.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And here is where, excited at my progress, I stopped to text my mom a picture. She, predictably, thought I was ridiculous for attempting such a thing when I am allergic to feathers. (My text is green and blue; hers is the gray.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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/AVvXsEif1BKdXhL2qjzrkX7X7RSBiRjC04DagU7fzMthOAM-A-Ewq87hYwUFHTukjCk_ecR_gQexmztisxRiuOif3cDTJIe879U11w8nDzi9aCMM7HOUqRyhlihWkK3hVxHY8AiEHrrgvLRbq0EF/s1600/iphone+msg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1BKdXhL2qjzrkX7X7RSBiRjC04DagU7fzMthOAM-A-Ewq87hYwUFHTukjCk_ecR_gQexmztisxRiuOif3cDTJIe879U11w8nDzi9aCMM7HOUqRyhlihWkK3hVxHY8AiEHrrgvLRbq0EF/s1600/iphone+msg.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Back to the project:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-4PDWEqMhk9YSWbnSDfJblzxHfOHWNb6Kh3tHDlTjk2QK-0YU7K_U7OdzcLLxSB3fdxjgUw15t_jWdVDpzmF4NCCyE58RZ-pXfNyXNA2DShmi5nMPZNjroJ09s82bWLbYZ21SS9R0l8l/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-4PDWEqMhk9YSWbnSDfJblzxHfOHWNb6Kh3tHDlTjk2QK-0YU7K_U7OdzcLLxSB3fdxjgUw15t_jWdVDpzmF4NCCyE58RZ-pXfNyXNA2DShmi5nMPZNjroJ09s82bWLbYZ21SS9R0l8l/s1600/022.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYPPbeNXEp69lyqhL3nbKkqZeaO8PDGOsBUKSgv3JM-Zf5oyfZ1xe60BVk4hINnh3V0upFMawv-FavOGQO1MwGE0e6P2UDfEU3RhgI-4czOZxKHm8tzKidETpGdOPrmbYBSUoSCaAmwDK/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYPPbeNXEp69lyqhL3nbKkqZeaO8PDGOsBUKSgv3JM-Zf5oyfZ1xe60BVk4hINnh3V0upFMawv-FavOGQO1MwGE0e6P2UDfEU3RhgI-4czOZxKHm8tzKidETpGdOPrmbYBSUoSCaAmwDK/s1600/023.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I was done, I wasn't sure where to hang it, so like the impatient gal that I am, I took a couple of pictures off my gallery wall to hang it front and center. So the disclaimer here is: this is not its final resting place. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI18ghbLrnWVO5pDnAvpMfKqj3fKoEQmOjfUcauQBdlBDev2eaaQic_5QBMBWCiKedB2cQ3v0PdA1e8QKvWb19tc-Xst5WSR3TW9G_GsDY6FV7inmSrDV8gAFLYXW-GzI0ThhWq6rP6ck5/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI18ghbLrnWVO5pDnAvpMfKqj3fKoEQmOjfUcauQBdlBDev2eaaQic_5QBMBWCiKedB2cQ3v0PdA1e8QKvWb19tc-Xst5WSR3TW9G_GsDY6FV7inmSrDV8gAFLYXW-GzI0ThhWq6rP6ck5/s1600/025.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I <b>love</b> the bright pop of color and fluffiness. I also love that it is not $1,250. The only thing I need to figure out is where it can live. Oh, and if I should do another one in purple. It is that delicious. MmmWAH! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-21347764416283663962014-04-14T06:42:00.001-05:002014-04-14T06:42:55.442-05:00Priming & Painting Little LooIt's been a little busy this weekend trying to knock out some painting projects to get the lower level prepped for the next stage of this renovation (flooring). So I spent the weekend in paint fumes, priming and painting the powder room and the newly mudded drywall.<br />
<br />
A few things from this weekend:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Priming over newly mudded drywall is a <i style="font-weight: bold;">pain</i>. It took me 5 hours to prime the ceiling and walls of the powder room (Little Loo) and the small patch jobs around the large room. The new drywall sucks up the paint and it doesn't glide evenly so more arm power is needed for smooth coverage. I am looking at the playroom (which also needs mudded and primed) and wincing. </li>
<li>Color-Matching strikes again! I went to Sherwin Williams to pick out my paint the other day since they are A-my favorite paint and B-having a 40% off sale of all paints; and asked the guy to color-match to Glidden's Silver Birch. I'd had the same color done there before so I assumed (wrongfully so) that he was pulling up my account when he asked for my name before the Color Match job. I got the flat ceiling paint home and started slapping it up on the walls and it was <i>green</i>. Not even pretty green but <i>olive green</i>. I grabbed another can of the same color (eggshell-so <i>not</i> made for walls) and tested it out right next to the other paint and there was a <i style="font-weight: bold;">huge</i> difference. So I used the eggshell paint on my ceiling just to get it done. I still have to take the original flat ceiling paint back to have them fix it before I can finish the media room.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAX1yBYwcLMq7NAyDPcPnASuU2I_bMxVeV3RCiGyuMp8Y3FlDan8eanILNg8j-MXEDpu_ZgYrBOryl5bY7Gc4kEJxWg0wnsxCt8z2jEajsRAlB2bIT-lNO8em_kqiMBicm_YJnpvg-R6Fz/s1600/photo+%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAX1yBYwcLMq7NAyDPcPnASuU2I_bMxVeV3RCiGyuMp8Y3FlDan8eanILNg8j-MXEDpu_ZgYrBOryl5bY7Gc4kEJxWg0wnsxCt8z2jEajsRAlB2bIT-lNO8em_kqiMBicm_YJnpvg-R6Fz/s1600/photo+%252811%2529.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I then put on the first coat of the new color on the walls in the powder room and it's a pretty color. It will need a second coat so looks like I'll be working on that throughout the week. It's a bad picture and the light is washing out a lot of the color, but when you stand in the room it has more impact. It's very soothing and spa-like. It is <a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6204-sea-salt/">Sherwin William's Sea Sal</a>t. Unlike the primer it only took one 1 hour to knock out the ceiling and walls (well, AFTER I figured out the whole green ceiling paint debacle!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZt9Bi6MMI49ISiCghuFBAbVDxmkWDOPGo0UY2qZy7P_Bu1NuParsBnUf5IhXY57O5jJkGtnd68TmOQb3zpKcGlgrGPUwR1VjaKECh2dPMDiqpO0lCTjBWwYfxiB9BbQNSwtgO1Ommkoc/s1600/photo+%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZt9Bi6MMI49ISiCghuFBAbVDxmkWDOPGo0UY2qZy7P_Bu1NuParsBnUf5IhXY57O5jJkGtnd68TmOQb3zpKcGlgrGPUwR1VjaKECh2dPMDiqpO0lCTjBWwYfxiB9BbQNSwtgO1Ommkoc/s1600/photo+%252812%2529.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So there you have it, three things from the weekend. What did you get up to this weekend? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-30595823438953753232014-04-10T18:57:00.002-05:002014-04-10T18:57:49.537-05:00Five Favorite Etsy ShopsI know I'm a day late on this post, but I had a family dinner last night and by the time I got home, I was just wiped. It was another long day today, so I thought I'd just do a quick post on a little addiction of mine-<a href="https://www.etsy.com/"><b>Etsy</b></a>! The other day a friend of mine was telling me she was being naughty at the mall and I jokingly said her shopping habit at the mall was like my shopping habit at<a href="https://www.etsy.com/"> <b>Etsy</b></a>. Then I realized it's not really a joke at all!<br />
<br />
I love seeing people use their creativity and bringing some individual (and sometimes custom) artwork and crafts into my home. So I thought I'd do a quick round-up of my 5 favorite <a href="https://www.etsy.com/"><b>Etsy</b></a> vendors lately. <br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ModernMud?ref=pr_faveshops"><b>Modern Mud by Naomi</b></a> is my current obsession. She has ahhmazing vases and little bowls that I have become slightly obsessed with. I actually purchased several smaller vases and then I reached out to her and asked if she could make larger vases in custom colors. She said yes. Watch for an upcoming post on these! </li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/silvertreeart?ref=pr_faveshops"><b>SilverTreeArt by Suzanne L. Vinson.</b> </a>This is a relatively new shop I stumbled on from reading another blog. I ordered a few wisdom cards such as <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/150684768/breathe-275x375-inch-print?ref=shop_home_active_6"><b>this one</b></a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/128104442/single-wisdom-card-notice-lifes-rainbows?ref=shop_home_active_5"><b>this one</b></a> and<b> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/99845628/be-audacious-wisdom-5x7-inch-sticker?ref=shop_home_active_17">this one</a></b>. I figure they will add little pops of color to my bookshelves. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/YaoChengDesign?ref=pr_faveshops"><b>Yao Cheng Design by Yao Cheng</b></a>. I love the prints from this shop. My favorites at the moment are <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/184335770/hexagon-in-green-and-blue-watercolor-art?ref=shop_home_active_15"><b>this one</b></a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/169005640/color-splash-in-magenta-watercolor-art?ref=shop_home_active_17"><b>this one</b></a>. I haven't yet committed to purchasing anything from this vendor because I'm trying to refrain from buying any more art prints. You know, until I finish my basement and realize I have 6 walls to decorate. </li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KOLORIZE?ref=pr_faveshops">Kolorize Vintage & Handmade</a>.</b> I've bought a jadeite plate set from this vendor, along with a brass unicorn, and I love looking at the vintage items she has in her shop. Inventory is always changing so very fun to visit. Plus, who wouldn't love a name like "Kolorize?!" </li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PopOColor"><b>Pop O'Color</b></a> sells designer fabric pillows and I usually browse their shop first before I hunt for other pillows. But typically I will see a fabric I like and do a search for all shops that carry that type of fabric, so it can be hit or miss with the pillows. </li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-52466895733251508142014-04-07T20:56:00.000-05:002014-04-07T20:56:04.333-05:00Vitamin Goodness<div style="text-align: left;">
I have the song "<a href="http://www.releaselyrics.com/9bfc/gareth-dunlop-trick-of-the-moonlight/">Trick of the Moonlight</a>" by Gareth Dunlop playing in my head tonight. It skips over it like a record and only plays the parts I really like. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GANKXBQX150&feature=kp">Here comes the night/When all the ghosts come out</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GANKXBQX150&feature=kp">I feel its all slowing down somehow/but those lights above are racing by</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GANKXBQX150&feature=kp">Here lies the ground/that swallowed all it's found</a></div>
<br />
I had another long day at work, and tonight finds me tired and stressed. I read this article over the weekend in my mom's April <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/">Good Housekeeping</a> magazine and it rang a few bells for me.<br />
