tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21865005051733705022024-03-12T19:02:27.677-06:00The House of Beauty and CultureUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-2866168232715485372011-02-24T17:06:00.002-07:002011-02-24T17:08:50.358-07:00Ballast Overboard!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NkvJkiznrg/TVBCzBB0PaI/AAAAAAAAFYo/xAY_0K9zJZw/s1600/Blogbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NkvJkiznrg/TVBCzBB0PaI/AAAAAAAAFYo/xAY_0K9zJZw/s1600/Blogbutton.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Days 10-14</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Something uniquely wonderful about living in Colorado </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">is looking out of the window some mornings and seeing a hot air balloon </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">lifting off from a field not too far away.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Like a hot air balloon, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've been in the process of slowly ascending </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by releasing ballast, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">those weights than hinder upward progress.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Physically, I've lost about 20 pounds since January.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hurray!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm dreaming of dressing this soon-to-be 40 year old body</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">in all of the vintage treasures too-long stored away in my closet.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'll post many more photos of the After.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YV0dRjhi4AI/TICREZimlwI/AAAAAAAAD70/Gb88TIrqdio/s400/0025.jpg" width="400" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-6745654273874066122011-02-20T20:15:00.001-07:002011-02-20T20:19:02.134-07:00Dance. Delight. Risk. Love. Celebrate.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NkvJkiznrg/TVBCzBB0PaI/AAAAAAAAFYo/xAY_0K9zJZw/s1600/Blogbutton.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Days 8-9</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> Starting this year,</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">'cause 40 is the start of a new adventure in oh so many ways,</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">I will...</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
<b style="color: purple;">Dance more often.</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">I love to dance.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Disco, salsa, merengue, goofball moves in my kitchen with my Ipod.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Don't get me started about the joys of Just Dance for the Wii.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>Be delighted.</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">There are so many things in the course of the every day that are delightful.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Giggling. The sweetness of an orange. A scented candle.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Breathing in and out.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>Risk.</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Share my heart. Try. Look deeper.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Face instead of turning away.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Really feel the emotions.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>Love.</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Freely. Wholeheartedly. Extravagantly.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Basking in the way He loves me so very, very much.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Receive love.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Celebrate Life.</span></b></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-429706213391503562011-02-18T14:32:00.001-07:002011-02-18T14:35:43.505-07:00Moving Right Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NkvJkiznrg/TVBCzBB0PaI/AAAAAAAAFYo/xAY_0K9zJZw/s1600/Blogbutton.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Days 5-7</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The last three days have been spent huddled up in the living room </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">with the children,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">fighting fevers and coughs and feeling yucky.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But we're better now, thank God.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The reflective journey towards 40 continues.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stay tuned! </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-73802676141344307562011-02-15T11:21:00.001-07:002011-02-15T11:23:19.484-07:00The Wisdom of Madame Roosevelt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NkvJkiznrg/TVBCzBB0PaI/AAAAAAAAFYo/xAY_0K9zJZw/s200/Blogbutton.jpg" width="193" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Day 4</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: magenta;">Quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt:</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="body">Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.</span> </i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="sqq"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="body">The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.</span></i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="body">Life must be lived and curiosity kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.</span> <span class="body"> </span></i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="sqq">The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="body"></span></i> <span class="sqq"><br />
</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-2021901299363686692011-02-14T12:10:00.011-07:002011-02-14T19:25:07.106-07:00Decades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NkvJkiznrg/TVBCzBB0PaI/AAAAAAAAFYo/xAY_0K9zJZw/s1600/Blogbutton.jpg" /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Day 3</span> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I like numbers and patterns. Never had a favorite color but like color combinations. And I enjoy recalling significant moments:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Age 0 - I was born in a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">bright pink hospital</span> on top of a hill in Hawaii. If that isn't an auspicious start, I don't know what is!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Age 10 - Rode my 1st roller coaster with my dad and received several significant books from a family friend, including <u>Mandy</u> by Julie (Andrews) Edwards. This story of a 10 year old orphan longing for a place of her own resonated with my heart and gave me a sense of calling in life. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Age 20 - I committed my life to God. Numerous tragedies had taken place leading up to this year, but He picked me up out of the mess, cleaned me up, and reminded me of His love and purpose. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Age 30 - Just had my 1st baby and shaved my head bald. The two events are very loosely related, story for another post. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Age 40 - A new beginning, feeling the most comfortable in my skin. Lots of adventure, "can't" has been erased from my vocabulary. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Age 50 - The fabulousness continues. Watch out world! Reinvention, the fulfillment of grander dreams. Left my mark in Paris, Venice, and London. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Age 60 - Dress totally inappropriately for my age, but since 60 is the new 40, I'm reliving my peak all over again. Wear too many rings at one time, just like my Mama did. And what's with the bright lipstick and big hair??? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Age 70 - I've always wanted to be an eccentric. Another dream realized. Still love loud polyester pants but enjoy throwing Chanel into the mix too. Have to get more pages for the passport. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Age 80 - No plastic surgery, thank God for great genes and an Asian mother. Decide to take up the Tango, a dance I've not mastered yet. May compete in an Amateur Ballroom Contest - love wearing the dresses. Still look great in them. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Age 90 - Climbing mountains, maybe literally, definitely figuratively. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Age 100 - It's been a Beautiful Century (the meaning of my name). It's up to God if He wants me here or there. I'm willing either way. My intention is as this poem describes: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">with the intention of arriving safely</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">in an attractive and well preserved body,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">But rather to skid into Heaven sideways,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">chocolate in one hand,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">champagne in the other,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">body thoroughly used up,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">totally worn out and screaming</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"WOO HOO what a ride!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Author Unknown </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(I tried to discover the author and searched for it - if anyone knows, please let me know!)</span></div></span><br />
