tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76387323303070298732024-03-12T22:31:29.130-07:00Whimsical WishesA collection of my ideas, dreams, projects, and whatever else might come to my mind. Trying to create a place to archive things that inspire me. :)Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-65366238849194331812013-07-03T20:13:00.003-07:002013-07-03T20:16:49.446-07:00A love storyWell hello there. Long time, no blog. :) Life got insanely busy once I started back at school. I'm talking crazy, didn't get much sleep, felt like a wild woman, piles of stuff everywhere, laundry piled up to the ceiling, dishes stacked miles high, messy desk, hair in a ponytail daily kind of crazy! It really did get easier and life with working, being a mommy and wife and a teacher became the new normal. I ended the school year on a high note and truly was ready for summer! Boy did I have plans for this summer! Somehow, it's taken me a month to catch up (or whatever that means at this point- haha) and now I finally feel like it is time to relax. And school starts in less than a month... wait, what?! I keep reminding myself I will like this whole balanced calendar thing come October when I am enjoying a two week fall break. Not to mention, Landon's birthday party will be smack dab in the middle of that break- woo!! <br />
Anyhoooo... summer! We've had a great summer so far! Really thankful Colby's hours switched almost right before I went on break so we can enjoy a full weekend together. We went on a small vacation, have spent a lot of family time together, and watched Landon grow and change so much just over the past month! It needs to slow down. Like now. But that is for another blog post another time. :) Now that I feel like I have caught up on life in general, I have gotten around to making some of the projects on my wish list. Here was a big one that I finished last week...<br />
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At some point on pinterest (probably when I browsing one night at 2 a.m. while nursing Landon) I saw a pin of a lady who had written her and her husband's "love story" in the form of a book to read to her kids. I LOVED this idea. Fairytales and fantasies are wonderful for kids imagination (and our kids will be getting PLENTY of those stories, believe me!) but what about a real life love story? How sweet would it be for our children to know their very own parents love story that led up to our life now? I want our son to be respectful to women and a gentleman. I want my daughter to see how a man should treat a woman. Who better for a role model than their daddy? I'm not saying we are perfect by any means, but I want them to know our story. I want them to know real life love stories, not just ones in fairy tales. <br />
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So my little brain stored that idea in the back of my mind. Then, lo and behold, I received an email last week from Shutterfly for a free 8x8 photo book. All I had to pay was shipping and handling. I was sold! Colby can attest to the fact I could be described as giddy going through the different themes and accents I could use. Then, I shifted to contemplating over which pictures to use. Finally, I began writing our story. I loved replaying the last 5 and a half years in my mind, picking those most important moments, and asking Colby for input along the way. After two days of adding, editing, rewording, and final proofing, I was more than satisfied with the outcome and ordered it. When it came today, I ripped off the packaging and eagerly flipped through each page. It's perfect and I love that we will be able to read it to Landon and hopefully our other children someday. Here's a quick peek at how it turned out...<br />
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Front cover...</div>
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The beginning...</div>
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(This page is my personal favorite)</div>
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Some of the inside pages...</div>
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I wanted to include pictures of our kids but obviously, we don't have all of those just yet. :) So I left this page blank to add pictures as they come!</div>
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Hope you enjoyed my first official blog project in a while! Looking forward to doing some more creating and updating on some recent projects! Happy 4th of July tomorrow! Stay safe!</div>
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Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-71405812119214404972013-01-27T11:54:00.003-08:002013-01-27T11:56:10.883-08:00Last Day of LeaveWow... three months have come and gone so fast. I feel like it was two weeks ago that we were bringing home this sweet little boy from the hospital, a little overwhelmed, very excited, a bit anxious and elated all wrapped up into two brand new parents. We couldn't get enough of this little guy. Now I feel like we've turned around and here is this grown up looking baby that is trying to sit up on his own (usually results in an almost-face plant on the couch), trying to roll over from his tummy to his back, and is showering us with smiles and little squeals. L is healthy as can be and is growing so well that of course I can't complain, but I'm already feeling like it is going so fast! Today is my last official day of maternity leave and I re-enter the world of kindergarten tomorrow. While I am so excited to see my kiddos again and see how much they have grown too, I had NO idea just how hard it would be to leave my little guy. He is going to a trusted babysitter, and I know he will be fine. However, the mommy in me is screaming! I have loved, loved, loved spending this time with him. I have been there for almost every moment, and now I won't be. That is difficult. It takes time and it will get easier (so everyone tells me) haha :) But right now, I am struggling a bit. The great thing is I will have 21 kindergarteners who will be more than ready to give me a hug anytime I need one! On Friday I already had the fact that this was my last weekend of leave on my mind, so I finished up some projects I had been meaning to do for L's nursery as a distraction. (My ideas came from a previous post- Nursery Ideas- this has all the links to the original creators!) Here they are:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AxodsmN7HXnPXmfRzPmSCEo3Bb6klbHf5Ak4HFltkaw1zncTG0L2GdzRTXh5ZjZZL7SA5kk3R-nIYY2I1c6eKBnlUH6PDkHDBL-NpA2722edXhN1QI6oM_UWZdu_Vqj8QqwwNIMKlCk/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AxodsmN7HXnPXmfRzPmSCEo3Bb6klbHf5Ak4HFltkaw1zncTG0L2GdzRTXh5ZjZZL7SA5kk3R-nIYY2I1c6eKBnlUH6PDkHDBL-NpA2722edXhN1QI6oM_UWZdu_Vqj8QqwwNIMKlCk/s400/IMG_1410.JPG" width="300" /></a> Originally, my plan was to buy an actual shadow box. However, Hobby Lobby did not have the size or the price I was really wanting to spend. My mom, L, and I were shopping in the scrapbooking area and I ran across this frame. It actually was perfect. It does not have as much room between the glass and the backing as a shadow box does but I was not going to need that much since most of the items I would be using were pretty flat. Plus, this frame was 50% off- score!! The next day I gathered all the things I wanted to put in- L's first hat and socks, his footprints from the hospital, his bracelet & card, and his newborn announcement. I arranged them all on cardstock, adhered each piece (used a pin for the socks and hat), and added some stickers from The Paper Studio. I adore it now and it will be hanging in L's room very soon!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1jOqVhttmgWE6dHpSigKljX4Su0bky5f8Gq6Zd6wUY9J3vEVl4TiWma9RTe_8LVCwxcdDZogv6zEpPmXfumLZRO8jGnjVKl3LzHT2PHk18JUb0vBHCeKrE2twZzDki7we9To7_vT4Pk/s1600/IMG_1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1jOqVhttmgWE6dHpSigKljX4Su0bky5f8Gq6Zd6wUY9J3vEVl4TiWma9RTe_8LVCwxcdDZogv6zEpPmXfumLZRO8jGnjVKl3LzHT2PHk18JUb0vBHCeKrE2twZzDki7we9To7_vT4Pk/s400/IMG_1314.JPG" width="300" /></a>My other project was inspired from this<a href="http://www.thesweetsurvival.com/2012/08/diy-gallery-art-for-carsons-nursery.html" target="_blank"> post</a>. Her canvas ended up a lot cleaner than mine, but I did do mine around 11 pm one night after L went down and I needed some "me time." I underestimated just how long it would take! A hour and 15 minutes later I was done! I didn't want to stop because I was using mixed paint and didn't want to have to replicate the colors the next day. But 4 am came wayyyy too fast that night! :) Here was the beginning:<br />
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I used a canvas from Hobby Lobby and acrylic paints.<br />
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I found that Q-tips made the circles very easy to make. Paintbrushes- not so much. The blogger in the original post used her fingers, which would have been a great idea too! I mixed the paint and then started making a lot of circles in various colors and sizes!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> (Like my makeshift paint tray?!)</span><br />
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And the finished product:</div>
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My whole purpose in this canvas was to encourage L to turn his head to the left while he is on the changing table (he loves his right side and is constantly facing that way). It was a success! He loves looking at it and often tries to bat his hands and touch the dots. Love it! </div>
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Thank you for enduring my anxiety-ridden beginning and not judging too harshly. :) I hope this is a great week for you, and send some good thoughts my way so maybe the transition won't be so hard for me. </div>
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Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-85181245500859012172013-01-20T15:02:00.002-08:002013-01-21T07:28:13.226-08:00Planning Ahead: Meals!! Well after quite the hiatus from blogging, I am back! Now, I can't say how often I will be writing, but I will try to post when I've had an exceptionally good project. Today's project was not my usual- no scrapbooking, Cricut cutting, paint applying, or Sharpie-using. :) It was cooking!<br />
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I have been very blessed the past three months. First, by the arrival of our son Landon! He arrived on a beautiful day in October weighing 9lbs and 5 oz! Mommy and Daddy were so overjoyed and proud, but more on that later! :) As I was saying, I have been very blessed to be home with him the past three months. We have loved spending our days cuddling, reading, playing, and napping! Sadly, my maternity leave is coming to an end in a week. I am very nervous about going back to school and balancing being a teacher, a wife, a homemaker, and a mommy. Especially since Colby is back in his evening masters classes this semester. Before Landon arrived, Colby and school were my life basically. I stayed until late most nights, came in at least one day on the weekend, and took things home as well. As you can imagine, my priorities have changed. While I still want to be the best teacher I can be, I have the most special little boy in the world waiting for me at home and I <strike>am going to try to not</strike> am not going to be spending the hours at school like I did before. The other thing I have considered is making dinner. When I get home, I'm just going to want to cuddle my little bug- not cook. I needed a plan. I was on Pinterest a couple of weeks ago and saw a couple of pins about freezer cooking. I started to look into it and realized this was just what I needed. Today was my freezer cooking day and it went really well! Granted, there were a lot of interruptions, but overall, it took me about 3 hours to make 15 meals! Not too shabby! And I know how much I will LOVE this in a couple of weeks. <br />
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I posted a picture on Facebook of the process and had a few people ask about how I did this, so here we go! First, I researched a lot of pins and websites that had anything to do with freezer meals. I quickly discovered that I wanted to make crockpot freezer meals. I can thaw it the night before. Colby is often home at lunch so he will be able to pop it into the slow cooker and it will be ready by the time we get home! Add a veggie and maybe some rolls/pasta and ta-da! Dinner! I was hooked. Then, it became finding the meals that a.) I could eat since I am currently dairy-free and b.) that we would like! I found some great websites with a lot of yummy recipes. The website where I got most of the recipes is<a href="http://whoneedsacape.com/2012/11/crockpot-freezer-cooking/" target="_blank"> here</a>. She is awesome and gave GREAT tips for freezer cooking! Here are the meals I made with the link to each recipe:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ringaroundtherosies.net/2012/04/more-freezer-cooking-meals-part-3.html" target="_blank">Cilantro Chicken</a><br />
<a href="http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/2012/08/olive-garden-pasta-e-fagioli-soup.html" target="_blank">Pasta and Fagioli Soup</a> (made into two servings) - imitation of Olive Garden's soup<br />
<a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/09/black-bean-taco-soup-freezer-meal.html" target="_blank">Black Bean Taco Soup</a><br />
<a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2011/09/honey-garlic-chicken-slow-cooker-recipe.html" target="_blank">Honey Garlic Chicken</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ringaroundtherosies.net/2012/02/freezer-cooking.html" target="_blank">Savory Chicken</a> (made into two servings)<br />
<a href="http://whoneedsacape.com/2012/11/easy-crockpot-mongolian-beef/" target="_blank">Mongolian Beef</a><br />
<a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2009/10/14/island-chicken/" target="_blank">Island Chicken</a> (made into two servings)<br />
<a href="http://realmomkitchen.com/9318/oven-baked-chicken-fajitas/" target="_blank">Chicken Fajitas</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thecountrycook.net/2011/01/slow-cooker-beef-tips-with-gravy.html" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Beef Tips</a><br />
<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/06/crock-pot-chicken-cacciatore.html" target="_blank">Chicken Caccitaore</a><br />
<a href="http://whoneedsacape.com/2012/10/crockpot-chicken-tacos/" target="_blank">Chicken Tacos</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ringaroundtherosies.net/2012/02/freezer-cooking.html" target="_blank">Teriyaki Chicken</a><br />
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A lot of these websites have more recipes on them as well- they just didn't fit my taste/dietary restrictions. :)<br />
