tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16484058913946374222024-03-05T15:45:37.382-06:00number 52Welcome to number 52 ... the spot this blog roughly lands on my bucket list. It's a place where I share all the crazy DIY and home decor projects that I manage to squeeze into a life filled with three amazing kids and a husband who lets me use his power tools (honey, can you get me the drill?). So here it is; hope you enjoy and maybe even find yourself inspired to try something a little crazy too.Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-1777536267192883112013-09-16T20:52:00.003-05:002013-09-16T20:52:49.033-05:00Our Little Cowboy's 1st Birthday BashI always thought a cowboy party would be fun so it was a no brainer when our youngest turned one this July. Sadly, I'm just getting around to posting about it!<br />
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With the help of my sister, we got some great photos to use for the invite and a few welcome posters that were scattered around the house. I can't get over some of these. What a little chunky nugget he was ... this cowboy was having him some steak!<br />
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I'm particularly fund of this butt shot. I'm sure he'll hate me for it someday ...</div>
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Then I stuck him in some skinny jeans that were a little snug around his belly. Ooops.</div>
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Needless to say, we had plenty of good material to work with. </div>
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I also ordered a full set of printable party goodies from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeeLaaLoo" target="_blank">LeeLaaLoo</a> on Etsy. The package I purchased had everything from banners to custom water bottle labels to thank you cards. I just sent the file off to Office Max and when ready, got my mad cutting skills on. </div>
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I used those printables to make all sorts of goodies!</div>
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For example, they turned these dollar store red napkins into something totally cute. Throw them in an apple bushel basket and it's just right for a ho-down!</div>
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The food was kept simple and a little rustic. We ordered in sandwiches, served sausage sticks in mason jars, fresh sugar snap peas, some snacks and some little cowboy desserts. These "hay bales" were a snap to make using a traditional rice crispy treat recipe and some peel and pull licorice!</div>
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I also did some mini pecan pies and some campfire s'more treats. Yum, yum.</div>
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Older looking containers, some framed pics and some other western signs gave the place just the right vibe.</div>
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These tables and covers were rented to provide some extra seating and I picked up some wildflowers from the Farmer's Market that morning to place in labeled canning jars. Throw a chicken wire basket next to it for some snacks and you're good to go. </div>
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There were lots of other little touches I tried to do all around the house. Here's a sampling ...</div>
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Sunflowers & Mason Jars...</div>
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Fireplace Banner ...</div>
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Door signs & drink menus with lots-o-choices for big and lil' cowboys and girls...</div>
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Wanted Posters ...</div>
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And then of course desserts! I made this cake and these piped sugar cookies for my lil' man.</div>
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I think he's impressed.</div>
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These cactus, cowboy hat and cow-print cookies were fun to make and super delicious!</div>
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They were set out as favors.</div>
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Then just to make sure our little buckaroos were well outfitted, we set up some hay bales complete with cowboy hats (also from the dollar store), sheriff's badges, mustaches, pistols and bandannas. Yee haw!</div>
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And then since a cowboy isn't right without his horse, this guy joined the party for a few hours to give unlimited rides. It. Was. A. Hit. </div>
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Seriously ... can't even handle that smile.</div>
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Party down y'all!</div>
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Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-28446440660707279512013-09-08T16:58:00.002-05:002013-09-08T16:58:27.985-05:00Backyard Makeover Complete! (Thanks to the best hubbie. Ever.)Well after a number of weekends spent plugging away at this, my husband finished up our backyard makeover. And it looks fab.u.lous. I'm so proud of him. Amazing.<br />
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So here's what we've been up to since the last post.<br />
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1. The new landscaping went in around the fire pit area.<br />
2. Our new, yellow Adirondack chairs started peeling and looked terrible. We had to return them and we simultaneously gave up on this style of chair. On to Plan B.<br />
3. Plan B. We purchased a new dinning set and decided to repurpose the chairs from our old table around the fire pit. Since they're really comfortable and dry quickly after a rain, this ended up being a great solution. The new dinning set also extends to fit extra people and looks gorgeous with the stone. Win, win.<br />
4. My husband built the "kitchen" area. And it-is-awesome.<br />
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He started with concrete blocks again, framing out the grill area.<br />
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Since we decided to make two holding areas (one for firewood and another for grilling tools) he needed to rig a way to do that and hold the weight of the countertop that would ultimately go on top. He used iron bars between the bricks to do that. </div>
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Here's what it looked like when all the bricks were in place. </div>
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Front:</div>
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Back:</div>
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Then in the wee hours of the night, he built forms for the concrete countertops. </div>
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That shinny silver stuff was used to give the edges of the countertops some texture. </div>
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The concrete needed to sit in the forms for a couple days to cure. Meanwhile he got started on the brick work, repeating what he had done for the sitting wall. I'm going to save you all of those photos again and will just get right to the good part. Ta Daaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh</div>
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Holy smokes are you kidding me? Best. Husband. Ever. Seriously, he built this. Me = Smitten (umm, with him and our new kitchen area).</div>
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The opening to the left still needs some tile inside and once complete, will hold logs for the fire. The spot to the right needs tile too and when my kids put their bubbles away (ugh), this area will hold grilling tools and serving trays. The countertop will also get sealed after it cures for a few more weeks at which point it will be more brown in color.</div>
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Here's a look at the whole new space, landscaping and new accessories included. </div>
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And then just for fun I suppose we should do a before and after. </div>
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Remember this?</div>
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Well that's a slightly closer up view to this...</div>
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which didn't have this sitting wall ...</div>
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or this!!</div>
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Can't even handle it!</div>
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We're so excited to spend time in our new space. There are only a few minor additions we need to do yet until next summer when we'll contemplate some couches and some overhead, outdoor bistro lights. Meantime, hope you enjoyed a peek at our summer project!</div>
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Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-31900653908035326422013-06-10T19:59:00.001-05:002013-06-10T20:03:25.486-05:00Backyard Makeover UnderwayLast fall when I posted about my <a href="http://numberfiftytwo.blogspot.com/2012/08/front-porch-pick-me-up.html" target="_blank">Front Porch Pick-Me-Up</a>, I mentioned that I've been wanting to update all of our outdoor living spaces. Our backyard, in particular, had been in need of something to make the space more inviting.<br />
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Shortly after our home was built we had a concrete patio poured and shortly after that, my husband built a fire pit where we could sit and enjoy warm summer nights. But that's pretty much all that had happened besides the addition of our old patio table and some plastic Adirondack chairs (which broke within a month, grrrr).<br />
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So, we finally decided to get at our project. After talks of pergolas and water fountains and sitting walls and counters, we finally selected our final plan and all the things we'd need to finish off the space.<br />
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Purchase list:<br />
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<ul>
<li>new Adirondack chairs, WOOD</li>
<li>landscape lighting</li>
<li>planters and lots-o-flowers</li>
<li>new grill</li>
<li>water fountain</li>
<li>new landscaping behind fire pit area</li>
<li>stone and more stone</li>
</ul>
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To do list:<br />
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<ul>
<li>stain concrete </li>
<li>create a sitting wall to the left of our patio door (or to the right if looking from the pic below)</li>
<li>build an "outdoor kitchen" or essentially build in our new grill on the opposite side</li>
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We were admittedly a bit nervous about the staining because our concrete guy actually refused to do it ... the results are apparently unreliable. Not surprisingly, even the advice of a trained professional who does this for a living could not persuade us to steer clear of this project. So ... we just buckled down and did it anyhow. </div>
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To get started, we needed to sweep and power wash the concrete. I essentially did the sweeping and that was about the end of my roll in this project. Beyond that I was assigned to buy beer and keep our kids out of the way. </div>
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Here are the "just washed, pre-staining" pictures. See, just a big ol' boring piece of concrete. Puh. No good.</div>
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And another shot of the concrete in the shade (because I'm really bad about taking pictures at more opportune times). You can't tell but it's a ho-hum gray. Concrete gray. Yick. Again, no good.<br />
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After that was dried, my husband started painting the outside boarder. He suggested doing two different shades and I was on-board. I selected the colors and he got to work. For the "trim" he used a cheap foam brush and it seemed to work well. Well, I guess it required a second coat but it went pretty smoothly (or appeared to from where I was watching).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO00_CbZ8cBEzNqyqszv4lwVzyiGpl-9zGMLClpVBZolZ2UgQ4pcPqXk1beSQ_pO2k9_dsMtgiFz9icF7cvnXwaPB1S9AAoSnpK3sLvV5LtKrDme9KVVTrhO5OAxq2DD-0DBbQHNykdYYy/s1600/IMG_2143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO00_CbZ8cBEzNqyqszv4lwVzyiGpl-9zGMLClpVBZolZ2UgQ4pcPqXk1beSQ_pO2k9_dsMtgiFz9icF7cvnXwaPB1S9AAoSnpK3sLvV5LtKrDme9KVVTrhO5OAxq2DD-0DBbQHNykdYYy/s640/IMG_2143.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once that was done, he started on the main concrete area which he applied with a sprayer and then used a broom to sweep it in. After the first layer, he applied the lighter boarder color in sweeping motions on top. He then used the broom to swirl that around and mix it in with a dark, chocolate brown. </div>
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Finished ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGpIg98ZC6qfnCz1qeGcG1KnYry3cO-qINTOlPxg2hRo50HgauYwqZIuScQkoA0pjdfi5Ighnd4baWU19fZxKYzfFQz6lX_FbcqTW3ub6VNp8TnQ0-R7iO4vtGmPBGqiS6cZ4sPKHYUth/s1600/IMG_2149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGpIg98ZC6qfnCz1qeGcG1KnYry3cO-qINTOlPxg2hRo50HgauYwqZIuScQkoA0pjdfi5Ighnd4baWU19fZxKYzfFQz6lX_FbcqTW3ub6VNp8TnQ0-R7iO4vtGmPBGqiS6cZ4sPKHYUth/s640/IMG_2149.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We really like how it turned out because it added a richness to the space and gave us a much more inviting foundation to build on. So far we're really happy with it. </div>
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The next step is where it really got interesting. Let's, oh, I don't know, build a sitting wall! Geez. I wonder where we get the ideas to tackle this stuff on our own. Pure insanity. But we forge on. </div>
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First step, concrete blocks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZtVYaHVbD3tdhN4sU5pDukKi_Nj1I8d77Q_YFXy_FxwoS8Tnu6RMk66gdDwAnVQZXxXB0kJe_06nQDK0DukzQL6egykRdCJdYDwCyiENoQ-EbAiwQNolOnxbEtRNXDyy9hX1_v5_W2Sa/s1600/IMG_2154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZtVYaHVbD3tdhN4sU5pDukKi_Nj1I8d77Q_YFXy_FxwoS8Tnu6RMk66gdDwAnVQZXxXB0kJe_06nQDK0DukzQL6egykRdCJdYDwCyiENoQ-EbAiwQNolOnxbEtRNXDyy9hX1_v5_W2Sa/s640/IMG_2154.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kinda cool, right? I was uber impressed with my hubby's mad block building skills.</div>
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We also looked through a number of stone samples that would be close to the stone used on the front of the house. This guy was the closest one. Ding, ding. We have a winner!</div>