<div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-37422258355910004252011-02-13T20:25:00.001-07:002011-02-14T11:17:55.498-07:00Thoughts and Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NkvJkiznrg/TVBCzBB0PaI/AAAAAAAAFYo/xAY_0K9zJZw/s1600/Blogbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NkvJkiznrg/TVBCzBB0PaI/AAAAAAAAFYo/xAY_0K9zJZw/s1600/Blogbutton.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Day 2</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oprah sharing a conversation: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"A</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">nd as I sat there crying, he (Sidney Poitier) said, 'You have to remember you are carrying people's dreams, and when you are carrying people's dreams, oftentimes they put burdens on you that are not yours to bear. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>You have to decide what your dream is for yourself.'<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">"</span></b></span></span></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That statement hits home - so many things happened last year, including the passing of my mother. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">39 was rough.</span> But those challenges have also served as a catalyst for a deeper examination of myself.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The last decade was spent moving around, re-creating a home multiple times, for the dreams of a spouse. Staying at home with the children and homeschooling. Serving my church and community in a number of areas. And I've done it all gladly. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">No complaints...well, except for the moving around (a woman can pack and unpack boxes only so many times before going <u>completely mad</u>.) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Prior to getting married, I worked with an international humanitarian organization and lived in Ethiopia for a year. I also spent a few months traveling around Bulgaria for that organization. It was life-changing and exciting. One dream fulfilled.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">At that time, I condensed my life into two suitcases, sold my car and gave away prized possessions <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">(including my favorite pair of orange, red and black polyester bellbottom pants.)</span> <b>Disposed of anything that didn't fit into my new responsibilities as a representative of God and the organization overseas. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I've used that same approach ever since. Though I haven't "lacked in personality" the last 10 years, I want to play the role of ME more too. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I am no longer apologetic for loving psychedelic polyester bellbottom pants and plan to wear them more often.</span> (I've picked up a pair here and there.) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">The dreams of my heart that I will embrace as a 40 year old aka what will make me look more like me...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukxpHRoTgBo/St3fUqxCGyI/AAAAAAAABac/58R_kUAcv1k/s1600/0012_thumb%255B3%255D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukxpHRoTgBo/St3fUqxCGyI/AAAAAAAABac/58R_kUAcv1k/s320/0012_thumb%255B3%255D" width="251" /></a><b>Drawing.</b> I stopped when I had babies because of the time and messiness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Piercing my nose</b> (and I'm gonna do it too in 39 days!) When I was little, no one looked like me because I am a blend of two distinctive, culturally different parents. The first time I saw a picture of woman in a sari, I screamed, "There's my people!" I had never seen someone that looked like me until then. Inside, I am an Indian-Pakistani princess mixed with Diana Ross and her hair.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<b>Writing a book.</b> I've had the idea for a biographical compilation for a few years now and have started conversations with several individuals. Stories about people's lives are fascinating to me.<br />
<b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUGJu4xOnPw/SSoPONhTS8I/AAAAAAAAAKE/PE-U5J8N8r0/s1600/1622247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUGJu4xOnPw/SSoPONhTS8I/AAAAAAAAAKE/PE-U5J8N8r0/s200/1622247.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Collecting vintage gowns and using them in my photography</b>. My love of costumes and dresses began when I was around 3, with an aunt who used to make me hundreds of intricate paper dolls with hats, purses and fancy dresses.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Other passions and intentions...going to Paris, running a race, establishing a tea shop/photography studio/eclectic treasures shop, swimming again in the freezing cold beaches in Maine, dancing, studying design, renovating homes, poking about the whole country, taking my kids to Ethiopia, doing a photo shoot in both a bikini and my red satin gown.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What are your dreams and passions? Though every day may not be a party, how do you celebrate life? </span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-44879541885045816662011-02-12T13:42:00.001-07:002011-02-12T13:52:19.767-07:0040 Until 40<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NkvJkiznrg/TVBCzBB0PaI/AAAAAAAAFYo/xAY_0K9zJZw/s1600/Blogbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NkvJkiznrg/TVBCzBB0PaI/AAAAAAAAFYo/xAY_0K9zJZw/s1600/Blogbutton.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I'm counting down the 40 days until I turn 40,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and today is day one.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've eagerly anticipated turning 40 for as long as I can remember.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ever since I was a child, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">my heroines have always been elegant and sophisticated</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">with a decided air about them.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Women who knew their minds,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">were decisive and sure.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I admired their confidence.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I think a woman just starts being </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">truly beautiful at 40.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She's set in who she is,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">no longer experimenting or trying to please everyone else.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love the delicate lines that appear on the face,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the more hollow neck and collar bone areas.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The graceful hands.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Eyes that sparkle with wisdom and knowledge.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-Z8QlHa6dk/TFryijKA8II/AAAAAAAADj0/io_h26qUIRQ/s1600/Mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-Z8QlHa6dk/TFryijKA8II/AAAAAAAADj0/io_h26qUIRQ/s320/Mom.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All of the ladies I've looked up to have increased in loveliness <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">after</span></i> age 40.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My mom. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Benazir Bhutto, one of the ladies I most admire in the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Audrey Hepburn </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(more beautiful as she worked with UNICEP than in her younger years, to me.) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Elizabeth Dole. Sophia Loren. Jane Fonda. Oprah Winfrey.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And many ladies over 40 who are not famous but are so very lovely to me!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iU5ihBtPl1E/TVbwJsDizOI/AAAAAAAAFmo/QuLrO9cbKVc/s400/Miki.jpg" width="266" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">40 days until 40...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">to me this is where life begins to happen!</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-69172884168486995112011-02-07T12:56:00.009-07:002011-02-11T10:53:31.649-07:00What To Do If<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">hanks to the wisdom and answers found in </span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Life</span></span></u></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am prepared for whatever comes my way.</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A bird gets caught in my hair?</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No problem.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Use one arm to shield the face </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">and the other to grab the bird's legs to remove it.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If I ever fall through a floor,</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I need to spread my arms wide,</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">put my palms down and push up.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Don't kick my legs.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For a guest who overstays their welcome,</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">declare a household emergency </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(like asbestos or mold removal)</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">or</span></i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">decide to paint </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">that room and remove all the furniture.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Don't say "I'm going on vacation" as the guest may offer to housesit.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Advice I found to be </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">invaluable</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">:</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If I trip on a red carpet, </span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">turn it into the Running Man </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">or a breakdancing lock and pop.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think it'd work if I'm walking into my kids' school too.</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Other handy tips include:</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">fending off a pack of wolves, dealing with a cruise ship crew mutiny,</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">cooking catastrophes, handling difficult family members...</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But the #1 solution</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> (as I approach my 40th birthday):</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you're going gray,</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">get the hippest, most avant-garde hair cut. </span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Take on an air of sophistication by wearing fashionable black ensembles </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">with dark capes, dark-rimmed glasses,</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">and laugh vigorously while drinking elegant flutes of wine in public.