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The first thing I did to prepare for my day was to copy the recipes and make a huge shopping list. The bill may have made me swoon a bit, but my thought was Hey! This will feed our family for almost a month! Plus, I went to Kroger to get the chicken on sale, which helped tremendously! Plus, I found a use for the elusive can of tomato sauce I bought on accident over a year ago! See Colby- I do use those cans eventually! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskK8ZaD7kNNjLUoPUeegi9QHvZm1AJcZ7Jm9xtT0jkGEtcYZarefKhc4sA3o9YAWZ8IJqLroZZJajl8zN0HeeEy5KuZ9MlPfESNi0rXEz0PGBpTDdlIoaU13BEWpXbs-7QFu6EJdlqKU/s1600/freezer2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskK8ZaD7kNNjLUoPUeegi9QHvZm1AJcZ7Jm9xtT0jkGEtcYZarefKhc4sA3o9YAWZ8IJqLroZZJajl8zN0HeeEy5KuZ9MlPfESNi0rXEz0PGBpTDdlIoaU13BEWpXbs-7QFu6EJdlqKU/s320/freezer2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Today, it was basically following the recipes and making the bags! I started by labeling each Ziploc bag with the directions for cooking each recipe and what sides need to go with it, just in case Colby is the one prepping dinner! Or if my mommy brain is running low that day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiecAvJjS7G_93_5XSqKWOP23JzCv-WTH_g5VmWplHD6PCWK_64o8ulCnak-izae3aOXxA6JIMIl9Idrau06t7cvkJRtqcQ8tzMpa6df2wqrIY0PcMEHZFKaqrq9HzifnIgEiCSq9EQ8/s1600/freezer3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiecAvJjS7G_93_5XSqKWOP23JzCv-WTH_g5VmWplHD6PCWK_64o8ulCnak-izae3aOXxA6JIMIl9Idrau06t7cvkJRtqcQ8tzMpa6df2wqrIY0PcMEHZFKaqrq9HzifnIgEiCSq9EQ8/s320/freezer3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then, I started with all the chicken recipes. I prepped the veggies, added in the canned items and the spices, and finally cut the chicken and added to the bags. Then, I moved on to the stew meat recipes, and finally the recipes that called for ground beef. If I could change something from today, I would have browned the ground beef first before doing anything so it would be completely cooled by the time I needed to use it. I saved those for last and then had to wait on the beef to cool to complete the bags. I guess it gave me time to clean up, right??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxt5Ru8mEBpM-ZS3KLTr-aSiAVHrORB9oVyhsyps-c4I_jAtg3zb9Oxolo1LrxRWzOpSwAuVSwuuUHAv8sr-ma8LDv7NSlvaXfHaPx6sxHR_Jnw4IrGP5jMoUbckiO7F5uk5RV1unHr0/s1600/freezer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxt5Ru8mEBpM-ZS3KLTr-aSiAVHrORB9oVyhsyps-c4I_jAtg3zb9Oxolo1LrxRWzOpSwAuVSwuuUHAv8sr-ma8LDv7NSlvaXfHaPx6sxHR_Jnw4IrGP5jMoUbckiO7F5uk5RV1unHr0/s320/freezer.JPG" width="240" /></a>All in all, today was a great success and it will feel even better when I start back to school and know dinner is not something I have to worry about when I get home! Here is our freezer with lots of yummy dinners just waiting!<br />
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I will (hopefully) have more posts coming soon. I hope this was helpful and you get inspired to make your nights much easier! <br />
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<br />Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-62705449554997848972012-08-19T16:09:00.002-07:002012-08-19T16:12:39.353-07:00Lemonade, Cake, Mason Jars, and Birthday FunYesterday was my mom's 50th birthday! And of course, we had a party!! If you look back to last fall, we threw my dad a 50th birthday party with a fall theme- chili, campfire, cake, etc. It was a lot of fun so I was really looking forward to throwing my mom a party too! I don't know how excited she was about turning 50, but hey, she's becoming a grandma this year, so that has to make it a bit better I think. :) I was excited because I love summer parties. I think there are so many cute ideas out there. I started planning this party in May after getting an issue of Better Homes and Gardens with all sorts of ideas. Here are just some of the festivities from the day...<br />
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Due to the medicine my mom takes for her migraines, she cannot drink pop. It tastes metallic (yuck!). So I had seen a couple of different lemonade recipes and ideas on pinterest and in my lovely issue of Better Homes and Gardens. I decided to have a lemonade bar. We had regular lemonade, strawberry lemonade, and blueberry lemonade. We also had sweet tea. (I'll include the recipes for the lemonades at the bottom of the post). I used some doilies we had received from our wedding, along with daises and floating candles in Mason jars to create our table. Here was the finished product....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK0yJi8Mlm-N-JJi6o03vX5D-Onb4W4rBVshsiv0fAYvR3YVDRHlE2BD7-Gm389mubolqMTkBh3ZvIr76F70NUjFesryUtQQgeQfNBHnlPWbYi45S6neKF8AzFhT3H3_6nPVXQkYjV5g/s1600/party4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK0yJi8Mlm-N-JJi6o03vX5D-Onb4W4rBVshsiv0fAYvR3YVDRHlE2BD7-Gm389mubolqMTkBh3ZvIr76F70NUjFesryUtQQgeQfNBHnlPWbYi45S6neKF8AzFhT3H3_6nPVXQkYjV5g/s640/party4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I loved the little pennant border along the table as well- thanks to My Mind's Eye paper and my Cricut :)<br />
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I also adore Mason Jars. I think they are so cute and classic. So, I wanted to tie them into the party somehow. I bought two cases of pint sized jars (thank you to canning season almost being over and Walmart having them on sale!). My hubby actually was really good at stamping tags, so we cut and stamped tags for everyone to write their name on, and we cut ribbon to tie the tags onto the jars. When our guests came up to get lemonade, they had to grab a tag, write their name, tie it onto the jar, and voila! No mixed up Mason jars! Here's a pic...<br />
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Lemonade was not the only thing we served though! We had some yummy snacks as well. We had veggies and dip, buffalo chicken dip, fruit slush, chips and salsa, and cheeseball & crackers (thank you to my brother's girlfriend Raeanne for bringing this yumminess!!) Here's the food table. I just couldn't resist!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-hTxq_YnLn2Mdl4mjrBGQaiyNQC-Vd01Ocr-1Rkrrgxsm1u1qK8jfXVEZYoX5Qpk_GDYWiaZFkZw1Spduwh1K2oE-cPeVRZCftXXSM-RdmMyJfAEPWmsfoRqdOhY1PAiphJqtk8vGYE/s1600/party3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-hTxq_YnLn2Mdl4mjrBGQaiyNQC-Vd01Ocr-1Rkrrgxsm1u1qK8jfXVEZYoX5Qpk_GDYWiaZFkZw1Spduwh1K2oE-cPeVRZCftXXSM-RdmMyJfAEPWmsfoRqdOhY1PAiphJqtk8vGYE/s640/party3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And of course, we had cake!! Funny story there... my whole family loves Marsh cakes, mostly because of the icing. We are buttercream icing freaks. None of that whipped stuff for us. Well, I ordered the cake on Thursday and said specifically, we want <u>buttercream</u> icing. No problem. On Saturday, Coop, Raeanne, and I went to Marsh to pick it up, along with daisies and the seemingly hard to find blueberries. I got a glimpse of the cake and all looked great. However, when we got home and opened the box to put it out, I thought the icing looked awfully soft and shiny. Yup, whipped icing. So at this point, it's 1:15, the party starts at 2, and I have a cake that I know people will eat but not love. I quickly called the bakery department and asked if there was anything they could do. Amazingly, they said give us 20 minutes and we'll have a correct one ready. Colby went to get it (along with the ice cream that I had completely spaced- thank you baby brain!) and all was well. <br />
Behind the cake table, I ran ribbons across the window and used clothespins to hang pictures of Mom growing up along with recent ones too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vsxBqgRw91U82jzYJLnrpJfZ_n1-DYWRe7LoH3d7dRNUvdlrXMxcOCBNAryYnWoEWeTqhyphenhyphene8e2fQh0uKw9v1Nglw6PqQLxpdX4oPdIUDsYV0Nwt-E8zd5w-CnDxXG9IUaSBWn229Suw/s1600/party1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vsxBqgRw91U82jzYJLnrpJfZ_n1-DYWRe7LoH3d7dRNUvdlrXMxcOCBNAryYnWoEWeTqhyphenhyphene8e2fQh0uKw9v1Nglw6PqQLxpdX4oPdIUDsYV0Nwt-E8zd5w-CnDxXG9IUaSBWn229Suw/s640/party1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Oh, and those pretty flowers?! Present from my dad for Mom that matched the theme and the colors perfectly- way to go Dad!!<br />
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As for the lemonade recipes... I made "homemade" lemonade using this recipe:<br />
First, I made a simple syrup. Heat 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil. Whisk 2 cups of sugar in and heat until dissolved. Let it cool. (This can be stored in the refrigerator for quick lemonade). I tripled this recipe. <br />
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Then, I poured 5 cups of water, 3/4 cup of lemon juice, 1 cup of the simple syrup, and ice cubes into a pitcher and stirred well! To make the strawberry/blueberry/whatever berry you like lemonade, we mashed the berries (whole package) in a bowl, mixed it in with a small cup of lemonade, and then added it to the pitcher. Yum!!!<br />
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All in all, it was a beautiful day! We had a great time seeing Mom enjoy her day and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. We ended the night having a little fire and enjoying some more family time. Happy 50th Birthday Momma!<br />
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<br />Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-1175974415389139362012-07-25T07:24:00.000-07:002012-07-25T07:33:15.747-07:00Love Story ProjectSo here I was last week, surfing pinterest, pinning far more things than I have time to accomplish, when I see a frame with a quote in it that I <u>loved</u>. It said "Every love story is beautiful but ours is my favorite." Well you can bet I clicked on that link as fast as I could (and pinned it of course!). It took me <a href="http://thewhiterabbitstl.com/catalog.php?item=1367&catid=34&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D34" target="_blank">here</a>. It was a online vintage boutique that sold the frame, but of course, they were sold out. I had gotten my hopes up a bit because I have been looking for something new to hang over the headboard in our bedroom. The frame we had there just seemed too small and boring. I studied the picture for a while and decided that it would not be difficult to make, especially since I made a similar project for the nursery just a couple of weeks ago. So I set out Sunday afternoon to see what I could find to make this work.<br />
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I began at Goodwill and found a frame that was perfect. It was brown and a little beat up, but I was going to distress it a little anyway. It already had character. The frame was big too. I wasn't going for an 8x10, more like a 16x20 or bigger. I found it! And it was only $10.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCp6qX3ghEeMyVX-b-SRn5b-aCm2tIgSnnc-wRB35XBT8cwe9V3xLHQOxs7CRe2pwbtQ9Rb31wrBVdWPs2uyFq5NrmaJ4i-xAAPV-AFgJIv7l2uyMoHf9Vt2Qhyphenhyphen7c6CrLbGxb2O1Xd5E/s1600/lovestory4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCp6qX3ghEeMyVX-b-SRn5b-aCm2tIgSnnc-wRB35XBT8cwe9V3xLHQOxs7CRe2pwbtQ9Rb31wrBVdWPs2uyFq5NrmaJ4i-xAAPV-AFgJIv7l2uyMoHf9Vt2Qhyphenhyphen7c6CrLbGxb2O1Xd5E/s400/lovestory4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I got it home and washed it up. Let me tell you, the prints behind the frame were way outdated so who knows how old this thing is! I removed the glass, threw away the prints, and began painting the frame. This took a few coats.</div>
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I left the frame to dry and came inside with the glass. On the computer, I went through <i>all</i> the fonts I have and found the two that would be perfect for the print. I typed up the quote and then resized everything (to 130+). I printed it off and cut out the words. The last step was to tape them to the back evenly.</div>
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The last step (and the longest) was to trace over the words with black Sharpie marker. (Brand new markers with sharp points are a good idea.) I have found that it works best to trace over it once, then go back over carefully to darken the lettering. I added a few of my own touches to the letters. Boy, I missed being able to lay on the floor on my stomach while doing this! Baby boy would not have liked that very much :)</div>
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When all the lettering was traced and dry, I checked it one more time for empty spots. Then I got my dry frame, used some sandpaper to distress the edges and give it that worn look. I used a hammer again to bend the frame hooks backwards away from the glass. Then, I lined the edges with glue and laid the glass in the frame to dry overnight.</div>
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I put it on the wall this morning right above our bed, and I love love love it! And it was super easy and cheap! Grand total- $10 for the frame! Woo!!</div>
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I know people were asking on Facebook how to do this so I hope this explains it well! :) I hope you are inspired to make one of your own- they are so much fun! And addicting!</div>
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<br />Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-4819372978797305012012-07-18T17:20:00.001-07:002012-07-18T17:20:06.298-07:00Picture Frame Project (And Updates!)Well we've had quite the exciting weekend... It flew by in a flash! We drove to New York Friday afternoon and got there about 9:30. The next morning was my first baby shower! :) Colby and my dad played in a church golf tournament while the girls all went to the shower. It was a lovely brunch shower and we were so blessed to receive a lot of things we will be needing here in 3 short months!! (wow! 3 months!) We headed home Sunday afternoon after church. I will be honest and say I had a moment going home... like a serious pregnant lady moment. I think because we stayed for church and I am used to leaving early on driving days, it felt like we had been driving ALL day rather than the few short hours we had been. At about 5 o'clock, somewhere in the middle of Ohio, I was almost freaking out, "I have to get out of this car!!!" Haha :) Poor Colby...<br />
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After we got back, it didn't really slow down! Again, I felt so bad for Colby because he got called into work at 11:30 Sunday night and didn't get home until 3:30 a.m. Needless to say, he was pretty tired Monday. I had a doctor appointment on Monday morning and I was so thankful to hear the doctor say that everything was looking great! :) Baby boy's heartbeat was 146 bpm and he is growing at a wonderful rate! All is good, and we couldn't be happier or more thankful. We also got to pick up the crib Tuesday afternoon and put it together! I washed all the bedding we got this weekend (thanks Momma!) and had it ready for today when Colby got home with the new mattress. The nursery is really coming together and looking amazing! (Pictures further down!)<br />