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Next he laid out all the stone so he could see the different sizes he was working with. And that's some mortar that he mixed up in the background there. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq14CnmbuYozL8pBrBwCaStSFeV7YvGq8IrbJ9fVXA4KjxShQkAG2UUtsvR0x62RT0VAGqXJQZyLuRVamf2Zo7XiwCFfIWuP8bG0KHqHtxU_PeCeOFUzsBU90l2iJQlAib3MUri-ZHkeBm/s1600/IMG_2167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq14CnmbuYozL8pBrBwCaStSFeV7YvGq8IrbJ9fVXA4KjxShQkAG2UUtsvR0x62RT0VAGqXJQZyLuRVamf2Zo7XiwCFfIWuP8bG0KHqHtxU_PeCeOFUzsBU90l2iJQlAib3MUri-ZHkeBm/s640/IMG_2167.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's how it looked as things got underway. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayDirmCfx0YEsUo__webkmjF_aDss76kbBpXOy-6ZLHFUFbXl88H1MCpMkEMxIvpZFrlmEJvKqY9PHY_yXfJNyhOQ6IqjvK4Ys-P1K3KaGn_oD9PENgVjsSGBVcSJhNB9dXhsXZ93J7AO/s1600/IMG_2168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayDirmCfx0YEsUo__webkmjF_aDss76kbBpXOy-6ZLHFUFbXl88H1MCpMkEMxIvpZFrlmEJvKqY9PHY_yXfJNyhOQ6IqjvK4Ys-P1K3KaGn_oD9PENgVjsSGBVcSJhNB9dXhsXZ93J7AO/s640/IMG_2168.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpmmQjDw7IxD-SxvBNY2H6XvgZWlRZHlH3dmhzy-5RIOi3rTCn9nF86aJmUEDtNgRl5hMrn4PQ5lTOabFICzBkrFHx-y0VbF-UUptXsuTteLlTUpayVihVcRqkN_1CSVtEFUjRBtBNwap/s1600/IMG_2166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpmmQjDw7IxD-SxvBNY2H6XvgZWlRZHlH3dmhzy-5RIOi3rTCn9nF86aJmUEDtNgRl5hMrn4PQ5lTOabFICzBkrFHx-y0VbF-UUptXsuTteLlTUpayVihVcRqkN_1CSVtEFUjRBtBNwap/s640/IMG_2166.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then, after some very long hours of putting up stone and grouting it (I'm told until his finger tips fell off) ... and even adding some lighting (OMG) ... it looked like this!! </div>
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I am still in awe of the work he did on this. Literally. Mouth. Still. Open. or Smiling.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYdJQGzds1mD1A6D4nXFSwTt0parFvrBUsb78Upcg9Bhx9PoesROI-XC4pbdT2qpFTfuVSE3jAWS6R4_KBS-cEG1HcuXAqQ6CLsDwAkiNMQiADyzSVoQwocoKA3s1_hGeEcNdRd2Ks3ru/s1600/IMG_2213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYdJQGzds1mD1A6D4nXFSwTt0parFvrBUsb78Upcg9Bhx9PoesROI-XC4pbdT2qpFTfuVSE3jAWS6R4_KBS-cEG1HcuXAqQ6CLsDwAkiNMQiADyzSVoQwocoKA3s1_hGeEcNdRd2Ks3ru/s640/IMG_2213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My next job was to add in some colorful plants and flowers that I placed in about a million different containers of all shapes, sizes and colors. I started with bright pops of turquoise and purple, and yellow to go with our yellow Adirondack chairs. And then I just said oh what the heck, why not pink too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-R_PSnP1zU_5EPwUI5YG5FXShmqQ4v-MCZcRxssz6C2ONFmnciXV69epFmtafWkqeo6p2XBgjevaanIH7pWri_99MAcRtler67DQ7zzshJXrUVNjdNEpXunmaca3Dl0cnmCqucqbjCiw/s1600/IMG_2208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-R_PSnP1zU_5EPwUI5YG5FXShmqQ4v-MCZcRxssz6C2ONFmnciXV69epFmtafWkqeo6p2XBgjevaanIH7pWri_99MAcRtler67DQ7zzshJXrUVNjdNEpXunmaca3Dl0cnmCqucqbjCiw/s640/IMG_2208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These guys aren't flowering at just this moment so use your imagination.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt963EoKFj3pKqOn_KcuYxmqonHOUx1YFFB7AsLtT3mUcr_2R9jFQ7ac7utokNEcGuLZXDADg7KTVbJm4a2q19hJLguCYvYwHDwGxaGQI5rlv4_J8ExtXKRgu9nUMiQbV6GNCvdcKkUmOh/s1600/IMG_2209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt963EoKFj3pKqOn_KcuYxmqonHOUx1YFFB7AsLtT3mUcr_2R9jFQ7ac7utokNEcGuLZXDADg7KTVbJm4a2q19hJLguCYvYwHDwGxaGQI5rlv4_J8ExtXKRgu9nUMiQbV6GNCvdcKkUmOh/s640/IMG_2209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a shot from a little further back. Really coming together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2O9Xicf6PiXeXLIDTvdWYfZF0r7b8XTCOy0APE9Zw9TQZvlVDzAycC8QmvwPhmXtdL4SeUcLbwQ-1C1fbpblZvWk84pzlkMtleHHzE6DoiKWE7Mnumd4y3Eim4pLigRPy-eRphezJr1E/s1600/IMG_2210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2O9Xicf6PiXeXLIDTvdWYfZF0r7b8XTCOy0APE9Zw9TQZvlVDzAycC8QmvwPhmXtdL4SeUcLbwQ-1C1fbpblZvWk84pzlkMtleHHzE6DoiKWE7Mnumd4y3Eim4pLigRPy-eRphezJr1E/s640/IMG_2210.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And one from the other side of the wall. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4j8XrPW1mZo6dxN9wBg-qeKLmbggsOW0I4jXrdL-S7kUTVImEXqWrvErQOBgY5vVGVbCpLC7c2TCP8Vw_Ghkv2Yk0cx9JdXvDexpK7vJgjnMniyZSwrhYkZa09PO5Xc2JChRIzgqgPRTB/s1600/IMG_2212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4j8XrPW1mZo6dxN9wBg-qeKLmbggsOW0I4jXrdL-S7kUTVImEXqWrvErQOBgY5vVGVbCpLC7c2TCP8Vw_Ghkv2Yk0cx9JdXvDexpK7vJgjnMniyZSwrhYkZa09PO5Xc2JChRIzgqgPRTB/s640/IMG_2212.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What's left to do is the other side where we'll be building in the grill. Hopefully I'll have an update on that in a couple weeks. And hopefully by then the rest of our landscaping will be in around the fire pit. This is what the grill area looks like now. Not so nice but we're getting there ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnngUnm1zUKGct1LAJzc7UUSFo_H_cYWIW-G2sMGbKqHoTBlglKWkH4TD_mv4dwuROhpqvSrCXmhMiTPQMRhDGCOV7dv6bf16sI3LBto7nyn23q8ugRyKn5FUhY0FLXz_WFHIVKODzCMBJ/s1600/IMG_2211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnngUnm1zUKGct1LAJzc7UUSFo_H_cYWIW-G2sMGbKqHoTBlglKWkH4TD_mv4dwuROhpqvSrCXmhMiTPQMRhDGCOV7dv6bf16sI3LBto7nyn23q8ugRyKn5FUhY0FLXz_WFHIVKODzCMBJ/s640/IMG_2211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Meantime, the new chairs, flowers, landscape lights and fountain make it a great space to enjoy summer. I'm looking forward to many more days and nights out here with these crazy kids.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcmiqBEmnwtApQn1QV57nE4m0b5XQqXgy4ku8AP5HdcPmy79SyqVGXFmmsuPVwGZRtVkVzA6T5dLfCb87I3zM5Y-zc1Xty9qnk3tOt8Ao2uO-Wg7CEWzvxlPwhGWz7qLsBlSjd9Si-oZi/s1600/IMG_2218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcmiqBEmnwtApQn1QV57nE4m0b5XQqXgy4ku8AP5HdcPmy79SyqVGXFmmsuPVwGZRtVkVzA6T5dLfCb87I3zM5Y-zc1Xty9qnk3tOt8Ao2uO-Wg7CEWzvxlPwhGWz7qLsBlSjd9Si-oZi/s640/IMG_2218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Ahhh, relaxing!</span></b></div>
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<br />Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-46389199000089520052013-06-04T06:46:00.000-05:002013-06-04T06:46:02.897-05:00Princess PartyMy daughter LOVES everything princesses right now so we planned a very special party for her this year.<br />
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At her first "friends" party, she got to invite four of her besties to a pampered princess party at a local spa. Each little girl was treated to a mani, pedi and up-do. Oh yes, yes, I did.<br />
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London selected five of her favorite Disney Princesses to round out our theme and I made gift boxes and coordinating tutus for each girl that referenced each one:<br />
<ul>
<li>Snow White</li>
<li>Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)</li>
<li>Jasmine</li>
<li>Cinderella</li>
<li>Ariel</li>
</ul>
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The gift boxes were filled with royal silver tissue and each received a wand, tiara, earrings, tattoos, a lipstick pen and a ring that coordinated with one Princess. I used Disney Princess cut outs and matching ribbon to make each unique.<br />
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After the favor boxes were ready, I used the same ribbon and two tones of tulle to make tutus for each girl. This one was for London who was Princess Jasmine for the day. If you ever want to learn how to make these tutus, YouTube has some great videos by some terrific people. It's really super simple.<br />
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And this is a similar version for Cinderella.<br />
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Here's the set.<br />
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I also ordered some cute custom water bottle labels and invites from Etsy (a shop called Creative Party Pixels), found some fun straws that were put in plastic champagne glasses at the spa and then there were some custom cookies and pink cake pops to round out the other snacks and goodies.<br />
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And then of course there was the magical day at the spa. The girls loved every minute of their pampering and looked adorable in their mini pink robes!<br />
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Pedi time ...<br />
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And the crowning moment. Literally!<br />
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Afterwards, the girls gathered up their things and put on all their accessories and tutus and floated around the spa using their wands to turn the moms into Princesses too. So cute and so much fun!!<br />
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<br />Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-72807901910122635182013-05-20T19:20:00.001-05:002013-05-20T19:20:33.054-05:00Teacher Appreciation: End of year thank you!We're nearing the end of our first official school year so a thank you gift was in order for Malachi's wonderful teacher.<br />
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I personally find it insanely hard to think of a good gift for teachers but have been racking my brain determined to come up with something sweet because she's been awesome. Despite all of his missing homework assignments, my failure to show up for parent teacher conferences on time and my overall lack of organization skills now that I'm a mother of three, she goes on smiling, taught my child how to read and write and doesn't even give me the stink eye when I forget to pack a lunch (at least that only happened twice). Oy.<br />
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Anyhow, I have to believe they get their fill of apple shaped things (admittedly they are incredibly tempting to buy) and you never really get to know them all that intimately. So ... I opted for an "enjoy your summer" theme and hope it fits the bill.<br />
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For the gift basket container I selected a giant margarita glass which I imagine could be considered tasteless for the teacher of a kindergarten class. If I were the teacher of 20 five and six year-olds, I 'd call that survival. Bottoms up.<br />
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It also included the following:<br />
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<ul>
<li>recipe book filled with cute summer cupcake ideas (including watermelon versions on the cover)</li>
<li>watermelon cupcake wrappers</li>
<li>watermelon gum</li>
<li>Subway gift card</li>
<li>suntan lotion</li>
<li>teacher themed stickers</li>
<li>Milky Way mini candy bars</li>
</ul>
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Malachi also wrote a note on a quick watermelon slice that I cut out of paper and we added "chalkboard" ribbon to top it off. </div>
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Put it all together and it's ready for delivery to a very special teacher, Mrs. V. Thank you for all you do!</div>
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Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-37216303581808176792013-03-31T21:44:00.001-05:002013-03-31T21:44:58.856-05:00Chair Project CompletedSo I finally finished this chair. Finally. Normally it doesn't take me very long to finish a project once I start. But I sort of developed a love/hate relationship with this chair and by that I mostly mean "hate."<br />
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I actually had the chair nearly completed (or so I thought) about three weeks ago and when I went for the grand finale, I realized it wasn't going to work. At all. Like had to unupholster my reupholster and that drove me close to insanity. Or I actually reached insanity and was too cookoo to notice. Both are distinct possibilities.<br />
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Anyhow, don't have a lot of "during" shots because truth be told, most days I thought I'd be better off just taking it to the curb. But, alas. It's now done. And it's far from perfect but it's decent and today, decent feels good.<br />
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Probably one of the best things this project has going for it is cost. Due to some leftover nail head trim, the total project cost me $65. So for $65, this is pretty darn good chair and it sure does look better than it used to.<br />
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Okay, no more talking. Here are the pics.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU57hS8w9pZV0dXpGYQ7qZxbVKw_Jwng9qHKTZ2f5jvojwmQe4Abl9-Q5IqvMqt6mh0XKml6x4yn5QlzTVIeP20MBk2rZgWS2ksLz-t2MmKRU8WtnI6ZqeMvfwa-iSUyGrWazvESqsQDS4/s1600/IMG_1966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU57hS8w9pZV0dXpGYQ7qZxbVKw_Jwng9qHKTZ2f5jvojwmQe4Abl9-Q5IqvMqt6mh0XKml6x4yn5QlzTVIeP20MBk2rZgWS2ksLz-t2MmKRU8WtnI6ZqeMvfwa-iSUyGrWazvESqsQDS4/s400/IMG_1966.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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As mentioned, I did still do the two tone fabric which I love. It really gives the chair a cool look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUGAOSAXYmUmBNpYZTgS15hiJQI-AWDKHaRbCzl9MIx0yujhtNFFZNJKewN0CaaTXQ9paXlINRj1L0SZuNSvi94A2ygvml1jJ2ZAHB84qWKN1_SvGmuXkQ08smWfEH7FcfrcPq4dd5Lc-/s1600/IMG_1970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUGAOSAXYmUmBNpYZTgS15hiJQI-AWDKHaRbCzl9MIx0yujhtNFFZNJKewN0CaaTXQ9paXlINRj1L0SZuNSvi94A2ygvml1jJ2ZAHB84qWKN1_SvGmuXkQ08smWfEH7FcfrcPq4dd5Lc-/s400/IMG_1970.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And here's an up-close of the nail head trim. I used a kit which works great. Really easy to use and available at most fabric stores or online.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRePq30FtBIpnqJA6rEtxJDPUb2pFv3BRz2I1r0qaixIUu-qH_EZ-W_5L9XFXzRFXB-V7EB6Mxn-7xx4O41Mikpo0syhTqflYAa0taxNAgKDGd3uPGovP_fOkdfuoyNa1vMdXJViKOz22J/s1600/IMG_1974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRePq30FtBIpnqJA6rEtxJDPUb2pFv3BRz2I1r0qaixIUu-qH_EZ-W_5L9XFXzRFXB-V7EB6Mxn-7xx4O41Mikpo0syhTqflYAa0taxNAgKDGd3uPGovP_fOkdfuoyNa1vMdXJViKOz22J/s400/IMG_1974.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's a final before and after.<br />
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BEFORE:<br />
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AFTER:<br />
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Better indeed!<br />
<br />Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-88474392224362993332013-02-17T14:26:00.000-06:002013-02-17T14:26:22.651-06:00Chair UpdateSince my last post, my chair found a new owner and work has been underway to transform her into something beautiful.<br />
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The first step was to take off the original fabric and to do that, I start with the trim. I used a flat head screwdriver and a hammer to get under the first piece and from there I use a pliers to pull it off. As much as possible, I try to get the staples along with it.<br />
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I also take lots of pictures as I go because it's incredibly helpful when you need to put it back together. I always work backwards from the way it was put together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TGMVQMJ_LeA8vjllyYQnXcr9We_f7etlhiG9-MPsNsa09Kn3VpWatWKBBmT1H9lN74siujLH5uIMpVe_xJLOCSQ_IDssCQclNoCk6wVlP8jMVuytoUgLftH0Zeu3uz94pw3X0Ny1alk3/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TGMVQMJ_LeA8vjllyYQnXcr9We_f7etlhiG9-MPsNsa09Kn3VpWatWKBBmT1H9lN74siujLH5uIMpVe_xJLOCSQ_IDssCQclNoCk6wVlP8jMVuytoUgLftH0Zeu3uz94pw3X0Ny1alk3/s640/IMG_1849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once the bottom was off, I started with the top. Here I took even more pictures because this was the part I knew would be most difficult to figure out when it comes time to recover everything. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RIX_4_jfni9Do442y1ADB0XzYUMammxNM49QCFcPiWE9B7GDt7eCtm9HJEaKQepBxb0TtccsW-KXPUb_VmR77TpsRgpO5YHPxbbJTMRSCbyD_has_RePcU6wOg4bT67lFewO8nF6VPNC/s1600/IMG_1851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RIX_4_jfni9Do442y1ADB0XzYUMammxNM49QCFcPiWE9B7GDt7eCtm9HJEaKQepBxb0TtccsW-KXPUb_VmR77TpsRgpO5YHPxbbJTMRSCbyD_has_RePcU6wOg4bT67lFewO8nF6VPNC/s640/IMG_1851.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I had to use a pliers to painstakingly pull out every one of these little buttons used to create the tufted look. Note to self ... count these before buying the chair next time. This one has 40 and over the course of the weekend, those 40 little buttons nearly drove me to the point of insanity. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfx4O6A3habFq6HuYKnHIGvQ7uA65R_2pxoC8UrHYnxTQyogBGe80GhQPQbuwUWWCWkTKypq3gATRqyBDk76r1rknHNG4La0Zah5eeU5CBaih12SfWi96CK2tWyqWQNV2ePp1u7CGFMUiI/s1600/IMG_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfx4O6A3habFq6HuYKnHIGvQ7uA65R_2pxoC8UrHYnxTQyogBGe80GhQPQbuwUWWCWkTKypq3gATRqyBDk76r1rknHNG4La0Zah5eeU5CBaih12SfWi96CK2tWyqWQNV2ePp1u7CGFMUiI/s640/IMG_1852.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once that was all off, the chair looked like this ... </div>