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TVBNuYAyiYI/AAAAAAAAFYw/3uHv7u08of0/s320/Blog0239.jpg" width="212" /></span><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TRAXq8r52EI/AAAAAAAAFOI/Zsevy1d7Lxg/s320/1130.jpg" width="212" /></div><div class="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I recently chopped of my hair and colored it red.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Gotta go get some capes and glasses, hmmm.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TVBNuzXL3BI/AAAAAAAAFY0/EtIOAAP1rg0/s400/Blog0242.jpg" width="266" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">S</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">tarting Saturday, I'm going to be celebrating:</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TVBCzBB0PaI/AAAAAAAAFYo/VGpX7f-q270/s1600/Blogbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TVBCzBB0PaI/AAAAAAAAFYo/VGpX7f-q270/s200/Blogbutton.jpg" width="193" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>I've waited my whole life to turn 40</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(explanation in a later post.)</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-35628713441189372062011-02-02T15:24:00.002-07:002011-02-11T10:55:07.142-07:00Shoe Blessings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>here's something <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">wonderfully decadent</span></i> about getting <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">two pairs</span> of new shoes. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Especially when they're both <b>75% off</b>!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, you are seeing correctly...the boots are size 11. Sigh.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUnR8USO96I/AAAAAAAAFYU/KM2q4NRry5k/s640/2773.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hese boots make me feel elegant.</span></div><img border="0" height="510" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUnR99BAz1I/AAAAAAAAFYY/QPKreAmPKKo/s640/2780.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>nd raspberry is my favorite pink.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">adore</span></i> the whimsical rosette and ruched detail. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUnR_PNlD_I/AAAAAAAAFYc/aMLB5lY44KQ/s640/2784.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUnSA6smtjI/AAAAAAAAFYg/V_m0dmKQYts/s640/2786.jpg" width="510" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>his blessing of new footwear helps me go forth into the new year </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">with added confidence and style.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Besides my birthday's around the corner...I deserve it, right?</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-13733248423540347192011-01-31T22:24:00.003-07:002011-02-11T10:56:16.667-07:00A Few Of My Favorite Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he sweetest baby <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ever</span> (this little guy's my youngest!)</span><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUeUsPNkHSI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/5etzIlKVDuo/s640/Blog+G.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUgwenWX5-I/AAAAAAAAFX8/dVCY_LQH9TU/s640/BlogGG.jpg" width="640" /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">G</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">orgeous ladies that I styled for the photo shoot</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUeUrHIYxdI/AAAAAAAAFXI/-PRRRhiN-7E/s640/Blog+E.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUeUmWrmRVI/AAAAAAAAFW4/Omx0K-DHFQ8/s640/BlogA.jpg" width="510" /></div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>arling Girl with lots of personality</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUeUq5WmsoI/AAAAAAAAFXE/kx7LFzA-77s/s640/Blog+D.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>nd moments from a sacred day...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUgtzsewFFI/AAAAAAAAFXs/FgPFVJG_n-E/s1600/BlogBB.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUgtzsewFFI/AAAAAAAAFXs/FgPFVJG_n-E/s640/BlogBB.jpg" width="423" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUgt28q34MI/AAAAAAAAFXw/ftC59eQ8Ozg/s400/BlogCC.jpg" width="264" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUgt3kOk-5I/AAAAAAAAFX0/UCjJ2eLW3JI/s400/BlogDD.jpg" width="264" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUgtvdgZ1aI/AAAAAAAAFXo/hH8ezPErb8I/s1600/BlogAA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUgtvdgZ1aI/AAAAAAAAFXo/hH8ezPErb8I/s640/BlogAA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUgt31Uw4KI/AAAAAAAAFX4/Knn_bUe3Y4g/s640/BlogEE.jpg" width="423" /></div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">hese are a few of my favorite photos.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-45534890333749344582011-01-27T23:49:00.000-07:002011-01-27T23:49:35.328-07:00The Bold & Beautiful Blog Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://myrepurposedlife.blogspot.com/2011/01/bold-and-beautiful-your-blog-reviewed.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FPgMj+%28My+Repurposed+Life%29"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TUJk5S3j8VI/AAAAAAAAFSs/tiQOc_8rIoU/s400/bold5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">G</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">reetings! I'm participating in a <i>very unique</i> blog hop. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gail @My Repurposed Life</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">MeganDVD @ Beauty in the Attempt</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> are hosting <a href="http://myrepurposedlife.blogspot.com/2011/01/bold-and-beautiful-your-blog-reviewed.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FPgMj+%28My+Repurposed+Life%29">“The Bold and the Beautiful-your blog reviewed."</a></span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">P</span>lease take a look around my blog, check out the layout, pages, buttons, sidebar and gadgets. I'd greatly appreciate it if you would <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>gently critique</i></span> my blog as well as leave me some positive feedback. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It would be great if you could give me constructive criticism but be sure to tell me what you like about my blog too!</span> Do you like my pictures? Does my blog load quickly for you? How about the font? <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">All tips and tidbits welcome!</span></b></span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">J<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">oin the party!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> It starts Thursday night and is open for one week.</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-73801464264804475332011-01-24T15:00:00.005-07:002011-02-01T15:29:58.137-07:00Valentine's Mantel Linky Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thestoriesofa2z.com/2011/01/valentines-mantel-linky-party-mantle.html"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TT3oQrzTerI/AAAAAAAAFP8/IT5sjrkJpJs/s1600/Valentine%2527s+Mantel+Linky.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Party? Did someone say Party???</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">B</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">eth of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thestoriesofa2z.com/2011/01/valentines-mantel-linky-party-mantle.html">The Stories of A<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2</span>Z</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">is hosting a Valentine's Mantel Party!!! My daughter's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Alice In The Wonderland</span> birthday party was this weekend, and I transitioned many of the decorations to Valentine's Day <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(totally had it planned to have the decorations multi-task...just like Mama!)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TT3ofEH-oAI/AAAAAAAAFQE/JFmpk4wJ2kU/s1600/2690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TT3ofEH-oAI/AAAAAAAAFQE/JFmpk4wJ2kU/s640/2690.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hough I don't have a fireplace mantel, I use this narrow table in front of a window for the purpose of displaying pretty vignettes. My <a href="http://houseofbeautyculture.blogspot.com/2010/12/triple-layer-coffee-filterdoily-wreath.html">Coffee Filter-Doily Wreath</a> is dressed up for the occasion with sequin hearts that I was inspired to make <a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/12/sequin-heart-shoe-clip-tutorial.html">here</a> from Kathleen at Grosgrain.</span></div><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TT3oi_M-kaI/AAAAAAAAFQg/ZOR9Vvv0GKI/s640/2701.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he large rose tree and fluffy iridescent white trees were created from rolled up poster board wrapped with tinsel garlands <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Christmas mega clearance.)</span> I may be <i>obsessed</i> with cone trees... </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TT3ojdru5uI/AAAAAAAAFQk/LU-8dOEbQ34/s640/2703.jpg" width="426" /></div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">T</span>his sweet bird is perched in a cupcake liner nest embellished with more tinsel garland and a sequin heart. Such a cutie!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TT3ogMZb6_I/AAAAAAAAFQM/jyJmsdkBUt4/s640/2694.jpg" width="423" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">R</span>ed and white crepe paper roses...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">off with their heads!!!</span> (The cards had to paint the white roses red for the Queen of Hearts.) They're so versatile and realisitic and would look amazing in bouquets of every color!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TT3ohmSmBMI/AAAAAAAAFQY/fkBPcNZMYGk/s640/2699.jpg" width="426" /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A</span> Hobby Lobby steal for a little over a dollar! I bought this pink tree to dress up my daughter's room next Christmas but couldn't resist using it for her birthday party and Valentine's. Along with a butterfly and dragonfly, it holds a sparkly boot, birds, and heart ornaments filled with ribbons. I adore splashes of color!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TT3zxm-a0GI/AAAAAAAAFSg/PbdpiYvFjJk/s400/2706.jpg" width="266" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TT3zxG7-GZI/AAAAAAAAFSc/Al6Ft5Cy5N4/s400/2705.jpg" width="266" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TT3of4--sxI/AAAAAAAAFQI/ZJBmY66_CRw/s1600/2691.