<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/AVvXsEi5EGvJdAIPD-KnFbYwa7BF__UB7jU7s427eQKz8JVepPtZzOb9O4BCGsmriLy-2MWy3Y6fIebMZfghTFBt8FkG4UsYIU1mxPw6nPWJ_F3GXB1lEPyL42jzHEV01MlSehf39q7SrvxsyZR3/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EGvJdAIPD-KnFbYwa7BF__UB7jU7s427eQKz8JVepPtZzOb9O4BCGsmriLy-2MWy3Y6fIebMZfghTFBt8FkG4UsYIU1mxPw6nPWJ_F3GXB1lEPyL42jzHEV01MlSehf39q7SrvxsyZR3/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It talked about how doctors over-prescribe the "big gun" drugs in order to beat what could be minor illnesses and thus bacteria strains are becoming very antibiotic-resistant. Kind of scary actually, because deaths are rising from viruses and bacteria due to the strains becoming resistant. It had me thinking about it because I am allergic to your first-line antibiotics (penicillin, sulfa), so the doctors <i>always </i>prescribe the big guns for me. I had a recurring sinus infection for pretty much <b>all</b> of 2013 because I couldn't kick it with antibiotics. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It finally took a med school intern to think outside of the box and prescribe me with three weeks of an antibiotic that was a cousin of penicillin. Sure, I developed a terrible rash and hives that lasted for a few months, and I was unable to finish the antibiotics because it started to affect my mouth/face, but I got rid of most of the germs. (The article also talked about how not finishing antibiotics actually helps strengthen those bacteria germs that makes them more antibiotic-resistant. So scary!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I take <a href="http://www.gummyvites.com/vitafusion/womens-vitamins.php">VitaFusion</a> gummy vitamins every day (really, it's just like eating candy!) and I haven't had to go to the doctor since late November in 2013, which is <b>definitely</b> an amazing thing in my world. I still have occasional days when the sinus germs flare up and cause me issues, but over-the-counter antihistamines seem to help on those days. For vitamins, I take a daily dose of Calcium, Vitamin D, a Women's Multi-vitamin and Vitamin C. I loathe taking pills but I find chewing on gummies is an easy way to fool myself into taking them daily. Besides, aren't they cute in their berry-licious form?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.gummyvites.com/vitafusion/images/ps-womens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.gummyvites.com/vitafusion/images/ps-womens.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I digress. I encourage you to pick up <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/">Good Housekeeping</a> and read the article-it definitely rang true for me. And what I want to know is why are the drug companies <i style="font-weight: bold;">not</i> investing in coming up with stronger antibiotics? Do they <i style="font-weight: bold;">want </i>us to go back to the stone age?! Actually, don't answer that. The insurance companies probably do want us all to die young so they don't have to invest in keeping us healthy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, since I usually post about my interior design craziness, I thought I would leave you with this teaser of an upcoming project (or two): </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIaioV4EBUwuCDurnDwQxizZ1EREQCoCgvb8iAv7k4GTGTaMdD2cF-0hJck3zFxMiun9A-aN0u8pT67csAF4w-apGxPIAoGHfjS5JUlhgBok8RW4xAm6meo_UhDwf7YM5BYHhdBhJ1cNh/s1600/photo+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIaioV4EBUwuCDurnDwQxizZ1EREQCoCgvb8iAv7k4GTGTaMdD2cF-0hJck3zFxMiun9A-aN0u8pT67csAF4w-apGxPIAoGHfjS5JUlhgBok8RW4xAm6meo_UhDwf7YM5BYHhdBhJ1cNh/s1600/photo+%25289%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
And someone really needs to go hire me a butler. So you know, he can prime my new drywall.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-89521593662027824212014-04-04T20:17:00.002-05:002014-04-04T20:18:12.725-05:00Finished DrywallJust a quick post today with a drywall update. It appears the strange men have finished with mudding the drywall in my lower level. I wish I could be more excited about it, but it was a rough day, and I'm seeing a priming and paint job ahead of me, so it's hard to get truly excited about the progress. But it is definitely progress, and I'm now one step closer to the fun stuff, so I'm thankful the drywall and mud is done! Here are some snapshots of the freshly mudded walls. Ignore the mess and the terrible lighting in the pictures. I'm honesty too tired to figure out how to work the camera's manual settings tonight!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I moved into this house, there was a wall diving these two rooms. We knocked down the wall, installed the corner fireplace, and then a few years went by. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwAZFgYHTaLNaGpQaqOCAC5O4KlnQVQISE-FClzqjUepRQ73HKn_xVQrGVvE1AAx4g1vDMq-u1TKQ0FQC8r5tMyyJpl9Ggo1rirXQLrd8cTB8tvbxbZkkJo2bghhqJ6LVA1fAtotGmpn4/s1600/111+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwAZFgYHTaLNaGpQaqOCAC5O4KlnQVQISE-FClzqjUepRQ73HKn_xVQrGVvE1AAx4g1vDMq-u1TKQ0FQC8r5tMyyJpl9Ggo1rirXQLrd8cTB8tvbxbZkkJo2bghhqJ6LVA1fAtotGmpn4/s1600/111+%25282%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We enclosed the pipes (there are two, one is on the far left, not pictured below), move some light switches, finished the drywall and now, in it's freshly mudded glory:<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBXDtTlO0Ey5B76huiilRf1UPPLeq1Gip_VENRoaagvg6LiIa-ZF2akar7Rl6P2sPhclcMEgwhsdcHx69KkNIuR0uDUc7ZZHjzXlKd7W0J8lxPrx_Q6vxdlE2GR2PuOBRzW413Zi7anqA/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBXDtTlO0Ey5B76huiilRf1UPPLeq1Gip_VENRoaagvg6LiIa-ZF2akar7Rl6P2sPhclcMEgwhsdcHx69KkNIuR0uDUc7ZZHjzXlKd7W0J8lxPrx_Q6vxdlE2GR2PuOBRzW413Zi7anqA/s1600/004.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER: In Progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The hallway was formerly closed off with a doorway (and no door) at the bottom of the stairs, making a tiny little "cubicle" of doors leading to the loo, the playroom and the laundry room. We took out the door frame and opened up the hall to the doors. Bad blogger that I am, I didn't really get a good "before" shot of that, but below you can see some of the demo process where the brown trim on the right represents the doorway to the "cubicle." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagSzKvnOfOmfcLMjR8NPbNhV4URsqNvbpz2rth3MWblgsexl-NOZzb5mMBDjPFDMoMw2G7-6nOmIgovu0yJE6-RZwZH3o8JT7cZGIG7x30AK0-Uaroxkd4u0J0ShjVYN4rykby33HL0Nd/s1600/035+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagSzKvnOfOmfcLMjR8NPbNhV4URsqNvbpz2rth3MWblgsexl-NOZzb5mMBDjPFDMoMw2G7-6nOmIgovu0yJE6-RZwZH3o8JT7cZGIG7x30AK0-Uaroxkd4u0J0ShjVYN4rykby33HL0Nd/s1600/035+(3).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After, the hallway is more open and modern, crisp lines and a flush ceiling.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8txzaanFlepcCjt66azb6cPiaMfFZit03JXahgLd7EcxaVlPO0p3DKO_JimLuPpXz-orW7Mcx3UJo6wbQ2J-yhfilHCeAWShzYbljQsPABWQM9J0vpA2sF-XrswqlbeCrONwikUL0kSiJ/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8txzaanFlepcCjt66azb6cPiaMfFZit03JXahgLd7EcxaVlPO0p3DKO_JimLuPpXz-orW7Mcx3UJo6wbQ2J-yhfilHCeAWShzYbljQsPABWQM9J0vpA2sF-XrswqlbeCrONwikUL0kSiJ/s1600/006.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER: In Progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is another view from the playroom down the hall to the media room-you can see the two posts and the white is where the drywall was mudded.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIoPxKbEPvGqtObxmZWBuN3YFEXkmRtqxRUJNuFoIO49JDk1OksEZdAGF4TX6F4fo-PrFxXFuMikOfAhbu6orpBxwVG08YuXSaGJy8PsA8SPC4q1ouk8f4UBz5hbJgAOXc95uNLvHPfTW/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIoPxKbEPvGqtObxmZWBuN3YFEXkmRtqxRUJNuFoIO49JDk1OksEZdAGF4TX6F4fo-PrFxXFuMikOfAhbu6orpBxwVG08YuXSaGJy8PsA8SPC4q1ouk8f4UBz5hbJgAOXc95uNLvHPfTW/s1600/007.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER: In Progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The bathroom downstairs has had the most change. It had two types of fake walls and horribly ugly, cracked and peeling floor tile. And you can see the floor has the cement exposed where we dug the french drain. Spiders loved this room. Peyton and I, not so much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv2RAE_v6xGmpZC1LvNDdlw3Gsd7G_zc-7z3RQX9BwmBVX-MLDGBmUwPUo0qlp8Ysp0ZyRPJkVuPAAqUlp1fLVzbqiRnvcs1OEfe2v594nhB2BuMQVc1kQ51y5Ree39cQzNOl7gA74ypH/s1600/009+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv2RAE_v6xGmpZC1LvNDdlw3Gsd7G_zc-7z3RQX9BwmBVX-MLDGBmUwPUo0qlp8Ysp0ZyRPJkVuPAAqUlp1fLVzbqiRnvcs1OEfe2v594nhB2BuMQVc1kQ51y5Ree39cQzNOl7gA74ypH/s1600/009+(3).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwp_kT7C_Yin7M7Ha8oFuPsNAm2jAWoyF_6c8ZWvqa-gMJtD3yE8UMQToUHxy9kuYQUFPqL3mTdTfUVS-hGE05A_S_99UmqHvhJaSU7rpXW4NP1aS8yOODzyQ4vnVu4Y4-tOC49b7AQuf_/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwp_kT7C_Yin7M7Ha8oFuPsNAm2jAWoyF_6c8ZWvqa-gMJtD3yE8UMQToUHxy9kuYQUFPqL3mTdTfUVS-hGE05A_S_99UmqHvhJaSU7rpXW4NP1aS8yOODzyQ4vnVu4Y4-tOC49b7AQuf_/s1600/008.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER: In Progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I'm excited to get Little Loo all done up again so we have two working bathrooms in this house! I have to work this weekend, so I'm not sure how much progress I'll be making down here. Upcoming will be priming, painting (should the wall color stay? should it change?), adding floors and trim. So there is still quite a bit to do before I can get to the fun decorating stuff. </div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One small step for <strike>mankind</strike> .... let's just say Mud is good. Mud is very, very good. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-88832206149431751782014-04-02T21:15:00.001-05:002014-04-02T21:15:24.643-05:00Introducing MeAt work today I had the perfectly dreadful task of talking about myself for almost a full hour. One of my team projects was getting to know each other better, so my managers and I took turns sharing 3 pages worth of "All About Me" questions. It was very embarrassing and I'm glad it's over, but it did occur to me that it might be nice to share some of those "About Me" questions here on this blog. So I don't come across as <i>entirely</i> psycho when you read my impromptu ramblings every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.<br />
<br />
So hello. My name is Kelci, and I have a daughter, Peyton, who is 8. We currently reside in a split-level house somewhere in the middle of Iowa (<i>I promise, I do know my own address!), </i>with our dog Boo-boo and a guinea pig named Bugsy. As a single mom, I am super-paranoid about stalkers and crazies (something about it takes one to know one, right...) so I do prefer to keep some things private. Plus, I lived in Rochester, New York for five years, and paranoia about that kind of thing is kind of the norm up there. And even though I didn't see the movie about the Craigslist Killer, I heard the title and that's enough for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTq67ruWjhn9YqGZVgcgCtLTGMpew8SYu7-NhtRCaAcIEl1Tiuj09oaoWHJHlZRz666PRjJiEcPWen4QQfrUul5sdLRZHXYUoCLuDrJiVAavz9B58gJgC9gyAfzFv1wSSDsXlkbEDE86g/s1600/Peyton+%2526+Kelci.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTq67ruWjhn9YqGZVgcgCtLTGMpew8SYu7-NhtRCaAcIEl1Tiuj09oaoWHJHlZRz666PRjJiEcPWen4QQfrUul5sdLRZHXYUoCLuDrJiVAavz9B58gJgC9gyAfzFv1wSSDsXlkbEDE86g/s1600/Peyton+%2526+Kelci.png" height="320" width="252" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Here are some other things you may not know about me.<br />
<br />
<b>I'm Deaf. </b>My mom had a virus when she was pregnant with me, and so I was born with a non-working right ear and severe hearing loss in my left ear. Being Deaf has presented several never-ending challenges in my life, but it has also given me a true appreciation for what I <i>can</i> hear, and a true appreciation for the friendships I have made with other Deaf people in my life. But that may be a story for another day.<br />
<br />
<b>I am currently a manager </b>within a mortgage company, but my true passion is Interior Design, decorating and painting the heck outta things. I like change in my environment around me-it's what keeps me engaged and creating.<br />