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And the foam like this ...</div>
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When I had the last bit of fabric removed, I was down to the bones. And I must say, they do look great. </div>
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I then roughly sanded the chair. And if I had looked closely at this picture before painting it, I would have noticed I did a very bad job. There were little circles all over the wood from the sander and those marks were only highlighted after it was painted. So that had to be done ALL OVER again. Not fun. </div>
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Thankfully my husband actually resanded everything for me. Life saving. I just didn't have it in me.</div>
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Meantime, I headed off to the fabric store and came back with two different kinds. I took measurements before I went which allowed me to save a lot of money. That top fabric is $40/yard. A LOT. But because I knew I only needed 24"and was able to use a 60% off coupon, I got it for about $10. </div>
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The second fabric is a micro suede which I think will wear nice since this is going to a house with kids. I'll add a fabric protector near the end but these fabrics tend to clean up pretty well. </div>
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Both are in a soft grey which should help the chair to feel more contemporary. </div>
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I saved the bottom piece of the orange chair and used that to roughly cut out the fabric for the cushion. And I used the foam back to gauge what I'd need for that. </div>
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I then purchased these button covers to use for the tufting. And this is when I neared meltdown number 2. This was the only option I could find locally and they do not work great. The materials are flimsy and they don't go together well. I lost an entire pack to the garbage and lots of time and effort. </div>
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What I did end up with after an hour and a half was about 15 of the 40 buttons I need. So I'm just taking this part slowly. I'll do a handful each day until I have everything I need. </div>
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It also took me a bit to figure out the best way to sew them on but I have that part pretty well squared away. If I can just get the buttons themselves down, I'll be cooking with gas. </div>
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Effort aside, I like how they're looking. </div>
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I also like the way the wood is looking now that it's darkened up. I think the gray is going to look really great with this dark walnut color. </div>
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Hopefully I'll have a fully assembled chair to show you by next weekend!</div>
Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-60364803843306117882013-02-12T19:21:00.000-06:002013-02-12T19:21:09.174-06:00New Chair Project: Buyer Wanted<br />
Even though I have a few projects that need to get done, I haven't been feeling terribly motivated to start them. But this past weekend I happened to be driving by a thrift shop that's not typically open on Sundays. When it was, I decided to pop in.<br />
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After a quick stroll past their furniture section, I spotted a chair and as I usually do with chairs, fell in love. Now the fabric is stained and worn and orange (enough said), but the lines are fabulous and I think it'll make an awesome side chair. I could see this by a fireplace, or in a master bedroom as a nice place to sit and kick off your shoes. It'd even complement a home office or with some funky colors, a teen's room too.<br />
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So of course, I bought it. My plan right now is to reupholster it and sell it to anyone that's interested. If there's anyone out there reading this that's is in the market for a new chair, do let me know. I'd then work with you on the fabric selection so it works for your home.<br />
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And if no one thinks this chair is as awesome as I do, then it will likely find a home on the landing of our second floor that's looking a little bare.<br />
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Here the little guy is. I think it totally has the potential to be a statement piece.<br />
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Now that he resides in my home awaiting his makeover, I'm thinking through all the possible ways I could take this thing. I do like the tufting so may repeat that ... assuming I can figure out how to do it. It's actually something I've wanted to take on.<br />
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The part I'm actually most excited about is fabric selection. At the moment, I'm positively loving the idea of using two different fabrics. These might be a little bright and eccentric but I love the overall vibe.<br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2348743/Grayson-Chair---philadelphia"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/9e7124d000e48d07_8-5598/home-design.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/products" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Products design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/furniture-and-accessories/philadelphia" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Philadelphia Furniture And Accessories</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/wildchairy/wild-chairy" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Wild Chairy</a></small></div>
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or this one ...<br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2348754/Paradise-Punch---philadelphia"><img border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/9161c3c300e48d42_8-5657/home-design.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/products" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Products design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/furniture-and-accessories/philadelphia" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Philadelphia Furniture And Accessories</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/wildchairy/wild-chairy" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Wild Chairy</a></small></div>
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Even two simple neutrals look great. And the nail head trim? Definite possibility.<br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/322381/Old-Greenwich-Beach-Cottage-contemporary-dining-room-"><img border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/f121a9b40e95fd7d_8-3138/contemporary-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Dining Room design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/new-york" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">New York Interior Designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/museinteriors/museinteriors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">MuseInteriors</a></small><br />
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Of course the other decision is whether to leave the wood as is, refinish/stain it, or paint it a new color all together. Decisions, decisions. I just don't know where I (or a potential new owner) will land!</div>
Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-72845345106541807262013-01-10T04:45:00.000-06:002013-04-23T09:39:06.737-05:00Mommy Tales: Rock-a-bye BabyThis morning I'm taking a break from my traditional crafty updates and I'm falling back to the original forum I used to use to share updates with family and friends. It started as emails after the birth of my first son and I titled them Mommy Tales. So no pictures today. No power tools. No crafty projects. No hot glue gun (gasp). Just words about motherhood. So ... if you find that of interest, read on.<br />
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First, let's just start with the fact it's 4 am. And I'm awake. That's right, not too happy about that. I'm even less happy that I've actually been up since 2:30 am and have completely given up hope that I'll fall back to sleep. The day has begun, like it or not.<br />
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It was of course, the little guy--just 6 months old--that woke me. He needed a new diaper and a bottle and could not be persuaded to believe otherwise. But it's actually this that brings me to this post because the only thing I'm not unhappy about at present, was the time I spent feeding and putting him back to sleep.<br />
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Even I find this odd because he was, after all, the genesis to this day ... for which countless cups of coffee and sheer willpower will be needed to sustain me as a result, it's true. But then, I guess it's not so odd because I've learned a lot since baby #1, and #2.<br />
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You see, I know now what all those people (including some of you reading this now) were talking about when they said some day this will end. Just a short couple years later and I struggle to recall all the many nights and hours I spent rocking my other two children. Literally months, years of my life, spent doing it and I barely recall a single one of them.<br />
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I even tried to remember them, burn those nights into my mind. But alas, they aren't there. Instead they have been replaced by new memories of my daughter in princess dresses and the way she paints my nails with imaginary polish. The way she places imaginary crowns on my head and gives me pretend stickers to show me I've done well today. Today I've been a good mom.<br />
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Those memories have also been replaced by the image of my son walking up to bat at his very first t-ball game this summer and us yelling "run, run!" as he sat there after the swing. I remember the first book he read to me just a few weeks ago and the way he took care of me when I was sick yesterday, taking great pains to explain why he brought me two cups of water instead of the one I originally asked for. God I love them.<br />
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Of course, there are other things too, less sweet things like the way my memory needs to recall which day is gym day to ensure the appropriate attire is there, and what color the Preschool B room is supposed to be wearing today. I need to remember to pack Malachi a lunch, and sign London's field trip slip and wash Beckham's blanket and oh ... send more diapers along too.<br />
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It's all wonderful of course. Things naturally evolve whether you've given them permission or not. And so it's nights like tonight when I don't wish that 2:30 am feeding away. In fact, instead of putting him to sleep after the bottle is down, I rock him well after he's fallen asleep. I only have the "now."<br />
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I take in his sweet breaths on my neck which for today, are truly sweet. Someday they'll be stinky, less soft. I take in the way the weight of his body molds to my chest and I appreciate the heaviness of it. The way he forms perfectly to me. I also take note that his legs drape longer than they did only a month ago and I know these days are going all too fast.<br />
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I snuggle with his solidness; he's not a skinny little newborn anymore. He has big soft cheeks, and super soft skin and he still smells of heaven (and a little stale milk). He takes big breaths, and big sighs as slumber calls him in and again I pray I won't forget this night. I'm also certain that I will so I make note to write it all down. And here I am.<br />
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So I share this with you, whether you have children or not, in hopes that you too find times when you live in the now. As much as we may want our memories to keep certain things forever, many will be replaced by new and wonderful things down the road.<br />
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Until then I will remember this night the best I can. And I'll put the coffee on.Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-1684172428063567922013-01-07T19:47:00.002-06:002013-01-07T19:47:47.179-06:00December Recap & New Year Plans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a frightfully long time since this poor, lonely blog has been updated. Sad. Thought it might be time to check-in and show you what I've been up to.<br />
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Well let's think back. There was December ... and it was a blur. We didn't spend a single weekend at home so the decorations were kept to a minimum this year. I managed to decorate our mantel and that was nearly the extent of it.<br />
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Like last year, I used real cedar garland for a full and festive appearance. I basically just put the cedar over some fabric (for height) and stuffed it full of ornaments of all shapes, sizes and color. It's easy, full and I love it.<br />
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BEFORE:<br />
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DURING: (Don't worry, it gets better.)<br />
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Getting there ....</div>
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AFTER:</div>
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I also managed to snap a couple pics of the bambinos to pull together an annual Christmas card which, believe it or not, was mailed before Christmas. Tis' the season for miracles, no?<br />
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Pouty princess...</div>
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Smiley boy ...</div>
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Jokster and sis' ...</div>
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Mr. Cheeks ...</div>
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Three amigos ...<br />
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And then we even squeaked in some elf on the shelf nonsense. My husband, er ... I mean Santa, or Jingle (???) was the driving force here.<br />