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Today, I decided to work on a project from an idea I had discussed in my last post. I wanted to make something with the phrase "I love you to the moon and back." Well, I had found some cute things online but didn't want to pay for them. I'd looked at stickers in Hobby Lobby but letter stickers sometimes look a little iffy because of the way they are cut. Suddenly, I remembered I had seen a pin on pinterest where someone had used Sharpie markers to draw owls on the glass of a picture frame and then had left the backs off. It got my brain going and here is what I came up with...<br />
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I started with a frame I had bought at Goodwill for $1.50. (Wooo!) I took out the glass and backing and repainted the wood white. (I also cleaned the glass.)<br />
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On my computer, I used the font "Pupcat" and wrote out the words "I love you right up to the moon and back" and I found a little crescent moon clip art that I thought was cute. Then, I printed the pages, cut out the words and taped them to the back of the glass. Then, using a brown Sharpie marker, I began tracing the letters and coloring them in. I switched to the light blue Sharpie for the moon and stars.<br />
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When it was all done, I used clear adhesive to secure the glass back inside the frame and it is ready to hang up in baby boy's room!! :) I wasn't sure how it would turn out but I am pretty happy with the finished product!<br />
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Sorry for the shadow... the flash made the letters look odd. One of the most exciting things was the total cost: $1.50!! I had everything else on hand or made it on the computer! Yay!<br />
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Here are some pictures to update you on the progress of the nursery... :)<br />
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Our before picture... (walls were tan above the chair rail and dark brown below)</div>
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After!! We are so happy with the colors and love how bright the room is!</div>
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More to come later! Hopefully you are getting some of this wonderful rain tonight! I have forgotten what rain sounds like... it's nice to be reminded.<br />
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<br />Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-4016593151584359892012-07-04T08:33:00.001-07:002012-07-04T08:35:40.028-07:00Baby project ideasAs I said in my last post, my plan was to make a list of projects I wanted to complete before the baby is born, or at least soon after he is born - since some of them require the baby :) Needless to say, I've found a ton of ideas. Narrowing them down has been the hard part! I keep reminding myself... there are only 4 walls in his nursery... I don't want to cram every inch with stuff... only limited space... I'm not sure how well it's working! Anyway, here are the wonderful ideas I've found on blogs and on pinterest. I cannot wait to get started!<br />
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I have been on the look out for the perfect frame to go around the letters of our little guy's name. Unfortunately, since we are keeping his name a secret, I won't be able to put it up until after he is born :)</div>
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I love this saying and I want it to be up somewhere in his room, so I'm considering making this myself with scrapbook paper and sticker letters. This one is from etsy.com</div>
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If you know my hubby at all, this would be a must have :) Sadly, there aren't anymore for sale on etsy.com where I originally found it. Anyone crazy good at crocheting and want to make this adorable helmet for our little guy? :) Goodness only knows you would not want to see what it would look like if I tried it!</div>
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Here are some things I can't quite complete until baby boy is here...</div>
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Love, love, love this! We already have the baseball!!</div>
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I can't wait to have his newborn photos taken (speaking of which- would love any recommendations!) and then I want to create a collage of pictures on the wall.</div>
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And the finale, the one I think I am most excited about, is a shadow box. I love how everything is laid out, and I can picture having one of these for each of our kiddos hanging on the wall in the hallway. Super excited about this idea- buying the box soon!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLmgcmKxxZXdHaZz5OI6RlP5t04QvJLfyk-vO-lytG0tnbxpkkQry59_xS2JmFvGnkYHrZn3BSwKhOSjc-GN4eAuZG8GCIHG_cMGXwwRoabx4gzR2LEZ2Y9RER_WLK5wqqk7ozlVJfPo/s1600/ShadowBox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLmgcmKxxZXdHaZz5OI6RlP5t04QvJLfyk-vO-lytG0tnbxpkkQry59_xS2JmFvGnkYHrZn3BSwKhOSjc-GN4eAuZG8GCIHG_cMGXwwRoabx4gzR2LEZ2Y9RER_WLK5wqqk7ozlVJfPo/s400/ShadowBox.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Well here are my favorites I have found so far... I'm sure there will be more as it gets closer. 25 weeks tomorrow! That means only 15 left! Wow!!! :) Little guy has been kicking this whole time I've been writing this post- he must know it's about him :)<br />
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Hope everyone has a fantastic 4th of July and stay cool!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s1600/name1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s200/name1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-50344529881635725132012-06-21T07:04:00.002-07:002012-06-21T07:07:56.548-07:00Nursery Ideas!As I mentioned in my previous post, I am so excited to begin repainting/decorating/crafting for our baby boy's nursery! I have a lot of ideas, and I am trying to make them all come together to form a cohesive, sweet room for our little one. The first decision I wanted to make was the colors. I wanted to tie in a little blue, but I really love the brown, tan, green, blue combinations, so that's where I began. Our nursery has a chair rail, which I love, so my thought is we are going to paint the bottom half a green (not too dark, but definitely not too light either) and the top half cream. Here are some of my inspirations...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9s3usmA6QNdpYd49qOAgzE3wmrRH-Tel_hqV4hNknw6dsgsMuic8xjrqj62aLVJZrjmwx9VNbCHwtr21vLjmDYNgC9WJ_gWwLyVF_P0A5QbHy1dER_EDsQfxBO4MHVI0GkIRYCJDOqc/s1600/greennursery2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9s3usmA6QNdpYd49qOAgzE3wmrRH-Tel_hqV4hNknw6dsgsMuic8xjrqj62aLVJZrjmwx9VNbCHwtr21vLjmDYNgC9WJ_gWwLyVF_P0A5QbHy1dER_EDsQfxBO4MHVI0GkIRYCJDOqc/s400/greennursery2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The green is a little to light for me but it incorporates the green and cream. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh012vv-1At_-wc0psvBiW8mWbMlFGAlnoqlJaxyRGx1K9Nfdak0rPrwM_xYhLTPxN0vRLi4qFETJ9HPysK9ibqe6MLYaB3yKyDzQwaqXqfcoRdk0QjdDG9sJ8TehXa37CJERYC6L3bcIo/s1600/greennursery3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh012vv-1At_-wc0psvBiW8mWbMlFGAlnoqlJaxyRGx1K9Nfdak0rPrwM_xYhLTPxN0vRLi4qFETJ9HPysK9ibqe6MLYaB3yKyDzQwaqXqfcoRdk0QjdDG9sJ8TehXa37CJERYC6L3bcIo/s400/greennursery3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Granted this is for a little girl, but I like the darker shade of green. Find it <a href="http://projectnursery.com/2011/08/behind-the-scenes-with-tracy-davis/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnX5YF18JBd-YcqLa1_0OG35BTWGoT7iIMhkkxlK6xA2icvCrdrhzlJL7mTEtC95phs1evUWoH-DEzpvEm_GljWIFGml95BRw7SrywDAXDJzBsmB9705S4nV_sW_AV6FRDjPrfF6lnFTE/s1600/greennursery4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnX5YF18JBd-YcqLa1_0OG35BTWGoT7iIMhkkxlK6xA2icvCrdrhzlJL7mTEtC95phs1evUWoH-DEzpvEm_GljWIFGml95BRw7SrywDAXDJzBsmB9705S4nV_sW_AV6FRDjPrfF6lnFTE/s400/greennursery4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This has the two tones, but I was thinking more of the darker green on the bottom and cream on the top. Find it <a href="http://projectnursery.com/projects/baby-ks-book-themed-nursery/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8ts-7rFRs-cxdcv28DkZt__JrqbVi3HousjW2AAd3WpsIAwRxmuAZrtAHl5dwx9SSqUosU35hpqpd9GNHiyitkkR1eT3gT_4cr_k-RuSnmDzlXZTon03DwYPZgkwzv1OU6QXFnX-JVM/s1600/greennursery1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8ts-7rFRs-cxdcv28DkZt__JrqbVi3HousjW2AAd3WpsIAwRxmuAZrtAHl5dwx9SSqUosU35hpqpd9GNHiyitkkR1eT3gT_4cr_k-RuSnmDzlXZTon03DwYPZgkwzv1OU6QXFnX-JVM/s400/greennursery1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And I think this one ended up being my favorite. We aren't doing stripes on the bottom, but it's the closest to what I am looking for! Find it <a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=10485" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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I went to Home Depot and picked up at least 20 different paint cards. No I am not joking. But I think we have it narrowed down and are ready to paint when we actually have a free weekend! (Come on mid July!) This momma is nesting!</div>
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While my mom and I were at Target one day, I found an adorable blanket/bedding set that I completely loved, tied in with my colors, and was a perfect fit for me! It's going to be the kind of "theme" for our nursery. (I'm hesitant to say theme because I want to find a lot of unique pieces that mesh, not everything the same, so I'll tread lightly when I say "theme" :) haha) Here it is...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vKIHJfmnJwJDX_Js_VadYBKEqzhX_2iSPAzsLDzL7PO6vf70QB2n_vnly5IRS-OxFdN6pruACxGcAGFp0f8spcF30LlgZ-bMkGhPpFrWG-cRUTFedIwBcGoWGn1xMb2i5xZqFQmYfxw/s1600/Babyblanket.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vKIHJfmnJwJDX_Js_VadYBKEqzhX_2iSPAzsLDzL7PO6vf70QB2n_vnly5IRS-OxFdN6pruACxGcAGFp0f8spcF30LlgZ-bMkGhPpFrWG-cRUTFedIwBcGoWGn1xMb2i5xZqFQmYfxw/s640/Babyblanket.png" width="522" /></a></div>
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Too sweet. :) You can see it <a href="http://www.target.com/p/circo-neutral-3pc-bedding-set/-/A-13872689" target="_blank">here</a> at Target. Mom and I are going to grab it soon, just in case we can't find it later. I would be bummed!</div>
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At this point, especially if you follow me on pinterest or have been in our living room at our house, you know I <u>love</u> trees. Therefore, when I started finding wall decals of trees in nurseries, I knew I had to have one! And it would match my colors perfectly. Here are some of my inspirations...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gTiOiuZieNUsi0eYkzA6tRTva3kqKYsL-9oKHjrtLYI49vs-fTw8kOCq68QI3pnR8N2SUeR8ncnQTEqHfcPPfolYCUiJURTr5O_3MefQ08ZH3v8QBAVYW-eTgcjSZNwu-0w2jeWWpnA/s1600/tree2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gTiOiuZieNUsi0eYkzA6tRTva3kqKYsL-9oKHjrtLYI49vs-fTw8kOCq68QI3pnR8N2SUeR8ncnQTEqHfcPPfolYCUiJURTr5O_3MefQ08ZH3v8QBAVYW-eTgcjSZNwu-0w2jeWWpnA/s400/tree2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Love putting shelves up on the branches idea... Find this <a href="http://www.whimsicalwallmurals.com/Baby-Rooms.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJG5Op1VzfCvSe4vF6IPdf8MyycNbGMisWDNZv16j3MUMNNFzHLBIJcbBanSUo4em4ilxyTm7bfo65rHCLAwMdjT6dqo-NiBWQWTrjjn_c0doZHqCfRJHFSEmwIsML-JEIwBYMu5afiI0/s1600/tree3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJG5Op1VzfCvSe4vF6IPdf8MyycNbGMisWDNZv16j3MUMNNFzHLBIJcbBanSUo4em4ilxyTm7bfo65rHCLAwMdjT6dqo-NiBWQWTrjjn_c0doZHqCfRJHFSEmwIsML-JEIwBYMu5afiI0/s400/tree3.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
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Again, love the shelves and like the simple design with the birds. Find this<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61821856/wall-decals-the-original-shelving-tree?ref=cat1_gallery_12" target="_blank"> here</a> on etsy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdayY_hbn5cTzW4f9MknKhYjbO-uPLLTv65icCur3F4o2wOYMqjIp_VersCqSntRJtLRc6vH3sKyl7tK3FWvZyazyfXlv7ohVGxJwXKo6saWNSlcyKa8tlZjycPUwiIELV1x7_a66sVH0/s1600/tree4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdayY_hbn5cTzW4f9MknKhYjbO-uPLLTv65icCur3F4o2wOYMqjIp_VersCqSntRJtLRc6vH3sKyl7tK3FWvZyazyfXlv7ohVGxJwXKo6saWNSlcyKa8tlZjycPUwiIELV1x7_a66sVH0/s320/tree4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I like that the leaves are different colors on this tree and it has a more whimsical feel. (I tried to find the original link but it's no longer on etsy.)</div>
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The only part I dislike about these decals is the price. The cheapest one I've found is $82.00, and that just seems a bit pricey to me, especially when we have a lot more important baby things to be thinking about! Colby has suggested that I paint one. I, however, am not so sure about that idea! We'll see what this bargain shopper can come up with!</div>
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The awesome thing is we already have a great start on furniture for our nursery. We have the crib picked out, not bought yet, but at least chosen. I found a great changing table at a garage sale for $25! All it needed was a good scrub and a little touch up paint. Here it is looking pretty...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16rOIFh8zwfnuKHxdi6l2GEY_qWGxP6pCDstzMM5ZOTQNvqA_RbcfqZ1G3CxpxVO8e1cHXwSfp_K_8hxYaiq_wInkCr_Q1KWpsD8xpVJoaHUxvNcDBbwPAYYCWO6Q21LeAzyh7WKo8g4/s1600/DSC_0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16rOIFh8zwfnuKHxdi6l2GEY_qWGxP6pCDstzMM5ZOTQNvqA_RbcfqZ1G3CxpxVO8e1cHXwSfp_K_8hxYaiq_wInkCr_Q1KWpsD8xpVJoaHUxvNcDBbwPAYYCWO6Q21LeAzyh7WKo8g4/s400/DSC_0810.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had already taken a dresser from Mom and Dad when we first moved into this house for the spare bedroom. I repainted it and fixed it up a bit. I knew one day I'd want to use it for a nursery. I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased new drawer pulls to match the room for the top four drawers and voila! New dresser!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjBDbqjkT7o3myU56V7TZP7A7c3u1oL2r3oOVhOE1RF_IXbBf33ajP-XMQORJL3Jcvu8ueBgzvwfIJPD4TQSKfk-k6PYIwhxzeqf5Iq8tUUKN8itORLqbBlU6uKUkwXyxOW18LjCaw3Q/s1600/DSC_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjBDbqjkT7o3myU56V7TZP7A7c3u1oL2r3oOVhOE1RF_IXbBf33ajP-XMQORJL3Jcvu8ueBgzvwfIJPD4TQSKfk-k6PYIwhxzeqf5Iq8tUUKN8itORLqbBlU6uKUkwXyxOW18LjCaw3Q/s400/DSC_0812.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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(PS- that awesome tree picture is taken by my uncle Tim... Can't wait to frame it!)</div>
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And last but not least, I had been looking on craigslist, kinda just keeping my eye out for some deals on things we could possibly use. My rule for craigslist is a.) I never go alone to look at something/pick it up and b.) I only buy things that can be washed thoroughly by Colby and I. Case in point- our bistro set of glass table and chairs, our patio chair and table set, and now my newest craigslist purchase... a rocker!</div>