<br />
<b>I love to read--</b>anything and everything. I really enjoy reading young adult Sci Fi books- the City of Bones series by Cassandra Clare; the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer; the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning, to name a few. My favorite way to relax is with a stack of books or magazines and a glass of Moscato and read the afternoon away. <br />
<br />
<b>I'm not a huge fan of TV</b>. If the TV is on in our house, it's on Disney (for Peyton). I use Netflix to catch up on series because I <i>hate</i> the suspense of waiting for the next piece of the story line each week. So I'm usually 3 years behind on the popular television series and I also usually get bored with the story lines after one or two season's worth.<br />
<br />
<b>My favorite drink is coffee</b>. I drink coffee every day, and pretty much all day. <b>I don't have a favorite food, </b>though I could live off of bread and chocolate alone. I tend to go through weird food phases where I get on a food kick and eat the same food non-stop for a week and then I won't eat it again for 2 years. Yeah, I'm weird. <b>I'm also allergic to exercise</b>. I was very active in high school- I danced for 14 years, I did a round with tennis, tried track, played volleyball, did cheer-leading, etc. But then my knees started giving me grief and <b>I became allergic to pain</b>. So now I enjoy Kyaking and Horseback riding, because there's no impact to my knees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>I hate wearing shoes. </b>And socks. I would prefer to be barefoot all day if I had my way. And I hate shoe-shopping. The apple must not really fall far from the tree because Peyton is the same way. <b>I get cold in 70-degree weather. </b>I don't have much (ok, I don't have any) body fat, and I get chilled very easily. Many days my gas fireplace is my best friend.<br />
<br />
<b>My favorite color is teal</b>, but it's followed pretty closely right now by emerald and magenta. And yellow. And I've found myself flirting with coral. Basically, <b>if the color wheel spit up in my house I probably wouldn't mind too much</b>. Sometimes, though, I can be a little anal with details and I like things perfect and uniform--Peyton calls it "matchy-matchy." When we installed the marble tile around my fireplace, we ran out of tiles, so we had to go back to the store and buy additional tiles. But the <b>pattern didn't match exactly</b>, and ever since it has <b>driven me nuts</b>. <br />
<br />
And the last fun fact of the day...<br />
<br />
<b>I'm not really a collector </b>because I usually see it as clutter. The only thing I truly do collect is books, because I have always wanted a library in my house. But my Nook has led me into the electronic era and there's just no stepping back from that edge. But last year, I did start collecting <b>Disco Balls</b>. I used to constantly joke about wanting a disco ball in my office, and my friend found me a big one and got it for me. <b>And the sparkles hooked me</b>. So now, every time I see a disco ball I have to buy it. And then, I saw a pretty image of Jadeite dishes on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> and I decided to start collecting Jadeite dishes to fill up my new dining room Hutch/Command Center. <b>Oh, it's a slippery, slippery slope, my friends.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFagcduf_JLnkKIHuSuY4YCvyK5P4tHz-P5SqVZEyBWgD1Nl368bxTvUWX9-CRFG24pJ4xJ5IO7sdbKDLX_VseWQeuLBgxumtk6InM8Fb6o68JEUd7UPBxLU1ayEctglUY6lpRSi0gqTdw/s1600/018+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFagcduf_JLnkKIHuSuY4YCvyK5P4tHz-P5SqVZEyBWgD1Nl368bxTvUWX9-CRFG24pJ4xJ5IO7sdbKDLX_VseWQeuLBgxumtk6InM8Fb6o68JEUd7UPBxLU1ayEctglUY6lpRSi0gqTdw/s1600/018+%25283%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
So there you have it. A few fun and random facts about me. What about you, have you slid down any slippery slopes lately?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-4135619672151944972014-03-31T19:17:00.001-05:002014-03-31T19:17:53.223-05:00Making Progress and an Impulse BuySo today there were strange men in my house. I don't know who and I don't know when, but when I came home, there was drywall tape all over the place downstairs. It's exciting times, folks.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ok, not really. Taping and mudding drywall is about as exciting as watching a snail slinch itself ever. so. slowly. down. the. sidewalk. (Yes, I did, I just made that word up.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But it's ,/progress,/,/ Here are a few snapshots of what progress looks like. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hdAkhNFrdG_g07fmD5TJz-43YC6mtJiBJIvSlCFbQM5fr5UO3YmYxDjYG5dKQy0g8-n06U05YpDVlu6XS1n8pacB-TPkaYRdYE9cyi5UmyBc9RsEw5n_UP4xBGbQbE_kKNYx3efrbERf/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hdAkhNFrdG_g07fmD5TJz-43YC6mtJiBJIvSlCFbQM5fr5UO3YmYxDjYG5dKQy0g8-n06U05YpDVlu6XS1n8pacB-TPkaYRdYE9cyi5UmyBc9RsEw5n_UP4xBGbQbE_kKNYx3efrbERf/s1600/006.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOcGBFQFe5xfMZgEZwksX3dF3pIne41vd-XXm1wsmpj8TR6ERju-gddR4klE3lGELc9eF4U90nm4orgDQP91dDZ4d7U475yXgPEkPx0XpEgIT89GdLO9vkbc3yp9hkDn9eVKGTkWL6yTX/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOcGBFQFe5xfMZgEZwksX3dF3pIne41vd-XXm1wsmpj8TR6ERju-gddR4klE3lGELc9eF4U90nm4orgDQP91dDZ4d7U475yXgPEkPx0XpEgIT89GdLO9vkbc3yp9hkDn9eVKGTkWL6yTX/s1600/007.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi05dzbhHeL0xeMcod73d-6q7fcFK9s889k6HJjFVMX5RCH-_vF6SWeY900StxVhyphenhyphenyV5-JUX9v_3iuEEcv9pFo6CdQQMDVyNnEkxui-qAwZgaBoUHW-_e4mzgjkwbeKPnXRZmPEAzZu6J9/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi05dzbhHeL0xeMcod73d-6q7fcFK9s889k6HJjFVMX5RCH-_vF6SWeY900StxVhyphenhyphenyV5-JUX9v_3iuEEcv9pFo6CdQQMDVyNnEkxui-qAwZgaBoUHW-_e4mzgjkwbeKPnXRZmPEAzZu6J9/s1600/008.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just think, in three days (give or take) I will have new walls to paint! And then the exciting stuff happens, like new floors and a new bathroom with a second toilet back in the house! And then, for the <i style="font-weight: bold;">really </i>exciting part--decorating it! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In other news, today I stopped at a consignment store over lunch and did some browsing. I might have been naughty. Ok, yes, I was naughty. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I spied these babies: </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;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwiNmt17_dvVg2yDlqKKF6TqHz9scBFeNKlVA87Lx1y99mPbsg0JUh41Se1vtYX5vsLnjf0OKblQ6hg4r9kZW2Vj55Y8D71HFfpd9I0oEybY-mnkQZXt5pz7Tv5idT6AhoOQJFMmZqaoq/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwiNmt17_dvVg2yDlqKKF6TqHz9scBFeNKlVA87Lx1y99mPbsg0JUh41Se1vtYX5vsLnjf0OKblQ6hg4r9kZW2Vj55Y8D71HFfpd9I0oEybY-mnkQZXt5pz7Tv5idT6AhoOQJFMmZqaoq/s1600/023.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And even though they weren't in the <i>best </i>of shape, I kind of just <b>had</b> to have them. I had <strike>sugarplums</strike> images like these scrolling through my head: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/237x/23/0d/98/230d9889ae2d1be12fef76b1f3c9b881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/237x/23/0d/98/230d9889ae2d1be12fef76b1f3c9b881.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image found on Pinterest <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/434878907740937345/">here</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/237x/0a/fd/02/0afd0279598c50766f3d0defa8ce1a82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/237x/0a/fd/02/0afd0279598c50766f3d0defa8ce1a82.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image found on Pinterest <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/147422587776572186/">here</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d7/20/73/d72073fa09c3705998f6d39e48d17e68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d7/20/73/d72073fa09c3705998f6d39e48d17e68.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image found on Pinterest <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/101401429079492854/">here</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Bamboo is very popular in interior design right now. Purchasing new, however, can be very costly. And since Bamboo is not the most uh, <i>comfortable, </i>type of seating, I thought it made sense to keep the trendy spending thrifty. So one of these puppies came home with me, since I could only get one in my car at a time; and tomorrow over lunch I will have to pick up the second. So exciting! (On a side note, every time someone says "So exciting!" I hear the song from Moulin Rouge in my head and it automatically completes that sentence with ",/it will run for fifty years...,/")<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, to wrap this post up, here is a sneak peek of one of the chairs in its new (less than permanent) home: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3BzgFuzn5p8hGnOFVmpnqI5wJUNoducx0hT86OvHc2Vv7ndC86ikV1TVscBWBRzwkICW3VS1wpnIl8jYk1Otlm40HqpKMYFsHxJC5nPkfZlqRDPay-XJdzHJL_9xANm6BCIJnhCLMEII/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3BzgFuzn5p8hGnOFVmpnqI5wJUNoducx0hT86OvHc2Vv7ndC86ikV1TVscBWBRzwkICW3VS1wpnIl8jYk1Otlm40HqpKMYFsHxJC5nPkfZlqRDPay-XJdzHJL_9xANm6BCIJnhCLMEII/s1600/001.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Any votes on color? Emerald? Coral? Teal? </div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-14025389188647732102014-03-28T06:03:00.000-05:002014-03-28T06:06:15.236-05:00My Top 5 Favorites from Birchbox<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 500px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<br />
<br />
I thought I would do a quick post today about my favorite items I've discovered through <a href="http://www.birchbox.com/"><b>Birchbox</b></a>. I've been with Birchbox for around 10 or 11 months now, and as I have shared in the past, Peyton and I get a kick out of the small samples we get each month. It's always fun getting something in the mail, even if it ends up being a product you don't use or love. (Hey, I never claimed to be rational.)<br />
<br />
But I thought I would share the top 5 (well, ok, six) that I loved. I say 5 because I consider the Shampoo and Conditioner a set. (I'm logical like that. Sometimes.)<br />