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">M</span>ix cupcake liner flowers, feathers, pearls and a sequin heart for this arrangement - perfect!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank you for visiting my Valentine's vignette/mantel! For more inspiration and fabulous ideas, go take a look at the other lovelies linked up to the <a href="http://www.thestoriesofa2z.com/2011/01/valentines-mantel-linky-party-mantle.html">party</a>!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1992706006"></span><span id="goog_1992706007"></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-66047619813153209682011-01-19T21:41:00.000-07:002011-01-19T21:41:07.016-07:00No Red Today = Grumpy<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>fter three days of bright and beautiful lips, I fell off the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">(red)</span> wagon and decided to not put forth the effort today. And I was grumpy. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't put forth effort <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>for myself</i></span> today. And at the end of the day, I felt frustrated and put out and yucky. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So the moral of the story and the reason for the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">red</span> is...to take time for myself first thing, make the effort to feel prepared for the day, even a bit glamorous so that the day is off to a better start. That's the <i>outside</i> - spending time with God in prayer and reading the Bible gets the <i>inside</i> ready...and I must make that a priority too, daily. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you do to start your day off successfully?</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-45044783639796271022011-01-18T15:52:00.003-07:002011-01-31T10:31:08.246-07:00Using Red to Combat the Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">his year has started off kind of rough for me. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After wallowing for a few days, </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I kicked myself in the pants and decided to fight the blues. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">With some red.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/S3uf0-rgi3I/AAAAAAAACWw/KR2RR205CLI/s400/Look40640.jpg" width="300" /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">R</span>ed lipstick, or some shade/variation of it, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">every day </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for a few weeks to see how it impacts my life. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/S3uf4Hf0zRI/AAAAAAAACW4/n2rkaYm22y0/s400/Look40690.jpg" width="300" /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>ee, the thing with red is that it's a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">bold, in-your-face</span></b> color.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Especially on your lips.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's an <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"I am woman, hear me roar"</span></b> kind of statement.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/S4NYInHRl4I/AAAAAAAACaw/qb3F2dUSKo8/s400/0843.jpg" width="264" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Elegant, but fierce.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>nd I need some of that fierceness right now,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to help combat the rising tide of blues that overwhelm me at times.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll take fiery passion and attitude over shrinking violet any day.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>And part of that stance involves looking the part.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Hence </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><u>the Red</u>.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hat are some of your strategies to stir things up in your life </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and combat the threatening grays and weepy blues?</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-42046397048449079372011-01-01T12:27:00.009-07:002011-01-31T10:27:24.622-07:00My Boys' Birthday Parties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y sons share a birthday, though they are five years apart.<img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TR91SzGs7vI/AAAAAAAAFPc/G5XG1PKJNOI/s640/2339.jpg" width="424" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: blue;">Barnabas turned 8</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">U</span>nknown to me at the time, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">my older son had prayed that his brother would be born on his birthday,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">and my labor kicked in right after midnight on December 29th.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Seriously!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TR90vsLffqI/AAAAAAAAFPU/orRVpfHgm94/s640/2338.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b style="color: blue;">Keizo turned 3</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">B</span>ecause it's right after Christmas,</div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">I make a special effort to separate the holiday from the birthdays.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">The boys have <strike>an obsession</strike> <span style="font-size: large;">a love</span> of football, </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">so the theme of this year's birthday celebration was:</div><div class="" style="clear: both; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Brothers United In Their Love Of The Game."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TR9xeeScjJI/AAAAAAAAFOw/napbPHwEUfQ/s1600/2313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TR9xeeScjJI/AAAAAAAAFOw/napbPHwEUfQ/s640/2313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I </span>decorated with the colors from The Colts and Giants, </div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">who happen to have quarterbacks who are also brothers!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TR9w02yEfqI/AAAAAAAAFOk/lePjMewo4-E/s640/2327.jpg" width="640" /></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>ne of the most inexpensive ways to make a <span style="font-size: large;">huge impact</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and fill up a room with decor is with paper streamers.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he ceiling was covered with blue and white twisted loops and multiple pennants - </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">some bought from the store</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and some homemade.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TR9yacSJJHI/AAAAAAAAFO4/StTyU_IzVt8/s640/2311.jpg" width="425" /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>n apothecary jar filled with footballs.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TR9zXtGdFvI/AAAAAAAAFPE/irHQSquuD9Y/s640/2323.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>nd a football to serve napkins. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TR9zGZPRv7I/AAAAAAAAFPA/6ulIrgmPGwo/s640/2319.jpg" width="640" /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">F</span>ootball cakes for the birthday boys!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TR90_qzoszI/AAAAAAAAFPY/J-RzT4YijbI/s640/2335.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">B</span>ig sister, Mireille, with a party guest </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TR91rno7uEI/AAAAAAAAFPg/maHfXp54g_8/s200/2343.jpg" width="131" /><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TR92FUbJSJI/AAAAAAAAFPo/c7PU_LXwhqc/s200/2341.jpg" width="132" /><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TR913ixBYtI/AAAAAAAAFPk/DDuTWq6Ir3Q/s200/2342.jpg" width="131" /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>ore party guests enjoying the treats! </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">K</span>eizo had a preschool party in the morning,</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and Barnabas went swimming at the Recreation Center with his friends</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">in the afternoon before coming back to the house for an evening tailgate party:</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">homemade chili, nachos with cheese, chicken nuggets, hotdogs.</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>e capped the evening off with competitive dancing</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">via <span style="font-size: large;">Just Dance 2</span> for the Wii.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our new family obsession!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-67721066964927598122010-12-17T09:50:00.002-07:002010-12-17T10:55:47.610-07:00Handmade Cone Trees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">C</span>one trees may be my new <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">obsession.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I just wanna keep making them, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and it's not just me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://thecreativityexchange.blogspot.com/2010/12/fabric-covered-poster-board-christmas.html">These</a> fabric covered cones from <a href="http://thecreativityexchange.blogspot.com/2010/12/fabric-covered-poster-board-christmas.html">The Exchange</a> are amazing!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They're next on my To Do list.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>o, the other night I was feeling rather hum drum.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My son was about to toss some empty cereal boxes into the recycling bin,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and an idea clicked.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They were the right weight to make sturdy cone trees!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQuMCuljQwI/AAAAAAAAFNc/o0gXs8G3X4A/s640/2181.jpg" width="423" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>fter opening each box to lay flat, I cut off the tabbed ends.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I rolled up each sheet of cardboard,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">taping the seam once I formed a point at one end.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then I cut along the bottom edge to make it stand up straight.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Eyeballing it is less precise and may require several trims until the cone lays straight.)