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I had been looking and found an ad for a very nice looking rocker. I didn't really pay attention to the brand name or anything. I saw it was in a nearby city and it looked nice. The family had said they outgrew it after moving. Colby and I went to check it out. First of all, um wow! is all I can say when we pulled up to the house. It was huge and beautiful. The family was very nice and showed us the rocker. It was in AHmazing condition and was the perfect color to match the nursery. Better yet, it's brand was Dutailier (which I had never heard of) but after researching, they retail around $400. And we bought our gently used one for $125! Wooooo! Happy day! We got it home, cleaned the wood frame, washed the cushions, and now it's a perfect fit in our nursery! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGs2InImaAt29-zEe4OFim-sAjMOQ_HCOZ1Qiq9eMWCf4mB4B6lFZlvUQAANTKvckzV7M84Ikrf12t8P1Yrr5AFARvzXp9DUVg0K-9qlMqRX2prlyWWX42B_JccUCpwCVavQ_JcutTuw/s1600/DSC_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGs2InImaAt29-zEe4OFim-sAjMOQ_HCOZ1Qiq9eMWCf4mB4B6lFZlvUQAANTKvckzV7M84Ikrf12t8P1Yrr5AFARvzXp9DUVg0K-9qlMqRX2prlyWWX42B_JccUCpwCVavQ_JcutTuw/s400/DSC_0808.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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(The monkey is from one of my kiddos at the end of the year :) too cute!)</div>
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In my next post, I am going to compile a list of little projects I'd like to complete before baby boy gets here to add to the nursery. For now, I have a rather large to-do list screaming my name before we leave for an 8 hour drive tomorrow- yikes! Hope you are having a wonderful day!</div>
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<br /></div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-55929346472053709902012-06-20T07:43:00.001-07:002012-06-20T07:46:19.986-07:00A few projects...Whew! It's been a busy start to our summer! Here I thought I would have a lot of extra time to get things done around the house, catch up on projects, and blog... yeah right! Luckily, this week is somewhat free so I've had some extra time to get caught up. We started our summer with friends coming to see us and picking up our extra dryer (yay for more garage space now!). It was quite an adventure for them to get here -imagine trucks breaking down, problems renting a truck to take the garage back, etc.- but they made it and we had a great couple of days seeing them! Then, Colby and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary. Three years blew my mind! Time has flown by but it has been an amazing three years. And now we are quickly approaching our biggest adventure yet... the arrival of our baby boy! Yes, it's a boy and we are thrilled! We've been working on the nursery (A LOT more to come on that later!) and I am super excited!<br />
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Here are some projects that I have been working on the past few weeks:<br />
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The first was a welcome sign that I had seen on pinterest. Our front door gets a lot of love from about September-January. It even gets decorated in July. However, from about February-June, it's blank and quite frankly, just plain boring. So when I saw this idea, I knew I had to make it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRqDTHbvx4wX4QaLN9YlU2VhLwJ8vrOQK_1Dztnv3PSztJgUGhQDkLl6ffXuo3YGpDmrxA4MzSwN80er8_T2nnGvUKT2JzZn4Pt3xngWgnQm2V2Zvo2mH478tPNRQn_IAbgWaa-1V0-0/s1600/welcome3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRqDTHbvx4wX4QaLN9YlU2VhLwJ8vrOQK_1Dztnv3PSztJgUGhQDkLl6ffXuo3YGpDmrxA4MzSwN80er8_T2nnGvUKT2JzZn4Pt3xngWgnQm2V2Zvo2mH478tPNRQn_IAbgWaa-1V0-0/s320/welcome3.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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You can find the tutorial <a href="http://americancrafts.typepad.com/studio/2011/07/banner-frame-tutorial.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Here is my version. I started with a pack of papers by the company "My Mind's Eye" that I bought at Archivers (along with the blue and white string) and I combined it with some other odd scraps and tags that I have collected while scrapbooking. I cut out the letters using yellow cardstock with my Cricut machine. I bought the frame at Goodwill for $3 and got rid of the glass and ugly flower picture within it. Then I touched up the paint on the sides and I was ready to go!</div>
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I cut out various shapes and sizes of the tags and began stapling them to the string using mini staples, one strand at a time (3 total). I kind of tried to follow the tutorial is shapes and placement but I changed my mind a couple of times as well. When I was done, I wound the string around the frame and secured it in the back. I couldn't wait to put it on our front door. Our door looks much cheerier now!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjoqUIn8weAErteqY19ylP4MIQ83cVsmHGqe-whX0ti61r7CZbB7rVj41WuVPmVY9L1XoyrO2WAmwPNQ2_X8PO-JnE9jsgnS7GJeLlIlm38jQE5VutcFuDDou6QM7DIkAOyJ6mm5oKQU/s1600/welcome+frame2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjoqUIn8weAErteqY19ylP4MIQ83cVsmHGqe-whX0ti61r7CZbB7rVj41WuVPmVY9L1XoyrO2WAmwPNQ2_X8PO-JnE9jsgnS7GJeLlIlm38jQE5VutcFuDDou6QM7DIkAOyJ6mm5oKQU/s640/welcome+frame2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Pack of papers: $6 (with a 30% off)</div>
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String: $2</div>
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Frame: $3</div>
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Tags and staples: Free, already had extra</div>
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Total cost: $9 </div>
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My second project was for our anniversary. I was working on a congratulations card for our friend who was graduating and I noticed that one of my Cricut cartridges had some really cute silhouettes of couples doing different things (it was the "Sweethearts" cartridge incase you want to know). I thought to myself, "That would make a really cute anniversary card somehow." I started cutting and creating and suddenly, 2 hours had passed and I had a really cute anniversary card for Colby. Here is what I did...</div>
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I started with having the Cricut cut the silhouettes onto tag shapes. There were 5 silhouettes in all. One of a couple dancing, a couple sharing dinner, a man proposing, a couple dancing at a wedding, and a woman pushing a baby carriage. I thought this was a sweet representation of big moments in our lives together... dancing in the park on our first date... a million dinner dates out... Colby proposing... our wedding... and now our new little one on the way!</div>
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After all the tags were cut out, I glued black paper to the black and then adhered them to vintage style papers I had saved. The last tag I made as a place where I could write my message to him.</div>
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When it was all done, I added the final touches of writing a little description of each moment we had shared, and then tied it with a ribbon at the top. I was pretty pleased overall.</div>
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We had a great night celebrating our anniversary by eating, believe it or not, pancakes! (Hey, a pregnant girl does have her cravings!) We watched our wedding video and enjoyed a glass of sparkling grape juice since wine and champagne are out of the question for now. We gave each other our gifts and then had to get ready for our vacation we were leaving for the next day. My gift for Colby was very appropriate for the next day's activities- a new set of luggage! Here were my surprises...</div>
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An absolutely beautiful crystal heart necklace and a "I Spy" photo album with a list of things to find/do and take pictures of while we were in Savannah during vacation together. (I will update on this later when I have the pictures printed and the album finished). It was so sweet and I am one lucky girl :)</div>
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Sorry for the long post! I'll be making a new entry soon that's all to do with baby boy!!! I have a lot of ideas for the nursery. Now it's just getting them in one place and deciding! Hope you all are staying cool in this summer heat! This momma is for sure!</div>
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<br /></div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-68129750567512307842012-04-03T19:46:00.000-07:002012-04-03T19:46:21.386-07:00Big Changes Coming!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaiSmroIzlupIghgKyDbpeks7viNVS5KQ_91CLn2wajn1TdwkpO0IhwhkblkPPe5l2AQWVk9MeD1WbmzNojq7NLDxBOnnL8WCqAyuTzChYErMdYxen8KxIeeLd44cbLhbHEBW5szTtpg/s1600/shoes3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaiSmroIzlupIghgKyDbpeks7viNVS5KQ_91CLn2wajn1TdwkpO0IhwhkblkPPe5l2AQWVk9MeD1WbmzNojq7NLDxBOnnL8WCqAyuTzChYErMdYxen8KxIeeLd44cbLhbHEBW5szTtpg/s640/shoes3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Well hello there! Life has been anything but normal around here for the past few months. Early in February we found out we were pregnant! Wooooo!!! It's been a whirlwind since... waiting for the first ultrasound and the first appointment (which was AHmazing to hear our little one's heart beat and see the baby on the screen)... waiting to tell our families and friends... being so excited and overwhelmed and amazed and a little anxious (plus a few other hundred emotions) all at once! Needless to say, blogging has not been number one on my list of things I am thinking about daily. However, since finding out about our little one, I've been itching to start collecting ideas for a nursery, projects, etc. I'm trying to hold off until we find out if it is a boy or a girl but I really can't help myself! Thank goodness for pinterest! I will be sharing A LOT of ideas on here, I am sure, so please bear with me and indulge this new momma for the next few months! :)<br />
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I am currently on spring break, which has been a welcomed and much-needed break. I have been sleeping in, enjoying time at home, and starting on some new projects! I am planning on making two over the next two days, which I will be posting, but I wanted to share a previous project that I finished about a month ago. I have a good friend at school whose little boy just turned one at the end of February (on Colby's birthday too!). I had so much fun making a scrapbook for her to fill in for his first year and here were the results of some of my favorite pages...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">First page</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pKhiSReH4mPfRqEbokFfwe7FgO4o9O6dDK69u-rAPYi-i0NDkz3zM1iflwjhqQYCyJMhIVeUA8A9ksQysR8zBBSWFZpi7QhmkYgzKKedRfooBbwFxnzr61Fg7wPLy2JjNpjANkZ2aKc/s1600/DSC_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pKhiSReH4mPfRqEbokFfwe7FgO4o9O6dDK69u-rAPYi-i0NDkz3zM1iflwjhqQYCyJMhIVeUA8A9ksQysR8zBBSWFZpi7QhmkYgzKKedRfooBbwFxnzr61Fg7wPLy2JjNpjANkZ2aKc/s400/DSC_0354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> B is for Boy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupsPHSI0gks4xEcTF4AmHL9BjS_x2EUwnAXz2royNEfnUW_i9G1isME3FhkhJZogoXASHDUvvAVxIGaZPMLHlnUd9R55h4U3iQ4rsY5LzHJt6y-0-NTm16WCg27_pLDG7o9Zl4GCghBY/s1600/DSC_0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupsPHSI0gks4xEcTF4AmHL9BjS_x2EUwnAXz2royNEfnUW_i9G1isME3FhkhJZogoXASHDUvvAVxIGaZPMLHlnUd9R55h4U3iQ4rsY5LzHJt6y-0-NTm16WCg27_pLDG7o9Zl4GCghBY/s400/DSC_0358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Bathtime</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuO7XfvC9JE3ZWwU0v1sRv5-zuwE5gXWH80pqJE6eMNp1RSiTKUcV89eSa4fJaObl6WwfSf3FPB-J6JMb9CTccTKe_hqFPnqwkqEEXoGlfYF-wGhvOOcsjv-C-KHZy5Bzlcp2brL2o6cI/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuO7XfvC9JE3ZWwU0v1sRv5-zuwE5gXWH80pqJE6eMNp1RSiTKUcV89eSa4fJaObl6WwfSf3FPB-J6JMb9CTccTKe_hqFPnqwkqEEXoGlfYF-wGhvOOcsjv-C-KHZy5Bzlcp2brL2o6cI/s400/DSC_0359.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Playtime</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8yEFsuDp97cNc_wHUvD6aUwZkH5hjib3pCyzgUKZ15DVDxhIlQlF6w_QbOOVImXAhzbJMDiIcbTOvZVNDoc-rlOfdokgOy9xKW8x2b7HbsIEdwcvXC0-KiiZ2Ezd4O9iWDSvNcDziWY/s1600/DSC_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8yEFsuDp97cNc_wHUvD6aUwZkH5hjib3pCyzgUKZ15DVDxhIlQlF6w_QbOOVImXAhzbJMDiIcbTOvZVNDoc-rlOfdokgOy9xKW8x2b7HbsIEdwcvXC0-KiiZ2Ezd4O9iWDSvNcDziWY/s400/DSC_0361.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Swimming</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8VgSFj8Ku5_tpp1FkkiW0tUVdvT5tc1b7LuczkjMBIEYKI82CDqTFHurPGGV3e9BuWevWooxgP6UBu-xbdgadOWjHj6tC89zdp23jBoAkDOj22L4Vau7gVfHuc8nrcemi3HD_jXfNxQ/s1600/DSC_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8VgSFj8Ku5_tpp1FkkiW0tUVdvT5tc1b7LuczkjMBIEYKI82CDqTFHurPGGV3e9BuWevWooxgP6UBu-xbdgadOWjHj6tC89zdp23jBoAkDOj22L4Vau7gVfHuc8nrcemi3HD_jXfNxQ/s400/DSC_0364.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Fall</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PJCnHwTqZEP7Siq1QA_B2iPYApE61tymmz-wRpA75utYbzWsHwWXUJL1rJuVZp02-P0lVnlxb1HW-OrL-sJzSuZ6QS9CyHCrs46mpKaYN_1hPRNO_L4LmlXqurxr6Zz0e_8l7lOkdFs/s1600/DSC_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PJCnHwTqZEP7Siq1QA_B2iPYApE61tymmz-wRpA75utYbzWsHwWXUJL1rJuVZp02-P0lVnlxb1HW-OrL-sJzSuZ6QS9CyHCrs46mpKaYN_1hPRNO_L4LmlXqurxr6Zz0e_8l7lOkdFs/s400/DSC_0365.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 1st Birthday Party (his theme was Elmo)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZpOUjAk2-dNFa9NEEM9EkSZHfvlcvrPDPPnOnK4H0luEX40TnJlklsItavE3G7TfuEcW2-BLJidyJaUBQjXPY1sq2UP16ufB6Z5jT2BeYb-z1lw-XA4TZp6THvTkPYZ0yufBvLMcI2Y/s1600/DSC_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZpOUjAk2-dNFa9NEEM9EkSZHfvlcvrPDPPnOnK4H0luEX40TnJlklsItavE3G7TfuEcW2-BLJidyJaUBQjXPY1sq2UP16ufB6Z5jT2BeYb-z1lw-XA4TZp6THvTkPYZ0yufBvLMcI2Y/s400/DSC_0369.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I hope to be back on here over the next few weeks with some new projects I'm working on from pinterest and with some new baby ideas! Hope you all are enjoying the past few days of sunshine, I know I have!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3riST0zIFSmEn8tfc03cQsMhAMm_WRm5JurpDQIROhjhUjKekpqRMPEVknGrXY_2XBtuG-dAppYv8s50O24HMhWqW1ext8Xd3fKw9CY10EcGm1p6XdsfJijSO6liH7ShE9z94fkv_aFU/s1600/name1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3riST0zIFSmEn8tfc03cQsMhAMm_WRm5JurpDQIROhjhUjKekpqRMPEVknGrXY_2XBtuG-dAppYv8s50O24HMhWqW1ext8Xd3fKw9CY10EcGm1p6XdsfJijSO6liH7ShE9z94fkv_aFU/s200/name1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-41627042014849047792012-01-01T20:13:00.000-08:002012-01-01T20:13:21.046-08:00My Winter Break AddictionThis break has flown by, but then again, what break doesn't? This has been my motto over this break:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7stCXCqE4rk/TwErzniyRTI/AAAAAAAAAOA/JMLXOcdtN8g/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7stCXCqE4rk/TwErzniyRTI/AAAAAAAAAOA/JMLXOcdtN8g/s400/book.