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/favorites_from_birchbox/set?.embedder=5542199&.svc=blogger&id=117555551" target="_blank"><img alt="Favorites from Birchbox" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/66RNVliEWAw40Crtum3Suw/cid/117555551/id/3vxCRx224xGRgVhvzSGTQA/size/c500x500.jpg" force="1" height="500" title="Favorites from Birchbox" width="500" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.birchbox.com/shop/whish-body-butter"><b>Whish Three Wishes Body Butter</b></a> in Pomegranate. I loved this lotion. Besides a nifty name that fits right up my alley (Three wishes? Genies? Anyone have one I can borrow?), the pomegranate scent was yummy. As a lotion, it did pretty well with absorbing into my skin and fighting the dryness. I drink a lot of coffee and keep my house super warm, so my skin is always dry. (You think I'm joking. Hint. I'm <b>not.</b>) It does come in several other scents, which I've not tried, if pomegranate is not your thing. </li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.birchbox.com/shop/eyeko-black-magic-mascaras"><b>Eyeko Black Magic Mascara</b></a>. I have thin, but slightly longish, lashes, so having mascara to define the lashes is always a good thing. I have tried a <b>lot</b> of mascara brands and this one has kicked all of the others out of my very cute Vera Bradley bag. For interested parties, <b><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Category/Cosmetics/Large-Cosmetic/154771/defaultColorVariantId/178458/pc/638/c/0/sc/1002/p/154771.uts">this</a></b> is the cosmetic bag I keep all my stuff in. Isn't she cute?! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4R31uM4ZXr4mciZuyK-PjaIsKOT-hHjyyRWnOKmipluOF5nRt-6yBFIZQ3HXNh7KW4HBSBVh3D7Jkou4PSbE47X_JGoYzU0yrrItCTU5DNxaSp14tCsgagGM-g1YV0LUPEOH5QPZm3sS/s1600/vera+bag+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4R31uM4ZXr4mciZuyK-PjaIsKOT-hHjyyRWnOKmipluOF5nRt-6yBFIZQ3HXNh7KW4HBSBVh3D7Jkou4PSbE47X_JGoYzU0yrrItCTU5DNxaSp14tCsgagGM-g1YV0LUPEOH5QPZm3sS/s1600/vera+bag+2.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Category/Cosmetics/Large-Cosmetic/154771/defaultColorVariantId/178458/pc/638/c/0/sc/1002/p/154771.uts">Vera Bradley Large Cosmetic Bag</a> in Plum Crazy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.birchbox.com/shop/12-benefits-instant-healthy-hair-treatment"><b>12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment</b></a>. I used to use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Its-10-Miracle-Product-4-Ounces/dp/B000TKH6G2"><b>It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product</b></a>, and that stuff is also amazing. When Peyton's hair was longer, we would use it almost daily and it helped get her tangles out and reduce the tears. But then I got a sample of 12 Benefits and the scent is ahhhmazing and it seemed to make my hair SO silky and smooth. Same detangling benefits as we had with the It's a 10 product, but a yummier smell, so I am now a fan of 12 Benefits. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.birchbox.com/shop/beauty-protector-protect-and-detangle-spray"><b>Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle</b></a>. This is another detangler that I ended up liking--it had a fabulous fruity smell that lingered for a very long time. It was a bit heavier on my fine hair than the 12 Benefits, and my hair wasn't as silky as with the 12 Benefits, but the scent definitely puts it in my top two for hair detanglers. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">The last (two) items are Davines Love Smoothing <a href="http://www.birchbox.com/shop/davines-love-smoothing-shampoo"><b>Shampoo</b></a> and <a href="http://www.birchbox.com/shop/davines-love-smoothing-conditioner"><b>Conditioner</b></a>. I think this is another case where the gorgeous fig smell pulls these two items into my favorites. Technically, this shampoo and conditioner set is designed to reduce frizz and detangle hair into smoother strands, and since I have fine, straight hair, I don't really <i>need</i> this type of shampoo/conditioner line. But the Indian Fig scent is <i style="font-weight: bold;">amazing</i>-definitely worth the investment. Oh, yeah, and my hair was pretty smooth when using it. It just reduced the body and volume that I normally strive to inject into my hair. Some days, my nose wins the battle over good hair days.</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So there you have it-my top favorites from <a href="http://www.birchbox.com/"><b>Birchbox</b></a>. What about you? Do you subscribe to any makeup sample mailing services? I've heard there are several good options out there. And of course, Peyton is always looking for more perfume and nail polish samples! </div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 500px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-61773598150895889312014-03-26T05:35:00.000-05:002014-03-26T05:35:08.033-05:00Turtle on the WallIt's the little things sometimes. For over a year I've had Nate Berkus's huge white lacquer turtle shell boxed up. I bought it from Target when the turtle craze exploded onto the scene (the scene being Nate Berkus + Target = mad dash to Target) and <i>had to have one</i>. On a side note-how insane-I just Googled Ebay for the shell and one recently sold for $132.50! I think I paid $19.99 (and it might have even been on clearance when I finally got it!).<br />
<br />
I tried it on the entry wall. And it looked odd and not at all inspiring. I immediately took it down and didn't even bother to snap a picture.<br />
<br />
Then, I tried to include it in the initial stages of my gallery wall. And while it did add that extra touch of <i>non-art </i>that every gallery wall needs, I couldn't find a layout that really worked with it. The layout below was the closest I found to a happy path with Mr. Berkus's turtle and it just wasn't happening for me.<br />
<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/AVvXsEiLph0U-MSn-JrR56f5Jn87eDTbdE6bWfG8MamJyheF3hsx_Bv83UEe8Xcb8I8xL-lPn2pbF6gVIrQS50F9C9ItDy_EregU2xTvjziLUXmhudRJg3nzP_ML2YOam9wbGbr5gJaSaw4EU8Fg/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLph0U-MSn-JrR56f5Jn87eDTbdE6bWfG8MamJyheF3hsx_Bv83UEe8Xcb8I8xL-lPn2pbF6gVIrQS50F9C9ItDy_EregU2xTvjziLUXmhudRJg3nzP_ML2YOam9wbGbr5gJaSaw4EU8Fg/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fast-forward one year to today. I stubbed my toe on the turtle box <i>again</i> and I hauled it out, determined to find a home for it. I finally landed in the loo-dark navy walls and white lacquer just seemed to be fated. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Op02maTrvtSkYJDxAek9Vq-g81azSV2e4SHrELm8XJd9mnm9UKBM2Sm3Uv1eVHnpS8cqK4cP_BOYuIrvBqgqjpKipf0ep3vn0OKOIHqXJ89uVpu9yHHEpVaph1Icc0VT_XMboPXvO0kf/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Op02maTrvtSkYJDxAek9Vq-g81azSV2e4SHrELm8XJd9mnm9UKBM2Sm3Uv1eVHnpS8cqK4cP_BOYuIrvBqgqjpKipf0ep3vn0OKOIHqXJ89uVpu9yHHEpVaph1Icc0VT_XMboPXvO0kf/s1600/023.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now he's a happy shell. And truly, every time I'm in the loo now I get a ridiculous smile on my face. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-10489833524877896822014-03-25T09:47:00.000-05:002014-03-25T20:32:54.672-05:00Blogger Inspired Project: Lacquer BoxesI missed yesterday's post because Peyton was sick and it seemed I was hit with the same bug she got. Over the weekend I started in on my kitchen wall--I sanded down the stripes and primed over them. Then I did one coat of paint (Sherwin William's Harmony paint, color-matched to Glidden's Silver Birch, which is the same color in the adjacent dining and living room). After the first coat went on, I had to sand down some areas where the stripes were still visible. (Painting over stripes is. a. <b><i>pain</i></b>.) Then Peyton got sick. So my kitchen is currently a disaster zone and still needs one, maybe two more coats of Silver Birch before I can stick a pin in it.<br />
<br />
So, in lieu of an actual planned post, I thought I would share another blogger-inspired project that I started last week and finished over the weekend. I was inspired by Jen of the <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/">IHeart Organizing</a> blog. Jen's blog has quickly become my favorite blog lately--her posts sharing tips on organizing, cleaning and projects have inspired me on several occasions to get up and clean or organize something.<br />
<br />
With my love of color and anything lacquered, one of her projects really inspired me- her take on Stacking Boxes. Check her full post out <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/03/be-inspired-stylish-storage-box-update.html">here</a>-I promise, you won't stop with just one post!!! <br />
<br />
In any case, I followed her suggestion and stopped by Michael's and grabbed a couple of wooden photo boxes (actually, I'm not sure she used wood--but these were all I could find at my Michael's!). I got lucky because the day I stumbled into Michael's happened to be a BOGO sale. Which worked out very nicely since I bought two photo boxes, two tubes of Martha Stewart High Gloss Acrylic Craft Paint in Beach Glass and Scottish Highlands, and the Martha Stewart Crafts roller and tray kit.<br />
<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/AVvXsEjcS6T4PpO_0rxtRxjIFXXV6oWsBtNTtguoqooQ4SmYWlVEBDEIbDrKgfYJjVDEM81M9KZcQVzkiDBp01AfSHgQJwVA00m93GhYbkdHrhC4Nm97ZuLfpqkcIxTUCKejFu-qX-EOA2jMUlxu/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS6T4PpO_0rxtRxjIFXXV6oWsBtNTtguoqooQ4SmYWlVEBDEIbDrKgfYJjVDEM81M9KZcQVzkiDBp01AfSHgQJwVA00m93GhYbkdHrhC4Nm97ZuLfpqkcIxTUCKejFu-qX-EOA2jMUlxu/s1600/013.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">On a side note-ever since I read</span><a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/marthainterviewaboutbloggers/" style="text-align: start;"> this blog post </a><span style="text-align: start;"> about Martha Stewart talking trash about bloggers, I haven't been a huge fan of hers. And I absolutely hate contributing to her bottom line when she talks bad about the people she uses to promote her products. But my absolute favorite paint color is her Beach Glass. Such a conundrum. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
But I digress. Back to the project. I primed the boxes before I slicked on two coats of paint, followed by two coats of Poly. I ended with sticking on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Self-adhesive-Clear-Rubber-Feet-Bumpons/dp/B001JASGH4">self-adhesive clear rubber bumpers</a> to the base of the boxes, so the painted finish didn't stick to anything (I learned that the hard way from setting my painted tray on a painted table... <b><i>ouch</i></b>. Let's just say the table needs repainted now.) I also didn't add the gold tape that <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/03/be-inspired-stylish-storage-box-update.html">Jen used in hers</a>, so I may still order a roll and add that down the line. For now, the boxes add the pop of color I wanted. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
Here is where I tell you two tubes (not four) are all that is needed to cover both boxes. Here is also where I tell you the roller and tray kit did not work for me at all. I followed the kit instructions and lightly spritzed the roller with water, dried it ever so slightly with a towel and then loaded it up with the paint. And the paint just created bubbles all over the surface. Fail. So I switched to paint brush. What I was hoping to avoid with the paint brush were brush lines. So the end result is not a perfect finish, but it will do. If I were doing the project again I would go out and buy one of the small foam rollers from Home Depot since Martha's roller just created bubbles. (Which, actually, I might, because I am really crushing on coral and pink together right now....ooh, and white lacquer with gold polka dots may be in the near future...) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