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Jingle: "Who's down for some Candyland?"<br />
All the squinkies, "Me! Me!"<br />
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Horses: "What's up with the giant guy riding the John Deer?"<br />
Cow: "I think that's a girl ..."<br />
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Jingle: "Who? Did what??"<br />
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Oh, Jingle. You're so silly.<br />
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Now I just need to find time for the many projects that still remain. Here's what I hope to accomplish in 2013.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Modify fireplace surround/mantel</li>
<li>Paint and change hardware on patio doors. </li>
<li>Decide once and for all if the kitchen island should be repainted (scariest decision EVER)</li>
<li>Get or make a kitchen bench for the kitchen/dinning room counter</li>
<li>Finish board and batten treatment in entry way, add storage</li>
<li>Put together an outstanding Princess party for my princess.</li>
<li>Put together an awesome 1 year party for Beckham</li>
<li>Figure out what on Earth my son wants for the big "6" b-day bash</li>
<li>Make the basement "gym" a place I want to spend a little more time. </li>
<li>Update the backyard patio space</li>
<li>Add landscaping to fire pit area</li>
<li>Make the kid's room at the cottage more functional</li>
<li>Find a way to display London and Malachi's dress up clothes</li>
<li>Outline plans for finishing the basement in 2014.</li>
<li>And who knows what else???????</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Happy New Year everyone!</b></span></div>
Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-15089169597669738662012-10-07T15:15:00.000-05:002012-10-07T15:18:16.015-05:00Halloween HorrorsI looove Halloween. Like L.O.V.E. Like, a lot.<br />
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Fall is one of my favorite times of the year and this is one of my two favorite holidays. I don't decorate for Valentine's Day or really even Easter, but Halloween ... oh yeah.<br />
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I kicked off the festivities last weekend since it was almost October and a family trip to our favorite pumpkin patch really got me in the mood. Ooof, those are some heavy pumpkins.<br />
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Anyhow, this year I decided to decorate the mantel and perhaps because I normally use an asymmetrical design, this time tried something symmetrical. To start, I picked up these tall galvanized metal buckets, a "Trick or Treat" banner, ribbon and some Halloweenish ornaments. Everything I selected avoided the more cartoonish type ghosts and creatures, mostly just because that wasn't the vibe I wanted this year. And I'm also the sort of nut who has this guy sitting in her livingroom despite the fact I have two toddlers and a baby. I know, I know, but don't judge. (They actually seem to be immune to my nonsense.)<br />
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Back to the supplies...<br />
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You'll also see some tall black branches. Those I had in my basement and was no longer using. While they were intended for a taller arrangement in a floor vase, I thought I could just cut them down to size and make a branch-style arrangement for the mantel instead. <br />
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Oh, yes, and some little mice silhouettes, most of which went on our large staircase but I saved a few for the mantel too. Thank you Martha Stewart.<br />
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First, I tied some ribbon around the tops of the buckets and added the little ornaments in front. Then I filled them with rocks to keep them from tipping over.<br />
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Then I placed the sticks inside and headed to the mantel. . </div>
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I draped some holy gauze across and added the banner. Then the buckets went in place, along with a green pumpkin and some larger mice. It's simple but perhaps that's why I like it. </div>
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Once I had that done, I decided to spruce up a sofa table I have in our formal living room. I scrounged up some left over black fabric, extra burlap (still from the darn scarecrow head my husband made last year ... 900 yards of burlap remaining) and added in some skulls and potion bottles. I also took an orange pumpkin like the green one I used in the other room and spray painted it gold. It looks much better and frankly, there's just no end to the things I want to spray paint.<br />
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before...<br />
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after...<br />
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See? So much better. It also goes well with that sign I added in. I saw it at the store and just loved it. So I bought it. I personally recommend looking at alternate ways to use hanging items. This guy hung on a wall might not look great because it's a small sign and the scale will likely be off. But leaning it up against a wall works because the scale is right and it pulls everything together. Or at least I'd like to think so.<br />
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So that was last weekend. This week I made some pumpkin cupcakes with a salted caramel butter cream to share with my coworkers (yum yum!) and yesterday I made some treats to take to a birthday party.<br />
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Aren't these little guys cute?? These Pinterest-inspired creations are just your everyday rice krispie treats with a little orange food coloring, chocolate covered raisins (someone on Pinterest used Tootsie Rolls) for a stem and some green frosting for the vines. Super easy and a highly-recommend for class room treats!<br />
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And then there was today. Mercy, what a week!<br />
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Today I began preparations for an upcoming Halloween party we're hosting. I decided I wanted to do a martini bar offering two signature drinks: Ghost in the Graveyard Martini & Twice Bitten Martini. So my buffet has now been transformed and I have containers at the ready to offer some wicked spirits like vampire blood and rat poison. Oooh, delicious!<br />
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As you can see we have all sorts of ghoulish items and tasty ingredients prepared here. Well except for the decanter for vampire blood ... you have to get that stuff fresh.<br />
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For the martini menus (that host directions), I spray painted some extra frames I had (so they'd also be gold) and printed the ingredient lists on photo paper. I used scrap book supplies to label each one and fabric to cover the buffet. Oh, and love my new candelabra. Scored that baby at Goodwill for $5. Some days I'm just that lucky...<br />
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Well that's mostly it. Now I have to turn my attention to costume planning and what not. So many ghastly things to create, so little time ...Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-30347966538629477332012-09-10T21:21:00.002-05:002012-09-10T21:21:17.010-05:00Teacher Thank YouToday marks the first official full week of Kindergarten for my oldest child, Malachi. It's hard to believe his first big school year is underway. Thankfully today was a little easier than last week when I put him on the bus for the first time.<br />
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I thought I might feel compelled to go up to the bus, crawl up on the bumper and look under the hood, slap the windshield wipers around a little, maybe kick the tires a bit ... you know, make sure everything was in working order. But instead, I wanted to take my son, shrink him up and keep him in my pocket for safe keeping, like forever.<br />
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The other option, of course, was to casually follow him up the stairs of his bus, nonchalantly sit next to him, look around and whistle like nothing unusual was happening and then continue to follow him stalker-style for the rest of the day. Oh okay, the rest of his life.<br />
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Lucky for him, I was able to restrain myself and opted to cry for the next couple hours instead. But alas, today was a better day. Whew.<br />
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Anyhow, the purpose of this post is actually to share a little bit about the "thank you" present we made for his old teachers at his day care center. After all, they cared for him for the last five years and helped bring him to this point so something special was in order.<br />
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It all started the night before his final day at his day care center when he suggested we make them a cake. I didn't think I'd have the time with a newborn and all, but when he suggested we just "get up early" to do it, I said okay, let's get baking. After all, I'm up all night with the baby as it is; I didn't need an early morning alarm to tell me to make a cake to boot. Yeeesh.<br />
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So, we made this little guy. Just your everyday Number 2 pencil, well, only sweeter.<br />
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To get started, we used a simple boxed cake mix in your standard 9"x13" pan.<br />
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Next, we whipped up some butter cream frosting. The recipe for that and for the fondant I make can be found <a href="http://numberfiftytwo.blogspot.com/2011/09/pat-cake-pat-cake.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Then I cut off an inch of the width on each side of the 9"x13" cake and then cut the large section in half. I stacked those on top to get the general shape of the cake, putting a layer of butter cream in-between.<br />
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I then rounded the corners where the eraser would be and cut the other sides to make the point of the pencil. When that was done, I frosted everything and added a layer of yellow fondant.<br />
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Looks a bit like a carrot but it just needed some details. The first of which was black fondant for the tip. When that was on I "painted" the wooden part of the tip with brown food coloring.<br />
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Then I made a small batch of pink fondant for the eraser. For the metal piece that holds the eraser in place, I decided to use silver sprinkles. I added a strip of butter cream about an inch wide below the eraser and poured sprinkles over it, pressing them in place.<br />
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Once the sprinkles were added along with a few details like "No. 2" in black gel icing, it was done.<br />
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Malachi was very excited to bring it to school with him and I'm told it was a huge hit (and delicious)!Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-73762959745244944312012-09-05T21:12:00.001-05:002012-09-05T21:12:18.696-05:00Updating London's Bedroom: Simple Paint Mural<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been wanting to revisit the bedroom <a href="http://numberfiftytwo.blogspot.com/2012/01/purples-reign-londons-bedroom-makeover.html" target="_blank">makeover</a> I did for London last year because it was only a day or two before she had partially destroyed some of my work. Namely, she pealed all the butterfly decals off her wall and the headboard I made never did get secured to the bed frame by my husband.<br />
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That left a really bare and boring wall and the brown colored curtains were still there too. Boo.<br />
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So, I decided to add some pizazz to that back wall. After all, London keeps asking for her "princess bed" so this room needed more than just a chandelier and some purple. Since a new bed will have to wait and I didn't really want to spend any money, I decided to get thrifty and was able to use some paint to spruce up the room on the cheap. I actually used two old cans from other projects--the wall color we used in the guest room pre-nursery, and one of the wall colors we used for the nursery stripes when it was redone earlier this year.<br />
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For quite some time I've been looking at murals and different ideas to add some interest. I really wanted something princessy and thought castles might work. I finally found some inspiration for a silhouette/skyline style mural on <a href="http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/" target="_blank">Modern Parents Messy Kids</a> but for the life of me can no longer find the link to share. So know this idea was not my own, this is just my interpretation of it.<br />
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The original mural (which I think you can purchase somewhere) had some Moroccan style buildings. I wanted the background to be more Cinderella's castle-esk so I decided to change the shapes and just googled a few online to give me some ideas.<br />
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To get started, I used a regular pencil and just free handed the outline of buildings in London's kingdom. I went this route because I knew I could wash the pencil off the wall if this project went south, meaning I could abort at anytime. It might be hard to see here, but this is really all I did.<br />
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It was looking pretty decent so I decided to move forward digging up two different paint colors as mentioned earlier. One was an off shade of white and the other a light purple. After I had the original outline for the first line of buildings, I started to roughly paint what would be the top color (white) around the outline. See what I mean below ...<br />
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You can start to see the images take shape. I did it this way because our walls have an "orange peal" texture to them and I didn't want to have to get very intricate with a brush when I filled in the white color. In fact, anyone could really do this. If you think I got uber detailed with a fine brush, that's not the case. In fact, I actually used a little roller for the whole thing. This little guy is intended to touch up trim (a must if you have white trim like we do) but it worked well enough to paint the primarily boxy shapes I selected.<br />
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After I got this far, it admittedly took me a bit to figure out how to draw a second skyline above the first one that would jive with the paint I put all over. But a few eraser marks later, I had it sketched out. I decided to fill in the white skyline first.<br />
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Next was the purple.<br />
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Then I moved her bed back, placing it against the wall lengthwise. I want to make a few changes to the bed itself to make it work more like a day bed and hope to add a fabric canopy above it. The table and mirror may also need to move a bit too; they're feeling a bit crowded. For now, this is what it looks like.<br />