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been a book addict this break. I got 4 new books for Christmas and bought another yesterday as well. I have verged on the edge of anti-social with the amount of reading I have been doing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thought I would share some of the AH-mazing books I devoured this break...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu1_EPHQsw8/TwEspkA8l6I/AAAAAAAAAOM/oMrQ_e_7KfU/s1600/bestof+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu1_EPHQsw8/TwEspkA8l6I/AAAAAAAAAOM/oMrQ_e_7KfU/s320/bestof+me.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love Nicholas Sparks, however this book was a bit too Notebook-esque for me. There were just too many similarities and I didn't <i>love</i> the ending.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spRFq8mIIsE/TwEsppbA4wI/AAAAAAAAAOU/TZmPkEC4FjA/s1600/distant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spRFq8mIIsE/TwEsppbA4wI/AAAAAAAAAOU/TZmPkEC4FjA/s320/distant.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kate Morton is one of my new favorite authors. I read <u>The Forgotten Garden</u> over the summer and loved her style. It's a bit of a gothic fiction style but she is definitely good at sucking you into the mysteries she weaves.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iX__iTXraiM/TwEspyxF8tI/AAAAAAAAAOc/C0Kl-SPwwJQ/s1600/sarahs-key.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iX__iTXraiM/TwEspyxF8tI/AAAAAAAAAOc/C0Kl-SPwwJQ/s320/sarahs-key.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I actually have already read this book, but I had to own it. It's a heartbreaking but amazing story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3O-hd89LzBc/TwEuMdaPggI/AAAAAAAAAOw/qEGsXDOuAoQ/s1600/nightcircus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3O-hd89LzBc/TwEuMdaPggI/AAAAAAAAAOw/qEGsXDOuAoQ/s320/nightcircus.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Haven't started this one yet, but looking forward to it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YldjrlGjvGY/TwEsqCAYtAI/AAAAAAAAAOk/RHpd-JqdgA0/s1600/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YldjrlGjvGY/TwEsqCAYtAI/AAAAAAAAAOk/RHpd-JqdgA0/s320/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm currently working on this one. I have started it and while I am sure it's going to get even more interesting, I am struggling to get wrapped up in the story. Maybe it's my conscious telling me I need to leave the fictional realm and rejoin the real world for a few hours. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you have found a book recently that has inspired you, made you question something, made you cry, taken you away to another world, or just provided some laughter. Maybe this will provide you with a couple new books to contemplate reading. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s1600/name1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s200/name1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-11278855437237120812011-12-29T09:11:00.000-08:002011-12-29T09:11:13.874-08:00Maps Maps Maps So it's been a while... a long while! 2 months to be exact. It's been a hectic couple of months and a lot of fun as well. We had a great Thanksgiving- first time to be in New York with no snow while we were there! And we had a wonderful Christmas with our family. A big surprise Colby and I received was a brand new DSLR camera! :) I was not expecting that at all and I am SO excited about the photography possibilities we now have. We've already taken over 200 pictures in just a few days. Granted, a lot were just testing out the different settings but it's been a lot of fun to explore and play with. <br />
With school running up right to the 22nd of December, there was not a lot of time for the usual Christmas crafts and activities that I've done in the past. Now that Christmas is over and the busyness of it all has passed, I've had a little more time to relax and spend some time creating, and pinning, and pinning, and pinning some more. :) I found this idea on pinterest a couple of days ago and decided this would be the perfect time to make it. It was very inexpensive too. You can find the original idea<a href="http://kayladanelle.blogspot.com/2011/12/pinterest-challenge-map-art.html"> here</a>.<br />
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Here's my finished product:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qT9yVT-IDw/TvycpA4KBaI/AAAAAAAAAN0/T-H9sZqemCg/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qT9yVT-IDw/TvycpA4KBaI/AAAAAAAAAN0/T-H9sZqemCg/s640/DSC_0194.JPG" width="532" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now here is how I got there...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I started with printing 3 maps from this website: <a href="http://www.yellowmaps.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #6ea1bb; font-family: Schoolbell; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.yellowmaps.com</a> I knew I wanted to use New York and Indiana, but I wasn't sure on the 3rd state, so I ended up choosing South Carolina where we went on our honeymoon and had an amazing time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went all the way to the bottom and chose the "reference" maps and downloaded the high resolution maps and saved them to the computer. (I originally just printed them from the site but they were much too large to fit in my frame. Therefore, I saved them and printed smaller versions.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My maps</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7bFwxUsrVfU/TvyciLHvUEI/AAAAAAAAANc/taRWRtoBXIY/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7bFwxUsrVfU/TvyciLHvUEI/AAAAAAAAANc/taRWRtoBXIY/s640/DSC_0183.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then I carefully cut them out and got my frame ready. I picked up a "float" frame at Hobby Lobby yesterday and it worked perfectly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oe62jecJzvE/TvyckQsnkoI/AAAAAAAAANk/38uygWK1ax8/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oe62jecJzvE/TvyckQsnkoI/AAAAAAAAANk/38uygWK1ax8/s640/DSC_0187.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Afterwards, all that was left was using some adhesive to attach the maps to the back of the frame, using my Cricut to cut out three 1/2 inch hearts, attaching those, and then putting the frame back together!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A82A1B0PU78/Tvycmy68QkI/AAAAAAAAANs/bXGvetG5LNI/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A82A1B0PU78/Tvycmy68QkI/AAAAAAAAANs/bXGvetG5LNI/s640/DSC_0189.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love love love this frame now and I can't wait to put it up in a future project I am currently working on! </div><div style="text-align: left;">The best part about this- low cost!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Maps: Free, printed from the computer</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hearts and adhesive: Free, used what I already owned</div><div style="text-align: left;">Frame: $10 originally, but I used a coupon and got it for $6</div><div style="text-align: left;">Total cost: $6 Wooo!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and enjoyed time with their family and friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s1600/name1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s200/name1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-87964397142183243332011-10-30T19:34:00.000-07:002011-10-30T19:34:27.116-07:00Spooky Surprises in the Kitchen!Tomorrow the kindergarten teachers are in charge of bringing in treats for the staff October birthdays so I decided to take some inspiration from pinterest (where else!?). Since tomorrow is Halloween and we'll all be hearing about it from the kids, I decided to make some Halloween cupcakes. Here were the results. I think they turned out pretty cute. :)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Mummies and witches' hats</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcPtCrqCE5u1VPdTavLSrTmYasmytdcButu9p312nnXdZ12zidBd9osIgK9zbYCT9c9TZycLP7yoa69Awgj3Z6X3qFMGmSgWfPDVPBragBRKUMQljxhl4pMJIGn59UtcnfWB39JnkueQ/s1600/cupcake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcPtCrqCE5u1VPdTavLSrTmYasmytdcButu9p312nnXdZ12zidBd9osIgK9zbYCT9c9TZycLP7yoa69Awgj3Z6X3qFMGmSgWfPDVPBragBRKUMQljxhl4pMJIGn59UtcnfWB39JnkueQ/s640/cupcake1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Cute owls... gotta love 'em!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBw-4m1Y_L0DGnNFQ-pgS0a0ap67-siJlahuzOMB1fn5AJDL0mx7iWCwnLYomy4QMsiQnbqPAxTFirJU-RGi1bNnKvYdIE0E2SAaAq6zWFAjMNPA5kL_YcCU97dDbUs86btTfy_M3UiI/s1600/cupcake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBw-4m1Y_L0DGnNFQ-pgS0a0ap67-siJlahuzOMB1fn5AJDL0mx7iWCwnLYomy4QMsiQnbqPAxTFirJU-RGi1bNnKvYdIE0E2SAaAq6zWFAjMNPA5kL_YcCU97dDbUs86btTfy_M3UiI/s640/cupcake2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Spider webs. These were actually my favorite to make.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3xkP1Hryxz6IUe9-QIXJasQFmlD5uRv94AWTc9rFPMUJZPZQnCHJzqiSKFiHDKr7yDfE-MfXQAnbMgsUk8bL4STVOCxkPzUw_V8H2SbvBLhWMfajdCL5_wU07nO-TMFixt2RfJXevtU/s1600/cupcake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3xkP1Hryxz6IUe9-QIXJasQFmlD5uRv94AWTc9rFPMUJZPZQnCHJzqiSKFiHDKr7yDfE-MfXQAnbMgsUk8bL4STVOCxkPzUw_V8H2SbvBLhWMfajdCL5_wU07nO-TMFixt2RfJXevtU/s640/cupcake3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">And, of course, pumpkins :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs_1zVikENAMAKH-rHcWvskdXQsh1rSC1ENBQqxP852deCZ-vXd1uZ0J7gBQxIsov6leEFRKJOcJkqx2rNRvtOp4RrLtrx2oAsEliUtEGAwKWo1h79mg5apCNZto_PMia44_8TE3FAeU/s1600/cupcake4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs_1zVikENAMAKH-rHcWvskdXQsh1rSC1ENBQqxP852deCZ-vXd1uZ0J7gBQxIsov6leEFRKJOcJkqx2rNRvtOp4RrLtrx2oAsEliUtEGAwKWo1h79mg5apCNZto_PMia44_8TE3FAeU/s640/cupcake4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whether you are taking some trick-or-treaters out or staying in to hand out the candy, Happy Halloween everyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s1600/name1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s200/name1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-34277607475739192592011-10-27T07:23:00.000-07:002011-10-27T07:23:33.509-07:00My Next ProjectIt's fall break... woooo!! :) I am so ready for a couple days off! I have been on pinterest (no surprise there) and I've gotten some inspiration for my next project. I want to make a wall collage but I'm pausing on two choices: a.) where to put it that it will spruce up my wall but not take up too much space and b.) what exactly do I want to use... just frames? maybe a hanging lantern? a letter c? I don't want to make it expensive and use things I already have and/or make some of the things on my own. I'm still deciding but I am finding a lot of ideas. Here are some I am contemplating. They are nice eye candy :)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I like the lights above this one. I'm thinking a mix of art and photos would be great. I also like the bench/table below. I'm still mad at myself for passing up on a great table at goodwill that would have been perfect for this.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5IS2jGiWxEb8OfZPMsaApGYq99chiS7yQFA4768u74huxYTOU0ObvgX4yXqagqI2xkgOiXVsnnjNVCHuSf94YTd-Ka0fizipr921UTdTQWaBgy9xNWHFr2IcAJIg8DNcl9uOWsjfYgw/s1600/collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5IS2jGiWxEb8OfZPMsaApGYq99chiS7yQFA4768u74huxYTOU0ObvgX4yXqagqI2xkgOiXVsnnjNVCHuSf94YTd-Ka0fizipr921UTdTQWaBgy9xNWHFr2IcAJIg8DNcl9uOWsjfYgw/s400/collage1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can find this <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/">here</a>.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I love how this collage goes up the staircase. Our staircase cannot accommodate this but I like the mix of a lamp, letter, photos, and quotes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpMpctScEoPePZW0bLw4kYCCcicIh-U5OGqcXbabyERIyaRP2KAFyDNgzkCp_zPlhSsOG4NXXTNQKqhnYSbAhEDBCN8ltS1dC8uG2wR5tmYXE-fHtBFqXKQlGdWftejr5Gp8xwYVcVhk/s1600/wall1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpMpctScEoPePZW0bLw4kYCCcicIh-U5OGqcXbabyERIyaRP2KAFyDNgzkCp_zPlhSsOG4NXXTNQKqhnYSbAhEDBCN8ltS1dC8uG2wR5tmYXE-fHtBFqXKQlGdWftejr5Gp8xwYVcVhk/s400/wall1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check this out <a href="http://forevercottage.blogspot.com/2011/10/i-did-it-right-this-time.html">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">This one is a little too solely black and white for me but I like the use of square, rectangle, and circle frames. I like the letters and having things hanging, like the shoes. Granted, I won't hang shoes, but I want to hang a lantern if possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqNjWGGIuED1cu3gbyM8h4oYxD2e30397ST8SiZvt3aSIGdOaAFZgU_tX4FAud5PfaJbWXNDZMFUf_qFTEZbEOTMxOLDp4NXENIPg98WOrqU2xf4hx1hvsnztSTDaQcuspV1RlUQEFLo/s1600/wall4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqNjWGGIuED1cu3gbyM8h4oYxD2e30397ST8SiZvt3aSIGdOaAFZgU_tX4FAud5PfaJbWXNDZMFUf_qFTEZbEOTMxOLDp4NXENIPg98WOrqU2xf4hx1hvsnztSTDaQcuspV1RlUQEFLo/s400/wall4.png" width="398" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Found it <a href="http://blushink.com/home-office-inspiration/">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I like this arrangement too. Again, has a letter, quote, and a lot of pictures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_W75-NYVfD_qVCKlZuyZHLU5RLankKpDRVCHhX5q24u-7k81uYwGVm3yHF_Y1ARmLChTT-udCskwwh1KMEH77lDLHgvxcPKaZIGmxXR2Wtq3DADZZ7xOJ8itbVSN4w-KBa-jfUIev6U/s1600/wall3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_W75-NYVfD_qVCKlZuyZHLU5RLankKpDRVCHhX5q24u-7k81uYwGVm3yHF_Y1ARmLChTT-udCskwwh1KMEH77lDLHgvxcPKaZIGmxXR2Wtq3DADZZ7xOJ8itbVSN4w-KBa-jfUIev6U/s320/wall3.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Find it <a href="http://www.projectphxhome.com/2011/04/frame-wall.html">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love, love love this one... It's my favorite. The tables, the candles, the letter, the photos. Just lovely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvrYohZwPGNrbvexL4A-8rjQbOEUGSEthEhQVHeTvceqXln3LnNfv17GfU-24Pac7GdGcvGj8Uu8sG81y-7-WStNJ0RvsaaqaDgcV5YhO-RMbduQl73KHomAffGdMZr8JZUhyphenhyphen22cZa1w/s1600/wall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvrYohZwPGNrbvexL4A-8rjQbOEUGSEthEhQVHeTvceqXln3LnNfv17GfU-24Pac7GdGcvGj8Uu8sG81y-7-WStNJ0RvsaaqaDgcV5YhO-RMbduQl73KHomAffGdMZr8JZUhyphenhyphen22cZa1w/s400/wall2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can find it <a href="http://www.coveandgrey.com/">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And for the mechanics of putting the photos/art/frames up without making a mess, I found a great tutorial <a href="http://www.thethirtysomethingbride.com/diy/2010/11/18/diy-wall-collages.html">here</a>. I'm hoping I can get a jump start on this while we are on break, but relaxing the next few days is my main focus. :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-65972020247364408532011-10-23T06:10:00.000-07:002011-10-23T06:10:20.424-07:00Fun Fall Weekends I love fall; that is no secret. But the last couple of weekends have reminded me just how fun fall can be. Last weekend, we threw my dad a 50th surprise birthday party. I was a little late in getting the invites out (thank you Columbus Day when mail doesn't run...) so I was worried people wouldn't have enough notice to make it. Thankfully, we had a ton of people that were able to come and surprise my dad. We couldn't really hide the cars, so he knew something was up when they got to our house but it was a secret until then! Those of you who know me are well aware that it is a miracle anything stayed a secret! :)<br />