Still, for the first take, the end result isn't bad at all. I snapped a few shots of the completed boxes on the <i>completely unstyled</i> shelves in my dining room. I have a lot of space to fill. I also still need to figure out how to turn the flash off on my camera. ,/,DA-da-dum,/,/ So much to do, so little time. I'll shut up now and let you look. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBV6qHbNT4G_jx03UILyMEI_ADKj6SwJlKF_waY3jSb2ggk7GS87jQ9BW4We6BhGsl3lHFEWUeHx8m8GsHlulauUvo4VoAx2O8cVN4JYyGb7o4yWr8w23zgGTpSR0vYac9HyzfMtB2ZkK/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBV6qHbNT4G_jx03UILyMEI_ADKj6SwJlKF_waY3jSb2ggk7GS87jQ9BW4We6BhGsl3lHFEWUeHx8m8GsHlulauUvo4VoAx2O8cVN4JYyGb7o4yWr8w23zgGTpSR0vYac9HyzfMtB2ZkK/s1600/014.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziPbMV2CT8izdo1JXU0e5AexewVqXAPTQ7FFk8rBlcfWnwrOzkMZYbgDFNY6KzfFdIPdP6LHMtj6qMQXV-ZFGhfWtk-zm_A3m-1lAtgJL5Qnkk79mt9TAQiB8goUeqcbC5LonhFEXWaU-/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziPbMV2CT8izdo1JXU0e5AexewVqXAPTQ7FFk8rBlcfWnwrOzkMZYbgDFNY6KzfFdIPdP6LHMtj6qMQXV-ZFGhfWtk-zm_A3m-1lAtgJL5Qnkk79mt9TAQiB8goUeqcbC5LonhFEXWaU-/s1600/015.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibh1jFetnpwvEM1Gm99EO2zcgDKik2bAdUe-3CT-sQ32VoomIHWQba5Z2vnNvGbcCCpFpn3W518g-XFnAn87mOW8Fq6mp0toaHD5G1TUYWEBEHOb1gikeqVTUUnAGKrasu2dTATgQw_n9Q/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibh1jFetnpwvEM1Gm99EO2zcgDKik2bAdUe-3CT-sQ32VoomIHWQba5Z2vnNvGbcCCpFpn3W518g-XFnAn87mOW8Fq6mp0toaHD5G1TUYWEBEHOb1gikeqVTUUnAGKrasu2dTATgQw_n9Q/s1600/017.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can also see the beginnings of my Jadeite collection... but that is a story for another time. So what about you, are you inspired by other bloggers and bringing their look into your home? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-50444101415447224672014-03-21T06:37:00.001-05:002014-03-21T06:37:53.739-05:00Plans for the WeekendThis weekend I will be working on my kitchen. I need to erase this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnJ2BE9nvRVQRbNRfzeIK0uaVPGNnxIuFcORRwLAgSxwTXnYfbHP5fnEoSVtLIV5eQgtzHvX9HFk65jaA-K1VOAqH4S_DYwqdlfbRTBmtF9PqcpUQnQGJ5_ZwNYbqUhpxkolkyIF454UK/s1600/Chevron+Wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnJ2BE9nvRVQRbNRfzeIK0uaVPGNnxIuFcORRwLAgSxwTXnYfbHP5fnEoSVtLIV5eQgtzHvX9HFk65jaA-K1VOAqH4S_DYwqdlfbRTBmtF9PqcpUQnQGJ5_ZwNYbqUhpxkolkyIF454UK/s1600/Chevron+Wall.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ah, Chevron Wall, you will be missed. It was my first blogger-inspired project and it was incredibly frustrating trying to figure out the measurements (<i>math dunce</i>) and took hours of taping it out. It's been up since October of 2012 (check out the first post I ever wrote!), which for me, is like dog years in paint age. I'm actually surprised I kept it up so long, but I think one of the features that made it stick so long is I am rarely ever in my kitchen and you only see the wall if you are in the dining room or kitchen. Since I don't entertain a lot, it was one of those "oh, hello" moments every time I walked in. And I truly do love it.<br />
<br />
I'll be sad to see it go, but it doesn't fit in with my new vision of rustic modern. It's a <i>smidge</i> louder than what my vision is seeking. <br />
<br />
The other week, in the interests of seeing if I would like a gray island, I grabbed the remaining Sherwin Williams Ire Ore paint I had on hand and tried it out on the island. I also went ahead and installed the new brass pulls and knobs I bought for the island. (<i>Sorry for the terribly overexposed iPhone photo-this was before I bought the new camera!)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjUVqrVJCiDPvhnYveflJPYFvgFvV0VhSp1sYeXQuNhYwQidnZZxWHvP6x7aeD-KjWBZYUFZnmshgADDOOIOBH6Df7LRhjPc_i985N-VKSXT_BwNZI4xwu0rSSUTq7SpH80yRChblUYD2/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjUVqrVJCiDPvhnYveflJPYFvgFvV0VhSp1sYeXQuNhYwQidnZZxWHvP6x7aeD-KjWBZYUFZnmshgADDOOIOBH6Df7LRhjPc_i985N-VKSXT_BwNZI4xwu0rSSUTq7SpH80yRChblUYD2/s1600/057.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Notice one pull is missing. For some reason, even though the <i>old</i> pull fit perfectly in that third drawer, <i>none</i> of the new pulls would fit. The holes must be off... <i>just a smidge</i>. I am hoping my dad can teach me how to use a drill to fix it. (Kelci with power tools... that's kind of a scary image. Like this one..) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4yFs30Xl_1Wv92Iot-ctZ8-oCmB7CiO-y50MBW8ehvrx7vxLB_oCu1Zi-iQGfp21k3vmhHrNvdhxC0J0axHq0mXy03T0tZjGQB4ioRktlmwz36Xg1c7is5gpXGgONVz51tQa_9tY_BGV/s1600/110.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4yFs30Xl_1Wv92Iot-ctZ8-oCmB7CiO-y50MBW8ehvrx7vxLB_oCu1Zi-iQGfp21k3vmhHrNvdhxC0J0axHq0mXy03T0tZjGQB4ioRktlmwz36Xg1c7is5gpXGgONVz51tQa_9tY_BGV/s1600/110.JPG" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Yes, that is me, using a nail gun, on a scaffold, putting on siding for Habitat for Humanity. Only one of my friends was brave enough to be near me with that puppy.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure I'm in love with the Iron Ore color--just as it was on the wall, in some lights it appears more brown than gray to me, so I may just go with my initial color preference and grab a small quart of Benjamin Moore's Kendall Charcoal. I have seen this in so many rooms and have always loved the color. So that may be in the agenda for this weekend as well.<br />
<br />
So here is the plan for this Phase 1 Redecoration:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Sand, prime and paint Chevron wall. </li>
<li>Decide if I'm not cuckoo for Iron Ore and paint island in Kendall Charcoal</li>
<li>Fix island drawer so new pull will fit (STAT!)</li>
<li>Fix drawers on kitchen cabinets that are crooked</li>
<li>Close up the hole/space over the microwave</li>
<li>Paint kitchen cabinets</li>
<li>Replace counters (island and perimeter)</li>
<li>Replace window (it has a crack in the glass)</li>
<li>Replace window roman shades (they are old, food splattered and falling apart)</li>
<li>Install Wall Paper</li>
<li>Do happy dance. </li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I would love, if the budget allows, to replace my refrigerator because it is old and tired, and my dishwasher because it won't open easily; but I want stainless steel appliances and I am slightly obsessive about fixtures and finishes being consistent with appliances, so I'm not sure I can handle some white and some silver. If I were <i>patient</i> and could wait and upgrade over time, sure no problem. But let's be honest. That's not me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I really want to finish the basement media room, which still requires mudding the drywall, replacing the floors and getting a new couch in down there (there's nothing down there now!) So I feel that takes priority over the kitchen appliances for now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So that's where I'm headed this weekend. How about you? </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-67856845255377135712014-03-19T06:09:00.002-05:002014-03-19T06:09:55.511-05:00The Command Center (not overly commanding at this time.)So in this picture you get a peek of my new "Command Center," (the white desk/hutch combo on the far right) which has a long ways to go before I can stick a pin in it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yYNkpXlWbeO0d88DNt30qKBipnT1ajQWA3Fa0xOEyV_pdSDneTpNhfbhTc5txp0fenJb6aEpARCjmeQrZSMJp_ysshhCZ82YCluAX6aZcD8bDoggBC5Y68DAsAE-X-Ez7cj4mniHeEkS/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yYNkpXlWbeO0d88DNt30qKBipnT1ajQWA3Fa0xOEyV_pdSDneTpNhfbhTc5txp0fenJb6aEpARCjmeQrZSMJp_ysshhCZ82YCluAX6aZcD8bDoggBC5Y68DAsAE-X-Ez7cj4mniHeEkS/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I found this desk/hutch combo at a furniture consignment store and <i>had </i>to have it. It was a beast getting it home. The desk just <i>barely</i> fit into my dad's van and we were able to haul it back to my place. My legs are still lightly dotted with some colorful cheetah spots. This puppy is one heavy piece of work. The hutch, on the other hand, would not fit into my dad's van. So there was some discussion about renting a u-haul or having my dad go out to his brother's farm to grab the trailer. But then the weather conspired and a potential snowstorm had us re-thinking the option of an open trailer. So we asked for delivery, but the furniture delivery man wanted an exorbitant price, so we went back to the open trailer and prayed. Finally, after much ado, the hutch came home.<br />
<br />
She needs a good coat of paint as the paint is scratched off in some areas and there are crayon marks all over the desk (it appears it used to be a girl's desk and there is much suspicion her crayons marched to a different drummer...). But until it is warmer out, I am not inspired to slap a paint of coat on yet. So in the interim, I loaded up a few shelves with books and some knick-knacks. The books bother me a little bit, as it makes it feel more office/desk-like. And, seeing as it's in my dining room, it is really intended to be more of a display hutch/Command Center. But I am not overly much a knick-knack <i>(paddy whack...) </i>girl, so I find myself suddenly in need of a collection. Other than books.<br />
<br />
Enter inspiration. <i>From Pinterest. Of course. Where else. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TdwXVUMbpU_gjSBpmSoEsb1WsJx_Iyu9SwB1dHLdxSixHK8DfCLNMXL9jLSwyln8kN4U8EIM3PJViIBtg2ODfg44m0EPjfUHPAcIWv3n42EnJK8zj6Ort1ARl4zN_3fCdFneHItIdzTv/s1600/Dishware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TdwXVUMbpU_gjSBpmSoEsb1WsJx_Iyu9SwB1dHLdxSixHK8DfCLNMXL9jLSwyln8kN4U8EIM3PJViIBtg2ODfg44m0EPjfUHPAcIWv3n42EnJK8zj6Ort1ARl4zN_3fCdFneHItIdzTv/s1600/Dishware.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image found <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/434878907740717769/">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am LOVING the mix of Jadeite and Opaline dishes (and while I'm at it, someone needs to get me those super-high ceilings and that ahhhmazing pendant light). And while the image above does slant towards a countryish-french look, I am thinking I may have found something to dress up my hutch with. The trick will be to keep it somewhat more rustic-modern. Not sure if I can pull that off. Because honestly, that display above is gorgeous!!!<br />
<i><br /></i>
Now, does anyone have an insta-Jadeite collection for sale, since you know.. I'm kind of fickle. Who knows what bent I'll be on next week.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-34738443542294727822014-03-17T21:25:00.001-05:002014-03-17T21:35:06.164-05:00Someone has a Case of the Mondays...So I did not have a good day today. Just call me Ms. Crankypants. Today I am wondering why the heck I am not in Hawaii and glaring at my pantry for the audaciousness of <i><b>not</b></i> having a bottle of Moscato in it for my crankypants consumption.<br />
<br />
So I know I promised a house tour and unfortunately, my weekend consisted of watching my two nephews on Saturday, followed by a day of what was either a mild migraine or a very bad headache. So I did not get much done, which includes picking up the massive mess that somehow magically appeared on both levels of my house. <i>We <b>did</b> watch the Cat in the Hat... I wonder if I can blame the mess on him...</i><br />
<br />