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Oh and I also had some silky silver curtains that used to be in our guest room before it was converted into a nursery so I brought those over too. They work much better in the space and the whole room feels a bit lighter and brighter.<br />
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So, total project cost .... $0! Even better, when my daughter got home and I took her up to surprise her, she just kept saying "it's so beautiful mom!" That and she practically jumped out of her chair when her dad got home so she could take him to her room to show him. Uh huh, I've had a smile on my face all night, doesn't get much better than that!<br />
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<br />Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-45779438826853175002012-08-23T22:31:00.000-05:002012-08-24T21:43:27.580-05:00Front Porch Pick-Me-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My front porch has been looking pretty blah and I've been telling my husband for-eva that I want our outdoor spaces to be more room-like. I already have big plans for our backyard but they require some big bucks so that had to wait.<br />
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Since I was on a shoestring budget I decided to start with the front porch where we actually spend a fair amount of time since our kids like to play out front so the neighbor kids will come over and join them.<br />
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To begin, I took issue with these gray metal chairs (above) which were a carry-over from our last house. I had updated the cushions a year or so ago but they were still reading pretty gray for our brown toned home. And then there were just these lonely planters that recently got some fall mums and two oddly placed outdoor rugs. Weird.<br />
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Here's a riveting side view. What a snooze fest.<br />
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So say goodbye to gray because these got a coat of brown walnut spray paint that I had been using on a project I did yesterday (a.k.a. disaster-ville, more on that another day). While those were drying I contemplated what to do with the table and the rest of the space.<br />
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I decided to make my way down to our basement where I have a stash of things I've bought but have yet to use. A number of these were finds from a place we stumbled on in Door County a year ago. I liked them but had no idea what to do with them so they've been collecting dust.<br />
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First I took the little wicker contraption and thought it might make a good replacement for a table. So I tried that with a worn old crate. Emm, too short.<br />
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Then I thought to flip the crate over so I could actually set stuff inside and I could get a little added height.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtzZW41tN0j7HZEN2dxdnxbV18pQogQmdcgWyF-aN4D01y9TH3kstw24Wi_zRNm4BZnSnUtkZMb2zarzc2Vy3slmFQYKzDWPlf_qALxoXu2ectdH_kDWyrWv5MVygIIoTr12NbRVopNKS/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtzZW41tN0j7HZEN2dxdnxbV18pQogQmdcgWyF-aN4D01y9TH3kstw24Wi_zRNm4BZnSnUtkZMb2zarzc2Vy3slmFQYKzDWPlf_qALxoXu2ectdH_kDWyrWv5MVygIIoTr12NbRVopNKS/s640/IMG_0920.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Better. Granted I wasn't entirely sold but there was maybe an ounce of potential. So, little wicker guy went off for a coat of white spray paint and when it was done, I tried placing it between the two chairs. Umm, not quite right. So ... I needed to spray paint the table brown too but I couldn't get the glass out. Plan B: Cover it.<br />
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While everything in my spray paint shop was drying, I was surfing around for some inspiration and stumbled across this blog: <a href="http://www.ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Our Vintage Home Love</a>. AMAZING. I love her style and found a great idea for a porch curtain; you can get the instructions on her blog, super easy to follow. So I packed up the babe and headed to Home Depot for supplies. (And I really, really want to try those stripes on my porch too ... ooooh, maybe next summer!)<br />
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I came home with a 4 foot section of 1/2" PVC pipe, two connectors, two 90 degree elbows and two flange. Flange? Yes, flange. I think...<br />
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Anyhow, they all got a coat of the same brown spray paint and when they were done, they looked like this. Cool curtain rod, no? I think it's a super cool idea for an outdoor space. Thank you Vintage Home Love!<br />
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Oh, and the whole way to the store I had been wondering what to do about my cushions. I didn't want to buy new ones but I tried the blue with the brown painted chairs and they weren't working. BUT, as luck would have it, I was heading to the checkout at Home Depot and I spotted two of these cushions. The only two left. They were $10. Used to be $30. Uh-huh and I was like "HEL-LO <i>ladies</i>"--and then they came home with me.<br />
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There weren't any back cushions but oddly enough I had just recovered two indoor pillows for another project (below). That flower pattern was the original cover, and I had selected a soft blue. Then I sewed an envelope style cover that my friend, Rebecca, taught me how to do. I decided I'm going to borrow those from the living room and will simply add an outdoor fabric protectant spray this weekend to waterproof the fabric. Easy enough.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FmLHSaJBjLqgSTMEC19iiTg6kbbuzehXwOZqAEjXNsbpDrgcf76OnXKk46yayCDfXr_Ybd8BfhuwghOHGD0Ce3k-ugr9bfM02VwwjCkt_D-roGiMeIBgH7vei9aHoPIt5cNepYny5EC5/s1600/IMG_0652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FmLHSaJBjLqgSTMEC19iiTg6kbbuzehXwOZqAEjXNsbpDrgcf76OnXKk46yayCDfXr_Ybd8BfhuwghOHGD0Ce3k-ugr9bfM02VwwjCkt_D-roGiMeIBgH7vei9aHoPIt5cNepYny5EC5/s640/IMG_0652.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, and I might have also bought this. I don't know why. He just spoke to me. *sigh*<br />
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Alright, so then it was time to put it all together. Here's what I did:<br />
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1. Move longer rug from front door to chair area. Move smaller rug hanging out before the porch to door. The front door area is now clean and simple (with some mums that need to fill out just a tad).<br />
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2. Move wicker/tray table behind chair area. Looked a little odd at first but with a bit of styling, I like it.<br />
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3. Ask hubby to hang curtain rod, add curtains and hook with a scrap of burlap to pull them back.<br />
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Now they highlight the view...<br />
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4. Add a few accessories, cushions and enjoy!</div>
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Here's a final before and after.</div>
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BEFORE:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgu0l0h6ezj9S7bC64RmR207Jsijaw1dpo42tBM7J4khA03q_S6vm2GW4pCgThAhn6YF3JgCE9t8a7BNycKP0zq7f7U_5rGYgwis0kPVBtK6dot-NC2lIUHHnTFqHKMeFChT1Mag-kEuw/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgu0l0h6ezj9S7bC64RmR207Jsijaw1dpo42tBM7J4khA03q_S6vm2GW4pCgThAhn6YF3JgCE9t8a7BNycKP0zq7f7U_5rGYgwis0kPVBtK6dot-NC2lIUHHnTFqHKMeFChT1Mag-kEuw/s640/IMG_0911.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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AFTER:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexrFlJbN0zG8a6PS3H-xVsqD1fHpcTmbpW9uvzbHnJp8u2L5MR12h6HR2imVyX2dfvYBYZReGPTkYTBQAp83eILQ2XaOoTS9y_23wlF9PX-jPN957se2-rSdyOEEQxluGdHnAjtZL3Mqs/s1600/IMG_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexrFlJbN0zG8a6PS3H-xVsqD1fHpcTmbpW9uvzbHnJp8u2L5MR12h6HR2imVyX2dfvYBYZReGPTkYTBQAp83eILQ2XaOoTS9y_23wlF9PX-jPN957se2-rSdyOEEQxluGdHnAjtZL3Mqs/s640/IMG_0937.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-17475634276270503692012-08-20T14:58:00.002-05:002012-08-24T21:44:35.131-05:00Baptism Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well the little nugget was baptized this weekend and it was a wonderful day. We got to share the service and a post-baptism brunch with our family and our two great sponsors, Matt and Jeff.<br />
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Since we kept the celebration small, I took a smidge of time to add a few small touches to make Beckham's celebration special. The first being some dressed up brunch napkins to honor what the day was all about. I think dressing up something simple like this is a quick and easy way to add something a little "extra" to any occasion.<br />
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In this case, some scrapbook paper, ribbon and scrapbook stickers (cute little lambs/sheep) were all that were needed.<br />
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I used my hole punch to make a little circle, added the sticker and then threaded some ribbon. Wrapped around some baby blue napkins, they were a cute addition to our brunch spread.<br />
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I also used lollipop sticks and some simple blue ribbon to make donut holes something fun. My older kids couldn't wait to get home to have one of these (who knew a donut hole could be exciting?)!<br />
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I also picked up a few mums in white and blue and did a couple simple arrangements. Mums are so easy to arrange and they'll keep forever!<br />
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My overall thought for the day was to keep things simple. I didn't want anything outrageous or overdone, just a simple nod to what this day was all about. In keeping with that, our celebration included a simple, make-ahead brunch menu that (with the help of my amazing mother) was relatively painless--and delicious.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>Menu</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Dressed up donut holes</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Pastries (store bought)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Fresh Fruit</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Bagels and bagel chips served with veggie bagel dip</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Egg Casserole</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Overnight Caramel French Toast (my and my kids' s big favorite, recipe below)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Make-ahead Very Berry French Toast Casserole </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">nd of course, all this to honor the new little man in my life, little B (a.k.a. Beckham). His simple onesie was not the dressiest outfit between the two little boys that were baptized this weekend, but when the mother next to me was fixing and pulling at her sons new white tux that wouldn't stay in place, I knew I had made the right decision for us!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Special thanks to the Block, Binder, Ripple and Buska families who made this day so special for us!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">The main event...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Post blessing snooze (fell asleep in Pastor's arms and stayed that way in daddy's)...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Wake up and eat sister's face. Is brunch ready yet??</span></div>
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<b>Overnight Caramel French Toast </b></div>
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(Adapted from Taste of Homes)</div>
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1 cup packed brown sugar</div>
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1/2 cup butter</div>
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2 Tbsps light corn syrup</div>
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1 loaf French bread</div>
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1/4 cup sugar</div>
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1 tsp ground cinnamon</div>
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6 eggs</div>
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1 1/2 cups milk</div>
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1 tsp vanilla extract</div>
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Chopped pecans (optional)</div>
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Grease a 9 x 13" baking dish. Slice french bread into 1 to 1 1/2" thick slices. In a small saucepan, bring brown sugar, butter and corn syrup to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Pour into greased baking dish, sprinkle pecans over dish and immediately add slices of bread on top, working into caramel mixture. When all big pieces are in place (right next to each other) cut smaller pieces, if needed, to fill in any holes. </div>
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Combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over top of bread. In bowl, whisk eggs, milk and vanilla; pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours. </div>
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Remove french toast from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Back uncovered at 350, for 30-35 minutes. Let stand for five minutes before serving. Serve slices inverted, caramel side up. Enjoy!</div>
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Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-48737972425446453572012-08-13T21:04:00.000-05:002012-08-24T21:45:17.708-05:00Baptisimal AttireI'm working on a few decorating projects right now but had to take a break from them to figure out what my son will wear for his baptism this coming weekend.<br />
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When my first son was baptized I purchased one of those fancy little boy baptismal outfits. You know, the kind that come covered in a plastic garment bag to make you feel like it was worth the fortune you just spent?<br />
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Well I thought it was a worthwhile investment at the time but found out the morning of his christening that his special outfit looked cute but that's about it. It was stiff, the fabric didn't breathe and we ended up being a family of sweaty people standing in front of a congregation that could probably see our glistening foreheads from the very, very back of the church. Plus, as soon as the ceremony was over we were frantically peeling him out of the outfit before we were even firmly seated back in our chairs. He spent the rest of the service in his onesie...at least he wasn't naked. Still, too hot. Too hectic. Not to be repeated.<br />
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So this time around I decided I was going to leave the little outfit in its special little bag and thought I'd just buy a little white polo onesie instead. But alas, no one apparently makes such a thing, or at least they aren't in any stores in my area at the moment. So, plan B. Make something myself.<br />