We made chili, mini peanut butter sandwiches, and included all the fixings for chili. Oh and apple cider to drink of course! I think I made a grand total of three or four trips to Kroger within 4 hours... that's a new record! My mom was in charge of the cake and got a really awesome golf cart cake. The party itself had a "fall fifty" theme, so it was really easy to find decorations- pumpkins, leaves, etc. And I cut out a lot of leaves from my Cricut that matched our invites. We also bought a new fire pit ($29.00 on clearance at Walmart- wooo!!!) and had a campfire. It was a great night to sit by a fire to keep warm. :) Here are a couple of pictures from the party...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57LZdxiidxTYEktWMtdWn4WK0AtX2UgPjoAo_7k0D0j2uUVSgV8iPGWHBTbwMWW2wS8B9iYIBQe2-AK8TBUBJlyMG2LvwjJg_cflXP61c75a_CFmfUY3NqlNbmCCfzL2Ql1GPLbTlWGw/s1600/table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57LZdxiidxTYEktWMtdWn4WK0AtX2UgPjoAo_7k0D0j2uUVSgV8iPGWHBTbwMWW2wS8B9iYIBQe2-AK8TBUBJlyMG2LvwjJg_cflXP61c75a_CFmfUY3NqlNbmCCfzL2Ql1GPLbTlWGw/s320/table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cake and picture table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVWROty-vq_2SiGZajthGUHuaRhQB0SHdBnC5-OkPE2MTzilGjucgTQiR9-180Hpi0uweOwAimobp8r8MGyJRZAwyiWubDfCgfpOjgyFLGQrvRaYxzfXQSz_1Y_cgPKGimO-x7fl8qCI/s1600/medadandcoop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVWROty-vq_2SiGZajthGUHuaRhQB0SHdBnC5-OkPE2MTzilGjucgTQiR9-180Hpi0uweOwAimobp8r8MGyJRZAwyiWubDfCgfpOjgyFLGQrvRaYxzfXQSz_1Y_cgPKGimO-x7fl8qCI/s320/medadandcoop2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cooper, me and Dad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This weekend we had a little college friends reunion, which has been great. I love having a four bedroom house because we have enough room to fit everyone comfortably and it's like a big party all the time at our house. Our friends, Joel, Alie, Taylor, and Kellan came in from Ohio and Kentucky on Thursday and we've spent this weekend doing some of my most favorite fall festivities. On Friday, we ate at Real Hacienda and visited AU to see the homecoming luminaries. Then Saturday morning, I made a really good breakfast casserole and went to AU's homecoming street fair. We've had an absolutely perfect weather weekend too. It was beautiful outside!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Afterwards, we went to lunch and then to the pumpkin patch! Then I came back to start dinner- lasagna and garlic parmesean pull apart bread! It was SO good, except I made a couple of changes to the recipe. You can find the original recipe <a href="http://www.thepastryaffair.com/blog/2011/6/10/garlic-parmesan-pull-apart-bread.html">here</a>. The changes I made were I used margarine because I forgot to buy butter :) and I used italian seasonings instead of parsley. I had made this once before and didn't love the flavor parsley gave it, so I fixed that this time around. It takes some time to make, but boy is it worth it! Here are some of my favorite pictures from this weekend...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1f3JMyb34cP6l7AyBXFEZXa_LlPPQIzMMKAsHgREg7Rrd3SKol-7afo_1YvJ0L-x6yb8yng1zvZWaOmr7Z3B_QB4nWUgk0a5JNQfOLElrQDMeMiJypvA0Chbody5TA_zcCr8__d_C-sQ/s320/fall.jpg" width="211" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTItkStC9Z7X47tfifgVKIdRxE0znWxN4vwI4uEQcGOItJY3q_L49KDQnp9BupS-ESomZOMbbBU32vUCL5eOS5zpreVUHmzu4_F9wBnOfAmtmGs9QX2PDzY1LHu03cEvciny0Ej39sdxE/s1600/newone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTItkStC9Z7X47tfifgVKIdRxE0znWxN4vwI4uEQcGOItJY3q_L49KDQnp9BupS-ESomZOMbbBU32vUCL5eOS5zpreVUHmzu4_F9wBnOfAmtmGs9QX2PDzY1LHu03cEvciny0Ej39sdxE/s320/newone.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the pumpkin patch...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDwNJ6NtgQTpWYbVE0zxGH-qPDmNDRkPAYzOSiWZ2px9dIdW3tO-Pc8Ky9BGig9e6A5mh_fCntr8UXqgmbqCRh0z7taP9SQ5ZiAk2Mry2oMx2a61t0vAvOXBDtNVbGXtlCBsfwXoP9v8/s320/new+one.jpg" width="191" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0UiuxTd7CGtCP42XJxXz3HnjRXKDISTaojp6jL4CgMWRv8-T8m5GOnZegC_FQQM2EqcpYVZfW2MjVT00o9dIXaMKoq-26igYpkHCIQCzgiGMAysl19qv_EX9cr1Ni50fCxA38YBVzFQ/s1600/IMG_7221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0UiuxTd7CGtCP42XJxXz3HnjRXKDISTaojp6jL4CgMWRv8-T8m5GOnZegC_FQQM2EqcpYVZfW2MjVT00o9dIXaMKoq-26igYpkHCIQCzgiGMAysl19qv_EX9cr1Ni50fCxA38YBVzFQ/s320/IMG_7221.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And dinner with friends...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaae7oY9JSy156w3d02TR0JhW4M_EfPd3zTpXmzlSo6ODW-02i4b8npTzayboMDVRnI5dD4oq0BVX2KF0ISjxagCWx0AVtQq756uvEHtdztn6fNmDD0K5me7ArOPeqX3fjjCzfHiVSvU/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaae7oY9JSy156w3d02TR0JhW4M_EfPd3zTpXmzlSo6ODW-02i4b8npTzayboMDVRnI5dD4oq0BVX2KF0ISjxagCWx0AVtQq756uvEHtdztn6fNmDD0K5me7ArOPeqX3fjjCzfHiVSvU/s400/friends.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, we made it fit 10 people... :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you have had some wonderful fall weekends that you could enjoy before it starts getting too cool!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-33073498194084345942011-10-07T20:16:00.000-07:002011-10-07T20:16:43.788-07:00Date Night!Ok, I realize my blog is mainly about projects, ideas, inspiration, etc. But tonight, I'd dedicating a post to mine and Colby's date night. It's creative, so I think it fits. :) We usually do something each Friday night, if we can. It gives us something to look forward to in the week and most importantly, we take time to enjoy each other. We take turns planning dates and trying to come up with new and unique ideas. About a month ago, Colby surprised me with a walk around the IMA gardens, dinner at Yats, and a "drive-in" movie. He's a keeper. :) <br />
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Our schedules have been so hectic and the weather has not been very cooperative, so tonight was the first night we got to do at least part of my original date I had planned a couple of weeks ago. I cannot take credit for this date idea. I found it on this awesome blog,<a href="http://loveactually-blog.blogspot.com/"> Love Actually</a>. It has a ton of date night ideas. I modified the rounds a little bit so I've posted the document I adjusted and printed out: <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B78xgHWMgefmZTFjYzZiMjAtZGZlMS00MjE0LTk0NTktNGQ4OWJiODY3NjU5&hl=en_US">Bookstore Date</a>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(*I do not own the clipart or the font.)</span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">First, we started off dinner with some of our favorite friends, Jason and Lisa, and then headed on to Barnes and Noble to go on our book hunt.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are some of my favorite pictures of the night.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Round One: Find a future date night idea. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Colby- "off the beaten path places in Indiana" </div><div style="text-align: center;">Me- a cooking class of some kind!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepT16cvaS9dFdnMPTo-VnpfQSsTl7EkMm3BYSd8Ry5270Cy1_kEMMniI4ZxOvt74Pglxoc63QrfdVUJMvYp53ManMb108Zk-AXfmxb5Q3gXEHYxSEJICqEfmSF4wfiQyhHxwN2P46uEA/s1600/IMG_7183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepT16cvaS9dFdnMPTo-VnpfQSsTl7EkMm3BYSd8Ry5270Cy1_kEMMniI4ZxOvt74Pglxoc63QrfdVUJMvYp53ManMb108Zk-AXfmxb5Q3gXEHYxSEJICqEfmSF4wfiQyhHxwN2P46uEA/s320/IMG_7183.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PDeSjycEsco_bLBiHKJYJVEkpLAQScfsXbFAX32SLPKJ93-e1PZk_WrfVt2VlsttmWkZiuc21PZji9kThYDF_XSeVYtEREZ20aXzhzi_vlpH5TOZj74WOU8gmZb2KdzKU_9UgS4QhpE/s1600/IMG_7184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PDeSjycEsco_bLBiHKJYJVEkpLAQScfsXbFAX32SLPKJ93-e1PZk_WrfVt2VlsttmWkZiuc21PZji9kThYDF_XSeVYtEREZ20aXzhzi_vlpH5TOZj74WOU8gmZb2KdzKU_9UgS4QhpE/s320/IMG_7184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Round Two: Find a picture of a place you'd like to visit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Colby- Scotland </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me- The Best of Europe. This did not surprise Colby. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnsv1SK5RPlwcIOu3VUrDy0eol_w874FqsDOw1e_S8Hl5hxzqlspRoKB1qfIGcEhhM8C1gTA2lM7WoWbEbGvUgx-TwvuJOM_l0DC4PUq4CrUc8j0qSzyN8RXkzb3kxPY_F-ziOhmlgDw/s1600/IMG_7186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnsv1SK5RPlwcIOu3VUrDy0eol_w874FqsDOw1e_S8Hl5hxzqlspRoKB1qfIGcEhhM8C1gTA2lM7WoWbEbGvUgx-TwvuJOM_l0DC4PUq4CrUc8j0qSzyN8RXkzb3kxPY_F-ziOhmlgDw/s320/IMG_7186.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllAGp1zTuU_OTgx-K5racBPJJFOze-_CAXNDZK0mMwD1UMfvoCMOdpAjw2PwqLPcIesyHssiFcc-Ce9X-tuXYP9Ixj4MlrmHTWQJIIVRlCZOkaRCD52rq3Xy93O6AqaUPsIvGNgGM43E/s1600/IMG_7187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllAGp1zTuU_OTgx-K5racBPJJFOze-_CAXNDZK0mMwD1UMfvoCMOdpAjw2PwqLPcIesyHssiFcc-Ce9X-tuXYP9Ixj4MlrmHTWQJIIVRlCZOkaRCD52rq3Xy93O6AqaUPsIvGNgGM43E/s320/IMG_7187.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Round Two: Find a book you liked as a child.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Colby- The Poky Little Puppy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me - There's Monster At The End of The Book!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q4VMo7_P9JEHd-IMsP5-DEYGPa4q0EH86rIY06nITtTh6jODMJy0QLwhJp1zy2o0nZSp6MoBElLi55AWW62rDDav3iGvN1IOcaLLpYGZDfi7ZBJteBr6lLO2EJUUJh5K0ec-ViiqaCs/s1600/IMG_7188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q4VMo7_P9JEHd-IMsP5-DEYGPa4q0EH86rIY06nITtTh6jODMJy0QLwhJp1zy2o0nZSp6MoBElLi55AWW62rDDav3iGvN1IOcaLLpYGZDfi7ZBJteBr6lLO2EJUUJh5K0ec-ViiqaCs/s200/IMG_7188.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRm0y0IPOArbZ8-n_XpQ89AKNplSTj6cRoLjdB_HsNlswb8L-ZsFAuQk5Fc8BR_2sy4RWbh4VqY3kDiHUUxSK3FYix5yFf7JnjnaqJbsR4x5LTQnnIJTAZ86ORYLf09_K2xn2eUsFRbI/s1600/IMG_7189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRm0y0IPOArbZ8-n_XpQ89AKNplSTj6cRoLjdB_HsNlswb8L-ZsFAuQk5Fc8BR_2sy4RWbh4VqY3kDiHUUxSK3FYix5yFf7JnjnaqJbsR4x5LTQnnIJTAZ86ORYLf09_K2xn2eUsFRbI/s200/IMG_7189.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After Round Three (find a puzzle book to do together), we grabbed some Starbucks, put on some jazz music, curled up on the couch, and solved some puzzles together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpC8OCJsVgTuCgXqgYBr3hhAppoKIQ5LEPa18Tq8pqOtbkBERB52fby06t_vuAiTVeWcPtEx0naOBrNsHo6kbuVWX0vWg9wt5vnY8y4E-m3Hjm8_jZm_-_CRqV9LFOgheX7DFS8KFf7w/s1600/IMG_7191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpC8OCJsVgTuCgXqgYBr3hhAppoKIQ5LEPa18Tq8pqOtbkBERB52fby06t_vuAiTVeWcPtEx0naOBrNsHo6kbuVWX0vWg9wt5vnY8y4E-m3Hjm8_jZm_-_CRqV9LFOgheX7DFS8KFf7w/s320/IMG_7191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a great night and looking forward to tomorrow. A Saturday to sleep in, visiting Riley Days with Mom and Dad, and catching up on some school stuff. Loving the weather and hope you are too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKz7T1ym5OtVT_xNqfTfOhE7wv6cXgkpyFiRzgIvQMtOBvZ3wrYdaLG1psNYHflEZC7s5WGHMlF_RtNaBOnR2fxJZJ0jOeTsJBS_BttBOa28zcrvs5HAY755RAK4Vog-hMS1jMHx95QA/s1600/name1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKz7T1ym5OtVT_xNqfTfOhE7wv6cXgkpyFiRzgIvQMtOBvZ3wrYdaLG1psNYHflEZC7s5WGHMlF_RtNaBOnR2fxJZJ0jOeTsJBS_BttBOa28zcrvs5HAY755RAK4Vog-hMS1jMHx95QA/s200/name1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-45013951695498576052011-10-04T18:27:00.000-07:002011-10-04T18:27:55.432-07:00It's Been A While!Whew it has been quite a while since I posted... not really surprised with what this school year has entailed so far, but I was still hoping I'd keep up my blog a little better than I have! Having my kiddos all day has been a brand new and really exciting change this year. It's amazing to see how much a lot of them are picking up already and how much more we can get done in a day! :) I think it will be great to look back at the end of the year and see just how far they really all have come.<br />