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">N</span>ow to the fun part...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQuMDi2WDKI/AAAAAAAAFNk/WGwnzFsLxDQ/s640/2184.jpg" width="422" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">F</span>or this teal and brown tree, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I took two coordinating ribbons </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and alternated laying the diagonal stripes from top to bottom.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As the tree was being covered,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the stripes began to shift to a more horizontal direction,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">eventually criss-crossing over.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I simply followed the direction of the stripes until the last finishing strip. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQuMEUuYJVI/AAAAAAAAFNo/0VOBDcwRDCQ/s640/2185.jpg" width="422" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQuMFLYI8cI/AAAAAAAAFNw/RDMcAm7Bmbc/s1600/2190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQuMFLYI8cI/AAAAAAAAFNw/RDMcAm7Bmbc/s640/2190.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he trees below are wrapped in twine.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I adore both the sparkly, colorful designs of the holiday season</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">as well as the muted, natural looks.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I want both represented in my Christmas decor,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and these trees are a wonderfully textured and rustic element.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQuMFhBVV7I/AAAAAAAAFN0/3lhWCVLtnbU/s400/2195.jpg" width="264" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQuMGLgjK5I/AAAAAAAAFN4/rLoksG54IBU/s400/2199.jpg" width="264" /></div><img border="0" height="423" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQuMGqDI5AI/AAAAAAAAFN8/kiwZTvotSMg/s640/2200.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">L</span>arge trees, small trees,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">trees covered in fabric and trim.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Glittered trees, rustic trees.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">More and more trees, please! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Are you a fan of cone trees?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Any Christmas </span><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">obsessions</span></s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> favorites???</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Linking to these parties:</span></span></div><img src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx38/Decormamma/FrugaliciouFridaybutton-1.jpg" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-43120996209645986202010-12-13T14:06:00.004-07:002010-12-18T22:59:03.945-07:00Triple Layer Coffee Filter/Doily Wreath<center><a href="http://sewcando.blogspot.com/"><img src=" http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/cerise422/sewcandoFEATUREDbutton.jpg" /></a><center> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">P</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">resenting my </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">pièce de résistance</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> of the 2010 Holiday Season...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">the Triple Layer Coffee Filter and Paper Doily Wreath!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQaDcegDNcI/AAAAAAAAFNY/EgA_hElpiKg/s640/2162.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>t all started with the purchase of the wrong size coffee filters.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Desperate for my morning cup, I used one of the too small filters anyway</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and was rewarded with a gritty cup o' joe. <u>Nice</u> (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">well, not so much.)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">B</span>etween Martha Stewart and numerous bloggy inspirations,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I decided a wreath was in order.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I used a wire wreath form (with three circles) lurking in my craft supply</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(had attempted to make a chandelier for my daughter's room - <u>disaster</u>.)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>tarting with the innermost circle: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I twisted the small brown filters into a flower shape,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> pulled the (not fluffy) ends through the wire,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">looped and hot glued them into place all around the form.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQaCwirZlQI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/VZNOAWgGOds/s640/2177.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he second row consists of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">larger white coffee filters</span>,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">twisted into a flower shape, pulled through the wire form and glued into place.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQaDICoXU1I/AAAAAAAAFNU/snpp9pz7YtM/s640/2164.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he wreath was fairly full at this point, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and the outermost wire circle couldn't be seen but I felt it was incomplete.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another row of white filters didn't seem quite right, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">so I opted to use medium-sized paper doilies from the Dollar Tree</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">using the same technique but even more gently.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Perfect!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQaCv_Y6gCI/AAAAAAAAFNM/Ua1sqKfgugc/s640/2176.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span> loop from gold Christmas ribbon through the wire form,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">white lights poked into the back of the filter flowers,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and displayed on a wreath hanger in my front window.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I am thrilled with the results!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQaBtN-lk9I/AAAAAAAAFNI/0QAs1FCfIOo/s640/2154.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm participating in these blog parties:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://iheartnaptime.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab39/iheartnaptime/iheartnaptimebuttonchristmas.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f136/butterflygirlms/Request/CraftomaniacMondayButton.png" /></a><br />
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<center><a href="http://kraftykat76.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Krafty Kat" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb370/kroady76/HolidayHookupbutton.jpg" /></a></center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/get-your-craft-on-29">Get Your Craft on at Today's Creative Blog</a></span></span></center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></center></div><a href="http://sewcando.blogspot.com/p/handmade-for-holidays.html"><img src="
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/cerise422/sewcandoHolidaybutton.jpg" /></a><a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Sumo Sweet Stuff" border="0" src=" http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g241/summerandrus/Blog%20Graphics/marketyourselfcopy.png" /></a><a href="http://craftingreallyawesomefreethings.blogspot.com/"><img alt="mmm button" height="125" src="http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a459/serendipity62/CRAFT%20blog/mmmbutton.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> <img alt="Keeping It Simple" border="0" src="http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad206/kaysinerwt/th_DSCF63832.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Making" border="0" src="http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo119/tiffhewlett/Crafty%20Stuff/MondayCuter.png" /></a><a href="http://thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/search/label/Just%20Something%20I%20Whipped%20Up" target="_blank"><img alt="The Girl Creative" src="http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq286/happielife32/JSIWU_BUTTON.png" /></a><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" /></a> <br />
<a border="0" href="http://www.misscraftypants.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii199/senderikaaletter/Iwearmycraftypants.png" /></a><br />
<a href="http://babymakingmachine.blogspot.com/search/label/makin%20monday" target="_blank"><img alt="What I'm Making Monday" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4571783992_a80397e7d1_o.png" /></a><a border="0" href="http://embellishinglifeeveryday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac214/sbs10/embellishinglife/Embellishing-Life---Etsy-Button1.png" /></a><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.ladybug-blessings.com/" target="new"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.ladybug-blessings.com/pictures/ladybugblessingsbutton-2.jpg" width="150" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://lifeaslori.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Get your craft on Thurs." border="0" src="http://opipdesigns.com/blogs/lorij/craft.jpg" /></a></center><a href="http://itssewstinkincute.blogspot.com/" target=""><img alt="Stinkin Cute Thursday Button" height="77" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4561049489_a63691786d_o.jpg" width="147" /></a><a href="http://somewhatsimple.blogspot.com/"><img alt="giveaways" height="125" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/1SYS125.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://lbratina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />