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I decided it didn't need to be fancy, just practical, white, and not offensive. In the end, I thought a basic Gerber onesie would do the trick. For all intents and purposes, it's pretty much what we used last time anyway. This one would just be dressed up a bit to include a baby blue neck tie. Dressy, no?<br />
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Here's what I needed:<br />
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<li>Blue satin ribbon</li>
<li>Cross (from the jewelry section at Michael's Craft Store)</li>
<li>Hot glue gun</li>
<li>Needle and thread</li>
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<b>Cost (minus onesie, already had) = $3.34</b></div>
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To get started, I cut a piece of ribbon a few inches in length, maybe 7 or so (okay, so I forgot to measure). Then I folded over the bottom edge just a bit and glued it in place. The intent was to keep the ribbon from fraying. </div>
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Next I folded the little ends over, making triangles and glued them in place. This created the end of the tie.</div>
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For the top, I folded over the top of the ribbon and glued the loop in place at the end, glued side to the back. When done, the loop was just over an inch in length. </div>
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Then I gathered the loop piece as shown below and sewed it together to make the top of the tie. </div>
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Next I cut a small piece of ribbon, about an inch or so, and folded over both sides, again gluing them to keep the ribbon from fraying. Sorry, the pics are awful, per usual (I know what you're thinking ... must be the camera, could not possibly be user error). </div>
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That last close up is really clear, no? Anyhow, then I placed this little gem around the gathered part of the tie to look as though someone actually tied it. Yes, oh so clever.<br />
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The last step was to sew the cross to the "tie" and then a dab of hot glue at the top neck line of the onesie and near the end of the tie was all that was needed to keep it in place.<br />
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Add a pair of fluffy little white socks for some teeny tiny feet and we're ready to go. Might not be super fancy, but it'll do the trick!</div>
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Now to start planning that post-babtism brunch.<br />
<br />Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-551369345999208572012-06-20T11:12:00.000-05:002012-08-24T21:46:28.151-05:00Nursery CompletedWith just a week and a half to go before our baby's arrival, it was time to finish up a few odds and ends in the nursery which I got to this morning.<br />
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Since the last nursery related post, I added yellow curtains that I had made for me a year a two or ago for a different room, but worked better here. I also added a few inspirational art pieces to the corner above where our new glider would go.<br />
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I wanted a side table to set water, bottles, or other supplies that would be needed for the inevitable hours that would be spent here. I happened across this one and it felt right. While most people would probably see a movie reel on the top part, to me it seemed industrial, like metal parts and pieces that might be found in an airplane hanger. The bottom reminded me of a jack (think car jack) and the top, like a part to an old airplane engine.<br />
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Once the glider arrived, I recovered an unused throw pillow with this cover I purchased from Etsy and this space was complete.<br />
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Next I started my final wall art project that was inspired by this circular piece I found in the clearance section at Marshall's. It too had an old, industrial feel and the center bolts again reminded me of something you'd find on a plane. </div>
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I have no idea what this thing is supposed to be and I'm guessing no one else did either which is why it was on clearance. That said, when I spotted it, it reminded me of a compass which is why it came home with me for my aviation themed nursery. </div>
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I was able to find some letters at Hobby Lobby which I purchased despite the fact they didn't all come in the same color. I had intended to paint the wheel black and the letters silver so figured it wouldn't really matter anyway. </div>
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However, after looking at all the pieces for a few days, I started liking everything just as it was. So today, I simply hot glued them in place and hung it on the wall. I like it and it works well with the espresso furniture. Plus my original black and silver idea might have started making things feel too matchy-matchy anyhow. This is better and couldn't have been easier to do. </div>
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My last project was to create a mobile, that would hang just off the side of the crib. It'll give him something to look at but isn't directly over the crib for safety reasons, and to fill in the corner of the room. </div>
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I purchased these two airplanes from Hobby Lobby, and this small globe from Michael's. </div>
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I then cut some fishing wire from a stray fishing pole, and <strike>stole</strike> borrowed two hooks from a shelf my husband had in the garage. I also had two little eye hooks in my craft supplies that would be sufficient to hold the globe.<br />
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Once I had the fishing wire tied to each at different lengths, I used a stud finder to attach the two larger white hooks to the ceiling; they would be used to support the planes. While not overly heavy, I imagine they'd still feel relatively unpleasant if they ever fell on someones head, so I wanted to make sure they were secure. The globe on the other hand weighs just a couple ounces so it was placed a bit off center, held by one of the small eye hooks shown above. </div>
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They move and spin and look quite cute. </div>
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And with that, we're pretty well set for the little guys arrival. Here are some final photos of his new pad ... baby and all future pilots welcome. </div>
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Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-65708960500935518512012-04-30T20:13:00.000-05:002012-08-24T21:47:44.652-05:00Spring Inspired Birthday PartyJust over a week ago my daughter celebrated her third birthday. Hard to believe how quickly the time has gone!<br />
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To honor the big day, we hosted a spring-inspired party and celebrated with family and friends. Bright pinks, blues and greens were peppered throughout, with flowers, butterflies and pinwheels making appearances too.<br />
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Here's a quick sampling from the big day, beginning with a shot of the birthday girl in her coordinating outfit (a tradition my sister started).<br />
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Switching to decor, a stop in the "dollar" section at Michael's yielded these coordinating vases that were each given a bright purple tulip (the birthday girl's favorite color).<br />
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That brightly colored table cloth is actually fabric, scored for $1.50 per yard and making it just as economical as its plastic counterpart.<br />
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Below, Michael's also produced some large and small butterflies that were added to each of our chairs.<br />
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Paper lanterns and coordinating ribbon added some pizazz to our linear chandelier and highlighted the cake I made for London. Under that fondant was vanilla cake with a blueberry whipped frosting. Yum!</div>
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These giant Bella Vanilla Bean cupcakes from Pick 'n Save were also added, bringing in lots of color and sugary goodness.<br />
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Behind the table our buffet was home to a small candy bar (I used ribbon and scrap book stickers to label each) and some butterfly-kettle corn (locally made/sold and delicious!) bags. I found a similar idea that inspired these butterflies on Pinterest using clothes pins but they were out at the store so I opted for colorful pipe cleaners instead.<br />
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Across the way, the ribbon used on the candy jars was also incorporated on an assortment of fruity drinks that filled plastic "milk bottles" with colorful straws.<br />
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Per usual, matching plates, napkins and forks were used. Likewise, some serving platters (A.K.A. chargers) and bowls that I picked up around Easter-time for only $1 each.<br />
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I'm a big fan of serving foods that guests can grab and eat as they walk by or are easily consumed over conversation. We tried to keep those brightly colored too. Like these strawberry shortcake kabobs. </div>
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And these caprese cups with bright blue forks! A few grape tomatoes, basil, mozzarella balls and balsamic vinegar--good to go.<br />
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Those little blue forks also made an appearance in my fruit cups. Simple plastic cups filled with fruit and topped with an umbrella skewered with cheese ... again, healthy but easy! And the kiddos liked the umbrellas!<br />
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Finally the little party-goers were given a parting gift. Namely wind-up pinwheel pens, note pads and swirly suckers (with a little extra space for goodies from the candy bar).<br />
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Overall we had a wonderful day and our little girl loved her very girly party. Special thanks to all those who helped us celebrate!Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-88495289438950236002012-04-24T20:42:00.000-05:002012-08-24T21:48:23.330-05:00Nursery Progress: Worldly Wall Art & MoreWhew! It's been a busy week. There's been lots of progress in the nursery now that the old furniture is cleared out and the walls are painted and ready to go. <br />
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With the dresser in place, I was able to hang the airplane pictures I framed the week before and begin to add some accessories to the shelf that we rehung in the room. <br />
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I also spotted these little airplane hangers at the store and though they weren't in my colors, they'd work well after a little visit from the spray paint fairy. I got out a can I already had of Rustoleum's Warm Yellow and gave them a dusting. <br />
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I thought they could work well under the white shelf ... an area I plan to fill with more pillows and then make into a reading corner later.<br />
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To utilize the plane's "propeller hooks" I picked up some simple canvas bags that were a couple bucks each and some white puffy fabric paint. I had a stencil already which I ended up just using for reference as the puffy paint didn't work really well in the letters.<br />
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In the end, I just free-handed the words "BOOKS" & "TOYS." Later, my son and daughter are going to help me fill them with goodies they'd like to give to the baby from their own libraries and toy chests.<br />
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Sorry ... weird yellow coloring going on in that photo. The one below is better.<br />
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Nifty, right?<br />
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Besides these simple hooks, one of my favorite projects for the room was incorporating a world map art piece that I wanted to make for above the crib. I don't want the room to be all airplanes, rather I'm trying to incorporate other elements that are just a logical tie. A map fit the bill. <br />
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That said, when I looked at regular maps or contemplated the idea of framing them, the idea didn't feel quite right. What I really wanted was something three-dimensional ... and unique. <br />
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So I came up with a plan and headed to Michael's Craft Store for supplies. I came back with the following: <br />
<ul>
<li>1/2" thick white foam board</li>
<li>World map print</li>
<li>Utility knife</li>
<li>Marker (from home)</li>
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To get started, I began loosely cutting out the countries ... or really continents for that matter. I didn't cut too close because what I really just wanted was to get the general shape. And I wanted the shapes of each to be bigger than those in the map I purchased (I just bought what they had). <br />
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As you can see by the pile of scraps below, there were several countries that didn't make it. If you were an island, you were sadly left behind. <br />
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Next I laid each of them out and again, loosely traced a line around each. Let's just say this is an "artistic representation" of the world we live in. It's not going to win any awards for being realistic--or accurate for that matter. <br />
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Once those were done, I had an outline of each to cut out. And don't ask what happened to Australia. I was having some troubles there. I also have to comment that I'm positively baffled by the size of Greenland. Who knew??? It's as though I went my whole life without knowing the Pope was Catholic. I'm just utterly astonished by the size of it.<br />
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Anyhow, after putting my utility knife to work, this is what they looked like. See 'em? Right below that enormous shadow. *sigh* Will my photography never improve?<br />
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Okay, so next step was to paint these black. Once again, I used spray paint: Rustoleum Flat Black.<br />
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And then I hung them above the crib. I was planning to use 3M strips but couldn't find them so opted for nails. Which was a so/so idea because I couldn't quite get them in the right spot at first so now there are more holes than I'd like to admit to. Would you like to know just how many holes? Can't tell you. Someday my husband may actually read this blog.<br />
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BEFORE:</div>
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AFTER:</div>