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Any hooooo, on to my real reason for posting! This past weekend was the first in October and the first that really felt like fall to me. It was cool, we got to enjoy chili and wassail at Mom and Dad's, and I noticed the leaves were finally beginning to change. I LOVE this time of year, and I really love incorporating the fall colors into our home. Here are some projects I worked on this weekend...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Began with two empty candle votive jars and a pack of artificial leaves...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fNr_9Q28oy_avzveEeXvMhvTjOdn2BSlRDceGFPcEaAEevQey-L5Oj7CLKn9UHj6jrUAFc2DO4lues45uua3-B2R0C_Fj32FztC0qGieUH-NTh1MHkcFaUauS0TylLlyiQTCZw9SWoY/s1600/IMG_7161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fNr_9Q28oy_avzveEeXvMhvTjOdn2BSlRDceGFPcEaAEevQey-L5Oj7CLKn9UHj6jrUAFc2DO4lues45uua3-B2R0C_Fj32FztC0qGieUH-NTh1MHkcFaUauS0TylLlyiQTCZw9SWoY/s400/IMG_7161.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(PS- Only paid $3.00 for the three things!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I used Mod Podge and a sponge brush to apply the leaves. I waited for it to dry, added some yummy "Farmers Market" Yankee Candle votives, and voila- cute fall candle decor!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK9BEITHgjEaapwX7FqbseLZUOIH6H69lqR5p19SCY8kDz0Pzs43TSIcWKG8dJlHsANeTKL0lkBcHR-mO_VFECGj6ljBSU4dLtm0Fnxt6F3AB2hzFLv1wMPZ_5GcOZAy8Kue6PREXzBo/s1600/IMG_7173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK9BEITHgjEaapwX7FqbseLZUOIH6H69lqR5p19SCY8kDz0Pzs43TSIcWKG8dJlHsANeTKL0lkBcHR-mO_VFECGj6ljBSU4dLtm0Fnxt6F3AB2hzFLv1wMPZ_5GcOZAy8Kue6PREXzBo/s400/IMG_7173.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJj4D0YnzdgoHePA1mFi6tX2HsLk_PpZ7Yl0fgMV2Qwvf_a1znDQLK_30i9VRI0yP9UNKqL1_Bn0tPrk2i552P5FP_PPbtjuLMlEvhWSY24FKcjh06zYFe989LzMvwdut57aMjoe1Duc/s1600/IMG_7168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJj4D0YnzdgoHePA1mFi6tX2HsLk_PpZ7Yl0fgMV2Qwvf_a1znDQLK_30i9VRI0yP9UNKqL1_Bn0tPrk2i552P5FP_PPbtjuLMlEvhWSY24FKcjh06zYFe989LzMvwdut57aMjoe1Duc/s320/IMG_7168.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On Saturday, after filling our tummies with chili and wassail, Mom and I decided to go bargain hunting at the Dollar Tree and Goodwill to make some pinterest-inspired projects! Here is just one of the things I made...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I began with a dollar store 8x10 frame with a glass pane. (It has to be glass for this to work.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintG9KIrIIr6VuVIz_8sPvrocrn54_7Yot-rJOH1ngRCE_VidRcmw4ItXvHQdUVyPOzyHzgUN0JXRa23j3lPeJYsgEZBjzZDmfH6bHQZ34Yx-rai0eNHDQoq1Ezbq-1ZCaKSPh1R2zWx4/s1600/IMG_7164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintG9KIrIIr6VuVIz_8sPvrocrn54_7Yot-rJOH1ngRCE_VidRcmw4ItXvHQdUVyPOzyHzgUN0JXRa23j3lPeJYsgEZBjzZDmfH6bHQZ34Yx-rai0eNHDQoq1Ezbq-1ZCaKSPh1R2zWx4/s400/IMG_7164.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I added pretty scrapbook paper and some words cut out in black paper with my Cricut, and ta-da! A new dry erase board for leaving notes on our refrigerator! :) I was pretty pleased with it when I finished- it matches really well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63-5AiE22Kzy0niNusrGGFWDiTAitflN5epOI1I-5rFflDiHwxEz1fLeNHNF3KlPR36bQ5dwAlNq4g8oMhZx1W4kHWzBFJilduAn9xEwb_tXfvDToc0H3G1c3pnZtj2kZEIKZYca7hag/s1600/IMG_7178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63-5AiE22Kzy0niNusrGGFWDiTAitflN5epOI1I-5rFflDiHwxEz1fLeNHNF3KlPR36bQ5dwAlNq4g8oMhZx1W4kHWzBFJilduAn9xEwb_tXfvDToc0H3G1c3pnZtj2kZEIKZYca7hag/s400/IMG_7178.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have more projects coming up soon! Still in the works! :) Hope everyone is getting into the "fall" mode and loving the weather we're blessed with this week! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s1600/name1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s200/name1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-1474843175089582192011-08-29T16:37:00.000-07:002011-08-29T16:37:07.734-07:00Tagged!I spend my Saturday night with my Momma tagging! :) And no, not as in graffiti... as in real tags! Here are some designs I came up with and delivered to some teacher friends this morning attached to some yummy goodies...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHZfbW651Dl4TPy_Or-ZaympJkQPkVk2_PVCvSDHq7Q8ehe7960VspZmcguHQYyARr0uF6kFmFfGYsiADAX7c_TU-zlsmsWCr6EdX8Gt_Yrskz80OmJkU1TiIOjCXO2761VjmWKdz1RE/s1600/newone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHZfbW651Dl4TPy_Or-ZaympJkQPkVk2_PVCvSDHq7Q8ehe7960VspZmcguHQYyARr0uF6kFmFfGYsiADAX7c_TU-zlsmsWCr6EdX8Gt_Yrskz80OmJkU1TiIOjCXO2761VjmWKdz1RE/s320/newone.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used oregano colored distressing ink on the tag, Tim Holtz stamps, and roughed/chalked the edges. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQauKbOiYtgYJX1E4BQaJgXfm23glmEu6TZdnT-yxxQQeyjnWVwQUz3OL-7fEOJgvi2vrWXwiXWww55h_il0SX5cqrNu1Bk9ky9KwfzoKiPCU7bGnAfNefDu99ibAbfZT6xrffo4UThU/s1600/IMG_7121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQauKbOiYtgYJX1E4BQaJgXfm23glmEu6TZdnT-yxxQQeyjnWVwQUz3OL-7fEOJgvi2vrWXwiXWww55h_il0SX5cqrNu1Bk9ky9KwfzoKiPCU7bGnAfNefDu99ibAbfZT6xrffo4UThU/s320/IMG_7121.JPG" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chalked the edges</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk1y0DI33ibMItM7YSXU-SCKTaEpb_Sg26XvMdyX08BFMS9nTa8g0uNfMrd8GjVN7yTiQxB3QBX6-y-eIdfr-gQfbMARzVMKO2-sRhTI4m2VD_JJXl5HSPjuYlgttCtEWShnz8wvteJA/s1600/IMG_7123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk1y0DI33ibMItM7YSXU-SCKTaEpb_Sg26XvMdyX08BFMS9nTa8g0uNfMrd8GjVN7yTiQxB3QBX6-y-eIdfr-gQfbMARzVMKO2-sRhTI4m2VD_JJXl5HSPjuYlgttCtEWShnz8wvteJA/s320/IMG_7123.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love the little owl :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjljsQ0QVspfy5zytH3Z4wm8aEyQUe4VwHr5WmoXAceqdNdeC2aSdOLJ6J0Q0KsxIJQLRO5tP18Lbh7BODkIivoyY5ntWYMyHkdYiqllqowaVw9rl4i3Z_DoC9fX0nxrw8BNjmV6C4-AY/s1600/IMG_7124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjljsQ0QVspfy5zytH3Z4wm8aEyQUe4VwHr5WmoXAceqdNdeC2aSdOLJ6J0Q0KsxIJQLRO5tP18Lbh7BODkIivoyY5ntWYMyHkdYiqllqowaVw9rl4i3Z_DoC9fX0nxrw8BNjmV6C4-AY/s320/IMG_7124.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was such a cute one!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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I don't have a link for the clear stamps I borrowed from my mom for the last three tags, but I do have a link for the Tim Holtz stamps I used on the distressed tag (number 1) with the rain quote. [Side note... I ADORE Tim Holtz and his products- check him out!] You can find the clear stamp set <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Visual-Artistry-Collection-Clear-Stamps/dp/B003OLYJ0O/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1314659847&sr=8-21">here</a>. It's very versatile and adds a perfect touch.<br />
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Hope your Monday is coming to a lovely end! I still have sub plans to write so I better stop blogging and get sub plan writing :)<br />
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Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-89034064912794849842011-08-28T11:07:00.000-07:002011-08-28T11:10:12.518-07:00Pinterest!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO3gzjNh9oUYbAjW6GKj8cu_Bp2V5ay2YNiSYtPL5z4lKKUHCPCLF7IxAMwgyExJ_3QfnsW01X8nQyrLkBsAq288SgTEWs8Osdv8_z2enO9yCkS-q0TZPiPYkbJi4ziQVQ352XIZQJNY/s1600/pinterst.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO3gzjNh9oUYbAjW6GKj8cu_Bp2V5ay2YNiSYtPL5z4lKKUHCPCLF7IxAMwgyExJ_3QfnsW01X8nQyrLkBsAq288SgTEWs8Osdv8_z2enO9yCkS-q0TZPiPYkbJi4ziQVQ352XIZQJNY/s200/pinterst.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I'm sure many of you have heard about pinterest.com, have been to the website, or have your own pinterest account. If you do, bear with me. If not, you need to follow my directions... Stop what you are doing. (Ok, well read this, then stop what you are doing, haha) Go to the website. Check out the amazing ideas. Maybe make a page of your own to start collecting the ideas for yourself. <br />
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It's such a unique place. Before, when I found a blog I liked or an idea that I loved, I would bookmark that site. Then, when I wanted to go back and look at it, I had to rifle through all of my bookmarked sites and guess which one was the right link. And then half the time, I would be wrong and it would take me a much longer time than necessary! Plus, I don't know how many times I've needed some ideas for a party or gift and I forget all those super ideas I had already bookmarked. Alas, we come to my new obsession... pinterest.com.<br />
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Once you have your own account (you have to request an invite and that might take a few minutes to get one from the website), you can look at other peoples boards, create you own, and repin other peoples' ideas into your boards. You can also pin other sites you find to your boards as well. Then you have your own collection of ideas and links to everything that you like. For instance, if you had a party coming up, all you have to do is go other members party boards or in my case, my own collection, and there would be a plethora of ideas just waiting to be used! No long searches necessary. No guess work on finding the right bookmarked link. It's all right there. So please, if you have not checked this out, go do it now :)<br />
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Here's the link to my pinterest boards. <a href="http://pinterest.com/cchamberlin/">http://pinterest.com/cchamberlin/</a><br />
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Enjoy!! :)<br />
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Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-29323217346888205992011-08-24T16:02:00.000-07:002011-08-24T16:04:05.628-07:00One of those days...School has started back up and just as I might have guessed, I've been a little busy and blogging has gone to wayside. So tonight, I wanted to add to the blog. I'm a bit grumpy after my day (the day is a bit long for some of my kiddos still :) so we're still working on our procedures especially in the afternoon!). But I really want to end my day on a positive note so I thought I'd post. I found this a few weeks ago and I think it's a good reminder...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope it brightens your day and reminds you to do one of these things today :)</div><div style="text-align: left;">More to come soon, I promise!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfUgQDwAqVUvkXmibndVAWoLZP65uDyL7lZrQ6ioGKJOc7yzyZerAnAmibJvIpL4QeUJf5EK1KQmJLv5HUhYffsY1bI19yxyNFilsllmK_6K7NKG00iDu_eZ35Hx_2gPU-ty48j0a-Kg/s1600/name1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfUgQDwAqVUvkXmibndVAWoLZP65uDyL7lZrQ6ioGKJOc7yzyZerAnAmibJvIpL4QeUJf5EK1KQmJLv5HUhYffsY1bI19yxyNFilsllmK_6K7NKG00iDu_eZ35Hx_2gPU-ty48j0a-Kg/s200/name1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-44879712268262256152011-08-16T17:35:00.000-07:002011-08-16T17:35:39.182-07:00My Classroom LibraryHere's my big reveal of my classroom library!!<br />
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Enjoy! :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpKUPq147c0Zrm3pc506TJE7Lj0hmSTGW0oi0lrCv94bjBGU4hhTxIoKCtBJyX3A2xxNNG36s37mqzUusqiiarbXZpI9JvSCZzZv-QPJAwoWlYc3V_2ZHtwtJqvItsqnbS3Q03VAfWfM/s1600/IMG_7101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpKUPq147c0Zrm3pc506TJE7Lj0hmSTGW0oi0lrCv94bjBGU4hhTxIoKCtBJyX3A2xxNNG36s37mqzUusqiiarbXZpI9JvSCZzZv-QPJAwoWlYc3V_2ZHtwtJqvItsqnbS3Q03VAfWfM/s640/IMG_7101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Here's my prices:<br />
Chairs: $7 a piece (plus a 20% off coupon from BB&B)<br />
Pillows: 4.99 a piece at Meijer on clearance<br />
Leaves: $6.00 for the bunch<br />
Paper for the tree: free<br />
Body pillow: old one I had but I bought a new cover for 7.99<br />
Posters: Free- made them out of my red apple rewards calendar from scholastic<br />
As for the books... you don't even want to know how much money I've spent on books over the past three years :) If I have an addiction, it's buying books! :)<br />
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Tomorrow is the big day... first day of school! Here we go!! :)<br />
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Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-39174224361284638302011-08-02T19:20:00.000-07:002011-08-02T19:29:19.492-07:00Organization, Organization, Organi-what?I am very thankful because I have been able to get into my room the past two days, which is a lot more than a lot of people I work with. I hate that they are delayed because I can't imagine how stressful that must feel. I wish I could speed up the construction process for them. :(<br />
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I've basically just made piles in my room. One pile will eventually go in the storage room that isn't completed yet. One pile is stuff I think I no longer want but cannot commit to getting rid of it JUST yet. And one pile is books. Books upon books upon books. Tomorrow I plan to tackle the books pile and re-sort them into new tubs for my classroom library (PS-which is coming along! I should post pictures maybe next week- woo!)<br />
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After the craziness that was last year and the splitting classes and such I decided I want to be sooooo much more organized this year. Granted, I know it won't stay this way, but I love starting out the year with a fresh, well-organized plan. And here is my recent creation: My All-In-One-All-Purpose-Planner. (No I don't really call it that ;) ) I found this great <a href="http://www.lifes-a-journal.com/2011/07/20/daily-pages/">website</a> with some ahhhhmazing daily pages you can use to plan your day. I printed off a bunch, bought a calendar, inserted a few tabs and notebook, and already I'm feeling much better. Take that stress that's been keeping me up at night!! :)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Here's a picture of the outside (of course I had to get a little creative with it!) </div><div style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the blurry picture. The camera was not cooperating.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jOPm-eLi_MDvH5HoKxRWwcSjSfiNENz_7Hd4KXli4WYIzFIaWdXhY6CQunhcjK5BkrvMzmIUntAzx0vqi0T3PQol9VdK7jrLwj1xA4PbSfJd53ThesxWwXLnZR4I1f2dX9edEPDy4sk/s1600/IMG_7036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jOPm-eLi_MDvH5HoKxRWwcSjSfiNENz_7Hd4KXli4WYIzFIaWdXhY6CQunhcjK5BkrvMzmIUntAzx0vqi0T3PQol9VdK7jrLwj1xA4PbSfJd53ThesxWwXLnZR4I1f2dX9edEPDy4sk/s400/IMG_7036.JPG" width="386" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Here are the daily pages- wonderful! This may not be your cup of tea, but this is an amazing tool for me. I love to-do lists and areas to record notes and appointments. And the fact that it reminds me how much water I should be drinking and has a fitness goal for each day is icing on the cake! I just love it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNFqiaprqMXAtdMwDjYaNZYuSJZVJeDJRz82qrxQ3INyHqutUmEXilFn6kAUtU3EZdexrnGy7_batd7R9sxNFz_FtyDFOA3ySPsL9TbENuBSBSWh9SijdX-oYEVz0eYXUYYUUMBxguJY/s1600/IMG_7037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNFqiaprqMXAtdMwDjYaNZYuSJZVJeDJRz82qrxQ3INyHqutUmEXilFn6kAUtU3EZdexrnGy7_batd7R9sxNFz_FtyDFOA3ySPsL9TbENuBSBSWh9SijdX-oYEVz0eYXUYYUUMBxguJY/s400/IMG_7037.JPG" width="338" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Here's the meal planning/grocery list, which keeps my meal planning simple and quick.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDjlaJ7QodQQnj6JTuQ-MJW7uSHF4zTIr_N-3TXORv0-gJfV0Oz7lCUyxax3OhrbgyyFLZ7yOo2RGDDYwUM_B4Ao8KF4R6NWK2YQRQBDSMm_lZTpIYhPBqTKDL4lntysXn7KhwvaXsgo/s1600/IMG_7038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDjlaJ7QodQQnj6JTuQ-MJW7uSHF4zTIr_N-3TXORv0-gJfV0Oz7lCUyxax3OhrbgyyFLZ7yOo2RGDDYwUM_B4Ao8KF4R6NWK2YQRQBDSMm_lZTpIYhPBqTKDL4lntysXn7KhwvaXsgo/s400/IMG_7038.JPG" width="363" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">And of course the calendar to keep all things school, all things life, and all things me straight. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_724Pel4ziSJ8VNQMXq4ss8sQrgzj6NY5ae2Px3dKHxLLffptn4U0q17KCnABi-L3F9muNhf8aGS6PebFkg7unGfSxhEtT2q_3tVl1Tb4xAlPlz0uCd-LWBvR60jiSBgm7Mwe0IuXbo/s1600/IMG_7039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_724Pel4ziSJ8VNQMXq4ss8sQrgzj6NY5ae2Px3dKHxLLffptn4U0q17KCnABi-L3F9muNhf8aGS6PebFkg7unGfSxhEtT2q_3tVl1Tb4xAlPlz0uCd-LWBvR60jiSBgm7Mwe0IuXbo/s400/IMG_7039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I also have a 3 ring notebook at the end in which I keep school ideas and/or can take notes easily. <br />
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Here's my planner total cost:<br />
1 inch binder: $3.00 (could have gone for cheaper but I had to have the clear outer layer to make it cute!)<br />