<img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYo_CS6cQU_7fY4MN1-7f3CaHTs_CmMu3Beb4KVkr3FArmaDB7W8pMdJBCDZZzPM8cazNIcDLycw9ojCbKwh2G8j5DXuLL0kGGmvI3-WmdKAiK2LV1Q2En67VmHwL1PS53N7OF26xAM4/s150/thriftthursday.bmp" width="150" /></a><a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.typepad.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="A Crafty Soiree" border="0" src="http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv157/KTnestingspot/Blog%20Buttons/YesterdayonTuesdaypendantcopy.jpg" width="150" /></a><img src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx38/Decormamma/FrugaliciouFridaybutton-1.jpg" /></center></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-85305169762249019982010-12-08T17:45:00.000-07:002010-12-08T17:45:20.484-07:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQAmMFXwGhI/AAAAAAAAFNE/Ve62vVzQHgE/s640/webChristmascard2.jpg" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">M</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">erry Christmas from our family to yours!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQAmJgDhkzI/AAAAAAAAFM8/4h0ENLq8LRc/s400/web2129.jpg" width="266" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQAmKn18DqI/AAAAAAAAFNA/A_PXEen7ghs/s400/web2134.jpg" width="266" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-42607755893767730302010-12-02T12:12:00.011-07:002010-12-17T11:09:20.705-07:00Advent Stockings<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">'ve been looking for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the right Advent Calendar for our family</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> for several years...the wood ones with boxes were adorable and colorful, but the small compartments were too limiting. There are many wonderfully creative projects out there (like using small metal buckets, chinese take-out cartons, decorated paper bags, etc.), but none of them clicked for me. Then I saw </span><a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDetailView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10551&productId=162941&langId=-1&SourceCode=BDSBT1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">this idea</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> in the Ballard's catalog and thought,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> "A-ha! I can do this!!!" </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(And my version costs a lot less than the $99.00 price tag on theirs. Fleece on clearance, thread, glue, paper, clothespins and twine.) </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfpFEG-GdI/AAAAAAAAFMk/3HipQRbbsZI/s320/advent.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">W</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">anting a non-traditional color scheme, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I used blue, brown, green and pink fleece (that I had on hand) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and added the cream fleece for a 5th color.</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiN5BjT5I/AAAAAAAAFMM/GFvomckcB4k/s1600/1933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiN5BjT5I/AAAAAAAAFMM/GFvomckcB4k/s400/1933.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">M</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ichaels had a mini stocking with curled toes that I used as a template,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">simply tracing around it onto the fleece and cutting out 5 of each color.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiRwXGx9I/AAAAAAAAFMg/pnAOTrV1o4U/s1600/1938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiRwXGx9I/AAAAAAAAFMg/pnAOTrV1o4U/s400/1938.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">he fleece was so fluffy that it kept snagging on my sewing machine.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After numerous </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">extremely frustrating</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> attempts, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I abandoned the machine and decided to hand stitch them.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The blanket stitch and whip stitch were attractive options but too time-consuming.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the end, I decided that a simple straight one worked best </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">for the playful look of the stockings.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiRQ2QcsI/AAAAAAAAFMc/CpLRSTqWcNY/s400/1937.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">N</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ext, I cut out 2 inch strips of the fleece for the stocking cuffs.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Some were left straight with a rolled cuff, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">while others were given a rounded edge.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The cuffs were wrapped around the top of each stocking and hot glued in place.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiPWMpHtI/AAAAAAAAFMU/B-zUiYJmqMw/s400/1935.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiO4_BPcI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/HpkeAgqBvkA/s400/1934.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiQ-v1HMI/AAAAAAAAFMY/F4JQxIvxvmk/s1600/1936.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiQ-v1HMI/AAAAAAAAFMY/F4JQxIvxvmk/s400/1936.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">M</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">y intention is to add permanent felt numbers to the stockings </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(when I find the right ones),</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">but for now I made paper numbers printed onto a background I created myself.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiNcp0wxI/AAAAAAAAFMI/TJhxjBu-jLU/s400/1932.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">nstead of hanging the stockings on fabric like the inspirational Ballard piece,</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am going to make a garland out of twine, clipping the stockings on with clothespin.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That gives me more flexibility on where I can display this advent calendar.</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiMj2HLcI/AAAAAAAAFME/GrIIsHWt6WI/s1600/1931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiMj2HLcI/AAAAAAAAFME/GrIIsHWt6WI/s640/1931.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">he size of the stockings also allows for more variety with the items I place in them.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Scrolls with Scripture printed on them.</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Treats mixed in with messages of love for each child.</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fun activities to do as a family and with others.</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Even pieces of the Little People nativity spread out across the days,</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">so that by Christmas Eve the scene is complete.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiNcp0wxI/AAAAAAAAFMI/TJhxjBu-jLU/s1600/1932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiMOPrTxI/AAAAAAAAFMA/fN_oEw1u27Y/s1600/1930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPfiMOPrTxI/AAAAAAAAFMA/fN_oEw1u27Y/s400/1930.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">M</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">y hope is that this becomes a family heirloom and tradition </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">that helps create years of wonderful memories!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I'm participating in these Blog Parties - go check them out!!!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://boyohboyohboycrafts.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-stocking-linky-party.html"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TQumTgS4vbI/AAAAAAAAFOA/0FSEnMG5vXM/s1600/th_Christmas10015-2.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<center><a href="http://lifeaslori.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Get your craft on Thurs." border="0" src="http://opipdesigns.com/blogs/lorij/craft.jpg" /></a></center><a href="http://itssewstinkincute.blogspot.com/" target=""><img alt="Stinkin Cute Thursday Button" height="77" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4561049489_a63691786d_o.jpg" width="147" /></a><a href="http://somewhatsimple.blogspot.com/"><img alt="giveaways" height="125" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/1SYS125.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://lbratina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />
<img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYo_CS6cQU_7fY4MN1-7f3CaHTs_CmMu3Beb4KVkr3FArmaDB7W8pMdJBCDZZzPM8cazNIcDLycw9ojCbKwh2G8j5DXuLL0kGGmvI3-WmdKAiK2LV1Q2En67VmHwL1PS53N7OF26xAM4/s150/thriftthursday.bmp" width="150" /></a><a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.typepad.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="A Crafty Soiree" border="0" src="http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv157/KTnestingspot/Blog%20Buttons/YesterdayonTuesdaypendantcopy.jpg" width="150" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-84942110097066318662010-11-29T18:52:00.001-07:002010-11-29T18:58:41.815-07:00Christmas Decor, Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span> peek at more of our Christmas Decor...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPRNsTLf6qI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/24xc36l5GNA/s640/1817.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span>have one section dedicated to traditional colors</span><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPRNvlGjmSI/AAAAAAAAFKU/LSBcBpvk1lI/s640/1835.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPRN6tDXNcI/AAAAAAAAFKg/dEVUTyZtyBM/s640/1837.jpg" width="425" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPRN3-_MUBI/AAAAAAAAFKc/k2thMzc5Pgo/s640/1841.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPRN0Kpfm3I/AAAAAAAAFKY/N_5oIKThzu4/s640/1846.jpg" width="426" /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">P</span>lus a couple of jolly fellows...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPRNgxlxUPI/AAAAAAAAFKE/rr2yHrb9Cwk/s640/1815.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>ne with a song and dance </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and a sporty guy.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Have to feature masculine elements for the poor fellows in our household)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPRNka59q8I/AAAAAAAAFKI/iK-otFXPqp4/s640/1898.jpg" width="426" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span>birdcage filled with a star and silver/gold ornaments</span><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROlULfGmI/AAAAAAAAFLY/vS8IL93CAnU/s640/1900.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">H</span>oliday books</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPRNnaZlIII/AAAAAAAAFKM/h1ukACQcRXM/s640/1883.