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With that, I think I'm 85% of the way there! So excited.Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-53888820529347466752012-04-18T22:09:00.000-05:002012-08-24T21:48:56.564-05:00Nursery underwayI recently entered the third trimester of my pregnancy (whew, finally!) and as I did, realized it was time to get started on a nursery for our newest addition. <br />
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After tossing around some options we decided everyone would sleep better, at least in the first year or two, if the baby got his own room. So our guest room was in need of a makeover and that got underway this weekend. <br />
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To keep the full size bed that was in our guest room available for guests, we decided to buy a twin/full bunk bed for my son's room. He loves it...almost as much as my daughter who has since moved in with him. Guess we didn't need that third room after all. Ugh. <br />
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Anyhow, the first step was to clear out some of the furniture. This desk, which my husband made for me, for starters. <br />
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Followed by the full size bed I just mentioned. All that was left was this headboard. It's the first upholstered headboard I ever DIY'd and as it turns out, this guy is in need of a new home. It's free to a good one if interested and for the price of a grande skinny vanilla latte, I'll even recover it for you in a fabric that matches your decor. We had it hanging directly on the wall with a simple bed frame pushed up against it and it's served us well. Just let me know if you think he could be happy in your home too. <br />
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Back to the matter at hand. My first step for the nursery was to start purchasing some decor. Per usual, I didn't want any typical baby decor in the nursery so I began scouring for items that would fulfill my vision for the room. You see, long before I even knew I was having a boy, I had a boy room all mapped out. Theme: Airplanes. Colors: Grey, yellow, white, black, cream.<br />
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First, I ordered these prints from the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperLlamas" target="_blank">Paper Llamas</a> shop on etsy.com. Then, I picked up a few very simple black frames that came with white matts. <br />
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Once they were framed, I set them aside and decided to focus on painting the walls. They started as a soft lilac and I had this grand idea to do very large, bold, horizontal stripes. I asked my husband to paint them and when I described the tedious process I wanted him to follow to ensure that the lines would be clean given our textured walls, he looked less than thrilled. But I was not deterred. <br />
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After much debate and several paint samples, I settled on two pretty light colors from Glidden. One was Muslin White (slightly creamy in color) and the other was Shaded Ice. Shaded Ice was grey in nature, definitely on the blue side of the scale. I was a little worried they'd be too light but was more afraid of going too dark so I held my breath and ordered them. When they handed me the paint, I was even more worried because it appeared I was purchasing $60 worth of white paint. I couldn't see any color--on either can. <br />
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When I got home and showed my husband, he agreed that indeed, I bought lots of white paint. I suggested we just try it and up against the white trim, still very little contrast. But we still forged ahead painting the lowest stripe, and then adding a little of the Muslin White above it. Seemed there was some potential but this project would require a lot of faith. <br />
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Eight hours later, my husband emerged from our nursery and told me I could look. When I opened the door ... big smiles. Really big! It looked awesome and just like I had pictured in my head. He did an amazing job, the lines were perfect and the color soothing. Yipppppeeee.<br />
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Now the fun part begins. And with a few more purchases behind me, work continues to pull the whole room together like finding a home for these guys also purchased on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nwtoycrafters?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">Etsy</a>. <br />
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<img alt="Wooden Toy Airplane and Helicopter Play Set" height="640" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.271795325.jpg" width="636" /></div>
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Stay tuned!</div>
Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-18855394490164559512012-03-31T20:02:00.000-05:002012-08-24T21:49:36.179-05:00Lazy Susan Turned Side TableMy sister called me one day and let me know she was looking for a small side table for her nursery. She wanted a place to set a lamp and bottles and such when rocking her daughter (who just arrived this week!!). <br />
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I had toyed with some ideas for side tables in the past and thought we'd be able to make one on the cheap. To get started, I stopped in at Goodwill one day where I spotted the genesis of my creation. It was a lazy susan originally from IKEA and it was only $5. Score. <br />
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So I scooped it up and then headed to Menards to purchase a stair rail that I planned to use for the stem of the table. It came in at $6 so I was cooking with gas. <br />
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When I got home, I described my idea to my hubby and he agreed to make it happen. The gist of it was to utilize both pieces of the lazy susan. Since the top was already, well, perfectly round ... it saved us a lot of work in sanding or finishing something else. And since there was an equally round bottom on which the top used to spin, we figured that could be the base. He basically needed to cut down the railing piece, make a small circle to adhere it to the top and a whole bunch of other steps that he captured here. Unfortunately I didn't hang around to witness most of it so I can only show evidence of this work via pics. Here they are. <br />
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And then this is what it looked like when it was put together. While the colors weren't a perfect match, it didn't matter because my sister planned to use some left over paint to make it white. <br />
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Sadly, when we took it to its home in the nursery (prior to painting) we discovered it wasn't stable enough for carpeting. Sniffle. I guess that bottom was a little shrimpy lookin'. And it was also a few inches too high. Generally speaking I think it's good to target the height of the chair's arm, and this guy was a few inches above it. <br />
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So it came back home with me until we could figure out a solution for the bottom. Then one day my hubby came home with another Goodwill find, and a $2 find at that. I'm not even sure what it is but it was pretty close to perfect. It was wood, heavy, and smaller in diameter than the top. And the little "trays" seemed like it'd give the table some detail. <br />
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So the table got a little trim to bring it down in size and then the bottom piece was added. After it was painted and put in place, it turned out pretty well. Given my sister had left over paint and we got most of our materials super cheap, the total cost was only $13! How's that for economical?? <br />
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I think the thing I love about this project is the table meets her needs, but she didn't have to spend a fortune on a piece of furniture that probably won't stay after her daughter hits the toddler stage. For now, it works and when it's later replaced with something else, there won't be any guilt in letting this guy go.<br />
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Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-42300140419977146302012-02-19T12:09:00.000-06:002012-08-24T21:50:16.243-05:00Board & Batten ProjectWith our kids off to visit their grandparents for the weekend, it seemed like an excellent time to take on a more substantial project I've been contemplating for some time now. My idea was to add a board and batten treatment to a few walls to address two things: a place to hang our children's coats and backpacks, and to add some character to our home. <br />
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Our house was built in the Craftsman style, something that's apparent from the outside, and not at all from the inside. Since my husband and I tend to gravitate towards bright white trim versus the woods more commonly seen in this type of home, this particular treatment seemed like a great option for us.<br />
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I had seen this done DIY style by other bloggers, namely <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/01/basic-board-and-batten/" target="_blank">Centsational Girl</a>, a blog I recommend visiting if you never have. You can visit this link to see one of her b&b projects.<br />
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For us, we looked at the entire space I've considered doing this to (from our entryway to the laundry room) and I think we were both overcome by fear. I never really know if the ideas in my head will translate well in real life and the idea I could actually ruin the walls for our 1 year old home was a bit daunting. So we settled on the short wall between our garage door and laundry room ... a place to test and learn.<br />
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The wall isn't very long and it's the place I wanted to use for the backpacks and coats anyhow. Even though there's a coat closet directly across from it, my bambinos haven't mastered the art of a hanger yet so a hook is simply more practical at this point in our lives. <br />
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So we started with some measurements along this wall and were off to Home Depot. When we returned, we had the following: <br />
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<li>(1) 1/8 thick 4' x 8' board to disguise the orange peel texture on our wall (cut down to size at the store)</li>
<li>(2) 8' x 2" x 5/8" thick primed (white) mdf for the vertical boards</li>
<li>1 primed (white) wood trim piece for the top (cut to size) - this was priced by the foot so we only bought what we needed</li>
<li>(1) 8' x 6" primed piece of wood to make a new base board that would be wide enough so the vertical boards wouldn't extend over the bottom (you'll see what I mean later)</li>
<li>Primer (for the brown back-board)</li>
<li>1 tube of adhesive to glue the back-board to the wall</li>
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When we got home, the first step was to remove the existing baseboard (and cross our fingers hoping we know what on Earth we were doing). <br />
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Then we brought in our back-board and and slipped it in place. Because the fine people at Home Depot already cut it to the right length (we kept the 4 ft. height as-is) we were cooking with gas. The fit was right so my hubby added some of our adhesive, put it in place and smoothed it out over the wall's surface. Then he put a few nails in place to ensure it was set. <br />
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After that, the pre-cut trim piece was nailed in place, followed by the baseboard below. To prepare that, I got my primer out and primed the back-board. <br />
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When that was dry, we measured again for the vertical pieces that would add some detail and cut those as well. They hung out a bit from underneath the top trim piece so we notched those and nailed them in place. When the nail holes were puttied, then the final trim was added along the baseboard and I painted everything white. (And with everything cleaned up and out of the way, we could open the door to the laundry room to let in some natural light!)<br />
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Then we repeated the wait-to-dry process and when ready, we added the hardware and called it a day. All in all, this project was relatively simple. Because most of our materials we're measured and pre-cut when we got home, assembling everything took only about an hour. Adding in some dry times, we probably had this complete in under 2 hours. <br />
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Now to decide if we do more?? For now, we're really excited with how this turned out and love the added character and functionality it affords us! *whew*Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-22689945607944790752012-01-23T20:59:00.003-06:002012-08-24T21:50:50.225-05:00Fixing an oopsSometimes I make bad decisions. <br />
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That's right. Like the little diddy that resulted in the post you're about to read. You see, back when I was preparing for the <a href="http://numberfiftytwo.blogspot.com/2011/10/spooctacular-party.html">Halloween party</a>, I had a little moment when I got carried away with my old pal, hot glue gun. I had purchased this $2 felt Happy Halloween sign and shortly before the party I realized I hadn't hung it. I gave the room a quick survey and determined it would look great on the mirror above my dinning room buffet.<br />
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Oh, but how to hang it? Tape? Ack. Let's get a little more permanent why don't we? Well let me show you why tape would have been the rationale, intelligent choice, i.e. the one I did not make.<br />
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You see those black spots? Try putting your sunglasses on and look above my blinding flash. Yup, that's where I ripped the paint right off. After Halloween had passed, I started taking down my decor, and I attempted to gingerly peel the sign off. That's when I heard an unfortunate sound and gasped. With my mouth hanging open and my heart beating ever so quickly, I panicked and went all in on the old "rip the band aid" approach. A hot second later I had not one, but three big spots where the paint was gone. Oooh, not good. <br />
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So, I ignored it until just before Christmas when I hung something over it. Hiding always works. Well, until that came down and by then, my hubby finally noticed. It went something like ... la di da, walking past the dinning room ... "<strong>whoa</strong>, what the hell happened to the mirror?!?" Then I had to explain I had an unconscionable moment of passion with my hot glue gun and it hadn't turned out so well. (And oh, it happened two months ago Captain Observant.) In response I got an, "ohhh, honey"... followed by a pitiful head shake as he left the room. <br />
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Once the cat was officially out of the bag I determined it was indeed time to attempt to remedy this "situation." I headed to Michael's Craft Store and poked around a few aisles with paint when I came across this. I picked up a cheapy sponge brush and brought it home.<br />