I finally caved this past weekend and purchased my first ever digital camera-the EOS Rebel SL1. I opened the box with <b>much</b> trepidation. Digital + "SL1" makes me think of that movie with Will Smith and the robots. Ye<b>ah</b>. This camera can probably kick my tush. It came with a gigantic lens, 3 discs (software, a software instruction manual and a camera instruction manual), two manuals (to be fair, one's in a foreign language. See, I told you this camera could kick my tush--it's bilingual!) and a computer cable. I unpacked all of that stuff and wondered what I'd gotten into. For now, until I get some cojones, I am sticking to the dummy auto feature. Yes, yes, baby steps.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, while it is not a full house tour, or very professional images (obviously I have quite a bit to learn about lighting and flash...), I thought I would share some of the snapshots I was able to take of my living room after a very quick pickup of the mess caused by the tornado--err, boys (and girl).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZptobAhWs6bu6t5E6zxLs9ZRzb7NUA-AZxrrSQOrIBDE4G6baJrhgXerF4dDha4t_vCAwke2LoaMoMI4f0Uyefk31mYR8KCdsQeBcUd88J-DDT5NumlREiMl4HMkkuKeGgNqJYtiwahz/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZptobAhWs6bu6t5E6zxLs9ZRzb7NUA-AZxrrSQOrIBDE4G6baJrhgXerF4dDha4t_vCAwke2LoaMoMI4f0Uyefk31mYR8KCdsQeBcUd88J-DDT5NumlREiMl4HMkkuKeGgNqJYtiwahz/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqOjHR20pu7o7nstMg_ZlSaZ8e_5K3as7bplBKYRQmr_Hb0zKM2hWxZa-iJbYEwrUzvuRQ73-Al2c8crt_ecD8EvePRLYSAZ3kLs58SpQHsD0jJ21zjifVhaqKR89uQU4q-_fvXvab3z1/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqOjHR20pu7o7nstMg_ZlSaZ8e_5K3as7bplBKYRQmr_Hb0zKM2hWxZa-iJbYEwrUzvuRQ73-Al2c8crt_ecD8EvePRLYSAZ3kLs58SpQHsD0jJ21zjifVhaqKR89uQU4q-_fvXvab3z1/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9f7XKvkOaI3caMKxpGNWGVGq3PGCqZKpvzfXygdnp-7peF7de_ZzbInb3nTZysEfGVcd8A4WR27tEzAoNWX0biQYmBE3-0_OzDHi9XLIRjRxf5L0-nhFGJsPqd9uX7hRyFTo3yT1UuNQA/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9f7XKvkOaI3caMKxpGNWGVGq3PGCqZKpvzfXygdnp-7peF7de_ZzbInb3nTZysEfGVcd8A4WR27tEzAoNWX0biQYmBE3-0_OzDHi9XLIRjRxf5L0-nhFGJsPqd9uX7hRyFTo3yT1UuNQA/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZApvxyiVRLHjVC8ui3r7QGq6d5bOlfk7soLf0E-6QIG5n4JCXe8GUBwiKh6dchgWwHSpFq3dfwL5_9z42weOpD8D6CDOWQV73HMu8FeOdWOgr3XEh725-PiqWgL6SNXVe7VXs4wRsWZq/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZApvxyiVRLHjVC8ui3r7QGq6d5bOlfk7soLf0E-6QIG5n4JCXe8GUBwiKh6dchgWwHSpFq3dfwL5_9z42weOpD8D6CDOWQV73HMu8FeOdWOgr3XEh725-PiqWgL6SNXVe7VXs4wRsWZq/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></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/AVvXsEjNBuvlbq0QDAdF1WtodL8rT8sal6vjFCZyQrlqpF6ipQlaW0tEIxxoZrsq2RW5vxe2LcI-g7k_SjBulIEcy1XImwCIJuBOMISXhG99LL7v6GKlDel7hpflFNSz0PB6sKHBCfFPA2H94Ux0/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBuvlbq0QDAdF1WtodL8rT8sal6vjFCZyQrlqpF6ipQlaW0tEIxxoZrsq2RW5vxe2LcI-g7k_SjBulIEcy1XImwCIJuBOMISXhG99LL7v6GKlDel7hpflFNSz0PB6sKHBCfFPA2H94Ux0/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWtgYP9zclQ1rfuQMVBXe7_Xz_47jhDXbhKe9LWId8kl8fIxDJbCw0wZ3UAmfEOjaqHaJvphdqn-8A8g7Encc_JbUAD3VtVg0FqQTPB2_k8EYEtEMbY5GPOx3OXeuVcZkkg986980U0gP/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWtgYP9zclQ1rfuQMVBXe7_Xz_47jhDXbhKe9LWId8kl8fIxDJbCw0wZ3UAmfEOjaqHaJvphdqn-8A8g7Encc_JbUAD3VtVg0FqQTPB2_k8EYEtEMbY5GPOx3OXeuVcZkkg986980U0gP/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMKoPh4WVj2UK3T8H1V-mKVyMZdWwAH6LyWbodGf_Glr52U85wmJluMfd7kX0nfnY6ZVKI-oA199JKHGKjMwlAOUu_3kbugi3l1ZjipHSBe8IM9ezHyJE_KKgLLE7yKF80fzJ7upnH7Hz/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMKoPh4WVj2UK3T8H1V-mKVyMZdWwAH6LyWbodGf_Glr52U85wmJluMfd7kX0nfnY6ZVKI-oA199JKHGKjMwlAOUu_3kbugi3l1ZjipHSBe8IM9ezHyJE_KKgLLE7yKF80fzJ7upnH7Hz/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4tZ2vQVBgM_VqFCa_UQHgjdiBLVguhx4gSAB_jg7V7tqwX1iA6PnHYHrSS0b-bJG9FE1pXrw-V-PNKH7IaRm5BjIDWbJl7G-2Gb_H45-g86RbNXoUDLv0sJ55ZnS5gHYpJN14uVf8pma/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4tZ2vQVBgM_VqFCa_UQHgjdiBLVguhx4gSAB_jg7V7tqwX1iA6PnHYHrSS0b-bJG9FE1pXrw-V-PNKH7IaRm5BjIDWbJl7G-2Gb_H45-g86RbNXoUDLv0sJ55ZnS5gHYpJN14uVf8pma/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You'll have to forgive me... absolutely <i>nothing</i> is styled. Just keeping it real, right? I guess I'm signing off with a promise of "more to come..." </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-77118576847688265432014-03-14T06:39:00.000-05:002014-03-14T06:39:57.784-05:00In the WorksJust a quick post today with the promise that this weekend I'll be taking pictures to post a full house tour on Monday-finally! A couple of exciting things in the works right now that I thought I would share.<br />
<br />
Remember this hugely expensive designer fabric that my heart just went pitty-pat over?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2sgGpr3tjtyJkWMnptnF-WmbuoIFby_nB4GcJ6LtsyROsiLApikm3gh3un4J-7vMrSXG6VYMbYGw6tOERoRvaNpdOvpdzTV0-03BxHUX8J3OJBukPWOi-IeVZy26pbY7iZYsuUZ85rWW/s1600/David+Hicks+pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2sgGpr3tjtyJkWMnptnF-WmbuoIFby_nB4GcJ6LtsyROsiLApikm3gh3un4J-7vMrSXG6VYMbYGw6tOERoRvaNpdOvpdzTV0-03BxHUX8J3OJBukPWOi-IeVZy26pbY7iZYsuUZ85rWW/s1600/David+Hicks+pillow.jpg" height="175" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Welll, after stalking several vendors on Etsy for a few weeks, I finally saw a price that (while it still made me gulp) was affordable, so I bit the bullet and ordered one. When I got it, I literally squealed--it was beautiful and <i>exactly what I wanted</i>. I heard angels singing an aria all around me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaW103o5v5wOeuWToP5U96vy0-RKqYas-Ey2EoPktuCYVVsYsSoB93xHRm1hgvTr9ZtOR05IbW7SjBY4zLz5tCjKXV258w91gh3y8XF-P9s5_C3FEhbh3Qt8jE9noIRdxQlIuEcl64QHrT/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaW103o5v5wOeuWToP5U96vy0-RKqYas-Ey2EoPktuCYVVsYsSoB93xHRm1hgvTr9ZtOR05IbW7SjBY4zLz5tCjKXV258w91gh3y8XF-P9s5_C3FEhbh3Qt8jE9noIRdxQlIuEcl64QHrT/s1600/002.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then my record scratched. There was a very heavily noticeable tear in one side of the fabric. I almost cried. I reached out to the vendor with a picture and asked her if she would send me a new one in replacement. She was kind enough to say she would, though I had to pay for the shipping to send it back. I told her I wanted to order a second one since it was <i>exactly what I wanted</i>. So I shipped it back and placed the second order. A month later, I am still waiting. Apparently the vendor she ordered the replacement fabric from went unresponsive, so she had to finally place the order with another vendor. So now it's another two weeks of <i>agony--</i>I mean, waiting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also in the works is what I'm calling my new "Command Center." I wandered into a consignment shop one day and a huge custom built desk and hutch and immediately I could see it being a decorative and efficient storage hutch and command center in my dining room/kitchen. So I bought it. It was very heavy and carrying the bottom desk piece gave me cheetah legs (<i>covered</i> in bruises!) but it was oh-so-worth it. I am working with another Etsy vendor on some custom vases to fill my new shelves. As we get further along with the collaboration I'll be sharing. It's very exciting and she does gorgeous work--I pretty much want everything of hers and I've already bought a few pieces. I am <i><strike>im</strike>patiently</i> waiting to get them! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And for my final piece of news, the kitchen is moving (baby steps) towards my vision I shared the other day. I painted the kitchen island a dark gray and ordered some new brass pulls to glam them up. Next up is a new counter-top for the island and then it's on to painting the cabinets! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I promise--pictures coming soon!! Check back Monday for a new house tour! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-5188671821874148362014-03-12T06:14:00.001-05:002014-03-12T06:14:28.984-05:00Taking the Kitchen in a New Direction<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 500px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
Since my basement is on "pause" until we get a professional in to mud the new drywall, I've been eyeballing my kitchen most recently. Less than one week ago, my plan was to paint the lower cabinets emerald, and the upper cabinets cream, and I was going to do this gorgeous wallpaper over the current chevron wall. <i>Cuz you know, Chevron is everywhere now so that makes it kinda boring. </i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0094/5012/products/roses_gold_grande.jpg?v=1315772685" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="253" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hyggeandwest.com/collections/view-all/products/petal-pusher-white-gold">Hygee & West Petal Pusher</a> wallpaper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So I ordered a sample of the wallpaper, fell in love, and thought I had committed to my plan of a fancy emerald and gold kitchen. But even though I love emerald, I couldn't see how I could make it play nice with the other colors I had going on with my art wall (pink, yellow, teal). I kept thinking my house would look like the color wheel threw up. So I stalked images on Pinterest looking for colorful kitchens and while emerald is not heavily used in kitchens, the few images I did find were very... <i>country</i>. And with the old dated finishes in my kitchen, I worried about it looking more country than glam. </div>
<div style="position: relative;">
<br /></div>
<div style="position: relative;">
All of the images of kitchens that I truly liked included white and gray cabinets, rustic wood, marble counter-tops and gold hardware. Like this one. </div>
<div style="position: relative;">
<br /></div>
<div style="position: relative;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOm4enB6wv3HDrwc6vh9_KQNs1Xtd561pDtZPLrr79v2OkObbotngUt0sKe9o00-1_TKNuJbr9cikhTMNXn0JvaYj5s7cORimF4_PU4MNXHip4KulcATKzq4_Ep3SRAC_LExa6kkQDeumx/s1600/two+tone+cabinets.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="232" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/434878907740692624/">I</a>mage found <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/434878907740692624/">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="position: relative;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<div style="position: relative;">
So that's what I'm doing. Since I haven't made a mood board in ages, I whipped one up below to show what I'm thinking. </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/rustic_glam_kitchen/set?.embedder=5542199&.svc=blogger&id=115845737" target="_blank"><img alt="Rustic Glam Kitchen" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/iQTuL252mHfEAw5tR74AEg/cid/115845737/id/_n6A_eOn4xGOzNXo6xSULw/size/c500x500.jpg" force="1" height="500" title="Rustic Glam Kitchen" width="500" /></a></div>
</div>
At least it won't look like the color wheel threw up in my kitchen.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-73767560511866832212014-03-09T19:34:00.000-05:002014-03-09T19:34:34.583-05:00Hello, AgainWould you believe my dog ate my <strike>mouse</strike>..<strike> keyboard</strike>.. computer? Considering he is only ten pounds we had to take him to the vet to have his stomach pumped and if you're buying that, I have some swampland in Florida you can buy.<br />
<br />
Yeah, there really is no way to avoid a faux pas and say, hello, oops I forgot I had a blog and what was my password again? Yeah, moving on. Life happens.<br />