Daily pages/meal planner pages: Free!<br />
Tabs: Free (they were a teacher gift)<br />
Calendar: 6.00 (again, could have gone cheaper but I wanted cute one!)<br />
Notebook: .10 (gotta love back to school time!)<br />
Pictures for the front: .60 at Walgreens<br />
Total cost: $9.70 (Woo hoo!!!)<br />
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I hope this inspires you to check out that website and make life a little easier (grocery shopping anyone?!) with some quick and easy lists.<br />
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Maybe I can stay this organized all year! Here's hoping! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfUgQDwAqVUvkXmibndVAWoLZP65uDyL7lZrQ6ioGKJOc7yzyZerAnAmibJvIpL4QeUJf5EK1KQmJLv5HUhYffsY1bI19yxyNFilsllmK_6K7NKG00iDu_eZ35Hx_2gPU-ty48j0a-Kg/s1600/name1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfUgQDwAqVUvkXmibndVAWoLZP65uDyL7lZrQ6ioGKJOc7yzyZerAnAmibJvIpL4QeUJf5EK1KQmJLv5HUhYffsY1bI19yxyNFilsllmK_6K7NKG00iDu_eZ35Hx_2gPU-ty48j0a-Kg/s200/name1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-55550582937336289652011-07-26T14:41:00.000-07:002011-07-26T14:41:22.612-07:00Classroom IdeasIt's that time again! Stores are stocked with binders, crayons, and new backpacks. School supply lists are the hot commodity. And teachers are wondering... where did the summer go?! :) School will be starting back up in about 3 weeks which means teachers are starting up, well, now. I would like to get into my classroom, especially since we are going to New York for the good part of next week, but technically I can't until August 1 when construction is finished. I may get to a little bit this week while we are in doing beginning of the year testing, shhh.... :) I finally have a room that I know is mine and it feels that way. I've kinda felt like I didn't fully make myself at home in either of my classrooms because it was never certain a.) that I would be coming back and b.) I would be in the same classroom/grade level. Needless to say, I am pumped I am in my own room doing all day kindergarten for hopefully a while! That means I really get to dig in to my room and think about what I like and don't like about the set up. For the most part, I like the organization of my big areas and furniture in the room. I am thinking of redoing some bulletin boards, but what I really want to reorganize is my classroom library nook. It needs some love. I want to make it comfy and inviting for my kiddos to come in, grab a good book, and settle down to read. Here are some ideas I am playing with. I want to accomplish something with not too much money spent! :)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I love the idea of a reading tent, like the one in this <a href="http://www.mrsmcdowell.com/Literacy%20Boxes/boxes.htm">classroom</a>, but I want to make sure the kiddos can be seen easily by me so I can monitor their library procedures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkGUNNnG6aAAKNSRTRNFBs2RGIA2NbRovngewVYxotBtvfL3u-QHROE84eCwkUinsCQiE_-zOUX5MRt80Y_yisCvs2-otONIdXWs5XzqjmAJkAG47aOeU3Ql0FY3ffxH16g8V8UOe14c/s1600/Beehive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkGUNNnG6aAAKNSRTRNFBs2RGIA2NbRovngewVYxotBtvfL3u-QHROE84eCwkUinsCQiE_-zOUX5MRt80Y_yisCvs2-otONIdXWs5XzqjmAJkAG47aOeU3Ql0FY3ffxH16g8V8UOe14c/s400/Beehive.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The jungle theme is cute in this <a href="http://simplebooklet.com/publish.php?_escaped_fragment_=wpKey=3oxd2wZyOem63sI3PEnjJd">classroom</a> but it doesn't quite match my theme and I'm working with less space under a loft.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-eYqyy_6fgZc608qBr4aMtmbGXG0E-Ga5Hur-sJb9GSUYmSRzFhACnmPopSWBFIWGL62FOza7CMkGMSdupCllSTpM0LHZxHs_J-20HrZrUrXJXAJRzEJ_CVIfejgXvUqPr-97cxPZXI/s1600/jungle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-eYqyy_6fgZc608qBr4aMtmbGXG0E-Ga5Hur-sJb9GSUYmSRzFhACnmPopSWBFIWGL62FOza7CMkGMSdupCllSTpM0LHZxHs_J-20HrZrUrXJXAJRzEJ_CVIfejgXvUqPr-97cxPZXI/s400/jungle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">This<a href="http://learningenglish-esl.blogspot.com/2010/06/reading-corner-photos.html"> reading corner</a> might be a bit busy, but I like the tree idea. I was thinking about a reading tree at first so I may go back to that...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ25pm1Vl7EW50DA9mne4nroBzyPg7e-lvYIH3owyUnSk5ZkcpCMkWnifWk_JUXjrMYtQVmqVVzmt3zEj6ni9zoY9IaxGAUSFQ9dEHDfS4SlO-wF5hkW3NYWqXEYXyY5ciqKjSafxfVu0/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ25pm1Vl7EW50DA9mne4nroBzyPg7e-lvYIH3owyUnSk5ZkcpCMkWnifWk_JUXjrMYtQVmqVVzmt3zEj6ni9zoY9IaxGAUSFQ9dEHDfS4SlO-wF5hkW3NYWqXEYXyY5ciqKjSafxfVu0/s400/tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like the little chairs in the<a href="http://learningenglish-esl.blogspot.com/2010/06/reading-corner-photos.html"> this area,</a> and the ocean theme is cute too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMsrj9Sg1Bt7VeYKReMdIUU1T3s7_OH9cl6ajeqLXGlIyU9kK0jYpbH45urFgk2UftCcDhng8g20PZ610iXynFaHZz9ba4X_Vo4s5ccLj2fe3BQyI1zFS-Q-eg2Il9qIH_gmPE1bM6a4/s1600/ocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMsrj9Sg1Bt7VeYKReMdIUU1T3s7_OH9cl6ajeqLXGlIyU9kK0jYpbH45urFgk2UftCcDhng8g20PZ610iXynFaHZz9ba4X_Vo4s5ccLj2fe3BQyI1zFS-Q-eg2Il9qIH_gmPE1bM6a4/s320/ocean.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have old pillows in the corner right now, but I think I am going to buy kids chairs/ bean bag chairs to replace them. (I think I saw Aldis had some bean bag chairs on sale!) I also want to incorporate some kind of item that changes with the seasons and I already have a new tub organizing system so I can get books rotated in and out easier. I will post pictures when I decide and get it ready to go! :)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's to all those teachers out there getting ready for another year!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-79956035678980739872011-07-23T13:59:00.000-07:002011-07-23T14:04:00.586-07:00Extreme Couch MakeoverIt's been a superb day... date day with Colby, nothing better! We enjoyed some Starbucks, shopping, and then happened to go see Harry Potter again, which I'm always up for! :) Now we're relaxing at home for a few and what better time than to blog?!<br />
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When we got our house, the people we bought it from were awesome and they left a lot of items here for us, which was wonderful because going from a one bedroom apartment to a four bedroom house was kind of a shock. So much space and we had about enough furniture to fill maybe 3 rooms. So it was a lot of craigslist-ing, garage sailing, and hand-me-downing. (Yes, all of those are words I just created!) They left a couch in the living room, a.k.a my reading room, but we realized as we started pulling in some other pieces we have bought and putting in my mamaw's piano, the couch's cover and pillows didn't quite match our decor. So it was time for a makeover... (and it couldn't be very expensive!)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Here's the before picture:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnevuordgvQBdxpA-IE19l4-lKa0uUd_98Qe3IDx415u0bvUuUrhITBxo5R5YhfXCDDN6oSen8d9GAt9bV3MWR3AjHMeMrE5tOSrJwGDqUsOmAu0GAkuG7Gs6H_HxLN0zWiqdEftZVxbw/s1600/IMG_6191+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnevuordgvQBdxpA-IE19l4-lKa0uUd_98Qe3IDx415u0bvUuUrhITBxo5R5YhfXCDDN6oSen8d9GAt9bV3MWR3AjHMeMrE5tOSrJwGDqUsOmAu0GAkuG7Gs6H_HxLN0zWiqdEftZVxbw/s640/IMG_6191+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Buying a new couch was out of the question and why would we want to when we had a perfectly good couch already here? I just needed to find the right look for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I happened to be in Big Lots one day searching for school supplies when I thought, hey, maybe there might be a inexpensive slipcover here. Sure enough, I found one that I thought might work. I also found some SUPER cute pillows that I thought would match perfectly (and only $9 a piece!). I got it home and realized it was a VERY tight fit, and after searching through 3 different stores, I found the pins that would help keep the cover secure around the base pillows. Corkscrew pins are awesome for this, by the way!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, about 30 minutes later and 8 corkscrew pins around the edges, this was our finished product!</div><br />
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</div> I was pretty pleased with it!! The lamp we got for free and I had spray painted it a few months ago and added a new lamp shade. I traded out the plant for some pillars (still missing candles- oops!) that I got on clearance at Hobby Lobby and added decor to the shelf above the table. Apparently my reading room has also become the tree themed room, haha :) What can I say, it's peaceful!<br />
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Pillows- $9<br />
Slipcover - $40<br />
Total price - $58 - Yay!!<br />
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Not too bad to add a whole new look for our room. I love finding deals! :)<br />
Have a wonderful Saturday and stay cool in this heat!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s1600/name1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s200/name1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638732330307029873.post-35592658935021697562011-07-21T18:40:00.000-07:002011-07-21T18:40:36.734-07:00Productive Days, Gotta Love 'EmIt has been a really great day... I got a lot accomplished and had fun along the way :)<br />
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I spend most of my morning reading kindergarten blogs and finding some really great ideas for this upcoming year. The teachers that created those sites are awesome! I have loved seeing what other people do and it makes me want to get moving on my room! I made a scavenger hunt for my kiddos and their parents on the ice cream social night and I created new labels for each of my different boxes of books (20 in all!) Then I managed to work out, clean, do laundry, get Bailey to the vet, and run some errands! Whew!<br />
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One of my projects today was to finish making some cards so here are the final products...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Congratulatory card and birthday card</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0JcurUnpiafTdDv0AfnCeZCjhyXl8srB0k9gOgx_9RIktb2xOdx8Vf8p2nx1YRDsUuQpLrUPNz-OHDYvvLr0oivbJkVjoJJAZ_bTCntz1ynRMWhwb_PmHYQM91bmvZ9E5ryR0w8HeEA/s1600/IMG_7015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0JcurUnpiafTdDv0AfnCeZCjhyXl8srB0k9gOgx_9RIktb2xOdx8Vf8p2nx1YRDsUuQpLrUPNz-OHDYvvLr0oivbJkVjoJJAZ_bTCntz1ynRMWhwb_PmHYQM91bmvZ9E5ryR0w8HeEA/s400/IMG_7015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Birthday card and congratulatory card</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kwPUoV8HtV9ZPeTxsLatbHi_uvg0X-99nOImjUaVxTJADigWnnnwGnhf_nAbBmbVCkRITzujsIa4pkrHy5PlSHynei5H9p2rV5C6Q-9RJdjxppfKlDJo2OX0uFYnUARcjkfhuxj6q2c/s1600/IMG_7016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kwPUoV8HtV9ZPeTxsLatbHi_uvg0X-99nOImjUaVxTJADigWnnnwGnhf_nAbBmbVCkRITzujsIa4pkrHy5PlSHynei5H9p2rV5C6Q-9RJdjxppfKlDJo2OX0uFYnUARcjkfhuxj6q2c/s400/IMG_7016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">My personal favorite, the inside of the button flower card.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiGWZ_M0CIcjzNkKcm1x304FNooblL8TYs-7Vqnf0P-F6r4OTgg4HKwkaqxsesGcPXnXqImhdmQSY92_MEi2V8A75lC4EcQ60JwlOGCY968giivWw8TiBkk9oC5L9UUuhx24VIh0rdGo/s1600/IMG_7017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiGWZ_M0CIcjzNkKcm1x304FNooblL8TYs-7Vqnf0P-F6r4OTgg4HKwkaqxsesGcPXnXqImhdmQSY92_MEi2V8A75lC4EcQ60JwlOGCY968giivWw8TiBkk9oC5L9UUuhx24VIh0rdGo/s400/IMG_7017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I really enjoy making cards, when I have the time. It adds a personal touch. :) I was able to put these together with scraps of papers I had leftover from other projects, letters and swirls cut out by my Cricut Expression, and some random buttons I have collected. They turned out pretty cute!<br />
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I really enjoyed the time I spent making these cards. It was late afternoon, it was nice and cool in the house, and my scrapbook room is pretty peaceful. Not to mention the amazing music <a href="http://www.pandora.com/">Pandora</a> was playing for me. Indulge me a moment and just sample a taste of the playlist that came up...<br />
Blackbird-Paul McCartney<br />
Hallelujah- Jeff Buckley<br />
Dream a Little Dream of Me- The Mamas and The Papas<br />
She's Got a Way- Billy Joel<br />
American Pie- Don McLean<br />
Peace Train- Cat Stevens<br />
Our House- Crosby, Stills & Nash<br />
Turn, Turn, Turn- The Birds<br />
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Pandora, I thank you for a perfect mix of music for the evening :)<br />
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The rest of the evening could be summed up by the next two pictures...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJS_girKiautiahGqLz1LQq2RKyIXwKnW7B2ojLKU6vR23gr9aCpT_5upPMaHmvf9NdjrAkBSDQg5AnYOY6CpS4pEhcKpmHXlYUM467-ZLUJ7fedtkKnaIqqnUAFCprborAl15WUYJbj4/s1600/IMG_7021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJS_girKiautiahGqLz1LQq2RKyIXwKnW7B2ojLKU6vR23gr9aCpT_5upPMaHmvf9NdjrAkBSDQg5AnYOY6CpS4pEhcKpmHXlYUM467-ZLUJ7fedtkKnaIqqnUAFCprborAl15WUYJbj4/s320/IMG_7021.JPG" width="240" /></a>'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinner... wine, cheese, crackers, and grapes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My new favorite- laughing cow cheese - only 35 calories for each triangle :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And something else that is a bit more than 35 calories... my beer bread!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hbNIm6itKoluDIH7UYYqoPoQHtozGUZ1E3bRAtB1y2ZWsjRoce9saLz3swgrxloj_eIylg9vEtUJtFOFdQo5mSTu0V1akX0AwD2evee4aYX3GDZNkiiznwVG_iTFeJFdq2Io_Ys_gl8/s1600/IMG_7025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hbNIm6itKoluDIH7UYYqoPoQHtozGUZ1E3bRAtB1y2ZWsjRoce9saLz3swgrxloj_eIylg9vEtUJtFOFdQo5mSTu0V1akX0AwD2evee4aYX3GDZNkiiznwVG_iTFeJFdq2Io_Ys_gl8/s320/IMG_7025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It turned out really well! A little moist in the middle but I took it out a few minutes early so the sides wouldn't burn. It probably could have used a couple more minutes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Colby's words... "It was very good!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Off to spend some time with my loves!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s1600/name1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqqvNihRlKEDkpWAfoomwzSqUN9Ox3H8dILpvkecjCwQUr4tb-V4xDFXcbkS2p7iaedYlF_YwRaiPGUOo6GCc-lfHU-uhld41R8z4nafPK-Is8XIT_BnrGqVIk7fTczQxVUlk0zimTg/s200/name1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<span id="goog_1781732725"></span><span id="goog_1781732726"></span>Courthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06764522545007066820noreply@blogger.com0