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Note I do not think these sponge brushes are good for much of anything other than being cheap. But some of the sponges or related things were pretty pricey and I wasn't feeling terribly confident in what I was doing anyhow. So I just went with it and the paint: total $6.<br />
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I risked a hernia pulling the mirror off the wall and shuffled over to my counter. I laid the mirror down, opened the can up and gave it a whirl. A couple strokes in and this is what it looked like. <br />
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Yikes! My heart started racing again. I had one foot aimed toward the sink ready to run for some water and try to frantically remove it, and the other stayed in the direction of the mirror just stunned by how atrocious this was looking. After three seconds that seemed like an hour in my head, I decided I really didn't have a better option. <br />
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Even if I could remove the paint, I was left with three nice size black marks that were noticeable enough my husband spotted them. And yes, that's saying something. So, I drew a deep breath and moved forward. Here's what it looked like next. <br />
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Are you kidding me??? Not good. In fact, REALLY bad. At this point I set down my $0.50 sponge brush so I could rub my temples and run my fingers through my hair, trying to feel for any new gray hairs that may have sprouted sometime after this project began. Then I resorted to some whimpering and shallow breathing before convincing myself I still had no other option. So I whipped out a few of my favorite cuss words and proceeded. <br />
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I figured my best bet was to get a few layers in and see what it looked like then. And since the paint was looking like faux silver anyhow, I decided to try to make some intentional-looking brush marks since it wasn't going to have a smooth finish.<br />
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To do so, I painted the entire mirror using horizontal brush strokes. Then I waited about five minutes for it to begin to dry before making strokes in the opposite direction. The effect was actually looking right, it just wasn't covering very well. But this time I decided patience was in my best interest and after four coats using this same approach, everything was covered and it was looking much better.</div>
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It's certainly not perfect and the color is a bit brighter than it was before. That said, it sure looks better than it did a few days earlier. While I still see some things that aren't quite right, I don't think anyone else would really notice. So for now, the mirror is back in it's old home and me and my hot glue gun are taking a break from each other. We just need a little distance and then we can talk again.</div>
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Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-90594471751175851702012-01-08T18:46:00.000-06:002012-08-24T21:51:38.696-05:00Purple's Reign: London's Bedroom Makeover RevealIn part two of London's Purple Bedroom Makeover, I tackled the closet storage situation and since then, I've finished the last two projects. One was a storage shelf that I placed under London's bedroom window for toys and such (just bought and put together) and the second was a DIY headboard. I've done a handful of headboards now, six I think, and this one was by far the cheapest. Here's what I needed and where I scored the deals. <br />
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WOOD<br />
I typically opt for a 1/2" to 3/4" piece of plywood or particle board. Depending on what you buy and the thickness, a 4' x 8' sheet of this will typically run you $15 - $18. As luck would have it, my husband was having some other wood cut at Home Depot (where I recommend you buy this since they'll do some cuts for you for free) and found a piece that would work in their "scrap" pile. The piece was marked to $2 but since my hubby was making friends with the guy there, he got it for $0.50. Say what? Awesome.<br />
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BATTING<br />
Depending on the shape and thickness of the headboard you're doing, quilt batting or foam will work to provide thickness and cushion. In this case, I decided to purchase three yards of solid comforter fill (i.e. what you'd put in a comforter if you made your own). It was one piece and worked with a <em>40% off a single by the yard item </em>coupon at JoAnns Fabrics. Total here: $9.00 (big score ... I've paid over $20 for foam or batting in the past). <br />
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FABRIC<br />
I always start in the clearance fabric section first, because ... well, why not? You never know what they'll have and some fabrics can be very pricey ($35+ per yard). I found a solid purple fabric here that was on clearance for $5 a yard. Also, since it was the end of the bolt, I got an extra 50% off: total, $5.50 for two yards.<br />
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Total cost of headboard: $15.00<br />
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To get started, I measured the width of the bed and then put a piece of tape on the wall to represent the height of the headboard; then I measured that. It would be 42" W x 40" H. Then I got out some wrapping paper, yes ... wrapping paper as in presents ... and I used that to make a template. I cut a piece that was 21" wide (1/2 the width of the headboard). <br />
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I doodled out the shape I wanted and then put the measurements on their for my handsome carpenter to reference. Then I drew out what would be half the shape of the headboard. You might be able to tell from some of the lines that I didn't like my first attempt. As long as you can remember which line you actually want when you cut it, really doesn't matter how many scribbles you have. <br />
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So then I cut out my template and taped it to the plywood which by this point was exactly the height and width I needed. (Again, Home Depot can do this for you.) I traced out one side on the wood, then flipped it over, taped in place, and traced that side too. See?<br />
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Then all that was left was the cutting. Well at least for this portion. <br />
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When it was ready, I laid the ironed fabric down on the floor with the side you'll see on the bed facing down, and laid the fluffy stuff on top, followed by the wood. Then it's time to staple. I use a small handheld version (non-electric) which works well for me. It's a T50 if that means anything to anyone. (Note I only know this because I had to phone a friend from Ace Hardware this morning when I couldn't figure out what size staples I needed.)<br />
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Once it's laid out, I make sure everything is tight and then I start by stapling the bottom first. It's important for the bottom to be straight and secure. <br />
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Once the entire bottom was stabled I tighten the fabric again (as you'll do throughout the process) and stapled at the top. This allows me to keep the fabric straight and make sure it's tight without looking lumpy or out of sorts. Then I gave the batting a little trim (see upper left of pic below), followed by the right (not shown here). Afterwards, I stapled to the sides ... doing some on the left, then the same amount on the right, alternating to ensure things remain even. <br />
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Throughout the process, I'll pick up the entire headboard and lean it against the wall (front facing me) making sure everything looks right. The last thing you want to do is finish without having checked your work, only to find things are crooked or bunching in all the wrong places. It's like having a headboard wedgie and that's never good. <br />
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When I get to the curved parts, I have to pull and push and tug and staple closely. In some cases, I needed to cut the fabric to release some of the tension and get it to pull correctly in the curves. When doing so, you have to be careful not to cut too close to the edge/front, or the whole thing could be ruined (been there done that, there were tears).<br />
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Alright, so when all is said and done, my headboard looked like this.<br />
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And here's the finished room. It's not perfect, but given I was trying to salvage some of what we had (including the drapes which are staying for a while yet), it's a pretty big change. Most importantly, my little London is very happy!<br />
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BEFORE (post crib, just brought in bed):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvcwITtlZ6A9uE92UynqE3BSUJsRgH_dnPGhFweuLenThOuGdfvqHvmYerxyoeevfvdV6xcjOJE9zM_Uo8DJ73srg9DGXiBUbvh59Nabd41auE1rvNdE3cD7gPR6HqDYd_lJIEWGl3IpQ/s1600/IMG_5185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvcwITtlZ6A9uE92UynqE3BSUJsRgH_dnPGhFweuLenThOuGdfvqHvmYerxyoeevfvdV6xcjOJE9zM_Uo8DJ73srg9DGXiBUbvh59Nabd41auE1rvNdE3cD7gPR6HqDYd_lJIEWGl3IpQ/s640/IMG_5185.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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AFTER:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXnduaXz7bNMZeWuS_wyhH037h2-UWDCek9sCeZTygQn6edTeLXzlUhuKDtmG3tw3r85zmcbBUOn7_Bshuem0P_8eXqKux12YCQJ2aP7sAZ71fNhYh3QqQtmky-kWghpXpLCSq7j8bTOj/s1600/IMG_5255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXnduaXz7bNMZeWuS_wyhH037h2-UWDCek9sCeZTygQn6edTeLXzlUhuKDtmG3tw3r85zmcbBUOn7_Bshuem0P_8eXqKux12YCQJ2aP7sAZ71fNhYh3QqQtmky-kWghpXpLCSq7j8bTOj/s640/IMG_5255.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU1Ed4GtmZ9B2E85UpnQjETU9mjfAArqhg22kno72b-kqsETCrSv82CKrWOHV7bJTTNETU-Glnu9Xg-ipy6y2CYlrOA6v-8B4G3HP4QM02zj8ozdLZFtO54sL2JhBywfqxldRozmZgn7C/s1600/IMG_5256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU1Ed4GtmZ9B2E85UpnQjETU9mjfAArqhg22kno72b-kqsETCrSv82CKrWOHV7bJTTNETU-Glnu9Xg-ipy6y2CYlrOA6v-8B4G3HP4QM02zj8ozdLZFtO54sL2JhBywfqxldRozmZgn7C/s640/IMG_5256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648405891394637422.post-66282534790751577592012-01-05T20:28:00.000-06:002012-08-24T21:52:13.015-05:00Purple's Reign: Part 2In my search for new bedding for London's purple-inspired bedroom makeover, I came across these beauties at Marshall's. Not only was it love at first sight but they were in the clearance section for $9.00 each. I thought the pillows' pattern was poppy and fun. It didn't say little girl (which I actually preferred), but the colors would work well. It had different shades of purple, as well as green to match her bedroom walls ... with a bright magenta thrown in. "Hello, beautiful!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QQ6sDLWUkGrk_kF6b7YkWZLGocfQ5V-8i_WeFnmtkUAkZ4WbIP4AQe2H6eIHztxvA7zXtS1xMLZKOWdvOTTDDiCgmJz2QnhGVIxTUny1ArYVZRXNy4GCoAAH1C1C93GyAaHqi4LAhT52/s1600/IMG_5220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QQ6sDLWUkGrk_kF6b7YkWZLGocfQ5V-8i_WeFnmtkUAkZ4WbIP4AQe2H6eIHztxvA7zXtS1xMLZKOWdvOTTDDiCgmJz2QnhGVIxTUny1ArYVZRXNy4GCoAAH1C1C93GyAaHqi4LAhT52/s640/IMG_5220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Amazingly, they also matched a set of lilac polka dot sheets I found at the same store. I excitedly made my way home and was eager to show my husband that night. When he saw the pillows his reaction was "whoa, really?" Ugh. *eye roll* </div>
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There may also have been an odd comment here and there about "temporary blindness" or "seizures" but I can't be certain. I stopped listening after "whoa" escaped his lips and went about the business of decorating. </div>
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In part 1 of the makeover, I told you about a table and mirror that I purchased and decided to spray paint white. I removed the tape from the mirror and got that hung, removing any excess paint that snuck under with a razor blade and on occasion, an unmanicured fingernail. I then paired that with a little chair that's actually made and sold for bathrooms.</div>
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Here's that before picture ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6KwZXGn_JMa7ZjlddqZtHsNp3lDxsz_KHCSm8K52svP8WRzkYqBEozencFfT_jfLu8VykHTCzh_B88DpdYKsWPdoFkvr4KYi_qDu2mdGly0iZS6_dfjYg7iGkCOs8XoSzOk4DX-jQJBn/s1600/IMG_5207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6KwZXGn_JMa7ZjlddqZtHsNp3lDxsz_KHCSm8K52svP8WRzkYqBEozencFfT_jfLu8VykHTCzh_B88DpdYKsWPdoFkvr4KYi_qDu2mdGly0iZS6_dfjYg7iGkCOs8XoSzOk4DX-jQJBn/s640/IMG_5207.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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And after ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXnoljqWJq02gRse2kBPMbTp1-gDuBV9d4BKwvc2O7efV1xHyYB2C5MtigwxOJIU9kyC2OUXO2lgWG-wgnR4pR1Q2x81o932Gw5bqD1vXbHi9hctcLOa-WvS4Q0pyqnIuQNtiS2MwR6Zp/s1600/IMG_5226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXnoljqWJq02gRse2kBPMbTp1-gDuBV9d4BKwvc2O7efV1xHyYB2C5MtigwxOJIU9kyC2OUXO2lgWG-wgnR4pR1Q2x81o932Gw5bqD1vXbHi9hctcLOa-WvS4Q0pyqnIuQNtiS2MwR6Zp/s640/IMG_5226.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Her new desk got a hot pink planter turned garbage can, the updated lamp, and something to organize her necklaces and hair accessories. This sits to the left of where her dresser used to be, also left of her tree. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu7yGkbtRkDMx0R_De_E4W0QXmNOwPBYEMu33AMXzKmNGSRRZaYZy_FhyphenhyphenfxstklipwzRpYKgwq_Rz-aeEwo-DdqyU-BxGEtFLZ8IHUmvWNqleX9UUf4L2AFXb7waUnl4LMI863qrfzd7q/s1600/IMG_5223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu7yGkbtRkDMx0R_De_E4W0QXmNOwPBYEMu33AMXzKmNGSRRZaYZy_FhyphenhyphenfxstklipwzRpYKgwq_Rz-aeEwo-DdqyU-BxGEtFLZ8IHUmvWNqleX9UUf4L2AFXb7waUnl4LMI863qrfzd7q/s640/IMG_5223.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sad that my photography skills are so poor you need night vision goggles to see some of these pictures. </div>
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Anyhow, speaking of that dresser, we happen to have another baby on the way so that will be moved to the nursery with London's crib. It matches and seems better that way. Of course, that also means London is without until I figure out what type of furniture we might want to purchase for her room long-term. </div>
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Meantime, I remembered we had one of those white DIY shelves that they sell at Target ... the kind you buy those little colored cubes for. So, I asked my dear hubby to bring that up from the basement and I picked up a variety of storage cubes in purple, a couple in pink. </div>
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Then I hunted through some of my scrap booking supplies and made a few labels for each one. We'd have plenty of boxes to organize everything from socks, to tights, to pajamas.</div>
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And that's where I am now. I have one more project for the room to finish up this weekend, and then I'll be ready to show you the whole finished project. </div>
Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376074848238270593noreply@blogger.com