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span> Christmas Deer</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPRN8hwNZmI/AAAAAAAAFKk/gtZLvGTasSY/s640/1847.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>nd a sparkly, jewel-toned section</span><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROUvo0v9I/AAAAAAAAFLA/HHsU9Ev0fXI/s640/1913.jpg" width="426" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROQRGGYFI/AAAAAAAAFK8/jPCIpqMwUF0/s640/1863.jpg" width="426" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">B</span>irds of a different feather</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROKSRZteI/AAAAAAAAFK4/YCqRZbCjjKo/s640/1865.jpg" width="426" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPRN_Bgk4qI/AAAAAAAAFKo/cmtI8ePWdtU/s640/1830.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROETNfIvI/AAAAAAAAFKw/Rcy212V5PXA/s640/1855.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROBV5PSWI/AAAAAAAAFKs/IqdZ48sgMGs/s1600/1850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROBV5PSWI/AAAAAAAAFKs/IqdZ48sgMGs/s640/1850.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROG8iLYTI/AAAAAAAAFK0/9u6Lj8XgoRE/s640/1894.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROXk_mpvI/AAAAAAAAFLE/oS4Qv9jePLw/s640/1886.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>rnaments...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">what can I say? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pink looks great on a white tree!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROays8-QI/AAAAAAAAFLI/MkI5OwLGd0A/s640/1887.jpg" width="426" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROepGusNI/AAAAAAAAFLM/IoYND4KDjEo/s640/1890.jpg" width="426" /></div><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROiONP9iI/AAAAAAAAFLU/FNZ95S4cqfk/s640/1891.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROhjn9MSI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/eRCOKrpl9HE/s640/1892.jpg" width="426" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he angel that graced my childhood Christmas Tree</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ushering in the true reason for this blessed season...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROnB6gCdI/AAAAAAAAFLc/I2nayfNvry0/s640/1884.jpg" width="426" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>J</b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">esus</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPROo2hIXTI/AAAAAAAAFLg/o0Ews6qxdkQ/s640/1923.jpg" width="426" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-66629301133445144982010-11-29T17:13:00.002-07:002010-11-29T17:38:11.304-07:00Christmas Decor Projects, Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">A</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> few Christmas decor projects...</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I finally got around to making a garland of my own </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(they've only been floating around the blogosphere like forever)</span>,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">so I combined my <s>obsession</s> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">fondness</span> for the 12 Days of Christmas with twine </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and hung this across my bookshelves.</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPQ3o2-8SwI/AAAAAAAAFJY/4rGdFypzVnI/s1600/1880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPQ3o2-8SwI/AAAAAAAAFJY/4rGdFypzVnI/s640/1880.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I scored these crackers at my mother-in-law's house last year</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">when I saw them lying around unopened.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After eyeballing them with envy for a few days, </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I finally asked her <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">casually</span></i> what her plans were for them.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A gift from an acquaintance, was I interested in them?</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Um...YES! HELLO?!?</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I eagerly popped open each cracker,</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">filling the room with the scent of smoke...</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">no worries,</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and tenderly embraced each of the symbols.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Aren't they gorgeous?</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPQ3xE1WOEI/AAAAAAAAFJc/Ywp_IPfC48M/s400/1873.jpg" width="265" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPQ32PgP61I/AAAAAAAAFJg/Q5IMd8hVDxs/s400/1875.jpg" width="266" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPQ3-pONtjI/AAAAAAAAFJk/qedAMWg-v7I/s640/1878.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you remember </span><a href="http://houseofbeautyculture.blogspot.com/2010/10/thrifty-finds-and-spray-paint.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">these</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> thrift store finds?</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TLU3xA8yZhI/AAAAAAAAENI/vx6sE31cdPo/s640/0133sepia.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I found some miniature cakes in the dollhouse furniture section at Hobby Lobby</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and attached them to the top of two of the glass bells.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Since they'll be used all year, </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I wanted something whimsical vs. Christmasy.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPQ4XKfRkkI/AAAAAAAAFJs/GOLBRsBeHAc/s640/1824.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The objects inside will be swapped out, of course. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPQ4SZ_YGXI/AAAAAAAAFJo/aNV4dGcy3l4/s400/1825.jpg" width="266" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPQ4fDTS9aI/AAAAAAAAFJw/Sh7dvM5JvcU/s400/1866.jpg" width="266" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This last bell has a simple white ball glued to its dome,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to balance out the personality of the other two.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPQ9-Jc9p1I/AAAAAAAAFJ8/ecmR83WU9Jg/s640/1857.jpg" width="424" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This final project was inspired by one featured on </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2010/11/make-a-large-apothecary-jar/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dollar Store Crafts</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPQ94_ZT_TI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/RQ1sPvy_LDs/s640/1862.jpg" width="425" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Buy a large vase, glass candlestick and small bowls (they come in a set of three) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">from the Dollar Store.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The small bowl fits the opening of the vase.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If it wiggles around a bit (like mine did), </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">then apply a thin strip of hot glue to the rim and let it harden completely.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">That'll make the fit better.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TPQ-FeY54aI/AAAAAAAAFKA/S79W_7dDXug/s640/1860.jpg" width="424" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I attached a glass handle that I had leftover from another projects,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">but the original project featured glass knobs from Walmart.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Glue the vase onto a candlestick.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Voila! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A lovely, tall, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">inexpensive</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> apothecary jar!</span></span></div><a href="http://sewcando.blogspot.com/p/handmade-for-holidays.html"><img /></a><a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Sumo Sweet Stuff" border="0" src=" http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g241/summerandrus/Blog%20Graphics/marketyourselfcopy.png" /></a><a href="http://craftingreallyawesomefreethings.blogspot.com/"><img alt="mmm button" height="125" src="http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a459/serendipity62/CRAFT%20blog/mmmbutton.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> <img alt="Keeping It Simple" border="0" src="http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad206/kaysinerwt/th_DSCF63832.jpg" /></a><a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Making" border="0" src="http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo119/tiffhewlett/Crafty%20Stuff/mtwcbutton1.png" /></a><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Girl Creative" src="http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq286/happielife32/grab_button_150.png" /></a><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://sewcando.blogspot.com"><img src=" http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/cerise422/sewcandoPARTYbuttonworking.jpg"/></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-41872044366112642012010-11-26T14:48:00.006-07:002010-11-26T14:56:51.500-07:00I Went Black<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yes, indeed. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I crossed over to the Dark Side this morning in my quest to fulfill my little girl's long-held desire for a collection of Disney Princesses. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>And it was fun!</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Up by 2:15 a.m. to peruse the ads one last time and get dressed in layers, I called my shopping buddy and headed out. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Traffic was light.</span> A good sign. The parking lot was mostly empty, and I didn't see a line. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could it be? </span>Then I saw the row of shopping carts creating a line barrier. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And I saw the people.</span> Time to hustle and stake out my place in line. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2:45 a.m.