<br />
Quite a lot has happened since I was last on. So, like snapshots, in no random order: my dad finished the drywall in the basement and we're just waiting for a professional to come in and mud the basement; I got rid of my old sofa and several other pieces of miscellaneous furniture and cleaned house (not literally, there are still some dust bunnies making friends with the dog); Peyton got her ears pierced; we had Christmas, Peyton's birthday and my birthday. And in February, I lost my grandpa to cancer. Sometimes the months go by so quickly and you don't notice the days because you're so caught up in the nonsense. That's where I feel I've been, in the nonsense, and I just want to hit "pause" and forget about everything for awhile. <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; line-height: 18px;">We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a shadow, gone so soon without a trace. </span><a class="PassageTitle" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/nlt/1-chronicles/29-15.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">1 Chronicles 29:15 </span></a><br />
<br />
We are only passing through.<br />
<br />
And like that one scene, I have felt like Alice, falling down the rabbit hole upside down and then flipping over to slowly float down.<br />
<br />
So on that note, <i>hello, I'm back</i>, moving on.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-21557119292515799992013-10-28T06:32:00.000-05:002013-10-28T06:32:54.084-05:00Monday Morning Eye Candy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Monday! Here are some images I found on <a href="http://pinterest./">Pinterest.</a> I am always lured to the dark colored rooms-especially when you pop jewel tones against them! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/1d/d9/27/1dd92758cce75745b32cc0e11a19da46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/1d/d9/27/1dd92758cce75745b32cc0e11a19da46.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dalliancedesign.com/portfolio">Dalliance Design</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8a/1a/66/8a1a6695fb947f1edec43e6dcd284bd9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8a/1a/66/8a1a6695fb947f1edec43e6dcd284bd9.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.ca/2010/02/once-in-blue-room.html">Miles Redd</a> as seen in House Beautiful</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/58/0a/ef/580aef9f3b10a3a9a347cb6eef0a54b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/58/0a/ef/580aef9f3b10a3a9a347cb6eef0a54b1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Beautiful, <a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/at-home/5-cool-ceiling-ideas-220700871.ht">link found here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/17/32/8d/17328d184b192ddd89c7a3cf5bdb664d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/17/32/8d/17328d184b192ddd89c7a3cf5bdb664d.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boxwood Interiors, Pinterest link <a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/17/32/8d/17328d184b192ddd89c7a3cf5bdb664d.jpg">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e7/68/63/e76863b79224f0f93ade49cb2d9c4214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e7/68/63/e76863b79224f0f93ade49cb2d9c4214.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design Crisis link <a href="http://design-crisis.com/erin-williamson-portfolio/">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I'll be back this week with some updates on the projects I started tackling this weekend: organizing my closet and paperwork. And of course, looking at those gorgeous images above, I'm desperately taunted to repaint my charcoal wall. Teal, anyone?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-66157603661403211782013-10-27T08:17:00.001-05:002013-10-27T08:17:10.951-05:00Inspired by: Dalliance Design<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 500px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
You guys. I was on Pinterest the other day and looking for images of dark rooms (because that blasted charcoal wall is staring at me in the face every day and I <i>still </i>can't decide if I am going to keep it) and I stumbled across <a href="http://www.dalliancedesign.com/portfolio">this image</a> of a teal and pink combination and I fell hard. The gorgeous jewel tones are stuck in my head! So I started shopping around for ways to bring this look home.<br />
<img alt="Bold Jewel Tones" border="0" force="1" height="500" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/101892723/id/eK0n3QY-4xGAP-WDNxsv_g/size/x.jpg" title="Bold Jewel Tones" width="500" /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 500px;">
<br />
<small></small><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/manchester-chaise/11966">Manchester Chaise</a>, <a href="http://www.wisteria.com/Grecian-Gilt-Accent-Table/productinfo/W9773/">Grecian Gilt Accent Table</a>, <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/brooklyn-leather-ottoman/?pkey=e%7Cleather%2Bottoman%7C13%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">Brooklyn Leather Ottoman</a>, <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/julian-apothecary-floor-lamp/199010">Julian Apothecary Floor Lamp</a>, <a href="http://www.wisteria.com/Sunburst-On-The-Scene-Mirror/productinfo/W3539/">Sunburst on the Scene Mirror,</a> <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/grand-marquis-console/furniture/consoles/209417?isCrossSell=true&strategy=41">Grand Marquis Console</a>, <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/softest-throw-ombre-t400/?pkey=cthrows&cm_src=throws||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-">Softest Throw Ombre</a>, pillows from<a href="http://www.etsy.com/"> Etsy</a></span><br />
<br />
Now if only I could figure out how to fit a chaise in my bedroom.... </div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-2373049601158135102013-10-17T06:41:00.000-05:002013-10-17T06:41:13.697-05:00Holiday Gift Guide for the Dog LoverHi, everyone--I'm back with another quickie post today, since this week is very crazy for me and by the time I get home, I'm too tired to do anything but entertain my kid until bedtime. When it's her bedtime, it's been my bedtime! Here's another Holiday Gift Guide, this time for the Dog Lover... I'm crushing on the "Woof" mat and the uber posh doggie bowls on the mat. (Though, really, if you get the bowls with the mat, you don't need another mat under it.... Woof.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/holiday_gift_guide_for_dog/set?.embedder=5542199&.svc=blogger&id=100833293" target="_blank"><img alt="Holiday Gift Guide for the Dog Lover" border="0" force="1" height="320" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/LOml3xn9Nslo3W4hguPRIw/cid/100833293/id/nqRONyA34xGEfOHJFIJoxg/size/c600x480.jpg" title="Holiday Gift Guide for the Dog Lover" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
(Sorry the pictures are so small--this week for some reason when I import Polyvore boards to Blogger, it makes them too big and they overlap into the sidebars, so I have to make them smaller than usual since I have no time to figure out the technical glitch... anyone else have this problem before?!)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-78283504896953903062013-10-15T06:53:00.000-05:002013-10-15T06:53:38.825-05:00Holiday Gift Guide for the Glamorous DecoratorI owe you a post of the weekend update and what I've gotten up to, but I just haven't had time! I started staining my deck on Sunday (remember, Master Procrastinator-that is me!) and didn't finish (it's a HUGE deck), so yesterday I left work a couple hours early to try to beat the rain and do more of the deck. I finished the main floorboards and steps but now I still have all of the railings and the bottom latticework to do. Such. a. pain. So that is why the radio silence the last couple of days.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, until I can get an update and some pictures for you--did you know Christmas is only a few months away?! Just the other day at Walmart, standing in the checkout line, Peyton and I saw a magazine that featured Halloween, another magazine right beside it that featured Thanksgiving, and below... da da dah! A magazine that featured Christmas. Way to really savor each holiday, magazine folks.<br />
<br />
In any case, I have family members asking me for my Christmas lists, so I have been scouting around online for inspiration. I thought I would kick off this week with a Holiday Gift Guide for the Glamorous Decorator. I have that faux fur blanket (<i>so soft</i>) and whoops, this past weekend I might have hit Target and bought those marble trays. Such a steal! I still need to find them a home. Happy Shopping!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/holiday_gift_guide_for_glamorous/set?.embedder=5542199&.svc=blogger&id=99750419" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Holiday Gift Guide for the Glamorous Decorator" border="0" force="1" height="316" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/3D3yqXMSty7BujZTcO9A/cid/99750419/id/SI-hu4414xGTYRR9Nxsv_g/size/c600x475.jpg" title="Holiday Gift Guide for the Glamorous Decorator" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-70492060204371899902013-10-11T06:25:00.001-05:002013-10-11T06:25:08.459-05:00Happy Friday!Happy Friday! I'm headed to a field trip with my daughter for a half day today, and then we plan to hit the mall after school/work and find a couple of cute sweaters for our holiday pictures. My brother has some free time this weekend, so he is going to take our pictures for our holiday cards.<br />
<br />
Then, provided nobody does any rain dances, I hope to (finally!) finish staining my deck. The weather has not been cooperative the last few weeks. C'mon, Lord, mama needs some sunshine!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-1190473625663716312013-10-10T06:40:00.000-05:002013-10-10T06:40:03.720-05:00Other Blogger's Craft ProjectsIt occurs to me I owe you an update on my sneak peak craft project. I started two craft projects a couple of weeks ago, and kept forgetting to post about the completed projects, because I was already moving onto the next project (I know, there are 20 <i>other</i> unfinished projects I need to do....). Both projects were ideas from other bloggers that I have read. As I mentioned, following other blogs is <i>great</i> for ideas and inspiration. So is <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>... don't get me started on Pinterest. I could (and do) lose hours of my life browsing the great creativity out there. But I digress. Back to the crafty projects.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of my favorite blogs is <a href="http://www.huntedinterior.com/">the Hunted Interior</a>. Kristin was the inspiration for both of these projects. Kristin has a pink tray she painted, and I have always loved the pop of pink it had. Plus, you can probably tell my living room color scheme is shifting to include magenta, right?! So <a href="http://www.huntedinterior.com/2013/09/how-i-made-my-brass-urchin.html">here</a> is where the inspiration began.