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Two ladies covered in blankets on camp chairs and a single gal bundled up were in front of me, while two Euro dudes lightly dressed <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(and by lightly, I mean one of them was wearing shorts)</span> took their place behind me. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The wait began.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My friend pulled up a few minutes later, but there were already 10-15 people behind me in line. I couldn't let her join me in fear of a riot but was also unwilling to lose my place in line to get at the back of it with her. So I sent her to Kohl's, which was just opening at 3:00 a.m. since there wasn't anything in particular that she was after from Target anyway. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Instead of heading there right away, my generous pal stopped by Starbucks and brought me a Venti Latte.</span> Generous, I tell you.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I pegged the ladies in the camp chairs as pros and pumped them for information. They shared strategies and their experience. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A gentleman in front of them counted the number of people ahead of us in line: 103.</span> I hoped that none of them wanted Disney Princesses. Security passed out store maps, and a news cameraman appeared. The parking lot started to fill as more and more people joined the line that now snaked around the side of the building. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Did I mention that this was a SuperTarget? A humongous building.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">During the final minutes before the doors opened, a curious wall of people formed by the entrance - why weren't they joining the line? Either they were going to try to merge into the crowd heading in or were reluctant to walk all the way behind the building to the end of the line. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Target security was on the ball and monitored that crowd diligently.</span> No line cutters!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The adrenaline rush and excitement tinged with a bit of anxiety grew as the doors opened. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Would there be enough? Was it going to be madness inside of the store? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Did everyone want the same thing I did???</span> I walked to the Toy section, rounded the corner and saw my prize on the shelf. No one else was there! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Seriously, tears sprang to my eyes as I took hold of a box.</span> My daughter had been doing extra chores and saving her money for months to buy the dolls, and Target was offering them for 30% off. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I could imagine her excitement and appreciation on Christmas morning</span> - all of her hard work had paid off in a different way. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Next I headed to the Men's section to look for the plush robe my husband wanted that was being offered for 50% off. Again, no one else was in that section, and I took my time deciding on a color. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The two items that I'd come for were in my possession.</span> I was thankful. And relieved. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The store was super crowded as I made my way to the registers, but people were pleasant and patient. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Though I'm certain this wasn't the scene at every store, my first experience as a Black Friday early morning bargain hunter was great!</span> The store employees were cheerful, helpful and the store organized. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The camaraderie with the people in line, the thrill of the hunt, and the reward of a bargain price on a Christmas prize...</span>I'd do it again if there was an item I wanted to purchase. I can assure you, however, that I won't be camping out with my tent just to be first in line - there was a woman who'd been there since noon on Thanksgiving day. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">She's outta my league as far as being a dedicated bargain hunter. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Overall, I'm feeling <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">extremely blessed</span> that I was able to get the dolls and robe for such great prices as well as a few other items for my family at other stores we visited after Target. We were finished with our shopping just as the sun was going up over the mountains. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It was time for bed!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Th</i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">is post is about my experience and opinions about shopping </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">on Black Friday - I was not asked or compensated by Target or any other store to write about my experience. </span></i></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-4879587066988830652010-11-24T18:37:00.001-07:002010-11-25T01:50:58.735-07:00Thanksgiving Blessings...<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">...to You!!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I hope you have a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">wonderful</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> holiday </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">filled with lots of warmth and love and great food!</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-37033260442350992852010-11-23T10:14:00.000-07:002010-11-23T10:14:57.632-07:00A Gift from Nature<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">L</span>ook what I found on a walk recently!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TOvt_08lz8I/AAAAAAAAFCQ/yOkPMFbv-Ms/s640/1658.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A gorgeous branch filled with orange leaves <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>begging</i></span> for me to take it home!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TOnhP4CWoKI/AAAAAAAAFCE/ve8bz391uaA/s640/1663.jpg" width="425" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I placed it in a moss-filled, burlap-net covered vase <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">( inspired by Pottery Barn)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and arranged it with my ceramic pumpkins. So happy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><u>Thanksgiving Blessings to you!</u></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I hope you have a wonderful holiday</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">filled with lots of warmth, love and yummy food! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TOnhQbwtriI/AAAAAAAAFCI/h3R3kp15HFU/s640/1667.jpg" width="426" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186500505173370502.post-4110025644748644682010-11-21T20:56:00.007-07:002010-12-13T17:26:26.835-07:00My Christmas Wreath & Ribbon Flowers<center><a href="http://sewcando.blogspot.com/"><img src=" http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/cerise422/sewcandoFEATUREDbutton.jpg" /></a><center><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Embroidery hoop + Garland + Ribbon = </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">My Christmas Wreath!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Total cost = $3.25</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> picked up a large embroidery hoop from a thrift store, then wrapped it with an evergreen garland from the Dollar Store. On top of the green is a roll of a wooden trellis-type "ribbon" from Michaels that's been hanging around my craft supplies just waiting for the right project, followed by 25 cent ribbon from Hancock Fabrics that's looped around the wreath and made into a rose. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Isn't she lovely?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><happy sigh=""></happy></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TOngQNqAq1I/AAAAAAAAFBc/fmxSEPJa6aw/s640/1669.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A close up of the Ribbon Rose, </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span>my first time making one out of wired ribbon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TOngRb49pCI/AAAAAAAAFBg/LPCNNUDr8SI/s640/1670.jpg" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">I kinda got addicted</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> to making more flowers out of wired ribbon.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Directions:</span></span></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gently pull out the wire from one edge and gather the ribbon, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">then roll up the ribbon on the gathered side to make the flower.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I dabbed hot glue as I rolled the ribbon in order to secure it along the way.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">A loose ruffled edge makes a rose, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">while a more tightly gathered one makes a carnation.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TOnggqFs-3I/AAAAAAAAFBk/NJRKxqpmN-Y/s640/1631.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TOngsz7kCuI/AAAAAAAAFBs/ec8r34WpuOA/s640/1613.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TOngtvDfPCI/AAAAAAAAFBw/n0sIl_nOO-k/s640/1614.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TOngukYGmPI/AAAAAAAAFB0/3YD_o6ZXzDs/s640/1620.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TOngvO76V7I/AAAAAAAAFB4/XkOjdjib4zg/s640/1622.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TOng5YoVz-I/AAAAAAAAFB8/vPpfZQldzNU/s640/1627.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This last one wasn't wired but was a lovely two toned ribbon from Martha Stewart's line. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">I </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">made two small rosettes and stacked them up on top of each other...</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">thinking of turning them into cocktail rings!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zU1rJlBlcM4/TOnhBrkP7XI/AAAAAAAAFCA/7CSo-cS0YwA/s640/1651.jpg" width="512" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I'm linking to these parties - </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">check out the other fabulous projects!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://iheartnaptime.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab39/iheartnaptime/iheartnaptimebuttonchristmas.jpg" /></a><br />
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