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I loved the pink tray and the spiky little gold fellow on top and when Kristin posted about how she made the urchin, I thought, "I can do that." And I am a huge fan of lacquered trays. I have one from West Elm that I keep on my coffee table, and it literally saves my sanity (and table). Unfortunately, West Elm does not carry them in pink. (Dude, why not?!) Then I remembered I had a sad reject tray somewhere in my basement and I started to hustle. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was just an old wooden tray that I had bought from Target years ago that at one point I attempted to be crafty and painted the interior of the tray with a sea-foam paint I'd had on hand. I knew <i>very little </i>about paint in those days. Project <b>Fail</b> and to the garage sale pile it went. I give you Exhibit A: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYT29qJ9xeBwqGPo7lenToALNitWWt08bUabEsWB3AdjwZhfw8J7yC3UBIZUQzleL4R1ehZRVL31vmuVS1WufPK9l4OtpvmHS5zKG85te8p6Tqiy3ojy_zrrJxrvN8BHKm-bUhJvXTrsNm/s1600/tray+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYT29qJ9xeBwqGPo7lenToALNitWWt08bUabEsWB3AdjwZhfw8J7yC3UBIZUQzleL4R1ehZRVL31vmuVS1WufPK9l4OtpvmHS5zKG85te8p6Tqiy3ojy_zrrJxrvN8BHKm-bUhJvXTrsNm/s320/tray+before.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ran to the craft store to pick up some pink spray paint and came home with what I'll call "Hello, Kitty" pink (in actuality, it was Krylon's Watermelon).While I was there, I also picked up the other supplies for the sea urchin as well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsptZxKTfqQqCn0pA2U0ckVGL_RzcMKS4FFJkQaO3PwRbh09bvh79veLAh7-xoqHOc49ve8AwNZsahVJCPju8ZyOJPx8eLAbfuHxTJ0bPUhcYgdztr24xO2GMm8IR6MKKpN4tzdMvUl6yA/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsptZxKTfqQqCn0pA2U0ckVGL_RzcMKS4FFJkQaO3PwRbh09bvh79veLAh7-xoqHOc49ve8AwNZsahVJCPju8ZyOJPx8eLAbfuHxTJ0bPUhcYgdztr24xO2GMm8IR6MKKpN4tzdMvUl6yA/s320/IMG_0727.JPG+(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Then I did everything <i>wrong</i>. I remembered to sand, and wiped the sanding dust off with a tack cloth. But then I committed the worst painting error ever: I failed to prime the surface. The tray sucked up the paint like a hoover machine. Here is a shot with one coat of the Krylon Watermelon pink:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPDnaQLj4s9i-vvQnJGCYx4j8Ou4wXIPlLUy7QU36Z8JxekNIiQautunO8q5-skrhttmP7HsGja1C1hYPAV7rWUCzRAOqek5cTKGLN_BS3j6WAGjEZtShhUfIQ76WBU5Hd0pG5G5RpaHA/s1600/IMG_0735.JPG+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPDnaQLj4s9i-vvQnJGCYx4j8Ou4wXIPlLUy7QU36Z8JxekNIiQautunO8q5-skrhttmP7HsGja1C1hYPAV7rWUCzRAOqek5cTKGLN_BS3j6WAGjEZtShhUfIQ76WBU5Hd0pG5G5RpaHA/s320/IMG_0735.JPG+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was...<i>very pink</i>. It would have worked (maybe). But I definitely decided that the color needed to be more raspberry pink than "Hello, Kitty" pink. So I went back to the store and picked up a can of Valspar's Plumberry. Here's a quick snapshot of the cans side-by-side.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7lHtQAONOxGDhyRbmp8xXkeJyJ8LXedZAZTkRyyt-r4B5_ILIeuAf9b8V-YwRR3ttTWJeiaoWtmDY6dRR4Jxo07NMf-7ytcO2f5siMsrkWhnZy0VWOPSvVwrRm4goTXKcyMxmbFuntng/s1600/IMG_0736.JPG+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7lHtQAONOxGDhyRbmp8xXkeJyJ8LXedZAZTkRyyt-r4B5_ILIeuAf9b8V-YwRR3ttTWJeiaoWtmDY6dRR4Jxo07NMf-7ytcO2f5siMsrkWhnZy0VWOPSvVwrRm4goTXKcyMxmbFuntng/s320/IMG_0736.JPG+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So after a few coats of Plumberry (and one unplanned coat due to the weather dusting some rain on the final drying coat...), I finished with Krylon's Lacquer spray. And let me go on record and say "not a fan." I let the Lacquer coat dry for the recommended 24 hours before I styled it up. The other day, (a full week after finishing the tray) I placed a coffee cup on the tray for less than 5 minutes and it smudged the paint and left a ring on the top of the tray. Grrrrr. So I suggest you use poly instead of the Krylon Lacquer spray paint. Others have said they love it, but it did not work for me. Not sure if that's because it was layered over gloss spray paint or what, but it is not my friend. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So here is the finished product: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipM6mBySUWdbUna9zNziiUTktAnkIuil4mEEc6S0FNViHa0ocvwtkPoykfPfr3sq6HaFsBNJ3-ZXPyZgkyemwsZmWuamhW5g5wifmN_pOzBy0-ND1xyX9OgEOinzW5hBh8lVt5Vvi70Ml/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipM6mBySUWdbUna9zNziiUTktAnkIuil4mEEc6S0FNViHa0ocvwtkPoykfPfr3sq6HaFsBNJ3-ZXPyZgkyemwsZmWuamhW5g5wifmN_pOzBy0-ND1xyX9OgEOinzW5hBh8lVt5Vvi70Ml/s320/IMG_0749.JPG+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you see the second project on top of the stack of books? That is the sea urchin that I followed the tutorial from the original source Kristin cited, from the blog <a href="http://www.craftandcouture.com/2013/05/diy-decor-brass-urchin_13.html">Craft and Couture</a>. I basically followed the steps and tah-dah, sea urchin complete. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5RfkOLnGDJly2LJnFFA4VbDvmUMK5a5epooQelAzN2_dkStTXljJt8eWk48tBn1flLrV06lbrHKW9Mfs5F7uQpt4ZFxixKDX4jPD_dsg4QDf1SYMOcllP6k-rX6Jb96rqhcaNJ5f7vRT/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5RfkOLnGDJly2LJnFFA4VbDvmUMK5a5epooQelAzN2_dkStTXljJt8eWk48tBn1flLrV06lbrHKW9Mfs5F7uQpt4ZFxixKDX4jPD_dsg4QDf1SYMOcllP6k-rX6Jb96rqhcaNJ5f7vRT/s320/013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peyton made one too and spray-painted hers "Hello, Kitty" pink. Not sure I've ever seen a pink sea urchin, but it was kind of cute. What do you think--pink sea urchins are completely normal, right?? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqnDCTlBeLjs5lu5HAeuf8QAfaLORmwWPHlc2YXw0qZVERoyxGtG9s8RBMtz5VYMvrZJBAxillj0ajq5ein68KQ93Y2Y9eRP5CZt7ydeyjFKnjrnTsYlZJpF1ck8EHtQ9xcTHSBRLhzBo/s1600/pink+sea+urchin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqnDCTlBeLjs5lu5HAeuf8QAfaLORmwWPHlc2YXw0qZVERoyxGtG9s8RBMtz5VYMvrZJBAxillj0ajq5ein68KQ93Y2Y9eRP5CZt7ydeyjFKnjrnTsYlZJpF1ck8EHtQ9xcTHSBRLhzBo/s320/pink+sea+urchin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258363106549487549.post-17507544597541234152013-10-09T06:14:00.000-05:002013-10-09T06:14:44.667-05:00Dollar-PaloozaGetting Peyton to do her chores every day is very frustrating. I often have to remind her several times to pick up her dishes, pick up her toys, brush her teeth.. and I am not a gal who likes to repeat herself. So while searching on Pinterest, I looked for "Chore Boards" to see what other enterprising moms out there have done to whip their children into shape. One option was particularly intriguing to me--I thought the magnet chore board with chore magnets would be an interactive way for Peyton to get involved and have fun marking off her chores. The Chore Chart was from Abbie's House on Etsy:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuSYWE3H9CsO_DUD1z8HJbdqCaO7xVG4yMoCx8aBY27VBAhWse8GWNj3jUtHRCQYVKuuUg27lCjFGaao3OiHE3w6jp-y_6_Add-pI0Pe5yrKVUnYaVAFzxR7Is2RekIak7huCCKwz_CIA/s1600/chore+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuSYWE3H9CsO_DUD1z8HJbdqCaO7xVG4yMoCx8aBY27VBAhWse8GWNj3jUtHRCQYVKuuUg27lCjFGaao3OiHE3w6jp-y_6_Add-pI0Pe5yrKVUnYaVAFzxR7Is2RekIak7huCCKwz_CIA/s320/chore+chart.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AbbiesHouse">Abbie's House</a>, purchase <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/62362544/chore-chart-combination-set-includes?ref=shop_home_feat">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I wondered, though, if the magnets weren't too "young" for her. But at 7 years old and me still reminding her to pick up her dishes after she eats, something's gotta give. I also wondered if she would really <i>use</i> the chore chart. So I thought I would invest in something a little cheaper to give the Chore Chart a test run.<br />
<br />
Enter <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DelightfulOrder">Delightful Order</a>. They offered an instant editable PDF download (how's that for instant gratification) that had teal and chevron stripes on it. At $7, I was sold. Sure, I could have probably created something similar myself, but why recreate the wheel when I like it? Plus, I figured it would be the fastest way I could get Peyton using a Chore Chart, instead of waiting for shipping time. So I placed the order and roughly 10 minutes later, I was downloading the document. I put it on the fridge and told Peyton I wouldn't remind her anymore to do her chores.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNJBguJEvJHydZckLtXECEdOQmIQxc3ao6FBAeYGUsFSrJFlb_3W9XluGw6U6UqtGMaGdTe_wnEJZE_6OIXLHq614aPYJ4ppPjzWxBvAbmf8ctG9bUheUzJnNJPrlaZiYBI5U_Ao3IkXc/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNJBguJEvJHydZckLtXECEdOQmIQxc3ao6FBAeYGUsFSrJFlb_3W9XluGw6U6UqtGMaGdTe_wnEJZE_6OIXLHq614aPYJ4ppPjzWxBvAbmf8ctG9bUheUzJnNJPrlaZiYBI5U_Ao3IkXc/s320/098.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we talked about what she would get if she does her chores every day. When I was growing up, I had to earn my allowance. We had little reference cards with various chores on them and we would have to do the chores every week to get our allowance. So I figured I would do the same thing with Peyton. But I also want to teach her to save money, and I got the idea for "Family Money" from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AbbiesHouse">Abbie's Etsy shop</a>. Sure, I could have shelled out the $3 for the downloadable PDF for the Family Money, but I wanted to do something a little more fun with Peyton. So we designed our own Family Money.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosRrAWlxtfRtHEsU5OW2BWqZikvGt1zjFdXFR9evA831TFSBOUgKv5oR82eteohn_Ddn2vf62epRVm_oi4Tn_32kolku2g62HN61mEYbGI8hGWBWoGtyIBY09OKImdOzQxoQVpP4oEuNh/s1600/Family+Money+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosRrAWlxtfRtHEsU5OW2BWqZikvGt1zjFdXFR9evA831TFSBOUgKv5oR82eteohn_Ddn2vf62epRVm_oi4Tn_32kolku2g62HN61mEYbGI8hGWBWoGtyIBY09OKImdOzQxoQVpP4oEuNh/s320/Family+Money+image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For every day that Peyton marks all items as completed (and actually does them), she gets $1.00 in Family Money. (Note: our actual Family Money has our last name where the image says "insert Last Name.") The only chore on her list she does not have to do daily is to clean her room. She has to do that one at least twice a week. If she cleans more than twice, she gets an extra dollar for the week. Granted, $1.00 is not a lot-and it only adds up to $7 for the week (or $8 if she cleans more often), but she is still at the age where she thinks $1 is the moon. I figure as she gets older and the chores get harder (or we add more), I can up the amount. When she does something super nice or good that is extra deserving, I can use it as a reward as well. But for now, she gets super excited when she gets her $1.00. She has a special envelope she puts them in and is saving up for an easy bake oven.<br />
<br />
At bedtime one night, I asked her what her favorite part of the day was. She thought for awhile, and I was there thinking of everything she did over the weekend (painting, her cousin's soccer game and shopping with grandma, a movie night, crafts on Sunday...). Then she answered.<br />
<br />
"My favorite part was.... doing my chores and I got $1.00!" Now <i>that's </i>Priceless.<br />
<br />
How do you get your kids to do their chores?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07668830668029574229noreply@blogger.com0